Josh July.16

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016
www.jagranjosh.com
PICK OF THE MONTH
INTERNATIONAL
26
NATIONAL
62
ECONOMY
88
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
121
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
148
STATE
167
REPORTS/SURVEY
196
COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
204
NEWS IN SHORTS
207
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PREFACE
The Current Affairs July 2016 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of June. Current
Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including IAS|PCS, SSC, Banking, MBA. The lack
of preparation for current affairs by the aspirants and candidates often is a main cause of their failure.
Even though the candidates know it but they are often confused about how to prepare the current affairs
section of the different competitive exams. It is to clear such doubts and confusion, Jagranjosh.com has
come up with eBook concept. Although current affairs section per se is very wide to be covered, yet we have
tried to cover all the possible current affairs for the month of June 2016.
The Current Affairs July 2016 eBook is divided into different section keeping in mind the need of various
exams. The sections covered namely are International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment,
Science & Technology, Corporate, Sports, States, and News Capsule. Every news item in each section is
arranged date wise with the most recent news being covered first and so on. Although there might be some
deviations but that is solely to give priority to the most important current affairs in each section.
Presentation of the given current affairs has been planned meticulously. It has been planned in such a
way that it remains in the minds of readers for a longer duration. Wherever necessary each news item is
presented along with a background and analysis so as to help candidates contemplate all the important
current events at the time of exam in an effective way.
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external contents.
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PICK OF THE MONTH
National Civil Aviation Policy 2016
Conservation and Management of Water
MTCR, NSG and India
15
National Education Policy 2016
18
ISRO launches record 20 satellites from Sriharikota
20
Britain votes to exit European Union
21
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Muhammad Ali, the All-time Greatest of Boxing, dies at 74
23
G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2015
24
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National Civil Aviation Policy 2016

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) released National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)
2016 on 15 June 2016. The policys mission is to provide safe, secure, affordable and
sustainable air travel for passengers and air transportation of cargo with access to
various parts of India and the world.
Vision of the Policy

To create an eco-system to make flying affordable for the masses
To enable 30 crore domestic ticketing by 2022 and 50 crore by 2027
To increase international ticketing to 20 crore by 2027
Increase cargo volumes to 10 million tonnes by 2027
Key Objectives of the Policy are:

To establish an integrated eco-system leading to significant growth of civil aviation
sector that would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced
regional growth.
To ensure safety, security and sustainability of aviation sector through the use of
technology and effective monitoring.
To enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development.
To enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and
e-governance.
To promote the entire aviation sector chain in a harmonised manner covering cargo,
MRO, general aviation, aerospace manufacturing and skill development.
Highlights of the NCAP 2016

Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS): It will not allow the airlines to charge more than
2500 rupees for one hour flight between two small cities. The RCS will come into effect in
the second quarter of 2016-17.
Code-share agreements: Indian carriers will be free to enter into code-share agreements
with foreign carriers for any destination within India on a reciprocal basis. Indian carriers
need to simply inform Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) 30 days prior to starting the codeshare flights.
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Encourage Private Security: The Government will encourage use of private security
agencies at airports for non-core security functions. The private security agencies will
comprise retired personnel from military and para-military forces.
No-Frills Airports: They will be built at an indicative cost of 50 crore to 100 crore rupees.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): It will be shared between MoCA and the State Government
in the ratio of 80:20 while it is 90:10 for the North Eastern States.
The payment of the full amount of VGF will be made to the airline operator from the
Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) and the State Governments will be subsequently asked
reimbursement.
MoCAs share of VGF will be provided through the RCF, which will be collected and operated
by Airport Authority of India (AAI) or any other entity identified by MoCA.
MoCA will persuade State Governments to make Value Added Tax (VAT) zero-rated on MRO
activities to develop India as an MRO hub in Asia.
5/20 Rule: The requirement for 5/20 is modified and all airlines can commence international
operations provided that they deploy 20 aircraft or 20 percent of total capacity (in term of
average number of seats on all epartures put together), whichever is higher for domestic
operations.
Bilateral Traffic Rights: Under this, government will enter into an Open sky ASA on a
reciprocal basis with SAARC countries and countries with territory located entirely beyond
a 5000 kilometers radius from New Delhi.
India has Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 109 countries covering aspects relating to the
number of flights, seats, landing points and code-share.
Upgradation of Airports: Airport Authority of India (AAI) will continue to modernize the
existing airports and upgrade quality of services. It will also maintain an ASQ rating of
4.5 or more across all airports which have a throughput above 1.5 mppa and ASQ rating
of 4.0 or more for the rest.
Ground Handling Agencies (GHA): The airport operator will ensure that there will be three
Ground Handling Agencies (GHA) including Air Indias subsidiary/JV at all major airports as
defined in AERA Act 2008 to ensure fair competition.
Advanced Cargo Information system: It will be implemented in a phased manner after a
universally accepted international template has emerged.
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MoCA will be nodal agency for developing commercial aero-related manufacturing and its
eco-system in India in line with Aeronautical Make in India.
Growth of helicopters: Government will support growth of helicopters for remote area
connectivity and separate regulations for helicopters will be notified by DGCA.
Five takeaways from the Policy

The policy, which is the first since Independence, will go a long way in streamlining Indias
ailing aviation sector and making it number three in the world from the present 10th rank.
The policy will take flying to the masses.
Affordability, connectivity and ease of doing business: India is the fastest growing
aviation market with 21% plus growth in the domestic sector in 2015-16. The National Civil
Aviation Policy is likely to enhance that further by taking flying to the masses through a slew
of policy initiatives and fiscal and monetary support. The key focus of NCAP 2016 is on
affordability, connectivity and ease of doing business.
Subsectors will get a fillip: The regional connectivity scheme under NCAP will connect
Indias remote unconnected regions, boost tourism, create jobs and stimulate the economy
in tier 2-3 cities. Subsectors like MRO, Cargo, helicopters, general aviation and Make in
India will get a fillip with liberalised operational norms and tax breaks. The highly illogical
and anti-competition 5/20 rule has been replaced with 0/20, which effectively translates to
3/20 as it will take at least three-four years to have a 20 aircraft fleet.
Consensus across various stakeholders: The policy has evolved with the widest and
longest possible stakeholder consultation. The policy covers over 22 aspects of aviation.
Bringing all stakeholders together, many of whom have conflicting interests is an herculean
task one of the reasons why we have never had an integrated aviation policy since 1947
despite many sincere attempts in the past.
Silent on some critical issues: The NCAP is unfortunately silent on other issues like
formation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), privatisation of Air India, marketlisting of AAI, hive-off of Air Navigation Services (ANS) from AAI. Some of these measures
can be taken outside the ambit of NCAP since these involve mostly government-owned
entities.
The real work begins now: Making the first-ever integrated aviation policy was tough.
The road ahead will be tougher as we go for its implementation in letter and spirit. If the
government, industry and end-users work together keeping Indias national interest in mind,
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theres no reason why India cant achieve its vision of becoming the third largest aviation
market by 2020 and the largest by 2030.
Conservation and Management of Water

The Union Ministry of Water Resources on 16 May 2016 released the Draft National Water
Framework Bill, 2016 to invite comments and suggestions from public.
The proposed Act provides an overarching national legal framework with principles for
protection, conservation, regulation and management of water as a vital and stressed
natural resource.
Since water is in the State list of the Constitution, the Act will be applicable only after
approval of the concerned State legislature.
Highlights of Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016

Right to Water for Life: Every person has a right to sufficient quantity of safe water for life
within easy reach of the household.
The right shall be provided regardless of, among others, caste, creed, religion, community,
class, gender, age, disability, economic status, land ownership and place of residence.
However, the precise quantity of safe water for life shall be determined by the appropriate
government from time to time.
Water as a Common heritage and Resource, held in public trust: The state at all levels
holds water in public trust for the people and is obliged to protect water as a trustee for
the benefit of all.
Water in its primary aspect as a sustainer of human life shall take precedence over other
uses of water, such as agricultural, industrial, commercial, and other uses.
River rejuvenation: The appropriate government shall strive towards rejuvenating river
systems with community participation, ensuring Aviral Dhara - continuous flow in time
and space including maintenance of connectivity of flow in each river system, Nirmal
Dhara- unpolluted flow so that the quality of river waters is not adversely affected by
human activities and Swachh Kinara clean and aesthetic river banks.
Sustaining ecosystems dependent on water: There shall be minimum interference in
existing natural river flows; in the natural state of water bodies and wetlands and in
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floodplains and riverbeds, which shall be recognised as integral parts of the rivers
themselves.
The protection, conservation, regulation and management of water shall be carried out
by the appropriate Government in a manner that is sustainable, equitable, transparent,
accountable and participatory.
People-centred water management: People-centred decentralised water management,
for both surface and ground water, including local rainwater harvesting, watershed
development and participatory irrigation management, shall be prioritised, while
recognizing, encouraging and empowering local initiatives.
Appropriate treatment and use of wastewater: The appropriate Government shall evolve
and implement economic models that promote sustainability of recycle-reduce-andreuse of water resources, while ensuring adherence to principles of equity.
Standards for water quality and water footprints: There shall be binding national water
quality standards for every kind of water use. And, there shall be binding national water
footprint standards for every activity or product.
Water use prioritisation: The first priority and charge on water shall be meeting the right
to water for life, followed by allocation for achieving food security, supporting sustenance
agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and eco-system needs.
Integrated River Basin Development and Management: A river basin, including associated
aquifers, shall be considered as the basic hydrological unit for planning, development
and management of water.
Each State Government shall develop, manage and regulate basins of intra-State rivers
through a River Basin Master Plan to be implemented by an appropriate institutional
mechanism.
The Central Government shall provide for establishment of a River Basin Authority for
each inter-State river basin, or for a sub-basin of sub inter-sate river basin wherever
appropriate, for optimum and sustainable development of the inter-State rivers and river
valleys.
Each River Basin Authority shall prepare a Master Plan for the River Basin, under its
jurisdiction. The plan shall be reviewed and updated after every 5 years after due
consultation with all other planning agencies and stakeholders.
Preparation of water security plans: The appropriate Government shall prepare and
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oversee the implementation of a Water Security Plan for (a) attainment of sufficient
quantity of safe water for life and sustainable livelihoods by every person; and (b) ensuring
water security even in times of emergencies like droughts and floods.
The plan shall be valid for a period of 5 years from the date on which it becomes binding.
It shall be revalidated or amended after every 5 years.
Groundwater Conservation, Protection, Regulation and Management: Groundwater
shall be conserved, protected, regulated and managed through appropriate laws based
on the Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection, Regulation and Management of
Groundwater, 2016.
Flood mitigation and management: The Central Government shall develop a Decision
Support System (DSS) for flood forecasting and flood inundation under the National
Water Informatics Centre (NWIC).
Each State Government shall also develop their own DSS to address state-specific
issues. The NWIC shall ensure that the central DSS and that of each State are provided
adequate and effective linkage.
Drought mitigation and management: Each State Government shall prepare a Drought
Mitigation and Management Policy and Action Plan within 6 months of coming into force
of this Act.
The policy and action plan shall include a drought risk and vulnerability assessment for
the State, identify programmes and measures for drought mitigation.
Water pricing and water regulators: The pricing of water shall be based on a differential
pricing system in recognition of the right to water for life and its multiple roles, being a
part of history, culture and religion.
Water, as a part of water for life, shall not be denied to anyone on the ground of inability
to pay. Water used for commercial agriculture and for industry or commerce may be
priced on the basis of full economic pricing, or higher if needed and appropriate in a
given case.
Sectoral use of water: Urban water supply shall be metered and priced on a volumetric
basis. Water Users Associations (WUAs) shall be accorded statutory powers to collect
and retain a portion of Irrigation Service Fees
Water resources information system: The Central Government shall develop and maintain
a publicly available web based Water Resources Information System (IndiaWRIS) on
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Geographical Information System Platform.

The IndiaWRIS will be developed by integrating water resources and other related data
with satellite imageries through use of state-of-the-art Information Technology.
Inter-state river water disputes: Appropriate institutional arrangements shall be
established at all levels within the State and beyond up to an inter-State river-basin, to
obviate and/or resolve emerging inter-State river-water disputes.
The disputes should be settled through negotiations, conciliation or mediation, or other
such means, at the earliest stages before the disputes become acute, so as to avoid
recourse to adjudication as far as possible.
All basin States in a river system are equal in rights and status, and there is no hierarchy
of rights among them.
The upper basin State shall adopt a cautious and minimalist approach to major
interventions in inter-State rivers.
They provide advance information to the lower basin States about plans for intervention,
consult them at all stages on possible impacts and take care to avoid significant harm
or injury to them.
Existing water-related conflicts or disputes shall be reviewed and appropriate action
taken in the light of the provisions of this Act.
Draft Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection and Regulation of Groundwater, 2016
Key objective: Its objective is to ensure that groundwater is protected, conserved, regulated
and managed so as to ensure the realisation of the fundamental right to life through the
provision of water for life.
Right to water for life: Every person has a right to sufficient quantity of safe water for life
within easy reach of the household regardless of, among others, caste, creed, religion,
community, class, gender, age, disability, economic status, land ownership and place of
residence.
Every drinking water agency supplying groundwater shall comply with the Bureau of Indian
Standards specifications on water quality.
The Block Groundwater Information and Monitoring Cell or Municipal Groundwater
Information and Monitoring Cell shall monitor compliance with these standards.
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Basic Principles
Non-discrimination and equity: The government shall ensure equitable distribution and
access to groundwater without compromising the needs of future generations.
Subsidiarity and Decentralisation: Conservation, use and regulation of groundwater shall
be based on the principle of subsidiarity. The constitutional provisions for decentralisation
of powers and functions in urban and rural areas shall be the basic organising principle for
conservation, protection, regulation and management of groundwater.
Protection, Precaution and Prior assessment: Effective schemes and measures shall be
formulated and implemented to conserve, replenish, recharge and manage groundwater in
an equitable and sustainable manner.
The appropriate government and supporting institutions shall apply the precautionary
principle and the polluter pays principle for all measures to conserve, replenish or recharge
groundwater.
Any use of groundwater, surface water or land and forest resources or activity in relation
to these resources, which is likely to have significant negative impacts on local sources of
groundwater shall be subjected to an environmental and social impact assessment.
Integrated approach: The protection, conservation, regulation and management of
groundwater shall be undertaken in such a way that it is integrated with the protection,
conservation, regulation and management of surface water resources.
Legal status and groundwater use

Legal status of groundwater: Groundwater, as a common pool resource, is the common
heritage of the people held in public trust, for the use of all, subject to reasonable restrictions
to protect the fundamental right to water for life.
In its natural state, groundwater is not amenable to ownership by the state, communities or
persons. The state at all levels is the public trustee of groundwater.
Groundwater use prioritization: The first priority and charge on groundwater shall be
meeting the right to water for life, followed by allocation for achieving food security,
supporting sustenance agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and eco-system needs.
Groundwater Protection Zones and Groundwater Security Plans

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Groundwater Protection Zones: The State Groundwater Agency in consultation with the
appropriate government and local communities shall demarcate groundwater protection
zones to protect the natural identity of the aquifer and the needs of groundwater dependent
ecosystems.
Groundwater protection zones will be based on the latest dynamic resources assessments
conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and state governments.
The demarcation of groundwater protection zones shall take into account the factors such
as existing uses and users of the aquifer, availability and quality of groundwater in the
aquifer and social, environmental and economic implications of the demarcation, etc.
Wherever an area has been notified as a Groundwater Protection Zone, appropriate
measures regarding regulation on the extraction and use of groundwater, rules regarding
afforestation and deforestation, prohibition of waste disposal, regulation of mining leases
will be adopted and if necessary, enforced.
Groundwater security plans: The appropriate government shall prepare and oversee the
implementation of a Groundwater Security Plan to be based on progressively available
groundwater resources / aquifer information.
The plans will be prepared in consultation with elected local bodies and in consultation and
coordination with information and monitoring cells and supporting institutions.
The objective of preparing such plans is to ensure water security even in times of emergencies
like droughts, floods etc.
A groundwater security plan shall be prepared for every watershed or administrative unit
(and aquifers wherever possible), falling partly or entirely under a groundwater protection
zone.
The plan shall be valid for a period of five years from the date on which it becomes binding.
It shall be revalidated or amended after every five years.
The draft also calls for establishing appropriate committee at the village, block, district and
State level to prepare Ground Water Security plans.
Groundwater for Livelihoods and Irrigation

Every person is entitled to use groundwater for meeting livelihood needs, so long as such
use does not adversely impact the right to water for life of any other person.
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In any area that has been declared a Groundwater Protection Zone and where water intensive
cash crops are grown, an undertaking shall be obtained for a change from water-intensive
crops and such undertaking must be incorporated in the authorisation.
In the command areas of irrigation systems where water user associations have been
established under the law, the said water user associations may levy and collect from the
farmer or any other person using groundwater such fees, as they may deem appropriate.
In addition to the above provisions, the draft also calls for appointment of Groundwater
Grievance Redressal Officers at block and municipal level and Nyaya Mitras to assist them,
social auditing of implementation of ground water security plans, etc.
MTCR, NSG and India

MTCR India on 27 June 2016 became the 35th full member of the Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR). This entry would be mutually beneficial to enhance global nonproliferation norms.
The instrument of accession to MTCR for India was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary
S Jaishankar. The entry also marks Indias first entry into any multilateral export control
regime.
The MTCR Point of Contact in Paris conveyed the decision regarding Indias accession
to the regime through the French Embassy in New Delhi as well as the Embassies of The
Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Key Facts of India joining MTCR

Indias entry into the regime as its thirty-fifth member would be mutually beneficial in the
furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives.
It entered this multilateral export control regime with the support of all thirty-four MTCR
Partners. In 2015, Indias membership to the group was blocked by Italy.
MTCR membership will now enable India to buy high-end missile technology and also
enhance its joint ventures with Russia.
What is MTCR?
Set up in 1987 by G-7 countries, the aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of
missiles, complete rocket systems, unmanned air vehicles and related technology for those
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systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogram payload for at least 300 kilometres, as well as
systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction.
Export Control Regimes & Indias Stance

Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG)

Group of nuclear supplier countries based on Non-Proliferation Principle
Mandate is to regulate nuclear exports & nuclear-related exports
Set up in 1974 as a response to Indian nuclear test
Being a signatory of NPT is an important criteria to join the elite club
Has 48 members including P5 of the UNSC
Indias Stance

Applied for membership in May 2016
Sought exemption from NPT on grounds of clean track-record
Indias pledge of no-first-use policy will help in getting membership
Got support from all major members; China poses hurdle
Membership helps in lucrative global nuclear trade
Will get access to sensitive nuclear material & technologies
Big boost to domestic industries & clean energy initiatives
Wassenaar Arrangement

Set up in 1995 in Wassenaar (the Netherlands) & operation in 1996
Focus is on conventional arms & dual-use goods and technologies
Seeks to achieve peace and security through export controls
Has a 4-point criterion for membership
41 members including the USA and Russia
Indias Stance
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Interested in joining this export control regime
Meets 3 of the four conditions needed to join
They are Producer of arms; Adherence to non-proliferation policies
Third - Fully effective export controls (announced a list of 16 in August 2015)
Fourth - Yet to comply with SCOMET list criteria
Benefits participation in trade and Play key role in deciding export regulations
Australia Group

Informal group set up in 1985
As a response to Iraqs use of chemical weapons in 1984
To control the export of chemical and biological weapons
Key role in the conclusion of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) of 1997
Indias Stance

Willing to join the group with the USAs backing
Ratified the CWC and set up a national authority in 2000
With membership, gets a chance in deciding export items list
Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT)

To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons & weapons technology
Binding treaty and came into force in 1970 for 25 years
In 1995 extended indefinitely; Joined by 195 parties so far
Two categories Nuclear Weapon States (NWS), which are also P5, & Non-NWS
NWS are those that conducted tests before 1 January 1967
Indias Stance

Unwilling to sign the treaty as it is biased towards NWS
NPT discriminatory because it enables development of weapons only by NWS
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India, Israel and Pakistan are the major non-signatories
Signing of NPT is crucial as it linked to membership in other control regimes
Comment
Indias entry into MTCR comes days after it failed to get Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG)
membership due to stiff opposition from China and six other countries, namely Austria,
Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland. Turkey remained
neutral. NSG is the 48-country cartel that controls nuclear exports.
Significantly, China, which stonewalled Indias entry into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers
Group (NSG) at the just-concluded Seoul plenary, is not a member of MTCR.
Indias inclusion to the Missile Technology Control Regime means strengthening its own
export controls, which will help it to justify transferring sensitive technology to India in front
of other MTCR members.
Further, this may pave the way for India becoming the member of NSG, Wassenaar
Agreement (conventional arms & dual-use goods and technologies) and Australia Group
(chemical weapons).
National Education Policy 2016

The Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) invited suggestions on the
National Education Policy (NEP) 2016 that is set to replace the NEP 1986.
Vision: It envisions a credible and high-performing education system capable of ensuring
inclusive quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
It also calls for producing students/graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes
and values that are required to lead a productive life, participate in the countrys development
process, respond to the requirements of the fastchanging, everglobalising, knowledge
based economy and society.
Mission: Ensure equitable, inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities
for all children, youth and adults.
To promote the realization of the nations human potential to its fullest, with equity and
excellence.
Foster quality education with a strong focus on reforms relating to curricula, learning
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materials, pedagogic processes, learning assessment, teacher quality and performance,

and institutional leadership and management.
Promote acquisition by all learners of relevant skills, including technical and vocational
skills, for work and entrepreneurship.
Goals: The overall goal is to foster quality and relevance of education and raise the credibility
of Indias education system.
It also seeks to improve employability of the products of school and higher education
system, ensure equitable access to education, from early childhood education to tertiary
education.
Objectives: Expanding early childhood education services to ensure that all pre-school
age children aged 4-5 years attain the learning and developmental readiness required for
smooth transition to primary education.
Achieving universal elementary and secondary education and ensuring that all secondary
education graduates have access to higher secondary education.
Ensuring that social, regional and gender gaps in education are eliminated and gender
equality and girls and womens empowerment are promoted throughout the education
system.
Ensuring that young people (15-24 years) and adults (15 years and above) who are outside
the formal education system, including those working in the informal sector of the economy,
are provided with opportunities to attain skills for employability.
Reform higher education system in order to ensure equitable access to tertiary education,
including technical and professional education, narrow group inequalities in access to
higher education.
Ensuring integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education,
especially for improving access to education, enhancing the quality of teaching-learning
process, training of teachers, and strengthening educational planning and management.
Ensuring that at all youth and at least 90% of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy
and numeracy skills prescribed by the adult education programmes.
Ensuring increased and well-targeted financing for educational development programmes.
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ISRO launches record 20 satellites from Sriharikota

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 22 June 2016 launched a record 20 satellites
in a single mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
With this launch of 20 satellites, ISRO also managed to break its previous record of placing
10 satellites into orbit in a single mission in 2008.
The 20 satellites including Indias latest earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 was launched
on-board Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C-34.
The other 19 satellites were from the US, Germany, Canada and Indonesia as well as two
satellites from Sathyabama University, Chennai, and the College of Engineering, Pune.
Cartosat-2 Series Satellite

It is the primary satellite carried by PSLV-C34. This satellite is similar to the earlier Cartosat-2,
2A and 2B.
After its injection into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit by PSLV-C34, the satellite
will be brought to operational configuration following which it will begin providing regular
remote sensing services using Panchromatic and Multispectral cameras.
The imagery sent by the satellite will be useful cartographic applications, urban and
rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network
monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, precision study, change detection
to bring out geographical and manmade features and various other Land Information System
(LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications.
Other satellites included

LAPAN A3 of Indonesia: The micro-satellite will be used for earth surveillance and
magnetic field monitoring.
BIROS from Germany: This is meant for remote sensing of high temperature events.
SKYSAT GEN 2-1 from US: It will be used for earth imaging. The micro-satellite was
developed by Google Company Terra Bellas SkySat Gen2-1.
Dove Satellites from US: it comprises of a total of 12 Flock-2P Earth imaging satellites.
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Maritime Monitoring and Messaging Microsatellite (M3MSAT) from Canada: This microsatellite of Canada will be used for collection and study of automatic identification system
signals from low earth orbit.
GHGSat-D from Canada: It is an Earth observation satellite and is meant for measuring
the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (Carbon Dioxide and Methane).
Sathyabamasat (Sathyabama University, Chennai): The satellite aims to collect data on
green house gases.
Swayam (College of Engineering, Pune): The satellite aims to provide point to point
messaging services to the HAM (amateur radio) community.
Cartosat-2 along with its 19 co-passenger satellites together weighing about 560 kg at liftoff was injected into a 505-km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.
According to ISRO, the total weight of all the 20 satellites was about 1288 kg.
Britain votes to exit European Union

People of Britain in a historic referendum on 24 June 2016 voted in favour of leaving European
Union (EU). The referendum to leave or to be a member of EU saw 51.9% votes in favour
compared to 48.1% in against.
Referendum turnout was higher than at 2015 general election.
Northern Ireland, London and Scotland voted strongly to stay back with the EU while the
Wales and the English shires backed Britain exit (Brexit) from the EU.
This is the second referendum on UKs relationship with the EU. In 1975, in a referendum
on whether the UK should stay or leave the EU, the country voted for staying with 67.2%
votes.
Why Brexit happened?

According to Brexit campaigners, concerns about the costs of continued EU membership
far outweigh any worries about leaving.
Many in the UK think that the EU has transformed a lot over the years. Since formation of
EU, several countries have joined it and UK thinks that since then EUs hold over everyday
aspects of these countries has increased.
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Further, it is argued that Britain is shelling out billions of pounds every year in the form of EU
fees without much gain in return. UK also thinks that EUs some constraints have imposed
many opposing rules on Britains business.
Impact of Brexit
Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation from his position.
The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 as the markets reacted
to the results. It fell by 3% within moments of the first result showing a strong result for
Leave in Sunderland and fell as much as 6.5% against the euro.
The departure of the blocs second biggest economy would weaken Europes unity and
stability which is already grappling with the Greek financial crisis and a massive influx of
refugees.
It triggered fall in major markets like Japans Nikkei fell by 7.5% whereas Singapores
Strait Times fell by 2.5%. Even the stock markets of China, Taiwan and South Korea
registered a fall between 2-4%.
Internationally, prices of oil tumbled but the prices of gold rose sharply.
Impact on India
The benchmark 30-share BSE Sensex index fell as much as 4.04 percent or 1090.9
points in early trade to a days low of 25,911.33 points.
The Indian rupee fell to 68.14 against the dollar, its lowest level since February 2016,
later it crawled to 67.79.
UKs exit from the EU will affect the flow of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in India
over the short-medium term and the long term periods. In short-medium term period
FDI may decrease temporarily and potentially led to financial instability and a legal
regime overhaul. In the long-term FDI may fall. Many Indian information technology (IT)
companies based in the UK with large work forces that offer services to Europe Union
member countries will be hit.
Would be Impacts include

Productivity and GDP per person of the UK would be lower as the costs would substantially
outweigh any potential benefit of leaving the EU.
It may lead to disintegration of United Kingdom as an entity because Scotland may again
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23
ask for a referendum to be a part of EU as it had a referendum on 19 September 2014.

Other nations of the 28 nation bloc, now 27 with exit of Britain, may call for a referendum
giving rise to protectionism and ultra-nationalism which is getting hardened across the
world.
IMF said in an April report that a U.K. exit from Europes single market would also
likely disrupt and reduce mutual trade and financial flows, curtailing key benefits from
economic cooperation and integration, such as those resulting from economies of scale
and efficient specialization.
It would likely result in a massive rebalancing of currencies. Investors would likely dive
out of the British pound and into cash thats perceived as safe the Swiss franc, the
Japanese yen, the U.S. dollar. The euro could also see some weakening if investors are
worried about the fate of the EU.
Muhammad Ali, the All-time Greatest of Boxing, dies at 74

All-time boxing icon Muhammad Ali died on 3 June 2016 in the Phoenix, Arizona, after a
32-year battle with Parkinsons disease. He was 74.
About Muhammad Ali

He was born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on 17 January 1942.
He was considered as one of the most recognized sports figures of the past 100 years.
He was crowned Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and Sports Personality
of the Century by the BBC.
He also wrote several best-selling books about his career, including The Greatest: My
Own Story and The Soul of a Butterfly.
He won the world heavyweight championship in 1964 at the age of 22.
He converted to Sunni Islam in 1975 and changed his name to Muhammad Ali and 30
years later He began adhering to Sufism.
Ali remains the only three-time lineal world heavyweight champion; he won the title in
1964, 1974, and 1978.
He was nicknamed The Greatest and was involved in several historic boxing matches.
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Notable among them in which Ali was winner were the first Liston fight, three with rival
Joe Frazier, and one with George Foreman.
G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2015

Sanjay Mittal IIT-Kanpur professor Sanjay Mittal in third week of June 2016 bagged the
prestigious G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2015.
Mittal was instrumental in establishing the High Performance Computing (HPC) facility at IIT
Kanpur and heads the National Wind Tunnel Facility.
Who is Sanjay Mittal?

Sanjay Mittal is a Professor of computational fluid dynamics in the Department of
Aerospace Engineering at IIT-Kanpur.
He completed his BTech from IIT Kanpur in 1988.
Thereafter, he got enrolled at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for MS programme.
He received his PhD and worked as a Research Associate under Professor Tayfun E.
Tezduyar.
Then, he worked at Army High Performance Computing Center for 2 years.
He returned to India and joined IIT Kanpur in 1994 as an Assistant Professor.
He is also a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology.
His most significant contribution has been in the area of Bluff Body Flows (flows past
blunt bodies associated with large unsteady separation and leading to large fluid forces).
About G D Birla Award for Scientific Research

G D Birla Award for Scientific Research was instituted in 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
It was instituted in honour of the Indian philanthropist Ghanshyam Das Birla.
The award is given to an outstanding scientific research, mostly during the past 5 years,
undertaken by an Indian scientist, who is below the age of 50, living and working in India.
The award is given every year and is available for all branches of science including
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medical science, basic and applied.

G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2014 was given to Sanjeev Galande.
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26
INTERNATIONAL
Ethiopia, Bolivia, Sweden, Kazakhstan elected non-permanent UNSC members
29
Gudni Johannesson wins Icelands presidential election
30
Colombia government, FARC rebels sign ceasefire
31
World Bank releases India Development Update 2016
32
Six Indian WW1 warriors gets place in Digital Archive of United Kingdom 34
www.jagranjosh.com
27
India, Thailand signed 2 agreements on cooperation in culture and education sectors
35
India, South Korea launches Korea Plus, an initiative to strengthen relations
36
India signs two MoUs with Namibia on capacity building for civil servants,
centre of excellence in ICT
37
Kolkata-Ashuganj-Tripura transit facility becomes operational between India and Bangladesh
37
Arktika, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker launched by Russia
38
Net-Neutrality Rules upheld by US Appeals Court
39
India, ISA contract for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean

Region approved
40
Indias membership of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program approved
42
India, Taiwan MoU/Agreements on bilateral relations approved
43
Peter Thomson of Fiji elected as President of 71st session of United Nations

General Assembly
44
Israel elected as Chair of a permanent committee of UN for the first time 45

India, Ghana sign three agreements to strengthen co-operation in varied
fields
46
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wins Perus Presidential Election
46
India signs Europe-led clampdown on tax evasion and corruption
47
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28
Joint statement on India-US endurance as global partners in 21st Century

released
48
India, the USA inked 8 MoUs to bolster economic growth and sustainable
development
49
NATO launches biggest ever Joint Military Exercise Anaconda-16 in Poland

50
WHO validates elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and
syphilis in 4 countries
51
Progamme to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis
52
International Monetary Fund approved 1.5 billion US dollar loan to Sri

Lanka
53
Forbes released Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women 2016 list; 4 Indians figured
54
Switzerland voters reject unconditional basic income proposal in referendum
56
India, Qatar inked 7 agreements to boost cooperation
56
Narendra Modi, Ashraf Ghani inaugurates Afghan-India Friendship Dam 58

German Parliament passes Resolution recognising Massacre of Armenians
as Genocide
58
Gotthard Base Tunnel, worlds longest and deepest rail tunnel, inaugurated
in Switzerland
60
India joins Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation 60

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29
Ethiopia, Bolivia, Sweden, Kazakhstan elected non-permanent

UNSC members
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 28 June 2016 elected Ethiopia, Bolivia,
Sweden and Kazakhstan as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC).
The two-year terms at UNSC of the new members will begin from 1 January 2016 and run
through 31 December 2018. The 193-member UN body conducted the elections for five
non-permanent seats. A third round of voting is due to take place on 29 June 2016 for the
final available seat with Italy competing against The Netherlands.
These newly-elected countries will replace Spain, Malaysia, New Zealand, Angola and
Venezuela.
Process of Election
In the election of the five nations, the members of the General Assembly voted by secret
ballot for five seats divided by geographical grouping three from Africa and the AsiaPacific region, one from Eastern Europe, and one from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Bolivia and Ethiopia were chosen by their regional groups and had no competitors.
Kazakhstan won the seat reserved for Asia Pacific against Thailand.
Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden had competed for two seats for Western Europe.
United Nations Security Council

Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for international
peace and security, with all UN Member States required to comply with Council decisions.
The Councils 10 non-permanent seats are allocated according to a rotation pattern set by
the Assembly in 1963, to ensure a proportionate representation over time from the different
parts of the world: five from African and Asian States; one from Eastern European States;
two from Latin American States; and two from Western European and Other States.
The Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent. The five permanent
members, each with the power of veto, are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom
and the United States. Other current non-permanent members are Japan, Egypt, Senegal,
Ukraine and Uruguay.
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Gudni Johannesson wins Icelands presidential election

Gudni Johannesson on 26 June 2016 won Icelands presidential election. The history
professor who ran as an independent in the election was able to secure 39.1% of the vote.
He will succeed Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, who served 20 years as head of state.
The elections were held in the backdrop of the Panama Papers leak in April, which implicated
several top officials of the country.
Johannesson, a history professor, who is a newcomer in the politics decided to run for the
presidency after the leak and rode a wave of anti-establishment sentiment.
Halla Tomasdottir, a businesswoman without party affiliation, came second with 27.9%.
While David Oddsson, a former conservative prime minister and central bank governor won
just 13% of the vote.
President in Iceland
A president, elected head of state, in Iceland holds a largely ceremonial position. The
president is elected to a four-year term by universal adult suffrage and has limited powers.
The constitution does not limit the number of terms the president is allowed to serve.
He acts as a guarantor of the constitution and national unity and carries the powers to block
legislation.
There have been five presidents since Iceland became a Republic in 1944.
Expanded Panama Canal reopens

Newly renovated and expanded Panama Canal reopened for bigger business on 26 June
2016.
The first ship to cross the canal using the third set of locks was a modern New Panamax
vessel, the Chinese-owned container ship Cosco Shipping Panama.
The 5.25 billion US dollar project was unveiled nearly two years late after construction
delays, labour strife and apparent cost overruns.
The project is expected to create demand for ports to handle New Panamax ships.
Key features of Panama Canal expansion project

The Panama Canal expansion project is also called as the Third Set of Locks Project.
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The project was formally proposed by the then-Panamanian President Martn Torrijos on
24 April 2006.
A national referendum approved the proposal by a 76.8 percent majority on 22 October
2006.
The project formally began in 2007.
The project has built two new sets of locks, one each on the Atlantic and Pacific sides,
and excavated new channels to the new locks.
It also widened and deepened existing channels.
It also raised the maximum operating water level of Gatun Lake.
The expansion doubled the Canals capacity, and has a direct impact on economies of
scale and international maritime trade.
The project doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal by:
(a) Adding a new lane of traffic allowing for a larger number of ships
(b) Increasing the width and depth of the lanes and locks allowing larger ships to pass. The
new larger size of ships is called New Panamax. They are about one and a half times the
previous Panamax size and can carry over twice as much cargo.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a man-made 48-mile waterway in Panama. It connects the Atlantic
Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama.
France began work on the canal in 1881, but stopped due to engineering problems and a
high worker mortality rate. The United States took over the project in 1904, and opened the
canal on 15 August 1914.
In 1999, the canal was taken over by the Panamanian government. It is now managed and
operated by the government-owned Panama Canal Authority.
Colombia government, FARC rebels sign ceasefire

The Colombian government and the leftist FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia)
rebels on 23 June 2016 signed a historic ceasefire deal. This ceasefire deal helped in ending
more than five decades of conflict, which is regarded as one of the oldest wars of history.
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The signing ceremony held at Havana was witnessed by Colombian president Juan Manuel
Santos, FARC chief Timolen Timochenko Jimnez, the UN secretary general, Ban Kimoon, Cuban president, Ral Castro and Venezuelas head of state, Nicols Maduro.
The announcement is seen as one of the last steps before a full peace deal is signed, which
is expected within weeks via a referendum. The formal peace talks for the deal were started
three years ago, in October 2012, in the Cuban capital.
Core area of Peace Talks

The peace talks between the government and the rebels were hosted by the Cuban
president, Ral Castro; while Venezuela that had the observer status played an important
role in encouraging FARC to the negotiating table.
The core area of discussion focused on five main areas that is land reform, the rebels
future role in political life, a definitive end of hostilities, fighting the illegal drug trade and the
situation of the victims.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of ColombiaPeoples Army (FARC-EP) is a left wing
militant organization established in 1964. It is Colombias largest rebel group and Latin
Americas oldest left-wing insurgency. It is active in Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and
Ecuador.
World Bank releases India Development Update 2016

The World Bank Group on 20 June 2016 released the mid-year edition of India Development
Update 2016: Financing Double-Digit Growth.
The report finds that Indias economy expanded at a faster pace in FY 2016.
It says that the economy was lifted to a higher growth path by demand from urban households
and public investments, despite the fact that other key growth engines had stalled.
Highlights of the Update

It reviews the current challenges in Indias financial sector and analyzes some of the
impacts of the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission on Indian states.
Agriculture, rural household consumption, private investments, and exports have not
performed to potential.
The oil bonanza most directly benefited the government, which for the first time in five
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33
years exceeded its revenue collection targets and used the resources to contain the
fiscal deficit.
Capital spending by the central government was ramped up.
Urban households were the main drivers of growth in FY 2016.
The manufacturing and services sectors, which expanded 7.4 and 8.9 percent,
respectively, also created urban jobs.
Inflation abated primarily because of lower food prices.
Lower inflation raised real incomes and allowed RBI to cut interest rates, which favored
the financially-connected urban households.
To remain on this growth path and sustain growth at 7.6 percent into FY17, the challenge
for the Indian economy is to activate the stalled engines that are agricultural growth,
rural demand and trade.
The dissipation of the large boost from historically low oil prices in the past year will
make this a challenging task, but prospects of a normal monsoon will help, the Update
suggests.
It expects Indias economic growth to be at 7.6 percent in 2016-2017, followed by a
modest acceleration to 7.7 percent in 2017-2018 and 7.8 percent in 2018-2019.
In less than three decades, Indias financial sector has evolved from an essentially statecontrolled system toward one with greater participation of private banks and generally
more competition.
Banks currently have capital levels in excess of regulatory requirements, regulations
have been strengthened, and overall credit growth in real terms has been resilient.
On the other hand, concerns have arisen about growing non-performing assets (NPAs)
and declining credit growth, particularly in public sector banks (PSBs).
States are now responsible for 57 percent of the spending, which accounts for 16 percent
of GDP. Of this, nearly 74 percent of the funds are untied, allowing more flexibility to
states.
Tax devolution increased everywhere, even for states that saw a reduction in their interstate share, such as Bihar and Rajasthan.
Overall, transfer of grants to states increased by 0.7 percent of GDP in FY16 compared
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to the budget estimate of a net increase of 0.5 percent.

Health and education expenditures increased in almost every state in FY16.
Combined health and education expenditures increased in 13 of the 14 states for which
data was available.
Uttar Pradesh spent over one-third of its additional resources on health and education.
Rajasthan and Kerala stood out by spending the equivalent of over 70 percent of
additional resources on health, education and infrastructure.
The Update suggests two key reform fronts for the financial sector. These
are:
1. Accelerate the ongoing structural transformation of the sector toward one that is more
market-oriented and competitive, for example relaxing government mandates on banks.
2. Address the NPA challenge, both by its branches and its roots.
Six Indian WW1 warriors gets place in Digital Archive of United

Kingdom
Six Indian World War I (WW-I) heroes on 20 June 2016 became part of Britains new digital
archive.
The archive was launched as part of UK governments centenary celebrations of WW-I and
aims to tell the inspiring stories of war heroes.
The new Digital Archive was launched by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to
chronicle individual biographies of the war heroes.
The new digital archive can be accessed through the UK governments official gov.uk portal.
The Indians to be archived digitally for their important role during the War
are:
Risaldar Badlu Singh from Punjab
Sepoy Chatta Singh from Uttar Pradesh
Naik Darwan Singh Negi from Uttar Pradesh (modern day Uttarakhand)
Lance Naik Lala from Himachal Pradesh
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Rifleman Gabar Sing Negi from modern day Uttarakhand

Lance-Daffadar Gobind Singh from Rajasthan
These six Indian soldiers were part of some 175 men from 11 overseas countries who were
awarded Britains award for valour, the Victoria Cross (VC), during the war. They were all
awarded for their prominent bravery on the battlefield.
Earlier in 2014, these six soldiers were honoured in a commemorative plaque which was
presented to India.
Besides India, the other 10 countries covered in the archive include Canada (70), Australia
(66), New Zealand (16), South Africa (14), the US (5), Pakistan (3), Nepal (2), Denmark (2),
Belgium (1) and Ukraine (1).
India, Thailand signed 2 agreements on cooperation in culture and

education sectors
India and Thailand on 17 June 2016 signed two agreements that are aimed at enhancing
cooperation in culture as well as educational sectors.
The set of agreements pertains to extension of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for
2016-19 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nagaland University and
Thailands Chiang Mai University.
The agreements were signed in New Delhi during the 3-day visit of Thailand Prime Minister
General Prayut Chan-o-cha that concluded on 18 June 2016.
During the visit, he held talks with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a wide range of
issues that are of concern for both the countries and the region as a whole.
At the end of the summit level meeting, a joint statement that mentioned cooperation in
areas like maritime security, cyber security, military and intelligence cooperation among
others.
India-Thailand relations
Indias relations with Thailand are an important and integral component of Indias strategic
partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Indias Act East policy is complemented by Thailands Look West policy in bringing
the two countries closer.
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They have strong economic synergies and the diversifying profile of growing bilateral
trade and investment reflects the growth and maturity of the interaction between the two
economies.
Extensive people-to-people contacts are central to the India-Thailand relationship. In
2015, more than 1 million Indian tourists visited Thailand and over 100000 Thai tourists
visited India.
Two-way trade between India and Thailand stands at 8 billion US dollars. While export to
Thailand from India is 2.63 billion US dollars, Thai imports reached 5.3 billion US dollars
in 2015-16.
Beginning from 2004, 29 rounds of talks for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were conducted
so far.
During the present visit, both the countries agreed to commence negotiations for a
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India, South Korea launches Korea Plus, an initiative to strengthen

relations
India and South Korea on 18 June 2016 launched a special initiative, Korea Plus. The
initiative aims at promoting and facilitating Korean Investments in India.
The platform was launched by the Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
Joo Hyunghwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy, Government of Korea.
The initiative was launched as part of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that
was signed in January 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to South Korea.
Key facts of Korea Plus

The mandate of Korea Plus covers the entire investment spectrum including supporting
Korean enterprises entering the Indian market for the first time.
It will look into issues faced by Korean companies doing business in India and policy
advocacy to the Union Government on their behalf.
It will act as a mediator in arranging meetings, assisting in public relations and research/
evaluation
It will provide information and counselling in regard to Korean companies investing in
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India.
It comprises of a representative from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy,
Government of Korea and representative from Korea Trade Investment and Promotion
Agency (KOTRA). Besides, it also includes three representatives from Invest India.
India signs two MoUs with Namibia on capacity building for civil
servants, centre of excellence in ICT
India and Namibia on 16 June 2016 signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
on capacity building for civil servants of Namibia and to set up of centre of excellence in
Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
The agreements were signed after a dialogue between President Pranab Mukherjee and his
Namibian counterpart Hage Geingob.
Other highlights of Agreements

Namibia is committed to honour the deal signed with India in 2009 to supply Uranium
for civil use.
Namibia is the fourth largest producer of uranium and assured India that it study the
framework New Delhi has signed with 12 other countries including UK, US, Australia, Sri
Lanka, France and South Korea besides others.
Besides this, the two countries also discussed ways to further enhance co-operation in
the mining and exploration of other minerals including zinc and marble.
Kolkata-Ashuganj-Tripura transit facility becomes operational between India and Bangladesh

India-Bangladesh transit facility under the revised Inland Water Transit and Trade Protocol
became operational between Kolkata-Ashuganj-Tripura on 16 June 2016.
The transit facility was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Dhaka in June
2015 to boost trade and facilitate seamless movement of goods in the Bangladesh region.
The trans-shipment operations were launched at the Ashuganj port with a cargo vessel
unloading the maiden consignment to be transported to Tripura through Bangladeshi
territory.
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The first ship from Kolkata carrying 1000 tonnes of steel and iron sheets reached Ashuganj
river port in Bangladesh.
About Kolkata-Ashuganj-Tripura transit facility

The facility that runs through Bangladesh territory cuts the Kolkata-Agartala via Siliguris
chicken neck distance from 1600 kilometers to 800 kilometers.
It will reduce the time of the journey from 30 days to 10 days.
It will reduce the transportation costs from 67 US dollars to 35 US dollars per tonne
while transporting from mainland India to the north-eastern states.
India pays transit fees of 192.25 dollars per tonne as negotiated between India and
Bangladesh.
Inland Water Transit & Trade Protocol

The revised Inland Water Transit & Trade Protocol under India-Bangladesh Bilateral Trade
Agreement gives India and Bangladesh the right to each others territory for transiting
goods to third countries.
The Kolkata-Ashuganj-Tripura transit route gives mainland India easier and cheaper
access to the seven northeastern states.
Bangladesh can use Indian Territory to transit goods to Nepal and Bhutan while India
can access Myanmar via Bangladesh.
The protocol facilitates trade and development not only between India and Bangladesh
but in the entire sub-region facilitating trade and development in the sub-region.
Arktika, the most powerful nuclear icebreaker launched by Russia

Russia on 16 June 2016 launched the new Project 22220 nuclear icebreaker dubbed
Arktika. It was launched from the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg the second largest
city of Russia.
Project 22220 is the worlds largest and most powerful vessel of its kind and it has been
built at the Baltic Shipyard of the United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia.
Key characteristics of Arktika

The vessel is 189.5 yards long and 37.1 yards wide.
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It displaces 33540 metric tons and is fitted with two specifically designed RITM-200
nuclear power reactors.
Nuclear fuel for the vessels RITM-200 nuclear-power reactors is to be produced by the
TVEL fuel company by the end of 2016.
It is the first Russian nuclear icebreaker to be fully built in modern-day Russia.
It will be able to escort convoys in Arctic and can break ice up to almost 10 feet (3 meter)
thick.
The Baltic Shipyard will be building two more Project 22220 icebreakers by 2020 in
collaboration with Rosatom. The two ships will be built at a cost of 84.4 billion rubles (1.2
billion dollars) and will be commissioned in December 2019 and December 2020 respectively.
Comment
According to Rosatom CEO Sergei Kirienko, the successful launch of Arktika icebreaker
indicates that the Russia is able to start the serial production of nuclear icebreakers. It is
estimated that Russia may need at least five Project 22220 nuclear icebreakers for Arctic
exploration.
Further, it will give boost to Russia in exploring oil and natural gas in Arctic region as it is
believed that Arctic shelf holds huge amounts of oil and natural gas. Russia has been laying
claims to deposits within its offshore border areas, as have the United States, Canada,
Norway and Denmark.
Net-Neutrality Rules upheld by US Appeals Court

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on 14 June 2016 upheld
government net-neutrality rules that prohibit broadband carriers from playing favourites or
blocking competing online services.
This decision by the three-judge panel handed a defeat to cable, wireless and telephone
companies who were trying to avert tighter oversight of the consumer broadband business.
The challenge of telecommunication-industry to the net-neutrality regulations was defeated
by 2-1 vote.
Benefits of the Decision

It will prevent unfair competition from internet-service providers.
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All phone and cable companies will have to treat all of the traffic on their networks
equally without blocking or slowing their competitors.
This will ban these service provides from providing fast lanes to companies that pays
more to them for their services.
The three judges of the panel were David Tatel, Sri Srinivasan and Stephen Williams and
they were appointed by a Clinton, Obama and Reagan, respectively.
Judge Srinivasan is an Obama appointee who was on the presidents short list for the
Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016.
What is Net Neutrality?

The Principle of Net Neutrality or Internet Neutrality refers to equal treatment of all data over
the Internet by the Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The term was coined by Columbia University media law professor Tim Wu in 2003 as an
extension of the longstanding concept of a common carrier.
As per the principle, the Governments and ISPs should treat every bit transmitted over the
Internet equally, without any option for priority delivery or differential charges on the basis
of user (Business or Domestic), content (voice or video or data), platform, application, type
of attached equipment or mode of communication.
India, ISA contract for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean Region approved
The Union Cabinet on 15 June 2016 gave its approval for signing of a 15 years contract by
the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The contract seeks to undertake exploration and other developmental activities related to
Polymetallic Sulphides in the allotted area of 10000 sq km.
Features of the contract

Under the contract, exploration will be done in parts of Central and South - West Indian
Ridges (SWIR), located in the Indian Ocean.
Indias exclusive rights for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides in the allotted area will
be formalized.
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It will enhance Indias presence in the Indian Ocean where other players like China,
Korea and Germany are active.
The exploration program will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with
the participation from various national institutes and research laboratories and scientific
establishments.
Significance of Polymetallic Sulphides

Deep seabed Poly-Metallic Sulphides (PMS) contain iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold,
platinum in variable constitutions.
They are precipitates of hot fluids from upwelling hot magma from deep interior of the
oceanic crust discharged through mineralized chimneys.
PMS in the Ocean Ridges have attracted worldwide attention for their long term
commercial as well as strategic values.
International Seabed Authority

It is an autonomous international organization that governs non-living resources of
seabed lying in international waters.
It was set up under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and
the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It primarily regulates deep seabed mining and gives special emphasis to ensuring that
the marine environment is protected from any harmful effects which may arise during
mining activities, including exploration.
It formulates regulations for prospecting and exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in
order to ensure environmentally sustainable development of the precious resources.
Its headquarters is located in Kingston, Jamaica. Nii Allotey Odunton of Ghana is the
Secretary-General of the authority.
It encourages marine scientific research in the international seabed area through its
Endowment Fund. The fund supports the participation of qualified scientists and
technical personnel from developing countries.
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Indias membership of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program approved

The Union Cabinet on 15 June 2016 gave its approval for Indian membership of the
International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) consortium.
The approval clears the path for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
GFZ - Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (German Research Centre for geosciences). The GFZ is a
government-funded, Public Law Foundation of the State of Brandenburg, Germany.
How India will benefit from the ICDP membership?

The MoU, which will be in force for 5 years, will enable India in engaging internationally
renowned experts with profound expertise in different aspects of scientific drilling.
The deep drilling and associated investigations will be conducted in Koyna region in
Maharashtra.
As a part of the membership agreement, India will get a seat on two ICDP panels Executive Committee (EC) and Assembly of Governors (AOG).
ICDP will provide technical / operational support, facilitate capacity building in terms of
manpower training in key scientific areas, sample and data management
The ICDP will also support workshops for the Koyna scientific deep drilling project
undertaken by Ministry of Earth Sciences.
As a member of ICDP, scientists/engineers from India would have right to submit
proposals, to participate in all ICDP co-funded workshops and drilling projects.
They will get access to all data results from ICDP projects. This will shed new light on the
genesis of seismicity and better understanding of earthquake processes.
International Continental Scientific Drilling Program

It was founded in February 1996 in the German Embassy in Tokyo as a result of the
German Continental Deep Drilling Program.
It is a multinational program to further and fund geosciences in the field of Continental
Scientific Drilling.
The research findings will provide direct insight into Earth processes by testing geological
models.
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The GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences serves as the headquarters for the
ICDP.
Members of ICDP: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, France,
Germany, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Korea,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UK, the USA and UNESCO.
India, Taiwan MoU/Agreements on bilateral relations approved

The Union Cabinet on 15 June 2016 gave its ex-post facto approval to the MoU for the
cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sector. Besides, the cabinet also gave its
nod to the signing of Air Services Agreement between both the countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Taipei Economic and
Cultural Centre in India and India Taipei Association in Taipei, Taiwan.
Features of the MoU

It provides for cooperation in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry,
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Food Processing, Genetic Resources as well as Environmental
Sustainability.
Both the signatories will encourage the private sector in both countries to enter into
cooperation in these areas.
The cooperation between the two sides involves exchange of visits, information,
technology and training and also expansion of agricultural trade while reducing trade
barriers.
A Joint Working Committee will be constituted to identify priority areas of mutual interest
and follow up on the progress of implementation of the activities identified by both sides.
The MoU will be initially signed for a period of five years and shall be automatically
renewed for a subsequent periods of five years unless either party expresses its desire/
intention to terminate it.
Features of the Agreement on Air Services

It will signed by India-Taipei Association in Taipei (Indias representative office in Taiwan)
and Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (Taiwans representative office in India).
The agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between
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India and Taiwan.

It has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges
between the two parties.
At present, there is no formal air services agreement between both the countries.
The air services are governed by an MoU exchanged between Air India Charters Limited
(AIRL) and Taipei Airlines Associations (TAA).
Peter Thomson of Fiji elected as President of 71st session of United

Nations General Assembly
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 13 June 2016 elected Peter Thomson,
Permanent Representative of Fiji, as President of its upcoming 71st session.
Thomson was elected in a rare secret ballot vote. He defeated Andreas Mavroyiannis of
Cyprus by a secret-ballot vote of 94 to 90, with one abstention.
The Fiji representative will replace current General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft.
Thomson will begin his tenure in September 2016 at the commencement of the 71st General
Assembly session.
Who is Peter Thomson?

Peter Thomson is a Fijian diplomat.
He has served as Fijis Permanent Representative to the United Nations since February
2010.
For the year 2014, he was elected President of the Executive Board of the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the
United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS).
He was the architect of the name-change of the UNs Group of Asian States to the new
name of the Asia-Pacific Group, effective 2011.
The President of Fiji conferred on Peter Thomson the award of Officer of the Order of Fiji
in 2014.
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United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United
Nations.
It is the only organ in which all member nations have equal representation.
Its powers are to oversee the budget of the UN, appoint the non-permanent members to the
Security Council, receive reports from other parts of the UN and make recommendations
in the form of General Assembly Resolutions.
The General Assembly meets under its president or Secretary-General in regular yearly
sessions.
The first UNGA session was convened on 10 January 1946 in the Westminster Central
Hall in London. It included representatives of 51 nations.
Israel elected as Chair of a permanent committee of UN for the first

time
The United Nations General Assembly on 13 June 2016 elected Israel to chair its Legal
Committee, which is also known as the Sixth Committee.
It is for the first time ever that Israel has been chosen to head one of its six permanent
committees.
In the secret ballot election, Israel received 109 Yes votes. No votes were cast against Israel.
However, there were 23 abstentions, 14 invalid ballots and 43 votes for other countries in
the Western European.
About Sixth Committee

The United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee (Legal) is one of the main
committees of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Sixth Committee is the primary forum for the consideration of legal questions in the
General Assembly.
The committee has universal membership, which means all member states of the UN are
de jure members of the Sixth committee.
It is led by a chairman assisted by three vice-chairmen and a rapporteur.
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It meets every year from late September to late November.
India, Ghana sign three agreements to strengthen co-operation in

varied fields
India and Ghana on 13 June 2016 signed three bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation in varied fields. The agreements were signed during the first ever visit of President
Pranab Mukherjee to Ghana, a nation on West Africas Gulf of Guinea.
Highlights of the agreements

The three agreements signed with Ghana included one for visa waivers for holders of
diplomatic and official passports and one for setting up a Joint Commission.
The commission will periodically review various aspects of the multi-dimensional
relationship between the two countries. A mutually convenient date for its first meeting
will be decided later.
The third agreement was for collaboration in diplomatic training between the Indian
Foreign Service Institute and a Ghanaian institute of the same standing.
India- Ghana Relations

India is the largest foreign investor in Ghana today, with more than 700 projects. More
than 222 of these projects are in the manufacturing sector.
Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has increased to 1.2 billion US dollars from 538
million US dollars in 2010.
Ghana has also sought Indias civil nuclear cooperation to explore the possibilities of
reducing its dependence on traditional energy sources to cut costs and focus on cleaner
environment.
After hosting the third India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in New Delhi in October 2015,
India is working on a plan to consolidate and further strengthen its engagement with
Africa.
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wins Perus Presidential Election

Peruvian economist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski defeated his rival Keiko Fujimori with a thin
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margin to become Perus next President.

The National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) on 9 June 2016 announced that the
Peruvian political organization Peruanos Por el Kambio received the most votes representing
50.12 percent of valid votes.
The difference in the total votes was of 41438 with 8580474 votes for Kuczynski and
8539036 for Fujimori.
Who is Pedro Pablo Kuczynski?

Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Godard, popularly known as PPK, is a Peruvian economist,
politician and public administrator.
He served as Prime Minister of Peru from 2005 to 2006.
He worked in the United States before entering Peruvian politics. He held positions at
both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund before being designated as
general manager of Perus Central Reserve Bank.
He later served as Minister of Energy and Mines in the early 1980s under President
Fernando Belande Terry.
He serves as Minister of Economy and Finance and Prime Minister under President
Alejandro Toledo in the 2000s.
He was also a presidential candidate in the 2011 presidential election.
He went on to stand in the 2016 election, where he defeated Keiko Fujimori in the second
round.
India signs Europe-led clampdown on tax evasion and corruption

India on 8 June 2016 signed a Europe-led scheme that seeks to clampdown on tax
evasion and corruption by committing to automatically exchange information on beneficial
ownership.
With this, India joined a group of nearly 40 nations that are signatories of a scheme.
Under the scheme, the signatories commits to the initiative to automatically exchange
information on beneficial ownership. The next stage will be for the development of a global
standard for this exchange.
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The scheme was announced in April 2015 by Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
The signatories to the scheme will have to provide one another free access to information
on who ultimately owns companies.
Besides India, some of the other countries outside Europe on the list include Afghanistan,
Nigeria, Mexico and the UAE. Most European countries except Switzerland are part of this
automatic exchange mechanism.
It seems that the step is in the direction to Prime Minister Narendra Modis 2014 election
pledge in which he said that he will recover billions of dollars sent to tax havens abroad to
avoid income tax.
Joint statement on India-US endurance as global partners in 21st

Century released
India and the United States of America (USA) on 7 June 2016 released a Joint Statement to
endure as global partners in the 21st Century.
The Joint statement was released in White House marking third major bilateral summit
between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the USA Barak Obama.
The United States recognized India as a Major Defense Partner which strengthens the
defense cooperation between these two Nations.
This will allow India to purchase more advanced and sensitive technologies from the US.
Other highlights of the Joint statement

India and the United States recognize the urgency of climate change and share the goal
of enabling entry into force of the Paris Agreement as early as possible in 2016.
Both the nations welcomed the signing of an MOU for Development of an International
Expedited Traveler Initiative which is also known as the Global Entry Program.
Indias ambitious national goal to install 175 GW of renewable power which includes 100
GW from solar power was supported by The United States.
India and The United States also remain committed to the goals of Mission Innovation
to double their respective clean energy research and development (R&D) investment in
five years.
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India and The United States will work together to combat the threat of terrorists accessing
and using chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological materials.
Both the countries welcomed the finalization of the text of the Logistics Exchange
Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).
Both these countries issued two Joint statements earlier on the January 2015 US-India
Joint Statement to make a counterterrorism relationship for the 21st Century and in
September 2015 US-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism.
India, the USA inked 8 MoUs to bolster economic growth and sustainable development
India and the United States (US) on 8 June 2016 signed/finalized eight agreements/
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs).
The agreements cover various fields including exchange of Terrorist Screening Information,
cooperation on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate Change among others.
They were signed after meet of Prime Minster Narendra Modi and US President Barack
Obama in the White House. Modi was on a two day visit to the United States from 6 June
to 8 June 2016.
Features of the MoUs/Agreements

Arrangement for the exchange of Terrorist Screening Information: The two countries
shall provide each other access to terrorism screening information through the designated
contact points, subject to domestic laws and regulations.
MoU to enhance cooperation on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate
Change: Its objective is to enhance cooperation between India and the US on energy
security, clean energy and climate change through increased bilateral engagement and
further joint initiatives for promoting sustainable growth.
MoU to enhance co-operation on Wildlife Conservation, management and
Combating Wildlife Trafficking: It seeks cooperation between the two countries in
areas such as
a)
Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics
b)
Natural World Heritage Conservation and Nature Interpretation

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Conservation Awareness
MoU for the Development of an International Expedited Traveler Initiative (the

Global Entry Programme): The Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection
programme, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon
arrival in the United States. After joint scrutiny and clearance by both countries, the
approved Indian travelers will be extended the facility of expedited entry into the United
States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
Technical Arrangement concerning Unclassified Maritime Information Sharing: The
arrangement would allow sharing of unclassified information on White Shipping between
India and the US as permitted by respective national laws, regulations and policies, and
provides a framework for mutually beneficial maritime information. It was inked between
the Indian Navy and the United States Navy.
MoU for Cooperation in Gas Hydrates: It aims to increase the understanding of the
geologic occurrence, distribution, and production of natural gas hydrates along the
continental margin of India and in the US.
Information Exchange Annex (IEA) to the Master Information Exchange Agreement
concerning Aircraft Carrier Technologies: IEA is aimed to enhance data and information
sharing specific to aircraft carriers technology between India and the US.
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement: The agreement is aimed at
facilitating mutual logistic support between India and the US for authorized port visits,
joint exercises, joint training and HA-DR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief).
Apart from signing of the MoUs/agreements, the two leaders, Modi and Obama also issued
a joint statement in which US recognised India as a major defence partner. Under this, US
will allow India to buy more advanced and sensitive technologies.
This move will also complement Indias entry into the export control regimes such as Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
NATO launches biggest ever Joint Military Exercise Anaconda-16 in

Poland
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members and partners on 6 June 2016
launched Anaconda-16 Exercise, the biggest ever joint military exercise in Poland.
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The drill is part of NATOs exercise program and is being held just weeks before NATOs
summit in Warsaw that is expected to decide that significant numbers of NATO troops and
equipment will be based in Poland and in the Baltic states.
The exercise was launched at the crucial time when central and eastern European nations
are seeking strong security guarantees amid concerns about Russia.
Highlights of the exercise

The exercise is organized and coordinated by Polands military Operational Command.
It will involve some 31000 troops from Poland, the US and 17 other NATO member
nations and from five partner nations.
Some 12000 of the troops are from Poland, almost 14000 from the US and some 1000
from Britain.
Anaconda-16 will run on test ranges across Poland and will be formally closed by officials
at a ceremony in Warsaw on June 17.
It will train, exercise and integrate Polish command and troops with those of other allied
nations in responding to military, chemical and cyber threats on land, sea and in the air.
Involved will be some 3000 vehicles, 105 airplanes and helicopters, along with 12 Navy
ships.
It includes manoeuvres such as a night-time helicopter assault and the dropping of US
paratroopers to build a temporary bridge over the Vistula river.
The Anaconda exercise was first initiated by Poland in 2006 and has gradually grown to
include many other NATO members till date.
WHO validates elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

and syphilis in 4 countries
World Health Organization (WHO) on 8 June 2016 recognised Thailand, Armenia, Belarus
and Moldova for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis.
The announcement was made in New York on the eve of the United Nations GeneralAssembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS.
On this occasion, the representatives of these four countries were presented with the
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certificate of validation for the accomplishments.

With this remarkable accomplishment, Thailand also became Asia and the Pacific regions
first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of both infections.
How the accomplishment was achieved?

These countries have worked to ensure early access to prenatal care, HIV and syphilis
testing for pregnant women and their partners.
They also provided treatment to women who test positive, as well as their babies.
The provision of reproductive health information, the engagement of communities and
outreach to marginalized populations, in a manner consistent with basic human rights
and gender equality, has helped to facilitate such access.
The achievements are testament to a key factor the integration of maternal and child
health with sexual, reproductive health and HIV services. Integration underpins WHOs
new health sector strategies on HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis,
and is fundamental to the attainment of universal health coverage and the realization of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis is the key to the global effort to
combat sexually transmitted infections and to end AIDS by the year 2030.
Progamme to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis

In 2014, WHO and partners developed global processes and criteria to validate the
elimination of mother-to-child transmission of both infections through a rigorous review of
country progress.
As treatment for prevention of mother-to-child-transmission is not 100% effective, elimination
of transmission is defined as a reduction of transmission to such a low level that it no longer
constitutes a public health problem.
On 30 June 2015, Cuba became the first country to be validated for having successfully
eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
Background
In 2007, WHO launched the Global elimination of congenital syphilis: rationale and strategy
for action. The strategy aims to increase global access to syphilis testing and treatment for
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pregnant women.
In 2011, UNAIDS with WHO and other partners launched the Global Plan towards the
elimination of new HIV infections among children by 2015, and keeping their mothers alive.
This global movement has galvanized political leadership, innovation and engagement of
communities to ensure that children remain free from HIV and that their mothers stay alive
and well.
International Monetary Fund approved 1.5 billion US dollar loan to

Sri Lanka
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 7 June 2016 approved 1.5 billion US dollar loan
to Sri Lanka.
IMF has already transferred 168 million US dollars as the first Installment with immediate
effect to support the countrys economy.
The Executive Board of the IMF accepted this 36-month extended arrangement under its
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with Sri Lanka under special drawing rights.
Highlights of the Funding

An early disbursement of about 168.1 million US dollars will be made immediately.
The remaining amount will be settled in six installments on quarterly reviews.
There will be an additional 650 million US dollars support in other multilateral and bilateral
loans, bringing total support to about 2.2 billion US dollars.
This funding is aimed at:

Meeting balance of payments needs arising from external environment and pressures
Raising revenue through new taxes
Financing the additional budget spending
To achieve the above laid objectives, IMF will envisage implementation of a set of
reforms under following six pillars:
Fiscal consolidation
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Revenue mobilization
Public financial management reform
State enterprise reform
Transition to flexible inflation targeting under a flexible exchange rate regime
eforms in the trade and investment regime
Forbes released Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women 2016 list; 4

Indians figured
Forbes on 6 June 2016 released the list of Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women of 2016
showing women who impacted businesses, media, philanthropy, politics and more.
Four metrics: money (net worth, company revenues or GDP), media presence, spheres of
influence, and impact, were analysed to prepare the list.
Highlights of the List

The worlds most powerful woman in the list is German Chancellor Angela Merkel who
fetched the first spot for the sixth consecutive year.
The top three most powerful in the list are politicians: Germanys Angela Merkel, U.S.
presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, tops the list in the automotive section.
Gwynne Shotwell, the President-COO of SpaceX, is the top woman in Construction &
Engineering at 76th position.
Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of International Monetary Fund, fetched the 6th
spot.
Diane von Furstenberg, Owner, Fashion Designer, Diane von Furstenberg Studio, L.P.,
stands at 71th position in the Fashion and Retail category.
Oprah Winfrey stands at 21st position in the ranking.
Newcomers joining this years list include seven world leaders, two philanthropists, five
CEOs, two billionaires, one editor-in-chief, two company chairpersons, and three U.S.
Supreme Court justices.
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20 women are off the list from last year, among them Ellen Pullman, Renee James, Dilma
Rousseff, Cristina Kirschner, and Elizabeth Holmes.
A host of celebrities, including Ellen Degeneres, Taylor Swift, and Angelina Jolie, came
off the list this year.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung Sun Suu Kyi,
and Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen are included in this years list.
Wellcome Trust chair Eliza Manningham-Buller and UNESCO director-general Irina
Bokova join a host of women who are dedicated to helping solve the worlds problems.
Top 10 powerful women in the List

Rank Name
1 Angela Merkel
2 Hillary Clinton
3
Janet Yellen
4 Melinda Gates
5 Mary Barra
6 Christine Lagarde
7
Sheryl Sandberg
Susan Wojcicki
9 Meg Whitman
10
Ana Patricia Botn
Indian Women figured in the list are

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chair-Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), stood at
25th position.
Chanda Kochhar, MD and CEO of ICICI Bank, was placed at 40th position.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder-chair of Biocon Limited, was placed at 77th position.
Shobhana Bhartia, Chair, HT Media, was placed at 93rd position.
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Switzerland voters reject unconditional basic income proposal in

referendum
Switzerland voters on 5 June 2016 rejected an unconditional basic income (UBI) proposal
in referendum.
As per the proposal, all Swiss citizens and foreigners who have been residents in Switzerland
for at least 5 years are provided with the UBI irrespective of their income status.
The referendum result is of significance because of its wide margin. Out of the total votes
polled, nearly 77 percent were against the plan, while only 23 percent were in favour of it.
The amount to be paid was not determined before the vote, but the political-group behind
the initiative suggested paying 2500 US dollars a month to each adult and 640 US dollars
for each child.
As per an estimate, the proposal would have cost an additional 25.62 billion US dollars on
the exchequer.
Comment
The result of the referendum is of importance to policy makers across the world. The proposal
for providing unconditional basic income was mooted due to growing uncertainties in the
job market because of economic downturn.
Supporters argued that providing such income grant would assist people in a world where
good jobs with steady salaries are becoming harder to find.
However, the critics of the proposal argued that the UBI initiative would lead to sky-high
costs and people quitting their jobs in large numbers.
India, Qatar inked 7 agreements to boost cooperation

India and Qatar on 5 June 2016 signed seven agreements in various fields including
assistance in custom matters, skill development and recognition of qualifications and health.
The agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between Prime Minster Narendra
Modi and Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at Doha. Modi was on a two day
visit to Qatar on 4 June to 5 June 2016.
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Before the talks, Modi was given a ceremonial reception at the Emiri Diwan, the seat of
power of Qatars ruler.
The inked MoUs/Agreements include

Agreement on assistance in Customs Matters: It promotes cooperation and mutual
assistance between the two countries on matters pertaining to customs administration
through exchange of information and intelligence.
MoU on cooperation in the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering,
terrorism-financing and related crimes: The MoU facilitates exchange of intelligence
related to money laundering, terrorism-financing and related crimes and persons
connected thereto. This was inked between Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND)
and the Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU).
MoU on participation of Qatari institutional investors in Infrastructure projects in
India: Under this, a framework will be established to facilitate participation of Qatari
institutional investors in Infrastructure projects in India under NIIF. This MoU was inked
between National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Qatar Investment
Authority (QIA).
MoU for cooperation in Skill Development and Recognition of Qualifications: It aims
to enhance cooperation between the two countries on skill development and mutual
recognition of qualifications to facilitate mobility of skilled workers from India to Qatar.
This was inked between the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship,
and the National Qualifications Authority/Supreme Education Council, Government of
the State of Qatar.
MoU on cooperation in Tourism: It aims at bilateral cooperation in the field of planning
and developing of tourism, through marketing and promotion as also to support
cooperation between private sector stakeholders.
MoU for cooperation in the field of Health: It provides cooperation in areas of health,
including interalia in occupational and environmental health, pharmaceuticals, medical
education, exchange of the best practices in the field of primary healthcare, research in
the field of health care, technology, health care system and exchange of medical experts
and scientists.
The First Executive Programme for MoU in the field of Youth and Sports: As a follow
up to the existing MoU in the field of Youth and Sports, the first Executive Programme
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provides for exchanges and cooperation in sports activities, training camps for sports
teams and exchange visits of leaders and officials etc between the two countries.
Narendra Modi, Ashraf Ghani inaugurates Afghan-India Friendship

Dam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Dr Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated
the Afghan-India Friendship Dam with in Herat province in Western Afghanistan on 4 June
2016.
The Dam was earlier known as Salma Dam on the river Chist-e-Sharif in western Herat
neighbouring Iran. It will irrigate 75000 hectares of land and generate 42 Mega Watts of
power.
At the inaugural function, Afghan Presresident connferred the highest civilian honour of
Afghanistan, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award upon Narendra Modi.
Afghan-India Friendship Dam

The Landmark Infrastructure Project is funded by Union Government.
It is a multipurpose project planned for generating 42 MW of power, irrigating 75000
hectares of land, water supply and other benefits to the people of Afghanistan.
It is a landmark infrastructure project undertaken by Union Government on river Chist-eSharif, in Herat province of Afghanistan.
The project is executed and implemented by WAPCOS Ltd which is an undertaking of
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
The project is located 165 kilometers east of Herat town and connected with earthen
road.
The gross capacity of the Dam is 633 Million M3. The height of the Dam is 104.3 Mt,
length 540 Mt and width at the bottom is 450 Mt.
The successful completion of the project represents culmination of years of hard work
by 1500 Indian and Afghan engineers and other professionals in very difficult conditions.
German Parliament passes Resolution recognising Massacre of Arwww.jagranjosh.com
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menians as Genocide
German Parliament, Bundestag, on 2 June 2016 passed a resolution recognising the
massacre of Armenians by Ottoman forces during First World War (1915) as genocide.
The motion was put forward for voting by Chancellor Angela Merkels governing coalition of
right and left and the opposition Greens.
It was passed with support from all the parties in Parliament with only one abstention and
one vote against.
Effect of the resolution

The passage of the resolution resulted in creation of tensions between Germany and
Turkey.
The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that this decision will seriously impact
Turkish-German relations.
Turkey denies the killings, started in 1915 and continued till 1917, as genocide and terms
it as victims of civil war and unrest.
The Armenian president and foreign minister welcomed the vote and thanks lawmakers
of the country.
Armenia termed the decision as a valuable contribution to the international recognition
and condemnation of the Armenian genocide.
Armenians Genocide by Ottoman forces

The Armenian Genocide also known as the Armenian Holocaust/Massacres was the Ottoman
governments systematic extermination of its minority Armenian subjects inside their historic
homeland, which lies within the present-day Republic of Turkey. The estimations project the
number of vitims between 15 lakh and 30 lakh.
The genocide was carried out during and after World War I and implemented
in two phases:
The wholesale killing of the able-bodied male population through massacre and subjection
of army conscripts to forced labour
It was followed by the deportation of women, children, the elderly and infirm on death
marches leading to the Syrian Desert.
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The event is viewed as the first genocide of 20th century by several scholars.
Gotthard Base Tunnel, worlds longest and deepest rail tunnel, inaugurated in Switzerland
Switzerland on 1 June 2016 inaugurated Gotthard Base Tunnel, worlds longest and deepest
railway tunnel. The tunnel is also the first flat low-level route through the Alps.
It took 17 years and 12.2 billion Swiss francs to construct the tunnel.
About Gotthard Base Tunnel

The Gotthard Base Tunnel has route length of 57.09 km and a total of 151.84 km of
tunnels, shafts and passages.
It is a part of the AlpTransit project, also known as the New Railway Link through the
Alps (NRLA).
It is situated 2.3km deep under the Alps.
It is the third tunnel connecting the cantons of Uri and Ticino after the Gotthard Tunnel
and the Gotthard Road Tunnel.
The main purpose of the Gotthard Base Tunnel is to increase total transport capacity
across the Alps, especially for freight.
The construction of the tunnel began in 1996 after 64 percent of Swiss voters accepted
the AlpTransit project in a 1992 referendum.
Drilling operations in the eastern tunnel were completed on 15 October 2010 in a
ceremony broadcast live on Swiss TV.
India joins Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation

India on 1 June 2016 joined the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) against Ballistic Missile
Proliferation as its 138th subscribing state. India joined it by notifying HCoC Central Contact,
Vienna, through diplomatic channels.
Indias joining the Code signals its readiness to further strengthen global non-proliferation
objectives. Its subscription reinforces its support for international missile non-proliferation.
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This will also help to increase transparency and strengthen security.
Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)

The HCOC is a voluntary mechanism that has built a broad international predisposition
against ballistic missile proliferation.
It also promotes transparency and confidence building, including through the Subscribing
States commitment to submit pre-launch notifications and annual declarations of their
relevant policies.
It consists of a set of general principles, modest commitments, and limited confidencebuilding measures.
It is intended to supplement, not supplant, the Missile Technology Control Regime, and
is administered collectively by all subscribing states.
It was formally brought into effect on 25 November 2002, at a launching conference
hosted by the Netherlands in The Hague. The number of signatories has increased from
96 to 138.
Formerly, it was known as the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile
Proliferation.
The non-subscribing states include countries like China, Pakistan, Israel and Iran.
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NATIONAL
Lesbians, gays and bisexuals are not third gender: Supreme Court
65
Union Cabinet clears National Mineral Exploration Policy
65
District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees to be set up
66
Aadhaar to be linked with caste, domicile certificates
67
Union Government bans use of Potassium Bromate as food additive
68
India gets first women fighter pilots; Commissioned 3 pilots in Batch-1
69
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63
URJA Mobile app launched to enhance consumer connect with Urban Power Distribution sector
70
PM Modi outlines RAPID, a five-point charter for tax administrators at the

Rajasva Gyan Sangam
70
Union Government notified 10 coastal police stations extending their jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles
71
Microsoft & AICTE signed agreement to build app for HRD ministrys SWAYAM platform
72
Draft National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2016 released
73
Union Government launches Vidyanjali Mobile App for volunteer work at

government schools
74
Pan-India Ramayana & Krishna Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

approved
75
Union Railway Minister dedicates Champaran Satyagrah Express at Motihari
77
Union Government releases the Road Accidents in India 2015 Report
77
Union Government launched Surya Mitra Mobile App
78
India becomes co-chair of Working Group on Maritime Situational Awareness under CGPCS
79
Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 released
80
Union Cabinet approves Proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of Chennai

Metro Rail Project Phase-I
84
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64
Union Cabinet approves MoU between DGCA and French Civil Aviation Authority
85
Prime Minister releases National Disaster Management Plan to make India

disaster resilient
85
Union Government approved retirement age of doctors of Central Health

Services to 65
87
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Lesbians, gays and bisexuals are not third gender: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court (SC) of India on 30 June 2016 announced that its 2014 verdict did not
include lesbians, gays and bisexual persons under the category of transgenders.
A bench comprising Justices A.K. Sikri and N.V. Ramana refused to modify the 2014 ruling
on transgender rights. The apex court also clarified that its 2014 judgment clearly mentioned
that lesbians, gays and bisexuals were not transgender.
What the verdict was?

On 15 April 2014, Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and A.K. Sikri granted legal recognition
to transgenders or eunuchs as third gender.
The SC directed the Union Government and State Governments to treat them as socially
and educationally backward classes.
The top court asked the governments to provide them quotas in admission to educational
institutions and public appointments.
The court also stated that the third gender people will be considered as Other Backward
Class (OBC).
The bench had specially clarified that its verdict pertains only to hijras, eunuchs, Kothis,
Aravanis, Jogappas, Shiv-Shakthis and not other sections of society like gay, lesbian
and bisexuals.
Union Cabinet clears National Mineral Exploration Policy

The Union Cabinet on 29 June 2016 approved the National Mineral Exploration Policy
(NMEP). With this, the government can now auction 100 prospective mineral blocks that
have been identified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for exploration.
Through NMEP, the government aims to attract private sector in exploration of minerals,
besides involving State-run GSI, MECL and other notified agencies.
To encourage mineral exploration in the country, the Mines Ministry had already notified the
National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
Highlights of NMEP
It proposed that private entities engaged in carrying out regional and detailed exploration
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would get a certain share in revenue in mining operation from the successful bidder after
the e-auction of block.
The revenue-sharing could be either in the form of a lump sum or an annuity, to be paid
throughout the period of mining lease with transferable rights.
Selection of private explorer would be done through a transparent process of competitive
bidding through e-auction.
For selection of private explorer, reasonable areas or blocks for regional exploration will
be earmarked or identified by the government for auctioning.
As identified by Geological Survey of India (GSI), out of Indias entire Obvious Geological
Potential (OGP) area, only 10 percent has been explored yet and mining is undertaken in
1.5-2 percent of this area.
District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees to be set up

Union Ministry of Urban Development on 22 June 2016 approved the setting up of District
Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees to promote people centric planning and
execution of new urban development schemes.
These committees will comprise of elected representatives of the country, thus giving
Members of Parliament (MP) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) a say in the
implementation of the urban development schemes.
In a first of its kind, these Committees will oversee, review and monitor implementation of
urban development, affordable housing and urban poverty alleviation programmes.
Programmes to be monitored
Swachh Bharat Mission
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Housing for All (Urban) and
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission
Terms of Reference of Committees

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To promote effective citizen involvement

To review improvements in service level indicators like water supply,
Review progress of implementation of reforms with focus on e-governance and ease of
sanctioning of construction permits,
Advise state and central governments regarding bottlenecks in implementation,
Suggest mid-course correction in implementation
Facilitate coordination among various agencies
Chairperson and Members of Committee

Senior most Member of Parliament will be appointed by the State/UT as the Chairperson of
the Committee and two more MPs, one each from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will be the
Co-chairpersons. The members of the committee are:
All MLAs from respective districts representing the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and
Mayors
Chairpersons of ULBs
Chairpersons and Chief Executives of Urban Development Authorities in districts
Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of ULBs
Senior most representatives of the Department of Public Health Engineering and
Senior most officials of para-statal bodies like water board and sewerage board
District Collector or Municipal Commissioner of metropolitan cities will be the Member
Secretary.
Aadhaar to be linked with caste, domicile certificates

Union Government in June 2016 asked all state governments to link Aadhaar with caste
and domicile certificates of school students.
Under first-of-its-kind initiative, the states have been asked to ensure that such certificates
are issued within 60 days time to the students when they are studying either in Class V or
VIII.
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Why the direction was given?

To make sure that the scholarships will be granted on time to students belonging to
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes and without causing any harassment to SC/STs
students. There have been complaints of delay in grant of scholarships and harassment.
Objective behind issuance of caste or tribe certificate

To facilitate access of bona fide candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes to the reserved posts and services under the State or Central governments.
To secure admission in educational institutions and get other facilities.
School head or the principle will be responsible to collect the documents of the students.
The issued certificate will be provided to students in cellophane cover, as far as practicable,
through the school authorities. It would be kept with the students for safe custody for
availing the benefits or concessions and facilities available to the category of students
concerned.
Aadhaar
It is a 12-digit number which acts as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the
country.
It is issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to every resident of the
country.
It was developed with an objective of collecting the biometric and demographic data of
the residents of the country, which is stored in a central database.
It is considered the worlds largest national identification number project
Union Government bans use of Potassium Bromate as food additive

The Union Government on 20 June 2016 banned use of potassium bromate (KbrO3) as a
food additive on recommendation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Early in May 2016, FSSAI in its recommendation asked health ministry to remove potassium
bromate, a cancer causing chemical, from the list of permissible food additives.
The recommendation was made following a study by the Centre for Science and Environment
(CSE) that claimed that potassium bromate, which is classified as a category 2B carcinogen,
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can be a cause of cancer to humans.

CSE in study found that 84 percent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged
breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium
iodate (KIO3).
Besides, FSSAI has referred potassium iodate, also claimed to be carcinogenic used as a
food additive, to a scientific panel.
These two food additives are banned in many countries and listed as hazardous for public
health.
India gets first women fighter pilots; Commissioned 3 pilots in

Batch-1
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on 18 June 2016 commissioned first three women fighter pilots.
The batch of pilots was inducted at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy,
Dundigal near Hyderabad.
With this, India joined the select few nations in the world that have women fighter pilots in
their Air Forces.
The first three women fighter pilots of India are:

Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi
Flying Officer Bhawana Kanth
Flying Officer Mohana Singh
However, they will get to fly fighter jets like the Sukhoi and Tejas only in 2017 after their
Stage III training at Bidar in Karnataka in 2017.
Background
In October 2015, the Union Ministry of Defence approved the induction of women into
the combat stream of Indian Air Force (IAF) on an experimental basis for five years.
At present, around 1500 women serve in the Indian Air Force of which around 90 as
pilots and about 15 as navigators.
IAF had women in seven areas of administration, logistics, meteorology, navigation,
education, aeronautical engineering mechanical and electrical and accounts.
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Earlier, the Air Force refused to allow women in fighter squadrons because of the fears
of torture and rape, if they were shot down in combat.
Combat roles in the Army and the Navy are still off limits due to a combination of
operational concerns and logistical constraints.
URJA Mobile app launched to enhance consumer connect with Urban Power Distribution sector
Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal
on 16 June 2016 launched the URJA Mobile application.
The URJA, which stands for Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan, was launched on the on the side-lines
of Conference of Power Ministers at Cansaulim in South Goa.
Key features of URJA Mobile app

It seeks to enhance consumer connect with the Urban Power Distribution sector.
This objective will be achieved by providing information of IT enabled towns on important
parameters which concern the consumers.
The key parameters include outage information, timely release of connections, addressing
complaints, power reliability etc.
It was developed by Power Finance Corporation Ltd on behalf of Ministry of Power.
PM Modi outlines RAPID, a five-point charter for tax administrators

at the Rajasva Gyan Sangam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 June 2016 outlined RAPID, a five-point charter for
tax administrators to reform and to expand the net base of the direct tax. He announced it
during the inauguration of Rajasva Gyan Sangam in New Delhi.
The Prime Minister outlined the RAPID as

R - Revenue,
A - Accountability,
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P - Probity,
I Information
D - Digitization.
Salient Features of RAPID

It will help to focus on digitization, voluntary tax compliance, facilitation for taxpayers,
increasing the tax base, up gradation of digital and physical infrastructure for tax
administrators etc.
It seeks to bring reform to Indias old and redundant revenue administration.
It makes the tax system accessible and easier for the tax payers. Besides, it also makes
it difficult to the defaulters.
The need of economic reforms in the revenue sector to enhance the respect for the law
of the land amongst common citizens is also considered.
Rajasva Gyan Sangam

This is the first time that the two revenue boards the Central Board of Direct Taxes
(CBDT), and the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), are holding a simultaneous
conference.
It is a national conference that helps to assess the performance of the previous year and
deliberate on emerging issues without any hierarchical barriers.
During the conference, PM Modi stressed on the need for tax administrators to engender
trust in the system and demonstrate the leadership to bring about a change in taxing
system.
He also urged the officers to turn the Gyan Sangam into a Karma Sangam, so that the
ideas generated from this conference lead to concrete action on the ground.
Union Government notified 10 coastal police stations extending

their jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles
Union Home Ministry on 16 June 2016 notified 10 coastal police stations extending their
jurisdictional limits from the existing 12 nautical miles to 200 nautical miles. The notified 10
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police stations share the coastline in eight States.

The new coastal police stations are proposed to maintain security up to five nautical miles
from the shore.
After the 26/11 terror attacks, the Coast Guard was given responsibility to secure the
territorial waters which are extending up to 12 nautical miles (about 22 kilometres) from the
shore.
The extension of jurisdictional limits will allow local police while dealing with cases of
smuggling and terrorism and guarding 7516-km long coastline of India.
On the other hand, Union Home Ministry also approved the Maharashtra Chief Ministers
proposal to create a Central Marine Police Force for patrolling and protecting the coastline.
Microsoft & AICTE signed agreement to build app for HRD ministrys SWAYAM platform
Microsoft was on 17 June 2016 selected as the technical partner to build a mobile Application
(app) for Union Human Resources Development Ministrys SWAYAM (Study Webs of ActiveLearning for Young Aspiring Minds) platform.
The platform will launch 2000 Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) for over three crore
students in 2016.
Microsoft signed a deal of 38 crore rupees with All India Council of Technical Education
(AICTE) to build and run the app for three years. Later, it will be taken over by AICTE.
Microsoft will deploy a team of dedicated people to set up the state-of-the-art application.
About SWAYAM platform

University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulation, 2016 was finalized in a credit framework
for online learning courses through SWAYAM.
According to the regulation, the partner institutions which are identified by the National
MOOCs coordinator will make the online courses available on SWAYAM platform.
Twice in each year, Registrars of all the institutions will be given the list of online courses
being offered in each semester.
Physical facilities like laboratories, computer facilities, library etc, shall be made available
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for free by the parent institution.

A certificate upon successful completion of the MOOCs will be issued by the parent
institution and issued through the host institution.
The credits earned through courses through SWAYAM platform in the credit plan of the
program will be given equivalent weightage by the parent institution.

Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on 14 June 2016 released Draft National
Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2016.
The policy was unveiled as part of Union Governments attempt to reach the target of 175
Gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
It includes 100 GW from solar and 60 GW from wind.
Features of Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2016

Goal: To reach wind-solar hybrid capacity of 10 GW by 2022
Objectives: To provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar
PV system for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land,
reducing the variability in renewable power generation and thus achieving better grid
stability.
To encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation
of wind and solar PV plants.
Wind-Solar Hybrid Systems: These systems will be configured to operate at the same
point of grid connection.
Optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and better grid stability by
reducing the variability in renewable power generation.
The size of the solar PVs capacity to be added as the solar-hybrid component could be
relatively smaller.
Implementation: The implementation of wind solar hybrid system will depend on
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different configurations and use of Technologies like Wind-Solar Hybrid-AC integration,

Wind-Solar Hybrid-DC integration, Hybridisation of existing wind/solar PV plants along
with New Wind-Solar Hybrid Plants.
Incentives: The Government will encourage development wind-solar hybrid systems
through various incentives.
All fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects may also be
made available to hybrid projects.
Low cost financing for hybrid projects may be made available through IREDA and other
financial institutions including multilateral banks.
Research and Development: Government will support the technology development
projects in the field of hybrid systems. Besides, support will be provided for development
of standards for hybrid systems.
The policy will remain in force unless withdrawn or superseded by the Government. The
Government can undertake a review of the Policy as and when required.
Union Government launches Vidyanjali Mobile App for volunteer

work at government schools
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) on 16 June 2016 launched
the Vidyanjali Mobile App that can be used by anyone to register for volunteer work at
government schools.
Vidyanjali initiative is in line with the Union HRD Ministrys ongoing efforts under Padhe
Bharat Badhe Bharat.
Highlights of Vidyanjali Scheme

Vidyanjali is being launched in pilot phase across 2200 schools in 21 states by HRD
Minister.
Volunteers can easily register for Vidyanjali by logging on to the MyGov website or app
@mygovindia.
Volunteers, however, cannot supplement the work of teachers by aiding them in the
classroom as the Right to Education Act does not permit this sort of teaching.
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They will only be allowed to help with non-scholastic activities such as reading and
theatre.
This will also afford an opportunity to NRIs to do something to help the cause of
government school education while visiting India.
The exercise is not aimed at assessing how these schools benefit from these lateral
initiatives, it is hoped reading sessions helmed by volunteers would make a small
difference.
Background
Government schools, where large numbers of poor and disadvantaged children study, often
lag behind in terms of quality. Several studies have pointed to problems in learning levels
among children in India.
As per NGO Prathams Annual Status of Education Report 2015, under half of students in
Class 5 were able to fluently read a text meant for Class 2 students.
Pan-India Ramayana & Krishna Circuit under Swadesh Darshan

Scheme approved
1st Meeting of National Committee on Ramayana Circuit & Krishna Circuit under Swadesh
Darshan Scheme was held on 14 June 2016.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Tourism & Culture Dr
Mahesh Sharma.
During the meeting proposal to set up 11 Ramayana Circuits and 12 Krishna Circuits were
approved.
The destinations for these two circuits were earlier approved by the expert committee.
Destinations under Ramayana Circuit

Under Ramayana Circuit, 11 destinations spread across 6 states are proposed. These are:
Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringhverpur & Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh)
Sitamarhi, Buxar & Darbhanga (Bihar)
Jagdalpur (Chattisgarh)
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Bhadrachalam (Telangana)
Hampi (Karnataka)
Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
Expert committee also suggested including Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh), Nashik & Nagpur
(Maharashtra) and Mahendragiri (Odisha) in the proposed circuit.
Destinations under Krishna Circuit

Under Krishna circuit, 12 destinations spread across 5 states are proposed.
These are:
Dwarka (Gujarat)
Nathdwara, Jaipur & Sikar (Rajasthan)
Kurukshetra (Haryana)
Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon & Govardhan (Uttar Pradesh)
Puri (Odisha)
Besides, projects worth more than 300 crores rupees were approved in-principle in Uttar
Pradesh under both the circuits.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme

It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15 with an aim to develop theme
based tourist circuits in the country.
It will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and
sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts.
Its focus is on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and
enhance employment opportunities.
Under the Scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified, for development. These
are: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna
Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual
Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
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Union Railway Minister dedicates Champaran Satyagrah Express

at Motihari
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on 10 June 2016 flagged off the weekly Champaran
Satyagrah Express at Motihari, Bihar.
He inaugurated six rail facilities in Bihar on the occasion which includes three Road Over
Bridges (ROBs) at Danapur (Patna), Motihari and Begusarai railway stations, the broad
guage conversion work of Banmankhi-Purnea rail section, besides converting Piprahan
station into a crossing station.
Champaran Satyagrah Express train

It was introduced to mark 100 years of the historic Champaran Satyagraha (movement)
that was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917.
The train will run between Bapudham, Motihari and Anand Vihar, Delhi.
About Champaran Satyagrah

It was the first Satyagraha movement for Mahatma Gandhi after arriving from South Africa.
He successfully led the movement in 1917 against the oppressive policies European indigo
planters who exploited tens of thousands of landless serfs, indentured labourers and poor
farmers in Champaran and neighbouring areas in Bihar.
Union Government releases the Road Accidents in India 2015 Report

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on 9 June 2016 launched
the report titled Road Accidents in India 2015.
As per the report, road accidents have emerged as a major public health problem in India
where almost 5 lakh accidents occurred last year killing 146000 people.
The report was compiled by the Transport Research Wing.
Highlights of the report

The total number of road accidents increased by 2.5 percent from 489400 in 2014 to
501423 in 2015.
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The total number of persons killed in road accidents increased by 4.6 percent from
139671 in 2014 to 146133 in 2015.
Road accident injuries have also increased by 1.4 percent from 493474 in 2014 to 500279
in 2015.
The severity of road accidents, measured in terms of number of persons killed per 100
accidents has increased from 28.5 in 2014 to 29.1 in 2015.
About 1374 accidents and 400 deaths take place every day on Indian roads which further
translates into 57 accidents and loss of 17 lives on an average every hour in our country.
About 54.1 percent of all persons killed in road accidents were in the 15 -34 years age
group during the year 2015.
Thirteen top states namely Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka,
Kerala, UP, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telengana, Chattisgarh, West Bengal
and Haryana accounted for 86.7 percent of all road accidents in the country.
Around 83.6 per cent of all road accidents fatalities also occurred in these top thirteen
states.
The fifty Million Plus Cities accounted for a share of 22.1 percent in total road accidents
in the country, 11.3 percent in total persons killed in road accidents and 16.4 percent
people injured in road accidents.
Mumbai had the highest number of road accidents while Delhi had the highest number
of deaths due to road accidents.
Accident severity in terms of percentage share of 50 Million Cities was 14.9 percent in
2015 as against 15.0 percent in 2014.
Drivers fault has been revealed as the single most responsible factor for road accidents,
accounted for 77.1 percent of total road accidents during 2015 as against 78.8 percent
during 2014.
Union Government launched Surya Mitra Mobile App

Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal launched Surya Mitra mobile App at National Workshop
on Rooftop Solar Power in New Delhi on 7 June 2016.
The App will be very useful in the field of Renewable energy to serve customers at their
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doorsteps with quality installation, repair, and Observations and Measurements (O&M)
services.
Features of Surya Mitra Mobile App

It is a high end technology platform that can handle thousands of calls simultaneously
and can efficiently monitor all visits of Suryamitras.
The trained Suryamitras who opts for entrepreneurship have joined in the Mobile App in
several states.
This innovative mobile approach shall enhance the employment of trained youth in solar
PV technology.
It can be utilized to maintain off grid Solar PV system to keep it in good condition.
It will be very useful to maintain the existing solar water heater systems that are already
installed in various states and to install new systems properly.
It was developed by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) which is an autonomous
institution of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Suryamitra initiative
It is skill development program of the Union Government to create skilled manpower in
installation, commissioning, and Operation & Maintenance of solar power plants and
equipment.
The objective is to provide employability and entrepreneurship to rural and urban youth
& women.
MNRE set a target of 50000 Suryamitras of skilled manpower in solar energy sector in
next 3 years.
It is funded completely by Union Government and is a residential program that is
implemented by NISE across India.
India becomes co-chair of Working Group on Maritime Situational

Awareness under CGPCS
India on 4 June 2016 became the co-chair of Working Group on Maritime Situational
Awareness under Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS).
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This decision was taken through a consensus during the 19th Plenary Session of the CGPCS
that took place in Mahe, Seychelles during 31 May 3 June 2016.
Steps taken by Indian Navy to ensure safety at Somalian Coast and in the
Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have played a very important role by enhanced
patrolling in the high seas and providing armed naval escorts to ships moving in the area.
To protect Indian ships and Indian citizens employed in sea-faring duties, Indian Navy
commenced anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden from 23 October 2008.
In addition to escorting Indian-flagged ships, ships of other countries have also been
escorted by the Indian Navy.
Merchant ships are currently being escorted along the entire length (490 nm long and 20
nm wide) of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) which is heavily
patrolled by Indian Navy.
To maintain high degree of alertness in the region, around 19 coastal security operations
and exercises have been undertaken over the past year.
About Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS)

It is a coalition of states, international organisations, the private sector and civil society
that came together to fight piracy together in a coordinated manner.
It was established in response to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1851 (2008),
later recalled and replaced with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1918 (2010).
It works on the basis of Contact Group model that facilitates discussion and coordination
of actions among states and organizations to suppress Somali piracy.
Till now, more than 60 countries and international organizations, including India, have
become part of this forum.
Seychelles is the current Chairman of the CGPCS for the biennium 2016-17.

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natural resource.

the benefit of all.
and space including maintenance of connectivity of flow in each river system, Nirmal
themselves.
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mechanism.
valleys.
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Groundwater, 2016.
of this Act.
given case.
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or injury to them.
Union Cabinet approves Proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of

Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-I
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 approved the proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of
Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I Project from Washermanpet to Wimconagar.
It covers a length of 9.051 km at a total cost of 3770 crore rupees.
Highlights of the Proposal

The project will be executed by the existing SPV of Government of India and the
Government of Tamil Nadu having 50:50 equity of Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.
This extension will provide improved access to public transport for dense population
comprising predominantly industrial workers to move towards the central business
district of the city for work.
In the total project cost, the shares of the Union Government and Tamilnadu Governments
share will be 713 crore rupees and 916 crore rupees respectively.
The share of Tamilnadu Government included cost of Land and R&R of 203 crore rupees.
The balance amount of 2141 crore rupees will be met from loan from multilateral/bilateral/
domestic funding agency.
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The estimated ridership will be 1.6 lakh passengers per day in first year of operation.
The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2018.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between DGCA and French Civil Aviation Authority
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 gave its ex-post facto approval to the signing of
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of
India (DGCA) and the French Civil Aviation Authority.
The MoU was signed to implement Technical Cooperation Programme for promotion and
implementation of Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO).
Highlights of the MoU

The Technical Cooperation programme will be beneficial for enhancement of skills and
expertise of DGCAs officers.
This MoU is also beneficial for implementation of the cooperation between the two
parties for imparting training of engineers, technicians, managers etc.
It will also include any other subject that is relevant to the common DGAC and DGCA
areas of interest.
The specific activities to be performed by DGCA of India and French Civil Aviation
Authority under this MOU will be carried out by mutual consent.
The MoU would be for a term of four years.
Actions agreed upon by both sides for implementation of MoU

By exchanging information concerning the various techniques used to reach the
objectives;
By sending French experts or instructors to India for training missions; and
By receiving experts, or instructors of India, in France for training missions.
Prime Minister releases National Disaster Management Plan to

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make India disaster resilient

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 June 2016 released the National Disaster Management
Plan (NDMP). The plan aims to make India disaster resilient and reduce loss of lives.
It is the first of its kind of national plan prepared in India. It emphasizes on a greater need
for Information, Education and Communication activities to prepare communities to cope
with disasters.
The plan is based on the four priority themes of the Sendai Framework
namely:
1. Understanding disaster risk,
2. Improving disaster risk governance,
3. Investing in disaster risk reduction (through structural and non-structural measures),
4. Disaster preparedness, early warning and building back better in the aftermath of a
disaster.
Key Features of the Plan

It covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, mitigation, response and
recovery.
It provides for horizontal and vertical integration among all the agencies and departments
of the government.
The plan also spells out the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government right up
to Panchayat and Urban Local Body level in a matrix format.
The plan has a regional approach that will be beneficial for disaster management along
with development planning.
It is designed in such a way that it can be implemented in a scalable manner in all phases
of disaster management.
It also identifies major activities such as early warning, information dissemination, medical
care, fuel, transportation, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. to serve as a checklist for
agencies responding to a disaster.
It also provides a generalized framework for recovery and offers flexibility to assess a
situation and build back better.
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Union Government approved retirement age of doctors of Central

Health Services to 65
Union Government approved the proposal of extending age of superannuation of all doctors
of Central Health Services to 65 years with effect from 31 May 2016.
The proposal was made by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen the
healthcare sector in the country.
Benefits of this increase

It will help in providing additional doctors in the health pool of the country.
This will enable the government to retain experienced doctors for a longer period and to
provide better services in its public health facilities.
The decision is likely to benefit about 4000 doctors. As of now, the retirement age of doctors
in government hospitals 62yeas in some others and is 60 years in others.
Earlier on 26 May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made an announcement to
increase the retirement age from 62 to 65 years at a rally in Saharanpur.
Following the announcement, the Haryana government also decided to raise the retirement
age of state government doctors to 65.
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ECONOMY
Union Cabinet approves recommendations of 7th Pay Commission
91
RBI publishes Payment and Settlement Systems in India: Vision-2018
93
Union Cabinet approves largest-ever Spectrum Auction
94
Union Cabinet approved Special package for Textile and Apparel sector
95
Union Cabinet approved establishment of Fund of Funds for Startups
97
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Union Government introduces Radical changes in FDI Policy regime; Grants

100% FDI in Defence Sector
99
Union Cabinet approved National Civil Aviation Policy 2016
100
Union Cabinet approved Bill to fast track recovery of bad loans
102
Union Cabinet approved merger of SBI with its five subsidiaries
104
Union Government launches Scheme for setting up 1000 MW Wind Power

Project connected to CTU
105
106
Central Port Authorities Act, 2016 drafted to replace the Major Port Trust
Act, 1963
107
RBI introduces Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets
109
ADB and Union Government signed Loan Agreement to upgrade 176 Km of

roads in Jharkhand
110
CCEA approved Minimum Support Prices for Kharif Crops for 2016-17 season
111
Singapore International Arbitration Centre to open Representative Office at

GIFT City
112
Index of Industrial Production of Eight Core Industries for April 2016 released
113
Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 comes into force
114
India and World Bank sign agreement to improve efficiency and attractiveness of City Bus Services
115
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National GDP Provisional Estimates for 2015-16 released
116
Constitution of National Company Law Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal Notified
116
IWAI and IPGPL signed MoU on Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
118
Union Cabinet approves setting up of India Post Payments Bank
119
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Union Cabinet approves recommendations of 7th Pay Commission

7th Pay Commission Union Cabinet on 29 June 2016 approved the recommendations of
the 7th Pay Commission. The salaries and arrears, effective from 1 January 2016, will be
made applicable now.
The commission recommended 23.55 percent hike in pay and allowances of government
employees.
Approved Recommendations are

The minimum pay for government employees is recommended to be set at 18000 rupees
per month.
The maximum pay is recommended to be 225000 rupees per month for Apex Scale and
250000 per month for Cabinet Secretary and others presently at the same pay level.
The increase in pay will be 16 percent, increase in allowances will be 63 percent and
increase in pension will be 24 percent.
The present system of pay bands and grade pay has been dispensed and a new pay
matrix has been designed. Grade Pay has been subsumed in the pay matrix. The status
of the employee, determined by grade pay, will now be determined by the level in the
pay matrix.
The rate of annual increment for employees will be 3 percent.
Abolition of 52 allowances and introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme.
One Rank One Pension proposed for civilian government employees on line of OROP
for armed forces.
Increase in Military Service Pay and revised pension formula for civil employees including
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Defence Personnel retiring before 1 January
2016.
Military Service Pay (MSP), which is a compensation for the various aspects of military
service, will be admissible to the defence forces personnel only.
Ceiling of gratuity enhanced from 10 lakh rupees to 20 lakh rupees and ceiling on gratuity
will be raised by 25 percent whenever DA rises by 50 percent.
Short service commissioned officers will be allowed to exit the armed forces at any point
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in time between 7 to 10 years of service.

A fitment factor of 2.57 which will be applied uniformly to all employees.
Systemic change in the process of Cadre Review for Group A officers recommended.
Allowances relating to Risk and Hardship will be governed by the newly proposed ninecell Risk and Hardship Matrix.
It recommends that House Rent Allowance (HRA) be paid at the rate of 24 percent, 16
percent and 8 percent of the new Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively. The
rate of HRA will be revised to 27 percent, 18 percent and 9 percent respectively when
DA crosses 50 percent.
It recommended abolition of all non-interest bearing advances and increased the limit
for interest-bearing advances for buying home from 7.5 lakh rupees to 25 lakh rupees.
Introduction of a Health Insurance Scheme for Central Government employees and
pensioners has been recommended.
It recommends that in case of death in the line of duty, the force personnel of CAPFs
should be accorded martyr status, at par with the defence forces personnel.
A consolidated pay package of 450000 rupees and 400000 rupees per month for
Chairpersons and Members respectively of select Regulatory bodies.
Introduction of the Performance Related Pay (PRP) for all categories of Central
Government employees, based on quality Results Framework Documents and Annual
Performance Appraisal Reports.
All India Service officers and Central Services Group A officers who have completed 17
years of service should be eligible for empanelment under the Central Staffing Scheme
and there should not be two year edge.
The age of superannuation for all CAPF personnel should be 60 years uniformly.
Background
The 7th Pay Commission was set up on 28 February 2015 to revise remuneration of over
one crore central government employees and pensioners. The commission headed by
Justice AK Mathur submitted its report to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 19
November 2015.
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Other members of the Commission were: Vivek Rae (full time Member), Dr. Ratin Roy (part
time member) and Meena Agarwal (Secretary).
Later, the government constituted a panel headed by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha to study
the recommendations of the pay commission.
Comment
This implementation of the recommendations will put an additional burden of 1.02 lakh
crore rupees on the exchequer annually or nearly 0.7percent of GDP.
RBI publishes Payment and Settlement Systems in India: Vision-2018

RBI The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 23 June 2016 released the Payment and Settlement
Systems in India: Vision-2018. The vision reiterates the aims of building a less-cash
society by encouraging greater use of electronic payments by all sections.
The objective is to ensure that a robust payments infrastructure is established in the country
to increase accessibility, availability, interoperability and security.
Contours of Vision-2018
The broad contours of Vision-2018 revolve around 5Cs Coverage, Convenience,
Confidence, Convergence and Cost.
Coverage: Enabling wider access to a variety of electronic payment services
Convenience: Enhancing user experience through ease of use and of products and processes
Confidence: Promoting integrity of systems, security of operations and customer protection
Convergence: Ensuring interoperability across service providers
Cost: Making services cost effective for users as well as service providers
Four strategic initiatives to achieve 5Cs

To achieve these, Vision-2018 will focus on four strategic initiatives such as responsive
regulation, robust infrastructure, effective supervision and customer centricity.
Responsive Regulation: Involve all stakeholders to promote twin objectives of enhanced
coverage with interoperability of the payments system and convenience with security for
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the end-users in sync with emerging developments and innovations.

Robust Infrastructure: Aim is to increase the accessibility, availability, interoperability and
security of the payment systems.
Effective Supervision: Aims to strengthen the resilience of the Financial Market Infrastructures
(FMIs) and System Wide Important Payment Systems (SWIPS) in the country. This also
envisages setting up appropriate oversight framework for new systems and augmenting the
data reporting and fraud monitoring systems.
Customer Centricity: Envisages streamlining the customer grievance redressal mechanism,
focus on building customer awareness and education, and initiate customer protection
measures.
Expected Outcomes of Vision 2018

With continued efforts and based on Vision 2015-18, following five outcomes are expected
from Vision 2018:
Continued decrease in the share of paper-based clearing instruments
Consistent growth in individual segments of retail electronic payment systems viz. NEFT,
IMPS, Card transactions, mobile banking, etc.
Increase in registered customer base for mobile banking
Significant growth in acceptance infrastructure
Accelerated use of Aadhaar in payment systems
Background
The RBI has periodically put forth its vision for payment and settlement systems in India,
which enunciates the Banks objective to migrate to electronic payments and to ensure that
the payment systems in India are safe, secure, authorised, efficient and accessible. The
previous Vision document covered the period 2012 to 2015.
Union Cabinet approves largest-ever Spectrum Auction

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 June 2016 approved the
sale of all available spectrum in the country. This is the largest-ever spectrum auction in the
country.
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The move could fetch 5.5 lakh crore rupees for the exchequer, going by the reserve price.
This amount is five times higher than the revenue of 1.1 lakh rupees that government earned
through the auction conducted in 2015.
Main highlights of the decision

The auction, to be conducted in September 2016, will put up about 2000 MHz of airwaves
for sale.
It will put up 700 MHz band for sale for the first time at a reserve price of 11485
crore rupees per MHz pan-India. 700 MHz band is preferred for offering high-speed
broadband services and the cost of delivering mobile services in the 700 MHz band is
also approximately 70% cheaper than in the 2100 MHz band (used for 3G services).
It has fixed a reserve price of 2873 crore rupees for the 1800 MHz spectrum, which is
widely used for offering voice services
For spectrum in the 900 MHz, 800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands, reserve
prices of 3341 crore rupees, 5819 crore rupees, 3746 crore rupees and 817 crore rupees
respectively have been stipulated.
The reserve price for 2500 MHz spectrum, which is also on the offer for the first time, be
equal to that of 2300 MHz spectrum.
Companies winning spectrum above 1GHz will need to pay 50% upfront against the
33% earlier. For the remaining spectrum, 25% would be upfront payment. The balance
for both categories will be paid in 10 years after a two-year moratorium.
However, the Cabinet has, decided to refer back the issue of spectrum usage charges
(SUC) to the TRAI for its recommendations.
The Telecom Commission (TC) had recently recommended 3% of operators annual revenue
as SUC for upcoming auctions. SUC is an annual fee payable by telecom operators for
using airwaves.
Union Cabinet approved Special package for Textile and Apparel

sector
The Union Cabinet on 22 June 2016 approved a Special Package for employment generation
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and promotion of exports in Textile and Apparel sector.

The package includes a slew of measures which are labour friendly and would promote
employment generation, economies of scale and boost exports.
The following are the expected benefits to the textile and apparel sector in
3 years:
Cumulative increase of 30 billion US dollars in exports
Investment of 74000 crore rupees
Creation of 1 crore jobs
Salient features of the package

Employee Provident Fund Scheme Reforms: The Union Government shall bear the
entire 12 percent of the employers contribution of the EPF Scheme for new employees
of garment industry for first 3 years who are earning less than 15000 rupees per month.
At present, 8.33 percent of employers contribution is already being provided by the
Government under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
Ministry of Textiles shall provide additional 3.67 percent of the employers contribution
amounting to 1170 crore rupees over next 3 years.
EPF shall be made optional for employees earning less than 15000 rupees per month so
that workers will be left with more money in hands.
Increasing overtime caps: Overtime hours for workers will not be exceeded 8 hours per
week in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) norms. This measure will lead
to increased earnings for the workers
Introduction of fixed term employment: Since the industry of seasonal nature, fixed
term employment shall be introduced for the garment sector. A fixed term workman
will be considered at par with permanent workman in terms of working hours, wages,
allowanced and other statutory dues.
Additional incentives under ATUFS: The package breaks new ground in moving from
input to outcome based incentives by increasing subsidy under Amended-Technology
Up gradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) from 15 percent to 25 percent for the garment sector
as a boost to employment generation.
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A unique feature of the scheme will be to disburse the subsidy only after the expected
jobs are created.
Enhancing scope of Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act, 1961: Looking at the seasonal
nature of garment industry, the provision of 240 days under Section 80JJAA of Income
Tax Act would be relaxed to 150 days for garment industry.
Importance of the Textile and Apparel sector

Indian textiles industry contributes about 14 percent to the industrial production, 4 per
cent to the gross domestic production (GDP) and 11 percent to the countrys export
earnings.
The textile sector is the second largest provider of employment after agriculture.
The growth in this sector is of significance to achieve the objective of inclusive growth
as nearly 70 percent employed are women.
Union Cabinet approved establishment of Fund of Funds for Startups

The Union Cabinet on 22 June 2016 approved the establishment of Fund of Funds for
Startups (FFS).
The establishment of the fund is in tune with the Start up India Action Plan that was unveiled
in January 2016 to boost start up ecosystem in the country.
Features of Fund of Funds for Startups

Beneficiaries: It will be utilised for contribution to various Alternative Investment Funds
(AIF), registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) which would extend
funding support to Startups.
Resource allocation: It has a corpus of 10000 crore rupees which shall be built up over
the 14th (2015-20) and 15th Finance Commission (2020-25) cycles subject to progress
of the scheme and availability of funds.
An amount of 500 crore rupees has already been provided to the corpus of FFS in 201516 and 600 crore earmarked in the 2016-17.
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Further provisions will be made as grant assistance through Gross Budgetary Support
by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
The 10000 crore rupees corpus could potentially be the nucleus for catalyzing 60000
crore rupees of equity investment and twice as much debt investment.
This would provide a stable and predictable source of funding for Startup enterprises
and thereby facilitate large scale job creation.
Employment: On full deployment, the Fund is expected to generate employment for 18
lakh persons on full deployment.
Execution: The expertise of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
would be utilized to manage the day to day operations of the FFS.
Monitoring: The DIPP will monitor and review performance of the fund in line with the
Start up India Action Plan.
The monitoring and review of performance would be linked to the implementation of the
Start Up Action Plan to enable execution as per timelines and milestones.
Why the Fund of Funds for Startups was established?

For India, accelerating innovation driven entrepreneurship and business creation through
Start-ups is crucial for large-scale employment generation.
The NITI Aayog-appointed Tarun Khanna Committee on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
opined that India has the potential to build about 2500 highly scalable businesses in the
next 10 years.
Given the probability of entrepreneurial success that means 10000 Start ups will need to
be spawned to get 2500 large scale businesses.
However, start-ups face several challenges - limited availability of domestic risk capital,
constraints of conventional bank finance, information asymmetry and lack of hand
holding support from credible agencies.
A large majority of the successful Start-ups have been funded by foreign venture funds
and many of them are locating outside the country to receive such funding.
A dedicated fund for carrying out Fund of Funds operations would address these issues
and enable flow of assistance to innovative Start ups through their journey to become
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full fledged business entities.

This would encompass support at seed stage, early stage and growth stage.
Government contribution to the target corpus of the individual Fund as an investor would
encourage greater participation of private capital and thus help leverage mobilization of
larger resources.
Union Government introduces Radical changes in FDI Policy regime; Grants 100% FDI in Defence Sector
The Union Government on 20 June 2016 radically changed the Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) Policy regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job
creation in India.
Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral caps, bringing more activities
under automatic route and easing of conditionality for foreign investment.
These amendments seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in India.
Radical Changes in FDI Policy regime

Radical Changes for promoting Food Products manufactured/produced in India: To
permit 100 percent FDI under government approval route for trading in respect of food
products manufactured in India.
FDI in Defence Sector up to 100%: FDI beyond 49% has been permitted through
government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology. FDI limit
for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and
Ammunitions covered under Arms Act, 1959.
Review of Entry Routes in Broadcasting Carriage Services: 100 percent FDI allowed
under automatic route for Teleports, Direct to Home, Cable Networks and Mobile TV.
Moreover, infusion of FDI beyond 49% in a company not seeking permission from
Ministry will result in change in the ownership pattern.
Pharmaceutical Sector: 100% FDI under automatic route in Greenfield pharma, FDI up to
100% under government approval in Brownfield pharma and 74% FDI under automatic
route in Brownfield pharmaceuticals.
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Civil Aviation Sector: To permit 100% FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport
projects. In Scheduled Air Transport Service and regional Air Transport Service, it has
now been decided to raise FDI limit to 100%. For NRIs, 100% FDI will continue to be
allowed under automatic route.
Private Security Agencies: FDI up to 49% is now permitted under automatic route in
this sector and FDI beyond 49% and up to 74% would be permitted with government
approval route.
Establishment of branch office, liaison office or project office: No approval from Reserve
Bank of India or separate security clearance would be required in cases where FIPB
approval or license/permission by the concerned Ministry has already been granted.
Animal Husbandry: It has been decided to do away with the requirement of controlled
conditions for FDI in Animal Husbandry, Pisciculture, Aquaculture and Apiculture.
Single Brand Retail Trading: It has been decided to relax local sourcing norms up to
three years and a relaxed sourcing regime for entities undertaking Single Brand Retail
Trading of products having cutting edge technology.
Comment
In last two years, Union Government has brought major Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Policy reforms in a number of sectors. Measures undertaken by the Government have
resulted in increased FDI inflows at 55.46 billion US dollars in financial year 2015-16.
This is the highest ever FDI inflow for a particular financial year. However, it was felt that the
country has potential to attract more FDI which can be achieved by further simplifying the
FDI regime.
Union Cabinet approved National Civil Aviation Policy 2016

The Union Cabinet on 15 June 2016 approved the countrys first ever integrated National
Civil Aviation Policy.
The policy seeks to provide safe, secure, affordable and sustainable air travel for
passengers and air transportation of cargo with access to various parts of India and
the world.
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Key features of National Civil Aviation Policy 2016

Vision: To create an eco-system to make flying affordable for the masses
To enable 30 crore domestic ticketing by 2022 and 50 crore by 2027
To increase international ticketing to 20 crore by 2027
Increase cargo volumes to 10 million tonnes by 2027
Key objectives: To establish an integrated eco-system leading to significant growth
of civil aviation sector that would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to
a balanced regional growth.
To ensure safety, security and sustainability of aviation sector through the use of
technology and effective monitoring.
To enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development.
To enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and
e-governance.
To promote the entire aviation sector chain in a harmonised manner covering cargo,
MRO, general aviation, aerospace manufacturing and skill development.
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS): It will not allow the airlines to charge more than
2500 rupees for one hour flight between two small cities. The RCS will come into effect
in the second quarter of 2016-17.
Code-share agreements: Indian carriers will be free to enter into code-share agreements
with foreign carriers for any destination within India on a reciprocal basis. Indian carriers
need to simply inform Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) 30 days prior to starting the
code-share flights.
Encourage Private Security: The Government will encourage use of private security
agencies at airports for non-core security functions. The private security agencies will
comprise retired personnel from military and para-military forces.
No-Frills Airports: They will be built at an indicative cost of 50 crore to 100 crore rupees.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): It will be shared between MoCA and the State Government
in the ratio of 80:20 while it is 90:10 for the North Eastern States.
The payment of the full amount of VGF will be made to the airline operator from the
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Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) and the State Governments will be subsequently
asked reimbursement.
MoCAs share of VGF will be provided through the RCF, which will be collected and
operated by Airport Authority of India (AAI) or any other entity identified by MoCA.
MoCA will persuade State Governments to make Value Added Tax (VAT) zero-rated on
MRO activities to develop India as an MRO hub in Asia.
5/20 Rule: The requirement for 5/20 is modified and all airlines can commence international
operations provided that they deploy 20 aircraft or 20 percent of total capacity (in term of
average number of seats on all departures put together), whichever is higher for domestic
operations.
Bilateral Traffic Rights: Under this, government will enter into an Open sky ASA on
a reciprocal basis with SAARC countries and countries with territory located entirely
beyond a 5000 kilometers radius from New Delhi.
India has Air Service Agreements (ASA) with 109 countries covering aspects relating to
the number of flights, seats, landing points and code-share.
Up gradation of Airports: Airport Authority of India (AAI) will continue to modernize the
existing airports and upgrade quality of services. It will also maintain an ASQ rating of
4.5 or more across all airports which have a throughput above 1.5 million passengers
per annum (mppa) and ASQ rating of 4.0 or more for the rest.
Ground Handling Agencies (GHA): The airport operator will ensure that there will be three
Ground Handling Agencies (GHA) including Air Indias subsidiary/JV at all major airports
as defined in AERA Act 2008 to ensure fair competition.
Advanced Cargo Information system: It will be implemented in a phased manner after a
universally accepted international template has emerged.
MoCA will be nodal agency for developing commercial aero-related manufacturing and
its eco-system in India in line with Aeronautical Make in India.
Growth of helicopters: Government will support growth of helicopters for remote area
connectivity and separate regulations for helicopters will be notified by DGCA.
Union Cabinet approved Bill to fast track recovery of bad loans

The Union Cabinet on 15 June 2016 approved the Enforcement of Security Interest and
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Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill, 2016. It was
introduced in the Lok Sabha on 11 May 2016.
The bill seeks to improve ease of doing business and thereby, attract investments into the
economy by fast tracking recovery of bad loans.
Primarily, the bill seeks to amend four existing legislations, namely, 1. Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002
2. Recovery of Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions (RDDBFI) Act, 1993
3. Indian Stamp Act, 1899
4. Depositories Act, 1996
Highlights of the Bill

Amendments to the SARFAESI Act, 2002: The SARFAESI Act allows secured creditors
to take possession over a collateral, against which a loan had been provided, upon a
default in repayment.
This process is undertaken with the assistance of the District Magistrate, and does not
require the intervention of courts or tribunals.
The Bill provides that this process will have to be completed within 30 days by the
District Magistrate.
In addition, the Bill empowers the District Magistrate to assist banks in taking over the
management of a company, in case the company is unable to repay loans.
This will be done in case the banks convert their outstanding debt into equity shares,
and consequently hold a stake of 51 percent or more in the company.
It empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to examine the statements and any
information of Asset Reconstruction Companies related to their business.
The Bill further empowers the RBI to carry out audit and inspection of these companies.
The RBI may penalise a company if the company fails to comply with any directions
issued by it.
Amendments to the RDDBFI Act, 1993: The RDDBFI Act established Debt Recovery
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Tribunals and Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals.

The Bill increases the retirement age of Presiding Officers of Debt Recovery Tribunals
from 62 years to 65 years.
It increases the retirement age of Chairpersons of Appellate Tribunals from 65 years to
67 years. It also makes Presiding Officers and Chairpersons eligible for reappointment
to their positions.
The Act provides that banks and financial institutions will be required to file cases in
tribunals having jurisdiction over the defendants area of residence or business.
The Bill allows banks to file cases in tribunals having jurisdiction over the area of bank
branch where the debt is pending.
The Bill provides that certain procedures under the Act will be undertaken in electronic
form. These include presentation of claims by parties and summons issued by tribunals
under the Act.
Union Cabinet approved merger of SBI with its five subsidiaries

The Union cabinet on 15 June 2016 approved the merger of the State Bank of India (SBI)
with the five subsidiaries of Bank.
The cabinet approved the merger of the following subsidiaries:

State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur
State Bank of Hyderabad
State Bank of Mysore
State Bank of Patiala
State Bank of Travancore
Apart from this, the Bharatiya Mahila Bank will also be merged with the SBI and the cabinet
had cleared this proposal too.
Highlights of the merger

The merger will create a behemoth with an asset base of 37 lakh crore rupees with
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22500 branches and nearly 60000 automated teller machines.

The merger necessitates changes in various acts that govern the functioning of the SBI
and its subsidiary banks - which require further cabinet approval.
The merger will make SBI as one of the top 50 banks in the world as currently no Indian
bank features in the top 50 banks of the world.
Background
SBI had seven associate banks, of which it has merged State Bank of Saurashtra and State
Bank of Indore with itself over the last 10 years.
The parent bank had advances of 15.09 trillion rupees and deposits of 17.31 trillion rupees
as of the end of the March quarter.
Bank consolidation was proposed by the Union Government in March 2016 at a congregation
of bankers and government officials where various issues pertaining to banks were discussed.
Union Government launches Scheme for setting up 1000 MW Wind

Power Project connected to CTU
Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 15 June 2016 launched Scheme
for setting up of 1000 MW Wind Power Project connected to Central Transmission Utility
(CTU) transmission network.
The scheme has been launched with an objective to facilitate supply of wind power to the
non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process.
The launching of the scheme is in line with the Union Governments ambitious target of
achieving 175 GW power capacity from renewable energy resources by 2022. Out of 175
GW, 60 GW will come from wind power.
Key features of the Scheme

It envisages building of 1000 MW CTU-connected Wind Power Project on build, own
and operate (BOO) basis.
The capacity may go higher than 1000 MW, if there is higher demand from Distribution
companies (Discoms) of non-windy states.
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Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has been designated as nodal agency for
implementation of the scheme.
It will encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of
efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes.
It will also facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)
requirement of non-windy states.
Status of Wind Power in India

It was in early 90s India started generating electricity from wind power projects and
since then this segment has achieved highest growth amongst the other renewable
energy technologies.
The present wind power installed capacity in India stands at approx 26.7 GW contributing
about 9% of total installed capacity. Globally, India is at 4th position in term of wind
power installed capacity after China, USA and Germany.
The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) assesses the Wind power potential in India
at 100-m above ground level, which is estimated to be over 302 GW.
The states with highest wind power potential are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on 14 June 2016 released Draft National
Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2016.
The policy was unveiled as part of Union Governments attempt to reach the target of 175
Gigawatts (1 GW = 1000 MW) of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by 2022.
It includes 100 GW from solar and 60 GW from wind.
Highlights of Draft National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2016

Goal: To reach wind-solar hybrid capacity of 10 GW by 2022.
Objectives: To provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar
PV system for optimal and efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land,
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reducing the variability in renewable power generation and thus achieving better grid
stability.
To encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation
of wind and solar PV plants.
Wind-Solar Hybrid Systems: These systems will be configured to operate at the same
point of grid connection.
The size of the solar PVs capacity to be added as the solar-hybrid component could be
relatively smaller.
Implementation: The implementation of wind solar hybrid system will depend on different
configurations and use of Technologies like Wind-Solar Hybrid-AC integration, WindSolar Hybrid-DC integration, Hybridisation of existing wind/solar PV plants along with
New Wind-Solar Hybrid Plants.
Incentives: The Government will encourage development wind-solar hybrid systems
through various incentives.
All fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects may also be
made available to hybrid projects.
Low cost financing for hybrid projects may be made available through IREDA and other
financial institutions including multilateral banks.
Research and Development: Government will support the technology development
projects in the field of hybrid systems. Besides, support will be provided for development
of standards for hybrid systems.
The policy will remain in force unless withdrawn or superseded by the Government. The
Government can undertake a review of the Policy as and when required.
Central Port Authorities Act, 2016 drafted to replace the Major Port
Trust Act, 1963
The Union Ministry of Shipping in June 2016 prepared a draft bill The Central Port Authorities
Act, 2016. The bill seeks to replace the Major Port Trust Act, 1963.
The draft was prepared with an aim to provide more autonomy and flexibility to the Major
Ports and to bring in a professional approach in their governance.
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Salient Feature of the Draft Central Port Authorities Bill, 2016

Composition of board has been simplified. The board will comprise of
a) 9 members including 3 to 4 independent members instead of 17-19 under the Port Trust
Model
b) Provisions have been made for inclusion of 3 functional heads of Major Port as Members
in the Board apart from a Government Nominee Member and a Labour Nominee Member.
The disqualification of the appointment of the Members of the Board, duties of the
Members and provision of the meetings of the Board through video conferencing and
other visual means have been introduced on the lines of Companies Act, 2013.
Port related and non-port related use of land has been defined.
a) A distinction has been made between these two usages in terms of approval of leases.
b) The Port Authorities are empowered to lease land for Port related use for up to 40 years
and for non-port related use up to 20 years beyond which the approval of the Central
Government is required.
The need for Government approvals for raising loans, appointment of consultants ,
execution of contracts and creation of service posts have been dispensed with.
The Board of Port Authority has been delegated power to raise loans and issue security
for the purpose of capital expenditure and working capital requirement.
The provision for maintenance of books of account and financial statements in accordance
with the accounting standards notified under the Companies Act, 2013 or as prescribed
by Central Government has been provided.
Concept of internal audit of the functions and activities of the Central Ports has been
introduced on the lines of Companies Act, 2015.
The Board of the Port Authority has been delegated the power to fix the scale of rates
for service and assets. The regulation to tariff by TAMP has been removed.
a) An independent Review Board has been proposed to be created to carry out the residual
function of the erstwhile TAMP for Major Ports, to look into
b) Disputes between ports and PPP concessionaries
c) To review stressed PPP projects and suggest measures to review stressed PPP projects
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and suggest measures to revive such projects

d) To look into complaints regarding services rendered by the ports/private operators
operating within the ports would be constituted.
e) At present, there is no independent body to look into the above aspects and the Review
Board will reduce the extent of litigation between PPP Operators and Ports.
Power of Central Govt. to take over the control of the Port Authority is limited to the event
of grave emergency or in case of persistent default by Port Authority in performance of
their duties.
Provisions of CSR & development of infrastructure by Port Authority have been introduced.
The status of Port Authority will be deemed as local authority under the provisions
of the General Clauses Act, 1887 & other applicable Statutes so that it could prepare
appropriate regulations in respect of the area within the port limits to the exclusion of
any Central, State of local laws.
RBI introduces Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 June 2016 issued the guidelines on the Scheme for
Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets.
The guidelines were issued with an aim to further strengthen the lenders ability to deal with
stressed assets and to put real assets back on track.
Highlights of the Scheme

RBI formulated the Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A) as an
optional framework for the resolution of large stressed accounts.
The S4A envisages determination of the sustainable debt level for a stressed borrower.
It also envisages bifurcation of the outstanding debt into sustainable debt and equity/
quasi-equity instruments which are expected to provide upside to the lenders when the
borrower turns around.
In order to make sure that that the entire exercise is carried out in a transparent and
prudent manner, S4A envisages that the resolution plan will be prepared by credible
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professional agencies.
An Overseeing Committee, set up by the Indian Banks Association, comprising of
eminent experts will independently review the processes involved in preparation of the
resolution plan for reasonableness and adherence to the provisions of these guidelines.
The scheme is applicable to those projects that have started commercial operations and
have outstanding loan of over 500 crore rupees.
Reasons behind the formulation of S4A

Resolution of large borrowal accounts which are facing severe financial difficulties may
require co-ordinated deep financial restructuring which often involves a substantial writedown of debt and/or making large provisions.
Often such high write-downs act as a disincentive to lenders to effect a sustainable change
in the liability structure of borrows facing stress.
Accordingly, RBI, after due consultation with lenders, has formulated the scheme.
ADB and Union Government signed Loan Agreement to upgrade

176 Km of roads in Jharkhand
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Union Government on 3 June 2016 signed
the Loan Agreement for 200 million US dollars to upgrade 176 Kilometres of State roads in
Jharkhand.
The agreement was signed by Raj Kumar. Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions),
Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and by M. Teresa Kho, Country Director
of ADBs India Resident Mission.
Highlights of the agreement

It will upgrade existing sections of four State roads to two lane standard and will also
support improvements in the design, safety and maintenance of the network.
Besides upgrading 176 km of roads, the project will help the State develop an international
standard road safety master plan for promoting road safety in Jharkhand.
It will enhance the States ability to systematically identify, analyze, develop and prioritize
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critical road safety measures, which will benefit all road users.
Highlights of the Project to upgrade 176 Km of roads in Jharkhand

Several safety features included in the project design include over 60 bus stop shelters;
50 km of raised sidewalks in urban areas; 4 km of dedicated bicycle lanes; and solarpowered street lights.
The project will also generate employment opportunities for residents of the adjoining
areas, including for women, who will get a share of a least 20% of jobs for afforestation.
The total cost of the project, due to be completed by December 2019, is 306.25 million
US dollars.
In addition to ADBs loan, the State Government of Jharkhand will provide counterpart
assistance equivalent to 106.25 million US dollars.
Background
ADB has already been supporting the Jharkhands goals of improving its road connectivity
by providing an initial loan for upgrading 311 km of State Roads in 2009. Together, the two
projects are rehabilitating 487 km of state highways.
CCEA approved Minimum Support Prices for Kharif Crops for 201617 season
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on 1 June 2016 approved for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif Crops of
2016-17 season.
The prices will come into effect from effective from 1 October 2016. The higher MSPs
would increase investment and production through assured remunerative prices to farmers.
The approved MSP is based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs
and Prices (CACP) which takes into account the cost of production, overall demand-supply
among others.
Above the recommendations of the CACP, the CCEA decided to give a bonus of 425 rupees
per quintal for Kharif pulses like Arhar (Tur), Urad and Moong, a bonus of 200 rupees
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per quintal for Sesamum and a bonus of 100 rupees per quintal for kharif oilseeds like
Groundnut-in-shell, Sunflowerseed, Soyabean, and Nigerseed.
This is expected to give a strong price signal to farmers to increase acreage and invest for
increase in productivity of pulses and oilseeds.
About Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

It is an attached office of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare which
came into existence in January 1965.
It is mandated to recommend minimum support prices (MSPs) to incentivize the cultivators
to adopt modern technology, and raise productivity and overall grain production in line
with the emerging demand patterns in India.
CACP submits its recommendations to the government in the form of Price Policy
Reports every year, separately for five groups of commodities namely Kharif crops, Rabi
crops, Sugarcane, Raw Jute and Copra.
Singapore International Arbitration Centre to open Representative

Office at GIFT City
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in June 2016 signed a Memorandum of
Agreement (MoA) with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL)
and GIFT SEZ Limited (GIFT SEZ) to establish a representative office in India.
The representation office will be located in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT
City). The center will be instrumental in resolving international commercial disputes. It will
also promote SIACs arbitration services to Indian users.
Highlights of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)

The signatories will collaborate to promote the use of arbitration, mediation, and other
dispute resolution mechanisms.
The mechanisms include the Arb-Med-Arb service, which is a process where a dispute
is first referred to arbitration before mediation is attempted.
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SIAC and the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) will collaborate with the
Indian companies to resolve international commercial disputes in Indias International
Financial Services Centre in GIFT-City (IFSC-GIFT).
About International Arbitration Centre (IAC)

IAC is a centre where the disputes are handled that arises due to commercial agreements
in sectors like insurance, shipping, construction, private equity and other trades.
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It is a technique for the
resolution of disputes outside the courts.
Since they are different from litigations, they turn up to be less time taking and are done
in private between the lawyers representing the aggrieved parties.
The parties to a dispute refer it to arbitration agree to be bound by the arbitration decision.
Index of Industrial Production of Eight Core Industries for April 2016

released
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) of eight Core Industries for April 2016 was released
on 31 May 2016. These eight industries comprise nearly 38 percent of the weight of items
included in the Index.
The total of Indices of Eight Core Industries stands at 176.4 in April 2016 which is 8.5
percent more than that of April 2015. Its cumulative growth during April to March 2015-16
was 2.7 percent.
Production & Cumulative Index of Eight Core Industries

Coal: The production with a weight of 4.38 percent was decreased by 0.9 percent in April
2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 4.6 percent.
Crude Oil: The production with a weight of 5.22 percent was decreased by 2.3 percent in
April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index decreased by 1.4 percent.
Natural Gas: The production with a weight of 1.71 percent was decreased by 6.8 percent in
April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was declined by 4.2 percent.
Refinery Products (93 percent of Crude Throughput): The production with a weight of 5.94
percent was increased by 17.9 percent in April 2016 over April, 2015. Its cumulative index
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increased by 3.8 percent.

Fertilizers: The production with a weight of 1.25 percent was increased by 7.8 percent in
April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 11.3 percent.
Steel (Alloy + Non-Alloy): The production with a weight of 6.68 percent was increased by
6.1 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was declined by 1.4 percent.
Cement: The production with a weight of 2.41 percent was increased by 4.4 percent in April
2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index was increased by 4.7 percent.
Electricity: The generation of Electricity with a weight of 10.32 percent was increased by
14.7 percent in April 2016 over April 2015. Its cumulative index increased by 5.2 percent.
Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 comes into force

The Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 came into effect on 1 June 2016. The
scheme was incorporated as Chapter X of the Finance Act, 2016.
The declarations under this Scheme may be made on or before the 31 December 2016 in
respect of tax arrears & specified tax.
Procedure to file Declaration

Declarant to file declaration to the designated authority not below the rank of Commissioner
in Form-1 to the designated authority and verified in the manner specified therein.
The designated authority shall within 60 days from the date of receipt of declaration,
determine the amount payable by the declarant.
The declarant shall pay the sum within 30 days of passing such order and furnish a proof
of the sum.
Any amount paid in pursuance of declaration shall not be refundable.
Scheme will not apply in following cases: Cases where prosecution has been initiated before 29.02.2016.
Search or survey cases where the declaration is in respect of tax arrears
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Cases relating to undisclosed foreign income and assets

Cases based on information received under DTAA u/s 90 or 90A where the declaration
is in respect of tax arrears
Person notified under Special Courts Act, 1992
Cases covered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Indian Penal
Code,
Prevention of Corruption Act or Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of
Smuggling Activities Act, 1974
The Government of India and the World Bank on 31 May 2016 signed a 9.2 million US dollar
grant agreement under the World Bank-Global Environment Facility (GEF) Programme for
the Efficient and Sustainable City Bus Service Project.
The project aims at improving the efficiency and attractiveness of bus services in select
Indian cities.
The project will complement the Government of Indias Bus Funding Scheme launched to
promote public transport by supporting cities to modernize their bus services.
Demonstration cities where the various initiatives for improving city bus services will be
undertaken are Mira Bhayandar in Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Bhopal.
Key highlights of the project

The project will demonstrate low cost high impact initiatives in efficient bus operations.
It will focus on modernizing city bus services through modern depots for improving the
maintenance of buses.
It will introduce modern Intelligent Transport Systems and Management Information
Systems for better planning and management of operations.
It will provide technical support to vehicles and drivers for better fuel efficiency, among
others.
The project is designed to specifically focus on identifying regulatory, institutional and
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fiscal constraints to operation of sustainable city bus services.
National GDP Provisional Estimates for 2015-16 released

The Central Statistical Office (CSO) on 31 May 2016 released the provisional estimates of
national GDP for 2015-16.
It pegged GDP growth at 7.9 percent in Quarter 4 of 2015-16 and 7.6 percent in the whole
of 2015-16.
India continued to remain a bright spot in world economy with robust macro-economic and
fiscal parameters.
Highlights of the Accounts:

Fiscal Deficit: It stands at 3.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015-16 as
estimated both in Budget Expenditure (BE) and Revenue Expenditure (RE) of 2015-16. This
is a significant improvement over the Fiscal Deficit of 4.1 percent in 2014-15 and 4.7 percent
in 2013-14.
Revenue Deficit: It also showed a significant improvement due to increase in Capital
Expenditure of the Central Government. Revenue Deficit which stood at 3.2 percent of GDP
in 2013-14 has improved to 2.9 percent in 2014-15 and 2.5 percent in 2015-16.
Plan Expenditure: It is 471081 crore rupees in 2015-16 which is 8437 crore rupees higher
over 2014-15 despite substantial increase in share of tax devolution to the States.
Gross tax collection: It showed 17 percent growth as compared to Fiscal 2014-15 and
also showed an improvement up to 10.74 percent of GDP (tax-GDP ratio) in 2015-16 as
compared to 10.06 percent in 2013-14.
Non Tax Receipts: These also showed improvement with 250744 crore in 2015-16 when
compared to 197766 crore in 2014-15 and 198865 crore in 2013-14.
Constitution of National Company Law Tribunal and Appellate Tribunal Notified

Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on 1 June 2016 notified the constitution of the
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National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
(NCLAT) with immediate effect.
Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya, Judge (Retd.), Supreme Court of India appointed as the
Chairperson of the NCLAT while Justice MM Kumar, Judge (Retd.) appointed as the
President of the NCLT.
Initially, NCLT will have eleven Benches, two at New Delhi and one each at Ahmedabad,
Allahabad, Bengluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.
With the constitution of the NCLT, the Company Law Board (CLB) constituted under the
Companies Act, 1956 stands dissolved.
Both the NCLT and NCLAT were constituted under the Companies Act, 2013 which replaced
the Companies Act, 1956. The Act came into force on 12 September 2013.
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)

It will exercise and discharges such powers and functions that were conferred on it through
the Companies Act, 2013 or any other law for the time being in force.
The President shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court for five years.
A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Judicial Member unless

he
(a) is, or has been, a judge of a High Court; or
(b) is, or has been, a District Judge for at least five years; or
(c) has, for at least ten years been an advocate of a court.
National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)

It will hear appeals against the orders of the Tribunal (NCLT).
(a) The chairperson shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or
the Chief Justice of a High Court.
(b) A Judicial Member shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court or is a
Judicial Member of the Tribunal for five years.
(c) A Technical Member shall be a person of proven ability, integrity and standing having
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special knowledge and experience, of not less than twenty-five years, in law, industrial
finance, industrial management or administration, industrial reconstruction, investment,
accountancy, labour matters, or such other disciplines related to management, conduct
of affairs, revival, rehabilitation and winding up of companies.
The President of the NCLT and the chairperson and Judicial Members of the NCLAT will be
appointed after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
IWAI and IPGPL signed MoU on Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL)
on 1 June 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Kaladan Multimodal
Transit Transport Project.
The MoU has been signed for implementation of the following three additional works, which
are independent of the on-going works and are estimated to cost 476 crore rupees. They
are
Container handling facilities at Sittwe & Paletwa
Operation & Maintenance of the completed works
Wrecks removed in Sittwe Port basin area
IWAI shall remain as the overall Project Development Consultant (PDC) to Project
Development Consultant (PDC) for implementation of PORT & IWT component of Kaladan
project.
Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)

It was conceptualised and is being administered by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Its aim to facilitate connectivity between the mainland and the North Eastern States of
the country through maritime shipping, inland waterways and roads of Myanmar.
The link between North Eastern States of India and Myanmar will pave the way for
enhanced trade & commerce across the border. It will also enable cultural and social
integration at the regional level.
Project Development Consultant of the Project, IWAI
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MEA had appointed Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) as the Project Development
Consultant (PDC) for the implementation of the Port & Inland Water Transport (IWT)
component of the Kaladan Project on 19 March 2009 and by Supplementary Agreement
dated 28 April 2016.
India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL)

It was established as a Joint Venture between Kandla Port Trust and Jawaharlal Nehru
Port Trust for the purpose of development of ports overseas.
IPGPL was asked to partner IWAI in the Kaladan project as a sub-PDC.
It will help complete the implementation of Kaladan project within the scheduled
timeframe of April 2019 and provide relief to IWAI.
The responsibilities of IWAI has increased manifold due to declaration of 106 new
National Waterways and implementing the ambitious Jal Marg Vikas project.
Union Cabinet approves setting up of India Post Payments Bank

The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 approved setting up of the India Post Payments Bank
(IPPB) as a Public Limited Company under the Department of Posts, with 100% Government
of India (GOI) equity.
These banks will be established at an expense of 800 crore rupees and rolled out in the
entire country in a phased manner.
IPPB will start operations in March 2017 in about 50 districts and will cover the entire
country by the end of FY 2018-19.
Once fully operationalised, it will be the largest bank in the world in terms of reach.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

It will allow all citizens of India, especially the 40% of the countrys population that is
outside the ambit of formal banking in the country will benefit from this project.
Its services will be available across the country through 650 payments bank branches,
1.54 lakh post offices ( including 1.39 lakh in rural areas) and alternative channels riding
on modern technology including mobiles, ATMs, point of sale (PoS)/m-PoS devices etc
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and simple digital payments.

It will help is furthering the cause of financial inclusion
It will generate new employment opportunities for skilled banking professionals and will
generate opportunities for propagating financial literacy across the country.
It will create the largest bank in the world in terms of accessibility and in time, will
encourage the move towards a less cash economy.
The total fund requirement for the proposal is 800 crore rupees, which will be split up as
400 crore equity and 400 crore rupees as grant.
It is expected to generated employment to around 3500 skilled banking professionals.
Background
Setting-up of the IPPB to further financial inclusion was one of the budgetary announcements
during 2015-16.
The Department of Posts had obtained the in-principle approval of the RBI in September
2015 to set up the India Post Payments Bank.
The India Post Payments Bank will leverage the Departments network, reach, and resources
to make simple, low-cost, quality financial services easily accessible to customers all over
the country.
Payments Bank
A payments bank differs from conventional banks as it cannot lend to its customers.
It is allowed to take deposits, allow remittances and provide simple financial products
like mutual fund units and insurance products.
The payments bank will need to invest 75 percent of its funds in government securities.
The minimum capital needed to set up a payments bank is set at 100 crore rupees.
The bank will be allowed to accept savings deposits of up to 1 lakh rupees from each
customer.
It can issue ATM/debit cards but not credit cards.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Scientists develop bio-ink for 3D printing with stem cells
124
Researcher develops non-invasive method to kill cancer cells in two hours

124
Scientists developed KiloCore, worlds first 1000-processor computer chip
125
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K2-33b, a newborn Exoplanet around a young star, discovered by NASA 126

Chinas Sunway TaihuLight declared worlds fastest supercomputer
127
NASA unveils X-57 Hybrid Electric Research Plane
129
China to operationalise exascale supercomputer Tianhe -3 by 2020
130
Scientists announces Human Genome Project-Write to synthesize entire genome
130
NASA spots Single Methane Leak from Space using Hyperion spectrometer
132
Underwater Robots to be used to Study Indian monsoon: Scientists
133
Jupiter-like planet, Kepler-1647b, orbiting two stars discovered
134
Hubble Telescope spots Solitary Galaxy, UGC 4879
135
China launches 23rd BeiDou Navigation Satellite
135
Iceland scientists turn CO2 into Stone under CarbFix Project
136
Assam researchers developed Ranjit Sub-1 & Bahadur Sub-1 rice varieties
for submerged areas
137
Scientists identified a process to remove DNA molecules from X-Files
140
Worlds space agencies join hands to face climate challenge
141
Astrophysicists discover Canarias Einstein Ring in space
142
Worlds first 3D-printed aircraft THOR unveiled
143
NASA finds 39 unreported human-made sources of toxic sulfur dioxide
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emissions
144
Indus Valley Civilization is 8000 years old: IIT Kharagpur Study
145
Climate Change not led to abrupt collapse of Harappa civilization
146
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Scientists develop bio-ink for 3D printing with stem cells

Bio-inkA group of scientists at the University of Bristol developed a new stem cell-containing
bio-ink that allows 3D printing of complex living tissues.
The new stem cell-containing bio ink allows 3D printing of living tissues, known as bioprinting.
The teams findings were featured in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
Key highlights of the technique

The bio-ink used contains a natural polymer from seaweed and a sacrificial synthetic
polymer used in the medical industry.
The seaweed polymer offers structural support when cell nutrients are introduced.
The synthetic polymer changes the bio-ink from a liquid to a solid as temperature is
raised.
The special bio-ink formulation was extruded from a retrofitted benchtop 3-D printer
as a liquid that transformed to a gel at 37C. The formulation allows construction of
complex living 3-D architectures.
Stem cells were differentiated into osteoblasts and chondrocytes.
Osteoblasts are cells that secrete bone substance and chondrocytes are cells that have
secreted the matrix of cartilage and are then embedded in it.
With that, tissue structures including a tracheal cartilage ring were 3-D printed over 5
weeks.
When the cell nutrients were introduced, the synthetic polymer was completely expelled
from the 3D structure, leaving only the stem cells and the natural seaweed polymer.
This, in turn, created microscopic pores in the structure, which provided more effective
nutrient access for the stem cells.
Researcher develops non-invasive method to kill cancer cells in two

hours
Matthew Gdovin, an associate professor in the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
Department of Biology, developed a newly patented method to kill cancer cells.
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Gdovins research was published on 27 June 2016 in The Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The discovery may help people with inoperable or hard-to-reach tumours.
How the method was discovered?

The research involved injecting a chemical compound, nitrobenzaldehyde, into the
tumour and allowing it to diffuse into the tissue.
A beam of light was aimed at the tissue, which caused the cells to become very acidic
inside. It forced the cells to commit suicide.
Thereafter, it was estimated that up to 95 percent of the targeted cancer cells were dead
within two hours.
Effectiveness of the method

Gdovin tested the method against triple negative breast cancer, which is one of the most
aggressive types of cancer and one of the hardest to treat.
The prognosis for triple negative breast cancer is usually very poor.
After one treatment in the laboratory, he was able to stop the tumour from growing and
double chances of survival in mice.
Scientists developed KiloCore, worlds first 1000-processor computer chip

The scientists in June 2016 unveiled a microchip, named KiloCore, containing 1000
independent programmable processors.
The chip has been designed by a team at the University of California, Davis, Department of
Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The KiloCore was presented at the 2016 Symposium on VLSI Technology and Circuits in
Honolulu on 16 June 2016.
Key features of KiloCore

The energy-efficient chip has a maximum computation rate of 1.78 trillion instructions
per second.
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It contains 621 million transistors.

It was fabricated by IBM using their 32 nm CMOS technology.
Each processor core can run its own small program independently of the others. Cores
operate at an average maximum clock frequency of 1.78 GHz.
As each processor is independently clocked, it can shut itself down to further save
energy when not needed.
It can execute 115 billion instructions per second while dissipating only 0.7 Watts.
Therefore, it is low enough to be powered by a single AA battery.
The KiloCore chip executes instructions more than 100 times more efficiently than a
modern laptop processor.
K2-33b, a newborn Exoplanet around a young star, discovered by

NASA
NASAs Kepler Space Telescope and its extended K2 mission allowed astronomers to
discover the youngest fully formed exoplanet, K2-33b. The WM Keck Observatory on Mauna
Kea, Hawaii also helped in discovery of this new found planet. Exoplanets are planets that
orbit stars beyond our sun.
The finding was published online on 20 June 2016 in journal Nature.
Characteristic features of K2-33b

The planet K2-33b is nearly 10 times closer to its star than Mercury is to our sun, making
it hot.
K2-33b is a bit larger than Neptune and whips tightly around its star every five days.
It is only 5 to 10 million years old, making it one of a very few newborn planets found to
date.
Two theories surrounding the discovery of K2-33b

The discovery of exoplanet K2-33b so close to its star has given the theorists new data
point to ponder.
They argue that the closeness of K2-33b could be explained either through the theory of
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disk migration or the theory of in-situ formation.

As per the former theory, the exoplanet might have migrated so close in a process called
disk migration that takes hundreds of thousands of years. On the other hand, later theory
puts that planet might have formed in-situ right where it is.
How it was found?

The first signals of the planets existence were measured by K2.
The telescopes camera detected a periodic dimming of the light emitted by the planets
host star, a sign that an orbiting planet could be regularly passing in front of the star and
blocking the light.
Data from the Keck Observatory validated that the dimming was indeed caused by a
planet, and also helped confirm its youthful age.
Infrared measurements from NASAs Spitzer Space Telescope showed that the systems
star is surrounded by a thin disk of planetary debris, indicating that its planet-formation
phase is wrapping up.
Astronomers have discovered and confirmed roughly 3000 exoplanets since the discovery
of first massive exoplant 20 years ago. However, nearly all of them are hosted by middleaged stars, with ages of a billion years or more.
Chinas Sunway TaihuLight declared worlds fastest supercomputer

Chinese supercomputer Sunway TaihuLight with 93 petaflop/second speed was on 20 June
2016 declared as the worlds fastest supercomputer.
It was revealed in the TOP500 list of supercomputers released at the International
Supercomputing Conference (ISC) in Frankfurt, Germany.
The list further revealed that the USA is not home to the largest number of systems.
With a surge in industrial and research installations registered over the last few years, China
leads with 167 systems and the USA is second with 165.
Asian share of 218 systems, up from 173 in November 2015, includes 8 supercomputers
owned by Indian-based organizations.
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Features of Sunway TaihuLight

This supercomputer can perform 93 petaflop operations per second.
It was developed by the National Research Center of Parallel Computer Engineering &
Technology (NRCPC) and installed at the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi.
It displaced the Tianhe-2, an Intel-based Chinese supercomputer that has claimed the
top spot on the previous six TOP500 lists.
With 10649600 computing cores comprising 40960 nodes, is twice as fast and three
times as efficient as Tianhe-2.
Sunway TaihuLight demonstrates the significant progress that China has made in
the domain of designing and manufacturing large-scale computation systems as it is
completely based on homegrown processors.
List of TOP5 Supercomputers

Rank System Country Speed (PFLOP/S)
1
Sunway
TaihuLight
China 93
2 Tianhe-2 China 34
3
Titan
The USA
17
Sequoia
The USA
17
Japan
10
Supercomputers in India
Rank System Organisation Speed (PFLOP/S)
109
SERC
IISc, Bangalore
0.90
185 TIFR-Cray XC30 ILGTI-TIFR 0.55

217 HP Apollo 6000 IIT-Delhi 0.52
337
PARAM Yuva-II
396
Cluster Platform
C-DAC
0.38
IIT-Kanpur
0.34
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Cluster Platform
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CSIR-4PI
0.33
434 Cluster Platform NCMRWF, Noida 0.31

438
Cluster Platform
IT Service provider
0.31
NASA unveils X-57 Hybrid Electric Research Plane

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 17 June 2016 unveiled the
iconic X-57 Hybrid Electric Research Plane nicknamed as Maxwell.
The plane is fixed with 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them are integrated
into a uniquely-designed wing. NASA will use this plane to test new propulsion technology.
Highlights of X-57 Hybrid Electric Research Plane

The airplane is named after James Clerk Maxwell, the 19th century Scottish physicist
who did groundbreaking work in electromagnetism.
The artists concept of the X-57 shows the planes specially designed wing and 14
electric motors.
NASA Aeronautics researchers will use the Maxwell to demonstrate that how electric
propulsion can make planes quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Maxwell will be powered only by batteries, eliminating carbon emissions and
demonstrating how demand would shrink for lead-based aviation fuel still in use by
general aviation.
Energy efficiency at cruise altitude using X-57 technology could benefit travellers by
reducing flight times, fuel usage, as well as reducing overall operational costs for small
aircraft.
Moreover, X-57s electric propulsion technology is expected to significantly decrease
aircraft noise, making it less annoying to the public.
Comment
With the return of piloted X-planes to NASAs research capabilities, the general aviationsized X-57 will take the first step in opening a new era of aviation.
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The first X-plane was the X-1, which in 1947 became the first airplane to fly faster than
the speed of sound. The X-1 project defined and solidified the post-war cooperative union
between US military needs, industrial capabilities and research facilities.
China to operationalise exascale supercomputer Tianhe -3 by 2020

China is all set to operationalise the exascale supercomputer by 2020 which will be capable
of performing at least a billion billion calculations per second.
The supercomputer will be named Tianhe -3 and it will be operationalised three years before
the US plan to install such computers.
The development of the exascale supercomputer is part of the Chinas national plan for
the next generation of high performance computers. It will be developed during the 13th
Five-Year-Plan period (2016-2020).
The government of Tianjin Binhai New Area, NUDT and the National Supercomputing Center
in Tianjin are working on the project.
In 2010, China unveiled the first petaflop supercomputer Tianhe-1 which is capable of
performing at least a million billion calculations per second and is
About Supercomputers
A supercomputer is a computer with a high-level computational capacity compared to a
general-purpose computer.
Performance of a supercomputer is measured in floating-point operations per second
(FLOPS) instead of million instructions per second (MIPS).
Since its introduction in June 2013, Chinas Tianhe-2 supercomputer is the fastest in the
world at 33.86 petaFLOPS (PFLOPS), or 33.86 quadrillions of FLOPS.
Scientists announces Human Genome Project-Write to synthesize

entire genome
A team of 25 Scientists on 2 June 2016 published their proposal to synthesize entire human
genome from scratch under the project called the Human Genome Project-Write (HGPWrite) in Science Magazine.
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The aim of the project is to reduce the cost of engineering DNA segments in the laboratory.
Its proponents envision a project on the same scale as the Human Genome Project-Read
(HGP-Read) under which human genome was sequenced in 2003.
Human Genome Project-Write (HGP-Write)

The Project was named Human Genome Project-write because synthesizing would
amount to writing rather than reading the genetic code.
HGP-write will be implemented through a new, independent nonprofit organization, the
Center of Excellence for Engineering Biology.
The proposal could make it possible to grow human organs for transplant and speed up
the development of vaccines.
The initiative could take 10 years and a minimum of 100 million dollar just to get started.
Potential Application
Potential applications include growing transplantable human organs and engineering
immunity to viruses in cell lines via genome-wide recoding.
Other potential benefits include engineering cancer resistance into new therapeutic
cell lines and accelerating high-productivity, cost-efficient vaccine and pharmaceutical
development using human cells and organoids.
Comment
The human genome is the genetic blueprint of every organism which is the complete set
of DNA containing the instructions it needs to survive and thrive. Sequencing the human
genome requires decoding the exact order of about three billion base pairs of DNA packed
into 30000 genes.
Genome synthesis is a logical extension of the genetic engineering tools that have been
used safely within the biotech industry for more 40 years and have provided important
societal benefits and it could revolutionise the field of biotechnology.
However, it raises troubling ethical concerns due to the potential of one day creating children
with no biological parents, and also due to the secrecy surrounding a recent closed-door
meeting on the subject.
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NASA spots Single Methane Leak from Space using Hyperion spectrometer
NASAs instrument, Hyperion spectrometer on NASAs Earth Observing-1 (EO-1), onboard
an orbiting spacecraft measured methane emissions from a single, specific leaking facility
on Earths surface.
The observation, which occurred over Aliso Canyon, near Porter Ranch, California is an
important breakthrough.
It is important as it provides an ability to eventually measure and monitor emissions of this
potent greenhouse gas from space.
This observation from space came in news after the paper was accepted for publication in
the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
About the observation via Hyperion spectrometer

The Hyperion instrument successfully detected the methane leak on three separate
overpasses during the winter of 2015-16.
The research was part of an investigation of the large accidental Aliso Canyon methane
release last fall and winter.
The orbital observations from Hyperion were consistent with airborne measurements
made by NASAs Airborne/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) imager flying onboard
a NASA ER-2 aircraft.
Why this observation is important?

This is the first time that a methane emission from a single facility was observed from space.
The detection will help to understand and address the unknown factor in greenhouse gas
emissions.
Till date, the percentage of atmospheric methane produced through human activities
remains poorly understood. But this detection will help in resolving the question by surveying
the biggest sources around the world, which will be done with the instruments with much
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greater sensitivity on orbiting satellites.
NASAs Earth Observing-1

NASAs New Millennium Program, EO-1 is an advanced land-imaging mission designed
to demonstrate new instruments and spacecraft systems.
Launched in 2000, EO-1 has validated technologies for the Operational Land Imager
used on the Landsat-8 satellite mission and future imaging spectrometer missions, and
supported disaster-response applications.
The mission is managed by NASA Goddard.
A joint initiative between NASA and the US Geological Survey, Landsat represents the
worlds longest continuously acquired collection of space-based moderate-resolution
land remote sensing data.
Underwater Robots to be used to Study Indian monsoon: Scientists

To predict the Indian monsoon, scientists have decided to release underwater robots into
the Bay of Bengal who will help them in providing more accurate data on Indian monsoon.
It is estimated to cost eight million pounds.
The decision was announced on 14 June 2016 by a team of scientists from Britain and
India. The initiative will be undertaken as Indian monsoon is critical to millions of farmers.
Details related to the initiative

Seven underwater robots will be released from an Indian ship in the third week of June
2016 by Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
These Robots that have computers onboard and look like miniature yellow submarines
will be released to study how ocean processes influence monsoon rainfall.
Robots will spend a month moving through a southern section of the bay, to measure
temperature, salinity and currents.
Scientists from the University of Reading and climate experts in India will fly plane
carrying scientific equipment over the Bay of Bengal to measure heat and moisture in
the air.
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Impact of the Study

Better forecast on monsoon will help in improving the livelihoods of more than 200 million
farmers and agricultural labourers who have suffered huge losses financially as well as live
wise due to the continuous droughts.
The precise predictions will also help hundreds of millions to prepare better for situations
like droughts and floods.
Jupiter-like planet, Kepler-1647b, orbiting two stars discovered

Scientists have discovered a Jupiter-like planet, Kepler-1647b, orbiting a system of two
stars, making it the largest such cosmic body ever found.
The planet Kepler-1647b, located in the constellation Cygnus, was discovered by
astronomers from NASAs Goddard Space Flight Centre and San Diego State University
(SDSU) in the US.
The study, which was published in the Astrophysical Journal, concluded that the Kepler-1647
is 3700 light-years away and about 4.4 billion years old, roughly the same age as the Earth.
About Kepler-1647b
The planet was discovered by using NASAs Kepler Space Telescope, an instrument
launched in 2009 to look for potentially habitable planets beyond our solar system.
The stars are similar to the Sun, with one slightly larger than our home star and the other
slightly smaller.
The planet has a mass and radius nearly identical to that of Jupiter, making it the largest
transiting circumbinary planet ever found. Planets that orbit two stars are known as
circumbinary planets.
It takes 1107 days (over three years) to orbit its host stars, which is the longest period of
any confirmed transiting exoplanet found so far.
Orbit of the planet puts it within the so-called habitable zone, which means the range of
distances from a star where liquid water might pool on the surface of an orbiting planet.
Like Jupiter, it is also a gas giant, making the planet unlikely to host life.
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Hubble Telescope spots Solitary Galaxy, UGC 4879

Hubble telescope of NASA captured the drizzle of stars scattered across this image forming
a galaxy known as UGC 4879. It is an irregular dwarf galaxy which is smaller and messier
than its cosmic cousins.
It also lacks the majestic swirl of a spiral or the coherence of an elliptical.
This galaxy is isolated and at a distance of 2.3 million light years from its closest neighbor,
Leo A which is in between the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way at the same distance.
This galaxy has not interacted with any surrounding galaxies, making it an ideal laboratory
for studying star formation uncomplicated by interactions with other galaxies.
The study on UGC 4879 galaxy revealed a significant amount of star formation in the first
4 billion years after the Big Bang which was followed by a strange 9-billion-year lull in star
formation that ended 1 billion years ago by a more recent re-ignition.
However, the reason for this behavior remains mysterious.
The solitary galaxy continues to provide ample study material for astronomers looking to
understand the complex mysteries of star birth throughout the universe.
About Hubble Space Telescope

It is a space project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space
Agency. It was launched in 1990 that orbits Earth.
Its gaze has helped determine the age of the universe and the existence of dark energy.
It is managed by NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, while
the Hubble science operations are conducted by the Space Telescope Science Institute
(STScI) in Baltimore.
In June 2016, NASA announced its plans to extend its operations for another five-years,
through to June 2021.
That means it will still be on the job when its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope
(JWST) launches in 2018, giving astronomers a dual view of the universe.
China launches 23rd BeiDou Navigation Satellite

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China on 12 June 2016 launched its 23rd satellite it the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
(BDS).
The satellite launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Chinas
Sichuan Province will support Chinas global navigation and positioning network.
The satellite was taken into orbit by a Long March-3C carrier rocket. It was the 229th launch
of the Long March carrier rocket.
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System is being developed as an alternative to US GPS.
The satellite, after entering its designed work orbit and finishing in-orbit testing, will join
others already in orbit and improve the stability of the system, preparing for BDS to offer
global coverage.
Iceland scientists turn CO2 into Stone under CarbFix Project

Scientists of Iceland found a technique to capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon
dioxide (CO2) in deep underground by turning it into rock.
The technique will provide a safer, faster way to sequester CO2 and limit global warming.
And it was identified it as a potentially significant way to combat climate change.
This method of the speedy carbonation could be a viable way to store CO2 underground
permanently and without risk of leakage.
The research was published in the journal Science on 10 June 2016.
Finding of the Research

Scientists from Columbia Universitys Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and other
institutions tested the technique as part of a pilot program called the CarbFix project. It
was launched in 2012 at the Hellisheidi power plant in Iceland.
The Scientists injected 220 tons of CO2 into layers of basalt between 400 and 800
meters below the surface. They also added extra water to react with the gas to form a
key driver of mineral reactions, carbonic acid.
It triggered a reaction that rapidly forms new carbonate minerals, potentially locking up
the gas forever.
Within two years, 95 percent of the carbon injected into the basalt below the plant had
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solidified into stone.

The process requires a significant amount of water 25 tons for every ton of CO2 which
will become a hurdle in some parts of the world.
The technique has to clear such high hurdles to become commercially viable.
About Carbon Sequestration

It means capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere or capturing anthropogenic
(human) CO2 from large-scale stationary sources like power plants before it is released
to the atmosphere.
Once captured, the CO2 gas (or the carbon portion of the CO2) is put into long-term
storage.
There are two major types of CO2 sequestration: terrestrial and geologic.
Terrestrial Sequestration: Terrestrial (or biologic) sequestration means using plants to
capture CO2 from the atmosphere and then storing it as carbon in the stems and roots
of the plants as well as in the soil.
Geologic Sequestration: Geologic sequestration is putting CO2 into long-term storage
in geologic zones deep underground.
Many projects around the world have sought to test carbon capture and storage (CCS)
as a way of curbing CO2 emissions from power plants. Very few have been scaled up,
owing to prohibitive costs, estimated at 50 to 100 dollars per ton of CO2 sequestered.
Assam researchers developed Ranjit Sub-1 & Bahadur Sub-1 rice

varieties for submerged areas
Researchers at Assam Agricultural University have developed two rice varieties, namely
Ranjit Sub-1 and Bahadur Sub-1.
These rice varieties were developed to get better yields under submerged conditions in
state mainly Barak Valley.
Most parts of the state including Barak valley is prone to periodical flash floods particularly
during the monsoon season.
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Ranjit Sub-1 & Bahadur Sub-1

These are ideally suited for such submerged areas in the khariff season.
These new rice variants are improved forms of the Ranjit and Bahadur varieties which
the farmers of the state have been using for years.
An additional gene has been incorporated in the new variants which ensure productivity
even if the crops remain submerged during flash floods.
LISA Pathfinder mission demonstrates ways to detect gravitational

waves
LISA Pathfinder Mission successfully tested a key technology needed to build a spacebased observatory for detecting gravitational waves.
The Mission was led by the European Space Agency (ESA) scientists with the contribution
of NASA.
This research was published in Physical Review Letters on 7 June 2016.
Key finding of the research

The Mission demonstrated that two test masses can be put in free fall with a relative
acceleration sufficiently free of noise to meet the requirements needed for space-based
gravitational-wave detection.
These tiny ripples in the fabric of space were first seen in 2015 by the ground-based
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
These ripples were predicted by Albert Einstein a hundred years ago.
The frequency of the Seismic, thermal and other noise sources limit LIGO to higherfrequency gravitational waves was around 100 cycles per second (hertz).
But finding signals from mergers of super massive black holes in colliding galaxies
requires the ability to see frequencies at 1 hertz or less.
A space-based observatory would work by tracking test masses that move only under
the influence of gravity.
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Each spacecraft would gently fly around its test masses without disturbing them, a
process called drag-free flight.
The primary goal of ESAs LISA Pathfinder mission is to test current technology by flying
around an identical pair of 1.8-inch (46 millimeter) cubes made of a gold-platinum alloy,
a material chosen for its high density and insensitivity to magnetic fields.
About LISA Pathfinder mission

It was launched on 3 December 2015, and began orbiting a point called Earth-sun L1,
roughly 930000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth in the suns direction since late
January 2016.
LISA stands for Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, a space-based gravitational wave
observatory concept that has been studied in great detail by both NASA and ESA.
The mission was always intended as a stepping stone to the level of performance needed
for a full-scale gravitational wave observatory, but these results tell us weve nearly
made the full jump
The Mission reduced non-gravitational forces on the test masses to a level five times
better than the mission required and within 25 percent of the requirement for a future
space-based gravitational wave detector.
It also carries a NASA experiment called the ST-7 Disturbance Reduction System.
Managed by NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, the
experiment combines novel electrospray thrusters with drag-free control software
provided by Goddard on a dedicated computer.
LISA Technology Package (LTP)

The test masses are housed in an experiment called the LISA Technology Package (LTP).
It was built by a consortium of European national space agencies and ESA.
The LTP uses a high-resolution laser interferometer to determine the positions of the test
masses and relays the information to the spacecrafts Drag-Free and Attitude Control
System, which then applies minute bursts from microthrusters.
In this way, the spacecraft flies in formation with the cubes and isolates them from
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external forces.
The results show that LISA Pathfinder reduced non-gravitational forces on the test
masses to a level about 10000 times smaller than drag-free control technologies used
on previous science missions.
At frequencies between 1 and 60 millihertz, control over the test masses is affected by a
small number of gas molecules bouncing off the cubes.
The effect became less prominent over time as molecules escaped into space, and it is
expected to improve further in the following months.
Scientists identified a process to remove DNA molecules from XFiles

Scientists of the University of Sheffield identified the process of removal of DNA molecules
from the iconic double-helical structure. Scientists were trying to unlock the mystery for
over 20 years.
The research was published on 6 June 2016 in a Journal, Nature Structural & Molecular
Biology.
The new research has unlocked a crucial part of the mystery as to how the human DNA can
replicate and repair itself. It is essential for all life forms.
Jon Sayers, the Professor of Functional Genomics at the University of Sheffield is the lead
author of the study.
Key findings of the research

The Branched DNA was identified in many episodes of the X-Files as Agent Scully
suspects aliens inserted it in the blood. This branched DNA is formed every day in
human bodies. It happens every time our cells divide.
These branches are essential intermediates formed during the process of copying human
DNA.
The research team had captured snapshots of the molecular events in incredible detail
and which were never seen before.
They show how Flap EndoNuclease enzymes (FENs) trim branched DNA molecules after
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cells have divided.

They found the FEN threads the free end of the branch through a hole in the enzyme
before sliding along to the trunk. It acts like a pair of molecular secateurs, trimming the
branch and restoring the iconic double-helix.
The team used the Diamond Light Source called the UKs synchrotron which works like
a giant microscope for their discovery.
It harnesses the power of electrons to produce bright X-ray light which can used by the
scientists to study to a vast range from fossils and jet engines to viruses and vaccines.
DNA replication is essential for all life forms, so it is important to understand its
performance at the level of molecule. It can provide the in depth information of the most
basic cellular processes which are common to all life.
Worlds space agencies join hands to face climate challenge

Space agencies of more than 60 countries, under the impetus of the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and the French Space Agency (CNES), have agreed to come together
to combat climate challenge.
The announcement was made on 3 June 2016.
It is for the first time that the space agencies have agreed to engage their satellites to
coordinate their methods and their data to monitor human-induced greenhouse gas
emissions.
What made worlds space agencies come together?

Without satellites, the reality of global warming would not have been recognised and the
subsequent historic agreement at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 22
April 2016 would not have been signed.
Out of the 50 essential climate variables being monitored in the present time, 26, including
rising sea level, sea ice extent and greenhouse gas concentrations in all layers of the
atmosphere, can be measured only from space.
The key to effectively implementing the Paris Agreement lies in the ability to verify that
nations are fulfilling their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
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The worlds space agencies decided to establish an independent, international system

to centralise data from their Earth-observing satellites through the New Delhi Declaration
that officially came into effect on 16 May 2016.
The agencies will inter-calibrate these satellite data so that they can be combined and
compared over time.
Astrophysicists discover Canarias Einstein Ring in space

An international team of astrophysicists discovered a new optical Einstein ring called
Canarias Einstein Ring. Einstein Ring is a distorted image of a galaxy, the source, which is
very distant from the Earth.
The results of the discovery were published in the international journal Monthly Notices of
the Royal Astronomical Society on 16 May 2016.
The discovery was made by a team comprising of doctoral student Margherita Bettinelli
from the Instituto de Astrofsica de Canarias (IAC) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) of
Spain.
Main findings of the Study

The rare phenomenon was discovered in the Sculptor constellation, IAC J010127334319, in the vicinity of the Sculptor Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy.
The discovered new source of galaxy (Einstein Ring) is an almost complete ring with an
angle of 300 degree having a diameter of 4.5arcsec.
The discovered optical Einstein Ring shows two perfectly aligned galaxy, namely source
galaxy and lens galaxy.
The source galaxy is 10000 million light years away from Earth and it appears as a blue
galaxy populated by young stars began to evolve. The young stars were forming at a
high rate.
The lens galaxy is 6000 million light years away from Earth and is more evolved, however,
its stars have almost stopped forming, and its population is old.
How the Einstein Ring presence was confirmed?

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Confirmation of the object was obtained by deriving spectroscopic redshifts for lens
and source from observations at the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC) with the
spectrograph OSIRIS.
The chance discovery was made while inspecting the data taken through the Dark Energy
Camera (DECam) of the 4m Blanco Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Observatory in Chile.
What is an Einstein Ring?

The phenomena were predicted by Albert Einsteins theory of General Relativity.
An Einstein ring is a distorted image of a very distant galaxy, which is termed the source.
The ring is an illusion created by chance alignment of two galaxies.
The distortion is produced by the bending of the light rays from the source due to a
massive galaxy, termed the lens, lying between it and the observer.
The strong gravitational field produced by the lens galaxy distorts the structure of spacetime in its neighbourhood, and it not only attracts objects which have a mass, but also
bends the paths of light.
This change in alignment of two galaxies and the consequent bending of light rays create
an illusion in the form of Einstein Ring.
Studying Einstein Ring gives relevant information about the composition of the source
galaxy, and also about the structure of the gravitational field and of the dark matter in
the lens galaxy.
Worlds first 3D-printed aircraft THOR unveiled

Airbus on 1 June 2016 displayed the worlds first 3D-printed aircraft THOR at the International
Aerospace Exhibition in Schoenefe.
The drone THOR is short forTest of High-tech Objectives in Reality and it resembles a large,
white model airplane.
About 3D-printed aircraft THOR

Is the worlds first 3D-printed aircraft with just 3 parts.
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It is windowless, weighs 21 kilo grams (46 pounds) and less than four metres (13 feet)
long. It is Lighter, faster and cheaper.
Except the electrical elements, all other parts are printed (3D) from a substance called
polyamide.
Thors inaugural flight was conducted in November 2015 near the northern German city
of Hamburg.
Airbus and Boeing are already using 3D printing, notably to make parts for their huge
passenger jets the A350 and B787 Dreamliner.
3D printing in Aviation
The new 3D printers can make pieces up to 40 centimetres (15 inches) long and is of
most use in particularly complex designs.
Apart from costs savings, 3D printing also promises ecological benefits as lighter jets
use less fuel and spew out fewer pollutants.
It will be a radical technical innovation to reducing carbon emissions in aviation with air
traffic expected to double in the next 20 years.
NASA finds 39 unreported human-made sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions

NASA scientists located 39 unreported and major human-made sources of toxic sulfur
dioxide emissions. They used a new satellite-based method to locate the sources of toxic
emissions.
The study was published in The Nature Geoscience journal on 30 May 2016.
NASA scientists of Environment and Climate Change, Canada along with The University of
Maryland, College Park, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, contributed to
the study.
Highlights of the Study

The 39 unreported emission sources were found after analyzing data of satellite from
2005 to 2014.
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They are clusters of coal-burning power plants, smelters, oil and gas operations found
notably in the Middle East, but also in Mexico and parts of Russia.
Along with this the reported emissions from known sources in these regions were in
some cases two to three times lower than satellite-based estimates.
The unreported and underreported sources account for about 12 percent of all humanmade emissions of sulfur dioxide.
The research team also located 75 natural sources of sulfur dioxide like non-erupting
volcanoes slowly leaking the toxic gas throughout the year.
Smaller SO2 concentrations were also detected from those emitted by human-made
sources such as oil-related activities and medium-size power plants.
Significance of the findings

A new computer program was used by the research team to more precisely detect SO2
that had been dispersed and diluted by winds.
It was the first improvement in the computer processing that transforms raw satellite
observations from the Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument aboard NASAs Aura
spacecraft into precise estimates of sulfur dioxide concentrations.
While not necessarily unknown, many volcanoes are in remote locations and not
monitored, so this satellite-based data set is the first to provide regular annual information
on these passive volcanic emissions.
It takes the estimation of SO2 emission beyond the present use of emission inventories
derived from ground-based measurements and factors such as fuel usage.
In fact, the study uses more accurate estimates of wind strength and direction derived
from a satellite data-driven model to trace the pollutant back to the location of the source.
It also helped to estimate the quantity of SO2 that was emitted from the smoke stack.
Indus Valley Civilization is 8000 years old: IIT Kharagpur Study

A study by Indian researchers at major excavated site of Bhirrana, Haryana suggests that
the Indus Valley Civilization is much older than thought before and climate was not only the
cause behind collapse of Harappa civilization.
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The study was conducted by a research team from IIT Kharagpur, Institute of archaeology,
Deccan College Pune, Physical Research Laboratory and Archaeological Survey of India.
The finding was published in prestigious journal Nature Scientific report on 25 May 2016.
Dated Potteries as old as 8000 years old

Bhirrana site shows preservation of all cultural levels of Indus Valley Civilization from
Pre-Harappan Hakra phase through Early Mature Harappan to mature Harappan time
The study of dated potteries of Early Mature Harappan time by a technique called
optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) suggests that these were nearly 6000 years
old, the oldest known pottery so far.
The study of levels of Pre-Harappan Hakra phase was dated to be as old as 8000 years.
This means that the Indus Valley civilisation is 2500 years older than previously believed
and the Indus Valley settlements that spread across Pakistan and northern India is older
than the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilisations.
Climate Change not led to abrupt collapse of Harappa civilization

Researchers used oxygen isotope composition in the bone and tooth phosphates of
these 2 remains found at Bhirrana to unravel the climate pattern.
The study revealed that the monsoon became progressively weaker from 7000 years
onwards but surprisingly the civilization did not disappear, rather they continued to
evolve even in the face of declining monsoon condition.
In the event of weakening of monsoon changed their subsistence strategy. They shifted
their crop patterns from the large-grained cereals like wheat and barley to droughtresistant species of small millets and rice.
As a result of lower yield of these later crops the organized large storage system of
mature Harappan period was abandoned. In its place more individual household based
crop processing and storage system arose.
It is this factor which could have acted as catalyst for the de-urbanisation of the Harappan
civilization rather than an abrupt collapse.
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Harappa site Bhirrana

It was excavated by late Dr. LS Rao in 2005-2006.
Bhirrana was part of a high concentration of settlements along the now dried up mythical
Vedic river valley Saraswati, an extension of Ghaggar river in the Thar Desert.
It shows preservation of all cultural levels of Indus Valley Civilization from Pre-Harappan
Hakra phase through Early Mature Harappan to mature Harappan time.
While the earlier phases were represented by pastoral and early village farming
communities, the mature Harappan settlements were highly urbanized having transAsiatic trade with Arabia and Mesopotamia.
Background
The present studies put the flourishing of post-Neolithic Bronze Age Harappan civilization
between 5700-3300 BC.
It spread along the Indus Valley of Pakistan through the plains of NW India, including into
the state of Gujarat and up to the Arabian Sea.
In the Indian subcontinent the major centers of this civilization include Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan and Lothal, Dholavira, Kalibangan and Rakhigarhi in India.
Many archaeologists believe that weakening of the summer monsoon after ~5000 years
and a major drought around 4200 years throughout the Asia probably were the reason
behind the Harappan collapse.
The late Harappan phase witnessed large scale de-urbanization, population decrease,
abandonment of many established settlements, lack of basic amenities, interpersonal
violence and disappearance of Harappan script.
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ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Darjeeling Zoo to receive snow leopard from Londons Dudley Zoological

Gardens
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Bramble Cay melomys is first mammal declared extinct from human-caused

climate change
151
The Rise of Environmental Crime Report released by UNEP and INTERPOL
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152
153
Union Government approved measures for conservation and preservation of

Lakes in Bengaluru
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Guwahati declares Gangetic River Dolphin as its city animal
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World Environment Day observed with theme Zero tolerance for the illegal
trade in wildlife
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Suresh Prabhu launches Tiger Trail Circuit Train on World Environment

Day
160
Asias first Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme launched
161
India announces to Double Investment in Clean Energy Research in next

five years
162
New joint collaborations with MI Countries
162
India, US signed MoU to Enhance Cooperation on Energy Security, Clean

Energy & Climate Change
163
India-US MoU on enhancing cooperation in Wildlife Conservation approved

165
165
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Darjeeling Zoo to receive snow leopard from Londons Dudley Zoological Gardens
The Padma Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling will soon receive a snow leopard
from Dudley Zoological Gardens in London.
The leopard, named Makalu, is expected to make arrival at the Kolkata airport in an Emeritus
Flight on the morning of 24 June 2016. Makalu will then be transported to the zoo.
Makalu, who gets his name from the worlds fifth highest peak on the south-east side of the
Everest, was born at the Black Country zoo.
About snow leopards

The snow leopard is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.
It is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
It is believed that there are between 4000 and 6500 snow leopards left in the world.
Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3000 to 4500 m.
Taxonomically, the snow leopard was classified as Uncia uncia since the early 1930s.
Based on genotyping studies, the cat has been considered a member of the genus
Panthera since 2008.
The snow leopard is the National Heritage Animal of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a 67.56-acre zoo in the town of Darjeeling,
West Bengal.
The zoo was opened in 1958.
At an average elevation of 7000 feet, it is the largest high altitude zoo in India.
It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful
captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan
wolf and the red panda.
The park is named after Padmaja Naidu, daughter of Sarojini Naidu.
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The zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Bramble Cay melomys is first mammal declared extinct from human-caused climate change
Scientists in June 2016 declared Bramble Cay melomys found only on a tiny island on the
Great Barrier Reef as extinct.
It is the first recorded extinction of a mammal anywhere in the world thought to be primarily
due to human-induced climate change.
The news was revealed in the report of a survey led by Ian Gynther from Queenslands
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection in partnership with the University of
Queensland.
Key points of the report

The root cause of the extinction was reported to be high tides and surging seawater,
which has travelled inland across the island.
As a result of rising seas, the island was inundated on multiple occasions killing the
animals. The rising seas also destroyed their habitat.
About Bramble Cay melomys

The Bramble Cay melomys are also known as Australian Great Barrier Reef rodent or
Bramble Cay mosaic-tailed rat.
It was a species of rodent in the family Muridae.
It was similar to the Cape York melomys except that it had some protein differences and
a coarser tail caused by elevated scales.
It was prominent in herd fields and strandline vegetation where it built burrows.
It was Australias most isolated mammal.
The Bramble Cay melomys was first discovered by Europeans in April 1845.
The species was then apparently in high densities.
It was not until the first part of the following century that the species was formally
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described as Melomys rubicola based on a specimen collected by MacGillivray.
The Rise of Environmental Crime Report released by UNEP and INTERPOL

The report titled The Rise of Environmental Crime was released by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) and INTERPOL on 4 June 2016. The report revealed that
environmental crime grew up by 26 per cent larger than previous estimates of 2014.
Environmental crime is the worlds fourth-largest criminal enterprise after drug smuggling,
counterfeiting and human trafficking.
INTERPOL and UNEP have joined forces to bring awareness in the world about the
environmental crime.
The crime includes the illegal trade in wildlife, corporate crime in the forestry sector, the
illegal exploitation and sale of gold and other minerals, illegal fisheries, the trafficking of
hazardous waste and carbon credit fraud.
Highlights of the report

The report finds that weak laws and poorly funded security forces are enabling international
criminal networks and armed rebels to profit from a trade that fuels conflicts, devastates
ecosystems and is threatening species with extinction.
The vast sums of money generated from the environmental crimes keep sophisticated
international criminal gangs in business, and fuel insecurity around the world.
The report recommends the world to come together to take strong national and
international action to combat environmental crime.
It includes measures targeted at disrupting overseas tax havens; an increase in financial
support commensurate with the serious threat that environmental crime poses to
sustainable development; and economic incentives and alternative livelihoods for those
at the bottom of the environmental crime chain.
The last decade has seen environmental crime rise by at least 5-7 per cent per year. This
gives an impression that environmental crime is growing two to three times faster than
global GDP.
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The report also looks at how money generated from the illegal exploitation of natural
resources funds rebel groups, terrorist networks and international criminal cartels.
The report notes that transnational organized criminal networks are using environmental
crime to launder drug money.
The report looks at the rise of white collar environmental crime, from the use of shell
companies in tax havens to launder money generated from illegal logging to transfer
mispricing, hacking and identity theft.

natural resource.

the benefit of all.
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and space including maintenance of connectivity of flow in eachriver system, Nirmal
themselves.
mechanism.
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valleys.
Groundwater, 2016.
of this Act.
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given case.
or injury to them.
Union Government approved measures for conservation and preservation of Lakes in Bengaluru
The Union Government on 14 June 2016 approved a series of measures for the abatement
of pollution and for the conservation and preservation of lakes in Bengaluru.
The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting jointly chaired by Union Minister of
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Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ananth Kumar and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar.
Under the decision, all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of the city will be monitored online
24x7. Apart from this, lake water quality will be monitored by concerned authorities in
Bengaluru.
Some actions that have been agreed upon include:

Bio-development of lakes of Bengaluru will be undertaken.
Lakes will be restored in a bio-diverse manner in Public-Private Partnership mode.
All residential group housing projects/apartments with >20 units and total build-up area
of 2000 sq meter will have to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STP).
Dual piping system to be prescribed in apartments/commercial establishments for reuse of treated sewage for various purposes.
State Pollution Control Board will be monitoring the STPs on regular basis.
Retrofitting of existing STPs will be conducted to meet the revised effluent norms.
Proper management of plastic waste will be carried out to ensure that it is not dumped
in the lakes
Madivala Lake will be developed as a biodiversity park on the lines of Yamuna Biodiversity
Park under the guidance of Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
Lake Wardens will be appointed for involvement of public in lake conservation.
The corporate sector will be involved in the effort to conserve and preserve the lakes and
the progress will be monitored every six months.
CSR funds to be tapped for conserving and developing lakes.
Comment
The pollution of lakes in Bengaluru due to discharge of untreated sewage generated in the
city has become a major environment problem in last few years.
For instance, in May 2015, Bellandur Lake, the largest lake of Bengaluru, and Varthur Lake
had caught fire due to formation of foam on water. This formation of foam was caused by
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discharge of industrial effluents like phosphorus present in detergents.

As a result, water of these lakes has become harmful for domestic and irrigation purposes
and it may also contaminate groundwater. It also suggested that the foam may cause an
environmental problem and can be a great threat for the wetlands of Bengaluru.
Guwahati declares Gangetic River Dolphin as its city animal

Guwahati on 6 June 2016 became first city in the country to have its own city animal with
Kamrup metropolitan district administration declaring Gangetic River Dolphin as its mascot.
Gangetic River Dolphin is locally known as Sihu and fewer than 2000 such animals remain
in the River Brahmaputra along Guwahati.
The district administration had organised online and off-line voting among three protected
creatures to decide the city animal.
These three creatures are Gangetic River Dolphin, Black Softshell Turtle (Bor Kaso) and
Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila) and are on the verge of extinction.
In the three-month long voting process Gangetic River dolphin received 24247 votes out of
60003 total votes.
On the other hand, the Greater Adjutant Stork got 18454 votes while the Black Softshell
Turtle got 17302 votes.
The Kamrup metropolitan district administration organized the voting process along with
other organisations such as the Assam forest department, Assam state biodiversity bard
and an NGO, Help Earth.
About Gangetic River Dolpins

The Ganga Dolphins are also called as the Tigers of Ganga as it enjoys the position in
Ganga that is equivalent to that of the tiger in the forest.
Its scientific name is Platanista gangetica.
They prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence of two or more rivers. They share
their habitat with crocodiles, fresh water turtles and wetland birds.
Their distribution range covers seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
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They have a sturdy, yet flexible, body with large flippers and a low triangular dorsal fin. It
weighs up to 150 kg. Females are larger than males.
They are generally blind and catch their prey by emitting an ultrasonic sound which
reaches the prey.
Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Programme was initiated in 1997 to build a scientific
database of the population status of the species and study the habitat quality of the
dolphins distribution range.
Rivers where these dolphins are found: River Ganges, Chambal (Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh), Ghaghra, Gandak (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh), Sone and Kosi rivers
(Bihar), River Brahmaputra from Sadia up to Dhubri and Kulsi River, a tributary of the
Brahmaputra river,
World Environment Day observed with theme Zero tolerance for the
illegal trade in wildlife
World Environment Day (WED) was observed globally on 5 June 2016 with theme Zero
tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife.
The day aims at inspiring more people to take action to prevent the growing strain on
Earths natural systems from reaching the breaking point.
The host country for the WED 2016 is Angola. At present, Angola is seeking to restore its
elephants herds, conserve Africas biodiversity-rich wildlife, and safeguard the environment
as it continues to rebuild after more than a quarter-century of civil war.
The years slogan Go Wild for Life encourages everyone to spread the word about wildlife
crime and the damage it does. It also asks people to challenge all to do what they can to
prevent it.
What does theme highlights?

The 2016 theme highlights the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife, which erodes
precious biodiversity and threatens the survival of elephants, rhinos and tigers, as well
as many other species.
It also undermines our economies, communities and security.
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Illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding Earths biodiversity and driving whole species
to the brink of extinction. Wildlife crime endangers iconic elephants, rhinos, tigers,
gorillas and sea turtles.
As per an estimate, in 2011, a subspecies of Javan rhino went extinct in Vietnam, and
the last western black rhinos vanished from Cameroon.
Great apes have disappeared from Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo, and other
countries could quickly follow.
Lesser-known victims include helmeted hornbills and pangolins, as well as wild orchids
and timbers like Rosewood flowers and timber that are also considered as wildlife.
Background
The World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) on the day when Stockholms United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment 1972.
The first World Environment Day was hosted in 1973 and since then it is being held every
year with a different theme in different cities.
The theme for 2015 World Environment Day celebrations was Seven Billion Dreams. One
Planet. Consume with Care. The host country was Italy.
Suresh Prabhu launches Tiger Trail Circuit Train on World Environment Day
Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on 5 June 2016 flagged off the inaugural run
of the Tiger Trail Circuit Train from Delhi Safdarjung Station.
The launch of this Tiger Express on World Environment Day is to highlight the significance
of environment.
The most important objective of the train is to create and spread awareness about the
wildlife in general and the tiger in particular.
Key highlights of the train

This tourist train will be operated by Indian Railway PSU namely Indian Railway Catering
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and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

It is one of the most innovative tourism products ever launched by Indian Railways.
This is for the first time that Indian Railways have forayed into the exciting and fascinating
wildlife tourism.
This is also the first semi-luxury train on a tourist circuit having a dining car. The objective
behind it is to facilitate frequent interactions among travellers during the travel.
The train with 5 days/6 nights itinerary will start from Delhi Sufdarjung railway station.
The semi-luxury train will take the guests onboard to the world famous Bandhavgarh
and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh.
The 5 days/6 nights itinerary of the Tiger Express includes three Tiger Safaris.
Asias first Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme launched

The Haryana Government on 3 June 2016 launched Asias First Gyps Vulture Reintroduction
Programme at Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore.
The breeding and conservation of vultures is a significant step in the direction of saving the
endangered species.
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal
Khattar jointly released two Himalayan Griffons into the wild from the Conservation Centre.
Conservation of Vultures
The Union Government became prominent vulture breeding and conservation centre in
India after successfully breeding Himalayan Griffon Vultures.
It is the old world vulture in the family of Accipitridae-in captivity.
Many vultures disappeared due to Diclofenac which is a pain killer drug given to cattle
that can kill birds.
When vultures feed on the carcasses of animals with Diclofenac, they also die.
At present, the drug is banned in India.
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Vultures play a vital role in keeping the environment clean, their breeds should be
increased and the government is constantly working to increase their numbers.
Himalayan Griffon Vultures

The Himalayan Griffon is closely related to the critically endangered resident Gyps
species of vultures but is not endangered.
Two Himalayan Griffons in captivity for over 10 years and in the aviary with resident Gyps
vultures.
These birds were wing-tagged and were leg-ringed for identification.
India announces to Double Investment in Clean Energy Research in

next five years
India on 2 June 2016 announced its plan to double the investment in Clean Energy Research
in next five years. At present, India is investing 72 million US dollars in Clean Energy Research
and it seeks to double it to 145 million dollars.
This announcement was made by the Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan who led the Indian delegation at the 7th Clean Energy Ministerial
(CEM7) and the inaugural Mission Innovation (MI) Meet.
The CEM7 and MI meet was held at San Francisco, the US from 1 and 2 June 2016.
The announcement was made along with other MI partner countries who also released
plans to double the clean energy research and development funding over the next five
years.
New joint collaborations with MI Countries

With the UK, India announced to expand Indias collaboration by setting up a Joint Virtual
Clean Energy Centre to address the challenges in solar energy.
With the US, Minister announced to launch a new Research Track on Smart Energy Grids
and Energy Storage under the Indo-US Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research
(PACE-R).
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Global Cooling Challenge launched

It was launched by Dr. Harsh Vardhan at CEM7. The challenge will accelerate the introduction
of super-efficient air conditioners which can reduce the energy demand from 60 GW of
energy to 40 GW, a saving of over 30%.
In terms of cost saving, it will lead to saving of 2.8 billion dollars in consumer energy bills
and and GHG reductions of 20 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
Mission Innovation (MI)

Mission Innovation (MI) was launched on 30 November 2015 by 20 participating countries,
including India, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in
Paris-Le Bourget, France.
Mission seeks to accelerate public and private global clean energy innovation ushering
in an era of Clean Energy Revolution.
India is a Founding Member of the Steering Committee of the Mission Innovation and
also a Member of the two sub-groups: Joint Research and Capacity Building and Private
Sector Engagement.
Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology is
coordinating the national efforts towards the Mission.
India, US signed MoU to Enhance Cooperation on Energy Security,

Clean Energy & Climate Change
India and the United States (US) on 2 June 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to enhance cooperation on energy security, clean energy and climate change.
The MoU will provide framework to work more closely not only for betterment of people but
also for creating a positive environment for US companies working in India.
It will also provide momentum for cooperative work which needs to be done in fields of
energy security, clean energy and climate change.
Objective of the MoU

To enhance cooperation on energy security, clean energy and climate change through
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increased bilateral engagement and further joint initiatives for promoting sustainable
growth.
These activities are intended to increase incentives for innovation including research
and development, and voluntary and mutually-agreed technology transfer, as well as the
deployment of clean energy technologies.
Contribute to a global effort to curb the rise in greenhouse gas emissions
To enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change
The Priority initiatives under the MoU would be:

US-India Energy smart Cities Partnership
Greening the Grid
Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE) expansion
Energy Efficiency including space cooling
Renewable energy
Energy security
Clean energy finance
US-India partnership for Climate Resilience
Air quality
Forestry, Landscapes and REDD+
Fellowships
Accelerating innovation on clean energy and climate change
Apart from this, the two nations also inked a pact or exchange of terrorist screening
information. As per this Arrangement
Both sides shall provide each other access to terrorism screening information through
the designated contact points, subject to domestic laws and regulations.
It would also enhance the counter terrorism cooperation between India and USA.
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India-US MoU on enhancing cooperation in Wildlife Conservation

approved
The Union Cabinet on 1 June 2016 gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between the United States (US) and India to enhance cooperation in
the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking.
The MoU seeks cooperation in the following areas:

Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics: Useful in species conservation efforts
and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes leading to better enforcement.
Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitating the institutional capacity of the existing
UNESCO Category -2 - centre at Wildlife Institute of India.
Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness: Use of information technology
in strengthening interface of forest managers with the people for sensitising people,
especially the youth and children in understanding complex issues of conservation of
biological diversity.
Benefits of the approval

It will help India to benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in the field of wildlife
conservation and management of wildlife areas.
It will help in combating illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives.
Comment
With this MoU, India and the US, can share their professional expertise to address priority
wildlife conservation concerns. It would also provide a convenient platform for collaboration.
Moreover, the two nations are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage. They
also have established a network of Protected Areas in their respective territories.
The Government of India and the World Bank on 31 May 2016 signed a 9.2 million US dollar
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grant agreement under the World Bank-Global Environment Facility (GEF) Programme for
the Efficient and Sustainable City Bus Service Project.
The project aims at improving the efficiency and attractiveness of bus services in select
Indian cities.
The project will complement the Government of Indias Bus Funding Scheme launched to
promote public transport by supporting cities to modernize their bus services.
Demonstration cities where the various initiatives for improving city bus services will be
undertaken are Mira Bhayandar in Maharashtra, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Bhopal.

The project will demonstrate low cost high impact initiatives in efficient bus operations.
It will focus on modernizing city bus services through modern depots for improving the
maintenance of buses.
It will introduce modern Intelligent Transport Systems and Management Information
Systems for better planning and management of operations.
It will provide technical support to vehicles and drivers for better fuel efficiency, among
others.
The project is designed to specifically focus on identifying regulatory, institutional and
fiscal constraints to operation of sustainable city bus services.
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STATE
UP government declares all natural calamities will be treated as state disaster
170
Odisha Government launches Kalinga Siksha Sathi Yojana
170
World Bank approves $63 million for Tejaswini Project in Jharkhand
171
Mori village in Andhra Pradesh chosen for development as smart village 172
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NRDC inks MoA with AP Government to establish smart agribusiness platform networks
173
ADB approved $500 million loan to build Indias longest river bridge across
Ganga near Patna
174
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated Child Labour Tracking System
175
NBCC to launch Ganga cleaning project in Bihar
176
Delhi Government approves solar policy with 1 GW target by 2020
177
Rajiv Gauba Committee on Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi submitted report

178
Maharashtra Cabinet approves Minority Status to Jew community
180
Maharashtra Government decides to use plastic waste in building roads 180

Kishore Tiwari-headed Task Force on Farmers submitted report to Maharashtra Government
182
India, ADB sign $120 million loan pact for irrigation in Odisha
183
Odisha becomes first Indian State to give pension and food benefits to
transgenders
183
Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2016 passed
184
Gujarat Government unveiled IT and Electronics Start-up Policy 2016
185
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar lays foundation stone for Jai Jawan
Awas Yojna
186
Himachal Pradesh becomes first state to launch green-concept based State

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Data Centre
187
P Sreeramakrishnan elected as Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly
188
President Pranab Mukherjee returned 3 bills for reconsideration of Manipur

Legislative Assembly
188
V Narayanasamy sworn-in as Chief Minister of Puducherry
189
Punjab government launches Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund

190
Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App RajVayu on Air Quality Index
191
P Dhanapal re-elected as Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker
192
Telangana government to set up pharmaceutical city in Rangareddy and

Mahbubnagar districts
193
UP Government approves Detailed Project Report of Varanasi Metro Rail 193

Internet Saathi, Google and Tatas joint-initiative, launched in West Bengal
194
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UP
UP government declares all natural calamities will be treated as

state disaster
Uttar Pradesh government in June 2016 declared that all natural calamities including
unseasonal heavy rain, lightning, Loo and storm and others will be treated as state disaster.
As per the decision all victims of these disasters will be given relief as per provisions made
under State Disaster Relief Fund by the Union government.
A large number of people suffer due to these natural causes every year and the new system
introduced will greatly benefit the victims and their kin. He also apprised that the notification
in this regard has also been issued.
Besides, bus stations across all 75 districts of state will soon have sanitary napkin vending
machines. For this purpose, the state government is working to install coin-based automatic
sanitary napkin vending machines at bus stations. Expected to be launched on World
Population Day on July 11, the project would be rolled out in three phases.
Odisha
Odisha Government launches Kalinga Siksha Sathi Yojana

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 27 June 2016 launched a new scheme Kalinga
Siksha Sathi Yojana (KSSY) with an aim to provide education loan at 1 percent interest to
students for pursuing higher studies.
The State government dedicated this scheme to former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his
Birth Centenary. Patnaik had instituted Kalinga UNESCO award for the popularisation of
science when he was only 35 years old.
Highlights of the Kalinga Siksha Sathi Yojana

Poor students aspiring to pursue professional and technical education can now avail
themselves of study loan up to 10 lakh rupees at one percent interest rate.
This will be a major help for students pursuing higher education including Management,
Law, Engineering, Medicine etc.
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It will reduce the loan burden of parents who are not able to effort money for higher
education.
Odisha government will provide a cost of 500 crore rupees from its own resources for
this purpose.
Criteria For Availing the Loan
Family income must be below 4.5 lakh per annum
Security deposit as per bank rules
Students will have to repay the loan amount after 4-5 years moratorium period
Maximum 10 lakh loan can be availed
Bankers to decide to whom loan would be provided
Jharkhand
World Bank approves $63 million for Tejaswini Project in Jharkhand

The World Bank Board on 21 June 2016 approved the 63 million US dollar project, Tejaswini:
Socioeconomic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Jharkhand.
Tejaswini is the first World Bank project in India that is solely focused on the welfare of
adolescent girls and young women.
The project will support adolescent girls and young women between the ages of 14 and 24
to complete their secondary level education. It will also help them to acquire relevant skills
for the job market.

The project will support market-driven skills training, secondary education and broader
socio-economic empowerment for adolescent girls and young women in 17 select
districts of the state.
It is expected to benefit about 680000 adolescent girls and young women in the state.
In the 17 project districts, there are about 2.1 million adolescent girls and young women in
the 14-24 age group, of which 13% belong to Scheduled Castes and 25% to Scheduled
Tribes.
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The project will intervene at two levels, i.e., at the community and at the institutional
level.
The community-based platforms will hold regular counselling and guidance sessions,
life skills education, livelihood support services and more.
At the institutional level, it will work with partner institutions through performance-based
contracts to deliver vocational training, business skills training and non-formal education.
Life skills education will include four core elements:
(a)

Resilience and soft skills: It includes communication and problem-solving skills,

goal- setting and techniques to maintain psychological wellbeing through adversity.
(b)

Rights and protections: This is related to early marriage, child labour, safe
migration, gender-based violence and more.
(c)

Health and nutrition: It includes sanitation and hygiene, nutritional habits for self
and children and sexual and reproductive health.
(d)

Financial literacy: It will help teach numeracy, saving, budgeting and accessing
credit and financial institutions.
Andhra Pradesh
Mori village in Andhra Pradesh chosen for development as smart

village
Mori village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh will be developed as a smart village
of global standards. Towards this endeavor, the partners in the project on 19 June 2016
announced that prototype will be ready by mid-December 2016.
Under the project, the village will be developed as a self-contained sustainable business
model.
Features of Mori smart village project

Mori is a small cashew-exporting village in Andhra Pradeshs East Godavari district.
The project involves using digital tools, real time information and uninterrupted internet
connectivity.
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Under the project, the village will be equipped with fibre optic connectivity. Around 1900
households will be connected with 15 Mbps link.
In order to strengthen brand image, e-commerce will be introduced to local villagers.
For developing sustainable business environment, organic farming for shrimp hatcheries
will be encouraged. Besides, direct marketing facilities will be offered to cashew farmers.
To provide 24*7 power supply, uninterrupted power supply (USP) will be put in place.
The Innovation Society of the Andhra Pradesh Government, the University of California
at Berkeley, and several leading technology organizations including Google, Cisco, IBM,
Ericsson are involved in the project.
NRDC inks MoA with AP Government to establish smart agribusiness platform networks
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) on 9 June 2016 inked a Memorandum
of Agreement (MoA) with the AP Food Processing Society of Andhra Pradesh Government
to establish Smart Agribusiness Platform Networks of Andhra Pradesh (SAPNAP).
These networks will strengthen the agribusiness and food processing sector by focusing
on creation of enabling ecosystem for accelerated growth of agribusiness by involving all
the stakeholders.
Smart Agribusiness Platform Networks of Andhra Pradesh (SAPNAP)

It is an initiative to increase food production and food processing units under AP Food
Processing Policy 2015-20.
It will have two key development platforms, they are:
(i) Smart Agribusiness Value-chains:
chains focus on intelligence, analytics, big data, innovations and partnerships.
Farm-to-Fork value chains will be mapped and developed for existing and potential
crops, commodities and products
(ii) Smart Agribusiness Incubators and Accelerators:
These focuses on establishing 13 district level incubators which will enable infrastructure
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and ecosystem for start ups, enterprise development and FPO mentoring.
They will have Office or lab spaces, trial fields, common facilities, pilot equipment and
start up ecosystem to help new enterprises take off.
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

It is an enterprise of the department of Scientific & Industrial Research under Union
Ministry of Science and Technology.
It shall be the knowledge partner in the programme and would provide the required
technologies, know-how, IPRs and other value added techno-commercial services to
the start-ups of SAPNAP and linkages to the stakeholders of national and international
level.
Bihar
ADB approved $500 million loan to build Indias longest river bridge
across Ganga near Patna
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 24 June 2016 approved 500 million US dollars loan
to build a road bridge across the river Ganga near Patna in Bihar.
Once completed, the 9.8 kilometer long bridge will be Indias longest river bridge.
Features of the bridge project

It will provide vital transport links between the northern and southern parts of Bihar and
with neighboring Nepal.
Along with the bridge structure itself, the project will also build viaducts, embankments,
and toll and service facilities, and will link to national highway networks.
A key feature will be a year-round embankment access road for the 250000 inhabitants
of the Raghopur Diara river island, ending their reliance on boats and a seasonal pontoon
bridge as their only links to Patna.
The bridge, using state-of-the-art engineering techniques, will be the first of its kind in
India. In all, the bridge is expected to benefit over nine million people.
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The height and length have been designed to minimize impacts on the river itself and to
ensure the bridge will be able to withstand climate-related stresses such as a rise in the
water level.
In addition to the 500 million US dollars loan, the ADB will provide 900000 US dollars in
technical assistance to improve bridge operation and management.
The Bihar Government will provide support equivalent to 215 million US dollars.
The project will run for about 4 years with an expected completion date of the end of
December 2020.
Significance of the bridge to Bihar

Bihar, the third most populous state in India with over 100 million inhabitants, has poverty
levels above the national average. Out of the states 10 poorest districts, 7 are located
in the north.
Traffic volumes are rising but there are only four operational bridges along the 200 km
stretch of the Ganges River that pass through the State.
The capacity of existing bridges is already stretched, undermining connectivity and
access to opportunities for northern communities.
The new bridge, which will be located near Patna, will span both channels of the Ganges
River and serve as an alternate route to the existing Ganga Bridge, which has begun to
deteriorate.
It will make it easier for people to move between jobs and markets, particularly for
poorer communities in the north wishing to travel to the state capital, Patna, just south
of the river.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated Child Labour Tracking System
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on 12 June 2016 inaugurated Child Labour Tracking
System (CLTS). The system was launched to keep a track of rescued child labour for their
proper rehabilitation.
Besides, CM Nitish Kumar also announced that he had in principle accepted the Charter of
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Demands submitted by the rescued child labour.

A committee headed by Chief Secretary for implementation of childrens demands will also
be set up.
Key highlights of Child Labour Tracking System

Every rescued child will be given 25000 rupees from Chief Ministers Relief Fund.
The money will directly go to childrens bank account. The amount will instil a sense of
confidence among the children.
The money will be given to all those children who will be registered under the tracking
system.
Why a tracking system is needed?

Even if children are rescued from working as child labour, there is no guarantee that they
would not be forced to work. Therefore, there is need for tracking those children who have
been rescued besides, monitoring such children as to what they are doing.
Child labour in India

Child labour is a practice that deprives children of their childhood. Besides, it is also
harmful to their physical and mental development.
In India, poverty, lack of good schools and growth of informal economy are considered
as the key causes of child labour.
The 2011 national census of India estimated the total number of child labour, aged 514,
to be at 4.35 million.
Article 24 of Indias constitution prohibits hazardous child labour.
The Juvenile Justice (care and protection) of Children Act 2000 and the Child Labour
(Prohibition and Abolition) Act 1986 provide a basis in law to identify, prosecute and stop
child labour in India.
NBCC to launch Ganga cleaning project in Bihar

National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) in the last week of May 2016
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announced that it will soon launch a project aimed at cleaning River Ganga in Bihar.
In December 2015, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation hired NBCC to carry out the feasibility study and conditional assessment of
the river for entry-level activities in Bihar.
Detailed project reports have been approved the Ministry of Water Resources for three
towns.

NBCC will undertake cleaning of debris.
It will construct new ghats and modernise the existing ghats.
It will repair and clean the river surface.
It will construct crematorium and public facilities such as toilets.
It will also set up a village drainage system in order to curb direct discharge into the river.
About National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited

NBCC Limited is a Navratna organisation under category I.
It is a Central Public Sector Undertaking, which trades publicly in the market and is
largely owned by Government of India.
It engages in the Real Estate Development & Construction business, and also provides
project Management Consultancy.
It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Delhi
Delhi Government approves solar policy with 1 GW target by 2020

The Delhi Government on 6 June 2016 announced implementation of its solar policy.
The policy aims at making the national capital a solar city with installation of 1 GW solar
power capacity by 2020. This target is proposed to double it to 2 GW during further next
five years.
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The policy has been prepared by the Delhi Government in consultation with the Dialogue
and Development Commission after extensive consultations with local and international
experts.
Key highlights of the policy include:

Mandatory deployment of solar panels on the government or public institutions.
Virtual net metering to give access to the solar net metering facility to the consumers
who do not have a suitable roof for installing a solar system.
Group net metering to encourage solar plants on rooftops of buildings that cannot
consume all of the energy generated locally.
Generation based incentive for three years.
Amendment of the building bylaws for rooftop solar installations.
Rajiv Gauba Committee on Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi submitted report

The Rajiv Gauba Committee on Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi on 5 June 2016 submitted
its report to the Union Ministry of Urban Development.
To ensure a safe, sustainable, affordable, equitable, comfortable, accessible and
environmental friendly public transport system in the city, the Committee recommended a
4-pronged strategy with the components of:
i.
Improving Public Transport and Disincentivising use of private vehicles
ii. Promoting Road Safety and efficient Traffic Management

iii. Setting up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority and enhancing institutional capacity
iv. Promotion of Transit Oriented Development through integrated land use and
transportation planning
Key recommendations of the committee

It called for a paradigm shift in transport planning and policy interventions to check
explosive growth in automobile population in the national capital.
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It recommended moving people more efficiently than cars through effective public
transport system.
The committee noted that that 21 percent of citys area is already under roads with
limited scope for road network expansion and 60 percent of passenger trips are below
4 km distances and 80 percent below 6 km lengths.
Since these short distances are ideal for non-motorised transport, it strongly
recommended development of necessary infrastructure for promoting walking and
cycling in the national capital.
It also opined that automobile centric planning with focus on road widening, construction
of more and more flyovers, Foot Over Bridges, Under Passes etc., have only promoted
increased use of private vehicles which are meeting only less than 20 percent of transport
needs and should not be encouraged unless warranted by natural barriers like rivers.
The Committee also expressed serious concern over mushrooming of gated communities
in the city which are compelling local traffic to come onto main roads by preventing short
cuts for movement of people.
The Committee called for various interventions over the next five years to enable 80
percent share for public transport and non-motorised trips in total transportation in the
city.
The Committee concluded that the explosive growth in automobile population needs to
be checked quickly by adopting a carrot and stick policy of enabling increased use of
public and non-motorised transport.
It recommended for disincentivising use of private vehicles through deterrent parking
pricing and Congestion Tax.
A Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority should be set up for better coordination,
quick decision making and execution. It will replace over 18 different Central and Delhi
Government departments and agencies handling different aspects of transportation in
the city region.
To implement its recommendations, the committee suggested 20000 crore rupees
interventions through Bus Rapid Transport Systems (BRTS), buses, walking and cycling
infrastructure.
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Maharashtra
Maharashtra Cabinet approves Minority Status to Jew community

The Maharashtra Cabinet on 21 June 2016 approved the minority status to Jew community.
This decision will benefit the students from these communities to avail scholarships from
the state government.
How will Minority Status Benefit Jew community?

After getting the minority status, the Jews in the state will be entitled to use benefits of
government schemes meant for minorities and can also apply in educational institutions
under the minority status.
The people of this community will now be able to easily get their marriage registrations
done in Maharashtra.
The Jewish people living in the state would now also be able to set up their own
educational institutions and practice and promote their culture.
Background
According to 2001 Census, the number of Jews living in India was 4650 with 2466 of them
living in Maharashtra. The Jews have been a part of the Indian society for over 2300 years
now.
The Jews of Manipur and Mizoram identify themselves as Beni Menashe. There are also
some in Andhra Pradesh who call themselves Bene Ephraim Jews.
India is one of the few countries in the world where Jews have never faced any harassment
or persecution. At present, there are six notified minority communities in India - Muslims,
Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis and Jains.
Maharashtra Government decides to use plastic waste in building

roads
The Government of Maharashtra on 15 June 2016 decided to use plastic waste, along with
tar, to build roads.
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The decision is aimed at improving the durability and longevity of asphalt roads and reducing
soil pollution caused by plastic.
The directive was given in the light of guideline released by the Union Government in
November 2015 to deal with the growing problem of disposal of plastic waste in Indias
urban areas.
The guidelines made it mandatory for road developers to use waste plastic along with
bituminous mixes for road construction.
Details related to the directive

In the initial phase, municipal corporations with a population of over 5 lakh and municipal
councils that have a population of over 2 lakh will execute the directive.
The responsible agencies will build roads in 50-km radius by mixing 3 to 6 kg of plastic
for every 100 kg of tar used.
The plastic mix will include materials like carry bags, sacks, milk pouches, bin linings,
cosmetic and detergent bottles, drinking water bottles, bottle caps, household articles,
etc.
A well constructed Plastic Tar Road will result in the following advantages.
Strength of the road increased (Increased Marshall Stability Value)
Better resistance to water and water stagnation
No stripping and have no potholes
Increased binding and better bonding of the mix
Increased load withstanding property( Withstanding increased load transport)
Overall consumption of bitumen decreases
Reduction in pores in aggregate and hence less rutting and raveling
Better soundness property
Maintenance cost of the road is almost nil
The Road life period is substantially increased
No leaching of plastics
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No effect of radiation like UV
Kishore Tiwari-headed Task Force on Farmers submitted report to

Maharashtra Government
Maharashtra Government appointed taskforce headed by agriculture expert Kishore Tiwari,
on 12 June 2016 submitted its report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The taskforce appointed to address agrarian issues has suggested a five-point agenda to
bring at least 80 percent of farmers into the institutional credit net.
Key recommendations
It suggested direct collectors of 14 suicide-prone districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada
region to start a crop loan helpline.
It suggested setting up village and taluka-level crop loan committees comprising of
ground staff and sarpanch which will prepare a list of hardships being faced by creditstarved farmers.
It said tehsildars, block development officers, taluka agriculture officers and other
government and bank officers along with the local MLA should be a part of the committee.
They should be empowered to take corrective action so that a smooth crop loan
disbursement is done.
All banks should put big flex boards requesting farmers to come for fresh crop loans,
and contact numbers of all senior bank officials, the district collector and the VNSSM
chairman should be displayed prominently.
It suggested that the banks which do not comply with government norms of disbursing
loans should be sent notice for criminal action and list of such banks should be sent to
RBI for further action.
It said that district collector should appoint a nodal officer for each bank branch who
would be required to provide a daily update of crop loan disbursement.
Earlier, Tiwari highlighted the agrarian distress in Vidarbha aggressively through his
organisation Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) from Pandharkawda in Yavatmal district.
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Odisha
India, ADB sign $120 million loan pact for irrigation in Odisha
India on 7 June 2016 signed loan agreement of 12 crore ($120 million) US dollars with the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve irrigation and water management infrastructure
in Odisha.
About the loan and how it will help Odisha

The financing will be used for modernizing seven irrigation subprojects resulting in
improved irrigation in over one lakh hectares.
It will also help in strengthening of Water User Associations (WUAs) and the institutional
capacity of Odishas Department of Water Resources.
The project aims to improve existing irrigation infrastructure, operation and maintenance,
and water use efficiency that will lead to higher agricultural productivity.
The selected areas for the investment program are the Baitarani, Brahmani, Budhabalanga,
and Subernarekha river basins and part of the Mahanadi delta.
The loan is the second tranche of a 157.5 million dollar financing facility under the Orissa
Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Investment Program.
The second tranche loan from ADBs ordinary capital resources has a 20-year term. The
State of Odisha, acting through its Department of Water Resources is responsible for
implementing the tranche 2 activities and overall program, which are both due for completion
by September 2018.
Odisha becomes first Indian State to give pension and food benefits
to transgenders
Odisha in the first week of June 2016 became the first Indian state to give transgender
people social welfare benefits, such as a pension, housing and food grains.
The state took the step to give the transgender community the same benefits as those living
below the poverty line. The step was aimed at improving their overall social and economic
status.
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Key highlights of the policy

Members of the transgender community will be given BPL cards.
The BPL cards will allow them to access benefits under various government welfare
programmes.
This includes schemes that provide free housing, 100 days of paid work annually,
pensions and loans to start up their own businesses.
They will also be entitled to 5 kg of food grains every month under Indias National Food
Security Act.
OTHER STATES
Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2016 passed

The Legislative Assembly of Assam on 4 June 2016 passed the Assam Ease of Doing
Business Bill, 2016.
The legislation will facilitate the enterprises with a view to attract fresh investment in the
state through an easy computerised clearance system.
The Bill replaces the Assam Ease of Doing Business Ordinance, 2016 which came into
effect on 26 February 2016.
Highlights of the Bill

It has a provision for speedy processing of applications and issue of clearances for
setting up industries.
It will create an investment-friendly environment for economic development of the state.
It provides for establishment of a bureau under the name Assam Bureau of Investment
Promotion (ABIP) for the purpose of overall supervision and administration of the speedy
processing of applications and issue of various clearances.
The Board of Governors of the ABIP will comprise of

Chief Minister as chairman
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Industry minister as vice-chairman

Ministers and senior-most secretaries of all the line departments as members
At least three representatives from industry bodies
The Chief Executive Officer of the single window agency will be the member-secretary
of the board
How the Bill will facilitate in doing business in the state?

On receiving the application online, the system will automatically forward it to the
competent authority.
Then the single window agency will hand over hard copies of such applications to the
officer under the disposal of the CEO, who will be responsible to get the clearance within
the stipulated time-frame.
Then the single window agency will submit a report to the bureau, the government as
well as to the chairman of the executive committee about the status of applications
received, disposal, pending and reasons for pending on monthly basis.
Gujarat Government unveiled IT and Electronics Start-up Policy

2016
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on 5 June 2016 unveiled the Information Technology
and Electronics Start-up Policy 2016.
This is the first-ever policy of the State government in this field with special focus on
encouraging new ventures by providing them various incentives and subsidies.
Features of IT and Electronics Start-up Policy 2016

The State government will develop 50 incubators to mentor and guide 2000 start-ups
by 2020.
The government will allot around 10 lakh sq feet of land for development of these
incubators.
These incubators will provide guidance to aspiring innovators in setting up their start-up
units.
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The incubators will be entitled to get 5 lakh rupees per annum as mentoring assistance.
Besides, the state government will provide 1 crore rupees as assistance for the
procurement of software to these incubators. The incubators and new start-ups will get
100 per cent reimbursement of stamp duty and registration fees.
Other incentives for start-ups include interest subsidy of 9 per cent per annum not
exceeding 2 lakh rupees per year, marketing assistance of 1 lakh rupees per start-up,
product development assistance of 1 lakh rupees and lease rental subsidy of 15 rupees
per square feet per month.
In order to encourage intellectual property, the government will provide 2 lakh rupees
and 5 lakh rupees as assistance to start-ups for domestic and international patent
registration respectively.
Industries and higher educational education institutes will be involved in the implantation
of the policy.
By 2020, the Start-up segment in the IT and electronic field is expected to will attract an
investment to the tune of 7000 crore rupees.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar lays foundation stone for Jai

Jawan Awas Yojna
Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar on 3 June 2016 laid foundation stone of Jai
Jawan Awas Yojna (JJAY) at Bahadurgarh, Haryana.
Jai Jawan Awas Yojna is an initiative to provide affordable housing to serving and retired
JCOs and Other Ranks.

The project is being executed by Army Welfare Housing Organization.
It aims to provide low cost housing.
This housing project has been named in the memory of Late Major Rajiv Joon, recipient
of Ashok Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. Major Joon had attained martyrdom fighting
militants in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir.
The residential project at Bahadurgarh will be pitched at a very low cost for the benefit
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of JCOs and Other Ranks.

The Chief Minister had granted dispensation in construction which permitted construction
of about 500 dwelling units instead of 400 planned earlier.
Himachal Pradesh becomes first state to launch green-concept

based State Data Centre
Himachal Pradesh on 5 June 2016 became the first Indian state to have a State Data Centre
(SDC). The centre was launched by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in
Shimla.
The SDC is designed using green data centre concept. The centre will offer 101 peopleoriented service online through an integrated data base.
CM Virbhadra Singh directed all government departments to make use of SDC for hosting
e-Governance applications instead of creating their own infrastructure.
Now, departmental applications can be hosted centrally in SDC free of cost and HIMSWAN
connectivity could be provided in field offices to access departmental applications.
Key highlights of the State Data Centre

The SDC was launched at an expenditure of 58-crore rupees.
The centre will integrate the websites of various departments.
All services could be accessible through the integrated data base. It will save time and
money spent on creation of infrastructure.
The centre will help in reducing the burden on state exchequer and at the same time help
in the integration of online databases of various departments.
It will further help the departments to roll out more government-to-citizen-services and
people can avail them from anywhere and anytime.
It has been set up by IT Department using state-of-the-art technology.
It is the first SDC in the country which has been designed using green data centre
concept to minimise power requirement and increase power utilisation efficiency.
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P Sreeramakrishnan elected as Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly

P Sreeramakrishnan was on 3 June 2016 elected as the Speaker of the 14th legislative
assembly of Kerala. He was the candidate of ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and a twotime legislator from Ponnani constituency.
In the voting held, he secured 92 votes against UDFs V.P. Sajeendran from Kunnathunadu
constituency, who got 46 votes in the 140-member legislative assembly.
The only MLA of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) O Rajagopal voted in favour of P
Sreeramakrishnan whereas the Independent MLA PC Georges vote was marked invalid.
Earlier on 25 May 2016, veteran CPI-M leader Pinarayi Vijayan was sworn-in as 12th Chief
Minister of Kerala.
In the Assembly Election held in May 2016, the CPI (M)-led left Democratic Front (LDF)
came back to power in Kerala after 5 years, winning 91 seats in the 140 member Assembly,
while UDF won 47 seats.
The other two seats were won by BJP and Independent candidate each.
President Pranab Mukherjee returned 3 bills for reconsideration of

Manipur Legislative Assembly
President Pranab Mukherjee in June 2016 returned 3 bills to Manipur Legislative Assembly
for reconsideration.
The 3 bills that returned were:

i.
The Manipur Land Reforms and Land Revenue (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015
ii. The Manipur Shops and Establishment (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015
iii. The Manipur Protection of Peoples Bill, 2015
These bills, which were passed by the State Legislative Assembly in September 2015, had
triggered violence leading to the death of nine people in the State. Their bodies are still
being preserved by their families in protest.
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Why the bills were sent for reconsideration?

The Manipur Protection of Peoples Bill, 2015 was returned on the following 2 grounds
i. The definition of a Manipuri was based on the census conducted in 1951
ii.
The Bill was passed by the Assembly as a Money Bill
Provisions: The bill proposed that - Manipur people means persons of Manipur whose names
are in the National Register of Citizens 1951, Census Report 1951 and Village Directory of
1951 and their descendants who have contributed to the collective social, cultural and
economic life of Manipur.
Further, the Bill also proposed to appoint a Director to register non-Manipur people and
owners who provide accommodation to the tenants (non-Manipur).
Criticism: It has been argued that 1951 as the cut-off date is unfair as the State has seen a
surge in migrant population from the neighbouring States in recent decades.
The criterion was also questiond on the ground that the census exercise in 1951 did not cover
the entire State, especially hilly areas that cover 90 percent of area, due to not availability of
infrastructure and human resources.
And, had the criteria been approved, around half of the indigenous tribes, including the
Kukis and Nagas of the hilly areas, would have been declared as non-Manipuri.
Secondly, the bill was passed as Money Bill in the unicameral legislature. It has been alleged
that the bill was approved as Money Bill in order to bypass the scrutiny of the Hill Areas
Committee of the Legislative Assembly.
The Hill Areas Committee was set up as per the provisions of the Manipur Legislative
Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972. It was promulgated by the President of India
under the provisions of the Article 371-C of Constitution.
As per the provision 4 (2) of the order, every bill, other than a money bill, affecting wholly
or partly the hill areas and containing mainly provisions dealing with any of the scheduled
matters shall, after introduction in the Assembly, be referred to the Hill Areas Committee of
the Assembly for consideration and report to the Assembly.
V Narayanasamy sworn-in as Chief Minister of Puducherry

Congress Legislature Party leader V Narayanasamy was sworn-in as Chief Minister of the
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Union Territory of Puducherry on 6 June 2016. Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi administered
his oath of office and secrecy along with five ministers at Gandhi Thidal in Beach Road.
Five Congress legislators who were also sworn-in as ministers are A Namassivayam, Shah
Jahan, Malladi Krishna Rao, M Kandasamy and R Kamalakannan.
V Narayanasamy
He represented Puducherry in Rajya Sabha for three terms.
He was elected to Lok Sabha in 2009 and served as Minister of State Parliamentary
Affairs in UPA-I.
In UPA-II, he served as Minister of State in Prime Ministers Office.
Narayanasamy is not a member of the house hence he will need to face polls in 6 months.
Earlier on 19 May 2016, Congress - DMK alliance has 17 members in the 30 member
Territorial Assembly. DMK which has 2 members in the Assembly will be supporting the
Government from outside.
Of the four regions of the Union Territory, Mahe alone do not have representation in the
Council of Ministers.
Punjab government launches Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on 18 June 2016 launched the fund titled Mukh
Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund to provide free treatment for patients affected by
Hepatitis C.
With this initiative, Punjab became the first Indian state to provide free treatment to confirmed
cases of Hepatitis C.
Highlights of the Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund

The fund will have initial corpus of 20 crore rupees.
It will provide free treatment to all the residents of Punjab affected by Hepatitis C.
Free treatment for Hepatitis C would be provided to the patients in the state government
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medical colleges at Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot besides 22 district hospitals.

Under this scheme, the patients of Hepatitis C will be registered at the 25 treating
hospitals.
Medicines for the course of treatment will be issued after examination and testing by the
medical specialists.
The patient has to pay only for the viral load and the genotype of the Hepatitis C Virus for
which the Punjab Government has also done rate contract with Lal Path Laboratories.
The medicines will be given free of cost.
Comment
With a prevalence rate as high as 3 percent, there are up to 10 lakh cases of suspected
Hepatitis C in the state, of which up to 6 lakh require treatment.
Until recently, the treatment consisted of injectable peg-interferon which was very expensive
and unaffordable. However, through Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund, free
treatment for Hepatitis C would be of great help for the patients.
Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App RajVayu on Air Quality

Index
Rajasthan Government on 5 June 2016 launched mobile application RajVayu for sharing
information about Air Quality Index of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. The app was launched
by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on the eve of World Environment Day.
With this, Rajasthan became first state in country to launch such app for sharing information
about air quality index of cities.
Highlights of RajVayu App

Information provided on RajVayu app is based on the data collected by sophisticated air
quality monitoring equipment and weather sensors.
The app has been designed by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) jointly
with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
It will share details about the air quality, such as levels of pollutants likes SOx, NOx, CO,
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Ozone particles and Particulate Matter (PM) with the city residents and tourists.
It will also share temperature, wind speed, humidity, weather forecast and advisories.
This app is based on the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research
(SAFAR-India) which is presently connected in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
By 2017, the services of this application would be expanded in other cities in the state
including in Ajmer, Alwar, Bhiwadi, Kota and Pali.
P Dhanapal re-elected as Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker

P Dhanapal and Pollachi V Jayaraman on 3 June 2016 were unanimously re-elected as
Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively for the 15th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.
The two AIADMK leaders held the respective offices in the previous assembly also.
As Soon as the House assembled on 3 June 2016, the Protem Speaker S Semmalai
announced Dhanapal as Speaker as he was the only person to file nomination for the post.
His name was proposed by AIADMK Chief and TN CM J Jayalalithaa and Finance Minister
and Leader of the House O Panneerselvam.
As a convention, the Leader of the House and leader of the Opposition M K Stalin (DMK)
conducted Dhanapal to his chair.
Newly elected Speaker announced V Jayaraman as the Deputy Speaker as there was no
other nomination filed for the post.
Dhanapal was re-elected as Member of Legistative Assembly (MLA) from Avinashi (Reserved)
constituency for sixth term while Jayaraman was re-elected from Pollachi constituency for
fourth term.
Background
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won the May 2016 Assembly elections
for a consecutive term. It was 133 MLAs in the 234-member house with three vacancies.
The Party can ensure election of its nominees for the key posts.
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Telangana government to set up pharmaceutical city in Rangareddy

and Mahbubnagar districts
Telangana government on 10 June 2016 decided to set up of a Pharma City. It will be spread
over 12500 acres of land in Rangareddy and Mahbubnagar districts of the state.
Telangana has traditionally been the bulk drugs capital of India with almost one-third of the
total production in value terms.
The state government intends to facilitate setting up of the most modern facilities along
with all necessary where withal in an integrated manner along with maintaining the leader
status in the sector.
Accordingly, the state government has decided to set up a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical
city which will be a one stop shop for pharmaceuticals manufacturing companies, biotech
and life sciences companies along with all related activities.
Highlights
Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) shall send detailed project
proposal (DPR) to the government on modalities for implementation and execution of
project.
It will also carry out all aspects related to the development of the park in a transparent
manner duly following all relevant rules.
The proposed park will have components and other related activities with regard to
antibiotics, fermentation products, synthetic drugs, large volume chemical synthesis,
intermediaries, vitamins, vaccines, drug formulations, nutraceuticals, herbal medicinal
products, specialty chemicals, cosmetics among others.
There will also be efforts to establish Research and Development incubation centre,
central testing facilities facilitating clinical trials, testing and certification, contract
research and custom synthesis.
The actual location and exact extent of land will be firmed up based on the availability of
government land and private land.
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ro Rail
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government on 31 May 2016 approved the Detailed Project Report
(DPR) of Varanasi Metro rail project. The DPR will now be sent to the Union government for
approval.
The responsibility of coordination for preparation of DPR for Metros in Kanpur, Varanasi,
Meerut and Agra was assigned to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) by state
government.
Highlights of the Detailed Project Report

According to the DPR, the 29.23 km Metro will have two corridors that include from
BHEL to Banaras Hindu University (19.35 km) and Benia Bagh to Sarnath (9.885 km).
There will be 26 stations, 20 underground and six elevated in the two corridors.
Out of the total length, 23.467 km will be elevated, while 5.768 km will be underground.
The estimated cost of the project is 13133 crore rupees.
Background
The DPR of Varanasi Metro was finalised in February 2016 by LMRC in coordination with
RITES Limited.
The state housing and urban planning department had nominated RITES Limited for the
preparation of DPR for rail-based mass transit system in Varanasi. The Varanasi Development
Authority (VDA) was nominated as nodal agency and LMRC was nominated as Coordinating
Agency for preparation of DPR.
An MoU in this regard was signed between VDA and RITES on 6 May 2015 for carrying out
the assignment. The Draft Final Report was submitted on 6 January 2016.
Internet Saathi, Google and Tatas joint-initiative, launched in West

Bengal
Internet search engine Google and Tata Trusts joint initiative Internet Saathi was launched
on 8 June 2016 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
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The initiative aims at reducing the digital gender gap in rural areas of India such as Purulia,
where girls have now been trained to use the Internet and teach others in turn.
Internet Saathi had been successfully launched in five states. In July 2015, it began in four
more states including West Bengal.
About Internet Saathi

Internet Saathi aims at empowering women and their communities by providing basic
training on the usage and benefits of the internet.
The programme is driving a meaningful impact in improving the lives of women and their
communities in rural India.
It focuses on training women in rural India to explore the various uses of Internet, who
then impart training to the larger rural community in their own and neighbouring villages.
Google helps in training the Saathis and provides data enabled devices along with the
training material.
On ground training classes is conducted by involving self help group federations and
local NGO members who are supported by Tata Trusts on-ground network.
In the last ten months, the initiative has been active in villages across five states in India,
namely Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
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REPORTS/SURVEY
World Economic Forum released the Human Capital Report 2016
197
Mercers Cost of Living Survey 2016 released; Mumbai costliest in India 199
UNCTAD released World Investment Report 2016
200
IEP released the 2016 Global Peace Index, India ranks 141
202
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World Economic Forum released the Human Capital Report 2016

The World Economic Forum (WEF) on 28 June 2016 released the Human Capital Report
2016.
The Human Capital Index (HCI) of the report ranks 130 countries on how well they are
developing and deploying their human capital potential.
While Finland continues to be at the top of the HCI, India was at the 105th position.
Top 10 Countries in the Human Capital Index are:

Finland (1)
Norway (2)
Switzerland
(3)
Japan (4)
Sweden
New Zealand
(5)
(6)
Denmark (7)
The Netherlands
(8)
Canada (9)
Belgium (10)
Bottom 10 Countries in the Human Capital Index are:

Lesotho (121)
Senegal
(122)
Cte dIvoire
(123)
Burundi (124)
Guinea (125)
Mali (126)
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Nigeria (127)
Chad (128)
Yemen
(129)
Mauritania (130)
Indias position in the Human Capital Index

India occupied the 105th position among the 130 countries surveyed in the Index.
In the 2015 report, India occupied the 100th position among the 124 countries surveyed.
In the Asia-Pacific region, it is placed behind Sri Lanka (50), China (71), Indonesia (72),
Iran (85), Bhutan (91) and Bangladesh (104).
India has secured 62nd, 98th, 106th, 119th and 120th position in the 0 to 14, 15 to 24,
25 to 54, 55 to 64, and 65 and over categories respectively.
It has also ranked poorly on labour force participation. However, it received solid rankings
on Quality of education system, Staff training and Ease of finding skilled employees
indicators.
About the report

The WEF prepared the report in collaboration with Mercer, an American global human
resource and related financial services consulting firm.
The report presents an analysis by focusing on a number of key issues that can support
better design of education policy and future workforce planning.
The Human Capital Index assesses Learning and Employment outcomes on a scale from
0 (worst) to 100 (best) across five distinct age groups to capture the full demographic
profile of a country.
0 to 14 years: The youngest members of the population for whom education is assessed
among the most critical factors
15 to 24 years: Youth for whom factors such as higher education and skills use in the
workplace are assessed
25 to 54 years: The bulk of the labour force, for whom continued learning and employment
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quality are assessed

55 to 64 years: The most senior members of most workforces for whom attainment and
continued engagement are assessed
65 and Over: The oldest members of the population, for whom both continued opportunity
and health are assessed
Mercers Cost of Living Survey 2016 released; Mumbai costliest in

India
Mercers Cost of Living Survey 2016 was released on 22 June 2016. Asia dominates the
top 5 of 2016 Cost of Living Rankings, with Hong Kong bagging the No. 1 spot, pushing
Luanda, Angola to 2nd.
As per the Mercers 22nd annual Cost of Living Survey, top factors contributing to cost of
expatriate packages for employees on international assignments are currency fluctuations,
cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices.
Key highlights of the survey

The survey includes more than 375 cities throughout the world. The ranking for 2016
includes 209 cities across five continents.
It measures the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including
housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.
New York City is used as the base city for all comparisons and currency movements are
measured against the US dollar.
Kinshasa, which is ranked sixth in the survey, appears for the first time in the top 10
cities.
Five Indian cities were also ranked in the list. They are:
Mumbai Rank 82
New Delhi Rank 130
Chennai Rank 158
Kolkata 194
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Bangalore Rank 180
Top 10 countries in the list are:

Rank City Country
1
Hong Kong
China
2 Luanda Angola
3
Zurich
Singapore
Switzerland
Singapore
5 Tokyo Japan
6
Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Shanghai
China
Geneva
Switzerland
9 NDjamena Chad
10 Beijing China
UNCTAD released World Investment Report 2016

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 21 June 2016
released a report entitled World Investment Report 2016 Investor Nationality: Policy
Challenges.
The report examines international production by multinational enterprises (including sales,
exports, employment and value added), as well as their ownership structures and control
of affiliates.
In a novel analysis, the report focuses on how policymakers can distinguish between
domestic and foreign companies in a globalized economy and provides with a new
framework for handling ownership issues in 21st century investment policymaking.
While the USA surpassed Hong Kong and China in terms of FDI inflows in 2015 with 380
billion US dollars, India continues to be at the 10th position with 44 billion US dollars.
Highlights of World Investment Report 2016

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FDI inflows: Top 10 countries in terms of FDI inflows in decreasing order - The USA,
China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Brazil, Canada and
India.
Ireland and Switzerland registered considerable progress in 2015. While Ireland attracted
additional 71 billion US dollars in 2015 compared to 2014, in the case of Switzerland it
was 62 billion US dollars
Global investment trends: The flows jumped by 38 per cent to 1.76 trillion US dollars,
their highest level since the global economic and financial crisis of 20082009.
Inward FDI flows to developed economies almost doubled to 962 billion US dollars. As
a result, developed economies tipped the balance back in their favour with 55 per cent
of global FDI, up from 41 per cent in 2014.
FDI flows are expected to decline by 10-15 per cent in 2016, reflecting the fragility of
the global economy and persistent weakness of aggregate demand, sluggish growth in
some commodity exporting countries.
Regional investment trends: Developing Asia saw FDI inflows increase by 16 per cent to
541 billion US dollars a new record. The significant growth was driven by the strong
performance of East and South Asian economies.
Investor Nationality-Policy Challenges

More than 40 per cent of foreign affiliates worldwide have multiple passports. These
affiliates are part of complex ownership chains with multiple cross-border links involving
on average three jurisdictions.
Multiple passport affiliates are the result of indirect foreign ownership, transit investment
through third countries, and round-tripping.
These types of affiliates are much more common in the largest Multi National Enterprises
(MNEs). 60 per cent of their foreign affiliates have multiple cross-border ownership links
to the parent company.
The larger the MNEs, the greater is the complexity of their internal ownership structures.
The top 100 MNEs in UNCTADs Transnationality Index have on average more than 500
affiliates each, across more than 50 countries.
The blurring of investor nationality has made the application of rules and regulations on
foreign ownership more challenging.
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Policymakers in some countries have developed a range of mechanisms to safeguard

the effectiveness of foreign ownership rules, including anti-dummy laws, general antiabuse rules to prevent foreign control, and disclosure requirements.
The report advised the policy makers to find a balance between liberalization and
regulation in pursuing the ultimate objective of promoting investment for sustainable
development.
Report with respect to India

Globally, India was at the top tenth position in terms of FDI inflows in 2015. Compared
to 35 billion US dollars in 2014, it received 44 billion US dollars of investments in 2015.
Indias and Bangladeshs FDI performance pushed inflows to South Asia to 50 billion US
dollars, an increase of 22 per cent from 2014.
India became the fourth largest recipient of investment in developing Asia.
Outward FDI from India, South Asias dominant investor, dropped by more than one third
which resulted in an overall 36 per cent decline of outflows from the region to 8 billion
US dollars in 2015.
IEP released the 2016 Global Peace Index, India ranks 141
Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) on 10 June 2016 released the 2016 Global Peace
Index (GPI). The 10th edition of GPI measured peace, its causes and its economic value
during 2015 for 163 countries.
India ranked 141 among the 163 countries with 2.566 GPI score. It showed an improvement
in peace building as it held 143th rank in 2014 and 2015.
Highlights of 2016 GPI

The Index shows that the world became less peaceful in 2015, reinforcing the underlying
trend of declining peace over the last decade.
The GPI records a historically less peaceful and more unequal world in which many
countries also improved.
The countries improved in Peace are 81 while deteriorated counts 79.
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The countries that topped the 2016 GPI for being most peaceful are Iceland (1), Denmark
(2), Austria (3), New Zealand (4), Portugal (5), Czech Republic (6), Switzerland (7), Canada
(8), Japan (9) and Slovenia (10).
The least peaceful countries are Pakistan (153), Libya (154), Sudan (155), Ukraine (156),
Central African Republic (157), Yemen (158), Somalia (159), Afghanistan (160), Iraq (161),
South Sudan (162) and Syria (163).
The majority of the global deterioration is due to the developments in the Middle East
and Africa (MENA) which is already the least peaceful region in the world.
The countries with the largest deteriorations were Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Poland,
Burundi, Kazakhstan and Brazil.
The indicator with the largest improvement is UN peacekeeping funding, while the second
largest improvement was recorded in the security officers and police rate indicator.
UN member states have formally recognised the critical nature of peacefulness in
advancing global development for the first time.
The 17 SDGs are a new set of goals to target poverty, inequality, injustice and climate
change by 2030.
IEP recommends that independent third party organisations provide complimentary
support to NSOs and offer a useful benchmark against which to compare results.
About Global Peace Index (GPI)

GPI as a measure of world peace was launched in 2007.
It is the worlds leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for
Economics and Peace.
The Index is composed of 23 indicators, ranging from a nations level of military
expenditure to its relations with neighbouring countries and the percentage of prison
population in 163 countries.
The IEP is a Sydney-based international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting
the worlds focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human
well-being and progress.
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COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
Anand Desai Committee on Specific Relief Act, 1963 submitted report
205
Mirza Imtiyaz Judicial Commission constituted to probe Mathura violence

205
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Anand Desai Committee on Specific Relief Act, 1963 submitted report

Anand Desai-led committee on 20 June 2016 submitted its report to Union Law and Justice
Minister DV Sadananda Gowda.
The expert committee examined the Specific Relief Act, 1963 and suggested
recommendations to augment ease of doing business in the country.
Key recommendations of the committee

To change the approach, from damages being the rule and specific performance being
the exception, to specific performance being the rule, and damages being the alternate
remedy.
To provide guidelines for reducing the discretion granted to Courts and tribunals while
granting performance and injunctive reliefs so that public works projects is not be
impeded or stalled.
To introduce provisions for rights of third parties (other than for Government contracts).
To consider addressing unconscionable contracts, unfair contracts, reciprocity in
contracts etc., and implied terms.
Need to classify diverse Public utility Contracts as a distinct class recognising the
inherent public interest/importance to be addressed in the Act.
About Specific Relief Act, 1963

It was by the Parliament to replace the Specific Relief Act, 1877 of the colonial era with an
aim to assure that whenever there is a wrong there must be a remedy. The Act does not
confer any Rights on itself. Specific relief is only provided for the violation of a legal right.
Mirza Imtiyaz Judicial Commission constituted to probe Mathura

violence
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on 7 June 2016 appointed a judicial commission
to probe into the recent Mathura violence hours.
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The commission will be headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Mirza Imtiyaz
Murtaza. It has been asked to submit its report in two months.
The commission was formed after the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking a
CBI probe into the incident.
Course of Action for the Judicial Commission

The commission has been mandated to conduct the inquiry on six points of reference.
Among other aspects it will find out the reasons because of which such a big incident
occurred, the lapses on the part of police and intelligence failure if any.
It will look into the plan and preparedness of district administration and its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the administrative inquiry by Aligarh commissioner has been disbanded.
Matura violence of Uttar Pradesh

Mathura violence at Jawahar Bagh Public Park, led to death of at least 24 people including
a Superintendent of Police (City) Mukul Dwivedi and SHO Santosh Kumar, started on 2
June 2016.
The violence started after the state police on Allahabad High Courts order tried to evict
the group, named as Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah, from the Jawahar Bagh which was
illegally occupied by them since April 2014.
The group led by Ram Vriksh Yadav, once a follower of Jai Gurudev, was running a parallel
government, with complete administration, revenue and armed forces, within the 200-acre
park.
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NEWS IN SHORTS
CORPORATE NEWS
209
SPORTS NEWS
213
Places in News
219
Person Appointed
223
Person in News
227
Person Resigned
229
Person Died
230
Defence & Security
235
ABBREVIATION|TERMS
237
BOOKS AND AUTHOR NEWS
239
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AWARDS|HONOURS
240
SUMMIT|CONFERENCE
244
DAYS|WEEKS|YEARS
245
Miscellaneous
247
One Liners
250
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CORPORATE NEWS
209
Suzuki Motors appoints Toshihiro Suzuki as CEO

Toshihiro Suzuki is the son of Suzuki Motor Chairman Osamu Suzuki.
Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation.
It is headquartered in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan.
The company was founded as Suzuki Loom Works by Michio Suzuki in 1909.
Nestle named Ukf Mark Schneider as CEO

Food and Beverage multinational Nestle SA on 27 June 2016 named Ulf Mark Schneider
as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is the CEO of Fresenius, a Germany-based
healthcare company. He will join Nestle on 1 September 2016 and start as CEO on 1 January
2017.
He will succeed incumbent CEO Paul Bulcke, who will resign from the position on 31
December 2016. Bulcke has been named by Nestle board as its next chairman after
incumbent Peter Brabeck-Letmathe retires in 2017.
50-year old Schneider will be the first outsider to run 150-year old Nestl since 1922, when
banker Louis Dapples was appointed to head the company after its only financial loss.
Schneider appointment will expand the Nestles capability to become one of the pre-eminent
players in the Nutrition, Health and Wellness sector.
Nokia appoints Sanjay Malik as India Head

Nokia on 24 June 2016 announced the appointment of Sanjay Malik as the head of Indian
market. The appointment of Malik will be effective from 1 August 2016. Malik will lead
customer operations, drive the business growth strategy and superior customer engagement
services for the India market.
Malik will take over from Sandeep Girotra, who has been heading Indian market since 2011.
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Tech Mahindra Ltd acquires UK-based BIO Agency Ltd

Technology services provider Tech Mahindra Ltd (TechM) on 22 June 2016 acquired UKbased digital transformation firm The BIO Agency Ltd.
The acquisition was carried out in an all-cash deal for an enterprise value of up to 45 million
pounds.
The payment of 22 million pounds and the surplus cash of 5 million pounds will be made
upfront and the balance will be done away as deferred payments based on company
performance. Tech Mahindra will acquire 100 percent of shares of the company.
Aveek Sarkar resigns as Chief Editor of ABP Group of Publications

Aveek Sarkar on 22 June 2016 resigned as the Editor-in-Chief of Ananda Bazaar Patrika
(ABP) and The Telegraph. However, he would continue as the chairman of the group. He is
succeeded by Arup Sarkar.
Moreover, Anirban Bhattacharya was appointed as the Editor of the Ananda Bazaar Patrika
and R Rajagopalan was named as the Editor of The Telegraph.
Aveek Sarkar will now play an advisory role as Editor (Emeritus) and Vice Chairman of the
company.
PayPal appoints Anupam Pahuja as India Country Manager and MD

Worlds leading payments platform PayPal on 22 June 2016 announced the appointment of
Anupam Pahuja as the Managing Director (MD) and Country Manager for its India operations.
Pahuja will be responsible for all aspects of PayPals business in India. He will also be
responsible for further strengthening of the companys operations in the country.
Prior to joining PayPal, Pahuja worked as the India MD for SumTotal Systems.
SoftBank Group names Ken Miyauchi as President and COO

Japanese conglomerate SoftBank on 22 June 2016 named Ken Miyauchi, head of the groups
Japanese telecommunications operations, as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The appointment came after Nikesh Arora had abruptly resigned from his position after it
became clear that Chairman and CEO Masayoshi wanted to remain at the helm longer than
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first planned.
SoftBank Group Corporation is a Japanese multinational telecommunications and Internet
corporation established in Tokyo, Japan, on 3 September 1981.
Nikesh Arora resigns as President and COO of SoftBank Group

Nikesh Arora on 21 June 2016 resigned as the Representative Director, President and Chief
Operating Officer (COO) of SoftBank Group (SBG), a Japanese company.
Simultaneously, he will also step down from the Chairmanship at Yahoo Japan, a company
in which SoftBank has a 36.4 percent stake, as well as the Director of Sprint, an acquisition
of SBG.
However, Arora will assume an Advisory Role effective 1 July 2016.
HAL unveils indigenous basic trainer aircraft HTT-40

Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) is two-seater aircraft designed and developed
indigenously by the HAL.
The aircraft weighs about 2800 kg and has Turbo Prop engine of 950 shp class.
Almost 50 percent of the components on HTT-40 are manufactured by private players of
the Indian aerospace manufacturers.
The indigenous content on HTT-40 is close to 80 percent.
HTT-40 will be used for the first-stage training for all flying cadets of the three services.
The programme aims to achieve its operational clearance by 2018.
Moreover, it will be used to meet the current requirement of the Indian Air Force with the
provision for role expansion to attach weapons to the trainer aircraft.
Hall Of Shame list of Banks funding Cluster Bomb Makers

The State Bank of India (SBI) was on 16 June 2016 named in the Hall of Shame list of
158 banking institutions that have invested billions of dollars in companies making cluster
bombs. The list was prepared by Dutch campaign group PAX Worldwide Investments in
Cluster Munitions report.
State Bank of India (SBI) is the only Indian entity on the list that includes global giants like
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JP Morgan, Barclays, Bank of America and Credit Suisse.
Tata-Boeing joint venture establishes aerospace facility in Hyderabad

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Boeing on 18 June 2016 celebrated the
foundation laying of a new facility in Hyderabad for its joint venture named Tata Boeing
Aerospace (TBAL). The joint venture has been established to co-produce Boeing AH-64
Apache helicopter fuselages and other aero structures, as well as to pursue integrated
systems in aerospace. It will also manufacture aerospace and defense products including
unmanned aerial vehicles.
State Bank of India floats IT Innovation Start-up Fund

The fund will consider assistance of up to 3 crore rupees to a firm registered in India for
promoting their business innovations using technology in financial services. The traditional
banks around the world are opening up to work with fintech firms which are disrupting
business models by using technology to deliver services at lower cost.
Microsoft signs agreement to acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 billion

Microsoft Corporation and LinkedIn Corporation on 13 June 2016 announced that they
have entered into a definitive agreement. As per the agreement, Microsoft will acquire
LinkedIn for 196 dollar per share in an all-cash transaction valued at 26.2 billion dollar,
inclusive of LinkedIns net cash. However, LinkedIn will retain its distinct brand, culture and
independence.
Tata Power signed agreement to acquire Welspun Renewables

Tata Powers renewable energy unit Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has signed
an agreement to acquire Welspun Renewables Energy Private Ltd (WREPL). It is the largest
transaction in renewables space in India.
The acquisition is being made at an enterprise value of 9249 crore rupees. TPREL will
acquire 1140 MW solar and wind power assets of Welspun Energy Private Ltd. The deal is
expected to close in September 2016.
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Athletics
Official slogan for Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled: The slogan, A New World,
was unveiled by Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The creation of a slogan is a tradition of each Olympic Games. Previous Olympic mottos
included Welcome home for Athens in 2004, One world, one dream for Beijing in 2008,
and Inspire a Generation for London in 2012.
Archery
Archery World Cup: Held in Antalya, Turkey, India finished the competition with second
position on the podium. It won the silver medal. In the final clash, the Indian team of Deepika
Kumari and Atanu Das beat South Korean team of Choi Misun and Ku Bonchan.
Badminton
Australian Open Super Series Badminton trophy: Played at Sydney, the Ace Indian
shuttler Saina Nehwal won the trophy. In the final match played at Sydney, Saina defeated
Chinese Sun Yu 11-21, 21-14, 21-19. With this win, she also pocketed a cheque of 56250
US dollars.
This was first title of year 2016 for 29-year-old Saina and second Australian Open title of her
career. She won her first Australian Open title in 2014.
Cricket
India-Zimbabwe T-20 series: The three match series was won by India 2-1. Bowler Baridner
Sran of India was adjudged as the Man of the Series.
India-Zimbabwe ODI series: The three match series was won by India 3-0. Indian batsman
was adjudged as the Man of the Series. With this win, India got its a third successive series
clean-sweep in Zimbabwe after the triumphs in 2013 and 2015.
Football
2016 Copa America Football tournament

In the final clash played at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US, Chile defeated Argentina 4-2
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through penalties shootout. With this, Chile became the first nation to win back-to-back
Copa American Cup since Argentina achieved the feat in 1946 and 1947.
Golden Ball: Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Golden Boot: Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Golden Glove award: Claudio Bravo (Chile)
Fair Play Award: Argentina
Hockey
2016 Champions Trophy Hockey

Men
Australia won the trophy by defeating India 1-0 in the penalty shootout. This was the 14th
title for Australia. Germany defeated Great Britain to win the Bronze. Also this was for the
first time in 36 years that India reached final of the Champions Trophy.
Best player: Tobias Hauke (Germany)
Best junior player: Harmanpreet Singh (India)
Best goalkeeper: George Pinner (Great Britain)
Top scorer: Marco Miltkau (Germany)
Women
Argentina defeated the reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands 2-1. For
Argentina, it was the 3rd consecutive title and the 7th title overall. The US team defeated
Australia to win the Bronze.
Best Goalkeeper: Joyce Sombroek of the Netherlands
Top Scorer: Carla Rebecchi of Argentina
Mens Hockey Junior World Cup 2016: It will be hosted by Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh between
8 December and 18 December 2016 as announced by the International Hockey Federation
(FIH) on 7 June 2016.
The womens Hockey Junior World Cup will take place in Santiago, Chile between 24
November 2016 and 4 December 2016.
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The Hockey Junior World Cup held every four years since 1985 was started in 1979 and
Germany is the most successful team, having won the tournament six times.
Personality
Sameer Mon: The veteran sprinter of India representing Manipur won gold in 100 meter
dash in 10.60 seconds at the 56th National Inter-state Senior Athletics Championships in
Hyderabad. With this he also became the fastest athlete in the country.
Anju Bobby George: She along with Pullela Gopichand were named as the members of
Khelo India, a national programme launched by the Union Government for the development
of sports in the country. She is Indias lone athletics World Championship medal winner
whereas Gopichand is the only second India to win the all-England Badminton championship.
Earlier she resigned as the President of Kerala Sports Council.
N Srinivasan: The former BCCI and ICC chairman was re-elected President of Tamil Nadu
Cricket Association for 15th term. He was elected at its 86th annual general body meeting
in Chennai based on consensus.
Dutee Chand: Sprinter from Odisha qualified for Rio Olympics. With this she became the
first Indian woman to qualify for the event since qualification started for the event since PT
Usha qualified for the event in 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Anil Kumble: Former Indian leg spinner was appointed as the head coach of the Indian
cricket team. He is the second bowler in the world to claim 10 wickets in an innings and
third all-time highest wicket taker in the world after Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne.
Rahul Johri: He on 1 June 2016 assumed charge as first ever chief executive officer (CEO)
of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai. He was appointed on the
recommendation of the Justice Lodha Committee.
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Sachin Tendulkar: He came into news as his name will be used in Kerala Governments
Anti-Drug Campaign. Besides, KBFC also agreed to set up a residential Football Academy
to train young talents in the state.
N Ramachandran: The president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was awarded the
prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 1 June 2016.
He was honoured for his outstanding services to the Olympic movement.
Earlier to him, former IOA president, the late BS Adityan was the other Indian to be honoured
with the same award in 1995.
Racing
European Grand Prix Formula 1 championship: Held at Baku, Ajerbaijan, it was won
by Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg of Germany. In this championship, Rosberg completed
second career Grand Slam. Prior to him, only Lewis Hamilton, Mika Hakkinen, Jack Brabham
and Juan Manuel Fangio could able to achieve this rare feat.
Grand Slam in Formula One racing denotes winning a race from pole while leading every lap
and scoring the fastest lap.
Canada Grand Prix of Formula 1 championsip: Held in Montreal it was won by Mercedes
driver Lewis Hamilton. The present win in Montreal was the fifth in his career and the second
in a row. His previous titles were secured in 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015.
International Sprint and Relay Teams Cup: Held at Erzurum, Turkey, the highlight was the
Indian men relay team breaking the 18-year old record in 4x400 m relay by clocking 3:02.17.
The previous record of 3:02.62 was set at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.
Shooting
ISSF World Cup: It is being held in Baku, Ajerbaijan. Indias Ace shooter Sanjeev Rajput
on 28 June 2016 clinched the silver medal for India in mens 50-metre rifle 3 position event.
This was the third World Cup medal and first in five years won by Rajput.
Earlier, Jitu Rai of India on 25 June 2016 won silver in the 10 m Air Pistol event. It is the
second medal in a World Cup this season for Rai.
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Tennis
French Open 2016
Category
Winner
Runner-up
Mens Singles
Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Andy Murray (the UK)
Womens Singles
Garbine Muguruza (Spain)
Serena Williams (the USA)
Mens Doubles
F Lopez and M Lopez (Spain)
M Bryan and B Bryan (the USA)
Womens Doubles
C Garcia and K Mladenovic

(France)
E Makarova and E Vesnina

(Russia)
Mixed Doubles
Leander Paes (India) and

Martina Hingis (Switzerland)
Ivan Dodig (Croatia) and Sania

Mirza (India)
Miscellaneous
FINA Women Water Polo World League Super Final: Held at Shanghai, China, the USA
Womens Senior National Team defeated Spain 13-9 in the championship match to win the
gold. Australia defeated China 11-3 for the bronze medal.
The victory marks the United States third straight FINA World League Super Final title and
10th overall.
Forbes 2016 Worlds 100 Highest-Paid Athletes list

Forbes on 8 June 2016 released the list of 2016 Worlds 100 Highest-Paid Athletes. The
list has been topped by soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo with earnings of 88 million US
dollars.
The 100 top-earning athletes hail from 23 countries and compete in ten sports with
Americans (65) and baseball players (26) are being the most numerous among all sports.
Ronaldo is only the second team athlete after Michael Jordan to rank as the top-paid
since Forbes began tracking athlete earnings in 1990.
Other soccer superstar Lionel Messi ranks No. 2 with earnings of 81.4 million US dollars.
He earned bonuses from Barcelona and chief sponsor Adidas when he racked up his
fifth FIFA player of the year award in January 2016.
The NBAs LeBron James ranks third with total earnings of $77.2 million and leads 18
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basketball players on the list

Roger Federer is the top-earning athlete in an individual sport with 67.8 million US dollars,
ranks fourth followed by Basket ball player Kevin Durant with 56.2 million US dollars.
Novak Djokovic lands in the top 10 for the first time at No. 6 with 55.8 million US dollars
over the past 12 months.
The two athletes Golfer Tiger Woods and boxer Floyd Mayweather who have dominated
the top of Forbes annual look at the highest-earners in sports over the past decade and
a half have dropped their ranks to No.12 and No. 16 respectively.
Earlier to 2016 list, Tiger Woods landed the No. 1 spot for 12 times, while Floyd
Mayweather was ranked among the first three places for the past four years.
Serena Williams (No. 40) and Maria Sharapova (No. 88) are the only two women to make
the cut in the list for the second straight year.
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Mahashangarh: This ancient archaeological site was declared as the cultural capital of
the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 2016-17. The site is
located in Bogra in Bangladesh. It dates back to 3rd century BC and was the ancient capital
of Pundravardhana. Pundra were a group of people not speaking languages of the IndoEuropean family.
Every year, an archeologically and culturally rich city in the one of the 8 SAARC countries is
declared as the cultural capital for that year. It was an outcome of Delhi Resolution which
was adopted in the run up to the preparation of a road map on cultural ties till 2017.
Majuli Island: It was upgraded as the 35th district of Assam. Previously, it was a Mohkuma,
a sub division of the Jorhat District. With this, Majuli has become the only river island district
in the country.
Geographical features: It is the largest river island in the World. It is a fluvial landform
(a riverine delta), a unique geographical occurrence and a result of the dynamics of the
Brahmaputra river system.
It is bounded by the river Subanisri and her tributaries on the North West, the kherkatia Suli
(a spill channel of the river Brahmaputra) in the northeast and the main Brahmaputra River
on the South and the South west.
It is the largest mid river delta system in the world. It is also comprised of many islets locally
called the Chaporis.
Its area has shrunk from about 1250 square kilometers in 1891 to about 515 square
kilometers due to the erosion of river-bank.
Vaishnavite cultural centre: It is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture initiated
around 15th century by the revered Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple
Madhavdeva.
There are a total of 30 Sattras or Vaishnavite monasteries including the Dakhinpat Satra
which was established in 1584 AD.
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Each Sattra, represents, within its region, a centre for cultural activities and even acts as a
democratic institution to settle local disputes.
Most of the villages associate with respective Sattra, and the villagers partake in the activities
of their own Sattra during festivals and occasions.
These sattra villages and other vernacular settlements house people from various ethnic
origins all of whom have settled in Majuli like Mishings, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Koch,
Kaivartta and Nath.
Flora and fauna: It is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered
avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season.
Among the birds seen here are the greater adjutant stork, pelican, Siberian crane and the
whistling teal.
Agriculture: Paddy, mustard, potato, pulses, sugarcane, wheat are the main crops cultivated
on the island.
Various seasonal vegetables and fruits like orange, banana, pineapple, jackfruit, etc are also
grown in abundant quantity.
Recognition: In March 2011, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of the Union Ministry
of Culture proposed to nominate the island for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The application is in pending.
Kuumbi Cave: It is a group of caves that underlie a flight of marine terraces in eastern
Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
The research, published in the journal Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa in May
2016, highlighted that the bone tools were used for hunting, and even as poison arrow
tips in eastern Africa over 13000 years ago. These bone artefacts were discovered in the
Kuumbi Cave in Zanzibar.
Kuumbi caves are archaeological sites that include bones, stone tools, ceramics and many
other cultural materials. The caves are extensively decorated with lime stone formations.
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The animal life of the cave includes a large population of bats, fresh water birds and tropical
birds. These caves were used by slave traders as hiding places after the trade was made
illegal. These caves are still used today for religious purposes but also for water supply to
the village.
Langtang: It is a popular trekking site in Nepal that was worst hit by the 25 April 2015
earthquake killing 215 people. The International Astronomical Union named a 9.8 kilometers
wide crater on Mars as Langtang.
The researcher behind the move, Dr. Tjalling de Haas, said that he chose this name because
his colleague had worked there while studying Himalayan glaciers. It was his base camp for
a long period, so we said may be it is a nice tribute.
Dr de Haas, who studies Marss physical geography at Utrecht University in the Netherlands,
has named another crater as Bunnik, his hometown in Utrecht.
Both names were approved by the International Astronomical Union Working Group for
Planetary System Nomenclature.
Shiyal Bet: It is an island located off Pipavav Port in Gujarats Amreli district. It got electricity
for the first time, after 70 years of Independence. States Chief Minister Anandiben Patel
inaugurated the 18.35 crore rupees project to supply grid power to the island through marine
cables.
Earlier, electrification was attempted from Pipavav port, the nearest mainland from the island.
However, it failed as there was a possibility that anchors at the port site could damage the
undersea cables.
Shiyal Bet is an island, which is a part of Jafrabad taluka of Amreli district. The distance
from Pipavav port to Shiyal Bet is 600 metres. Around 90 percent dwellers of the island are
fishermen.
Before electrification of the island, the Island functioned on a solar power system, kerosene
oil lamps or battery-run lights.
Pulgaon Central Ammunition Depot: It is located 110 km from Nagpur in Maharashtra. It

is the largest ammunition centre in India. A massive fire broke out in the Depot on 31 May
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2016 killing at least 20 army personnel.

It was for the first time in the history of this depot that such fatality has occurred. On two
occasions in the past, major fires were recorded in 1980 and 2004. However, there was no
loss of life.
Pulgaon depot holds immense strategic significance for the army given its size and quality
of ammunitions. The depot is spread over an area of more than 7000 acres.
The CAD comes directly under the Indian Army headquarters and is responsible for the allIndia supply of ammunition and explosives, after receiving them from Ordnance factories.
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223
N S Vishwanathan: He was appointed as a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India

(RBI). He will succeed Harun R Khan who will retire on 3 July 2016. Earlier, Vishwanathan
served as the Principal Chief General Manager in the Department of non-banking supervision
at the RBI. Prior to the present elevation, he has been serving the bank as the Executive
Director since April 2014.
Sujoy Bose: He was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). At present, Bose works as the Director and Global
Co-Head of infrastructure and natural resources at the International Finance Corporation
(IFC), a part of the World Bank group. NIIF is a quasi-sovereign wealth fund. It was announced
in the 2015-16 budget with a corpus of around 40000 crore rupees.
Sunil Mittal: He was elected as the chairman of Paris-based International Chamber of

Commerce (ICC). Mittal succeed Terry McGraw, Chairman Emeritus of S&P Global, who
becomes ICCs Honorary Chairman.
With this, he became the 51st chairman of the ICC and the third Indian business leader to be
elected as the chief of the ICC in its near 100-year history. Mittal is the founder chairman of
Bharti Enterprises with interests in telecom (Airtel), agri business, financial services (Bharti
AXA Insurance), retail and manufacturing.
Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir: This Indian-origin diplomat was nominated as the next American
Ambassador to Malaysia by US President Barack Obama. He will replace Joseph Y Yun,
a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. Since joining the Foreign Service in 1991,
Lakhdhir served the country in various positions.
Supriya Sahu: This senior IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre was appointed as the Director
General of Doordarshan. She replaces Aparna Vaish who was acting head of Doordharsan.
Tripurari Sharan was the last full-time director general at Doordarshan who stepped down
in July 2014.
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Anne Hathaway: This Hollywood actor was appointed as a goodwill ambassador by the
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In this role,
the Academy Award-winning actor will advocate for the adoption and implementation of
policies worldwide to bring change at both government and corporate levels.
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women or the UN
Women is a UN entity working for the empowerment of women. It has become operational
in January 2011.
Ranu Langthasa: She was appointed as the first women chairperson of the North Cachar
Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) in Assam. The council administers the Dima Hasao
autonomous district that was set up under the 6th Schedule of Indian Constituion.
Satya Pal Jain: He was appointed as a part-time member of the 21st Law Commission
of India. The appointment is in addition to his charge as an Additional Solicitor General of
India. Jain is a former parliamentarian and a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader.
Major General Per Lodin: This Swedish General was appointed as the Head of the UN
Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He succeeds Major General
Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who is set to retire on 2 July 2016.
UNMOGIP reports on ceasefire violations along the Line of Control between India and
Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir to the UN Security Council. It has begun the operations in
1949. At present, it has personnel from 10 countries comprising 44 military members and
72 civilian staff.
G Kalyanakrishnan: He succeeded N Saibaba as the Chief Executive of Nuclear

Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad. Kalyanakrishnan has contributed in the successful
commissioning of Zirconium Complex (ZC a Unit of NFC) at Pazhayakayal, Tuticorin in
Tamil Nadu.
NFC was established in 1971 as a major industrial unit of Indias Department of Atomic
Energy for the supply of nuclear fuel bundles and reactor core components. It is a unique
facility where natural and enriched uranium fuel, zirconium alloy cladding and reactor core
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components are manufactured under one roof.
Shahid Rasool: He took charge as the Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media
Centre for Asia (CEMCA). In his new role, Rasool will guide CEMCA in its mission to ensure
effective utilisation of educational media resources for distance education.
CEMCA is an arm of the Vancouver-based Commonwealth of Learning (COL). Headquartered
in New Delhi, CEMCA was set up in 1994 in response to calls by Asian Commonwealth
countries for a greater focus on distance education.
N K Chari: He took over as the Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of Mysore. Chari
joined the State Bank of India as a Probationary Officer in September 1978. Prior to the
present elevation, he served as the Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India.
CR Sasikumar: He took over as Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of Travancore (SBT).
Sasikumar started his career as a probationary officer with the SBI in 1978. Prior to the
present elevation, he worked as Deputy Managing Director, Inspection & Management
Audit, at SBI Corporate Centre in Hyderabad.
Navin Agarwal: He was appointed as Director General (DG)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEP)
of National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Navin is a 1986 batch IPS officer of Jammu and
Kashmir cadre.
NADA was set up as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1890 on 24
November 2005 with a mandate for Dope free sports in India. It is mandated to implement
anti-doping rules prescribed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, regulate dope
control programme, and create awareness about doping and its ill effects.
Bhim Sain Bassi: He was appointed as a member of Union Public Service Commission
(UPSC). He will hold the constitutional post till February 2021. Bassi is a retired IPS officer
of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre. He retired in
February 2016 after serving for more than 2-years as the Delhi Police Commissioner.
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Ashok Lavasa: He was appointed as the Union Finance Secretary. Lavasa is a 1980 batch
IAS officer of Haryana cadre. Before the present elevation, he served as the Expenditure
Secretary in the Union Ministry of Finance. He co-authored a book titled An Uncivil Servant
with former IAS officer and Stellar Groups Chairman Ravi Mohan Sethi.
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PERSON IN NEWS
227
Dr Raghuram Rajan: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Raghuram Rajan
announced that he would not seek the second term. His 3-year term as the Governor ends
on 4 September 2016.
As the Governor, Rajan can be credited for introducing inflation-focused framework,
bolstering foreign exchange reserves, nice banks such as payments and small banks,
creation of new institutions such as Bharat Bill Payment System and the Trade Receivables
Exchange, expanding payments to all via mobile phones and developing a large loan data
base to better map and resolve the extent of system-wide distress.
Yasmin Sooka: This South African Indian-origin lawyer and activist was appointed as
the chairman of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. The commission
was established in 2011 to monitor the human rights situation in South Sudan and make
recommendations for their improvement.
Virginia Raggi: She was elected as Romes first female mayor. Raggi, who will turn 38 in
July 2016, is also the youngest mayor in Romes history.
She is a lawyer and leading member of the populist anti-corruption Five Star Movement
(M5S). To win the election, she polled 67 percent of the vote against the Democratic Partys
(PD) Roberto Giachetti.
Vijay Mallya: He was declared as a Proclaimed Offender by a special court for the Prevention
of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Mumbai in a loan diversion case. A person is termed as
a proclaimed offender in a criminal investigation if the court believes that the accused has
absconded or is concealing himself, so that the warrant cannot be executed.
Mallya is the Chairman of UB Group, an Indian business conglomerate with interests in
beverage alcohol, aviation infrastructure, real estate and fertiliser among others. Mallya left
India on 2 March 2016 to London. As per an estimate, he and his companies owes around
9000 crore rupees to Indian banks.
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Dia Mirza: This bollywood actress was named as the ambassador for Swachh Saathi
(student internship) programme. It is a youth-based programme of Swachh Bharat Mission.
As an ambassador, the actress would interact with school and college students from across
the country through awareness sessions, community cleaning activities and motivational
videos.
In 2000, she became the first Indian to win the Miss Asia Pacific title after a gap of 29 years.
She won the IIFA 2012 Green Award for her contribution towards green environment.
Nita Ambani: She was nominated as a candidate to be a member of the International

Olympic Committee (IOC). The election will be held at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de
Janeiro between 2 and 4 August 2016. Once elected, Nita, 52, will continue to be IOC
member until she attains the age of 70.
She is the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation and the wife of Mukesh Ambani,
the chairman and managing director of the Reliance Industries Ltd.
Neerja Sethi and Jayshree Ullal: These Indian-Origin women were featured on the
Americas Richest Self-made Women list of Forbes. They own 1.1 billion and 838 million
US dollars in net worth respectively.
While Sethi co-founded IT consulting and outsourcing firm Syntel with her husband Bharat
Desai, Jayshree is the president and chief executive officer of Arista Networks.
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PERSON RESIGNED
229
David Cameron: He announced his resignation as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
hours after the Brexit vote. In the referendum that was held on 23 June 2016, 51.89 percent
of the voters preferred to leave the EU.
During the campaign for the referendum, Cameron strongly advocated for staying with the
European Union. He is expected to step down in October 2016 at the Conservative Party
Conference.
Gopal Rai: He resigned as the Delhi Transport Minister citing poor health. Rai recently
underwent major surgery to remove a bullet that had been lodged in his neck for 17 years.
He was elected as a Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Babarpur constituency. With this resignation,
the departments left with Rai are the Labour, Irrigation and Flood Control department, the
General Administration Department and the Development and Employment department.
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230
Isak Chishi Swu: He died following a prolonged illness in New Delhi. He was 87. Swu
was a Naga rebel leader and the co-founder and chairman of Nationalist Socialist Council
of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM). He belonged to the Sumi tribe and hailed from
Nagalands Zunheboto district.
Xerxes Sapur Desai: He founded the Titan Co Ltd. He was 79 and died following a prolonged
illness in Bengaluru. Desai joined Tata Administrative Service (TAS) in 1961 after graduating
from Oxford University.
He played a key role in introducing India to its first quartz watch in the late 80s when he set
up Titan Co. Ltd (part of Tata Sons), after enduring years of resistance from state-owned
HMT Watches. With the success in watches, Desai got Tatas approval to start Tanishq,
Indias largest jewellery firm.
Kavalam Narayana Panicker: He was a veteran Malayalam theatre artist and poet. He
passed away in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala at the age of 88. He wrote over 26 Malayalam
plays, mainly adapted from classical Sanskrit drama and Shakespeare.
He also directed two movies - Mani Madhava Chakyar: The Master at Work and Parvati
Viraham. He was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2002) and the
Padma Bhushan (2007).
Neil OBrien: He was a pioneer of Indian quizzing, parliamentarian, eminent educationalist

and leader of Anglo-Indian community. He died in Kolkata at the age of 82 and survived by
Derek OBrien, an eminent quiz master and Member of Parliament belonging to the All India
Trinamool Congress.
He conducted the first well-organized, formal quiz in 1967 at Christ the King Church Parish
Hall in Calcutta. He served as the chairman of the CISCE from December 1993 to July 2011.
CISCE is an all India examination body which conducts the ICSE and ISC Examinations. He
also headed the Frank Anthony group of schools.
He was the president-in-chief of All-India Anglo-Indian Association. He was nominated
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to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly for 3 times and the Lok Sabha once under the
Anglo-Indian category.
Amjad Sabri: He was a Pakistani and popularly known as Rock Star of Qawwali due to his
modern style of rendition. Sabri, 45, was killed while travelling with an associate in a car in
Karachis Liquatabad area.
Memorable qawwalis sung by Amjad Sabri include Bhar do jholi meri, More Haji Piya, Tajdare-haram, Mera koi nahin hai tere siwa, etc.
He was the son of renowned Qawwal Ghulam Farid Sabri of Bhar Do Jholi Meri fame. The
Sabri family is famous in the subcontinent for their contribution to sufi art and mystic poetry.
Guda Anjaiah: He was a noted Telangana poet and lyricist. He died at his house at
Ragannagudem in Karim Nagar following a brief illness. He was 61.
He was famous for his song Ooru manadi ra, ee vada manadi ra which was translated into
multiple languages. He played a key role in Telangana movement, penning several songs
that also found their way into films.
Jeppiaar: He was a renowned politician-turned-educationalist and founder of Jeppiaar

Educational Trust. He was 85 and passed away following a brief illness at Chennai.
He was a pioneer in the setting up of private engineering institutions in Tamil Nadu and was
the founder chancellor of Sathyabama University. In 1987, he founded the Sathyabama
Engineering College which later became Sathyabama University.
Besides, he successfully produced seven Tamil movies, directed one movie in Tamil and
was featured as the hero in a Tamil flick. He also served as the chairman of the Madras Water
Supply and Sewage Board and Director of Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation.
Manimala Devi: The veteran Odia actress passed away following a prolonged illness in
Bhubaneswar. She was 86. Manimala ruled the Odia film industry in the 1960s as lead
actress with her influential performances in various films.
She acted in 28 Odia films of which 14 bagged the National Film Awards including her
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debut film Sri Loknath in 1960. She was conferred with the prestigious Jayadev Purashkar,
the states highest cine award, in the year 2000.
Donald Carr: He was a former captain of England Cricket team and eminent cricket
administrator. He represented Oxford University and scored nearly 20000 runs and claimed
328 wickets.
He captained England at Madras in 1951-52 in his second and final appearance. From 1962
to 1974, he was assistant secretary of MCC. In mark of respect to Carr, the MCC flag over
the Main Ground at Lords during match between England and Sri Lanka as well as at the
Cross Arrows flag over the Nursery Ground will be at half-mast.
Achyut Lahkar: He was a pioneering playwright, actor, director and producer. He passed
away following a protracted illness. He was 85.
Lakhar was considered as a doyen of Assams mobile theatre movement. He founded
Nataraj Theatre, the first Mobile Theatre Company of Assam in 1963 which performed
across Assam and in other states for nearly 40 years.
He was awarded the Kamal Kumari National Award in 1997. He also received the Bhaben
Barua Award, Mancha Prabhakar Award and Braja Nath Sarma Award.
Inder Malhotra: The veteran journalist passed away at the age of 86 following prolonged
illness. He worked as the resident editor of The Statesman in New Delhi from 1965 to 1971.
He was also the India correspondent for The Guardian from 1965 to 1978.
He held the position of editor at The Times of India from 1978 to 1986. In 1991, he authored
a political and personal biography of Indira Gandhi. He received the Ramnath Goenka
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Gordie Howe: This legendary Canadian ice hockey player died at the age of 88 after a
prolonged illness. He was nicknamed as Mr. Hockey and considered as one of the greatest
ice hockey players of all time.
He played 26 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and six seasons in the World
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Hockey Association (WHA). He was the inaugural recipient of the NHL Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2008.
Amber Gurung: He was a legendary Nepali musician and composer. He died at the age of
78 after a prolonged illness. Gurung composed the Nepali national anthem (in 2007) Sayau
Thunga phoolkaa haamee, which was written by Byakul Maila.
Besides, he composed more than 1000 songs including many era-defining numbers during
his long career spanning four decades. Born and raised in Darjeeling, Gurung, he was
invited to Nepal to lead the music department at the Nepal Academy of Arts and Literature.
Viktor Korchnoi: He was considered as one of the greatest chess players. He passed away
in Wohlen, Switzerland. He was 85.
Korchnoi played in three matches that produced the World Champion, but in each case lost
to Anatoly Karpov. It made Korchnoi the strongest player never to have won the title.
He was also a four-time USSR chess champion, a five-time member of Soviet teams that
won the European championship. In September 2006, he won the World Senior Chess
Championship.
Manohar Aich: He was a legendary Indian body builder and Indias first Mr Universe. He
died at the age of 104 in his north Kolkata residence following age related health issues.
He was famously called Pocket Hercules as he was 4 feet 11 inch tall. He won gold medals
for three times in Asian Games. He was the first Indian to win the Mr Universe title postindependence in 1952.
Sulabha Deshpande: She was an acclaimed Indian film, theatre and television actress and
theatre director. She passed away in Mumbai at the age of 79. Besides Marathi and as well
as Hindi theatre, she also acted in over 73 in Bollywood movies.
She also acted in art house cinema, like Bhumika, Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan and
Gaman as a character actor. In 1971, she co-founded Awishkar theatre group with her
husband Arvind Deshpande.
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Razak Khan: This noted Bollywood comedian passed away at the age of 65 following
a cardiac arrest in Bandra, Mumbai. He made his Bollywood debut in 1993 with Boney
Kapoors production venture Roop ki Rani Choron Ka Raja.
He was seen in movies like Hello Brother, Hera Pheri, Baadshah, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka
Raja, Raja Hindustani and Haseena Maan Jaayegi among others. He was last seen in TV
show Comedy Nights With Kapil.
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DEFENCE & SECURITY
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MR-SAM missile: The India-Israel co-developed medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the
Odisha coast.
The missile was co-developed by the Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL)
of DRDO in partnership with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert
Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile. The missile, along with
MFSTAR, will provide the users with the capability to neutralise any aerial threats.
These missiles will be produced at the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad. Along
with the long range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM), it would be inducted in all the three
Services once the users trials are completed.
The LR-SAM was successfully test-fired in Israel and India in November and December
2015 respectively.
Varunastra: The indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo was inducted in to the Indian
Navy. With this India joined a select group of eight countries having the capability to design
and develop heavyweight torpedoes.
The torpedo was designed and developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory
of the DRDO for the Indian Navy.
It carries 95 percent of indigenous content. It weighs around 1.25 tonnes and is capable of
carrying about 250 kg of explosives at a speed of around 40 nautical miles an hour.
Varunastra, a versatile naval weapon can be fired from the Rajput class destroyers, Delhi
class and all future Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavy weight
torpedoes.
It is capable of targeting quiet and stealthy submarines both in deep and littoral waters even
in intense countermeasure atmosphere.
Exercise Malabar 2016: The joint naval exercise was conducted by the navies of India,
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the USA and Japan near the South China Sea. The main aim of the 20th edition of the
exercise was to boost the interoperability amongst the three navies and develop common
understanding of procedures for Maritime Security Operations.
While INS Satpura, INS Sahyadri, INS Shakti and INS Kirch represented the Indian Navy,
the US Navy was represented by ships from CTF 70 of the USN 7th fleet, which is based at
Yokosuka, Japan.
Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) was represented by JS Hyuga, a helicopter
carrier with SH 60 K integral helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft. Additionally,
the Special Forces (SF) of the three navies will also interact during the exercise.
The Malabar exercise began as a joint naval exercise between the United States and India
back in 1992. It has been the subject of concern over the past few years because of its
potential for expansion.
In 2015, Japan participated together with Washington and New Delhi as part of a longstanding
effort to get Tokyo involved as a permanent member of the exercise.
Maharana Pratap Battalion: The Union Home Ministry announced that a new Indian
Reserve Battalion in Rajasthan will be named after Maharana Pratap.
Maharana Pratap, a Rajput ruler who had fought against the Mughals and never bowed
before them, was the greatest warrior of the Mewar region.
The government introduced the scheme of Indian Reserve Battalions in 1971 and so far,
153 battalions have been sanctioned to various states.
Exercise Desert Eagle-II: The 10-day air combat exercise concluded in Al-Dhafra Air Base,
Abu Dhabi. It was jointly held by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and United Arab Emirates Air
Force (UAE AF).
Exercise Desert Eagle-II saw the participation of IAF Su 30 MKI along with Mirage 20009 and F-16 block 60 of the UAE Air Force. It was the second exercise in the Desert Eagle
series. The IAF had participated previously in Desert Eagle I in 2008.
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ABBREVIATION|TERMS
237
Water4crops: It stands for Integrating bio-treated wastewater reuse and valorization

with enhanced water use efficiency to support the Green Economy in Europe and India.
The Indo-Euro project was reviewed in the third week of June 2016 to mark the completion
of 4-year execution.
The 9 million euro project was formed in 2012 to develop innovative biotechnological
wastewater treatments for boosting wastewater reuse in agriculture. It also seeks to improve
water use efficiency through agronomics, plant breeding and locally adapted irrigation
technologies and techniques.
The project has shown remarkable success by aiding the construction of wetlands containing
plant species such as Canna indica, lemon grass (Cymbopogon), napier (Pennisetum
perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum), para grass (Urochloa mutica), typha (Typha
latifolia), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and a weed
species Agaratum Conyzoides.
These plant species absorb harmful toxins as well as nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus,
potash, inter alia, that contaminate the water due to overuse of chemical fertilizers in the
agriculture sector.
Swachh Yug: Its objective is to make all villages along the banks of the Ganga Open
Defecation Free (ODF) in 5 States of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and
West Bengal.
The campaign, being a collaborative effort between the Swachh Bharat Mission, local
youth leaders () and the Namami Gange project () - is being called Swachh -, which
translates into the age of Swachh.
The focus will be on Swachhta at the village through proper Solid and Liquid Waste
Management and maintaining general cleanliness with the involvement of local bodies,
NGOs, private sector organisations, etc.
Mission 11 Million: The football promotion programme was named as such it seeks to reach
11 million children. It will be launched in October 2016 by the All India Football Federation in
30 cities in India, besides targeting Indian diaspora in Gulf countries. The programme was
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unveiled in the run-up to the U-17 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by India in September
and October 2017.
Blockchain technology: The technology was in news as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is
considering setting up an expert committee to study it. Blockchain is a distributed database
that maintains a continuously-growing list of data records secured against tampering and
revision.
The Blockchain database consists of blocks that hold time-stamped batches of valid
transactions. Then, digital records are put together into blocks and then leaped together
cryptographically and chronologically into a chain using complex mathematical algorithms.
The encryption process is termed as hashing.
The linked blocks form a chain, with each additional block reinforcing those before it, thus
giving the technology its name.
Hashing is carried out by different computers. If they all agree on the answer, each block
receives a unique digital signature. Once updated, the ledger cannot be altered or tampered
with. The Blockchain is seen as the main technical innovation of bitcoin.
The distributed nature of a blockchain database makes it harder for hackers to attack it. The
linked blocks make hacking tricky as the hackers would have to get access to every copy of
the database simultaneously. As the hash cannot be converted back into the original data,
the blockchain database keeps data secure and private.
Therefore, if the original document or transaction were subsequently altered, it will produce
a different digital signature. The network is highly vigilant towards a mismatch. Thus, the
blockchain method makes fraudulent activities less likely and easier to spot.
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BOOKS AND AUTHOR NEWS
239
A Life in Diplomacy: The book was written by former Indian diplomat Maharajakrishna
Rasgotra. It is an insiders account of the personalities and policies that shaped Indian
diplomacy.
The book provides a ringside view of the beginnings of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka, the
last years of the Cold War, the negotiations on the formation of SAARC, Indira Gandhis
assassination and the Bhopal gas disaster.
M K Rasgotra joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1949 and rose up to the rank of Foreign
Secretary. He also worked as the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board between
2005 and 2007.
The Unseen Indira Gandhi: The book was written by Dr Krishna Prasad Mathur. The book
provides some interesting peeps into the responses of Mrs Gandhis to challenges both
personal and political.
It covers several milestone moments in Indiras life: the Bangladesh War of 1971; Pokhran
Nuclear tests of 1974, imposition of Emergency; death of Sanjay Gandhi and circumstances
in Manekas walk out of the family.
The book also covers former PMs relations with foreign counterparts including Margaret
Thatcher who was former PM of the United Kingdom.
Dr K P Mathur was personal physician of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for nearly 20
years till her assassination in 1984.
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AWARDS|HONOURS
240
Local SDG Pioneers for 2016: Indian social entrepreneur Zubaida Bai was named among
the top 10 Local SDG Pioneers for 2016. The 2016 Local SDG Pioneers is a part of the
United Nations Global Compacts Making Global Goals Local Business campaign.
The Local SDG Pioneers programme seeks out individuals who are demonstrating how the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can enable business to unlock economic, social
and environmental gains for the world.
Zubaida Bai founded ayzh, a social enterprise which provides technology solutions to rural
women. In 2011, her design for JANMA, a clean birth kit, was selected by INDEX Awards as
one of 61 products globally designed to improve life.
Mohun Bagan Ratna: Syed Nayeemuddin will be conferred with this honour on 29 July
2016. Nayeemuddin was chosen for the prestigious award for his overall contribution to the
club and the country both as a player and as a coach.
As a player, he captained the Indian national team that won a bronze medal at the 1970
Asian Games. He is also countrys only Dronacharya football coach.
The Mohun Bagan Ratna is awarded annually to great football players. It is a mark of respect
which recognizes and lauds indispensable contribution of football greats to the club over
the years.
The annual award is presented to the winners on 29 July, which is celebrated as Mohun
Bagan Day. In 2015, Karuna Sankar Bhattacharya was honoured posthumously with the
Mohun Bagan Ratna.
2016 PEN Pinter Prize: Canadian poet, novelist and environmental activist Margaret
Atwood was conferred with this prize. She will receive her award at a public event at the
British Library on 13 October 2016.
Margaret Atwood is also the inventor and developer of the LongPen and associated
technologies that facilitate the remote robotic writing of documents. She has been shortlisted
for the Booker Prize five times, winning once for her novel The Blind Assassin. In 2001, she
was inducted into Canadas Walk of Fame.
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The PEN Pinter Prize is an annual literary award launched in 2009 by English PEN. It was
launched in honour of the late Nobel Literature Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter. The
award is given to a British writer or a writer resident in Britain of outstanding literary merit
who casts an unflinching, unswerving gaze upon the world.
The 2015 PEN Pinter Prize was awarded to James Fenton, who shared the prize with Raif
Badawi as the International Writer of Courage.
Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award 2016: Pune-based diabetes specialist Shashank S Shah
was conferred with the award on 12 June 2016 in New Orleans, the USA. The award was
given by American Diabetes Association (ADA) for his pioneering research on diabetes in
South Asia.
The first Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award was awarded to Dr Vijay Viswanathan who was
Diabetologist and Director of MV Hospital for Diabetes, Chennai in June 2014.
Grand Cross National Order of the Republic of Cote DIvoirie: It was conferred on the
President of India Pranab Mukherjee in a simple ceremony at the Presidents Palace in
Abidjan. It is the highest civilian award of Ivory Coast. The honour was conferred during his
official visit to the country.
2016 International DUBLIN Literary Award: American author Akhil Sharma won this
award for his novel Family Life. The book was chosen from a total of 160 titles, nominated
by libraries in 118 cities in 43 countries.
The book Family Life tells the story of eight-year-old Ajay, whose family move from Delhi to
America in 1978. Sharma is the third American author to win the prize in its 21 year history.
The International DUBLIN Literary Award was established in 1994 as the International
IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It aims to promote excellence in world literature and is solely
sponsored by the City of Dublin, Ireland.
It is awarded each year for a novel written in English or translated into English. At 100000
euro, the award is one of the richest literary prizes in the world. Jim Crace won the 2015
International DUBLIN Literary Award for his novel Harvest.
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242
Russias Order of Friendship: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree awarding
the honour Order of Friendship to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The
decoration was awarded to Ban for special merits in strengthening peace, friendship,
cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples.
The order, set up in 1994, is meant to reward Russian citizens and foreign nationals for
outstanding accomplishments in strengthening peace and cooperation with Russia, as well
as for charity activities.
Previously, the honour was conferred on Prince Michael of Kent, Oscar Niemeyer,
the architect of the Brazilian capital, and former President of the International Olympic
Committee, Jacques Rogge.
International Yoga Award Scheme: The Union Government decided to introduce the
scheme with an aim to promote yoga. The scheme consists of two awards - one will be
for excellent contribution in the field of yoga internationally and the other for excellent
contribution to yoga in the country.
The awards will be presented annually, beginning from 2017, on International Yoga Day that
is being celebrated across the world on 21 June.
Regius Professorship in Manufacturing: Indian-origin Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya

was conferred with the honour by the Queen Elizabeth II. Bhattacharyya is the founder of
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), at the University of Warwick in the UK.
Lord Bhattacharyya is an Indian British engineer, educator and government advisor. He was
appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1997 New Year Honours
and knighted in 2003. He sits on the Labour benches in the House of Lords. In 2014, he was
elected as a Fellow of The Royal Society.
A Regius professor is a university professor with royal patronage or appointment. They are
a unique feature of academia in the British Isles.
The first Regius professorship was in the field of medicine, and founded by the Scottish King
James IV at Aberdeen University in 1497. Regius professors are traditionally addressed as
Regius and not Professor.
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American Cinematheque Award: It will be conferred on English Director Ridley Scott on 14

October 2016 at the Beverly Hilton. Scott was the unanimous choice of the Cinematheque
Board of Directors selection committee.
Scotts best known works are the neo-noir dystopian science fiction film Blade Runner,
crime drama Thelma & Louise, historical drama Gladiator, war film Black Hawk Down, crime
thriller Hannibal, biographical film American Gangster, and science fiction films Prometheus
and The Martian.
The American Cinematheque Award annually honours an extraordinary artist in the
entertainment industry who is fully engaged in his or her work and is committed to making a
significant contribution to the art of the motion pictures. Reese Witherspoon was the winner
of the 2015 American Cinematheque Award.
Miss USA 2016: Deshauna Barber, a serving Army Reserve officer of United States (US)
was crowned as the Miss USA 2016 at the Miss USA competition 2016 held at the T-Mobile
Arena off the Las Vegas Strip.
With this, Barber became the first-ever military member to win Miss USA title. She will now
represent the USA at Miss Universe Competition 2016. Barber inherited the crown from
2015 winner Miss Oklahoma Olivia Jordan.
Green Economy Visionary Award: Qatar-based Indian banker Raghavan Seetharaman was
conferred with the award at the 2016 Union of Arab Banks International Banking Summit
held in Rome. He was honoured for his contribution in environment-friendly activities and
for promoting green economy for nearly two decades.
Raghavan Seetharaman is the Group CEO of Doha Bank, which is one of the largest
commercial banks in Qatar. In 2015, business magazine Forbes ranked Seetharaman 6th in
the Forbes Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World 2015 list.
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SUMMIT|CONFERENCE
244
42nd G-7 Summit Concluded

The 42nd G7 Summit was held at Ise-Shima in Japan for 2-days from 26 May to 27 May
2016. During the summit, the member countries discussed a wide range of major global
economic and political challenges and approved the G7 Ise-Shima Leaders Declaration.
The summit assumed significance as it was the first one to be held after the adoption of the
2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by the United Nations in September 2015.
The Summit was attended by all the seven members viz., Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States and the European Commission (EC). EC
is a permanently welcome participant in all meetings and decision-making since 1981.
United Nations World Humanitarian Summit concluded

The United Nations World Humanitarian Summit concluded on 24 May 2016 in Istanbul,
Turkey. The summit was organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).
More than 50 heads of state and government attended the summit, which commenced on
23 May 2016.
The World Humanitarian Summits main achievement was the Grand Bargain, which is the
name for a set of 51 commitments to reform humanitarian financing to make emergency aid
finance more efficient and effective.
In the summit, a New charter for Persons With Disabilities was also endorsed. The charter
aims at improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities during emergencies.
A key aspect of his agenda was convening a World Humanitarian Summit to help share
knowledge and establish common best practices among the wide spectrum of organizations
involved in humanitarian action.
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DAYS|WEEKS|YEARS
245
Day
Observed
on
Theme
World Milk Day
1 June 2016
International Day of Innocent

Children Victims of Aggression
3 June 2016
World Environment Day
5 June 2016
Zero tolerance for the illegal trade in

wildlife
World Oceans Day
8 June 2016
Healthy oceans, healthy planet
World Day Against Child Labour
12 June
World Day Against Child Labour
International Albinism Awareness

Day
13 June
World Blood Donors Day
14 June 2016 Blood connects us all
World Elder Abuse Awareness

Day
15 June 2016
World Day to Combat

Desertification
17 June 2016 Inclusive cooperation for achieving

Land Degradation Neutrality
International Day for the

Elimination of Sexual Violence in
Conflict
19 June 2016
World Refugee Day
20 June 2016
International Day of Yoga
21 June 2016 Connect the Youth
World Hydrography Day
21 June 2016 Hydrography - the key to well-

managed seas and waterways
International Widows Day
23 June 2016
United Nations Public Service

Day
23 June 2016
International Olympic Day
23 June 2016
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International Olympic Day
23 June 2016
Day of the Seafarer
25 June 2016 At Sea For All
International Day against Drug

Abus and Illicit Trafficking
26 June 2016 Listen First
International Day in Support

of Victims of Torture
National Statistics Day
26 June 2016
29 June 2016 Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
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MISCELLANEOUS
247
SCO Summit 2016 concludes in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The 2016 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded on 24 June 2016 in
Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
During the summit, India and Pakistan signed the Memorandum of Obligations. The signing
marks the beginning of the formal process of joining the SCO as a full member. They are
expected to become full members by the next meeting at Astana in 2017.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian political, economic and military
organisation. It was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
These countries, except for Uzbekistan had been members of the Shanghai Five, which
was founded in 1996. After the inclusion of Uzbekistan in 2001, the members renamed the
organisation as SCO.
The 2015 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit was held in Ufa, Russia.
ISRO, Kuwait Institute signed MoU on cooperation in space exploration

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research
(KISR) on 20 January 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation
in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Highlights of MoU
It will allow use of data from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites by KISR for initiating
a few research and application projects.
It will also enable Training and Building and launching of remote sensing and
communication satellites on commercial terms.
It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in
the field of remote sensing; satellite communication; satellite navigation and exploration
of outer space.
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It will lead to developing a joint activity in the field of application of space technology for
the benefit of humanity.
It will lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group from ISRO and KISR which will work
out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan launched

The Union Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
in June 2016.
The scheme aims at boosting the health care facilities for the pregnant women, especially
the poor. It also seeks to protect pregnant ladies from infectious diseases.
Under the scheme, the pregnant ladies will be given free health check-up and required
treatment for free on 9th of every month.
The scheme will be applicable for pregnant women to avail in every government hospitals
across India.
Key features of Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

All kinds of medical checkups under the scheme will be completely free.
Tests will take place at the medical centres, government and private hospitals and private
clinics across the country.
Women will be marked differently based on their health problems so that doctors can
easily detect the problem.
The scheme is applicable only to the women in their pregnancy period of 3 to 6 months.
The women belonging to semi urban, poor and rural areas will be given preferences.
Jal Marg Vikas Project on river Ganga to enable commercial navigation

Jal Marg Vikas is a inland water ways development project on the river Ganga. It is being
developed between Allahabad and Haldia to cover a distance of 1620 kilometers.
The project is being implemented with technical and investment support from World Bank
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and would be completed over a period of six years at an estimated cost of 4200 crore
rupees.
It envisages development of a fairway with three metres depth which would enable
commercial navigation of at least 1500 ton vessels on the river.
The construction of multi modal terminals, jetties, river information system, channel marking,
navigational lock, river training and conservancy works are to be undertaken as part of the
project.
They are:
Varanasi: Phase-I (A) of the project is being implemented on 5.586 hectares of land at Ram
Nagar, Varanasi, mainly for offshore works of the terminal.
Haldia: 61 acres of land has been taken on 30 years lease from the Haldia Dock Complex
for construction of the terminal.
Sahibganj: The requirement of land for the main terminal, rail and road connectivity,
resettlement and rehabilitation of 235 households has been assessed at 241.63 acres for
which land acquisition proceedings are in progress.
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ONE LINERS
250
One Liners
This Central Asian city hosted the 2016 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
Uzbekistan capital Tashkent
International Olympic Day 2016 was celebrated on this day 23 June
The State Government that launched the NTR Anna Canteen Scheme to provide subsided
food is Andhra Pradesh
The UK Prime Minister who announced resignation hours after the Brexit vote that called
for leaving the European Union David Cameron
It is with this country India signed a MoU to enhance cooperation in skill development
sector Switzerland
The book Half- Lion: How Narasimha Rao Transformed India is authored by - Vinay
Sitapati
The city where the first Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank will be held is - Beijing
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) President and incumbent Jammu & Kashmir, Chief
Minister Mehbooba Mufti won the Assembly by-poll from Anantnag
Union Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the Centre will make a state as
the hub of exporting petroleum products to South Eastern countries Assam
The country banned its citizens from working in strife-torn Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and
Libya - Nepal
The South African Indian-origin lawyer and long-time human rights activist was appointed
to chair a UN commission to monitor the human rights situation in South Sudan - Yasmin
Sooka
The Countrys Parliament unanimously passed the Right to Information (RTI) bill with
amendments - Sri Lanka
Pioneer of quizzing in India and leader of the Anglo-Indian community, who died in
Kolkata - Neil OBrien
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The Union Government recently launched first of its kind Pilot Programme in the country
to run two wheelers on - CNG
The IIT-Kanpur professor who bagged the G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for
2015 is - Sanjay Mittal
The Indian zoo will soon receive a snow leopard from Dudley Zoological Gardens in
London is - Padma Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The theme for the Day of the Seafarer 2016 is - Sea For All
A group of scientists recently developed worlds first 1000-processor computer chip,
which has been named as - KiloCore
Russian hockey winger, playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, on 22 June 2016 won the
2015-2016 Calder Memorial Trophy - Artemi Panarin
Former Spinner who was appointed as the head coach of Indian Cricket Team on 23
June 2016 for one year - Anil Kumble
The Colombian government on 23 June 2016 signed a historic ceasefire deal with - the
leftist FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels
People of Britain in a historic referendum voted in favour of leaving European Union (EU)
that saw - 51.9% votes in favour compared to 48.1% in against
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi dismissed Pakistans
assertions that Afghan refugees have become a source of - terrorism in the country
The two Indian boxers who qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics in June 2016 - Manoj
Kumar and Vikas Kirshnan
The Indian company that became the largest producer of unconventional gas in India
with its Raniganj block in West Bengal achieving an industry-size pumping rate of over
1 mcmd (million cubic metres per day) of coal bed methane - Essar
Indian chess player won the best womens player award in the Eurasian Blitz chess
tournament held in Kazakhstan - D Harika
India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish formal cooperation in
the fields of skills development and vocational education with - Switzerland
Leading Indian cricketer to appear in maximum international matches conducted till
2016- Mahendra Singh Dhoni
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Editor-in-Chief of Ananda Bazaar Patrika (ABP) who resigned in June 2016- Aveek Sarkar
Indian Company that acquired UK-based digital transformation firm The BIO Agency Ltd
in June 2016- Tech Mahindra Ltd
The professional footballer who was recently recognized as the leading goal scorer for
Argentina is - Lionel Messi
The city that topped the list of most expensive cities as per Mercers 2016 Cost of Living
Survey is - Hong Kong
Ken Miyauchi was recently appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of - SoftBank
Group
The theme of the World Hydrography Day 2016 that was observed recently wasHydrography - the key to well-managed seas and waterways
Anupam Pahuja was recently appointed as the India Country Manager and MD of PayPal
He was adjudged as the Man of the Series of the three-match T20I series between India
and Zimbabwe - Barinder Sran
The Olympian and iconic long jumper from India who resigned as President of the Kerala
Sports Council - Anju Bobby George
The economic union agreed to set up a new border and coastguard force to curb the
influx of migrants - European Union
The Renowned Qawwal from Pakistan who was shot dead in Karachi, Pakistan - Amjad
Sabri
A team of 13 mountaineers of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) have set foot on the
highest point in India embarking on a mission in early May 16 - Mt. Kamet and Mt. Abi
Gamin
The Union Cabinet gave its approval to the signing of a Protocol amending the Agreement
between India and a country for avoidance of double taxation - Belgium
The celebrated boxer for whom, Indian Olympic Association and the ad-hoc committee
had sent a request for wildcard entry to get a Rio Olympic berth - MC Mary Kom
The retired Bombay High Court judge, who was appointed to probe charges of alleged
financial irregularities against former State Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse - Dinkar
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Zoting
The country made a strong pitch for making India a party to the already operational
Afghan-Pakistan transit and trade agreement, APTTA, the move that will give New Delhi
better access to Central Asia and boost regional connectivity - Afghanistan
The 3rd century archaeological site called Mahasthangarh in Bogra that was selected to
function as the SAARC cultural capital in 2016 lies in - Bangladesh
Indias global ranking in terms of FDI inflows in 2015 was Tenth rank with 44 billion US
dollars of inflows
As per the World Investment Report 2016, this country received maximum FDI in 2015
The USA
The former Indian diplomat who authored the book A Life in Diplomacy - M K Rasgotra
The theme of the World Investment Report 2016 that was released by the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development - Investor Nationality: Policy Challenges
The autobiography of Sania Mirza that will be released in July 2016 Ace Against Odds
The World Investment Report 2016 was released by - The United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development
Organisation that released the India Development Update 2016: Financing Double-Digit
Growth- World Bank
Maharashtra Cabinet in June 2016 approved Minority Status to- Jew community
Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SoftBank Group
(SBG) who resigned in June 2016- Nikesh Arora
Noted Telangana poet and lyricist who died in June 2016 and was famous for his song
Ooru manadi ra, ee vada manadi ra- Guda Anjaiah
A two-day meeting of heads of state of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under
the presidency of Uzbekistan will begin on 23 June 2016 in - Tashkent
Online search engine giant Google launched a new keyboard app for Apple iOS users in
India called - Gboard
Countries whose satellite was part of launch of 20 satellites in a single mission of ISRO
are - US, Germany, Canada and Indonesia
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The states Postal circle on 2nd International Day of Yoga released Information booklet,
Stamps on Yoga and stamps on Suryanamaskarams - Andhra Pradesh
Union Government asked all state governments to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile
certificates of school students in class V and VIII
Six Indian World War I (WW-I) heroes who became part of Britains new digital archive
launched as part of UK governments centenary celebrations of WW-I are - Risaldar
Badlu Singh, Sepoy Chatta Singh, Naik Darwan Singh Negi, Rifleman Gabar Sing Negi,
Lance-Daffadar Gobind Singh and Lance Naik Lala
NASAs Kepler Space Telescope and its extended K2 mission allowed astronomers to
discover the youngest fully formed exoplanet - K2-33b
United States plans to provide a sum a year in support for the Afghan national security
forces from 2018 through 2020 - more than 3 billion dollars
United States donates 20 million dollars in humanitarian aid to the United Nations effort
to help the thousands of refugees who have fled fighting in - the Iraqi city of Fallujah
Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple is an annual festival of the state- Assam
The TOP500 list declared SERC as the fastest supercomputer in India. It is located in IISc, Bangalore
This Chinese supercomputer was declared as the fastest in the world by the TOP500
List - Sunway TaihuLight
Name of the Kannada movie that won best film award under the Asia New Talent Awards
Category at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival Thithi
The Indian energy company agreed to buy Welspun Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd for 1.4
billion US dollars Tata Power
This 106-year old woman became the oldest Olympic torch bearer in the world - Aida
Gemanque of Brazil
The state has decided to establish model madarasas with modern education in every
district - Rajasthan
Max Life and Max Financial Services agreed to merge with this life insurance company
- HDFC Life
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released a commemorative silver coin on the occasion of
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300th Martyrdom Day of Sikh General - Banda Singh Bahadur

The state launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana on 20 June 2016 - Odisha
Dubbed the Gateway to Hell, a volcano in South Iceland that can explode in near future
according to experts in the field is Hekla
Head of the Expert Committee set on examining the Specific Relief Act, 1963 that
submitted its Report government is Anand Desai
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL)
signed MoU for implementation of the following three additional works on - Kaladan
Multimodal Transit Transport Project
The populist anti-corruption Five Star Movement (M5S) activist who was elected as the
first female mayor of Rome is - Virginia Raggi
The chemical whose use was banned as a food additive by Union Government on
recommendation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is - Potassium
bromate (KbrO3)
The village of Nepal after whom a Martian crater was named by the International
Astronomical Union - Langtang
First Indian state to launch Mukh Mantri Hepatitis C Relief Fund - Punjab
Theme of International Yoga Day 2016 - Connect the Youth
Indigenous Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) HTT-40 was developed by - Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited
Indian Bank that was named in Hall of Shame list 2016 that listed Banks funding Cluster
Bomb Makers - State Bank of India
Renowned politician-turned-educationalist and founder of the Sathyabama Engineering
College who died on 18 June 2016- Jeppiaar
President of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2016-17- Bipin R
Patel
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 17 June 2016 unveiledX-57 Hybrid Electric Research Plane
Kenyas ex-Chief Justice who was appointed as Commonwealth Secretary-Generals
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Special Envoy to Maldives - Willy Mutunga

This US-based university created Worlds first KiloCore microchip containing 1000
independent programmable processors University of California
This German driver won the 2016 European Grand Prix Formula 1 championship Nico
Rosberg
Name of the Mobile application that was launched to enhance consumer connect with
Urban Power Distribution sector URJA
The 2016 US Open Golf Championship was won by Dustin Johnson
Tata Advanced Systems and Boeing jointly laid the foundation of a new production
facility in this city Hyderabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena jointly
inaugurated renovated Duraiappah stadium in this Sri Lankan city Jaffna
Players of Indian mixed recurve team that won silver at the 2016 Archery World Cup in
Antalya, Turkey were - Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das
The special initiative that was launched by India and South Korea to promote and facilitate
Korean Investments in India - Korea Plus
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict that was observed on
19 June 2016 was adopted by UNGA via a resolution adopted in the year - 2015
World Refugee Day that was observed on 20 June 2016 was adopted by UNGA via a
resolution adopted in the year - 2001
The Sri Lankan cricketer who was suspended from bowling due to illegal bowling action
by International Cricket Council - Shaminda Eranga
The state government announced free admission for Divyang students in government
institutes Assam
India bagged two gold and an equal number of silver medals in mens and womens
categories of Javelin throw at - the Budapest Open Atheletics meet
The State that closed down 500 state-run liquor outlets is- Tamil Nadu
The team clinched the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals - Cleveland Cavaliers
The state Education department launched a unique initiative Maitree Ek Gyan Yatra to
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link primary schools to high schools to colleges - Assam

Russian-born actor, who played Chekov in the new Star Trek films, has been killed by his
own car at his home in Los Angeles is - Anton Yelchin
The Technology giant that was selected as the technical partner to build a mobile
Application (app) for HRDs SWAYAM platform- Microsoft
The fund that was floated by State Bank of India (SBI) to assist start-ups in the fintech
space- IT Innovation Start-up Fund
Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined RAPID, a five-point charter for tax administrators,
during the inauguration of- Rajasva Gyan Sangam
The Country that won Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 at the Lee Valley Hockey
and Tennis Centre in London- Australia
The Ministry that released a Yog Geet (Song) in connection with the celebration of
International Day of Yoga2016-Union Ministry of AYUSH
The Country with which India signed two MoUs on capacity building for its civil
servantsand to set up of centre of excellence in ICT- Namibia
The mantra, RAPID, that was suggested by Narendra Modi to tax officials while
inaugurating Rajasva Gyan Sangam, a two-day Annual Conference of Senior Tax
Administrators in New Delhi stands for - R for Revenue, A for Accountability, P for Probity,
I for Information and D for Digitization
The theme of the 2016 World Day to Combat Desertification, which was observed
recently, is - Inclusive cooperation for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality
The slogan for the 2016 World Day to Combat Desertification, which was observed
recently, is - Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People.
The slogan for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is - A New World
The former Indian football team coach who will be honoured with the Mohun Bagan
Ratna is - Syed Nayeemuddin
Maharashtra government decided to make the ancient Bhima River at Pandharpur
pollution free and revive its sanctity through - the Namami Chandrabhaga project
The 41-year-old British woman MP from the opposition Labour Party who was killed
after being shot and stabbed in her constituency in northern England - Jo Cox
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The instrument of NASA on its Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) that helped them to measure
methane emissions from a single, specific leaking facility on Earths surface - Hyperion
spectrometer
The national aquarium in United States announced its plan to develop an Oceanside
dolphin sanctuary for marine mammals including dolphins is - National Aquarium,
Baltimore
The country under whose collaboration, India is implementing the Water4Crops project
- European Union
The team that announced their second detection of gravitational waves, the flexing of
space and time caused by the black hole collision on 15 June 2016- LIGO team
The name project that was published in Science Magazine with a proposal to synthesize
entire human genome from scratch - Human Genome Project-Write (HGP-Write)
The draft policy that was released to encourage new technologies, methods and wayouts involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants- Draft National WindSolar Hybrid Policy 2016
She was appointed as Director General of Doordarshan on 15 June 2016- Supriya Sahu
The city that replaced Hyderabad in smart city list of Telangana state-Karimnagar
The first Indian bank to get merged with its subsidiaries- State Bank of India
American Literary Translator who passed away and worked on Garcia Marquezs One
Hundred Years of Solitude- Gregory Rabassa
App launched by Union Ministry of Human Resource Development for volunteer work at
government schools- Vidyanjali
The West-Africa country that accorded its highest civilian award to President Pranab
Mukherjee -Ivory Coast
He was conferred with the Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award 2016 at the American Diabetes
Associations (ADA) 76th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans - Shashank S Shah
The Public Sector Unit that commissioned 195 megawatt (MW) unit at Muzaffarpur
thermal power station in Bihar - Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
The policy released by Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for the development of Air
travel in India - National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016
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He was adjudged as the Man of the Series of the three-match One Day International
(ODI) series between India and Zimbabwe - Lokesh Rahul
Indian scientists will be associated with scientists of this country in a project under
which underwater robots will be released into the Bay of Bengal to predict the Indian
monsoon - Britain
The country whose Court of Appeals upheld net-neutrality rules that prohibit broadband
carriers from playing favourites or blocking competing online services - United States
The scheme under which the Ramayana and Krishna Circuit will be developed in different
states of India - Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Russias new Project 22220 nuclear powered icebreaker that was launched from the
Baltic Shipyard is dubbed - Arktika
This countrys House of Commons voted for gender neutral national anthem - Canada
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president who passed away at the AIIMS hospital
in New Delhi following cardiac failure - Anjan Dutta
The second European country that ratified the Paris Agreement, a deal on curbing global
warming reached in 2015 by 195 countries - France
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed globally on 15 June 2016 to voice
against - Abuse and suffering inflicted on older people
Scientists have discovered a Jupiter-like planet, Kepler-1647b, orbiting a system of two
stars, making it the largest such cosmic body ever found in the constellation - Cygnus
Union Government approved a series of measures for the abatement of pollution and for
the conservation and preservation of lakes in - Bengaluru
Businessman who was declared as a Proclaimed Offender by a special court for the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) - Vijay Mallya
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asia Pacific region of Deutsche Bank AG who resigned
in June 2016- Gunit Chadha
Union Ministry of Railways signed a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with this State
Government- Odisha
Delhi Cabinet Minister who resigned as Transport Minister due to health reasons- Gopal
Rai
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The Florida based bank that issued first US credit card for use in Cuba - Stonegate Bank
The creator of the beehive hairstyle, made popular by many famous women, who died
in US at the age of 98 - Margaret Vinci Heldt
The state that barred plying of 15 years old commercial diesel vehicles from roads of its
capital - Bihar
In Puducherry, Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi launched a mobile Application for helping senior
citizens in distress that was developed by - Helpage India
After a notice sent by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, RPG foundation removed
an art installation on this legendary a person from Marine Drive - Sachin Tendulkar
Union Cabinet cleared the new Civil Aviation Policy with an aim to increasing regional air
connectivity, and ease rules for - Airlines to fly overseas
India signed three bilateral agreements to strengthen co-operation with- Ghana
Three countries that participated in the Malabar Exercise 2016- India, United States and
Japan
Renowned Hindi writer who died in June 2016 and was the Editor at All India Radio from
1962 to 1976- Mudrarakshasa
President of this country ordered an unannounced inspection in countrys Armed Forces
to assess the readiness of military arsenals - Russia
This State government served Leave India notice to eight Chinese nationals working
under a Thai company at the Dhamra Port in Bhadrak district - Odisha
The person who assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad
She was unanimously appointed as the first women chairperson of the North Cachar
Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) in Assam - Ranu Langthasa
The Central Port Authorities Act 2016 drafted by Ministry of Shipping will replace the
Major Port Trust Act of - 1963
Union Government constituted a five member team to assess the existing water bodies,
farm pond and other sources of irrigation in the selected districts of - Western Uttar
Pradesh including Meerut and Muzaffarnagar
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The districts, in which the Telangana government ordered to set up a Pharma City on
12500 acres of land- Rangareddy and Mahbubnagar
The project on the river Ganga that is being developed between Allahabad and Haldia
which cover a distance of 1620 kms- Jal Marg Vikas Project
The plan to link the chunks of synthetic DNA by making a researcher-created human
genome that can control a cell in a lab dish- Human Genome Project-Write
This Mercedes racing driver won the 2016 Canada Grand Prix of Formula 1 title Lewis
Hamilton
Name of the service launched by the Indian Railways to provide for baby food items at
stations and childrens menu items on trains Janani Sewa
The founder chairman of Jet Airways who was elected to the International Air Transport
Associations (IATA) Board of Governors for the 5th consecutive tenure Naresh Goyal
Name of the cashless payment mechanism launched at toll plazas on National Highways
by the National Highways Authority of India FASTag
Consumer Price Index for May 2016 was pegged at 5.76 percent
Name of the web portal and mobile app that will be launched by the Union Ministry of
Human Resource Development for IIT JEE aspirants IITPAL
She won the womens title of the 2016 Australian Open Super Series Badminton
tournament - Saina Nehwal
He won the mens title of the 2016 Australian Open Super Series Badminton tournament
- Hans-Kristian Vittinghus
China launched its 23rd satellite for its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) aboard
Long March-3C carrier rocket from - Xichang Satellite Launch Center
He headed the taskforce appointed to address agrarian issues that submitted its report
to Maharashtra government - Kishore Tiwari
Second International Albinism Awareness Day was observed on - 13 June 2016
The former captain of England Cricket team who died on 12 June 2016 at the age of 89
- Donald Carr
Theme of World Day Against Child Labour 2016- End child labour in supply chains - Its
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everyones business!
Noted playwright and actor who died in June 2016 and was considered to be the father
of the Bhramyaman or Mobile Theatre of Assam- Achyut Lahkar
Veteran Scottish singer who received the Knighthood in Queens Birthday Honours listRod Stewart
The place of United States where mass shooting occurred at a gay nightclub in which at
least 51 people were killed, including the gunman Orlando, Florida
The Bollywood actress, who was nominated for 2016 Teen Choice Awards - Priyanka
Chopra
Hubble Telescope uncovers the drizzle of stars scattered across this image forms a
galaxy known as- UGC 4879
The kind of fossils that provide evidence of the number of species that can exist on Earth
according to new research led by the University of Southampton- Popcorn-like fossils
The first Indian Cricketer to score century (100 Runs) in his debut ODI Match on 11 June
2016- KL Rahul
The report on environmental crime that was released by the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and INTERPOL on 4 June 2016- The Rise of Environmental Crime
The former Indian football team coach who will be honoured with the Mohun Bagan
Ratna is - Syed Nayeemuddin
The slogan for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is - A New World
The slogan for the 2016 World Day to Combat Desertification, which was observed
recently, is - Protect Earth. Restore Land. Engage People.
The theme of the 2016 World Day to Combat Desertification, which was observed
recently, is - Inclusive cooperation for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality
This novelist was awarded the 2016 PEN Pinter Prize is - Margaret Atwood
The mammal that was recently declared extinct primarily due to human-induced climate
change is - Bramble Cay melomys
Niraj Mittal was appointed as the Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking
of - DBS Bank India
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The Hollywood actor who was appointed as the goodwill ambassador of UN Women
is - Anne Hathaway
The island of Gujarat that was in news recently for getting power for the first time after
70 years of Independence - Shiyal Bet
The state that recently launched Child Labour Tracking System to keep a track of rescued
child labour for their proper rehabilitation - Bihar
The United Nations General Assembly elected Israel to chair its Legal Committee which
is also called Sixth Committee
The Permanent Representative of Fiji who was recently elected as the President of 71st
session of United Nations General Assembly is - Peter Thomson
The e-ticketing company in which Ratan Tata recently invested is - Kyazoonga
Tata Power Co. Ltd recently signed an agreement to acquire - Welspun Renewables
Energy Private Ltd
Microsoft Corporation recently announced that it is going to acquire LinkedIn
The slogan of the 2016 World Blood Donors Day that was observed recently is - Share
life, give blood
The theme of the 2016 World Blood Donors Day that was observed recently is - Blood
connects us all
The veteran journalist and former editor of The Times of India who died recently is - Inder
Malhotra
The first country in the world to ban deforestation is Norway
The sportsperson chosen as Indias flagbearer at Rio Olympics is - Abhinav Bindra
The team that won gold at the FINA Women Water Polo World League Super Final is USA Womens Senior National Team
He was appointed as a part-time member of the 21st Law Commission of India on 10
June 2016- Satya Pal Jain
He presided over a presentation that proposed amendment to Civil Aviation Requirements
(CARs) on 11 June 2016 - Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju
The rank that India secured among the 163 countries with 2.566 GPI score in the 2016
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Global Peace Index-141

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the weekly Champaran Satyagrah
Express on 10 June 2016 at -Motihari, Bihar
He was the legendary Canadian ice hockey player, who was died on 10 June 2016 after
a lengthy illness- Gordie Howe
The Project under which Scientists of Iceland found a technique to trap carbon dioxide
(CO2) in deep underground by turning it into rock- the CarbFix project
The department of Union government that launched a logo and tagline design contest
for the soon to be set up India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on the MyGov website on 10
June 2016- India Post
The topped the 2016 Worlds 100 Highest-Paid Athletes list that was released by Forbes
on 9 June 2015-Cristiano Ronaldo
These are the only two women to make the cut in the 2016 Worlds 100 Highest-Paid
Athletes list for the second straight year- Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova
The review that provides high-quality objective and globally consistent data on world
energy markets of 2015 released on 8 June 2016- BP Statistical Review of World Energy
The index Microsoft Asia revealed that Pakistan as the location with the highest malware
encounters through an Index on 7 June 2016- Malware Infection Index 2016 (MII2016)
The rank in which India stands among Asia-pacific countries in Malware Infection Index
2016 (MII2016) that was launched by Microsoft Asia on 7 June 2016- Eight
The country along with which India released a Joint Statement to endure as global
partners in the 21st Century on 7 June 2016- United States of America (USA)
International team of astronomers found a giant hot Jupiter exoplanet tidally spinning up
its parent star named-HATS-18b
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) inked a Memorandum of Agreement
with the Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society on 9 June 2016 to establish-Smart
Agribusiness Platform Networks of Andhra Pradesh (SAPNAP)
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) signed a license agreement with
Chaturbhuj Pharmaceutical Co on 10 June 2016 for commercialization of - Ayush-82
National Research Development Corporation (NRDC inked a Memorandum of
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Agreement with the Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, (CNMS) on 10 June 2016 to
commercialize- CNMS developed technologies
The Raging Bull actress who died recently is - Theresa Saldana
The politician who emerged victorious in the Perus 2016 Presidential Election is - Pedro
Pablo Kuczynski
Akhil Sharma won the 2016 International DUBLIN Literary Award for his novel titled Family Life
The eminent scientist who recently took over as Chief Executive of Nuclear Fuel Complex
is - G Kalyanakrishnan
Bengal off-spinner who announced his retirement in June 2016, ending a first-class
cricket career of 17 years - Saurasish Lahiri
Swedish Major General appointed as the head of the UN Military Observer Group in
India and Pakistan in June 2016 - Major General Per Lodin
It is with the sovereign wealth fund of this country the National Infrastructure Investment
Fund signed a MoU to attract investment into India Qatar
He was appointed as the head of Pay Revision Committee by the UGC to suggest on
pay revision of academic staff of Universities and Colleges - Prof V S Chauhan
It is in this country one-month long UEFA Euro 2016 football championship began on 10
June 2016 France
Researchers at Assam Agricultural University have developed two rice varieties, namely
- Ranjit Sub-1 and Bahadur Sub-1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 June 2016 concluded five-nation visit to - Afghanistan,
Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico
India on 8 June 2016 signed a Europe-led scheme that seeks to clampdown on tax
evasion and corruption by committing to - automatically exchange information on
beneficial ownership
The teenager from Tamil Nadu who became first Indian to clinch the Mumbai Mayors
International Open Chess Tournament - NR Visakh
King of Thailand who is marking 70 years at thrown as the worlds longest reigning living
monarch, ascended to the throne is - King Bhumibol Adulyadej
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The state government has decided to celebrate the 21st of every month as Yoga day
across all schools, colleges and universities in the state - Maharashtra
To meet the shortage of teachers in the regional languages, the state government has
decided to appoint large number of language teachers, including for Telugu and Bengali
languages - Odisha
Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh flagged in the first ever all girls National Cadet
Corps (NCC) expedition team for - Mount Everest
The four countries that were recognised by World Health Organization (WHO) recognised
for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis are - Thailand, Armenia,
Belarus and Moldova
Tennis star who was suspended for two years from Tennis by the International Tennis
Federation (ITF) on 8 June 2016 for using a prohibited drug - Maria Sharapova
The famous English film director who will be honoured with the American Cinematheque
award is - Ridley Scott
The cricket ground that will host Indias first pink-ball multi-day cricket match is - Eden
Gardens
Internet search engine Google and Tata Trusts joint initiative Internet Saathi was recently
launched in- West Bengal
The Indian-origin professor who was recently awarded Regius Professorship by Queen
Elizabeth II is - Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya
Veteran journalist who passed away in June 2016 and spent 28 years at The Hindu- KK
Katyal
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members and partners on 6 June 2016
launched Anaconda-16 Exercise in- Poland
It is in this South Indian city Amazon.com will be setting up its Web Services Cloud
Region - Hyderabad
This Real Madrids foot ball player topped the 2016 Worlds Highest-Paid Athletes List Cristiano Ronaldo
The founder of Amazon.com who received the USIBC Global Leadership Award from the
visiting PM Narendra Modi in Washington DC Jeff Bezos
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Narendra Modi became the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address the legislature of this
country the USA
This European country launched the SAIP smart phone app to alert users on terror
attacks and other disasters France
Union Government announced that a new Indian Reserve Battalion in Rajasthan will be
named after - Maharana Pratap
The World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim slashes global growth forecast by 0.5
percent to - 2.4 percent
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 7 June 2016 approved 1.5 billion US dollar
loan to- Sri Lanka
He was appointed as the head of one-man judicial commission by the Uttar Pradesh
Government to probe violence in Mathura in early June 2016 Mirza Imtiyaz
Name of the book that highlighted President Mukherjees contribution to the field of
higher education as Visitor to 116 institutions of higher learning in India - The Education
President
The World in 2050- Striving for a more just, Prosperous and Harmonious Global
Community was written by Harinder Kohli
She topped the 2016 Forbes Worlds Highest-Paid Female Athlete list Serena Williams
The legendary Nepali musician and composer of the countrys national anthem, who
died on 7 June 2016 - Amber Gurung
India signed loan agreement of 12 crore ($120 million) US dollars with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) to improve irrigation and water management infrastructure
in - Odisha
The Rio Olympics-bound Indian track and field athlete, who on 7 June 2016 won a silver
medal in 800 meters in the Josef Odlozil Memorial Athletics Meet in Prague, Czech
Republic - Tintu Luka
The Mobile App that was launched by Union Government to enhance the employment of
trained youth in solar PV technology on 7 June 2016- Surya Mitra Mobile App
The Country in which India organised 1st Yoga Championship in June 2016- Egypt
The country that decided to cut off Internet access for government work stations within
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a year for security reasons on 8 June 2016- Singapore

The mission that demonstrated the technology needed to build a space-based
gravitational wave observatory - LISA Pathfinder mission
The chess grandmaster, considered one of the strongest players never to have become
World Chess Champion, who died recently is - Viktor Korchnoi
The first Indian state to launch a green-concept based State Data Centre is - Himachal
Pradesh
Umang Bedi was recently appointed the Managing Director of - Facebook India
The Indian city that will host the mens Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 is Lucknow
The German Chancellor who topped the 2016 list of Forbes Worlds 100 Most Powerful
Women is - Angela Merkel
Person who took charge as the Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre
for Asia (CEMCA) in June 2016- Shahid Rasool
First Indian state to launch the App on Air Quality Index in June 2016- Rajasthan
Theme of World Oceans Day 2016- Healthy oceans, healthy planet
He headed the inter-ministerial Committee on Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi that
submitted its report to the Union Government - Rajiv Gauba
Scientists of this American University developed Bionic Leaf that turns sunlight into
liquid fuel Harvard University
This State government announced the IT and Electronics Start-up Policy to develop
2000 start-ups - Gujarat
This white tiger was named as the mascot for 2018 winter Olympics to be held in South
Korea Soohorang
Indias rank in the biannual Good Country Index 2015 70th rank
The voters of this European country rejected State-provided unconditional basic income
proposal in a referendum Switzerland
This renowned sand-artist won a gold medal in the World Sand Art Championship in
Bulgaria - Sudarsan Pattnaik
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Swachh Yug campaign was launched by the Union Government to make gram panchyats
along this river open defecation free Ganga
Indias rank on the 2016 Global Retail Development Index among the 30 developing
countries surveyed Two
Farzad gas field that was in news recently is located in this country Iran
The Delhi Government recently announced implementation of its solar policy, which aims
at installation of 1 GW solar power capacity by - 2020
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently laid foundation stone for Jai Jawan
Awas Yojna in - Bahadurgarh
The estimated package for implementing suggested measures by the High Power
Committee on decongesting Delhi - 19762 crore rupees
Kulmeet Bawa was recently appointed as Managing Director for - Adobe South Asia
She was named as the ambassador for Swachh Saathi (student internship) programme
- Dia Mirza
An international team of astrophysicists discovered an unusual astronomical object that
formed when two galaxies are exactly aligned - Optical Einstein ring
India became the ninth country to enter into an agreement with US for its International
Expedited Traveller Initiative, which is also known as - The Global Entry Programme
He was the professional mixed martial artist who died on 6 June 2016 at age 42- Kimbo
Slice
Scientists unlocked a crucial part of the mystery as to how the DNA can replicate and
repair itself, the research was conducted at -University of Sheffield
The state that will be providing medical insurance of two lakh rupees for BPL families
Jharkhand
By this year Railways intends to fit all the railway coaches with bio-toilets under Clean
Railways Clean India initiative - 2019
The Congress Legislature Party leader who was sworn-in as Chief Minister of the Union
Territory of Puducherry - V Narayanasamy
The state that passed the Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2016 in its Assembly is Assam
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The train that was recently flagged off from Delhi Safdarjung Station to spread awareness
about the wildlife is - Tiger Trail Circuit Train
The famous theatre personality and co-founder of theatre group Awishkar who passed
away recently is - Sulabha Deshpande
CR Sasikumar was recently appointed as the Managing Director of - State Bank of
Travancore
The state that has become the first Indian state to provide pension and food benefits to
transgender people is - Odisha
N.K. Chari was recently appointed as the Managing Director of - State Bank of Mysore
NASA scientists located 39 unreported and major human-made sources of toxic- Sulphur
dioxide emissions
Airbus displayed the worlds first 3D-printed aircraft THOR at the International Aerospace
Exhibition in- Schoenefe
She was the first Indian woman to be nominated for International Olympic Committee Nita Ambani
He was awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) - N Ramachandran
He was the first Indian to win the Mr Universe title who died on 5 June 2016 in Kolkata
at the age of 104- Manohar Aich
The state that launched Right to Public Grievance Redressal Act to dispose peoples
complaints or redressal of grievances from Government officials within 60-days is - Bihar
India signed seven agreements in various fields including assistance in custom matters,
skill development and recognition of qualifications and health with - Qatar
He won his first French Open Mens singles title - Novak Djokovic
2016 World Environment Day was observed on 5 June 2016 with theme - Zero tolerance
for the illegal trade in wildlife
She won the 2016 French Open Womens Singles tennis title by defeating the defending
champion Serena Williams Garbine Muguruza of Spain
The 2016 French Open Mixed Doubles tennis title was won by this Indo-Swiss pair
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Leander Paes and Martina Hingis

This country conferred its highest civilian honour Amir Amanullah Khan Award on Prime
Minister Narendra Modi Afghanistan
It is with this country India held the Desert Eagle II bilateral military exercise United
Arab Emirates
The greatest boxing legend who died after a 32-year battle with Parkinsons disease on
3 June 2016 - Muhammad Ali
He was appointed as Director General (DG)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEP) of National
Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on 3 June 2016- Navin Agarwal
Asias largest annual security forum Shangri-La Dialogue was inaugurated on 3 June
2016 at- Singapore
The Haryana Government launched Asias First Gyps Vulture Reintroduction Programme
at Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre on 3 June 2016 at-Pinjore
The birds that were released in to the wild by the Union Environment Minister and
Haryana Chief Minister from Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre in Haryana on 3 June
2016- Himalayan Griffons
Afghan-India Friendship Dam that was inaugurated by Inidan PM Modi and Afghan
President Ashraf Ghani on 4 june 2016 was earlier called as- Salma Dam
Afghanistan President Dr Ashraf Ghani conferred this highest civilian award on Indian
PM Narendra Modi on 4 June 2016- Amir Amanullah Khan Award
This city of United States saw the hosting of 7th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) and
Mission Innovation (MI) meet San Francisco
India announced to double the investment in clean energy research in next 5 years
He was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal
(NCLAT) - Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya
He was appointed as the President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Justice MM Kumar
The port that bagged National Award for Excellence in Cost Management for the year
2015 - VO Chidambaranar Port
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The Mega Luxury Cruise Vessel that was called at the Cochin Port for a 2-day stop-over
in its circuit of Dubai-Muscat-Kochi-Penang-Singapore - MV Ovation of the Seas
A pair of distant galaxies 10000 and 6000 million light years away happen to be in the
perfect position relative to Earth to create a rare -Einstein Ring
The former Eden Gardens curator who recently passed away is - Prabir Mukherjee
The country that has recently gifted 2000 bicycles to poor dalit girls in Nepal to encourage
them to enrol in schools is - India
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched a mobile application for telecom
subscribers to register their complaints against - Pesky calls and SMSes
The Qatar-based Indian banker who was recently awarded the Green Economy Visionary
Award is - Raghavan Seetharaman
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved a new broad gauge line
between Mau Station and - Tarighat Terminal station
The Tamil actor-director, known for movies Anbe Sivam and Annanagar First street, who
died recently is - Balu Anand
India signed MoU to enhance cooperation on energy security, clean energy and climate
change with - The United States
India joined the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) against Ballistic Missile Proliferation as
its - 138th Subscribing State
The countries Parliament passed a resolution recognising the massacre of Armenians by
Ottoman forces during First World War (1915) as genocide - Germany
The country that has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to open its International
Arbitration Centre in India - Singapore
India signed MoU for co-operation in Information Technology and promotion of traditional
handicrafts with - Tunisia
India signed exchange of terrorist screening information Arrangement with - the United
States
Asias largest annual security forum Shangri-la Dialogue opened in - Singapore
He was elected Speaker of the 14th legislative assembly of Kerala - P Shreeramakrishnan
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Percent of government equity in India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) that will be set up
under the Department of Posts - 100 percent
The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism with - Qatar
The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife
trafficking with - the United States (US)
A study by researchers at major excavated site of Bhirrana, Haryana suggests that the
Indus Valley Civilisation was much older than thought before, that is, it is 8000 years
old
Cricketer whose name will be used by Kerala Government in a campaign against drug
and liquor abuse in the state - Sachin Tendulkar
The National Film Archive of India acquired 1790 songbooks of Hindi films belonging to
every decade of the countrys cinematic heritage starting from - 1934 to 2012
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, asked the Security Council to add just over 2500
peacekeepers to the UN peacekeeping mission in this country- Mali
Wildlife authorities of the country said that they will press charges against a Buddhist
temple where the bodies of 40 dead tiger cubs were found - Thailand
The country that was declared free from Ebola virus transmission by World Health
Organization - Guinea
Country that decided to gradually stop sending house maids abroad, mainly to the
Middle East - Sri Lanka
India has gifted 2000 bicycles to poor dalit girls of a country to encourage them to enroll
in schools and enhance the literacy rate among them - Nepal
Two Indian-origin women who featured on the Forbes annual list of Americas 60
wealthiest and most successful self-made women entrepreneurs are - Neerja Sethi and
Jayshree Ullal
He assumed charge as Chief of Personnel, Indian Navy on 28 May 2016- Vice admiral
AK Chawla
The Sri Lankan Cricketer who announced retirement from Tests with immediate effect on
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1 June 2016- Nuwan Kulasekara

The organization that was granted affiliation by the Commonwealth Boxing Council
(CBC) on 2 June 2016- Indian Boxing Council (IBC)
The state that unfurled the second largest National flag of 291 foot on its foundation day
on 2 June 2016- Telangana
He assumed charge as first ever chief executive officer (CEO) of the Board of Control for
Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai on 1 June 2016- Rahul Johri
The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of Chennai Metro
Rail Phase-I Project from - Washermanpet to Wimconagar
A massive fire broke out at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in- Pulgaon
Uttar Pradesh Government on 31 May 2016 approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
of- Varanasi
The Direct Tax Dispute Resolution Scheme 2016 that came into effect on 1 June 2016
was incorporated into this chapter of the Finance Act, 2016 Chapter X
The age of superannuation of all doctors of Central Health Services was extended by
Union Government to 65 years from previous 62 years
The state that decided to raise the retirement age of state government doctors as per the
age of doctors of Central Health Services as notified by Union Government is Haryana
Gotthard Base Tunnel, worlds longest railway tunnel, was recently inaugurated in Switzerland
The National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited recently announced to launch
a Ganga cleaning project in Bihar
The Government of India and the World Bank recently signed an agreement to - improve
efficiency of City Bus Services
India recently launched the Chamber of Commerce and Industry with this country to
accelerate the pace of economic development between the two nations - Morocco
The country recently visited by the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari to strengthen
bilateral ties with India is Morocco
Asias largest technology trade show that kicked off in Taipei, attracting more than 1600
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275
companies from 30 countries to showcase their latest products is named as - COMPUTEX

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the hike in the minimum
support price (MSP) of paddy for kharif season 2016-17 by 60 rupees to - 1470 rupees
per quintal
The UN childrens agency, UNICEF, has decided to scale up operations to support twenty
two thousand migrant children in - Greece
The state cabinet has decided to give 6 percent additional dearness allowance to state
government staff from 1 January 2016 is - Madhya Pradesh
The country in which forty tiger cub bodies have been found in a freezer at a Buddhist
temple accused of wildlife trafficking and animal abuse - Thailand
The state that decided to celebrate Gramoday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan every year Madhya Pradesh
The World Milk Day that is observed annually on 1 June was first celebrated by UN Food
and Agriculture Organization in - 2001
The Global Day of Parents that is observed annually on 1 June was proclaimed by UN
General Assembly in - 2012
He was appointed as a member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by President
Pranab Mukherjee - Bhim Sain Bassi, former Delhi Police Commissioner
The person was appointed as the Finance Secretary - Ashok Lavasa, an IAS officer of
1980 batch of Haryana cadre
The provisional estimates of national GDP for 2015-16 released by Central Statistical
Office (CSO) is pegged at 7.6%
The number of core industries which comprise nearly 38 percent of the Index of Industrial
Production (IIP) - Eight
Asias largest technology trade show COMPUTEX was started on 31 May 2016 in- Taipei
He assumed the office of Secretary in the Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Prabhas Kumar Jha
The first ever national plan that was released in India to make it disaster resilient - National
Disaster Management Plan
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276
Indian music composer who has been awarded with the Japans Fukuoka prize 2016AR Rehman
The name of the campaign of World No Tobacco Day observed annually on 31 May Get
Ready for Plain Packaging
The Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2016
makes clear distinction between the - Trafficker and Trafficked
Noted Kannada writer who passed away and played an important role in getting the
classical language status for Kannada- D Javare Gowda
Veteran TV and film actor who passed away and was known for his role in TV Serial FIRSuresh Chatwal
The cricketer who broke Sachin Tendulkars record and became the youngest to reach
10000 runs in Tests cricket is - Alastair Cook
This University in Chandigarh signed a MoU with Ministry of Railways to set up Kalpana
Chawla Chair on Geospatial Technology for Indian Railways at the campus - PEC
University of Technology
Vice Admiral A R Karve recently took charge of - Indias Southern Naval Command
The Bollywood actor who recently became the Goodwill Ambassador for the LEPRA
India is - R Madhavan
The 1985 batch IPC officer who was recently appointed the Director General of West
Bengal Police is - Surajit Kar Purkayastha
The Formula One driver who won the 2016 Monaco F1 Grand Prix is - Lewis Hamilton
Name of the wheelchair racer who became the first to complete a mile-long race in less
than three minutes - David Weir
This country hosted the 42nd G7 Summit in May 2016 Japan
This Indian boxer won the silver medal in 2016 World Boxing Championships in 57kg
category Sonia Lather
This city hosted the 2016 Womens World Boxing Championships in May 2016 Astana
in Kazakhstan
He became the first Indian to play top-tier European football league match - Gurpreet
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277
Singh Sandhu
He was officially declared to be the president-elect by the parliament of Philippine
-Rodrigo Digong Duterte
He was named as the Ceat International Cricketer of the Year and also International
Batsman of the Year 2016- Joe Root
He was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the CEAT cricket awards
2016- Dilip Vengsarkar
The Indian woman author who won the Scholastic Asian Book Award for 32000-word
manuscript Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus is - Aditi Krishnakumar
He was adjudged as the player of the match in the final match of 2016 Indian Premier
League - Ben Cutting
He was adjudged as the player of the series in the final match of 2016 Indian Premier
League - Virat Kohli
The Indian-American scientist who received the prestigious Springer Theses award for
his research in which he developed transgenic mice to study a critical tumor-suppressor
called A20 - Arnab De
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated second submarine assembly workshop
at - Mazagon Dock Limited
Nine-coach Spanish train Talgos trial run was conducted on rail route - BareillyMoradabad route
The football club that won 2016 European Champions League by defeating Atletico
Madrid is - Real Madrid
The Nepali soldier won the worlds highest marathon on Mount Everest is - Bed Bahadur
Sunuwar
The annual worlds highest marathon on Mount Everest marks the anniversary of the first
summit of the peak by - Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary in 1953
The six regional languages in which the official website of Prime Ministers Office will be
available are - Gujarati, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali
The theme of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2016 that is observed
annually on is - Honouring Our Heroes
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278
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented the Malti Devi Gyan Peeth Puraskar
for the year 2016. The award is given in the field of Education
The 17th Asian Junior Athletics Championships will be held from 3 June to 6 June 2016
in - Vietnam
A V S Ramesh Chandra was recently appointed the Ambassador of India to Romania
The discus thrower from India who recently qualified for the Rio Olympics 2016 is Seema Punia
She was conferred the Nari Jagran Samman-2016 award by the Nari Jagran magazine
in Varanasi - Heeraben (PM Modis Mother)
She became the fourth woman Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory after assuming
charge of Puducherry -Kiran Bedi
The country that declared the launch of first quantum communication through a satellite
in the world - China
This is the first experimental inflatable room attached to the International Space Station
that was successfully deployed by NASA in May 2016- Bigelow Expandable Activity
Module (BEAM)
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279
Disclaimer
Readers are requested to verify/cross-check up to their satisfaction themselves about the advertisements, advertorials, and external
contents. If any miss-happening, ill result, mass depletion or any similar incident occurs due to any information cited or referenced
in this e-book, Editor, Director/s, employees of Jagranjosh.com cant be held liable/responsible in any matter whatsoever. No
responsibilities lie as well in case of the advertisements, advertorials, and external contents.
www.jagranjosh.com

Josh July.16

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CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

PICK OF THE MONTH

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

PICK OF THE MONTH

National Civil Aviation Policy 2016

Conservation and Management of Water

MTCR, NSG and India

National Education Policy 2016

ISRO launches record 20 satellites from Sriharikota

Britain votes to exit European Union

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Muhammad Ali, the All-time Greatest of Boxing, dies at 74

G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2015

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

National Civil Aviation Policy 2016

Vision of the Policy

Key Objectives of the Policy are:

Highlights of the NCAP 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Five takeaways from the Policy

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Conservation and Management of Water

Highlights of Draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Geographical Information System Platform.

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Legal status and groundwater use

Groundwater Protection Zones and Groundwater Security Plans

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Groundwater for Livelihoods and Irrigation

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

MTCR, NSG and India

Key Facts of India joining MTCR

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Export Control Regimes & Indias Stance

Group of nuclear supplier countries based on Non-Proliferation Principle

Mandate is to regulate nuclear exports & nuclear-related exports

Set up in 1974 as a response to Indian nuclear test

Being a signatory of NPT is an important criteria to join the elite club

Has 48 members including P5 of the UNSC

Applied for membership in May 2016

Sought exemption from NPT on grounds of clean track-record

Indias pledge of no-first-use policy will help in getting membership

Got support from all major members; China poses hurdle

Membership helps in lucrative global nuclear trade

Will get access to sensitive nuclear material & technologies

Big boost to domestic industries & clean energy initiatives

Set up in 1995 in Wassenaar (the Netherlands) & operation in 1996

Focus is on conventional arms & dual-use goods and technologies

Seeks to achieve peace and security through export controls

Has a 4-point criterion for membership

41 members including the USA and Russia

CURRENT AFFAIRS | JULY 2016

Interested in joining this export control regime

Meets 3 of the four conditions needed to join

They are Producer of arms; Adherence to non-proliferation policies

Third - Fully effective export controls (announced a list of 16 in August 2015)