Financial & Banking News
Buyers and developers of real estate property
SBI cuts term deposit rates by up to 50 bps for amount
below Rs 1 crore
Country's largest lender State Bank of India has cut its
term deposit rates by up to 50 basis points for various
maturities.
The rates have been revised for medium and long term
deposits and for amount below Rs one crore.
According to the new structure, for two to less than
three years deposits, SBI will offer a rate of 6.25 per
cent as compared to 6.75 per cent earlier, the bank
said. For the similar maturity, the deposit rates for
senior citizen have been cut to 6.75 per cent from 7.25
per cent.
Real Estate Act comes into effect, 13 states notify
rules
The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016,
the landmark realty law that aims to protect home
buyers from deceitful developers came into effect on 1
May 2017. The move ends a nine-year long wait.
The implementation of the act means regulation of the
real estate sector, which hosts over 76,000 companies
across the country.
Background
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development)
Bill, 2016 was passed by the Parliament in
March 2016.
The act partially came into force in May 2016
with 59 of its 92 notified sections put to force.
Now, all the 92 sections of the Act have come
into effect.
The states were given the task of notifying to
the realty rules and set up a Real Estate
Regulatory Authority (RERA) by 30 April 2017,
without which the law will not become
operational.
Till now, 13 states and Union Territories
including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Daman and Diu have notified
the rules.
Provisions of the Act
can seek relief by approaching Real Estate
Regulatory Authorities against violation of the
contractual obligations and other provisions of
the Act.
The act provides for the mandatory
registration of projects and real estate agents.
The act mandates depositing of 70 per cent of
the funds collected from buyers in a separate
bank account in case of new projects and 70
per cent of unused funds in case of ongoing
projects.
The funds could be withdrawn only for
construction purposes.
It also mandates the registration of projects
with a plot size of minimum 500 sqm or 8
apartments with the Regulatory authorities.
The act also prescribes penalty on developers
in case of delay in the project. The developers
would be required to disclose the project
details on the website of the regulator and
provide quarterly updates on construction
progress.
According to the act, the developers would be
accountable for any structural defect in the
real estate for five years.
The act also prescribes imprisonment up to
three years for developers and up to one year
for agents and buyers in case of violation of
orders of Appellate Tribunals and Regulatory
Authorities.
The Regulatory authorities would also be
required to dispose of complaints in 60 days
and Appellate Tribunals would be required to
adjudicate cases in 60 days.
Core sector industries grew 5% in March
The eight core industries grew by 5% in March, fastest
in three months, on the back of higher coal and steel
production.
The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors -- coal,
crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers,
steel, cement and electricity -- was however lower than
9.3% recorded in March last year.
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As per the government data released today, coal
production increased by 10% in March as against 2.5%
a year ago.
Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to formally shift
to January-December financial year
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the
country to formally switch to a January-December
financial year format, with the state Cabinet approving
the proposed move.
The next Budget session of the state Assembly will be
held in December 2017 or January 2018, while the next
financial year will start from January 2018.
The Central government had constituted a high-level
committee under former Chief Economic Advisor
Shanker Acharya to examine "desirability and
feasibility" of having a new financial year. The report
hasn't been made public yet.
Union Government launches One IP- Two
Dispensaries, Aadhaar Based Online Claim Submission
Schemes
The Union Minister of Labour and Employment
Bandaru Dattatreya on 1 May 2017 launched two
schemes- One IP- Two Dispensaries and Aadhaar based
Online Claim Submission on the occasion of
International Labour Day 2017.
All about One IP- Two Dispensaries Scheme
Due to the non-availability of option of second
dispensary, the dependant members of family are
often deprived of medical benefits as till now, insured
persons (IP) had an option of choosing one dispensary
for self and family.
By introducing the concept of One IP- Two
Dispensaries, Employee's State Insurance Corporation
(ESIC) gives an option to an IP to choose two
dispensaries, one for self and another for family
through an employer.
All about Aadhaar based Online Claim Submission
scheme
Under this scheme, all EPF Members, who have
activated their Universal Account Number (UAN) and
seeded their KYC details with Employees' Provident
Fund Organisation (EPFO), will now be able to directly
apply for PF final settlement (form19), Pension
withdrawal benefit (Form10-C) and PF part withdrawal
(Form31) from the their UAN Interface.
These three forms collectively make for more than 80
per cent of EPFOs claim workload.
CCEA approves Central Sector Scheme SAMPADA
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA),
chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 3
May 2017 approval the re-structuring the schemes of
Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
under Central Sector Scheme SAMPADA.
SAMPADA stands for 'Scheme for Agro-Marine
Processing and Development of Agro-Processing
Clusters'. The objective of SAMPADA is to supplement
agriculture, modernize processing and decrease agri-
waste.
The scheme was approved for the period 2016- 2020.
Inclusions under SAMPADA
Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition
Infrastructure
Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters
Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages
Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Infrastructure
Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation
Capacities
Highlights of SAMPADA
SAMPADA, with an allocation of Rs 6000 crore,
is expected to leverage investment of Rs 31400
crore and will handle 334 lakh MT agro-
produce valuing Rs 104125 crore.
It will benefit 20 lakh farmers and will generate
530500 direct/ indirect employment in the
country by the year 2019-20.
SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme
incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry
like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain
and Value Addition Infrastructure, Food Safety,
Quality Assurance Infrastructure,
Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters and
Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.
These schemes aim at development of modern
infrastructure to encourage entrepreneurs to
set up food processing units based on cluster
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 approach, provide effective and seamless
backward and forward integration for
processed food industry.
Andhra Pradesh gets $160 mn loan from AIIB for
power project
China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
approved $160 million loan for a power project in
Andhra Pradesh, the first credit from the bank for an
Indian project.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in
which India is the second largest shareholder after
China, has approved the project with the objective to
strengthen the power transmission and distribution
system in Andhra Pradesh, said a bank statement.
The '24x7 Power for All' project is part of Government
of India's 'Power for All programme' that was launched
in 2014 to provide an efficient, reliable and affordable
electricity to all consumers across selected states
within five years from the start of implementation.
The project is co-financed by the World Bank.
Andhra Pradesh is one of the first states selected for
the roll out of the programme.
Union Cabinet approves issuing ordinance to resolve
NPAs of banks
To eliminate the problem of bad loans, the Union
Cabinet on 3 May 2017 approved an ordinance to
amend the Banking Regulation Act for dealing with the
non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system.
Details of the ordinance will be revealed after
President Pranab Mukherjee gives his assent to an
ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act to
resolve the Non-Performing Assets crisis.
The promulgation of the ordinance was given a green
signal during the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
The set of measures includes the promulgation of an
Ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act to give
more powers to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and its
committees to act on behalf of banks while deciding on
NPAs.
Reports suggest that the ordinance seeks to amend
Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act. This section
of the act empowers the Reserve Bank to issue
directions to the banks in the public interest and
depositors.
Currently, the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are saddled
with non-performing assets or bad loans to the tune of
a staggering Rs 6 lakh crore.
Non Performing Assets
A Non-Performing Asset (NPA) means a credit facility
with respect of which the interest/instalment on the
principal has not been paid for a specific period of time.
In most cases, debt is classified as non-performing
when loan payments have not been made for a period
of 90 days.
NPCI enables acceptance of JCB cards across ATMs &
POS terminals in India
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and JCB
International Co. Ltd. (JCBI), the international
operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd, operationalised
acceptance of JCB payment cards at ATMs and POS
terminals in India.
Through this strategic partnership, JCB cards
acceptance coverage in India will reach to about 100
per cent for both ATMs and POS terminals in the
coming few years.
This development has enabled JCB to serve increasing
number of tourists and business professionals with
payment options at ATM and POS in India especially
from Asia where JCB has large number of card
members. The total card member base of JCB is about
101 million which spans across 23 countries and
territories.
JCB is a global payment brand and a leading credit card
issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card
business in Japan in 1961.
IBBI constitutes Technical Committee to lay down
Technical Standards for performance of core services
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) on
4 May 2017 constituted a Technical Committee to lay
down technical standards for performance of core
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services in accordance with Regulation 14 of the IBBI
(Information Utilities) Regulations, 2017.
The committee will be headed by RB Barman,
Chairman of National Statistical Commission.
The Committee will give its recommendation for laying
down Technical Standards for the performance of core
services and other services under Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Board of India (Information Utilities)
Regulations, 2017.
India expected to achieve 7.1% growth in 2017: UN
report
A United Nations (UN) on 1 April 2017 released its
annual flagship report titled 'The Economic and Social
Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017'. The report was
released by UN Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The report says India is expected to achieve 7.1 per
cent economic growth in 2017 as re-monetisation
restores consumption and infrastructure spending
increases. The report said India's growth would edge
up to 7.5 per cent next year. These targets will be met
by higher private and public consumption and
increased infrastructure spending.
At the same time, the report also warns India by saying
that the country faces heightened risks related to the
concentration of bad loans in the public sector banks.
Inflation It was projected to be between 5.3 per cent
to 5.5 per cent in 2017 and 2018, which means it will
be above the official target of 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent.
RBI tightens JLF rules, directs banks not to break any
norms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 5 May 2017
tightened the rules of Joint Lenders Forum (JLF) under
Framework for Revitalising Distressed Assets in the
Economy Guidelines on Joint Lenders Forum (JLF)
and Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
The new JLF rules are more effective and direct banks
not to break any rules and to meet all deadlines.
Moreover, it also directs that any breach of rules would
attract a monetary penalty.
Highlights of new JLF Rules
It calls for early identification of stressed assets and
timely implementation of a Corrective Action Plan
(CAP) to preserve the economic value of stressed
assets.
In order to ensure that the CAP is finalised and
formulated in an expeditious manner, the new rules
specifies various timelines within which lenders have to
decide and implement the CAP.
It reiterates that lenders must scrupulously adhere to
the timelines prescribed in the JLF Framework for
finalising and implementing the CAP. This came after
RBI witnessed delays in finalising and implementation
of the CAP.
To facilitate timely decision making, the decisions
agreed upon by a minimum of 60 per cent of creditors
by value and 50 per cent of creditors by number in JLF
will be considered as basis for deciding the CAP.
The stand of the participating banks while voting on the
final proposal before the JLF shall be unambiguous and
unconditional.
Any bank which does not support the majority decision
on the CAP, may exit subject to substitution within the
stipulated time line.
Any non-adherence to these rules and timelines
specified under the Framework will attract monetary
penalties on the concerned banks under the provisions
of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Edelweiss Tokio launches India's first insurance that
can be bought at PoS
The country's first, and perhaps the simplest life
insurance product that can be bought at a point of sale
(PoS) has finally been launched. Edelweiss Tokio Life
Insurance has recently launched PoS Saral Nivesh -- the
first product to be approved by the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India's
(IRDAI) guidelines on point of sale-life insurance
products.
The policy comes with a waiting period of 90 days. If
anything happens during this period, barring an
accidental death, the premium is not paid.
President gives assent to ordinance for resolution of
non-performing asset crisis in banking system
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President Pranab Mukherjee on 5 May 2017 gave his
assent to an ordinance to amend the Banking
Regulation Act for resolution of the non-performing
asset (NPA) crisis in banking system.
The Ordinance, which is an amendment in the Banking
Regulation Act and sent to the President for an
approval, was earlier approved by the Union Cabinet
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The new ordinance passed by the President Mukherjee
will be known as Banking Regulation (Amendment)
Ordinance, 2017. The ordinance amends the Section
35A of the Banking Regulation Act 1949 and provides
greater powers to the Reserve Bank to tackle mounting
bad loans. The amendments to the Act will help in
effectively resolving the bad loans problem.
Key Facts of the Ordinance
Section 35AA of the Banking Regulation Act 1949: As
per the new rules RBI is entitled to issue directions to
any banking company or banking companies to initiate
insolvency resolution process in respect of a default
under the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code.
Section 35AB: As per the new rules, the RBI can issue
directions to the banking companies for resolution of
stressed assets.
Bad loans have ballooned in the system over the past
few years, with gross NPAs for state-owned banks at
6.07 lakh crore rupees at the end of December 2016.
The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, in the last few
years, the government has taken several structural
reforms towards the economy but the stressed assets
remains a challenge. He said, the government and RBI
will work together on expeditious resolution of
stressed assets.
The government has enacted insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code to consolidate and amend the laws
relating to reorganization and insolvency resolution of
companies, partnerships firms and individual.
Cashkaro.com ties up with YES Bank to launch card-
linked offers
Banking on the Government's drive to promote a cash-
less economy, cashback portal Cashkaro.com has tied
up with YES Bank to launch card-linked offers as part of
its loyalty programme for both offline and online
shoppers.
The offer will be currently available on all YES BANK
debit cards, and will be extended to all other payment
products of YES Bank in the near future, Cashkaro said
in a statement.
The initiative will now enable YES Bank debit card
holders to earn customised cashback offers from a
wide range of participating online merchants as well as
brick and mortar stores, including Forever 21
TataCliq, Chaayos, Junkyard Caf, UrbanClap, Zivame,
Nearbuy, Limeroad, Netmeds, BigBasket, Fortis
Healthworld, The Beer Caf and FreshMenu.
SBI to allow ATM withdrawals via e-wallet
The largest lender State Bank of India will introduce
new facility that would enable withdrawal of cash
through ATMs using the bank's mobile wallet.
However, the bank will charge Rs 25 on every cash
withdrawal from the mobile wallet via ATMs.
If a customer has money in SBI Buddy, our mobile
wallet, he can now withdraw that money through
ATMs. Also, now customer can deposit cash or
withdraw cash through business correspondent (BC)
from or into our mobile wallet. These facilities were not
available earlier.
For cash deposit of up to Rs 1,000 into its mobile wallet
through business correspondents, the bank will levy a
service charge of 0.25 per cent (minimum Rs 2 and
maximum Rs 8) plus service tax.
For cash withdrawal of up to Rs 2,000 from SBI Buddy
through business correspondents, the service charges
will be 2.50 per cent of the transaction value (minimum
of Rs 6) in addition to service tax.
Gadkari launches NHAI's first Masala Bond in UK
National Highways Authority of India's first Masala
Bond was launched at the London Stock Exchange with
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ringing the opening bell.
The rupee-denominated offshore bond offered by
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on the
exchange is targeted at raising capital for India's
infrastructure projects.
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Union Government revises Base Year of WPI to 2011-
2012 from 2004-05
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 12
May 2017 revised the base year of All-India Wholesale
Price Index (WPI) from 2004-05 to 2011-12.
The base year of WPI was revised in order to align it
with the base year of other macroeconomic indicators
like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Index of
Industrial Production (IIP).
Highlights of the new series of Wholesale Price Index
(WPI) with base year 2011-12
In the revised series, WPI will continue to constitute
three Major Groups namely Primary Articles, Fuel &
Power and Manufactured Products.
Increase in number of items from 676 to 697. In all,
199 new items have been added and 146 old items
have been dropped.
The new series is more representative with increase in
number of quotations from 5482 to 8331, an increase
by 2849 quotations (52 per cent).
Prices used for compilation do not include indirect
taxes in order to remove impact of fiscal policy. This
will make the new WPI conceptually closer to
Producer Price Index.
A new WPI Food Index will be compiled to capture
the rate of inflation in food items.
Seasonality of fruits and vegetables has been updated
to account for more months as these are now available
for longer duration.
Union Government launches Operation Clean Money
portal
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 16 May 2017
launched Operation Clean Money Portal with an aim to
keep a tab on dishonest citizens hiding their income
from the authorities and government.
It will provide comprehensive information at one place
consisting of step by step guides, frequently asked
questions, user guides, quick reference guides and
training toolkits related to verification process.
It will enable citizen engagement for creating a tax
compliant society and citizens would be able to support
the Operation Clean Money by taking pledge,
contribute by engaging and educating fellow citizens,
and share their experiences and provide feedback.
It will enable Transparent Tax Administration by
sharing status reports and thematic analysis reports.
RBI issues new branch expansion norms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 19 May mandated
that 25 per cent of the total number of 'banking
outlets' opened during a financial year should be
located in unbanked rural centres.
The RBI mandated this in its notification --
"Rationalisation of Branch Authorisation Policy-
Revision of Guidelines" -- issued on Thursday.
"Domestic scheduled commercial banks (other than
RRBs) are permitted to open, unless otherwise
specifically restricted, banking outlets in tier 1 to tier 6
centres without having the need to take permission
from RBI in each case," the central bank said in the
notification.
"At least 25 per cent of the total number of 'Banking
Outlets' opened during a financial year should be
opened in unbanked rural centres."
Here are the highlights
RBI has widened the role of bank boards, making
them responsible for complying with the new
guidelines
The RBI removed the restriction on tier-I branches,
which was earlier linked to the number of branches
opened in the unbanked areas.
RBI has also changed the definition of what
constitutes a branch. As against the earlier definition of
considering all the outlets including extension counters
and ATMs as a 'branch', the new provisions have
changed the nomenclature to calling it as a 'banking
outlet'.
There will be a 'banking outlet' which will be open for
minimum four hours a day and five day a week
There is scope for a part-time banking outlet which
will be a fixed point service unit but not comply with
working hours requirement.
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The RBI had constituted an internal working group
before coming out with the draft guidelines
The final guidelines issued on 19 May are operational
with immediate effect
YES Bank launches affordable home loan YES Khushi
for people in EWS/LIG segments
YES Bank, Indias fifth largest private sector bank, has
launched YES Khushi Affordable Home Loans. This
product has been designed to cater to the housing
needs of the common man in the EWS / LIG segment,
fulfilling probably their biggest dream of owning a
house.
YES Khushi Home Loans has partnered with more than
500 builders across 35 cities and towns across India.
YES Bank is also empanelled with the National Housing
Bank (NHB) for dispensation of the housing loan
subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
scheme to help customers avail this subsidy scheme.
A sizeable portion of the customer base has received
the subsidy in the first eight months of operation.
GST Council announces GST Rates of 1211 items
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on 18 May
2017 fixed the GST rates for specific products which
may lead to lower prices for a majority of products of
mass consumption.
Moreover, the GST Council also fixed the deadline for
rolling out the GST on 1 July 2017 to create a single
national market.
GST Rates of 1211 items were finalised by the GST
council with 81 per cent of them facing a levy of up to
18 per cent. However, GST Council has still to decide
on the GST levy on gold, biscuits, packaged and
branded cereals, footwear, bidis and textiles.
GST Rates of various commodities
Foodgrains, cereals and milk will cost less from 1 July
as the GST Council decided to exempt these daily-use
commodities from the GST levy.
Common use products like hair oil, soaps and
toothpaste will be charged with GST of 18 per cent
instead of present 22-24 per cent tax incidence.
Milk and curd will be exempted from taxation when the
Goods and Service Tax.
'Mithai' or sweets will attract 5 per cent GST levy.
Daily-use items like sugar, tea, coffee (barring instant
coffee and instant tea) and edible oil will attract the
lowest tax rate of 5 per cent, almost the same as
current incidence. Instant tea and coffee are expected
to be in a separate bracket.
Automobiles will attract 28 per cent GST, with luxury
vehicles facing an additional cess of 15 per cent.
Small petrol cars will face 1per cent GST, while diesel-
powered small cars will attract 3 per cent GST.
In addition, bikes with engine capacity of over 350cc,
which are seen as luxury goods, will see a new cess of
3 per cent.
For coal, there will be reduction of tax from 11.69 per
cent to 5 per cent, helping lower the cost of power.
Similarly, the burden on those buying refrigerators or
washing machines will come down from around 31-32
per cent to 28 per cent.
GST Council fixes 4-tier tax slab for services
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on 19 May
2017 finalised a four-tier structure for taxation of
services in line with the tax slab for goods. This four-
tier tax slab includes- 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent.
The bulk of services will fall in the 18 per cent bracket,
including financial services such as banking and
insurance, telecom, information technology,
government services such as auction of resources
including spectrum, and restaurants that have air-
conditioning or serve liquor.
Slabs
5 % - Transport services, Cab aggregates like Ola and
Uber, Restaurants with Rs 50 lakh annual turnover, AC
rail travel, Economy Air tickets
12 % - Non-AC restaurants that dont serve liquor,
Hotels with room tariffs below Rs 2500, Business class
air travel, Work contracts
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18 % - Hotels with Rs 2500-5000 room rents, Telecom
and Financial Services, AC Restaurants with liquor
license
28 % - Five-Star Hotels, Movie Tickets, Racing, Betting
on Racing, Casinos
GST Rates for Services
Education, Healthcare and Third Tier Railway Travel will
be exempted from GST.
Goods transport and Cab aggregates like Ola and Uber
will attract a 5 per cent GST. This low GST is due the
reason that there is no input tax credit for their key
input 'fuel'. However, the tax will go up once petrol and
diesel are brought under the GST.
Hotels and restaurants, depending on their services,
will attract different tax rates.
Non-AC restaurants and those that dont serve liquor
will attract 12 per cent GST. Smaller restaurants with
less than Rs 50 lakh annual turnover can avail of the
composition scheme with 5 per cent GST.
As for the hospitality industry, those with room tariffs
below Rs 2500 will face 12 per cent GST, those with Rs
2500-5000 rents will face 18 per cent GST and five-star
hotels will face 28 per cent GST.
Business class air travel will attract 12 per cent GST
while economy tickets will face 5 per cent GST.
In the case of railways, AC rail travel will face 5 per cent
GST with the facility of input credit of services, while
sleeper, metro ticket and seasonal passes will remain
exempt.
Railway freight will face 5 per cent tax with input tax
credit for services.
Work contracts that now attract 6 per cent service tax
plus state taxes of 1-2 per cent without any input tax
credit, will now face 12 per cent with input tax credit.
Telecom and Financial Services will attract 18 per cent
GST, which is the standard rate for services.
A peak rate of 28 per cent will be charged on five
services including five-star hotels, movie tickets, racing,
betting on racing and casinos.
Tax on e-commerce was fixed at 1 per cent.
Paytm launches Payments Bank
Digital payment wallet service Paytm on 23 May 2017
launched its Payments Bank operations by launching its
first physical branch in Noida.
Paytm Payments Bank will be the first bank in the
country to offer cashbacks on deposits. The bank will
now be expanded to 31 branches and 3000 customer
service points in the first year.
With this launch, there are now three payments bank
operational in the country, the other two being Airtel
Payments Bank Ltd and India Post Payments Bank Ltd.
As a Payments Bank, Paytm will be able to accept
deposits up to Rs 1 lakh per customer in savings or
current accounts.
Customers will also be offered zero charges on all
online transactions and no minimum balance
requirement.
For Savings Accounts, it will offer an interest of 4 per
cent per annum in line with the interest rates of all
leading commercial banks. It will also offer current
accounts to its millions of merchants.
It will offer Rs 250 cashback to customers depositing Rs
25000 to Payments Bank account.
Renu Satti is the CEO of Paytm Payments bank.
SBI introduces cashless drive "SBI Fastag" through toll
plazas
State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a cashless drive
through toll plaza product for its customers here.
The product, christened SBI Fastag, is a card that works
on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Money can be loaded on the card. It is affixed on the
windscreen of the vehicle and enables it to drive
through toll plazas without stopping for cash
transactions by allowing auto debit of toll amount from
the card balance.
Union Cabinet approves abolition of Foreign
Investment Promotion Board
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 24 May 2017 approved the
proposal to phase out the Foreign Investment
Promotion Board (FIPB).
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The proposal approved entails abolishing the FIPB and
allowing administrative Ministries and Departments to
process applications for Foreign direct investment (FDI)
requiring government approval.
Hereafter, the work related to the processing of
applications for FDI and approval of the Government
thereon under the FDI Policy and FEMA, shall now be
handled by the concerned Ministries in consultation
with the Department of Industrial Policy &
Promotion(DIPP), Ministry of Commerce.
DIPP will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure
(SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the
Government under the extant FDI policy.
Presently, applications are considered by FIPB in
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) for making
recommendation on FDI applications. But after this
decision of Union Cabinet, the applications would now
be handled independently by Administrative Ministries
as per Sector.
Detailed New Mechanism
Different sectors, that require approval, would be
dealt directly by the concerned ministries.
The proposals related to security will require the
approval of Home Ministry.
Those proposals which are presently pending before
the FIPB will be sent back to the concerned ministries.
The FDI proposals above Rs 5000 crore will continue to
come under the purview of the Cabinet Committee on
Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Union Cabinet approves allocation of 2.5 per cent of
Central Road Fund for development and maintenance
of National Waterways
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 24 May 2017 gave a green signal to
a proposal jointly mooted by the Union Ministry of
Shipping and the Union Ministry of Road Transport &
Highways (MoRTH) for amendment of Central Road
Fund Act, 2000.
After the amendment, 2.5 per cent of the proceeds of
Central Road Fund (CRF) will be allocated for
development and maintenance of National Waterways
(NWs) and a reduction in the share provided for
development of National Highways.
The Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 would
be moved by the Union Ministry of Road Transport &
Highways in the ensuing Monsoon Session 2017 of the
Parliament.
Government tweaked Startup definition, benefits to
now flow for 7 years
The Union Government on 25 May 2017 introduced
minor changes to the startup definition, saying a
business not older than seven years will now qualify for
benefits under the Startup India Action Plan.
Earlier, companies which were not older than five years
from the date of incorporation were eligible for
concessions under the plan, which was announced in
2016.
New Definition: Under the new definition, an entity
shall be considered as a startup if its turnover is less
than Rs 25 crore - which remains unchanged - and has
not completed seven years from the date of its
incorporation/registration. However, in the case of
startups in the biotechnology sector, the period shall
be up to 10 years.
ICICI Bank Launches Global Payments Platform
Money2India
ICICI Bank on 29 May launched a new website and
mobile application called Money2India (M2I) an
online money transfer service for Non-Resident Indians
(NRIs).
Chanda Kochhar, MD & CEO of ICICI Bank said, The
Money2India website and mobile app have been
significantly enhanced to provide ease of sending
money to India. It allows registered NRI customers to
transfer money to India in just 3 clicks if it is frequently
transferred.
Here are key features of the newly launched M2I:
Transfer can be possible in just three easy clicks for
customers who have been making frequent
transactions.
The mobile app of M2I can be accessed through
biometric authentication in addition to the login ID and
password. The application is available on any Android
and iOS phones.
9|Page
M2I website also offers an option to pay bills and other
expenses directly to over 100 entities which includes
payments like utility, telephone, insurance and prepaid
mobile recharge among others.
Also, NRIs who are customer of any bank globally can
opt this M2I website for transferring money to any
bank situated in India.
Federal Bank launches new trading platform "Selfie"
Federal Bank, in association with Geojit, has launched
a new trading platform called Selfie for customers.
Designed and managed by Geojit, the trading platform
will give its users absolute control over their
investments with timely research inputs to make sound
investment decisions. The tablet edition of Selfie for
Android and IOS users is available in app stores for
download.
HP India, KPMG launch 'GST solution' for traders,
MSMEs
HP India and KPMG in India have joined hands to
launch a comprehensive 'GST solution' to help
transition millions of traders and micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to Goods and Services
Tax (GST) regime.
The 'GST solution' has the capability to support users
to file all their transactions as per the new tax norms in
a convenient manner and also reduce the invoice
reconciliation requirement of large companies.
RBI to soon re-introduce one rupee currency notes
After almost a gap of two decades, the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) is ready to bring back the one rupee notes
in circulation. These notes will mostly be pink-green in
colour on both sides and could have combination of
other colours too.
The government had halted printing and circulation of
one rupee notes in November 1994 when it started
working out to be too expensive. At that time, the
government needed to free up the capacity for printing
notes of higher denominations.
In November last year, the central bank had released
new Rs 2000 and Rs 500 notes just after the
invalidating old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as legal
tender. These new notes have additional security
features to avoid counterfeit and printing of fake
currency notes.
At present, the government only mints one rupee coins
for public usage.
The new one rupee note contains the words
above the words "Government of India" with
the bilingual signature of Secretary, Ministry of Finance
and with the replica of new rupee one coin with
symbol of 2017 issued with and
capital insert letter L in the numbering panel.
The surrounding design consists of the picture of 'Sagar
Samrat' - the oil exploration platform - and authentic
rendering of value in fifteen Indian languages in the
language panel with the year figure shown on the
centre bottom in international number.
Axis Bank launches app Axis OK for feature phones
Axis Bank has launched Axis OK - a light, multilingual,
non-data app for basic banking services through
feature phones.
"The app, which is under 900 KB in size is one of the
lightest banking applications currently available for
download," the bank said in a statement today.
The app empowers users of feature phones to access
basic banking digitally, without consuming data.
Besides providing the customer with a snapshot bank
accounts and debit/credit cards, the app enables fund
transfers as well as mobile and DTH recharge.
PNB gets $100 mn from ADB for solar rooftop fund
State-owned Punjab National Bank has received USD
100 million (about Rs 645 crore) as the first tranche of
ADBs multimillion dollar funding for installation of
rooftop solar systems in India.
The USD 100 million loan agreement signed between
the Asian Development Bank and PNB is backed by a
guarantee from the central government.
PNB will deploy this fund as loan to various developers
and end users to install large solar rooftop systems on
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industrial and commercial buildings throughout India,
ADB said in a release.
Bijlipay launches India's first Bharat QR code
recognising POS machine
Bijlipay, an end to end digital payment solutions
company, is the first Indian Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices
providing company to enable Bharat QR code on the
screens of its POS machines. According to RBI, the
Bharat QR Code is the worlds first inter-operable
payment acceptance solution.
Bijlipay firmly believes that its not just providing digital
payments devices that will cultivate the habit of
cashlessness in Indians. It will take a lot more of
handholding, education & awareness to see the actual
conversions to digital payments in tier II-III cities.
HDFC Life launches Indias first life insurance email
bot SPOK
DoT launches Tarang Sanchar web portal for
information on Mobile Tower Radiation
The Department of Telecom (DoT) on 2 May 2017
launched 'Tarang Sanchar web portal, a portal that will
allow people to track radiation emitted from mobile
towers within a locality and check their compliance
with the stipulated norms.
The portal will help in clearing myths and
misconceptions about mobile towers and emissions
from them.
Through this portal, status of the towers will be
available to the users.
India-Cyprus signed four agreements to boost the
bilateral relations
India and Cyprus in April 2017 signed four agreements
to boost the bilateral relationship between the two
HDFC Life, one of Indias leading private life insurance
companies, announced the launch of Indias first life
insurance email bot. The email bot, named SPOK, can
automatically read, understand, categorise, prioritise
and respond to customer emails that are sent to HDFC
Life, within milliseconds, the company said in a press
release.
This automation initiative will enable HDFC Life to
respond to user queries faster and more efficiently and
consistently. It will also help generate deeper insight on
customer needs by identifying patterns in customer
interactions and facilitating HDFC Life to progressively
anticipate and address all customer issues and needs.
The deployment of SPOK will improve customer
experience, while providing the support staff with the
bandwidth to focus on customer satisfaction and
delight.
HDFC Life has embarked on this initiative in
collaboration with Senseforth, a startup that offers a
wide range of enterprise bots built on its AI platform.
News related to Industry & MoUs
countries. The signed agreements include agreement
on shipping and air services.
These agreements/MoUs were inked during the state
visit of President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades to India
from 25 to 29 April 2017. He was on a visit to India on
the invitation by President Pranab Mukherjee.
The signed MoUs/Agreements include
Executive Programme on Culture Education
and Scientific Cooperation (EPCEC) for the year
2017-2020
Work Plan under programme of Cooperation in
the field of Agriculture for 2017- 18
Merchant Shipping Agreement
Air Services Agreement
Industries found illegally dumping e-waste near
Ramganga River to pay Rs 1 lakh
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The National Green Tribunal announced on 3 May 2017
that anyone found dumping electronic waste (e-waste)
on the banks of Ramganga River in Moradabad, Uttar
Pradesh would be fined a sum of Rs one lakh as
environment compensation.
The decision was taken by a bench headed by NGT
Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. Explaining the
move, the bench stated that it had been brought to
their notice that huge quantity of hazardous e-waste
generated from various industries in powder form was
being disposed on the bank of the river and the same
was duly verified by a joint inspection conducted by
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
RDEL gets approval to exit debt restructuring scheme
Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL),
controlled by Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra), on 2 May
2017 said it has received approval for exiting the
corporate debt restructuring (CDR) scheme. The
approval for exit plan of RDEL was granted by the
consortium of lenders led by IDBI.
According to RDEL, it has received the approval from
the CDR Empowered Group (CDR-EG) for exiting the
scheme. The company in a statement said, "As part of
the refinancing scheme approved by the lenders, the
door-to-door tenure of RDEL's term loans stands
extended to 18 years".
Union Ministry of Textiles observes Swachhta
Pakhwada throughout the country
The Union Ministry of Textiles is observing Swachhta
Pakhwada from 1 May to 15 May 2017. It was
inaugurated by the Ajay Tamta, Minister of State,
Textiles, in Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.
The aim of the fortnight-long observance of
programmes is to spread the message of cleanliness.
Union Cabinet approves cooperation between Indian
and Japan on Railway Safety
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 3 May 2017 gave its ex-post facto
approval to the signing the Memorandum of
Cooperation (MoC) with Japan on Railway Safety.
The MoC was signed in February 2017.
The MoC also provide a platform for Indian Railways to
interact and share the latest development and
knowledge in the railway sector.
Union Cabinet approves National Steel Policy 2017
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 3 May 2017 gave its approval for
National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017.
The Policy embodies the long term vision of the
Government to give impetus to the steel sector.
It seeks to enhance domestic steel consumption and
ensure high quality steel production and create a
technologically advanced and globally competitive
steel industry.
Key features of the National Steel Policy 2017:
Create self-sufficiency in steel production by
providing policy support & guidance to private
manufacturers, MSME steel producers, CPSEs
Encourage adequate capacity additions
Development of globally competitive steel
manufacturing capabilities
Cost-efficient production
Key highlights of the Policy:
The NSP 2017 aims to achieve 300 million
tonnes of steel-making capacity by 2030.
It seeks to increase consumption of steel and
major segments are infrastructure,
automobiles and housing. It also seeks to
increase per capita steel consumption to the
level of 160 Kgs by 2030 from existing level of
around 60 Kg.
India-Spain civil aviation Memorandum of
Understanding approved
The central government on Wednesday approved a
cooperation agreement between India and Spain in the
civil aviation sector.
The decision to approve the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the sphere
of civil aviation was taken by the Union Cabinet, whose
meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Bharti Airtel and Ola Cabs tie-up to offer integrated
digital services
Telecommunications services provider Bharti Airtel on
8 May 2017 partnered with taxi app aggregator Ola
Cabs to offer a range of exciting digital services to
customers.
Both the companies will collaborate to deliver
enhanced convenience for customers by leveraging the
strengths of their respective portfolios.
Ola will leverage Airtels integrated suite of enterprise
services to power its operations, while Airtel will
leverage Olas vast network of hundreds and
thousands of driver partners.
Jharkhand government partners with Oracle to boost
IT infrastructure
Global technology giant Oracle has signed an
agreement with the government of Jharkhand and will
explore partnerships intended at improving citizen
services, transparency in governance along with setting
up of start-up incubation hubs and data centres.
The scope of the agreement includes investment in
training through the Oracle Academy, developing
prototypes and applications that will help citizens in
accessing various government services and incubating
start-ups among others.
Oracle had signed a similar agreement with the
government of Maharashtra in April last year.
Gadkari inaugurated countrys 1st bio refinery plant
Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport
and Highways inaugurated Indias first biorefinery
plant that produces ethanol from a variety of biomass
in Pune on 7 May 2017.
Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari stated that such
projects will help stage a great revolution in Indias
agriculture sector. The project is located at Rahu, a
village in Daund Taluka in Pune District of Maharashtra.
Union Government sets up a task force to compute
reliable and timely employment data
The Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on 9 May 2017 created a task force on
employment data. The task force to be headed by NITI
Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya and will be
responsible for creating a methodology to generate
timely and reliable employment data.
It will also recommend solutions which can be
implemented in a time-bound manner. Other members
of the task force are
Labour Secretary M. Sathiyavathy
Secretary of the statistics department T.C.A.
Ananth
NITI Aayogs Pulak Ghosh
Chairman and co-founder of staffing firm
Teamlease Services Ltd Manish Sabharwal
In view of the importance of timely and reliable data on
employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
directed his Office and concerned Ministries to come
up with a solution to fill the long-standing gap in the
countrys statistical architecture.
Indian Coir Sectors export revenue touched all time
high in fiscal 16-17
The Indian Coir sectors revenue from exports touched
an all time high of Rs 2282 Cr by value and 9.57 Metric
Tonnes in quantity in the 2016-17 financial year.
These figures were revealed by Union Minister for
Micro Small and Micro Medium Enterprises Giriraj
Singh on 13 May 2017 during a press conference in
Kochi.
The Minister was joined by the Coir Board Chairman C
P Radhakrishnan.
India and UK to sign MoU to increase efficiency of
urban transport system
India & UK have agreed to sign a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) on bilateral cooperation
between the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and
Highways and Britains Transport For London (TFL) in
urban transport policy planning, technology transfer
and institutional organization of transport on 12 May
2017.
The decision was taken during the three-day official
visit of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport &
Highways and Shipping, to Britain.
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Union Cabinet approves proposal to set-up Indian
Agricultural Research Institute in Assam
At the Union Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday,
headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the
government decided to set up the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute (IARI) in Assam of worth Rs. 155
crore to promote agri-education and realize second
green revolution in the northeastern region.
The Cabinet has approved the agriculture ministry's
proposal to set up an IARI in Dhemaji district in Assam.
It has also approved 98 positions, an official statement
said.
The IARI-Assam would focus more on research
activities and will teach 67 MSc students and 106 Ph.D.
students, Goyal said, adding that it will promote
research in agriculture and benefit eight north eastern
states.
Sri Lanka backs India's Stand on China-Pak Economic
Corridor
Sri Lanka, which was a participant of Chinas One Belt
One Road (OBOR) conference in Beijing, on 16 May
2017, backed Indias concern about Kashmir. The two-
day conference in Beijing brought together leaders
from 29 countries.
Speaking to PTI, Sarath Amanugama, Sri Lanka's
Minister on Special Assignment said, it is difficult for
New Delhi to accept the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) as it goes through the heart of Indian
interests. He also said, if it would have been some
uncontested region, India would have negotiated its
way out.
Indias first smart grid to generate power from
renewable energy sources
The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and
Technology (IIEST) has successfully created the
country's first smart grid project that will generate
power from renewable sources of energy.
Speaking on the same, Ajoy Kumar Roy, the Director of
IIEST stated that the grid will be synchronised to
generate power from solar, wind and vegetable waste
resources, depending on the weather conditions and
availability of waste products.
The project, the first of its kind in the country, will be
inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee.
India imposes anti-dumping duty on glasses and
Chinese radiators
India has imposed anti-dumping duty on certain types
of glasses from Iran and aluminium radiators from
China in order to protect the domestic industry from
cheap imports.
While an anti-dumping duty of about USD 55.59 per
tonne has been imposed on clear float glass, duty of
about USD 22.89 has been slammed on imports of
aluminium radiators.
The imposed fine on both products would be effective
for a period of five years.
Clear float glass is a superior quality glass that is used
in construction, refrigeration, mirror and solar energy
industries.
India, Palestine sign five agreements for cooperation
in different sectors
India and Palestine on 16 May 2017 signed 5
agreements for cooperation in different areas
including agriculture, health and Information
Technology.
The Agreements were exchanged after delegation-
level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas in New Delhi. The
two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral
relations, regional and international issues.
List of MoUs inked during the visit of President Abbas
include
MoU on Visa Exemption on Diplomatic and
Official Passports
MoU on Cooperation in Youth Affairs and
Sports
MoU on Agricultural Cooperation
MoU on Cooperation in Health Sector
MoU on Information-Technology and
Electronics
14 | P a g e
Later in a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi
said, challenges in West Asia must be addressed
through political dialogue. He also said that India and
Palestine will work together for capacity building and
Ramallah will be made an IT hub.
VO Chidambaranar Port Trust and TANGEDCO sign
MoU to upgrade Coal Jetties
The VO Chidambaranar Port (VOCP) on 15 May 2017
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation
Limited (TANGEDCO) for the upgradation of Coal Jetty
I and II.
As per the MoU, VOCP intends to increase the capacity
of two of its Coal Jetties I and II from 6.25 MTPA to 24
MTPA.
The MoU was signed by S Anantha Chandra Bose,
Chairman of VO Chidambaranar Port Trust and M Sai
Kumar, Chairman cum Managing Director of
TANGEDCO.
The estimated cost for upgrading Coal Jetties I & II is
about Rs 800 crore.
CCEA approves Industry-Academia Collaborative
Mission
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 17 May
2017 gave its approval for Industry-Academia
Collaborative Mission for accelerating discovery
research to early development for biopharmaceuticals
- "Innovate in India (13) empowering biotech
entrepreneurs & accelerating inclusive innovation."
The Mission will be funded by the Government of India.
It will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry
Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), which is a Public
Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology
(DBT).
The Industry-Academia Collaborative Mission would be
a Pan-India program.
CCEA approves electrified doubling line between
Phephana-Indara and Mau-Shahganj in UP
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on
17 May 2017 approved the construction of double line
with electrification between Phephana-Indara and
Mau-Shahganj (excluding Indara-Mau) in Uttar Pradesh
(UP). This electrified doubling line will spread across
150 km approximately.
The respective length of the Phephana-Indara and
Mau-Shahganj lines will be 50.53 km and 99.75 km
respectively.
The estimated cost of the Project will be Rs 1028.95
crore with expected completion cost of Rs 1190.98
crore. The project is likely to be completed in next five
years.
CCEA approves restructuring plan for Hindustan
Organic Chemicals Ltd
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA),
chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 17
May 2017 approved a restructuring plan for Hindustan
Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL).
This came following the observation that Hindustan
Organic Chemicals Ltd became a more of a loss making
and sick Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under
the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals.
Union Cabinet approves construction of 10 units of
Indias indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 17 May 2017 gave a green signal for
the construction of 10 units of Indias indigenous
Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
The move aims to fast-track Indias domestic nuclear
power programme and give a push to countrys nuclear
industry.
The 10 PHWR project will result in a significant
augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity.
The total installed capacity of the Plants will be 7000
MW.
BSNL inks pact with Facebook, Mobikwick
BSNL, a state-owned telecom operator has signed
various agreements with Facebook and MobiKwik as it
is eyeing to popularise the internet and its value added
services among its users.
15 | P a g e
The pacts were signed to commemorate the World
Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Facebook, under
the signed MoU, will provide connectivity for the social
network's 'Express Wi-Fi Program'.
The social media website, Facebook through public
hotspots offers internet facility in rural parts of the
country, under the Express Wi-Fi Service, with a
partnership with other telecom operators.
The company along with MobiKwik will work together
to co-create a BSNL mobile wallet to facilitate payment
for its services and products, under the MoU.
Microsoft India inks MoU with Telecom Sector Skill
Council
Microsoft India on Monday signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Telecom Sector Skill
Council (TSSC) to drive skill development through
"Project Sangam".
"Project Sangam" is a Cloud hosted platform that
leverages Microsoft Azure services, as well as the
power of LinkedIn, to provide an integrated mobile-
first platform for skilling, and employment.
Telecom Sector Skill Council is a not-for-profit public-
private partnership between National Skill
Development Corporation and the telecom industry.
Haryana govt signs five MoUs worth Rs 18,000 crore
in Singapore
The Haryana government signed five agreements with
Singapore-based companies to attract Rs 18,000 crore
investment in development projects in infrastructure
and industrial sectors.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said here
the companies will study various aspects of
undertaking projects in the state.
"These five MoUs are worth Rs 18,000 crore of
investment in the state," he said, after attending the
signing ceremony and addressing nearly 100
Singaporean businessmen at the venue.
The five MoUs were signed with Meinhardt Group, YCH
Logistics for Logistics projects, Ascendas Singbridge for
Townships/Logistics parks development, Adonis for
Wellness projects and equity investor Equis Energy
which makes investments in a wide range of projects,
including transmission and power distribution among
others.
India becomes second largest steel producer in the
world
As per the data released by the International Stainless
Steel Forum (ISSF) in May 2017, India overtook Japan
to become the second-largest steel producer in the
world in 2016.
The data was released by the International Stainless
Steel Forum at a annual conference in Tokyo, Japan.
Indias stainless steel production rose to 3.32 million
tons for 2016. The data showed a growth of about 9 per
cent over 3.0 million tons achieved in 2015.
As per the data, the top producer of the steel of the
world in the year 2016 is China.
During 2014 and 2015, India was the third largest
producer of raw steel and the largest producer of
sponge iron in the world.
The industry produced 91.46 million tons of total
finished steel and 9.7 million tons of pig iron.
Most iron and steel in India is produced from iron ore.
Modis two-day flagship, Start up India Summit
begins in UAE
The two-day Start up India Summit began in Abu
Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on
23 May 2017.
The summit is the first of its kind to be held in the UAE.
It is being organised by the Consul General of India
(CGI) in Dubai and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi in
partnership with iSPIRIT, a non-profit think tank and
supported by TiE, Dubai, a non-profit association
dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship.
The main aim of the summit is to provide a common
platform for the Start up eco system in both India and
UAE in order to encourage greater collaboration,
exchange of ideas and interaction with academia,
investors and industry.
The summit also aims to provide the start ups with
access to the funding from venture capitalists in the
UAE.
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Union Government launches SEVA mobile app for
quick tracking of coal dispatch
Union Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and
Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal on 23 May 2017
launched mobile app Saral Eindhan Vitaran App (SEVA)
for quick tracking of coal dispatch.
This unique monitoring app was a joint initiative of the
Union Ministry of Power, Coal and New and Renewable
Energy and Coal India Limited (CIL).
The app will provide complete information of
departmental functioning and transparency to the
public.
It will track coal dispatch to 118 power plants through
fuel supply agreement (FSA) of around 500 MT.
PM Narendra Modi calls for creation of Asia-Africa
growth corridor for development of Africa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2017 called
for the creation of an Asia-Africa growth corridor for
the development of Africa.
Modi called for the creation of this corridor while
inaugurating the 52nd Annual Meeting of African
Development Bank (AfDB) at Mahatma Mandir in
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The core theme of the Annual
Meeting is Transforming Agriculture for wealth
creation in Africa.
The meeting of African Development Bank is a five-day
event that will witness about 3,000 delegates from 81
member countries.
This is the first time that African Development Bank is
holding its annual meetings in India with a view to
bolstering ties.
PM Modi inaugurates series of projects in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 May 2017
inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various
projects of the Kandla Port in Kutch district of Gujarat.
The projects include construction of Dr Babasaheb
Ambedkar Convention Center, 14th and 16th Cargo
berths, Railway Bridge at Sal junction, Mechanised
fertiliser handling facility and purchase of two mobile
harbour crane.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Prime
Minister said that infrastructure, efficiency and
transparency are the vital pillars of economic growth.
He said good ports are essential for the progress of
India and Kandla has emerged as one of the finest ports
in Asia. Modi thanked the people of Kandla for the
memorable welcome.
Cabinet approves MoU between Spain and India on
Organ Transplant Services
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi approved the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Spain on
cooperation in the field of Organ Transplant Services
on 24 May 2017.
The MoU was signed between the National Transplant
Organization, Ministry of Health, Social Services and
Equality in Spain and the Directorate General of Health
Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in
India.
The agreement would enhance bilateral cooperation
between India and Spain in the field of organ and tissue
procurement and transplantation.
8 MoUs signed at India-Pacific Islands Sustainable
Development Conference
India has hosted a two-day Pacific Islands Conference
in Suva, the capital city of Fiji. The India-Pacific Islands
Sustainable Development Conference held between 25
and 26 May 2017 was hosted by Ministry of External
Affairs.
The conference that was inaugurated by the Acting
Fijian Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum saw the
signing of eight MoUs on the day of inauguration.
These MoUs were signed on 25 May 2017 by five
participating nations, namely Fiji, Cook Islands, Nauru,
Samoa and Niue.
MoUs
1. MOU for cooperation on broadcasting
between Prasar Bharti, New Delhi, India and
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation for Exchange of
Audio Visual Programmes.
2. MoU between Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy of the Government of the Republic of
India and Ministry of Infrastructure and
17 | P a g e
 Transport of the Government of the Republic
of Fiji on Co-operation in the field of
Renewable Energy.
3. MoU between the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of the Republic of
Fiji for establishing India Fiji Centre of
Excellence in IT.
4. MoU between the Ministry of Youth and Sports
of the Republic of Fiji and the Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports of the Republic of India on
Cooperation in the field of Youth
Development.
5. MoU between the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of Cook Islands for
Establishing India Cook Islands Centre of
Excellence in IT.
6. MoUbetween the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of Republic of
Nauru for establishing India Nauru ICT
Learning Centre of Excellence in IT.
7. MoU between the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of Independent
State of Samoa for Establishing India - Samoa
Centre of Excellence in IT.
8. MoU between the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of Niue for
Establishing India - Niue Centre of Excellence in
IT.
India, Mauritius signed four agreements
India and Mauritius on 27 May 2017 signed four
agreements including maritime security, marine
science and technology. These agreements will help
the two nations to boost the bilateral relation between
them.
The agreements were signed after delegation-level
talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
Mauritian counterpart, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who
was on a three-day state visit to India from 26 May to
28 May 2017.
List of Memorandum of Understandings
(MoUs)/Agreements exchanged during the State visit
of Prime Minister of Mauritius to India
1. MoU for Setting up of Civil Services College in
Mauritius
2. Agreement on Maritime Security
3. MoU for Research and Education in Marine
Sciences and Technology. The agreement was
inked between Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research, India and Mauritius
Oceanography Institute, Mauritius.
4. US Dollar 500 million Credit Line agreement
between SBM Mauritius Infrastructure
Development Co. Ltd and Export-Import Bank
of India.
Amul signs MoU with ISRO for fodder acreage
estimation
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
(GCMMF) on 30 May 2017 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) for fodder acreage assessment
using the satellite observation and space technology.
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
conducts its market operations under the brand name
of 'Amul'.
As per the MoU, ISRO will help Amul in classification of
food crops and fodder crops at village level and also
locate suitable areas of current fallows and cultivable
wastelands at village level for green fodder cultivation.
India and Fiji Sign MoU on Defence Cooperation
India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on expanding cooperation in the defence sector on 29
May 2017 in New Delhi.
The MoU was signed between the Minister of Defence
and National Security of Fiji, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and
his delegation and the Minister of Defence, Finance
and Corporate Affairs of India, Arun Jaitley.
India Germany signed 12 agreements; Indo-German
inter-governmental consultations held
India and Germany on 30 May 2017 signed twelve low-
profile Memorandum of Understandings
(MoUs)/agreements to boost the bilateral relations
between the two nations. The agreements include
collaboration in the field of digitalization, skill
development and cooperation in cyber policy.
Besides, the two nations also agreed to resume the free
trade talks between India and the European Union.
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Here's a list of the agreements and JDIs:
1. Agreement on collaboration between the
Ministry of Skill Development and Germany's
BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and
Research). This agreement will facilitate
training of Indian skill development officers
and cluster managers
2. Agreement between the Ministry of Health
and BMG (Federal Ministry of Health) on
cooperation in health sector
3. Agreement between the AYUSH and BMG
(Federal Ministry of Health) over cooperation
in alternative medicine
4. JDI between Ministry of Science and
Technology and the BMBF (Federal Ministry of
Education and Research) for the establishment
of an Indo-German Centre for Sustainability
5. JDI between the Ministry of External Affairs
and the German Foreign Office on cooperation
on cyber policy
6. JDI between the Ministry of Finance and BMZ
(Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development) on Indo-German
Development Cooperation
7. JDI between the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry and BMWi (Federal Ministry for
Economic Affairs and Energy) over
continuation of cooperation in the field of
advanced training of corporate and junior
executives from India
8. JDI between the Department of Heavy
Industries and BMBF (Federal Ministry of
Education and Research) on cooperation in
vocational education and skill development for
machine tools
9. JDI between the Ministry of External Affairs
and the German Foreign Office on
collaboration between Foreign Service
institutes of both the country
10. JDI between the Ministry of Railways and
German Ministry of Transport on cooperation
in railway safety
11. JDI between the Ministry of Urban
Development and German Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development on
cooperation for sustainable urban
development
12. JDI on cooperation in the field of digitalisation,
empowerment and economic impact between
the Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology and the Germany's
Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
India, Spain sign 7 agreements during PM Modi's visit
India and Spain on 31 May 2017 signed seven
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) including one on
cyber security and technical cooperation in civil
aviation.
The MoUs were signed during Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's visit to Spain.
Highlights of the MoUs
1. The two sides signed one MoU on transfer of
sentenced persons to respective countries.
2. One of the MoUs was for the visa waiver
scheme for holders of diplomatic passports.
3. Four MoUs were signed between the two
countries on cooperation in organ
transplantation, cyber security, renewable
energy and civil aviation.
4. One MoU was signed between India's Foreign
Service Institute and Diplomatic Academy of
Spain.
The agreements were signed after PM Modi held wide-
ranging talks with Spanish President Mariano Rajoy at
the Moncloa Palace in the Spanish capital.
PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Spain
since 1988. Spain is India's seventh largest trading
partner in the European Union. Two-way trade
between both the countries totalled for USD 5.27
billion in the year 2016.
India Mobile Congress 2017 to be held in September
Union Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha on 30
May 2017 made the formal announcement of
organising India Mobile Congress 2017 (IMC 2017). The
three-day IMC will be held from 27 to 29 September
2017 in New Delhi. The Ministry also launched the logo
of India Mobile Congress 2017.
IMC will be Indias first and biggest platform to bring
together all stakeholders from the domain of
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and
take the Indian telecom industry at par with its
international counterparts.
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This is the first time India is all set to host its own
mobile mega show
Gadkari lays foundation stone for 8 connectivity
projects worth 1117 Cr at JNPT
The Minister of Shipping and Road Transport and
Highways, Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for
eight connectivity projects on 30 May 2017 at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai.
The projects worth Rs 1117.03 Cr aim to enhance
connectivity of the hinterland to the Port Trust.
These projects include:
Integrated Common Rail Yard Facility at JNPT - Rs. 250
crore
Connecting 4th Terminal of JNPT with Rail - Rs. 100
crore
Jasai-JNPT 3rd Railway Line - Rs. 150 crore
Flyover at North Gate - Rs. 127.45 crore
Integrated Centralised Parking for Tractor-Trailers - Rs.
149.31 crore
Railway Bridge taller than Eiffel Tower to be built over
Chenab River
Railways Ministry on 3 may 2017 announced to build
the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab
river in Jammu and Kashmir in around two years from
now.
This railway bridge is expected to be 35 metres taller
than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The massive arch-shaped
structure of bridge is already under constructed at a
cost of around Rs 1100 crore in hostile terrain.
Designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 260 km per
hour, the bridge will connect Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri
(Srinagar).
The bridge forms a crucial link in the 111-km stretch
between Katra and Banihal, which is part of the
Udhampur- Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.
Construction of Coastal Berth - Rs. 142.32 crore
Flyover at Y Junction - Rs. 82.95 crore
Restructuring of Yard behind shallow water berth - Rs.
115 crore
Port Connectivity is among the four pillars of Ministry
of Shippings flagship Sagarmala programme.
Link Aadhaar Card with PAN using SMS: IT
Department
The Income Tax (IT) Department on 31 May 2017
announced that taxpayers can now link their Aadhaar
Card number with their Permanent Account Number
(PAN) by using an SMS-based facility.
The two numbers can be linked by sending an SMS to
either 567678 or 56161.
Moreover, people can also use the I-T Department's e-
filing website to link the two numbers.
Aadhaar can also be linked into PAN database by
quoting Aadhaar in PAN application form for new PAN
allotment or by quoting Aadhaar in change request
form used for reprint of PAN card.
News related to India and States
The construction of this 1.315 km long highest bridge
will require over 24000 tonnes of steel and will rise 359
m above the river bed.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Patanjali Research
Institute in Haridwar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 May 2017
inaugurated Patanjali Research Institute at Haridwar,
Uttarakhand.
Patanjali Research Institute was established with an
aim to globally establish the Vedic knowledge of
Ayurveda of ancient India's saints and sages.
The Patanjali Research Foundation, a part of Patanjali
Yogpeeth, was founded in August 2010.
Prakash Javadekar launches Vidya Veerta Abhiyan
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Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Human Resource
Development, on 2 May 2017 launched the Vidya
Veerta Abhiyan in New Delhi.
In addition, the minister also released a collage of
photo portraits and book on Paramveer Chakra
recipients. The portraits were presented to Vice-
Chancellors of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Jammu and IIT Delhi,
among others.
The idea of having a Wall of Valour in universities was
first proposed by a group of ex-servicemen.
Indians having US visa can now attain visa on arrival
in Dubai
Dubai has activated its visa-on- arrival facility for Indian
nationals holding a valid US visa or a green card. The
first Indian national to avail the new facility arrived in
the city on 1 May 2017.
The Indian nationals arrival was announced by Dubais
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners
Affairs through a post that had the picture of the
passenger on the departments official Instagram
handle.
Indian army successfully test fires Block-III version of
BrahMos cruise missile
Indian Army on 2 May 2017 successfully test fired
Block-III version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The land-to-land configuration of BarahMos Block III
version was launched from a Mobile Autonomous
Launcher (MAL). This was fourth successive successful
launch of the missile.
India successfully test fires nuclear-capable Agni-II
ballistic missile
India successfully test fired its medium-range nuclear-
capable ballistic missile Agni-ll off the Odisha coast.
The trial of the surface-to-surface missile was
conducted from Launch Complex-4 of Integrated Test
Range (ITR) in the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore
district, said Defence Ministry officials.
It has a strike range of more than 2,000 km, is 20
metres long, weighs 17 tonnes and can carry a payload
of 1,000 kg.
Gadkari inaugurated The Highway Saga & SRISHTI
exhibitions
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin
Gadkari inaugurated two exhibitions, The Highway
Saga: Past Present & Future and Safe Road & Inter-
State Highways Transforming India (SRISHTI) on 3 May
2017 at the Vigyan Bhawan Lawns in New Delhi.
The exhibitions are being conducted as a part of the
three-day India Integrated Transport and Logistics
Summit 2017 (IITLS), which is being organised by the
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
from 1 May to 5 May 2017.
Cabinet approves Vijayawada Airport as International
Airport
The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on 3 May 2017 approved the declaration of
Vijayawada Airport as International Airport, as per the
provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act,
2014.
The move will help enhance connectivity to the State
capital. It will also expand the choice of services for the
air travellers and that too at competitive costs. This will
encourage more international passengers to visit the
city thereby, boosting domestic and international
tourism and the socio-economic development of
Andhra Pradesh.
Odishas Sualgiri, Swalgiri communities notified as
Scheduled Castes
Odishas Sualgiri and Swalgiri communities in the first
week of May 2017 were notified as Scheduled Castes
following President Pranab Mukherjees assent to a
new law.
The Rajya Sabha in April 2017 had passed the bill on it
after it was cleared by the Lok Sabha in March 2017.
President Mukherjee gave the nod to the Constitution
(Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2017, on
28 April 2017.
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South Asia Satellite successfully launched
Indian Space Research organisation (ISRO) on 5 May
2017 successfully launched the South Asia Satellite.
The communication and broadcasting satellite was
launched with Geosynchronous Satellite Launch
Vehicle GSLV F-09 from the second launch pad of the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 4.57 pm.
The South Asia Satellite was launched after a 28-hour
long countdown that started on 5 May 2017 at
12.57pm.
Participating nations: Six of Indias neighbours
including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal,
Srilanka and the Maldives were the participants of the
space-based regional communication project.
Pakistan is not a part of this regional communication
satellite project because it denied from being a part of
the project.
Facebook launches Express WiFi in India
Facebook on 4 May 2017 launched Express WiFi service
commercially in India.
The Express WiFi offers Internet facility through public
hotspots to users in rural parts of India.
The social network giant partnered with telecom
operator Bharti Airtel that plans to bring an additional
20000 hotspots online.
The company previously launched the service
commercially in Kenya.
Andhra Pradeshs Banganapalle mango gets
Geographical Indication tag
The Banganapalle mango in the first week of May 2017
received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This makes
Andhra Pradesh the proprietor of the variety known for
its sweetness.
O P Gupta, the Registrar of Geographical Indications
Registry, Chennai, accorded the registration following
an application from Andhra Pradesh Horticulture
Commissioner.
The Andhra Pradesh government is the registered
proprietor of the GI tag for Banganapalle mangoes,
often hailed as the king of fruits.
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan inaugurates world level
weapon production unit in Bhind district
The world level weapon production unit Punj Lyod
Defence System was inaugurated in Malanpur
Industrial Area of Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh.
The unit was jointly inaugurated on 4 May 2017 by
Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh
Chouhan and Union Rural Development Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar.
The state government claimed that it is the first small
weapon manufacturing unit in private sector in the
country. It has been set up in the joint partnership of
Indias Punj Lyod and Israel Weapon Industry under the
Make in India Programme.
The joint venture company, Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems,
will help the armed forces in replacing their weapons
with sophisticated and high precision products.
Two Indian warships visit Egyptian port city
Two Indian warships INS Mumbai and INS Aditya
arrived in Alexandria, the Mediterranean port city in
Egypt on 5 May 2017.
The warships visited Egypt as a part of Indian Navy's
overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and
the west coast of Africa. They are a part of Indian
Navy's Western Naval Command based in Mumbai.
Every house in Haryana to get a smart ID
In Haryana, detailed data will be collected of every
resident and every house would be allotted a smart
house ID under a special mission.
It was announced by the states Chief Secretary, D.S.
Dhesi while presiding over a meeting of the Deputy
Commissioners of the state through video
conferencing on 7 May 2017 in Chandigarh. Dhesi
stated that the smart house ID would be generated
through a tablet by visiting every house.
22 | P a g e
The work on the project is expected to commence from
15 June 2017 and would be completed by 15 August
2017.
The teams of Saksham and e-Numerator would be
visiting each house to feed their GPS location in the
tablets and create a smart house ID online thereby
linking the houses with biometric.
Baahubali 2 becomes first Indian film to collect Rs
1000 crore worldwide
SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2: The Conclusion became the
first Indian film to cross the RS 1000 crore mark with its
worldwide collections. Reports suggest that trade
analysts have reported that the film has made over Rs
800 crore in India and more than Rs 200 crore in the
international markets.
The two films in the series namely Baahubali: The
Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion had a
budget of around Rs 450 crore.
Four languages in which the film was released include
Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.
India organises festival in Egypt to mark Tagore's birth
anniversary
To mark the 156th birth anniversary of the famous
Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore, India is organising a
cultural festival in Egypt. Being hosted by the Maulana
Azad Centre for Indian Culture, the cultural wing of the
Indian Embassy in Cairo, the function started on 8 May
2017.
The cultural festival will feature a dance show, film
screening, a play and painting competition.
The festival will showcase the movie 'Kabuliwala'
directed by Hemen Gupta on 8 May 2017 at the
Hanager Cinema, Opera House Complex. The film is
based on a novel written by Tagore and tells the story
of an immigrant from Kabul.
Assam declared as Disturbed Area Under AFSPA for
3 More Months
Assam state was on 6 May 2017 declared as a
'Ddisturbed' area under the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 3 months. The entire
state of Assam besides the bordering areas of
Meghalaya were declared as Disturbed Areas.
Moreover, the Union Government also placed three
districts of Arunachal Pradesh- Tirap, Changlang and
Longding and other areas falling under 16 police
stations bordering Assam as 'disturbed' area under the
AFSPA.
Union Home Minister announced SAMADHAN to
tackle of Left Wing Extremism
SAMADHAN, a new doctrine or strategy against
Maoists, was announced by Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh. The doctrine was spelt out by Singh on
8 May 2017 during the Review Meeting of Left Wing
Extremism affected State.
The meeting was convened to discuss an integrated
security strategy and development works in 35 worst-
affected districts. During the meeting, the Home
Minister explained the each component of the
Acronym and they are S-smart leadership, A-aggressive
strategy, M-motivation and training, A-actionable
intelligence, D-dashboard-based KPIs (key
performance indicators) and KRAs (key result areas), H-
harnessing technology, A-action plan for each theatre
and N-no access to financing.
The doctrine was released two weeks after the
martyrdom of 25 CRPF personnel by the Maoists at
Sukma in Chhattisgarh.
The new doctrine, SAMADHAN will have 8 pillars and
they are
1. S- Smart Leadership
2. A- Aggressive Strategy
3. M- Motivation and Training
4. A- Actionable Intelligence
5. D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance
Indicators)
6. H- Harnessing Technology
7. A- Action plan for each Theatre
8. N- No access to Financing
Justice Karnan is the first High Court judge to be
sentenced to jail by Supreme Court
A seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme
Court (SC), headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, on 9 May
23 | P a g e
2017 sentenced Justice C S Karnan, the Calcutta High
Court judge, to six months of imprisonment.
Justice Karnan has been sentenced for imprisonment
for repeated incidents of contempt of court.
It is the first time that the Supreme Court has sent a
high court judge to jail on charges of contempt.
India and Japan affirm plans to strengthen their
defence cooperation amid rising tension in Asian
region
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley during his visit to Japan
informed his Japanese counterpart, Tomomi Inada that
India hopes to pursue a strategic partnership with
Japan for regional peace and stability. His visit comes
at a time of rising tension in the region, including
territorial rows in the South China Sea and nuclear and
missile threats from North Korea.
Besides, Jaitley also welcomed a planned trilateral
naval exercise involving the United States, India and
Japan in July 2017 as a way of strengthening
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
Ahmedabad to host a mega-event to celebrate
International Yoga Day
The city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat would be hosting the
biggest ever International Yoga Day event on 21 June
2017.
The same was announced by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev
while addressing a press conference in the city on 10
May 2017. The Yogi announced that the event would
witness participation from over 5 lakh people.
The event would be inaugurated by the states Chief
Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP president Amit Shah
would be present at its concluding ceremony.
Lucknow, City of Nawabs, to host International Yoga
Day main event
Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, has been finalised to host
the main event of the International Day of Yoga (IDY)
celebrations in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi
will participate.
Earlier, the government was considering Bhopal,
Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi and Bengaluru as possible
venues for the mega event besides the Uttar Pradesh
capital, officials said.
India, US exchange views on maritime developments
in Asia-Pacific & IOR
India and the US in May 2017 exchanged views on
maritime developments in the Asia-Pacific and Indian
Ocean Region and considered steps to further
strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation.
The exchanges were made in the second round of the
India-US Maritime Security Dialogue. The dialogue
between the two nations was held on 9 and 10 May
2017 in Newport, Rhode Island in the USA.
They also reviewed the implementation of the
decisions taken at the first Maritime Security Dialogue
held in May 2016.
Meeting of the Co-Chairs of the India-Russia
Intergovernmental Commission held in New Delhi
The Co-Chairs of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC)
was held on 10 May 2017 in New Delhi.
The delegations of the two nations were led by External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Deputy Prime
Minister of the Russia Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin.
During the meet, the two leaders reviewed the
progress made on various bilateral issues since the last
meet that was held on 13 September 2016. They also
looked forward towards the preparations for the
forthcoming India-Russia Annual Summit that is
scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg on 1 June 2017.
PM Modi launches integrated case management
system of Supreme Court
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi launched
the integrated case management system of the
Supreme Court on 10 May 2017 at a function in New
Delhi.
The inaugural event was attended by the Chief Justice
of India, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and
judges of the apex court.
24 | P a g e
The Integrated Case Management System will be
connected with the Supreme Court website.
This move is the apex courts first step towards
becoming a paperless, digital court.
Chief Justice of India, Jagdish Singh Khehar has
proposed to integrate the system with all the 24 high
courts and subordinate courts in the country.
29th edition of CORPAT between India and Indonesia
begins at Port Blair
The 29th series of India- Indonesia Co-Ordinated Patrol
(CORPAT) commenced on 9 May 2017 at Port Blair
under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command.
The closing ceremony of the CORPAT is scheduled at
Belawan, Indonesia from 22 to 25 May 2017.
India to replace its research station in Antarctica
India has decided to replace its Maitri research station
in Antarctica with a new one in the next three to four
years. The same was announced by Madhavan Nair
Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences on 9
May 2017.
Rajeevan made the announcement while speaking on
the sidelines of a programme to formally commence
ship building by Titagarh Wagons Ltd in Kolkatta, India.
He also stated that India is poised to expand its
research activity in the coldest continent and a new
ship, with a special ice-cutting facility, will be procured
for the purpose.
India test-fires surface-to-air missile Spyder
India on 11 May 2017 test fired a surface-to-air missile
Spyder from a test range in Odisha as part of missile
launch practice of a series of tests of the short-range
quick reaction.
Spyder was test fired from a mobile launcher at launch
complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at
Chandipur and targeted a pilot-less target aircraft.
Spyder (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is an
acquired missile system from Israel which is a short-
range, quick reaction surface-to-air missile.
Election Commission of India Launches National
Contact Centre
The Election Commission of India has launched
National Contact Centre with a toll free number-
1800111950.
The move would enable any citizen from any part of the
country to call on the toll-free number and get their
query or complaint addressed at any time of the day in
Hindi or English.
The callers would be able to enquire on subjects such
as elections, voting dates, electoral roll and online
registration.
PM Modi launches Narmada river conservation
project in MP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the river
conservation project Narmada Seva Mission on 15
May 2017 in Madhya Pradesh.
The project is a road-map for steps to be taken for the
conservation of the Narmada River in the state.
Speaking on the same before the launch, Modi said
that the mission will surely have a major impact on the
states ecology.
The event was organised at Amarkantak, in Anooppur
district, the place from where the river originates.
The Prime Minister released a road map for the
conservation of Narmada, to ensure it is pollution free.
Union Government launches Pneumococcal
Conjugate Vaccine against Pneumonia
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda
on 13 May 2017 launched Pneumococcal Conjugate
Vaccine (PCV) against Pneumonia under the Universal
Immunization Programme (UIP).
PCV will protect children against severe forms of
pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia and
meningitis. Currently, the vaccine is being rolled out to
approximately 21 lakh children in Himachal Pradesh
and in some parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the first
phase.
These vaccines will later be introduced in Madhya
Pradesh and Rajasthan in 2018 and will be eventually
expanded across the country in a phased manner.
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Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 2nd NPDRR
meeting in Delhi
Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the second
meeting of National Platform for Disaster Risk
Reduction (NPDRR) on 15 May 2017 in New Delhi.
The meeting saw in attendance over 1000 eminent
guests including Union Ministers, State Ministers,
Heads of specialized disaster management agencies
and representatives from private sector organizations.
The second meeting of NPDRR will be held from 15 to
16 May 2017 with the theme Disaster Risk Reduction
for Sustainable Development: Making India resilient by
2030.
Light Combat aircraft Tejas successfully test-fires air-
to-air missile
Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft on 12 May 2017
successfully fired Derby Air-to-Air BVR missile in RADAR
guided mode, demonstrating an Air-to-Air Beyond
Visual Range (BVR) missile firing capability.
The flawless launch was demonstrated with all
onboard systems performing up to the mark and the
missile scored a direct hit on the target, completely
destroying it.
Yogi Adityanath to declare no school bag day in UP
government schools
The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to declare
"no school bag day" on Saturdays in all the state-run
schools.
The proposal for the same was submitted at a meeting
chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on 12
May 2017 in Lucknow.
The move aims to encourage more involvement of
children in creative activities on those days.
NGT orders Rs 5000 fine on over-speeding vehicles in
Kaziranga
The National Green Tribunal announced on 17 May
2017 that any vehicle found over-speeding inside the
Kaziranga National Park would have to pay an
environment compensation of Rs 5000 besides challan
under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.
The order was passed by a bench headed by NGT
Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. The decision
was taken after the parks director informed the
tribunal about four animal deaths since January 2017
despite the installation of sensor-operated automated
traffic barriers to prevent such fatalities.
Venkaiah Naidu announces separate 24x7 DD Channel
for Jharkhand
Minister for Information & Broadcasting Venkaiah
Naidu on 16 May 2017 announced a separate 24x7 DD
channel for the state of Jharkhand. The plan was
announced at the review meeting of the programmes
and initiatives of Ministry of I&B held at Ranchi,
Jharkhand.
The announcement was a part of a three-year action
plan of Doordarshan put forward by the state
government. The meeting was attended by Chief
Minister Raghubar Das.
Indian Navy and Space Application Centre signs MoU
for cooperation
Indian Navy and Ahmedabad-based Space Application
Centre on 15 May 2017 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on Data Sharing and Scientific
cooperation in the field of Meteorology and
Oceanology.
The MoU was signed at SAC, Ahmedabad by Vice
Admiral SN Ghormade, AVSM, NM, Director General
Naval Operations and Tapan Misra, Director, Space
Application Centre (SAC).
Suresh Raina launches foundation dedicated to
wellness of Mother and Child
Indian cricketer Suresh Raina launched Gracia Raina
Foundation (GRF) on 15 May 2017, which is dedicated
to creating awareness and work closely with mothers
and children who require help ranging from physical
and mental issues.
The announcement was made by the cricketer along
with his wife Priyanka on the occasion of his daughter,
Gracia Rainas first birthday.
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Indian Railways to install CCTV cameras at over 900
stations under Nirbhaya fund
Indian Railways on 15 May 2017 announced to install
CCTV surveillance system at more than 900 stations
under the Nirbhaya Fund at an approved cost of Rs 500
crore with an aim to strengthen security at railway
premises.
For this purpose, Indian Railways will shortly send out
tenders to install about 19000 high definition CCTV
cameras at 983 stations across the country to ensure
round-the-clock security to passengers including
women.
The cameras will be installed at platforms and waiting
areas while there will be control rooms at stations to
monitor CCTV footages by trained RPF personnel
constantly.
Union Cabinet approves pan-India implementation of
Maternity Benefit Program
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 17 May 2017 gave ex-post facto
approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity
Benefit Program.
The Program has been extended to all districts of the
country with effect from 1 January 2017.
The Maternity Benefit Program will grant
compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash
incentives so that the women can take adequate rest
before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper
nutrition.
The total cost of the proposal for the period from 1
January 2017 to 31 March 2020 including Union and
State Governments share is Rs. 12661 crore. The
Government of Indias share during the period is
around Rs. 7932 crore.
ICJ stays Kulbhushan Jadhav's execution till final order
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 18 May 2017
stayed the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav till its final
decision. Ruling in favour of India, the Court asked
Pakistan to keep it informed about the measures,
including on consular access, taken by it in this
connection.
Reading out the verdict at The Hague, Netherlands, ICJ
President Ronny Abraham said that India has the right
to consular access to Jadhav under Vienna convention.
He said the court considers that it has prima facie
jurisdiction in the matter as there is a dispute between
the parties.
Cabinet Minister Inaugurated 15th National Meeting
for Persons with Disabilities
Thawar Chand Gehlot, the Union Minister for Social
Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the 15th
National meeting of the State Commissioners for
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) on 17 May 2017.
The two-days meet aims to review the implementation
of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities,
Protection of rights and Full Participation) Act-1995
and formulate a strategy for its more effective
implementation.
Indian Army gets M777 howitzers 30 years after
Bofors scandal
After a 30-year wait for new artillery guns since the
Bofors scandal, the Indian Army on 18 May 2017
received the first two M-777 A-2 (Indian) ultra-light
howitzers (ULH) from BAE systems of the US.
This is a part of an order for 145 long-range guns which
will be mostly deployed on borders. The M-777 A-2
(Indian) ultra-light howitzers (ULH) having a maximum
range of 30 km were being taken to Pokhran firing
range in Rajasthan for test firing.
Anant Geete inaugurates Test Track Facility
developed by Global Automotive Research Centre
Anant G. Geete, Union Heavy Industries & Public
Enterprises Minister, on 18 May 2017 formally
inaugurated the Test Track Facility at Oragadam,
Chennai.
The test track facility is developed by Global
Automotive Research Centre (GARC). The facility has
been notified to issue certificates under CMVR 1989.
The total cost of Test tracks project is Rs. 193.25 crore.
27 | P a g e
The Global Automotive Research Centre is a body
working under the National Automotive Testing & R&D
Infra Project (NATRiP).
Simbex-17, bilateral naval exercise between India and
Republic of Singapore, begins
Simbex-17, a bilateral naval exercise between India and
Republic of Singapore commenced on 18 May 2017 in
the South China Sea.
Simbex is an acronym for Singapore-India Maritime
Bilateral Exercises.
Bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India was
first formalised when RSN ships began training with the
Indian Navy in 1994.
Joint HADR Exercise commences at Naval Station
Karwar
The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief (HADR) Exercise began on 18 May 2017 at Naval
Station Karwar.
Named as 'Karavali Karunya', the exercise is being
conducted by Indian Navys Western Naval Command.
It involves both professional exchange and actual
disaster response mechanisms which is set on a
Tsunami disaster scenario.
Kravali Karunya means 'assistance to the coast of
Karnataka'. It will see the armed forces, central
government agencies and state government
departments working together to provide relief in a
post-tsunami scenario.
Railway Minister inaugurated free Wi-Fi facility at 28
Railway Stations
Minister of Railways, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu
inaugurated free Wi-Fi facility at 28 stations on the
Konkan Railway on 21 May 2017.
The provision has been made possible through a tie-up
between Indian Railways and the broadband and
internet service provider SYSCON/Joister.
The free internet would be available at a speed of 2
Mbps for the whole of 24 hrs. The initiative is in line
with the Union governments Digital India campaign.
The service providers, SYSCON/JOISTER, which are
already providing JOISPOT brand Wi-Fi in Pune &
Mumbai institutes, have undertaken the project as a
part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
activity.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu launches high speed
Tejas Express
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on 22 May 2017
launched high speed, air-conditioned Tejas Express, a
premium luxury train that will run from Mumbai to
Goa.
This luxury train boasts of several modern facilities on-
board like LED TV and tea/coffee vending machine. The
train will operate five days a week during non-
monsoon period, and three days a week during
monsoon period.
Modern Technology: It encompasses ultra-modern
amenities like on-board infotainment, Wi-Fi, CCTV, fire
and smoke detection facilities, tea and coffee vending
machine etc.
Aeroplane on Tracks: It is India's first premium train
that is capable of running at 200 kms per hour, that is
it is named as 'Aeroplane on Tracks'. However, due to
constraints related to rail tracks, it will run at a speed
of 160 kilometres per hour.
Manual titled Living conditions in Institutions for
Children in conflict with Law released by WCD
Ministry
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has
developed a manual titled Living conditions in
Institutions for Children in conflict with Law.
The manual was prepared following the directions of
the Supreme Court dated 5 February 2016 in the
matter of Re-inhuman conditions in 1382 prisons, WP
(C) 406 of 2013.
The apex court directed the ministry to prepare a
manual similar to the Model Prison Manual as being
prepared by Ministry of Home Affairs that will take into
consideration the living conditions and other issues
pertaining to juveniles who are in Observation Homes
or Special Homes or Places of Safety in terms of the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
2015.
28 | P a g e
 The NCM, which is responsible for protecting the
interests of the minority communities, was left with no
Chitale Committee recommends several measures for
members after all its seven members appointed by the
Desiltation of Ganga
previous UPA-II government retired between
Chitale committee constituted to prepare guidelines September 2015 and March 2017.
for desiltation of river Ganga from Bhimgauda
The centre was facing a lot of criticism for not making
(Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal), submitted its
any appointment to the commission up until now.
report to Ministry of Water Resources on 19 May 2017.
Social activist Gayarul Hasan from Uttar Pradesh will
The committee in its report has recommended a slew
reportedly be made the new chairperson of the
of measures like a study of reach wise sediment
commission.
transport processes along with establishing annual
sediment budgets to guide de-silting activities.

Union Government launches Swachh Bharat App

ISRO and NASA collaborate to build Earth-imaging
satellite NISAR
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
have collaborated to make a satellite called NISAR. The
satellite will help scientists monitor the Earth like never
before.
Union Minister of Culture Mahesh Sharma on 23 May
2017 launched the Swachh Bharat App with an aim to
involve people actively to become part of Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement) in National
Museum, Delhi.
In this App, the concept of Physical web is
implemented.

The expanded form of NISAR is NASA-ISRO Synthetic
Aperture Radar. It is scheduled to be launched in 2021.
The estimated cost of the radar is over 1.5 billion
dollars and it could possibly be the worlds most
expensive Earth imaging satellite.
When one is in the monument or Museum, the app will
deliver the message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and
will ask the user to report the garbage around him.
Environment Ministry and OzonAction organised
Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow in Agra

MP Government has banned Sand Mining in Narmada Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
River Change on 23 May 2017 organised Ozone2Climate
Technology Roadshow in Agra. The roadshow was
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh
organised along with the UN Environment
Chouhan, ordered an indefinite ban on sand mining in
OzonActions Compliance Assistance Programme.
Narmada River on 22 May 2017.
The Roadshow was inaugurated by the Secretary,
The Minister made the announcement while
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
addressing a press conference in the states capital,
Ajay Narayan Jha on the sidelines of the South Asia
Bhopal. He stated that the ban on sand mining in river
National Ozone Officers Annual Network Meeting
Narmada will hold till a government-appointed
2017. The Technology Roadshow was organised for the
committee of experts submits its report on scientific
first time as part of the annual network meeting for
mining in the river.
Ozone Officers of South Asia.

Centre has appointed five members to the National

Tourism Minister inaugurated Exhibition displaying
Commission for Minorities
Stone Sculptures returned by Australia
The Union government on 24 May 2017 appointed five
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture
members to fill the vacant seats in the National
and Tourism, Mahesh Sharma inaugurated an
Commission for Minorities (NCM).
exhibition titled Return of the Three Stone Sculptures

29 | P a g e
from Australia to India in the National Museum at
Janpath, New Delhi on 23 May 2017.
The exhibit marks the safe return of three Indian stone
sculptures including the Seated Buddha,
Worshippers of Buddha and Goddess Pratyangira between Germany and India regarding cooperation in
from Australia to India.
The sculptures were purchased by the National Gallery
of Australia (NGA) from the Nancy Wiener Gallery in
New York in 2007 and the Art of the Past antique store
in New York in 2005.
Indias first underwater rail tunnel completed ahead
of schedule
Indias first underwater rail tunnel, that was being
constructed under the Hooghly river for establishing
metro link between Howrah and Kolkata, got
completed on 23 May 2017, ahead of the scheduled
time.
For the construction of tunnel, a giant tunnel-boring
machine (TBM) named 'Rachna' was deployed to dig
the underwater tunnel that will run a length of 502
metres under the river. The machine was brought from
Herrenknecht AG plant in Schwanau in Germany.
The deadline for the completion of this underwater
tunnel was of July 2017.
The total project cost is around Rs 5000 crore.
Union Cabinet approves setting up of AIIMS in
Kamrup, Assam
The Union Cabinet, presided by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on 24 May 2017 gave its approval for
the establishment of new All India Institute of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS) at Kamrup in Assam.
The institute will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri
Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The estimated cost
of the project is Rs.1123 crore.
The new AIIMS will be completed in a period of 48
months from the date of the approval of Government
of India. The pre-construction phase would be of 15
months, while a construction phase would be of 30
months. The stabilization/commissioning phase of
would be of three months.
Cabinet approves JDI between Germany and India on
alternative medicine
The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi approved the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI)
the field of alternative medicine on 24 May 2017.
The move aims to enhance bilateral cooperation
between the two nations in the areas of traditional and
alternative medicine. The collaborative research,
training and scientific capacity building undertaken by
the nations under the declaration would contribute to
increased employment opportunities in the AYUSH
sector.
Union Environment Ministry bans sale of cattle for
slaughter
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on 23
May 2017 came up with new regulations that ban the
sale of all kinds of cattle for slaughter across India.
The rules were issued under the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals Act, 1960. It requires anyone purchasing
cattle to provide an undertaking that the animals are
bought for agricultural purposes and not slaughter.
The definition of cattle includes bulls, bullocks, cows,
buffalos, steers, heifers, calves and camels.
Uttarakhand CM launches water conservation
campaign
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh
Rawat launched a campaign on water harvesting and
conservation on the occasion of Water Day on 25 May
2017 in the states capital, Dehradun.
The Minister flagged off two mechanised rath, one
each for Kumaon and Garhwal regions.The vans would
be using audio material and related literature to
broadcast information on water conservation and
spread awareness in the two regions.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India's longest bridge
Dhola-Sadiya in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 May 2017
inaugurated India's longest river bridge- the Dhola-
Sadiya Bridge in Assam.
30 | P a g e
This three lane 9.15 kilometre bridge has been built
over river Lohit, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, that
links Dhola to Sadiya in Assam.
Highlights of the Dhola-Sadiya bridge
The total length of the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge project,
including the approach roads on each side, is 28.50 km.
The length of the bridge itself is 9.15 Km.
It was constructed on BOT Annuity basis at a total cost
of Rs 2056 crore, as a part of the Arunachal Package of
Roads and Highways.
It will ensure 24X7 connectivity between upper Assam
and Eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches JE vaccination drive
in 38 districts of UP
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on
25 May 2017 launched a massive immunisation drive in
38 districts of the state to eradicate Japanese
Encephalitis (JE).
This anti-encephalitis drive was launched from
Kushinagar district.
This government has fixed the target of immunisation
of above 88 lakh 55 thousand children in the age group
of 1 to 15 years during the drive in the targeted
districts.
Cyclonic Storm MORA to strike East-Central Bay of
Bengal
The cyclonic storm MORA is about to strike East-
Central Bay of Bengal, as predicted by India
Meteorological Department (IMD) on 29 may 2017.
MORA was observed moving Northward with a speed
of 11 kmph over East-Central Bay of Bengal near
Latitude 17.3N and Longitude 91.3E, which is about
660 km South-Southeast of Kolkata and 550 km South-
Southwest of Chittagong.
The cyclonic storm is likely to intensify further into a
severe storm during next 12 hours. It is very likely to
move North-Northeastwards and cross Bangladesh
coast between longitude 91.0E and 92.0E near
Chittagong.
Under its impact, rain and thundershower may occur at
many districts of coastal Odisha and some areas in the
interior region.
Delhi Metro's Heritage Line inaugurated
Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu on
28 May 2017 flagged off the first train of the Delhi
Metro's Heritage Line. The train will now be open for
public.
This 5.17-km-long corridor Heritage Line has four
stations- Kashmere Gate, Dilli Gate, Jama Masjid and
Lal Quila. The Heritage Line is essentially an extension
of Delhi Metro Violet Line that runs between Faridabad
and ITO presently.
With this, the residents of the densely-populated area
of Old Delhi or Shahjahanabad will now have direct
access to commercial centres such as Connaught Place,
Janpath, offices in Central Secretariat and the satellite
town of Faridabad.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurates
Aeronautical Test Range at Chitradurga
Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on 28 May 2017
inaugurated the newly built Aeronautical Test Range
(ATR) of the Defence Research & Development
Organisation (DRDO) at Chitradurga in Karnataka.
ATR will help in creating conditions for research which
will in turn develop efficient human resource in the
country in the field of aeronautical testing.
It will also contribute to the development of the region
in which Chitradurga is located.
ATR is the first of its kind range in the country
exclusively meant to conduct flight-tests of indigenous
unmanned and manned aircrafts like Light Combat
Aircraft, the unmanned air vehicles- Rustom-I and
Rustom-II (Tapas); parachutes and aerostats, etc.
Indias first Electric Mass Transport Project launched
in Nagpur
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on 26
May 2017 inaugurated Indias first Electric Mass
Transport Project in Nagpur.
31 | P a g e
The pilot project envisages a fleet of 200 electric-
powered public transport vehicles which will run on Ola
Cabs' app platform in Nagpur.
Out of these 200 electric-powered vehicles, 100 e2o
Electric Taxis were manufactured by Mahindra &
Mahindra groups Mahindra Electric while Kinetic
Green Energy and Power Solutions has supplied 100 e-
rickshaws, Kinetic Safar.
Mahindra & Mahindras total investment in
technology, products, and plants of e-vehicles was over
Rs 600 crore. All these electric-powered public
transport vehicles will be fully owned by cab
aggregator Ola.
ISRO set to launch Indias heaviest rocket Fat Boy
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be
launching the heaviest rocket ever made by India, the
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III
(GSLV Mk- III) on 5 June 2017.
The rocket, called the Fat Boy, reportedly weighs as
much as 200 full-grown Asian elephants. It is not only
capable of carrying the heaviest satellites but it could
also enable India to send manned missions to space,
making it only the fourth nation in the world to be able
to do so.
Presently, only three countriesUS, Russia and
Chinahave the capability of sending manned
missions to space.
Dailong village in Manipur declared Biodiversity
Heritage Site
The Manipur Government in the last week of May 2017
declared Dailong village of Tamenglong district as a
Biodiversity Heritage Site of the state.
A notification in this connection was issued by Kengoo
Zuringla, Joint Secretary of Forest and Environment
division.
Anti-Ragging Mobile App Launched
Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash
Javadekar launched an Anti-Ragging Mobile App
introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
on 29 May 2017 in New Delhi.
The mobile app will help students register complaints
against the menace of ragging in the country. Prior to
this, students had to visit the website to register a
complaint against ragging.
The new app will work only on Android system and will
facilitate students to register a complaint against
ragging immediately.
Amitabh Bachchan led Toilet Usage Campaign,
Darwaza Band, set for national launch
Union Government will launch a new campaign called
Darwaza Band on 30 May 2017 for the promotion of
toilet usage in the rural areas across the country.
The aggressive new campaign of the Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation called Darwaza Band
seeks to promote toilet usage across the villages of
India.
Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, who leads the
campaign, is proposed to be joined by Union Minister
for Drinking Water and Sanitation Narendra Singh
Tomar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis at the formal launch event to be held in
Mumbai.
The campaign has been supported by the World Bank.
The campaign also features actor, Anushka Sharma,
who will be seen encouraging women to stand up for
this issue in their villages and assume a leadership role.
India's own global positioning system NavIC to be
operational from 2018
India's homegrown Global Positioning System (GPS),
the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
(IRNSS), alternatively named NavIC, is slated to be
operational early in 2018.
At present, NavIC is being tested for its accuracy and is
most likely to be available in the market for public use
early next year.
The testing of the system includes ground verification
and calibration of NavIC data so as to calculate its
accuracy. In fact, many academic institutions across
India are involved in the testing and calibration of data.
32 | P a g e
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launches portal
'Mahaswayam' for job seekers, employers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
launched a web portal 'Mahaswayam' that will cater to
job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and training
institutes who can avail details regarding skill
development and employment.
Earlier, the state government ran three different
portals- Maharashtra State Skill Development Society
(MSSDS) portal for Skill Development, 'Maharojgar' for
employment and 'Mahaswayamrojgar' for
entrepreneurship.
These three have now been merged into
'Mahaswayam', making it easier for all beneficiaries as
well as the state to keep a track of the demand and
supply of workforce.
Delhi Police launches Bicycle Patrols for better
policing
Delhi Police on 30 May 2017 launched the Bicycle
Patrols for better policing in the capital. The Bicycle
Patrols were flagged off by Union minister of Home
Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir.
In the first phase, a total of 65 high-end bicycles have
been operationalised. Out of 65 bicycles, 30 were
allotted for North East district, 20 for East district and
15 for Shahdara district.
Swachh Survekshan 2017: Indore is cleanest city
Indore in Madhya Pradesh is Indias cleanest city while
Gonda in Uttar Pradesh is the dirtiest, according to the
Swachh Survekshan-2017, announced by the
government here today.
The survey results announced by Urban Development
Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said while Indore is the
cleanest city in India, Bhopal gets the second position
in the cleanliness ranking of 434 cities.
The Swachh Survekshan-2017 ranked Gonda as the
dirtiest city and Bhusawal in Maharashtra stands
second-last in the ranking.
The scheme will be extended to other areas of Delhi as
well.
Yogi Adityanath raises retirement age of UP doctors
to 62
The Uttar Pradesh Government has extended the
retirement age of doctors working under provincial
medical service from 60 to 62 years.
The decision was taken by the states cabinet chaired
by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a meeting held at
Lucknow on 30 May 2017.
Ministry of Earth Sciences to launch Deep Ocean
Mission by January 2018
To improve Indias position in ocean research field, the
Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has decided to
launch Deep Ocean Mission by January 2018. This
decision was announced by M Rajeevan, Secretary of
the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 30 May 2017.
Secretary was speaking through video conference in
the workshop arranged by National Institute of
Oceanography, Dona Paula. On the occasion, Rajeevan
also said that India achieved a lot in the field of ocean
research; still it is a long way to go.
Lists, Indexes & Reports
Gujarat has the maximum of 12 cities among the top
50 clean cities, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh
with 11 and Andhra Pradesh with eight.
Uttar Pradesh accounted for half of the bottom 50
cities in the cleanliness ranking.
Sunday Times Rich List 2017: Three out of four
wealthiest in Britain are Indians
The 29th edition of the Sunday Times Rich List 2017
was announced on 7 May 2017. The List announced the
names of Britains 1000 wealthiest people including 40
Indian-born citizens.
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The Hinduja brothers Srichand and Gopichand are
placed on the first spot in the Sunday Times Rich List
2017. The Hinduja Brothers have estimated assets
worth 16.2 billion pounds.
As per the list, the billionaires are richer than before,
so much so that the combined wealth of the top 500
individuals and families is more than the total put up
by the wealthiest 1000 in the year 2016.
Sunday Times Rich List 2017: Top 5 wealthiest
with 837 flights a day or one flight in 65 seconds on an
average in the 2016-17 fiscal year.
The airport has even overtaken London's Gatwick
airport that had 757 flights a day. The city also tops in
terms of the number of passengers with almost 45.2
million people flying in and out in fiscal 2017 as against
44 million at Gatwick airport.
No other large city in the world is served by one airport
that too with a single-runway.

Rank Name Net Worth Citizenship All the leading cities in the world including New York,
(in billion) London, Dubai, and Singapore have more than one
airport with multiple runways.
1 Sri and Gopi 16.20 India The New Delhi airport also has in use three parallel
Hinduja runways at any given time.

2 Leonard 15.98 United

Blavatnik States Mukesh Ambani leads Forbes list of Global Game
Changers
3 David and 14.00 United
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani leads a
Simon Kingdom
Forbes list of Global Game Changers who are
Reuben
transforming their industries and changing the lives of
billions of people around the globe.
4 Lakshmi 13.22 India
Mittal and Forbes second annual Global Game Changers' list
family includes 25 intrepid business leaders who are
unsatisfied with the status quo and transforming
5 Alisher 11.79 Russia their industries and changing the lives of billions of
Usmanov people around the globe.

Ambani, 60 comes at the top of the list for his game

changing efforts to bring the Internet to Indias masses.
About Sunday Times Rich List

The Sunday Times Rich List is a list of the 1000

wealthiest people or families in the United
Kingdom.
The list has been published as a magazine
supplement by British national Sunday
newspaper The Sunday Times since 1989.
The editorial decisions governing the
compilation of the Rich List are published in the
newspaper and online as its "Rules of
engagement".
Mumbai airport busiest with 1 flight every 65 seconds
The Mumbai airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International,
has become the worlds busiest single-runway airport
Vizag cleanest of 75 most busy railway stations;
Darbhanga dirtiest
The Visakhapatnam railway station is the cleanest,
followed by Secunderabad, among the 75 most busy
stations in the country.
According to a survey, the report of which was released
by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi on
Wednesday, the Jammu railway station occupied the
third spot, while the New Delhi station was ranked at
39 among the busiest stations.
The survey was carried out by the Quality Council of
India.
The Darbhanga railway station in Bihar was the dirtiest
among the busiest stations.
34 | P a g e
Clean toilets at platforms, clean tracks, and dustbins at
stations were some of the criteria for judging railway
stations for cleanliness.
This was the third survey on cleanliness done by the
railways to keep a tab on rail premises as part of its
'Swachh Rail' campaign.
India ageing gradually; every 5th person to be 60+ by
2050
PFRDA-CRISIL report titled 'Financial security for India's
elderly - The imperatives released on 15 May 2017
said that India will transform gradually from young to a
'greying' country and by 2050 every 5th Indian will be
in the 60s as against every 12th at present.
Flagging the demographic transition, the report said it
is important that the development of the under-
penetrated pension market in India be initiated now
when the situation is ripe.
Facts of the 'Financial security for India's elderly - The
imperatives' report
The PFRDA-CRISIL repost says that demographically,
India will transition slowly from a young to a greying
country, where persons above the age of 60 would
increase from 8.9 per cent of the population now to
19.4 per cent by 2050.
Public Affairs Index 2017 released: Kerala secures 1st
position
The Public Affairs Centre (PAC), India on 12 May 2017
released the Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2017. Kerala and
Tamil Nadu secured first and second rankings for the
second consecutive year in the index.
Gujarat ranked third by gaining two positions from last
years' index.
The PAI Rankings are based on the survey that was
carried out based on 10 themes, 26 focus subjects and
82 indicators.
These 10 themes were Essential infrastructure;
Support to human development; Social protection;
Women and children; Crime, law and order; Delivery of
justice; Environment; Transparency and accountability;
Fiscal management and Economic freedom.
The top three positions of index were fetched by
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat respectively in the
Large States category.
Karnataka and Maharashtra stood at the fourth and
fifth position respectively in governance indicators.
Tata Group is Indias most valuable brand: Brand
Finance
Brand Finance report of 2017 has listed Tata Group as
the most valuable brand in India with India at an
estimated brand value of $13.1 billion. Brand Finance
is a global brand valuation and strategy consultancy
firm and it released its Brand Finance India 100 2017
report on 17 May 2017.
The Tata group topped the list of Indias 100 most
valuable brands once again even after its value
declined by 4 per cent to $ 13.1 billion in 2017 from $
13.7 billion in 2016. It says, the decline of the brand
value by 4 per cent is lesser than the decline of 11 per
cent which was seen between 2015 and 2016.
Tata Group that was ranked at the top position in the
list is followed by Telecom operator Airtel (2nd) with an
estimated valuation of $7.7 billion, Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC) (3rd) with $6.8 billion, IT firm
Infosys (4th) with value of $6.2 billion and State Bank
of India (SBI) (5th) value of $5.5 billion respectively.
Key facts about the Indias 100 most valuable brands
In 2017, the total brand value of Indias top 100 brands
increased by 15 per cent, while the global average is 11
per cent.
According to Brand Finance, 68 of Indias 100 most
valuable brands have grown in value in 2017.
Air carrier Indigo Airlines, which gained the most, has
jumped from No. 95 in 2016 to No. 62 in 2017 in the
Brand Finance list. It happened after the airline added
35 new routes and increased frequency on existing
routes.
Mumbai, Kota feature in the worlds top ten most
crowded cities
Two Indian cities, Mumbai and Kota have been named
among the worlds most crowded cities list, according
to the World Economic Forum (WEF) that cited UN-
Habitat data.
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While Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh topped the list
with a population density of 44,500 people per sq km,
Mumbai, Indias financial capital with a population
density of 31,700 per sq km was placed second.
Medellin in Columbia features at the third place with
19,700 people per sq km.
The fourth, fifth and sixth position have been occupied
by Manila, the capital city of Philippines, Casablanca,
the port city of Morocco and Nigerias largest city,
Lagos respectively.
Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per square
kilometre was ranked 7th.
Other cities in the top 10 include Singapore at 8th
position and Jakarta, Indonesias capital at 9th.
Indias Taj Mahal ranked 5th among top 10 global
landmarks
One of the most iconic wonders in the world, Taj Mahal
has become the only Indian monument to figure in the
world's top 10 Travellers' Choice awards for
Landmarks.
The historic monument was ranked at the fifth position
in the list. The top spot was clinched by the worlds
largest religious monument- Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The other iconic landmarks to feature in the top ten
included Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu
Dhabi at 2nd rank, Spains Mezquita Cathedral de
Cordoba at the 3rd and St Peter's Basilica in Vatican
City at the 4th rank.
While the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St
Petersburg, Russia and the Great Wall of China were
Name Position
Anthony Lianzuala Controller General of Accounts Department of Expenditure, Union
Mallikarjun Kharge Chairperson
ranked 6th and 7th respectively, Incan city of Machu
Picchu in Peru was ranked 8th.
The final two positions were taken up by Plaza de
Espana in Spain and Duomo di Milano in Italy, which
were ranked 9th and 10th respectively.
Indias ivory-white marble mausoleum however, was
ranked 2nd in the Asia list, only after Cambodias
Angkor Wat, which topped the list yet again.
Kohli, Dhoni, Yuvraj, Raina in list of World top 100
athletes
Indian captain Virat Kohli, former captain Mahendra
Singh Dhoni and batsmen Yuvraj Singh and Suresh
Raina have been featured in ESPNs World Fame 100
list for 2017.
While both Kohli and Dhoni feature in the top 20 at the
13th and 15th rank respectively, Yuvraj and Raina have
been ranked 90th and 95th respectively.
The list is ESPNs ranking of the 100 most famous active
athletes in the world. The first such list was released in
2016.
Portuguese footballer Christiano Ronaldo with the top
rank has been adjudged as the most famous athlete on
the planet.
The other players in the top 5 include NBA legend
Lebron James at rank 2, soccer star Lionel Messi at the
3rd rank, tennis ace Roger Federer at the 4th rank and
American golfer Phil Mickelson at the 5th rank.
Brazilian footballer Neymar, Sprinter Usain Bolt, Kevin
Durant, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods make up the top
10.
Appointments
Indian Appointments
Organisation/Country
Ministry of Finance
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of
the Parliament
36 | P a g e
 Prabhat Kamal Bezbor Chairman Tea Board of India
Braj Bihari Kumar Chairman Indian Council of Social Science
Research
Usha Ananthasubramanian MD & CEO Allahabad Bank
Pratap Bhanu Mehta Vice Chancellor Ashoka University
Sanjay Mitra Defence Secretary Union Ministry of Home Affairs
Taranjeet Singh Country Director Twitter India
Aruna Sundararajan Secretary Department of Telecommunications
V K Saraswat Chancellor Jawaharlal Nehru University
Harsh Vardhan Minister(Additional Charge) Environment Ministry
Renu Satti CEO Paytm Payments Bank
Saurabh Agrawal Chief Financial Officer Tata Group
Rajan Anandan (Google India MD) Chairman Internet and Mobile Association of
India (IAMAI).
Anurag Tripathy Secretary Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE)
Najma Heptulla Chancellor Jamia Millia Islamia

Global Appointments

Name Position Organisation/Country

Emmanuel Macron President France
Moon Jae-in President South Korea
Amitabh Bachchan goodwill ambassador for hepatitis World Health Organisation South-
East Asia region
Justice Mukul Mudgal Chairman FIFA Governance Committee
Edouard Philippe Prime Minister France
Ovais Sarmad (India) Deputy Executive Secretary United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
Robert Mueller Special Prosecutor Russian interference in the 2016
United States elections
Hassan Rouhani President Iran
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General (first African) World Health Organisation (WHO)
(Ethiopia)
P V Sindhu Elected Badminton World Federation (BWF)
Athletes' Commission
Lenin Moreno President Ecuador
Amul Thapar Judge US Circuit Court of Appeals

Awards & Honors

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu selected for He was selected for his role in advancing the US-India
USIBC Award partnership at the state level. The award will be
presented to him on 8 May 2017 at the USIBC West
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Chandrababu
Coast Summit in the Silicon Valley.
Naidu was on 2 May 2017 selected for the
'Transformative Chief Minister Award' of the the US-
India Business Council (USIBC).
37 | P a g e
The summit will also honour Aruna Sundararajan with
the Transformative Leadership Award for excellence
in public service.
Padma Venkataraman bestowed with Avvaiyar award
The Tamil Nadu government on 2 May 2017 conferred
the 2017 Avvaiyar Award to Padma Venkataraman, a
social worker and daughter for former Indian
President, the late R Venkataraman.
Padma was honoured with the award for her efforts in
the field of womens welfare and the rehabilitation of
leprosy-affected people since the past 30 years by
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami.
Shabana Azmi starrer 'The Black Prince' awarded at
film fest in Houston
Hollywood film 'The Black Prince', starring Indian
actress Shabana Azmi and singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj,
was on 3 May 2017 awarded the Special Jury Remi
Award at the 50th annual WorldFest - Houston
International Film Festival.
'The Black Prince' is a historic biopic on the emotional
life story of the last king of Punjab - Maharajah Duleep
Singh and his fragile relationship with Queen Victoria,
who was Godmother to his children. Maharajah Duleep
Singh was also named as the Black Prince of Perthshire.
Konkona Sensharma wins top honours at New York
Indian Film Festival
Konkona Sensharma has been named the best director
for her directorial debut "A Death in the Gunj" and the
best actress for "Lipstick Under My Burkha" at 2017's
New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF).
Konkona, 37, won the award for directing the drama
thriller which stars Kalki Koechlin, Vikrant Massey, Jim
Sarbh and Tanuja. The film also features one of the last
performances by veteran actor Om Puri, who passed
away in January this year.
She received the top honour for her performance in
Alankrita Shrivastava's "Lipstick Under My Burkha", a
film which explores women's sexuality.
K Kaladharan won the best actor for Malayalam film
"Ottayaal n Paatha" ("A Narrow Path") and
Shubhashish Bhutiani's "Mukti Bhawan" was declared
the best film at the 17th annual film extravaganza.
Emma Watson conferred with the first ever
'genderless' award
Harry Potter fame star, Emma Watson was conferred
the first ever Genderless Acting Award for Best Actor
category on 7 May 2017 at the annual MTV Movie and
TV Awards ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium in
Los Angeles, California.
The actor in her acceptance speech praised MTV for
making their awards genderless. She further added
that for her acting is about the ability to put oneself
into someone elses shoes and that doesnt need to be
separated into two different categories.
Indian Origin Scientists elected as Fellows of UK Royal
Society
Three Indian Scientist Krishna Chatterjee, Subhash
Khot and Yadvinder Malhi were on 5 May 2017 elected
as the Fellows of The Royal Society, a premier scientific
academy of the United Kingdom and the
Commonwealth, for their outstanding contributions to
science.
Krishna Chatterjee from Cambridge University was
recognised for his discoveries of genetic disorders of
thyroid gland formation, regulation of hormone
synthesis and hormone action. He was responsible for
the development of Clinical Research Facilities at the
University of Cambridge.
Subhash Khot of New York University was credited for
throwing insight into unresolved problems in the field
of computational complexity. He is a theoretical
computer scientist who is known for his definition of
the Unique Games problem.
Yadvinder Malhi is an ecosystem ecologist from Oxford
University who is recognised for his works on
understanding the functioning of terrestrial
ecosystems and its response to the pressures of global
change, including climate change, degradation and loss
of large animals.
David Letterman wins Mark Twain Prize 2017 for
American humour
38 | P a g e
David Letterman, who was the longest-running host of
late-night TV shows in the United States, was on 17
May 2017 awarded with the Mark Twain Prize 2017 for
American humour.
With this, Letterman became the 20th humorist to
receive the prize. He is also a past recipient of Kennedy
Centre Honours for his influence on American culture.
Renowned biologist Purnima Devi Barman nominated
for Whitley Awards
Renowned wildlife biologist, Dr Purnima Devi Barman,
in May 2017 was nominated for the prestigious Whitley
Awards.
Barman has been nominated for her relentless efforts
and campaigns for the conservation of the Greater
Adjutant Stork locally known as Haargila in Assam.
Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni wins Dan David
Prize 2017
Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni on 18 May 2017 won
the prestigious Dan David prize 2017 for his
contribution in the field of astronomy. He was awarded
in the 'Future' category which is dedicated to
astronomy this year.
He will share the award with Andrej Udalski of the
University of Warsaw and Neil Gehrels of NASA for
their discoveries on time-domain astrophysics.
Kulkarni is a professor of astrophysics and planetary
science at California Institute of Technology in
Pasadena.
Indian activists Sanjay Gubbi and Purnima Barman
win Whitley Awards 2017
Two Indian activists Sanjay Gubbi and Purnima Barman
on 18 May 2017 won the annual Whitley Awards,
popularly known as the 'Green Oscars', for their works
in the field of animal and bird conservation in India.
These two Indians are among six global winners of the
award shortlisted from 166 entries
Indian-origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta bags
prestigious 'CEO of the Year' award in UK
Britain's Indian-origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta has
bagged a top global award for his successful
acquisitions and his drive to transform the steel
industry in the UK, India and beyond.
Gupta, the executive chairman of the Liberty House
Group who has been behind a series of acquisitions in
the British steel industry of former Tata Steel and
Caparo assets, received the title "CEO of the Year" at
the prestigious Platts Global Metals Awards in London
last night.
Indian-American student Pranay Varada wins 2017
National Geographic Bee Competition
Pranay Varada, 14-year-old Indian-American student,
on 18 May 2017 won the prestigious National
Geographic Bee competition 2017. As National
Geographic Bee champion, he gets USD 50000 in
scholarship and other prizes.
He was declared the winner as he won the first tie
breaker question when he correctly identified the
Kunlun Mountains as the 1200 mile range that
separates the Taklimakan Desert from the Tibetan
Plateau.
Jacqueline Fernandez wins UK Humanitarian Award
Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez was on 19 May
2017 awarded with the International Humanitarian
Award in Editor's Choice category of Asian Voice
Charity Awards. The award recognises the work of
charity organisations in the United Kingdom (UK) and
abroad.
Fernandez was awarded for her philanthropic work in
India. She has been working with the charity 'Habitat
for Humanity for last five years. This organisation works
to help people to live with dignity by giving them
homes to live in.
While, writer Jeffrey Archer was awarded with the
Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to various
charity organisations over the years.
India's Prashant Ranganathan wins Intel International
Science Award 2017 in US
Prashant Ranganathan, an Indian, on 20 May 2017 won
the worlds largest pre-college science competition
39 | P a g e
'The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Priyankas mother Madhu Chopra will also be
(Intel ISEF) 2017' in the United States. Prashant honoured at the occasion with the Best Film award for
Ranganathan hails from Jamshedpur city of Jharkhand, her maiden production Ventilator a Marathi family
India. drama, which won trophies in three categories at the
National Awards earlier this year.
Ranganathan received the award in the Environmental
Engineering category for his project Biodegradation of
Chlorpyrifos using native bacteria. His project will help
Satyabrata Rout honoured with Sangeet Natak
farmers in biodegrading the pesticide which is plaguing
Akademi Puraskar
the country.
Satyabrata Rout on 29 May 2017 was selected for the
Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar for the year 2016.
Indias Rohan Chakravarty wins WWF International
Rout is a professor from the Department of Theatre
Presidents Award
Arts, S N School of Arts and Communication, University
Rohan Chakravarty, Indian wildlife and environment of Hyderabad.
cartoonist, in May 2017 won 2017 WWF International
Presidents Award.
President of India presents Hindi Sevi Samman
Chakravarty has been honoured for his efforts to
Awards
inspire change and attitudes towards nature.
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee presented
Chakravarty, under the banner of Green Humour, runs
the Hindi Sevi Samman Awards to 26 eminent Hindi
a series of cartoons on nature conservation issues. It is
scholars for the year 2015 on 30 May 2017at a function
possibly one of the largest cartoon collections in the
held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
genre in India today.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries
including the Union Minister of Human Resource
Keralas Munnar adjudged 'Best Destination for Development, Prakash Javadekar.
Romance'
The awards were conferred to the scholars under 12
Munnar, the much-popular hill station in Kerala has different categories for their contribution in the field of
won the award for 'Best Destination for Romance' at Hindi language and literature.
the Lonely Planet Magazine Indian Travel Awards 2017.
The Hindi Sevi Samman Awards were established by
The award was conferred by Bollywood actress Diana the Central Hindi Institute, Agra in 1989.
Penty to P Bala Kiran, Director of Kerala Tourism at the
The awards carry a cash prize of five lakh rupees and
sixth edition of the event, which was conducted in
citation.
Mumbai recently.
Following is the list of awardees:

Ganga Sharan Singh Award: For work in the field of

Global Icon Priyanka to be honoured with Dadasaheb
promotion and training of Hindi
Phalke Academy Award
S. Shesharatnam
International icon Priyanka Chopra will be receiving the
prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award on 1 M. Govind Rajan
June 2017 in an awards ceremony conducted in Harmahendra Singh Bedi
Mumbai. H. Subadani Devi

The star would be given the award under the newly Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award: For work in the field
introduced category- 'Internationally Acclaimed of journalism and creative literature
Actress' for her great work on the International Baldev Bhai Sharma
platform. Rahul Dev

40 | P a g e
Atmaram Award: For work in the field of Science and
Technology literature and Machinery growth
Girish Chandra Saxena
Phani Bhushan Das
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award:
B.R. Chhipa
Daya Prakash Sinha
Deendayal Upadhyay Award
Mahesh Chandra Sharma
Rakesh Sinha
THAAD missile defence system operational in South
Korea
The United States (US) Military's missile defence
system THAAD on 2 May 2017 became operational in
South Korea.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD)
reached an initial intercept capability to defend against
North Korean missiles. However, THAAD would not be
fully operational for a period of months.
Dubai becomes first city in world to get its own
Microsoft Font
Dubai on 1 may 2017 became the first city in the world
to get its own Microsoft Font.
The Dubai Font was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown
Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council.
NASAs first inflatable Greenhouse could enable
water recycling on Mars
NASA Scientists have designed an inflatable
greenhouse that could be used one day by astronauts
to grow fresh food and produce oxygen on Mars or
Moon.
The first-of-its-kind sample involves an inflatable,
deployable greenhouse that can support plant and
Swami Vivekanand Award:
Shridhar Paradkar
Sriranjan Suridev
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Award:
Nityanand Pandey
Jagdish Prasad Singhal
Dr. George Grierson Award: Awarded to people of
foreign origin for promotion and training of Hindi
outside India
Fujii Takeshi (Japan)
Gabriela Nik Ilieva (New York)
World News
crop production for nutrition, air revitalisation, water
recycling and waste recycling.
The new approach uses plants to scrub carbon dioxide
while providing food and oxygen for those working in
deep space.
TCS launches first drones research lab in Cincinnati,
Ohio
TCS has opened its first Drones Research Lab in the US
at its Seven Hills Park Innovation Center located in
Cincinnati, Ohio, to address the rapidly expanding
demand for unmanned aerial vehicles and business
solutions across industries.
The TCS Drones Research Lab featuring both indoor
labs, showcase, warehouse, and outdoor terrain
footprints provides a rapid experimentation and co-
innovation environment for customers to build
solutions for specific industry problems in accelerated
30-60-90-day delivery cycles, the company said in a
statement.
India elected as President of UN-Habitat, the United
Nations Human Settlements Programme
India on 8 May 2017 was unanimously elected as the
President of the UN-Habitat, an organ of the United
Nations Organisation (UNO).
41 | P a g e
The country has been elected to head the body after 10
years. Since the UN-Habitat came into being in 1978, it
is only the third time that India has been elected to lead
this important organization after 2007 and 1988.
The UN-Habitat promotes socially and environmentally
sustainable human settlements across the world. The
body reports to the United Nations General Assembly.
Larissa Waters became the first woman senator to
breastfeed in Parliament
Australian Senator Larissa Waters, the deputy co-
leader of the Australian Greens party became the first
woman in the history of Australian Politics to
breastfeed her baby during a Parliamentary session on
9 May 2017.
The senator, who returned to Parliament after 10
weeks of maternity leave, breastfed her 2-month-old
daughter, Alia Joy, during a vote for a Greens policy
motion on a federal budget.
Narendra Modi to attend International Day of Vesak
celebrations in Colombo
Buddha Purnima or "Vesak", the day of the Full Moon
was observed globally on 10 May 2017. The day marks
the birth of Gautam Buddha, who was born two and a
half millennia ago in the year 623 B.C.
It was also on this day that the Buddha attained
enlightenment under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh
Gaya and it was on the day of Vesak that the Buddha
passed away.
The International Day of Vesak celebrations will be held
in Colombo from 12 May to 14 May.
Brazil declares end to Zika emergency
Brazil on 11 May 2017 declared an end to public health
emergency for the Zika virus after about 18 months of
fight against this mosquito-borne virus.
The Zika virus emergency fell upon Brazil when the
country was preparing to host the 2016 Olympics,
fuelling the concerns that Rio Olympics could spread
the virus.
In November 2016, the World Health Organisation
(WHO) lifted its own international health emergency
status for Zika.
World Meteorological Organisation launches Year of
Polar Prediction
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and
the Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
(AWI) ON 15 May 2017 officially announced the start of
the Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP).
The Year of Polar Prediction (YOPP) is one of the key
elements of the Polar Prediction Project.
The YOPPs mission is to enable a significant
improvement in environmental prediction capabilities
for the polar regions and beyond. It will be done by
coordinating a period of intensive observing,
modelling, verification, user-engagement and
education activities.
NASA names bacterium found on ISS after APJ Abdul
Kalam
A team of scientists at the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) in May 2017 named a
new organism after A P J Abdul Kalam, a former
President of India.
The new organism is a bacterium, which has been
found only on the International Space Station (ISS) and
has not been found on Earth.
The bacterium has been named as Solibacillus kalamii
to honour the late president, who was also an
aerospace scientist.
Seventieth World Health Assembly kicks off in Geneva
The 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened on 22
May 2017 at Geneva-based UN headquarters in
Switzerland.
The World Health Assembly is the main decision-
making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Member States of the WHA will elect a new
Director-General, who will take office for a five-year
term on 1 July 2017.
42 | P a g e
UN releases the First draft of Nuclear Ban Treaty
The United Nations on 22 May 2017 released the first
draft of the nuclear ban treaty that would legally
prohibit the possession of nuclear weapons, in the face
of strong opposition from all the nuclear-armed states
including the United States.
The draft was released in Geneva by Costa Rican UN
ambassador Elayne Whyte Gomez, who is leading the
UN conference negotiating the ban. It condemns the
use of nuclear weapons, terming it as a violation of the
international humanitarian law.
World's smallest nation Nauru ratifies International
Solar Alliance Pact
Nauru, worlds smallest republic and the tiny island
nation, on 23 May 2017 ratified the International Solar
Alliance (ISA) Framework pact. With this, Nauru
became the sixth country to ratify ISA pact.
Five more African nations including Comoros, Cote
dIvoire, Somalia, Ghana and Djibouti have committed
to sign the Solar Alliance pact during the ongoing
meeting of the African Development bank in Gujarat,
India.
World's largest aircraft Airlander 10 completes
successful test flight
The world's largest aircraft, Airlander 10, on in the third
week of May 2017 successfully completed a test flight.
This brings the helium-filled behemoth one step closer
to commercial use.
The hybrid aircraft dubbed the Airlander 10 merges
technology from airplanes, helicopters and airships.
The aircraft is designed to stay aloft at altitudes of up
to 20000 feet for up to five days when manned. At a
massive 302 feet long, it is the largest aircraft currently
flying.
Hyperloop India to participate in SpaceXs Hyperloop
Pod Competition II
SpaceX, an American aerospace manufacturer and
space transport services company, will organise
Hyperloop Pod Competition II in August 2017 at its
headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The
competition will see the participation of 24 teams from
across the world including a team from Indias BITS
Pilani.
BITS Pilanis team will be participating in the
competition with name Hyperloop India.
Budget of the Indian Prototype, OrcaPod: Rs 75 lakhs
Dubai police recruits worlds first Robocop
The Dubai police on 22 May 2017 officially inducted the
world's first operational robot police officer 'Robocop'
into the force at the 4th Gulf Information Security Expo
and Conference (GISEC).
The launch of the worlds first operational Robocop is
a significant milestone for the United Arab Emirates'
vision to be a global leader in smart cities technology
adoption.
The Robocop is over 5 feet tall and weighs 100 kg. It has
a facial recognition software with which it can identify
offenders.
Construction begins on world's largest telescope in
Chile
Construction began on 26 May 2017 on the European
Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which when
completed will be the world's largest optical telescope.
The telescope will be located in Chile's Atacama Desert.
Director General of ESO, Tim de Zeeuw, and President
of the Republic of Chile, Michelle Bachelet Jeria marked
the attendance in the ceremony to inaugurate the
construction of the telescope.
The ELT, conceived by the European Southern
Observatory (ESO), will be around five times larger than
the top observing instruments in use today.
Pentagon (US) successfully tests intercontinental
ballistic missile defence system
The United States of America on 30 May 2017
successfully conducted the first-ever test of its defence
system against an intercontinental ballistic missile
(ICBM). The test was long-planned.
Speaking on the development, the US Missile Defence
Agency (MDA) stated that a ground-based interceptor
43 | P a g e
was launched at a California air base and it successfully
shot down a mock ballistic missile.
The U.S military fired an ICBM-type missile from the
Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands towards the
waters just south of Alaska.
Aizawl FC becomes first north-eastern club to win I-
League
Aizawl FC on 30 April 2017 defeated Shillong Lajong FC
to grab the 2016-17 I-League in Shillong, Meghalaya.
With this, Aizawl FC became the first ever north-
eastern club to win the title.
The 2016-17 I-League was the 10th edition of the I-
League held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in
Shillong.
Hockey India recommends Sardar Singh for Rajiv
Gandhi Khel Ratna
Hockey India on 1 May 2017 recommended senior
player and former captain Sardar Singh for the Rajiv
Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour.
In 2008, Sardar was the youngest player to captain
India when he led the Indian side at the Sultan Azlan
Shah Cup.
Leander Paes and Scott Lipsky win Tallahassee
Challenger Mens Doubles title
Indian tennis player Leander Paes along with his
American partner Scott Lipsky on 30 April 2017 won
Tallahassee Challenger Mens Doubles title.
The duo defeated Argentine third seeds Leonardo
Mayer and Maximo Gonzalez 4-6 7-6(5) 10-7 in the
summit clash.
Sunil Chhetri wins Hero of I-League 2016-17 Award
Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri on 2 May 2017 won
the coveted Hero of the League 2016-17 Award.
Chhetri won the most number of votes cast by coaches
and captains of the 10 teams, which took part in the I-
It then fired a missile to intercept it from the
Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Sports News
League. The striker had scored seven goals for fourth-
place finishers Bengaluru FC.
India placed at 100th spot in FIFA Rankings after 21
years
The Indian football team made it into the top 100 of
the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in 21 years.
The team is placed at 100th alongside Nicaragua,
Lithuania and Estonia. The FIFA rankings were released
on 4 May 2017.
India's rise in the rankings has been due to triumphs
over Cambodia and Myanmar.
N'Golo Kante named Football Writers' Association
Footballer of the Year
NGolo Kante in the first week of May 2017 voted the
2017 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers
Association.
Kante topped the poll of the 340-strong membership
ahead of his Blues team-mate Eden Hazard, with
Tottenhams Dele Alli in third place.
Olive Ridley to be mascot of Asian Athletics
Championships
The logo and mascot of the Asian Athletics
Championships were released on 8 May 2017. The sea
turtle, Olive Ridley was declared the mascot of the
Championship. The logo depicts an athlete crossing the
finishing line with historical tourist attractions of
Odisha.
The logo and mascot of the Asian Athletics
Championships were released by Odisha Chief Minister
Naveen Patnaik in the presence of Olympians PT Usha
and Anju Bobby George. The two Olympians
44 | P a g e
were also felicitated during the programme. The
championship is scheduled to be held from 6 to 9 July
2017 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The mascot is named as OLLY and represents the sea
turtles that annually migrate to coastal Odisha for mass
nesting. The nesting process starts between November
and December and continues until April and May.
Asian Wrestling Championship: India's Harpreet Singh
wins bronze in Greco-Roman weight category
Indian wrestler Harpreet Singh on 10 May 2017 won a
bronze medal in the Greco-Roman weight divisions on
the opening day of the Asian Wrestling Championship.
In the opening match played in New Delhi, Harpreet
defeated his rival Jun Ji Na of China 3-2 in 80kilogram
category.
In addition to this, another Indian wrestler Gurpreet
Singh lost his bronze medal bout 0-8 in just 38 seconds
to Bin Yang of China. He earlier entered the bronze
medal play-off round of Greco-Roman weight divisions
in the 75 kilogram category.
Earlier in the day, three other Indian Greco-Roman
wrestlers -- Ravinder, Hardeep and Naveen -- were
knocked out of the tournament.
Jhulan Goswami becomes highest wicket taker in
Womens One Day Internationals
Indian women's team fast bowler Jhulan Goswami on 9
May 2017 became the highest wicket-taker in the
history of Womens One-Day Internationals.
Goswami broke the decade-long record Australian
Cathryn Fitzpatricks 180 wickets from 109 matches.
Goswami dismissed South Africa's Raisibe Ntozakhe in
an ongoing Women's Quadrangular Series in South
Africa to claim her 181st victim in the 50-over format.
VVS Laxman awarded honorary life membership of
Marylebone Cricket Club
Former India batsman V V S Laxman on 11 May 2017
was awarded an honorary life membership to the
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Laxman is the fifth Indian to receive the honour, after
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and
Zaheer Khan.
Marylebone Cricket Club is a cricket club in London.
Rafael Nadal beats Dominic Thiem to win 5th Madrid
Open title
Spains Rafael Nadal on 14 May 2017 won Madrid Open
title of Tennis. In the final match at Madrid, the
Spaniard defeated a determined Dominic Thiem of
Austria in straight sets 7-6(8), 6-4.
Thiem resisted three championship points but Nadal
seized the fourth with a drop shot to the back of the
court to clinch his third consecutive clay-court crown,
after winning in Monte Carlo and Barcelona in April
2017. For the 14-times Grand Slam Winner, it was also
the 72nd tournament win of his career.
Anshu Jamsenpa becomes first Indian woman to climb
Mt. Everest four times
Indian mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa has climbed the
Mount Everest yet again, the fourth time in six years.
Hailing from Bomdila town in Arunachal Pradesh, the
32-year-old woman reached the world's highest peak
for the fourth time yesterday, a state government
release said here.
Jamsenpa earlier scaled Mount Everest thrice. She
conquered the peak twice within 10 days between May
12 and 21, 2011, and made her third successful
attempt on May 18, 2013.
Lewis Hamilton wins 2017 Spanish Grand Prix
Mercedes Lewis Hamilton on 14 May 2017 stole a
stunning victory in the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix from
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
It was Hamiltons second win of the season.
US-based Indian Ramit Tandon won his maiden PSA
title
45 | P a g e
Indian squash player Ramit Tandon won his first
professional title on 14 May 2017 after beating his
Indian counterpart, Kush Kumar in the Sys Open 2017.
The US-based player beat the third-seeded Kumar in
straight sets of 11-3, 11-2 and 11-3 in the final. This was
Tandon's third appearance in a Professional Squash
Association final.
R R Laxman wins All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating
Chess Meet
Grand Master R R Laxman of Integral Coach Factory on
18 May 2017 won the All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating
Chess Tournament at the Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra,
Kolkata, West Bengal.
Laxman finished on top in the tournament with 9.5
points.
FIDE Master Mitrabha Guha racked up 8.5 points to
finish second in the 10-round tournament while
untitled Srijit Paul finished third ahead of Grand Master
Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury with a better tie-break score.
Mumbai Indians beat Rising Pune Supergiant to win
2017 IPL
Mumbai Indians on 21 May 2017 defeated Rising Pune
Supergiant by 1 run to clinch the tenth edition of the
Indian Premier League. It is the third time that the
Mumbai Indians clinched the IPL winner title.
With the win, Mumbai Indians became the first team
to win three IPL titles.
Krunal Pandya of Mumbai Indians was declared the
Man of the Match.
Sunrisers Hyderabads David Warner was termed the
leading runscorer of the tournament with 641 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the
leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 26
wickets.
Bengaluru FC beat Mohun Bagan to lift Federation
Cup
The Bengaluru FC on 21 May 2017 defeated Mohun
Bagan 2-0 to lift the Federation Cup at the Barabati
Stadium in Cuttack.
After both sides played out a 0-0 draw in regulation
time, it took two strikes from Bengaluru FCs Vineeth
to settle the tie.
Alexander Zverev beat Novak Djokovic to clinch
Italian Open Mens Singles title
Alexander Zverev on 21 May 2017 defeated World No.
2 Novak Djokovic 2 6-4 6-3 to win the Italian Open. The
final was held in Rome, Italy.
With the win, Zverev became the youngest Masters
1000 titlist since a 19-year-old Djokovic won the 2007
Miami Open presented by Itau.
Ashwin wins International Cricketer of the Year award
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was conferred
the much-desired International Cricketer of the Year
award at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International
awards 2017 on 24 May 2017.
The award was presented by former Indian Cricket
Captain Sunil Gavaskar and Chairman of RPG
Enterprises Harsh Goenka at a function held at the
Cricket Club of India in Mumbai.
Manchester United beat Ajax to claim 201617 UEFA
Europa League title
Manchester United on 24 May 2017 won their first ever
UEFA Europa League title. The team defeated Ajax 0-2
to clinch the 201617 UEFA Europa League title.
It is the second major trophy of the season for the
Manchester United. Their first win for the season was
the 2016-17 EFL Cup.
South Korea beat China to win 2017 Sudirman Cup
South Korea on 28 May 2017 defeated China to lift their
fourth Sudirman Cup title at Gold Coast, Queensland,
Australia.
South Koreas women shuttlers played an impeccable
game to beat 10-time champions China with a 3-2 win
in the final played at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure
Centre in Australia. It was the first time that the event
was hosted outside Asia and Europe since its
establishment in 1989.
46 | P a g e
South Koreas other victories in the Sudirman Cup were title with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Germany's Mischa
in 2003, 1993 and 1991. Zverev.

The 2017 Geneva Open title is the 16th title of

Wawrinka's career.
Stan Wawrinka beat Mischa Zverev to clinch Geneva
Open Mens Singles title He has reached three Grand Slam singles finals in his
career, winning all three: the 2014 Australian Open, t
Swiss top seed Stan Wawrinka on 27 May 2017
he 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open.
successfully defended his Geneva Open Mens Singles

Books & Authors

Book Name Authored By Other Info
Metaphysics, Morals and Politics Amal Kumar Mukhopadhyay President Pranab Mukherjee
receives first copy of
Confessions of a dying mind: The Haulianlal Guite Kiren Rijiju unveiled world's first
blind faith of atheism philosophical novel on God

Important Days
Days Celebrated on Theme/Info
International Labour Day / May Day 1 May

Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas 2 May Observed across the Ganga Basin States.

World Press Freedom Day
World Asthma Day
National Technology Day
World Migratory Bird Day
International Firefighters' Day 4 May
World Red Cross and Red Crescent 8 May
Day
International Nurses Day 12 May
International Day of Families
World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day
The International Day for Biological
Diversity
World Day for Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and Development
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
World Metrology Day
World Turtle Day
International Day of United Nations
Peacekeepers
World No Tobacco Day
3 May Critical Minds for Critical Times: Medias role in
advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies
2 May 'Asthma: Better Air, Better Breathing'.
11 May Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth
(Celebrated to commemorated to mark the
anniversary of Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998)
10 May "Their Future is our Future A Healthy Planet for
Migratory Birds and People."
Everywhere for everyone
Nurses: A voice to lead - Achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals
15 May Families, education and well-being
17 May Big Data for Big Impact
22 May Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism
21 May
18 May
20 May Measurements for transport
23 May
29 May Investing in Peace around the world
31 May Tobacco a threat to development

47 | P a g e

Famous climber Ueli Steck dies in a tragic accident
near Mount Everest
One of the worlds most renowned climbers, Ueli Steck,
died in an accident in Nepal near Mount Everest on 30
April 2017. He was 40.
Steck died after falling to the foot of Mount Nuptse, a
smaller peak in the area. The accident happened when
he was doing an acclimatizing climb for an attempt of
the never-repeated Hornbein route on the West Ridge
of Everest without supplemental oxygen.
First Woman Chief Judge of State High Court Justice
Leila Seth passes away
Justice Leila Seth, the first woman judge of Delhi High
Court, passed away on 6 May 2017 after a brief illness
in Uttar Pradesh. She was 86.
Seth was the first woman to have topped the London
Bar exam, first woman Judge of the Delhi High Court
and also the first woman Chief Justice of a State High
Court of Himachal Pradesh.
Legendary Sitarist Rais Khan passes away
Renowned Sitar maestro Ustad Rais Khan passed away
on 6 May 2017 in Karachi, Pakistan. He was 77.
Ustad Rais Khan was born in Indian city of Indore,
Madhya Pradesh, on 25 November 1939.
The Sitarists maternal grandfather Inayat Ali Khan was
also considered one of the finest sitar players in the
subcontinent.
Himachal Pradesh cabinet minister Karan Singh
passes away
Karan Singh, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister
passed away on 12 May 2017 at the All India Institute
of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 59.
Obituaries
Singh was suffering from cancer since some time and
took his last breath around 1.45 am. He is survived by
his wife and a son. His elder son had passed away in an
accident in 2012.
The state government is arranging for his funeral at
Kullu with full state honours. His body would be flown
there from Delhi on 12th itself.
Veteran actress Reema Lagoo passes away
Veteran actress Reema Lagoo died on 18 May 2017 at
Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai. She reportedly suffered
a massive cardiac arrest. She was 59.
Lagoo who appeared in several Hindi and Marathi films
also acted in numerous television shows like Tu Tu
Main Main and Shrimaan Shrimati.
Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passes away
Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passed
away on 18 May 2017 following a brief illness at AIIMS
Hospital, Delhi. He was 60.
The minister was last seen in meeting with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on 17 May 2017 itself.
Dave took charge as Union Minister of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change in July 2016.
James Bond actor Roger Moore passed away at 89
Former James Bond star Roger Moore passed away in
Switzerland on 23 May 2017 after a brief battle with
cancer. He was 89.
Former Greek Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis
dies
Former Greek Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis
passed away on 29 May 2017. He was 98. Mitsotakis
was an early proponent of austerity cuts that Greece
48 | P a g e
eventually had to adopt during the economic crisis of
2010.
Mitsotakis had quit politics in 2004 after serving as the
country's longest-serving parliamentarian.
Former Punjab DGP Kanwar Pal Singh Gill passes away
Parvathamma Rajkumar, Kannada film producer and
wife of the late Kannada superstar Rajkumar, passed
away on 31 May 2017 due to prolonged illness. She was
78.
She had been hospitalised since 14 May. After a major
drop in blood pressure, the producer suffered a
massive cardiac arrest on 31st morning.

Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, former Director General of Police

(DGP) for the state of Punjab, passed away on 26 May
Veteran filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao passes away
2017 in New Delhi. He was 82.
Veteran Telugu filmmaker and former Union minister
Gill, one of Indias most celebrated cops, was popularly
Dasari Narayana Rao passed away on 30 May 2017
known as the Lion of Punjab and Super Cop.
following heart failure. He was 75.

Rao was known for directing movies with legendary

Kannada film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar actors like NT Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
passes away He was also an active politician in the Congress party
and served as a Union Minister during the UPA regime.

Editorials with Vocabulary

Taxing agriculture
The NITI Aayog proposal to tax agriculture, despite Union Finance Ministers clarification that the government has no
such intention, has triggered a policy debate that refuses to recede.

Arun Jaitley cited constitutional limitation for the Centre to do so as agriculture is in the state list. Its true that under
the present Constitutional assignment of tax powers in India, taxation of agricultural income is placed within the state
list. But, no state has ever tried to levy a comprehensive tax on agricultural income given the influence of agricultural
lobby.

Should there be a tax on agricultural income? The recent changes in agrarian economy gave further credence to the
proposal to tax this sector. The shift towards commercial crops and, especially, plantations, farm houses etc., has been
cited to justify taxation on agricultural income.

Its also a fact that agriculture has been a source of parking black income as it does not attract any income tax. Besides
evading tax, unaccounted income from other sources is shown under agricultural income to avoid paying taxes. Thus,
agriculture has been used as a channel to legitimise and perpetuate unaccounted income.

D P Sengupta and R Kavita Rao of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy in an article in Economic and Political
Weekly estimated that if agricultural incomes too were treated on par with other incomes and were made subject to
income tax, it would yield potential revenue of about Rs 50,000 crore for 2007-08. It would be much higher now a
decade later. Hence, the clamour for bringing agriculture into tax net. There will be substantial revenue for the states
as agriculture is in the state list.

There is a growing presence of corporate sector in various activities associated with this sector. There are corporate
companies reporting agricultural incomes and income from the sale of various agricultural
products. The propagation of contract farming is also changing the character of agricultural operations and income
from them.

49 | P a g e
Income from allied sectors like dairy, live stock, poultry etc., is also often shown as agricultural income to evade taxes.
The share of allied sectors and other value-added activities in the overall agricultural income is increasing.

But, this is only a part of the story. The income from agriculture is highly inconsistent. The amplitude of fluctuation in
agrarian incomes has been accentuated by the integration into global market place. The shift towards cash crops has
further intensified the trend.

Computing agricultural income is fraught with many challenges. The fragmentation of agricultural land holdings has
led to a situation where small and marginal farmers account for a large chunk of agrarian community.

Any income on agricultural operations that are informal in character is prone to large-scale evasion. It requires a
massive machinery to collect and verify taxes on agricultural incomes.

The growing trend of tenancy farming coupled with no record of rights further complicates the process of computing
agricultural incomes to arrive at taxable income.

Given the merits and demerits of agricultural income tax, at least taxing some crops or processes can be
explored. Higher levels of income from cash crops can also be brought under the ambit of taxation. Income from
farm houses near urban areas should be taxed.

Word Meaning

recede go or move back or further away from a previous position.

credence belief in or acceptance of something as true.

perpetuate make (something) continue indefinitely.

legitimise Make legal

clamour to make a loud complaint or demand

propagation the action of widely spreading and promoting an idea, theory, etc.

amplitude the extent or range of a quality, property, process

accentuated make more noticeable or prominent.

fraught (of a situation or course of action) filled with (something undesirable).

ambit the scope, extent, or bounds of something.

SEBI reforms: It is time for a Swachh Market Abhiyan

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) chairman Ajay Tyagi has a clean-up on his mind. In the two months since
he took over, he has tightened norms and decried crony independent directors at listed companies.

To cauterise this market though, he must start by pruning promoter holdings to 50% and searing shell companies that
are used for manipulating stock prices. It will be a bloody clean-up, but a necessary one to boost investor confidence
and limit market rigging in a highly manipulated market.

Indias publicly listed companies are seeped in a promoter culture that overshadows their public obligations. This
means two things. If the promoters are ethical, transparent and take their responsibilities seriously, the company
behaviour reflects that.
50 | P a g e
On the other hand, when promoters see a stock market listing as cheap big bucks, the dirty games begin. It makes
their firms schizophrenic, a twin personality, if you like public for tapping money, but less transparent on just about
all else from governance to accounting.

In this highly muddled environment, chicanery rules. So-called independent directors are typically friends or retired
bureaucrats with experience of navigating complex government red tape. In public sector firms, gatekeepers are often
picked from a cabal of known associates folks who can hardly be expected to raise a red flag. Team this with a
mandated free float of just 25% and its easy to see how the market lends itself to malfeasance. This is true especially
for small to mid-sized companies.

Often, the public shareholding is held by institutional investors or big traders with an arrangement with promoters,
and get early tip-offs for their cooperation. Much worse, the free float itself is cornered by promoters through
an excruciating web of shell companies. Recently, the ministry of corporate affairs stated that 9,00,000 registered
companies in India dont file tax returns and are possibly used for illegal activity.

The market is further distorted by traders and corrupt business journalists who collude with promoters to spread
misleading stories to push prices up, or sometimes even short stock.

For all this to fade, the free float has to be large enough to make it hard to corner, and attractive enough for activist
hedge funds, to play.

Everywhere in developed markets, activist investors have held companies accountable for their actions, especially to
shareholders. In many cases, their activism has dethroned errant executives found guilty of wrongdoing or careless in
managing company funds.

Several investors, even conservative Blackrock, are increasingly questioning ineffective value creation for
shareholders, something regulators often fail to do.

By insisting that companies free up 50% of their stock for investors, Sebi will open up the market to large institutional
investors who can hold promoters accountable. A higher free float will also automatically curb promoter ability to put
vast sums of money into the market to manipulate stock price.

Sebis other challenge will come in clamping down on trading using shell companies. The government plan to digitise
databases should help the regulator keep better track. It shouldnt stop there though. Sebi will need to invest in
automated surveillance that some in Silicon Valley are already developing. Using automation to weed through and
marry big data from banks, Aadhaar, tax offices and the MCA can reveal manipulative trading and promoter linkages.

Traders are already ahead of the game by using algorithms for high frequency trading (HFT), often also used to spoof
the market and distort trade. And the only way to sift through legitimate trading from spoofing is through the use of
artificial intelligence and machine learning that mimics trader behaviour to spot lawless trades.

This is not to say it will end manipulation overnight. But at least the chance of getting caught will act as a deterrent to
many.

The regulators real grit, however, will come from heavy punitive action against errant traders and promoters. For too
long, India has tolerated a culture where traders and promoters caught red-handed get away with limp fines and
continue to be active in the market even when they are barred from it. Its a VIP culture that money and connections
buy, and only one that the regulator can end. Tyagi must chart a plan to level the playing field and bring relief to small
retail investors. Its the only way to embark on Narendra Modis idea of ending the VIP culture and replacing it with an
EPI Every Person is Important one.

Important Vocabulary

51 | P a g e
 Word Meaning
decried publicly denounce.

crony A Close friend. Here it is: close relationships between business people and
government officials.

searing Severly critical

seep To pass slowly through

chicanery the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one's purpose.

red tape excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities.

malfeasance wrong doing (Especially by a public official)

excruciating unbearably distressing

errant moving in an aimless or lightly changing manner

collude come to a secret understanding; conspire.

clamping down suppress or prevent something in an oppressive or harsh manner.

deterrent a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing

something.

punitive inflicting or intended as punishment.

grit courage and resolve; strength of character.

limp to proceed in a lame, faltering, or labored manner.

Quizzes
Puzzles

Set 1 immediate right of the one who drives Honda. S faces

P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W are eight crime partners. They
are sitting around a circular stone inside a cave. Each of
them drives different bikes. Some of them face towards
the center of the stone and some face away from the
center. Not more than three partners facing in the
same direction are sitting together. These are the
further details-
The one who drives Bajaj sits three places away to the
left of the one who drives Ducati. There is exactly one
person sitting between T & W. U, who neither sits with
W nor with T, is third to the right of P who doesnt sit
with W. T drives Ducati. The persons drive Harley and
Honda are sitting opposite to each other. S doesnt
drive Bajaj and is third to left of the one who drives
Yamaha. V who faces towards the center, is to the
in the same direction as that of his immediate
neighbours. The immediate neighbours of the one who
drives Yamaha face in opposite directions. U doesnt
drive Yamaha. The one who drives Royal Enfield is
neither W or Q nor he sits with W. W faces in the same
direction as S. Either the one who drives Royal Enfield
faces the center or Q faces the center. T sits in the
clockwise direction from W. The one who drives
Triumph faces away from the center. W drives neither
Harley nor BMW. R doesnt drive BMW.
Q.1 Who sits third to the right of the one who drives
Triumph?
a) T
52 | P a g e
b) The one who drives Ducati d) four

c) R e) none.

d) The one who drives Honda

e) none of these. Solutions:

Q.2 Who among the following drives Yamaha?

a) U

b) R

c) V

d) P

e) none of these.

Q.3 Which is the group in which all the members face

in the outwards direction?

a) VPU

b) SWT
Answers: 1. D, 2. C, 3. C, 4. B, 5. A
c) UPW

d) WRP
Set 2
e) none of these.

Six persons L, M, N, O, P and Q went to eat pizza. They

Q.4 Who sits in the middle of the one who drives Ducati
contribute different amounts i.e. 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and
and V?
100, not necessarily in the same order. They also like
a) The one who drives BMW different colours i.e. Yellow, Red, Black, Blue, Orange
and green not necessarily in the same order. They are
b) P
seated in a row facing north. These are the further
c) The one who drives Bajaj details-

d) T L sits to the left of M. The one who likes Blue is to the

immediate left of P. The one who likes Green
e) none of these.
contribute 50. The neighbors of O contribute 70 and
90. Q sits at one of the ends. The one who likes Blue is
four places away from the one who contributes 90.
Q.5 If they sit in the order as they appear in English There is a gap of two seats between L and O. Neither P
language. Then the position of how many will remain nor N is a neighbor of O. O did not contribute the least
same, if starts in clockwise direction from P? amount. The one who likes Black is third to the left of
a) one the one who contribute 70. N contribute more than L.
The one who likes orange contributes the maximum
b) two amount. Q likes Yellow.
c) three

53 | P a g e
Q.6 Who among the following contribute the third b) 20
maximum amount ?
c) 30
a) M
d) 40
b) The one who likes Yellow
e) 50
c) The one who likes Black

d) L Solutions:

e) none of these.

Q.7 What will be the value when we multiply 6 with the

amount of the one who likes Yellow?

a) 420

b) 600
Answers: 6. C; 7. D; 8. D; 9. B; 10. A.
c) 480

d) 540
New Pattern Coding-Decoding
e) none of these.
HAVE FUN LIKE MAN is written as 4#2, 4#7, 6@7,
6@5"
Q.8 Who among the following likes Green ? COOL MAN ENJOYING PARK is written as 6!4, 2#2,
a) P 6@5, 1@6"

b) The one who contribute 50 RAM IS TAKING REST is written as 9@8, 5@1, 1@8,
6#1
c) The one who contribute 60

d) both a & b
Q.1 what is the code for IS?
e) none of these.
a) 5@1

b) 9@8
Q.9 Who sits second to the right of 2nd least
contributor ? c) 1@8

a) O d) 6#1

b) The one who likes Red

c) The one who likes contribute maximum Q.2 What could be the code for SHIVA?

d) P a) 3#7

e) none of these. b) 2#2

c) 2@3

Q.10 What is the difference between the amount of the d) 5#2

one who likes black and M ? e) none of these
a) 10

54 | P a g e
Q.3 What could be the code 6#9 represent ? d) 6#1

a) IRONMAN e) none of these.

b) LION

c) KRISH Answers

d) HUMAN 1. B
2. B
e) none of these.
3. D
4. C
5. C
Q.4 Which word represented by code 1@6?

a) COOL
Explanation
b) ENJOYING
1) Symbol represents the no. of vowel within the
c) PARK word.
d) MAN 2) If the word contains even no. of alphabets, then
subtracts 1 from the 1st and last alphabets place
value and then exchange their position. If the word
Q.5 What could be the code for IRONMAN ? contains odd no. of alphabets, then add 1 in 1st and
last alphabets place value and then exchange their
a) 6#9 position.
3) If the place value of any alphabet exceeds 9, then
b) 6!9
add them to make a single digit number.
c) 6!1

New Pattern English Quiz

Directions: Following are 3 statements taken from a 1. A

paragraph and jumbed up. One extra incoherent
2. B
sentence is added. Identify one Incoherent sentence
added into the following sentences: 3. C

1. Incoherent Passage Question
A. During September of 1781, the combined land forces
of Rochambeau and Washington marched south.
B. American forces marched over 200 miles in a period
of about two weeks. The plan worked perfectly.
C. Rochambeau forces were always considered to be
most powerful forces in America.
D. The plan was strictly confidential, and the generals
kept their final destination secret from even the
soldiers.
Incoherent statement is:
4. D
5. None of these all statements are coherent.
2. Incoherent Passage Question
A. Reliance Industries (RIL), Indias largest company,
saw its earnings before interest and taxes jump 15 per
cent from the first quarter to the second, though net
profits grew at a far more modest 2.6 per cent.
B. Part of the reason for this was a sharp, 8 per cent-
plus fall in its refining margins, down from $8.40 per
barrel in Q1 to $7.70 per barrel in Q2.
55 | P a g e
C. For RIL, refining and selling oil and making
petrochemicals are not new. Investors understand
these businesses and value them realistically.
D. This fall happened because the Asian demand
and, therefore, pricing of lighter fuels like diesel and
petrol was under pressure, possibly because most
major emerging economies are growing slower than
they were before.
B. Parts of the United States touch three different
oceans.
C. United States is largest economy in the whole world!
D. It is located in a continent called North America.
Incoherent statement is:
1. A

Incoherent statement is: 2. B

1. A 3. C

2. B 4. D

3. C 5. None of these all statements are coherent.

4. D

5. None of these all statements are coherent.

5. Incoherent Passage Question

3. Incoherent Passage Question A. There are consolation prizes which console, and
some which char the soul.
A. Banks are places where people can keep their
money. B. I am not suggesting we write a condolence letter, but
sympathy is certainly due to Sachin.
B. Today, when a person earns money from their job,
their paycheck is deposited (put) into their account. C. Membership of Parliament is a handsome freebie for
Sachin Tendulkar
C. Bank account are used to earn money by making
fixed deposits. D. Nomination to the Rajya Sabha is a pretty desultory
substitute for someone who has been promised the
D. Most people use banks to save money in their Bharat Ratna.
savings accounts and to pay money from their checking
accounts. Sachin did not ask for this honour. Delhis politicians,
ever eager to climb a bandwagon, led the clamour for
Incoherent statement is: Sachins elevation to jewel of India after he got his 99th
international hundred.
1. A
Incoherent statement is:
2. B
1. A
3. C
2. B
4. D
3. C
5. None of these all statements are coherent.
4. D

5. None of these all statements are coherent.

4. Incoherent Passage Question

The United States is a large country.

A. It is the third largest in the whole world!

Answers

56 | P a g e
 1. C 4. C
2. C 5. C
3. C

Quantitative Aptitude

6
1. 20 college students are waiting in a queue for C2 ways
discount coupons of KFC. Each coupon costs Rs.5. Ten 5 10 5 10 5 _ _ _ _ _ ; ........ 10 ------
5
of the students have the Rs..5 coin and others have - C1 ways
currency notes of Rs.. 10. Determine in how many three 10's are replaced, no of cases - (7C3 + 6C2 +
5
ways can all the 20 students stand in the queue such C1)x(7C3 + 6C2 + 5C1) = 3025
that the person at the coupon counter will not face four 10's replaced , no of cases : (6C4 + 5C3 + 4C2 + 3C1)
2
any issue in paying back changes provided that the = 1156
person at the counter does not have any changes.
five 10's replaced , no of cases : (5C5 + 4C4 + 3C3 + 2C2 +
1
a) 5513 C1) 2 = 25
b) 3434 max only five 10's can come into first part
c) 1200 so total number of cases =
d) 5678 1+81+1225+3025+1156+25= 5513
e) Cannot be determined

Answer-a 2.Mousumi is a shopaholic. She went to a bag shop to

For the coupon seller to have change always, the
person with Rs.5 should come before the person with
Rs. 10
We can also say that first person must have Rs.5 and
20th person must have Rs.10
let us take this case 5_ _ _(10 places), 10 _ _ _ (10
places), no of cases - 1
buy a handmade wallet. She took Rs. 15 to the shop in
the form of one rupee notes and 20 paise coins. After
returning from the shop after buying the wallet, she
was left with as many one rupee notes as she
originally had 20 paise coins and as many 20 paise
coins as she had originally one rupee notes. The total
amount also reduced by two-third. What was the cost
of the wallet?

Take the first 10 numbers as one part and next 10 as a) Rs. 9.60
second part b) Rs.11.50
now take one 10 into the first part, this can be done in c) Rs.7
9
C1 ways because 1st number should be 5 always d) Rs.5.75
and the 5 which is replaced by 10 can be arranged in e) None of the above
9
C1 ways in 2nd part
Ans-a
one 10 is replaced, no of cases: 9C1x9C1 = 81
now replace two 10's , 5 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ; ........10 -- Let number of one rupee notes=X
--- 8C2 ways Number of 20 paise coins=Y
5 10 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ; ...... 10 ---- Mousumi started with (100X+20Y) and came back
7
- C1 ways with (100Y and 20A) paise
same will be the cases for two 5's to be arranged in Also, 100Y+20X=(1/3) (100X+20Y)
the second part =>X=7Y
two 10's are replaced, no of cases - (8C2 + 7C1)x(8C2 + By hit and trial method,
7
C1) = 1225 Put Y=1=>X=7=>total Rs. 7.2 is less
replace three 10's, 5 5 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _; ......... 10 ----- Put Y=2=>X=14=>Total=Rs. 14.4
-- 7C3 ways This is correct.
5 10 5 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ ; ......... 10 -------- Hence she spent=(2/3)x14.4=Rs. 9.60=cost of wallet

57 | P a g e

3-4
In an island of the Maldives, the natives have a
peculiar process of determining their average earnings
and expenditures. According to an old tradition, the
average monthly earnings had to be calculated on the
basis of 14 months in the calendar year, while the
average monthly expenditure was to be calculated on
the basis of 9 months in the year. This weird system of
calculation always resulted in the natives
underestimating their savings because there occurs an
underestimation of their earning. The expenditure per
month gets overestimated. Now keeping the above
points in view try to answer the below questions:
3. Mr. Ghosh comes to his native island from Africa
and makes his native community comprising of 173
families to calculate their average earning and the
average expenditure on the basis of 12 months per
the calendar year. The average estimated earning in
his community according to the old system is 77 fasios
per month. Assuming there are no other changes,
what will be the percentage change in savings of the
173 families?
a) 34% increase
b) 34 % decrease
c) No changes
d) 56 % increase
e) Cannot be determined
Answer-e
Average Monthly earning (old system) = 77
So, Total Income of 173 families/14 = 77
So, Total Income of 173 families = 77x14
Now,
Average Monthly earning of 173 families (new system)
= d) both the statements together but not by
Total Income/12 = 77x14/12 = 89.83 fasios
But, we do not know the average monthly
expenditure in either system.
Nor do we know the savings.
So, the required answer cannot be determined.
4. In the previous question, the average estimated
monthly expenditure is 21 fasios per month for the
island. Determine the percentage change in the
estimated savings of the 173 families.
a) 35 % decrease
b) 38 % increase
c) 32.3% increase
d) No changes
e) Cannot be determined
Ans-c
Average Monthly Income (old system) = 77
So, Total Income of 173 families/14 = 77
So, Total Income of 173 families = 77x14
Now, Average Monthly Income of 173 families (new
system) =
Total Income/12 = 77x14/12 = 89.83 fasios
Now, Average Monthly expenditure (old system) = 21
So Average Monthly Expenditure (new system) =
21x9/12 = 15.75
Total Savings (old system) = 77-21=56
Total Savings (new system) = 89.83-15.75 = 74.08
%change = (74.08-56)/56 x100 = 32.3%
5. Siddharth spends 30% of his income on his fathers
medication, 20% on agricultural property and 10% on
daughters education. The corresponding percentages
for Akarsh are 40%. 25% and 13%. Given below are
two conditions in 2 statements.
A.Siddharth spends more on agriculture than Akarsh.
B. Akarsh spends more on daughters education than
Siddharth.
We can determine who spends more on Fathers
medication with the help of which of the above
statements?
a) Statement A alone but not by using statement
B alone.
b) Statement B alone but not by using statement
A alone.
c) Either of the statements alone.
either of the statements alone
e) cannot be answered on the basis of the two
statements
Answer-b
Let Siddharth's and Akarsh's total income be 100x and
100y respectively.
So the amount spent by Siddharth on father,
agriculture and daughter will be 30x, 20x and 10x
respectively.
The corresponding amounts spent by Akarsh will be
40y, 25y and 13y.
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We need to find relation between 30x and 40y i.e. we
need the ratio 3x/4y
7. Ronnie starts driving from the market to the Stars
Now let us consider statement A alone:
lab in his car. Meanwhile, Dr. Stein also drives from
We get 20x>25y
the market one hour after Ronnie and overtakes
So 4x>5y i.e. x>1.25y
Ronnie after covering 30% of the distance from
If we take x=1.3y, then 3x/4y=3.9x/4y<1
market to the lab. Both of them continue the drive
But if x=2y, then 3x/4y=6y/4y>1
even after the overtaking. On reaching Stars lab, Dr.
So statement A alone is not sufficient.
Stein reverses his car and meets Ronnies car, after
covering 23 1/3 of the distance between Stars lab and
Consider statement B alone.
the market. In how much time did Dr. Stein cover the
It says 13y>10x
distance between market to the lab? ( in hours)
So x<1.3y
For x=1.29y, 3x/4y = 3x1.29y/4y<1 a) 3
Thus even for the highest value of x, we get 3x<4y. b) 5
For any value of x lesser than 1.29, 3x is surely going c) 4
to be less than 4y. d) 3 1/3
So statement B is sufficient. e) 2 7/3

6. A pump can fill or empty an oil reservoir. The
capacity of the oil reservoir is 3600m3. The filling
capacity of the pump connected to the reservoir is
10m3/min less than its emptying capacity.If the pump
takes 12 minutes extra to fill the reservoir than to
empty it, determine the emptying capacity of the
pump?
Answer-d
Let the distance from market to Stars lab be x
When Dr. Stein overtakes Ronnie for the first time,
both of them cover= 3x/10
When Dr. Stein meets Ronnie after that, Dr. Stein
covers (7x/10)+(7x/30) =28x/30

a) 50m3/min And Ronnie covers= (23x/30)-(9x/30)=14x/30

b) 60m3/min Therefore, Dr. Stein is twice as fast as Ronnie.
c) 45m3/min
d) 90m3/min Dr.Stein starts one hour after Ronnie and catches up
in 1 hour.
e) 80m3/min
Thus, Dr. Stein covers 0.3x (30 % of x) in one hour or x
Answer-b
in 10/3 hr or 3 1/3 h.
Let x m3/min be the filling capacity of the pump.
Therefore the emptying capacity=(x+10) m3/min
The time taken to fill the reservoir=3600/x 8. Anubhab spent less than Rs. 17500 to buy one
Time taken to empty the reservoir=3600(x+10) quintal each of pomegranate, orange and guava.
It takes 12 more minutes to fill the reservoir than to Which one of the following statements is sufficient ot
empty determine which one of the three fruits bought was
it the costliest ?

A.2 kg pomegranate and 1 kg guava cost less than 1 kg

{3600/x } - {3600/(x+10) } =12
pomegranate and 2 kg guava.
=>3600x+36000-3600x=12(x2+10x)
=>36000=12(x2+10x) B.1 kg pomegranate and 2 kg orange together cost the
=>3000= x2+10x same as 1 kg orange and 2 kg guava.
=> x2+10x-3000=0
=>x=-60 or 50 a) One of the statements alone but not the other
Taking positive value of x=50 statement alone
Emptying capacity =50+10=60 m3/min b) Either of the statements alone

59 | P a g e
 c) Both statements together but not by using 8 spinners made=8x72 >480 hence the option does
either statement alone not hold true.
d) None of the above statements
e) Cannot be judged. Option c->
10 spinners did 480
Ans-c One spinner did 48.
Remaining 6 spinners need to spin 48+32=130 blouse
From A alone, 2P+G<1+2G=>P<G
each
We got no idea about olive, so it is not sufficient. Tota 6 spinners will spin= 130x 6= 480 which satisfies
the question
From B alone, P+2P=O+2G => P+N=2G
Hence answer is option C
This also is not alone.

Using both, As P<G and P+O=2G=> G<O

10. A blind school has 3433 visually handicapped
Hence both are required. students. 80 to 85 percent of the students are good
musicians and 30 to 40 percent of the students are
good actors. Each student has excellence in at least
9. Nitu got an order for 480 khaddar blouses. She one of the skills of music and acting. What is the
bought 12 charkhas and appointed some spinners to absolute difference between the minimum and
do it. However, many did not come on the working maximum possible numbers of students who are both
day. As a result, each of those who did come had to great musicians and actors?
spin 32 more blouses than originally assigned with
equal distribution of work. How many spinners had a) 338
been appointed earlier and how many did not come? b) 298
c) 208
a) 12,4 d) 123
b) 10,3
e) Cannot be determined
c) 10,4
d) Cannot be determined Answer-b
e) 11,7
Total Students = 2001
Answer-c % of students who are musicians = 80% to 85% of
3433 = 2746 to 2918
Solving by options, So, % of students who are good in acting alone =
Option a-> 100%-85% to 100%-80% = 15% to 20% = 515 to 687
12 charkhas need to make 480 blouses. % of students who are good actors = 30% to 45% =
Each charkha=40 blouses. 1030 to 1545
Due to the absence of few spinners, now each spinner So, minimum = 1030-687=201
had to make 40+32=72 blouses. and maximum = 1545-515=499
According to option, 12 are total spinners and 4 were and 499-201=298
absent hence 8 were spinning.

Banking Awareness

Set 1 a) various deposit products

b) various loan products

1. NEFT and RTGS in banking terminology speaks of c) electronic payment products within a bank

d) electronic fund transfer from bank to bank

60 | P a g e
e) cheque truncation process 6. In a bank which of the following are the usual types
of Deposits accounts?

a) Savings A/c, Electricity A/c and Insurance Premium

2. Each of the RRBs covers districts ranging from
A/c
a) 1 to 15
b) Fixed Deposits, Post office savings bank A/c and
b) 2 to 25 current deposit accounts

c) 3 to 25 c) Current A/c, Savings Bank A/c and Term deposit a/c

d) 2 to 15 d) Loan accounts, Savings bank A/c and term deposit

accounts
e) 1 to 5
e) Current Bill A/c and Term Deposit A/c

3. As per news in various newspapers, 'kfw' Group

released another instalment of its financial aid to India. 7. Which of the following cannot be called as a value
Kfw is an organisation/bank based in added service offered by bank?

a) France a) Special accounts for the poor section of the society

b) Japan b) Accident insurance cover

c) Italy c) Instant credit of outstation cheques

d) China d) Free cheque books

e) Germany e) All of these

4. Crossing of cheques makes them 8. An account in which trading of shares in their

electronic form is done, is known as
a) invalid document
a) D-Mat Account
b) ineligible to endorse to person other than payee
b) NRI Account
c) remain the same in all respect, it is only a practice
c) NRIO Account
d) eligible for payment irrespective of sufficient
balance in the account d) Current Account

e) Ineligible to get cash across the bank counter e) None of the above

5. When a bank dishonours a cheque, 9. Mortgage is a security created on

a) it is called settlement of the cheque a) movable property for a loan given by a bank

b) it is called withdrawing of the cheque b) immovable property for a deposit received by a bank

c) it is called nullifying of the cheque c) a confirmation of immovable property given by a

bank
d) it is called truncating of the cheque
d) movable property for a deposit given by a bank
e) it is called return of the cheque unpaid
e) immovable property for a loan given by a bank

61 | P a g e
10. A savings Bank Account opened with a commercial 2. In which year did the Insurance Regulatory and
bank with zero balance or very minimal balance is Development Authority of India came into force?
known as
a) 1999
a) Savings bank ordinary account
b) 2000
b) Student savings bank account
c) 2001
c) No-Frill Account
d) 1991
d) Current Account
e) 1993
e) Call Deposit

3. Under which section of the RBI Act, mentions the

Answers: right to recover of notes lost, stolen, mutilated or
imperfect?
1. d) electronic fund transfer from bank to bank
a) Section 28
2. b) 2 to 25
b) Section 21
3. e) Germany
c) Section 28
4. b) ineligible to endorse to person other than
payee d) Section 24

5. it is called return of the cheque unpaid e) Section 35

6. c) Current A/c, Savings Bank A/c and Term

deposit a/c
4. SWIFT is a network for banks to exchange
7. b) Accident insurance cover information. What does S stands for in SWIFT?

8. a) D-Mat Account a) System

9. e) immovable property for a loan given by a b) Secured

bank
c) Securities
10. c) No-Frill Account
d) Society

e) Standard
Set 2

5. The foreign Exchange rate is dependent on which of

1. Under which section of the RBI Act, the RBI has the the following?
sole right of note issue? a) Government Policies
a) Section 20 b) Monetary Policy Directives
b) Section 22 c) Demand and Supply Forces
c) Section 25 d) Foreign Exchange Reserves
d) Section 28 e) None
e) Section 30

6. Who decides on the value and volume of bank notes

to be printed and on what basis?

62 | P a g e
a) Reserve Bank of India b) shall be liable if the loan is taken with his consent or
authority
b) Stock Exchange
c) shall never be liable in any conditions
c) NITI Aayog
d) Both 1 and 2
d) Finance Ministry
e) None
e) Union Government

10. Which of the following lendings qualifies as a

7. Inflation is measured in India on the basis of which
priority sector loan?
Index?
a) Loan for purchase of gold or diamond ornament for
a) Consumer Price Index
daughter's marriage
b) Whole Sale Price Index
b) Loan for white goods
c) Retail Price Index
c) Loan for House improvement or new house
d) Market forces
d) Loan for purchase of tractor
e) None
e) Both 2 and 4

8. The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by

Answers:
the
1. b) Section 22
a) Asian Development Bank
2. a) 1999
b) Federal Reserve 3. c) Section 28
4. d) Society
c) United Nations 5. c) Demand and Supply Forces
d) International Monetary Fund 6. a) Reserve Bank of India
7. a) Consumer Price Index
e) World Trade Organisation 8. d) International Monetary Fund
9. b) shall be liable if the loan is taken with his
consent or authority
9. In case of a debt taken by a married woman, her 10. d) Loan for purchase of tractor
husband

a) shall be liable if the debt is taken after her marriage

Tutorial: How to Solve New Coding-Decoding Problems in Bank PO Exams 2017 - A Step by Step Guide

Reasoning is a very important section in the banking examinations. And you are all well aware that the pattern of
questions asked in the reasoning section has changed a lot. So today, we are sharing an article on how to solve the
new pattern coding decoding.

3 STEP APPROACH FOR SOLVING CODING-DECODING-

1. Have a look at the words and codes given.

2. Translate the codes.

3. Deduce the probable codes.

63 | P a g e
Now after reading these 3 steps you might be thinking if its so easy to decode the codes then why

you have been finding it difficult to do so in the examination hall. Yes, it is easy but when paid attention.

The reason why you found it a little difficult in the examination hall was you were not well acquainted with the new
pattern. The previous pattern coding-decoding asked in the exams was based on the method of elimination but the
new pattern is based on translating codes. So lets take an example to learn the new pattern with the above 3 step
approach.

Example-

Inventions the college world needs 3#7 10@8 5@3 7#8 5%4

Yuvraj is my favourite player 9#2 2?4 6$1 6*2 2@8

Study this from Manorama Yearbook 8^4 5?8 8&2 4@7 4!2

Decoding using the 3 step approach-

Step 1- A general look clearly shows that each code has a number both in the beginning and in the end and in between
there is a symbol.

Step 2- A more deeper analysis for translating the codes.

Taking the first line in consideration

Inventions the college world needs 3#7 10@8 5@3 7#8 5%4

We clearly observe that the number 5 in the beginning of a code is written twice which means that any two words
have relation with number 5. Here in this, the number 5 represents the total number of alphabets in a word (world
and needs both the words have 5 alphabets).

So, the codes that can be deduced by this much analysis-

Inventions- 10@8

The- 3#7

College- 7#8

World- 5@3 or 5%4

Needs- 5@3 or 5%4

Also, number 8 is written twice in the end of a code. So weve to deduce some relation. But taking only a single line in
consideration we are not able to derive any relation. So proceed further.

Taking second line in consideration

Yuvraj is my favourite player 9#2 2?4 6$1 6*2 2@8

Codes that can be deduced by above analysis-

Yuvraj- 6$1 or 6*2

Is- 2?4 or 2@8

My- 2?4 or 2@8

Favourite-9#2

Player- 6$1 or 6*2

64 | P a g e
Taking last line in consideration

Study this from Manorama Yearbook 8^4 5?8 8&2 4@7 4!2

Codes that can be deduced by above analysis-

Study- 5?8

This- 4@7 or 4!2

From- 4@7 or 4!2

Manorama- 8^4 or 8&2

Yearbook- 8^4 or 8&2

It must be noted that in Inventions the symbol in the code is '@' which is also a symbol either in the code for world
or for needs. If we look carefully, then Inventions and Needs both have alphabet s at the end which hence means
that the symbol in the codes is for the last alphabet in the word. And hence more codes can be deduced.

Needs- 5@3 so automatically world will be coded as- 5%4

Is- 2@8 so automatically my will be coded as- 2?4

This- 4@7 so automatically From will be coded as- 4!2

Now the codes for Manorama, Yearbook, Yuvraj and Player are still unclear. Since the total number of alphabets,
last alphabet has already been considered in codes as the initial number and the symbol respectively. So we may
consider either the first alphabet or the middle alphabet etc which can form some sort of relation with the last number
in the code to decode the remaining codes.

When we consider Manorama which can be coded as either 8^4 or 8&2. If we consider the first alphabet M the
numeric value of which is 13. So it is a possible that 1+3 has been summed up and hence 4 in the end of the code. But
then as per this possible deduction the numeric value in the end in the code for Yearbook will be 7 which isnt there.
So, we have to look for some other possible deduction.

The reversal for M is N. If we consider the numeric value of N, it is 14. The value 4 may come when we multiply 1
and 4. When we consider Y in Yearbook, the reversal for which is B. The numeric value of the same is 2. So, the
codes for Manorama and Yearbook are 8^4 and 8&2 respectively. Similarly the codes for Yuvraj and Player are
6*2 and 6$1 respectively.

Step 3- Hence all the codes have been decoded. The first numeric value represents the number of the alphabets in the
word, symbol in place of the last alphabet of the word and the last numeric value represents the value of reversal. If
the numeric value of reversal is a two-digit number then the digits are multiplied and if a single-digit number then it is
written as it is.

The overall process takes a minute or two depending on the practice. This has been elaborated just for making things
clear to you.

Thank you

Ruchi (Sabhiya)

Exampundit Mentor

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