July 2016 Current Affairs PDF

Current Affairs: July 1, 2016
July 1, 2016
Argentina womens team wins 2016 Champions Trophy title of Hockey
Argentina womens team has won the 2016 Champions
Trophy title of Hockey by defeating Netherlands. In the final
match played at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in
London, UK, Argentina womens team defeated Netherlands
by 2-1 goals. With this victory, Argentina womens team has
won the Champions Trophy title of Hockey for record
seventh time. Earlier they had won it in 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014. In 2016 title, goals
Argentinean team were scored by Martina Cavallero and Noel Barrionuev. For the Netherlands
team single goal was scored by Maartje Paumen.
Union Government enhances Financial Powers of Ministries, Departments
The Union Government has decided to enhance financial
powers of its Ministries, Departments for appraisal and
approval of Non-Plan Schemes or Projects. In this regard,
Union Finance Ministry has issued a notification in order to
expedite appraisal and approval process in the Union
Government Ministries and Departments. The Committee
on Non-Plan Expenditure (CNE) will now appraise
proposals involving expenditure of 300 crore rupees and above. The earlier this limit was of 75
crore rupees. The concerned Ministry or Standing Finance Committee of the Ministry will now
appraise Non-plan Schemes and projects involving expenditure less than 300 crore rupees. The
www.talentsprint.com 1
Minister-in-charge of the administrative Ministry now can approve Non-Plan schemes costing
less than 500 crore rupees.
Union HRD Ministry launches Prashikshak, an online teacher education portal
The Union Human Resource Development (HRD)
Ministry has launched Prashikshak- an online teacher
education portal for District Institutes of Education and
Training (DIETs). The Prashikshak portal was launched
by the Union HRD minister Smriti Irani in New Delhi.
It seeks to strengthen DIETs and bring quality teachers

into the school education system. The portal has been developed by the Union HRD ministry in
collaboration with the Central Square Foundation, a policy think tank focused on improving
quality of school education. It is an open online platform for collecting and reporting data from
all DIETs which will help in the establishment of a strong monitoring mechanism.
World Bank, ISA sign agreement for Indias solar-energy program
The World Bank (WB) Group has signed an
agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
to provide more than 1 billion dollars to support

Indias solar initiatives. The agreement was signed in
the presence of World Bank Group President Jim
Yong Kim, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and
Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. World Bank will support projects such as
solar rooftop technology, infrastructure for solar parks, introducing innovative solar and hybrid
technologies to market and transmission lines for solar-rich state. It will provide 625 million
dollars to Indias grid-connected rooftop solar programme that will finance the installation of at
least 400MW of solar photovoltaic installations. This programme will provide clean, renewable
energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by displacing thermal generation.
First squadron of LCA Tejas inducted into Indian Air Force
The first squadron of indigenously designed and
manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was
inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF). State-run
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over
the first two Tejas aircrafts to IAF as part squadron at
the Aircraft System Testing Establishment in

Bengaluru. The first squadron of LCA Tejas has been named as Flying Daggers. Its base will be
located in Sulur, Tamil Nadu. It will have total 20 aircrafts, including 4 trainers. However, the
two aircrafts will be operated initially by the squadron at Bengaluru for nearly two years.
Remaining 18 aircraft including 4 trainers will be inducted at Sulur base in 2018.
Indias first integrated Defence Communication Network launched
Indias first integrated Defence Communication Network (DCN)
was launched by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in
South Block, Delhi The network will enable India Army, Air
force, Navy and the Special Forces Command to share
situational awareness for a faster decision-making process. DCN
is the largest single satellite network in the Indian Defence
Forces, spread across the country. It is a strategic, highly secure and scalable system. It has has a
pan-India reach from Ladakh to the North East to island territories. The tri-communication
network makes voice data and video data accessible to the three services over a secured
network.
July 2, 2016
FSSAI inks MoU with ASCI to check misleading advertisements in food and
beverages sector
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) has inked a MoU with Advertising Standard
Council of India (ASCI) to check misleading
advertisements in the food and beverages sector. This
partnership between FSSAI and ASCI will put in place a
mechanism to monitor misleading advertisements. It
will also lead to streamlining advertisements effectively

through structured guidelines and appropriate action.
As part of the MoU, ASCI will comprehensively monitor these advertisements across various
media. FSSAI has given a suo motu monitoring mandate to ASCI to process complaints against
misleading advertisements of food and beverages. ASCI will report to FSSAI, the non-
compliance of its decisions for further action as required per provisions of the FSS Act.
President Pranab Mukherjee presents BC Roy National Awards for 2008, 2009 &
2010
President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday presented the Dr BC
Roy national awards for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Rashtrapati
Bhavan. These awards were presented on the occasion of
National Doctors Day observed on July 1 to pay honour
and tribute to Indias most famous physician Dr. Bidhan
Chandra Roy.
The awardees are
2010: Nikhil C. Munshi, O.P. Kalra, Tejinder Singh, Subash Gupta, Amrinder Jit Kanwar,
Rajendra Prasad and Glory Alexander.

2009:H. Sancheti, Renu Saxena, Atul Kumar, A.K. Kriplani, Kanan A. Yelikar, H.S.
Bhanushali, G.V. Rao, Moti Lal Singh, C.N. Purandare and C.V. Hari Narayan.
2008: Rajeshwar Dayal, Mammen Chandy, Neelam Mohan, Rohit V. Bhatt, Mohan
Kameswaran, Harsha Jauhari, Gopal H. Badlani and Yash Gulati.
Union Sports Ministry grants recognition to Paralympic Committee of India
The Union Sports Ministry has granted recognition to

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) after the International
Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced temporary lifting of
suspension on it. This recognition gives a huge confidence
boost to the several para-athletes who have qualified for 2016

Rio Paralympics. The IPC had suspended PCI in April 2015
due to internal conflicts between different groups and persons, which were undermining the
development of Paralympic Movement in India. Due to suspension, Indian para-athletes were
not allowed to participate in any IPC-sanctioned competition, including 2016 Rio Paralympic
Games. PCI was founded in 1992 as the Physically Handicapped Sports Federation of India. It
was recognized in November 2011, as National Sports Federation (NSF) for promotion of sports
amongst the physically challenged sportspersons in the country. It is responsible for selecting
athletes to represent India at the Paralympic Games and other international athletic meets.
RIL, SBI ink Subscription and Shareholders Agreement for payments bank JV
Telecom-to-energy conglomerate Reliance Industries
(RIL) and Indias largest lender State Bank of India
(SBI) have signed Subscription and Shareholders
Agreement to set up payments bank. As per the
agreement, RIL will be the promoter with a 70 per cent
equity contribution in the payments bank and SBI as
joint venture will have 30 per cent equity contribution. RIL-SBI combine was among the 11
entities that were in August 2015 were given licence by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start a
payments bank. So far two of these Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co and Sun
Pharma, IDFC Bank and telecom operator Telenor have decided to shelve plans of launching
payments bank.
Kerala Government bans e-cigarettes
Kerala Government has banned electronic cigarette
alias e-cigarette as its use can cause various health
issues, including cancer and heart ailments. In this

regard, an order was issued that banned the production,
sale and advertisement of e-cigarettes in the state. With
this, Kerala becomes fourth state in India to ban e-
cigarette. Punjab was the first state to ban e-cigarettes in November 2014 under the provisions
of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. It was followed by Maharashtra
and Karnataka. e-cigarettes are handy battery-powered devices that emit doses of vaporised
nicotine. It produces the feel of tobacco smoking. Unlike regular cigarette, e-cigarettes do not
produce smoke but produces an aerosol (mist), which is inaccurately referred to as vapor. e-
cigarettes have a heating element that atomizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid which
usually is a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings.
High-speed OPV INS Tarasa launched by Indian Navy
Indian Navy has launched INS Tarasa, the fourth
and last ship in the series of the Water Jet Fast
Attack Craft (WJFAC). It is being built by Kolkata
(West Bengal) based Garden Reach Shipbuilders &
Engineers Ltd (GRSE), for the Indian Navy. The

WJFACs are ideally suited and used for interception
of fast-moving surface craft. INS Tarasa like the
previously launched ships of WJFACs series has been named after the picturesque island in the
Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in Bay of Bengal. It is an improved variant of the Car
Nicobar-class high-speed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). It is powered by the latest 4,000-series
MTU engines and has displacement capacity of 315 tonnes. It is fitted with advanced machinery
control system. It has been designed to attain maximum speed of 35 knots and for an endurance
of nearly 2,000 nautical miles at 12-14 knots.
July 3, 2016
RIMPAC 2016: Worlds largest international maritime exercise kicks off
Worlds largest international maritime exercise named
RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) 2016 began in Pacific Ocean
at Hawaii, United States. RIMPAC 2016 will see
participation of navies from 26 countries. This year it is
the 25th edition of biennial exercise in the series that
began in 1971. In this edition of exercise (from 30 June to
4 August 2016), 45 ships, 5 submarines, about 200 aircrafts and 25000 personnel are
participating. 26 Participating Countries are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia,
Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, China, Peru, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United
Kingdom and the United States. Participating countries will exercise wide range of capabilities
including complex warfighting, maritime security, disaster relief operations and sea control.
India ranks 35th in 2016 Logistics Performance Index: World Bank Report
In the recently released bi-annual Logistics Performance Index
(LPI) 2016 of World Bank Group, India ranked 35th among 160
countries. The index was published in the World Bank bi-
annual report connecting to Compete 2016: Trade Logistics in
the Global Economy. For the third time, Germany has topped
in LPI. Top 5 countries in 2016 LPI: Germany (score: 4.23
points), Luxembourg (4.22), Sweden (4.20), Netherlands (4.19) and Singapore (4.14). India
related facts: In the 2016 report, India has increased its LPI score to 3.42 compared to LPI score
of 3.08 in 2014. In 2016 edition of LPI, India has improved its ranking by jumping 19 positions
compared to 54th rank in 2014 LPI.
Indias first Commercial Court and Commercial Disputes Resolution Centre

inaugurated in Chattisgarh
Indias first Commercial Court and Commercial
Disputes Resolution Centre was inaugurated at Raipur,
capital of Chhattisgarh. It was inaugurated by State
Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh along with Supreme
Court judge Madan B. Lokur. The first Commercial
Court and Commercial Disputes Resolution Centre
complex has ultra-modern facilities like e-Court, e-Library, e-Filing, Video-conferencing and e-
Summons. It will help in improving the judicial system and the investors and business world. It
will also facilitate the investors in their commercial dealings. The court also consists of
arbitration centre and a mediation centre.
Punjab Government launches Rapid Rural Police Response System
Punjab Government has launched Rapid Rural Police
Response System (RRPRS) to ensure prompt and
effective police response in 12,000 villages across the
state. The system was launched Punjab Deputy Chief
Minister and Sukhbir Singh Badal. Besides, he also
flagged off 400 new motorcycles and 220 new Bolero jeeps under the new system. he RRPRS has
been launched by Punjab police to ensure prompt and effective police response in villages to
counter any crime or law and order situation in just 20 minutes. Under this system, any resident
from rural area of state would only have to make a call on police helpline 100 for any kind of
assistance from the police force. The new system would be available for 247 hours to respond
to all kinds of emergencies or call-for-help from the citizens of the State.
Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 Austrian Grand Prix of F1
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has won
the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix title of Formula One. It was his
third title of the 2016 season after Monaco Grand Prix (May
2016) and Canadian Grand Prix (June 2016). Austrian Grand
Prix was the ninth race of the 2016 season and was held at the
Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria.

Rankings after 2016 Austrian Grand Prix
1st position: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) of Mercedes.
2nd position: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of Ferrari.
3rd position: Daniel Ricardo (Australia) of Red Bull.
4th position: Felipe Massa (Brazil) of Williams.
5th position: Romain Grosjean (France) Haas.
Top Teams: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and William.
July 4, 2016
SBI secures $625 million from World Bank for solar programme
Indias largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has signed an
agreement worth 4,200 crore rupees ($625 million) with the
World Bank to support its grid connected rooftop solar
photovoltaic (GRPV) programme. The programme also aims
at improving the investment climate for solar PV, and
increase the ease of doing rooftop business. It will also
support development of the overall solar rooftop PV market. Under GRPV programme, at least
400 MW solar capacity will be created across the country. This agreement will help SBI to
finance grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic projects at very competitive rates. The
investment climate for solar PV projects will be improved through technical assistance to
strengthen the capacity of key institutions.
Brexit: IMF warns of repercussions for global economy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned
that United Kingdoms decision to leave the European
Union (EU) has created significant uncertainty. The
uncertainty is likely to dampen growth in the near
term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions for
Europe and the global economy. IMF predicts that
macroeconomic and financial market impacts in the UK and EU due to Brexit will radiate
outward across the globe. The impacts of Brexit will lead to a rising level of uncertainty, both
financial and possibly political in EU and UK. IMF has urged policy makers to remain prepared
to act to counter financial market turbulence and higher uncertainty to materially weaken the
global outlook. Prolonged periods of uncertainty and associated declines in business and
consumer confidence due to Brexit would lead to lower growth.
BRICS Working Group on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency begins in

Visakhapatnam
The first meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency began
in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The two day conference
will be attended by all 5 member BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India,

China and South Africa) countries. India being BRICS chair
for 2016 has organised this event in order to shape and steer
the BRICS agenda. The Union Power Ministry is hosting the
meeting of the Working Group. The meeting will deliberate a work plan on development of
cooperation in energy saving and energy efficiency with BRICS. The BRICS countries would
make presentations on measures taken by them in the field of energy saving and energy
efficiency. India will also showcase its efforts in energy saving, energy efficiency, in particular
the LED street lighting programme.
B Sai Praneeth wins 2016 Canada Open Grand Prix Badminton title
Ace Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth (World no 33) has
won the 2016 Canada Open Grand Prix Badminton
title in the mens singles category. In the final match
played at Calgary Praneeth defeated Lee Hyun II of
South Korea by 21-12, 21-10 score. Indian pair Manu
Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy also won the 2016 Canada
Open Grand Prix Badminton title in the mens doubles category. In the final match, they
defeated Canadian pair of Adrian Liu and Toby Ng by 21-8 21-14 score. Reddy and Attri pair is
the first Indian mens doubles pair to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu becomes first Indian footballer to play in Europa League
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the first Indian football

player to play in UEFA Europa League. He achieved this
feat after was named in Norwegian club Stabaek FCs squad
for qualifying match against Connahs Quay Nomads FC in
Europa League. He was born on 3 February 1992 in Mohali,
Punjab. Presently, he plays as a goalkeeper for Norwegian
Tippeligaen football club Stabaek and also represents Indian national team. He is the fifth
Indian football player to play in Europe at professional level after Mohammed Salim, Baichung
Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Subrata Pal. In Indian national team he made his debut for the U19s
in the 2010 against the Iraq U19s in the AFC U-19 Championship.
Second BRICS Youth Summit concludes in Guwahati
The second BRICS Youth Summit was held in
Guwahati, Assam from 1st July 2016 to 3rd July 2016.
The theme of the summit was Youth as bridge for
intra-BRICS exchanges. The summit was inaugurated
by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in
presence of Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh. The summit focused on enhancing people-to-
people contacts of BRICS member states viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It has
called for shifting of power from the West to the member countries to maintain balance in the
world. It also adopted the Guwahati BRICS Youth Summit 2016 Call to Action and urged the
youth from the five member nations to come together for working towards this goal. It also
focused on skill development and entrepreneurship, social inclusions, youth volunteerism and
youth participation in governance.
July 5, 2016
India to host meet of BRICS anti-narcotics heads
India is going to host meet of the heads of anti-
narcotics agencies of BRICS nations to discuss issues
related to narco-terrorism and money laundering.
This meet will be held ahead of the eighth annual
Summit of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South
Africa nations scheduled in October 2016. The one-day meeting on July 8, 2016 will be hosted by
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The agenda of the high-level meeting is to take into
consideration of illicit drug trafficking including diversion of precursors and chemicals, usage
of new psychoactive substances. It will also take into consideration maritime drug trafficking,
narco terrorism and drug money laundering.
Sudarshan Sen appointed Executive Director of RBI
Sudarshan Sen has been as Executive Director of the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI). He will replace NS Vishwanathan who was
elevated as Deputy Governor of RBI. In his new role, Sudarshan
Sen will look after Department of Banking Regulation,
Department of Co-operative Bank Regulation and Department of
Non-Banking Regulation. Sen holds an MBA degree in
International Banking and Finance from the University of
Birmingham, United Kingdom. He has rich experience as the central banker and has a long
association with the RBI in the field of supervision and regulation.
MV Dhekane takes over as Director of IISU
Noted scientist M V Dhekane has assumed the office of
Director of ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU),
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. With this Dhekane
becomes the seventh director of IISU which functions
under the aegis of the Department of Space. M V
Dhekane is B-Tech graduate in electrical engineering and
M-tech (Systems and Control) from Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Mumbai. He had had joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in 1983.
He has rich experience and expertise in the launch vehicle control and guidance design, mission
design and analysis and onboard software development.
JNPT becomes first Indian port to implement logistics data tagging of containers
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) at Nhava Sheva in
Raigad District of Maharashtra has become the first port
in India to implement logistics data bank tagging
system of containers. The first of its kind system has
been launched as part of Ease of Doing Business
initiatives implemented at JNPT Port. It focuses on
document, time and cost reduction for the benefit of trade. Under this system, a RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification Tag) tag will be attached to each container. It will help to track
containers through RIFD readers installed at different locations. The RFID would provide the
visibility and transparency of the exporters/importers (EXIM) container movement. It will cover
the entire movement of containers through rail or road to the ICDs (Inland Container Depot)
and CFSs (Container Freight Station).
NASAs Juno spacecraft successfully begins orbit of Jupiter
NASAs Juno spacecraft has successfully entered into the
orbit of Jupiter on 4th July 2016 and started orbiting solar
systems most massive planet. The spacecraft was launched
by NASA as part of its New Frontiers program in 2011 to
study Jupiters composition, gravity field, magnetic field,
and polar magnetosphere. The unmanned spacecraft has
been named after the Roman goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter who is considered as the god of
the sky in ancient Greco-Roman mythology. Juno is the first mission designed by NASA to see
beneath Jupiters clouds. It has travelled 2.7 billion kilometers since its launch to reach Jupiter.
19 new Ministers of State inducted in Union council of Ministers
Nineteen new Ministers of State (MoS)
were inducted in the Union Council of
Ministers in a major expansion. These new
ministers were administered oath of office
and secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This was the second
expansion of the NDA government led by PM Narendra Modi. Of the 19 new ministers, 17 are
from the BJP, one each from Apna Dal and RPI. Besides, induction of these new ministers,
Minister of State (MoS) Environment, Forests and Climate Change with independent charge,
Prakash Javdekar was elevated to the Cabinet rank.
July 6, 2016
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Tanzania in the field of
Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Tanzania in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine
and Homeopathy. The MoU will facilitate structured frame
work for the cooperation between both countries for the
promotion of Indian Traditional Systems of Medicine and
Homeopathy in Tanzania. The Union Ministry of AYUSH will provide the financial resources
necessary to conduct research, training courses and meetings through its existing plan schemes
and budget.
Worlds largest charkha unveiled at Delhis IGI airport
The worlds largest Charkha was unveiled at the
Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport
(IGI) in New Delhi. It was unveiled by the Union
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Kalraj
Mishra to remind Indias timeless heritage and the
values of sustainability and harmony that it stands for.
Features: The Charkha made from high-quality Burma teak wood. It weighs four-tones and is 9
feet wide, 17 feet tall and 30 feet long.
Union Cabinet Approves Interest Subvention Scheme for farmers for year 2016-17
The Union Cabinet has approved the Interest Subvention
Scheme for farmers for the year 2016-17. For this purpose
Union Government has earmarked a sum of 18,276 Crore
Rupees. The scheme will help farmers getting short term crop
loan payable within one year up to 3 lakhs Rupees at only 4%
per annum. Interest subvention for providing short term crop
loan to farmers has been provided to Public Sector, Private Sector, Cooperative, Regional Rural
banks and NABARD.
Para swimmer Niranjan Mukundan wins eight medals in 2016 IWAS World Games
Para swimmer Niranjan Mukundan has won eight medals
at the recently-concluded IWAS (International Wheelchair

and Amputee Sports) U-23 World Games held in Prague,
Czech Republic. Of the 8 medals Niranjan bagged three
gold medals in 50m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 50m
breaststroke events. He won two silver medals in 100m fly

and 50m freestyle, and three bronze medals in 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 100m
backstroke events. Earlier in the 2015 edition of the IWAS Games, Niranjan had created a record
for highest number of individual medals, raking in 10 medals in all the events that he
participated in.
Union Cabinet approves National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved a National Apprenticeship
Promotion Scheme (NAPS) for providing apprenticeship
training to over 50 lakh youngsters in order to create more
jobs. The Scheme has an outlay of 10,000 crore rupees and a
target of training 50 lakh apprentices by 2019-20. It will be
implemented by Director General of Training (DGT) under
the aegis of Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Union
Government for the first time will provide financial incentives to the employers to engage
apprentices. Union Government will directly share 25% of the total stipend payable to an
apprentice with employers.
SBI launches SBI Mingle, a social media banking platform
Indias largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) recently
had launched SBI Mingle, a social media banking
platform for Facebook and Twitter users. It was
launched by SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya, on

the occasion of 61st State Bank Day (observed on 1st
July). The SBI Mingle will allow SBIs customers to access various banking services via these
social platforms. To avail services from this platform, customers will have to register for it
through a simple one time registration process using either their social account number or their
ATM/Debit Card details.
July 7, 2016
Rajasthan becomes first state to introduce minimum wages for part time workers
Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to introduce
minimum wages for part time workers. In this regard, the Labour
Department has issued a notification. With this, part time workers
in the state now come under the Minimum Wages Act 1948. As per
the new rule, it is now mandatory for employer to pay 50% of the
prescribed a day minimum wage to a person who works for less
than four hours in a day. Besides, in another decision state government also has decided to
increase the minimum wages in all categories of scheduled employments by 104 Rupees per
month.
India ranks 91st in 2016 Networked Readiness Index
India was placed at 91st position in the recently released 2016
Networked Readiness Index (NRI) by the Geneva-based World
Economic Forum (WEF). The index was released as the part of the
WEFs Global Information Technology Report. It measures countries
success in creating the necessary conditions for a transition to a
digitized economy and society.
Top-ten countries in 2016 NRI: Singapore (1st) while Finland (2nd), Sweden (3rd), Norway
(4th), United States (5th), Netherlands (6th), Switzerland (7th), UK (8th), Luxembourg (9th) and
Japan (10th).
Among BRICS: Russia (41st), China (59th), South Africa (65th) and Brazil (72nd). Thus, India
was ranked the lowest.
China inducts largest homegrown Y-20 military transport plane
China inducted its largest indigenously-built
transport aircraft named as Y-20, marking a crucial

step in its Air Force history for improving its
strategic power projection capability. It is also
considered as a breakthrough for Chinese defence
sector especially in military aviation technology which will allow the worlds largest force to
transport cargo and troops over long distances in diverse weather conditions. The indigenously
designed and developed Y-20 officially joined the PLA Air Force in Chengdu. It is ideal for
transporting cargo and personnel over long distances in diverse weather conditions. It has a
maximum take-off weight of 200 tonnes.
World famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath begins
The annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannath began
different parts of the country. The festival is celebrated on second
day of Sukla Paksha i.e. the day in bright fortnight of Ashadha
month. It will see congregation of more than 10 lakh devotees. In
Odisha, the Rath Yatra in the coastal city of Puri began at 12th
century Jagannath temple. The nine-day-long festival marks the
annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balbhadra and sister Subhadra to the
Gundicha temple. They are taken in their respective chariots to the Gundicha temple, place of
their aunts house. During this traditional procession, the chariots carrying these deities are
pulled by thousands of devotees. The celebration ends nine days later with Bahuda Yatra or
return journey to their temple.
Union Government constitutes Shankar Acharya Committee to examine

desirability and feasibility of new financial year
The Union Finance Ministry has constituted four members committee to examine the feasibility
and desirability of having a new financial year. The committee
has been tasked to examine the merits and demerits of various
dates for the commencement of the financial year including the
existing date (April to March) by taking into account the
various relevant factors. Composition: The committee will be
headed by Dr. Shankar Acharya (former Chief Economic Adviser). Besides it will consist of PV
Rajaraman (former Finance Secretary, Tamil Nadu), KM Chandrasekhar (former Cabinet
Secretary) and Dr. Rajiv Kumar (Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research) as its members.
July 8, 2016
India, South Africa sign MoUs in four areas of co-operation
India and South Africa have signed Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) and agreements in four areas
of bilateral co-operation. These MoUs were signed in
presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South
African President Jacob Juma in Pretoria, South Africa.
PM Narendra Modi had arrived in South Africa from
Mozambique on the second leg of his four-nation tour of Africa. Besides, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi had one to one talk with the South African President Jacob Juma on various
issues. Both countries have agreed to cooperate in combating terrorism, regionally and globally.
They also focused on enhancing business and investment ties further in areas of minerals,
mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. India also thanked the South African President for
support to Indias NSG membership.
BRICS drug control meeting begins in New Delhi
The second anti-drug working group meeting of
heads of anti-narcotics agencies of BRICS countries
began in New Delhi to discuss issues related to
narco-terrorism and money laundering. The one day
meeting was inaugurated Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh. It has been organized by the Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB) of India. The meeting will see participation of delegates from the BRICS
(Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) member country. The Indian delegation will be
headed by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
India-Mozambique ink three agreements
India and Mozambique have signed three Memoranda of
Understanding (MoU) in areas of drug trafficking, pulse
trading and sports. These MoUs were signed between two
countries at Maputo, Mozambique in the presence of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Filipe Nyusi,
President of Mozambique.
Signed Agreements are
MoU on long term agreement for purchase of pulses.

MoU on cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports.
MoU on reduction of drug trafficking and psychotropic substances and related materials.
Astronomers discover HD 131399Ab, planet with three suns
A team of international astronomers for the first time have
sighted a Jovian planet orbiting a triple star system. The
planet has been named as HD 131399Ab. The strange
planet was sighted by team of astronomers led by
University of Arizona using the SPHERE instrument on

European Southern Observatorys (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile.
Significance of Discovery:
Usually binary solar systems (having two stars or suns) are relatively common in the universe,
but solar systems involving three stars or more are very rare.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives assent to Big Brother law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his assent to
the legislation consisting of a package of controversial
anti-terror amendments. The legislation is dubbed as Big
Brother law was adopted by the lower and upper houses
of Russian parliament in June 2016. The nick-name Big
Brother law was coined by Edward Snowden, US
intelligence contractor turned privacy activist. He has condemned the law despite being given
asylum in Russia. Boosts the surveillance powers for the security services and grants them
access to any users messages without any judicial oversight. Mandatory for communication
(network) service providers to store users calls, messages, photographs and videos for six
months and the metadata for up to three years.
South African writer Lidudumalingani wins 2016 Caine Prize
South African writer, filmmaker and photographer
Lidudumalingani has won the 17th edition of
prestigious Caine Prize 2016. He was bestowed with
this prestigious award for his short story Memories

We Lost. The winning short story explores how
traditional beliefs are used to tackle schizophrenia.
The story highlights the mental health through the relationship of two sisters in a South African
village, one of whom is schizophrenic and the other her protector. As the sisters situation
deteriorates the protector sister trusts a local man who employs traditional techniques to rid
people of their demons.
July 9, 2016
Nimi Sunilkumar wins Gourmand World Cookbook Award
Cookbook author and food blogger Nimi Sunilkumar has
won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for 2015-16.
She was bestowed with this award for her cookbook 4
oclock Temptations of Kerala. It was chosen for the award
in the Best Indian Cuisine Cookbook section. The
cookbook is enriched with photos and details of 54 recipes
from Kerala and each of these recipes are said to be specific
to each district. Nimi Sunilkumar has won award for the second time and earlier in 2013, her
Lip-smacking Dishes of Kerala was selected third Best Local Cuisine Book in the World
category.
Kerala Government imposes 14.5 per cent fat tax on Junk Food
Kerala Government has proposed a Fat Tax on fast
food items like burgers, pizzas, donuts and pasta etc.
served in branded restaurants in a bid to discourage the
junk food culture. The first-of its-kind move in the
country was announced in the maiden budget of the
CPI(M)-led LDF Government in Kerala presented by
Finance Minister Dr. T.M. Thomas Issac. The revised state budget for 2016-17 expects the Fat tax
will add an additional Rs.10 crore to the state coffers. The fat taxs major concern is with issues
related to public health more than revenue generation.
Union Government constitutes cyber cell to check online abuse and harassment
of women
The Union Ministry of Women and Child
Development (WCD) has constituted a cyber-cell to
check the online abuse and harassment of women
and children on social media platforms.
Announcement in this regard was made by Women
and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi
in New Delhi. The WCD Ministry has advised women and children to send their complaints, if
they are being abused or harassed on social media platforms using the hashtag
#IamTrolledHelp. The cyber-cell was constituted in the wake of reported increase in abuse or
harassment of women on social media. Besides, WCD Ministry will be working with Twitter
India to address abusive behaviour, violent threats (direct or indirect), harassment on social
media
IUCN declares Bornean orangutan critically endangered
Bornean orangutan, a primate species has been declared
critically endangered by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
The declaration was based on the assessment for the
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was carried out
earlier. IUCN assessment has found that population of
Bornean orangutans has dropped by nearly two-third since the early 1970s. It has projected that
their population will further decline to 47,000 animals by 2025 representing population loss of
86%. Bornean orangutan is a primate species native to the island of Borneo. Found only in the
wild in Sumatra island (Indonesia) and Borneo in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah
and Kalimantan.
West Bengal to set up three biotechnology hubs
The West Bengal Government has taken up a project to set
up three biotechnology hubs across the state to bring in
more biotechnology innovations to the State. The three
proposed biotechnology hubs will come in Bardhaman,
Kalimpong and Medinipur districts; they will help in the co-
ordination of various departments with the Biotechnology
Department in a better way. The Biotechnology Department of the State has already taken up an
elaborate scheme to not only tie up with other departments like Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Processing to increase the productivity and quality of various products, but to also provide
germ-free food to the common people.
July 10, 2016
Captain Radhika Menon: First woman to receive Exceptional Bravery award at

Sea
Captain Radhika Menon became the first woman in the world to receive the Award for
Exceptional Bravery at Sea for the year 2016 from the
International Maritime Organisation (IMO). She will be
bestowed with this award for saving the lives of seven
fishermen, whose hopes of survival were all over. The
award will be presented to her at the ceremony set to take
place at IMO Headquarters in London on 21 November
2016. She was chosen by 116th session of IMO Council meeting held in London. Captain Menon
had displayed great determination and courage in leading the difficult rescue operation in the
Bay of Bengal in June 2015. She had rescued all seven fishermen from the fishing boat
Durgamma, which was adrift following engine failure and loss of anchor in severe weather. For
this bravery she was nominated for the award by the Government of India.
Security forces cannot use excessive force in AFSPA areas Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that army and
paramilitary forces cannot use excessive and
retaliatory force during counter-insurgency operations
in disturbed areas declared disturbed under the
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958.
The verdict was given by SC bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit on
the plea filed by the Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM). In the plea
EEVFAM had sought a SIT probe into the killing of 1,528 persons by the Manipur Police and
security forces since 1978.
Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi passes away
Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, humanitarian and
ascetic Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away after a long battle with
kidney disease. He was 88. He was famously known as
Pakistans Father Teresa, Angel of Mercy and was Pakistans
most respected figure for his humanitarian work. Edhi was
born in 1928 to a family of memon traders in Bantvain

Gujarat (then undivided India). During partition he had
migrated to Karachi, Pakistan. In 1951, he started his welfare mission by opening his first home
for homeless and sick in the Kharadar area.
DRDO inks MoA with IITs for Centre for Propulsion Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
with IIT-Bombay and Madras to establish a bi-nodal
Centre of Propulsion Technology (CoPT) at the two

institutions. The initiative is aims to achieve synergy
between DRDO and IITs for channelising the research
efforts for developing products and related critical aerospace technologies. The Centre will
evolve mechanisms to facilitate execution of programmes related to propulsion technology. It
will engage both IITs as primary research nodes. It will also undertake advanced collaborative
research in the areas of critical defence technologies.
July 11, 2016
World Population Day is observed on July 11
The World Population Day is observed across the world
on July 11 to attention on the urgency and importance of
population issue. 2016 theme is Investing in teenage
girls. It focuses on the empowerment of teenage girls.
The theme highlights the importance of empowering
teenage girls by providing them access to basic
information about their health, human rights and reproductive rights so they become agents of
positive change in their communities. Many teenage girls around the globe face challenges to
get married early and then motherhood under the pressure of their communities or parents.
These girls lack access to basic information leaving them vulnerable to illness, injury and
exploitation.
India, Kenya ink seven agreements to deepen and expand cooperation
India and Kenya have signed seven agreements to
deepen and expand cooperation in a wide range of
areas. These agreements were signed in the presence of
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan
President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi. PM Narendra
Modi visited Kenya on the fourth and last leg of his four-
nation tour of Africa viz. Mozambique, South Africa,
Tanzania and Kenya. MoU on Defence Cooperation. MoU in the field of space Technology
partnership. Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Bilateral agreement on
exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic passports. MoU on Cooperation in the field of
National Housing Policy Development and Management.
51st Jnanpith Award conferred on Gujarati writer Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 51st Jnanpith
Award on renowned Gujarati writer and litterateur Dr.
Raghuveer Chaudhari at a function in New Delhi. He was
awarded with the Indias highest literary honour carrying
a cash prize, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of

Goddess Saraswati for the year 2015. He was born on 5
December 1938 in Bapupura near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He is novelist, poet, critic and a
Gandhian. He was a teacher at the Gujarat University until his retirement in 1998 His literary
work has been influenced by works of Gowardhan Ram Tripathi , Kaka Kalelkar and Suresh
Joshi.
First woman Chief Justice of Nepal Sushila Karki takes oath
Sushila Karki has become the first woman Chief Justice
of Nepal after taking oath of office and secrecy at a
special programme organised at the Presidential
Residence, Sheetal Niwas. She will head the judiciary till
June 6, 2017. The oath was administered by President
Bidya Devi Bhandari. Beside Karki, President Bhandari
has also administered oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chief Election
Commissioner Dr Ayodhi Prasad Yadav. Has done Masters in Political Science from Banaras
Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. Worked as an assistant teacher in Mahendra Multiple
Campus, Dharan in 1985. Began legal practice in March 1979. Appointed the Ad-Hoc Justice at
the Supreme Court in January, 2009.
India, Tanzania ink five agreements
India and Tanzania have signed five agreements to
accelerate bilateral ties between both nations. These
agreements were signed in Dar-es-Salaam in the presence
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian
President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli. PM Narendra

Modi visited Tanzania on the third leg of his four-nation
tour of Africa viz. Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. MoU for Establishment of
Vocational Training Centre at Zanzibar MoU on Visa waiver agreement for Diplomatic/Official
passport holders MoU on Cooperation in the field of water resource management and
development Line of Credit (LoC) of US 92 million dollars for rehabilitation and improvement
of water supply system in Zanzibar.
Portugal wins 2016 UEFA European football championship
Portugal has won the 2016 UEFA European football
championship (Euro Cup 2016) by defeating host
France. It was Portugals first UEFA European
Championship title. In the final match, played at Stade
de France (Paris, France) Portugal defeated France by 1-
0 goal score. The only goal for the Portugal team was
scored by der at 109 minute in the 11 minutes of extra time. With this victory, Portugal has
earned the right to compete at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia. Euro 2016
was the 15th edition of UEFA European football championship 2016. For the first time, the final
tournament was contested by 24 teams.
Second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant gets operational
The second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
(KNPP), Indias largest nuclear power plant in Tamil
Nadu became operational. The 1,000 Megawatt (MW)
capacity plant attained criticality after the second unit

became operational. Now the power generation of Unit
2 will be stepped up to full capacity of 1000 MW in phases and will be synchronized with the
grid. The criticality process of the Unit 2 was undertaken by the Nuclear Power Corporation of
India (NPCI), a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy which manages the plant. Earlier,
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) had given its consent to the NPCI to begin the
criticality process. Already, the first unit of the plant is generating 1000 MW power. So far it has
generated 10,006 million units of electricity.
July 12, 2016
SBI inks MoU with IIT Bombay to promote startups in financial sector
The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with the Society for Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay to promote
innovation by start-ups in the financial sector. The SINE is
IIT Bombays technology business incubator to promote
innovation by startups in the financial sector. SBI andboth the institutes will identify fintech
(financial technology) start-ups that have products or applications to cater to the financial
sector. These products or applications will identified by SBI and institutes to explore
opportunities to enhance the synergy for their banking services SBI will provide a platform for
testing or piloting such products and applications and maybe also check for any specific
business linkages.
Mahindra Aerostructures bags supply contract from Airbus
Mahindra Aerostructures, a subsidiary of Mahindra &
Mahindra have bagged a Tier 1 supplier contract to supply
airframe parts for Airbuss AS565 MBe Panther helicopter.
With this, Mahindra Aerostructures becomes the first Indian
company to receive a direct manufacturing contract from
Airbus (European aviation major) as a Tier 1 supplier. The
helicopter parts will be produced at Mahindras facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. They will be
shipped directly to the Airbus Helicopter production line in Marignane, France. In this facility
these parts will be integrated with the rest of the airframe assembly and will form a critical part
of the Panther helicopters sold worldwide.
Union Government launches Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has
launched a nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control
Fortnight (IDCF) to check child diarrhoeal deaths. The
IDCF drive was launched by Union Minister of Health
and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi. It will be
observed from 11th to 23rd July, 2016 across the country.
The IDCF drive is a very cost -effective intervention to curb the risk of spread of diarrhoea
which scales up during monsoon season Intensified community awareness campaigns on

hygiene and promotion of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and Zinc therapy will be conducted at
state, district and village levels.
Indias first Centre of Excellence on Internet of Things launched in Bengaluru
Indias first Centre of Excellence on Internet of Things
(CoE IoT) was launched in Bengaluru, Karnataka by
the National Association of Software and Services
Companies (NASSCOM). The centre was launched at
NASSCOMs Startup Warehouse in Bengaluru to

encourage start-ups to come up with tech solutions centred on Internet of Things (IoT). The
CoE IoT has been jointly set up NASSCOM, Department of Electronics and Information
Technology (DEITY) and Education and Research Network (ERNET). It is also supported by
Cisco, Accenture, HCL Technologies, Intel, TCS, Qualcomm and L&T Technology Services,
among others. It has been created as a catalyst for developing the IoT SME/Startup ecosystem of
the country to scale for industrial and societal needs.
Sanjay Gupta appointed CMD of Konkan Railway Corporation
Sanjay Gupta has been appointed as chairman and managing
director (CMD) of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited
(KRCL). He is ex-Indian Railway Services of Mechanical
Engineering (IRSME) officer. With this appointment he
becomes youngest ever officer to be appointed as CMD of
KRCL. Prior to his elevation, he was working as director
(operating and commercial) of Konkan Railway from 2013.

Besides he was also looking after the post of CMD after superanuation of the previous
incumbent B P Tayal in November 2015. Sanjay Gupta has a rich experience of more than 30
years as a mechanical officer of Indian Railways. He has worked on several prestigious and
coveted posts as well as on various assignments over the Railways.
July 13, 2016
Theresa May takes over as second woman Prime Minister of United Kingdom
Conservative party leader Theresa May (59) became Prime Minister
of United Kingdom after meeting Queen Elizabeth II. She succeeds
David Cameron, who had resigned in the wake of Brexit
referendum that ended his six-year-long stint as the Prime Minister
of Britain. With this, she became UKs second-ever female Prime
Minister after Margaret Thatcher (in office from 1979-1990). Prior to entering front-line politics,
Theresa May has worked with the Bank of England from 1977 to 1983. She had served as a
councillor for the London Borough of Merton from 1986 to 1994. She is Member of Parliament
for Maidenhead since 1997.
INS India, base depot ship of Indian Navy at New Delhi celebrates Platinum
Jubilee
INS India, the base depot ship of Indian Navy at New Delhi
celebrated its 75th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) on 13 July
2016. As a run up to celebrate this grand occasion, a series of
events were organised. A Health Run and a Dream Walk
was organised. A blood donation camp was also organised.
INS India was established as HMIS India in 1941 as small
unit with a complement of just a handful of officers and

sailors. It was rechristened as INS India on 26 Jan 1950. The
base depot ship has the privilege of being the Flagship of the Chief of the Naval Staff. It is now a
major establishment in New Delhi with a plethora of duties and responsibilities.
Union Government Arvind Subramanian committee to tackle the shortage of

pulses
The Union Government has recently constituted a high-level committee headed by Chief
Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian to tackle the shortage of pulses
in India. The committee was constituted by the high-level meeting
chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi. The committee
is tasked to study and suggest ways to contain the rising prices of
pulses in the country. The committee will consider a reasonable hike in
the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses and bonus for the farmers
to promote pulse cultivation.
China has no historic rights over South China Sea: Hague Tribunal
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Hague,
the Netherlands has rejected Chinas claims to
economic rights across large swathes of South China
Sea. Ruling in this regard was given by a five-member

tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of
Arbitration in Hague in a case brought by the
Philippines. The ruling came from an arbitration tribunal under the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which both China and Philippines have signed. The ruling is
binding but the tribunal has no powers for enforcement.
Union Government notifies AADHAR Act giving UIDAI legal basis
The Union Government has notified the UIDAI (Terms
and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Members)
Rules, 2016 to give legal status to Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI). These rules have been
framed as per provisions of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery
of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services)
Act, 2016. These rules have detail provisions for appointment of its chairperson and members.
The chairperson of UIDAI will be selected on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection
committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. Besides, Secretaries of Department of Personnel
and Training, Finance and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) and
two experts will be its members.
D Rajkumar appointed as CMD of BPCL
Technocrat D Rajkumar was appointed as the
new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). He

will succeed BPCLs current chief S Varadarajan
who is retiring on September 2016.He has been
appointed to the post for five-year term.
Presently, D Rajkumar is working as Managing Director of Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, a unit of
BPCL focused on exploration and production. Apart from him, Utpal Bora was been appointed
as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil India Limited (OIL). Bora was
selected on the recommendation of a three-member search-cum-selection Committee headed by
Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha.
July 14, 2016
Union Cabinet approves revival of defunct Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri

and Barauni
The Union Cabinet has approved the revival of three
fertilizers defunct Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri
and Barauni. The three fertilizers units are: (i) Barauni
(Bihar) unit of Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation
Limited (HFCL), (ii) Urea unit of Fertilizer Corporation
India Limited (FCIL) at Sindri (Jharkhand) and (iii) Urea
unit of FCIL at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh). These fertilizers units would be revived by means of
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Public Sector Units (PSUs) through nomination route. The
SPV will include Coal India Limited (CIL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC),
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and FCIL/HFCL. Revival of these fertilizers units will
help to meet the growing demand of urea of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Union Cabinet approves facilities extended to persons residing in India on Long

Term Visa
The Union Cabinet has extended numerous facilities to
persons from minority communities of Afghanistan,
Pakistan and Bangladesh namely Hindus, Buddhists,
Jains, Sikhs, Parsis and Christians staying in India on
Long Term Visa (LTV). Decision in this regard was taken
by Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The move is aims at easing out the difficulties being faced by
minority communities. Some of the approved facilities include opening of bank account,
permission for purchase of property for self-occupation and suitable accommodation.
CCEA approves disinvestment of 15% in NBCC
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved the disinvestment of 15% paid up equity
of National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited
(NBCC). Decision in this regard was taken by CCEA
meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in

New Delhi. The disinvestment of 15% will done out of
Union Governments 90% shareholding. The disinvestment would result in estimated receipts
of approximately 1,706 crore rupees to the Government. However, the actual realization amount
of receipts will depend upon the market conditions and the investor interest prevailing at the
time of actual disinvestment.
Peru declares Zika emergency across northern half of the country
Peru has declared Zika outbreak as a health
emergency across the northern half of the country
after 102 people were infected with the virus. The 90-
day health emergency was declared to prevent the
spread of the disease. So far 34 cases of disease
(principally transmitted by mosquitos) were detected
in pregnant women. A major Zika outbreak in Perus neighbouring country Brazil has caused
nearly 1,600 birht of babies with the birth defect due to microcephaly i.e. abnormally small
heads and brains. In adults and children the disease usually causes only mild, flu-like
symptoms and a rash. But it has been linked to neurological problems such as a potentially fatal
paralysis known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Union Government launches Operation Sankat Mochan to evacuate Indian

citizens from South Sudan
The Union Government has started the operation Sankat Mochan to evacuate Indian citizens
stranded in South Sudans capital Juba. Sankat Mochan
in Hindi means reliever from troubles. The operation is
being undertaken by Indian Air Force (IAF) and will be
headed by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External
Affairs General (Retd.) VK Singh. Two heavy-lift C-17
military transport aircrafts have been deployed by UIAF in service to make the evacuation. The
Indian Ambassador in South Sudan Srikumar Menon and his team is organising this operation
on the ground.
July 15, 2016
11th ASEM summit begins in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The eleventh edition of Asia-Europe Meeting Summit
(ASEM11) or ASEM2016 began in Ulaanbaatar, the capital
of Mongolia. The theme of the Summit is Partnership for
the Future through Connectivity. World leaders including
from the leaders of 51 member countries and the
representatives of European Union and Asian are attending the two day summit. Indian
delegation is led by Vice President Mohmmad Hamid Ansari. Indias agenda for the summit is
to push the efforts to boost inter-continental connectivity. ASEM2016 is being held in the new
world environment following Britains exit from the European Union and a global economic
slowdown.
India, ADB sign $100 Million Loan pact on Cauvery basin development
India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed
a 100 million dollars loan agreement for irrigation projects,
drainage system and water management in Vennar sub-
basin of Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu. The project seeks to
improve water management and strengthen embankments
of 6 major irrigation water channels in Vennar system.
Cauvery river basin is a critical source of water for agriculture in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring
states. The vast majority of the deltas population is engaged in farming and fishing. Earlier due
to lack of investment the left irrigation system was unable to meet user demand and
increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts.
Harika Dronavalli wins Fide Womens Grand Prix trophy of Chess
Indias Chess Grand Master Harika Dronavalli has won the Fide
Womens Grand Prix trophy in Chendu, China. It was her
maiden career GP title. She won this title by defeating Russias
Olga Girya. She finished on 7 points in the round robin
tournament which had featured worlds top 12 players. On the
other hadnd India Grand Master Koneru Humpy too rounded

off her campaign with a victory to also finish on 7 points. But
Harika was declared winner for finishing with a better tie-break record in the tournament.
KVR Murthy appointed as CMD of Jute Corporation of India Limited
KVR Murthy was appointed as the Chairman-cum-Managing
Director (CMD) of the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCIL). He
will have tenure of five years or till the date of his superannuation,
whichever is earlier. Prior to this appointment he was serving as the
Chief Commercial Manager of Eastern Railways. JCIL is a nodal
agency of Union Government that assists jute cultivators by providing minimum price support
(MSP) and also work as a helping hand in the raw jute sector.
DRDO successfully tests New Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
The Defence Research and Development Organization
(DRDO) successfully conducted proof firing tests of
Armament system for 155 mm x 52 calibre New
Advanced Towed Artillery Artillery Gun System
(ATAGS). The tests were conducted as part of
technical trials at Proof & Experimental Establishment
(PXE) in Balasore, Odisha. ATAGS is fully indigenously built towed artillery gun system
undertaken in mission mode by DRDO as a part of artillery modernisation programme of
Indian Army. Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) is the
nodal laboratory of DRDO for design and development of ATAGS along with collaboration of
other DRDO laboratories.
Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi appointed as Chairman of CBSE
Senior IAS officer Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi has been
appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE). His appointment was

made by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet
(ACC) headed by Prime Minister Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. He has been appointed for a period of
five years. Rakesh Kumar Chaturvedi is a 1987 batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre. As a
bureaucrat he has wide-ranging rich experience in the commerce and revenue departments. The
CBSE is a Board of Education for public and private schools, under the Union Government. It
affiliates all Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), private
schools and most of the schools approved by Union Government.
World Youth Skills Day is observed on July 15
The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on
15 July every year to raise awareness about the
importance of investing in youth skills development.
Significance of Day: Create more awareness on
training and the development of skills for the youth
of today. Create better employment opportunities for the youth.
2016 Theme: Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment. On the occasion, United
Nations had organised the event facilitated by the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi. It
was co-organized with the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Portugal to the UN along wth
UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
July 16, 2016
Tata Advanced Systems signs deal with Bell Helicopter
Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and US-based Bell
Helicopter have signed a deal to jointly develop the
helicopter market in India. The agreement seeks to
support of Indias aviation and defence modernization
initiatives with an emphasis on Make in India. Both
companies will jointly develop the helicopter market in
India, including potential production and assembly, training, maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO). They will also undertake research and development (R&D) and technology sharing.
They will develop both commercial and government (including military) rotary wing markets
in India.
Union Government launches Transforming India website
The Union Government has launched Transforming India
Website (www.transformingindia.mygov.in), a
repository for sharing the impact of various governance
initiatives with citizens in real-time. It was launched by the
Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology
and Law & Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi. The
website provides community based platform facilitates for
two-way communication between the government and citizens. It is also a social platform on
which users can share their opinions about various initiatives of the government. The key facet
of the website is to promote accountability in major national initiatives, act as a repository of
major policies and decisions of Union Government. It also seeks to provide a central platform to
citizens for sharing of transformational changes that they see around themselves.
Lifeline Express: Worlds first hospital on a train completes 25 years of service
The Lifeline Express, the worlds first hospital on a

train of Indian Railways has completed 25 years of
service to the poor and underprivileged masses of
rural India. To mark the occasion and celebrate the
success of the train a function was held in Mumbai,

Maharashtra. The Lifeline Express is also known as the Magic Train of India. It was launched on
16 July 1991. The Lifeline Express has the distinction of being the first ever hospital-on-rails in
the world. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment to cater to the
needs of the rural patients.
Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to have Happiness Department
Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to have
Happiness Department that will work as knowledge resource
centre on the subject of happiness on the lines of Bhutan.
Decision to set up Happiness Department was taken by the state
cabinet meeting presided by chief minister Shivraj Singh
Chouhan. The Happiness Department will will work under a
working committee headed by a chairman. The committee will evaluate the states gross
happiness. The department will prepare guidelines for coordination between different
departments like women and child development, health, and sports for propagating happiness
in the state.
Nalanda Mahavihara enters UNESCOs World Heritage Site list
The ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara (also
known as old Nalanda University) of Bihar has been

included in the List of UNESCOs World Heritage
Site. Nalanda Mahavihara ruins comprise the
archaeological remains of monastic-cum-scholastic
from the 5th century BC to the 13th century AD. It located near Patna, state capital of Bihar and
is 26th cultural site of India to get prestigious world heritage status. Nalanda Mahavihara was
founded by Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty in 5th century CE. It was the earliest planned
university of the Indian subcontinent. It was patronized by various rulers including King
Harshavardhana of Kannauj (7th century CE) and the Pala rulers (8th to 12th century CE) as
well as various scholars. Nalanda was considered as a rare combination of outstanding
achievements in institution-building, site-planning, art and architecture.
July 17, 2016
11th ASEM Summit issues Ulaanbaatar Declaration
The eleventh edition of the Asia-Europe Meeting
Summit (ASEM11) or ASEM2016 has issued
Ulaanbaatar Declaration. The declaration has reaffirmed
ASEMs commitment for greater partnership through
informal political dialogue and initiatives in economic
and socio-cultural fields. It also has expressed its
commitment for united fight against terrorism and violent extremism. ASEM will enhance its
partnership in order to meet the aspirations of the people for peace and stability, sustainable
development, economic prosperity and a better quality of life. It will strive to further strengthen
Asia-Europe multi-dimensional and people-centered partnership. It will also focus on
countering terrorism, maritime security and safety, fighting piracy and armed robbery at sea, as
well as drug and human trafficking.
Pema Khandu sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
Pema Khandu (36) of Congress Party was sworn in as the
10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. With this,he
became the youngest Chief Minister in the country. He was
administered the oath to office and secrecy by Governor
Tathagata Roy at the Rajbhavan in Itanagar. Besides,
Chowna Mein was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
Pema Khandu was selected as CM of Arunachal Pradesh after he had staked claim to power on
the basis of the support of 45 party MLAs along with 2 independents in the 60-member House
with an effective strength of 58. Now he has to prove his majority in the floor test. He is also
supported by the ousted Chief Minister Khaliko Pul, who has returned to the Congress party
with 30 dissident Congress MLAs.
Union Commerce Ministry launches e-marketplace portal for goods procurement
The Union Commerce Ministry has launched an e-
marketplace portal for online purchase of goods and
services by various central government ministries and
departments. It was launched by the Union Minister of

State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman
in New Delhi. The e-marketplace portal has been
developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D). The e-marketplace
portal aims at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement of
goods and services.
UNESCO announces 9 new World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), the UN cultural agency added nine
new sites on its World Heritage List. Decision in this regard
was taken at the 40th session of The World Heritage
Committee meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. With these
inclusions, the recorded sites on the World Heritage now
stand at 981 which include both cultural and natural wonders.
July 18, 2016
SpaceX successfully launches Dragon Cargo capsule using Falcon 9 rocket
SpaceX successfully launched its Dragon Cargo capsule
filled with supplies for astronauts aboard the
International Space Station (ISS). The Dragon Cargo
capsule was launched using SpaceXs workhorse Falcon 9
rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. After successful
take off, the Falcon 9 rocket separated from cargo after sending in into orbit. Then the first stage
of the rocket successfully landed back on the solid ground in Cape Canaveral at the NASA
facility. This is SpaceXs second attempt at delivering the docking port after Falcon 9 rocket
exploded two minutes after liftoff in 2015. The launch was resupply mission for NASA and the
capsule was carrying equipments that were lost in 2015 explosion. The capsule is carrying about
23000 kilograms of cargo, including ferrying instruments to perform the first-ever DNA
sequencing in space.
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed on July 18
Every year Nelson Mandela International Day (also
known as Madela Day) is observed across the
world on 18 July to mark birth anniversary of Nobel
Peace Prize laureate and former South African
President Nelson Mandela. 2016 theme is Take
Action, Inspire Change. Significance of the day is
Observance of this day seeks to celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to
transform the world, the ability to make an impact. It aims to inspire individuals to take action
to help change the world for the better.
Turkish musician Kudsi Erguner named UNESCO Artist for Peace
Turkish musician Kudsi Erguner was appointed as the
UNESCO Artist for Peace by the Director-General of
UNESCO, Irina Bokova. He was appointed after the opening
ceremony of the 40th session of the World Heritage
Committee (WHC) held in Istanbul, Turkey. He was named
UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of his Efforts to
promote the universal values of music, an essential instrument of dialogue between cultures.
Contribution to the protection of musical heritage, his support for the International Decade of
the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022). Unwavering commitment to the ideals of the
Organization.
Dipika Pallikal Karthik, Saurav Ghosal win 73rd Senior National Squash
Championship
Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Saurav Ghosal have won the 73rd Senior National Squash
Championship in mens and womens single categories

respectively. The 73rd Senior National Squash
Championship was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 12
July to 17 July 2016. Top seed Saurav Ghosal won the Senior
National Squash Championship in mens single categories.
He defeated Harinderpal Singh Sandhu by 11-7, 7-11, 3-11,
11-8, 14-12 score. With this win, Ghosal created a history by winning the title for the 11th time.
He broke the previous record of RK Narpat Singhs 10 titles win who had won it from 1946 to
1955.
HDFC becomes first Indian Company to issue masala bonds
The Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) has
become the first Indian company to issue rupee-denominated
bonds masala bonds on London Stock Exchange (LSE). The
bond will help HDFC, Indias biggest mortgage lender (home
finance company) to diversify its borrowing profile and
access global investors. With this issuance of masala bonds,
HDFC is planning to raise 750 million dollars from the

overseas market during the current financial year. Earlier in September 2015, the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) had allowed companies to raise rupee-denominated bonds in order to reduce the
risk of borrowing in foreign currencies. Since then Private and public sector companies have
lined up plans to issue masala bonds. State-owned NTPC, Indian Railway Finance Corporation
(IRFC) and India Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) also have planned to raise funds
through masala bonds.
UP Government, Netherlands ink MoU for setting up skill development Center for
farmers
The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a MoU
(Memorandum of Understanding) with the Netherlands to set
up a skill development center to help farmers The MoU was
signed by Dutch Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga and UP
Chief Secretary Deepak Singhal in presence of Chief Minister
Akhilesh Yadav. The MoU would ensure that farmers would
get information in food processing and modern techniques for

better produce of sugarcane, potato, dairy development and flowers. The Skill Development
Centre established under this MoU aims to improve the cultivation skills of farmers.
July 19, 2016
Guruprasad Mohapatra appointed as Chairman of Airports Authority of India
Senior IAS officer Guruprasad Mohapatra was appointed as
Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). Prior to this
appointment he was working as Joint Secretary in Union
Ministry of Commerce from the past two years. He is a 1986
batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer. He is the youngest son of noted
litterateur late Mohapatra Nilamani Sahoo from Odisha. Earlier
he had served in the Sales Tax department of Gujarat as Special Commissioner (Enforcement).
He was the Joint MD of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). He also had
served as a Commissioner of Commercial Taxes and as the Commissioner of Transport in
Gujarat.
Indias first e-court opened at Hyderabad High Court
Indias first e-court (paperless court) was opened
at High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad which
is the common high court for the states of Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana. It was inaugurated by
Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur
who heads the e-Committee of the Supreme
Court. The purpose of e-court is to ensure speedy justice for the litigants. The e-Courts will
ensure easy and better access to justice for public. It will also provide solution for large number
of pending cases in the country. It will also make the work of judges, advocates and all those
related with judiciary a lot more effective.
CBDT inks 7 Advance Pricing Agreements to cut tax litigation
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has
signed seven unilateral Advance Pricing
Agreements (APAs) with Indian taxpayers to
reduce tax litigation. With this, CBDT has so far
entered into 77 APAs. This includes three bilateral
APAs and 74 unilateral APAs. These 7 APAs signed
pertain to various sectors like banking, information technology and automotives. Some of these
APAs have rollback provisions. APA usually is signed between a taxpayer and the central tax
authority (in case of India it is CBDT) on an appropriating transfer pricing methodology for
determining the value of assets and taxes on intra-group overseas transactions. It seeks to
introduce certainty in tax law by reducing compliance costs and make tax regime investment
friendly.
Fourth tranche of Sovereign Gold Bond scheme opened for subscription
The fourth tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
scheme opened for subscription. SGB is government
securities denominated in grams of gold. It offers an

alternative to holding gold in physical form. The
scheme was launched by the Union Government in
October 2015. Government has fixed 3,119 Rupees per
gram as the issue price for the bond in this tranche. The scheme will be open till 22 July 2016.
The bond can be purchased from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock
Exchange (BSE). Besides, all Bank branches and select Post Offices and Stock Holding
Corporation of India Limited will also issue it.
Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia
Malcolm Turnbull was sworn as Prime Minister of Australia
for second term after a narrow victory in the federal election.
He became the 29th Prime Minister of the country. He was
administered oath to the office by Governor-General Peter
Cosgrove, Queen Elizabeth IIs representative in Australia. In
the 2016 Australian federal election, Liberal/National Coalition led by Malcolm Turnbull had
won a one-seat majority of 76 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives. While the
opposition Labor Party won 69 seats. The 2016 federal election was a double dissolution election
to elect members of the 45th Parliament of Australia.
Indian Railways to install TRI-NETRA to reduce train accidents
The Indian Railways has initiated process to launch the
Terrain Imaging for Diesel Drivers- Infrared Enhanced
Optical and Radar Assisted (Tri-NETRA) system to
avoid train accidents. The system will be installed on

locomotives for enhancing the vision of Locomotive
Pilots in inclement weather. The device uses infrared and radar technology to collect signals up
to a distance of 2-3 km and displays the information (composite video image) on a screen fitted
inside the locomotive. The Tri-Netra will alert the drivers of any physical obstruction on
railway tracks ahead and thus give ample time for the driver to apply the brakes to prevent
train accidents. It will be very useful during fog, heavy rain and nights, when drivers have to
constantly look outside the locomotive to judge the condition.
July 20, 2016
SC accepts Lodha committees recommendations on structural reforms in BCCI
The Supreme Court has accepted major recommendations of
Lodha Committee on reforms in BCCI (Board of Control for
Cricket in India), the worlds richest cricketing body. The
committee had submitted its recommendations to Supreme
Court in January 2016. The committee was constituted by SC
to bring structural reforms in the country after it had come under the scanner for its opaque
functioning and conflict of interests among its top office-bearers. Barring ministers and civil
servants and those above 70 years of age from becoming BCCI members. An office-bearer of
BCCI cannot hold a post for more than three years. Parliament to decide whether BCCI should
come under the Right to Information Act (RTI).
Indian hockey player Mohammed Shahid passes away
Noted Indian hockey player Mohammed Shahid passed
away due to multiple organ failure in Gurugram,
Haryana. He was 56. Mohammed Shahid was a member
of the V Baskaran-led Indian team that won a Gold
medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was born on
April 14, 1960, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He had made his first appearance for India at
international level in the junior team in 1979 at the Junior World Cup held in France. He was
considered one of Indias greatest hockey players. He was known for his dribbling skills. He
was also a member of the Indian hockey team that had won silver medal at the 1982 Asian
Games and bronze medal at the 1986 Asian Games.
Rajya Sabha passes Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill,
2012
The Rajya Sabha unanimously passed Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment
Bill, 2012. The Bill seeks to amend the Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 to
widen the scope of the law against child labour
and stricter punishments for violations.

Prohibition of employment of children below 14 years in all occupations or processes except
where child helps his family. Addition of a new category of persons called adolescent. They
are person between 14 and 18 years of age. Prohibition of employment of adolescents in
hazardous occupations as specified (mines, hazardous processes and inflammable substance).

Empowers Union Government to add or omit any hazardous occupation from the list included
in the Bill.
Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Mozambique
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of the Air

Services Agreement between India and Mozambique.
Presently there is no Air Services Agreement between both
countries. In order to promote the air connectivity between
them, the two sides had initiated the process of
consultation in 2011 to finalize the text of Air Services Agreement. The draft text of the Air
Services Agreement (ASA) was finalized in consultation with Union Ministry of Finance, Union
Ministry of External Affairs and Union Ministry of Law & Justice. Each party will designate
multiple Airlines. The designated Airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing
arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and that of a Third party.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Tunisia in field of ICT and Digital
Economy
The Union Cabinet has apprised of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Tunisia
for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and
Digital Economy. The MoU was signed between both
countries in June 2016 during official state visit of Vice
President Mohammad Hamid Ansari to Tunisia. The MoU intends to foster active cooperation
and exchange between private entities, Governments, institutions involved in the field of ICT
and Digital Economy. It also seeks to enhance capacity building and other public and private
organisations of the two countries in the field of ICT and Digital Economy.
NITI Aayog, Intel India ink SoI to set up Atal Tinkering Lab Initiative for young
innovators
The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India)
Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with tech
giant Intel India to set up Atal Tinkering laboratories
(ATL) under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). The
aim of Atal Tinkering laboratories is to cultivate adaptive learning and innovation skills among
young minds in the country. Initially 10 laboratories will be established as part of total 500
laboratories. Intel India, subsidiary of US technology company Intel will invest $15 million for
building and managing these 500 ATLs. These labs will foster young minds in adaptive
learning, physical computing and developing a design mindset among students.
July 21, 2016
Union Cabinet approves establishment of new AIIMS at Gorakhpur
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for establishment of new
All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Gorakhpur in
Uttar Pradesh. It will be established under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya
Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) which aims at correcting imbalances in the
availability of affordable healthcare facilities in different parts of
country and also augmenting facilities for quality medical education in under-served states. The
AIIMS, Gorakhpur will have a hospital with capacity of 750 beds which will include
Emergency/Trauma Beds, AYUSH Beds, Super Specialty beds and Private Beds and ICU
Specialty. In addition, it will have an Administration Block, Auditorium, AYUSH Block, Night
Shelter, residential facilities and Hostels. The cost of project for establishment of the AIIMS
Gorakhpur will be 1011 crore rupees. It does not include recurring costs (wages, salaries and
operation & maintenance expenses).
CCEA approves Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has given its approval for installation of Ghatampur
Thermal Power Project (GTPS) in Ghatampur, Uttar
Pradesh. The GTPC project has capacity of 1980 MW (3 X
660 MW) and would be installed through a Joint Venture
(JV) Company named Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL). NUPPL is formed jointly
by Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan
Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL). The project will be implemented at an estimated cost of 17,237.8
crore rupees including Interest During Construction component of 3,202.42 crore rupees. The
commissioning of Unit I, II and III of the plant will be in 52 months, 58 months and 64 months
respectively from starting date.
Union Cabinet approves incorporation of Sagarmala Development Company
The Union Cabinet has approved the incorporation of
Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) to give a push to
port-led economic development under ambitious Sagarmala
project. SDC will be incorporated under the Companies Act,
2013, with an initial authorized share capital of 1,000 crore
rupees and a subscribed share capital of 90 Crore rupees. SDC

will be under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Shipping. It will provide
equity support to the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and funding support to the
residual projects under the Sagarmala Programme. Implementation of the identified projects
will be taken up mainly through private or PPP mode. It will also provide equity support for
the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
ECI launches National Electoral Roll Purification 2016
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched National
Electoral Roll Purification (NERP) 2016 across the country. The

2016 motto of the ECI is No voter to be left behind. The
NERP 2016 programme aims to improve health of electoral
rolls (ERs) and optimize the polling station (PS) location and
area. Besides, it also seeks to correct errors in electoral rolls and enrolment of all eligible
citizens, among other things.
Turkey declares three-month state of emergency after a failed military coup
Turkey has declared three-month state of
emergency after a failed military coup to

overthrow the democratically elected
government. Announcement in this regard was
taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top

security advisers in Ankara. Three-month state of emergency was declared as measure to
counter threats to Turkish democracy. The emergency allows officials to set curfews, issue
search and arrests warrants and restrict gatherings. The 2016 military coup in Turkey was
attempted against the ruling Justice and Development Party Government led by President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However it failed to overthrow ruling democratically elected
government and ended one day later. The coup was carried out by a faction within the Turkish
Armed Forces under a council calling itself the Peace at Home Council. It had attempted to
seize control of several key places in Istanbul, Ankara and elsewhere across the Turkey.
India, Japan ink Social Security Agreement
India and Japan have signed a Social Security
Agreement (SSA) and will come into force on 1
October 2016. The SSA will benefit Indian and
Japanese professionals and skilled workers working
in each others country and will also boost bilateral business linkages. The SSA will help avoid
double social security contributions i.e. Indian worker on a short-term contract in Japan will be
exempt from making a social security contribution there vice versa. This exemption will be
provided to Indian worker, only if he is covered under the social security system of India and
continues to pay his contribution during period of overseas contract.
July 22, 2016
PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of AIIMS and fertilizer plant in

Gorakhpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of All
India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and revival of
fertilizer factory plant in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The fertilizer
factory plant belongs to the Fertilizer Corporation India Ltd
(FCIL) and was lying idle since 1990s. It would be revived
through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of public sector units
(PSUs) at an estimated cost of 6,000 crore Rupees. NTPC, Coal India Limited (CIL) and Indian
Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) have formed a joint venture in this regard. The plant is expected to
offer 3,000-4,000 jobs to skilled workforce in the state and will also ensure easy availability of
urea to farmers.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey appointed as CEO of UIDAI
Senior IAS officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey was appointed as
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI). His appointment was confirmed
by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ajay Bhushan Pandey is a
1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of
Maharashtra cadre. Prior to this appointment he was serving
as Director General of the UIDAI since August 2015.
PM Narendra Modi, Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurate Petrapole Integrated Check

Post
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister
of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the
Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP). It was inaugurated
by both leaders through video-conferencing. Chief
Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee also had
participated in the video-conference. Petrapole ICP is
located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Petrapole is the Indian side of Petrapole-
Benapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh. Its commissioning will foster
greater economic integration and connectivity between India and Bangladesh. It is second ICP
on India-Bangladesh border after Agartala ICP located at Agartala (India)-Akhaura
(Bangladesh) land border.
7 Indian companies on 2016 Fortune 500 list
Seven Indian companies have made it to the latest Fortune 500 list
of the worlds biggest corporations in terms of revenue. Fortune
500 list is an annual ranking of the worlds wealthiest companies,
compiled and published by the American business magazine
Fortune and published globally by Time Inc. In it companies are
ranked by total revenues for their respective fiscal year which has
ended on or before March 31, 2015. Revenue figures of companies
mainly include their consolidated subsidiaries, reported revenues from the discontinued
operations and excluding excise taxes.
NDMC ink MoU with NEERI to develop sewage treatment plants
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has
signed a MoU with National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to develop
12 sewage treatment plants (STP). NEERI will
provide its expertise in this field and the treatment
plants to help NDMC to irrigate its parks in a bid to
develop green areas and revamp big and small parks. The 12 STP projects of NDMC will also
help increase the green cover in NDMC areas and curb dust pollution. In the first phase, 12
STPs will be installed across in NDMC areas. Each plant will have a capacity of treating sewage
water ranging from 50,000-1 lakh litres. All these plants will be connected to all parks of NDMC
which will help the horticulture department to maintain the parks. These plants will be also
installed at schools also and after reviewing the first phase, it will expand it to other areas as
well.
July 23, 2016
Kerala Tourism wins two Gold Gongs at PATA Awards
The Kerala Tourism has won two Gold Gongs at the Pacific Asia
Travel Association (PATA) Awards in recognition of its trend
setting marketing initiatives. Kerala Tourism won the awards in
the Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media and E-Newsletter
categories respectively. These two Gold Gongs will be presented at
the PATA Gold Awards Luncheon and Presentation scheduled to
be held on 9 September 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. In the Travel Advertisement Broadcast
Media category, Visit Kerala television commercial campaign was chosen for the award. While
in E-Newsletter category, Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter was chosen. Earlier in 2015, Kerala
Tourism had won PATA Gold in the Heritage and Culture category for its Muziris Heritage
Project.
Legendary modern artist S H Raza passes away
Legendary modern Indian artist Syed Haider Raza passed
away in New Delhi following a prolonged illness. He was
94. He was best known for popularising Indian concepts of
art and iconography globally and was also building a
towering legacy of modern art. He was born in 1922 in
Babaria in Madala district of Madhya Pradesh. He took to drawing at the age of 12. He was
alumni of Nagpur School of Art (1939-43), J J School of Art in Mumbai (1943-47). He also had
studied art in Paris (1950-1953). In his painting he depicted concepts like purush-prakriti,
bindu and nari especially in his recognisable geometric abstract works. He had lived in Paris
for six decades and had set up studios there. He had returned to India in 2011.
Ganesh Singh appointed Chariman of JPC for Land Acquisition Bill
BJP Lok Sabha member Ganesh Singh was appointed as Chairman
of the Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) to examine provisions of
the Land Acquisition Amendment Bill, 2015. With this, Ganesh
Singh replaces S S Ahluwalia who was appointed Minister of the
State (MoS) for Parliamentary Affairs in the council of ministers
reshuffle in July 2016. It should be noted that Minister cannot be

appointed as member of any Parliamentary Committee. Ganesh Singh is a member of the 16th
Lok Sabha. He represents the Satna constituency of Madhya Pradesh. He was also member of
13th and 14th Lok Sabha. This is seventh extension of the term of the JCP on the Land
Acquisition Amendment Bill, 2015 which must be approved by resolution in Parliament. The
joint committee will comprise of 30-members- 20 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from the
Rajya Sabha.
Virat Kohli becomes first Indian captain to score double century outside India
Indian test team captain Virat Kohli became the first Indian
captain to score a double century outside India. He achieved

feat after scoring 200 runs against West Indies on second day of
the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium in Antigua,
North Sound. Virat Kohli is only third captain who have
managed to score double century in a Test match vs West
Indies in the Carribean. Other two are Englands Len Hutton (205 in 1953-54) and Australias
Bobby Simpson (201 in 1964-65). Besides, he also broke Mohammed Azharuddins long-
standing record of 192 in 1990 against New Zealand. It was also the highest score by an Indian
captain in the West Indies.
CSIR-CMERI develops Solar Power Tree for generation of electricity from solar
energy
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched Solar
Power Tree, an innovative way to generate electricity by harnessing
maximum solar energy in a limited space. It was launched by Union
Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh
Vardhan in New Delhi. The Solar Power Tree has been developed by
the CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-
CMERI). It can harnesses solar energy for producing electricity with an innovative vertical
arrangement of solar cells. It reduces the requirement of land as compared to conventional Solar
Photovoltaic layout. It keeps the land character intact and is viable in both rural and urban
areas. It takes only 4 square feet of land for installing a 5 KW Solar Power tree. But in a
conventional horizontal layout for generating 5 KW it requires 400 square feet of land.
July 24, 2016
Madhav Chitale committee constituted to prepare guidelines for desiltation of

River Ganga
The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation has constituted a committee to
prepare guidelines for desiltation of Ganga River. The four
member committee will be headed by Madhav Chitale
(Expert Member of NGRBA). The tenure of the committee
would be for a period of three months. Prepare guidelines

for desiltation of Ganga River from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal).
Establish difference between desilting and sand mining. Establish need for desilting for ecology
and e-flow of the river Ganga.
Singer Bapi Lahiri honoured with Mahanayak award by West Bengal Government
Renowned Music Director and singer Bapi Lahiri
was honoured with Mahanayak award by the
West Bengal Government. Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee conferred the Mahanayak
Samman upon Bapi Lahiri on the occasion of
36th death anniversary of Uttam Kumar. In
addition, Bengali films Bela sheshe and Shankhachil were jointly awarded as the best
Bengali films of the year. Besides, critically-acclaimed filmmaker Goutam Ghose and director-
actor Kaushik Ganguly were also honoured with the award for best director. Paran
Bandyopadhyay and Jishu Sengupta were also bestowed with best actor (male) award and
Sohini Sarkar received the best actor (female) award.
Kerala Government launches first ever Water Metro project in the country
Kerala Government has launched Kochi Water Metro
project, the first ever Water Metro project in the
country. It was launched by Kerala Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan at Kochi. The project aims to
provide water connectivity to people living between
islands in the Kochi agglomeration area and the city.

Kochi Water Metro project is an integrated water transport project developed as feeder service
to the Kochi Metro Rail. It will become operational in two years. The project will implemented
by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). It will be built at an estimated cost of seven hundred
and forty seven crores Rupees. The project is funded by German Development Bank (Kfw). In
this regard KMRL has signed agreement with Kfw.
Neeraj Chopra becomes 1st Indian to set world record in Jr athletics

Championship
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra (18) has created history by
becoming first Indian Junior athlete to create a World Record
in Junior athletics Championship. He achieved this feat, by
throwing javelin at a record distance of 86.48 m in his second
attempt in the IAAF Under-20 World Athletics
Championship held in Bydgoszcz, Poland. He won gold
medal in this event. Besides, South African Johan Grobler (80.59m) won the silver medal and
Anderson Peters (79.65m) of Granada won the bronze medal. With this, Neeraj Chopra broke
the previous record of 84.69 metres held by Latvian Zigismunds Sirmais by nearly two metres.
Scientists to undertake field trials of Oil-degrading bacteria in Kochi
Scientists have planned to undertake field trials of three new strains
of oil-degrading bacteria in Kochi, Kerala. Earlier, laboratory tests
of these new strains conducted were successful. The field trials will
be conducted by the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of
Plant Sciences (MBGIPS), Kozhikode and Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL). The study will pave the way for the
development of bioremediation agents to clean up petroleum pollutants from the environment.
Oil-degrading bacteria (microorganisms) have enzyme systems to degrade and utilise

hydrocarbons as a source of carbon and energy. Based on this concept, scientists from MBGIPS
successfully isolated key hydrocarbon-degrading enzyme produced by the bacteria. The three
new strains isolated by MBGIPS include two species of Burkholderia and one species of
Pseudomonas.
July 25, 2016
Union Government to redraw Red Corridor
The Union Government is planning to redraw Red
Corridor by reducing the number of Maoist (LWE: Left
wing extremism) affected districts by about a fifth. In this
regard, approximately 20 of the 106 districts which have
been described as being Maoist-affected and are part of the
Red Corridor may be removed from the list. Once these
districts are taken off the list of Red Corridor, the financial aid made available to these districts
annually for various developmental works will dry up. The Red Corridor is a region in the
eastern part of India that experiences considerable NaxaliteMaoist insurgency. There are 106
districts spanning across 10 States in the Red Corridor. Of these, 44 districts are worst-affected.
Wrestler Narsingh Yadav fails Dope Test: NADA
Top Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav failed a dope test
after he was tested positive for a banned substance steroid.
With this, his participation in 2016 Rio Olympics has been
jeopardised and if found guilty by the disciplinary panel,
he may face a four-year suspension. The out-of-
competition doping test was conducted by the National
Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The samples of wrestler were collected at the National camp in
Sonepat, Haryana. He was tested positive for a substance methandienone, a banned anabolic
steroid. He had qualified for the Rio Olympics in the 74kg freestyle category. Narsingh Yadav
had won bronze medal in 2015 World championship of Wrestling to qualify for the Rio
Olympics. He also had won gold medal in 2012 Commonwealth Games.
Indias first Green Rail Corridor launched in Tamil Nadu
The Indias first Green Rail Corridor was inaugurated on the 114-km
long Rameswaram-Manamadurai stretch in Tamil Nadu. It was

inaugurated by Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu through
video-conferencing from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Green Rail
Corridor ensures zero toilet discharge on rail tracks as part of its
commitment to clean environment under the Swachh Rail-Swachh

Bharat initiative. Trains in the section have been equipped with bio-toilets to ensure zero
discharge of human waste on the rail tracks. Besides, Union Railways Minister also inaugurated
high speed upgraded Wi-Fi facility, set up in association with Google, at Chennai Central
Railway Station and Tiruchirappalli Railway Station. He also launched a traditional medicine
centre under Ayush at Perambur Railway Hospital.
Violinist A Kanyakumari, first female violinist to get Sangita Kalanidhi Award
Renowned violinist Avasarala Kanyakumari from
south India was selected for the prestigious 2016
Sangita Kalanidhi Award. With this, she becomes first
female violinist chosen in the history of this prestigious
award. She will be bestowed with the award on January
1, 2017. She will also preside over the 90th annual
conference of the Music Academy scheduled from December 15, 2016 to January 1, 2017. So far
eight male violinists have been bestowed with this award. They are M. Chandrasekaran (2005),
M. S. Gopalakrishnan (1997), Papa KS Venkataramiah (1962), TK Jayarama Iyer (1960), T.
Chowdiah (1957), Marungapuri Gopalakrishna Iyer (1955), Karur Chinnaswamy Iyer (1950) and
Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai (1948).
China unveils worlds largest amphibious aircraft
China has completed the production of the worlds largest
amphibious aircraft dubbed as the AG600. It was unveiled
by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China
(AVIC) in the southern port city of Zhuhai. AG600, the
massive seaplane is far larger than any other plane built for
marine take-off and landing. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes and is
around the size of a commercial plane Boeing 737. It has a maximum range of 4,500 km and is
intended for fighting forest fires and performing marine rescues. It will be used for fighting
forest fires and performing marine rescues. Besides, it will wean off Chinas dependence on
foreign aviation firms for amphibious aircrafts. It could potentially be used to display Chinas
ability to conduct a variety of operations in the disputed South China Sea.
Indian shooters Manavaditya Rathore and Anant Naruka win Bronze medal in
Junior World Cup
Indian shooter Manavaditya Rathore has won the trap bronze
medal in the Champion of Champions match at the Junior World
Cup in Porpetto, Italy. Manavaditya won the bronze medal in
trap event. He son of Athens Olympics silver medallist and
Minister of State (MoS) of Information and Broadcasting Col
Rajyavardhan Rathore/ Besides, Anant Naruka won a bronze medal in the Champion of
Champions in skeet event of the Junior World Cup. In the Champion of Champions event, the
medallists of the three Junior World Cups of the year had competed against each other.
Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix of F1
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has
won the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix title of Formula
One. It his overall fourth Hungarian Grand Prix title
after winning it in 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2013. Thus he
holds record of most wins (drivers) with 5 wins. Besides
it was his fifth title of the 2016 season after Monaco
Grand Prix (May 2016), Canadian Grand Prix (June 2016), Austrian Grand Prix (July 2016) and
British Grand Prix (July 2016) Hungarian Grand Prix was the eleventh race of the 2016 season
and was held at the Hungaroring is a motor-racing circuit in Mogyord, Hungary.
July 26, 2016
G-20 Finance Ministers pledge to boost global economy
The Finance Ministers from the Group of 20 (G-
20) major economies have pledged to boost the
global economy, which is showing a weak
recovery. This announcement was made at the
end of the two-day meeting of G-20 Finance
ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held in the Chinese city of Chengdu. G-20
Finance ministers expressed concern about Britains plan to leave the European Union and how
Brexit will affect the worlds economy. Member nations are well positioned to pro-actively to
address the potential economic and financial consequences from such developments. They
vowed to reject trade protectionism, which became a prominent issue at the meeting. They
expressed the importance of reducing the excess production of steel that has led to a glut on the
global market.
Lok Sabha passes Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2016
The Lok Sabha has passed Institutes of Technology
(Amendment) Bill, 2016 or opening six new IITs. The Bill seeks
to amend the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 to add six new
IITs as institutions of national importance. Addition of six new
IITs in Palakkad (Kerala), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Goa,
Dharwar (Karnataka), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and Jammu
(Jammu and Kashmir). Bring the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad (Jharkhand) within
the ambit of the parent Act. All these institutions will be declared as institutions of national
importance. Until the statutes in relation to IIT (ISM), Dhanbad are made under the parent Act,
the statutes applicable to IIT Roorkee will apply to it.
Budha Rashmi Mani appointed as Director General of National Museum
Former Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official Dr.

Budha Rashmi Mani was appointed as Director General
(DG) of National Museum. He was appointed by the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) presided
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will have tenure

of 3 years or till attainment of age 70. Budha Rashmi Mani is retired as Additional Director
General (ADG) of the ASI in 2015. He is BHU (Banaras Hindu University) alumnus and holds
PhD on the Kushanas. During his 30 archaeological career, he led excavations in Haryana,
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier in 2003, he had led the excavation team
in the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.
BRICS policy planning dialogue concludes in Patna
The BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue was successfully
concluded in Patna, Bihar. Delegates of BRICS countries
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa had
attended the meeting. The two day (25-26 July 2016)
dialogue provided a common platform to BRICS
countries for sharing of best practices in foreign policy planning and assessment between the
BRICS countries. It forwarded the Policy Planning talks initiated under the Chairmanship of
Russia in 2015 in line with 2016 theme of Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective
Solutions. Discussions on exchanges on strategic assessments of international situation and
regional situation of each country were held. They also discussed the role of BRICS in
international governance, ongoing cooperation at BRICS Forum and reflected on areas of
convergence among BRICS.
Solar Impulse 2 completes historic round-the-world trip
The Solar Impulse 2 has become the first aircraft to circle
the globe using solar energy after landing in Abu Dhabi
on the last leg of its journey. In its journey, the long-
range solar-powered aircraft has travelled 26744 miles

across four continents, three seas and two oceans since
setting off from Abu Dhabi in March 2015. Solar
Impulse 2 is a Swiss long-range solar-powered aircraft project. It is first aircraft to fly day and
night without consuming conventional fuel in oder to promote renewable energy. Its
construction was started in 2011. The first test flight of the aircraft was conducted in the United
States in 2013.
MHA sets up T V S N Prasad Committee to explore possible alternatives to pellet

guns in Kashmir
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has setup a seven-
member expert committee for exploring the other possible
alternatives to pellet guns as non-lethal weapons. The
Committee will be headed by T V S N Prasad, Joint Secretary in
the MHA. It will submit its report within two months.
Other members of the committee: Atul Karwal (IG, CRPF), Rajeev Krishna, (IG Operations,
BSF), Tushar Tripathy (DDG, Small Arms, Ordnance factory Board) and Naresh Bhatnagar
(Professor at IIT, Delhi).
July 27, 2016
WHO declares Brazil measles free
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared
Brazil free of measles, after no case of the disease was registered
in the year 2015. The eradication of measles in Brazil is the
conclusion of work spanning several years. The WHO had
worked along with the Pan-American Health Organization
(PAHO) to eradicate the disease. From 1985 to 2000, Brazil did not
saw any domestic cases of measles because of joint efforts to
WHO and PAHO. But the disease broke out again in 2013 in the northeastern Brazilian states of
Pernambuco and Ceara. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease transmitted orally,
through mucus or saliva. It mainly affects children and can be spread rapidly through the air
due to sneezing or a cough. Thus it is highly infectious airborne disease.
Union Government approves Rs 1,601 crore for Himayat programme in J&K
The Union Government has approved nearly 1,600
crore rupees for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) under
skill development initiative Himayat programme.
Under it, youths from both rural and urban areas of
J&K would be imparted with training in various
job-intensive vocational courses over the next three
years. Youths enrolled for this scheme will be given training for six-months, nine-months and
one year job-oriented courses. They will be trained in and outside the state. A provision has
been also kept for foreign placements as well. Himayat is a placement linked skill development
initiative for training and placement of 1 lakh youths from J&K in next 5 years. Himayat is an
Urdu word which means support.
Permanent Court of Arbitration rules against Antrix Coroporation in Devas case
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal in

The Hague, Netherlands has ruled against Antrix
Corporation in the case with Devas Corporation over
sharing of spectrum on satellites. A PCA tribunal has
found that the Union Governments actions in annulling

a contract between Devas and Antrix Corporation Ltd. It
also found that it has denied Devas commercial use of S-
band spectrum constituted an expropriation (state actions in modifying the property rights of
an individual in the exercise of its sovereignty. Following the ruling, India may have to give 1
billion compensation to Devas. In 2005, Devas Corporation and Antrix Corporation had struck a
deal which had provided for the launch of two satellites allowing Devas.
India-US joint expedition discovers natural gas in Indian Ocean
Joint expeditions by India and the United States have
discovered large, highly enriched accumulations of
natural gas hydrate (an icy form of the fuel) in Indian
Ocean. The discovery was made by the Union Oil
Ministry and the US Geological Survey in the Bay of
Bengal. It was the result of the most comprehensive gas hydrate field venture in the world to
date that comprised of scientists from India, Japan and the US. This is the first of its kind
discovery in the Indian Ocean that has the potential to be producible and opens up a new
resource to meet needs of energy hungry India. The discovery will help unlock the global
energy resource potential of gas hydrates as well as help define the technology needed to safely
exploit (extract) them.
Indias CSIR ranked worlds 12th best Government Institute
The Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR) was ranked
worlds 12th best government institution out of 746 institutions. These
institutes were ranked by a prestigious Scimago Institutions Rankings
Report based on various parameters including the research
performance, innovation and social impact. This is for the first time
CSIR has improved its position among government institutes after it was ranked 14th spot for
three consecutive years. CSIR is the only Indian government institute to have found a place
among the top 100 global institutions.
Bezwada Wilson, TM Krishna win Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016
Two Indians, social activist Bezwada Wilson and musician TM
Krishna, have won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016.
They are among the total six awardees selected for the 2016 Ramon
Magsaysay Award, often regarded as Asias Nobel Prize.
The 6 awardees are

Bezwada Wilson (India): He has been recognized for asserting the
inalienable right to a life of human dignity. He is the National Convener of the Safai Karmachari
Andolan (SKA). He has done remarkable work in liberating scores of people engaged in manual
scavenging across the country.
Thodur Madabusi Krishna (India): He has been recognized for ensuring social inclusiveness in
culture. He is a Carnatic music vocalist.

Conchita Carpio Morales (Philippines): She has been recognized for restoring faith in the rule
of law.
Dompet Dhuafa (Indonesia): She has been recognized for expanding the transformative impact
of zakat.
Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (Japan): The organisation has been recognized for
building a world of genuine solidarity.

Vientiane Rescue (Laos): The organisation has been recognized for volunteering to save lives at
risk.
July 28, 2016
World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28
The World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on
July 28 around the globe to spread awareness about viral
hepatitis. It seeks to encourage diagnosis, prevention and
treatment of Hepatitis. Provide a single global platform to
raise awareness about hepatitis and influence real change
in disease prevention, testing and treatment 2016 theme is
Elimination. It focuses on elimination of hepatitis as a
public health threat by 2030. The day is being observed
since 2010. It is one of the 8 official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health
Organization (WHO). WHO had passed a resolution for observance of this day on viral
hepatitis in May 2010 had passed, providing official endorsement to it. The date 28 July was
chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Professor Baruch Blumberg who had discovered
hepatitis B virus. He was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1976) for
this discovery.
IMD to use supercomputer to forecast monsoon based on dynamical model
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has
announced that India Meteorological Department
(IMD) will use supercomputer to forecast Indias
annual summer monsoon. The forecast made by a
supercomputer will be based on a dynamical monsoon model and will be operational from year
2017. This model will be used along with the present traditional ensemble model. The
dynamical monsoon model works by simulating the weather on powerful computers
(supercomputers) and extrapolating it over particular timeframes. This modern forecasting
model is being tested at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. The
dynamical monsoon model is also called the Coupled Forecast System version 2. So far it has
achieved only 60% accuracy in forecasting the monsoon.
India-US ink $1 billion deal to buy four Poseidon-8I aircraft
India has signed a defence deal with United States worth

over $1 billion to purchase four additional Poseidon-8I (P8I)
long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine
warfare aircraft. This deal is a follow-up order to the eight
P-81 aircrafts that are already bought by India in a direct

deal with Boeings Indian subsidiary in 2009. The acquisition of additional four P-8I aircraft will
give the Indian Navy much-needed punch to build up its naval surveillance capabilities. The P-
8I is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for
the US Navy. It is capable of broad area, maritime and littoral operations.
Lohmann, Morris, Muralidaran and Rolton to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall
of Fame
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Muttiah
Muralidaran, Karen Rolton, Arthur Morris and George Lohmann
to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These four
iconic cricketers were voted by the ICC Cricket Hall of Famers as

well as members of the media. They will be presented with
commemorative caps to honour their contribution to the game of
cricket in order to mark their induction. With this, Muralitharan
becomes the first Sri Lankan cricket player to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He
was Sri Lankan cricketer who had retired from the all forms the game in 2011. He was known to
spin the ball prodigiously. In his career he had taken 534 wickets in One-Day Internationals
(ODIs), 800 wickets in Tests and 13 wickets in 12 T20Is.
Michel Barnier appointed as Chief Brexit Negotiator by European Union

Commission
The European Union (EUs) executive has appointed Michel Barnier, as its Chief Negotiator for
the United Kingdoms exit from the bloc. Michel Barnier is
former French Financial Services Commissioner. He was
appointed under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.
Michel Barnier is a French politician belonging to Union for a
Popular Movement (UMP). He is Vice President of the European
Peoples Party (EPP). He has served as Minister for Agriculture
and Fisheries in French government from June 2007 to June 2009. He had stepped down from
the position after he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
Union Cabinet increases limit for foreign investment in Stock Exchanges from 5%
to 15%
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for raising foreign shareholding limit from current
5% to 15% in Indian Stock Exchanges. The decision
brings the investment limit of foreign entities at par with
that of domestic institutions. This enhanced limit is for a
stock exchange, depository, banking company,
insurance company and commodity derivative

exchange. Additionally, the Union Cabinet also gave its
approval for foreign portfolio investors to acquire shares through initial allotment, besides
secondary market, in the stock exchanges. The Union Cabinet approval is in pursuance of
implementation of the 2016-17 Budget Announcement made by the Union Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley. Finance Minister had made this announcement with regard to reforms in FDI
Policy in order to enhance investment limit for foreign entities in Indian stock exchanges from
5% to 15%.
Union Cabinet approves key changes to GST Constitutional Amendment Bill
The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the
GST (goods & services tax) constitutional amendment

Bill in order to incorporate suggestions made by states.
This decision follows a crucial meeting of the
Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on
GST with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Removal of 1% additional tax on inter-state sales
as proposed in the Constitutional Bill. Removal of 1% additional manufacturing levy tax by
manufacturing States from the Bill. Inclusion of five years compensation clause for state
governments for any loss that they may incur.
Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao, Father of Hybrid Sorghum passes away
Distinguished agricultural scientist Dr. Neelamraju Ganga
Prasada Rao passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana

following a brief illness. He was 89. He is famously known
as Father of Hybrid Sorghum. He is also famous for his
basic and applied research in breeding and agronomy of
several dryland crops. NGP Rao was born in Korisapadu,

Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh. He had completed his early
education from the Agricultural College, Bapatla. He is
considered as the Father of Hybrid Sorghum in India for his contributions to sorghum
improvement in the country. Due to his efforts sorghum hybrids, CSH1, CSH5 and CSH9
became very popular and were cultivated in over 8 to 10 million hectares
July 29, 2016
International Tiger Day is observed on July 29
The International Tiger Day (also known as
Global Tiger Day) is observed annually on 29
July to raise awareness for tiger conservation.
The goal of observance of the day is to promote
the protection and expansion of the wild tigers
habitats and to gain support through awareness for tiger conservation. Many international
organisations are involved in the celebration of this day, including the WWF (World Wide Fund
for Nature), the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) etc. The International Tiger Day
was founded in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit. The summit had issued St. Petersburg
Declaration on Tiger Conservation with an aim to double the big cat population by 2022. The
tiger is the largest of the worlds big cats with its distinctive orange and black stripes and
beautifully marked face.
Parliament passes Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2016
The Parliament has passed the Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Bill, 2016 after it was approved by
the Rajya Sabha. The bill provides for establishment of
funds under the public accounts of the Centre and State
levels for compensatory afforestation. Establishes
National Compensatory Afforestation Fund (NCAF) under the Public Account of India, and a
State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of each state. The payments
into the funds include compensatory afforestation, net present value of forest (NPV), and any
project specific payments. The NCAF will get 10% of funds collected and the remaining 90%
will go to respective State Fund.
Eminent writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi passes away
Eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi passed

away in Kolkata, West Bengal after a multi-organ failure. She
was 91. Her writings had mainly focused on the marginalised
communities in the country and served as the voice of the
oppressed and downtrodden. Mahasweta Devi was born in

Dhaka (now in Bangladesh) in 1926 into a family of literary figures. Her first book Jhansir Rani
(The Queen of Jhansi) was published in 1956 when she was teaching at Kolkatas Bijoygarh
College. In a literary career spanning more than 50 years, she has written over 120 books i.e. 100
novels and over 20 collections of short stories. She was the author behind award-winning Hindi
films Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998) and Rudaali.
Noted Tabla maestro Lachu Maharaj passes away
Noted Tabla maestro Pandit Lachu Maharaj passed away in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh due to cardiac arrest. He was 73
years old. Lacchu Maharaj was renowned internationally and
his table performance had drawn attention of the connoisseur
of performing arts from across the country and world. His
real name was Lakshmi Narayan Singh. He belonged to
Banaras gharana of classical music. He had started playing
tabla at tender age of 10 under guidance of his father Vasudev Singh. He was famous for his
pure Banarasi style. His unique style of playing table coupled with perfection had earned him
fame as Lachu Maharaj.
Haryana Government launches Pashudhan Bima Yojana
Haryana Government has launched Pashudhan Bima
Yojana, an insurance cover scheme for cattle breeders in the

state. It was launched by Haryana Animal Husbandry and
Dairying Minister, O. P. Dhankar in Jhajjar. Pashudhan
Bima Yojana will provide insurance cover to cattle breeders
in the state at different premium rates for different animals.

Insurance cover will be provided at a premium of Rs 100 for
cows, buffaloes, bulls, camels and at Rs 25 for sheep, goat and pig for a period of three years.
Under it, the insurance companies would give compensation in case of death of animal (cattle).
The scheme is free of cost for cattle breeders from the scheduled castes.
July 30, 2016
World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30
The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is
observed across the world on 30 July to raise
awareness of the plight of victims of human
trafficking and to protect their rights. Human
trafficking is the trade of humans, most
commonly for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery or commercial sexual exploitation
for the trafficker or others. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 21
million people around the world are victims of forced labour. This estimate also includes
victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation. In 2013, the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) had designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in
Persons by adopting resolution A/RES/68/192. The resolution had declared that the day was
necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the
promotion and protection of their rights.
Syed Nayeemuddin conferred Mohun Bagan Ratna
The Mohun Bagan FC has conferred clubs highest decoration Mohun
Bagan Ratna (jewel) on legendary Indian Footballer Syed
Nayeemuddin. With this, he became 16th recipient of the prestigious
award which is bestowed upon person for making seminal
contribution to the success of the club. Syed Nayeemuddin is former
football player and Indian football team coach. He had captained the Indian national football
team which had won the bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games. He was appointed coach of
India football team in 1997. Under his guidance India had won South Asian Football Federation
Cup.
Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale sworn in as Chief Justice of Allahabad HC
Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale was sworn in as the new Chief
Justice of Allahabad High Court. He succeeds Justice D.Y.
Chandrachud who was appointed judge of Supreme Court. He was
administered oath of office was administered by Uttar Pradesh

Governor Ram Naik in Allahabad as per Article 219 of Constitution.
He was born in Mumbai in 1956. He was first appointed as judge of
Bombay High court in 2001. Later in 2012, he was transferred to Karnataka high court. Prior to
his appointment as Chief Justice of Allahabad HC, he was serving as acting chief justice of High
Court of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Adman Srinivasan Swamy conferred with AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award
The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI)
conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on famous adman
Srinivasan K.Swamy. Mr. Swamy is popularly known as
Sundar. He is a veteran in the advertising industry and has
almost four decades of rich experience. Swamy is Chairman of
R.K. Swamy Hansa, a diversified marketing communications
group. He has served as the President of AAAI for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2007.
He is also the Vice Chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and a Board
Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations.
Strategic Forces Command exempted from ambit of RTI
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which forms part of
the National Command Authority (NCA) has been added
to the Second Schedule of the Right to Information Act
(RTI), 2005. In this regard, Union Government has issued a
notification mentioning SFC has been brought under sub-
section (2) of Section 24 of the RTI. The Section 24 of the
RTI exempts security and intelligence establishments from its purview.
July 31, 2016
Javadekar Inaugurates IIT Goa Temporary Campus HRD Minister inaugurates IIT
Goa Campus
Union Minister of Human Resource Development
Prakash Javdekar inaugurated the newly announced
Goa Indian Institute of Technologys temporary
Campus. The temporary campus is set to function
from temporary campus at Goa Engineering College
Farmagudi and will be mentored by IIT Mumbai. The

Proposed IIT to be established at Loliem located about 88 km from Goa capital Panaji in south.
The 300 acre campus is expected to come up in a couple of years. The temporary campus at
GEC is fully equipped with class rooms, laboratories and modern hostel buildings .
India to host international summit on tobacco-control
India will host a crucial global summit 7th session of the
Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) in November this
year. The Health Minister of State Anupriya Patel announced in

the Lok Shaba. The Summit aimed to eliminate the illicit trade of
tobacco products in which delegates from 180 countries will take
part at the Indian Exposition Mart in Noida. The Minister also said Delegations who is
presiding the event is not been decided by India also urged generating awareness on harmful
effects of tobacco use is the key.
PM Modi Flags Off Run For Rio in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Run for Rioarendra Modi flags
off the Run for Rio also released the brochure of the Indian
History at Olympics so far at the Major Dhyan Chand National
Stadium in New Delhi Over 20,000 schoolchildren took part in
the event from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium till
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The Run aiming to demonstrate to
the athletes that the country is proud Rio and to connect public at large, particularly among
Children and youth, with the Olympic spirit and power of sports
Centre to organise Make in India conference in Bhubaneswar
Union government is set to host the Make in India
Conference in the Odishas Capital Bhubaneswar
in the month of December this year. The
Commerce Ministry controlled Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion is organising the
mega event to attract the investors to invest in the State. The Initiative Make in India is to
attract investments in various Industrial sector to boost the economy. It was launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi September 2014. India received US$63 billion in FDI last year. The
main aim of this programme is to focus on job creation and skill enhancement in 25 sectors of
the economy.

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Current Affairs: July 1, 2016

Argentina womens team wins 2016 Champions Trophy title of Hockey

Argentina womens team has won the 2016 Champions

Trophy title of Hockey by defeating Netherlands. In the final

match played at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in

London, UK, Argentina womens team defeated Netherlands

by 2-1 goals. With this victory, Argentina womens team has

won the Champions Trophy title of Hockey for record

team single goal was scored by Maartje Paumen.

Union Government enhances Financial Powers of Ministries, Departments

The Union Government has decided to enhance financial

powers of its Ministries, Departments for appraisal and

approval of Non-Plan Schemes or Projects. In this regard,

Union Finance Ministry has issued a notification in order to

expedite appraisal and approval process in the Union

Government Ministries and Departments. The Committee

on Non-Plan Expenditure (CNE) will now appraise

less than 500 crore rupees.

Union HRD Ministry launches Prashikshak, an online teacher education portal

The Union Human Resource Development (HRD)

Ministry has launched Prashikshak- an online teacher

education portal for District Institutes of Education and

Training (DIETs). The Prashikshak portal was launched

by the Union HRD minister Smriti Irani in New Delhi.

It seeks to strengthen DIETs and bring quality teachers

World Bank, ISA sign agreement for Indias solar-energy program

The World Bank (WB) Group has signed an

agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

to provide more than 1 billion dollars to support

the presence of World Bank Group President Jim

Yong Kim, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and

First squadron of LCA Tejas inducted into Indian Air Force

The first squadron of indigenously designed and

manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was

inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF). State-run

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over

the first two Tejas aircrafts to IAF as part squadron at

the Aircraft System Testing Establishment in

Remaining 18 aircraft including 4 trainers will be inducted at Sulur base in 2018.

Indias first integrated Defence Communication Network launched

Indias first integrated Defence Communication Network (DCN)

was launched by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in

situational awareness for a faster decision-making process. DCN

is the largest single satellite network in the Indian Defence

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

(FSSAI) has inked a MoU with Advertising Standard

Council of India (ASCI) to check misleading

advertisements in the food and beverages sector. This

partnership between FSSAI and ASCI will put in place a

mechanism to monitor misleading advertisements. It

will also lead to streamlining advertisements effectively

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday presented the Dr BC

Roy national awards for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Rashtrapati

Bhavan. These awards were presented on the occasion of

National Doctors Day observed on July 1 to pay honour

and tribute to Indias most famous physician Dr. Bidhan

The awardees are

Rajendra Prasad and Glory Alexander.

Kameswaran, Harsha Jauhari, Gopal H. Badlani and Yash Gulati.

Union Sports Ministry grants recognition to Paralympic Committee of India

The Union Sports Ministry has granted recognition to

Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced temporary lifting of

suspension on it. This recognition gives a huge confidence