Current Affairs November, 2017

National
 The Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) has approved projects worth over Rs. 2,066 crore for
six higher educational institutions to improve the research infrastructure and further their standing at
global level. These six institutes are IITs Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur and NIT Suratkal.
 India and Italy have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in health
sector. The objective of MoU is to establish comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional
cooperation between two countries in the field of health by pooling scientific, technical, financial and
human resources.
 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set guidelines for process to recall food
products from markets if found unsafe.
 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI ) has upheld the basic principles of an open and free
internet in its recommendations on net neutrality.
 The Union Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA)
in Manipur. Total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh
urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under scheme. Union Government will
provide the required financial assistance for strengthening and improvement of infrastructure in the
power sector in Manipur.
 A tripartite MoU was signed between Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) and
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with Airbnb, the world‘s leading community-driven
hospitality company.
 The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) had launched India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI).
 India and United Kingdom (UK) will soon sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in urban
transport sector for cooperation in policy planning, technology transfer and institutional organisation.
 Russia has agreed to assist India to set up National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in the country to
handle disaster and other emergency situations.
 The 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Panaji in Goa. The closing ceremony
was held at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump‘s advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump
jointly inaugurated 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in Hyderabad, Telangana.
 The Union Government with the approval President of India has constituted 15th Finance Commission
which will make recommendations for the five years commencing 1 April 2020 till 31 March 2025.
 Multi-lateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it increase annual
funding to India to up to $4 billion from existing $2.7 billion from next year to accelerate inclusive
economic transformation.

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 India and Russia have signed comprehensive anti-terror pact agreement for enhancing bilateral
cooperation in tackling all forms of terrorism and countering threat posed by narcotics.
 The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched intensive training program for
Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Master Trainers in
New Delhi.
 The first edition of International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency
(INSPIRE 2017) was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
 India and Greece have signed Air Services Agreement (ASA) and MoU on Cooperation (MoC) in field
of New and Renewable Energy.
 President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav 2017 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
The objective behind Mahotsav is to spread the message of Gita to world. The second edition of the
event was organised by Haryana Government. Mauritius was partner country and Uttar Pradesh was
partner state of the event.
 The 12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council was held in New Delhi. The purpose of
the meeting was to discuss the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-state relations.
The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
 The Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has announced that 30.76 lakh houses for the urban
poor have been sanctioned so far since the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Scheme in
June 2015.
 The Union Government has selected 115 backward districts for rapid transformation by 2022 in line
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision to create a ―New India‖ over the next five years.
 The Communal Harmony Campaign Week was observed from November 19-25, 2017 by National
Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH).
 India is going to host 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in 2020 in NCR New Delhi. India
had won the bid in 2012 at 34th IGC Brisbane, Australia to host the Congress in 2020.
 The drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped prices of 51
essential medicines, including those used for treatment of cancer, heart conditions, pain and skin
problems.
 The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every
year across the world on 25 November. Observance of this day seeks to raise awareness about violence
against women and girls, end violence against women. It also seeks to show that prevention is possible
against violence of women.
 Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has doubled rates
for incentives under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) from 2% to 4% of value of
exports.
 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducted Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017 along
the entire East Coast in 31 coastal districts across four States.
 President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated an ordinance under Article 123 of Constitute to amend
Indian Forest Act, 1927 to encourage bamboo plantation by farmers in private lands.

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 The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had organised a consultative workshop on New
National Policy on Biofuels & Pradhan Mantri Ji- Van Yojana (VGF for 2nd Generation Ethanol Bio
Refineries) in New Delhi.
 India has sent proposal to the United Nations (UN) for declaring the year 2018 as ‗International Year of
Millets‘. If the proposal is agreed, it will raise awareness about millets among consumers, policy
makers, industry and Research and Development (R&D) sector.
 The Union Government launched new all-in-one mobile application called UMANG with an aim to
make Government services accessible on mobile phone of the citizens. The UMANG app offers 162
services from 33 state and central government departments and four states under a one-single platform.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved expansion of Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao (BBBP) Yojana for a pan India coverage from 2017-18 to 2019-20. It expansion has proposed
outlay of Rs.1132.5 crore. It will cover all the 640 districts (as per census 2011) of the country to have a
deeper positive impact on Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Currently the scheme is being implemented in select
161 districts have low CSR.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved ‗Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti
Kendra‘ scheme for a period 2017-18 to 2019-20.
 Government will soon initiate a comprehensive ‗safe city‘ plan for women in eight cities for women in
eight metropolitan cities of the country. It will be implemented in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad,
Chennai, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Decision in this regard was taken Steering Committee
meeting under chairmanship of Union Home Secretary
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth edition of Global Conference on Cyber Space
(GCCS) in New Delhi. GCCS is one of world‘s largest conferences on cyber space. It is for first time
organized in India.
 The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of scheme on Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)
for another three financial years (FYs 2017-18 to 2019-20). This decision will make IICA self-
sustainable by the end of FY 2019-20.
 Union Cabinet has proposal to promulgate an ordinance under Article 123 of Constitution to make
certain amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The ordinance is likely to be tabled
during winter session of Parliament with view to getting its approval soon. The President‘s nod for the
ordinance is expected shortly.
 The Union Cabinet approved signing and ratifying of Agreement between India and Philippines on co-
operation and mutual assistance in customs matters. The agreement will help in availability of relevant
information for prevention and investigation of Customs offences.
 The Union Cabinet approved revision in salaries, gratuity, allowances, pension etc. of Judges of
Supreme Court and High Courts and retired Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts. The decision
follows implementation of recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission in respect of Civil
Servants.
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved setting up of 15th
Finance Commission (FC). It is a constitutional obligation to set up FC under Article 280 (1) of the
Constitution.

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 The Union Finance Ministry has constituted task force to review Income Tax (IT) Act 1961 and draft
new direct tax law in consonance with current economic needs. CBDT member Arbind Modi will be
convener of task force. Chief Economic Adviser Dr. Arvind Subramanian will be its permanent Special
Invitee.
 The Union Cabinet has approved India‘s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &
Development (EBRD). Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance will take necessary steps
to acquire the membership of the EBRD.
 The Union Cabinet has approved signing an Agreement on Cooperation between India and Russia in
field of combating all forms of terrorism and organized crime. The agreement is proposed to be signed
during upcoming visit of Indian Delegation led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Russia in
November, 2017.
 The Union Cabinet has approved India‘s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &
Development (EBRD). Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance will take necessary steps
to acquire the membership of the EBRD.
 The Union Cabinet has approved signing an Agreement on Cooperation between India and Russia in
field of combating all forms of terrorism and organized crime. The agreement is proposed to be signed
during upcoming visit of Indian Delegation led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Russia in
November, 2017.
 The first ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017 was held in Imphal, Manipur. It was
inaugurated by President of India Ram Nath Kovind. It was organised by Delhi-based think tank India
Foundation in collaboration with Union Government and Manipur government.
 The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed Vasectomy Fortnight to raise awareness
about male sterilisation and to promote the participation of men in family planning.
 Government has signed four MoUs under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) Scheme with
Nagaland and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu for
operational improvements. With this, 27 States and 4 UTs have joined UDAY till date.
 Indian Railways has installed Asia‘s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system at Kharagpur in West
Bengal. The system will enable station masters to set 800 different routes for trains in a matter of
minutes.

 The Union Cabinet has approved signing an Agreement on Cooperation between India and Russia in
field of combating all forms of terrorism and organized crime. The agreement is proposed to be signed
during upcoming visit of Indian Delegation led by Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Russia in
November, 2017.
 The first ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017 was held in Imphal, Manipur. It was
inaugurated by President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
 Indian Railways has installed Asia‘s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system at Kharagpur in West
Bengal. The system will enable station masters to set 800 different routes for trains in a matter of
minutes.
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 The Union Government has signed a guarantee agreement for IBRD/CTF loan of US $98 million and
Grant Agreement for US $2 million for Shared Infrastructure for Solar Parks Project with World Bank.
 Government has signed four MoUs under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) Scheme with
Nagaland and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu for
operational improvements. With this, 27 States and 4 UTs have joined UDAY till date.
 Indian Railways has installed Asia‘s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system at Kharagpur in West
Bengal. The system will enable station masters to set 800 different routes for trains in a matter of
minutes.
 Interim Meeting of Steering Committee of International Monetary Fund (IMF)‘s South Asia Regional
Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) was held in New Delhi.
 The Union Cabinet approved setting up of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA), an apex body
with an overarching mandate under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime so as to ensure the benefit of
tax reaches consumers.
 The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched Daily Drug Regimen for treatment of
Tuberculosis (TB) patients across the country under The Revised National TB Control Programme
(RNTCP).
 Interim Meeting of Steering Committee of International Monetary Fund (IMF)‘s South Asia Regional
Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) was held in New Delhi.
 The Union Cabinet approved setting up of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA), an apex body
with an overarching mandate under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime so as to ensure the benefit of
tax reaches consumers.
 Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – ‗Saubhagya‘ Web Portal.
The portal can be accessed at http://saubhagya.gov.in.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved four sub-schemes under Umbrella
Scheme Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). These four schemes include anganwadi
services, programme for adolescent girls called Sabla, Child Protection Services and National Creche
Scheme.
 The Union Cabinet has approved increase in carpet area of houses eligible for interest subsidy under
Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for Middle Income Group (MIG) under Pradhan Mantri
AwasYojana (Urban). The purpose is to further enhance the scope, coverage and outreach of Scheme.
 Madhya Pradesh has partnered with Nagaland and Manipur under Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat Yojana to
strengthen cultural relations between them. MP Government has made its Higher Education Department
as nodal department to execute the scheme.
 Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, a fortnight long Tribal Festival in New
Delhi. The theme of the festival is A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Cuisine and
Commerce‘.
 The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Poland for Promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation.
 The Union Cabinet had approved agreement between India and Belarus on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation for mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc.

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 The Union Government has given go-ahead for setting up India‘s first mega coastal economic zone
(CEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Maharashtra.
 The Union Ministry of Railways has advanced target for 100% completion of installing human waste
discharge free Bio-toilets in coaches to December 2018. Earlier, the target to install bio-toilets in all its
coaches as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission was by September 2019.
 The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs had organised Hunar Haat at India International Trade Fair
(IITF) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It displayed exquisite pieces of handicraft and handloom prepared
by master artisans from across the country.
 The Petroleum Ministry in consultation with Public Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has decided for
preponement of BS-VI grade auto fuels in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi from 1st April
2018 instead of 1st April 2020.
 India Road Assessment Programme (IndiaRAP) was unveiled by Global Charity to rate highways‘
safety levels and to eliminate the most unsafe roads. It aims to make Indian roads safer and curb
fatalities.
 The Union Ministry of Power launched National Power Portal (NPP), a Centralized Platform for
Collation and Dissemination of Indian power sector information.
 The 15th Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Conference was held in New
Delhi. It is first ever conference to be held in India and South Asia.
 The 10th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES-2017) was held in Kathmandu, Nepal with theme
―Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in South Asia‖.
 India‘s first Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit was organised at Dantewada in Bastar region of
Chhattisgarh. The summit is part of 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit being held in India.
 India and Philippines have signed four agreements in areas of defence, agriculture, small and medium
enterprises and tie-up between think-tanks. The defence agreement is to have private and public
enterprises to cooperate in the defence sector, including on the off-shore patrolling vessels.
 The 37th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The 14-day
annual event was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. It is organised by India Trade Promotion
Organisation (ITPO).
 The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports released India Youth Development Index (IYDI) and
Report 2017 to track the trends in Youth Development across the States.
 The India Expert Advisory Group on Measles & Rubella (IEAG-MR) has commended India on progress
of measles and rubella vaccination campaign. It reviewed existing strategies and efforts towards measles
elimination and control of rubella. It concluded that India is on the right track.
 As per study published by researchers at University of Maryland, US, India is overtaking China to
become world‘s largest emitter of anthropogenic Sulphur Dioxide (SO2).
 The Indian Railways has launched Project Saksham, country‘s largest time-bound ―upskilling‖ exercise
for its employees to boost their efficiency.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated rice field laboratory named after him International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos in Philippines during his three-day visit to attend ASEAN-India
and East Asia summits.

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 The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate Child Rights Week (Hausla 2017)
from 16th to 20th November, 2017.
 The Union Cabinet approved continuation and restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water
Programme (NRDWP). The programme will cover all the Rural Population across the country.
 The Union New and Renewable Energy Ministry has commissioned 1.5 MW Small Hydro Power (SHP)
Plant in Biaras Drass, Kargil area of Jammu & Kashmir. It is first project to be commissioned under
Prime Minister‘s Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative.
 The Second Meeting of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has spelt out
‗clear road map‘ for government to ramp up job creation and infrastructure financing avenues while
investing more resources in health, education and skill development. The meeting was chaired by Dr.
Bibek Debroy, Member NITI Aayog.
 The Union Cabinet approved creation of National Testing Agency (NTA) as an autonomous and self-
sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational
institutions. It will be society registered under Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
 The Union Cabinet approved appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) for
subordinate judiciary in country. It will be headed by Justice (Retd) J P.Venkatrama Reddi, former
Judge of Supreme Court. R Basant, former Judge of Kerala High Court will be its member.
 The Union Cabinet approved signing of Joint Interpretative Declaration (JID) between India and
Colombia regarding existing Agreement for Promotion and Protection of Investments. The agreement
was signed between them signed in November 2009.
 The Union Cabinet approved protocol amending Agreement between India and Kyrgyz for avoidance of
double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
 The Union Cabinet approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Philippines in field of agriculture and related fields. It will improve bilateral cooperation in field of
agriculture and will be mutually beneficial to both countries.
 The Union Cabinet approved Agreement between India and Hong Kong, special administrative region of
China for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on
income.
 India was re-elected as member of executive board of United Nations educational, scientific and cultural
organization (UNESCO). Executive board is UNESCO‘s top decision-making body. The election was
held at 39th session of General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France.
 The social networking giant Facebook Inc. has rolled out Disaster Maps for India in a bid to help
communities recover and rebuild faster in aftermath of natural disasters.
 The Union Government is working on adopting land-pooling methodology as an alternative mechanism
for development and expansion of airports.
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has simplified Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of
Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations to make it easier for foreign investors to invest
in the country.

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 The second meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by
Rajnath Singh. It reviewed concept development plans and detailed master plans for holistic
development of 9 islands.
 The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under Union Finance Ministry has doubled import
duty on wheat to 20% from 10% to curb cheap shipments and give positive price signal to farmers in
ongoing Rabi season. It also imposed import duty of 50% on peas to check cheaper shipments from
countries like Canada to boost domestic prices. The import duty on peas has been imposed to curb
shipments and boost domestic prices.
 India‘s second Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) will be established at Centre for
Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), Anna University, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) under World Intellectual
Property Organization‘s (WIPO) TISC (Technology and Innovation Support Centre) Program.
 The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched comprehensive SHe-Box (sexual
harassment e-box) online complaint Management System for women to lodge complaints of sexual
harassment at workplace.
 The Supreme Court has refused to pass an interim order to stay Ordinance allowing kambala, the
traditional buffalo slush track race in Karnataka.
 The Coal India Limited (CIL) launched Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran application for smooth delivery of
coal through road for benefiting customers. The app aims to bring transparency in the system of loading
programme and despatch of coal through road mode.
 India has pledged additional US $100 million towards UN-India Partnership Fund to significantly scale
up its support to sustainable development projects across the developing world.
 The Union Government has inked US$ 119 million Financing Agreement with World Bank for IBRD
loan for the Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence & Equity (OHEPEE) Project.
 Seven commodities were granted Geographical Indication (GI) this year by the Indian patent office. It
includes Banaganapalle mangoes (Andhra Pradesh), Tulaipanji rice (West Bengal), Pochampally Ikat
(Telangana), Gobindobhog rice (West Bengal), Durgi stone carvings and Etikoppaka toys (Andhra
Pradesh) and Chakshesang shawl (Nagaland). In 2016-17, as many as 33 items got GI registration.
 The Union Ministry of Shipping has extended period of Coastal Berth scheme of flagship Sagarmala
Programme for three years upto March, 2020. Besides, its scope was also expanded to cover capital
dredging at Major Ports and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for coastal berth project. India
has high potential to use coastal shipping for its internal cargo movement given its 7500 kms long
coastline.
 The Union Ministry of Communications has launched Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a pan India
scholarship program for school children to increase the reach of Philately. The SPARSH stands for
Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby.
 Union Government launches Food Regulatory Portal and Investor Facilitation Portal. They were
launched on the sidelines of World Food India 2017 Expo.
 Goa Government has signed trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Department of
Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Nobel Media, Sweden to host Nobel Prize
Series-India in February 2018.

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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated World Food India 2017 (WFI) on 3rd November 2017 at
the India Gate Lawns in New Delhi. The three day event was organized by Ministry of Food Processing
Industries.
 The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued notification to make FASTag
mandatory for all new four-wheelers from December 1, 2017.
 India was ranked low at 108th position out of 144 countries in Global Gender Gap Index 2017 released
as part of World Economic Forum‘s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2017. India slipped by 21 places
compared to 87th rank last year.
 The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the policy-making body of income-tax department has
signed seven unilateral advance pricing agreements (APAs) in October 2017.
 The CCEA has approved continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi
Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-
RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20. The RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme‘s objective is to
make farming remunerative economic activity by strengthening farmer‘s effort, risk mitigation and
promoting agri-business entrepreneurship.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved revision in price of ethanol under
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme for supply to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies
(OMCs).
 The Union Cabinet approved signing and ratifying agreement between India and Armenia on
cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters. The agreement will be signed by two countries
after it is approved by respective Governments.
 Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM), a nationwide science talent search examination will be held on 26th
November 2017. It is unique initiative to give a boost to learning of science, technology and
mathematics among youth-especially the school students.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved implementation of Special Banking
Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims on account of fertilizer
subsidy in year 2016-17. CCEA chaired by Prime Minster Narendra Modi also approved that in future,
Department of Fertilizers will avail SBA with concurrence of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of
Finance.
 The Union Cabinet has approved introduction of National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment)
Bill, 2017 in Parliament to amend National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act, 1993.
 President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Global Clubfoot Conference organised by CURE India in
partnership with Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. 500 doctors from20
countries and 29 Indian states are attending the conference.

International
 North Korea successfully launched Hwasong-15, a new type of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic
missile (ICBM). It is North Korea‘s most powerful ICBM that can reach entire eastern US seaboard and
Washington.

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 The High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-Point review meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons
with Disabilities, 2013-2022 was held in Beijing, China.
 The World Health Organisation (WHO) for first time has formulated clinical guidelines on responding
to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused.
 China has announced that Bangladesh and Myanmar have accepted its mediatory role and agreed to
implement three-phased solution proposed by its Foreign Minister Wang Yi to resolve Rohingya refugee
crisis.
 The World Fisheries day is celebrated every year on November 21 throughout world by fisherfolk
communities to highlight critical importance to human lives, of water and lives it sustains, both in and
out of water.
 The World Toilet Day (WTD) is observed every year across the world on 19 November to raise
awareness and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The theme for year 2017 is
Wastewater.
 The World Diabetes Day was observed every year across the world on 14 November to raise awareness
about diabetes. Observance of day aims to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human
health and provide access to health-care treatment and education.
 The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was held in Da Nang, Vietnam. The theme of
summit was ‗Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future‘.
 The World Pneumonia Day is observed globally every year on November 12 to generate awareness
about the ‗pneumonia‘ disease. The observance of day aims to highlight the severity of pneumonia and
bring together the people from all over the world to promote the prevention and treatment of the disease.
 The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has released ‗The Paradise Papers‘, a
global investigation that reveals the offshore activities of some of the world‘s most powerful people and
companies.

Business, Economy & Banking

 State Bank of India (SBI), the largest commercial bank in India will soon launch country‘s first
integrated lifestyle and banking digital service platform named YONO (acronym for ‗You Only Need
One‘).
 The Sub-Committee of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) reviewed major global and
domestic developments that could impinge country‘s financial stability. The sub-committee meeting was
headed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel.
 India ranked 51st among 63 countries on the IMD Talent Rankings in terms of ability to attract, develop
and retain talent. In previous rankings, India was ranked 54th.
 The Union Finance Ministry has granted Infrastructure Status to Logistics sector. Logistics
Infrastructure was included by insertion of new item in renamed category of ‗Transport and Logistics‘.
 The Union Government launched BHARAT-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) managed by ICICI
Prudential Mutual Fund targeting an initial amount of about Rs. 8,000 Crore.

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 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided not to pursue a proposal to introduce Islamic banking in
India. Decision in this regard was taken after considering wider and equal opportunities available to all
citizens to access banking and financial services.
 India has slipped to 7th position in ‗business optimism‘ index in September-November quarter period
from earlier 2nd slot in the previous July-September quater. The fall in rank clearly shows clear signs of
lag in the economy.
 The Union Government has announced that India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will become operational
in all 650 districts of the country by April 2018 to facilitate financial inclusion.
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made 20-digit Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) compulsory for
companies having aggregate fund-based and non-fund based exposure over Rs 5 crore.
 The capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning to bring Initial
Coin Offerings (ICO) under its existing legal framework. In recent times, popularity of crypto currencies
has increased rapidly and number of entities looking at raising funds through ICO.
 In World Bank‘s recently released Doing Business (DB) Report 2018 titled as ‗Doing Business 2018:
Reforming to Create Jobs‘, India leapfrogged to 100th among 190 countries.
 According to index of eight core industries released by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Core sector growth has hit six-month high in September 2017.

Science & Technology

 According to recently published study, boost in levels of oxygen may have caused three-fold increase in
biodiversity (or biodiversification) during between 445 and 485 million years ago.
 Scientists from New Zealand have developed world‘s first artificial intelligence politician named SAM.
It was created by Nick Gerritsen, entrepreneur in New Zealand.
 The India Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch first solar mission Aditya-L1 in
2019. It will be India‘s first dedicated scientific mission to study sun.
 China has successfully launched remote sensing satellites designed to conduct electromagnetic probes
and other experiments.
 Researchers from Columbia University Medical Centre (CUMC) in US have converted natural bacterial
immune system into the world‘s smallest data recorder.
 Scientists have discovered new species of gecko in the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra Pradesh. It was
identified from few areas in northern Mahendragiri range and scattered coastal hills in northern Andhra
Pradesh.
 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully tested supersonic landing
parachute that will be deployed in its Mars rover mission set to launch in 2020.
 The Hyderabad based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in association with Indian
Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has developed Improved Samba Masuri (ISM) variety rice with low
Glycemic Index (GI).
 Scientists from Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of parasitic flowering
plant named Gleadovia konyakianorum. The species was named in honour of Konyak tribe of Nagas.

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 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a next-generation satellite
called the Joint Polar Satellite System-1 (JPSS-1) into space. JPSS-1 is a joint venture between NASA
and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It was launched into orbit atop United
Launch Alliance-built Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be renamed
NOAA-20 when it reaches its final orbit.
 China launched world‘s first fully electric cargo ship in Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong province.
It is the first ship in the world to use lithium ion battery. The ship will be mainly used to run in inland
section of Pearl River for carrying coal for generation of electric power.
 Botanists have discovered new species of wild banana named Musa paramjitiana in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. It has been name in honour of Paramjit Singh, director of the Botanical Survey of India
(BSI). Musa paramjitiana species was discovered in North Andaman‘s Krishnapuri forest, 6 kilometres
from any human habitation.
 Palaeontologists from University of Portsmouth, UK have discovered remains of humankind‘s oldest
mammal ancestor — a tiny rat-like creature that lived 145 million years ago.
 Scientists have detected dust belts around Proxima Centauri, a finding that indicates presence of
elaborate planetary system hosted by closest star to solar system. These new observations were made by
Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile.
 China successfully launched two BeiDou-3 satellites named BeiDou-3 M1 and BeiDou-3 M2 into space
on board of single carrier rocket Long March-3B from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern
province of Sichuan.
 Scientists have discovered most ancient spiral galaxy known as A1689B11, recorded so far in the
universe. It was detected using powerful technique that combines gravitational lensing with Near-
infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) on Gemini North telescope in Hawaii. Gravitational lenses
are nature‘s largest telescopes, created by massive clusters composed of thousands of galaxies and dark
matter.
 Researchers from University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada have developed earthquake-proof
fibre-reinforced concrete that can dramatically enhance the earthquake resistance of seismically
vulnerable structures.

Awards & Honors

 The third Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Distinguished Indologist Award for the year
2017 was awarded to Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan.
 South Africa‘s Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (22) was crowned Miss Universe at pageant held at The AXIS at
Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. With this she becomes, second South African to
win this crown after Margaret Gardiner who had won Miss Universe 1978.
 Actor-playwright Girish Karnad (79) was conferred with 2017 Tata Literature Live Lifetime
Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution in field of theatre at the eighth edition of the Tata
Literature festival held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

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 Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (85) was selected Indira Gandhi Prize for peace, disarmament
and development for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India‘s
stature globally.
 India‘s Manushi Chhillar (20) was crowned coveted Miss World crown for the year 2017. The win
comes 17 years after Priyanka Chopra brought home coveted title in the year 2000.
 Eminent Hindi Litterateur Krishna Sobti (92) was awarded the 53rd Jnanpith Award for the year 2017
for her path-breaking contribution to Indian literature. She will be overall eight women to win this
prestigious award.

Sports
 India’s Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won gold medal at World Weightlifting Championships held in
Anaheim, United States. She achieved this feat by lifting new world record of 194kg – 85kg snatch and
109kg clean-and-jerk in the 48 kg weight category. Thailand’s Sukcharoen Thunya won silver medal
with total lift of 193, while Segura Ana Iris won bronze medal with 182kg lift.
 India’s Ritu Phogat has won Silver medal in Under-23 Senior World Wrestling held in Poland. She won
silver medal in 48 kg category. She entered into final by defeating Bulgarian Wrestler Selishka in
Quarter finals and Chinese Wrestler Jiang Zhu in the semi-final. In the gold medal bout (in the final
match), she lost against Turkish Wrestler Evin Demirhan and stand in second with a silver medal.
Another young Indian wrestler, Divya Kakran, came close to a medal but lost in the bronze medal bout.
 Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani won 2017 IBSF World Billiards Championship held at Doha. In the final
match, he defeated Mike Russell of England 6-2 to defend the 150-up format title which he had won in
Bengaluru in 2016.
 Five time world champion Mary Kom won gold medal in Asian Women’s Boxing Championships in Light
Flyweight (48 kg) category. In the final match held at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, she defeated North
Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the final bout 5-0 by unanimous judges decision.
 HS Prannoy (World no 11) won the 82nd Senior National Championship title of Badminton in men’s
single category by defeating Kidambi Srikanth (World No 2) by 21-15, 16-21, 21-7 score.
 Indian women’s hockey team won the 2017 Asia Cup hockey title. In the final match held at
Kakamigahara in Japan, India defeated China by 5-4 goals in penalty shootout. With this victory, India
qualified for 2018 World Cup and women’s hockey team win closely follows victory of men’s side in
October 2017. It was India’s second Women’s Asia Cup title and first one was won in 2004.

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