Current Affairs PDF Magazine

2016
Current Affairs Magazine

June 2016
Extremely important for coming Civil Services and other All-India-Level Exams.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
JUNE 2016
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NATIONAL
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN RELEASED
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the National Disaster Management Plan
(NDMP). This is the first ever national plan prepared in the country.
 The NDMP has been aligned broadly with the goals and priorities set out in the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
 The Vision of the Plan is to ―Make India disaster resilient, achieve substantial
disaster risk reduction, and significantly decrease the losses of life, livelihoods, and
assets – economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental – by maximizing the
ability to cope with disasters at all levels of administration as well as among
communities”.
 For each hazard, the approach used in this national plan incorporates the four
priorities enunciated in the Sendai Framework into the planning framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction under the five Thematic Areas for Actions:
1. Understanding Risk
2. Inter-Agency Coordination
3. Investing in DRR – Structural Measures
4. Investing in DRR – Non-Structural Measures
5. Capacity Development
 The Response part of the Plan has identified eighteen broad activities which have
been arranged into a matrix to be served as a ready reckoner:
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1. Early Warning, Maps, Satellite inputs, Information Dissemination
2. Evacuation of People and Animals
3. Search and Rescue of People and Animals
4. Medical Care
5. Drinking Water/ Dewatering Pumps/ Sanitation Facilities/ Public Health
6. Food & Essential Supplies
7. Communication
8. Housing and Temporary Shelters
9. Power
10. Fuel
11. Transportation
12. Relief Logistics and Supply Chain Management
13. Disposal of Animal Carcasses
14. Fodder for livestock in scarcity-hit areas
15. Rehabilitation and Ensuring Safety of Livestock and other Animals, Veterinary
Care
16. Data Collection and Management
17. Relief Employment
18. Media Relations

 The Plan has also incorporated a Chapter on Strengthening Disaster Risk
Governance.
 The generalized responsibility matrix given in this section summarizes the themes
for strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and specifies agencies at the Centre and
State with their respective roles.
JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 1

 The matrix has six thematic areas in which Central and State Governments have to
take actions to strengthen disaster risk governance:
1. Mainstream and integrate DRR and Institutional Strengthening
2. Capacity Development
3. Promote Participatory Approaches
4. Work with Elected Representatives
5. Grievance Redress Mechanism
6. Promote Quality Standards, Certifications, and Awards for Disaster Risk
Management
Salient Features of the Plan:
 The plan covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, mitigation,

response and recovery.
 It provides for horizontal and vertical integration among all the agencies and
departments of the Government.
 The plan also spells out the roles and responsibilities of all levels of Government
right up to Panchayat and Urban Local Body level in a matrix format.
 The plan has a regional approach, which will be beneficial not only for disaster
management but also for development planning.
 It is designed in such a way that it can be implemented in a scalable manner in all
phases of disaster management.
 It also identifies major activities such as early warning, information dissemination,
medical care, fuel, transportation, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. to serve as a

checklist for agencies responding to a disaster.
It also provides a generalized framework for recovery and offers flexibility to
assess a situation and build back better.
 To prepare communities to cope with disasters, it emphasizes on a greater need for
Information, Education and Communication activities.
 The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) provides a framework and
direction to the government agencies for all phases of disaster management cycle.
 The NDMP is a dynamic document in the sense that it will be periodically improved
keeping up with the emerging global best practices and knowledge bases in disaster
management.
 Globally, the approach towards post-disaster restoration and rehabilitation has
shifted to one of betterment reconstruction.
 The NDMP provides a generalized framework for recovery since it is not possible to
anticipate all the possible elements of betterment reconstruction.
 The Plan also highlights that the disaster risk reduction will be achieved by
mainstreaming the requirements into the developmental plans.
ADDITIONAL ALLOCATIONS TO BPL AND APL FAMILIES

 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has given its approval for additional
monthly allocation of 41,800 tonnes of foodgrains for the Below Poverty Line (BPL)
families at BPL rates and 20,507 tonnes of foodgrains for Above Poverty Line (APL)
families at 2/3rd of Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates to three non-National
Food Security Act (NFSA) States, namely, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Nagaland,
from April to June, 2016 or till implementation of NFSA by the respective State,
whichever is earlier.

Background:
 NFSA has come into force from 05.07.2013 and it provides for coverage of two-
third population of the country, based on the population estimates of 2011 for
receiving wheat at Rs.2 per kg and rice at Rs.3 per kg.
 It was expected that the Act would be implemented in all the States/UTs by March,
2016 and beneficiaries under Targeted Public Distribution Systems (TDPS) would get
highly subsidized foodgrains.
 Accordingly, during 2015-16 non-NFSA States/UTs were allocated additional
foodgrains for BPL and APL families upto March, 2016.
 33 States/UTs have implemented NFSA so far and three States, namely, Tamil
Nadu, Kerala and Nagaland are still getting allocation of foodgrains under the
erstwhile TPDS.
 These States are in the process of implementation of NFSA in the coming months.
CARPET AREA REQUIRED UNDER URBAN HOUSING MISSION
 Under Prime Minister‘s Awas Yojana (Urban), minimum addition of 9.0 sq.mt of
carpet area to the existing house will be required to be eligible for Central
assistance under the ‗Beneficiary Led Construction‘ component of the housing
mission.
 Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation issued modified Guidelines under
PMAY (Urban) to this effect to States and Union Territories for compliance while
sending affordable housing proposals for enhancement of existing houses under

‗Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC)‘ component of housing mission.
Under BLC, beneficiaries will be assisted for construction of new houses and
enhancement of existing houses to make them more livable.
 A minimum addition of 9.0 sq.mt of carpet to the existing pucca or semi-pucca
house shall now be ensured for being eligible for Central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh
per beneficiary.
 This enhancement shall include pucca construction of at least one habitable room
or room with kitchen/bathroom /toilet as per the National Building Construction
Norms.
 The new Guidelines also mandated that after the required minimum of 9.0 sq.mt
carpet area enhancement, total carpet area shall not be less than 21 sq.mt and must
not be more than 30 sq.mt.
 Under BLC component of PMAY (Urban), eligible beneficiaries already owning pucca
or semi-pucca houses are enabled to undertake enhancement of such homes to make
them more livable.
INCREDIBLE INDIA BED & BREAKFAST/HOME STAY SCHEME
 Ministry of Tourism has formulated an Action Plan for ―Incredible India Bed &
Breakfast /Home Stay Scheme‖. The salient features of the Action Plan are as
follows:-
 As Home Stay / Bed & Breakfast is the need of the hour, it was decided to revisit
the scheme guidelines and update it based on present and future requirements.
 To ensure expansion of Home Stay Scheme in State where it is already prevalent
and introduction where it is not there.

 Move towards ease of doing business through rationalization of taxes, simplification
of procedures etc.
 Launch an aggressive marketing strategy to enlist more B&B Establishments.
Involve online travel agents in promoting this scheme and bring it on the fast-
track.
 Groups were constituted to study various aspects of this scheme and submit
recommendations in a time bound manner.
‗GYPS VULTURE REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMME' LAUNCHED
 Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the Asia's first ‗Gyps
Vulture Reintroduction Programme' along with the Haryana Chief Minister,
Manohar Lal, at Pinjore in Haryana.
 They jointly released two Himalayan Griffons into the wild from the Jatayu
Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore.
 The Union Minister described the breeding and conservation of vultures as a
significant step in the direction of saving the species.
 It is a matter of concern that the species of vulture has become endangered.
 Most vultures have disappeared and the reason is Diclofenac, a pain killer drug
given to cattle which can kill birds. When vultures feed on the carcasses of animals
with Diclofenac, they also die.
 Later the drug was banned by the government.
 As vultures play a vital role in keeping the environment clean, their breeds
should be increased and the government is constantly working to increase their

numbers.
The Himalayan Griffon is closely related to the critically endangered resident Gyps
species of vultures but is not endangered.
UNIFIED GUIDELINES FOR LPG DISTRIBUTORSHIPS ISSUED
 After an elaborate and comprehensive review of the existing distributorship selection

policies, a new set of Guidelines have been finalised with the objective of
strengthening LPG supply chain with focus on rural areas and creating job
opportunities through supply chain system.
 Key features of the Unified Guidelines for Selection of LPG distributorships are:-
 Four broad types of distributorships with varying refill ceiling limits- Sheheri,
Rurban, Gramin and Durgam Vitrak.
 Eligibility norms for age, education, fund requirement and ownership of land for
godown & showroom have been relaxed to make selection process more
participative.
 33 % reservation to women across all categories has been introduced to
encourage women entrepreneurship. 3% reservation for Divyang candidates.
 As a part of Government‘s Digital India campaign, Online filing, processing
and selection has been introduced for Sheheri distributorships on a pilot basis.
 To take care of interest of Defence personnel and their dependents, inter-se
priority in selection under Government Personnel category has been
introduced.
 Monetary norms for security deposit have been relaxed for the selected
candidates belonging to SC/ST and OBCs.

 In order to address the issue of last mile reach of LPG in difficult areas, LPG
Suvidha Kendra facility will be introduced for improving delivery of services.
 LPG distributorships would be set up in active collaboration with the State
Government agencies to strengthen the supply chain in Durgam areas.
 Unified Guidelines will pave the way for a more broadbased, participative and
transparent system of selection of distributors across the country.
 In this year, the Oil Marketing Companies will start the process for selection of new
distributors in 10,000 new locations.
SURESH PRABHU LAUNCHES TIGER EXPRESS TRAIN
 In terms of Budget Announcement 2016-17, Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar

Prabhu flagged off the inaugural run of the Tiger Trail Circuit Train from Delhi
Safdarjung Station.
 The launch of this Tiger Express on World Environment Day is to highlight the
significance of environment in our lives.
 This tourist train will be operated by Indian Railway PSU namely Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
 The train with 5 days/6 nights itinerary will start from Delhi Sufdarjung railway
station and travel via Katani, Jabalpur, Bandhavgadh, Kanha.
 The semi-luxury train will take the guests onboard to the world famous
Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. In addition the trip will
also take tourists to Dhuadhar Waterfall in Bedhaghat near Jabalpur.
SWACHH YUG: VILLAGES ALONG GANGA TO MADE OPEN DEFECATION FREE
 The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in partnership with Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports, and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation, is intensifying support to the five States of Uttarakhand, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, to make all villages along the banks of
the Ganga Open Defecation Free (ODF).
 There are 5,169 villages along the river Ganga that fall under 1,651 Gram
Panchayats (GPs), 52 districts, and 5 States.
 The campaign, being a collaborative effort between the Swachh Bharat Mission, local
youth leaders (युवा) and the Namami Gange project (गंगा) - is being called ‗Swachh
Yuga युग‘, which translates into ‗the age of Swachh‘.
 The Ministry of Youth Affairs, under the coordination of the Nehru Yuva Kendra
Sangathan, is enlisting the support of youth agencies such as the Bharat Scouts and
Guides, Nehru Yuva Kendras and National Service Scheme.
 These organizations will be called upon to provide a large number of local youth
volunteers to support a behaviour change campaign in the 52 districts under the
Swachh Bharat Mission.
 To take this initiative forward, a nodal officer has been identified for each district to
work on making their district Open Defecation Free (ODF) in mission mode, as
well as to focus on ‗Swachhta‘ at the village through proper Solid and Liquid Waste
Management and maintaining general cleanliness.

―SURYAMITRA‖ MOBILE APP LAUNCHED
 Piyush Goyal, Minister for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launched
―Surya Mitra‖ mobile App at National Workshop on Rooftop Solar Power.
 The GPS based mobile app is developed by National Institute of Solar Energy
(NISE) which is an autonomous institution of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
(MNRE).
 The Surya Mitra Mobile App is currently available in Google play store, which can
be downloaded and used across India.
 This App is a high end technology platform which can handle thousands of calls
simultaneously and can efficiently monitor all visits of Suryamitra‘s.
 The trained Suryamitra‘s who opts for entrepreneurship have joined in the Mobile
App in several states.
 These Suryamitras are once again sensitized by NISE on soft skills Customer
Relations Management, Punctuality and are now ready to deliver the services.
I&B MINISTRY FRAMES NEW PRINT MEDIA ADVERTISEMENT POLICY
 Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has framed a New Print Media

Advertisement Policy for Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) with
the objective to promote transparency and accountability in issuing of
advertisements in print media.
 The policy focuses on streamlining release of Government advertisements and to also
promote equity and fairness among various categories of newspapers/periodicals.
The key highlights of the policy are as follows:
 For the first time the policy introduces a New Marking System for newspapers to
incentivize Newspapers who have better professional standing and get their
circulation verified by ABC/ RNI. This will also ensure transparency and accountability
in the release of advertisements by DAVP.
 The policy framework includes circulation verification Procedure for empanelment
of Newspapers/Journals with DAVP. The procedure involves certification by RNI/ABC
if circulation exceeds 45,000 copies per publishing day; for circulation upto 45,000
copies per publishing day certificate from Cost/Chartered Accountant/ Statutory
Auditor Certificate/ ABC is mandated.
 The policy states that RNI circulation certificate shall be valid for a period of
two years from the date of issue and in case of ABC, the current certificate shall be
used for circulation certificate. It is stated in the policy that DG DAVP reserves the
right to have figures of circulation checked through RNI or its representative.
 The policy also stipulates the empanelment procedure for Multi-Editions of a
newspaper. It states that, as per the PRB Act whenever copies of one edition of a
newspaper are printed from more than one centre and if the content of newspaper is
different they would be treated as different editions.

 For payment and adjustment of bills, the policy framework mandates that DAVP will
release payment of advertisement bills in the name of newspaper/company
account directly through ECS or NEFT. Also, it is mentioned that newspaper will
publish DAVP advertisement only on receipt of the relevant Release Order by DAVP.
All Release order issued can be accessed electronically at DAVP website.

SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME
 The ―1st Meeting of National Committee on Ramayan Circuit and National Committee
on Krishna Circuit‖ under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism held
under the chairmanship of the Minister of Tourism & Culture Dr. Mahesh Sharma.
 Under Ramayana Circuit, 11 destinations spread across 6 states have been
proposed.
 The destinations covered are: Ayodhya, Nandigram,nghverpur & Chitrakoot (Uttar
Pradesh); Sitamarhi, Buxar & Darbhanga (Bihar); Jagdalpur (Chattisgarh);
Bhadrachalam (Telangana); Hampi (Karnataka); and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu).
Expert committee suggested to include Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh), Nashik &
Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Mahendragiri (Odisha) in the proposed circuit.
 Under Krishna circuit, 12 destinations spread across 5 states have been proposed.
The destinations covered are: Dwarka (Gujarat); Nathdwara, Jaipur & Sikar
(Rajasthan); Kurukshetra (Haryana), Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon
& Govardhan (Uttar Pradesh); Puri (Odisha). The destinations were approved by the
expert committee.
 Further, projects worth more than Three Hundred Crores Rupees were approved
in-principle in Uttar Pradesh under both the circuits.
 The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15
with an aim to develop theme based tourist circuits in the country on the principles of
high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by
synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich
tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.
 Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been
identified, for development namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit,
Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco
Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage
Circuit.
CABINET APPROVES CIVIL AVIATION POLICY
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Civil Aviation Policy.
 This is the first time since Independence that an integrated Civil Aviation Policy
has been brought out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
 The Policy aims at:

 India to become 3rd largest civil aviation market by 2022 from 9th
 Domestic ticketing to grow from 8 crore in 2015 to 30 crore by 2022
 Airports having scheduled commercial flights to increase from 77 in 2016 to 127
by 2019
 Cargo volumes to increase by 4 times to 10 million tonnes by 2027
 Taking flying to masses – Enabling Indians to fly at Rs. 2,500 per hour under
Regional Connectivity Scheme at unserved airports

 Requirement of 5 years of domestic flying for starting international operations
removed
 Flexible and liberalized ‗open skies‘ and ‗code share‘ agreements
 Incentives to MRO sector to develop as hub for South Asia
 Ensuring availability of quality certified 3.3 lakh skilled personnel by 2025
 Development of green-field airports and heliports

 Enhancing ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and
e-governance
 Promoting ‗Make In India‘ in Civil Aviation Sector
 Areas covered in the Policy:

1. Regional connectivity
2. Safety
3. Air Transport Operations
4. Route Dispersal Guidelines
5. 5/20 Requirement for International Operations
6. Bilateral traffic rights
7. Code-share agreements
8. Fiscal Support
9. Airports developed by State Govt, Private sector or in PPP mode
10. Airports Authority of India
11. Air Navigation Services
12. Aviation security, Immigration and Customs
13. Helicopters
14. Charters
15. Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
16. Ground handling
17. Air-cargo
18. Aeronautical ‗Make in India‘
19. Aviation education and skill development
20. Sustainable aviation
21. Miscellaneous
22. Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1968
Salient features of the Policy:
 The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) will be funded by a small levy per departure on
all domestic routes other than Cat II/ Cat IIA routes, RCS routes and small aircraft at
a rate as decided by the Ministry from time to time. A detailed scheme will be put up
in the Public domain for stakeholders consultations.
 The 5/20 rule for commencement of international flight in operation since 2004 is
replaced by a formulation which provides a level playing field and allows airlines,
both new and old, to commence international operations provided they continue to
meet some obligation for domestic operation. All airlines can commence
international operations provided they deploy 20 aircraft or 20% of total capacity
(in term of average number of seats on all departures put together), whichever is
higher, for domestic operations.
 Necessary administrative and financial flexibility will be provided to Director
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an effective aviation safety oversight system and
for creating a transparent single-window system for all aviation safety related issues.
 The Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG) have been rationalised by making the
criteria for declaring a route as Category I (trunk route) more transparent, while the
traffic to be deployed on Cat II and IIA expressed in terms of a%age of CAT I traffic
remains the same. The criteria proposed for a Cat I route are a flying distance of
more than 700 km, average seat factor of more than 70% and annual traffic of 5
lakh passengers. The%age for CAT III will be reduced in view of the Regional

Connectivity Scheme coming into operation. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have
been included as part of category II routes.
 The regime of bilateral rights and code share agreements will be liberalised
leading to greater ease of doing business and wider choice to passengers. ―Open
skies‖ will be implemented on a reciprocal basis for SAARC countries and countries
beyond 5000 kms from Delhi. A method will be recommended by a Committee
headed by the Cabinet Secretary for the allotment of additional capacity entitlements
wherever designated Indian carriers have not utilised 80% of their bilateral rights but
the foreign airlines/countries have utilised their part and are pressing for increase in
the capacity.
 The Ministry will continue to encourage development of airports by the State
Government or the private sector or in PPP mode and endeavour to provide
regulatory certainty. Future greenfield and brownfield airports will have cost
efficient functionality with no compromise on safety and security.
 Airport Authority of India (AAI) will continue to develop and modernise its airports
and upgrade quality of services. AAI will be suitably compensated in case a new
greenfield airport is approved in future within 150 km radius of an existing
operational AAI airport which is not yet saturated.
 Upgradation and modernisation of Air Navigation Services will continue in line
with global trends. AAI will provide a fully harmonised Air Navigation System
considering International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Global Air Navigation
Plan, Aviation system Block Upgrade and modern performance based technologies
and procedures.
 The Government will promote helicopter usage by issuing separate regulations for
helicopters and development of four heli-hubs initially. Ministry of Civil Aviation will
also coordinate with all the agencies and stakeholders concerned to facilitate
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services.
 In the budget for 2016-17, the customs duty for MRO‘s has been rationalised
and the procedure for clearance of goods simplified, in particular duty on tools and
tool kits. Further incentives have been proposed in the policy to give a push to this
sector :-
 MoCA will persuade State Governments to make VAT zero-rated on MRO activities
 Provision for adequate land for MRO service providers will be made in all future
airport/heliport projects where potential for such MRO services exists.
 Airport royalty and additional charges will not be levied on MRO service providers
for a period of five years from the date of approval of the policy.
 The existing ground handling policy is being replaced with a new framework to
ensure fair competition. The airport operator will ensure that there will be three
Ground Handling Agencies (GHA) including Air India's subsidiary/JV at all major
airports as defined in AERA Act 2008.
 At non-major airports, the airport operator to decide on the number of ground
handling agencies, based on the traffic output, airside and terminal building capacity.
 All domestic scheduled airline operators including helicopter operators will be free
to carry out self-handling at all airports. Hiring of employees through manpower

supplier will not be permitted.
SUPERANNUATION AGE OF CENTRAL HEALTH STAFF INDCREASED
 The Union Cabinet has approved for enhancement of the age of superannuation of:

1. Non-Teaching and Public Health Specialists of Central Health Service from 62
years to 65 years
2. Doctors of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) sub-cadre of Central Health
Service (CHS) to 65 years.
 The target group would be officers of Non-Teaching, Public Health and GDMO sub-
cadres of CHS.
 The decision would help in better patient care, proper academic activities in
Medical colleges as also in effective implementation of National Health Programmes
for delivery of health care services.
 There is no financial implication as the vacant posts would have to be filled up quickly
to ensure continuity of patient care.
 The age of superannuation in respect of all four sub-cadres of Central Health Service
was 60 years prior to 2006.
SETTING UP 1000 MW WIND POWER PROJECT
 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched Scheme for setting up
of 1000 MW Wind Power Project connected to transmission network of Central
Transmission Utility (CTU) with an objective to facilitate supply of wind power to the
non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process.
 Ministry has designated Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as nodal
agency for implementation of the scheme.
 The Scheme will encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes
and introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes. It

will also facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO)
requirement of non-windy states.
The Government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW power
capacity from renewable energy resources by 2022 and out of this 60 GW has to
come from wind power.
 The Scheme will be implemented for setting up 1000 MW capacity of CTU
connected Wind Power Projects by Wind Project Developers on build, own and
operate basis. However, the capacity may go higher than 1000 MW, if there is higher
demand from Discoms of non-windy states.
INITIATIVE ‗VIDYANJALI‘ LAUNCHED
 Inspired from Prime Minister‘s vision to inculcate reading habits among children and
create a reading culture at school and community level, Union HRD Minister Smriti
Zubin Irani dedicated ‗Vidyanjali‘- a school volunteer programme to the nation
at New Delhi.
 The programme is designed to involve volunteers from different walks of life to
strengthen the co-scholastic activities in government schools.

 Vidyanjali, which is being implemented under the overall aegis of the Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan, will enhance the community involvement in Government run elementary
schools and effectively engage children in reading, creative writing, public speaking,
play acting, preparing story books etc..
 The programme will be open for participation by all Indian citizens including
retired Professionals, retired government officials, working professionals and
homemakers; and also persons from the Indian Diaspora.
1
 The programme will be piloted across 21 States. These States are Assam, Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Jammu
and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Telengana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
VIDYUT PRAVAH & URJA MOBILE APP LAUNCHED
 Union Minister for Power Piyush Goyal launched ‗URJA‘- Urban Jyoti Abhiyaan
Mobile app on the side-lines of ongoing two day Conference of Power Ministers at
Cansaulim in South Goa.
 The app is developed by Power Finance Corporation on behalf of Ministry of Power
for Urban Power Distribution Sector to enhance consumer connect with the Urban
Power Distribution sector by providing information of IT enabled towns on important
parameters which concern the consumers like outage information, timely release of
connections, addressing complaints, power reliability etc.
 The Union Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by
Affordable LED for all) Yojana in Goa with a target of replacing approximately 15
lakh LED bulbs, impacting nearly 5 lakh households. Under the scheme, consumers
are entitled to 3 LED bulbs of 9W each at a subsidized rate of Rs.25/, as against a
market price of Rs.300-350.
 Besides, the Union Minister also launched ―Vidyut Pravah‖ App at the event.
NATIONAL MINERAL EXPLORATION POLICY 2016


The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the
National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP).
The NMEP primarily aims at accelerating the exploration activity in the country
through enhanced participation of the private sector.
MAIN FEATURES OF POLICY:-
 The Ministry of Mines will carry out auctioning of identified exploration blocks for
exploration by private sector on revenue sharing basis in case their exploration leads
to auctionable resources. The revenue will be borne by the successful bidder of those
auctionable blocks.
 If the explorer agencies do not discover any auctionable resources, their exploration
expenditure will be reimbursed on normative cost basis.
 Creation of baseline geoscientific data as a public good for open dissemination
free of charge.
 Government will carry out a National Aerogeophysical Program for acquiring
state-of-the-art baseline data for targeting concealed mineral deposits.
 A National Geoscientific Data Repository is proposed to be set up to collate all

baseline and mineral exploration information generated by various central & state
government agencies and also mineral concession holders and to maintain these on
geospatial database.
 Government proposes to establish a not-for-profit autonomous institution that will be
known as the National Centre for Mineral Targeting (NCMT) in collaboration with
scientific and research bodies, universities and industry for scientific and
technological research to address the mineral exploration challenges in the country.
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 Provisions for inviting private investment in exploration through attractive revenue
sharing models.
 On the lines of UNCOVER project of Australia, the government intends to launch a
special initiative to probe deep-seated/ concealed minerals deposits in the country in
collaboration with National Geophysical Research Institute and the proposed NCMT
and Geoscience Australia.
 In order to implement the recommendations of the NMEP, initially an amount of
about Rs.2116 crore over 5 years would be required over and above the annual
plan budget of the Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines. The NMEP
will benefit the entire mineral sector across the country.
NATIONAL POLICY ON MINI/MICRO GRIDS
 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to foster development of 10,000
mini or micro grids powered by renewable energy sources within five years, to
reach electricity to the 237 million Indians who have no access to electricity today.
 The Ministry has put out its draft National Policy on Mini/Micro grids for public
comments, in which it says that with costs of power generated by renewable sources
such as wind and solar coming down, RE-based mini/micro grids are a ―durable
solution‖ to provide electricity to the thousands of dark villages of India.
 A mini or a micro grid is a network of power cables that reach electricity from a
source—such as a small solar power plant — to homes in a particular area, such as a
village or a group of villages.
 The entire system is built and operated by an entrepreneur (or an Energy Services

Company), who makes a business out of supplying energy to homes.
The draft policy defines a micro grid as one that is powered by a source of less than
10 kW capacity and a mini grid as one with 10 kW or more.
 The ministry prefers ‗mini‘ to ‗micro‘, but if smaller systems are not possible, it wants
a cluster of mini grids.
 To fast-track the process, the Ministry is empanelling energy services companies as
‗Rural Energy Service Providers (RESPs)‘, who will install, own and operate the
systems.
 The RESPs will earn certain privileges for implementation under the Ministry‘s
programmes.
 A number of companies, such as Mera Gao Power, SunEdison and Minda NextGen,
have put up several solar-powered mini or micro grids, mainly by supplying
equipment to local entrepreneurs.
 Their experience has been mixed. While the first few installations are always easy,
they have encountered problems while scaling up.
 Typically, the entrepreneurs (or those who will be RESPs) need training and
handholding, which requires disproportionate investment, time and effort than the
size of the business.

 Also, there is always the fear of the state-owned electricity distribution company
extending the grid to the region served by the micro or mini grid, leading to
migration of customers.
JNU AND NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL WELFARE SIGN MOA
 National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) and Jawaharlal Nehru

University, New Delhi (JNU) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to
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conduct academic programmes that will focus on development of Animal Welfare
Sciences.
 Such courses were being conducted in countries like Australia and New Zealand and
now will be conducted by JNU in NIAW campus.
 The introduction of this course will help in preparing competent manpower to
man various posts in zoos, municipalities, slaughter houses and veterinary
hospitals.
ICMR-CEEW LAUNCH THE ‗SOLAR FOR HEALTHCARE‘ INITIATIVE
 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has signed an MoU with the
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a policy research
institution, to launch a new ‗Initiative on Solar for Healthcare‘.
 The collaboration will focus on providing effective health care delivery at the last
mile by reducing uncertainty in critical infrastructure, particularly electricity supply
via cost effective solar-based solutions.
 The collaboration with CEEW will bring together synergies between the objective
of ‗time to care‘ as mandated in the National Health Mission (NHM) and clean energy
as outlined under the National Solar Mission (NSM).
 Under this collaboration, on a pilot basis, solar systems will be installed at select
PHCs in partnership with three state governments and evaluate its impact on
healthcare delivery and health outcomes.
 Electricity access in health centres is also imperative as a means to facilitate
communication services, tele-health applications and to retain skilled health workers.
LAUNCH OF PRASHIKSHAK - TEACHER EDUCATION PORTAL
 ‗Prashikshak‘, the teacher education portal for District Institutes of Education and
Training (DIETs) was launched by the Minister of Human Resource and Development
in New Delhi.
 The objective of Prashikshak is to help DIETs make informed decisions about their
institutes, compare the performance of their institute against other DIETs in the
state/country as well as help aspiring teachers make informed decisions about which
institute to join.
 Prashikshak Portal has been developed by the Ministry of HRD in collaboration
with Central Square Foundation.
 DIETs were created under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher Education
(CSSTE) for offering pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes for
Government elementary school teachers.
 Currently, there are 588 DIETs functioning in the country with an intake of 98052
students and sanctioned faculty strength of 12647.
EESL SIGNS MOU WITH TERI
 Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) entered into a strategic partnership

with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for two years.
 As per MoU, both organizations have decided to enter into an agreement as Strategic
Partners, to work jointly for the achievement of common goals and objectives related
to energy efficiency in India and abroad.
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 With this partnership, the main focus of TERI will be on working with governments,
regulatory bodies, industry organizations, and utilities to create a policy environment
for clean energy technologies.
 EESL will emphasize on implementing projects and programmes to promote
clean energy technologies through innovative policy based business model to end
users.
ELECTION COMMISSION SEEKS POWER TO POSTPONE, REVOKE POLLS
 The Election Commission of India has written to the Centre seeking amendment to
the Representation of the People Act to confer specific powers on the election
watchdog to postpone or countermand polls based on evidence that money power
was used to influence voters.
 The move comes days after the EC rescinded the poll notification for two Tamil
Nadu Assembly constituencies, Aravakurichi and Thanjavur, following reports of
large-scale distribution of money and gifts to voters by the candidates and political
parties.
 The action was taken under Article 324 of the Constitution. The Commission is yet
to announce the fresh dates for elections in the two constituencies.
SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS NOT COMPULSORY: EC
 The Election Commission of India has instructed candidates contesting elections to

both Houses of Parliament and State Assemblies to furnish information about their


social media accounts.
Failure to disclose the details, however, would not be a ground for rejection.
Non-furnishing of information about social media account in Form 26 shall not be
treated as a ground for considering the affidavit in Form 26 as incomplete or to reject
the nomination paper.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY BEAT HYDRO CAPACITY
 The renewable energy sector has for the first time surpassed hydro power
generation in India.
 According to the Central Electricity Authority data, the total capacity of renewable
energy sector increased to 42,849.38 MW, surpassing the total capacity of hydro
power sector at 42,783.42 MW, out of the nation‘s total installed capacity of a little
over 3 lakh MW on April 30, 2016.
 The total capacity of the thermal sector stood at 2,11,420.40 MW.
 The government has ambitious plans for deployment of 175 GW renewable power
capacities by 2022, including 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind, which may
require investment of around $150 billion in the next seven years.
DRAFT WIND-SOLAR HYBRID POLICY
 The government‘s draft policy for wind and solar hybrid plants, released for public
comments recently.
 The draft policy aims to facilitate hybridisation of existing solar or wind systems,
besides new hybrid projects.
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 The main aim of the policy is to lay a framework for promoting large grid
connected wind-solar photovoltaic system.
 This will be helpful for creating optimal and efficient transmission infrastructure and
land, reducing the variability in renewable power generation to achieve better grid
stability.
 The goal of the policy is to reach a wind-solar hybrid capacity of 10 GW by 2022.
AADHAAR TO BE LINKED WITH CASTE CERTIFICATE
 All State governments have been asked to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile
certificates to be issued to school students, as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative by
the Centre.
 The States have been told to ensure that such certificates are issued within 60
days to the students when they are studying in Class V or VIII.
 The development assumes significance as there have been complaints of delay in
grant of scholarship to students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes.
 Besides, people have often complained of harassment allegedly by government
officials in getting caste and domicile certificates issued.
 The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar — a 12-digit
number which acts as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the country.
UGC NOTIFIES RULES FOR TIE-UPS WITH FOREIGN INSTITUTIONS
 The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified regulations under which the
highest graded Indian educational institutions can engage in academic
collaboration with foreign educational institutions of the highest grade in their
country of origin.
 The move aims to increase joint collaborative attempts between institutions which
will also help ‗internationalise‘ the curricula of domestic educational organisations.
 Under the new regulations, the credits of the course that a student undertakes will
be recognised by the foreign partner under the MoU.
 An undergraduate student will have to mandatorily spend two semesters abroad
while a post-graduate student will spend one semester abroad.
 Academic institutions that seek collaborations can apply with the UGC online.
 Within 30 days, all applications have to be responded to. It has also been made
mandatory for the regulator to accept or reject the application in 60 working days.
 Under the new regulations, a UGC committee to process applications will comprise
persons with expertise in international academics and international jurisprudence.
 Institutions that seek foreign academic collaboration will need experts in that
particular field or in the field of international jurisprudence to help process
applications.
INTEGRATED BIO ENERGY MISSION TO BE LAUNCHED
 The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy aims to launch an Integrated Bio Energy
Mission with an estimated outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore from 2017-18 to 2021-22.
 The Integrated Bio Energy Mission would aim to contribute to achieve greenhouse
gas emmissions reduction targets as agreed in the Nationally Determined
Contributions at COP 21 in Paris.
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 This would be achieved through progressive blending/subsitiution of fossil fuels such
as coal, petrol, diesel, natural gas and LPG with biomass pellets, bioethanol,
biodiesel, biomethane and similar green fuels for both electricial and non-electrical
uses.
 The mission will cover all bio energy sub-sectors and address common issues
facing them such as availability of biomass and requirement of crop residue and
waste management systems, the need for creating standards for technology and
performance, capacity building, involvement of farmers to enhance their income,
offtake through OMCs and development of the open market.
 It was also decided that a technical committee would be set up under A K
Dhussa, former Advisor, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, to formulate the
action points into schemes and then to formulate the base document for the
Integrated Bio Energy Mission.
MNRE TO SET UP 1,000 MW WIND POWER PROJECTS
 The Ministry for New & Renewable Energy launched a scheme for setting up 1,000
MW of wind power projects connected to the transmission network of Central
Transmission Utility to provide wind power to non-windy states at a price discovered
through a transparent bidding process.
 Ministry has designated Solar Energy Corporation of India as a nodal agency for
implementation of the scheme.
 The scheme will encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and
introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes.


It will also facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation
(RPO) requirement of non-windy states.
The projects will be set up by wind project developers on a build, own and operate
basis. If there is additional demand from distribution utilities of non-windy states, the
capacity may go higher than 1,000 MW.
DRAFT FOREST POLICY 2016
 As recommended by a new draft National Forest Policy, the regulation and

protection of forests may soon fall under National Board of Forestry and State
Boards of Forestry.
 These Boards, as proposed in the draft prepared by the Indian Institute of Forest
Management, Bhopal, would be responsible for implementing the new policy if and
when it comes into force, replacing the existing laws formulated in 1988.
 These Boards would have the responsibility of ensuring inter-sectoral convergence,
simplification of procedures, conflict resolution and periodic review.
 Forests influence and in-turn are influenced by activities and functions of different
sectors such as mining, water, roads, tourism, agriculture, rural development,

industry, irrigation, etc.
 Necessary collaborative steps should be undertaken to ensure that the policies, laws
and programmes of various sectors are in harmony with the objectives of this policy
and conflicts and contradictions, if any, should be resolved comprehensively.
 The draft, which also recommends integrating climate change concerns into the
forest policy, stated that agro-forestry should be given a push, and the use of wood
encouraged over other emission-intensive resources to both support livelihood
generation as well as mitigate climate change impact.
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 The paper also suggests putting monetary valuation to environmental
resources.
 ―Recognise runoff regulation, aquifer recharge and water purification functions as
the major tangible ecosystem services from forests.
 Adequately factor green accounting and valuation of ecosystem services into the
planning and management of all forests, protected areas and other ecosystems.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR INDIAN STATISTICAL SERVICE RELAXED
 Hoping to attract talented and eligible candidates to the Indian Statistical Service,
the government has relaxed the eligibility criteria to a Bachelor‘s degree and
increased the number of posts for the cadre which is in charge of economic and social
data indicators.
 The shortage of trained statisticians in both the senior and junior cadres has severely
limited the ability of the Central Statistics Office and the National Sample Survey
Organisation to carry out their various surveys, including the pending Periodic
Labour Force Survey.
 The new Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Rules, 2016 allows candidates with
even a Bachelor‘s degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics or Applied Statistics
as one of the subjects to appear for the examination that is held by the Union Public
Service Commission.
 Under the earlier criteria, a Master‘s degree in one of these subjects was
mandatory.
 Additionally, candidates with degrees from Foreign Universities that are not
recognised in India or ―exceptional‖ candidates who do not have the required
educational qualification may also be considered eligible.
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS LAUNCHES NIVARAN PORTAL
 Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu formally launched NIVARAN portal,

an online system for redressal of service related grievance of serving and former
railway employees.
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ECONOMY
CABINET APPROVES INDIA POST PAYMENTS BANK
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for setting up the India Post Payments
Bank (IPPB) as a Public Limited Company under the Department of Posts, with
100% Government of India (GOI) equity.
 The total expenditure involved in this project is Rs 800 Crore.
 All citizens, especially 40% of the country's population that is outside the ambit of
formal banking in the country will benefit from this project.
 The project will be rolled out in the entire country in a phased manner.
 The IPPB will obtain banking licence from RBI by March 2017 and by September
2017, its services will be available across the country through 650 payments bank
branches, linked post offices and alternative channels riding on modern technology
including mobiles, ATMs, PoS/ m-PoS devices etc and simple digital payments.
 The proposal will further the cause of financial inclusion by providing basic
banking, payments and remittance services and facilitate financial services like
insurance, mutual funds, pensions and access to credit in tie-up with third party
financial providers with special focus on rural areas and the unbanked and under-
banked segments.
 It will generate new employment opportunities for skilled banking professionals
and will generate opportunities for propagating financial literacy across the country.
 It will create the largest bank in the world in terms of accessibility and in time, will
encourage the move towards a less cash economy.
Background:
 Setting-up of the IPPB to further financial inclusion was one of the budgetary
announcements during 2015-16.
 The Department of Posts had obtained the "in-principle approval" of the RBI in
September 2015 to set up the India Post Payments Bank.
 The India Post Payments Bank will leverage the Department‘s network, reach, and
resources to make simple, low-cost, quality financial services easily accessible to
customers all over the country.
CABINET APPROVES PROCUREMENT QUOTA TO M/S. ITI LTD.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of

Department of Telecommunications regarding continuation of reservation quota for
M/s. ITI Limited in procurements made by BSNL, MTNL and Bharat Broadband
Network Limited (BBNL). The approval consists of the following:
 To continue the Reservation Quota policy for M/s. ITI Ltd. by reserving:
 30% of the procurement orders placed by BSNL, MTNL and BBNL for M/s. ITI Ltd.
for the products manufactured by it and for those outsourced items in which
there is a minimum 5% value addition by M/s. ITI during 2016-17 and 8% value
addition in 2017-18,
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 20% of the orders for the turn key projects [like GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communication) network roll-out etc. of BSNL & MTNL and National Optical Fibres
Network (NOFN) network roll-out, etc. of BBNL].
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL (NCLT) AND NATIONAL COMPANY LAW

APPELLATE TRIBUNAL (NCLAT)
 The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued notification for constitution of the
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate
Tribunal (NCLAT) with effect from i.e. 1st June, 2016.
 Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya, Judge (Retd.), Supreme Court of India has joined as
the Chairperson of the NCLAT and Justice M.M.Kumar, Judge (Retd.) has joined
as the President of the NCLT.
 With the constitution of the NCLT, the Company Law Board constituted under the
Companies Act, 1956 stands dissolved.
 Initially, NCLT will have eleven Benches, two at New Delhi and one each at
Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bengluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad,
Kolkata and Mumbai.
PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST TO SKILL INITIATIVES IN AVIATION SECTOR
 Airport Authority of India (AAI), National Skill Development Corporation

(NSDC) and National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) signed a Tripartite MOU
(MoU) where AAI has committed to contribute an amount of 5.25 crore of its CSR

funds to NSDF along with land and premises for setting up skill development centres
in the country for scaling up skill development initiatives in the aviation sector.
This pact is the result of the joint efforts made between the Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
 Under the MoU, AAI also committed to undertake Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) programs for their current employees, to train and certify in their existing skill
sets, in association with the Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council and any other
council as may seem fit.
 This MoU, AAI will also align its ongoing skill development programs with the Skill
India Mission so that all courses are aligned to one National Skill Qualification
Framework which is recognised by the industry.
DISINVESTMENT OF HUDCO
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister has
approved for disinvestment of 10% paid up equity of Housing and Urban
Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) out of Government of India‘s shareholding of
100% through Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the domestic market as per the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Rules and Regulation.
 The paid up equity capital of HUDCO is Rs.2001.90 crore and Government of India
owns 100% 0f the equity at present.
 Net worth of the Company is approximately Rs. 7,800 Cr.
 HUDCO was incorporated on 25th April 1970 as a wholly owned Government of
India Enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of Housing and Urban
Poverty Alleviation with the objective of providing long term finance for construction
of houses for residential purposes.
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 It also finances and undertakes housing and urban development projects in the
country.
MOST SECTORS ON AUTOMATIC ROUTE FOR FDI
 The Union Government has radically liberalized the FDI regime, with the objective
of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India.
 Now most of the sectors would be under automatic approval route, except a small
negative list.
 With these changes, India is now the most open economy in the world for FDI.
 It has now been decided to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for
trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured
or produced in India.
 Foreign Investment in Defence Sector up to 100%: Present FDI regime permits
49% FDI participation in the equity of a company under automatic route. FDI above
49% is permitted through Government approval on case to case basis, wherever it is
likely to result in access to modern and ‗state-of-art‘ technology in the country.
 FDI policy on Broadcasting carriage services has also been amended. New
sectoral caps and entry routes are as under:
Sector/Activity New Cap and

Route
(1)Teleports(setting up of up-linking HUBs/Teleports);
(2)Direct to Home (DTH);
(3)Cable Networks (Multi System operators (MSOs)
operating at National or State or District level and
undertaking upgradation of networks towards digitalization 100%
and addressability);
(4)Mobile TV; Automatic
(5)Headend-in-the Sky Broadcasting Service(HITS)
Cable Networks (Other MSOs not undertaking

upgradation of networks towards digitalization and
addressability and Local Cable Operators (LCOs))
Infusion of fresh foreign investment, beyond 49% in a company not seeking
license/permission from sectoral Ministry, resulting in change in the ownership
pattern or transfer of stake by existing investor to new foreign investor, will
require FIPB approval.
 The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100% FDI under
automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100% under government

approval in brownfield pharma. With the objective of promoting the development of
this sector, it has been decided to permit up to 74% FDI under automatic route in
brownfield pharmaceuticals and government approval route beyond 74% will
continue.
 The extant FDI policy on Airports permits 100% FDI under automatic route in
Greenfield Projects and 74% FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. FDI
beyond 74% for Brownfield Projects is under government route.
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 As per the present FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49% is allowed under
automatic route in Scheduled Air Transport Service/ Domestic Scheduled Passenger
Airline and regional Air Transport Service. It has now been decided to raise this limit
to 100%, with FDI up to 49% permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond
49% through Government approval. For NRIs, 100% FDI will continue to be
allowed under automatic route. However, foreign airlines would continue to be
allowed to invest in capital of Indian companies operating scheduled and non-
scheduled air-transport services up to the limit of 49% of their paid up capital and
subject to the laid down conditions in the existing policy.
 The extant policy permits 49% FDI under government approval route in Private
Security Agencies. FDI up to 49% is now permitted under automatic route in this
sector and FDI beyond 49% and up to 74% would be permitted with government
approval route.
 For establishment of branch office, liaison office or project office or any other
place of business in India if the principal business of the applicant is Defence,
Telecom, Private Security or Information and Broadcasting, it has been decided that
approval of Reserve Bank of India or separate security clearance would not be
required in cases where FIPB approval or license/permission by the concerned
Ministry/Regulator has already been granted.
 As per FDI Policy 2016, FDI in Animal Husbandry (including breeding of dogs),
Pisciculture, Aquaculture and Apiculture is allowed 100% under Automatic Route
under controlled conditions. It has been decided to do away with this requirement
of ‗controlled conditions‘ for FDI in these activities.
 Single Brand Retail Trading: It has now been decided to relax local sourcing
norms up to three years and a relaxed sourcing regime for another five years for
entities undertaking Single Brand Retail Trading of products having ‗state-of-art‘ and
‗cutting edge‘ technology.
NRIs CAN NOW JOIN NATIONAL PENSION SYSTEM
 NRIs have a pivotal role to play in the Indian economy. India has the second-
largest Diaspora in the world, with around 29 million people living in over 200
countries and out of these 25% live in the Gulf countries.
 NPS can provide a long term solution to their old age income security. NPS has
been available to NRIs for some time through Bank offices and now, to further ease
the process of joining, eNPS is being extended to Non-Resident Indian
subscribers.
 NRIs can now open NPS Accounts online if they have Aadhaar Card or PAN card.
 Till now, NRIs could open NPS accounts only through paper applications by
approaching Bank offices but this has now changed.
 Through eNPS, a subscriber will be able to open an NPS account from the comfort of
his home. All he will need is an internet connection and an Aadhaar/ PanCard.
 Further, NRIs will be able to open NPS accounts both on Repatriable and on Non
Repatriable basis. On a Repatriable basis, an NRI will have to remit the amount
through his/her NRE/FCNR/NRO account.
SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR TEXTILE AND APPAREL SECTOR
 The Union Cabinet has approved a special package for employment generation and
promotion of exports in Textile and Apparel sector.
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 The package includes a slew of measures which are labour friendly and would
promote employment generation, economies of scale and boost exports.
Salient features of the package announced are:
 Employee Provident Fund Scheme Reforms

 Govt. of India shall bear the entire 12% of the employers‘ contribution of the
Employers Provident Fund Scheme for new employees of garment industry for
first 3 years who are earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month.
 At present, 8.33% of employer‘s contribution is already being provided by
Government under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
Ministry of Textiles shall provide additional 3.67% of the employer‘s contribution
amounting to Rs. 1,170 crores over next 3 years.
 EPF shall be made optional for employees earning less than Rs. 15,000 per
month
 This shall leave more money in the hands of the workers and also promote
employment in the formal sector.
 Increasing overtime caps
 Overtime hours for workers not to exceed 8 hours per week in line with ILO
norms.
 This shall lead to increased earnings for the workers
 Introduction of fixed term employment
 Looking to the seasonal nature of the industry, fixed term employment shall be
introduced for the garment sector

 A fixed term workman will be considered at par with permanent workman in
terms of working hours, wages, allowanced and other statutory dues.
Additional incentives under ATUFS
 The package breaks new ground in moving from input to outcome based
incentives by increasing subsidy under Amended-TUFS from 15% to 25% for the
garment sector as a boost to employment generation.
 A unique feature of the scheme will be to disburse the subsidy only after the
expected jobs are created.
 Enhanced duty drawback coverage
 In a first of its kind move, a new scheme will be introduced to refund the state
levies which were not refunded so far.
 This move is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 5500 crores but will greatly boost
the competitiveness of Indian exports in foreign markets.
 Drawback at All Industries Rate to be given for domestic duty paid inputs even
when fabrics are imported under Advance Authorization Scheme
 Enhancing scope of Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act
 Looking at the seasonal nature of garment industry, the provision of 240 days
under Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act would be relaxed to 150 days for
garment industry
ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND OF FUNDS FOR START-UPS
 The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of "Fund of Funds for
Startups" (FFS) at Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for
contribution to various Alternative Investment Funds (AIF), registered with Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) which would extend funding support to Startups.
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 This is in line with the Start up India Action Plan unveiled by Government in
January 2016.
 The corpus of FFS is Rs.10,000 crore which shall be built up over the 14th and 15th
Finance Commission cycles subject to progress of the scheme and availability of
funds.
 An amount of Rs.500 crore has already been provided to the corpus of FFS in 2015-
16 and Rs.600 crore earmarked in the 2016-17. The Fund is expected to generate
employment for 18 lakh persons on full deployment.
 Further provisions will be made as grant assistance through Gross Budgetary
Support by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) which will monitor
and review performance in line with the Start up India Action Plan.
 The FFS emanates from the Start up India Action Plan, an initiative of Department
of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP).
 The expertise of SIDBI would be utilized to manage the day to day operations of
the FFS. The monitoring and review of performance would be linked to the
implementation of the Start Up Action Plan to enable execution as per timelines and
milestones.
 A corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore could potentially be the nucleus for catalyzing Rs.
60,000 crore of equity investment and twice as much debt investment. This
would provide a stable and predictable source of funding for Start up enterprises and
thereby facilitate large scale job creation.
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF 7TH PAY COMMISSION
 The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of the recommendations of 7th
Central Pay Commission (CPC) on pay and pensionary benefits.
effect from 01.01.2016.
It will come into
 The Cabinet has also decided that arrears of pay and pensionary benefits will be
paid during the current financial year (2016-17) itself.
 The recommendations will benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47
lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh
employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces.
Following recommendations are being implemented:
 The present system of Pay Bands and Grade Pay has been dispensed with and a new
Pay Matrix as recommended by the Commission has been approved. The status of
the employee, hitherto determined by grade pay, will now be determined by the level
in the Pay Matrix. Separate Pay Matrices have been drawn up for Civilians,
Defence Personnel and for Military Nursing Service.
 All existing levels have been subsumed in the new structure; no new levels have
been introduced nor has any level been dispensed with. Index of Rationalisation
has been approved for arriving at minimum pay in each Level of the Pay Matrix
depending upon the increasing role, responsibility and accountability at each step in
the hierarchy.
 The minimum pay has been increased from Rs. 7000 to 18000 p.m. Starting
salary of a newly recruited employee at lowest level will now be Rs. 18000 whereas
for a freshly recruited Class I officer, it will be Rs. 56100.
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 Rate of increment has been retained at 3 %. This will benefit the employees in
future on account of higher basic pay as the annual increments that they earn in
future will be 2.57 times than at present.
 The Cabinet approved further improvements in the Defence Pay Matrix by
enhancing Index of Rationalisation for Level 13A (Brigadier) and providing for
additional stages in Level 12A (Lieutenant Colonel), 13 (Colonel) and 13A (Brigadier)
in order to bring parity with Combined Armed Police Forces (CAPF) counterparts at
the maximum of the respective Levels.
 Some other decisions impacting the employees including Defence & Combined
Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel include :
 Gratuity ceiling enhanced from Rs. 10 to 20 lakh. The ceiling on gratuity will
increase by 25 % whenever DA rises by 50 %.
 A common regime for payment of Ex-gratia lump sum compensation for civil and
defence forces personnel payable to Next of Kin with the existing rates enhanced
from Rs. 10-20 lakh to 25-45 lakh for different categories.
 Rates of Military Service Pay revised from Rs. 1000, 2000, 4200 & 6000 to 3600,
5200, 10800 & 15500 respectively for various categories of Defence Forces
personnel.
 Terminal gratuity equivalent of 10.5 months of reckonable emoluments for Short
Service Commissioned Officers who will be allowed to exit Armed Forces any time
between 7 and 10 years of service.
 Hospital Leave, Special Disability Leave and Sick Leave subsumed into a
composite new Leave named ‗Work Related Illness and Injury Leave‘ (WRIIL). Full
pay and allowances will be granted to all employees during the entire period of

hospitalization on account of WRIIL.
The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of the Commission to enhance the
ceiling of House Building Advance from Rs. 7.50 lakh to 25 lakh. In order to
ensure that no hardship is caused to employees, four interest free advances namely
Advances for Medical Treatment, TA on tour/transfer, TA for family of deceased
employees and LTC have been retained. All other interest free advances have
been abolished.
 The Cabinet also decided not to accept the steep hike in monthly contribution
towards Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS)
recommended by the Commission. The existing rates of monthly contribution will
continue. This will increase the take home salary of employees at lower levels by Rs.
1470.
 The Commission examined a total of 196 existing Allowances and, by way of
rationalization, recommended abolition of 51 Allowances and subsuming of 37
Allowances.
 The Cabinet also decided to constitute two separate Committees (i) to suggest
measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) and
(ii) to look into anomalies likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission‘s
Report.
 As estimated by the 7th CPC, the additional financial impact on account of
implementation of all its recommendations in 2016-17 will be Rs. 1,02,100 crore.
 There will be an additional implication of Rs. 12,133 crore on account of payments
of arrears of pay and pension for two months of 2015-16.
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SEBI ISSUES NORMS FOR MFS‘ REDEMPTION CURBS
 The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has stated that mutual funds can
restrict requests for redemption only if there is a systemic crisis or an event that
impacts market liquidity.
 The capital markets regulator stated that the circumstances leading to restriction on
redemption should be such that overall market illiquidity is caused rather than
issues related to any single company.
 The regulator stated such restrictions cannot be used as a tool to manage the
liquidity of a scheme.
 Restriction on redemption due to illiquidity of a specific security in the portfolio of a
scheme due to a poor investment decision shall not be allowed.
 Such restrictions can be imposed when the ―market at large‖ is facing liquidity
issues or if there has been a market failure or an exchange closure due to
unexpected events related to ―political, economic, military, monetary or other
emergencies.
MSP OF PULSES HIKED TO BOOST OUTPUT
 In a bid to boost the domestic production of pulses during the kharif season, the
Centre announced a hike by up to Rs. 425 per quintal in the minimum support
price (MSP) for pulses.
 CCEA increased the MSP for the common paddy (rice) variety by Rs. 60 to Rs. 1,470
per quintal and Grade A variety to Rs. 1,510 per quintal.
 The CCEA approved the MSP, inclusive of bonus, for tur (arhar) dal at Rs. 5,050
per quintal for this year as against Rs. 4,625 last year, moong dal at Rs. 5,225
against Rs. 4,850 and urad dal at Rs. 5,000 from Rs. 4,625.
 In the oilseeds category, the MSP for groundnut has been increased by Rs. 190 per
quintal to Rs. 4,220, while for soyabean and nigerseed it has been hiked by Rs.
175 per quintal each to Rs. 2,775 and Rs. 3,825, respectively.
CREDIT CARDS ISSUED TOUCH 24.5 MILLION
 Banks in India issued almost 3.4 million credit cards in the year ended March 31,
registering a growth of 16% year-on-year and taking the total to 24.5 million,
central bank data showed.
 This is the highest growth in terms of number of cards added by the banks ever since
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started maintaining such records.
 Credit cards issued hit a record high in 2007-08 when the number touched 27
million.
 However, following the global financial crisis of 2008, the instances of unsecured
loans turning bad increased and banks becamecautious.

 As a result, the number of credit cards fell to 18 million in 2009-10. Banks started
selling more credit cards again from 2012-13 as they were better prepared to
factor in risk as credit history of individuals became available.
 HDFC Bank, the second largest private sector bank in the country, maintained its
leadership position with 7.28 million cards, which is a growth of 22% over the
previous year.
 However, it is Axis Bank, the third largest private sector lender of the country,
which registered 39% growth in its card base to 2.41 million.
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 Axis Bank moved to the fourth position in terms of number of cards displacing foreign
lender Citibank.
 SBI Cards, which grew by 16% in numbers and 26% by value, has narrowed the
gap with ICICI Bank by about 10% in FY16.
GOVT. TO COME OUT WITH UPDATED IIP, WPI INDICES
 Government will come out with revised IIP and WPI indices by the end of this
year with a new base year of 2011-12 in order to make them more representative
of the changing economic scenario.
 IIP is due for revision, it is under process at a very advanced stage. WPI is also up
for revision. Similar to IIP, it is also at the very advanced stage. Both of these will be
revised, as per my expectations shortly within the current year.
 The present indices of IIP and WPI have base year of 2004-05.
 As part of the revision, the basket of items and weightage assigned to different
entries on the basis of which indices is computed will be updated.
 With the new series in place, both the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) will become more comparable with the GDP numbers
than it is currently.
 All of these will become comparable to the GDP basket in the 2011-12 series. The
new series will be have 2011-12 as the base year.
 The National Statistical Commission has recommended revising the base year of
all economic indices every five years.
 Government had last revised these indices in 2011 with the base year of 2004-05.
 In addition to this, the Chief Statistician also informed that the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is working on bringing out
an index for the services sector.
‗INDIA INCURS $21.3 BN LOSS DUE TO ROAD TRAFFIC DELAYS‘
 India suffers a huge loss of $21.3 billion annually on account of delays and
additional fuel consumption due to poor road conditions and frequent halts, says a
study.
 The study was conducted jointly by logistics firm Transport Corporation of India (TCI)
and IIM-Kolkata.
 According to the estimates, the cost of delay was $6.6 billion per year and the cost
of additional fuel consumption due to delay was $14.7 billion per year.
 The share of waterways and airways in carrying domestic freight was almost
insignificant.
 Road transportation was door-to-door, reliable and efficient, with vehicles available
almost in real-time.
 Railways, on the other hand, suffered from inefficiency, poor service, loading delays
and the unavailability of rakes.
INDIA BECOMES THIRD LARGEST OIL CONSUMER
 India has surpassed Japan to become the world‘s third-largest oil consumer, with its
oil demand galloping 8.1% in 2015, according to BP Statistical Review of World
Energy.
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 With demand of 4.1 million barrels a day, India is the third-largest consumer
behind the U.S. (19.39 million bpd) and China (11.96 million bpd). India accounted
for 4.5% of world oil consumption in 2015.
 India‘s demand growth surpassed China‘s 6.3% expansion.
 The U.S. oil consumption grew 1.6%, which accounts for 19.7% of the total world pie
of 95 million bpd in 2015.
 Japan slipped to the fourth spot after its oil usage contracted 3.9% to 4.15 million
bpd in 2015. In 2014, it used 4.3 million bpd, ahead of India‘s 3.84 million bpd.
 The review shows that global demand for primary energy grew only 1% in 2015,
which is significantly slower than the 10-year average.
 Oil remained the world‘s leading fuel, accounting for 32.9% of global energy
consumption and is gaining market share for the first time since 1999.
 Coal came in as the second-largest fuel by market share (29.2%).
 Natural gas‘ market share of primary energy consumption stood at 23.8%.
CENTRE PROPOSES 25% DUTY ON SUGAR EXPORTS
 The Food Ministry has proposed to impose 25% Customs Duty on export of sugar
to ensure sufficient supply of the sweetener in the domestic market.
 The international prices of sugar are rising and therefore traders may increase the
export of sugar to make profit.
 This move will keep sufficient availability of sugar in domestic market and the price
will be under control.
 According to trade sources, sugar exports have become viable now as global prices
have increased by 50% in last three months due to disruption in supply from
Brazil.
NRI REMITTANCES FALL 87% IN APRIL ON LOWER PRICES OF OIL
 Remittances by non-resident Indians (NRIs) fell 87% in April due to a slide in oil
prices, data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed.
 Total NRI deposits fell to $302 million in April this year. The deposits stood at
$2,406 million in the year-ago period, according to the data.
 The biggest fall was registered in the Non-Resident (External) Rupee Account
(NR(E)RA) category, which saw inflows decreasing to $203 million in April. It was
$2,200 million in the year-ago period.
 Introduced in 1970, NR(E)RA is a rupee account and the NRIs can remit money to
India from their funds abroad.
 For 2015-16, NRI deposits had recorded a growth of 13.5% to $15,977 million.
 60% of the India‘s remittances come from Gulf countries, which suffered the most
due to decline in crude oil prices. So funds from NRIs staying in Gulf must have also
fallen
 Crude oil prices in April were about $48 per barrel compared with $67 per barrel in
the same period of the previous year. While crude oil prices have hardened to $50
recently, on a year-on-year basis it is still lower.
 The country‘s current account deficit (CAD) narrowed to 1.3% of GDP in the third
quarter of the current financial year as against 1.5% in the same period last year,
mainly due to lower trade deficit.
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RETAIL INFLATION RISES TO 21-MONTH HIGH
 Retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), accelerated to

5.76% in May, its highest level in 21 months, driven primarily by rising food prices,
making it more unlikely for the central bank to cut rates in the near future
 The index came in at 5.47% in April 2016. It was 5% in May last year.
 The last time the retail inflation was higher was in August 2014 when it crossed 7%.
 The data by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation shows that
inflation in the ‗food and beverages‘ segment accelerated to 7.2% in May, the highest
it has been in 21 months. It was 6.3% in April.
 Overall, only food inflation witnessed acceleration while the other major segments
in the index recorded marginal slowdown.
 The ‗clothing and footwear‘ segment saw inflation easing to 5.37% in May, its lowest
level in at least four years, compared to 5.56% in April.
 The housing segment saw a marginal easing of inflation to 5.35% in May, down from
5.37% in April.
RBI REVISES DEBT RECAST NORMS
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the norms for banks to undertake debt
restructuring if they feel the project is viable in the long run
 Under the scheme titled ‗Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A),‘ at
least 50% of the debt should be serviced in the same period as that of the existing
loan. The balance can be converted into equity or quasi-equity instruments.
 Where malfeasance on the part of the promoter has been established, through a
forensic audit or otherwise, this scheme shall not be applicable if there is no
change in promoter or the management is vested in the delinquent promoter.
 The scheme is applicable to projects that have commenced commercial operation and
where the banks‘ exposure is over Rs.500 crore.
 This will give an impetus, especially for projects that are viable in the long term but
strapped for cash and/or good management.
 According to the norms, an advisory body called Overseeing Committee (OC) will
be constituted by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) in consultation with the RBI.
 The members of OC cannot be changed without the prior approval of RBI.
 Banks have to submit the resolution plan to the OC. The OC will review the
processes involved in preparation of the plan, etc. for reasonableness and adherence
to the guidelines and give an opinion.
CABINET APPROVES MERGER OF ASSOCIATES WITH STATE BANK
 The Union Cabinet has approved the merger of State Bank of India (SBI), the
country‘s largest lender, and its associate banks — a move which is expected to
bring the state-owned entity on a par with global lenders.
 The merged entity will have an asset base of about Rs.37 lakh crore, with nearly
24,000 branches and about 58,700 ATMs across the country as of March 2016-end.
SBI and its associates employed 2.85 lakh people in 2014-15.
 Currently, no Indian bank features in the top 50 banks of the world. With this
merger, some visibility at global level is likely to increase.
 The merger of SBI with its associates began eight years ago when SBI merged
State Bank of Saurashtra with itself in 2008.
2
 In 2010, State Bank of Indore was also merged with the larger bank.
 SBI has since made repeated attempts to merge its units but none came to fruition
due to a shortage of capital.
SEBI PROPOSES NEW DISCLOSURE NORMS FOR INVITS
 Markets regulator SEBI has proposed additional disclosures to be made by the

Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) as also a framework for how they can
calculate net distributable cash flow.
 The proposed measures are aimed at helping the entities interested in setting up
InvITs better understand the regulatory regime for these newly-introduced
products.
 Other proposals include disclosures to be made to the stock exchanges on a
quarterly basis, disclosure of financial statements and auditor reports as per the
prevalent accounting standards, maintaining of proper books of account, records and
documents and the like.
 As per the existing regulations, the frequency of the disclosures to be made to the
stock exchanges by an InvIT is on a half yearly basis.
NITI AAYOG SUBMITS PROPOSALS FOR DIVESTMENT
 The NITI Aayog has submitted two sets of recommendations to the Centre for
strategic disinvestment of State-owned companies, raising hopes that the BJP-led
NDA Government will kickoff reforms for the public sector this year.


The first of these is a list of recommendations on each of the sick and loss-making
government-owned companies. There are about 74 such companies in all.
Of these, for about 25 companies in which revival plans were attempted but had
failed, it has suggested closure, after which their assets, especially land holdings,
could be disposed off and employees be offered voluntary retirement.
 In the remaining cases, either mergers with other public sector units or strategic
disinvestment is recommended.
 In some companies, the Aayog preferred to let revival plans run their course,
before taking a call on their future.
 This set of suggestions was submitted to the Prime Minister‘s Office, which will take a
decision on subsequent action.
 The second set of suggestions from the Aayog, is a separate list of 15 PSUs in
which it has recommended strategic disinvestment on priority. This list has been
submitted to the Department of Investment and Public Asset management in the
Finance Ministry.
CABINET APPROVES MEGA SPECTRUM AUCTION

 Paving the way for the largest-ever spectrum auction in the country, the Union
Cabinet approved the sale of all available spectrum— a move that could potentially
fetch the exchequer about Rs.5.5 lakh crore going by the reserve price.
 The auction in which about 2000 MHz of airwaves will be put up for sale is likely to
be conducted in September.
 The government had earned revenues of Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the auctions held last
year.
2
 The Cabinet has decided to refer back the issue of spectrum usage charges (SUC)
to the telecom regular TRAI for its recommendations.
 The Telecom Commission (TC) recently cleared a weighted average formula for the
SUC, an annual fee payable by telecom operators for using airwaves.
 For the upcoming auctions, SUC was recommended at 3% of operator‘s annual
revenue.
 This is the first time that the 700 MHz band that is preferred for offering high-
speed broadband services will be put on offer at a reserve price of Rs11,485 crore
per MHz pan-India.
 However, the operators had asked the sale to be held back till the device ecosystem
was put in place.
 The cost of delivering mobile services in the 700 MHz band is also approximately
70% cheaper than in the 2100 MHz band (used for 3G services).
 For 2016-17, the Centre has estimated revenues from communication services at Rs
98,995 crore, of which Rs 55,000 crore is expected from the auction of spectrum.
 For the 1,800 MHz spectrum — widely used for offering voice services — a reserve
price of Rs. 2,873 crore has been fixed. For spectrum in the 900 MHz, 800 MHz, 2100
MHz and 2300 MHz bands, reserve prices of Rs.3,341 crore, Rs.5,819 crore, Rs.
3,746 crore and Rs. 817 crore, respectively, have been stipulated.
 The regulator has recommended that the reserve price for 2500 MHz spectrum,
which is also on the offer for the first time, be equal to that of 2300 MHz spectrum.
 For the first time, quantum of spectrum is not a challenge, but the challenge is on
pricing, especially the 700 MHz band.
 Companies winning spectrum above 1GHz will need to pay 50% upfront against the

33% earlier. For the remaining spectrum, 25% would be upfront payment.
The balance for both categories will be paid in 10 years after a two-year moratorium.
CABINET EXTENDS UDAY SCHEME DEADLINE
 The Cabinet approved an extension in the deadline for implementing the Ujjwal
Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) by a year to March 31, 2017.
 The UDAY scheme is aimed at bringing ailing power distribution companies (discoms)
to a state of operational efficiency, with state governments taking over up to 75% of
their respective discoms‘ debt and issuing sovereign bonds to pay back the lenders.
 So far, 19 States have given in-principle approval to join the scheme, out of which
10 states—Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, Bihar,
Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir—have signed MoUs with the
Centre.
AIRLINES CAN NOW IMPORT OLDER PLANES

 Domestic airlines can now import aircraft that are up to 18 years old into the
country with the government amending more than two-decade rules in this regard.
 The move is expected to provide a fillip for the government‘s ambitious efforts to
boost regional air connectivity as it gives more leeway for operators in expanding
their fleet.
 Till now, aircraft that are more than 15 years old were not allowed to be imported.
3
PRICES OF 42 ESSENTIAL DRUGS SLASHED BY 15%
 Prices of 42 essential medicines used in treatment of various ailments including

tuberculosis, cancer, cardiac diseases, asthma, epilepsy and depression have been
capped by the government, reducing their cost by up to 15%.
 Drug price regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), stated it
―has fixed/revised ceiling prices of 45 scheduled formulations of Schedule-I under
Drugs (Price Control) Amendment Order, 2016.‖
 Out of the 45, the prices of 42 medicines have been reduced by up to 15%.
 NPPA stated manufacturers not complying with the ceiling price would be liable to
deposit the overcharged amount along with interest thereon under the provisions of
the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013.
 The authority has also fixed the retail price of 12 formulations under DPCO, 2013.
 In another notification, the NPPA stated it has also ―fixed/revised ceiling prices of 32
scheduled formulations packs of IV Fluids‖.
MANUFACTURING PMI INCHES UP
 Manufacturing output rose for the fifth consecutive month in May though the
growth was marginal, according to a survey.
 The Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers‘ Index (PMI), compiled by
Markit, rose to 50.7 in May from 50.5 in April.
 A reading above 50 indicates expansion while one below implies contraction.
 Following broadly stagnant levels in April, order book volumes increased during May.
BRICS BANK TO ISSUE FIRST YUAN DENOMINATED BONDS
 The New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS countries is set to issue its first
yuan-denominated bonds with plans to release more bonds in local currencies
including in Indian Rupee.
 The Shanghai-based bank founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
(BRICS) and headed by eminent Indian banker M V Kamath plans to finance
sustainable development projects in the emerging markets and developing countries.
 The bank‘s first five-year yuan-denominated bonds, also referred as green bonds,
will be issued after receiving a rating from international ratings agencies as well as
getting authorities‘ approval.
 More bonds denominated in local currencies of the BRICS countries, including the
rupees in India, will be issued if the bank‘s board and local authorities endorse the
project plans.
SEBI ISSUES DRAFT PAPER ON WAREHOUSE SERVICE PROVIDERS

 Capital and commodity market regulator SEBI has proposed to ban key
management personnel and relatives of warehouse service providers from trading on
the exchange that has availed its services.
 The regulator has also made compliance of ‗fit and proper‘ criteria mandatory for
warehouse promoters, assayers and members of the management.
 These are some of the norms proposed in the consultative paper on warehousing
norms for agricultural and agriculture processed commodities traded on national
commodity exchanges issued.
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 As every commodity derivatives exchange is required to ensure guarantee for
settlement of trades, the ‗fit and proper‘ criteria will have similar meaning as defined
under Regulation 20 of SECC Regulations.
 The exchange should obtain an annual declaration from the compliance officer of
WSP to ensure that management of WSP or persons ‗acting in concert‘ have not
traded on exchange.
 Exchanges need to have at least one warehouse at each of the delivery centres as
specified in the contract specification at the time of launch of contract and ensure
that the third party warehouses used by WSP does not exceed over 50% of its
capacity.
RBI PUSHES FOR CYBER SECURITY POLICY
 With the number, frequency and impact of cyber incidents/ attacks increasing
manifold in the recent past, the Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to
immediately put in place a cyber security policy.
 The policy should elucidate the strategy containing an appropriate approach to
combat cyber threats, given the level of complexity of business and acceptable levels
of risk, duly approved by their boards.
 It has also called upon the banks to immediately evolve a Cyber Crisis
Management Plan, which will address detection, response, recovery and
containment of such incidents.
BSE GETS NOD FOR GOLD BOND SCHEME
 The BSE has received approval from the RBI to act as a receiving office for the
banking regulator‘s sovereign gold bond scheme.
 The BSE will provide an online bidding platform for this scheme.
 Issued by the RBI on behalf of the Union Government, these bonds are none other
than government securities denominated in grams of gold and are considered a
superior alternative to holding physical gold.
 Investors can apply for the bonds at the price disseminated by the RBI.
$2.5-BILLION AID FOR SOLAR PROJECTS
 The government has lined up almost $2.5 billion (about ₹16,800 crore) for
providing low-cost finance to achieve the target of installing 40 GW grid-connected
solar rooftop systems.
 The Ministry is in negotiations with the KfW Development Bank to secure soft loans
of €1 billion. It has already provided $100-million funding.
 The World Bank has committed a loan of $620 million, with the Asian Development
Bank and the New Development Bank pledging $500 million and $250 million,
respectively.
MNRE TARGETS 16,660 MW OF FRESH CAPACITY
 The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set the highest ever
capacity addition target for the clean power sector this fiscal.
 It has set a new capacity addition target of 16,660 MW – close to four times the
capacity target that the government set in the previous year.
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 In the current fiscal, solar segment is expected to achieve its highest-ever annual
capacity as the target has been set at 12,000 MW, followed by wind (4,000 MW),
bio power (400 MW), small hydro (250 MW) and waste-to-power (10 MW), according
to MNRE.
 Globally, India was in fifth position in attracting investments in solar PV sector in
2015.
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY IMPOSED ON IMPORT OF CHEMICAL FROM US, CHINA
 Anti-dumping duty of $0.277-0.404 per kg has been imposed on a compound, used

in the pharmaceutical industry, imported from the US and China to protect domestic
makers from cheap shipments.
GOVT TO COME OUT WITH UPDATED IIP, WPI INDICES BY YEAR-END
 The Government will come out with revised IIP and WPI indices by the end of this
year with a new base year of 2011-12 in order to make them more representative of
the changing economic scenario.
RBI‘S SECOND BI-MONTHLY MONETARY POLICY 2016-17 HIGHLIGHTS
 Repo rate unchanged at 6.50%,

 Reverse Repo at 6%
 Cash reserve ratio or CRR unchanged at 4%



Monetary policy to remain accommodative.
Pegs growth forecast at 7.6% for the current fiscal.
Inflation target kept unchanged at 5% for January 2017 with upward bias.
 Impact of firming crude oil prices, implementation of 7th Pay Commission
recommendations need to be watched.
 Interest rate transmission critical for growth revival.
 Timely capital infusion in PSU banks to aid credit flow.
 Public investment gaining strength, continuing weakness in private investment is a
concern.
 To shortly review the implementation of the Marginal Cost Lending Rate framework
by banks.
 Third bi-monthly monetary policy on August 9, 2016.
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON PTFE IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA
 The Finance Ministry has imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on

Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE imports from Russia.
 Based on the recommendations of the Designated Authority in Commerce Ministry in

its third sunset review, the revenue department has imposed anti-dumping duty of
$739.77 per tonne on PTFE imports from Russia.
 This anti-dumping duty will be valid for five years.
 Gujarat Flourochemicals Ltd had filed the petition seeking third sunset review on
PTFE imports from Russia.
3
LISTED FOREIGN FUNDS PULL OUT $460 MN FROM INDIA
 India witnessed an outflow of more than USD 460 million from listed foreign funds
in May, taking the total to USD 2 billion this year.
 The listed funds — passive exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and active non-ETFs —
account for a large part of foreign portfolio investor (FPI) activity in India.
 Listed fund flows to India recorded outflows worth $0.46 billion despite net FPI
activity for the month being positive.
 Most of the listed fund redemptions could be attributed to ETFs.
 Both India-dedicated and EM-based passive funds saw selling.
 India saw outflows worth $406 million from ETFs while non-ETFs pulled out $56
million during the period.
 Despite the listed funds outflow, the FPI activity in the region remained upbeat as
other participants remained active.
MONETARY HELP UNDER BONDED LABOUR SCHEME GOES UP
 Showing a renewed sense of urgency to tackle bonded labour, the Government has
raised financial assistance under the Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour Scheme by five
times.
 India has escalated Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour Scheme by increasing the
quantum of financial assistance by five times from ₹20,000 to a minimum ₹1 lakh.
 This financial benefit for the most deprived will remain in an annuity account,
ensuring a monthly earning that will flow to the beneficiary account for his/her
comfortable living.
IRDA APPROVES A SLEW OF NEW PRODUCTS
 Insurance regulator IRDA has ramped up new product clearances, signalling its
commitment to improve life insurance penetration in the country.
 New insurance product approvals grew 46% in 2015-16 to 227 from 155 in
previous fiscal.
 Although IRDA has been driving change in the insurance sector, the level of life
insurance penetration has been low.
 The country‘s life insurance penetration had dipped to 2.6% in 2014-15 from
2.8% in 2013-14.
 IRDA has been working on several fronts to improve protection levels in the country.
 First, the regulator made it mandatory for life insurance players to offer life cover,
five times the annual premium and subsequently raised it to ten times. This was
done so that consumers had access to products that assured a higher quantum of
protection.
 Second, IRDA ensured that new insurance products filed for approval were
quickly approved.
RBI ALLOWS COMMON SERVICE CENTRE TO BE PAYMENT GATEWAY
 Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India got ‗in principle‘ approval
from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for functioning as Bharat Bill Payment
Operating Unit (BBPOU).
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 This will make it easier for citizens to pay their bills — electricity, water, gas, and
also recharge their mobile phones — using it a payment gateway.
 Till now, CSCs were functioning for providing only e-tickets, Aadhaar enrolment and
passport application, etc.
 It is a payment system with a single-point providing ‗anytime anywhere payment
system‘ to customers.
 It will also be extended in facilitation of collection of school/ university fee,
examination fee, government payments such as tax, mutual funds, insurance
premium as decided by time to time by the RBI.
 Customers would be offered to make payment of any bill at any place through
debit/ credit cards, once the licence are made operational, which may take around
three more months.
 There are around two lakh CSCs now and by December, there will be 2.50 lakh.
NCLT TO SET UP PANEL FOR FTIL INVESTMENTS SALE
 The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has directed the constitution of a
five-member committee to oversee the regulatory sale of any investments of
Financial Technologies (India) Ltd (FTIL).
 The committee would comprise Managing Director of FTIL, two Independent Directors
of FTIL, a retired judge of the Supreme Court and a Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA)
nominee.
 The NCLT has also disposed off the MCA plea to appoint two government nominees
on the FTIL Board.


The government had filed petition seeking further interim relief by way of appointing
government nominees on the FTIL Board. This has been rejected by the tribunal.
FTIL had opposed the appointment of government nominee directors on its board.
 In its ruling, the NCLT stated that the committee would have the power to decide
on sale of investments held by FTIL in compliance with any order/direction passed
by any regulatory or statutory authority in India or abroad as and when such sale is
proposed by the management of FTIL.
CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT NARROWS TO 0.1% OF GDP
 Lower trade deficit (the excess of imports of goods and services over exports of
goods and services) in the fourth quarter of FY16 at $24.8 billion as against the
$31.6 billion in the year-ago period saw current account deficit narrow to $0.3
billion during the fourth quarter of FY16.
 Current account deficit is the difference between exports of goods and services
and imports of goods and services plus net unilateral transfers (aid, grants, gifts and
pensions) plus net inflow of interest and dividend.
 The deficit on the current account stood at 0.1% of GDP.

 RBI in its release stated that net receipts of services declined on a year-on-year basis
as exports of transport, financial services and telecommunication, computer and
information services declined.
 Remittances also declined year-on-year and stood at $15.7 billion in the fourth
quarter of FY16. Net FDI also declined from from $9.3billion in Q4FY15 to $8.8 billion
Q4 FY16.
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RBI SIMPLIFIES REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR NEW NBFCS
 In order to make the registration process of new non-banking finance companies

smoother and hassle-free, the Reserve Bank of India has revised the application form
for registration of these companies and the checklist of documents to be submitted.
 The number of documents to be submitted by NBFC applicants has been reduced
from the existing set of 45 documents to seven to eight in the revised process.
 RBI stated henceforth there would be two different types of applications for non-
deposit taking NBFCs (NBFC-ND) based on sources of funds and customer interface.
 The first type (Type-I) will be a NBFC-ND not accepting public funds/ not intending
to accept public funds in the future and not having customer interface/ not intending
to have customer interface in the future.
 ―Public funds‖ include funds raised either directly or indirectly through public
deposits, commercial paper, debentures, inter-corporate deposits and bank finance
but excludes funds raised through issue of instruments compulsorily convertible into
equity shares within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of issue.
 ―Customer interface‖ means interaction between the NBFC and its customers while
carrying on its business.
 The second type (Type-II) will be NBFC-ND accepting public funds/ intending to
accept public funds in the future and/or having customer interface/intending to have
customer interface in the future
 The RBI stated processing of cases for Type-I of NBFC-ND applicants would be on
fast track mode. As these companies will not have access to public funds and will
not have customer interface, they will be subjected to less intensive scrutiny/ due

diligence.
However, the certificate of registration issued to Type I - NBFC-ND companies will be
conditional. These companies will be prohibited from accessing public funds and
having customer interface.
 In case Type-I companies intend to avail public funds or intend to have customer
interface in the future, they are required to take approval from the Reserve Bank of
India, Department of Non-Banking Regulation.
CENTRE ALLOWS PREMATURE CLOSURE OF PPF ACCOUNT
 In a significant move, the Finance Ministry has allowed subscribers of the Public
Provident Fund (PPF) to prematurely close their accounts after a minimum of five
years for reasons such as higher education or expenditure towards medical
treatment.
 But such subscribers will get 1% interest less than other accounts. For instance,
instead of an interest of the current 8.1%, a subscriber who chooses to prematurely
close his PPF account would earn interest of 7.1% on the deposit.
 At present, withdrawals from the PPF account are allowed after seven years of
opening the account. But it is only up to 50% of the total deposit till the end of the
fourth year. The account matures after 15 years, when full withdrawal is permitted.
FSSAI FINALISES LIST OF 11,000 FOOD ADDITIVES
 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which was in the process
of harmonising Indian food standards with the international CODEX standards,
has now finalised a list of 11,000 permissible food additives.
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 Industry players believe this will ease the way for new product launches in the
country, which is a longstanding grievance of the industry.
 In addition, the FSSAI stated that it removed potassium bromate, which is used
in bread and bakery products and cyclamates, which is used in jams, jellies,
marmalades, dairy-based drinks and confectionary, from the list of permissible
additives.
 The bread manufacturers association had earlier voluntarily decided to withdraw the
use of potassium bromate.
NITI AAYOG COMPLETES APPRAISAL OF 12TH FIVE-YEAR PLAN
 The NITI Aayog has completed the appraisal of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan,
which will be placed before its Governing Council that is chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
 The practice of Five-Year Plans will end after the current Plan gets over in 2016-17.
 It would instead be replaced with three documents.
 These would cover the short-term through a three-year Action Plan, the medium-
term by seven-year strategy and the long-term by a 15-year Vision Document.
 The Vision Document will give a sense of what to expect India to be in 2022-23. It
will look at measures like per capita GDP, GDP, agriculture, services and
manufacturing.
 The appraisal of the Twelfth Plan (2012-17) would broadly cover the first four
financial years and the Budget Estimate for the current fiscal.
 The appraisal would follow nine broad themes including the economy and policies,
macroeconomic factors, employment and skill development, governances, human
resource development, physical infrastructure, environmental sustainability,
agriculture and rural transformation and urban transformation.
INDIA OWNS $121.6 BN WORTH US GOVT SECURITIES
 Touching a new high, India‘s holding of American government securities jumped

to USD 121.6 billion in April amid uncertain global economic cues.
 This also marks a steep rise from the level seen in April 2015 when the country held
American government securities to the tune of USD 110.3 billion.
 There has been a mixed trend in terms of countries‘ exposure to these securities,
with neighbouring China slightly trimming its holding while Japan, like India,
increasing its exposure in April.
 Among the BRIC grouping, Russia and China have cut their exposure while Brazil
has purchased more such securities.
 Latest data from the US Treasury Department shows that India‘s holding reached
USD 121.6 billion, which is also the highest in recent times, in April.
 The holdings were worth USD 118.9 billion in March this year, marginally higher than
USD 118.8 billion seen in February. Back in January, India‘s holding had touched
USD 119.8 billion.
 China owned US government securities worth USD 1.24 trillion in April while that of
Japan touched USD 1,142.8 billion.
 During the same period, Brazil‘s exposure went up to USD 249.1 billion whereas
Russia trimmed its holding to USD 82.5 billion.
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CBDT NOTIFIES FOREIGN TAX CREDIT RULES
 To provide relief to corporates with income abroad, the Tax Department has notified
‗Foreign Tax Credit‘ rules allowing companies to claim credit for taxes, surcharge
and cess paid overseas.
 The rules, which come into effect from April 1, 2017, allow taxpayers to claim credit
of foreign tax under dispute once it is finally settled.
 Foreign tax credit will be available against tax, surcharge and cess payable under
the Act, including minimum alternate tax (MAT) but not in respect of interest, fee or
penalty.
 The rules also provide that disputed foreign tax will be allowed as credit for the
year in which the income is taxed in India, subject to certain conditions.
 To avail of the credit, the taxpayer will have to furnish evidence of settlement of
the dispute and evidence of payment of the foreign tax. The taxpayer is also required
to provide an undertaking that no refund, directly or indirectly, will be claimed for
this foreign tax.
 The rules are progressive and provide much-needed clarity as well as certainty in
claiming FTC.
 The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has also allowed tax payers to give
self—certified statement, giving the nature of income and the amount of foreign
tax deducted or paid accompanied with the counterfoil or acknowledgment of taxes
paid and/or proof of taxes having been deducted at source, for claiming FTC.
AMENDMENT IN RULE 114H OF INCOME-TAX RULES, 1962


The Rule 114H of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 (the Rules) has been amended.
In order to provide sufficient time to the reporting Financial Institutions for
completing the due diligence procedure in respect of other reportable account
referred to in Rule 114H (3)(d)(ii), which is high value account as on 31st December,
2015, the timeline specified for review of pre-existing individual account has been
extended from 30th June, 2016 to 31st December, 2016.
 The timeline in case of U.S. reportable account which is low value account as on the
30th June, 2014, shall continue to be 30th June, 2016.
 Similarly, in respect of other reportable account referred to in Rule 114H(5)(e)(i),
timeline specified for review of pre-existing entity account has been extended from
30th June, 2016 to 31st December, 2016. The timeline in case of a U.S. reportable
account shall continue to be 30th June, 2016.
WORLD BANK PLEDGES $1B FOR INDIA‘S SOLAR MISSION
 The World Bank announced plans to provide more than $1 billion to support India‘s
solar initiatives.
 An agreement to this effect was signed when World Bank Group President Jim
Yong Kim met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Power Minister Piyush Goyal.
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INTERNATIONAL
UN ANNOUNCES GLOBAL STANDARD TO MEASURE FOOD WASTE
 A partnership of leading international organizations, including the United Nations, has

announced the launch of a first-ever global standard to measure food loss and
waste while at the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) 2016 Summit in
Copenhagen, Denmark.
 The Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard (FLW
Standard) is a set of global definitions and reporting requirements for companies,
countries and others to consistently and credibly measure, report on and manage
food loss and waste.
 The standard comes as a growing number of governments, companies and other
entities are making commitments to reduce food loss and waste.
 An estimated one-third of all food is lost or wasted worldwide as it moves from
where it is produced to where it is eaten, even as more than 800 million people
are undernourished.
 In addition, food loss and waste globally costs up to $940 billion per year.
 Using the standard enables countries, cities, companies, and other entities to develop
inventories of how much FLW is generated and where it goes. These inventories can
underpin, inform, and focus strategies for minimizing FLW.
 Minimizing FLW can provide economic benefits, enhance food security, improve
natural resource use efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.
 This standard enables the consistent measurement of baselines and tracking of
progress towards Target 12.3 of the United Nations‘ Sustainable Development
Goals as well as other targets.
 Meanwhile, food loss and waste generates about 8% of global greenhouse gas
emissions. Estimates indicate that if it were a country, food loss and waste would be
the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter behind China and the United States.
 The FLW Standard will also help reduce food loss and waste within the private sector.
 In 2015, the Consumer Goods Forum adopted a resolution for its members to
reduce food waste from their operations by 50 per cent by 2025, with baselines and
progress to be measured using the FLW Standard.
JORDAN KING SWEARS IN NEW GOVERNMENT TO PREPARE FOR ELECTIONS
 Jordanian King Abdullah swore in a new government led by a business-friendly

politician, charging him with preparing for parliamentary elections by September and
pushing legislation to spur sluggish growth.
 Hani Mulki, 64, who has held a string of senior diplomatic and ministerial posts, is a
former chief commissioner of Jordan's economic zone in the Red Sea port city of
Aqaba.
 He was appointed by the king to replace Abdullah Ensour shortly after the monarch
dissolved parliament as it neared the end of its four-year term.
 Elections must be held within four months under the constitution.
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GERMANY AGREES TO PLUG NUCLEAR LIABILITY LOOPHOLE
 The German government passed a regulation that aims to ensure utility companies
remain liable for the costs of shutting down nuclear power plants even if they split
up.
 Germany decided to end nuclear power by 2022 following Japan's Fukushima
disaster five years ago.
 Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet would adopt recommendations made by a
commission requiring Germany's utilities to pay 23.3 billion euros (18 billion
pound) into a state fund to cover the costs of storing nuclear waste.
 This included a provision that will make all parts of a company liable for the costs of
Germany's nuclear shut down even if the utility has split up.
 Germany's No.2 utility RWE also plans to hive off its renewables, grids and retail
units into a separate entity and sell a 10% stake in an initial public offering.
 Last year, the German cabinet approved a draft law that ensures power firms will
remain liable for the shutdown and decommissioning costs for as long as it takes,
even if they spin off subsidiaries that own the nuclear entities.
FRANCE DECLARES FLOOD EMERGENCY
 Torrential rain forced thousands of people from their homes south of Paris while the
River Seine surged to its highest level for over 30 years in the French capital,
shutting down the famed Louvre and Orsay museums and a metro line.
 At least 3,000 out of 13,000 inhabitants were evacuated in Nemours, 75 km (45

miles) south of Paris, as floodwaters crept towards the second story of buildings in
the town centre.
President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency in the worst affected
areas and promised funding to help local authorities deal with flood damage.
EU AIR SAFETY AGENCY GROUNDS AIRBUS SUPER PUMA HELICOPTERS
 The European Aviation Safety Authority grounded Airbus H225 LP and AS332 L2
Super Puma helicopters following the discovery of metal fatigue in the gearbox of
a Super Puma that fatally crashed in Norway on April 29.
 The flight ban was announced after Norway's Civil Aviation Authority earlier extended
its ban on flying the aircraft to include search and rescue missions.
 The Super Pumas, a workhorse of the offshore oil industry, were banned from
commercial traffic in Norway and Britain following the accident, but hitherto search
and rescue missions had still been allowed.
GREEK PARLIAMENT APPROVES REFORMS FOR BAILOUT FUNDS

 Greek lawmakers approved a set of extra measures demanded by international

lenders for the country to receive further bailout funds and cheap bank funding from
the European Central Bank.
 But to secure a tranche of 7.5 billion euros (£5.8 billion) Greece was required to
tie up some loose ends of its bailout programme.
 The reforms which were approved included phasing out an income-based
benefit for pensioners by 2020, starting this month, and selling a 20-24% stake
in the power-grid operator ADMIE by the end of October.
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 Compromises have also been reached on a proposal to limit seniority-based wages
for police and the coast guard - as Greece struggles with Europe's worst migrant
crisis in decades - and the sale of non-performing loans guaranteed by the state.
UKRAINE GETS NEW PRIME MINISTER
 Ukrain‘s new Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman stated that he would not let his
decision-making be shackled by powerful vested interests, allowing him to push
through reforms and usher in a period of economic stability.
U.S. SIGNS $1 BILLION LOAN GUARANTEE FOR UKRAINE
 The United States and Ukraine signed a $1 billion loan guarantee agreement,
the third such agreement provided by Washington to Kiev since May 2014.
 Washington had promised the aid last November but made it contingent on Kiev
continuing to push reforms, which had been derailed by months of political turmoil.
 The signing comes a day after the Ukrainian parliament passed legislation aimed at
tackling entrenched corruption in the judicial system.
 Ukraine is still in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for the third
tranche of a bailout deal worth $1.7 billion.
SAUDI REFORM PLAN APPROVED BY TOP ECONOMIC COUNCIL
 Saudi Arabia's National Transformation Plan, a pivotal element of the "Vision

2030" reforms announced in April by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,
will be put before the cabinet for approval.
The plan is expected to flesh out sector-by-sector details of the implementation of
Prince Mohammed's programme, which is intended to restructure the kingdom's
entire economy and make it less dependent on oil revenue.
 The Council of Economic and Development Affairs has approved the final draft of the
National Transformation Plan, which is one of the plans adopted and part of the 2030
vision.
 Prince Mohammed was given a central role in decision making after his father,
King Salman, became monarch early last year, taking charge of CEDA, a new
supercommittee of top ministers charged with overseeing reforms.
 Saudi Arabia finances now depend on oil revenue and its economic performance
closely tracks government spending. But energy prices have plummeted since mid-
2014, causing steep declines in income and putting growth at risk.
 The wider reforms are expected to include subsidy cuts, tax rises, sales of
state assets, a government efficiency drive and efforts to spur private sector
investment. Last month the International Monetary Fund stated the plans were
"appropriately bold and far reaching".
UGANDA'S YOWERI MUSEVENI NAMES NEW CABINET
 Uganda's veteran leader Yoweri Museveni named a new cabinet that retained his
prime minister and ministers in the key energy and finance jobs while giving the
education portfolio to his wife.
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 Museveni, 71, who has ruled the east African country for 30 years, was declared
winner of the February presidential election with 60% of the vote and sworn in for
a new term on May 12.
 Most of his main ministers were reappointed.
 His main rival Kizza Besigye rejected the results and called the election a sham,
citing widespread rigging, intimidation by security forces and use of state funds to
bribe voters.
CHILE TAKES RIVER DISPUTE WITH BOLIVIA TO U.N. COURT
 Chile filed a lawsuit against neighbour Bolivia at the U.N.'s highest court in The
Hague, seeking a ruling in their decades-old dispute over whether Chile has the right
to use a river that crosses their shared border.
 Chilean officials submitted documentation to start formal legal proceedings over the
Silala river, asking the International Court of Justice to declare it "an international
watercourse" and granting Chile usage rights.
 Chile uses some of river water in its parched Atacama desert to feed mine
operations.
 Bolivia wants to charge for it, claiming ownership of the Silala on the grounds that
it originates from springs on its side of the border.
MALDIVES' FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JAILED
 A court in the Maldives jailed former vice president Ahmed Adeeb for 10 years

on terrorism charges.
Adeeb, 34, once seen as the successor to President Abdulla Yameen, was arrested on
Oct. 24 in a probe into an explosion on Yameen's speedboat and was accused of
possessing firearms.
 Parliament impeached Adeeb on Nov. 5 over his alleged role in the explosion.
U.S. NAVY SLAPS DRINKING BAN ON 18,600 SAILORS IN JAPAN
 The U.S. Navy slapped a drinking ban on sailors stationed in Japan and halted off
base liberty after police arrested a U.S. sailor on the southern island of Okinawa on
suspicion of drunk driving following a car crash that injured two people.
 The United States has 18,600 sailors stationed in Japan.
EGYPT APPOINTS NEW ANTI-CORRUPTION CHIEF
 Egypt's parliament approved the appointment of a former prosecutor as the new

anti-corruption chief.
 Parliament approved the appointment of Hisham Badawi as head of the Central

Auditing Authority, Egypt's main anti-corruption agency, with 329 of Egypt's 596
deputies voting in his favour.
ISRAEL ELECTED TO HEAD U.N. COMMITTEE FOR FIRST TIME
 Israel won an election to chair the United Nations' legal committee, the first time
that it will head one of the world body's six permanent committees since joining the
U.N. in 1949.
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 While it is a largely symbolic and procedural role, chairing the committee will give
Israel a chance to have a higher profile in routine affairs at the United Nations.
 The so-called Legal Committee, or Sixth Committee, oversees issues related to
international law.
 The General Assembly has six standing committees that report to it, on:
disarmament, economic and financial issues, human rights, decolonization, the U.N.
budget, and legal issues.
 Israel was a candidate for the regional Western European and Others Group
(WEOG) and received a comfortable majority of votes - 109 out of 175 valid votes
cast in the 193-nation assembly. Sweden was runner-up with 10 votes.
FIJIAN DIPLOMAT ELECTED PRESIDENT OF U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
 The ambassador of the tiny Pacific Island nation of Fiji won a rare election for the
post of president of the United Nations General Assembly.
 Ambassador Peter Thomson of Fiji narrowly defeated Andreas Mavroyiannis of
Cyprus with 94 votes compared to Mavroyiannis' 90 votes.
 The post is a largely ceremonial one, though it has a high profile and important
procedural functions.
EU ENVOY TO TURKEY RESIGNS
 The European Union's top envoy to Turkey Hansjoerg Haber has resigned.
 The resignation of Hansjoerg Haber was a further sign of strained ties as Brussels
tries to keep on track a landmark deal credited with curbing the flow of migrants to
Europe.
FRANCE RATIFIES PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT
 President Francois Hollande signed a bill formally ratifying the Paris climate
agreement reached last December by nearly 200 countries to limit global warming.
 Hollande urged other European nations to ratify the accord by year-end, saying 17
states that have done so already were not the largest carbon emitters, but were the
worst affected by natural disasters attributed to rising temperatures.
 Led by France in December, some 195 countries reached the agreement, which
was then signed by 175 nations in New York in April.
 The agreement will become binding when 55 countries representing 55% of
emissions of greenhouse gases ratify it.
 China and the United States, the world's top producers of greenhouse gas
emissions, have pledged to formally adopt the agreement by the end of the year,
raising the prospect of its being enforced much faster than anticipated.
BURUNDI SIGNS DEAL WITH RUSSIAN BANK ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT
 Burundi's central bank has signed a deal with Russia's Gazprombank to facilitate
foreign investment in the African nation.
 The Central Bank of Burundi, known by the French acronym BRB, signed the deal
with Russia's Gazprombank ―to facilitate foreign direct investment in Burundi".
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 The agreement is a guarantee for Russian companies which are interested in the
EAC through Burundi, referring to the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc that
groups Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan.
 The deal was signed on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic
Forum.
 Burundi wants to establish trade relations with Russia and for this it needs a
correspondent account to pay in local currency.
 Burundi has been mired in crisis since President Pierre Nkurunziza pursued and won
a third term in office last year. His opponents and Western nations say this violates
the constitution and a deal that ended a civil war in 2005.
RIO STATE DECLARES FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
 Rio de Janeiro's governor declared a state of financial emergency and requested

federal funds to help fulfill obligations for public services during the Olympics that are
starting from Aug. 5.
 Emergency measures are needed to avoid a total collapse in public security,
health, education, transport and environmental management.
 The state's revenue, largely tied to the petroleum industry, slumped in the last two
years as global oil prices collapsed.
 Rio is expecting about 500,000 foreign visitors during the Olympics, which has
coincided with Brazil's worst recession since the 1930s and a political crisis that last
month led to the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff.
 Brazil is also facing an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to the
birth defect microcephaly in which babies are born with abnormally small heads
frequently associated with developmental issues.
MEXICAN CONGRESS APPROVES PACKAGE OF ANTI-CORRUPTION BILLS
 Mexico's Congress passed a package of anti-corruption bills, including stiffer

penalties for graft.
 President Enrique Pena Nieto has made the push for tougher anti-corruption laws a
top priority of his government, which has been accused by its critics of a lax attitude
toward fighting corruption.
 If signed into law by Pena Nieto, the package of laws would increase fines and jail
time for public officials convicted of bribery, embezzlement and illegal enrichment as
well as creates an independent anti-corruption prosecutor.
CONGO DECLARES YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMIC
 Democratic Republic of Congo declared a yellow fever epidemic in three provinces,

including the capital Kinshasa, after confirming 67 cases of the disease, with another
1,000 suspected cases being monitored.
 Yellow fever is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that spread the Zika and
dengue viruses, although it is a much more serious disease.
 The "yellow" in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some infected
patients.
 The global stockpile of vaccines has already been depleted twice this year to
immunize people in Angola, Uganda and Congo.
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 It stands at 6 million doses, but this may not be enough if there are simultaneous
outbreaks in multiple highly-populated areas, experts warn.
 Almost 18 million doses have been distributed for emergency vaccination campaigns
so far in the three African countries.
 The current method for making vaccines, using chicken eggs, takes a year.
NIGERIA AGREES CEASEFIRE WITH DELTA MILITANTS
 Nigeria has agreed a one-month ceasefire with militants behind recent attacks on
oil facilities in its southern Niger Delta.
 Militants say they want a greater share of Nigeria's oil wealth to go to the
impoverished Delta region.
 Crude sales make up about 70% of national income and the vast majority of that oil
comes from the southern swampland.
 Niger Delta Avengers, who have claimed responsibility for most attacks in the last
few weeks, were among those who have agreed to the truce. A second government
official confirmed that a truce was agreed.
 In a sign of apparent discord among groups in the Delta, former militants who
were known as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)
have criticized the Avengers and urged them to negotiate with the government.
BRAZIL SPEAKER CUNHA INDICTED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING
 Brazil's Supreme Court indicted suspended speaker of the lower house Eduardo
Cunha on charges of money laundering and illegal currency dealing, dragging the
powerful politician further into the sweeping scandal involving state-oil company
Petrobras.
 It is the second time charges have been accepted against Cunha in the so-called Car
Wash investigation, which centres on kickbacks paid to politicians by construction
companies working with Petrobras.
NORTH KOREAN MISSILES FALL IN SEA OF JAPAN – PENTAGON
 Missiles from North Korea's two latest missile launches flew over the Sea of Japan
where they both fell.
 Both missiles were believed to be Musudan intermediate range ballistic missiles
and launched from Wonsan on the eastern coast.
RUSSIA PUT NEW NUCLEAR MISSILES ALONG NATO BORDER
 Russia is likely to deploy advanced nuclear-capable missiles in its European exclave

of Kaliningrad by 2019, casting the move as a reply to a U.S.-backed missile

shield, and may one day put them in Crimea too.
 That would fuel what is already the worst standoff between Russia and the West
since the Cold War and put a swathe of territory in NATO members Poland, Lithuania,
Latvia and Estonia in the cross-hairs.
 Russia would probably have deployed the missile -- called the Iskander, the Persian
name for Alexander the Great -- in Kaliningrad regardless, and the targets it will
cover can be struck by longer-range Russian missiles anyway.
4
 But Russian and Western experts say the U.S.-backed shield, which Moscow says is
aimed at blunting its own nuclear capabilities, gives the Kremlin the political cover it
needs to justify something it was planning all along.
 NATO is holding a summit in Warsaw next month to decide how best to deter Russia
after Moscow's lightning annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014.
 The United States, Britain and Germany have stated they will command new
battalions in Poland and the Baltics to send Moscow a message.
KENYAN PRESIDENT SIGNS ANTI-DOPING MEASURES INTO LAW
 Kenya's president signed an anti-doping amendment bill into law.

 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) earlier stated Kenyan legislation passed in April
needed further changes if Kenya was to be declared compliant with WADA codes.
 International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach had stated that
competitors from Russia and Kenya, given their countries' recent history of doping,
would have to be screened individually before being allowed to participate in the
games in Rio de Janeiro.
NEPALI MIGRANTS BANNED FROM WORKING IN AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, LIBYA

AND SYRIA
 Nepal has banned its nationals from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria
after 13 Nepali security guards were killed by a Taliban suicide bomber in the
Afghan capital.
 The decision comes after a parliamentary panel ordered Prime Minister K.P. Oli's
government to crack down on traffickers who send thousands of migrants each
year to conflict-torn countries where they can often face danger or exploitation.
ICELAND ELECT NEW PRESIDENT
 Icelanders elected historian Gudni Johannesson as their first new president.

 The final count showed 39% of Icelanders voted for Johannesson as president. The
post is largely ceremonial but does carry powers to block legislation.
 Contenders included a former prime minister and central bank governor.
 Johannesson, a lecturer at the University of Iceland will take office on Aug. 1.
RUSSIA SECURES ENERGY DEALS WITH CHINA
 Russia and China sealed a raft of energy deals during President Vladimir Putin's
visit to Beijing.
 The deals involve the sale of stakes in a number of Russian projects to Chinese
firms, an oil supply contract and joint investments in petrochemical projects in

Russia.
 Rosneft, Russia's top oil producer, agreed with China National Chemical Corporation
(ChemChina) [CNNCC.UL] that ChemChina would take a 40% stake in Rosneft's
planned petrochemical complex VNHK in Russia's Far East.
 The deal would help Rosneft finance the project and get access to the markets of
the Asia-Pacific region.
4
 They also signed a new one-year contract under which Rosneft could supply up to
2.4 million tonnes of crude oil to ChemChina between Aug. 1, 2016, and July 31,
2017.
 Rosneft and Beijing Enterprises Group Company Limited [BEGRP.UL] agreed the key
terms of a potential sale of a 20% stake in Rosneft's oil producing subsidiary,
Verkhnechonskneftegaz, to a unit of Beijing Gas Group.
 The Russian firm also signed a framework agreement with Sinopec regarding the
construction of a gas processing and petrochemical plant in East Siberia, aiming to
set up a joint venture in 2017 focused on the Russian and Chinese markets.
TURKEY MENDS TIES WITH ISRAEL & RUSSIA
 Turkey announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel after a six-year
rupture and expressed regret to Russia over the downing of a warplane, seeking
to mend strained alliances and ease a sense of isolation on the world stage.
 The moves come as a new Turkish government packed with Erdogan allies re-
evaluates its foreign policy.
 Turkey has seen relations strained not only with Israel and Russia, but also with the
United States and European Union in recent months.
ITALY ELECTED TO U.N. COUNCIL FOR 2017 IN DEAL WITH NETHERLANDS
 Italy and The Netherlands proposed splitting a two-year term on the United Nations
Security Council after the U.N. General Assembly was deadlocked.
 The 193-member General Assembly elected Sweden, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and
Bolivia to replace Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela on the
council from Jan. 1, 2017.
 The Netherlands and Italy were tied with 95 votes each.
 The United Nations General Assembly elected Italy to fill the final U.N. Security
Council seat for 2017 after voting between Italy and The Netherlands was
deadlocked and the pair agreed to split the two-year term on the council.
 Italy has pledged to step down after one year to allow The Netherlands to be
elected to the council by the 193-member General Assembly for 2018. The countries
vowed to work closely together during the full two-year term.
 The council is made up of 10 elected members - five voted on each year and five
permanent veto-powers that include the United States, Britain, France, China and
Russia.
 The council is the only U.N. body that can make legally binding decisions.
MEXICO, U.S., CANADA AMEND NAFTA ORIGIN RULES

 Mexico, the United States and Canada have signed off on amending the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to liberalize rules of origin for a host of
products.
 Products covered include natural gas, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, rubber, metals,
industrial and electrical machinery and precision instruments, adding they account
for $166 billion (£123.7 billion) in annual trilateral trade.
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ONLY 5 COUNTRIES GIVE LGBT PEOPLE EQUAL CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
 Only five countries in the world have given lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) people equal constitutional rights, global research shows.
 Britain, Bolivia, Ecuador, Fiji, Malta are the only countries that give constitutional
rights to people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, according
to a report by global research group WORLD Policy Analysis Center (WORLD)
and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
 The report, which analysed the constitutions of all 193 countries recognised by the
United Nations, is the most comprehensive study to date.
CANADA TO GIVE TROOPS FOR NATO FORCE
 Canada confirmed that it would provide a significant number of troops for a new
4,000-strong NATO force on Russia's border.
 Canada, the United States, Germany and Britain each will command a battalion in
the new unit, which is designed to help deter any show of force such as that
deployed by Russia in Crimea in 2014.
 Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who also condemned the actions of Russian-
backed militants in Ukraine, declined to give many details about the new force.
 NATO diplomats say the Canadians will be based in Latvia.
U.N. PEACEKEEPING MISSION LEAVES LIBERIA AFTER 13 YEARS
 A U.N. peacekeeping mission that was sent to Liberia in 2003 to restore order after
two brutal civil wars withdrew, beginning a new phase of self-reliance for the
impoverished West African country.
 Liberia has relied heavily on the mission of 15,000 U.N. troops, known as UNMIL,
which had been winding down for several months before control was officially handed
over to domestic forces.
 Liberia has slowly regained its political standing following the two civil wars that
spanned 14 years, by restoring order and holding peaceful democratic
elections.
 In June, Sirleaf was elected to head the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS).
SLOVAKIA TAKES EU PRESIDENCY
 The Slovak government has just taken up the six-month rotating presidency of
the EU.
 Slovakia has been a staunch opponent of the European Commission‘s proposals to
solve the continent‘s refugee crisis, which include a mandatory quota system to
‗redistribute‘ migrants.
ARMENIA AGREEMENT ON JOINT AIR-DEFENCE SYSTEM WITH RUSSIA
 Armenia's parliament voted to ratify an Armenian-Russian agreement to create a

joint air-defence system which opponents fear gives too much control to Moscow.
 The new system will enable the inclusion of the Russian Air Force's full range of
capabilities, including multifunction fighter jets, into joint regional air defence.
4
 The Armenia-Russian air-defence agreement was signed by the two countries in
December 2015.
 Russia and Armenia have been jointly protecting Armenia's airspace since the
mid-1990s. Russian troops and warplanes are stationed on the territory of Armenia,
once part of the Soviet Union.
 The air-defence agreement does not apply to Nagorno-Karabakh.
 Armenia is embroiled in a long-standing conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan over
the region.
MONGOLIAN OPPOSITION WINS IN ELECTIONS
 The main opposition Mongolian People's Party (MPP) swept back to power in
landslide parliamentary elections.
 The transformation of the former Soviet bloc state since a peaceful revolution in
1990 has been a big draw for foreign investors eyeing its rich mineral resources,
unleashing a boom from 2010 to 2012.
 But an abrupt economic slowdown since 2012 has stirred controversy over the
role of global mining firms such as Rio Tinto, which last month finally approved a
$5.3-billion extension plan for the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine.
 The MPP's victory will likely be a greeted as a tailwind for the economy and
international miners, as the party's success in attracting investors when it last held
power, from 2008-2012, led to the country being nicknamed "Mine-golia".
OPEC FAILS TO AGREE ON PRODUCTION CAP
 Oil dropped after OPEC failed to reach an agreement for a new production ceiling
at the group‘s meeting in Vienna, leaving members pumping as much as they want.
 Futures fell more than 2% in New York.
 OPEC did appoint Nigeria‘s Mohammed Barkindo as secretary-general.
 The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries‘ de facto leader, Saudi Arabia,
had previously discussed restoring an output target scrapped in December, delegates
familiar with the matter stated.
 Oil has surged about 85% from a 12-year low earlier this year amid signs global
supply, especially US shale production, under pressure from OPEC‘s strategy of
sustaining production amid a glut.
 West Texas Intermediate for July delivery fell 80 cents to $48.21 a barrel on the
New York Mercantile Exchange. Total volume traded was 15% below the 100-day
average.
 Brent for August settlement declined 72 cents, or 1.5per cent, to $49 a barrel, on
the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.
 The global benchmark crude traded at a 33-cent premium to WTI for August
delivery.
 US crude stockpiles, which are near an 87-year high, probably fell by 2.5 million
barrels.
NORTH KOREA‘S MISSILE LAUNCH FAILS
 North Korea apparently failed with an attempted missile launch.

 It was a powerful, medium-range ―Musudan‖ that has already undergone three
failed launches so far this year.
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MALDIVES OPPOSITION FORMS SHADOW GOVT IN LONDON
 In what the former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed described as a ―watershed‖

and a ―turning point‖ for his country, a new multi-party opposition platform was
launched in London that pledged to fight for the restoration of democracy in the
Maldives.
 Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, former Vice-President who is now living in exile in
the U.K., will head the shadow cabinet of the newly formed Maldives United
Opposition.
 The Deputy Leader is Ali Waheed, currently Chairperson of the Maldivian
Democratic Party (MDP).
 Mr. Nasheed, the first democratically elected leader of the Maldives who was recently
given political asylum in the U.K., chose to take a back seat in the shadow cabinet
with the post of adviser.
 Announcing the 25-member shadow cabinet, Dr. Jameel Ahmed outlined the
vision and tasks of the new government.
 The opposition has called for the ―immediate removal of President Abdulla
Yameen through all legal and lawful mechanisms‖.
 It also called for the ―immediate restoration‖ of freedoms unconstitutionally
suspended by the Maldivian government.
 They have also demanded establishing a transparent system to monitor public
finances and safeguard the national treasury and protect the rights of 1700
individuals currently under prosecution, investigation and arbitrary arrest.
SRI LANKA PANEL PROPOSES BILL OF RIGHTS
 The official committee on constitutional reforms in Sri Lanka has not been able
to arrive at a consensus while making recommendations on several contentious areas
such as the nature of state, national flag, religion, merger of provinces and land
powers.
 Despite this, the 20-member committee has come up with an exhaustive Bill of
Rights and provisions for curtailment of powers of the office of Governor, a subject
that has been of great interest to the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
 Lal Wijenayake, chairman of the committee, stated that the Bill of Rights as
proposed by his panel, if accepted by the country, would be among the ―the most
modern‖ documents on rights in the world.
 It covers 32 types of rights, ranging from right to life (not included in the 1978
Constitution) to freedom of religion to rights of people with diverse sexual and
gender identities.
 Running to over 320 pages, the panel‘s final report acknowledges that it could not
make unanimous recommendations.

 On the issue of religion, the committee points out that despite the existing
constitutional position of providing Buddhism ―the foremost place‖, the Supreme
Court has called Sri Lanka a ―secular State‖. One of its suggestions was that all
religions be given equal status while protecting and fostering Buddhism.
 The committee is also for retaining the present national flag or designing one
without any reference to ethnicity, while representing Sri Lankan collective life, or
framing a new flag symbolising the equality of all ethnic groups.
5
 As for the nature of the state, the panel has suggested three formulations, one of
which had no reference to unitary or federal. Another proposal, using the term
―unitary‖, talks of ―multi-tier governance systems‖.
 Terming the merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces as ―the most
controversial‖, the committee makes six recommendations. One of them is for
allowing the current structure of nine provinces with constitutional provisions for
power- sharing.
IMF CLEARS BAILOUT PACKAGE FOR SRI LANKA
 The International Monetary Fund (IMF)‘s Executive Board has approved a bailout
package of about $1.5 billion (SDR 1.1 billion) for Sri Lanka.
 The package will be in the form of a 36-month extended arrangement under the
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to support Sri Lanka‘s economic reform agenda. The
island nation‘s balance of payments widened last year.
 The IMF arrangement aims to meet balance of payments needs arising from a
deteriorating external environment and pressures that may persist until
macroeconomic policies can be adjusted.
 It is also expected to catalyse an additional $650 million in other multilateral and
bilateral loans, bringing total support to about $2.2 billion (over and above existing
financing arrangements).
UN PLANS TO END AIDS THREAT BY 2030
 At a high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS at the United Nations General Assembly,
member states have adopted a new political declaration, including time-bound
global targets, to be reached over the next five years and end the epidemic as a
public health threat by 2030.
 At a meeting, Health Minister J.P. Nadda reinforced India‘s commitment to fast-track
progress on ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
 Mr Nadda has proposed a five-point strategy — the ‗global family‘ — to end AIDS.
 The five point strategy includes adoption of the fast-track target; reaching 90% of
all people in need with HIV treatment; commitment to maintain the TRIPS
flexibilities; creating an inclusive society with programmes that work towards
restoring the respect and dignity of individuals, and lastly, global solidarity.
SINGAPORE DESTROYS TONNES OF ILLEGAL IVORY
 Singapore crushed and burnt almost 8 tonnes of ivory confiscated over two years
to try to deter smugglers as activists called for tighter enforcement.
 Over 2,700 elephant tusks weighing 7.9 tonnes were fed into an industrial rock
crusher before incineration.

 It was the fist time seized ivory had been destroyed in Singapore.
 Previous hauls were returned to the originating country, donated to museums or kept
for education.
 The tusks, estimated to be worth Sg$13 million (Rs. 64.5 crore), were seized on
four separate occasions between January 2014 and December 2015.
 In May 2015, some 2,000 tusks were found hidden in a shipment of tea leaves from
Kenya.
5
FRANCE RATIFIES UN PARIS CLIMATE DEAL
 President Francois Hollande finalised ratification of the Paris climate accord reached
in December 2015, making France the first industrialised country to do so.
 The deal will not come into force unless at least 55 countries responsible for at least
55% of global greenhouse gas emissions ratify it.
NAMIBIA DECRIES ‗NUCLEAR APARTHEID‘
 Feeling fettered by a regional pact which prohibits Namibia from selling uranium
to India, President Hage Geingob regretted the world order that allowed a handful of
powerful countries to dictate terms on nuclear technology.
 Namibia, the world‘s fourth largest uranium producer, signed an agreement
with India in 2009 for uranium supply.
 However, as a member of the African Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
(ANWFZT), it is barred from trading in uranium with India, which is not a member of
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, aka the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).
 Namibia asked India to come up with similar agreements with other countries to help
it convince the ANWFZT members.
 So far, India has signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with 12 countries,
including the United States, Russia, Korea and Japan.
 It was agreed that India would soon send a team of experts to explain the details
of civil nuclear cooperation deals with other countries.
U.S. BILLS SEEKING FUNDING CUT TO PAK. DEFEATED
 Two legislative amendments seeking a cut in the U.S. aid to Pakistan have been
defeated in the House of Representatives with most lawmakers arguing that it is
essential to maintain ties with a nuclear armed country despite it not doing enough in
the war against terrorism.
 The first amendment that sought to cut funding to Pakistan from $900 million to
$700 million in coalition support fund was defeated on the House floor by a recorded
vote of 191 to 230.
 Another amendment moved seeking to prohibit funds from being used to provide
aid to Pakistan has been defeated by a recorded vote of 84 to 236.
KENYAN CHIEF JUSTICE MADE COMMONWEALTH ENVOY TO MALDIVES
 Willy Mutunga, Chief Justice of Kenya till now, has been made Commonwealth
Secretary-General‘s Special Envoy to Maldives.
 This has been done at ―the request‖ of the government of Maldives against the
backdrop of the Commonwealth‘s concern over the political situation in the last
few years following ―the arrest and detention of senior political figures, constriction of
space for civil society and the media, and weakening of the separation of powers‖,
according to a release of the Commonwealth.
5
ROME ELECTS ITS FIRST WOMAN MAYOR
 Virginia Raggi was elected Rome‘s first woman Mayor, sweeping into city hall on
the ticket of the populist Five Star movement (M5S) with the backing of over two-
thirds of voters.
 Ms. Raggi (37), a Rome-born lawyer, started the campaign as a political novice.
 However, she won over voters with her programme for cleaning up the
administration.
COLOMBIA GOVT., FARC AGREE ON FULL CEASEFIRE
 Colombia‘s government and the FARC guerrilla group reached agreement on a

definitive ceasefire in Latin America‘s longest civil war.
 The announcement heralds an end to a half-century conflict that has seen hundreds
of thousands of people getting killed.
 The deal would all but end the conflict by resolving one of the final points at peace
talks between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC), the country‘s biggest rebel group.
 The Colombian conflict started as a rural uprising in the 1960s. It has left 260,000
people dead, 45,000 missing and nearly seven million displaced.
MALDIVES GETS ITS 3RD VP IN A YEAR
 President Abdulla Yameen reshuffled his Cabinet and made Finance Minister Abdulla


Jihad the country‘s Vice-President.
Mr. Jihad is the third person to occupy the post in less than a year.
Mohamed Jameel Ahmed (November 2013-July 2015) and Ahmed Adheeb (July-
November 2015) were his predecessors.
 The office of Vice-President was lying vacant since the exit of Mr. Adheeb, who was
later convicted in two cases and awarded jail for 25 years.
U.S. - BANGLADESH AGREE TO ENHANCE COUNTER-TERROR COOPERATION
 The United States and Bangladesh have agreed to deepen cooperation in counter-
terrorism through capacity enhancement.
 This was decided during the fifth partnership dialogue between the two countries
in Washington.
 The Partnership Dialogue, established in 2012, is a regular policy consultation
designed to advance common agenda and opportunities for cooperation across the
full range of bilateral and regional issues.
EXPANDED PANAMA CANAL IS NOW OPEN
 A giant Chinese-chartered freighter nudged its way into the expanded Panama
Canal to mark the completion of nearly a decade of work forecast to boost global
trade.
 Thousands of people cheered and waved flags as they watched the vessel, especially
renamed COSCO Shipping Panama, inaugurate the widening of the century-old
waterway, which has been fitted with a new shipping lane and locks.
5
 The United States — builder of the original canal, which opened in 1914 and is
still in operation alongside the additions.
 The U.S. and China are the two most frequent canal users.
 Its expansion is expected to greatly benefit commercial traffic between North
America and Asia.
 The expansion — work began in 2007 and finished two years late at a cost of at
least $5.5 billion — allows a new generation of much larger ships, known as
Neopanamax class vessels, to ply the canal.
 Neopanamax freighters can carry up to three times the cargo of older and smaller
Panamax ships.
 Cruise ships built to the same dimensions typically double the number of
passengers of the previous iteration.
CORBYN LOSES CONFIDENCE VOTE OVER BREXIT
 British Labour Party lawmakers voted massively against their leader in Britain after a
vote to leave the European Union (EU) as candidates to succeed Prime Minister
David Cameron vied for power behind the scenes.
 Labour‘s Jeremy Corbyn lost a non-binding confidence motion, with 172 Labour MPs
voting against him and only 40 in favour out of a total of 229 Labour lawmakers in
the House of Commons lower house.
PUTIN LIFTS TRADE, TRAVEL SANCTIONS ON TURKEY
 President Vladimir Putin lifted Moscow's travel restrictions to Turkey and ordered
trade ties normalised after his first phone call with counterpart Recep Tayyip
Erdogan since Ankara downed a Russian jet last year.
 In the wake of the November incident, Russia slapped a range of sanctions on
Turkey, including an embargo on some Turkish food products, as well as a ban
on charter flights and sales of package tours to the country and the reintroduction of
visas for Turkish visitors.
EU REACHES OUTLINE DEAL TO STEM FLOW OF CONFLICT MINERALS
 The EU agreed an outline deal late on a law to clean up the commodities supply
chain to stem the use of gold and other metals from conflict zones.
 EU importers will have to check the origin of the relevant raw materials to see if
they come from any conflict zone, but the agreement is not binding on imports of
finished products that may contain the minerals.
 Members of the European Parliament and European Commission officials who
brokered the deal stated it would improve the lives of those living in conflict
zones and marked a shift in the focus of trade law to supply chains.
 The EU rules will cover conflict minerals from anywhere in the world, going further
in geographic scope than US Dodd-Frank legislation finalised in 2012, but they are
only binding on imports of raw materials, not finished products.
 The US law insists on the scrutiny of imports of gold, tantalum, tin and tungsten
from Democratic Republic of Congo and nine neighbouring countries as raw
materials, and when used in products such as mobile phones, electrical goods and
cars.
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BRITAIN VOTES TO LEAVE EU
 Britain has voted to leave the European Union (EU), forcing the resignation of
Prime Minister David Cameron and dealing the biggest blow to the European project
of greater unity.
 Results from referendum showed a near 52% - 48% split for leaving.
 The European Union - often known as the EU - is an economic and political
partnership involving 28 European countries. It began after World War Two to foster
economic co-operation, with the idea that countries which trade together are more
likely to avoid going to war with each other.
 It has since grown to become a "single market" allowing goods and people to move
around, basically as if the member states were one country.
 It has its own currency, the euro, which is used by 19 of the member countries, its
own parliament and it now sets rules in a wide range of areas - including on the
environment, transport, consumer rights and even things such as mobile phone
charges. Click here for a beginners' guide to how the EU works.
 Brexit: It is a word that has become used as a shorthand way of saying the UK
leaving the EU - merging the words Britain and exit to get Brexit, in a same way as
a Greek exit from the EU was dubbed Grexit in the past.
 For the UK to leave the EU it has to invoke an agreement called Article 50 of the
Lisbon Treaty.
 Cameron or his successor needs to decide when to invoke this - that will then set in
motion the formal legal process of withdrawing from the EU, and give the UK two
years to negotiate its withdrawal.


Mr Cameron has said he will be stepping down as PM by October.
The article has only been in force since late 2009 and it hasn't been tested yet, so
no-one really knows how the Brexit process will work.
 EU law still stands in the UK until it ceases being a member - and that process could
take some time.
 The UK will continue to abide by EU treaties and laws, but not take part in any
decision-making, as it negotiates a withdrawal agreement and the terms of its
relationship with the now 27 nation bloc.
5
INDIA AND WORLD
PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO NAMIBIA
 President of India Pranab Mukherjee paid a State Visit to Namibia.

 President Mukherjee held a meeting with President Geingob, followed by official
discussions between the two leaders.
 President Mukherjee addressed the students and faculty members of Namibia
University of Science and Technology.
 President‘s programme included visits to the Heroes‘ Acre, where he laid a wreath
in honour of Namibia‘s Heroes, and to the Independence Memorial Museum.
 President Mukherjee also addressed the Indian community at a reception organized
in his honour by the High Commissioner of India to Namibia.
 Two MOUs/agreements were signed during the visit:
 MOU on establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in
Namibia;
 MOU between Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management
(NIPAM) and Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
 The two sides expressed satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations and discussed a
diverse range of subjects of interest including trade, education, agriculture, ICT,
health, culture, mining, energy, etc. It was decided to further intensify
cooperation in all these areas.
 The Namibian side reaffirmed their commitment to implement the 2009 Agreement
on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy at the earliest possible date and briefed the
Indian side on the steps being undertaken by them in this regard.
 The Namibian side expressed its deep appreciation for the assistance provided by
India in the area of capacity building and human resource development under the
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and other scholarship
programmes.
 Both sides agreed to work together to ensure better utilization of tele-education and
tele-medicine facilities installed in Namibia under the Pan Africa E-Network
project.
 The Indian side informed the Namibian side of its decision to offer 100 tonnes of
medicines as grant-in-aid over the next three years with a view to assisting the
Namibian side implement the health goals envisaged under the ‗Harambee
Prosperity Plan‘.
 The Indian side expressed its solidarity with Namibia on the ongoing drought
situation and conveyed an assistance of 1000 tonnes of rice.
 The Indian side also conveyed their decision to provide a grant of US$20000 to the
Indira Gandhi Maternity Clinic in Okahao to meet some of its immediate

equipment needs.
PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO COTE D'IVOIRE
 President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee paid a first ever Presidential visit to Côte
d‘Ivoire.
 A State banquet was hosted by President Ouattara in honour of President
Mukherjee.
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 President Mukherjee was conferred with the National Order of the Republic of
Côte d‘Ivoire, the highest order of the country.
 President Mukherjee was also handed over the symbolic Key to the Abidjan city
and conferred honorary citizenship of Abidjan.
 President Mukherjee interacted with the Indian community at a reception
organized by Ambassador of India in his honour and also delivered an address at the
Joint Business Forum.
 The two leaders agreed on the importance of an early meeting of the Joint
Commission to expand bilateral trade and economic ties and to achieve the desired
target of US $ 2 billion bilateral trade by 2020.
 Both leaders welcomed the opening of an office of EXIM Bank of India in Abidjan.
 India‘s assistance in the development of Côte d‘Ivoire through the concessional
Lines of Credit under the rubric of South-South cooperation was acknowledged
and appreciated by the leadership of Côte d‘Ivoire.
 India has extended Lines of Credit amounting to US $ 136.2 million in diverse
fields such as agro-processing, transport, rural electrification and transmission,
fisheries etc.
 Another Line of Credit of US $ 102 million for development of low-land agriculture
is being processed by both the countries.
PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO GHANA
 President India Pranab Mukherjee visited Ghana from 12-14 June 2016.
 The President of India held discussions with Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President

of Ghana at the Flagstaff House.
An Agreement on Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic
and Official Passports, a MOU on the Establishment of a Joint Commission and a
MOU between the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs,
Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the
Republic of Ghana were signed in the presence of the two leaders.
 To mark the first State Visit by a President of India to Ghana, President Mukherjee
was invited to plant a sapling of the 'Tree of Life' at the Flagstaff House, the
iconic Presidential Complex in Accra built with Indian assistance.
 The President of India addressed the India-Ghana Joint Business Forum, and a
gathering of students and faculty at the University of Ghana, Legon.
 He also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Indian Nation,
presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, on the Legon Campus of the
University of Ghana.
 The two leaders underlined the need for regular and consistent high-level interaction
between the Governments of Ghana and India and welcomed the setting up of an
institutional framework in the form of a Joint Commission to periodically review
various aspects of the multi-dimensional relationship.

 India‘s cumulative investments in Ghana till date have exceeded US$ 1 billion,
whereas bilateral trade crossed US $ 3 billion in 2015-16. The Indian President
suggested a target of US$ 5 billion by the year 2020.
 Ghana conveyed deep appreciation for India‘s concessional developmental assistance
by way of grants and Lines of Credit. In particular, it placed on record its sincere
gratitude for India‘s support for major socio-economic projects such as the
Komenda Sugar Plant and Elmina Fish Processing Plant.
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 The President of India visited a successful example of India-Ghana cooperation in
the field of Technology - the India-Ghana Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in
ICT in Accra, which was set up with Indian assistance of US $ 2.86 million. He
announced a further grant assistance of US $1 million to the Institute.
VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO MEXICO
 PM Narendra Modi paid a working visit to Mexico on 8th June 2016.

 The leaders recognized the opportunities to define the path of the India-Mexico
Privileged Partnership for the 21st Century that allows the growth of bilateral
relations in economic field in science and technology.
 President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto elaborated on the structural reforms
undertaken in Mexico to promote economic growth and development.
 Both leaders instructed their Foreign Ministers to develop the roadmap of the
Privileged Partnership suitable for the 21stCentury, in the framework of the
Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico in 2016.
 Both leaders exchanged points of views and welcomed the opportunities offered by
the convergence between the National Digital Strategy of Mexico and the Digital
India Initiative, which share common objectives.
 Both leaders welcomed collaboration in space science, earth observation, climate and
environmental studies, and the efficient use of space-related resources available in
India as well as in Mexico for remote sensing, advance warning for disaster
prevention and launch of satellites between the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and
the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO USA
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the USA.

 PM Modi and the President Barack Obama reviewed the deepening strategic
partnership between the United States and India.
 They pledged to pursue new opportunities to bolster economic growth and
sustainable development, promote peace and security at home and around the world.
 The leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on site in India for six AP 1000
reactors to be built by Westinghouse and noted the intention of India and the U.S.
Export-Import Bank to work together toward a competitive financing package for
the project. Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind,
fulfilling the promise of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement.
 The leaders welcomed the signing of:
1. MOU to Enhance Cooperation on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate
Change
2. MOU on Cooperation in Gas Hydrates
3. MOU to enhance cooperation on Wildlife Conservation and Combating Wildlife

Trafficking
4. Arrangement between the Multi-Agency Centre/Intelligence Bureau of the India
and the Terrorist Screening Centre of USA for the exchange of Terrorist Screening
Information
5. MoU for the Development of an International Expedited Traveler Initiative (the
Global Entry Programme)
6. Technical Arrangement between the Indian Navy and the United States Navy
concerning Unclassified Maritime Information Sharing
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7. Information Exchange Annex (IEA) between the Ministry of Defence, Government
of India and the Department of Defense of the United States of America to the
Master Information Exchange Agreement concerning Aircraft Carrier Technologies
8. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement for authorized port visits, joint
exercises, joint training and HA-DR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief).
 The President thanked the Prime Minister for his substantive contribution to and
active participation in 2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., and
welcomed his offer to host a Summit on Countering Weapons of Mass
Destruction Terrorism in 2018 in India.
 The leaders applauded the completion of a roadmap for cooperation under the 2015
U.S.-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean
Region, which will serve as a guide for collaboration in the years to come.
 They welcomed the inaugural meeting of the Maritime Security Dialogue.
 President Obama thanked Prime Minister Modi for his government‘s support for the
Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) missions in India, including a
recovery mission that resulted in the recent repatriation of remains of the United
States Service Members missing since the Second World War.
 The leaders welcomed the progress toward establishment of an ISRO-NASA
Heliophysics Working Group as well as toward finalization of a Memorandum of
Understanding for exchange of earth observation satellite data.
 They welcomed the signing of an MOU for Development of an International
Expedited Traveler Initiative (also known as the Global Entry Program) and
resolved to complete within the next three months the procedures for India‘s entry
into the Global Entry Program.
 The leaders recognized the fruitful exchanges in August 2015 and June 2016 on the
elements required in both countries to pursue a U.S.-India Totalization
Agreement and resolved to continue discussions later this year.
 United States welcomes India‘s hosting of the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship
Summit.
 The leaders affirmed their nations‘ mutual support in exploring the most fundamental
principles of science as embodied in the arrangement reached to cooperate on
building a Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in
India.
 Both sides committed to open additional consulates in each other‘s country. India
will be opening a new consulate in Seattle and the United States will open a new
consulate at a mutually agreed location in India.
 The leaders announced that the United States and India will be Travel and Tourism
Partner Countries for 2017, and committed to facilitate visas for each other‘s
nationals.
 Prime Minister Modi welcomed the United States‘ repatriation of antiquities to
India. The leaders also committed to redouble their efforts to combat the theft and
trafficking of cultural objects.
VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER TO QATAR
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day official visit to Qatar.

 He was received by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar.
 Both exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common
interest.
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 During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also met Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin
Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister.
 Recognizing the existing goodwill, the two leaders agreed to further broaden and
deepen bilateral engagement in diverse fields of mutual interest.
 They agreed to further enhance high-level political exchanges, defence and
security cooperation, trade and economic relations and people-to-people linkages.
 The two sides agreed to take action against illegal transfer of money. Both leaders
welcomed the signing of an MOU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related
to money laundering, related crimes and terrorism financing.
 The two sides agreed to increase the level of participation in infrastructure
projects in both countries.
 The two leaders welcomed the signing of the framework agreement for
participation of the Qatari institutional investors in the National Infrastructure and
Investment Fund.
 The Indian side invited Qatar to invest in India‘s exploration & production sector by
bidding for the exploration blocks in India under the new "Hydrocarbon Exploration
and Licensing‖ Policy and "Discovered Small Fields‖ Policy.
 Both leaders welcomed the signing of a MoU on bilateral Cooperation in the
Field of Health between Qatar and India.
 Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation to the Qatar Museums for its decision to
celebrate Qatar-India Year of Culture in 2019.
 Both leaders welcomed the signing of:
 Agreement of Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Custom Matters
 MoU on Tourism Cooperation
 First Executive Programme for the MoU in the field of Youth and Sports
 MoU for Cooperation in Skill Development and Recognition of Qualifications
VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER OF THAILAND TO INDIA
 PM of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha visited India from 16-18 June 2016.
 This was the first visit by General Prayut Chan-o-cha to India after becoming Prime
Minster of Thailand on 26 May 2014.
 India's excellent relations with Thailand are an important and integral component of
India's strategic partnership with ASEAN.
 India's 'Act East' policy is complemented by Thailand's 'Look West' policy in
bringing the two countries closer.
 The two Prime Ministers appreciated the recommendations provided by the first
meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Business Forum and urged the private sector
of both countries to make the most of the prevailing favourable climate to expand
bilateral trade and investment and strengthen business partnerships.
 Both sides agreed to cooperate in the areas of mutual interest including Skill
Development between India and Thailand with particular focus on imparting skills
training for the people from North East India in Thailand.
 Both sides welcomed the intention to forge Sister State/ City relations between
Assam and Chiang Mai as well as Surat and Surat Thani
 Both sides welcomed the initiative for joint combined counter-terrorism exercise
between the Counter Terrorist Operations Center (CTOC) and the National Securities
Guard (NSG); and the training of Thai officers by India‘s Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) in cybercrime investigation and computer forensics.
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 Both sides noted that the visit will give a boost to the preparations for the 70th
anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations next year.
 The two Prime Ministers announced that the 'Festival of India' in Thailand and the
"Festival of Thailand‖ in India, which are named "Sawasdee India Year‖ and
"Namaste Thailand Year‖ respectively, will be held simultaneously in 2017 to
commemorate this occasion, while several key events are to be held on 1 August to
commemorate this auspicious occasion.
 The two leaders agreed to deepen cultural and historical ties between the two
countries by promoting diverse cultural exchanges between the peoples of the two
countries and welcomed the signing of the Executive Programme of Cultural
Exchange (Extension of CEP) for 2016-2019.
 The following agreements were signed during the visit:
 Executive Programme of Cultural Exchange (Extension of CEP) for 2016-2019.
 Memorandum of Understanding between Nagaland University, India and Chiang
Mai University, Thailand.
INDIA JOINS MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME
 India has joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

 The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a multilateral export control
regime. It is an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 countries to
prevent the proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable
of carrying above 500 kg payload for more than 300 km.
 India‘s entry into the regime as its 35th member would be mutually beneficial in the

furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives.
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) established in April 1987 by the
G7 countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, and the United
States of America.
 The MTCR was created in order to curb the spread of unmanned delivery systems
for nuclear weapons, specifically delivery systems that could carry a payload of 500
kg for a distance of 300 km.
 35 countries are: India (2016), Argentina (1993); Australia (1990); Austria (1991);
Belgium (1990); Brazil (1995); Bulgaria (2004); Canada (1987); Czech Republic
(1998); Denmark (1990); Finland (1991); France (1987); Germany (1987); Greece
1992); Hungary (1993); Iceland (1993); Ireland (1992); Italy (1987); Japan (1987);
Luxemburg (1990); Netherlands (1990); New Zealand (1991); Norway (1990);
Poland (1998); Portugal (1992); Republic of Korea (2001); Russian Federation
(1995); South Africa (1995); Spain (1990); Sweden (1991); Switzerland (1992);
Turkey (1997); Ukraine (1998); United Kingdom (1987); USA (1987).
INDIA JOINS HAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT

 India has joined the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile
Proliferation (HCoC) by notifying the HCoC Central Contact in Vienna through
diplomatic channels.
 The HCoC is a voluntary, legally non-binding international confidence building and
transparency measure that seeks to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles that
are capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction.
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 Since the signing and entering into force of the politically-binding HCOC in November
2002 in The Hague (Netherlands) the number of signatories has increased from 96
to 138. Austria signed the HCOC in 2002 and India in 2016.
CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND QATAR
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a MOU (MoU) between India
and Qatar for cooperation in Skill Development and Recognition of
qualifications. The MoU will facilitate workforce mobility, skill development and
placement of youth in overseas jobs in Qatar.
 Cabinet also approved MOU for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
The main objectives of the MoU are:
 To create favourable conditions for long-term co-operation in the field of
tourism for the mutual benefits.
 To exchange expertise, publications, information/data and statistics related to
tourism.
 To encourage cooperation through the exchange of programmes, propaganda
and advertising materials, publications, films, promotion and marketing of their
tourism products via media etc.
 To exchange visits of Tour Operators / Media /Opinion Makers for promotion
of two way tourism.
 To encourage co-operation between tourism sectors, tour operators, travel agents
and other tourism private sector's firms and bureaus in the two countries.
 To encourage public and the private sectors to invest in tourism.


Qatar is an emerging tourism source markets for India (India received
approximately 6313 tourists from Qatar in 2015).
Qatar is a potential market for India in terms of Medical tourism and provides
vast opportunity for India in this field.
 The signing of MoU with Qatar will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this
emerging source market.
RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENT WITH QATAR IN CUSTOMS MATTERS
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratifying of an Agreement
between India and Qatar on Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs
Matters.
 The Agreement aims to entering into a bilateral Agreement on co-operation
Customs matters between India and Qatar.
 The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the
prevention and investigation of Customs offences.
 The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of
goods traded between the countries.
Background:
 Qatar is an important trading partner of India. Trade between the two countries
has been expanding over the years.
 In view of the steady growth in bilateral trade, it was felt imperative to provide a
legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs
6
authorities of the two countries to help in proper application of Customs laws,
prevention and investigation of Customs offences and to facilitate legitimate trade.
 A draft text of the Agreement has been finalized after mutual discussions.
 It takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the
area of exchange of information on correctness of the Customs value declared the
authenticity of certificates of origin of goods and the description of the goods
traded between the two countries.
INDIA-USA MOU IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a MoU between United States
of America and India to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation
and combating wildlife trafficking.
 With the approval, India will benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in
the field of wildlife conservation and management of wildlife areas and in combating
illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives.
 India and the United States of America are endowed with rich biodiversity and
natural heritage and have established a network of Protected Areas in their
respective territories.
 As there is scope for both the countries to share professional expertise to address
priority wildlife conservation concerns, the MoU would provide a convenient platform
for collaboration.
 The MoU seeks cooperation between the two countries in the following areas:
 Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics: Useful in species conservation
efforts and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes leading to better
enforcement.
 Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitating the institutional capacity of
the existing UNESCO Category -2 - centre at Wildlife Institute of India.
 Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness: Use of information
technology in strengthening interface of forest managers with the people for
sensitising people, especially the youth and children in understanding complex
issues of conservation of biological diversity.
INDIA AND BRUNEI DARUSSALAM MOU IN YOUTH AND SPORTS AFFAIRS
 The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the signing of MOU between India and
Brunei Darussalam in the field of Youth and Sports Affairs.
 The MoU between the two countries was signed on 2-02-2016 at Bandar Seri
Begawan, Brunei.
 Areas of cooperation between the two countries include exchange programmes in
the fields of youth and sports, exchange programmes for the training of officers and
trainers, promotion of sports between the participants with respect to sports

facilities, sports equipment, sports training and physical preparation, sports fitness
and physical education.
 In addition, it includes areas like coaching, sports talent identification, sports
management and administration, information system relating to youth and sports,
science and technology development in sports, development and enhancement of
information in sports etc.
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MOU BETWEEN DGCA AND FRENCH AVIATION AUTHORITY
 The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the signing of MOU
between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA) and the
French Civil Aviation Authority – Direction Generale de l‘Aviation Civile (DGAC) of
France to implement Technical Cooperation Programme for promotion and
implementation of Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO).
 The MoU has been signed on behalf of the two countries after its approval by the two
Governments and would be for a term of four years.
 The Technical Cooperation programme will be beneficial for enhancement of skills
and expertise of DGCA‘s officers. This MoU is also beneficial for implementation of the
cooperation between the two parties for imparting training of engineers, technicians,
managers etc.
 It will also include any other subject that is relevant to the common DGAC and DGCA
areas of interest.
 For this purpose, the Parties undertake to cooperate through the following
actions:
 By exchanging information concerning the various techniques used to reach the
objectives;
 By sending French experts or instructors to India for training missions;
 By receiving experts, or instructors of India, in France for training missions.
INDIA GETS FULL MEMBER STATUS IN ICAO PROGRAM
 Indian Aviation Academy (IAA), a joint venture of the Airports Authority of India
(AAI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation
Security (BCAS) has achieved one more milestone.
 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a body of United Nations, has
awarded Full Member Status to IAA under TRAINAIR PLUS Program.
 The Full Member Status is granted to the Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC)
worldwide, after fulfilling stringent requirements of ICAO which includes
establishment of Course Development Unit (CDU) and development of at least one
Standardized Training Program (STP) as per standard methodology of ICAO
TRAINAIR PLUS Program.
INDIA-USA SIGN EXCHANGE OF TERRORIST INFORMATION ARRANGEMENT
 An Arrangement between the authorized governmental agencies of the Government

of India and the Government of the United States of America (USA) for exchange of
terrorist screening information was signed.
 As per this Arrangement, both sides shall provide each other access to terrorism
screening information through the designated contact points, subject to domestic
laws and regulations.
 The Arrangement would enhance the counter terrorism cooperation between
India and USA.
INDIA & USA MOU ON ENERGY SECURITY
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 A MOU (MoU) between India and USA was signed to enhance cooperation on energy
security, clean energy and climate change.
 The objective of the MoU is to enhance cooperation on energy security, clean
energy and climate change through increased bilateral engagement and further joint
initiatives for promoting sustainable growth.
 These activities are intended to increase incentives for innovation including
research and development, and voluntary and mutually-agreed technology
transfer, as well as the deployment of clean energy technologies in both countries;
contribute to a global effort to curb the rise in greenhouse gas emissions; and
enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change.
 The Priority initiatives under the MoU would be:
1. US-India Energy smart Cities Partnership
2. Greening the Grid.
3. Promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE) expansion
4. Energy Efficiency including space cooling
5. Renewable energy.
6. Energy security.
7. Clean energy finance
8. U.S-India partnership for Climate Resilience
9. Air quality
10. Forestry, Landscapes and REDD+
11. Fellowships
12. Accelerating innovation on clean energy and climate change
INDIA-SINGAPORE DEFENCE MINISTERS‘ DIALOGUE
 The Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visited Singapore to attend the 15th Shangri-
La Dialogue.
 Parrikar met the Minister for Defence of Singapore Dr. Ng Eng Hen to co-chair the
inaugural Singapore-India Defence Ministers‘ Dialogue (DMD).
 During the dialogue, both Ministers welcomed the growth in the defence relationship
since the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2003 and the
revised DCA in 2015.
 Defence cooperation had been identified as a key sector under the India-Singapore
Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed during the visit of Prime
Minister Mr Narendra Modi to Singapore in November 2015.
 Both Ministers also commended the progress made in bilateral cooperation in defence
R&D and technology. Under the India-Singapore Defence Technology Steering
Committee, which was set up in October 2006, both sides have undertaken several
joint research projects in a wide spectrum of mutually-beneficial areas, and are
deepening cooperation in unmanned systems and soldier performance.
 Singapore and India also convened the first meeting of their Defence Industry
Working Group in May 2016. Both sides agreed to set up industry level working
mechanisms to foster cooperation in aerospace, electronics and other areas of
mutual interest.
 Both Ministers also emphasised the importance of international cooperation in
tackling transnational security threats.
 The two sides agreed on the need to evolve protocols and norms of behaviour in the
air and maritime domains aimed at building confidence, defusing tensions and
reducing the risks of miscalculations.
6
 Dr Ng also thanked Mr Parrikar for India‘s support for the Information Fusion
Centre and the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Coordination Centre.
SALMA DAM INAUGURATED BY PM MODI IN AFGHANISTAN
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the Afghan-India Friendship

Dam (Salma Dam) with President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani in Herat province
in Western Afghanistan.
 The Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) project in Afghanistan has been
executed and implemented by WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India Undertaking
under ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
 Afghan-India Friendship Dam is a Multipurpose project planned for generating 42
MW of power, irrigating 75000 hectares of land, water supply and other benefits to
the people of Afghanistan.
 Salma Dam is a landmark infrastructure project undertaken by Government of India
on river Chist-e-Sharif, in Herat province of Afghanistan.
 The project is located 165 km east of Herat town and connected with earthen road.
 All equipment and material were transported from India to Bander-e-Abbas port of
Iran via sea and then along 1200 km by road from there to Islam Kila border post at
Iran-Aghanistan border and then further 300 km by road from the border post to the
site.
 Cement, steel reinforcement, explosives etc. were imported to Afghanistan from
neighboring countries. The gross capacity of the Dam is 633 Million M3.


The height of Dam is 104.3 Mt, length 540 Mt and width at the bottom is 450 Mt.
The project is funded by Government of India.
INDIA BECOMES CO-CHAIR OF MARITIME WORKING GROUP
 The 19th Plenary Session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
(CGPCS) took place in Mahe, Seychelles during 31 May – 3 June 2016.
 India was chosen to co-chair the important Working Group on Improving
Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) in the Region through consensus.
 The session was chaired by Mr. Joel Morgan, the Foreign Minister of the Seychelles
and more than 60 countries and organisations participated in the four-day meeting.
 Seychelles is the current chairman of the CGPCS for the biennium 2016-17.
 The CGPCS was set up as a group of interested and affected nations, industry
associations and multilateral agencies to take pro-active steps for checking piracy in
the Indian Ocean region through a UN Security Council resolution.
 In its 7 year of working the Contact Group has been able to effectively deal with
the issues relating to piracy off the coast of Somalia.
 The CGPCS has been spearheading its efforts through four Working Groups (WGs)
focused on Capacity Building on legal, judicial framework and processes, and poverty
alleviation in Somalia, Improving Maritime Situational Awareness in Indian Ocean
Region and coordinating efforts for Disrupting Piracy Networks.
INDO-UK OBSERVATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO STUDY MONSOON
 Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) launched the National Monsoon Mission

program in 2012 with an aim to improve monsoon prediction at all temporal and
6
spatial scales through joint efforts of national and international scientific
communities.
 To address the issue of better understanding of processes that drive the variability,
and predictability of the South Asian Monsoon, India and United Kingdom have
embarked on an ambitious plan to carry out a large-scale joint observational
campaign involving the deployment of UK‘s BAe-146-301 atmospheric research
aircraft with sophisticated scientific instruments and India‘s Sagar Nidhi and
Sindhu Sadhna research ships during the period May-July 2016.
 This joint effort is part of the implementation agreement signed between MoES and
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK on ―Predicting the Variability
of the South Asian Monsoon‖ under the existing MoU between MoES and UK on
Collaboration in Earth System Science.
 Three research projects involving the Indian and UK scientists will study different
aspects of physical processes affecting the monsoon.
 The project ―South West Asian Aerosol - Monsoon Interactions (SWAAMI)‖,
involves measurements of aerosols across northern India and the Bay of Bengal
during the pre-monsoon which will then be synthesized with long term
measurements from ground based networks and data from previous intensive
campaigns.
 The study is expected to characterize the mechanisms by which aerosols influence
the Indian monsoon.
 The project ―Interaction of Convective Organization and Monsoon
Precipitation, Atmosphere, Surface and Sea‖ (INCOMPASS) aims to capture
the key surface-atmosphere feedback processes in models. The study will improve
the skill of rainfall prediction in operational weather and climate models by way of
better understanding and representation of interactions between the land surface,
boundary layer, convection, the large-scale environment and monsoon variability on
a range of scales.
 The aim of ―BoBBLE: Bay of Bengal Boundary Layer Experiment‖ is to
determine, quantify and model ocean-atmosphere interactions that drive variability in
the South Asian monsoon.
 Under this project, an observational campaign will be undertaken in the Bay of
Bengal during June-July 2016 along with the analysis of wider observational and
reanalysis-based data sets, and a set of hierarchical modelling experiments.
 The study will improve the understanding about the role of thermodynamic
surface and mixed layer processes in the monsoon as well as the role of large-scale
ocean structure, ocean dynamics and ocean biogeochemistry in the monsoon.
WORKING GROUP SETUP ON INDIA-MAURITIUS DOUBLE TAXATION
 With a view to examine the consequential issues arising out of amendments to India
- Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Convention and related issues, a Working

Group headed by Joint Secretary (FT&TR-II), CBDT and comprising of
departmental officers and representatives of SEBI, custodians, brokerage firms and
fund managers has been constituted.
 The Working Group will submit its report to the CBDT within 3 months, after
examining the relevant issues.
6
MOU WITH TAIWAN IN FIELD OF AGRICULTURE
 The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the MOU between Taipei
Economic and Cultural Centre in India and India Taipei Association in Taipei,
Taiwan for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sector.
 The MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal
Husbandry, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Food Processing, Genetic Resources as well as
Environmental Sustainability.
 Both sides will encourage the private sector in both countries to enter into
cooperation in these areas.
 The cooperation between the two sides involves exchange of visits, information,
technology and training and also expansion of agricultural trade while reducing trade
barriers.
 Under the MoU, a Joint Working Committee will be constituted to identify priority
areas of mutual interest and follow up on the progress of implementation of the
activities identified by both sides.
 The MoU will be initially signed for a period of five years and shall be automatically
renewed for a subsequent periods of five years unless either party expresses its
desire/intention to terminate it.
AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND TAIWAN
 The Union Cabinet approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India-
Taipei Association in Taipei (India‘s representative office in Taiwan) and Taipei

Economic and Cultural Center in India (Taiwan‘s representative office in India).
Presently there is no formal Air Services Agreement between India and Taiwan and
the Air Services are governed by an MoU exchanged between Air India Charters
Limited (AIRL) and Taipei Airlines Associations (TAA).
 The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation
relations between India and Taiwan, and has the potential to spur greater trade,
investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two parties.
INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA LABOUR CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT
 The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Agreement on Labour
Co-operation between India and Saudi Arabia.
 The Agreement was signed in Riyadh on 2-3 April, 2016 during the visit of the Prime
Minister to Saudi Arabia.
 The Agreement would benefit the Indian emigrant workers, especially in the
unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled categories of workers who are working in Saudi
Arabia without consideration of caste, creed, religion or gender.
DURAIAPPAH STADIUM IN JAFFNA, RENOVATED BY INDIA
 The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Maithripala
Sirisena, jointly dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka, the newly renovated
Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna.
 The Duraiappah Stadium, named in honour of a former Mayor of Jaffna, the late
Alfred Thambirajah Duraiappah, has been renovated by the Government of India at a
cost of over Rs. 7 crore.
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 The renovated stadium has a seating capacity of 1850. It will provide the
necessary infrastructure to promote sports and recreational activities, and assist the
overall development of the youth of the Northern Province in Sri Lanka.
GANGES-DANUBE CULTURAL FESTIVAL OF INDIA
 ―Ganges-Danube Cultural Festival of India‖ in Hungary was inaugurated by Dr.

Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Culture & Tourism at Vigado Theatre in Budapest,
Hungary.
 The Festival showcased Indian culture, i.e. dance, music, yoga, film and
exhibitions. Indian martial art experts and puppet artists are also performing.
Hungarian artists, proficient in Indian art forms will also participate in the
programme.
2ND MEETING OF JOINT COMMITTEE UNDER KOREA-INDIA CEPA
 The 2nd meeting of the Joint Committee at the Ministerial Level to review the India-
Korea CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) was held in New
Delhi.
 Meeting reviewed the progress made in trade between the two countries since the
entry into force of the CEPA from 1st January, 2010 and also had extensive
discussions on bilateral trade and economic relations.
 The Ministers welcomed the opening of ―Korea Plus‖ by the Indian Ministry of
Commerce and Industry and agreed to support its operations especially in promoting
Korean investment in India.
 India launched Korea Plus, a special initiative to promote and facilitate Korean
Investments in India.
 The mandate of Korea Plus covers the entire investment spectrum including
supporting Korean enterprises entering the Indian market for the first time,
looking into issues faced by Korean companies doing business in India and policy
advocacy to the Indian Government on their behalf.
 Korea Plus will act as a mediator in arranging meetings, assisting in public
relations and research/evaluation and provide information and counselling in
regard to Korean companies‘ investing in India.
 The ‗Korea-India Infra & Industry Forum 2016‘ was held on the sidelines of the
Ministerial Joint Committee with the participation of the business community of both
countries and B2B MoUs were signed in areas such as auto parts, waste-to-energy
etc.
 Both the ministers agreed that the utilization rate of the bilateral concessions given
under CEPA need to be improved.
 Recognizing the need for providing greater market access, and mutual capacity
building in SPS and TBT measures, the ministers agreed that Korean companies
could invest in food processing of agricultural and marine products so that these
value added products could be exported to the east Asian markets.
MOU SIGNED ON KALADAN MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT PROJECT
 The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) in Myanmar was

conceptualized and is being administered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
with a view to facilitate connectivity between the mainland and the North Eastern
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States of the country through maritime shipping, inland waterways and roads of
Myanmar.
 India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL) has been established as a Joint
Venture between Kandla Port Trust and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust for the purpose
of development of ports overseas.
 IPGPL was asked to partner IWAI in the Kaladan project as a sub-PDC.
 Accordingly, a MOU (MoU) has been signed between IWAI and IPGPL on 1.6.2016
for implementation of the following three additional works, which are
independent of the on-going works and are estimated to cost Rs.476 crore:
1. Container handling facilities at Sittwe & Paletwa
2. Operation & Maintenance of the completed works
3. Wrecks removed in Sittwe Port basin area
 IWAI shall remain as the overall PDC to MEA for implementation of PORT & IWT
component of Kaladan project.
CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND GERMANY
 The Union Cabinet chaired was apprised of signing of a MOU with Steinbeis GmbH
Co. KG, Germany on technology resourcing in manufacturing, including sub-sectors
of Capital Goods.
 Steinbeis GmbH is leading organization for applied industrial research in Europe.
It will act as a Technology Resource Partner for implementing identified projects
in manufacturing.
 The MoU is a framework instrument to facilitate industrial technology projects by

Indian Capital Goods Sector.
The MoU will provide a platform to various public sector undertakings and Capital
Goods Sector units to have easy access to capabilities and expertise of Steinbeis
GmbH for identifying and plugging technology gaps.
PROTOCOL ON DOUBLE TAXATION WITH BELGIUM
 The Union Cabinet approved the signing of a Protocol amending the Agreement
between India and Belgium for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of
fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
 The amendment in the Protocol will broaden the scope of the existing framework of
exchange of tax related information between the two countries, which will help curb
tax evasion and tax avoidance.
 The Protocol will also revise the existing treaty provisions on mutual assistance in
collection of taxes.
MOU BETWEEN UPSC AND ROYAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, BHUTAN

 The Union Cabinet has approved the MOU between Union Public Service Commission
(UPSC) and Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Bhutan.
 It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area
of recruitment.
 The areas of cooperation include the following:
 Sharing of experience and expertise in Civil Service matters such as
recruitment and selection, exchange of resource persons and development of
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professional skills of the officers and staff of the parties through attachment and
training programs.
 Sharing of expertise on use of Information Technology (IT) in examination
processes, Computer Based Recruitment Tests and Examinations, sharing of
experience in Single Window System for expeditious scrutiny and speedy disposal
of cases, building merit based staffing system, etc.
 Sharing of experience on the modalities adopted on audit of processes and
procedures followed by various Government agencies in recruitment for posts
under the delegated powers.
 Digitization of records, storage and display of historical records.
CABINET APPROVES MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND TANZANIA
 The Union Cabinet approved MOU between India and Tanzania for bilateral
cooperation in water resources management and development.
 The areas of enhanced cooperation include techniques in water harvesting,
surface and groundwater management and development and aquifer recharge.
Collaboration and sharing of expertise on the areas mutually agreed will benefit the
country in techniques in water harvesting, water conservation, surface and
groundwater management and development, and aquifer recharge.
INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE CELL AND WORLD BANK SIGNS

DECLARATION FOR PROMOTING SOLAR ENERGY
 On the occasion of the visit of the World Bank President to India, the Interim
Administrative Cell of the International Solar Alliance (ISA Cell) and the World Bank
declared their intention to promote solar energy globally.
 The declaration was signed & exchanged by Upendra Tripathy, Secretary, Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, ISA cell and Mr Onno Ruhl, India
Country Director, World Bank.
 Major areas identified for working jointly include:
 Developing a roadmap to mobilize financing.
 Developing financing instruments including credit enhancement, reduce hedging
costs/currency risk, bond raising in locally denominated currencies etc. which
support solar energy development and deployment.
 Supporting ISA‘s plans for solar energy through technical assistance and
knowledge transfer.
 Working on mobilization of concessional financing through existing or, if needed,
new trust funds.
 The Joint Declaration by the ISA cell and the World Bank will help in accelerating
mobilization of finance for solar energy, and the Bank will have a major role in
mobilizing more than US $1000 billion in investments that will be needed by 2030, to
meet ISA‘s goals for the massive deployment of affordable solar energy.
 In a short span of time ISA activities have increased significantly.
 Two Programmes of the ISA ―Affordable finance at scale‖ and ―Scaling solar
applications for agricultural use‖ have been launched.
 In addition, USA, UK and EU have evinced interest in developing additional
programmes.
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 Further, Interim Administrative Cell of International Solar Alliance (ISA Cell) and
the UNDP have joined hands for promoting ISA objectives in 121 prospective ISA
member countries.
 This apart establishment of 24x7 knowledge centre is under way with the help of
UNDP and NIC, Government of India.
INDIA‘S NIIT TO TRAIN 50,000 CHINA STUDENTS ON ‗BIG DATA‘
 At a brand new industrial park in southwest China, where buildings still smell of fresh
paint and masonry, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) is
gearing up to train 50,000 Chinese students over the next five years.
 The training contract was signed on the sidelines of China‘s ‗Big Data‘ conference
and exhibition at Guiyang.
 Separately, the company sealed an agreement with the provincial government to
establish a Big Data Talent Research Centre in Guiyang ―to enhance innovation and
research‖.
 ‗Big Data‘ refers to a massive accumulation of information, siphoned from multiple
sources and domains, which can then be analysed to make informed decisions.
 Consequently, Guiyang will host server storage farms, intertwined with an army of
engineers, who can cull out useful information from the vast data reservoirs that are
being established in the city.
 Several factors have gone Guiyang‘s way to emerge as China‘s ‗Big Data‘ core.
 The climate here is mild, power is plentiful and cost of establishing businesses lower
than in China‘s more developed parts along the coast.
 Besides, the local government has been relentless in pushing the hi-tech industry.
AFTER CHABAHAR, INDIA EYES PORT IN BANGLADESH
 After bagging the strategically important Chabahar Port in Iran, the government is
looking eastwards and is in discussions with Bangladesh to develop a similar facility
in Paira.
 India Ports Global, the joint venture between the state-run JNPT and Kandla Port
for overseas ports, is interested in the expressions of interest which have been
invited for construction of Paira/Payra port in Bangladesh.
 A media report stated China had evinced keen interest in building the Paira port. In
what was taken as a reflection of the growing Indo-Bangladeshi ties, Dhaka had
cancelled the deal and was about to award it to New Delhi.
 The Narendra Modi government has been talking about an ‗Act East‘ policy, as
against the previous regime‘s ‗Look East‘ policy, and the moves to build maritime
infrastructure in Iran in the West and Bangladesh in the East seem to be part of that
approach.
PAKISTANI SINDHI HINDUS TO GET INDIAN CITIZENSHIP
 The Centre will set up a four-day camp to grant Indian citizenship to the Sindhi
Hindus who migrated to India from Pakistan between 1971 and 2009.
 Sindhi Hindus who had come from Pakistan between 1971 and 2009 have to submit
forms.
 All India Sindhi-Hindu Society stated that nearly 35,000 Sindhis from Pakistan
were living as refugees in M.P.
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INDIA, U.S. TO RATIFY PARIS DEAL BY 2017
 India and the U.S agreed to initiate domestic processes to ratify the Paris
Agreement on climate change — negotiated by over 190 countries in December
2015 — and complete the process within this year.
 The Obama administration has already made a public commitment that it would seek
to ratify the Paris agreement.
 India‘s ratifying the deal — which will be a decision of the Union Cabinet — will
take it closer to coming into force since ratification by 55 countries which together
account for at least 55% of the total global emissions, is required for the pact to
become operational.
 At 6.96% of the total global emissions, India ranks fourth after China, the U.S. and
the EU on the list of polluters.
INDIA EASES CURBS ON CONFERENCE VISAS
 India has removed ―conference‖ visas for Chinese participants from the prior
referral category.
 China has, on several occasions, pressed India for lifting restrictions on conference
and research visas.
 The timing of the move is being seen as an attempt to soften the atmosphere in the
run-up to the meetings of the NSG in Vienna.
 Not all categories of visas for Chinese have been removed from the restricted
category. The relaxation is only for conference visas as it was a major hindrance
for the Chinese to come here and share technological advancements and strategies.
INDIA, GHANA SIGN THREE AGREEMENTS
 Putting the agenda of deepening ties with the African countries on a fast-track, India
and Ghana signed three bilateral agreements to strengthen co-operation in varied
fields.
 The pacts came during the first ever visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to the
country.
 Ghana is the first country visited by the President during the six-day African tour.
 The other two include yet another maiden trip by a President to Ivory Coast and to
Namibia after a gap of two decades.
 The three agreements signed with Ghana, included one for visa waivers for holders
of diplomatic and official passports and one for setting up a Joint Commission. The
commission will periodically review various aspects of the multi-dimensional
relationship between the two countries.
 After hosting the third India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in New Delhi in October
2015, India is working on a plan to consolidate and further strengthen its

engagement with Africa.
 India is the largest foreign investor in Ghana, with more than 700 projects. More
than 222 of these projects are in the manufacturing sector.
 Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has increased to $1.2 billion from $538
million in 2010.
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BILL SEEKING SPECIAL STATUS FOR INDIA FAILS IN U.S. SENATE
 The Senate has failed to recognise India as a ―global strategic and defence partner‖
of the U.S. after a key amendment necessary to modify its export control regulations
could not be passed.
 A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent address to a joint session of
Congress, top Republican senator John McCain had moved an amendment to the
National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA-17) which if passed would have
recognised India as a global strategic and defence partner.
 The NDAA was passed by the Senate with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 85-13.
But some of the key amendments including the (SA 4618) — even though they had
bipartisan support — could not be passed by the Senate.
INDIA-BANGLADESH WATERWAYS TRANSIT INAUGURATED IN DHAKA
 The India-Bangladesh waterways transit, carrying goods from Kolkata, was

inaugurated in Dhaka.
 In a first for New Delhi-Dhaka relations, the vessel carrying Indian goods consigned
for Tripura marked the official transit to India‘s north-east via the inland
waterways of Bangladesh.
 The vessel from Kolkata, carrying a thousand tonnes of iron rods, was received at
Ashuganj port in Bangladesh.
 The opening is part of the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit
and Trade signed by the Prime Ministers of the two nations last year.
 The transit would reduce the transportation cost substantially to carry goods from
rest of India to country‘s north-east as the distance reduces from about 1,700 km
via Siliguri in north Bengal to about 500 km via Bangladesh.
NSG MEET ENDS WITHOUT ANY DECISION ON INDIA
 The annual plenary session of the Nuclear Suppliers Group ended without taking any
decision on India‘s application for membership.
 Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries (48) that seek
to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment and
technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
 While the 48-member grouping held two lengthy closed-door sessions on the
subject of new memberships, several countries expressed concerns over the entry of
members who are not signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that
India has refused to sign.
 Through the session, a team led by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar monitored
developments in Seoul, meeting with various countries to try and effect a favourable
outcome.
 Eventually, though, say diplomats, between China‘s attempts to block any
discussion, countries like Brazil and Turkey calling for a ―criteria-based‖ process to
be put in place first, and others like Austria, Ireland, New Zealand and
Switzerland raising the NPT question, India‘s chances were scuttled.
 Government officials held that at least 32 countries had made positive interventions
on India‘s behalf, but the NSG‘s actions are governed by consensus and not by
majority.
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 In a reference to the discussions, the NSG joint statement stated they spoke of
―Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of the Participation of non-NPT States in the
NSG‖ and decided to continue its discussion‖.
 India and Pakistan were the only non-NPT applicants, and according to several
diplomats privy to the consultation, Pakistan‘s case, ―was not even discussed,‖
indicating India‘s case was the only one under consideration during the special
sessions.
 One of India‘s strongest backers during the session, Japan, however, stated that
while no agreement had been reached during the current session, their efforts will
continue.
INDIAN ART AND CULTURE FETE TO BE HELD IN AUSTRALIA
 India‘s art and culture will be on display during the first-ever ‗Festival of India‘ to
be held across Australia in August.
 Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra will witness several platforms
of creativity and the festival will throw light on classical, contemporary and
experimental India.
 The festival is a public-private partnership of the Indian government; Australia‘s
federal and state governments and some independent organisations.
US RETURNS 200 ARTEFACTS WORTH $100 MN TO INDIA
 The US returned over 200 cultural artefacts estimated at $100 million to India at a

ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Items returned included religious statues, bronzes and terra cotta pieces, some
dating back 2,000 years, looted from some of the country‘s most treasured religious
sites.
 The majority of the pieces repatriated in the ceremony were seized during
Operation Hidden Idol, an investigation that began in 2007 after Homeland
Security Investigations (HIS) special agents received a tip about a shipment of seven
crates destined for the US manifested as ―marble garden table sets‖.
INDIA, US SETUP CLEAN ENERGY SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
 India and the US announced the setting up of two financial assistance

programmes worth $60 million for supporting India‘s much-needed clean energy
initiatives including in solar power and other renewables.
 This includes the creation of a $20 million US-India Clean Energy Finance
(USICEF) initiative, equally supported by the US and India.
 This is expected to mobilise up to $400 million to provide clean and renewable
electricity to up to 1 million households by 2020.

 India and the US committed themselves to establish the US-India Clean Energy
Hub as the coordinating mechanism to focus the US government‘s efforts, in
partnership with leading Indian financial institutions, to increase renewable energy
investment in India.
 The two leaders also agreed on a $40-million US-India Catalytic Solar Finance
Programme, which would be equally supported by the US and India.
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INDIA TO OPEN NEW CONSULATE IN SEATTLE (USA)
 India will soon open its sixth consulate in Seattle to cater to the needs of large
number of Indian-Americans living in the northwestern part of the US.
 Apart from its embassy in Washington, India currently have consulates in New
York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta.
 Modi and Obama announced that the United States and India will be Travel and
Tourism Partner Countries for 2017, and committed to facilitate visas for each
other‘s nationals.
INDIA-MAURITIUS DTAA: CENTRE SETS UP WORKING GROUP
 The Finance Ministry has set up a working group to examine consequential issues
arising out of recent amendments to the India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreement.
 This working group, which will be headed by a Joint Secretary in foreign tax
division, has been tasked to submit report to CBDT within three months.
 After the amendments to the Indo-Mauritius DTAA, there are several uncertainties
including whether limitation of benefits clause would apply only to transaction of
shares and not investment in other securities.
 After the recent amendment to Indo-Mauritius DTAA, India now has the right to tax
capital gains arising on transfer of shares of Indian resident company.
INDIA, SWITZERLAND AGREE TO SPEED UP PACT
 India and Switzerland have agreed to move towards an early agreement for the
implementation of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) between the two
countries.
 Once this agreement is signed, it will be possible for India to receive from 2018
financial information of accounts held by Indian residents in Switzerland on
automatic basis.
 The issue of requests based on ―stolen data‖ figured prominently in the talks and
Revenue Secretary welcomed the decision of the Swiss Federal Council to amend the
Tax Administrative Assistance Act in accordance with the OECD standard and
provide administrative assistance in requests based on data obtained in breach of
Swiss law.
 This is particularly significant in view of the recent challenges posed by the Panama
Papers where voluminous information on offshore accounts has been placed in the
public domain.
 The amended proposal is now with the Swiss Parliament. An early revision of the
Swiss law in respect of stolen data would take the Indo-Swiss tax cooperation to a
new level.
INDIA-EU PROJECT FOR WASTE WATER REUSE RAISES CROP YIELD
 Crops such as okra, brinjal and chilli plants – irrigated with re-used treated waste
water under a jointly funded India-EU project – have shown increased yields of up
to 40% as compared to those irrigated by fresh water, according to a review.
 The technology for integrated bio-treated wastewater reuse, developed under the
joint project ‗Water4Crops‘ launched in 2012, was put to use on a pilot basis in
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five States – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh.
 This technology of treated domestic wastewater is finding acceptance amongst
the rural people and has good potential to scale-up in the country to address the
issues of health and sanitation in rural areas as well as meeting the water demand
for agriculture.
 The approximate cost for developing a wetland project is between ₹3 lakh and ₹5
lakh, depending on its size.
 Under the project, many wetland plant species such as canna indica, lemongrass,
naiper, para grass, typha, water hyacinth, water lettuce and a weed species
Agaratum conyzoides, have been identified for purifying the wastewater.
 The project also proved that the construction of wetlands reduces the amount of
pollutants in wastewater by 30-92%.
 The European Commission, in 2012, put in €6 million, the four-year Water4Crops-
EU project, while India through its Department of Biotechnology, put in €3 millionfor
a twin project, Water4Crops-India.
 The EU consortium includes 21 partners from eight countries and an Indian
consortium of 11 research and development partners led by the International Crops
Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
US SENATE APPROVES ENHANCED MILITARY COOPERATION WITH INDIA
 The US Senate has unanimously approved a move to enhance military co-operation

with India for developing threat analysis, military doctrine, force planning, logistical

support and intelligence collection and analysis.
An amendment titled ―to authorise military-to-military exchanges with India‖ was
agreed in the Senate by a voice vote as part of the National Defence
Authorisation Act (NDAA)-2017, which Senate passed early this week by an
overwhelming bipartisan support of 85-13 votes.
 The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the Defence Bill,
which among other things has approved a bipartisan legislative move to bolster
defence relationship with India.
 This legislation — Enhancing Defence and Security Co-operation with India —
was sponsored by Congressmen George Holding and Ami Bera (House India Caucus
Chairs) and Chair and Ranking Member of House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce
and Elliot Engel respectively.
 It is expected that the two versions of the bill would be merged into one and then
would go through the House and Senate for a final approval before it could be sent to
US President Barack Obama to sign it into law.
INDIA, BRAZIL, CHINA TEAM UP TO PUSH EU TO CHANGE TRADEMARK LAW

 Failing to convince the EU to change its new directive on trademark protection that
could lead to seizure of legitimate pharmaceutical consignments transiting through
the region, India has teamed up with Brazil, South Africa, China and Indonesia
at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to put pressure on the bloc to make
amendments.
 New Delhi also emphasised that the new law violated various provisions of the
Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of the WTO.
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 In particular, the countries are worried about the stringent enforcement provisions in
the new trademark legislation implemented by the EU on March 23 that could
allow EU member state customs authorities to confiscate goods while in transit
without sufficient evidence of trademark violation.
 As things stand right now, pharmaceutical consignments can be confiscated if
these contain items with brand names or logos similar to those registered as
trademarks by other companies in the 28-member bloc.
 The EU, however, responded by saying there were specific provisions written into the
trademark directive to prevent any undue detention of pharmaceutical shipments in
transit.
 Both India and Brazil had filed cases against the EU at the WTO on the matter,
following which the issue was settled through mutual dialogue.
 India fears that the new law could be a fresh attempt to crack down on cheap
generics (copied versions of off-patent medicines) from India on way to markets in
Latin America and Africa as large pharmaceutical companies, many of them based in
the EU, feel threatened by the country‘s cheap but high-quality medicines.
BANGLADESH, INDIA LAUNCH TRANSSHIPMENT OPERATIONS
 India and Bangladesh launched trans-shipment operations at the Ashuganj port to

boost trade and facilitate seamless movement of goods in the landlocked region, with
a cargo vessel unloading the maiden consignment to be transported to Tripura
through Bangladeshi territory.
 Bangladesh‘s Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan launched the operation at

Ashuganj port in central Bangladesh, where 1,000 tonnes of iron and steel sheets
were unloaded to be trans- shipped to Tripura through Bangladesh territory in trucks.
Under a revised protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade as part of a bilateral
agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Dhaka in June last
year, India and Bangladesh agreed to let each other use their territories for transiting
goods to a third country.
 The deal would enable Bangladesh to use Indian territory to transport goods to Nepal
and Bhutan while on the other hand India would access Myanmar by crossing
through Bangladesh.
 Under the arrangement, vessels carrying Indian cargos would unload at Ashuganj
port, from where Bangladeshi trucks will carry the goods to Tripura to be delivered at
the Akhaura checkpoint, the second largest trading point between India and
Bangladesh after the Benapole-Petrapole post with West Bengal.
 India had long been seeking transit and transshipment facility to carry goods to
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura,
from West Bengal through a shortened route via Bangladesh.
 At present, trucks from Kolkata travel around 1,600 km to reach Agartala. The
distance through Bangladesh would be only 500 km, according to experts.

 According to analysts, it costs India $67 to transport per tonne of goods from
Kolkata to Agartala and Indian trucks take 30 days to reach there through the rugged
terrains.
 The transshipment facility — combining riverine and land routes — would now
enable India to deliver goods in an estimated 10-day time and reduce transport cost
by nearly 50%.
7
INDIA, SOUTH KOREA LAUNCH KOREA PLUS TO PROMOTE INVESTMENTS
 India and South Korea have launched Korea Plus, a special platform to promote and
facilitate Korean Investments in India.
 Korea Plus will act as a mediator in arranging meetings, assisting in public relations
and research/evaluation and provide information and counselling to Korean
companies investing in India.
 Korea Plus will cover the entire investment spectrum including, supporting Korean
enterprises entering the Indian market for the first time, looking into issues faced by
Korean companies doing business in India and policy advocacy to the Indian
Government on their behalf.
INDIA, SOUTH KOREA REVIEW FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
 India has sought greater market access from South Korea for its IT, education
and healthcare industry in the review of the comprehensive economic partnership act
signed in 2010.
 The two sides agreed that the utilisation rate of the bilateral concessions given under
CEPA needed to be improved in the review.
 The Korean minister accepted India‘s request to assess the visa requirements to
enable Indian teachers teach in Korea under the English Program in Korea (EPIK).
 The growing trade deficit with South Korea, currently at about $ 10 billion
annually is a point of concern for the country.
 Recognising the need for providing greater market access, and mutual capacity
building in SPS and TBT measures, the ministers agreed that Korean companies
could invest in food processing of agricultural and marine products so that these
value added products could be exported to the east Asian markets.
INDIA, UAE TO SET UP PARLIAMENTARY PANEL TO ENHANCE TIES
 Seeking to boost the growing bilateral strategic ties, India and the UAE will set up a
joint panel of parliamentarians to enhance relations and facilitate their visits to
promote cooperation to tackle security issues and challenges facing the region.
 A decision was taken in this regard during a meeting between first woman speaker
of UAE‘s Federal National Council (FNC) Amal Abdullah Al-Qubaisi and the Indian
ambassador here T P Seetharam.
 During the meeting, Al-Qubaisi stressed the importance of activating
parliamentary relations between FNC and Indian parliament by establishing a
friendly Emirati-Indian parliamentary committee, and by prompting parliamentary
visits between the two sides.
 They also agreed to prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
the establishment of the parliamentary committee, and highlighted existing areas of

cooperation in various political, economic, cultural and investment sectors.
CABINET APPROVES AMENDMENT TO INDIA-BELGIUM DTAA
 The Union Cabinet gave its nod for signing of a protocol amending the existing
double taxation avoidance (DTAA) pact with Belgium.
7
 The amendment will broaden the scope of existing framework of exchange of tax
related information between two countries, which will help curb tax evasion and tax
avoidance.
 The protocol will also revise the existing treaty provisions on mutual assistance
in collection of taxes.
8
COMMITTEES
CABINET SECRETARY HEADS PANEL FOR RBI DEPUTY GOVERNOR
 The government has formed a search-cum-selection panel headed by Cabinet

Secretary, Pradeep Kumar Sinha, to choose a deputy governor of the Reserve
Bank of India – a departure from the past when such a panel was headed by the
central bank governor.
 RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan will be a member in the panel.
 The search panel will include a representative from the Prime Minister‘s Office, one
from the Finance Ministry, an economist and a professor from Gujarat National Law
University.
COMMITTEE ON DELHI TRAFFIC DECONGESTION SUBMITS REPORT
 A High Powered Committee on ‗Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi‘ has called for a

paradigm shift in transport planning and policy interventions to check explosive
growth in automobile population in the national capital and move people more
efficiently than cars through effective public transport system.
 The inter-ministerial Committee, headed by Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (Urban
Development) with representatives from 19 different ministries and agencies of
Central and Delhi Governments, Delhi Police and all the Urban Local Bodies held
several rounds of deliberations and submitted an unanimous report on ways and

means for decongesting Delhi‘s traffic.
Noting that 21% of city‘s area is already under roads with limited scope for road
network expansion, 60% of passenger trips are below 4 km distances and 80% below
6 km lengths which are ideal for non-motorised transport, the Committee strongly
recommended development of necessary infrastructure for promoting walking
and cycling in the national capital.
 The Committee also expressed serious concern over mushrooming of gated
communities in the city which are compelling local traffic to come onto main roads
by preventing short cuts for movement of people.
 Expressing concern over 18 different Central and Delhi Government departments and
agencies handling different aspects of transportation in the city region, the
Committee recommended a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority for better
coordination, quick decision making and execution.
 To ensure a safe, sustainable, affordable, equitable, comfortable, accessible and
environmental friendly public transport system in the city, the Committee
recommended a four pronged strategy with the components of :
1. Improving Public Transport and Disincentivising use of private vehicles;

2. Promoting Road Safety and efficient Traffic Management;
3. Setting up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority and enhancing institutional
capacity; and
4. Promotion of Transit Oriented Development through integrated land use and
transportation planning.
 The recommendations of the Committee under these 4 components of the
Strategy include:
8
 Fully paid rented or owned parking with parking fee based on area of the city,
duration and size of the vehicles;
 Paking on footpaths to be made cognizable offence under Delhi Municipal
Corporation Act;
 Penal charges for parking violations to be 10 times the normal rates;
 Parking Management Districts to be planned for all public places and one
agency/operator to handle both on street and off-street parking for better
management;
 No stand alone parking slots to be developed;
 Shared parking to be promoted for effective use of parking sites during different
periods of the day;
 Promotion of feeders services and bringing informal feeder services under legal
framework;
 Mandatory provision of footpaths on all roads as per codes with right of first use
of street space to pedestrians;
 Provision of more crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, at least at every 250
metres;
 Signal free corridors to be avoided as they invite more private vehicles on to
roads;
 More secondary street networks to be created by avoiding creation of gated
communities for providing shortcuts to pedestrians;
 Access to bus service should be within walking distance from home or office;
 Bus fares should be priced less than per/Km cost of running a two wheeler;
 Multi-level bus parking to be provided at all depots; Multi-modal, multi-use bus

depots on PPP basis to be taken up for high class services and terminal
experience for passengers;
For Delhi, 2,000 buses should be procured immediately and 4,000 in the next
phase;
 Intelligent Transport System be adopted for surveillance, automatic vehicle
location, public information, Red Light Camera and Stop Line Violation Detection,
Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Automatic Parking Management and
Intelligent Signaling for synchronized movement of vehicles across different
signal etc.
 Operational Control Centre to be set up for real time monitoring and
management of traffic on all roads and sharing actionable information to different
service providers including Delhi Police for automatic issue of challans for
violations;
 Effective traffic management through better traffic dispersal by enabling more
junctions, junction improvement, provision of roundabouts, removal of choke
points, segregation of long haul and short haul traffic, promotion of secondary
road networks;
 Commissioning a Freight Audit of the city based on analysis of consumption

behaviors of citizens and availability of key supplies and movement of goods for
evolving a Freight Plan for the city;
 Preparation of comprehensive and integrated Land Use Transport System on
priority basis;
 Improving regional connectivity through integrated Regional Rapid Transport
Systems; ensuring full utilization of Sub-urban ring rail system including for
freight movement and decongestion at major railways stations
8
 Enabling quick start of Transit Oriented Development Projects (TOD) for
reducing mobility needs and enabling access to public transport for long distance
travel;
 Development of BRTS corridors on high density routes; and
 Creation of Urban Transport Fund for Delhi for tapping various revenue
streams like parking charges, fuel taxes, advertisement incomes etc., for
augmenting bus services.
MEETING OF RECONSTITUTED HINDI ADVISORY COMMITTEE
 Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh
presided over a meeting of the Hindi Advisory Committee reconstituted under the
auspices of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions with the motive to
promote the use of Hindi language in administration.
 Among the newly appointed members of the Advisory Committee who attended
the meeting were Members of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ramnarayan Dudi and
Vasishta Narayan Singh, social activist R. P. Singh, journalist Naveen Kumar,
Dashrath Singh Rathore, Suresh Tiwari, Swami Yajyanand Saraswati, Raghvendra
Dhira and Abhishek Gupta.
3RD PAY REVISION COMMITTEE FOR EXECUTIVE OF CPSUS
 The Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises has constituted the 3rd Pay
Revision Committee for the executives of the Central Public Sector Undertakings

under the chairmanship of Justice Satish Chandra (Retd.).
The other members of the committee will be Jugal Mohapatra, Ex-IAS Officer, Prof.
Manoj Panda, Director, Institute for Economic Growth Delhi and Shailendra Pal Singh,
Executive Director (HR), NTPC Ltd.
 The Secretary Department of Public Enterprises will be the Ex-Officio Member while
the Joint Secretary/Additional Secretary, DPE will be the member secretary for the
committee.
 The last pay revision for the executives of Central Public Sector Undertakings came
into effect from 1.1.2007.
 The Committee will provide its recommendations on the matter to the
government, covering Board level functionaries, below–Board level executives and
non-unionized supervisory staff of CPSEs.
 While submitting the final recommendations to the government, the Committee shall
also take into account the Report of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
 The Pay Revision Committee will make its recommendations within 6 months from
the date of its constitution.
 The decision of the Government on the recommendations of the Committee will take
effect from 1.1.2017.
EXPERT COMMITTEE ON (SPECIFIC RELIEF ACT 1963) SUBMITS REPORT
 The Expert Committee set up on examining the Specific Relief Act, 1963 submitted
its Report to Union Law & Justice Minister.
 In its report the committee has recommended modifications in the Specific Relief
Act, 1963 for ensuring the ease of doing business.
8
 In the context of tremendous developments which have taken place since 1963 and
the present changed scenario involving contract based infrastructure developments,
public private partnerships and other public projects, involving huge investments;
and changes required in the present scheme of the Act so that specific
performance is granted as a general rule and grant of compensation or damages for
non-performance remains as an exception, the committee decided:
 To change the approach, from damages being the rule and specific performance
being the exception, to specific performance being the rule, and damages
being the alternate remedy.
 To provide guidelines for reducing the discretion granted to Courts and
tribunals while granting performance and injunctive reliefs.
 To introduce provisions for rights of third parties (other than for Government
contracts).
 To consider addressing unconscionable contracts, unfair contracts,
reciprocity in contracts etc., and implied terms.
 The committee observed that there is a need to classify diverse Public utility
Contracts as a distinct class recognising the inherent public interest/importance to
be addressed in the Act. Any public work must progress without interruption.
 This requires consideration whether a court‘s intervention in public works should
be minimal.
 Smooth functioning of Public works projects can be effectively managed through a
monitoring system and regulatory mechanism.
 The role of courts in this exercise is to interfere to the minimum extent so that
public works projects will not be impeded or stalled.
ETHICS & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE FOR PKL FORMED
 The ProKabaddi League announced the formation of an Ethics & Governance

Committee with immediate effect.
 This newly constituted body is tasked with matters relating to governance,
corruption, racism, doping and the code of conduct. It is authorised to impose
disciplinary measures in the event of violations.
 The committee includes Justice A.P. Shah (retd.), A.N. Roy, IPS (retd.), Deepak
Jacob, Charu Sharma and PKL commissioner Anupam Goswami.
RBI COMMITTEE TO STUDY FINTECH BUSINESS IN INDIA
 The Reserve Bank of India is in the process of setting up a multi-disciplinary

committee to study the FinTech business in India.
 FinTech, which means using technology to offer financial services to end
customers at a lower cost, has been a buzzword across the world in recent years,
with little or no regulation over their functioning.

 KPMG in India and a Nasscom in a report have forecasted that the Indian FinTech
market is set to double to $2.4 billion in the next four years. It is in a nascent
stage in the country, and many feel that start-up firms in the space would disrupt the
traditional banking and financial services model.
 The committee, to be headed by Mr. Vishwanathan, will have representatives
from other regulators such as Securities and Exchange Commission of India,
Insurance Regulatory Authority of India, banks and other stakeholders.
8
HARYANA EXTENDS TERM OF DHINGRA COMMISSION
 The Haryana government has again extended the term of Justice S.N. Dhingra
Commission till June 30.
 Earlier, it was extended from December 8, 2015, to June 7.
 The one-man Commission was set up in May last year, and is headed by retired Delhi
High Court judge S.N. Dhingra.
 He is probing into the circumstances of grant or rejection of licences for
development of colonies, housing societies, & commercial complexes in Gurgaon.
PANEL FOR RELAXATION IN CRZ NORMS
 The Shailesh Nayak committee, which reviewed the Coastal Regulation Zone 2011
notification, has suggested relaxation in No Development Zones (NDZ) in CRZ-3
areas of States like Kerala based on population density.
 The coastal areas with a population density of more than 2,161 people/sq km (Class-
3 towns as defined in 2001 census) would be categorised as thickly-populated areas
and the NDZ has been reduced to 50 metre against the original 200 metres in
seaside areas.
 The NDZ will be 200 metre along the other rural areas, which have a population
density of less than 2,161 people/ sq km.
 For backwater islands, the NDZ has been brought down to 10 metres from the
existing 50 metre, it recommended.
 In densely-populated CRZ 3 areas, development can be taken up in accordance with
the local prevailing norms, including the height regulations. The local authorities shall
ensure that no activities shall be undertaken that would cause shoreline change,
including disturbing the sediment balance in the coastal waters.
NSG APPOINTS NUCLEAR ENVOY TO PANEL FOR INDIA
 India‘s case at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) may not have been taken forward
formally this year but it wasn‘t shelved entirely.
 The closed-door session of the NSG that ended its annual plenary in Seoul recently
appointed Argentine Ambassador Rafael Grossi as the ―Facilitaor of the
Chairperson to having informal consultations with the Participating Governments
(PGs) in the group‖.
 The decision indicates that despite opposition from China and other countries on the
issue of the Non-Proliferation Treaty that India has refused to sign, and the desire of
several NSG countries to look for a ―non-discrimatory‖ membership process that
includes all non-NPT states, India‘s application was acknowledged to have some
merit of its own.
 Ambassador Grossi‘s appointment to assist the new Chairperson from Switzerland

with the ―continued discussion‖ on India is significant, as Mr. Grossi is the outgoing
Chairperson of the NSG, and was keenly involved in bringing India‘s bid to the NSG
table this year.
CENTRE AMENDS RBI ACT TO ENABLE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE
 The Centre brought the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) one step closer to reality
by notifying the changes made to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act.
8
 The government has decided to bring the provisions of amended RBI Act regarding
constitution of MPC into force on June 27, 2016 so that statutory basis of MPC is
made effective.
 The six-member Committee — tasked with bringing ―value and transparency to
monetary policy decisions‖ — will comprise three members from RBI, including the
Governor, who will be the ex-officio chairperson, a Deputy Governor and one officer
of the central bank.
 The other three members will be appointed by the Centre on the recommendations
of a search-cum-selection committee to be headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
 These three members of MPC will be experts in the field of economics or banking or
finance or monetary policy and will be appointed for a period of four years and shall
not be eligible for re-appointment.
 The Committee is to meet four times a year and make public its decisions following
each meeting.
JUDICIAL COMMISSION ON OROP GETS EXTENSION
 The government has given an extension to the one man judicial commission
appointed on the issue.
 The government, had in December last year, appointed the one man commission
headed by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court
with a six month mandate which ended on June 15.
 The commission was part of the notification issued on November 7, 2015
implementing the long pending scheme for military personnel to bring parity in
pensions based on rank and service, and irrespective of the date of retirement.
ISED ASSOCIATED TO PRABHAT KUMAR COMMITTEE
 The Centre has appointed the Kochi-based Institute of Small Enterprise and
Development as institutional associate to the Prabhat Kumar Committee on MSME
Policy.
 In February, former Cabinet Secretary Prabhat Kumar was appointed by the Prime
Minister to a high power government Committee.
 This Committee is tasked with reviewing the policy and practice of MSME
development and to make recommendations on future policy directions.
 ISED, as a policy expert, has the responsibility of research and analysis and to help
the Committee to shape its final recommendations.
 It will coordinate its operations from New Delhi and from its head quarters in Kochi.
AAP GOVT SETS UP PROBE PANEL

 The Delhi government set up a five-member committee to investigate the kidney

racket busted by the Delhi Police and asked it to submit a report within 15 days.
 The panel will probe whether there were procedural lapses on the part of the
Indraprashtha Apollo Hospitals.
 The probe panel, headed by Dr. D.K. Tampe, dean of Maulana Azad Medical College,
will submit an interim report within one week.
8
PANEL ON EDUCATION POLICY SUBMITS REPORT
 A high-power committee headed by former Cabinet Secretary T.S.R. Subramanian,

tasked with drawing a blueprint for a new national education policy, has
recommended that the law that set up the higher education regulator University
Grants Commission (UGC) be allowed to lapse.
 The committee's report, submitted recently to the Ministry of Human Resource
Development, says the UGC has been unable to effectively implement its
regulations aimed at ensuring the quality of higher education in the country over the
years.
 The panel has instead suggested an alternative arrangement for a pruned UGC.
 An expert Committee recently has examined thoroughly the past, present and future
role of UGC; the report is under examination by the Ministry.
 “It is understood that the report had concluded that the UGC does not have the
adequate number of personnel, of requisite quality, to be an effective regulatory
force in the higher education sector,‖ says the TSR Subramanian Commission
report, referring to the recent Hari Gautam committee report.
 Subramaian Panel also suggests an alternative arrangement of a pruned UGC. The
UGC could be revamped, made considerably leaner and thinner, and could be the
nodal point for administration of the proposed National Higher Education Fellowship
Programme, without any other promotional or regulatory function.
8
REPORTS
REPORT ON FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION BY ROAD
 The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari launched the
TCI –IIM Calcutta joint study report on the operational efficiency of freight
transportation by road in India in New Delhi.
 The report is based on a study commissioned by the Transport Corporation of India
(TCI), of 28 routes in the country over the period 2014-15.
 The report says that although the average journey time and vehicle speed have
improved across all the major routes, more needs to be done to reduce stoppage
delays as this not only leads to wastage of time but also raises fuel consumption
cost.
 Besides improving the toll collection infrastructure, the number of stops for
various other purpose, such as documentation check and tax collection at state
borders/check posts and on-road police intervention, should be minimized and the
process of document checking and tax collection simplified to facilitate a smooth and
seamless flow of goods across the country.
 The report also recommends that Government should ensure that trucker replace
their old, fuel-inefficient vehicles with new-generation fuel-efficient vehicles like
multi-axle tractor-trailer units.
 The study also stresses upon the need to encourage multi – modal transportation
of goods in a big way as this is more efficient, economic and environment friendly. In
this context the study recommends promoting transportation of freight by railways
and waterways.
REPORT ―ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA 2015‖ RELEASED
 The Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the report ―Road
Accidents in India 2015‖ in New Delhi.
 Road accidents have emerged as a major public health problem globally, and more so
in India where almost 5 lakh accidents occurred last year, killing 1,46000 people
and leaving thrice the number injured.
 According to the report compiled by the Transport Research Wing, the total
number of road accidents increased by 2.5% from 4,89,400 in 2014 to 5,01,423 in
2015.
 The total number of persons killed in road accidents increased by 4.6% from
1,39,671 in 2014 to 1,46,133 in 2015.
 Road accident injuries have also increased by 1.4% from 4,93,474 in 2014 to
5,00,279 in 2015.
 The severity of road accidents, measured in terms of number of persons killed per
100 accidents has increased from 28.5 in 2014 to 29.1 in 2015.
 The analysis of road accident data 2015 reveals that about 1,374 accidents and 400
deaths take place every day on Indian roads which further translates into 57
accidents and loss of 17 lives on an average every hour in our country.
 About 54.1% of all persons killed in road accidents were in the 15 -34 years age
group during the year 2015.
8
 Thirteen top states namely Tamil Nadu (69,059), Maharashtra (63,805), Madhya
Pradesh (54,947), Karnataka (44,011), Kerala (39,014), Uttar Pradesh (32,385),
Andhra Pradesh (24,258), Rajasthan (24,072), Gujarat (23,183), Telengana
(21,252), Chattisgarh (14,446), West Bengal (13,208) and Haryana (11,174)
together accounted for 86.7% of all road accidents in the country.
 Around 83.6% of all road accidents fatalities also occurred in the top thirteen states.
 The fifty Million Plus Cities accounted for a share of 22.1% in total road accidents in
the country, 11.3% in total persons killed in road accidents and 16.4% in total
persons injured in road accidents.
 Mumbai had the highest number of road accidents (23,468) while Delhi had the
highest number of deaths (1622) due to road accidents. Accident severity in terms of
percentage share of 50 Million Cities was 14.9% in 2015 as against 15.0% in 2014.
 Drivers‘ fault has been revealed as the single most responsible factor for road
accidents, accounted for 77.1% of total road accidents during 2015 as against 78.8%
during 2014.
 Within the category of drivers‘fault, road accidents caused and persons killed due to
exceeding lawful speed/over speeding by drivers accounted for a share of
62.2% (2,40,463 out of 3,86,481 accidents) and 61.0% (64,633 out of 1,06,021
deaths) respectively.
CENSUS DATA ON AGE AT MARRIAGE BY CATEGORY OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
 The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India released the Census 2011
data on Age at Marriage by Category of Economic Activities.
 Table presents data on number of ever married and currently married population by
age at marriage, duration of marriage and economic activity at India/State/District
level.
 The comparative position for census 2001 and 2011 for various economic activities is
given below:
Males Females
Category of Economic Activity
2001 2011 2001 2011
Main Workers 22.6 23.5 18.2 19.2
Cultivators 21.5 22.5 17.6 18.6
Agricultural labourers 21.8 22.5 17.7 18.5
Workers in household industry 23.4 19.1

23.7 19.5
Other workers 24.4 20.8
Marginal Workers 21.8 22.5 17.6 18.7
Non-Workers 22.8 23.5 18.5 19.4
IIT-B IS 35TH UNIVERSITY RANKINGS FOR ASIA
 The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) has moved up in the

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings: Asia, from last year‘s rank of 46 to
35 this year.
8
 The results were released by QS, a British company which is a leading global
provider of specialist higher education and career information and solutions.
 IIT-B‘s overall score is 76 out of 100. The institute has a score of 87.8 in academic
reputation, 98.8 in employer reputation, and 100 in staff with PhD.
 IITB ranks second in India, below the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in
Bangalore, which is at 33.
INDIA AMONG TOP 3 REGIONS IN CORRUPTION-LINKED FRAUD
 According to a survey report, an overwhelming 80% of companies polled in India

stated they had been victims of fraud in 2015-16, up from 69% in 2013-14.
 The Global Fraud Report 2015-16 by risk mitigation consultancy Kroll, with the
aid of the Economist Intelligence Unit, found that the perceived prevalence of fraud
in India is the third-highest among all countries and regions surveyed across six
continents.
 Only Colombia (83%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (84%) surpass India.
 The report's authors observed that while the incidence of fraud was on the rise
globally, a combination of a lack of preventive measures at Indian companies
and a poor legal system had resulted in 92% of the respondents saying they had
witnessed an increase in exposure to fraud.
 The India-centric data in the report shows that the highest incidence of fraud as
reported by Indian companies is due to what the report terms ‗corruption and
bribery‘.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES GREW AT RECORD PACE IN 2015: STUDY
 Developing countries spent more on renewable power than rich ones for the first
time last year, driving the fastest increase in sources of green energy on record.
 Global investment in renewable power was more than double the amount spent on
new coal and natural gas-fired power generation in 2015, the Renewables Global
Status report found.
 Overall spending on green energy rose 5% from 2014 to $286 billion, beating the
previous record set in 2011.
 China opened its coffers the widest, accounting for more than a third of total
investment worldwide, while India, South Africa, Mexico and Chile also
significantly increased spending.
 In total, some 147 gigawatts of capacity was added during the year — the largest
increase ever and reportedly the equivalent of all of Africa‘s generating capacity.
INDIA AMONG TOP 5 GREEN ENERGY MARKETS IN 2015: REPORT

 The 2015 global renewable energy development had a strong Indian flavour to it,
with India being ranked among the top five nations in new investments, and in the
top four as regards creating jobs in the green energy sector.
 Emerging markets broke the record in 2015 by committing larger investments than
developed nations.
 China led with more than double the investment of the next largest investor, the
US, followed by Japan, the UK, and India, according to a report by the Renewable
Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (Ren21).
9
 While China, the US, Japan and the UK maintained their positions relative to 2014,
India moved up to displace Germany, which saw a sharp drop in investment.
 India‘s investments in renewable energy sector increased to $10.2 billion in 2015,
when compared to $8.3 billion in 2014.
 India installed about 2.6 GW, surpassing Spain‘s capacity to rank fourth globally for
total wind power capacity, with nearly 25.1 GW in 2015.
INDIAN HIGH COURTS FACE SHORTAGE OF 458 JUDGES
 High courts across India face a shortage of 458 judges, according to latest Law
Ministry data.
 According to the statistics, against the approved strength of 1,079 judges, the 24
high courts are functioning with 621 judges — a shortfall of 458.
 As per the data, the Allahabad High Court has the maximum number of 81
vacancies against the sanctioned strength of 160 judges.
 The Punjab and Haryana High Court and Madras High Court come second with 37
vacancies each.
 The high courts in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Allahabad, Punjab and Haryana,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Patna and Rajasthan are functioning with acting Chief
Justices.
SWEDEN BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IN 2015, INDIA RANKED 70 TH
 Sweden has been voted as the best country in the world when it comes to serving

the interests of its people and contributing to the common good of humanity while
India figured low at 70th position on a list of 163 nations.
According to the 'Good Country' 2015 index which seeks to measure how
countries contribute to the global good, Sweden, relative to the size of its economy,
does more "good" and less harm than any other country.
 The top ten best countries included: Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK,
Germany, Finland, Canada, France, Austria and New Zealand.
 Libya was ranked as the least "good" country in the world.
 India figured at 70th position overall, three places below China, with the best
ranking (27th) in International peace and security and the worst (124th) in
prosperity and equality category.
 While the country stood at 37th position in health and wellbeing and 62nd in
science and technology, it was ranked 119th in culture, 106th in climate and 100th in
world order.
 The Good Country Index is pretty simple: to measure what each country on earth
contributes to the common good of humanity, and what it takes away, relative to its
size.
BLACK ECONOMY SHRINKING, STILL EXCEEDS THAILAND'S GDP: STUDY
 Pegging India‘s ‗black economy‘ at over Rs. 30 lakh crore or about 20% of total
GDP, a new study says it has been contracting gradually over the years but still
remains bigger than the overall economic size of countries like Thailand and
Argentina.
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 Besides, a crackdown on black money has made the cost of capital costlier in the
black economy with the lending rates having risen to as high as 34%, from about
24% a year ago, as per the study by Ambit Capital Research.
 The study stated that the crackdown has had some ―unintended consequences‖ in
form of an increase in preference for cash in its physical form and a notable
decline in the usage of formal banking channels with record low deposit growth -
which may keep the GDP growth rate flat this year.
 It stated the size of the India‘s black economy expanded rapidly over the 1970s
and 1980s, but since then had been contracting at a gradual pace and is now
estimated at USD around 20% of the country‘s GDP.
 The term ‗black economy‘ typically refers to the economic activities outside formal
banking channels and include cash transactions in high-value assets like gold and
real estate.
 Majority of this black money is locked up in physical assets such as real estate and
gold.
 Physical savings instruments have been historically preferred to financial savings
instruments in India because purchase of physical assets can be funded using black
money, while the purchase of financial assets can not be funded in such a manner
due to a strong paper trail.
 While official figures regarding the quantum of black money flowing into real estate
sector are not available, experts suggest that more than 30% of India‘s real
estate sector is funded by black money.
INDIA RANKS SECOND ON RETAIL INDEX: STUDY
 India has jumped 13 positions from last year to rank second among 30 developing
countries this year on ease of doing business, according to a study topped by
China.
 According to the 2016 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), which ranks the
top 30 developing countries for retail investment worldwide, a pick-up in GDP growth
and better clarity regarding FDI regulations have helped India achieve a second
ranking.
 India‘s retail sector has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%
between 2013 and 2015, with annual sales crossing the $1 trillion mark.
 India‘s retail sector has also benefited from the rapid growth in e-commerce. India
is the world‘s second largest internet market and the increasing internet and
smartphone penetration is contributing to the expansion of e-commerce.
FOUR INDIANS IN FORBES ‗POWERFUL WOMEN‘ LIST
 Four Indian women, including SBI Managing director Arundhati Bhattacharya and
ICICI Bank Managing director Chanda Kochhar, are in the new list of Forbes‘
world‘s 100 most powerful women who are building billion-dollar brands and calling
the shots in the financial markets.
 The Forbes ‗100 Most Powerful Women‘ in the world list 2016, topped by German
Chancellor Angela Merkel, includes PepsiCo Chief Indra Nooyi, Biocon Founder
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and HT Media head Shobhana Bhartia.
1. Bhattacharya, ranked 25th on the list.
2. Kochhar comes in on the 40th spot.
3. Mazumdar-Shaw is ranked 77th on the list.
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4. Bhartia is ranked 93rd on the list.
5. Nooyi is ranked 14th on the list.
 The list also includes Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the second
spot (2), Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen (3), Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (7),
US First Lady Michelle Obama (13), Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi
(26), Queen Elizabeth II (29), Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (36),
Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari (52) and UNESCO Director General Irina
Bokova (89).
IISC, 4 IITS AMONG ASIA‘S TOP 50 UNIVERSITIES
 Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore and four IITs — Bombay, Delhi,
Madras and Kanpur — figure in the list of Asia‘s top 50 universities, as per the QS
University Rankings for 2016.
 IISc, which is placed 33rd this year, had emerged as the top Indian institute.
Following are the top ranking institutes:
 IISc Bangalore (33rd)
 IIT-Mumbai (35th)
 IIT-Delhi (36th)
 IIT-Madras (43rd)
 IIT-Kanpur (48th)
 IIT-Kharagpur (51st)
 IIT Roorkee (78)
 IIT Guwahati (94)
 Delhi University (66th)
 University of Calcutta (108th)
 University of Mumbai (145th)
 Banaras Hindu University (155th)
 Panjab University (251)
 Overall, like last year, National University of Singapore (NUS) has been ranked
the best university in Asia, followed by University of Hong Kong.
 India‘s performance in these rankings is the fifth best among the 17 countries that
feature in the ratings.
 While India has 23 universities in the list of 350, it is outperformed by Taiwan
(34), South Korea (54), Japan (72) and China (82), who also dominate the list of top
10 institutions.
 Other Indian institutions which figure in the rankings are Amrita University (169),
University of Pune (176), Amity University (195), Manipal Academy of Higher
Education (200) and Anna University (251-300 band).
 Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Pondicherry University
and Andhra University are in the 301st-350th band.
 QS had evaluated 920 universities from the Asia region for this year‘s rankings.
INDIA RECORDS 10-YEAR LOW INVESTMENTS: WB REPORT
 World Bank in its latest report on Private Participation in Infrastructure Database has
reported that India recorded a 10-year low in investments in public-private
sector in 2015, adding to contraction that pulled down the global investment to
below its five-year average of $124.1 billion.
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 In its latest annual report, the World Bank stated global investment in 2015
decreased to USD 111.6 billion, below the five-year average of USD 124.1 billion
from 2010 to 2014.
 This contraction resulted from lower investments in Brazil, China and India.
 India recorded a 10-year low in investments as only six road projects, usually a
rich source of PPI over the past 10 years, reached financial closure.
 In South Asia, there were 43 deals for a combined total of USD 5.6 billion that
closed in the region, representing 5% of the total investment, a decline of 82% from
the five-year average of USD 30.5 billion.
 Consistent with historical trends, India generated a majority of the projects (36
out of 43); Pakistan had four; Nepal, two; and Bangladesh, one.
 Notably, 26 of the 36 projects in India, amounting to USD 2.0 billion, targeted
renewable energy, while all of Pakistan‘s projects, totalling USD 749.9 million, solely
focussed on renewables.
 Solar energy investments climbed 72% higher than the last five year average,
while renewables attracted nearly two-thirds of investments with private
participation.
JUST DIAL, UTI MF, IRCTC IN FORTUNE INDIA NEXT 500 LIST
 Just Dial, UTI Asset Management Company and IRCTC are among the firms that have
made it to the Fortune Next 500 list of Indian companies, which has been
topped by Dynamatic Technologies.
 Companies featuring in the Next 500 list are mostly mid-sized and termed as the

‗small wonders‘ by the magazine.
Dynamatic Technologies tops the list with an annual revenue of over Rs. 1,693 crore
followed by Nectar Lifescience (Rs 1,692 crore), Oswal Wollen Mills (Rs 1,689
crore), VRL Logistics (Rs 1,682.5 crore) and Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (Rs
1,682.18 crore).
 Nectar Lifescience is a new entry in the list, while other four companies have shown
improvements in their respective rankings from last year.
 According to the magazine, together Next 500 companies have generated a revenue
of Rs. 5,14,788 crore, while on an average these firms have a revenue of over Rs.
1,000 crore.
 These firms are from various sectors including basic materials; financial services;
food and agri products; pharma and information technology; capital goods and iron
and steel.
 Others in the top 10 are: Gujarat Mineral Development Corp, Lucas-TVS, Gati,
Adecco India and Jindal Aluminium.
 Indian Railway‘s tourism and catering arm IRCTC improved its ranking to 199 from
328 in 2015.
 UTI Asset Management Company and Just Dial, which are new entrants, have
bagged the 442 and 449 positions respectively.
 Interestingly, Narayan Hrudayalaya, Ujjivan Financial Services, Dr Lal Pathlabs and
Parag Milk Foods, which have recently hit IPO markets, have also found a place in
the list.
 The magazine, last year, had stated that companies featuring in the Next 500 list are
capable of breaking into the Fortune India 500.
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 Others in the list include: PVR, ranked 62; MOIL (142), Bajaj Corp (319), Franklin
Templeton Asset Management (351), Motilal Ostwal Financial Services (355), Repco
Home Finance (415), Monsanto India (447).
WOMEN IN MAHARASHTRA FILE MOST NUMBER OF COURT CASES
 Maharashtra tops the list of States where women have filed the maximum number
of court cases, according to latest data.
 According to the data highlighted by the Supreme Court e-Committee, 20,94,086
cases were filed by women in various courts and constitute 9.58% of the total 2.18
crore cases pending in the various subordinate courts.
 Maharashtra tops the list where 2,55,122 cases have been filed by women, followed
by Bihar with 2,16,599 cases.
 In Uttar Pradesh, the figure stands at 4,40,927 followed by West Bengal
(1,74,327), Karnataka (1,46,959) and Tamil Nadu (1,35,033).
 Similarly, as per the data, 6,96,704 cases have been filed by senior citizens in
various courts. Percentage wise, the cases filed by senior citizens and women
constitute 12.77% of the total 2,18,54,970 pending cases.
 The e-Committee of the Supreme Court was set up in 2004 to assist the Chief
Justice of India in formulating a national policy on computerisation of Indian judiciary
and advise on technological, communication and management-related changes.
INDIA AMONG ‗WORST‘ COUNTRIES FOR WORKERS‘ RIGHTS


Pointing to the ―weakening‖ of workers‘ rights across almost all regions in the world,
a new report has ranked India among the world‘s 10 ―worst‖ countries.
ITUC‘s Global Rights Index 2016, which ranked 141 countries on a scale of 1-5
on the basis of 97 international indicators such right to organise, collective
bargaining, civil rights, freedom of association among others, has ranked India in
Group 5 (no guarantee of rights), along with 25 countries, citing rising
contracterisation and ―disproportionate violence‖ against workers by the police and
hired private security guards by some companies.
 The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is an umbrella organisation
of national trade unions across the world. Its affiliates in India are Hind Mazdoor
Sabha, Indian National Trade Union Congress and Self-Employed Women‘s
Association.
 According to the report, ―countries with the rating of 5 are the worst countries in
the world to work in. While the legislation may spell out certain rights, workers have
effectively no access to these rights and are, therefore, exposed to autocratic
regimes and unfair labour practices.”
 Out of the 25 countries in group 5, ―the 10 worst countries for working people are
Belarus, China, Colombia, Cambodia, Guatemala, India, Iran, Qatar, Turkey and
United Arab Emirates‖.
 According to the index, the countries with the ―best‖ record are: Austria,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway,
Slovakia, Sweden and Uruguay.
 While the worst ever (5+) record are: Burundi, Central African Republic, Eritrea,
Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Syria as there is ―no
guarantee of rights due to the breakdown of the rule of law‖ in these countries.
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INDIA SLIPS TO 12TH RANK IN MILLIONAIRE POPULATION
 India has slipped one place to 12th spot in terms of millionaire population, even as
their numbers have grown marginally to two lakh.
 Last year, India was ranked 11th with 1.98 lakh such high networth individuals
(HNWIs), according to a report by Capgemini.
 India along with China is seen as engine of growth by the global wealth managers.
 The report stated 13% of the global wealth managers feel that India has the
biggest area of high net worth individual wealth expansion through 2025, while the
same is 27% for China.
 The global wealth is projected to reach $100 trillion by 2025.
 While globally in 2015, HNWI wealth saw only a modest growth of 4%, wealth in
Asia-Pacific grew at an aggressive 10%, propelling it to the lead position as the
region with the most HNWI wealth globally.
 This is the first time that Asia-Pacific is ahead of North America for both HNWI
wealth and population.
 In 2015, Asia-Pacific held $17.4 trillion in wealth with a 5.1 million HNWI
population in comparison to North America‘s $16.6 trillion in HNWI wealth and 4.8
million in population.
 Global high net worth individual‘s wealth reached $58.7 trillion and their
population grew at 4.9% to be 15.4 million in 2015.
INDIA RANKS 105th ON HUMAN CAPITAL INDEX
 India was ranked low at 105th position globally on a worldwide Human Capital
Index, which measures countries‘ ability to nurture, develop and deploy talent for
economic growth and was topped by Finland.
 The index was released by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) in Chinese
city at its Annual Meeting of New Champions, also known as ‗Summer Davos‘
summit.
1 Finland
2 Norway
3 Switzerland
4 Japan
5 Sweden
6 New Zealand
7 Denmark
8 Netherlands
9 Canada
10 Belgium
24 United States
28 Russia
104 Bangladesh
105 India
106 Lao PDR
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107 Gabon
108 Nepal
109 Myanmar
129 Yemen
130 Mauritania
 Giving India 105th rank out of the total 130 countries included in the index, WEF
stated the country has optimised just 57% of its human capital endowment, placing
it in the top of the bottom quartile of the Index.
 India was ranked 100th last year out of total 124 countries included in the 2015
index.
 Countries ranked below India include: Nepal, Myanmar, Haiti, Malawi and
Burundi while Mauritania, Yemen, Chad, Nigeria and Mali are placed in the bottom-
five with below 50% talent optimisation.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GROUP OF MINISTERS ON ROAD SAFETY
 The GoM constituted by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to recommend
measures to make road travel in the country safe, convenient and seamless
held its third meeting in Dharamshala (HP).
 Headed by Rajasthan Transport Minister Yoonus Khan, the GoM has met earlier
in New Delhi in April and in Bengaluru in May this year.
 The recommendations made by the GoM in the three meetings held so far are as
follow:
1st Interim Report dated 29th April, 2016

1 RTSB requires detailed deliberations and subsequent modification.
Hence may take long time. In the meantime amendments may be carried in
the MV Act and Rules to address urgent issues.
2 Rules of Road Regulations to be notified-
 The Rules of Road Regulation 1989 have become outdated and there
is a need to issue fresh regulations in line with the present day requirements
3 Include Good Samaritan Guidelines under the MV Act
 The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
for the protection of good Samaritans has been approved by the Honble
Supreme Court. However to give a statutory backing there is a need for its
inclusion in the Motor Vehicles Act.
4 Simplification of forms under CMVR.
 In order to make the old forms Citizen friendly and easy to use and to
be filled online the forms under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules are required
to be modified
5 Online issue of Learning License and stricter evaluation at the time of
grant of permanent license
 To make the issue of Learning License citizen friendly and make the
process transparent it is proposed to have the application and issue of
Learner‘s licence online. However to ensure safety and proper skills for the
driver, stricter evaluation at the time of issuance of Permanent Licence.
6 Allow License after 16 years for gearless scooters below 100 cc
9
 Now a days lots of young citizens are to use the two wheelers for
commuting to local places especially schools, other institutions etc. As 50 CC
vehicles are no longer available and further with the mass availability of 100
CC vehicles it is proposed to allow licence after 16 years for gearless scooters
below 100 cc
7 Do away with the dress code for the drivers (truck drivers)
 Now a days the drivers especially of trucks and buses are many times
harassed by the authorities for not wearing the prescribed dress.
8 Allow registration of vehicles at Dealer‘s end
 With the availability of Vehicle Data from the Original Equipment
Manufacturers because of VAHAN database of NIC availability with the dealers
and with a lot of time wasted by the Citizens having their vehicles physically
inspected with the RTO‘s office the Dealer may have the registration done and
be made responsible.
9 Create National Road Safety and Traffic Management Board
 To provide for a lead agency for implementing the road safety
strategy, aadvisory body having necessary expertise and resources is
proposed to be created.
10 Include accidental insurance for drivers in third party insurance
 Presently the drivers of the transport vehicles do not have any
financial support available in case of an unfortunate incident of accident and
requiring medical treatment and are left at the mercy of the owners.
11 First fitness renewal be after three years. Review periodicity of
fitness renewals to 2 years upto the life of eight years
12
 With improved vehicle and road technology the periodicity of vehicle
inspection need to be increased
Review periodicity of driving license renewals
 The life expectancy and physical well being of the individuals have
now a days increased. The renewal process sometimes causes harassment
and is time consuming for the individuals. This may be increased with check
and stringent mechanism in place for the driving licence issuance.
13 Automated fitness centres for fitness test
 In order to have an objective mechanism for the vehicle fitness
testing and saving the drivers / owners of the transport vehicles from
harassment and time loss automated fitness centres is the need of time.
14 Automated equipment for driving license issuance test
 To have an objective mechanism for testing the driving skills of the
individuals and to save the harassment of citizens the automated equipments
for driving license are proposed.
2nd Interim Report dated 20th May, 2016
15 Implementation of directions issued by Supreme Court Committee on
Road Safety
 The Supreme Court appointed committee has issued a number of
directions to the states for ensuring improvement in the road safety scenario.
These need to be implemented in letter and spirit.
16 States may amend law/ rules to control non motorised and pedestrian
movement on roads
 The regulation of pedestrians and non-motorised transport is
important from the point of view of road safety. However, it comes under the
9
domain of state governments and has traditionally been done under the Police
Act of the states. There is a need to update these regulations in line with
present day requirements.
17 Regulation of traffic on NH- creation of a separate highway police
force by States to be funded by Centre
 Enforcement of traffic regulations is very important to ensure safe
user behaviour on the road. The presence of enforcement machinery on the
highways is presently inadequate. It is therefore required to augment the
same by creating a dedicated highway police and use of modern technology.
The central government will explore funding such efforts.
18 Funds for Road Safety- Centre to provide for correction of black spots
and other initiatives for road safety
 The central government will fund the efforts for rectification of Black
Spots and other road safety measures by the states.
19 Increase the allowable load carrying capacity of goods vehicles in
view of newer technologies and better roads
 In view of better vehicle technology of roads and vehicles, the
permissible load carrying capacity of goods vehicles may be reviewed to
legalise the payload, improve revenue and to prevent harassment.
20 Stricter Penalties for violations of MV Act provisions.
 To provide for better deterrence from violation of traffic regulations,
enhanced penalties have been proposed.
21 Double penalties for those entrusted with enforcement of laws
 To set an example among the road users and to emphasise upon the
22
need to follow traffic regulations, higher penalty for those entrusted with the
enforcement of traffic regulations, has been proposed.
Revoke license on third default in case of offenses included in new
proposed section 207A
 For creating deterrence and making the transport safe stricter
mechanism is proposed
23 All powered vehicles should be included in the definition of motor
vehicles
 To ensure that all motorised vehicles are regulated, it is proposed to
include all of them under the category of Motor Vehicles.
24 States may be given powers to fix the fees and charges for
administering the provisions of MV Act.
The fees and charges under the MVA and CMVR Rules may be fixed by the
state governments keeping in view local circumstances and requirements.
3rd Interim Report dated 13th June, 2016

25 Improving mechanism for helping accident victims and trauma care
facilities
a. Comprehensive scheme for improving capacity development for trauma
centres
b. Expedite setting up of Trauma centres
c. Cashless treatment of accident victims on all stretches of NH
d. Special cell for road accidents within Non-Communicable diseases wing in
MoH&FW
e. Incentives for attracting professionals in trauma centres
9
f. Explore possibility to use CSR Funds
26 Implementation of e-tolling across the country on a common RFID card-
a. Expand E-Tolling on all lanes of toll booths
b. Provide for integration with State and other toll Roads
27 Facilitating Barrier free movement of freight transport across States
a. States should relax transit time provisions
b. Integrated border check posts may be created
c. Centralised Transportation Information and Payment Network (CTIPN) to allow
smooth movement, Task force to be set up to work out the modalities
28 Liberalizing intra-city taxi permit system and other automobile
aggregation policy
a. Liberalise City Taxi permit scheme
b. They should follow the rules relating to fares, fuel and safety as mandated by
Transport Department.
c. Upper cap for the fares be fixed by Transport deptt.
d. Aggregators may be permitted but they have to aggregate only taxis which
have legally valid permits.
29 Improving parking facilities for taxies and other public transport vehicles
in the cities
a. Reserve atleast 20% space in Public parking lots for Taxis.
30 Steps for promoting low cost last mile connectivity solution
a. Allow e-rickshaws and two wheeler taxis as they are safe and low cost
solutions for the passengers
b. Allow seat sharing in taxis & auto rickshaws.
31
a.
b.
Strengthening rural transportation
Scheme may be launched by Central Government for rural transport vehicles
States may allow permits for such vehicles
32 Strengthening public transport systems
a. Central Government may introduce scheme to strengthen STUs
b. Exempt STU buses from taxes
c. Deregulate luxury segmentto motivate people to shift from personalised
transport to public transport
d. Address to the problems of insurance in STU sector
33 Public Transport in Hill Areas
a. Create a sub group to address to the problems of transport in hill areas
34 Higher Compensation in accident cases
a. Include accidental insurance for drivers in third party insurance
b. Rationalise Insurance provisions in accident cases
c. Cover loss to property in accidents cases in insurance
1
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BUSINESS AND CORPORATE
RIL SELLS EAST AFRICAN OIL BUSINESS GAPCO TO TOTAL
 Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) has agreed to sell its entire stake
(76%) in Mauritius-based Gulf Africa Petroleum Corporation (GAPCO) to French
energy giant, Total S.A. for an undisclosed sum in a bid to focus on domestic
market, according to the company.
 In 2007, RIL acquired 76% stake in the loss-making GAPCO which had units in
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
AXIS BANK TO CREATE INVESTMENT FUND
 Private sector lender Axis Bank introduced an innovation lab to hone start-ups and
announced that it would create a dedicated fund to invest in these new-age
companies that would benefit its business.
 The bank unveiled the 10,000-sq. ft. lab at Bengaluru with an in-house innovation
team, which will host a three-month accelerator programme where companies will
get mentored.
RIL ARM TO INVEST $16 MN IN U.S. TECH START-UP
 Reliance Industries Ltd, has agreed to invest $16 million (Rs. 108 crore) in the U.S.

tech start-up NetraDyne Inc.
RIL‘s arm Reliance Industrial Investments and Holdings (RIIHL) is investing in
compulsory convertible preferential shares of NetraDyne, a firm co-founded by
Aveneesh Agrawal, former Qualcomm India and South Asia President.
 NetraDyne, which is yet to start commercial operations, is developing learning
solutions and vision-based analytics targeted at industries such as fleet
management, automotive, security and surveillance.
IDENTITY PROOF MUST FOR MATRIMONIAL PORTALS
 The government is issuing an advisory to make it mandatory for users of

matrimonial websites to provide an identity proof before creating an account on
match-making portals.
 The advisory, approved by the IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, also requires such
websites to keep a record of the IP addresses of its members for one year even
after they close their account.
 Several complaints were lodged with the Ministry of Communications and IT and the
Ministry of Women and Child Development, which prompted the government to take
this step. With this, the legal standards governing matrimonial sites are laid down
clearly.
 As per the advisory, matrimonial websites will need to confirm the ―user's intent
to enter in to matrimonial alliance‖ and ―confirm that the user information is
correct to the best his or her knowledge‖ when they register to join the platform.
 The advisory clearly bars websites from creating dating platforms. It requires 1
that ―service providers should make a declaration that the website is strictly for
0
matrimonial purpose only and not a dating website and should not be used for
posting obscene material.‖
SUN PHARMA SELLS TWO U.S.-BASED PLANTS
 Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has sold two of its U.S.-based
manufacturing facilities along with 15 products to Frontida BioPharm Inc for an
undisclosed amount.
 As part of its manufacturing consolidation in the U.S., one of the company‘s wholly-
owned subsidiaries entered into an agreement with Frontida BioPharm Inc. for
divestment of two oral solid dosage manufacturing facilities located at Philadelphia
and Aurora, along with 15 related pharmaceutical products.
FACEBOOK PARTNERED WITH BLIZZARD
 Facebook has partnered with video game developer Blizzard Entertainment to

integrate live video streaming into the Battle.net online games.
SIEMENS WINS RS.113-CR ORDER FROM BANGLADESH
 Siemens Ltd has won an order worth around Rs.113 crore from Power Grid
Company of Bangladesh to design, procure, supply and install gas-insulated
switchgear substation and transformers.
GOOGLE STREET VIEW DENIED SECURITY NOD
 India has declined to give security clearance to the Google‘s Street View service,
primarily due to objections raised by the Defence Ministry.
 The Street View service allows users to have a panoramic view of places in cities, as
they would look in real life.
 The Internet giant uses cars and bikes fitted with cameras to collect 360-degree
images of a place.
 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decides the security clearance for such services.
TVS ASL PICKS STAKE IN 3 START-UPS
 TVS Automobile Solutions Ltd. (TVS ASL), a well-known name in the aftermarket
field, has picked up majority stake in three start-up ventures to help its digital
initiatives.
 The three firms are: Jazzmyride.com (an e-commerce portal promoted by Storeji
Pvt. Ltd.), which deals with parts and accessories for cars, two-wheelers and
commercial vehicles; Autosense (a venture of Cequity), which provides technology
and analytics-based management services and Redsun (promoted by Redsun
Consultancy), an Internet of Things start-up which has developed solutions such as
connected cars et al.
TATA POWER ACQUIRES WELSPUN‘S RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSETS
 Tata Power has acquired 1,140 MW of renewable energy assets from Welspun 1
Renewable Energy.
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 The deal price is stated to be between Rs. 7,000 crore and Rs. 9,000 crore.
 Tata Power stated that its subsidiary Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL)
acquired the assets from Welspun Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. (WREPL), a subsidiary
of Welspun Energy.
 This transaction makes TPREL the largest renewable energy company in India with
capacity exceeding 2300 MW.
MICROSOFT STRIKES $26.2 BILLION DEAL TO BUY LINKEDIN
 Microsoft Corporation will buy LinkedIn Corp for $26.2 billion in its biggest-ever
deal announced, giving the world‘s biggest software provider access to an online
network of 433 million professionals.
 Microsoft will pay $196 per share in an all-cash transaction.
 While LinkedIn will retain its brand, culture and independence, Microsoft will speed
up the monetisation by growing subscriptions as well as through targeted
advertising.
 Jeff Weiner will remain chief executive of LinkedIn and report to Microsoft CEO
Satya Nadella.
SBI FLOATS RS.200-CR FUND TO AID FINTECH FIRMS
 State Bank of India has floated an Rs.200 crore fund to assist start-ups in the
fintech space, its Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya stated.
 The fund named ‗IT Innovation Start-up Fund‘ will consider assistance of up to

Rs.3 crore to an firm registered in India for promoting their business innovations
using technology in financial services.
Traditional banks across the globe have been open to work with new age fintech
firms, which are disrupting business models by using technology to deliver services
at lower cost.
SIEMENS, GAMESA TO FORM BIGGEST WIND POWER FIRM
 Siemens of Germany and Gamesa of Spain have decided to come together to

form the world‘s biggest wind power company.
 Under the agreement, the wind power business of Siemens, including wind services,
will be merged with Gamesa.
 Siemens will receive newly-issued shares of the combined company and will hold
59% of the share capital. The existing shareholders of Gamesa will hold 41%.
 Gamesa has strong visibility in countries such as India, China, Brazil and Latin
America. Siemens, on the other hand, is dominant in Europe.
TATA TO BRING 10 MILLION STUDENTS ON DIGITAL PLATFORM
 Tata group is targeting to bring 10 million students annually on the digital

platform, with two of its entities — Tata Sky and Tata ClassEdge — coming
together for the purpose.
 Also, this initiative marks Tata Sky‘s foray into education.
 Tata Sky, the group‘s digital platform has launched an education service Tata Sky
Classroom in association with Tata ClassEdge (which provides technology-based 1
education solutions to schools).
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 Through this initiative, interactive education service for students of class 5 to 8 is
being offered in Hindi and English to the 17 million subscribers of TataSky.
UCO BANK NOD FOR RAISING TIER-I CAPITAL
 UCO Bank stated its board has approved a proposal for raising Rs 4,243 crore Tier
I Capital through issue of bonds and equity shares.
 The Board of Directors of the bank at its meeting has approved the proposal for
raising of Tier I Capital to the tune of Rs 4,243 crore through issue of AT—1
Bonds, issue of equity shares through FPO/Preferential Issue/ESOPs/QIP etc.
CHINA FAILED TO MAKE IT TO THE MSCI INDEX
 Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), a widely-tracked global index

provider, stated it would not add China‘s local currency shares to its benchmark
emerging markets index.
 MSCI is the world‘s biggest index compiler, with more than $10 trillion in assets
benchmarked to its products.
 The Index is closely tracked by global investors.
 Inclusion in MSCI Inc.‘s stock indexes opens up investment interest from foreign
investors in a particular country and brings a stamp of financial credibility. For
instance, The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is tracked by money managers with
some $1.5 trillion of assets.
 MSCI stated investor concerns over the openness and transparency of Chinese
markets, despite years of reform, convinced the index provider that China‘s A
shares weren't ready for addition to the index.
FACEBOOK INKS DEALS WITH CELEBRITIES
 In a move to popularise video streaming feature Facebook Live among its 1.65
billion users, the social networking giant has signed deals with nearly 140 media
companies and celebrities to create videos.
 Facebook will pay over $50 million to video creators.
 Its partners include BuzzFeed, CNN, the New York Times, Vox Media, Mashable,
Huffington Post and celebrities like new-age guru Deepak Chopra, actor-comedian
Kevin Hart and top chef Gordon Ramsay.
TECH MAHINDRA ACQUIRES BIO

 Tech Mahindra, the country‘s fifth largest software exporter, has acquired the U.K.-
based The BIO Agency (BIO), which specialises in digital transformation across
sectors such as retail, financial and travel, in an all-cash deal for an enterprise value
of up to 45 million pounds.
 The payment of 22 million pounds and the surplus cash (of 5 million pounds) will
be made upfront and the balance as deferred payments based on company
performance.
 The consideration is the enterprise value of 40 million pounds plus surplus cash not
exceeding 5 million pounds as at the completion date.
 Tech Mahindra will acquire 100% of shares in BPO. 1
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INMOBI FINED FOR TRACKING U.S. CONSUMERS WITHOUT CONSENT
 InMobi, a mobile advertising network start-up, will pay $950,000 (Rs.6.4 crore)
in civil penalties and implement a comprehensive privacy program to settle charges
by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an independent agency of the United
States government.
 FTC has charged the company for tracking the locations of hundreds of millions of
consumers – including children – without their knowledge or consent, to serve them
geo-targeted advertising.
 InMobi tracked the locations of hundreds of millions of consumers, including children,
without their consent, in many cases totally ignoring consumers‘ express privacy
preferences.
 This settlement ensures that InMobi will honour consumers‘ privacy choices in the
future, and will be held accountable for keeping their privacy promises.
RCOM TO CLOSE $6 BN AIRCEL MERGER SOON
 Reliance Communications (RCom) is likely to sign a binding pact soon with Aircel for
a $6 billion merger, with the combined entity likely to displace Idea Cellular from the
third position.
 Reliance currently holds the fourth position in the pecking order led by Airtel and
followed by Vodafone.
UNITED INDIA INSURANCE TO GO IN FOR PRICE RATIONALISATION
 United India Insurance Company Ltd. has decided to go in for rationalisation of
product pricing to improve profitability.
 A combination of factors such as wage arrears-related outgo and losses due to
unprecedented floods in Chennai late last year had seen its profit after tax slip to
Rs.221 crore in 2015-16 from Rs.300 crore in the year-earlier period.
 The focus this year would be on improving both the bottom and top lines.
 Right pricing of assorted risks was a key to this objective.
TATA SONS TOLD TO PAY $1.17 BN TO NTT DOCOMO BY COURT
 The London Court of Arbitration has ordered Tata Sons, the promoter of the major
operating Tata companies, to pay Japan's largest mobile phone firm NTT DOCOMO $
1.17 billion in compensation for breaching an agreement on an Indian joint
venture.
 In January 2015, NTT DOCOMO Inc., a unit of Japan‘s Nippon Telegraph and
Telephone Corp., had filed a request with the court against Tata Group holding
company Tata Sons, claiming the latter failed to fulfil its obligation ―despite
DOCOMO‘s repeated negotiations‖ to find a buyer for DOCOMO‘s entire stake in its
telecommunications arm Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL).
 The award orders that Tata Sons pay damages to DOCOMO in the amount of
approximately $1,172 million for Tata Sons' breach of the shareholders agreement,
upon DoCoMo's tender of its entire stake in TTSL to Tata Sons or its designee.
 Under the terms of the shareholders agreement between NTT DOCOMO and Tata
Sons, NTT DOCOMO on July 7, 2014 exercised its right to request that a suitable 1
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buyer be found to purchase its TTSL shares for 50% of the acquired price, amounting
to $ 1.17 billion, or a fair market value, whichever is higher
 Japan‘s largest communications service provider entered India in March 2009 by
acquiring the stake in Tata Teleservices for $2.7 billion after the Indian telco was
granted a dual-technology licence that allowed CDMA-based operators to offer rival
GSM-based services as well.
SUZLON COMMISSIONS 4.2 MW WIND PROJECT
 Wind turbine maker Suzlon Group announced the completion and commissioning of
its 4.20 MW maiden wind project for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
 The project, located at Nakhatrana, Kutch, comprises of two units of Suzlon‘s latest
product variant, S97 120 meter hybrid tower wind turbine.
 The project will help in offsetting 9,000 tonnes CO2 emissions annually.
 S97 120 meter is the world‘s tallest all-steel hybrid tower which ensures 12-15%
higher energy yield and further enables viability of sub—optimal wind sites.
ARSS INFRA WINS RS.44 CR CONTRACT FROM RAILWAYS
 ARSS Infrastructure Projects stated its joint venture has won a Rs.44 crore order
from the Indian Railways for earthwork in Odisha.
PACT FOR GAS-BASED FERTILIZER PLANT SIGNED


The Krishnapatnam port area in the State is all set to have another major
industry.
The Andhra Pradesh Government has succeeded in convincing Chinese major,
Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Corporation (HQCEC) for setting up a
gas-based fertilizer plant near the Krishnapatnam port.
 The proposed plant, with an estimated investment of Rs. 10,183 crore, would be
executed by the HQCEC in association with Malaysia-based Isomeric Holdings and
LEPL Ventures of the State.
TATA COMM TO SELL NEOTEL FOR $428 MN
 Tata Communications has sold its majority stake in South African Internet-service
provider Neotel Pty Ltd. to telecommunications firm Econet Wireless Global for
$293 million (about Rs.1,992 crore).
 Liquid Telecom, majority owned by Econet Wireless Global, entered into an
agreement to acquire Neotel.

 It will pay Tata Communications and minority shareholders led Nexus Connexion
6.55 billion rand ($428 million) to create the continent‘s largest broadband
network and business-to-business telecommunications service.
 Tata Communications had acquired 68.5% controlling stake in Neotel in 2009.
AMAZON TO TRAIN 25,000 IN CLOUD TECHNOLOGY
 Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is one of the biggest providers of cloud
services globally, has signed an MoU with State-owned National Institute of 1
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Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to educate 25,000 people in
cloud computing in two years.
 The students would be provided free access to more than 50 services of AWS
programmes.
 Further, about 250 NIELIT faculties will be provided free access to AWS services.
 AWS CEO is Andy Jassy.
BSE GETS SHAREHOLDERS NOD FOR IPO
 BSE‘s shareholders have approved the proposed initial public offer (IPO) of the stock
exchange through an offer for sale (OFS).
 Approval of initial public offering of equity shares of BSE was ―passed unanimously‖.
STAR INDIA BAGS RIGHTS FOR FRENCH OPEN
 Countrys leading broadcaster Star India bagged exclusive broadcasting rights for
the next five French Open from 2017 to 2021.
 Under this contract, which includes media and digital rights, Star India will become
Roland-Garros exclusive media partner for India and the Indian subcontinent
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).
 Star India will offer extensive coverage of the full 15 days of the tournament, and
all of the French Tennis Federations (FFT) on-ground initiatives in the region.
SOFTBANK TO SELL PART OF ITS STAKE IN ALIBABA FOR $7.9 BN
 Japanese mobile carrier SoftBank will sell at least $7.9 billion of its stake in Chinese
e-commerce giant Alibaba as it looks to pay down a whopping debt load.
 The move will reduce SoftBank‘s 32.2% holding in the Chinese company to about
28% with the sale, it stated, adding that proceeds would be earmarked to pay down
debts.
PFC ACQUIRES 23% STAKE IN SHREE MAHESHWAR HYDEL POWER CORP
 In the wake of loan default worth Rs. 700 crore, Power Finance Corp has acquired
over 23% stake in Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power Corp by invoking pledged
shares and partially converting debt into equity.
 Upon invocation of pledged shares and partial conversion of sub debt, the total
shareholding of PFC (Power Finance Corporation) in Shree Maheshwar Hydel Power
Corporation Ltd (SMHPCL) stands 13,18,46,779 equity shares of Rs. 10 each
representing 23.32% of paid up equity share capital of SMHPCL.
BMW INDIA FINANCE & ICICI LOMBARD FORM TIE UP
 BMW India Financial Services announced a tie up with ICICI Lombard General
Insurance to offer motor insurance for BMW customers.
 BMW India Financial Services offers insurance solutions (as corporate agents) to
its customers through its cooperation partners — Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and
ICICI Lombard General Insurance.
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SEBI BEGINS AUCTION PROCESS OF SAHARA LANDS
 Tasked by markets regulator SEBI to sell land parcels of Sahara, HDFC Realty will e-
auction five properties owned by the beleaguered group at a reserve price of Rs
722 crore.
 HDFC Realty has been asked to auction a total of 31 land parcels at Rs 2,400 crore,
while SBI Cap has been tasked to auction another 30 land properties with an
estimated market value of about Rs 4,100 crore.
 The Securities and Exchange Board of India roped in HDFC Realty and SBI Cap after
being asked by the Supreme Court to initiate the process of selling Sahara
properties whose titles have been deposited with it by the group.
 Following a go-ahead from the court, the two entities have put in place a mechanism
to auction these properties.
BSE TO START ONLINE BIDDING PLATFORM FOR SGBS
 BSE, Asia‘s oldest bourse, has received the Reserve Bank approval to start an online
bidding platform for Sovereign Gold Bond scheme.
 SGBs — government securities denominated in grams of gold — offer an alternative
to holding gold in physical form.
 The bond is issued by RBI on behalf of government and investors can apply for the
bonds at the price as disseminated by the central bank.
 The exchange plans to offer an online bidding platform for collecting bids from
members and their clients for the SGB issue.
 This bidding platform is part of the iBBS (Internet-based Book Building System)
— exchange‘s existing web-based online bidding platform for IPO, Offer for Sale, and
offer to buy issues.
INDIA POST RELEASES AMAZON INDIA MY STAMP
 India Post released a My Stamp with Amazon India, to commemorate three years
of its tie-up with the website and celebrate the e-commerce marketplace‘s third
anniversary in the country.
 India Post is one of the prime delivery channels of Amazon India.
 Using the extensive network of India Post, Amazon services customers in over
19,000 pin-codes through 1,55,000 post offices.
REFINERS CLINCH DEAL TO RESTART DIESEL BUY

 State-owned IOC, BPCL and HPCL have struck a temporary deal with Reliance
Industries and Essar Oil to resume buying petrol and diesel from private refiners
on revised terms.
 Short of own production, state refiners Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum
Corp (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) buy about 12 million tonnes of
diesel annually from Jamnagar refineries of RIL and the Vadinar unit of Essar.
 The arrangement, however, broke down earlier this year, with the private refiners
seeking a better deal.
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3 FOREIGN RE-INSURERS SET TO GET IRDA APPROVAL
 The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) is likely to

accord final approval to three foreign re-insurers to set up onshore branches for
starting direct operations.
 Four foreign re-reinsurance players — Germany‘s Munich Re and Hannover Re,
Switzerland‘s Swiss Re and France‘s SCOR — have already got the preliminary
approval, called R1 in the insurance parlance.
 The final approvals will formally open up the Indian market for major foreign re-
insurers to carry out direct business.
 Foreign re-insurers have so far been operating in India through offshore sites.
AIRBUS FINALIZES DEAL TO BUILD HELICOPTERS IN CHINA
 Airbus Helicopters (AIR.PA), the world's largest supplier of commercial

helicopters, finalised an agreement to build an assembly line in China as part of a
deal to sell 100 H135 helicopters to a local consortium.
 The factory will be located in the Sino-German Ecopark in the coastal city of
Qingdao, and is expected to start operations in 2018 with a capacity of 36 units a
year.
 China is opening up its low-level airspace to civilian aircraft, and the global aviation
industry is laying the groundwork for a boom beyond private business jets with the
purchase of helicopters that is likely to include fleets of air ambulances.
 The light twin-engined H135 is already used in China for medical services and

police surveillance.
Airbus Helicopters sees demand for 3,000-5,000 helicopters in China over the next
20 years.
NTPC TRADES SURPLUS POWER AT IEX FOR THE FIRST TIME
 In a first, state-run NTPC has traded surplus power from its four thermal power
stations including Vidhyanchal and Unchahar at the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX).
 Usually, generating stations offering cheaper power are fully scheduled by States.
 In case the state does not wish to utilise the power, the power remains
unrequisitioned and unsold.
 NTPC‘s installed capacity is 47,178 MW.
FPI LIMIT IN YES BANK HIKED TO 74%

 The Reserve Bank of India has notified the increase in the limits of foreign portfolio
investors in YES Bank from 60% to 74% under the portfolio investment scheme.
DUBAI FIRM CREATES WORLD‘S MOST EXPENSIVE CAR TYRES
 Embedded with 24-carat gold and specially selected diamonds, a set of four tyres
made by an NRI-owned firm here was sold for more than ₹4 crore, setting the
Guinness world record for most expensive set of car tyres.
 The first and only set of tyres of this kind, the gold-plated tyres was developed by Z
Tyres in Dubai. 1
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AIRASIA PARTNERS WITH LATEST RAJINIKANTH FILM
 AirAsia, a low-cost airline, has signed up as official airline partner for the feature
film Kabali, starring superstar Rajinikanth.
 With the movie script requiring an airline to be featured in the film, AirAsia
aircraft was used in a few sequences, stated a spokesperson for AirAsia India.
 AirAsia will have customised in-flight menu to promote the movie and sell Kabali-
themed in-flight merchandise. A couple of other promotions are being planned
around the release of the movie, she stated.
 In the past, AirAsia was associated with a few movies such as 3, Samar, Neram and
Maan Karate.
UBER ENTERS INTO PACT WITH TATA GROUP
 Tech-based car hailing company Uber has entered into an agreement with Tata
group to help its drivers own Indica and Indigo cars with less hassle.
 While Tata Capital Financial Services and Tata Motors Finance will offer loans at
"competitive'‘ interest rates, ‗affordable‘ insurance would be offered by Tata AIG as
a package.
 Started off in Hyderabad, the scheme will be rolled out in other cities where Uber
runs its services.
 Over the next one year, the initiative endeavours to fuel micro-entrepreneurship
across India by enabling over 20,000 drivers to start their own business on the Uber
platform.
IISL LAUNCHES NIFTY 50 FUTURES INDEX
 India Index Services and Products Ltd, an NSE group company, has launched a
new index to reflect the performance of Nifty 50 futures contracts.
 Nifty 50 is the most actively traded index on F&O segment of NSE.
 The Nifty 50 futures index will gradually roll over to the next available contract, three
days prior to expiry day.
 The base date of the index is April 1, 2005 and base value is 1000.
 The index shall have two versions namely - price return and total return.
 The price return version of the index shall measure the price returns of Nifty 50
futures traded on the NSE.
 The total return version measures the price returns from Nifty 50 futures and
investment returns based on 30-day MIBOR.
 The index will be maintained by IISL and calculated on an end-of-day basis.
MICROSOFT LAUNCHES CENTRE FOR OIL AND GAS IN DUBAI
 Microsoft has opened its largest centre of excellence for the oil & gas industry in
Dubai, to assist organisations in the sector drive digital transformation, cut costs and
optimisation of their operations.
 The new centre will help companies in the sector take advantage of the latest trends
such as the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced analytics, modern productivity and
cloud computing using Microsoft technologies like Microsoft Azure and Office 365.
 It is the largest such centre for Microsoft globally. 1
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BOEING, TATA TO ESTABLISH AEROSPACE FACILITY NEAR HYDERABAD
 Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems have laid the foundation of a new facility in
Hyderabad for its joint venture TATA Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL).
 The joint venture has been established to co-produce Boeing AH-64 Apache
helicopter fuselages and other aerostructures, as well as to pursue integrated
systems in aerospace.
 The Hyderabad production facility will eventually be the sole producer of AH-64
fuselages globally. The Apache has been flown or selected for acquisition by the US
and 15 other nations, including India.
 In November 2015, Boeing and Tata announced a joint venture for manufacturing
aero-structures and collaboration on integrated systems development opportunities
in India.
 This joint venture will create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce
aero-structures for the AH-64 Apache and provide affordable manufacturing
capabilities to the global aerospace industry.
MPHASIS-BLACKSTONE DEAL GETS CCI NOD
 The Competition Commission of India has cleared Blackstone‘s deal to buy a stake
in Mphasis from HP Enterprise.
 The acquisition will be made through Marble II Pte, part of Blackstone group.
 In April, Blackstone had stated that it will buy out 50% stake of HP Enterprise in
Mphasis for up to ₹7,071 crore ($1.1 billion), making it the largest IT deal for the
US-based firm in India.
NSE ARM LAUNCHES OVERNIGHT LENDING INDEX
 The Nifty 1D Rate index has been launched by NSE group company India Index
Services & Products (IISL), offering a benchmark for funds which undertake
overnight lending in the money market.
 The index is designed to reflect the returns generated by market participants lending
in the overnight market and uses the ‗Collateralised Borrowing and Lending
Obligation (CBLO)‘ overnight rate for computation of index values.
 The base date of the index is January 3, 2011, and base value is 1,000.
 The index will be maintained by IISL and calculated on an end-of-day basis.
 The Nifty 1D Rate index can be used for launch of financial products, such as
exchange traded fund and structured products.
COURT APPROVES ADVANTA MERGER WITH UPL
 The High Court of Gujarat has approved the merger of Advanta with its promoter
UPL.
 The merger would come into effect after a copy of the order is filed with the
Registrar of Companies at Ahmedabad.
 While UPL manufactures agrochemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical
intermediaries and speciality chemicals in India, Advanta is an agricultural research
and development company.
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JAPAN REGULATOR APPROVES CANON DEAL TO BUY TOSHIBA UNIT
 Japan's anti-monopoly regulator has approved Canon Inc's (7751.T) acquisition of

Toshiba Corp's (6502.T) medical equipment unit.
 Toshiba, hurt by an accounting scandal and in a hurry to raise cash before closing its
books for the business year that ended in March, structured the 665.5 billion yen
($6.5 billion) sale in an unorthodox way so that it could book proceeds before
securing approval from regulators.
MARUTI SUZUKI INKS PACT WITH AP TO SET UP DRIVING INSTITUTE
 Maruti Suzuki India Limited has signed a MOU with Andhra Pradesh Government
to set up, manage and run Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research at
Venkatachalam in Darsi, Prakasham district.
 Set up under the public private partnership (PPP) model, this will be Maruti Suzuki‘s
first such school in South India.
 The company plans to collaborate with various Government departments to promote
road safety and driving as an employment opportunity among tribal youth.
 The automotive major started its journey of imparting safe driving in 2000 with the
launch of country first such centre under the PPP mode with the Delhi Government.
 It now manages six such centres in Delhi (2), Haryana (2), Uttarakhand (1), and
Gujarat (1) and another centre is under construction in Aurangabad in Bihar.
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ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
FIRST SIGNS OF HEALING IN THE ANTARCTIC OZONE LAYER
 Scientists at MIT and elsewhere have identified the "first fingerprints of healing" of
the Antarctic ozone layer.
 The team found that the September ozone hole has shrunk by more than 4
million square kilometers -- about half the area of the contiguous United States --
since 2000, when ozone depletion was at its peak.
 The team also showed for the first time that this recovery has slowed somewhat at
times, due to the effects of volcanic eruptions from year to year. Overall, however,
the ozone hole appears to be on a healing path.
 The authors used "fingerprints" of the ozone changes with season and altitude to
attribute the ozone's recovery to the continuing decline of atmospheric chlorine
originating from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
 These chemical compounds were once emitted by dry cleaning processes, old
refrigerators, and aerosols such as hairspray.
 In 1987, virtually every country in the world signed on to the Montreal Protocol in a
concerted effort to ban the use of CFCs and repair the ozone hole.
 The ozone hole was first discovered using ground-based data that began in the
1950s. Around the mid-1980s, scientists from the British Antarctic survey noticed
that the October total ozone was dropping.
 From then on, scientists worldwide typically tracked ozone depletion using October

measurements of Antarctic ozone.
Ozone is sensitive not just to chlorine, but also to temperature and sunlight.
Chlorine eats away at ozone, but only if light is present and if the atmosphere is
cold enough to create polar stratospheric clouds on which chlorine chemistry can
occur -- a relationship that Solomon was first to characterize in 1986.
 Measurements have shown that ozone depletion starts each year in late August, as
Antarctica emerges from its dark winter, and the hole is fully formed by early
October.
NASA FINDS 39 UNREPORTED SOURCES OF POLLUTION
 Using a new satellite-based method, NASA scientists have located 39 unreported and
major human-made sources of toxic sulphur dioxide emissions.
 The unreported emission sources, found in the analysis of satellite data from 2005 to
2014, are clusters of coal-burning power plants, smelters, oil and gas operations –
found notably in West Asia, but also in Mexico and parts of Russia.
 In addition, reported emissions from known sources in these regions were, in some
cases, two to three times lower than satellite-based estimates.
 Altogether, unreported and under-reported sources account for about 12% of all
human-made emissions of sulphur dioxide — a discrepancy that can have a large
impact on regional air quality.
 Sulphur dioxide is a known health hazard and cause of acid rain. Currently, sulphur
dioxide-monitoring activities include the use of emission inventories that are derived
from ground-based measurements and factors, such as fuel usage. 1
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‗GANGOTRI GLACIER RETREATED BY 3 KM IN TWO CENTURIES‘
 Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier, named after its shape like the mouth of
a cow, has retreated by over 3 kilometres since 1817, says glaciologist Milap
Chand Sharma of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
 It was nearly two centuries ago that the retreat of the glacier was first documented
by John Hodgson, a Survey of India geologist.
 With 10 Indian States reeling under drought and the country facing a severe
water crisis after two weak monsoons, the story of retreating freshwater sources
such as the Himalayan glaciers is worrying.
 And though a three-kilometre retreat over a period of two centuries might seem
insignificant at first glance, data shows that the rate of retreat has increased sharply
since 1971. The rate of retreat is 22 metres per year.
 The retreat points to lesser ice formation each year than its current rate of
melting, a process that is continuing, say scientists at the National Institute of
Hydrology, Roorkee.
SCIENTISTS TURN CO {-2} INTO ROCK TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
 Scientists have turned carbon dioxide into stone in a matter of months by

pumping it deep underground, offering a revolutionary new way of storing the
greenhouse gas to tackle climate change.
 The pioneering experiment in Iceland mixed CO{-2} emissions with water and
pumped it hundreds of metres underground into volcanic basalt rock — where it

rapidly turned into a solid.
The Carbfix project at Iceland‘s Hellisheidi plant — the world‘s largest
geothermal facility, which powers Reykjavik — sought to solidify the CO2.
 The plant produces 40,000 tons of CO{-2}a year — just five percent of the
emissions of a similarly sized coal plant, but still significant. In 2012, they began
pumping 250 tons of CO{-2}mixed with water underground.
 Scientists had feared it could take hundreds or even thousands of years for the
mildly acidic liquid to solidify. But 95% of the injected mixture — which they had
tagged with tracer chemicals in order to check it didn‘t leak out — had became
chalky white stone within two years.
 Encouraged by the success, the company has scaled up the project and from this
summer will be burying some 10,000 tonnes of CO{-2}each year.
 A 2014 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that
without carbon sequestration technology, adequately limiting global warming
could prove impossible.
CO {-2} LEVELS INCREASE IN SOUTH POLE IN ALL-TIME HIGH
 Carbon dioxide levels have surpassed 400 parts per million (ppm) at the South
Pole for the first time in four million years, according to U.S. scientists.
 The South Pole has shown the same, relentless upward trend in CO{-2}as the rest
of world, but its remote location means it is the last to register the impacts of
increasing emissions from fossil fuel consumption, the primary driver of greenhouse
gas pollution.
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 The far southern hemisphere was the last place on Earth where CO{-2}had not yet
reached this mark,‖ stated scientist of US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)‘s Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network.
 Over the course of the year, CO {-2} levels rise during fall and winter and decline
during summer in the Northern Hemisphere, as terrestrial plants consume CO {-2}
during photosynthesis.
 However, plants only capture a fraction of annual CO{-2}emissions. For every year
since observations began in 1958, there has been more CO{-2}in the atmosphere
than the year before.
 Last year‘s global CO{-2}average reached 399 ppm, meaning that the global
average in 2016 will almost certainly surpass 400 ppm.
 The only question is whether the lowest month for 2016 will also remain above 400
ppm. The annual rate of increase appears to be accelerating.
 The annual growth rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide measured at NOAA‘s Mauna
Loa Observatory in Hawaii jumped 3.05 ppm during 2015, the largest year-to-
year increase in 56 years of monitoring.
NILGIRI WOOD PIGEON REAPPEARS AFTER 27 YEARS
 Birdwatchers from the nature lovers‘ forum Warblers and Waders, along with Forest
Department officers, had a pleasant surprise during their annual Induchudan
commemoration bird-watching camp in the Arippa Ammayambalam Pacha
reserve forest area bordering Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.
 Nilgiri wood pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), an endemic and threatened bird

species of the Western Ghats, was sighted at Arippa after a gap of 27 years. The last
sighting was in 1989.
The Nilgiri wood pigeon is a forest bird of the higher elevation shola forests of the
Western Ghats.
TROPICAL STORM COLIN THREATENS FLORIDA
 A tropical depression threatening Florida and parts of the southeastern United States
with severe thunderstorms was upgraded to tropical storm Colin by the US
National Hurricane Center.
 The storm is expected to hit Florida's Gulf Coast, with rain having drenched parts
of the southeastern United States.
MAY 2016 HOTTEST ON RECORD: NASA

 Global temperature records were broken yet again in May this year, according to data
released by NASA, which also found that the northern hemisphere witnessed the
hottest spring ever.
 The heat has been especially pronounced in the Arctic, resulting in a very early onset
of the annual melting of the Arctic sea ice and the Greenland ice sheet. Snow
cover in the northern hemisphere was exceptionally low.
 The record temperatures in May were accompanied by other extreme events,
including very heavy precipitation in parts of Europe and the southern US, and
widespread and severe coral reef bleaching.
 The strong El Nino — which has now dissipated — fuelled the high temperatures 1
witnessed so far in 2016.
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 However, the underlying cause of global warming remains greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere due to human activities, according to the World Meteorological
Organisation.
RARE GIANT PANDA BORN IN BELGIUM
 A giant panda has given birth in a Belgian zoo, a rare event for an endangered
species that numbers fewer than 2,000 worldwide.
 The male cub was born overnight at the Paira Daiza wildlife park to six-year-old
Hao Hao and her mate Xing Hui.
 World nature organisation WWF says a survey in 2014 found only 1,864 giant
pandas living in the wild, almost double the numbers in the late 1970s and 17% up
in a decade.
 As part of efforts to save the species, which has been hit hard by human
encroachment on the highlands where they survive almost entirely on a diet of
bamboo, more than 300 pandas now live in zoos, mostly in China.
CARBON DIOXIDE HITS RECORD HIGHS IN SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
 Last month, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) as measured at

Amsterdam Island, in the southern Indian Ocean, for the first time exceeded the
symbolic value of 400 ppm, or 0.04%.
 The CO2 concentrations recorded at the Amsterdam Island research station is the
lowest in the world (excluding seasonal cycles), due to the island's remoteness

from anthropogenic sources.
The 400 ppm threshold was already crossed in the Northern hemisphere during
the 2012/2013 winter.
 In addition, the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is speeding up, growing by more
than 2 ppm annually over the past four years.
 Due to its remote location, the air in Amsterdam Island is among the cleanest in
the world, with the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations (excluding seasonal
variations in the Northern hemisphere where, every summer, the amount of CO2 in
the atmosphere falls due to periodic absorption by plants).
 It has become a reference site for atmospheric chemistry in the Southern
hemisphere and is one of the thirty stations in the WMO3 global network for
atmospheric composition monitoring.
EL NINO DRIVES FASTEST ANNUAL INCREASE ON RECORD OF CARBON DIOXIDE

 The human-caused rise in atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is being given

an extra boost this year by the natural climate phenomena of El Niño, say climate
scientists.
 As a result, 2016 will be the first year with concentrations above 400 parts per
million all year round in the iconic Mauna Loa carbon dioxide record.
 The atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is rising year-on-year due to human
emissions, but this year it is getting an extra boost due to the recent El Niño event
-- changes in the sea-surface temperature of the tropical Pacific Ocean.
 This warms and dries tropical ecosystems, reducing their uptake of carbon, and
exacerbating forest fires. 1
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NASA SATELLITE FINDS UNREPORTED SOURCES OF TOXIC AIR POLLUTION
 Using a new satellite-based method, scientists at NASA, Environment and Climate

Change Canada, and two universities have located 39 unreported and major
human-made sources of toxic sulfur dioxide emissions.
 A known health hazard and contributor to acid rain, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of
six air pollutants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
 Current, sulfur dioxide monitoring activities include the use of emission inventories
that are derived from ground-based measurements and factors, such as fuel usage.
 The 39 unreported emission sources, found in the analysis of satellite data from
2005 to 2014, are clusters of coal-burning power plants, smelters, oil and gas
operations found notably in the Middle East, but also in Mexico and parts of
Russia.
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LAWS & RULES
TWO DRAFT WATER BILLS RELEASED FOR PUBLIC OPINION
 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has

uploaded the two draft bill related to water on its website of seeking public opinion
and views.
 The Draft National Water Framework Bill provides an overarching national
legal framework based on principles for protection, conservation, regulation and
management of water as a vital and stressed natural resource, under which
legislation and executive action on water at all levels of governance can take place.
 The Draft Ground Water Model Bill is based on the principles of subsidarity,
equitable distribution in an integrated approach. The State should act as a public
trustee of ground water, which should be treated as a common pool resource to
make sure that groundwater is protected, conserved, regulated and managed.
THE CENTRAL PORT AUTHORITIES ACT 2016
 The Ministry of Shipping has prepared a draft bill ‗The Central Port Authorities Act‘
2016 ‘ to replace the ‗Major Port Trust Act, 1963‘.
 This step is being taken keeping in view the need to give more autonomy and
flexibility to the Major Ports and to bring in a professional approach in their
governance.
The salient features of the new Bill are:
 Composition of board has been simplified. The board will consist of 9 members
including 3 to 4 independent members instead of 17-19 under the Port Trust Model.
 A provision has been made for inclusion of 3 functional heads of Major Port as
Members in the Board apart from a Government Nominee Member and a Labour
Nominee Member. (Section 3(2)).
 The disqualification of the appointment of the Members of the Board, duties of the
Members and provision of the meetings of the Board through video conferencing and
other visual means have been introduced on the lines of Companies Act, 2013.
(section 5,10 & 12)
 Port related and non-port related use of land has been defined. A distinction has
been made between these two usages in terms of approval of leases. The Port
Authorities are empowered to lease land for Port related use for upto 40 years and
for non-port related use upto 20 years beyond which the approval of the Central
Government is required. (Section 21)
 The need for Government approvals for raising loans, appointment of consultants ,
execution of contracts and creation of service posts have been dispensed with. The
Board of Port Authority have been delegated power to raise loans and issue security
for the purpose of capital expenditure and working capital requirement. (Section 30)
 The provision for maintenance of books of account and financial statements in
accordance with the accounting standards notified under the Companies Act, 2013 or
as prescribed by Central Government has been provided. (Section 44) 1
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 Concept of internal audit of the functions and activities of the Central Ports has
been introduced on the lines of Companies Act, 2015 (Section 25)
 The Board of the Port Authority has been delegated the power to fix the scale of
rates for service and assets. The regulation to tariff by TAMP has been removed.
(Section 25)
 An independent Review Board has been proposed to be created to carry out the
residual function of the erstwhile TAMP for Major Ports, to look into disputes between
ports and PPP concessionaries, to review stressed PPP projects and suggest measures
to review stressed PPP projects and suggest measures to revive such projects and to
look into complaints regarding services rendered by the ports/private operators
operating within the ports would be constituted.
 At present, there is no independent body to look into the above aspects and the
Review Board will reduce the extent of litigation between PPP Operators and Ports.
(Section 59)
 Power of Central Govt. to take over the control of the Port Authority is limited to the
event of grave emergency or in case of persistent default by Port Authority in
performance of their duties. (Section 53)
 Provisions of CSR & development of infrastructure by Port Authority have been
introduced. (Section 65)
 The status of Port Authority will be deemed as ‗local authority‘ under the provisions
of the General Clauses Act, 1887 & other applicable Statutes so that it could prepare
appropriate regulations in respect of the area within the port limits to the exclusion
of any Central, State of local laws. (Section 66).
MODEL SHOPS AND ESTABLISHMENTS (REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) BILL, 2016
 The Union Cabinet has considered the Model Shops and Establishment (Regulation of
Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2016.
 The Bill will now be sent to States/UTs to enable them to modify their individual Acts,
if they so desire either by adopting the said Bill as it is or after modifying its
provisions as per their requirements.
The main features of the draft model Bill:-
 It will cover only establishments employing ten or more workers except

manufacturing units.
 The Bill provides for freedom to operate 365 days in a year and opening/closing
time of establishment.
 Women to be permitted during night shift, if the provision of shelter, rest room
ladies toilet, adequate protection of their dignity and transportation etc. exists.
 No discrimination against women in the matter of recruitment, training, transfer or
promotions.
 Online one common Registration through a simplified procedure.
 Powers of Government to make rules regarding adequate measures to be taken by
the employer for the safety and health of workers.
 Clean and safe drinking water.
 Lavatory, creche, first aid and canteen by group of establishments, in case, it is not
possible due to constraint in space or otherwise by individual establishment. 1
 Five paid festival holidays in addition to national holidays etc.
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 Exemption of highly skilled workers (for example workers employed in IT,
Biotechnology and R&D division) from daily working hours of 9 hours and weekly
working hours of 48 hours subject to maximum 125 over-time hours in a quarter.
 The Model Bill would bring about uniformity in the legislative provisions, making it
easier for all the States to adopt it and thereby ensuring uniform working conditions
across the country and facilitate the ease of doing business and generate
employment opportunities.
PREZIDENT REFUSES ASSENT TO DELHI BILL
 President Pranab Mukherjee has refused to give assent to a legislation that protects
21 party MLAs, who have been appointed Parliamentary Secretaries and face the
prospect of disqualification.
 Petitions have been filed with the President seeking disqualification of these MLAs on
the ground that they occupied office of profit, violating constitutional provisions.
 Acting as a quasi judicial body, the Election Commission, to whom the President
referred the issue, had sought replies of the MLAs.
 The Delhi Government had sought an amendment to the Delhi Members of
Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997.
 Through the Bill, the AAP government wanted ―retrospective‖ exemption for the
parliamentary secretaries from disqualification provisions.
 The Bill was forwarded by Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to the Centre which, in turn,
sent it to the President with its comments.
 After examining the issue, the President has not given his assent to the Bill.
 On March 13, 2015, Mr. Kejriwal had passed an order appointing the 21 party MLAs
as Parliamentary Secretaries.
THE ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST AND RECOVERY OF DEBT LAWS

AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2016
 The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debt Laws and Miscellaneous
Provisions (Amendment) Bill, 2016 has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary
Committee.
 It seeks to amend four laws: (i) Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial
Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI), (ii) Recovery of
Debts due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (RDDBFI), (iii) Indian Stamp
Act, 1899 and (iv) Depositories Act, 1996.
 Amendments to the SARFAESI Act: The SARFAESI Act allows secured creditors to
take possession over collateral, against which a loan had been provided, upon a
default in repayment. This process is undertaken with the assistance of the District
Magistrate, and does not require the intervention of courts or tribunals. The Bill
provides that this process will have to be completed within 30 days by the District
Magistrate.
 In addition, the Bill empowers the District Magistrate to assist banks in taking
over the management of a company, in case the company is unable to repay loans.
This will be done in case the banks convert their outstanding debt into equity shares,
and consequently hold a stake of 51% or more in the company.
 The Act creates a central registry to maintain records of transactions related to
secured assets. The Bill creates a central database to integrate records of property 1
registered under various registration systems with this central registry. This includes
2
integration of registrations made under Companies Act, 2013, Registration Act, 1908
and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
 The Bill provides that secured creditors will not be able to take possession over the
collateral unless it is registered with the central registry. Further, these creditors,
after registration of security interest, will have priority over others in repayment of
dues.
 The Act empowered the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to examine the statements
and any information of Asset Reconstruction Companies related to their business.
The Bill further empowers the RBI to carry out audit and inspection of these
companies. The RBI may penalise a company if the company fails to comply with
any directions issued by it.
 The Bill provides that stamp duty will not be charged on transactions undertaken
for transfer of financial assets in favour of asset reconstruction companies. Financial
assets include loans and collaterals.
 Amendments to the RDDBFI Act: The RDDBFI Act established Debt Recovery
Tribunals and Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals. The Bill increases the retirement
age of Presiding Officers of Debt Recovery Tribunals from 62 years to 65 years.
Further, it increases the retirement age of Chairpersons of Appellate Tribunals from
65 years to 67 years. It also makes Presiding Officers and Chairpersons eligible for
reappointment to their positions.
 The Act provides that banks and financial institutions will be required to file cases
in tribunals having jurisdiction over the defendant‘s area of residence or business.
The Bill allows banks to file cases in tribunals having jurisdiction over the area of
bank branch where the debt is pending.
 The Bill provides that certain procedures under the Act will be undertaken in
electronic form. These include presentation of claims by parties and summons issued
by tribunals under the Act.
 The Bill provides further details of procedures that the tribunals will follow in case
of debt recovery proceedings. This includes the requirement of applicants to specify
the assets of the borrower, which have been collateralised. The Bill also prescribes
time limits for the completion of some of these procedures.
GOVT WITHDRAWS DRUGS AND COSMETICS (AMENDMENT) BILL
 The Union Cabinet has decided to withdraw the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment)
Bill, 2013, which had been introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 29.08.2013.
 The Bill had been examined by the Standing Committee of Parliament which had
made a number of recommendations for changing the provisions of the Bill.
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JUDICIARY
ILLEGAL ARREST A BLOW TO INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY, SAYS SC
 Illegal use of state power to rob a person of her liberty is an assault on the citizen‘s
identity and constitutional right to dignity, the Supreme Court held in a judgment.
 In a scathing verdict against police excesses, the apex court details the conduct of a
Madhya Pradesh police team which went from Bhopal to Pune to arrest a woman
lawyer in her seventies and her doctor daughter.
 The 27-page judgment details how the mother-daughter duo, accused of fraud and
offences under the now extinct Section 66A of the Information Technology Act,
declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, were cruelly ill-treated by the
police team and later allegedly enticed to pay a bribe of Rs. 5 lakh to a senior police
officer to buy back their freedom.
 A Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and S.K. Singh narrated the women‘s story, in which
they were denied food and water, medical help for the mother, who was made to
sleep on the ―cold floor‖ of an unreserved train compartment during their transit from
Pune to Bhopal.
 Quashing the criminal case against the women, Justice Misra, who authored the
judgment for the Bench, ordered Madhya Pradesh to pay Rs. 5 lakh each as
compensation to the mother, an advocate of 36 years standing, and her daughter,
who is now pursuing her studies in the U.S. and runs an NGO in that country for
abused South Asian women.
 ―We are inclined to think that the dignity of the petitioners, a doctor and a practising
advocate has been seriously jeopardised. Dignity is the quintessential quality of a
personality for, it is a highly cherished value. It is also clear that liberty of the
petitioner was curtailed in violation of law,‖ the judgment observed.
U.S. COURT UPHOLDS NET NEUTRALITY RULES
 A U.S. appeals court panel upheld ―Open Internet‖ regulations that prohibit
broadband carriers from playing favourites or blocking competing online services.
 The so-called ―Net neutrality‖ rules, which aim to prevent a two-speed Internet,
won court approval after two past efforts failed.
 The U.S. Appeals Court panel in Washington dealt a setback to major broadband
firms like Verizon and AT&T, which claimed the rules unfairly restrict providers and
discourage investment.
 The ruling is a victory for consumer groups and others who argued that a handful
of Internet providers, without these rules, could effectively block or hamper big
online services like Netflix or smaller ones that compete with those backed by the
broadband provider.
 The new rule also applies the concept to mobile Internet carriers. The cable and
Internet providers, which contend the regulation limits their ability to invest and
innovate, could appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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SC ALLOWS DELHI TO BUY 110 DIESEL AMBULANCES
 In a partial relaxation of its blanket ban on fresh registration of diesel vehicles over
2000 CC in the National Capital, the Supreme Court allowed the Delhi government
to purchase 110 diesel-run ambulances.
 A Bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur, however rued the lack of initiative
on the part of the Centre to adopt suggestions made by an AIIMS experts‘ panel
on standardisation of ambulances.
 The panel had recommended prescribing of standards for ambulances such as patient
compartment, oxygen cylinders, first aid box, etc.
SC REFERS PLEA ON HOMOSEXUALITY TO CJI
 Chief Justice Thakur had then agreed to post a batch of curative petitions filed by
NGOs like Naz Foundation before a Constitution Bench.
 Justice Bobde referred the petition to Chief Justice Thakur, who will take a call on
whether it should be tagged along with the curative petitions and placed before a
Constitution Bench.
 In February, hearing the curative petitions, a Bench of the three senior-most judges
of the Supreme Court — Chief Justice Thakur and Justices Anil R. Dave and J.S.
Khehar — had acknowledged that Section 377 posed a threat to the rights to
privacy and dignity.
 Rebelling against its own procedural conventions in dealing with curative pleas, the
Supreme Court had indicated its openness to look at the constitutionality of Section
377 with new eyes.
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DEFENCE
EXERCISE DESERT EAGLE-II
 Desert Eagle II, which was the second in the series of bilateral exercises between
Indian Air Force (IAF) and United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE AF), concluded
on 03 Jun 2016.
 This was a 10-day air combat exercise in which the IAF and the UAE Air Force
undertook air exercises from Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi starting from 22 May
2016.
 It is pertinent to note that India and United Arab Emirates have strong bilateral
relations which date back to more than hundreds of years.
 Defence Co-operation between the two nations gained momentum after signing of
the ‗Agreement of Defence Co-operation‘ during the visit of the Chief of Staff of
UAE Armed Forces to India in 2003.
 Exercise Desert Eagle-II saw the IAF Su 30 MKI participating along with Mirage 2000-
9 and F-16 block 60 of the UAE Air Force.
 The Indian Air Force had participated previously in Desert Eagle I in 2008.
EXERCISE MALABAR – 2016
 In consonance with India‘s ‗Act East Policy‘ and growing relations among India, US
and Japan, IN ships Satpura, Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch are participating in the 20th
edition of Ex MALABAR-16 with the USN and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force
(JMSDF).
 IN and USN have regularly conducted the annual bilateral exercise named ‗MALABAR‘
since 1992.
 Since 2007, MALABAR has been held alternatively off India and in the Western
Pacific.
 The 19th edition of the exercise, Ex MALABAR-15, was conducted off Chennai and
included participation by the JMSDF.
 The 20th edition of the exercise, Ex MALABAR-16, was conducted with the
harbour phase at Sasebo and the sea phase in the Pacific Ocean.
 The primary aim of this exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three
navies and develop common understanding of procedures for Maritime Security
Operations.
ALL-WOMEN CREW SAILS INTO PORT LOUIS, MAURITUS
 Indian Navy‘s sail Boat INSV Mhadei sailed into Port Louis, Mauritius with the first
all-women crew.
 The Navy‘s famous sailing vessel Mhadei set sail from her home port, Goa, on 24
May 16 on this historic first open ocean voyage by an all-women crew on any
vessel of the Indian Navy.
 Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi, a Naval Architect, is the first woman Skipper of
Mhadei.
 The 2100 Nm voyage was covered by the crew in 20 days passing through rough 1
seas whipped up by the South West Monsoons.
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PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF FIRST ASSAM REGIMENT
 The First Battalion The Assam Regiment celebrated its 75th Raising Day
(Platinum Jubilee) with ceremonial fervor at Shimla, Himanchal Pradesh.
 The Battalion was raised on this very day in 15 June, 1941 and has had an
illustrious military history.
 It is one of the only units in the history of warfare to have been awarded six Battle
Honours, namely, JESSAMI (Nagaland), KOHIMA (Nagaland), ARADURA (Nagaland),
MAWLAIK (Burma), KYAUKMYAUNG (Burma) and TOUNGOO (Burma) and one
Theatre Award BURMA within a short span of three years of its raising.
 The Battalion is also proud recipient of Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation for its
role in combating terrorism on Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
NAVAL INSTITUTE CELEBRATES DIAMOND JUBILEE
 The Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), the premier Aviation

technical training establishment of the Indian Navy celebrated 60th anniversary on
17 Jun 16.
 NIAT, having been set up as the Naval Air Technical School (NATS) in the wake of
the induction of the amphibious Sea Landaircraft in 1956, has grown and evolved
over the years and can be countedamong the premier training establishments of the
country.
 The institute is recognised as a ‗Centre for Aeronautical Science and
Technology‘ by Cochin University with the offering of a host of academic
qualifications for courses conducted at the institute such as MTech, BSc, and Diploma
in Aeronautics etc.
TOXIC GAS LEAK INCIDENT ON INS VIKRAMADITYA
 An incident of gas leakage on board INS Vikramaditya took place, whilst the ship was
undergoing maintenance repairs at Karwar.
 Maintenance work was being undertaken in the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
compartment.
 The Navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Action has been taken to
render the compartment and area on the ship safe.
INDIA GETS FIRST WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS
 History was created as the first three women fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force
proudly brandished their stripes and wings, at the Combined Graduation Parade at
Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
 The vanguards of the IAF roared into the sky and smeared the sky with tricolor as
India joined the select few nations in the world that have women fighter pilots in
their Air Forces when Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi, Flying Officer Bhawana
Kanth and Flying Officer Mohana Singh were conferred with the President‘s
Commission.
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INDIAN WARSHIPS VISIT VLADIVOSTOK RUSSIA
 In a demonstration of India‘s commitment to longstanding India-Russia Strategic

Partnership and Indian Navy‘s increasing footprint and operational reach, Indian
Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch arrived at Vladivostok.
 During the visit, the IN ships will have professional interactions with the Russian
Navy aimed at enhancing co-operation between the two forces.
‗EXERCISE JALRAHAT‘ IN ASSAM
 The three day long ‗Exercise Jalrahat‘ a National Level exercise for Flood Relief in
an urban setting was conducted in Guwahati.
 The Exercise JALRAHAT is a joint initiative taken by the Assam State Govt and
the Armed Forces that is being led by GAJRAJ Corps with full support from HQ
Eastern Command.
CADRE REVIEW OF CENTRAL RESERVE POLICE FORCE
 The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the
Cadre Review of Group 'A' Executive officers of Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) with net creation of 90 posts of various ranks from Deputy Commandant to
Special DG ranks.
 Under the cadre review, the increase in existing structure of Group 'A' posts from
4210 to 4300 posts is as under:-
 Increase of one post of Special DG (HAG + level).
 Net increase of 11 posts of Inspector General (SAG level).
 Net increase of 277 posts of DIG/Commandant/2-l/C (JAG level).
 Net reduction of 199 posts of Deputy Commandants (STS level).
 The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is one of the Central Armed Police
Forces. It was formed in 1939.
 The first Cadre Review of the service was conducted in 1983 and the second and last
Cadre Review was conducted in 1991.
VARUNASTRA TORPEDO HANDED OVER TO INDIAN NAVY
 The Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar handed over ―Varunastra – a Ship

Launched Heavy Weight Torpedo‖, also known as underwater missile to the
Indian Navy in a befitting ceremony.
 Varunastra has been developed by NSTL, a premier DRDO laboratory based at
Visakhapatnam.
 M/s Bharat Dynamics Ltd has been associated as a production partner in
concurrent engineering mode.
 Varunastra, a versatile naval weapon which can be fired from the Rajput class
destroyers, Delhi class and all future Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) ships capable of
firing heavy weight torpedoes and is capable of targeting quiet and stealthy
submarines both in deep and littoral waters even in intense countermeasure
atmosphere.
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EXERCISE RIMPAC 2016
 Indian Naval ship Satpura arrived at Hawaii to participate in the 25th edition of
Exercise RIMPAC.
 Exercise RIMPAC is the largest multilateral naval exercise in the world and is held
biennially in the Western Pacific Ocean.
 Indian Navy‘s association with Ex RIMPAC commenced with participation as an
‗Observer‘ in 2006, 2010 and 2012.
 In 2014, Indian Naval participation was enhanced with deployment of Indian Naval
ship Sahyadri in the 24th edition of the exercise.
 The current edition of the exercise is scheduled off Hawaii from 30 June - 04 August
16 and is likely to be attended by 27 countries.
MRSAM SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED
 A Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) was successfully test-fired from

the Integrated Test Range off Odisha Coast.
 The MRSAM is jointly developed by DRDO and IAI of Israel for the Indian Air Force.
 The missile guided by a Radar system and on-board avionics successfully hit a
Pilotless target aircraft.
 Both, Indian and Israel teams participated in the launch campaign.
LAUNCH OF (NAVAL SHIP) GRSE YARDS 2112 (FO-WJFAC)
 The fourth in the series of Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC) for
the Indian Navy was launched at a ceremony at Garden Reach Shipbuilders &
Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata.
 With the delivery of the first ship of FO-WJFAC project in Apr 16, M/s GRSE has
delivered a total of 95 ships to the Indian Navy.
 These Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft are powered by the latest MTU engines,
along with an advanced machinery control system and water jets and can attain a
maximum speed of up to 35 Knots.
 The indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Optronic Pedestal gives the ships the requisite
firepower to undertake its role of patrolling at sea effectively.
HAL‘S BASIC TRAINER MAKES FIRST FLIGHT
 HTT-40, the indigenous basic trainer aircraft being developed for the Indian Air
Force, took to the skies for the first time, and flew for nearly 30 minutes.
 HTT-40, short for Hindustan Turbo Trainer, is the basic tandem seater aircraft in
which the IAF will train its novice pilot recruits during three-step flight training.
 Defence aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.‘s Aircraft Research &
Development Centre has designed and developed it.
 The other two levels are the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) also being developed
by HAL, and the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer imported during the last decade from
the U.K. manufacturer, BAE Systems.
 After the older trainers, the HTT-32 Deepak, were grounded in 2009, the IAF
estimated that it needs 181 modern basic trainers.
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FIGHTER JET SU-30 FLIES WITH BRAHMOS MISSILE
 The country‘s military scientists for the first time test-flew the heavy BrahMos
supersonic cruise missile fitted on a modified Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter.
 The missile, stated to be the heaviest such, had its milestone demonstration flight for
45 minutes at the HAL Airport at Nashik.
 The Su-30 MKI aircraft, modified to carry the BrahMos missile in combat, becomes
a lethal weapon delivery platform for the Air Force.
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MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT MISSION MEET
 The first meeting of the Governing Council of the National Skill Development Mission
(NSDM) was held under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Arunachal
Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir; Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Smriti Zubin Irani, Kalraj
Mishra, and Ravi Shankar Prasad.
 Senior bureaucrats, and corporate leaders, including, Cyrus P. Mistry, Chairman, Tata
Group; Sachin Bansal, Founder and CEO Flipkart‘ and Manish Sabharwal, Chairman
and Founder, Team Lease Services also participated in the Governing Council
meeting.
Some of the major decisions taken at the meeting included the following:
 Skill training to be scaled up to cover at least 1.5 crore people during 2016-2017.
 The Central Board for Skills Certification to be set up by September 2016 to
infuse quality into India‘s skill development ecosystem.
 Unutilized infrastructure in existing engineering colleges to be leveraged for skill
training courses.
 Profit making Public Sector Units (PSUs) will be mandated to scale up
apprenticeships, upto 10% of total manpower, over the course of this year. Private

corporations are also expected to follow suit.
500 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras, which will provide skill training free of cost
to be opened this year, to impart training to India‘s aspiring youth.
 50 Overseas Employment Skill Training Centres to be opened this year, in
migratory pockets of the country.
 500 Rozgar Utsavs will be held across Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Central
Training Institutes, PMKVY training centres, toolrooms etc., to make skill training
aspirational amongst youth.
 A national skills competition, known as ‗India Skills‘ will be launched during 2016-
2017, to recognize the skills of India‘s youth. This will be an annual event.
 This year, a national level Convocation will be held for candidates who
successfully complete ITI courses, to recognize their success.
 Over the next one year, the capacity of ITIs to be further enhanced from 18.5
lakhs to 25 lakhs and over 5000 new ITIs will be created.
 Traditional skills will be recognized, nurtured and promoted through informal

apprenticeships, under various programmes.
7TH CLEAN ENERGY MINISTERIAL MEET (CEM7)
 Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan led the Indian delegation
at the 7th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM7) and the Inaugural Mission Innovation
Meet at San Francisco, held on 1st and 2nd of June, 2016.
 India has been a member of CEM since its inception and has joined 8 out of 13 CEM
initiatives. 1
2
 India is a Founding Member of the Steering Committee of the Mission Innovation
and also a Member of the two sub-groups: Joint Research and Capacity Building and
Private Sector Engagement.
 Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology is
coordinating the national efforts towards the Mission.
 Dr. Harsh Vardhan, while making the Mission Innovation Announcement at the
Ministerial Panel, stated that the Mission Innovation (MI) is the noblest mission
which will help humanity in the future.
 The Minister said that India‘s current investment in Clean Energy Research is
about $72 million which is planned to be doubled to $145 million in the near future.
 He also made a Formal announcement on new joint collaborations with Mission
Innovation Countries.
 The Minister announced about expanding India‘s collaboration with UK by
setting up a Joint Virtual Clean Energy Centre to address the challenges in solar
energy and launching a new Research Track on Smart Energy Grids and Energy
Storage under the Indo-US Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research
(PACE-R).
 Dr. Harsh Vardhan also launched the Global Cooling Challenge at CEM7.
 Showcasing India‘s achievements in the field of Clean Energy, the Minister informed
the CEM members that India has successfully implemented the world‘s largest LED
lighting programme. This programme has seen India lead the way by driving 12%
of global LED demand at present, up from 0.1% a couple of years ago.
ALL INDIA WOMEN JOURNALISTS‘ WORKSHOP
 Around 250 journalists from 30 States/UTs across the country, representing 120
media organizations came together on a single platform at the first ever ‗All India
Women Journalists‘ Workshop‘ organized by Ministry of Women and Child
Development in association with Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting in New Delhi.
 The women journalists from print, electronic and online media across the country
including small regional media organizations participated in the event.
NATIONAL HEALTH EDITORS‘ CONFERENCE ON YOGA
 National Health Editors‘ Conference on the theme - ―Yoga for Holistic Health –
Recent Researches‖ was inaugurated bypad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for AYUSH
(Independent Charge), at National Media Centre in New Delhi.
 The Conference was organised by Ministry of AYUSH in association with Press
Information Bureau and was a part of the series of planned events leading to the
International Day of Yoga on 21st of June.
105TH SESSION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE: GENEVA
 Shankar Aggarwal, Secretary Labour and Employment addressed plenary

session of the 105th session of ILC and placed on record India‘s appreciation for the
very comprehensive and informative report of Director General, ILO, Mr Guy Ryder.
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NATIONAL INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (NIIF) MEET
 The Second Meeting of the Governing Council of National Investment and

Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) was held under the Chairmanship of the Union Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley in order to review the status of actions taken for the
operationalisation of the NIIF and to provide the road map for further activities.
 The following members of the Governing Council attended the meeting.
(i) Finance Minister Chairman
(ii) Secretary, DEA Member
(iii) Secretary, Financial Services Member
(iv) Ms Arundhati Bhattacharya Member
(v) T.V. Mohandas Pai Member
 The Council was also apprised of the status of the various establishment activities of
the NIIF since its last meeting held in December 2015.
 The status of projects shortlisted for Initial Investment by the NIIF and the
selection process of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIIF Ltd were placed before
the council.
 The website of the NIIF was also launched by the Finance Minister on the occasion.
 The Governing Council was apprised of the interactions that have been held with a
large number of long term investors, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Pension Funds from
across the globe, seeking to invest in the NIIF.
SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON YOGA


The Vice President M. Hamid Ansari naugurated the Second International Conference
on Yoga at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
It was organized by Ministry of AYUSH as a part of International Yoga Day
celebrations. Over 70 delegates from 35 countries are participating in the Conference
that has the theme – ―Yoga for body and beyond.‖
3RD NATIONAL STANDARDS CONCLAVE
 Department of Commerce, Government of India in collaboration with Confederation

of Indian Industry (CII), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National
Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) and other knowledge partners is
organized the 3rd National Standards Conclave in New Delhi.
 The objective of the two day Conclave is to bring awareness and prepare Industries,
Central Government Ministries, State Governments, regulatory/standards setting and
conformity assessment bodies on the growing importance of ―Standards‖ in the
changing scenario of global trade.
5TH INDO-UK SCIENCE AND INNOVATION COUNCIL MEETING
 Union Minister for Science & Technology led the Indian delegation at the 5th Indo-
UK Science and Innovation Council Meeting (SIC) held at London.
 The SIC is the apex body which oversees the entire gamut of the India-UK science,
technology and innovation cooperation and meets once in two years.
 In the area of life and health sciences, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India
and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), UK have 1
3
agreed to provide continued support to the virtual joint centers on Agricultural
Nitrogen.
 In the field of Water Quality Research, the Department of Science and Technology
(DST) and NERC-UK will initiate a collaborative research program to improve
water quality in India. This program is being developed to support implementation of
the goals of the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
 Further, both sides would work towards augmenting the India-UK Centre of
Advanced Manufacturing through DST-RCUK cooperation linked to the Make in
India Program and UK‘s Catapult Centre program.
 Under the Newton-Bhabha Programme, the two sides have also agreed on a
collaborative program on Energy Efficiency in Built Environment as a part of the
Smart Cities mission. Both the countries have agreed on common research agenda
focused on energy-efficient building envelop, low energy cooling and thermal comfort
as well as energy efficient technologies for city and community level.
FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF AIIB AT BEIJING
 The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated in the First Annual General
Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held at Beijing, China.
 Addressing the Board of Governors‘ Session of the Annual General Meeting, the
Finance Minister Jaitley stated that the new Bank has come-up amidst huge
expectations in a difficult time for the global economy.
 Notwithstanding the global headwinds, however, India continues to maintain a high
growth rate at 7.6% in 2015-16 compared to 7.2% in the previous year.
BRICS YOUTH SUMMIT 2016 AT GUWAHATI
 BRICS Youth Summit, 2016 is being organised at Guwahati (Assam) from 1st to 3rd
July, 2016.
 The Theme for the Summit is ―Youth as bridge for Intra-BRICS Exchanges‖.
 The programme for the Summit also includes thematic debates, cultural events, site-
visits and interactive sessions with local youth.
 [It will be extensively covered in next issue.]
INDIA TO HOST GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MEET NEXT YEAR
 World has welcomed India‘s decision to host the next Global Entrepreneurship
Summit, saying the move would cultivate an environment to foster great
entrepreneurship and open government.
 This year‘s Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) would be held in Silicon Valley
(California) USA.
UNGA HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON HIV/AIDS
 At a high-level meeting on ending AIDS that opened at the United Nations General
Assembly, Member States adopted a new political declaration that includes a set
of time-bound targets to fast-track the pace of progress towards combating the
worldwide scourge of HIV and AIDS over the next five years and end the epidemic
as a public health threat by 2030. 1
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 The high-level meeting brings together heads of State and Government, ministers,
people living with HIV, representatives from civil society and international
organizations, the private sector, scientists and researchers to build on the
commitments made in the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS and to set the
world on course to end the epidemic by 2030 within the framework of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 Specifically, participants will focus on the importance of a fast-track approach to
HIV during the next five years in order to ensure that global efforts are accelerated
during that time, as highlighted in the Secretary-General‘s report.
 The Fast-Track approach of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) aims
to achieve such targets as fewer than 500,000 people newly infected with HIV; fewer
than 500,000 people dying from AIDS-related illnesses; and eliminating HIV-related
discrimination.
15TH ASIA SECURITY SUMMIT IN SINGAPORE
 The annual Shangri-La Dialogue, also known as the 15th Asia Security Summit,
kicks off in Singapore.
 With ministers and delegates from over 50 countries, the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is
Asia's premier defence summit.
 Initiated in 2002 in response to the clear need for a forum where the Asia-Pacific‘s
defence ministers could engage in dialogue aimed at building confidence and
fostering practical security cooperation, it has established itself as a key
element of the emerging regional security architecture.
 The three-day event gathers delegations from nearly 30 countries, including
military officials from China, the US, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, France, Italy
and many others.
 Major topics under discussions this year were the territorial disputes in the South
China Sea, North Korea‘s military buildup, and the Islamic State‘s recent presence in
Mindanao.
 China‘s claim to nearly all of the South China Sea has angered both its Southeast
Asian neighbors and the United States, which has been conducting patrols near
Chinese-held islands to press for freedom of navigation in the area which contains
key global shipping lanes.
 The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam all have competing claims in the
region which is believed to have significant oil and gas reserves.
 Tensions in the South China Sea are expected to drive up Asia Pacific defense
spending by another 25 percent to $533 billion by 2020.
 The Philippine government approved the idea for an Asia Pacific security
network, and pressed for the respect of international laws as well as the rights of all
nations.
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
WORLD‘S SPACE AGENCIES UNITE TO FACE THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE
 For the first time, under the impetus of the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) and the French Space Agency (CNES), space agencies of more than 60
countries agreed to engage their satellites, to coordinate their methods and their
data to monitor human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
 The COP21 climate conference held in Paris last December acted as a wake-up call in
this context. Without satellites, the reality of global warming would not have been
recognised and the subsequent historic agreement at the United Nations
headquarters in New York on April 22, 2016 would not have been signed.
 Out of the 50 essential climate variables being monitored, 26 - including rising
sea level, sea ice extent and greenhouse gas concentrations in all layers of the
atmosphere - can be measured only from space.
 The key to effectively implementing the Paris Agreement lies in the ability to verify
that nations are fulfilling their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Only
satellites can do that.
 Invited to New Delhi by ISRO and CNES on April 3, 2016, the world‘s space agencies
decided to establish ―an independent, international system‖ to centralise data from
their Earth-observing satellites through the ‗New Delhi Declaration‘ that officially
came into effect on May 16, 2016.
 The goal now will be to inter-calibrate these satellite data so that they can be
combined and compared over time. In other words, it is to make the transition to
closely coordinated and easily accessible ‗big space data‘.
MOU BETWEEN ISRO AND CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY (CSA)
 The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the MOU between Department of Space /
Indian Space Research Organization (DOS/ISRO) and Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
on cooperation in the field of outer space. The MoU was signed in Ottawa, Canada
on 15th April 2015.
 The MoU would lead to establishment of joint team, drawing members from ISRO
and CSA, which will further work out the plan of action including examination and
defining cooperative projects and the time-frame.
 This will also provide opportunities for diverse research in the field of peaceful uses
of space technologies.
INDIA JOINS INTERNATIONAL CONTINENTAL SCIENTIFIC DRILLING PROGRAM
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Indian membership of the
International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) consortium by
signing an MoU with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for
geosciences.
 This is a government-funded, Public Law Foundation of the State of Brandenburg,
Germany.
 By signing the MoU on the membership for a period of five years with ICDP, India 1
would enable engaging internationally renowned experts with profound expertise in
3
different aspects of scientific drilling in order to accomplish deep drilling and
associated investigations in Koyna region.
 As a part of the membership agreement, India will get a seat on two ICDP panels -
Executive Committee (EC) and Assembly of Governors (AOG).
 Also, ICDP will provide technical / operational support; facilitate capacity building
in terms of manpower training in key scientific areas, sample and data management
and support workshops for the Koyna scientific deep drilling project undertaken by
Ministry of Earth Sciences.
 As a member of ICDP, scientists/engineers from India would have right to submit
proposals, to participate in all ICDP co-funded workshops and drilling projects and
have access to all data results from ICDP projects.
 This will shed new light on the genesis of seismicity and better understanding of
earthquake processes.
EXPLORATION OF POLY METALLIC SULPHIDES
 The Union Cabinet approved for signing of 15 years contract by the Ministry of
Earth Sciences with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for undertaking
exploration and other developmental activities related to Polymetallic Sulphides in
the allotted area of 10,000 sq km.
 It will be done in parts of Central and South - West Indian Ridges (SWIR), located in
the Indian Ocean.
 By signing the 15 year contract, India's exclusive rights for exploration of
Polymetallic Sulphides in the allotted Area in the Central Indian Ridge, and South

West Indian Ridge in Indian Ocean will be formalized.
Further, it will enhance India's presence in the Indian Ocean where other players like
China, Korea and Germany are active.
 The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the
participation from various national institutes and research laboratories/
organisations.
Background:
 Deep seabed Poly-Metallic Sulphides (PMS) containing iron, copper, zinc, silver,
gold, platinum in variable constitutions are precipitates of hot fluids from upwelling
hot magma from deep interior of the oceanic crust discharged through mineralized
chimneys.
 PMS in the Ocean Ridges have attracted worldwide attention for their long term
commercial as well as strategic values.
 The International Seabed Authority (ISA), under the United Nations Convention
on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), earlier approved an application submitted by the

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, for allotment of 10,000
sq. km. area along with 15 years plan of work for exploration of Polymetallic
Sulphide (PMS) along Central Indian Ridge (CIR) 85 Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR)
region of the Indian Ocean.
 ISA governs non-living resources of seabed lying in international waters.
INDO-EU ‗WATER4CROPS‘ PROJECT REVIEWED
 Minister of State for the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Y.S. 1
Chowdary, chaired the inaugural session of the Review and Planning Meeting
3
on the completion of 4 years of the € 9 million Indo-EU ‗Water4crops‘ project in
New Delhi.
 The project has been co-funded by Government of India through the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology and the European
Union.
 The project integrates bio-treated wastewater reuse with enhanced water-use
efficiency to support the Green Economy in EU and India.
 The rationale behind developing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (DWT) is
water scarcity. On one hand, direct use of wastewater in agriculture is not good for
farmers and consumers and on the other, disposal of untreated wastewater
pollutes the environment. Moreover, all localities do not have sewage treatment
plants.
 Hence the ‗Water4Crops‘ project provides an opportunity to efficiently utilize low-
quality industrial, domestic and municipal wastewater by facilitating the development
of various technologies for wastewater treatment at the local scale and its feasible
use in agriculture.
 Based on pilot studies at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad and elsewhere,
several watersheds have been supported under the Government of Karnataka‘s Bhoo
Samrudhi and Rythu Kosam programmes and by some Corporates under their
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
 The Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (DWT) approach is being implemented
and popularized at 28 sites in the Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
PSLV-C34 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES 20 SATELLITES
 In its 36th flight (PSLV-C34), ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully
launched the 727.5 kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite along with 19 co-passenger
satellites morning from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
 This is the thirty fifth consecutively successful mission of PSLV and the fourteenth in
its 'XL' configuration.
 The total weight of all the 20 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C34 was 1288 kg.
 The imagery sent by the Cartosat-2 series satellite will be useful for cartographic
applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility
management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use
maps, precision study, change detection to bring out geographical and manmade
features and various other Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical
Information System (GIS) applications.
 Of the 19 co-passenger satellites carried by PSLV-C34, two – SATHYABAMASAT
weighing 1.5 kg and SWAYAM weighing 1 kg – are University/Academic institute

satellites and were built with the involvement of students from Sathyabama
University, Chennai and College Of Engineering, Pune, respectively.
 The remaining 17 co-passenger satellites were international customer satellites
from Canada (2), Germany (1), Indonesia (1) and the United States (13).
 20 SATELLITES:
1. Sathyabamasat (satellite of Sathyabama University in Chennai),
2. Swayam satellite (College of Engineering in Pune),
3. Cartosat-2 (India),
4. LAPAN-A3 (Indonesia), 1
5. BIROS (Germany),
3
6. M3MSat (Canada),
7. SkySat Gen2-1 (USA) of Terra Bela (Google company),
8. GHGSat-D (Canada)
12 Dove Satellites (USA) were the other satellites that were launched.
 With‘s successful launch, the total number of satellites launched by India‘s workhorse
launch vehicle PSLV has reached 113, of which 39 are Indian and the remaining 74
from abroad.
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN RD MINISTRY & ISRO FOR GEO-TAGGING ASSETS
 A MOU was signed here between the Rural Development Ministry and ISRO,
Department of Space for geo-tagging the assets created under MGNREGA in each
gram panchayat.
 The move comes after the Prime Minister during a review meeting recently had
underlined for online recording and monitoring of assets to check leakages and
for effective mapping of terrain for future developmental works.
 Around 30 lakh assets are created annually across the country under the rural job
scheme and the Ministry has decided that through convergence with other schemes,
the geo-tagging of such assets will be done on a mission mode.
RARE ‗EINSTEIN RING‘ DISCOVERED
 An international team of astrophysicists has stumbled upon an unusual astronomical

object — an Einstein ring which is a distorted image of a very distant galaxy termed

as ―the source‖.
The distortion is produced by the bending of the light rays from the source due to
a massive galaxy, termed ―the lens‖, lying between it and the observer.
 Doctoral student Margherita Bettinelli from the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias
(IAC) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) discovered the phenomenon.
LISA PATHFINDER RESULTS BOOST PLANS FOR FUTURE DETECTORS
 A proposed milestone mission in the study of gravitational waves — LISA, the Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna project — received a boost, as the first,
encouraging results from the LISA Pathfinder , a smaller, ―walk before you run‖
project were released.
 One experiment that the LPF has carried out involves two cubical test masses
placed at the heart of the spacecraft.
 The experiment has demonstrated that these two masses are almost motionless
with respect to each other and show a relative acceleration which is less than one
part in ten millionths of a billionth of Earth‘s gravity.
 This is accuracy about five times better than expected. This extraordinary degree
of precision is needed by this experiment as the measured strain caused by
gravitational waves on their detectors is comparably minute.
 The LISA spacecraft will need to use the technology tested by LISA Pathfinder.
 LISA itself plans to use a combination of three spacecraft, trailing the earth at a
distance of about 50 million kilometres, these will orbit the sun.
 The three spacecraft will lie at the corners of a giant huge equilateral triangle, and
will be about 5 million kilometres from each other. Using special laser beams and 1
telescopes, the trio will measure gravitational waves.
3
 The three spacecraft are expected to act as an interferometer which can detect
gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space-time, caused by mergers of
supermassive black holes.
A ‗HOT JUPITER‘ THAT CAN SPIN ITS STAR DISCOVERED
 An international team of astronomers has discovered a ―hot Jupiter‖ exoplanet that

is so massive and close to its parent star that it influences the star‘s rotation with its
gravity.
 The planet, called HATS-18b, is about 2,100 light years away.
 Hot Jupiters are giant exoplanets that orbit close to their parent stars. Also known
as roaster planets, they orbit their stars in a short time and can be easily observed
in transit.
 The newly discovered exoplanet orbits its star in just 0.84 days, has a radius about
1.34 times that of Jupiter, and has twice the mass of the Jovian gas giant in our solar
system.
 The high planet mass, combined with its short orbital period, implies strong tidal
coupling between the planetary orbit and the star.
A MET SATELLITE WITH JAPAN ON THE ANVIL
 ISRO and its Japanese counterpart JAXA are exploring what could be their first joint
mission: a spacecraft to study ocean and land weather processes which will
sharpen their respective weather forecasting systems.
 According to a tentative plan ISRO will provide the payload or study instrument and
JAXA the spacecraft. The toss-up is apparently over the launch. ISRO has its proven
PSLV launch vehicle that regularly puts Earth observation satellites of around 1,000-
1,600 kg to near space.
 The spacecraft will be typically like an IRS (Indian Remote-sensing Satellite) that
is launched for observing Earth from space.
 NASA has also tied up with ISRO for NISAR, slated for around 2020 and described
as a mission that will take ―an unprecedented look at Earth and its eco-disturbances
through advanced radar imaging‖.
DEEPEST IMAGE OF A GALAXY
 The Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), the world‘s largest single-aperture optical
telescope on the island of La Palma in Spain, has captured an image of a galaxy
which is 10 times deeper than any other obtained from the ground.
 GTC researchers managed the rare feat while observing a faint halo of stars around
the galaxy UGC0180, which is 500 million light years away from the Earth.
 The galaxy UGC00180 was chosen because it is quite similar to our neighbour, the
Andromeda Galaxy, and to other galaxies to which the researchers have
references.
 They used the OSIRIS camera on the GTC, also known as the Great Canary
Telescope, which has a field big enough to cover a decent area of sky around the
galaxy, in order to explore its possible halo.
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SCIENTISTS TO USE UNDERWATER ROBOTS TO STUDY MONSOON
 Scientists from Britain and India will release underwater robots into the Bay of
Bengal in a bid to more accurately predict the Indian monsoon critical to millions of
farmers.
 Researchers will also fly plane carrying scientific equipment over the bay to measure
the atmosphere as part of the multi-million pound study of the monsoon which hit
southern India.
 Better forecasting will improve the livelihoods of India's more than 200 million
farmers and agricultural labourers, who are reeling from devastating drought.
 Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) will release seven underwater
robots from an Indian ship to study how ocean processes influence monsoon rainfall.
 At the same time, colleagues from the University of Reading and climate experts in
India will use instruments on board the plane flying from the southern city of
Bangalore to measure heat and moisture in the air.
 The robots, which have computers onboard and look like miniature yellow
submarines, will spend a month moving through a southern section of the bay, to
measure temperature, salinity and currents.
 More precise predictions of the monsoon, which sweeps up from the Indian Ocean
which extends into the bay, can also help hundreds of millions better prepare for
droughts and floods.
 Beamed backed to scientists via satellite signals, the information will be used to
create computer models of the ocean to determine how it affects weather and
rainfall over India.
NASA SPOTS METHANE LEAK FROM SPACE
 In a first, an instrument onboard an orbiting spacecraft has measured the methane

emissions from a specific leaking facility on Earth‘s surface.
 The observation — by the Hyperion spectrometer on NASA‘s Earth Observing-1
(EO-1) — is an important breakthrough in our ability to eventually measure and
monitor emissions of this potent greenhouse gas from space.
 The leak occurred over Aliso Canyon near Porter Ranch in California.
 The Hyperion instrument successfully detected the methane leak on three separate
overpasses during the winter of 2015-16.
 The research was part of an investigation of the large accidental Aliso Canyon
methane release last fall and winter.
SECOND BREAKTHROUGH FOR LIGO DETECTORS

 Even before the excitement over the discovery of the first binary black hole merger
can ring down, LIGO scientists working with gravitational wave detectors at
Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington, U.S., have announced witnessing
the merging of a second black hole pair.
 They infer this from the observation of a gravitational wave (GW151226)
detected on December 26, 2015.
 Being a much weaker signal than the first, the detection of this merger required the
use of sophisticated noise filtering and mathematical analyses, some of which has
been developed by Indian scientists. 1
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 The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) and Virgo Collaboration have made
public the set of observations.
 The entire signal, coming from 1.4 billion light years away, lasted just one second.
 Having approximately 14 and 8 times the mass of the sun, the two black holes,
during their cataclysmic merging, released approximately one solar mass within this
short interval.
 They then merged to form a black hole of approximately 21 solar mass.
 Currently, a number of scientists are engaged in building a LIGO detector in India.
TINY ASTEROID BECOMES EARTH‘S CONSTANT COMPANION
 NASA scientists have discovered a tiny asteroid in an orbit around the Sun that
serves as a constant companion to Earth.
 The quasi-satellite has been named ‗2016 HO3‘.
 Asteroid ―2016 HO3‖ was first spotted on April 27 by the Pan-STARRS 1 asteroid
survey telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii.
NASA TO BUILD QUIETER, BATTERY-POWERED AIRPLANE
 NASA is building a battery-powered, energy-efficient experimental airplane named

‗X-57‘.
 The NASA X-57 Maxwell is an experimental aircraft being developed by NASA,
intended to demonstrate technology to reduce fuel use, emissions, and noise.
 14 electric motors integrated in the wing turn the propellers.
INDIAN RESEARCHERS EXPLORING THE ARCTIC
 From metering the precipitation in the Arctic region to drawing up a baseline data
on microbial biodiversity in Kongsfjorden sediments and carrying out a biochemical
evaluation and biomarker characterisation of Arctic fjord sediments, Indian
researchers are into a series of scientific investigations in the icy terrains of Arctic.
 Working from Himadri, country‘s Arctic research station at Spitsbergen, Norway,
the scientists are looking into the various aspects of life that thrives there to gain a
better understanding about the climatological factors that influence the Arctic
weather and its impact on climate changes elsewhere.
 The Arctic summer expedition, which began on June 13 will last for 41 days.
 The researchers of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa,
specializing in atmospheric sciences, will look into the variability of precipitation over
Arctic and the precipitation will be measured using Micro Rain Radar.
 The temperature and humidity profiles of the region will be created using a
microwave radiometer profiler.
 They hope to fill the gaps in the observational data on Arctic clouds, especially
during the dark winter season, by recording measurements using a ceilometer to
measure the vertical profiles of multiple cloud layers.
 The long-term monitoring of Kongsfjorden system of Arctic region for climate
change studies has also been the mandate of the Centre during the current
assignment.
 An environmental specialist from the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, will pay
attention to the long term environmental monitoring of fjord ecosystems, especially 1
the ecosystem of Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden.
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SPACE ANTENNAE TO PROBE GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
 With the second detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector, the space for
experimental research on black holes using gravitational waves is expanding.
 Couple this with the success of the LISA Pathfinder experiment and you have the
right mix that can boost the prospects of the evolved Laser Interferometer Space
Antenna (eLISA) project.
 eLISA is a spectacular plan of setting into space three spacecraft, a mother and
two daughter spacecraft, which will fly in a triangular formation, trailing the earth in
its orbit around the sun at a distance of over 50 million km.
 Each arm of the imaginary triangle, from the mother to each daughter spacecraft,
will measure about a million km.
 Inside these spacecraft will float ―freely falling‖ test masses – cubes with sides
measuring abut 46 mm.
 Laser interferometers will accurately measure changes in the distance between
these cubes. If they should be affected by a gravitational wave, the minute changes
in this distance are measure by the interferometer.
 Big space projects like this are usually planned well in advance; this mission is slated
for 2034.
 With the success of LISA pathfinder and the detection of two sets of gravitational
waves by LIGO, this may get advanced a bit.
 eLISA aims to measure gravitational waves in the frequency range from 0.1mHz to
about 100 mHz.
 To do this, it is necessary for the interferometers to have an arm length of a million

kilometres and that is impossible to achieve with an earth based setup.
Hence, it is necessary to have this elaborate experiment in space.
NEW CHINESE SUPERCOMPUTER IS WORLD‘S FASTEST
 A new Chinese computer system that can make 93 quadrillions calculations per
second has claimed the top spot on the list of the world‘s most powerful
supercomputers.
 The computer called Sunway TaihuLight developed by the National Research
Centre of Parallel Computer Engineering and Technology (NRCPC) is built entirely
using processors designed and made in China.
 It is intended for use in engineering and research including climate, weather, life
sciences, advanced manufacturing and data analytics.
 It would take 7.2 billion people using electronic calculators 32 years, or two million
desktop computers working together for one minute, to do the same calculation the
computer can solve in just 60 seconds.

 The supercomputer, which is installed at the National Supercomputing Centre in
China, displaced Tianhe-2, an Intel-based Chinese supercomputer that has claimed
the top spot on the past six TOP500 lists. The closely watched list is issued twice a
year.
 Titan, a Cray X40 system installed at the U.S. Department of Energy‘s (DOE) Oak
Ridge National Laboratory, is now at the third position, with 17.59 quadrillions of
calculations per second.
 Sequoia, an IBM BlueGene/Q system installed at DOE‘s Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory and Fujitsu‘s K computer installed at the RIKEN Advanced Institute for 1
4
Computational Science (AICS) in Japan are at the fourth and fifth positions
respectively.
ISRO GEARS UP TO TEST SCRAMJET ENGINE
 Flush with the success of the technology demonstration flight of its Reusable Launch
Vehicle last month, ISRO is gearing up to test a scramjet engine based on air-
breathing propulsion.
 The test flight of the indigenously developed scramjet engine is scheduled to take
place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota sometime in July.
 Named Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), the test platform will comprise a
scramjet engine hitched to a two-stage sounding rocket (RH- 560).
 The vehicle has been characterised and is being fabricated at the VSSC and the ISRO
Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.
 The air-breathing engine will be released at a height of 70 km and ignited during
the coasting phase.
 Apart from the hypersonic ignition at Mach 6, ISRO hopes to sustain the combustion
for 5 seconds.
 The test is also expected to help us achieve good thrust value with the scramjet
engine.
CHINA SETS UP FIRST DARK SKY RESERVE
 China launched its first ―dark sky reserve‖ for astronomical observation in the

Tibetan prefecture of Ngari, bordering Nepal and India.
The reserve covers an area of 2,500 square kilometre and aims to limit light
pollution by stepping up protection of dark-sky resources for education and tourism
development.
 It was jointly launched by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green
Development Foundation and the regional government of Tibet.
 The launch of the preserve is only the first step in protecting the area from light
pollution.
DESERT TELESCOPE ZEROES-IN ON BLACK HOLE
 A desert telescope has focussed with unprecedented sharpness on a star circling a

supermassive black hole thought to lurk at the centre of our Milky Way galaxy.
 Dubbed S2, the star lies about 25,000 light years from our Solar System.
 It is the celestial body known to make the closest approach to our galaxy's central
black hole, named Sagittarius A, on a 16-year elliptical orbit.

 S2 is a relative youngster in astronomical terms — no more than 100 million years
old.
 It has been studied before, but in much less detail than can now be observed by the
European Southern Observatory's Gravity instrument in Chile's Atacama desert.
 Gravity combines the light from Europe's four largest telescopes to create a
combined 130-metre (427-foot) diameter lense with ―much sharper‖ imaging.
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DRDO, JADAVPUR VARSITY ESTABLISH RESEARCH CENTRE
 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Jadavpur University

jointly established the Jagadish Chandra Bose Centre for Advanced
Technology.
 The centre will be housed on the main campus of Jadavpur University.
 Dr. S. Christopher, Secretary of the DRDO, laid the foundation stone of the centre.
 The DRDO is venturing into collaboration with various academic institutes throughout
the country to attract scholars and academics into defence research.
NASA SPOTS ‗SUPER GRAND CANYON‘ ON CHARON
 Pluto‘s largest moon Charon is home to an unusual canyon system that is far longer
and deeper than Earth‘s Grand Canyon, according to a new NASA image.
 The image captured by New Horizons several hours before its closest approach in
July last year shows a portion of the eastern limb in the global view of Charon.
 It shows a deep canyon informally named Argo Chasma grazing the limb. The
section of it seen in the image measures about 300 kilometres long.
 Argo's total length is about 700 kilometres long - for comparison, Arizona's Grand
Canyon is 450 kilometres long.
 They estimate Argo Chasma to be as deep as nine kilometres, which is more than
five times the depth of the Grand Canyon.
NEW BIO-INK FOR 3D PRINTING WITH STEM CELLS
 Scientists have developed a new stem cell-containing bio-ink that allows 3D
printing of complex living tissues that may be used for surgical implants.
 The bio-ink contains two different polymer components: a natural polymer extracted
from seaweed, and a sacrificial synthetic polymer used in the medical industry, and
both had a role to play.
 The synthetic polymer causes the bio-ink to change from liquid to solid when the
temperature is raised, and the seaweed polymer provides structural support when
the cell nutrients are introduced.
 The special bio-ink formulation was extruded from a retrofitted benchtop 3D
printer, as a liquid that transformed to a gel at 37 degrees Celsius, which allowed
construction of complex living 3D architectures.
HAWKING PLANS TO MAP UNIVERSE

 Stephen Hawking, one of the world‘s best-known physicists, is set to announce

plans to map the entire known universe using a supercomputing centre he
founded at Cambridge University.
 The Cosmos computer will plot the position and movement of billions of galaxies,
black holes, supernovas and other cosmic structures.
 Hawking, the author of A Brief History of Time, will detail his plans during a talk to
some of the world‘s most eminent scientists at the Starmus Science Conference,
which begins in Tenerife, Spain.
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DEEP SPACE ROCKET BOOSTER TESTED
 NASA performed its second and last test-fire of a rocket booster for the Space
Launch System (SLS), a powerful engine that may one day launch astronauts to
Mars.
 NASA has described the SLS as the ―world‘s most powerful rocket,‖ and stated the
test aims to see how the propellant performs at the colder end of its temperature
range.
 This is the last time the booster will be fired in a test environment before the first
test flight of SLS with NASA‘s Orion spacecraft, known as Exploration Mission-1
in late 2018.
 The test took place at Orbital ATK Propulsion Systems‘ test facilities in
Promontory, Utah.
 The test aims to see how the motor performs in cold temperatures — a targeted 40
degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius).
 The first full-scale booster test in March 2015 showed the booster performed
adequately at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C) — the highest end of the booster‘s
accepted propellant temperature range.
 The SLS will also carry 13 tiny satellites to test innovative ideas. These small
satellite secondary payloads or ‗CubeSats‘ will carry science and technology
investigations to help pave the way for future human exploration in deep space.
CSIR LAB TO CERTIFY COAL USED IN POWER PLANTS
 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed an annual Rs.
250-crore deal with several state-run coal and thermal power companies to certify
the quality of the coal being supplied and used in their facilities.
 The certification will help power plants use coal appropriate to the machinery and
technology available in the plant and contribute to efficient use and, in the long run,
reduce emissions.
KUDANKULAM SECOND UNIT GETS AERB NOD
 The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has given clearance to the Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for the second unit of the
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant to go critical, AERB Chairman S.A. Bhardwaj
stated.
 The VVER-type reactor, which has 1,000 MWe capacity, was scheduled to begin
commercial operation in December 2008, but due to various factors there was a
delay. As of May this year, the progress was 98.94%.
ICRISAT SCIENTISTS DECODE GROUNDNUT DNA SEQUENCING
 A global team of 51 scientists from four countries have decoded the complete
DNA sequencing of the ancestor of the groundnut, or peanut.
 This could help develop improved groundnut varieties, with better productivity and oil
yield.
 It would also help develop drought-tolerant groundnut varieties and varieties
with better disease tolerance. The other spin-offs include development of aflatoxin- 1
free, nutrition-rich and allergen-free varieties.
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 The team comprises scientists from nine institutes in China, India, US and Australia,
including the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
 It decoded DNA sequencing of the ancestor of the groundnut, the diploid A-genome
(Arachis duranensis).
NEW METHOD TO MAKE GLASS ‗SMART‘ DEVELOPED
 In a major step towards ‗smart glass‘ applications such as 3-D display screens or
remote radiation sensors, scientists have developed a method for embedding light-
emitting nano particles into glass, without affecting their unique properties.
 The new ―hybrid glass‖ successfully combines the properties of these special
luminescent (or light-emitting) nano particles with the well-known aspects of glass,
such as transparency and the ability to be processed into various shapes including
very fine optical fibres.
 These novel luminescent nano particles, called ‗upconversion nano particles‘,
have become promising candidates for a whole variety of ultra-high tech applications
such as biological sensing, biomedical imaging and 3-D volumetric displays.
 However, the researchers, including those from Macquarie University and University
of Melbourne, believe their new approach can be generalised to other nano
particles with interesting photonic, electronic and magnetic properties.
SECOND GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTED FROM BLACK HOLE COLLISION
 Physicists have detected ripples in the fabric of spacetime that were set in motion by
the collision of two black holes far across the universe more than a billion years
ago.
 The event marks only the second time that scientists have spotted gravitational
waves, the tenuous stretching and squeezing of spacetime predicted by Einstein
more a century ago.
 The faint signal received by the twin instruments of the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US revealed two black holes
circling one another 27 times before finally smashing together at half the speed of
light.
 The cataclysmic event saw the black holes, one eight times more massive than the
sun, the other 14 times more massive, merge into one about 21 times heavier
than the sun. In the process, energy equivalent to the mass of the sun radiated into
space as gravitational waves.
GENE EDITING ALTERS BUTTERFLY WING DESIGNS
 Scientists have succeeded in altering the patterns on a butterfly‘s wings by

tweaking just one or two genes, an advance that may help understand how colour
patterns and shapes evolved in the insects.
 By using the new method of CRISPR, a gene editing tool, researchers at Cornell
University in the US cut out a gene known as spalt, and produced a butterfly lacking
the large round markings known as eyespots.
 In another experiment, they removed a gene known as distal—less and produced
more and larger eyespots. The experiments also produced changes in other parts of 1
the wing.
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NASA TESTS ROCKET BOOSTER FOR SPACE MISSION
 A booster for NASA‘s Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket in the
world, has been successfully tested, an advance that may pave the way for future
human exploration in deep space, including the journey to Mars.
 The booster was fired up for its second qualification ground test at test facilities
in Utah in the US.
 This was the last full-scale test for the booster before SLS‘s first un-crewed test flight
with NASA‘s Orion spacecraft in late 2018, a key milestone on the agency‘s
journey to Mars.
 The booster was tested at a cold motor conditioning target of 4.4 degrees Celsius -
the colder end of its accepted propellant temperature range.
 When ignited, temperatures inside the booster reached over 3,300 degrees
Celsius.
CHINA BETS ON NAVIGATION SYSTEM
 China stated its homegrown navigation system, deemed as rival to the US‘ Global
Positioning System (GPS), is expected to serve global users by 2020 and will provide
open satellite navigation services ―free of charge‖.
 Currently, B1I and B2I open service signals are being broadcast by the operating
BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) BDS-2 to provide open services to the
Asia-Pacific region free of charge.
A BEWILDERING FORM OF SAND DUNE DISCOVERED ON MARS
 Some of the wind-sculpted sand ripples on Mars are a type not seen on Earth,
and their relationship to the thin Martian atmosphere today provides new clues about
the atmosphere's history.
 The determination that these mid-size ripples are a distinct type resulted from
observations by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover.
 Six months ago, Curiosity made the first up-close study of active sand dunes
anywhere other than Earth, at the "Bagnold Dunes" on the northwestern flank of
Mars' Mount Sharp.
 Earth and Mars both planets have true dunes -- typically larger than a football field --
with downwind faces shaped by sand avalanches, making them steeper than the
upwind faces.
RESEARCHERS CREATE NEW METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING BLACK HOLES

 Rochester Institute of Technology professors have developed a faster, more accurate

way to assess gravitational wave signals and infer the astronomical sources that
made them.
 Their method directly compares data from the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-wave Observatory to cutting-edge numerical simulations of binary
black holes, including simulations performed at RIT.
 The LIGO Scientific Collaboration reanalyzed the first gravitational wave detections
using this method.
 Insights from these simulations indicate that the first detected black holes were 1
slightly more similar in mass than previously thought.
4
 It is the first time numerical simulations of binary black holes are used directly to
estimate the parameters of a binary and, in this paper, it is proved that this can be
done to the highest accuracy.
CAPSULE CARRYING SPACE STATION CREW LANDS IN KAZAKHSTAN
 A Soyuz capsule carrying a Russian, an American and a Briton from the International
Space Station made a parachute landing on the steppe near the Kazakh city of
Zhezkazgan.
 The three-man crew which includes Tim Peake, the first astronaut representing the
British government, left the station about three hours earlier.
NEW MATERIAL TADF WAS DEVELOPED
 An international joint research group succeeded in developing a novel Thermally

Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) material which displays emission of light
in colors from green to deep-red through Intersystem Crossing from the singlet to
the triplet excitons, a world first.
 The results will contribute to R&D in white TADF light emitting devices for indoor
and outdoor use through combination with TADF materials that emit light in shorter
wavelengths (deep blue to yellow).
 Over the last few decades, research on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has
greatly advanced.
 Currently, almost all the commercial OLEDs contain the rare metals such as

platinum or iridium because of their efficiency and stability.
Due to their high costs, the development of inexpensive and highly efficient
emitters is desired.
HUBBLE REVEALS STELLAR FIREWORKS IN 'SKYROCKET' GALAXY
 NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a spectacular fireworks display in a

small, nearby galaxy, which resembles a July 4th skyrocket.
 A firestorm of star birth is lighting up one end of the diminutive galaxy Kiso 5639.
 The dwarf galaxy is shaped like a flattened pancake, but because it is tilted edge-on,
it resembles a skyrocket, with a brilliant blazing head and a long, star-studded tail.
 Kiso 5639 is a rare, nearby example of elongated galaxies that occur in abundance
at larger distances, where we observe the universe during earlier epochs.
Astronomers suggest that the frenzied star birth is sparked by intergalactic gas
raining on one end of the galaxy as it drifts through space.
 Observations of the early universe, such as Hubble's Ultra Deep Field, reveal that
about 10% of all galaxies have these elongated shapes, and are collectively called
"tadpoles."
WORLD'S FIRST SUCCESSFUL ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF SOUTHERN

ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN
 DNA tests have confirmed that one of the three southern rockhopper penguin
chicks born at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was conceived through artificial
insemination. 1
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 This is the result of a project led by Kaiyukan with the collaboration of Associate
Professor KUSUNOKI Hiroshi (Kobe University Graduate School of Agricultural
Science).
 It is the world's first successful case of a southern rockhopper penguin being
conceived through artificial insemination.
 Southern rockhopper penguins are a species of birds approximately 50cm in
height which inhabit southern islands near Antarctica such as the Falkland Islands.
 They are on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a
threatened species.
LOST HORMONE IS FOUND IN STARFISH
 Biologists from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have discovered that the
evolutionary history of a hormone responsible for sexual maturity in humans is
written in the genes of the humble starfish.
 The onset of puberty and sexual development in humans is triggered by the release
of a brain hormone known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH.
 Scientists have found that the history of this important sex hormone is a tale of loss.
 It was already known that fruit flies (Drosophila) have two GnRH-like hormones -
- one that mobilises stored fats to power flight (adipokinetic hormone or AKH) and
another that makes insect hearts beat faster (corazonin).
 What was missing was information from other invertebrate animals that are more
closely related to humans than insects.
 The team have discovered that starfish have two GnRH-like hormones, just like
in fruit flies.
GLOBAL MAKE-UP OF MALARIA SPECIES UNCOVERED
 A team of scientists has uncovered the global, evolving, and historic make-up of
Plasmodium vivax, one of the five species of malaria that infect humans.
 The research, which links the spread of the parasite back to colonial seafaring,
among other phenomena, underscores the challenges health experts face in
controlling the parasite.
 The DNA data show that P. vivax has clearly had a different history of association
with global human populations than other malaria parasites, indicating that unique
aspects of its biology may have influenced the ways in which it spread around the
world.
 P. vivax causes an estimated 15.8 million clinical malaria cases each year.
 However, it remains understudied because it is both less lethal than other species
and because it has historically been difficult to analyze since it cannot be grown in
the laboratory.
 Another challenge is separating the parasite's DNA from human DNA.
OPAL DISCOVERED IN ANTARCTIC METEORITE
 Planetary scientists have discovered pieces of opal in a meteorite found in

Antarctica, a result that demonstrates that meteorites delivered water ice to
asteroids early in the history of the solar system.
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 Opal, familiar on Earth as a precious stone used in jewellery, is made up of silica
(the major component of sand) with up to 30% water in its structure, and has not
yet been identified on the surface of any asteroid.
 Before the new work, opal had only once been found in a meteorite, as a handful of
tiny crystals in a meteorite from Mars.
 Downes and her team studied the meteorite, named EET 83309, an object made up
of thousands and broken pieces of rock and minerals, meaning that it originally came
from the broken up surface, or regolith, of an asteroid.
 Results from other teams show that while the meteorite was still part of the
asteroid, it was exposed to radiation from the Sun, the so-called solar wind, and
from other cosmic sources.
 Asteroids lack the protection of an atmosphere, so radiation hits their surfaces all the
time.
DETAILED PLANS FOR LARGEST NEUTRINO TELESCOPE IN THE WORLD
 KM3NeT -- a European collaboration pioneering the deployment of kilometre cubed

arrays of neutrino detectors off the Mediterranean coast -- has reported in detail on
the scientific aims, technology and costs of its proposal.
 Neutrinos are ideal messengers from the cosmos. These stable, sub-atomic particles
can travel long distances without being disturbed by matter or magnetic fields in
their path.
 Their detection is prized by astronomers as neutrino-emitting sources such as the
remnants of Super Nova explosions provide important clues to the evolution of our

universe. The study of neutrinos could also help in expanding our knowledge of
atomic physics. However, there is a catch.
The KM3NeT collaboration has developed what it believes is a cost-effective plan
for building out this research infrastructure at the bottom of the sea.
 The phased rolled-out will consist of three so-called building blocks, where each
building block comprises 115 strings of 18 optical modules (glass spheres
containing 31 outward-facing photomultiplier tubes).
 The array will provide a large piece of the puzzle required to monitor the whole of the
sky for incoming neutrinos, linking existing telescopes based under the South Pole
(IceCube) and in Lake Baikal, Russia (Gigaton Volume Detector -- GVD).
 It has already raised EURO 31 million to begin phase one of the project.
HUBBLE CONFIRMS NEW DARK SPOT ON NEPTUNE
 New images obtained on May 16, 2016, by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope confirm
the presence of a dark vortex in the atmosphere of Neptune.

 Though similar features were seen during the Voyager 2 flyby of Neptune in 1989
and by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1994, this vortex is the first one observed on
Neptune in the 21st century.
 The discovery was announced on May 17, 2016, in a Central Bureau for Astronomical
Telegrams (CBAT) electronic telegram by University of California at Berkeley research
astronomer Mike Wong, who led the team that analyzed the Hubble data.
 Neptune's dark vortices are high-pressure systems and are usually accompanied
by bright "companion clouds," which are also now visible on the distant planet.
 The bright clouds form when the flow of ambient air is perturbed and diverted 1
upward over the dark vortex, causing gases to likely freeze into methane ice crystals.
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NASA SCIENTISTS DISCOVER UNEXPECTED MINERAL ON MARS
 Scientists have discovered an unexpected mineral in a rock sample at Gale Crater

on Mars, a finding that may alter our understanding of how the planet evolved.
 NASA's Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity, has been exploring sedimentary
rocks within Gale Crater since landing in August 2012.
 In July 2015, on Sol 1060 (the number of Martian days since landing), the rover
collected powder drilled from rock at a location named "Buckskin."
 Analyzing data from an X-ray diffraction instrument on the rover that identifies
minerals, scientists detected significant amounts of a silica mineral called tridymite.
 This detection was a surprise to the scientists, because tridymite is generally
associated with silicic volcanism, which is known on Earth but was not thought to
be important or even present on Mars.
 The discovery of tridymite might induce scientists to rethink the volcanic history of
Mars, suggesting that the planet once had explosive volcanoes that led to the
presence of the mineral.
NEW ORIGINS FOR FARMED RICE DISCOVERED
 Rice farming is a far older practice than we knew. In fact, the oldest evidence of
domesticated rice has just been found in China, and it's about 9,000 years old.
 The discovery, made by a team of archaeologists that includes University of Toronto
Mississauga professor Gary Crawford.
 Researchers found the ancient domesticated rice fragments in a probable ditch in

the lower Yangtze valley.
They observed that about 30 per cent of the rice plant material -- primarily bases,
husks and leaf epidermis -- were not wild, but showed signs of being purposely
cultivated to produce rice plants that were durable and suitable for human
consumption.
 This finding indicates that the domestication of rice has been going on for much
longer than originally thought.
AIRPLANES MAKE CLOUDS BRIGHTER
 Clouds may have a net warming or cooling effect on climate, depending on their
thickness and altitude.
 Artificially formed clouds called contrails form due to aircraft effluent.
 In a cloudless sky, contrails are thought to have minimal effect on climate. But what
happens when the sky is already cloudy.
 Scientists show that contrails that are formed within existing high clouds increase
the reflectivity of these clouds, i.e. their ability to reflect light.
 The researchers hope that their discovery offers important insights into the influence
of aviation on climate.
'SPACE TSUNAMI' CAUSES THE THIRD VAN ALLEN BELT
 Earth's magnetosphere, the region of space dominated by Earth's magnetic field,

protects our planet from the harsh battering of the solar wind.
1
5
 The Van Allen belts, named after their discoverer, are regions within the
magnetosphere where high-energy protons and electrons are trapped by Earth's
magnetic field.
 Known since 1958, these regions were historically classified into two inner and outer
belts.
 However, in 2013, NASA's Van Allen Probes reported an unexplained third Van
Allen belt that had not previously been observed.
 This third Van Allen belt lasted only a few weeks before it vanished, and its cause
remained inexplicable.
NEWBORN GIANT PLANET GRAZES ITS STAR
 For the past 20 years, exoplanets known as 'hot Jupiters' have puzzled
astronomers. These giant planets orbit 100 times closer to their host stars than
Jupiter does to the Sun, which increases their surface temperatures.
 Now, an international team of astronomers has announced the discovery of a very
young hot Jupiter orbiting in the immediate vicinity of a star that is barely two
million years old -- the stellar equivalent of a week-old infant.
 It was while monitoring a star barely two million years old called V830 Tau, located
in the Taurus stellar nursery some 430 light years away, that an international team
of astronomers discovered the youngest known hot Jupiter.
URBAN BIRD SPECIES RISK DYING PREMATURELY DUE TO STRESS


Birds of the species Parus Major (great tit) living in an urban environment are at
greater risk of dying young than great tits living outside cities.
Research results from University in Sweden show that urban great tits have shorter
telomeres than others of their own species living in rural areas.
 According to the researchers, the induced stress that the urban great tits are
experiencing is what results in shorter telomeres and thereby increases their risk of
dying young.
NASA'S K2 FINDS NEWBORN EXOPLANET AROUND YOUNG STAR
 Astronomers have discovered the youngest fully formed exoplanet ever detected.
 The discovery was made using NASA's Kepler Space Telescope and its extended
K2 mission, as well as the W. M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
 Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars beyond our sun.
 The newfound planet, K2-33b, is a bit larger than Neptune and whips tightly around
its star every five days. It is only 5 to 10 million years old, making it one of a very
few newborn planets found to date.
 Planet formation is a complex and tumultuous process that remains shrouded in
mystery.
 Astronomers have discovered and confirmed roughly 3,000 exoplanets so far.
WORLD'S FIRST 1,000-PROCESSOR CHIP
 A microchip containing 1,000 independent programmable processors has been

designed by a team at the University of California, Davis, Department of Electrical 1
and Computer Engineering.
5
 The energy-efficient "KiloCore" chip has a maximum computation rate of 1.78
trillion instructions per second and contains 621 million transistors.
 The KiloCore was presented at the 2016 Symposium on VLSI Technology and Circuits
in Honolulu on June 16.
MOST DISTANT OXYGEN EVER OBSERVED
 Astronomers from Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom and ESO have used the
Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA to observe one of the
most distant galaxies known.
 SXDF-NB1006-2 lies at a redshift of 7.2, meaning that we see it only 700 million
years after the Big Bang.
 The team was hoping to find out about the heavy chemical elements present in the
galaxy, as they can tell us about the level of star formation, and hence provide clues
about the period in the history of the Universe known as cosmic reionisation.
WORLD‘S MOST EFFICIENT NANOWIRE LASERS
 Known for their low cost, simple processing and high efficiency, perovskites are
popular materials in solar panel research.
 Now, researchers demonstrated that nanowires made from lead halide perovskite
are the most efficient nanowire lasers known.
 Efficient nanowire lasers could benefit fiber optic communications, pollution
characterization, and other applications. The challenge is getting the right material.


These ultra-compact wires have a superior ability to emit light, can be tuned to
emit different colors, and are relatively easy to synthesize.
The development of these perovskite wires parallels the rapid development of the
same materials for efficient solar cells.
NEW PLANET IS LARGEST DISCOVERED THAT ORBITS TWO SUNS
 If you cast your eyes toward the constellation Cygnus, you'll be looking in the
direction of the largest planet yet discovered around a double-star system.
 It's too faint to see with the naked eye, but a team led by astronomers from NASA's
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and San Diego State University
(SDSU) in California, used NASA's Kepler Space Telescope to identify the new planet,
Kepler-1647b.
 Kepler-1647 is 3,700 light-years away and approximately 4.4 billion years old,
roughly the same age as Earth. The stars are similar to the sun, with one slightly
larger than our home star and the other slightly smaller.
 The planet has a mass and radius nearly identical to that of Jupiter, making it the
largest transiting circumbinary planet ever found.
NEW 'UKIDAMA' NANOPARTICLE STRUCTURE REVEALED
 A team of researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate

University (OIST) recently discovered a unique copper-silver nanoparticle
structure that has a core of one element surrounded by a "cage" of the other
element. 1
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 However, the cage does not cover certain areas of the core, which very much
resembles the Japanese glass fishing floats traditionally covered with rope called
ukidama.
 The ukidama is a unique structure, which means that it can likely give us unique
properties.
 The discovery of the ukidama structure was found through sputtering copper and
silver atoms simultaneously, but independently, through a magnetron-sputtering
system at high temperatures.
 When the atoms began to cool they combined into bi-metallic nanoparticles.
WORLD'S FIRST VACCINE DEVELOPED AGAINST TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME
 Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a severe circulatory and organ failure caused by
bacterial toxins, usually triggered by bacteria from the Staphylococcus group.
 Researchers from MedUni Vienna's Department of Clinical Pharmacology, have now
developed the world's first safe and effective vaccine against this disease and
successfully tested it in a Phase I trial.
 This syndrome was first described in the 1980s. General symptoms of sepsis or blood
poisoning occurred in young women who had used so-called "super tampons"
during their periods.
 This is why the syndrome was also known as "tampon disease." This subsequently
led to the absorption capacity of tampons being regulated.
SCIENTISTS DESIGN ENERGY-CARRYING PARTICLES CALLED 'TOPOLOGICAL
PLEXCITONS'
 Scientists at UC San Diego, MIT and Harvard University have engineered

"topological plexcitons," energy-carrying particles that could help make possible
the design of new kinds of solar cells and miniaturized optical circuitry.
 Within the Lilliputian world of solid state physics, light and matter interact in strange
ways, exchanging energy back and forth between them.
 Energy can flow back and forth between light in a metal (so called plasmon) and
light in a molecule (so called exciton). When this exchange is much faster than their
respective decay rates, their individual identities are lost, and it is more accurate to
think about them as hybrid particles; excitons and plasmons marry to form
plexcitons."
NAMES RECOMMENDED FOR ELEMENTS 115, 117 AND 118

 The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) opened a public
comment for the recommended names of elements 115, 117 and 118.
 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research
in Dubna, Russia (JINR) were credited late last year for discovering elements 115
and 118.
 LLNL, JINR, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Vanderbilt University and the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas were credited with the discovery of element 117.
 Moscovium (Mc) is provisionally recommended for element 115 in recognition of
the Moscow region and honoring the ancient Russian land that is home to JINR.
Moscow is the capital of the region. 1
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 Tennessine (Ts) is proposed for element 117, recognizing the contribution of
Tennessee research centers ORNL, Vanderbilt and the University of Tennessee to
superheavy element research.
 The provisional name for element 118 is Oganesson (Og) in recognition of the
pioneering contributions of Yuri Oganessian to superheavy element research.
Oganessian's vision and determination created this opportunity for the significant
expansion of the periodic table and knowledge of superheavy nuclei.
SCIENTISTS OBSERVE SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLE FEEDING ON COLD GAS
 For the first time, astronomers have detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas
streaming toward a black hole, at the center of a massive galaxy cluster.
 The clouds are traveling at speeds of up to 355 kilometers per second -- that's
almost 800,000 miles per hour -- and may be only 150 light years away from its
edge, almost certain to fall into the black hole, feeding its bottomless well.
 The observations represent the first direct evidence to support the hypothesis that
black holes feed on clouds of cold gas.
SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY PROTEIN WHICH BOOSTS RICE YIELD
 In collaboration with researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University, Dr Tony Miller

from the John Innes Centre has developed rice crops with an improved ability to
manage their own pH levels, enabling them to take up significantly more nitrogen,
iron and phosphorus from soil and increase yield by up to 54%.


Rice contains a gene called OsNRT2.3, which creates a protein involved in nitrate
transport.
This one gene makes two slightly different versions of the protein: OsNRT2.3a and
OsNRT2.3b.
 Following tests to determine the role of both versions of the protein, Dr Miller's team
found that OsNRT2.3b is able to switch nitrate transport on or off, depending on the
internal pH of the plant cell.
 When this 'b' protein was over-expressed in rice plants they were better able to
buffer themselves against pH changes in their environment. This enabled them to
take up much more nitrogen, as well as more iron and phosphorus. These rice plants
gave a much higher yield of rice grain (up to 54% more yield), and their nitrogen use
efficiency increased by up to 40%.
GENETIC CODE OF RED BLOOD CELLS DISCOVERED

 Every individual has a unique genetic code, which is a complete instruction manual
describing exactly how all the cells in the body are formed. This instruction manual is
stored in the form of a specific DNA sequence in the cell nucleus.
 All human cells -- brain, muscle, fat, bone and skin cells -- have the exact same
code. The thing that distinguishes the cells is which chapter of the manual the cells
are able to read.
 The research group in University in Sweden with the help of a retrovirus introduced
different combinations of over 60 genes into the skin cells' genome, until one day
they had successfully converted the skin cells into red blood cells.
 The discovery is significant from several aspects. Partly from a biological point of 1
view -- understanding how red blood cells are produced and which genetic
5
instructions they require -- but also from a therapeutic point of view, as it creates an
opportunity to produce red blood cells from the skin cells of a patient.
 Red blood cells are the most common cells in the human body, and are necessary
in order to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
 Millions of people worldwide suffer from anemia -- a condition in which the patient
has an insufficient amount of red blood cells.
CLINICIANS IMPLANT WORLD'S SMALLEST PACEMAKER
 Jersey Shore University Medical Center, part of Meridian CardioVascular Network, is

the first hospital in New Jersey to implant the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System
(TPS) -- the world's smallest pacemaker -- since the device gained U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in April 2016.
 Micra TPS is a new type of heart device that treats patients with bradycardia, a
common heart condition characterized by a slow or irregular heart rhythm.
SCIENTISTS DISCOVER OLDEST PLANT ROOT STEM CELLS
 Scientists at Oxford University have discovered the oldest known population of plant
root stem cells in a 320-million-year-old fossil.
 The cells, which gave rise to the roots of an ancient plant, were found in a fossilized
root tip held in the Oxford University Herbaria.
 Sandy has named the stem-cell fossil Radix carbonica (Latin for 'coal root').
 As well as revealing the oldest plant root stem cells identified to date, the research
also marks the first time an actively growing fossilised root has been discovered -- in
effect, an ancient plant frozen in time.
THE UNIVERSE IS EXPANDING EVEN FASTER THAN EXPECTED
 Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have discovered that the
universe is expanding 5% to 9% faster than expected.
 This surprising finding may be an important clue to understanding those mysterious
parts of the universe that make up 95% of everything and don't emit light, such as
dark energy, dark matter, and dark radiation.
JUPITER‘S THICK CLOUDS FLOAT ON SWIRLING AMMONIA
 Jupiter could be a smelly place. A team of researchers has found that swirling
ammonia lies below the thick clouds of the planet.
MASSIVE GIANT PLANETS FOUND IN STAR CLUSTER
 Scientists have discovered an unexpectedly large number of giant exoplanets in a

cluster of stars called Messier 67 that is about the same age as the Sun.
SOLAR IMPULSE 2 COMPLETES FIRST-EVER ATLANTIC FLIGHT
 The Solar Impulse 2 landed in Spain after completing a 70-hour flight from New
York in the first solo transatlantic crossing in a solar-powered airplane. 1
5
 The Solar Impulse 2 has a 72m wingspan, wider than a Boeing 747, and carries
over 17,000 solar cells.
 During daylight, the solar panels charge the plane‘s batteries, which make up a
quarter of the craft‘s 2.3 tonne weight.
 The pilot also climbs to 29,000 feet during the day and glides down to 5,000 feet
during the night, to conserve power.
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AWARDS & HONOURS
MINISTRY OF SHIPPING AWARDS: 2015-16
 In view of the excellent performance by Port Trusts during the year 2015-16, the
Ministry of Shipping has rewarded the best performers.
 The awards were conferred during the review meeting held in Goa.
 The awards were given in four categories namely:
1. Top Three Ports in achieving the RFD targets in 2015-16
2. Port with highest growth rate in traffic
3. Port with best improvement in efficiency parameters
4. Best Port to achieve the highest growth rate in operating surplus
5. Special Award
The winners of the above mentioned awards were:
 The top three ports who achieved the RFD targets for 2015-16 were:
1. Mormugao
2. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.
 Port with highest growth rate in traffic: Mormugao Port Trust. VO
Chidambaranar Port Trust came second while Kolkata Port Trust was third on the list.
 Port with best improvement in efficiency parameters: Paradip Port Trust has

achieved outstanding efficiency parameters among the major Ports.
Best Port to achieve the highest growth rate in operating surplus : This award
was bagged by Cochin Port Trust which showed a massive increase of 230% as
compared to 2014-15.
 Special Award: A special award was conferred to Kandla Port Trust for achieving
100MT traffic in 2015-16.
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN FILM ACADEMY (IIFA) AWARDS 2016
 The 17th edition of International Indian Film Academy Awards was held at Spain and
was hosted by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar.
Here's a complete list of the winners:

 Best Picture Award: Bajrangi Bhaijaan

 Best Direction Award: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Bajirao Mastani
 Best Performance in a Leading role (Male) Award: Ranveer Singh for Bajirao
Mastani
 Best Performance in a Supporting role (Male) Award: Anil Kapoor for Dil
Dhadhakne Do
 Best Story Award: Juhi Chaturvedi for Piku
 Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Award: Deepika Padukone for Piku
 Best Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee for Bajirao Mastani
 Best Screenplay: Kabir Khan, Parveez Shaikh, V. Vijayendra Prasad for Bajrangi 1
Bhaijaan
5
 Best Editing: A Sreekar Prasad for Talvar
 Best Performance in a Supporting role (Female) Award: Priyanka Chopra for
Bajirao Mastani
 Best Debutant Award: Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty for Hero
 Best Performance in Negative role Award: Darshan Kumaar for NH 10
 Best Performance in a Comic Role Award: Deepak Dobriyal for Tanu Weds Manu
Returns
 Best Male Playback Singer Award: Papon
 Best Female Playback Singer Award: Monali Thakur
 Best Lyric Writer: Varun Grover
 Special award for Woman of the Year: Priyanka Chopra
GOOGLE LUNAR XPRIZE
 In a unique opportunity, youngsters from across the country are being invited to
design an experiment that will fly aboard an Indian spacecraft to the Moon.
 The initiative, Lab2Moon was launched by TeamIndus, a space technology startup,
which is among three top contenders and the only Indian team for the Google Lunar
XPRIZE.
 The Google Lunar XPRIZE, which is worth $30 million, is an unprecedented
challenge intended to inspire engineers and entrepreneurs from around the world to
develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration.
 As part of this coveted competition, TeamIndus will have to successfully place a
robot on the moon‘s surface that will move around for at least 500 metres and send

back high-definition video and images back to Earth.
The start up which began as a group of 5 people has grown into a team of 85 over
the last 5 years. 15 of the members are retired ISRO scientists.
 The experiment is set to fly aboard the TeamIndus spacecraft to the Moon in the
year 2017.
PM MODI CONFERRED THE HIGHEST HONOUR OF AFGHANISTAN
 The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Amir Amanullah Khan
Award, Afghanistan‘s highest civilian honour.
 He was bestowed the honour by President Ashraf Ghani after the inauguration of
the landmark Afghan-India Friendship Dam in Herat.
 The Amir Amanullah Khan medal is highest civilian honor of Afghanistan.
 The award is named after the Afghan national hero, Amanullah Khan (Ghazi), who
championed the cause of Afghanistan‘s freedom. He was the ruler of the Emirate of
Afghanistan from 1919-1929 who led Afghanistan to independence.

 This award was instituted by the Afghanistan government in 2006.
 Previous recipients include: US President George Bush, Kazakh President
Nursultan Nazarbayev, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, NATO General
James Jones, former Afghan President spiritual leader Sibghatullah Mujaddedi, and
Afghan Chief Justice (CJ) Abdul Salam Azimi
PARADIP PORT RECEIVED BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD
 Paradip Port Trust received Best Performance Award from Shipping Ministry.The 1
Port showed best improvement in efficiency parameters for the year 2015-16.
5
 Paradip Port Trust has achieved outstanding efficiency parameters among the
major Ports.
 Vessel turn round time has been drastically reduced by 36% from 7.01 days in
2014-15 to 4.50 days during 2015-16.
 Similarly, berth day output has also increased by 19% from 17,736 metric tonnes
to 21,139 metric tonnes.
 The mechanised coal berths being used for loading the thermal coal for power
plants located in southern states have also recorded throughput increase by 23%
from 32,880 metric tonnes to 40,440 metric tonnes.
NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT COMPETITION
 Jadavpur University, Kolkata has won the 12th National Youth Parliament
Competition for Universities and Colleges conducted by the Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs.
 The Running Parliamentary Shield and Trophy for 2014-15 was presented to
Jadavpur University.
 Merit Trophies were presented to: Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra,
University of Kashmir, Srinagar, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru
Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Port Blair and Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of
Cooperative Management, Sivsagar, Assam.
 National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities/Colleges is being
organized since 1997-98 to promote among the younger generations the spirit of
discipline, tolerance of diverse opinion, righteous expression of views and democratic
virtues.
PRESIDENT HONOURED NATIONAL AWARD OF COTE D‘IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)
 The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee received the highest national honour, the
Grande Croix Commandeur in National Merit Order, from the President of Cote
d‘Ivoire, Mr. Alassane Ouattara.
CDR ASHUTOSH PEDNEKAR WON GOLD IN RACKETLON
 Cdr Ashutosh Pednekar of Indian Navy made sports history when he became the
first Indian to participate and win International tournaments in sport of
Racketlon.
 At the recently concluded competitions in Denmark and Belgium he made the country
proud by clinching Gold medal in both the Men's Amateur and the Veterans
(plus 45) categories at the Nordic Racket Games held at Vejen, Denmark from
28-29 May 2016.
 Then at prestigious Super World Tour- King of Rackets tournament held at
Oudenaarde Belgium 3-5 June 2016 he once again proved himself by bagging Gold
in plus 45 and Silver in Men's amateur category.
 Though becoming increasingly popular internationally ‗Racketlon‘ is still a relatively
young sport in India & hence it‘s not surprising that it‘s quite unknown in India.
 The sport is modeled on lines of Decathlon/Triathlon and is combination sport
comprising of four racket games namely Table tennis, Badminton, Squash and
Lawn tennis. 1
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 The typical match comprises 4 sets of 21 points each in each of the above
individual sports played in succession one after another. Winner is the player winning
maximum points.
V.O.CHIDAMBARANAR PORT BAGS NATIONAL AWARD
 V.O. Chidambaranar Port has bagged National Award for Excellence in Cost
Management for the year 2015 from The Institute of Cost Accountants of India
under the category of Public Service Sector- Small.
 This is the third time this port is receiving the award, the earlier years being 2008
and 2012.
 The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, a statutory body under an Act of
Parliament, presents awards for excellence in Cost Management to promote and
recognize Cost Management practices in the Corporate Sector.
 The awards under various categories were selected by a Jury panel headed by Justice
Mr. V.N.Khare, former Chief Justice of India and persons of eminence from
Industry, Government, Judiciary and CMA profession.
MCA, JOINT WINNER OF BEST PITCH AND OUTFIELD AWARD
 The Mumbai Cricket Association for the fourth year in succession has been jointly
adjudged winner of the Best Pitch and Outfield for the recently-concluded Indian
Premier League.
 For the 2016 edition, the MCA shared the award with Delhi & District Cricket

Association and Karnataka State Cricket Association.
As per the MCA policy, all the financial rewards will be distributed amongst the
curators, who have been delivering so consistently over the years.
 The award consists of trophy and Rs. 50 lakh, shared by all the award winners.
INDIAN COUPLE CONQUER MT. EVEREST, SET RECORD
 Dinesh and Tarkeshwari Rathod, both Maharashtra Police constables, also became
the first Indian couple to reach the summit of Everest — a feat they accomplished
a few days after constable Rafiq Shaikh, of Aurangabad, became the first
Maharashtra policeman to scale the peak.
 The Rathods, both aged 30, entered into police service in 2006. They have climbed
the highest peak of Australia and undertaken skydiving adventures. Over 70 Indian
nationals have successfully climbed Mt Everest this season.
MAN SETS RECORD AS LARGEST COLLECTOR OF BOOKS
 M. Ankegowda (66) has in the last 33 years collected over 10 lakh titles in 22
Indian languages and several foreign languages.
 His astonishing achievement has propelled him into the Limca Book of Records
2016 in the ‗Largest Personal Book Collection‘ category.
 Mr. Ankegowda has won numerous awards such as the Rajyotsava Award in 2014,
and the G.P. Rajaratnam Sahitya Paricharika Award given by the Kannada Book
Authority in 2009.
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RIDLEY SCOTT WINS CINAMATHEQUE AWARD
 Ridley Scott will be honoured with the 30th American Cinematheque award.
 The American Cinematheque Award annually honors "an extraordinary artist in the
entertainment industry who is fully engaged in his or her work and is committed to
making a significant contribution to the art of the motion pictures".
BARAPULLAH FLYOVER TO BE NAMED AFTER BANDA SINGH BAHADUR
 Delhi government has decided to rename Barapullah flyover after Sikh warrior Baba
Banda Singh Bahadur.
 The Barapullah flyover, now the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Setu, is an
important link between east and south Delhi and was named after the 17th century
Barapullah bridge, which it bypasses on its way to INA.
 Banda Singh Bahadur was a Sikh military commander.
 At age 15 he left home to become an ascetic, and was given the name ‗‘Madho Das‘‘.
 He established a monastery at Nānded, on the bank of the river Godāvarī, where in
September 1708 he was visited by, and became a disciple of, Guru Gobind Singh,
who gave him the new name of Banda Singh Bahadur.
 Armed with the blessing and authority of Guru Gobind Singh, he assembled a fighting
force and led the struggle against the Mughal Empire.
 His first major action was the sack of the Mughal provincial capital, Samana, in
November 1709.
 After establishing his authority in Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the

zamindari system, and granted property rights to the tillers of the land.
He was captured by the Mughals and tortured to death in 1716.
INDIAN AMONG TIME‘S TOP MILLENNIALS LIST
 Thirty-year-old Umesh Sachdev features on Time magazine‘s 2016 list of ―10

millennials who are changing the world‖ for his work on phone software.
LEECHES WINS AT SEOUL FILM FESTIVAL
 Indian short film Leeches, starring Sayani Gupta, won the Audience Choice Award
at the Seoul International Women‘s Film Festival (SIWFF).
 Leeches is a film about two Hyderabadi sisters who live in the interiors of the city
where a several orthodox practices are still prevalent. The older sister hatches a
dangerous and improbable plan to save her younger sister from entering a ―contract
marriage.
 The film, which premiered in April, has been shown at Brussels and Finland festivals.
FIRST TAMIL NADU MAN TO SCALE EVEREST
 The nation cheered as Havaldar K. Siva Kumar scaled Mount Everest last month as
part of the Indian army‘s expedition team.
 Hav Siva Kumar is the first person from Tamil Nadu to reach the Himalayan
summit.
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70TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS
 The 70th Annual Tony Awards were held on June 12, 2016, to recognize achievement
in Broadway productions during the 2015–16 season in ceremony at New York.
 Hamilton received a record-setting 16 nominations in 13 categories, winning 11
total.
 The revival of The Color Purple won two awards.
 The Humans won four awards, and the revival productions of plays Long Day's
Journey into Night and A View from the Bridge each took home two awards.
NAYEEMUDDIN TO GET MOHUN BAGAN RATNA
 Mohun Bagan decided to honour former India captain and country‘s only
‗Dronacharya‘ football coach Syed Nayeemuddin wit its highest decoration — the
Mohun Bagan Ratna.
 Nayeemuddin coached all the big clubs of Kolkata with considerable success and was
noted for his fitness methods, which helped in transforming the careers of many
players.
THITHI WINS AWARD AT SHANGHAI FILM FESTIVAL
 Kannada film Thithi has won the best film and best script writers award at the
Asia New Talent Awards in the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival.
 Directed by debutante filmmaker Raam Reddy, Thithi was the only film from India
that was selected and screened in the festival.
SIR HEW STRACHAN WINS $100,000 MILITARY AWARD
 Sir Hew Strachan, a Scottish-born historian who specialises in the British military
and in World War I, has won a $100,000 lifetime achievement prize.
 Strachan, 66, is the 10th recipient of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Literature Award for military writing.
 His books include "The First World War," ''The First World War in Africa" and "The
Politics of the British Army."
RAMDEV-LED YOGA EVENT SETS ―WORLD RECORD‖
 Coinciding with the second International Day of Yoga, nearly one lakh people
gathered at Faridabad to perform yoga together and set a new world record.
 Led by Baba Ramdev, the ―world records‖ during the event, included 408 people
performed the sirsasana and Rohtash Chaudhary doing 51 push-ups in one
minute carrying a weight of 36.5 kg on his back.
 Also, nine people performed Surya Namaskar 1,500 times in 100 minutes.
PRAVEEN CHANDRAN GETS AWARD
 M. R. Praveen Chandran (Correspondent of The Hindu), won the ‗International

Olympic Day‘ Best Sports Journalist award in the journalism awards instituted
by the Thiruvananthapuram District Olympic Association and the 1
Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.
6
 The other winners: Sports photographer: B. Sumesh (Kerala Kaumudi), TV
journalist: N.K. Girish (Manorama News), Cameraman: Sajayakumar (Asianet News).
TOP TNCA AWARD FOR KOUSIK
 Jagatheesan Kousik will be the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association‘s Cricketer-of-the-

Year for 2015-16.
 21-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder has been picked as much for his performances
in his maiden Ranji season as his potential.
G.D. BIRLA AWARD FOR IIT-KANPUR PROFESSOR
 The 25th G. D. Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2015 has been awarded to
Prof. Sanjay Mittal from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute
of Technology, Kanpur.
 Prof. Mittal‘s significant contributions have been in the area of Bluff Body Flows —
flows past blunt bodies associated with large unsteady separation and leading to
large fluid forces.
 He was instrumental in establishing the High Performance Computing (HPC)
facility at IIT Kanpur and heads the National Wind Tunnel Facility.
 The G.D.Birla Award was instituted in 1991 by the K.K.Birla Foundation.
INDIAN BAGS UN HONOUR


Zubaida Bai, an Indian social entrepreneur working for women‘s welfare, is on the
United Nations‘ latest list of 10 champions of sustainable development goals.
All businesses, everywhere, can and should play a role in improving our world. That
starts with integrity — doing business right.
ASTRONAUT JOHN GLENN GETS OHIO AIRPORT RENAMED IN HIS HONOR
 Astronaut John Glenn is getting an airport in Ohio renamed in his honour.

 Port Columbus International Airport will now be called John Glenn Columbus
International Airport.
TOM HANKS GET ROME FILM FEST HONOUR
 Hollywood star Tom Hanks received the lifetime achievement award at the Rome
Film Fest.
NCC BAGS AWARD
 NCC Limited has been chosen for the national award of excellence in cost
management for 2015.
 The Jury of National awards for excellence in cost management 2015, headed by
Justice VN Khare, former Chief Justice of India, selected construction and
infrastructure company NCC Limited, for the National Award for ―Excellence in
Cost Management‖ for the year 2015 of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
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KERALA STADIUM WINS AWARD
 The Sports Hub, Thiruvananthapuram, a modern stadium developed by IL&FS in

public private partnership with the Kerala government, has won the David Vickers
Award for New Venue of the Year.
 The award was given away at the Stadium Business Awards 2016 held at
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain.
 The Sports Hub has been built a cost of ₹345 crore and has a seating capacity of
50,000 and can host cricket and football matches.
TATA POWER SOLAR BAGS MNRE AWARD
 Tata Power Solar has bagged the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
award for rooftop solar power projects.
 The company has won in the Channel Partner/EPC contractor category at the
National Excellence Awards 2016 instituted by MNRE for the first time.
 Tata Power Solar has commissioned 112.5 MW of rooftop projects till 2016.
ESAF WINS SKOCH AWARDS
 Thrissur-based ESAF Microfinance has bagged the Skoch Inclusion Award and the
Skoch Order of Merit 2016 for financial inclusion.
 Skoch Awards are considered the highest independent honour in India for financial
inclusion.
KARNATAKA BANK GETS AWARD
 Karnataka Bank Ltd has bagged CFBP (Council for Fair Business Practices)
Jamnalal Bajaj award for fair business practices under the category ‗service
enterprises – large‘.
 Mahabaleshwara MS, Chief General Manager of the bank, received the award from
Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Group, in Mumbai.
UCO BANK GETS AWARD
 Kolkata-based UCO Bank has been awarded Skoch Order of Merit Award -2016
for Financial Inclusion for best performance among all the banks in India.
 This award was received by K Venkatachalam, General Manager & Circle Head,
Mumbai, on behalf of RK Takkar, MD and CEO of UCO Bank.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD AWARDS
 Two local students have been graded as ‗International Ranks‘ in the Olympiad
Awards held recently in Delhi by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
 Abhiram V of Class 12 from Kendriya Vidyalaya was ranked first and Lekshmi P of
Class 11 from Arya Central School, the third.
 An estimated 45 lakh students from over 34,000 schools from 1,400 cities across
India and 22 countries participated in the Olympiad exams during 2015-16.
1
6
SINGARENI COLLIERIES BAGS EXCELLENCE AWARD
 The Singareni Collieries Co Ltd has received Performance Excellence Award from
Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering for the financial year 2015-16 at the 20th
CEOs Conference of IIIE held at Nagpur.
IIMA AWARDS TO ITS ALUMNIS
 The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), awarded two of its

alumni with the IIMA Alumni Young Achievers‘ Award.
 The second edition of the award was presented to Abhinay Choudhari, Co-founder,
BigBasket.com, and Neeraj Aggarwal, Managing Director, The Boston Consulting
Group, India.
 The award, given to alumni under the age of 45, recognises outstanding
achievements in various areas of management.
NO WINNERS FOR 'OUTSTANDING AFRICAN LEADERSHIP' PRIZE
 Organisers of a $5-million Ibrahim Prize for former African leaders which aims to
shine a spotlight on democracy and outstanding leadership again failed to find a
winner after no one met the criteria.
 To win the prize, a leader must have been a democratically elected head of state
or government and left office in the past three years, serving only their
constitutionally mandated term.


He or she must have shown outstanding leadership in developing their countries and
lifting people out of poverty.
The seven-member prize committee did not select a winner for the 2015 award.
 Ibrahim Prize was set up by Sudanese telecoms tycoon Mo Ibrahim in 2006.
 Since being launched in 2006, the Ibrahim Prize has only been awarded four
times to:
1. Mozambique's Joaquim Alberto Chissano,
2. Botswana's Festus Gontebanye Mogae,
3. Cape Verde's Pedro De Verona Rodrigues Pires
4. Namibia's Hifikepunye Pohamba.
 South Africa's Nelson Mandela was awarded an honorary prize in 2007.
 The winner receives $5 million over 10 years and then $200,000 a year for life, and
can apply for another $200,000 a year for good causes they support.
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SPORTS
JOSHNA MOVES UP TO WORLD NO. 11  Vandana Katariya gave India a 1-0 lead
in the 37th minute but Japan equalised
 Joshna Chinappa improved her in the very next minute through
ranking by rising to a career best 11th Motomi Kawamura.
as per the latest ranking list released  Four minutes later, Minami Shimizu‘s
by the Professional Squash strike gave the Japanese a 2-1 lead
Association. which they held on till the end.
 Dipika Pallikal also improved her
position by a rung to be placed 18th. FRENCH OPEN 2016
SANJEEV KUMAR CLAIMS TITLE  Men's Singles: (Serbia) Novak

Djokovic beat (UK) Andy Murray
 Sanjeev Kumar defeated Aditya Balraj  Women's Singles: (Spain) Garbine
6-1, 6-3 in the final to win the Tennis Muguruza beat (USA) Serena Williams
Temple Academy‘s Open tennis  Men's Doubles: (Spain) Feliciano
tournament for men. López / (Spain) Marc López beat
(USA)Bob Bryan/(USA) Mike Bryan
WHITE TIGER MASCOT OF 2018  Women's Doubles: (France) Caroline
WINTER GAMES Garcia / (France) Kristina Mladenovic
beat (Russia) Ekaterina Makarova /
 A cheerful white tiger cub, named (Russia) Elena Vesnina
‗Soohorang‘, was unveiled as the
official mascot for South Korea‘s 2018
 Mixed Doubles: (Switzerland) Martina
Hingis / (India) Leander Paes beat
Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. (India) Sania Mirza / (Croatia) Ivan
Dodig (*Important)
ADHITHYA SETS A NEW 200M
BUTTERFLY MARK PAES WIN DOUBLES TITLE IN FRENCH
OPEN
 D. Adhithya of TSPA won the 200m
butterfly event clocking 2:17.38s, a  Leander Paes achieved his ‗career
meet record, at the 43rd junior State Slam‘ in mixed doubles, winning the
aquatics championship. Roland Garros title with Martina
 D. Adhithya also set a new meet Hingis, with a hard-fought win over
record of 00:30.52s to clinch gold in Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig.
the boys‘ group 2 50m backstroke  The unseeded Indo-Swiss pair eked out
event of the State sub-junior and a 4-6, 6-4, [10-8] win over the second
junior aquatic championship. seeds in the summit clash that lasted
one hour and 28 minutes.
INDIA LOSES TO JAPAN  Having won the Australian Open,
Wimbledon and the US Open titles
 Indian eves returned empty-handed in 2015 with Hingis, this win completes
from the four-nation invitational their ‗career Slam‘ as a pair too.
hockey tournament after losing 1-2  It was Paes‘s 18th Grand Slam title
to Japan in the bronze medal play- overall and 10th in the mixed
off match. doubles while Hingis took her tally of 1
6
Major titles to 22, with her fifth mixed Challenger tennis tournament in
doubles trophy. Manchester.
 The title was worth €2650 and 80 ATP
OLYMPIC ORDER FOR IOA CHIEF points.
RAMACHANDRAN  It was the seventh Challenger doubles
title for Purav and ninth title for Divij,
 The International Olympic Committee and third as a pair. Purav has 16
has awarded the Olympic Order to Futures doubles titles and Divij, 19.
Indian Olympic Association president
N. Ramachandran for his outstanding BIRMINGHAM TO HOST WORLD
services to the Olympic movement. CHAMPIONSHIP
 Ramachandran, who has been IOA
president since February 2014, is the  Seventh World carrom
second sports administrator from Tamil championship will hosted by the
Nadu to receive the award after the United Kingdom Carrom Federation at
late B.S. Adityan, a former IOA Birmingham from November 7 to 11.
president, in 1995.
HARIKRISHNA LOSES; MAMEDYAROV
DEEPIKA CLINCHES GOLD IS CHAMPION
 Deepika clocked 14.2s to clinch gold in  Shakhriayar Mamedyarov of

the women‘s 110m hurdles of the Tamil Azerbaijan emerged champion,
Nadu State senior athletics registering a fine win over Anish Giri of
championship at the Nehru Stadium Holland in Shamkir chess tournament.
(Chennai).
CHENNAI CLINCHES OVERALL

SILVER FOR POULOSE
CHAMPIONSHIP  India‘s Maymon Poulose won the

men‘s 110m hurdles silver in the 17th
 Chennai clinched the overall Asian junior athletics championship.
championship in the Tamil Nadu State
senior athletics championship. DEEPAK WINS GOLD (WRESTLING)
ASWATHAAMAN CLINCHES GOLD  Deepak led the Indian medal charge,

winning gold in the 84kg freestyle
 S. Aswathaaman of the Turtles Swim event, at the 2016 junior Asian
School set a new meet record of championships.
17:26.79s to clinch gold in the boys‘  The event, held from May 31 to June 5
group 1 1500m freestyle event of the in Manila, also saw the Indian men‘s
Tamilnadu State sub-junior & junior freestyle team crowned champion.

aquatic championship in Chennai.  The medallists: Freestyle: Gold:
Deepak (84kg); silver: Rahul (50kg),
PURAV AND DIVIJ PAIR WINS TITLE Vikas (66kg), Pritam (74kg); bronze:
Naveen (55kg), Nasir (96kg), Somvir
 The unseeded pair of Purav Raja and (120kg).
Divij Sharan survived three match-  Greco-Roman: Men: Silver: Ravi
points and won the doubles title with (96kg); bronze: Manish (69kg).
a 6-3, 3-6, [11-9] victory over second Women: Silver: Sujata (44kg), Pinki
seeds Ken Skupski and Neal Skupski of (51kg), Pooja (72kg). 1
Britain in the €42,500 men‘s
6
SAMHITHA WINS Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain
and India will slug it out for honours.
 Sai Samhitha, partnering Zhao  The women‘s junior World Cup will
Qianqian of China, won the doubles take place in Santiago, Chile,
title (Tennis) in the $10,000 ITF between November 24 and December
women‘s event in Sharm El Sheikh, 4.
Egypt.  India will not be part of that event.
 They beat Anastasia Nefedova of
Russia and Shivika Burman 6-4, 6-4. CRISTIANO RONALDO TOPS FORBES
LIST
GHRIBI RECEIVES OLYMPIC AND
WORLD GOLD MEDALS  Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
led the Forbes magazine list of the
 Long-distance runner Habiba Ghribi world‘s highest-paid athletes in the
(Tunisia) was officially presented with wake of boxer Floyd Mayweather‘s
Olympic 2012 and World 2011 3,000- retirement and golfer Tiger Woods‘s
metre steeplechase gold medals back surgery.
stripped from Russian Yuliya Zaripova  The annual list had been topped 12
for doping. times by Woods and in three of the
 The presentation came several weeks last four by Mayweather.
after the Court of Arbitration for  Ronaldo topped the list at $88 million
Sport ruled in favour of the ($56 million in salary, $32 million from
International Association of Athletics endorsements).
Federations, which had challenged  Messi is next at $81.4 million, including
what it considered to be lenient
sanctions handed out by the Russian
Anti-doping agency.
$28 million in sponsorships.
LAHIRI ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT
TINTU WINS SILVER  Sourashis Lahiri announced his

retirement from all forms of Cricket
 Asian champion Tintu Luka won the after being with the Bengal Ranji team
women‘s 800m race silver with a for 17 long years.
season-best 2:00.61s at the Josef  Lahiri is an Indian former first-class
Odlozil Memorial international cricketer who played for Bengal.
athletics meet.  The 34-year-old off-spinner, played
 It was a close race and Tintu finished 100 first-class matches after making
second to Iceland‘s Anita his debut in the 1999-2000 season.
Hinriksdottir (2:00.54), the 2013
World youth champion who was fifth at PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE OF INDIA
the Indoor Worlds in the US in March. GETS RECOGNITION
LUCKNOW TO HOST JUNIOR MEN‘S  The International Paralympic

HOCKEY WC Committee (IPC) with its
headquarters in Germany has
 Lucknow will host the FIH junior men‘s recognised the Paralympic Committee
World Cup 2016 from December 8 to of India (PCI) led by Rao Inderjit
18. Singh as the president.
 Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium,  The Union Minister of State for
Canada, Egypt, England, Germany, Planning and Defence, Rao Inderjit 1
Japan, Korea, Netherlands, South Singh, along with vice president
6
Gursharan Singh had visited the IPC  Another performance close to this time
Headquarters in Bonn on May 27, to could carry it to the top-16 in the world
ensure the ratification of the PCI rankings and give it a Rio berth.
election that was held in October 2015.  Meanwhile, the women‘s mile relay
team clocked a season-best 3:30.16s,
BINDRA TO BE THE FLAG-BEARER AT helping it climb from the 16th spot to
RIO 13th in the world rankings and
improving its chances of qualifying for
 Former World and Olympic champion the Olympics.
Abhinav Bindra has accepted the
honour of carrying the national flag in SAINA WIN AUSTRALIAN OPEN
the opening ceremony of the Olympics
on August 5, in Rio de Janeiro.  Badminton Association of India
 The Beijing Olympics gold medallist, announced a cash incentive of Rs.
Bindra, who had carried the national 10 lakh to Saina Nehwal on winning
flag in the opening ceremony of the the Australian Open women‘s
Commonwealth Games in 2010, had singles title in Sydney.
always been sceptical about attending
the opening ceremonies as they THIEM WINS MERCEDES CUP
clashed with his air rifle event that
is always held early. It would be a  Austrian Dominic Thiem won the ATP
different case this time. Mercedes Cup tennis tournament in
Stuttgart after rain caused the
BOPANNA & PAES FOR THE OLYMPICS grasscourt final against German
 The All India Tennis Association (AITA)
has announced that Rohan Bopanna
Philipp Kohlschreiber to be held
over.
and Leander Paes will play the men‘s SENIOR NATIONAL SQUASH
doubles at the Rio Olympics, and the
former will partner Sania Mirza in the  The 73rd senior National squash
mixed doubles. championship, organised under the
 It was also announced that Sania, the aegis of the Squash Rackets Federation
World No.1 in women‘s doubles, will of India, will be held in July in
partner the country‘s second-highest Mumbai.
ranked player Prarthana Thombare
(209) in the women‘s doubles. BONA THOMAS IS COACH
INDIAN 4X400M TEAM BREAKS  Former international Bona Thomas

NATIONAL RECORD John has been nominated by Table
Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) as

 The Indian men‘s 4x400m relay squad the coach of the India‘s men‘s team
broke the 18-year-old National which will take part in Japan Open to
record, clocking a stunning 3:02.17s, be played in Tokyo (June 15 to 19) and
in the Sprints and Relay Cup. in the Korean Open at Incheon (June
 The Indian quartet, comprising Asian 22 to 26).
Games bronze medallist Arokiya
Rajiv, Mohammad Anas, A. Darun NEELOTPAL CLINCHES TITLE
and Kunhumohammed, bettered the
previous record of 3:02.62s set at the  GM Neelotpal Das emerged winner 1
1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. with nine points from 11 rounds in the
6
National rapid chess championship former World junior silver medallist
at the Swarna Bharati Indoor Stadium, Nicholas Hough and won the men‘s
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. 110m hurdles at the Lotto de Nivelles
 Best woman player: V. Toshali. international athletics meet at Nivelles
(Belgium).
IOC SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH  However, his time of 13.66s was
PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE slower than the Rio Olympics
qualification standard of 13.47s.
 The IOC has reached a new long-term
cooperation agreement with organisers LANKA WINS SERIES
of the Paralympics through 2032.
 The deal was signed by the  Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 136
International Olympic Committee (IOC) runs to win the second ODI and take
and the International Paralympic the two-match series 2-0.
Committee (IPC).
 The IOC says the accord is aimed at SNEHADEVI REIGNS; DOUBLES
―increasing the visibility of the CROWN FOR KYRA-DHRUTHI
Paralympic Games and enhance the
Paralympic brand‖.  It was an Indian celebration in the
 It is also designed to ensure ―the Mary Pierce Indian Ocean Series
financial stability and long-term $10,000 ITF women‘s tennis
viability‖ of the IPC and Paralympics. tournament in Mauritius, as
 The IPC President, Philip Craven, Snehadevi Reddy won the singles
stated the deal ―will take our title, while Kyra Shroff and Dhruthi
partnership into a fourth decade and
make the Paralympic Movement more
self-sustainable‖. 
Venugopal captured the doubles
crown.
While second seeds Kyra and Dhruthi
outplayed top seeds Chayenne Ewijk
KRISHAN, HARLEEN WIN and Rosale van der Hoek of the
Netherlands 6-1, 6-1 in the doubles
 Krishan Hooda and Harleen Kaur won final to set up a nice stage, top seed
the under-16 boys‘ and girls‘ titles in Snehadevi asserted her fighting spirit
the AITA Talent series junior tennis as she put the icing on the cake with a
tournament. 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over second seed
Valeria Bhunu of Zimbabwe for the
INDIA WIN SILVER AT CHAMPIONS second singles title of her professional
TROPHY career.
 The 2016 Men's Hockey Champions LAKSHYA WINS BATTLE OF BROTHERS

Trophy was the 36th edition of the

Hockey Champions Trophy for men.  Lakshya Sen defeated his older
 It was held between 10 and 17 June brother and top seed Chirag Sen in
2016 in London, United Kingdom. the final to win the under-19 title at
 Australia defeated India to win their the 15th Union Bank all-India junior-
14th title after a penalty shoot-out. ranking badminton tournament.
SIDDHANTH WINS FIFTH QUEEN‘S CROWN FOR MURRAY
 National record-holder Siddhanth  Defending champion Andy Murray 1

Thingalaya defeated Australia‘s made history at the Queen‘s Club
7
Aegon Championship (London) VIKAS CLOSES IN ON OLYMPIC BERTH
winning the tournament for a record
fifth time, with a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3  Former Asian Games gold medallist
victory over Milos Raonic in final. Vikas Krishan (75kg) became the
 The 29-year-old survived 14 aces from third Indian boxer to enter the
Raonic to become the first player to quarterfinals of the World Olympic
successfully defend the title since Andy Qualifying Tournament.
Roddick in 2005.  Seeded second in his draw, Vikas
outwitted Georgia‘s Kvachatadze Zaal
RANCHI TO HOST 2017 ASIAN MEET 3-0 to advance to the last eight stage
where he will take on Korea‘s Lee
 The 22nd Asian athletics Dongyun.
championship will be held in India  Vikas, a former World Championships
after a gap of four years. bronze medallist, joined Manoj Kumar
 The Birsa Munda Stadium at Ranchi (64kg) and Sumit Sangwan (81kg) in
will host the event from July 1 to 4, the quarterfinals.
2017.
 Recently, the Athletics Federation of CHOMPOOTHIP CLAIMS TITLE
India (AFI) officials visited the venue
before finalising it.  Chompoothip Jandakate of Thailand
 Nearly 800 athletes from 45 countries beat compatriot Patcharin
are expected to take part. Cheapchandej 6-2, 6-2 to win the
 The winners of the Asian meet will get $5,000 Asian Tennis Tour women‘s
a direct berth for the World tournament in Hua Hin, Thailand.
championship in London from August 4
to 13. SANTOSH KASHYAP IS MUMBAI FC
MANAGER
SHIBINLAL, KFA‘S PLAYER OF THE
YEAR  The Mumbai FC team appointed
Santosh Kashyap, former India
 Kozhikode‘s SBT midfielder V.K. midfielder, the new manager for 2016-
Shibinlal, the State captain in the 17 season.
Santosh Trophy this year, is Kerala  Kashyap moves into the seat vacated
Football Association‘s player of the by Khalid Jamil.
year.
 Pathanamthitta‘s P. Jamsheena is INDIA BEATS IRELAND
the women‘s player of the year.
 Kozhikode‘s Mohammed Inayath has  Mayur Vasant won both his singles and
been adjudged the best player in the doubles matches as the Indian team
junior boys‘ section while Kottayam‘s beat Ireland 2-1 in a Group D league
Anjana M. Babu is the best junior girl. match of the Austria Cup men‘s 55-
 The awards, will be presented during years competition in the World Seniors
the annual general body meeting of the tennis championship in Helsinki.
KFA on June 30.
 The best player award winners: ANIL KUMBLE APPOINTED INDIA‘S
V.K. Shibin Lal (Koz, men), Bijesh NEW HEAD COACH
Balan (Ktm, youth boys), Mohammed
Inayath (Koz, junior boys), Salman  Anil Kumble has been named head
Fariz (Koz, sub-junior boys). coach of the Indian team for the next 1
12 months.
7
 He will take charge at the squad‘s  It was the second medal in a World
preparatory camp ahead of the Cup this season for the 28-year-old
upcoming tour of the West Indies next Jitu, who had won the free pistol gold
month. in the first World Cup in Bangkok.
ANAS REWRITES AROKIA‘S RECORD SRINIVASAN REMAINS TNCA CHIEF
 Muhammed Anas shocked Asian  N. Srinivasan was re-elected

Games bronze medallist Arokia Rajiv unopposed as the president of the
en route to breaking the latter‘s Tamil Nadu Cricket Association
National 400m record in the Polish (TNCA) during its AGM.
National athletics championship.  Former international umpire K. Murali
 Anas bettered Arokia‘s National mark replaced U. Prabhakar Rao, who had
(45.47s), clocking 45.44s. He, expressed his desire to step down, as
however, missed the Rio qualifying one the vice presidents (City).
standard (45.40) by four hundredths of  TNCA Office-bearers:
a second.  President: N. Srinivasan;
 Since it was the Polish championship,  Vice presidents: (City): Kalpathi
there was a separate race for the S. Aghoram, K. Murali, P.S. Raman,
Indians. G. Srinivasan;
 Vice presidents (Districts): G.
DUTEE QUALIFIES FOR RIO IN 100M Bhaskaran, V. Ramesh; secretary:
K.S. Viswanathan;
 Dutee Chand broke the women‘s  Joint secretary: R.I. Palani;
100m National record twice in a day
as she stunningly brought it down to
11.24s and qualified for the Rio
 Assistant secretary: S. Martin Raj;
 Treasurer: V. P. Narasimhan.
Olympics at the Kosanov memorial VIJAYALAKSHMI BAGS TITLE

athletics meet.
 International Master S. Vijayalakshmi
CIBULKOVA BAGS EASTBOURNE TITLE (Air India) won the National Women
Challengers chess championship at
 Dominika Cibulkova beat Karolina the Nehru Stadium with a win in the
Pliskova 7-5, 6-3 to claim her first 11th round to finish with nine points.
career title on grass at the WTA  Vijayalakshmi, who remained
Aegon International. undefeated with seven wins and four
 The Slovak 12th seed was competing in draws, took home the winner‘s prize of
her fourth final of 2016 and now owns Rs. 72,000.
two trophies since April after her  Woman International Master P.
victory in just over 90 minutes over the Michelle Catherina (Air India) took
Czech. the runner-up spot with 8.5 points
along with a cash award of Rs. 52,800.
JITU RAI CLAIMS SILVER IN AIR  Chennai girl WIM M. Mahalakshmi
PISTOL took the third spot, on better tie-break
score, and a cash prize of Rs. 38,400.
 World championship silver medallist
Jitu Rai clinched the silver in air pistol,
half-a-point behind Felipe Almeida
Wu of Brazil, in the shooting World 1
Cup.
7
RAJPUT APPOINTED AFGHANISTAN ANJU, GOPI CHAND INCLUDED IN
COACH KHELO INDIA
 Two days after being toppled over by  Anju Bobby George and P. Gopi
Anil Kumble in the race for the India Chand have been included as
coach job, former India batsman and members of ‗Khelo India‘, a national
coaching staff member Lalchand programme for development of sports,
Rajput has taken over as the head a prestigious initiative by the
coach of Afghanistan‘s national Government.
cricket team.  Anju, a renowned long jumper, is
 Rajput will succeed former Pakistan India‘s only athlete to have won a
great Inzamam-ul-Haq, who severed medal at the World Championships.
ties with Afghanistan after its  Gopi Chand, a former all-England
memorable World Twenty20 campaign badminton champion, is noted for his
earlier this year. coaching skills. He has trained and
mentored Saina Nehwal and P.V.
SUHANA, PREYESH CLAIM CADET Sindhu.
TITLES
DARSHAN, HRITHIKA CLAIM TITLES
 Defending champion and third seed
Suhana Saini retained the cadet girls‘  Vijaya Darshan and S. Hrithika won the
title beating first-time finalist Uttar sub-junior boys and girls‘ title
Pradesh‘s Ambika Gupta 11-5, 11-6, respectively at the YMCA-Madras
12-10, 11-5 in the 11Even Sports district championship table tennis

National-ranking
tournament.
table tennis
In contrast, the cadet boys‘ final, S.

tournament.
ROMANIA COACH RESIGNS

Preyesh beat S. Tharun 11-9, 4-11,
11-8, 14-16, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9.  Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu
 Suhana and Preyesh received Rs. has resigned, ending his third term as
7,000 and a trophy each. manager after the team finished last in
its group.
RICKY DONISON WINS SENIOR-MAX
RACE SURIYA CLAIMS 10,000 M TITLES
 Ricky Donison won the senior-max  Tamil Nadu‘s L. Suriya clinched the
category in the second round of the JK honours in the women‘s 10,000m,
Tyre-FMSCI National Rotax Karting clocking 33:27.01 in the 56th
championship at the Chicane Circuit. National inter-State athletics meet
 The defending champion took the lead at the GMC Balayogi Stadium.
in the sixth lap and held it right to the  Maharashtra‘s Swati Gadhave
chequered flag for his second win in (33:45.40) and her State-mate
this year‘s National championship. Sanjivani Jadavi (33:54.77) finished
 Former national champion, Vishnu second and third respectively.
Prasad, finished second while Dhruv
Mohite was third.
1
7
PRIYANKA HOLDS NERVE, TAKES IAAF UPHOLDS BAN ON RUSSIA
TITLE
 The IAAF has upheld its ban on
 Priyanka Pareek beat Prapti Sen to Russia‘s track and field team for the
win the junior girls‘ final that went Rio Olympics.
the distance in the 11Even Sports  The International Association of
National-ranking table tennis Athletics Federations (IAAF) is the
tournament. international governing body for the
sport of athletics.
LATEST FIH RANKINGS  The suspension was imposed in
November following a report by a
 The International Hockey Federation World Anti-Doping Agency
(FIH) officially announced the world commission that alleged state-
rankings post the Champions Trophy. sponsored cheating, corruption and
 Men Team Rankings: cover-ups in Russian track and field
1. Australia events.
2. Netherlands
3. Germany UGC NOTIFIES TWO NEW DEGREES IN
4. England SPORTS SCIENCE
5. India
6. Belgium  The University Grants Commission
7. Argentina (UGC) notified two new degrees in field
8. New Zealand of sports science and has instructed
9. Korea the varsities offering courses in

10. Pakistan
Women Team Rankings: 

physical education to amend them
accordingly.
The two new degrees are - Bachelor
1. Netherlands of Physical Education and Sports
2. Argentina (BPES) and Master of Physical
3. Australia Education and Sports (MPES).
4. New Zealand
5. USA INDIA SETTLE FOR SILVER IN
6. China CHAMPIONS TROPHY (HOCKEY)
7. England
8. Korea  The Indian hockey team settled for a
9. Germany silver medal in its best ever
10. Japan Champions Trophy performance after
the spirited side went down 1-3 to
SANJEEV RAJPUT STRIKES SILVER world champions Australia in a
controversy-marred summit clash

 Sanjeev Rajput shot silver in the penalty shootout.
men‘s rifle 3-position event in the
shooting World Cup in Baku, AYUSH MINISTRY TO CERTIFY YOGA
Azerbaijan. INSTITUTES
 It was the second medal in the World
Cup for India, following the air pistol  AYUSH Ministry has decided to certify
silver by Jitu Rai. institutes imparting training in the
ancient discipline for physical and
mental well-being to ensure quality 1
control and check mushrooming of
7
centres which do not meet even the
basic standards. AMUL SIGNS UP AS OFFICIAL
 The ministry has asked yoga institutes SPONSOR OF INDIAN TEAM TO
across the country to apply for OLYMPICS
government certification by the end
of this year.  India‘s leading food Products Company
 The module for this scheme has Amul has signed up as the official
already been prepared by the ministry. sponsor for the Indian contingent to
 The scheme provides a mechanism to the Rio Olympics 2016.
ensure the credibility and  The company will launch a series of
authenticity of the services provided. advertising campaigns for milk and
 The scheme applies to both wellness other dairy products to promote this
centres and institutes that offer association.
training and diploma/degree courses  In addition, the company‘s products
in yoga. will also sport special branding to
 The various criteria for certification will promote this association.
include infrastructure of a given  Amul will launch a series of advertising
institute, number of instructors campaigns for milk and various dairy
employed, the period it has been in products to promote this association in
existence and the kind of courses it the coming months.
offers.  Amul has embarked upon an ‗Eat Milk
 An institute seeking accreditation will with Every Meal‘ campaign.
have to apply online with Quality
Control of India (QCI). LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM
CHILE
COPA
STUN ARGENTINA TO WIN
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
 Lionel Messi has retired from

international after missing in a penalty
 Chile beat Argentina to win the Copa shootout as Argentina lost a fourth
America Centenario in a penalty major final in nine years.
shoot-out.  Lionel Andrés is an Argentine
 The final had gone to penalties after professional footballer who plays as
finishing deadlocked at 0-0 after 120 a forward for Spanish club Barcelona.
minutes.  Often considered the best player in
 Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the world and rated by many in the
the first half as Brazilian referee Heber sport as the greatest of all time, Messi
Lopes struggled to get a grip on an ill- is the only football player in history to
tempered contest played in front of a win five FIFA Ballons d'Or, four of
crowd of 82,026. which he won consecutively, and the
first player to win three European

MESSI PERFORMS HAT-TRICK Golden Shoes.
 With Barcelona he has won eight La
 Lionel Messi came off the bench to Liga titles and four UEFA Champions
score a hat-trick in just 18 minutes as League titles, as well as four Copas del
Argentina hammered Panama 5-0 and Rey.
eased into the quarterfinals of the Copa  A prolific goalscorer, Messi holds the
America. records for most goals scored in La
 Lionel Andrés is an Argentine Liga, a La Liga season (50), a calendar
professional footballer who plays as year (91), a single season (73), a 1
a forward for Spanish club Barcelona.
7
Champions League match (5), and March, when she announced at a news
most Champions League seasons (5). conference in Los Angeles that she
failed a doping test in January.
KOUSIK HOGS AWARD-NIGHT  Sharapova said then she was not
LIMELIGHT aware that the World Anti-Doping
Agency had barred athletes from using
 Pace-bowling all-rounder J. Kousik meldonium, also known as
won the Bishnuram Medhi Trophy mildronate, as of Jan. 1.
for the ‗cricketer of the year‘ at the
86th annual day awards function of the USAIN BOLT CLOCKS 9.88SEC IN
Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). KINGSTON WIN
INDIA CLINCH SERIES AFTER  Jamaica's Usain Bolt shook off a

CRUSHING 8-WICKET WIN VS "horrible start" to win the 100m at the
ZIMBABWE Racers Grand Prix athletics meeting
in 9.88sec, the second-fastest time
 India clinched the three-match ODI in the world this year.
series against Zimbabwe, pulling off
another fine all-round show to crush DHONI BECOMES MAIDEN INDIAN
the minnows by eight wickets for an KEEPER TO COMPLETE 350 ODI
unassailable 2-0 lead. DISMISSALS
UMPIRE S RAVI RETAINED IN ICC  Limited overs skipper Mahendra

ELITE PANEL Singh Dhoni became the first Indian
 Indian umpire Sundaram Ravi was
retained in the International Cricket
wicketkeeper and fourth in the
world to complete 350 dismissals in
One-Day International (ODI) cricket.
Council (ICC) elite panel for his  Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara leads
impressive track record. the list with 482 dismissals followed by
 Another Indian C. Shamshuddin has Australian Adam Gilchrist and South
been elevated to the emerging panel of African Mark Boucher with 472 and
umpires for the upcoming season. 424 dismissals respectively.
MARIA SHARAPOVA SUSPENDED FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY: ARGENTINA

2 YEARS FOR DOPING WOMEN WIN RECORD SEVENTH TITLE
 Maria Sharapova (Russian tennis star)  The Argentina women's team has
was suspended for two years for claimed a record seventh
testing positive for meldonium at the Champions Trophy title with a 2-1
Australian Open. win over reigning World and Olympic

 The five-time Grand Slam champion champions, Netherlands, in the final
was provisionally suspended by the at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis
International Tennis Federation in early Centre in London.
1
7
STATES
EXTENSION OF CHENNAI METRO RAIL PROJECT
 The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for Chennai Metro Rail
Phase-I Project from Washermanpet to Wimconagar.
 It covers a length of 9.051 km. at a total cost of Rs. 3770 crore.
 The project will be executed by the existing SPV of Government of India and the
Government of Tamil Nadu having 50:50 equity of each i.e. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd.
The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2018.
 This extension will provide improved access to public transport for dense population
comprising predominantly industrial workers to move towards the central business
district of the city for work.
 In the total project cost, Government of India's (Gol) share will be Rs. 713 crore
and Government of Tamilnadu's (GoTN) share will be Rs. 916 crore.
 The share of GoTN included cost of Land and R&R of Rs. 203 crore.
 The balance amount of Rs. 2141 crore will be met from loan from
multilateral/bilateral/domestic funding agency.
 The estimated ridership will be 1.6 lakh passengers per day in first year of operation.
HIGHWAY PROJECT GETS 186 CRORE FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION
 For the road project of widening of the Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra border -

Mansar section of the existing NH-7 which cuts across the tiger corridor in the state
of Maharashtra, NHAI has approved Rs. 186 Crore for wildlife mitigation
measures to take care of any possible adverse impact on the tiger population in the
Pench – Kanha Tiger Corridor.
 This is only a part of the amount to be spent for the purpose.
 The total length of the project from Nagpur to Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra border is
117 Km. Out of this, the work of 4 laning of about 79 Km, which includes the
Nagpur Bypass, Kamptee- Kanhan Bypass and Kanhan to Mansar of existing NH-7,
was completed in July 2012.
 As per the recommendations of the Wildlife Institute of India and the National
Tiger Conservation Authority, also endorsed by the High Court at Nagpur, NHAI is
providing elaborate mitigation measures on the stretch.
 The measures include three elevated sections of 750m, 750m and 300m length,
so that wildlife can move across the highway alignment following their natural paths.
Besides these, 6 other wildlife crossings of different dimensions are also being
provided.
‗JAI JAWAN AWAS YOJNA‘ STARTED IN HARYANA
 Foundation stone of Jai Jawan Awas Yojna (JJAY), an initiative to provide

affordable housing to serving and retired JCOs and Other Ranks, was laid by Manohar
Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister of Haryana, at Bahadurgarh, Haryana.
 General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff was the Guest of Honour during the event.
The project is being executed by Army Welfare Housing Organization and aims to 1
provide low cost housing.
7
 This housing project has been named in the memory of Late Major Rajiv Joon,
recipient of Ashok Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, who had attained martyrdom fighting
militants in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir.
100 ICONIC PLACES TO BE CLEANED UP UNDER SWACHH BHARAT MISSION
 Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, it has been decided to undertake a special clean-
up initiative focused on 100 iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the
country.
 The aim of this initiative is to make these 100 places model ‗Swachh Tourist
Destinations‘, that will enhance the experience for visitors from India and abroad.
 Under Phase 1 of this initiative, the following iconic places have been selected for
an intensive clean up:
1. Vaishno Devi: Jammu and Kashmir
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Maharashtra
3. Taj Mahal: Uttar Pradesh
4. Tirupati Temple: Andhra Pradesh
5. Golden Temple: Punjab
6. Manikarnika Ghat: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
7. Ajmer Sharif Dargah: Rajasthan
8. Meenakshi Temple: Tamil Nadu
9. Kamakhya Temple: Assam
10. Jagannath Puri: Odisha
 The lessons and experiences from Phase 1 will be integrated into the clean-up
campaign for the remaining 90 sites.
ADB $200 MILLION LOAN FOR JHARKHAND ROADS
 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed in the
national capital an agreement for $200 million new loan to upgrade 176
Kilometers of State roads in State of Jharkhand.
 The financing for the Jharkhand State roads II Project will upgrade existing
sections of four State roads to two lane standard and will also support improvements
in the design, safety and maintenance of the network.
 Several safety and environmentally friendly features included in the project design,
include over 60 bus stop shelters; 50 km of raised sidewalks in urban areas; 4 km of
dedicated bicycle lanes; and solar-powered street lights.
 The total cost of the project, due to be completed by December 2019, is $306.25
million.
 In addition to ADB‘s loan, the State Government of Jharkhand will provide
counterpart assistance equivalent to $106.25 million.
RAILWAYS AND HARYANA MOU FOR SETTING UP OF JV COMPANY
 MOU for ―Formation of Joint Venture Company for Development of Railway

Infrastructure in the State‖ was signed on 3rd June, 2016.
 The MoU was signed in the context of Railway Minister‘s Budget Announcement
regarding setting up of JV Companies with the State Government for developing 1
railway infrastructure in the States.
7
Salient Features of MoU: -
 The MoU envisages formation of a Joint Venture company having 51% stake of the
State Government and 49% stake of Ministry of Railways.
 Thus, the JV company shall be fully owned by the Government.
 The company will primarily identify projects and possible financing avenues in
addition to Govt. of India and the State Government.
 After finances for a project are tied up, project specific SPVs or special purpose
vehicles shall be formed. These SPVs can have other stake holders from Industries,
Central PSUs, State PSUs etc.
 However, the JV companies shall be mandatory stake holders with minimum 26%
shares in the SPVs.
 The ministry of Railways will sign a concession agreement of 30 years with the
project SPV for safe and sound operation, revenue sharing and providing technical &
marketing logistics to the SPV.
 The revenue sharing shall be based on already established formula being used for
inter zonal apportionment of revenue.
 The most important aspect of this MoU is that the ownership of the land shall vest
with the SPVs which is a departure from previous practice. This will give financial
leverage to the company to exploit commercial potential of the land. This is likely
to result in making project viable which are otherwise not viable.
 At the end of concession period, the railways will have option to take over the
assets at a nominal price. This is largely in line with average codal life of the assets
as most of the assets will need large scale replacement after 30 years.
 Signing of this MoU will be followed by signing of Joint Venture Agreement for
which draft has been made ready.
Background:
 In view of the growing demands for railway lines in various states and huge
requirement of funds to execute them, Minister for Railways announced in his
budget speech regarding setting up of Joint Ventures with states for focused
project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project implementation
and monitoring of critical rail projects.
 17 State Governments consented for formation of Joint Venture Companies in
collaboration with the Ministry of Railways for development of rail infrastructure in
their respective States.
 MoUs have already been signed by the Ministry of Railways with seven State
Governments viz. Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana and Kerala.
APPAREL AND GARMENT MAKING CENTRE INAUGURATED IN MIZORAM
 Union Textiles Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated the Apparel and
Garment Making Centre in Mizoram, at Industrial Growth Centre, Luangmual,
Aizawl.
 The project to launch Apparel and Garment Making Centers in each of the eight
states in the North Eastern Region was announced by the Prime Minister on 1st
December, 2014 in Nagaland. 1
7
 Under the project, one such Apparel and Garment Making Centre consisting three
units of 100 industrial stitching and other garmenting machines have been
sanctioned in each of the eight NER States with the total cost of Rs. 145.44 crore @
of 18.18 crore%re.
 Each Apparel and Garment Making Centre set up under the initiative is estimated to
generate direct employment for 1,200 people.
 Each state will have one centre with three units, each having 100 machines. For local
entrepreneurs with requisite background, required facilities to start a unit will be
provided in ‗plug and play‘ mode. Once such entrepreneurs get established, they can
set up their own units, allowing the facility to be provided to new entrepreneurs.
 The initiative comes under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme
(NERTPS) of the Ministry of Textiles.
 NERTPS is an umbrella scheme for the development of various segments of textiles,
i.e. silk, handlooms, handicrafts and apparels & garments.
ADB $120 MILLION LOAN FOR WATER MANAGEMENT IN ODISHA
 Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $120 million
loan agreement to improve irrigation and water management infrastructure in
Odisha.
 The loan is the second tranche of a $157.5 million financing facility under the
Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Investment Program.
 The financing will be used for modernizing seven irrigation subprojects resulting in
improved irrigation in over 100,000 hectares, and strengthening of Water User

Associations (WUAs) and the institutional capacity of Odisha‘s Department of Water
Resources.
The selected areas for the investment program are the Baitarani, Brahmani,
Budhabalanga, and Subernarekha river basins and part of the Mahanadi delta.
MEGA LEATHER CLUSTER AT NELLORE
 The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has given approval to establishment of Mega
Leather Cluster at Kota Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
 Proposal for establishment of Mega Leather Cluster at Kota Mandal has been
approved with a central government assistance of Rs 125 Crores.
 The project sanctioned under Indian Leather Development program would create
state of the art infrastructure for labour intensive units and is expected to generate
employment for 20,000 people and leverage an investment of at least Rs 500
Crores in the first phase itself.
CONSTITUTION OF TEAM TO ASSESS EXISTING WATER BODIES IN UP
 A team of officer comprising of the following members has been constituted by

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, to visit selected districts of western
Uttar Pradesh particularly Meerut and Muzaffarnagar to study status of irrigation
development and implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna.
 The members are:
 C.M. Pandey, Addl. Commissioner, Deptt. Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
 G.N. Sharma, Consultant, (MGNREGA), Ministry of Rural Development; 1
 Dr. Pritam Singh, Asst. Commissioner, Department of Land Resources;
8
 Sh. Saroj Singh,Addl.Director(Agri.) Government of Uttar Pradesh and
 Dr. Munish Kumar, SSo(SLUSI), IARI, New Delhi
The terms of reference of the visit are:-

 To assess the existing water bodies, farm ponds and other sources of irrigation in the
districts;
 The review implementation of various components of PMKSY;
 To suggest various measures for improving ground water recharge in the Dark/Grey
blocks;
 To study the feasibility of promoting Micro Irrigation and linking with available
sources of water; and
 To assess the irrigation requirement in sugarcane areas, the water use efficiency for
sugarcane crop and measures to promote precision irrigation in sugarcane farms.
RAILWAYS SIGNS JV AGREEMENT WITH ODISHA
 Ministry of Railways signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Govt. of Odisha.

 This is a very important step for formation of Joint Venture Company for
development of Railway Infrastructure in the State.
 The company shall identify projects to be developed and find avenues for financing of
the same. Ministry of Railways and Govt. of Odisha shall be essentially funding part
of such identified projects. Project specific SPVs shall be formed after financial
closure of the project.
4800 VILLAGES IN GUJARAT DECLARED OPEN DEFECATION FREE
 The State has achieved a sanitation coverage of 73.75%, and 4800 villages in
Gujarat have declared themselves as ODF.
 This has been achieved through a strong emphasis on behaviour change trainings,
involvement of Self Help Groups and involving various Development partners like
World Bank, UNICEF and Tata Trusts closely.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE IN KOLKATA
 Heralding a new era of DRDO-Academia Partnership, Defence Research &

Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a MOU with Jadavpur University (JU),
Kolkata to establish the Jagadish Chandra Bose Centre for Advanced
Technology (JCBCAT).
 The MoU will facilitate DRDO and the Jadavpur University to pursue collaborative
advanced research.
 The JCBCAT will primarily undertake research in areas of secure systems and
cognitive technologies, directed energy, unmanned and robotics technologies and
other futuristic technologies.
RFID BASED SYSTEM INAUGURATED AT COCHIN PORT
 Dr. K. N. Raghavan, Commissioner of Customs, Cochin inaugurated a RFID (Radio

Frequency Identification System) newly installed at Ernakulam Wharf of Cochin
Port. 1
8
 The RFID is an access control system on digital platform for regulating movement
of vehicles, cargo and people into the sensitive wharf area.
 The system dispenses away with manual checkings and reduces the waiting time at
the wharf gates.
 Presently, access control of vehicles and persons are done through a manual gate
pass system.
KARNATAKA CIRCLE TOPS REVENUE FROM SPEED POST
 The Karnataka circle tops the list of revenue earners for India Post.
 The circle was awarded the first position for generating the highest revenue of Rs.
206.28 crore under the Speed Post services for 2014–15.
 E-tailers‘ growing preference for India Post‘s wider reach and its well-entrenched
network have taken the circle to the top.
 India Post has round-the-clock booking system for Speed Post in 20 major cities
across Karnataka, which suits the needs of IT companies in particular.
 E-commerce has also helped the Karnataka Circle in the changeover to a
considerable extent. Its postal and financial services such as e-post, e-billing, retail
post and money transfer have been in great demand.
DELHI SETS UP FIFTH FINANCE COMMISSION
 The Delhi government recently notified the constitution of the Fifth Finance
Commission.
 The proposal to set up the Commission was cleared by the Delhi Cabinet in March.
Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers
of Delhi, has appointed former Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna as the
chairman and K.R. Kishore as the member-secretary of the Commission. The latter
will be functional for a year.
 The Commission will review the financial position of the civic bodies, and give
recommendations regarding the distribution of the money collected in the form of
taxes, duties, and fees among the municipal corporations and the Delhi government
as well as the grant-in aid to the civic bodies from the Consolidated Fund of the Delhi
government.
DELHI GOVERNMENT APPROVES SOLAR POLICY
 The Delhi government approved the solar policy, which aims at making the Capital
―an environment-friendly solar city.‖
 The policy recommends the installation of 1 GW (1,000 Mega Watts) solar

power capacity in Delhi by 2020, which is proposed to be doubled to 2 GW during
the next five years.
 The policy outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives, and tax
breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the Capital and has been prepared
by the Government of Delhi in consultation with the Dialogue and Development
Commission after extensive consultations with local and international experts.
1
8
KARNATAKA TO SET UP FOOD COMMISSION
 Karnataka has decided to set up the State Food Commission, a State-level quasi
judicial regulatory body to monitor issues related to the public distribution
system, such as the Anna Bhagya scheme of supplying foodgrains at nominal cost
and supply of food to anganwadis under the Integrated Child Development Scheme
(ICDS).
 Karnataka is the third State in the country, after Bihar and Haryana, to set up such
a commission under the provisions of the National Food Security Act.
 The chairman and members will be chosen by a committee headed by Chief Minister.
 The general public can take up any issue or grievance related to food in the public
sector with the proposed commission.
ANDHRA PRADESH TO START INTERNET-BASED PHONE SERVICE
 Andhra Pradesh is perhaps the first State to have obtained a telecom licence and it
can issue phone numbers starting with the ‗797‘ series from August this year.
 It indirectly got the opportunity to start an internet based telephone service
‗without requiring any further registration‘ after it obtained permission from the
Telecom Ministry for starting its own IPTV — Internet Protocol based Television
network — as part of its Fibre Grid project.
 Although it primarily aims at providing affordable net connectivity in every corner of
the State, the government can provide free telephone services within the region
through internet which means you can also skype and have video calls.
 Tenders have been called for making available 10,000 ‗triple pay IP boxes‘ which
can be installed at households and through which the broadband internet connectivity
will be provided.
 Cable TV operators are being roped in for the last mile connectivity and the speed of
network from 10 mbps to 1 GB or more depending on payment capacity.
A ‗MAHA KUMBH‘ IN KASHMIR AFTER 75 YEARS
 'Dashar Maha Kumbh' was organised on the confluence of sacred rivers Sindhu
and Vitasta in Ganderbal district of Kashmir on June 14, after a period of 75 years,
in which Kashmiri Pandits participated in large numbers.
 'Dashar Maha Kumbh' mela is being held after 75 years.
 At the confluence of Vitasta (Jhelum), Krishen Ganga and Sindh (Indus) rivers,
there is a Chinar tree that stands on a small island in the middle of the confluence
spot where there is a Shiva Lingam and there are also religious places like
Shadipora Ghats and Narayan Bagh.

 It (the tree) is surrounded by water on all sides. This is known as Prayag Chinar.
One has to come to this Chinar tree in a boat and go up some steps to have a
commanding view of the confluence.
 The Shiva Lingam kept under the shade of this tree's trunk is also worshipped. This
tree is considered mystical and sacred by Kashmiri Pandits and it is believed that
even if the river flooding, the tree never sinks.
1
8
ABB LINKS TN SOLAR PROJECT TO NATIONAL GRID
 ABB, a Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation headquartered in Zurich, had

commissioned five substations to integrate a 648-megawatt (MW) solar project
in Tamil Nadu to the national transmission grid.
 The solar photovoltaic project, made up of five plants in a single location, is the
largest of its kind in the world.
 360 MW from the solar project is currently grid-connected and at full capacity this
facility will account for nearly 10% of the country‘s current solar capacity of around
seven gigawatts (GW).
 ABB‘s project included the design, supply, installation and commissioning related to
the solar plant electrification and automation systems.
 This includes two 230 kilovolt (kV) and three 110 kV outdoor switchyards to connect
to the local transmission grid.
KARNATAKA BANS SALE OF E-CIGARETTES
 The Karnataka government imposed a ban on sale (including online) and use of
e-cigarettes in the State, based on the recommendations of the State high powered
committee on tobacco control.
 Battery-powered cartridges are used in e-cigarettes to produce a nicotine-laced
vapour.
 Two years ago, the State government had imposed a similar ban on sale and use
of gutkha and paan masala.


Karnataka is the first State to impose such a ban.
Punjab, Maharashtra and Chandigarh had earlier passed enforcement orders on
unapproved sale of e-cigarettes.
DNA STUDY ON KORAGAS TO FIND OUT CAUSE OF DROP IN POPULATION
 The population of Koragas, a primitive tribal community of coastal Karnataka,

stood at 11,656 in 1991 and dwindled to 4,858 as per the 2011 Census.
 To study the reasons behind this alarming decline in numbers, the Directorate of
Tribal Welfare has asked Karnatak University‘s DNA Centre to do DNA analysis of
the community. There have been increasing instances of heart aliments, tuberculosis
and cancer in the community.
 This pilot study will be the basis for the detailed study to be carried out by Mysuru-
based Tribal Research Centre in collaboration with the DNA Centre, stated T.T.
Basavana Gowda, director of the Tribal Research Centre.
GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL‘S FAST SPREAD ALARMS KERALA
 The highly invasive and rapidly proliferating Giant African Snails are marching on
to more districts of Kerala, the Forest Research Institute of the State has warned.
 They could decimate standing crop and threaten the health of children, besides
devouring calcium from house walls.
 The snails have grown from small populations to cover 125 locations in recent
years.
 Considered one of 100 most invasive species in the world, Giant African Snails 1
(Achatina fulica) feed on several plants.
8
 They destroy almost all crops and can live in a dormant state for 2-3 years.
 The snails are an intermediate host of the rat lung worm that causes oesinophilic
meningitis in children below five years of age.
DELHI APPROVES REORGANISATION OF TWO CIVIL DISTRICTS
 The Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal for the reorganisation of the West and
South-West civil districts to ensure better administrative services in these areas.
 The proposal also entails the transfer of three police stations - Uttam Nagar,
Vikaspuri and Janakpuri- from the West district to the South-West one.
HARYANA TO HAVE AYUSH UNIVERSITY
 Haryana to have the country‘s first-of-its-kind AYUSH University as the State

cabinet has approved a proposal to upgrade Shri Krishna Government Ayurvedic
College, Kurukshetra, as a university.
 The Shri Krishna AYUSH University would have courses of all the systems of AYUSH.
 Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all AYUSH systems -- including
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy -- would be
started in the university.
TELANGANA SETS UP FIRST SCHOOL FOR ROHINGYA REFUGEES
 Telangana has setup the first school in the country that exclusively caters to children

of Rohingya community.
The school, located at Balapur in the old city of Hyderabad, will impart education to
100 Rohingya children in the age group of seven to 14 years.
 More, the State government plans to set up two more schools to serve refugees.
 Hyderabad has an estimated 3,500 Rohingya refugees out of which 1,500 are 18
years or below.
JEWS IN MAHARASHTRA GET MINORITY STATUS
 The Maharashtra cabinet approved the decision to grant the minority status to the
Jews.
 The decision is based on the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission Act, 2004,
which empowers the government to declare a community minority.
 In October 2006, the State government declared Muslims, Christians, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Parsees and Jains religious minorities.
DECLARED AS SECOND GATEWAY PORT FOR NEPAL
 Visakhapatnam Port has been declared as the second gateway port for Nepal after
Kolkata-Haldia.
 The movement of traffic-in-transit between Port of Visakhapatnam and Nepal will be
in sealed containers and in full rake only and the cost of transhipment will be borne
by the consignor/consignee.
 Visakhapatnam Port has the deepest container terminal among major ports with
permissible draft of 15 metres and LOA up to 320 metres. 1
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 Most of the transit cargo of Nepal will be from China. The terminal can act as an ideal
gateway for east-bound cargo.
 Handling of cargo will be advantageous in terms of ocean freight and liner
detention, export-import traders say.
 India and Nepal signed the agreement recently to provide the additional transit
facility to Nepal through the Visakhapatnam Port as second gateway port.
 The agreement provides for transport of the cargo through the rail route
connecting Visakhapatnam-Jogbani or/and Visakhapatnam-Birgunj. In addition to the
rail route, four road routes have been identified.
GURGAON TO GET EARTHQUAKE WARNING SYSTEM
 An earthquake warning system will be installed at the Haryana Institute of Public

Administration (HIPA).
 It will be the first such system to be set up in the National Capital Region.
 The system can immediately raise an alarm, shut off gas, water and power
connections of the nearest floors, and open emergency gates when it senses primary
waves of a severe earthquake.
 However, the alarm will alert only those on the premises because of the high cost of
public alarms.
KEJRIWAL PROMISES REFERENDUM ON STATEHOOD FOR DELHI
 Taking a cue from the Brexit referendum, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated a

referendum will be held soon on the issue of full statehood for Delhi.
Britain voted for exit from the European Union.
YOGA MADE MANDATORY IN KARNATAKA DEGREE COLLEGES
 The Karnataka government has made teaching yoga mandatory in all government
and aided degree colleges in the State.
 Yoga instructors would be appointed in over 400 government first grade colleges in
the State. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier announced that yoga would be
introduced in primary and secondary schools in a phased manner.
ADB NOD FOR $500 MN LOAN FOR BRIDGE OVER GANGES
 Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated it has approved a $500 million loan to build a
bridge across the Ganges River in Bihar.
 The 9.8 km road bridge in Bihar will be India‘s longest river bridge and will provide
a vital transport link between the northern and southern parts of the state and
neighbouring Nepal.
 The new bridge will span both channels of the Ganges and serve as an alternate
route to the existing Ganga bridge, which has begun to deteriorate.
MEHBOOBA WINS BY 12,000 VOTES
 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti won in the Anantnag Assembly
by-election by 12,085 votes. 1
8
DELHI LAUNCHES EDUCATION FELLOWSHIPS
 The Delhi government announced that it would be launching fellowships for young
academics and professionals who want to work in the education sector.
 A total of 54 fellowships for a minimum period of one year and extendable up to
two years will be up for grabs.
 The programmewill be open to people under the age of 35 years from across the
country.
‗NO HELMET, NO PETROL‘ RULE IN THREE CITIES (KERALA)
 In an understanding reached with the government to enforce headgear in the Kerala,

oil majors have decided not to give petrol from August 1 to motorcyclists who do
not wear helmets in the three major cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and
Kozhikode.
 The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has roped in four oil majors to enforce
helmet for two-wheeler riders in view of the mounting fatal accidents involving
motorcyclists.
MAMATA ANNOUNCES SETTING UP OF TEA DIRECTORATE
 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced setting up of a separate

Tea Directorate, which would work in all tea gardens of the State.
AAP GOVT UNVEILS MAJOR EDUCATION REFORM POLICY
 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government announced ‗Chunauti 2018‘ — a major
school education reform programme aimed at enabling students studying in
government schools, especially in Class IX, to overcome the ―problems being faced
by them due to adverse effects‖ of the Centre‘s No Detention Policy (NDP).
 The idea behind Chunauti 2018 is that by the year 2018, all students enrolled in
Class IX in the academic year 2016-17, regardless of their learning levels at this
point, will be trained and mentored to successfully appear for Class X exams in
2018. No child will be left behind.
 Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, stated
the programme aimed at building ―a strong foundation‖ among all students in
reading, writing, arithmetic and bridging the gap between current learning levels and
the academic demands of their class through ―focussed practice and learning through
worksheets‖.
 The NDP, which came into force with the enactment of the Right to Education Act of
2009, had resulted in ―widespread complacency and a general lack of accountability
and responsibility in the system‖.
 This had prompted the Delhi government, like many other States, to strongly
advocate the scrapping of the NDP.
 On December 16 last year, the Delhi Assembly passed the Right to Children to
Free and Compulsory Education (Delhi Amendment) Bill, 2015, which
recommends amendments in the RTE Act to scrap NDP.
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8
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN AP
 The Information Technology Department of Andhra Pradesh government will

establish International Institute of Digital Technology, with five ‗schools of
excellence‘, at temple town Tirupati.
 The institute would have schools of excellence in Internet of Things and Cloud, Cyber
Security, Big Data Analytics, Model Computing and Digital User Experience.
JAPAN-FUNDED AFFORESTATION PROJECT IN GUJARAT
 The afforestation project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA) in Gujarat is looking at expanding a green canopy when it is completed in
2017.
 JICA‘s assistance to forestry sector in the State, that began with the Phase-I of
Gujarat Forest Development Project (1996-2005), focused on afforestation,
wildlife conservation, capacity building and research activities.
 The Phase-II that began in 2007 will be completed next year.
 JICA had extended soft loans worth ₹545 crore and ₹875 crore respectively in the
two phases.
 The forest and tree cover of Gujarat in 2003 was 13%, which dwindled to less than
10%, well below the national average of 23.7% and world average of 29.6%.
 Under the project, a total of 1,73,600 hectares of plantation, grassland
development and mangrove plantation had been undertaken across 12 tribal districts
of eastern hilly belt and three non-tribal districts in the western region, along with
seven protected areas.
BHEL COMMISSIONS UNIT IN AP
 Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has commissioned the second 520-MW coal-based
thermal power generating unit coming up near Visahapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
 The unit has been commissioned at the 2x520 MW Vizag Thermal Power Project
being executed by Hinduaja National Power Company Ltd, Visakhapatnam.
 In the Visakahaptnam district, four 500 MW thermal power sets supplied and
executed by BHEL have been in operation at NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station.
NARAYANASAMY SWORN IN AS PUDUCHERRY CM
 V. Narayanasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister of the Union Territory.

 Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi administered the oath of office to Mr.
Narayanasamy, who will head a six-member Cabinet.

 The five Ministers who were sworn with him were A. Namassivayam, Malladi
Krishna Rao, M. Candassamy, M.O.H. F. Shahjahan and R. Kamalakannan.
RAMA MOHANA RAO IS NEW CHIEF SECRETARY
 P. Rama Mohan Rao was appointed Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, replacing K.
Gnanadesikan.
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8
RAKHI BIRLA TAKES OVER AS DEPUTY SPEAKER
 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Rakhi Birla, was unanimously chosen as the Deputy
Speaker of the Delhi Assembly.
 The 29-year-old replaced former Deputy Speaker Bandana Kumari, who resigned
last month.
 Ms. Birla, who represents Mangolpuri (West) Assembly constituency, had been a
Minister in the AAP government in 2013.
KERALA GOVT RECONSTITUTES RIAB
 The Public Sector Restructuring and Internal Audit Board (RIAB) is being
reconstituted under MP Sukumaran Nair as Chairman.
 Principal Secretaries of Industries and Finance and Director, Industries & Commerce,
will be ex-officio members of the board.
 R Ashok, Registrar, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, will be a member.
 K Padmakumar will be member-secretary.
 The Kerala State government proposes to take a thorough review of the present
functions and past activities of RIAB.
GUJARAT UNVEILS NEW POLICY TO BOOST IT & START-UPS
 Gujarat announced new policy for promotion of information technology (IT) and
electronic start-ups, envisaging setting up of 50 incubators to provide leadership

and facilities to 2,000 start-ups over the next five years.
About 10 lakh square feet of space will be developed for incubators, targeting
investment to the tune of ₹7,000 crore and creation of new employment
opportunities.
 The government also announced a slew of incentives for incubators and start-ups,
including financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh for fixed capital investment and up to
₹5 lakh per annum for guidance of start-ups.
 They would be given 100% waiver on stamp duty and registration. Also, they
would get a rebate of 100% amount of electricity duty for five years and 50%
assistance for software purchase up to ₹1 crore to incubators.
 For start-ups, the government‘s incentives include partnership of start-up units for
government‘s e-governance project, up to 25% equity-linked financial
assistance in fund taken for venture capital fund, 100% discount on stamp duty and
registration fee and product development and marketing assistance, ₹15 per
square feet per employee lease rental assistance, ₹2 lakh for local patent and
₹5 lakh for international patent and some other incentives up to 7 years.
BHEL COMMISSIONS 3 UNITS IN UP
 State-owned BHEL announced the commissioning of all the 3 supercritical units of

the 1980 MW coal-based Lalitpur Super Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh
within a span of just 85 days.
 Located in Lalitpur, Bundelkhand district, the 3x660 MW Lalitpur STPP has been
developed by Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd, promoted by the Bajaj
Hindusthan group. 1
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IIM-A‘S START-UP INCUBATOR TO EXPAND TO PUNE, JAIPUR
 After jointly setting up the region-focused Gujarat Accelerator last year in

Ahmedabad, IIM-A‘s Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship
(CIIE) and SAP Labs are now planning to replicate it in Jaipur and Pune.
 Gujarat Accelerator is the first State-focused accelerator from CIIE.
 The goal of the programme is to mentor and build capacities of at least 30 early-
stage start-ups in the State focussed on social innovations by 2017.
 SAP Labs — the R&D wing of German enterprise-software firm SAP — for its part, is
exploring similar partnerships to incubate or accelerate start-ups with other premier
academic institutions, including some of the IITs.
 SAP is completing 20 years in India and wants to dedicate the year to fostering
entrepreneurship.
ADB $100 MILLION LOAN FOR IRRIGATION IN TAMIL NADU
 Multilateral lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $100 million
(around Rs 660 crore) loan to strengthen a key irrigation system and improve
water management in the Vennar sub-basin of Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu.
 The Vennar irrigation network is no longer able to meet the needs of many of its
poorest farmers particularly in coastal areas and the climate extremes that have
been battering the country and are expected to worsen mean there is a pressing
need to upgrade it.
 This project will support both physical improvements and stronger water
management, giving a significant boost to the lives of coastal communities who often
go without sufficient irrigation water.
KARNATAKA UNVEILS RETAIL TRADE POLICY
 The Karnataka government has announced a new policy that aims to prevent food
and grocery retailing staff from taking part in strikes. It has also relaxed norms on
limiting the stocks of retailers on a case-to-case basis.
 The new policy is aimed at improving Karnataka‘s position in the retail trade and to
attract more investments. It allows relaxation of rules under the Shops and
Establishments Act with respect to working hours, work shifts and employment of
part-time workers.
 The new policy will allow the retail sector to operate 365 days a year from 5 am
to 11 pm.
 It is also allowed to recruit women staff to work in night shifts on certain
conditions and maintain the registers and documents electronically, besides issuing
electronic bills.
 The new policy is expected to bring food and grocery retailing under the ambit of
‗essential services‘ which will mean that they cannot interrupt services due to
industrial unrest.
NTPC TO FUND DOUBLING OF RAIL SECTION IN KARNATAKA
 NTPC Ltd has signed an agreement with South Western Railway for doubling of the
Hotgi-Kudgi section under the Customer Funding Concession scheme. 1
9
 NTPC has agreed to finance the cost of doubling of the 134 km section and has
deposited Rs 946 crore with the South Western Railway.
 The section consists of 10 block stations, 8 major bridges and 2 important bridges.
CHENNAI ENTREPRENEUR ON ‗TIME‘ MAGAZINE‘S LIST OF 10 MILLENNIALS

CHANGING THE WORLD
 A 30-year old Chennai-based entrepreneur has been named by Time magazine to its
2016 list of ―10 millennials who are changing the world‖ for helping people to
use phones in their native language, and thereby allowing access to critical services.
 Umesh Sachdev, along with his college friend Ravi Saraogi, is the founder of
Uniphore Software Systems.
 The Chennai-based start-up creates software that allows people to interact with
their phones and access services such as online banking by communicating in their
native languages.
 Uniphore‘s products, which include a virtual assistant that is able to process more
than 25 global languages and 150 dialects, are being used by over five million
people, mostly in India.
IIIT-B, IIMB SIGN PACT TO OFFER EXPERTISE TO START-UPS
 The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and

the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) have entered into a MoU
with the aim of sharing their expertise in the areas of technology and management,

respectively, with the start-ups being incubated in their respective innovation
centres.
The institutions will work together to provide technology and business mentorship
aimed at helping young technology start-ups and entrepreneurs achieve sustainable
business growth in the Indian start-up landscape.
GUJARAT DEDICATES SUB-SEA POWER CABLE PROJECT
 For the first time since Independence, Shiyal bet — off Gujarat coast having about
800 households with a population of 6,000 — was lit up after the Gujarat Chief
Minister, Anandiben Patel, inaugurated the sub-sea marine cable power supply
project in Arabian sea off Pipavav Port in Amreli District.
 The village‘s main economic activity is fishing, while the availability of electricity is
likely to open new avenues other commercial activity at the bet.
 Villagers, most of them fishermen, till now were dependent on kerosene oil lamps or
battery-run lights.
 Patel became the first chief minister of the State to visit the island since
Independence. The technical aspect to lay down the sub-sea electricity cable was
challenging.
 There is only one joint in the entire cable, which is specially designed to suit the
salinity and other geographic factors under the sea.
 The total project cost was ₹18.5 crore, which was completed in two years.
1
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AP LAUNCHES ‗NUTRITION MISSION‘
 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched ‗Nutrition Mission‘ that
aims to abolish malnutrition in the State in the next 10 years.
KERALA CIC RULES CABINET DECISIONS COME UNDER RTI ACT
 In a significant development that may make government business more transparent,

the Kerala Information Commission has ordered that all decisions by the state
government, once finalised in the Cabinet, come under the ambit of the RTI Act.
 The Commission also suggested that the government publish the Cabinet decisions
on its official website.
 The details of all Cabinet decisions should be given once the procedures regarding
those decisions are completed. It also should be considered seriously to upload the
Cabinet decisions on the Government website.
 The Commission also directed the government to make public within 10 days
all cabinet decisions taken during the last three months since January 1.
₹1,742 CRORE APPROVED TO REVAMP MAHATMA GANDHI SETU
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the repair and reconstruction
of the 5.575-km-long Mahatma Gandhi Setu (bridge) over the Ganga River in
Patna.
 The bridge will be constructed after dismantling the damaged pre-stressed cantilever

arms superstructure and subsequent re-decking by steel truss at a cost of ₹1,742.01
crore.
The project is covered in the region Patna-Hazipur connecting North and South Bihar.
 It will help in expediting the improvement of infrastructure in the State besides
reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic particularly heavy traffic plying
between North and South Bihar.
 The four-lane Mahatma Gandhi Setu was constructed in the 1980s by the Bihar
government. The bridge is an important link between North and South Bihar. The
bridge forms a part of the National Highway (NH)-19.
ANDHRA PRADESH JOINS UDAY SCHEME
 Andhra Pradesh became the 13th State to sign the agreement and formally join the
Central scheme for reviving financially-stressed electricity distribution utilities, called
the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
 The move will help Andhra Pradesh‘s electricity sector get a ₹4,400 crore benefit
over the next three financial years, adding that the benefit comes from savings in
interest cost, reduction in aggregate technical & commercial losses, energy efficiency
and coal reforms.
 The Andhra Pradesh government will take on ₹11,000 crore of debt at its
electricity distribution utilities, which would help them save ₹330 crore of interest
cost a year.
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$500-M ADB LOAN FOR BRIDGE IN BIHAR
 Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated it has approved a $500-million loan to build a
bridge across the Ganga in Bihar.
 The 9.8-km road bridge in Bihar will be India‘s longest river bridge and will
provide vital transport link between the northern and southern parts of the State and
neighbouring Nepal.
TELANGANA CREATES UNIT TO CURB PIRACY
 In an effort to curb digital piracy and protect intellectual property, the Telangana
government has set up the country‘s first Intellectual Property Crime Unit.
 The Cyber Crime team of Special Police of Telangana, the Telangana Film Chamber of
Commerce, representatives of the film industry and the State Information
Technology Department, have come together to set up the specialised unit.
 The Telangana government has authorised the unit to act in accordance with the
present laws applicable to the police department and to take necessary action
against the offences committed under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 or any
other Act/Rule in force and applicable.
GOA RANKED FIFTH AMONG STATES IN FOREST COVER
 According to the 2015 Forest Survey of India report, Goa‘s total tree-cover is
around 60%, which makes it the fifth ranking state in terms of forest cover and

first among the coastal states.
Forest cover in the state has increased by 5 sq km in recent years thanks to the
increase in mangrove area by 4 sq km.
STATES AGREE ON 24X7 POWER TO ALL BY MAY 2017
 All the States have resolved to provide 24x7 power to all households by May
2017, around a year ahead of target set by the Prime Minister.
 The States also resolved to ensure that operational and financial milestones in the
memorandum of understanding for Ujwal Discom Assurance Scheme (UDAY)
would be implemented.
 In a landmark decision, all States resolved to procure henceforth only smart
meters which are tamper proof and communication-enabled.
 The cost of smart meters has been brought down by 60% from ₹8,000 to ₹3,223
as a result of Central procurement and the endeavour is to go for only such meters in
the future for all the 25 crore consumers in the country.

 A 4-digit all-India number (1921) has been fixed for consumer complaints across
the country.
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PERSONS IN NEWS
SWEDISH GENERAL APPOINTED UN OBSERVER MISSION IN INDIA AND
PAKISTAN
 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Major General Per
Lodin of Sweden as the head of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring
the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan.
 Major General Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana,
who completes his two-year assignment as Chief Military Observer and Head of
Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
(UNMOGIP) on 2 July.
 According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of 1971,
UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of
Control and the working boundary between the South Asian neighbours in Jammu
and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.
SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL ELECTED AS ICC CHAIRMAN
 Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, has been elected as
the Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
 He is the third Indian business leader to hold this position in ICC‘s near 100-year
history. He takes over from Terry McGraw, Chairman Emeritus of S&P Global, who

will subsequently become ICC‘s Honorary Chairman.
The ICC World Council elected the new leaders at a voting held in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
 Founded in 1919, ICC is the world‘s largest business organisation which represents
private sector views to national governments and intergovernmental bodies around
the world.
 Sunil Bharti Mittal serves on many international bodies and think-tanks.
 He is currently the Chair of the World Economic Forums (WEF) Telecommunications
Steering Committee; Member: International Business Council-WEF, GSMA Board,
Telecom Board of International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and Commissioner
of the Broadband Commission, International Advisory Panel of the Monetary
Authority of Singapore and Prime Minister of Singapore‘s Research, Innovation and
Enterprise Council.
 He is also a Trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and on the
Board of Qatar Foundation Endowment.
 He has served on the Prime Minister of India‘s Council on Trade & Industry. He is also
a member of the India-US, India-UK and India-Japan CEO Forums.
 He is Co-Chair of the India-Africa Business Council and India-Sri Lanka CEO Forum.
 He was the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the premier
industry body in India in 2007-08.
AIRASIA GROUP CHIEF GETS OVERSEAS CITIZEN OF INDIA STATUS
 Malaysia‘s AirAsia Group chief Tony Fernandes has been given the status of
Overseas Citizen of India (OIC) by the Indian government. 1
 Fernandes‘ father was of Goa origin.
9
 AirAsia India is a joint venture between AirAsia and Tatas, each holding 49% stake.
 The remaining shares are with the carrier‘s two directors — S Ramadorai and R
Venkataramanan.
AK CHAWLA ASSUMES CHARGE AS CHIEF OF PERSONNEL (NAVY)
 Vice Admiral AK Chawla has assumed charge as Chief of Personnel, Indian

Navy on 28 May 16.
 Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla was commissioned in Indian Navy on 01 Jan 1982.
 He was awarded the Nausena Medal in 2003 while in command of INS Kora during
Operation Parakram, Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 Jan 13, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
on 26 Jan 2015.
NEW PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS SECRETARY
 Prabhas Kumar Jha assumed the office of Secretary in the Ministry of

Parliamentary Affairs.
 Member of Indian Administrative Service (1982 Batch) from Uttar Pradesh cadre
served in different senior positions in the Central Government.
NEW MEMBER ENGINEERING RAILWAY BOARD
 A.K. Mittal, Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), of 1978 Batch, has taken
over as Member Engineering Railway Board on 1.06.2016.
 Prior to this posting, Mittal was General Manager, East Central Railway, (Hazipur).
RETIRED PREZ SECY APPOINTED ON CONTRACT BASIS
 Consequent upon superannuation of Dr.Thomas Mathew, IAS on May 31, 2016 the
President has appointed Dr..Thomas Mathew as Additional Secretary to the
President, w.e.f. the forenoon of June 01, 2016 on contract basis, for a period co-
terminus with the tenure of the President of India i.e. upto 24.07.2017 or until
further orders, whichever is earlier.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF
 Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, AVSM, VSM has assumed charge as the Deputy Chief
of Naval Staff, 06 June 16.
 An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune, he was commissioned
into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1982.
NOMINATION TO THE RAJYA SABHA
 The President has nominated Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati to the Rajya Sabha to fill the
vacancy of nominated member.
NEW SECRETARY IN DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of 1

Suresh Chandra as Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs.
9
 Suresh Chandra, an officer of Indian Legal Service, is currently Additional Secretary
in the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Law & Justice.
NEW CEO OF NIIF
 Mr. Sujoy Bose, at present, Director and Global Co-Head, Infrastructure and Natural
Resources, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Washington DC, has been
appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Ltd.
 Mr Sujoy Bose has extensive international experience in the infrastructure sector
including experience in raising funds from international investors.
MR RODRIGO DUTERTE IS NEW PRESIDENT OF PHILIPPINES
 The President of India has congratulated Mr. Rodrigo Duterte on his election as the
Republic of the Philippines.
 India and the Philippines traditionally share warm and cordial relations, based on
mutual respect and goodwill.
BASSI APPOINTED UPSC MEMBER
 Former Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi was appointed a member of UPSC — a
Constitutional post, with a five-year tenure.
 Under the Constitution, a UPSC member can have a maximum of six years tenure or

till he attains the age of 65.
The UPSC is headed by a chairman besides maximum of ten members.
ADMIRAL LANBA ASSUMES CHARGE AS NAVY CHIEF
 Admiral Sunil Lanba assumed command as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff.
 Vice-Admiral Karambir Singh assumed charge as Vice-Chief of Naval Staff.
OBAMA ENDORSES INDIAN-AMERICAN FOR HOUSE
 Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-American Democrat in fray for election to the U.S.

House of Representatives, has won a crucial endorsement from President Barack
Obama.
 Mr. Krishnamoorthi (42) had served Obama as issues director in the President‘s
successful U.S. Senate campaign in 2004.
 Mr. Krishnamoorthi is in the fray for this year‘s open-seat race in the 8th
Congressional District of Illinois that includes west and northwest Chicago suburbs.
NITA AMBANI NOMINATED FOR IOC MEMBERSHIP
 The new targeted recruitment process of International Olympic Committee (IOC)

members, as per recommendation 38 of Olympic Agenda 2020 (OA2020), has
facilitated the nomination of Nita Ambani as a candidate for the membership to
the IOC.
1
9
ARMY OFFICER CROWNED MISS USA
 The newly crowned Miss USA, Deshauna Barber is a 26-year-old Army officer from
the District of Columbia who gave, perhaps, the strongest answer of the night when
asked about women in combat.
DIA NAMED AMBASSADOR FOR ‗SWACHH SAATHI‘ PROGRAMME
 Actor Dia Mirza has been named the ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission‘s
youth-based ‗Swachh Saathi‘ (student internship) programme.
 She will take forward the message of the government‘s programme, which she hails
as the most important part to realise the dream of a clean country.
ANTRIX GETS NEW CHIEF
 S. Rakesh, Director of the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, took additional

charge of ANTRIX.
 Mr. Rakesh has been on the 14-member board of Antrix since October 2014.
 He succeeds V.S. Hegde, its first Chairman & Managing Director since the entity was
separated from parent ISRO five years ago, and who superannuated on May 31.
 Antrix, which had a turnover of Rs. 1860 crore for the financial year 2014-15, has
launch orders for another 20 spacecraft.
JAIPUR BOY TOPS JEE ADVANCED
 Jaipur boy Aman Bansal has topped the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) for
2016.
 In the competitive exam, on the basis of which admissions to IITs and other top
engineering colleges are granted, the second position was grabbed by Bhavesh
Dhingra of Yamunanagar, while Kunal Goyal, also of Jaipur, stood third.
 Riya Singh from Kota is the topper among girls with an all-India rank of 133.
CHADHA QUITS AS DEUTSCHE BANK'S ASIA-PACIFIC HEAD
 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deutsche Bank‘s Asia-Pacific Region Gunit
Chadha has decided to quit after spending about 13 years with the institution.
CHETAN CHAUHAN NAMED NIFT CHIEF

 The appointment of former cricketer and two-time BJP MP Chetan Chauhan as head
of the premier National Institute of Fashion Technology set off questions about
his eligibility to hold the post.
 National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) was set up in 1986 under the aegis
of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
 He is a loyalist of former Delhi and District Cricket Association chief and Union
Minister Arun Jaitley.
1
9
MALDIVIAN HOME MINISTER RESIGNS
 Maldives Home Minister Umar Naseer has resigned.
MALLYA QUITS AS CHAIRMAN OF BAYERCROPSCIENCE
 Controversial industrialist Vijay Mallya has quit as Chairman of Bayer

CropScience Ltd., promoted by Bayer AG.
 He has also resigned his position as director of the company.
 Mr. Mallya was appointed Chairman of the Board in March 2004.
AVEEK SARKAR QUITS AS ABP GROUP EDITOR
 The Group Editor of Anandabazar Patrika (ABP), Aveek Sarkar, resigned.

 Anirban Chattopadhyay, who was in charge of the ABP‘s editorial pages, has taken
over as the new Editor of the Bengali daily, which has a circulation of about 1.5
million.
LIC CHAIRMAN S. K. ROY RESIGNS
 LIC Chairman S. K. Roy, appointed by the previous UPA government, has resigned
nearly two years ahead of completion of his five-year term.
 Mr. Roy, who has been with LIC since 1981, took charge as chairman in June 2013.
ANUPAM PAHUJA IS PAYPAL‘S INDIA COUNTRY MANAGER
 Global payments platform PayPal has appointed Anupam Pahuja as the Managing
Director and Country Manager for its India operations.
 Mr. Pahuja has been with the company for over six years, heading technology for
APAC.
QUIZ MASTER NEIL O‘BRIEN PASSES AWAY
 Neil O'Brien, an Anglo-Indian community icon credited with pioneering the quiz in
India, died. He was 82.
 Neil O‘Brien was former member of the Lok Sabha and of the West Bengal
Assembly.
NOKIA APPOINTS SANJAY MALIK AS INDIA HEAD

 Nokia announced the appointment of Sanjay Malik as the head of Indian market,
effective August 1.
 Malik is currently Head of Network Implementation (NI) at Nokia Global Services and
is credited with efficiently driving growth and delivering strong performance both in
terms of revenue and operational efficiency.
1
9
SRI LANKA CENTRAL BANK CHIEF TO STEP DOWN
 The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Arjuna Mahendran has
stepped aside following more than a year-long-campaign by sections of civil society
activists and political parties.
CHINA‘S TOP INTERNET REGULATOR STEPS DOWN
 China‘s top Internet regulator, who oversaw a severe tightening of Internet freedoms
during his tenure, has stepped down.
 Lu Wei — named as one of the world's 100 most influential people last year by Time
magazine — had been in charge of supervising controls on online expression since
taking over as head of the Cyberspace Administration of China in 2013.
 China censors online content it deems to be politically sensitive, while blocking some
Western media websites.
RAHUL JOHRI TAKES CHARGE AS FIRST EVER BCCI CEO
 The Indian Cricket Board‘s first ever CEO Rahul Johri, who was appointed on the
recommendation of the Justice Lodha Committee, took charge of the position in the
BCCI headquarters.
 Before joining BCCI, Johri last served as Discovery Networks Asia Pacific‘s Executive
Vice-President and General Manager for South Asia.
ANUP RAU STEPS DOWN AS RELIANCE NIPPON LIFE CEO
 Reliance Nippon Life Insurance chief executive Anup Rau has resigned from the
company, purportedly after being asked to quit over alleged non-performance.
 Rau, who was chief executive of the company for three years, resigned after the
company posted a Rs. 200 crore loss for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.
SASIKUMAR TAKES OVER AS MD OF STATE BANK OF TRAVANCORE
 CR Sasikumar has taken over as Managing Director of State Bank of Travancore

(SBT), one of the associate banks of State Bank of India (SBI).
 Sasikumar started his career as a probationary officer with SBI in 1978 and has since
held several key assignments.
KRISHNAMURTHY TO HEAD CDSL

 SEBI has approved the appointment of TS Krishnamurthy as Chairman of Central

Depository Services.
 He takes over charge from N Rangachary, who chaired the CDSL board since 2010.
 Central Depository Services Limited, is the Indian central securities depository
based in Mumbai. Its main function is the holding securities either in certificated or
uncertificated form, to enable book entry transfer of securities.
1
9
SANOFI GETS A NEW CHAIRMAN
 Drugmaker Sanofi India Ltd announced the election of Aditya Narayan as its new
Chairman.
 He replaces liquor baron Vijay Mallya who quit as Chairman late in March, after 33
years at the post.
HERO MOTOCORP APPOINTS MALO LE MASSON
 Country‘s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp, (HMCL), has appointed

Malo Le Masson as the Head of ‗Global Product Planning‘.
 Malo, formerly with Infiniti Premium car Brand (Nissan Motor Company), will
spearhead Hero‘s entire product planning for its global markets, including the
domestic market.
NK CHARI IS MD OF SBM
 NK Chari has been appointed Managing Director of the State Bank of Mysore
(SBM).
 His experience in SBI has been in credit and branch operations. Prior to this, he was
Chief Operating Officer in the National Banking Group, the retail branch network of
SBI.
SREERAMAKRISHNAN ELECTED KERALA SPEAKER
 P Sreeramakrishnan of the CPI (M) that leads the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was
elected Speaker of the Kerala Assembly.
NSDC GETS NEW CEO
 The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a PPP body under the Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, announced appointment of Manish Kumar
as MD and CEO and Jayant Krishna as ED and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
ASHOK GANAPATHY TO HEAD BHARTI AIRTEL'S B2B OPERATIONS
 Bharti Airtel announced the appointment of Ashok Ganapathy as Director – Airtel

Business with effect from July 1.
 He will report to Gopal Vittal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (India &
South Asia), Bharti Airtel.
NOMINEE DIRECTOR ON BEML BOARD
 Surina Rajan has been appointed government nominee director on the board of
defence public sector, BEML Ltd.
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR NUCLEAR FUEL COMPLEX
 G Kalyanakrishnan, Distinguished Scientist, has taken over as Chief Executive,

Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad. 2
0
 He succeeds N Saibaba, who has retired on completion of two years of extended
period of service.
TN GETS NEW CHIEF SECRETARY
 Tamil Nadu government announced P Rama Mohana Rao as the new Chief
Secretary of the state.
CIPLA BOARD OKAYS KEDAR UPADHYE'S APPOINTMENT
 Cipla has approved the appointment of Kedar Upadhye as the company‘s Global
Chief Financial Officer.
 Upadhye will replace Umang Vohra, who will continue to be the Global Chief
Operating Officer.
VIJAY MALLYA DECLARED PROCLAIMED OFFENDER BY COURT
 Beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya was declared a proclaimed offender by a

special PMLA court on a plea by the Enforcement Directorate(ED) in connection
with its money laundering probe against him in an alleged bank loan default case.
 The agency had moved the court to issue an order under Section 82 CrPC and term
the liquor baron a proclaimed offender as he has ―multiple‖ arrest warrants pending
against him including a non-bailable warrant (NBW) under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA).
 According to the ED, multiple arrest warrants are pending against Mallya in
various cases like that of cheque bounce and he is also wanted in a money
laundering case.
PARTH JINDAL APPOINTED MD OF JSW CEMENT
 Parth Jindal, son of Sajjan Jindal, Chairman, JSW Group, has been appointed as
Managing Director of JSW Cement.
 He will be assisted by Anil Kumar Pillai as CEO.
GUNIT CHADHA QUITS DEUTSCHE BANK
 German lender Deutsche Bank stated Asia Pacific chief executive and former head of
Indian operations Gunit Chadha has quit.
ITC‘S DEVESHWAR TO STEP DOWN IN FEBRUARY 2017
 Yogesh Chander Deveshwar will step down as Executive Chairman of ITC on

February 5, 2017 and become non-executive chairman for three years.
 He took over as Executive Chairman in January 1996.
NIKESH ARORA QUITS SOFTBANK
 Nikesh Arora, President and COO, of global technology player and investment bank
SoftBank Group (SBG) has resigned from his position. 2
0
ANUPAM PAHUJA IS PAYPAL INDIA HEAD
 PayPal, one of the world‘s leading payments platforms, has appointed Anupam
Pahuja as Managing Director and Country Manager for India.
 Anupam has been with the company for over six years, heading technology for APAC.
KEN MIYAUCHI JOIN SOFTBANK
 Japanese conglomerate SoftBank appointed Ken Miyauchi as president and chief

operating officer.
 Miyauchi held 1,101,230 shares of SBG as of March 31, 2016.
FINANCIAL COMMISSIONER OF RAILWAYS RESIGNS
 The Railway Board Financial Commissioner Sanjoy Mookerjee has resigned citing
‗personal reasons‘, just three months ahead of his retirement.
SUJOY BOSE FROM IFC TO HEAD NIIF
 The government has appointed Sujoy Bose of the International Finance Corporation
as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Investment and Infrastructure
Fund.
 Sujoy Bose, at present, Director and Global Co-Head, Infrastructure and Natural
Resources, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Washington DC, has been
appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).
‗VISHWANATHAN TO REPLACE H.R. KHAN AS RBI DEPUTY GOVERNOR‘
 A government-appointed panel has selected N. S. Vishwanathan as a Reserve Bank

of India deputy governor, replacing incumbent H. R. Khan.
 Vishwanathan is currently an executive director at the RBI, overseeing the banking
regulation and non-banking department. He would succeed Khan, who will retire on
July 3.
SUZUKI MOTORS APPOINTS SCION TOSHIHIRO SUZUKI AS CEO
 Suzuki Motor Corp appointed Toshihiro Suzuki, son of Chairman Osamu Suzuki, as
its next chief executive effective the same day, as the Japanese automaker attempts
to recover from a vehicle testing scandal.
K.B. KACHRU IS CHAIRMAN CARLSON REZIDOR HOTEL GROUP
 Hospitality company Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced that K.B. Kachru
has been appointed Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, Carlson Rezidor Hotel
Group, South Asia, effective July 1, 2016.
 Carlson Rezidor has 117 operating and under-development hotels in India across 60
Indian cities.
2
0
THYAGU VALLIAPPA ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BCIC
 Thyagu Valliappa, Executive Director -Sona Valliappa Group, has been elected
president of Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce for the year 2016-
17.
 Sridevi Pankajam, Managing Director – ANZ has been elected Senior Vice
President and K Kishore Alva, Joint President (Project Dev & Corporate Affairs) at
Adani - Udupi Power Corporation Limited is the new Vice President of BCIC.
BOXING LEGEND MUHAMMAD ALI PASSES
 Boxing legend Muhammad Ali - one of the world's greatest sporting figures - has died
at the age of 74.
 The former world heavyweight champion died late at a hospital in the US city of
Phoenix, Arizona.
 He had been suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by
Parkinson's disease.
 Muhammad Ali (Cassius Marcellus Clay) was an American Olympic and
professional boxer.
 He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of
the 20th century.
UNGA ELECTS FIJIAN AS PRESIDENT OF 71ST SESSION
 In a secret ballot vote, the United Nations General Assembly elected Peter
Thomson, Permanent Representative of Fiji, as President of its upcoming 71st
session.
 Mr. Thomson, who will replace current General Assembly President Mogens
Lykketoft, will begin his tenure in September at the commencement of the 71st
General Assembly session.
 The new President-elect defeated Andreas Mavroyiannis of Cyprus by a secret-
ballot vote of 94 to 90, with one abstention.
 The selection of the President of the General Assembly follows a geographical
rotation system. If a group cannot reach consensus on a nominee, a vote by secret
ballot will take place.
ICC SENTENCES FORMER CONGO VICE-PRESIDENT TO 18 YEARS PRISON
 The International Criminal Court (ICC) sentenced the former Congolese Vice-
President, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, to 18 years of imprisonment for war crimes

and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic between
October 2002 and March 2003.
 Mr. Bemba had been the commander-in-chief of the former Congolese rebel group,
the Movement for the Liberation of Congo, as well as a vice-president of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 2003-2006 transition.
V SASI ELECTED DEPUTY SPEAKER IN KERALA
 V Sasi of the CPI, representing the Chirayinkeezh constituency, has been elected the 2
Deputy Speaker of the 14th Kerala Legislative Assembly.
0
MISCELLANEOUS
MEGA LUXURY CRUISE VESSEL ARRIVED IN INDIA
 Mega Luxury Cruise Vessel ―M.V.Ovation of the Seas‖ called at the Cochin Port for
a 2-day stop-over in its circuit of Dubai-Muscat-Kochi-Penang-Singapore.
 The vessel with 4000 passengers and 1649 crew was given a warm and colourful
reception at the Cochin Port in ethnic style with flowers, sindhoor and chendamelam.
 ―M.V.Ovation of the Seas‖ is a brand new ship of the Royal Caribbean Lines
which was floated out in April this year.
 It is 348 m long and is in the 2nd largest class of cruise vessel.
 90 passengers from Dubai/ Muscat disembarked at Cochin Port and 80 passengers
will embark from the Port.
BOOK ‗THE EDUCATION PRESIDENT‘
 The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of a book ―The
Education President” at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
 The President received the book from Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari who
formally released it.
 The book ―The Education President‖ published by the International Institute for
Higher Education Research & Capacity Building, OP Jindal Global University,
highlights President Mukherjee‘s contribution to the field of higher education as
Visitor to 116 institutions of higher learning in India.
PM RELEASES BOOK TITLED ―THE BIRDS OF BANNI GRASSLAND‖
 The Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a book titled “The Birds of Banni
Grassland” in New Delhi.
 The book was presented to the Prime Minister by the Scientists of Gujarat
Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE).
 The Book is a compilation of the research work, relating to more than 250 species of
birds found in the Banni area of Kutch, Gujarat.
 The Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, located at Bhuj, has been studying the
plant, bird and marine life in the Rann of Kutch for over 15 years.
ANAND KUMAR‘S BIOGRAPHY RELEASED

 Anand Kumar started Super 30 in 2002 to provide free coaching, food and
accommodation to 30 students coming from the poorest strata of society.
 The book, titled Super 30: Anand Kumar, is published in English by Penguin
Random House and in Hindi by Prabhat Prakashan.
 It has been written by Canada-based psychiatrist Biju Mathew in association with
journalist Arun Kumar.
2
0
JNU TO RENAME CENTRAL LIBRARY AFTER AMBEDKAR
 The Jawaharlal Nehru University gave its nod to the renaming of the varsity‘s central
library as B.R. Ambedkar Library.
BOOK RELEASED
 Piyush Goyal, Minister for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy released book
titled ‗The World in 2050- Striving for a More Just, Prosperous and
Harmonious Global Community' written by Harinder S. Kohli.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS (JUNE)
 1 June: Global Day of Parents

 4 June: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
 5 June: World Environment Day
 8 June: World Oceans Day
 12 June: World Day Against Child Labour
 13 June: International Albinism Awareness Day
 14 June: World Blood Donor Day [WHO]
 15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
 16 June: International Day of Family Remittances [IFAD]
 17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
 19 June: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict



20 June: World Refugee Day
21 June: International Day of Yoga
21 June: World Music Day
 23 June: United Nations Public Service Day
 23 June: International Widows' Day
 25 June: Day of the Seafarer [IMO]
 26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
 26 June: United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
2
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18. Media Relations

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 1

Salient Features of the Plan:

 The plan covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, mitigation,

ADDITIONAL ALLOCATIONS TO BPL AND APL FAMILIES

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 2

CARPET AREA REQUIRED UNDER URBAN HOUSING MISSION

INCREDIBLE INDIA BED & BREAKFAST/HOME STAY SCHEME

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 3

‗GYPS VULTURE REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMME' LAUNCHED

UNIFIED GUIDELINES FOR LPG DISTRIBUTORSHIPS ISSUED

 After an elaborate and comprehensive review of the existing distributorship selection

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 4

SURESH PRABHU LAUNCHES TIGER EXPRESS TRAIN

 In terms of Budget Announcement 2016-17, Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 5

I&B MINISTRY FRAMES NEW PRINT MEDIA ADVERTISEMENT POLICY

 Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has framed a New Print Media

different they would be treated as different editions.

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 6

CABINET APPROVES CIVIL AVIATION POLICY

 The Policy aims at:

Regional Connectivity Scheme at unserved airports

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 7

 Areas covered in the Policy:

Salient features of the Policy:

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 8

to carry out self-handling at all airports. Hiring of employees through manpower

SUPERANNUATION AGE OF CENTRAL HEALTH STAFF INDCREASED

JUNE 2016 BestCurrentAffairs.com 9

SETTING UP 1000 MW WIND POWER PROJECT

INITIATIVE ‗VIDYANJALI‘ LAUNCHED

strengthen the co-scholastic activities in government schools.

VIDYUT PRAVAH & URJA MOBILE APP LAUNCHED

NATIONAL MINERAL EXPLORATION POLICY 2016

MAIN FEATURES OF POLICY:-

 A National Geoscientific Data Repository is proposed to be set up to collate all

NATIONAL POLICY ON MINI/MICRO GRIDS

size of the business.

JNU AND NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL WELFARE SIGN MOA

 National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) and Jawaharlal Nehru

ICMR-CEEW LAUNCH THE ‗SOLAR FOR HEALTHCARE‘ INITIATIVE

EESL SIGNS MOU WITH TERI

 Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) entered into a strategic partnership

ELECTION COMMISSION SEEKS POWER TO POSTPONE, REVOKE POLLS

SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS NOT COMPULSORY: EC

 The Election Commission of India has instructed candidates contesting elections to

RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY BEAT HYDRO CAPACITY

require investment of around $150 billion in the next seven years.

DRAFT WIND-SOLAR HYBRID POLICY

AADHAAR TO BE LINKED WITH CASTE CERTIFICATE

UGC NOTIFIES RULES FOR TIE-UPS WITH FOREIGN INSTITUTIONS

INTEGRATED BIO ENERGY MISSION TO BE LAUNCHED

MNRE TO SET UP 1,000 MW WIND POWER PROJECTS

DRAFT FOREST POLICY 2016

 As recommended by a new draft National Forest Policy, the regulation and

sectors such as mining, water, roads, tourism, agriculture, rural development,

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR INDIAN STATISTICAL SERVICE RELAXED