Category: Current Affairs

Haryana’s Amin village renamed Abhimanyupur

On October 13, 2017, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar gave approval to rename Amin village in Kurukshetra district to Abhimanyupur.
i. Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, was a warrior prince in Mahabharata. Amin village is believed by the locals as the site on which Kauravas had resorted to ‘Chakravyuh’ formation as a part of war strategy. Abhimanyu was trapped in this ‘Chakravyuh’, but fought bravely till his last breath.
ii. Abhimanyupur would be included in the second phase of Krishna Circuit under Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
iii. Mr. Khattar also instructed Kurukshetra Development Board to install a grand statue of Abhimanyu fighting in the battle.
iv. These measures were announced as a part of Haryana Government’s efforts to promote an organised tourism circuit in the ancient region of Kurukshetra comprising Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Karnal and Panipat districts

Parliamentary panel under BJP MP B C Khanduri to examine operational preparedness of armed forces

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by BJP MP B C Khanduri will examine the operational preparedness of the armed forces. Next meeting of this committee is scheduled to be held in November 2017.Issues which will be examined by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence:
i. Procurement policy relating to defence equipment.
ii. Critically review accidents involving strategic defence assets. It is to be noted that recently several accidents have been reported involving Indian Navy ships and Indian Air Force helicopters.
iii. To look into the quality of ration given to the forces especially in border areas. 
iv. Major research and development initiatives, including private sector participation will also be assessed.
v. The committee will also discuss measures to revamp training for defence personnel in the light of latest technological advancements.

Hyderabad High Court makes Gram Sabha nod mandatory for liquor shops

On 12^th October 2017, The Hyderabad High Court directed the Telengana government not to grant licence, to establish liquor retail outlets in the scheduled areas without the resolution of the gramsabha.
Gram Sabha approval mandatory for liquor shops in scheduled areas:
i. A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice M. Ganga Rao gave the direction when disposing an appeal by Podem Ratnam challenging an order of a single judge.
ii. Ratnam had filed a writ petition against the government notification, to grant licence to sell liquor in 17 villages in the scheduled areas of Jayashankar Bhupalapally district.
iii. A single judge on 21^st September 2017, had issued an order, granting licences to sell liquor in villages in the scheduled areas of Jayashankar Bhupalapally district.
About High Court of Hyderabad:
♦ Common High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
♦ Chief Justice – Ramesh Ranganathan

Rajasthan Assembly becomes first in India to call motions online

Rajasthan State assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators.i. The new online system was inaugurated by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Speaker Kailash Meghwal by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of mouse.
ii. Besides saving time, labour and use of paper in the functioning of the assembly, the online system will also help legislators in bringing attention to urgent public issues.
iii. The new online system will facilitate smooth exchange of information and reports among respective departments.
iv. National Informatics Centre has set up a help desk at the secretariat to provide assistance to state government staff in getting used to the new system.
Quick Facts about Rajasthan:
♦ Capital – Jaipur
♦ Current Chief Minister – Vasundhra Raje
♦ Current Governor – Kalyan Singh

Egypt extends state of emergency for three months

On October 12, 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi extended the countrywide state of emergency for an additional three months.
i. State of Emergency was first imposed in Egypt in April 2017 after bomb blasts in two churches which killed 45 people.
ii. Emergency imposed in April 2017 was then extended in July 2017 for another three months.
iii. State of emergency will authorise Egyptian armed forces and police to carry out stringent security measures such as referral of terrorism suspects to state security courts, imposition of curfews and strict control over newspapers.
iv. There have been several terrorists attacks in Egypt since past four years especially in the northern part of Sinai peninsula.
Quick Facts about Egypt:
♦ Capital – Cairo
♦ Currency – Egyptian pound
♦ Current President – Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi

World’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant in Iceland

On October 11, 2017, world’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant started operating in Iceland.More Details about world’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant:
i. The term negative emission in this context indicates that the power plant eliminates more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it produces.
ii. This feat has been accomplished by a climate-startup named Climeworks by refitting a geothermal plant in Iceland.
iii. In this power plant, Climeworks’ patented air filter captures the carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air. Thereafter the low-grade heat from geothermal power plant heats up the filter which results in the extraction of pure CO2.
iv. Extracted CO2 is then bound to water and is sent 700 meters deep into the ground, where it reacts with basaltic bedrock and forms a permanent solid mineral.
v. The CO2 which has thus been embedded in the rock stays there for at least one million years.

Pakistan gets its first Metro Train

i. The first metro train to Pakistan has arrived from China as a gift to the country and rolled into Lahore and it is set to be launched in December 2017.
ii.This metro train service is Called as “The Orange Line Metro Train service”, and this is the Pakistan’s first mass transit system. It’s fully automated and driverless system.
iii. The metro train comes with 20 years installment plan with grace period of seven years. Pakistan need not pay anything for this grace period, seven years. This all happened due to the growing cooperation with China under CPEC, the controversial project of China’s Belt and Road initiative.
iv. Each train’s capacity is to carry 1,000 passengers. Together all, the Orange Line trains would facilitate the transport for up to 250,000 passengers daily which will be raised upto 500,000 in coming years.
v. One of the best features in the train is its energy-saving Air-Conditioning system and the facility to handle the unstable voltage in Lahore.
CPEC
♦ Abbreviation- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
♦ CPEC will be a strategic game-changer in the region, which would go a long way in making Pakistan a richer and stronger entity than ever before.

Union Bank launches Union Sahyog app

On 13^th October 2017, Union Bank of India launched an Android app named, ‘Union Sahyog’, as a part of its efforts to digitise customer-facing banking services.Union Sahyog app:
i. The Union Sahyog app was launched by RajKiran Rai G, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank of India. This App is bilingual, offered in both English and Hindi.
ii. The Union Sahyog App consists of: all mobile-based banking applications, missed call/SMS-based services, Internet banking login and self-user creation, deposit and loan product information, online account opening, online loan application, online complaints, RTI (Right To Information), branch locator, EMI calculator, social media links and digital banking information.
iii. Union Sahyog is currently available for download on the Google Play Store. An iOS version is in development process.
About Union Bank of India:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Managing Director & CEO – Rajkiran Rai G

Yes Bank partners with Abu Dhabi Global Markets for collaboration on fintech

On 11^th October 2017, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the International Financial Centre in Abu Dhabi, and Yes Bank have signed a MoU, to further encourage cross-border exchange between the fintech ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates and India.
Yes Bank partners with Abhu Dhabi Global Markets:
i. The collaboration will enable fintech innovators from the Middle East region and India to apply into Yes FinTech programmes and the ADGM’s Regulatory Laboratory, and will get the opportunity to expand into each other’s markets.
ii. Yes Bank is India’s fifth largest private sector bank. It has an in-house fintech accelerator named Yes FinTech.
iii. Yes FinTech is a platform for Yes Bank and fintech startups to co-create innovative solutions and participate in taking the solution to the bank’s customers.
About Yes Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ MD & CEO – Rana Kapoor
♦ Tagline – Experience Our Expertise

Vanuatu becomes first nation to accept Bitcoin in Exchange for citizenship

South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has become the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin in exchange for citizenship.i. Currently, the citizenship programme of Vanuatu costs USD 200000. With Bitcoin price hovering around USD 6000, Vanuatu citizenship can be availed at a price of nearly 35 Bitcoins.
ii. However, in addition to the payment in Bitcoin, the grant of citizenship will be subject to routine due diligence and probity checks.
iii. Christian Nesheim, an investment migration specialist stated that this decision will give Bitcoin investors an opportunity to convert their cryptocurrency into tangible asset and the Vanuatu Government will gain a competitive edge in the citizenship market.
iv.The investment immigration/citizenship industry is estimated to be worth more than $2 billion USD annually.
Quick Facts about Vanuatu:
♦ Capital – Port Vila
♦ Currency – Vanuatu vatu
♦ Current Prime Minister – Charlot Salwai

Airports need $45 billion investment to improve capacity by 2030

India must invest around $45 billion to generate an additional capacity of handling 500- 600 million passengers at its airports by 2030
i. By the next five years the passenger capacity is possible to increase as per a study by an aviation think-tank.
ii. As per the estimation of Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) the country’s top 17 airports current capacity is 298-316.5 million passengers per annum approximately.
iii. It might be possible to increase 431-463 million when the existing airport sites are completely built. Its need to be allocate 1,50,000 to 2,00,000 acres of land for 55 new airports by 2030.
vi. The ten airports namely Pune, Jaipur, Srinagar, Lucknow, Dehradun, Agartala, Guwahati, Kozhikode, Mangalore, and Trichy are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), are already operating “beyond their design capacity”.

Indian Accent features in Asia’s top 10 restaurants

On 13^th October 2017, Indian Accent restaurant in New Delhi featured among the top 10 best restaurants in Asia Travellers’ Choice in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2017.Indian Accent in Asia’s top 10 restaurants:
i. Indian Accent has secured the second position among the top 10 restaurants in Asia in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2017. Indian Accent is known for introducing innovative cuisine by involving Indian flavours with global ingredients and techniques.
ii. This year’s awards recognise nearly 400 fine dining restaurants, including the top 25 in the world. It also had a dedicated lists for Asia, Europe, India, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, South Pacific, the UK and the US.
iii. Award winners were determined by the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period. Globally, The Black Swan at Oldstead, UK was ranked number 1.
About TripAdvisor:
♦ Headquarters – Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
♦ CEO & Co-founder – Stephen Kaufer

Singer T M Krishna wins Indira Gandhi National Integration

Singer T M Krishna has won 30th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 2015 and 2016.
i. T M Krishna has been awarded for promoting and preserving national integration in the country.
ii. He will be conferred the award on October 31, 2017 (Indira Gandhi’s Death Anniversary) by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
iii. Krishna is a pre-eminent vocalist in the Carnatic tradition of Indian classical music and has been an activist who has worked to break down caste-barriers in the society.
iv. He is also a columnist who has written and talked on a wide range of socio-political issues.About Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration:
♦ Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration was instituted in year 1985 by Congress party.
♦ The award is conferred for promoting national integration and strengthening nation’s sense of solidarity.
♦ It carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh.

12-year-old girl from city bags sub-title at ‘Little Miss World’ pageant

12-year old Indian girl Poorvi G B has been awarded the ‘best performer’ subtitle at the ‘Little Miss World 2017’ pageant held in Greece.
i. With this award, Poorvi G B  has become the first Indian kid to win the title in the international beauty pageant and talent competition.
ii. At the event, Poorvi G B gave a Kathak dance performance and also showcased the rich culture of Karnataka in the national costume round by dressing up as a Hoyasala sculpture.
iii. Over 65 participants from 30 countries took part in the ‘Little Miss World 2017’ event, wherein the contestants were judged on various aspects including confidence, intelligence, physical features and involvement for social causes.
iv. Several rounds of competition were held to judge the above mentioned qualities of contestants.

Government appoints MK Gupta, DK Gayen as new Railway Board members

On 11^th October 2017, the Government of India appointed MK Gupta and DK Gayen as new members in the Railway Board.
New Railway Board members:
i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Mahesh Kumar Gupta and DK Gayen.
ii. D.K.Gayen is presently the General Manager of East Central Railway. He has been appointed as new Member (Staff) in the Railway Board and ex officio Secretary to the Government of India.
iii. M.K.Gupta is presently the General Manager of Modern Coach Factory Raibareli. He has been appointed as new Member (Engineering) in the Railway Board and ex officio Secretary to the Government of India.
About Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC):
Purpose – decides appointments to various top posts under the Government of India
Chairman – Mr.Narendra Modi

Two more Top Executives resign from Infosys

A top executive at Infosys Ltd’s products,Abdul Razack, senior vice-president, and Pervinder Johar, CEO of Edge Verve, the wholly owned products and platforms subsidiary, have resigned from Infosys. This is the fourth senior-level exit in last 40 days.
i. Abdul Razack was among the executives who had quit SAP to join Infosys.
ii. Sources from TOI says that Razack put has put his papers of resignation, a month ago.
iii. Johar has resigned less than eight months of  joining the company . He came to EdgeVerve from Steelwedge Software, where he served as the president and CEO.
iv. The leadership at Edge Verve has been facing an uphill task in monetizing its business. It contributes just 5.5% to Infosys’ revenues.
Infosys
♦ India’s second-largest software services exporter.
♦ Founded – 7^th july 1981
♦ CEO- U.B.Pravin Rao
♦ Headquarters- Bangalore

Shakib Al Hasan becomes first Bangladeshi to be inducted in MCC World Cricket Committee

On 13^th October 2017, all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan became the first cricketer from Bangladesh to be inducted in the MCC World Cricket Committee.First Bangladeshi cricketer in MCC World Cricket Committee:
i. Shakib Al Hasan is regarded as one of Bangladesh’s finest players. He has played 51 Test matches and 177 one-day internationals.
ii. He is 30 years old. He also has vast global experience of domestic cricket, particularly in the T20 format. The committee has also included Suzie Bates, Ian Bishop and Kumar Dharmasena.
iii. Also, former England and Middlesex captain, Mike Gatting has become the new chairman of the MCC World Cricket Committee. He succeeds Mike Brearley, former England captain, as the chairman.
About MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Committee:
♦ President – Lord MacLaurin
♦ Consists of following committees – Arts & Library, Cricket, Estates, Finance, Membership & General Purposes, World Cricket

Maria Sharapova wins Tianjin Open

On October 15, 2017, Maria Sharapova of Russia beat Aryna Sabalenka of Belarusby 7-5 7-6 (10-8) in the final match of Tianjin Open tennis tournament.
i. The match against Aryna Sabalenka was hotly contested. Sharapova broke Sabalenka’s serve six times, and the extra break in the first set proved to be decisive.
ii. This was Sharpova’s first title victory since May 2015 and seventh event since she returned in April 2017 from a 15-month drug ban.
iii. For Grand Slam tournaments of 2017, Sharapova was denied a wildcard for the French Open, missed Wimbledon through injury and lost in fourth round  to Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova in the US Open.

Federer beats Nadal to win Shanghai Masters

On October 15, 2017, Roger Federer of Switzerland beat Rafael Nadal of Spain by 6-4 6-3 to win the final match of Shanghai Masters tennis tournament.i. This is Roger Federer’s 94th career title and has equalled Ivan Lendl’s record in terms of Open era titles. Top spot is held by American player Jimmy Connors with 109 career titles.
ii. Earlier, Federer had defeated Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the semi final.
iii. It is to be noted that Rafael Nadal recently won China Open and US Open and currently hold No.1 rank in men’s tennis.
iv. This victory is Federer’s fourth win of the year against Nadal.
v. Shanghai Masters, also known as Shanghai Rolex Masters is played on outdoor hard courts. It is held annually in early October Shanghai, China.

Indian paddler Selena Selvakumar wins gold in Egypt

India’s young paddler Selena Selvakumar,17 won gold medal in the Junior Girls Team event to annex the 2017 Egypt Junior and Cadet Table-Tennis Open.
i. She is from Chennai city. She beat Sarah Abousetta 3-1 in the opening encounter and Marwa Alhodaby 3-1 in the fourth match to set up the victory.

Historian Satish Chandra passes away at 95

On 13^th October 2017, Veteran historian of medieval India and noted educational administrator, Satish Chandra passed away, in New Delhi.Death of Satish Chandra:
i. Satish Chandra was 95 years old. His body was cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium, New Delhi.
ii. Professor Satish Chandra was the author of the NCERT’s Medieval India textbook that was in circulation in the 1970s till the early 2000s. It was considered as the most comprehensive textbook of that period. It was a two volume book loaded with information.
iii. His Medieval India book was a highly appreciated reference book on history. His specialty was his comprehensive writing.
iv. He was Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) from 1976 to 1981, and Vice-Chairman of UGC from 1973 to 1976.
About Satish Chandra:
♦ Born on – 20 November 1922
♦ Known for – writing books about medieval Indian history

The Coalition Years 1996-2012: Pranab Mukherjee’s political autobiography

On October 14, 2017, former president Pranab Mukherjee released ‘The Coalition Years: 1996-2012’, the third part of his memoir in New Delhi.
i. While releasing the memoir, Pranab Mukherjee stated that he is a party activist and has tried to not bring his personal, family life into the narrative.
ii. The event was attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.
iii. In this latest part of his memoir, Pranab Mukherjee has revealed that he was under the impression that Congress may project Manmohan Singh as its presidential candidate, leaving him to be the party’s prime ministerial nominee for the 2014 general election.
iv .First part of Pranab Mukherjee’s memoir is ‘The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years’. The title of the second part is ‘The Turbulent Years: 1980-1996’.

International Day of Rural Women – October 15, 2017

On 15^th October 2017, International Day of Rural Women is celebrated all over the world.
International Day of Rural Women:
i. The theme for 2017 International Day of Rural Women is “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”.
ii. The 1^st International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15^th October 2008. This day was established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution on 18^th December 2007.
iii. This day recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.
iv.To mark the International Day of Rural Women, Indian government celebrated the first ever ‘Mahila Kisan Divas’. It was organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. It highlighted the silent and invisible contribution of women farmers.
Similar International Days:
♦ March 8 – International Women’s Day
♦ October 11 – International Day of the Girl Child

World Students Day – October 15, 2017

On 15^th October 2017, World Students Day was celebrated all over the world.World Students Day:
i. The United Nations declared former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday (October 15) as ‘World Student’s Day’ in 2010.
ii. APJ Abdul Kalam was an aerospace scientist. He has made India proud with his missile defence programme.
iii. His favourite job was teaching. His sudden death on 27^th July, 2015 was a shock. But Kalam died while teaching, which he loved the most.
iv. He was delivering a lecture to the students of IIM Shillong, when he fell down the stage, suffering a stroke and passed away. His birth anniversary is marked as World Students Day.
v. Also, Switzerland declared May 26 as ‘Science Day’ after Abdul Kalam visited Switzerland, as a mark of respect and honour of his visit.
About APJ Abdul Kalam:
♦ Profession – Professor, Author, Aerospace scientist
♦ Awards – Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan

Meet of physiologists, pharmacologists – APPICON 2017

On 12^th – 14^th October 2017, APPICON 2017, the 63^rd Annual National Conference of Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India, was held at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), in Puducherry.
APPICON 2017:
i. The APPICON 2017 was hosted by the Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).
ii. Chief Minister of Puducherry V.Narayanasamy inaugurated the event and released a souvenir. He presented the APPI awards under various categories.
iii. Subhash Chandra Parija, JIPMER Director, delivered the presidential address. Pravati Pal, Co-organising Chairman, welcomed the gathering.
iv. G.S.Gaur, Organising Chairman, Ramji Singh, General Secretary of APPI, G.K.Pal, Dean-JIPMER Karaikal, and various higher officials also participated.
v. Theme of APPICON 2017 was ‘Physiology beyond Academics in the Era of Translational Research’. Various conferences were conducted related to physiology and pharmacology.
About JIPMER:
♦ President – Maharaj Kishen Bhan
♦ Director – S.C.Parija

Mitra Shakti 2017: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise held in Pune

On 13^th – 25^th October 2017, Mitra Shakti 2017, a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka for military co-operation and interoperability, is conducted at the Aundh Military Camp, in Pune.Mitra Shakthi 2017:
i. The Mitra Shakthi training exercises started in India’s response to China’s growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
ii. Its aim is to exchange the best military practices of the two countries and build a strong military-to-military relation between the two armies and develop joint strategies mainly in the counter-insurgency and counter terrorism (CI and CT) environment.
iii. The training module includes weapons training, basic military tactics and complex battle strategies.  The Mitra Shakti series started in 2012.
iv. Senior military observers of both countries will attend the Final Tactical Exercise to be held at the Aundh Military Station, on 25^th October 2017.
Other recent joint-military exercises of India:
SLINEX 2017 – India – Sri Lanka joint naval exercise
♦ Nomadic Elephant 2017 – India – Mongolia joint military exercise
♦ Varuna 2017 – India – France joint naval exercise

NITI Aayog working with states for agri market reforms

On 13^th October 2017, NITI Aayog said that, it is working with states to adopt first set of agri market reforms, like contract farming, online spot and futures trading, encouraging private investment.
NITI Aayog working with states:
i. NITI Aayog Member, Ramesh Chand said that, regarding agri reforms, main emphasis is given on bringing marketing reforms to facilitate and encourage the private sector to invest in agri logistics, cold chains etc.
ii. In the first set of reforms, contract farming is to be promoted. Regarding this a model law has been framed both by NITI Aayog and the Agriculture Ministry.
iii. To promote derivative trading in farm commodities, the Finance Ministry has set up a panel. The NITI Aayog has also proposed discarding of the ‘Essential Commodities Act’ that is destabilising prices instead of keeping them stable.
About Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:
♦ Minister of Agriculture – Radha Mohan Singh
♦ Ministers of State – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Parsottambhai Rupala, Krishna Raj

48th Conference of Governors concludes at Rashtrapati Bhavan

48th Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi from 12^thand 13^th October 13, 2017.Highlights of 48th Conference of Governors:
i. During the Conference, Governors shared useful experiences about issues pertaining to cleanliness, environment, conservation of energy and cutting down of wasteful expenditure in their respective states.
ii. Sessions on ‘Infrastructure for New India 2022’, ‘Public Services for New India 2022’ and ‘Higher Education in States and Skill Development’ were also held during this two-day conference.
iii. Besides President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Cabinet Ministers also addressed the conference.
iv. Tradition of holding Conference of Governors dates back to 1949, when first such conference was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At that time it was presided over by the Governor General of India, C. Rajagopalachari.

Chennai Metro Rail introduces free bicycle ride scheme

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has introduced a free bicycle ride scheme for its customers.
i. To implement this scheme, CMRL has tied up with a private agency to provide 100-hours of bicycle ride free of cost every month.
ii. This scheme has been introduced to promote eco-friendly travel in the city.
iii. CMRL management believes that this scheme will reduce dependence on private vehicles and will serve as an economical means for commuting.
iv. Commuters in Chennai can avail the benefit of this scheme at four metro stations – Ekkattuthangal, Nehru Park, Thirumangalam and Anna Nagar Tower.

West Bengal to set up Scheduled Caste advisory council

On October 13, 2017, West Bengal State Cabinet took a decision to set up its scheduled caste advisory council. As per West Bengal State Government, it is the first Indian state to have such council.
More details about Scheduled Caste advisory council of West Bengal:
i. The council will help state government in formulating policies as well as identify the loopholes in existing policy which is affecting the development of the schedule caste population in the state.
ii. The council will regularly interact with the different departments of state government and guide them on how to align their activities for development of schedule castes.
iii. Chairman, members and structure of this committee are yet to be finalised.
iv.It is to be noted that schedule caste population comprise 23% of the total 9.14 crore population of West Bengal.

For dowry-linked cruelty, Supreme Court restores ‘immediate arrest’

On October 13, 2017, three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra disagreed with a recent judgment which diluted the rigour of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) in dealing with dowry related complaints of cruelty.
i. Section 498A of IPC warrants immediate arrest of a husband and his relatives in a dowry-linked complaint of cruelty.
ii. In July 2017, a bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit had cited data from the National Crime Records Bureau which indicated widespread misuse of Section 498A by women.
iii. As a part of decision in July 2017, the bench had ordered setting up of family welfare committees in every district which would examine whether the complaints received under Section 498A are genuine or not and arrests were to be made only on endorsement by the committee.
iv .However, Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra has maintained that abuse of Section 498A (by women) cannot be considered as a reason to curtail the ambit and scope of the section which has been enacted to protect women from cruelty in matrimonial homes.

Himachal Pradesh to go to polls on 9^th November in single phase

On 12^th October 2017, the Election Commission announced that, Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh will be held in a single phase on 9^th November 2017 and the results will be declared on 18^th December 2017.
Himachal Pradesh elections:
i. After the announcement of the election schedule, the model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh came into force immediately. It will be applicable for all the political parties and the State and the Central governments on decisions related to the State.
ii. Himachal Pradesh will be the second state after Goa with 100 % VVPAT (Voter-verified paper audit trail) coverage. The paper trail machines will be deployed along with EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) in all the 7,521 polling stations.
iii. For the first time ever, the Election Commission will set up 136 all-woman managed polling booths in Himachal Pradesh, with each constituency having two women.
About Election Commission of India:
♦ Purpose – autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering election processes in India
♦ Chief Election Commissioner of India – Achal Kumar Jyoti

Five Telangana students selected for NASA rover challenge

Five students from SR Engineering College in Warangal, Telangana have been selected to take part in the 5th annual NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.The challenge has been scheduled to be held in April 2018 in the US.
More Details:
i. For selection in the final challenge, these student had to submit a moon buggy design report that make their buggy work on the surface of moon, ensuring the safety of its passengers.ii. The five students are P Paul Vineeth, Prakash Raineni, P Sravan Rao, R Dilip Reddy and V Sneha. At the final challenge in April 2018, the team will be led by their faculty Manoj Chaudhary.
iii. Students from 23 countries will participate in the final challenge for which they will have to design and create rovers capable of traversing a challenging expolanetary-like landscape.
Quick Facts about NASA:
♦ Founded in – 1958
♦ Headquarters – Washington D.C., US

Odisha government department signs MOU with SBI

On 14^th October 2017, the Odisha government’s Directorate of Treasuries and Inspection signed a MoU with SBI, for integration of SBI e-Pay with cyber treasury.
MoU between Odisha and SBI:
i. The MoU was signed by Bhabani Prasad Nanda, Director, Treasuries & Inspection, Odisha and Goutam Roy, DGM, SBI. This MoU is an initiative by the Odisha government to facilitate revenue collection from citizens through digital banking platform.
ii. The SBI e-Pay is the payment aggregator service wing of SBI. It facilitates on-line payment of government dues by the customers of any public or private sector banks.
strong>iii. Any mode like debit card, credit card, mobile banking, net banking facility provided by approximately 42 partner banks can be used by the payers for paying dues. Also, facility of cash deposit at any branch of SBI in Odisha can be used.
iv. All revenue generating departments of Odisha can integrate with this Gateway through state treasuries. Right now, industries and revenue department have been integrated with this gateway.
About Directorate of Treasuries & Inspection, Odisha:
♦ Purpose – heads 164 Treasuries functioning in Odisha
♦ Director – Bhabani Prasad Nanda

IWAI raises Rs. 660 crore through Bonds

On October 13, 2017, Union Shipping Ministry stated that Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has raised Rs 660 crore through bonds.More Details:
i. Funds raised through these bonds will be deployed as capital expenditure for development of National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterway Act, 2016during 2017-18.
ii. e-bidding for these bonds was held on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) portal on October 11, 2017.
iii. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 7.47%.  Interest will be paid on semi-annual basis.
iv. It is to be noted that the fund raised through these bonds is in addition to the budgetary support from the Government of India (GOI) and interest obligation on these bonds too shall be financed by GOI.

IMF favours three structural reforms in India

Kenneth Kang Deputy Director Asia Pacific Department of International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested three policy priorities for India in the area of structural reforms.
i. Addressing the corporate and banking sector weaknesses: This is to be done by accelerating the resolution of non-performing loans, rebuilding the capital buffers for the public sector banks, and enhancing banks’ debt recovery mechanisms.
ii. Continued fiscal consolidation through revenue measure: Mr. Kang is of the view that India should continue with the fiscal consolidation through revenue measures, as well as further reductions in subsidies.
iii. Improving the efficiency of labour and product markets: Strong momentum for structural reforms is to be maintained in addressing the infrastructure gaps, improving the efficiency of labour and product markets as well as furthering agricultural reforms.
Quick Facts about International Monetary Fund (IMF):
♦ Founded in – 1945
♦ Headquarters – Washington D.C., US
♦ Current CEO – Christine Lagarde

Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 came into force

A new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on March 22, 2016 has been brought into force with effect from October 12, 2017.
i. As per this act, any goods/article/product of any scheduled industry and any process/system/service can be brought under compulsory certification regime by the government if it considers it necessary in the public interest or for the protection of human, animal, plant health, environment, or in order to prevent unfair trade practices and in the interest of national security.
ii. Hallmarking of the precious metal articles has been made mandatory under this new act.

IIP rises to 9-month high of 4.3% in August 2017

As per data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO) on October 12, 2017, Industrial production in India grew at a nine-month high of 4.3 per cent in August 2017.
i. Previous Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth high of 5.7 per cent was registered in November 2016.
ii. Output of mining sector stood at 9.4 percent and electricity registered a growth of 8.3 percent.
iii. Growth in manufacturing sector has decelerated to 3.1 per cent in August 2017. Manufacturing sector constitutes 77.63 per cent of IIP. 
iv. IIP growth during April-August period of FY 2017-18 stood at 2.2 per cent, marking a drop from 5.9 per cent in same period in 2016-17.
v. The July IIP number has been revised to 0.94 percent from 1.2 percent provisional estimates that were released last month.

Hyperloop One rebrands itself as ‘Virgin Hyperloop One’

On 12^th October 2017, Hyperloop One has announced to rebrand itself as ‘Virgin Hyperloop One’ after Richard Branson’s Virgin Group invested in the firm.
Virgin Hyperloop One:
i. The Virgin investment group has taken an undisclosed stake in Hyperloop One. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
ii. Hyperloop One is a company trying to create a pod-based transport system. Its pods use electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic levitation to travel in near-vacuum tubes. In August 2017, it achieved a record speed of 309 kmph.
iii. Virgin’s founder, Sir Richard Branson, is joining Hyperloop’s board as part of a deal, and Hyperloop is rebranding itself as Virgin Hyperloop One.
About Virgin Hyperloop One:
♦ Headquarters – Los Angeles
♦ CEO – Rob Lloyd

Namita Gokhale bags Centenary National Award for Literature

Eminent writer Namita Gokhale has been nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature, for her outstanding literary contributions.About Centenary National Award for Literature and Namita Gokhale:
i. The award has been conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious literary bodies in India.
ii. Dhruba Jyoti Borah, President of the Asam Sahitya Sabha conferred the award on Namita Gokhale on October 14, 2017 at special function in Guwahati, Assam.
iii. This award has been instituted as part Asam Sahitya Sabha’s centenary celebrations.
iv. Namita Gokhale is a writer, publisher, and festival director who has authored 16 works of fiction and non-fiction.
v. Her debut novel was “Paro: Dreams of Passion,” which was published in 1984. 
vi. “A Himalayan Love Story,” “The Book of Shadows” and “Things to Leave Behind” are her other memorable works.

Appointment Committee of Cabinet appoints 11 new secretaries

On October 11, 2017, Appointment Committee of Cabinet carried out a major bureaucratic reshuffle wherein 11 new secretaries have been appointed to various government departments.
i. Environment secretary Ajay Narayan Jha (IAS, 1982 batch, Manipur-Tripura cadre) will succeed Ashok Lavasa as the secretary in the expenditure department in the Finance Ministry.
ii. Health and Family Welfare Secretary C.K. Mishra will take charge as Environment secretary from Ajay Narayan Jha.
iii. Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas has been appointed as the new corporate affairs secretary in the Union Finance Ministry.
iv. Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar will take charge as the new Sports Secretary whereas Preeti Sudan, Secretary of Department of Food and Public Distribution, has been assigned the charge of health and family welfare.
v. Other cabinet secretary appointments include Alok Shrivastava (Department of Justice), K.V. Eapen (Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and Pensions and Pensioners` Welfare), Ravi Kant (Food Ministry), Shakuntala Gamlin (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities), Gopal Krishna (Shipping Secretary) and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha (AYUSH Ministry).

France’s Audrey Azoulay to be next UNESCO chief

On 13^th October 2017, UNESCO’s executive board voted to make former French government minister, Audrey Azoulay, the U.N. cultural agency, UNESCO’s next chief.Audrey Azoulay – UNESCO Chief:
i. UNESCO board’s selection of Audrey Azoulay as its chief, has been done a day after the United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO because of its alleged anti-Israel bias.
ii. This selection would be confirmed by UNESCO’s general assembly’s next assembly in November 2017. Azoulay would succeed outgoing Director-General Irina Bokova of Bulgaria.
iii. Azoulay narrowly beat Qatar’s Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari in the final 30-28 vote on 13^th October 2017. She will be UNESCO’s second female chief and its second French chief after Rene Maheu, UNESCO’s director general from 1961-74.
About Audrey Azoulay:
♦ Age – 45
♦ Nationality – French
♦ Previous Position – Minister of Culture in France

IndusInd bank seals deal to buy Bharat Financial

On 14^th October 2017, India’s IndusInd Bank Ltd agreed an all-share deal to buy Micro-lender Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd.
IndusInd bank buys Bharat Financial:
i. IndusInd Bank has sealed the deal for $2.4 billion to buy Bharat Financial. This acquisition would boost IndusInd’s presence in microfinance lending and rural banking.
ii. IndusInd will give Bharat Financial’s shareholders 639 of its shares for every 1,000 shares they own in Bharat Financial.
iii. Deutsche Bank analysts had previously said that, the deal would help IndusInd become a dominant player in the microfinance industry and boost its earnings by 2019.
iv. Bharat Financial, a for-profit group that focuses on lending small sums to poorer women in rural areas, has 6.8 million borrowers.  IndusInd is the sixth-largest Indian private sector bank by assets.
v. Morgan Stanley and Arpwood Capital advised IndusInd Bank while Credit Suisse advised Bharat Financial on the deal.
About IndusInd Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ CEO – Romesh Sobti

World’s largest combustion research centre inaugurated at IIT Madras

National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), world’s largest combustion research centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras on October 13, 2017.About National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD):
i. The centre was inaugurated by NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat in the presence of Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.
ii. It has largest infrastructure facilities for any combustion research centre in an academic setting globally.
iii. Automotive, thermal power and aerospace propulsion will be the primary research areas at NCCRD. Fire research and microgravity combustion are also the areas of research interest, but to a minor extent.
iv. NCCRD has been established at a total cost of Rs 90 crore and is expected to provide a boost to research in ‘Alternative Energy and Environmental Protection’ by focusing on effective utilisation of combustion as a means of thermo-chemical energy conversion.

ICC approves South Africa-Zimbabwe 4 day test on trial basis

On 13^th October 2017, The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved four-day Tests on a trial basis between South Africa and Zimbabwe from 26-29 December, 2017.
ICC approves South Africa-Zimbabwe 4 day test:
i. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson made the announcement after an ICC meeting in Auckland, New Zealand. He stated that, members are free to organise bilateral four-day matches as an experiment till the 2019 World Cup.
ii. The first-ever four-day Test, to be played between South Africa and Zimbabwe, will be played from 26^th to 29^th December 2017.
iii .The ICC Board also approved a revised draft of Player Eligibility Regulations which will come into effect soon.Eligibility on the basis of nationality (residency) has changed to the player needing to reside in country for a three-year period in both the men’s and women’s games.
About ICC:
♦ Headquarters – Dubai
♦ Chairman – Shashank Manohar
♦ President – Zaheer Abbas

An Insignificant Man: Movie on Arvind Kejriwal

A documentary on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, titled ‘An Insignificant Man’, is to be released on 17^th November 2017 in theatres.
An Insignificant Man:
i. Vice Media is presenting the movie ‘An Insignificant Man’. It was produced by Memesys Lab. It was directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vina Shukla.
ii. An Insignificant Man, is a non-fiction political thriller that portrays the rise of Arvind Kejriwal from a social activist to the Chief Minister of Delhi.
iii. The film will be shown in over 22 countries in theatres and on television and digitally. The film is 95 minutes long. It has been cut and edited from 400 hours of real, behind-the-scenes footage shot through a year.
About Arvind Kejriwal:
♦ Current Position – Chief Minister of Delhi
♦ Political party – Aam Aadmi Party

World Standards Day – October 14

On 14^th October 2017, World Standards Day was observed all over the world.
World Standards Day:
i. The World Standards Day is celebrated every year, to honour the contributions of all those who develop the technical agreements that are published as international standards.
ii. This is mainly celebrated by the members of organisations like IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), ISO (International Organisation for Standardization) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
iii. 14^th October was chosen to mark the date, in 1946, when delegates from 25 countries first gathered in London to create an international organization focused on facilitating standardization. The first World Standards Day was celebrated on 14^thOctober, 1970.
iv. World Standards Day theme for 2017 is “Standards make cities smarter”. A poster contest and a video contest were conducted by IEC, ISO and ITU on this theme. Reza Rahimian from Iran and Gabriel Hernandez from Mexico have won the poster and video contest respectively.

Bihar Cabinet approves reservation for ‘Divyangs’ in Govt Jobs

On Oct 11^th 2017 , The Bihar state cabinet has approved reservations for persons with disabilities in government jobs and educational institutions.The approval was given during a meeting presided by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Cabinet Secretariat Department Special Secretary Upendra Nath Pandey.
i. This provision was made in accordance with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
ii. The cabinet also approved the establishment of a state advisory board for the empowerment of ‘Divyangjan’ as envisaged in the Act.
Board members
Secretaries of various departments, Representatives from districts, 2 members from the state legislative Assembly and 1 member from the state legislative Council
Other Points
♦  The cabinet also decided to pay allowances to the state government employees as per the revised rates. The decision will be confirmed after a week from Diwali festival.
♦ Emoluments like family planning allowance and special pay for secretariat employees, except those involved in engineering and research activities, have been scrapped.

Kolkata to host international puppet festival

On 26^th – 31^st October 2017, Kolkata is to host an international Puppet festival named ‘PUN (Puppets Unite Neighbours) International Puppet Festival’ at Mohorkunj, Kolkata.PUN International Puppet Festival:
i. West Bengal principal secretary Tourism and Home Affairs Atri Bhattacharya would inaugurate the International puppet festival. The festival will be conducted for 6 days.
ii. Artists from the UK, Germany, Peru, Portugal, Italy, Lithuania, Brazil, Singapore and India would participate in the festival.
iii. This is the first time Kolkata would host such a festival. The puppet festival is aimed at regenerating the emotions attached to puppetry.
iv. This event is organized by RGV Events and Gems Akademia. They have been carrying out the preparations since 6 months for this festival.
About Puppetry:
♦ Puppetry – a form of performance that involves the manipulation of puppets
♦ World Puppetry Day – 21 March

Committee formed to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birth anniversary

On 12^th October 2017, the Ministry of Culture announced that, a government committee has been formed to coordinate year-long celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birth anniversary from 2^nd October, 2019.
Committee to coordinate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary celebrations:
i. The government committee will be headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee includes the chief ministers of all the states, representatives from political sector, Gandhians, thinkers, and important persons from different fields.
ii. The Committee will guide and approve policies, programmes, activities for the celebrations. It will also supervise implementation of the decisions taken by the committee.
iii. The event would be celebrated at both national and international levels. The focus would be, to propagate the message of Mahatma Gandhi.
About Ministry of Culture:
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Mahesh Sharma
♦ Purpose – preservation and promotion of art and culture

Department of Post launches Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana

On 13^th October 2017, the Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha launched the Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana and an initiative for expansion of clientele base of Postal Life Insurance (PLI).SBG Plan & for expansion of clientele base of PLI:
i. Under Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana, at least one village (having a minimum of 100 households) will be identified in each of the revenue districts India.
ii. All households of that identified village will be covered with a minimum of one RPLI (Rural Postal Life Insurance) policy each. 
iii. Under the expansion of clientele base of PLI, benefits of PLI will not be confined to Government and semi-Government employees anymore.
iv. It will also be available to Doctors, Engineers, Management Consultants, Charted Accountants, Architects, Lawyers, Bankers, employees of listed companies.
About Department of Posts:
♦ Services – Letter post, parcel service, EMS, delivery, freight forwarding, third-party logistics, deposit account
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi

Union Textiles Minister inaugurates world’s largest B2B handicraft & gifts fair

On October 12, 2017, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 44th edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) 2017 at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
More Details about 44th edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) 2017:
i. The exhibition started on October 12, 2017 and will continue till October 16, 2017.
ii. Nearly 2980 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and buyers from around 100 countries including China, Australia, the US and the  UK are expected to visit this exhibition.
iii. Over 2000 products under 14 categories have been put for sale.
iv. Reputed retail and online brands such as Fab India, Westside, Trends, The Wishing Chair, Furniture Walla, Good Earth will be placing bulk purchase orders at this exhibition.
v. It is to be noted that IHGF-Delhi Fair has been recognised by Limca Book of World Records as world’s largest congregation of handicrafts exhibitors under one roof.

Dilli seminar on India & southeast Asia maritime trade begins in Kerala

The annual Dilli seminar on ‘India and Southeast Asia – Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation Linkages’ began on October 13, 2017 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kerala.
More Information about Dilli seminar on ‘India and Southeast Asia – Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation Linkages’:
i. Delegation of serving senior naval and coast guard officers, academicians, representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and cadets of INA are taking part in this two-day seminar.
ii. Five papers, providing a detailed insight on the multifaceted impact of historic maritime trade that existed between India and Southeast Asian countries were presented on the inaugural day.
iii. On October 14, 2017, Prof Ajay Pratap Singh, HoD, History and Faculty of Social Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), would deliberate on the ‘Economic background to India’s early maritime trade.
iv. A paper on ‘Look East to Act East policy of India Vision and Prospectus’ too will be delivered by Kailash Negi, Deputy Inspector General, Indian Coast Guard.

G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in Washington D.C

On 13^th October 2017, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting was held in Washington D.C., US, in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated.G-20 FMCBG Meeting:
i. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley participated in the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting.
ii. The discussion focused on the agenda items like Global Economy and Framework for Growth, Compact with Africa and International Financial Architecture.
iii .As co-chairs of G20 Framework Working Group (FWG), India took the lead during the Second Round of the Session on ‘’Global Economy and Framework for Growth’, which discussed the IMF’s G-20 Report on ‘Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth(SSBG)’.
About G-20:
♦ Purpose – Bringing together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy
♦ Chairperson – Angela Merkel

US and Israel withdraw from UNESCO

On 12^th October 2017, the US and Israel announced that, they quit from the UN’s cultural agency UNESCO, after US accused UNESCO of “anti-Israeli bias”.
US and Israel quit from UNESCO:
i. The US withdrew from the UNESCO, accusing UNESCO of “anti-Israel bias”. Following US, Israel has also quit from UNESCO.
ii. The withdrawal of the US, which is supposed to provide one fifth of UNESCO’s funding, is a great blow for UNESCO. As per UNESCO rules, the US and Israel withdrawal will become effective at the end of December 2018.
iii. US had already withheld its funding for UNESCO since 2011, when the body admitted Palestine as a full member. The US and Israel were among just 14 of 194 members that voted against admitting the Palestinians.
About UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization):
♦ Headquarters – Paris, France
♦ Director-General of UNESCO – Irina Bokova

Hamas, Fatah sign deal on Palestinian reconciliation

On 12^th October 2017, Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal in, Cairo, Egypt.
Reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah:
i. Reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah has been signed in an effort to end a decade-long rift. Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) assembled in Cairo to implement a unity agreement that was signed in 2011, but not put into action.
ii. Head of the PA delegation Azzam al-Ahmad said that, the two sides agreed that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza would be operated by the presidential guards of PA President Mahmoud Abbas by 1^st November 2017.
iii. The agreement states that legislative, presidential and national council elections should be conducted within one year of its signing. Details of the reconciliation deal have not yet been made public.
About Palestine:
♦ Capital – Jerusalem
♦ Official language – Arabic
♦ President – Mahmoud Abbas

India rules out joining NPT as non-nuclear weapon state

On October 13, 2017, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, Amandeep Singh Gill told the UN General Assembly that there is no possibility of India joining Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear weapon state.India’s Stand on NPT:
i. As per NPT, those countries that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967 have been defined as nuclear-weapon states, whereas those countries which agree never to acquire nuclear weapons and in return get the benefits of peaceful use of nuclear technology from nuclear-weapon states are referred to as non-nuclear weapon states.
ii .Although India has ruled out the possibility of joining NPT as non-nuclear weapon state, it has reiterated its commitment to a unilateral voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing.
iii. In context of use of nuclear weapons, India advocates maintaining a credible minimum deterrence based on a No-First Use policy. India has also committed to not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.

RBI Introduces Strict KYC Norms to Keep E-Wallets Safe

Through its latest set of guidelines for E-Wallets, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced strict know your customer (KYC) norms which has evoked mixed response from digital wallet companies.
i. E-Wallet firms have been instructed to ensure KYC compliance of existing users by December 31, 2017.
ii. Users who do not have stipulated KYC in place, will be allowed to keep only up to Rs 10,000 in wallets post the deadline.No credit facility will be provided to such users, if KYC is not completed within next 12 months.

HDFC Bank launches SmartUp zones to nurture, collaborate with start-ups

In a bid to become preferred banker for the start-up community in India, HDFC Bank has announced the launch of SmartUp zones in its branches across India.
About HDFC Bank’s SmartUp Zones:
i. An exclusive area inside the branch premises of HDFC Bank (to be referred as SmartUp Zones) will be dedicated to start-ups.
ii. Specially trained HDFC bank staff will be present in these Smartup Zones, who will offer tailor-made banking and advisory solutions to entrepreneurs.
iii. To start with, SmartUp zones will be launched in over 65 HDFC Bank branches in 30 cities including Tier-2 and-3 cities that are emerging as start-up hubs.
iv. In the context of this news, it is important to know that HDFC Bank has added a number of value-added services like SmartUp portal, advanced legal advisories, and industry-academia interaction, among others to its existing product called ‘SmartUp’ which was launched in 2016.
Quick Facts about HDFC Bank
♦ Founded in – 1994
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Managing Director – Aditya Puri

HPCL becomes first Indian oil company to trade lubricants in Myanmar

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company has started selling lubricants in Myanmar.HPCL’s venture in Myanmar:
i. With this move, HPCL has become first oil company of India to start marketing lubricants in Myanmar.
ii. HPCL has started operations in Myanmar’s commercial hubs of Yangon and Mandalay. 
iii .Post lifting of international sanctions on Myanmar, there has been a rapid surge in consumption of fuel and its government is exploring options to tie up with foreign companies for catering to fuel and infrastructure requirements.
iv. Other public sector oil companies of India such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are evaluating opportunities of fuel retailing in Myanmar.
Quick Facts about HPCL:
♦ Founded in – 1974
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Chairman and Managing Director – M K Surana

M K Sanu chosen for Mathrubhumi Literary Award

On 12^th October 2017, Mathrubhumi Managing Director M P Veerendra Kumar announced that famous critic, biographer and orator M K Sanu has been chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016.
M K Sanu to receive Mathrubhumi Literary Award:
i. M K Sanu has been chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016 to honour his contribution to the Malayalam literature.
ii. The award consists of a cash prize of Rs.2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.  A jury headed by eminent poet Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri has selected Sanu for the award.
iii. Sanu is 89 years old. He is a recipient of several awards including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Padmaprabha Award, Kendra Sahitya Adademi Award and Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.
iv. His important works are “Changampuzha Krishnapilla”, “Nakshtrangalude Snehabhajanam”, “Narayanaguru Swami”, “Mruthyunjayam” “Kavyajeevitham”, “Viswasathilek Veendum American Sahityam” and “Prabhatha Darshanam”.About Mathrubhumi Literary Award:
♦ Instituted by – leading Malayalam daily ‘Mathrubhumi’
♦ Honours – writer’s overall contribution to the Malayalam literature

Samsung CEO Kwon Oh-hyun resigns

On 13^th October 2017, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd announced that, its Vice Chairman and CEO, Oh-Hyun Kwon, had decided to step down from management.
Kwon Oh-hyun resigns:
i. Kwon Oh-hyun announced his resignation after Samsung announced its expected record operating profits of about 14.5 trillion Korean won ($12.8 billion) for the quarter ending in September 2017.
ii. The company has said that, Kwon will not opt for re-election to the Samsung’s board, once his current term ends in March, 2018. He will also resign as CEO of Samsung Display, a position he held since 2016.
iii. Kwon told Samsung employees in a letter that, the time was right for him to step down, and that it was in the best interest of the company. He joined Samsung in 1985 as a researcher and was made CEO in 2012.
About Samsung Electronics Co Ltd:
♦ South Korean multinational electronics company
♦ President & CEO – JK Shin

Rukaiya Rangwala appointed as head of MobiKwik Payment Gateway

On 13^th October 2017, MobiKwik, mobile wallet service and payment gateway provider, announced the appointment of Rukaiya Rangwala as the Business Head of ‘MobiKwik Payment Gateway’.Rukaiya Rangwala – Business Head of ‘MobiKwik Payment Gateway’:
i. MobiKwik had recently re-launched its Payment Gateway. Rukaiya Rangwala would lead the Payment Gateway business of MobiKwik.
ii. Rukaiya has 15 years of experience in the technology and e-commerce industry. Prior to joining MobiKwik, she spent two years working on entrepreneurial ventures.
iii. She has worked in the US, Singapore, Japan and India. She spent eight years at Dell, prior to coming to India.
iv. She has worked with Rocket Internet. She helped to establish the Rocket Internet’s services in India.
v. She was also responsible for the Marketplace division at Jabong. She helped to make it the fastest growing and most profitable division at Jabong.
About MobiKwik:
♦ Headquarters – Gurgaon
♦ Founder – Bipin Preet Singh, Upasana Taku

Bambawale appointed as next Indian ambassador to China

On 12^th October 2017, India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Gautam H. Bambawale was appointed as next ambassador to People’s Republic of China.
Gautam H. Bambawale – Indian Ambassador to China:
i. Gautam H. Bambawale is an Indian Foreign Service Officer (IFS) of batch 1984. He is presently the High Commissioner of India to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
ii. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the People’s Republic of China. This was announced by the External Affairs Ministry. Bambawale is believed to be an expert on China.
iii. Bambawale will replace Vijay Gokhale in China as ambassador. He would take up the assignment shortly.
About Gautam H. Bambawale:
♦ Previous positions held – Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian embassy China, Ambassador to Bhutan
Highlights of People’s Republic of China:
♦ World’s most populous country
♦ World’s second-largest country by land area

Government clears appointment of Leslie Thng as Vistara CEO

On October 11^th 2017, Tata-SIA joint venture airline named Vistara pads up for the launch of international operations 2018, announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng who takes charge in the month October, 2017. The former CEO Phee Teik Yeoh will return to Singapore International Airlines.i. The Tata SIA Airlines Limited, operating as Vistara, is an Indian domestic airline based in Gurgaon with its hub at Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport.
ii. The two promoters of the company are Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.A joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, commenced operations on 9 January 2015 with its inaugural flight between Delhi and Mumbai.
Other points
♦ Vistara was the first airline to introduce premium economy seats on domestic routes in India.
♦ On 15 April 2014, Vistara chose Mr Phee Teik Yeoh as the chief executive officer (CEO) and Mr Giam Ming Toh as the chief commercial officer (CCO), both from Singapore Airlines.
♦  The airline, which was established in January 2015, is a 15 aircraft airline now.

INS Satpura, Kadmatt to participate in PASSEX with Japan

Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan from 12th to 15th October 2017. The visit of these ships is in line with India’s Act East Policy and reiterating of India’s commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.
i. During this visit, INS Satpura and INS Kadmatt will engage with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in formal calls, as well as social and sporting interactions.
ii. The two Indian naval ships will also take part in Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Murusame Class destroyer, JS Kirisame.

Experimental Ebola vaccines found safe & effective in human trial

On 12^th October 2017, two experimental vaccines against the Ebola virus proved safe and efficient to produce an immune response that would last for at least one year, through a clinical trial in Liberia.Experimental Ebola vaccines prove safe:
i. The results of the clinical trial were, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They are based on a study of 1,500 adults, that began during the West Africa Ebola outbreak.
ii. The trial included men and women aged 18 and older with no reported history of Ebola virus disease at Redemption Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. Three groups of 500 volunteers received one of the vaccine candidates or a placebo (saline injection).
iii. Participants provided blood samples before vaccination and again at one week, one month, six months and one year post-vaccination.
iv. Investigators then tested each of these samples for antibodies to the Ebola virus. By one month, 71 % of cAd3-EBOZ recipients and 84 % of rVSV-ZEBOV recipients developed an antibody response compared to 3 % of placebo recipients.
v. At one year, antibody responses were largely maintained in both groups: 64 % of cAd3-EBOZ recipients and 80 % of rVSV-ZEBOV recipients had an antibody response compared to 7 % of placebo recipients.
About Ebola virus disease:
♦ Type – Infectious disease
♦ Causes – Ebola viruses spread by direct contact
♦ Symptoms – Fever, sore throat, muscular pain, headaches, diarrhea, bleeding

Indian Air Force launched mobile health App ‘MedWatch’

On 12^th October 2017, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an innovative mobile health App named ‘MedWatch’ on the occasion of its 85^th anniversary.
MedWatch – a mobile health App by IAF:
i. The concept and content of the App were developed by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Air). It was developed in-house without any financial support by the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT).
ii. ‘MedWatch’ is available on the IAF’s AFCEL (Air Force Cellular) network. It consists of features that will provide authentic health information to all IAF personnel.
iii. A Reminder Tool to enable timely immunization for the children of all Air Warriors is incorporated in the App. This will directly enable ‘Mission Indradhanush’ of the Government of India.
About the Indian Air Force (IAF):
♦ Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) – Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa
♦ Motto – Touch the Sky with Glory

India beat Macau to qualify for 2019 AFC Asian Cup

i. On 11^th Oct. 2017, India won against Macau at the Sree Kanteerava stadium and secured the path into the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
ii. India played in this tournament in 2011 in previous when they qualified after winning the AFC Challenge Cup. This is India’s fourth qualification after 1964, 1984 and 2011.

Staubli to become first female referee to officiate at U-17 World Cup

Switzerland’s Esther Staubli is set to become the first female football referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup when Japan takes on New Caledonia in the final round group E match on October 14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.More Details:
i. 38-year-old Esther Staubli has been on the FIFA International Referees List since 2006.
ii. She is one of seven women referees invited by FIFA’s Referees Committee to U-17 World Cup tournament in India.
ii. This decision of inviting female referees is a part of education programme that FIFA’s Refereeing Department started in 2016. It will also help to develop and promote women’s football.
iv. Moreover, it will give an opportunity to women referees to gain more experience and enhance their preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019.

Test championship & ODI league approved by International Cricket Council

On Oct.13 2017, International Cricket Council approved to conduct Test championship and one-day international league.
i. Nine teams will be participated and will play six series of Test matches over a two-year period .This will be three series at home and three series away in a world Test championship final.
ii. The ODI league will be conducted with 13- team , contested by the 12 Full Members plus the winners of the current ICC World Cricket League Championship.
iii. It will be used to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup and this expected to start from 2021 after the World Cup in 2019.
International Cricket Council
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the international governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia and South Africa, renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989.
♦ Headquarters   –           Dubai, United Arab Emirates
♦ Chairman         –           Shashank Manohar
♦ President         –           Zaheer Abbas
♦ CEO                –           David Richardson

International Day for Disaster Reduction – October 13

On 13^th October 2017, International Day for Disaster Reduction was observed all over the world.
International Day for Disaster Reduction:
i. The International Day for Disaster Reduction was started in 1989. The United Nations General Assembly decided to declare a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.
ii. This day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of preventing the risks they face.
iii. ‘Home Safe Home: Reducing Exposure, Reducing Displacement’ is the slogan for  International Day for Disaster Reduction 2017.
iv. The 2017 campaign aims to raise global awareness about effective actions, policies and practices taken to reduce exposure to disaster risk at the community level, to save homes and livelihoods.
About Disasters:
♦ Types – Geological disasters, Hydrological disasters, Meteorological disasters, Space disasters, etc.
♦ Examples – Tsunami, Floods, Earthquakes etc.

Cabinet approves SANKALP & STRIVE Schemes to boost Skill India Mission

In a bid to provide a boost to ‘Skill India Mission’, on October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet approved two new skill development schemes named Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE). Both these schemes are result oriented programmes focusing on vocational education and training.
i. SANKALP is a centrally sponsored scheme having financial outlay Rs 4,455 crore out of which 3300 crore will be in the form of a loan from World Bank.
ii. STRIVE is a central sector scheme having financial outlay Rs 2200 crore out of which half the amount will be in the form of loan assistance from World Bank.

Cabinet Approvals on October 12, 2017

On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Financial Services Commission (FSC), Gibraltar for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
i. Cabinet approves MoU between SEBI and Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Kuwait
ii. Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
iii. Cabinet approves MoC between India and Japan on Establishing Flexible and Global LNG Market
iv. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus for Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training
v. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of water resources.

UP government launches ‘Sankalp Seva’ bus service

On 11^th October 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath flagged off 50 buses under the ‘Sankalp Seva’ bus service in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.‘Sankalp Seva’ Bus Service:
i. The buses launched under ‘Sankalp Seva’ bus service will connect 6,000 villages. Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Swatantra Dev Singh was also present at the event.
ii. In his address, Yogi Adityanath said that, the state government was taking initiatives to provide better bus services to the people, so that, everyone will have access to all kind of facilities.
iii. He also said that, to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs, the state government will construct ‘Gaurav Marg Path’ which will contain statues of the martyrs.
Recent Schemes introduced by Uttar Pradesh:
♦ UP Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana – Mass Marriage Scheme for Couples
♦ Pandit Deendayal Gramodyog Rozgar Yojana UP
♦ Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana for Pregnant Women in Uttar Pradesh

NMCG signs agreement to set up sewage treatment plants in Haridwar, Varanasi

On 11^th October 2017, the Central Government approved setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Haridwar and Varanasi under its Namami Gange programme.
STPs at Haridwar & Varanasi:
i. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has signed an agreement with Uttarakhand Pey Jal Nigam and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam and private players for setting up first STPs in Haridwar and Varanasi under hybrid annuity mode.
ii. The project would be done in public-private partnership mode for a combined cost of Rs.324.69 crore. Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari presided over the programme where the agreement was signed.
iii. The 50 Million Litres Daily (MLD)-capacity STP in Varanasi was awarded to a consortium (a group of companies) led by Essel Infra Projects Limited. Its estimated cost isRs.153.16 crore.
iv.A total sewage treatment capacity of 82 MLD (68MLD in Jagjeetpur and 14 MLD in Sarai) in Haridwar was awarded to HNB Engineers Private Limited. Its estimated cost is Rs.171.53 crore.
About Namami Gange programme:
♦ Objectives – elimination of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of River Ganga
♦ Budget – Rs.20,000 crore

Manohar Lal Khattar announces ration cards for nomadic tribe in Haryana

On 11^th September 2017, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced ration cards for nomadic tribes living in different parts of Haryana.Ration cards for Nomadic Tribes in Haryana:
i. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar interacted with representatives of denotified and nomadic tribes from all over Haryana.
ii. Khattar announced that, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department would organise camps to issue ration cards to nomadic tribes. This would provide identification to them as permanent residents.
iii. Krishan Kumar, Minister of State for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes said that, the Haryana government has also opened hostels in 11 districts for students belonging to these tribes and poor children belonging to other castes.
About Haryana:
♦ Capital – Chandigarh
♦ Chief Minister – Manohar Lal Khattar
♦ Governor – Kaptan Singh Solanki

Gujarat government announces Garments & Apparel Policy 2017

On October 12, 2017, Gujarat State Government under Chief Minister Vijay Rupaniannounced its Garments and Apparel Policy-2017.
Salient Features of Gujarat Garments and Apparel Policy, 2017:
i. The policy has been prepared with an aim to make Gujarat number 1 state in textiles sector. It is to be noted that Gujarat is a major producer of cotton.
ii. Under this policy, Gujarat Government will make efforts to make supply chain in textiles sector suitable for farm-to-fibre, fibre-to-fabric, fabric-to-fashion and fashion to foreign exports. 
iii. To encourage women’s employment in textiles sector, State Government will provide financial assistance of Rs. 4,000 per month to female workers working in the factories. This assistance will be provided for five years.
iv. In order to encourage investments in the textile sector, Gujarat state government will also provide interest subsidy and relief in electric bills.
Quick Facts about Gujarat
♦ Capital – Gandhinagar
♦ Current Chief Minister – Vijay Rupani
♦ Current Governor – Om Prakash Kohli

Global Hunger Index – India slips 3 positions to 100th among 119 nations

India has ranked at 100^th position among 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2017. This year’s ranking marks a drop of three positions as compared to 97^th rank in Global Hunger Index 2016.
i. India’s GHI 2017 score of 31.4 places it at the high end of the “serious” hunger problem category.
ii. The report outlines that more than 20% of Indian children under the age of five have lower weight in relation to their height and about 33% are too short in relation to their age.

SEBI fixes penalty for non-compliance of shareholding norms

On 10^th October 2017, SEBI announced that, listed companies not following the norms with regard to Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) would be taken action including fine (penalty) and delisting.
SEBI’s action on non-compliant Listed Companies:
i. According to MPS norms, any listed company must have at least 25 % as public shareholders and 75 % can be held by promoters. Companies not following these norms should to pay a fine of Rs.5,000 a day.
ii. The entire promoter holding, except for compliance to MPS, will be frozen by depositories. The promoter group and directors of the particular company will not be allowed to hold any position in other companies.
iii. If the non-compliance continues for more than 1 year, the amount of fine per day will double to Rs.10,000. Such companies might be de-listed of their shares from stock exchanges.
About SEBI:
♦ Purpose – regulator for the securities market in India
♦ Established in – 1988

NBFC bad loans rise to 5% in 5 years: RBI

On 12^th October 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio for NBFCs has increased to 5 % at end of March 2017 from 2.9 % at end of March 2012.Increase in NBFC bad loans:
i. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have faced a steady reduction in asset quality in the past 5 years. Bad loans of NBFCs amount to around Rs.74,230 crore. RBI said that, the reduction in asset quality could be mapped to the change in NPA recognition norms.
ii. Return on Assets (RoA) of NBFCs declined from 2013 onwards. However, compared to banks, NBFCs reported a fairly higher RoA.
iii. The Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of NBFCs has declined in recent years. Still, it was higher than the prescribed regulatory level of 15 %.
Some Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs):
♦ Power Finance Corporation
♦ Reliance Capital
♦ Infrastructure Development Finance Company
♦ LIC Housing Finance

SBI launches SME Assist to provide short-term loans to MSME clients

On October 12, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) launched a new product called ‘SME Assist’ to provide a short-term working capital demand loan to its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clients.
More Details about SBI’s ‘SME Assist’:
i. The loans shall be provided on the basis of clients’ input credit claims under Goods and Services Tax (GST), subject to submitting of a certificate from their chartered accountant confirming the input credit claims.
ii. These loans will help clients to manage their working capital requirement till the time they get input credit and will thereby ensure stability in operations.
iii. Loans under ‘SME Assist’ will be provided at concessional interest rates.
iv. Borrowers of loan under ‘SME Assist’ will have the benefit of a moratorium period for the first three months.
Quick Facts about State Bank of India
♦ Founded in – 1955
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Chairman – Rajnish Kumar

Mastercard launches its first Innovation Centre in India

On October 10, 2017, American financial technology company Mastercard launched its first innovation lab in India in Pune, Maharashtra.More Details about Mastercasrd’s first Innovation Centre in India:
i. This centre is Mastercard’s ninth lab in the world and the second in Asia Pacific besides Singapore.
ii. The centre in Pune will focus on new payment technology ideas for the rapidly growing digital economy in India.
iii. In India, Mastercard will collaborate with financial institutions, merchant partners and the technology community to identify and experiment with future technologies in a few key areas including digital payments, data solutions, financial inclusion, alternative payments and safety and security.
iv. The first project to be undertaken by this centre will be about providing Indian farmers, access to more buyers which will enable them to run a more profitable business and will eventually pave the way to a cashless agricultural sector.

RBI allows interoperability of wallets in six months

On October 12, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed banks and non-bank entities to make their digital wallets/prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), interoperable through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) within six months.
More Details about RBI’s instruction pertaining to interoperability of wallets:
i. As per RBI’s master directions, in the first phase, all PPIs that are Know Your Customer (KYC)-compliant should be made interoperable amongst themselves through UPI.
ii. In the next phase, interoperability shall be enabled between wallets and bank accounts through UPI.
iii. RBI has stated that PPIs will be permitted to be loaded or reloaded by cash, by debit to a bank account, by credit and debit cards, and other PPIs. However, cash loading to PPIs will be limited to Rs 50,000 per month.
iv. At any point of time, PPI’s should not have outstanding amount of more than Rs 100000.

GIC Re launches India’s third largest IPO

India’s biggest reinsurer, General Insurance Corp of India (GIC Re)’s Rs. 11,370 crore Initial Public Offer (IPO) opened for subscription on October 11, 2017.More Details about GIC Re’s IPO:
i. GIC Re’s Rs. 11370 crore IPO is Indian primary market’s third largest IPO after Coal India (Rs.15,200 crore in 2010) and Reliance Power (Rs. 11,600 crore in 2008).
ii. Following this IPO, government’s stake in GIC Re will fall by 14.22% and will fetch Rs. 9,800 which shall help in meeting its disinvestment target.
iii. The issue price range is between Rs 855 to Rs 912 per equity share.
iv. Funds raised through this IPO will be used by GIC Re for augmenting the capital base and support business growth.
Quick Facts about GIC Re
♦ Founded in – 1972
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Chairman & Managing Director – Alice Vaidyan

Government forms ‘think-tank’ for guidance to achieve oil and gas targets

On 10^th October 2017, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan announced the formation of an internal ‘think-tank’, consisting of experts to advise on technology and build a successful gas network in India.
‘Think-tank’ for Oil & Gas:
i. Dharmendra Pradhan made this announcement at the India Energy Forum by CERAWeek. He said that, the ‘think-tank’ is formed to reduce the target set by the Prime Minister to reduce oil import dependence by 10 %.
ii. The think tank will be in an advisory role and will look after gas infrastructure, financing model for projects, price competitiveness etc.
iii. The following people will be a part of the ‘think-tank’:
1.Dev Sanyal – Executive Vice President of Regions and Chief Executive of Alternative Energy at BP
2.Ashok Belani – Executive vice president Technology at Schlumberger
3.Vijay Kelkar – Economist and Head of Government Committee on natural gas price
4.Chanda Kochhar ­- Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank
5.K V Kamath – Chief of the New Development Bank of BRICS countries
6.Satish Pai – Managing Director of Hindalco Industries
7.Rahul Dhir – Chief Executive Officer at Delonex Energy
About Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:
♦ Purpose – responsible for the exploration, production, refining, distribution, marketing, import, export, and conservation of petroleum, natural gas, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas in India

Actor Prakash Raj receives Karanth award

On 10^th October 2017, Prakash Raj, actor and film-maker, received the Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti award, at the Kota Shivaram Karanth Theme Park, in Kota, Udupi district of Karnataka.Prakash Raj – received Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti award:
i. The Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti award is instituted in the name of Jnanpith awardee K Shivaram Karanth.
ii. It is given by the Kotatattu gram panchatyat in Kota, the birthplace of the literary giant, K Shivaram Karanth, in Udupi district of Karnataka.
iii. Prakash Raj received the award amidst strong protests by members of BJP Yuva Morcha. The protests were conducted due to Prakash Raj’s comment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder. Prakash Raj is a close friend of Gauri Lankesh.
About Prakash Raj:
♦ Age – 52
♦ Occupation – Film actor, Producer, Film director, Television presenter

John Flint appointed as CEO of HSBC

On 12^th October 2017, HSBC announced that, it has appointed John Flint as its next CEO, in London.
John Flint – CEO of HSBC:
i. John Flint currently runs HSBC’s retail and wealth management business. He will take charge as CEO on 21^stFebruary, 2018.
ii. John Flint would replace current CEO Stuart Gulliver. Gulliver is retiring after seven years in this job.
iii. Flint has worked across most of HSBC’s business lines. He spent the first 14 years of his career with the bank in Asia, which gave him a great experience that is necessary to the CEO role.
iv. Flint’s main task will be to grow revenues across HSBC’s businesses. As HSBC plans to grow profits again, following a period of restructuring after the 2008-9 financial crisis.
About HSBC Holdings plc:
♦ Headquarters – HSBC Tower, London, England, UK
♦ Group Chairman – Mark Tucker

Yuvraj Singh named Laureus’ first Indian ambassador

On 11^th October 2017, Yuvraj Singh was announced as the first Indian ambassador of Laureus at an event in Mumbai.Yuvraj Singh – Laureus’ first Indian ambassador:
i. Yuvraj Singh has become the first Indian ambassador of Laureus. Laureus works to improve the lives of young people through sport.
ii. Yuvraj Singh is an Indian cricketer. He is a left-hander. Laureus consists of Indian cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev.
iii. Yuvraj Singh said that, it was an honour for him to join the Laureus Family in India, and to find out the great work being done to help young people overcome challenges in their lives.
About Laureus:
♦ Vision – using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage.  Proving that sport can change the world
♦ Consists of – Laureus Sport for Good, the Laureus World Sports Academy and Ambassadors Programme and the Laureus World Sports Awards

Tata Tele-services to merge Consumer Mobile Business with Bharti Airtel

On 12^th October 2017, Bharti Airtel announced the acquisition of Consumer Mobile Businesses (CMB) of Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL) and Tata Teleservices Maharastra Ltd (TTML).
Merger of Tata Teleservices with Bharti Airtel:
i. Tata Teleservices has been merged with Bharti Airtel. After this merger, over 40 Million Tata customers will join Bharti Airtel.
ii. The merger will be on a debt-free, cash-free basis and all past liabilities and dues will be settled by Tata.
iii. As a part of the Agreement, Bharti Airtel will absorb Tata consumer mobile businesses (CMB) operations across the country in nineteen circles (17 under TTSL and 2 under TTML).
iv. The proposed merger will include transfer of all the customers and assets of Tata CMB to Bharti Airtel.
About Tata Teleservices:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Interim Chairman – Ratan Tata

SpaceX completes successful launch of recycled rocket Falcon 9

On 12^th October 2017, SpaceX launched its recycled rocket Falcon 9 and landed it on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean.Launch of Falcon 9:
i. SpaceX has launched the rocket Falcon 9, that had already flown to space and landed it successfully on an ocean platform. It is as part of SpaceX’s effort to recycle costly rocket components.
ii. At 6:53 pm (2253 GMT), the tall, white Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida carrying the Echostar 105/SES-11 satellite.
iii. The satellite aims to provide television coverage and communications capabilities to North America, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a “dual-mission” satellite for the US-based operator EchoStar and Luxembourg-based operator SES.
iv. About 10 minutes after launch, the tall portion of the rocket, known as the first stage, returned to Earth for a controlled, upright landing on a drone ship called “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Atlantic.
v. This is the 18th successful landing of Falcon 9 rocket first stage. The Falcon 9’s first stage had previously flown on a cargo mission to the International Space Station in February 2017. SpaceX flew a recycled rocket component for the first time in March 2017.
About SpaceX:
♦ Headquarters – Hawthorne, California, U.S.
♦ CEO & CTO – Elon Musk
♦ President & COO – Gwynne Shotwell

Ashish Nehra announces retirement from all forms of cricket

On 12^th October 2017, Ashish Nehra announced that, he will be retiring from all forms of cricket, after the first Twenty20 international between India and New Zealand at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla, on 1^st November 2017.
Ashish Nehra’s retirement:
i. Ashish Nehra is glad to retire at his home ground. He wanted to retire while he was still on top.
ii. Ashish Nehra made his senior debut for India, during the Test series against Sri Lanka in 1999 and helped the Indian cricket team reach the 2003 World Cup final. He is 38 years old.
iii. Ashish Nehra has collected 44 Test, 157 one-day international and 34 Twenty20 wickets in his 18-year international career. Nehra also played for four teams in the Indian Premier League from 2012-16.
About Ashish Nehra:
♦ Role – Bowler
♦ Batting – Right
♦ Bowling – Left arm medium-fas

FIFA suspends the Pakistan Football Federation

The Pakistan football federation was suspended from FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) by the Bureau of FIFA council on 10^th Oct 2017.
Reason for suspension
The reason behind the suspension was the “Interference of third party” in PFF i.e, the PFF accounts and their offices were under the control of an administrator appointed by court and this actually violated the rules of FIFA that it should manage its affairs independently and without the interference of third parties.
Consequences
i. Due to this suspension not only PFF members but also its officials won’t receive any benefits from the courses, programmes or trainings conducted by FIFA as well as Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
ii. Also, in accordance with article 16 paragraph 3 of the FIFA statutes, when an association is suspended, the other member associations should not entertain sporting contact with the suspended federation and thus PFF won’t receive any sporting contact from other associations too.
iii. The suspension will be removed only when PFF offices and accounts are returned to PFF from the third party administrators.
About FIFA:
♦ Headquarters – Zurich, Switzerland
♦ It has 211 member associations
♦ President – Swiss-Italian Gianni Infantino

Arjen Robben retires from International Football

Arjen robben, the 33 years old football player announced his retirement news from the international football. He played for Bayern Munich, a German club. He is well known for his speed and accurate shots. He scored two goals against Sweden on the last match and it was not enough for his team to get qualified to World cup 2018. That made him to end up his international carrier.About Arjen Robben
i. Arjen was born in a place called Bedum, in north eastern Netherlands.
ii. He played his debut match at the age of 19 against Portugal.
iii. He was picked by the regional club FC Groningen and later he also played for PSV (Philips Sport Vereniging).
Achievements
i. Arjen was in fourth position in the Netherlands “all time goal scorers” list.
ii. He has played in three World Cup finals and three European Championships for the Dutch.
Other Points
After the resignation from the International Cricket Arjen said: “I want to focus on my club now.”It’s a good time to pass the torch to the next generation.”

Maharashtra govt approves climate change adaptation policy

On October 10, 2017, Maharashtra State cabinet approved a climate change adaptation policy that will focus on developing environment-friendly villages and cities.
i. Maharashtra State Government will set up a special cell under the state Environment department for the effective implementation of this policy of developing environment-friendly villages and cities.
ii. Besides, Maharashtra cabinet has approved financial allocation for special scheme for pending agricultural pumps in Vidarbha and Marathwada region.

Projects worth Rs 700 crore sanctioned for Namami Gange programme by NMCG

The National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) has sanctioned Rs.700 crore for eight projects in the Namami Gange programme.Misson of Eight project
Four projects related to sewage management in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.Three are related to treatment of drains through bio-remediation. One of inventorization and surveillance of river Ganga
1.Four projects related to sewage management in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
NMCG has sanctioned a project for pollution reduction in river Ganga at Bally in West Bengal at an estimated cost of Rs 200.07 crore with construction of a 40 MLD STP.
i. Under Hybrid Annuity model construction of a 65 MLD STP has been approved for Bhagalpur in Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 268.49 crore.
ii. Uttar Pradesh, sewage treatment related works at an estimated cost of Rs 213.62 crore have also been approved that includes construction of two STPs (28 MLD + 05 MLD) in Farrukabad and one 2 MLD STP at Bargadiya drain in Fatehpur
2.Three are related to treatment of drains through bio-remediation:-
Rajapur drain ,Digha drain in Patna and Laksar drain in Haridwar will be treated at an estimated cost of Rs 4.29 crore.
3.One of inventorization and surveillance of river Ganga:-
It has also been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 42.9 crore to strengthen environmental regulation and water quality monitoring vis-vis river Ganga.

Germany to help Indian Railways to increase speed of trains on existing corridors

On October 10, 2017, a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) was signed in New Delhi between Union Ministry of Railways and Germany for carrying out feasibility study on existing Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian Railways by German Railways for increasing the speed of passenger trains to 200 kmph.
More information about JDI between Union Ministry of Railways and Germany:
i. The JDI focuses on upgrading trains running in Chennai-Kazipet corridor to semi high speed trains which run at 200 km per hour.
ii. Feasibility study will be carried out in three phases requiring an estimated time of 22 months.
iii. Cost of the feasibility study will be shared equally (50-50 percent) by the Ministry of Railways and Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
iv.Post finalisation of terms and conditions, a separate agreement will be signed between the two entities.

IIT Kharagpur partners with Samsung for Digital Academy

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy in its campus.
More Details about Digital Academy to be set up by IIT-Kharagpur and Samsung
i. The Digital Academy will be hosted by IIT-Kharagpur’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 
ii. At the academy, students will be provided training on the Internet of Things (IoT) through Tizen-based operating systems which is used by Samsung for its mobile phones and home appliances.
iii. This academy is a part of Samsung India’s corporate social initiative that aims at bridging the digital divide in India by helping students to acquire cutting-edge technology skills.
iv. Over 100 students will get training at this academy in next three years.
Quick Facts about Samsung:
♦ Founded in – 1938
♦ Headquarters – Seoul, South Korea

PV Reddi headed panel to look into pay hike issue of lower court judges

Union Law Ministry has finalised the appointment of a panel (Second National Judicial Pay Commission) to recommend new salary structure for judges of lower courts in India.
About Second National Judicial Pay Commission:
i. In coming days, Union Cabinet will take up Law Ministry’s proposal to appoint the Second National Judicial Pay Commission to recommend salary hikes for the 21,000 lower court judges.
ii. Former Supreme Court judge PV Reddi will be the head of this proposed commission which will submit its recommendations in early 2019. 
iii. It is to be noted that judges of the lower court got the last pay hike in 2010 on basis of Supreme Court-appointed one-member committee under Justice E Padhmanabhan, a retired high court judge, report in July 2009 recommending the three-fold hike.
iv. Currently a senior judge draws a salary of nearly Rs 80,000 while entry level salary for a junior civil judge is Rs 45000.

First Meeting of the Economic Advisory Council held in New Delhi

On 11^th October 2017, the first meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (EAC-PM) was held at NITI Aayog, in New Delhi.1st meeting of EAC-PM:
i. The EAC-PM is chaired by Dr.Bibey Debroy. Principal Adviser of NITI Aayog Ratan P.Watal is the council’s member secretary and Dr.Surjit Bhalla, Dr.Rathin Roy and Dr.Ashima Goyal are its part-time members.
ii. Main issues discussed were, ways to boost consumer demand, attract private investments and measures to improve job creation in India.
iii. The council had held a brainstorming session with stakeholders on 9^th October 2017 with regard to the meeting.
iv. Within the next few months the council would outline the long-term measures for Indian economy, to increase economic growth.
About NITI Aayog:
♦ Purpose – Indian Government’s think tank
♦ Formed in – 2015

IMF lowers India’s growth forecast to 6.7% in 2017

As per latest edition of World Economic Outlook released on October 10, 2017, International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered India’s growth forecast for 2017 to 6.7% from its earlier estimate of 7.2%.
Highlights of Latest World Economic Outlook by IMF:
i. In the latest edition of World Economic Outlook report, IMF has cited lingering impact of demonetisation and teething problems related to implementation of Goods & Services Tax (GST) as main reasons for the downward revision of Indian economy’s growth forecast.
ii. As per the report, India will reclaim its fastest growing major economy tag next year when it is projected to grow at 7.4% as compared to China’s 6.5% growth.
iii. Indian economy is expected to grow at 8% in the medium term on account of positive impact of reforms undertaken so far.
iv. Global economy, as per the latest World Economic Outlook is projected to rise to 3.6% in 2017 and to 3.7% in 2018. The latest forecasts for both 2017 and 2018 are 0.1 percentage point stronger as compared to WEO April 2017 forecast.
Quick facts about International Monetary Fund (IMF):
♦ Formation year – 1944
♦ Headquarters – Washington D.C., US
♦ Current Managing Director – Christine Lagarde

SBI to setup country’s largest Innovation Centre in Mumbai

On 10^th October 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) announced the setting up of its 15,000 square feet Innovation Centre, India’s largest Innovation Centre, in Navi Mumbai.India’s Largest Innovation Centre by SBI:
i. The Innovation Centre of SBI would be built at its Global IT Centre in Belapur, Navi Mumbai. It will be the largest Innovation Centre by any financial services company in India.
ii. SBI is investing Rs.100 crore on this Innovation Centre.It has decided to allocate 5 % of its IT budget for innovation regularly.
iii. This Innovation Centre will have 40 dedicated zones for each technology like blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning etc.
iv. SBI’s Innovation Head is Sidon Baraokar. SBI currently has a 12 member innovation team. This would be increased to more than 30, once the centre is launched.
Other Innovation Centres in India:
♦ National Innovation Foundation
♦ IBM Innovation Center
♦ Centre for Innovations in Public Systems

Moody’s assigns Baa3 rating with positive outlook to NHAI

On October 9, 2017, credit rating agency, Moody’s Investors Service assigned a Baa3 issuer rating with positive outlook to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
About NHAI and its Credit Rating:
i. Baa3 rating implies that there is a very high likelihood that the entity will receive support from the government in a distress situation.
ii. NHAI is a Government body established through an Act of Parliament.
iii. Moody’s Baa3 rating of NHAI is based on ensured availability of funding from Indian Government which in itself is a stable funding source.
iv. Cess on the sale of diesel and petrol for the Central Road Fund, revenues from operating roads, toll revenues and revenue share for Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects comprise other avenues of funding for NHAI.
Quick Facts about NHAI:
♦ Founded in – 1988
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Current Chairman – Deepak Kumar

World Bank lowers India’s growth forecast to 7%

On 11^th October 2017, the World Bank released a report that stated that, India’s GDP might slowdown from 8.6% in 2015 to 7.0% in 2017.World Bank lowers India’s growth forecast to 7%:
i. The World Bank released a report before the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
ii. World Bank said that, growth is expected to slow down from 8.6% in 2015 to 7.0% in 2017. Good policies balancing public spending with private investment might increase growth to 7.3% by 2018.
iii. It said that, India’s economic growth has been affected because of demonetisation and GST (Goods & Services Tax).
iv. A slowdown in India’s growth rate, has also affected the growth rate of South Asia. As a result, South Asia has fallen to second place after East Asia and the Pacific.
v. The growth activity is expected to stabilise within a quarter, maintaining the annual GDP growth at 7.0% in 2018. Growth is projected to increase gradually to 7.4% by 2020.
About World Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Washington, D.C., U.S
♦ President – Jim Yong Kim

HSBC launches ‘HSBCnet Trade Transaction Tracker’ app to track trade transactions

On 10^th October 2017, HSBC launched the mobile app, ‘HSBCnet Trade Transaction Tracker’, to help customers track the status of their trade transactions on a real-time basis.
Trade Transaction Tracker:
i. The Trade Transaction Tracker feature has been built into the existing HSBCnet mobile application and has been launched in select countries in which HSBC operates, including India.
ii. It will provide a global view of import and export documentary credit and collections transactions, across markets in one single app.
iii. The HSBCnet Trade Transaction Tracker enables to:
1.Get an overview of documentary credits, collections and payments
2.Access export and import documentary credits and collection transactions status
3.View real-time trade transaction status detail
4.Save time on the phone, faxes or email with access to transaction status
About HSBC Bank India:
♦ Headquarters – Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra
♦ CEO – Stuart Milne

Government reduces GST on bunker fuels; sets tax for offshore exploration, gas sales

On 11^th October 2017, the government announced that, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has revised rates for transportation of natural gas through pipeline, offshore works contracts etc.
GST rates revised:
i. The GST rates were revised in a GST Council meeting on 6^th October 2017.
ii. The transportation of natural gas through pipeline will attract 5% GST without input tax credit, and 12% with input tax credit.
iii. The offshore works contract services and associated services relating to oil and gas exploration and production in the offshore areas beyond 12 nautical miles will attract 12% GST.
iv. The import of rigs and ancillary goods imported under lease will be exempted from Integrated GST (IGST).The rate on bunker fuel will be reduced to 5%, both for foreign going vessels and offshore works contract services.
About GST Council:
♦ Purpose – governs GST (Goods & Services Tax)
♦ Chairman – Mr.Arun Jaitley

Centre imposes anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China

On October 9, 2017, Indian Government imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of certain steel wire rods from China to safeguard the interest of domestic industry.
More Details about anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China:
i. The anti-dumping duty has been imposed for a period of five years.
ii. It was imposed on recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), under Union Commerce Ministry.
iii. DGAD has stated that Chinese exports of ‘wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel’ to India are below the normal value due to which domestic industry has suffered material injury.
iv. ‘Wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel’ is used in many sectors such as automotive components, railway, engineering and construction.

India is second largest market for pharma & biotech workforce: LinkedIn Report

On 10^th October 2017, LinkedIn released a report stating that, India ranks as the second largest market for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce.India – 2nd largest market for pharma and biotech workforce:
i. The report by professional networking firm LinkedIn, has stated that India contributes 13.7 % to the global pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce. India has become the second largest market for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
ii. The report was published in the newly released e-book “The Indian Pharma and Biotech Industry”.It showed that New Delhi, Kolkata and Chandigarh are top markets for talent in this sector, in India.
iii. Also, talent migration is highest to the US. Nearly, 48 % of the talent from the pharma and biotech industry in the US is moving to India and 36 % is migrating to the US from India.
iv. The pharma and biotech professionals studied in this report were selected based on LinkedIn’s more than 500 million member data as of September 2017.
About LinkedIn:
♦ Headquarters – Sunnyvale, California, U.S.
♦ Chairman – Reid Hoffman
♦ CEO – Jeff Weiner

MSE’s clearing arm certified as qualified CCP by ESMA

European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified Metropolitan Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (MCCIL), the clearing arm of Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) as qualified central counterparty (CCP).
More Details:
i. A central counterparty (CCP) is a corporate entity which guarantees the terms of a trade even if a buyer or seller defaults on the agreement.
ii. Under the Basel III framework introduced by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, entities are subjected to lower capital requirement/charges while participating in capital markets through qualified central counterparty (CCP).
iii. Earlier, National Stock Exchange (NSE’s) arm National Securities Clearing Corporation Ltd (NSCCL) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE’s) subsidiary Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (ICCL) were granted certification by ESMA.
iv. On account of this certification, European entities viz. banks and clearing members will require lower capital requirements to participate in Indian Capital Markets.

Gujarat government to set up 16 new GIDC townships to encourage SMEs

On 11^th October 2017, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the setting up of 16 new Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) townships, in Gujarat.16 new GIDC townships in Gujarat:
i. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that, 16 new GIDC townships would be set up in 2400 hectare area to encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).This township would attract 15,000 industrial units.
ii. He said that,the new Garment and Apparel Policy in Gujarat will create job opportunities for 1 lakh people. He said that, about Rs.20,000 crore investments is likely to come up in Gujarat following this policy.
iii. As per new Garment and Apparel Policy, Garment makers will get Rs.4,000 subsidy per woman worker and Rs.3500 subsidy per male worker.
About Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC):
♦ Chairman – Mr.M.K.Das
♦ Purpose – to accelerate industrialization in Gujarat

President Kovind honours Boxing coach Sandhu & Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak with National Awards

President Ram Nath Kovind gave away the National award for senior citizens to Indian boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management for 2017 to Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak.
Gurbax Singh Sandhu:
i. On 9^thOctober 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind honored Gurbax Singh Sandhu, Indian boxing coach, with the National Award for Senior Citizens at a function.
ii. He has been coaching both the men and women boxers. Sandhu was India’s longest-serving men’s national coach, for two decades, before he was made in charge of the women campers in 2017.His service ended in September 2017.
Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak:
i. On 10^thOctober 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind honoured Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management for 2017.
ii. Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak is the founder of Sulabh International. He has developed and implemented, all over India, a low cost and appropriate toilet technology popularly known as the Sulabh Shauchalaya system.
About Ram Nath Kovind:
♦ Current Position – President of India
♦ Previous positions – Advocate, BJP member, Rajya Sabha MP from UP, Governor of Bihar

Richard Thaler wins 2017 Nobel prize in economics – as it happened

Richard H. Thaler won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Economics for his work on behavioural economics. He plans to spend the prize money “irrationally”.i. Thaler, 72 and a professor at the University of Chicago, is one of the founders of behavioral economics and finance.
ii. Professor of behavioural sciences and economics at University of Chicago has given annual economics award. He was made a Nobel laureate for shedding light on how human weaknesses such as a lack of rationality and self-control can ultimately affect markets.
About Richard H. Thaler
Thaler was born in New Jersey, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Case Western Reserve University in 1967.
♦ He received a master’s degree from the University of Rochester in 1970 and a doctorate in 1974, also from Rochester.
♦ He joined the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in 1995.

Actor Anupam Kher appointed as new FTII chairman

On 11^th October 2017, the government appointed Actor Anupam Kher as the Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.Anupam Kher – FTII Chairman:
i. Anupam Kher will replace Gajendra Chauhan as Chairman of FTII. Gajendra Chauhan’s tenure ended in March 2017.
ii. Gajendra Chauhan’s appointment was met with heavy opposition from students, faculty and many in the film industry. It also led to a 139 day strike.
iii. Anupam Kher is a Bollywood actor. He is married to actress Kirron Kher, a BJP MP.
iv. He is 62 years old. He has worked in more than 500 films and over 100 plays in the last 30 years. He was awarded the Padma Shri award in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan award in 2016.
About Film and Television Institute of India (FTII):
♦ Director – Bhupendra Kainthola
♦ Location – Pune, Maharashtra

Facebook India MD Umang Bedi quits; Bhushan named interim head

On 10^th October 2017, Umang Bedi, Managing Director, India and South Asia, at Facebook resigned from his position.
Facebook India MD quits:
i. Umang Bedi has resigned from his Managing Director position from Facebook. He will leave Facebook at the end of 2017.
ii. Sandeep Bhushan, director, consumer and media, South Asia will be the interim MD of Facebook. Facebook is looking for a full-time MD.
iii. Umang Bedi joined Facebook in July 2016. Prior to that, he was the managing director—South Asia at Adobe Systems Inc.
iv. During his tenure at Facebook, Bedi focused on growing the business, building engagement and partnerships by focusing on verticals, brands and agencies.
About Facebook:
♦ Headquarters – Menlo Park, California, U.S.
♦ Chairman & CEO – Mark Zuckerberg

Nisha Desai Biswal appointed as head of USIBC

On 11^th October 2017, Nisha Desai Biswal, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, was appointed as President of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC).Nisha Desai Biswal – President of USIBC:
i. USIBC is a forum of U.S. businesses under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Nisha Desai Biswal has been appointed as the President of USIBC.
ii. The USIBC’s previous board decided to set up a new organisation called the U.S-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), breaking away from the Chamber.
iii. Former President of the USIBC Mukesh Aghi is heading the USISPF, which has on its board PepsiCo chairman Indra Nooyi and CISCO chairman John T. Chambers.
iv. Nisha Desai Biswal will combine the interests of the American businesses in a way that would be useful to the Indian government.
About U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC):
♦ Headquarters – Washington, D.C., United States
♦ Chairman – Ajay Banga

Japan launches fourth satellite for high-precision GPS

On October 10, 2017, Japan launched Michibiki satellite, the fourth satellite for a new high-precision global positioning system (GPS).
More Details about Japan’s Michibiki Satellite:
i. Michibiki satellite was launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency aboard H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.
ii. With this satellite, Japan now has 4 satellites that orbit over Australia and Japan and allow for uninterrupted coverage.
iii. Japan plans to have seven of such geo-positioning satellites in orbit by 2023.
iv. Japanese GPS can locate objects with an accuracy that differs by just few cms as compared to U.S. GPS, which has an accuracy variance of about 10 meters.

NVIDIA announces World’s first AI Computer to make Robotaxis

On 11^th October 2017, NVIDIA unveiled the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer designed to drive fully autonomous robotaxis, named Pegasus.Pegasus:
i. The new system developed to drive robotaxis is codenamed Pegasus. Pegasus will be available to NVIDIA automotive partners in the second half of 2018.
ii. It extends the NVIDIA Drive PX AI computing platform to handle Level 5 driverless vehicles.  NVIDIA Drive PX Pegasus delivers over 320 trillion operations per second, which is more than 10 times the performance of its predecessor, NVIDIA Drive PX 2.
iii. NVIDIA Drive PX Pegasus will help to create a new class of vehicles that can operate without a driver, that are fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels, pedals or mirrors, and interiors that feel like a living room or office.
About NVIDIA:
♦ Headquarters – Santa Clara, California, U.S.
♦ President & CEO – Jensen Huang

Gurusaidutt wins Bulgarian International Tournament

On October 8, 2017, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusaidutt won the men’s singles title at the Bulgarian International Future Series Badminton tournament.i. In the final match, Gurusaidutt defeated Muhammed Ali Kurt of Turkey. The match lasted for 35 minutes at the end of which Gurusaidutt earned the victory by 21-17, 21-16.
ii. He had not played any match since US Open in July 2016 owing to an ankle injury and subsequent surgery.
iii. He will now play Senior Nationals Championship in November 2017.

International Day of the Girl Child and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week observed

‘International Day of the Girl Child’ is observed across the world on October 11 every year. This day is observed to raise awareness about several issues faced by girl child pertaining to education, nutrition, child marriage, legal and medical rights.
i. Theme of International Day of the Girl Child’ 2017 is “EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises”.
ii. In view of ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ on October 11, 2017, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development will be celebrating the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week from 9th to 14th October, 2017.Theme of this celebration will be “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week- The Daughters of New India”.

VAJRA faculty scheme – 260 applicants for government’s visiting researcher programme

Central Government has received 260 applications from foreign scientists for Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme. Out of these 260 applications, 70 will be shortlisted for this year.
i. The department intends to select 1,000 scientists every year under this scheme.
ii. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology, has stated that screening of 260 applicants will start in October 2017 and the shortlisted scientists will begin work by December 2017.

Gujarat becomes first state to slash VAT on petrol, diesel; cuts taxes by 4 per cent

On October 2017, Gujarat state government announced a 4 per cent reduction in VAT (Value Added Tax) on petrol and diesel. It has thereby become the first state to cut VAT on fuel.More Details:
i. On account of this decision, petrol will get cheaper by Rs 2.93 and diesel by Rs 2.72 across Gujarat from the midnight of Tuesday and Wednesday.
ii. Recently, after cutting central excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 2, Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had asked the state governments to cut VAT on the fuel products by 5 per cent citing that they are the biggest beneficiaries of the revenues generated from petrol and diesel.
iii. Out of the total levy on fuel, state governments get all of the VAT collection along with 42 per cent of the central excise collections.  
iv. The remaining portion of excise collections is used by Central Government in centrally sponsored schemes.

Government approved Rs 2,000 crore to set up Aadhaar units in post offices

With an aim to gradually phase out private contractors from the data collection process in Aadhaar enrolment, Central Government has approved Rs 2,000 crore for setting up Aadhaar centres in post offices.
Aadhaar Enrolment and Updation facilities in Post Offices:
i. This decision has been taken as Government received several complaints against private vendors such as petty corruption and attempted frauds.  Moreover Supreme Court too had highlighted reports of alleged leakage of Aadhaar data. 
ii. By March 31, 2017, Government will set up Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities in around 15,000 post offices.
iii. The centres will have machines approved by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and trained personnel who will be responsible for the operations.
iv. Government believes that post offices will considerably extend the reach of UID, particularly in remote areas.

President of India inaugurates India water Week 2017

On 10^th October 2017, the President of India, Mr.Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated India Water Week 2017, at Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi.India Water Week 2017:
i. Theme of India Water Week 2017 is ‘Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth’. It is held from 10^thto 14^thOctober, 2017.
ii. India Water Week 2017 is a platform to discuss ideas with global-level decision makers, politicians, researchers and entrepreneurs in the field of water resources for mutual benefit.
iii. A multi-disciplinary conference is held to discuss the following topics:
1.Water, Food and Energy Security-Essential Requirement for Sustainable Development
2.Water for Inclusive Growth
3.Sustainable Energy Development-Key for All Round Economic Growth
4.Water and Society
iv. Also exhibition showcasing the technologies, latest developments and solutions available for the areas in, water and energy is held.
About India Water Week 2017:
♦ Organised by – Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
♦ Date – 10^th– 14^th October 2017

House panel headed by Shashi Tharoor to look into China-India relations

On 10^th October 2017, the Standing Committee on External Affairs headed by Shashi Tharoor, Congress member of the Lok Sabha, was formed to examine the India-China relations.
Standing Committee to examine India-China relations:
i. The Standing Committee on External Affairs will examine the issue of cooperation between India and China in international organisations.
ii. This move has been made after Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain the resumed road-construction by the Chinese near the Doklam plateau.
iii. The standing committee would also look at India’s “Relations with Myanmar and the Rohingya situation”, the country’s “Act East Policy, including BIMSTEC”, the “Situation in the Far East: Japan and North Korea”, India’s engagement with SAARC countries, global terrorism and voting rights for NRIs.
About Doklam:
♦ Country – claimed by both Bhutan and China
♦ Location – between Tibet’s Chumbi Valley and Bhutan’s Ha Valley

Himachal Pradesh implements Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS)

On 9^th October 2017, Himachal Pradesh government implemented the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS), in Shimla.
Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS):
i. SCHIS has been introduced to provide easy access to curative old age related health care services through additional cover.
ii. The scheme would increase coverage of Rs.30,000 per senior citizen to all existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) smart card holders.This would be in addition to the basic coverage of Rs.30,000 in Trust and Society mode.
iii. The beneficiaries of this scheme would be RSBY enrolled people aged 60 years and above. But, senior citizens who are eligible for RSBY but not currently enrolled in this scheme, will not get the benefit of SCHIS.
Other recent schemes introduced by Himachal Pradesh:
1.Electronic Health Card Scheme Himachal Pradesh
2.Unemployment Allowance Scheme 2017 in Himachal Pradesh – Rs.1000 for Unemployed Intermediate
3.Rajiv Thali Yojana – Rs.25 Meal Scheme in Himachal Pradesh

Vice President inaugurated the 3^rd International Conference on Yoga on the theme ‘Yoga for Wellness

On 10^th October 2017, Vice President, Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the two day ‘International Conference on Yoga for Wellness’ at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
3^rd International Conference on Yoga:
i. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Mr.Shripad Yesso Naik presided over the inaugural function.Secretary (AYUSH), Mr.C.K.Mishra, Special Secretary, Mr.Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha also participated.
ii. This is the 3^rdInternational Conference on Yoga organized by the Ministry of AYUSH. About 500 delegates, including 69 from overseas countries attended the conference.
iii. Theme for this International Conference on Yoga 2017 is ‘Yoga for Wellness’. Areas of discussions are Yoga research in non-communicable diseases and scope of Yoga in Integrated Medicine, Control of Cancer, Depression, Gynecological disorders and Pain Management.
iv. This conference has been organized with the technical and logistic support of Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy and Moraji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
About Ministry of AYUSH:
♦ AYUSH full form – Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Mr.Shripad Yesso Naik

Bengaluru airport to be the first Aadhaar-enabled airport in the country by December 2018

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has planned to make Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) as India’s first airport to have complete Aadhaar-enabled entry and biometric boarding system.KIA to be the first Aadhaar-enabled airport:
i.Following the two-month trial period in February, , Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has decided to make KIA fully compliant with Aadhaaar-enabled entry and biometric boarding system.
ii. According to the Request For Proposal (RFP) issued by BIAL, the airport is expected to be completely Aadhaar-enabled by December 2018.
iii. BIAL would use Aadhaar-enabled entry and biometric e-boarding process to confirm personal identity for airport passenger processing and control other things.
iv. The process would verify a passenger within 5 seconds at every checkpoint, completing the screening process in 10 minutes compared to the average 25 minutes.
About Kempegowda International Airport (KIA):
♦ Location – Devanahalli, Karnataka
♦ Owner/Operator – Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)

Andhra Chief Minister inaugurates Blockchain Business Conference in Visakhapatnam

On 9^th October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a two day International Blockchain Business Conference, at Fintech Valley Vizag, in Vishakapatnam.
International Blockchain Business Conference:
i. The International Blockchain Business Conference is hosted by Fintech Valley Vizag. It is hosted with the support from Ministry of Electronic and IT.
ii. This will connect government bodies, startups and corporates working on Blockchain technologies to create more business and investment opportunities. It will have sessions on Blockchain in banking, insurance and capital markets.
iii. Blockchain is the latest technology in the field of cyber space that is generating huge interest globally.
iv. Thomson Reuters signed a MoU with Andhra Pradesh government for setting up innovation app studio in Gitam University, Andhra Pradesh. MoU were signed with several other companies on this occasion.
About Fintech Valley Vizag:
♦ Purpose – to promote business infrastructure in the state, and attract investors and multinational corporations to set up offices
♦ Owner – Government of Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra is top Indian tourist source market for Australia

Maharashtra has become the leading Indian tourist source market for Australia with over 59,000 tourists having visited Australia in the year ended in June 2017.
Maharashtra – Australia’s top Indian tourist source market:
i. Maharashtra ranks as the leading Indian tourism source market for Australia. According to the data compiled by Tourism Australia, Maharashtra contributed to a growth of 18 % in tourist entries and 41 % in spend for the year ended in June 2017.
ii. In the year under review, a total of 2,77,100 Indian tourists visited Australia. A growth of nearly 15 % over the last year has made India the 9^thlargest inbound market.
iii. Maharashtra was followed by Delhi with 32,000 travelers, then by Karnataka (30,000), Tamil Nadu (20,000), Punjab (18,000) and Gujarat (17,000).
Tourist Spots in Australia:
♦ Hervey Bay – popular tourist town with ample opportunities for whale watching
♦ Sydney Opera House – shopping and casinos
♦ Great Barrier Reef – camping and commercial marine tourism

RBI panel headed by Janak Raj reveals ad hoc, arbitrary practices by banks to inflate interest rates

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on an external benchmark rate for banks headed byJanak Raj, Principal adviser of Monetary Policy Department has submitted its report. As per the report, several disconcerting banking practices, including violation of the RBI guidelines, inflating of base rate and arbitrary adjustment of spreads are prevalent among major banks in India.
i. It has been observed that banks deviated in an ad hoc manner from the specified methodologies for calculating the base rate and MCLR.
ii. This was done either to inflate the base rate and MCLR or prevent it from falling in line with the actual cost of funds.

ICICI Bank commits Rs 10 cr for welfare of armed forces

As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, ICICI Bank has committed a financial assistance of Rs 10 crore to the Indian Armed Forces, which will be utilised for welfare activities and betterment of the families of ex-servicemen who have lost their lives on duty.More Information about ICICI Bank’s contribution for welfare of armed forces:
i. This contribution by ICICI Bank would be made in two equal tranches, out of which a cheque worth Rs 5 crore was handed over to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on October 9, 2017.
ii. This fund will be used for two programmes. The first will support post-graduation education of the widows of the soldiers and education for their wards. The second programme will provide financial assistance for marriages of the daughters of ex-servicemen.
iii. Both the programmes will be administered by Kendriya Sainik Board, the apex body that formulates policies for resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Quick Facts about ICICI Bank
♦ Founded in – 1994
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current MD & CEO – Chanda Kochhar

Standard Chartered Bank opens new GBS centre in Bengaluru

On October 10, 2017, Standard Chartered Bank opened its Global Business Services (GBS) centre in Bengaluru which will complement its existing GBS centres in China, India and Malaysia.
More Details about Standard Chartered GBS centre in Bengaluru:
i. The GBS in Bengaluru will deliver support, client due diligence and advisory services for Standard Chartered’s corporate and institutional banking customers. Latest technologies in data, robotics and software development will be used at this centre.
ii. Kwan Chee Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Business Services Private mentioned that centre in Bengaluru will also house the bank’s global centres of excellence in specialised areas including data analytics, anti-money laundering, financial crime surveillance and financial control.
iii. Over the next few years, Standard Chartered will double the current headcount at Bengaluru centre and is expecting to have 30% of GBS employees at this centre.
Quick Facts about Standard Chartered Bank:
♦ Founded in – 1969
♦ Headquarters – London, UK

Visa, Andhra Pradesh ties up for Digital Dhan Sankalp project

On October 10, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government and international digital payments company Visa announced a tie up for Visakahpatnam Digital Dhan Sankalp Project.
More Details about tie-up between Andhra Pradesh State Government and Visa:
i. Digital Dhan Sankalp project, is an initiative to develop Visakhapatnam into India’s first ‘less cash’ city.
ii. The range of digital payment services included under the project are payment of water and property tax at Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), bus services run by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), iconic tourist locations at Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), and utility services of Eastern Power Distribution Company of AP Ltd (EPDCL). These services are now accessible to 90% of population in Visakahpatnam.
iii. In collaboration with Visa, efforts will be made to enable digital payments to educational institutions, small and micro merchants and street market vendors.

Vinay Mohan Kwatra appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco

On 9^th October 2017, Vinay Mohan Kwatra was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra – next ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco:
i. Vinay Mohan Kwatra is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of the batch 1988.He is presently Ambassador of India to France.
ii. He has been concurrently (at the same time) appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco. His residence is in Paris.He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
About the Principality of Monaco:
♦ Capital – Monaco
♦ Currency – Euro
♦ Official language – French

PepsiCo Chairman D Shivakumar quits

On 10^th October 2017, PepsiCo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) D Shivakumar resigned from the company after serving for nearly four years.PepsiCo chairman D Shivakumar resigned:
i. Sivakumar will join the Aditya Birla Group as the group executive president in January 2018 and will report directly to Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.
ii. Shivakumar has been replaced by Ahmed El Sheikh, Senior Vice President and General Manager for PepsiCo Egypt and Jordan.
iii. Ahmed will take charge as PepsiCo Chairman on 1^st November, 2017. Shivakumar will stay with PepsiCo till 31^stDecember 2017 as part of the transition process.
iv. Ahmed, who held leadership roles in both foods and beverages businesses, led the Egypt business previously.
About PepsiCo:
♦ Headquarters – Purchase, New York, U.S.
♦ Chairperson and CEO – Indra Nooyi

Vinit Kumar takes over as Kolkata Port Trust chairman

On 9^th October 2017, Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer, Vinit Kumar, took over as full-time Chairman of Kolkata Port Trust.
Vinit Kumar as full-time Chairman of Kolkata Port Trust:
i. For almost 18 months, Vizag Port Trust chairman M T Krishna Babu was in charge of Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) in an interim arrangement.
ii. Kumar is an IRSEE officer of 1993 batch.Before taking up his new role, Kumar was Chief Electrical Engineer in Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd and was looking after the World Bank-funded Mumbai Urban Transport Project.
iii. Kumar encouraged Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex to accept the challenges and opportunities arising in the port and shipping world.
About Kolkata Port Trust:
♦ Owned by – Kolkata Port Trust, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India
♦ Type of harbor – Coastal breakwater, riverine, large seaport

NABARD buys additional 7% stake in SIDBI from IDBI Bank for Rs 900 crore

Rural financial institution National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has bought an additional 7% stake in Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for Rs900 crore from IDBI Bank Ltd.
Details about NABARD’s Stake Purchase in SIDBI from IDBI Bank:
i. This is the largest investment made by NABARD so far. Consequential to this move, NABARD’s stake in SIDBI has now gone up to 10%.
ii. Earlier, RBI had invoked prompt corrective action against IDBI Bank due to worsening of financial ratios. Following that, it has been trying to sell its non-core assets, and thereby wanted to sell its entire 16.25% stake in SIDBI since August 2017.
iii. So far it has managed to sell 10% stake which has been picked up by existing shareholder in SIDBI such as NABARD, LIC, Vjaya Bank and Canara Bank.
Quick Facts about NABARD:
♦ Established in – 1982
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai

SpaceX launches 10 satellites for Iridium mobile network

On October 9, 2017, 10 more satellites for the Iridium Satellite Constellation were launched by SpaceX from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.More details about 10 satellites launched by SpaceX for Iridium mobile network:
i. These 10 satellites are part of Iridium satellite constellation which provides voice and data coverage to satellite phones, pagers and integrated transceivers over the Earth’s entire surface. The Iridium constellation is spread around the globe in six orbital planes, and thereby provides worldwide coverage.
ii. The 10 French-designed, U.S.- built satellites were launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. All the satellites were successfully deployed in the destined orbit after one hour from the launch.
iii. This was SpaceX’s 14^th consecutive successful launch since January 2017.
iv. SpaceX and Iridium have entered into agreements for eight launches on Falcon 9 rockets until the constellation is completed in mid-2018.
Quick Facts about SpaceX:
♦ Founded in – 2002
♦ Headquarters – California, US
♦ Current CEO – Elon Musk

China launches remote sensing satellite for Venezuela

On October 9, 2017, China launched a remote sensing VRSS-2 satellite for Venezuela from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi desert.
More Details:
i. VRSS -2 Satellite was launched by China’s Long March-2D carrier rocket.
ii. Venezuela will use this satellite for environmental protection and disaster monitoring, as well as land resources inspection, crop yield estimation and city planning.
iii. This is the third satellite launched by China for Venezuela. Earlier in 2008 Venesat -1 was launched followed by VRSS – 1 in 2012.
Quick Facts about Venezuela:
♦ Capital – Caracas
♦ Currency – Venezuelan bolivar
♦ Current President –Nicolas Maduro

Indian pair win gold at World Archery Youth Championship 2017

On 9^th October 2017, mixed pair of Jemson Ningthoujam and Ankita Bhakat from India, won the recurve team gold medal, in the World Archery Youth Championship 2017, in Rosario, Argentina.

Indian pair wins gold at World Archery Youth Championship 2017:
i. India bagged one gold, one silver and one bronze at the World Archery Youth Championship 2017.
ii. Ningthoujam and Bhakat, defeated their Russian opponents by 6-2 in the finals.Jemson Ningthoujam and Ankita Bhakat pair won the recurve team gold medal.
iii. This mixed team gold is India’s fourth World Archery Champion title across all disciplines. Ningthoujam also won a silver medal along with Shukmani Gajanan Babrekar and Atul Verma at the recurve junior men’s team event.
iv. Khushbu Dhayal, Sanchita Tiwari and Divya Dhawalof India, won a bronze medal in the compound cadet women’s event.
About World Archery Youth Championship 2017:
♦ Organised by – World Archery
♦ Events – Junior events for under 20 & Cadet for under 17

Iceland became smallest country to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup

On 9^th October 2017, Iceland became the smallest country ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Iceland – Smallest country to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup:
i. Iceland has qualified to participate in FIFA World Cup 2018 by defeating Kosovo by 2-0 in the finals. Iceland finished the group with 22 points from their 10 games.
ii. Iceland would participate in its first finals of FIFA World Cup 2018, in Russia. It was a remarkable achievement for a country which has a population of about 3,50,000.
iii. Iceland team is coached by part-time dentist Heimir Hallgrimsson. Iceland’s seven wins in the group included all five of their home matches. It has defeated previous World Cup semi-finalists Croatia and Turkey.
About FIFA World Cup 2018:
♦ Host country – Russia
♦ Teams – 32
♦ Dates – 14^th June – 15^th July 2018

BCCI makes yo-yo tests compulsory criterion for Team India selection

In a bid to make India Cricket team one of the fittest sides in world cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for cricketers to pass the ‘yo-yo’ endurance test.
About Yo-Yo Endurance Test:
i. In a yo-yo test, players have to pace themselves to and fro between two rows of cones kept 20 metres apart. For every round the player has to sync his sprint with the beeps that are played. Duration between beeps progressively shorten as the test proceeds.
ii. This test is widely used by selection bodies in various sports including hockey, football and cricket. For every sport the performance benchmark in the test may vary.
iii. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has mentioned that Indian cricketers will have to compulsorily pass the Yo-Yo test for all formats. He stated that this rule will be stringent and non-negotiable.

World Day against the Death Penalty – October 10

On 10^th October 2017, the World Day against the Death Penalty is observed all over the world.
World Day against the Death Penalty:
i. The theme for World Day against the Death Penalty 2017 is ‘the death penalty and poverty’.
ii. The World Day against the Death Penalty aims at raising awareness about the reasons why people living in poverty are at a greater risk of being sentenced to death and executed.
iii. The World Coalition against the Death Penalty is an alliance of NGOs, bar associations, local bodies and unions whose aim is to strengthen the international anti-death penalty movement.
iv. It established 10 October as the date of the annual World Day Against the Death Penalty in 2003. This is the 15^th World Day against the Death Penalty.
World Coalition Against the Death Penalty:
♦ Members – 158 member organisations
♦ Formed on – 13 May 2002

World Mental Health Day – October 10

On 10^th October 2017, World Mental Health Day is observed all over the world.World Mental Health Day:
i. ‘Mental health in the workplace’ is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017. Its objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of better mental health.
ii. World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992. It is observed on 10 October every year.
iii. Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both.
Some of the common mental health disorders:
♦ Bipolar disorder – brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels etc.
♦ Schizophrenia – chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves

GoM set up under Assam FM Himanta Biswa Sarma to review composition scheme

On October 6, 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley constituted a group of ministers (GoM) to make the ‘composition scheme’ more attractive and also revisit GST rates on restaurants.About GoM to Review Compostion Scheme:
i. The GoM has been set up under Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and will submit its report within 2 weeks.
ii. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal  and Chhattisgarh Minister of Commercial Taxes Amar Agrawal are the other members of the GoM.
iii. The GoM has been set up to make ‘composition scheme’ more effective as only 15.50 lakh businesses out of the total 98 lakh registered under the goods and services tax (GST) regime have opted for this scheme.
iv. As per the latest GST norms, businesses with annual sales up to Rs. 1 crore can avail benefits under ‘composition scheme’ which permits liberal quarterly tax return filing and payment scheme.

International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations – IV begins in New Delhi

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with National Geographic Society is hosting an international conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” from 8^th – 15^th October, 2017 at Delhi, Gandhinagar (in Gujarat) and Dholavira (in Gujarat).
About “Dialogue of Civilizations”:
i. “Dialogue of Civilizations” conference was initiated by National Geographic Society in 2013.
ii. Objective of this conference is to encourage scholarly and public discourse about the five ancient, literate civilizations of the world, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia, China and Mesoamerica.
iii. First conference of this series was inaugurated in Guatemala in 2013 followed by Turkey in 2014 and China in 2015.
iv. The present conference being held in India is the fourth in this series. The final dialogue has been planned to be held in Egypt.
v.On October 8, 2017, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture & Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change inaugurated the “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” in New Delhi.

Uttarakhand Govt. launches ‘Solar Briefcase’ to provide electricity in remote areas

On October 8, 2017, Uttarakhand State Government and a charitable funding agency named Swan Cultural Center and Foundation, launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ in Kedarnath Dham.
i. This initiative aims to provide electricity to far flung areas in Uttarakhand.
ii. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has stated that around 47 villages and 1,40,000 families in Uttarakhand do not have access to electricity. Moreover there are 60 villages in the state where electrification has not yet been done due to the difficult terrain.
iii. In such situation, using off-grid electricity through solar briefcase is a good option.
Quick Facts about Uttarakhand:
♦ Capital – Dehradun
♦ Current Chief Minister – Trivendra Singh Rawat
♦ Current Governor – Krishan Kant Paul

President Ram Nath Kovind launches Rs.100 crore clean water initiative

On 8^th October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)’s, ‘Jivamritam’ filtration system, a clean water initiative, in Vallikkavu, Kollam district of Kerala.
‘Jivamritam’ filtration system:
i. ‘Jivamritam’ filtration system aims at providing filtration for clean drinking water to 1 crore villagers. The first phase of this project is to install ‘Jivamritam’ filtration systems for clean drinking water in 5,000 villages all over India.
ii. This project will be funded by MAM for Rs.100 crore.MAM has planned to implement all 5,000 Jivamritam systemswithin 1 year. Each Jivamritam system would filter daily drinking-water supply for around 400 five-member families.
iii. The Jivamritam system was conceptualised and designed by faculty and students of MAM’s university, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University).
About Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM):
♦ Purpose – Spiritual, Humanitarian, Education
♦ Headquarters – Amritapuri, Kollam district of Kerala

Kerala Tourism launches Continuous Tourist Survey 2017-20

On 9^th October 2017, the Department of Tourism (Kerala) launched a 3 year long Continuous Tourist Survey (CTS), to increase the growth of tourism in Kerala.Continuous Tourist Survey (CTS):
i. The Continuous Tourist Survey (CTS) 2017-2020 sample survey is conducted in collaboration with M/s Datamation Consultants. The Central Government would provide funds for Rs.25 lakhs.
ii. The purpose of the survey is to study the interest of tourists, their age and demographic details, reasons for visit and nature of tours undertaken.
iii. It will not only cover tourist destinations, but also hotels, house boats, home stays, Ayurveda centers, restaurants and tour operators.
iv. Through the data obtained, the growth of tourism in Kerala will be evaluated. Kerala aims to double the number of domestic tourists and increase the foreign tourists by 50 %, by 2021.
About Ministry of Tourism (Kerala):
♦ Headquarters – Thiruvananthapuram
♦ Minister for Tourism – A.C.Moideen

Drop ‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ from names of BHU, AMU: UGC

On 9^th October 2017, a UGC panel recommended that, words such as ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ in names of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), should be dropped.
‘Muslim’ and ‘Hindu’ from names of BHU and AMU to be dropped:
i. This UGC panel was formed to investigate alleged irregularities in 10 central universities.
ii. The recommendations made by the UGC panel state that,centrally funded universities are secular institutions, but such words related to religion in their names do not reflect their secular character.
iii. Hence, the universities can be simply called Aligarh University and Banaras University or be renamed after their founders.
iv. Other universities that were audited by the panel are: Pondicherry University, Allahabad University, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Central University of Jharkhand, Central University of Rajasthan, Central University of Jammu, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, University of Tripura and Hari Singh Gour University.
About UGC:
♦ Full form – University Grants Commission
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman – V.S.Chauhan

Supreme Court bans firecrackers for Diwali in Delhi

On 9^th October 2017, the Supreme Court (SC) imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers till 31^st October 2017, in the National Capital Region (NCR)-Delhi.
Fire crackers banned for Diwali in Delhi:
i. The Supreme Court has banned the sale of firecrackers prior to Diwali. The SC had issued a similar ban in the NCR region in 2016.
ii. But it did not have the opportunity to observe the impact on pollution levels. Hence the SC has also ordered that a relevant agency should compute the impact of a noise-and smoke-free festival this year.
iii. The SC suspended all licenses issued by the Delhi Police to shopkeepers that allowed them to sell fireworks.The SC permitted the sale of firecrackers after 1^st November 2017.
About Supreme Court of India:
♦ Location – New Delhi
♦ Chief Justice of India – Justice Dipak Misra

President Ramnath Kovind’s first overseas visit to Ethiopia and Djibouti

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind made his first foreign trip as the head of state from 4^th – 5^th October 2017. He visited two African countries, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
i. On October 4, 2017, India and Djibouti signed an agreement to establish regular Foreign Office-level bilateral consultations.
ii. On October 5, 2017, India and Ethiopia signed agreements on trade, communication and media to boost bilateral ties. These agreements were signed in presence of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his official visit to Ethiopia.

India slips to 8th among most valuable brands – Nation Brands 2017

India has ranked as 8^th most valuable nation brand as per Brand Finance’s Nation Brands 2017 report.
i. In 2017, India has slipped down by one spot as compared to 2016 ranking.India’s National Brand Value in 2017 at USD 2.04 trillion too has eroded by nearly one percent from last year’s USD 2.06 trillion.
Top 3 Nation Brands 2017

Bangladesh, US begin disaster response exercise

On October 8, 2017, Bangladesh Armed Forces Division and U.S. Army began their participation in the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE).More Information about Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE):
i. It is a civil-military disaster preparedness and response initiative between the governments of Bangladesh and US.
ii. The exercise will be conducted from 8^th – 12^th October 2017, in Dhaka and Mymensingh in Bangladesh.
iii. This exercise will focus on earthquake response plans for Dhaka and engage participants in logistical and medical emergency scenarios.
iv. Emphasis will be laid on reviewing plans and procedures in order to improve communication and coordination.
v. Besides Bangladeshi government organisation, several international government organizations (IGO), and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also take part in this exercise.

Oman relaxes its visa rules to attract more Indian tourists

On 5^th October 2017, Oman announced that, it has revised the tourist visa for people from India, China and Russia in order to attract more tourists from these countries.
Oman relaxes visa rules for Indian tourists:
i. Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) announced the revised terms and conditions for granting non-sponsored tourist visafor the citizens of India, China and Russia, who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of the these countries: USA, Canada, Australia, UK and Schengen States, to enter Oman.
ii. The visa will be granted for a period of one month for a fee of 20 Rial. The spouse and children of the visa holder would also be allowed to enter Oman.
iii. However, the applicants, must also have a return ticket and confirmed hotel reservation in order to be granted the visa.
About Oman:
♦ Capital – Muscat
♦ Currency – Rial

Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd inks agreement with IREDA for Rs.300 crore loan

On 9th October 2017, Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd said that, it has signed an agreement with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) for Rs.300 crore loan, in Mumbai.
Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd agreement with IREDA:
i. Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd said that, the IREDA loan of Rs.300 crore would be used to lend to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
ii. The Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd is a subsidiary of Reliance Capital. IREDA is a central public sector undertaking under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
iii. Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd has funded wind and solar energy sectors of more than 1,800 MW. The company also provides financial assistance for developing infrastructure and other projects related to the government initiatives on renewable energy.
About Reliance Capital:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Chairman – Anil Ambani
♦ Executive Director – Anmol Ambani

T D Radhakrishnan selected for Vayalar award

Noted Novelist T D Radhakrishnan’s has been selected for this year’s prestigious Vayalar award. The award will be presented to him on October 27, 2017, the death anniversary of poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma.About Vayalar Award:
i. Vayalar Award was instituted in 1977 by the Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Trust in memory of Malayalam poet and lyricist Vayalar.
ii. It is given for the best literary work in Malayalam.
iii. The award carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh, citation and a statuette.

GCMMF awarded best FMCG in food sector by IAA

On 8^th October 2017, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), was awarded as the best FMCG in the food sector, at the 5^th International Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards, in Mumbai.
GCMMF awarded best FMCG in food sector:
i. K.M.Jhala, Chief Operating Officer, GCMMF received the best FMCG in the food sector award at the 5^thInternational Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards.
ii. GCMMF manages brand AMUL. Amul is India’s largest food brand with annual brand turnover of Rs.38,000 crore.
iii. It is a cooperative milk federation of 3.6 million milk producers of Gujarat. Turnover of GCMMF has registered quantum growth of 238 % in last 7 years.
iv. It has achieved Cumulative Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19 % in the last 7 years. Also, Amul has quadrupled the income of its dairy farmers in last 7 years.
About Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF):
♦ Headquarters – Anand, Gujarat
♦ Industry – Dairy/Fast-Moving Consumer Good (FMCG)

John K Paul re-elected as FADA President

On 5^th October 2017, John K Paul was unanimously re-elected as the President of the Federations of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) for 2017-18, in New Delhi.John K Paul as FADA President:
i. John K Paul was re-elected as FADA President at a council meeting after the 53^rdAnnual General Meeting of FADA in New Delhi.
ii. John K Paul is MD of Popular Vehicles and Services Ltd, Prabal Motors Pvt Ltd, and director of other group companies.
iii. Paul is also currently President of the Kerala Automobile Dealers Association. He was the first dealer from Kerala to be elected as President of FADA.
iv. FADA represents over 15,000 automobile dealers spread across the country and accounts for more than 90 % of retail automobile trade in India.
About Federations of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA):
♦ Purpose – protect and promote the Indian retail automobile market
♦ Location – New Delhi

PNB MetLife appoints Ashish Srivastava as MD & CEO

On 9^th October 2017, PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd (PNB MetLife), appointed Ashish Srivastava as MD & CEO.
Ashish Srivastava as MD & CEO:
i. PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd (PNB MetLife), has appointed Ashish Srivastava as its MD & CEO. He would be responsible for leading all aspects of the business in India.
ii. Prior to this, Srivastava was an interim CEO at PNB MetLife. Srivastava joined PNB MetLife in 2013 as the Head of HR for the India business.
iii. He moved to Dubai in 2015, joining the MetLife Middle East & Africa (MEA) management team. From January 2017, he has been in India managing the India business.
About PNB MetLife India Insurance Company:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Products – Life Insurance, Retirement Solutions, Employee Benefit Programs

Lenskart ropes in Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador

On 9^th October 2017, Online eyewear firm, Lenskart announced Bollywood star Katrina Kaif as its first ever brand ambassador.Katrina Kaif – Lenskart’s brand ambassador:
i. Lenskart announced that, Bollywood actress, Katrina Kaif will be the brand ambassador of Lenskart for the next two years and would feature in the brand’s new campaign.
ii. Lenskart was founded in 2010. Lenskart is present in more than 350 stores across more than 80 cities in India.
iii. It has been funded by venture capitalists like, IDG Ventures and Ronnie Screwvala-led Unilazer Ventures, TPG Growth and TR Capital, IFC and Premji Invest.
About Lenskart:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Founder and CEO – Peyush Bansal

SS Athenia, first British ship lost in World War II discovered in UK

On 5^th October 2017, SS Athenia, the first British ship to be sunk during the Second World War was believed to be found, in Ireland.SS Athenia believed to be found:
i. SS Athenia was sunk by German submarine during World War II in 1939. It is believed to be found on the sea bed off the coast of Ireland.
ii. Remains of the 13,400 ton vessel (SS Athenia) which was lost with more than 110 crew and passengers, is believed to be found.
iii. David Mearns, an experienced shipwreck hunter found the location. He said that, divers are yet to visit the wreck lying 650 feet down. But he was nearly certain it was the Athenia.
About SS Athenia:
♦ Builder – Fairfield SB & Eng Co, Govan
♦ Owner – Donaldson Atlantic Line

India’s Anupama Ramachandran wins inaugural snooker meet

On 8^th October 2017, Anupama Ramachandran of India won the World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship title in the girls category, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.Anupama Ramachandran wins World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship title:
i. Federation of Billiards Sports of Russia (FBSR) hosted the first ever World Open championships for Under-16 boys and girls.A total of 73 cueists from all over the world participated.
ii. In the girls category, Anupama Ramachandran of India won the World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship title.She knocked out top seed Keerthana Pandian by 3-1 in the finals.
iii. Before that, she defeated Albina Leschuk of Belarus by 3-0 in the semifinals and Alexsandra Riabinina of Russia in the quarterfinals by 3-0.
About World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship:
♦ Organised by – Federation of Billiard Sports of Russia (FBSR)
♦ Location – Saint Petersburg, Russia

Epic world solar car race begins in Australia

2017 World Solar Challenge – the solar car race, began on October 8, 2017 from the northern Australian city of Darwin.
More Details about World Solar Challenge:
i. In this race, 42 solar cars will cover a distance of 3,000 kms from Northern Australian city of Darwin to southern city of Adelaide.
ii. The route of the World Solar Challenge race passes through the desert heart of Australia.
iii. World Solar Challenge aims to showcase technology that could be used for commercial purposes in future.
iv. First edition of World Solar Challenge took place in 1987. It has now become one of the world’s foremost innovation challenges.

Noted journalist Bismoy Kumar Mohanty dies

On 8^th October 2017, noted journalist Bismoy Kumar Mohanty died due to heart attack at Puri, Odisha.
Bismoy Kumar Mohanty’s death:
i. Bismoy Kumar Mohanty was 62 years old. He is survived by wife, a son and a daughter.
ii. He suffered from chest pain and was admitted at the Puri hospital.Doctors declared him dead after examining him.His body was taken to his native place in Balasore district of Odisha for last rites.
iii. He was the owner and editor of Odia daily ‘Ajikali’ published from Balasore. He was the president of Odisha Small and Medium Newspaper Organisation. He was also associated with a number of social and cultural organisations.
iv. His wife Bijay Laxmi Mohanty is also publisher and editor of language daily ‘Sambad Bahika’.
About Bismoy Kumar Mohanty:
♦ Occupation – Journalist
♦ State – Odisha

World Post Day – October 9, 2017

On 9^th October 2017, World Post Day was celebrated all over the world.World Post Day:
i. The World Post Day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern.It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.
ii. The Posts in many countries use this day to introduce or promote new postal products and services. The UPU creates awareness about post by designing and distributing posters for display across the world.
iii. The World Post Day does not have a particular theme. Most of the countries organize philatelic exhibitions on World Post Day.
About India Post:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Secretary Posts – Anant Narayan Nanda

PM Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Gujarat in October 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Gujarat on 7^th and 8^th October 2017, during which he inaugurated several development projects.
i. He has laid the foundation stone for second airport in Rajkot.
ii. He also inaugurated the six-laning of Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway and four-laning of Rajkot-Morbi State Highway.
iii. During his Gujarat visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan Scheme aimed at imparting digital literacy to citizens in rural areas.

Haj Committee presents report on New Haj policy 2018-22

Committee to review the existing Haj Policy of Indian Government for 2013-17 and to suggest framework for new Haj policy 2018-22, has presented its report to Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
i. The committee has recommended distributing quota between Haj Committee of India (HCOI), and registered Private Tour Operators (PTOs) in the ratio of 70:30 for the next 5 years.
ii. Special quota for Jammu & Kashmir is to be increased from 1500 to 2000.

Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Saudi Aramco India Office

On 8^th October 2017,In Gurugram Saudi Aramcos ARAMCO ASIA INDIA office has been inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan along with Mr Amin H Al-Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.i. The office is located at Two Horizon Tower, Gurugram. In 2016 Saudi Aramco established its formal business in India through its subsidiary ARAMCO Asia India (AAI).
ii. AAI focus on crude oil and LPG marketing, engineering & technical services, and other business development activities.
iii. ARAMCO India will be expected its operation by introducing hydrocarbon sector services functions, including engineering services, IT operations & security and also R&D centre.
iv. Saudi Aramco intends to partner with Indian companies and set up integrated business ventures in the hydrocarbon value chain in India including to boost “Make in India” activities.
v. Saudi Arabia is considered to be the second largest supplier of about 19% of our crude oil imports and also 29% of LPG imports to India after Iraq.During 2016-17, India imported about 39.5 MMT of crude from Saudi Arabia.
About Saudi Arabia
♦ Capital  –  Riyadh
♦ Currency   – Saudi Riyal
♦ Official Language  – Arabic
♦ King – Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Manipur government hosts Northeast labour ministers’ meeting

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has addressed a regional conference of north east labour ministers and officials to take a sincere effort to end the alienation of people from the north east on 6^th Oct. 2017.
♦ The conference was held at the Hotel Classic Grande in Imphal. He added that to show our responsibility to initiate a unity among the citizens of the country.
Discussion run over on Conference:-
i. CM has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of “Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikas”, Centre has given priority to welfare of the people and to inclusive development.
ii. Union Minister of State for Labour and EmploymentSantosh Gangwar and Manipur’s Minister of Labour and Employment Th. Radheshyam Singh also addressed in that conference and noted the Centre is focused on development of the north east to bring an inclusive growth and development in the country.
iii. During the conference, presentations were made on child labour, the plight of plantation workers, social security schemes and matters relating to the welfare of unorganised workers by experts.
vi. Assam Labour and Employment Minister Pallab Lochan Das, Nagaland’s Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, Union Labour and Employment Secretary M. Sathiyavathy, Financial Advisor and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment Arun Goel and officials from the north east states participated in the conference.
Parks & Sanctuaries in Manipur
♦ Keibul Lamjao National Park
♦ Manipur Zoological Garden
♦ Khongjaingamba Ching Wild Life Sanctuary
♦ Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wild Life Sanctuary

Manipur celebrated its traditional Mera Houchongba festival

Manipur’s traditional Mera Houchongba festival symbolizes brotherhood and unity among indigenous communities settled in both hill and valley of State.It was celebrated at the Manipur Royal palace (Sana Konung) in Imphal in the presence of King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba as the main host.♦ This is the first time Manipur Government and Royal Council of Manipur King jointly organised the Mera Houchongba festival under the name of State Level Mera Huchongba Committee.
About Mera Houchongba:-
i. This festival has begun from the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in the first Century C.E. Before 1891, this festival was performed at the ground, Lampak.
ii. Every year, in the month of Mera, which falls in September/October, Hou Chongba festival is celebrated, in which all the village Chiefs or Khullakpas and peoples from the surrounding hill areas fully take part.
iii.The main function of Mera Hou Chongba festival is the exchange of gifts between the King and village Chiefs and performance of cultural show and sports.
iv. Exchange of gifts such as traditional fabrics, vegetables and fruits among the hill and valley people, cultural dances marked the festival.
v. The festival is ended by a grand feast; food consists of curry of dried fish, cows, buffaloes, dogs, etc. The hill men are allowed to take meat as they like and enjoy the drink of their choice. The festival is one of the greatest in Manipur which is attended by all the hill tribes of Manipur.
About Manipur
♦ Capital  – Imphal
♦ Chief Minister –  N. Biren Singh
♦ Official languages –  Manipuri

US lifts economic sanctions against Sudan

On October 6, 2017, US State Department announced its decision to ease the penalising economic and trade sanctions against Sudan which have been in place since 1997.
More Details:
i. This decision of US is in response to Sudanese Govt’s efforts to end hostilities in conflict areas, improve humanitarian access throughout Sudan, and maintain cooperation with the United States in regional conflicts to tackle the threat of terrorism.
ii. Sudanese Govt has welcomed this decision and has asked US to take Sudan off its blacklist of state terror sponsors.
iii. This decision of US administration is a result of 16-month diplomatic effort which started during the tenure of previous US President Barak Obama.
Quick Facts about Sudan: 
♦ Capital – Khartoum
♦ Currency – Sudanese Pound
♦ Current President – Omar al-Bashir

BRICS-themed subway train debuts in China

A BRICS-themed subway train with carriages representing the five member nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – has started test operations in China’s south-eastern Xiamen city on October 6, 2017.About BRICS-themed subway train:
i. The subway train has six carriages, five of which represents different cultures of the BRICS countries.
ii. The Chinese carriage is red and displays icons such as the Great Wall and Tian’anmen Square while Russian carriage shows off the country’s ballet and matryoshka dolls.
iii .Brazilian carriage is green and decorated with images of footballs and football stars while South African carriage displays pictures of diamonds.
iv. The Indian carriage depicts elephants and yoga.
v. It is to be noted that the 2017 BRICS Summit was held in Xiamen from 4^th – 5^thSeptember, 2017.

RBI imposes banking business restrictions on Oriental Bank of Commerce

On October 5, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed certain restriction on banking activities of Oriental Bank of Commerce.
Details about Prompt Corrective Action on Oriental Bank of Commerce:
i. RBI initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against OBC in view of high non-performing assets.
ii. Owing to PCA, OBC will face restrictions in terms of opening new branches, hiring staff and lending to sub-investment grade companies. 
iii. However, it has been permitted to continue accepting deposits and give small ticket loans.
iv. It is to be noted that, since March 2017, RBI has placed similar restrictions on six other banks which include Dena Bank, Central Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and UCO Bank.
Quick Facts about Oriental Bank of Commerce:
♦ Founded in – 1943
♦ Headquarters – Gurugram
♦ Current CEO & MD – Mukesh Kumar Jain

AU Small Finance Bank partners Aditya Birla Health Insurance

AU Small Finance Bank has entered into a corporate agency tie-up agreement to sell health insurance products of Aditya Birla Health Insurance.More Details about AU Small Finance Bank – Aditya Birla Health Insurance tie-up:
i. AU Small Finance Bank was initially a non-banking finance company (NBFC) which got licence of Small Finance bank from Reserve Bank (RBI) in December 2016.
ii. Aditya Birla Health Insurance is the health insurance arm Aditya Birla Financial Services Group(ABFSG). It is a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and MMI Holdings Ltd (MMI), a diversified financial services company in South Africa.
iii. Both the entities believe that tie-up will be mutually beneficial in terms of business, market penetration as well as reach.
Quick Facts about AU Small Finance Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Jaipur
♦ Current Managing Director and CEOL Sanjay  Agarwal

Govt raises stake in IDBI Bank to 77.79%

On 7^th Oct. 2017, IDBI Bank informed that its promoter the government of India, has increased its stake in the company to 77.79% by acquiring 3.81% shares through preferential allotment.
i. In previous, government had 73.98% stake in IDBI Bank.
ii. The government of India has acquired 3.81% shares carrying voting rights in the company due to preferential allotment of equity shares.
About IDBI Bank
Industrial Development Bank of India is an Indian government-owned financial service company.
♦  Founded In  – 1 July 1964
♦  Headquarters –  Mumbai
♦  Managing Director & CEO  – Mahesh Kumar Jain

NBCC partners Finland company for EV charging infrastructure

On Oct. 5 2017, National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) has signed a MoU with Finlands Fortum Oyj for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in upcoming development projects in India.i. This MoU has been made only for co- operative institutional relationship and does not involve any joint venture or financial implication.
About NBCC
NBCC is a Central Public Sector undertaking which trades publicly in the market and is largely owned by Government of India.
♦ Founded In – 1960
♦ Headquarters  – New Delhi, India
♦ Chairman – Dr. Anoop Kumar Mittal

CBDT signs two more APAs with taxpayers

On October 6, 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said it has signed two more advance pricing agreements (APAs) in September 2017 with Indian taxpayers.
Details about APAs signed by CBDT:
i. These two latest APAs pertain to automobile and healthcare consulting sectors.
ii. Including these two agreements, CBDT has so far entered into 177 APAs, out of which 164 are unilateral and 13 are bilateral.
iii. Objective of APA scheme is to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and thereby reducing litigation.

SEBI chief Ajay Tyagi named among worlds top 10 regulators

SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi has been named among the world’s top 10 regulators in the Market structure. He has placed seventh position among the top 10 regulators worldwide.i. The Exchange Invest 1000 (EI1000) , the rankings are part of the World’s Most Influential People in Market Structure was launched by Patrick Young & Exchange Invest.
ii. The list of 6 regulators is topped by
1.European Unions Commissioner Margrethe Vestager
2.ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) Chairman Steven Maijoor
3.SEC (US Securities and Exchange Commission) Chairman Jay Clayton (3rd),
4.CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) Chairman J Christopher Giancarlo (4th)
5.China Securities Regulatory Commission Chairman Shiyu Liu (5th)
6.Financial Conduct Authority UK CEO Andrew Bailey (6th).

Axis Bank acquires Freecharge, appoints Sangram Singh as CEO

Private Sector bank, Axis Bank has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Freecharge.
More Details about Axis Bank’s acquisition of Freecharge:
i. Axis Bank has completed the acquisition of Freecharge for a cash consideration of 373.27 crore.
ii. It has also announced appointment of Sangram Singh as the CEO of Freecharge Payment Technologies Private Ltd.
iii. Through this acquisition, Axis Bank will get access to about 52 million mobile wallet holders of Freecharge as well as its staff strength of about 150 to 200 professionals.
iv. Management of Axis Bank believes that this acquisition will double its customer base and will fast track its digital journey by multiple years.
Quick Facts about Axis Bank
♦ Founded in – 1993
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current MD & CEO – Shikha Sharma

Scientists identify bacterium that could be source of antibiotics

Scientists have identified a new bacterium from a lime quarry in Karnataka and it will be expecting as a source of antibiotics for several diseases including malaria.i. It named as Allostreptomyces indica YIM 75704T, the bacterium belonged to Streptomycetaceae, a family of bacteria.
ii. They are largely found in soil and decaying vegetation. Most of them produce chains of spores and some are noted for their distinct ‘earthy’ odor that results from production of a volatile metabolite called geosmin.
iii. The new bacterium was isolated from an open pit limestone mine in the Gulbarga region of Karnataka. The area is known for its limestone mines and crushers.
vi. The study was conducted in collaboration with Gulbarga University, Northern Border University of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China. The other members of the team are Amit Kumar Sahu, Syed Raziuddin Quadri, Dayanand Agasar, Jamal Al Ruwaili, and Wen Jun-Li.

Prasar Bharati launches online application system for AIR

On October 7 2017,Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash has launched an online application system for music auditions for the All India Radio (AIR) due to the occasion of 64th Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan.
i. Prasar Bharati CEO Sashi Sekhar Vampati and AIR Director General F Sheheryar are also participated on this occasion.
ii. AIR expected to arrange the auditions in different genres of music like classical, light, folk, tribal and western.
About All India Radio
All India Radio (AIR) is the national public radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati.
♦ Established in   –  1930
♦ Headquarters   –    Sansad Marg, New Delhi

Olympic Committee suspends Brazilian arm after chief’s arrest

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended its Brazilian arm amid an investigation into corruption allegations.
i. It also suspended the head of Brazil’s Olympic committee, Carlos Nuzman, as an honorary member, and has frozen all its payments to the body.Mr Nuzman was arrested and is being investigated as part of a cash-for-votes probe linked to the bid for the 2016 Rio Games.
ii. The Brazilian committee’s director general Leonardo Gryner was also get arrested.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC)
IOC is a non-profit independent international organization.
♦ Formed In  – 23 June 1894
♦ Headquarters  – Lausanne, Switzerland
♦ Honorary President –  Dr. Jacques Rogge Belgium
♦ President – Dr. Thomas Bach

India bag 37 gold medals, finish second in 20^th Asia Masters meet

India finished second in 20th Asia Masters Athletics Championship held in Rugao, China. and bagged 146 medals, including 37 golds, 43 silvers and 66 bronze.China was topped.

Indians best performances in Asia Masters meet 2017
i. 70-year-old PN Mishra of Gorakhpur won gold in hammer throw
ii. Saifai’s 35-year-old Siddharth Krishna bagged a bronze in 5000 meter walk
iii. 35-year-old Lal Bahadur Yadav of Kanpur won a gold in Hammer throw
iv. Former flying officer of Indian Air Force, 76-year-old Shivnath brought four bronze medals in 2000 meter hurdles, 80 meters hurdles, 4×100 meters relay and 4×400 meters relay race
v. The 20 countries were participated in the meet held between September 24 and September 28,2017.

Ajeetesh Sandhu Wins First-ever Asian Tour Title in Taipei

On 8^th October 2017, Indian golfer 28-year-old Ajeetesh Sandhu won Asian Tour title at the USD 500,000 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) at Taipei.
i. Sandhu had a score of two-under 70 and a total score of 11-under 277 which consisted of three birdies and one bogey. He beat America’s Johannes Veerman by one shot.
ii. The Yeangder Tournament Players Championship is a golf tournament on the Asian Tour. It was played for the first time in September 2010 at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club in Taipei, Taiwan.

Lewis Hamilton wins Japanese Grand Prix, extends lead at top

On October 8, 2017, Formula One motorist Lewis Hamilton won Japanese Grand Prix.i. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes finished the race 1.2 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
ii. Another motorist from Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo finished third.
iii. With this win, Lewis Hamilton has reached closer to Formula One world championship title, as his closest rival Sebastian Vettel had to retire in the fourth lap of this race due to engine problems.

Congress leader Prabhakarpant Ojharkar no more

Congress leader Prabhakarpant Ojharkar passed away on October 7, 2017 in Nashik, Maharashtra.
i. Prabhakarpant Ojharkar was 88. He passed away due to heart attack.
ii. He had been vice-president of Devlali Cantonment Board for 22 years.
iii. His funeral on October 7, 2017, was attended by a large number of people.

Indian Air-force day – October 8

On October 8 2017, The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 85th anniversary. The celebrations were marked by a stellar show in the skies by various aircraft at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad
i. The air display started at 8 AM with flag bearing skydivers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies.
ii. IAF’s popular Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) also performed on that special day. The SKAT belongs to the number 52 Squadron. The primary role of the team was air defence, whereas its secondary role was ground attack.
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its complement of personnel and aircraft assets ranks fourth amongst the airforces of the world.
♦ Founded In – 8 October 1932
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)   – Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh

22nd GST council meeting held in New Delhi

22^nd meeting of the Good and Services Tax (GST) Council was held on October 6, 2017 in New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The council reduced GST rates on specific items and also eased the compliance requirement for Small and Medium Businesses.
i. During 22^nd meeting of the GST Council, decision was taken to lower tax rates on 27 products and certain services.
ii. GST Council was taken to raise the eligibility threshold for ‘composition scheme’ to Rs. 1 crore of annual sales from Rs.75 lakh earlier.

Three agreements signed during 14th India-EU Summit in New Delhi

14th Annual Summit between India and the European Union (EU) was held in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council and Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation under the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Following three agreements were signed during the 14^th India-EU Summit:
i. Finance Contract of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2-Line R6 for Euro 300 million out of total loan of Euro 500 million.
ii. Implementing Arrangement between the European Commission and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for Indian Researchers hosted by the European Research Council grantees in Europe.
iii. Joint Declaration between the Interim Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance and the European Investment Bank.
Quick Facts about European Union:
♦ Founded in – 1993
♦ Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium

Centre sets up group under Rina Mitra to study problems of people along IB, LOC in J&K

Central Government has set up a study group to examine the problems being faced by the people residing near the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The study group has been formed in the wake of regular cross border firing by Pakistan.
Background Information:
♦ India shares a 3,323 km long border with Pakistan of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LOC fall in Jammu and Kashmir.
♦ There has been a sharp increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times. On account of this, civilians on the Indian side as well as the security forces have sustained several casualties.
More Details about the Study Group:
i. The study group will be headed by Rina Mitra (Special Secretary in the Home Ministry).
ii. Members of the study group will prepare a detailed report of the issues being faced by the public living near IB and LOC.
iii. For gathering information, the study  group will meet people living in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces deployed there, district administration officials and local public representatives.
iv. The study group will submit a report with recommended remedial measures within two months.

9^th Annual ‘World Dental Show 2017’ opens in Mumbai

On Oct.6 2017, The 3-day international exhibition -9th Annual ‘World Dental Show 2017’ has opened Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai.It is an integral part of Asia’s biggest dental event.
i. The exhibition was hosted by the Indian Dental Association (IDA).It is showcasing the evolving global technologies and techniques in dentistry.
ii. The international exhibitors from China, Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Russian Federation, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and US, were participating and about 120 are displaying their latest dental wares in 250 well furnished stalls.

Aadhaar made mandatory for small saving schemes as post office deposits, PPF, KVP

The government has made Aadhaar is mandatory for all post office deposits, PPF, the National Savings Certificate scheme and Kisan Vikas Patra.i. Existing depositors who have not provided Aadhaar number at the time of application can submit their Aadhaar number to the post office savings bank or deposit office concerned, on or before December 31, 2017.
ii. As many as 135 schemes (of 35 ministries) including the free cooking gas (LPG) to poor women, kerosene and fertiliser subsidy, targeted public distribution system (PDS) and MGNREGA will be covered by the extension.

Chhattisgarh bans Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) used in carry bags

Chhattisgarh Government has completely banned the usage of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) carry bags in their state. The government also banned the manufacture, storage, import, sale, transport and use of such plastic-borne goods.
i. Due to plastic borne goods our environment is facing serious issue such as blockages in drains and gutters. The advertising and materials promoting the PVC also has banned with immediate effect.
ii. The chemicals dispensed from PVC and chlorinated plastic contaminate the water, soil and air so the state government has also banned the manufacture, storage, import, sale, transport and use of such plastic-borne goods.
iii. From the Article 48-A of the Constitution of India, it is expected that every state will try to conserve and improve the environment.

Government launched Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (2017 -18) – Series-III

The government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 – Series-III. These bonds will be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India.
Details about Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 2017-18–Series I:
Denomination: 1 gm
Issue Price: Simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the subscription period. Discount of Rs. 50 per gm, for those who subscribe online and pay through digital mode.
Tenure: 8 years
Interest Rate: 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.
Exit Option: From 5^th year onwards, to be exercised on interest payment dates
Minimum Size: 1 gm
Maximum Limit:4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March) notified by the Government from time to time.

Vijaya Bank inks MoU with HPCL for digital payments with BHIM/ UPI

Vijaya Bank (a public sector bank) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for enabling all HPCL retail outlets in Karnataka with BHIM/UPI merchant solutions.More Details about MoU between Vijaya Bank and HPCL:
i. With the signing of this MoU, petrol pump attendants and LPG delivery personnel will be able to accept digital payments.
ii. Customers of HPCL will now be able to make payments by scanning a payment QR code, using BHIM Vijaya or any BHIM app that supports payments via Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
iii. Earlier, both the entities had launched this facility at five outlets on pilot basis, which was quite successful.
iv. The MoU document was exchanged between Vijaya Bank MD and CEO R A Sankaranarayanan and HPCL Executive Director (Retail) G S.V Prasad in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Quick Facts about Vijaya Bank:
Founded in – 1931
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Current MD & CEO – R A Sankaranarayanan

JSA become the first law firm in GIFT city

J Sagar Associates (JSA) is the first law firm has a plan to open an office at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT).
♦ The office was inaugurated by Sudhir Mankad – Chairman of GIFT IFSC, along with CEO Ajay Pandey. Several banks, brokers and stock exchanges including the BSE and the National Stock Exchange have set-up their operations in GIFT.
J Sagar Associates(JSA)
J Sagar Associates, which is commonly known as JSA, is an Indian law firm. It was founded by Jyoti Sagar in 1991. The firm now has offices in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Tata AIA Life launches ‘Eazy Connect’

On 5^th Oct. 2017 ,Tata AIA Life launches of  Chatbot ‘Eazy Connect’ ,a online customer service through social media platform like Facebook Messenger, Twitter DM, Web chat and Whatsapp.
♦ This Chatbot service helps to support the customers to resolve the frequent queries by providing 24/7 service.
Usage of Eazy Connect
i.Log on Tata AIA Life website / Whatsapp (telephone no. 7045 11 8888)
ii.Press key #(hashtags)
iii.Get information on registered email ID or mobile number

Rajesh Nath awarded Germany’s highest civilian honour “Cross of the Order of Merit”

Rajesh Nath, Managing Director of VDMA India, has been conferred Germany’s Highest Civilian Honour, ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’. VDMA is a German Engineering Federation.About ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’:
i. ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’ was instituted in year 1951 and is also called Bundesverdienstkreuz or Federal Cross of Merit.
ii. It is Germany’s only honour that is awarded to both, Germans and foreigners for achievements in the economic, social, political or intellectual realms.
iii. On October 6, 2017, Dr Michael Feiner, the Consul-General of Germany in Kolkata, handed over the Cross of Merit, along with the certificate signed by the President of Germany.

Rahul Bothra appointed Swiggy’s first-ever CFO

Food delivery company Swiggy has appointed former Olam International executive & former Britannia Industries executive Rahul Bothra as its first chief financial officer (CFO).
i. Rahul Bothra was worked in Singapore and Brazil with agri-business company Olam in various roles including CFO.
ii. Before that, he worked with Britannia by leading company’s finance functions.
Swiggy
Swiggy is a food ordering and delivery company based out of Bangalore, India.Rahul Jaimini,Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy are founders of Swiggy.

SC appoints Amrender Sharan as amicus on a plea seeking re-probe of Mahatma Gandhi murder
On October 6, 2017, Supreme Court appointed senior advocate and former additional solicitor general Amrender Sharan as amicus curiae on a petition seeking re-probe into the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
More Details: 
i. Amicus Curiae: An entity or a person who is not a party to a case but assists the court by providing information that has an impact on the case.
ii. Supreme Court bench comprising Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao decided to appoint Amrender Sharan as amicus curiae while hearing a petition filed by Mumbai-based Dr Pankaj Phadnis, researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, who has sought reopening of the probe on several grounds, including the possibility of involvement of more people in the murder.
iii. Amrender Sharan was told by Supreme Court that its observation was not binding on him to make an assessment of the matter and posted it for further hearing on October 30, 2017.

Zee Ent fully acquires 9X Media, INX Music for Rs 160 cr

On Oct.6 2017, Zee Entertainment has acquired 100 per cent stake in two media entities, 9X Media and INX Music for Rs 160-crore.
i. The 9X Media operates five music channels- 9XM (Hindi), 9X Jalwa (Hindi), 9X Jhakkas (Marathi), 9XO (English) and 9X Bajao (Hindi). ZEEL will acquire 91,453,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each of 9X Media for a consideration of Rs 155.20 crore.
ii. ZEEL would acquire INX Music constituing 29.15 per cent stake for Rs 4.80 crore. The remaining 70.85 per cent in INX Music stake is owned by 9X Media and now INX will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZEEL.
iii. Under this deal these channels will be added to ZEELs current portfolio of 33 channels. 9X Medias popular bollywood news portal SpotboyE will also be part of this transaction. ZEEL recently sold its sports channel Ten Sports to Sony Pictures Networks for USD 385 million in an all cash deal.
 Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL)
♦ Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) is an Indian media and entertainment company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A subsidiary of the Essel Group the company’s founder is Subhash Chandra and its CEO and Managing Director is Punit Goenka
♦ Founded In – October 1992

China approves HP’s $1.1 bn buy of Samsung’s printer business

China has approved HP Inc’s $1.1 billion purchase of Samsung Electronics’ printer business with certain restrictions and concerns about the U.S. firm’s dominance in the laser printer market.
i. Under the deal, HP would add an intellectual property portfolio of more than 6,500 printing patents and nearly 1,300 researchers and engineers with expertise in laser printer technology, imaging electronics and printer supplies.
ii. In September 2016, HP announced this deal to disrupt the $55 billion copier market by focusing on multifunction printers and more deeply embedding mobile and cloud printing technologies to its product solutions.
iii. The Ministry of Commerce informed the sale of A4 format laser printers by HP in China should be done on “fair and reasonable” terms and the firm must report every six months on their prices and related data to the ministry.
About HP
♦ The Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) was an American multinational information technology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
♦ Founded In – January 1, 1939
♦ Founders – William Redington Hewlett and David Packard

India’s First Portal Dedicated to Para-sports Launched

‘thenationspride.com’, India’s First Portal Dedicated to Para-sports was launched on October 6, 2017. This platform has been launched to create awareness about para-sports and provide a platform to para sportspersons to share their success stories against adversities.More Details about ‘thenationspride.com’:
i. Inspiring stories of Indian para-sportspersons, who have consistently delivered stellar performances on domestic and global arenas, will be posted on this portal.
ii. Through regular updates and incisive analysis, the portal will gradually evolve into an extensive reference source for all para-sports related news and information.
iii. Besides interviews with para-sportspersons and news and articles on para-sports, the portal also provides information about upcoming para sporting events.
iv. The website has been made by Ideate Labs, Mumbai, without charging any fees.

Snow Leopard Photographed First Time in Arunachal Pradesh

On October 5^th 2017,The Snow Leopard has been clicked first time in India at Thembang village’s Community Conserved Area, a community-owned reserve, in West Kameng district, Arunachala Pradesh.i. It was spotted in the High Asian region, especially in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh region in India. It was clicked at a height above sea level of 3,900 metres.
ii. Snow leopards Population has been estimated between 3,920 and 6,390 globally. In 2004, WWF-India introduced the concept of Community Conserved Area (CCAs) in the State to empower local communities to become active decision-makers and implement conservation initiatives.

American Morgan Hurd won all-around title at world gymnastics championships

On Oct.6^th 2017,Morgan Hurd from America won the women’s all-around title in world gymnastics championships  at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.
i. Canada’s Ellie Black took silver and Elena Eremina of Russia won the bronze.

Veteran director Kundan Shah passed away

On 7^th October 2017, National Award-winning director Kundan Shah died at his age of 69 due to heart attack.i. Kundan Shah received his first and only National Award — Indira Gandhi Award for Best First Film of a Director.He went to the small screen by directed television shows like ‘Nukkad’ and ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’.
ii. Shah returned to Bollywood with ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’ in which Shah Rukh Khan in an unconventional role. He became the first filmmaker to win the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie in 1994 for the film.

Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated sea route to Baratang & laid foundation stone for shipping projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

On October 5, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inaugurated an alternate sea route to Baratang Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
i. They also laid the foundation stone for extension of dry dock in Port Blair, extension of wharf in Hope Town and construction of an additional jetty along with extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island.
ii. The new sea route to Baratang, which passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve will provide an alternative to the National Highways-4 route that linked Baratang to Port Blair. It will thereby promote tourism without disturbing the tribal areas.

First Edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival begins in New Delhi

The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has begun at Purana Quila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. It will continue till October 8, 2017.About First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival:
i. First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival has been organised by Union Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture and arts/cultural group Seher.
ii. It has been organised to celebrate 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, which is being commemorated with the theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. 
iii. 10 music bands from member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam – along with 5 prominent Indian bands will perform at this festival.
Quick Facts about ASEAN 
♦ Established in – 1967
♦ Secretariat – Jakarta, Indonesia
♦ Current Secretary General – Le Luong Minh

Prime Minister Modi temple with 100 feet tall statue to be built in Meerut

On 5^th October 2017, follower and supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P.Singh, announced that, a temple worth Rs.30 crore is to be built in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Temple with 100 feet tall statue for Prime Minister Modi:
i. The temple would be built in the Sardhana area of Meerut. A 100 feet statue of Prime Minister Modi would be installed in the temple.
ii. The ‘Bhumi Pujan’ and the stone laying ceremony for the temple would be conducted on 23^rdOctober 2017. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah is expected to attend the event.
iii. A retired engineer from the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, J.P.Singh, announced the construction of this temple. He said that, it would take 2 years for completion.
Other temples built in India for politicians and celebrities:
♦ Temple for Sonia Gandhi – Telengana
♦ Temple for Sachin Tendulkar – Bihar
♦ Temple for Amitabh Bachchan – Kolkata

Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Sign MoU to Boost Culture and Tourism

On 5^th October 2017, a MoU was signed by Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, to boost cultural ties.
MoU between Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Pradesh:
i. Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education, Sanjay Agarwal, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary, Joram Beda, Meghalaya Education Secretary, W R Lyngdoh signed the MoU.
ii. This MoU under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, aims to enhance cultural relationship between these 3 states.
iii. The ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, works to boost cultural relationship between different states of India. As per this programme, each year a state and a union territory would be paired with another for interaction between their people and knowing each other’s culture and heritage.
Other recent MoUs of Uttar Pradesh:
1. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for 24/7 power supply by October 2018
2. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for opening AIIMS in Gorakhpur

14^th India-EU summit held in New Delhi

On 6^th October 2017, the 14^th India – European Union Summit was held, in New Delhi.14th India-EU Summit:
President of the European Council, Donald Franciszek Tusk, President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker and EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini attended the 14^thIndia-EU Summit 2017.
i. This summit aims to deepen the India-EU strategic partnership and advance collaboration for India’s growth and development.
ii. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Donald Franciszek Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker.
iii. Sushma Swaraj discussed issues like counter-terrorism and Free Trade Agreement.
About European Union:
♦ European Union – political and economic union of 28 member states in Europe
♦ President of the European Parliament – Antonio Tajani
♦ President of the European Council – Donald Tusk
♦ President of the European Commission – Jean-Claude Juncker

First Meeting of India-Australia Joint Steering Committee held in New Delhi

On 6^th October 2017, the First Meeting of India-Australia Joint Steering Committee was held in New Delhi.
First meeting of India-Australia Joint Steering Committee:
i. Mr.TVSN Prasad, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, India and Mr.Stephen Bouwhuis, First Assistant Secretary, International and Auscheck Division, Criminal Justice Group, Attorney-General’s Department, Australia led the respective delegations.
ii. This meeting is a follow-up to the MoU on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime between India and Australia.
iii. During this meeting topics like scope for cooperation in counter-terrorism and checking extremism and radicalization, steps to check illegal financial transactions and counterfeiting and cybercrimes were discussed.
iv. Also, issues related to human trafficking and people smuggling, combating illegal drug trafficking and sharing information between law enforcement agencies were also discussed.
About Australia:
♦ Capital – Canberra
♦ Currency – Australian dollar
♦ National language – English

Sushma Swaraj to lead government delegation to PBD 2018 in Singapore

On 5^th October 2017, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore announced that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead a ministerial delegation to the ASEAN-India ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas’ (PBD) to be held in 2018, in Singapore.Sushma Swaraj to lead delegation to PBD 2018:
i. India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf made this announcement. Sushma Swaraj will lead the Indian delegation to the ASEAN-India ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas’ 2018.
ii. He also said that, PBD is to be held on 6^thand 7^thJanuary 2018. The PBD 2018 is an important part of the celebration of 25 years of the ASEAN-India partnership.
iii. Leaders from Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also speak at PBD 2018. ASEAN consists of 10 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas:
♦ Meaning – Non-Resident Indian Day
♦ Purpose – to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India

UN ends 13-year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti

On 5^th October 2017, the UN soldiers left Haiti finishing their 13 year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
End of UN peace keeping mission in Haiti:
i. A UN peacekeeping mission helped to maintain order in Haiti through 13 years of political turmoil and disaster. It has come to an end now.
ii. About 100 UN soldiers would leave Haiti in a few days. Still, the police and justice system are not adequate to ensure security in Haiti.
iii. UN troops reached more than 10,000 in number after the January 2010 earthquake. The mission officially ends on 15^th October 2017.
iv. The UN lowered its flag at its headquarters in Port-au-Prince.This will be followed by a smaller UN operation consisting of police and civilians who will support the country’s justice system.
About Haiti:
♦ Capital – Port-au-Prince
♦ Currency – Haitian gourde
♦ President – Jovenel Moise
♦ Prime Minister – Jack Guy Lafontant

Uday Kotak-led panel on corporate governance wants MD, CEO roles split; 6 independent directors on board

On October 5, 2017, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-appointed panel on Corporate Governance submitted its recommendations.
i. The 25-member panel was set up by SEBI in June 2017.
ii. The panel was led by Uday Kotak, the Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank.It also had bureaucrats, executives, lawyers and academicians as its member.

IBBI amends norms for setting up information utilities

On October 5, 2017, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) announced that it has amended the rules for information utilities.
New Norms applicable to Information Utilities:
i. Information Utilities: Unique entities that are governed by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and serve as repositories of information about lending and borrowing activities done by all financial institutions. They play vital role in providing financial and related details during the insolvency resolution process.
ii. Now onwards, a person can, either alone or together with persons acting in concert, have a maximum of 51 per cent stake in an information utility for up to three years from the date of its registration.
iii. Indian company listed in India can hold up to 100 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital or total voting power of an information utility for three years from the date of inception.
iv. More than half of the directors of an information utility should be Indian nationals and residents in India.
v. These amendments have been made effective from September 29, 2017.

IFC invests $76 mn in Fullerton India’s masala bond

World Bank Group member, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced that it has invested USD 76 million in 5-year unrated masala bond issuances of Fullerton India Credit Company.
More Details about IFC’s investment in Fullerton India’s masala bond:
i. Masala Bonds: Bonds issued outside India but denominated in Indian Rupees, rather than the local currency are referred to as Masala Bonds.
ii. IFC’s investment in Fullerton India’s masala bonds will strengthen Fullerton India’s reach in the underserved retail and micro, small, and medium enterprise segment.
iii. IFC is using masala bonds to support companies in diversifying their funding sources, and is thereby providing a new avenue to attract private investment for businesses that are facing funding gap.
iv. It is to be noted that the first Masala bondwas issued by International Financein November 2014, which raised Rs. 1,000 crore for infrastructure projects in India.

India, EIB ink pact for financing Bangalore Metro Rail Project

On 5^th October 2017, India and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed the finance contract for lending of 300 million euros (about Rs.2,293 crore) for Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-II.
India, EIB financial agreement for Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-II:
i. As per the financial agreement, European Investment Bank (EIB) would lend 300 million euros, as first portion of funds, for phase-II works of Bangalore Metro Rail Project. The project implementation period is 5 years.
ii. Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase II would be jointly financed by the EIB (500 million euros) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (300 million euros).
iii. The project works on extension of East-West and North-South lines for Bangalore Metro Rail which includes a total length of 72.095 km and 61 stations with 12 underground stations.
About European Investment Bank (EIB):
♦ Location – Luxembourg
♦ President – Werner Hoyer

FDI proposals of Wockhardt, Coastal Local Area Bank, KPB Holdings approved

On 3^rd and 4^th October 2017, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under Union Commerce Ministry approved several foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals.
i. Among FDI proposals that have been recently approved, one of them is of KPB Holdings’, a financial services company. Its proposal to issue shares to NRIs (non-resident Indians) has been approved by the DIPP.
ii. Similarly, Coastal Local Area Bank has also got nod for issuance of shares to NRIs.

Adobe invests in Aadhaar-based authentication for its ‘e-signature’ solution

Adobe announced investment on integration of Aadhaar-based authentication in its e-signature solution “Adobe Sign” on  4th Oct.2017. 
i. The market for e-signatures in India is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 57 percent and is expected to cross over a massive 90 million transactions by 2020 as per the Adobe commissioned survey conducted by Forrester Consulting.
ii. “Adobe Sign” is aimed at helping organizations to eliminate their dependency on wet signatures and allow digital validation of users’ legal identity.
About Adobe:-
♦  Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American multinational computer software company. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California, United States.
♦  Adobe is focus on creation of multimedia and creativity software products.It is best known for Photoshop, an image editing software, Acrobat Reader, the Portable Document Format (PDF) and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as its successor Adobe Creative Cloud.
♦ Founded in – 1982
♦  Founders – John Warnock,Charles Geschke

Flipkart Unveils MarQ, its New Private Label Brand for Large Appliances

On 5^th October 2017, Flipkart announced the launch of MarQ, an in-house brand in the large appliances category.MarQ:
i. MarQ is an in-house brand of Flipkart, that sells large appliances.This has been done in a move expands Flipkart’s self-branded offerings on its marketplace.
ii. For now, the company has launched microwave ovens under the MarQ private label brand.More products including televisions, washing machines, air conditioners, and sound bars would be launched.
iii. Selling self-branded items is in line with Flipkart’s ‘Better. Possible Today.’ vision. Flipkart said that, MarQ products will be more affordable.
iv. Also,Flipkart would offer multiple financing options such as no cost EMI or product exchange for MarQ products. These products will be serviceable in 300 service centres across India.
About Flipkart Private Limited:
♦ Headquarters – Bengaluru
♦ Group CEO – Binny Bansal
♦ CEO – Kalyan Krishnamurthy

Maharashtra govt & Tata Trusts tie-up for programs in Chandrapur district

On October 6, 2017, Maharashtra State Government and Tata Trusts entered into a tie-up for social development initiatives in Chandrapur district. The tie-up will focus on livelihood, digital literacy, data driven governance and child protection.
More Details about Maharashtra Govt & Tata Trusts tie-up:
i. Under the tie-up, Tata Trusts will help Chandrapur district administration to advance community development indicators in the district, by improving existing projects and aiding administrators in facilitating multi-sectoral development.
ii. Both the entities will jointly work on a village-level micro planning exercise Data, Evaluation, Learning, Technology and Analysis (DELTA).
iii. By partnering with the Center for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), Tata Trust will work with the Chandrapur administration for district-level budget analysis and streamlining fund flow.
iv. In a bid to improve literacy indicators and make the education programme robust, Maharashtra State Education Department and Tata Trusts will be introducing 10 mobile computer literacy buses through the ‘Palak Mantri Sanganak Prashikshan Prayogshala’ project for a year.

Magicbricks Launches India’s First Online Property Bidding Platform

Magicbricks announced its launch of India’s first online bidding platform for residential and commercial properties.It tied-up with leading developer ‘Magnificence in the Trinity Of Men, Materials & Money'( M3M) for their new inauguration of ‘My Bid, My Home’ .
♦  Magicbricks has been recently awarded the Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, making it the country’s only real estate portal eligible for a bidding platform for properties.
‘My Bid, My Home’
i. This scheme will be helpful for customers can bid for ready-to-move-in residential properties ranging from 1355sqft to 7875sqft in Gurugram onOct 7, 2017.
ii. Customers can log on to http://m3mbidding.magicbricks.com/ and bid for properties in M3M Golfestate (Fairway West), M3M Merlin and M3M Woodshire .
iii. The properties available for bidding would have their base price lower than the market price. The developer is also offering customers ranging from PLC wavier, free car park, club membership to one-year free maintenance for some projects, completed kitchen and wardrobes.

Nobel peace prize 2017 awarded to International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

On 6^th October 2017, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner as International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), in Oslo, Norway.Nobel peace prize 2017:
i. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has honoured ICAN for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and for its efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons.
ii. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is a non-governmental organisation of over 100 countries all over the world. ICAN had given the efforts to achieve a world without nuclear weapons, in the past year.
iii. The committee said that the next steps towards attaining a world free of nuclear weapons must involve the nuclear-armed states.
About International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN):
♦ Field – Nuclear disarmament
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦ Executive director – Beatrice Fihn

Gauri Lankesh posthumously honoured with Anna Politkovskaya Award

On 5^th October 2017, Reach All Women (RAW) in War announced Gauri Lankesh as the winner of Anna Politkovskaya Award 2017.
Gauri Lankesh honored with Anna Politkovskaya Award:
i. Journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on 5^thSeptember 2017. She was a critic of right-wing Hindu extremism, campaigner for women’s rights, rights of Dalits etc.
ii. RAW awards the annual Anna Politkovskaya Award 2017 jointly to Gauri Lankesh posthumously, and to a Pakistani activist Gulalai Ismaial.
iii. Gauri Lankesh is the 12th woman to receive this prestigious award. Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian journalist was killed in 2006 in Moscow for her courage to speak out on the suffering of the civilians in the war in Chechnya.
iv. To mark the anniversary of Anna Politkovskaya’s murder on 7^thOctober 2006 and to honour Anna and similar women, RAW in War annually presents the award to a female human rights defender from conflict zone.
About Gauri Lankesh:
♦ Occupation – Journalist-activist
♦ State – Karnataka

Mongolia names Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh as new PM after ousting previous leader

On 5^th October 2017, Mongolia appointed Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh as its new prime minister, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Mongolia’s New Prime Minister:
i. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh was a former deputy Prime Minister. He has been selected as the new Prime Minister by the ruling Mongolia People’s Party (MPP).
ii. Few weeks ago, the previous Prime Minister Jargaltulgiin Erdenebat and his cabinet were removed due corruption allegations.
iii. He was accused of granting $328 million in concessions to eight companies related to his cabinet ministers. He was also accused of providing illegal cash allowances to voters.
iv. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh has come under suspicion of using illegal donations in his campaign. Also, in 2007 he was investigated for receiving stolen funds from a state-owned bank. The charges were later dropped.
About Mongolia:
♦ Capital – Ulaanbaatar
♦ Currency – Togrog

ISRO to set up Research Centre in Guwahati

On 5^th October 2017, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the setting up of a research centre for startups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs, in Guwahati, Assam.ISRO Research Centre in Guwahati:
i. The decision of setting up ISRO research centre at Guwahati was taken at a meeting between Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and ISRO Chairman Dr.A.S.Kiran Kumar on 5^thOctober 2017.
ii. This is the first time ISRO is setting up an exclusive research facility in Assam. Assam government would provide land to the ISRO free of cost for the research centre.
iii. The research centre would explore the possibility of using geospatial technology, through Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Satellite Remote Sensing for Assam’s development.
iv. This would be used for accurate flood warning system, prevention of soil erosion, land slide etc.
Other ISRO Research Centres:
♦ Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre – Thiruvananthapuram
♦ Physical Research Laboratory – Ahmedabad
♦ Semi-Conductor Laboratory – Chandigarh

Embryo Transfer Technology, a promising revolution in Bovine breeding

Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines and is being used as a tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle.
‘National Mission on Bovine Productivity’:
i. Under this scheme, Department of Animal husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer programme in Indigenous Breeds.
ii. 440 embryo transfers are to be carried out in 12 ETT centres across India from 2^nd – 10^th October, 2017.
iii. Embryos of Indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Ongole, Deoni and Vechur have been proposed to be transferred under this programme.
iv. Benefits of ETT: Farmer can get a 5-6 fold increase in number of offsprings, the calves so born will be of high genetic merit and the offsprings born will be free from diseases.

Governor E S L Narasimhan launches ‘GST Rate Finder’ Telugu Mobile App

On 5^th October 2017, Governor for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh E S L Narasimhan launched the first regional language version of ‘GST Rate Finder’ App in Telugu, in Hyderabad.
GST Rate Finder App:
i. Already the English version of the ‘GST Rate Finder’ app was launched in July 2017. Now, telugu version of the app has been launched. This App will be available for Android phones.
ii. E S L Narasimhan said that the Telugu version of the GST Rate Finder mobile app is a much-needed tool and helpful for the common man.
iii. He said that, the new tax regime paved the way for ‘One country, One Tax’ replacing multiplicity of taxes.
iv. According to the Governor, GST will take at least six months to one year to settle down as it is a great shift for the common man.
About GST (Goods & Services Tax):
♦ Launched on – 1 July 2017
♦ Type – indirect tax

Australian fast bowler John Hastings retires from Tests, ODIs

Australian Cricketer John Wayne Hastings confirmed his retirement from Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He plans to focus on T20 cricket.i. The 31 years old John Hastings was the world’s leading ODI pacer after picking up 29 wickets in 15 matches in 2016.
ii. John Wayne Hastings was born on 4^th November 1985. He plays for the Melbourne Stars, and the Australian national team and played for Victoria cricket team. He is an all-rounder who combines right-arm fast-medium bowling with strong lower-order batting.

Former Union minister Purushottam Lal Kaushik passed away

On 5^th October 2017, Former Union minister and socialist leader Purushottam Lal Kaushik died in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district.
Purushottam Lal Kaushik’s death:
i. Purushottam Lal Kaushik was 87 years old. He died at his residence in Mahasamund town due to age-related ailments.
ii. He was born on September 24, 1930 in Mahasamund. He had obtained his LLB degree from the Nagpur University in 1954.
iii. He had served as tourism and civil aviation minister during 1977- 1979. He headed the Information and Broadcasting Ministry during July 1979-January 1980.
iv. He was elected as an MLA from Mahasamund seat in 1972 to the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and as an MP from Raipur in the year 1977 and from Durg in 1989.
About Purushottam Lal Kaushik:
♦ Occupation – Politician
♦ State – Chattisgarh

Prime Minister inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in New Delhi

On 4^th October 2017, Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ICSI:
i. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India celebrated Golden Jubilee, to mark the completion of 50 years.
ii. Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee and also launched the motto song of the institute.
iii. The institute was initially set up as not-for-profit organisation on October 4, 1968. Later in 1980, it was converted into a statutory professional body under the Company Secretaries Act 1980.
iv. ICSI is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries.
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ President- CS Dr.Shyam Agrawal

Tourism Ministry launched ‘Paryatan Parv’ initiative

On 5^th to 25^th October 2017, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ‘Paryatan Parv’, a tourist festival to promote India to Indians, all over India.
Promote India to Indians;
i. ‘Paryatan Parv’ is a tourism festival in which state governments and 18 central ministries take part. This festival will be conducted for 20 days.
ii. Main focus of this festival is to epxlain the benefits of tourism, showcase the cultural diversity of India and highlight the principle of ‘Tourism for All’.
iii. This festival was inaugurated at the Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi by Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture.
iv. This festival has three parts namely:
1.Dekho Apna Desh – to encourage Indians to visit their own country
2.Tourism for All – tourism events will be held at sites in all states
3.Tourism and Governance – interactive sessions and workshops on various themes
Recent schemes of Ministry of Tourism:
♦ Swadesh Darshan – thirteen thematic circuits identified for development
♦ PRASAD – thirteen sites identified for development

L-G Anil Baijal approves Delhi government education loan scheme

On 5^th October 2017, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal approved the Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme, in New Delhi.
Approval for Delhi government’s higher education loan scheme:
i. The Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme would help thousands of students and parents.
ii. The Delhi government had started this scheme 2 years back, to provide loans to students for higher education, even if they didn’t have any property or land as security.
iii. In 2017, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses outside Delhi in government recognised institutions.
iv. In September 2017,Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Lieutenant Governor Baijal had blocked the scheme. Now, Baijal has cleared the scheme saying that, his opinion on the scheme was misinterpreted as disapproval.
Recent Schemes introduced by Delhi Government:
♦ YUVA Skill Development Program
♦ Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme
♦ Free Surgery Scheme in Delhi

HP Cabinet approves Heritage Tourism policy & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’

On October 4, 2017, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singhapproved ‘Heritage Tourism Policy 2017’ & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’ along with other developmental and welfare initiatives.
‘Himachal Pradesh Heritage Tourism Policy’ 2017:
i. This policy has been approved with an aim to offer an experience of the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
ii. Under this policy, heritage buildings, forts, palaces, lodges and mansions etc. having historic lineage will be preserved.
iii .Himachal Pradesh Cabinet believes that this initiative would open new areas in the state for tourism activities.
‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’:
This scheme has been approved under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for rural roads.
♦ The roads to be renovated would be selected by the concerned panchayats after approval in gram Sabha.
♦ As a follow up measure, the roads repaired under the scheme would also be inspected.
♦ Besides improving the conditions of the roads, this scheme would also provide employment to the villagers.
Quick Facts about Himachal Pradesh:
♦ Capital: Shimla
♦ Current Chief Minister: Virbhadra Singh
♦ Current Governor: Achrya Dev Vrat

Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 to be Held in Hyderabad

On October 3, 2017, a high-level delegation from Government of India and the United States met at NITI Aayog to plan the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which is scheduled to be held from 28^th – 30^th November 2017 in Hyderabad.
About Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017:
i. GES is an annual gathering of emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from around the world, wherein entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, build partnerships and secure funding for their businesses.
ii. GES 2017 will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump (Advisor to the US President Donald Trump). Ivanka Trump will lead the U.S. delegation to this Summit.
iii. Theme of GES 2017 is “Women First, Prosperity for All”.
iv. Over 1600 delegates, including entrepreneurs, investors and CEOs of major knowledge-based industries will attend GES 2017.
v. On behalf of Government of India, NITI Aayog is playing the lead role in organising this Summit.

Three day global medical conference held in Chandigarh

On 4^th October 2017, a three day international medical conference, ‘IMTechCon 2017’, began at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), in Chandigarh.
IMTechCon 2017:
i. The aim ‘IMTechCon 2017’ is to engage industry and academic leaders to discuss current unmet medical needs at global level.
ii. Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki presided over the conference.He said that, this conference would provide new R&D partnerships between industry and research institutions and lead to more product development.
iii. Earlier, IMTECH had patented clot buster Streptokinase, as an important life-saving drug. This has been made available for the public at affordable cost. More such developments would be encouraged through these type of conferences.
iii. CSIR-IMTECH is a premier microbial institute under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
About Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH):
♦ Director – Dr. Anil Koul
♦ Research focus – biological sciences and microbe-related biotechnology

India ranks highest in online harassment in APAC region: Norton

On 4^th October 2017, a report by Norton by Symantec, stated that India ranks first in online harassment, in the Asia Pacific region.India tops online harassment in Asia Pacific Region:
i. Norton by Symantec released a report on online harassment. This report surveyed 1,035 adults in India.
ii. India has faced highest levels of online harassment in the Asia Pacific Region. 8 out of 10 surveyed Indians said that, they had encountered some form of online harassment.
iii. The most common forms of online harassment were abuse and insults (63 %) and malicious gossip and rumours (59 %).
iv. 45 % of the surveyed Indians said that, they had experienced threats of physical violence. 44 % of the surveyed Indians said that, they have been victims of cyberbullying.
About Norton by Symantec:
♦ Industry – Security software
♦ Headquarters – California, United States
♦ Vice President – Fran Rosch

RBI forms High-level Task Force on Public Credit Registry under Yeshwant M. Deosthalee

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a High-level Task Force on Public Credit Registry (PCR) for India. The task force has been constituted under the chairmanship of Yeshwant M. Deosthalee.
i. The High-level Task Force on Public Credit Registry (PCR) for India consists of representatives from various stakeholders including the Reserve Bank, banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), industry bodies, and experts in information technology.  
ii. It will review the current availability of information on credit, the adequacy of existing information system and identify gaps that could be filled by a PCR.

NABARD sanctions Rs. 273 crore to Andhra Pradesh for development projects

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned an amount Rs. 273 crore to the Andhra Pradesh Government for Rural Water supply, Road and Bridge projects. These funds have been sanctioned under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).Utilisation of Funds for Rural Water Supply and Development of Roads and Bridges:
i. Out of Rs. 273 crore,  Rs. 167 has been sanctioned as loan assistance for development of 114 roads and three bridge projects in 12 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
ii. The funds will be used to construct new roads as well as widen and strengthen existing roads for improving rural connectivity.
iii. Remaining 106 crore will be used for 422 Rural Water Supply projects. These projects will supply potable water to around 500 habitations in 13 districts of the Andhra Pradesh.
Quick Facts about NABARD:
♦ Established in – 1982
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai

Lenders, borrowers cannot have exposure of over Rs 10 lakh on P2P platforms: RBI

On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) came out with master directions for peer-to-peer (P2P) lending.
What is peer-to-peer (P2P) lending?
i. Peer-to-peer lending is an online mechanism which raises loans for people who need to borrow, from people who want to invest.
ii. It is to be noted that in September 2017, Reserve Bank of India notified that peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms would be treated as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
RBI Guidelines for P2P Lending:
i. Aggregate exposure of a lender to all borrowers at any point of time, across all P2P platforms shall not exceed Rs. 10 lakh.
ii. The aggregate loans taken by a borrower at any point of time, across all P2P platforms shall not exceed Rs. 10 lakh.
iii. Exposure of a single lender to the same borrower is capped at Rs. 50,000.
iv. Tenure of the loan should not exceed 36 months.

AIIB, ADB approves $100 million loan for India’s power sector

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB)will co-finance a USD 100-million loan for boosting the power sector in India.
i. The loan will be used to improve power transmission network and expand the use of solar and wind energy.
ii. This is the fourth co-financing made by the AIIB and the ADB. Earlier both the entities have co-financed infrastructure projects in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
iii. It is to be noted that India is the second largest shareholder in the AIIB.
Quick Facts about AIIB:
♦ Formation Year – 2016
♦ Headquarters – Beijing, China
♦ Current President – Jin Liqun

MobiKwik renames its payment gateway

On 5^th October 2017, Mobile wallet provider, MobiKwik renamed its payment gateway as ‘MobiKwik Payment Gateway’MobiKwik Payment Gateway:
i. The new payment gateway has been introduced with new features for secure transactions. It supports all major instruments like credit and debit cards, netbanking, UPI and wallets.
ii. MobiKwik Payment Gateway has 24/7 physically monitored data centre with restricted and logged access, system level firewalls and hardware level encryption.
iii. It has been launched with a vision to simplify payment systems in India and support new businesses with customised digital payment requirements
About MobiKwik:
♦ Headquarters – Gurgaon
♦ Founder – Bipin Preet Singh, Upasana Taku

Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU With Mastercard to Set Up Centre of Excellence in Vizag

On October 5, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government signed a MoU with American payments solution company Mastercard for setting up centre of excellence in Vizag.
Details about MoU between Andhra Pradesh State Government and Mastercard:
i. The MoU was signed between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Mastercard CEO, Ajaypal Singh Banga in New Delhi.
ii. Delivering solutions for cybersecurity, farmer marketplace solutions, smart city/transit and skilling are the focus areas of this MoU
iii. This collaboration will not only drive financial inclusion across Andhra Pradesh, but will also digitally transform the technology sector in the state.
iv. As agreed under the MoU, MasterCard will organise business summit in Vizag every year.
Quick Facts about Mastercard:
Founded in: 1966
Headquarters: New York, US
Current CEO: Ajaypal Singh Banga

ESMA recognises NSE and BSE’s clearing arms as qualified CCP

European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified the clearing arms of National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as qualified central counterparty (CCP).
More Details:
i. A central counterparty (CCP) is a corporate entity which guarantees the terms of a trade even if a buyer or seller defaults on the agreement.
ii. Under the Basel III framework introduced by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, entities are subjected to lower capital requirement/charges while participating in capital markets through qualified central counterparty (CCP).
iii. NSE’s arm National Securities Clearing Corporation Ltd (NSCCL) and BSE’s subsidiary Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (ICCL) have been granted certification by ESMA.
iv. On account of this certification, European entities viz. banks and clearing members will require lower capital requirements to participate in Indian Capital Markets.

2017 Nobel Prize in Literature Awarded to Kazuo Ishiguro

British author Kazuo Ishiguro has won 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature
i. Kazuo Ishiguro is best known for his novel ‘The Remains of the Day’.
ii. He was born in Nagasaki, Japan. When he was five years old, he moved to Britain with his family.
iii. Praising Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Academy stated “who, in novels of great emotional force, has uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world”.
iv. Kazuo Ishiguro has written eight books, which have been translated into over 40 languages.
v. For winning the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature, he will receive 9 million Swedish Krona ($1.1 million) prize money.

Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes India Rich List for 10th year in a row

With a net worth of $38 billion, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani has topped Forbes’s India Rich List 2017. He has topped Forbes rich list for 10^th consecutive year.
Highlights of Forbes Rich List 2017:
i. Combined net worth of India’s 100 richest stood at $479 billion, marking a 26 percent rise from $374 billion in 2016.
ii. The rise in wealth of 100 richest Indians despite of slowdown in Indian economy has been attributed to positively trending stock market.
iii. Mukesh Ambani’s wealth grew by whopping 67 per cent as compared to 2016 on account of Reliance’s improved refining margins and phenomenal success of Reliance Jio.
iv. Dilip Sanghavi of Sun Pharmaceuticals suffered maximum erosion in net worth in 2017 as the Indian pharmaceutical sector has faced lot of challenges from the beginning of the year.
v. This year, the entry threshold has been $1.46 billion, which is the highest mark so far.
Forbes Rich List 2017 – Top 5

TAKE Solutions to receive Golden Peacock Award

TAKE Solutions would receive the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance, from the Institute of Directors, in London, on 25^th October 2017.
Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance:
i. The Golden Peacock Award is given by the Institute of Directors, in London.  It honours extra-ordianry organisational performances through a three-tier process.
ii. TAKE Solutions is to be awarded the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance. It is a service provider in life sciences and supply chain management.
iii. TAKE Solutions Chief Financial Officer Subhasri Sriram would receive the award at the Institute of Directors’ International Convention, to be held on 25^th October 2017, in London.
iv. TAKE Solutions had recorded a 29 % growth in terms of revenue, in financial year 2016 – 2017. It has its presence in North and South America, Europe and Asia.
About TAKE Solutions:
♦ Chairman – N Kumar
♦ CEO & President – Ram Yeleswarapu

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez announced as brand ambassador of Delhi Dynamos

On 4^th October 2017, Delhi Dynamos FC announced that Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez will be the club’s brand ambassador for the upcoming Indian Super League season.Jacqueline Fernandez – Brand Ambassador of Delhi Dynamos:
i. Through the fourth edition of the tournament, Jacqueline will help the club in embracing and engaging with fans across India.
ii. Jacqueline will help to spread the message that anyone can learn and play the football. This will also help to attract more female audience to football.
iii. Delhi Dynamos will become the first Indian Football Club to have a female brand ambassador.
About Delhi Dynamos FC (Football Club):
♦ League – Indian Super League
♦ Manager – Miguel Angel Portugal

ICC names Corey Anderson as event ambassador for U-19 World Cup 2018

On 5^th October 2017, International Cricket Council (ICC) announced New Zealand all-rounder, Corey Anderson as the event ambassador for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2018.
Corey Anderson – ambassador for U-19 World Cup 2018:
i. The under-19 World Cup starts on 13^thJanuary 2018. The 16-team tournament will be held in New Zealand for the third time in history. It will be played in four cities.
ii. Corey Anderson would be the event ambassador for this world cup event. He is a 26 year old all-rounder of the New Zealand cricket team.
iii. He has scored 683 runs and 16 wickets in Tests, 1109 runs and 60 wickets in ODIs, and 432 runs and 14 wickets in T20Is so far.
About U-19 World Cup 2018:
♦ Administrator – International Cricket Council
♦ Cricket format – 50 overs
♦ Host – New Zealand

Pooja Kapur concurrently appointed as next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia

On 4^th October 2017, Ms.Pooja Kapur, presently the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Bulgaria, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia, concurrently (at the same time).
Pooja Kapur as Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia:
i. Ms.Pooja Kapour is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of batch 1996.She is currently the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Bulgaria.Her residence is in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria.
ii. She would to take charge as Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia shortly.
iii. Ms.Pooja Kapour was appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Bulgaria on 10^th July 2017. She has earlier served at Indian Missions in Paris, London, Kuala Lumpur and Brussels.
About Republic of Macedonia:
♦ Capital – Skopje
♦ Currency – Macedonian denar
♦ President – Gjorge Ivanov
♦ Prime Minister – Zoran Zaev

ONGC Videsh completes stake buy in Namibia oil block

On 4^th October 2017, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), announced that, it has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 37, from UK’s Tullow Oil.ONGC Videsh acquired 30 % interest in PEL 37:
i. OVL has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 37. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
ii. PEL 37 covers three blocks of 17,000 square km in the central Walvis Basin offshore Namibia.
iii. Tullow Oil held 65 % interest in the oil block. Now, with remaining 35 % interest, Tullow Oil will continue as the operator of the licence.
iv. OVL is India’s largest international oil and gas exploration and production company. It has 38 projects in 17 countries.
About ONGC:
♦ Headquarters – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
♦ Chairman & MD – Shashi Shanker

itelligence acquires Hyderabad-based vCentric Technologies
itelligence India Software Solutions Private Limited has acquired the Hyderabad-based reseller of SAP software and SAP services provider named vCentric Technologies. The acquisition deal value has not been disclosed so far.
More Details about intelligence acquisition of vCentric technologies:
i.The acquisition of vCentric Technologies is a part of itelligence’s strategic expansion into the growing local Indian IT market.
ii. This acquisition will allow itelligence to offer services across different geographies in India and different segments.
iii. It is to be noted that intelligence employs over 6,600 people in 24 countries. In 2016, it generated total sales of Euro 778 million.

New rapid test developed to detect Zika and Dengue

A team of researchers, including those from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has developed a low-cost rapid test that can quickly and accurately detect Zika and dengue viruses from blood.More Details about New Rapid Test to detect Zika and Dengue:
i. The test is conducted through a strip which resembles pregnancy test strip which contains gold nano particles and antibodies that react to the presence of Zika or dengue virus.
ii. To conduct the test, the medical professional needs to dip the strip into a tube of either blood serum or whole blood.
iii. The test can differentiate between Zika and Dengue. It can even differentiate among different strains of dengue.
iv. Accuracy of the test has been checked by applying blood serum samples taken from people in regions affected by Zika such as Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, India, Mexico and Panama.
v. Cost effectiveness (about $5 per strip) and high accuracy are the salient features of this new rapid test

Adidas unveils new campaign ‘#HereToCreate’ for FIFA U-17 World Cup in India

On 4^th September 2017, Adidas launched its new campaign named #HereToCreate, to inspire young football talent in India and to kick start a football revolution.
#HereToCreate:
i. #HereToCreate is Adidas’ new campaign for football. It is a film that showcases how football has caught the imagination of India both on and off the pitch.
ii. It was conceptualised by Cheil W W India. The film captures the landscapes of the country, from the streets of old Delhi and Mumbai, the beaches of Goa, to the grounds of Kolkata.
iii. The film captures the challenges and constraints of a young footballer in India who fights against it.
About Adidas:
♦ Headquarters – Herzogenaurach, Germany
♦ CEO – Kasper Rorsted

Mahaveer Raghunathan becomes first Indian to claim European racing title

On 4^th October 2017, Mahaveer Raghunathan became the first Indian to win a European racing championship, by winning the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title, at Imola, Italy.European Racing title:
i. Mahaveer Raghunathan is a 19 year old racer from Chennai. He has won the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title.
ii. He won the last two races of the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) and won the title. He belongs to the PS Racing by Coloni Motorsport team.
iii. In a field of 20 racers from all over the world, he secured 263 points in seven rounds to win the title.
iii. In his second race his main opponent, Italy’s Salvatore de Plano of MM International Sport team, terminated from the race in the fourth lap. This also helped Mahaveer ease the victory.
About Boss GP Championship 2017:
♦ Type – Motor racing series
♦ Category – Single seaters
♦ Held – 21^st April 2017 at Hockenheim, Germany to 1^st October 2017 at Imola, Italy.

Pooja Kadian hands India its first gold in Wushu World Championships

On 4^th October 2017, Pooja Kadian created history by winning India’s first ever gold medal at Wushu World Championships, in Russia.
Pooja Kadian wins gold at Wushu World Championship:
i. Pooja Kadian, a Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Wushu champion, finished on top in the 75 kg women’s Sanda Category by defeating Evgeniya Stepanova of Russia in the finals.
ii. Pooja Kadian has won gold medal, becoming India’s first gold medal winner in Wushu World Championships.
iii. Pooja had won gold in the 12th South Asian Games, silver medals in the World Games 2013, World Championship 2013 and World Championship 2015 respectively.
iv. She has also won gold medals in the National Games in 2014 and 2017.She is currently serving as a head constable in the CRPF.
About Wushu World Championships:
♦ Host City – Kazan, Russia
♦ Dates – 29^thSeptember – 3^rd October 2017
♦ Venue – Gymnastics Palace, Kazan, Russia

The book titled ‘The Singing Tree’ launched to spread awareness on preventing child blindness

On 4^th October 2017, a book titled ‘The Singing Tree’ was launched by an international NGO, Orbis India, to spread awareness on preventing child blindness.
The Singing Tree:
i. The book ‘The Singing Tree’ is about visual impairment due to refractive error in children. This is a part of Orbis India’s programme to reach over three million school children, screen and treat them for refractive error.
ii. It is published in six regional languages apart from English. It will be distributed to 75,000 children free of cost across India.Author of this book is Ken Youngstein.
iii. Globally, uncorrected refractive errors account for over 80 % of visual impairment among school children. This problem can be easily diagnosed and corrected with a simple test and a pair of spectacles.
About Orbis India:
♦ Location – New York
♦ Chairman – Ted Hartley

World Teachers Day – October 5

On 5^th October 2017, World Teachers Day is observed all over the world.World Teachers Day:
i. World Teachers Day is also known as International Teachers Day. Since 1994, it is celebrated worldwide.
ii. Its aim is to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
iii. Theme of 2017 World Teachers Day is ‘Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers’. It insists on teachers to enjoy professional independence, freedom and the tools needed to deliver quality education, which must take into account learners’ circumstances, needs and expectations.
iv. The empowerment of teachers is considered as a priority as per the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goal for Education.
About UNESCO:
♦ Full form – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
♦ Headquarters – Paris, France
♦ Director General – Irina Bokova

Cabinet Approvals on October 4, 2017

Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India and Lithuania.
i. Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
ii. Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
iii. Centre approves setting up a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad.

Centre launches six-year secure Himalaya project

On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
i. SECURE Himalaya stands for securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems.
ii. The project is meant for specific landscapes in High Himalaya ecosystem spread across four states viz. Jammu and Kasmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

Government constitutes a High Level Committee for proper management of water resources in North Eastern Region

On 4^th October 2017, the Government constituted a high-level committee for proper management of the water resources in the North Eastern Region (NER).Committee for water management in NER:
i. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog.
ii. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will serve as the coordinating point.
iii. Members of the Committee are Secretaries from the Ministries of Development of North Eastern Region, Department of Border Management, Department of Space, Power, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and National Disaster Management Authority and Chief Secretaries of all the 8 states in NER.
iv. The Committee will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018.
v. The Committee would help optimising benefits of appropriate water management in the form of hydro-electric power, agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism.
About Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Jitendra Singh

Government launches special course for untrained teachers

On 4^th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed):
i. The HRD Ministry had announced that ‘untrained teachers’ have to complete the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) course, within 2019.
ii. This course would be offered through ‘Swayam’, a platform for online education and knowledge through Dish TV. A mobile application has also been launched to help with clarifications.
iii. The course duration is 4 semesters. It consists of 1,080 lectures, in 10 languages.
iv. The applicant must have scored minimum 50% in class 12 examinations to enroll in the course. If not, they can write an exam with the NIOS, and if they score minimum of 50%, they would be eligible.
About National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS):
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Chairman – Prof. C.B. Sharma

No service charge on train e-ticket till March 2018: Railways

On 29^th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
Service charge waived for train e-ticket till March 2018:
i. The government had waived service charges for e-tickets after demonetisation in November 2016, to encourage e-ticket booking. This was extended to 30^thJune and then 30^thSeptember 2017.
ii. On 29^thSeptember 2017, the Railway Board mentioned in a statement to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) that, service charges for e-tickets booked in IRCTC will be waived till March 2018.
iii. Service charges for e-tickets booked through IRCTC varies from Rs.20 to Rs.40 per ticket. Almost 33% of the IRCTC revenue comes from the service charge collected on online bookings.
About IRCTC:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Products – e-ticketing, offline booking
♦ Services – Catering, Tourism and Online Ticketing

Uttar Pradesh government launches ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’

On October 3, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government launched a mass marriage scheme called ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’.Details of ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’
i. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department will conduct mass marriages.
ii. District magistrates of respective districts will authorise Urban local bodies like nagar panchayat, nagar palika and nagar nigam, kshetra panchayats, zila panchayats, government/semi-government organisations and NGOs to organise programmes in this regard.
iii. In order to avail the benefits of this scheme, parents of the brides have to be residents of Uttar Prdaesh and should be from below poverty line category. The scheme will also cover widows and divorced women.
iv. There should be at least 10 couples in the mass marriage ceremony. Uttar Pradesh State Government will spend Rs 35,000 on each couple. Besides, couples will also get number of household items and mobile phones as gifts.
Quick Facts about Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Lucknow
♦ Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
♦ Current Governor – Ram Naik

Massive search operation ‘CASO’ launched in Jammu & Kashmir

On 4^th October 2017, Government forces launched a major Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO), in Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO):
i. Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) was launched following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the Bandipora area.
ii. Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) launched the joint operation in Hajin town of Bandipora district.
iii. Massive deployment of forces was made in the town and house-to-house searches were conducted.
iv. This was launched after the killing of an off-duty BSF (Border Security Force) soldier by suspected militants at his home in Parrey Mohalla of Hajin town, Bandipora. Police has blamed Lashkar-e-Toiba for his killing.
About CRPF:
♦ Fullform – Central Reserve Police Force
♦ Motto – Service and Loyalty
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Director General – Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar

France Parliament approves new Anti-Terror Law

On 3^rd October 2017, France’s lower house of parliament approved a new Anti-Terror Law, in Paris, France.
New Anti-Terror law:
i. The New Anti-Terror law was approved by 415 votes to 127, with 19 abstentions. By approving the new counter-terrorism law, several controversial measures under the state of emergency that has been in act for nearly two years have been made permanent.
ii. This law has faced criticism that, it will reduce civil liberties. But, it has heavy support from certain group of people badly affected by a series of jihadist attacks.
iii. The vote has been made just two days after great bloodshed, and a suspected Islamist radical having stabbed two 20-year-old women to death, in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.
iv. In recent times, terrorist activities have been on the increase in France.
About France:
♦ Capital – Paris
♦ Currency – Euro, CFP franc
♦ President – Emmanuel Macron

8^th SAARC Speaker, Parliamentarians conference held in Sri Lanka

On 4^th to 6^th October 2017, the 8^th conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians (ASSP) is held at Hotel Hilton, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
8th SAARC Speaker, Parliamentarians conference:
i. The 8^th Conference, organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, has brought together Speakers and Parliamentarians from the member countries of the SAARC.ii. The conference was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
iii. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered the key note address at the Opening Ceremony. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya delivered welcome speech at the inauguration.
iv. Theme of this conference is ‘Association of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians’: a platform for the Parliamentarians of South Asia to work together to reach the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
About SAARC:
♦ Full form – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
♦ Headquarters – Kathmandu
♦ Secretary-General – Arjun Bahadur Thapa

Bangladesh signs $ 4.5 billion loan deal with India

On 4^th October 2017, Bangladesh signed a $ 4.5 billion Line Of Credit (LoC) agreement with India, for its infrastructure and social sector development, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
India’s 3rd LoC with Bangladesh:
i. This is the 3^rd LoC agreement of India with Bangladesh. This LoC involves $ 4.5 billion dollar.
ii. Economic Relations Division Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam signed the deal on behalf of Bangladesh and MD of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) David Rasquinha signed for India.
iii. The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M.A.Muhith.
iv. The $ 4.5 billion, will be used to fund 17 major projects in Bangladesh, which include electricity, railroads, roads, shipping and ports.
v. As per this LoC agreement, Bangladesh will have to purchase 65 to 75 % of the services, goods or works from the Indian market with the money to be provided.
Other LoCs of India with Bangladesh:
♦ LoC in August 2010 – $ 862 million – to buy equipment and services from Indian entities such as BHEL, RITES, small and medium enterprises
♦ LoC in March 2016 – $ 2 billion – to create 50,000 jobs in India through Make in India

India to be guest country at the World Government Summit

On 1^st October 2017, The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual gathering on 11^thto 13^th February, 2018, in Dubai.
India as guest country in World Government Summit:
i. Honorary guests from India will attend the World Government Summit 2017 to showcase India’s economic growth, valuable knowledge, skills, capabilities and unique culture.
ii. Hosting India as an honorary guest has been done in a move to strengthen UAE’s relationship with India.
iii. The World Government Summit focuses on hosting guest countries with exceptional experiences, worthy of being global models to follow.
iv. Requests have been made by 140 countries for showcasing innovations and experiences in the World Government Summit 2017.
About World Government Summit:
♦ Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
♦ Chairman – Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi

RBI announces 4th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy

On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Fourth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18. This time the Policy Repo Rate has been kept unchanged.

HDFC Life launches Neo, a bot for Twitter

On 3^rd October 2017, HDFC Life Insurance Company launched Neo, a servicing bot for Twitter, to improve customer service.Neo – HDFC’s bot for Twitter:
i. HDFC Life Insurance Company has launched Neo in partnership with Smart Connect Technologies. Neo uses Artificial Intelligence.
ii. Neo would answer policy related queries on Twitter. It will be available 24/7.
iii. Neo is capable of authenticating customers and answering frequently asked questions, like fund value, sum assured and premium amount.
iv. This is the second bot introduced by HDFC Life Insurance Company. Earlier, it had introduced SPOK, an email bot to answer customer queries.
v. HDFC Life Insurance Company expects to gain deeper insights in customer behaviour through these bots. As, they have the ability to calculate fund value and balance.
About SmartConnect Technologies:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ CEO & Founder – Srikanth Seshadri

Reserve Bank of India opens branch in Dehradun

In a bid to make transactions of the Uttarakhand State Government more convenient, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opened a branch in Dehradun on October 3, 2017.
i. The branch was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.
ii. Earlier, all the banking related works of the Uttarakhand State Government were carried out through the Reserve Bank of India branch at Kanpur.
iii. RBI principal chief General Manager S Ramaswamy mentioned that as RBI’s Department of Government accounts is situated in the State, it will be possible to work with improved coordination among treasuries, sub-treasuries, agency banks and RBI.
Quick Facts about Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
♦  Established in – 1935
♦  Headquarters – Mumbai
♦  Current Governor – Urjit Patel

BBC World offers news services in four more Indian languages

On October 4, 2017, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced the launch of news services in four more Indian languages — Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Telugu.
BBC’s Expansion in India:
i. With this announcement, BBC’s Delhi bureau will become its largest bureau outside the United Kingdom.
ii. TV news bulletin in Marathi will be broadcasted by the end of 2017, and Gujarati bulletin has been lined up for 2018.
iii. This move of BBC is on account of funding of 291 million pounds by the UK government till 2020 for the global expansion.
iv. This development will create 150 job opportunities at BBC India.
v. It is to be noted that BBC News already broadcasts to 28 million people in English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Urdu.
Quick Facts about British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
♦ Founded in – 1922
♦  Headquarters – London, UK
♦  Current Chairman – Sir David Clementi

MobiKwik, IRCTC Rail connect partner for ticket bookings

On October 3, 2017, Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation – IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway tickets using Mobikwik’s payment gateway.

More Details about Mobikwik-IRCTC Rail Connect Tie-up: 
i. Currently Mobikwik’s Payment Gateway powers payments for more than 3,000 ecommerce websites and apps, whereas over 1 lakh tickets are booked through IRCTC Rail Connect app per day.
ii. This tie-up will help the passengers of IRCTC Rail Connect App to pay for their tickets through Mobikwik’s simple and secure payments system.
iii. Mobikwik’s payments system supports payments through channels like debit card, credit card, net Banking and wallets.
Quick Facts about Mobikwik:
♦  Founded in – 2009
♦  Headquarters – Gurugram
♦  Current CEO – Bipin Preet Singh

Manipal Institute bags Most Clean Campus award

On 3^rd October 2017, Manipal University’s Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the 1^st place in ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western Region’ award and 3^rd place in ‘Most Clean Campus 2017’ award, in Pune, Maharashtra.
Manipal Institute – Most Clean Campus in South Western Region:
i. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western region’ award. It also, ranked 3^rd in the ‘Most Clean Campus in India’ award.
ii. The awards were given by Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of AICTE, at a function on Gandhi Jayanti, in the College of Engineering, Pune. B H V. Pai, Joint Director and H S Bhat, Executive Manager received the awards on behalf of MIT.
iii. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under Swachh Bharath Mission, had invited nominations from about 10,000 institutions across the country to participate in the ‘Clean Campus Award 2017’ contest in September 2017.
About Manipal Institute:
♦ Location – Manipal, Karnataka, India
♦ Director – G.K. Prabhu

Microscope trailblazers win 2017 Nobel Chemistry Prize

Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.About Winners of 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry:
i. Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for developing cryo-electron microscopy which simplifies and improves the imaging of biomolecules.
ii. Cryo-electron microscopy has enabled scientists to generate images of everything from proteins that cause antibiotic resistance, to the surface of the Zika virus.
iii. It will be useful for basic understanding of life’s chemistry and for the development of pharmaceuticals.
iv. Scottish-born scientist Henderson used an electron microscope to generate a three-dimensional image of a protein at an atomic resolution, which was further developed by German-born scientist Frank. Dubochet of Switzerland used rapidly frozen water to preserve the natural shape of the biomolecules.
v. 9 million Swedish Krona ($1.1 million) prize money will be shared equally between the three scientists.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan appointed WHO’s deputy director general

Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed the Deputy Director General for Programmes (DDP) of World Health Organisation (WHO). This position is the highest post held by an Indian in the WHO.
About Dr. Soumya Swaminathan:
i. Dr Swaminathan is a pediatrician and has more than 30 years of experience in clinical care.
ii. She is a globally recognized researcher on tuberculosis and HIV.
iii. From 2009 to 2011, she served as coordinator of UNICEF, UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva.
iv. She has also been a part of several WHO and global advisory bodies and committees.
Quick Facts about World Health Organization (WHO):
♦  Founded in – April 7, 1948.
♦  Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦ Current Director General – Tedros Adhanom

Rajnish Kumar named as next SBI Chairman

On 4^th September 2017, the government appointed Rajnish Kumar as the new Chairman of SBI (State Bank of India).Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman:
i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman, for a period of 3 years from 7^th October 2017.
ii. Rajinish Kumar is currently one of the four Managing Directors of SBI. He joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in 1980. He has worked in various departments of SBI.
iii. Earlier, Rajinish Kumar headed the merchant banking arm of SBI named, SBI Capital Markets, as Managing Director and CEO.
iv. He became the MD of National Banking Group, SBI, in 2015. He currently heads the retail business at SBI.
Chairmans of important Indian Banks:
♦ ICICI – Mahendra Kumar Sharma
♦ HDFC – Deepak S Parekh
♦ Bank of Baroda – Ravi Venkatesan

Pakistan appoints Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as new Navy Chief

On October 4, 2017, Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was appointed as Navy Chief of Pakistan.
i. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi will succeed Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah who will retire on October 6, 2017.
ii. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi joined Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1981.
iii. He has been awarded awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) in recognition of his meritorious services.
iv. It is to be noted that in Pakistan all defence services chiefs are appointed by the President at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Airtel Ghana gets approval for Tigo Merger in Ghana

On 3^rd October 2017, Bharti Airtel received Ghana’s National Communications Authority’s approval for the merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo), in Ghana.Airtel – Tigo Merger:
i. This merger will result in the second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.
ii. The merged entity would retain all the numbering resources held by the merging entities. The merger approval is conditional to an option for government participation.
iii. The merged entity will have a 3G Licence valid until 25^th January, 2024 and 2G Licence valid until 30^th October, 2021.
About Bharti Airtel:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman – Sunil Mittal
♦ CEO – Gopal Vittal

PFC board approves PFC Green Energy merger with parent

On 29^th September 2017, Power Finance Corp (PFC)’s board approved the proposal for merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
PFC Green Energy Merger:
i. In the board meeting, on 29^th September 2017, the PFC board approved the merger of its subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
ii. PFC is a leading power sector, public financial institution and a non-banking financial company, which provides fund and non-fund based support for the development of Indian power sector.
iii. PFC Green Energy Ltd is also engaged in similar nature of business focusing on renewable and green energy.
iv. PFC said that, the merger will help to consolidate similar nature of business at one place and effectively manage both firms as a single entity.
v. There will be no change in the shareholding pattern of the listed company after the merger.
About Power Finance Corp (PFC):
♦ Type – Financial Services Company
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman & MD – Rajeev Sharma

NHAI launches App to track projects

On 3^rd October 2017, Deepak Kumar, Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), launched a new multilingual website and a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App.
New website and PMIS App of NHAI:
i. In two months, the new NHAI website would enable the public to rate national highways.
ii. The Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App provides close, in-house monitoring of NHAI projects on the mobile phone. NHAI uses PMIS to ensure timely delivery of its projects, by tracking their progress.
iii. The PMIS Mobile App was developed by NHAI along with The Boston Consulting Group.
iv. NHAI has also planned to launch a public interface of the PMIS desktop and app versions. So that, the public can view the real-time status of any project across the highway network.
Other recent apps of NHAI:
♦ MyFASTag – is a consumer App, through which consumers can purchase or recharge FASTags
♦ FASTag Partner – is a merchant App, through which banking partners and vehicle dealers can sell FASTags

WWF-India launches Environment Education Portal

On 4^th October 2017, WWF-India, in partnership with Capgemini, launched One Planet Academy, the first environment education portal for students and teachers in India.
One Planet Academy:
i. The One Planet Academy website is a digital network for schools, teachers and students. It acts as a training and resource centre for environmental education.
ii. It encourages schools to employ green practices, offers project and activity ideas for teachers. It provides online training course and games, comics, interactive maps for students.
iii. According to the Living Planet Report 2016, released by WWF, the global population of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles has reduced by 58 % between 1970 and 2012.
iv. Hence, WWF has introduced One Planet Academy to increase awareness about environment issues and sustainable lifestyles for a better planet.
About WWF:
♦ Fullform – World Wide Fund for Nature
♦ Headquarters – Gland, Vaud, Switzerland
♦ President – Yolanda Kakabadse

International Weightlifting Federation suspends nine countries for doping violations

On 1^st October 2017, nine countries were suspended from weightlifting for 1 year by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), in Budapest, Hungary.
9 countries suspended for doping violations:
i .International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced the suspension of 9 countries, after the retesting of anti-doping samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
ii. Countries with at least 3 doping offenses from those Olympics were suspended from weightlifting.
iii. The 9 suspended countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The suspended countries have been given a 1 year ban.
iv. IWF has said that, doping is unacceptable and they work to ensure clean sports.
v. Due to these suspensions the World Weightlifting Championships, scheduled from 28^thNovember to 6^th December 2017, in Anaheim, Untied States, would be weakened.
About International Weightlifting Federation:
♦ Headquarters – Budapest, Hungary
♦ President – Tamas Ajan

World Space Week – October 4 -10

On 4^th to 10^th October 2017, World Space Week is observed all over the world.World Space Week:
i. 4^th to 10^th October was declared as World Space Week in 1999. It was to mark two big events.
ii. First, on October 4^th1957 Sputnik 1 was launched. It was the first human-made, Earth-orbiting satellite. Second, the signing of The Outer Space Treaty on October 10^th 1967.
iii. World Space Week theme for 2017 is ‘Exploring New Worlds In Space’. It challenges us to look outwards from Earth and consider the possibilities beyond our own sky’s limits.
Achievments of India in Space:
♦ Indian Astronauts – Kalpana Chawla, Ravish Malhotra, Rakesh Sharma
♦ Some Indian satellites – INSAT-4C, Kalpana-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1), etc.

India unveils third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031

On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiled India’s third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031, which outlines the future road map for wildlife conservation across the country. The plan was unveiled on the inaugural day of the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference in New Delhi, which is jointly hosted by India, World Bank and United Nations Development Programme. 
i. Approach: A “landscape approach” will be adopted to conserve all wildlife that have an ecological value to the ecosystem and to mankind, irrespective of its place of occurrence.
ii. Action for recovery of threatened species: The plan lays special emphasis on recovery of threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats.

Odisha government creating land bank for industrial allocation

Odisha State Government is creating a 1.2 lakh acre land bank across the state which will be allocated for industrial use and purposes.
i. The land bank is being created to cut red tape and pre-emptively settle local issues related to the land acquisition process.
ii. So far the size of the land bank has reached 57,655 acres. Odisha State Government has also identified other areas across the state which will be brought under this land bank. Another 122,428 acres of land is being considered to be brought under the land bank.

1st community toilet for third gender inaugurated in Bhopal

On 2nd October 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr.Shivraj Singh Chouhaninaugurated a community toilet for third gender, in the Mangalwara area, Bhopal.
1st community toilet for third gender:
i. This is the first community toilet for exclusive third gender usage in India.
ii. This toilet was constructed by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).
iii. It was built at a cost of Rs.35 lakh. It also has a change/make-up room.
iv. Different signs for men, women, handicapped and transgender people are put on the doors of the toilet.
v. Transgender people live in large numbers in the Mangalwara area.
vi. Mr.Shivraj Singh Chauhan also said that, the state government would provide an additional assistance of Rs.1.5 lakh to the third gender community, for constructing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
About Madhya Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Bhopal
♦ Chief Minister – Mr.Shivraj Singh Chouhan
♦Governor – Mr.Om Prakash Kohli

NHAI launches 50 Free Eye Check-up camps on National Highways

On 2^nd October 2017, The Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr.Nitin Gadkari launched the countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur, in Maharashtra.
Free Eye Check-up Camps:
i.This free eye checkup camp will be conducted for five days till 6^th October 2017. 50 free eye check-up camps have been set up on identified national highways.
ii. This initiative is aimed to provide clear vision and safe travel for truck drivers. Also, free spectacles up to a certain power as prescribed by the eye specialist are distributed.
iii. The cleaners can also avail this facility on producing a valid driving license. Defects like cataract will be identified and medicines will be prescribed.
iv. This would reduce the number of accidents involving trucks in national highways.
About NHAI:
♦ Full form – National Highways Authority of India
♦ Chairman – Deepak Kumar

Karnataka launches ‘Mathru Purna’ scheme for pregnant women

On 2^nd October 2017, Karnataka Chief Minister Mr.Siddaramaiah launched ‘Mathru Poorna’ scheme, for nutritional wellness of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas, at Vidhan Soudha, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Mathru Purna:
i. The ‘Mathru Purna’ scheme, aims at providing pregnant and lactating poor women in rural areas with one nutritious meal daily, for 25 days in a month.
ii. A full meal, of rice, dal with vegetables or sambar, one boiled egg and 200ml of milk, will be given to pregnant women, through anganwadis. Two varieties of sprouts will be provided to vegetarians instead of egg.
iii. This will meet 40-45% of the daily nutrition requirement of pregnant and lactating mothers. Each meal would cost around Rs.20.
iv. Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets will be provided and gestational weight will be monitored for pregnant women.
v. This would benefit around 12 lakh women.The food will be provided for 15 months, from start of pregnancy to six months after delivery.
Other recently launched schemes of Karnataka Government:
♦ Spoorthy Self Help Groups – Caters to the needs of illiterate and semiliterate persons with disabilities
♦ Rural Rehabilitation Project for Disabled persons – Delivers all Government services at the doorstep of disabled persons

India, Bangladesh to hold border talks on Rohingyas, other issues

On 3^rd – 5^th October 2017, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), led by Director General Maj Gen. Abul Hossain conducts talks with Border Security Force (BSF) of India, led by its chief KK Sharma, at New Delhi.
India, Bangladesh border talks:
i. A 24-member delegation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is led by its Director General Maj Gen. Abul Hossain to India.
ii. This is the 45^thbi-annual talk between the two sides. This is held at a BSF camp in New Delhi.
iii. Main issues that would be discussed at the biannual talks are the movement of Rohingya refugees, smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and narcotics.
iv. The progress of the single-row fence erected to protect 250 villages along the International Border, shared by India and Bangladesh, will also be discussed.
About Bangladesh:
♦ Capital – Dhaka
♦ Currency – Taka
♦ President – Abdul Hamid
♦ Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina

CWC sign MoU with IIT Roorkee and MNNIT Allahabad to support capacity building in dam

Central Water Commission (CWC) has signed MoUs with IIT Roorkee and Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad to support dam rehabilitation efforts of various implementing agencies and CWC.
About Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP):
i. The signing of these MoUs by CWC is a part of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
ii. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is a World Bank – assisted project through which Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has taken on board selected premier academic and research institutes, for capacity building in the areas of dam safety.
iii. Scope of DRIP includes strengthening the testing laboratories, enhancing analytical capabilities, exposure visits to best global institutions and on ground exposure to dam safety concerns to the faculty of these institutions.

PM Modi lays foundation stone of AIIMS, IIIT in Himachal Pradesh

On October 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Una in Himachal Pradesh.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Himachal Pradesh:
i. AIIMS at Bilaspur will be a 750-bed hospital and will be built at a cost of about Rs 1350 crore.
ii. Besides healthcare services, it will also provide medical education at the under-graduate and post-graduate level.
iii. During his visit to Himachal Pradesh, PM Modi also inaugurated a Steel Processing Unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), at Kandrori in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

Vice President lays foundation stone for inland waterway in AP

On October 3, 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the development of an inland waterway in the Krishna River between Muktyala and Vijayawada in the Andhra Pradesh. Besides, he dedicated seven national highway projects in Andhra Pradesh to the nation and also laid the foundation stone for six new projects.
Specification of inland waterway between Muktyala and Vijayawada:
i. 82-km inland waterway between Muktyala and Vijayawada is the Phase-1 of the National Waterway-4 under the Sagar Mala Project.
ii. It will not only be used for transportation of cement and construction material for the new capital city Amaravati but will also provide connectivity to important tourist and pilgrimage spots by the river.
iii. In Phase-2, canal navigation will be developed between Vijayawada and Kakinada.
iv. Both the phases will have a combined length of 315 km and will be built at a cost of Rs. 7,015 crore.

CM Sarbananda Sonowal Lays foundation for Country’s First ITI for Differently Abled in Dibrugarh

On October 3, 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for the first ever Industrial Training Institute (ITI) exclusively for the Dibyangans (Differently Abled) at ITI Complex in Dibrugarh.
More Details about Industrial Training Institute (ITI) exclusively for the Dibyangans (Differently Abled):
i. First phase of the construction will be carried out at an expenditure of Rs. 5.5 crore.
ii. As per the guidelines of National Council for Vocational Training, the ITI will have sixty seats for three different trades with 20 seats per trade.
iii. The three different trades included in the curriculum are Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Cutting and Sewing Technology and Hair & Skin Care.
iv. The institute will also have separate hostel facilities for girls and boys.

U.P. comes first in active gun licences

As per statistics released by the Union Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of active gun licences among all states and union territories of India. 12.77 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh are authorised to carry weapons.
Data on Active Gun Licences in India:
i. There were 33,69,444 active gun licences across India as on December 31, 2016.
ii. Uttar Pradesh is followed by Jammu and Kashmir with 3.69 lakh people in the state possessing gun licences.
iii. Union Territories such as Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have lowest number of gun licences.
Active Gun Licences – Top 5 States

Sumitra Mahajan attended special parliamentary session in Sri Lanka Lok Sabha

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan attended a special parliamentary session in Sri Lanka that is being convened to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Sri Lankan Parliament.
Eighth conference of the association of (SAARC) Speakers and Parliamentarians:
i. Ms Sumitra Mahajan will also attend eighth conference o the association of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Speakers and Parliamentarians, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo between 4^th and 8^thOctober 2017.
ii. This conference will be attended by Speakers and delegates from the SAARC countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
iii. Association of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians is a platform for the parliamentarians of South Asia to work together to reach the 2030 agenda for “Sustainable Development”.
Quick Facts about Sri Lanka:
♦ Capital: Colombo
♦ Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
♦ Current President: Maithripala Sirisena

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue unveiled in Wales

On 2^nd October 2017, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled to mark his 148^th birth anniversary, in Cardiff, Wales.
Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Wales:
i. The Mahatma Gandhi statue weighs 300 kg. It is 6 feet tall. It is made of Indian bronze.
ii. It depicts Mahatma Gandhi holding a stick in one hand and the ‘Bhagavad Gita’ in the other.
iii. It is situated at Lloyd George Avenue in Cardiff. It was designed and created by Indian sculptors Ram Sutar and his son Anil Sutar.
iv. The statue was unveiled by Indian high commissioner to the UK, YK Sinha.The event was attended by Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, Satish Kumar Dhupelia.
v. Funds of 65,000 pounds for constructing the statue was raised in 3 years by the Hindu Council of Wales (HCW).
About Whales:
♦ Capital – Cardiff
♦ Currency – Pound sterling

Nepal, India to conduct first joint tiger count through camera tapping

On 2^nd October 2017, Nepal and India planned to conduct a joint head count of tigers in Nepal and areas in India adjoining Nepal using same technology.
First India-Nepal joint tiger count using same technology:
i. Nepal and India will conduct a joint head count of tigers in the national parks, forests and sanctuaries in Nepal and those in India adjoining Nepal using the same camera tapping method.
ii. Cameras would be installed in various locations in the tiger habitats and their roaming areas. Images would be captured and animals’ footsteps would be accessed.
iii. Use of same technology reduces the chance of counting the same tiger again. The counting starts from second week of November 2017.
iv. Chitwan National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve, in Nepal, are adjacent to Balmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, India.
v. Also, Bardia National Park of Nepal is close to India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Shuklaphant National Park in Nepal is adjoint to India’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Some of the Tiger Reserves in India:
♦ Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve – Madhya Pradesh
♦ Sariska Tiger Reserve – Rajasthan
♦ Corbett Tiger Reserve – Uttarahkand

Fitch lowers India’s 2017-18 growth forecast to 6.9%

Credit Rating Agency Fitch Ratings has lowered India’s economic growth forecast for Financial Year 2017-18 to 6.9 % from 7.4% after the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was lower than expected in the April-June 2017 quarter (at 5.7% vs. 6.1% in previous quarter).
Highlights of Fitch Ratings’ latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO):
i. As per the report, economic activity in April-June 2017 quarter may have been disrupted due to inventory de-stocking by firms ahead of the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2017. 
ii. Fitch Ratings expects the economic activity in India to pick up in the second half of FY 2017-18 as the impact of demonetisation in November 2016 and GST rollout in July 2017 will wane out eventually.
iii. The report outlined that non-performing assets in banking sector could restrict credit growth and business investment.
iv. As per Fitch Ratings, global economy has improved considerably in 2017 and is on course to recording its fastest expansion since 2010.

Ministry of Health awarded as the best department in ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’

On 2^nd October 2017, The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was awarded as the best department for its contribution during ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’, in New Delhi.
Best Department during ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’:
i. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was awarded as the best department during ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ on 2^nd October, 2017, on the 3^rd anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission.
ii. C.K.Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, received the award.
iii. Swachhta Pakhwada is an inter-Ministry initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
iv. It was observed by the Health Ministry from 1^stFebruary, 2017 to 15^th February, 2017. Activities including cleaning of corridors of Nirman Bhawan and various rooms and areas of the Ministry were done.
About Ministry of Health & Family Welfare:
♦ Minister of Health – Jagat Prakash Nadda
♦ Ministers of State for Health – Faggan Singh Kulaste, Anupriya Patel

Gravitational wave scientists win 2017 Nobel Physics Prize

On October 3, 2017, US scientists Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish and Kip Thorne won the 2017 Nobel Prize in the field of Physics for their pioneering role in the detection of gravitational waves at Stockholm, Sweden.
i. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has announced the winners of the 9 million Swedish crown ($1.1 million) award.
ii. Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young of America were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine on 2^ndOctober 2017.
Facts about Noble Prize:
♦ The Noble prize has been distributed for outstanding contributions for humanity in chemistry, economics, literature, peace, physics, or physiology or medicine. The Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel established the prizes in 1895.
♦ Country – Sweden (all prizes except the Peace Prize) , Norway (Peace Prize only)
♦ First awarded – 1901

Government forms Committee for 5G rollout by 2020

On 26^th September 2017, the government formed a committee to achieve the target of rolling out 5G technology in India by 2020.
Committee for 5G rollout:
i. The ‘5G 2020’ committee consists of secretaries of the ministries of Communications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, representatives from industry and academics.
ii. This committee would analyse and approve plans for 5G rollout in India by 2020. This is aimed to have Indian participation in defining global standards for 5G technology.
iii. This committee will also strengthen domestic telecommunication equipment manufacturing. So that, local manufacturers could capture 50% of Indian market and 10% of global market in the next 5 to 7 years.
iv. The Central Government has allocated funds of Rs.500 crore for research and development of 5G. Under 5G technology, the government aims to deliver 10 Gbps in urban areas and 1 Gbps in rural areas.
About Ministry of Communications:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Minister of state (Independent charge) – Manoj Sinha

Brenda Hale appointed as UK Supreme Court’s first female president

Brenda Hale has been appointed as the first female president of the UK Supreme Court. Hale, 72, was born in Yorkshire who has been a consistent champion of judicial diversity.
i. She was born in Yorkshire in 1945, she went to Girton College, Cambridge, where she read law and graduated In 1989. She was appointed as Queen’s counsel and in 1994 she became a high court judge.
ii. Jill Black becomes the second female justice in the UK’s highest court. Two other appeal judges, David Lloyd Jones and Michael Briggs, were also appointed to the Supreme Court on the same day.

President appoints Commission under Justice G.Rohini to Examine Sub Categorization of OBCs

On 2^nd October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind appointed a five member Commission under Delhi High Court’s former Chief Justice G Rohini to examine sub categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Commission to examine Sub Categorization of OBCs:
i. The head of the Commission is Delhi High Court’s former Chief Justice G Rohini. It consists of 5 members.
ii. The Commission would examine sub categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) under Article 340 of the Constitution.
iii. This has been done to make sure that the more backward among the OBC communities avail the benefits of reservation.
iv. This decision has been taken on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The commission will examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the communities included in the broad category of OBCs.
About Justice G Rohini:
♦ State – Andhra Pradesh
♦ Chief justice of Delhi High Court – 2014 -2017

Russia launches ‘world’s biggest & most powerful’ nuclear icebreaker Ship

 In a bid to reinforce its leadership in the Arctic, Russia has launched world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker ship named Sibir (Siberia). It was launched into the water at the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg.
About icebreaker ship ‘Sibir’:
i. Sibir has been developed by the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation to open up crucial shipping lanes in the icy Northern Sea Route.
ii. It is powered by two nuclear reactors and will be able to break ice fields up to three metres thick. Its task is to clear the path for Russian ships delivering gas to Asia.
iii. Sibir’s displacement (a term for measuring a ship’s size), is 33,500 tons and is 173 metres long.
iv. It is Russia’s one of three nuclear-powered icebreakers along with the Arktika and the Ural.

New breast cancer test Oncotype DX may spare patients from chemotherapy

On 2^nd October 2017, Researchers announced that, they have developed a new test ‘Oncotype DX’, that predicts the return of cancer, thus sparing breast cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy, in London.
Oncotype DX Test:
i. The Oncotype DX test, analyses the samples of tumour that is removed during surgery. It provides a score between 1 and 100 on the chances of the cancer returning.
ii. This helps to prevent breast cancer patients from undergoing unwanted chemotherapy.
iii. This test is suitable for women, who have a hormone-driven breast cancer type known as Oestrogen receptor positive HER2 negative, the most common type.
iv. Professor Nigel Bundred, breast cancer surgeon, University Hospital of South Manchester, England, lead the trial regarding this test.
About Breast Cancer:
♦ Definition – cancer that develops from breast tissue
♦ Treatments – Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy

Australia announces new space agency

On 25^th September 2017, Australia announced that it will establish a national space agency, as a part of long term plan to develop Australia’s domestic space industry, in Australia.
Australia’s new space agency:
i. Minister for Education and Training, Simon Birmingham announced the setting of National Space Agency, at the International Astronautical Congress.
ii. The International Astronautical Congress is a five day event held in Adelaide, Australia. More than 4,000 space professionals, including astronauts, engineers, scientists and innovators, from all over the world participated in this congress.
iii. The National Space Agency would be the anchor for domestic co-ordination and the front door for international engagement with the world’s space industries.
iv. It was not mentioned where the agency would be located.
About Australia:
♦ Capital – Canberra
♦ Currency – Australian dollar
♦ Prime Minister – Malcolm Turnbull

Hyundai India Join Hands With FIFA U17 World Cup Tournament As Official Partners

Hyundai India has announced that it will be official transportation partner for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup Tournament which starts from October 6, 2017 in India.
i. Hyundai India will be offering a fleet of 63 premium cars, which includes the recently launched Verna, Tucson and the Elite i20.
ii. It will also provide additional coaches across 6 cities namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Goa and Guwahati.
iii. The cars will be used for the movement of the players and the FIFA management during the sports event.
Quick facts about Hyundai Motor Company:
♦ Founded in: 1967
♦ Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
♦ Current Chairman and CEO: Chung Mong-koo

Anand finishes joint 2^nd at Isle of Man Chess Meet

 On 1^st October 2017, Viswanathan Anand finished joint second at the Isle of Man Chess Championship, in Douglas, Isle of Man.
Anand finished joint 2nd:
i. Viswanathan Anand is a five-time world chess champion. He finished joint second at the Isle of Man Chess Championship.
ii. He defeated Chinese grandmaster Hou Yifan and shared the second spot with Hikaru Nakamura of the United States. He accumulated seven points from nine round of games.
iii. The title was won by Norway’s world champion Magnus Carlsen, who secured 7.5 points.
iv. Indian Grand Master Harika Dronavalli won against German IM Evgeny Degtiarev. Harika finished in 56^thposition.
About Isle of Man Chess Championship:
♦ Tournament Organisers – Alan Ormsby, Brian Woodard
♦ Venue – Douglas, Isle of Man
About Viswanathan Anand:
♦ Title – Grandmaster
♦ World Chess Federation (FIDE) Ranking – 2794

Team Europe wins Laver Cup 2017

On 26^th September 2017, Team Europe defeated Team World by 15-9 and won the first Laver Cup 2017, in Prague, Czech Republic.
Team Europe wins Laver Cup 2017:
i. Laver Cup 2017 is the first edition of Laver Cup tennis tournament. Laver Cup is an international indoor hard court men’s tennis tournament.
ii. It is a men’s tennis tournament between teams from Europe and the rest of the world.Two teams namely Team Europe and Team World participated in the tournament.
iii. Roger Federer of Team Europe defeated Nick Kyrgios of Team World by 4-6, 7-6, 11-9. Roger lost the opening set to his opponent. But battled a comeback in the following sets and won the match.
iv. This lead to the winning of Laver Cup 2017 by Team Europe with 15-9 points.
About Laver Cup:
♦ Venue – Prague, Czech Republic
♦ Date – 22–24 September 2017
♦ Surface – Hard indoor

Veteran writer HM Marathe passes away in Pune

On 2^nd October 2017, famous Marathi writer and journalist Hanumant Moreshwar Marathe passed away due to prolonged illness, in Pune, Maharashtra.
HM Marathe’s death:
i. HM Marathe was popularly known as ‘Ha Mo’. He was 77 years old.
ii. He was admitted at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. He was undergoing heart-related treatment and had difficulty in breathing.
iii. He died on 2^nd October 2017, at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital, in Pune, Maharashtra.
iv. He was born on 2^nd March 1940. He has written many books. ‘Nishparna Vrukshavar Bhar Dupari’ is his most popular book.
v. He started his career teaching at a college, in Kolhapur. He also worked in Tarun Bharat and Kirloskar magazine.
About HM Marathe:
♦ Occupation – Writer, Journalist
♦ Language – Marathi

All cities and towns in five more States declared Open Defecation Free

On October 2, 2017, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri announced that five more States viz., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Haryana have reached the milestone of making all cities and towns Open Defecation Free. It is to be noted that On October 2, 2017, ‘Swacch Bharat Mission’ completed three years.
Overview of Progress towards ‘Swacchata’ in urban areas:
i. As against the target of building about 66 lakh individual household toilets in urban areas, 38 lakh toilets have already been built and construction of another 14 lakh toilets is in progress.
ii. Over two lakh community and public toilet seats have been built so far. The mission target is to build five lakh toilet seats.
iii. With a focus on Solid Waste Management, Government is now putting efforts to generate over 500 MW of electricity and over 50 lakh tons of compost from municipal solid waste to enable processing of the entire solid waste being generated in urban areas.
iv. Mr. Puri informed that over 80 lakh people spread over 3.50 lakh activities in urban areas participated in the fortnight long ‘Swacchata Hi Sewa’ campaign which concluded on October 2, 2017.

Rajghat gets Mahatma’s statue for the first time

Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatam Gandhi in Delhi, has for the first time acquired a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue was unveiled by Vice-President of India Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu on October 2, 2017, on the occasion of the 148 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Specification of Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue at Rajghat:
i. The statue is 1.80 metre tall and is made of bronze.
ii. It has been sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor, Mr. Ram Sutar.
iii. The statue has been installed in the Parking Area of Rajghat Samadhi Complex at a cost of Rs.8.73 lakhs. 
iv. The famous message of Gandhi ji “Be the Change You Wish to See” is inscribed on the front side of the pedestal.
v. Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu also inaugurated Rs.59 lakh Interpretation Centre in the Parking Area of the Rajghat Samadhi complex which enables interactive learning about the life and works of the Mahatma through Digital Display using LED screens.
vi .Visitors can watch films, life events, listen to speeches of Gandhiji besides participating in quiz, using ear phones for interaction without disturbance.

Benghazi port in Libya reopens after 3 years

Benghazi’s commercial port in east Libya reopened on October 1, 2017 for the first time in three years.
Background Information:
i. Like Benghazi’s airport, the port had been closed since 2014 because of a conflict between forces loyal to eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar and an alliance of Islamists and other opponents.
ii. Khalifa Haftar had declared victory in July 2017 and Benghazi airport had reopened soon after that.
Reopening of Benghazi Port:
The reopening of port happened in presence of Abdullah al-Thinni, the Prime Minister of Libyan government based in the east.With the reopening of the port, local cost for imports of gas and some petroleum products as well as general cargo, are expected to be reduced.
Quick Facts about Libya:
♦ Capital – Tripoli
♦ Currency – Libyan dinar

China opens new highway in Tibet close to Arunachal border

On October 1, 2017 China opened a 409-km new expressway linking Tibet’s provincial capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, which is close to Arunachal Pradesh border. Lhasa and Nyingchi, both are major tourist attractions in Tibet.
More Information about China’s new highway in Tibet:
i. The new expressway has been built at a cost of nearly $5.8 billion.
ii. On account of this expressway, travel time between Lhasa and Nyingchi will be reduced from eight to five hours at a speed limit of 80 km per hour.
iii. Currently, heavy trucks are not permitted to use the Lhasa- Nyingchi expressway.
iv. From a strategic perspective, such Infrastructure development initiatives by China in Tibet has prompted India to scale up infrastructure development on its side.
Quick Facts about China:
♦ Capital – Beijing
♦ Currency – Reminbi
♦ Current President – Xi Jinping

SBI waives closure charges for savings accounts that are over 1 year old

From October 1, 2017, savings bank account customers of State Bank of India (SBI) will not have to pay any charges for closing the account. This waiver applies to savings accounts which have existed for more than 1 year.
More Information about waiver of account closure charges for SBI Savings Bank Account:
i. Earlier, SBI levied closure charges of Rs 500 with Goods and Service Tax (GST)for its savings account customers.
ii. Before the closure charges waiver, only those customers who close their accounts within 14 days after opening (termed as free-look period) were exempted from any charges.
iii .Now with the closure charges being waived off, only those customers who close their accounts after 14 days and before completing 1 year after opening an account will be charged Rs 500 plus GST.
iv. Charges that were levied on the closure of account at the time of settlement of accounts of deceased account holders have also been waived.
Quick Facts about State Bank of India:
♦ Incorporated in – July 1955
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Chairperson – Arundhati Bhattacharya

ClearTax upgrades GST software to help businesses avoid working capital lock-in

On 2^nd October 2017, ClearTax, upgraded its GST-compliant software to intelligent features, to help businesses ensure unobstructed flow of credit.
Clear Tax’s upgraded GST software:
i. ClearTax is an Income Tax returns e-filing service provider.
ii. ClearTax has simplified GST filing software in three-steps:
1.Create invoices through this software.
2.One-click upload of all invoices to the ClearTax online platform for e-filing
3.The user has to review the final invoices and then, with a few clicks, all data can be submitted to GSTN for three returns a month (GSTR-1, 2 and 3).
iii.  ClearTax users using GSTR-2A feature on the ClearTax GST Software can verify whether their vendors have filed their GSTR-1. If not, they can prompt them to file before the October 10 deadline.
iv. GSTR-1 is a return of outputs of a business. GSTR-2 is a return of inputs of a business.
About ClearTax:
♦ Founder & CEO – Mr.Archit Gupta
♦ Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka

GIFT-IFSC ranks at 10th place in global financial centres index

India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) IFSC has ranked at 10^th place in the latest September 2017 edition of Global Financial Centres Index 22 (GFCI) – London.
About GIFT IFSC:
i. GIFT IFSC is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
ii. Currently it is operational with approximately 10 leading banks, eight insurance companies and participating brokers, and two international exchanges.
iii. Nearly 100 capital market players have established their base at GIFT IFSC.
About Global Financial Centres Index 22 (GFCI):
GFCI report is produced bi-annually by The China Development Institute (CDI) in Shenzhen and Z/Yen Partners in London.
♦ It covers around 92 centres and 16 associate centres globally.
♦ As per the report, the top 15 centres which have been featured are likely to become more significant in the next few years.
♦ The report has adjudged GIFT IFSC as an emerging centre which has made tremendous progress.

India receives first-ever shipment of US crude oil at Paradip port

On 2^nd October 2017, India received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil at Paradip port, in Odisha, as a part of purchases made by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
First ever-shipment of US crude oil to India:
i.IOC and BPCL have placed orders for over 2 million barrels from the United States. This is the first shipment as per the deal.
ii. The shipment was received by United States Consulate General to Hyderabad, Katherine Hadda, Joint Secretary for International Co-operation from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sunjay Sudhir and Joint Secretary, Americas Division, from the Ministry of External Affairs, Munu Mahawar.
iii. The US had stopped oil exports in 1975.
About US oil export ban:
♦ Act –  US Energy Policy and Conservation Act
♦ Year – 1975
♦ Purpose –  In response to 1973 oil crisis in US, export of oil was restricted to increase domestic energy supplies and availability

Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple named best ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ in India

On 2^nd October 2017, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple of Madurai was awarded the best ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ (Cleanest Iconic Place), in India.
Swachh Iconic Place:
i. Madurai District Collector K.Veera Raghava Rao and Corporation Commissioner S.Aneesh Sekhar received the ‘Swachh Iconic Place’ award from Uma Bharati, Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation.
ii. This award was given by the Central Government, as a part of the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (Clean India Mission).
iii.   Meenakshi Temple has been honoured with this award for the swift cleaning process carried out.
iv. The complete cleaning process is to be completed by March 2018.
v. The project is estimated for Rs.11.65 crores. It is sponsored by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
vi. 63 compact bins, 4 compactor trucks, 25 e-toilets, 15 water ATMs, 2 road sweepers and battery operated vehicles have been employed to maintain cleanliness in the temple premises.
About Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple:
♦ Location – Madurai, Tamil Nadu
♦  Constructed in – 7^th century AD
♦  Honours – nominated in the top 30 for the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’

Jeffrey C Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W Young awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine

American Scientists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young have won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.
About Winners of 2017 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine:
i. Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael Young have been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling our biological clocks.
ii. Their discoveries explain how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions.
iii. The team identified a gene within fruit flies that controls the creatures’ daily rhythm, known as the “period” gene.
iv. £825,000 prize money will be shared equally between the three scientists.

Government announces Swacchhata awards

On October 2, 2017, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs conferred Swacchhata awards on those who contributed towards the Clean India objective in urban areas. 20 individuals and agencies in seven categories were felicitated with these awards.
Winners of Swacchhata Awards:
i. Delhi-based Facebook citizen group — ‘My Delhi Keep It Clean’ – was awarded for promoting efforts to clean public places.
ii. Fertiliser Cooperative KRIBHCO was conferred the Swacchata Award for marketing of compost made from municipal solid waste.
iii .In schools and colleges category, award was given to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Awasiya Vidyalaya, Ambikar.
iv .In self-help group category, Swacch Ambikapur Sahakari Samiti was chosen for the award for women empowerment and livelihood generation by converting garbage into wealth.
v .In the category of religious institutions, Pemayangste Monastery in Sikkim was felicitated for being a Zero-waste institution.

Jagmeet Singh becomes first non-white politician to lead a major party in Canada

On 1^st October 2017, Jagmeet Singh, a 38 year old Sikh lawyer, was elected to lead Canada’s New Democratic Party, in Toronto, Canada.
First non-white politician to lead a major party in Canada:
i. Jagmeet Singh has become the first non-white politician to lead a major political party in Canada.
ii. He has been elected as the leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada.
iii. Jagmeet Singh is a provincial lawmaker, in Ontario, Canada.
iv. He has been elected on the first ballot to lead the New Democratic Party (NDP) into the 2019 federal election against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.
v. The vote was conducted online and by mail. The result was announced at a party meeting in Toronto.
vi. Jagmeet Singh secured 54% of the vote.
About Jagmeet Singh:
♦ Profession – Lawyer
♦ Political Party – New Democratic Party

Chandrababu Naidu launches ‘Swachh Andhra Mission’, PV Sindhu chosen as the brand ambassador

On 2^nd October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Swachh Andhra Mission’ on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
Swachh Andhra Mission:
i. State minister for Information Technology and Rural Development Mr.Nara Lokesh and public representatives, were present on the occasion of this launch.
ii. Mr.Chandrababu Naidu and other dignitaries lit the lamp and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries.
iii.  Shuttler PV Sindhu has been appointed as the brand ambassador of ‘Swachh Andhra Mission’.
iv.The Chief Minister said that, 22 lakh more toilets need to be constructed by March 2018.
v.  Nara Lokesh, said that in last three years, toilets have increased from 30 % to 60 %.
About Andhra Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Hyderabad (currently), Amaravati (in 10 years)
♦ Chief Minister – Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu
♦ Governor – Mr.E.S.L.Narasimhan

Baishya elected as chairmen of two sub-committees of IWF

Birendra Prasad Baishya the President of Indian Weightlifting Federation has been elected as chairman of two sub-committees of International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
About Birendra Prasad Baishya:
i. Birendra Baishya has been elected as chairman of International Weightlifting Federation’s Ethics Commission as well as of Anti-Disciplinary Commission at IWF’s Executive Committee Meeting held at Bucharest, Romania.
ii. Mr. Baishya is currently serving as the Executive Board member of Asian Weightlifting Federation. He is also the Vice-President of Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation.
Quick Facts about International Weightlifting Federation (IWF):
♦ Formation Year – 1905
♦ Headquarters – Budapest, Hungary
♦ Current President – Tamas Ajan

RCom, Aircel call off merger talks

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) has called off plans to merge its wireless business with rival Aircel. As announced by RCOM, the merger has been called off owing to legal and regulatory uncertainties as well as ‘intervention of vested interests to derail the deal’.
Overview of failed RCOM – Aircel Merger and other Mergers in Telecom Industry:
i. RCom had siged merger deal with Aircel in September 2016. Post-merger, the entity would have become India’s third-largest telecom provider with 175 million subscribers.
ii. With the merger deal falling apart, RCom’s management has decided to evaluate an alternate plan for its mobile business, through ‘optimisation of its spectrum portfolio and adoption of a 4G-focused mobile strategy’.
iii. In March 2017, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular announced $23 billion merger plan. Post-merger, the entity will be India’s largest telecom firm with a subscriber base exceeding 400 million.
iv .Even Airtel had announced to acquire Telenor India’s operations in seven circles with a combined subscriber based exceeding 300 million.

Qatar Airways acquires 49 percent stake in Italy’s Meridiana

Qatar Airways, one of the Middle East’s biggest carriers has announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in Italy’s AQA Holding. Alsarda, previous sole shareholder will retain a 51 per cent share in the company.
Expected benefits to Qatar Airways post acquisition:
i. It is to be noted that AQA Holding is the parent company of Italy’s second largest carrier Meridiana.
ii. Airways already has a strong presence in Italy, with more than 40 flights a week from Doha. On account of this acquisition, Meridiana’s 16 aircraft fleet will add strength to its existing 200 aircraft fleet in this sector.
iii. However, Italy’s largest carrier remains Alitalia, which is partly owned by Qatar Airways’ regional competitor Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi.
Quick Facts about Qatar Airways:
♦ Commenced Operations in – 1994
♦ Headquarters – Doha, Qatar
♦ Current CEO – Akbar Al Baker

Jagan Kumar wins sixth title in a row at National Motorcycle Racing

On 1^st October 2017, Jagan Kumar of TVS Racing won his sixth consecutive title in the premier Super Sport Indian (165cc) class, in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, in Chennai.
Jagan’s 6th title in a row:
i. This is the 6^th consecutive year, Jagan Kumar has won the title in National Motorcycle Racing Championship.
ii. Jagan Kumar of TVS Racing won the Super Sport Indian (165cc) title.
iii. Winners in other categories are as follows:
1.Pro-Stock – Aravind Balakrishnan of Honda Ten10 Racing
2.Super Sport Indian (300-400cc) – Amarnath Menon of Gusto Racing
3.Novice – Stock (165cc) – Sai Rahil Pillarishetty of Sparks Racing
4.Stock – Girls – Aishwarya Pissay of Apex Racing
iv. The event was organised by Madras Motorsports Club. It was sponsored by MRF Tyres.
About Jagan Kumar:
Occupation – Motorcycle Racer
Team – TVS Racing
Achievements – First Indian to win Asia Road Racing, won 6 consecutive National Motorcycle Racing Championship

Female assistant referee to be seen in FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time

On 1^st October 2017, FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) announced that, female assistant referees will work in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, for the first time in a FIFA men’s competition.
Female assistant referee for the first time in FIFA men’s competition:
i. FIFA has selected 7 female support referees, for the first time for a men’s tournament.
ii. Seven female assistant referees from across the world, one from each continent, have been chosen by FIFA.
iii.  They will work along with 70 male referees to officiate the 52 matches in the FIFA U-17 World Cup
iv.The FIFA U-17 World Cup is to be played in six Indian cities from 6^th October to 28^th October, 2017.
About FIFA U-17 World Cup:
♦ Host Country – India
♦ Date – 6^th –28^th October 2017
♦ Teams – 24 teams (from 6 confederations)

International Day of Non-Violence – October 2

On 2^nd October 2017, International Day of Non-Violence was observed all over the world.
International Day of Non-Violence:
i. International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2^nd October every year, to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement.
ii. Mahatma Gandhi was a follower of non-violence. He took non-violence as a tool to win Independence for India.
iii.  On 15^th June 2007, UN General Assembly passed a resolution to declare 2^nd October as International Day of Non-Violence.
iv. The aim of International Day of Non-Violence is to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.
v.   In India, 2^nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.
About Mahatma Gandhi:
Occupation – Lawyer, Politician, Activist, Writer
Known for – Indian Independence Movement, Peace movement
Lived – 1869 – 1948

World Habitat Day – October 20

On 2^nd October 2017, World Habitat Day was observed all over the world.
World Habitat Day:
i. The theme for World Habitat Day 2017 is ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’
ii. This day is celebrated to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and to emphasize the basic right of all to receive adequate shelter.
iii.   In 1985, the United Nations declared the first Monday of every October as World Habitat Day.
iv. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986.
v. The ‘UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour award’ was launched by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in 1989.
vi. It is the most prestigious human settlements award in the world.  The award winners are honoured on the World Habitat Day.
About United Nations (UN):
♦ Headquarters – New York
♦ Secretary General – Mr.Antonio Guterres

India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours, India has opened two immigration check posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Maynmar Border:

• Indian Government has designated Zorinpuiland check post in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Myanmar.
• An agreement on Zorinpui was included in the joint statement issued during the visit of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May, 2012.
• It is to be noted that India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar which touches Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Bangladesh Border:

• Indian Government has also designated Kawrpuichhuah land check postin Lunglei district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Bangladesh.
• India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh which touches Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal.

Quick Facts about Myanmar:

• Capital: Naypyidaw
• Currency: Burmese kyat
• Current President: Htin Kyaw

Quick Facts about Bangladesh:

• Capital: Dhaka
• Currency: Bangladeshi taka
• Current Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina

Government approved development of Harohalli industrial park in Karnataka

Central Government has given approval for the combined development of phase II and phase III of Harohalli industrial zone in Ramnagara district of Karnataka.
More Details about Harohalli industrial park in Karnataka:

• This industrial park will be built by Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) in about 904.86 hectares of land.
• Cost of the project is pegged at Rs 1,561 crore and is expected to generate 23,500 jobs.
• KIADB will develop common infrastructure like roads, water sources, power, drainage and street lightening, among others, as well as social infrastructure facilities like banks, post office, canteen, and primary health centres in this industrial park.
• As per KIADB, there are no court cases pending against this project. Moreover, land for phase II and II has been acquired and compensation to farmers has already been paid.

High-Level Meeting on Railways Safety held in Mumbai

On September 30, 2017, a high-level meeting on Railways Safety was held at Western Railways (WR) headquarter’s at Churchgate in Mumbai, under the chairmanship of Railway Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal. The objective of this meeting was to comprehensively review Safety measures in Mumbai Suburban Railways as well as entire Indian Railways. Mr. Ashwani Lohani – Chairman of Railway Board along with all railway board members was present in this meeting.
Important Decisions taken at High-Level Meeting on Railways Safety held in Mumbai:

• Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), platforms and pathways on platform end to be treated as Safety items having highest priority with no restriction of budget.
• Additional Escalators have been sanctioned at stations of the Mumbai Suburban system having high footfall with the details to be finalised within 15 days.
• For next 18 months, General Managers of Railway zones have been delegated powers without limit for Safety related issues.
• 200 officers will be relocated from Head Quarters to field to strengthen ground operations and project implementation.
• Delegation of financial & administration powers to field units by October 2017 to reduce red tape and push development & delivery.
• Within the next 15 months, CCTV cameras will be installed in all suburban trains in Mumbai with monitoring mechanism.

Madhya Pradesh launches ‘Single Click Pension Delivery’ scheme

On October 1, 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched ‘Single Click Pension Delivery’ scheme. Under this scheme, the money will go directly into the account of the beneficiaries.
‘Single Click Pension Delivery’ scheme and “Shataayu Award” by Madhya Pradesh Government:

• ‘Single Click Pension Delivery’ scheme will benefit 35 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh.
• On October 1, 2017, Mr. Chouhan also honoured the elderly who completed the age of 100 years with the “Shataayu” award.
• Not only in Bhopal but in entire Madhya Pradesh older people, who had completed the age of hundred years, have been awarded with this honour.
• Shawl, Shriphal, and cash prize of Rs. one thousand were presented in respect to all the senior citizens.

L&T Infotech bags $100-mn Government contract to nab tax evaders

L&T Infotech, the infotech arm of engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has bagged $ 100-mn Government contract for an initiative to use social media analytics to identify tax non-compliance.
About Social media analytics initiative to identify tax non-compliance:

• Since the note ban in November 2016, the government has been putting in lots of efforts to plug the loopholes in the taxation system using advanced technology.
• L&T Infotech Chief Executive and Managing Director Sanjay Jalona has mentioned that the project involves creating a ‘semantic web’ where web pages are structured and tagged in such a way that can be directly read by the computers.
• It is to be noted that India is among countries with lowest tax to Gross Domestic product (GDP) ratios among its peers.
• This development indicates that government has decided to use the best that data analytics offers.

Quick Facts about L&T Infotech:

• Founded in: April 1997
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Current CEO & MD: Sanjay Jalona

Third Edition of ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ held in New Delhi

On 1st – 5th October 2017, the 3rd annual ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ is held at Dilli Haat, in New Delhi.
Women of India Organic Festival:
i. The ‘Women of India Organic Festival’ is hosted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
ii. Ms.Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, inaugurated the festival.
iii. Mr.Virendra Kumar, Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development was present on the occasion.
iv. The theme for 2017 is ‘Good for Women; Good for India; Good for You’.
v. Around 530 women from all over India participate in this festival.
vi. Focus of the festival is on highlighting the health and environmental advantages of organic goods.
vii. This festival provides a platform for women to sell various organic products that could be used for food, wellness, personal care, home improvement, kitchen composters and solar products.
About Minsitry of Women & Child Development:
i. Headquarters – New Delhi
ii. Minister of Women and Child Development – Ms.Maneka Gandhi

‘No helmet, no petrol’ rule comes into force in Andhra Pradesh

On 28th September 2017, ‘No helmet, no petrol’ rule for two wheelers came to act in Andhra Pradesh.
No helmet, no petrol:
i. ‘No helmet, no petrol’ rule prohibits petrol supply to two wheeler riders without helmet.
ii. Mr.Chandrababu Naidu has sanctioned Rs.10 crore for implementation of this rule.
iii. He has urged all the petrol bunk dealers to co-operate in this implementation.
iv. Officials have been ordered to conduct a weekly check on the motorists.
v. This has been done to reduce the number of road accidents.
vi. Mr.Chandrababu Naidu said that road safety rules must be implemented strictly.
vii. He advised the officials to geotag the vehicles.
viii.Car drivers have been mandated to wear seat belts.
About Andhra Pradesh:
i. Capital – Hyderabad (currently), Amaravati (in 10 years)
ii. Chief Minister – Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu
iii. Governor – Mr.E.S.L.Narasimhan

Burqa ban comes into effect in Austria

Austria’s law banning face veils such as burqa or niqab, came into force from October 1, 2017. This legislation was brought in by the outgoing centrist government of Chancellor Christian Kern.
More details about Burqa ban in Austria:

• The Austrian law called “Prohibition for the Covering of the Face” forbids the wearing of the full Islamic veil and other items concealing the face in public places and buildings.
• Violations carry a possible fine of 150 Euros and police are authorized to use force with people who resist showing their faces.
• However, exemptions under certain conditions include items like clown disguises at cultural events, work wear such as medical masks and scarves in cold weather.

Quick Facts about Austria:

• Capital: Vienna
• Currency: Euro
• Current Chancellor: Christian Kern

Turkey opens military training base in Somalia capital

Turkey has opened its largest military base in Africa, in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia to train Somali Soldiers.
Background Information:

• Turkey’s relations with Somalia date back to the Ottoman Empire. Capitalising on this, President Tayyip Erdogan’s government in Turkey has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years.
• Al-Shabab, a militant group has been wreaking havoc in Somalia for more than two decades.
• Opening of the training base will help Somali army in fighting the militants and will also strengthen ties between two countries.

 More Details about Turkey’s military training base in Somalia:

• The newly-constructed facility includes army dormitories, training grounds and prisons.
• It has been built at a cost of $50 million.
• More than 10,000 Somali soldiers will be trained by Turkish officers at the base.
• Some 200 Turkish military officers will be deployed to the base to oversee the training.

 Quick Facts about Turkey:

• Capital: Ankara
• Currency: Turkish lira
• Current President: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

 Quick Facts about Somalia:

• Capital: Mogadishu
• Currency: Somali Shilling
• Current Prime Minister: Hassan Ali Khayre

UAE begins collecting ‘sin’ taxes on tobacco, energy drinks

From October 1, 2017, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun collecting new “sin” taxes on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks. Tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100% and soft drinks at 50%.
What is ‘Sin’ Tax:

• A sin taxis an excise tax specifically levied on certain goods deemed harmful to society, for example alcohol and tobacco, candies, drugs, soft drinks, fast foods, coffee and sugar.
• Governments across the world selectively impose ‘sin’ tax either to reduce usage of harmful products, to increase existing government revenue or to find new sources of revenue.

‘Sin’ Tax in UAE:

• ‘Sin’ Tax has been imposed as UAE and other oil-rich Gulf nations have struggled with low global energy prices.
• Besides, UAE will start collecting a 5-percent value-added tax on certain goods in January 2018.
• It is to be noted that all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE have agreed to begin collecting so-called VAT taxes.

Quick Facts about UAE:

• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Currency: UAE dirham
• Current President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

US fines HSBC $175m over ‘unsound’ FX trading

On September 29, 2017, The U.S. Federal Reserve fined HSBC Holdings PLC $175 million for “unsafe and unsound practices” in its foreign exchange trading business.
Reasons for fine and recommended measures:

• HSBC was fined as it failed to detect and address its traders misusing confidential customer information, as well as using electronic chat rooms to communicate with competitors about their trading positions.
• US authorities accused HSBC dealers of sharing confidential information about client orders and coordinating trades to boost their own profits.
• HSBC has also been asked to improve its controls and compliance risk management concerning the firm’s FX trading.
• US Federal Reserve has ordered HSBC to implement measures to address its “unsafe and unsound practices” and carry out “an enhanced written internal audit programme”.

Sambit Patra appointed as Non-Official Director of ONGC

On 29th September 2017, BJP’s national spokesperson Mr.Sambit Patra was appointed as the Non-Official Director on the board of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC).
Sambit Patra as Non-Official Director of ONGC:
i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Mr.Sambit Patra to the post of Non-Official Director of ONGC for a period of 3years.
ii. Several political leaders have been appointed as independent directors of various public sector units.
iii. Ms.Shazia Ilmi of AAP and Mr.Syed Zafar Islam of BJP were appointed as Independent directors of Engineers India Limited and Air India respectively, in 2017.
iv. According to the rules of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), companies should have at least 50 % of directors as non-executive or independent directors with at least one woman director.
About ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.):
i. Headquarters – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
ii. Chairman & MD – Mr.Shashi Shanker

Saudi Arabia appoints the first woman to senior government post

On 27th September 2017, Saudi Arabia appointed a woman to a senior government post for the first time, in Riyadh.
First woman Senior Government Official of Saudi Arabia:
i. Ms.Eman Al-Ghamidi was appointed as the assistant mayor of Al Khubar governorate.
ii. She has become the first woman senior government official of Saudi Arabia.
iii. The Center for International Communication at the Ministry of Culture and Information, Saudi Arabia, announced that a woman has been appointed as assistant mayor of Al Khubar governorate.
iv. It also stated that, this has been done as a part of boosting the number of females in leadership positions in line with Vision 2030.
v. It also said that, Vision 2030 will raise women’s share of the labour market to 30 % from 22 % currently.
About Saudi Arabia:
i. Capital – Riyadh
ii. Currency – Saudi riyal
iii. Official language – Arabic
iv. King – Mr.Salman

Indian entrepreneur Birendra Sasmal wins UK business award for innovative IT solutions

A Ghana-based Indian entrepreneur named Birendra Sasmal has won a prestigious International Business Person of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards in London for turning his company into a thriving Information Technology (IT), telecoms and manufacturing success story with operations across West Africa.
About Birendra Sasmal:

• Birendra Sasmal is the CEO of Subah Group, which is headquartered in Accra, Ghana.
• Subah Group employs around 350 people with offices in Guinea, Sierra Leone, New York City and Dubai.
• Under Sasmal’s leadership, the group’s revenues have increased by over 3,000 per cent and it has been named among one of Africa’s fastest growing tech companies.
• Birendra Sasmal believes that next phase of growth for the IT industry will most likely involve artificial intelligence.

INA veteran, 91 year old Rama Khandwala awarded the ‘Best Tourist Guide’

On 27th September 2017, tour guide Ms.Rama Khandwala was awarded a National Tourism Award in the `Best Tourist Guide’ category, in Delhi.
Rama Khandwala awarded ‘Best Tourist Guide’:
i. Ms.Rama Khandwala was awarded the `Best Tourist Guide’ award by President Mr.Ram Nath Kovind.
ii. The award was presented by the Ministry of Tourism.
iii. Ms.Rama Khandwala is 91 years old.
iv. She has been a Mumbai tour guide for almost 50 years.
v. Earlier, she served in Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA).
vi. She was Second Lieutenant in the Rani Jhansi regiment in Rangoon, Burma.
vii. She is fluent in Japanese, which helps her bond with Japanese tourists easily.
viii. She still conducts car tours 2-3 times a week.
About Ministry of Tourism:
i. Headquarters – New Delhi
ii. Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Mr.Alphons Kannanthanam

Government rolled out ‘ARPAN Version 3.0’ for Defence Security Corps

On 29th September 2017, the Defence Ministry launched ‘ARPAN Version 3.0’ software for the Defence Security Corps.
ARPAN Version 3.0:
i. ‘ARPAN Version 3.0’ software was rolled out by Deputy Chief of Army Staff – Information Systems & Training (DCOAS -IS &T) J.S.Cheema for the Defence Security Corps.
ii. This software was developed by Tech Mahindra.
iii. ‘ARPAN 3.0’ would simplify personal documentation and all issues related to their progression.
iv. It consists of seven modules.
v. It enables end to end human resource & financial management of Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks.
vi. Its advantages are timely processing of postings, promotions, release of salary, publication of personal occurrences and processing of pension.
About Ministry of Defence:
i. Headquarters – New Delhi
ii. Minister of Defence – Ms.Nirmala Sitharaman
iii. Minister of State for Defence – Mr.Subhash Ramrao Bhamre

Scientists make first ever video call using ‘unhackable’ quantum network

On 29th September 2017, Scientists in Austria and China made the first video call using quantum encryption.
First video call using quantum network:
i. Scientists in Austria and China made the first video call using quantum encryption technology.
ii. President of The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chunli Bai, made a video call to the President of Austria Academy of Sciences in Vienna, Anton Zeilinger.
iii. Encryption through quantum networks uses quantum particles to transfer information from one point to another.
iv. Attempts to hack on the network would create detectable disturbances in the system.
v. Hence, this is said to be unhackable.
vi. The video call was done using a satellite named ‘Micius’.
vii. China set up its first commercial quantum network in its northern province of Shandong, in September 2017.
About China:
i. Capital – Beijing
ii. Currency – Renminbi
iii. Official language – Standard Chinese
iv. President – Mr.Xi Jinping

World’s first Blockchain technology based smartphone unveiled

On 30th September 2017, Gurugram-based VVDN Technologies, in partnership with Ireland’s Embedded Downloads, launched the first Blockchain technology based smartphone ‘BitVault’.
BitVault – World’s first Blockchain technology based smartphone:
i. BitVault is the world’s first blockchain technology based smartphone.
ii. Android user interface is used in BitVault.
iii. But core operating system has been developed by VVDN.
iv. It retails for Rs.75,000.
v. BitVault does not support Google Play Store. It has its own mobile application.
vi. This phone supports 4G VoLTE.
vii. It has 2 GHz octacore processor of Qualcomm, 13 megapixel main camera, 8 mp front camera, 4GB RAM and 64 GB external storage.
viii. It does not support external memory storage.
ix. Data from the phone can be transferred to a computer only through its app for personal computers.
About VVDN Technologies:
i. CEO – Mr.Bhupender Saharan
ii. Chairman – Mr.Ramesh Singh

Mark Verstappen wins Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 title

On 1st October 2017, Mark Verstappen won the Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 title, in Selangor, Malaysia.
Mark Verstappen wins Malaysian Grand Prix 2017:
i. 2017 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix was held at the Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, in Malaysia.
ii. Mark Verstappen of the Red Bull team won the Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 title.
iii. Max Verstappen won Lewis Hamilton by 12.7 seconds.
iv. This is Max Verstappen’s second victory in Malaysia. The first win was in 2014.
v. Lewis Hamilton of the Mercedes team, finished the race in the second place.
vi. D.Ricciardo of Red Bull team finished in the 3rd place.
vii. Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari secured the 4th place.
About Max Verstappen:
i. Nationality – Dutch
ii. Occupation – Racing Driver
iii. Current Team – Red Bull
iv. Age – 20

International Day of Older Persons – October 1

On 1st October 2017, International day of Older Persons was observed all over the world.
International Day of Older Persons:
i. Theme for the International Day of Older Persons 2017 was ‘Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society’.
ii. On 14th December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly declared 1st October as the International Day of Older Persons.
iii. This year’s main focus was on enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies.
iv. It concentrated on pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons’ basic rights, needs and preferences.
About United Nations:
i. Headquarters – New York
ii. Secretary General – Mr.Antonio Guterres