GK TODAY JUNE 2017

General Knowledge TodayCurrent Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Published Date: July 4, 2017  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Contents Month Highlights: June, 2017 ........................................................................................................................... 3 Date Wise Current Affairs ............................................................................................................................... 18 June 1, 2017 ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 India Mobile Congress (IMC 2017) to be held in September ......................................................... 18 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 18 ISRO’s GSLV-Mk III Launched .............................................................................................................. 19 Salient Facts ................................................................................................................................................ 19 India Loses its Fast Growing Economy Tag to China . .................................................................... 20 Reasons ........................................................................................................................................................ 20 Only 4 Indians Feature in ESPN World Fame 100 list ..................................................................... 20 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................... 21 NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to Explore Sun’s Atmosphere .............................................................. 21 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Historian Ramachandra Guha resigns as BCCI Administrator ........................................................ 21 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Ramachandra Guha .................................................................................................................................. 22 Telangana Launches T-Wallet ................................................................................................................ 22 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 22 Astana Summit: India and Pakistan to become Full members of SCO ......................................... 23 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ........................................................................................ 23 SEBI Approves Airtel and Telenor Merger ......................................................................................... 23 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 24 SEBI .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Country’s First Automatic Coastal Warning for Disasters to come up in Odisha ...................... 24 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 24 June 2, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 25 India and Russia Sign 5 Pacts ................................................................................................................. 25 Agreements ................................................................................................................................................. 25 Others .......................................................................................................................................................... 25 Paris Climate Deal: US to Withdraw ..................................................................................................... 26 Reasons ........................................................................................................................................................ 26 Implications ................................................................................................................................................ 26 Prithvi-II Missile Test Fired Successfully .............................................................................................. 26 Prithvi-II ...................................................................................................................................................... 27 Mouma-Manika Pair made History by becoming First Indian Pair to reach Quaterfinals in World TT Championships .............................................................................................................. 27 Second Scorpene Class Submarine Ready for Sea Trials ................................................................. 27 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Project 75 ................................................................................................................................................... 28 2  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Fact Box: Global Peace Index 2017 ...................................................................................................... 28 Salient highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 28 Researchers at IIT Kharagpur Develops ‘AmbuSens’ for monitoring Hospital-bound Patients ................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 29 Shashi Shekar Vempati Appointed as CEO of Prasar Bharati ......................................................... 30 June 3, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 30 SEBI Constitutes Committee on Corporate Governance ................................................................. 30 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 30 Background ................................................................................................................................................. 31 SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................... 31 Samsung Signs MoU with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to Set Up 2 more Tech Schools ................................................................................................................. 31 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 31 Indian Origin Leo Varadkar to be the Next PM of Ireland .............................................................. 32 Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer becomes First Indian to be in inducted in ITTF URC . ................... 32 NASA is all Set to Launch First Ever Mission to Study Neutron Stars ......................................... 33 Significance ................................................................................................................................................. 33 UNSC Expands Sanctions against North Korea ................................................................................. 33 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 33 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 34 Vizianagaram bags MGNREGA National Award .............................................................................. 34 NASA to launch Sounding Rocket to release Radiant Artificial Clouds ....................................... 34 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 35 Significance ................................................................................................................................................. 35 June 4, 5, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 35 June 5: World Environment Day ............................................................................................................ 35 UNEP ........................................................................................................................................................... 36 Soon Women to get Combat Role in Indian Army ........................................................................... 36 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 36 World Bank: India to grow at 7.2% in 2017 ...................................................................................... 36 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 37 World Bank ................................................................................................................................................ 37 Sai Praneeth wins Thailand Grand Prix Gold Title ........................................................................... 37 India Secures Top Position in Global Retail Development Index ................................................... 37 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 38 GRDI ............................................................................................................................................................ 38 Six Arab Nations Cut Diplomatic Ties with Qatar ............................................................................ 38 Reasons ........................................................................................................................................................ 38 Implications ................................................................................................................................................ 39 Nepal Signs Agreement for Mega Hydroprojects with Chinese Firm ......................................... 40 3  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 40 India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project to be implemented in Andhra Pradesh ............ 40 Significance ................................................................................................................................................ 40 Background ................................................................................................................................................. 41 June 6, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 41 Habibganj Salient Railway ....................................................................................................................................... Highlights Station to become India’s First Private Railway Station ................................. 41 41 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 42 IMD to release Malaria and Chikungunya Alerts .............................................................................. 42 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 42 National Board of Wildlife Clears Rutland Island for DRDO’s Missile Testing Project ........... 43 Reasons for Delay ..................................................................................................................................... 43 Significance ................................................................................................................................................. 43 Conditions ................................................................................................................................................... 43 Vijaya Bank Vijaya Bank Plans to develop 100 Digital Villages ............................................................................. 44 ................................................................................................................................................. 44 India’s biodiversity riches increases by 499 species .......................................................................... 44 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 44 Sher Bahadur Deuba elected as 40th Prime Minister of Nepal . ................................................... 45 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 45 Sachin to become part of the UN Campaign Highlighting Role of Father’s in Child’s Development ...................................................................................................................................... 46 Initiative ....................................................................................................................................................... 46 Kerala Government implements Green Protocol for making Weddings more Nature Friendly ............................................................................................................................................................... 46 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 46 June 7, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 FinanceHighlights Salient Ministry asks Ministries to decide on FDI proposals within 60 Days ........................... 47 ...................................................................................................................................... 47 FDI Approving Authorities after FIPB Abolition ............................................................................... 48 UP Board to have NCERT Books from Next Academic Year . ...................................................... 48 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 48 India signs Agreement to provide $318 million Line of Credit to Sri Lanka . ............................. 49 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 49 Hoshiar Singh Appointed as Chief of Copyrights office . ................................................................ 49 World’s First Hybrid ‘Aeroboat’ Unveiled ............................................................................................ 50 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 50 RBI Keeps the Repo Rate Unchanged .................................................................................................. 50 Background ................................................................................................................................................. 51 National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre Inaugurated ............................... 51 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 51 4  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] BMI Research: India One of Top 5 Consumer Markets in Asia ..................................................... 52 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 52 June 8, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 52 UNCTAD: India among Top FDI Destinations .................................................................................. 52 Salient Highlights of the Report ............................................................................................................. 53 Indian American among 12 new Astronauts Selected by NASA .................................................... 53 Fact Box: Hottest Known Planet in Universe ...................................................................................... 54 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 54 Union Health Minister Conferred WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for Global Tobacco Control .................................................................................................................. 55 Indian Scenario .......................................................................................................................................... 55 WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) . ...................................................... 55 One Million Dollar Fund Established for BRICS Media .................................................................... 55 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 56 BRICS .......................................................................................................................................................... 56 WHO revises Protocol for Antibiotics .................................................................................................. 56 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 56 WHO ............................................................................................................................................................ 57 Explained: UK Elections ........................................................................................................................... 57 Law Ministry clears Kambala Bill .......................................................................................................... 58 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 58 Kambala ...................................................................................................................................................... 58 June 9, 2017 ....................................................................................................................................................... 58 Bopanna-Dabrowski Wins French Open Mixed Doubles ................................................................ 58 French Open .............................................................................................................................................. 59 Petrol and Diesel Prices to be revised Daily from June 16 ............................................................... 59 Significance ................................................................................................................................................. 59 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 60 Indian Girl Sahithi Pingali to get Planet Named after Her . ............................................................ 60 India and UNOSSC launch Partnership Fund to Promote Sustainable Development . ............. 60 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 60 UNOSSC ...................................................................................................................................................... 61 President launches ‘Selfie with Daughter’ Mobile App ..................................................................... 61 Background ................................................................................................................................................. 61 UK Elects its First Female Sikh and First Turban Wearing Sikh as MPs ...................................... 62 Supreme Court: Linking of Aadhaar with PAN Mandatory ............................................................ 62 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 63 Government awards Contracts for completion of Kaladan project in Myanmar ....................... 63 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 63 KMTT ......................................................................................................................................................... 63 5  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Background ................................................................................................................................................ 64 Significance ................................................................................................................................................ 64 June 10, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 65 NITI Aayog launches SATH Program ................................................................................................. 65 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 65 NITI Aayog ................................................................................................................................................ 65 SEBI Clears Vikram Limaye for the post of NSE Chief .................................................................... 65 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 66 IOC Approves New Events for Tokyo Olympics .............................................................................. 66 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 66 IOC .............................................................................................................................................................. 67 India’s Forex Reserves reach Life Time High of $381.167 billion ................................................. 67 Components ............................................................................................................................................... 67 India moves WTO against US ................................................................................................................ 67 WTO ............................................................................................................................................................ 68 EU, France give 3.5 Million Euros as Grant to Curb Emissions in India ...................................... 68 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 68 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 69 French Open: Jelena Ostapenko wins Women’s Crown .................................................................. 69 French Open .............................................................................................................................................. 69 Fact Box: QS World Universities Ranking 2018 ................................................................................ 69 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 70 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 70 June 11, 12, 2017 ............................................................................................................................................... 70 French Open 2017: Rafael Nadal Wins his 10th French Open Title ............................................. 70 French Open ............................................................................................................................................... 71 Fact Box: Tele-Law Initiative ................................................................................................................... 71 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 71 Jnanpith Awardee C Narayana Reddy Passes Away .......................................................................... 72 CSIR-SERC Develops Easy-to-Assemble Toilet ................................................................................. 72 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 72 CSIR-SERC ................................................................................................................................................. 72 Arunachal Pradesh Demands Separate Time Zone to increase Efficiency ................................... 73 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 73 Problems with IST for North East ........................................................................................................ 73 Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix for Sixth Time ............................................................ 73 Bihar’s ‘Project Jal Sanchay’ Chosen for National Award ................................................................ 74 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 74 ISSF World Cup: Jitu Rai-Heena Sidhu Clinch Gold Medal ............................................................ 74 June 13, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 75 Men’s Tennis ATP Rankings: Rafael Nadal moves up to No.2 ...................................................... 75 6  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Men’s Tennis ATP Current Rankings .................................................................................................. 75 WTA Current Rankings ........................................................................................................................... 75 Expert Committee Constituted to examine Rules on Movement of People Near Indo-Myanmar Border ................................................................................................................................................. 76 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 76 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 76 CRY Report: Salient Uttar ...................................................................................................................................... Highlights Pradesh ranks First in Number of Child Labourers . ..................................... 76 77 ICDS ............................................................................................................................................................ 77 Panama forges Diplomatic ties with China and breaks away with Taiwan . ............................... 77 Panama’s Stand ......................................................................................................................................... 77 Taiwan’s Response ................................................................................................................................... 78 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 78 RBI to release New batch of Rs 500 Currency Notes . ................................................................... 78 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 78 ICC ODI Player Rankings: Virat Kohli becomes No.1 ODI Batsman ............................................ 79 SEBI asks Commodity Exchanges to Set up Investor service Fund . ............................................. 79 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 79 SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................. 80 Indian Warships reach Australia to take part in Bilateral Maritime Exercise AUSINDEX-17 ............................................................................................................................................................... 80 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 80 June 14, 2017 ...................................................................................................................................................... 81 SEBI allows Options Trading in Commodity Futures . ..................................................................... 81 Salient Highlights ....................................................................................................................................... 81 Background ................................................................................................................................................. 81 SEBI .............................................................................................................................................................. 82 Ministry of Railways launches Mission Retro-Fitment . .................................................................... 82 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 82 Features ....................................................................................................................................................... 82 DRDO Successfully Test-fires anti-Tank Nag Missile . .................................................................... 83 Nag Missile ................................................................................................................................................. 83 RBI identifies 12 Bank Accounts accounting 25% of NPAs to initiate Bankruptcy Proceedings ................................................................................................................................................................ 83 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 83 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 84 India ratifies Two Fundamental Global Conventions to combat Child Labour .......................... 84 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 84 Government Initiatives ............................................................................................................................. 85 Verizon Completes Yahoo Acquisition ................................................................................................. 85 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 85 7  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Union Cabinet approves Interest Subvention on Short-Term Crop Loan to Farmers 85 .............. Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 86 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 86 Union Cabinet approves Proposal to introduce the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 86 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 86 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 87 June 15, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 87 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 87 IOC, BPCL, HPCL Sign Agreement to set World’s Largest Refinery . .......................................... 87 Neeru Chadha becomes First Indian Women to be elected to International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas .......................................................................................................................................... 88 Neeru Chadha ........................................................................................................................................... 88 ITLOS .......................................................................................................................................................... 89 Israeli Author David Grossman wins Man Booker International Prize . ...................................... 89 Man Booker Prize ..................................................................................................................................... 89 India-South Korea sign Agreements to Push Infrastructure Development and Bilateral Trade ............................................................................................................................................................... 89 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 90 UN Report: India is Top Remittance Receiving Country . ............................................................... 90 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 90 IFAD ............................................................................................................................................................. 91 Bhupen Hazarika Award conferred to Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi . ................................................... 91 Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi ............................................................................................................................ 91 China launches its First X-ray Space Telescope ................................................................................. 92 Significance ................................................................................................................................................. 92 AIIB Approves $150 million for India Infrastructure Fund . ........................................................... 92 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 93 AIIB .............................................................................................................................................................. 93 June 16, 2017 ..................................................................................................................................................... 93 UN General Assembly Approves Creation of New UN Office of Counter Terrorism .............. 93 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 93 Functions .................................................................................................................................................... 94 India’s Views .............................................................................................................................................. 94 Justice PN Bhagwati, a Pioneer of Judicial Activism Passes Away . ............................................... 94 Justice Bhagwati ........................................................................................................................................ 94 Virat Kohli Creates Record by becoming Fastest Batsman to Score 8000 runs in ODIs ........ 95 Fact Box: Global Innovation Index 2017 . ........................................................................................... 95 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 95 GII ................................................................................................................................................................ 96 India re-elected to ECOSOC .................................................................................................................. 96 8  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 96 ECOSOC ..................................................................................................................................................... 97 Government makes Aadhaar Mandatory for Opening Bank Accounts ....................................... 97 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 97 NASA: May 2017 is the second hottest month in 137 years ......................................................... 98 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 98 RBI: India’s Current Account Deficit narrowed in 2016-17 ........................................................... 98 Current Account Deficit .......................................................................................................................... 98 June 17, 18, 2017 .............................................................................................................................................. 98 Helmut Kohl, father of German reunification Passes Away ............................................................ 98 Black Money: Automatic Information Sharing with Switzerland from 2019 ............................. 99 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 99 Australia’s Vivid Sydney enters Guinness World Records for Maximum Number of light installations ....................................................................................................................................... 100 Vivid Sydney .............................................................................................................................................. 101 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Kochi Metro . .......................................................... 101 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 101 India-Afghanistan Air freight Corridor to Open Up Soon ............................................................. 102 Significance ............................................................................................................................................... 102 External Affairs Minister inaugurates KIP for Young Overseas Indians ...................................... 103 Know India Programme (KIP) ............................................................................................................. 103 June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought ....................................................... 103 Desertification .......................................................................................................................................... 104 Fact Box: James Webb Space Telescope & its First Targets .......................................................... 104 James Webb Space Telescope .............................................................................................................. 104 June 19, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 105 K Srikanth wins Indonesian Open ....................................................................................................... 105 NASA’s Orion Spacecraft Clears Safety Tests .................................................................................. 105 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 105 Orion Spacecraft ..................................................................................................................................... 106 China to send Mini-Ecosystems to the Moon ................................................................................... 106 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 106 ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission completes 1000 Earth Days in Orbit ............................................ 106 MOM ......................................................................................................................................................... 107 Fact Box: Ram Nath Kovind ................................................................................................................. 107 Facts ........................................................................................................................................................... 107 Presidential Election-Facts ..................................................................................................................... 108 GST: Anti-profiteering Panel to be set up ......................................................................................... 108 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 108 Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” Launched ....................................................................................... 109 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 109 9  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Fact Box: Environmental Impact Survey . .......................................................................................... 109 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 110 June 19, 20, 2017 ............................................................................................................................................. 110 Lockheed and Tata sign Pact to make F-16 Planes in India . ....................................................... 110 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 111 India ratifies UN TIR Convention in a bid to Counter China’s OBOR . ....................................... 111 TIR ............................................................................................................................................................... 111 Significance ................................................................................................................................................ 112 Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 Launched ....................................................................... 112 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 112 Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel acquires ‘Image Trademark’ . ............................................... 113 Trademark Act of 1999 ......................................................................................................................... 113 NASA’s Kepler Telescope finds 10 Earth-Like Planets . .................................................................. 114 Kepler Space Telescope .......................................................................................................................... 114 Reliance Defence inks Pact with Serbia’s Yugoimport to Manufacture Ammunition in India ............................................................................................................................................................... 114 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 115 India and Portugal inks Agreement to Promote Cooperation in The Field of Archives . ........ 115 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 115 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 116 ISRO SalienttoHighlights launch Earth Observation Satellite ........................................................................................ 116 ..................................................................................................................................... 116 PSLV ............................................................................................................................................................ 116 June 21, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................... 117 Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute bags PM’s Yoga Award . ....................................... 117 Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 117 First Indigenously built Floating Dock Launched by L&T . ............................................................ 117 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 117 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 118 China unveils World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks . .................................................... 118 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 118 June 21: International Yoga Day ........................................................................................................... 118 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 119 NASA tests ROSA on Space Station for First Time ......................................................................... 119 Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 119 Significance ............................................................................................................................................... 120 June 22, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 120 Railways to launch Operation Swarn to revamp Rajdhani, Shatabdi Trains ............................. 120 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 120 Premium Trains ....................................................................................................................................... 120 Saudi Arabia: King names Son as new Crown Prince . ................................................................... 121 10  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Significance ................................................................................................................................................ 121 Background-Saudi Arabia’s Royal Succession ................................................................................... 121 India and Russia Celebrates 10 Years of Partnership in Science and Technology .................... 122 MoU ............................................................................................................................................................ 122 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 122 UN Appoints Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov as Chief of newly established United Nations UNCCT Counter-Terrorism Centre ...................................................................................................................................................... 123 South China Sea Dispute: China launches. Research ........................................................................................... Project to Compile Data on Disputed 122 Region ................................................................................................................................................ 123 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 123 South China Sea Dispute ....................................................................................................................... 124 UN: India to become more Populous than China by 2024 . ......................................................... 124 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 124 World population Prospectus: The Revision ...................................................................................... 125 Uttarakhand and Haryana Declared Open Defecation Free States . ............................................ 125 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 125 India’s Largest Municipal Bond Programme Launched . ................................................................ 126 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 126 Municipality Bonds .................................................................................................................................. 126 June 23, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 126 US Approves Sale of UAV Technology to India ............................................................................... 127 Significance ............................................................................................................................................... 127 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 127 Government announces 30 new Smart Cities .................................................................................. 127 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 127 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 128 NASA launches World’s Lightest Satellite designed by Indian Student . ..................................... 128 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 129 Government launches VAJRA Scheme . ............................................................................................. 129 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 129 DST ............................................................................................................................................................ 130 Nisha Dutt bags Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award . ............................................................ 130 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 130 NITI Aayog Selects CCMB as Incubation Centre for Biotech Start-ups . .................................. 130 Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 131 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 131 Fact Box: India’s Contribution to Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project . ............................... 131 Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 131 POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ launched ................................................ 132 POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal . .......................................................................................................... 132 11  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] MERIT ........................................................................................................................................................ 132 June 24, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 133 West Bengal Honoured with UN Public Service Award . ............................................................... 133 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 133 Imran Khawaja Appointed as ICC Deputy Chairman . ................................................................... 133 ICC ............................................................................................................................................................. 134 Quality of Life: Government launches Index to Rank 116 Cities . ................................................. 134 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 134 Incentives to States .................................................................................................................................. 134 India-Russia Signs Roadmap for Defence Cooperation . ................................................................ 135 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 135 Palbinder Kaur Shergill becomes first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Judge in Canada Supreme Court ................................................................................................................. 136 UNESCO: Salient Paris Agreement Highlights Only Way to Save Coral Reefs . ........................................................ 136 ..................................................................................................................................... 136 Coral Reefs ................................................................................................................................................ 136 RBI: Fiscal Deficit of States Soars to Rs 4.93 trillion in FY16 . ..................................................... 137 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 137 June 25, 26, 2017 ............................................................................................................................................ 138 India and Portugal Sign 11 Pacts . ........................................................................................................ 138 Agreements ............................................................................................................................................... 138 K Srikanth Wins Australian Open Super series Title ....................................................................... 139 Indian Army to rethink on its Sahayak System ................................................................................ 139 Sahayak System ....................................................................................................................................... 139 ISSF Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship: Yashaswini Deswal and Anish Bhanwala Wins Gold ................................................................................................................................................... 140 HRD Ministry Constitutes K. Kasturirangan Panel to Frame National Education Policy ........ 140 Background ............................................................................................................................................... 141 World Bank clears $250-million loan for Skill India Mission . ...................................................... 141 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 141 World Bank ............................................................................................................................................... 142 NASA’s Opportunity Mars Rover finds evidence of Ancient Lake ............................................... 142 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 142 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 142 Srinivas Gokulnath becomes First Indian to Solo finish Race Across America ......................... 142 RAAM ........................................................................................................................................................ 143 Fact Box: ISRO’s Satellite-based chips for Unmanned Rail Crossings . ....................................... 143 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 143 Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 144 June 27, 2017 .................................................................................................................................................. 144 Romania: Mihai Tudose named as Prime-Minister Designate . .................................................... 144 12  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Romania .................................................................................................................................................... 144 Key Takeaways from Prime Minister Modi’s US Visit .................................................................... 144 Key Takeaways ........................................................................................................................................ 144 US to declare China among Worst Human Trafficking Offenders .............................................. 145 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 145 Implications .............................................................................................................................................. 146 FSSAI issues Draft Regulations for Organic Food Products ......................................................... 146 Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 146 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 147 BCCI forms Committee to oversee Lodha Panel Reforms ............................................................ 147 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 147 Lodha Committee ................................................................................................................................... 148 Kaushik Basu takes over as President of IEA .................................................................................... 148 IEA .............................................................................................................................................................. 148 EU slaps Google with 2.42 billion euros Fine ................................................................................... 148 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 148 Time Line .................................................................................................................................................. 149 World’s First ATM celebrates its 50th Birthday .............................................................................. 149 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 149 June 28, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 150 Indian Army gets Modern Bullet Proof Helmets .............................................................................. 150 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 150 Need ........................................................................................................................................................... 150 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 150 India and Netherlands sign 3 Agreements ......................................................................................... 150 Salient Highlights ...................................................................................................................................... 151 India-Netherlands ..................................................................................................................................... 151 Dr. Manoj Soni takes Oath as UPSC Member .................................................................................. 151 UPSC .......................................................................................................................................................... 152 Odisha to become First State in the Country to Open a Blood Bank for Cattle ....................... 152 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 152 Election Commission joins hands with Facebook to Launch First Time Nationwide “Voter Registration Reminder” .................................................................................................................. 152 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 152 Election Commission ............................................................................................................................... 153 China has launched its Biggest Naval Destroyer .............................................................................. 153 Analysis ...................................................................................................................................................... 153 Explained: Petya Ransomware Cyberattack ....................................................................................... 154 Extent of Attack ....................................................................................................................................... 154 Petya ransomware ................................................................................................................................... 154 ISRO successfully launches GSAT-17 Satellite ................................................................................. 154 13  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 155 Launch Vehicle ......................................................................................................................................... 155 June 29, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 155 Government issues Notification for roll out of GST ....................................................................... 155 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 155 GST-Background .................................................................................................................................... 156 NASA achieves a major milestone in developing Quieter Supersonic Jet ................................... 156 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 156 PM Modi inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram ......................................... 157 Sabarmati Ashram ................................................................................................................................... 157 Shrimad Rajchandraji .............................................................................................................................. 157 India offers $100,000 to UN Tax Fund ............................................................................................. 157 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 158 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 158 US issues New Visa Criteria for Six Muslim Countries ................................................................... 158 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 158 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 159 NALSA has launched Web Application for Legal Services to Prisoners ..................................... 159 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 159 Significance ............................................................................................................................................... 160 NALSA ...................................................................................................................................................... 160 Indian-American appointed as US Ambassador to Peru ................................................................ 160 Facts ........................................................................................................................................................... 160 UNESCO names Sharjah as World Book Capital ............................................................................ 160 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 160 World Book Capital City ........................................................................................................................ 161 June 30, 2017 ................................................................................................................................................... 161 US to sell C-17 Globemaster Transport Aircraft to India ............................................................... 161 Salient Facts ............................................................................................................................................... 161 SIERRA ODC building in Coimbatore receives World’s Second Highest Green Rating ......... 162 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 162 Green Buildings ....................................................................................................................................... 162 ADB commits USD 10 billion to support development of States in India .................................. 163 Salient Highlights ..................................................................................................................................... 163 ADB ............................................................................................................................................................ 163 Germany legalises Same-Sex Marriage .............................................................................................. 163 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 163 Money Parked by Indians in Swiss banks hit record low .............................................................. 164 Salient Highlights .................................................................................................................................... 164 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 164 Ankit Kawatra bags Queen’s Young Leaders Award for 2017 ..................................................... 165 14  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 165 Queen’s Young Leader Awards ............................................................................................................ 165 NASA launches Rocket to produce Colourful Artificial Clouds ................................................... 165 Salient Facts .............................................................................................................................................. 166 Ionosphere ................................................................................................................................................ 166 Mizoram: 31st Anniversary of Mizo Peace Accord Celebrated .................................................... 166 Mizo Peace Accord-Significance ......................................................................................................... 166 Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions ............................................................................................. 167 15  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Month Highlights: June, 2017 Persons in news – Appointments / Elections Shashi Shekar Vempati Shashi Shekar Vempati has been appointed as the CEO of Prasar Bharati based on the recommendation of the three-member committee headed by Vice President. He will hold the post for a period of five years. Since February 2016, Vempati is currently serving as a Member (part time) of the Prasar Bharati Board. Leo Varadkar Ireland’s Fine Gael party has elected a 38 year old Leo Varadkar as prime minister of Ireland. He will succeed Enda Kenny. Varadkar will be confirmed as prime minister when Irish parliament next sits on June 13. Leo Varadkar has earned the distinction of becoming Ireland’s first gay prime minister. Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He will serve for a term of two years which is further extendable. Sher Bahadur Deuba Sher Bahadur Deuba,70, has been elected as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time. He was the only candidate who contested in the election as the main opposition party UML decided to end the obstruction of parliament and did not register its candidates for the election. Deuba managed to secure 388 votes in the 593 strong Parliament in order to prove his majority. Hoshiar Singh Hoshiar Singh, a 1994 batch officer of the Indian Telecom Service has been appointed as Registrar of Copyrights for a period of five years as per the recent order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Lt Col Raja “Grinder” Chari NASA has selected 12 new astronauts including an Indian-American, Lt Col Raja “Grinder” Chari, from 18000 applications, Lt Col Raja Grinder Chari, 39, is a commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron as well as the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He belongs to Iowa. His father is from India. Preet Kaur Gill In a first Preet Kaur Gill has become the first Sikh to be elected to the British Parliament’s House of Commons. Similarly, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has become the first turban-wearing Sikh to be elected to the House of Commons. Neeru Chadha 3  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Law expert Neeru Chadha has been elected to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas (ITLOS). With this election, she has become the first Indian women to win a crucial election to a top UN judicial body that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea. Neeru has become the first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge at the ITLOS. Ram Nath Kovind Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind has been chosen by the National Democratic Alliance as its Presidential Candidate. Mohammed bin Salman Saudi Arabia’s king has appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince and heir to the throne replacing his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef. This also means that Prince Mohammed bin Salman will become the kingdom’s deputy prime minister while continuing as defence minister. Vladimir Voronkov The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov to head the newly established UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), despite growing tensions between the US and Russia. The Vladimir Voronkov has been given the rank of Under-Secretary-General. Palbinder Kaur Shergill Palbinder Kaur Shergill has become the first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Canada’s Supreme Court judge. The announcement was made by the minister of justice and attorney general of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould. Mihai Tudose In Romania, President Klaus Iohannis has appointed outgoing economy minister Mihai Tudose as Prime Minister and thus paved the way for the formation of a new leftist Social- Democrat-led government in that country. Kaushik Basu Kaushik Basu has taken over as president of the International Economic Association (IEA). He will have three-year tenure. Kaushik Basu has served as India’s chief economic adviser from 2009 to 2012. He has also served as senior vice-president and chief economist at the World Bank from 2012 to 2016. Dr Manoj Soni Dr Manoj Soni has taken Oath of Office and Secrecy as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The Oath was administered to him by the UPSC Chairman Prof. David R. Syiemlieh. Krishna R Urs S. President Donald Trump has appointed an Indian-American named Krishna R Urs as the 4  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] new US Ambassador to Peru. Places in News Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project Nepal has struck a major deal with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for developing a 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, which will be the biggest hydro project in Nepal having the potential to resolve its perennial power crisis. Habibganj railway station Habibganj railway station in the suburbs of Bhopal will become country’s first railway station to be redeveloped in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The idea is to develop Habibganj railway station as a as a world-class transit hub equipped with all amenities. Rutland Island The National Board of Wildlife has approved Rutland Island in South Andaman to be the site for the country’s long-range missile test facility. DRDO has been seeking the approval for the test facility since 2012. Taking into account the strategic importance of the project for country’s defence, the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife has approved the project. Kochi Metro Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Kochi Metro, which will be Kerala’s first metro line. The Construction of the Kochi Metro which was entrusted to the DMRC has been completed in a record four-year period. Prime Minister has inaugurated the first phase of the metro with 13.2 km out of the total 25 km stretch. The Kochi Metro will be the country’s eighth inter-city metro rail project. Sports ESPN World Fame 100 list India captain Virat Kohli, former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and left-handed batsmen, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are the only Indians who featured in ESPN’s ranking of the 100 most famous active athletes in the world. Ramachandra Guha Historian Ramachandra Guha has tendered his resignation as BCCI administrator citing personal reasons. He submitted his resignation letter to Chairman of the Committee of Administrators of the BCCI Vinod Rai on May 28. Manika Batra, Mouma Das India’s Manika Batra and Mouma Das have created history by becoming the first Indian pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships. B Sai Praneeth Ace Indian Shuttler B Sai Praneeth has clinched Thailand Grand Prix Gold title by defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19 in Bangkok. 5  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Rohan Bopanna, Gabriela Dabrowski Rohan Bopanna has won his maiden Grand Slam title along with his Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski by winning the French Open mixed doubles trophy. This is Bopanna’s maiden Grand Slam title at French Open. Jelena Ostapenko Unseeded Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia has lifted the the 2017 French Open Women’s Singles crown. She defeated Simona Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. This will be Ostapenko’s first ever Grand Slam title. With this win, Ostapenko, 20, has become the first unseeded woman to win the French Open after Britain’s Margaret Scriven’s feat in 1933. Jitu Rai, Heena Sidhu Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu have clinched the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held at Gabala, Azerbaijan. Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton won Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. It is Hamilton’s sixth victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. Previously, he had won the titles in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016. It is also his third victory this season and the 56th of his career. Virat Kohli India’s Skipper Virat Kohli has created a record by becoming the quickest batsman to score 8000 runs in one-day international cricket beating South Africa’s AB de Villier’s record by seven fewer innings. He managed to cross the 8000 run mark in his 175th innings during India’s match against Bangladesh in ICC Champion’s Trophy semi-final in Birmingham. Kidambi Srikanth India’s Kidambi Srikanth has lifted the Indonesia Open Super Series badminton title at Jakarta by defeating Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in straight sets 21-11, 21-19. Imran Khawaja The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Imran Khawaja as its deputy chairman. Imran Khawaja is Chairman of Associates counties and a veteran administrator from Singapore. Kidambi Srikanth The world No.11 Kidambi Srikanth has sealed his second successive Super Series win by defeating reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the Australian Open summit clash in Sydney. Yashaswini Singh Deswal, Anish Bhanwala Indian shooters Yashaswini Singh Deswal and Anish Bhanwala has bagged gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Men’s 25m Standard Pistol competition respectively in the 6  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship held in Germany. Srinivas Gokulnath, Amit Samarth Nashik’s army doctor Srinivas Gokulnath and Nagpur’s doctor Amit Samarth have created history by becoming the first Indians to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in the solo 18-59 age category. Rajeev Shukla Committee The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has constituted a special seven-member committee to analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reforms which are being opposed by the state units. The seven-member Lodha committee has been formed under the head of Rajeev Shukla. Persons in news: Died Cingireddi Narayana Reddy Renowned Telugu poet and writer Cingireddi Narayana Reddy has passed away. In 1992, Reddy was awarded the country’s third-highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan. In 1977, he was awarded the Padma Shri. Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati Former Chief Justice of India Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati who is considered as a pioneer of Judicial Activism has passed away. He was 95 years old. Justice Bhagwati had introduced the concepts of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and absolute liability to the Indian judicial system. Helmut Kohl Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who is hailed as the father of German unification has passed away. He was responsible for unifying Germany after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall despite facing stiff resistance from Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev. Science, Technology & Environment NASA’s Parker Solar Probe NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will be launched in the summer of 2018 to explore the sun’s atmosphere. The purpose of the launch will be to study sun’s outer atmosphere and to understand how sun works. The name of the probe initially called the Solar Probe Plus has been renamed as the Parker Solar Probe in honor of astrophysicist Eugene Parker. This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft after a living person. US withdraws from Paris Accord President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is set to withdraw from the historic 2015 Paris Accord as the accord was hurting his country and economy very badly. However, he has said that he is open for a “new transaction” on terms that are fair to the US. India’s First Automatic Coastal Warning for Disasters to come up in Odisha From July, Odisha will commission the ambitious Early Warning Dissemination System 7  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] (EWDS) to warn the vast population residing along its 480 km-long coast in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or a cyclone. Andhra Pradesh is also reportedly developing such system to alert the people in case of natural calamities. AmbuSens Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has developed a wireless technology called ‘AmbuSens‘ for remote monitoring of condition of those patients who are ferried in ambulances. It will help in wireless monitoring of various physiological conditions of patients who are ferried in ambulances. The AmbuSens system includes both hardware and software. Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer NASA is all set to launch the world’s first ever mission devoted for studying neutron stars. NASA will launch the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, or NICER, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The NICER will be installed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as an external attached payload. Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket NASA launched the Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket into the space that released blue-green and red artificial clouds. The launch is expected to support space studies. World’s first hybrid ‘aeroboat’ The world’s first hybrid ‘aeroboat’ which has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture has been unveiled at a start-ups event organized by Russia’s state-run Skolkovo Foundation. The aeroboat is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand. KELT-9b: Hottest Known Planet in Universe Scientists have discovered the hottest known exoplanet, designated KELT-9b which is warmer than most stars in the universe. The study has been published in the journal Nature. WHO protocol for antibiotics With an aim to curb antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revised the protocol for antibiotics. This revision is the biggest such revision of the antibiotics section in the 40-year history of the essential medicines list (EML). May 2017: Second hottest month in 137 years According to NASA, May 2017 was the second hottest month in a span of 137 years when modern record-keeping of average global temperatures had commenced. The temperature of May 2017 was 0.88 degrees Celsius warmer than the mean May temperature from 1951-1980. Orion Spacecraft NASA’s Orion Spacecraft which has been designed to carry astronauts to deep space destinations like Moon and Mars has successfully carried out a series of tests to test its critical safety systems. James Webb Space Telescope Mission officials for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have announced the 8  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] initial science targets for the James Webb Space Telescope. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) completes 1000 earth days in orbit. The orbiter has outlived its lifespan which is more than 5 times the number of days the orbiter was designated to last in orbit. Environmental Impact Survey India has been ranked 75th out of 102 countries in a list that ranks the countries in terms of the human impact on environment per person. The ranking has been done by MoneySuperMarket, a UK-based financial services website. Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines has launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017). This updated version of the Code prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India. Kepler Telescope NASA’s Kepler Telescope has identified 10 Earth-like planets outside the solar system that are expected to host life due to their right size and temperature. This finding is a boost in the hope for life elsewhere. Cartosat-2 Satellite Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 series weighing 712 kg and 30 nano-satellites using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks China has unveiled world’s first train that runs on a virtual track making use of sensor technology instead of metal rails. The new trains are non-polluting as they are battery powered. Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) NASA is testing the effectiveness of a flexible solar array, the Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA, on space station for the very first time. ROSA is expected to one day power satellites and spacecraft. NASA had earlier tested the ROSA technology in vacuum chambers on the Earth but this is the first time it is testing the technology in space. KalamSat: World’s Lightest Satellite NASA has launched world’s lightest satellite weighing only 64 grams designed by 18-year-old boy Rifath Sharook from Tamil Nadu. The tiny satellite has been named as KalamSat after the former President APJ Abdul Kalam. The tiny satellite was launched into space on a sounding rocket from NASA’s facility in Wallops Island. Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) is the world’s biggest telescope which would facilitate 9  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] astronomers to observe the intricacies of the universe from earth. It is a multi- million dollar project being developed by an international consortium of Five countries including India. The other four countries are Canada, China, Japan and the US. Mars rover Opportunity NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity has found rocks at the edge of Endeavour Crater that might have been a lake of liquid water. The scientists believe that the rocks were either transported by a flood or eroded in place by the wind. Petya Ransomware Petya Ransomware is part of a new wave of cyber-attacks and has infected computer servers across the world. It is similar to the Wannacry ransomware. However, it is a variation of the WannaCry cyber-attack. It follows the WannaCry’s pattern and locks up the computer data and cripples the Enterprise services in the corporate sector. GSAT-17 communication Satellite ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-17 communication Satellite onboard the Ariane-5 launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center at French Guiana on June 28. GSAT-17 will be the ISRO’s third satellite that is launched within a span of three months. SIERRA ODC building SIERRA ODC building has been recognised as the world’s second highest ranking Green Building. The building has scored 103 points out of 110 under LEED certification. Events & Observances 5 June: World Environment Day Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 5 June to raise global awareness worldwide for the protection of our environment and the planet Earth. It is the single largest celebration of our environment each year. The celebration of the day is a global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June 17 to promote public awareness to combat desertification. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994. June 21: International Yoga Day June 21st is annually celebrated as International Yoga Day since the year 2015. This year, the 3rd International Day of Yoga is being observed. The purpose of the yoga day is to promote yoga and make it as a part of people’s daily routine. Centenary Celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. The ashram is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. It had 10  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] once served as one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi for twelve long years. Sharjah: 2017 World Book Capital UNESCO has named Sharjah as the World Book Capital for 2019. Sharjah was chosen for its efforts to make books accessible to its entire population. It was selected to underline the efforts taken by it to make books accessible for reading to as many people as possible, especially the marginalised populations. Defence Related Prithvi-II missile The land version of the short range surface–to–surface ballistic missile Prithvi-II was successfully test-fired from a defence base off Odisha coast. The test was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with logistics support from DRDO. AUSINDEX Indian warships have reached Australia’s port city of Freemantle to take part in a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast. Australia-India (AUSINDEX) was first conducted off the East Coast of India in September 2015. AUSINDEX-17 will be the second overall bilateral drill between Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy. Anti-tank ‘Nag’ missile The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired anti-tank ‘Nag’ missile in Rajasthan. The test was conducted by Scientists of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex at Hyderabad, Defence Laboratory at Jodhpur, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) at Pune and Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at Pune. Pact on F-16 fighter plane Lockheed Martin and India’s Tata Advanced Systems have signed a pact to produce F-16 fighter planes in India. The two companies have announced their agreement at the Paris Airshow. Lockheed Martin’s move to forge a joint venture with Tata is aimed at winning billions of dollars worth order from the Indian military. Reliance-Yugoimport Defence deal Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence Ammunition which is a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure has entered into a strategic partnership with Serbia’s state-run Yugoimport to manufacture ammunition in India. The joint venture is expected to target business opportunities worth Rs 20,000 crore from Indian armed forces in the next 10 years. Floating Dock (FDN-2) Larsen & Toubro has launched the first indigenously built Floating Dock (FDN-2) to repair Indian Navy ships at its Shipyard at Kattupalli, north of Chennai. The floating shipyard would be handed over to the Indian Navy after conducting three to four months of trial. 11  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Guardian drones The United States has cleared the sale of the state-of-the-art Guardian 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India. The deal to sell UAV drones to India is estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion. Though the deal has been approved by the State Department, an official announcement regarding the deal is yet to be announced. Sahayak System Indian Army is considering doing away with the colonial-era Sahayak System and considers recruiting civilian staff in peace stations. The Indian Army’s move comes in the wake of rising cases of jawans coming out openly against the Sahayak system. Some jawans have accused of being treated as servants by their attached officers. C-17 transport aircraft US has decided to sell one C-17 transport aircraft to India. US and India have built a close defence relationship in recent years. The US along with Russia and Israel has emerged as a top three arms supplier to India. Finance, Business and Economy China: Fastest emerging economy As per the data released by the Ministry of Statistics, India registered 7.1% growth in the financial year 2016-17, which is slower than the 8% registered in 2015-16. In the fourth quarter of 2016-17, India registered a growth of GDP growth of 6.1% compared with China’s 6.9% in the same period. Hence, India has lost its fastest-growing major economy tag in the fourth quarter of 2016-17. Airtel, Telenor Merger Bharti Airtel has stated that it has got approvals from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) for the proposed scheme of merger with Telenor (India) Communications Private Ltd. Uday Kotak Committee Market Regulator SEBI has formed a Committee on Corporate Governance under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak, the executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. The move is aimed at improving the standards of corporate governance of listed companies. World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects (GEP) has projected a growth rate of 7.2% for India in the financial year 2017 as against 6.8% growth in 2016. Also, the bank in its report expects India’s growth rate to remain at 7.5% in 2018 and 7.7% in 2019. Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) The 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) titled ‘The Age of Focus‘ has placed India at the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business in the retail 12  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] sector. This is the 16th edition of the Global Retail Development Index (GRDI). World Investment Report 2017 According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2017, India continues to remain as a favourite destination for FDI even though tax related concerns remain as a deterrent for the foreign investors. According to the report, the favourite destinations for FDI are the US, China and India. Options Trading in Commodity Futures SEBI has allowed options trading on futures contract of commodities. However, the capital market regulator has allowed the commodity derivatives exchanges to initially launch options on futures of only one commodity. World’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum has have signed the joint venture agreement to jointly set up the world’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. India is Top Remittance Receiving Country According to the ‘One Family at a Time’ study conducted by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Indians working across the world had sent home USD 62.7 billion in 2016 making India the top remittance-receiving country surpassing China. India Infrastructure Fund China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $150 million equity investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund. This loan will be the bank’s first equity investment to fund private projects. Global Innovation Index 2017 In the Global Innovation Index 2017, co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India has moved up 6 places to reach 60th place among 130 countries emerging as the top-ranked economy in Central and South Asia. This is the 10th edition of the Global Innovation Index 2017 (GII). EU slaps Google with 2.42 billion euros Fine The European Union’s competition watchdog has fined Google a record 2.42 billion euro for breaching the anti-trust rules by illegally favouring its shopping service. The European Commission regulates EU competition rules. Government Policy and Schemes T-Wallet Telangana has launched a digital wallet named T-Wallet for people to make public and private financial transactions. This is first such initiative by any state government in the country. 13  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh Government has inaugurated the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi. This centre would be the largest public sector human milk bank and lactation counselling centre available in North India India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project to be implemented in Andhra Pradesh Government will retrofit 10 lakh conventional street lights with LED lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. The project will be carried out by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) functioning under the Ministry of Power. This project will be the first rural LED street lighting project under the Government of India’s Street Lighting National Project (SLNP). Selfie with Daughter App The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has launched a mobile Application ‘Selfie with Daughter’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The App is aimed at raising awareness among people about female foeticide and sex selection. SATH-‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ NITI Aayog has launched SATH-‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments for furthering the agenda of cooperative federalism. Tele-Law initiative The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched the ‘Tele-Law’ initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to provide legal aid services to the marginalized communities and citizens living in rural areas through the Common Service Centres (CSC) at the panchayat level, spread across the country. Mission Retro-Fitment Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has launched Mission Retro-Fitment to enhance the passenger experience by upgrading the existing fleet of coaches Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) The Union cabinet has approved the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for farmers for the year 2017-18. The objective of the scheme is to make available agricultural credit for Short Term crop loans at an affordable rate. The scheme is expected to boost agricultural productivity and production in the country. Celebrating Yoga mobile app Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan has launched a Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga”. The Mobile App has been developed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology. The aim of app is to popularise Yoga and encourage people to practice yoga for a scientifically healthy living. 14  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Anti-profiteering authority The GST Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley comprising of state finance ministers as members have decided to set up a five-member anti-profiteering authority to decide on levying the penalty if businesses do not pass on the benefit of price reduction to consumers under GST regime. The GST Council has also approved the anti-profiteering rules. TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention India has become the 71st nation to join the United Nations TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention. India’s decision to join the convention is part of its multi-modal transport strategy that aims at integrating Indian economy with global and regional production networks through better connectivity. Operation Swarn (‘gold’) Concerned over the complaints received from the public over the premium trains of Indian Railways like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express, Railways have decided to launch “Operation Swarn (‘gold’)“. The operation is aimed at improving the services in these premium trains. India’s largest municipal bond programme Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has launched India’s largest municipal bond programme. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) became the first municipal corporation in the country to tap money through municipal bonds in 14 years. The AA+ rated PMC’s municipal bonds raised Rs 200 crore at 7.59 per cent rate at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This is the first-ever mobilisation of debt capital by a municipal corporation on the BSE BOND platform. Uttarakhand and Haryana Declared Open Defecation Free States Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryana have been declared as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India. Already, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, have been declared ODF. Incubation Centre for biotechnology start-ups NITI-Aayog has chosen the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad for hosting the Rs. 10-crore Atal Incubation Centre for biotechnology start-ups. VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme Department of Science and Technology has launched VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme that enables NRIs and overseas scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India. Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency (MERIT) Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal has launched Weather Portal for Power Sector & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ (Merit Order 15  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency). City Liveability Index The Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu has launched its first liveability index which will rank the country’s 116 major cities on the basis of the quality of life. The index named ‘City Liveability Index’ will cover cities with a population above one million, including the capital cities Skill India mission The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan to aid the Skill India mission. The loan amount would be used for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling. The mission will be a six- year programme in support of National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017-23). K. Kasturirangan Panel The HRD ministry has constituted a new nine-member panel headed by space scientist K Kasturirangan to frame a new National Education Policy (NEP). The other members of the panel include chosen experts and educationists from wide-ranging backgrounds. Blood Bank for Cattle Odisha is set to become the first state in the country to open a blood bank for cattle. The proposal has received the nod from the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP). It is now awaiting the approval from the state government. Voter Registration Reminder The Election Commission of India has joined hands with Facebook to launch nationwide voter registration reminder aimed at reminding eligible Indian voters to register themselves on the electoral rolls. Awards Vizianagaram The Ministry of Rural Development has selected Vizianagaram as one among the 17 districts for MGNREGA annual award. The award was given to Vizianagaram for its effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during the time period 2015-16. J P Nadda Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda was conferred the WHO Director- General’s Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control. The award was presented to him by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia at the ‘National Consultation on Accelerating Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for achievement of SDGs’. Project Jal Sanchay ‘Project Jal Sanchay’, a water conservation model which is successfully adopted in Nalanda 16  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] district of south-central Bihar, has been chosen for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee programme (MGNREGP) by the Ministry of Rural Development. David Grossman Israeli author David Grossman has won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel “A Horse Walks Into a Bar“. He is the first Israeli author to win the Man Booker International Prize. Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi The Bhupen Hazarika National Award, 2017 has been conferred upon the noted writer Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi. The award has been instituted by Sarhad, a Maharashtra-based organisation. The award honours an outstanding literary work at national and international level. The award consists of 51,000 rupees, a memento and a certificate. Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune has become the first recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of Yoga. Nisha Dutt Nisha Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Intellecap has become the first Indian woman leader to have been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at The 7th Asian Awards in London. Nisha Dutt has been honoured in recognition of her work in making Intellecap a globally known enterprise that focuses on social capital. Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has received the highest prize in United Nations Public Service Award for the state government’s Kanyashree Prakalpa (Girl Child) scheme in The Hague, Netherlands. Miscellaneous Terms and Facts Astana Summit of SCO India and Pakistan’s admission to the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was formalised at the SCO’s summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 8-9 June. The summit completed the admission procedures of both countries. Global Peace Index 2017 India ranked 137th in the Global Peace Index 2017, which ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. In Last year’s index, India was ranked 141st. The index is compiled every year by the Sydney-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace. One Million Dollar Fund The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping has established a one million dollar fund for boosting media cooperation in the five-nation grouping. 17  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Kambala The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, and thus legalising kambala. The bill will now be sent to the President for getting his assent. Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 which will provide a comprehensive resolution framework for financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies, and other entities. India re-elected to ECOSOC India has won its re-election to the UN’s principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues for another three-year term. India was one among the 18 nations to win election to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Taj Mahal Palace gets image trademark Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel has acquired an ‘image trademark‘ under the Trademark Act of 1999, making it is the first building in the country to acquire intellectual property rights protection for its architectural design. UN tax fund India has contributed $ 100,000 to the UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters (the UN Tax Fund). The fund is aimed at helping the developing countries to actively participate in the discussion of tax issues. India has also earned the distinction of becoming the first country to make a voluntary contribution to the UN tax fund. Date Wise Current Affairs June 1, 2017 India Mobile Congress (IMC 2017) to be held in September May 31, 2017 India Mobile Congress 2017 (IMC 2017) is scheduled to be held as a three day event from 27th to 29th September 2017 in New Delhi. This was announced by the Union Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha. This is the first time India is all set to host its own mobile mega show. The Indian telecom market is the second-largest in the world after China. India has a total subscriber base of over 1.18 billion subscribers. Salient Highlights The India Mobile Congress will be the country’s first and biggest platform that will bring together all stakeholders of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and government on a 18  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] common platform. It will see the participation of government bodies, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), telecom equipment manufacturers, handset manufacturers and app providers. Apart from it, the event will serve as a platform for international players exploring avenues for investment in the country. It will help to attract investments towards programmes like Digital India Modelled just like the Mobile World Congress events of Shanghai and Barcelona, the event is aimed at bringing the Indian telecom industry at par with its international counterparts. The Mobile Congress will showcase exciting new products & innovation and share the India story. The event will be organised by Department of Telecommunications along with Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and other stakeholders. The event is expected to see the participation of 5000 paid participants from countries like the US, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Korea, the Philippines, Bhutan and Japan. Apart from this, the event is expected to see the participation of telecom giants like Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular. ISRO’s GSLV-Mk III Launched May 31, 2017 ISRO’s GSLV-Mk III has been launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on June 5, 2017. GSLV-Mk III is the heaviest rocket ever made by ISRO which is capable of carrying heavy payloads. Salient Facts GSLV-Mk III can put four-tonne satellites in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and is capable of placing up to eight tonnes in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This capacity is enough to carry a manned module and launch people into space. The rocket has three-stages with two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110) and a cryogenic stage (C-25). The solid booster S200 is the third largest solid booster in the world. It was successfully tested at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota on January 24, 2010. The indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage, C-25, which is the most difficult component was successfully tested on February 18, 2017. On June 5, GSLV-Mk III’s first developmental flight, D1, will place GSAT-19 satellite into space. GSAT-19 will help to improve telecommunication and broadcasting areas. This is India’s first fully functional rocket to be tested with a cryogenic engine.Cryogenic engine makes use of liquid propellants (liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen). ISRO took about 25 years, 11 flights and over 200 tests on different components to come up with this rocket. The rocket weighs 640-tonne which will be equivalent to the weight of 200 fully-grown Asian elephants. The rocket will be India’s heaviest but shortest rocket with a height of 43 metre. 19  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] India Loses its Fast Growing Economy Tag to China June 1, 2017 As per the data released by the Ministry of Statistics, India registered7.1% growth in the financial year 2016-17, which is slower than the 8% registered in 2015-16. In the fourth quarter of 2016-17, India registered a growth of GDP growth of6.1% compared with China’s 6.9% in the same period. Hence, it has lost its fastest-growing major economy tag in the fourth quarter of 2016-17. A decline is also visible in the Gross value added (GVA) growth. It was 6.6% for 2016-17 and 5.6% in the Q4 of 2016-17, compared with 7.9% in 2015-16 and 8.7% in Q4 of that year. The GDP growth rate has registered a slightly higher growth because of proportionate increase inindirect tax net of subsidies. While GDP gives a picture of whole economy, GVA gives pictures at enterprises, government and households levels. In other words, GDP is GVA of all enterprises, government and households. Further, Gross Value Added (GVA) broadly reflects the supply or production side of the economy. The GDP numbers have been computed based on the new 2011-12 base year recently adopted for data including the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI). Reasons The demonetisation drive of the government had an adverse impact on the economy. The GDP growth got reduced in Q3 and Q4 when compared with the growth rates in the beginning of the year. GVA growth also registered a slow down in almost every sector in Q4 of 2016-17 when compared with the growth registered in the corresponding period of the previous year. Capital formation was also relatively soft with growth below 30%. Only 4 Indians Feature in ESPN World Fame 100 list June 1, 2017 India captain Virat Kohli, former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and left-handed batsmen, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are the only Indians who featured in ESPN’s ranking of the 100 most famous active athletes in the world. In the list, Virat kohli has been placed in the 13th spot, Dhoni in the 15th spot and Yuvrai and Raina in the 90th and 95th places respectively. The first place in the list was occupied by Portuguese footballer Christiano Ronaldo followed by Lebron James, soccer star Lionel Messi, tennis star Roger Federer, Phil Mickelson, Neymar, Usain Bolt, Kevin Durant, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods in that order. Other prominent personalities who figured in the list includes Ryan Lochte, and Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray etc. 20  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Methodology The ranking system is based on a formula devised by ESPN director of sports analytics Ben Alamar. They are based on the parameters like endorsements, social media reach and other data. This is ESPN’s second annual ranking of the biggest name in sports. The first edition of the list was published in 2016. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to Explore Sun’s Atmosphere June 1, 2017 NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will be launched in the summer of 2018 to explore the sun’s atmosphere. The purpose of the launch will be to study sun’s outer atmosphere and to understand how sun works. The name of the probe initially called the Solar Probe Plus has been ernamed as the Parker Solar Probe in honor of astrophysicist Eugene Parker. This is the first time NASA has named a spacecraft after a living person. Astrophysicist Eugene Parker published a research paper predicting the existence of solar wind in 1958. At that time, it was thought that the space between planets was a vacuum. Parker’s theory of solar wind was later on confirmed by satellite observations. Solar wind is the flow of charged gases from the sun. Salient Highlights The 10-feet high Parker Solar Probe will fly within 6.4 million km of the sun’s surface right into the solar atmosphere. The probe will be subjected to brutal heat and radiation that has not experienced by any other man-made probes previously. The objective of the mission will be to study sun in detail and shed light on Earth and its place in the solar system. The mission will work towards determining the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. This will be NASA’s first mission to the sun and its outermost atmosphere corona. The mission is scheduled to end in June 2025. Historian Ramachandra Guha resigns as BCCI Administrator June 1, 2017 Historian Ramachandra Guha has tendered his resignation as BCCI administrator citing personal reasons. He submitted his resignation letter to Chairman of the Committee of Administrators of the BCCI Vinod Rai on May 28. Ramachandra Guha was one among the four administrators appointed by the Supreme Court on January 30 to run the affairs of BCCI. The four member committee was headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai. The other two members are managing Director of Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) Vikram Limaye and former Indian women 21  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] cricket captain Diana Edulji. Background In its earlier order of January 2, 2017 the Supreme Court had removed Anurag Thakur as BCCI president, Ajay Shirke as BCCI secretary and disqualified all the board and its state association office bearers after they had failed to implement new norms set by the Justice Lodha Committee. The apex court held that Mr. Thakur and Mr. Shirke are unfit to continue at helm of BCCI for their obstructionist attitude and their incapacity to make affiliated State associations fall in line with Lodha committee. Ramachandra Guha Ramachandra Guha is a famous historian and writer. His research interests include social, political, environmental and cricket history. He also writes as a columnist in various newspapers including The Telegraph and Hindustan Times. His famous works include Gandhi Before India (2013), Patriots and Partisans (2012), Makers of Modern India (2010), India after Gandhi: The history of the world’s largest democracy (2007) etc. He has been awarded with Padma Bhushan in 2009, (2009), Sahitya Akademi award in 2011 for India After Gandhi. For year 2011–12, he had also served as the Philippe Roman Chair of International Affairs and History at the London School of Economics. Telangana Launches T-Wallet June 1, 2017 Telangana has launched a digital wallet named T-Wallet for people to make public and private financial transactions. Salient Highlights The service has been launched as “anytime anywhere digital payment option for everyone”. This is first such initiative by any state government in the country. The service can also be availed by those people who do not have mobile phones. The public who do not have smartphones can use the wallet for transactions using MeeSeva centres. They can go to Mee Seva centres to open T-Wallet, load money and make payments. The T-Wallet will charge a nominal cost for private transactions and charges will not be applicable for paying electricity bills, water bills, property taxes, RTA challans etc. To provide the service, the Telangana Government has tied up with Vijaya Bank. RBI’s clearance has been obtained by the state government to launch the e-payment facility. The service could be availed in three languages, namely, Telugu, Urdu and English both on mobile phones and on online web browser. 22  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Astana Summit: India and Pakistan to become Full members of SCO June 1, 2017 India and Pakistan’s admission to the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be formalised at the SCO’s summit to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Astana Summit will be held on 8-9 June. The summit will complete the admission procedures of these two countries. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisaiton (SCO) granted full membership status to Pakistan and India during its Ufa summit held in Russia in 2015. India signed the Memorandum on accession in June 2016. The presence of world’s two most populous countries, China and India in the grouping would make SCO as the organisation with the largest population coverage. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) SCO is the political and security grouping headquartered in Beijing. It was founded in 2001. The full members of the organization are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The groupings main objective is military cooperation between the members. The grouping also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status at present. China founded this grouping, called the Shanghai Five, in 1996. It comprised Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In 2001 Uzbekistan was invited to join it and the SCO was officially born. After the Astana Summit Declaration in 2005, SCO has emerged as a regional security organization. Mongolia is the first country to receive observer status at the 2004 Tashkent Summit. Pakistan, India and Iran received observer status at the 2005 SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 5, 2005. SCO is primarily centred on its member nations’ Central Asian security-related concerns, often describing the main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism and extremism. The role of China as well as strategic importance of SCO has increased over the period of a decade and now address problems like terrorism, separatism and militancy in the region. SEBI Approves Airtel and Telenor Merger June 1, 2017 Bharti Airtel has stated that it has got approvals from theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) for the proposed scheme of merger with Telenor (India) Communications Private Ltd. Bharti Airtel now has filed the joint company application before the New Delhi Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal for approval. Bharti Airtel had announced its proposed merger with Telenor South Asia Investments Pte Ltd in February. 23  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights The merger will transfer all of Telenor India’s assets and customers and thus augmenting Airtel’s overall customer base and network. The merger is also subject to other statutory approvals like that of the Competition Commission of India. The merger will further bolster Airtel’s strong spectrum foot-print in seven circles including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West) and Assam. These seven circles with a huge population concentration will offer a high potential for growth. It will result in the addition of 43.4 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. SEBI Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was established in 1988. It got statutory mandate and powers under the SEBI Act, 1992. Its objective is to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development and regulation of securities market. The Key functions of SEBI are to regulate stock exchanges and other securities markets; registering and regulating the working of intermediaries who are associated with securities markets in any manner; Registering and regulating the working of venture capital funds and collective investment schemes including mutual funds; promoting and regulating self-regulatory organizations and prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets. Country’s First Automatic Coastal Warning for Disasters to come up in Odisha June 1, 2017 From July, Odisha will commission the ambitiousEarly Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) to warn the vast population residing along its 480 km-long coast in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or a cyclone. Andhra Pradesh is also reportedly developing such system to alert the people in case of natural calamities. Salient Highlights The warning can be disseminated just by pressing a single button from a control room in the State capital in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters. It would trigger loud sirens simultaneously from towers at 122 locations including tourist destinations, fish landing centres and coastal habitations situated across the state. The sound emanating from the towers can be heard in localities up to a radius of 1.5 km. Thus, Odisha become the first state to have developed an automatic public address system that can be activated across the state. The towers will be installed in 22 blocks under six coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Puri and Ganjam The EWDS comprises of Satellite-Based Mobile Data Voice Terminals (SBMDVT), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Mass Messaging System (MMS) and Universal Communication Interface (UCI)for 24  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] inter-operability among different communication technologies. The project at an estimated cost of ₹ 82 crore will be implemented with assistance from the World Bank. The EWDS will help the people to move to safer places before government agencies commenced evacuation. June 2, 2017 India and Russia Sign 5 Pacts June 2, 2017 India and Russia have inked 5 pacts after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Russia. Agreements An agreement on cultural exchanges for a period of two years (2017-2019) has been signed between the two nations. An agreement for the construction of the third stage of the Kudankulam NPP (KK5 & KK6) along with the Credit Protocol has been signed between NPCIL and ROSATOM An agreement between the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) and the Council of India on Scientific and Industrial Research has been signed to provide access to Rospatent experts to the Indian Digital Library of Traditional Knowledge (TKDL). Contract between JSC (Russian Railways) and the Ministry of Railways on the preparation of the justification for the implementation of the high-speed service at the Nagpur-Secunderabad section has been signed. Memorandum of cooperation between ALROSA Joint Stock Company and the Council for the Promotion of the Export of Precious Stones and Jewellery of India has been signed. Others India and Russia have decided to hold the first tri-Services exercises, named I‘ ndra-2017’, this year. Both the countries have also decided to begin joint manufacturing of frigates and co-production of Kamov-226 military helicopters. Of all the agreements, the agreement on setting up of Units 5 and 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu with the Russian help was a much-awaited agreement. The reactors will be built by India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Russia’s Atomstroyexport company, which is a subsidiary of Rosatom. Rosatom is the regulatory body of the Russian nuclear complex. The two units will have a capacity to produce 1,000 MW of power. An ‘Action Plan’ has also been devised for speeding up the bilateral cooperation in all fields by the two countries. 25  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Paris Climate Deal: US to Withdraw June 2, 2017 President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is set to withdraw from the historic 2015 Paris Accord as the accord was hurting his country and economy very badly. However, he has said that he is open for a “new transaction” on terms that are fair to the US. With the decision to pull out, the United States will join the short list of countries includingSyria and Nicaragua that are not a part of the Paris Accord which has been signed by 195 countries in 2015. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change came into effect in November last year. Reasons Donald Trump has held that the deal was not tough enough on India and China. According to Trump, Paris Accord was unfair to the United States. He has held that implementation of Paris Accord would adversely impact the paper, cement, iron and steel, coal, and natural gas sectors of the American economy. It would also inflict a loss of $3 trillion in GDP, loss of 6.5 million industrial jobs and $7,000 less in annual income for American households. Implications Being the world’s second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, the exit of United States from the accord have raised questions about the fate of the accord. There are also fears that some more reluctant countries may also follow the steps of US in quitting the climate deal. As per the various estimates provided by entities like Climate Interactive and Climate Action Tracker, if US doesn’t reach its Paris Accord goal, then an additional 0.1 to 0.3 degrees Celsius will be added to global warming by 2100. With the exit of the US, China and EU are set to announce an alliance to take on a leadership role determined to protect the Paris Accord. Prithvi-II Missile Test Fired Successfully June 2, 2017 The land version of theshort range surface–to–surface ballistic missilePrithvi-II was successfully test-fired from a defence base off Odisha coast. The test was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with logistics support from DRDO. The test was part of the user training exercise. The missile carrying a dummy payload was mounted on a Mobile Tatra transporter-erector Launcher (MTL). In November 2016, the twin trial of surface-to-surface nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile was successfully conducted by the India Army from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha. During the test, two Prithvi-II missiles in salvo mode were successfully test-fired in quick succession from a mobile launcher of the Integrated Test Range (ITR). 26  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Prithvi-II Prithvi-II is a tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is the first missile to be indigenously developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The missile is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of nuclear as well as conventional warheads. the missile has a strike range of 350 km. The missile is powered by liquid propellant and can operate with both liquid as well as solid fuel. It has the ability to dodge enemy missiles by using advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target. The missile was inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003. The missile has been inducted into the 333-missile regiment of the Indian Army. The missile can deliver warheads deep into enemy territory and inflict heavy damage to forward airfields. It is designed in such a way that it can be taken close to the forward line over any kind of terrain. Mouma-Manika Pair made History by becoming First Indian Pair to reach Quaterfinals in World TT Championships June 2, 2017 India’s Manika Batra and Mouma Das has created history by becoming the first Indian pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships. The event is held in Dusseldorf. The last edition of the event was held in Suzhou in 2015. The next world TT championships will be held in Budapest in the year 2019. The duo will now take on the No. 1 and 2 Chinese players, Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen in an upcoming match. The World Table Tennis Championships are being held since 1926. The event is being organized biennially since 1957. Five individual events comprising men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s double and mixed doubles are currently held as a part of the championships. Second Scorpene Class Submarine Ready for Sea Trials June 2, 2017 Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has announced that the second Scorpene-class submarine is ready for surface sea trials. INS Khanderi, the second Scorpene class submarine has been built at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is the second of the six submarines being built at MDL in collaboration with France’s DCNS as part of Project 75 of Indian Navy. Salient Highlights INS Khanderi has been named Khanderi, after the Island fort of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji which played had vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in late 17th century. Khanderi is also 27  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] name for Tiger Shark. The state-of-the-art features in the submarine include superior stealth and ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapon. The attack from it can be launched with torpedoes, as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whilst on surface or underwater. The stealth features gives it invulnerability, unmatched by many submarines. The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a Naval task force. It can undertake multifarious types of missions typically undertaken by any modern submarine such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, area surveillance, mine laying etc. In general, the Scorpene-class submarines are expected to significantly enhance India’s naval power and strength while making the country ocean safe and secure. Project 75 Under Project 75 India will construct 6 next generation diesel submarines with Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP) technology for the Indian Navy by 2022. The project is built with assistance and technology transfer from DCNS of France under deal signed in October 2005. The first of the series INS Kalvari is completing sea trials and will be commissioned shortly. The other four submarines are expected to be launched at nine-month intervals after the INS Khanderi. Fact Box: Global Peace Index 2017 June 2, 2017 India has been ranked 137th in the Global Peace Index 2017, which ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness. In Last year’s index, India was ranked 141st. This is the eleventh edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI). The index is compiled every year by the Sydney-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace. GPI is considered as one of the most comprehensive analysis that captures trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies. It has used 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure the state of peace using three thematic domains: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of Militarisation. Various parameters like the homicide rate, the ease of access to weapons, the impact of terrorism and the number of armed services personnel in the population were analyzed in preparing the multifaceted index of peace indicators. Salient highlights Top 10 Peaceful Countries Iceland (1), New Zealand (2), Portugal (3), Austria (4), Denmark (5), Czech Republic (6), Slovenia (7), Canada (8), Switzerland (9), Ireland (10). 28  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Top 10 Least Peaceful Countries Syria (163), Afghanistan (162), Iraq (161), South Sudan (160), Yemen (159), Somalia (158), Libya (157), Sudan and Central African Rep., both countries placed at 155th position and Ukraine (154). The index has covered 99.7% of the world’s population. The GPI 2017 has found that the global level of peace has improved by 0.28 per cent,with 93 countries improving, while 68 countries deteriorated. Six of the nine regions of the world has registered improvement. South America has registered the largest improvement as the fourth most peaceful region. The largest regional deterioration in score occurred in North America. The score for North America deteriorated entirely as a result of the US. Europe remains the most peaceful region in the world. The combined Middle East and North Africa was the least peaceful region in the world. As per the GPI, the economic impact of violence on the global economy in 2016 was $14.3 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, which is roughly equivalent to 12.6% of the gross world product. Researchers at IIT Kharagpur Develops ‘AmbuSens’ for monitoring Hospital- bound Patients June 2, 2017 Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has developed a wireless technology called ‘AmbuSens‘ for remote monitoring of condition of those patients who are ferried in ambulances. Salient Highlights AmbuSens will help in wireless monitoring of various physiological conditions of patients who are ferried in ambulances. The AmbuSens system includes both hardware and software. The ambulance and the hospitals will have laptops or tablets with internet connection to continuously monitor the health condition of the patients in real-time. The patients will be fitted with wireless body sensors. The technology will monitor the parameters like ECG, heart-rate, temperature and blood-pressure and can ensure remote monitoring of the patient’s condition even before they reach the hospital. The web interface of the system will offer easy-to-use graphical interface with data visualisation tools such as real-time ECG graph rendering. The graphical interface can be accessed from internet- enabled laptops, tablets and smartphones. The collected patient’s data will be held confidentially. This new system assumes significance at the backdrop of limited knowledge of medical technician who accompanies a critical patient in an ambulance. With this technology, the doctors will be able to instruct life saving medical interventions to the technician. 29  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Shashi Shekar Vempati Appointed as CEO of Prasar Bharati June 2, 2017 Shashi Shekar Vempati has been appointed as the CEO of Prasar Bharati based on the recommendation of the three-member committee headed by Vice President. The other two members of thecommittee was Chairman, Press Council of India and the Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, who was also the President’s nominee. Shashi Shekar Vempati will hold the post for a period of five years. Since February 2016, Vempati is currently serving as a Member (part time) of the Prasar Bharati Board. Vempati is an alumnus of IIT Bombay. He has over two decades of experience in areas like Corporate Management, Technology Consulting and Digital Media. He is an ex-employee of Infosys and worked for the company as Product Strategist and Digital Innovator in North America. Vempati has also served as Chairman of Audit Committee, Member of Finance and Accounts Committee, Technology Committee, Sports Rights Committee and HR Committee. He has two patents under his name: “Real Time Business Event Monitoring, Tracking and Execution Architecture” and “System and method for monitoring and management of inventory of products and assets in real time”. He has also authored many books namely “Broadcasting Technologies in India”, “National Digital Security Architecture in India”, “Creating a Global Media Platform out of India” among others. June 3, 2017 SEBI Constitutes Committee on Corporate Governance June 3, 2017 Market Regulator SEBI has formed a Committee on Corporate Governance under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak, the executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. The move is aimed at improving the standards of corporate governance of listed companies. Salient Highlights The panel which is headed by Uday Kotak will also include representatives of Corporate India, stock exchanges, professional bodies, investor groups, chambers of commerce, law firms, academicians and research professionals and SEBI. The panel has been mandated to submit the report within a period of four months. The mandate of the committee is to make recommendations on: Ensuring independence in spirit of independent directors and their active participation in functioning of the company. The steps that are need to be taken for improving safeguards and disclosures pertaining to related party transactions. 30  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] To suggest measures for addressing issues faced by investors on voting and participation in general meetings The steps required for improving effectiveness of board evaluation practices. Suggest on issues pertaining to disclosure and transparency. Background In April, SEBI unveiled the detailed corporate governance norms for listed companies. The new norms which are in alignment with the new Companies Act would be effective from October 1. The new norms are aimed at encouraging companies to adopt best practices on corporate governance. SEBI’s new norms provides for stricter disclosures and protection of investor rights including equitable treatment for minority and foreign shareholders. SEBI SEBI is the statutory regulator for the securities market in India established in 1988. It was given statutory powers through the SEBI Act, 1992. SEBI’s headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI’s mandate is to protect the interests of investors in securities, promote the development of securities market and to regulate the securities market. The Key functions of SEBI are as follows: Regulating stock exchanges and other securities markets; Registering and regulating the working of intermediaries who are associated with securities markets in any manner; Registering and regulating the working of venture capital funds and collective investment schemes including mutual funds; promoting and regulating self-regulatory organizations and prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets. Samsung Signs MoU with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to Set Up 2 more Tech Schools June 3, 2017 Samsung India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for setting up two new Samsung Technical Schools in Bengaluru and Jamshedpur as well as to renew the partnership for 10 existing schools being run across the country. Salient Highlights As a part of Samsung’s commitment to government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the company has announced the MSME-Samsung Technical School Scholarship programme for girls and differently-abled trainees. Under this Programme, 1,000 girls and differently-abled trainees will be given a grant of up to Rs. 20,000. Also, a Meritorious Reward Programme for toppers has also been launched. The toppers among Samsung Technical School students will also be rewarded Rs 20,000. Samsung already runs 10 schools in the Sates of Rajasthan, Kerala, Bihar, Delhi and West Bengal. These schools are run in collaboration with Departments of Technical Education. 31  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Samsung is a South Korean multinational conglomerate headquartered in Seoul. Samsung was founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-Chul. The group has diversified into areas including electronics, heavy industries, food processing, textiles, insurance, securities, retail, construction, ship building among others. Indian Origin Leo Varadkar to be the Next PM of Ireland June 3, 2017 Ireland’s Fine Gael party has elected a 38 year old Leo Varadkaras prime minister of Ireland. He will succeed Enda Kenny. Varadkar will be confirmed as prime minister when Irish parliament next sits on June 13. Leo Varadkar has earned the distinction of becomingIreland’s first gay prime minister. His election is a striking sign of the Ireland’s rapid social change which was once a staunchly Catholic country. He will also be theyoungest person ever and the first from an ethnic minority background to become the Prime Minister of Ireland. Mr Varadkar defaeted his rival Simon Coveney by garnering 60% of the votes to lead Fine Gael. Ireland decriminalised homosexuality in 1993. It also became the first country to adopt gay marriage in 2015. Leo Varadkar’s father is a Mumbai-born doctor. In 1970s, he met Miriam an Irish nurse in England whom he later married and moved to Ireland. Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer becomes First Indian to be in inducted in ITTF URC June 3, 2017 Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He will serve for a term of two years which is further extendable. In another first Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has also been recommended as the chnical Te Commissioner from Asia to the ITTF. His will serve in this capacity for a period of four years. Ganesan already serves as the chairman of the South Asian Federation technical committee and also as a member of the Technical Committee of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation. He also recently supervised the Asian Championships at Wuxi (China) as the competition manager. He had served as a deputy referee in the Kuala Lumpur World Championships 2016 and has officiated in various International competitions as Competition Manager and Referee like that of the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. URC is the technical arm of the ITTF. It looks after all technical issues involving the sport. The mandate of the committee is to oversee the training, certifica appointment and performance of umpires and referees. 32  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] NASA is all Set to Launch First Ever Mission to Study Neutron Stars June 3, 2017 NASA is all set to launch the world’s first ever mission devoted for studying neutron stars. NASA will launch the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, or NICER, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The NICER will be installed aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as an external attached payload. About a week after its installation, the NICER will begin observing neutron stars. The mission will focus especially on Pulsars. During the mission, NASA will also carry out theworld’s first demonstration of X-ray navigation in space. Significance Pulsars are those neutron stars that appear to wink on and off like a cosmic lighthouse. As these pulsars send pulsations that are predictable. They can be used as celestial clocks for providing high- precision timing similar to that of the atomic-clock signals supplied through the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS signals, however, gets weakened if one travels beyond the orbit of the Earth. On the other hand, Pulsars remain accessible virtually everywhere in spacem aking them an apt navigational solution for deep-space exploration. NICER will perform tests for the first time in a space technology that relies on pulsars as navigation beacons. Pulsars and Neutron stars are nothing but the remnants of massive stars which exploded and collapsed into super-dense spheres after exhausting their nuclear fuel. Pulsars were discovered in 1967 by British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell. It is estimated that just one teaspoonful of neutron star matter would weigh a billion tonnes on Earth. There have been many models that attempt to describe the physics governing the interiors of neutron stars. The NICER mission will help in finally testing these theories with precise observations. Observation of neutron stars in the energetic X-ray band provides the greatest insights into their structure and the phenomenons like starquakes, thermonuclear explosions as well as of the most powerful magnetic fields known in the cosmos. UNSC Expands Sanctions against North Korea June 3, 2017 The UN security council has unanimously passed a resolution expanding targeted sanctions against North Korea after the latter launched its ninth ballistic missile test of the year. This is the first such resolution which is agreed upon by the United States and China since the US President Donald Trump took office. Salient Highlights The new resolution has slapped even more sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea 33  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] (DPRK). It has condemned the North Korea’s continued proliferation of its nuclear and ballistic program. The new sanctions have extended a travel ban and asset freeze on senior officials, core military apparatus as well as the state entities that are directly responsible for North Korea’s illicit nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The list of expanded sanctions also included state officials and banks. This is aimed at further restricting North Korea’s ability to finance its illicit activities. Sanctions have been applied on entities like Koryo Bank, Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People’s Army, and 14 other people, including the head of North Korea’s overseas spying operations. Background The UN Security Council had first imposed sanctions on North Korea over its ballistic missile and nuclear programs in the year 2006. The UN’s sanctions against North Korea are in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches. North Korea has also launched several more ballistic missiles since then. The US has struggled a lot to slow down these programs as the North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear -tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. The countries like France and Italy has supported the new resolution. Veto powered Russia too have backed the measures taken by UN. It is to be mentioned that the United States has unilaterally imposed its own sanctions on some of the Russian firms for supporting North Korea’s weapons programs. Vizianagaram bags MGNREGA National Award June 3, 2017 The Ministry of Rural Development has selected Vizianagaram as one among the 17 districts for MGNREGA annual award. The award will be given to Vizianagaram for its effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during the time period 2015-16. The district programme coordinator and District Collector would be presented the award at the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sammelan to be held in New Delhi. The district has been chosen after the field verification carried out by the selection committee. The district was known to have generated works for 3,61,668 households in 2015-16 and disbursed ₹483.42 crore as wages to the workers with an average wage of ₹106. The works carried out under NREGA in the district include 5,000 farm ponds, 240 rain water harvesting structures, and 440 water shed works, and de-siltation of 3,427 minor irrigation tanks. Vizianagaram is a district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. NASA to launch Sounding Rocket to release Radiant Artificial Clouds June 3, 2017 NASA will launch the Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket into the space that will release blue-green and red artificial clouds. The launch is expected to support space studies. The 34  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] launch which was originally scheduled for May 31 eventually got delayed due to poor weather conditions. The ground stations will require clear skies to clearly view blue-green and red artificial clouds that will be produced as part of the test. These artificial clouds will be visible from New York to North Carolina. Salient Highlights The rocket will eject vapour canisters between 10 to 20 km from the rocket’s main payload. These canisters will release the vapour after launch. Ground cameras will be stationed to view the vapour tracers. The vapour tracers will be formed due to the interaction of barium, strontium and cupric- oxide. The multi-canister or ampule ejection system will facilitate the scientists to gather information over a much larger area. The total flight time of the mission will be around 8 minutes. Significance Sounding rockets derive their name from the nautical term “to sound” that is to take measurements. The sounding rockets are short lived and follows a parabolic trajectory. The significance of the launch lies in the fact that the vapour traces can be helpful instudying the ionosphere. Since the 1950s, scientists are making use of the sounding rockets tostudy high-level winds and the Earth’s magnetic field. Since these fields are invisible to the human eye, tracer elements like barium makes their movement visible. It will help in the study of the motion of the charged particles in the ionosphere as well as the motion of the neutral particles in the upper atmosphere. June 4, 5, 2017 June 5: World Environment Day June 5, 2017 Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 5 June to raise global awareness worldwide for the protection of our environment and the planet Earth. It is the single largest celebration of our environment each year. The celebration of World Environment Day is a global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 2017 Theme: Connecting People to Nature. According to the UN, the theme “implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share.” 2017 Host Country: Canada. Canada is seeking to use World Environment Day to showcase to the world the beauty of its natural environment on land and water. Since 1987, World Environment Day has been hosted by different countries. The official celebration are held in that host country. Recent 35  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] hosts include Angola, Italy, Barbados, Brazil, Norway and the United States. World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the opening of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 . The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973 and since then it is being held every year with different themes. UNEP The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972 and has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices. UNEP, established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. To accomplish this, UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non- governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. Soon Women to get Combat Role in Indian Army June 5, 2017 The Indian Army is expected to soon open up combat positions for women. This has been stated by Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat. The Indian Army has taken up this issue with the government. Salient Highlights Initially, women are to be recruited for positions in military police. At present, women are employed in select areas such as medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wingsof the Army but are not offered combat roles due to operational concerns and logistical issues. As of now, only a few countries such asGermany, Australia, Canada, the U.S., Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden and Israel have allowed women in combat roles. The role of military police are as follows: Policing the cantonments and Army establishments, To prevent breach of rules and regulations by soldiers, Maintain the movement of soldiers and logistics during peace and war, Handling prisoners of war and Aid the civil police whenever required. World Bank: India to grow at 7.2% in 2017 June 5, 2017 The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects (GEP) has projected a growth rate of 7.2% for India in the financial year 2017 as against 6.8% growth in 2016. Also, the bank in its report expects India’s growth rate to remain at 7.5% in 2018 and 7.7% in 2019. 36  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights The World Bank has kept the global growth forecast in 2017 and 2018 at 2.7% and 2.9% respectively. The bank has cited stronger demand from major advanced economies, increased trade flows to and from China, and a diminished drag from weak demand from commodity exporters to be the reason for recovery in trade growth in 2017. The bank has noted that India is recovering from the temporary adverse effects of demonetisation. Despite the slowdown in the growth rate, the world bank has stated that India still remains the fastest growing major economy in the world. According to the bank, the growth projections for China remained unchanged at 6.5% for 2017 and then 6.3% for the next two years 2018 and 2019. The report has stated that the domestic demand is expected to remain robust in India supported by ongoing policy reforms, especially the introduction of the Goods and Services tax (GST). World Bank World Bank is one of five institutions created at the Breton Woods Conference in 1944. World Bank is part of the United Nations system, but its governance structure is different. World Bank’s headquarter is situated at Washington DC. World Bank provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes. World Bank comprises only two institutions viz. the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). In contrast, World Bank Group comprises three more viz. International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Sai Praneeth wins Thailand Grand Prix Gold Title June 5, 2017 Ace Indian Shuttler B Sai Praneeth has clinched Thailand Grand Prix Gold title by defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19 in Bangkok. Six weeks earlier, he had defeated the world No 29 Kidambi Srikanth and clinched Singapore Open Superseries badminton title. Last year, Sai Praneeth had clinched the Canada Open Grand Prix. He had also reached the finals of Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow before winning his Singapore title. Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold was held at Nimibutr Stadium In Bangkok in Thailand between 30 May – 4 June 2017 and had a total purse of $120,000. India Secures Top Position in Global Retail Development Index June 5, 2017 The 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) titled ‘The Age of Focus‘ has placed India at the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing businessin the retail sector. This is the 16th edition of the Global Retail Development Index (GRDI). 37  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights The index has placed China at the second place. However, it has been stated that the China’s market size and the continued evolution of retail still make it one of the most attractive markets for retail investment. India’s rapidly expanding economy, relaxation of FDI rules and the consumption boom are said to be the key drivers for India’s top ranking in the GRDI. India’s retail sector is witnessing a growth at an annual rate of 20%. In addition, the retail sector is expected to double its size by 2020. Further, the retail sector has also derived benefits from the rapidly growing e-commerce. It is estimated that the sector would grow 30 percent annually and reach USD 48 billion by 2020. Rapid urbanisation and growing middle class is expected to boost the consumption across the country. The government has relaxed FDI regulations in key areas of the retail sector. Last year, the government took a decision to permit 100% ownership in B2B e-commerce businesses and for retailers that sell food products. In addition, the government’s effort to boost cashless payments and reform indirect taxation with a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) are also expected to boost adoption of formal retail. GRDI The GRDI is annually published by London-based business consultancy A T Kearney. The study is unique as it identifies the markets that are most attractive in present and also helps to identify those that offer future potential. The index ranks the30 developing countries for retail investment worldwide and analyses 25 macroeconomic and retail-specific variables. Six Arab Nations Cut Diplomatic Ties with Qatar June 5, 2017 Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and UAE have suspended their diplomatic ties with Qatar. All the six countries have announced that they would withdraw their diplomatic staff from Qatar and eject Qatar’s diplomats from their territories. They have also planned to cut air and sea traffic. Reasons Saudi Arabia has accused Qatar for embracing various terrorist and sectarian groups that are aimed at destabilizing the region such as the Muslim Brotherhood, al—Qaida, the Islamic State group and other groups supported by Iran. Egypt has accused Qatar for supporting terrorist groups and taking an antagonist approach towards Egypt. Bahrain has accused Qatar of media incitement, support for armed terrorist activities and funding linked to Iranian groups for its decision. The decision has been taken after Qatar alleged that hackers took over state—run news agency’s 38  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] website and published fake comments from its ruling emir about Iran and Israel. It had angered the Gulf Arab countries who responded by blocking Qatari—based media including Al—Jazeera. Qatar has long been accused by its Arab neighbours over its support of Islamists. Qatar’s support for the Sunni Islamist political group Muslim Brotherhood which has been outlawed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE made Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2014 to recall their ambassadors from Qatar. Only after eight months, the ties were normalised after Qatar forced some Brotherhood members to leave the country. On May 27, Qatar’s emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had called Iranian President Hasan Rouhani to congratulate him on his re-election. This has also angered the Sunni Saudi Arabia which also sees Iran as its No. 1 enemy and a threat to regional stability. Qatar also remains as a key financial patron of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. It has allowed the stay of exiled Hamas official Khaled Mashaal in its territories since 2012. Implications Oil prices have seen a jump after the six countries announced suspension of diplomatic ties with Qatar as it affected some of the world’s biggest oil and gas exporters. Qatar, a gas rich nation is also the biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a major seller of condensate (a low-density liquid fuel) and refining product derived from natural gas. Qatar will be host to 2022 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia has announced that it would seal its land border with Qatar cutting off the country from the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar is home to a major US military base, a sprawling al-Udeid Air Base, which is home to the US military’s Central Command hosting 10,000 troops. How this decision would affect American military operations is yet to be seen. 39  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Nepal Signs Agreement for Mega Hydroprojects with Chinese Firm June 5, 2017 Nepal has struck a major deal with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) for developing a 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, which will be the biggest hydro project in Nepal having the potential to resolve its perennial power crisis. The MoU was signed in the presence of outgoing Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong. Salient Highlights As per the agreement, the hydro project would be built undee rngineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model. Under this model, CGGC will help arrange funds required to develop the project. funds would be made available in the form of soft loan or commercial loan from Chinese financial institutions. The EPFC model which makes the contracting firm responsible for making all the arrangements including mobilisation of financial resources is considered to be one of the most effective models for development of infrastructure projects. CGGC has been given the overall responsibility for executing the project. it will also conduct additional studies on and investigations into the project. A time period of one year has been allotted to conduct assessment of the hydropower project and arrange necessary funds for its development. CGGC, at present is constructing a 30 MW Chameliya Hydropower Project in the far-west and 60 MW Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Nepal. India’s first Rural LED Street Lighting Project to be implemented in Andhra Pradesh June 5, 2017 Government will retrofit 10 lakh conventional street lights with LED lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh. The project will be carried out by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) functioning under the Ministry of Power. This project will be the first rural LED street lighting project under the Government of India’s Street Lighting National Project (SLNP). In the first phase of the project, the districts of Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Ananthapur and Chittoor will be covered. The total upfront capital cost of the project would be funded by French Development Agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Significance The project will help the gram panchayats to cumulatively save approximately 147 million units of electricity in a year. it will lead to a reduction of approximately 12 crore tonnes of CO2. The EESL 40  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] will be made responsible for carrying out annual maintenance and warranty replacement exercises in these gram panchayats for a period of 10 years. Background Andhra Pradesh became the first state to get assistance from EESL to replace conventional street lighting with LED lighting after cyclone Hudhud caused extensive damage in Visakhapatnam. since then, EESL has installed an approximate 5,90,000 LED street lights in the State. These lights has helped the state to reduce over 65,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. Across the country, more than 23 lakh conventional street lights have been replaced by LED street lights in 21 States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched 100‘ cities National Programme‘ on January 5, 2015 to replace conventional domestic lights with energy efficient LED lights. Similarly, Under the Street Light National Programme (SLNP), the government has set a target of replacing 1.34 crore conventional street lights with LED lights across the country. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8 to 10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term. The benefits of LED lights are: (i) Electricity savings (ii) Reduction of load (iii) Reduction of consumer bills (iv) Greenhouse gas emission reductions. June 6, 2017 Habibganj Railway Station to become India’s First Private Railway Station June 6, 2017 Habibganj railway station in the suburbs of Bhopal will become country’s first railway station to be redeveloped in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. On June 9, station redevelopment work in the railway station will be launched by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. The idea is to develop Habibganj railway station as a as a world-class transit hub equipped with all amenities. Salient Highlights The operation and maintenance of the railway station has been given to Bhopal-based Bansal Group for a period of eight years. The group has managed to win the bid in 2016. Bansal Group plans to completely overhaul the station and develop four commercial land parcels to make Habibganj a commercial hub with shops, offices and hotels, all in a span of three years. The environment-friendly railway station will be powered by solar energy. The station will have facilities for disabled, in addition, to lifts, escalators and travelators, underpasses. In case of emergency, the station will be redesigned in such a way that the the premises can be evacuated in four minutes and passengers can reach designated points of safety in six minutes. 41  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Bansal Group will be responsible for all the facilities at the station like food stalls, retiring rooms, power, platform maintenance, parking etc. However, the company will not be responsible for core operations such as train and parcel movement, signalling and ticketing. IRSDC will oversee the Habibganj project. IRSDC is formed by railway unit Ircon International Ltd (IRCON) and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) to undertake station redevelopment projects. Background The idea to set up world-class railway stations was mooted by former railways minister Mamata Banerjee in 2009-10. It was only in 2015, the project was revived by the railway minister Suresh prabhu. The Habibganj project is a part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious plan to re-develop 400 A1 and A category railway stations. Indian Railways’ ambition to redevelop 400 stations into world-class facilities is completely based upon its idea of land monetization. It aims to modernize and upgrade passenger amenities at stations by raising money through commercial development of railway land. Avenues such as land monetization, catering and parking will be utilized to boost overall revenue. IMD to release Malaria and Chikungunya Alerts June 6, 2017 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that it is working on a forecasting system that will give a 15-day warnings on the likelihood of a malaria or chikungunya outbreak across different regions of the country. Salient Highlights The services are aimed at providing custom, weather-related information to cope with challenges of a global warming and its associated impact of weather.Instances of extreme rainfall could mean instances of humid conditions and water logging that could precipitate vector-borne disease outbreaks. IMD will release five-day and 15-day forecasts of heat-waves, cold waves and disease outbreaks. IMD will offer this service by teaming up with theMedical Council of India and the Red Cross Society. IMD will customize the dynamical model for generating this service. TheIMD’s National Climate Centre in Pune will be reorganised to offer such climate services. At present, the pune Centre is tasked with forecasting the monsoon and documenting monsoon-related statistics. IMD is the principal agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology in India. It functions under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of 42  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] India. It headquartered in New Delhi and operates hundreds of observation stations across India. National Board of Wildlife Clears Rutland Island for DRDO’s Missile Testing Project June 6, 2017 The National Board of Wildlife has approved Rutland Island in South Andaman to be the site for the country’s long-range missile test facility. DRDO has been seeking the approval for the test facility since 2012. Taking into account the strategic importance of the project for country’s defence, the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife has approved the project. Reasons for Delay The project was continuously stalled by the environment ministry as the project involves diversion of 49.978 acres forest land, of which 0.84 ha falls in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and 49.138 ha reserve forest within 10km of the Eco Sensitive Zone. Rutland island is alsovery rich in marine life. Significance The island is located at an ideal distance from the mainland where tests are typically launched from. The test facility is vital for DRDO’s plans to have a comprehensive testing facility in order to identify and track long-range missile tests. DRDO also requires a land-based test area to accurately track its long range missiles. The Rutland Island is ideally located due to its distance from mainland. Conditions The state Chief Wildlife Warden has imposed certain conditions that are need to be fulfilled while implementing this project. The conditions include preparation of a specific marine and terrestrial wildlife conservation 43  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] plan; installation of essential deflectors and anti-radiation screens around satellite antennas to reduce the harmful impact of radiation on biodiversity; Vessels used for construction must take only the approved route; Project authority must take necessary approvals from the Chief Wild Life Warden while entering into waters of Marine National Park; no forest material/fire wood is to be collected from forest area; and no effluent or domestic sewage should be discharged into sea/forest area. Vijaya Bank Plans to develop 100 Digital Villages June 6, 2017 Vijaya Bank has stated that it plans to develop as many as 100 digital villages in various States across the country as part of its initiative to promote digital banking among the rural population. At present, Vijaya Bank is the only public sector financial institution to develop digital villages with focus on rural population. Already, the bank has developed 5 villages into Digital Villages. In the Digital Villages, the bank would offerInternet, free Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile payment facilities, ATM cards, online banking and will carry out a door-to-door campaign to educate the villagers. Vijaya Bank Vijaya Bank is a public sector bank with its corporate office in Bangalore. As on March 31 2017, the business worth of the bank is estimated to be ₹2,29,833 crore. As on August 2016, the bank has 1900 branches across the country. The bank boasts of about 13 lakh mobile banking users and 8 lakh Internet banking users. India’s biodiversity riches increases by 499 species June 6, 2017 According to the Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records, brought out by the Zoological Survey of India and Plant Discoveries 2016, by the Botanical Survey of India, 499 new species have been discovered from various parts of the country last year. Salient Highlights Animals Of the new discoveries, 258 are invertebrates and 55 are vertebrates. Around 97 are insects, 27 are fish, 12 are amphibians, 10 are Platyhelminthes, nine are Crustacea, six species of reptiles, 61 species of moths and butterflies and 38 of beetles. The new species are known to occur in thefour biological hotspots of the country, namely, the Himalayas, the northeast, the Western Ghats and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As per the Animal Discoveries 2016, the number of animal species in the country for the first time has crossed one lakh to number 1,00,693. Till last year, the number of animal species in India was 97,514. India is one of the 17 megadiversity countries and is home to 6.42% of the global fauna. Plants 44  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] As per Plant Discoveries 2016 , 186 new species of plants have been discovered including seven new genera, four subspecies and nine new varietiestaking the total number of species to 206. The publication lists 113 new records from India. The new species of the plant were discovered in the Western Ghats (17%), followed by the Eastern Himalayas (15%), the Western Himalayas (13%), the Eastern Ghats (12%) and the west coast (8%). Eight new species of wild balsams, five species of wild ginger and one species of wild amla has been discovered. In addition, 39 varieties of mushrooms have been discovered. BSI The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the apex research organization under the MOEF for carrying out taxonomic and floristic studies on wild plant resources of the country. BSI was established on 13th February, 1890 with the basic objective to explore the plant resources of the country and to identify the plants species with economic virtues. ZSI The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was launched in 1916. It is India’s apex organization on animal taxonomy. It’s objective is to promote the survey, exploration, research and documentation on various aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks advancement of knowledge on animal taxonomy. It has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002 Sher Bahadur Deuba elected as 40th Prime Minister of Nepal June 6, 2017 Sher Bahadur Deuba,70, has been elected as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time. He was the only candidate who contested in the election as the main opposition party UML decided to end the obstruction of parliament and did not register its candidates for the election. Deuba managed to secure 388 votes in the 593 strong Parliament in order to prove his majority. Deuba has served as Nepal’s prime minister for three terms from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005. In 2005, during his third term he was sacked by the then King Gyanendra Shah in 2005 over his failure to hold elections and bring Maoist rebels to negotiations. The responsibility of conducting the local elections in the remaining four provinces will rest upon him. Background Sher Bahadur Deuba has become the 40th Prime Minister of Nepal. Last month, Maoist leader Prachanda Kamal Dahal resigned under a power sharing deal with the Nepali Congress leader. The CPN-UML decided to end the obstruction of parliament after the ruling parties agreed to hold local elections in the remaining provinces on June 28 as well as the provincial and parliamentary elections by January, 2018. 45  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Sachin to become part of the UN Campaign Highlighting Role of Father’s in Child’s Development June 6, 2017 Sachin Tendulkar will join other global celebrities like Dravid, Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Academy Award winning American actor Mahershala Ali, British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton and Australian actor Hugh Jackman for UNICEF’s ‘Super Dads’ campaign that highlights the critical role played by fathers in children’s early development. The initiative is aimed at celebrating fatherhood and highlights the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of the brains of the young children. Initiative The ‘Super Dads’ initiative is a part of UNICEF’s #EarlyMomentsMatter campaign that aims to increase understanding of how a child’s environments and experiences in early childhood can shape their future health, well being, ability to learn etc. UNICEF was established in 1946 by the United Nations to protect the children struggling to survive in the aftermath of World War II. UNICEF works to promote the rights and well-being of children and works in around 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action. Kerala Government implements Green Protocol for making Weddings more Nature Friendly June 6, 2017 Kerala State government has come out with a green protocol to make the weddings in the state more nature-friendly. Salient Highlights As per the protocol, plastic and other non-biodegradable articles including disposable glasses and plates and thermocol decorations will not be permitted to be used in wedding ceremonies. Instead of these non-biodegradable articles, the marriage parties would be persuaded to use tumblers, plates and other utensils made of glass and environment-friendly metals. The protocol has been released as a part of the government’s anti-plastic drive and Green-Kerala Mission. Suchitwa Mission which is the state nodal agency for sanitation, has already launched the initiative on a pilot basis in Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha. The protocol is expected to be implemented in the rest of the districts soon. The Mission is colloborating with district administration, panchayat authorities and socio-cultural and religious outfit for implementing the green protocol initiative. For carrying out inspections at marriage halls, convention centres and hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony, Special squads, comprising officials of Suchitwa Mission and Revenue Department will be formed. In cases of violations of the protocol, action would be taken depending 46  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] on the nature of utensils and articles used in the ceremony. June 7, 2017 Finance Ministry asks Ministries to decide on FDI proposals within 60 Days June 7, 2017 The finance Ministry has asked all those ministries tasked with clearing foreign direct investment proposals in the 12 sectors that require government’s nod to take a decision on such proposals within 60 days. Last month, the Cabinet abolished the Foreign Investment and Promotion Board (FIPB), which was the authority for clearing foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals for a period of 25 years. A timeline of 4 weeks has been fixed for the transfer of all pending applications with the FIPB to the respective administrative ministries. Salient Highlights Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) would come up withstandard operating procedures to process FDI proposals in consultation with the administrative ministries. This will be helpful in ensuring consistency of treatment and uniformity of approach. A panel led by the secretaries of the department of economic affairs (DEA) and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP)will be conducting a quarterly review on the pending proposals. Ordinary FDI applications pertaining to non-resident Indian (NRI)/export-oriented unit (EOU), food processing, single-brand retail trading and multi-brand retail trading proposals need to be decided in 60 days. FDI proposals by NRIs/EoUs requiring approval of the government will be dealt by the DIPP. DIPP will be the administrative ministry for this purpose. In addition, the DIPP will handle the applications related to imports of capital goods or machinery. Applications involving investments from “countries of concern” which require security clearance under to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) will be cleared by the Home Ministry. In addition, applications pertaining to private security agencies would be decided by the home ministry. The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) will be the authority to clear the proposals of financial services not under a regulator, or where there is more than one regulator or there is a doubt about the regulator. If the FDI proposals lacks clarity on the administrative department, then the DIPP will help in identifying the ministry. FDI proposal with respect to banks will be approved by the Department of Financial Services. Foreign investment proposals above Rs 5,000 crore will be cleared by theCabinet Committee on 47  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Economic Affairs (CCEA). FDI Approving Authorities after FIPB Abolition Mining: Ministry of Mines Defence: Department of production, Ministry of Defence Small arms: Ministry of Home Affairs. Broadcasting & Print Media: Ministry of Information and broadcasting Print Media: Ministry of Information and broadcasting Civil Aviation: Ministry of Civil aviation Satellites: Department of Space Telecom: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications. Trading (Single brand and food products retail trading): Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry Financial Services not regulated by a regulator or where there is more than one regulator or in respect of which there is a doubt about the regulator: Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. Banking (Private & Public): Department of Financial services, Ministry of Finance. Pharmaceuticals: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers UP Board to have NCERT Books from Next Academic Year June 7, 2017 The Uttar Pradesh state government has planned to replace textbooks meant for Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board with the ones published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) with an aim to bring the curriculum of UP Board at par with the CBSE. The decision to introduce NCERT books is expected to come into force with the academic year 2018-19. Salient Highlights NCERT books would be made compulsory from Class IX to Class XII. Other than subjects like Krishi (agriculture) for both High School and Intermediate levels and Vyavsayik (business studies) for Intermediate levels all other subjects will have NCERT text books. These two subjects will continue to have UP Board textbooks as there are differences between the UP Board and the CBSE when it comes to syllabuses for these subjects. Class X and Class XII students who write their exams in the year 2019 will become the first batch of students to face the exams under the new system. In Uttar Pradesh, millions of students appear for Class X and Cass XII exams conducted by the UP Board every year. Last year the figure was 32.6 lakh for high school exams and 29.2 lakh for intermediate exams. In the state, over 35 lakh students study in and around 23,900 government, 48  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] aided and unaided schools affiliated with the UP Board. The UP Board has also made several new additions in its syllabus like inclusion of new topics like GST and its implications. India signs Agreement to provide $318 million Line of Credit to Sri Lanka June 7, 2017 India has signed an agreement with Sri Lanka to provide USD 318 million as line of credit for developing Sri Lanka’s railway sector. The agreement was signed between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance and Mass media, and Managing Director of India’s Export Import Bank in Colombo. Background In 2015, during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka he had declared a line of credit of USD 318 million for the development of Sri Lanka’s railway sector. That visit of Prime Minister Modi was the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1987. The line of credit comes at the backdrop of increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean nation. China has made significant investments in Sri Lanka mainly indeveloping ports. Though China claims the investments are part of its Belt and Road Initiative that aims to link it with Europe and Africa via the Indian Ocean, the ports have the potential to be used as a base for its naval operations. At present, Indian development assistance to Sri Lanka primarily focuses onimprovement of infrastructure, livelihood development, education, healthcare, and capacity building. India continues to be a major developmental partner for Sri Lanka for nearly 40 years. So far India has provided four lines of credit to Sri Lanka for developing its railway sector that totally amounted to USD 966 million. Sri Lanka has made used of these credit facilities to improve the southern and northern railway lines as well as for procuring the rolling stocks for the Sri Lanka Railways. In addition, over the years Indian foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka has also increased rapidly. Hoshiar Singh Appointed as Chief of Copyrights office June 7, 2017 Hoshiar Singh, a 1994 batch officer of the Indian Telecom Service has been appointed as Registrar of Copyrights for a period of five years as per the recent order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The Office of Copyrights works under the aegis of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. The office falls under the immediate control of a Registrar of Copyrights. The Office of Copyrights is mandated to protect the music and film industry besides addressing its concerns, among others. 49  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Copyrights Office was established underSection 9 of the Copyright Act.The Registrar of Copyrights will be appointed by the Central Government, who would be required to function under the superintendence and directions of the Central Government. World’s First Hybrid ‘Aeroboat’ Unveiled June 7, 2017 The world’s first hybrid ‘aeroboat’ which has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture has been unveiled at a start-ups event organized by Russia’s state-run Skolkovo Foundation. Salient Highlights The aeroboat is capable of travelling on land, water, snow and sand. It has been designed to access difficult terrain, such as flooded or marshy areas in which the regular boats cannot ply because of shallow water, patches of dry land or by marine vegetation. The aeroboats can handle steep slopes and embankments with out the requirement of marine infrastructure such as jetties. The aeroboat will have a room for 10 passengers and one crew member. The aeroboat has been designed by IIAAT Holding. IIAAT Holding is a joint venture between the International Institute for Advanced Aerospace Technologies and Indian firm Millennium Aerodynamics. Aeroboats are much faster and robust when compared to hovercrafts. Aeroboats are capable of moving at the speed of around 150 kmph or more on water. Hovercrafts, on the other hand, can move at around 45-50 kmph or more. Aeroboats unlike hoverboats are cheaper to maintain and fuel. The aeroboats “hybrid” engine is capable of running on either petrol or electricity thus helping in reducing the carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. While hovercrafts work on static air cushion, aeroboats functions ondynamic air-cushion. The Dynamic air-cushion feature provides a lot of advantage to aeroboats in terms of speed and manoeuvrability. The amphibious aeroboats can provide high-speed year-round navigation even in frozen surfaces. In India, these aeroboats will be helpful fordisaster management authorities. It would be helpful especially to save hundreds of lives during the monsoon season. RBI Keeps the Repo Rate Unchanged June 7, 2017 The Reserve Bank of India haskept repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in its second bi-monthly monetary policy review. Reverse Repo rate has been kept unchanged at 6%. The RBI has cut the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) by 50 basis points to 20%. 50  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] RBI has projected the headline inflation in the range of 2.0-3.5% in the first half of 2017-18 and 3.5-4.5% in the second half. According to the central bank, the implementation of GST is not expected to have material impact on overall inflation. It has observed that the 7th Pay Commission allowances, geo political, financial risk pose upside risk to inflation. RBI has reduced the growth projection for the current fiscal to 7.3% from 7.4%. The monetary policy decision has been taken by the six-member monetary policy committee (MPC). The RBI has also revised its target for gross value added (GVA) by 10 basis points to 7.3%. Background SLR is the portion of bank deposits that have to be invested in government bonds. Components of SLR include cash in hand, gold owned by the bank, balance with RBI, Net balance in current account & Investment in Government securities. SLR has to be maintained at the close of business on every day. Repo rate, or repurchase rate, is the rate at which RBI lends to banks for short periods. This is done by RBI buying government bonds from banks with an agreement to sell them back at a fixed rate. The objective of Repo is to inject liquidity in the system. If RBI wants to make it more expensive for banks to borrow money, it increases the repo rate. Similarly, if it wants to make it cheaper for banks to borrow money, it reduces the repo rate. Reverse repo rate is the rate of interest at which the RBI borrows funds from other banks in the short term. This is done by RBI selling government bonds / securities to banks with the commitment to buy them back at a future date. GVA is another measure for economic growth. National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre Inaugurated June 7, 2017 Health Secretary C K Mishra hasinaugurated the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi. This centre would be the largest public sector human milk bank and lactation counselling centre available in North India Salient Highlights “Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh” has been established in collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo University and Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh will collect, pasteurize, test and safely store milk donated by lactating mothers and make it available for infants in need. With the establishment of this donor human milk bank, all newborns in and around Delhi will have access to life saving human milk irrespective of the circumstances of their birth. 51  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The centre will protect, promote and support breastfeedingby providing lactation support to mothers with the help of dedicated lactation counsellors. In this regard, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also launchedMothers Absolute Affection (MAA) programmeto create awareness regarding breastfeeding among mothers for enhancing the child’s immunity. The facility will act as a dedicated centre to support breastfeeding and improve infant survival. The centre will act as teaching, training and demonstration site for other milk banks that will be established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. BMI Research: India One of Top 5 Consumer Markets in Asia June 7, 2017 According to BMI Research, a Fitch group company, India is among the top five consumer markets in Asia offering retailers the strongest consumer spending growth of an average of 6.1% over the next five years. The other four countries are China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Indonesia. BMI Research was founded in 1984 Business Monitor International and later in 2014 was acquired by Fitch Group. The firm performs industry and financial market analysis in 24 industries and 200 global markets. Salient Highlights As per the report, the real consumer spending growth in 2017 will be 6.2%. The factors responsible for increase in consumer spending in India include increase in access to consumer credit, lower inflation and favourable regulatory environment for foreign owned retailers. These factors will continue to boost India’s consumer sectors in the coming years. India’s thriving e-commerce segment is expected to grow at double-digit rates in the forecast period up to 2021. The report has observed that due to the limitations of activities for overseas retailers, e- commerce has been dominated by local firms like Flipkart and Snapdeal. In India, Bricks-and-mortar retailers have also began to foray into the e-commerce segment supported by the high mobile penetration in the country. June 8, 2017 UNCTAD: India among Top FDI Destinations June 8, 2017 According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2017, India continues to remain as a favourite destination for FDI even though tax related concerns remain as a deterrent for the foreign investors. 52  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights of the Report According to the report, the favourite destinations for FDI are the US, China and India. As per the report FDI inflows into a developing Asia has reduced by 15% to USD 443 billion in 2016. This decline is the first since 2012. Other than South Asia, the decline has affected the three sub regions of Asia. However, the report has observed that an improved economic outlook in major economies like ASEAN, China and India is expected to boost investor’s confidence thereby increasing the region’s prospects for 2017. In Asian region, major recipients like China, India and Indonesia have renewed their policies to attract FDI. This is expected to increase the FDI inflows in 2017. In South Asia, FDI inflows increased by 6% to USD 54 billion and outflows declined by 29% to USD 6 billion. FDI inflows into India remained stagnant at USD 44 billion. India’s outward foreign flows declined by about one third. Cross-border merger and acquisition deals have become important tools in the hands of the foreign multinational enterprises to foray into the rapidly-growing Indian market. The report has also noted that signing of tax treaty with Mauritius would have contributed to decline in instances of round tripping of FDI. for the first time, China has emerged as the world’s second largest investor of FDI. BRICS grouping (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Asia), which accounts for 22% of the global GDP has received only 11% of the global FDI inflows. The World Investment Report has been published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) annually since 1991. The report focuses on trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, at the regional and country levels. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964. Indian American among 12 new Astronauts Selected by NASA June 8, 2017 NASA has selected 12 new astronauts including an Indian-American, Lt Col Raja “Grinder” Chari, from 18000 applications, Lt Col Raja Grinder Chari, 39, is a commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron as well as the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He belongs to Iowa. His father is from India. He has obtained his Master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT and has graduated from the US Naval Test Pilot School. In total, NASA has selected seven men and five women who will comprise the 22nd class of American spaceflight trainees since 1959. This is the largest group of astronauts NASA has selected in almost two decades. The 12 candidates include six military officers, three scientists, two medical doctors, a lead engineer at SpaceX and a NASA research pilot. 53  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] To get selected as astronauts, the candidates must meet some physical requirements as well as certain education and experience criteria. They should hold a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or have up to 1,000 hours of experience in piloting jets. After the completion of two years of training, the selected astronauts will be assigned various roles like performing research on the International Space Station (ISS) and flying on deep space missions. Fact Box: Hottest Known Planet in Universe June 8, 2017 Scientists have discovered the hottest known exoplanet, designated KELT-9b which is warmer than most stars in the universe. The study has been published in the journal Nature. Exoplanet is a planet that does not orbit the Sun and instead orbits a different star, stellar remnant, or brown dwarf. They are also called as extrasolar planet. Salient Highlights The planet orbits a massive star KELT-9 every day and a half. The planet’s day-side temperature is 4,326 degree Celsius and is only 926 degree Celsius cooler than the Sun. The planet is located 650 light years from Earth and sports a giant, glowing gas tail like a comet. The ultraviolet radiation experienced by the planet from its star KELT-9 is so fierce that the planet may be evaporating producing a glowing gas tail. The Jupiter-like planet is 2.8 times more massive than Jupiter. However, it is only half as dense as that of the Jupiter. Due to extreme radiation from its host star the atmosphere of the planet has puffed up like a balloon. It has been classified as a planet by considering its mass but its atmosphere is not similar to any other known planet. Due to the bombardment of stellar radiation, the planet is very hot so much so that the molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and methane can not form there. Background The first planet outside our solar system was found out in 1995. With the help of NASA’s Kepler telescope, the discovery of planets has become easier. So far, astronomers have identified 52 potentially habitable planets and around 3,600 planets outside our solar system. With the launch of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by NASA in 2018, chances of studying planets and detecting a familiar atmosphere will increase manifold. JWST will succeed the Hubble space telescope. 54  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Union Health Minister Conferred WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for Global Tobacco Control June 8, 2017 Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda has been conferred the WHO Director- General’s Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control. The award was presented to him by Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia at the ‘National Consultation on Accelerating Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for achievement of SDGs’. Indian Scenario India is the second largest tobacco consuming country in the world with 27 crore users. The government has initiated various measures to reduce tobacco consumption in the country. These include large pack warnings with 85% pictorial health warnings on both the sides, launching of toll-free national tobacco Quitline and mCessation services, carrying out second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), increase in investment under the 12th Five Year Plan for expansion of National Tobacco Control Programme, which was recognized by WHO as a best practice in its Global Tobacco Control report, 2015. Apart from the above measures health ministry has also put a ban on smokeless tobacco products and works towards strengthening Tobacco Free film and television policy. As a result of various measures taken by the government, NGOs and civil society organizations, the tobacco use in the country is estimated to have reduced by 81 lakhs and youth consumption of tobacco has also seen marked decrease. A 54% relative reduction in prevalence of tobacco use among minors (15-17 years) and 28% reduction in the age group of 18-24 years has been reported. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) The FCTC is the first international public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and subsequently entered into force on 27 February 2005. It provides a new legal dimension for international cooperation in healthcare in combating the tobacco epidemic. It has successfully helped to co-ordinate and energize the global struggle against tobacco. It is considered as one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of WHO and UN. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health and was developed in response to globalization of tobacco epidemic. Under it, the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was adopted to address the increasing illegal trade in tobacco products in November 2012. One Million Dollar Fund Established for BRICS Media June 8, 2017 The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping has established a one million dollar 55  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] fund for boosting media cooperation in the five-nation grouping. During the inaugural session of the BRICS Media Forum held in Beijing, Xinhua News Agency and executive president of the Forum had announced that the Xinhua news agency will invest one million U.S. dollars for bolstering BRICS media. Salient Highlights The BRICS media forum is a joint initiative of Xinhua News Agency, Brazil’s CMA Group, Russia’s Sputnik News Agency and Radio, The Hindu group of publications from India, and South Africa’s Independent Media. BRICS Media is aimed at promoting six objectives including balanced reporting. It aims to create an alternative media narrative distinct from the media of western nations. The proposal is also aimed at joint development of BRICS digital media, financial information services and promoting people- to-people contacts. BRICS BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It was established in 2009. The BRIC [Brazil, Russia, India and China] idea was first conceived by Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs. In 2011, South Africa joined this informal group and BRIC became BRICS. So far, eight BRICS summits have taken place. The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The BRICS members are all developing or newly industrialised countries and all five are G-20 members. They are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs. WHO revises Protocol for Antibiotics June 8, 2017 With an aim to curb antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revised the protocol for antibiotics. This revision is the biggest such revision of the antibiotics section in the 40- year history of the essential medicines list (EML). Salient Highlights WHO has divided the drugs into three categories — access, watch and reserve. It has also specified which category of drugs are to be used for treating common ailments and which are to be used to treat complicated diseases. As per the classification, commonly used antibiotics will be placed under the ‘access’ category. WHO has recommended that the antibiotics in this category be made available at all times as a treatment for a wide range of common infections. The drugs that fall under this category includes drugs such as amoxicillin which is widely-used for treating infections such as pneumonia. Second line of antibiotics which are slightly potent will be placed under ‘watch‘ category. WHO 56  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] recommends that the drugs coming under this category be prescribed less to avoid further development of resistance. Example of drug that falls under this category is Ciprofloxacin, which is used to treat cystitis and upper respiratory tract infections like bacterial sinusitis and bacterial bronchitis. The highly potent drugs which should be used only as a last resort will be placed under the ‘reserve’ category. WHO recommends that these drugs be used only when all other alternatives failed such as life-threatening infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and its headquarters is located at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing. Explained: UK Elections June 8, 2017 The following are the characteristic features of the elections conducted in the UK: Britain is a parliamentary democracy. The government should have the support of a majority of lawmakers in the elected lower chamber of parliament, the House of Commons. Thus, the national election is the election for the House of Commons. Voters will elect a member of Parliament for their local constituency. Voting isnot compulsory in UK. Voter turnout at national elections has seen a decline since the 1950s, when it used to be over 80%. Britain follows the first-past-the-post electoral system. There is no system of proportional representation for candidates. Under First Past the Post (FPTP) system, a candidate who gets one vote more than other candidate (who comes second) is declared as winner. In proportional representation, number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received To form a majority government, a party theoretically must win in 326 out of the 650 regional constituencies. But in practice, a party needs to win only in 323 seats as the Irish republican Sinn Fein party does not take up any seats it wins in Northern Ireland. The upper house is called as the House of Lords whose members are un-elected. The monarch (Queen Elizabeth) enjoys the power to dismiss a Prime Minister or to make a personal choice of successor. However, the practice in UK is that the monarch does not exercise this right as 57  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] its is considered as archaic. This is the practice since 1834. In addition, as a convention, the queen (monarch) does not get involved in party politics. Law Ministry clears Kambala Bill June 8, 2017 The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, and thus legalising kambala. The bill will now be sent to the President for getting his assent. Background In November 2016, the Karnataka high court had banned the kambala along with bull-cart race in the state while hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal cruelty. The high court had stayed these traditional sports in view of the Supreme Court’s ban on jallikattu, a traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu. Following protests by people and kambala organisers, Karnataka Assembly had passed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 on February 13, 2017 to allow kambala, the traditional buffalo race and bullock-cart racing. In April 2017, the Union Home Ministry asked the state government to modify or omit the phrase “subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed” in the sub-section 2 of section 3 of the Bill as this phrase would make it possible for the state governmentto include more sports involving animals through government notifications in the future. The state government made the modifications and sent it back to the union government. Kambala Kambala is the traditional slush track buffalo racethat is held annually in coastal districts of Karnataka to entertain rural people of the area. Slushy/marshy paddy field track is used for Kambala. The sports season generally starts in November and lasts till March. The contest generally takes place between two pairs of buffaloes, each pair race in two seprate wet rice fields tracks, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer. In the traditional form of Kambala, buffalo racing is non-competitive and buffalo pairs run one by one in paddy fields. Besides, there is also ritualistic approach as some agriculturists race their buffaloes as a means to thank the god for protecting their animals from disease. But in recent times, Kambala has become an organised rural sport. June 9, 2017 Bopanna-Dabrowski Wins French Open Mixed Doubles June 9, 2017 58  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Rohan Bopanna has won his maiden Grand Slam title along with his Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski by winning the French Open mixed doubles trophy. This is Bopanna’s maiden Grand Slam title at French Open. With this title win he has become only thefourth Indian to clinch a major, The other three being Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza who all have won Grand Slam trophies for India. Bopanna-Dabrowski pair defeated the pair of Germany’s Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Colombia’s Robert Farah by 2-6, 6-2, 12-10. This was only the second time that Bopanna managed to reach the summit clash of a Grand Slam in his career. In 2010, he had reached the finals of US Open with his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-haq-Qureshi and lost to the Bryan brothers — Bob and Mike. French Open The French Open also known as Roland Garros is a premier clay court tennis championship event held between late May and early June for a duration of two weeks at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris. The event is the second of out of four annual Grand Slam tournaments. The other three events are Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The event has been named after the French aviator Roland Garros. Petrol and Diesel Prices to be revised Daily from June 16 June 9, 2017 State-run oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) will revise the prices of petrol and diesel daily from June 16 throughout the country. The move is aimed at countering the practice of undercutting by private retailers as well as to bring India at par with the US oil market.Private retailers such as RIL and Essar are also expected to switch to the new pricing mechanism. At present, State-run oil marketing companies revise rates of petrol and diesel on the 1st and 16th of every month by taking into account the average international crude price in the preceding fortnight and the currency exchange rate. Significance Daily revision of prices will insulate the retailers from volatility of global crude prices. Daily revision of prices will result insmall hikes rather than a steep rise which often attracts customer ire. It has the potential to initiate a price war and bring competition in a market which is 95% dominated by the public sector retailers. it will give the state run retailers an opportunity to match private companies who have been undercutting them in a free market. It will free the state run retailers from government interventions while fixing prices to suit political 59  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] considerations. Although, technically public retailers have a free hand in fixing the prices of petrol and diesel, in practice political considerations often guide the public retailers. Background Government has decided to implement the model throughout the country following the success of the a month-long pilot run in Udaipur, Jamshedpur, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Vishakhapatnam from May 1. In fact, the government has been planning for making daily revisions since 2012, but then the state run companies were not willing to implement citing lack of connectivity and infrastructure. Petrol pricing was freed from government control in 2010 and the diesel pricing was deregulated in 2014. Indian Girl Sahithi Pingali to get Planet Named after Her June 9, 2017 Sahithi Pingali, a twelfth grader from Bengaluru will get a minor planet in Milky Way named after her as a reward for developing an integrated mobile phone app and lake monitoring kit to monitor pollution in water bodies. Sahithi Pingali had presented her paper titled “An Innovative Crowdsourcing Approach to Monitoring Freshwater Bodies” at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). For her paper, she got second position and was presented three special awards in the Earth and Environment Sciences category. In addition, she has also won a gold medal at the International Sustainable World Engineering Energy Environment Project (ISWEEEP) for her research work on Varthur lake. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is considered as theargest l pre-college scientific research event in the world. ISEF has partnered with the Ceres Connection program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory which will identify a minor planet. The planets are named after the budding scientists in order to motivate them by giving a name in space. India and UNOSSC launch Partnership Fund to Promote Sustainable Development June 9, 2017 India and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation have launched a partnership fund to promote sustainable development projects across the developing world. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund was launched on occasion of the World Oceans Day at a special ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. Salient Highlights The India-UN Development Partnership Fund will be utilized to carry out country-level projects that would be catalytic towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs)of the 2030 Agenda. 60  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Partnership fund would be managed by UNOSSC. This will be the first time that India has entered into a partnership with the UN in a triangular cooperation with fellow developing countries. The establishment of the fund is aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and expanding access to clean water, energy and livelihoods. The fund would focus on transformational sustainable development projects across the developing world especially on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). As a first project, ‘Climate Early Warning System in Pacific Island Countries’ will be supported from the new partnership. The project has been formulated by India and the United Nations Development Programme in consultation with the Governments of seven Pacific island countries(Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Tonga). This project aims at enhancing resilience to natural disasters in these Pacific island countries. UNOSSC The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) was established with an objective to promote, coordinate and support South-South and triangular cooperation across the world and within the United Nations system. UNOSSC has its genesis in 1974 when the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the establishment of a special unit to promote technical cooperation among developing countries within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In 2012, the special unit was given the name United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) by the General Assembly through a resolution. UNOSSC receives policy directives and guidance from the General Assembly. South-South cooperation is a broad framework of collaboration among developing countries of the South in the spheres of political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. President launches ‘Selfie with Daughter’ Mobile App June 9, 2017 The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has launched amobile Application ‘Selfie with Daughter’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The App is aimed at raising awareness among people about female foeticide and sex selection. The President has urged the people to take selfies with their daughters to make the campaign a huge success. The app is expected to create awareness and help in dealing with the problems arising out of gender imbalance. The President has termed the App as an innovative concept and as an act of gentle persuasion. Background The ‘Selfie with Daughter’ campaign was started in village Bibipur, Jind, Haryana by a former Sarpanch Sunil Jaglan in June 2015. The aim of the ‘Selfie with Daughter’campaign is to motivate 61  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] society to feel proud to be parents of a girl child which in turn is expected to have a positive impact in improving the child sex ratio. The campaign has attracted many celebrities including Sachin Tendulkar who has joined the campaign on social media. The campaign was termed as an international movement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the time of his meeting with Silicon Valley CEOs in the US. UK Elects its First Female Sikh and First Turban Wearing Sikh as MPs June 9, 2017 In a first Preet Kaur Gill has become the first Sikh to be elected to the British Parliament’s House of Commons. Similarly, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has become the first turban-wearing Sikh to be elected to the House of Commons. In a first, the House of Commons will have a record 12 Indian-origin MPs, which will be two more than the present record of 10 (five each from Labour and Conservative). The victories of Preet kaur Gill and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi is considered as a significant milestone for Sikh politicians in United Kingdom in this election. Dhesi and Gill are from the opposition Labour party. While Dhesi has won from the Slough constituency and Gill has won from Birmingham Edgbaston. Other Indian-Origin Winners Alok Sharma, who is minister for Asia has retained his Reading West seat. Goa-origin Suella Fernandes (Conservative) and Virendra Sharma have retained their her seats comfortably. Lisa Nandy (Labour) and Seema Malhotra (Labour) have retained their Wigan seat Feltham and Heston seats respectively. Supreme Court: Linking of Aadhaar with PAN Mandatory June 9, 2017 The Supreme Court has upheld the government’s decision and ruled that it would be mandatory for all Aadhaar holders to link it with the permanent account number (PAN) for filing of income tax returns. However, in a partial setback to the government, the apex court refused to make it compulsory for those people who do not possess an Aadhaar card or have not yet applied for one. The Court stayed the retrospective invalidation of PAN for non-compliance till a Constitutional Bench decides on the privacy question pending before it. As a result, a person who do not possess Aadhaar card will not face criminal consequences for not linking Aadhaar card with PAN card. The Supreme Court also upheld the legislative competence of Parliament in enacting the law to this effect. However, it has stated that it has not touched upon the issue of Right to Privacy and other aspects which will be decided by the Constitution bench. 62  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Background Government had made linking of Aadhaar card with PAN card mandatory for filing of Income Tax returns as it would help to weed out fake and fraudulent financial accounts. According to the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016,the Aadhaar number is mandatory only for receiving social welfare benefits. But as per the provisions of the Finance Act 2017, the Aadhaar number/Aadhaar enrolment number is mandatory to file income tax returns and to apply for a new PAN. The government will declare the existing PAN to be void if the taxpayer fails to link it with Aadhaar by July 31, 2017. In 2015, a three-judge bench had referred the issue of Right to Privacy and other aspects to a larger constitution bench, which is yet to be constituted. Government awards Contracts for completion of Kaladan project in Myanmar June 9, 2017 Government has awarded a Rs 1,600-crore contract for constructing 109-km road connecting Paletwa river terminal to Zorinpui in Mizoram border as a part of the$484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport (KMTT) projectsin Myanmar which will offer connectivity to Mizoram. Salient Highlights Kaladan multi-modal transport projects was thefirst major project undertaken by the Indian government in Myanmar. India has finished constructing Sittwe port in the trouble-prone Rakhine state of Myanmar. Also, the extension of the Aizawl-Saiha National Highway by 90 km to the international border at Zorinpui at the Indian side is nearing completion. In addition, four-laning of the 300 km Aizawl-Tuipang highway to ensure faster movement of goods between Sittwe and Aizawl is also nearing completion. KMTT KMTT is essentially a multi-modal transport project having three different stretches involving shipping, Inland Water and road transport stretches. The longest among them is Shipping segment from Kolkata to Sittwe port in Myanmar. Government of India is funding this project and it is considered as an important investment of India in its neighbourhood. The cargo will start from Kolkata port and reach Sittwe port in Myanmar by ship. The Sittwe Port would be linked to Lashio (also in Maynmar) via the Kaladan river transport route. Lashio would be connected to Mizoram via road transport (National Highway 54). 63  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Background The idea for Kaladan multi-modal transport projects was mooted in 2003. However, India and Myanmar signed the framework agreement for Kaladan project only in 2008. Construction began in 2010 but inadequate fund allocation and planning failure delayed the completion of the project. In 2015, the present government revised the budget estimates by nearly six times and has involved the State-owned Ircon Infrastructure and Services Ltd as consultant with an objective to complete the project in 2019. As per the terms of the framework agreement, India should also set up an SEZ at Sittwe. The setting up of SEZ at Sittwe is important to promoteIndian investment in the region which has overwhelming Chinese influence. Significance The completion of KMTT project will play a major role in economic development of the North-East India and it will improve the bilateral relations between India and Myanmar. When completed, the KMTT will shorten the current time taken to transport goods from Kolkata to Mizoram by three-four days, and the distance by around 950 km. KMMT is hailed as “Future gateway to South East Asia”. 64  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] June 10, 2017 NITI Aayog launches SATH Program June 10, 2017 NITI Aayog has launched SATH-‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments for furthering the agenda of cooperative federalism. Salient Highlights NITI Aayog under the SATH initiative plans to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems. After identification of three states, NITI Aayog will work in close collaboration with the state machinery of these three states. It will help in designing a robust roadmap, develop a program governance structure, establish monitoring and tracking mechanisms, and provide support to the state institutions to achieve the end objectives. SATH program will be implemented by NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium. Selection of States For selecting three model states, NITI Aayog spelled out three-stage process, namely, expression of interest, presentations by the states and assessment of commitment to health sector reforms. Subsequently, 16 states expressed interest in the initiative out of which 14 states presented their project proposals-Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. From these four states, NITI Aayog has shortlisted 5 states. After subsequent screening and evaluations, three states will be selected. Parameters such as MMR, IMR, incidence of malaria will be considered for determining potential impact, and metrics such as density of doctors and nurses, compliance to IPHS norms will be used to determine likelihood of success. The program will be launched after signing of MoUs with these three selected states. NITI Aayog NITI Aayog is essentially an advisory body that seeks to provide critical directional and strategic inputs across spectrum of key elements of policy to the centre as well as states. The Government of India has established Niti Ayog as a “Think Tank” which has no power to impose policies. By establishing Niti Ayog the government wants to be an “enabler” and leaves the impetus to provide a platform for cooperative and competitive federalism to the newly established body. SEBI Clears Vikram Limaye for the post of NSE Chief June 10, 2017 SEBI has granted conditional approval for the appointment of Vikram Limaye as the MD and CEO of the NSE. 65  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] In February 2017, Limaye who is MD and CEO of infrastructure financing company IDFC was selected for the post of NSE chief. However, SEBI had not cleared his appointment as he was also present in the Supreme Court appointed four-member panel managing the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Now, the SEBI has cleared the appointment of Limaye subject to the condition that he relieves himself from his BCCI assignment, among other things. Limaye’s term with the BCCI ends in August this year. The NSE has already assured SEBI that Limaye will not seek an extension on his BCCI assignment. Limaye is expected to take charge of NSE at a time the exchange is facing challenges in multiple fronts. NSE has been functioning headless for the past six months. In addition, the vice chairman and founding member of the NSE Ravi Narain resigned from the board as the SEBI investigation in the algorithmic trading platform issue picked up. SEBI has also issued show cause notices to 14 directors of the exchange for their failure to maintain market sanctity. NSE plans for an initial public offering in the second half of this year. Background Vikram Limaye was selected as the Managing Director of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) after Chitra Ramakrishna had quit the exchange in December 2016 citing personal reasons. Vikram Limaye is chartered accountant with an MBA from The Wharton School. Earlier, Mr Limaye was also named a member of a four-member panel by the Supreme Court to run the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the apex cricket management body in the country. IOC Approves New Events for Tokyo Olympics June 10, 2017 The International Olympic Committee has approved a number of new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games at the IOC’s Executive Board meeting held at Lausanne, Switzerland. The new events were added to reflect the IOC’s focus on gender equality and appeal to young people. Salient Highlights The Tokyo Olympics would include 321 events which is an increase from 306 events held at Rio 2016. The new additions inlcude a mixed4x400m relay along with 14 other eventssuch as 3-on-3 basketball, the mixed relay, mixed swimming, mixed team archery, BMX freestyle etc. In addition, Mixed triathlon will also be included in the Tokyo games for the first time. Further, a mixed team event for judo will be included. Each team of judo will have 3 men and 3 women, all representing different weight classes. At the judo world championships, team events on mixed-gender basis have not taken place. Mixed Doubles Table Tennis competition will also be included. The mixed event was recently featured in the world championships held in Germany. 66  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The 10 minute 3-on-3 basketball event which will be played on a half-sized court is known for its speed. The game was adopted by the International Basketball Federation as an official discipline with common rules in 2007. Totally, the number of mixed events at Tokyo Olympics will double to 18 up from 9 held in Rio Olympics. The IOC’s focus in selecting the new events was for their appeal to young and urban audiences as well as for redressing long-standing imbalances between male and female athletes. IOC also reduced the number of athletes who will be competing in Tokyo olympics by 285 compared to Rio in order to prevent the games from being increasingly bloated and costly. IOC The IOC is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement headquartered Lausanne, at Switzerland. It is a not-for-profit independent international organisation comprised of volunteers. It was founded on 23rd June, 1894. The IOC Session and Executive Board are responsible for making important decisions for the organisation. India’s Forex Reserves reach Life Time High of $381.167 billion June 10, 2017 According to RBI, India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have increased by $2.404 billion to touch a lifetime high of $381.167 billion in the week that ended on June 2. The increase was due to increase in foreign currency assets (FCAs). Components The components of India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves include:Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF). Out of all the components, FCAs constitute the largest component of the Forex Reserves. FCA rose by $2.748 billion to $357.290 billion in the reporting week. FCAs consist of US dollar and other major non-US global currencies. It also comprises of investments in US Treasury bonds, bonds of other selected governments, deposits with foreign central and commercial banks. FCAs include with them the effects of appreciation or depreciation of non-US currencies like the euro, pound, and the yen and is expressed in terms of dollars. The gold reserves declined by $343.2 million to $20.095 billion in the reporting week. SDRs’ value decreased marginally by $0.2 million to $1.472 billion. RBI’s reserve position with the IMF declined by $0.4 million to $2.309 billion. India moves WTO against US June 10, 2017 India has moved the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the US as it has not yet complied 67  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] with the rulings of the WTO pertaining to imposition of high import duty on certain Indian steel products. In December 2014, the WTO’s appellate body pronounced a ruling against the act of US which is imposing high import duty on certain Indian steel products. It had ruled that the imposition of import duty on steel products wasinconsistent with various provisions of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (the SCM Agreement) – addresses two separate but closely related matters-The multilateral disciplines on the use of subsidies and the conditions under which Members may apply countervailing measures. India has sought consultation with the US for compliance of the WTO’s rulings. If the US refuses to comply then India has planned to approach the WTO’s compliance panel. In order to comply with the WTO rulings on countervailing duties on imports of hot-rolled carbon steel products from India, the US needs to amend its domestic norms. Earlier, the US had moved the arbitration panel of the WTO against India as it complained that India had failed to remove trade restrictions on American poultry. WTO The WTO is an inter-governmental organization for governments to negotiate global trade agreements and progressively liberalizing trade. The WTO operates a system of trade rules that apply to all its members. The WTO is also a place for Member governments to settle their trade disputes. Its located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established on 1 January 1995 and its official languages are English, French and Spanish. Countervailing duties are those duties that are imposed by a country to counter the negative impact of import subsidies to protect domestic producers. EU, France give 3.5 Million Euros as Grant to Curb Emissions in India June 10, 2017 EU and France will give a grant of 3.5 million euros to three Indian cities-Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad as part of the EU’s commitment under the Paris Climate agreement to curb emissions and promote sustainability in these cities. Salient Highlights The grants have been provided to help India’s smart city programme under the M ‘ oblise Your City’ (MYC) initiative. India has become the first country to get benefits from the MYC initiative. The MYC initiative is supported by the French and German government and also has financial support of the European Union (EU). The initiative is aimed at helping 100 cities across the world to 68  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by promoting sustainable urban transport and sustainability in urban spaces. MYC initiative was emphasised by the Indian and European leaders during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Europe. Further it has been stated that more funds would be offered to India to carry forward its sustainable transport initiatives on the three smart cities. Background French Development Agency (AFD) has been associated with several projects in India and conservation of biodiversity. AFD, at present, is funding the Vijayawada, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Kochi and Nagpur metro rail projects. AFD is a public financial institution of France whose mandate is to implement the policy defined by the French government. It is headquartered in Paris. It finances projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean and the French overseas territories to promote living conditions for populations and economic growth in these regions. France is the ninth largest foreign investor in India. French Open: Jelena Ostapenko wins Women’s Crown June 10, 2017 Unseeded Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia has lifted the the 2017 French Open Women’s Singles crown. She defeated Simona Halep 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. This will be Ostapenko’s first ever Grand Slam title. With this win, Ostapenko, 20, has become the first unseeded woman to win the French Open after Britain’s Margaret Scriven’s feat in 1933. Ostapenko also earned the distinction for being the first player of Latvian origin – men or women – to win a Grand Slam event. French Open The French Open is a premier clay court tennis championship event held between late May and early June for a duration of two weeks at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris. The event is the second of out of four annual Grand Slam tournaments. The other three events are Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The event has been named after the French aviator Roland Garros. Garros was a Tennis Lover. French Open is also called “Roland Garros” or Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros or Tournoi de Roland-Garros. Fact Box: QS World Universities Ranking 2018 June 10, 2017 The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2018 has been released. In the list, three Indian universities have featured among the top 200 universities. 69  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay, IIT-Delhi and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have featured in the top 200 global universities. For thefirst, three Indian institutions have found a place in the list of top 200 universities in the QS Rankings. IISc Bangalore has been placed at 190 from the152nd place secured last year. Similarly, IIT Delhi have climbed from 185 to 172 and IIT Bombay has jumped from 219 to 179 this year. IISc has been placed at 6th position among 959 universities for ‘Citations per Faculty’ in the 2018 rankings. It is measured by calculating how many times research papers from a university is cited in the research work of others and is then calibrated against its faculty strength. For the first time, the Delhi University (DU) has entered the top 500 group. Other Indian Universities that find a place in the list are: Jadavpur University (ranked in the 601-650 band), University of Hyderabad (601-650), Anna University (651-700), Manipal University (701-750), Aligarh Muslim University (800-1000), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (800-1000) The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been ranked as the world’s best university for the sixth consecutive year. The second and third place in the overall rankings has been occupied by Stanford University and Harvard University respectively. This year’s ranking surveyed 26,000 universities across the globe. In total, 20 Indian institutions have been included in the ranking table this year. The list has a total of 959 top universities. Background In the recently released NIRF Rankings for Indian educational institutes, IISc was ranked as the country’s best university. IIT Madras was ranked as the best institute in the category of engineering institutes. The Quacquarelli Symonds is a British agency that annually ranks higher educational institutes across the world based on six performance parameters such as Research, Teaching, Employability and Internationalisation, in addition to a 40 point weightage to the institute`s stature. June 11, 12, 2017 French Open 2017: Rafael Nadal Wins his 10th French Open Title June 12, 2017 Spain’s Rafael Nadal has defeated Swiss third-seeded Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 to win his record 10th French Open title. This will be his fifteenth major title win. With this victory, Rafael Nadal has become the first man or woman in the Open era to clinch a Grand Slam tournament 10 times. The Open era which began in 1968 allowed professional players to compete with amateurs in the Grand Slam tournaments. With 15 Grandslam title wins, Nadal moves to the second place above Pete Sampras on the list of all- 70  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] time Grand Slam winners of men’s tennis only behind Roger Federer, who recently registered his 18th title win at the Australian Open in January. Women’s Doubles Title America’s Bethanie Mattek-Sands and the Czech Republic’s Lucie Safarova have clinched their third successive grand slam doubles title after defeating Australian duo Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua at the French Open. French Open The French Open is a premier clay court tennis championship event held between late May and early June for a duration of two weeks at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris. The event is the second of out of four annual Grand Slam tournaments. The other three events are Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. The event has been named after the French aviator Roland Garros. Garros was a Tennis Lover. French Open is also called “Roland Garros” or Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros or Tournoi de Roland-Garros. Fact Box: Tele-Law Initiative June 12, 2017 The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched the‘Tele-Law’ initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologyto provide legal aid services to the marginalized communities and citizens living in rural areas through theCommon Service Centres (CSC) at the panchayat level, spread across the country. Salient Highlights ‘Tele Law initiative would help people to seek legal advice from lawyers with the help ofvideo conferencing facility available at the Common Service Centres (CSC). Apart from the lawyers, law school clinics, District Legal Service Authorities, voluntary service providers and Non-Government Organisations working on legal aid and empowerment can also be connected through the CSCs. In the initial phase, the initiative will be tested as a pilot project across 500 Common Service Centres (CSC) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In this phase, challenges to the initiative would be identified and necessary corrections would be made and would eventually be rolled out across the country in a phased manner. A new portal called ‘Tele Law’ will be made available across the CSC network to connect the citizens to legal service providers with the help of technology-enabled platforms. The initiative would strengthen access to justice for the marginalized communities. The government will also put in place a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the quality of the legal advice delivered to the people. Under the initiative, a Para Legal Volunteer (PLV), would be employed in each CSC. The volunteer 71  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] would serve as the first point of contact for the marginalized communities in the rural areas who will help them understand the legal issues, explain the advice given by lawyers and assist in further action as per the advice of the lawyer. Around 1000 women Para Legal Volunteers will also be trained under this initiative to provide legal aid services through the CSCs. This is expected to promote women entrepreneurship and empowerment. Further, the National Legal Service Authority (NALSA) will also provide a panel of lawyers who will provide advice from the state capitals to the applicants in the CSCs through video conferencing. Jnanpith Awardee C Narayana Reddy Passes Away June 12, 2017 Renowned Telugu poet and writer Cingireddi Narayana Reddy has passed away. In 1992, Reddy was awarded the country’s third-highest civilian honour, Padma Bhushan. In 1977, he was awarded the Padma Shri. In 1997, he was nominated to the Upper House of Parliament. In 1998, he received the prestigious Jnanpith award for his poetic work Visvambara which got translated into three other languages. Reddy has also written several songs for Telugu movies. Narayana Reddy was born in Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh on July 29, 1931. He had obtained his MA and PhD in Telugu literature from Osmania University. Previously, he had also worked as a professor of the University. CSIR-SERC Develops Easy-to-Assemble Toilet June 12, 2017 CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai, has come up with a cost-effective toilet. The toilet is expected to be set up in those areas where toilet coverage is not available. Salient Highlights The cost-effective toilet will weigh less than 500kg and will have a life span of 25-30 years. It can be assembled in under five hours. The toilet has been built with the help of thetextile reinforced concrete (TRC) panels. The TRC panels has been developed by CSIR-SERC using textile reinforced concrete prototyping technology (TRCPT). CSIR-SERC had applied patent for this innovative all-in-one technology in 2014. The same TRC panels can be used as doors, roofing, walls and even flooring. There is no need of any moulds to prepare these sheets. These sheets vary in thickness from 15mm to 25mm. The reinforcement makes use of glass textile mesh with a grained cementious binder. This will be corrosion-free and is capable of withstanding winds. CSIR-SERC CSIR is an autonomous body and India’s premier research and development (R&D) organisation. It was established in 1942. It operates as an autonomous body registered under the Registration of 72  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Societies Act of 1860. It is mainly funded by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology. CSIR’s R&D activities include aerospace engineering, ocean sciences, structural engineering, metallurgy, life sciences, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environment. CSIR-SERC is one of the national laboratories under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) situated at Chennai. The laboratory has built expertise in analysis, design and testing of structures and structural components. Its services are sought by the union, state as well as the public and private sector undertakings. Arunachal Pradesh Demands Separate Time Zone to increase Efficiency June 12, 2017 Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has demand for a separate time zone for the northeastern states to improve work efficiency and save electricity in the region. According to him, several daylight hours are getting wasted as government offices opens only at 10am and closes as early as 4pm. Background Recently, the Gauhati High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a separate time zone for the northeast region. A study carried out by Bengaluru-based National Institute of Advanced Studies had concluded that separate time zone for the northeastern region could help insaving 2.7 billion units of electricity every year. A Planning Commission report which was published in 2006 also called for different time zones in India to improve efficiency. A similar plea was put forward by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi in 2014. He suggested that northeastern region should follow chai bagan (tea garden) time. Chai bagan time is practiced in tea gardens and is one hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time (IST). Problems with IST for North East There are periodical demands from people of North East region to have a separate time zone. IST was fixed in 1906 at 82.5°, or 5.30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Although it is not felt by most Indians, it really creates troubles for the people who live in North East. In North East, the day starts getting brighter by 4 AM and darker by 5 PM. The adoption of separate time zone would allow people of North East to begin early and use the time which is currently wasted. The chaibagan time was introduced by the British over 150 years ago. It was set one hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time (IST) for tea estates, collieries and oil industry of Assam. Lewis Hamilton wins Canadian Grand Prix for Sixth Time June 12, 2017 Lewis Hamilton has won Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. 73  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] It is Hamilton’s sixth victory at the Canadian Grand Prix. Previously, he had won the titles in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016. It is also his third victory this season and the 56th of his career. The Canadian Grand Prix is an annual motor racing event held in Canada since 1961. The race is a part of the Formula One World Championship from the year 1967. Other Winners Second place: Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, Third Place: Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Fourth Place: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Fifth Place: Force India’s Sergio Perez Bihar’s ‘Project Jal Sanchay’ Chosen for National Award June 12, 2017 ‘Project Jal Sanchay’, a water conservation model which is successfully adopted in Nalanda district of south-central Bihar, has been chosen for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee programme (MGNREGP) by the Ministry of Rural Development. The award will be conferred on June 19 at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Salient Highlights Nalanda being an agriculture-oriented district remained affected by drought-like conditions that hampered the farming activities in the district. Though the district receives flash floods during the monsoon, the water runoff in the district was very high so much so that the entire water got washed away in a span of 15 days. Under these circumstances, ‘project jal sanchay’ was launched under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP) to offset the water crisis in the district. Under the project, check dams and traditional Aahar-Pyne irrigation systems were created. In addition, traditional water bodies were desilted and renovated. Campaigns about the usefulness of rainwater harvesting were also carried out. The project was a mix of modern day techniques and technologies with traditional knowledge and got evolved into a holistic program to conserve water. As a result of the implementation of the project, availability of water got improved drastically which positively impacted the farm production in the district. ISSF World Cup: Jitu Rai-Heena Sidhu Clinch Gold Medal June 12, 2017 Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu have clinched the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held at Gabala, Azerbaijan. However, Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu narrowly missed out making to the finals of the individual men’s and women’s 10m air pistol event. While Jitu Rai finished 12th, Heena Sidhu finished 9th in their 74  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] respective qualification rounds. Only top 8 are eligible to compete in the finals. Significantly, mixed team events have been approved as medal events for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This win is the Indian pair’s second World Cup gold together. A total of 430 athletes from 45 nations are participating in the Gabala World Cup to qualify for the the ISSF World Cup Finals (WCF). The event will be the last chance for Rifle and Pistol shooters to qualify as only eight best shooters of the world in each Olympic discipline along with reigning Olympic and World Championship medalists and wild-cards will be able to compete in the WCF. China leads the medal tally at Gabala. June 13, 2017 Men’s Tennis ATP Rankings: Rafael Nadal moves up to No.2 June 13, 2017 Rafael Nadal has increased his rankings by two spots to stand at No.2 in the ATP rankings which is his highest since October 2014. Previous year French Open champion Novak Djokovic has moved from second place to fourth place in the ATP rankings, which is his lowest ranking in seven years. Incidentally, Novak Djokovic got knocked out in quaterfinals of the French Open. Men’s Tennis ATP Current Rankings First Rank: Andy Murray (Great Britain) Second Rank: Rafael Nadal (Spain) Third Rank: Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) Fourth Rank: Novak Djokovic (Serbia & Montenegro) Fifth Rank: Roger Federer (Switzerland) WTA Current Rankings French Open Champion Jelena Ostapenko has jumped from 47th place to a career-high 12th in the WTA rankings. French Open title washer first tour-level title of her career. Last year, Jelena was knocked out of the tournament in the first round itself. In the WTA rankings, Angelique Kerber retains her No. 1 position despite losing in the first round of French Open. First Rank: Angelique Kerber (Germany) Second Rank: Simona Halep (Romania) Third Rank: Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) Fourth Rank: Serena Williams (USA) Fifth Rank: Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 75  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Expert Committee Constituted to examine Rules on Movement of People Near Indo-Myanmar Border June 13, 2017 Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an expert committee to examine the rules which allow free movement of people near Indo-Myanmar border. Indian and Myanmarese citizens are permitted free movement within 16 km of the international border, but these rules are widely exploited by militants for smuggling arms, drugs, and fake Indian currency. The decision to constitute an MHA panel was taken at a meeting of chief ministers of the northeastern states which share a border with Myanmar. This is for the first time that meeting with the state governments has been called to discuss the issues concerning the Myanmar border. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram, and the Home Minister of Nagaland. Salient Highlights The expert committee would be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The panel will examine the rules and regulations adopted by the border states for free movement of the people. It has to suggest for uniform and effective implementation of free movement regime in the states which share a porous border with Myanmar The committee has to come up withstandard operating procedures common to all the four states that will provide effective measures to filter out militants, criminals and contraband at the border without causing inconvenience to genuine people. The panel has to submit its report within three months. Background India shares 1,643-km long border with Myanmar that passes through four states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. At present, both Indian and Myanmarese citizens are permitted a visa-free movement regime within 16 km on either side of the border. They are permitted to stay up to 72 hours with valid permits. These rules were kept in place in view of the traditional and social ties among the border people. There are over 240 villages with an estimated population of 2.5 lakh people living within 10 km of the border. However, India’s international border with Myanmar is very porous with cross-border movement of insurgents and smuggling of arms and ammunition being very common. CRY Report: Uttar Pradesh ranks First in Number of Child Labourers June 13, 2017 According to a recently released CRY Report on child labour, more than 8 lakh children between the age group of 5 and 6 years in India are engaged in child labour. 76  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Child Rights and You (CRY) is an NGO working towards the upliftment of underprivileged children. The organization got established in 1979 by Rippan Kapur. Salient Highlights As per the report, over 5 lakh children in India do not attend school. A majority of them are involved in family based employments. Uttar Pradesh ranks first in the number of child labourers (2,50,672 children) in the country followed by Bihar (1,28,087 children) and Maharashtra (82,847 children). The report has identified that the high level of poverty and unemployment along with a lack of adequate social security net are the important factors forcing children to work, compromising with their learning. These children are often forced to migrate with their parents and assist in family occupations such as working in brick kilns. The report cites that the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) suffers many limitations and is now covering only 50% of the child labourers. In the decade 2001-11, the working children in the age group of 10-14 years saw a reduction of 30% but the child labourers in the age group of 5-9 years have seen an increase of 37% from 2001. ICDS Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is centrally a sponsored scheme implemented by the states/UTs. The Scheme was launched on 2nd October 1975. The scheme has the following objectives: to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years; to reduce mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout; to promote policy coordination and implementation for promoting child development; to lay an adequate foundation for the psychological, physical and social well-being of the children etc. Under the scheme, the services such as Supplementary nutrition; Pre-school non-formal education; nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-ups; and Referral services through Anganwadi Centres for children below 6 years of age as well as to pregnant women& lactating mothers are offered. Panama forges Diplomatic ties with China and breaks away with Taiwan June 13, 2017 Panama has established formal diplomatic ties with China and broke all of its relationship with Taiwan in a move that is seen as a victory for China in its drive to isolate Taiwan from the rest of the world. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. Panama’s Stand Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela has announced that his country has upgraded its commercial ties with China and has established full diplomatic links with China. China is the second most important customer of the Panama Canaland the leading provider of merchandise to a free- 77  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] commerce zone situated in the city of Colon in Panama. In addition, Panama has stated that it is breaking off its formal relations with Taiwan. Panama has said that henceforth it recognizes ‘One China’ in the world and consider Taiwan to be an inalienable part of China’s territory. Hence, it has said that it will not maintain any more official relationship or official exchanges with Taiwan. China has welcomed the decision taken by Panama. China in the recent years has been showering a lot of favours throughout Central America to woo them to break ties with Taiwan. Taiwan’s Response Taiwan has said that it will immediately cut ties and cease all bilateral cooperation projects with Panama. It has also said that it will recall all of its diplomatic staff and technical advisers out of Panama. Panama is one of Taiwan’s oldest friends. Panama was one of the largest economies to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Panama is one of Taiwan’s oldest friends. Panama was one of the largest economies to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Background Taiwan now has just 20 formal diplomatic partners after Panama has switched its ties. Of them, 12 partners belong to Latin America and the Caribbean. China and Taiwan are being ruled by separate governments since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. China’s constitution claims Taiwan to be a part of its own territory. While both the sides maintained an undeclared diplomatic truce in recent times, the relationship got deteriorated after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen assumed office last year. At china’s insistence, Taiwan has been excluded from the United Nations and many other multinational bodies like the World Health Organization and other international gatherings. RBI to release New batch of Rs 500 Currency Notes June 13, 2017 Reserve Bank of India has said that it will release new batch of Rs 500 currency notes whose design will be similar in all respects to the Rs 500 rupee banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series which were released post demonetisation. Salient Highlights The new batch of Rs 500 banknotes will have inset letter “A” in both the number panels. It will bear the printing year as ‘2017’ on the reverse side. The new notes will have the signature of RBI Governor Dr. Urjit R. Patel. The old Rs 500 notes released in the wake of demonetisation wouldcontinue to remain as legal tender. RBI has said that it has no plans to release new denomination currencies in the near future as it aims 78  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] to promote cashless transactions in the country. The banknotes will also have Swachh Bharat logo printed on the backside of the banknote. In addition, some of the notes would carry an additional character in between the prefix and the number of the banknote. ICC ODI Player Rankings: Virat Kohli becomes No.1 ODI Batsman June 13, 2017 Indian Skipper Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top spot in the recently released ICC ODI batting rankings. He overtook South Africa’s AB de Villiers and Australia’s David Warner to reach the number one position. In January, Kohli managed to reach the top spot but was able to stay at the top only for just four days. Among other players, Shikhar Dhawan has managed to return to top 10. Yuvraj Singh has also improved his rankings and currently stands at 88th position. Rankings: First Place: Virat Kohli (India) Second Place: David Warner (Australia) Third Place: AB de Villiers (South Africa) Fouth Place: Joe Root (England) Fifth Place: Kane Williamson (New Zealand) Bowlers Josh Hazlewood of Australia is at the top spot in the bowlers’ rankings. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has improved his rankings by 13 places to rank 23rd. Ranks of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have dropped to 20 and 29 respectively. First Place: Josh Hazlewood (Australia) Second Place: Imran Tahir (South Africa) Third Place: Mitchell Starc (Australia) Fourth Place: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) Fifth Place: Sunil Narine (West Indies) SEBI asks Commodity Exchanges to Set up Investor service Fund June 13, 2017 SEBI has come up with comprehensive guidelines asking the Commodity derivatives exchanges to compulsorily set up investor protection and service funds. Salient Highlights The commodity exchanges should maintain separate bank accounts for maintaining the corpus of the IPF and the ISF. ISF 79  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Investor Service Fund (ISF) is aimed at providing minimum facilities at various investor service centres. At the initial stage, the commodity exchange has to contribute at least Rs 10 lakh towards ISF. Subsequently, the commodity exchanges are required to transfer 1% of the turnover fees charged from its members on monthly basis towards the ISF. IPF The Investor Protection Fund (IPF) of a Commodity Exchange should have a maximum of five trustees. Out of these, three trustees should be public interest directors and a representative from Sebi-recognised investor association. In addition, the commodity exchange’s compliance officer should be made part of the trust. The IPF will comprise of all penalties levied and collected by the commodity exchanges except for the settlement related penalties. The exchanges will have the freedom to fix suitable compensation limits in consultation with the IPF trust. The exchanges can make use of the IPF corpus for investor education and other awareness programmes. The trust will be responsible for the supervision of utilisation of interest on IPF. SEBI SEBI is the statutory regulator for the securities market in India established in 1988. It was given statutory powers through the SEBI Act, 1992. SEBI’s headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI’s mandate is to protect the interests of investors in securities, promote the development of securities market and to regulate the securities market. The Key functions of SEBI are as follows: Regulating stock exchanges and other securities markets; Registering and regulating the working of intermediaries who are associated with securities markets in any manner; Registering and regulating the working of venture capital funds and collective investment schemes including mutual funds; promoting and regulating self-regulatory organizations and prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets. Indian Warships reach Australia to take part in Bilateral Maritime Exercise AUSINDEX-17 June 13, 2017 Indian warships have reached Australia’s port city of Freemantle to take part in aweek-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast. Salient Highlights Exercise Australia-India (AUSINDEX) was first conducted off theEast Coast of Indiain September 2015. AUSINDEX-17 will be the second overall bilateral drill between Indian Navy and 80  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Royal Australian Navy. AUSINDEX bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability and professional interaction between two navies. Politically, the joint exercise assumes significance as India is yet to take a final decision to accommodate Australia’s request to participate in theIndian-led Malabar naval exercise this year. Malabar naval exercise involves the navies of India, Japan, and the United States. Indian warships INS Kamorta, the INS Shivalik (first stealth warship built in India), and oiler INS Jyoti, will take part in the exercise. Australian warships which will take part in the exercise includes missile frigat HMAS Newcastle; diesel-electric submarine HMAS Waller; special operations unit, Clearance Diving Team Four; and P3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force. The exercise will be held between June 17 and 19. June 14, 2017 SEBI allows Options Trading in Commodity Futures June 14, 2017 SEBI has allowed options trading on futures contract of commodities. However, the capital market regulator has allowed the commodity derivatives exchanges to initially launch options on futures of only one commodity. Salient Highlights SEBI has put in place strict eligibility criteria for the commodity exchanges to start trading in options contract of commodities. SEBI will allow options trading on futures contract of only those commodities that areamong the top five in terms of the total trading turnover value of previous 12 months. Further, the average daily turnover of underlying futures contract of such commodities in the previous 12 months should be minimum Rs200 crore for agricultural and agri-processed commodities, and Rs1,000 crore for other commodities. SEBI has asked the commodity exchanges to follow robust risk management measures. It has also come up with necessary guidelines with respect to the product design that need to be adopted for trading in options on commodity futures. SEBI has mandated the commodity derivatives exchanges which are willing to commence trading in options contracts to seek its prior approval. Background Commodity Exchanges have been requesting SEBI for a long time to permit options trading in commodities be allowed. Last year, SEBI had agreed to permit options trading but some legal 81  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] requirements remained unfulfilled. Options Contract: It is a derivative product that offers an investor the right to purchase without any obligation to buy at the specified price/date. Futures Contract: It is a contract between two parties where both parties agree to purchase or sell a particular commodity or any other financial instrument at predetermined price at a specified time in the future. SEBI SEBI is the statutory regulator for the securities market in India established in 1988. It was given statutory powers through the SEBI Act, 1992. SEBI’s headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI’s mandate is to protect the interests of investors in securities, promote the development of securities market and to regulate the securities market. The Key function of SEBI is to regulate stock exchanges and other securities markets. Ministry of Railways launches Mission Retro-Fitment June 14, 2017 Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has launched Mission Retro-Fitment to enhance the passenger experience by upgrading the existing fleet of coaches. Salient Highlights Mission Retro-Fitment is an ambitious program of the ministry or railways to upgrade the level of furnishing & amenities in the coaches of Indian Railways. The refurbished coaches will have better furnishing, aesthetics & amenities and better safety features which are aimed at providing a safe and comfortable travel to the railway passengers. Under Mission Retro-Fitment, 40,000 coaches will be refurbished and retrofitted in the next five years. The mission aims to induct about 40,000 coaches with upgraded interiorsby 2022-23. The mission will be one of the largest retro fitment projects in the world. The mission will be carried out without affecting the traffic operation. It is estimated that cost of refurbishing per coach to be approximately Rs 30 lakhs. Features The refurbished coaches will have the following features: World Class Ambience: The refurbished coaches will have panels with LED lights, modular toilets with plumbing, Branded fittings, powered Venetian blinds, anti-Graffiti coating etc. Enhanced Passenger Safety: Fire and smoke detection system, rounded edges for preventing injury, double acting compartment door in AC coaches. Environment-Friendly features such as Bio-toilets. Usage of better materials such as polycarbonate ABS, advanced composites, Glass Fibre Reinforced 82  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Plastic, stainless steel, etc. Improved Passenger Convenience: Passenger address & Passenger information System, Braille Signage, Ergonomic design etc. DRDO Successfully Test-fires anti-Tank Nag Missile June 14, 2017 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired anti-tank ‘Nag’ missile in Rajasthan. The test was conducted by Scientists of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex at Hyderabad, Defence Laboratory at Jodhpur, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) at Pune and Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at Pune. Nag Missile The anti-tank Nag missile is one of the five missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) under theintegrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). The four other missiles developed under this programme includeAgni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi. The Nag missile is a third generation anti-tank guided missile which works on “fire and forget” principle. The anti-tank Nag missile has been equipped with the highly advanced Imaging Infrared Radar (IRR) seeker along with integrated avionics. This technology is possessed by very few nations. It also possess advanced passive homing guidance system. The missile has been designed mainly to destroymodern main battle tanks and other heavily armoured targets. Nag can be launched from land and air-based platforms. The helicopter launched version known as helicopter-launched NAG (HELINA) can be fired from Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and HAL Rudra attack helicopter. The land-based version of the missile is at present available for integration on the Nag missile carrier (NAMICA) RBI identifies 12 Bank Accounts accounting 25% of NPAs to initiate Bankruptcy Proceedings June 14, 2017 RBI’s Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) has identified 12 bank accounts constituting nearly 25% of the gross bad loans for immediate referral and resolution under the bankruptcy law. Each of the 12 identified accounts was having more than 5,000 crore rupees of outstanding loans, of which at least 60% was classified as non-performing by banks as of March 31, 2016. The RBI, however, has not disclosed the names of the accounts. Salient Highlights RBI’s internal advisory committee (IAC) mainly comprises of its independent board members. Based 83  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] upon the recommendations of the IAC, the RBI will issue directions to the banks to initiate insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). These cases will be accorded priority by theNational Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The NCLT is the arbitration authority for cases filed under IBC. For those loan accounts which do not meet the criterion recommended by the IAC, the concerned banks should finalise a resolution plan within six months. The details of the resolution framework for these other non-performing accounts will be released soon by the central bank. Background Indian banks have an estimated Rs 10 trillion as stressed assets. Of this, gross bad loans amounts close to Rs 7.7 trillion and the rest constitutes the restructured loans. In May, the Union Cabinet had cleared an ordinance that amended the Banking Regulation Act and gave more powers to Reserve Bank of India to deal with non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking sector. The Amendments has empowered the RBI to act against loan defaulters and defaulting companies under the bankruptcy code. These amendments would pave for faster resolution of the NPAs as the bankruptcy code provides for a time-bound winding up of companies and recovery of secured loans. The assets of the banks which don’t perform are called Non-Performing Assets (NPA) or bad loans. If customers don’t pay either interest or part of principal or both, the loan turns into a bad loan. According to RBI, loans on which interest or instalment of principal remains overdue for a period of more than 90 days from the end of a particular quarter will be classified as a Non-performing Asset. India ratifies Two Fundamental Global Conventions to combat Child Labour June 14, 2017 India has ratified two key global conventions for combating child labour as a step towards creating full respect for fundamental rights at work. Salient Highlights India has deposited the instruments of ratification of the two fundamental ILO Conventions with the International Labour Office (ILO). The two key conventions are related to the elimination of child labour- the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). India has become the 170th member of ILO to ratify the Convention No. 138, which requires the member parties to set a minimum age under which no one should be employed in any occupation, except for light work and artistic performances. India has become the 181st member of ILO to ratify Convention No 182 which requires state parties to prohibit and eliminate worst forms of child labour, including slavery, forced labour and trafficking; the use of children in armed conflict; the use of a child for prostitution, pornography and 84  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] in illicit activities such as drug trafficking; and hazardous work. The elimination of Child Labour from the country is also essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The ratification of these conventions will help in achievingGoal 8 of the sustainable development goals which aims at complete eradication of child labour by 2025 and calls for prohibition and elimination of its worst forms. Government Initiatives The government has recently amended theChild Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 which came into effect in September 2016. This amendment prohibits employment of children below 14 years in any occupation or process. It also prohibits the employment of adolescents (14 to 18 years) in hazardous occupations and processes. The government has also strengthened theNational Child Labour Project. It is a rehabilitative scheme that provides bridge education and vocational training to adolescents. Verizon Completes Yahoo Acquisition June 14, 2017 Telecom giant Verizon has acquired Yahoo’s core business for $4.48bn (£3.51m), thus ending Yahoo’s two-decade long run as an independent company. Verizon is the No.1 wireless operator in the US. Salient Highlights Verizon will combine Yahoo with AOL which was bought by it two years ago to establish a venture called Oath. The Oath is a division in Verizon’s Media and Telematics organisation. Oath owns more than 50 brands such as HuffPost, TechCrunch and Tumblr. With the acquisition, Yahoo’s chief executive Marissa Mayer has resigned. Verizon has not indicated how it proposes to use the Yahoo brand which is used by millions of people worldwide. But it has stated that it will keep the names Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Mail and more. Yahoo’s acquisition brings to an end a long decline of its market value which peaked at $125 billion in 2000. The remainder of Yahoo which is not acquired by Verizon will change its name toAltaba Inc. It will become a holding company with 15.5% stakes in Chinese Internet giant Alibaba and a 35.5% holding in Yahoo Japan Corp. It will begin trading under the ticker symbol “AABA.” Thomas McInerney, a Yahoo board member will be made as Altaba’s chief executive officer. Union Cabinet approves Interest Subvention on Short-Term Crop Loan to Farmers June 14, 2017 The Union cabinet has approved the Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) for farmers for the year 85  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 2017-18. The Government has allocated Rs. 20,339 crore for this scheme. Salient Highlights The objective of the scheme is to make available agricultural credit for Short Term crop loans at an affordable rate. The scheme is expected to boost agricultural productivity and production in the country. Under this scheme, farmers will be given a short term crop loan up to Rs. 3 lakh payable within one year at an interest rate of 4% per annum. The scheme will be continued for 1 year and will be implemented by NABARD and RBI. The interest subvention will be provided to Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Private Sector Banks, Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and to NABARD for refinancing to RRBs and Cooperative Banks. Interest subvention of 5% per annum will be provided to those farmers who pay the short term crop loan in time. Farmers will have to effectively pay only 4% as interest. For farmers who do not pay crop loan in time the interest subvention of only 2% will be applicable as against 5% available above. This institutional credit is expected to demotivate farmers from taking loans from non-institutional sources of credit at high rates of interest. Background Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) has been running since 2006-07. Under this scheme, crop loans are offered at 7% rate of interest for loans up to Rs.3 lakh. Further subvention of 3% will be provided to farmers who prompt repay the loans within a period of one year from the date of advance. The scheme also offers post-harvest loans for storage in accredited warehouses against Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) for a period of 6 months to check distress sale. Union Cabinet approves Proposal to introduce the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017 June 14, 2017 The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 which will provide a comprehensive resolution framework for financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies, and other entities. Salient Highlights The bill will pave way for the establishment ofResolution Corporation. The Resolution Corporation would be mandated to protect the stability and resilience of the financial system; protecting public funds; protecting the consumers of covered obligations up to a reasonable limit. Once enacted, the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance, Bill 2017 will result in repealing of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961and repeal/amendment 86  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] of other resolution related provisions in sectoral acts. With the repeal of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961, the deposit insurance powers and responsibilities will be transferred to the proposed Resolution Corporation. The new bill will complement the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 by providing a comprehensive resolution framework for the financial sector. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 was enacted recently to deal with the insolvency of non- financial entities. The bill envisages to inculcate discipline among financial service providers in the event of financial crisis. It is expected to maintain financial stability in the economy by limiting the use of public money to bail out distressed entities. It will put in place adequate preventive measures and at the same time proposes to provide the necessary instruments for dealing with an event of financial crisis The bill is proposed to be enacted to strengthen and streamline the current framework of deposit insurance and to decrease the time and costs involved in resolving distressed financial entities. June 15, 2017 IOC, BPCL, HPCL Sign Agreement to set World’s Largest Refinery June 15, 2017 The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum has have signed the joint venture agreement to jointly set up theworld’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Salient Highlights Indian Oil Corp (IOC) will hold 50% stake and the Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) will each hold a stake of 25% each in the new complex. The refinery is expected to be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 3 lakh crore. The new complex is expected to be completed by 2022. The new complex will have a 60 million tonnes refining capacity. The complex would come up at Babulwadi, Rajapur in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra located very close to the West coast. Being on the West coast will be helpful in easily sourcing the crude oil from the Middle-East, Africa and South America. The refinery complex will have three crude units of 20 million tonnes each. The refinery will produce petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF and feedstock for making petrochemical. The refinery complex will have an accompanying mega petrochemical plant which will include an aromatic complex, naphtha cracker and polymer complex. Background Although India is world’s third largest energy consumer after US and China, the per capita energy consumption in the country is one-fourth of the world average. However, according to the 87  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] International Energy Agency (EA) the domestic oil demand in the country will increase to 458 million tonnes by 2040. Against this, the domestic refining capacity remains 230-235 million tonnes, which exceeds the demand of 194.2 million tonnes in 2016-17 fiscal. The new refinery complex is being set up keeping in mind the future fuel demand and the export potential of the country. At present, IOC has 11 refineries with a total capacity of 81.2 million tonnes. BPCL has 4 refineries with a total capacity of 33.4 million tonnes. HPCL has 3 refineries with a total capacity of 24.8 million tonnes. Neeru Chadha becomes First Indian Women to be elected to International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas June 15, 2017 Law expert Neeru Chadha has been elected to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas (ITLOS). With this election, she has become the first Indian women to win a crucial election to a top UN judicial body that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea. Neeru has become the first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge at the ITLOS. ITLOS comprises of 21 independent members who are elected based upon their reputation for being a person with integrity. The person should also have necessary competence in the field of the law of the sea Neeru has also earned a distinction of becoming the second Indian woman to occupy a top position at the United Nations after Lakshmi Pandit who served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly. Neeru Chadha Neeru Chadha holds law degrees including a PhD in law from the University of Delhi and the University of Michigan. She was the first woman to be appointed by the Ministry of External Affairs as its chief advisor. She served as a member of the ministry’s Legal and Treaties Division. Neeru Chadha has represented the Indian government in multilateral bodies and meetings. She has represented India in United Nations, AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation), UNIDROIT (International Institute for the Unification of Private Law), UNCITRAL (UN Commission on International Trade Law), The Hague Conference, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi- Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) on a range of subjects such as human rights, humanitarian law, international trade, international terrorism and international criminal law. She was Indian government’s lead counsel after Italy had filed a case at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. She also represented the country after the Marshall Islands accused India for not abiding by its nuclear disarmament obligations 88  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] ITLOS ITLOs is an intergovernmental organisation under the ambit of the United Nations, established in 1996. ITLOS governs the laws on international waters and is one of dispute settlement mechanisms under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The ITLOS comprises of 21 serving judges. Israeli Author David Grossman wins Man Booker International Prize June 15, 2017 Israeli author David Grossman has won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel “A Horse Walks Into a Bar“. David Grossman has become the first Israeli author to win the Man Booker International Prize. He will share the £50,000 ($64,000) award money with his translator Jessica Cohen. David Grossman has also won other international awards. David Grossman’s 1986 novelSee“ Under: Love” is hailed as a masterpiece of his work which revolved around Holocaust and the generation of Jews that followed. Other important works of David Grossman includes The Yellow Wind, To the End of the Land.His works have been translated into over 30 languages. He is also a recipient of France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1998. David Grossman is one among the seven noted writers who appealed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to sanction the Syrian government over its actions in 2011. Man Booker Prize The Man Booker Prize is world’s most prestigious English-language literary award. It was launched in 1969 and presented by the Man Group. The international edition of the Man Booker Prize was introduced in 2005. From 2016, the prize is awarded for a single work of fiction that has been translated into English and published in the United Kingdom. The award aims at promoting the finest literary work in fiction by rewarding the best novel of the year written in English and published in the United Kingdom. It carries a cash prize of 50,000 pounds. The authors are shortlisted by judges from a wide range of disciplines and all with a passion for quality fiction. Last year, the prize was won by South Korean author Han Kang for her novel The Vegetarian. India-South Korea sign Agreements to Push Infrastructure Development and Bilateral Trade June 15, 2017 89  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] India and South Korea has signed anagreement for $10 billion assistancefor infrastructure development projects in India, including smart cities. It includes $9 billion in concessional credit and $1 billion in Official development assistance (ODA). Part of this fund will be utilised towards Smart City projects in India. With this agreement, South Korea has becomeone of the first non-G-7 countries to become an ODA contributor in India. The agreements were signed during the four-day official visit of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to South Korea to attend the fifth India-Korea Financial Dialogue. South Korea strives to diversify its economic partnerships and India being world’s fastest growing major economy offers immense opportunities to Korea for diversifying its economic partnerships. This also offers India great opportunities. Both the countries have also decided to establish a mechanism at senior official levels to identify good infrastructure projects in India to make use of the funding. In the face of rising protectionism, the two countries have also agreed that there is an urgent need for them to increase efforts to stimulate investment flows, support for infrastructure development, and bilateral trade among others Background The present engagement between India and South Korea comes under the overall umbrella of the ‘Special Strategic Partnership‘ as declared in the Joint Statement of the Prime Ministers of both the nations in May 2015. Also, recently, a MoU was signed between both the countries for defence industry cooperation in shipbuilding. UN Report: India is Top Remittance Receiving Country June 15, 2017 According to the O ‘ ne Family at a Time’ study conducted by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Indians working across the world had sent home USD 62.7 billion in 2016 making India the top remittance-receiving country surpassing China. Salient Highlights Around 200 million migrants across the world have sent more than USD 445 million in 2016 as remittances to their families. Top Remittance Receiving Countries: India (USD 62.7 billion), China (USD 61 billion), the Philippines (USD 30 billion) and Pakistan (USD 20 billion). Around 80% of the remittances across the world are received by 23 countries such as India, China, the Philippines, Mexico and Pakistan. Top Remittance Sending Countries: US, Saudi Arabia and Russia. These countries account for almost half of annual flow of remittances. 90  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The study is the first ever study conducted that analysed a 10-year trend in migration and remittance flows over the period 2007-2016. In the period between 2007 and 2016, India has surpassed China to become the world’s largest receiver of remittances. In 2007, India was at the second spot behind China. Asia remains the main remittance-receiving region with 55% of the global flows. The amount of money sent to the families in developing countries have increased by 51% over the past decade. This increase in remittances is expected to lift millions out of poverty and in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The report expects that in the year 2017, one of out of every seven people will be involved in either sending or receiving more than USD 450 billion in remittances. The amount of money sent back home by the migrants’ averages less than 1% of their host’s GDP. In total, these individual remittances account for more than the total foreign direct investment to almost every low-and-middle-income country. The report has also made recommendations for improving public policies to reduce costs and create opportunities for migrants and their families to use their money more productively. IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was set up in 1977 as the 13th specialised agency of the United Nations. India is a founder member of IFAD and a key contributor among the member countries. IFAD works towards removing poverty and hunger in rural areas all over the world, especially in developing countries. Its goal is to empower poor rural men and women in developing countries to achieve higher incomes and improved food security. IFAD is managed by the two main governing bodies i.e. the Governing Council and the Executive Board. The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body of IFAD. Bhupen Hazarika Award conferred to Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi June 15, 2017 The Bhupen Hazarika National Award, 2017 has been conferred upon the noted writer Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi. This is the fifth edition of the award which was first conferred in 2012. The award has been instituted by Sarhad, a Maharashtra-based organisation. The award honours an outstanding literary work at national and international level. The award consists of 51,000 rupees, a memento and a certificate. Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi belongs to the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. He graduated from Cotton College, Guwahati and did his MA from Guwahati University. In spite of having Sherdukpen as his mother tongue, Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi started writing his 91  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] works in Assamese over which he has excellent command. So far, he has written about a dozen novels and numerous short stories and plays. His famous novel includes Mauna Onth Mukhar Hriday (Silent lips, murmuring hearts) which won the Sahitya Akademi award in 2005. Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi joined the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Service in 1977 and was elevated to the IAS in 1992. He is the founder and president of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society. China launches its First X-ray Space Telescope June 15, 2017 China has launched its first X-ray space telescope to study black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts. The telescope weighing 2.5 tonne was sent to the space using China’s Long March-4B rocket. The satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Black hole refers to the remains of a supergiant star that has collapsed into itself. It is so dense and has a gravitational field so intense, that light itself cannot escape from it. Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars that emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation. They are spherical, compact objects that are about the size of a large city but contain more mass than that of the sun. Scientists are using pulsars to study extreme states of matter, search for planets beyond Earth’s solar system and measure cosmic distance. In recent years, China sees its multi-billion-dollar space programme as a symbol of its rise. In April, China had launched its first cargo spacecraft and successfully docked it with an orbiting space lab. This launch was hailed as a key development toward China’s goal of having its own crewed space station by 2022. Recently, China also opened a “Lunar Palace” laboratory on earth to simulate a moon-like environment. In the lunar palace laboratory, China is conducting experiments by housing students for up to 200 days to prepare for its long-term goal of sending humans to the moon. In 2016, China had also successfully launched experimental X-ray pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1, which was world’s first pulsar navigation satellite or spacecraft. Significance The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), named Insight, will allow scientists from China to observe magnetic fields and the interiors of pulsars and understand the evolution of black holes. The telescope is also expected to help scientists to search for gamma-ray bursts corresponding to gravitational waves and study how the pulsars can be used for spacecraft navigation. AIIB Approves $150 million for India Infrastructure Fund June 15, 2017 China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $150 million equity 92  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund . This loan will be thebank’s first equity investment to fund private projects. Salient Highlights The $150 million investment would go the India Infrastructure Fund. The Infrastructure Fund aims to invest in mid-cap infrastructure companies in India. AIIB in total has approved two loans and one equity investment totalling $324 million to support infrastructure projects in India, Georgia and Tajikistan. In the case of Georgia and Tajikistan, the loans were approved to support transport and power projects. The initiative is expected to benefit local infrastructure development as it will enhance private capital inflows from global long-term investors, such as public pension funds, endowments and insurance companies. AIIB AIIB is a multilateral development bank backed by China and is seen as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The bank started to function in January 2016. The bank was established to fund various infrastructure projects including energy, transportation, urban construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare in Asia-Pacific region. The AIIB was officially established with 57 founding members. But as of May 2017, the bank has 52 members. It has an authorised capital of USD 100 billion. The bank is headquartered in Beijing. Voting Share: China is the largest shareholder with 26.06% voting shares. India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5% voting shares followed by Russia 5.93% and Germany with 4.5%. June 16, 2017 UN General Assembly Approves Creation of New UN Office of Counter Terrorism June 16, 2017 The United Nations General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new United Nations office of counter-terrorism to help Member States implement UN’s global counter-terrorism strategy. Salient Highlights With the creation of new UN office of counter terrorism, UN will transfer the relevant functions out of the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) into the new body. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter- Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) currently under the DPA will be transferred to the new office together with existing staff and associated budgetary resources. The new UN Office of counter-terrorism would he headed up by an Under-Secretary-General. The new Under-Secretary-General would Chair the Task Force and Executive Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre. 93  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Functions The new office will have the following five main functions: To provide leadership on the counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to it across the United Nations system. To enhance coordination and coherence across the 38 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities for ensuring balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. To strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to the Member States. To improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter- terrorism efforts; and To ensure that priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system. India’s Views India has welcomed the creation a UN office on counter-terrorism. It expects that the “much- awaited” step will help in aligning UN with the changing needs and international reality in the fight against terrorism. India has been repeatedly stressing on the need to have a separate office for counter-terrorism as the presence of as many as 31 entities within the United Nations dealing with some aspect of countering terrorism lacked coherence and coordination in dealing with terrorism. Justice PN Bhagwati, a Pioneer of Judicial Activism Passes Away June 16, 2017 Former Chief Justice of India Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati who is considered as a pioneer of Judicial Activism has passed away. Justice Bhagwati was 95 years old. Justice Bhagwati introduced the concepts of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and absolute liability to the Indian judicial system. He made the famous ruling that there was no need for a person to have any Locus Standi to approach the court on the issue of fundamental rights. One of the important judgments passed by him was in the Maneka Gandhi passport impounding case of 1978. In this case, he ruled that a person had full right to hold a passport and his/her movement cannot be restricted. He also ruled that the prisoners too enjoyed fundamental rights. Justice Bhagwati Justice Bhagwati took part in the freedom movement and courted arrest in 1942. Justice Bhagwati graduated in law from Government Law College, Bombay. He started his practice in Bombay High Court and became a judge of the Gujarat High Court in 1960. Justice Bhagwati was a former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and later appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in July 1973. 94  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Justice PN Bhagwati served as the 17th Chief Justice of India from July 1985 to December 1986. Virat Kohli Creates Record by becoming Fastest Batsman to Score 8000 runs in ODIs June 16, 2017 India’s Skipper Virat Kohli has created a record by becoming the quickest batsman to score 8000 runs in one-day international cricket beating South Africa’s AB de Villier’s record by seven fewer innings. Virat Kohli has managed to cross the 8000 run mark in his 175th innings during India’s match against Bangladesh in ICC Champion’s Trophy semi-final in Birmingham. Earlier record holder was South African captain AB de Villiers who crossed the 8000 run mark in 182 innings. Earlier this year, South Africa’s Hashim Amla had broken Virat Kohli’s previous record of being the fastest batsman to score 7000 runs in ODIs. While Virat Kohli scored 7000 runs in 166 innings, Hashim Amla took only150 innings to get there. Hashim Amla is also the fastest batsman to score 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 runs. Top 5 fastest 8000 run scorers in ODIs: Virat Kohli (175 innings), AB de Villiers (182 innings), Sourav Ganguly (200 innings), Sachin Tendulkar (210 innings), Brian Lara (211 innings). Fact Box: Global Innovation Index 2017 June 16, 2017 In the Global Innovation Index 2017, co-authored byCornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India has moved up 6 places to reach 60th place among 130 countries emerging as the top-ranked economy in Central and South Asia. This is the 10th edition of the Global Innovation Index 2017 (GII). Salient Highlights Top 10 most Innovative countries:Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the US, the UK, Denmark, Singapore, Finland, Germany and Ireland. Switzerland leads the rankings for the 7th consecutive year. The index is dominated by high-income economies which took24 of the top 25 spots except for China which is ranked at 22nd spot. Among India’s neighbours, Sri Lanka has managed to bag 90th spot and Nepal stood at 109th place. Pakistan has been ranked as 113th followed by Bangladesh at 114. BRICS countries: Brazil (69), Russia (45), China (22), South Africa (57). India India has made improvements in the rankings after five continuous years of decline in the ranking. The report has observed that India’s rise in innovation has benefitted its neighbouring countries. 95  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The index has highlighted the continuous improvement of India in terms of investment, tertiary education, quality of its publications and universities, ICT service exports etc. Task Force on Innovation To assess India’s position on the innovation front, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries had set up a task force on innovation. The task force comprising of government officials and experts from private organisations & academia, has recently come up with its report that detailed specific measures to improve India’s ranking in GII. GII GII surveys are conducted every year which analyses 130 economies and aims to capture the multi- dimensional facets of innovation. The index makes use of a dozen parameters ranging from patent filings to education spending and offers the decision makers a high-level look at the innovative activity which are drivers of economic and social growth. GII, over the last few years has established itself as a leading reference on innovation. World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is the global body for promotion and protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. India re-elected to ECOSOC June 16, 2017 India has won its re-election to the UN’s principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues for another three-year term. India was one among the 18 nations to win election to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Salient Highlights India has obtained 183 votes which is the second highest after Japan in the Asia-Pacific category. Pakistan whose term is also expiring also sought for re-election but lost and got only one vote. India’s election comes just days after India’s Neeru Chadha got elected to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) by securing 120 votes, which is the highest in the Asia Pacific group. The current elected members of the ECOSOC who will hold a three year term beginning January 1 2018 are Belarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Turkey and Uruguay. Election A country requires two-thirds of the total votes to become a member of ECOSOC. The ECOSOC has a total of 54 members. The Council’s 54 members are elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. Out of the 54, 14 seats are allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, 6 to Eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states, and 13 to Western European and other states. 96  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] ECOSOC The Economic and Social Council is the ‘United Nations’ central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development.’ EcoSoc is one of the six main UN organs which were established by the UN Charter. EcoSoc is the ‘principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.’ It supervises ‘the subsidiary and expert bodies in the economic, social and environmental fields.’ Government makes Aadhaar Mandatory for Opening Bank Accounts June 16, 2017 The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts as well as for carrying out financial transactions above of Rs 50,000. In addition, the government has asked all the existing account holders to link Aadhaar numbers to their bank accounts by December 31, 2017. Failure to comply with this guideline will make the account invalid. Further, the notification issued amending the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005, will require quoting of Aadhaar card mandatory along with PAN by individuals, companies and partnership firms for all financial transactions of 50,000 or above. Before the notification, the PMLA Rules made it mandatory to submit PAN number or Form 60 to banks while opening accounts for high-value transactions. Background The Supreme Court in its recent verdict has upheld Section139AA of the Income Tax Act,1961 which requires quoting Aadhaar number while applying for PAN card as well as for filing of income tax returns as constitutionally valid. Following this verdict, the government has made compulsory the submission of Aadhaar number or the applicant’s Aadhaar Enrolment ID for the filing of income tax returns as well as for applications for PAN from July 1. Section 139AA(1) of the I-T Act,1961, as introduced by the Finance Act, 2017, makes it mandatory quoting of Aadhaar/Enrolment ID of Aadhaar application form while filing income tax returns with effect from July 1, 2017. Section 139AA(2) of the I-T Act provides that persons with PAN card as on the 1st day of July 2017, and who is eligible to obtain Aadhaar should intimate his Aadhaar and in the case of non-intimation of Aadhaar, the PAN allotted to the person shall be deemed to be invalid. The Supreme Court has upheld Section 139AA(1) and has imposed a partial stay for the time being to Section 139AA(2) pending resolution of the other cases before the larger bench of the Supreme Court. 97  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] NASA: May 2017 is the second hottest month in 137 years June 16, 2017 According to NASA, May 2017 was the second hottest month in a span of 137 years when modern record-keeping of average global temperatures had commenced. The temperature of May 2017 was 0.88 degrees Celsius warmer than the mean May temperature from 1951-1980. May 2016 is the hottest on record with 0.93 degrees Celsius warmer than the May mean temperature. May 2017 temperature was 0.05 degrees Celcius cooler than the temperature recorded in May 2016. It was only 0.01 degrees Celsius warmer than the third warmest May, which occurred in 2014. Background NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) does the monthly analysis of global temperature by analysing the publicly available data acquired by about 6,300 meteorological stations around the world, ship- and buoy-based instruments measuring sea-surface temperature, as well as from the Antarctic research stations. The modern global temperature record commenced around the year 1880. RBI: India’s Current Account Deficit narrowed in 2016-17 June 16, 2017 According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s current account deficit (CAD) narrowed during 2016-17 fiscal owing to a contraction in the country’s trade deficit. The CAD for the last fiscal narrowed down to 0.7% of the GDP from that of 1.1% in 2015-16 due to contraction in the trade deficit. Country’s trade deficit narrowed down to $112.4 billion in 2016-17 from $130.1 billion in 2015-16. Further, the net FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) inflows in 2016-17 also got narrowed to $35.6 billion from $36 billion during 2015-16. Current Account Deficit The current account is the net difference between inflows and outflows of foreign currencies. Current Account transactions increase or decrease national income. It includes all transactions of export and import of goods and services, investment income, and unilateral transfers. It consists of two major items (a) merchandise exports (credit to home country) and imports (debit to home country) (b) invisible exports (sale of services) and imports (purchase of services). If thesum of all these transactions is negative then it is called as current account deficit (CAD) June 17, 18, 2017 Helmut Kohl, father of German reunification Passes Away June 17, 2017 Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, who is hailed as the father of German unification has 98  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] passed away. He was responsible for unifying Germany after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall despite facing stiff resistance from Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev. East and West Germany were separated post World War II. After Soviet Union relinquished control of Eastern Europe, Helmunt Kohl worked towards unifying East and West Germany by giving constant assurances to the Western leaders that a united Germany posed no threat. Helmunt Kohl was the longest serving post-war chancellor of Germany since 1945. He served as chancellor for 16 years from 1982 to 1998. Initially Helmunt Kohl served as the chancellor of West Germany in 1982 and later became the chancellor of Germany after reunification in 1990. He was also the driving force behind the introduction of the euro currency in the Germany at a time when Germans were sceptical to give up their cherished deutschemark. Black Money: Automatic Information Sharing with Switzerland from 2019 June 17, 2017 Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of financial account information with India and 40 other countries. This will facilitate Switzerland to share information about suspected black money with India and other 40 nations. According to the Swiss Federal Council, the implementation of the exchange sharing agreement has been planned for 2018 and hence the first set of data is likely to be exchanged in 2019. TheSwiss Federal Council is a top governing body of Switzerland. The exact date of automatic information exchange would be notified by the Swiss Federal Council soon as there were no procedural delays for the implementation. However, the Swiss banks have started seeking new safeguards so as to protect the details of their clients against misuse that could expose them to crimes such as kidnapping or blackmail. So, the Swiss Council had stated that they will prepare a situation report before the first exchange of data. As per thr process, it will be ascertained whether the states and territories concerned have put in place a standard, especially those concerning confidentiality and data security. It will be assessed whether the democratic processes in these states and territories are robust or not and whether corruption is high or not etc. Background Switzerland has long been perceived as one of the safest havens for black money stashed abroad by Indians. The participation of Switzerland which is the world’s largest home for overseas wealth in the information sharing agreement would be a major boost in ending tax avoidance. As a step towards fighting black money stashed abroad, ‘Joint Declaration‘ for implementation of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI)was signed between India and Switzerland on 99  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] November 2016. Switzerland agreed for the introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of information) on tax matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations. AEOI, based on Common Reporting Standards, when implemented fully would put in place a system wherein bulk taxpayer information will be sent periodically from the source country of income to the country of residence of taxpayer. It would enable India to get access to information virtually from almost all the countries in the world including offshore financial centres. Switzerland has said the AEOI will be implemented based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (AEOI). The MCAA is based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the OECD. India, on its part has promised to safeguard the confidentiality of the data received. India joined the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information on 3rd June, 2015. According to the OECD,MCAA is a multilateral framework agreement that provides a standardised and efficient mechanism to facilitate the automatic exchange of information and avoids the need for the conclusion of several bilateral agreements. Black money is that amount of money which is liable for taxation, but on which tax is not paid or evaded. It is usually received in cash from underground economic activity and, as such, is not taxed. Australia’s Vivid Sydney enters Guinness World Records for Maximum Number of light installations June 17, 2017 The World’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney has entered into Guinness World Book of Records. The Guinness World Record have given the Vivid Sydney installation Dreamscape the title for the ‘Largest interactive lighting display’. Vivid Sydney installation Dreamscape has been made up of 124,128 lights and links the entire Circular Quay precinct beginning from the Sydney Opera House to the Sydney Harbour Bridge into one cohesive canvas of light. Moreover, 3D interactive modelling present in the control room in Circular Quay allows the participants to change the color, texture and pattern of the lighting across the cityscape.With this record, the Vivid Sydney has trumped its own 2016 predecessor, Dress circle that Circular Quay. This year the Vivid Sydney had added an additional one km of lights to achieve the record. With this record, the Vivid Sydney has trumped its own 2016 predecessor, Dress Circle which also 100  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] illuminated the Circular Quay. This year the Vivid Sydney had added an additional one km of lights to achieve this record. Vivid Sydney Vivid Sydney is an annual outdoor lighting festival held in Sydney city of Australia. The festival includes immersive light installations and projections as well as performances from local and international musicians. The festival takes place over a period of three weeks in the winter months of May and June. The highlight of the festival are the light sculpture and multimedia interactive works that will transform various buildings and landmarks around the Sydney Central Business District such as Opera House, Harbour Bridge into a cohesive canvas of light. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Kochi Metro June 17, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Kochi Metro, which will beKerala’s first metro line. The Construction of the Kochi Metro which was entrusted to the DMRC has been completed in a record four-year period. Prime Minister has inaugurated the first phase of the metro with 13.2 km out of the total 25 km stretch. The Kochi Metro will be the country’s eighth inter-city metro rail project. Salient Highlights Kochi Metro is India’s first integrated multi-mode transport system. The system will also provide boat rides with water transport as a feeder service to the rail corridor. Kochi Metro is the first public transport system that has reserved jobs for the transgenders. The Metro has so far employed 23 transgenders in various departments. Further, a majority of the staff in Kochi Metro will be women. Nearly 1,000 women have been selected to work in Kochi Metro. The trains will also be driven mainly by women drivers. The first phase of the metro with 11 stations covering 13km is the longest first phase of a metro to be inaugurated. The Kochi Metro is the first in the country to use Communication Based Train Control technology for maximising train frequencies and minimising errors. Each station of the Kochi Metro will showcase a theme, such as maritime history, western ghats etc. With the help of solar panels, the Kochi Metro plans to meet 35% of its power requirements. With this, it has become the first metro in the country to use solar power to meet a quarter of its electricity requirement. The project cost of Kochi Metro is Rs 5,180 crore. The Kochi Metro is thecounty’s first fully integrated metro.By purchasing a single ticket, 101  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] commuters will be able to travel in feeder services along road and water. In a first, Kochi Metro will offer free wi-fi in its coaches and its stations. India-Afghanistan Air freight Corridor to Open Up Soon June 17, 2017 India and Afghanistan are set to operationalize their first air-freight corridor in the coming days. The first flight will be operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines, which is the Afghanistan’s national carrier. The flight which will initially operate once or twice in a month will carry commodities to and from Delhi. Depending upon the supply needs, the frequency of the flight will be increased. India-Afghanistan discussed the idea of commencing the air-freight corridor during the visit of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s visit last year. The key elements of India’s Afghanistan policy include – friendly relations with afghan factions, tacit support for anti-Taliban forces, more focus on economic engagement than military engagement, humanitarian and development assistance etc. Significance This development has assumed significance at the backdrop of Pakistan’s denial to use its land for trade between India and Afghanistan. The air freight corridor will be used by the private sector in Afghanistan to increase its exports to the vast Indian market by air with minimum costs. It will also enable the traders to circumvent the obstacles posed by Pakistan in the land route. 102  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] External Affairs Minister inaugurates KIP for Young Overseas Indians June 17, 2017 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for NRI and PIO youth with a view to provide them with an exposure to the country of their origin so that they can understand India better and more closely. External Affairs Minister has alsolaunched a portal for the Know India Programme (KIP). The government has also announced the openings of 149 new post office passport seva kendras in the country (POPSK). The Ministry has announced that it is taking measures to open more passport seva kendras so that a person need not travel more than 50 kilometeres to get his/her passport. POPSKs is an initiative undertaken jointly by the MEA and the Department of Post. Know India Programme (KIP) Know India Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs for the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) between the age group of 18 to 30 years. The Know India Programme is a three-week orientation programme which is aimed at promoting awareness on different facets of life in India as well as the progress made by the country in fields such as economic and education. The KIP offers a platform for the young PIOs to visit India share their views, expectations and experiences and forge closer bonds with the India of present times. The scheme was launched in 2004 and has so far had 40 editions in which some 1,293 PIO youths have participated. In the year 2016, the scheme was revamped to extend the number of days from 21 to 25 days including a 10-day visit to one or two states. Also from 2016, six KIPs are being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in a year. June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought June 17, 2017 The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June 17 to promote public awareness to combat desertification. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994. It was observed for the first time in 1995. The day is observed globally to promote public awareness on the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious desertification or drought, particularly in Africa. This year’s theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is “Our Land. Our Home. Our Future“. This edition will examine the link between land degradation and migration. Among 103  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] others, Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices are responsible for desertification. They have increased the number of international migrants worldwide who have increased from 173 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2015. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development especially the Goal 15 emphasises the need to halt and reverse land degradation. Desertification Desertification refers to degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areasdue to an array of factors. The direct impact of desertification is reduced biodiversity. The reasons are many such as climatic changes such as drought, or human such as overgrazing. Desertification is a major economic, social and environmental problem of concern to many countries in all regions of the world. In 1977, the United Nations Conference on Desertification (UNCOD) adopted a Plan of Action to Combat Desertification (PACD). On 17 June 1994, on the basis of the direct recommendation of Agenda 21, “United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa” was adopted in Paris. The permanent Secretariat of the UNCCD was established during the first Conference of the Parties (COP 1) held in Rome in 1997. It has been located in Bonn, Germany since January 1999. Fact Box: James Webb Space Telescope & its First Targets June 17, 2017 Mission officials for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have announced the initial science targets for the James Webb Space Telescope. The JWST has been scheduled to look at a large number of things in the universe including icy moons, distant exoplanets and galaxy clusters. It will look at very first galaxies after the Big Bang, search for fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e etc. As a part of the initial observations, 2100 observations has been planned for the JWST by the mission handlers. JWST, being the most powerful telescope designed and built on Earth is scheduled to be launched in October 2018 on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. James Webb Space Telescope JWST is a joint project of theNASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimorewill conduct Webb science operations. The JWST will be the successor of 26-year-old Hubble Space Telescope. JWST is 100 times powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope and will be the largest telescope ever sent into space. JWST will have a very large infrared telescope with a 6.5-meter primary mirror. Its sun shield is 22 metres which is roughly the size of a tennis court and has a mirror 6.5 metres which is over twice the size of 104  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is named after the former NASA administrator, James Webb. JWST was formerly known as the “Next Generation Space Telescope” (NGST). In November 2016, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had completed the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) after more than 20 years of work. Instruments of JWST include Cameras and spectrometers that are able to record extremely faint signals. NIRSpec having programmable micro-shutters for observation of up to 100 objects. Cryocooler for cooling the mid-infrared detectors. June 19, 2017 K Srikanth wins Indonesian Open June 19, 2017 India’s Kidambi Srikanth has lifted the Indonesia Open Super Series badminton title at Jakarta by defeating Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in straight sets 21-11, 21-19. For Srikanth who is currently World No. 22 this is a big title win. It is Srikanth’s third Super Series title after 2014 China Open and 2015 India Open. Indonesian Open Super Seriesis an annual badminton tournament organised by Persatuan Bulutangkis Seluruh Indonesia (PBSI). The tournament was first conducted in 1982. It has become part of the BWF Superseries in 2007 and earned the Superseries Premier Status in 2011. NASA’s Orion Spacecraft Clears Safety Tests June 19, 2017 NASA’s Orion Spacecraft which has been designed to carry astronauts to deep space destinations like Moon and Mars has successfully carried out a series of tests to test its critical safety systems. Salient Highlights NASA test fired Orion’s launch abort system by firing the 17-foot tall motor for five seconds. The test was successful as the motor produced enough thrust and thus qualifying for future missions with astronauts. The launch abort system which is positioned on top of the Orion crew module is a vital component of Orion’s spacecraft making sure crew members remain safe on the launch pad. It plays a critical role in making sure the crews travelling to deep space destinations remain safe inside the Orion spacecraft. The launch abort model is responsible for propelling the crew module away from the Space Launch System rocket in case of an emergency, The launch motor will send the crew module to a safe distance away from a failing rocket and will orient the module for a safe descent into the Atlantic Ocean in case such an eventuality ever occurs. 105  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] During the test, the researchers also evaluated the performance of the parachutes which will ensure that the crew module safely descends to earth. Orion Spacecraft The Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle was announced to be built by NASA on May 24, 2011. The new spacecraft is currently under development. NASA has named the Orion spacecraft after the largest constellation in the night sky. NASA is building the Orion spacecraft by making use of its 50 years experience in spaceflight research and development. The Orion spacecraft will be designed to cater to NASA’s deep space exploration programs. According to NASA, it will be the safest and most advanced spacecraft ever built and will offer emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and will offer safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. China to send Mini-Ecosystems to the Moon June 19, 2017 China is planning to send mini-ecosystems comprising of potato seeds and silkworm eggs to the Moon by next year. The move is aimed at studying how the organisms develop in Moon. Salient Highlights The 3-kilogramme mini-ecosystem will be developed by research teams under the leadership of Chongqing University in China. The mini-ecosystems would be sent to the moon by Chang’e 4 which is scheduled to be launched in 2018. The potato seeds and silkworm eggs would be placed in an 18-centimetre-tall cylinder. According to the researchers, the silkworms will hatch and create carbon dioxide, while the potato plants will generate oxygen. The main objective behind this mission is to prepare for future moon landings and possible human inhabitants. China is preparing for a planned mission to the Moon. In addition, the researchers have decided to live stream the development of plants and insects to the whole world. ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission completes 1000 Earth Days in Orbit June 19, 2017 ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) completes 1000 earth days in orbit. The orbiter has outlived its lifespan which is more than 5 times the number of days the orbiter was designated to last in orbit. The MOM has at present completed 388 orbits of Mars and has sent 715 images back to earth. According to the scientists, the MOM is in good health and shows no signs of slowing down. India has plans to send Mangalyaan 2.0 and a new mission to Venus after 2020. 106  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] MOM The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was launched into space on November 5, 2013, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket C25.The MOM entered into the orbit of Mars on September 2014. The Mangalyaan was built in a fraction of the cost of similar space missions launched by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). It was indigenously designed, built and launched by ISRO in a record period of fewer than two years in 450 crore rupees (73 million US dollars) budget which is considered as cheapest inter-planetary mission till date to reach Mars. The spacecraft has five instruments mounted on it for collecting scientific data of Mar’s morphology, atmospheric processes, surface temperature, surface geology and atmospheric escape process. These five instruments are Lyman-Alpha Photometer (LAP), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) and Mars Colour Camera (MCC)In September 2014, India created a space history by becoming In September 2014, India created a space history by becoming thefirst nation in the world to successfully launch an interplanetary mission to Mars in a maiden attempt. ISRO also become first Asian and fourth space agency in the world to reach Mars orbit after the Roscosmos of Russia, NASA and European Space Agency. Fact Box: Ram Nath Kovind June 19, 2017 Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind has been chosen by the National Democratic Alliance as its Presidential Candidate. Facts The 71-year-old lawyer turned politician Ram Nath Kovind is a commerce graduate and LLB from the Kanpur University in Uttar Pradesh. Kovind practised law in Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court for 16 years. He practised in the Delhi high court from 1977 to 1979 and became an Advocate- on-Record of the Supreme Court of India in 1978. He was also the central government’s standing counsel in the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1993. Kovind stepped into politics in 1984 after elected to Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He had served for two consecutive terms till March 2006. During his parliamentary tenure, Kovind stepped into politics in 1984 after elected to Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He had served for two consecutive terms till March 2006. During his parliamentary tenure, Kovind has served in several parliamentary committees including the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Parliamentary Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, among others. Kovind has represented India in the United Nations and addressed United Nations General Assembly in October, 2002. 107  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] On August 8, 2015, Kovind was appointed as the governor of Bihar. He had also served as the member of the Board of Management of Dr. B.R Ambedkar University, Lucknow and the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. Presidential Election-Facts For the election of the President, the electoral college comprises of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the legislative assemblies of all states, besides Delhi and Puducherry. In a total, 4,896 voters will vote in the election. Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies will not have voting rights in the presidential election. Polling for Presidential elections will take place in Parliament House and on the premises of legislative assemblies. The election shall be by secret ballot. For the presidential elections, political parties cannot issue any whip to their MPs and MLAs. The nomination paper of a candidate has to be subscribed by at least 50 electors as proposers and another 50 electors as seconders. MPs and MLAs do not have one vote each but their votes are equal to the average number of people they represent. Since MPs represent the whole country they have more votes, and MLAs have fewer votes than MPs as they represent only the people in their states. This is called “proportional representation”. The president is elected for a term of 5 years. He may terminate his own term by writing a resignation addressed to Vice President. He can be removed from the office ONLY by impeachment. He is eligible to re-elected for the same office for unlimited times. GST: Anti-profiteering Panel to be set up June 19, 2017 The GST Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley comprising of state finance ministers as members have decided to set up a five-member anti-profiteering authority to decide on levying the penalty if businesses do not pass on the benefit of price reduction to consumers under GST regime. The GST Council has also approved the anti-profiteering rules. Salient Highlights The anti-profiteering committee would be headed by retired a secretary-level officer. The authority would ask the businesses to pass on the benefit of price reduction on a proportionate basis to consumers. Apart from the chairman, the other members of the committee will be joint secretary- level officers who have been commissioners in central excise and service tax either at the Centre or states. The government will constitute a search-cum-selection committee for finalising the members of the anti-profiteering authority. 108  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] In cases where consumers cannot be identified, the amount would be credited to the consumer welfare fund. The committee would be given powers to take Suo Motu action, besides acting on complaints of profiteering. The complaints of profiteering will initially come to the Standing Committee constituting of tax officials from states and the Centre. Then the complaint will be forwarded to the Directorate of Safeguards (DGS) for investigation, which will take about 2-3 months to complete the inquiry. After the investigation, the report would be submitted to the anti-profiteering authority which will take a decision on the penalty. The anti-profiteering authority will have a sunset date of two years and will decide on the penalty to be levied. Section 171 of the Central GST Act provides that reduction in tax rate has to be passed on to the customers by way of commensurate reduction in prices. Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga” Launched June 19, 2017 Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan has launched a Mobile App “Celebrating Yoga”. The Mobile App has been developed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2017. The aim of the app is to popularise Yoga and encourage people to practice yoga for a scientifically healthy living. In 2015, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) had also launched a research programme “Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)” under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI). Salient Highlights Celebrating Yoga App provides a platform to share information and create awareness into the participation of yoga events on the occasion of the International Yoga Day 2017. The mobile app will help in capturing mass yoga events being organised in public places, schools and office complexes across the country. The app will be connected with Google Map where shared information can be viewed by the app users.The information gathered by the mobile app will be shared with the Ministry of AYUSH to complement their efforts. The information gathered by the mobile app will be shared with the Ministry of AYUSH to complement its efforts. Fact Box: Environmental Impact Survey June 19, 2017 India has been ranked 75th out of 102 countries in a list that ranks the countries in terms of the human impact on environment per person. The ranking has been done by MoneySuperMarket, a 109  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] UK-based financial services website. The ranking has been made based on the impact the citizens have on the environment by taking into account energy consumption, air pollution, waste production, reliance on non-renewable energy, the carbon dioxide emissions per capita, wastewater treatment capacity, municipal solid waste generated and tree cover loss etc. Of all the parameters, the most weight has been given to Carbon dioxide emissions, municipal solid waste and energy consumption. Salient Highlights Top 10 Performers: Mozambique (1st), Ethiopia (2nd), Zambia (3rd), Latvia (4th), Kenya (5th), Albania (6th), Ghana (7th), Tajikistan (8th), Nepal (9th), Colombia (10th). Worst Performers: Trinidad and Tobago (102nd), United States (101st), Sri Lanka (100th), Ireland (99th), Canada (98th), China (97th), Australia (96th), South Africa (95th), Cyprus (94th), Malaysia (93rd). Mozambique has topped the list as it derives almost all of its energy from green sources. India, on the other hand, has been placed at 75th place as its renewable energy sources make up only 15.2% of all energy sources used. The US has been placed second last on the list at the 101st position as the U.S. per capita carbon dioxide emissions are 17 tonnes per capita. Further, the country generates 2.58 kgs of municipal solid waste per person, and the energy consumption is 312.79 BTU per capita. Also, its reliance on renewable sources are even lower than India at 12.56% India, on the other hand, generates 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita (between 1990 and 2011), 0.34 kgs of municipal solid waste generated per day per person, and energy consumption at 19.75 BTU (British Thermal Unit.) India has been ranked poorly due to its low reliance on renewable energy (15.2%). Trinidad and Tobago has been ranked last as it hardly relies on any green energy sources. Africa as a continent has topped the list. June 19, 20, 2017 Lockheed and Tata sign Pact to make F-16 Planes in India June 20, 2017 Lockheed Martin and India’s Tata Advanced Systems have signed a pact to produce F-16 fighter planes in India. The two companies have announced their agreement at the Paris Airshow. Lockheed Martin’s move to forge a joint venture with Tata is aimed at winning billions of dollars worth order from the Indian military. Lockheed Martin is one of the largest aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies 110  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] companies having worldwide interests. It is headquartered in Maryland. The company was formed after the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta in 1995. Background India’s airforce is in requirement of hundreds of aircraft inorder ro replace its soviet-era aircrafts. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make-in-India initiative require the foreign suppliers to forge partnership with a local partner to make planes and build a domestic industrial base in India. This is aimed at cutting outright imports. But Make-in-India initiative appears to be in conflict with President Donald Trump’s America First campaign under which Trump wants the companies to invest in the United States and create jobs instead of establishing factories abroad. To allay these concerns, both the companies have said that moving the production base to India would still retain jobs in the United States. Establishing a production base in India for the manufacture of F-16 will create new manufacturing jobs in India and is expected to position Indian industry at the centre of the most extensive fighter aircraft supply ecosystem in the world, Sweden’s Saab is the other contender to supply aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The company has offered to make its Gripen fighter in India. However, it is yet to announce a local partner In India. Gripen fighters are pitched as a modern alternative to the F-16s. US and India have built a close defence relationship in recent years. US along with Russia and Israel has emerged as a top three arms supplier to India. F-16s are flown by air forces by 26 countries around the world. In addition, Lockheed Martin is offering model Block 70 which is the most modern of all F-16s. India ratifies UN TIR Convention in a bid to Counter China’s OBOR June 20, 2017 India has become the 71st nation to join the United Nations TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention. India’s decision to join the convention is part of its multi-modal transport strategy that aims at integrating Indian economy with global and regional production networks through better connectivity. In March 2017, Union Cabinet had approved India’s accession to the Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under TIR Convention. The UN has confirmed that the TIR Convention will enter into force in India in 6 months. TIR The Customs Convention on International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, 1975 (TIR Convention) is an international customs transit systemunder the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) with the widest geographical coverage. It is 111  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] more than a transport convention. At present, there are 70 parties to the convention including the European Union. The TIR is managed and developed byInternational Road Transport Union (IRU) which is the world road transport organisation. The TIR procedure facilitates movement of goods under customs control across international borders without the payment of the duties and taxes. It provides a robust guarantee mechanism facilitating the higher growth of Intra-regional trade. Significance Accession to TIR will help India in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement which it has already entered into this year. With China’s ambitious ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) project, India has no other option other than to join TIR if it wants to be counted as a serious rising power. China is already a TIR member. Accession to TIR will ensure enhanced security in the supply chain as it allows only approved transporters and vehicles to operate under the terms of the Convention. The Indian traders will get access to fast, reliable and hassle-free international system for movement of goods by road or multi-modal means. It will improve India’s cross-border road transport. On the eastern front, it will help in integrating with Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. On the western front, it will help in transporting cargo along the International North-South Transport Corridor via Chabahar port in Iran. Further, it will give access to landlocked Afghanistan and the energy-rich Eurasian region. It can help in implementing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement by addressing policy incompatibility issues among the BBIN nations. Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 Launched June 20, 2017 Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines has launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017). This updated version of the Code prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India. Salient Highlights The Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017) has been developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program. The code provides present as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to cut down building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. The code sets clear criteria for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design through the inclusion of passive design strategies. 112  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] ECBC 2017 aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants. The code aims to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings. Apart from the current and futuristic advancements in building technology, the new code takes into account market changes, and energy demand scenario of the country. The code has been set in such a way that it will set a benchmark for Indian buildings to be amongst some of the most efficient globally. To be ECBC-compliant, the new buildings should be able to demonstrate minimum energy savings of 25%. Energy savings of 35% and 50% will enable the buildings to achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status respectively. The adoption of ECBC 2017 is expected to achieve a 50% reduction in energy use by 2030 which will translate into energy savings of about 300 Billion Units by 2030. It will result in expenditure savings of Rs 35,000 crore and reduction of 250 million tonnes of CO2. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel acquires ‘Image Trademark’ June 20, 2017 Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel has acquired an i‘ mage trademark‘ under the Trademark Act of 1999, making it is the first building in the country to acquire intellectual property rights protection for its architectural design. Henceforth, the image of Taj Mahal Palace hotel’s dome and exterior can be used only with the consent of Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris. The hotel which was opened on December 16, 1903, has a distinctive red-tiled Florentine Gothic dome and sits 240 feet above the street level. The dome for a long time has been used by the Indian Navy as a `triangulation point’ which guides its vessels to the harbour. The architects of the dome have modelled it on the dome of the Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). The Taj Mahal Palace hotel has hosted many celebrities like Neil Armstrong, John Lennon and Barack Obama. The other trademarked properties around the world include Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sydney Opera House in Australia. Trademark Act of 1999 ‘The Trade Marks Act of 1999‘ replaced the ‘The Trade and Merchandise Marks Act of 1958‘ as the current governing law relating to registered trademarks. The Act deals with the precise nature of rights one can acquire in respect of trademarks. Henceforth, as the Taj Mahal Palace hotel has acquired image trademark, no one can use the Taj Mahal Palace’s images for commercial purposes without paying the company a licensing fee. Violators are liable to be prosecuted. However, the locals and tourists can click pictures of the iconic building as long as they do not use it for commercial benefits. 113  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] NASA’s Kepler Telescope finds 10 Earth-Like Planets June 20, 2017 NASA’s Kepler Telescope has identified 10 Earth-like planets outside the solar system that are expected to host life due to their right size and temperature. This finding is a boost in the hope for life elsewhere. Exoplanet: It is a planet that does not orbit the Sun and instead orbits a different star, stellar remnant, or brown dwarf. It is also termed as extrasolar planet. After an extensive search carried out for four years, NASA’s Kepler space telescope has detected a total of 49 planets in the Goldilocks zone. This number is set to increase as Kepler telescope has so far looked only in one quarter of one percent of a galaxy that holds about 200 billion of stars. Goldilocks Zone refers to a habitable zone where the temperature is neither too high nor too low. NASA has announced the discovery of 10 planets as a part of 219 new planets identified by the Kepler telescope as part of the final batch of planets since Kepler was launched in 2009. Kepler’s main mission got ended in 2013 after two of its four wheels that control its orientation in space got failed. Kepler has identified more than 4,000 planet candidates and confirmed more than half of them. The number of potentially habitable planets could be lot more as Kepler was only able to identify only those planets that move between the telescope vision and its star. By using Kepler and other methods, scientists have discovered around 3,600 exoplanets and about 62 potentially habitable planets. With the launch of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by NASA in 2018, chances of studying planets and detecting a familiar atmosphere will increase manifold. JWST will succeed the Hubble space telescope. Kepler Space Telescope Kepler Space Telescope (KST) is an unmanned space observatory launched in 2009 by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is tasked with determining how many Earth-like planets occur throughout the Milky Way galaxy. It has been designed for a statistical mission and not to probe into the environmental conditions of planets that exist in the so-called Goldilocks zone (Habitable zone) of their stars. Reliance Defence inks Pact with Serbia’s Yugoimport to Manufacture 114  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Ammunition in India June 20, 2017 Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence Ammunition which is a subsidiary of Relianc Infrastructure has entered into a strategic partnership with Serbia’s state-run Yugoimport to manufacture ammunition in India. The joint venture is expected to target business opportunities worth Rs 20,000 crore from Indian armed forces in the next 10 years. Salient Highlights The two companies will work jointly in the field of ammunition amongst others. Both the companies would undertake joint development of next generation ammunition to cater to the needs of the future requirements of the Indian armed forces. The proposal also involves the transfer of technology by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and indigenous manufacturing in India. Reliance Defence Ammunition will set up a greenfield facility for the production of ammunition. India at present imports around 50% of its ammunition with an annual spending of more than Rs 10,000 crore. Yugoimport is Serbia’s state-owned defence major and is a market leader in the field of ammunition production. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make-in-India initiative requires building a domestic industrial base in India. This is aimed at cutting outright imports. Accordingly, Yugoimport has offered a fully compliant technical solution to meet the Make in India requirements of the Indian government. India and Portugal inks Agreement to Promote Cooperation in The Field of Archives June 20, 2017 India and Portugal have signed a protocol of cooperation in the field of archives. The agreement has been signed between the National Archives of India and the Ministry of Culture of the Portuguese Republic in Lisbon, Portugal. Salient Highlights As a part of the Cooperation, the Torre do Tombo (National Archives of Portugal) has handed over digital copies of 62 volumes of the collection known as ‘Moncoes do Reino’ (Monsoon correspondence) to the National Archives of India. These volumes were originally part of over 456 volumes which is the largest of all record collections in the Goa State Archives. The collection consists of direct correspondence from Lisbon to Goa and covers the period from 1568 to 1914. These volumes serve as the most important primary source for the study of the Portuguese expansion in Asia and their trade rivalries with the Arabs and European powers as well as their relations with neighbouring Kings in South Asia and East Asia. 115  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] In 1777, 62 volumes out of the 456 comprising over 12,000 documents, belonging to the period from 1605 to 1651 were shifted from Goa to Lisbon. At Lisbon, these volumes were subsequently got printed under the title ‘Documentos Remetidos da India’(Documents sent from India) by the Academy of Science at Lisbon between 1880 and 1893. Since then the original volumes had remained in Lisbon. After a gap of 240 years, Director General of Books, Archives and Libraries has handed over a set of digital images of the missing volumes of the Moncoes do Reino series to India. Background From 1505 to 1961, some territories of India remained under Portuguese State of India (Estado da India) or Portuguese India (Índia Portuguesa). The Indian empire of Portuguese was mainly confined in isolated colonies in both East and West Coast of India and was part of Portuguese possessions in Asia, East Africa and Pacific. Earlier, during the visit of Prime Minister of Portugal to India as the chief Guest of 2017 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January, India and Portugal had signed sixmemorandam of understandings (MoUs) including in defence cooperation. ISRO to launch Earth Observation Satellite June 20, 2017 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 series weighing 712 kg and 30 nano-satellites using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Salient Highlights Out of the 30 nano-satellites, 29 will be of foreign origin and one will be of India’s. The 29 nano- satellites will be from 14 countries such as Austria, Belgium, Britain, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the US. These 29 satellites will be launched by ISRO as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO’s commercial arm, the Antrix Corporation Ltd with these nations. The 30 satellites will together weigh 243 kg. The total weight of the 31 satellites would be 955 kg. The PSLV-XL will be launched from the Sriharikota rocket port. The rockets will be placed into a 505 km polar sunsynchronous orbit (SSO). This will be the seventeenth flight of PSLV in ‘XL’ configuration. It uses solid strap-on motors. PSLV Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle of India which is hailed as the reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle of India. PSLV’s first successful launch took place in October 1994. Since then the launch vehicle has 38 consecutively successful missions by February 2017. It has launched 46 Indian satellites and 180 foreign satellites between 1994-2017. PSLV is also India’s first launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. There are three variants of 116  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] PSLV, namely, PSLV-G, PSLV-CA, PSLV-XL. PSLV was used to successfully launch Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013. June 21, 2017 Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute bags PM’s Yoga Award June 21, 2017 Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune has become thefirst recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of Yoga. Salient Facts PM’s Yoga Award was instituted at the 2nd International Day of Yoga celebrations at Chandigarh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister had instituted the award for promoting the ancient Indian spiritual discipline. The Ministry of AYUSH framed guidelines for the awards and constituted two committees, namely, screening committee (for preliminary evaluation) and evaluation committee (Jury). The Institute has been selected from among 85 nominations and 15 more recommended by the Screening Committee. The Award was recommended by an Evaluation Committee (Jury) under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary. Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute has worked to spread Yoga both domestically and internationally over a period of four decades. It has also published a number of books on yoga which has been translated into multiple languages. First Indigenously built Floating Dock Launched by L&T June 21, 2017 Larsen & Toubro has launched the first indigenously built Floating Dock (FDN-2) to repair Indian Navy ships at its Shipyard at Kattupalli, north of Chennai. The floating shipyard would be handed over to the Indian Navy after conducting three to four months of trial. Salient Highlights After the trials, FDN-2 will be moved to Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There it would be used for repairing assets of the Indian Navy and also of other services. These floating docks are capable of being installed either along a jetty, moored in calm waters and also moved to high seas enabling round-the-year operation. FDN-2 will be capable of repairing up to 8,000-tonne ships with draught up to 7 metres, including submarine FDN-2 will be capable of simultaneous docking of multiple ships. In addition, off-center docking options were also feasible. It has hauling-in system to handle a ship’s docking and undocking operations. It can also cater to the ships berthed along its side. At any point of time, FDN-2 can cater to six ships for repairs or refit. 117  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The FDN-2 is a wholly Made in India product. The 468 crore FDN-2 was lowered into the Bay of Bengal by Anjali Deshpande, wife of the Vice-Admiral Controller Warship Production and Acquisition of Indian Navy, DM Deshpande. Background FDN-2 is the first Naval shipbuilding project for L&T. L&T has been undertaking repairs and refits of Naval and Coast Guard ships. It has delivered six ship refits including the largest Logistics Tanker ship INS Jyoti. L&T has so far invested around Rs 5,000 crore in the Kattupalli Shipyard. China unveils World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks June 21, 2017 China has unveiled world’s first train that runs on a virtual track making use of sensor technology instead of metal rails. Salient Highlights The new trains are non-polluting as they are battery powered. The train is capable of reaching a top speed of 70 kmph and can travel a distance of 25 km by just charging for 10 minutes. The train which is only about 32 metres long can carry up to 307 passengers. The new trains are fitted with sensors which are capable of detecting the dimensions of the road permitting it to follow the routes without the need for metal rails. So it can run without the presence of tracks. The new trains will make use of rubber wheels on a plastic core and can be automatically guided without rails. This new technology has been copyrighted by the Chinese rail corporation. The train will be rolled out for public use in 2018. It will be launched in the Chinese city of Zhuzhou in a bid to help to deal with traffic in the area. The new train is expected to have a lifespan of around 25 years. The cost of the new train is only a fifth of the price of a traditional subway system. June 21: International Yoga Day June 21, 2017 June 21st is annually celebrated as International Yoga Day since the year 2015. This year, the 3rd International Day of Yoga is being observed. The purpose of the yoga day is to promote yoga and make it as a part of people’s daily routine. The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated a mass yoga demonstration to commemorate the 3rd International Day of Yoga at Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to UN, this year Yoga Day’s theme is “Yoga for Health“. The theme has been chosen to highlight the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving an equilibrium between mind and body. To mark the celebrations, massive Yoga practice sessions and demonstrations were being held in 118  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] several places across the country and the world. This year many organisations are organising events to create a Guinness World Record by forming longest human chains and other Yoga related activities. In total, around 5,000 events have been scheduled to take place in about 180 countries. Some of the countries in which yoga day are celebrated are China, UK, the US, Bangladesh, South Africa etc. Indian high commissions around the world have organised many mass yoga demonstrations at various parts of the world. To mark the occasion, the headquarters of the United Nations in New York has been lit up with images of yoga postures. Background The first International Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015. The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. In December 2014, UNGA had unanimously adopted an India-led resolution to observe 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’. This resolution was adopted under the agenda of ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’. The date 21st June was selected because it represents one of the two solstices and is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world. NASA tests ROSA on Space Station for First Time June 21, 2017 NASA is testing the effectiveness of a flexible solar array, the Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA, on space station for the very first time. ROSA is expected to one day power satellites and spacecraft. NASA had earlier tested the ROSA technology in vacuum chambers on the Earth but this is the first time it is testing the technology in space. Salient Facts ROSA is an advanced, flexible solar array that rolls out like a tape measure. The ROSA is very much flexible so that it can be adapted to different sizes including very large arrays. ROSA is expected to provide power for a variety of future spacecraft and satellites. ROSA will be an asset for satellite radio and television, weather forecasting, GPS and other services used on the Earth. The NASA engineers remotely attached the ROSA to the International Space Station’s robotic Canadarm2. ROSA will remain attached to the Canadarm2 over seven days to test its effectiveness. Scientists will test the effectiveness of ROSA in the microgravity and extreme temperatures of space. ROSA is smaller and lighter than the traditional panels and has a centre wing build of a flexible material containing photovoltaic cells to convert light into electricity. The narrow arm extends on both the sides of the wing to provide support, called a high strain composite boom. These booms are like split tubes made of a stiff composite material. The technology of the booms will be a boon for communications and radar antennas and other instruments. 119  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Significance Unlike the traditional solar array panels, ROSA has the potential to make solar arrays more compact and weigh lighter. The traditional solar panels which are at present used to power satellites are very bulky with panels being folded using mechanical hinges. ROSA with significantly less mass and volume can offer substantial cost savings and increase the power for satellites. ROSA is 20% lighter and 4 times smaller in volume than the traditional panels. In addition, ROSA technology can provide solar power to remote locations. June 22, 2017 Railways to launch Operation Swarn to revamp Rajdhani, Shatabdi Trains June 22, 2017 Concerned over the complaints received from the public over the premium trains of Indian Railways like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express, Railways have decided to launch “Operation Swarn (‘gold’)“. The operation is aimed at improving the services in these premium trains. The Railways have decided to launch this operation after it received complaints from passengers regarding the sanitation, food quality and delay in train arrivals etc. Salient Highlights Under the operation, in the first phase, Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express and Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express will be upgraded. More trains will be identified for upgradation in a phased manner Under the initiative, Indian Railways will work towards improving 10 aspects, namely, punctuality, cleanliness, linen, coach interiors, toilets, catering, staff behaviour, security, entertainment, housekeeping and regular feedback.Under the operation, a sum of Rs 50 lakh would be allotted to Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains on various routes for the purpose of revamping. Under the operation, a sum of Rs 50 lakh would be allotted to Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains on various routes for the purpose of revamping. Indian railways will constitute two committees to monitor the revamping work under ‘Operation Swarn’. Indian railways will constitute two committees to monitor the revamping work under ‘Operation Swarn’. The upgraded trains will also have improved coach interiors, better furnishing and new comfortable seats. In future, these premium trains will also be upgraded with services like Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, coffee vending machines etc. Premium Trains Among the premium trains in India Rajdhani and Shatabdi are the well known. They are transporting people who were able to afford more fare for a somewhat luxurious travel. But after 120  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] years of service, these trains have begun to lose their sheen. In May 2017, first high-speed premium train Tejas Express between Mumbai and Karnali in Goa was launched. The train has a lot of facilities like LCD screen on every seat, improved interiors, coffee vending machines, automatic doors, fire repression system, bio-vacuum toilets, attendant call buttons, reading LED lights and free Wi-Fi connectivity. The railways have also launched a new series of fully air-conditioned express trains likeHumsafar, Mahamana and Gatimaan for overnight travel. The Humsafar Express has features like CCTV cameras, coffee vending machines, fire and smoke detection systems, new interiors with comfortable seats. The Mahamana Express has ladders for climbing to upper berths, snack tables for side berths, windows with powered Venetian blinds and roller blinds, LED lights as berth indicators, LED reading lights, fire extinguishers and electrically operated chimney in the pantry car, among others. Saudi Arabia: King names Son as new Crown Prince June 22, 2017 Saudi Arabia’s king has appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince and heir to the throne replacing his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef. This also means that Prince Mohammed bin Salman will become the kingdom’s deputy prime minister while continuing as defence minister. Significance Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s appointment as the first in line to the throne is seen by the younger generation as a sign that things are changing in the kingdom. Before his appointment, Prince Salman was responsible for leading Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. Prince Salman who is only 31 years old could lead Saudi Arabia for decades which means the kingdom will have a long period of internal stability. However, at the same time Mohammed bin Salman’s closeness to US President Donald Trump could increase pressure against Iran, which has the potential to raise tensions in the region. Background-Saudi Arabia’s Royal Succession The founder of Saudi Arabia is King Abdulaziz. He had dozens of sons and there exists as many as 15,000 princes and princesses in the royal family. In 2006, the royal kingdom proclaimed a decree under which a committee responsible for electing the king and crown prince was set up. This committee is made up of senior princes of the royal family and is known as the Allegiance Council. Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s appointment has received the approval of 31 out of 34 members of the council. In Saudi Arabia, those in power has the habit of promoting their sons to the roles which will improve their chances of being promoted. Saudi Arabia is one of the most influential Arab country. It is the world’s leading oil producer and the Saudi Royal family is one of the richest ruling families in the world. 121  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] India and Russia Celebrates 10 Years of Partnership in Science and Technology June 22, 2017 This year, India and Russia are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between them. Joint cooperation in science and technology was one of the important pillars of the bilateral relationship between both the countries. Also, India’s Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi and Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Moscow are celebrating their 10th year of their partnership. MoU To expand the joint cooperation, India’s Department of Science and Technology and Russian scientists held discussions to enhance their cooperation in the fields of big data and cyber physical systems. Subsequently, a MoU on the India-Russia unified technology assessment and accelerated commercialization programme, was concluded in Moscow between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Russia’s Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE). The MoU is expected to improve closer interaction between scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the scientists of India. It was also agreed to work for start-up companies and entrepreneurs in order to establish Indo-Russian Bridge for Innovation. The meeting also concluded with an Addendum to the Agreement between DST and Russian Science Foundation (RSF) on coordinated competition for conducting collaborating research. DST and RSF have agreed to support young achievers who are less than 39 years of age in a competitive mode for joint collaborative research. As of now, DST and RSF have jointly supported over 17 projects. Background With the closure of the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) between both the countries in 2007, the DST-RFBR has emerged as a robust platform for bilateral scientific cooperation in Basic Sciences. The first call under the DST-RFBR programme was awarded in 2008. In the last decade, DST and RFBR have jointly supported 254 research projects. Under the ambit of this programme, projects have been undertaken in the areas of basic sciences Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry & Material Sciences, Biology & Medical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences and Computer Sciences and Telecommunications. UN Appoints Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov as Chief of newly established United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre June 22, 2017 The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov to head the newly established UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), despite growing tensions between the US and Russia. 122  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Vladimir Voronkov has been given the rank of Under-Secretary-General. The new Under- Secretary-General would Chair the Task Force and Executive Director of the UN Counter- Terrorism Centre. The newly established UNCCT has been mandated to oversee the counterterrorism efforts of 36 UN-funded programmes under the ambit of a variety of UN agencies, 12 inter-agency working groups, Interpol, and the World Customs Organisation. Voronkov has an experience of more than 30 years in Russia’s foreign service, serving primarily on UN-related issues. He had served as Russia’s ambassador to Vienna and has been serving as an ambassador to UN organisations since 2011. UNCCT Last week, the United Nations General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new United Nations office of counter-terrorism to help Member States implement UN’s global counter-terrorism strategy. With the creation of new UN office of counter terrorism, UN will transfer the relevant functions out of the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) into the new body. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) currently under the DPA will be transferred to the new office together with existing staff and associated budgetary resources. India has welcomed the creation a new UN office on counter-terrorism. It expects that the newly established centre would help in aligning UN with the changing needs and international reality in the fight against terrorism. India has been repeatedly stressing on the need to have a separate office for counter-terrorism as the presence of as many as 31 entities within the United Nations dealing with some aspect of countering terrorism lacked coherence and coordination while dealing with terrorism. South China Sea Dispute: China launches Research Project to Compile Data on Disputed Region June 22, 2017 China has launched a research project aimed at compiling historical data obtained during earlier expeditions conducted by its teams to the disputed South China Sea since the late 1950s. Salient Highlights The research project is one among the 14 resource investigation programmes approved by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology. Under the project, Chinese researchers will collect and compile valuable data and materials which were obtained by China during its major ocean expeditions to the South China Sea and its affiliated islands and reefs. China expects that a comparative analysis and research done into the data will offer 123  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] insight into the resources, environment and changes related to the South China Sea and its affiliated islands and reefs. Around 193 scholars with specialisation in fields such as marine life, ecology, fishery and geology from China’s 10 domestic research institutions and universities will take part in the initiative. Retired expedition members would also be invited to assist in this programme to ensure the reliability and precision of the data. South China Sea Dispute China has been aggressively claiming the entire South China Sea as its own. The other countries that claim the various territories in the South China Sea areTaiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The South China Sea is part of Pacific Ocean spreading an area of some 35 lakh square km with eight littoral countries/territories viz. China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam. It is strategically located in the international shipping route that sees the passage of world’s half of the merchant ships. The sea is rich in energy reserves including petroleum, mineral and fishing resources. It is made of some 200 tiny islands, coral reefs, shoals, sandbanks etc. grouped into three archipelagos of Spratlys, Paracels and Pratas. The Macclesfield Bank and Scarborough Shoal are also part of South China Sea. Several countries have made competing territorial claims over the South China Sea. Such disputes have been regarded as Asia’s most potentially dangerous point of conflict. UN: India to become more Populous than China by 2024 June 22, 2017 According to the World population Prospectus: The Revision released by the United Nations, India with 1.3 billion inhabitants would surpass China’s population of 1.4 billion by 2024, to become the World’s populous country. Salient Highlights Despite the drop in universal fertility rates, the UN report expects the world’s total population to hit 9.8 billion by 2050. As per the report, the world’s population is at present 7.6 billion up from 7.4 billion last year. The increase in population was spurred by the relatively high levels of fertility in developing countries. With an addition of 82 million people every year, UN expects a continuation of the upward trend in population size. At this rate, the world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and surpass 11.2 billion in 2100. As per the report, the concentration of global population growth in the poorest countries is presenting a challenge. The population growth is expected to come from the 47 least developed countries where the fertility rate is around 4.3 births per woman. At this rate, the population in these countries would reach 1.9 billion people in 2050. It presents a challenge as the world seeks to 124  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which is aimed to end poverty and preserve the planet. Further, the birth rates in African countries are expected to at least double by 2050, despite fertility rates falling from 5.1 births per woman up to 2005 to 4.7 births in the five years following. In contrast, birth rates in Europe are seeing an increase which has increased up to 1.6 births per woman, up from 1.4 births in 2000-2005. As per the report, the overall reduction in fertility rates is expected to result in the ageing population, with the number of people above the age of 60 or over is likely to become more than double by 2050 and triple by 2100, from the current 962 million to 3.1 billion. Africa which has the youngest age distribution for any region is expected to experience a rapid ageing of its population. According to the report, Nigeria which is currently at the seventh place is expected to become the third most populous country by 2050 replacing the US. World population Prospectus: The Revision The 2017 Revision of World Population Prospects is the twenty-fifth round of official United Nations population estimates prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. The findings are presented for each development group, income group, region, subregion and country or area for the period 1950-2100. Uttarakhand and Haryana Declared Open Defecation Free States June 22, 2017 Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryana have been declared as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India. Already, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, have been declared ODF. As per the government sources, nationally the sanitation coverage has increased from 42% to over 64% since the launch of SBM. Uttarakhand has 13 districts, 95 blocks, 7256 gram panchayats and 15751 villages while Haryana has 21 districts, 124 blocks, and 6083 gram panchayats. All these have been declared as ODF. With this, the total number of ODF states in the country have increased to 5 covering more than 2 lakh villages and 147 districts across the country. Background The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched in October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. The mission aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The SBM consists of two sub-missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by improving access to sanitation by ensuring the use of toilets, besides their 125  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] construction. It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation. Open defecation is an important factor for causing various diseases like intestinal worm infections, diarrhoea, polio, hepatitis etc. India’s Largest Municipal Bond Programme Launched June 22, 2017 Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has launched India’s largest municipal bond programme. Salient Highlights The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) became the first municipal corporation in the country to tap money through municipal bonds in 14 years. The AA+ rated PMC’s municipal bonds raised Rs 200 crore at 7.59 per cent rate at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This is the first-ever mobilisation of debt capital by a municipal corporation on the BSE BOND platform. This will also be the first issuance since the publication of ‘Issue and Listing of Debt Securities by Municipalities Regulations, 2015’ by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The 10-year bonds will be used by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for a Rs 2,300-crore water project. The scheme is aimed at providing water 24×7 for all residents of Pune. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was assisted by the US Department of Treasury to create a debt policy. PMC has also planned to prepare a case study based on its experience and share it with other urban bodies to help them raise money from the bond markets. Since the bonds do not have any guarantee from the state government, an escrow account has been created to deposit the funds for the comfort of investors. Municipality Bonds Municipality bonds can be issued by the city corporations to fund developmenta projects. Institutional investors, as well as the public, can buy these bonds. The corporations can use the revenues earned from the developmental projects like Metro rail network to repay the interest and principal on these bonds. These municipal bonds have now been permitted for public offering by SEBI. Municipal bonds have been in existence in India from the year1997. Cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Nashik and Madurai have already issued them. These bonds will help the city corporations to directly raise funds without the help of grants from the state governments or agencies such as World Bank. June 23, 2017 126  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] US Approves Sale of UAV Technology to India June 23, 2017 The United States has cleared the sale of the state-of-the-art Guardian 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India. The deal to sell UAV drones to India is estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion. Though the deal has been approved by the State Department, an official announcement regarding the deal is yet to be announced. Significance The transfer of the state-of-the-art UAV technology to India will be the first significant progress after India’s entry into the exclusive Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and after the US has designated India as a major defence partner. India became the 35th full member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016. The transfer of Guardian UAV technology is aimed at furthering mutual security interests to protect the Indian Ocean. The deal would also pave the way for the transfer of other key technology sales from the US to India. The Guardian unmanned aircraft has been classified as Category 1 aircraft with cutting edge technologies. Background Last year, the Indian Navy had requested for this intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. The US has designated India as a “major defence partner” under the Obama Administration. The US considers India as a key player to counter the Chinese threat. However, the Guardian UAV proposal was kept in abeyance under Obama administration. UAVs operate without a human pilot. UAVs are commonly used in both the military and police forces in situations where the risk of sending a human piloted aircraft is unacceptable, or the situation makes using a manned aircraft impractical. Government announces 30 new Smart Cities June 23, 2017 Union Minister for Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, M. Venkaiah Naidu has announced a new batch of 30 smart cities under Smart City Mission, which was launched on June 25, 2015. Salient Highlights The newly selected cities include Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, Naya Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Rajkot in Gujarat, Amravati in Andhra Pradesh, Patna in Bihar, Karimnagar in Telangana, Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Puducherry, Gandhinagar in Gujarat, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, Karnal in Haryana, Satna in Madhya Pradesh, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Shimla in 127  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Himachal Pradesh, Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, Pimpri Chinchwad in Maharashtra, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir, Dahod in Gujarat, Tirunelveli, Thootukkudi and Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh, Aizawl in Mizoram, Allahabad and Aligarh in U.P. and Gangtok in Sikkim. With the addition of these 30 smart cities, the total cities picked up under the Smart City Mission has reached 90. The government has selected 30 cities against the available 40 smart city slots to ensure feasible and workable plans that fulfill the aspirations of the citizens. Out of the 30 cities, 26 had proposed affordable housing projects, 26 had proposed new schools and hospitals and 29 had proposed redesign and development of roads. The government will further select 10 more cities under smart city mission as 100 cities were supposed to be selected for the Smart Cities Mission in total. The remaining 20 cities that will be contesting for the remaining 10 slots are: Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Biharsharif (Bihar), Diu (Daman & Diu), Silvassa (Dadra and Nager Haveli), Kavaratti (Lakshadweep), Navimumbai, Greater Mumbai and Amaravati (Maharashtra), Imphal (Manipur), Shillong (Meghalaya), Dindigul and Erode(Tamil Nadu), Bidhannagar, Durgapur and Haldia (West Bengal), Meerut,Rai Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Sharanpur and Rampur (UP). Total proposed investment for the development of 30 cities is Rs.57,393 crores. It includes Rs.46,879 crores for ensuring core infrastructure and Rs.10,514 crores technology-based solutions for improving governance, service delivery and utilization of infrastructure. Background The Smart City Mission is flagship scheme of Union Government that will cover 100 cities and its duration is five years (2015-16 to 2019-20). The focus of the smart city mission is on sustainable and inclusive development and set examples which can be replicated in other parts of the city and other cities of the country. There are 10 core infrastructure elements viz. adequate water supply; assured electricity supply; sanitation, including solid waste management; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing, especially for the poor; robust IT connectivity and digitalization; good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation; sustainable environment; safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and health and education. NASA launches World’s Lightest Satellite designed by Indian Student June 23, 2017 NASA has launched world’s lightest satellite weighing only 64grams designed by 18-year-old boy Rifath Sharook from Tamil Nadu. The tiny satellite has been named as KalamSat after 128  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] the former President APJ Abdul Kalam. The tiny satellite was launched into space on a sounding rocket from NASA’s facility in Wallops Island. Salient Facts KalamSat is a 3-D printed satellite. This is the first time that 3-D printing technology is used to make satellites. To participate in NASA’s contest Cubes in Space in partnership with the global education company, I Doodle Learning, Sharook and his team had designed a 1 kg CubeSat. But as the CubSat was costly the group made a smaller version for the contest and came up with ‘KalamSat’. By using the concept called BalloonSats, the group created a Near Space Launch Vehicle (NSLV) to launch KalamSat. BalloonSats are designed to carry lightweight experiments into near-space. The tiny satellite weighs only 64 grams which is lighter than a smartphone. The satellite has been made of reinforced carbon fibre polymer. The satellite was operated for 12 minutes in a micro-gravity environment of space after its flight. The purpose behind the launch of KalamSat was to demonstrate the performance of 3D-printed carbon fibre. Government launches VAJRA Scheme June 23, 2017 Department of Science and Technology has launched VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme that enables NRIs and overseas scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India. on 8th January 2017, during the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, Prime Minister had announced that a new scheme called VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme would be launched by the Department of Science and Technology. Salient Highlights The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a Statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology will implement the Scheme. Under this scheme, foreign researchers abroad of Indian origin or otherwise can collaborate with faculties in public funded Indian institutions. The researchers would receive endowments at par with those in their own countries. They would be given USD 15,000 in the first month of residency and USD 10,000, for the remaining months. The scheme would promote broad areas of research like energy, health, advance material among others. Public funded academic institutions and national laboratories will be eligible for hosting the VAJRA Faculty. The VAJRA faculty can reside in India for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months a 129  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] year. The applications received from the interested foreign researchers would be evaluated by a Selection Committee of eminent scientists. The Committee will meet twice a year in January and July and make recommendations. DST Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May 1971 and functions under the ambit of Ministry of Science and Technology. The department functions with an objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology. It acts as a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T related activities in the country. The DST funds scientific projects in India and supports researchers in the country to attend conferences abroad and to conduct experimental works. Nisha Dutt bags Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award June 23, 2017 Nisha Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Intellecap has become the first Indian woman leader to have been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at The 7th Asian Awards in London. Nisha Dutt has been honoured in recognition of her work in making Intellecap a globally known enterprise that focuses on social capital. Her key contribution lies in integrating technology with challenges of healthcare, financial services, incubation and conceptualising programs such as Innovations Labs. The previous winners of the award include Ratan Tata, Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Asha Bhosle, Zayn Malik etc. In the Social Entrepreneur category, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Masa Kogure and Vikram Patel have been honoured with the award in the past. Background The Asian Awards is an annual awards function which was founded by businessman and philanthropist Paul Sagoo. The annual award ceremony takes place in the United Kingdom. The awards reward exemplary achievement across 14 categories such as business, philanthropy, entertainment, culture and sport. Initially, the awards were presented to only those people born in or with direct family origin from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. In 2013, the awards have been thrown open to people of South and Eastern Asian origin. NITI Aayog Selects CCMB as Incubation Centre for Biotech Start-ups June 23, 2017 NITI-Aayog has chosen the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad 130  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] for hosting the ₹10-crore Atal Incubation Centre for biotechnology start-ups. Salient Facts The centre will identify promising start-ups and create facilities for them to succeed in the field of biotechnology. The CCMB is one of the 10 organisations that have been identified to host the ‘Atal Incubation Centre’. The government will release a Grant-in-aid of Rs 10 crore for a maximum of 5 years. After that, it is expected that the Centre would become self-sustainable. The CCMB is a constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is the only one in the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to be chosen as an incubation centre under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Background Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog is aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It aims to create high-class incubation facilities with necessary infrastructure in terms of capital equipment and operating facilities, coupled with the availability of sectoral experts for mentoring the start-ups. The scheme is known asAtal Incubation Centre scheme. The incubation centres would support and encourage start-ups in the sectors like manufacturing, transport, energy, health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation etc. The scheme focuses on the establishment of incubation centres in underserved and unserved areas to support inclusive growth. Under the scheme, Atal Incubation Centre can be established either in Publicly funded institutions or Private sector funded institutions or in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Fact Box: India’s Contribution to Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project June 23, 2017 Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) is the world’s biggest telescope which would facilitate astronomers to observe the intricacies of the universe from earth. Salient Facts Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) is a multi- million dollar project being developed by an international consortium of Five countries including India. The other four countries are Canada, China, Japan and the U.S. In July 2013, five countries participating in the project had inked Master Partnership Agreement (MPA) for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The ambitious next-generation telescope would be built at a cost of USD 1.47 billion. India will spend Rs 1,300 crore on the project. India’s contribution to the project will be more in terms of hardware than money. The telescope which was expected to be started at Mauna Kea, Hawaii was stalled following protests by locals. The project site is still being finalised by the consortium of countries involved in the 131  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] project. Hanle in Ladakh is one among the new sites that are being explored for the construction of the telescope. The telescope is expected to be ready by 2020. The telescope when ready would offer astronomers with unparalleled power to observe the universe. India has a 10% partner in the telescope project. Indian astronomers will get observational time in proportion to India’s share in the total project cost. On the Indian side, the project will be handled by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy. The project would be led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, with the help of the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, and Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune. TMT will be the first ground-based telescope to incorporate the technology of Adaptive Optics (AO) as an integral component of the telescope. India’s contributions will include fabrication of edge sensors, which sense relative displacement of segments due to gravity and temperature while tracking objects in the sky. India also has the responsibility to build the entire actuator system to provide the best possible image of objects in the sky. POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ launched June 23, 2017 Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal has launched Weather Portal for Power Sector & Web Portal ‘MERIT’ (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency). POSOCO-IMD Weather Portal The weather portal has been developed in association with POSOCO and IMD. The portal will have information regarding weather forecast to the state Discoms. The weather variations have an impact on load demand, energy production, transport and distribution management, as well as on energy prices. Extreme events associated with weather like heat waves or cold waves, windstorms or floods can have adverse impacts on the production and can inflict physical damage to the infrastructure. Hence, the portal aims to provide weather related information and help states to take pro-active steps regarding management and plan for infrastructure availability as well as to ensure cost effective and reliable supply. MERIT MERIT (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency) has been developed by Ministry of Power in association with POSOCO and Central Electricity Authority. The Web portal provides information regarding the merit order of Electricity procured by States. The information includes daily state-wise marginal variable costs of all generators, daily source-wise power purchases of respective states/UTs with, energy volumes and purchase prices. 132  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Portal will help state Discoms in optimising their power procurement more efficiently and will help in lowering the cost of power to consumers. The main advantages of the portal: Empowerment of consumers and facilitates participative governance; Disseminates information pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise purchase of electricity transparently; Promotes economy and efficiency in operations; Optimization of the power procurement costs; Demystifies the utility portfolio and its complexity; Facilitates renewable integration and handling of the variability and uncertainty of renewables; and Indication of supply side reliability, adequacy, and cost of power procurement. June 24, 2017 West Bengal Honoured with UN Public Service Award June 24, 2017 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has received the highest prize in United Nations Public Service Award for the state government’s Kanyashree Prakalpa (Girl Child) scheme in The Hague, Netherlands. Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme of West Bengal came first among the 552 project nominations received by the UN from 62 countries. West Bengal has been awarded in the Asia-Pacific group for the category: Reaching ‘ the Poorest and Most Vulnerable through Inclusive Services and Participation‘. Argentina was the winner in the Latin America-Caribbean Group for its programme for early childhood education. In the Western Group, the UK was the winner for its programme to prevent senior citizens from being defrauded. Background Kanyashree Prakalpa is an initiative of the West Bengal government to improve the lives and the status of the adolescent girls. The scheme provides financial help to the girls from disadvantaged families to pursue higher studies. It also aims to prevent child marriage. Increased educational attainment, prevention of child marriage and financial inclusion are the objectives of the scheme. The scheme was launched by Mamata Banerjee in October 2013. This is not the first time that Kanyashree Prakalpa has won an award. Earlier, it had also received the appreciation of the UNICEF. The scheme has covered 40 lakh school and college going girls under its umbrella. Under this scheme, cash transfers have been provided to them as scholarships as long as they continue going to school. The UN Public Service Awards were launched in 2003. Imran Khawaja Appointed as ICC Deputy Chairman June 24, 2017 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Imran Khawaja as its deputy chairman. 133  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Imran Khawaja is Chairman of Associates counties and a veteran administrator from Singapore. Recently, the ICC Full Council had brought a constitutional change approving the creation of the post of deputy chairman. Imran Khawaja was part of a five member ICC working team that framed ICC’s new constitution last year. Following his election, Khawaja will deputise the ICC meetings in the absence of chairman Shashank Manohar. Imran Khawaja is a senior lawyer and has been serving in the ICC Board for several years. He had also served as a part of influential committees of the ICC. ICC The International Cricket Council (ICC), which is the international governing body of cricket was founded in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference. It was founded by the representatives of England, Australia and South Africa. The body was renamed as International Cricket Conference in 1965 and again renamed as International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1989. The ICC consists of 105 members, out of which 12 are full members, 37 are associate members and another 56 are affiliate members. ICC is responsible for setting professional standards of discipline for international cricket. Quality of Life: Government launches Index to Rank 116 Cities June 24, 2017 The urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu has launched its first liveability index which will rank the country’s 116 major cities on the basis of the quality of life. Salient Highlights The index named ‘City Liveability Index’ will cover cities with a population above one million, including the capital cities. The index will help cities to analyse where they stand in terms of the quality of life. It will help them to come up with interventions required to improve it. The index will assess cities based on a comprehensive set of 79 parameters such as availability of roads, education, healthcare, mobility, employment opportunities, emergency response, grievance redressal, pollution, availability of open and green spaces, cultural and entertainment opportunities etc. The rankings based on the index would be released in 2018. Soon, the government will select the agency for undertaking the assessment and data collection for the rankings would be completed in the next 6 months. Incentives to States The urban development minister has disbursed Rs500 crore as an incentive to 16 states that have performed well in implementing urban reforms during 2016-17. Andhra Pradesh has topped the list of 16 states with the highest score in implementing urban 134  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] schemes. The second place has been occupied by Odisha which is followed by Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. While ranking, the progress achieved by these states in terms of reforms like e-governance, an audit of accounts, tax revision policies, extent of tax revenue collection, energy and water audit, establishing state level financial intermediaries for resource mobilisation and credit rating was taken into account. Further, it has been proposed by the government to increase the incentive fund to Rs 10,000 crore for the next three years to promote next generation urban reforms. India-Russia Signs Roadmap for Defence Cooperation June 24, 2017 India and Russia have finalized a roadmap to further boost bilateral defence cooperation during the 17th India-Russia intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation held at Moscow. The meeting was co-chaired by defence minister Arun Jaitley and his Russian counterpart General Shoygu. The agenda for the discussion ranged from joint development of futuristic weapon systems to a major upgrade of military-to-military ties. India and Russia had signed a protocol that aims to enhance cooperation between both the countries in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training. Background The top-level bilateral meeting comes at the backdrop of Russia’s efforts to maintain its long- standing number one position as an arms supplier to India in face of stiff competition from the US, Israel, France and other countries. Russia is on course of getting defence projects worth $10.5 billion from the acquisition of five S-400 Triumf advanced air defence missile systems, four Grigorivich-class frigates and 200 Kamov-226T light helicopters and the lease of a second nuclear- powered submarine after INS Chakra. The meeting also comes in the backdrop of India being unhappy with Russia for delaying delivery schedules, increasing up costs mid-way as well as creating hurdles in technology transfer and providing unreliable spares support. India is also not happy regarding the economic and technical viability of going joint development and production of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) called the Sukhoi T-50 or Sukhoi PAK-FA. The Sukhoi PAK FA is a fifth generation fighter aircraft programme. PAK FA is a stealth, single seat aircraft that is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Airforce. The aircraft will serve as the basis for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) being jointly 135  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] developed by Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. Palbinder Kaur Shergill becomes first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Judge in Canada Supreme Court June 24, 2017 Palbinder Kaur Shergill has become the first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Canada’s Supreme Court judge. The announcement was made by the minister of justice and attorney general of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould. The appointment of Shergill as Supreme Court Judge of Canada is considered as a milestone for the Sikh community in Canada. Justice Palbinder Kaur Shergill was born in Rurka Kalan in Jalandhar district. At the age of four, justice Shergill had migrated to Canada. Justice Shergill has fought various cases and has actively represented the interests of Canadian Sikh community including the right of Sikh students to wear a ‘kirpan’ in schools. UNESCO: Paris Agreement Only Way to Save Coral Reefs June 24, 2017 A report by UNESCO has concluded that cutting down emissions and delivering the Paris Climate agreement to be the only ways out to save coral reefs the world over. Salient Highlights This is the first global assessment of the impact of climate change on world heritage listed coral reefs. The assessment studies the impact of climate change on 29 world Heritage-listed coral reefs. The assessment has found that local responses are no longer sufficient. The report has found that global warming caused by an increase in frequency, intensity, and duration of heat-stress events has massive consequences for the 29 world heritage sites. The report has warned that world’s coral reefs will die out completely by mid-century unless carbon emissions are reduced. The consequences could also be severe for millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that at least 25 coral reefs are set to experience twice-per-decade severe bleaching events by 2040. As per the report in the last three years, 25 out of 29 coral reefs which comprise three-fourths of the world’s reef systems has experienced severe bleaching events which are labelled as the worst-ever sequence of bleachings to date. According to the report, by 2100 most of the coral reef system would die unless carbon emissions are reduced. Coral Reefs Coral Reefs are often referred as the rainforests of the oceans. They occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor but provides habitat for a million species. The deposits of Coral Reefs are mostly made up of 136  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Calcium Carbonate. Conditions required for their growth: Warm tropical oceans located between 30 degree north and 25 degree south latitudes where a minimum temperature of 20 degree is found and this temperature favours the growth of coral organisms; Oceanic water free of sedimentation; Transparent parts of ocean bodies; Relatively low salinity ocean bodies. Bleaching of Coral occurs when the sea becomes too warm. Warm seas cause Corals to expel living algae and calcify turning into white. Scientists are concerned that climate change is killing the barrier reef. Rising temperatures by global warming increase the damage to the coral reefs harming the sensitive underwater ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef in the world. It was recorded as a World Heritage site in 1981. RBI: Fiscal Deficit of States Soars to Rs 4.93 trillion in FY16 June 24, 2017 According to ‘Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17‘, the gross fiscal deficits of all the states have soared to Rs 4,93,360 crore in fiscal 2016 from Rs 18,790 crore in FY1991. This is thesecond edition of RBI’s statistical publication. Salient Highlights ‘Handbook of Statistics on States 2016-17 follows a ‘one-indicator-one table’ approach. It covers all sub-national statistics on socio- demographics, state domestic product, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, banking and other fiscal indicators across the states during the period 1950-51 to 2016-17. The handbook also provides data on the state-wise availability of power, per capita availability of power, installed capacity of power, and power requirement, the length of national highways, roads and state highways, and railheads. Uttar Pradesh had a fiscal deficit of Rs 3,070 crore in FY91, which has soared to Rs 64,320 crore in FY16. It is projected to improve to Rs 49,960 crore in FY17. Rajasthan had a fiscal deficit of Rs 540 crore in FY91, which has soared to Rs 67,350 crore in FY16. However, the gross fiscal deficit is projected to decline to Rs 40,530 crore in FY17. Maharashtra has a fiscal deficit of Rs 37,950 crore in FY16 which is projected to soar to Rs 35,030 crore in FY17. Gujarat which has seen rapid industrialisation in the period of data analysis has got its fiscal deficit increased from Rs 1,800 crore in FY91 to Rs 22,170 crore in FY16 and the deficit is projected to further deteriorate in FY17 to Rs 24,610 crore. In fact from FY01, Gujarat has not shown improvement in its macro numbers even for a single year. Andhra Pradesh has a deficit of Rs 17,000 crore in FY16 which is set to increase to Rs 20,500 crore in 137  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] FY17.Tamil Nadu is also projected to have a higher deficit at Rs 40,530 cror Karenataka in FY17. is also estimated to post higher deficit in FY17 at Rs 25,660 crore. Biharwhich has a fiscal deficit of Rs 28,510 crore in FY16 is slated to improve its fi fiscal deficit of Rs 16,010 crore in FY17. West Similarly, Bengalis also slated to improve its fis deficit to Rs 19,360 crore in FY17 . Fiscal deficit is the difference between total expenditure and total revenue rece including recoveries of loans and other receipts. June 25, 26, 2017 India and Portugal Sign 11 Pacts June 25, 2017 India and Portugal have signed 11 pacts after in-depth talks between Prime Ministe and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa in areas like counter-terrorism, sp studies. This is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Portugal India thanked Portugal for its support for India’s permanent membership o Multilateral Export Control Regime. Agreements India and Portugal have agreed tojoint set up Science a and Technologyoffund four million euros. The two countries also signed MoUs for the creation India Portugal of an Space Alliance for advancing collaborative research. This agreement is expected to promote Ind technology partnership with Portugal andAtlantic to set up International ResearchonCentre the Azores Archipelago. This Centre will act as a research, innovation and knowledge h Atlantic and north-south cooperation. The objective behind the Centre is to pr environment for supporting new climate, earth, space and marine research. Other Agreements The other agreements cover cooperation in outer space, double taxation avoidance, na improving cultural ties, youth and sports, higher education and scientific research India business hub and Indian Chamber of Commerce. They are: Protocol amending the Double Taxation Aviodance Agreement MoU on Nano Technology MoU on Public Administration & Governance Reforms MoU on Cultural Cooperation MoU on Youth & Sports MoU between Portugal India Business Hub & Indian Chamber of Commerce 138  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] MoU on Cooperation in the fields of Higher Education and Scientific Research MoU on Biotechnology MoU on Collaborative Research MoU between Portugal India Business Hub & AICEP K Srikanth Wins Australian Open Super series Title June 26, 2017 The world No.11 Kidambi Srikanth has sealed his second successive Super defeating reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the Australian Open summit c Chen Long is World No.6 and also the current All England champion. Srikanth h previous five encounters with Chen Long. Srikanth has also become the fifth player in the world to take part in three success finals by reaching the summit clash in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. Last We won the Indonesian Open title. In the last edition of Australian Open tournamen a semi-finalist. Indian Army to rethink on its Sahayak System June 26, 2017 Indian Army is considering doing away with the colonial-era Sahayak System recruiting civilian staff in peace stations. The Indian Army’s move comes in the wa of jawans coming out openly against the Sahayak system. Some jawans have accused as servants by their attached officers. The critics point that Sahayak System is liab and is demeaning to the soldier. However, the army has said that Sahayaks would continue to be deployed in key base as these areas will have defined military duties. Instead of Sahayaks, employment o peace stations will help the Indian Army in economising on its manpower as well. Sahayak System Sahayaks or buddy system is a system in which a soldier is attached to officers to hel their responsibilities. Sahayaks are attached to Officers and Junior Commissioned Off of Sahayaks include protecting the officers, maintaining their weapons and equipmen The Sahayak System was evolved during the colonial rule. The practice of Sahayak sy in the Indian Army. An estimated 50,000 sahayaks serve in the Indian Army. Ind Indian Navy do not have sahayak system. In March 2017, the government had strongly supported the Sahayak system. Howe that it has issued exhaustive instructions not to make sahayaks perform menial derogatory to the dignity of a soldier. In the annual conference of top Arm deliberations regarding the sahayak system were held and it was decided to reor 139  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] resource policy of the Indian Army. ISSF Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship: Yashaswini Deswal an Bhanwala Wins Gold June 26, 2017 Indian shooters Yashaswini Singh Deswal and Anish Bhanwala has bagged gold in th Air Pistol and Men’s 25m Standard Pistol competition respectively in the Junior W Championship held in Germany. Yashaswini Singh Deswal fired a record 235.9 points to clinch the gold. Earlier in 20 Singh Deswal had managed to clinch silver in the 10m air pistol event at the junior in Germany. In the Junior 25m Standard Pistol competition, pistol shooter Anish Bhanwala clin world record score of 579 which was also instrumental in helping India bag the Tea event. Meanwhile, this result adds to India’s growing list of the gold medal tally. On Bhanwala also won gold in the Junior Men’s 25m Standard Pistol competition, with score of 579. In the team event, Anish and his teammates bagged silver. The combined score of 1678. HRD Ministry Constitutes K. Kasturirangan Panel to Frame Nation Policy June 26, 2017 The HRD ministry has constituted a new nine-member panel headed by sp Kasturirangan to frame a new National Education Policy (NEP). The other mem include chosen experts and educationists from wide-ranging backgrounds. The panel includes former IAS officer K.J. Alphonse Kanamthanam, who was making Kerala’s Kottayam and Ernakulam districts achieve 100% literacy. Another member of the panel will be Ram Shanker Kureel who has wide experienc agricultural sciences and management. He is also the Vice-Chancellor of Baba S University of Social Sciences, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. The committee also comprises of M.K. Shridhar, former member secretary of the K Innovation Council, T.V. Kattimani, an expert on language communication, D professor of Persian at Guwahati University, Krishan Mohan Tripathi, a for education, Uttar Pradesh, mathematician Manjul Bhargava from Princeton Unive Kamat, former vice chancellor of Mumbai’s SNDT University. The panel members belong to different sections and regions of the country reflecting 140  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] the country. Background In 2015, Narendra Modi Government had set up a committee under former Cabinet Subramanian to chalk out a new education policy. This committee had submitted it 2016. The committee had presented its report in two volumes with around 90 suggestions. The other important past committees in Education Radhakrishnan includes Commission (1948-49)on higher education; Mudaliyar Commission (1952) on secondary education and t Kothari Commission (1964-66). The Kothari Commission had a mandate to advise the gov on the development of education at all stage and in all aspects. The Kothari Commiss used to formulate the Education Policy of 1968. World Bank clears $250-million loan for Skill India Mission June 26, 2017 The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan to aid the Skill India mission. T would be used for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling. Salient Highlights The USD 250 million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO) is set to increase the mar short-term skill development programmes (3-12 months or up to 600 hours) both at th state levels. It will help the government of India to better equip the young employable skills. SIMO will be a six- year programme in support National of Policy for Skill Development Entrepreneurship (2017-23) . Under the programme, persons in the age group of 15-59 will acquire skill training their employment status. This will benefit 1.2 crore youngsters in the age bracket of who are entering the labour market every year. The programme is expected to benefit 15,000 trainers and 3,000 assessors. The programme has also a mandate to offer placement and entrepreneurship o women and increase their exposure to skill training. Need As per the official estimates, India is in need of additional 109 million skilled work key sectors by 2022. SIMO will support the government’s vision of increasing women’s participation in t and increase greater off-farm employment. Higher skilled labour force will hav employment opportunity to raise their earnings. 141  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] World Bank World Bank is one of five institutions created at the Breton Woods Conference Bank is part of the United Nations system, but its governance structure is differe headquarter is situated at Washington DC. World Bank provides loans to developi capital programmes. World Bank comprises only two institutions viz. the Interna Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Asso contrast, World Bank Group comprises three more viz. International Finance Cor Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre f Investment Disputes (ICSID). NASA’s Opportunity Mars Rover finds evidence of Ancient Lake June 26, 2017 NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity has found rocks at the edge of Endeavour Crater been a lake of liquid water. The scientists believe that the rocks were either transpor eroded in place by the wind. Salient Facts NASA’s Opportunity rover has been investigating on and near the western rim of En since 2011. The Endeavour Crater is about 22 km across. Opportunity has found out a pattern of striations running east-west outside the crest features have been observed just outside the crater rim’s crest above “Perseverance V To ascertain whether the rocks are present in-place or got transported, scientis Opportunity down Perseverance Valley. The Perseverance valley extends for a distan football fields. It slopes down from the crest into the Endeavour crater. The scientists are looking into several hypotheses for the perched lake. As per one hy the possibility is that a flood might have brought in the rocks and carved out the Per Another believes that the area was fractured by the impact that created Endeavour C Background Mars has a rich variety of geological features: huge craters, broad plains, tall canyons, and much more. NASA’s Opportunity, also known as MER-B is investigating the Martian surface since 2004. It was launched in 2003 as a part Exploration Rover program. The rover landed on the Martian surface in 2004. Srinivas Gokulnath becomes First Indian to Solo finish Race Across A June 26, 2017 Nashik’s army doctor Srinivas Gokulnath and Nagpur’s doctor Amit Samarth has cr becoming the first Indians to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RA 18-59 age category. 142  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] While Srinivas Gokulnath finished the distance of 4941kms in 11 days and 18 hours 11 days and 21 hours to finish the race. Among the 9 persons who managed race, Gokulnath stood 7th while Samarth finished at number 8. The race was won Strasser. Srinivas Gokulnath is an aerospace medicine specialist and had participated in the RAAM. However, he withdrew from the event after covering 2447 km. Gokuln national record for cycling 4,000km from Leh to Kanyakumari in 16 days in 2014. H the Limca Book of Records. Dr Amit Samarth is also a doctor and has a Master’s Degree in Public Health. In the three decades old history of RAAM, only three Indians had attempted RAA no one was able to finish the event in the solo category. RAAM RAAM is considered as the toughest cycle race in the world. It is about 30 percen Tour de France and the riders have to pedal over 400 km a day to finish the race riders are allowed to rest for only a couple of hours a day. Racers have to pedal 24 states and climb over 1,70,000 vertical feet. The route traverses through three m ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian) and crosses four of America’s longest ri Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio). Fact Box: ISRO’s Satellite-based chips for Unmanned Rail Crossings June 26, 2017 Context: ISRO’s satellite-based chips are set to alert people at unmanned rail crossing Salient Facts Satellite-based chip systems developed by ISRO will be used to alert road users at crossings about approaching trains. These chips will also help the railways in movement on a real-time basis. Initially, on a pilot basis the ISRO-developed integrated circuit (IC) chips in the Mumbai and Guwahati Rajdhani trains. Hooters will be installed at 20 crossings on Rajdhani routes for Guwahati and Mumbai. The system will warn the road users by hooters once a train approaches an unma hooters will get activated when the train is present at a distance of about 500 metre crossing, warning both road users as well as the train driver near the crossing. T hooters will become louder as the level crossing nears, and finally it will become passage of the train. In a phased manner, more trains would be equipped with the ISRO-developed integr chips. 143  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The satellite based system will also be used for tracking trains about their movem basis. It will be useful to passengers as at present the movement of trains are tracked Need Safety at unmanned level crossings is a matter of concern for the Indian Railways a accidents involving the railways happen in unmanned crossings. India has unmanned railway crossings in the country. The railways has set a target for eli railway crossings in the next 2-3 years. It has eliminated 1,148 unmanned crossings 1,253 in 2015-16. The new technology will also help Indian railways at the time of train accidents as get details about the exact location of trains and topography. June 27, 2017 Romania: Mihai Tudose named as Prime-Minister Designate June 27, 2017 In Romania, President Klaus Iohannis has appointed outgoing economy minister Prime Minister and thus paved the way for the formation of a new leftist Socia government in that country. According to the President of Romania, the decision keeping in mind the political crisis that risked damaging the country’s record econom The ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD) was ousted from the power following an struggle. PSD filed a no-confidence motion against ex-Prime Minister Sorin Grinde delays in implementing reforms. Grindeanu has been ousted from power barely si PSD swept back to victory in elections. The Prime Minister-designate Mihai Tudose will have 10 days to gain the vote of con Romania Romania is the second poorest country of the European Union. It is the large countries and has a coastline on the Black Sea. Romania was under the rule of the R and the Austro-Hungarian Empires. In the 2004 Romania got admitted into NAT joined the European Union (EU). Key Takeaways from Prime Minister Modi’s US Visit June 27, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first foreign leader to have a Whi after the US President Donald Trump assumed power. Key Takeaways Pakistan India and the US have asked Pakistan to make sure that its soil is not used for cr strikes. Both the countries have asked Pakistan to expeditiously bring the per 144  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Mumbai and Pathankot attackers to justice. Drones The US has cleared the sale of Guadian Unmanned Aerial Systems to India. The dr India to keep a closer watch over the strategically important Indian Ocean. Hizbul chief The US has designated Hizbul Mujahideen Chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrori old Salahuddin also leads the United Jihad Council, which is an umbrella organis groups operating in Kashmir. Trade Barriers Donald Trump has asked India to maintain a fair and reciprocal trade relationship a the removal of barriers for the export of US goods into Indian markets. GST Donald Trump has given a thumbs up to India’s GST that will come into effect on Ju Naval Exercise Donald Trump has said that India and the US would join Japan to conduct the larg game ever conducted in the Indian Ocean. Afghanistan India and the US have expressed concern over the rising instability in Afghanist strengthen cooperation for establishing peace in the war-torn country. North Korea Trump and Modi have labelled the missile programs of North Korea as a grave threa Areas of Cooperation Prime Minister Modi has named trade, commerce and investment as key area operation. In addition, he also said that India is actively looking at technology knowledge economy US to declare China among Worst Human Trafficking Offenders June 27, 2017 The United States is set to declare China as one among the world’s worst offen trafficking in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. The report will be unveiled of State Rex Tillerson to the US Congress. Salient Highlights The declaration would place China in the same category as North Korea, Zimbabwe a The move will be Donald Trump administration’s first major public rebuke of China record. Trump’s administration has so far avoided direct public criticism of Chin expected to receive condemnation from China’s Communist government. The US is s 145  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] cooperation in combatting North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. China will be placedTin er“3,” which will be the ranking system’s lowest category. Countr in this tier are those who have failed to meet minimum standards to prevent hum Countries like Sudan, Iran and Haiti have recently been on that list. As per the report, forced begging in China which particularly affects children is a concern. In the previous year’s report, the US had placed China on its “watch list.” are placed in the watch list are those who are not meeting minimum standards. The called China as a “source, destination and transit country” for forced labour and s this year’s report, China has been downgraded to the lowest classification as it had anti-trafficking efforts from the previous year. Implications Countries placed on Tier 3 are liable to be penalised with sanctions, including the non-humanitarian aid and assistance that could affect agreements with the Interna Fund and World Bank. Officials of the Tier-3 countries are also liable to be barred fr in US government educational and cultural exchange programs. However, the US p the authority to waive the sanctions taking into account national interest or if h penalties could adversely affect vulnerable populations. The previous administration often granted waivers for the tier-3 countries. FSSAI issues Draft Regulations for Organic Food Products June 27, 2017 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has come out with draf organic food products to ensure the authenticity of organic foods. FSSAI’s guidelines have been prepared in view of rising demand for organic food pro Organic foods will have to comply with the government’s provisions under the Natio for Organic Production (NPOP) or the Participatory Guarantee System for India (P the Agriculture Ministry or any other standards notified by FSSAI. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has invited comments regarding the provisions of the draft regulations. Need At present, the consumers do not have any method to check the authenticity of t products due to the absence of a regulatory framework. Organic food products are tho be grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides or those made fr produced raw materials. The draft regulations are aimed at ensuring the authenticity products sold in the market. 146  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights Definition The draft regulations have come up with the following definitions: Organic agriculturehas been defined as a system of farm design and management tha eco-system of agriculture production without the use of synthetic external inputs su fertilisers, pesticides and synthetic hormones or genetically modified organisms. Theorganic farmis defined as the product obtained from organic agriculture. Organic foodsare defined as those food products that are produced in accordance w standards for organic production. Organic farm produce means the product obtained from organic agriculture, whil means food products that have been produced in accordance with specified standa production. Other features FSSAI’s regulation mandates that labelling of organic foods should provide f information regarding the organic status of the organic foods. Organic food products must carry a certification mark or a quality assurance mark notified certification bodies. FSSAI’s regulations have exempted organic food marketed by the original produ organisation through a direct sale from verification compliance. However, this exemp applicable to processed organic products. BCCI forms Committee to oversee Lodha Panel Reforms June 27, 2017 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has constituted a special committee to analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reforms which are being oppo units. Salient Highlights The seven-member Lodha committee has been formed under the head of Rajeev Sh members of the committee include former India captain Sourav Ganguly, T.C. M Cricket), Naba Bhattacharjee (North East representative), Jay Shah (Gujarat Cric BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary and BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary. The decision to form the panel was arrived at the BCCI’s Special General Meeting in One of the major reforms of the Lodha Committee which are being opposed by the sta about disqualifying any individual who is more than 70-years-old, and who has alr nine years in cricket administration. The BCCI committee has been asked to submit its written report by July 10. 147  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] BCCI’s move to constitute a committee is widely seen as its attempt to delay the im the reforms suggested by the Lodha Committee. Lodha Committee Justice Lodha committee was appointed by the Supreme Court in 2014 to make recom the BCCI in order to prevent frauds and conflict of interest in cricket administration was appointed in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal in Indian Premier Lea recommendations of the committee are aimed at resolving issues of governance, tra conflict of interest in BCCI. As per the Lodha Committee recommendations approved by the Supreme Court, no hold a position for more than three tenures of three years each, with no two consecu office bearers are subjected to an age cap of 70. Office-bearers cannot be ministers or they should distance themselves from the state association which they represent. Kaushik Basu takes over as President of IEA June 27, 2017 Kaushik Basu has taken over as president of the International Economic Associatio serve a three-year term as the President. Kaushik Basu has served as India’s chief economic adviser from 2009 to 2012. H as senior vice-president and chief economist at the World Bank from 2012 to 2016. At present, Basu is the C. Marks Professor of International Studies at Cornell Unive IEA The International Economic Association (IEA) is one of the key organisation economists and has been significant in determining global economic policy and res the past presidents of IEA were the Nobel Laureates Robert Solow, Amartya Sen and IEA produces a large number of research papers and books and organises roundta present-day interest. Its principal activities include International Congress organis The occasion serves as one of the major assemblies of economists from around the wo EU slaps Google with 2.42 billion euros Fine June 27, 2017 The European Union’s competition watchdog has fined Google a record 2.42 b breaching the anti-trust rules by illegally favouring its shopping service. Commission regulates EU competition rules. Salient Highlights According to the European regulators, Google has abused its market dominance by of advantage to its another product, its comparison shopping service. The fine of 2.42 billion euro is the biggest fine for a single company in an EU 148  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] exceeds the 1.06-billion-euros slapped on Intel in 2009. EU’s action has come af investigation from the complaints received from Google’s rivals such like Yelp, T price comparison site Foundem, News Corp and lobbying group FairSearch. The EU has asked Google to stop its anti-competitive practice in 90 days or be penalty payments up to 5% of Alphabet’s average daily worldwide turnover. Time Line November 2010: The EU opened its formal inquiry to ascertain whether Google manip results in a way that favours its own business. April 2013:Google came forward to change its practice in the hope of ending the EU in July-December 2013: EU rejected Google’s offer to change its search results as not good February 2014: A tentative agreement was reached between the EU and Google on ho search results. May 2014:In a separate case, the European Court of Justice had asked Google on t citizens’ to remove irrelevant or embarrassing personal information that is being se of their names. September 2014:Acting upon the complaints of Google’s competitors, the EU made a U settlement with Google on search results. April 2015: EU formally charged Google and opened a preliminary investigation to asce Google used its Android mobile operating system to rig the market for apps. June 2017: The EU has slapped Google a record 2.42 billion euros ($2.72 billion) f antitrust rules with its online shopping service. World’s First ATM celebrates its 50th Birthday June 27, 2017 The world’s first ATM (automated teller machine) celebrates its 50th anniversary. decades, ATM machines have heralded a transformation in the way people obtained a Salient Facts The ATM machines were the brainchild of Scottish inventor Shepherd-Barron. The first ATM was opened on June 27, 1967, by Barclays Bank in Enfield, north Lon English actor Reg Varney became the first person to withdraw cash from the first AT At present, there are over 3 million cash machines across the globe. Around 70,00 are present in the UK alone. The World’s most northerly ATM machine is present at Longyearbyen, Svalbard, No Southerly ATM is situated at the McMurdo station of the South Pole. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Barclays Bank has transformed the fi 149  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] commissioned at its Enfield branch into gold. June 28, 2017 Indian Army gets Modern Bullet Proof Helmets June 28, 2017 After decades of wait, the Indian Army has finally received its first batch of bullet-p helmets were manufactured by Kanpur-based MKU Industries at the cost of Rs 180 Salient Facts The new bullet proof helmets are capable of withstanding the impact of 9mm ammun a short range. The helmets match global standards of equipment for armed forces. According to MKU, the bullet-proof helmets undergo rigorous quality and ballist company’s testing facilities in India as well as in Germany. The helmets are designed in such a way that it can be comfortably integrated with and night-vision devices. Need Head forms the most vulnerable part of the body that is prone to get injured dur operation. As per the studies, nearly 26%-28% soldiers die of head injuries. Bullet p make a significant difference between life and death during combat operations. At present, Indian armed forces are using patkas that are worn over outdated i However, it had severe limitations as they are bulky and heavy, weighing over 2. capable of protecting only the forehead and back of the head. Background The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had asked NITI Aayog to come up with a r possibility of encouraging domestic production of light weight body armours. N March had prepared a draft note on ‘incentivising’ domestic manufacturing of lig armours for the army and para-military forces. Earlier this year, the 30-year old Kanpur-based company, MKU limited, was aw worth Rs 180 crore to supply nearly 1.6 lakh helmets. In India, MKU and Tata Ad exports body armour to UN and NATO as well as to the armed forces around the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain. India and Netherlands sign 3 Agreements June 28, 2017 India and the Netherlands have signed three MOUs after the meeting between Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hague the Netherlands. visit to the Netherlands has come at a time when both the countries 70 are years celebra of diplomatic relations. 150  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Highlights The Netherlands has backed India’s entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and o export control regimes. The Netherlands also supported India’s bid for a perman Council seat. For its part, India has thanked the Netherlands for its role in India Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016. Also, Prime Minister M Netherlands to join the International Solar Alliance. In addition, both the countrie their commitment towards Paris climate deal. Agreements In total three agreements were signed: MOU on Cultural Cooperation, MOU on Water Cooperation Agreement on Amending Social Security Arrangement India-Netherlands After Independence, Indo-Dutch relations have been multifaceted. Since, the 1980s, have identified India as an important economic partner. The relationship got further India’s economic liberalisation in the 1990s. Both the countries have the potential to further collaborate in areas like wat infrastructure, logistics, ports, highways; inland water transportation; ICT; biote agro-processing, floriculture; creative design industry etc. Major Indian exports to includes textiles & garments; electric machinery & equipment; agricultural product foods including marine products; leather goods etc. The main imports from include machinery/equipment; medical/optical instruments; chemicals; plastics, and m Netherlands is host to one of the largest population of people of Indian origin in E to about 220,000 Indian and Surinami Hindustani Diaspora. Dr. Manoj Soni takes Oath as UPSC Member June 28, 2017 Dr Manoj Soni has taken Oath of Office and Secrecy as a member of the Union Commission (UPSC). The Oath was administered to him by the UPSC Chairman Syiemlieh. Born on 17th February 1965, Dr Manoj Soni was a former Vice-Chancellor of Ambedkar Open University. He became the youngest-ever Vice Chancellor (India). Manoj Soni is a scholar of Political Science with specialisation in Inter Studies. He has earned his doctorate in “Post-Cold War International Systemic Tran US Relations” from Sardar Patel University. He has received several awards and recognitions such as “Honorary Mayor-Preside 151  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Baton Rouge” from Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA and W Congress Global Award for Distance Learning Leadership. UPSC UPSC is a constitutional body that conducts the prestigious civil services examina established under Article 315 of the Constitution and consists of a Chairman and ten are appointed and removed by President. The chairman and members of the Commis for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. A Constitution deals with the appointment and term of office of members. Odisha to become First State in the Country to Open a Blood Bank for June 28, 2017 Odisha is set to become the first state in the country to open a blood bank for cattle. T received the nod from the National Agriculture Development Programme (NA awaiting the approval from the state government. Salient Highlights The blood bank for cattle would be set up on the premises of the Odisha Universit and Technology (OUAT) at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore. 60% of the project cost would be funded by the Central government and the rest funded by the Odisha state government. Under this initiative, the blood would be procured voluntarily from the cattle farm bank will also have blood transfusion facility for cattle blood. The blood bank will help in preventing cattle deaths during deliveries and other ail come handy in saving the lives of the domesticated animals. Election Commission joins hands with Facebook to Launch First Tim “Voter Registration Reminder” June 28, 2017 The Election Commission of India has joined hands with Facebook to launch n registration reminder aimed at reminding eligible Indian voters to register the electoral rolls. Salient Highlights As a part of the initiative, Facebook will activate a unique ‘Register Now’ button eligible Indian users to enrol themselves as voters. The reminder will be made available for four days beginning July 1. When the users they will be redirected to National Voters’ Services Portal, where they can regist voters. The reminder will be available in 13 languages-English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Tel 152  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Marathi and Oriya. In 2016 and 2017, Election Commission had joined hands with Facebook to im features in selected states during the state elections. However, this is the first tim carried out all over India. The Election Commission is expecting to reach over 180 million Indians on Facebo drive. The initiative aims at enrolling left-out voters with a particular focus on first-t Election Commission Election Commission of India is a permanent body entrusted for the conduct elections. An independent Election Commission has been provided for in Art Constitution of India. One of the most important functions of the election commissi an up-to-date list of all the persons who are entitled to vote at the elections. Election Commission is entrusted with the Election of President; Election of Vice-P of Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha; Elections to State Legislatures as we Councils; Reservation of Seats in Lok Sabha and State Legislatures; Qualifications MLAs; and Determination of population for purposes of the election. China has launched its Biggest Naval Destroyer June 28, 2017 China has launched its most powerful naval destroyer, the Type 055, at the Shanghai destroyer is one among the largest warships in the world. Analysis The Type055 vessels will weigh more than 12,000 tonnes when fully armed. The Type larger and more powerful than India’s latest Project- 15B “Visakhapatnam” class d yet to commission Project- 15B “Visakhapatnam” class destroyers. India’s destr armed will displace only 8,200 tonnes and are capable of carrying only a mix of near air, anti-ship and land attack missiles. On the other hand, the Type055 vessels will 120 missiles, making it one of the most heavily-armed ships in the world. Chinese v with powerful phased array radars that are capable of focusing on targets at sea, on air. The vessel is more modern and has more sophisticated control and battle manage Chinese vessels are fitted with powerful phased array radars that are capable of focus sea, on land and in the air. The vessel is more modern and has more sophisticated co management system than India’s vessels under construction. In the last five years, China has launched several naval vessels. From March commissioned five Type 52D destroyers which have similar capabili India’s Visakhapatnam’ class warships. In addition, China has planned to build a f such naval ships. India, on the other hand, has planned to build only seven ships 153  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Vishakhapatnam class. Earlier this year, China had also launched its first indigenous aircraft carrier wh began only in 2013. India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, the Vikrant whose constructi since 2009 is unlikely to be completed before 2023. Growing Chinese naval prowess is a cause of worry to India. In the last five y increasingly begun to deploy its nuclear submarines, warships and other support vess Ocean. India’s important maritime ally, the United States has also expressed its dee the expansion of the Chinese Navy, particularly in the Indian Ocean. Explained: Petya Ransomware Cyberattack June 28, 2017 Petya Ransomware is part of a new wave of cyber-attacks and has infected comput the world. Extent of Attack India In India, the ransomware has crippled the operations at one of the terminals of the J Port Trust. The affected terminal was being operated by AP Moller-Maersk. The co the Gateway Terminals India (GTI) which has a capacity to handle 1.8 million sta units. The attack has impacted the external trade by affecting the systems dealing w ships at the country’s largest port. World The Petya ransomware has hit computer servers all across Europe. Ukraine and Ru affected countries. The ransomware has also impacted some companies in the US and European countries. In the severely affected Ukraine, government offices, energy companies, banks, cas stations, and supermarkets, Ukrainian Railways, Ukrtelecom, and the Chernobyl been worst affected. Petya ransomware Petya is a ransomware, similar to the Wannacry ransomware. However, it is a WannaCry cyber-attack. It follows the WannaCry’s pattern and locks up the com cripples the Enterprise services in the corporate sector. Researchers are yet to find w for this attack. The ransomware demands $300 Bitcoins as ransom to unlock comp attack is believed to have originated against an update used on a third-party Uk called MeDoc. This explains why Ukraine is the worst affected. ISRO successfully launches GSAT-17 Satellite June 28, 2017 154  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-17 communication Satellite onboard the A vehicle from the Guiana Space Center at French Guiana on June 28. GSAT-17 will third satellite that is launched within a span of three months. Salient Highlights The 3,477-kg GSAT 17 communication satellite will be placed in the geostationary have a mission life of 15 years. The satellite will be an addition to the current fleet of 17 Indian communication s already providing services from space. Apart from providing communication services, the satellite will provide meteorologic based data to help rescue services which were earlier provided by geostationary Indian National Satellite System (INSAT). GSAT-17 will provide continuity of services of operational satellites in C, extended C Once launched, ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka and B Pradesh will take over and place the satellite in geostationary orbit. GSAT-17 wa assembled at the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. In addition, GSAT-17 will also launch communication satellite Hellas Sat 3-Inmars Sat 3 will provide directly to home television and telecom services across Europe, South Africa. Inmarsat is set to provide in-flight Internet facilities for European airl Launch Vehicle As ISRO is yet to have a launcher that is capable of lifting payloads above 2,000 started testing the GSLV-Mark III for this purpose. GSAT-17 will be thest21 Indian launch for the Arianespace. ISRO’s upcoming GSAT- 11 weigh more than 5,000 kg will also be launched by Arianespace. June 29, 2017 Government issues Notification for roll out of GST June 29, 2017 The government has notified the roll out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) st. from July 1 Salient Facts To launch GST in the midnight of th June , the30 government has organised a special program be held in Central Hall of Parliament. The event will see the participation of P Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and ot bureaucrats. As per the last year’s Constitutional amendment approved by Parliament, the gover given time only till 15th of September, 2017. Within that time period, the governmen the existing indirect tax structure by the GST, failing which may trigger a constituti 155  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] tax can be levied on goods and services. So, the government has ruled out the possibi the roll out of GST by any further time period. GST which will subsume a host of indirect levies like excise, service tax and VAT the nation’s biggest economic reform. GST-Background Goods and Services Tax is a comprehensive indirect tax which is to be levied on th sale and consumption of goods and services in India. This is so far the biggest ta country. GST eliminates the cascading effect of taxes because it is taxed at every p and the input credit is available in the value chain. France was the first country to introduce GST system in 1954. More than 140 implemented the GST. The Genesis of GST occurred during the previous NDA Gove Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government when itAsim set upDasgupta the committtee o design a model for GST. The UPA Government took the matter further and announced in 2006 that be introduced from April 1, 2010. However, so far it was not introduced. All the GST Constitution (101 st Amendment) Act have been passed now and GST is set to come into July 1, 2017. GST would replace almost all vital indirect taxes and cesses on Goods & services Among the taxe l evied s by centre , GST will subsume the following: Central Excise Duty & Tax, Duties of Excise (Medicinal and Toilet Preparations), Additional Duties of Special Importance), Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and Textile Products), A of Customs (commonly known as CVD), Special Additional Duty of Customs (SAD), a Central Surcharges and Cesses. Among the state taxesthat would be replaced by GST include State VAT, Central Sa Luxury Tax, Entry Tax (all forms), Entertainment and Amusement Tax (except whe local bodies), Taxes on advertisements, Purchase Tax, Taxes on lotteries, betting an finally the state Surcharges and Cesses. NASA achieves a major milestone in developing Quieter Supersonic Je June 29, 2017 NASA has reached a major milestone in developing a quieter supersonic passenger j of safely travelling over land. Salient Highlights NASA has completed the preliminary design review (PDR) of its Quiet Supers (QueSST) aircraft design. NASA had forged a partnership with Lockheed Martin, in for the QueSST preliminary design. With this development, NASA is a step clo building an X-plane. 156  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The project falls under the ambit NASA’sof Commercial Supersonic Technology. Project Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) aircraft design is the initial design stage of N Low Boom Flight Demonstration experimental (LBFD) airplane. The LBFD is also know plane. QueSST design will be capable of fulfilling the LBFD aircraft’s mission objective developing LBFD aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds which will produce a soft “t creating the disruptive sonic boom associated with supersonic flights of the present d NASA has already completed testing a scale model of the QueSST design in its s tunnel located at Glenn Research Centre in Cleveland. In the early next year, NA contract to build the piloted, single-engine X-plane. PM Modi inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram June 29, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Saba Ahmedabad. The Prime Minister has also released the coin and postal stamp i Shrimad Rajchandraji on his 150th birth anniversary at Abhay Ghat. Shrimad Rajch guru to Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Sabarmati Ashram otherwise called as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyag located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. Sabarmati Ashram served as one of t Mahatma Gandhi for twelve long years. The ashram has been declared as a nationa the Indian government. Gandhiji started the Dandi march also called as Salt Satyagraha from Sabarmati Ashr 1930. Shrimad Rajchandraji Shrimad Rajchandra is a Jain poet, philosopher, scholar and reformer born in t Vavania near Morbi. His mother was a Jain and father a Vaishnava Hindu. He was to Mahatma Gandhi. He is known for his teachings on Jainism. He has written a letters and commentaries and also translated some religious texts. He go performing Avdhan, a memory retention and recollection test which gained him popu India offers $100,000 to UN Tax Fund June 29, 2017 India has contributed $ 100,000 to the UN Trust Fund for International Cooperatio (the UN Tax Fund). The fund is aimed at helping the developing countries to activ the discussion of tax issues. This was announced by the UN Department of Econ Affairs Office for Financing, Development Office. India has also earned the distinc 157  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] the irst f countryto make a voluntary contribution to the UN tax fund. Salient Highlights The objective of UN Tax Trust Fund is to support the work of the Committee International Cooperation in Tax Matters (the UN Tax Committee). The funding supporting the participation of the developing countries’ in the sub-committee mee Tax Committee, which are currently unfunded. The UN and the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Ma calling for the voluntary contributions for the tax fund since its establishment in 2 the contribution to the tax fund was also made at the Addis Ababa Action was adopted at the third International Conference on Financing for Development in become the first country to respond to this call. India has expressed its hope that oth also make similar contributions to the UN fund in near future. The UN expects that the funding will support more developing countries to draw practice of other bodies, ensuring effective and efficient global tax cooperation norm all countries and all stakeholders. Background The UN Tax Committee is a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Cou The UN Tax Committee offers guidance on current issues such as double taxation pricing, taxation of the extractive industries and taxation of services. It also str international tax cooperation among national tax authorities. It also makes recom capacity-building and the provision of technical assistance to developing countrie with economies in transition. Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides a global framework for effective mobilisation the national and international level for sustainable development. Implementation of supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It forms of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was unanimously adopted in US issues New Visa Criteria for Six Muslim Countries June 29, 2017 The US has issued new criteria for visa applicants from six Muslim countries. T Court has partially restored President Trump’s executive order that banned travel of six Muslim-majority countries. President’s executive order was widely criticised as a Salient Facts As per the new criteria, applicants from the six Muslim-majority countries must prov with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law o US. In short, the applicants must prove a “close” family or business tie to the United 158  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] As per the new guidelines, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, ne brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiancées or other extended family membe considered as close relations by the US State Department. However, the applicants can be exempted from the ban if they can prove a “bona fi with a US person or entity. The Supreme Court has given only a broad guide relationships and has suggested that such bonafide relationships would include a rela invitation to lecture in the US. The Government lawyers must determine how to relationship. The new guidelines are expected to come into force immediately. Background Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order that people from Muslim-majority countries into the US for a period of 90 days. T were Iraq, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. Besides, the order had al Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days and indefinitely barred entry of refugee The executive order and the controversial ban had sparked protests and debates acro the lower courts of these countries had labelled the ban as discriminatory. Subseque House had asked the Supreme Court to reinstate a travel ban on people from t majority countries. Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s nine justices overturned the ruli court and have partially restored President Trump’s order. NALSA has launched Web Application for Legal Services to Prisoner June 29, 2017 NALSA has launched a web application for free Legal Services to Prisoners at the c Indian Law Institute, New Delhi. The Conference saw the participation of Membe administrative officers of 18 State Legal Services Authorities. The Legal Servic System has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Salient Facts The State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities will f application the data for each individual prison inmate in the jails within their jurisd will have details regarding the representation of prisoners through a counsel in the co The software will also help in generating reports showing the total number of inmat of inmates unrepresented, the number of inmates represented by legal services number of inmates represented by private lawyers. All these information can be wise, District wise and also with respect to each jail. The software is also capab information with regard to prisoners eligible for bail under Section 436-A Cr.P.C. 159  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Significance The web application will help in making the legal services more transparent system . It would be useful for all the concerned authorities to monitor the grant of legal aid to the priso make sure that all prisoners are represented right from their first day in the court. NALSA NALSA provides for free legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody. It has been the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. It provides services of free legal aid in c matters for the poor and marginalised people who cannot afford the services of a law or tribunal. Its aim is to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied reasons of economic or other disabilities. NALSA also identifies specific categorie and excluded groups and formulates various schemes for implementation o programmes. It also organises Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. Indian-American appointed as US Ambassador to Peru June 29, 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed an Indian-American named Krishna R US Ambassador to Peru. Facts Krishna R Urs is a career service American diplomat who has served at seven US em several senior leadership positions in Washington, DC. At present, he is serving as C of the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain. Earlier, he has also served as Deputy Assis Transportation Affairs and Chief US Government Aviation Negotiator at the Depa (2010 to 2014) Krishna R Urs has specialisation in economic issues and has extensive policy Andean region of South America. He had earned his MS from the University of Texa Georgetown University. UNESCO names Sharjah as World Book Capital June 29, 2017 UNESCO has named Sharjah as the World Book Capital for 2019. Sharjah was chose to make books accessible to its entire population. Salient Highlights Sharjah was selected to underline the efforts taken by it to make books accessible f many people as possible, especially the marginalised populations. It has followed a inclusive community-focused activity programme to engage people, in particular migrant population. Sharjah is the 19thcity to be named as World Book Capital by the UNESCO. The earlier 160  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] were named as World Book Capital are: Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Ljubljana (2010), Buenos Aires (2011), Yerevan (2012), Bangkok (2013), Port H Incheon (2015), Wroclaw (2016), Conakry (2017) and Athens (2018). Sharjah has becomefirst the among the Gulf Cooperation Council and third in the Arab world a the Middle East to receive this prestigious recognition. The GCC countries include B Oman, Qatar Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Earlier, it has received various accolades lik Culture (1998), Capital of Islamic Culture (2014), and Capital of Arab Tourism (2015) e World Book Capital City UNESCO has been annually designating a city as World Book Capital City beg designation of Madrid as World Book Capital City in 2001. For designating a city, U the International Publishers Association, the International Federation of Library Institutions, and the International Booksellers Federation to nominate and take pa World Book Capital. The designation of a city does not include any financial acknowledges the programmes followed by the city dedicated to books and reading. June 30, 2017 US to sell C-17 Globemaster Transport Aircraft to India June 30, 2017 US has decided to sell one C-17 transport aircraft to India. US and India have built a close defence relationship in recent years. The US along Israel has emerged as a top three arms supplier to India. Salient Facts The sale of USD 366.2 million C-17 transport aircraft manufactured by Boeing al Missile Warning System, one Countermeasures Dispensing System, one Identificatio (IFF) Transponder and precision navigation equipment. This proposed sale is expe the capability of India to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements as th region prone to natural disasters. It will also provide additional capability for human and disaster relief. In addition, India will be able to provide more rapid strateg capabilities for its armed forces. The proposed sale is expected to improve the capability of India to meet current and airlift requirements as the country lies in a region prone to natural disasters. It additional capability for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. In addition, In provide more rapid strategic combat airlift capabilities for its armed forces. At Present, India is using C-17 aircraft and according to Pentagon, the sale of this alter the basic military balance in the region. The Boeing C-17A Globemaster II 161  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] aircraft is one of the most flexible cargo aircraft of the US Air Force fleet. The a of strategic delivery of up to 170,900 pounds of personnel and/or equipment to opera In addition, the aircraft is capable of short field landings with a full cargo load. The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military airlift aircraft is one of the most flexibl the US Air Force fleet. The aircraft is capable of strategic delivery of up to 17 personnel and/or equipment to operating locations. In addition, the aircraft is capab landings with a full cargo load. The aircraft will have a fully integrated electro advanced cargo delivery system. It can carry out tactical airlift and airdrop mi transport litters and ambulatory patients. The aircraft will have a fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo delive carry out tactical airlift and airdrop missions as well as transport litters and ambulato SIERRA ODC building in Coimbatore receives World’s Second Highe Rating June 30, 2017 SIERRA ODC building has been recognised as the world’s second highest ranking The building has scored 103 points out of 110 under LEED certification. Salient Facts The SIERRA ODC is a three-storeyed building which has been constructed by emphasis on increasing the efficiency of resource use such as energy, water or materi The building has managed water use efficiency of 89% by using water saving fixtu wastage. In the building, water is recycled 100%. The building is a carbon-neutral building. The building was the first to impleme called Amorphous Silicon Thin Building Vortec for the first time in South Indi technology, photovoltaic modules produce power at the low cost per watt. Green Buildings Green Buildings are designed and operated to reduce the overall impact of the built human health and the natural environment. The green buildings efficiently use en other resources, protects occupant health, improves employee productivity, and pollution and environmental degradation. Besides a Green Building has tremendou benefits and provides a better place for the occupants to live and work in. So the mai green building is to achieve all its benefits at an affordable cost. The aim of a green building design is to minimize the demand on n resources, maximize the utilization efficiency of these resources, when in use, an reuse, recycling, and utilization of renewable resources. 162  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] ADB commits USD 10 billion to support development of States in Ind June 30, 2017 The Asian Development Bank has committed USD 10 billion to support infrastruct to cater to the immediate development needs of less-developed States in India. This by ADB President Takehiko Nakao during his 3-day visit to India. Salient Highlights The ADB president has said that the bank is ready to meet immediate critical infras less developed states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgar five years. ADB has also assured its support to relatively lesser developed states in the area of urban development, and health services. ADB’s President has also in-principle accepted India’s suggestion of setting up a re Delhi to cater to the needs of the South Asia region. As per the estimates of ADB, India is expected to grow by 7.4% in the current fi 7.6% in 2018-19. ADB ADB is multilateral lending agency based in Manila, Philippines. It was establishe 1966. It aims to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific region through inclusive sustainable growth, and regional integration. It provides finance to both sovereign c as to the private parties. It provides hard loans to middle-income countries and sof countries. ADB has 67 members – 48 from the Asia-Pacific region including India and is colle these 67 members. The non-Asia Pacific region members are only developed countr ADB’s lending is concentrated in five operational areas viz. Education; Envir Change & Disaster Management; Finance Sector Development; Regional Cooperation and Private sector lending. Germany legalises Same-Sex Marriage June 30, 2017 Germany has legalised same-sex marriage in line with a host of other European cou lawmakers had voted 393 for- and 226 against legalising same-sex marriage. Salient Facts Since 2001 Germany permits same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships bu them full marital rights which include the possibility to jointly adopt children. The new law can enter into force after receiving the nod from the upper house of Par President, though those are formalities. 163  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Though Chancellor Angela Merkel had voted against the measure, she had all members to vote as per their conscience. The move has to be seen of upcoming September 24 general elections in Germany. This bill is one of the introduced in parliament before the September general elections. In her 12 years Merkel has steered her party clear of conservative orthodoxy. She has been credited Germany’s exit from nuclear power and ending military conscription. Many European countries have a same-sex marriage law. In the countries like N Denmark (excluding the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium Luxembourg, France, the UK (except Northern Ireland and Jersey), and the Repub marriages are legally recognised. But in Austria and Italy, only civil partnerships are Money Parked by Indians in Swiss banks hit record low June 30, 2017 According to the data released by Zurich-based SNB, money parked by Indians in S nearly halved to 676 Swiss francs (about Rs. 4,500 crore) in 2016. The data release co new framework for the automatic exchange of information between Switzerland and the menace of black money. SNB (Swiss National Bank) is Switzerland’s central bank Salient Highlights During 2016, the total money held by Indians fell by 45 % to stand at CHF 675.75 the biggest ever yearly decline in such funds. Out of the total funds, CHF 377 million of customer deposits, about CHF 98 million owed to Indians through other bank million constitutes other ‘liabilities’. The funds reported in 2016 is the low funds possessed by Indians in the Swiss banks ever since 1987 and marks the third decline. Apart from this year, since 1987, the earlier lowest ever figure was recorded 723 million. On the other hand, the funds held through fiduciaries was nearly $11 million. The used to be in billions till 2007 has been falling since then due to the regulatory crack the funds held by Indians with Swiss banks was CHF 6.5 billion (Rs 23,000 crore) at 2 present, the funds have come down to nearly one-tenth of that level. Except in 201 quantum of funds held by Indians has seen a decline. Swiss banks have said that Indians have parked their money in other global fin Singapore and Hong Kong after a global clampdown was initiated on the mighty b practices in Switzerland. Background In November 2016, India and Switzerland had signed a Joint Declaration for im Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) in respect of accounts of Indians held a 164  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] pact, both countries will start collecting data in accordance with the global standa exchange it from 2019 onwards. Switzerland agreed for the introduction of the AEOI (Automatic Exchange of info matters under the guidance of G20, OECD and other global organisations. AEOI, bas Reporting Standards, when implemented fully would put in place a system wherein information will be sent periodically from the source country of income to the coun of the taxpayer. It would enable India to get access to information virtually fro countries in the world including offshore financial centres. In June 2017, Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of financial account in India and 40 other countries. This will facilitate Switzerland to share information black money with India and other 40 nations. Ankit Kawatra bags Queen’s Young Leaders Award for 2017 June 30, 2017 Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra has been awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders A Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in the Buckingham Palace. Salient Facts The Queen’s Young Leaders Award recognises exceptional work towards solvin malnutrition in India. Ankit Kawatra is the founder of Feeding India, an organisation which works tow hunger and food wastage in India. The organisation which was established in 2014 f 43 Indian cities with the help of 4,500 volunteers serving 8 million meals to the need Queen’s Young Leader Awards The award was established by The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust, the Royal Commo and Comic Relief. The awards mark the Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the thro decades of service to Commonwealth nations. The award highlights the importance of solving the problem of hunger and take actio million people around the world who do not even have basic food and nutrition.” The award identifies and supports 60 exceptional young people from across the C aged 18-29 who have made a lasting difference by transforming the lives of others. NASA launches Rocket to produce Colourful Artificial Clouds June 30, 2017 The NASA has successfully launched Terrier-Improved Malemute sound created colourful artificial clouds visible in the skies of the US. The rocket was la Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. 165  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Salient Facts The rocket during the 8-minute flight had released 10 canisters about the size of a space. It was ejected about 9 to 19 kilometres away from the 300-kg main payload. The canisters deployed blue-green and red vapour that formed artificial clouds visib the United States from New York to North Carolina. The artificial clouds are the interaction of barium, strontium and cupric-oxide. The vapour tracers will help in the movement of the particles in the ionosphere. It will help to learn more about th the air currents at that altitude. The artificial clouds or vapour tracers will help in understanding the movement of th ionosphere. It will help to learn more about the movement of the air currents at th will permit scientists on the ground to visually track particle motions in space. Th ejection system will also help scientists to gather information over a much larger area possible. Sounding rockets have been in use for more than 40 years to carry scien scientific missions that usually last five to 20 minutes. Sounding rockets have been in use for more than 40 years to carry science payloa missions that usually last five to 20 minutes. Ionosphere The ionosphere is called so because it is ionised by solar radiation. It plays an in atmospheric electricity and forms the inner edge of the magnetosphere. Ionosphere from 50 to 1,000 km and typically overlaps both the exosphere and the thermosphere. importance because it influences, for example, radio propagation on the Earth. It is for auroras. Mizoram: 31st Anniversary of Mizo Peace Accord Celebrated June 30, 2017 The 31st anniversary of the signing of the historic Mizo peace accord on June celebrated in Mizoram. The Mizo Accord was signed by the Mizo Nationa leader Laldenga, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalkhama, and Union Home Secretary R accord ushered in an era of peace after 20 years of violence and disturbance that ham Mizo Peace Accord-Significance On pre-condition of statehood to Mizoram, the Mizo Accord was signed. The surrendered en masse and government fulfilled its promise by giving full-fledged Mizoram, along with its own High Court. Mizo was notified as an official Indi university was proposed. Mizo religious and social customs were promised protection. As per the accord, the MNF agreed to forgo all contacts with other insu the Northeast. 166  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Mizo Accord is considered to be the most successful agreement with insurge established under the accord has been sustained in Mizoram for over 30 ye achievement when the situation in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam still re and unsettled. Compendium of Multiple Choice Questions Below 260 Questions were published in GKToday’s Current Affairs Quiz Section from June 1 to June 30, 2017. 1. India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with the World Bank (WB Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme? [A] $68 million [B] $56 million [C] $36 million [D] $45 million Answer: C [$36 million] Explanation: India has recently signed a loan agreement of $36 million with the World Bank (WB) for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme. The purpose of the project is to improve the efficiency of public expenditure management and tax administration in Himachal Pradesh. The programme size is $45 million, of which $36 million will be financed by the Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget. The programme duration is 5 years. 2. Who has been appointed as the new Economic Affairs Secretary? [A] Arvind Mayaram [B] Shaktikanta Das [C] Vijay Kelkar [D] Tapan Ray Answer: D [Tapan Ray] Explanation: Tapan Ray, the 1982 batch Gujarat cadre IAS officer and currently the corporate affairs secretary, has taken additional charge as the new Economic Affairs Secretary. He succeeded Shaktikanta Das, who retired on May 31, 2017 after serving the government for 37 years in various capacities. 3. Which country to host 2017 board of governors meeting of Asian Infrastructure In (AIIB)? [A] South Korea 167  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] China [C] India [D] South Africa Answer: A [South Korea ] Explanation: The 2nd annual meeting of the board of governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be held in Jeju, South Korea from June 14-15, 2017. The purpose of the AIIB is to promote economic development of the region by supporting major infrastructure projects. From India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will attend the meeting. AIIB is headed by Jin Liqun, the former Assistant Chinese Finance Minister. D J Pandian from India is the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the organization. 4. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of National Commission for Sc (NCSC)? [A] Keshav Prasad Maurya [B] Ram Shankar Katheria [C] P M Kamalamma [D] PL Poonia Answer: B [Ram Shankar Katheria] Explanation: Ram Shankar Katheria, a BJP MP from Agra, has been appointed as the new chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) for a period of three years. The post has been lying vacant since the retirement of the previous chairman PL Poonia in 2016. Beside this, L. Murugan has appointed as Vice-Chairman of the NCSC and K. Ramulu, Dr. Yogendra Paswan and Dr. Swaraj Vidwan as its Members. The commission is a constitutional body to safeguard interests of the dalits. 5. India’s first freight village will be set up in which of the following cities? [A] New Delhi [B] Udaipur [C] Varanasi [D] Chennai Answer: C [Varanasi] Explanation: India’s first ‘freight village’ will be developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The freight village, a one-of-its-kind infrastructure platform, will attract companies that require logistics services and can cluster to improve their competitiveness. This will allow relocation of retailers, warehouse operators and logistics service providers supplying the regional FMCG market. The facility will come around 168  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] the proposed multi-modal terminal adjacent to the city on the banks of the Ganga. 6. Which Indian personality has been appointed public policy fellow to Wo International Centre for Scholars? [A] Gopalaswami Parthasarathy [B] Rakesh Sood [C] Srinivas Kumar Sinha [D] Nirupama Rao Answer: D [Nirupama Rao] Explanation: Nirupama Rao, the former Indian Ambassador to US, has been appointed as a public policy fellow to a Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) where she will work on a project on the Sino-India ties. Rao will be affiliated with the Wilson Centre’s Asia program and spend 3 months in residence at the Wilson Centre from June 2017, which is a key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues. The WWICS is the living, national memorial to President Wilson, created by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington DC. The Wilson Center provides a strictly nonpartisan space for the worlds of policymaking and scholarship to interact. 7. Which country to host 2017 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)? [A] Kazakhstan [B] Uzbekistan [C] Tajikistan [D] Kyrgyzstan Answer: A [Kazakhstan] Explanation: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 8-9, 2017. In this summit, India and Pakistan will become full members of the organization. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence- sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. 8. The World Milk Day (WMD) is observed on which date? [A] June 3 [B] June 1 [C] June 4 [D] June 5 Answer: B [June 1] 169  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: The World Milk Day (WMD) is observed every year on June 1 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to recognise the importance of milk as a global food. The day is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector. In India, the National Milk Day (NMD) is observed every year on November 26 to mark the birth anniversary of of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of India’s White Revolution. 9. Who has become the first Indian woman to scale Mt. Everest from China side? [A] Radhika GR [B] Anshu Jamsenpa [C] Anita Kundu [D] Arunima Sinha Answer: C [Anita Kundu] Explanation: Anita Kundu, a Haryana police sub-inspector from Hisar, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest from the China side on May 2017. Earlier, she had scaled the Mt. Everest from Nepal side in May 2013. 10. The Sri Venkateswara National Park is located in which state? [A] Kerala [B] Karnataka [C] Himachal Pradesh [D] Andhra Pradesh Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh] Explanation: The Sri Venkateshwara National Park is located at Chittoor and Cuddapah districts in Andhra Pradesh. The total area of the park is 353 km2. The park is known for its many waterfalls including the Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana. It is home to hyena, golden jackal, Indian fox, small Indian civet, jungle cat, etc. 11. Which Indian organisation has won the 2017 Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQ [A] Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) [B] National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) [C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) [D] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Answer: B [National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)] Explanation: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India has won prestigious International Award of Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) titled “APQN Quality Award 2017 170  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] for International Co-operation in Quality Assurance” in Moscow, Russia on May 26, 2017. The NAAC is an organisation that assesses and accredits institutions of higher education in India. It’s headquarters is located in Bangalore, Karnataka. 12. Who has been sworn-in as the new President of Serbia? [A] Ivica Dacic [B] Tomislav Nikolic [C] Dragan Sutanovac [D] Aleksandar Vucic Answer: D [Aleksandar Vucic] Explanation: Aleksandar Vucic, the chairman of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), has been sworn-in as the new President of Serbia on May 31, 2017 and succeeded Tomislav Nikolic. He won the 2017 Serbian Presidential election by 55% of votes on April 2017. Prior to this post, Vucic was the Prime Minister of Serbia. 13. Which state government has launched digital wallet “T-Wallet” for people wi mobile phones? [A] Karnataka [B] Odisha [C] Telangana [D] Manipur Answer: C [Telangana ] Explanation: The Telangana Government has officially launched a digital wallet “T-Wallet”, which doesn’t charge transaction fee from consumers. This is the first official e-wallet from any state government in India. The wallet can be used over the web version. One can top up the wallet using credit or debit cards, Internet banking or through cash at Mee Seva centres. It allows a maximum transaction of Rs. 1 lakh for e-KYC (know your customer) users. For non-KYC users, the limit is set to Rs. 20,000. The wallet is developed by Transaction Analysts (TA) & Vijaya Bank is a banking partner for the initiative. Presently, the wallet is available in Android version and supports English, Telugu and Urdu. 14. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Global Peace Index, as per global think t Economics and Peace (IEP)? [A] 141st [B] 133rd [C] 155th [D] 137th Answer: D [137th] 171  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: India has ranked 137th out of 163 countries on the 2017 Global Peace Index (GPI), published by The Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP). The 2017 GPI provides a comprehensive analysis on the state of peace. It shows that amidst continuing social and political turmoil, the world continues to spend enormous resources on creating and containing violence but very little on peace. The index is topped by Iceland, followed by New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark, whereas Syria remains the least peaceful country in the world, followed by Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, and Yemen. 15. Who is the newly appointed Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (R [A] Chandan Sinha [B] Arvind Mayaram [C] S Ganesh Kumar [D] Rajiv Mehrishi Answer: C [S Ganesh Kumar ] Explanation: S Ganesh Kumar has been appointed the new Executive Director (ED) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He succeeded Chandan Sinha, who has taken voluntary retirement on May 31, 2017. As Executive Director (ED), Kumar will look after the departments of Information Technology, Payment and Settlement Systems and External Investments and Operations. Prior to being promoted as ED, he was Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Information Technology. Currently, the central bank has 11 Executive Directors. 16. Which state government will collaborate with UNDOC to intensify anti-drug driv [A] Punjab [B] Haryana [C] Uttar Pradesh [D] Madhya Pradesh Answer: A [Punjab] Explanation: The Punjab government has decided to collaborate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as part of its efforts to root out the drug menace in the State. The MoU will be signed between the health department, the Special Task Force (STF) on drugs and the UNODC in the second week of June 2017. It was also decided to develop a roadmap for the project implementation for which a project committee will be set up. The committee will be headed by principal secretary (Health) with STF chief ADGP Harpreet Singh Sidhu as co- convenor, besides two representatives of UNODC. 17. India’s first automatic coastal warning for disasters will come up in which state? [A] Tamil Nadu [B] Maharashtra 172  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Odisha [D] Andhra Pradesh Answer: C [Odisha ] Explanation: India’s first automatic coastal warning for disasters will come up in Odisha from July 2017. Through alert system, Odisha will be able to warn its coastal population by pressing a single button from a control room in the Odisha capital in the event of natural disasters like tsunami or cyclone. The loud sirens will then go off simultaneously from towers at 122 spots locations including tourist destinations, fish landing centres and coastal habitations. The new system will also enable authorities to alert people in smaller pockets, depending on the severity of the disaster. 18. Parvathama RajKumar, who passed away recently, was the noted personality of w [A] Film Industry [B] Politics [C] Journalism [D] Law Answer: A [Film Industry] Explanation: Parvathamma Rajkumar (77), Kannada film producer and the wife of the legendary Kannada superstar Dr Rajkumar, has passed away in Bangalore, Karnataka on May 31, 2017. She was the first woman producer, distributor, exhibitor who only marketed Kannada films. She produced 87 films under her banner Vajreshwari Combines — one of the oldest and most successful banners in Kannada film — and Poornima Enterprises. 19. S. Abdul Rahman, who passed away recently, was the famous poet of which langua [A] Kannada [B] Tamil [C] Odia [D] Telugu Answer: B [Tamil] Explanation: Tamil poet S. Abdul Rahman (79), popularly known as ‘Kavikko,’ has passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on June 2, 2017. He belonged to the Vanambadi literary movement and was one of the most admired poets of modern Tamil literature. His poetry collection ‘Aalapanai’ won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award in the year 1999. Apart from that he has won a lot of awards. His noted works includes Aalapanai, Paal veedhi, Neyar viruppam, Pithan, etc. 20. Miroslav Lajcak will be the new President of United Nations General Assemb 173  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] which country? [A] Slovakia [B] Fiji [C] Uruguay [D] Senegal Answer: A [Slovakia] Explanation: Miroslav Lajcak, the Slovak foreign minister, has been elected as the new President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters in New York for the upcoming 72nd session. He will succeed Peter Thomson on September 12, 2017. The UNGA is the powerful body of 193 Member States that provides a forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the UN Charter. It meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required. The 72nd session of the UNGA will commence from September 12, 2017. 21. Who will become the new Prime Minister of Ireland? [A] Leo Varadkar [B] Brian Cowen [C] Mary McAleese [D] Enda Kenny Answer: A [Leo Varadkar] Explanation: Leo Varadkar, the leader of the Fine Gael Party, will become the new Prime Minister of Ireland after defeating his rival Simon Coveney with 60% of votes. Varadkar will become the first gay Prime Minister and will also be the country’s youngest ever leader. He will succeed Taoiseach Enda Kenny as leader of the centre-right party in June 2017. 22. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of Prasar Bharti? [A] CK Prasad [B] Shashi Shekhar Vempati [C] Rajeev Singh [D] S C Panda Answer: B [Shashi Shekhar Vempati] Explanation: Shashi Shekhar Vempati, a former principal architect of Infosys Technologies, has been appointed the new chief executive officer (CEO) of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati for a period of five years. Currently, Vempati is a part-time member of the Prasar Bharati Board. The appointment comes 7 months after the last Jawhar Sircar resigned from the post. He will succeed Rajeev Singh, member (finance) of the board, who was serving as the interim CEO 174  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] after S C Panda retired in 2017. 23. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 global Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MP [A] 45th [B] 58th [C] 37th [D] 26th Answer: C [37th] Explanation: India has been ranked 37th out of 103 nations in the 2017 global Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI), according to a new report by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative. The OPHI is an economic research centre at the Oxford University, led by Professor Sabina Alkire. The 2017 global MPI has covered 76% of the world’s population, living in 103 countries. The index measures the nature and intensity of poverty, based on the profile of overlapping deprivations each poor person experiences. It aggregates these into meaningful indexes that can be used to inform targeting and resource allocation and to design policies that tackle the interlinked dimensions of poverty together. 24. Which committee has been formed by the Securities and Exchange Board of corporate governance? [A] Uday Kotak committee [B] Naysa Modi committee [C] Tejas Muthusamy committee [D] Saketh Sundar committee Answer: A [Uday Kotak committee] Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has formed committee to improve standards of corporate governance of listed companies. The committee under the chairmanship of Uday Kotak, chief of Kotak Mahindra Bank, will submit the report within a period of 4 months. The committee would make recommendations to SEBI on ensuring independence in spirit of independent directors and their active participation in functioning of the company and steps for improving safeguards and disclosures pertaining to related party transactions. Besides, the panel would suggest measures for addressing issues faced by investors on voting and participation in general meetings and ways for improving effectiveness of board evaluation practices. 25. Which Indian-American student has won the 90th Scripps Naional Spelling Bee c [A] Sreeniketh Vogoti [B] Ananya Vinay [C] Rohan Sachdev 175  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Shourav Dasari Answer: B [Ananya Vinay] Explanation: Ananya Vinay (12), the 6th-grader from California, has won the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition by successfully spelling “marocain” in the final round at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland on June 1, 2017. She won $40,000 in cash among other prizes. Ananya is the 13th consecutive Indian- American to win the bee and the 18th of the past 22 winners with Indian heritage, a run that began in 1999 with Nupur Lala’s victory. 26. Which film will represent India at the 52nd Karlong Vary International Film Fe [A] Khibula [B] Cakemaker [C] Ralang Road [D] Falling Answer: C [Ralang Road] Explanation: Nepali-Hindi film Ralang Road will represent India at the 52nd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival at Karlovy Vary in Czech Republic, which is scheduled to be held from June 30 to July 8, 2017. It will be after 13 years that an Indian film will compete with other international films at this film festival. Ralang Road tells the stories of four people living in the Himalayan countryside. The film explores cultural immigration and lifestyles in a complex social setup. The film is directed by Karma Takapa and produced by HumanTrail Pictures. 27. Who has won boys singles title at the 2017 HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championsh [A] Piyush Salekar [B] Vikrat Mehta [C] Kaivalya Kalamse [D] Nitin Kumar Sinha Answer: D [Nitin Kumar Sinha] Explanation: Indian wild card Nitin Kumar Sinha has won the boys singles title at the 2017 HCL Asian Junior Tennis Championship. He defeated Malaysian player Christian Didier Chin in a final match held at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge – Balewadi, in Pune. In girls singles final, Mihika Yadav defeated top seed Mahak Jain in two straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The championship is the second highest tournament anywhere in the world after the junior grand slams and provides top Indian players a chance to compete against their global counterparts as well as earn valuable ITF points to build on their overall international ranking. 28. Who has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the ITT 176  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Referees Committee (URC)? [A] S. Sridhar [B] Raksheet Kota [C] Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer [D] Pankaj Awasthi Answer: C [Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer] Explanation: Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the ITTF Umpires and Referees Committee (URC). His term will be for two years and is extendable. Iyer is the only assigned competition manager of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in India. Beside this, Ganeshan has also been recommended as the Technical Commissioner from the Asian Continent to ITTF and his term will be for a period of four years. He is also the chairman of the South Asian Federation technical committee and a member of the Technical Committee of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation (CTTF). 29. The researchers of which IIT institute has developed a wireless technology monitor hospital-bound patients? [A] IIT Kharagpur [B] IIT Madras [C] IIT Varanasi [D] IIT Roorkee Answer: A [IIT Kharagpur] Explanation: The researchers at IIT Kharagpur has developed a wireless technology ‘AmbuSens‘ for remote monitoring of patients’ condition ferried in ambulances. The technology will allow doctors to monitor ECG, heart-rate, temperature and blood-pressure of patients moving in ambulances and fitted with wireless sensors. This will help doctors to advise technicians travelling with the patient to deal with the situation. The web interface of the AmbuSens system provides an easy-to-use graphical interface for doctors and paramedics alike with data visualisation tools such as real-time ECG graph. It can be accessed from internet- enabled laptops, tablets and smartphones. 30. The Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state? [A] Sikkim [B] Tripura [C] Bihar [D] Uttar Pradesh Answer: B [Tripura] Explanation: 177  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Tripura that covers an area of about 389.54 sq km. It is home to animals like elephants, sambar, buffalo, yapping deer, sarow, wild goa, etc. The sanctuary is one of the prominent sanctuaries that speck the bush clad landscapes of Tripura; this sanctuary is a sign of the common legacy of the state and affirms the various Tripura wild life and it is one of the best places of the animal visitors. 31. What is the theme of 2017 World Environment Day (WED)? [A] Green Economy: Does it include you? [B] Raise Your Voice Not The Sea Level [C] Connecting People to Nature [D] Think.Eat.Save Answer: C [Connecting People to Nature] Explanation: The World Environment Day (WED) is observed every year on June 5 to raise awareness about forests and wider issues of environmental protection. The 2017 theme is ‘Connecting People to Nature’. It implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. The host country for the WED 2017 is Canada, where the official celebrations take place. 32. Who has clinched the 2017 men’s singles title at the Thailand Grand Prix G tournament? [A] Akhilesh Das Gupta [B] B Sai Praneeth [C] Jonatan Christie [D] Kidambi Srikanth Answer: B [B Sai Praneeth] Explanation: Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth from India has won the Men’s Singles Crown in the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament by defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in a tough three-game final on June 4, 2017 in Bangkok. This is the first Grand Prix Gold title for Sai Praneeth. 33. Which football club has won the 2017 UEFA Champions League trophy? [A] Juventus [B] Milan [C] Barcelona [D] Real Madrid Answer: D [Real Madrid] Explanation: 178  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Real Madrid has won the 2017 UEFA Champions League football competition by defeating Juventus 4–1 in the final. This is the first time in UEFA Champions League a team wo consecutive seasons. Thus, Real Madrid became the first team in the UEFA Champions League era to successfully defend their title. Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. 34. India’s first smartcard-based Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) initiative “Trin Trin which city? [A] Mysuru [B] New Delhi [C] Lucknow [D] Chennai Answer: A [Mysuru] Explanation: India’s first smartcard-based Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) initiative has launched in Mysuru, Karnataka on June 4, 2017. The cost of the project, partly funded by World Bank’s Global Environmental Facility, for the next six years is Rs 20.5 crore, covering the maintenance of the docking stations and bicycles. About 450 bicycles will be available for public use in the city. To rent a bicycle, the citizens of Mysuru or tourists need to register themselves either online or by visiting one of the six registration centres situated close to tourism centres and obtain a smart card after paying Rs. 350, including a refundable deposit of Rs. 250. Though the use of the bicycle is free for the first one hour, the users will have to pay a nominal fee of Rs. 5 for two hours, Rs. 10 for three hours and so on. 35. Who has become the new Solicitor General of India? [A] Tushar Mehta [B] Pinky Anand [C] Ranjit Kumar [D] P S Narsimha Answer: C [Ranjit Kumar] Explanation: Ranjit Kumar is the present Solicitor General of India, whose tenure has been extended by the Government of India (GoI). Beside this, the terms of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and five other senior law officers have also been extended. The Additional Solicitor Generals who have been given extension for an indefinite period are Pinky Anand, Maninder Singh, P S Patwalia, Tushar Mehta and P S Narsimha. The Attorney General, along with the Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor General, represents the government in various courts and tender legal advice on complex issues. 36. What is the India’s GDP growth rate in 2018, as per latest World Bank’s G Prospects (GEP) report? 179  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] 7.5% [B] 7.7% [C] 7.2% [D] 7.6% Answer: A [7.5%] Explanation: The World Bank (WB) in its latest report “Global Economic Prospects (GEP)” has projected India’s GDP growth rate at 7.5% in 2018 and 7.7% in 2019. As per the report, the World Bank has also projected a strong 7.2% growth rate for India in FY 2017 against 6.8% growth in 2016, as India is recovering from the temporary adverse effects of demonetisation. However, World Bank has maintained its forecast for global growth in 2017 and 2018 unchanged at 2.7% and 2.9% respectively, as manufacturing and trade are picking up and confidence is improving. 37. Which country has topped the 2017 A T Kearney Global Retail Development Ind [A] China [B] India [C] Malaysia [D] Vietnam Answer: B [India ] Explanation: India has acquired the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business at the 2017 A.T. Kearney Global Retail Development Index (GRDI). The 2017 GRDI titled “The Age of Focus” ranked China at second place, followed by Malaysia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam. The 16th edition of GRDI ranked top 30 developing countries for retail investment worldwide and analyzed 25 macroeconomic and retail-specific variables to help retailers devise successful global strategies to identify emerging market investment opportunities. 38. ISRO has successfully launched GSAT-19 communication satellite through which [A] GSLV Mark III [B] GSLV Mark IV [C] GSLV Mark II [D] GSLV Mark V Answer: A [GSLV Mark III] Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its 3136 kg GSAT-19 communication satellite with its brand new and heaviest – Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III D-1 (GSLV-Mk III D-1) satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer 180  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Orbit (GTO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on June 5, 2017. The satellite GSAT-19 has an intended life span of 10 years and is developed to improve telecommunication and broadcasting areas. The GSLV-Mk III is popularly known as “fat boy” and is developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs 300 crore. The rocket is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the GTO and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The GSLV-Mk III is a three stage rocket. Its first stage is made of two strap on motors filled with solid fuel. The second stage uses the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic upper stage “C25”, which is powered by the highly complex indigenous cryogenic engine “CE20”. The number 20 denotes the 20-ton thrust it generates for the rocket to reach the intended height with the heavy mass on board. 39. The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on [A] June 5 [B] June 4 [C] June 6 [D] June 3 Answer: B [June 4] Explanation: The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed every year on June 4 to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. It is a time for people all over the world to become aware of the impact of monstrosity of abuse, in all its forms, against children. It is also a time when organisations and individuals learn from or take part in awareness campaigns centred on protecting children’s rights. This day affirms the UN’s commitment to protect the rights of children. 40. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state? [A] Tripura [B] Nagaland [C] Punjab [D] Kerala Answer: C [Punjab] Explanation: The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Fazilka District of Punjab. The formation of sanctuary relates to a unique success story of wildlife conservation in which people of Bishnoi community united themselves for protecting the Black Buck which is regarded as a sacred animal by them. It is also the State Animal of Punjab. It is home to several varieties of flora and fauna viz. Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachata indica, A. tortilis, Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Porcupines, Hare, Jackal, etc. 41. The first-ever United Nations Oceans Conference has started in which country? [A] France 181  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] United States [C] Germany [D] United Kingdom Answer: B [United States] Explanation: The United Nations is hosting its first-ever World Oceans Conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States from June 5, 2017. The 5-day conference is co-hosted by the Governments of Fiji and Sweden with theme “Our oceans, our future: partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14”. The purpose of the conference is to find solutions to some of the toughest problems facing the oceans — that includes coral bleaching, plastic pollution, overfishing and rising sea levels. It also includes measures to protect coastal and blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes, seagrass, and coral reefs, and wider interconnected ecosystems, as well as enhancing sustainable fisheries management, including to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield. 42. India’s first-ever Rural LED Street Lighting Project will be set up in which state [A] Andhra Pradesh [B] Kerala [C] Uttar Pradesh [D] Assam Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh] Explanation: India’s first-ever Rural LED Street Lighting Project will be implemented by the Government of India (GoI) in Andhra Pradesh (AP). The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power will retrofit10 lakh conventional street lights with LED lights in Gra Panchayats of 7 districts in AP. This is the first project for rural LED street lighting in the country under the GoI’s Street Lighting National Project (SLNP). In the first phase, th replacement will be undertaken in gram panchayats of the districts of Guntur, Prakasham, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Ananthapur and Chittoor. This replacement drive in rural areas will help the gram panchayats to cumulatively save approximately 147 million units of electricity annually and lead to reduction of 12 crore tonnes of CO2. The entire upfront capital cost of this project is being funded by French Development Agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD). 43. India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with the World Bank “Assam Citizen Centric Service Delivery”? [A] $39.5 million [B] $39.7 million [C] $39.2 million 182  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] $39.4 million Answer: C [$39.2 million] Explanation: India has signed a $39.2 million loan agreement with the World Bank (WB) for the ‘citizen- centric service delivery’ project in Assam. The programme size is $49 million, of which $39.2 million will be financed by the World Bank and the remaining amount will be funded out of state budget. The programme duration is 5 years. The purpose of the project is to improve access in the delivery of selected public services in Assam. The Project seeks to enable citizens to access services under the RTPS Act in a timely, efficient, and accountable manner. The Project adopts an integrated approach to improve access and accountability. 44. Which IIT institute is hosting the 5th International Convention of Spic Macay? [A] IIT Guwahati [B] IIT Madras [C] IIT Bombay [D] IIT Delhi Answer: D [IIT Delhi] Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 5th international conference of Spic Macay on June 5, 2017 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi via video conferencing. The 7-day conference coincides with the 40th year of inception of SPIC MACAY. Every year Spic Macay organizes an International Convention to expose the youth from across the world to the rich and multi-hued culture of India. It is the Society for the promotion of Indian classical music and culture amongst youth. 45. Who has appointed the new Director General (DG) of National Water Develo (NWDA)? [A] Sharad Jain [B] S. Masood Husain [C] Usha Gupta [D] Kirti Kumar Answer: A [Sharad Jain] Explanation: Dr. Sharad Kumar Jain has assumed the additional charge of Director General (DG) of National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Presently, he is working as Scientist G with National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee. Jain succeeds S. Masood Husain who has moved over as Member (WP&P), Central Water Commission. 46. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 IMD World Competitiveness Index? 183  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] 37th [B] 41st [C] 45th [D] 28th Answer: C [45th] Explanation: India has been ranked 45th out of 63 countries in the IMD’s world competitiveness rankings 2017. The list is compiled by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management and Development (IMD)’s World Competitiveness Center (WCC). Hong Kong has topped the list, followed by Switzerland, Singapore, United States, Netherlands, Ireland and Denmark. The IMD measures how well countries manage all their resources and competencies to facilitate long-term value creation. 47. Sudha Singh, who has won gold at 21st Federation Cup National Senior Atletices is associated with which sports? [A] Baseball [B] Shot put [C] Javelin throw [D] Steeplechase Answer: D [Steeplechase] Explanation: Sudha Singh from Uttar Pradesh has won a gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the 21st Federation Cup National Senior Athletics Championship in Patiala, Punjab on June 4, 2017. In the men’s 3000m steeplechase event, it was Naveen Kumar of Haryana who took the gold with a time of 8:50.85. 48. Which state has become the India’s first state to launch single-women pension sc [A] Andhra Pradesh [B] Telangana [C] Kerala [D] Karnataka Answer: B [Telangana] Explanation: The Telangana Government has become the only state government in India to launch the single-women pension scheme. Under the scheme, a financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 financial is given to single women of the state per month on humanitarian grounds. The scheme will benefit unmarried women, joginis and divorced women. About 1, 08,302 beneficiaries from 31 Districts have been identified by the officials. The single-women pension scheme is the result of petitions filed on the plight of single women deserted by 184  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] their husbands and relatives. 49. TATA Projects has recently launched which initiative to promote green cover in [A] Green Thumb [B] Green Mountain [C] Green India [D] Green Earth Answer: A [Green Thumb] Explanation: The TATA Projects has launched unique “Green Thumb” initiative in India to promote green cover and to protect the environment on 2017 World Environment Day (WED). The Green Thumb 2017 is in continuation to 2016 TATA Projects’ programme wherein it aimed to get 10,000 people to click (pledge) to plant a sapling on their behalf – the response received was a tremendous 23,000. Encouraged by the response, TATA Projects planted a total of over 42,000 saplings across the country in over 100 locations in the last one year (2016-17). This year, under Green Thumb initiative, the company will plants trees, citizens who wish to do their bit to save the environment, can express their support for the cause. They can do so by clicking on the banner to plant a sapling on the Green Thumb Microsite or on Facebook page, LinkedIn pagea/155507/ or on the company website www.tataprojects.com. 50. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Index? [A] 22nd [B] 45th [C] 39th [D] 51st Answer: D [51st] Explanation: India has been ranked 51st out of 63 countries in the 2017 IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking. At the top of the digital ranking is Singapore, followed by Sweden, the USA, Finland and Denmark. For the first time, the IMD World Competitiveness Center has published a separate report ranking countries’ digital competitiveness. The new Digital Competitiveness Ranking (DCR) provides a measure of a country’s ability to adopt and explore digital technologies leading to transformation in government practices, business models and society in general. The ranking is based on three factors, which reflect the standing of a country in the dimensions of Knowledge, Technology and Future Readiness. 51. India has signed pact with which neighboring country to provide $318 million a for railway projects? [A] Sri Lanka [B] Nepal [C] Bhutan 185  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Bangladesh Answer: A [Sri Lanka] Explanation: India has signed an agreement with Sri Lanka to provide fresh assistance of $318 million credit line to develop the island nation’s railway sector. The agreement was signed in Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 6, 2017. India has already provided four Lines of Credit for the development of railway sector in Sri Lanka through its EXIM bank amounting to approximately $966 million. These credit facilities have been utilized to improve the Southern and Northern railway lines and for the procurement of rolling stocks for the Sri Lanka Railways. 52. Who has been sworn-in as the new Prime minister of Nepal? [A] Bam Bahadur Kunwar [B] Sher Bahadur Deuba [C] Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah [D] Kirti Nidhi Bista Answer: B [Sher Bahadur Deuba] Explanation: Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Nepali Congress President, has been sworn-in as the new Prime minister of Nepal at Rashtrpati Bhawan in Kathmandu, Nepal. Deuba has taken the charge of prime minister for the 4th time. He first became PM in 1995 and later in 2001 and 2004. The 2017 Election for new prime minister was held due to resignation by the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal from the post of prime minister. Dahal had resigned on May 24 as per the power sharing understanding with the coalition partner Nepali Congress. 53. Which union minister has launched “Skills for life, Save a life” initiative development in the health sector? [A] Maneka Gandhi [B] Narendra Modi [C] J P Nadda [D] M. Venkaiah Naidu Answer: C [J P Nadda] Explanation: J P Nadda, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has launched “Skill for Life, Save a Life” initiative in New Delhi to promote skill development in the health sector. The purpose of the initiative is to upscale the quality and quantity of trained professionals in the healthcare system. Under this initiative various courses are planned in specific competencies for healthcare professionals as well as for general public. 54. What is the current repo rate, as per 2nd bi-monthly monetary policy review for 186  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)? [A] 6.50% [B] 6.75% [C] 6.55% [D] 6.25% Answer: D [6.25%] Explanation: As per second bi-monthly monetary and credit policy review for 2017-18 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) remain unchanged at 6.25%. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF remains at 6.0%, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) remains at 4% and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.50%.Though, the Central bank has cut the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) by 0.5%. It has projected inflation in the range of 2% to 3.5% for first half of 2017-18 and 3.5% to 4.5% for the second half. It has also cut the growth projection for current fiscal to 7.3% from 7.4%. 55. Who has been appointed as the new chief of Copyrights office? [A] Hoshiar Singh [B] Pradeep Dubey [C] Nripendra Mishra [D] Omita Paul Answer: A [Hoshiar Singh] Explanation: Hoshiar Singh, a 1994 batch officer of the Indian Telecom Service, has been appointed as new Registrar of Copyrights for a period of five years. The Office of Copyrights, under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DoPT) is mandated to protect the music and film industry besides addressing its concerns, among others. According to norms, the Copyright Office is under the immediate control of a Registrar of Copyrights, who acts under the superintendence and directions of the Central Government. The headquarters is located in New Delhi. 56. Which Indian personality has joined UNICEF’s ‘Super Dads’ campaign? [A] Amitabh Bachchan [B] Sachin Tendulkar [C] Shah Rukh Khan [D] Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Answer: B [Sachin Tendulkar] Explanation: Sachin Tendulkar has joined UNICEF’s ‘Super Dads’ campaign that highlights the critical role 187  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] played by fathers in children’s early development. The campaign features stars from the world of entertainment and sport including David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Mahershala Ali, Lewis Hamilton and Hugh Jackman. The UNICEF campaign will celebrates Father’s Day and highlights the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of young children’s brains. The heart-warming videos and photos of celebrity dads in the campaign will be coupled with stories of super dads from across the world, including those who are doing their best to raise their children in extremely difficult circumstances. 57. Which country has officially become the new member of North Atlantic Trea (NATO) [A] Mozambique [B] Cuba [C] Montenegro [D] Austria Answer: C [Montenegro] Explanation: Montenegro has officially become the 29th member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a ceremony in Washington, United States on June 5, 2017. The purpose of NATO is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. The headquarters of NATO is located at Brussels, Belgium. 58. Which state government has implemented ‘Green Protocol’ for weddings? [A] Tamil Nadu [B] West Bengal [C] Tripura [D] Kerala Answer: D [Kerala ] Explanation: The Kerala government has implemented Green Protocol for making weddings more naturally in the state. The purpose of the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic in daily life. With the implementation of the protocol, use of plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable glasses and plates and thermocol decorations will be discouraged at marriage functions. Inspections will be held at marriage halls, convention centres and hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony in this regard and action would be taken if the protocol is violated. The state nodal agency for sanitation ‘Suchitwa Mission’ has already launched the initiative in Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha on a pilot basis. As per officials, the protocol would be implemented in the rest of the districts soon. 59. Who will be honoured with the RedInk Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017? 188  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] Vinod Dua [B] Vinod Dua [C] T N Ninan [D] Kuldip Nayar Answer: B [Vinod Dua] Explanation: Veteran journalist Vinod Dua will be honoured with the RedInk Award for Lifetime Achievement (LTA) in Journalism for 2017 by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 7 in Mumbai in recognition of his extensive and versatile contribution in different formats and subjects. The awards are part of the National RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism and instituted by the Mumbai Press Club. Star India is the Presenting Partner for the Mumbai Press Club RedInk Awards. The Hindu Group and Facebook are the media partners. 60. The Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is located in which state? [A] Tripura [B] Kerala [C] Tamil Nadu [D] Sikkim Answer: C [Tamil Nadu] Explanation: The Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is a 78.46 km2 protected area located in the western corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India. It is home to an array of endangered wildlife viz. royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Nilgiri langur, Bonhote’s mouse, Nilgiri tahr, etc. The park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s International Biosphere Reserve. 61. Which city is hosting the 2017 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit? [A] Dushanbe [B] Astana [C] Beijing [D] Tashkent Answer: B [Astana] Explanation: The 17th summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit has started in Astana, Kazakhstan from June 8, 2017. In this summit, India and Pakistan has become full members of the organization. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organisation which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 189  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is mainly aimed at military cooperation between the members and involves intelligence- sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status. 62. What is the theme of 2017 World Oceans Day (WOD)? [A] Protect your Ocean [B] Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet [C] Our Oceans, Our Future [D] Youth: the Next Wave for Change Answer: C [Our Oceans, Our Future] Explanation: The World Oceans Day (WOD) is observed every year on June 8 to raise global awareness of the benefits derived from the oceans and the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. This year, in 2017, the main conservation focus will be on plastic pollution prevention and cleaning the ocean of marine litter with theme “Our Oceans, Our Future”. The 2017 WOD has coincided with the first-ever United Nations World Oceans Conference taking place from 5 to 9 June at UN headquarters in New York. The purpose of the conference is to mobilize action for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources. 63. Which Indian bank will set up 100 digital villages across the country? [A] Punjab National Bank [B] Dena Bank [C] State Bank of India [D] Vijaya Bank Answer: D [Vijaya Bank] Explanation: The Vijaya Bank will set up 100 digital villages in various States of the country as part of its initiative to promote digital banking among the rural population. It is the only public sector financial institution to develop digital villages with focus on rural areas and it has already developed five villages including the one in Guntur district. In those villages, the bank will provide Internet, free Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile payment facilities, ATM cards, online banking and others besides educating the villagers through door-to-door campaign. The bank will also open bank accounts to all the eligible villagers including children and encourage them to make transactions digitally. 64. The Anshi National Park (ANP) is loacted in which state? [A] Karnataka [B] Andhra Pradesh [C] Kerala [D] West Bengal 190  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Answer: A [Karnataka] Explanation: The Anshi National Park is located at a distance of 60 km from Karwar in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. It is located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats, at a height between 200 m to 925 m above sea level. The park is a habitat of melanistic leopard, tigers and elephants, among other wildlife. The reptiles like King Cobra, Krait, Python, Rat snake and Viper are found here. It is home to more than 200 species of birds viz. Adjutant Stork, Ashy Black-crested Crested Serpent Eagle, Great Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Bulbul, Blue-headed Pitta, Woodswallow, Brahminy Kite, etc. 65. Who have been appointed as the new Independent Directors of India Post (IPPB)? [A] Girraj Sharma and Anupam Seth [B] Vinod Saxena and Nitin Khanna [C] K G Karmakar and Gauri Shankar [D] Jai Singh Narvaria and Trilok Chand Gupta Answer: C [K G Karmakar and Gauri Shankar] Explanation: K G Karmakar and Gauri Shankar have been appointed as new Independent Directors of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved their appointment to the post on the board of directors of the bank for a period of 3 years. The IPPB has been incorporated as a public sector bank under the Department of Posts with 100% equity of the Government of India (GoI). IPPB will offer demand deposits such as savings and current accounts upto a balance of Rs 1 Lac, digitally enabled payments and remittance services of all kinds between entities and individuals and also provide access to third party financial services such as insurance, mutual funds, pension, credit products, forex, and more, in partnership with insurance companies, mutual fund houses, pension providers, banks, international money transfer organisations, etc. 66. Adnan Khashoggi, the world famous arms dealer passed away. He hailed from wh [A] Iran [B] Israel [C] Italy [D] Saudi Arabia Answer: D [Saudi Arabia] Explanation: Adnan Khashoggi (81), a Saudi Arabian billionaire international businessman, has passed away in London, UK. He was best known for his involvement in arms dealing. 67. Nepal has tied up with which country to build 1200MW Budhi-Gandaki Hydropo 191  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] China [B] India [C] Sri Lanka [D] United States Answer: A [China] Explanation: Nepal has recently signed a financing agreement with China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) to build 1,200-megawatt Budhi-Gandaki hydroelectric project. The estimated cost of the project is $2.5 billion. This project will be helpful for Nepal, which is facing acute power shortage. 68. Which tennis pair have won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles tournament? [A] Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig [B] Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza [C] Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Robert Farah [D] Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski Answer: D [Rohan Bopanna and Gabriela Dabrowski] Explanation: Rohan Bopanna from India and his Canadian teammate Gabriela Dabrowski have won the 2017 French Open mixed doubles tournament by defeating the pair of Germany’s Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Colombia’s Robert Farah in the final by 2-6, 6-2, 12-10. 69. Who has been bestowed with the RedInk Award Journalist of the Year award for [A] Sreenivasan Jain [B] Bachi Karkaria [C] Raj Kamal Jha [D] Paranjoy Guha Thakurta Answer: C [Raj Kamal Jha] Explanation: Raj Kamal Jha, the Chief Editor of The Indian Express, has been bestowed with the RedInk Award for the ‘Journalist of the Year’ 2017 for providing exemplary stewardship over the last couple of years to the newspaper; and for pulling it back from an aimless drift to focused reporting and restoring what it has always been known best for—investigative journalism. The award was presented to him by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 7 in Mumbai. The awards are part of the National RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism and instituted by the Mumbai Press Club (MPC) to raise the bar of news and feature writing in India and to encourage fair play and high ethical standards in media. 70. Which city to host the second edition of National Health Editors’ Conference on 192  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] Bhopal [B] New Delhi [C] Lucknow [D] Jaipur Answer: B [New Delhi] Explanation: The 2nd edition of National Health Editors’ Conference on Yoga will be inaugurated by Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), at National Media Centre in New Delhi on June 9, 2017. The theme of 2017 conference is “Yoga for Health and Harmony”. The aim of the conference is to give insight to the journalists about the scientific aspects of yoga & its benefits for human health. More than 150 Health Editors and media persons from National, Regional and International media organizations are expected to attend the conference. Senior officers of PIB and Ministry of AYUSH will also remain present on the occasion. 71. Which bank has become the first Indian bank to launch bio-degradable prepaid gi [A] Axis Bank [B] ICICI Bank [C] State Bank of India [D] HDFC Bank Answer: A [Axis Bank] Explanation: Axis Bank has become the first Indian bank to launch a bio-degradable prepaid gift plastic card to offer its customers a simple way of contributing towards environment-friendly payment solutions. The plastic card is made up of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) and can decompose easily and can also be recycled. The cards will be acceptable at all domestic merchant outlets and online portals. According to a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 1 July 2014, the maximum validity of pre-paid gift instruments is 3 years. 72. Basudev Chatterji, who passed away recently, was associated with which field? [A] Politics [B] History [C] Law [D] Journalism Answer: B [History] Explanation: Basudev Chatterji, the noted historian, has passed away in Guwahati, Assam on June 8, 2017. He was also the former chairman of Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR). 193  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Chatterji was an academician and used to taught at St Stephen’s College in Delhi, University of Hyderabad besides supervising undergraduates at the University of Cambridge. The books ‘Trade, Tariffs and Empire : Lancashire and British Policy in India’, and ‘Dictionary of Martyrs India’s Freedom Struggle’ were among his works. 73. India and which United Nations organisation have launched partnership f sustainable development? [A] UNESCO [B] UNIDO [C] UNOSSC [D] UNWTO Answer: C [UNOSSC] Explanation: India and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) have launched a partnership fund that will support sustainable development projects across the developing world. The fund was launched on the occasion of the World Oceans Day (WOD) at a special ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN on June 8, 2017. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund will implement country-level projects that are catalytic towards achieving the 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda. The purpose of the initiative is to reduce poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and expanding access to clean water, energy and livelihoods. 74. Which Indian American has been chosen for the 2017 NASA Astronaut Candidat [A] Kayla Barron [B] Jasmin Moghbeli [C] Robb Kulin [D] Raja Chari Answer: D [Raja Chari] Explanation: Indian-American Raja Chari, a Lieutenant Colonel with the US Air Force, has been chosen for the 2017 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class. He is among 12 new astronauts who will be trained for missions into Earth orbit and to deep space. Chari may become the 3rd person of Indian origin from the US after the late Kalpana Chawla and current NASA astronaut Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams to fly to space. Currently, he is a commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. 75. P Govardhan Reddy, the noted politician has passed away. He belongs to which po [A] Indian National Congress (INC) [B] Telugu Desam Party (TDS) [C] Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 194  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Communist Party of India (CPI) Answer: A [Indian National Congress (INC)] Explanation: Palvai Govardhan Reddy (81), the noted politician from the Indian National Congress (INC) party, has passed away due to heart attack in Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh on June 9, 2017. Reddy was in Kullu Manali to attend a Parliamentary committee meeting. Presently, he was representing the Telangana State as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). 76. Which Indian personality has been conferred with the WHO Director-Ge Recognition Award for global tobacco control? [A] Venkaiah Naidu [B] Sushma Swaraj [C] J P Nadda [D] Nitin Gadkari Answer: C [J P Nadda] Explanation: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda has been conferred with the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for accelerating India’s tobacco control initiatives and taking bold measures to protect people against hazards of tobacco use. The global recognition was presented to him by Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, at the ‘National Consultation on Accelerating Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals’. 77. Which news agency will set up $1 million fund to boost BRICS media cooperation [A] Independent Media from South Africa [B] Xinhua from China [C] CMA Group from Brazil [D] The Hindu from India Answer: B [Xinhua from China] Explanation: China’s state-run news agency Xinhua will set up a $1 million fund to institutionalize media cooperation among the BRICS countries including awards for journalists from the five member states. The purpose of BRICS media forum is to promote six objectives, including “balanced reporting”. The proposal would also focus on joint development of BRICS digital media, financial information services and promoting people- to-people contacts. The BRICS media forum is the result of a joint initiative by Xinhua News Agency, Brazil’s CMA Group, Russia’s Sputnik News Agency and Radio, The Hindu group of publications from India, and South Africa’s Independent Media. 195  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 78. Mehrunnisa Dalwai, the renowned Muslim rights activist passed away. She hai state? [A] Assam [B] Uttar Pradesh [C] Maharashtra [D] Rajasthan Answer: C [Maharashtra] Explanation: Mehrunnisa Dalwai (87), the protagonist of a reformist movement ‘Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal’, has passed away in Pune, Maharashtra on June 8, 2017. She worked for justice and equal rights for Muslim women and spearheaded a march in Mumbai seeking abolition of triple ‘talaq’. Dalwai also founded Islamic Research Institute and Maharashtra Talaq Mukti Morcha. Her autobiography, “Mi Bharun Pawle” is considered an inspirational piece for progressive movement. She was the wife of prominent Muslim activist and thinker late Hamid Dalwai. 79. Which state government has recently signed MoU with Union Aviation Mi scheme? [A] Kerala [B] Madhya Pradesh [C] Uttar Pradesh [D] Tamil Nadu Answer: D [Tamil Nadu] Explanation: The Tamil Nadu government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for the implementation of the UDAN scheme in the state. In the first phase of regional air connectivity scheme “UDAN”, the steps will be taken to start flight services to Hosur, Salem and Neyveli.The purpose of the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) is to make regional connectivity easy at low cost so that common people could opt for air travel. Also, it would enhance infrastructure, employment opportunities and lead to trade and industry growth. 80. The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) is located in which state? [A] West Bengal [B] Uttar Pradesh [C] Bihar [D] Assam Answer: A [West Bengal] Explanation: 196  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS) is located on the foothills of the Himalayas, between the Teesta and Mahananda rivers. It is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It got the status of a sanctuary in 1959 to protect the Indian bison and royal Bengal tiger, which were facing the threat of extinction It is also home to very endangered birds like Rufous-necked Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill etc. 81. Which Indian sportsperson has featured in the 2017 Forbes list of world’s highest [A] Virat Kohli [B] Sania Mirza [C] M S Dhoni [D] Leander Paes Answer: A [Virat Kohli] Explanation: Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from India to feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the 2017 Forbes list. Kohli has been ranked 89th on the 2017 Forbes list with a total pay of $22 million that includes $3 million from salary and winnings and another $19 million from endorsements. The list is topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by American basketball star LeBron James, Argentine football player Lionel Messi and Swiss Tennis star Roger Federer. 82. NITI Aayog has launched SATH program for cooperative federalism. What do for? [A] Sustainable Action for Transact Human capital [B] Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital [C] Sustainable Action for Trance Human capital [D] Sustainable Action for Trace Human capital Answer: B [Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital] Explanation: NITI Aayog has launched a program ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital (SATH)’ with the State Governments for cooperative federalism. The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors. The aim of SATH is to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems. NITI will work in close collaboration with their state machinery to design a robust roadmap of intervention, develop a program governance structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms, hand-hold state institutions through the execution stage and provide support on a range of institutional measures to achieve the end objectives. The program will be implemented by NITI along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium, who were selected through a competitive bidding process. Of the five shortlisted states three will be selected on the basis of further evaluations. The program will be launched in the three selected states after the signing of MoUs. 197  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 83. Which Indian mountaineer has been honoured by Nepal Government for scaling a record six times? [A] Premlata Agarwal [B] Arunima Sinha [C] Love Raj Singh Dharmashaktu [D] Anshu Jamsenpa Answer: C [Love Raj Singh Dharmashaktu] Explanation: Love Raj Singh Dharmashaktu, an Indian mountaineer, has been honoured by Adventure Sports Tourism Society in Lalitpur Metropolitan City near Kathmandu, Nepal on June 9, 2017. He was appointed Tourism Ambassador of Nepal to north India. Recently, Dharmashaktu has become the first Indian mountaineer to conquer the world’s highest peak Mount Everest for a record sixth time on May 27, 2017. He works as an assistant commandant with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Dehradun. He first summited Everest in 1998 and followed it with up with successive ascents in 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2013. He hails from Bona village of Munsiyari in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. 84. Who has become the first Sri Lankan cricketer to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fr [A] Mahela Jayawardene [B] Sanath Jayasuriya [C] Kumar Sangakkara [D] Muttiah Muralidaran Answer: D [Muttiah Muralidaran] Explanation: Muttiah Muralidaran, the most successful bowler in Tests and One Day Internationals, has been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in London on Thursday. He was honoured during the innings break of the India versus Sri Lanka ICC Champions Trophy match at The Oval in London on June 8, 2017. With this, he became the first player from Sri Lanka and the 83rd overall to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when ICC CEO Dave Richardson presented him with a commemorative framed cap. 85. The first-ever Indian Railways Human Resources Round Table Conference has city? [A] New Delhi [B] Chennai [C] Pune [D] Kochi Answer: A [New Delhi] Explanation: 198  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has inaugurated the first-ever Indian Railways Human Resources Round Table Conference in New Delhi on June 10, 2017. The aim of the Conference is to improve the productivity of the human resources through inter-change of ideas with various stakeholders and HR practitioners and academics. There are 3-themes of the conference viz. Stakeholders Expectations from HR, The Future of Work – HR Role and Creativity Within Constraints. 86. Who has been adjudged in the first-ever AIFF Women’s player of the year for 20 [A] Ngangom Bala [B] Aditi Chauhan [C] Oinam Bembem Devi [D] Sasmita Malik Answer: D [Sasmita Malik] Explanation: Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sasmita Malik were awarded 2016 AIFF Player of the Year and the AIFF Women’s Player of the Year respectively at the first ever All India Football Federation (AIFF) Awards in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Malik won the award for her immense contribution to the success and growth of the Indian women’s football team, while Mohun Bagan striker Jeje Lalpekhlua won the award for scoring a total of 7 goals in the last 9 games he has played for India in the 2016-17 season. 87. Who will be appointed as new MD and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE [A] Jainam Modi [B] Prabhat Jain [C] Vikram Limaye [D] Chitra Ramkrishna Answer: C [Vikram Limaye] Explanation: Vikram Limaye will be the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) after he gets relieved from his duties at apex cricket body BCCI. Limaye is a member of a panel appointed by the Supreme Court to administer the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Now, Limaye will approach the Supreme Court (SC) in July when it reopens from vacation to relieve him from his duties at the committee of administrators (CoA) of BCCI. Once the Supreme Court relieves him, he will join NSE. 88. Which Indian personality has launched ‘Selfie with Daughter’ app to raise a people about female foeticide and sex selection? [A] Narendra Modi [B] Sushma Swaraj 199  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Maneka Gandhi [D] Pranab Mukherjee Answer: D [Pranab Mukherjee] Explanation: The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has launched a mobile Application ‘Selfie with Daughter’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 9, 2017 to raise awareness among people about female foeticide and sex selection. The President has urged the people to take selfies with their daughters to make the campaign a huge success. The ‘Selfie with Daughter’ campaign was started by Sunil Jaglan in June 2015 at village Bibipur in Haryana, which was praised by the President on this occasion. The aim of the campaign is to motivate society to feel proud to be parents of a girl child which will result in improving the child sex ratio. 89. The 2017 European Union Film Festival (EUFF) has started from which Indian [A] Pune [B] Coimbatore [C] Kolkata [D] New Delhi Answer: D [New Delhi] Explanation: The 22nd edition of European Union Film Festival (EUFF) has started at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi with an aim to improve cultural ties between India and European countries. The film festival will not only showcase films from Estonia, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Greece, among several countries, but also explore different styles of cinema with a blend of varying cultures. The EUFF, which is started in New Delhi, in association with Directorate of Film Festivals will also travel to Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Ranchi, Coimbatore and Puducherry till August 3, 2017. The fest will screen 22 films from 22 European countries to serve the purpose of knowing and understanding each other better. 90. The Van Vihar National Park is loacted in which state? [A] Uttar Pradesh [B] Rajasthan [C] Madhya Pradesh [D] Gujarat Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh] Explanation: The Van Vihar National Park is located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. It covers an area of about 4.45 km2 and is home to Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lions, wild cats, Indian Wolf, Sloth Bear, Red Fox, Indian Jackal, Wild Dog, Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Mugger Crocodile, Gharial, Snakes, Python, etc. 200  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 91. Who has won the 2017 French Open Men’s Singles Tennis Tournament? [A] Roger Federer [B] Novak Djokovic [C] Stanislas Wawrinka [D] Rafael Nadal Answer: D [Rafael Nadal] Explanation: Spain’s Rafael Nadal has won the 2017 French Open Men’s Singles Tennis Tournament by defeating Swiss star Stanislas Wawrinka in final by 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 in Paris, France. With the win, Nadal has become the first player in the Professional arena to win the same Grand Slam title 10 times. Nadal, the world’s 4th ranked player, has 15 Grand Slams to his credit. Now, his collection of Slams stands just three behind great rival Roger Federer. 92. Which Indian personality has been selected for France’s highest civilian a Honour”? [A] Amitabh Bachchan [B] Shahrukh Khan [C] Soumitra Chatterjee [D] Kamal Hasan Answer: C [Soumitra Chatterjee] Explanation: Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee has been selected for France’s highest civilian award “Legion of Honour” for his outstanding contribution to cinema and theatre. With this, Chatterjee has become the first Bengali actor to be chosen for the award. The honour comes almost 3 decades after the same recognition was conferred on master director Satyajit Ray in 1987. Chatterjee has acted in several of Ray’s films including ‘Apur Sansar’, ‘Debi’,’ Aranyer Din Ratri’, ‘Ghare Bairey’ and ‘Ganashatru’. Earlier recipients of the Legion of Honour include sitar meastro Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachaan, Shahrukh Khan and Kamal Hasan. Chatterjee was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2012. 93. Which video conferencing aided legal service has launched by the Union Gover people? [A] Tele Legal Aid [B] Tele Law [C] Tele Law Center [D] Tele Lawyer Answer: B [Tele Law] Explanation: 201  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Union Government has launched a video conferencing aided legal service ‘Tele Law’ for the people living in rural areas. Through Tele-Law, the legal aid to poor will fulfill th government’s commitment to ensure access to justice and empowerment of the poor. Under the scheme, the Tele-Law portal will be available across the Common Service Centre (CSC) network connecting the citizens to legal service providers. The portal will connect law school clinics, District Legal Service Authorities, voluntary service providers and Non-Government Organisations working on legal through the CSCs. Also, the National Legal Services Authority’s panel of lawyers from state capitals will provide legal advice and counseling to the applicants across the 1000 CSC through video conferencing. In the first phase, the Tele- Law scheme will be tested as a pilot across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 94. The Canara Bank has tied up with which general insurance company to sell pol branches? [A] New India Assurance Company Limited [B] National Insurance Company Limited [C] United India Insurance Company [D] Oriental Insurance Company Limited Answer: A [New India Assurance Company Limited] Explanation: The Canara Bank has tied up with the state-owned general insurer New India Assurance Company to sell policies through its branches.. The purpose of the partnership is to provide best-in-class general insurance products to Canara Bank customers at highly competitive rates. Under the agreement, New India Assurance will make offer a bouquet of products such as motor, home, health, travel, fire, marine, and engineering insurance policies through branches of Canara Bank. 95. Adam West, star of hit TV series “Batman” passed away. He hailed from which c [A] Germany [B] United States [C] Russia [D] Japan Answer: B [United States] Explanation: Adam West (88), the well known US actor, has passed away in Los Angeles, United States. He was the popular star of 1960s “Batman” TV show. 96. Dr C Narayana Reddy, who passed away recently, was associated with which field [A] Politics [B] Journalism [C] Poetry 202  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Law Answer: C [Poetry] Explanation: Dr C Narayana Reddy (86), the renowned poet and Jnanpith Award recipient, has passed away in Hyderabad on June 12, 2017. He was popularly known as ‘CiNaRe’ and also honoured with Padmasri and Padma Bhushan for his scholarly writings. He was proficient in Telugu, Urdu and Hindi and several other languages and wrote hundreds of books in all forms of literature. He also wrote lyrics for hundreds of Telugu Films. 97. Nguyen Duc Hoa has won the 2017 Mumbai Mayor’s Cup Internation Tournament. He hails from which country? [A] France [B] Russia [C] China [D] Vietnam Answer: D [Vietnam ] Explanation: Vietnam Grand Master Nguyen Duc Hoa has clinched the 10th Mumbai Mayor’s Cup International Open Chess Tournament by defeating Indian chess player GM Neelotpal Das in the final round with 8.5 points on June 11, 2017. 98. Who has been conferred with the 2017 Kalinga Literary Award? [A] Haraprasad Das [B] Anand Neelakantan [C] Dinanath Pathy [D] Paramita Satpathy Answer: A [Haraprasad Das] Explanation: Poet Haraprasad Das, the legendary poet and essayist, has been conferred with the 2017 Kalinga Literary Award for his work and contribution to literature at the 4th edition of Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) on June 11, 2017. This year the KLF introduced two new awards — the 2017 Kalinga International Literary Award was received by Anand Neelakantan for his contribution towards literature and the 2017 Kalinga Karubaki Award was given to Paramita Satpathy for her contribution to Odia poetry. The 2017 theme of the fest is “Literature for Peace and Harmony”. 99. The World Day Against Child Labour is observed on which date? [A] June 12 [B] June 11 203  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] June 13 [D] June 10 Answer: A [June 12] Explanation: The World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on June 12 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. The 2017 theme is “In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour” that focuses on the impact of conflicts and disasters on child labour. The day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them. 100. The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is loacted in which state? [A] Madhya Pradesh [B] Uttar Pradesh [C] Rajasthan [D] Gujarat Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh] Explanation: The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is located in Unnao district on the Kanpur-Lucknow highway in Uttar Pradesh. In 2015, the sanctuary is renamed asShahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary. It is home to arus crane, painted stork, peafowl, white ibis, dabchick, whistling teal, open-bill stork, white-necked stork, etc. The major reptiles found in the sanctuary are cobra, viper, krait, ratsnake and water snakes. It also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats. 101. The International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is observed on which date? [A] June 12 [B] June 14 [C] June 13 [D] June 11 Answer: C [June 13] Explanation: The International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is observed every year on June 13 to raise worldwide awareness on albinism and to prevent attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism. Albinism is a genetic disorder resulting in little or no pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. The lack of melanin in the skin makes albinos more prone to sunburn and skin cancers. Albinism is also associated with visual problems such as photophobia, amblyopia (lazy eye),nystagmus, etc. 102. Which Indian pair have won gold in mixed team 10m air pistol event at 201 204  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Gabala World Cup? [A] Sanjeev Rajput and Anjali Bhagwat [B] Apurvi Chandela and Jitu Rai [C] Anjali Bhagwat and Omkar Singh [D] Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu Answer: D [Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu] Explanation: Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu have clinched the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event by defeating Russian pair in the final at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rife/Pistol stage held at Gabala, Azerbaijan. They defeated Russian pair 7-6 in the finals. This is the pair’s second World Cup gold following their success in ISSF World Cup in New Delhi in February 2017. In all, 430 athletes from 45 countries are competing for medals at the Gabala World Cup, which is the last chance for rifle and pistol shooters to qualify for the ISSF World Cup Finals (WCF). Only 8 best shooters of the world in each Olympic discipline along with reigning Olympic and World Championship medalists and wild-cards will be able to compete in the WCF. The mixed team air pistol event is one of the new events added for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. 103. Who has won the 2017 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix tournament? [A] Lewis Hamilton [B] Valtteri Bottas [C] Daniel Ricciardo [D] Sebastian Vettel Answer: A [Lewis Hamilton] Explanation: Lewis Hamilton has won the 2017 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix tournament Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. It is Hamilton’s 6th win at the Canadian Grand Prix and 56th race win of his career. 104. Which state government will start free mortuary van service for its’ citizens? [A] Himachal Pradesh [B] Punjab [C] Uttar Pradesh [D] Madhya Pradesh Answer: B [Punjab ] Explanation: The Punjab government will start free mortuary van service for it’s’ citizens in the state. All government hospitals have been directed to provide such vans free of cost. For this, hospital attendants will be required to fill up a form to record whether the family of the deceased has 205  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] proper arrangements for transporting the body. Till now, there was no provision of providing mortuary vans in the government hospitals of state. 105. Which water conservation model has been selected for the national award for e Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee programme (MGNREGP)? [A] Project Jal Sanchay [B] Project Jal [C] Project Jal Jyoti [D] Project Jal Marg Answer: A [Project Jal Sanchay] Explanation: The water conservation model “Project Jal Sanchay” has been selected for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGP). The award will be conferred at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on June 19, 2017. The model is adopted successfully by the authorities in Nalanda district of south central Bihar. Under the project, check dams were created and traditional Aahar-Pyne irrigation system and traditional water bodies were desilted and renovated to create awareness about rainwater harvesting. In it, the traditional water conservation system was used in water management and in maintaining water table in the area. Thus, through campaigns and support from local farmers, the water conservation project has not only improved the availability of water but has also positively impacted farm production in the areas covered by the project. 106. India’s first underwater metro tunnel will come up in which city? [A] Mumbai [B] Kolkata [C] Kochi [D] Pune Answer: B [Kolkata] Explanation: India’s first underwater metro tunnel will come up in Kolkata, West Bengal, which will pass through the Hooghly River. The tunnel has been constructed 30 metres below riverbed, just a few metres away from the famous Howrah Bridge. It will be connecting two main terminals: Howrah and Sealdah — each of which has a footfall of about 10-12 lakh passengers per day. With the cost of Rs 60 crore, the project is expected to be completed by December 2019. Notably, this is the first time in India that a tunnel has been made under a flowing river. 107. Who has won the 2017 French Open Women’s Singles Tennis Tournament? [A] Kristina Mladenovic [B] Garbine Muguruza 206  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Jelena Ostapenko [D] Simona Halep Answer: C [Jelena Ostapenko] Explanation: Jelena Ostapenk, a Latvian professional tennis player, has won the 2017 French Open Women’s Singles Tennis Tournament by defeating Simona Halep from Romania in the final by 4–6, 6–4, 6–3. With this win, Ostapenk became the first Latvian player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament and the first unseeded woman to win the French Open since 1933. She is known for her highly aggressive playing style, including powerful inside-out groundstrokes and a tendency to aim for the lines. 108. India has signed pact with which country on Parliamentary Cooperation? [A] Vietnam [B] Japan [C] Maldives [D] Mauritius Answer: D [Mauritius ] Explanation: India has signed a pact with Mauritius to institutionalize cooperation between Parliaments of the two countries. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Speaker of National Assembly of Mauritius Santi Bai Hanoomanjee after their meeting in Port Louis. The relationship between the two countries provides a platform for the sustained growth of friendship and partnership. 109. How many Indian states share border with Myanmar? [A] 4 [B] 3 [C] 5 [D] 2 Answer: A [4] Explanation: The four northeast Indian states share 1,643-km border with Myanmar – Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. It is in news recently, because the Indian Government has set up an expert committee to examine the rules which allow free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 kms of the border, but are exploited by militants for smuggling arms, drugs, and fake Indian currency. The committee will be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee will give its report for uniform and effective implementation of free movement regime within 3 months. It will also prepare standard operating procedures common for all the four states so that militants, criminals and contraband are filtered at the border without causi 207  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] inconvenience to genuine people. 110. Who is the author of the book “Indira Gandhi – A life in nature”? [A] Jairam Ramesh [B] Chandi Prasad Bhatt [C] Anadish Kumar Pal [D] Sunderlal Bahuguna Answer: A [Jairam Ramesh] Explanation: The book “Indira Gandhi – A life in nature” presents the former prime minister’s life as a naturalist and examines how she steered India’s conservation policy, which is authored by Jairam Ramesh, the senior Congress leader and former Environment Minister . The author noted that Mrs. Gandhi used her political authority to save ecologically sensitive areas from destruction like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the entire northeast and the rainforests in the Western Ghats. The book also refers to Indira Gandhi’s association with nature lovers Salim Ali, Billy Arjan Singh, Sunderlal Bahuguna and Anne Wright. In all, the book highlighted the former PM Indira Gandhi’s love for nature, wildlife and forests. 111. The Nalanda University has signed MoU with which country for academ colloborations? [A] South Korea [B] Japan [C] Vietnam [D] Malaysia Answer: A [South Korea] Explanation: The Nalanda University has signed MoU with South Korea’s Academy of Korean Studies for academic linkages and collaborations in Patna, Bihar. As per the MoU, both the universities will increase their bilateral ties through joint research programmes, faculty and student exchange, mutual sharing of data, academic research/education, joint teaching & cooperation in other areas. The MoU will be in effect for 5 years. 112. Which expert committee has been constituted to study free movement along Mya [A] V. Shashank Shekhar committee [B] S. Jayaraman committee [C] Rina Mitra committee [D] Satyendra Garg committee Answer: C [Rina Mitra committee] Explanation: 208  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Union Home Ministry has constituted an expert committee to examine methods to curb the misuse of free movement along the Myanmar border. The committee will be headed by Rina Mitra, the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The committee will examine the present rules and regulations adopted by the border States for implementation of free movement regime and submit the report within 3 months. Notably, India’s 1,643-km border with Myanmar touches four states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It is unique in many ways as it has a visa-free movement regime for people living within 16 kms on either side of the border. They can stay up to 72 hours with effective and valid permits issued by the designated authority on either side. However, it is misused by militants and criminals who smuggle weapons, narcotics, contraband goods and fake Indian currency notes (FICN). 113. What is the theme of the 2017 World Blood Donor Day (WBDD)? [A] Thank you for saving my life [B] Blood connects us all [C] Every blood donor is a hero [D] Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often Answer: D [Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often] Explanation: The World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) is observed every year on June 14 to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. Every pint of blood donated can save more than 3 lives. Thus, if you began donating blood at age 18 and donated every 90 days until you reached 60, you would have donated 30 gallons of blood, potentially helping save more than 500 lives. The 2017 theme “Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often” focus on blood donation in emergency situations. 114. Padmalaya Nanda has won the 2017 Little Miss Universe Internet beauty conte which Indian state? [A] Assam [B] Odisha [C] West Bengal [D] Jharkhand Answer: B [Odisha] Explanation: Padmalaya Nanda (12) from India has created history by becoming the youngest girl to bag the “Little Miss Universe Internet 2017”, “Little Miss Universe Grand Prix” and “Little Miss Actress” crowns at the Little Miss Universe 2017 beauty contest at port city of Batumi in Georgia, United States. Nanda, who hails from Odisha, has become the first Indian girl to win the crown. Now, she will participate in the “Little Miss World 2017” competition that will be held at Greece from Sept 25 to Oct 1, 2017. 209  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 115. Who has been bestowed with the 2017 Nanniyode Rajan Memorial Award? [A] Prayar Gopalakrishnan [B] E Sreedharan [C] Vakkom B Purushothaman [D] K C Joseph Answer: B [E Sreedharan ] Explanation: Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) Principal Adviser E. Sreedharan has been bestowed with the 2017 Nanniyode Rajan Memorial Award for his contributions to the development of the country. The award consists of a purse of Rs. 25,000 and a trophy. It is instituted by the Milma Thiruvananthapuram Regional Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (TRCMPU) in memory of its former chairman. 116. The India-Australia naval exercise ‘AUSINDEX 17’ has started in which port ci [A] Fremantle [B] Kochi [C] Geraldton [D] Visakhapatnam Answer: A [Fremantle] Explanation: The 2nd edition of bilateral maritime exercise ‘AUSINDEX-17’ has started between Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy in Fremantle, Australia from June 13 to increase inter- operability and cooperation between the two forces. The Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy under the command of Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta is participating in the naval exercise. Indian warships INS Shivalik (a muIti-role stealth frigate), INS Kamorta (an anti-submarine warfare corvette) and INS Jyoti (the fleet replenishment tanker) are a part of this 5-day venture. 117. Which country has launched the world’s smallest and cheapest private jet “Visio [A] United Kingdom [B] Japan [C] United States [D] China Answer: C [United States] Explanation: Cirrus Aircraft, the US-based aviation company, has launched the world’s smallest and cheapest private jet ‘Vision Jet’ at Rs.12.6 Crore. The Jet can haul five adults up to 1,150 miles at 28,000 feet. It is the first Private Jet with a single engine and can be conveniently operated by a single pilot, thus keeping production and maintenance costs low for the users. 210  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The jet can fly at a speed of 345mph and has an operating altitude of 28,000 feet. 118. Which country will be co-partner country in the world’s biggest food fair “ANUG [A] Indonesia [B] China [C] India [D] Switzerland Answer: C [India] Explanation: The world’s biggest and most important trade fair for food and beverage trade “ANUGA 2017” will be held in Cologne, Germany on October 7, 2017. The acronym of ANUGA is Allgemeine Nahrungs- und Genussmittel-Ausstellung ( or General Food and Non essential Provisions Exhibition). India will be co-partner country in ANUGA 2017 and is expected that more than 200 Indian companies will participate in the food fair. ANUGA offers an extensive supporting programme with Lectures, Special exhibition and attractive industry events. 119. Which Indian state has highest number of child labourers, as per latest Child (CRY) report 2017? [A] West Bengal [B] Uttar Pradesh [C] Maharashtra [D] Bihar Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh] Explanation: According to the latest Child Rights and You (CRY) report, over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in child labour. A large percentage, over 5 lakh of these children do not attend school. Majority of these kids are engaged in family based employments. The report revealed that Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of 2,50,672 children engaged in labour, followed by Bihar with 1,28,087 children and Maharashtra where the number stands at 82,847. The report further stated that the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) have many limitations and has covered only 50% of the child labourers. Thus, many children in this age group are seen accompanying their parents to their workplace or end up living with minimal care. 120. The Valmiki National Park (VNP) is located in which state? [A] Bihar [B] Jharkhand [C] Uttar Pradesh [D] Gujarat Answer: A [Bihar] 211  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: The Valmiki National Park (VNP) is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It is home to tiger, Rhinoceros, Black bear, Leopard, Wild dog, wild buffalo, wild boar etc. At present 241 bird species have been reported in the forest. Some of the interesting birds are Nepal kaleej pheasant, three-toed quail, flycatcher, grey shrike, green willow warbler and tree pipit. 121. The Union Government has launched IDCF programme to reduce child diarrhoea. What does “IDCF” stands for? [A] Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight [B] Intensive Diarrhea Control Fortnight [C] Intensify Diarrhea Control Fortnight [D] Intense Diarrhea Control Fortnight Answer: A [Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight] Explanation: The Union Health Ministry has launched an Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF across the country to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. Through this initiative, the Ministry will mobilize health personnel, State Governments and other stakeholders in controlling the disease, which is one of the most common childhood illnesses. During the IDCF, the awareness campaign on hygiene and promotion of ORS and Zinc therapy will be conducted at state, district and village levels. Nearly 12 crore under five children will be covered during the programme. As per an estimate, 1.1 million children die every year in India out of which about one lakh death occur due to this disease. Diarrhoea can be prevented with safe drinking water, sanitation, breastfeeding and appropriate nutrition. 122. Who has become the first Indian woman to be elected as judge of the Internatio the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)? [A] Nirmila Randhawat [B] Aniruddha Rajput [C] Neeru Chadha [D] Nidhi Bhandari Answer: C [Neeru Chadha] Explanation: Dr. Neeru Chadha has become the first Indian woman to be elected as the judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026. She got most of the votes in Asia Pacific Group. With this election, Dr. Chadha has also become the first Indian woman to occupy a top UN position, after Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, who served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Hamburg- based ITLOS, established in 1996, is one of dispute settlement mechanisms under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that entered into force in 1994. 212  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 123. The 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERC has started in which city? [A] Guwahati [B] Imphal [C] Agartala [D] Shillong Answer: B [Imphal ] Explanation: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has inaugurated the 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) Conference at Imphal in Manipur on June 15, 2017. The theme of the Conference is “North East and Look East Policy”. The Conference will deliberate on three significant themes – North East and Look East Policy, special plan for development of railways, airways, surface road and inland waterways connectivity for speedy economic development of North East Region and setting up of a chapter of Speaker’s Research Initiative in the North Eastern Region for capacity building of the legislators of the region and generating research for the North Eastern legislatures. In the conference, Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker and NERCPA Chairman Abu Taher Mondal, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh, Presiding Officers and members of the legislatures of North East States are participating. 124. Which country has topped the global remittance-receiving list of 2016, as per la “One Family at a Time”? [A] China [B] Philippines [C] Malaysia [D] India Answer: D [India ] Explanation: India has topped the global remittance-receiving list of 2016, as per the latest United Nations report ‘One Family at a Time’. As per the report, Indians working across the globe sent home $62.7 billion US dollars in 2016, followed by China ($61 billion), Philippines ($30 billion) and Pakistan ($20 billion). The ‘One Family at a Time’ study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) stated that about 200 million migrants globally sent more than $445 billion dollars as remittances in 2016 to their families. Remittance flows have grown over the last decade from $296 billion in 2007 to $445 billion in 2016. It has risen at a rate averaging 4.2 per cent annually. The study is the first-ever of a 10-year trend in migration and remittance flows over the period 2007-2016. The report has made several recommendations for improving public policies and outlines proposals for partnerships with the private sector to reduce costs and create opportunities for migrants and their families to 213  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] use their money more productively. 125. Which state government has signed MoU with British Council for quality educa [A] Sikkim [B] Himachal Pradesh [C] Manipur [D] Kerala Answer: A [Sikkim ] Explanation: The Sikkim government has signed MoU with the British Council to increase quality of education in the state. The purpose of the MoU is to support the aims and aspirations of the young people of Sikkim through collaborative projects in the area of English, education and skills by strengthening the capacity of the teachers and other professionals, working with youth in the state and support its cultural economy. The programme also include capacity building in teaching, learning and research pedagogy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Social Science teachers from undergraduate colleges and universities in Sikkim by UK higher education experts along with internship of young faculties at relevant UK Universities. 126. The 2017 G7 Environmental ministry meeting was held in which city? [A] Bologna [B] Paris [C] New Delhi [D] New York Answer: A [Bologna] Explanation: The 2017 G7 Environment Ministers Meetings was held in Bologna, Italy on June 11-12. The meeting was attended by the Environment Ministers of US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan and the Commissioners of the European Union for Environment and Climate. The meeting discussed various issues ranging from climate change to sustainable development and litter at sea. In it, the ‘5 year Bologna Roadmap’ was adopted, which focuses on important issues such as resource efficiency indicators, citizen involvement, awareness on food waste and economic analysis of the efficient use of resources. 127. India’ first canal top solar PV system has set up in which state? [A] Tamil Nadu [B] Kerala [C] Maharashtra [D] Uttar Pradesh Answer: C [Maharashtra] 214  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: NTPC has commissioned a150 KW India’s first canal top solar PV System on Cooling Water (CW) channel at its 2320 MW Mouda Thermal Power Project, near Nagpur in Maharashtra. This novel Solar PV system makes use of side walls of CW channels as load bearing structure thereby significantly decreasing cost of civil and mounting structure. The system also has several other unique advantages such as land conservation and water conservation due to reduced evaporation. It also increases PV generation due to cooling from the water and a reduction in dirt. 128. Who is the author of the book “Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji”? [A] Ramesh Pokhriyal [B] Praveen Kumar Pandey [C] Ramesh Datt Dikisht [D] Nerraj Srivastava Answer: A [Ramesh Pokhriyal] Explanation: The book titled “Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji” is based on the on the social and political life of former Prime Minister of India Atal Bhihari Vajpayee. It is authored by Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank”, who is the BJP MP and former Uttarakhand chief minister. Recently, Pokhriyal has officially handed over the first copy of the 450-page book to the President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Though, the book will be launched soon in the market for all. 129. Which state government has launched Pashu Bazar website for online cattle sale [A] Andhra Pradesh [B] Goa [C] Mizoram [D] Telangana Answer: D [Telangana] Explanation: The Telangana government has launched Pashu Bazar website for online cattle sale. The online sale or purchase of cattle through pashubazar.telangana.gov.in website will help farmers as the cattle need not be brought to shandies every time and farmers can save on transportation cost on cattle. Farmer can keep maximum five registrations for sale at any time. Thus, the online platform has been developed to help farmers to sell their animals without physically taking them to weekly markets. 130. The world’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex will be set up in which In [A] Uttar Pradesh [B] Maharashtra [C] Bihar 215  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Jharkhand Answer: B [Maharashtra] Explanation: The three state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) – Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) have signed an agreement to jointly set up the world’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex at Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra at a cost of $40 billion. The IOC will hold 50% stake and HPCL & BPCL will will take 25% stake each in the new complex. The refinery will produce petrol, diesel, LPG, ATF and feedstock for making petrochemical that are basic building blocks in plastic, chemical and textile industries. The refinery is expected to be completed by 2022. 131. Which city hosted the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum-201 [A] Paris [B] New York [C] Geneva [D] Berlin Answer: C [Geneva] Explanation: The World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum-2017 has held in Geneva, Switzerland on June 12-16 to represent the world’s largest annual gathering of the ‘ICT for development’ community. The WSIS 2017 theme is ‘Information and Knowledge Societies for SDGs’ and has served as a platform for discussions on the role of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as a means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Manoj Sinha, the Minister of Communications, has represented India in the WSIS forum and highlighted the success story of India in leveraging ICT for providing citizen centric information and services in timely and reliable manner under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. 132. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic and Social Council ( [A] Paris [B] Geneva [C] Berlin [D] New York Answer: D [New York] Explanation: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations for coordinating the economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementing internationally agreed development goals. Recently, it is in news because India has been re-elected to the United Nations ECOSOC for another 3-year term. India was 216  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] among 18 nations to win election to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). India obtained 183 votes, the second highest after Japan in the Asia Pacific category. The elected members of ECOSOC for a three-year term beginning 1 January, 2018 are Belarus, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Turkey and Uruguay. The headquarters of the ECOSOC is located in New York, Unites States. 133. P N Bhagwati, who passed away recently, was associated with which field? [A] Law [B] Politics [C] Journalism [D] Film Industry Answer: A [Law] Explanation: Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati (95), the former Chief Justice of India (CJI), has passed away in New Delhi on June 15,2017. Justice Bhagwati is known for introducing and pioneering Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which transformed the legal landscape in India. 134. Who is the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to European Union (EU)? [A] Reenat Sandhu [B] Gaitri Issar Kumar [C] Ajit Vinayak Gupte [D] Rajeev Shahare Answer: B [Gaitri Issar Kumar] Explanation: Gaitri Issar Kumar, the joint secretary in the President’s Secretariat and a 1986 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the India’s new Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (EU) which has its headquarters in the Belgian capital of Brussels. Beside this, Reenat Sandhu and Ajit Vinayak Gupte have been named as the India’s new Ambassador to Italy and Denmark. 135. What is the theme of the 2017 ASEAN Dengue Day (ADD)? [A] One vision for dengue-free society [B] ASEAN unity for a dengue-free community [C] Dengue: Fight is necessary [D] United fight against dengue Answer: D [United fight against dengue] Explanation: The ASEAN Dengue Day (ADD) is observed every year on June 15 to raise awareness on dengue and to mobilise resources for prevention and control involving private and public 217  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] sector stakeholders. The day observed as a collective advocacy event to reiterate calls on all sectors of society to unite against dengue, as well as to highlight innovative and effective strategies in the prevention and control of dengue. The 2017 theme is “United Fight Against Dengue”. 136. Who will be conferred with the 2017 Bhupen Hazarika National Award? [A] Samudra Gupta Kashyap [B] Lou Majaw [C] Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi [D] Jahnu Barua Answer: C [Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi] Explanation: Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi, the renowned litterateur from Arunachal Pradesh, will be conferred with the 5th edition of Bhupen Hazarika National Award-2017 in a ceremony at Srinagar, Jammu & Kaskmir in September 2017. The award was instituted by Pune-based social organization Sarhad in 2012 and is conferred on a person every year who has rendered an outstanding work at the national and international level. It consists of Rs. 51,000, a memento and a certificate. 137. Who has won the 2017 Man Booker International Prize? [A] Ian Samsom [B] David Grossman [C] Roy Jacobsen [D] Amos Oz Answer: B [David Grossman] Explanation: David Grossman has become the first Israeli author to win the 2017 Man Bo International prize for his novel “A Horse Walks Into a Bar”. The novel was translated by Jessica Cohen and is published in Britain by Jonathan Cape. The book is an ambitious high- wire act of a novel that shines a spotlight on the effects of grief, without any hint o sentimentality. Since 2016, the Man Booker International Prize awards both the winning author and translator £25,000. To be considered for the prize, books had to be translated into English and published in the UK between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. 138. Which IIT institute will confer honorary doctorate degree to PT Usha? [A] IIT Madras [B] IIT Kanpur [C] IIT Indore [D] IIT Bombay Answer: B [IIT Kanpur] 218  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has conferred honorary doctorate degree “Doctor of Science (D.Sc)” to former sprinter queen PT Usha at its 50th convocation in Kanpur on June 16, 2017 for her contributions to Indian sports and women empowerment.The D.Sc (honoris causa) is the highest (honorary) academic degree of IIT Kanpur. The Kannur University had conferred the Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) on Usha in 2000. 139. The 2017 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on which d [A] June 14 [B] June 16 [C] June 15 [D] June 17 Answer: C [June 15] Explanation: The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed every year on June 15 to highlight the often silent suffering of the elder generation. This is the one day of the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some defenseless older people. The 2017 theme “Understand and End Financial Abuse of Older People: A Human Rights Issue” underscores the importance of preventing financ exploitation in the context of elder abuse to the enjoyment of older persons’ human rights. 140. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Global Innovation Index (GII)? [A] 60th [B] 36th [C] 54th [D] 75th Answer: A [60th] Explanation: India has been ranked 60th out of 130 nations on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017. The 2017 index highlighted the continual improvement of India in terms of investment, tertiary education, quality of its publications and universities, its ICT services exports and innovation clusters. Among India’s neighbors, Sri Lanka has acquired 90th spot, Nepal 109th, Pakistan 113th and Bangladesh 114th spot. The list is topped by Switzerland, followed by Sweden and the Netherlands. The theme of the 2017 Index is “Innovation Feeding the World” that focuses on innovation in agriculture and food systems. The index is co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). 141. What is the India’s rank in an environment impact survey, as per latest stu Money Super Market? [A] 75th 219  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] 60th [C] 54th [D] 36th Answer: A [75th] Explanation: India has been ranked 75th out of 102 countries in terms of the human impact on environment per person, as per latest study by UK-based financial services website “Money Super Market”. Mozambique has topped the list as the greenest nation because it uses 100% green energy, followed by Ethiopia, Zambia, Latvia and Kenya. The study gave most weight to Carbon dioxide emissions, municipal solid waste and energy consumption. It highlights the individual contribution to the world’s climate and also highlighted areas for improvement for each country. Trinidad and Tobago ranks last because it hardly relies on any green energy sources and have CO2 emissions on an average of 37.1 tonnes per person. 142. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has granted how much investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund (IIF)? [A] $250 million [B] $150 million [C] $350 million [D] $501 million Answer: B [$150 million] Explanation: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $150 million equity investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund (IIF), which is AIIB’s first such loan to fund private projects. The purpose of the Infrastructure Fund is to invest in mid-cap infrastructure companies in India and to expand the bank’s equity and loan deal sourcing pipelines in the private sector through its equity participation in this fund. This initiative will benefit local infrastructure development by enhancing private capital inflows from global long-term investors, such as public pension funds, endowments and insurance companies. 143. What is the theme of 2017 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought? [A] Women and Desertification [B] Beauty of Deserts – The Challenge of Desertification [C] Our Land. Our Home. Our Future [D] Protect Earth. Restore Land Answer: C [Our Land. Our Home. Our Future] Explanation: The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on June 17 to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a 220  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels. The 2017 theme is “Our Land. Our Home. Our Future”. 144. Helmut Kohl, who passed away recently, was the former head of which country? [A] France [B] Italy [C] Russia [D] Germany Answer: D [Germany ] Explanation: Helmut Kohl (87), the former German Chancellor, has passed away in Oggersheim, Germany on June 16, 2017. Kohl, who led the centre-right Christian Democrats, was the longest- serving German chancellor of the 20th Century. As Germany’s leader for 16 years, Kohl is remembered for reuniting the country and for making a huge political and economic contribution to Europe’s integration. Kohl is credited with bringing East and West Germany together after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Together with his French ally President Francois Mitterrand, he was responsible for the introduction of the Euro. 145. Which country to host the 2018 annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure I (AIIB)? [A] India [B] China [C] South Korea [D] Japan Answer: A [India] Explanation: The third annual meeting of the board of governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be held in Mumbai, India in June 2018. India is AIIB’s second-larges shareholder. The AIIB is a new multilateral development bank founded to bring countries together to address the daunting infrastructure needs across Asia. The headquarters of AIIB is located in Beijing, China. Its mission is to improve economic and social development in Asia by investing in high quality, financially viable and environmentally fr infrastructure projects. The 2nd annual meeting of the board of governors was held in Jeju, Republic of Korea in 2017. 146. Who has been conferred with the 2017 Kusumagraja Rashtriya Puraskar? [A] Mrunal Bhradwaj [B] H S Shivaprakash [C] Jaydeo Dole 221  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Menka Dhumale Answer: B [H S Shivaprakash] Explanation: H S Shivaprakash, the noted Kannada poet and playwright, has been conferred with the prestigious 2017 Kusumagraja Rashtriya Puraskar for his outstanding contribution in social and educational fields. The award is constituted by Nashik-based Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University’s (YCMOU) Kusumagraja Adhyasan (Chair). It carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a memento and citation. Beside this, Latur-based Menka Dhumale has been honoured with the YCMOU’s 2016 ‘Baburao Bagul story writing award’ for her book “Korda Paus”. 147. Who has won the Kerala’s first-ever beauty contest for transgenders? [A] Jaz D\’souza [B] Syama Sanju [C] Harini Chandana [D] Remya Nambeeshan Answer: B [Syama Sanju] Explanation: Syama Sanju has won the Kerala’s first-ever beauty contest for transgenders “Queen of Dhwayah-2017”, which was held at CIAL Convention Centre in Nedumbassery, Kerala. Apart from this, Jaz D’souza was crowned the first runner-up while Harini Chandana came third from among fifteen participants. The Queen of Dhwayah 2017 was organized by Dhwayah Arts and Cultural Society with the aim to draw attention to the third gender in the society and its inclusion. 148. Who will become the first female prime minister of Serbia? [A] Marija Vucic [B] Aagdalena Dacic [C] Ana Brnabic [D] Aleks Brnabic Answer: C [Ana Brnabic] Explanation: Ana Brnabic, a graduate of the University of Hull in England, will become the first gay and first female prime minister of Serbia, following her nomination by the nation’s president, Aleksandar Vucic. She will succeed Ivica Dacic on June 2017. The role of the Prime Minister in Serbia is to direct the work of the Government, and to submit to the National Assembly the Government’s Program, including a list of proposed ministers. The resignation of the Prime Minister will cause the fall of the Government. 149. Ajmer Singh Aulakh, the noted playwright passed away. He hailed from which st 222  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] Assam [B] Uttar Pradesh [C] Haryana [D] Punjab Answer: D [Punjab] Explanation: Ajmer Singh Aulakh (75), the renowned Punjabi playwright and Sahitya Akademi awardee, has passed away in Mansa, Punjab. He was known to depict the real picture of rural life of Punjab, especially the Malwa region, under the stress of capitalism. His plays raised a voice against the ills that plague society, be it honour killings, domestic violence, female foeticide, militancy, etc. 150. Which city is hosting the Know India Programme (KIP) for young overseas Ind [A] Bhopal [B] New Delhi [C] Kanpur [D] Jaipur Answer: B [New Delhi] Explanation: The Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for young overseas Indians at a function in New Delhi on June 17, 2017. The purpose of the programme is to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields such as economic and education. The Know India Programme (KIP) is a three-week orientation programme for the Indian diaspora. It provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. 151. Who of the following has been conferred with the MBE (Member of the Orde Empire)? [A] Annabel Mehta [B] Sachin Tendulkar [C] Mukesh Ambani [D] Nitish Kumar Answer: A [Annabel Mehta] Explanation: Sachin Tendulkar’s mother-in-law and social activist, Annabel Mehta has been conferred with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her 40 years of service to underprivileged communities in Mumbai and the NGO “Apnalaya”. The award will be 223  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] presented to her at Buckingham Palace in London later this year. The Order of the British Empire (which has several ranks) was created in 1917 by King George V to recognise individuals, who have contributed valued service to their communities. MBE is a rank of the order and stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire. 152. John Avildsen, the renowned film director passed away. He hailed from which co [A] United Kingdom [B] United States [C] Germany [D] France Answer: B [United States] Explanation: John G. Avildsen (81), the Oscar-winning director of Rocky and The Karate Kid, has passed away in California, United States. Other films he directed include Joe, Save the Tiger, Fore Play, The Formula, Neighbors, For Keeps, Lean on Me, The Power of One, etc. 153. Who has won the 2017 Men’s singles Indonesia Open Super Series Badminton to [A] Parupalli Kashyap [B] Prannoy Kumar [C] Kidambi Srikanth [D] Chetan Anand Answer: C [Kidambi Srikanth] Explanation: Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has become the first Indian men’s singles player to win the Indonesia Open Super Series men’s singles tournament by defeating Kazumasa Sakai of Japan in the final at Jakarta by 21-11, 21-19. With this win, Srikanth clinched his third Super Series title after he had notched up victories at the 2014 China Open and the 2015 India Open. 154. Which Indian organisation has launched digital enrollment process “APY@ Pension Yojna? [A] RBI [B] NPCI [C] IRDA [D] PFRDA Answer: D [PFRDA] Explanation: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched digital enrollment process “APY@eNPS” for Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to expand the outreach of the 224  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] scheme. The APY is the government’s flagship social security scheme which may be availed by every citizen of India who is in the age group of 18-40 years. The scheme provides a minimum guaranteed pension to everyone enrolled. Currently, the scheme boasts of over 54 lakh subscribers and has generated a return of 13.91%. 155. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is ob day? [A] June 19 [B] June 20 [C] June 18 [D] June 21 Answer: A [June 19] Explanation: The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed every year on June 19 to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. The 2017 theme is “Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence”. 156. Which public sector bank has tied up with Tirumala Milk Products for providin farmers? [A] Vijaya Bank [B] State Bank of India [C] Punjab National Bank [D] Dena Bank Answer: B [State Bank of India] Explanation: The State Bank of India (SBI) has tied-up with Tirumala Milk Products to provide loans to dairy farmers who supply milk to the latter. As per the scheme for financing dairy units, SBI offers loans for construction of shed, and purchase of milch animals, milking machine, and chaff cutter. Apart from this, the bank also provides loans to dairy societies modernisation and creation of infrastructure such as purchase of automatic milk collection system, purchase of transport vehicles and bulk chilling unit. The Tirumala Milk Products is a South- based company, which was acquired by France-based Groupe Lactalis in 2014. 157. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently approved th which of the following nations? [A] Taiwan, Ukraine and Tonga [B] Ukraine, Argentina and Japan 225  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Japan, Colombia and United States [D] Argentina, Madagascar and Tonga Answer: D [Argentina, Madagascar and Tonga] Explanation: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently approved the membership of Argentina, the Republic of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Tonga at its 2nd annual meeting of Board of Governors in Jeju, South Korea, June 16, 2017. The three prospective members will officially join the AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first installment of capital with the bank. The 2017 AIIB annual meeting was held under the theme of “Sustainable Infrastructure,” seeking strategic directions of the international infrastructure bank and making major decisions on the bank’s management. 158. Sahapedia in partnership with which UN organisation has launched fellowship promote India’s cultural heritage? [A] WIPO [B] UNODC [C] UNESCO [D] IFAD Answer: C [UNESCO] Explanation: Sahapedia, an open online interactive heritage portal on Indian arts, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recently launched a fellowship programme, to inspire and provide an opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge and encourage documentation of India’s rich cultural heritage. The Sahapedia-UNESCO Fellowships will be available to post-doctoral scholars, doctoral candidates, post-graduates, and graduates. The fellowships will be available in two variants — the Sahapedia Project Fellowship (SPF) and the Sahapedia Research Fellowship (SRF) — that gives the applicants the option of participating either at the level of primary documentation or in the content curation process. 159. The Jigme Dorji National Park is located in which country? [A] India [B] Bhutan [C] Nepal [D] Myanmar Answer: B [Bhutan] Explanation: The Jigme Dorji National Park is the second-largest National Park of Bhutan. The park provides sanctuary for 37 known species of mammals including several endangered, threatened or vulnerable species, such as the takin, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Bengal 226  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] tiger, bharal or Himalayan blue sheep, etc. It is also home to the Indian leopard, serow, sambar, barking deer, goral, marmot, pika and more than 300 species of birds. It is also the only park in Bhutan where the national animal (takin), flower (blue poppy), bird (raven) and tree (cypress) exist together. 160. Who of the following has won the 2017 Orwell Prize? [A] Arkady Ostrovsky [B] J D Taylor [C] Fintan O’Toole [D] John Bew Answer: D [John Bew] Explanation: John Bew has been bestowed with the 2017 Orwell Prize for his extraordinary biography “Citizen Clem” , which is about Clement Attlee, the founder of the NHS. The £3,000 award is the Britain’s most prestigious prize for political writing, which is awarded annually by the Orwell Foundation to a book that comes closest to the George Orwell’s ambition to make political writing into an art in London. 161. The first-ever BRICS Games 2017 has started in which country? [A] South Africa [B] Russia [C] China [D] Brazil Answer: C [China ] Explanation: The first-ever BRICS Games has started at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center in Guangzhou, China on June 17, 2017. It featured some 300 athletes from five countries- Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa with 10 events in 3 sports – men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and Wushu. Recently, India has won six medals in the Wushu competition of the first ever BRICS Games. The medals haul comprised two each in gold, silver and bronze. M. Gyandas and Anjul Namdev won one gold each. The two silver medals came through Bidheswari Devi and Toshibala while L. Sanatgombhi Chanu and Sajan Lama settled for bronze in the Wushu competition. 162. The Union Government has launched ECBC 2017 for new commercial buildin “ECBC” stands for? [A] Energy Control Building Code [B] Energy Conservation Building Code [C] Energy Concatenation Building Code [D] Energy Co-nation Building Code 227  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Answer: B [Energy Conservation Building Code] Explanation: The Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal has launched Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 in New Delhi to prescribe the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India. The updated version of ECBC provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. The purpose of the code is to optimize energy savings with the comfort level for occupants, and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial building. The ECBC 2017 was developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program. 163. Baldwin Lonsdale, who passed away recently, was the President of which countr [A] Vanuatu [B] Zambia [C] Uganda [D] Greece Answer: A [Vanuatu] Explanation: Baldwin Jacobson Lonsdale (67), the current President of Vanuatu, has passed away in Port Vila, Vanuatu on June 17, 2017. He was a former senior civil servant and served as the secretary general of the Torba provincial government before becoming an Anglican priest. Father Lonsdale was the 2nd Anglican priest to become head of state in Vanuatu. He served the nation from September 22, 2014 until his death. 164. The iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel of Mumbai has acquired an`image tradema act? [A] Trade Marks Act, 1989 [B] Trade Marks Act, 1978 [C] Trade Marks Act, 1958 [D] Trade Marks Act, 1999 Answer: D [Trade Marks Act, 1999] Explanation: The iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel of Mumbai has acquired an `image trademark’ under the Trademark Act of 1999. Thus, the Palace has become the first building in India to get intellectual property rights protection for its architectural design. Now, it is will be difficult to use Taj Mahal Palace’s images for commercial purposes without paying the company a licensing fee. Though, it does not prevent locals and tourists from clicking pictures of the iconic building as long as it is not sold for commercial benefits. The Trade Marks Act of 1999 228  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] is the current governing law relating to registered trademarks which replaced The Trade and Merchandise Marks Act of 1958.The act enables to deal with the precise nature of rights which a person can acquire in respect of trademarks. 165. The 2017 World Refugee Day (WRD) is observed on which date? [A] June 20 [B] June 21 [C] June 19 [D] June 22 Answer: A [June 20] Explanation: The World Refugee Day (WRD) is observed every year on June 20 to honor the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. This year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed Syrian refugee Muzoon Almellehan as its newest and youngest Goodwill Ambassador on June 20, 2017 to promote child education. The WRD 2017 has marked a key moment for the public to show support for families. 166. Who has become the new brand ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax ( [A] Aamir Khan [B] Amitabh Bachchan [C] Sachin Tendulkar [D] P T Usha Answer: B [Amitabh Bachchan] Explanation: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has appointed Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan as new brand ambassador for Goods and Services Tax (GST). A 40- second video “GST – An initiative to create a unified national market” featuring him has already been shot and is being circulated by the Finance Ministry. In the video, Bachchan explains GST as a unifying force just like the three colours in the national flag. The GST will simplify a web of taxes, regulations and border levies by subsuming an array of central and state levies including excise duty, service tax and VAT. 167. Which union minister has launched a mobile app “Celebrating Yoga” for sc living? [A] Arun Jaitley [B] Narendra Modi [C] M Venkaiah Naidu [D] Harsh Vardhan Answer: D [Harsh Vardhan] 229  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: The Union Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched a mobile app “Celebrating Yoga” in New Delhi to connect people through Yoga for scientific healthy living. The mobile app has been developed by Department of Science & Technology on the occasion of International Yoga Day (IYD) 2017. The aim of the app is to popularize Yoga and encourage people to practice yoga for a scientifically healthy living. 168. Who has been re-nominated by India for another term as judge at the Intern Justice (ICJ)? [A] Dhananjaya Chandrachud [B] Madan Bhimrao Lokur [C] Dalveer Bhandari [D] Harish Salve Answer: C [Dalveer Bhandari] Explanation: India has re-nominated Justice Dalveer Bhandari as its candidate for another term as judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). His current term runs through February 2018. The ICJ elections will be held in November and if elected, he will serve a term of 9 years. During his term at the ICJ, Justice Bhandari has been engaged actively in the work of the Court. He has delivered individual opinions in eleven cases covering a broad spectrum of subjects such as maritime disputes, whaling in Antarctica, crime of genocide, nuclear disarmament, financing of terrorism and violation of sovereign rights. ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations based in The Hague in the Netherlands. 169. Muzoon Almellehan has been named as new Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. which country? [A] Pakistan [B] Syria [C] Israel [D] North Korea Answer: B [Syria] Explanation: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed Syrian refugee Muzoon Almellehan as its newest and youngest Goodwill Ambassador on World Refugee Day (WRD) on June 20, 2017. With this, the 19-year-old female education activist Muzoon has become the first goodwill ambassador with official refugee status. 170. P K Kaw, an Internationally recognized plasma physicist passed away. He h country? [A] South Korea 230  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] China [C] India [D] Japan Answer: C [India] Explanation: Prof Predhiman Krishan Kaw (69), an internationally recognised plasma physicist and pioneer of thermo-nuclear fusion in India, has passed away in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on June 18, 2017. He was the founder director of the Institute of Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar and served as the Professor of Department of Science and Technology (DST) at the institute till he breathed his last. The veteran scientist was honoured with Padma Shri in 1985 for his contribution in the field of producing energy through thermonuclear fusion. He wa internationally known for his outstanding contribution to the physics of non-linear collective phenomena in plasmas with special emphasis on applications to thermonuclear fusion. 171. Which institute has been selected as the first recipient of the Prime Minister’s Y [A] Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), Bangaluru [B] Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune [C] Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior [D] Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi Answer: B [Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune] Explanation: The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune has been selected as the first recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of Yoga. The institute has worked to spread Yoga, internationally, over a period of four decades. Apart from this RIMYI has also published many books on Yoga and these have been translated into multiple languages. There are thousands of Iyengar Yoga teachers popularising and propagating yoga across the world. The Award was recommended by an Evaluation Committee (Jury) constituted under the Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary and included Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, Secretary (AYUSH) and Dr. Veerendra Heggade as its members. 172. What is the theme of the 2017 International Yoga Day (IYD)? [A] Yoga for Health [B] Yoga for Peace [C] Yoga for Healthy mind [D] Yoga for Healthy living Answer: A [Yoga for Health] Explanation: The International Yoga Day (IYD) is celebrated every year on June 21 to highlight the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving an equilibrium between mind and 231  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] body. The 3rd edition of IYD 2017 has celebrated world-wide from New Delhi to New York and Paris to Panama. About 5,000 events are taking place across 180 countries to mark the Yoga day. The United Nations (UN) theme of this year is “Yoga for Health”. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice which is very useful for curing many diseases and health disorders. 173. India has signed how much amount of loan agreement with Asian Development upgrade 64 small towns of Madhya Pradesh? [A] $355 million [B] $175 million [C] $275 million [D] $425 million Answer: C [$275 million] Explanation: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement of $275 million with Government of India (GOI) for improving urban services in 64 small towns in Madhya Pradesh. As part of the agreement, the project will develop sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water supply in 64 small and medium-sized towns, and integrated storm water and sewerage infrastructure in two heritage towns of Khajuraho and Rajnagar. Along with ADB’s loan, the Government of Madhya Pradesh will provide counterpart support of $124 million. The project will run for almost 5 years with an expected completion date of June 2022. 174. India has signed a historical agreement with which country to promote coopera of archives? [A] South Africa [B] Portugal [C] China [D] Nepal Answer: B [Portugal] Explanation: India has recently signed a historical agreement with Portugal to promote cooperation in the field of archives in Lisbon, Portugal. As a part of the cooperation, the Torre do Tombo (National Archives of Portugal) has handed over digital copies of 62 volumes of the collection known as ‘Moncoes do Reino’ (Monsoon correspondence) to the National Archives of India (NAI). These volumes serve as the most important primary source for the study of the Portuguese expansion in Asia and their trade rivalries with the Arabs and European powers as well as their relations with neighboring Kings in South Asia and East Asia. 175. India’s first indigenously built floating dock (FDN-2) has launched on which shi [A] Goa Shipyard [B] Bharati Shipyard 232  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Bombay Dockyard [D] Kattupalli Shipyard Answer: D [Kattupalli Shipyard] Explanation: India’s first indigenously built Floating Dock (FDN-2) for the Indian Navy has launched at the L&T Shipbuilding Yard at Kattupalli near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Floating Dock is 185 metres long and 40 metres wide and will enable docking of all kinds of vessels, including Naval ships and submarines (excepting aircraft carriers and tankers) of up to 8,000 tonnes displacement, with draughts of up to seven metres, during both day and night. FDN-2 was designed and built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) at a cost of Rs 468 crore. 176. Who is leading the Indian delegation at the 2017 BIO International Convention [A] Y S Chowdary [B] Harsh Vardhan [C] M Venkaiah Naidu [D] Arun Jaitley Answer: A [Y S Chowdary] Explanation: The 2017 BIO International Convention has started at the San Diego Convention Centre in San Diego, California from June 19 to 22, 2017, which is hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). It is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry that offers key networking and partnering opportunities and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. Y S Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, is leading the Indian delegation at the 2017 Convention. The event features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world’s largest biotechnology exhibition – the BIO Exhibition. 177. Which state government has announced free education for girls in Governmen colleges from Nursery to PhD? [A] Bihar [B] Karnataka [C] Punjab [D] Uttar Pradesh Answer: C [Punjab ] Explanation: The Punjab Government has recently announced free education for girls in Government Schools and colleges from Nursery to PhD for women empowerment. To promote English in schools, the state government will also launch a pilot project that will roll out from July 233  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 2017in all government schools. In addition, the free Wi-FI service will also roll-out for 13,000 primary schools and all 48 government colleges. Meanwhile, the reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies has already been increased by the government from 33% to 50%. 178. Which Indian agri microbiologist has been conferred with the 2017 Ministry o Award in Japan? [A] Anil Kakodkar [B] Harish Chandra [C] Shrihari Chandraghatgi [D] Jayant Vishnu Narlikar Answer: C [Shrihari Chandraghatgi] Explanation: Indian agricultural microbiologist Dr. Shrihari Chandraghatgi, the President and CEO of EcoCycle Corporation, has been conferred with the 2017 Ministry of Environment Award in Japan for developing cutting edge technologies to address burning environmental problems. With this, Chandraghatgi has become the first foreigner to receive this award. The Ministry of Environment Award is the highest honour given in the environmental sector every year jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Japan, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan and The Nikkan Kogyo Shinbun (a media group). 179. Who will be the new Union Home Secretary of India? [A] Madhusudhan Prasad [B] Anand Kumar [C] Rajiv Gauba [D] Ajay Kumar Bhalla Answer: C [Rajiv Gauba] Explanation: Rajiv Gauba, the 1982 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, will be the new home secretary in the union ministry for home affairs. He will succeed Rajiv Mehrishi, who will complete his term on August 30, 2017. Until then Gauba will serve as Officer on Special Duty in the Home Ministry. Prior to this appointment, he was posted as urban development secretary as officer on special duty. 180. The Lahugala Kitulana National Park is located in which country? [A] India [B] Sri Lanka [C] Bhutan [D] Bangladesh Answer: B [Sri Lanka] 234  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: The Lahugala Kitulana National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka. Despite its land area, the park is an important habitat for Sri Lankan elephant and endemic birds of Sri Lanka. It is home to Endemic toque macaque, Sri Lanka leopard, Indian muntjac, Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan sambar deer, Indian pangolin, Indian hare, etc. 181. Who has been appointed as the new special secretary in Ministry of Ayush? [A] Ravi Kant [B] Rajesh Kotecha [C] Sajal Chakravarty [D] Parameswaran Iyer Answer: B [Rajesh Kotecha] Explanation: The renowned Ayurveda physician ‘Vaidya’ Rajesh Kotecha has been appointed as new special secretary in Ministry of Ayush for three years on a contract basis. Kotecha is the chief consultant of Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic, Jaipur. The appointment is in line with the Centre’s efforts to bring in specialists from the private sector in the government. 182. Which city has topped the list of most expensive cities for expatriates, accord 2017 Cost of Living Survey? [A] Luanda [B] Singapore [C] Zurich [D] Tokyo Answer: A [Luanda] Explanation: Luanda, the capital of Angola, has topped the list of most expensive cities for expatriates, according to Mercer’s 23rd annual Cost of Living Survey. Hong Kong has acquired 2nd position, followed by Tokyo, Zurich, Singapore, Seoul and Geneva. From India, Mumbai is the most expensive city for expatriates that has ranked 57th on the list, followed by New Delhi (99), Chennai (135), Bangalore (166) and Kolkata (184). The Mercer’s survey includes 209 cities across five continents. The world’s least expensive cities for expatriates, according to Mercer’s survey, are Tunis (209), Bishkek (208) and Skopje (206). Mercer’s authoritative survey is one of the world’s most comprehensive, and is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. 183. Who will be the new secretary of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry? [A] Jagdish Prasad Meena [B] P K Pujari 235  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Aruna Sundararajan [D] Narendra Kumar Sinha Answer: D [Narendra Kumar Sinha] Explanation: Narendra Kumar Sinha, the 1980 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, will be the new secretary of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry. Currently, Sinha is posted as cultural secretary. He will succeed Ajay Mittal who has been appointed as the new secretary of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The current DoPT Secretary B P Sharma will retire from the post on June 30, 2017. 184. The world’s first ever data embassy will be established by which country? [A] Japan [B] India [C] Estonia [D] China Answer: C [Estonia] Explanation: The world’s first-ever data embassy will be established by the Estonian government in Luxembourg in 2018. For this, Prime Minister of Estonia Jüri Ratas and Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel has signed an agreement on housing data and information systems, that will pave the way to open data embassy in Luxembourg. Its establishment is part of the Estonian general strategy of data management and fundamentally a double guarantee to their data and services. In addition, the data embassy will have the same rights as any other physical embassy of Estonia. 185. Who has been appointed as the head of the newly created United Nations Cou Office (UNCTO)? [A] Vladimir Voronkov [B] Sergey Lavrov [C] Vladimir Kolokoltsev [D] Dmitry Medvedev Answer: A [Vladimir Voronkov] Explanation: Russian diplomat Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov has been appointed as the head of the newly created United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office (UNCTO) and will hold the title of Under- Secretary-General. The Under-Secretary-General will provide strategic leadership to United Nations counter-terrorism efforts, participate in the decision-making process of the United Nations and ensure that the cross-cutting origins and impact of terrorism are reflected in the work of the United Nations. The purpose of the UNCTO is to strengthen counterterrorism efforts of 36 UN-funded programs under the ambit of a variety of UN agencies, 12 inter- 236  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] agency working groups, Interpol and the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Currently, Voronkov is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna. 186. Who has been appointed as the new economic affairs secretary in the Union Fin [A] N K Sinha [B] Ajay Kumar Shalla [C] Subhash C Garg [D] Kirti Singh Answer: C [Subhash C Garg] Explanation: Subhash C. Garg, a 1983 batch lAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the new the economic affairs secretary in the Union Finance Ministry. The post fell vacant after Shaktikanta Das retired on May 31, 2017. Currently, Tapan Ray, the corporate affairs secretary, has the additional charge of the economic affairs department. Prior to this appointment, Garg was Executive Director at World Bank for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka. 187. Carla Fendi, the fashion legend passed away. She hails from which country? [A] Germany [B] Italy [C] United Kingdom [D] France Answer: B [Italy] Explanation: Carla Fendi (79), the Italian luxury fashion designer, has passed away in Rome, Italy. She played a key role along with her four sisters in developing and expanding her parents’ small leather workshop, transforming the business into a global luxury fashion brand. 188. The Bhawal National Park is located in which country? [A] Bangladesh [B] India [C] Sri Lanka [D] Myanmar Answer: A [Bangladesh] Explanation: The Bhawal National Park is located at Gazipur in Dhaka Division of Bangladesh.The core area of the park covers 940 hectares but extends to 5,022 ha of surrounding forest. Its purpose is to protect important habitats as well as to provide opportunities for recreation. The park has 345 plant species, including 152 different tree species, 53 shrubs, 106 herbs 237  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] and 34 climber species. 189. Who is the author of the book “Hope in a challenged democracy; An Indian narr [A] M Hamid Ansari [B] K K Menon [C] Ashwini Kumar [D] M N Venkatachaliah Answer: C [Ashwini Kumar] Explanation: The book titled ‘Hope in a challenged democracy; An Indian narrative’ has authored by Dr. Ashwini Kumar, the renowned lawyer, author and veteran parliamentarian. The principal themes of the book are firstly on the incestuous relationship between wealth and power’ and its impact on the credibility and moral authority of the government and secondly on an insufferable atmosphere of intolerance. The book was launched by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on April 10, 2017. 190. The 2017 World Hydrography Day (WHD) is observed on which date? [A] June 23 [B] June 22 [C] June 24 [D] June 21 Answer: D [June 21] Explanation: The World Hydrography Day (WHD) is observed every year on June 21 to publicise the work of hydrographers and to create awareness about hydrography which is an essential science before undertaking any activity on or under the sea. The 2017 theme is “Mapping our seas, oceans and waterways – more important than ever”. 191. Which city has become the India’s first city to use robot to control unruly traffic [A] Indore [B] Pune [C] Kochi [D] Raipur Answer: A [Indore] Explanation: Indore has become the India’s first city where robot is being used on an experimental basis to control its ever growing and unruly traffic. The traffic police in association with a private engineering college of the city for the first time have installed a metallic robot at a busy MR 9 intersection on an experimental basis to control the chaotic traffic in the locality. This traffic controller robot has been designed by 2 professors of an engineering college of the 238  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] city Prof Rahul Tiwari and Aniruddh Sharma. 192. Which Indian bank has launched India’s first open loop EMV contactless metro [A] State Bank of India [B] Axis Bank [C] ICICI Bank [D] HDFC Bank Answer: B [Axis Bank] Explanation: Axis Bank has launched India’s first open loop EMV contactless metro card “KMRL Axis Bank ‘Kochi1’ Card” in association with Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) to make travel a convenient and hassle free experience for commuters in Kochi. Axis Bank has partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in developing this transit EMV contactless specification on interoperable open standards. The prepaid card has integrated benefits and offers a plethora of services to commuters such as instant issuance of personalized cards, convenience of recharge, hassle free shopping experience, etc. 193. Which Indian personality has been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of at The 7th Asian Awards in London? [A] Priti Patel [B] Zayn Malik [C] Nisha Dutt [D] Asha Bhosle Answer: C [Nisha Dutt] Explanation: Nisha Dutt, the CEO of Intellecap, has been honoured with the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at The 7th Asian Awards in London in recognition of her work in making Intellecap a globally known enterprise that focuses on social capital. With this, Dutt has become the first Indian woman leader to be honoured with this award. Her key contribution has been integrating technology with challenges of healthcare, financial services, incubation and conceptualizing programs such as Innovations Labs and Credit-tree. 194. Which social media platform launched an Online Civil Courage Initiative (O counter online extremist material? [A] Twitter [B] Google [C] Snapchat [D] Facebook Answer: D [Facebook ] 239  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: Facebook Inc has launched an Online Civil Courage Initiative (OCCI) in the United Kingdom (UK) to remove extremist and terrorism content from its social media platform. The new initiative will train Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to help them monitor and respond to extremist content and create a dedicated support desk so they can communicate directly with Facebook. 195. Which Indian personality will be honoured with the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Phi [A] Azim Premji [B] Nita Ambani [C] Rahul Bajaj [D] Indu Jain Answer: A [Azim Premji] Explanation: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji will be honoured with the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his efforts to reform India’s public school system. He is among the 9 philanthropists named recipients of the 2017 Medal of Philanthropy, who are selected for their distinguished and longstanding contributions to the public good. The Carnegie institutions will award the medals during a formal ceremony in October 2017. The honorees are recognized as catalysts for good whose philanthropy has had a significant and lasting impact on a particular field, nation, or community of people. 196. The Union Government has launched VAJRA scheme to attract Indian scienti does “VAJRA” stands for? [A] Viable Advanced Joint Research Faculty [B] Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty [C] Visage Advanced Joint Research Faculty [D] Viral Advanced Joint Research Faculty Answer: B [Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty] Explanation: Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Science and Technology, has launched the Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty (VAJRA) scheme in New Delhi to bring together the Indian scientists abroad and India-based researchers for conducting joint researches in India. Under this scheme, scientists or senior researchers abroad – of Indian origin or otherwise – can collaborate with faculties in India and would receive endowments at par with those in their own countries. The endowments for faculties would be US $15,000 in the first month of residency and US $10,000, for the remaining month. As per the scheme, the broad areas of research like energy, health, advance material and others would be promoted. 197. Which city has become the India’s first city to deliver diesel at home? [A] Guwahati 240  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] Shillong [C] Bengaluru [D] Pune Answer: C [Bengaluru ] Explanation: Bengaluru has become the India’s first city where one can have fuel delivered at one’s doorstep just like milk and newspapers. Mypetrolpump, a one-year-old startup, has conducted a soft launch with three delivery vehicles – each with a capacity of 950 litres. It has already delivered more than 5,000 litres of diesel. Diesel is delivered at the day’s running price with a fixed delivery charge. For up to 100 litres, the one-time delivery charge is Rs 99. Above 100 litres, one needs to pay the diesel price plus one additional rupee per litre. The startup has got 20 odd customers, including 16 schools (which have 250-300 buses) and a few apartments. One can place orders online, through a phone call or by downloading the free app. 198. The 2017 United Nations Public Service Day is observed on which day? [A] June 21 [B] June 22 [C] June 24 [D] June 23 Answer: D [June 23 ] Explanation: The United Nations Public Service Day is observed every year on June 23 to recognize the work of public servants and to encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. The day is also observed to celebrate value and virtue of public service to the community and to raise awareness regarding the contribution of public service in the development of society and honouring the work of public servants. 199. Which Indian Anti Hunger activist will be honoured with the 2017 Queen’s award? [A] Sachin Bansal [B] Ankit Kawatra [C] Anil Agarwal [D] Kunal Bahl Answer: B [Ankit Kawatra] Explanation: Indian anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra has honoured with the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders award for his exceptional work in transforming the lives of others. Kawatra is among the 60 others from all 53 Commonwealth countries to be felicitated with the prestigious 241  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] award by Queen Elizabeth (II) at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in London on June 29, 2017. The honourees will also undergo a year-long mentoring and online learning by the University of Cambridge to build leadership capabilities and better their work towards the communities. He is the founder of Feeding India, a not-for profit organization that works towards solving problems of hunger, malnutrition and food wastage, mainly by redistributing extra food from restaurants, canteens, households, corporates etc. to help people in need. 200. The Kishtwar National Park (KNP) is located in which state? [A] Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) [B] Himachal Pradesh [C] Punjab [D] Sikkim Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)] Explanation: The Kishtwar National Park (KNP) is located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. is surrounded by Rinnay River in the north, Kibar Nala catchments in the southern part, the Great Himalaya in the east and Marwa River in the west. The park is located at the high altitude of 1,700 meters to 4,800 meters. It is home to brown bear, leopard, snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, hangul, ibex, etc. 201. Which state government of India has won the prestigious UN Public Service 2017? [A] West Bengal [B] Karnataka [C] Odisha [D] Sikkim Answer: A [West Bengal] Explanation: The West Bengal government has won the prestigious UN Public Service Award for year 2017 for its initiative to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received the prestigious award at a ceremony held in The Hague, Netherlands on behalf of her government for the ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’ initiative that sought to reduce the high child marriage rates and low female education rates in the state. Through the initiative, cash was deposited into the bank account of girls for every year they remained in school and were unmarried. The UN Public Service Awards are given by the world body to institutions from across the world for their innovation and excellence in providing public services. It highlights the pivotal role of public services in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 202. Which state government will launched ‘My Plant’ mobile app on tree plantation [A] Tamil Nadu 242  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] Maharashtra [C] Kerala [D] Goa Answer: B [Maharashtra] Explanation: The Maharashtra government will launch a mobile app ‘My Plant’ on July 1, 2017, which would help in recording data about tree plantations in the state. Using this app, people and organizations can feed the data about the saplings they have planted with the Forest Department, which would help it in creating a database of trees. The Forest Department has set a target of planting 4 crore saplings through public participation between July 1 and 7. After downloading this mobile app, people and organizations can record the data about tree plantation with the Forest Department and information on this app will be automatically recorded on the department’s website. 203. Who has been appointed as the new Deputy Chairman of the International C (ICC) board? [A] Nizamuddin Chowdhury [B] David Richardson [C] Imran Khawaja [D] James Sutherland Answer: C [Imran Khawaja] Explanation: Imran Khawaja, the Chairman of Associates counties and an administrator from Singapore, has been unanimously elected as the new Deputy Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) board. He will deputize in ICC meetings in case the chairman Shashank Manohar is absent. Khawaja is a senior lawyer and serving in the ICC Board for several years. The post of deputy chairman is recently created by the ICC Full Council following the constitutional change on June 22, 2017. 204. What is the theme of the 2017 International Widows Day (IWD)? [A] Be Bold for Change [B] Never Alone [C] Fight against injustice [D] Empowering women for greater achievements Answer: D [Empowering women for greater achievements] Explanation: The International Widows day (IWD) is observed every year on June 23 as an opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows that are too long invisible, uncounted and ignored. The day addresses the poverty and injustice faced by millions of 243  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] widows and their dependents in many countries. The 2017 theme is “Empowering Women for Greater Achievements”. 205. Who will become the first Indian woman wrestler to compete in Wo Entertainment (WWE)? [A] Pinki Rani [B] Kavita Devi [C] Sakshi Malik [D] Geeta Phogat Answer: B [Kavita Devi] Explanation: Kavita Devi, the former Indian powerlifter and South Asian Games gold medal winner, will become the first Indian woman to compete in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) when she takes part in the first ever Mae Young Classic tournament for women from July 2017. She will be among the 32 participants who will compete at the tournament. The event is set to take place on July 13 -14 in Full Sail Live in Orlando, Florida. 206. NASA has successfully launched the world’s smallest satellite “Kalamsat”. The which Indian teen? [A] Shawna Pandya [B] Raja Chari [C] Rifath Sharook [D] Ashish Yadav Answer: C [Rifath Sharook] Explanation: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched the world’s smallest and lightest satellite “Kalamsat” built by Indian students into the space from its facility in Wallops Island on June 23, 2017. The satellite is named after the former President APJ Abdul Kalam and was designed and built by Tamil Nadu student Rifath Sharook along with six other teammates. The tiny satellite weighs around 64 grams and its structure is fully 3D-printed with reinforced carbon fiber polymer. It is equipped with a nano Geiger Muller counter which will measure radiation in space. The satellite has been designed in a way which will have a 240-minute mission in space and will operate for 12 minutes in a micro-gravity environment of space. With this launch, Rifath Sharook has become the first Indian student to have his experiment launched by NASA. 207. Which Indian state hosted the 2017 International Federation of Sport Climbin Cup? [A] Assam [B] Uttar Pradesh 244  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [C] Gujarat [D] Maharashtra Answer: D [Maharashtra ] Explanation: The 6th edition of International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Cup was held at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra on June 24 – 25, 2017. Over 150 athletes from across the globe will participate at the World Cup including the top talent from India. The tournament will be hosted by the City Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO). The Italy-based IFSC has 86 member federations across continents. 208. Who has been appointed the head of the reconstituted Oversight Committee (O faster bad loan resolution? [A] Pradeep Kumar [B] Janki Ballabh [C] M.B.N. Rao [D] Y.M. Deosthalee Answer: A [Pradeep Kumar] Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently expanded the Oversight Committee (OC) from 2 to 5 for faster bad loan resolution in the banking sector. The three new members are M.B.N. Rao, Y.M. Deosthalee and S. Raman. According to the reconstituted structure, the 5-member OC will be led by a chairman and work through multiple benches to approve various cases of restructuring referred by banks. Pradeep Kumar has been appointed as the chairman of the OC. With the expanded mandate, the OC will be responsible for approving cases of restructuring under the central bank’s S4A (Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets) as well as for resolving stressed cases where the aggregate exposure of the banking industry is above Rs 500 crore. 209. The World Bank (WB) has sanctioned how much amount of loan assistance for Public Finance Institutional Reforms (ASPIRe) Project? [A] $54 million [B] $44 million [C] $64 million [D] $84 million Answer: B [$44 million] Explanation: The World Bank (WB) has approved a loan assistance of $44 million for the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms (ASPIRe) Project. The ASPIRe project is based on three 245  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] important components that act as pillars for institutional reforms – strengthening public finance institutional capacity, strengthening expenditure and revenue information systems and on project management, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination. The purpose of the project is to improve predictability and transparency in budget execution and efficiency in tax administration in Assam. The project is for 5 years and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2022. 210. Who has won the 2017 Sahitya Academy Yuva Puraskar in English Language? [A] Ram Mori [B] Pratim Baruah [C] Manu S Pillai [D] Shamik Ghosh Answer: C [Manu S Pillai] Explanation: Manu S Pillai has won the 2017 Sahitya Academy Yuva Puraskar in English Language for his book titled “The Ivory Throne – Chronicles of the House of Travancore”, the biography of the last queen of Travancore. The book unfolds the rise and fall of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai, who ruled Travancore between 1924 -193. The book discusses the unheard life and rare customs of the royal family. The book also unravels some of the interesting and rare practice of matrilineal system existed in the Travancore kingdom, where king emerges from the sons of sisters of the king and not of the king, unlike other Indian kingdoms. It is also interesting to find that queen is not the wife of the king, but is the mother, sister or niece of the king. The Yuva Puraskar is awarded annually for the first book or best book by an author of age 35 and below. It consists of a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and a copper plaque. 211. Who has won the 2017 Miss World title in BodyBuilding Championship? [A] Niharika Gupta [B] Bhumika Sharma [C] Pinki More [D] Teena Kumari Answer: B [Bhumika Sharma ] Explanation: Bhumika Sharma from Uttarakhand has won the 2017 Miss World title in BodyBuilding Championship in Venice, Italy. She gained maximum points in three categories – individual posing, body posing and fall in that bagged her the Miss World title. The championship drew 50 competitors from different countries. Now, she is preparing for the Miss Universe title for bodybuilding, which is scheduled to be held in December 2017 by the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) of United Kingdom. In the event, bodybuilders from 60 countries will participate for the Miss and Mr Universe titles. 212. Desh Bandhu Gupta, who passed away recently, was the founder and chai pharmaceutical company? 246  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] Lupin [B] Cipla [C] Sun Pharma [D] Glenmark Answer: A [Lupin] Explanation: Desh Bandhu Gupta (79), the founder and chairman of pharmaceutical major Lupin Ltd, has passed away on June 25, 2017 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He founded Lupin in 1968 and created a global pharmaceutical major with a presence in over 100 countries. Today, Lupin is the 4th largest generics pharmaceutical player by market capitalisation in the world. 213. Manushi Chhilla has become the 2017 Femina Miss India World. She hails from [A] Goa [B] Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) [C] Haryana [D] Bihar Answer: C [Haryana] Explanation: Manushi Chhillar from Haryana has won the 54th edition of Femina Miss India World 2017 at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, Maharashtra on June 25, 2017. Sana Dua from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was declared the Femina Miss India Earth 2017, while Priyanka Kumari from Bihar adjudged as Femina Miss India Grand 2017. Besides, Vinali Bhatnagar won the Miss Active crown whereas Vamika Nidhi won the special award of ‘Body Beautiful’. 214. Which committee has been constituted to draft the final National Educati document? [A] TV Kattimani committee [B] T S R Subramanian committee [C] KJ Alphonse committee [D] K Kasturirangan committee Answer: D [K Kasturirangan committee ] Explanation: The Union ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has appointed a new nine- member committee to work on a new National Education Policy (NEP). The former ISRO chief Dr. K Kasturirangan will head the committee on NEP. The committee also includes former IAS officer KJ Alphonse and Ram Shanker Kureel, who has a wide experience in the field of agricultural sciences and management. The committee has been appointed keeping in mind that the members bring expertise related to the diverse areas of education. Significantly, the panel also reflects the diversity of the country as the members belong to different sections 247  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] as well as regions. 215. What is the 2017 theme of International Day of Seafarer? [A] Seafarers: Faces of the Sea [B] Seafarers save me [C] Seafarers brought me [D] Seafarers Matter Answer: D [Seafarers Matter] Explanation: The International Day of Seafarer is observed every year on June 25 to give thanks to the Seafarer for their contribution to the world economy and civil society as 90% of worlds goods are transported by Seafarer. The 2017 theme is “Seafarers Matter”. 216. Which Indian movie has won the Best Action Movie award at the Shanghai In Festival (SIFF)? [A] Sultan [B] Dangal [C] Rustom [D] Baahubali: The Conclusion Answer: A [Sultan] Explanation: Indian film ‘Sultan’ has won the best action movie award at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). The movie is about Desi, Indian wrestling and its raw power. It was directed by Ali Aabbas Zafar. With this, Sultan has become the first ever Bollywood film to win the award in the Jackie Chan Action Movie week section, which focuses on a selection of the best in action, special effects, and performances by action stars from China and the Asia Pacific. 217. What is the theme of the 2017 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit [A] Listen Peace [B] Listen First [C] Listen Yourself [D] Listen Nature Answer: B [Listen First] Explanation: The United Nations’ (UN) International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed every year on June 26 across the world to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. The day also observes to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. The 2017 theme is “Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy 248  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] and safe “. This is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities. 218. Which Indian shuttler has won the Australian Open Super Series Badminton tro [A] Chetan Anand [B] HS Prannoy [C] Kidambi Srikanth [D] Mulyo Handayo Answer: C [Kidambi Srikanth] Explanation: Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has won the Australian Open Super Series Badminton trophy by defeating former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold medalist Chen Long in the final by 22-20, 21-16 in Sydney on June 25. 2017. With this, Srikanth has become the fifth player in the world to contest three successive Super Series finals by reaching the summit clash in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. 219. Who has become the first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as Canada’s S judge? [A] Palbinder Kaur Shergill [B] Gulab Kaur [C] Harita Kaur Shergill [D] Sukhpreet Kaur Answer: A [Palbinder Kaur Shergill] Explanation: The Indian-origin Sikh human rights advocate, Palbinder Kaur Shergill has been appointed a judge at the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. With this, she has become the first turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge of Canada. Justice Shergill succeeded Justice EA Arnold-Bailey, who retired on May 31. Justice Shergill has actively represented the interests of the Canadian Sikh community in several cases heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, including the one dealing with the right of Sikh students to wear the kirpan (ceremonial dagger) in schools. 220. Which Indian shooter has bagged gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol at the IS Rifle/Pistol Championship? [A] Nandini SIngh [B] Yashaswini Singh Deswal [C] Anjali Bhagwat [D] Apurvi Chandela Answer: B [Yashaswini Singh Deswal] 249  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Explanation: Yashaswini Singh Deswal from Chandigarh has bagged gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol competition at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship in Suhl, Germany. Beside her, Anish Bhanwala has clinched gold in the Men’s 25m Standard Pistol competition in the championship. 221. Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Romania? [A] Liviu Dragnea [B] Klaus Iohannis [C] Sorin Grindeanu [D] Mihai Tudose Answer: D [Mihai Tudose] Explanation: Mihai Tudose, the former economy minister, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Romania and is expected to take office on June 29, 2017. He will succeed Sorin Grindeanu, who was dismissed by a motion of no confidence adopted in Parliament by his own party. 222. Who has become the first Indian to complete the 4,900-km Race Across Ame solo category? [A] K K Sengar [B] Nishant Sharma [C] Srinivas Gokulnath [D] Amit Samarth Answer: C [Srinivas Gokulnath] Explanation: Dr. Srinivas Gokulnath from Maharashtra has created history by becoming the first Indian to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in solo 18-59 age category, which is considered to be the toughest cycle race in the world. He completed the race in 11 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes. Not only Gokunath but another Indian from Maharashtra, Dr Amit Samarth of Nagpur, crossed the finish line at Annapolis on American east coast. Gokunath stood seventh and Samarth was a position below him among the total nine cyclists who finished the race. Christoph Strasser was the winner of the race. RAAM is not a stage based cycle race. It is a continuous cycle race that allows less than two hours of rest per day and is supposed to be finished inside 12 days. The cyclists pedal around 400 km per day. 223. The World Bank has approved how much loan amount to aid the Skill India mis [A] $350-million [B] $250-million [C] $450-million [D] $150-million 250  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Answer: B [$250-million] Explanation: The World Bank has cleared a $250-million loan to aid the Skill India mission. The loan amount would be used for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling. Under the skill development programme, adults in 15-59 years of age, underemployed or unemployed, will get the skill training. It will also include the 1.2 crore youngsters in the age group of 15-29 years who are entering the labour market every year. The programme has a mandate to provide placement and entrepreneurship opportunities to women and increase their exposure to skill training. 224. Who has been appointed as the new President of the India International Centre [A] NN Vohra [B] Soli Sorabjee [C] Joseph Stein [D] S K Sinha Answer: A [NN Vohra] Explanation: Narinder Nath Vohra, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been appointed as the new President of the India International Centre (IIC), which is one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. He succeeded by Soli Sorabjee. The India International Centre (IIC) is a well known non-official organization located in New Delhi. 225. Who is the author of the book “The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Ho [A] Surya Prakash [B] Uma Vasudev [C] Janardhan Thakur [D] Uma Vasudev Answer: A [Surya Prakash] Explanation: The book titled ‘The Emergency – Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour’ has been authored by Surya Prakash, the chairman of Prasar Bharati. The book has recently launched by Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The purpose of the book is to honor all those who fought for the restoration of democracy in the country in the mid-1970s. 226. Who has won gold in the 60kg category at the 2017 Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tour [A] Nikhil Vasudev [B] Ankush Dahiya [C] L Devendro Singh [D] J J Chauhan 251  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Answer: B [Ankush Dahiya ] Explanation: Ankush Dahiya (60kg) from India has won a gold medal at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tournament by defeating Man Choe Chol of Korea in his category in Mongolia. Beside this, L Devendro Singh (52kg) from India won a silver medal in the boxing tournament in Mongolia. 227. Which city will host the 2017 Whatashort Independent International Film Fest [A] Pune [B] Kolkata [C] New Delhi [D] Kochi Answer: C [New Delhi] Explanation: The 3rd edition of Whatashort Independent International Film Festival (WIIFF) will be held at the Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi from July 8-9, 2017 to promote short films from across the globe. More than 400 films participated from over 34 countries and more than 45 films will be screened this year. The significance of the festival lies in the very core idea of uplifting the indie and short film makers and their creations. It not only provides a unique platform to the shorter version of the motion picture but paves the way to the pinnacle it should achieve. 228. Who has won the 2017 Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament ? [A] Alexander Zverev [B] Novak Djokovic [C] Andy Murray [D] Roger Federer Answer: D [Roger Federer] Explanation: Roger Federer, a Swiss professional tennis player, has won the 2017 Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament by defeating Alexander Zverev in final by 6-1 6-3 at the Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle, Germany. With this win, Federer clinch his 92nd career title. 229. The headquarters of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is located in whic [A] China [B] South Korea [C] Japan [D] Germany Answer: B [South Korea] Explanation: 252  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Recently, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has changed its name to World Taekwondo (WT) because of the “negative connotations” that came with its acronym WTF. The change was made before the start of the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships. The 23rd edition of the World Taekwondo Championships has started in Muju, South Korea from June 24 to June 30, 2017. The headquarters of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is located in Seoul, South Korea. 230. Which Indian sportsperson will be conferred with the best Sportsperson of the the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI)? [A] Jitu Rai [B] Sania Mirza [C] Virat Kohli [D] P V Sindhu Answer: D [P V Sindhu] Explanation: P V Sindhu, an ace shuttler and Rio Olympics silver medallist, will be conferred with the best Sportsperson of the Year Award by the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI). The Best Team of the Year award was bagged by the Indian Junior Hockey Team, which won the Junior World Cup title by defeating Belgium 2-1 in the final in Lucknow on December 2016. Both the awards would be presented at the 40th convention of the SJFI to be held in Indore in September 2017. 231. Which Indian sportsperson will be conferred with the East Bengal footba honour “Bharat Gaurav”? [A] Dhanraj Pillay [B] Mary Kom [C] Pusarla Venkata Sindhu [D] Sachin Tendulkar Answer: A [Dhanraj Pillay] Explanation: Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay will be conferred with the East Bengal football club’s highest honour “Bharat Gaurav” on their foundation day. The ceremony will be held on August 1, 2017. Pillay has played a huge role in reviving the Indian team and performed brilliantly during his 15-year career, representing the country in four Olympics, World Cups, Champions Trophy and Asian Games. He played total 339 matches for India, scoring 170 goals. He led India to Asian Games glory in 1998 and also won the Asia Cup in 2003. Pillay also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for his remarkable performance in 1999-2000 and was later awarded the Padma Shri and civilian award in 2000. 232. What is the India’s rank in the 2017 Social Progress Index (SPI)? [A] 88th 253  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [B] 93rd [C] 105th [D] 65th Answer: B [93rd] Explanation: India has been ranked 93rd out of 128 countries in the 2017 Social Progress Index (SPI). The list is topped by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The SPI is an aggregate index of social and environmental indicators that capture three dimensions of social progress: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity. The 2017 SPI includes data from 128 countries on 50 indicators. The index is published by the nonprofit Social Progress Imperative, and is based on the writings of Amartya Sen, Douglass North, and Joseph Stiglitz. 233. The first-ever International MSME Day 2017 has celebrated on which day? [A] June 28 [B] June 26 [C] June 27 [D] June 25 Answer: C [June 27] Explanation: The International Trade Centre (ITC) has celebrated the first-ever International MSME Day on June 27, 2017 with theme ‘Small business – big impact’. The purpose of the day is to raise public awareness about the importance of MSMEs to economic growth and international development. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day highlights the strong contribution of MSMEs worldwide to livelihoods, communities and economies and the need to support MSMEs towards their success. The ITC is the joint agency of the UN and the WTO supporting SMEs in developing countries and transition economies for sustainable and inclusive trade. 234. The Uttar Pradesh government has signed how much amount of ADB loan for in the state? [A] Rs 2,550 crore [B] Rs 2,750 crore [C] Rs 1,150 crore [D] Rs 1,950 crore Answer: D [Rs 1,950 crore] Explanation: The Uttar Pradesh Government has signed an agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a loan of Rs 1950 crore for strengthening of roads in different district. As per the 254  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] agreement, 70% finances amounting to Rs 1,950 crore will be provided by the ADB as loan, while the state government will bear 30% cost of the project which comes to Rs 832 crore. The project, which will start from 2017 and end in 2024, will cover over 430 km roads in 12 districts. 235. Which committee has been constituted by BCCI to study contentious issues i Lodha panel reforms? [A] Amitabh Choudhary committee [B] T.C. Mathew committee [C] Rajeev Shukla committee [D] C.K. Khanna committee Answer: C [Rajeev Shukla committee ] Explanation: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has constituted a special 7-member committee to study contentious issues in implementing Lodha panel reforms which are being opposed by the state units. The committee’s mandate is to identify the few critical points in respect of the said judgement for the General Body of the BCCI to consider before its submission to the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The other members of the committee include former India captain Sourav Ganguly, T.C. Mathew (Kerala Cricket), Naba Bhattacharjee (North East representative), Jay Shah (Gujarat Cricket Association), BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary and BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary. The four contentious Lodha panel recommendations that are delaying the implementation process are one-state, one vote, age cap of 70 for office-bearers, cooling-off period for office-bearers and size of the national selection panel. 236. Who is the new President of International Economic Association (IEA)? [A] Kaushik Basu [B] Alaka Malwade [C] H R Khan [D] Raghuram Rajan Answer: A [Kaushik Basu] Explanation: Kaushik Basu, an Indian economist, has taken over as new President of the International Economic Association (IEA) on June 23, 2017 and will serve the post for 3-years. The IEA is a leading organization founded in 1950 for professional economists that seeks to shape global economic policy and research. He has also served as senior vice-president and chief economist at the World Bank from 2012 to 2016 and as the chief economic adviser to the government of India from 2009 to 2012. Currently, Basu is the C. Marks Professor of International Studies at Cornell University. 237. O N Dhar, the veteran figure and former bureaucrat has passed away in which ci 255  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [A] New Delhi [B] Lucknow [C] Kochi [D] Guwahati Answer: A [New Delhi] Explanation: O N Dhar (89), the veteran figure and former bureaucrat, has passed away in New Delhi. During the Quit Kashmir movement, he was detained for 13 months following the arrest of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in 1946-47. Dhar had worked with Sheikh Abdullah, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed and Mir Sadiq when they were prime ministers of Jammu and Kashmir till 1965. Till 1967, the elected head of government in Jammu and Kashmir was called prime minister before the nomenclature was changed to chief minister. Dhar had also held key secretarial-level posts in the state subsequently. 238. Which city has been designated as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019? [A] Warsaw [B] Pune [C] Sharjah [D] Athens Answer: C [Sharjah] Explanation: Sharjah, the city of United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been designated as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, at the Headquarters of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) at La Haye. The honour is in recognition of the Emirate’s pioneering role in supporting and expanding the local and regional publishing industries, promoting reading to become an intrinsic cultural practice, as well as embracing inter-cultural, knowledge-based dialogue. Sharjah was the first emirate in UAE to establish a formal school and a library. It was also the first emirate to house many cultural institutions like the Emirates Publishers Association and the Emirates’ writers Union. Sharjah is the 19th city to become World Book Capital. It is preceded by Conakry in 2017 and Athens in 2018. 239. Which committee has been formed by the Maharashta Government for Padma A [A] Chandrakant Patil committee [B] Ram Shinde committee [C] Sudhir Mungantiwar committee [D] Vinod Tawde committee Answer: B [Ram Shinde committee] Explanation: 256  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] The Maharashtra government has constituted an 11-member committee to scrutinize and recommend names from Maharashtra for the Padma Awards 2018 to the Government of India (GoI). The committee will be headed by Ram Shinde, the Minister for Water Conservation. The Padma awards seek to recognise work of distinction and exceptional achievements in different fields and disciplines such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry. 240. The Dudhwa National Park is located in which state? [A] Uttar Pradesh [B] Madhya Pradesh [C] Gujarat [D] Rajasthan Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh] Explanation: The Dudhwa National Park is located in the Terai of Uttar Pradesh and covers an area of 490.3 km2, with a buffer zone of 190 km2 (73 sq mi). It is home to swamp deer, sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, tiger, Indian rhinoceros, sloth bear, ratel, jackal, civets, jungle cat, fishing cat, etc. The park is home to one of the finest forests in India, some of these trees are more than 150 years old and over 70 ft tall. 241. Who has been appointed as the new chairman of National Institute of Fash (NIFT)? [A] Rajesh Shah [B] Poonam Mahajan [C] Jatinder V Sehgal [D] Sunil Sethi Answer: A [Rajesh Shah] Explanation: Rajesh V Shah has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of governors of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and will be in charge till March 31, 2019. He succeeded former cricketer Chetan Chauhan, who resigned from the post after being made the Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh. 242. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has colloborated with which social m launch nationwide “Voter Registration Reminder”? [A] Twitter [B] Facebook [C] Instagram [D] YouTube 257  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Answer: B [Facebook] Explanation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has collaborated with Facebook to launch firs Nationwide “Voter Registration Reminder” on July 1, 2017 to encourage Indian citizens to register themselves on the electoral rolls. As part of this campaign, Facebook will run a voter registration reminder in multiple Indian languages to all the Facebook users in India from July 1 to 4, 2017. For this, Facebook will activate a unique ‘Register Now’ button reminding all the eligible Indian users to enroll themselves as voters. When the users click the button, they will be redirected to National Voters’ Services Portal, where they can register themselves as voters. The reminder will be sent out in 13 Indian languages – English, Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Marathi and Oriya. 243. Which Indian state is hosting the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships? [A] Jharkhand [B] Maharashtra [C] Odisha [D] Tamil Nadu Answer: C [Odisha] Explanation: The 22nd edition of the Asian Athletics Championships (AAC-2017) will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from July 6 to 9, 2017. Around 800 athletes from 45 countries are set to attend the event. The official mascot of AAC-2017 is Olly that represents Olive Ridley sea turtle, one of the endangered species of Odisha. The winners of the Asian meet will get a direct berth for the World championship in London from August 4-13, 2017. As host, India is eligible to field three athletes in each discipline, instead of the usual two. 244. Which country has officially started building the world’s first forest city? [A] Japan [B] Singapore [C] Bhutan [D] China Answer: D [China ] Explanation: China has officially started building the world’s first forest city in the north of Liuzhou, Guangxi Province to fight against pollution and climate change, which is set to be completed in 2020. It is designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, a team that develops green projects all around the world. The Liuzhou Forest City is expected to absorb nearly 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly and produce 900 tonnes of oxygen. The energy self-sufficient city will house 30,000 people, 40,000 trees and nearly 1 million plants. As a result, the forest city will help to decrease the average air temperature, improve local air quality, create noise 258  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] barriers, generate habitats, and improve local biodiversity in the region. 245. Which country to host the 12th edition of G20 summit? [A] Germany [B] France [C] Italy [D] Japan Answer: A [Germany] Explanation: The 12th edition of G20 summit will be held on July 7–8, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. The G20 is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies with the aim of studying, reviewing and promoting high-level discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability. 246. Which Indian American personality has been appointed as new US Ambassador [A] Vinai Thummalapally [B] Krishna R Urs [C] Geeta Passi [D] Atul Keshap Answer: B [Krishna R Urs] Explanation: Krishna R Urs, a veteran Indian- origin career diplomat, has been appointed as the new US Ambassador to Peru by the Donald Trump administration. Currently, Urs is Charge d’ Affaires of the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain. He has specialization in economic issues and is considered an expert on the Andean region of South America. 247. Who has become the new member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)? [A] K. R. Damle [B] V. S. Hejmadi [C] Manoj Soni [D] R. N. Banerjee Answer: C [Manoj Soni] Explanation: Dr. Manoj Soni, the former Vice Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, has recently taken the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member of Union Public Serv Commission (UPSC). He will hold office for a term of six years or until he turns 65. The Oath was administered by the UPSC Chairman Prof. David R. Syiemlieh. Dr. Soni is the youngest Vice Chancellor since independence and has been a recipient of numerous awards. He has also been awarded the rare honour of “Honorary Mayor-President of the City of Baton Rouge” by World Education Congress Global Award for Distance Learning Leadership and 259  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, USA. The UPSC can have a limit of 10 members including its chairman and conducts national-level recruitment exams like IAS, IFS and IPS. 248. Which Indian Bollywood actress has been appointed as the new brand government’s flagship Skill India campaign? [A] Aishwarya Rai [B] Sonam Kapoor [C] Deepika Padukone [D] Priyanka Chopra Answer: D [Priyanka Chopra] Explanation: The Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has been appointed as the brand ambassador by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for the government’s flagship Skill India campaign. Priyanka will use her celebrity status to motivate youngsters to hone their abilities through a media campaign. The Skill India campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2015. The aim of the Government of India (GoI) is to train 40 crore people by 2022 through its skilling initiatives. Earlier, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Shabana Azmi and singer Mohit Chauhan had also become goodwill envoys for Skill India. 249. Who has become the ambassador of the 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne [A] Nawazuddin Siddiqui [B] Vidya Balan [C] Amitabh Bachchan [D] Kangana Ranaut Answer: B [Vidya Balan] Explanation: Vidya Balan, the famous Bollywood film actress, has become the ambassador of the 2017 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which is supported by the Victorian Government. The 2017 theme of the fest is “Diversity” with a special focus on films by female directors and is scheduled to be held from August 10-22, 2017. It will showcase over 60 films, Indie and short included, in 20 different languages. 250. India’s first blood bank for cattle will be set up in which state? [A] Odisha [B] Punjab [C] Haryana [D] Himachal Pradesh Answer: A [Odisha ] Explanation: 260  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] Odisha will become the India’s first state to set up blood bank for cattle. The first of its kind blood bank would be established on the premises of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore. The project will have a 60:40 sharing between the Centre and the state government. The cattle farmers will provide blood voluntarily. The blood bank will also go and collect blood from centres. Blood transfusion facility for cattle blood will also be done at the proposed blood bank. This will prevent death of cattle during deliveries and other ailments. 251. India’s first-ever mega textiles trade event “Textiles India 2017” has started in w [A] Surat [B] Ahmedabad [C] Gandhinagar [D] Rajkot Answer: C [Gandhinagar] Explanation: India’s first-ever mega trade event for the textiles sector has inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on June 30, 2017. The event ‘Textiles India 2017’ has been organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles with an aim to showcase the country as a global sourcing hub and investment destination. The three-day conference is expected to see participation from 2,500 international buyers, over a 1,000 international and domestic exhibitors and several top fashion designers. 252. Who will lead the Indian delegation in the 12th G20 Summit-2017? [A] Ajit Doval [B] Jitendra Singh [C] Sushma Swaraj [D] Narendra Modi Answer: D [Narendra Modi] Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Indian Delegation at the 12th edition of G20 Summit, which is scheduled to be held at Hamburg in Germany on July 7-8, 2017. The theme of the summit this year is “Shaping an interconnected world”. The summit will be organized around three pillars- Stability, Sustainability and Responsibility. The topics such as free trade, environment, terrorism, sustainable development, development in Africa, digitalization, migrations, instability are expected to dominate the discussions during the summit. 253. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh? [A] Debashish Panda [B] Rajiv Kumar [C] Prashant Trivedi 261  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] [D] Anurag Srivastava Answer: B [Rajiv Kumar] Explanation: Rajiv Kumar, the 1981-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. He succeeded Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar, who has been made chairman of Greater Noida and investment commissioner. Prior to his latest assignment, Rajiv Kumar was Secretary in Shipping ministry, Government of India (GoI). 254. Which Indian state has been conferred with the award of excellence at the 2 Development Summit (GSDM – 2017)? [A] Uttar Pradesh [B] Uttarakhand [C] Assam [D] Manipur Answer: B [Uttarakhand ] Explanation: The Uttarakhand state has been conferred with the award of excellence at the 2nd edition of Global Skill Development Summit (GSDM) – 2017 in Paris, France on June 23, 2017 for innovations and extensive use of IT for skill developments the state’s youth. The Embassy of India, Paris and Europe India Foundation for Excellence (EIFE) has organized the GSDM 2017 along with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with central theme “Making India a Global Hub of Skilled Manpower – The Next Step”. The purpose of this event was to create awareness about the skill development scenario in India, looking at specific sectors and assessing the requirements. 255. Which union minister has launched a new training programme “COMM Government officials? [A] Jitendra Singh [B] Ravi Shankar Prasad [C] Arun Jaitley [D] Prakash Javadekar Answer: A [Jitendra Singh] Explanation: Dr Jitendra Singh, the Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Personnel, has launched a new training programme Online Modified Modules on Induction Train (COMMIT) for State Government officials. The main objective of this training programme is to improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen-centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on a day-today basis. It is cost effective and has the potential to cover about 3.3 lakh officials annually, compared to 262  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] 10,000 officials under existing 12-Day Induction Training Programme (ITP). 256. Which Indian company has signed pact with Japanese firm Kawasaki Heav (KHI) to make steel metro coaches? [A] BHEL [B] ONGC [C] SAIL [D] Tata Steel Answer: A [BHEL] Explanation: The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed an agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) of Japan to manufacture stainless steel coaches and bogies for metro rail. The agreement covers establishing state-of-the-art design, engineering and manufacturing facilities at BHEL using Japanese technology. It will also entitle BHEL for all technology advances and upgrades. The KHI is also the manufacturer and supplier of Shinkansen High Speed Bullet Trains, proposed to be introduced in India on the Mumbai- Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor. 257. What is the theme of the 2017 National Statistics Day (NSD)? [A] Human empowerment [B] Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare [C] Administrative Statistics [D] Trees and their calculative lives Answer: C [Administrative Statistics] Explanation: The National Statistics Day (NSD) is celebrated every year in India on June 29 to create public awareness about importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The day also marks the birth anniversary of late Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the Father of Indian Statistics, in recognition of his valuable contribution in the fields of statistics and economic planning. The 2017 theme is “Administrative Statistics”. 258. India’s largest Fresh water aquarium has opened in which state? [A] Gujarat [B] West Bengal [C] Tamil Nadu [D] Jharkhand Answer: D [Jharkhand] Explanation: Raghubar Das, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has recently inaugurated the India’s largest 263  Current Affairs: June, 2017 [Date-wise Compendium] fresh water aquarium “Ranchi Machchli Ghar” at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Biodiversity Park in Ranchi to encourage tourism in the state. The aquarium is spread over in 36,000 sq feet area and it has 58 fish tank, where 120 species of 1500 fishes have been displayed. Besides Indian breeds, rare and popular species have been brought in from Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore. 259. India has donated how much amount to UN Tax fund on tax matters for develop [A] $2 lakh [B] $1 lakh [C] $1.5 lakh [D] $2.75 lakh Answer: B [ $1 lakh] Explanation: India has donated $1 lakh (Rs 64.49 lakh) to the UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters (the UN Tax Fund) that helps developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues. With this, India has become the first country to make a voluntary contribution to UN Tax fund, which are currently unfunded. The UN Tax Committee is a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC) that provide guidance on current issues such as double taxation treaties, transfer pricing (profit shifting) taxation of the extractive industries and taxation of services.. The purpose of the UN Tax Trust Fund is to support the work of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters (the UN Tax Committee). 260. Who will be the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India? [A] S K Khurana [B] O P Rawat [C] Nasim Zaidi [D] Achal Kumar Jyoti Answer: D [Achal Kumar Jyoti] Explanation: Achal Kumar Jyoti, a retired 1975-batch IAS Officer of Gujarat Cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) for one year, when he will turn 65. He will succeed Nasim Zaidi, who will retire on July 6, 2017. Currently, A K Jyoti is the Election Commissioner of India along with O P Rawat. An EC or a CEC has tenure of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. 264