GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

GENERAL AWARENESS

AUGUST 2017 Vol. 6, Issue 02

A PUBLICATION OF GYANM EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE PVT. LTD.

SCO 13-14-15, 2ND FLOOR, SEC 34-A, CHANDIGARH

Contents

CURRENT AFFAIRS APRIL TO JUNE 2017 03-48

BULLET NEWS JANUARY TO MARCH 2017 49-61

LATEST 100 GK MCQs 62-68

SSC CGL - TIER - I PAPER 69-80

CURRENT GK BYTES 81-102

FIGURES TO REMEMBER

REPO RATE (04.10.2016) 6.25% REVERSE REPO RATE 6.00% MARGINAL STANDING FACILITY RATE

6.50%

STATUTORY LIQUIDITY RATIO 20.00% CASH RESERVE RATIO 4.00% BANK RATE 6.50% BASE RATE(s) (of various banks)

9.10 to 9.60%

INDIA’s RANK IN

Rank in Receiving Remittances 1st

Global Retail Development Index 1st

World Competitiveness List 45th

Global Innovation Index 60th

Global Peace Index 137th

Rank in Neo-Natal Mortality 154th

Rank in Internal Displacements 03rd

Rank in Two Wheelers Sales 01st Rank in Stainless Steel Production 02nd Tourism as %age of GDP 7th FDI Confidence Index 8th World Happiness Report 122nd Human Development Index 131st The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index

87th

Index of Economic Freedom 143rd Intellectual Property Index 43rd Global Index of Talent Competitiveness 92nd Global Wind Power Index 4th ICT Development Index 138th Gender Gap Index 87th

PM MODI MEETS TRUMPPrime Minister Modi visited three countries on his foreign trip, starting with and Portugal agreed to set up a joint fund of four million Euros to support bilateral collaboration in cutting edge technology.Next he called upon US President, Mr. Trump in Washington DC, USA. During the visit, cleared the sale of drones to boost the Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.Finally, he visited The Netherlands to end his tour. PM ATTENDS SCO IN ASTANAPrime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take psummit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years. INDIA TO

India has claimed the top spot among the remittancesurpassing China, receiving $62.7 billion in 2016.study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that about remittances in 2016 to their families. SAINT PETERSBURG DECLARATIONIndiaenhance cooperation. It was signed abetween Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian port town of

AUGUST 2017

NATIONAL NEWSPM MODI MEETS TRUMP Prime Minister Modi visited three countries on his foreign trip, starting with Portugal. India and Portugal agreed to set up a joint fund of four million Euros to support bilateral collaboration in cutting edge technology. Next he called upon US President, Mr. Trump in Washington DC, USA. During the visit, the US cleared the sale of 22 predator Guardian drones to boost the Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Finally, he visited The Netherlands to end his tour.

PM ATTENDS SCO IN ASTANA Prime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take psummit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years.

INDIA TOPS IN RECEIVING MONEY

India has claimed the top spot among the remittancesurpassing China, receiving $62.7 billion in 2016. The 'One Family at a Time' study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that about 200 million migrants across the world sent more than $445 billion as remittances in 2016 to their families.

SAINT PETERSBURG DECLARATION SIGNED India and Russia have signed Saint Petersburg Declarationenhance cooperation. It was signed after the 18th annual bilateral summit between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian port town of Saint Petersburg.

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NATIONAL NEWS

JUNE

Prime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take part in the annual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years.

India has claimed the top spot among the remittance-receiving nations,

The 'One Family at a Time' study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that

200 million migrants across the world sent more than $445 billion as

Saint Petersburg Declaration as a roadmap to fter the 18th annual bilateral summit

between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

INDIA RATIFIES TIR CONVENTION

India has become the 71st country to ratify the United Nations TIR Convention. TIR stands for "Transports Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road Transports". Managed and developed by IRU (International Road transport Union), the transport organisation, TIR is the global standard for goods customs transit. TIR will help India to integrate with Myanmar and Thailand as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for enhancing trade through road. INDIA TOPS IN ‘EASE OF DOING BUSINESS’According to the 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), India has surpassed China to secure the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business; citing India’s rapidly expanding economy, relaxation of FDI rules and a consumboom as the key drivers. EU TO SUPPORT INDIAN SMART CITIES

France and the European Union have extended a grant of 3.5 million Euros to India under the ‘Moblise Your City’ (MYC) initiative for reducing carbon emissions and promote sustainability of smart city programme. Three Indian cities- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmadabad the grant as part of the EU’s commitment under the Paris Climate agreement.

AUGUST 2017

country to ratify the United

TIR stands for "Transports Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road Transports". Managed and developed by IRU (International Road transport Union), the world road transport organisation, TIR is the global standard for goods customs transit. TIR will help India to integrate with Myanmar and Thailand as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal for enhancing trade through road.

NESS’ According to the 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), India has surpassed China to secure the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business; citing India’s rapidly expanding economy, relaxation of FDI rules and a consumption

EU TO SUPPORT INDIAN SMART CITIES

France and the European Union have extended a grant

‘Moblise Your initiative for reducing carbon emissions and

of smart city programme. Three Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmadabad -- will get

the grant as part of the EU’s commitment under the

IIT DELHI IS BEST IN INDIA The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indian University, scoring 172edition of the ‘Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings’. IIT Bombay is nearby at 179while otherwise leading university Science (IISc), Bengaluru, slipped to 190these three universities could enter the top 200 list.Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the list, followed by Stanford University and Harvard University at 2nd and 3rd rank, respectively. All three are from USA. INDIA RE-ELECTED TO ECOSOCIndia has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for another three-year term. India was among 18 nations to win membership to the 54 members’ body.platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development. INDIA RANKS 60TH IN INNOVATION

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in its 10th edition of the ‘Global Innovation Index (GII)’ has ranked India 60th on its list of 130 most innovative countries in the world. Switzerland is at the top for the seventh year running. India performed well on a number of parameters, claiming top spot in ICT services exports. INDIA RANKS 45TH IN COMPETITIVENESSIn the world competitiveness list compiled by the World Competitiveness Centre of the International Institute for Management Development, Switzerland, India has been ranked 45th, while Hong Kong topped the list, followed by Switzerland and Singapore at second and thirrespectively. The Center also published a separate report ranking countries’ digital competitivenesswas at top, followed by Sweden and USA. ‘DANGAL’ CREATES HISTORYAccording to Forbes Magazine's latest report, the movie Dangal has become the first ever Indian film in history to earn Rs 2000 crore (307 million USD) worldwide after it earned Rs 2.5 crore on its 53rd day at the China box office.

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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Delhi is top

ersity, scoring 172nd rank in the latest edition of the ‘Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings’. IIT Bombay is nearby at 179th rank while otherwise leading university - Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, slipped to 190th position. Only these three universities could enter the top 200 list. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the list, followed by Stanford University and Harvard University

rank, respectively. All three are from USA.

LECTED TO ECOSOC elected to the UN's principal organ

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for another year term. India was among 18 nations to win

membership to the 54 members’ body. It is the central e, and innovative thinking

IN INNOVATION

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in its 10th edition of the ‘Global Innovation Index (GII)’ has

on its list of 130 most innovative Switzerland is at the top for the

India performed well on a number of parameters, claiming top spot in ICT services

IN COMPETITIVENESS competitiveness list compiled by the World

Competitiveness Centre of the International Institute for Management Development, Switzerland, India has been

, while Hong Kong topped the list, followed Switzerland and Singapore at second and third rank,

Center also published a separate report ranking countries’ digital competitiveness wherein Singapore

ollowed by Sweden and USA.

‘DANGAL’ CREATES HISTORY According to Forbes Magazine's latest report, the movie

l has become the first ever Indian film in history to earn Rs 2000 crore (307 million USD) worldwide after it earned Rs 2.5 crore on its 53rd day at the China

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

INDIA IS NOT ‘PEACEFUL’

As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has ranked 137th out of 163 countries. Icelandnamed the world's most peaceful country fconsecutive year followed by New Zealand and at second and third position while Syria has been named the least peaceful country. PACT WITH SOMALIA ON PRISONERSUnion Cabinet has approved an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons between India and Somalia. This will facilitate transfer Indians imprisoned in Somalia to be near to their families in India while serving remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their social rehabilitation.

The national function for the International Yoga Day was held on June 21 at Ramabai Ambedkar Ground in Lucknow where PM Modi performed yoga with over 60 thousand participants.

The National Archives of India signed a Protocol of Cooperation with the Portuguese Republicof archives in Lisbon, Portugal.

India has agreed to provide $ 318 million fresh credit to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway sector in the country.

Australia allows Indians to apply for a visitor visa online starting from first July to make visitor visas easier and enhance the experience for Indians.

AUGUST 2017

As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has

163 countries. Iceland has been world's most peaceful country for the tenth

consecutive year followed by New Zealand and Portugal at second and third position while Syria has been named

PACT WITH SOMALIA ON PRISONERS Union Cabinet has approved an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons between India and Somalia. This

Indians imprisoned in Somalia to be near to their families in India while serving remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their

The national function for the International Yoga Day kar Ground in

Lucknow where PM Modi performed yoga with over

signed a Protocol of he Portuguese Republic in the field

318 million fresh credit to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway

to apply for a visitor visa online starting from first July to make visitor visas easier and enhance the experience for Indians.

INDIA WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF TURKEYTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoganon a two day official visit. His visit was focused on trade and about 150 businessmen accompanied him.countries resolved to fight against terrorism.Jamia Millia Islamia University presented him an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT IN INDIAPresident of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New Delhi on a four day State visit. The two countries signed MoUs on cooperation in various sectors. India and Palestine enjoy historically close and friendly ties.offers tourist visa on arrival facility to Palestinians. MAURITIUS PM VISITS INDIAPravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius visited India. He held discussions on bilateral issues with top statesmen of the country.$500 million line of credit for Mauritius. Rcent of all FDI inflows into India are from Mauritius ICJ RULES IN FAVOUR OF INDIA

India secured a major victory when the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherland, asked Pakistan not to execute former Indian Navy official Kulbhushan Jadhav, before the final decision of the court. The Indian legal team was led by eminent lawyer Harish Salve. Pakistan had arrested Mr Jadhav in Baluchistan accusing him of spying and awarded death sentence to him. LONGEST ROAD BRIDGE IN INDIA A 9.15 km long road bridge over Brahmaputra river in Assam was opened to traffic on May 26. Supposed to be the longest bridge in India, it connects Dhola on South Bank with Sadia on North Bank. reducing the road distance by over four hours. The bridge has been named after the legendary Assamese singer and musician late Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

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MAY

INDIA WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF TURKEY Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to India

His visit was focused on trade and about 150 businessmen accompanied him. The two

fight against terrorism. Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University presented him an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT IN INDIA President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New Delhi on a four day State visit. The two countries signed

various sectors. India and Palestine enjoy historically close and friendly ties. India

facility to Palestinians.

MAURITIUS PM VISITS INDIA Prime Minister of Mauritius

discussions on bilateral issues with top statesmen of the country. India announced a $500 million line of credit for Mauritius. Roughly 30 per cent of all FDI inflows into India are from Mauritius.

ICJ RULES IN FAVOUR OF INDIA

victory when the International

Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherland, asked Pakistan not to execute former Indian Navy official Kulbhushan Jadhav, before the final decision of the court. The Indian legal team was led by eminent lawyer

kistan had arrested Mr Jadhav in Baluchistan accusing him of spying and awarded death

LONGEST ROAD BRIDGE IN INDIA A 9.15 km long road bridge over Brahmaputra river in

was opened to traffic on May 26. Supposed to be bridge in India, it connects Dhola on South

Bank with Sadia on North Bank. reducing the road The bridge has been named

legendary Assamese singer and musician late

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

INDORE IS THE CLEANEST CITY

In a government survey - Swachh Survekshan ofcities in the country, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been ranked as the cleanest city in India while Gonda in Uttar Pradesh has been ranked the dirtiest. Bhopal, another city from MP has been ranked second follVisakhapatnam and Surat at third and fourth place.The criteria for this year's ranking included 45% marks for cities becoming open defecation free, solid waste management (including sweeping, collection, transportation and processing of garbage), education and capacity building. PM VISITS SRI LANKA Prime Minister Modi made a two day visit to Sri Lanka.He took part in the International Vesak Day celebrations in Colombo. Vesak day is one of the holiest day for Buddhists as its marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. DHAKA, MUMBAI MOST CROWDED

In a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) citing UN Habitat data, two Indian cities—Mumbai and Kota have been named among the world’s most crowded.With a population density of 44,500 people per square kilometre, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the most crowded city on the planet, followed by Mumbai (31,700). Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per square km was ranked seventh.

AUGUST 2017

Swachh Survekshan of 434

cities in the country, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been ranked as the cleanest city in India while Gonda in Uttar Pradesh has been ranked the dirtiest. Bhopal, another city from MP has been ranked second followed by Visakhapatnam and Surat at third and fourth place. The criteria for this year's ranking included 45% marks for cities becoming open defecation free, solid waste management (including sweeping, collection,

education and

Prime Minister Modi made a two day visit to Sri Lanka. He took part in the International Vesak Day celebrations

Vesak day is one of the holiest day for lightenment and death

In a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) citing

Mumbai and Kota have been named among the world’s most crowded.

44,500 people per square kilometre, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the most crowded city on the planet, followed by Mumbai

Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per

VIZAG IS THE CLEANEST RLY STATIONAmong the 407 stations surveyed across the country for cleanliness, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra ranked first among the A1 category stations, while Beas (near Amritsar) in Punjab topped the A category stations. The survey was conducted by the environment and housekeeping management directorate of the Railway Board under the Swatch Rail Swatch Bharat mission. FIRST SMART GRID POWER PROJECTThe Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in Shibpur, West Bengal has successfully created the country's first smart grid power project to generate power from various renewable sources of energy. The smart grid will be synchronised to generate power from solar, wind and vegetable waste, depending on the weather conditions and availability of waste products. INDIA LAGS IN NEO NATAL MORTALITY

According to a study published on the ‘Global Burden of Disease’ in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, newborns in India have a lesser chance of survival than babies born in Afghanistan and Somalia. 154th out of 195 countries. In the case of neonatal mortality, on a scale of 1 to 100, India scored 14 while Afghanistan scored 19 STAMP RELEASED ON SRI RAMANUJACHARYAVarious functions are being organized in Srirangam and Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu to culminate the 1000th birth anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanuja, the Acharya who gave the Navathe world. PM released a commemorative stamp of Sri Ramanuja Acharya on the occasion. INDIA 3RD HIGHEST IN DISPLACEMENTSA report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre and the Norwegian Refugee CouncilIndia third among nations most affected by local displacement of people, after China and the Philippines. Of the 2.4 million displacements inmillion were associated with monsoon season floods in Bihar between mid-July and October, 2016.

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VIZAG IS THE CLEANEST RLY STATION 07 stations surveyed across the country for

cleanliness, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra ranked first among the A1 category stations, while Beas (near Amritsar) in Punjab topped the A category stations. The survey was conducted by the environment and

ekeeping management directorate of the Railway Board under the Swatch Rail Swatch Bharat mission.

FIRST SMART GRID POWER PROJECT The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in Shibpur, West Bengal has

country's first smart grid power project to generate power from various renewable

The smart grid will be synchronised to generate power from solar, wind and vegetable waste, depending on the weather conditions and

INDIA LAGS IN NEO NATAL MORTALITY

According to a study published on the ‘Global Burden of Disease’ in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, newborns in India have a lesser chance of survival than babies born in Afghanistan and Somalia. India ranks

In the case of neonatal mortality, on a scale of 1 to 100, India scored 14 while Afghanistan scored 19, Somalia, 21.

STAMP RELEASED ON SRI RAMANUJACHARYA Various functions are being organized in Srirangam and Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu to culminate the

birth anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanuja, the Acharya who gave the Nava granthas to

released a commemorative stamp of Sri on the occasion.

DISPLACEMENTS A report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre and the Norwegian Refugee Council has ranked India third among nations most affected by local displacement of people, after China and the Philippines. Of the 2.4 million displacements in India, more than 1.6 million were associated with monsoon season floods in

July and October, 2016.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29 went for a four nation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and France, beginning with Berlin in Germany

The Taj Mahal, ranked 5th, is the only Indian monument in the world's top 10 Travellers' Choice awards for Landmarks. Angkor Wat in Cambodia was at top.

The Union Cabinet approved the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with Germany for cooperation in of alternative medicine.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation has revised India’s ranking for 2014 & 2015 to 24improving 16 places from earlier 40th place.

A three day annual meeting of the African Development Bank was held in Ahmadabad.quarters are in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The two-day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE to provide a common platform for the Start up eco system in both India and UAE.

In the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index by consultancy giant EY (Earnest and Young), India has been placed at 2nd spot, first being China.

India has been elected as the President of UNan organ of the UNO, to promote sustainable human settlements across the globe.

India organised a cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to mark the 156th birth anniversary of the famous Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore.

India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crorethe new 'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme for children of freedom fighters in Bangladesh.

SHEIKH HASINA VISITS INDIA Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to India on a four day visit. The two countries signed a number of bilateral agreements including issues like cooperation in civil nuclear usage and defence. India extended a of Credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for defence purchases.

AUGUST 2017

on May 29 went for a four nation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and France, beginning with Berlin in Germany

, is the only Indian monument in the world's top 10 Travellers' Choice

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The Union Cabinet approved the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with Germany for cooperation in the field

United Nations World Tourism Organisation has revised India’s ranking for 2014 & 2015 to 24th place,

place. A three day annual meeting of the African

adabad. Its head

day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE to provide a common platform for the Start up eco system in both India and UAE. In the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness

consultancy giant EY (Earnest and Young), spot, first being China.

India has been elected as the President of UN-Habitat, an organ of the UNO, to promote sustainable human

cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to birth anniversary of the famous

India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crore for funding 'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme for children

ARPIL

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to India on a four day visit. The two countries signed a number of bilateral agreements including issues like cooperation in civil nuclear usage and defence. India extended a Line

angladesh for defence

AUSTRALIAN PM VISITS INDIAAustralian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrived in New Delhi on a four-day visit to India. A number of MoUs and agreements were signed in the areas of security, environment, sports, science aand health. INDIA GREETS PRESIDENT OF NEPALNepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New Delhi on a five day visit to India. This is her first foreign trip after assuming the office in October 2015, following the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal. P M OF MALAYSIA VISITS INDIA Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in India on an official visit. Both nations defeat Islamic State militants and the growing threat of radicalisation and extremism. The two countries signed investment deals worth $36 billion or about Rs 2.45 lakh crore. This year marks the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. VICE PRESIDENT VISITS ARMENIA AND POLANDVice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari went on a day two nation tour to Armenia and Polandcelebrating 25 years of diplomatic relationship with Armenia this year. His visit to Poland aims at further deepening the economic co-operation between two countries. INDIA BECOMES EXPORTER OF ELECT

India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of electricity during the April-February period. In FY17 up to February, India had exported around 5,798 million units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213 million units more than the import of around 5,585 million units from Bhutan. INDIA RANKS 7TH IN TOURISM TURNOVERA report of the World Travel and Tourism Council says that India’s travel and tourism sectorworld in terms of its total contribution to the country's GDP. The USA topped the list followed by China and Germany at the second and third positions, respectively.

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AUSTRALIAN PM VISITS INDIA Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrived in

day visit to India. A number of MoUs and agreements were signed in the areas of security, environment, sports, science and technology

INDIA GREETS PRESIDENT OF NEPAL Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New Delhi on a five day visit to India. This is her first foreign trip after assuming the office in October 2015, following

the new Constitution in Nepal.

P M OF MALAYSIA VISITS INDIA Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in India on an official visit. Both nations agreed to cooperate to defeat Islamic State militants and the growing threat of

. The two countries signed investment deals worth $36 billion or about Rs 2.45 lakh crore. This year marks the 60th anniversary of

VICE PRESIDENT VISITS ARMENIA AND POLAND President Mohammad Hamid Ansari went on a five

day two nation tour to Armenia and Poland. India is celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relationship with Armenia this year. His visit to Poland aims at further

operation between two

INDIA BECOMES EXPORTER OF ELECTRICITY

India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of

February period. In FY17 up to February, India had exported around 5,798 million units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213

the import of around 5,585

IN TOURISM TURNOVER World Travel and Tourism Council says

travel and tourism sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country's

topped the list followed by China and Germany at the second and third positions, respectively.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

INDIA’s LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL

The 9.2 km long Chenani - Nashri Tunnel, India's road tunnel, built on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was inaugurated by the prime minister on April 2. The tunnel will reduce travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by up to two hours by cutting the distance by 31 kilometers. It will also helthe highway open during winters when it is closed due to heavy snowfall. NIRF RANKINGS RELEASED

Ministry of HRD released the National Institutional Ranking Framework- NIRF in New Delhi for ranking top educational institutes of India. Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science was declared as the best university, while Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University stood 2nd and 3rd respectively. Winners in other categories include Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (engineering), IIM Ahmadabad (management), Jamia Hamdard, Delhi Delhi’s Miranda House (college). In the overall rankings, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru topped the rankings. INDIA FARES POORLY IN ENERGY SECTOR

The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index 2017 released by the World Economic Forum ranked 127 countries on their ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy. The index is topped by Switzerland while India was placed at 87

AUGUST 2017

Nashri Tunnel, India's longest

Srinagar National Highway was inaugurated by the prime minister on April 2. The tunnel will reduce travel time between

to two hours by cutting the distance by 31 kilometers. It will also help in keeping the highway open during winters when it is closed due

Ministry of HRD released the National Institutional NIRF in New Delhi for ranking top

Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science was declared as the best university,

elhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras respectively.

Indian Institute of ras (engineering), IIM Ahmadabad

(pharmacy),

In the overall rankings, Indian Institute of Science,

INDIA FARES POORLY IN ENERGY SECTOR

The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index 2017 released by the World Economic Forum ranked 127 countries on their ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy. The index is topped by Switzerland while India was placed at 87th position.

AADHAAR CARD NOT MANDATORY The Supreme Court has clarified that the government cannot make Aadhaar number mandatory for availing benefits of various welfare schemes like LPG subsidy, foodgrains, mid day meals, etc. However, govtstopped from using Aadhaar in other schemes like the opening of bank accounts, issuance of PAN card, etc. MODI, VIJAY FIGURE IN TIME LISTTime Magazine released the annual list of 100 most influential people of 2017 in five categories artists, leaders, titans and icons. TIndians are there in the list- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (leaders) and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma (titans). President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos

Anastasiades arrived in Mumvisit.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on a fiveeconomic cooperation with India.

India and Russia are celebrating the 70of establishment of diplomatic relations between them.

India ranks 40th in list of 136 countries in Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report by WorldForum. Spain is ranked at the top in the list.

India has signed a joint declapromote innovation and the R&D ecosystemthe two countries.

International Conference and Exhibition on Steel Industry 'India Steel 2017' was held in

National Convention on World Homeopathy Day was held in New Delhi on 10 April.

A three-day National Children’s Film Festival was held in Vishakhapatnam from April 7 to 10.

19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference Forest Research InstituteUttarakhand.

Annual meeting of the New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) was held in New Delhi. This is the first time the meet is happening in India.

The World Conference on EnvironmentNew Delhi on March 26.

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AADHAAR CARD NOT MANDATORY - SC The Supreme Court has clarified that the government cannot make Aadhaar number mandatory for availing benefits of various welfare schemes like LPG subsidy, foodgrains, mid day meals, etc. However, govt. cannot be stopped from using Aadhaar in other schemes like the opening of bank accounts, issuance of PAN card, etc.

MODI, VIJAY FIGURE IN TIME LIST Time Magazine released the annual list of 100 most influential people of 2017 in five categories – pioneers, artists, leaders, titans and icons. This year, only two

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (leaders) and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades arrived in Mumbai on a four-day India

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit to strengthen economic cooperation with India. India and Russia are celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between

ranks 40th in list of 136 countries in Travel and

Tourism Competitiveness Report by World Economic Spain is ranked at the top in the list.

has signed a joint declaration with Russia to R&D ecosystem between

International Conference and Exhibition on Steel was held in Mumbai

World Homeopathy Day was 10 April.

day National Children’s Film Festival was held in Vishakhapatnam from April 7 to 10.

Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun,

Annual meeting of the New Development Bank (BRICS Bank) was held in New Delhi. This is the first time the meet is happening in India. The World Conference on Environment was held in

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

NEWS FROM STATES

NATIONAL AWARD FOR ‘JAL SANCHAY’

A model of water conservation adopted successfully by the authorities in Nalanda in Bihar has been selected for the National Award for Excellence in the MNREGA by the union ministry of rural development. The project named Jal Sanchay made effective use of traditional local methods of making check dams with modern techniques to store water during rainy season. SEPARATE TIME ZONE IN ARUNACHALGovt of Arunachal Pradesh has requested for a separate time zone for the north-eastern states to improve work efficiency and save electricity. It may be noted that iNorth East India, the day starts getting brighter by 4 AM and darker by 5 PM. Productive hours at offices, mainly government offices, are usually for less than 7 hours. ARUNACHAL REVIVES REFUGEE ISSUE

Arunachal Pradesh has sought help from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma and Hazong refugees in the state. The refugees, originally from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, were relocated by the Indian government in parts of Arunachal Pradesh in 1960’s. Supreme Court in 2015 had directed the centre to grant citizenship rights to these refugees. However, local people have been demanding for ouster of these refugees from the state.

AUGUST 2017

NEWS FROM STATES

JUNE

NATIONAL AWARD FOR ‘JAL SANCHAY’

adopted successfully by

the authorities in Nalanda in Bihar has been selected for the National Award for Excellence in the MNREGA by the union ministry of rural development. The project named Jal Sanchay made effective use of traditional local

aking check dams with modern techniques

SEPARATE TIME ZONE IN ARUNACHAL Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has requested for a separate

eastern states to improve work ay be noted that in

North East India, the day starts getting brighter by 4 AM and darker by 5 PM. Productive hours at offices, mainly government offices, are usually for less than 7 hours.

ARUNACHAL REVIVES REFUGEE ISSUE

help from the Union

Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma The refugees,

originally from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, were in parts of

Supreme Court in 2015 had directed the centre to grant citizenship rights to these refugees. However, local people have been demanding for ouster of these refugees from

NEW CRPF HELPLINE FOR KASHMIRISThe Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) hashelpline, ‘Madadgaar’ (helpful), with a toll14411 to serve the Kashmiris located all over the country. The helpline will render assistance in case of women and public safety, medical emergencies, disruption of civic amenities and ncalamities. SPECIAL TRAIN FROM SABARMATI ASHRAMGujarat government has launched ‘Astha Tourist Train’, a special Gandhi Darshan train from Sabarmati railway station near Ahmadabad on the occasion of centenary celebrations of the historic Sabarmati Ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi. The train would be travelling for 10 days (to and fro trip) to Bihar’s Bettiah and Motihari, formerly known as Champaran, the place where Mahatma Gandhi staged his first satyagraha in 1917 in order to rthe indigo farmers.

PENSION FOR SINGLE WOMENTelangana has become first state in India to launch a pension scheme for the singlescheme, the state government would be giving a pension of about Rs 1000 per month to single women on humanitarian grounds. VARANASI TO GET ‘FREIGHT VILLAGE’Uttar Pradesh plans to develop a Rs 1,000modal ‘freight village’ in Varanasi. The project will be commissioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The village, first of its kind in India, will anchor movement of goods by railways and roadwaultimately linking with the waterways.A 'Freight Village' is a specialised industrial estate which attracts companies that require logistics services and can cluster to improve their competitiveness. This will allow relocation of retailers, warehouse service providers supplying the regional FMCG market.

9

NEW CRPF HELPLINE FOR KASHMIRIS The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a helpline, ‘Madadgaar’ (helpful), with a toll-free number 14411 to serve the Kashmiris located all over the country. The helpline will render assistance in case of women and public safety, medical emergencies, disruption of civic amenities and natural and man-made

SPECIAL TRAIN FROM SABARMATI ASHRAM Gujarat government has launched ‘Astha Tourist Train’, a special Gandhi Darshan train from Sabarmati railway

on the occasion of centenary historic Sabarmati Ashram founded

The train would be travelling for 10 days (to and fro trip) to Bihar’s Bettiah and Motihari, formerly known as Champaran, the place where Mahatma Gandhi staged his first satyagraha in 1917 in order to remove the misery of

PENSION FOR SINGLE WOMEN IN TELANGANA

has become first state in India to launch a pension scheme for the single-women. Under the scheme, the state government would be giving a pension of about Rs 1000 per month to single women on

VARANASI TO GET ‘FREIGHT VILLAGE’ Pradesh plans to develop a Rs 1,000-crore multi-

modal ‘freight village’ in Varanasi. The project will be commissioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. The village, first of its kind in India, will anchor movement of goods by railways and roadways ultimately linking with the waterways. A 'Freight Village' is a specialised industrial estate which attracts 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.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

MYSURU STARTS BICYCLE SHARING

Country’s first public bicycle sharing project has been launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. Named simply ‘Trin Trin’, the project allows the general public to borrow bicycle from any of 48 docking stations set up across the city and return the same to a docking station nearest to their destination. PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR EMPLOYMENTMaharashtra govt has launched a web portal 'Mahaswayam' to bring all the job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes at one platform to facilitate better skill development and employment opportunities. TELANGANA LAUNCHES T-WALLET The Telangana Government has launched a digital wallet, named T-Wallet that will not charge transaction fee from consumers. The wallet, available in Google Play may be used for remittances under MNREGA, scholarships for students and many such other mass applications. WORLD BANK LOAN FOR HIMACHAL World Bank will provide $ 36 million loan for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme. The project aims to improve the efficiency of public expenditure management and tax administration in Himachal Pradesh. ODISHA GETS EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System that would set off a warning in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone is likely to become operational by July 2017 on Odisha coast.

AUGUST 2017

Country’s first public bicycle sharing project has been launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. Named simply ‘Trin

general public to borrow bicycle from any of 48 docking stations set up across the city and return the same to a docking station nearest to

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR EMPLOYMENT Maharashtra govt has launched a web

all the job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes at one platform to facilitate better skill development and

The Telangana Government has launched a digital that will not charge transaction

fee from consumers. The wallet, available in Google Play may be used for remittances under MNREGA, scholarships for students and many such other mass

million loan for Himachal

Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme. The project aims to improve the efficiency of public expenditure management and tax

ODISHA GETS EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System that would set off a warning in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone is likely to become operational by July 2017 on Odisha coast.

ZIKA VIRUS CASE FOUND IN AHMADABADThe Health Ministry has confirmed that the blood samples collected from three pregnant ladies during laboratory surveillance from AhmadabadCorporation have tested positive for Zika virus. The virus is transmitted to people through a bite of an infected mosquito called Aedes Aegypti, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya. Delhi Police launched the Bicycle Patrols for better

policing in the capital. Initially, 65 highhave been operationalised.

The Manipur government has village of Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity Heritage Site of the state.

The Law Ministry has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, legalising Kambala, a traditional race involving buffaloes, popular in Karnataka.

A joint team of the ONGC and the UNESCO has carried out a preliminary survey for the conservation of Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, to secure the world heritage site tag for it.

Indore, one of the cleanest cities of the first city in India where a robot is being usedan experimental basis to regulate the city traffic.

The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide $275 million loan for improving urban services in 64 small towns in Madhya Pradesh.

FIRST SHATABDI TRAIN IN ARUNACHALArunachal Pradesh got its first Shatabdi Express providing a speedier and comfortable connectivity between Guwahati and Naharlagun, the state capital cities of Assam and Arunachal.Shatabdi train in the north eastern India.the 350 km distance in six hours as against nine hours by bus.

10

ZIKA VIRUS CASE FOUND IN AHMADABAD The Health Ministry has confirmed that the blood samples collected from three pregnant ladies during

Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation have tested positive for Zika virus. The virus is transmitted to people through a bite of an infected mosquito called Aedes Aegypti, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya.

Delhi Police launched the Bicycle Patrols for better policing in the capital. Initially, 65 high-end bicycles

The Manipur government has declared Dailong village of Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity

The Law Ministry has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, legalising Kambala, a traditional race

ular in Karnataka.

A joint team of the ONGC and the UNESCO has carried out a preliminary survey for the conservation of Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, to secure the world heritage site tag for it. Indore, one of the cleanest cities of India has become the first city in India where a robot is being used on an experimental basis to regulate the city traffic. The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide $275 million loan for improving urban services in 64 small towns in Madhya Pradesh.

MAY

FIRST SHATABDI TRAIN IN ARUNACHAL Arunachal Pradesh got its first Shatabdi Express providing a speedier and comfortable connectivity between Guwahati and Naharlagun, the state capital cities of Assam and Arunachal. It is the first ever

train in the north eastern India. It will cover the 350 km distance in six hours as against nine hours

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

‘GOOD MORNING’ SQUADS IN MAHA

The Maharashtra government has decided to formmorning’ squads to prevent and monitor open defecation in villages and districts across the state. The squads will be formed by taking volunteers from local bodies, self-help groups, NGOs, students and social workers working in the area of sanitation and cleanliness. MUMBAI AIRPORT IS THE BUSIEST The Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Mumbai has become the world’s busiest single-runway airport with average 837 flights a day or one flight in 65 seconds on an average in the 2016-17 fiscal year, leaving behind London's Gatwick airport that had average of 757 fliga day. KERALA EXCELS IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS A latest survey by the Bengaluru based think‘Public Affairs Centre’ has ranked Kerala at the top for second consecutive year, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat at second and third rank, respectively.The ranking was done by compiling a ‘Public Affairs Index’ based on the quality and levels of governance in the ambit of 10 broad themes. ‘MAA’ TO WATCH MID DAY MEALS

UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees in primary schools to keep an eye on midserved to students. The committee will comprise of six mothers, from all sections of society, whose students are studying in that school.

AUGUST 2017

has decided to form ‘good

squads to prevent and monitor open villages and districts across the state. The

squads will be formed by taking volunteers from local help groups, NGOs, students and social

workers working in the area of sanitation and

i Shivaji International in Mumbai has runway airport with

average 837 flights a day or one flight in 65 seconds on 17 fiscal year, leaving behind

London's Gatwick airport that had average of 757 flights

A latest survey by the Bengaluru based think-tank ‘Public Affairs Centre’ has ranked Kerala at the top for second consecutive year, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat at second and third rank, respectively.

ranking was done by compiling a ‘Public Affairs Index’ based on the quality and levels of governance in

UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees in

mid-day meals The committee will comprise of six

mothers, from all sections of society, whose students are

NORTH EAST GETS IARI The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has cleared the setting up of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI) in Dhemaji district of Assam.kind in entire North East, the IARI will promote region specific research and development of local varieties of crops and plants. PLASTIC PARK IN HARYANAWith the view to promote plastic industry in the state, Haryana Government plans to develop Plastic Park Project at Industrial Estate Panipat. It will effectively use the plastic granules produced by the Panipat Refinery nearby. PUNE GETS INDIA’s FIRST BIO REFINERYCountry’s first bio refinery plant which produces ethanol from variety of biomass such asstraw, cotton stalk, cane trash, corn cobs has been started at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra. AUTO WEATHER STATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

In a unique project in the country, Maharashtra plans to install 2065 automatic weather stations across the state to measure wind direction and speed, temperature, relative humidity and amount of rainfall in the area. The information will be available on mobilewill help farmers to manage sowing in a much better and planned way as per the weather conditions. MP SWITCHES TO JAN-DEC FY Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to switch to the January-December existing April-March cycle. The move breaks a 150tradition as India started adopting the AprilMarch financial year from 1867.

Andhra Pradesh has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes from Banganpalle. A geographical indication is a name or sign used

on certain products, which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.

11

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has ian Agricultural Research

Institute (lARI) in Dhemaji district of Assam. First of its kind in entire North East, the IARI will promote region specific research and development of local varieties of

PLASTIC PARK IN HARYANA to promote plastic industry in the state,

Haryana Government plans to develop Plastic Park Project at Industrial Estate Panipat. It will effectively use the plastic granules produced by the Panipat Refinery

PUNE GETS INDIA’s FIRST BIO REFINERY ntry’s first bio refinery plant which produces

ethanol from variety of biomass such as rice and wheat straw, cotton stalk, cane trash, corn cobs has been started at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra.

AUTO WEATHER STATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

unique project in the country, Maharashtra plans to

install 2065 automatic weather stations across the state to measure wind direction and speed, temperature, relative humidity and amount of rainfall in the area. The information will be available on mobile network and will help farmers to manage sowing in a much better and planned way as per the weather conditions.

has become the first state in India to

financial year from the The move breaks a 150-year

tradition as India started adopting the April-

Andhra Pradesh has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes

l indication is a name or sign used on certain products, which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

Kerala organized the country's first transgender oneday athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram.

Assam state has been declared as a 'disturbed' area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 3 months.

Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kamrup, Assam, a first of its kind in North East region.

India’s first underwater rail tunnel has been completed under the Hooghly river for establishing metro rail link between Howrah and Kolkata.

Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi service by the cab aggregator Ola.

The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva at the Isha Yoga Foundation, Coimbatore has been declared the world’s largest bust by the Guinness Book.

NGT ORDERS FOR BELLANDUR LAKE

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed an immediate and complete shutdown of all industries around Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake where a mound of garbage was set on fire in February this year.also banned dumping of any kind of municipal solid waste around the lake. The bench also announced aenvironment penalty of 5 lakh rupees on anyone found dumping waste in and around the lake.

AUGUST 2017

Kerala organized the country's first transgender one-day athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram.

'disturbed' area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kamrup, Assam,

rwater rail tunnel has been completed under the Hooghly river for establishing metro rail link between Howrah and Kolkata. Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi

foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva at the Isha Yoga Foundation, Coimbatore has been declared the world’s largest bust by the Guinness Book.

ARPIL

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed an immediate and complete shutdown of all industries around Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake where a mound of garbage was set on fire in February this year. The NGT also banned dumping of any kind of municipal solid waste around the lake. The bench also announced an environment penalty of 5 lakh rupees on anyone found

INDIA’s FIRST BIO GAS RUN BUSA Kolkata based firm has launched country’s first bus service in Kolkata that runs on the biogas from cow dung. The 54-seater bus manufactured in association with Ashok Leyland charges a flat fare of rupee one only. ANDHRA, TELANGANA BEST FOR BUSINESSIn a list prepared by the World Bank and DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy & PromotionPradesh and Telangana have jointldoing business ranking, while Gujarat has slipped to the third position. DELHI OFFICE SPACE MOST EXPENSIVEDelhi's Connaught Place is the world's 9th most expensive office location with annual prime rent of $ 105.71 per sq ft, says global property consultant CBRE. With annual prime rent of $ 264.27 per sq ft, Hong Kong (Central) is the world's most expensive office Market. CENTENARY OF CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA

The Bihar Government launched year long celebrations to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha. This was Gandhi’s first Satyagraha. It was undertaken in the Champaran district in northern Bihar in April, 1917 to protest the abuses suffered by the cultivators of the district as they were forced by Bplanters/estate owners into growing indigo into one third of their land. The practice was called BHOORSINGH THE BARASINGHAKanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has become the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. Barasingha (swamp deer) is also the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve is the only place in the world where this species exists. ‘OPERATION DURGA’ IN HARYANAHaryana government has launched form police squads that would aim to stop harassment of women in public spaces and ensure adequate safety for them. 24 squads have been formed for this purpose.

12

INDIA’s FIRST BIO GAS RUN BUS A Kolkata based firm has launched country’s first bus service in Kolkata that runs on the biogas from cow

manufactured in association with Ashok Leyland charges a flat fare of rupee one only.

ANDHRA, TELANGANA BEST FOR BUSINESS In a list prepared by the World Bank and DIPP Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion), Andhra

Pradesh and Telangana have jointly topped the ease of doing business ranking, while Gujarat has slipped to the

DELHI OFFICE SPACE MOST EXPENSIVE Delhi's Connaught Place is the world's 9th most expensive office location with annual prime rent of $

global property consultant CBRE. With annual prime rent of $ 264.27 per sq ft, Hong Kong (Central) is the world's most expensive office Market.

CENTENARY OF CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA

The Bihar Government launched year long celebrations

centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran This was Gandhi’s first Satyagraha. It was

undertaken in the Champaran district in northern Bihar in April, 1917 to protest the abuses suffered by the cultivators of the district as they were forced by British planters/estate owners into growing indigo into one third of their land. The practice was called Tinkathia.

BHOORSINGH THE BARASINGHA Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has become the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a

, named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. Barasingha (swamp deer) is also the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve is the only place in the

‘OPERATION DURGA’ IN HARYANA Haryana government has launched Operation Durga to form police squads that would aim to stop harassment of women in public spaces and ensure adequate safety for them. 24 squads have been formed for this purpose.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

Manipur to hold People’s Day on the 15th of every month to enable the common public to get easy access to the state’s top elected leaders and officials.

Maharashtra has become the first state to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that transgenders in the state register as voters in greater numbers.

GOVERNMENTINITIATIVES

‘VAJRA’ SCHEME FOR SCIENTISTS

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Ministry of Science and Technology launched the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme in a bid to bring together the Indian abroad and India-based researchers for conducting joint researches in India. Scientists and academicians abroad shall be invited to work in India for a period of one to three months. MISSION LAUNCHED FOR ARTISTS The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of the PM's 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Best India) scheme to provide a direct channel of communication to artistes from different fields with the goveauthorities. The mission will cover all the blocks of the country, involving more than six lakh villages to collect data for preserving the scattered and near extinct art forms and bringing all the cultural activities under one web based umbrella for better results. CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT DIARRHEA The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF)intensify efforts to reduce child deaths due to diarrhea. It aims to create mass awareness about most effective and low-cost diarrhea treatment combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets.

AUGUST 2017

Manipur to hold People’s Day on the 15th of every n public to get easy

access to the state’s top elected leaders and officials. the first state to launch a

special awareness drive to ensure state register as voters in

GOVERNMENT

JUNE

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Ministry of Science and Technology launched the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme in a bid to bring together the Indian scientists

based researchers for conducting joint researches in India. Scientists and academicians abroad shall be invited to work in India for a period of one to

The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of the PM's 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Best India) scheme to provide a direct channel of communication to artistes from different fields with the government

The mission will cover all the blocks of the country, involving more than six lakh villages to collect data for preserving the scattered and near extinct art forms and bringing all the cultural activities under one web based

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to

to reduce child deaths due to It aims to create mass awareness about the

treatment - a Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution

BILL TO PROTECT FINANCIAL CONSUMERSThe Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit InBill, 2017. The Bill would provide a resolution for financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities. The law will help to protect the interests of consumers of financial service providers in financial distress. OPERATION SWARN BY RAILWAYSIndian Railways has launched ‘Operation Swarn’to upgrade Shatabdis and Rajdhanis in the coming months. Railway has identified 10 key areas or parameters such as cleanliness, linen, toilets, catering, wi-fi facility, coffee vending machines and infotainment screens that need improvement. ONLINE LEGAL SERVICE FOR RURAL AREASA video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law' has been launched for the people living inwill be available across the 1,000 Common Service Centre (CSC) network connecting the citizens to legal service providers. The scheme will be tested as a pilot across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. ‘SATH’ LAUNCHED FOR STATESNITI Aayog has launched SATH, a program for providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments. The program aims to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors. Initially, three states will be identified todevelop them as the future ‘role models’ for health systems. NEW REGULATOR FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Govt plans to replace regulators of higher education University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) with a singlehigher education regulator. The proposed agency named ‘Higher Education Empowerment Regulation Agency’ (HEERA) is aimed at eliminating overlaps in jurisdiction and remove irrelevant regulatory provisions.

13

BILL TO PROTECT FINANCIAL CONSUMERS The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017. The Bill would provide a resolution for financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities. The law will help to protect the interests

ice providers in financial

OPERATION SWARN BY RAILWAYS Operation Swarn’ (Gold)

to upgrade Shatabdis and Rajdhanis in the coming months. Railway has identified 10 key areas or

, linen, coach interiors, fi facility, coffee vending machines

and infotainment screens that need improvement.

ONLINE LEGAL SERVICE FOR RURAL AREAS A video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law' has been launched for the people living in rural areas. It will be available across the 1,000 Common Service Centre (CSC) network connecting the citizens to legal service providers. The scheme will be tested as a pilot across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

‘SATH’ LAUNCHED FOR STATES Aayog has launched SATH, a program for providing

‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments. The program aims to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors. Initially, three states will be identified to develop them as the future ‘role models’ for health

NEW REGULATOR FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Govt plans to replace regulators of higher education University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) with a single higher education regulator. The proposed agency named ‘Higher Education Empowerment Regulation Agency’ (HEERA) is aimed at eliminating overlaps in jurisdiction and remove irrelevant regulatory

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

NATIONAL HUMAN MILK BANK LAUNCHED

Govt has launched the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi. It is expected to be the largest centre of its kind in the North India. It is an initiative of the LHMC collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo University and Norway-India Partnership Initiative. 3 APPS LAUNCHED BY TRAI Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched three mobile Apps to provide consumer friendly monitoring facility. The three apps, namely Mycall, Myspeed and Do Not Disturb will help mobile phone users to rate their experience about voice call quality in real time. SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH SECTORHealth Ministry has launched – ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’ initiative in New Delhi to promote skill development in the health sector. The initiative aims to improve the quality and quantity of professionals in the healthcare system through better training. ALL PORTS TO RUN ON SOLAR ENERGYIndia plans to be the first country to hgovernment-owned ports running on solar and wind energy. The government plans to install almostmegawatt solar and wind power generation capacity at the ports by 2019. PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR RAW MATERIAL

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation has launched an e-commerce platform ‘inampro’ for construction and infrastructure raw material for government and private procurement.

AUGUST 2017

NATIONAL HUMAN MILK BANK LAUNCHED

Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a

National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi. It is expected to be the largest centre of its kind in the

an initiative of the LHMC in collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo

India Partnership Initiative.

launched three mobile Apps to provide consumer friendly monitoring

pps, namely Mycall, Myspeed and Do Not Disturb will help mobile phone users to rate their experience about voice call quality in real time.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH SECTOR ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’

Delhi to promote skill development in he initiative aims to improve the

quality and quantity of professionals in the healthcare

ALL PORTS TO RUN ON SOLAR ENERGY plans to be the first country to have all 12

solar and wind The government plans to install almost 200

solar and wind power generation capacity at

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR RAW MATERIAL

Infrastructure Development

commerce platform ‘inampro’ for construction and infrastructure raw material for government and private procurement.

Amitabh Bachchan launched ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut the door) campaign under ‘Swachh Bhfrom Mumbai to discourage people from open defecation.

Govt plans to appoint retired judges as Nyaya Mitras to expedite over 7.5 lakh cases pending for last 10 years in lower courts across the country.

Railways launched ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’service for buying tickets allowing passengers to make payment within a window of 15 days.

‘SEVA’ TO MONITOR COAL MOVEMENT

With a view to increase the consumer connect as well as the transparency and accountability in Coal dispatch, Power Ministry launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran Application (SEVA). Developed inLimited, the app tracks coal dispatch to 118 Power Plants through Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of around 500 MT. VIDYA-VEERTA ABHIYAN Union ministry of HRD launched acampaign, ‘Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan’, to promote nationalism among youth by asking universities to display portraits of Param Veer Chakrasoldiers on a wall in the campus. ‘SAMADHAN’ TO DEAL WITH NAXAL ISSUEIn a review meeting of left wing extremism affected states, government has come out with a new doctrine named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with the Naxal challenge. The new doctrine will have 8 pillars as under: 1. S- Smart Leadership 2. A- Aggressive Strategy 3. M- Motivation and Training4. A- Actionable Intelligence5. D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance

Indicators) 6. H- Harnessing Technology7. A- Action plan for each Theatre8. N- No access to Financing

14

Amitabh Bachchan launched ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut the door) campaign under ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission from Mumbai to discourage people from open

Govt plans to appoint retired judges as Nyaya Mitras to expedite over 7.5 lakh cases pending for last 10 years in lower courts across the country.

‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ online service for buying tickets allowing passengers to make payment within a window of 15 days.

MAY

‘SEVA’ TO MONITOR COAL MOVEMENT

With a view to increase the consumer connect as well as the transparency and accountability in Coal dispatch, Power Ministry launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran

Developed in-house by Coal India Limited, the app tracks coal dispatch to 118 Power Plants through Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of around

launched a nationwide Veerta Abhiyan’, to promote

nationalism among youth by asking universities to display portraits of Param Veer Chakra-decorated

‘SAMADHAN’ TO DEAL WITH NAXAL ISSUE eting of left wing extremism affected

government has come out with a new doctrine named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with the Naxal challenge. The new doctrine will have 8 pillars as

Motivation and Training Actionable Intelligence Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance

Harnessing Technology Action plan for each Theatre No access to Financing

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

APP LAUNCHED FOR CLEANLINESS

Govt has launched the Swachh Bharat App with an aim to involve people actively to become part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Once downloaded, it will deliver the message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will ask the user to report the garbage around him. The App will be monitored by the Union Ministry of Culture and will work around various monuments and places of tourist interest. RAILWAY STARTS MEDICAL CARE @ Rs. 1The railways have begun to roll out Emergency Medical Response (EMR) units that provide medical care to passengers for as low as one rupee. These clinics have been started at five major railway stations in Mumbai and soon nine more will be added.

AUGUST 2017

Govt has launched the Swachh Bharat App with an aim to involve people actively to become part of Swachh

will deliver the message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will ask the

und him. The App will be monitored by the Union Ministry of Culture and will work around various monuments and places of tourist

CARE @ Rs. 1 The railways have begun to roll out Emergency Medical

provide medical care to These clinics have

been started at five major railway stations in Mumbai

CBSE LINKED WITH E SANADGovernment has integrated CBSE's in New Delhi with the online portal E Sanad for easy and safe access of academic documents and records.E Sanad is an E service for verification and attestation of documents of Indian citizens. It is a faceless and paperless service. OPERATION CLEAN MONEY PORTAL LAUNCHEDUnion Finance Ministry has launched Operation Clean Money Portal with an aim to keep a tab on dishonest citizens hiding their income from the authorities. It will also enable citizen engagement for creating a tax compliant society and citizens would be able to support the Operation Clean Money. FIRST VACCINE LAUNCHED FOR PNEUMONIA

India rolled out its first free anti-children under five years of age to address the huge burden of infant mortality. It will help prevent nearly one lakh under-five deaths annually from pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria.‘pneumococcal conjugate vaccine’ was launched from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.

15

CBSE LINKED WITH E SANAD Government has integrated CBSE's academic repository in New Delhi with the online portal E Sanad for easy and safe access of academic documents and records.

is an E service for verification and attestation of documents of Indian citizens. It is a faceless and paperless

OPERATION CLEAN MONEY PORTAL LAUNCHED Union Finance Ministry has launched Operation Clean Money Portal with an aim to keep a tab on dishonest citizens hiding their income from the authorities. It will also enable citizen engagement for creating a tax

liant society and citizens would be able to support

FIRST VACCINE LAUNCHED FOR PNEUMONIA

-pneumonia vaccine for

children under five years of age to address the huge It will help prevent nearly

five deaths annually from pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The three-dose ‘pneumococcal conjugate vaccine’ was launched from

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

10 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS APPROVThe Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10 units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) for nuclear power generation. This will result in augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity by 7000 MW. PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR TELECOM TOWERSIn its endeavour to clear misconceptions around the issue of mobile tower emissions, Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has launched Tarang Sanchar Portal. It will provide a map-based search feature for viewing the mobile towers in any locality and assessitheir EMF (Electro-magnetic field) emission level.has prescribed standards for EMF emissions from mobile towers that are ten times stricter than the international standards. SUPREME COURT GOES ONLINE

Indian judiciary crossed a milestone on May 10 when country’s apex court – Supreme Court of India was connected online to the Integrated Case Management Information System-ICMIS, making it a paperless court. In due course, all High Courts, District Courts, SubDivision Courts and jails will be integrated with the new system.

AUGUST 2017

10 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS APPROVED The Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10 units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) for

This will result in augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity by

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR TELECOM TOWERS s endeavour to clear misconceptions around the

issue of mobile tower emissions, Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has launched Tarang Sanchar

based search feature for viewing the mobile towers in any locality and assessing

magnetic field) emission level. DoT has prescribed standards for EMF emissions from mobile towers that are ten times stricter than the

May 10 when

Supreme Court of India was Integrated Case Management

ICMIS, making it a paperless court. In due course, all High Courts, District Courts, Sub-

ntegrated with the new

EC LAUNCHES 24X7 HELPLINEThe Election Commission of India has launched the National Contact Centre with a toll free number1800111950 to enable citizens to lodge 24X7 any election related query or complaint in Hindi or Engl THE REAL ESTATE (Regulation Act, 2016 (RERA) came in to force wact aims to protect the interests of homebuyers across the country and bring transparency in the deals.compulsory for all the builders and real estate developers to get registered with RERA. GOVT SCRAPS FIPB In a move to reduce red tape in government and facilitate ease of doing business, the government has abolished the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) that approved the foreign investment proposals up to Rs 5,000 crore. Now the concerned ministries will grant the approval directly. ONLINE ATAL PENSION YOJANA

With a view to digitally empower theYojana (APY) subscribers and improve the quality of service, the facility of online viewing of the statement of the transaction (e-SOT) and also the eRetirement Account Number (e-launched.

To strengthen security and surveillance at railway stations, the Railways has announced to install CCTV cameras at more than 900 stations.

A new coal allocation policy ‘SHAKTI’ (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating KoylaIndia) launched for the power sector.

GST RAISES TAX EVASION LIMITGovt has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore under the proposed Goods and Services Taxa non-bailable offence, with the police having authority to make an arrest without a warrant.was Rs 2.5 crore.

16

EC LAUNCHES 24X7 HELPLINE The Election Commission of India has launched the National Contact Centre with a toll free number- 1800111950 to enable citizens to lodge 24X7 any election related query or complaint in Hindi or English.

THE REAL ESTATE (Regulation & Development) came in to force w.e.f. May 01. The

act aims to protect the interests of homebuyers across the country and bring transparency in the deals. It is compulsory for all the builders and real estate developers to get registered with RERA.

ape in government and facilitate ease of doing business, the government has abolished the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) that approved the foreign investment proposals up to Rs 5,000 crore. Now the concerned ministries will

ONLINE ATAL PENSION YOJANA

With a view to digitally empower the Atal Pension

subscribers and improve the quality of service, the facility of online viewing of the statement of

and also the e- Permanent -PRAN card) have been

To strengthen security and surveillance at railway stations, the Railways has announced to install CCTV cameras at more than 900 stations. A new coal allocation policy ‘SHAKTI’ (Scheme for

Koyla Transparently in India) launched for the power sector.

ARPIL

GST RAISES TAX EVASION LIMIT Govt has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore under the proposed Goods and Services Tax-GST regime

with the police having authority to make an arrest without a warrant. Earlier this limit

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

LOK SABHA PASSES GST BILLS

After prolonged delays and several attempts, finally the Lok Sabha on 29 March passed four Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bills: i. The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The CGST Bill) ii. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The IGST Bill) iii. The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The UTGST Bill) iv. The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the States) Bill, 2017 (The Compensation Bill) These GST Bills will subsume all the indirect taxes currently levied such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, service tax and central sales tax. It empowers the centre to impose an additional tax of up to 1 per cent on the inter-state supply of goods for two years or more. THREE NEW LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHEDUnion Ministry of Law has launched three new services as under: i) Pro-bono legal services- platform for lawyers

willing to provide free services ii) Tele-law service- to connect poor people with

lawyers through video conferencing facilities, to be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs).

iii) Nyaya Mitra Project- to focus on cases which are more than ten years old.

PROG FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Union ministry of food processing plans to launch an umbrella programme named ‘SAMPADA’ for food processing sector, with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. Acronym ‘sampada’ stands for Scheme for Produce Processing and Development of AgroProcessing Clusters.

AUGUST 2017

After prolonged delays and several attempts, finally the Lok Sabha on 29 March passed four Goods and Services

i. The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The

ii. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The

iii. The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill,

iv. The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the

These GST Bills will subsume all the indirect taxes currently levied such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, service tax and central sales tax. It

ers the centre to impose an additional tax of up state supply of goods for two

NEW LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHED Union Ministry of Law has launched three new services

platform for lawyers

poor people with lawyers through video conferencing facilities, to be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs).

to focus on cases which

PROG FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Union ministry of food processing plans to launch an umbrella programme named ‘SAMPADA’ for food processing sector, with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. Acronym ‘sampada’ stands for Scheme for Agro-Marine Produce Processing and Development of Agro-

GOVT SAYS ‘NO’ TO RED BEACONIn a major step towards the elimination of VIP culture, the Union cabinet has approved the notification prohibiting the use of red beacon light on all vehicles. Govt has decided to amend rule 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 for this purpose. Even the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Lok Sabha Speaker will NOT be allowed to use the red beacon. The ban will be implemented from May 1, 2017.vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and ambulances may be allowed to use red beacon to ensure their smooth passage through traffic. GOVT TO BUY VVPAT MACHINES

The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal of the Election Commission to procure VVPAT machines (Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) for use during future elections. The decision comes in the wake of growing demands from opposition parties for holding all future elections using paper trail machines along with EVMs, to clear doubts about votes cast. The EC has sought Rs 3,174 crore in all for procuring over 16 lakh paper trail machines to cover all polling stations in the country. P F ALLOWED FOR HOME LOANOver four crore subscribers of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will now be able to withdraw up to 90 per cent of their accumulations in their PF account for purchase of homes or for paying the EMIs for home loans.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUMThe Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy at VisakhapatnamThe institute will be set up as "an Institute of National Importance" through an Act of Parliament. GREEN GROWTH EQUITY FUNDIndia and the UK will set up a 240 Growth Equity Fund to finance clean energy projects. The fund will be set up under the National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF).

17

GOVT SAYS ‘NO’ TO RED BEACON In a major step towards the elimination of VIP culture, the Union cabinet has approved the notification prohibiting the use of red beacon light on all VIP

. Govt has decided to amend rule 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 for this purpose.

President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Lok Sabha Speaker will NOT be

ban will be implemented from May 1, 2017. Only the vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and ambulances may be allowed to use red beacon to ensure their smooth passage through traffic.

GOVT TO BUY VVPAT MACHINES

cleared a proposal of the Election

Commission to procure VVPAT machines (Voter-for use during future

elections. The decision comes in the wake of growing demands from opposition parties for holding all future

paper trail machines along with EVMs, to

The EC has sought Rs 3,174 crore in all for procuring over 16 lakh paper trail machines to cover all polling stations

F ALLOWED FOR HOME LOAN subscribers of the Employees Provident

Fund Organisation (EPFO) will now be able to withdraw up to 90 per cent of their accumulations in their PF account for purchase of homes or for paying the EMIs

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian

Institute of Petroleum and Energy at Visakhapatnam. The institute will be set up as "an Institute of National Importance" through an Act of Parliament.

GREEN GROWTH EQUITY FUND 240 million pound Green

Growth Equity Fund to finance clean energy The fund will be set up under the National

Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF).

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

KILKARI APP FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

The National Health Mission has launched a mobilebased application named 'Kilkari' in Haryana to create awareness among pregnant women, parents and health workers on the importance of ante and post natal care. WOMEN ALLOWED TO RETAIN NAMEPrime Minister has announced that women are free to retain their maiden names in their passports now after the marriage. Up till now, to change the name in the passport after marriage, one had to apply for a "reissue" and get the specified change done in the name GSI LAUNCHES WEB PORTAL ‘NAKSHE’ (MAPS) Govt has launched a new web portal ‘Nakshe’ for providing free download of Survey of India's topographic maps of the entire country in PDF format to Indian citizens. The maps can b e downloaded through Aadhaar-enabled user authentication process. The topographic maps on the scale of 1:50,000, contain natural and man-made geographical features including terrain or topography. The service was launched to mark the 250th anniversary of the Survey of India. PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR MARTYRS

Govt has launched the website and app named 'Ke Veer' to facilitate the monetary contribution to the kin of soldiers killed in action. The website is technically supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered by State Bank of India.

AUGUST 2017

RI APP FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

has launched a mobile-

' in Haryana to create awareness among pregnant women, parents and health workers on the importance of ante and post natal care.

WOMEN ALLOWED TO RETAIN NAME Prime Minister has announced that women are free to

names in their passports now after the marriage. Up till now, to change the name in the passport after marriage, one had to apply for a "re-issue" and get the specified change done in the name

GSI LAUNCHES WEB PORTAL ‘NAKSHE’ (MAPS) Govt has launched a new web portal ‘Nakshe’ for providing free download of Survey of India's topographic maps of the entire country in PDF format to Indian citizens. The maps can b e downloaded through

enabled user authentication process. graphic maps on the scale of 1:50,000, contain

made geographical features including terrain or topography. The service was launched to mark

website and app named 'Bharat

contribution to the The website is

National Informatics Centre

CENSOR BOARD GOES ONLINEGovt has launched the online film certification system, ‘e-cinepramaan’, with a view to censor corruption and promote clean cinema. The new system of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will make the entire process of certification transparent and paperless. The payments made during the process by the producers will go to Bharatkosh portal. NATIONAL BOARD OF ELECTRIC MOBILITYGovernment has constituted the National Board of Electric Mobility (NBEM). The Board formulate and propose short- as well as longto promote electric mobility by encouraging the manufacturing of various electrical vehicles. TWO NEW APPS FOR TRANSPORT SECTOR

The government has launched two mobile apps, eChallan and mParivahan. integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic violations while 'mParivahan' provides access to various services, information and utilities related to the transport sector. POWERTEX LAUNCHED FOR WEAVERSThe Government has launched Power Tex India at over 45 locations in the country. It is a comprehensive scheme for power loom sector development aimed at providing one point solutions to various problems being faced by the power loom weavers.

Government plans to set up a CenDivyangs (disabled) in Uttar Pradesh.

The FRBM committee headed by NK Singh has recommended a fiscal deficit target of not more than 3% of GDP till financial year 2020.

FRBM: Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management

18

CENSOR BOARD GOES ONLINE Govt has launched the online film certification system,

cinepramaan’, with a view to censor corruption and promote clean cinema. The new system of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will make the entire process of certification transparent and efficient and

The payments made during the process by the producers

NATIONAL BOARD OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY Government has constituted the National Board of

The Board will examine, as well as long-term plans

to promote electric mobility by encouraging the manufacturing of various electrical vehicles.

TWO NEW APPS FOR TRANSPORT SECTOR

The government has launched two mobile

. First, 'eChallan' is an integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic violations while 'mParivahan' provides access to various

and utilities related to the

POWERTEX LAUNCHED FOR WEAVERS Power Tex India at over

45 locations in the country. It is a comprehensive scheme for power loom sector development aimed at providing one point solutions to various problems being faced by the power loom weavers.

Government plans to set up a Central university for Divyangs (disabled) in Uttar Pradesh.

The FRBM committee headed by NK Singh has recommended a fiscal deficit target of not more than 3% of GDP till financial year 2020.

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

GDP GROWTH SLIPS TO 7.1%

Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that India’s GDP grew 7.1% in the financial year 2016than the 8% registered in 2015-16. Growth was particularly slow in the fourth quarter of 2016ripple effect of demonetisation, bringing down the GDP to 6.1%. INDIA LIKELY TO GROW BY 7.5% - MOODY’sMoody's Investors Service in its Global Macro Outlook has stated that India’s economic growth will accelerate to 7.5 per cent in current fiscal and the government's reform push will help achieve 8 per cent GDP growth rate in about four years.

World Bank has projected a strong 7.2 per cent growth rate for India during 2017 and likely to improve to 7.5% in 2018 and 7.7% in 2019. GOLD PUSHES IMPORTS BY 33% India’s exports grew by 8.3% to $24.01 billion in May, mainly on account of robust performance by sectors like petroleum, chemicals, engineering goods as well as gems and jewellery. Imports too jumped by 33% to $37.85 billion mainly due to high gold imports, pushing the trade deficit to $13.84 billion.

AUGUST 2017

INDICATORS

JUNE

Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that India’s GDP grew 7.1% in the financial year 2016-17, slower

Growth was 2016-17 due to

ripple effect of demonetisation, bringing down the GDP

MOODY’s Moody's Investors Service in its Global Macro Outlook has stated that India’s economic growth will accelerate

fiscal and the government's reform push will help achieve 8 per cent GDP growth

has projected a strong 7.2 per cent growth rate for India during 2017 and likely to improve to 7.5%

India’s exports grew by 8.3% to $24.01 billion in May, mainly on account of robust performance by sectors like petroleum, chemicals, engineering goods as well as gems and jewellery. Imports too jumped by 33% to

high gold imports, pushing

Industrial output in the country rose by 3.1 per cent in April from a year earlier, mainly due to an increase in electricity generation and mining.

Growth in the country's eight core sect2.5 per cent in April this year, mainly due to lower coal, crude oil and cement production.

ADB PUTS INDIA’s GROWTH AT 7.4%Asian Development Bank (ADB)economy will grow 7.4 per cent this fiscal (2017and 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1 per cent in the previous fiscal. INDIA MAY GROW BY 7.2% -As per a report by IMF, India's growth is expected to rebound to 7.2 per cent in the 2017cent in 2018-19 after disruptions caused by demonetisation. INDIA TO GROW BY 7.1% - UN REPORTIndia is expected to clock 7.1% growth this year and may grow by 7.5% in 2018, according to a UN report, which warned that the country faces heightened risks related to the concentration of bad loans in the public sector banks. BASE YEAR REVISED FOR WPI / IIP

The government has revised the base year of Wholesale Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial Production, IIP to 2011-2012 from earlier 2004provide a more accurate picture as it will use prices without indirect taxes. The new IIP series captures work in progress for capital goods to avoid volatility. It has 407 item groups, as against 399 in old series.

INDIA 8TH IN ATTRACTING FDIThe FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index compiled by the A.T. Kearney, management consulting firm of USA has placed India at the 8th spot. USA tops the index, followed by Germany and China.

19

Industrial output in the country rose by 3.1 per cent in April from a year earlier, mainly due to an increase in electricity generation and mining. Growth in the country's eight core sectors slowed to 2.5 per cent in April this year, mainly due to lower coal, crude oil and cement production.

MAY

ADB PUTS INDIA’s GROWTH AT 7.4% Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Indian economy will grow 7.4 per cent this fiscal (2017-18),

7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1

- IMF As per a report by IMF, India's growth is expected to rebound to 7.2 per cent in the 2017-18 fiscal and 7.7 per

disruptions caused by

UN REPORT India is expected to clock 7.1% growth this year and may grow by 7.5% in 2018, according to a UN report, which warned that the country faces heightened risks

tion of bad loans in the public

BASE YEAR REVISED FOR WPI / IIP

The government has revised the base year of Wholesale Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial Production, IIP

2012 from earlier 2004-05. The new WPI will more accurate picture as it will use prices

without indirect taxes. The new IIP series captures work in progress for capital goods to avoid volatility. It has 407 item groups, as against 399 in old series.

ARPIL

IN ATTRACTING FDI The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index

A.T. Kearney, a leading global of USA has placed India at

USA tops the index, followed by Germany

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

TEA OUTPUT PEAKS IN INDIA

India’s tea output reached a record high in 2016rising by 1.4 % to 1.25 million ton, despite a 7.7 % drop in South Indian tea crop, according to the Tea Board of India. After China, India is the second largest producer of tea in the world. AFGHANISTAN OPENS AIR CARGO ROUTE India and Afghanistan trade ties reached a new high with the inauguration of the first-ever Afghanistanair cargo route. The first flight departed from Kabul with a 60-tonne consignment of goods, mostly medicinal plants for India. The air route provides an opportunity to both countries to bypass Pakistan that was the main stumbling block when it came to trade between the two via the land route. IOC IS MOST PROFITABLE Indian Oil Corporation has overtaken Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to become India’s most profitable state-owned company, earning net profit of Rs. 19,106.40 crore in the FY ended March 31, 2017. WORLD’S LARGEST OIL REFINERY

India’s three public sector oil companiesCorp. Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL), have joined hands to build one of the world’s largest integrated refinery-cum-petrochemicals complexes in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The 60 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) capacity complex is expected to be commissioned by the year 2022.

AUGUST 2017

ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

JUNE

India’s tea output reached a record high in 2016-17 rising by 1.4 % to 1.25 million ton, despite a 7.7 % drop in South Indian tea crop, according to the Tea Board of India. After China, India is the second largest producer

AFGHANISTAN OPENS AIR CARGO ROUTE India and Afghanistan trade ties reached a new high

ever Afghanistan-India air cargo route. The first flight departed from Kabul with

mostly medicinal plants for India. The air route provides an opportunity to both countries to bypass Pakistan that was the main stumbling block when it came to trade between the two

rtaken Oil and Natural India’s most

, earning net profit of ended March 31, 2017.

companies—Indian Oil

Corp. Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL), have joined hands to build one of the world’s largest integrated

petrochemicals complexes in Ratnagiri The 60 million metric tonnes

per annum (MMTPA) capacity complex is expected to be

BACHCHAN TO PROMOTE GSTThe much awaited GST will be launched from midof June 30-July 1. The GST launch function would be held at Central Hall of Parliament and all MPs, CMs and state finance ministers would be invited.roped in Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST). WOMEN EMPLOYMENT VERY LOW According to India Development RWorld Bank, India had one of the lowest female participation in the workforce, ranking 120th among 131 countries. As per the report, the participation level has been dropping since 2005, despite having 42% women who are graduates. More shocking is the fact is that most women are employed in agriculture and less than 20 per cent are in services and industry. TRADE MARK FOR TAJ HOTEL

For the first time in India, a structure has been given a trade mark. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel given an image trade mark by the India’s Trade Mark Registry. This means that no one now can make building looking similar to the Taj Hotel. China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

approved $150 million equity investment loan for the India Infrastructure Fund. It is the bank's first such loan to fund private projects.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)launched India's first 150 kWp canal top solar system on cooling water channel inside its power station at Mouda, near Nagpur in Maharashtra.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)100 million loan agreement with the Bank to finance large solar rooftop systems on industrial and commercial buildings throughout India.

The World Bank has approved a Rs.283Assam for implementing the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms project.

20

BACHCHAN TO PROMOTE GST The much awaited GST will be launched from mid-night

July 1. The GST launch function would be held Central Hall of Parliament and all MPs, CMs and state

finance ministers would be invited. The government has roped in Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST).

WOMEN EMPLOYMENT VERY LOW According to India Development Report released by World Bank, India had one of the lowest female participation in the workforce, ranking 120th among

As per the report, the participation level has been dropping since 2005, despite having 42% women who

shocking is the fact is that most women are employed in agriculture and less than 20 per

TRADE MARK FOR TAJ HOTEL

For the first time in India, a structure has been given a trade mark. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel has been given an image trade mark by the India’s Trade Mark Registry. This means that no one now can make building

led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has equity investment loan for the

India Infrastructure Fund. It is the bank's first such

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has launched India's first 150 kWp canal top solar system on cooling water channel inside its power station at

r in Maharashtra. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $ 100 million loan agreement with the Punjab National

finance large solar rooftop systems on industrial and commercial buildings throughout

The World Bank has approved a Rs.283 crore loan for Assam for implementing the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms project.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 21

Finally, the GST cat is out of the taxman’s bag! With the GST council finalizing the GST tax rates, the much-awaited decision is now in the public domain. But before we delve deep into it, it would be advisable to grasp the background scenario against the latest development. We basically pay two broad kinds of taxes: those which are part of the price of an item we buy – indirect taxes (like sales tax, VAT etc) we pay through the seller to the government and those which depend on the level of personal income, wealth or assets – the direct taxes (income tax, corporate tax etc.).

The Indian consumers pay multiple indirect taxes while buying different goods and services, which are included within their selling prices. The list is a long one – on buying goods, we pay excise duty, sales tax, VAT and on services, the service tax. By the time an item reaches our hands, it has been through multiple stages of taxation, which causes a substantial padding up of its cost. Resultantly, the tax burden on the final consumer comes out to be a tad too high. It is with this goal of easing the consumer burden and simplifying the tax structure that a single, all-inclusive indirect tax was mooted in the 2006 Union Budget. After much wrangling, debate and parliamentary roadblocks in its way, the GST bill was finally enacted into a law only recently. With all the requisite infrastructure in place now, the GST regime is all set for its initial rollout on July 1 this year. A 4-tier GST tax structure has been proposed by the GST Council. The proposed GST rates are likely to ease the burden on the common man due to the lower rates on most mass consumption items. Keeping zero/very low rates for essential food items, which make up half of the consumption basket, will ensure zero inflationary pressures due to the GST. Most FMCG items including hair oil, toothpaste and soap will be taxed @ 18% as compared to the earlier 28%. Beverages like tea and coffee will be taxed at 5% while staples like milk, pulses and food grains are exempt from GST.

Simultaneously, luxury goods and negative items would be taxed at a higher rate to ensure revenue neutrality for the government under the new system. An additional concessional GST tax slab is likely for gold and other precious metals that currently attract only 1% VAT.

New Tax Slabs for Some Goods and Services

No Tax Slab

Goods: No tax will be imposed on items like fresh meat, fish chicken, eggs, milk, butter milk, curd, natural honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, food grains, besan, bread, prasad, salt, bindi. Sindoor, stamps, judicial papers, printed books, newspapers, bangles, handloom, etc.

Services: Hotels and lodges with tariff below Rs 1,000, Grandfathering service has been exempted under GST.

5% Slab

Goods: Items such as fish fillet, cream, skimmed milk powder, branded paneer, frozen vegetables, coffee, tea, spices, pizza bread, rusk, sabudana, kerosene, coal, medicines, stent, lifeboats will attract tax of 5 %,

Services: Transport services (Railways, air transport), small restraurants will be under the 5% category because their main input is petroleum, which is outside GST ambit.

12% Slab

Goods: Frozen meat products , butter, cheese, ghee, dry fruits in packaged form, animal fat, sausage, fruit juices, Bhutia, namkeen, Ayurvedic medicines, tooth powder, agarbatti, colouring books, picture books, umbrella, sewing machine, cellphones will be under 12 % tax slab.

Services: Non-AC hotels, business class air ticket, fertilisers, Work Contracts will fall under 12 per cent GST tax slab

18% Slab

Goods: Most items are under this tax slab which includes flavoured refined sugar, pasta, cornflakes, pastries and cakes, preserved vegetables, jams, sauces, soups, ice cream, instant food mixes, mineral water, tissues, envelopes, tampons, note books, steel products, printed circuits, camera, speakers and monitors. Services: AC hotels that serve liquor, telecom services, IT services, branded garments and financial services will attract 18 per cent tax under GST.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 22

28% Slab

Goods: Chewing gum, molasses, chocolate not containing cocoa, waffles and wafers coated with chocolate, aerated water, paint, deodorants, shaving creams, after shave, hair shampoo, dye, sunscreen, wallpaper, ceramic tiles, water heater, dishwasher, weighing machine, washing machine, ATM, vending machines, vacuum cleaner, shavers, hair clippers, motorcycles will attract 28 % tax - the highest under GST system.

Services: 5-star hotels, race club betting, cinema will attract tax 28 per cent tax slab under GST

Goods With Higher Burden Small cars – petrol driven 28% + 1% cess Small cars – diesel driven 28% + 5% cess Luxury cars 28%+15% cess Luxury and de-merits goods and sin items e.g. tobacco, pan masala 28% + cess

Heavy bikes, Luxury yachts, private jets 31%

Gold, Packaged foods, cigarettes, footwear and textiles

Decision likely on June 3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Goods and Service Tax (GST)? A destination-based tax on consumption of goods and services. It is to be levied at all stages from manufacture to final consumption with the a tax credit provision available as setoff i.e. only the value addition part will be taxed and the tax burden is to be borne by the final consumer.

2. What are the GST rate slabs? 0%-28%. The four-tier GST structure is- 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, with lower rates for essential items and the highest for luxury goods. Essential items including food will be taxed at zero rate. The lowest rate of 5% is meant for daily use items. There would be two standard rates of 12 per cent and 18 per cent, leviable on most goods and services, including FMCGs. The highest tax will apply to items currently taxed @ 30-31% (excise duty plus VAT). Ultra luxuries, demerit and sin goods (tobacco, aerated drinks), will attract a cess besides a 28% GST. The collection from this cess and the clean energy cess would compensate the states for any revenue losses in the first 5 years of the GST implementation. The GST will subsume the multiple cesses currently in place, including the Swachh Bharat Cess, the Krishi Kalyan Cess and the Education Cess. Only the Clean Environment Cess is being retained, revenues from which will also fund the compensations.

3. How does it work? It is a tax only on value addition at each stage. The supplier at each stage is permitted to set-off, through a tax credit mechanism. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the chain.

The illustration here indicates, with a hypothetical example taking a manufacturer, a wholesaler and a retailer, how GST works.

A. Suppose the GST rate is 10%, and the manufacturer makes a value addition of Rs.30 on his purchases worth Rs.100 of input goods used, making the price Rs. 130/- (100+30). Manufacturer will pay a net GST of Rs. 3 after setting-off Rs. 10 as GST paid on inputs (i.e. Input Tax Credit) from gross GST of Rs. 13 (10% of 130).

B. The manufacturer sells the goods to the wholesaler, who sells the goods for Rs. 150/- (130+20) after making a value addition of (say), Rs. 20, he pays a net GST of only Rs. 2, after setting-off of Input Tax Credit of Rs. 13 from the gross GST of Rs. 15(10% of 150) to the manufacturer.

C. Similarly, when a retailer sells the same goods after a value addition of (say) Rs. 10, for Rs. 160 (150+10) he pays a net GST of only Re.1, after setting-off Rs.15 from his gross GST of Rs. 16 (10% of 160) paid to the wholesaler.

D. Thus, the manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer have to pay only Rs. 6 (= Rs. 3+Rs. 2+Rs. 1) as GST on the value addition along the entire value chain, after setting-off the GST paid earlier, lessening the overall burden of GST.

Supply

Chain Stage

Purchase Value

Of Input Value

Addition

Value at Which Supply Goods

and Services Made to

Next Stage

Rate of GST

GST on Output

Input Tax Credit

Net GST=GST

on output-

Input Tax Credit

Manufacturer 100 30 130 10% 13 10 13–10 = 3 Whole Seller 130 20 150 10% 15 13 15–13 = 2 Retailer 150 10 160 10% 16 15 16–15 = 1

4. Which existing taxes are subsumed under the GST? The GST will replace central taxes like # Central Excise Duty # Additional Excise duties The GST will replace state taxes like # State VAT # Central Sales Tax # Purchase Tax # Luxury Tax

# Entry Tax (all forms) # Entertainment Tax # Taxes on lotteries, betting and gambling # State cesses and surcharges

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 23

5. What will be the status of Tobacco and Tobacco products under the GST regime? They would be subject to GST. Besides, the Centre can levy Central Excise duty on these products.

6. Tell me about the types of GST to be

implemented. A dual GST with the Centre and States levying it on a common tax base. The GST levied by the Centre would be called the Central GST (CGST) and the one to be levied by States would be called the State GST (SGST). Similarly, an Integrated GST (IGST) is to be levied by the Centre on inter-state supply of goods/ services. Besides, since the SGST cannot fulfill the needs of the UTs, a UTGST has been finalized. Currently, the UTGST is applied to the UTs - Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

7. But why do we need a dual GST?

India is a federal country where both the levels of government have clear responsibilities as per the Constitution for which they need resources. A dual GST is in line with the idea of fiscal federalism.

8. Which authority will levy and administer the

GST? The Central Government will levy and administer the CGST, the IGST and UTGST. The states will levy and administer the SGST.

9. How will India gain from the GST?

The GST is a very significant step in indirect tax reforms in India. A single tax would remove the ill effects of cascading (spreading) and make India a common national market. For the consumer, the biggest gain would be a fall in the overall tax burden on goods, currently estimated at 25%-30%. It would also make our products competitive, domestically and internationally, besides spurring economic growth. The government may earn more revenues due to - wider tax base, increased trade volumes and better tax compliance and transparency.

10. Who is liable to pay the GST under the

proposed GST regime? The GST is payable by the taxable person upon crossing the threshold exemption i.e. Rs.10 lakh (Rs. 5 lakh for NE States) except in certain cases where it has to be paid even though he does not cross the threshold e.g. persons making any inter-State taxable supply, casual taxable persons, persons required to pay tax under reverse

charge, Non-resident taxable persons, those required to deduct tax at source, Input service distributors, those supplying goods/services other than branded services through e-commerce, e-commerce operators and aggregators who supply services under their brand name/trade name.

11. What are the benefits available to small tax payers under the GST regime? Those with an aggregate turnover in a financial year up to Rs. 10 lakhs are exempt from tax. For NE States and Sikkim, the exemption threshold shall be Rs. 5 lakhs.

12. Have we got the necessary infrastructure?

A Special Purpose Vehicle GSTN (Goods and Service Tax Network) will provide the IT infrastructure and services to the government and other stakeholders. The GSTN is developing a GST portal and applications for registration, payment and MIS reports.

13. What about the likely disputes arising under

the GST regime? The Constitution (101st amendment) Act, 2016 provides that the GST Council shall establish a mechanism to adjudicate any such disputes. A person unhappy with the order passed by an adjudicating authority (as defined by the GST law) can appeal to the First Appellate Authority within 3 months from the date of the order. The GST Commissioner can examine the order for its legality or propriety and direct his subordinates to apply to the First Appellate Authority within six months from the date of the order. The GST has been touted as the single biggest indirect tax reform in India post-independence, something akin to the Direct Tax reforms recommended by the Raja Chelliah Committee in 1991. The government is pinning great hopes on its successful rollout. Though there are fears in some quarters over the shopkeepers overcharging the customers in the garb of collecting the new tax, the government is alive to the situation and has already launched a consumer awareness campaign to forestall any such possibility.

The new game plan can help India usher in a new economic era, marked by better tax compliance, simplified and transparent tax structure, a common national market, lower tax administration costs, better tax collections and lower consumer prices, thus benefiting all stakeholders in the process.

--xxx--

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

INDIA TOPS IN 2-WHEELER SALES

India has overtaken China to emerge as the world's biggest market for two-wheelers, selling a total of 17.7 million two-wheelers last year, leaving behind China which sold 16.8 million units. TEJAS EXPRESS – INDIA’s FASTEST TRAINIndia’s state-of-the-art high-speed train Tejas Express, which can run up to the speed of 200km per hour, made its first trip between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, and Karmali, North Goa.has introduced many new first time features. INDIA 2ND IN STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTIONIndia has left Japan behind to become the secondproducer of stainless steel in the world, with China at the top, in 2016, according to data released by the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). India’s stainless steel production rose 9% to 3.32 million tonnes in 2016. TATA IS TOP INDIAN BRAND Global brand valuation and strategy consultancy firm Brand Finance in its 2017 report for India has listed Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India with an estimated brand value of $13.1 billion. Next in ranking are Airtel, LIC, Infosys and SBI, in descending order. IRCTC TO HOME DELIVER TICKETS

Moving with the times, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is now offering home delivery of rail tickets and passengers may make payment through any payment mode, including cash.

AUGUST 2017

MAY

India has overtaken China to emerge as the world's

wheelers, selling a total of 17.7 wheelers last year, leaving behind China

FASTEST TRAIN Tejas Express,

per hour, made Chhatrapati Shivaji North Goa. The train

has introduced many new first time features.

STEEL PRODUCTION India has left Japan behind to become the second-largest

world, with China at the top, in 2016, according to data released by the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). India’s stainless steel production rose 9% to 3.32 million

nsultancy firm Brand Finance in its 2017 report for India has listed Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India with an estimated brand value of $13.1 billion. Next in ranking are Airtel, LIC, Infosys and SBI, in descending order.

Moving with the times, the Indian Railway Catering and

is now offering home delivery of rail tickets and passengers may make payment through any payment mode, including cash.

‘CHEVROLET’ SAYS GOOD BYE TO INDIAGeneral Motors of USA, popular for their ‘Chevrolet’ brand, have decided once again to quit Indian markets. One of the biggest auto makers in the world,India journey in 1996 but could secure only 0.85% of market share in India, selling 25,82 DISCOVERY TO START NEW CHANNELAmerican broadcaster Discovery Communications is planning to launch a new Hindi general entertainment channel in India called Discovery JEET, in a bid to scale up local programming content across its netw

GOOGLE TO PROMOTE STARTGoogle has announced a new ‘Solve for India’ initiative aimed at encouraging the start-up ecosystem in tier II cities across the country. The campaign will mentor and inspire upcoming entrepreneurs and startups in majorIndian cities. WIPRO ADOPTS NEW

LOGO India’s leading IT Company Wipro has changed its logo and brand identity. The new logo re-presents the way Wipro "connects the dots" for its clients integrating deep technology and domain expertise. The total number of LPG consumer connections has

crossed 20-crore with 3.25 crore new connections being released in financial year 2016

China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $160 million loan for a power project in Andhra Prade

24

‘CHEVROLET’ SAYS GOOD BYE TO INDIA General Motors of USA, popular for their ‘Chevrolet’ brand, have decided once again to quit Indian markets. One of the biggest auto makers in the world, it began its

but could secure only 0.85% of market share in India, selling 25,823 units in 2016-17.

DISCOVERY TO START NEW CHANNEL American broadcaster Discovery Communications is planning to launch a new Hindi general entertainment channel in India called Discovery JEET, in a bid to scale up local programming content across its network.

GOOGLE TO PROMOTE START-UPs Google has announced a new ‘Solve for India’ initiative

up ecosystem in tier II cities across the country. The campaign will mentor and inspire upcoming entrepreneurs and startups in major

"connects the dots" for its clients integrating deep technology and domain expertise.

number of LPG consumer connections has crore with 3.25 crore new connections

being released in financial year 2016-17. Asian Infrastructure Investment

$160 million loan for a power project in Andhra Pradesh.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

VISTADOME COACH ARRIVES IN INDIA

Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPSbased info system and rotating seats — are some of the welcoming features in the new Vistadomelaunched for the first time in India, on the Visakhapatnam - Araku route in Andhra. These coaches will enable tourists to enjoy scenic beauty along the journey. Only 40 seats are available in the coach. FIRST FLIGHT UNDER UDAN SCHEMEThe Prime Minister flagged off the first flight under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik) from Shimla to Delhi. Under UDAN scheme flights up to one hour / 500 kms. shall be offered for not more than Rs 2500. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS TO COST MOREThe Lok Sabha passed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that will substantially increase the penalty for traffic violations, allow learner’s driving licences to be issued online and penalise contractors for faulty road design. The bill has provisions to increase the penalties by 10% every year. Now the bill will be presented in the Rajya Sabha. PRIVATE RAILWAY STATION

For the first time in Indian Railway history, railway station in Bhopal has been handed over to a private firm for operation and maintenance. building will be developed as airport terminal.

AUGUST 2017

ARPIL

VISTADOME COACH ARRIVES IN INDIA

Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPS-

are some of the welcoming features in the new Vistadome rail coach launched for the first time in India, on the

These coaches will enable tourists to enjoy scenic beauty along the

Only 40 seats are available in the coach.

FIRST FLIGHT UNDER UDAN SCHEME The Prime Minister flagged off the first flight under the

l air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Under UDAN

scheme flights up to one hour / 500 kms. shall be

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS TO COST MORE The Lok Sabha passed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that will substantially increase the penalty for traffic violations, allow learner’s driving licences to be issued online and penalise contractors for

The bill has provisions to increase r. Now the bill will be

in Indian Railway history, Habibganj

in Bhopal has been handed over to a private firm for operation and maintenance. The station

airport terminal.

NPCI AWARDS 245 CR FOR DIGI PAYMENTSNational Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)umbrella organisation for all retail payment systems in the country, has disbursed over prize money to about 18 lakh winners under theAayog’s Lucky Draw schemes for promotion of digital payments. The scheme for consumers was Grahak Yojna and for merchants was Yojna (DVY). 'OPERATION CLEAN MONEY’The Income Tax department has launched the second phase of the 'Operation Clean Money’ to investigate over 60,000 individuals to detect black money generation post demonetisation. The department hadundisclosed income over Rs 9,334 crore between the period of November 9, 2016 till February 28 this year. SBI IS LARGEST M-CAP PSU State Bank of India, after the merger of the associate banks, for the first time, has surpassed Corporation (ONGC) to become most valued public sector undertaking (PSU) stock in terms of market capitalization (m-cap) in intra-day trade.of Rs 239,808 crore was ahead of ONGC having mRs. 236,003 crore, BSE data showed. SC BANS POLLUTING VEHICLES

The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration of vehicles which are not compliant with Bharat StageIV (BS-IV) emission norms wef April 1, 2017. The ban, however, will not cover BS-III compliant vehicles on or before 31 March 2017. The court noted that polluting vehicles are threatening health hazard to millions of countrymen due to increased air pollution. FLIPKART GETS $1.4 BN FUNDINGIn the biggest-ever fund raising by an Indian Internet firm, India's largest e-commerce firm Flipkart raised $1.4 billion (Rs 9,000 crore approx.) from Tencent Holdings (China), Microsoft Corp and eBay Inc. Flipkart has decided to take over the Indian business of the eBay.

25

NPCI AWARDS 245 CR FOR DIGI PAYMENTS National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the

all retail payment systems in Rs. 245 crore worth of

prize money to about 18 lakh winners under the NITI for promotion of digital

payments. The scheme for consumers was Lucky for merchants was Digi-Dhan Vyapar

'OPERATION CLEAN MONEY’ The Income Tax department has launched the second phase of the 'Operation Clean Money’ to investigate over 60,000 individuals to detect black money generation

he department had detected undisclosed income over Rs 9,334 crore between the period of November 9, 2016 till February 28 this year.

State Bank of India, after the merger of the associate banks, for the first time, has surpassed Oil & Natural Gas

to become most valued public sector undertaking (PSU) stock in terms of market

day trade. SBI with m-cap of Rs 239,808 crore was ahead of ONGC having m-cap of

showed.

SC BANS POLLUTING VEHICLES

The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration of vehicles which are not compliant with Bharat Stage-

IV) emission norms wef April 1, 2017. The ban, III compliant vehicles sold

on or before 31 March 2017. The court noted that polluting vehicles are threatening health hazard to millions of countrymen due to increased air pollution.

FLIPKART GETS $1.4 BN FUNDING ever fund raising by an Indian Internet

commerce firm Flipkart raised $1.4 billion (Rs 9,000 crore approx.) from Tencent Holdings (China), Microsoft Corp and eBay Inc. Flipkart has decided to take over the Indian business of the eBay.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

FRANCE TO HELP IN RAILWAY SECTOR

France and India have agreed to collaborate in railway sector in areas such as high-speed and semirail, modernisation of current operations and infrastructure, station renovation and operations, suburban trains and safety systems. INDIA’s FIRST INTERNET TV Airtel Digital TV, the DTH arm of Bharti Airtel, has launched ‘Internet TV’, India’s first hybrid setpowered by Android TV. It will relay a bouquet of over 500 plus satellite TV channels.

The ADB has agreed to lend $175 millithe Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.the capacity and efficiency of its transmission networks.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI CUTS SLR TO 20%

The Reserves Bank of India has kept repo rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent in its second policy review. However, the Statutory liquidity ratio has been cut down by 0.5 per cent to 20 per cent wef 24June. This will release roughly 50,000 crore rupees in the banking sector. Considering the pressure on inflation, it has also cutgrowth projection for current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from earlier 7.4 per cent.

AUGUST 2017

FRANCE TO HELP IN RAILWAY SECTOR

and India have agreed to collaborate in railway

speed and semi-high speed rail, modernisation of current operations and infrastructure, station renovation and operations,

Airtel Digital TV, the DTH arm of Bharti Airtel, has launched ‘Internet TV’, India’s first hybrid set-top box, powered by Android TV. It will relay a bouquet of over

$175 million to Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. to improve

the capacity and efficiency of its transmission

BANKING & FINANCE JUNE

The Reserves Bank of India has kept repo rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent in its second bi-monthly

the Statutory liquidity ratio has been cut down by 0.5 per cent to 20 per cent wef 24th June. This will release roughly 50,000 crore rupees in

Considering the pressure on inflation, it has also cut the growth projection for current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from

SCOPE OF OMBUDSMAN EXTENDEDThe RBI has widened the scope of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006 by extending the coverage to include complaints related to mobile banking and electronic banking services and instances of misof third-party products like insurance and mutual fund

Further, the power to pass compensation award has been hiked to Rs. 20 lakh, from the existing Rs. 10 lakh.

The Ombudsman has also been empowered to allow compensation not exceeding Rs. 1 lakh to the complainant for loss of time, expenses incurred harassment and mental anguish suffered by him. AADHAAR MUST FOR BANK ACCOUNTS

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening new bank accounts and for financial transactions above Rs 50,000. Existing account holders have been given time until December 31, 2017 to submit the Aadhaar details, failing which the accounts will be held invalid. CVC ALLOWED TO PROBE PRIVATE BANKSThe RBI and the Department of Financial Services have approved the provisions for probing of allegations of corruption in private sector banks and against their employees by the Central Vigilance Commission. Earlier, the Supreme Court had said that all officials working in banks operating under an RBI license would be defined as public servants under the PreventionAct, 1988. RBI IDENTIFIES TOP 12 NPA ACCOUNTSThe RBI’s Internal Advisory Committee has identified 12 loan accounts, each having more than 5,000 crore rupees of outstanding, accounting for percent of the current gross Non Performthe banks.

The apex bank said that bankers will be asked to formulate resolution plan for these accounts within six months, failing which they may initiate insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 to recover the dues.

26

SCOPE OF OMBUDSMAN EXTENDED The RBI has widened the scope of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006 by extending the coverage to include complaints related to mobile banking and electronic banking services and instances of mis-selling

party products like insurance and mutual funds.

Further, the power to pass compensation award has been hiked to Rs. 20 lakh, from the existing Rs. 10 lakh.

The Ombudsman has also been empowered to allow compensation not exceeding Rs. 1 lakh to the complainant for loss of time, expenses incurred as also harassment and mental anguish suffered by him.

AADHAAR MUST FOR BANK ACCOUNTS

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening new bank accounts and for financial transactions above Rs 50,000. Existing account holders

time until December 31, 2017 to submit the Aadhaar details, failing which the accounts will be

CVC ALLOWED TO PROBE PRIVATE BANKS The RBI and the Department of Financial Services have approved the provisions for probing of allegations of

ruption in private sector banks and against their employees by the Central Vigilance Commission. Earlier, the Supreme Court had said that all officials working in banks operating under an RBI license would be defined as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption

RBI IDENTIFIES TOP 12 NPA ACCOUNTS The RBI’s Internal Advisory Committee has identified 12 loan accounts, each having more than 5,000 crore rupees of outstanding, accounting for roughly 25 percent of the current gross Non Performing Assets of

The apex bank said that bankers will be asked to formulate resolution plan for these accounts within six months, failing which they may initiate insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

THREE BANKS PUT UNDER PCA RBI has put the Central Bank of India, Dena BankBank of Maharashtra under Prompt Corrective Action in view of high net NPA and negative RoA (Return on Assets). With this, the total number of banks placed under RBI's watch has gone up to six. Action under PCA can include curbs on expansion, exposure and dividend payment. In extreme cases, the PCA framework provides the RBI with powers to force mergers or even wind up the non-compliant banks. IDBI ONLY PSB TO GET ‘HIGH’ RATINGAccording to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI), only one out of 26 public sector banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to codecompliance. Among 17 private sector banks, 8 managed to get ‘high’ rating. The code compliance rating is based on five parameters — information dissemination, transparency, grievance redressal, customer-centricity, and customer feedback. It indicates the level of implementation of important code provisions in a bank. 5 % INTEREST SUBSIDY FOR CROP LOANS

Government has decided that farmers will continue to get short-term crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a subsidised interest rate of 7 per cent, including interest subsidy of 2 per cent. Further, if this loan is repaid in time, the farmer will get additional subsidy of 3 per cent, bringing down the effective rate to 4 per cent.

AUGUST 2017

, Dena Bank and under Prompt Corrective Action in

view of high net NPA and negative RoA (Return on With this, the total number of banks placed

Action under PCA can include curbs on expansion, exposure and dividend payment. In extreme cases, the PCA framework provides the RBI with powers to force

compliant banks.

T ‘HIGH’ RATING According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI), only one out of 26 public sector banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to code

sector banks, 8 managed

The code compliance rating is based on five parameters information dissemination, transparency, grievance

centricity, and customer feedback. It mportant code

5 % INTEREST SUBSIDY FOR CROP LOANS

Government has decided that farmers will continue to

term crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a subsidised interest rate of 7 per cent, including interest

cent. Further, if this loan is repaid in time, the farmer will get additional subsidy of 3 per cent, bringing down the effective rate to 4 per cent.

SEBI COMMITTEE ON CORP GOVERNANCE Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)a committee under the Chairmanship of Uday KotakExecutive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank to help improve the standards of corporate governance of listed companies in India. SBI RAISES Rs. 15,000 CR THROUGH QIPState Bank of India has raised nearly Rs 15,000 cr from institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, through India’s biggest the QIP (Qualified Institutional Placement) issue. LIC alone opted for about 50 per cent share. Share with face value of Rs.price of Rs. 287.58 per share. SBI raised the capital meet Basel III regulatory capital stipulation and to make provisions for bad loans.

CABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE ON NPAsThe Union Cabinet has passed an ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act for dealing with the non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system. It aims to provide more powers to RBI to deal effectively with the high value NPAs. A NPA is a loan account where delay in realization of interest or installment has crossed 90 days. ‘PAYTM PAYMENT BANK’ LAUNCHEDDigital payments firm Paytmits payments bank ‘Paytm Payment Bank’, offering 4 per cent interest rate on savings account,deposits, zero fees on online transactionsminimum balance requirement. It is the second payment bank in India, first being Airtel Payment Bank.

KEY RATES CHANGED, EXCEPT REPOThe Reserve Bank of India kept the key policy rate or the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first bimonthly monetary policy review of 2017-6. The RBI said the decision was consistent with neutral stance of the monetary policy.

However, the Reverse Repo Rate was raised by 25 basis points to 6.0 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate were cut by 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent.

27

SEBI COMMITTEE ON CORP GOVERNANCE Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set up

Chairmanship of Uday Kotak, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank to help improve the standards of corporate governance of listed companies in India.

SBI RAISES Rs. 15,000 CR THROUGH QIP raised nearly Rs 15,000 cr from

institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, through India’s biggest the QIP (Qualified Institutional Placement) issue. LIC alone opted for about 50 per cent share. Share with face value of Rs. 1 was issued for a

ce of Rs. 287.58 per share. SBI raised the capital to meet Basel III regulatory capital stipulation and to make

MAY

CABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE ON NPAs

‘PAYTM PAYMENT BANK’ LAUNCHED Paytm formally launched

bank ‘Paytm Payment Bank’, offering 4 per on savings account, cash backs on

online transactions and no minimum balance requirement. It is the second payment bank in India, first being Airtel Payment Bank.

ARPIL

KEY RATES CHANGED, EXCEPT REPO The Reserve Bank of India kept the key policy rate or the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first bimonthly

-18 announced on April 6. The RBI said the decision was consistent with neutral

However, the Reverse Repo Rate was raised by 25 basis points to 6.0 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate were cut by 25 basis points

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

GRA FRAMEWORK FOR PSBs To prepare public sector banks (PSBs) to enable them to compete with smart private sector rivals and also prepare them for possible mergers in the future, the Bank Boards Bureau (BBB) has drawn up an elaborate Governance, Reward and Accountability Framewor(GRAF) for banks. The BBB has evolved a relative performance rating system to assess the performance of PSBs, its directors and employees. The BBB was set up by the government last year to make recommendations for selection of the chiefs of PSBs and financial institutions and help them develop strategies and capital-raising plans. MORE BATCHES FOR NEFT The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement cycle from hourly batches to half hourly batches,from 8 in the morning till 7 in the evening, settlement batches. ‘WHOLESALE & LONG-TERM FINANCE BANKS’

The Reserve Bank has released on its web site a discussion paper on ‘Wholesale & Long-Term Finance Banks’ for comments from all the stakeholders. The paper explores the scope for setting up ‘wholesale & long-term finance banks’ in the context of having issued in-principle approvals and licenses to set up differentiated banks, such as, payments banks and small finance banks.

AUGUST 2017

To prepare public sector banks (PSBs) to enable them to compete with smart private sector rivals and also prepare them for possible mergers in the future, the Bank Boards Bureau (BBB) has drawn up an elaborate Governance, Reward and Accountability Framework

The BBB has evolved a relative performance rating system to assess the performance of

The BBB was set up by the government last year to make recommendations for selection of the chiefs of PSBs and

ncial institutions and help them develop strategies

The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement cycle from hourly batches to half hourly batches, starting from 8 in the morning till 7 in the evening, with total 23

TERM FINANCE BANKS’

The Reserve Bank has released on its web site

Term Finance Banks’ for comments from all the stakeholders. The

setting up ‘wholesale & term finance banks’ in the context of having issued

principle approvals and licenses to set up differentiated banks, such as, payments banks and small

PROVISIONING NORMS RELAXEDThe Reserve Bank has relaxed against bad loans by allowing banks to set aside (to utilise) up to 50 per cent of floating provisions as against 33 per cent at present. Floating provisions are the amount that banks set aside that are above the mandatory provisioningagainst bad loans established by the central bank. SBI JOINS HAND WITH INDIA POSTState Bank of India has joined hands with Posts to promote 'SBI buddy e-wallet'(PoS) machines for cashless transactions at post office for booking speed post/registered post items. ‘PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION’ FOR BAD LOANS

The Reserve Bank has issued a new set of enabling provisions named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA) framework to resolve the bad loans issues of the banks. The new set of provisions is effective from April 1. A bank will be placed under PCA framework based

on the audited annual financial results and RBI's supervisory assessment.

Banks having NPA of more than sixunder PCA. Once under PCA, a bank will have to do what the RBI wishes it to do, placing the RBI in the driver’s seat in bad debt resolutions.

Under the new norm, 17 banksunder the RBI lens.

The Reserve Bank has set up two new offices of the Banking Ombudsman for the state ofKashmir (in Jammu) and Chhattisgarh

The Reserve Bank has issued draft guidelines on cross border merger transactions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).

The RBI signed an MoU on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Information”in South America.

The ICICI Bank Data Centre, the country's first Platinum rated project under IGBC Green Data Centre Rating System.IGBC: Indian Green Building Council

28

PROVISIONING NORMS RELAXED relaxed provisioning rules

by allowing banks to set aside (to utilise) up to 50 per cent of floating provisions as

Floating provisions are the amount that banks set aside that are above the mandatory provisioning requirement against bad loans established by the central bank.

SBI JOINS HAND WITH INDIA POST has joined hands with Department of

wallet' and Point of Sale machines for cashless transactions at post office

registered post items.

‘PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION’ FOR BAD LOANS

The Reserve Bank has issued a new set of enabling provisions named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA)

loans issues of the banks. The new set of provisions is effective from April 1.

A bank will be placed under PCA framework based on the audited annual financial results and RBI's

Banks having NPA of more than six per cent may fall under PCA. Once under PCA, a bank will have to do

wishes it to do, placing the RBI in the resolutions.

banks have already come

up two new offices of the Banking Ombudsman for the state of Jammu and

Chhattisgarh (in Raipur). has issued draft guidelines on cross

border merger transactions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).

“Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Information” with Bank of Guyana

ICICI Bank Data Centre, Hyderabad has become the country's first Platinum rated project

Green Data Centre Rating System. Indian Green Building Council

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

DEFENCE, SCIENCE& TECHNOLOGY

ARMY GETS DHANUSH GUNS

The first regiment of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the indigenously upgraded variant of the Swedish Bofors guns, is scheduled to be inducted into the Army end of this year. It is a 155-mm, 45-calibre gun with a maximum range of 40 km. TATA’s TO PRODUCE F-16 AIRCRAFTSLockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant from USA, signed an agreement with India's Tata Advanced Systems to produce most modern F-16 fighter jet in India. The company plans to shift its Texas plant to India to win billions of dollars worth of order from the Indian military. Around 3200 F-16 fighters are being flown by 26 countries. Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week

long naval exercise, AUSINDEX-17 with Australian Navy, off the Western Australian coast.

India successfully test-fired its first all weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-(QR-SAM) from a mobile launcher at Chandipur in Odisha.

Larsen and Toubro has developed India's first indigenously-built floating dock – FDNIndian Navy for docking ships and submarines of up to 8,000 tonnes of displacement.

ISRO LAUNCHES CARTOSAT-2 ISRO successfully launched PSLV-C38 rocket carrying Cartosat-2 and 30 other satellites on June 23. The Cartosat-2 series satellite, nick named ‘eye in the sky’ is a remote sensing satellite for providing highresolution, scene-specific spot imagery very useful for civil and military usage. The satellite was placed into a 505-Km Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.

AUGUST 2017

DEFENCE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

JUNE

The first regiment of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the indigenously upgraded variant of the Swedish Bofors guns, is scheduled to be inducted into the Army by the

calibre gun with a

16 AIRCRAFTS Lockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant from USA, signed an agreement with India's Tata Advanced

16 fighter jet in India. The company plans to shift its Texas plant to India to win billions of dollars worth of order from the

16 fighters are being

Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week-17 with Australian

fired its first all weather -to-Air Missile

SAM) from a mobile launcher at Chandipur in

Larsen and Toubro has developed India's first FDN-2 for the

Indian Navy for docking ships and submarines of up

C38 rocket and 30 other satellites on June 23.

series satellite, nick named ‘eye in the sky’ is a remote sensing satellite for providing high-

specific spot imagery very useful for s placed into a

ISRO LAUNCHES GSAT-19 SUCCESSFULLYIndia’s brand new and heaviest rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MarkMk-III), weighing 640,000 kg and nick named ‘fat boy’ successfully launched the 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19 from the Sriharikota spaceport on June 5. The GSLV Mk-III is a three stage/engine rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel amotors by liquid fuel. The second is fired on liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine that uses Oxygen and Hydrogen as liquefied fuel. The GSATbeam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band transponders. MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM)ISRO’s maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’ completed 1000 Earth days in its orbit on 19 June 2017, well beyond its designed mission life of six months. The spacecraft was launched on 5 Nov KALAMSAT LAUNCHED BY NASA

An experimental satellite named ‘Kalamsat’ designed by a six-member team led by 18 year old Md. Rifath Shaarook of Pallapatti in district Karur, Tamil Nadu, was successfully launched by NASA in USA.

29

19 SUCCESSFULLY India’s brand new and heaviest rocket — the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV

weighing 640,000 kg and nick named ‘fat boy’ successfully launched the 3,136 kg communication

19 from the Sriharikota spaceport on

III is a three stage/engine rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel and its two motors by liquid fuel. The second is fired on liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine that uses Oxygen and Hydrogen as liquefied fuel. The GSAT-19 is a multi-beam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band

ON (MOM) ISRO’s maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’ completed 1000 Earth days in its orbit on 19 June 2017, well beyond its designed mission life of six months. The spacecraft was launched on 5 Nov. 2013 by PSLV-C25.

KALAMSAT LAUNCHED BY NASA

An experimental satellite named ‘Kalamsat’ designed by

member team led by 18 year old Md. Rifath Shaarook of Pallapatti in district Karur, Tamil Nadu, was successfully launched by NASA in USA.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

‘JUDY’ VIRUS THREATENS SMARTPHONES

A new malware called 'Judy' is now infecting millions of Android smart phones around the world. It infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the perpetrators behind it. CHINA LAUNCHES SPACE TELESCOPE China has launched its first space telescope named ‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and gammabursts. The 2.5-tonne Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) was launched via a Long March-4B rocket from Gobi Desert. EARTH LIKE PLANET DISCOVERED US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable Earth-like planet, located just 21 light years away in its host star Gliese 625. The planet is likely to host liquid water on its surface, indicating possibility of life. TRACKLESS TRAIN IN CHINA

China has unveiled a track-less train that runs on virtual rails in a bid to speed up public transportation in major cities. It is fitted with sensors that allow it to detect the dimensions of the roads and plan its own route without the need for metal railway tracks. The new trains are said to be non-polluting as they run on battery. WORLD’S FASTEST ELEVATOR A skyscraper complex in China has installed the world’s fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking speed of 1,260 metres per minute. Developed by Japan’s Hitachi, its rated speed is 1,200 metres per minute.

AUGUST 2017

‘JUDY’ VIRUS THREATENS SMARTPHONES

called 'Judy' is now infecting millions

around the world. It uses infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the

China has launched its first space telescope named ‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray

ray Modulation Telescope 4B rocket from

US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable like planet, located just 21 light years away in its

host star Gliese 625. The planet is likely to host liquid water on its surface, indicating possibility of life.

less train that runs on virtual

rails in a bid to speed up public transportation in major fitted with sensors that allow it to detect the

dimensions of the roads and plan its own route without The new trains are

polluting as they run on battery.

A skyscraper complex in China has installed the world’s fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking

per minute. Developed by Japan’s Hitachi, its rated speed is 1,200 metres per minute.

INDIA TEST FIRES ‘SPYDER’ MISSILEIndia test fired a surface-to-air missileto-air PYthon and DERby) from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha. Acquired from Israel, it is a short-range quick reaction surfaceneutralize enemy targets up to a distance of 15 km and at heights between 20-and-9,000 meters. INDIA GETS ITS FIRST M777 GUNS

The weapon modernisation plan of the a major boost when two M777USA were test-fired in Pokhran, Rajasthan; nearly 30 years after the Bofors howitzer guns were introduced. These guns are of ultra light howitzers (ULH) quality and have 155mm/39 calibre with manufactured by BAE Systems, USA.

The BSF has started operation Rajasthan to increase the vigil along the border with Pakistan to check infiltration.

Simbex-17, a bilateral naval exercise between India and Republic of Singapore was held in the South China Sea. Simbex is an acronym forMaritime Bilateral Exercises.

INS Karwar and INS Kakinadaships of the Indian Navy were decommissioned at Mumbai after being in service for over 30

The 29th series of India- Indonesia CoPatrol (CORPAT), joint naval exercise was held near Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

INDIA GIFTS TECHNOLOGY TO NEIGHBOURSISRO gave south Asian nations a big technological boon by successfully launching South Asia Satellite or GSATinto space on a GSLV rocket. The 2,230support communication, broadcasting and internet services, disaster management, teleeducation, weather forecasting in the region covering all neighbours of India, except Pakistan.

30

MAY

INDIA TEST FIRES ‘SPYDER’ MISSILE air missile ‘Spyder’(Surface-

from a test range Acquired from Israel, it is a

range quick reaction surface-to-air missile to neutralize enemy targets up to a distance of 15 km and

9,000 meters.

INDIA GETS ITS FIRST M777 GUNS

The weapon modernisation plan of the Indian Army got

M777 guns acquired from fired in Pokhran, Rajasthan; nearly 30

years after the Bofors howitzer guns were introduced. These guns are of ultra light howitzers (ULH) quality and have 155mm/39 calibre with a range of 30 km, manufactured by BAE Systems, USA.

has started operation 'Garam Hawa' in Rajasthan to increase the vigil along the border

to check infiltration. a bilateral naval exercise between India

Singapore was held in the South China Sea. Simbex is an acronym for Singapore-India

INS Karwar and INS Kakinada, the two minesweeper ships of the Indian Navy were decommissioned at Mumbai after being in service for over 30 years.

Indonesia Co-ordinated Patrol (CORPAT), joint naval exercise was held near Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

INDIA GIFTS TECHNOLOGY TO NEIGHBOURS ISRO gave south Asian nations a big technological boon

South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 The 2,230-kg Satellite will

support communication, broadcasting and internet services, disaster management, tele-medicine, tele-education, weather forecasting in the region covering all

rs of India, except Pakistan.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

ISRO –NASA TO LAUNCH ‘NISAR’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have collaborated to make a satellite called NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. The satellite will help scientists monitor the Earth in detail like never before. It is scheduled to be launched in 2021. NOW ROBOTS TO POLICE DUBAI Dubai Police has launched their first robot officer, giving it the task of patrolling the city's malls attractions. People will be able to use it to report crimes, pay fines and get information by tapping a touch screen on its chest. ‘YEAR OF POLAR PREDICTION’ The World Meteorological Organization and the Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research have announced the start of the ‘Year of Polar Prediction’ aimed at improvement in environmental prediction capabilities for the Polar Regions and beyond. NOW BLINDS CAN WATCH TV

Researchers in Spain have invented a technique that types Braille in real time and helps deaf-"watch" television without intermediaries. The technique developed under "PervasiveSUB Project" compiles all the subtitles of TV channels and covertsthem to Braille through their smartphones or tablets.

AUGUST 2017

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have collaborated to make a satellite called NISAR -

The satellite will help scientists monitor the Earth in detail like never

It is scheduled to be launched in 2021.

Dubai Police has launched their first robot officer, giving and tourist

People will be able to use it to report crimes, pay fines and get information by tapping a touch screen

The World Meteorological Organization and the Research have

announced the start of the ‘Year of Polar Prediction’ aimed at improvement in environmental prediction capabilities for the Polar Regions and beyond.

Researchers in Spain have invented a technique that

-blind people "watch" television without intermediaries. The technique developed under "PervasiveSUB Project"

channels and coverts them to Braille through their smartphones or tablets.

WORLD’s THINNEST HOLOGRAMScientists in Melbourne, Australia have created the world’s thinnest hologram that can be seen without 3D goggles and may be integrated into everyday electronics such as smartphones, computers and TVs. It is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. Dubai has become the first city in the world to get its

own Microsoft Font. It has been launched in 3 types Dubai, Dubai Medium and Dubai Light.

DRDO’s LAB IS HIGHEST IN WORLD

The Extreme Altitude Research Centre set up by the DRDO at Chang La in Ladakh has received Guinness World Records certification for beiterrestrial research laboratory. Located at 17,664 feet, it is about a 1,000 feet higher than Pyramid Laboratory in Nepal. INDIA RANKS 5TH IN DEFENCE SPENDINGThe rankings released by the Swedish thinkStockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in their report titled ‘Trends in world Military Expenditure, 2016’, place India at 5terms of defence spending in the year 2016. India spent $55.9 billion on defence in 2016, which was 2.5 per cent of its GDP. The US is the top most spender at $611 billion, followed by China at$69.2 billion and Saudi Arabia $63.7 billion. INDIA – FRANCE JOINT NAVAThree Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya were deputed to France on a three day friendly visit to French Navy’s Toulon Naval Base. The two navies conducted joint naval exercise named ‘Varuna’. AGNI – III FIRED SUCCESSFULLYIndia successfully carried out a fresh user trial of 3,000 km. range Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. Agni-III is a rail mobile system capable missile and can be launched from anywhere giving the country extended ballistic missile firepower.

31

WORLD’s THINNEST HOLOGRAM Scientists in Melbourne, Australia have created the world’s thinnest hologram that can be seen without 3D goggles and may be integrated into everyday electronics

phones, computers and TVs. It is 1,000

Dubai has become the first city in the world to get its It has been launched in 3 types –

Dubai, Dubai Medium and Dubai Light.

ARPIL

WORLD

The Extreme Altitude Research Centre set up by the DRDO at Chang La in Ladakh has received Guinness World Records certification for bei0ng highest terrestrial research laboratory. Located at 17,664 feet, it is about a 1,000 feet higher than previous record holder

IN DEFENCE SPENDING The rankings released by the Swedish think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in their report titled ‘Trends in world

, 2016’, place India at 5th rank in terms of defence spending in the year 2016. India spent $55.9 billion on defence in 2016, which was 2.5 per cent of its GDP. The US is the top most spender at

followed by China at $215 billion, Russia at $69.2 billion and Saudi Arabia $63.7 billion.

AL EXERCISE Three Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya were deputed to France on a three day friendly visit to French Navy’s Toulon Naval Base. The two navies

joint naval exercise named ‘Varuna’.

III FIRED SUCCESSFULLY India successfully carried out a fresh user trial of 3,000

III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam III is a rail mobile system

and can be launched from anywhere giving the country extended ballistic missile firepower.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

ARMY JOINS HAND WITH IIT-MADRAS

The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITidentify and enhance critical areas of technology in the armed forces. Both entities will work in tandem to enhance their experience and technology for betterment of each other.

The 12th edition Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 has begun at Vairengte in Mizoram.

India signed a MoU with South Korea to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence shipbuilding.

Government has approved procurement of a fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles from Israel for Naval warships.

GOOGLE LAUNCHES AREO APP Google has launched a new food delivery and home services aggregator called Areo for the Indian market. The app is available as a free download on the Google Play store and is currently operational only in Bengaluru and Mumbai. NASA LAUNCHED SUPER PRESSURE BALLOONNASA has successfully launched its footballsized and heavy-lift Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) from Wanaka, New Zealand. The balloon will float for 100 or more days at 110000 feet (33.5 km) across the globe to detect the ultra violet fluorescence from the deep space cosmic rays coming in from above. FUNGUS DISCOVERED TO COUNTER PLASTICResearchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have discovered a soil fungus Aspergillus Tubingensis that can break down plastic materials using its enzymes. This discovery could help solve the everproblem of non decomposing plastic waste that threatens to destroy our environment. Finnish mobile giant Nokia has signed a MoU with

Airtel and BSNL for providing 5G technology and connected devices in India.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft made its first dive into the never-before-explored region between Saturn and its rings on 26 April.

AUGUST 2017

MADRAS

The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with

Madras (IIT-M) to critical areas of technology in the

armed forces. Both entities will work in tandem to enhance their experience and technology for betterment

Mongolian Joint Military Nomadic Elephant 2017 has begun at

India signed a MoU with South Korea to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence shipbuilding. Government has approved procurement of a fresh

air missiles from Israel for

Google has launched a new food delivery and home services aggregator called Areo for the Indian market. The app is available as a free download on the Google Play store and is currently operational only in

PRESSURE BALLOON NASA has successfully launched its football-stadium-

lift Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) from Wanaka, New Zealand. The balloon will float for 100 or more days at 110000 feet (33.5 km) across the globe to

t fluorescence from the deep space

FUNGUS DISCOVERED TO COUNTER PLASTIC Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have discovered a soil fungus Aspergillus Tubingensis

using its enzymes. This discovery could help solve the ever-growing problem of non decomposing plastic waste that

Finnish mobile giant Nokia has signed a MoU with Airtel and BSNL for providing 5G technology and

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft made its first dive into the explored region between Saturn and its

INTERNATIONALNEW UN OFFICE FOR TERRORISMThe UN General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new office to coordinate counterterrorism efforts. The new office will align the world body with needs of the global community in the fight against the menace of terrorism. ARAB MAJORS BOYCOTT QATAR

The Arab world’s strongest powers have cut ties with Qatar over its alleged support for Islamists and Iran. The move was initiated by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Three countries, Libya and the Maldives joined in later. the move as based on lies about it supporting militants. INDIA FORMALLY JOINS SCOIndia and Pakistan have become the formal members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded at a Summit in Shanghai in 2001 by thePresidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran and Pakistan were admitted as observers at the 2005 Astana Summit.

32

INTERNATIONAL

JUNE

NEW UN OFFICE FOR TERRORISM The UN General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new office to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts. The new office will align the world body with needs of the global community in the fight

ARAB MAJORS BOYCOTT QATAR

The Arab world’s strongest powers have cut ties with Qatar over its alleged support for Islamists and Iran. The move was initiated by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Three countries, Yemen, Libya and the Maldives joined in later. Qatar denounced the move as based on lies about it supporting militants.

INDIA FORMALLY JOINS SCO India and Pakistan have become the formal members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – SCO. The SCO was founded at a Summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran and Pakistan were admitted as observers at the 2005 Astana

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

USA NOT READY FOR PARIS ACCORD

US President Donald Trump shocked the world by announcing his decision to walk out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement stating that the agreement gives undue advantage to India and China, “the world’s leading polluters”, at the cost of U.S. interests. Itnoted that China, USA and India are world’s top polluters, accounting for 28.2%, 16% and 6.2%, respectively, of world’s CO2 emissions in 2016. Three of the US’ unwavering allies in the Western world — Germany, France and Canada — have openly criticised the US decision while UK expressed deep disappointment. Like Brexit, the American exit will not happen anytime soon. The Paris accord stipulates a four-year exit process. SOUTH AFRICA SUFFERS RECESSION South Africa, one of Africa's biggest economies, has slipped into recession. It suffered a 0.7 per cent decline in GDP in the first quarter of this year, after a 0.3 per cent contraction in the last quarter of 2016. Suffering negative growth in two subsequent quarters is termed as recession. Rampant corruption is being cited as one of the main reasons behind this negative growth. MONTENEGRO JOINS NATO AS 29th MEMBERMontenegro, a tiny country in South East Europe has become 29th member of the powerful Western military alliance NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, against the wishes of big brother Russia. NATO group is lead by America. Thus this development is being seen as a big diplomatic setback for Russia. SWISS AGREE TO SHARE INFO

Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of information sharing with India and 40 other countries to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money cases. The protocol will be implemented next year and the first set of information is planned in 2019.

AUGUST 2017

US President Donald Trump shocked the world by announcing his decision to walk out of the Paris Climate

Agreement stating that the agreement gives undue advantage to India and China, “the world’s leading polluters”, at the cost of U.S. interests. It may be noted that China, USA and India are world’s top polluters, accounting for 28.2%, 16% and 6.2%, respectively, of world’s CO2 emissions in 2016.

hree of the US’ unwavering allies in the Western world have openly criticised

the US decision while UK expressed deep disappointment. Like Brexit, the American exit will not happen anytime

year exit process.

South Africa, one of Africa's biggest economies, has slipped into recession. It suffered a 0.7 per cent decline in GDP in the first quarter of this year, after a 0.3 per

st quarter of 2016. Suffering negative growth in two subsequent quarters is termed as recession. Rampant corruption is being cited as one of the main reasons behind this negative growth.

MEMBER outh East Europe has

member of the powerful Western military North Atlantic Treaty Organisation,

against the wishes of big brother Russia. NATO group is lead by America. Thus this development is being seen as

Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of information sharing with India and 40 other countries to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money cases. The protocol will be implemented next year and the first set of information is

Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Bologna, Italyfrom climate change to sustainable development

The world's largest floating solar in Anhui in China, comprising of 160,000 panels floating upon a lake that emerged after the collapse of a coal mine.

In the recent general elections in Britain, for the first time a female Sikh and a turbanbeen elected as the MP for their House of Commons.

Meeting of BRICS Media Forum was held in Beijing. The forum announced that the Xinhua News Agency of China will invest $1 million for boosting media cooperation in the five-nation grouping.

EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CONGO

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo in the country’s northregion. Describing the outbreak as a public health crisis of international importance, WHO has sent medical experts to the region. More than the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. CHINA LAUNCHES ONE BELT, ONE ROADChina hosted one of its most important diplomatic event - a two-day conclave of over 30 world leaders in Beto launch its ‘Belt and Road initiative’.immensely ambitious development campaign through which China wants to boost trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond. It hopes to do so by building massive amounts of infrastructure connecting China to countries around the globe. Over 100 countries across the world have signed up for the mega project. G-7 SUMMIT HELD IN SICILYLeaders from the group of leading industrial nations, the G7, held their summit in Taormina, Sicily 26-27. The leaders signed a document saying more should be done by internet companies to identify and remove extremist material. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, along with representative from theEuropean Union.

33

Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers Bologna, Italy to discuss issues

from climate change to sustainable development. The world's largest floating solar farm has been built in Anhui in China, comprising of 160,000 panels floating upon a lake that emerged after the collapse

In the recent general elections in Britain, for the first time a female Sikh and a turban-wearing Sikh have

d as the MP for their House of Commons. Meeting of BRICS Media Forum was held in Beijing. The forum announced that the Xinhua News Agency of China will invest $1 million for boosting media

nation grouping.

MAY

IN CONGO

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in Congo in the country’s north-east region. Describing the outbreak as a public health crisis of international importance, WHO has sent medical

More than 11,000 people died in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2015, mainly in

CHINA LAUNCHES ONE BELT, ONE ROAD China hosted one of its most important diplomatic event

day conclave of over 30 world leaders in Beijing to launch its ‘Belt and Road initiative’. It is an immensely ambitious development campaign through which China wants to boost trade and stimulate economic growth across Asia and beyond. It hopes to do so by building massive amounts of

re connecting China to countries around the globe. Over 100 countries across the world have signed

7 SUMMIT HELD IN SICILY Leaders from the group of leading industrial nations, the

held their summit in Taormina, Sicily (Italy) on May The leaders signed a document saying more

should be done by internet companies to identify and

The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, along with representative from the

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

US AND GULF TO LAUNCH TFTC The United States and six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have joined hands to form ‘Terrorist Financing Targeting Center’ for curbing financing of terror organisations like Islamic State, Al-Qaeda,Taiba, the Haqqani network and the Taliban.

Global IT giant Apple Inc became the first U.S. company to top the $800 billion mark in terms of market capitalization on May 9.

Afghanistan has started, for the first time in the country, a new TV channel Zan TV ("Women's TV") that will have all female presenters and producers.

ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS IN VENEZUELAIn Venezuela, people have a hard time finding enough food to eat and fighting the rising unemployment. Recently, thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets, demanding a referendum to oust sitting President Nicolas Maduro. His government has furthermore been hampered by falling oil prices. Oil accounts for about 95% of Venezuela's export revenues. The lack of oil revenue has fgovernment to curtail its social programmes, leading to virtual revolt by the people. US TIGHTENS VISA RULES U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that calls for a review of the Hprogramme, saying that these should never be used to replace American workers and must be given only to the most skilled and highest paid applicants. The new visa norms could potentially hurt margins at India's IT services providers and may lead to layoffs

AUGUST 2017

The United States and six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have joined hands to form ‘Terrorist Financing Targeting Center’ for curbing financing of terror

Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani network and the Taliban.

Global IT giant Apple Inc became the first U.S. company to top the $800 billion mark in terms of

Afghanistan has started, for the first time in the Zan TV ("Women's TV")

that will have all female presenters and producers.

ARPIL

ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS IN VENEZUELA In Venezuela, people have a hard time finding enough food to eat and fighting the rising unemployment.

Venezuelans took to the streets, demanding a referendum to oust sitting President

His government has furthermore been

Oil accounts for about 95% of Venezuela's export revenues. The lack of oil revenue has forced the government to curtail its social programmes, leading

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that calls for a review of the H-1B visa programme, saying that these should never be used to replace American workers and must be given only to the

ew visa norms could potentially hurt margins at India's IT services providers and may lead to layoffs.

CHINA’s GDP GROWS BY 6.9%The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, China says that the Chinese economy grew by a 6.9 per cent in the first quarter this year mainly due to a surge in infrastructure investment and exports. The GDP reached 18.07 trillion Yuan ($2.63 trending March 31, 2017. LARGEST EVER BOMB DROPPED U.S. forces in Afghanistan dropped a 22,000Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bombthe "mother of all bombs," on Islamic State forces in eastern Afghanistan on April 13. At least 94 terrorists were killed in the attack. It is the largest non-nuclear bomb ever employed in combat by any army. By comparison, U.S. aircraft commonly drop bombs that weigh 250 to El SALVADOR BANS METAL MININGEl Salvador has become the first country in the world to impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including gold as the same was adversely affecting the ecological balance of the country. Govt said the law was protect the country’s dwindling supply of clean water. JAPAN ACCEPTS BITCOIN AS LEGAL TENDERJapan has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money with effect from 1 April 2017. The step will facilitate integration of digital currency into legal banking system through regulatory scrutiny.Bitcoin is a crypto-currency and an electronic payment system.

34

CHINA’s GDP GROWS BY 6.9% The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, China says that the Chinese economy grew by a 6.9 per cent in the first quarter this year mainly due to a surge in infrastructure investment and exports. The GDP reached 18.07 trillion Yuan ($2.63 trillion) in Q1

LARGEST EVER BOMB DROPPED U.S. forces in Afghanistan dropped a 22,000-pound Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb GBU-43, nicknamed

on Islamic State forces in eastern Afghanistan on April 13. At least 94 terrorists

nuclear bomb ever employed in combat by any army. By comparison, U.S. aircraft commonly drop bombs that weigh 250 to 2,000 pounds.

BANS METAL MINING the first country in the world to

impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including gold as the same was adversely affecting the ecological balance of the country. Govt said the law was needed to

supply of clean water.

JAPAN ACCEPTS BITCOIN AS LEGAL TENDER Japan has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money with effect from 1 April 2017. The step will facilitate

gital currency into legal banking system through regulatory scrutiny.

currency and

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a pace of 3.5 percent in 2017, up from 3.1%

The BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu, China from June 23 to 27, 2017.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, met in Lucca, Italy to forge a response to the deadly chemical attack in Syria.

PERSONS IN NEWS

RAM NATH KOVIND:has announced that Bihar Governor, a senior Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh, will be its nominee for the forthcoming Presidential poll.

JUSTICE DALVEER BHANDARI: India has re-nominated him as its candidate for another nine year term as judge at the International Court of Justice, which is also known as the World Court and is based in The Hague in the Netherlands. Elected in 2012, his current term runs through February 2018. NEERU CHADHA: Indian international law expertbecame the first Indian woman to be elected as the Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). She will have tenure of 9 years as judge of the Hamburg, Germany based Tribunal. SACHIN TENDULKAR: The Indian Cricket star has been picked up to promote a United Nations campaign/initiative titled Super Dads. An initiative by the UNICEF, it highlights the critical role played by fathers in children’s early development. ANANYA VINAY: The 12-year-old sixth class school girl from Fresno, California, won the prestigious 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in Oxon Hill, Maryland, USA. PALBINDER KAUR SHERGILL: She has become the first baptised and turbaned Sikh woman to be appoinas a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada. Born in Rurka Kalan village, near Phillaur in Jalandhar, she is a noted human rights activist and a keen player of Tabla and Harmonium, and is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

AUGUST 2017

IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a % in 2016.

will be held in Chengdu,

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations, met in Lucca, Italy to forge a response to the deadly chemical attack in Syria.

PERSONS IN NEWS

JUNE

RAM NATH KOVIND: The BJP has announced that Bihar Governor, a senior Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh, will be its nominee for the forthcoming

Indian international law expert first Indian woman to be elected as the

Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea . She will have tenure of 9 years as judge of the

The Indian Cricket star has been picked up to promote a United Nations campaign/initiative titled Super Dads. An initiative by the UNICEF, it highlights the critical role played by

old sixth class school girl won the prestigious 90th

Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in Oxon Hill,

She has become the first baptised and turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada. Born in Rurka Kalan village, near Phillaur in Jalandhar, she is a noted human rights activist and a keen player of Tabla and Harmonium, and is a black belt

TRAVIS KALANICK: CEO of one of the largest startups, Uber, the taxi aggregator, resigned from the company in the face of intense pressure to quit from some of its investors. The U.S.-based company had come under fire after allegations of widespread mismanagement and harassment at workplace. KATY PERRY: Most popular pop singing star from California, USA made social media history by becoming the first person in the world to reach 100 million Twitter followers. Second on the list is also a pop singer, Justin Bieber from Canada, with 96.7 million followers. WORLD’s HIGHEST-PAID CELEBRITIESForbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highestcelebrities has placed Shah Rukh Khan at no. 65, best in India, with earnings of $38 million (Rs 245 crore)followed by Salman Khan at 71st

earnings. Musician Sean Diddy Combs ($130 million), American entertainer has topped the list, followed by singer Beyonce and novelist J K Rowling at second and third place.

MUKESH AMBANI: 60 years old Chairman of Reliance Industries has topped the list of the 25 Global Game Changers listed by Forbes magazine that are transforming their industries and changing the lives of billions of people around the globe. Reliance’s Jio brand revolutionized the mobile internet market in India. Offering fast internet at dirtprices, it gained 100 million customers in six months and set off a wave of consolidation in the market. RIFATH SHAROOK: An 18 year old student from Pallapatti in Karur district in Tamil Nadu has developed the lightest working satellite ever,possessing a professional satellite designing degree. The satellite will be launched into space later this year by NASA.

35

EO of one of the largest startups, Uber, the taxi aggregator, resigned from the company in the face of intense pressure to quit from some of its

based company had come under fire after allegations of widespread mismanagement and

Most popular pop singing star from California, USA made social media history by becoming the first person in the world to reach 100 million Twitter followers. Second on the list is also a pop singer,

a, with 96.7 million followers.

PAID CELEBRITIES Forbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highest-paid celebrities has placed Shah Rukh Khan at no. 65, best in India, with earnings of $38 million (Rs 245 crore),

place with $37 million

Musician Sean Diddy Combs ($130 million), American entertainer has topped the list, followed by singer Beyonce and novelist J K Rowling at second and third

MAY

60 years old Chairman of Reliance Industries has topped the list of the 25 Global Game Changers listed by Forbes magazine that are transforming their industries and changing the lives of billions of people around the globe.

revolutionized the mobile internet Offering fast internet at dirt-cheap

prices, it gained 100 million customers in six months of consolidation in the market.

An 18 year old student from arur district in Tamil Nadu has developed

the lightest working satellite ever, despite not possessing a professional satellite designing degree. The satellite will be launched into space later this year by

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

KALPIT VEERWAL: Young student from Rajasthan created history by scoring a perfect 360 out of 360 in the IIT JEE mains examination. No one before has earned full marks in this exam. JUSTICE C S KARNAN: For the first time in the judicial history of the country, a seven-judge Constiof the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, sentenced the sitting judge of Calcutta High Court to six months of imprisonment for repeated incidents of contempt of court.

JASVIR SINGH: A barrister in London has become the youngest Sikh in the world to be awarded thethe British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding community services. The honour marks the recognition of the contribution of the Punjabi diaspora in the UK.

PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL ‘PRACHANDA’Prime Minister resigned after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power sharing understanding with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the country's leadership to the largest party in Parliament.

YUSRA MARDINI: Young girl from Syria bombs in her country and almost drowned when her dinghy capsized off Greece coast, but then competed at the Olympics as a refugee and has now been appointed a UN goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people seeking shelter from war.

ASHA KHEMKA: An Indian-origin educationist in the UK, who moved to Britain after her marriage with no English language skills, has been named the ‘Asian Businesswoman of the Year’ in Birmingham, UK. She is the Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire Colleg

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: Pakistani humaneducation advocate became the youngest person ever to be named a U.N. Messenger of Peace, an honorary title conferred by António Guterres, UNO’s Secretary General. Yousafzai, now 19 years old, has accepted role with a special focus on girls’ education. PEGGY WHITSON: US astronaut set a new record for most cumulative days spent in space, beating the earlier record of 534 days, 2 hours and 48 minutes set by cosmonaut Jeff Williams. She still has five months stay left to rack up another record. She also made history when she floated outside the International Space Station for making her record 8th spacewalk, breaking the record for the most spacewalks by a woman, previously held by Sunita Williams for seven walks.

AUGUST 2017

Young student from Udaipur, Rajasthan created history by scoring a perfect 360 out of 360 in the IIT JEE mains examination. No one before has

For the first time in the judicial judge Constitution bench

of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, sentenced the sitting judge of Calcutta High Court to six months of imprisonment for repeated

has become the st Sikh in the world to be awarded the Order of

(OBE) for his outstanding community services. The honour marks the recognition of the

in the UK.

PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL ‘PRACHANDA’: Nepal’s r resigned after a brief stint of nine

months, honouring a power sharing understanding with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the country's leadership to the largest party in

Young girl from Syria escaped the bombs in her country and almost drowned when her dinghy capsized off Greece coast, but then competed at the Olympics as a refugee and has now been appointed a UN goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people

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origin educationist in the UK, who moved to Britain after her marriage with no English language skills, has been named the ‘Asian Businesswoman of the Year’ in Birmingham, UK. She is the Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire College.

Pakistani human-rights and education advocate became the youngest person ever to

, an honorary title conferred by António Guterres, UNO’s Secretary General. Yousafzai, now 19 years old, has accepted the

floated outside the International Space Station for spacewalk, breaking the record for

the most spacewalks by a woman, previously held by

APPOINTMENTS

NAJMA HEPTULLA: Appointed as the of Jamia Millia Islamia, New DelhiGovernor of Manipur.

Dr. K. KASTURIRANGAN:Eminent scientist, former Chief of ISRO and Padma Vibhushan awardee has been appointed Chairman of the committee tasked with preparing the final draft of the National Education Policy.

SHASHI SHEKAR VEMPATI: Appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, the organisation that heads All India Radio and Door Darshan.

RAJIV GAUBA: Union Home Secretary, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

SANJIV SINGH: appointed as the Chairmancountry’s biggest and most profitable PSUCorporation.

KENNETH JUSTER: Appointed as the new Ambassador of USA to India.

SHER BAHADUR DEUBA: Elected as the new Prime Minister of Nepal. He is the PresidentCongress party.

JOSEPH MUSCAT: Elected as the Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.

MIROSLAV LAJCAK: Elected as the next President of the UN General Assembly. At present he is Foreign Minister of Slovakia.

ALEKSANDAR VUCIC: Elected as the new President of Serbia

LEO VARADKAR: Elected as the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. At just 38, he is the youngest ever PM of Ireland and hails from Mumbai.

SANJAY MITRA: Appointed as the new union Defence Secretary V K SARASWAT: Eminent scientist appointed as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. GAYARUL HASAN: Social activist from UP appointed the chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities .

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APPOINTMENTS

JUNE

Appointed as the Chancellor Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. She is former

Dr. K. KASTURIRANGAN: Eminent scientist, former Chief of ISRO and Padma Vibhushan awardee has been appointed Chairman of the committee tasked with preparing the final draft of

Appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, the organisation that heads All India Radio and Door

Union Home Secretary, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

appointed as the Chairman of the country’s biggest and most profitable PSU Indian Oil

Appointed as the new Ambassador

Elected as the new Prime Minister of Nepal. He is the President of Nepali

Elected as the Prime Minister of Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.

Elected as the next President of . At present he is Foreign

Elected as the new President of

Elected as the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. At just 38, he is the youngest ever PM of Ireland and hails from Mumbai.

MAY

the new union Defence

Eminent scientist appointed as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New

Social activist from UP appointed the chairperson of the National Commission for

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

7 BANKS GET NEW CHIEFS Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister effected change for heads of seven public sector banks as under:

Usha Ananthasubramanian Allahabad Bank,Melwyn Rego Syndicate BankR Subramaniakumar Indian Overseas BankSunil Mehta Punjab National BankDinabandhu Mohapatra Bank of IndiaR A Sankara Narayanan Vijaya BankRajkiran Rai G Union Bank of India

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE: Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament.

SHOBANA KAMINENI: Elected as the new President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She is the Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises.

AMITABH BACHCHAN: The World Health Organisation has appointed Bollywood actor as its Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia Rboost awareness around the hepatitis epidemic.

EMMANUEL MACRON: Pro-European centrist leader won the elections for the new President of France, crushing the far right leader Marine Le Pen.he is the youngest ever President of France.

TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS: Statesman from Ethiopia has been elected as the next Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

HASSAN ROUHANI: Re-elected as the President of Iran

EDOUARD PHILIPPE: Appointed as the new Prime Minister of France by the newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron.

HUBERT MINNIS: New Prime Minister of The Bahamas, a tiny island country near south east USA

SOHAIL MAHMOOD: Appointed as the Pakistan’s next High Commissioner to India.

MOON JAE-IN: Elected as the President of South Korea

RAJIV RAI BHATNAGAR: Appointed Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force – CRPF

RK PACHNANDA: Appointed Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police - ITBP

RAMAN ROY: Elected as the Chairman of The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) for 2017-18. Roy is the CMD of IT company Quatrro Global Services.

AUGUST 2017

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed heads of seven

Allahabad Bank, Syndicate Bank Indian Overseas Bank Punjab National Bank Bank of India Vijaya Bank Union Bank of India

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament.

Elected as the new President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She is the Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals

The World Health Organisation has appointed Bollywood actor as its Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia Region to

s around the hepatitis epidemic.

European centrist leader won the elections for the new President of France, crushing the far right leader Marine Le Pen. At 39 years,

Statesman from Ethiopia has been elected as the next Director General of

elected as the President of Iran

Appointed as the new Prime France by the newly elected French

New Prime Minister of The Bahamas,

Appointed as the Pakistan’s next

ed as the President of South Korea

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Appointed Director General

Appointed Director General of the

Elected as the Chairman of The National Association of Software and Services Companies

18. Roy is the CMD of IT company

RAJIV KUMAR CHANDER: Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India tothe United Nations Offices in GenevaIndia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNO (Headquarters) is Syed Akbaruddin.

VANAJA N. SARNA: Appointed as the new chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)

KRISTIN DAVIS: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has appointed internationally acclaimed actress and philanthropist as its Goodwill Ambassador.

RUNO TSHIBALA: Appointed new Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of the Congo

LENIN MORENO: Elected as the new President of Ecuador.

AWARDS & HONOURS

THE 54TH FEMINA MISS INDIA WORLD 2017 held in Mumbai

Final Winner: Manushi Chhillar 1st runner-up: Sana Dua from J&K2nd runner-up: Priyanka Kumari from Bihar.These girls will now represent India officially in various international beauty pageants.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune has been selected as thePrime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of Yoga.

DADASAHEB PHALKE ACADEMY AWARDPriyanka Chopra honoured with this award in the 'Internationally Acclaimed Actress'This is not the famous national Dada Saheb Phalke Award. RED INK AWARD: For lifetime achievement in journalism given to veteran journalist Vinod Dua in Mumbai. The award is given by the Mumbai Press Club.

37

: Appointed as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to

United Nations Offices in Geneva. India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to

Syed Akbaruddin.

ppointed as the new chairman Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has appointed internationally acclaimed actress and

Goodwill Ambassador.

Appointed new Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Elected as the new President of

AWARDS & HONOURS

JUNE

FEMINA MISS INDIA WORLD 2017 held in

from Haryana,

Sana Dua from J&K Priyanka Kumari from Bihar.

These girls will now represent India officially in various

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, has been selected as the first recipient of the

Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to evelopment of Yoga.

DADASAHEB PHALKE ACADEMY AWARD: Actress honoured with this award in the

'Internationally Acclaimed Actress' category. CAUTION: This is not the famous national Dada Saheb Phalke

For lifetime achievement in journalism given to veteran journalist Vinod Dua in Mumbai. The award is given by the Mumbai Press Club.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 38

KALINGA LITERARY AWARD: Renowned poet and essayist Haraprasad Das conferred this prestigious award for his contribution to literature in Odisha.

JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA: Union Health Minister selected for the WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award for accelerating India’s tobacco control initiatives and taking bold measures to protect people against hazards of tobacco use.

MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE: for the year’s best fiction translated in English won by Israeli novelist David Grossman for ‘A Horse Walks into a Bar’. He will share the £50,000 prize with his English translator, Jessica Cohen.

LEGION OF HONOUR: Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee, 82, has been selected for France's highest civilian award, for his outstanding contribution to cinema and theatre.

THE PALME d’Or: The prize for the best film at the Cannes film festival was won by the Swedish film ‘The Square’ directed by Ruben Ostlund.

QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS AWARD: Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra has been selected for this prestigious civil honour of UK with 60 others from all 53 Commonwealth countries.

UN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: The West Bengal government won this prestigious award in The Hague, Netherlands, for its initiative ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’ to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child.

CARNEGIE MEDAL: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji is among the honorees of this year’s, considered the most prestigious prize in philanthropy, for his efforts to reform India’s public school system. The award is given by Carnegie Corporation, New York founded by renowned US philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AWARD: Indian agricultural microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi won this award in Japan for developing cutting edge technologies to address burning environmental problems.

QATAR AIRWAYS was voted Best Airline by travelers across the world in the annual passenger survey done by the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards.

MAY

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development: Awarded to ISRO for 2014 in recognition of its contributions in international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.

Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha won the jury prize gold medal at the 10th Moscow Sand Art Championship.

Pawan Kumar Chamling, Sikkim Chief Minister was conferred with the first Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Lifetime Achievement Honour for excellence in public service.

Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award 2017: The Yes Bank has won the prestigious award in Financial sector Banking category.

WWF INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’s AWARD: Won by Rohan Chakravarty, Indian wildlife and environment cartoonist for his efforts to promote conservation of nature.

DAN DAVID PRIZE: Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the prestigious prize for his contribution in the field of astronomy. The honour will be conferred in Tel Aviv, Israel. Dan David prizes of one-million dollar each are given every year in the categories of "Past", "Present" and "Future" to people around the world who have made outstanding contributions to humanity in the sciences, humanities, or through their work in civil society.

WHITLEY AWARD: Also known as ‘Green Oscar’, won by wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman (Assam) and Sanjay Gubbi (Karnataka) in London. The award is given to recognize the work of conservation leaders.

WOODROW WILSON AWARD For Global Corporate Citizenship: ICICI Bank CEO and Managing Director Chanda Kochhar has become the first Indian woman to receive this prestigious award, given in Washington.

NEW YORK INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Konkona Sen Sharma won the Best Director award for the film ‘A Death in the Gunj’ and also the Best Actress award for ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’.

MISS TEEN UNIVERSE 2017: The Indian beauty Srishti Kaur won the crown in the annual beauty pageant held in Managua, Nicaragua. The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun: Prestigious civil honour of the Japanese Govt was awarded to former union minister Ashwani Kumar at Tokyo for his contribution to the strengthening of bilateral ties and promotion of friendship between the two countries

Pierre L’enfant Planning Excellence and Achievement Awards-2017: Odisha’s capital city, Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to win this prestigious US award for excellence in town planning. HOLLYWOOD ACTOR EMMA WATSON won the first-ever Genderless Acting Award for the Best Actor category for her role in the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the MTV Movie and TV Awards. This award does not differentiate between male and female actors.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 39

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64TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS DECLARED Best Feature Film: Kasaav (Marathi)

Best popular film providing wholesome

entertainment: Sathamanam Bhavathi (Telugu)

Best Hindi Film: Neerja

Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national

integration: Dikchow Banat Palaax (Assamese)

Best Direction: Rajesh Mapuskar for

Ventilator(Marathi)

Best Actor: Akshay Kumar for Rustom (Hindi)

Best Actress: Surabhi C M for Minnaminungu – the

Firefly (Malayalam) DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD: Renowned Telugu actor-director Kasinadhuni Viswanath selected for the prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. He has made number of films in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. This is the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.

GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARD 2017: The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) won this award for pioneering a cashless township transformation model. GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE: Also known as ‘Green Nobel’, the prize has been awarded to noted environmental activist Prafulla Samantara of Odisha for his crusade to save the habitat of state’s Dongria Kondh tribals in Niyamgiri hills from the encroachment of Vedanta group of industries. KRISHI KARMAN AWARD 2015-16: Himachal Pradesh has been selected for this award by the Union Ministry of Agriculture for the commendable increase in food grains production. Bollywood film "Newton” directed by Amit Masurkar won the best film honour at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. Karur Vysya Bank has been adjudged the ‘Best Small Bank for 2016’. Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize: The prize sponsored by UNESCO has been awarded to Giuseppina Nicolini, an Italian mayor for her commitment to saving the lives of migrants and refugees.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

JUNE

The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour written by A. Surya Prakash, Chairman Prasar Bharati Board.

The Girls by Emma Cline

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Son of the Thundercloud by Easterine Kire.

‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ by Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister.

Indira Gandhi – A Life in Nature by former Union minister Jairam Ramesh

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy

MAY

Matoshree by Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker.

Winning like Virat: Think & Succeed like Kohli by Abhirup Bhattacharya

Confessions of a Dying Mind: The blind faith of atheism by IAS officer Haulianlal Guite. It is touted as world’s first philosophical novel on God.

Looking for the Rainbow by Ruskin Bond

Sita: Warrior of Mithila by Amish Tripathi

Dialogue of the Deaf – the Government and the RBI by TCA Srinivasa Raghavan.

Between Them by Richard Ford

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

3 and a Half Murders by Salil Desai.

Hope in a Challenged Democracy: An Indian Narrative by Ashwani Kumar. He is a senior Indian politician and attorney.

'The Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily

Asha Parekh The Hit Girl – An autobiography with Khalid Mohammed

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in the fiction segment in 2017.

Gandhi in Champaran by Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar

Indian Railway-The weaving of a National Tapestry by Bibek Debroy, Sanjay Chadha & Vidya Krishnamurthi. The book is an interesting account of history of Indian railways, right from 1830 onwards, till date.

India’s Railway Man — A biography of E. Sreedharanby Rajendra B. Aklekar

Mind: A Journey of the Heart of Being HumanDaniel J.Siegel.

OBITUARY

JUSTICE P N BHAGWATI: The father of public interest litigation (PIL) and judicial activism in Indian legal jurisprudence, the 17th Chief Justice of India,Delhi after a brief illness at 95.

Dr. C NARAYANA REDDY:Eminent poet and Jnanpith Award recipient passed awaHyderabad. He was 86.honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1977 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992.

Popularly known as ‘CiNaRe’, 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.

DASARI NARAYANA RAO: Renowned film director and former union coal minister passed away in Hyderabad at the age of 75. He entered into Guinness Book of Records for directing highest number of films mostly in Telugu.

Dr. DESH BANDHU GUPTA: Founder and Chairman of pharma major Lupin, passed away in Mumbai. He was 79. A renowned philanthropist, he extended the empire of Lupni in over 100 countries.

AUGUST 2017

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Hope in a Challenged Democracy: An Indian senior Indian

by senior Congress

An autobiography with

by Colson Whitehead. novel won the Pulitzer Prize in the fiction segment in

by Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar

The weaving of a National Tapestry ibek Debroy, Sanjay Chadha & Vidya Krishnamurthi.

of history of Indian

E. Sreedharan

Mind: A Journey of the Heart of Being Human by

JUNE

The father of public interest litigation (PIL) and judicial activism in Indian legal jurisprudence, the 17th Chief Justice of India, died in

C NARAYANA REDDY: Eminent poet and Jnanpith Award recipient passed away in Hyderabad. He was 86. He was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1977 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992.

Popularly known as ‘CiNaRe’, he was proficient in Telugu, Urdu and Hindi and several other languages and

forms of literature. He also wrote lyrics for hundreds of Telugu Films.

Renowned film director and former union coal minister passed away in Hyderabad

He entered into Guinness Book of umber of films – 151,

Founder and Chairman of pharma major Lupin, passed away in Mumbai. He was 79. A renowned philanthropist, he extended the empire

SWAMI ATMASTHANANDA MAHARAJ: Holy Saint and Head of the Belur based Ramakrishna Math and Mission died of age-related ailments in Kolkata. He was 98. He was the spiritual Guru of Prime Minister Sh. Modi. The Ramakrishna Mission was founded by Sh. Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur, near Kolkata.

HELMUT KOHL: Former German chancellor known for his reunification of East and West Germany died at 87. Over his 16 years at the country’s helm from 1982 to 1998, first for West Germany and then for the united Germany, Kohl combined a dogged pursuiunity.

ANIL MADHAV DAVE: Serving Union minister for environment, forest and climate change died at the age of 60 in New Delhi. He was a member of Rajya Sabha since 2009.

REEMA LAGOO: Veteran film and TV actor, known for her role of mother in movies likeAapke Hain Kaun, Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai,and TV serial Shriman Shrimati, died due to a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. She was 59.

KPS GILL: Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, the supercop credited with rooting out terrorism in Punjab with an iron hand, passed away in new Delhi, succumbing to a kidney ailment at the age of 82. He is known for his successful ‘Operation Black Thunder’ to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in 1988.

CHANDRASWAMI: Self - styled broker and astrologer to the powerful, rich and influential, the controversial Swami died at 66 after a prolonged illness in Delhi. His name was most closely associated with former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Chandrashekhar, but his circle of patrons included many other VVIPs. His real name was Nemi Chand Jain.

ROGER MOORE: Former James Bond superstar from England passed away in Switzerland after a brief battle with cancer. He was 89. He played the role of James Bond in seven films.

USTAD RAIS KHAN: Renowned Pakistani Sitar maestro of Indian origin passed away in Karachi, Pakistan. He was 77. He was born in Indian city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh and moved to Pakistan in 1986.

JONATHAN DEMME: The Oscar-famous film The Silence of the LambsNew York. He was 73.

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was founded by Sh. Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur, near

Former German chancellor known for his reunification of East and West Germany died at 87. Over his 16 years at the country’s helm from 1982 to 1998, first for West Germany and then for the united Germany, Kohl combined a dogged pursuit of European

MAY

Serving Union minister for environment, forest and climate change died at the age of 60 in New Delhi. He was a member of Rajya Sabha

Veteran film and TV actor, known for of mother in movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum

Aapke Hain Kaun, Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho and TV serial Shriman Shrimati, died due to a cardiac

Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, the supercop credited terrorism in Punjab with an iron hand,

passed away in new Delhi, succumbing to a kidney He is known for his successful

‘Operation Black Thunder’ to flush out militants from

styled Godman, political broker and astrologer to the powerful, rich and

the controversial Swami died at 66 after a His name was most closely

associated with former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha ut his circle of patrons

included many other VVIPs. His real name was Nemi

Former James Bond superstar from England passed away in Switzerland after a brief battle with cancer. He was 89. He played the role of James

Renowned Pakistani Sitar maestro of Indian origin passed away in Karachi, Pakistan. He

He was born in Indian city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh and moved to Pakistan in 1986.

-winning director of the The Silence of the Lambs, passed away in

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 41

ARPIL

VINOD KHANNA: Veteran actor passed away at a Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 70. Khanna acted in lead roles in various superhit films and is best remembered for his performance in 'Mere Apne', 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Gaddar', 'Imtihaan' 'Qurbani', 'Kudrat', 'Dayavaan' and 'Jurm'. GIRISH CHANDRA SAXENA: Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and former director of India's external intelligence agency - the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), passed away at the age of 90. RAMESH CHANDRA AGARWAL: Chairman of the Dainik Bhaskar group of newspapers died in Ahmedabad following cardiac arrest. He was 74. Dainik Bhaskar was the most circulated multi-edition daily in 2015-16 with 45 editions and a total claimed circulation of 4.6 million copies per publishing day. KISHORI AMONKAR: Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. She was considered one of the foremost singers in the Hindustani tradition and as an innovator of the Jaipur gharana. She received a plethora of awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2002. ROBERT TAYLOR: A computer scientist, who was instrumental in the creation of the internet and modern computer, died at the age of 85 in Woodside, California.

PLACES IN NEWS

JUNE

JEWAR: Place near Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, some 90 kms from Delhi, has been selected by the Central govt for constructing a second airport in the National Capital Region (NCR). It will be a “world-class” international airport aimed at reducing the rush at the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. DARJEELING: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) launched a widespread agitation in the streets of Darjeeling to press for its demand for a separate Gorkhaland state carved out of West Bengal. The movement turned violent at several places, claiming three lives in police firing. MANDSAUR: District headquarters in Madhya Pradesh witnessed widespread farmers’ agitation that turned violent following the death of five protesters in police firing. Hundreds of vehicles were set on fire by the agitating farmers. CM Shiv Raj Singh Chauhan sat on an indefinite fast for restoration of peace.

THE GREAT MOSQUE OF AL-NURI: The more than 800 year old mosque in Mosul, Iraq was blown up by a group of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants. The medieval mosque was the place from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 declared an Islamic caliphate spanning parts of Iraq and Syria. LONDON: More than 80 persons, including children lost their lives and over 70 went missing after a massive blaze swept through the 24-storey Grenfell Tower, a residential apartment block in central London. Prime Minster ordered a full public inquiry in to the incident to find out the actual cause behind the tragic disaster. TEHRAN: In one of the worst terrorist strikes to hit the Islamic republic in years, two groups of armed terrorists attacked the Iran’s parliament building and nearby shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least 12 and injuring 30 people. One of the attackers was a suicide bomber who blew himself up. Six other terrorists were killed by the security forces. LONDON: Seven people died and at least 48 were injured following a terrorist attack in London. It is the third terrorist attack to take place in the country; following last month’s bombing in Manchester and the attack on Westminster in March. KABUL: A powerful bomb hidden in a sewage tanker exploded in Kabul, Afghanistan claiming over 90 lives and wounding more than 400 persons. The blast took place in a highly secure diplomatic area of the Afghan capital where the Indian embassy is also located.

MAY

MAIBA LOKPA: The hillock in Bishnupur district in Manipur was in news as Japan is going to build a war museum at this place. It is reported that about 70,000 Japanese soldiers had died in this area fighting battles from March to June 1944 during World War II.

BHILAR: It is India’s first ‘village of books’ located in Satara district, about 260 km from Mumbai. It will offer the best books on literary, cultural, and intellectual traditions of Maharashtra. The concept is modeled on Hay-on-Wye, the world famous ‘town of books’ in Wales, UK.

MANCHESTER: At least 22 people, including many children, were killed and around 60 injured in a suicide attack by an alleged terrorist at a concert of US pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester Arena, Britain’s largest indoor arena. It is the deadliest terrorist attack on Britain since 2005, when bombings on London’s transport system killed 52 people.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

SANA’A: Yemen has declared a state of emergency in the capital city of Sana’a over a deadly outbreak of cholera, claiming over 250 lives. The country has stated that it was “unable to contain this disaster” and appealed for international humanitarian assistance to deal with the crisis. FUEGO: The volcano in the south Guatemala, near the capital Guatemala City, erupted suddenly spewing hot ash high into the sky up to 5 km threatening nearby villages. Over 300 persons were evacuated from the nearby area.

SUKMA: The deadly Maoist ambush of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) team that was helping build a roin Chhattisgarh's Sukma area, claimed life of 25 CRPF men and seriously injured six more. About 300 Naxalites attacked them with rocket launchers and AK47s, outnumbering the 99-member team of soldiers.

BHADRAK: In a shocking incident of communal strife, tension erupted in Bhadrak town of Odisha over defamatory postings allegedly by some Muslim youth against Hindu deities on Facebook. The incident lead to widespread violence and arson by groups of both the communities. The town was put under curfew for over four days.

MAZAR-i-SHARIF: The Taliban militants went on a rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers and officers in one of the deadliest known attacks on an Afghan military base near Mazar-i-Sharif in the country's 16Dressed in military uniforms, a squad of 10 Taliban militants drove in two army Ford Ranger truckssuccessfully deceiving seven check posts.

MOCOA: In Colombia, at least 250 people died and hundreds went missing after heavy rain flooded the city of Mocoa in the country's southwest with mud and rocks. The flood buried whole neighbourhoods and forced residents to flee their homes.

AUGUST 2017

Yemen has declared a state of emergency in the capital city of Sana’a over a deadly outbreak of

claiming over 250 lives. The country has stated ” and appealed

for international humanitarian assistance to deal with

The volcano in the south Guatemala, near the pted suddenly spewing hot

ash high into the sky up to 5 km threatening nearby villages. Over 300 persons were evacuated from the

ARPIL

The deadly Maoist ambush of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) team that was helping build a road in Chhattisgarh's Sukma area, claimed life of 25 CRPF men and seriously injured six more. About 300 Naxalites attacked them with rocket launchers and AK-

member team of soldiers.

In a shocking incident of communal strife, tension erupted in Bhadrak town of Odisha over defamatory postings allegedly by some Muslim youth

incident lead to widespread violence and arson by groups of both the

unities. The town was put under curfew for over

The Taliban militants went on a rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers and officers in one of the deadliest known attacks on an Afghan military

Sharif in the country's 16-year war. Dressed in military uniforms, a squad of 10 Taliban

tants drove in two army Ford Ranger trucks,

In Colombia, at least 250 people died and hundreds went missing after heavy rain flooded the city of Mocoa in the country's southwest with mud and

flood buried whole neighbourhoods and

SPORTS WORLD

Kidambi Srikanth won the Australian Open Superseries Badminton Trophy in Sydney by defeating former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold medalist Chen Long of China. He also won the men’s singles title in Indonesia Open Super Series badminton by defeating Japanese Kazumasa Sakai at Jakarta, Indonesia. Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tournament in Mangolia. Anish, 15-year old pistol shooter from Haryana,gold in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard Pin Suhl, Germany, with a world record score of 579. Yashaswini Singh Deswal won gold at the women's 10 metre air pistol event. Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu jointly won the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup in Gabala, Azerbaijan Rohan Bopanna along with his Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski won his maiden Grand Slam title by lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy in B Sai Praneeth won the Thailand Open Grand Prix (badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand. C A Bhavani Devi, fencer from Chennai, became first Indian to win a gold in an international event, at the Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship(Iceland). Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradeshrecord in the hammer throw event with an effort of 65.25m, claiming the gold in the Federation Cup athletics championship in Patiala, Punjab

42

SPORTS WORLD

JUNE

won the Australian Open

Superseries Badminton Trophy in Sydney by defeating former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold

the men’s singles title in Indonesia Open Super Series badminton by defeating Japanese

, Indonesia.

Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh won gold and silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing

year old pistol shooter from Haryana, won gold in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard Pistol event

with a world record score of 579. Yashaswini Singh Deswal won gold at the women's

jointly won the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup

along with his Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski won his maiden Grand Slam title by lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy in Paris.

won the Thailand Open Grand Prix (badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand.

fencer from Chennai, became first Indian to win a gold in an international event, at

Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship at Reykjavik

Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh broke the national record in the hammer throw event with an effort of 65.25m, claiming the gold in the Federation Cup

Patiala, Punjab

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 43

Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu: Uttarakhand Mountaineer and BSF officer has become the first Indian to summit Mount Everest a record six times.

Bhumika Sharma, the girl from Dehradun has won the Miss World title in Bodybuilding Championship in Venice, Italy.

Lt. Colonel Srinivas Gokulnath, an army doctor from Maharashtra created history by becoming the first Indian to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in solo category. Considered to be the toughest cycle race in the world, he cycled for eleven days, 18 hours and 45 minutes.

India won six medals in the Wushu (martial art) competition of the first ever BRICS Games held in Guangzhou, China.

Indian cricket team became the team to score the most 300-plus totals in One Day International (ODI) matches. The team scored its 96th over 300 score playing against West Indies (310) played in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from the country to feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list topped by soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Dushyant Chautala, President of the Table Tennis Federation of India was elected President of the South Asian Table Tennis Federation.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian Daniel Ricciardo from the team Red Bull won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Lewis Hamilton from team Mercedes won the Formula-1 Canadian Grand Prix 2017 held in Montreal, Canada.

Sebastian Vettel won the Formula One’s showcase Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco.

Lionel Messi, Barcelona striker won the European Golden Shoe for a record-equaling fourth time having scored 37 goals in the Spanish league, equaling the record of Cristiano Ronaldo.

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY: Pakistan won the finals played against India by a huge margin of 180 runs at The Oval in London. Hasan Ali of Pakistan was named Man of the Series and winner of Golden Ball for taking highest number of wickets (13). Shikhar Dhawan won the Golden Bat for scoring highest runs (338).

FRENCH OPEN Tennis Grand Slam (Roland Garros) held at Paris Men's Singles Title: Spain's Rafael Nadal won it becoming first player to win it for the 10th time, defeating Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. Women's Singles Title: Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko won her maiden title by defeating Simona Halep of Romania

REAL MADRID WINS UEFA TWICE For the first time in the history of UEFA Champions League, a team has won the championship two times in succession. Real Madrid, winners of last year, won the title this year also, creating the history, thanks to their star performer - Cristiano Ronaldo (of Portugal)

French Cup Football Trophy: Also known as Coupe Charles Simon, the cup was won by Paris Saint-Germain team by defeating Angers team in Paris.

The cricket board for West Indies has changed their name to ‘Cricket West Indies’ from the former West Indies Cricket Board and their team’s new name will be ‘Windies’ in place of West Indies.

The International Olympic Committee has approved some new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games. The additions include a mixed team event for judo, a mixed doubles pair for Table Tennis and three-on-three basketball.

MAY

Deepti Sharma made a stunning 188-run knock, the second highest score in women's one-day international, playing against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Arjun Maini created history by becoming the first Indian driver to win a GP3 (Grand Prix 3) race by winning the event at Barcelona, Spain.

Pankaj Advani, India's top cueist ended at number two at Asian Snooker Championship held in Doha, Qatar.

Joshna Chinappa scripted history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title defeating fellow Indian Dipika Pallikal in Chennai.

Jehan Daruvala of Sahara Force India clinched his first podium in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship at Monza, Italy by finishing second – the first for an Indian driver in the highly competitive championship.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian off-spinner won the ‘International Cricketer of the Year’ award at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards.

R Vaishali from Chennai won the women's title in the Asian Continental Blitz Chess Championship in Chengdu, China.

Grand Master R R Laxman won the All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Harpreet Singh won a bronze medal in Greco-Roman category in Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi.

Jhulan Goswami: Indian women's team fast bowler has become the highest wicket-taker in history of ODIs in world by taking 181 wickets.

The Indian men's archery team won the gold medal at the World Archery Cup in Shanghai, China.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 44

Anshu Jamsenpa, a native of Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest for the fifth time and also the first women to conquer the peak twice in five days. Aged 32 years, she is a proud mother of two teenage children.

Anita Kundu, a Sub-Inspector in Haryana Police, has become the first Indian woman to climb the Mount Everest from the Chinese side.

Indian Premier League-IPL: Mumbai Indians lifted the trophy for the third time beating Rising Pune Supergiants in Hyderabad. David Warner scored highest in the series at 641 runs while Bhuvaneshwar Kumar bagged 26 wickets to top the bowlers' chart.

Federation Cup Football Tournament: Bengaluru FC won the cup by defeating defending champions Mohun Bagan in Cuttack, Odisha.

Asian Wrestling Championship: The Indian wrestlers overall bagged 10 medals comprising a gold, five silver and four bronze in the event held in New Delhi.

The Asian Athletics Championships will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from July 6 to 9. Olly Turtle, depicting the Olive Ridley sea turtle has been declared the mascot of the Championship.

Senior Women’s Hockey National Championship: Railways won the title after beating Haryana in the final played in Rohtak.

Asian Junior Tennis Championship was held in Pune, Maharashtra.

U-19 National School Football Girls Championship: Haryana defeated Tamil Nadu in the final to win the championship for the fifth time in succession, in Hissar, Haryana

For the first time in 21 years, the Indian football team has made it into the top 100 of the FIFA World Rankings.

INTERNATIONAL Rafael Nadal of Spain won a record-extending 10th Barcelona Open title by defeating Dominic Thiem of Austria. He also won Madrid Open title of Tennis by beating Dominic Thiem.

Italian Open (Tennis): Alexander Zverev of Germany defeated World No. 2 Novak Djokovic to win the final in Rome, Italy. Lewis Hamilton won the Spanish Grand Prix Formula One championship in Barcelona, Spain.

Valtteri Bottas of Finland won his first Formula one title by winning the Russian Grand Prix beating champion Sebastian Vettel in Sochi.

World Table Tennis Championships begin in Dusseldorf, Germany.

N'Golo Kante has been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ by the Football Writers' Association. He is a French player, playing for English club Chelesa.

Lhakpa Sherpa, the 44-year-old Nepalese mountaineer has created a new world record for the most Everest summits by a woman, scaling the world's tallest peak for the eighth time.

Sudirman Cup: South Korea defeated China to lift their fourth title of the Badminton championship at Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Azlan Shah Cup: Great Britain beat Australia to win the prestigious hockey cup at Ipoh, Malaysia.

The 116th edition of the French Open tennis started in the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris from May 29. The stadium is famous for its red gravel courts. It is the second Grand Slam of the year, the first being Australian Open.

ARPIL

Manpreet Kaur: Indian shot putter clinched a gold in the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in Jinhua, China. S V Sunil: Indian forward hockey player was named the ‘Player of the Year for 2016’ by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). K Shyam Kumar: Indian boxer won a gold medal in the 49- kilogram category at the Thailand International Boxing Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand. Sagar Baheti became the first visually impaired Indian to complete the popular Boston Marathon in USA. Sai Praneeth has won the title match of Men's singles at Singapore Open Badminton beating his compatriot Kidambi Srikanth. Pankaj Advani won the sixth Asian Billiards title and seventh overall Asian championship. P V Sindhu: Star Indian shuttler reached her career-best ranking of World no.2 in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings, released on 6th April. Indian captain Virat Kohli has been named Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016. Kohli amassed 1,215 Test runs at an average of 75.93 last year.

Harbhajan Singh, ace Indian spinner has been named one of the eight ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy 2017 to be played from June 1 in England.

Ravichandran Ashwin, star Indian spinner has broken the world record for most wickets in a single Test season, claiming 79 this season during the Dharamsala Test against Australia.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament:V Sindhu defeated reigning Olympic champion CMarin of Spain to lift women’s title. Men’s title was won by Viktor Axelsen of Denmark by beating Tien Chen Chou of China.

Indian players bagged three gold, two silver and 11 bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship held in Las Vegas.

National Youth Athletics Meet, Hyderabad:beat arch rivals Kerala after six years to win the team championship.

7th Junior National Hockey Championship was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Asian School Hockey Championship: school team beat Malaysia 5-1 to lift the title at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Deodhar Trophy: Tamil Nadu won the cricket tournament by defeating India 'B' in Vishakhapatnam.

17th National Para Athletics Championships were held at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium complex in Jaipur.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy - ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.

INDIA RANKS THIRD IN DOPING For the third year in succession, Indiaranked third in the doping violation report published by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2015 as 117 athletes from the country were punished after testing positive for banned substances. India is behind Russia with 176 defaulters and Italy with 129 defaulters.

INTERNATIONAL

Chris Gayle of West Indies became the first batsman in world to make 10,000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket. He achieved the feat playing for Royal Challengers, Bengaluru in Rajkot, Gujarat. Rafael Nadal of Spain won the Monte Carlo Masters title beating fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos Roger Federer (Switzerland) defeated Rafael Nadal (Spain) to win singles title at Miami Open 2017 in Florida, USA. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of team Ferrari won the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 championship.

Lewis Hamilton of Britain won the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix held in Shanghai, China.

Olympic Council of Asia has announced to add Video gaming as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China. It also decided to drop Cricket from the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

AUGUST 2017

India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament: P V Sindhu defeated reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain to lift women’s title. Men’s title was won by Viktor Axelsen of Denmark by beating Tien Chen

bagged three gold, two silver and 11 bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship

ational Youth Athletics Meet, Hyderabad: Haryana beat arch rivals Kerala after six years to win the team

Championship was held in

The Indian 1 to lift the title at Bhopal,

Tamil Nadu won the cricket tournament by defeating India 'B' in Vishakhapatnam.

Championships were held Singh Stadium complex in Jaipur.

ICC Cricketer of the Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner

was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.

For the third year in succession, India has been n the doping violation report published

for 2015 as 117 athletes from the country were punished after testing

is behind Russia with 176 defaulters and Italy with 129 defaulters.

of West Indies became the first batsman in

20 cricket. He achieved the feat playing for Royal Challengers,

won the Monte Carlo Masters

(Switzerland) defeated Rafael Nadal Miami Open

(Germany) of team Ferrari won the

won the Chinese Formula

has announced to add Video gaming as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China. It also decided to drop Cricket from

DAYS & DATES

JUNE 1: THE GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS

The day supported by UNO, provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. JUNE 1: WORLD MILK DAY Observed across the world to increase of milk and to promote activities connected with milk and the milk industry. It is supported by Food and Agriculture Organisation of UNO.‘Raise a Glass’. India is the largest producer of cattle and buffalo milk in the world. JUNE 4: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War, the day provides an opportunity to the world to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. JUNE 5: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAYObserved globally to promote awareness for preservation of environment. The theme of this year is ‘Connecting People to Nature’. The day implores people to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth. JUNE 8: THE WORLD OCEANS DAY Observed across the world to generate awareness about importance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance. Oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth. They generate most of the oxygen that we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate climate. This year’s theme is ‘Our oceans, our future’.

45

DAYS & DATES JUNE

JUNE 1: THE GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS

by UNO, provides an opportunity to

appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

to increase awareness on use of milk and to promote activities connected with milk and the milk industry. It is supported by Food and Agriculture Organisation of UNO. Slogan for this year is ‘Raise a Glass’. India is the largest producer of cattle and

JUNE 4: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF INNOCENT CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War, the day provides an opportunity to the world to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout

e the victims of physical, mental and

JUNE 5: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY Observed globally to promote awareness for

The theme of this year is ‘Connecting People to Nature’. The day implores people

and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to

JUNE 8: THE WORLD OCEANS DAY Observed across the world to generate awareness about importance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance.

thirds of the surface of the Earth. They generate most of the oxygen that we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate

This year’s theme is ‘Our oceans, our future’.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

JUNE 12: THE WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Observed globally with the patronage of International Labour Organisation to spread awareness about the abuse of child labour. This year’s focus is on of conflicts and disasters on child labour. JUNE 14: WORLD BLOOD DONORS DAY Observed across the world to raise the awareness about the need for safe blood donation. The theme for the year 2017 is Give Blood. Give Now. Give Oftencampaign focuses on blood donation in emergencies. JUNE 20: THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY Observed across the world to commemorate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees. The Day encourages the public to show support for families that are forced to flee for their lives each day. JUNE 21: WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY Observed world over to highlight the role of oceans and seas in human life. It is the establishment day of International Hydrographic Organization,ago. This year’s theme is ‘Mapping our seas, oceans and waterways – More important than Ever’. JUNE 21: WORLD MUSIC DAY

Observed around the world to popularise music and musicians. Musicians from all genres and all ages, amateurs and experienced performers, gather together to perform at various public places with a view promote public participation. The first World Music Day was celebrated in the year 1982, in Paris.

AUGUST 2017

THE WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Observed globally with the patronage of International Labour Organisation to spread awareness about the

This year’s focus is on the impact

Observed across the world to raise the awareness about The theme for the year

Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often. This year’s campaign focuses on blood donation in emergencies.

Observed across the world to commemorate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees. The Day encourages the public to show support for families that are forced to flee for their lives

Observed world over to highlight the role of oceans and It is the establishment day

International Hydrographic Organization, 95 years ‘Mapping our seas, oceans and

Observed around the world to popularise music and musicians. Musicians from all genres and all ages, amateurs and experienced performers, gather together to perform at various public places with a view to

The first World Music Day

JUNE 21: INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAYMillions of people around the world celebrated Yoga Day by organising mass yoga sessions at various places.In India, main function was held in Lucknow where Prime Minister Modi himself led a gathering of over 60,000 people for a mass yoga session. JUNE 23: INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAYThe International Widows’ Day was observed globally on 23 June 2017. The day is an opportuntowards achieving full rights and recognition for widows, who have been living with an invisible status for too long invisible. JUNE 23: UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAYThis international day celebrates public servants’ contribution to sustainable development. This year’s celebrations were organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands together with the in honor of United Nations Public Service Day. JUNE 23: THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY

Celebrated every year on 23 June to mark the occasion of the commencement of modern Olympic Games on this day in 1894 at Sorbonne in Paris. JUNE 26: INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKINGThe day is observed as an expression of the determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Theme for this year is Listen First children and youth is the first step to hehealthy and safe.

MAY 1: INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAYAlso known as International Worker's Day or May Dayobserved every year to promote and encourage the international labour associations.Haymarket labour riots that took place in Chicago, USA on May 4, 1886.

46

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY Millions of people around the world celebrated Yoga Day by organising mass yoga sessions at various places.

in function was held in Lucknow where Prime Minister Modi himself led a gathering of over 60,000 people for a mass yoga session.

JUNE 23: INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAY The International Widows’ Day was observed globally on 23 June 2017. The day is an opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows, who have been living with an invisible status

UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY This international day celebrates public servants’

sustainable development. This year’s celebrations were organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands together with the in honor of United Nations Public

23: THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY

Celebrated every year on 23 June to mark the occasion of the commencement of modern Olympic Games on this

JUNE 26: INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING The day is observed as an expression of the determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug

Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow

MAY

MAY 1: INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY International Worker's Day or May Day is

observed every year to promote and encourage the international labour associations. It commemorates the Haymarket labour riots that took place in Chicago, USA

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

MAY 2: WORLD ASTHMA DAY Observed across the world to improve asthma awareness and its care. This year’s theme isBetter Air, Better Breathing'.

MAY 3: WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

MAY 08: WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY Observed every year to raise awareness about the Thalassemia disease, making the world a better place to live on. It is a dangerous genetic disorder that is said to affect about 10,000 children in India every year.blood disorder disease which is inherited from parents, marked by abnoral deficiency of Hemoglobin.

MAY 8: WORLD RED CROSS DAY Observed every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. The theme for this year is “Less Known Stories”

MAY 10: WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY The day highlights the interdependence of people and nature, and more especially people and migratory animals - in particular birds as they all share the same habitat. The theme for this year is "Their Future is our Future – A Healthy Planet for Migratory Birds and People."

MAY 11: NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY This day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on 11 May 1998. Also, first indigenous aircraft “Hansaflown at Bangalore on this day in 1999. The day glorifies the importance of science in day to day life and motivates students to adopt science as the career option. This year’s theme is “Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth”. President of India awards National Technology Awards for adopting new technologies by companies or individuals.

MAY 12: INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY Celebrated all over the world to commemorate Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses are given awards to recognize excellence in services rendered by them.Theme for this year is ‘Nursing: A voice to lead Achieving the sustainable development goals’.

AUGUST 2017

to improve asthma theme is 'Asthma:

The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

Observed every year to raise awareness about the Thalassemia disease, making the world a better place to

is a dangerous genetic disorder that is said to affect about 10,000 children in India every year. It is a

sease which is inherited from parents, marked by abnoral deficiency of Hemoglobin.

Observed every year to commemorate the birth Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red

“Less Known Red Cross

highlights the interdependence of people and

nature, and more especially people and migratory in particular birds as they all share the same

Future is our A Healthy Planet for Migratory Birds and

This day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on 11 May

Also, first indigenous aircraft “Hansa-3” was test The day glorifies

the importance of science in day to day life and motivates students to adopt science as the career

“Technology for inclusive

nt of India awards National Technology Awards for adopting new technologies by companies or

Celebrated all over the world to commemorate Florence Nurses are given awards to

xcellence in services rendered by them. ‘Nursing: A voice to lead –

Achieving the sustainable development goals’.

MAY 17: WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY Supported by UN organisation theTelecommunication Union, ITU topossibilities that the use of Internet and other information and communication technologies can bring to societies and economies. This year’s theme isData for Big Impact.

MAY 17: WORLD HYPERTENSION DAYObserved to promote public awareness about hypertension (high blood pressure) and to encourage public to prevent and control this silent killer.theme this year is ‘know your numbers’.Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading no higher than 120/80 mm Hg. A readings of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure.

MAY 21: ANTI-TERRORISM DAY

Observed to commemorate the martyrdom of former Indian PM Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in Sri Perambadur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomday in 1991.

MAY 22: THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY The day is observed to raise awareness about the contribution of sustainable tourism to economic growth as well as to the conservation of biodiversity. The theme for this year is “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”.

MAY 23: WORLD TURTLE DAY The day is observed to raise awareness on conservation of tortoise and turtles and their habitat, and to curb their illegal trafficking. MAY 31: WORLD NO TOBACCO DAYthe world every year supported by the WHO to demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses to sustainable development, including the health and economic well-being of citizens in all countries. Consumption of tobacco million deaths each year worldwide. This year’s theme is ‘Tobacco as a threat to development’.

ALL THE NEWS ITEMS IN THIS MAGAZINE HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM VARIOUS NEWS PAPERS AND GOVT. PRESS RELEASES.

47

MAY 17: WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND

Supported by UN organisation the International cation Union, ITU to raise awareness of the

possibilities that the use of Internet and other information and communication technologies can bring

This year’s theme is Big

WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY to promote public awareness about

hypertension (high blood pressure) and to encourage public to prevent and control this silent killer. The theme this year is ‘know your numbers’. Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading

than 120/80 mm Hg. A readings of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure.

TERRORISM DAY

Observed to commemorate the martyrdom of former

Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in Sri Perambadur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomber on this

MAY 22: THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR

raise awareness about the contribution of sustainable tourism to economic growth as well as to the conservation of biodiversity. The theme

“Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”.

The day is observed to raise awareness on conservation of tortoise and turtles and their habitat, and to curb

MAY 31: WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY: Observed around e world every year supported by the WHO to

demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses to sustainable development, including the health and

being of citizens in all Consumption of tobacco leads to nearly 6

s each year worldwide. This year’s theme ‘Tobacco as a threat to development’.

ALL THE NEWS ITEMS IN THIS MAGAZINE HAVE BEEN SOURCED FROM VARIOUS NEWS PAPERS AND GOVT. PRESS RELEASES.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

AUGUST 2017 48

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 49

NATIONAL NEWS MARCH

Indians observed the ‘Earth Hour’ on March 25 by switching off all the unnecessary lights between 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Earth Hour is an annual international event

created by the World Wide Fund for Nature. As per the New World Wealth, Mumbai is the richest

Indian city with a total wealth of $ 820 billion, followed by Delhi at $ 450 bn and Bengaluru at $ 320 bn.

As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017, Hyderabad has emerged as the best Indian city in terms of living standards.

The Supreme Court has clarified that govt cannot make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits like LPG subsidy, foodgrains, mid day meals, etc.

The fifth edition of the mega cultural festival ‘India by the Nile’ was held in Cairo, Egypt.

India and Germany have ratified a Social Security Agreement, which will come into force from May 1 this year.

Norway displaced Denmark as the world's happiest country in the World Happiness Report 2017. India was placed at 122nd rank among 155 countries.

India has ranked 131st among the 188 countries Human Development Index 2016. The index based on 2015 data, is topped by Norway.

Country’s tallest flag post, standing 360 feet high with a 110 meter long flag was inaugurated near Wagah check post at Pakistan border in Amritsar.

India’s first power boat racing event ‘Indian Grand Prix of the Seas’ was held at Mumbai coast.

The World Conference on Environment was held in New Delhi on March 26.

The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance was held in New Delhi from March 7-9,

India to host its first mobile congress at Pragati Maidan, Delhi on 27 September 2017 with focus on reaching out to the South East Asian markets.

A three-day international conference on e-governance `ICEGOV 2017' was held in New Delhi in collaboration with UNESCO.

A national conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan was held in New Delhi to focus on consolidation of water conservation and management in the country.

The three-day International Buddhist conference was held in Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar from 17th March.

India has signed a 'call for action' with World Health Organization (WHO) and pledged to scale up measures to end the Tuberculosis by 2030.

FEBRUARY

The Heritage Foundation, a top American think tank has ranked India at 143rd place in its Index of Economic Freedom, covering 186 countries. The index is topped by Hong Kong, followed by

Singapore and New Zealand. India has been placed at 43rd rank in a list of 45

countries compiled by 5th Annual International Intellectual Property (IP) Index in USA.

NITI Aayog launched India’s first online India Innovation Index portal to capture data on innovation from all Indian states.

India’s first floating school named Loktak Elementary Floating School has been started in India’s largest fresh water lake, Loktak Lake in Manipur.

The Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism held in New Delhi, with delegates from 150 countries.

19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (International Theatre Festival of India) was hosted by National School of Drama in New Delhi.

Bullet News (JANUARY – MARCH 2017)

For details visit – www.gyanm.in

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 50

3rd National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Thiru vananthapuram. This year’s theme is “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development”.

A two day ASEAN India Digital Connectivity Summit was held in New Delhi, attended by delegates from 30 countries.

The 11th International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition - Aero India 2017 was held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

A 3 day International Spice Conference was held at Kovalam in Kerala.

A two-day Nature Fest was organised by the UNESCO at the world heritage site Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP) at Sairopa, Kullu in Himachal Pradesh.

JANUARY

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest for India's 68th Republic Day celebrations.

The Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas convention was held in Bengaluru. Prime Minister of Portugal Dr Antonio Costa was the Chief Guest of the PBD.

Union Cabinet has approved the 2nd Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing emission of green house gases, for the period 2013-17. Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and the 1st

commitment period was from 2008-2012. The 104th Indian Science Congress was hosted by

the Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

The N.K. Singh panel, constituted to review the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, submitted its report to the union finance minister.

The 58th edition of India International Garment Fair was held in New Delhi.

The first edition of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s International Television Dance Festival was held in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Japan has decided to be associated with the development of Chennai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi as smart cities.

The International Conference on “Yoga for Diabetes” was held in New Delhi on January 4.

NEWS FROM STATES MARCH

The Uttarakhand High Court has accorded the status of "living human entities" to the Ganga and Yamuna, two of India's most sacred rivers.

The country's largest waste-to-power plant was inaugurated at Narela-Bawana in New Delhi.

The 24 mega watt plant will consume around 1,300 metric tonne waste on a daily basis.

Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT) launched to provide people in remote and rural areas with timely heart treatment

National Theatre Festival was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from March 16 to 24.

Country’s longest extradosed bridge, running for 1.4 km, located across River Narmada at Bharuch in Gujarat, was opened up for traffic.

Rajasthan has become India’s 2nd largest crude oil producer, after the offshore field Bombay High, producing nearly 90 lakh tones oil annually

Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport stood first in the world in the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality survey.

Himachal Pradesh govt has launched a mobile app and website titled ‘Mera Hunar HP’ or ‘My Talent’ to help skilled and semi-skilled workers find jobs.

The National Green Tribunal has banned camping activities along the river bank of Ganga in Uttarakhand

Assam to host its first river festival, ‘Namami Brahmaputra’ to promote its culture, heritage, tradition and art.

Madhya Pradesh has announced Deendayal Rasoi Yojna to provide meals to urban poor for Rs 5. Initially it will cover four major cities.

Assam has decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory language for students up to class 8th in the state.

Government has decided to start the National Banana Research Centre at Gorole, Vaishali, Bihar. India is number one producer of bananas in world.

FEBRUARY

India’s first National Women’s Parliament was held in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The Telangana state has launched India's first social innovation centre the ‘Kakatiya Hub for Social Innovation’.

The world famous dance event was held in Madhya Pradesh in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples.

Gujarat has become the first state in the country for establishing the cashless system in its public distribution system (PDS) for food grains. The eligible beneficiaries now will need to carry

only Aadhaar cards for getting their food grain in Gujarat.

Karnataka has passed a bill to facilitate the conduct of traditional buffalo race “Kambala” and bullock cart races in South Kanara and Udupi districts.

Jammu & Kashmir state has declared 2017 as ‘Year of Apple’ to promote the famed Kashmiri apples in domestic and foreign markets.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 51

The first heliport in India has been started in North Delhi, built by state-owned Pawan Hans.

JANUARY

Himachal Pradesh govt has declared that Dharamsala would be the second capital of the State.

Goa becomes first state to opt for electronic transmission of postal ballot to service voters. The ballot will be sent by e-mail.

The world’s largest street light replacement prog-ramme Street Lighting National Programme was launched by the South Delhi Municipal Corp.

Delhi Police and IndiGo airlines have joined hands to start ‘Aakhiri Ahuti’ - a humanitarian initiative to carry free of cost the bodies of the North-east residents who die in Delhi, to their homes in NE.

Arunachal Pradesh launched ‘Dulari Kanya’, a special scheme to check infant mortality in the state.

Kerala has launched the country’s first solar-powered boat 'Aaditya' at Vaikom. It has seating capacity for 75 persons.

Sikkim has emerged as the India’s first fully organic state by converting around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land into sustainable cultivation.

Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands hosted the Island Tourism Festival 2017.

GOVT INITIATIVES

MARCH

Railways plan to set up Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks named ‘Railwire Saathi’ at about 500 stations to help people access an array of online services

After the implementation of GST, govt has decided to rename the Central Board of Excise and Customs as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare has launched ‘Mission Fingerling’ to promote fisheries as part of the Blue Revolution.

The new health policy promises to increase public spending on health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP by 2025, from 1 per cent at present.

The Union Cabinet has decided to set up a National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes with constitutional status.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana launched for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category.

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in coordination with International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), launched two missions:

‘Operation Thunder Bird’ to combat illegal trade of wildlife animals and ‘Operation Save Kurma’ to curb smuggling of turtles.

Lok Sabha passed the Mental Healthcare Bill, which decriminalises suicide and guarantees the right to better healthcare for people with mental illness.

Now, the person attempting suicide shall be presumed to be suffering from “severe stress” and therefore, shall not be tried or punished by law.

Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched ‘MoP&NG e-Seva’ portal for speedy disposal of queries and grievances relating to oil and gas sector.

Union Cabinet has approved setting up of 50 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country to provide quality education to around 50,000 students.

FEBRUARY

Govt has launched ‘Cyber Swachhta Kendra’ in New Delhi for Botnet cleaning and Malware analysis as a part of digital India initiative. Two mobile apps namely ‘Mkavach’ to protect

smart phones and tablets from hackers and ‘Samvid’ to protect Desktops

Railways have started Antyodaya Express - a long-distance, fully unreserved and super fast train service for the common man.

Govt has launched the Saathiya Resource Kit and mobile app named ‘Saathiya Salah’ for adolescents under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. The kit and app will impart age appropriate

knowledge on key adolescent health issues to the teenagers through their peer groups.

World’s first Braille atlas for visually challenged people has been prepared by National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation, New Delhi.

Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation (TAMRA) mobile app and portal launched to ensure transparent award of statutory clearances for mining operations.

Post offices will now provide services such as employment registration for rural youth through National Career Services portal.

The Govt has approved the proposal for a single all India exam for entrance in to all the engineering and architecture colleges from 2018.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan launched to make 6 crore rural households digitally literate by March 2019.

Union Health Ministry launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from Bengaluru to target around 41 crore children across India.

JANUARY

Head Post Offices in various states now will work as the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra for delivering passport related services to the people.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 52

Prime Minister announced a number of new schemes to help the poor, farmers, women and small businesses.

Housing: Under P M Awas Yojana (grameen), home loans up to Rs 9/12 lakh will now get 4 /3 % rebate in interest, respectively.

In rural areas, 3 % interest relief will be given on loan of up to 2 lakh rupees for the construction, renovation and expansion of home.

Women: A national scheme was announced for the would-be mothers to provide them Rs. 6,000 for their delivery, vaccination, and nutritious meals.

Senior citizen: Senior citizens have been assured 8 per cent interest on their deposits up to Rs. 7.5 lakh, for next 10 years.

Farmers: Govt. to bear 60 days interest on select farm loans. ii. To issue rupay debit cards to 3 crore farmers in next three months.

Small and Medium businesses: i. Loan guarantee scheme to small business extended up to Rs. 2 crore. ii. Banks and NBFCs not to levy high interest rate on these loans as the govt. is bearing the cost of under writing them. iii. Banks to raise credit limit from 20% of turnover to 25% for small business. iv. Banks to raise working capital loan to 30% from 20% of sales for enterprises that transact digitally.

The Government of India has increased the minimum monthly pension for central govt. employees to Rs. 9,000 per person from Rs. 3500 earlier. Further, the ex-gratia amount for the employees

has been increased from 10-15 lakh to 25-35 lakh rupees.

The cabinet approved the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana to provide an assured return of 8% p a for 10 years to persons of age 60 years and above.

Govt approved the IIM Bill to allow the IIMs to grant degrees rather than diplomas and be declared as Institutions of National Importance.

A web portal 'ShaGun' has been launched to monitor the progress of country’s flagship educational programme – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

The government has tied up with the National Yuva Coop. Society to set up 1,000 Janaushadhi Kendras to provide quality medicines at an affordable price.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

MARCH

OECD has cut India's growth forecast for 2016-17 to 7% from 7.4% earlier (2015-2016) due to impact of demonetization.

US based rating agency Fitch has projected Indian economy to grow by 7.1%in 2016-17, but may jump to 7.7% in the next two financial years.

FEBRUARY

In its 6th bimonthly policy review, the RBI lowered the GDP growth forecast for 2016-17 to 6.9% from 7.1 % projected in 5th policy review in Dec, 2016.

JANUARY

A study Oxfam, UK, shows that just 57 billionaires in India have same wealth ($216 billion) as that of the bottom 70% population of the country. India’s richest 1% hold as much as 58% of the

country’s total wealth.

ECONOMY

MARCH

Country’s first ‘Make in India’ EMU (Electric

Multiple Unit) rake for suburban travel was launched in Western Railways, from Dadar to Borivali in Mumbai. The new rake is named ‘Medha’ as it is

powered by Hyderabad-based firm Medha Servo Drives.

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns and also applying for a Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Idea Cellular Ltd agreed to merger with Vodafone India Ltd in a $23 billion deal, creating worlds second largest and India’s largest telco.

Govt has abolished the 1% tax on cash payments of over Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of goods or services as such transactions have been banned from April 1.

The NTPC has installed India’s largest floating solar photovoltaic plant for 100 kw at Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant, Kayamkulam, Kerala.

Tata Steel Ltd and Wipro Ltd have been named in the list of World’s Most Ethical Companies 2017 by American think tank Ethisphere Institute.

FEBRUARY

Agriculture Ministry in its 2nd advance estimates for 2016-17 has stated that the total foodgrain production in the country is estimated to be at record 272 million tonne.

India’s iconic car brand ‘Ambassador’ has been sold off by the Hindustan Motors to European auto major Peugeot for Rs 80 crore.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 53

JANUARY

India’s first international exchange called India INX has been opened at the International Financial Service Centre, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved listing of five government-owned General Insurance Companies on stock exchanges. The companies are National Ins Co, New India

Assurance Co, Oriental Ins Co, United India Ins Co and General Insurance Corporation of India.

BANKING

MARCH

Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for amending NABARD Act, 1981, to increase the authorized capital of NABARD to Rs. 30,000 crore. It also approved transfer 0.4 percent share of

RBI in NABARD amounting to Rs. 20 crores to the Government of India.

The RBI has asked bank-operated Financial Literacy Centers and rural bank branches to organize special camps starting from April 1, 2017. They will educate public about digital payments

through UPI and USSD based “*99#” service code platforms.

UPI -Unified Payments Interface USSD -Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

The RBI has clarified that currency notes on which some message is scribbled, do not cease to be legal tender. However, if message scribbled on it is political

in nature, then the note ceases to be legal tender.

SBI Card has launched a new credit card 'Unnati' which will have zero annual fee for the first four years of its subscription.

Dena Bank has introduced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled banking cards. When a valued client enters the branch with the

card, his complete profile will pop up on the manager’s desktop.

RBI data says, ICICI Bank topped the list of banks that witnessed most number of frauds during April to December, 2016 with SBI taking the second spot.

RBI has directed that the NBFCs now cannot disburse gold loan of more than Rs. 25,000 in cash. Earlier this limit was Rs. one lac.

ICICI Bank has launched 'Mera iMobile' app for rural customers to allow them to access banking services as well as information on agri-services.

State Bank of India has approved the 'Work from Home' policy for its employees to enable them to work while at home using various mobile devices.

HDFC Bank launched India's first AI-based banking chatbot named ‘Eva’ which can answer millions of customer queries across multiple channels instantly.

FEBRUARY

RBI has promoted digital payment initiative named Bharat QR code to enable seamless digital payments without card swiping machines. Payment networks such as MasterCard and Visa

have joined hands with NPCI to launch Bharat QR (Quick Response).

All the five associate banks will merge with State Bank of India from April 1, 2017. Assets of SB of Bikaner and Jaipur, SBof Mysore,

SB of Travancore, SB of Patiala and SB of Hyderabad will be transferred to SBI on April 1.

‘Indradhanush 2.0’ launched for recapitalisation of public sector banks to ensure compliance of the Basel-III norms for capital adequacy.

The Lok Sabha passed the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill It makes holding of more than 10 old notes of

Rs 500/1000 denomination punishable. The fine will be up to Rs.10,000 or 5 times the

value of notes possessed, whichever is higher. SBI has become the first bank in India to use a gTLD

for its internet presence and better security. Now its web address is ‘bank.sbi’. A generic top level domain (gTLD) enables an

organisation to use its corporate name as their website’s top-level identifier.

The RBI has increased the gold loan limit for RRBs (Regional Rural Banks) to Rs 2 lakh from the current Rs 1 lakh to help the farmers and artisans.

JANUARY

Govt hass amended the Income-tax Rules, 1962 to allow banks to obtain and link PAN or Form No 60 in all existing bank accounts, other than Basic Saving Account by February 28, 2017.

DEFENCE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

MARCH

The DRDO and Israeli Aircraft Industry will jointly

develop the ‘medium-range surface-to-air missile’ (MR-SAM) for the Indian army.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 54

The Indian Navy has decommissioned its iconic Tupolev-142M anti-submarine warfare aircraft after utilising its serviced for almost 30 years. These aircrafts are being replaced by advanced

P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft manufactured by the Boeing Company of USA.

Annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX 17) was hosted by the Indian Navy off the western coast in Arabian sea.

IN LCU L51, the first of the eight ships of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV Class was commissioned into the India Navy at Andaman Nicobar Islands.

INS Viraat, India's second aircraft carrier after INS Vikrant, was decommissioned on March 6 after serving the Indian Navy for nearly 30 years.

A two week long joint military exercise SURYA KIRAN-XI between India and Nepal was held in Pithoragarh area of Uttarakhand

Indian and Royal Oman armies held their two week long joint exercise named Al-Nagah-2 in Bakloh area of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.

Indigenously developed radar named Swati, capable of locating field guns, tanks, etc. in a range of up to 50 km. has been inducted in Indian Army.

The 9th Gorkhas celebrated 200-years of its raising in Secunderabad, Telangana. Their first battalion was raised by the British government in 1817.

INS Tillanchang, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC) was commissioned into the Indian Navy, at Karwar, south of Goa.

India's first lunar mission – the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, which was generally considered lost in August, 2009, is still orbiting the Moon.

This has been confirmed by NASA scientists using new technological application of their interplanetary radar.

FEBRUARY

India is world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment, accounting for 13% share during the five-year period 2012-2016.

The Ministry of Defence has approved setting up of 38 new radar stations to strengthen surveillance of the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.

L&T has entered into a joint venture with European defence major MBDA Missile Systems for development of missile systems in India.

Thailand with USA jointly hosted Asia’s largest military exercise ‘Cobra Gold’ from Feb 14-24 in jungles of Thailand. India also took part.

Indian Navy launched sailboat 'Tarini' for the first Indian all-women global circumnavigation by the Indian Navy to begin in August.

INS Sarvekshak, the survey vessel of Indian Navy has become the first Indian warship to install a 5 KW solar power system on board.

India successfully test-fired its home grown Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile from Abdul Kalam Defence Base at Dhamara, off Odisha coast.

On Feb 15, the ISRO scripted history by successfully launching a record 104 satellites, including India’s earth observation satellite Cartosat-2.

To increase understanding of the climate change, a special train named ‘Science Express Climate Action Special’ (SECAS II) started from New Delhi.

A group of scientists have claimed that there exists an eighth continent also, named Zealandia. It is spread around New Zealand, covering

about 4.9 million sq km, although most of it is submerged below the current sea level.

JANUARY

Khanderi, the second Kalvari class Scorpene submarine, was launched into water - or 'undocked' at the Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.

Agni-IV, the nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile with a strike range of 4,000 km was tested successfully as part of a user trial

State Bank of India has installed an ATM on India's largest warship, INS Vikramaditya to cater to the over 1,500 sailors and 110 officers on ship.

Pakistan successfully tested its long range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Ababeel, having a strike range of 2,200 km.

A new guided version of the Pinaka Rocket was successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha.

Scientists have discovered a new organ named ‘Mesentery’ inside human body in the digestive system, connecting the intestine to the abdomen.

INTERNATIONAL

MARCH

The leaders of 27 countries that form European Union gathered in Rome on March 25 to celebrate 60 years of its formation. On this day in 1957, Treaty of Rome was signed

in Rome by six countries to lay the foundation of European Union.

In the World Health Index 2017, Italy has been named as the healthiest country, followed by Iceland and Switzerland.

Finland-based HMD Global, a company formed by veterans of Nokia, has launched new generation Nokia 3, 5 and 6 Android-based smart phones.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 55

The finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the G-20 nations held their meeting in Baden-Baden in Germany from 17-18 March 2017.

13th summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation of 10 Muslim nations was held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Leaders of 22 Arab nations met in Sweimeh, Jordan for the annual summit of Arab League to work out strategies to handle terrorism in the region.

The first Summit of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) nations was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

FEBRUARY

UNICEF has advised that millions of people, including 1.4 million children, are at risk of death due to a severe famine in Africa. The affected countries are - Nigeria, Somalia,

South Sudan and Yemen. The crisis has been declared as the first new famine in six years.

Qatar Airways conducted the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight for 14,535 kms from Doha in Qatar to Auckland, New Zealand, in 16:20 hrs.

British luxury carmakers Rolls-Royce reported a record loss of £4.6 billion ($5.7 billion), the biggest in the company’s history since 1884.

2017 BRICS summit shall be held in Xiamen, China in September 2017. This year’s theme is “BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future”.

China generated 66.2 billion kilowatt-hours of energy in 2016 to become the world’s largest producer of solar energy, replacing Germany from the top.

World’s longest elevated cycle path bulit in Xiamen, China. Running for over 8 kms, it can handle over 2,023 cyclists with a speed up to 24 kmph.

JANUARY

China has built the world’s biggest solar park, Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, in Qinghai, spread over 27 sq km.

Finland has become the first country in the world to pay a basic monthly income of Euro 560 to randomly picked citizens on a national level

China has launched its first freight train to London. The train will depart from Yiwu in eastern China.

China launched its longest bullet train “Shangri-la of the World” from Kunming in SW China to Beijing, covering a distance of 2,760-km in about 13 hours.

World’s highest bridge has been thrown open for traffic in China. The Beipanjiang Bridge soars 565 metres (1,854 feet) above the Beipan River.

The United Nations General Assembly has recognised the year 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

PERSONS IN NEWS

MARCH

ARUN JAITLEY: Union Finance Minister was given the additional charge of the defence ministry on 13 March after Manohar Parrikar resigned from the post to take on the role of Chief Minister of Goa. ADITYA PURI: American financial magazine Barron's has ranked HDFC Bank Chief at 23rd position in its list of world’s 30 best CEOs.

SHILPA SHETTY: Bollywood celebrity has been appointed as a brand ambassador for the government's cleanliness initiative Swachh Bharat Mission.

MAHERSHALA ALI: American actor, who won the Oscar for the best supporting actor for his role as Juan in Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight", is the first Muslim actor in history to win an Academy Award.

PARK GEUN-HYE: South Korea’s Constitutional Court on 10 March 2017 voted unanimously to remove the country’s President from office on account of corruption charges.

FEBRUARY

SATINDER SARTAAJ: Punjabi folk singer selected for the awareness of project against human trafficking named 'Blue Heart Campaign' by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. SUDARSAN PATTNAIK: World famous sand artist from Odisha has created a Guinness World Record for the highest sand made structure by creating a 48.8 feet tall sand castle at Puri beach in Odisha. QUEEN ELIZABETH II: The world’s longest reigning sovereign, became the first British monarch to reach her Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.

JANUARY

PRIYANKA CHOPRA: won USA’s prestigious “People’s Choice Award for the Best Dramatic Actress” for her role in the popular TV series Quantico.

APPOINTMENTS

MARCH

FIVE NEW CHIEF MINISTERS ELECTED 1. Yogi Adityanath-BJP UttarPradesh 2. Manohar Parriker-BJP Goa

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 56

3. N. Biren Singh-BJP Manipur 4. Amrinder Singh-Congress Punjab 5. Trivendra Singh Rawat-BJP Uttarakhand B.P. KANUNGO: Appointed as the Deputy Governor of the RBI. MAHESH KUMAR JAIN: Appointed as Managing Director & CEO of IDBI Bank. KISHORE PIRAJI KHARAT: Appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Indian Bank. MALLIKARJUN KHARGE: Appointed chairman of the Public’s Account Committee (PAC) of Parliament. DONALD TUSK: Polish diplomat has been re-elected as the President of European Council.

FEBRUARY

EDAPPADI K. PALANISWAMI: Elected as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu SHURHOZELIE LIEZITSU: New Chief Minister of Nagaland

SANDEEP JAJODIA: Elected as the new President of Assocham - The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India. He is the CMD of Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd.

HEMANT BHARGAVA: Appointed as Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.

AJAY TYAGI: Appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

SANJEEV SANYAL: Appointed as Principal Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance. He is the former global strategist and Managing Director of Deutsche Bank.

MOHAMED ABDULLAHI FARMAJO: Elected new President of Somalia (East Africa)

FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER: Elected as the new President of Germany.

GURBANGULY BERDYMUKHAMEDOV: Elected as the new President of Turkmenistan.

JANUARY

NATARAJAN CHANDRASEKARAN: CEO and MD of TCS has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Sons. PROF. DAVID R SYIEMLIEH: Appointed as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, UPSC

ALOK KUMAR VERMA: New Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

RAJESH GOPINATHAN: Appointed as the new CEO of the Tata Consultancy Services – TCS.

NATARAJAN CHANDRASEKARAN: CEO and MD of TCS has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Sons

PRAVIND JUGNAUTH: Appointed as the new Prime Minister of Mauritius.

ADAMA BARROW: New President of The Gambia, a small country in West Africa.

ANTONIO TAJANI: Elected as the new President of the European Parliament.

BERNARD CAZENEUVE: Appointed as the new Prime Minister of France DANIEL ORTEGA: Elected as the President of Nicaragua for a third consecutive term.

JOVENEL MOISE: Elected as the President of Haiti.

SORIN GRINDEANU: Appointed as the new Prime Minister of Romania.

AWARDS & HONOURS

MARCH

SARASWATI SAMMAN 2016: Awarded to eminent Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail for his novel ‘Hawthan’. MOORTIDEVI AWARD: Awarded to eminent Malayalam writer and journalist M P Veerendra Kumar for his travelogue 'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil' RAGHU RAI: Veteran photojournalist was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th National Photography Awards in New Delhi. EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016: Vivek Chaand Sehgal of Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd by Ernest Young Karur Vysya Bank has been adjudged the ‘Best Small Bank for 2016’. OSCAR AWARDS DECLARED Director: Damien Chazelle for La La Land Best Picture: Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea Best Actress: Emma Stone for La La Land

ABEL PRIZE: The prize for excellence in Math’s has been awarded to French mathematician Yves Meyer. GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE: Prestigious $ 1 million prize was won by Maggie MacDonnell, a Canadian who teaches at a school in a fly-in only village in the Arctic.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 57

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR: Rihanna, the 29-year-old famous pop singer from Barbados has been named for this award given by the Harvard University, USA.

FEBRUARY

VYAS SAMMAN 2016: Prestigious award for excellence in Hindi literature was conferred upon Surendra Verma, a well known Hindi scholar and writer for his novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha: Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se.

KAYAKALP AWARD: The All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was awarded the first prize under the Central Government Hospitals category for maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene.

VISITORS AWARD: Jawaharlal Nehru University won this national award for the best Central University in India. The award is given by President of India.

SANDEEP DAS: Indian tabla player won the Grammy for the Best Global Music category for the composition ‘Sing me Home’ in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.

BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS (BAFTA) announced on Feb 12 in London.

Best Film: ‘La La Land’ directed by Damien Chazelle Best Director: Damien Chazelle for ‘La La Land’, USA Best Actor: Casey Affleck for ‘Manchester by the Sea’ Best Actress: Emma Stone for ‘La La Land’ MISS UNIVERSE - 2016: Iris Mittenaere from France

GENESIS PRIZE-2016: Prestigious $1 million prize by Israel was won by Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor for his commitment to Jewish values. 59th GRAMMY AWARDS announced on Feb 12 in Los Angeles, USA to recognize the best in the field of music. Album of the year: ‘25’ by Adele (Britain) Record of the year: ‘Hello’ by Adele Song of the year: ‘Hello’ by Adele Best Rock Song: ‘Blackstar’ by David Bowiey Best Pop Solo Performance: ‘Hello’ by Adele Best Pop Vocal Album: ‘25’ by Adele

JANUARY

PADMA AWARDS 2017 DECLARED President of India approved conferment of Padma Awards on 89 persons comprising seven Padma Vibhushans, seven Padma Bhushans and 75 Padma Shri awards, of which 19 awardees are women.

ASHOK CHAKRA: The highest peace time gallantry award was conferred upon Havildar Hangpan Dada, who killed four terrorists before laying down his life in Kupwara on May 26 last year.

The Delhi International Airport Limited won the Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in the aviation transport sector. 62ND FILMFARE AWARDS HELD AT MUMBAI Best Film: ‘Dangal’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari Best Actor: Aamir Khan for Dangal Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Udta Punjab Best Director: Nitesh Tiwari for Dangal Lifetime Acheivment: Shatrugan Sinha

THE 74TH GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS for cinema and TV were held in Beverly Hills, California (USA) Best Picture: Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins Best Director: Damien Chazelle for La La Land Best Actress: Isabelle Huppert for Elle Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea

OBITUARY

MARCH

SYED SHAHABUDDIN: Former senior Indian diplomat and 3 times MP from Kishanganj, Bihar, died at the age of 82.

RABI RAY: Veteran socialist leader and eminent Parliamentarian, former Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Speaker of the Lok Sabha, passed away at 91, after prolonged illness in Cuttack, Odisha.

TAARAK MEHTA: Renowned Gujarati humourist and playwright passed away at 87. The popular TV series ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ is an adaptation of his daily column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chasma’. P. SHIV SHANKAR: Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader passed away in Hyderabad. He was 88. He was also the Governor of Kerala and Sikkim. DAVID ROCKEFELLER: The billionaire businessman and renowned philanthropist of USA died at the age of 101.

FEBRUARY

JOGINDER SINGH: Former CBI director passed away after prolonged illness in New Delhi. He was 77.

ALTAMAS KABIR: Former Chief Justice of Supreme Court passed away in Kolkata. He was 68.

VED PRAKASH SHARMA: Popular Hindi novelist, counted among the highest-selling Hindi writers in the country, died in Meerut.

BANO QUDSIA: Renowned Pakistani Urdu novelist and playwright passed away at the age of 88. She was honoured with Pakistan’s highest civil awards - Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2003 and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2010.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 58

JANUARY

OM PURI: Legendary cinema and theater actor passed away after a massive heart attack in Mumbai. He will always be remembered for his outstanding performance in films like Ardhsatya, Aakrosh. He also acted in several Pakistani, British and Hollywood films. SURJIT SINGH BARNALA: Former Punjab Chief Minister and former Governor of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Uttarakhand, passed away at 91. NAQSH LYALLPURI: Renowned Urdu poet and Bollywood lyricist Jaswant Rai Sharma, known to the world by his pen name, died at the age of 89. Some of his best songs include, Main to har mod par tujh ko dunga sada; Na Jane kya hua, jo tune chhu liya MASAYA NAKAMURA: The father of Pac-Man video game is no more. The game has been played over 10 billion times, a Guinness Book record. AKBAR HASHEMI RAFSANJANI: Two times former Iranian President died at 82. He was an influential figure in Iranian politics.

TONY ATKINSON: Eminent British economist and a noted scholar at the London School of Economics died in Oxford, UK.

PLACES IN NEWS

MARCH

VILLAGE HABBI: in Kotranka in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir has been developed as the country’s first tribal model village.

CHANGI AIRPORT: Singapore's airport has been voted as the World's Best Airport by air travelers at the 2017 World Airport Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

DEBBIE: A "monster" cyclone named ‘Debbie’ made landfall in northeast Australia on the Queensland coast, causing widespread destruction.

FEBRUARY

BARREN ISLAND VOLCANO: India’s only active volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted once again, spewing lava and ash several feet high in to the air.

JANUARY

DHARAMSALA: Himachal Pradesh govt has declared that Dharamsala would be the second capital of the State.

MAWLYNNONG: a village in Meghalaya has become a role model for maintaining cleanliness. It is known as Asia’s cleanest village. PATNA: Lakhs of devotees from all over the world visited Patna to participate in the grand ‘Prakash Parv’ organised to celebrate the 350th birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

SPORTS WORLD

MARCH

Ravichandran Ashwin, star Indian spinner has broken the world record for most wickets in a single Test season, claiming 79 this season during the Dharamsala Test against Australia.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.

Ankur Mittal won Gold medal in the Men's Double Trap event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico

Cheteshwar Pujara became first Indian batsman to face over 500 balls in an innings. He played for more than 11 hours scoring 202 off 525 balls in the first innings during the third test-match against Australia at the JSCA Stadium at Ranchi. BCCI ANNUAL AWARDS Polly Umrigar award for the international

cricketer of the year: Virat Kohli Dilip Sardesai Award: Ravichandran Ashwin for

the best performance in India's bilateral Test series against West Indies

C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar

Lifetime Achievement Award for Women: Former captain, Ms. Shanta Rangaswamy. This award is being given for the first time.

SACHIN TENDULKAR: Legendary cricketer was announced as the official ambassador of Women's Cricket World Cup 2017 by the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Saina Nehwal, a member of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, would be representing the IOC in the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Tamil Nadu won the popular cricket trophy by defeating Bengal in the Final played at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 59

FEBRUARY

KOHLI CREATES HISTORY Indian captain Virat Kohli created history by becoming the first batsman to score double hundreds in four successive Test series. He surpassed the legendary Sir Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid who achieved the feat in only three successive series. Kohli achieved the landmark in Hyderabad, playing against Bangla Desh. He became the second Asian to be featured on the

latest cover of the bible of cricket - Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, the other being Sachin Tendulkar.

He also became the first Indian sports personality to strike a Rs 110-crore endorsement deal with a single brand – Puma.

Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest bowler to claim 250 Test wickets when he dismissed Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim on Feb 12 in Hyderabad. He achieved the milestone in his 45th Test, three less than former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee (48). Jehan Daruvala became the first ever Indian to claim the New Zealand Grand Prix at Chris Amon Circuit in Manfeild, New Zealand.

Kush Bhagat, a second grade 7 year old student from Mumbai has been awarded the title of Candidate Master (CM) by World Chess Federation for his outstanding victories in a number of international tournaments. Lakshya Sen, fifteen-year-old shuttler from Uttarakhand has become the World No 1 Junior Badminton player as per the latest rankings of the Badminton World Federation. Pankaj Advani won the Indian National Snooker Championship held in New Delhi.

Senior National Badminton Championships, Patna Men’s Singles title won by Sourabh Verma Women’s Singles title won by Rituparna Das

India to host FIBA Women's Asia Cup basketball tournament at Bengaluru in July, 2017.

‘MISSION XI MILLION’ FOR FOOTBALL The government launched the Mission XI Million initiative, the biggest school sports outreach programme in the country to promote football among school children. It aims to instill the passion for football in 11 million children from every part of the country.

‘KHELEAO’ : MASCOT FOR FIFA U-17 CUP A clouded leopard called ‘Kheleao’ has been has been named as the official mascot for FIFA Under-17 World Cup India 2017 to be hosted by India from October 6 to 28 this year.

This leopard is an endangered wild cat whose habitat extends from the Himalayan foothills to mainland Southeast Asia.

Belgium's John-John Dohmen and Netherlands' Naomi Van were named as male and female Hockey Federation's Player of the Year award.

Diego Maradona, Argentina’s former star soccer player has been named as the new Ambassador of the FIFA. LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS declared in Monaco

Sportsman of the Year: Sprint king Usain Bolt of Jamaica. He has won this award for the record fourth time.

Sportswoman of the Year: Star gymnast Simone Biles from USA, winner of 4 Olympic medals in 2016 and winner of more than 10 world championships.

JANUARY

INDIAN PV Sindhu: The Olympic silver medallist won her maiden women's singles crown at the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament in Lucknow.

Saina Nehwal defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand to win the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold final in Sarawak, Malaysia.

M S DHONI: Iconic cricketer and one of the most successful Indian captains shocked his fans and admires by announcing his retirement from the captaincy of ODI and T20 format. Cricket icon Kapil Dev was inducted into Legends Club 'Hall of Fame' in Mumbai. Shreyas Mehta: India Under-13 squash player won the prestigious Scottish Junior Open title in Edinburg, Scotland.

Irani Trophy (cricket): Rest of India clinched recent Ranji Trophy champions Gujarat in Mumbai.

Ranji Trophy: Gujarat won this national trophy for the first time, beating Mumbai in the final at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL

Roger Federer won the Men's Singles of Australian Open in Melbourne. Serena Williams beat Venus Williams to Australian Open Title. Abbu Ammaz, an eight-year old boy from Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri won gold medal in National level Thaiboxing Championship.

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 60

FIFA has decided to expand the World Cup Tournament to 48 teams from its current 32. The change will be effected from the 2026 tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo was named the World's Best Player at the Best FIFA Football Awards in Zurich, Switzerland.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

MARCH

Home of the Brave Nitin A Gokhale & Brig S K Chatterji.

50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution, a coffee table book brought out

National Dairy Development Board to commemorate 50 years of its existence.

My story, autobiography of Michael Clarke, former Australian cricket captain

Numbers Do Lie Akash Chopra, Former Indian cricketer

Ashoka: Lion of Maurya Ashok K Banker Lanka’s Princess Kavita Kane An Unsuitable Boy Karan Johar Shadow Fighter: Sarita Devi and her Extraordinary Journey

Suprita Das

Hema Malini: Beyond the Dream Girl

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

The Untold Vajpayee: Politician and Paradox

N. P. Ullekh

A Season For Martyrs Bina Shah. From Kalburgi to Ayodhya a collection of poems by

Gulzar, famous poet and lyricist.

Fearless in Opposition P. Chidambaram, former Union Finance Minister

Veerappan, Chasing the Brigand

K Vijay Kumar. He headed the special task force that killed Veerappan during the Operation Cocoon in 2004.

An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India

Shashi Tharoor

The Spy by Paulo Coelho Jinnah Often Came to Our

House Kiran Doshi. The book won The Hindu Prize

2016 'Akhada' biography of former

wrestler and coach Mahavir Singh Phogat

on whose life film ‘Dangal’ has been made.

The People's President: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

S M Khan, President’s press secretary

Brothers Manju Kapur Immortal Krishna Udayasankar

Necessary Trouble: Americans in Revolt

Sarah Jaffe

Khullam Khulla Autobiography of Bollywood veteran Rishi

Kapoor The Wonder Emma Donoghue

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

J K Rowling.

Black Water Lilies Michel Bussi Many Everests Ravindra Kumar, an

IAS officer of 2011 batch who scaled Mt

Everest. Conflicts of Interest: My Journey through India's

Green Movement

Sunita Narain. She is a noted environment

activist. Courts of India – Past to

Present a book edited by a

board of the Supreme Court of India. It is a

comprehensive history of courts and judicial

system in India. Death Under The Deodars Ruskin Bond

The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad

Twinkle Khanna, Bollywood celebrity.

India Rising: Fresh Hope New Fears

Ravi Vellor

‘An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India’

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness: Title of the

forthcoming novel

Arundhati Roy

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

J. K. Rowling

This Love That Feels Right Ravinder Singh Selection Day Aravind Adiga

The Sellout Paul Beatty Magic Danielle Steel

Sunshine Lanes Prasoon Joshi, famous Bolywood lyricist.

Being the Other: The Muslim in India

Saeed Naqvi, noted media personality.

Citizen and Society Hamid Ansari (Vice President of India)

Selection Day Aravind Adiga. Six Machine An autobiography of

Chris Gayle, explosive batsman from West

Indies

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

Gyanm PUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS

Maninder

Singh(Patwari)

Sahil Sachdeva

(Panchayat sec. , Chd. admin Clerk) (Panchyat Sec.)

Bhuvandeep

(IBPS PO (Pre/mains)

Ravinder Kumar

(PSPCL, Patwari, Co-oprative ins.)

Sukhdeep Upana

(Patwari)

Harmandeep Singh (POLICE Operator)

Manpreet Singh

(Patwari)

Raman Khurana (Economics Lec.)

Gaurav Kumar (PSSSB Clerk)

Jagnandan Singh

(PSSSB Clerk) (Sub

2017

Gyanm Shining StarsPUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS

Pankush

(Panchyat Sec.)

Eshan Narang

(Patwari )

Neeraj Narang ( PSSSB Clerk

Sachin

(PSSSB–clerk)

Sourabh Girdhar (Panchyat sec.)

Aarti Grover

(IBPS PO)

Ruchika (PSPCL)

Jujhar Singh (Senior Ass.)

Mohit Baghla (Senior Asst.

&PSPCL)

Rajeev Kumar

( Patwari)

Jiwanjyoti

(Panchyat Sec.)

Ashish Dhingra (Panchyat SEC.,

Intelligence Asst.)

Babli (Sub-Inspector)

Rajan Baghla

(SSt. Teacher)

Puneet Sharma (PSPCL & Patwari)

61

tars PUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS

Rupinder Singh

(Small scale industries clerk)

Deepika

(PSSSB Clerk)

Jagjeet Singh

(Water resources)

Intelligence Asst.)

Aniket Chabhra (Patwari,Police

operator

Patwari)

Yamini

(RRB PO)

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017

Latest M ON CURRENT AFFAIRS

JUNE GK TEST - 01 1. Who is the first woman to grace the post of

Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)? A. Tasleema Ahmad B. Najma Heptulla C. Shazia Ilmi D. Shagufta Naseem E. Nikhat Kazmi

2. The government plans to go in for substantial disinvestment through strategic sale of its shareholding in which PSU? A. SAIL B. NTPC C. NALCO D. SBI E. Air India

3. The “law of adverse selection” belongs to which of these fields? A. Information technology B. Economics C. Biology D. Finance E. Banking

4. If the labour demand elasticity market is zero, which of the following is MOST likely to happen? A. There will be little incentive to improve one’s job skills B. The wage costs will rise C. There will be moderate unemploymentD. There will be no worker available to new units for employment E. There will be high unemployment

5. Super cop KPS Gill, who was known for rooting out militancy from Punjab, belonged to A. Haryana B. Punjab C. Himachal Pradesh D. Chhattisgarh E. None of these

6. India’s longest bridge “Dhola-Sadia Bridge” has been built over the river A. Brahmaputra B. Kosi B. Subarnrekha C. Cauvery D. Ganga

Latest M CQs ON CURRENT AFFAIRS

Who is the first woman to grace the post of Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)?

B. Najma Heptulla D. Shagufta Naseem

The government plans to go in for substantial tegic sale of its

The “law of adverse selection” belongs to

D. Finance

in a labour market is zero, which of the following is MOST

A. There will be little incentive to improve one’s

C. There will be moderate unemployment ll be no worker available to new units

Super cop KPS Gill, who was known for rooting out militancy from Punjab, belonged

B. Punjab D. Chhattisgarh

Sadia Bridge”

C. Cauvery

7. Which country’s police have officially deployed the world’s first operational robot police officer “Robocop”? A. Dubai C. Japan E. The USA

8. Who is the 2017 CEAT International Cricketer of the Year? A. Virat Kohli B. Mahendra Singh Dhoni C. Ravichandran Ashwin D. Ajinkya Rihane E. Chris Gayle

9. Which organisation has been honoured with the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize for Pecae, Disarmament and Development? A. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) C. International Court of Justice (ICJ) D. International Labour Organization (ILO) E. Gandhi Peace Foundation

10. Fiscal consolidation refers to a situation involving A. high rates of personal taxationB. better tax collections C. lower government expendituresD. Either B or C E. Printing too many currency notes

11. The term “Hindu growth rate” impliesA. Low, single digit economic growth rate

B. High economic growth rateC. Very low, close-to-zero

D. Moderate economic growth rateE. India’s economic growth rate

12. Pick the wrongly matched pair out of the following atomic reactorA. Jaitapur –Maharashtra B. Narora – Madhya PradeshC. Kalpakkam – Tamil Nadu

62

Which country’s police have officially deployed the world’s first operational robot police officer “Robocop”?

B. Israel D. Germany

Who is the 2017 CEAT International Cricketer

Which organisation has been honoured with Indira Gandhi Prize for Pecae,

Disarmament and Development? A. United Nations High Commissioner for

B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) C. International Court of Justice (ICJ) D. International Labour Organization (ILO) E. Gandhi Peace Foundation Fiscal consolidation refers to a situation

A. high rates of personal taxation

C. lower government expenditures

E. Printing too many currency notes The term “Hindu growth rate” implies A. Low, single digit economic growth rate B. High economic growth rate

zero economic growth rateD. Moderate economic growth rate E. India’s economic growth rate Pick the wrongly matched pair out of the following atomic reactor-location pairs:

Madhya Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 63

D. Rawatbhata- Rajasthan E. Kaiga – Karnataka

13. A cricket bat is made using the ________ ___ wood. A. maple B. teak C. cherry D. willow E. walnut

14. Which official body has been disbanded by the Central Government recently? A. Foreign Investment Promotion Board B. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion C. National Integration Council D. Public Debt Management Agency E. Bank Boards Bureau

15. Which of these is a Card Not Present transaction? A. Buying on debit card B. Making an online purchase C. Withdrawing money from an ATM D. Using a Credit Card at a merchant establishment E. None of these

16. Dasari Narayana Rao, who passed away recently, was a famous personality in the field of A. Journalism B. Film Industry C. Spirituality D. Painting D. None of these

17. Love Raj Singh became the first Indian to scale the Mt. Everest 6 times. He hails from A. Jharkhand B. Bihar C. Uttarakhand D. Uttar Pradesh E. Sikkim

18. Which film has won the Palme d’Or at the 2017 Cannes film festival? A. April’s Daughter B. Wind River C. The Square D. Force Majeure E. Night at the Louevre

19. Which Indian personality has been named in the Forbes’s 2017 Global Game Changers list? A. Sunny Varkey B. Mukesh Ambani C. Rahul Bhatia D. Cyrus Poonawalla E. Binny Bansal

20. The acronym CSR, commonly found in newspapers, implies A. Companies Social Responsibility B. Corporate Securitization Rate C. Corporate Security Responsibility

D. Cash Security Reserve E. Corporate Social Responsibility

21. TEDx is best described as A. a global idea exchange forum B. series of motivational seminars C. a group of venture capitalists D. an online community E. an online anti-suicide helpline

22. A Business Correspondent (BC) of a bank in India represents A. the last–mile connectivity tool in remote areas B. almost a bank branch for a person in a remote area C. a way to ensure financial inclusion D. All of the above are correct E. None of the above is correct

23. All complaints of unfair trade practices like overcharging, manipulation of supply and cartelization in India are heard by the A. Competition Commission of India B. Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission C. National Consumer Forum D. Food and Civil Supplies Ministry E. Consumer Affairs Ministry

24. Which of the following terms denotes a situation of uncontrollable and unpredictable inflation? A. Core inflation B. Disinflation C. Skewflation D. Stagflation

E. Hyperflation 25. The Fundamental Prize is related to

A. Sports B. Theoretical Physics C. Spirituality D. Medicine E. Popularization of science

26. Section 80 D of the Income Tax law deals with A. equity-linked savings schemes B. home loan repayments C. life insurance policies D. Medical Insurance E. donations to approved institutions

27. The speed of a supercomputer is measured in terms of A. Bits B. Bytes C. Kilobytes D. Megaflops E. Teraflops

28. The “Darwaza Band” campaign of the Union Government is related to A. Promoting toilet usage B. Empowering women to defend themselves

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 64

C. Ensuring safety and security of rural homes D. Checking the tendency of Kashmiri youth joining the anti-national campaign in the valley E. None of these

29. Which Bollywood actress will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award as “Internationally Acclaimed Actress”? A. Priyanka Chopra B. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan C. Deepika Padukone D. Sonam Kapoor E. Konkana Sen

30. Pick the odd man out. A. Rashmi Bansal B. Chetan Bhagat C. Ram Chandra Guha D. Amitav Ghosh E. Preeti Shenoy

31. Which member country/ group of countries has exited from the Paris Climate change Accord? A. China B. G8 C. The USA D. European Union E. France

32. Find the INCORRECT pair: A. UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on TRADE and Development B. ECOSOC- European Council on Social Affairs C. FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization D. UNDP - United Nations Development Programme E. All these pairings are correct

33. The Make in India programme was designed to create _________ jobs a year in India. A. 1 crore B. 50 lakh C. 15 lakh D. 2 crore E. 3 crore

34. As per SEBI rules, what minimum amount of money collected from the public for investment qualifies to be called collective investment? A. Rs. 100 crore B. Rs. 10 crore C. Rs. 1000 crore D. Rs. 500 crore E. Any amount collected from more than 100 investors

35. Kimono is a traditional dress worn by the ___________ women. A. African B. Korean C. Indonesian D. Japanese E. Nepali

36. The subsidies which benefit the society as a whole rather than a particular section called A. Cross subsidies B. Merit subsidies

C. Blanket subsidies D. Non-merit subsidies E. Social subsidies

37. Recently, which android-based virus threatened the health of around 3.65 crore cellphones around the world? A. Sandy B. Mora C. Laila D. Judy E. Veronica

38. Which one of the following is NOT a credit rating agency? A. ICRA B. CIBIL C. Standard and Poor’s D. Fitch E. CARE

39. Who gave the first-ever national income estimates for India? A. RC Dutt B. Dadabhai Naoroji C. Gopal Krishan Gokhle D. PC Mahalanobis E. RC Majumdar

40. A Uniform Civil Code in India implies A. Equal treatment being given to all religions in India B. The same set of personal laws applicable to all religious groups C. Validating the Muslim Personal Law called the Shari’at D. The same set of criminal laws applicable to all religious groups E. None of these

41. Which of the following public sector companies has emerged as the most profitable this year? A. Oil and Natural Gas Commission B. Indian Oil Corp C. Air India D. Oil India Corp E. National Thermal Power Corp

42. The acronym PRAN is used in connection with A. Insurance B. New Pension System C. Banking D. Share Markets E. Income Tax

43. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) is run by the A. Ministry of Labour and Employment B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment C. Department of Company Affairs D. Ministry of Health E. Ministry of Industries

44. The Mundas are a tribe inhabiting A. Bihar B. West Bengal

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017

C. Madhya Pradesh D. Karnatka E. Tamil Nadu

45. The 100th anniversary of which event was observed in May, 2017? A. The launch of Non-Cooperation MovementB. The return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa C. The launch of Indigo Movement in IndiaD. The historic rail journey of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa E. The launch of the first satyagraha Gandhi in South Africa

46. Which of the following abbreviations is NOT related to the tax system in India? A. GAAR B. TDS C. CGST D. GAAP E. PAN

47. In India, the banks’ major source of income comes from A. NIM - Net Interest Margin B. Third Party Products C. Fee-based services D. Loans E. None of these

48. In the acronym ESOP, the letter O denotesA. Over B. OptionalC. Overall D. Option E. Organizational

49. We understand your world – belongs to A. HDFC Bank B. ICICI BankC. Panjab National Bank D. Yes BankE. State Bank of India

50. Out of these, which one DOES NOT come under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881? A. Hundis B. Cheques C. Bills of Exchange D. Lorry receipts E. Bills of Lading

D. Karnatka

anniversary of which event was

Cooperation Movement B. The return of Mahatma Gandhi from South

C. The launch of Indigo Movement in India D. The historic rail journey of Mahatma Gandhi in

by Mahatma

Which of the following abbreviations is NOT

In India, the banks’ major source of income

In the acronym ESOP, the letter O denotes B. Optional

the tagline

B. ICICI Bank D. Yes Bank

Out of these, which one DOES NOT come under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881?

JUNE GK TEST 1. 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 E. Swati Kirkee

2. Who will be honoured with the Red Ink Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism 2017? A. Vinod Dua C. T N Ninan E. Barkha Dutt

3. The Rs. 5000/- overdraft under the Jan Dhan Yojana will be available only if active for a minimum of A. There is no such requirementB. 6 months C. 3 months E. 24 months

4. According to the Census of India 2011, the lowest population density in India is found in A. Arunachal Pradesh C. Goa E. None of these

5. The recently released book Utmost Happiness is authored by A. Anita Desai C. Shauna Baldwin

E. Mary Com 6. The folk dance Sattriya belongs to

A. Bihar C. Assam

E. Chhattisgarh 7. Among the following, who is the Union

Minister for Atomic Energy?A. Praksh Javdekar C. Bandaru Dattatreya E. Nitin Gadkari

8. What is the maximum interesavailable under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana? A. 8% C. 4% E. 9.5%

9. Theoretically speaking, the current incumbent President of India Pranab

65

GK TEST - 02

Who has been sworn in as the new Prime

C. Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah

Who will be honoured with the Red Ink Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

B. Vinod Sharma D. Kuldip Nayar

overdraft under the Jan Dhan Yojana will be available only if the account is

A. There is no such requirement

D. 12 months

According to the Census of India 2011, the lowest population density in India is found in

B. Sikkim D. Puducherry

The recently released book The Ministry of is authored by B. Arundhati Roy D. Kamla Dass

belongs to B. Maharashtra D. West Bengal

Among the following, who is the Union Minister for Atomic Energy?

B. Piyush Goyal D. Narendra Modi

What is the maximum interest rate subsidy available under the Pradhan Mantri Awas

B. 3% D. 6.5%

Theoretically speaking, the current incumbent President of India Pranab

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 66

Mukherjee _________ contest for the next presidential elections due in July next, with the condition that _________. A. can, he cannot contest any election thereafter B. can, he cannot become the President for a third term C. can, he must get the support of all political parties D. may, the Parliament allows it E. can, there are no conditions applicable

10. The rate of minimum wages payable to the workers working under the MGNREGS is A. determined by the central government in terms of the minimum national wage rate B. determined by the state government concerned in terms of the minimum wages applicable there C. determined by the Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned, where the projects are going on D. determined by the Supreme Court of India E. determined by the Parliament, from time to time

11. Study the following news item, which was recently published in newspapers. “Trump To Dump Paris Accord” Which of the following is NOT true of the above development? 1. The Paris Accord puts an obligation on all its signatories cut down their dependence on fossil fuel. 2. The USA has decided to pull out of the accord over its allegations of undue concessions given to China and India in the accord. 3. The Paris Accord requires the developed countries to provide financial help to the developing nations to help them meet their obligations under it. A. 2 and 3 B. 2 Only C. 1 and 3 D. 1 and 2 E. All these statements are correct

12. The only place, where the one-horned rhinoceros is found in India, is A. Kaziranga National Park B. Simplipal sanctuary C. Sariska sanctuary D. Bharatpur sanctuary E. Dachigam sanctuary

13. CGI is a technology employed in A. Cosmetic surgery B. Banking

C. Supercomputers D. Films E. 3D Printing 14. Pick the odd one out.

A. Seed money B. Loan syndication C. Nomination D. Standard risk

E. Mortgage 15. To buy a unit of a mutual fund, you need to

pay @ NAV, which refers to A. The total market price of all units on a particular day B. The market price of a unit on a particular day C. The market price of a unit + applicable fee on a particular day D. The issue price of the unit during a New Fund Offer E. None of these

16. Which of these fuels is added to petrol for blending purposes? A. Pentene B. Ethyl Mercaptan C. Ethanol D. Methanol E. Octane

17. Examine the following statements: Assertion (A): The global crude prices have been showing a steep downturn in the past few months. Reasoning (R): Many oil importing nations have discovered new oil wells, leading to lesser imports and thus, falling prices. A. Both A and R are correct and R correctly explains A. B. Both A and R are correct but R does not correctly explain A. C. A is correct but R is wrong. D. R is correct but A is wrong. E. Both A and R are wrong

18. The popular hill station Coorg is located in A. Karnataka B. Tamil Nadu C. Gujarat D. Darjeeling E. Maharashtra

19. A Red Herring Prospectus is issued by a company desiring to A. Diversify its operations B. Raise debt from the public C. Collaborate with other companies D. Disinvest its equity capital E. Have an IPO

20. The world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa is situated in A. Doha B. Manama C. Dubai D. Abu Dhabi E. Iraq

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 67

21. Up to which limit does an investment in Public Provident Fund offer income tax rebate? A. Rs. 1.5 lakh B. Rs. 2.5 lakh C. Rs. 0.5 lakh D. Rs. 1 lakh E. There is no such limit

22. Which country has become the latest member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? A. Japan B. Montenegro C. Russia D. Germany E. Poland

23. The Cyclone Mora had recently hit A. Fiji B. Malta C. Malaysia D. Myanmar E. Bangladesh

24. Which state was in news due to some incidents of farmer protests and subsequent violence there? A. Telangana B. Haryana C. Panjab D. Madhya Pradesh E. Uttar Pradesh

25. Which city hosted the 2017 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit? A. Dushanbe B. Astana C. Beijing D. Tashkent E. Kiev

26. Who has been bestowed with the RedInk Award Journalist of the Year Award 2017? A. Sreenivasan Jain B. Bachi Karkaria C. Raj Kamal Jha D. Paranjoy Guha Thakurta E. Ravish Kumar

27. The creditworthy of the applicant does not matter while being issued a __________. A. Credit Card B. Credit-Cum-Debit Card C. PAN Card D. Debit Card E. Both C and D

28. The National Hindi Divas is observed in India on A. September 5 B. September 14 C. July 11 D. September 8 E. November 26

29. Pick the odd one out of the following. A. The White House B. Raisina Hill C. The Elysium D. 10, Downing Street

E. Teenmurti Bhawan 30. Which law deals with cases of physical abuse

of children? A. JJA B. POCSO C. COFEPOSA D. SITA

E. MCOCA 31. The stocks which belong to large, stable

companies and have a regular dividend payment record are called A. Blue chip stocks B. Red chip stocks C. Bulls D. Stags E. Greenbacks

32. Sovereign debt implies the A. Overdraft extended by the Reserve Bank of India to States/Centre B. Loans raised by the Reserve Bank of India C. Loans granted by the RBI to Commercial Banks D. Government Securities E. None of these

33. The recently begun UDAN is the name of a new government initiative to A. help the slum dwellers own a house of their own B. teach illiterate women C. help those with a mental handicap D. help the physically handicapped E. improve regional air connectivity

34. Supply creates its own demand --- The line sums up A. Pareto's principle B. Murphy's law C. Giffin's rule D. Gresham's law

E. Say’s Law 35. A Venture Capital firm provides

A. Soft loan for a new, unproven business idea B. Capital for a new, unproven business idea

C. Technology for new companies D. Bank guarantee for a new, unproven business idea E. All of the above are correct

36. The tenure of the Prime Minister of India is A. Co-terminus with the tenure of the Lok Sabha B. Co-terminus with the tenure of the President

C. As long as he enjoys the support of a majority in the Lok Sabha

D. Five years E. At the pleasure of the President 37. For the forthcoming presidential elections

due to be held in July, 2017, the eligible voters will be A. All Lok Sabha MPs B. All Rajya Sabha MPs C. Members of State Legislative Assemblies D. A, B and C are correct

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 68

E. None of these options is completely correct 38. The Triple Vaccine commonly administered in

India DOES NOT cover which of these illnesses? 1. Diptheria 2. Tetanus 3. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) 4. Polio A. 1 only B. 4 only C. 2 only D. 3 only E. 1 and 3

39. As per the Union Budget 2017-18, the biggest expenditure made by the government is in respect of A. Interest payments B. Subsidies C. Defence D. Grants to states

E. Salaries and pensions 40. The State Bank of India recently raised capital

by means of a QIP offer. What does the acronym QIP mean? A. Qualified Investors Placement B. Quantitative Institutional Placement C. Quality Improvement Proposal D. Qualified International Placement E. Qualified Institutional Placement

41. Which Indian American has been chosen for the 2017 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class? A. Kayla Barron B. Jasmin Moghbeli C. Robb Kulin D. Raja Chari E. None of these

42. The Statutory Liquidity Ratio for the banks in India has been revised to A. 6.5% B. 20% C. 4% D. 20.5% E. 19%

43. Pick the odd one out: A. PIN B. EMV C. OTP D. NFC E. Artificial Intelligence

44. Which of these organizations is NOT related to banking in India? A. CCI B. MUDRA C. DICGC D. IDBRT E. BBB

45. Disguised unemployment leads to A. congestion in villages B. more people working in agricultural farms C. frequent breaks in employment E. low productivity E. None of these

46. A fiduciary note issue is made A. By keeping equivalent gold reserves B. by the finance ministry and not by the RBI C. Without keeping equivalent gold reserves D. to create extra money supply to plug the fiscal deficit E. None of these

47. Mingle, a banking app using which one can conduct transactions on Facebook and Twitter, has been launched by the A. State Bank of India B. ICICI Bank C. Small Industries Devp. Bank of India D. Panjab National Bank E. Reserve Bank of India

48. The first-ever woman to become the chief Minister of a state in India after Independence, was A. Sucheta Kriplani B. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur C. Sarojini Naidu D. Annie Besant E. Indira Gandhi

49. Find the ODD one out. A. Online banking B. Net banking C. Branchless banking D. Mortar and Brick banking E. Mouse and Click banking

50. Which of these loans has no fixed repayment period and can be run as long as the customer wishes to? A. Durable loan B. Home loan C. Cash Credit Limit D. Personal loan E. Education loan

Answer - June GK - 01

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 1 B 2 E 3 B 4 D 5 B 6 A 7 A 8 C 9 B 10 D

11 A 12 B 13 D 14 A 15 B 16 B 17 C 18 C 19 B 20 E 21 A 22 D 23 A 24 E 25 B 26 D 27 E 28 A 29 A 30 C 31 C 32 B 33 D 34 A 35 D 36 B 37 D 38 B 39 B 40 B 41 D 42 B 43 A 44 A 45 C 46 D 47 A 48 D 49 A 50 A

Answer - June GK - 02

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 1 B 2 A 3 B 4 A 5 B 6 C 7 D 8 D 9 E 10 B

11 E 12 A 13 D 14 D 15 B 16 C 17 C 18 A 19 E 20 C 21 A 22 B 23 E 24 D 25 B 26 C 27 E 28 B 29 E 30 B 31 A 32 D 33 E 34 E 35 B 36 C 37 E 38 B 39 D 40 E 41 D 42 B 43 E 44 A 45 E 46 C 47 A 48 A 49 D 50 C

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

SSC– TIER - 1 Model Test Paper

REASONING ABILITY Directions (1 - 2): In each of the following questions, select the related number / word / letter from given alternatives. 1) 9 : 7 :: 80 : ? a) 48 b) 50 c) 78 d) 82 2) Defer : Put off :: Deduce : ? a) Infer b) Protect c) Delate d) Oppose Directions (3- 4): In each of the following questions, which one set of letters when sequentially placed at the gaps in the given letter series shall complete it? 3) a_ _ b abba_abb a_ba a) abab b) abba c) aabb d) aaab 4) AZB _, AZ_Y, A_BY, _ZBY a) YBZA b) BYAZ c) BZYA d) AZBY 5) Find out the wrong number in the sequence 102, 101, 98, 93, 86, 74, 66, 53 a) 101 b) 66 c) 74 d) 93 Directions (6- 7): In each of the following questions, select the one which is different, from other three responses.

6) a) Detach b) Affix c) Append d) Fasten 7) a) Man = 13114 b) Ram = 18113 c) Jug = 10217 d) Hub = 82110 8) The set which resembles the given set 1, 5, 12

is a) 7, 11, 35 b) 4, 8, 24 c) 10, 14, 44 d) 9, 13, 42

–CGL Model Test Paper

ABILITY

2): In each of the following questions, select the related number / word / letter from given

b) Protect d) Oppose

4): In each of the following questions, which one set of letters when sequentially placed at the gaps in the given letter series shall complete it?

Find out the wrong number in the sequence

7): In each of the following questions, om other three

b) Ram = 18113 d) Hub = 82110

The set which resembles the given set 1, 5, 12

b) 4, 8, 24 d) 9, 13, 42

Directions (9): In each of the following questions, a series is given, with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given ones that will complete the series. 9) ELFA, GLHA, ILJA, ?, MLNA a) OLPA c) LLMA 10) 4, 18, 48, ?, 180 a) 80 c) 105 11) In a certain code, LONDON is coded as 24

– 28 – 8 – 30 – 28. How will FRANCE be coded? a) 10 – 24 – 6 – 28 – 6 – 12 b) 12 – 26 – 6 – 28 – 8 – 10 c) 12 – 36 – 2 – 28 – 6 – 10 d) 12 – 26 – 2 – 28 – 8 – 10 12) In a certain code, MAARK is written as KRAAM.

How PASSI can be written in that code? a) ISSAP c) SSIPA 13) If 29 x 48 = 576, 35 x 16 = 90, 22 x 46 = 96,

then 42 x 17 = ? a) 56 c) 48 14) If ‘P’ denotes ‘multiplied by’, ‘T’ denotes

‘subtracted from’, ‘M’ denotes ‘added to’ and ‘B’ denotes ‘divided by’ then: what should be the correct responses of

12 P 6 M 15 T 16 B 4 ? a) 70 c) 83 Directions (15): In each of the following select the missing number form the given responses: 15) 95, 115, 145, 155, ? a) 215 c) 185

69

Directions (9): In each of the following questions, a series is given, with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative from the given ones that will

, MLNA b) KLMA d) KLLA

b) 100 d) 125

In a certain code, LONDON is coded as 24 – 30 28. How will FRANCE be coded?

10

In a certain code, MAARK is written as KRAAM. How PASSI can be written in that code?

b) ISSPA d) ASSIP

If 29 x 48 = 576, 35 x 16 = 90, 22 x 46 = 96,

b) 286 d) 64

denotes ‘multiplied by’, ‘T’ denotes ‘subtracted from’, ‘M’ denotes ‘added to’ and ‘B’ denotes ‘divided by’ then: what should be

b) 75 d) 110

Directions (15): In each of the following questions, select the missing number form the given

b) 175 d) 165

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 70

16) Rohan walks a distance of 3 km towards North, then turns to his left and walks for 2 km. He again turns left and walks 3 km. At this point he turns to his left and walks for 3 km. How many kilometers is he from the starting point?

a) 1 km b) 2 km c) 3 km d) 4 km 17) Rani and Sarita started from a place X. Rani

went West and Sarita went North, bothtravelling with the same speed. After sometimes, both turned their left and walked a few steps. If they again turned to their left, in which directions’ the faces of Rani and Sarita will be with respect to X?

a) North and East b) North and West c) West and North d) East and South Directions (18): In each of the following questions, one/two statements are given followed by three conclusions. You have to consider the statements to be true even it they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts. You have to decide which of the given conclusions. If any, follow from the given statements. 18) Statements: Some ladies are beautiful. Some beautiful are honest. All honest are sensitives.

Conclusion I: Some sensitives are beautiful. Conclusion II: Some honest are ladies. Conclusion III: Some sensitives are ladies. a) None of the Conclusion follows. b) Only Conclusion I follows. c) Only Conclusion I and II follow. d) All Conclusions follow. 19) Which one of the answer figures shall

complete the given question figure? Question Figure:

Answer Figures:

20) Which of the four cubes pictured below are

correct view when the six squares are folded (in clockwise direction) into a cube?

Question Figure:

Answer Figures:

21) Which one of the following diagrams best

depicts the relationship among Black eyed people, Brown haired people, Indian

22) Find out which of the following answer figures will exactly make up the question figure?

Question Figure:

Answer Figures:

23) Which one of the answer figures is hidden in the following question figure?

Question Figure:

Answer Figures:

24) From the answer figures, find out the figure

which is the exact mirror image of the question figure, when the mirror is placed on the line MN. Question Figure:

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 71

Answer Figures:

25) In the following question, a word is

represented by a set of numbers as given in any one of the alternatives. The sets of numbers given in the alternatives are represented by alphabets as in the matrices given below. The columns and rows of matrix are numbered from 1 to 6. A letter from these matrices can be represented first by its row and next by its column number, e.g., ‘A’ can be represented by 42, ‘S’ can be represented by 21, etc. Similarly, you have to identify the set for the word ‘PLAY’.

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 H R E I P S 2 S G N D Z I 3 B U F T K L 4 V A P C Y A 5 H W C O X N 6 B A E F L Q

a) 43, 36, 42, 23 b) 43, 32, 33, 33 c) 15, 12, 42, 45 d) 43, 65, 62, 45

NUMERICAL ABILITY 26) If the side of a square is reduced by 50% its

area will be reduced by a) 75% b) 80% c) 60% d) 50%

27) Two triangles ABC and PQR and congruent. If

the area of ABC is 60 sq. cm. then area of PQR will be a) 60 sq. cm. b) 30 sq. cm. c) 15 sq. cm. d) 120 sq. cm.

28) The least number which must be added to

1728 to make it a perfect square is ……………. a) 36 b) 32 c) 38 d) 30

29) For a triangle ABC,D and E are two points on

AB and AC such that ABAD41

, AE = 41

AC,

IF BC = 12 cm, the DE is a) 5cm b) 4 cm c) 3 cm d) 6 cm

30) If tan + cot = 2 then the value of is a) 45 b) 60 c) 90 d) 30

31) The term to be added to 121a2+64b2 to make

a perfect square is a) 176 ab b) 276 a2b c) 178 ab d) 188 b2a

32) A can do a piece of work in 6 days. B in 10

days and C in 15 days. They jointly complete the work and earn Rs 300. The sum of their wages for 2 days is a) Rs 180 b) Rs 200 c) Rs 160 d) Rs 120

33) A sum of Rs 76 is divided among A, B and C in

such a way that A gets Rs 7 more than that what B gets and B gets Rs 6 more than what C gets. The ratio of their shares is a) 19 : 24 : 33 b) 32 : 25 : 19 c) 32 : 24 : 20 d) 19 : 25 : 33

34) If the opposite sides of a quadrilateral and

also its diagonals are equal, then each of the angles of the quadrilateral is a) 90 b) 120 c) 100 d) 60

35) If cos x = x2 – x + 45

, then value of x will be

a) 0 b) 1 c) – 1 d) None of the above

36) A tank 40 m long, 30m broad and 12m deep is

dug in a field 1000m long and 30m wide. By how much will the level of the field rise if the earth dug out of the tank is evenly spread over the field? a) 2 metre b) 1.2 metre c) 0.5 metre d) 5 metre

37) In a triangle, if orthocentre, circumcentre,

incentre and centroid coincide, then the triangle must be a) obtuse angled b) isosceles c) equilateral d) right-angled

38) If a = 2 + 3, then the value of

2

2 1a

a is

a) 12 b) 14 c) 16 d) 10

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 72

39) For what value(s) of k the expression p+

p41

+ k2 is a perfect square?

a) 31

b)

41

c) 81

d)

21

40) If 15% of x is same as 20% of y then x : y is

a) 4 : 3 b) 5 : 4 c) 6 : 5 d) 3 : 4

41) If c

bab

caa

cb

= 1 and a – b + c 0

then which one of the following relations is true?

a) bac111

b) cba111

c) cab111

d) cab111

42) A train crosses a platform in 30 seconds

travelling with a speed of 60km/h. If the length of the train be 200 metres then the length (in metres) of the platform is a) 400 b) 300 c) 200 d) 500

43) If FGH is isosceles and FG 3 cm, GH = 8 cm,

then of the following the true relation is a) GH = FH b) GF = GH c) FH GH d) GH GF

44) The numerical value of 1 + 63cot

12 - sec227

+ 63sin

12 - cosec227 is

a) 1 b) 2 c) – 1 d) 0

45) A and B together can complete a job in 8 days.

Both B and C, working alone can finish the same job in 12 days. A and B commence work on the job, and work for 4 days, whereupon A leaves. B continues for 2 more days, and then he leaves too. C now starts working, and finishes the job. How many days did C require? a) 5 b) 8 c) 3 d) 4

46) If x = 23 then the value of x3 - 31x

is

a) 10 2 b) 14 2

c) 22 2 d) 8 2 47) What is the product of the roots of the

equation x2 - 3 = 0 ?

a) + 3 b) 3 i

c) - 3 I d) - 3

48) If x =

sin1cos

, then

sin1

cos

is equal to

a) x – 1 b) x1

c) 1

1x

d) x1

1

49) On what sum of money will the difference

between S.I and C.I for 2 years at 5% per annum be equal to Rs 25? a) Rs 10,000 b) Rs 10,500 c) Rs 9,500 d) Rs 9000

50) In ABC, B = 90 and AB : BC = 2 : 1. The

value of sin A + cot C is

a) 3 + 5 b) 5252

c) 52 d) 3 5

GENERAL AWARENESS 51) The companies contributing to the Swachh

Bharat campaign can claim tax rebate under the CSR guidelines. The acronym CSR stands for A. Corporate Social Responsibility B. Common Social Responsibility C. Cumulative Social Rejuvenation D. Community Social Responsibility

52) The respiratory centre in humans is situated

on the A. Cerebrum B. Cerebellum

C. Medulla oblongata D. Diencephalon 53) The pH of human blood ranges between

A. 6.5-7 B. 7.5-8 C. 8-9 D. 4.5-5

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 73

54) Which of the following schemes aims at constructing two crore houses with a grant of Rs. 1-2.30 lac per house? A. Housing for All B. Indira Awas Yojana C. Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana D. Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana

55) Which of the following is INCORRECT in the

context of Union Budget 2017-18? 1. The exemption limit for Income Tax has been fixed at Rs.3 lac. 2. Out of every rupee spent by the government, the highest amount goes towards interest payments. 3. The highest government tax receipts come from Corporate Tax collections. A. 1, 2 B. 1 Only C. 1, 3 D. All these statements are incorrect

56) The normal temperature of a human body is

A. 90°F B. 98.4°C C. 98.4°F D. 96.4°F

57) Malik Kafur was a favourite general of

A. Balban B. Alauddin Khalji C. Mohammad Tughlaq D. Firoz Tughlaq

58) The Funny Bone in the human body is actually

A. A muscle B. A nerve C. A bone D. A blood vessel

59) Photosynthesis involves

A. oxidation of H2O and release of O2 B. reduction of CO2 and oxidation of H2O C. reduction of CO2 and release of O2 D. reduction of CO2, oxidation of H2O and release of O2

60) The Mohemmadan Anglo-Oriental college of

Aligarh was founded by A. Md. Ali Jinnah B. Mohammad Ali C. Shaukat Ali D. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

61) The words Satyameva Jayate in the State

Emblem of India have been adopted from A. Mundak Upanishad B. Brahma Upanishad C. Mudgala Upanishad D. Maitreyi Upanishad

62) The expounder of Yoga philosophy was

A. Patanjali B. Gautam C. Jaimini D. Sankaracharya

63) The Preamble to our Constitution describes India as A. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic B. Sovereign, Democratic, Socialist, Secular Republic C. Socialist, Sovereign, Democratic, Secular Republic D. Democratic, Sovereign, Secular, Socialist Republic

64) Mahaparinirvan refers to the ___________ of the

Buddha. A. Passing away B. First sermon C. Marriage D. Departure from home

65) Jharoka Darshan was a practice followed by

A. Akbar B. Shahjehan C. Babar D. Jahangir

66) The President's Rule in a state means that the

state is ruled by A. A caretaker government B. The Chief Minister nominated by the President C. The Governor of the State D. The President directly

67) The largest gland in the human body is

A. heart B. liver C. kidney D. brain 68) The Mid Day Meal scheme was launched first

of all by A. Tamil Nadu B. Rajasthan C. Goa D. Kerala

69) …….. had a separate department of slaves.

A. Feroz Tughlaq B. Mohd Tughlaq C. Aurangzeb D. Qutbuddin Aibak

70) Match List-1 with List – II and select the

correct answer from the codes given below the lists:

List - I List - II (Forms of Government) (Principles) A. Presidential system 1. Separation of powers B. Parliamentary system 2. Close relationship

between executive and legislature

C. Federal System 3. Concentration D. Unitary System 4. Division of power Code: A B C D A. 1 2 3 4 B. 2 1 3 4 C. 2 1 4 3 D. 1 2 4 3

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 74

71) Our skin colour is due to the presence of A. rennin B. melanin C. mesotosin D. metatonin

72) The Hazarat Nizamuddin Auliya shrine is in

A. Aligarh B. Roorkee C. Delhi D. Ajmer

73) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a

formal organization which originated from the erstwhile A. League of Nations B. GATT C. Brettonwoods Agreement D. European Economic Community

74) Match the following:

Element Nature A. Sodium 1. Gas B. Phosphorus 2. Halogen C. Iodine 3. Alkali metal D. Radon 4. Transition metal

5. Non-metal A B C D A B C D

A. 2 5 3 1 B. 3 5 2 1 C. 4 2 3 5 D. 5 3 4 2

75) Match the following: Process Changes A. Evaporation 1. Liquid into gas B. Sublimation 2. Gas into liquid C. Freezing 3. Solid into gas D. Melting 4. Solid into liquid 5. Liquid into solid A B C D A B C D A. 1 2 5 4 B. 3 1 2 4 C. 3 1 5 4 D. 1 3 5 4

ENGLISH LANGUAGE Directions (76– 80): In the following questions, some parts of the sentences have errors and some are correct. Find out which part of a sentence has an error. The number of that part is your answer. If a sentence is free from error, then your answer is (4) i.e. No error 76) After tasting both /(a) John prefers /(b) tea

than coffee /(c) No error (d) a) After tasting both b) John prefers c) Tea to coffee d) No error

77) I loved /(a) the drawings /(b) they were so

real /(c) No error (d) a) ) I loved b) the drawings c) they were so real d) No error

78) Suddenly they saw a car coming /(a) at a break neck speed /(b) An old man were crossing the road at the zebra crossing /(c) No error (d) a) Suddenly they saw a car coming b) at a break neck speed c) An old man were crossing the road at the zebra crossing d) No error

79) I sprained my ankle /(a) When I was /(b)

playing basketball /(c) No error (d) a) I sprained my ankle b) When I was c) playing basketball d) No error

80) It is time /(a) we should accept all our people

as equals /(b) and as partners in the task of building a strong and united nation /(c) No error (d) a) It is time b) we should accept all our people as equals c) and as partners in the task of building a strong and united nation d) No error

Directions (81– 85): In the following questions, sentences are given with blanks to be filled with an appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. Choose the correct alternative out of the four. 81) Lella said the new restaurant was nothing to

write about. She thought it was ______ . a) just average b) really terrible c) splendid d) excellent

82) My Nigerian friend, Fela is having trouble

finding work here in London, but he says if push comes to shove he can always _______ . a) go to jail b) win the lottery c) end of the journey that is life d) go back to Nigeria

83) If you say to someone. “You’re so full of

yourself” they’ll probably feel ______ . a) upset b) pleased c) calm d) proud

84) The archer missed the ______ by an inch.

a) score b) point c) blow d) aim

85) Bob and Jane decided to tie the knot because

a) they loved one another b) they needed to save money c) they wanted to make a long rope d) it had come undone

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 75

Directions (86–88): In the following questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.

86) CREDIBLE a) Charming b) Serious c) Believable d) Worthy

87) EXTRICATE a) Free b) Tie c) Complicate d) Pull

88) OBSTREPEROUS a) Unrule b) Lazy c) Awkward d) Sullen

Directions (89– 91): In the following questions, choose he word opposite in meaning to the given word.

89) ACQUIT a) Despair b) Mild c) Smart d) Condemn

90) DISSENT a) Discord b) Disagreement c) Unacceptable d) Agreement

91) GROUP a) Singular b) Individual c) Alone d) Solitary

Directions (92– 93): In the following questions, four alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase. 92) After his business failed, he had to work very

hard to Keep the wolf from the door a) keep away extreme poverty b) earn an honest living c) regain his lost position d) defend from enemies

93) The mention of her former husband’s name still makes Rita foam at the mouth. a) angry b) vomit c) shy d) fall sick

94) He found a wooden chair that has broken in the room. a) wooden and broken chair b) broken wooden chair c) broken and wooden chair d) No improvement

95) The hosts were taken aback when many guests who had been invited did not turn up for the party. a) had been invited b) had invited c) was invited d) No improvement

Directions (96– 100): In the following questions, you have two passages with 5 questions in each passage. Read the passages carefully and choose the best answer to each question out of the four alternatives. The National Highways Network of India measures over 70,934 km as of 2010, including over 1,000 Km of limited –access expressways. Out of 71,000 km of National Highways 15,000 plus km are 4 or 6 lanes and remaining 50,000 km are 2 lanes. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the nodal agency responsible for building upgrading and maintaining most of the National Highways network. The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is a major effort to expand and upgrade the network of highways. NHAI often uses a public –private partnership model for highway development, maintenance and toll – collection. National Highways constituted about 2% of all the roads in India, but carried about 40% of the total road traffic as of 2010. The majority of existing National Highways are two lane roads (one lane in each direction), through much of this is being expanded to four lanes, and some to six or eight lanes. Some sections of the network are toll roads. Over 30,000 km of new highways are planned or under construction as part of the NHDP, as of 2011. This includes over 2,600 km of expressways currently under construction. 96) What is the current measurement of

expressways under construction in India? a) 15,000 km b) 30,000 km c) 2,600 km d) 1,000 km

97) What is the responsibility of the NHAI?

a) planning of National Highways b) building upgrading and maintaining of National Highways c) control of National Highways d) expansion of National Highways

98) What is the measurement of two –lane

National Highways of India? a) 15,000 km b) 61,000 km c) 50,000 km d) 71,000 km

99) What percentage of roads in India are

National Highways? a) 2% b) 30% c) 4% d) 40%

100) The majority of National Highways in India

have: a) two -lanes b) six -lanes c) eight -lanes d) four –lanes

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 76

ANSWER KEY

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. 1 C 2 A 3 A 4 A 5 C 6 A 7 D 8 B 9 D 10 B

11 C 12 A 13 A 14 C 15 B 16 A 17 D 18 D 19 B 20 A 21 A 22 B 23 C 24 D 25 D 26 A 27 A 28 A 29 C 30 A 31 A 32 B 33 B 34 A 35 D 36 C 37 C 38 B 39 C 40 A 41 C 42 B 43 A 44 D 45 D 46 C 47 D 48 B 49 A 50 B 51 A 52 C 53 B 54 A 55 C 56 C 57 B 58 B 59 C 60 D 61 A 62 A 63 A 64 A 65 A 66 C 67 B 68 A 69 A 70 B 71 B 72 C 73 B 74 B 75 D 76 C 77 C 78 C 79 D 80 B 81 A 82 D 83 D 84 D 85 A 86 C 87 A 88 A 89 D 90 D 91 B 92 A 93 A 94 B 95 D 96 C 97 B 98 C 99 A 100 A

SOLUTIONS

1) c) (3)2 = 9 : (3) 2 – 2 = 7

Similarly, (3)4 – 1 = 81 – 1 = 80 (3)4 – 3 = 81 – 3 = 78 In simple way, 9 – 2 = 7 and 80 – 2 = 78

2) a) Defer means ‘to delay something until a later time’, ‘to postpone’. Put off means ‘to put something to a later time or date’, ‘to delay’. Thus, Defer and Put off are synonymous to one another. Deduce means ‘to infer’, ‘to arrive at facts’. Infer means ‘to arrive at a conclusion’

3) a)

4) a)

5) c) 102 – 1 = 101

101 – 3 = 98 98 – 5 = 93 93 – 7 = 86

77 – 11 = 66 66 – 13 = 53 Therefore, the number 74 is wrong in the sequence.

6) a) ‘Detach’ is different from the other three words. Detach means ‘to separate or remove something from a large or longer part Affix means ‘to stick fasten or attach something.’ Append means ‘to attach to add something’.

7) d)

The position number of letters in the English alphabet.

8) b) 1 + 5 = 6 and 6 x 2 = 12

Similarly, 4 + 8 = 12 and 12 x 2 = 24 9) d)

10) b)

11) c) L 12; 12 x 2 = 24

O 15; 15 x 2 = 30 N 14; 14 x 2 = 28 D 04; 04 x 2 = 08 O 15; 15 x 2 =30 N 14; 14 x 2 = 28 Therefore, F 06; 06 x 2 = 12 R 18; 18 x 2 =36 A 01; 01 x 2 = 02 N 14; 14 x 2 = 28 C 03; 03 x 2 = 06 E 05, 05 x 2 = 10

12) a) The letter have been written in the reverse order. M A A R K K R A A M Therefore, P A S S I I S S A P

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 77

13) a) 29 x 48 2 x 9 x 4 x 8 = 576 35 x 16 3 x 5 x 1 x 6 = 90 22 x 46 2 x 2 x 4 x 6 = 96 Therefore, 42 x 17

14) c)

P x T - M + B 12 P 6 M 15 T 16 B 4 = ? ? = 12 X 6 + 15 – 16 4

15) b)

16) a)

Required distance = 1 km

17) d)

Rani is facing towards East and Sarita is facing towards South.

18) b) The first and second Premises are Particular Affirmative (I - type). The Third Premise is Universal Affirmative (A - type).

I + A I – type of Conclusion “Some beautifuls are sensitives.” Conclusion I is Converse of it.

19) b)

20) a)

In option (b) 3 is on the adjacent face of dot. In option (c) is on the adjacent face on W. In option (d) is on the top and hence the positions of dot (.) and W are not correct.

21) a) Some black eyed people may be brown haired and vice-versa. Some black eyed people may be Indians and vice-versa. Some brown haired people may be Indians and vice-versa. Some black eyed and brown haired people may be Indians and vice-versa.

22) b) All the components of the Question Figure are

present in the answer figure (b)

23) c)

24) d)

25) d) P 15, 43:

L 36, 65; A 42, 46, 62; Y 45

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 78

26. a) Required percentage decrease

=

100

50505050 %

= - 100 + 25 = 75% 27. a) Both the triangles are congruent.

ABC = 60 sq. cm. PQR = 60 sq. cm.

28. a) 41 x 41 = 1681 42 x 42 = 1764 Required answer = 1764 – 1728 = 36

29. c)

ACAB

AEAD

ADE ABC

DE = 41

x 12 = 3 cm

30. a) tan + cot = 2

tan + tan

1 = 2

tan1tan2

= 2

tan2 + 1 = 2tan tan2 - 2tan + 1 = 0 (tan - 1)2 = 0 tan = 1 = tan 45 = 45

31. a) 121a2 + 64b2

(11a)2 + (8b)2 (x + y)2 = x2 + y2 + 2xy Required expression = 2 x 11a x 8b = 176ab

32. b) (A + B + C)’s 1 day’s work

= 31

30235

151

101

61

Hence, the work will be completed in 3 days. Their 2 day’s wages = Rs. 200

33. b) B’s share = Rs. B A’s share = Rs. (b + 7) C’s Share = Rs. (b – 6) b + b + 7 + b – 6 = 76 3b = 76 – 1 = 75 b = Rs. 25 A’s share = 25 + 7 = Rs. 32 C’s share = 25 – 6 = Rs. 19 Required ratio = 32 : 25 : 19

34. a)

AB = CD BC = AD AC = BD It will be a rectangle and each angle will be right angle.

35. d) cosx = x2 – x + 45

= x2 – 2.x.45

41

41

21

= 2

21

x + 1 1

We know that - 1 cos x 1 So answer is None of these

36. c) Volume of earth taken out = 40 x 30 x 12 = 1440 cu. Metre Area of the rectangle field = 1000 x 30 = = 30000 sq. metre Area of the region of tank = 40 x 30 = 1200sq. metre Remaining area = 30000 – 1200 = 28800 sq. metre Increase in level

= 2880014400

= 0.5 metre

37. c) In an equilateral triange, orthocenter, cirum-centre, incentre and centroid coincide.

38. b) a = 2 + 3

3232

321

3211

a

= 323432

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 79

a2 + 2211 2

2

a

a

= 232322

= 16 – 2 = 14

39. c) p+ 2

41 kp

= 222

2

81

81

81..2 kpp

k2 = 81

81 2

k

40. a) x 10020

10015

y

x x 15 = y x 20

34

1520

yx

41. c)

1

c

bab

caa

cb

01

bca

cba

acb

0

b

bcac

baa

cb

b

bcac

aba

bc

b

bcaac

aabbcc

22

bbca

acabbcac

22

acacbacac

= b

bca

bbca

acbacac

bac

ac 1

bac

aaca 1

bca111

42. b) Speed of train = 60 kmph

=

18560 m /sec.

= 3

50m/sec

If the length of platform be = x metre, then Speed of train

=

gcrosintakenTimeplatformtrainLengthof

sin

30

2003

50 x

50 x 10 = 200 + x x = 500 – 200 = 300 metre

43. a)

F G 3 cm G H = 8 cm Clearly, FH = GH The sum of two sides to a triangle is greater than its third side.

44. d) 1 + 63cot

12 - sec227 +

63sin12 - cosec227

= 1 + tan263 – sec227 + cosec263 - cosec227 = 1 + tan2 (90 - 27) – sec227 + cosec2(90- 27) – cosec227 = 1 + cot227 – sec227 = sec227 – cosec227 = 1 + cot227 – cosec227 = 1 – 1 = 0

[+ cosec2 - cot2 = 1] 45. d) Work done by A and B in first 6 days

= (A + B)’s 4 day’s work + B’s 2 day’s work

= 4 x 122

81

=

32

64

613

61

21

Remaining work

= 31

321

Time taken by C = 1231 = 4 days

46. c) x = 23

2323

2323

11x

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 80

= 2323

23

x -x1

= 2323

= 2 2

x3 -

xx

xx

x1311 3

3

= 223223

= 16 222262

47. d) x2 - 3 = 0

x2 - 21

3 = 0 x2 -

41

3 = 0

4

141

33 xx = 0

x = 31/4 or -31/4 Product or roots

= 31/4 x – 31/4 = - 3 Note : Product of the roots of

ax2 + bx + c = 0 is ac

Product of the roots of x2 – b.0 - 303 is

48. b) x = )sin1)(sin1(

)sin1(cossin1

cos

=

2sin1)sin1(cos

=

2cos

)sin1(cos

=

cossin1

x1

sin1cos

49. a) Difference = 10000

2PR

25 = 10000

55P P = Rs. 10000

50. b)

12

BCAB

AB = 2k, BC = K

AC = 222 52 kkk = k5

sin A + Cot C = ABBC

ACBC

= k

kk

k25

= 5252

21

51

76. c) If prefer is followed by a Noun, preposition ‘to’ should be used. Hence, tea to coffee should be used here.

77. c) Here, which seemed so real/which looked so real ……. should be used.

78. c) Here, subject (An old man) is singular. Hence, singular very i.e. An oldman was ……….. should be used.

80. b) ‘It is time’ is followed by Past Simple, Hence, we accepted all our ……….. should be used.

81. a) Nothing much to write home about = not especially good : ordinary.

82. d) When push comes to shove = when there is no other choice, when everything has failed.

83. d) Full of yourself = very proud ; thinking only of yourself.

85. a) Tie the knot = to get married. 86. c) Credible (Adjective) = that can be believed or

trusted; convincing. Look at the sentence. It is just not credible that he would cheat.

87. a) Extricate (Verb) : to escape or enable somebody to escape from a difficult situation; to free somebody. Look at the sentence : They managed to extricate the pilot from the tangled control panel.

88. a) Obstreperous (Adjective) = noisy and difficult to control.

89. d) Acquit (Verb) = to decide and state officially in court that somebody is not guilty of a crime. Condemn (verb) = to express strong disapproval; to sentence. Look at the sentences: The jury acquitted him of murder. She was condemned to hang for killing her husband.

90. d) Dissent (Noun) = disagreement : expressing different opinions from those that are officially accepted.

91. b) Group (Noun) = disagreement : expressing different opinions from those that are officially accepted.

92. a) To keep the wolf from the door = to have enough money to avoid going hungry.

93. a) Foam at the mouth = to be very angry

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 81

Latest G.K. Bytes

JUNE 2017 1) Name the renowned film director and former union

coal minister passed away in Hyderabad: Dasari Narayana Rao

2) Name of late Sh. Dasari Narayana Rao appears in the Guinness Book of Records for which achievements: For directing highest number of films – 151

3) Which important day is observed on May 31 around the world to discourage consumption of Tobacco: World No Tobacco Day

4) What is the theme for this year’s “No Tobacco Day”: Tobacco - a threat to development’

5) US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable Earth-like planet recently. Name its host star: Gliese 625

6) Dushyant Chautala has been elected as the_________ of the South Asian Table Tennis Federation: President

7) Sebastian Vettel won the Formula One’s showcase Monaco Grand Prix in which place: Monaco

8) Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that India’s GDP grew _____ % in the financial year 2016-17: 7.1

9) Which global financial body has agreed to provide $ 36 million loan for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme: World Bank

10) The Palme d’Or is associated with which international film festival: Cannes

11) The Palme d’Or award is given for which category in Cinema: Best Film

12) Which film won the Palme d’Or for 2017: The Square 13) Who is the director of the famous Swedish film ‘The

Square’: Ruben Ostlund 14) In which state Dailong village of Tamenglong district

has been declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site of the state: Manipur

15) Which PSU has overtaken Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to become India’s most profitable state-owned company: Indian Oil Corporation

16) Who has won this year’s Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award for Internationally acclaimed actress: Priyanka Chopra

17) Who has been awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award this year: K. Viswanath, Director

18) Why Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu, a BSF officer was in news: He became the first Indian to summit Mount Everest a record six times

19) C.A.Bhavani Devi has won the gold medal at an international event in which discipline: Fencing

20) The ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut the door) campaign under ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission has been launched for what objective: To discourage people from open

defecation 21) Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for

the Darwaja Band Campaign: Amitabh Bachhan 22) ________ has been appointed as the Chancellor of Jamia

Millia Islamia, New Delhi: Najma Heptulla 23) The Global Day of Parents is observed on which date:

June 1 24) What is the popular name of the football cup Coupe

Charles Simon: French Cup Football Trophy 25) Where in India police has launched Bicycle Patrols for

better policing of the colonies: Delhi 26) Ananya Vinay, the 12-year-old sixth class school girl

from Fresno, California was in news for which achievement: She won the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest

27) Why the Reserve Bank of India placed ailing public sector bank Dena Bank under prompt corrective action: In view of high net non-performing assets and negative return on assets

28) Shashi Shekar Vempati has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of which national organization: Prasar Bharti

29) What is the role and function of Prasar Bharti: Looking after the functioning of All India Radio and Door Darshan

30) How Leo Varadkar, the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland is connected with India: He hails from Mumbai

31) In which Indian city the health ministry has confirmed the presence of Zika Virus: Ahamadabad

32) The Zika virus is transmitted to people through which media: By bite of an infected mosquito called Aedes Aegypti

33) Name the malware (virus) that infected millions of Android smart phones around the world: Judy

34) Which state has launched digital wallet named T-Wallet that will not charge transaction fee from consumers: Telanagana

35) As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has ranked ______ out of 163 countries: 137th

36) Which country has been ranked as the World’s Most Peaceful country for the 10th consecutive year: Iceland

37) As per the Global Peace Index, ___________ has been ranked as the least peaceful country: Syria

38) Recently which major country made news headlines for withdrawing its support to the Paris Climate Change Agreement: USA

39) As per the data from the Paris Climate Agreement, which are the top 3 polluting countries of the world: China, USA, India

40) Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh broke the national

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 82

record in which athletic event: Hammer throw 41) What is the name of the indigenously upgraded

variant of the Swedish Bofors guns: Dhanush 42) After ______, India is the second largest producer of tea

in the world: China 43) Aleksandar Vucic has been elected as the new ______of

Serbia: President 44) Who has won the European Golden Shoe for a record-

equaling fourth time: Lionel Messi 45) Which Union Minister has been selected for the WHO

Director-General Special Recognition Award: J.P. Nadda, Health Minister

46) In terms of participation of women in the work force, India has been placed very low at ______ place among 131 countries: 120

47) Name the diplomat from Slovakia who has been elected as the next President of the UN General Assembly: Miroslav Lajack

48) Sanjiv Singh has been appointed as the Chairman of the country’s biggest and most profitable PSU. Can you name it: Indian Oil Corporation

49) The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation has launched an e-commerce platform ‘inampro’ for what purpose: To facilitate procurement of construction and infrastructure raw material

50) Which state has launched a web portal 'Mahaswayam' for all the job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs: Maharashtra

51) Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) for natural disasters has been setup in which state: Odisha

52) World Milk Day observed on June 1 is supported by which UN organization: FAO-Food and Agriculture Organization

53) _______ is the largest producer of cattle and buffalo milk in the world: India

54) Which day is observed globally on June 5 to promote awareness for preservation of environment: World Environment Day

55) India successfully test-fired its first all weather tracked-chassis QR-SAM missile. What is its full name: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile

56) Joseph Muscat has been elected as the Prime Minister of which small island country in the Mediterranean Sea: Malta

57) ________ won the Thailand Open Grand Prix (badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand: B Sai Praneeth

58) As per the world competitiveness list, what is the rank of India in the world: 45th

59) Which country has been ranked as the most competitive in the world: Hong Kong

60) What is the nick name of the ISRO’s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk-III, weighing 640 tonnes: Fat boy

61) The GSLV Mk-III used which highly advanced type of engine: Cryogenic Engine

62) The GSAT-19 satellite shall be useful for which purpose: Communication

63) Which country has become 29th member of the powerful Western military alliance NATO:

Montenegro 64) What is the full form of NATO: North Atlantic Treaty

Organization 65) The Arab world’s strongest powers recently cut their

diplomatic ties with which country: Qatar 66) Red Ink Award is given for excellence in which field:

Journalism 67) Name the noted Indian Journalist who won this year’s

Red Ink Award for life time achievement: Vinod Dua 68) Which city in India has started a novel project named

Trin Trin for public bicycle sharing: Mysuru 69) Indian Railways has introduced ‘Buy Now, Pay

Later’ service for what purpose: For ticket payments 70) With which bank ADB has signed a $100 million loan

agreement for financing of solar systems: PNB 71) Saint Petersburg Declaration refers to which issue

related to India: Bilateral cooperation 72) Saint Petersburg Declaration has been signed jointly

by which two countries: India and Russia 73) Where in India country’s first freight village has been

established: Varanasi 74) What is the new proposed name for the West Indies

cricket team: Windies 75) Which public sector bank recently raised Rs. 15000

crore through India’s biggest QIP: State Bank of India

76) In the share market, the term QIP stands for: Qualified Institutional Placement

77) RBI in its second bimonthly policy review changed which policy rate: Statutory Liquidity Ratio - SLR

78) RBI has reduce the SLR by 50 basis points to ________ per cent: 20

79) The recent cut of 50 basis points in the SLR is likely to released roughly how much bank funds: Rs. 50,000 crore

80) Which Union Ministry has launched – ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’ initiative to promote skill development in the health sector: Health Ministry

81) Government plans to appoint _______ as Nyaya Mitras across the country to expedite over 7.5 lakh pending cases: Retired judges

82) India has agreed to provide $ 318 million fresh credit to Sri Lanka for the development of which sector: Railways

83) Prime Minister Modi visited which city in Kazakhstan to attend SCO: Astana

84) What is the full form of SCO: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

85) With which country India has approved an agreement on transfer of sentenced prisoners: Somalia

86) Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected as the new ___________ of Nepal: Prime Minister

87) Out of the following four apps, which one has not been launched by TRAI- Mycall, Myspeed, Myphone and Do Not Disturb: Myphone

88) What is the full form of TRAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

89) One of Africa's biggest economies has slipped into recession. Name this country: South Africa

90) In the recent QS World University Rankings, which University in India has been ranked highest: IIT,

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 83

Delhi 91) Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the QS

World University Rankings. It is in which country: USA

92) Who is the sole sportsperson from the country to feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in the latest Forbes list: Virat Kohli

93) The Forbes list of the world’s 100 highest paid athletes is topped by which person: Cristiano Ronaldo

94) Cristiano Ronaldo is related to which sports: Football 95) Govt. plans to launch a new regulator named ‘HEERA’

for higher education sector. What is its full form: Higher Education Empowerment Regulation Agency

96) June 4 is observed as the International Day of _______Children ___________of Aggression: Innocent, Victims

97) Govt has launched the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’ as a repository of which item: It is a human milk bank

98) The World Oceans Day is observed on which date: June 8

99) What is the theme for this year’s World Ocean Day: Our oceans, our future

100) __________ has become first state in India to launch a pension scheme for the single-women: Telangana

101) Which Indian celebrity has been selected to promote a United Nations campaign/initiative titled Super Dads: Sachin Tendulkar

102) Which Indian tennis star won his maiden Grand Slam title by lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy: Rohan Bopanna

103) _________ hosted the meeting of BRICS Media Forum: Beijing

104) Who is the head of the committee setup by SEBI to improve the standards of corporate governance of listed companies: Uday Kotak

105) Immensely popular UEFA Champions League is associated with which sports: Football

106) “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” is a book written by which famous author: Arundhati Roy

107) As per the 2017 Global Retail Development Index, which country enjoys the top position: India

108) The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, legalising Kambala. What is Kambala: A traditional race involving buffaloes

109) Which organization has launched SATH, a program for providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments: NITI Aayog

110) The International Olympic Committee has approved some new events for which Olympic Games: 2020 Tokyo Olympics

111) Out of mixed team Judo, mixed doubles Table Tennis, team boxing and three-on-three basketball, which one is not a proposed Olympic game: Team Boxing

112) Which two countries have become new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: India and Pakistan

113) Legion of Honour is one of the highest civil honours of which country: France

114) Name the veteran Bengali actor who has been honoured with Legion of Honour: Soumitra Chatterjee

115) A video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law' has been launched for people of which area: Rural Area

116) Legal service ‘Tele Law’ has been launched as a pilot in which two states: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

117) Mandsaur district witnessed widespread farmers’ agitation that turned violent following the death of five protesters in police firing. It is in which state: Madhya Pradesh

118) Indian Railways has launched ‘Operation Swarn’ (Gold) for what purpose: To upgrade Shatabdis and Rajdhanis

119) Dr. C Narayana Reddy, eminent poet and Jnanpith Award recipient was in news recently for what reasons: He passed away

120) What is the popular name for the French Open Tennis Grand Slam: Roland Garros

121) Name the winner of the men’s singles title of the French Open: Rafael Nadal

122) Name the winner of the women’s singles title of the French Open: Jelena Ostapenko

123) Jelena Ostapenko, winner of French (women) Open hails from which country: Latvia

124) Which three Indian cities have been selected by France and the European Union under the ‘Moblise Your City’ (MYC) initiative: Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmadabad

125) What is the objective of the ‘Moblise Your City’ initiative: Reducing carbon emissions and promote sustainability of smart city programme

126) Kalinga Literary Award is given in which state: Odisha

127) The World Day Against Child Labour is observed on which date: June 12

128) Which UN organization supports the World Day Against Child Labour: International Labour Organization

129) Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu jointly won the gold medal in which mixed team event: 10m air pistol event

130) Name the former Union Minister who has authored the book Indira Gandhi – A Life in Nature: Jairam Ramesh

131) Lewis Hamilton from team Mercedes won the Formula-1 Canadian Grand Prix 2017 held in _______, Canada: Montreal

132) Forbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highest-paid celebrities has placed ___________ at no. 65, best in India: Shah Rukh Khan

133) As per Forbes Magazine, who has been declared as the artist with the highest earnings in 2017 in the world: Sean Diddy Combs

134) Sean Diddy Combs is associated with which art: Music 135) Mr. Combs hails from which country: USA 136) Which Indian state has requested for a separate time

zone for the North eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 84

137) Why Arunachal has requested a separate time zone for the North eastern states: Because sun rises their very early, around 4 am

138) The world's largest floating solar farm has been built in _____ in China: Anhui

139) Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week-long naval exercise, AUSINDEX-17 with which country’s navy: Australia

140) The joint naval exercise AUSINDEX-17 was held at which place: Off the Western Australian Coast

141) Man Booker International Prize is offered for which achievement: For best book translated in English

142) Who is the winner of the 2017 Man Booker International Prize: David Grossman and his translator Jessica Cohen

143) Which novel won the 2017 Man Booker International Prize: A Horse Walks into a Bar

144) Govt has announced _________% interest subsidy for farm loans up to Rs. ________ lacs: 2 %, 3 lacs

145) Farmers who repay their farm loans up to Rs. 3 lacs within time, will get additional interest subsidy of _______ per cent: Three

146) Name the father of public interest litigation (PIL) and judicial activism in Indian legal jurisprudence, the 17th Chief Justice of India who died recently: Justice P N Bhagwati

147) The UN General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new office for dealing with which international issue: Counter terrorism efforts

148) As per the Global Innovation Index 2017 India has been placed at ________ rank: 60th

149) _____________ is at the top of the Global Innovation Index for the 7th year in running: Switzerland

150) India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ ECOSOC for another three-year term. What is ECOSOC: Economic and Social Council

151) __________ has claimed the top spot among the remittance-receiving nations, surpassing China, receiving $62.7 billion in 2016: India

152) The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening new bank accounts and for financial transactions above Rs. __________: 50,000

153) In which city around 80 persons working in a massive fire in a residential tower: London

154) Which country launched its first space telescope named ‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts: China

155) Name the former German chancellor known for his reunification of East and West Germany, who died at 87: Helmut Kohl

156) Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers Meeting was held in Bologna, in which country: Italy

157) What is ‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ – A book, a documentary, a drama, a film: A book

158) According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI), which is the only public sector bank to get a ‘high’ rating: IDBI Bank

159) What are the two most effective and low-cost options for diarrhea treatment: A combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets

160) Name the Indian international law expert who became the first Indian woman to be elected as the Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea: Neeru Chadha

161) Which international bank has approved $150 million equity investment loan for the India Infrastructure Fund: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

162) Where are the headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: Beijing, China

163) Which day is observed across the world to raise the awareness about the need for safe blood donation: World Blood Donors Day, June 14

164) Who is the author of the book ‘Son of the Thundercloud’: Easterine Kire

165) Name the most popular pop singing star who has become first person in the world to reach 100 million Twitter followers: Katy Perry

166) Katy Perry hails from which country: USA 167) What is the name of the special Gandhi dharshan train

launched from Sabarmati: Astha Tourist Train 168) The Astha Tourist Train will travel from Sabarmati to

which place in Bihar: Champaran 169) Who was the Swami Atmasthananda Maharaj, who

died recently: Head of the Belur based Ramakrishna Math

170) Which country has announced the facility of online visitors visa for Indians: Australia

171) India’s ______________ lifted the men’s singles title in Indonesia Open Super Series badminton: K Srikanth

172) Finals of the ICC Champions trophy was played in which stadium of London: Oval

173) Which cricketer was declared Man of the Series in the Champions Trophy: Hasan Ali

174) Name the batsman who won the Golden Bat for scoring highest runs in the Championship Trophy: Shikhar Dhawan

175) __________ won the Golden Ball in the Champions Trophy for taking highest number of wickets: Hasan Ali

176) The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of which major programme: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

177) What is the objective of the recently launched National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India: To provide an online platform to all the cultural artists of India

178) India has become the 71st country to ratify the United Nations TIR Convention. TIR stands for what: Transports Internationaux Routiers or International Road Transports

179) Lockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant from USA, signed an agreement with which Indian industrial house to produce F-16 fighter jets: Tata

180) The main national function for the International Yoga Day was held at which place in India: Lucknow

181) Which state has sought help from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma and Hazong refugees in the state: Arunachal Pradesh

182) The Chakma and Hazong refugees came to India from which country: Bangladesh

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 85

183) India won six medals in the Wushu competition in the first ever BRICS Games. What type of sports is Wushu: Martial Art

184) The first ever BRICS Games were hosted by which city in China: Guangzhou

185) The government has roped in __________ as brand ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST): Amitabh Bachchan

186) BJP nominee for the Presidentship, Ram Nath Kovind was the Governor of which state: Bihar

187) Which organization launched a widespread agitation in the streets of Darjeeling to press for its demand for a separate Gorkhaland: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha

188) Which country recently opened its first ever air cargo route with India: Afghanistan

189) What is the most recent achievement of the ISRO’s maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’: It completed 1000 days in its orbit

190) Which international day is observed to commemorate the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees: The World Refugee Day, June 20

191) Which paramilitary force of India has launched a 24x7 helpline ‘Madadgaar’: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

192) The Madadgaar helpline has been launched for which population group: Kashmiris

193) Name the judge from India who has been re-nominated to the International Court of Justice: Justice Dalveer Bhandari

194) Headquarters of the International Court of Justice are located at which place: The Hague, Netherlands

195) What is the tenure of the judge at the International Court of Justice: 9 years

196) How many judges are there in the International Court of Justice: 15

197) Which Indian company has developed India's first indigenously-built floating dock – FDN-2 for the Indian Navy: Larsen and Toubro

198) Who has been appointed as the new Union Home Secretary: Rajiv Gauba

199) Which bank has approved a Rs.283 crore loan for Assam for implementing the Assam State Public Finance Institutional Reforms project: World Bank

200) Name the CEO of one of the largest startups, Uber, the taxi aggregator, who was compelled to resign by the investors: Travis Kalanick

201) Who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of USA to India: Kenneth Juster

202) Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute that won the Prime Minister award for promotion of Yoga is located at which place: Pune, Maharashtra

203) With which country India has signed a protocol of cooperation in the field of archives: Portugal

204) Where in India is being setup the world’s largest oil refinery: Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

205) Which country has launched a prototype of a trackless train that runs on virtual rails: China

206) The ADB has agreed to provide $275 million loan for improving urban services in 64 small towns in which state: Madhya Pradesh

207) _______ Airways was voted Best Airline by travelers

across the world in the annual passenger survey done by the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards: Qatar

208) Name the more than 800 year old mosque in Mosul that was blown up by the militants: Al-Nuri

209) What is the name of the remote sensing satellite launched by ISRO recently: Cartosat-2

210) What is the nick name given to the recently launched Cartosat-2 satellite: Eye in the sky

211) The Cartosat-2 satellite has been placed in which type of orbit: Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit

212) In which city a robot is being used on an experimental basis to regulate the city traffic: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

213) Indian agricultural microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi has recently been honoured with which prize in Japan: Ministry of Environment Award

214) Name the India’s largest coastal lagoon for which the world heritage site tag is being sought: Chilika Lake, Odisha

215) Govt. has launched VAJRA faculty scheme to attract Indian scientists working abroad. What is the full form of VAJRA: Visiting Advanced Joint Research

216) International Widows Day is observed on which date: June 23

217) Which organization promotes the observation of World Hydrography Day on June 21: International Hydrographic Organization

218) World Music Day is observed on which date in June: 21

219) Which Indian state has won the UN Public Service Award: West Bengal

220) West Bengal has won the UN Public Service Award for which initiative: Kanyashree Prakalpa

221) The scheme Kanyashree Prakalpa is meant for what purpose: To combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child

222) Name the Indian philanthropist who has been honoured with the Carnegie Medal: Ajim Premji, Wipro Chairman

223) RBI has extended the scope of the Ombudsman Scheme 2006 to include which new issue: Mis-selling of third-party products like insurance and mutual funds

224) RBI has enhanced power of the Ombudsman to pass compensation award up to Rs. _________ lacs: 20

225) The Ombudsman can now also pass compensation not exceeding Rs. _____lakh to the complainant for loss of time: One

226) Which Indian anti-hunger activist has been honoured with Queen’s Young Leaders Award in UK: Ankit Kawatra

227) Name the three countries visited by Mr. Modi in his foreign trip in the last week of June: Portugal, USA and Netherlands

228) The book titled “The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour” has been written by which author: A. Surya Prakash, Chairman Prasar Bharati Board

229) Name the Indian Badminton star who won the Australian Open Superseries Badminton Trophy in Sydney: Kidambi Srikanth

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 86

230) Name the young shooter from Haryana who won gold in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard Pistol event in Suhl, Germany: Anish,

231) Which Indian shooter won gold at the women's 10 metre air pistol event in Germany: Yashaswini Singh Deswal

232) Palbinder Kaur Shergill has become the first baptised and turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in which country: Canada

233) Government has approved setting up of new international airport near Delhi at which place: Jewar, near Noida, UP

234) Which building in India have been given a trademark for the first time: Taj Hotel, Mumbai

235) Daniel Ricciardo, winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku is from which country: Australia

236) Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh won gold and silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup _______tournament in Mangolia: Boxing

237) On which date the United Nations Public Service Day is observed: June 23

238) Which UN organ supports the celebration of the Public Service Day: Department of Economic and Social Affairs

239) For what reason the International Olympic Day is observed on June 23: Modern Olympic Games started on this day in 1894 at Sorbonne in Paris

240) International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is observed on ______ day of June: 26th

241) What is the name of the Indian miniature satellite launched by NASA: Kalamsat

242) Who has been appointed Chairman of the committee tasked with preparing the final draft of the National Education Policy: Dr. K. Kasturirangan

243) Who is Dr. K. Kasturirangan: Eminent scientist, former Chief of ISRO and Padma Vibhushan awardee

244) Dr. Desh Bandhu Gupta founder and Chairman of pharma major______, passed away in Mumbai: Lupin

245) According to Forbes Magazine's latest report, which movie has become the first ever Indian film in history to earn Rs 2000 crore worldwide: Dangal

246) Lt. Colonel Srinivas Gokulnath, an army doctor from Maharashtra created history by becoming first Indian to complete which event in USA: The 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in solo category

247) Govt. has allowed Central Vigilance Commission what role in private sector banks: It can probe allegations of corruptions in private banks also

248) Name the first winner of the 54TH Femina Miss India World 2017: Manushi Chhillar from Haryana

249) By scoring 310 runs against which team Indian team became the team to score the most 300-plus totals in One Day International (ODI): West Indies

250) Name the girl from Dehradun who has won the Miss World title in Bodybuilding Championship in Venice, Italy: Bhumika Sharma

MAY–2017 251) _______ has become the first state in India to switch to

the January-December financial year from the existing April-March cycle: Madhya Pradesh

252) India started adopting the April-March financial year from _____: 1867

253) President of _________ Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to India on a two day official visit: Turkey

254) Which University presented President of Turkey an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters: Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi

255) "Dialogue of the Deaf – the Government and the RBI" is a book written by which author: TCA Srinivasa Raghavan

256) U-19 National School Football Girls Championship was hosted by which city: Hissar, Haryana

257) Government has introduced the facility of online viewing of the statement of the transaction (e-SOT) and also the e- Permanent Retirement Account Number (e-PRAN card) in which pension scheme: Atal Pension Yojana

258) Which bank won the Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award 2017: Yes Bank

259) Which Indian city won the Pierre L’enfant Planning Excellence and Achievement Awards-2017: Bhubaneswar

260) Jehan Daruvala of Sahara Force India clinched his first podium in which race: FIA Formula 3 European Championship

261) Which city hosted the FIA Formula 3 European Championship: Monza, Italy

262) __________ from Odisha won the jury prize gold medal at the 10th Moscow Sand Art Championship: Sudarsan Pattnaik

263) India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crore for funding the new 'Muktijodha Scholarship' scheme for children of freedom fighters in which country: Bangladesh

264) Who is the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title: Joshna Chinappa

265) Google has announced a new ______________ initiative aimed at encouraging the start-up ecosystem in tier II cities across the country: ‘Solve for India’

266) Valtteri Bottas of Finland won his first Formula one title by winning which race: Russian Grand Prix

267) Which Indian cueist won the second position at Asian Snooker Championship held in Doha, Qatar: Pankaj Advani

268) To protect the interests of homebuyers across the country, the Government has passed RERA. What is the full form of RERA: The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

269) World Press Freedom Day is observed on which date: 3rd May

270) Senior Women’s Hockey National Championship was held in which city: Rohtak, Haryana

271) Which team won the Senior Women' Hockey National Championship: Railways

272) Who has been elected as the new President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): Shobana Kamineni

273) Bhilar, India’s first ‘village of books’ is located in which state: Maharashtra, in Satara district

274) ___________ organized the country's first transgender one-day athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 87

275) Which country awards the prestigious civil honour 'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun': Japan

276) Name the Indian diplomat who has been honour with 'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun': Ashwani Kumar

277) What are the two other popular names for the International Labour Day: International Worker's Day or May Day

278) May Day is observed on which date: May 1 279) ________________ of Spain won a record-extending 10th

Barcelona Open title: Rafael Nadal 280) World Asthma Day is celebrated on which date: 2nd

May 281) _____________has become the first city in the world to

get its own Microsoft Font: Dubai 282) Union ministry of HRD launched a nationwide

campaign, ‘Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan’ for what purpose: To promote nationalism among youth

283) How Government plans to promote nationalism among youth through Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan: By asking universities to display portraits of Param Veer Chakra-decorated soldiers on a wall in the campus

284) Government has launched Tarang Sanchar Portal for what purpose: To assess EMF emission level of telecom towers

285) What the full of the abbreviation EMF: Electro Magnetic Field

286) Government has passed an ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act for what purpose: To promote the better handling of NPAs

287) Which organisation has recently been given more powers to deal with high value NPAs: Reserve Bank of India

288) A NPA is a loan account where delay in realization of interest or installment has crossed __________ days : 90

289) In a government survey - Swachh Survekshan of 434 cities in the country, ________ has been ranked as the cleanest city in India: Indore, Madhya Pradesh

290) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has approved $160 million loan for a _________ project in Andhra Pradesh: Power

291) Which state has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes from Banganpalle: Andhra Pradesh

292) For the first time in 21 years, the Indian football team has made it into the top ______ of the FIFA World Rankings: 100

293) The GSAT-9 satellite recently launched by the ISRO will render its services to neighbouring countries of India except ____________: Pakistan

294) Name the volcano that erupted suddenly in the south Guatemala, near the capital Guatemala city: Fuego

295) Name the committee that finalises the names for the heads of public sector banks: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

296) ____________ has been appointed as the Chairman of the Punjab National Bank: Sunil Mehta

297) Ms. Usha Ananthasubramanian has been appointed as the chairperson of which bank: Allahabad Bank

298) The longest road bridge of India has been constructed over which river: Brahmaputra

299) The longest road bridge of India connects which two places: Sadia in Assam to Dhola in Arunachal Pradesh

300) This bridge has been named after which legendary Assamese singer and musician: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

301) Jasvir Singh, a barrister in London has become the youngest Sikh in the world to be awarded the OBE. What is OBE: Order of the British Empire

302) Kalpit Veerwal, a student from Udaipur, Rajasthan created history by doing what: by scoring a perfect 360 out of 360 in the IIT JEE mains examination

303) Who is Yusra Mardini who has been appointed a UN goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people seeking shelter from war: A refugee Olympian from Syria

304) Name the Indian beauty who has won the Miss Teen Universe 2017 title: Srishti Kaur

305) Which state in India has launched a project to install 2065 automatic weather stations across the state: Maharashtra

306) What is the main objective of launching these automatic weather stations: To help farmers to manage sowing in a much better and planned way as per the weather conditions

307) The Prime Minister recently released a commemorative stamp in the honour of which famous saint from South India: Sri Ramanujacharya

308) Which Indian state is celebrating 1000th birth anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanujacharya: Tamil Nadu

309) Name the pro-European centrist leader who won the elections for the new President of France: Emmanuel Macron

310) India organised a cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to mark the 156th birth anniversary of which famous Indian poet: Rabindranath Tagore

311) Country’s first bio refinery plant which produces ethanol from variety of biomass items, has been established in which state: Maharashtra

312) The Asian Athletics Championships will be held in____________, Odisha from July 6 to 9: Bhubaneswar

313) Which animal has been adopted as the mascot of the Asian Athletics Championships: Olive Ridley sea turtle

314) Which two stations have been linked with the first Shatabdi train in the North-East: Guwahati and Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh)

315) The total number of active LPG consumer connections has recently crossed the ________ crore mark: 20

316) Which state has been declared as a 'disturbed' area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 3 months: Assam

317) Which day in May is observed as the World Thalassemia Day: 8th May

318) What kind of disease is Thalassemia: A blood disorder disease

319) Which day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross: World Red Cross Day

320) The Azlan Shah Cup is associated with which sports: Hockey

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 88

321) The Azlan Shah Cup is hosted by which country: Malaysia

322) Which country won this year's Azlan Shah Cup: Great Britain

323) The Home Ministry has come out with a new doctrine named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with which major national issue: Naxal challenge

324) Who won the first-ever Genderless Acting Award for the Best Actor category at the MTV Movie and TV Awards: Emma Watson

325) Name the India’s leading IT company which has changed its logo and brand identity: Wipro

326) India has overtaken ___________ to emerge as the world's biggest market for two-wheelers: China

327) _____________ became the first U.S. company to top the $800 billion mark in terms of market capitalization on May 9: Apple Inc

328) Moon Jae-In has been elected as the ___________ of South Korea: President

329) Name the Indian women's team fast bowler who has become the highest wicket-taker in history of ODIs in world by taking 181 wickets: Jhulan Goswami

330) India has recently been unanimously elected as the President of which UN organisation: UN-Habitat

331) The UN-Habitat works for promoting which aspect of human life: Sustainable human settlements

332) Sohail Mahmood has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of __________ to India. Pakistan

333) Which actor won the Best Director award for the film ‘A Death in the Gunj’ at New York Indian Film Festival: Konkona Sen Sharma

334) The World Migratory Bird Day is observed on which date: 10th May

335) Buddhists around the world celebrate which day to mark the birth, enlightenment and death day of Lord Buddha: Vesak day

336) Which day is observed to glorify the importance of science and technology in day to day life: National Technology Day

337) India observes National Technology Day on which date: 11th May

338) The 29th series of India- Indonesia CORPAT naval exercise was held at which place: Near Andaman and Nicobar Islands

339) What is the full form of CORPAT: Co-ordinated Patrol

340) China hosted one of its most important diplomatic events to promote OBOR. What its full form: One Belt One Road

341) Who represented India at the two day conclave for OBOR initiative: No one, India did not participate

342) ___________ has been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ by the Football Writers' Association: N'Golo Kante

343) N'Golo Kante hails from which country: France 344) Which organisation is now offering home delivery of

rail tickets: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation

345) The Election Commission of India has launched the National Contact Centre for what purpose: To enable citizens to lodge 24X7 any election related query or complaint

346) May 12 is observed internationally as which day related to medical profession: International Nurses Day

347) International Nurses Day is observed to commemorate the birthday of which famous person: Florence Nightingale

348) World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in which African country: Congo

349) What is the full form of Ebola: It is not an abbreviation (it is a viral disease)

350) The government has revised the base year of Wholesale Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial Production, IIP to which year: 2011-12

351) India rolled out its first free vaccine for children under five years of age against which disease to address the huge burden of infant mortality: Pneumonia

352) Which Indian statue has been declared as the world’s largest bust by the Guinness Book of World Records: The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu

353) WHO has appointed which Bollywood actor as its Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia Region: Amitabh Bachchan

354) Name the Indian banker who won the Woodrow Wilson Award For Global Corporate Citizenship: Chanda Kochhar

355) Ms. Chanda Kochhar is the CEO and Managing Director of which bank: ICICI Bank

356) President of __________ Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New Delhi on a four day State visit: Palestine

357) In which city the railways have begun to roll out Emergency Medical Response (EMR) units that provide medical care to passengers for as low as one rupee: Mumbai

358) India test fired a surface-to-air missile ‘Spyder’ from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha. What is its full form: Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby

359) India has acquired the Spyder missile from which coun try: Israel

360) Hubert Minnis has been elected as the New Prime Minister of ____________, a tiny island country near south east USA: The Bahamas

361) Edouard Philippe has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of which country: France

362) Name the Indian woman cricketer who made a stunning 188-run knock, the second highest score in women's ODI: Deepti Sharma

363) Name the first Indian driver to win a GP3 (Grand Prix 3) race: Arjun Maini

364) Which state has been ranked at the top as per the Public Affairs Index for excellence in governance: Kerala

365) Which Mumbai airport has become the world’s busiest single-runway airport: The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

366) V K Saraswat, eminent scientist has been appointed as the Chancellor of which University: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

367) Which institution has created the country's first smart grid power project to generate power from various renewable sources of energy: The Indian Institute of

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 89

Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in Shibpur, West Bengal

368) Name the Indian woman who scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest for the fifth time: Anshu Jamsenpa

369) Anshu Jamsenpa hails from which place in India: Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh

370) __________ won the Spanish Grand Prix Formula One championship in Barcelona, Spain: Lewis Hamilton

371) Lhakpa Sherpa, the 44-year-old Nepalese mountaineer has created a new world record for which achievement: For the most Everest summits by a woman – 8

372) Pawan Kumar Chamling was conferred with the first Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Lifetime Achievement Honour for excellence in public service. Who is he: Chief Minister of Sikkim

373) UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees in primary schools to keep an eye on mid-day meals served to students. What is the full form of Maa: No full form

374) Union Finance Ministry has launched ____________________ Portal to keep a tab on dishonest citizens hiding their income from the authorities: Operation Clean Money

375) World Telecommunication And Information Society Day is observed on which date: May 17

376) Which UN organisation supports the observance of the World Telecommunication And Information Society Day: International Telecommunication Union

377) Sanjay Mitra has been appointed as the new union __________ secretary: Defence

378) Name the veteran film and TV actor, known for her role of mother in movies, who died at the young age of 59: Reema Lagoo

379) Which Indian railway station has won the top rank in cleanliness: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra Pradesh

380) Name the serving union minister for environment, forest and climate change who died at the age of 60 in New Delhi: Anil Madhav Dave

381) Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the Dan David Prize for excellence in which field: Astronomy

382) Which global awards are popularly known as 'Green Oscar': Whitley Award

383) Which Indian corporate topped the list of the 25 Global Game Changers listed by Forbes magazine: Mukesh Ambani

384) Which country has topped the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index: China

385) India was placed at which rank in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index: Second

386) The Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10 units of PHWR for nuclear power generation. What is the full form of PHWR: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors

387) Which international day is observed to promote public awareness about high blood pressure: World Hypertension Day

388) Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading no higher than ________ mm Hg: 120/80

389) World Hypertension Day is observed on which day in May: 17

390) Government has approved setting up of first of its kind Indian Agricultural Research Institute in North-East at which place: In Dhemaji district of Assam

391) General Motors of USA have decided to discontinue sale of their which popular brand in India: Chevrolet

392) What is the title of the latest book by Ruskin Bond: Looking for the Rainbow

393) 'Sita: Warrior of Mithila' is the tile of a novel written by which author: Amish Tripathi

394) In which case the International Court of Justice recently delivered an order in favour of India: Case of Kulbhushan Jadhav

395) Govt has introduced a new more transparent coal allocation policy for the power sector by the name SHAKTI. What is its full form: Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala (Coal) Transparently in India

396) What are the four tax slabs announced for the GST regime: 5, 12, 18 & 28

397) The GST regime is likely to be implemented in India from which date: July 1, 2017

398) Simbex-17, a bilateral naval exercise was held between India and which other country: Singapore

399) Simbex-17 was held at which place: South China Sea 400) What is the full form of Simbex: Singapore-India

Maritime Bilateral Exercises 401) In a report by Brand Finance, _________ has been

declared as the most valuable brand in India: Tata Group

402) India has acquired prototype of which powerful filled gun from USA: M777 ultra light howitzers

403) Grand Master__________ won the All India Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament in Kolkata, West Bengal: R R Laxman

404) As per a global report on infant mortality, India has been placed at ______ rank out of 195 countries: 154th

405) Hassan Rouhani has been re-elected as the President of which country: Iran

406) The Indian men's archery team won the gold medal at the World Archery Cup in____________, China: Shanghai

407) Anita Kundu, a Sub-Inspector in ___________ Police, has become the first Indian woman to climb the Mount Everest from the Chinese side: Haryana

408) Which team won the 10th edition of Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians

409) Federation cup is associated with which sports: Football

410) Which team won the Federation Cup for 2017: Bengaluru FC

411) Italian Open (Tennis) championship was hosted by which city: Rome, Italy

412) Which International Day is observed on May 22, to raise the awareness about the conservation of biodiversity: The International Day for Biological Diversity

413) In which country scientist have invented a technique that types Braille in real time and helps deaf-blind people "watch" television without intermediaries: Spain

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 90

414) What is the name of the recently launched second payment bank of India: Paytm Payment Bank

415) What is the name of the first payment bank of India: Airtel Payment Bank

416) The six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have joined hands with which county to form ‘Terrorist Financing Targeting Center’: USA

417) As per a recent global report, India ranks very high in terms of local displacement of people. What is India's rank: 3rd

418) What is the major factor behind massive internal displacements in India: Monsoon Season Floods

419) India has left ________ behind to become the second-largest producer of stainless steel in the world: Japan

420) Which country is the largest steel producer in the world: China

421) Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in India on which date: May 21

422) Why Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21: On this day in 1991, former Indian PM Mr. Rajiv Gandhi who was killed in Sri Perambadur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomber

423) First trip of India’s state-of-the-art high-speed train Tejas Express connects which two places: Mumbai and Goa

424) The ISRO and NASA have collaborated to make NISAR satellite. What is the full form of NISAR: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

425) The two-day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held in______________, UAE: Abu Dhabi

426) Rohan Chakravarty, Indian wildlife and environment cartoonist won which global award recently: WWF International President’s Award

427) What is the name of the book which is supposed to be the world’s first philosophical novel on God: Confessions of a Dying Mind: The blind faith of atheism

428) The World Turtle Day is observed on which day in May: 23rd

429) ____________ from Chennai won the women's title in the Asian Continental Blitz Chess Championship: R Vaishali

430) Name the former James Bond superstar from England who passed away in Switzerland: Roger Moore

431) Which Indian cricketer won the ‘International Cricketer of the Year’ award at the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards: Ravichandran Ashwin

432) The Union Cabinet has approved to abolish which major organization associated with FDI: FIPB - Foreign Investment Promotion Board

433) Name the Nepal’s Prime Minister who resigned after a brief stint of nine months: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’

434) Gayarul Hasan, a social activist from UP has been appointed the chairperson of which national body: The National Commission for Minorities

435) India has signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in the field of alternative medicine with which country: Germany

436) What is the name of the book recently written by Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker: Matoshree

437) Power Ministry has launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran Application (SEVA) app for what purpose: To track dispatch of coal to 118 power plants in India

438) Which state has decided to form ‘good morning’ squads to prevent and monitor open defecation in villages: Maharashtra

439) In which state in India, Japan plans to build a war museum in the memory of its 70,000 soldier who were killed there: Manipur

440) India’s first underwater rail tunnel has been completed under which river: Hooghly

441) __________ in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi service: Nagpur

442) Name the Prime Minister of Mauritius who visited India recently: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth

443) Which country accounts for roughly 30 per cent of all FDI inflows into India: Mauritius

444) Leaders from the group of leading industrial nations, the G7, held their summit in which place: Taormina, Sicily (Italy)

445) Which two major superpowers are not member of G-7: Russia and China

446) Name the supercop credited with rooting out terrorism in Punjab: KPS Gill

447) The 116th edition of the French Open tennis started in the ___________ Stadium in Paris from May 29: Roland Garros

448) Roland Garros is famous for its ______________ courts: Red Gravel (Laal Bajri)

449) Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in_________, Assam: Kamrup

APRIL –2017 450) India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of

electricity during the April-February period. It exports electricity to which countries: Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar

451) Name the online film certification system launched by the government to curb corruption in the cinema: e-cinepramaan

452) In India certification of films is done by CBFC. What is its full form: Central Board of Film Certification

453) _______ has become the first country in the world to impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including gold: El Salvador

454) Why El Salvador has imposed a ban on metal mining: Because it was adversely affecting the ecological balance of the country by using excess water

455) Name the American astronaut who made history when she floated outside the International Space Station for making her record 8th spacewalk: Peggy Whitson

456) Which Indian forward hockey player was named the Player of the Year for 2016 by the Asian Hockey Federation: S V Sunil

457) India's longest road tunnel has recently been inaugurated in which state: J & K

458) What is the name of the India’s longest road tunnel: Chenani – Nashri Tunnel

459) The Chenani – Nehsri tunnel is part of which national

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 91

highway: Jammu – Srinagar National Highway 460) 'India’s Railway Man' is the biography of which

veteran engineer of India: E. Sreedharan 461) E. Sreedharan is also known as _________ of India:

Metro Man 462) April 2 is observed as the World Autism Awareness

Day. What is Autism: Learning and communication disorder usually found in small children

463) Bhoorsingh the Barasingha has been adopted as the mascot by which tiger reserve in India: Kanha Tiger Reserve

464) Kanha Tiger Reserve is situated in which state: Madhya Pradesh

465) The book ‘Indian Railway-The weaving of a National Tapestry’deals with which topic: History of Indian Railways till date

466) Deodhar Trophy is associated with which sports: Cricket

467) Who is the winner of 2017 Deodhar Trophy: Tamil Nadu

468) The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration of vehicles which are not compliant with _______________emission norms wef April 1, 2017: Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV)

469) Why Supreme Court banned BS-III compliant vehicles: Because these were hazardous to the health of millions of countrymen due to increased air pollution

470) Lok Sabha on March 29 passed how many GST Bills: Four

471) Which major indirect tax (duty) has not been covered under GST: Customs Duty

472) What is the formal name of the BRICS Bank: The New Development Bank (NDB)

473) The government has launched two mobile apps, eChallan and mParivahan for which sector of economy: Transport

474) __________ appointed as the new chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC): Vanaja N. Sarna

475) The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with which IIT to identify and enhance critical areas of technology in the armed forces: IIT Madras

476) Government has released NIRF rankings for which sector: Educational institutes

477) What is the full form of NIRF: National Institutional Ranking Framework

478) NIRF rankings are released by which ministry: HRD 479) Which University topped the overall NIRF rankings

for the best institute: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

480) As per NIRF rankings which institute has been declared best in the engineering category: IIT Madras

481) _________ has been declared best management institute as per NIRF ranking: IIM, Ahmadabad

482) Jamia Hamdard, Delhi has been declared best institute by NIRF in which category: Pharmacy

483) __________ won the women’s singles title in the India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament: P.V. Sindhu

484) Men’s singles title in the India Open Super Series

Badminton Tournament was won by ________: Viktor Axelsen of Denmark

485) Name the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84: Kishori Amonkar

486) Kishori Amonkar is credited with innovation of the ________ gharana: Jaipur

487) Lenin Moreno has been elected as the new ________of Ecuador: President

488) The country of Ecuador is located in which continent: South America (North West)

489) ________ in India is the world's 9th most expensive office location with annual prime rent of $ 105.71 per sq ft.: Delhi's Connaught Place

490) 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in ________________: Dehradun, Uttarakhand

491) The Government has launched Power Tex India at over 45 locations in the country to promote which sector: Power Loom Sector (Textiles)

492) Rajiv Kumar Chander has been appointed as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to __________ : United Nations Offices in Geneva

493) Headquarters of United Nations Organization – UNO are located in which city: New York

494) For the third year in succession, India has been ranked _______ in the doping violation report published by WADA: Third

495) What is the full form of WADA: World Anti Doping Agency

496) As per WADA report, ________ has the highest number of doping defaulters: Russia

497) In which city India’s first bio-gas run bus service has been launched for trial: Kolkata

498) Government has constituted the National Board of Electric Mobility (NBEM) for what purpose: To promote electric vehicles

499) __________ has been named Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016: Virat Kohli

500) RBI recently revised downwards the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate to _________: 6.50%

501) Bangladesh _________ Sheikh Hasina came to India on a four day visit: Prime Minister

502) India extended a Line of Credit of $ 500 million to Bangladesh for what purpose: For defence purchases

503) Indian boxer _________ won a gold medal in the 49- kilogram category at the Thailand International Boxing Tournament: K Shyam Kumar

504) Which film won the national award for the Best Feature Film: Kasaav (Marathi)

505) _______ won the national award for the best Hindi film: Neerja

506) National award for best actor has been won by __________: Akshay Kumar for Rustom

507) ___________ won the national award for the best actress: Surabhi C M for Minnaminungu

508) Who is Malcolm Turnbull who arrived in New Delhi on a four-day visit to India: Prime Minister of Australia

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 92

509) Which state launched year long celebrations to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha: Bihar

510) Champaran Satyagrraha was launched to protest against which issue: Forced cultivation of Indigo by Britishers

511) India and _________are celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between them: Russia

512) Which city hosted a three-day National Children’s Film Festival: Vishakhapatnam

513) P V Sindhu reached her career-best ranking of World no.____ in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings: Two

514) World Health Day is observed on which date: April 7 515) Which health issue has been selected this year for

attention on World Health Day: Depression 516) What is this year’s theme for the World Health Day:

'Depression: Let's Talk’ 517) Raman Roy has been elected as the Chairman of The

NASSCOM. What is NASSCOM: National Association of Software and Services Companies

518) Mr. Raman Roy is associated with which IT company: CMD of Quatrro Global Services

519) On what grounds 5th April is observed as National Maritime Day: On this day in 1919 first Indian ship journeyed to United Kingdom

520) Which country has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money with effect from 1 April 2017: Japan

521) The Lok Sabha passed amendments to which act to substantially increase the penalty for traffic violations: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

522) Which e-commerce company recently raised $1.4 billion in one of the biggest ever fund raising in India: Flipkart

523) Who is known as the founder of the Homeopathy: Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann

524) Mr. Hahnemann was from which country: Germany 525) World Homeopathy Day is observed on which date:

April 10 526) Which Indian city hosted the National Convention

on World Homeopathy Day: New Delhi 527) Govt has launched the website and app named 'Bharat

Ke Veer' for what purpose: To facilitate the monetary contribution to the kin of soldiers killed in action

528) Which bank has provided the Banking support to the website ‘Bharat Ke Veer’: State Bank of India

529) Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 was held between which two countries: India and Mongolia

530) Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 was held at which state of India: Mizoram

531) As per the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report 2017, India has been placed at which rank: 40th

532) __________ is the No. 1 country as per the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report 2017: Spain

533) Which organization arranged for disbursement of Rs. 245 crore worth of prize money to about 18 lakh winners for various digital payment schemes: NPCI

534) What is the full form of NPCI: National Payments Corporation of India

535) Which national organization framed the prize schemes for promotion of digital payments: Niti Aayog

536) Who has been named as the youngest person ever to be named a U.N. Messenger of Peace: Malala Yousafzai

537) Ms. Malala is a young crusader for promoting which social issue: Girls’ education

538) The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement cycle from hourly batches to ________batches: half hourly

539) In total there are how many settlement batches in NEFT in a day: 23

540) With which country India plans to set up a 240 million pound Green Growth Equity Fund to finance clean energy projects: Britain

541) A report of the World Travel and Tourism Council says that India’s travel and tourism sector ranks _____ in the world: 7th

542) In terms of contribution of tourism in the GDP of the country, _______ stands at no. 1 in the world: USA

543) RBI has issued a new set of enabling provisions named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA) framework for what purpose: To resolve the bad loans problems of the banks

544) Banks having NPA of more than ____ per cent may fall under PCA: Six

545) The RBI has released on its web site a discussion paper on which new type of banks: Wholesale & Long-Term Finance Banks

546) What are the two types of differentiated banks for which RBI has already issued licenses: Payment Banks and Small Finance Bank

547) Christians all over the world celebrate Good Friday as one of their holiest day. What happened on this day: Jesus Christ was crucified on this day.

548) Which big Christian festival is celebrated one day after the Good Friday: Easter Sunday

549) 7th Junior National Hockey Championship was held in which city: Bhopal

550) The FRBM committee, headed by NK Singh, has recommended a fiscal deficit target of 3% of GDP till financial year 2020. What is FRBM: Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management

551) In terms of ‘ease of doing business’ which two states have been placed jointly at No. 1: Andhra and Telangana

552) Which digital TV company has launched India’s first internet TV: Airtel Digital TV

553) _________ won the 6th Asian Billiards title: Pankaj Advani

554) Which bank has tied up with Department of Posts to provide them support of Point of Sale (PoS) machines: State Bank of India

555) Which state has been given awarded Krishi Karman Award for the commendable increase in food grains production: Himachal Pradesh

556) 'The Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' is a book written by M Veerappa Moily. Who is he: A senior Congress

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 93

politician from Karnataka and former Union Minister

557) Which national organization has drawn up an elaborate Governance, Reward and Accountability Framework (GRAF) for banks: Bank Boards Bureau (BBB)

558) Who is the head of the Bank Boards Bureau: Mr. Vinod Rai

559) The GRAF for banks is applicable to which category of banks: Public Sector Banks

560) What is the aim of setting up of GRAF: To enable public sector banks to compete with private sector banks

561) Which state has launched Operation Durga to form police squads that would aim to stop harassment of women in public spaces: Haryana

562) Who is the author of the book ‘Hope in a Challenged Democracy: An Indian Narrative’: Ashwani Kumar

563) The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy at ________ in Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam

564) Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPS-based info system and rotating seats are the special features of which new railway coach: Vistadome

565) The Indian railway has launched its first Vistadome rail coach on which root: Visakhapatnam - Araku route in Andhra

566) Name the Nepalese President who arrived in New Delhi on a five day visit to India: Bidya Devi Bhandari

567) Which Indian player won the Men's singles title at Singapore Open Badminton: Sai Praneeth

568) Sebastian Vettel who won the Bahrain Grand Prix F1 championship, is from which country: Germany

569) Asha Khemka who has been named the ‘Asian Businesswoman of the Year’ in UK, is from which field: Education

570) As per a recent World Bank report, India is poised to grow at ________ per cent in 2017-18: 7.2

571) Most of the global rating agencies and financial institutions have projected a lower GDP growth for India in 2017-18 due to which common factor: Slow down of the economy due to effect of demonetization

572) April 17 is observed as the World Hemophilia Day. What is Hemophilia: An inherited bleeding disorder in which blood does not clots properly

573) What is the theme for this year’s World Hemophilia Day: Hear Their Voices

574) What is the objective of observing the World Heritage Day on every April 18: To promote the importance of protecting and preserving heritage sites

575) As per new rules, who among the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Lok Sabha Speaker is/are allowed to use red beacon on their cars: None

576) As per new rules, the Red Beacon can only be allowed on which category of vehicles: Fire service, police, army and ambulances

577) __________ became the first batsman in world to make 10,000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket: Chris Gayle

578) The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal of the

Election Commission to procure VVPAT machines. What is VVPAT: Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail

579) US President has tightened the rules for issuance of which type of visa that will affect Indian IT companies adversely: H-1B visa

580) What is the name of the new food delivery and home services aggregator app launched by the Google: Areo

581) For the first time in Indian Railway history, a railway station has been handed over to a private firm for operation and maintenance. Can you name it: Habibganj, Bhopal

582) ______ has become the first state to launch a special drive to register transgenders as voters: Maharashtra

583) Which public sector undertaking has beaten ONGC to No. 2, becoming No. 1 in terms of market capitalization: State Bank of India

584) Which UN organization supports the celebration of International Mother Earth Day: UNESCO

585) Name the first visually impaired Indian runner who completed the popular Boston Marathon in USA: Sagar Baheti

586) Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize is sponsored by which UN organization: UNESCO

587) The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index compiled by the A.T. Kearney ranked India at which place in attracting FDI: 8th

588) As per FDI confidence index, _______ is the No. 1 country in attracting FDI: USA

589) The Reserve Bank has set up two new offices of the Banking Ombudsman in which states: Jammu and Kashmir (in Jammu) and Chhattisgarh (in Raipur)

590) Data centre of which bank has achieved the distinction of becoming the country's first Platinum rated project: ICICI Bank

591) In terms of military expenditure, India has been ranked at ________ place in the world: 5th

592) In terms of military expenditure, __________ is the largest spender in world: USA

593) In which Afghan city the Taliban militants went on a rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers: Mazar-i-Sharif

594) Which Indian film won the best film honour at the Hong Kong International Film Festival: Newton

595) The 73rd Amendment to the constitution was passed on April 24, 1992. This day is celebrated as what day: The National Panchayti Raj Diwas

596) National Youth Athletics Meet was hosted by which Indian city: Hyderabad

597) Which state won the National Youth Athletics Meet Championship: Haryana

598) What is the main factor behind the recent economic crisis of Venezuela: Steep fall in revenue from sale of crude oil

599) Which Indian environmentalist has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize: Prafulla Samantara

600) For which achievement Mr. Samantara won the Goldman Environmental Prize: For championing the cause of Odisha’s Dongria Kondh tribals and safeguarding their land and culture.

601) World Malaria Day is observed on which date: April

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 94

25 602) Which UN organization supports the World Malaria

Day: WHO 603) Name the Sri Lankan Prime Minister who recently

visited India: Ranil Wickremesinghe 604) Name the renowned actor – director who has been

awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award: Kasinadhuni Viswanath

605) Government plans to set up a Central university for Divyangs (disabled) in which state: Uttar Pradesh

606) Indian shot putter ___________ clinched a gold in the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in Jinhua, China: Manpreet Kaur

607) Indian players bagged three gold, two silver and 11 bronze medals in which international sports event: US Open Karate Championship held in Las Vegas

608) Which UN organization supports the celebrations of The World Book And Copyright Day: UNESCO

609) IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a pace of ________ percent in 2017, up from 3.1 percent in 2016: 3.5

610) Olympic Council of Asia has announced to add ________ as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games: Video gaming

611) The 2022 Asian Games will be hosted by which city: Hangzhou, China

612) Which prominent sport has been dropped from the 2018 Asian Games: Cricket

613) Which corporate won the Golden Peacock Award 2017 for pioneering a cashless township transformation model: Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.

614) The RBI signed an MoU on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Information” with Bank of Guyana in which country: Guyana

615) Union Ministry of Law has launched "Pro-bono legal services" for what purpose: Platform for lawyers willing to provide free services

616) Govt. has launched which new service to connect poor people with lawyers through video conferencing facilities, to be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs): Tele-law service

617) What is the objective of recently launched legal service named Nyaya Mitra: To focus on court cases which are more than ten years old

618) Where in India DRDO has establish highest research lab of world: Chang La, Ladakh

619) ________ has been appointed Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force – CRPF: Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar

620) R. K. Pachnanda has been appointed Director General of which paramilitary force: Indo-Tibetan Border Police - ITBP

621) We celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 26. Can you name intellectual properties: Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Copyright

622) The first flight under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN was launched from which place: Shimla to Delhi

623) What is the full form of acronym UDAN: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik

624) What is the maximum airfair charged under UDAN

scheme: Rs. 2500/- 625) The Reserve Bank has issued draft guidelines on cross

border merger transactions under which Act: Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)

626) NASA’s __________ spacecraft made its first dive into the never-before-explored region between Saturn and its rings on 26 April: Cassini

MARCH –2017 627) The popular Oscars awards are given by which

organization: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

628) Who is the director of the movie Moonlight that won the Oscar for the best picture: Barry Jenkins

629) _____________ won the Oscar for the best director for his film ____________: Damien Chazelle for La La Land

630) Name the heroine who won the Oscar for the best actress for her role in the La La Land: Emma Stone

631) ADB to give $ 375 million loan to develop Visakhapatnam—Chennai Industrial Corridor. It is part of which major infra project: East Coast Economic Corridor

632) In collaboration with which country the DRDO is developing the ‘medium-range surface-to-air missile’ (MR-SAM) for the Indian army: Israel

633) ____________ has become the second largest crude oil producer state in the country: Rajasthan

634) This area produces largest portion of crude oil production in India. Can you name it: Bombay High

635) Which bank has introduced RFID cards for its VIP customers: Dena Bank

636) What is the full form of RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

637) Shilpa Shetty has been named the brand ambassador for which national mission: Swachh Bharat Mission

638) As per a report released by the New World Wealth, _________ is the second richest Indian city, first being Mumbai: Delhi

639) Rajasthan has launched a medical project ‘Rahat’ for what purpose: To provide heart treatment in remote rural areas

640) What is the full form of RAHAT: Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment Programme

641) India and Germany have ratified a Social Security Agreement. It will cover which services: Insurance, Medicare, Pension, etc.

642) Duo of Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu clinched the Gold medal in which international event: ISSF shooting World Cup in New Delhi

643) In which shooting event Jitu Rai created a new world record: 50 mts air pistol

644) Which Indian badminton star has been selected to represent IOC in the Badminton World Federation: Saina Nehwal

645) Which Indian warship was decommissioned on March 6 after serving the Indian Navy for nearly 30 years: INS Viraat

646) What type of warship was INS Viraat: Aircraft Carrier 647) What was the original name of INS Viraat: HMS

Hermes 648) What is the name of the only aircraft carrier now

available with the Indian Navy: INS Vikramaditya

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 95

649) Which wing of Indian armed forces recently hosted the war exercise named Tropex-17: Indian Navy

650) The war exercise Tropex-17 was held at which place: Off the western coast in Arabian sea

651) What is the full form of Tropex: Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise

652) Moorti Devi Award is given for excellence in which field: For outstanding work in an Indian language highlighting the Indian philosophy and cultural heritage

653) Who is the winner of the 2016 Moorti Devi award: M P Veerendra Kumar

654) For which book Mr. Kumar won the Moorti Devi award: 'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil'

655) M P Veerendra Kumar is a prominent writer and journalist from which language: Malayalam

656) Name the famous global mobile phone brand that re-entered the market after a gap of few years: Nokia

657) ____________ became the first Muslim actor in the history who win an Academy Award (Oscar): Mahershala Ali

658) M Ali won the Oscar for best ___________ in the film ‘Moonlight’: Supporting Actor

659) As per CSO data, the GDP growth rate is estimated to be at ___ per cent in 2016-17: 7.1

660) To which Japanese company Tata Sons agreed to pay $1.8 billion to settle its dispute with it: NTT DoCoMo

661) ___________has been appointed as India’s permanent representative to World Trade Organization (WTO): J. S. Deepak

662) ____________ won the Polly Umrigar award for the international cricketer of the year: Virat Kohli

663) Dilip Sardesai Award is given annually by the BCCI in which category: For the best performance in India's bilateral Test series against West Indies

664) Which state has announced Deendayal Rasoi Yojna to provide meals to urban poor for Rs 5: Madhya Pradesh

665) Which state plans to appoint a teacher in all of its high schools for ensuring cleanliness in the school: Assam

666) Which day is observed to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect (a phenomenon of scattering of photons) by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman: National Science Day

667) India observers National Science Day on which day of February: 28th

668) An indigenously developed weapon locating radar has been inducted in Indian Army. What is its name: Swati

669) __________ has introduced India's first AI-based banking chatbot named ‘Eva’ which can answer millions of customer queries across multiple channels instantly: HDFC Bank

670) India’s first power boat racing event ‘Indian Grand Prix of the Seas’ was held at which place: Mumbai coast

671) India’s first hit-tech virtual world fish aquarium is being set up in which city: Udaipur, Rajasthan

672) Which Indian university has been placed at 8th rank in the ‘Best Small Universities in the World 2017' compiled by the Times Higher Education (THE), UK: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

673) A two week long joint military exercise SURYA KIRAN-

XI between India and _________: Nepal 674) The Shahpur Kandi Dam project is located on which

river: Ravi 675) International Women’s Day is observed on which date:

March 8 676) Country’s longest extradosed bridge, running for 1.4

km, is located across River Narmada at Bharuch in which state: Gujarat

677) Village __________ in J&K has been developed as the country’s first tribal model village: Habbi

678) The Great Backyard Bird Count, 2017 report claims that nearly 45 per cent of the 1263 species available in India are found in ____________ state: Himachal Pradesh

679) Country’s tallest flag post, standing 360 feet high and supporting a 110 meter long national flag was inaugurated at which place: Wagah border check post at Pakistan Attari border in Amritsar

680) World Hearing Day is observed on which date: March 3

681) _________ has been appointed as the Deputy Governor of the RBI: B. P. Kanungo

682) The country's largest waste-to-power plant was inaugurated at Narela-Bawana in _____________:New Delhi

683) __________, Polish diplomat has been re-elected as the President of European Council: Donald Tusk

684) Men’s title in All England Open badminton championships was won by whom: Lee Chong Wei

685) Ace badminton player Lee Chong Wei hails from which country: Malaysia

686) Which state has decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory language for students up to class 8th in the state: Assam

687) RBI has directed that Bank branches refusing to exchange soiled notes from people will have to pay a penalty of Rs. __________: 10,000/-

688) RBI has advised that if a _____________ message is scribbled on currency note, it ceases to be legal tender: Political

689) As per RBI guidelines, banks should not take any charges for exchanging up to ____ notes: 20

690) The award for the 'Most Popular Tourism Destination’ was won by ___________ at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) in China: Sri Lanka

691) ‘Numbers Do Lie’ is a book written by Akash Chopra on which topic: Cricket Statistics

692) "Ashoka: Lion of Maurya" is a book written by which author : Ashok K Banker

693) The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) functions under which Union Ministry: The Ministry of Environment and Forests

694) The WCCB has launched Operation Thunder Bird for what purpose: To combat illegal trade of wildlife animals

695) The WCCB has launched "Operation Save Kurma" for what purpose: To curb smuggling of turtles

696) Which Indian airport has secured first position in the world in the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality survey: Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 96

697) Which public sector bank has approved the 'Work from Home' policy for its employees: State Bank of India

698) RBI has directed that the NBFCs now cannot disburse gold loan of more than Rs. _____in cash: 25,000/-

699) Himachal Pradesh government has launched a mobile app and website titled ‘Mera Hunar HP’ or ‘My Talent’ for what purpose: To help skilled and semi-skilled workers find jobs

700) As per recent RBI data, which bank topped the list of banks that witnessed most number of frauds during April to December, 2016: ICICI Bank

701) Which day is observed on March 9 to promote awareness about the harmful consequences of obesity and its association with kidney diseases: World Kidney Day

702) The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare has launched ‘Mission Fingerling’ for what purpose: For the development of fisheries

703) Development of fisheries is covered under which revolution: Blue Revolution

704) As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017, ______ has emerged as the best Indian city in terms of living standards: Hyderabad

705) As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017, which city has secured top position: Vienna, Austria

706) World Consumer Rights Day is observed on which date: March 15

707) On which date India observes National Consumer Day: December 24

708) State Bank of India has announced a one-time settlement scheme worth 6,000 crore rupees primarily for ___________ loans: Tractor

709) In which country, Seema Verma, a leading health consultant of Indian origin has been appointed to the top healthcare position of the country: USA

710) Who has been announced as the official ambassador of Women's Cricket World Cup 2017 by the International Cricket Council (ICC): Sachin Tendulkar

711) Which PSU has installed India’s largest floating solar photo voltaic plant for 100 kw at the Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant: National Thermal Power Corporation - NTPC

712) The Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant is located at which place: Kayamkulam, Kerala

713) The Commonwealth Day is observed on second Monday of which month: March

714) What is the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day: 'A peace-building Commonwealth'

715) All England Open Badminton Championships’ Women’s title was won by top seed Tai Tzu Ying of which country: China

716) Govt. has launched which scheme for addressing the infrastructure needs of the exporters: Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme

717) Government has decided to start the National Banana Research Centre at Gorole in which state: Bihar

718) India ranks at __________ place in production of Bananas in World: No. 1

719) The World Bank has agreed to provide loan to develop internal transmission arrangements of the upcoming Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project in which state:

Madhya Pradesh 720) _________ has been named as Vice President of the U-17

FIFA World Cup – 2017: Babul Supriyo 721) Which two Indian companies have been named in the

list of World’s Most Ethical Companies 2017 by American think tank Ethisphere Institute: Tata Steel Ltd and Wipro Ltd

722) India recently contributed Rs. 244 crore to as its annual contribution to which international organization: United Nations

723) India and __________have signed a social security agreement to exempt detached workers of the two countries from making social security contribution in either country: Brazil

724) As per the Women in Politics Map 2017 compiled to show the status of women in politics in various countries, _____________ has been ranked at no. 1: Rwanda

725) As per the Women in Politics Map 2017, what is the rank of India: 148th

726) Scientists have discovered the world’s first fluorescent frog near Santa Fe in which country: Argentina

727) Which country had decided to begin testing new voice recognition software which can tell that migrants without documentation have come from which country: Germany

728) The new health policy promises to increase public spending on health to _____ per cent of the GDP by 2025: 2.5

729) The new health policy aims at reducing infant mortality rate to 28 per 1,000 live births, from _______ at present: 39/1000

730) India has committed to which global organization to scale up measures to end the Tuberculosis by 2030: World Health Organization

731) Singapore's ___________ airport has been voted as the World's Best Airport by air travelers at the 2017 World Airport Awards: Changi

732) The finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the Group of 20 (G20) member nations held their meeting in Baden-Baden in ___________ from 17-18 March 2017: Germany

733) ___________ has been declared as the world's happiest country in the World Happiness Report 2017 produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network: Norway

734) What is the rank of India as per the World Happiness Report 2017: 122nd

735) Police station in Sanjauli, a suburb of________, has become the first police post in the country to be linked with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems: Shimla

736) Which telecom has agreed to merge with Vodafone India Ltd in a $23 billion deal, creating the world’s second largest and India’s largest telecom: Idea Cellular Ltd.

737) Which High Court has accorded the status of "living human entities" to the Ganga and Yamuna, two of India's most sacred rivers: Uttarakhand

738) Vijay Hazare Trophy is related to which sports: Cricket

739) ____________ won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for 2017:

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 97

Tamil Nadu 740) Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open is associated with

which sports: Tennis 741) Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of

Manipur and Uttrakhand: N Biren Singh and Trivendra Singh Rawat

742) Global Teacher Prize is awarded by which organization: Varkey Foundation, Dubai

743) Global Teacher Prize has been won by Maggie MacDonnell of __________ who teaches at a school in a fly-in only village in the Arctic region: Canada

744) On March ______, International day of Happiness is observed across the world: 20

745) Scientists in ___________have developed a new wireless technology based on infrared rays, which is reportedly 100 times faster than the existing wireless internet networks: The Netherlands

746) __________became first Indian batsman to face over 500 balls in an innings: Cheteshwar Pujara

747) World’s Sparrow Day is celebrated on which date: March 20

748) Which treaty was signed in 1957 to lay the foundation of present day European Union: Treaty of Rome

749) March 22 is devoted to conservation and recycling of which precious natural resource: Water

750) International Day of Forests is observed on which date in March: 21st

751) What is the theme of International Day of Forests 2017: Forests and Energy

752) ICICI Bank has launched a mobile banking app __________ for rural customers: 'Mera iMobile'

753) In the World Health Index 2017 released by Bloomberg, ____ has been named as the healthiest country: Italy

754) National Building Construction Corporation – NBCC, A navratna company is under control of which Union Ministry: Ministry of Urban Development

755) NBCC has signed a MoU to execute a $ 20 million (Rs.130 crore) social housing project in which country: Mauritius

756) World Poetry Day is observed on which date: March 21

757) Among the 188 countries surveyed for the Human Development Index 2016, India ranks low at _______ place: 131st

758) As per the Human Development Index 2016 __________ is the best country: Norway

759) Which UN agency is associated with the compilation of Human Development Index: UN Development Programme

760) In terms of number of billionaires in a country, India’s rank is _________ in the world: 4th

761) Which Army unit celebrated 200-years of its raising in Secunderabad, Telangana on 16 March: Ninth Gorkhas

762) Which day is celebrated by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to highlight the contribution of meteorology in ensuring safety and well being of the society: World Meteorological Day

763) What is the theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day: Understanding clouds

764) The Union Cabinet has decided to set up a National Commission for _____________Classes with constitutional status, at par with the panels for SCs and STs: Socially and Educationally Backward

765) Why the government has abolished the 1% tax on cash payments of over Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of goods or services: Because cash dealings above Rs. 2 lakh have banned from April 1

766) ISRO has commissioned the world’s third largest hypersonic wind tunnel at which place: Thiruvananthapuram

767) In which country shortage of food items led to riots and looting of bakeries, creating a ‘bread war’ situation: Venezuela

768) Scientists in India have uncovered a pair of 1.6 billion-year-old fossils containing red algae in which region on UP-MP border: Chitrakoot

769) Govt has launched which scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category’: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

770) Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for amending NABARD Act, 1981, to increase the authorized capital of NABARD from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. _____ crore: 30,000

771) Observation of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 is supported by which UN organization: WHO

772) Able prize, popular as the Nobel Prize of Maths has been won by Yves Meyer of which country: France

773) The Able prize in Maths is awarded by which authority: The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.

774) Name the veteran photojournalist who was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th National Photography Awards: Raghu Rai

775) “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution” is a coffee table book brought out by which organization: National Dairy Development Board

776) “My story” is a autobiography of which famous Australian cricketer: Michael Clarke

777) Which Indian city will host 2017 Men’s Hockey World League final and the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup: Bhubaneswar

778) At which international event India bagged record 73 medals - 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze medals: Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria

779) Indian navy has selected which maritime surveillance aircraft to replace Tupolev-142M aircraft: P-81 aircraft

780) Indian Navy has inducted IN LCU L51 warships for what purpose: To carry out amphibious operations and surveillance

781) What is the full form of IN LCU: Indian Navy Lending Craft Utility

782) Which international organization supports the observation of Earth Hour: World Wide Fund for Nature

783) The newly passed Mental Healthcare Bill has what provisions for suicide: Person committing suicide shall not be tried or punished by law

784) After implementation of GST, the CBEC will be renamed as __________: CBIC - Central Board of

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 98

Indirect Taxes and Customs 785) Railways plan to set up Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks named

_____________at about 500 stations: Railwire Saathi 786) India has become the _________ largest aviation market

in terms of domestic passenger traffic: Third 787) World Theatre Day on March 27 a supported by which

UN organization: UNESCO 788) Tanushree Pareek became the first woman combat

officer to be commissioned in the 51-year history of ___________ force: Border Security Force

789) Govt has launched ‘MoP&NG e-Seva’, a dedicated online grievances redressal platform for what purpose: For queries and grievances relating to Oil and Gas Sector

790) ____________Indian-American woman has been appointed as the President and CEO of ‘The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’: Vanita Gupta

791) ________________has been adjudged the ‘Best Small Bank for 2016’: Karur Vysya Bank

792) What is the special feature of the Unnati credit card launched by the SBI card: No annual fee for first four year

793) The Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat was conferred with the title of Honorary General by the army of which country: Nepal

794) Who won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin

795) The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index 2017 ranks India at which place: 87th

796) Prestigious $ one million Genesis Prize is awarded by which country: Israel

797) Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was recently honoured with which international prize: Genesis Prize

798) _________ is the capital of Nagaland: Kohima

FEBRUARY - 2017 799) Prestigious $ one million Genesis Prize is awarded by

which country: Israel 800) Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was

recently honoured with which international prize: Genesis Prize

801) _________ is the capital of Nagaland: Kohima 802) Data released by the CSO says that the GDP growth for

2015–16 has been hiked to _____ % from the earlier estimate of 7.6%: 7.9

803) Which airways conducted the world’s longest commercial flight covering a distance of 14,535 kms: Qatar Airways

804) World’s longest flight connects Doha with which city: Auckland, New Zealand

805) Which Indian state has launched India's first social innovation centre the ‘Kakatiya Hub For Social Innovation’: Telangana

806) India’s first-ever Centre of Excellence for differently-abled sportsmen is being established in which place: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

807) National campaign for Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination was launched from which city: Bengaluru

808) Which apex national organization has launched an online index to capture data on innovation from all

Indian states: Niti Aayog 809) What is the name of innovation index launched by Niti

Aayog: India Innovation Index 810) The 19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav was held to celebrate

which performing art: Theatre 811) Which national body hosted the 19th Bharat Rang

Mahotsav: National School of Drama 812) National School of Drama is located in which city:

New Delhi 813) ________ won the Men’s singles title in the Senior

National Badminton Championship: Sourabh Verma 814) ________ won the Women’s singles title in the Senior

National Badminton Championship: Rituparna Das 815) As per a new bill, holding of more than ____ old notes

of Rs 500/1000 denomination is a punishable offence: Ten

816) Who is the world’s longest reigning monarch who recently completed 65 years of reign: Queen Elizabeth II

817) Govt. has launched which programme to make 6 crore rural households digitally literate by March 2019: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan

818) Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan shall be implemented by which Union Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and IT

819) Which country has started taking fingerprints of all foreign visitors to enhance security on its boarders: China

820) The Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism was held in which city: New Delhi

821) India has been placed at ______rank in a list of 45 countries compiled by 5th Annual International Intellectual Property (IP) Index in USA: 43rd

822) Sir Peter Mansfield, who died recently was associated with development of which medical technique: MRI

823) What is the full form of MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

824) _______ has become the world’s largest producer of solar energy, replacing Germany from the top: China

825) The 'National Deworming' Day is observed on which date: February 10

826) Which popular de-worming tablet is distributed in schools and anganwadis: Albendazole

827) ___________appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India: Ajay Tyagi

828) Which Indian sand artist has created a Guinness World Record for the highest sand made structure: Sudarsan Pattnaik

829) India successfully test-fired its home grown AAD interceptor missile. What is AAD: Advanced Air Defence

830) ________ has been has been named as the official mascot for FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Kheleao

831) Which country will host FIFA Under – 17 World Cup in October 2017: India

832) Mascot “Kheleao” has been developed after which animal: Clouded Leopard

833) USA plans to build a defence wall at a huge expenditure with which neighbouring country: Mexico

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 99

834) __________ has become the first state in the country for establishing the cashless system in its public distribution system (PDS) of food grains: Gujarat

835) The government launched the Mission XI Million initiative for what purpose: To promote football among school children

836) Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had been elected as the new _________of Somalia (East Africa): President

837) Frank-Walter Steinmeier elected as the new President of _________: Germany

838) World’s first road made up of electricity-generating solar panels has been constructed in: France

839) “From Kalburgi to Ayodhya” is a collection of poems by which famous poet and lyricist: Gulzar

840) What is the proper name of Gulzar Sahib: Sampooran Singh Kalra

841) “Fearless in Opposition” is a book authored by which former Union Finance Minister: P. Chidambaram

842) Which iconic Indian car brand has been sold off by the Hindustan Motors to European auto major _____: Ambassador, Peugeot

843) World Radio Day is observed on which date: February 13

844) Which UN body supports the celebrations of the World Radio Day: UNESCO

845) What is this year’s theme for World Radio Day: Radio is you

846) BAFTA awards are associated with excellence in which field: Cinema

847) BAFTA awards 2017 were held in which city: London 848) Who is the director of the highly awarded popular

film La La Land: Damien Chazelle of USA 849) Which city hosted the 59th Grammy Awards: Los

Angeles 850) Which artist won the Grammy for both record of the

year and song of the year: Ms. Adele 851) Immensely popular pop singer Adele is from which

country: Britain 852) Which state has passed a bill to facilitate traditional

animal sports “Kambala”: Karnataka 853) Animal sports “Kambala” is associated with which

animal: Buffalo (Race) 854) The scam involving the cancellation of 634 MBBS

students became notorious as Vyapam scam. What is Vyapam: Vyavasayik Pareeksha Mandal (Professional Examination Board)

855) ____________ claimed 250 test wickets in shortest time in world: Ravichandran Ashwin

856) With a view to increase understanding of the science of climate change, a special train named _____________ has been launched: ‘Science Express Climate Action Special’ (SECAS II)

857) Government has launched which programme for recapitalisation of public sector banks: ‘Indradhanush 2.0’

858) Govt. plans to infuse Rs. 70,000 crore for recapitalization in public sector banks in view of which international requirements: Basel III norms

859) In which country world’s longest elevated cycle path was opened recently: China, in Xiamen

860) Thailand and the United States jointly hosted Asia’s

largest military exercise named ________: Cobra Gold 861) Asia’s largest military exercise named Cobra Gold was

hosted by which country: Thailand 862) Vyas Samman is awarded for excellence in which

field: Hindi Literature 863) Who is the winner of 2016 Vyas Samman: Surendra

Verma 864) For which novel Surender Verma won the prestigious

Vyas Samman: Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha: Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se

865) Name the Indian tabla player who won the Grammy Award for the Best Global Music category: Sandeep Das

866) Pakistan recently passed which bill to recognize marriages in Hindu Community: Hindu Marriage Bill 2017

867) RBI has decided to start reimbursement of MDR charges to banks for payments made through debit cards since January 1, 2017. What is MDR: Merchant Discount Rate

868) The RBI has increased the gold loan limit for RRBs (Regional Rural Banks) to Rs. ______lakh from the current Rs 1 lakh: Two

869) World famous Khajuraho dance festival is held in which state: Madhya Pradesh

870) Which bank won the National MSME Excellence Award: Corporation Bank

871) The Indian Navy launched sailboat _________as the platform for the first Indian all-women global circumnavigation: 'Tarini'

872) ___________of Haryana won the national championship for men's 50-kilometre race walk: Sandeep Kumar

873) __________: Beyond the Dream Girl is a book written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Hema Malini

874) UNICEF has declared emergency conditions due to famine in which three African countries: Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan

875) As per the report released by SIPRI, Sweden, _________ is the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment in 2012-16: India

876) What is the full form of SIPRI: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

877) As per the report by SIPRI, India imports ______ percent of world’s total arms trade: 13

878) Shurhozelie Liezitsu has been elected as the new Chief Minister of which Indian state: Nagaland

879) Virat Kohli became first Indian to strike a Rs. 110 crore endorsement deal with which company: Puma

880) The Union Health Ministry has launched the Saathiya Resource Kit and mobile app named ‘Saathiya Salah’ for which target group: Adolescent Boys and Girls

881) ‘Saathiya Salah’ app is aimed at providing information on which subject: Health

882) In a survey conducted by the C-SPAN of USA on Presidential Leadership, ___________was ranked at the top spot: Abraham Lincoln

883) Scientists have claimed to discover a new 8th continent. What is its name: Zealandia

884) The Zealandia continent is supposed to be located in which part of the world: Around New Zealand

885) What is the possible use of the newly developed

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 100

material coating called LiquiGlide: To make daily use containers like bottles etc. super slippery from inside

886) RBI has promoted a new digital payment initiative to enable seamless digital payments without card swiping machines. What is its name: Bharat QR Code

887) Which is the first bank in India to use a gTLD for its internet presence: State Bank of India

888) What is the full form of gTLD: generic Top Level Domain

889) International Mother Language Day is observed on which date: Feb 21

890) Film “Newton”, directed by Amit Masurkar won the International Federation of Art Cinemas award at which film festival: Berlin Film Festival

891) Govt. has launched Mkavach and Samvid Apps for what purpose: For digital security of mobiles, tablets and computers

892) Which state has declared 2017 as the “Year of Apple”: Jammu & Kashmir

893) Justice___________appointed the chairman of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal: Abhay Manohar Sapre

894) From which date the branches of 5 associates banks of SBI will be converted into SBI branches: April 1, 2017

895) Astronomers of which organization have discovered seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a star called Trappist-1: NASA.

896) About which restaurants charges the Consumer Affairs Ministry has notified that they are not mandatory: Service Charges

897) Which country is facing strong international criticism for failing to rein-in months-long military crackdown on Rohingya Muslim community: Myanmar

JANUARY – 2017 898) About which restaurants charges the Consumer

Affairs Ministry has notified that they are not mandatory: Service Charges

899) The 104th Indian Science Congress was hosted by the __________University in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh: Sri Venkateswara

900) Govt. has launched a new online payment named BHIM. What is its full form: Bharat Interface for Money

901) What is the main objective of the initiative, ‘Swachh Swasth Sarvatra’: Strengthening of community health centres

902) The Swachh Swasth Sarvatra initiative is proposed to be implemented in which type of blocks: Blocks free from open defecation

903) Which Union Ministry has launched Mission Swachh Swasth Sarvatra: Health Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

904) The Beipanjiang Bridge, the highest in the world, has been opened up in which country: China

905) ___________ has emerged as the India’s first fully organic agriculture state: Sikkim

906) The Supreme Court of India has ruled that no politician can seek the vote in the name of ___, ____,

_____ community or language: Caste, Creed, Religion 907) ________ has been named as the World’s Best

Playmaker for the year 2016: Lionel Messi 908) _________has become the first country in the world to

pay a basic monthly income to its deserving citizens: Finland

909) Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar islands hosted the _________Festival 2017: Island Tourism

910) Scientists in Ireland have classified a new organ named ‘Mesentery’ inside human body in the _______ system: Digestive

911) The United Nations General Assembly has recognised the year 2017 as the International Year of ________for Development: Sustainable Tourism

912) World Braille Day is observed, which date: January 4 913) Why January 4 is observed as World Braille Day: It is

the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille language for the blind

914) Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, home loans upto Rs. _____ lakh will now get 4 % rebate in interest: 9

915) Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, home loans upto Rs. _____ lakh will now get 3 % rebate in interest:12

916) In a new scheme, senior citizens have been assured _____ per cent interest on their deposits up to Rs. _____ lakh, for next 10 years: 8, 7.5

917) Which country has launched world’s longest bullet train running for 2760 kms: China

918) ___________ was named the World's Best Player at the Best Fifa Football Awards: Cristiano Ronaldo

919) _________ became the first country in the world to start shutting down its FM radio network in favour of digital radio: Norway

920) The Golden Globe Awards are given for excellence in which field: Cinema

921) Which film won the Golden Globe for best motion picture: Moonlight

922) Damien Chazelle won the Golden Globe for Best Director for which film: La La Land

923) Which Union Ministry sponsors the World Hindi Day celebrations around the world: Ministry of External Affairs

924) Abbu Ammaz, an eight-year old boy from Jammu and Kashmir won gold medal in National level _______Championship: Thaiboxing

925) Railways has launched a new passenger mobile application 'IRCTC Rail Connect' for what purpose: To promote ease of booking tickets through digital mode.

926) __________ has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Sons: Natarajan Chandrasekaran

927) Name the first payments bank of India that started operations in January: Airtel Payments Bank

928) Payment Banks are not allowed to accept which type of deposits: Time Deposits (FD and RD)

929) Khelo India National level Sports Competitions were held in which city: New Delhi

930) Filmfare award for best film was won by which picture: Dangal

931) __________ won the Filmfare award for the best director:

GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 101

Nitesh Tiwari 932) Name the cricket icon who was inducted into Legends

Club 'Hall of Fame' in Mumbai: Kapil Dev 933) As per the Global Passport Index, passport of which

country has been ranked as the best: Germany 934) Himachal Pradesh has declared that ______ would be

the second capital of the State: Dharamsala 935) Which Indian Navy warship has become the first ship

to have an ATM on board: INS Vikramaditya 936) Who was the head of the panel constituted to review

the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act: N. K. Singh

937) Which insurance company has been given the charge for implementing the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017: LIC

938) Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 will provide an assured return of ____% per annum for _____ years: 8, 10

939) The threshold age limit for the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 is_____ years: 60

940) Which airport won the Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in the aviation transport sector for the year 2016: Delhi International Airport

941) Annual Status of Education Report-2016 relates to which subject: Children’s schooling in rural India

942) Recently Union Cabinet has approved which change for IIMs: They have been allowed to issue degrees rather than diplomas

943) Crown Prince of which country was the chief guest for this year’s Republic Day Parade function: Abu Dhabi (UAE)

944) National Voters Day is celebrated on which date: 25th January

945) For what reason National Voters Day is observed on 25th January: On this date in 1950, Election Commission came into being

946) Name two active politicians who have been conferred Padma Vibhushan in 2017: Mr. Sharad Pawar and Sh. Murli Manohar Joshi

947) Padma Vibhushan has been conferred on which politicians posthumously: Sh. Sunder Lal Patwa and Sh. P A Sangma

948) Prof. U R Rao has been decorated with which national award: Padma Vibhushan

949) Name the gallant soldier who was conferred with the highest peace time gallantry award Ashok Chakra on this Republic Day: Havildar Hangpan Dada (posthumously)

950) ____________ was declared the new Miss Universe at a glittering pageant held in Manila (Philippines): Iris Mittenaere

951) Iris Mittenaere, the new Miss Universe, belongs to which country? France

952) As per reports, more than _________ of the Indian adult population now has an Aadhaar number. 99%

953) The Anti Leprosy Day is observed in the memory of: Mahatma Gandhi

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