IBPS PO/Indian Bank PO Mains Current Affairs Capsule 2018 Part-2 · IBPS PO/Indian Bank PO Mains...

IBPS PO/ Indian Bank PO Current Affairs Capsule – 2018 Part-2

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IBPS PO/Indian Bank PO Mains Current Affairs Capsule 2018

Part-2

S. No Topics Page No.

1. Important Days 2

2. Important Banking News 4

3. Important Financial & Economy Affairs 10

4. Important Business News 11

5. Important State Wise National News 12

6. Important International News 29

7. Important Appointments 33

8. Important Awards and Honors 35

9. Important Committees 36

10. Important MoU and Agreements 37

11. Important Summit & Conference 38

12. Important Mobile App and Web Portal 43

13. Important Defence News 44

14. Important Schemes And Programs 47

15. Important Ranking and Indexes 51

16. Important Books and Authors 53

17. Important Sports News 53

18. Important Obituaries 59

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IMPORTANT DAYS MAY

Date Observed Day Theme/Purpose

May 1 International Workers’ Day (or)

Labour Day or Workers’ Day

“Uniting Workers fosr Social and Economic

Advancement”

First Tuesday

of May

(May 1, 2018)

World Asthma Day

“Never too early, never too late. It's always the

right time to address

airways disease”

May 2 World Tuna Day

May 3 World Press Freedom Day “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice

and The Rule of Law”

May 4 International Firefighters' Day

May 5

International Day of the

Midwife

“Midwives leading the way with quality

care”

World Cartoonists’ Day

May 6 International No Diet Day

First Sunday of May

(May 6, 2018) World Laughter Day

May 8

World Red Cross Day “Memorable smiles from around the

world”

World Thalassaemia Day

“Thalassaemia past, present and future:

Documenting progress and patients’ needs

worldwide”

May 11 National Technology Day

(in India)

“Science and Technology for a

sustainable future”

Celebrated on the

Friday before

Mother’s Day in

USA

(May 11, 2018)

Military Spouse Day (or)

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

May 12 International Nurses Day “Nurses A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human

right”

Second Saturday of

May

(May 12, 2018)

World Migratory Bird Day "Unifying our Voices for Bird Conservation"

Second Sunday of

May

(May 13, 2018)

Mother’s Day

May 15 International Day of Families “Families and inclusive societies”

May 17 World Telecommunication “Enabling the positive use of Artificial

and Information Society Day Intelligence for All”

World Hypertension Day

“Know Your Numbers with a goal of

increasing high blood pressure (BP)

awareness in all populations around

the world”.

International Day Against

Homophobia, Transphobia and

Biphobia

“Alliances for Solidarity”

May 18 World AIDS Vaccine Day (or)




HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

International Museum Day "Hyper connected museums: New approaches,

new publics"

May 20 World Metrology Day “Constant evolution of the International

System of Units”

May 21 Anti Terrorism Day

May 22 International Day for

Biological Diversity

"Celebrating 25 Years of Action for

Biodiversity"

May 23 World Turtle Day

May 24 Commonwealth Day (in India)

May 25 International Missing Children’s Day

Towel Day

May 28 International Day of Action for

Women’s Health

May 29 International Day of United Nations

Peacekeepers “70 Years of Service and Sacrifice”

May 31 World No Tobacco Day “Tobacco and heart disease”

JUNE

Date

Observed Day

Theme/Purpose

June 1 World Milk Day “Drink Move Be Strong”

Global Day of Parents

June 3 World Bicycle Day

June 4 World Day of Innocent Children Victims of

Aggression

June 5 World Environment Day “Beat Plastic Pollution”

June 8 World Oceans Day Preventing plastic pollution and encouraging

solutions for a healthy ocean

June 12 World Day Against Child Labor

June 14 World Blood Donor Day Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life

June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 16 International Integration Day

June 18 International Picnic Day

June 20 World Refugee Day ‘Now More Than Ever, We Need to Stand with

Refugees’.

June 21 World Music Day

International day of Yoga ‘Yoga for Harmony & Peace.

June 23 International Olympic Day

International Widows Day International Widows' Day

June 26 International Day against Drug Abuse and

Illicit Trafficking

"Listen First - Listening to children and youth is

the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."

June 27 MSME Day The Youth Dimension

June 29 National Statistics Day ‘‘Quality Assurance in Official Statistics’

June 30 International Asteroid Day

June 4 to June 8 Financial Literacy Week

3rd Sunday of June Father’s Day

Important Banking News




RBI

Reserve Bank of India to issue new Rs 10 note in chocolate brown colour:

India’s central bank will soon issue a new Rs 10 note in chocolate brown colour.The Reserve Bank of India

(RBI) has already printed 1 billion pieces of the new note. Further, the new note will bear the picture of

Konark Sun Temple.

Size 63*123

Design in Reverse side Konark Sun Temple.

Colour chocolate brown colour

Lines There is no lines in Rs. 10

Note

RBI Ordered Banks to Recalibrate ATMs with Rs.200:

Indian apex bank RBI orders all the banks to recalibrate ATM to install new Rs.200 for the more

circulation of the denomination. RBI introduced New Rs.200 Note in 25th August 2017

Image on Backside Sanchi Stupa

Dimensions 66 X 146 mm²

Colour bright yellow

RBI allows FPIs to buy T-bills:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to invest in treasury bills issued by the

central government.

RBI announced Rs.10,000 crore bond purchases:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that, it will buy Rs 10,000 crore of government bonds through open market

operation (OMO).

RBI tweaks norms for setting up of IFSC Banking Units:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) modified norms for setting up International Financial Services Centres (IFSC)

Banking Units (IBUs) by banks in IFSCs. The parent bank will be required to provide and maintain at all times a

minimum capital of USD 20 million or equivalent in any foreign currency to its IBU.

RBI has directed private sector lender Dhanlaxmi Bank to keep the appointment of a non-independent

director:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed private sector lender Dhanlaxmi Bank to keep the appointment of a non-

independent director in abeyance till further orders. “It is hereby informed that Reserve Bank of India vide letter dated

May 16, 2018, has advised the bank that the proposal for the appointment of Arun Rao M. G. as a non-independent

director.

RBI tweaks norms to boost affordable housing lending:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the eligibility limit for a loan to classify as priority sector lending in a

bid to boost affordable housing. For metropolitan areas, loan limits have been raised from Rs 28 lakh to Rs 35 lakh and

for other areas, it has been increased from Rs.20 lakh to Rs.25 lakh, provided the overall cost of the home does not

exceed Rs.45 lakh and Rs.30 lakh respectively.

Reserve Bank aims to tighten working capital loan norms:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a minimum 40% loan component for working capital funding of Rs.150

crore and above to bring in greater credit discipline and improve monetary transmission.

Reserve Bank eases norms for FPIs to invest in debt:

FPIs are allowed to invest in various debts market instruments such as government bonds, treasury bills, state

development loans and corporate bonds, but with certain limits and restrictions. The RBI increased the FPIs cap on

investment in government securities to 30% of the outstanding stock of that security, from the 20% earlier.

Centre kick starts merger of RRBs

The government has decided to start the consolidation process of Regional Rural Banks (RRB) after a gap of six years

and bring down the number of such entities to 38 from 56 now. In a communication to the chiefs of public sector

banks, which are the sponsors of the RRBs, the finance ministry asked them to amalgamate the RRBs within a State.

RBI tells banks to upgrade software at ATMs by June 2019 or face penalty:

With banks failing to upgrade software in automated teller machines (ATM) despite repeated reminders, the Reserve

Bank of India (RBI) has now directed the banks to complete the process in a phased manner latest by June 2019.




RBI revises upwards housing loan limits under priority sector

The housing loan limits for eligibility under priority sector lending will be revised to Rs 35 lakh in metropolitan centres

Rs 28 lakh earlier (with population of ten lakh and above), and to Rs 25 lakh from Rs 20 lakh earlier in other centres,

provided the overall cost of the dwelling unit in the metropolitan centre and at other centres does not exceed Rs 45

lakh and Rs 30 lakh, respectively.

RBI Amends Gold Monetisation Scheme To Make It More Attractive:

RBI has made changes in the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to make it more attractive. The revamping of the

scheme is aimed at enabling people to open a hassle-free gold deposit account.

The short-term deposits should be treated as bank's on-balance sheet liability. These deposits will be made with the

designated banks for a short period of 1-3 years (with a facility of rollover). Deposits can also be allowed for broken

periods (e.g. 1 year 3 months; 2 years 4 months 5 days; etc.).

SBI

GAIL signs Rs 2,000-cr loan agreement with SBI:

GAIL (India) Limited and State Bank of India have signed a Rupee Term Loan Agreement of Rs 2,000 crores for a

door to door tenure of 15 years.A statement from the company said that the purpose of the loan is for general capital

expenditure of GAIL, mainly in the gas pipeline projects, in the forthcoming years.

SBI consolidates advertising account with Rediffusion-Y&R:

State Bank of India has consolidated its advertising account for the first time, with the entire business going to WPP’s

Rediffusion-Y&R.

Arijit Basu Appointed SBI's New Managing Director

The government appointed Arjit Basu as Managing Director of the country's largest lender State Bank of India

(SBI). He will fill the position that fell vacant following the elevation of Rajnish Kumar as the chairman.

SBI in process to shut 9 foreign offices as part of rationalisation

State Bank of India (SBI) has closed six foreign branches and is in the process of closing down another nine branches

as part of rationalisation of overseas operations, said Managing Director (Retail & Digital Banking) Praveen Kumar

Gupta.

ADB ADB has agreed in principle to give an aid of 1,700 crore rupees to Uttarakhand:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed in principle to give an aid of 1,700 crore rupees to Uttarakhand for

infrastructure development and creation of sewerage treatment facilities in urban areas.

ADB to $245 million provide loan for safe, sustainable drinking water service in West Bengal

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved financing package of $245 million to implement project for providing

safe, sustainable drinking water service to million people in three districts of West Bengal affected by arsenic, fluoride,

and salinity. The project will provide continuous potable water through metered connections to about 390,000

individual households in three districts of North 24 Parganas, Bankura and Purba Medinipur.

ADB to provide US $375 million loan for Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Project

Union Government has signed $375 million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Madhya Pradesh

Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Project. The project will contribute to double farming incomes in Madhya Pradesh

by expanding irrigation networks and system efficiency.

ADB okays $346 mn loan for road improvement in Karnataka

Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it has approved USD 346 million loan to finance road improvement across a

dozen districts in Karnataka.

World Bank

Government enters agreement with World Bank on biotech:

The government has entered into a legal agreement with the World Bank for a flexible financing arrangement to

accelerate research towards early development for biopharmaceuticals. A Statement issued by the government said the

mission has been approved at a cost of 250 million dollars for five years with 50 per cent funding through the World

Bank Loan.

India inks $200 mn loan from WB for nutrition mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan):

India on Monday signed an agreement with the World Bank for a $200 million loan for implementing the National

Nutrition Mission across (POSHAN Abhiyaan) 315 districts of the country. Approved by the Union Cabinet last year,




the mission aims at reaching 10 crore beneficiaries, mainly children upto the age of six years, pregnant women and

lactating mothers and adolescent girls.

World Bank nod for Rs.6,000 cr. groundwater recharge plan:

To address concerns about depleting groundwater reserves in India, the government has joined hands with the World

Bank to execute a Rs.6,000-crore scheme called the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY).

India and World Bank Signs $500 Million Additional Financing For PMGSY:

The Government of India and the World Bank signed a $500 million loan agreement to provide additional financing

for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rural Roads Project, implemented by Ministry of Rural

Development, Govt. of India, which will build 7,000 km of climate resilient roads, out of which 3,500 km will be

constructed using green technologies.

World Bank Launches World's 1st Blockchain Bond ‘bond-i'

The World Bank launched ‘bond-i', the world’s first bond to be created, allocated, transferred and managed by using

distributed ledger technology. This two-year bond successfully raised 110 million Australian dollars (USD 80.48

million).

Government inks $300 million agreement with World Bank to scale-up Energy Efficiency Program

Union Government (Finance Ministry) has inked $220 million Loan Agreement with World Bank to scale-up Inida’s

Energy Efficiency Program. It also signed $80 million guarantee agreement with World Bank.

The loan will be provided to EESL by World Bank through its lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and

Development (IBRD).

Government inks $250 million loan agreement World Bank for Electricity Distribution Sector Reforms in

Rajasthan

Central Government along with Government of Rajasthan has signed $250 million Development Policy Loan (DPL)

agreement with World Bank for Electricity Distribution Sector Reforms in Rajasthan. The loan will be provided by

World Bank’s lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). It has maturity of 21 years

and 3-year grace period.

World Bank approves Rs 929.89 crore for Shimla s water supply project

World Bank approves Rs 929.89 crore for Shimla’s water supply project. The World Bank has approved in

principle a financial assistance of Rs 929.89 crore for a water supply and sewerage project for the state capital

Himachal Pradesh.

HDFC

HDFC Bank Signs MoU with Government E-Marketplace:

Private sector lender HDFC Bank signed an agreement with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under which the

bank will facilitate a host of services to the public procurement portal for Central and state government organizations.

HDFC Bank Launches IRA 2.0:

HDFC Bank launched IRA 2.0, its interactive humanoid at the Koramangala Branch in Bengaluru.

HDFC Bank increases lending rate by 10 bps

HDFC Bank, the second largest private sector lender of the country, increased its marginal cost of fund-based lending

rate (MCLR) by 10 basis points (bps) across various loan tenures. As a result, its one-year MCLR is now at 8.4%.

HDFC Bank wins Cabinet nod to raise Rs24,000 crore via FDI:

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to grant private-sector lender HDFC Bank permission to raise

additional capital of up to Rs.24,000 crore through foreign direct investment.

HDFC, 5th Biggest Consumer Financial Services Company Worldwide: Forbes

Housing finance major HDFC has been ranked as the 5th biggest public company globally in the ‘consumer financial

services category’ on a list compiled by Forbes magazine. HDFC’s rank has moved up from 7th place last

year. American Express has topped this category, while Indiabulls Housing Finance is the only other Indian company

(at 13th place) on the list.

Indusind Bank

IndusInd Bank and Ripple Tie-Up for Cross-Border Remittances:

IndusInd Bank announced its partnership with Ripple (the enterprise blockchain solution for Global Payments) to

facilitate payments into and out of India.

IndusInd Bank Gets RBI Nod To Acquire IL&FS Arm:

Private sector lender IndusInd Bank has received RBI's approval to buy the securities services arm of IL&FS.

IndusInd Bank gets RBI nod for setting up arm for BFIL merger:




The RBI has allowed IndusInd Bank to incorporate a wholly-owned subsidiary for the amalgamation of micro-lender

Bharat Financial Inclusion (BFIL) with the bank.

Lakshmi Vilas Bank

Lakshmi Vilas Bank, Fisdom team up for digital NPS:

Bengaluru-based start-up Fisdom and Lakshmi Vilas Bank have entered into a partnership to enable

investments in the National Pension Scheme (NPS) in a completely digital and paperless manner.

ICICI BANK

ICICI Bank names Radhakrishnan Nair as Independent Director:

ICICI Bank board has appointed Radhakrishnan Nair as an additional (independent) director of the bank for five

years.

ICICI Bank sets aside Rs 100 Crore for investing in startups:

ICICI Bank is taking the digital route for growth, by partnering and investing in financial technology companies, as

well as, setting up an innovation lab and a team to conceive digital solutions.

MARG ERP Ltd partners with ICICI Bank:

Marg ERP limited, a leading Inventory and Accounting software solution company has partnered with ICICI Bank to

offer an integrated payments platform to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) customers, using MARG’s

accounting software.

ICICI Bank names Sandeep Bakhshi as COO:

The ICICI bank has appointed chief executive of its life insurance arm Sandeep Bakhshi as whole-time director and

Chief Operating Officer to run the bank during her absence.

YES Bank YES Bank to launch water-security programme:

YES Bank is all set to roll out a capacity building project with farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan under its ‘Livelihood

and Water Security’ CSR initiative.

YES Bank launches Agenda 25x25 to for budding women entrepreneurs:

YES Bank and YES Global Institute have announced the launch of Agenda 25x25 which pledges to create a synergetic

startup environment for budding women entrepreneurs in India, ensuring that by 2025 at least 25 per cent of all

Entrepreneurs in India are Women.

Yes Bank empanelled as 'Settlement Bank' for NSE:

Yes Bank has received approval from National Stock Exchange to be empanelled as 'Settlement Bank' for National

Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE.

Rana Kapoor re-appointed MD & CEO for Yes Bank

Yes Bank shareholders have approved the re-appointment of Rana Kapoor as the bank’s chief executive officer and

managing director for a period of three years.

Yes Bank gets SEBI nod for custodian of securities business

Yes Bank has received approval from market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for acting as

custodian of securities. Custodian of securities is a licence granted by Sebi to eligible entities allowing them to offer

custodial services to financial market participants including foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and foreign portfolio

investors (FPIs).

YES Bank ties up with Kerala Start-up Mission

The Kerala Start-up Mission and YES Bank are joining hands to provide a host of corporate and commercial

banking services focused on start-ups in the state. The Start-up Mission is the nodal agency of the Kerala

government, aimed at development of entrepreneurship and incubation activities in the state.

NABARD

NABARD to expand its long-term lending to Rs 80,000 crore in FY19:

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) announced that, it has aimed to raise its long-term

on-lending or refinance portfolio to nearly Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal year in a move to improve rural

economy.

Government raises NABARD’s authorised capital to Rs 300 billion to aid rural economy:

The government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) by 6 times to Rs 300 billion, aimed to increase its lending to the rural economy, as a part of the




initiative to double farmers’ income by 2022. NABARD Approves Rs 14,690 Cr Funding To Rajasthan:

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has extended total credit support of Rs 14,690 crore

to Rajasthan for 2017-18.

NABARD launches first ever centre for climate change in South East Asia at Lucknow

Lucknow, Jul 20(UNI) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development( NABARD) has launched the Centre for

Climate Change, the first of its kind in South East Asia, in Lucknow for accelerating concerted climate action by

various stakeholders in government, private, financial and non -government sectors.

Payments Bank

Paytm Bank to fan out 1 lakh ‘mobile bankers’ across India in a year:

The Paytm Payments Bank, India’s first bank providing zero balance accounts and zero charges on digital transactions,

plans to train and fan out one lakh banking business correspondents, including women, in a year across India’s Tier-I

and II towns, villages and remote areas.

Fino Payments Bank Launched Digital Suite:

Fino Payments Bank launched a suite of digital products that can be accessed online and through mobile phones with

the focus to build the transaction platform. Fino had launched its mobile banking app BPay in 2017.

Small Finance Bank

Jana Small Finance Bank started its operations:

Jana Small Finance Bank (formerly Janalakshmi Financial Services, India's leading micro-finance company),

announced the commencement of its banking operations.

Equitas Bank ties up with CSK, launches Yellow Army Savings Account:

Equitas Small Finance Bank has launched a new ‘Yellow Army Savings Account’ to increase its customer base through

its association with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), The yellow army savings account will offer an interest rate of six

per cent per annum for balance below Rs10 lakh and 6.5 per cent per annum for balance above Rs.10 lakh.

AU Bank bets on ‘Kamao’ app to ramp up biz:

Jaipur-headquartered AU Small Finance Bank wants to ramp up its business via crowd-sourcing — involving not only

employees but also customers and non-customers — with the help of a mobile-based app called ‘Kamao’ (earn).

Other Banking News

Uday Kotak redesignated as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank:

The board of directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank has redesignated Uday Kotak as Managing Director and Chief

Executive Officer with effect from 1st May 2018.

Kotak Mahindra Bank also informed that Shankar Acharya, part-time Chairman, will retire on 19th July 2018. Prakash

Apte has been appointed as part-time Chairman of the Bank in place of Shankar Acharya.

Bandhan Bank CEO takes CII (ER) office:

Chandra Sekhar Ghosh, Managing Director and CEO of Bandhan Bank, has taken over as the Deputy Chairman of CII

Eastern Region (ER). This was announced at the CII Eastern Regional Council Meeting on May 1.

RBI bars Dena Bank from lending, hiring:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred State-run lender Dena Bank from extending fresh credit in view of

deteriorating financial health due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs). In addition, the lender has also been

barred from recruiting staff.

This initiative is aimed at improving farmers’ access to finance, ensuring effective use of digital banking resources, and

imparting good agricultural practices.

Vijaya Bank tags Reliance Naval as NPA:

State-run Vijaya Bank has classified the Anil Ambani group-led Reliance Naval and Engineering, whose auditors had

recently expressed doubts about the company’s ability to continue as a “going concern”, as non-performing asset from

the March quarter.

RBI bars Allahabad Bank from giving fresh loans:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred state-run Allahabad Bank from extending fresh loans, under it’s prompt

corrective action (PCA) framework, after the lender fell short of minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement.

The bank’s CAR was 8.69% as on March 31, 2018 against the regulatory minimum requirement of 9%.

Allahabad Bank CEO divested of powers:

State-run lender Allahabad Bank has decided to relieve its managing director and chief executive officer Usha Ananthasubramanian of her powers after she was named in the first information report filed by the Central Bureau




of Investigation in the Rs.13,800-crore Nirav Modi scam that defrauded Punjab National Bank (PNB). CSC, SIDBI ink pact for financial support to village level entrepreneurs:

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) will provide financial support to village level entrepreneurs who

operate the Common Service Centres (CSC) that act as access points for delivery of electronic services.

Bank unions threaten 2-day nation-wide strike from May 30:

Employees of public sector banks have threatened to go on two-day nation-wide strike from May 30 against "a

meagre" 2 per cent hike offered by the management body, Indian Banks' Association (IBA).

4 NBFCs surrender their Certificate of Registration to RBI:

The following NBFCs have surrendered the Certificate of Registration granted to them by the Reserve Bank of India.

The Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India

Act, 1934, has therefore cancelled their Certificate of Registration.

M/s Silver Trading and Services Limited, M/s Lotus Udyog Limited, M/s Kothari Safe Deposits Limited and M/s Angel

Finvest Private Limited are the 4 NBFCs

IDFC Bank had received the RBI’s approval for merger of Capital First:

IDFC Bank said it had received the RBI’s approval for merger of Capital First, Capital First Home Finance and Capital

First Securities with the company.

Corporation Bank bags Best Expectation Management (Mid Cap)’ award for 2017-18:

Corporation Bank has bagged an award instituted by Investor Relations Society India. The bank was chosen for

‘Investor Relations Awards 2018’ under the category ‘Best Expectation Management (Mid Cap)’ for 2017-18.

Canara Bank fined in UK for anti-money laundering breaches

Britain's markets regulator has fined the UK division of India's Canara Bank blocked it from accepting new deposits

for around five months for systemic anti-money laundering (AML) failures.

Mobile banking: Paytm tops volumes, Axis value:

At 17.2%, Axis Bank commands the largest value share of mobile banking transactions but it’s Paytm that tops volumes

with 22%. However, Paytm’s value share is a meager 0.25%, according to State Bank of India’s (SBI) annual report for

2017-18 which has put out Reserve Bank of India’s data for January 2018.

Oriental Bank of Commerce awarded for Atal Pension Yojana

Oriental Bank of Commerce has been awarded as the best public sector bank for Atal Pension Yojana for the year 2017-

18. MoS for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla presented the awarded to Mukesh Kumar Jain, MD and CEO of the bank.

SBI MD B Sriram took charge as the CEO and MD of IDBI Bank for 3 months

He has been appointed in place of Mahesh Kumar Jain who was recently made the Deputy Governor of RBI. Sriram

currently manages SBI's corporate banking division, which has a loan book exceeding Rs10 lakh crore.

AIIB to invest $200 mn in infra fund

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will pump $200 million into the National Investment &

Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The funding was announced by economic affairs secretary Subash Chandra Garg ahead of

the third AIIB annual meeting which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

EXIM Bank extends USD 10 million loan facility to Seychelles

The Export-Import Bank of India(Exim Bank) announced that it has extended USD 10 million worth of line of credit

(LOC) to Seychelles for healthcare and procurement of goods and projects. It is the first tranche of the $50 million

sanctioned by the Exim Bank to the country. With this agreement for $10 million, Exim Bank has extended two LOCs

to Seychelles, taking the total value to $28 million.

IRDA approves LIC-IDBI Bank deal

The Board of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has approved Life Insurance Corporation’s

(LIC) proposal to the acquisition of up to 51% stake in state-run lender IDBI Bank.

India will get Black Money Data from Swiss Bank by 2019

As part of a bilateral treaty signed between the India and Switzerland, India would start getting data on deposits made

by Indians this year in Swiss Banks from 2019.

Banks Board Bureau recommends MDs from SBI for appointment as CEOs in other PSBs

The Banks Board Bureau (BBB) on Saturday recommended managing directors from State Bank of India (SBI) for

appointment as managing directors and CEOs in other public sector banks (PSBs).

IIFL is India's No. 1 investment bank for Fiscal Year 2017 to 2018

As per Prime Database Investment Bankers League table for FY 2017-18, IIFL is India's top investment bank for equity

issuances by private sector companies.

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited has announced its tie-up with Oxigen

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited has announced its tie-up with Oxigen Services India Pvt. Ltd.




ICICI Bank's Mortgage Portfolio Crosses Rs1.5-Trillion

ICICI Bank has announced that its mortgage loan portfolio crossed the Rs 1.5-trillion milestone, making it the largest

private player in the segment, and the lender is targeting to grow it to Rs 2 trillion by FY20.

Finance Ministry Keeps small savings schemes Interest Rates Unchanged For July-September Quarter

The Finance Ministry has kept the interest rates on small savings schemes, including NSC and PPF, unchanged for the

July-September quarter.

Government taps RBI to track all financial transactions:

In a move aimed at widening the crackdown on black money and following the money trail flowing in and out of

thousands of shell companies, the Centre is planning to set up an information technology (IT)-based mechanism to

keep a tab on all non-cash, financial transactions in the country.

RBI cancels licence of Alwar Urban Co-operative Bank:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the licence of Alwar Urban Co-operative Bank in Alwar, Rajasthan has been

cancelled as it is not in a position to pay its depositors in full as and when their claims accrue, among other reasons.

Important Financial & Economy Affairs

ORGANISATION GDP RATE

2018-19 2019-20

RBI 7.4

IMF 7.3 7.5

Fitch 7.3 7.5

Moody 7.5 7.5

World Bank 7.3 7.5

ADB 7.3 7.6

HSBC 7 7.6

UN 7.6

CRISIL 7.5

Morgan Stanley 7.5% 7.5%

India Ratings and Research (Ind-

Ra)

7.2%

SEBI extends trade timing for derivatives:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed stock exchanges to extend the trading session for

futures and options (F&O) segment from the current 3.30 p.m. to 11.55 in the night beginning October 1.

Government mulls 100% FDI in insurance intermediaries:

The government is considering allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance intermediaries with

a view to give a boost to the sector and attracting more funds.

The FDI policy, at present, allows 49 per cent foreign investment in the insurance sector, which includes insurance

intermediaries.

Walmart buys 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion:

Walmart Inc buying 77 per cent stake in Flipkart for about USD 16 billion (Rs 1.05 lakh crore), its biggest deal which

will give the US retailer access to Indian e-commerce market that is estimated to grow to USD 200 billion within a

decade.

Finance Minister clears 3 FDI proposals worth Rs 3,250 crore:

The finance ministry today said it cleared three foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth Rs 3,250 crore in

April.

Infosys sets up blockchain-based trade finance network with seven banks:

Infosys Ltd. has formed a blockchain-based trade finance network with seven private-sector banks, to increase security

and efficiency in the banking sector while also broadening its product offering.

BSE becomes first Indian stock exchange to get US SEC’s DOSM recognition

BSE Ltd (earlier known as Bombay Stock Exchange) has become the first Indian exchange to be designated as

Designated Offshore Securities Market (DOSM). DOSM status has been given by United States Securities and Exchange

Commission (US-SEC).

India to Achieve 9% Growth Rate by 2022: NITI Aayog:

NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar exuded confidence that Indian economy will achieve 9% growth rate on sustained basis by 2022 on the back of reforms like GST, demonetisation and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).




MCX launches India’s first copper options contracts:

India’s largest commodities exchange platform, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX) has launched the

country’s first copper options contracts

Finance Ministry Ties Up With 40 Companies Under Mudra Scheme:

The Union Finance Ministry has tied up with 40 entities including Flipkart, Swiggy, Patanjali and Amul for extending

loans to small entrepreneurs under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).

EPFO notifies 8.55% interest for 2017-18:

The Central Board of Trustees of the Employment Provident Fund Organisation has notified its field offices to credit

an 8.55% rate of interest on the holdings of subscribers for 2017-18. It is the lowest rate since the financial year 2012-

13. There are around five crore subscribers.

Govt reconstitutes FSDC

The Union Govt reconstituted Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to include secretaries from revenue

department as well as Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY). It will include Chairman of the Insolvency and

Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).

Fiscal deficit for FY18 at 3.5% of GDP:

India’s fiscal deficit in the year ended March 2018 came in at 3.53% of gross domestic product, in line with the revised

estimates. For the current fiscal year, the government estimates to trim the deficit to 3.3% of GDP.

Government puts FY18 growth at 6.7%:

Stronger growth of 7.7% in the fourth quarter GDP estimates for 2017-18, driven in large part by the manufacturing

and construction sectors, led to an upward revision in the GDP growth projection for the full year to 6.7%.

Cholamandalam to invest Rs. 50 cr in home finance arm:

The board of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Ltd., a part of Murugappa Group, has

decided to invest Rs.50 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary Cholamandalam home Finance Ltd.

Indian Oil Most Profitable PSU for 2nd Straight Year

Indian Oil Corporation has emerged as India's most profitable state-owned company for the second consecutive year.

Indian Oil posted a record profit of Rs21,346 crore in 2017-18, followed by ONGC, whose profit stood at Rs19,945

crore.

India gives Rs 99 million to Nepal for installing shallow tube wells

India has extended a financial aid of Rs 99 million to Nepal for the construction of 2,700 shallow tube well irrigation

systems in 12 districts of the country's southern Terai region to boost agricultural productivity.

SEBI constitutes Group to review ITP framework:

Market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) constituted Group to look into existing Institutional

Trading Platform (ITP) framework and suggest measures to facilitate listing of startups.

Govt approves financial assistance of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family

The Union Govt approved financial assistance amounting to Rs. 5.5 lakh per family to West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs).

It will benefit 5,764 families of WPRs settled in Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme comes into effect from Jun 2018.

Muthoot Fincorp, NSDC to Train 10,000 Youth under PMKVY

Muthoot Fincorp Limited announced its partnership with National Skill Development Corporation to train over

10,000 youth over the next three years and make them job ready Under PMKVY.

18,000 banks branches, post offices have Aadhaar facility now: UIDAI

Less than a year after banks and post offices were asked to set up Aadhaar facility on their premises, as many as

18,000 centres have come up for enrolment and updation of the biometric ID at such locations, UIDAI CEO Ajay

Bhushan Pandey

SEBI Simplifies Buyback Regulations, Changes IPO Price Band Timeline

The Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) has approved amendments to buyback and takeover regulations and

changed the time for announcing the price band of initial public offering (IPO) from 5 to 2 days, according to the

chairman of SEBI, Ajay Tyagi.

Important Business News

Tata wins NCLT nod to buy Bhushan Steel

Tata Steel, whose bid for debt-ridden Bhushan Steel was approved by the NCLT, would implement the resolution plan

through its step-down subsidiary Bamnipal Steel Ltd.

Walmart seeks CCI nod for Flipkart buy




Global retail giant Walmart has approached fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) for approval

of its proposed acquisition of a majority stake in e-commerce major Flipkart, saying the deal doesn’t raise any

competition concerns.

Flipkart introduces ‘certified’ furniture

Flipkart said it has introduced ‘FurniSure,’ a certification that assures customers ‘quality and durability’ of furniture

available on the e-tailer’s website.

Ola to expand in Australia

Indian cab-hailing firm Ola on Tuesday said it had expanded its services in Australia to three more cities — Brisbane,

Gold Coast and Canberra.

Ekki-HOMA to make pumps from 2020

German waste water pump maker HOMA Pumpenfabrik GmbH plans to spend Rs.150 crore on expanding business

worldwide, including in India, in about four years, a top official said.

India receives first crude oil cargo from UAE:

India has received the first consignment of 2 million barrels of crude oil from United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its

strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) at Mangaluru (on west coast), Karnataka.

Microsoft Is Now Third Most Valuable Firm Globally

Microsoft has surpassed Alphabet, the parent company of Google, in the market capitalisation for the first time in

three years, becoming the third most valuable firm after Apple and Amazon globally.

India plans to cut oil imports from Iran amid US request:

After US re-imposed sanctions against Iran after it withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, India is planning to cut oil

imports from Iran, and replacing them with more purchases from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Important State Wise National News

Andhra Pradesh Capital – Hyderabad (Amaravathi): CM – N. Chandrababu Naidu; Governor – E S L Narasimhan

UNDP to set up skill development centre in Hyderabad

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will soon set up a skill development centre at 'Bharosa,' an

integrated support centre for distressed women and children in Hyderabad.

TTD fixes retirement age for priests at 65:

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board, in its maiden meeting on Wednesday, resolved to fix retirement age

for priests working in various TTD temples at 65 years.

Approves setting up of Central University in Andhra Pradesh

The Union Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for establishing Central University by name of Central University

of Andhra Pradesh in Janthaluru village of Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh.

Singapore signs MoU for Amravati development

The AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and Singapore-Amravati Investments Holding Ltd (SAIH)

signed a Concession and Development Agreement (CADA) in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

and Singapore Minister for Communications S Iswaran to develop the start-up area in Amravati during the 3rd Joint

Implementation Committee meeting (JISC) in Vijayawada.

Andhra Pradesh is the first state to use auto-disable syringes which will be enforced from the World

Hepatitis Day.

The medical device sector has hailed Andhra Pradesh's move to to use auto-disable syringes for all clinical purposes

from World Hepatitis Day on July 28 to prevent infection.

Chandrababu Naidu says Polavaram project to be completed by 2019

The mammoth Polavaram project is considered to be the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and the same is likely to be

completed by 2019. chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said in his speech that although the Centre is not granting

funds, the project will be completed by 2019.

Andhra Pradesh nod for unemployment allowance

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to pay Rs 1,000 a month as unemployment allowance to eligible youth.

Approximately, 10 lakh graduates/diploma holders will benefit, IT Minister Nara Lokesh said. A final decision would

be taken after eliciting suggestions from the youth.

Pattiseema will help revive Krishna delta

The Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme will help revive the Krishna delta to its past glory and infuse life back into the

Krishna that has dried up completely




Releasing water to the Krishna Eastern Delta from the new regulator here on Wednesday, Mr. Naidu said the Krishna

delta, which was once highly fertile, had dried up and turned saline.

Andhra mulls issuing bonds for Rs.42,000 crore to fund construction of Amravati:

Realizing that the chances of securing assistance from the Centre are remote at this point, the Andhra Pradesh

government is examining the possibility of issuing bonds worth Rs.42,000 crore for the construction of its capital city,

Amravati.

AAI to set up Civil Aviation Research Organization at Hyderabad

State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) will set up Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) at Begumpet

Airport, Hyderabad.

Tata Power to Connect Two 50 MW Solar Power Projects at Andhra Pradesh

Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has announced the successful commissioning

of two solar projects of 50 MW each in Ananthapuramu Solar Park, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh

Capital – Itanagar; CM – Pema Khandu; Governor – B D Mishra

CM Pema Khandu inaugurates Arunachal’s biggest solar plant

Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday inaugurated the State’s biggest solar power plant at the Energy

Awareness Park here in the presence of Power Minister Tamiyo Taga.

Arunachal enters India’s commercial aviation map

A wartime airstrip laid 66 years ago helped Arunachal Pradesh create history on Monday by becoming the last of the

eight northeastern States to be on India’s commercial flight service map.

Assam Capital – Dispur; CM – Sarbananda Sonowal; Governor – Jagdish Mukhi

Guwahati now has India's first solar powered railway station

Guwahati now has India's first railway station run by solar power. The project of installing solar panels was

commissioned last year in April 2017.

Assam government to launch awareness programme - Sanskar

The Assam government is planning to launch an awareness programme, ‘Sanskar’ in all development blocks and

panchayats. This comes in the wake of incidents triggered by superstition and ignorance including the lynching of two

young artistes in Karbi Anglong district of the state.

19 cancer centers in Assam to start functioning from mid 2020

The Assam government on Saturday announced that 19 cancer care centres, to be set up across the State in partnership

with Tata Trusts on an investment of Rs. 1,910 crore, will start functioning from mid-2020. The foundation stone of

the proposed centres will be laid at a function on June 18.

Annual Ambubachi Mela started in Assam

The annual Ambubachi Mela started at Nilachall hillock where the Kamakhya temple is situated, in Assam. Over 10

lakh devotees are expected to attend the mela.

Centre Releases Rs 340 Crore for Flood Relief In Assam

Centre has released 340 crore rupees for flood relief work in Assam. Minister of State for Development of North

Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh announced this after holding a high-level meeting in Guwahati with the State

Government to assess the current situation of flood and the relief measures undertaken so far.

Bihar

Capital – Patna; CM – Nitish Kumar; Governor – Lalji Tandon

1 lakh incentive to SC, ST students in Bihar

The Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday announced a Rs1 lakh encouragement incentive for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe

students who clear the UPSC preliminary test. The Cabinet also decided to provide Rs 1,000 to each SC/ST student as

hostel incentive and free supply of 15 kg foodgrain to the hostels.

Bihar CM inaugurates, lays foundation stones for schemes worth Rs 875 crore

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has inaugurated and laid foundation stones for more than 100 schemes, worth Rs

875 crore, of the state bridge construction corporation.




Chhattisgarh

Capital – Raipur; CM – Raman Singh; Governor – Anandiben Patel

Chhattisgarh to Distribute Free Smartphones to Over 50 Lakh People under Sanchar Kranti Yojana:

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday announced that his government would distribute over 30 lakh

smartphones to college students, farmers, workers in tendu leaf plantations and labourers in the State over the next

five months under Sanchar Kranti Yojana.

Integrated Command and Control Centre of Naya Raipur Smart City Inaugurated

The Integrated Command and Control Centre of the Naya Raipur Smart City was inaugurated by Prime Minister

Narendra Modi. Integrated Command & Control Centre of Naya Raipurbecomes the 10th Smart City Centre to be

operational in the country.

Gujarat Capital – Gandhinagar; CM – Vijay Rupani; Governor – Om Prakash Kohli

Surat railway station to be 3rd in country to have ‘airport like’ facilities

“Airport-like” amenities will be installed at Surat Railway Station under Union Railway Ministry’s ‘Rs 1 lakh crore

station redevelopment’ programme.Estimated cost for redevelopment of Surat Railway Station is Rs 5000 crore. It is

expected to be ready by 2020.

Gujarat Government Launches 'Reuse of Treated Waste Water Policy'

The Gujarat government unveiled its 'Reuse of Treated Waste Water Policy' which aims to reduce the state's

dependence on freshwater sources like the Narmada River.

1st International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics launched in Gandhinagar

The world’s first of its kind and state-of-the-art; International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics has been launched

in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The centre is joint venture of Regional delegation of International Committee of Red Cross

(ICCR) in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives and also Gujarat Forensic Science University.

Gujarat Launches Wind-Solar Hybrid Power Policy

The Gujarat government announced wind-solar hybrid power policy - 2018, aiming to make optimum utilization of the

land and grid. The policy, which will have a coverage period of five years, provides encouragement to renewable power

producers supplying to the grid as well as to those having captive use.

Gujarat CM launches Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY)

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched the Rs 870-crore pilot project of Suryashakti Kisan Yojana (SKY). Under

the Yojana, farmers can generate electricity using solar energy and sell the surplus to the electric grid.

Gujarat CM announces agriculture JWG with Israel

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani met Israel's Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Uri Ariel on the second day of his

visit to Israel. He announced a Joint Working Group (JWG) between Gujarat and Israel in the fields of agriculture,

horticulture, and allied sectors.

Goa Capital - Panaji; CM - Manohar Parrikar; Governor - Mridula Sinha

Shigmotsav 2018 Celebrated In Goa

Shigmotsav or Shigmo is one of the several cultural festivals of the coastal state and is celebrated through colours,

costumes, music, dance and parades in Goa.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Inland Ferry Services in Goa

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga

Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari have inaugurated the Inland ferry services in the port city of Vasco in Goa.

Multi Modal Logistic Park inaugurated at Balli, Goa

Multi Modal Logistics Park at Balli Station near Madgaon in Goa was recently inaugurated. The part is located on

Konkan Railway route. It has been set as per MoU entered between Konkan Railway & Container Corporation of India

Ltd (CONCOR).

Goa govt to launch its app-based taxi service:

Goa State Government has decided to launch its own app-based taxi service at some key tourist destinations across the

state. Goa govt to launch its app-based taxi service

GOAMILES: Goa Tourism’s app-based taxi service flagged off by CM Manohar Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar flagged off the Goa Tourism

Development Corporation’s app-based taxi service called ‘GOAMILES’ in Panaji.




Haryana

Capital – Chandigarh; CM – Manohar Lal Khattar; Governor – Satyadev Narayan Arya

Haryana to start 31 government colleges for girls

Haryana Government has decided to start 31 government colleges for girls with effect from ensuing academic session

2018-19.

Israel invited to set up units at Hisar aviation hub, Haryana

Haryana has invited the Israeli aerospace industry to set up ancillary units at an aviation hub, which is being set up at

Hisar.

Haryana Govt to launch ‘Chatra Parivahan Suraksha Yojana’

The Haryana Government is planning to launch the ‘Chatra Parivahan Suraksha Yojana’ to ensure safety of girl

students. For facilitating women, the state govt has opened women police stations in districts. Besides, women help

desks have also been set up.

Foundation laid for India’s First Advanced Forensic Lab in Chandigarh

Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi laid foundation of Sakhi Suraksha Advanced

DNA Forensic Laboratory in the campus of Central Forensic Science Lab, Chandigarh.

Girl students to get sanitary napkins at Re 1 in Haryana

Girl students of government schools in Haryana will get sanitary napkins at just Rs. 1 starting August. Women

belonging to Below Poverty Line families too will be covered under the scheme.

Haryana govt raises age limit for entry in govt service

The Haryana government has raised the upper age limit for entry into government service from 40 to 42 years. He said

that all departments have been told to incorporate the new provisions.

Haryana government introduced a scheme to give school kids 50 rupees for planting trees

The Haryana government has decided to introduce a scheme under which school children will be given Rs50 for

planting trees every six months for a period of three years. The scheme will cover students from Classes 6 to 12 of both

government and private schools. It will be launched on July 10.

Haryana has become the first state in India to give star ranking to its villages

A total of 1,120 villages of Haryana have achieved star ranking under '7-Star Gram Panchayat Rainbow Scheme'

launched in January 2018 by Chief Minister Manohar Lal.

Haryana CM announces to set up ‘Yog Aayog’ in state

On the occasion of the 4th International Day of Yoga, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced to

set up a ‘Yog Aayog’ in the state. The ‘Yog Aayog’ will promote yoga in the state.

Haryana makes use of LED bulbs mandatory in govt offices by 15 Aug

As per directions of the Haryana's Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, all halogen, sodium bulbs and tube lights will

be replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs and tube lights.

Haryana village 1st to pass No Toilet, No Bride resolution

Haryana's Godikan village panchayat has passed a 'No Toilet, No Bride' resolution, becoming the first panchayat in the

country to do so. According to the resolution, girls from Godikan will not be married off in houses without a toilet.

Haryana Government is going to host 2018 World Union of Wholesale Markets

Haryana will host 33rd World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference in Gurugram from October 10-13

this year.

9L saplings planted in Jharkhand as part of govt's green drive

Nine lakh saplings were planted today across 24 river banks in the state as part of the Jharkhand government's

initiative to protect the environment, an official release said. The state aims to plant 2.40 crore saplings by August 15

Haryana to host World Union of Wholesale Markets Conference

Haryana Government will host 2018 World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference at Gurugram in Oct

10-13, 2018.

Himachal Pradesh

Capital – Shimla; CM – Jai Ram Thakur; Governor - Acharya Dev Vrat

Himachal Pradesh University to be 'disabled friendly'

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) will soon become the first 'disabled friendly' varsity in the northern region. The

university was spending Rs 40 lakh on various facilities for the disabled students.

HP govt sanctions Rs 25 cr for renovating Bantony Castle

The Himachal Pradesh govt will spend Rs 25 crore on renovating and developing the historic British Raj ‘Bantony

Castle Estate’ as a major tourist attraction.




Himachal Pradesh launches three welfare schemes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has launched three welfare schemes to mark completion of four

years of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

1. "Jan Manch" for redressal of public grievances.

2. "Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojana" aimed at providing assistance to the unemployed youth.

3. "Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana" for offering gas cylinder security and gas stoves to those not covered under

the Ujjwala Yojana.

Union Government approves tourism projects worth 1,800 crore rupees for Himachal Pradesh

For the development of tourism in Himachal Pradesh, the Centre has approved projects worth Rs 1,800 crore. This

comes after tourism was affected in Shimla over severe water scarcity in May.

Himachal gets national award for best performance under PMSMA'

Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged first among states for its performance under the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit

Matritav Abhiyan (PMSMA) in the country.

Himachal Pradesh banned use of thermocol cutlery

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had announced the ban on the World Environment Day on June 5, but it was observed

that it was still in use.

Himachal CM announced Rs 1.55 crore cow sanctuary project

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur announced a Rs.1.55-crore project to set up a cow sanctuary at Kotla Barog near

Rajgarh in Sirmaur district. Here the animals will be free to roam in the fenced area. This sanctuary provides grazing

facility to 500 animals, mostly stray cows. Madhya Pradesh is the only state which till now had introduced the concept

of cow sanctuaries.

Himachal Pradesh government has approved implementation of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for

procurement of apple

Himachal Pradesh government has approved implementation of Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for procurement

of apple.

Jammu & Kashmir Capital – Jammu (winter) Srinagar (summer); CM – Vacant; Governor - Satya Pal Malik

Kavinder Gupta sworn in as Deputy CM Jammu and Kashmir

Nirmal Singh resigned as Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Kavinder Gupta (Gandhinagar MLA) took

oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Narendra Modi inuagrates Kishanganga Hydroelectric project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated 300 MW Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project in Bandipora District of

Jammu & Kashmir. He also laid foundation stone of 1000 MW capacity Pakal Dul Power Project.

NHAI in race to get crucial J&K tunnel ready ahead of avalanches

Excavation work inside the 8.5-km Banihal-Qazigund tunnel along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was

completed on Sunday with its twin tubes likely to be operational by next year, a senior official of the National

Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said.

Centre sanctions Rs 14.30 crore for Block level sports in J&K

Centre has sanctioned 14.30 crore rupees for Block level sports in Jammu and Kashmir under the ‘Khelo India’

scheme. An amount of 10 lakh rupees per Block will be spent in all the 143 Blocks of the state.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti resigned

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti resigned after the BJP announced that it was pulling out of the

alliance with her Peoples Democratic Party that has ruled the State since March 2015.

22nd Sindhu Darshan Festival (SDF) started in J&K

The 22nd edition of Sindhu Darshan Festival (SDF) started on the bank of Indus River in Leh district of Ladakh

region, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

A three judge bench to hear the challenging Article 35A

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra observed that the Supreme Court will hear whether Article 35A is violative of the

basic structure of the Constitution. Article 35A gives special status to the State and people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jharkhand

Capital – Ranchi (Atal Nagar); CM - Raghubar Das; Governor - Draupadi Murmu

Approves setting up of new AIIMS in Deoghar, Jharkhand




The Union Cabinet approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar, Jharkhand

under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

PM Modi lays foundation stone in Patratu Super Thermal Power Project Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid foundation stone for first phase (2400MW) of NTPC’s coal based Patratu

Super Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. This project is 74: 26 Joint Ventures between Govt of Jharkhand (GoJ)

and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUN), a subsidiary company of NTPC.

Karnataka

Capital – Bengaluru; CM – H D Kumaraswamy; Governor – Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala

Pink Booths to third generation EVMs, several firsts in Karnataka

From all-women managed 'Pink Booths' to the use of third generation Electronic Voting Machines, the assembly

elections in Karnataka are marked by several firsts. In a women-oriented step, 450 "pink booths" called 'Sakhi' have

been set up.

Parameshwara to be Karnataka Deputy CM

After eight days of political upheaval in Karnataka, Janata Dal (Secular) Legislature Party leader H.D. Kumaraswamy

will be sworn in as Chief Minister on Wednesday, pending formation of a full-fledged Ministry and allocation of

portfolios.

Threat to Bannerghatta buffer zone

At least 73 eco-sensitive villages, of which 22 are ‘red list’ villages, have been left out of the buffer zone of the

Bannerghatta National Park, which remains Bangalore’s last big, urban forest. ‘Red list’ comprises villages that are

adjacent to the forest and are highly eco-sensitive.

HRD nod to inter-university yoga centre in S-VYASA varsity

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has approved setting up an inter-university yoga centre at Swami

Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bengaluru. The announcement was made by Union HRD

Minister Prakash Javadekar on the fourth International Yoga Day.

Bengaluru world's 2nd best location to launch tech startups

Bengaluru has claimed the second spot in the list of best locations for launching tech startups, according to research

firm SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk. The first place was secured by Boulder city in the US while the third best location was

Johannesburg in South Africa. The research measured the average internet speed, the average business valuation, and

cost of living, among other metrics.

Kerala

Capital – Thiruvananthapuram; CM – Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor – P Sathasivam

‘ART deTOUR’ to protect freedom of expression

Any movement of youth to protect freedom of expression is a cause for celebration at a time when Fascists are trying to

stifle free speech and expression, Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said.

Kerala government to give home, Rs5 lakh to Maoists who surrender

The Kerala government has announced that it will provide a home and Rs5 lakh among other benefits to Maoists who

surrender and seek to reintegrate into the mainstream.

Free internet connection to 20 lakh poor families in Kerala

Moving ahead with its ambitious programme to provide free internet to over 20 lakh poor families, the Kerala

government today decided to set up a Joint Venture company to launch its new optic fibre pathway.

KSRTC monthly collection hits record Rs 207.35 crore

KSRTC has set a new record in its monthly collection even amidst crisis. For the first time, the transport corporation’s

monthly earnings crossed Rs 200 crore riding on efficient service delivery.

Smriti launches ‘Sampark for Samarthan’ Kerala

Union minister Smriti Irani called on MK Sanoo, a prominent literary figure in Kerala, at his residence as part of the

ruling BJP's programme to apprise prominent citizens of the achievements of Narendra Modi-led government at the

Centre, in the last four years.

Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority initiated a ‘water literacy’ campaign

The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority initiated a ‘water literacy’ campaign with the involvement of 70,000

students aiming to create awareness about the importance of water conservation in the State.

Madhya Pradesh

Capital – Bhopal; CM – Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor – Anandiben Patel




First Integrated Smart Cities Control Centre Launched In MP

Madhya Pradesh State Government launched India’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) for all

seven smart cities of the state in Bhopal.

Approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal

The Union Cabinet approved establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Bhopal,

Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh Launches 'My MP Rojgar Portal'

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched 'My MP Rojgar Portal' to provide jobs to

youths as per their educational qualification, skills and interest and ensure availability of able candidates to employers

as per the need of their business.

U.P. & M.P. likely to start cash transfer for food subsidies

Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are likely to be the next States to start implementing cash transfer for food

subsidies in certain areas, but Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan emphasized that banking systems and infrastructure

must be in place before any such scheme can begin.

Mohanpura Irrigation Project launched in Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Mohanpura Irrigation Project in Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh.

The total outlay of the project is Rs 3,866-crore. It includes a dam and a canal system. The project will facilitate

irrigation of agricultural land in Rajgarh district. It will also provide drinking water to villages in the area.

Madhya Pradesh to be awarded for reducing maternal mortality

Madhya Pradesh will be awarded for reducing maternal mortality under Prime Minister's Safe Motherhood Campaign.

The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi today.

Maharashtra

Capital – Mumbai; CM – Devendra Fadnavis; Governor – Vidyasagar Rao

The North Maharashtra University is to be renamed as ‘Kaviyatri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra

University’

The Maharashtra government decided to recommend the decalartion of an ordinance to rename the Jalgaon-based

North Maharashtra University after poetess Bahinabai Chaudhari.

Maharashtra first to issue land document online

Maharashtra has become the first state to issue a crucial land ownership document online and accept a digital

signature on it as valid. The state government's plan of digitizing the 7/12 extract is thus complete.

Maharashtra Govt to Give Rs 3-Per-Litre Subsidy to Milk Producers

Maharashtra State Cabinet decided to provide Rs 3 subsidy for every litre of milk to the co-operative and private

producers to manufacture milk powder.

Mumbai-Pune e-way: motorists will have to pay toll till 2045

Motorists using the Mumbai-Pune Expressway will now have to pay the toll till 2045. The earlier deadline for toll

collection was 2030.

Maharashtra Govt introduces new scheme to help the landless labourers

The Maharashtra Govt introduced a new scheme to help the landless labourers among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) to

acquire agricultural land.

Tata Motors signed MoU with Maharashtra to Promote E-Mobility

Tata Motors (India's largest automobile company by revenues) signed a MoU with the State Government of

Maharashtra for deployment of 1000 Electric Vehicles (EV) across its range of passenger and commercial vehicles in

the State.

Maharashtra Inks MoU with Canada’s Quebec Province for Greater Economic Co-operation:

The Maharashtra government and Canada’s Quebec province have signed a pact to increase the economic cooperation,

especially in areas of information technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and welfare of the tribal

community.

Maharashtra CM Meets World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva in Washington DC to seek

assistance for a Multimodal Transport Corridor and the Rural Livelihood Project which aims to provide sustainable

livelihood enhancements in 10,000 villages in the state.

Maharashtra Government Forms Study Committee For Floating Solar Power Plant:

The Maharashtra government has set up a committee to study issues related to the development of a 1,000-MW floating solar power plant at Ujani dam in Solapur district. The committee will be headed by the Director




(Commercial) of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), Satish Chavan.

Manipur

Capital – Imphal; CM – Biren Singh; Governor – Najma A Heptulla

Manipur Govt launches ‘Go to Village’ mission:

The Government of Manipur has launched ‘Go to Village’ mission across the State from Konuma ground of

Komlakhong gram panchayat in Imphal West district.The mission was launched simultaneously in 60 villages in all 60

constituencies.

Manipur to get air dispensary on May 15:

Air dispensary services will be launched on May 15, said chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today speaking at

the annual state level tribal cultural festival at TRI, Chingmeirong.

India’s first National Sports University in Manipur

The Union Cabinet approved an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in in Imphal (west),

Manipur. The ordinance is on the lines of National Sports University Bill, 2017 which is pending in Parliament

(introduced in Lok Sabha in August, 2017).

Manipur Becomes First State in Northeast to Have Solar Toilet:

Manipur has become the first state in the Northeast and the third state in India to have solar toilets. The solar panel,

connected to the toilets, absorbs the heat to generate power and is also efficient to transform waste material.

Meghalaya

Capital – Shillong; CM – Conrad Sangma; Governor – Tathagata Roy

‘Gaj Yatra’ Flagged Off In Meghalaya

The Gaj Yatra campaign was flagged off by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Brand Ambassador Ms Dia Mirza at

an event organised in Meghalaya. WTI and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of

India, formally launched the unique campaign.’Gaj Yatra’, a “journey celebrating India’s national heritage animal”,

aims at securing 100 elephant corridors across India.

Nagaland Capital – Kohima; CM - Neiphiu Rio; Governor – Padmanabha Acharya

Neiphiu Rio Appointed As Nagaland CM

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has appointed Neiphiu Rio as the new Chief Minister of the state. Mr Rio will replace

TR Zeliang.

Ptilomera Nagalanda: New species of water strider found in Nagaland

Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new species of water strider named Ptilomera

nagalanda Jehamalar and Chandra in Nagaland. It was found in river Intanki in Peren district of Nagaland.

New Delhi

Capital – New Delhi; CM - Arvind Kejriwal; Governor – Anil Baijal

Full Delhi Metro Magenta Line to open for public from May 29

The portion of Delhi Metro's Magenta Line which will connect Kalkaji Mandir to Janakpuri West will be open for

public from May 29, it was announced today. This section, comprising of 16 stations, will be the longest opened so far

in Delhi Metros Phase 3.

Robot called RADA going to introduce in Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport from July 5:

A Tata-Singapore joint venture airline, Vistara, announced on Tuesday that it had created a robot called RADA, using

Artificial Intelligence technology, that will be placed at its signature lounge at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International

Airport from July 5.

NMCG undertakes cleanliness drive at Kalindi Kunj Ghat in Delhi

In the run up to the World Environment Day 2018, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with Yes

Bank organised a cleanliness drive at Kalindi Kunj ghat on river Yamuna in New Delhi.

India to have its 1st police museum in Delhi

India will soon have its first national police museum as the central government has decided to establish the unique

facility in Lutyens' Delhi.

National Tribal Museum proposed to be set up at Delhi-Shri Jual Oram

A National Tribal Museum and a National Level Tribal Research Institute is proposed to be set up at Delhi by the

Ministry of Tribal Affairs.




‘Delhi Metro network set to become 5th largest in world’

The over 11-km Mundka-Bahadurgarh section of Delhi Metro’s Green Line, connecting the capital to Haryana, was on

Sunday inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Odisha

Capital – Bhubaneswar; CM – Naveen Patnaik; Governor – Ganeshi Lal

World’s second oldest rock is from Odisha

Rock sample recovered nearly eight years ago from Champua in Odisha’s Kendujhar district has put India at the

forefront of geological research in the world.

Odisha makes loan provisions for landless farmers

The Odisha government today said it has decided to extend agricultural loan to landless farmers on the lines of

credit given to self help groups (SHGs)

Odisha CM Naveen to inaugurate Gurupriya Bridge next month

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the much-touted Gurupriya Bridge on the river Gurupriya in Malkangiri

district next month

‘One Bar, One Vote’ rule in Odisha

Even as a writ petition seeking introduction of ‘One Bar, One Vote’ rule for all lawyers litigating in different Bars of

Odisha is pending disposal in the Orissa High Court for over a year now, the Odisha State Bar Council on Wednesday

announced that the ‘rule’ as pronounced by the Supreme Court will be implemented in all the 167 Bars of the State,

including that of the High Court.

Mobile app to be launched for advance lightning warning

The Odisha government has decided to introduce a special mobile application to provide advance information on

lightning which has claimed at least 61 lives between April and May 22 this year

Odisha govt. to set up mineral police stations

The Odisha government will soon establish mineral police stations in the State in order to curb rampant theft of minor

minerals from different districts.

NIC sets up cloud-enabled National Data Centre in Bhubaneswar:

IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is all set to inaugurate, on May 28, a cloud-enabled National Data Centre at

Bhubaneswar, which will offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for e-governance applications of

ministries and departments.

Odisha starts health insurance scheme for journalists

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched "Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana" for

working journalists. The health insurance scheme for working journalists will be implemented with effect from June 1,

2018.

Orissa announces free of cost medical services at government clinics

Each and everyone visiting any government health institution from district to sub-centre level in Odisha will be

provided all health services free of cost. Further, under the Biju Swasthya Kalyana Yojana, secondary and tertiary

cashless healthcare assistance will be provided up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per annum.

Panel for better temple management for Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri

In pursuance of last week’s Supreme Court order, the Odisha government has constituted a three-member committee

to study the management schemes of important shrines across the country as well as suggest necessary changes for

Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Free Braille textbooks for Class IX, X students in Odisha

From the current academic session, all visually impaired students of Class IX and X in Odisha will be provided free

Braille textbooks.Earlier, the Odisha Primary Education Programme Authority was providing free Braille textbooks to

all visually impaired students studying in Class I to VIII in government-managed schools.

Odisha CM increased the health cover under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that insurance coverage for women under the BJD’s health

insurance proposal has been raised to Rs 7 lakh from Rs 5 lakh.

Punjab

Capital – Chandigarh; CM – Amarinder Singh; Governor – V. P. Singh Badnore

First all-woman Post Office Passport Seva Kendra starts operations in Phagwara,Punjab:

In a first, a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) run by an all-woman team has started operations in

Phagwara, Punjab.




Punjab’s new industrial policy expected by July 1

Punjab’s new industrial policy, along with operational guidelines, is expected to become fully functional by July 1.

Punjab govt launches Business First Portal

Punjab Govt has launched a “Business First Portal” to give a big push towards the ease of doing business in the

state. The portal was unveiled by Industry Minister Sunder Sham Arora.

Punjab offers saplings through mobile app

To increase the State’s green cover, the Punjab government on Tuesday launched a smartphone application that

lets users order free plant saplings, officials said. The ‘i-Hariyali’ app under ‘Mission Tandarust’ can be

downloaded from the app store for free

Rajasthan

Capital – Jaipur; CM – Vasundhara Raje; Governor – Kalyan Singh

Rajasthan institute comes up with new sheep insemination technique

Scientists at the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, have come up with a new

laparascope-assisted insemination technique for sheep, which has resolved the difficulties involved in freezing of

semen and inability to transit the tortuous reproductive tract of the ruminant mammals kept as livestock.

Rajasthan govt invites Gurjar leader for talks ahead of quota stir

The Rajasthan government has invited Gurjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla for talks tomorrow, after he threatened to

revive the agitation for reservation to the community.

Rajasthan launches ‘Nidaan’ software for disease monitoring

New software, ‘Nidaan’, has been launched in Rajasthan for presumptive diagnosis and monitoring of seasonal and

non-communicable diseases as well as the trends of ailments found in specific areas. It is expected to help in

formulation of specific action plans for control of diseases.

Rajasthan Government is the ‘First to launch health schemes for tribal poor’:

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Wednesday claimed that her State government is the first

in the country to launch ambitious health schemes for the benefit of poor tribal people.

Milk in midday meals in Rajasthan

The students of the government primary and upper primary schools in Rajasthan will get milk in the midday meals

thrice in a week under a new scheme for improving nutritional status of children.

Rajasthan raises minimum wages:

The wages of unskilled labourers have been increased from Rs.207 to Rs.213 a day. The enhanced daily wages will be

Rs.223 for semi-skilled labourers, Rs.233 for skilled labourers and Rs.283 for highly skilled labourers. The increased

wages will come into effect retrospectively from January 1, 2018.

Biogas plants to be set up at cow shelters in Rajasthan

Biogas plants with the capacity of over 100 cubic metres will be set up shortly at 25 gaushalas in Rajasthan with 50%

subsidy on investment costs paid by the State government's Gopalan Department. Rajasthan will be the first State to

produce manure from biogas plants at the cow shelters.

Rajasthan seeks national project status for eastern canal

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has requested the Centre to give special financial assistance to the State to

help it tide over the acute water crisis and sought the national project status for the proposed Eastern Rajasthan Canal

Project, which will supply drinking and irrigation water to 13 districts.

Vasundhara Raje conferred with ‘Chief Minister of the Year’ award

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has been conferred with the ‘Chief Minister of the Year’ award for her

remarkable work in e-governance.

Kaiga Generating Systems Sets New Record of Continuous Operation

The 220 MW Unit-1 of Karnataka's Kaiga Generating Systems (KGS-1) set a new record of the continuous operation of

766 days, surpassing the earlier record of 765 days set by the Unit-5 of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-5) in

2014.

NITI Aayog has ranked Rajasthan at No.1 state in water conversation

NITI Aayog has ranked Rajasthan at first place among states in water conversation as it registered a significant

increase in the level of groundwater. This achievement is due to water conservation structures built under Chief

Minister's Jal Swawlamban Abhiyaan programme.

Kota set Guinness World Record for largest number of people performing yoga

The Guinness World Record (GWR) for largest number of people performing yoga at one place at the same time has

been set up in Kota, Rajasthan in the 4th edition of International Yoga Day (IYD-2018).




Sikkim

Capital – Gangtok; CM – Pawan Kumar Chamling; Governor - Ganga Prasad

Sikkim Chief Minister Becomes India's Longest-Serving Chief Minister

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling became the longest-serving Chief Minister in India, surpassing the record of

Jyoti Basu, who served as West Bengal CM from 1977 to 2000.

Bhutia kicks off his ‘Hamro Sikkim’ party

Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, along with some politicians and professionals from Sikkim, on

Thursday announced the formation of their regional party Hamro Sikkim.

Sikkim govt announces A.R. Rahman as its Brand Ambassador

Renowned music composer A.R. Rahman has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Sikkim government.

Mr. Rahman will promote and protect the state’s achievements nationally and globally.

Tamil Nadu

Capital – Chennai; CM – Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Governor – Banwarilal Purohit

Tamil Nadu CM launched portal for MSMEs:

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday opened a portal –https://easybusiness.tn.gov.in/msme – for

single window clearance to the MSME sector.

The Chief Minister also launched a portal – http://msmeonline.tn.gov.in/uyegp – to enable unemployed youth to

apply for loans under the Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme (UYEGP) scheme and

http://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/needs to help people apply for loans under the New Entrepreneur Cum Enterprise

Development Scheme (Needs).

TN to ban manufacture, use of most plastic products from Jan 1:

The Tamil Nadu government announced its decision to ban manufacture and use of several plastic products in the

state from January 1, 2019.

ITC to Unveil Integrated Food Unit In Tamil Nadu Soon:

The Hindu ITC may unveil the first phase of its integrated food manufacturing and logistics facility at Pudukottai in

Tamil Nadu by the second quarter of 2018-19. Products such as biscuits, atta, and noodles would be manufactured at

this plant.

AIIMS to set up in Madurai

Tamil Nadu govt said the much-anticipated All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) facility announced for the

state by the Centre will come up near Madurai at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

Adani ports to pay Rs.1,950 cr for acquiring kattupalli port

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) have joined hands to transform Kattupalli Port into a multi-

commodity port to handle containers automobiles, break-bulk, general, liquid and project cargo. Of the total amount,

Adani will be paying 97%, that is, Rs.1,950 crore and the balance 3% will be held by Tamil Nadu Industrial

Development Corporation on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government.

Telangana

Capital – Hyderabad; CM – K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor – E S L Narasimhan

Telangana govt launches investment support scheme for farmers:

Telangana govt launched an investment support scheme, Rythu Bandhu (friend of farmers) Scheme to support

livelihood of farmers.

Telangana govt announces unique life insurance scheme for farmers:

Telangana government has announced a unique life insurance scheme for farmers. Under the scheme, the government

will provide life insurance facility of five lakh rupees to the nominee, after the death of the insured farmer.

Telangana Police launches app COP CONNECT:

Telangana Police launched a mobile application, COP CONNECT to support the professional communication and

collaboration needs of entire police department of the state.

Telangana to set up Biopharma scale-up lab

The government of Telangana will set up of a state-of-the-art B-Hub, which will have a scale-up manufacturing facility

for Biopharma based R&D.

Telangana government asked ICRISAT to study the Mission Kakatiya project

International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) inked a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) with the Catchment Area Development Authority of Telangana Irrigation Department at the State Secretariat.




Upon this, Telangana government has asked the ICRISAT to conduct a research on the impact of Mission Kakatiya

programme.

Tech Mahindra & Government of Telangana collaborate to launch India’s first blockchain district

The Telangana State Information Technology, Electronics and Communication department (ITE&C) signed an MoU

with Tech Mahindra to launch India’s first Blockchain district in Telengana at the International Blockchain Congress

2018. It will be a centre of excellence and an incubator.

Italian Bike-Maker Benelli signs MoU for Plant in telangana

Company would initially start assembling CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits of the bike for Benelli to

assemble, manufacture bikes and import exclusive range of the bikes from Italy and SouthEast Asian regions.

India’s first genetic bank for wildlife conservation inaugurated in Hyderabad

National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank was inaugurated at Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology’s (CCMB)

Laboratory of Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) facility in Hyderabad, Telanagana. It is India’s first

genetic resource bank where genetic material will be stored for posterity which will further the cause of conservation of

endangered and protected animals.

Telangana Government launches Disaster Response Force in Hyderabad

Telangana Government for the first time has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in the capital city of

Hyderabad. The main aim to start this DRF is that state should have its own Disaster force to swiftly deal with

emergency situations.

IIT-Hyderabad launches First of its kind in India, Fabless Chip Design Incubator (FabCI)

It offers facilities like free software tools with leading technology partners in Electronic Design Automation (EDA). The

main aim to incubate a minimum of 50 ‘Make-in-India’ chip design companies that can compete globally and generate

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

Tripura Capital – Agartala; CM – Biplab Kumar Deb; Governor – Kaptan Singh Solanki

Biplab Deb to Be Tripura's New Chief Minister

The Bharatiya Janata Party has named the party' State president Biplab Kumar Deb as the chief ministerial candidate

for Tripura. He will replace Manik Sarkar. Jishnu Devvarma has been named for Deputy Chief Minister

President Declares ‘Queen Pineapple’ as State Fruit of Tripura

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind formally declared the “Queen Pineapple” as the state fruit of Tripura.

Tripura starts 24x7 mobile policing services

The Tripura government on has launched the GPS (Global Positioning System) and wireless-based 24x7 mobile

policing service to curb crime, especially against women. Launching it, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said the BJP-

led alliance government’s main thrust was to make Tripura a crime and drug-free State.

India & Japan to cooperate in bamboo sector in Tripura

A team from the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi and stakeholders in the Bamboo handicraft sector of Tripura took

part in a workshop called ‘Bridging Japan and India by Bamboo’.

Uttarakhand

Capital – Dehradun; CM – Trivendra Singh Rawat; Governor – Baby Rani Maurya

Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurates Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park

Union Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park

in Udham Singh Nagar district.

ADB to give Rs 1 700 crore aid to Uttarakhand

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be giving an aid of Rs 1,700 crore to Uttarakhand for infrastructure

development and creation of sewerage treatment facilities in urban areas.

Uttarakhand High Court has banned water sports in the state

The Uttarakhand high court has banned paragliding, and white water rafting and other water sports until

the government frames a policy to regulate them.

Uttarakhand 1st state to give ID cards to Gau Rakshaks

• Gau rakshaks are protectors of cows who will now be known as gau sanrakshaks - which means 'guardians of cows'.

The initiative has been taken to distinguish genuine gau rakshaks from ruffians who resort to violence in the name

of cow protection.

Uttar Pradesh




Capital – Lucknow; CM – Yogi Adityanath; Governor – Ram Naik

Yogi Adityanath lays foundation of college, stadium in Gorakhpur

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today laid the foundation of a degree college and a stadium named after

his spiritual guru, Mahant Avaidyanath, in Jungle Kaudia area in Gorakhpur.

Ministry of WCD signs an MoU with Government of Uttar Pradesh

The Ministry of Women and Child and Development, Government of India has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. for

management of Home of Widows at Sunrakh Bangar, Vrindavan.

NDMA Conducts Mock Exercise in Uttar Pradesh on Flood Preparedness

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a mock exercise on flood preparedness in Uttar

Pradesh in a move to improve flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon season. The exercise was held in collaboration

with State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

U.P. govt.’s ‘special exemption’ to Patanjali

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday gave its nod to yoga guru-turned-entrepreneur Baba Ramdev's company to

transfer land to its subsidiary for setting up a multi-crore mega food park in Noida.The Patanjali Food and Herbal Park

would avail the special exemption of 'sublease facility' of land and a discount of 25% in the existing rate of land

allotment.

PM to inaugurate ‘Kabir Mahotsav’ in U.P

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the two-day ‘Kabir Mahotsav’, organised by the Union Ministry of

Culture, at Maghar in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar district to mark the 500th death anniversary of mystic poet

and saint Kabir Das.

Uttar Pradesh orders plastic ban from July 15, third time since 2015

During a programme in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ban on plastic

bags, cups and glasses across the state from July 15

UP government to ask non performing employees aged above 50yrs to retire

The screening test is now mandatory for all government employees in Uttar Pradesh who have crossed the age of 50

years.

Modi, S. Korean PM inaugurate “world's largest mobile manufacturing plant” in Noida

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in on Monday inaugurated

Samsung’s mobile manufacturing plant, touted as the biggest in the world, in Noida.

West Bengal

Capital – Kolkata; CM – Mamata Banerjee; Governor – Keshari Nath Tripathi

Bangladesh Bhavan inaugurates in Santiniketan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina have inaugurated Bangladesh

Bhawan at Vishwa Bharti University in Santiniketan will house museum and library in West Bengal.

West Bengal State Pollution Control Board calls for ban on single-use plastics

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) on Monday gave a call for shunning single-use plastics which

triggers natural disasters such as flood and pollutes the environment.

West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi to Hold Additional Charge of Tripura

Keshari Nath Tripathi, Governor of West Bengal given the additional charge of Tripura Governor, during the absence

on leave of Tathagata Roy, Governor of Tripura.

West Bengal Govt Decides To Invest Rs 107 Cr To Check Riverbank Erosion

The West Bengal Government has decided to invest 107 crore rupees to check erosion at vulnerable areas along the

banks of the Ganga and the Padma. A stretch of 15 kilometreswill be concretised, to prevent erosion. The work will be

completed by March next year.

Fishermen oppose CRZ draft

An organisation of fishermen in West Bengal has written to the Central government to scrap the draft Coastal

Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018, alleging that it would have adverse effects on their livelihood.

Visva-Bharati University to set up yoga village

Visva-Bharati University (VBU), Birbhum, West Bengal founded by Rabindranath Tagore, will set up a yoga centre

inside the campus, named yoga gram (village). The centre is aimed at increasing awareness about yoga.

Lakshadweep Island

Capital – Kavaratti; Governor - Shri Farooq Khan




Lakshadweep joins hand to incorporate UDAY scheme providing electricity to people:

Lakshadweep, the Union Territory joined hands with the UDAY scheme, which is meant for the revival of debt-stressed

power distribution companies (discoms) in the country.

Daman and Diu

Capital – Daman; Governor - Praful Khoda Patel

Diu Becomes First UT To Be 100% Powered By Solar Energy

Diu has become the first Union Territory in India to run 100 percent on solar power generated energy.

Other National News

Antyodaya train between Jalandhar-Darbhanga from May 20

The Northern Railways authorities have announced a new weekly Antyodaya Express train between Jalandhar City

and Darbhanga to cope with the rush of passengers between various destinations in Punjab and UP/Bihar.

Railways to install ‘panic button’ in trains for women safety

With a view to strengthen security of women passengers in trains, the North Eastern Railway (NER) plans to deploy

women police personnel on trains during night hours as well as install ‘panic buttons’ in coaches.

Aadhaar not mandatory for getting pension

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said that the Aadhaar card is not mandatory for central government

employees to get their pension,

Class X certificates for ‘gurukul’ students

Students who have studied at ‘gurukuls’ and ‘veda pathshalas’ will soon be eligible for Class 10 and Class 12

certificates, making them eligible to apply for jobs that have a Class 12 qualification.

Air India could pay up $8.8 mn to passengers

State-run carrier Air India may have to pay a penalty of $8.8 million to 323 passengers of its May 9 Delhi-Chicago

flight, which was delayed as a fallout of withdrawal of relaxations given on flight duty time limitation (FDTL) of the

crew.

Haryana hikes incentive for intercaste marriage

The Haryana government has doubled the incentive amount for inter¬caste marriages under the Mukhyamantri

Samajik Samrasta Antarjatiya Vivah Shagun Yojna with immediate effect, an official said. Under the scheme, an

incentive of Rs.2.5 lakh would be provided in the form of fixed deposit jointly in the name of the couple.

Bid to connect popular tourist spots by air

The Ministries of Civil Aviation and Tourism will jointly develop a strategy to improve air connectivity to popular

tourist destinations, like the temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and cave monuments of Ajanta and Ellora in

Maharashtra.

University and college teachers across the country will soon be able to connect in online

University and college teachers across the country will soon be able to connect with experts in their fields of study and

also pose queries on academic questions that they wish resolved through suggestions offered by these experts or other

teachers of their discipline.

IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from water

The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in collaboration with private company developed a

new device-Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media to detect and remove arsenic content from water and make it safe and

usable by households.

Railways plan ‘Gandhian menu’ on October 2

If a proposal from the Railways is approved, October 2 will not only be celebrated as Rashtriya Swachhta Diwas but

also as ‘Vegetarian Day’ as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi.

IIT Kanpur sets up India’s first advisory Centre Energy Regulation (CER)

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur set up India’s first Centre for Energy Regulation (CER) with the help of

Govt of United Kingdom.

CSTT adopts AYUSH word

AYUSH word has become popular as acronym for five traditional and complementary systems of medicine, namely

Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

CSTT approved ‘ayush’ word with meaning “Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing

which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homoeopathy etc”.

Habitat loss may have triggered Nipah outbreak




According to a report by the World Health Organization, there is “strong evidence” that the emergence of bat-related

viral infections can be attributed to the loss of the animal’s natural habitats.

UGC allows online degrees, certificates and diplomas

With the University Grants Commission approving the UGC (Online Courses) Regulations, 2018, in its meeting on

Thursday, higher educational institutions can now offer certificate, diploma and degree programmes in full-fledged

online mode in line with their regular programmes.

India to Be Host Country for Celebrations Of World Environment Day 2018

India will be the host country for celebrations of World Environment Day 2018. The announcement in this regard was

made by the Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. The theme for this year is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. The

government has launched green deeds campaign to raise awareness about protection of the environment. The World

Environment Day will be celebrated on 5th of June.

Supreme Court refuses to interfere with NGT fiat on PVC pipes

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to intervene with an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to freeze its

own directive to publish a warning about hazardous lead content in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes.

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput to promote Centre's 'Women Entrepreneurship Platform'

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput is collaborating with NITI Aayog for the promotion of Women Entrepreneurship Platform

launched by the government. An agreement in this effect was signed today by the actor with NITI Aayog in New Delhi.

Dr Jitendra Singh announces Rs 28 crore for 'Brahmaputra Study Centre' at Gauhati University

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER),

MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has said the

Government has approved setting up of an exclusive “Brahmaputra Study Centre” at Gauhati University, Guwahati, for

which a fund of about Rs. 28 crore will be provided by the Ministry of DoNER.

New User Interface Of Next Generation E-Ticketing System Launched

Railway's Online Travel Portal, www.irctc.co.in has now launched beta version of its new User Interface. The new link

has more user friendly features for easier navigation.

Ministry of Railways organizes a one day workshop ‘Mission Raftar’

Ministry of Railways conducted a one day workshop “Mission Raftaar” aimed at raising the average speed of freight

trains and coaching trains in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Rajen Gohain, Minister of State for

Railways & Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman,Railway Board.

Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurated 1st IAF Commanders Conference

The First biannual Indian Air Force Commanders’ Conference was inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala

Sitharaman at Air Headquarters in New Delhi. Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre, Air Chief Marshal BS

Dhanoa were among those who were present at the conference.

1.5 lakh affordable houses sanctioned for urban poor under PMAY (urban)

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of another 1.5 lakh affordable houses for the

benefit of urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) with an investment of Rs.7,227cr with central

assistance of Rs.2,209 cr.

IMD launches new system to improve weather forecasts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a new Ensemble Prediction Systems (EPS) to provide

probabilistic weather forecasts up to the next 10 days. According to IMD, these new systems shall improve upon

deterministic forecasts that are prone to high margins of error.

No return to ballot papers: CEC Rawat

Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat on Saturday ruled out bringing back ballot papers in elections and said the

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) was being made a “scapegoat” as “it cannot speak.” Political parties needed to blame

someone or something for their defeat.

IISc Bangalore back in world top university list

Bangalore’s Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has made it to the list of top 100 in the World Reputation Rankings 2018.

Ranked at 91, Indian Institute of Science is the only Indian University to have made it to the prestigious list.

Asia's 1st 13 'Blue Flag' Beaches To Be Developed In India

Environment-friendly, clean and equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists, 13 Indian beaches

will soon get the Blue Flag certification. These beaches of Odisha, Maharashtra and other coastal states will be the first

in not just India, but in Asia, to get the Blue Flag certification.

NTPC adopts Charminar under Swachh Iconic Places Project

NTPC Ltd has adopted the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad under the Swachh Iconic Places Projects of India.NTPC Ltd and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding for




implementation of development and beautification works under the Charminar Pedestrianization Project in Hyderabad.

PM Modi Unveils Plaque At Singapore's Clifford Pier Paying Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong jointly unveiled a plaque to pay

tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the immersion site of his ashes at the waterfront Clifford pier.

Govt ensuring every Indian has a home by 2022: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the NDA government is working towards ensuring that every Indian has a home

by 2022, when India marks 75 years since Independence.

Government announces Rs.8,000-crore package for sugarcane farmers

The Centre has announced a comprehensive package of more than Rs.8,000 crore to provide relief to sugarcane

farmers and to clear their dues, which have crossed over Rs.22,000 crore. The interventions include increase in

custom duty on import of sugar, removal of custom duty on export of sugar, and the creation of buffer stock at the cost

of Rs.1,200 crore.

Cabinet approves revised guidelines for time-bound closure of sick PSUs

Union Cabinet has approved the revised guidelines of the Department of Public Enterprises on time bound closure of

sick and loss making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and disposal of movable and immovable assets. The

revised guidelines will reduce delays in implementation of closure plans of sick and loss making CPSEs.

Centre constitutes group to suggest changes in SEZ policy

The Centre has constituted a group of eminent persons to study the Special Economic Zones, SEZ Policy of India. The

group will be headed by Industrialist Baba Kalyani. The group will evaluate the SEZ policy, suggest measures to cater

to the needs of exporters in the present economic scenario and make the SEZ policy WTO compatible. The Group has

to submit its recommendation in three months.

Center extends timeline of Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project

Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has revised cost and deadline of World Bank funded Dam Rehabilitation &

Improvement Project (DRIP) to Rs.3466 Crore till Jun 2020.

India’s first indigenous Lithium Ion Battery project

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) lab has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with RAASI

Solar Power Pvt Ltd for transfer of technology for India’s first Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Battery project. It was signed by

CSIR’s Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu

WHO commends India for reducing MMR by 77 %

The World Health Organisation (WHO) commended India’s progress in reducing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by

77%, from 556 per 10000 live births in 1990 to 130 per 10000 live births in 2016. This progress puts India on track

towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of MMR below 70 by 2030.

IRCTC inks MoU with CSC for delivery of rail tickets

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed an MoU with the Common Service Centres

(CSCs) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for delivery of railway services through CSC centres.

10 New Swachh Iconic Places Launched Under Swachh Bharat Mission

Ten new iconic sites have been taken up under Phase III of the flagship project Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) of the

Swachh Bharat Mission. The project envisioned by the Prime Minister is being coordinated by Ministry of Drinking

Water and Sanitation with the support of State governments and local administration.

10 New Iconic Sites are as follows:

1. Raghavendra Swamy Temple (Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh);

2. Hazardwari Palace (Murshidabad, West Bengal);

3. Brahma Sarovar Temple (Kurukshetra, Haryana);

4. VidurKuti (Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh);

5. Mana village (Chamoli, Uttarakhand);

6. Pangong Lake (Leh-Ladakh, J&K);

7. Nagvasuki Temple (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh);

8. ImaKeithal/market (Imphal, Manipur);

9. Sabarimala Temple (Kerala); and

10. Kanvashram (Uttarakhand).




3,000 Additional Atal Tinkering Labs Announced

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has selected 3,000 additional schools for the establishment of Atal

Tinkering Labs (ATLs), bringing the total number of ATL schools to5,441.

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal for introduction of the Dam Safety Bill

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal for introduction of the Dam

Safety Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

Cabinet approves proposal for withdrawal of Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for withdrawal of

Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The present proposal is for moving a motion in Rajya Sabha withdrawing the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill,

2013 introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 26, 2013 to amend certain existing provisions of the Nalanda University

Act, 2010 and add some new provisions.

New norms for college teachers recruitment and promotions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has brought out a new set of regulations to alter the conditions for

recruitment and promotion of college and university teachers, so as to make universities more focussed on research

and colleges on the teaching-learning process.

Indian Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) scientists discover new planet

Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad discovered distant planet revolving around Sun-like

star for first time. Both the planet and the star have been named EPIC. With this discovery India joins handful of

countries which have discovered planets around stars. EPIC planet has been named as EPIC 211945201b (or K2-236b)

and host star has been named EPIC 211945201 (or K2-236).

Govt extends sale of pre-GST goods with stickers of revised price till July 31

Sale of pre-Goods and Service Tax packaged goods has now been allowed with stickers of revised rates till July 31.

Extends tenure of Commission constituted to examine issue of OBC sub-categorisation

The Union Cabinet gave final extension to commission constituted to examine sub-categorisation within Other

Backward Classes (OBCs) in Central list. The commission earlier had term till Jun 20, 2018 but with extension it

will now work till Jul 31, 2018.

Paper setters to receive training

The National Testing Agency, which is being set up to relieve the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) of the

burden of conducting multiple examinations, will also train paper setters to set better question papers and provide

better model answers.

PM Modi to interact with farmers through NaMo App tomorrow morning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with farmers on June 20, 9:30 AM. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Minister Radha Mohan Singh said Mr Modi will have a direct dialogue with farmers across the country, in which

various initiatives related to doubling the income of farmers by 2022 will also be discussed.

India’s first river interlinking project caught in U.P.-M.P. tussle

Disagreements over water-sharing and difficulty in acquiring non-forest land impede the Rs18,000-crore Ken Betwa

river interlink project. The project, which involves deforesting a portion of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya

Pradesh, was accorded clearance by the National Wildlife Board on the condition that the land lost would be made

good by acquiring contiguous, revenue land.

Centre has finally announced the 100th and the last city which will be part of the project: Shillong

As the Smart Cities Mission enters its fourth year, the Centre has finally announced the 100th and the last city which

will be part of the project: Shillong.This announcement also sets the end date for the mission as June 2023.

Railways to become Net Zero Carbon emitter by 2030

Indian Railways will become a “net zero” carbon emitter by 2030, with the current action plans on anvil for 100 per

cent electrification, coupled with renewable strategies.

PM Modi Laid Foundation Stone of Paperless Vanijya Bhawan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Paperless Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi. Once ready,

the new building will house Department of Commerce. The building will accommodate about 1000 officers and staff.

CEMS Sets Up First-Of-Its-Kind Labs in Mumbai and Vizag

The Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS), a well-funded start-up in skill development for

maritime and shipbuilding sector, has announced setting up of 24 labs -6 in Mumbai and 18 in Vizag campus. The

announcement was made in the first seminar on Competencies, Employability, Methodology and Skills organized by

CEMS in Mumbai.




Government to make 24 degrees celsius as default setting for AC

The Union Ministry of Power has considered a proposal in making 24 degrees celsius as mandatory default setting and

labeling of air conditioners within few months. It has been planned after six months campaign launched to promote

energy efficiency in the area of air-conditioning.

Southern Railways imposes penalty of Rs.2,000 for taking selfie in front of train

Southern Railways will impose a fine of Rs.2,000 on passengers who take a selfie in front of trains at railway stations

or while standing on the footboard. People found repeating the offence will be imprisoned for six months. The

initiative aims to cut down on selfie-related train mishaps which have grown recently.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched the mPassport Seva mobile application

To help deliver passports to applicants at their residence, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched the

"mPassport Seva" mobile application on the occasion of 'Passport Seva Divas'. She also scrapped the marriage

certificate’s compulsion, required for obtaining passports. In total, there are 260 working passport centres, which will

be expanded to all Lok Sabha constituencies in the near future.

OIL India has made its second hydrocarbons discovery in KG basin

Oil India Limited (OIL) discovered second hydrocarbons in the onland KG Basin NELP VI Block KG-ONN-2004/1.

The first high pressure-high temperature (HP-HT) well was built at Thanelanka-1 by OIL. On testing, the HP-HT zone

in the depth range 4,912 – 5,159m in Golapalli Formation produced gas at 300 scmd through 16/64” bean choke. In

2017-2018, OIL India produced 3.3- metric million tonnes (MMT) of crude oil and 2.93 billion cubic meters (BCM) of

gas.

Finance Ministry approves Metro Rail projects in 5 cities of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

The Union Finance Ministry has given "in-principle" approval to proposed Metro Rail projects in Indore, Bhopal,

Kanpur, Agra, and Delhi. The estimated cost of the projects is Rs.1.07 lakh crore. Besides the five metro projects, the

Rs 32,000 crore Delhi-Meerut corridor of the proposed Rapid Rail Transit System also got the in-principle nod from

the finance ministry.

EC asks Facebook to block political ads 48 hours before polls

The Election Commission of India (EC) has requested Facebook to block political advertisements during the last 48

hours before elections.

Ayush Ministry to introduce Ayurvedic medicine as subject for Sanskrit students

Ayush Ministry is in the process of introducing Ayurvedic medicine as a subject for Sanskrit students. Ayush Secretary

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said, this will help in identifying the medicines and ayurvedic practices from the Sanskrit

scriptures that are unexplored

NITI Aayog releases first Delta ranking

NITI Aayog today launched the first Delta ranking, incremental progress, for the Aspirational Districts in the country.

The ranking is based on self-reported data of districts between March 31 to May 31, 2018, across five developmental

areas of Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill

Development and Basic Infrastructure. According to ranking, Dahod district of Gujarat improved 19.8 points to rank

first.

NITI Aayog partners with GNFC Ltd to implement Fertilizer Subsidy Disbursement through Blockchain

Technology

NITI Aayog and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) have signed a Statement of Intent

(SOI) to work together towards implementing a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) application using Blockchain Technology for

fertilizer subsidy management.

Oxytocin formulations ban come into effect from 1st July 2018

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has restricted the manufacture of Oxytocin formulations for domestic use

to public sector only from 1st July 2018.

Important International News

Disney announced that it was launching a free video app Oh My Disney with original content aimed at

millennials

Disney announced Tuesday it was launching a free video app with original content aimed at millennials, who are

targeted by advertisers.

The app -- called "Oh My Disney" -- will be a variation of the site of the same name, which publishes editorial content

and short videos on the world of Disney, Mickey and Marvel superheroes.

Islamabad’s new airport inaugurated




The Islamabad International Airport became operational when its first commercial flight, Pakistan International

Airlines (PIA) PK-300, landed from Karachi.

Putin becomes President for 4th time

Vladimir Putin took the oath of office for his fourth term as Russian President on Monday, promising to pursue an

economic agenda that would boost living standards across the country.

Australia pledges US$34-million to help save the koala

Australia on Monday unveiled a US$34-million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a

rapid decline in the furry marsupial’s fortunes.

China launches communication satellite

China has successfully launched ‘APSTAR-6C’, a new communication satellite into orbit. It was launched onboard of

Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Saudi women to start driving from June 24

Saudi women will be allowed to start driving in the kingdom from June 24, the General Department of Traffic Director

General Mohammed Bassami.

Uber reveals its first electric flying car prototype

Uber has unveiled its first electric 'flying car' concept aircraft featuring rotors which can reposition to help it fly after a

vertical takeoff. The aircraft can accommodate four passengers and travel 2,000 feet above the traffic at 241-321 kmph.

Ninety-two-year-old Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as Malaysia’s Prime Minister

Ninety-two-year-old Mahathir Mohamad was on Thursday sworn in as the world’s oldest elected leader after a

stunning election win that swept Malaysia’s establishment from power after more than six decades.

NASA, Uber team up to get flying taxis off the ground

NASA and Uber have signed an agreement to explore putting flying taxis in the skies over U.S. cities. NASA said that it

will begin simulations for so-called “urban air mobility” vehicles that also include delivery drones. The simulations are

planned at its research facility at Dallas Fort Worth.

‘Ramayan Circuit’ gets a new bus service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated a direct bus service

between Janakpur and Ayodhya, the two sacred cities for Hindus, as part of a “Ramayan Circuit” to promote religious

tourism in Nepal and India.

China seeks to reset ties with Japan

After engaging with India in Wuhan, China is rebooting ties with Japan, as part of a larger pan-Asian initiative that

appears to counter growing protectionism in the U.S.

China approves $1 bn loan for Sri Lanka expressway

China has approved a USD 1 billion loan to revive a long-delayed expressway in central Sri Lanka, the island's

government said today.

Russia unveils world’s first floating nuclear power plant

Russia unveiled world’s first floating nuclear power station at port city of Murmansk. Akademik Lomonosov was

constructed by Russian state nuclear power firm Rosatom.

Nepal becomes first country in south-east Asia to eliminate trachoma

The World Health Organization (WHO) validated Nepal for having eliminated trachoma, a contagious bacterial

infection of the eye

Ola to expand in Australia

Indian cab-hailing firm Ola on Tuesday said it had expanded its services in Australia to three more cities — Brisbane,

Gold Coast and Canberra.

Ireland overturns abortion ban in landslide vote

The pro-choice campaign won Friday's referendum with 66% of the 2.1 million votes cast. Ireland voted by an

overwhelming majority to overturn a constitutional ban on abortion in a historic referendum in this traditionally

Catholic country

Mia Amor Mottley becomes first female PM of Caribbean island of Barbados

Mia Amor Mottley become the first female Prime Minister (PM) of the Caribbean island of Barbados.The win makes

Mottley just the 8th PM to lead Barbados since the island gained independence from Great Britain in 1966.

Columbia formally joins NATO

One year after reaching partnership deal through a peace agreement with South America, Columbia has has formally

joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Netherlands joins Solar Alliance




The Netherlands has become the 64th signatory member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The joint statement

issued hailed the Netherlands as India’s “Gateway to Europe”.

India launches 2nd IT corridor in China

India has launched its second IT corridor in China to cash in on the burgeoning Chinese software market. The National

Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has established one more Digital Collaborative

Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform in China in an effort to provide market access to Indian IT firms in the huge

Chinese market.

India Releases Rs33.10 Cr to Nepal For 2 Road Projects

India has released 33.10 Crore rupees to Nepal towards the cost of two road packages of Birgunj-Thori Road being

implemented under Postal Highway Projects in Nepal with Government of India’s grant assistance.

US Pacific Command Renamed As Indo-Pacific Command

The United States has renamed its oldest and largest military command, US Pacific Command, or PACOM, to Indo-

Pacific Command, according to the US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.

Denmark bans Burqa in public spaces

The Danish Parliament has passed a law banning the Islamic full-face veil in public spaces, becoming the latest

European country to do so.

Orchid named after Narendra Modi in Singapore

“Dendrobrium Narendra Modi - an orchid named after PM @NarendraModi on the occasion of his visit to the National

Orchid Garden in Singapore,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Former Chief Justice Mulk becomes Pak. interim PM

A former Pakistani Chief Justice Mulk was sworn in on Friday as the caretaker Prime Minister for an interim period of

two months, hours after Pakistan’s President dissolved the powerful Lower House of Parliament.

Giuseppe Conte (above right) was sworn in as Italy's 58th prime minister

Giuseppe Conte is a 53-year-old jurist who has never been elected to parliament was sworn in as Italy's 58th prime

minister. Populist leaders Salvini and Di Maio will be joint deputy prime ministers.

Pedro Sanchez was sworn as new PM of Spain

Spain's Parliament ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party’s

corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.

Arctic seas are the planet’s cleanest

According to Murmansk Marine Biology Institute, the Arctic’s seas are the cleanest seas on the planet. In 2017, the

Institute’s scientists organized several big expeditions to the Arctic. The institute’s experts worked in the Barents,

Norwegian and Greenland Seas.

Biopic ‘Making of the Mahatma’ screened in Pietermaritzburg

The screening of the biopic ‘Making of the Mahatma’ in Pietermaritzburg on Jun 06 marked the opening of a three-day

series of events to commemorate the historic incident 125 years ago when Mahatma Gandhi was evicted from a train

because the compartment he was in was reserved for whites only.

Indonesia wins UNSC as a non-permanent member vote

The Maldives failed to get elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. Maldives and Indonesia

had contested for a seat in the UNSC, but in the plenary session of Friday held at the UN headquarters in New York,

Indonesia won the seat after securing 144 votes against 46 for the Maldives.

Fuego volcano erupts

The Fuego volcano, in Guatemala, has recently erupted violently and buried several villages on its southern flank It is

an active stratovolcano. The death toll has risen to 99 in the Fuego volcano eruption.

India Is The Second Highest Sender Of Foreign Students In US

With 1,86,000 Indian students currently studying in the United States, India is the second highest sender of foreign

students to the US, next only to China. US consul general in Kolkata, Craig Hall, stated that the United States is the top

destination for foreign students worldwide and the number of Indian students in the US has more than doubled in the

last 10 years.

Venezuela Supreme Court rejects challenge to Maduro re-election

Venezuela's highest court refused to consider a lawsuit challenging President Nicolas Maduro's re-election victory. The

elections chamber of the Supreme Court announced its decision on Twitter, and did not give the reasoning behind it.

Pakisthan Taliban head ‘Mullah Radio’ killed in U.S.-led strike

Pakistani Taliban leader Mullah Fazlullah has been killed in a U.S.-Afghan air strike in Afghanistan, a senior Afghan

Defence Ministry official said on Friday, a killing likely to ease tension between the United States and Pakistan.

WHO recommends quadrivalent influenza vaccine




Sanofi Pasteur’s injectable influenza vaccine (FluQuadri) containing two A virus strains H1N1 and H3N2 and two B

virus strains Victoria and Yamagata for active immunisation of adults of age 18 to 64 years was approved in May last

year by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Japan adopts economic plan to allow more foreign workers

The cabinet of Japan has adopted an economic plan that will allow more foreign workers to work in the country. It will

help rapidly aging country to make up for its declining workforce. In recent times, number of foreign workers in Japan

has nearly doubled to 1.28 million.

World Bank Approves $700 Mn to Improve Primary Education In Bangladesh

The World Bank has approved $700 million to help Bangladesh achieve its education for all vision by improving the

primary education sector.

Arab group wants India on board in Yemen

UAE envoy says New Delhi can help by extending diplomatic support to the Hodeidah operation on international

platforms. The Arab coalition which is fighting to secure the strategic Yemeni port of Hodeidah will be reaching out to

India for its support.

US Withdraws From UN Human Rights Council

Nikki Haley, the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations announced the withdrawal of the United

States from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), accusing the council of bias against US ally

Israel.

Hungary's 'Stop Soros' law makes it illegal to help migrants

Migrant and refugee organizations in Hungary are facing an uncertain future after the country's parliament passed

legislation Wednesday that criminalizes helping undocumented immigrants, including asylum seekers.

Algeria shuts down internet nationwide to prevent cheating during high school exams

Algeria shut down all internet connections nationwide for two hours in order to prevent students from cheating during

two high school diploma exams. This comes after widespread cheating in 2016, where questions were leaked on social

media before the start of the exam.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos became the Richest Person in the World

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has become the richest man in the world with a net wealth of USD 141.9 billion,

as per the Forbes World's Billionaires list. Bill Gates is the second-richest man in the world with USD 92.9 billion.

Mark Zukarberg ranked third place with a total of wealth of USD 82.2 billion.

India notifies higher tariffs on U.S. imports

India has notified higher tariffs on several items imported from the U.S., including agricultural products such as

apples, almonds, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts, and industrial inputs such as some grades of iron and steel products,

the latest salvo in the ongoing tariff tiff between the U.S. and several of its trading partners.

India cuts export quotas for Maldives

India has lowered the limits on the export of certain essential commodities such as potatoes, onions, and eggs to the

Maldives, according to a recent notification, in a move that sparked reports of possible food shortages in the Maldives.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan re elected as the Turkish President

Recep Tayyip Erdogan had won a 52.54% share of the national vote and re-elected as the Turkish President, extending

his 15-year grip on power. Erdogan has won several consecutive elections to become Turkey's longest-serving leader.

China bans HBO after UK comedian criticises President Xi Jinping

China has banned US film and television production company HBO's website following UK comedian John Oliver's

critique of Chinese President Xi Jinping on his show. Oliver had compared the Chinese President to cartoon character

'Winnie the Pooh'.

India pledges USD 5 million for Palestine Refugees

A total of 20 countries, including India, announced contributions to the 2018 budget of the United Nations Relief and

Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees. In March, India announced it will increase its annual contribution to

the UNRWA from USD 1.5 million to USD 5 million (Rs34.09 crore) from 2018-19 for a period of three years.

UNESCO may drop the Mesoamerican Reef, Belize from threatened sites list

The Mesoamerican Reef was marked as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1960. It was placed on endangered status

in 2009 because of Belize’s plans to allow oil exploration. To protect the site a number of measures were taken by the

Belizean government and the activists. Now, UN body is considering to remove the reef from the UNESCO’s list of

threatened World Heritage sites.

EU leaders agree to extend economic sanctions against Russia

European Union leaders agreed at a summit in Brussels today to extend economic sanctions against Russia over the

conflict in Ukraine for a further six months.




French government reintroduced compulsory national service for all 16 year olds

Under the plan, all 16 year old French boys and girls would do a minimum of one-month service in the first phase

which would focus on voluntary teaching and working with charities among others. The second phase will be voluntary

and focus on areas linked to defence and security.The service program will start at the beginning of the 2019.

US withdraws its military from South Korean capital after 70 yrs

US withdrew its troops from Seoul after nearly 70 years and moved them to Camp Humphreys in the city of

Pyeongtaek. Camp Humphreys, the largest US overseas military base, was built over a period of 10 years which cost

nearly $11 billion. Over 28,000 US troops are stationed in South Korea.

India, Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails. The list was shared

as per the provision of bilateral agreement on consular access signed between both countries in May 2008.

Sri Lanka moves its naval base to China run Hambantota port

Sri Lanka is shifting a naval base currently situated in the tourist district of Galle to the Hambantota port which is built

and controlled by China. Sri Lanka formally handed over the port to China in December, 2017. Sri Lanka Prime

Minister:- Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Air India removes 'Taiwan' from its website due to China's pressure

Air India has changed its reference to Taiwan on its website to 'Chinese Taipei' after pressure from China, which does

not recognize Taiwan as a separate country.

Beijing eyes UNESCO status for Mao tomb, Tiananmen Square

Beijing wants to have Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and Tiananmen Square, powerful and controversial symbols of

Chinese communist might, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nawaz Sharif sentenced to 10 years in jail

An anti-corruption court in Islamabad on July 6 sentenced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to 10 years in prison.

Test-tube embryos may save the northern white rhinos from extinction

Scientists have grown hybrid embryos from the sperm of near-extinct northern white rhinoceroses in the laboratory,

hoping to save the species.

Turkey to sell four corvette warships to Pakistan

Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build four corvettes for Pakistan under the MiLGEM

project in May 2017.

Nepal, India to Jointly Promote Tourism

The 2nd meeting of the joint working group on tourism cooperation between India and Nepal concluded in

Kathmandu, Nepal. Both sides agreed to jointly promote Buddhist and Ramayana circuits and Adventure tourism.

India to develop 'World's emptiest airport' in Sri Lanka

India would operate Sri Lanka’s loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, called the

'world's emptiest airport' due to a lack of flights.

UK town to be Amritsar's twin city to honour last Sikh king

A small town Thetford of England will be converted into a twin city of Amritsar in the memory of the last king of the

Sikh Empire, Maharaja Duleep Singh.

Important Appointments National Appointments

Person Designation

Kavinder Gupta Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

Uday Kotak MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

Rajiv Bakshi Chief Marketing Officer of Intex Technologies

Sitanshu Ranjan Kar Director General of Press Information Bureau in New Delhi.

Subhash Chandra Khuntia Chairman of IRDAI

Anil Sardana Tata Power MD and CEO

Ashok Lahiri Full-time member of 15th Finance Commission

Jagdish Mukhi Governor of Manipur

R.M. Malla Independent director Adani Capital

Nikol Pashinyan Prime Minister of Armenia

Nitin Bawankule Country Head For Google Cloud India




CEO of FSSAI Pawan Kumar Agarwal

Mahathir Mohamad Malaysia’s Prime Minister

Mohit Chauhan Green Ambassador of Sikkim

Pawan Kumar Agarwal CEO of FSSAI

MS Dhoni Brand Ambassador of Online pharmacy Netmeds

Ambika Sharma The U.S India Business Council Head

Mukul Rohatgi

“Eminent Jurist” in Lokpal selection committee

Kathak dancer Anindita

Anaam 'Shri Jayadev Rastriya Yuva Pratibha Puraskar 2018

Arun Rao M. G Non-Independent Director of Dhanalakshmi Bank

Uttam Pacharne Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi

Anil Kumar Jha Coal India Ltd. CMD

Firoz Bakht Ahmed

New Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU)

Parameshwara Karnataka Deputy CM

Anubrata Biswas Airtel Payments Bank’s MD & CEO

Ganeshi Lal Governor of Orissa

Kummanam Rajasekharan Governor of Mizoram

Pankaj Saran Deputy National Security Advisor

R K Agrawal Next NCDRC President

Amitabh Bachchan

The face of Central Railways` anti-trespassing campaign

Amit Khare Secretary of Information & Broadcasting

Mr. R. Gandhi Electronic Payment Services (P) Ltd Independent Director

Sharad Kumar Vigilance Commissioner

Mohanlal

Lead of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes

Arvind Saxena Acting UPSC chief

S Ramesh Chairman of CBIC

Dr. Inder Jit Singh As Secretary, Ministry Of Coal

Pradeep Parameswaran Uber India & South Asia President

Arjit Basu Managing Director of SBI

Amit Jain First Indian MD of LOreal India

S Ramesh Chairman Of CBIC

Girish Chandra Chaturvedi ICICI Part Time Chairman

Sonakshi Sinha UNESCO Ambassador to promote safe and secure online environment for children and help

empower our future digital citizens.

International Appointments

Person Designation

Sarah Mullally First female Bishop of London

Mahathir Mohamad Malaysia’s 93 year old Prime Minister

Vladimir Putin Russian President

Susheela Jayapal 1st South Asian To Be Elected In Oregon

Shashank Manohar Chairman of the International Cricket Council for another two years.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Vice-President of Badminton Asia Confederation (BAC)

Nicolas Maduro Venezuela's President

Saad Hariri Lebanon's New PM

Alicia Pucheta First woman president of Paraguay




Pippa Harris New chairperson of BAFTA

Omar Razzaz New PM of Jordan

Fernanda Espinosa President of 73rd UNGA

Sarita Nayyar WEF Managing Board

Francisco D’Souza Cognizant CEO

Dhivya Suryadevara CFO of General Motors

Jordan PM Al-Razzaz

Colombia's President Ivan Duque

LG - CEO Koo Kwang-mo

Important Resignations

Person Designation

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian

Retirement from all forms of cricket Mohammad Kaif

Indra K. Nooyi Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo

Mario Gomez Veteran German Football Player

Jhulan Goswami The veteran India Pacer, has announced her retirement from Twenty20

Internationals.

Anil Ambani Director of RNAVAL

Awards and Honors

Awards Winners

Saraswathi Samman 2017 Sitanshu Yashaschandra

PC Chandra Puraskar Asha Bhosle

WBC Asia Boxer of the Year Award. Neeraj Goyat

Most trusted FMCG brand in India Patanjali

ONV Literary Prize M.T Vasudevan Nair

Billboard Awards Janet Jackson

KISS Humanitarian Award 2018 Muhammad Yunus

Lata Mangeshkar Swara Mauli title

Nikkei Asia Prize Bindeshwar Pathak

DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award – 2017. Dr V K Saraswat

TITAN Reginald F Lewis Film Icon Award at the

ongoing 71st Cannes Film Festival.

Sridevi

European Union honoured for strengthening

Europe-India cultural ties. Amitabh Bachchan

T.K. Ramanathan Award Prajnesh Gunneswaran

Man Booker International Prize Olga Tokarczuk for her novel ‘Flights

India Biodiversity Award 2018 Arunachal Pradesh-based NGO Singchung Bugun Village

Community Reserve (SBVCR)

First Indian to receive Linnean Medal Kamaljit Bawa

'Most Inspiring Icon of the year for Social Welfare"

award by the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film

Festival (DPIFF)

Yuvraj Singh

13th edition of the World Press Cartoon awards Kerala Cartoonist Thomas Antony




'Santokba Humanitarian Award' Kailash Satyarthi , ISRO

FICCI Smart Policing Awards 2018 Vijay Goel

Pulitzer Prize In Music Kendrick Lamar

Sansad Ratna Award Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance

National Gopal Ratna’ award Dhiraj Ram Krishna

Lifetime Achievement honour at upcoming IIFA

awards ceremony

Anupam Kher

Polly Umrigar Award Virat Kohli

China has awarded its first highest state honour

Friendship Medal Russian President Vladimir Putin

Kamila Shamsie's "Home Fire" Book 2018 Women's Prize for Fiction

Japan’s prestigious ‘Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture

and Community’

Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak

Prime Minister's Award for outstanding

contribution for promotion and development of

Yoga for the year 2018.

Shri Vishwas Mandalik, Nasik and The Yoga Institute, Mumbai

Femina Miss India 2018 Anukreethy Vas

Defending freedom award for TIME magazine's list

of 25 Most Influential People on the Internet in

2017.

Syrian girl Bana Alabed

'India's Sportsperson of the Year' for his stupendous

performance in 2017 Kidambi Srikanth

'Team of the Year' Indian women's cricket team

'Coach of the year' Stephen Constantine

Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Fest. Martin Scorsese

SKOCH Group has conferred the ‘Best performing

Social Sector Ministry’ award Ministry of Women and Child Development

World Food Prize Lawrence Haddad

David Nabarro

Gold Award at the 52nd Skoch Summit 2018 Sagarmala’

India Smart Cities Awards

1. The city award is being given to Surat for showing great momentum in implementation of projects especially in the

categories of urban environment, transport and mobility and sustainable integrated development.

2. The Innovative Idea award is being given to a project/idea particularly remarkable for its innovative, bottom-up and

transformative approach towards achievement of sustainable integrated development. Joint winners in this category

are Bhopal for their Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and Ahmedabad for Safe and Secure Ahmedabad

(SASA) Project.

3. The Project awards are being given to most innovative and successful projects in seven categories that have been

completed by April 1, 2018.

Important Committees

Committee Heads

ARC/AML panel for stressed assets Sunil Mehta

IRDAI Sets Up Panel To Review Norms For Marketing Firms Suresh Mathur

To bring transparency in the jobs data calculation and presentation T.C.A. Anant

Committee for Standardization and Indigenization in Metro Rail Systems E. Sreedharan

Panel to upgrade norms for state, district level economic data collection Ravindra H Dholakia

Public Credit Registry (PCR) Committee a repository of information Y.M. Deosthalee




regarding loan information of individuals and corporate borrowers

panel to upgrade norms for state, district level economic data collection Ravindra H Dholakia

UGC Committee to regulate fee for medical courses in Deemed

Universities Prof. R.C. Deka

UGC Committee on examination Reforms Prof. M.M. Salunkhe

4-member panel to propose measures on mob violence, lynching Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba

The National Green Tribunal formed a monitoring committee for Yamuna

Rejuvenation Project A K Goel

The Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA) framework, which is part of project

'Sashakt', to take concerted efforts towards resolving dud loans under Rs.

500 crore.

Sunil Mehta

Revive stressed thermal power plant Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha

16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

negotiations. Suresh Prabhu

FSSAI ropes in expert panel to review food labeling standards B Sesikeran

Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Advanced) Bhaskar Ramamurthy

Task force for Kerala flood relief work Gopalakrishnan

5G steering committee AJ Paulraj

Chairman Of Panel To Decide Vedanta's Plea S J Vazifdar

To review framework dealing with offences under the Companies Act,

2013 to promote better corporate compliance

Shri Injeti Srinivas

Government constitute 21-member Prime Minister’s Science, Technology

and Innovation Advisory Council

Principal Scientific Advisor to government

K Vijay Raghavan

Important Mou and Agreements

MoU signed between PHDCCI, Indian Yoga Association to promote yoga

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Indian Yoga Association (IYA) signed a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) to jointly promote yoga, health and spiritual tourism in the Krishna Circuit in Uttar Pradesh.

Bilateral trade between India and China resumes through Nathu La border

The bilateral trade between India and China through Nathu La border has resumed. General Secretary of the Indo-

China Border Traders' Welfare Association, Tenzing Tsepel, said, trading through Nathu La was possible only for two

weeks last year due to the Doklam standoff which resulted into losses. He expressed hope of a better transaction this

year.

India, China to set up hotline between military HQs

The militaries of India and China have reportedly agreed to set up a hotline between their headquarters after an

informal summit between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

India, China to set up hotline between military HQs

The militaries of India and China have reportedly agreed to set up a hotline between their headquarters after an

informal summit between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

NITI Aayog and Google sign SoI to help grow AI ecosystem in India

NITI Aayog and Google signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to enhance growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and

machine learning (ML) ecosystem in India.

India, Panama sign two agreements:

India and Panama have signed two agreements on exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports

and in the field of Agriculture.

These agreements were signed in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and President of Panama Juan

Carlos Varela Rodrigues and Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado in Panama city.

India, Guatemala ink MoU:

India and Guatemala inked a pact for strengthening diplomatic cooperation through Respective Foreign Service

Institutes in educational field.

Venkaiah Naidu 3-Nation Visit: India & Peru Signs Agreement:

India and Peru signed an agreement in the field of Renewable Energy at Lima. The pact was signed in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and the Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva Arevalo. This is the final leg of the 3-




Nation visit to central America of Indian Vice- President. Aadhaar not mandatory for getting pension:

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said that the Aadhaar card is not mandatory for central government

employees to get their pension,.

India Released Grant Of NRs 18.07 Crore To Nepal For River Training:

India has released grant of Nepalese Rupees (NRs) 18.07 crore for river training and construction of embankments

along Lalbakeya, Bagmati and Kamla rivers in Nepal. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri handed over a

cheque of the grant to Dr Sanjay Sharma.

India Signs Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore:

India has signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore. This is the first MRA being

signed by India with any of our FTA partners.

India-US colloquium on Earth Observations and Sciences for Society and Economy inaugurated in Goa:

The 2nd edition of India-US colloquium on Earth Observations and Sciences for Society and Economy has been

inaugurated at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Dona Paula, Goa.

Cabinet approves 'Three Year Action Plan of Agricultural Education Division & ICAR Institutes

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the Three Year

Action Plan (2017-2020) of the scheme for Agricultural Education Division and ICAR Institutes with an outlay of

Rs.2225.46 crore[Rs. 2197.51 crore + Rs. 27.95 crore (State share) as salary component for AICRP-HS]for

strengthening and developing higher agricultural education in India.

Raksha Mantri Inaugurates BEL representative office in Vietnam

Raksha Mantri, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the first Representative Office of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat

Electronics Limited (BEL) in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Approves MoU between the ICMR and INSERM, France

The Union Cabinet has been apprised of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU signed between the Indian Council of

Medical Research (ICMR) and Institute National de la Santeet de la RechercheMedicale (INSERM), France. It aims at

cooperation in areas of common interest within medical, health research and life sciences fields.

India, Italy agree to revitalise bilateral ties:

India and Italy on Monday agreed to boost cooperation in counter-terrorism and cyber security as External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj met the top Italian leadership and discussed steps to revitalize bilateral ties.

India and Tajikistan agree to enhance mutual cooperation for sustainable water development:

India and Tajikistan have reaffirmed their commitment to promote bilateral relations and agreed to enhance economic

cooperation, particularly in sustainable water development.

Four MoUs signed and 6 at an advanced stage under Adopt a Heritage Scheme

Under "Adopt a Heritage Scheme", three MoUs have already been signed and six are at an advanced stage and 31 more

Adarsh Monuments are enlisted for coverage under the scheme. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of

Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India.

The four MoUs include: 1. Mount Stok Kangri Trek Route, Ladakh 2. Gangotri Temple Area & Trail to Gaumukh,

Uttarakhand 3. Red Fort, Delhi 4. Gandikota Fort, Andhra Pradesh

Russia To Supply Technical Security Equipment To India

Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) had announced that its subsidiary Nikiret has signed an

agreement with Indian engineering services firm Core Energy Systems Pvt Ltd for the promotion of its technical

security equipment in India.

India, Cuba sign two MoUs

India signed two Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with Cuba to enhance cooperation in biotechnology and

traditional medicine. The MoUs were signed after delegation-level talks between President Ram Nath Kovind and his

Cuban counterpart Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba.

Health Ministry inks MoU with IGNOU

The Health Ministry has inked an MoU with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to scale-up short-

term healthcare courses and produce over 14 lakh trained manpower by 2025.

Summit and Conference Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 to be held in Varanasi

The next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in the holy city of Varanasi in January with the Indian diaspora having

an option to participate in Kumbha Snan and attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, an official in the Indian

Embassy in Washington has said.




Second World Hindu Congress (WHC) is scheduled to be held in Chicago in September

Second edition of World Hindu Congress (WHC)/World Hindu Congress 2018 will be held in Chicago, US from 7th –

9th September, 2018. Theme: “Sumantrite Suvikrante” – “think collectively, achieve valiantly”.

Naval Commanders’ Conference held New Delhi

The first edition of 2018 bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference held in New Delhi.

International Buddhist Conference held in Lumbini, Nepal

International Buddhist Conference 2018 was held in Lumbini, Nepal on 28th and 29th April, 2018.The conference was

organised as part of 2562nd Buddha Jayanti celebrations. Theme: ‘Lumbini Nepal: The birthplace of Lord Buddha and

the fountain of Buddhism and world peace’.

9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi

The 9th India Japan Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi. Minister of State(IC) for Power and New &Renewable

Energy, Shri R.K Singh, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Mr. Hiroshige Sekosigned a Joint

Statement at the conclusion of the meeting.

‘Vibrant North East 2018’ from May 3

The 'Vibrant North East 2018', an event in which people would be made aware of central government's schemes and

programmes will be held in Guwahati.

51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank

An Indian delegation headed by Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of

Finance is currently on a tour to Manila to attend the 51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank.

ISABS – 2018 held in Johannesburg

The first-ever India-South Africa Business Summit (ISABS 2018) has been held at the Sandton Convention Centre,

Johannesburg, South Africa. The tag line of the Summit was “United by Legacy, Unified for Prosperity” and was

attended by the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu.

12th informal meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers held in Manila

The twelfth informal meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers was held in Manila, the capital of Philippines on the sidelines

of the 51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Delhi to host six-day Festival of Bharat

National capital Delhi will host a six-day-long Festival of Bharat between May 9 and May 14 as a 21st century tribute to

the majesty and depth of India's civilization.

India to host 15th Asia Media Summit

India will host 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS-2018) in New Delhi from May 10-12, 2018. It is being organised by Asia-

Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in collaboration with its partners and international

organisations. Theme: “Telling our Stories- Asia and More”.

3rd edition of UNPCAP held in New Delhi

3rd edition of the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was inaugurated in New Delhi

on May 7, 2018.The course in geared to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing Countries to

the UN.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu inaugurates 6th US-India Aviation Summit

The 6th US-India Aviation Summit was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu in

Mumbai. The biennial Summit is jointly organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade and Development

Agency (USTDA).

Suresh Prabhu inaugurates 6th US-India Aviation Summit in Mumbai

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the 6th US-India Aviation Summit. This three-day

Summit is being jointly organised by Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade and Development Agency

(USTDA).

Customs And Postal Department Hold 1st Ever Joint Conference

Indian Customs and Department of India Posts held a first-ever Joint Conference in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to

deliberate on streamlining of imports and exports by post.

BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held in New Delhi

The first meeting of the BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held in New Delhi, India.Delegates from

all the BIMSTEC Member States, i.e., Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand attended

the meeting.

Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC summit

Nepal will host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. It was announced by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his meeting with Indian




Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kathmandu (capital city). President Kovind Inaugurates Global Exhibition On Services- 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 4th edition of Global Exhibition on services in Mumbai. He has also

released the logo for Services and launched the portal.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 to be held in Varanasi

The next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in the holy city of Varanasi in January with the Indian diaspora having

an option to participate in Kumbha Snan and attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, an official in the Indian

Embassy in Washington has said.

Second World Hindu Congress (WHC) is scheduled to be held in Chicago in September

Second edition of World Hindu Congress (WHC)/World Hindu Congress 2018 will be held in Chicago, US from 7th –

9th September, 2018.

Theme: “Sumantrite Suvikrante” – “think collectively, achieve valiantly”.

Naval Commanders’ Conference held New Delhi

The first edition of 2018 bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference held in New Delhi. It discussed aspects concerning

country’s maritime security, analyse mission-based deployments and larger issues of geo-strategic Indian Ocean Region

(IOR), a region witnessing increasing Chinese presence.

International Buddhist Conference held in Lumbini, Nepal

International Buddhist Conference 2018 was held in Lumbini, Nepal on 28th and 29th April, 2018.The conference was

organised as part of 2562nd Buddha Jayanti celebrations.

Theme: ‘Lumbini Nepal: The birthplace of Lord Buddha and the fountain of Buddhism and world peace’.

9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi

The 9th India Japan Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi. Minister of State(IC) for Power and New &Renewable

Energy, Shri R.K Singh, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Mr. Hiroshige Sekosigned a Joint

Statement at the conclusion of the meeting.

‘Vibrant North East 2018’ from May 3

The 'Vibrant North East 2018', an event in which people would be made aware of central government's schemes and

programmes will be held in Guwahati. Players from the agriculture, food processing, consumer affairs, civil supply,

drinking water and sanitation sectors will participate in the three-day event.

51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank

An Indian delegation headed by Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of

Finance is currently on a tour to Manila to attend the 51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank. Shri Garg held

bilateral meeting with the Premier of Niue, Sir Toke Talagi on the sidelines of the 51st Annual Meeting of Asian

Development Bank (ADB) in Manila.

ISABS – 2018 held in Johannesburg

The first-ever India-South Africa Business Summit (ISABS 2018) has been held at the Sandton Convention Centre,

Johannesburg, South Africa.

The tag line of the Summit was “United by Legacy, Unified for Prosperity” and was attended by the Minister of

Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu.

12th informal meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers held in Manila

The twelfth informal meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers was held in Manila, the capital of Philippines on the sidelines

of the 51st Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The meeting was attended by the Finance Ministers/Heads of Delegations from the SAARC member states.

Narendra Singh Tomar addresses Kaushal Vikas Melas

Aajeevika and Kaushal Vikas Melas were held in various parts of India as part of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. Rural

Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, addressed the gathering at the main event held at Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Delhi to host six-day Festival of Bharat

National capital Delhi will host a six-day-long Festival of Bharat between May 9 and May 14 as a 21st century tribute to

the majesty and depth of India's civilization.

India to host 15th Asia Media Summit

India will host 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS-2018) in New Delhi from May 10-12, 2018. It is being organised by Asia-

Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in collaboration with its partners and international

organisations. Theme: “Telling our Stories- Asia and More”.

3rd edition of UNPCAP held in New Delhi

3rd edition of the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was inaugurated in New Delhi on May 7, 2018.The course in geared to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing




Countries to the UN. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu inaugurates 6th US-India Aviation Summit

The 6th US-India Aviation Summit was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu in

Mumbai. The biennial Summit is jointly organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade and Development

Agency (USTDA).

Suresh Prabhu inaugurates 6th US-India Aviation Summit in Mumbai

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the 6th US-India Aviation Summit. This three-day

Summit is being jointly organised by Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade and Development Agency

(USTDA).

Customs and Postal Department Hold 1st Ever Joint Conference

Indian Customs and Department of India Posts held a first-ever Joint Conference in Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to

deliberate on streamlining of imports and exports by post.

6th US-India Aviation Summit held in Mumbai

The 6th United States-India Aviation Summit, formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh

Prabhu, has been held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The biennial Summit was jointly organised by Ministry of Civil

Aviation and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held in New Delhi

The first meeting of the BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held in New Delhi, India.Delegates from

all the BIMSTEC Member States, i.e., Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand attended

the meeting.

Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC summit

Nepal will host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

summit. It was announced by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister

Narendra Modi in Kathmandu (capital city ).

BIMSTEC countries are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka from South Asia and Myanmar, Thailand from

South East Asia.

President Kovind Inaugurates Global Exhibition On Services- 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 4th edition of Global Exhibition on services in Mumbai. He has also

released the logo for Services and launched the portal.

4th meeting of SAWEN held in Kolkata, India

The fourth meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife law

enforcement agency was in Kolkata, West Bengal (India).

First International Rail Coach Expo held in Chennai

The first-ever International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu to focus on Rail Coaches and train

sets.

Physical and Social Infrastructure for Regional Development’ Conference held in Guwahati

The two days regional conference on ‘Physical and Social Infrastructure for Regional Development’ has been held in

Guwahati, Assam.

2018 BRICS Ministerial on Environment at Durban, South Africa

The 2018 BRICS Ministerial on Environment has been held at Durban, South Africa. The meeting has agreed to include

Indian societal movement “Green Good Deeds” in its official agenda in the next Ministerial in Brazil and another

meeting in Russia.

Venture Capital Symposium 2018 held in New Delhi

The Venture Capital Symposium 2018 has been organized by NITI Aayog in association with Vision India Foundation in

New Delhi.

Emergency Summit of OIC held in Istanbul

The 57-members Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has held extraordinary summit in Istanbul, Turkey to

discuss recent Israeli violence against Palestinian protesters in Gaza Strip.

71st World Health Assembly Held in Geneva, Switzerland

The 71st World Health Assembly was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Indian Delegation was led by Union Health

Minister of India, Mr J P Nadda at World Health Assembly. Mr Nadda also inaugurated ‘Walk the Talk’ event and gave a

call ‘Health for all, Yoga for all’.

India to attend SCO meets in Pakistan

An Indian delegation will be among those attending an anti-terrorism conference being held here under the banner of

the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).




Regional Conference on “Clean and Renewable Energy” held in Bhopal

The Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah

inaugurated the one day Regional Conference on the theme of “New and Renewable Energy” in Bhopal, Madhya

Pradesh.

India-CLMV Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The 5th India-CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

It was jointly organised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry along with Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia

ASEAN India Film Festival held in New Delhi

ASEAN India Film Festival, organised by Ministry of External Affairs (ASEAN Multilateral Division), held in New Delhi.

It was organised as part of the series of events to commemorate 25 years of ASEAN and India relations. The film festival

was non-competitive and its tagline was ‘Friendship through Films’.

9th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ inaugurated in Tehri , Uttarakhand

Ministry of Culture has organised 3 day long diversified cultural festival ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ festival which

was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat Near Tehri Lake, Uttrakhand.

3rd Meeting of India– U.K. Home Affairs’ Dialogue

The Third Home Affairs’ Dialogue between India and U.K. was held in Mumbai on May 30. The Government of India

Delegation was led by Shri Rajiv Gauba, Union Home Secretary and the Delegation from Home Office of the U.K. was

led by its Second Permanent Secretary, Ms. Patsy Wilkinson.

Geo-Intelligence Asia – 2018

The Eleventh edition of Geo Intelligence Asia 2018 organised by Geo Spatial Media and Communication with

Directorate General of Information System as Knowledge Partners and Military Survey as Co-organizers, took place at

Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

IBSA Ministerial Meet held in South Africa

A meeting between external affairs ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa has been organized in Pretoria, South

Africa.

Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on ECD held in Nepal

The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Third Asia- Pacific Regional Policy

Forum on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

KLIP receives approval of Technical Advisory Committee

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana has received the approval of Technical Advisory

Committee of the Union govt in Delhi. The expected cost of project is Rs 80,000 crore.

G7 summit 2018 held in Canada

The 44th G7 summit was held on June 8–9, 2018, in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada.This was the sixth time since 1981

that Canada has hosted the meetings.

Mauritius to host 11th World Hindi Conference

Mauritius will host the 11th World Hindi Conference in its capital city Port Lois from Aug 18-20, 2018. It will be

organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt of India in association with Govt of Mauritius.

International ICT conference to be held in Nepal

The Computer Association Nepal (CAN) is organizing an international-level 'Information and Communication

Technology (ICT) Conference-2018' in Kathmandu on June 17-18.

Conference on implementation of NPS by the CABs held in Delhi

A Conference on Implementation of National Pension System (NPS) by the Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs) was

organized by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in Delhi.

106th Science Congress to be hosted by Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar

Government was announced that The 106th Indian Science Congress will be held at Lovely Professional University

(LPU) in Jalandhar, Punjab from January 3 to 7, 2019.

India to Host European Union Film Festival

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) will premiere in New Delhi at the Siri Fort Auditorium. With a selection of

24 latest European films from 23 EU Member States, this years' film festival brings some unusual stories for the world

cinema enthusiasts. The European Union Film Festival is organized by Directorate of Film Festivals.

4th Governing Council Meeting Of NITI Aayog Held In Delhi

The fourth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog was held under the chairmanship of the PM Narendra

Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. It was attended by 23 Chief Ministers and the Lieutenant Governor of

Andaman & Nicobar Islands, apart from Union Ministers, who are ex-officio members and special invitees.




SAARC Development Fund to launch SEDP

SAARC Development Fund (SDF) will launch the social enterprise development programme (SEDP) as part of its

social window. SEDP will be implemented in all SAARC member states with an objective of identifying and building

social enterprises by using mix of grants and concessional returnable capital.

The 3-day NATIONAL YOGA OLYMPIAD-2018

A 3-day National Yoga Olympiad was inaugurated at the National Council of Educational Research and Training in

CIET in New Delhi by Mr. Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative of the New Delhi Cluster Office for India,

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Inter-Governmental Ministerial meeting on anti-doping held in Colombo

The annual Asia and Oceania Region Inter-Governmental Ministerial meeting on anti-doping held in Colombo, Sri

Lanka. It has been attended by the representatives from 29 countries including India. The 15th such annual gathering

is also being attended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to discuss important anti-doping issues that will

help in the fight for clean sport.

5th National Standards Conclave Held In New Delhi

The 5th National Standards Conclave- Implementing the Indian National Strategy for Standardization was held in

New Delhi. It was organized by Department of Commerce and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

7th OPEC international Seminar

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will host the 7th OPEC International Seminar at the

Imperial Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria, on 20−21 June 2018.Theme: Petroleum – cooperation for a sustainable

future.

PM Modi to Inaugurate 3rd AIIB Meeting in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

(AIIB) in Mumbai. In the past, AIIB annual meetings have been held in Beijing, China, in 2016 and in Jeju, South

Korea, in 2017.

UAE to hold first-ever 'World Tolerance Summit'

The United Arab of Emirates (UAE) will host a two-day "World Tolerance Summit" in November. The theme of the

summit is"Prospering from Pluralism: Embracing Diversity through Innovation and Collaboration".

AIIB's 4th Annual Meeting 2019 in Luxembourg

Moving out of Asia first time, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)'s Fourth Annual Meeting will be held in

Luxembourg in July 2019.

Luxembourg is a founding member of AIIB as well as a leading international financial centre and facilitator of

investments between Europe and Asia.

WCD Ministry to organise TECH-THON

Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India will organize a day-long Seminar on Technology

Partnerships for Steering POSHAN Abhiyaan called ‘TECH-THON’ for POSHAN Abhiyaan - PM’s Overarching Scheme

for Holistic Nourishment on 28th June, 2018 at PravasiBharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.

Important Mobile App and Web Portal

Paytm Introduces 'Tap Card' Offline Payments Solution

One97 Communications Limited, the owner of digital payment major, Paytm, announced the launch of its offline

payments solution - the Paytm Tap Card, in line with the company's vision to provide seamless payments solutions for

non-internet customers.

Dhadkan mobile app was launched to monitor health of heart patients

Students at IIT Roorkee have developed a mobile application -- 'Dhadkan' -- for monitoring the health of people

suffering from heart ailments and provide them with medical assistance in case of emergency.

Now pensioners can view passbook using Umang app

EPFO announced that now Pensioners can view their pension passbook on mobile phones using Umang app.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced this facility as a part of its plan to go paperless by

August 2018 and offer all services online.Umang app was launched by government in 2017.

Infibeam to buy arm of Snapdeal

Ahmadabad-based Infibeam said it will acquire Snapdeal’s subsidiary Unicommerce, which offers e-commerce

enablement software, in a deal worth up to Rs120 crore.

Andhra CM launches NCBN app to implement effective governance




Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the official ‘NCBN’ (Nara Chandrababu Naidu) App in

the Collector’s conference held at Amravati. The ‘NCBN’ (Nara Chandrababu Naidu) App has been launched to

implement effective governance in Andhra Pradesh.

China's Alibaba Buys Pakistan E-Commerce Firm Daraz

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba had purchased leading Pakistani online retailer 'Daraz', continuing its overseas

expansion by gaining a foothold in the growing South Asian consumer market.

Paytm Introduces Automatic Recurring Payments

Paytm introduced automatic recurring payments, a new feature that lets users configure the payments app to pay for

periodic recurring expenses automatically. Similar to standing instructions for bank accounts, the ‘My

Payments’ feature can be used for high-value payments for a variety of cases.

Suresh Prabhu launches IP mascot – IP Nani

The Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu has launched the Intellectual Property (IP) mascot – IP Nani – at

the conference on National Intellectual Property Rights Policy in New Delhi.

Election Commission to launch app to help voters share malpractice proof

The Election Commission will launch a multi-lingual mobile application empowering people across the country to

share evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates and activists ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls,

directly with the electoral body.

Mobile app to be launched for advance lightning warning

The Odisha government has decided to introduce a special mobile application to provide advance information on

lightning which has claimed at least 61 lives between April and May 22 this year

Election Commission to launch app to help voters share malpractice proof

The Election Commission will launch a multi-lingual mobile application empowering people across the country to

share evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates and activists ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls,

directly with the electoral body.

Mobikwik launches UPI on platform

Leading digital financial services platform, MobiKwik has announced the launch of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on

its platform via its own Virtual payment address (VPA) handle @ikwik. MobiKwik’s users can, by default, use their

mobile number as their own VPA which will be ‘@ikwik’.

UNICEF launches data visualisation app

The UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund) has launched Data Visualisation App to provide user-

friendly visual representation of complex analytics of education scenario in India.

PRAAPTI App launched by Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Shri R.K. Singh

A Web portal and an App namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing

Transparency in Invoicing of generators), www.praapti.in, has been officially launched by Hon’ble Minister of State

(I/C) for Power, Shri R.K. Singh.

IRCTC website gets user-friendly features

Now you need not log in to the IRCTC website if you just want to check the availability of seats in trains or to get

information on trains between two stations.

Patanjali Launches New Messaging App 'Kimbho'

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali launched a new swadeshi messaging application called 'Kimbho' to compete with

WhatsApp. Kimbho caters to private and group chats with free phone and video calling.

Important Defence and Science News

India, Pakistan to participate in SCO counter-terror exercise Peace Mission 2018

For the first time, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise, schedule to be held in

Russia in September 2018.

The exercise has been named ‘Peace Mission 2018’ and almost all SCO member countries including China will be a

part of this exercise. Objective of conducting ‘Peace Mission 2018’ is to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the

eight SCO member countries.

South Western Command’s Exercise Vijay Prahar

South Western Command is carrying out Exercise VIJAY PRAHAR employing more than 20000 troops in the

Mahajan Field Firing Ranges close to Suratgarh in Rajasthan.

India emerges as fifth largest military spenders in 2017

According to recently released report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India emerged




as fifth largest military spender in 2017. China launches communication satellite

China has successfully launched ‘APSTAR-6C’, a new communication satellite into orbit. It was launched onboard of

Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

SpaceX Launches Most Powerful Falcon 9 Rocket

The California-based aerospace company, SpaceX has blasted off its most powerful Falcon 9 rocket, which is certified

to carry humans to space later this year.

ISRO making green propellant

Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have reported progress in the development of an

environment-friendly propellant to power satellites and spacecraft.

Army finalises ammunition project

After years of deliberations, the Army has finalised a mega Rs.15,000-crore project under which a range of

ammunition for its critical weapons and tanks will be produced indigenously to overcome long delays in imports and

address the problem of a dwindling stockpile.

Indian Army flags of Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition

Indian Army flagged off Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II to explore maximum

potential of women officers in the field of adventure sports. Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512 metres) is located in the Garhwal

Himalayas in Gangotri National Park.

Integrated Centre for Crisis Management for CBRN emergencies at BARC

President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (ICCM) at Bhabha Atomic

Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

India gears up for AI-driven wars

In an ambitious defence project, the government has started work on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to

enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces in a significant way, which would include equipping them

with unmanned tanks, vessels, aerial vehicles and robotic weaponry.

All-women Indian Navy crew returns to Goa after historic circumnavigation

An all-woman crew commanding the INSV Tarini on Monday returned to Goa after successfully circumnavigating the

globe in a 55-foot sail boat in more than eight months, the first-ever Indian expedition steered by women sailors.

India successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

India successfully test-fired the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range along

the Odisha coast to validate some new features. The missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher stationed at Launch

pad 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.

China launches relay satellite

China has launched relay satellite named Queqiao (Magpie Bridge) to establish communication link between earth and

its planned Chang’e-4 lunar probe (rover) that will explore the dark side of moon.

Chetak Corps of South Western Command conduct military exercise

Chetak corps of South Western Command of Indian Army has conducted military exercise Gandiv Vijay in Mahajan

field firing ranges of Rajasthan.

India-Nepal joint battalion level exercise

The thirteenth edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise, Surya Kiran-XIII will be conducted at Pithoragarh,

Uttarakhand from May 30 to Jun 12, 2018.

Military Exercise of Indian Army ‘Gandiv Vijay’ concludes

The two-month long military exercise of India Army ‘Gandiv Vijay’ concluded in Mahajan field firing ranges near

Suratgarh in Rajasthan on May 23, 2018.

Rustom-2 drone to be delivered by 2020

Indigenously developed Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will be delivered to armed forces by 2020 as per the

contract. It has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Exercise RIMPAC

As many as 26 countries, including India, will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific, RIMPAC military

exercise from June 27 to August 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The announcement

was made by the Pentagon.

Trilateral war games to kick off from June 6-15

India, Japan and the U.S. will hold the annual Malabar trilateral naval war games off the coast of Guam in the

Philippine Sea from June 6-15.

DAC approves procurement of radars, air cushion vehicles




The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved procurement of high powered radars for the Indian Air

Force and air cushion vehicles for the Army and the Coast Guard together worth over Rs.5,500 crore.

Indian Naval Ships arrive Guam to participate in Ex-Malabar 2018

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shakti and Kamorta of the Eastern Fleet arrived at Guam to participate in the 22nd

edition of Exercise Malabar, off Guam, USA from 07 to 16 June 2018.

Navy's INS Sunayna brings home 38 Indians from cyclone-hit Yemen's Socotra island

Thirty-eight Indians were on Thursday brought back home by the Indian Navy, four days after they were rescued from

the cyclone-hit Socotra Island in Yemen.

Dhanush artillery gun clears final test

India’s first indigenous, long-range artillery gun Dhanush has been successfully passed its final test at Pokhran,

Rajasthan. It paves its way for induction into Indian Army. Earlier the gun had passed tests under severe cold

conditions in Sikkim and Leh and in hot and humid weather in Balasore, Odisha, Babina in Jhansi.

India to host first BIMSTEC war games in September

India will host the first military exercise of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and

Economic Cooperation) group focussing on counter-terrorism in September. As part of this, a conclave of the Army

chiefs of all seven member-states is being planned.

India-Nepal joint military exercise concludes

The thirteenth edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise, Surya Kiran-XIII has been concluded at Pithoragarh,

Uttarakhand. The joint military exercise was aimed at further enhancing and strengthening level of defence cooperation

between the two neighbouring nations.

US Govt approves sale of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India

The United States State Department approved sale of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters along with support

equipments to India. The total estimated cost of the deal is $930 million.

The Apache choppers are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons

systems and night-fighting features, manufactured by Boeing.

ISRO plans next launch mission in August

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has slated its next launch mission, an Earth observation satellite,

tentatively for August. The last one was in April. The upcoming episode will include 25 to 30 small secondary foreign

satellites as passengers on the light payload lifting rocket, PSLV-C42.

DRDO converts Pinaka rocket system into guided missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) converted the indigenous developed Pinaka rocket

system into a precision-guided missile, with enhanced range and accuracy to hit its targets.

NASA’s record-breaking spacewoman retires as astronaut

NASA’s record-breaking spacewoman, Peggy Whitson has announced her retirement as astronaut less than year after

returning from her last and longest spaceflight. During her career, she had racked up total of 665 days in space — more

than any other NASA astronaut, and record for women worldwide.

Russia launches Glonass-M satellite

Russia successfully launched Glonass-M positioning satellite on board of Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket from the Plesetsk

space centre in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast.

The satellite is part of GLONASS network GLONASS (Russian acronym for Global Navigation Satellite System) which

provides real-time positioning data for surface, sea and airborne objects around globe, at accuracy reportedly at par

with US Global Positioning System (GPS).

Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Rani Rashmoni’ commissioned in Port City Visakhapatnam

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned fast patrol vessel (FPV) ICGS “Rani Rashmoni”, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra

Pradesh. It is the fifth and last ship to be commissioned in the series of fast patrol vessel (FPV) project of ICG. The ship

will be based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative and operational control of Commander, No.6 Coast Guard

District Headquarters (Andhra Pradesh).

India, Russia to hold military exercise Indra 2018 during the second half this year

The tri-service joint Russia-India military exercise Indra-2018 will take place in an Indian military base in the second

half of this year. Russia has been a long-standing defence partner of India.

Indian Army is observing the year 2018 as the Year of Disabled Soldiers in Line of Duty

To honour soldiers who have been disabled in line of duty, while serving the Nation and to celebrate the undying spirit

of ‘Soldiering’, Indian Army is observing the year 2018 as the ‘Year of Disabled Soldiers in Line of Duty’.

India and Bangladesh have agreed to institute a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) as an annual feature




India and Bangladesh have agreed to institute a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) as an annual feature between the two

Navies. The first edition will be inaugurated by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba during his visit there from June 24 to

29.

India to sign 3,400 crore rupees deal with Israel to buy 4500 missiles

India is set to sign a Rs3,400-crore ($500 million) deal with Israel for the purchase of around 4,500 Spike missiles for

the Indian Army. Spike is a fourth-generation man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed by

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

First satellite to demonstrate technology to clean up space junk deployed

The first satellite named, RemoveDEBRIS has been successfully deployed from International Space Station (ISS).

World’s Largest Multilateral Naval Exercise RIMPAC Begins

The world’s largest multilateral naval exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) begun off Hawaii in the Western Pacific

Ocean. The two-month long biennial exercise is likely to be attended by navies of 26 countries including India.

NASA to Launch World's Lightest Satellite Designed By Chennai Students

The first-year engineering students Harikrishan, P Amarnath, G Sudhi and T Giri Prasad from Hindustan Institute of

Technology and Science near Chennai built the 4cm ‘cube’ satellite 'Jaihind-1S' with a 3D printed outer casing from

polylactic acid (PLA) nylon material, making it lighter than a medium sized egg, at just 33.39 grams.

Important Schemes and Programs

CCEA Approves Continuation of Ongoing Urea Subsidy Scheme

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Department of Fertilizers to continue Urea

Subsidy Scheme up to 2019-20 at a total estimated cost of Rs. 1,64,935 crore and for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy.

This decision implies that there will be no increase in price of urea, till 2020.

27th Technological Conference of Indian Jute Industries' Research Association (IJIRA) started in Kolkata

Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani attended the 27th Technological Conference of Indian Jute Industries' Research

Association (IJIRA) on Shaping the Future of Jute in Kolkata.

NIFT to conduct National Sizing Survey

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi will conduct a National Sizing Survey to develop a

comprehensive size chart for ready-to-wear industry based on the body measurements of the Indian population.

'India by the Nile' festival to begin next week in Egypt

The mega annual cultural festival 'India by the Nile', organised to celebrate Indian culture and its diversity, will begin

in Cairo next week with the main focus on classical culture this year.

Rs. 5600 Crore Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

A total amount of Rs. 5638.87 crore was sanctioned with the release of Rs. 2148.17 crore since 2014-15 till date under

the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits

have been identified for development.

Center sanctioned Rs. 687.92 Crore Under PRASHAD Scheme

Meanwhile, under the PRASHAD scheme, 23 projects have been sanctioned to 15 States for a total amount of

Rs.687.92 crore with the release of Rs.241.28 crore since 2015-16 till date.

International Yoga Festival Held in Risikesh

Uthrakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the week-long 29th annual, world-famous

International Yoga Festival (IYF) in Rishikesh's Parmarth Niketan.

Smriti Irani Inaugurated FICCI Frames 2018 In Mumbai

The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the FICCI Frames

2018, in Mumbai. She has also released the FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Report 2018 named 'Re-imagining

India's M&E Sector'.

NITI Aayog Has Launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform

NITI Aayog launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, launched the WEP platform at NITI Aayog premises in New Delhi. The WEP theme

song “Naari Shakti” composed and sung by Shri Kailash Kher was released on this occasion.

RK Singh launches National E-Mobility Programme

Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the National E-Mobility

Programme.

PM Launches National Nutrition Mission And Pan India Expansion Of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao




On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PM Narendra Modi launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM)

and Pan India Expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) covering all 640 districts of the Country at a mega event

held at Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

Government announces launch of ‘SUVIDHA’

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth kumar announced the launch of

‘Suvidha’, the 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin, under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

(PMBJP).

MP announces'Mukhyamantri Mahila Kosh' scheme pension for single women aged over 50 years

On the International Women's Day on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the

'Mukhyamantri Mahila Kosh' scheme aimed at providing pension to unmarried women aged over 50 years.

Annual Krishi Unnati Mela Begins In New Delhi

The three-day annual Krishi Unnati Mela has begun in New Delhi with a focus on doubling farmers’ income. The

objective of the event is to create awareness among farmers about the latest agriculture-related technological

developments.

NITI Aayog Released SATH-E Roadmaps

NITI Aayog released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative ‘Sustainable Action for

Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH-E)’ project. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog released the forward-

looking blueprints.

LaQshya program launched to improve quality of Maternity care

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched LaQshya program aimed at improving quality of maternity care

in labor room and maternity Operation.

More than 17 lakh beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

The Government of India has approved Pan-India implementation of PMMVY in all districts of the country from

01.01.2017 under which the eligible beneficiaries get Rs. 5,000/- under PMMVY and the remaining cash incentive as

per approved norms towards Maternity Benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) after institutional delivery so that

on an average, a woman gets Rs. 6000/-.

President Inaugurates Festival Of Innovation And Entrepreneurship in New Delhi

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates a Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and present Gandhian Young

Technological Innovation awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi.

(KUSUM) scheme inaugurated to harness solar power for rural India

The Indian government is in process of formulating 'Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)

scheme' to harness solar power for rural India. The scheme will allow to setup grid-connected solar plants in rural

areas.

Cabinet clears Ayushman Bharat scheme for Rs.5L health cover to 10cr families

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission, which aims

to provide an annual health cover of Rs5 lakh to 10 crore poor families.

Government launches Sand Mining Framework to check illegal extraction

The Union Ministry of Mines has launched Sand Mining Framework to help states deal with the sand mining issues,

including demand supply deficit and illegal extraction. It was launched at the third National Conclave on Mines &

Minerals held in New Delhi.

Housing & Urban Ministry has approved the construction of 3,21,567 affordable houses under PMAY

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of 3,21,567 more affordable houses for the benefit

of urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) with an investment of Rs18,203 crore with central

assistance of Rs4,752 crore. The approval was given in the 32nd meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring

Committee (CSMC) held in New Delhi.

11th Rashtriya Rifles biennial conference at Nagrota on 26-27 March 2018

The eleventh Rashtriya Rifles Biennial Conference is being conducted at Nagrota from 26 to 27 March 18.

SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 Held In New Delhi

SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 has been organised in New Delhi under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural

Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development to

alleviate rural poverty.

Government launches Swachh Bharat Summer Internship

Government is going to launch Swachh Bharat Summer Internship (SBSI) 2018 aimed at engaging college youth with

Swachhata work in villages in coming Summer vacation.

Tibetans to host 'Thank You India' campaign in Delhi




Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit will preside over the opening ceremony of the Cultural Festival of Tibet event,

a part of the year-long 'Thank You India' campaign organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), in New

Delhi.

Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA)

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan (RAA), a convergent

framework across School Education and Higher Education aiming to encourage children towards learning Science and

Mathematics.

TRAI proposes Wi-Fi grid to bring down cost of internet by 90%

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) put forth a concept of open architecture-based public Wi-Fi grid to

bring down the cost of the internet by 90%.

8th Theatre Olympics concludes in Mumbai

51-day long 8th Theatre Olympics, concluded in Mumbai on April 8, 2018. Theatre Olympics is the largest

international theatre festival and was held in India for the first time.

'Gobardhan Yojana' launched to Support Farmers

The Haryana government launched the 'Gobardhan Yojana' to provide for the sale of organic manure and cow urine

with an aim to benefit farmers. A provision of Rs 11 crore has been made to provide benefits of various projects under

this scheme.

FSSAI launches Project Dhoop to address vitamin D deficiency amongst youngsters

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched ‘Project Dhoop’, an initiative to shift the school

assembly time to noon to make sure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural sunlight.

PM Modi Launches Largest Health Care Scheme On Ambedkar Jayanti

On the occasion of Birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the phase one of

the Ayushman Bharat schemes that aim at creating a healthy, prosperous and strong India. The first phase of

Ayushman Bharat will see 1.5 Lakh such Centers being set up across the country.

Government revises target to complete Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana from year 2022 to 2019

The Government has stated that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is well on its way to achieving the target by

March 2019.

Sensing the importance and urgency of rural roads for national development, the target date for completion of

PMGSY-I has been proponed from 2022 to 2019.

This centrally sponsored programme implemented in partnership with the state governments has seen the greater

focus and consistent improvement in pace and quality in the last three years.

Bharat-22 ETF follow-on offer may be worth Rs. 10,000 crore

The Finance Ministry might bring up a Rs 10,000-crore follow-on fund offer of the Bharat-22 exchange traded fund

(ETF) as it plans to dilute stake in Coal India to meet the minimum public holding norm.

Van Dhan Scheme launched by PM to help increase tribal income

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Van Dhan Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tribal Cooperative

Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) during the celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti at Bijapur,

Chattisgarh.

Lands get unique number in Andhra’s new project ‘Bhu Seva’

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Revenue) K E Krishnamurthy initiated Andhra Pradesh government’s ‘Bhu

Seva’ (land hub) project aimed at offering integrated services related with land.

Naveen Patnaik launches Odisha Skills, Dharmendra Pradhan opens 3 facilities

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated ‘Odisha Skills 2018’, the state-level chapter of India Skill

competition organised by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in Cuttack, Odisha.

IIM-Ahmedabad Launches Bharat Inclusive Initiative

IIM-Ahmedabad’s Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) has launched a Bharat Inclusion

Initiative to build knowledge and foster innovation and entrepreneurial activity across areas such as financial

inclusion, livelihood, education and health.

Government launches full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched full-fledged Green Skill

Development Programme (GSDP). It aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the

country through 30 courses by 2021 for sustainable conservation and management of natural resources.

Atal Pension Yojana’s subscriber base crosses 1 cr mark

The subscriber base of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) crossed 1 crore subscribers mark since its launch in May 2015. It has

been reported by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).




EESL distributes over 30 crore LED bulbs across the country

The state run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode (LED) bulbs across

country under zero-subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme.

‘Clean Air India Initiative’ launched

Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte, who is in India on a two-day visit, launched the ‘Clean Air India Initiative’ in

the national capital.

Jual Oram launches ‘the Pankha’ (Hand-Fans) through TRIFED and TRIBES India

Union Tribal Affairs Minister, Shri Jual Oram launched an exhibition cum sale event, ‘the PANKHA’ (Hand-fans),

created by TRIFED through its artisans from all over the country at its showroom Tribes India, 9 Mahadevan Road ,

New Delhi.

Government introduces new scheme ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has introduced a new scheme namely ‘Seva Bhoj Yojna’ with a total

outlay of Rs. 325.00 Crores for Financial Years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Committee constituted under to celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

An Executive Committee (EC) under the Chairpersonship of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has been constituted

comprising of Senior Ministers in the Cabinet, Leader of opposition (Rajya Sabha), Renowned Gandhian, Social

Activists and noted public figures.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers launches ‘Jan Aushadhi Suvidha’

The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh L Mandaviya launched the ‘Jan Aushadhi

Suvidha’- the Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

(PMBJP) in New Delhi. The average price of sanitary napkins available in the market today is around Rs 8 per pad,

whereas the cost of SUVIDHA napkins is Rs 2.50 per pad.

Eight States to implement ‘Ayushman Bharat’

Eight States and four Union Territories have signed MoUs with the Union Health Ministry to implement the

government’s ambitious national health protection mission — Ayushman Bharat — which aims to provide a cover of

Rs.5 lakh per family annually to 10 crore vulnerable families.

PM’s maternity scheme benefits 23.6 lakh

After initial hiccups in implementing the maternity benefit programme Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

(PMMVY), the government has finally made some headway and provided cash incentives to nearly 23.6 lakh

beneficiaries out of an estimated 51.6 lakh a year.

‘Government set to unveil Rs.500 cr. credit enhancement fund’

The government is set to unveil a Rs.500-crore credit enhancement fund next month to facilitate infrastructure

investments by insurance and pension funds.

PFRDA seeks to double pension limit under Atal Pension Yojana

The Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) has proposed to double the monthly pension limit to

Rs 10,000 from the existing Rs 5,000 under the Atal Pension Yojana. The proposal is now under the consideration of

the central government.

Met Dept to Use Flash Flood Guidance System For First Time To Forecast Floods

India Meteorological Department (IMD) will use flash flood guidance system for the first time in the country

to forecast floods. Currently, the Central Water Commission issues flood warnings. The national weather agency is

preparing to launch this service from the next month. Different kinds of soil from various parts of the country have

been studied to find out how absorbent each variety was.

Women and Child Development launches ‘#YogaFor9to5’

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched a contest, ‘#YogaFor9to5’ focused on generating

awareness regarding benefits of Yoga at Workplace for Women. The contest invites self-demonstration Videos &

Pictures of Yoga Asanas being practiced during office hours. The Ministry proposes to invite entries on easy Yoga Asanas

which can calm Women during her work hours. The deadline for the contest is June 21, 2018.

Government launches Swajal Scheme in 115 Aspirational districts

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation launched Swajal Scheme in 115 Aspirational districts of India to provide clean

drinking water. It involves total outlay of Rs. 700 crores through flexi-funds under existing National Rural Drinking

Water Programme (NRDWP) budget.

20 States sign MoU for implementing AB – NHPM

Twenty States signed MoU with Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for implementing Ayushman

Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The MoUs were exchanged during Health Ministers’

conclave held in New Delhi.




KVIC adopts Jagatpur village in Delhi for Swachhata Abhiyaan

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has adopted Jagatpur village in Delhi for its Swachhata

Abhiyaan. The sanitation drive by KVIC began with a plantation drive and ended with cleanliness drive along the bank

of the Yamuna river.

Women Wizards Rule Tech programme launched by NASSCOM

Indian IT industry’s apex body, NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) launched

‘Women Wizards Rule Tech’ programme to increase number of women in senior levels in Information Technology (IT)

industry.

President inaugurated Udyam Sangam 2018 in New Delhi

On International MSME (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Day 2018, the President of India Ram Nath

Kovind inaugurated the Udyam Sangam-2018 in New Delhi.

Important Ranking and Indexes

India is 2nd fastest growing nation for passenger traffic

India has been projected as the second fastest growing country in the world for passenger traffic based on traffic

forecasts during 2017-40 by the Airports Council International (ACI).

Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India

According to TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2018, Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India. Facebook has

attained the second position on the list. Amazon has ranked third. It is followed by e-Bay in the fourth position.

Flipkart has secured 6th position.

India had 14 out of world’s 20 most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016

Delhi and Varanasi are among the 14 Indian cities that figure in a list of 20 most polluted cities in the world in

terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016, data released by the WHO shows.

India has surpassed France to become world's fifth largest military spenders, SIPRI stated in a report

India spent $63.9 billion on its military in 2017, an increase of 5.5% compared with 2016, the report stated. The other

countries in top five include the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Justin Langer Appointed Head Coach Of Australian Cricket Team

Cricket Australia appointed Justin Langer as the new coach of the Australian national cricket team. Justin Langer

Appointed Head Coach Of Australian Cricket Team Justin Langer – Head Coach Of Australian Cricket Team:

Mukesh Ambani only Indian businessman on Forbes most powerful people list

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian businessman who made it to the Forbes latest

ranking of “The world’s most powerful people”.

India is 2nd fastest growing nation for passenger traffic

India has been projected as the second fastest growing country in the world for passenger traffic based on traffic

forecasts during 2017-40 by the Airports Council International (ACI). Vietnam has topped the list with an 8.5 per cent

growth rate. It is followed by India at 7.5 per cent and Iran at 7.3 per cent.

Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India

According to TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2018, Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India. Facebook has

attained the second position on the list. Amazon has ranked third. It is followed by e-Bay in the fourth position.

Flipkart has secured 6th position.

India had 14 out of world’s 20 most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016

Delhi and Varanasi are among the 14 Indian cities that figure in a list of 20 most polluted cities in the world in terms of

PM2.5 levels in 2016, data released by the WHO shows. And nine out of 10 people in the world breathe air containing

high levels of pollutants.

India has surpassed France to become world's fifth largest military spenders, SIPRI stated in a report

India spent $63.9 billion on its military in 2017, an increase of 5.5% compared with 2016, the report stated. The other

countries in top five include the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Justin Langer Appointed Head Coach Of Australian Cricket Team

Cricket Australia appointed Justin Langer as the new coach of the Australian national cricket team. Justin Langer

Appointed Head Coach Of Australian Cricket TeamJustin Langer – Head Coach Of Australian Cricket Team:

Mukesh Ambani only Indian businessman on Forbes most powerful people list

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian businessman who made it to the Forbes latest

ranking of “The world’s most powerful people”.

India 3rd largest solar market in world: Mercom




India emerged as the third largest solar market in the world in 2017 behind China and the US, Mercom

Communications India said in a report.

Indore, India’s Cleanest City in Swachh Survekshan-2018

As per the Swachh Survekshan-2018 results, Indore has once again emerged as the cleanliest city in India. Bhopal has

been ranked 2nd and Chandigarh 3rd in the survey at the national level.

Cleanest State Capital Greater Mumbai

Best city in Innovation and Best practices Nagpur

Best city in Solid Waste Management Navi Mumbai

India's Cleanest City Zone-Wise

North: Bhalso, Punjab.

East: Bundu, Jharkhand.

North-East: Kakching, Manipur.

South: Siddipet, Telangana.

West: Panchgani, Maharashtra.

Aditya Puri in Barron’s list of top 30 CEOs

HDFC Bank MD Aditya Puri has been named in Barron’s list of top 30 Global CEOs, for the fourth consecutive year.

Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase, Satya Nadella of

Microsoft and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook figure in the list.

Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index: Gujarat Tops, Jharkhand Lowest

Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari released Niti Aayog’s composite water management index report in New

Delhi. Gujarat topped the list while Jharkhand was adjudged as the worst performer. Gujarat is followed by Madhya

Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Jio becomes India's second largest telco by revenue

According to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), Mukesh Ambani-ledReliance Jio surpass Vodafone India

as the country’s second largest operator in terms of "access service gross revenue" at INR62.2 billion ($903 million).

Market leader Bharti Airtel still in No:1 with revenue of INR70.8 billion.

Index Rank

Global Hunger Index 100

Family-Owned Businesses 3

Most Valuable Nation Brand 9

Tuberculosis (Tb) Cases 1

Ease Of Doing Business 100

Gender Gap 108

Military Strength Global Firepower Index 2017 4

Mastercard Women Entrepreneurs Index 52

Web-Borne Threats 33

World Happiness Report 133

Energy Transition Index 2018 73

Global Startup Ecosystem 37

Internet Security Threat Report’ 3

World’s Largest Economy 6

World Press Freedom Index 138

Fdi Confidence Index 11

Asia-Pacific On Power Index 4

Business Optimism Index 6

Fdi Confidence Index 11

Asia-Pacific On Power Index 4

Business Optimism Index 6

Healthcare Access And Quality (Haq) Index 145

End Of Childhood Index 2018 113

Global Peace Index 136

Environment Performance Index (Epi) 177

Cyber Attacks On The Rise Globally 4

Indian Real Estate Transparency 35




Important Books and Authors

Books Author

Fulfilling Bapu’s Dreams – Prime Minister Modi’s tribute

to Gandhiji’ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Mahila Suraksha Jai Ram Thakur

'A Tribute to Jagu' Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) paid tribute to former BCCI president

Jagmohan Dalmiya.

Dr Prabhakiran Jain Paramveer Parwane

Namaste Shalom MP Shri Tarun Vijay

Think India journal on Deendayal Upadhyay NCP leader DP Tripathi

Sarvapriya Atalji Suresh Chand

Jannayak Atalji Kingshuk nag

Atal Jeevan Gatha Vijai Trivedi

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahin Sankalp’ Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu

'Bhavdiye' Venkaiah Naidu

Trishanku Nation – Memory, Self and Society in

Contemporary India Deepak Kumar

'Mister M K Gandhi Ki Champaran Diary' Arvind Mohan

'Champaran Andolan 1917' Ashutosh Partheshwar

'Pir Muhammad Munis: Kalam Ka Satyagrahi' Srikant.

Have a Safe Journey Nitin Gadkari

Economist Rao's Book Former PM Manmohan Singh Launches

The Red Fort Declaration – The Legacy 20 Years’ Fakir Hassen

Across The Bench - Insight Into The Indian Military

Judicial System Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan

NABARD Publication On 'Water Productivity Mapping Of

Major Indian Crops'

based on a study of 10 important crops by a team under the

leadership of leading agricultural economist Dr. Ashok Gulati

“The Ivory Throne : Chronicles of the House of

Travancore” Manu S. Pillai

Vedvigyan Alok Acharya Agnivarat Naishthik

Human Rights, Values and Cultural Ethos R.P. Dhokalia.

Important Sports News

CRICKET

Sachin Tendulkar, Anurag Thakur launches ‘Khel Mahakumbh’

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar launched ‘Star Khel

Mahakumbh’ in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, in the presence of 1500 athletes.

Arun Bhardwaj will head the Centre of Excellence for Cricket:

Noted coach and umpire Arun Bhardwaj will head the Centre of Excellence. Known for his sound knowledge of the

game, Bhardwaj, who calls himself a “student” of the game, is a retired employee of the Sports Authority of India.

Tim Paine confirmed as Australia’s one-day captain as ODI, T20 squads announced:

Tim Paine and Aaron Finch have been appointed as Australia’s new ODI and T20 captains respectively.

Women’s T20 squads for the women’s T20 challenge at Wankhede Stadium on May 22:

The BCCI has named the IPL Supernovas and Trailblazers teams, to be led by Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti

Mandhana respectively, for the women’s T20 challenge at Wankhede Stadium on May 22.

Gopal Subramaniam calls for five-member selection committees:

Amicus Curiae Gopal Subramaniam, guiding the Supreme Court in the matter of the implementation of the Justice

Lodha Committee Reforms in Cricket by the BCCI and its full members, has urged the apex court to issue directions to

increase the composition of the selection committees (senior men, junior and women) from three to five members.

ICC bans smart watches from field, dressing rooms:




The ICC has prohibited players and officials from using communication devices, especially smart watches, on the field

of play as well as the dressing room, taking another step at curbing corruption in the sport.

Chennai Super Kings won its third IPL title

Shane Watson put up an exhibition of power-hitting in front of a packed Wankhede crowd as he struck a memorable

unbeaten century to power Chennai Super Kings to their third Indian Premier League title.

S. No Award Winner (Team)

1. Man of the Match (Final) Shane Watson (CSK)

2. Orange Cap (Most Runs) Kane Williamson (SRH)

3. Purple Cap (Most Wickets) Andrew Tye (KXIP)

4. Emerging Player Rishabh Pant (DD)

5. Stylish Player Rishabh Pant (DD)

6. Perfect Catch Trent Boult (DD)

7. Super Striker Sunil Narine (KKR)

8. Valuable Player Sunil Narine (KKR)

Toss will not be tossed away, says ICC Cricket Committee:

The toss that brings in an element of intrigue at the start of a Test match will remain in force although former captains

and players had wanted it to be tossed away as pitches were being tinkered with to favour home teams.

Dehradun International Cricket Stadium unveiled ahead of International debut:

The Dehradun International Cricket Stadium was opened on Saturday, 26th May by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand,

Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, after a senior delegation comprising experts from the International Cricket Council

assessed the facility last week.

Virat Kohli among world’s highest-paid athletes

India cricket captain Virat Kohli is the sole player from India to be featured in the world’s highest-paid athletes,

according to a Forbes’ compilation.The list has been topped by American boxing champion Floyd Mayweather.

Virat Kohli to get Polly Umrigar Award for best international cricketer:

Virat Kohli will be honoured with the top BCCI award on June 12 with Polly Umrigar Award for being the best

international cricketer for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

Harmanpreet and Mandhana, both of whom played a crucial role in India's impressive runners-up finish at the World

last year, will become maiden recipients of the awards for best international cricketer (women) for the 2016-17 and

2017-18 seasons respectively.

Mithali Raj becomes first Indian to score 2,000 T20I runs

Star batswoman Mithali Raj has became the first Indian cricketer to amass 2,000 runs in Twenty20 Internationals

(T20I).

Mithali achieved the landmark after scoring a knock of 23 during India's seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the

Women's Asia Cup T20.

World records ODI score by NZ women:

New Zealand women’s cricket team posted the highest ever total in one-day cricket — an incredible 490 for four

against Ireland in the first ODI in Dublin with skipper Suzie Bates leading from the front with a blistering 151-run

knock.

India lifts Intercontinental Cup in style:

Twin strikes from Sunil Chhetri and two timely blocks from Gurpreet Singh were the key as India beat Kenya 2-0 to

win the four-nation Intercontinental Cup here on Sunday night.

India suffered a three-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the final of the women’s Asia Cup T20:

Six-time defending champion India suffered a three-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the final of the women’s Asia

Cup T20 cricket tournament at the Kinrara Academy Oval

Smriti Mandhana to become first Indian to play in England’s Kia Super League

India Women’s Cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana will become the first Indian player to appear in Kia Super

League – the women’s cricket super league in England. She has been signed by Western Storm and will represent

them in the upcoming edition of the tournament that features six teams.

England goes ballistic, posts record 481:

England broke its own all-time record for the highest total scored in a men’s ODI when it posted 481 for six against

Australia.

NZ women break T20I record:

New Zealand broke the record for the highest score in a women’s T20I — 216 for one — en route to beating South

Africa by 66 runs.




India now moved to the second spot in the ICC T20I team rankings

After winning the two-match T20I series against Ireland, Indian team reached the second spot in the ICC T20I team

rankings.

Rahul Dravid becomes the fifth Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Former Team India captain Rahul Dravid (45-year-old) has become the fifth Indian cricketer after Anil Kumble, Sunil

Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi and Kapil Dev to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Wrestling

Wimbledon increases prize money

Wimbledon on announced it was hiking its total prize pot for the 2018 tennis championships to £34 million, up 7.6%.

Taro Daniel beats Malek Jaziri, wins maiden ATP title

Japan’s Taro Daniel grabbed his first ATP title after beating Tunisian Malek Jaziri 7-6(4), 6-4 in the Istanbul Open

final on Sunday.

Nadal wins eighth Italian Open title

Rafael Nadal came out on top in a matchup of this year’s top two clay-court players, beating defending champion

Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 on Sunday to win a record-extending eighth Italian Open title.

Football

Barcelona Clinch its 25th La Liga Title Without Losing a Single Game:

Barcelona has clinched their 25th La Liga title thanks to a 4-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday night -

inspired by a Lionel Messi hat-trick.

Mohamed Salah named writers’ Footballer of the Year:

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool football team has been named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for

2017/18.

Juventus Win Italian Cup:

AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gifted two goals and Nikola Kalinic added an own-goal in a nightmare 4-

0 defeat for the Rossoneri as Juventus claimed a record fourth straight Italian Cup title .

Neymar named France’s player of the year:

Neymar was named as France’s player of the year at an awards ceremony in Paris on Sunday, despite the Paris Saint-

Germain superstar missing the last three months of the season due to injury.

Neymar has been confirmed in a Brazil:

Neymar has been confirmed in a Brazil 23-man World Cup Football squad of few surprises.

Iraq to host first international football tournament:

Iraq is to host a West Asia Football Federation championship in the southern city of Basra in November, the first

international tournament to be staged in the country since the 1990s.

Zinedine Zidane quits as Real Madrid coach

Zinedine Zidane quit as Real Madrid coach on Thursday, less than a week after leading the team to its third straight

Champions League title, saying the club needed a change in command.

FIFA lifts suspension on Guatemala:

FIFA Thursday lifted a suspension imposed on Guatemala 18 months ago over its failure to comply with anti-

corruption rules.

Sunil Chhetri becomes joint second highest international goal scorer

India’s football team captain Sunil Chhetri has become joint second highest international goal scorer among active

players along with Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi.

United States, Mexico and Canada Win Right to Host 2026 World Cup

The United States, Mexico and Canada won the right to host the 2026 World Cup after easily beating Morocco in a

vote by FIFA member nations in Moscow.

Tennis

Australian Open 2018 Winners List:

S.

No. Category Winner Runner Up

1. Men's Singles Roger Federer (Switzerland) Marin Cilic (Croatia)




2. Women's Singles Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) Simona Halep (Romania)

3. Men's Doubles Oliver Marach (Austria) & Mate Pavic(Croatia) Robert Farah (Colombia) & J. Cabal

(Colombia)

4. Women's Doubles Kristina Mladenovic (France) & Tímea Babos

(Hungary)

Elena Vesnina (Russia) & Ekaterina Makarova

(Russia)

5. Mixed Doubles Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) & Mate Pavic

(Croatia)

Rohan Bopanna (India) & Timea Babos

(Hungary)

French Open 2018 Winners List:

S. No Category Winner Runner Up

1. Men's Singles Rafael Nadal (Spain) Dominic Thiem (Austria)

2. Women's Singles Simona Halep (Rome) Sloane Stephens (USA)

3. Men’s Doubles Nicolas Mahut (France) and Pierre-Hugues Herbert

(France)

Oliver Marach (Austria) and Mate Pavic

(Croatia)

4. Women's Doubles Barbara Krejcikova (Czech Republic) and Katerina

Siniakova (Czech Republic)

Eri Hozumi (Japan) and Makoto

Ninomiya (Japan)

5. Mixed Doubles Latisha Chan (Taiwan) and Ivan Dodig (Croatia) Gaby Dabrowski (Canada) and Mate

Pavic (Croatia)

Wimbledon Championship 2018 Winners List:

S. No. Category Winner Runner Up

1. Men's Singles Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Kevin Anderson (South Africa)

2. Women's Singles Angelique Kerber (Germany) Serena Williams (USA)

3. Men’s Doubles Mike Bryan (USA) and Jack Sock (USA) Michael Venus (New Zealand) and Raven

Klaasen (South Africa)

4. Women's Doubles Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) and

Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic)

Nicole Melichar (USA) and Kveta

Peschke (Czech Republic)

5. Mixed Doubles Alexander Peya (Austria) and Nicole Melichar

(USA)

Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) and Jamie

Murray (United Kingdom)

The US Open 2018 Winners List:

S. No. Category Winner Runner Up

1. Men's Singles Novak Djokovic (Serbia) Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina)

2. Women's Singles Naomi Osaka (Japan) Serena Williams (USA)

3. Men’s Doubles Mike Bryan (USA) and Jack Sock (USA) Łukasz Kubot (Poland) and Marcelo Melo

(Brazil)

4. Women's Doubles Ashleigh Barty (Australia) and CoCo Vandeweghe

(United States)

Timea Babos (Hungary) and Kristina

Mladenovic (France)

5. Mixed Doubles Bethanie Mattek-Sands (United States) Jamie

Murray (United Kingdom)

Alicja Rosolska (Poland) and Nikola

Mektic (Croatia)

Nadal to become world no. 1 again:

Spain's 16-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal displaced Swiss rival Roger Federer at the top of the ATP men's

singles rankings.

Indian tennis ace Leander Paes won Davis Cup

Leander Paes won Davis Cup and secured his 43rd doubles win of his career in the competition, in Tianjin, China. Rafael Nadal Won 11th Monte Carlo Masters title

Rafael Nadal cruised to a record-extending 11th Monte Carlo Masters title, brushing aside Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 in

Sunday’s final to retain the World No. 1 ranking. The 31-year-old became the first player to win a tournament 11 times

in the Open era. This was also Nadal’s 76th ATP Tour title.

Indian Wells 2018- Complete List of Winners

The Indian Wells Masters, also known as BNP Paribas Open and the WTA Indian Wells Open, is an annual tennis tournament held in March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, United States.




Wimbledon increases prize money

Wimbledon on announced it was hiking its total prize pot for the 2018 tennis championships to £34 million, up 7.6%.

Taro Daniel beats Malek Jaziri, wins maiden ATP title

Japan’s Taro Daniel grabbed his first ATP title after beating Tunisian Malek Jaziri 7-6(4), 6-4 in the Istanbul Open

final on Sunday

Bopanna is IOC’s icon of the year

Rohan Bopanna’s disappointment in losing the French Open men doubles quarterfinals stood largely negated by the

joy of receiving the “Sports Icon of Year” award at the conclusion of the Sports Conclave

Simona Halep wins 2018 French Open

Simona Halep from Romania has won her first Grand Slam at the 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris. She

defeated Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a gruelling French Open final to won the title.

Federer is No. 1 again

Roger Federer overcame Nick Kyrgios 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(5) in the semifinals of the Stuttgart Cup. The win ensured that

the Swiss will return to the top of the World rankings when the new list is release.

Others

India's Neeraj Goyat is WBC Asia Boxer of the Year

Indian pugilist Neeraj Goyat has been conferred with the WBC Asia Boxer of the Year Award. Neeraj is the current

WBC Asia champion in welter weight category.

Hockey India names Harendra Singh as men's coach

Hockey India today named Women's hockey coach Harendra Singh as chief coach of the Indian men's team.

Incumbent men's in-charge Sjoerd Marijne was re-appointed as Indian women's hockey coach.

ISSF brings you ‘Athletes Handbook’

Quality guidance at a young age is the key to healthy growth in any sport. Keeping this in mind, the Athletes

Committee of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), with the former World and Olympic champion

Abhinav Bindra as the chairman, has brought out a comprehensive Athletes Handbook, for the benefit of shooters

around the world.

Talent search camp in Bengaluru

About 120 players are set to be trained in three batches at the Padukone-Dravid Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, in

three batches, as part of the drive by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to identify fresh talent.

India finishes on top with 20 gold medals at 3rd South Asian Junior Athletics Championships

India finished on top with 20 gold, 22 silver and 8 bronze medals, at the 3rd South Asian Junior Athletics

Championships (SAJAC) at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Host Sri Lanka won 12 gold medals 10 silver and 19 bronze medals and occupied 2nd place. Pakistan won 1 silver and 1

bronze medal and secured the third place.

NBA and FIBA to host BWB Asia:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) will host the Basketball

Without Borders (BWB) Asia event, open to the best boys and girls in the under-17 age group of the Asia Pacific region,

at the NBA Academy in the National Capital Region from May 30 to June 2.

Lewis Hamilton cruises to victory in Spanish Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton easily won the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday for his second straight Formula One

victory, increasing his championship lead over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Heena takes gold in air pistol

S.No. Category Winner Runner Up

1. Men's Singles

Juan Martin Del Potro

(Argentina)

Roger Federer

(Switzerland)

2. Women's Singles

Naomi Osaka

(Japan)

Daria Kasatkina

(Russia)

3. Men's Doubles

John Isner (United States)

Jack Sock (United States)

Bob Bryan (United States)

Mike Bryan (United States)

4. Women's Doubles

Hsieh Su-wei (Chinese Taipei)

Barbora Strycova (Czech Republic)

Ekaterina Makarova (Russia)

Elena Vesnina (Russia)




Former World record-holder Heena Sidhu announced her readiness for the next World Cup in Munich with a gold

medal in air pistol at the international shooting championship here.

Lewis Hamilton Wins Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton (of Mercedes) won for the second race in succession by dominating an eventful Spanish Grand Prix

2018. Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes stood second in the race.

First Para-National Games to be held in Bengaluru

The inaugural National Para Games, on the lines of National Games for able-bodied athletes, will held under the Khelo

India Scheme from Jun 28 to Jul 07 in Bengaluru.

Shivangi Pathak becomes India’s youngest women to scale Mt Everest

At the age of 16, Shivangi Pathak has become the India’s youngest women to scale Mt Everest from Nepal side.

Shivangi climbed Mt Everest to spread the message that women could overcome any obstacle to achieve their goals.

Mridul Banerjee Named Delhi Dynamos Assistant Coach

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Delhi Dynamos appointed Mridul Banerjee as the new assistant coach of the club.

The 59-year-old will take over from Shakti Chauhan who left the side earlier this month.

Bala Prasath Wins Formula Junior Racing Series 2018 Championship

Coimbatore racer Bala Prasath has won the Formula Junior Racing Series 2018 Championship in Coimbatore, Tamil

Nadu.

Bala, who was trailing in second place after Round 1 with 91 points, was in his element in Round 2 at the Kari Motor

Speedway.

South Korea Wins Asian Champions Trophy 2018

The Indian women’s Hockey team failed to defend its crown at the fifth Asian Champions Trophy, as it lost to

hosts South Korea, 0-1 in the summit clash at Donghae City, South Korea. A goal by Youngsil Lee clinched the Korean

team as the winner of Champions Trophy.

Japanese women’s badminton team clinches the Uber Cup

Japanese women’s badminton team clinched the Uber Cup for the first time since 1981 when they defeated hosts

Thailand 3-0 at the IMPACT Stadium. The Uber Cup is also known as the Women’s World Badminton Championship.

Vikas Gowda decided to quit sports

One of only three Commonwealth Games gold medallists for India in athletics, Vikas Gowda on Wednesday decided to

quit sports.

Sanjita Chanu provisionally suspended by IWF after failing dope test

The Indian Weightlifting Federation's (IWLF) ‘attempt’ to make the sport free of doping has received a major setback

with Gold Coast Commonwealth Games gold medallist K. Sanjita Chanu (53kg) testing positive for a banned anabolic

steroid.

Pune’s Sarthak is youngest FIDE rated chess player

Pune youngster Sarthak Yashodhan Deshpande has become the youngest current rated chess player in the country

with FIDE ratings of 1,064.

Archana Girish Kamath qualifies for Youth Olympics

Table tennis player Archana Girish Kamath on Saturday qualified for the Youth Olympics in her last attempt, joining

fellow Indian Manav Thakkar for the October event in Buenos Aires.

Anu Kumar wins gold, Arpandeep bronze

For a youngster who has a personal best of 1:50.60s, Anu Kumar was more than three seconds slower in the biggest

800m race of his life. That, however, did not matter as Anu won gold in the 18th Asian junior athletics championship.

Vettel drives to his 50th win

Sebastian Vettel claimed the 50th win of his career and reclaimed the lead of this year’s World championship on

Sunday when he ended Lewis Hamilton’s run of supremacy at the Canadian Grand Prix.

India bag 1-Gold, 2-Silver medals at Umakhanov Memorial Tournament in Russia

Indian boxers bagged one Gold and two Silver medals at the Umakhanov Memorial Tournament in the Russian

city of Kaspiysk.

Saweety Boora wins gold at the Umakhanov Memorial Tournament

Indian woman boxer Saweety Boora has claimed a gold medal in the middleweight category at the Umakhanov

Memorial Tournament in Kaspiysk, Russia. She beat home favourite Anna Anfinogenova in the final to finish on top in

the 75 kilogram category.

Brooks Koepka Wins 2nd US Open Golf Title 2018




American golfer Brooks Koepka has made history and finished strong as he became the first player in 29 years to win

back-to-back US Open titles at Shinnecock Hills in New York. The 28-year-old Florida native emerged victorious by

one shot over England's Tommy Fleetwood.

Limba Ram got the financial assistance of Rs.5 lakhs

Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs and Sports Col Rajyavardhan Rathore sanctioned a special financial assistance of

Rs.5 lakhs to former International Archer & Arjun Awardee Limba Ram.

R. Praggnanandhaa became the World’s second youngest chess Grandmaster:

India’s R. Praggnanandhaa became the World’s second youngest chess Grandmaster, at the age of 12 years, 10 months

and 13 days, after reaching the final round of the Gredine Open.

Sandeep Sejwal clinches gold at Singapore National Swimming Championships

Indian swimmer Sandeep Sejwal has clinched the gold medal in men’s 50 meter breaststroke event at the Singapore

National Swimming Championships in Singapore.

Jinson Johnson breaks Sriram Singh’s 42-year record:

Two-time Asian championship medallist Jinson Johnson gave a commanding performance to break Sriram Singh’s

four-decade-old National record in style and clinch the men’s 800m title in the National inter-State athletics

championships

Indian Shooter Saurabh wins gold medal with world record score at ISSF Junior World Cup

Sixteen-year-old Indian shooter Saurabh Chaudhary set a new world record and won a gold in the 10m air pistol event

in the ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany.

Rani Rampal to lead Indian Women’s Hockey team in 2018 World Cup

Rani Rampal was announced as the captain of Indian Women’s Hockey team for the World Cup London 2018.

Goalkeeper Savita has been named vice-captain.

Important Obituaries

PERSON FIELD

Lester James Peiris Sri Lankan filmmaker

Ashok Mitra Eminent Economist

Kottayam Pushpanath Malayalam detective novelist

Ravinder Sharma Renowned artist

Marshal Idris Hassan Latif Former Air Chief

Arun Date Renowned Marathi singer

B. N. Vijay Kumar MLA from Jayanagar in Karnataka

Balkavi Bairagi Noted Hindi lyricist, poet, politician

Ramesh Hassan, The South African Indian community is mourning the demise of musician and singer

Lester James Peiris Sri Lankan filmmaker

Ashok Mitra Eminent Economist

Kottayam Pushpanath Malayalam detective novelist

Ravinder Sharma Renowned artist

Marshal Idris Hassan Latif Former Air Chief

Arun Date Renowned Marathi singer

B. N. Vijay Kumar MLA from Jayanagar in Karnataka

Balkavi Bairagi Noted Hindi lyricist, poet, politician

Ramesh Hassan, The South African Indian community is mourning the demise of musician and singer

Balakumaran Popular Tamil novelist

Ennackal Chandy George

Sudarshan Eminent Physicist

Govind Lal Vora Veteran Journalist from Chhattisgarh

Yamunabai Waikar Lavani singer

Yaddanapudi Sulochana Telugu writer

Narayan Prasad Singh The most popular lyricist of Odisha

Maria Bueno The Brazilian “queen” of tennis

LP Shahi Former Union Minister and Congress leader

Pappu Karki The popular Kumaoni folk singer




Shantaram Laxman Naik The veteran Goa Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP

Ramchandra Bainda The former BJP MP from Faridabad Lok Sabha constituency

Shahzahan Bachchu A prominent Bangladeshi writer and publisher

Mulubha Jadeja Gujarat Batsman

Adiraju Venkateswara Rao Journalist

Nerella Venu Madhav World-renowned Mimicry artist

Peter Thomson Australian golf player

B Sujatha Devi Poetess

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