Dear Readers,
INDIAN AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approvals on October 4 2017
Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India and Lithuania.
i. Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
ii. Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
iii. Centre approves setting up a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad.
Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India and Lithuania.
i. Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
ii. Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
iii. Centre approves setting up a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad.
Centre launches six-year secure Himalaya project
On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
i. SECURE Himalaya stands for securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems.
ii. The project is meant for specific landscapes in High Himalaya ecosystem spread across four states viz. Jammu and Kasmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
i. SECURE Himalaya stands for securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems.
ii. The project is meant for specific landscapes in High Himalaya ecosystem spread across four states viz. Jammu and Kasmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Government constitutes a High Level Committee for
proper management of water resources in North Eastern Region
On 4th October 2017, the Government constituted a high-level committee for proper management of the water resources in the North Eastern Region (NER).Committee for water management in NER:
i. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog.
ii. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will serve as the coordinating point.
iii. Members of the Committee are Secretaries from the Ministries of Development of North Eastern Region, Department of Border Management, Department of Space, Power, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and National Disaster Management Authority and Chief Secretaries of all the 8 states in NER.
iv. The Committee will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018.
v. The Committee would help optimising benefits of appropriate water management in the form of hydro-electric power, agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism.
About Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Jitendra Singh
On 4th October 2017, the Government constituted a high-level committee for proper management of the water resources in the North Eastern Region (NER).Committee for water management in NER:
i. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog.
ii. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will serve as the coordinating point.
iii. Members of the Committee are Secretaries from the Ministries of Development of North Eastern Region, Department of Border Management, Department of Space, Power, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and National Disaster Management Authority and Chief Secretaries of all the 8 states in NER.
iv. The Committee will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018.
v. The Committee would help optimising benefits of appropriate water management in the form of hydro-electric power, agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism.
About Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Jitendra Singh
Government launches special course for untrained
teachers
On 4th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed):
i. The HRD Ministry had announced that ‘untrained teachers’ have to complete the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) course, within 2019.
ii. This course would be offered through ‘Swayam’, a platform for online education and knowledge through Dish TV. A mobile application has also been launched to help with clarifications.
iii. The course duration is 4 semesters. It consists of 1,080 lectures, in 10 languages.
iv. The applicant must have scored minimum 50% in class 12 examinations to enroll in the course. If not, they can write an exam with the NIOS, and if they score minimum of 50%, they would be eligible.
About National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS):
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Chairman – Prof. C.B. Sharma
On 4th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed):
i. The HRD Ministry had announced that ‘untrained teachers’ have to complete the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) course, within 2019.
ii. This course would be offered through ‘Swayam’, a platform for online education and knowledge through Dish TV. A mobile application has also been launched to help with clarifications.
iii. The course duration is 4 semesters. It consists of 1,080 lectures, in 10 languages.
iv. The applicant must have scored minimum 50% in class 12 examinations to enroll in the course. If not, they can write an exam with the NIOS, and if they score minimum of 50%, they would be eligible.
About National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS):
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Chairman – Prof. C.B. Sharma
No service charge on train e-ticket till March
2018: Railways
On 29th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
Service charge waived for train e-ticket till March 2018:
i. The government had waived service charges for e-tickets after demonetisation in November
2016, to encourage e-ticket booking. This
was extended to 30thJune and then 30thSeptember 2017.On 29th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
Service charge waived for train e-ticket till March 2018:
i. The government had waived service charges for e-tickets after demonetisation in November
ii. On 29thSeptember 2017, the Railway Board mentioned in a statement to Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) that, service charges for e-tickets booked in IRCTC will be waived till March 2018.
iii. Service charges for e-tickets booked through IRCTC varies from Rs.20 to Rs.40 per ticket. Almost 33% of the IRCTC revenue comes from the service charge collected on online bookings.
About IRCTC:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Products – e-ticketing, offline booking
♦ Services – Catering, Tourism and Online Ticketing
Uttar Pradesh government launches ‘Mukhyamantri
Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’
On October 3, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government launched a mass marriage scheme called ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’.Details of ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’
i. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department will conduct mass marriages.
ii. District magistrates of respective districts will authorise Urban local bodies like nagar panchayat, nagar palika and nagar nigam, kshetra panchayats, zila panchayats, government/semi-government organisations and NGOs to organise programmes in this regard.
iii. In order to avail the benefits of this scheme, parents of the brides have to be residents of Uttar Prdaesh and should be from below poverty line category. The scheme will also cover widows and divorced women.
iv. There should be at least 10 couples in the mass marriage ceremony. Uttar Pradesh State Government will spend Rs 35,000 on each couple. Besides, couples will also get number of household items and mobile phones as gifts.
Quick Facts about Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Lucknow
♦ Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
♦ Current Governor – Ram Naik
On October 3, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government launched a mass marriage scheme called ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’.Details of ‘Mukhyamantri Samoohik Vivaah Yojana’
i. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department will conduct mass marriages.
ii. District magistrates of respective districts will authorise Urban local bodies like nagar panchayat, nagar palika and nagar nigam, kshetra panchayats, zila panchayats, government/semi-government organisations and NGOs to organise programmes in this regard.
iii. In order to avail the benefits of this scheme, parents of the brides have to be residents of Uttar Prdaesh and should be from below poverty line category. The scheme will also cover widows and divorced women.
iv. There should be at least 10 couples in the mass marriage ceremony. Uttar Pradesh State Government will spend Rs 35,000 on each couple. Besides, couples will also get number of household items and mobile phones as gifts.
Quick Facts about Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Lucknow
♦ Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
♦ Current Governor – Ram Naik
Massive search operation ‘CASO’ launched in Jammu
& Kashmir
On 4th October 2017, Government forces launched a major Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO), in Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO):
i. Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) was launched following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the Bandipora area.
ii. Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) launched the joint operation in Hajin town of Bandipora district.
iii. Massive deployment of forces was made in the town and house-to-house searches were conducted.
iv. This was launched after the killing of an off-duty BSF (Border Security Force) soldier by suspected militants at his home in Parrey Mohalla of Hajin town, Bandipora. Police has blamed Lashkar-e-Toiba for his killing.
About CRPF:
♦ Fullform – Central Reserve Police Force
♦ Motto – Service and Loyalty
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Director General – Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
On 4th October 2017, Government forces launched a major Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO), in Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO):
i. Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) was launched following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the Bandipora area.
ii. Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) launched the joint operation in Hajin town of Bandipora district.
iii. Massive deployment of forces was made in the town and house-to-house searches were conducted.
iv. This was launched after the killing of an off-duty BSF (Border Security Force) soldier by suspected militants at his home in Parrey Mohalla of Hajin town, Bandipora. Police has blamed Lashkar-e-Toiba for his killing.
About CRPF:
♦ Fullform – Central Reserve Police Force
♦ Motto – Service and Loyalty
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Director General – Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
France Parliament approves new Anti-Terror Law
On 3rd October 2017, France’s lower house of parliament approved a new Anti-Terror Law, in Paris, France.
New Anti-Terror law:
i. The New Anti-Terror law was approved by 415 votes to 127, with 19 abstentions. By approving the new counter-terrorism law, several controversial measures under the state of emergency that has been in act for nearly two years have been made permanent.
ii. This law has faced criticism that, it will reduce civil liberties. But, it has heavy support from certain group of people badly affected by a series of jihadist attacks.
iii. The vote has been made just two days after great bloodshed, and a suspected Islamist radical having stabbed two 20-year-old women to death, in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.
iv. In recent times, terrorist activities have been on the increase in France.
About France:
♦ Capital – Paris
♦ Currency – Euro, CFP franc
♦ President – Emmanuel Macron
On 3rd October 2017, France’s lower house of parliament approved a new Anti-Terror Law, in Paris, France.
New Anti-Terror law:
i. The New Anti-Terror law was approved by 415 votes to 127, with 19 abstentions. By approving the new counter-terrorism law, several controversial measures under the state of emergency that has been in act for nearly two years have been made permanent.
ii. This law has faced criticism that, it will reduce civil liberties. But, it has heavy support from certain group of people badly affected by a series of jihadist attacks.
iii. The vote has been made just two days after great bloodshed, and a suspected Islamist radical having stabbed two 20-year-old women to death, in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.
iv. In recent times, terrorist activities have been on the increase in France.
About France:
♦ Capital – Paris
♦ Currency – Euro, CFP franc
♦ President – Emmanuel Macron
8th SAARC Speaker, Parliamentarians
conference held in Sri Lanka
On 4th to 6th October 2017, the 8th conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians (ASSP) is held at Hotel Hilton, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
8th SAARC Speaker, Parliamentarians conference:
i. The 8th Conference, organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, has brought together Speakers and Parliamentarians from the member countries of the SAARC.ii. The conference was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
iii. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered the key note address at the Opening Ceremony. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya delivered welcome speech at the inauguration.
iv. Theme of this conference is ‘Association of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians’: a platform for the Parliamentarians of South Asia to work together to reach the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
About SAARC:
♦ Full form – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
♦ Headquarters – Kathmandu
♦ Secretary-General – Arjun Bahadur Thapa
On 4th to 6th October 2017, the 8th conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians (ASSP) is held at Hotel Hilton, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
8th SAARC Speaker, Parliamentarians conference:
i. The 8th Conference, organized by the Parliament of Sri Lanka, has brought together Speakers and Parliamentarians from the member countries of the SAARC.ii. The conference was inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
iii. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered the key note address at the Opening Ceremony. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya delivered welcome speech at the inauguration.
iv. Theme of this conference is ‘Association of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians’: a platform for the Parliamentarians of South Asia to work together to reach the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
About SAARC:
♦ Full form – South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
♦ Headquarters – Kathmandu
♦ Secretary-General – Arjun Bahadur Thapa
Bangladesh signs $ 4.5 billion loan deal with India
On 4th October 2017, Bangladesh signed a $ 4.5 billion Line Of Credit (LoC) agreement with India, for its infrastructure and social sector development, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
India’s 3rd LoC with Bangladesh:
i. This is the 3rd LoC agreement of India with Bangladesh. This LoC involves $ 4.5 billion dollar.
ii. Economic Relations Division Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam signed the deal on behalf of Bangladesh and MD of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) David Rasquinha signed for India.
iii. The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M.A.Muhith.
iv. The $ 4.5 billion, will be used to fund 17 major projects in Bangladesh, which include electricity, railroads, roads, shipping and ports.
v. As per this LoC agreement, Bangladesh will have to purchase 65 to 75 % of the services, goods or works from the Indian market with the money to be provided.
Other LoCs of India with Bangladesh:
♦ LoC in August 2010 – $ 862 million – to buy equipment and services from Indian entities such as BHEL, RITES, small and medium enterprises
♦ LoC in March 2016 – $ 2 billion – to create 50,000 jobs in India through Make in India
On 4th October 2017, Bangladesh signed a $ 4.5 billion Line Of Credit (LoC) agreement with India, for its infrastructure and social sector development, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
India’s 3rd LoC with Bangladesh:
i. This is the 3rd LoC agreement of India with Bangladesh. This LoC involves $ 4.5 billion dollar.
ii. Economic Relations Division Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam signed the deal on behalf of Bangladesh and MD of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) David Rasquinha signed for India.
iii. The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Bangladesh Finance Minister A.M.A.Muhith.
iv. The $ 4.5 billion, will be used to fund 17 major projects in Bangladesh, which include electricity, railroads, roads, shipping and ports.
v. As per this LoC agreement, Bangladesh will have to purchase 65 to 75 % of the services, goods or works from the Indian market with the money to be provided.
Other LoCs of India with Bangladesh:
♦ LoC in August 2010 – $ 862 million – to buy equipment and services from Indian entities such as BHEL, RITES, small and medium enterprises
♦ LoC in March 2016 – $ 2 billion – to create 50,000 jobs in India through Make in India
India to be guest country at the World Government
Summit
On 1st October 2017, The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual gathering on 11thto 13th February, 2018, in Dubai.
India as guest country in World Government Summit:
i. Honorary guests from India will attend the World Government Summit 2017 to showcase India’s economic growth, valuable knowledge, skills, capabilities and unique culture.
ii. Hosting India as an honorary guest has been done in a move to strengthen UAE’s relationship with India.
iii. The World Government Summit focuses on hosting guest countries with exceptional experiences, worthy of being global models to follow.
iv. Requests have been made by 140 countries for showcasing innovations and experiences in the World Government Summit 2017.
About World Government Summit:
♦ Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
♦ Chairman – Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi
On 1st October 2017, The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual gathering on 11thto 13th February, 2018, in Dubai.
India as guest country in World Government Summit:
i. Honorary guests from India will attend the World Government Summit 2017 to showcase India’s economic growth, valuable knowledge, skills, capabilities and unique culture.
ii. Hosting India as an honorary guest has been done in a move to strengthen UAE’s relationship with India.
iii. The World Government Summit focuses on hosting guest countries with exceptional experiences, worthy of being global models to follow.
iv. Requests have been made by 140 countries for showcasing innovations and experiences in the World Government Summit 2017.
About World Government Summit:
♦ Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
♦ Chairman – Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI announces 4th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy
On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Fourth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18. This time the Policy Repo Rate has been kept unchanged.
On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Fourth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18. This time the Policy Repo Rate has been kept unchanged.
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Policy Repo Rate
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6.00%
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Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
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Reverse Repo Rate
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5.75%
|
Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
|
|
Marginal Standing Facility Rate
|
6.25%
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Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
|
|
Bank Rate
|
6.25%
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Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
|
|
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
|
4.00%
|
Unchanged – since 9th February
2013
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Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
|
19.50%
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With Effect from 14th October
2017
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HDFC Life launches Neo, a bot for Twitter
On 3rd October 2017, HDFC Life Insurance Company launched Neo, a servicing bot for Twitter, to improve customer service.Neo – HDFC’s bot for Twitter:
i. HDFC Life Insurance Company has launched Neo in partnership with Smart Connect Technologies. Neo uses Artificial Intelligence.
ii. Neo would answer policy related queries on Twitter. It will be available 24/7.
iii. Neo is capable of authenticating customers and answering frequently asked questions, like fund value, sum assured and premium amount.
iv. This is the second bot introduced by HDFC Life Insurance Company. Earlier, it had introduced SPOK, an email bot to answer customer queries.
v. HDFC Life Insurance Company expects to gain deeper insights in customer behaviour through these bots. As, they have the ability to calculate fund value and balance.
About SmartConnect Technologies:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ CEO & Founder – Srikanth Seshadri
On 3rd October 2017, HDFC Life Insurance Company launched Neo, a servicing bot for Twitter, to improve customer service.Neo – HDFC’s bot for Twitter:
i. HDFC Life Insurance Company has launched Neo in partnership with Smart Connect Technologies. Neo uses Artificial Intelligence.
ii. Neo would answer policy related queries on Twitter. It will be available 24/7.
iii. Neo is capable of authenticating customers and answering frequently asked questions, like fund value, sum assured and premium amount.
iv. This is the second bot introduced by HDFC Life Insurance Company. Earlier, it had introduced SPOK, an email bot to answer customer queries.
v. HDFC Life Insurance Company expects to gain deeper insights in customer behaviour through these bots. As, they have the ability to calculate fund value and balance.
About SmartConnect Technologies:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ CEO & Founder – Srikanth Seshadri
Reserve Bank of India opens branch in Dehradun
In a bid to make transactions of the Uttarakhand State Government more convenient, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opened a branch in Dehradun on October 3, 2017.
i. The branch was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.
ii. Earlier, all the banking related works of the Uttarakhand State Government were carried out through the Reserve Bank of India branch at Kanpur.
iii. RBI principal chief General Manager S Ramaswamy mentioned that as RBI’s Department of Government accounts is situated in the State, it will be possible to work with improved coordination among treasuries, sub-treasuries, agency banks and RBI.
Quick Facts about Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
♦ Established in – 1935
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Governor – Urjit Patel
In a bid to make transactions of the Uttarakhand State Government more convenient, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opened a branch in Dehradun on October 3, 2017.
i. The branch was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.
ii. Earlier, all the banking related works of the Uttarakhand State Government were carried out through the Reserve Bank of India branch at Kanpur.
iii. RBI principal chief General Manager S Ramaswamy mentioned that as RBI’s Department of Government accounts is situated in the State, it will be possible to work with improved coordination among treasuries, sub-treasuries, agency banks and RBI.
Quick Facts about Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
♦ Established in – 1935
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current Governor – Urjit Patel
BUSINESS
BBC World offers news services in four more Indian
languages
On October 4, 2017, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced the launch of news services in four more Indian languages — Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Telugu.
BBC’s Expansion in India:
i. With this announcement, BBC’s Delhi bureau will become its largest bureau outside the United Kingdom.
ii. TV news bulletin in Marathi will be broadcasted by the end of 2017, and Gujarati bulletin has been lined up for 2018.
iii. This move of BBC is on account of funding of 291 million pounds by the UK government till 2020 for the global expansion.
iv. This development will create 150 job opportunities at BBC India.
v. It is to be noted that BBC News already broadcasts to 28 million people in English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Urdu.
Quick Facts about British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
♦ Founded in – 1922
♦ Headquarters – London, UK
♦ Current Chairman – Sir David Clementi
On October 4, 2017, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced the launch of news services in four more Indian languages — Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Telugu.
BBC’s Expansion in India:
i. With this announcement, BBC’s Delhi bureau will become its largest bureau outside the United Kingdom.
ii. TV news bulletin in Marathi will be broadcasted by the end of 2017, and Gujarati bulletin has been lined up for 2018.
iii. This move of BBC is on account of funding of 291 million pounds by the UK government till 2020 for the global expansion.
iv. This development will create 150 job opportunities at BBC India.
v. It is to be noted that BBC News already broadcasts to 28 million people in English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Urdu.
Quick Facts about British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
♦ Founded in – 1922
♦ Headquarters – London, UK
♦ Current Chairman – Sir David Clementi
MobiKwik, IRCTC Rail connect partner for ticket
bookings
On October 3, 2017, Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation – IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway tickets using Mobikwik’s payment gateway.More Details about Mobikwik-IRCTC Rail Connect Tie-up:
i. Currently Mobikwik’s Payment Gateway powers payments for more than 3,000 ecommerce websites and apps, whereas over 1 lakh tickets are booked through IRCTC Rail Connect app per day.
ii. This tie-up will help the passengers of IRCTC Rail Connect App to pay for their tickets through Mobikwik’s simple and secure payments system.
iii. Mobikwik’s payments system supports payments through channels like debit card, credit card, net Banking and wallets.
Quick Facts about Mobikwik:
♦ Founded in – 2009
♦ Headquarters – Gurugram
♦ Current CEO – Bipin Preet Singh
On October 3, 2017, Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation – IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway tickets using Mobikwik’s payment gateway.More Details about Mobikwik-IRCTC Rail Connect Tie-up:
i. Currently Mobikwik’s Payment Gateway powers payments for more than 3,000 ecommerce websites and apps, whereas over 1 lakh tickets are booked through IRCTC Rail Connect app per day.
ii. This tie-up will help the passengers of IRCTC Rail Connect App to pay for their tickets through Mobikwik’s simple and secure payments system.
iii. Mobikwik’s payments system supports payments through channels like debit card, credit card, net Banking and wallets.
Quick Facts about Mobikwik:
♦ Founded in – 2009
♦ Headquarters – Gurugram
♦ Current CEO – Bipin Preet Singh
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Manipal Institute bags Most Clean Campus award
On 3rd October 2017, Manipal University’s Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the 1st place in ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western Region’ award and 3rd place in ‘Most Clean Campus 2017’ award, in Pune, Maharashtra.
Manipal Institute – Most Clean Campus in South Western Region:
i. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western region’ award. It also, ranked 3rd in the ‘Most Clean Campus in India’ award.
ii. The awards were given by Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of AICTE, at a function on Gandhi Jayanti, in the College of Engineering, Pune. B H V. Pai, Joint Director and H S Bhat, Executive Manager received the awards on behalf of MIT.
iii. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under Swachh Bharath Mission, had invited nominations from about 10,000 institutions across the country to participate in the ‘Clean Campus Award 2017’ contest in September 2017.
About Manipal Institute:
♦ Location – Manipal, Karnataka, India
♦ Director – G.K. Prabhu
On 3rd October 2017, Manipal University’s Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the 1st place in ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western Region’ award and 3rd place in ‘Most Clean Campus 2017’ award, in Pune, Maharashtra.
Manipal Institute – Most Clean Campus in South Western Region:
i. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the ‘Most Clean Campus in South Western region’ award. It also, ranked 3rd in the ‘Most Clean Campus in India’ award.
ii. The awards were given by Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of AICTE, at a function on Gandhi Jayanti, in the College of Engineering, Pune. B H V. Pai, Joint Director and H S Bhat, Executive Manager received the awards on behalf of MIT.
iii. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), under Swachh Bharath Mission, had invited nominations from about 10,000 institutions across the country to participate in the ‘Clean Campus Award 2017’ contest in September 2017.
About Manipal Institute:
♦ Location – Manipal, Karnataka, India
♦ Director – G.K. Prabhu
Microscope trailblazers win 2017 Nobel Chemistry
Prize
Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.About Winners of 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry:
i. Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for developing cryo-electron microscopy which simplifies and improves the imaging of biomolecules.
ii. Cryo-electron microscopy has enabled scientists to generate images of everything from proteins that cause antibiotic resistance, to the surface of the Zika virus.
iii. It will be useful for basic understanding of life’s chemistry and for the development of pharmaceuticals.
iv. Scottish-born scientist Henderson used an electron microscope to generate a three-dimensional image of a protein at an atomic resolution, which was further developed by German-born scientist Frank. Dubochet of Switzerland used rapidly frozen water to preserve the natural shape of the biomolecules.
v. 9 million Swedish Krona ($1.1 million) prize money will be shared equally between the three scientists.
Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.About Winners of 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry:
i. Scientists Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson have been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for developing cryo-electron microscopy which simplifies and improves the imaging of biomolecules.
ii. Cryo-electron microscopy has enabled scientists to generate images of everything from proteins that cause antibiotic resistance, to the surface of the Zika virus.
iii. It will be useful for basic understanding of life’s chemistry and for the development of pharmaceuticals.
iv. Scottish-born scientist Henderson used an electron microscope to generate a three-dimensional image of a protein at an atomic resolution, which was further developed by German-born scientist Frank. Dubochet of Switzerland used rapidly frozen water to preserve the natural shape of the biomolecules.
v. 9 million Swedish Krona ($1.1 million) prize money will be shared equally between the three scientists.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Dr Soumya Swaminathan appointed WHO’s deputy
director general
Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed the Deputy Director General for Programmes (DDP) of World Health Organisation (WHO). This position is the highest post held by an Indian in the WHO.
About Dr. Soumya Swaminathan:
i. Dr Swaminathan is a pediatrician and has more than 30 years of experience in clinical care.
ii. She is a globally recognized researcher on tuberculosis and HIV.
iii. From 2009 to 2011, she served as coordinator of UNICEF, UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva.
iv. She has also been a part of several WHO and global advisory bodies and committees.
Quick Facts about World Health Organization (WHO):
♦ Founded in – April 7, 1948.
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦ Current Director General – Tedros Adhanom
Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed the Deputy Director General for Programmes (DDP) of World Health Organisation (WHO). This position is the highest post held by an Indian in the WHO.
About Dr. Soumya Swaminathan:
i. Dr Swaminathan is a pediatrician and has more than 30 years of experience in clinical care.
ii. She is a globally recognized researcher on tuberculosis and HIV.
iii. From 2009 to 2011, she served as coordinator of UNICEF, UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva.
iv. She has also been a part of several WHO and global advisory bodies and committees.
Quick Facts about World Health Organization (WHO):
♦ Founded in – April 7, 1948.
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦ Current Director General – Tedros Adhanom
Rajnish Kumar named as next SBI Chairman
On 4th September 2017, the government appointed Rajnish Kumar as the new Chairman of SBI (State Bank of India).Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman:
i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman, for a period of 3 years from 7th October 2017.
ii. Rajinish Kumar is currently one of the four Managing Directors of SBI. He joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in 1980. He has worked in various departments of SBI.
iii. Earlier, Rajinish Kumar headed the merchant banking arm of SBI named, SBI Capital Markets, as Managing Director and CEO.
iv. He became the MD of National Banking Group, SBI, in 2015. He currently heads the retail business at SBI.
Chairmans of important Indian Banks:
♦ ICICI – Mahendra Kumar Sharma
♦ HDFC – Deepak S Parekh
♦ Bank of Baroda – Ravi Venkatesan
On 4th September 2017, the government appointed Rajnish Kumar as the new Chairman of SBI (State Bank of India).Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman:
i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Rajinish Kumar as SBI Chairman, for a period of 3 years from 7th October 2017.
ii. Rajinish Kumar is currently one of the four Managing Directors of SBI. He joined SBI as a Probationary Officer in 1980. He has worked in various departments of SBI.
iii. Earlier, Rajinish Kumar headed the merchant banking arm of SBI named, SBI Capital Markets, as Managing Director and CEO.
iv. He became the MD of National Banking Group, SBI, in 2015. He currently heads the retail business at SBI.
Chairmans of important Indian Banks:
♦ ICICI – Mahendra Kumar Sharma
♦ HDFC – Deepak S Parekh
♦ Bank of Baroda – Ravi Venkatesan
Pakistan appoints Zafar Mahmood Abbasi as new Navy
Chief
On October 4, 2017, Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was appointed as Navy Chief of Pakistan.
i. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi will succeed Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah who will retire on October 6, 2017.
ii. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi joined Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1981.
iii. He has been awarded awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) in recognition of his meritorious services.
iv. It is to be noted that in Pakistan all defence services chiefs are appointed by the President at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
On October 4, 2017, Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was appointed as Navy Chief of Pakistan.
i. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi will succeed Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah who will retire on October 6, 2017.
ii. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi joined Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in June 1981.
iii. He has been awarded awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) in recognition of his meritorious services.
iv. It is to be noted that in Pakistan all defence services chiefs are appointed by the President at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
Airtel Ghana gets approval for Tigo Merger in Ghana
On 3rd October 2017, Bharti Airtel received Ghana’s National Communications Authority’s approval for the merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo), in Ghana.Airtel – Tigo Merger:
i. This merger will result in the second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.
ii. The merged entity would retain all the numbering resources held by the merging entities. The merger approval is conditional to an option for government participation.
iii. The merged entity will have a 3G Licence valid until 25th January, 2024 and 2G Licence valid until 30th October, 2021.
About Bharti Airtel:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman – Sunil Mittal
♦ CEO – Gopal Vittal
On 3rd October 2017, Bharti Airtel received Ghana’s National Communications Authority’s approval for the merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo), in Ghana.Airtel – Tigo Merger:
i. This merger will result in the second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.
ii. The merged entity would retain all the numbering resources held by the merging entities. The merger approval is conditional to an option for government participation.
iii. The merged entity will have a 3G Licence valid until 25th January, 2024 and 2G Licence valid until 30th October, 2021.
About Bharti Airtel:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman – Sunil Mittal
♦ CEO – Gopal Vittal
PFC board approves PFC Green Energy merger with
parent
On 29th September 2017, Power Finance Corp (PFC)’s board approved the proposal for merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
PFC Green Energy Merger:
i. In the board meeting, on 29th September 2017, the PFC board approved the merger of its subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
ii. PFC is a leading power sector, public financial institution and a non-banking financial company, which provides fund and non-fund based support for the development of Indian power sector.
iii. PFC Green Energy Ltd is also engaged in similar nature of business focusing on renewable and green energy.
iv. PFC said that, the merger will help to consolidate similar nature of business at one place and effectively manage both firms as a single entity.
v. There will be no change in the shareholding pattern of the listed company after the merger.
About Power Finance Corp (PFC):
♦ Type – Financial Services Company
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman & MD – Rajeev Sharma
On 29th September 2017, Power Finance Corp (PFC)’s board approved the proposal for merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
PFC Green Energy Merger:
i. In the board meeting, on 29th September 2017, the PFC board approved the merger of its subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
ii. PFC is a leading power sector, public financial institution and a non-banking financial company, which provides fund and non-fund based support for the development of Indian power sector.
iii. PFC Green Energy Ltd is also engaged in similar nature of business focusing on renewable and green energy.
iv. PFC said that, the merger will help to consolidate similar nature of business at one place and effectively manage both firms as a single entity.
v. There will be no change in the shareholding pattern of the listed company after the merger.
About Power Finance Corp (PFC):
♦ Type – Financial Services Company
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Chairman & MD – Rajeev Sharma
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NHAI launches App to track projects
On 3rd October 2017, Deepak Kumar, Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), launched a new multilingual website and a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App.
New website and PMIS App of NHAI:
i. In two months, the new NHAI website would enable the public to rate national highways.
ii. The Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App provides close, in-house monitoring of NHAI projects on the mobile phone. NHAI uses PMIS to ensure timely delivery of its projects, by tracking their progress.
iii. The PMIS Mobile App was developed by NHAI along with The Boston Consulting Group.
iv. NHAI has also planned to launch a public interface of the PMIS desktop and app versions. So that, the public can view the real-time status of any project across the highway network.
Other recent apps of NHAI:
♦ MyFASTag – is a consumer App, through which consumers can purchase or recharge FASTags
♦ FASTag Partner – is a merchant App, through which banking partners and vehicle dealers can sell FASTags
On 3rd October 2017, Deepak Kumar, Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), launched a new multilingual website and a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App.
New website and PMIS App of NHAI:
i. In two months, the new NHAI website would enable the public to rate national highways.
ii. The Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App provides close, in-house monitoring of NHAI projects on the mobile phone. NHAI uses PMIS to ensure timely delivery of its projects, by tracking their progress.
iii. The PMIS Mobile App was developed by NHAI along with The Boston Consulting Group.
iv. NHAI has also planned to launch a public interface of the PMIS desktop and app versions. So that, the public can view the real-time status of any project across the highway network.
Other recent apps of NHAI:
♦ MyFASTag – is a consumer App, through which consumers can purchase or recharge FASTags
♦ FASTag Partner – is a merchant App, through which banking partners and vehicle dealers can sell FASTags
WWF-India launches Environment Education Portal
On 4th October 2017, WWF-India, in partnership with Capgemini, launched One Planet Academy, the first environment education portal for students and teachers in India.
One Planet Academy:
i. The One Planet Academy website is a digital network for schools, teachers and students. It acts as a training and resource centre for environmental education.
ii. It encourages schools to employ green practices, offers project and activity ideas for teachers. It provides online training course and games, comics, interactive maps for students.
iii. According to the Living Planet Report 2016, released by WWF, the global population of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles has reduced by 58 % between 1970 and 2012.
iv. Hence, WWF has introduced One Planet Academy to increase awareness about environment issues and sustainable lifestyles for a better planet.
About WWF:
♦ Fullform – World Wide Fund for Nature
♦ Headquarters – Gland, Vaud, Switzerland
♦ President – Yolanda Kakabadse
On 4th October 2017, WWF-India, in partnership with Capgemini, launched One Planet Academy, the first environment education portal for students and teachers in India.
One Planet Academy:
i. The One Planet Academy website is a digital network for schools, teachers and students. It acts as a training and resource centre for environmental education.
ii. It encourages schools to employ green practices, offers project and activity ideas for teachers. It provides online training course and games, comics, interactive maps for students.
iii. According to the Living Planet Report 2016, released by WWF, the global population of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles has reduced by 58 % between 1970 and 2012.
iv. Hence, WWF has introduced One Planet Academy to increase awareness about environment issues and sustainable lifestyles for a better planet.
About WWF:
♦ Fullform – World Wide Fund for Nature
♦ Headquarters – Gland, Vaud, Switzerland
♦ President – Yolanda Kakabadse
SPORTS
International Weightlifting Federation suspends
nine countries for doping violations
On 1st October 2017, nine countries were suspended from weightlifting for 1 year by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), in Budapest, Hungary.
9 countries suspended for doping violations:
i .International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced the suspension of 9 countries, after the retesting of anti-doping samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
ii. Countries with at least 3 doping offenses from those Olympics were suspended from weightlifting.
iii. The 9 suspended countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The suspended countries have been given a 1 year ban.
iv. IWF has said that, doping is unacceptable and they work to ensure clean sports.
v. Due to these suspensions the World Weightlifting Championships, scheduled from 28thNovember to 6th December 2017, in Anaheim, Untied States, would be weakened.
About International Weightlifting Federation:
♦ Headquarters – Budapest, Hungary
♦ President – Tamas Ajan
On 1st October 2017, nine countries were suspended from weightlifting for 1 year by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), in Budapest, Hungary.
9 countries suspended for doping violations:
i .International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced the suspension of 9 countries, after the retesting of anti-doping samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
ii. Countries with at least 3 doping offenses from those Olympics were suspended from weightlifting.
iii. The 9 suspended countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The suspended countries have been given a 1 year ban.
iv. IWF has said that, doping is unacceptable and they work to ensure clean sports.
v. Due to these suspensions the World Weightlifting Championships, scheduled from 28thNovember to 6th December 2017, in Anaheim, Untied States, would be weakened.
About International Weightlifting Federation:
♦ Headquarters – Budapest, Hungary
♦ President – Tamas Ajan
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Space Week – October 4 -10
On 4th to 10th October 2017, World Space Week is observed all over the world.World Space Week:
i. 4th to 10th October was declared as World Space Week in 1999. It was to mark two big events.
ii. First, on October 4th1957 Sputnik 1 was launched. It was the first human-made, Earth-orbiting satellite. Second, the signing of The Outer Space Treaty on October 10th 1967.
iii. World Space Week theme for 2017 is ‘Exploring New Worlds In Space’. It challenges us to look outwards from Earth and consider the possibilities beyond our own sky’s limits.
Achievments of India in Space:
♦ Indian Astronauts – Kalpana Chawla, Ravish Malhotra, Rakesh Sharma
♦ Some Indian satellites – INSAT-4C, Kalpana-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1), e
On 4th to 10th October 2017, World Space Week is observed all over the world.World Space Week:
i. 4th to 10th October was declared as World Space Week in 1999. It was to mark two big events.
ii. First, on October 4th1957 Sputnik 1 was launched. It was the first human-made, Earth-orbiting satellite. Second, the signing of The Outer Space Treaty on October 10th 1967.
iii. World Space Week theme for 2017 is ‘Exploring New Worlds In Space’. It challenges us to look outwards from Earth and consider the possibilities beyond our own sky’s limits.
Achievments of India in Space:
♦ Indian Astronauts – Kalpana Chawla, Ravish Malhotra, Rakesh Sharma
♦ Some Indian satellites – INSAT-4C, Kalpana-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1), e
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