September 2016 GA Refresher

September 2016 GA Refresher
RBI
Urjit Patel takes over as RBI governor

Eminent economist, consultant and banker Dr. Urjit Patel has assumed charge as the 24th Governor of the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
Dr. Patel succeeds Raghuram Rajan who completed his tenure after serving a three-year term.
He will have tenure of three years.
He is the eighth Deputy Governor to be elevated as Governor at RBI.
Earlier in August 2016, the appointment committee of cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had
approved the appointment of Dr. Patel.
His appointment was based on the recommendation of the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee
(FSRASC) headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
RBI approves Rs 26,000 crore CCL for paddy procurement in Punjab
The Reserve Bank has given approval to Rs 26,000-crore cash credit limit (CCL) for purchasing paddy in poll-bound Punjab,
which came as a relief for SAD-BJP combine that struggled hard in the past for release of funds to buy foodgrain.
Now, the state government will seek approval of the Centre by sending the RBI's approval letter for the release of funds for
the purchase of paddy.
Paddy procurement in Punjab will commence from October 1 and the state is expecting procurement of 150 lakh tonne of
crop from the state.
RBI's approval for CCL assumes significance as SAD-BJP combine would not have liked any delay in release of CCL in the
wake of high-stake assembly polls ahead.
ECONOMY
1.
Union Govt appoints three economists to Monetary Policy Committee

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed three economists as the external appointees on the Monetary
Policy Committee (MPC).
They are Pami Dua, Chetan Ghate and Ravindra Dholakia.
They will have a fixed four year term and it is non-renewable.
With this, MPCs composition consists of three Reserve Bank of India (RBI) representatives and three external appointees.
They will work to decide interest rates.
RBI will be represented by Governor Urjit Patel (Chairman of MPC), Deputy Governor in-charge of monetary policy R.
Gandhi and executive director M.D. Patra.
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MPC under the RBI will decide monetary policy by setting interest rates.
It aims to bring significant changes in the power the RBI governor while deciding interest rates.
The RBI will set interest rates according to the majority view of the six-member MPC, with the Governor having the casting
vote in case of a tie.
MPC replaces previous arrangement where RBI Governor along with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) taking
decisions on monetary policy including setting interest rates.
It will meet at least four times a year and make public its decisions following each meeting.
MPC is formed under the RBI with six members.
Members from the RBI are Governor who is the chairman of the MPC, a Deputy Governor and one officer of the RBI.
The government members to MPC will be appointed by the Central Govt on recommendations of a search-cum-selection
committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
2.
HDFC, Airtel, SBI most valued brands

HDFC Bank Ltd, the largest private sector bank in India, was Indias most valuable brand for the third successive year, and
emerged on top of the BrandZ Top 50 Most Valuable Indian Brands ranking released by WPP Group and Kantar Millward
Brown.
HDFC Bank was also the only Indian brand in the BrandZ top 100 most valuable global brands list released in June.
The total brand value of the top 50 brands in India declined by 2%, primarily due to a decline in the brand value of stateowned banks.
The HDFC Bank is followed by Airtel and SBI.
Of the Top 50 brands in India, 38 were of Indian origin, up from 35 in 2014.
3.
Federal Bank launches FederalSkill Academy at Coimbatore

Federal Bank has launched its second FederalSkill Academy at Coimbatore, as part of its CSR initiatives.
The first one being inaugurated last year at Ernakulam.
The initiative will facilitate underprivileged students to successfully complete the courses, and get employment opportunities
both in India as well as abroad.
Students of 18-25 years age, who have passed Plus 2/ITI / Polytechnic/Degree or Engineering dropout students and whose
annual family income does not exceed 2 lakh per annum, are eligible to apply for the course.
4.
Jim Yong Kim re-appointed as President of World Bank for second term
Jim Yong Kim has been re-appointed as President of World Bank for a second five-year term beginning 1 July 2017.
He was unanimously chosen by the Executive Directors of the World Bank. He was the only candidate in a process.
He is a South Korean-American physician and anthropologist.
He is the 12th President of the World Bank and for first time was appointed in 2012.
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs.
It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International
Development Association (IDA).
It has its headquartered at Washington DC, United States.
5.
Centre sacks Bank of Maharashtras CMD-Muhnot
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In an unprecedented move, the Centre sacked Sushil Muhnot, chairman and managing director of Pune-based Bank of
Maharashtra, four days short of his scheduled retirement, and appointed Ravindra Marathe as the state-owned lenders new
chief.
He was appointed as the chairman of the bank in November 2013, and was scheduled to retire on September 30.
6.
Tata AIG, Paytm to offer health insurance to cab drivers

Tata AIG General Insurance and mobile payments firm Paytm have entered into an agreement to provide cab and auto drivers
health insurance plans.
This tie-up will enable cab and auto drivers, who are using Paytms digital wallet, to avail cashless health insurance through
Tata AIG General Insurance.
While subscribing to the policy, the existing health condition of drivers will also be covered under this scheme. The new
health insurance scheme will cover hospitalisation expenses of up to Rs. 50,000.
7.
ADB clears $631 million loan for Vizag-Chennai industrial corridor

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $631-million loan for construction of industrial corridor between
Visakhapatnam and Chennai, part of India's first coastal industrial corridor running from West Bengal to Tuticorin in Tamil
Nadu.
The fund will help develop the first key 800-km section of the planned 2,500-km East Coast Economic Corridor expected to
spur development on India's eastern coast and enable seamless trade links with other parts of South and Southeast Asia.
The total cost of the project is $846 million and work on it is expected to be over by 2031.
The remaining $215 million will be funded by the Andhra Pradesh government.
The loan is for a period of 25 years at interest rate of 0.5% plus libor.
The ADB loan will help the government build state-of-theart industrial clusters, roads, efficient transport, and reliable water
and power supplies with a skilled workforce and good business policies.
The new infrastructure will be built in the four main centres Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati and YerpeduSrikalahasti along the corridor.
8.
Axis Bank, BHU team up for banking courses

Private sector Axis Bank has tied up with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to offer specialised banking courses.
The bank along with the Faculty of Commerce at BHU will develop the design and curriculum of courses, besides deciding
on e-learning modules, structure and courseware.
The partnership will offer courses like Masters in Commerce (MCom), Master of Financial Management (MFM), Master of
Financial Management (Risk & Insurance) MFM - RI, Master of Foreign Trade (MFT).
The courses will be designed to introduce the students to functioning of banking industry in India and to academically and
vocationally prepare them for corporate world.
9.
CBDT launches e-nivaran to resolve I-T grievances

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched e-nivaran (electronic resolution) facility for online redressal of
taxpayers grievances.
Its link of this facility has been activated on the e-filing portal of the department https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
The facility will be used for online redressal of taxpayers grievances related to refunds, filing of e-returns, Tax Deducted at
Source (TDS), PAN issues, and those pertaining to their Assessing Officer (AO).
It was launched as part of CBDTs initiative to reduce instances of harassment of the public when it comes to complaints
related to the I-T department.
10. ICICI Bank becomes first bank to introduce Software Robotics

Indias largest private sector bank ICICI Bank has successfully deployed Software Robotics for power banking operations.
With this, it becomes first bank in the country and among few globally to deploy Software Robotics.
ICICI Bank has deployed Software Robotics to over 200 business processes across various functions.
In banking, software robotics emulates human actions to automate and perform repetitive, high volume and time consuming
business tasks cutting across multiple applications.
The software robots can perform over 10 lakh (1 million) banking transactions every working day.
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The software robots at ICICI Bank are configured to capture and interpret information from systems, recognize patterns and
run business processes across multiple applications.
11. Integration of DigiLocker with Driving Licenses & Vehicle Registration Certificates launched
The Union Govt has launched a new service -integration of DigiLocker with Driving Licenses (DL) & Vehicle Registration
Certificates (RC).
It was jointly launched by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of
Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi.
With this integration people will no longer need to carry around physical copies of their Driving Licences and RCs.
Using DigiLocker mobile app, they can instead access digital copies of the same on their mobile phones.
Besides, DLs and VRC documents will be now issued directly to the DigiLockers of individuals in digital formats.
DigiLocker is a key initiative under Digital India programme and serves as a platform for issuance of documents and
certificates in a digital way.
12. Kotak Mahindra Bank Launches App To Open Accounts
Kotak Mahindra Bank announced the launch of Kotak Now a digital account opening process on the mobile.
This is the first end-to-end digital process where verification of customer documents and signature is done via a video call
with the bank.
The whole process will take 7-10 minutes.
13. ZyFin launches first MSCI Indian equity ETF in Europe
Asset manager ZyFin Holdings Pte Ltd has announced the listing of Europes first physically replicated Indian equity ETF.
The LAM ZyFin MSCI India UCITS ETF is available on London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Brse.
The ETF was launched with First Trust Global Portfolios, ZyFins London-based ETF distribution partner.
The ETF offers investors exposure to Indian equities by tracking the performance of the MSCI India 10/40 Index Net TR (the
Index), denominated in US dollars.
The fund will use a physical replication strategy in order to track as closely as possible the returns of the Index after the
deduction of fees and expenses.
14. HDFC Ergo completes acquisition of L&T Insurance
HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company (HDFC ERGO) has completed the acquisition of 100 percent shares of L&T
General Insurance Company (L&T Insurance) for Rs. 551 crore.
The company has recently received approvals from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
and Competition Commission of India.
Mukesh Kumar, Executive Director at HDFC ERGO has been appointed as the new Managing Director & CEO of L&T
General Insurance Company Limited.
15. MobiKwik launches one step offline payments with 'Bubble Pin'
Leading fin-tech player in India MobiKwik, is trusted by over 32 million users has launched one-step offline payments with
'Bubble Pin'.
This pin can be generated on the MobiKwik app by clicking on 'Pay at store' and is valid for 60 seconds.
To make a payment, all a user needs to do is share this pin with the merchant.
The pin is a combination of numbers and alphabets. Bubble pin also makes the transaction more secure as no phone number
is required to be shared.
16. Canadas British Columbia becomes first foreign government to issue masala bonds
Canadas British Columbia province has become the first foreign government to issue of masala bonds, a rupee-denominated
bond.
It had issued Rs 500 crore rupee denominated overseas bonds (masala bond) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and
successfully raised $75 million (about Rs 500 crore).
British Columbias issued masala bond was priced to yield 6.62 % to semi-annually with a three-year tenor in the LSE.
Masala Bonds are rupee-denominated bonds issued to overseas buyers.It is aimed at boosting investments into Indias
infrastructure sector.
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17. NPCI starts pilot for Bharat Bill Payment System

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella organization for all retail payments system in India launched
the pilot project for Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) with 26 Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units (BBPOUs).
In the first phase, BBPS will cover repetitive payments for everyday utility services such as electricity, water, gas, telephone
and Direct-to-Home (DTH).
BBPS is the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated system which will provide interoperable bill payment services to
customers.
It is an integrated platform connecting banks and non-bank entities in bill aggregation business like billers, payment service
providers, retail bill outlets etc.
18. PTC fin arm ties up with banks for clean energy project loans
PTC India Financial Services has entered into agreements with scheduled commercial banks whereby the banks will issue
letter of credit to project companies in the renewable energy space.
These letters of credit will be issued on the basis of letter of comfort issued by PFS and due diligence on certain parameters.
19. Vijaya Bank gets Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar
Vijaya Bank has bagged the second prize under Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar (Region C) for the year 2015-16.
The prize was accepted by Kishore Sansi, Managing Director & CEO Vijaya Bank, from President Pranab Mukherjee at
Rashtrapati Bhavan Auditorium, New Delhi.
20. Award for KVGB insurance effort
Dharwad-headquartered Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank has bagged four awards for inclusive insurance for 2016 from
Skoch Group.
S Ravindran, chairman, received the award from Sameer Kochhar, chairman of Skoch Group, in Hyderabad.
NATIONAL
1.
2016 BRICS Labour & Employment Ministerial Meet held in New Delhi
The 2016 BRICS Labour & Employment Ministerial Meet was held in New Delhi from September 27- 28, 2016 to deliberate
on issues including job creation and social security for workers.
The two day meeting saw the participation of the five major emerging BRICS economies viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China
and South Africa.
2.
Tirupati Airport awarded Best Tourist Friendly Airport

Airports Authority of Indias Tirupati Airport was awarded the Best Tourist Friendly Airport under the category for State
Annual Excellence Awards for the year 2015-16 by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.
The award was presented on the eve of World Tourism Day by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandra Babu
Naidu at Bhawani Islands, Vijayawada.
3.
Ministry of Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Agriculture sign MoU

The Union Water Resources Ministry has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Agriculture
Ministry for speedy implementation of Namami Gange programme.
The MoU will encourage farmers of over 5,000 villages along the Ganga River under Paramaparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, to
take up organic farming to curb pollution caused by chemical fertiliser-laden runoff in the river.
It will encourage livelihood opportunities and natural farming, based on animal husbandry.
4.
India to invest $2 billion in Sri Lanka

India is going to invest 2 billion dollars in Sri Lanka in the next three-four years.
It was announced by Union Minister for State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Sri
Lanka.
5.
India, China hold 1st high-level dialogue to combat terror
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India and China have held the first High Level Dialogue on Counter-terrorism and Security held in Beijing, capital city of
China.
The meeting was co-chaired by R N Ravi, Chairman of Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) and Wang Yongqing, Secretary
General of Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of China.
6.
India will not attend SAARC Summit in Islamabad: MEA

India will not take part in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Islamabad (Pakistan)
to be held in November 2016.
This decision was taken in view of the continuous cross border terrorism by Pakistan which has created environment which is
not conducive to successful holding of Summit.
In this regard, the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal.
Besides, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan also have conveyed their reservation about attending the Summit.
Indias decision came in the wake of recent Uri terror attack in which 18 jawans were martyred.
7.
Shaheed Bhagat Singhs 109th birth anniversary observed across India

India is observing the 109th birth anniversary of revolutionary socialist Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
He was born on 28 September 1907, and was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement.
Delhi Government decided to commemorate the day by organising Shaheed Utsav.
8.
Parliamentary panel to examine merger of budgets

With the Cabinets approving the merger of Railway Budget with General Budget, the parliamentary panel on finance has
decided to examine the move along with its ramifications thereof.
The Cabinet had decided to scrap a separate budget for railways and merge it with General Budget, presentation of which
would be advanced to spur spending and boost the economy.
The Committee on Finance has selected the Budgetary Reforms including Merger of Railways Budget with General Budget
-- Ramifications thereof.
The parliamentary panel headed by the Congress MP M Veerappa Moily, will review all the budgetary reforms.
The committee will also review the performance of regulatory bodies -- Securities Board of India (SEBI), Competition
Commission of India (CCI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).
9.
Union Govt decides to suspend talks on Indus Waters Treaty

The Union Govt has decided to suspend all talks on India-Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the Uri attack.
Decision in this regard was taken by meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Govt decides to utilise water under Indias share to fullest.
It suspends talks on the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), the dispute redressal mechanism until terrorism stops.
IWT is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan. It brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development).
The treaty deals with sharing of water of six rivers Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum between the two
countries.
As per treaty, control over three eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej was given to India. While control over three western
rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab was given to Pakistan.
10. GST council sets exemption threshold for tax at Rs.20 lakh
The first meeting of Goods & Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to exempt businesses with annual turnover below
Rs.20 lakh out of the GST net.
The meeting was presided by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi and was attended by Finance ministers of
states.
Threshold for exemption for businesses in Northeastern and hill states will be for annual turnover below Rs.10 lakh and rest
of India it will below Rs.20 lakh.
The Northeastern and hill states have been accorded special status by the Constitutional Amendment paving the way for the
GST.
States will have sole jurisdiction over assessees having a turnover of Rs.1.5 crore or less.
In case turnover exceeding that limit, the administrative control will be jointly with the central and state governments.
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The GST Council also agreed to settle 2015-16 as the base year for calculating the compensation.
11. 2nd SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism held in New Delhi

The second meeting of the High Level Group of Eminent Experts to strengthen the SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism was
held in New Delhi.
SAARC members are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Besides, other important issues discussed during the meeting included terrorism financing, drugs trafficking and cybercrimes.
They agreed towards operationalizing the SAARC Drugs Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD) and SAARC Terrorist
Offences Monitoring Desk (STOMD) in order to strengthen the combat efforts against terrorism.
12. CSIR celebrates its platinum jubilee
Indias largest civilian research and development agency Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated its
platinum jubilee.
The platinum jubilee celebrations were inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is also the President of CSIR.
PM Modi also released seven new plant varieties developed at CSIR laboratories.
13. National waterways project threatens Gangetic dolphins
According to the scientists and wildlife conservationists, the National Waterways (NW) project possesses serious
environmental threat to Gangetic river dolphins.
The development NW1 in the River Ganga is considered as single-largest threat to the survival of the species, whose numbers
are declining in most parts of their natural habitat.
River dolphins are found in Ganga and Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
It has been declared endangered species and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
NW projects in India has a huge untapped potential of inland waterways.
To tap this potential the Central Government has planned to develop National Waterway 1, World Bank-aided 1600-km
waterway project in River Ganga between Allahabad and Haldia for inland transportation.
14. Pfizer concludes Rs. 110cr deal with Piramal Enterprises
Drug maker Pfizer has completed the process of transferring four products to Mumbai-based Piramal Enterprises after getting
necessary regulatory approvals.
In May this year, Ajay Piramal-led Piramal Enterprises had entered into an agreement to acquire four brands from Pfizer for a
consideration of Rs. 110 crore.
The acquisition includes brands Ferradol, Neko, Sloans and Waterburys compound.
15. Sun Pharma signs deal with ICGEB to develop Indias first dengue vaccine
Indias largest pharmaceutical company Sun Pharma has signed deal with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology (ICGEB) for clinical development Cissampelos pariera (Cipa), Indias first vaccine (drug) for the treatment of
dengue.
The partnership between Sun Pharma and ICGEB aims to develop` safe, effective and affordable botanical drug Cipa.
Under the deal, Sun Pharma will get access to all the intellectual properties (IP) rights of the drug across 17 countries.
ICGEB will establish assay systems for the development of Cipa for the treatment of dengue infection.
16. UNSC approves resolution for global implementation CTBT to ban nuclear weapons tests
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a resolution urging quick global implementation of
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban treaty (CTBT) to ban tests of nuclear weapons.
The resolution has welcomed progress made towards universalization of the Treaty with 14 votes in favour of it and one
abstention (Egypt).
The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
It was adopted by the UNGA under resolution 50 (1996).
The Treaty will enter into force 180 days after the date of deposit of the instruments of ratification by all.
So far, 183 countries have signed the CTBT and 166 States have deposited their instruments of ratification.
But for that, the holdouts among the 44 countries that are designated nuclear capable, the United States, Egypt, China, India,
Israel, Iran, North Korea and Pakistan must ratify it.
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17. CCEA approves implementation of Project SAKSHAM for CBECs GST integration
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved Project SAKSHAM.
The Project SAKSHAM is a New Indirect Tax Network (Systems Integration) of the Central Board of Excise and Customs
(CBEC).
It seeks to bolster the information technology network for the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime that the Union
Government intends to roll out from 1st April 2017.
The Project SAKSHAM will help in Integration of CBEC IT systems with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).
18. Kunwar Bai chosen as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan mascot
Union Government has chosen 105-year-old Kunwar Bai from Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari district as the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan mascot.
PM Modi felicitated the old but spirited lady at a function held in New Delhi to mark Swachhta Diwas on September 17,
2016.
She was recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building toilet by selling off her 8-10 goats to build two toilets at
her home.
19. Indian Railways launches cleanliness drive Swachhta Saptah
Indian Railways has launched Swachhta Saptah (Cleanliness Week) to mark the Swachh Paryavaran Diwas (Clean
Environment Day).
The special nine-day (from 17 to 25 September 2016) long public cleanliness outreach programme was launched by Union
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi.
The objective behind the initiative is to spread wider awareness on sanitation and cleanliness in rail premises and make
hygiene a habit amongst the travelling public.
It will include Swachh Stations (Clean Stations), Swachh Neer (Clean Water), Swachh Rail Gaadi (Clean Train), Swachh
Sahyog (Cleanliness Participation), Swachh Parisar (Clean Complex), Swachh Samvad (Cleanliness Dialogue), Swachh
Samarpan (Dedication for ensuring Cleanliness), Swachh Aahar (Clean Food).
20. AIR launches website and app of Balochi radio service
To enable people of Balochistan settled across the world listen to Balochi content from India, All India Radiolaunched a
multimedia website and app of its Balochi radio service.
The short wave radio service in Balochi has been functional since 1974 and reaches several parts of Pakistan with a one hour
capsule every day that contains news, news commentary and cultural programmes.
The revamped service is aimed at making the contents and programmes of Balochi language available at multimedia
platforms for easy access of listeners and creates a global audience.
21. Union Govt bans sharing of Aadhaar details
The Union Govt has banned agencies in possession of Aadhaar number to publish or post the information publicly to ensure
that the details are not misused.
In this regard, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued notification under the Aadhaar (Targeted
Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, benefits and services) Act, 2016.
These agencies will have to ensure security and confidentiality of the 12-digit resident identification number under the
Aadhaar Act, 2016.The biometric information collected by UIDAI cannot be shared with anyone for any reason whatsoever.
22. Ashok Leyland okays merger with Hinduja Foundries
The Board of Ashok Leyland has unanimously approved a proposal to merge Hinduja Foundries Ltd (HFL) with itself at a
meeting.
The effective date of the proposed amalgamation is October 1, 2016.
23. India declares itself free from bird flu
India is free from Avian influenza (H5N1), popularly known as bird flu, from September 5, the department of animal
husbandry, dairying and fisheries in the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare has declared.
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In a notification, the ministry of agriculture has said that there was outbreak of bird flu on May 9 at Humnabad, Bidar in
Karnataka. There has been no further outbreak, thereafter.
24. Reliance Communications and Aircel to be merged

Anil Ambani led Reliance Communications (RCom) has signed a deal with Maxis Communications Berhad (MCB) for
merger of wireless businesses of Aircel Limited with itself.
The merger is considered as the largest-ever consolidation in the Indian telecom sector.
The merged entity will be countrys fourth-largest phone company in terms of customers and revenue.
The merged company will have second-largest spectrum holding amongst all operators in the country aggregating 448 MHz
across the 850, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz bands.
It will be one of Indias largest private sector companies, with an asset base of over $9.7 billion (Rs. 65,000 crore) and net
worth of $5.2 billion (Rs. 35,000 crore).
RCom and MCB will hold a 50% stake each in the merged entity, with equal representation on the Board of Directors and all
Committees.
25. India, US, Afghanistan reaffirm shared interest in combating terrorism
India, United States and Afghanistan have reaffirmed their shared interests in combating terrorism and advancing peace and
security in the region.
In this regard, a trilateral statement was issued after meeting of their delegates in New York on the sidelines of the 71st
session of UN General Assembly.
The meeting provided a forum for the governments of India and the US to explore ways to coordinate and align their
assistance with the priorities of the Afghanistan government.
26. Union Govt announces enhanced support under MEIS of Foreign Trade Policy
The Union Govt has extended support to certain new products and the rate of incentives for certain other specified products
under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).
Decision in this regard was taken by Department of Commerce (DoC) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in
backdrop of the continued decline in growth of Indian goods exports.
DoC has added 2901 additional products falling under different product categories under the MEIS.
With this the total number of items (products) covered under the scheme has been increased from 5,012 to 7,103.
The total government support extended under the scheme has been enhanced to Rs. 23,500 crore per annum from the present
Rs. 22,000 crore.
27. President Mukherjee, PM Modi launch Vice-President Ansari's book
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari's book titled
"Citizen and Society" at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.
The volume being released is a collection of memorial or anniversary lectures, convocation addresses and speeches on
specific themes and occasions.The theme of the book is that a citizen cannot be apolitical and has to take part in politics to
build the society.
28. IWAI signs contract with DST, Germany for designing special vessels for NW-1
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a contract with German company DST to design vessels suited
to navigate the 1620 km stretch of National Waterway (NW-1).
Under the contract, DST will has been initially tasked to develop low draft vessels for transportation of cars that can carry
upto 150-200 vehicles.
The contract has been awarded to DST in par with the objective of providing safe, environment friendly and economical
mode of transportation through the waterway.
DST will develop draft vessels keeping in view the difficult hydro-morphological characteristics of the river in the upper
stretches of NW1 between Patna and Varanasi.
29. Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit-2016 begins in New Delhi
The Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit (IITIS) 2016 has begun in New Delhi after it was inaugurated by Union
Finance Minster Arun Jaitley.
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The three day summit has been organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Tourism Finance
Corporation of India (TFCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
IITIS will provide a common platform for domestic and international investors to meet project owners from across Indian
states and the private sector.
It will host presentations of investible properties, session on why invest in India, Micro of Small and Micro Enterprises
(MSME) in tourism sector.
Besides, it will also host panel discussions on core infrastructure for tourism, session on start-ups, digital India, Swadesh
Darshan, PRASAD and niche tourism products, B2B meetings.
30. Centre renames restructured Indira Awaas Yojana as Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
The flagship rural housing scheme Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), started by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has been
restructured and renamed as Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), which will be launched next month.
The IAY will be subsumed by the PMAY from April 1 next year.
Under the new scheme, the government is aiming to construct one crore houses by 2019.
Under IAY, the government has set a target of constructing 38 lakh houses by end of the current financial year (2015-16), out
of which 10 lakh have been completed.
31. National Board for Wildlife clears first phase of Ken-Betwa interlinking project
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has given its approval to Rs. 10000 crore Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
It is Indias first inter-State river interlinking project.
Decision in this regard was taken at the NBWL meeting chaired by Minister of State (MoS) for Environment and Forests
Anil Madhav Dave.
The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project is divided into two phases and these clearances are only valid for the first phase.
32. India, France ink deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets
India and France has signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of 7.87
billion Euros.
The deal was signed by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian. Eric
Trappier in New Delhi.
This is the first fighter aircraft deal signed by India with other country since the purchase of Sukhoi aircrafts from Russia in
the late 1990s.
The defence deal includes the aircraft in fly-away condition, simulators, weapons, spares, maintenance, and Performance
Based Logistics support for five years.
The Rafale is a twin-engine fighter, multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured by French aviation company Dassault.
These aircrafts is capable of carrying out all combat missions such as interception, air defence, in-depth strikes, ground
support, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.
33. Union Govt shortlist 27 Cities for Smart Cities Mission in 3rd batch
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has shortlisted 27 cities from 12 States in the list of third batch of Smart Cities
Mission.
These cities were shortlisted based on scores obtained in the latest round of the Smart City Challenge competition in which
total 63 cities had participated.
This competition list was topped by Amritsar in Punjab.
With five cities, Maharashtra has the highest number of cities in the list.
The list also includes four cities each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, three cities from Uttar Pradesh and two each from
Rajasthan and Punjab.
Nagaland and Sikkim with one city each for the first time have made it to the list.
Earlier in the first batch announced in January 2016, 20 cities had made into the list.
In the second batch 13 cities were selected.
With declaration of third batch, total 60 cities have been chosen for the Smart Cities Mission.
27 shortlisted smart cities (Rank wise) are Amritsar (Punjab). Kalyan-Dombivili (Maharashtra). Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh).
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). Nagpur (Maharashtra). Managaluru (Karnataka). Vellore (Tamil Nadu). Thane (Maharashtra).
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). Agra (Uttar Pradesh). Nashik (Maharashtra). Rourkela (Odisha). Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh).
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Madurai (Tamil Nadu). Tumakuru (Karnataka). Kota (Rajasthan). Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). Namchi (Sikkim). Jalandhar
(Punjab). Shivamogga (Karnataka). Salem (Tamil Nadu). Ajmer (Rajasthan). Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). Kohima (Nagaland).
Hubbali-Dharwad (Karnataka). Aurangabad (Maharashtra). Vadodara (Gujarat).
34. IGI becomes Asia-Pacifics first carbon neutral airport
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has become Asia-Pacifics only and one of the worlds few airports to achieve
a carbon neutral status.
The announcement in this regard was made by the Airports Council International (ACI) during the Airport Carbon
Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony to IGI in Montreal, Canada.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation certificated has upgraded the IGI airports status to Level 3+, Neutrality, the highest
level for airports across the world.
Less than 25 airports in the world and most of them are located in Europe, have earned this carbon neutral status.
The IGI airport is managed by private operator Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a joint venture between the Airports
Authority of India (AAI) and GMR Group-led consortium.
The airport boasts green buildings, rainwater harvesting system, solar power plants etc., which have helped it reduce and
offset its carbon emissions.
35. Agriculture museum inaugurated at IGKV
An agriculture museum has been inaugurated at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) and it is touted as the first of
its kind in any agriculture university in the country.
It has been set up at a cost of Rs 4.92 crore.
It aims to provide information about special agricultural techniques, agriculture-related problems and their solution, villagers'
lifestyles.
It also displays the agriculture and tribal culture of Chhattisgarh. Modern techniques of farming are displayed in an
interactive manner.
36. Priyanka Chopra among worlds highest paid TV actresses
Priyanka Chopra has become the first Indian star to enter the Forbes list of highest paid television actresses in the world, after
starring on American series Quantico.
She ranks eighth in the coveted list, which has retained American actress Sofia Vergara at the first position fifth year in a
row. She earned USD 11 million.
The 44-year-old Colombian-American actress brought home a whooping USD 43 million before management fees and taxes,
but not all came from her hit TV show Modern Family.
37. India takes US renewable energy dispute to WTO
India has complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about support given to the renewable energy industry in
United States.
The complaint alleges these 8 states in US have prop up their renewable sector with illegal subsidies and domestic content
requirements, an obligation to buy local goods rather than imports.
These 8 US states are Washington, Montana, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan and Minnesota.
By filing the complaint, India has triggered a 60-day window for US to settle the dispute, after which India could ask the
WTO to adjudicate.
38. SAI-AIFF launch online portal for Global Scouting Programme
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and All India Football Federation (AIFF) have jointly launched an online portal for its
Global Scouting Programme (GSP).
The portal was launched by Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel in New Delhi.
Under the Global Scouting Programme, boys of Indians living abroad will be able to play in Indias team in FIFA under-17
world cup scheduled in 2017 in different cities of the country.
The online portal of GSP will allow applicant have to upload a two minute playing video on the site.
It will provide Indian players who hold valid Indian passport a chance to present his playing talent to the scouts of Indias U17 team.
39. Union Govt to launch Mission Parivar Vikas for improved family planning services
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The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are going to launch Mission Parivar Vikas for improved family planning
services in 145 High Focus districts in seven states.
The objective of the mission is to accelerate access to high quality family planning choices based on information, reliable
services and supplies within a rights-based framework.
These districts are located in the seven high focus states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand and Assam.
They are having the highest total fertility rates and constitute 44% of the countrys population.
The key strategic focus of this initiative will be on improving access to contraceptives through delivering assured services,
dovetailing with new promotional schemes.
40. NITI Aayog chalks up plan to secure 50 medals in 2024 Olympics

Union Govts think-tank NITI Aayog has devised a short-term and medium-to-long term action plan to help India achieve 50
medals in 2024 summer Olympics.
The action plans were devised after disappointing performance in 2016 Rio Olympics by India which is worlds second-most
populous country with world-class talent in various disciplines.
Short-term vision is for 4-8 years. It envisages targeting a group of priority sports, organising sportspersons into three groups
for each priority sport.
Medium to long term vision is for 8-15 years. It will focus on identifying talent at a young age, a dedicated training
programme for coaches, having sports curriculum in schools/ It will encourage development of sports infrastructure through
PPP or private mode and developing a psychological and health support division.
After each Olympics, a fixed 4-year contract will be signed between SAI and Group Asportspersons, keeping in mind their
funding requirement for the next Olympics and other international events in between.
41. Union Govt issues model guidelines for states to curb Ponzi schemes
The Union Govt has issued model guidelines for states to regulate direct selling and multi-level marketing businesses to
protect consumers from Ponzi frauds.
These model guidelines titled the Direct Selling Guidelines 2016 framework was released by Union Food and Consumer
Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi.
The direct selling has been clearly defined as marketing, distribution and sale of goods or providing of services as a part of
network of direct selling.
Ponzi schemes are banned under the Prize Chit and Money Circulation (Banning) Act, 1978.
SEBI is also not having the regulatory purview of Ponzi schemes.
42. Bhattacharya, Kochhar among most powerful women outside US
Indias top women bankers, SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya, ICICI head Chanda Kochhar and Axis Bank CEO Shikha
Sharma, are among the 50 most powerful women based outside the US, according to a list by Fortune, which is topped by
Banco Santanders boss Ana Bot.
Bhattacharya is ranked second on the list, while Kochhar comes in at the fifth spot and Sharma in the 19th position
in Fortunes 50 Most Powerful Women International list, which has ranked the women based outside the US.
Bot, Group Executive Chairman of Banco Santander, Eurozones largest bank by market value, repeats as No. 1, in a time of
economic and political volatility for all. The 2016 list spans 19 countries.
43. Govt launches toll free number for postal complaints
The government launched toll free number 1924 to register postal complaints, over a month after introducing Twitter Sewa
for redressal of telecom and postal grievances.
Prime Minister has asked all departments to set up and strengthen public grievances redressal system.
44. Union Govt issues fresh guidelines for flexi-fund for CSS
The Union Finance Ministry has issued fresh flexi-fund guidelines for the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
These flexi-fund guidelines will give states more freedom in spending money under the CSS to meet local developmental
requirements.
Under the new norms, flexi-funds in each CSS has been increased from the current 10% to 25% for states and 30% for Union
Territories.
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This means that states if they so desire can set aside 25% of any CSS as flexi-fund to be spent on any sub-scheme or
innovation or component that is in line with the overall aim and objective of the approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
State governments will have to constitute a state-level sanctioning committee (SLSC) to avail of the flexi-fund facility. This facility is
not for CSS which emanate from legislation, like MNREGA.
45. Union Govt launches Urja Mitra Helpline for power outages
The Union Govt has launched Urja Mitra Helpline through which customers can get information on power outages from
distribution companies by dialing 14401.
The helpline was launched by the Department of Telecom (DoT) of the Union Ministry of Communications and Information
Technology.
Urja Mitra Helpline is for pan-India usage to send information through voice calls and SMSes.
46. India, South-east Asian countries to set up fund for health emergencies in region
India along with 10 other member countries of World Health Organisations (WHOs) South-East Asian Regional Committee
has decided to set up a dedicated fund aimed at building preparedness for health emergencies in the region.
Decision in this regard was taken at the 69th session of WHO Regional Committee Meeting held at Colombo, capital of Sri
Lanka.
The joint funding stream will be established under the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF).
The new funding stream will allow these countries to invest in infrastructure and human resources that will enhance
preparedness.
The Regional Committee is WHO South-East Asia Regions highest decision-making body.
It comprises 11 countries Bangladesh, South Korea, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Thailand and Timor-Leste.
47. Chris Gayle launches autobiography 'Six Machine' in Delhi
The Zlatan Ibrahimovic of cricket, Christopher Henry Gayle has now penned down his life story in an autobiography called 'Six Machine'.
The destructive batsman launched his book in India, at an event attended by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
President Anurag Thakur and legendary batsman Virender Sehwag.
48. President gives assent to the Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014
President Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to the Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 as per Article 111 of
the Constitution.
With the assent, bill becomes law and opens road to roll out a new indirect tax regime and gives way for the concept of one
nation, one tax.
The GST is a single indirect tax throughout country.
It subsumes most of the Central and State indirect taxes such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, service tax, central
sales tax, additional customs duty and special additional duty of customs.
The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 will enter into the statute book as The Constitution (101st
Amendment) Bill, 2016.
The assent to the Bill will pave the way for setting up a GST Council that will decide the tax rate, cess and surcharges.
The Union Government will notify the GST Council.
It will be headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and it will comprise state Finance Ministers.
Now the Central and State Governments will pass the Central GST, Integrated GST and State GST laws respectively.
The CGST and IGST will be drafted on the basis of the model GST law.
The IGST law would deal with inter-State movement of goods and services.
The States will draft their respective GST (SGST) laws incorporating State-based exemptions.
49. Union Govt approves Rs 450 crore for five states under Swadesh Darshan scheme
The Union Govt has approved 450 crore rupees for Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim
under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
It was approved by the Union Tourism Ministry for the development of Heritage circuit in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand,
Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu.
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The Heritage Circuit in Uttarakhand: It covers Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites with total project cost of
approximately 83 crores rupees.
Coastal circuit in Tamil Nadu: It envisages development of Chennai-Mamamallapuram-Rameshwaram-ManpaduKanyakumari. The total project cost is of approximately 100 crores.
Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh: It envisages development of two destinations, Chitrakoot and Shringverpur.
North East circuit in Sikkim: It includes development of cultural centre, paragliding centre and craft bazaar for
mountaineering and meditation hall at approximate project cost of 95 crores.
The Heritage Circuit in Madhya Pradesh: It covers developing Tourism Infrastructure Gwalior-Orchha-Khajuraho-ChanderiBhimbetka-Mandu. The total project cost is of approximately 100 crore rupees.
50. Union Govt notifies new import policy for marble & travertine blocks
Union Govt has notified new import policy for marble & travertine blocks with effect from October 1, 2016.
The policy aims to balance the interests of domestic consumers, producers and processors, and ease the system for import of
marble & travertine blocks.
It ends the quantitative restriction on the import of marble and travertine blocks. It also ends the cumbersome and restrictive
import licensing system.
The Minimum Import Price (MIP) for marble blocks has been reduced to 200 US dollar per metric ton.
To address the interest of domestic producers, the basic customs duty on import of marble and travertine blocks has been
increased from 10% to 40 %.
51. Indian Railways launches Yatri Mitra Sewa to help elderly, differently-abled
Indian Railways has launched Yatri Mitra Sewa in a move to make rail travel comfortable for elderly, differently-abled and
ailing travellers.
The Yatri Mitra Sewa will facilitate access to wheelchairs, battery operated cars and porter services elderly, differentlyabled and ailing travellers.
Passenger Friend or Yatri Mitra can be assistant (Sahayak) or any other person nominated for the purpose. The service
will be available at major railway stations across the country.
52. Govt to expand DBT to 147 schemes by next March
The Govt is planning to expand Direct Benefit Transfer and double the number to 147 schemes by March 2017.
The Government has launched pilots for paying subsidy on food, kerosene and fertiliser directly via bank accounts of
beneficiaries.
Benefits and subsidies in 74 schemes of 17 government departments and ministries are paid directly to beneficiaries under
DBT as of now.
53. BCCI partners Janalakshmi Financial Services for three years
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tied up with financial services firm Janalakshmi Financial Services (Jana)
as an associate sponsor.
Janalakshmi will be the official financial services partner of the BCCI where the brand would enjoy visibility on the field.
The agreement also gives Janalakshmi benefits of prominence in stadium branding and on-ground advertising for 68 matches
in three years across the three formats.
54. HAL gets membership of APAQG with voting rights
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been conferred the prestigious membership of the Asia-Pacific Aerospace Quality Group
(APAQG) under the category 'Full Member with voting rights'.
This makes India the seventh nation to join the APAQG under TRHE International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).
The other nations of APAQG are China, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.
The membership enables HAL to have access to various Quality System Standards and other guidelines developed by IAQG.
55. First Indian music-dance festival starts in Australia
A first-of-its-kind Indian music and dance festival aimed to showcase the country's rich and diverse culture was kicked off in
iconic Sydney Opera House.
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The 10-week festival "Confluence: Festival of India" was inaugurated by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh
Sharma last night with spectacular joint performances by Indian and Australian artists.
The festival, an initiative of Indian government supported by the Australian side, will run across seven cities including
Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide.
56. Malaysian envoy releases translated book on Sai Baba

The Consul General of Malaysia in India Eldeen Husaini Muhammad Hashim released the translated version of 'Sai Charitra
Granth', a book on the life of Sai Baba.
The book is translated into Malay by a social outfit called 'I love Sai'.
The envoy expressed confidence that the relations between India and Malaysia can be developed further.
57. India inks open skies pact with Greece
India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greece to allow unlimited number of flights into each others
countries and also has initiated the air service agreement for open skies.
With this, Greece becomes first country with which India has inked an open sky arrangement under its new civil aviation
policy.
At present, there are no direct flights between India and Greece.Passengers have to travel one stop via Turkey or Gulf States
to Greece.
Under the open skies agreement, airlines from India will be allowed to operate unlimited number of flights to Greece.
Similarly airlines carriers from Greek will be granted unlimited traffic rights to six Indian metro cities.
Under the new civil aviation policy, India plans to enter into open sky air service agreements (ASA) with SAARC countries
and with countries beyond 5,000 km radius from Delhi.
58. India, Chile ink agreement to expand scope of PTA
India and Chile have inked an agreement to expand the scope of their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by
covering more goods for tariff concessions.
A PTA between India and Chile was earlier signed in March 2006 and had come into force with effect from August, 2007.
Under the expanded PTA Chile has offered concessions to India on 1,798 tariff lines with Margin of Preference (MoP) or rate
of concessions, ranging from 30-100%.
Likewise, India has offered concessions to Chile on 1,031 tariff lines, with MoP ranging from 10-100%.
Expansion of India-Chile PTA will enhance the trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Among the Latin American Countries (LAC), Chile was the third largest trading partner of India during 2015-16.
59. First Phase of ESICS Pilot Project of Telemedicine Services inaugurated
The first phase of ESIC (Employees State Insurance Corporation) Pilot Project of Telemedicine Services was launched for
providing specialist medical services at a distance to insured workers.
It was launched by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya in New Delhi.
In the first phase, ESIC Model Hospital at Basaidarapur has been connected with three ESIS dispensaries at Katihar (Bihar),
Unnao (Uttar Pradesh) and Rudarpur (Uttarakhand).
60. Union Govt launches #Gas4India campaign
The Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched #Gas4India campaign, aimed at promoting the use of natural
gas in the country.
It was launched by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi.
Gas4India is a unified cross-country, multimedia, multi-event campaign aimed at promoting the use of natural gas in the
country in order to move towards a gas-based economy.
It will communicate the national, social, economic and ecological benefits of using natural gas as the fuel of choice to every
citizen.
61. HAL successfully tests Light Utility Helicopter
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully conducted a technical flight of the new indigenous Light Utility
Helicopter (LUH).
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The flawless test was conducted by HAL engineers and technicians in the air for 15 minutes inside the HAL complex in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is eight-seater chopper under development for the armed forces.
It has a maximum All-Up-Weight (AUW) of 3,150 Kgs and fitted with Safran HE Ardiden-1U engine of 750 KW power.
It has a range of 350 Kms and service ceiling of 6.5 Kms.It can operate from sea level to high altitudes of Himalayas.
It has been designed to carry out various utility roles such as reconnaissance, transport, cargo load, quick response and
special operation.
It can also be used for ferrying VVIPs, as air ambulance, for policing and to search, rescue and evacuate people.
62. Indian traditional language Sanskrit becomes part of United Nations charter
United Nations, has included into it the most ancient and traditional language of India, Sanskrit into its charter.
A charter binds the assembly of nations.
The charter being translated into the Sanskrit language is the first of its kind attempt to make it to such an important
international document.
National Mission for Manuscripts in India promoted the translation work.
The development which is of great importance for India as a whole was appreciated by the United Nations Associates.
The Charter of the United Nations is a foundational agreement which was declared in the year 1945.
63. IndiaPost releases commemorative postage stamp on Saint Teresa
To celebrate the canonisation of Mother Teresa as a saint, IndiaPost released a commemorative postage stamp on her.
Union Minister of State for Communications Manoj Sinha unveiled the postage stamp during a ceremony at the Divine Child
High School.
Bishop Agnelo Gracias and Sister Rubella, a representative from Missionaries of Charity, were present at the ceremony.
Teresa, who worked for the destitute in Kolkata and became a global icon of Christian charity, was declared a saint by Pope
Francis at the Vatican.
64. Union Health Ministry launches campaign to eradicate leprosy
The Union Health Ministry has recently launched the Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) to eradicate leprosy from
the country.
The 2-week-long massive campaign was launched by Union Health Minister J P Nadda.It will be focusing on 149 endemic
districts in India.
LCDC aims to cover more than 1,600 blocks in the 149 districts across 20 states where nearly 3 lakh health teams will
undertake door-to-door visits to detect leprosy cases.The campaign will be till September 18, 2016.
65. Mother Teresa canonised as Saint by Pope Francis at Vatican
Mother Teresa on 4 September 2016 was proclaimed a Saint by Pope Francis in a ceremony at the Vatican.
Thousands of pilgrims attended the canonisation of Mother Teresa in St Peter's Square.
During the ceremony, Pope Francis announced We declare and define Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to be a saint and we enroll
her among the saints, decreeing that she is to be venerated as such by the whole Church."
With this, Mother Teresa became the fourth Indian to be made saint.
Those who received the honour before her include Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Sister Euphrasia and Sister Alphonsa.
Saint Gonsalo Garcia, though of Portuguese parentage, was born in India, and is considered an India born saint.
There are four steps to canonization that the saints have to go through: Servant of God Venerable Blessed
Saint.
66. Election Commission grants National Party status to All India Trinamool Congress
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has granted national party status to All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Party led
by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The party has fulfilled the required conditions to become a national party after getting status of state party in four states.
The TMC is ruling the West Bengal Government and has its presence in north eastern states Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and
Tripura.
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With this recognition, TMC became seventh national party in the country along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress,
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of
India-Marxist (CPM).
67. India and Egypt sign agreement in the area of Maritime Transport
India and Egypt have signed an agreement in the area of Maritime Transport to step up co-operation on the seas.
The agreement was signed during the 3-day visit (from September 1 to 3, 2016) of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to
India.
The Maritime Transport Agreement will strengthen cooperation between both countries.
It will also provide sustained mutual assistance and advice on merchant shipping and other related maritime matters.
The agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in the field of merchant shipping and other matters related maritime transport
between both countries.
Encourage the development maritime relationship between both countries and mutually cooperate to enhance and stimulate
steady growth of maritime traffic.
68. Union Govt announces special package of Rs 200cr for J&K
The Union Govt has announced a special package of 200 crore rupees for Jammu and Kashmir to engage youth of the state in
constructive sporting activities.
The package will provide construction of indoor sporting halls in all districts of the state to provide playing facilities to youth
during long winter.
Two stadiums in Srinagar and Jammu will be upgraded to the international standards while existing stadiums at Rajouri,
Poonch and Udhampur will also be upgraded.
Besides, water sport facilities will also be provided at an estimated cost of six crore rupees.
Special programme Sports for AII is being implemented through J&K State Sports Council for immediate engagement of
youth in sporting activities.
69. First BRICS film festival begins in New Delhi
The first BRICS film festival has begun at the Sirifort Auditorium Complex in New Delhi.
The film festival is the run up to the BRICS summit which is to be held in Goa in October 2016.
It was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS) for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore and Minister of State
(MoS) for External Affairs V.K. Singh.
The film festival has been started with an objective to build bridges and bring harmony amongst the BRICS countries viz.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The 5 day festival (September 2 to 6, 2016) will act as a platform for people of film industry of member countries to explore
areas of cooperation in the domain of cinema, culture and cuisine.
70. Majuli declared largest river island in world by Guinness World Records
The Guinness World Records has officially designation Assams Majuli as the largest river island in the world. It is situated
in the Brahmaputra River.
The river island covering an area of around 880 sqkm has toppled previous record held by Brazils Marajo island in the
Amazon river.
Majuli island The fluvial riverine island is formed by the Brahmaputra river system.
It is surrounded by Subanisri River in the North, main Brahmaputra River on the South and kherkatia Suli, split channel of
Brahmaputra River in northeast.
The island has total 144 villages with a population of over 160,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km.
71. Union Govt notifies National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
The Union Govt has notified National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) for providing apprenticeship training to
over 50 lakh youngsters in order to create more jobs.
The Scheme has an outlay of 10,000 crore rupees with a target of 50 Lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20.
It is first of its kind scheme notified to offer financial incentives to employers.
NAPS will be implemented by Director General of Training (DGT) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
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Under it, Central Government for the first time will provide financial incentives to the employers to engage apprentices.
Central Government will also directly share 25% of the total stipend (maximum of 1,500 rupees per month per apprentice)
payable to an apprentice with employers.
72. Indian Railways launches insurance scheme for passengers travelling on e- ticket
Indian Railways has launched an insurance scheme for passengers travelling on e- ticket. The insurance cover will be upto 10
lakh rupees.
The insurance scheme was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi.
For this scheme, Indian Railways has roped in Shriram General Insurance Company, ICICI Lombard and Royal Sundaram
General Insurance for providing the insurance cover.
Person booking a train ticket through the IRCTC website will be eligible for the travel insurance and it is optional.
To avail the facility, train passengers have to pay 92 paisa premium.
The insurance cover will not be applicable for children upto 5 years of age and foreign citizens.
The facility will be available only for confirmed and RAC ticket passengers.
The scheme offers travellers or nominees a compensation of 10 lakh Rupees in the event of death or total disabilty, 7.5 lakh
Rupees for partial disability.
Besides it will pay upto 2 lakh Rupees for hospitalisation expenses and 10,000 rupees for transportation of mortal remains
from the place of a train accident.
73. Indias first international conference on cooking gas begins in Odisha
Indias first international conference on cooking gas has started in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The 2-day conference was inaugurated by Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu.
It was also attended by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The conference has been organised by state-owned petroleum companies.
It will deliberate on the need for an LPG-enabled household and use of traditional cooking fuels.
It will focus on the need for an LPG enabled household, problems arising due to absence of cooking gas, the usage of
traditional bio mass cooking fuels and their impact on both health and environment.
The delegates from developing countries, such as Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria, Nepal and Sri Lanka are participating in this event.
74. CCI fines 10 cement companies and CMA for cartelisation
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed penalties on 10 cement companies and their umbrella association
Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) for cartelisation.
The CCI has levied penalties on 10 cement companies viz. ACC, ACL, Binani, Century, India Cements, JK Cements,
Lafarge, Ramco, UltraTech and Jaiprakash Associates.
The CCI is quasi-judicial statutory body established under The Competition Act, 2002.
It established in 2003 to eliminate practices that adversely affect competition in different industries and protect interests of
consumers and ensure freedom of trade.
75. Union Govt and Amar Chitra Katha signs MoU
The Union Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Amar Chitra Katha to publish and
distribute comic book on Swachh Bharat Mission.
The MoU was signed between Amar Chitra Katha and the Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) to focus on
Swachh Bharat Mission.
Under this MoU, Amar Chitra Katha will publish 32-pages comic book carrying messages pertaining to sanitation and solid
waste components of Swachh Bharat Mission.
It will comprise a series of inspirational stories from the Swachh Bharat mission, cleanliness rankings of cities, public
figures, environmental impact and ambassadors.
76. Defence Ministry sanctioned construction of National War Memorial, War Museum in New Delhi
The Union Defence Ministry has sanctioned the construction of a National War Memorial and National War Museum in New
Delhi.
The National War Memorial will honour the memory of all soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have made the ultimate
sacrifice for the nation.
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The National War Museum will combine architectural aesthetics and public sentiment.It will serve as a place for people to
show their respect for soldiers, for their extraordinary efforts.
The selected site of the memorial is located in the heart of New Delhi, within the C-Hexagon that lies in the close vicinity of
India Gate and Chattri.It will be an institution to collect, preserve, interpret and display military artifacts.
Besides, it will portray significant events of our nations wars and related objects of historical importance for education and
promoting patriotism.
77. 13 Indians test positive for Zika Virus in Singapore

The Union External Affairs Ministry has officially confirmed that 13 Indians have been tested positive for the Zika virus in
Singapore these cases of outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported among the three dozen workers on a
construction site in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Singapore also has confirmed its first case of a pregnant woman testing positive for the Zika virus infection.
The number of cases of the Zika virus in the city-state has rose to 115.
It should be noted that Asias first Zika virus was reported in Singapore.
Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
The virus is capable of causing serious birth defects i.e. neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as
Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads.
78. Vidya Balan brand ambassador of Samajwadi Pension Yojana
Uttar Pradesh govt named Bollywood actress Vidya Balan as brand ambassador of the ambitious Samajwadi Pension Yojana.
The actor who had earlier been associated with the ghar-ghar shauchalya campaign of the union government will be seen
campaigning about the scheme in the coming months.
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has launched the scheme with an aim to provide Rs 500 per month to poor women and cover at least
50 lakh beneficiaries in the state.
79. Nawazuddin Siddiqui appointed brand ambassador of UP farmers' scheme
The Uttar Pradesh government appointed Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the brand ambassador of its flagship
programme 'Samajwadi Kisan Beema Yojana', a scheme aimed at insuring farmers.
In the scheme, many facilities like cashless treatment upto Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for organ transplant have been included.
STATES
1.
West Bengal govt decides to install Monorail

West Bengal govt has decided to install monorail from Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas to Ruby Connector in Kolkata.
This was informed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 29 September 2016.
The 14-kilometre-long monorail route will connect Budge Budge to Ruby via Taratala, New Alipore and Prince Anwar Shah
Road and will come up at a cost of 4216 crore rupees.
This new service will also connect commuters to the proposed metro rail network between New Garia to Kolkata airport.
2.
Gionee inks MoU with Haryana Govt

The Gionee India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana govt to set up its phone
manufacturing hub in Faridabad.
The MoU was signed by Gionee Mobiles Chairman Liu Lirong and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development
Corporation (HSIIDC) in presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
The hub would be set up with an initial investment of Rs. 500 crore over an area of 40-50 acres in Faridabad. It would
provide employment to 28,000 people in next 3 years.
3.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launched in Srinagar, J&K

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in Srinagar for the state of Jammu & Kashmir by Chief Minister of
J&K, Ms Mehbooba Mufti along with Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan.
PMUY, which was launched by the Prime Minister on 1 st May 2016 at Ballia (Uttar Pradesh), is a scheme to provide clean
cooking fuel to the women belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households across the country.
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It aims to provide LPG connections to 5 Crore BPL households by 2019 and is a part of larger program of adding 10 crore
new LPG connections by 2019 to achieve full coverage of connections in Indian households.
PMUY scheme provides assistance of Rs. 1600/- to the woman beneficiary, comprising security deposit of Domestic cylinder
& pressure regulator; Suraksha hose; Domestic gas consumer card and installation charges.
4.
Telangana signs MoU to help Goa in IT development

The Telangana govt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Goa government to help the latter in
information technology (IT) development.
The Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Telangana IT minister K T Rama Rao signed an MoU and decided to work
together in IT development.
Through this MoU, Telangana will help the Goa government in formulating relevant policies.
An outpost of T-Hub (Telangana Hub) will be set up in Goa.T-Hub is India's largest incubator for startups, located in
Hyderabad.
5.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar declares Charkhi Dadri as 22nd district

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced Charkhi Dadri as the 22nd district of the state.
The state CM made the announcement at a public rally in Dadri in Bhiwani district.
He also announced that developmental projects worth 112 crore rupees had already been completed in the Dadri assembly
segment during the two year tenure of his government.
On the other hand, Khattar also inaugurated nine development projects worth 45 crore rupees in Dadri.
6.
Telangana inks MoU with ISRO to promote education

The Telangana govt has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to
promote education.
The MoU was inked between Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication of Telangana and
ISROs Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU).
Under the MoU, ISRO will help to improve services of Telanganas educational channel Mana TV by using Satcom.
It will help Mana TV channel to start coaching classes for those appearing for Group II services examination of the
Telangana Public Service Commission (TPSC).
7.
Gurgaon officially renamed Gurugram

The Union Government has given its approval to change the name of Gurgaon to Gurugram.
With this both the city as well as the district of Gurgaon would be known as Gurugram.
It was announced by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar after presiding over the first meeting of the State-level Swarna
Jayanti Celebrations Committee at Panchkula.
Gurugram is the mythological name derived from Guru Dronacharya, the master of archery in Mahabharata who groomed the
Pandavas and Kauravas in war tactics.
It is said the village was given as gurudakshina to Guru Dronacharya by the Pandavas and hence it came to be known as
Guru-gram.
Gurugram is the corporate hub of Haryana on outskirts of Delhi.
8.
Tripura Unanimously Ratifies GST Bill

The Tripura Assembly unanimously ratified the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST).
President Pranab Mukherjee on September 8 gave assent to the Constitution Amendment Bill on GST after it passed by the
both houses of Parliament and was ratified by the legislative assemblies of at least 50 per cent of the states.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, popularly known as the GST bill, after passed
by the both houses of Parliament, circulated to the state governments for ratification.
9.
Rajasthan replaces 5 lakh streetlights with LED bulbs

Rajasthan becomes the first state to adopt Centre's Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) in all its urban local bodies
(ULB).
Almost 5 lakh conventional streetlights have been replaced with LED streetlights across the state.
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The project has been funded byEnergy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a public energy services company under the
administration of Union ministry of power at no cost to the state.
10. Stayzilla inks pact with Gujarat Tourism to encourage homestays

Online aggregator of homestays Stayzilla.com has signed an MoU with Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) to
jointly promote and market homestays and alternate stays in Gujarat.
Homestay is a stay option wherein guests (travellers) can rent a room in the home of a local family (host) or the entire house.
Under this agreement, Stayzilla and Gujarat Tourism will share the current base of homestays on each others digital
platforms to bring more awareness on homestays in Gujarat.
11. WB to confer Bangabibhushan award to Lata Mangeshkar
To honour her contributions to Bengali songs, West Bengal govt will confer this year's 'Bangabibhushan' to legendary singer
Lata Mangeshkar.
The award will be conferred to Mangeshkar after the Durga Puja.
The Trinamool Congress government had started conferring Bangabibhushan to eminent personalities for their contribution
to various fields since 2011.
Danseuse Amala Shankar was the first person to receive of the award.
12. Worlds largest solar power plant commissioned at Kamudhi, Tamil Nadu
The worlds largest solar power plant with an installed capacity of 648MW was commissioned at Kamudhi in
Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
The plant was set up on an area of around 5,000 acres by Adani Group at a total cost of Rs 4,550 crore.
It was connected to the grid through a sub-station.
The plant was set up the plant in eight months. For this purpose, Adani Group had sourced equipment and machinery from
various parts of the world.
13. Raman Singh inaugurates 'Startup Chhattisgarh' to give impetus to startups
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh inaugurated the 'Startup Chhattisgarh' scheme, which aims to give impetus to
startup projects in the state.
The state government launched its action plan for promoting start-ups in Chhattisgarh and announced for boot camps
covering all 27 districts of the state.
14. Agriculture Minister inaugurates Krishi Unnati Mela at Mathura
The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated the four day Pandit Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Krishi Unnati Mela 2016, in Mathura.
The Agriculture Minister laid foundation stone of first Gokul Gram Project in Mathura.
On this occasion he said that government has prepared a plan to establish 14 Gokul Gram in the country under Gokul
Mission.
The first Gokul Gram is going to be established in Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyays birth place, Mathura.
Gokul Gram will work as a centre for development of native breed cattle and it will work to supplement resources of cattle of
farmers in breeding areas.
Earlier the Agriculture Minister inaugurated a waste sewage water treatment plant in Mathura.
15. V Shanmuganathan sworn in as Arunachal Governor
President Pranab Mukherjee had asked Shanmuganathan to discharge the additional duty of Arunachal Pradesh after
Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa was sacked on September 12, weeks after the Supreme Court restored the Congress govt
in the state.
Chief Justice of the Gauhati high court Justice Ajit Singh administered the oath of office to Shanmuganathan in the presence
of chief minister Pema Khandu, his cabinet colleagues, besides a host of civil and police officials.
16. Andhra Pradesh becomes second state to achieve 100% electrification
Andhra Pradesh has become the second state in the country after Gujarat to achieve 100 per cent electrification of
households.
JM Financials published the report based on a national -level survey on electrification in various states.
www.bsc4success.com
About 35 per cent rural households in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Assam still lacked access
to power supply.
An investment of Rs 20,000 crore has been proposed over the next five years to strengthen the transmission and distribution
systems and extend power supply connection on demand..
17. CM inaugurates week-long Onam celebrations in state

The week-long Onam celebrations in the state had a befitting start here on Monday with 'gana gadharvan' K J Yesudas
mesmerising the packed audience at the renovated Nishagandhi auditorium with a song which he had never sung on stage
before, but the most popular score that invoke the 'golden era' of Kerala under mythical king Mahabali.
The Onam pageantry to mark the conclusion of the week-long Onam celebrations will be held on September 18.
18. Patanjali launches mega food park at Nagpur industrial hub
Yoga guru Ramdev-promoted Patanjali Ayurveda launched its mega food park on a 230-acre land at an industrial hub in
Nagpur, promising to employ 10,000 people and engage 50,000 farmers of the region in trade.
The company plans to develop a Rs 1,000-crore food park at Multi-model International Cargo Hub and Airport, Nagpur
(MIHAN), where juices would be made from famous Nagpuri oranges and for the first time packaged as a brand.
The plant would be Patanjalis first expansion from its facility near Haridwar in Uttarkhand.
19. Goa Assembly ratifies GST Bill
The Goa Assembly on 31st Aug unanimously passed a resolution ratifying the amendments to the Constitution to pave the
way for the Presidential assent to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, 2016.
Pointing out that Goa is the 15th State to ratify the Bill, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said with the move, the required
50 per cent of the States have now passed it, paving way for the presidential assent.
20. Bengaluru hosts first edition of IoT India Congress
The first edition of IoT (Internet of Things) India Congress, 2016 began in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The three-day event was inaugurated by Union Information Technology (IT) and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
and JS Deepak, Secretary, Ministry of Telecommunications.
The congress aims to bring together key stakeholders across the value chain and verticals to collaborate, ideate and share a
common roadmap for IoT implementation.
It will bring the IoT practitioners (hardware-devices, portables, sensors, software, business) and IoT enablers (regulatory,
training, investors in IoT, end users) to work together.
It seeks to create an IoT platform that is industry efficient as well as robust.
IoT is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, or people that are provided with
unique identifiers.
21. Rajasthan partners with Cisco for connected learning solution
Cisco has partnered with the Rajasthan government to establish Digital Learning Solution Rooms (DLSRs) which will deploy
virtual digital classrooms across 12 institutes as part of the governments ongoing social initiatives programme locations in
Rajasthan.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education through digital learning for academia to connect, collaborate, create
and share content across 12 centres of State Institute for Education Management and Training (SIEMAT) in the state.
The financial details of the partnership were, however, not disclosed.
Under this association, Cisco and SIEMAT have committed to 50,000 manhours of training annually through the virtual
digital classrooms.
22. Gumthala Garhu becomes first Wifi hotspot village in Haryana
Gumthala Garhu near Pehowa became the first Wifi hotspot village in Haryana circle under the bulk plan of BSNL for the
state.
The service was inaugurated by state Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar from Chandigarh.
Gumthala Garhu is located on Ambala-Kaithal-Hisar road and has a population of 11000.
The BSNL Haryana circle plans to have 238 Wifi hotspot locations with 1072 access points in the state.
The Wifi hotspot facility at the village uses bandwidth of 10 mbps through BSNLs state-of-the-art network.
www.bsc4success.com
23. Odisha Govt inks lease agreement on Jagatjore Shrimp Culture Project
Odisha govt signed a long-term lease agreement with Falcon Marine Exports for the operation of Jagatjore Shrimp Culture
Project in coastal Kendrapara district.
Falcon Marine Exports was the highest bidder of the project.
The lease period will be for 15 years which, will fetch revenue of 13 crore rupees to the government.
The project was first implemented in 1992-93 in Mahakalpada Tahasil of Kendrapara District executed by the State Fisheries
Department.
It was executed with loan assistance from World Bank with a cost of 25.23 crore. It was completed in 2000.
24. Pondy Lt Guv launches Shramdaan movement in remote village
Lt Governor Kiran Bedi launched 'Shramdaan movement' as part of Swachh Bharatand Swachh Puducherryinitiative at a
remote village.
Shramdaan is a habit and a movement, and every one irrespective of status should be involved in the drive against garbage.
Launching the movement at Seliamedu village in Bahoor commune Panchayatlimits, she urged people to ensure that the goal
of clean Puducherryis achieved at the earliest.
The Lt Governor, who was received with temple honours on arrival at the shrine, said, "Shramdaan movement is aimed at
creating a disease-free environment.
25. Rajasthan launches e-stamping facility
Rajasthan launched the e-stamping facility in the state.
Chief Justice of Rajasthan high Court, Navin Sinha inaugurated the e-Court Fees Centre in Jaipur while in Jodhpur the
facility was launched by high Courtjudge Govind Mathur.
The facility is already available in Delhi, Chhattisgarhand Himachal Pradesh.
In Rajasthan high court, present Court Fee Stamp System will continue for the time being along with e-stamping facility.
26. Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh ratifie GST bill
Meghalaya Assembly & Arunachal Pradesh had ratified the Goods and Services Constitution Amendment Bill.
Meghalaya became the 17th and the second Congress-ruled state after Himachal Pradesh to ratify the GST Bill.
The bill has already been ratified in 19 states of the country.
27. Odisha Govt launches Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana
The Odisha Govt launched the Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana (BKRY) in three districts of the state.
The scheme was launched for the development of girls.
The scheme will be implemented for three years in Ganjam, Dhenkanal and Angul districts on a pilot basis.
The objective of the Biju Kanya Ratna Yojana is to improve Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in the three
districts.
The CSR has declined from 967 in the 1991 census to 941 in the 2011 census in Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Angul and Ganjam
districts. However, Nayagarh is covered under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
According to the provision of BKRY, the state government will spend 3.5 crore rupees for the three-year planned scheme,
which is expected to be completed by 31 March 2019.
28. Sakshi Malik appointed Wrestling Director of Rohtak University
The Haryana Government has announced the appointment of Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik as Wrestling
Director at Maharshi Dayanand University in her native town Rohtak.
Announcing this, Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anil Vij, also said that she will be given Rs 21 lakh out of his
discretionary fund and a plot measuring 500 square yards.
Her coach Mandeep would be given promotion under special rules.
The Haryana Government has, in recognition of her achievement, already felicitated Sakshi Malik, who hails from Rohtak
district, with a cash reward of Rs 2.5 Cr under its Sports Policy.
He also announced to give Rs 10 lakh to Sakshi's coach Ishwar.
29. Kerala appoints sachin as brand ambassador for anti-liquor campaign
www.bsc4success.com
Legendary Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has been appointed as brand ambassador for anti- liquor and drug campaign by the
Kerala government.
Anti- liquor and drug campaign were part of the governments move to create awareness among people against alcoholism
and drug in the state.
30. Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao sworn in as acting Governor of Tamil Nadu

Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra, was sworn in as the acting Governor of Tamil Nadu as the tenure
of K. Rosaiah ended on 31 August 2016.
Rao was administered oath of office by the Madras High Court's Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul at the Raj Bhavan,
Chennai.
31. Solung festival begins in Arunachal Pradesh
The annual socio-religious Solung festival of Adi tribe has started in Arunachal Pradesh.
Solung is 5-day long agro-based festival is celebrated every year by the Adi tribe in the first week of September.
The Solung festival reflects the socio-religious features of the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi or Bangni-Boker lhoba
people are the major collective tribes living in the himalayan hills of Nyingchi prefecture in Arunachal Pradesh.
32. Tamil film Visaranai selected as Indias official entry to Oscars 2017
The Tamil film Visaranai has been selected as the Indias official entry to Oscars 2017 (89th Academy Awards) in the
Foreign Language Film category.
The film has been directed by Vetrimaran and is produced by actor Dhanushs Wunderbar Films.
It is based on M.Chandrakumars novel Lock Up.
The film is based on true events recorded in novel Lock Up about autorickshaw driver, who shares his experience after he
and three of his friends are arrested on false charges.
33. Gujarat signs MoU to build small airports
The Gujarat govt has inked a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the
Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Under these MoUs, 11 small airports and airstrips will be developed under the Centres Regional Connectivity Scheme
(RCS) to boost regional air connectivity in the State.
With this, Gujarat became the third State after Jharkhand and Maharashtra to have signed such an agreement under the
Centres Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
Under the MoU Gujarat and the Central Government will jointly undertake development and upgrading of infrastructure in
11 unserved or underserved airports and airstrips.
These 11 unserved or underserved airports and airstrips are in Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Surat, Bhuj, Mehsana, Porbandar,
Amreli, Mandavi, Kandla, Keshod and Deesa.
The Central Government will provide the financial resources under viability gap funding of the RCS.
34. Odisha ratification paves way for Presidents nod for GST bill
The Odisha Assembly on Sept 01 unanimously passed a resolution ratifying the Constitution Amendment Bill for Goods and
Services Tax (GST) to pave the way for the Presidential assent to the Bill.
Odisha became the 16th State to ratify the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 on GST that was passed by
Parliament recently.
Ratification of the Bill by at least half of the total states was mandated before it is sent for the President's assent.
The statutory resolution was moved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the special one-day session of the House.
35. HP wins Better Performing Project Award 2015
Himachal Pradesh has won the 2015-Better Performing Project Award for development of infrastructure in the state.
The award was given for development of infrastructure in the state by tourism department under the ADB Funded Project.
The award was confererd during the Tripartite Portfolio Review meeting and it was received by Commissioner of Tourism
Mohan Chauhan and Project Director Manoj Sharma.
36. Goa signs an MoU with Google India to promote digital literacy
www.bsc4success.com
Extending the Prime Minister's Digital India vision, the Government of Goa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Google India to promote digital literacy and drive digital transformation across the State.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and Vice President, Google South East Asia and India Rajan Anandan, signed the MoU.
As a first step to realize this vision, the Goa State Government will launch 'Internet Safety Education for students in Goa in
association with Google India.
The State government has given a nod to include internet safety education as part of the school curriculum of classes IX and
XII in government schools across the State.
As part of the program, Google India has initiated teacher trainings and will soon expand to cover 460 schools, teaching over
80,000 students on how to stay safe online.
WORLD
1.
Americas Region Declared Free of Endemic Measles

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Region of the Americas as Measles free.
The declaration came during the 55th Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health
Organization (PAHO/WHO).
With this, the Americas became the first in the world to have eliminated measles, a viral disease that can cause severe health
problems, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and even death.
This achievement marked culmination of a 22-year effort involving mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella
throughout the Americas.
Measles is the fifth vaccine-preventable disease to be eliminated from the Americas, after eradication of smallpox in 1971,
poliomyelitis in 1994, and rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in 2015.
2.
Union Cabinet approves merger of Rail budget with General budget

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposals of Ministry of Finance to merge of Railway budget with the General budget.
Merger of Railway Budget with the General Budget will be effective from the Budget 2017-18.
It will end 92-year-old tradition as the presentation of separate Railway budget started in year 1924.
Since then it has continued after independence as a convention rather than under Constitutional provisions.
The Capital at charge estimated at 2.27 lakh crore rupees on which Railways pays annual dividend will be wiped off.
It will save Railways from the liability of payment of approximately 9,700 crore rupees as an annual dividend to the Central
Government.
The unified budget presentation will bring the affairs of the Railways to centre stage and present a holistic picture of the
financial position of the Government.
3.
Barack Obama designates first US Marine National Monument in Atlantic Ocean

The United States President Barack Obama designated the countrys first marine national monument, Northeast Canyons and
Seamounts Marine National Monument, in the Atlantic Ocean.
The monument aims at protecting fragile deep-sea ecosystems off the coast of New England.
The announcement was made by the American president at the third annual Our Ocean Conference in Washington DC.
4.
U.S., Israel sign $38 billion military aid package

United States has signed a 38 billion dollars Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel to provide the country with
military assistance over a 10-year period.
The MoU will be valid from 2019 through 2028.
5.
Cuba, Russia sign Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation

Russia and Cuba have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful atomic energy use.
The agreement was signed between Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom and Cubas Ministry of Science, Technology and
Environment in Vienna.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of International 60th Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference held in
Vienna, capital city of Austria.
6.
Colombia, FARC sign Historic Pact ending 52-year Civil War
www.bsc4success.com
The Colombian Govt and left-wing FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) rebels have signed a historic
agreement that formally brings an end to 52 years of civil war.
The agreement was signed by President Juan Manuel Santos and rebel leader Timoleon Jimenez, known as Timochenko at
the ceremony in Cartagena.
Under the deal, the FARC will be relaunched as a political party and will be able to contest elections scheduled to be held in
October 2016.
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is Colombias largest rebel group and Latin Americas oldest left-wing
insurgency.
7.
3rd BRICS Urbanisation Forum Meet begins in Vishakhapatnam

The third edition of BRICS Urbanisation Forum Meet has started in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The three days conference was be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in the presence of
Union Minister of Urban Development, M. Venkaiah Naidu.
In this edition of conference the delegates from the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are
participating. During the three-day deliberations, they will discuss investments, urbanisation, formation of new cities and
others.
The conference will also discuss how to increase the productivity, how to make a separate urban finance system and creation
of employment opportunities.
8.
China has worlds longest bullet train network

Chinas high-speed railway has completed over 20,000 kms of track network in the country, becoming the worlds longest
bullet train network.
A high-speed railway linking Zhengzhou in Chinas central Henan Province with Xuzhou in eastern Jiangsu Province
opened.
With the operation of the new line, Chinas high-speed railway lines have exceeded 20,000 kms in total length, the worlds
longest.
9.
Godrej Properties opens office in Singapore

Godrej Properties Ltd has opened an international representative office in Singapore.
The company has been working with customers in various international markets, including Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong,
Australia, Africa, the UK and the US.
With the opening of this new representative office, GPL's second international office after its first office was opened in Dubai
two years ago, GPL will engage directly with the Indian diaspora located across Singapore and neighbouring geographies.
10. Worlds first daily driverless bus service launched in Lyon, France
The worlds first daily driverless bus service has started in Lyon, France which will run in the citys Confluence area.
The driverless bus service includes two electric shuttles that will transport passengers on a ten-minute route hosting five
stops.
The driverless buses can hold up to 15 passengers and are electric buses.
It has features like LIDAR radar technology and motion sensors will help to avoid accidents.
The LIDAR radar technology allows these buses to know exactly where they are and to detect everything happening around
them.
Using this technology these buses manage their movement intelligently to avoid collisions.
LIDAR is acronym of Light Detection And Ranging. Originally it was created as a portmanteau of light and radar.
It is a surveying technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser light.
11. World leaders adopt New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at UNGA
World leaders have adopted New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants at the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA).
The declaration expresses the political will of world leaders to protect the rights of refugees and migrants to save lives and
share responsibility for large movements on a global scale.
By adopting it UN member states are making bold commitments to Develop guidelines on the treatment of migrants in
vulnerable situations.
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Start negotiations leading to an international conference and adoption of global compact for safe, regular and orderly
migration in 2018.
12. 2016 ASEAN Summit held in Vientiane, Laos

The 28th and 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held in Vientiane, Laos from 6th to 8th
September 2016.
Prime Minister of the Lao PDR H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith was Chairperson of the summit.
The theme of the summit was Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community.
The summit was attended by the leaders of all 10-member nations of ASEAN viz. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand,
Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR (host), , Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.
India-ASEAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi had represented India at the ASEAN summit at the 14th ASEAN-India
summit.
ASEAN-India adopted a document aiming at politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible and people
oriented people centered ASEAN-India Community.
13. WHO certifies India Yaws, Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus free
India has officially received certificates from World Health Organisation (WHO), recognizing the elimination of Yaws and
Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) from the country.
The certificates were presented to Union Health Minister J P Nadda at the 69th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for
South-East Asia Region held in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka.
WHO had officially declared India yaws-free in May 2016 after a team of experts verified interruption of disease
transmission in the country.
India was the first country in the world to eliminate yaws under the 2012 WHO neglected tropical diseases (NTD) roadmap.
Besides, India also was declared maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) free in August 2015 after it was reduced to less than
one case per 1 000 live births in all 675 districts.
14. 2016 G-20 Summit held in Hangzhou, China
The 2016 Group of Twenty (G20) Summit was held in Hangzhou, China from 4th to 5th September 2016 to discuss efforts to
reform global economic governance.
It was the eleventh meeting of the G20.
It was the first ever G20 summit to be hosted in China and the second Asian country after 2010 G20 Seoul summit was
hosted in South Korea.
The theme of 2016 G20 Summit is Toward an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy.
The 2017 G20 summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany from 7-8 July 2017.
15. WHO certifies Sri Lanka malaria-free
In a remarkable public health achievement, Sri Lanka has been certified as malaria-free island country by World Health
Organisation (WHO).
In the mid-20th century it was among the most malaria-affected countries, but now it is malaria-free.
This is testament to the courage and vision of its leaders, and signifies the great leaps that can be made when targeted action
is taken.
Sri Lanka is the second country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate malaria after Maldives.
16. 22-year-old Indo-Japanese crowned Miss Japan
A beauty queen with an Indian father and a Japanese mother was crowned Miss Japan on Monday, furthering racial equality
in the country.
Priyanka Yoshikawa's tearful victory comes a year after Ariana Miyamoto faced an ugly backlash for becoming the first
black woman to represent Japan.
Social media lit up after Ms. Miyamoto's trailblazing triumph as critics complained that Miss Universe Japan should instead
have been won by a "pure" Japanese rather than a "haafu" the Japanese for "half", a word used to describe mixed race.
Priyanka Yoshikawa, whose father is an Indian and mother a Japanese, faces backlash after many complained that Miss Japan
has to be "pure" Japanese rather than "half".
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17. Infosys sets up JV for Saudi Arabian market

Infosys entered into a joint venture with the Saudi Prerogative Company to offer IT services in the middle eastern country.
The Bengaluru-based IT services firm will own 70 per cent of the JV.
The investment in the JV will be a little over $300,000 in the equity share capital of the proposed joint venture company.
18. Michel Temer sworn in as new Brazil president
Michel Temer was sworn in as the new president of Brazil after Dilma Rousseff was stripped of the presidency by the Senate
in an impeachment trial.
At a special session of Congress, after the playing of the national anthem, Temer was sworn in.
He was surrounded by the president of the Supreme Court, Ricardo Lewandowski, the president of the Senate, Renan
Calheiros, and the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Rodrigo Maia.
Temer will serve as president until December 31, 2018.
19. 2016 BRICS Convention on Tourism begins in Madhya Pradesh
The 2016 BRICS Convention on Tourism has begun at UNESCO World heritage site Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh to
promote intra-regional tourism.
The two day convention was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Tourism and Culture.
The convention has been organised as a precursor to the BRICS Summit to be held in Goa in October 2016.
In this two day convention, delegates from the BRICS countries viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are
participating.
MOUs, Reports&Govt Approvals

1.
India ranks 39th in 2016-17 Global Competitiveness Index

India has been ranked 39th among the 138 countries in the 2016-17 Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).
The index was released as part of the World Economic Forums (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report for 2016-17.
The list has been topped by Switzerland followed by Singapore, United States, Netherlands and Germany.
Among BRICS Countries, China (28th) is on top followed by Russia (43rd), South Africa (47th) and Brazil (81st).
In the 2016-17 edition of GCI, India has jumped 16 places compared to 55th position in 2015-16 GCI.
India has emerged as the highest rising economy due to improvement in goods market efficiency, business sophistication and
innovation.
Indian economy boasts the highest growth among G20 economies mainly due to improved monetary and fiscal policies, as
well as lower oil prices which has stabilized economy.
Indias competitiveness has improved across the board, particularly in innovation (29), goods market efficiency (60) and
business sophistication (35) indicators of GCI.
The Global Competitiveness Index measures 12 areas which include institutions, macro-economic environment,
infrastructure, health and primary education, higher education and training, labour market -efficiency, goods and market
efficiency among others.
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2.
India, Nepal sign three agreements

India and Nepal have signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for post-earthquake reconstruction, Road
infrastructure in Tarai and Line of Credit.
These agreements were inked during the four days (from 15 to 18 September 2016) official state visit of Nepal Prime
Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to India.
Signed MoUs are:
1. Dollar Credit line agreement: India will provide new LoC agreement for US 750 million dollars for post-earthquake
reconstruction projects in Nepal.
2. First Amendatory Dollar credit line agreement: It was signed between Government of Nepal and EXIM Bank to US
1 billion dollar Line of Credit (LoC) agreement signed in November 2014 for enabling reapportioning of unutilised
funds for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.
3. MoU for Upgradation and Improvement of Road Infrastructure in Terai Area of Nepal: It was signed between
Department of Roads, Postal Highway Project of Nepal and National Highways & Infrastructure Development
Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for Project Management Consultancy Services.
3.
Andhra Pradesh tops in attracting industrial investments

Andhra Pradesh has emerged on the top among all other states in attracting industrial investments in 2015-16, pushing the
previous year's topper Maharashtra to the third spot.
Andhra Pradesh attracted an investment of Rs 21,914 crore out of the Rs 1,38,700 crore gross investments across India.
This was 15.8 per cent of the total investments of over Rs 10 crore each unit.
Gujarat retained the second place attracting 14.5 per cent of investments, up from 9.5 per cent in 2014-15 while Maharashtra
was pushed to the third spot with 10.9 per cent in 2015-16, a decline from 14.8 per cent.
4.
PNB ropes in Virat Kohli as brand ambassador

Punjab National Bank has roped in Indian test skipper Virat Kohli as brand ambassador to improve its image which has taken
a hit due to rising bad loans.
On the occasion Kohli said PNB is Mera Apna Bank as he has been an account holder of the bank since the age of 16 years.
5.
Union Cabinet approves formation of GST Council

The Union Cabinet on 12 September 2016 approved the process, formation and functioning of the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) Council.
It will decide the rate of tax under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and is likely to kick in from April 1, 2017.
The GST Council, to be chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comes into effect from September 12.
It includes Minister of State in charge of Revenue Department and State finance ministers.
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It will make recommendations on important issues related to GST, including items and rates. Its secretariat costs will be
borne by the Central government.
The council will hold its first meeting on September 22 and 23.
The Cabinet also approved setting up of GST Council Secretariat. The GST Council Secretariat will have its office in New
Delhi.
The Revenue Secretary will be the ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council, which will have Chairperson, Central Board of
Excise and Customs (CBEC) as a permanent invitee (non-voting).
The GST Council will be created as per Article 279A of the amended Constitution.
As per Article 279A of the amended Constitution, the GST Council, which will be a joint forum of the Centre and the States,
shall be headed by the Union Finance Minister.
While the Centre will have one-third vote in the GST Council, states together will have a two-third say. To adopt a
resolution, three-fourth majority would be required.
6.
India to clock 8% growth over next few years: S&P

S&P Global Ratings projected India to clock a "steroid-free" growth of 8 per cent over the next few years.
In its 'APAC Economic Snapshots--September 2016' report, S&P said India's structural reform agenda has maintained strong
momentum and should propel growth higher.
The latest gross domestic production (GDP) figures showed that India's growth slowed to 7.1 per cent in the April-June
quarter, from 7.9 per cent in January-March period.
Reserve Bank has also said the near-term growth outlook for India seems brighter than last fiscal and the economy is likely to
expand at 7.6 per cent in 2016-17.
7.
Govt approves 9 highway projects worth Rs 2,600 crore

The central government approved nine highway projects at a cost of Rs 2,600.31 crore.
8.
Cabinet clears revised India-Cyprus DTAA

The Cabinet approved the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Cyprus, a move that gives India the
right to tax capital gains on investments routed through Cyprus prospectively from April 1, 2017.
The fresh DTAA with Cyprus, which is considered a haven for money laundering, round-tripping, and profit-shifting,
assumes significance coming soon after the signing of the revised pact with Mauritius.
India is also in the process of revising its treaty with Singapore.
9.
Union Govt approves 500 crore rupee projects for development of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved projects worth 500 crore rupees for integrated development of tourism in
Jammu and Kashmir under Swadesh Darshan scheme.
The projects were approved by Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee for the scheme as part of Development
Package of Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan.
The new projects are envisaged at tourist infrastructural development in Jammu and Kashmir.
They include Baramulla-Kupwara-Leh, Mantalai Sudhmahadev Patnitop Circuit, Rajouri Bafliyaz Shopian
Pulwama Circuit and Anantnag-Kishtwar- Pahalgam Daksum Ranjit Sagar Dam Circuit.
Nearly 100 crore rupees have been approved for integrated development of tourist facilities in lieu of damaged assets in the
September 2014 floods.
Besides it will also facilitation centre for pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra, Sound and Light Show at Shalimar Bag, illumination
of heritage structures, provision of ecofriendlyvehicles.
10. India, Sri Lanka sign MoU to support fishermen

India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support livelihood of the fishing and farming
communities in Hambantota district of Sri Lanka.
The project envisages gift of equipment and tools such as grub hoes, bicycles, life jackets and sewing machines, worth 300
million SLR, to the fishing and farming communities in Hambantota district.
Part of the grant is expected to be used for developing fisheries villages under a national programme.
11. India, Afghanistan sign pacts
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Stepping up bilateral security cooperation, India and Afghanistan asked for an end to sponsorship of all forms of terrorism
and signed an Extradition Treaty to facilitate exchange of wanted terrorists and criminals.
India also extended a $one-billion for capacity and capability building in areas such as education, health, agriculture, skill
development, empowerfment of women, energy, infrastructure and strengthening of democratic institutions.
12. Union Cabinet approvals

Approves Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to enact Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill 2016.
The proposal to enact to this bill was forwarded by Union Ministry of Shipping to repeal five archaic admiralty statutes.
Admiralty jurisdiction is related to the powers of the High Courts in respect of claims associated with transport by sea and
navigable waterways.
Approves raising Extra Budgetary Resources to augment infrastructure spending
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to raise Rs. 31,300 crore in FY 2016-17 to augment infrastructure spending.
Besides, it has also given approval to service principal and interest against the Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of Rs.
16,300 crore by Union Government for infrastructure spending.
Approves Capital Grant to GAIL
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved capital grant of Rs. 5,176 crore for development Gas
Infrastructure in Eastern part of the country.
The grant in the form of viability gap funding (partial capital grant) at 40% will be used for the 2539 km long JagdishpurHaidia and Bokaro-Dhamra Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project.
JHBDPL project will connect Eastern part of the country i.e. States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West
Bengal with National Gas Grid.
It will ensure the availability of clean and eco-friendly fuel i.e. Natural Gas to the industrial, commercial, domestic and
transport sectors.
Approves Agreement between India and Samoa
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of Agreement between India and Samoa for the
exchange of information with respect to Taxes.
It will help to stimulate the flow of exchange of information between India and Samoa for tax purposes which will help curb
tax avoidance and tax evasion.
Approves winding up of Hindustan Diamond Company Private Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for initiating the process of winding up of
Hindustan Diamond Company Private Limited (HDCPL).
The winding up of HDCPL will not affect supply of rough diamonds to Indian diamantaires as Indian diamond industry has
grown in these years.
Approves submarine OFC connectivity between Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for provision of a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine
Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Chennai (mainland India) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The submarine OFC will connect mainland with Port Blair and five other islands viz. Little Andaman, Havelock, Car
Nicobar, Kamorta and Great Nicobar.
The estimated cost of the project is 1102.38 crore rupees including operational expenses for 5 years. The project will be be
completed by December 2018.
Approves advancement of the Budget presentation
The Union Cabinet has given in principle approval for advancement of the date of Budget presentation from the last day of
February to a suitable date.
Besides in another reform relating to budgetary process, Union Cabinet has approved merger of Plan and Non Plan
classification in Budget and Accounts.
Advancement of the date of Budget presentation Benefits Pave way for early completion of Budget cycle and enable Central
Ministries and Departments to ensure better planning and execution of schemes from beginning of financial year.
It will preclude the need of appropriation through Vote on Account.
Approves MoU between India, Singapore
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Industrial Property
Cooperation.
The MoU will be signed at the upcoming official state visit of Singapores Prime Minister to India from 4 to 7 October, 2016.
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It will enhance bilateral cooperation activities in the arena of Industrial Property Rights of Patents, Trademarks and Industrial
Designs.
Approves ratification of the Paris Agreement
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to ratify the Paris Agreement (on Climate Change) on Gandhi Jayanti i.e. on 2nd
October 2016.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by 185 nations in December 2015.
India had signed the agreement in New York in April 2016.
So far, 191 countries have signed the agreement.
The Paris treaty on Climate Change will come into force when 55 countries contributing to 55 % of total global emission
ratify the agreement.
So far, 61 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification, approval or acceptance accounting in total for 47.79% of
the total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Indias decision to ratify the agreement will take the number of cumulative level of emission of countries that have ratified
the agreement so far to 51.89%.
With its decision, India will be one of the key countries that will be instrumental in bringing the Paris Agreement into force.
Approves Varistha Pension Bima Yojana
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) 2003 and Varistha
Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) 2014.
The Cabinet also granted approval for expenditure incurred on subsidy amount released to LIC for the both schemes.
VPBY was launched on 14th July, 2003 and was open till 14th August, 2015 and VPBY was launched on 14th August, 2014.
Both of these schemes were implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Approves Closure of Hindustan Cables Limited
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for closure of Hindustan Cables Limited (HCL), Kolkata as per the provisions of
Companies Act, 1956/2013 and other relevant Acts.
Besides, Cabinet also approved infusion of 4,777.05 crore rupees towards payment of salaries and conversion of loan into
equity etc.
Approves extension of contract with ISA
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of contract with and International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of
Polymetallic Nodules (PMS).
The contract is between Union Ministry of Earth Sciences and ISA. It has been extended for a further period of 5 years
(2017-22) as the earlier contract is expiring in March 2017.
Approves establishment of Higher Education Financing Agency
The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) to give a major push for
creation of high quality infrastructure in premier educational institutions.
The HEFA will be jointly promoted by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and identified
Promoter.
HEFA will have an authorised capital of 2,000 crore rupees and the government equity would be 1,000 crore rupees.
Approves Bilateral Technical Arrangement between India and Switzerland
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of the Bilateral Technical Arrangement (BTA) between India and
Switzerland on the identification and return of Indian and Swiss Nationals and its implementation.
The BTA aims to formalise existing procedure for cooperation on return of irregular migrants between two countries without
introducing any additional obligations or exacting timeframes.
Approves enhancing the buffer stock of pulses up to 20 lakh tonnes
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved enhancing the buffer stock for pulses up to 20 lakh
tonnes.
The proposal in the regard was forwarded by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Union Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Approves MoU between India and Kenya
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Kenya on
cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management (NHPDM).
The cooperation between both nations will focus on upscaling slum prevention and upgradation initiatives based on
experience and implementation process of each country.
Approves MoU between India and South Africa
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The Union Cabinet has apprised of the MoU between India and South Africa for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field
of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The MoU will help to establish inter-institutional cooperation and relations between India and South Africa in order to
promote cooperation in the field of ICT.
13. CCEA approves proposal for initiation of 3rd phase of TEQIP

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the proposal for initiation of the Third Phase of
Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP).
The project will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme with total project outlay of 3600 crore rupees.
The major outcomes of TEQIP Better academic standards, through filling up faculty positions, training faculty in better
teaching methods, accreditation, improved research outputs in institution in Focus States/UTs.
14. HP, Singapore sign MoU for smart integrated township
Himachal Pradesh govt signed a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore govt for developing a
smart integrated township in Jathiadevi near Shimla airport.
The MoU was signed between Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) and Asian Pacific
Singapore Enterprise in the presence of Urban Development and Town and Country Planning and Housing minister Sudhir
Sharma.
15. Mandi, Sindhudurg emerge cleanest Districts in India
Mandi in Himachal Pradesh and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra have emerged the cleanest districts in India according Gramin
Swachh Survekshan.
Sindhudurg was judged as the cleanest in the Plains category and Mandi in the cleanest district in Hills category.
The Gramin Swachh Survekshan report was released by the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj.
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) with 98.4 score topped the list of Swachh Survekshan Gramin Hills category followed by West
Sikkim (Sikkim) with 96.4 score and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) with 94.1 score.
In Plains category, Sindhudurg (Maharashtra) with 96.8 score topped the list followed by Nadia (West Bengal) with 95.0
score and Satara (Maharashtra) with 92.9 score.
16. India ranks 112th in 2016 World Economic Freedom Index
India has been ranked 112th out of 159 countries in the 2016 World Economic Freedom Index (WEFI).
The index was release as part of the 2016 annual report of the Economic Freedom.
The report measures the economic freedom by analyzing the policies and institutions of all 159 countries and territories and
was based on data from the year 2014.
The economic freedom index of a country is directly proportional to the freedom and opportunities available to its citizens.
People living in countries with high levels of economic freedom enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil liberties
and longer lives.
On the contrary, countries with lower levels of freedom index tend to suppress its citizens freedom and rights.
World Economic Freedom Index topped by Hong Kong followed by Singapore, New Zealand, Switzerland and Canada.
Among lowest-ranked countries, Iran (150th), Algeria (151st), Chad (152nd), Guinea (153rd), Angola (154th), Central
African Republic (155th), Argentina (156th), Congo (157th), Libya (158th) and Venezuela (159th).
17. 193 countries sign declaration to stamp out drug-resistant infections
The 193 countries of the United Nations (UN) have signed a landmark declaration to rid the world of drug-resistant infections
or Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or superbugs.
It is the fourth time a UN declaration has been reached on a health issue, following HIV in 2001, non-communicable diseases
in 2011 and Ebola in 2013.
The signatory countries now have two years to submit action plan. These submitted plans are expected to address the
seriousness and scope of the situation.
18. MIT scientists develop new technique to find signs of life on Mars
Scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) US have developed a novel spectroscopic technique to find
signs of present or former extraterrestrial life on the Mars.
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The technique incorporated on instrument dubbed as SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and
Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) may help NASAs new Mars rover to be launched in 2020 to find signs of life on
Mars.
The new Mars rover will be tasked to probe a region of the planet scientists believe could hold remnants of ancient microbial
life.It will collect samples of rocks and soil, and store them on the Martian surface and these samples would be returned to
Earth so that scientists can meticulously analyse them.
19. India successfully test fires long range surface-to-air Barak-8 missile
India successfully test-fired the most advanced surface-to-air missile 'Barak-8' off the Odisha coast.
The long-range nuclear capable ballistic missile, developed jointly with Israel, was launched from a mobile launcher at the
Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in Balasore district.
The 4.5-meter missile weighs around 3 tonnes and can carry a payload of 70 kilograms.
The system also includes a Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and
guidance of the missile.
20. Invasive Giant African Land Snail sighted at Goa University
Invasive species of Giant African Land Snail (GALS) was sighted near Goa University campus at Taleigao plateau.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) has listed GALS (Achatina fulica) as one
of the worlds 100 most invasive species.
GALS (Achatina fulica) is gregarious, nocturnal and can be aggressive in its feeding frenzy.
Their length ranges from 7 cm to 20 cm and the Goa University specimens are identical at 11 cm in length.
21. Sikkim is India's Cleanest State
Sikkim has been adjudged the cleanest state while Jharkhand comes last in the list on the condition of sanitation in rural areas
of 26 states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat is ranked 14th.
The results of survey carried out last year by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) were released by Union Rural
Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
It has listed Kerala, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Meghalaya among
the top 10 states.
The states which fared poorly in the NSSO study include Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir.
22. CIL inks MoU with ICFRE
The Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Council of Forestry Research
and Education (ICFRE) for effectively monitoring of environment related issues in the coal mining projects.
The MoU will help CIL to properly comply and monitor the conditions laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forests
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for environment and forest clearances.
23. AK Sinha Committee to study silt in river Ganga in Bihar
The Union Government has constituted four members expert committee to study silt in river Ganga in Bihar.
The team will be headed by member of Ganga Flood Control commission A. K. Sinha.
The committee will submit its report within 10 days.
Other members of committee: Chief Engineer of Central Water Commission SK Sahu, Prof. of IIT AK Gosain and National
Disaster Management Authority member Dr. Rajnish Ranjan.
24. Union Cabinet approves simplification and liberalisation of FDI Policy, 2016
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for simplification and liberalisation of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy,
2016 in various sectors announced in June, 2016.
The radical amendments to FDI policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing
business in the country.
Its main aim is to allow larger FDI inflows in the country that will contribute to growth of investment, incomes and
employment.
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Defence Sector: FDI beyond 49% has been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to
modern technology in the country or for other reasons.
Food Products manufactured or produced in India: 100% FDI under government approval route for trading in respect of food
products manufactured in India.
Pharmaceutical Sector: 100% FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharmaceuticals. FDI up to 100% under government
approval in brownfield pharmaceuticals also has been approved and 74% FDI under automatic route in Brownfield
pharmaceuticals.
Civil Aviation Sector: 100% FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport Projects. FDI limit raised to 100% in
Scheduled Air Transport Service and regional Air Transport Service.
Animal Husbandry: 100% FDI allowed in Animal Husbandry (including breeding of dogs), Aquaculture, Pisciculture and
Apiculture under Automatic Route without requirement of controlled conditions.
Private Security Agencies: 49% FDI permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49% and up to 74% will be permitted
through government approval route.
Establishment of branch office, liaison office or project office: No approval from Reserve Bank of India or separate security
clearance would be required. This exemption will be application in cases where FIPB has approved it or license and
permission already has be given by the concerned Ministry.
Single Brand Retail Trading: Entities undertaking single brand retail trading have been relaxed from local sourcing norms up
to 3 years. Entities engaged in of single brand retail trading of products having state-of-art and cutting edge technology
have been relaxed from local sourcing norms up to 5 years.
Union government has permitted 100% FDI under government approval route for almost every sector, including defence.
25. India at 35th rank in World Bank logistics index

India has jumped 19 places to the 35th rank in the World Banks Logistics Performance Index 2016.
The report, brought out every two years, measures countries across six componentscustoms, infrastructure, international
shipments, logistics quality and competence, tracking and tracing, and timeliness.
Improvement in Indias rank in Logistics Performance Index adequately establishes steady performance in our
competitiveness in manufacturing and trade that also acts as one of the growth driver of Make in India Programme.
The LPI measures performance at key international gateways in countries such as India and China, but does not address how
easy or difficult it is to move goods to the hinterland.
26. Union Cabinet approves grant of Permanent Residency Status for Foreign Investors
The Union Cabinet has approved the scheme for granting of Permanent Residency Status (PRS) to foreign investors.
However, this status will be subject to the relevant conditions in the FDI Policy notified by the Central Government from
time to time.
The scheme is expected to encourage foreign investment in India and facilitate Make in India Programme.
Under the scheme, suitable provisions will be incorporated in the Visa Manual to provide for the grant of PRS to foreign
investors.
The PRS will be granted for a period of 10 years with multiple entry.
If the PRS holder has not come to adverse notice, it can be reviewed for another 10 years.
In order to avail this scheme, the foreign investor will have to invest a minimum of 10 crores rupees within 18 months or 25
crores rupees within 36 months.
Science, Defence & Technology

1.
HRD Minister inaugurates Super Computer PARAM-ISHAN at IIT Guwahati

The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar has inaugurated the super computer PARAM
ISHAN at IIT Guwahati campus.
PARAM ISHAN is the fastest and most powerful computer in North East, Eastern and Southern region of India outside
Bengaluru (Karnataka).
PARAM ISHAN has been jointly developed by IIT Guwahati and C -DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing).
It has a peak computing power of 250 Teraflops and three hundred tera bites capacity.
It will help to augment the research initiatives and also in creating an ecosystem for attracting right talents to the field of
research.
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It can be also used for Weather, climate modeling and seismic data processing.
2.
ISRO successfully launches 8 satellites into two different orbits

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for first time has successfully launched eight satellites into two different
orbits in a single mission.
It was ISROs longest and most complex mission.
These satellites were launched onboard of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C35 (PSLV C35) from the first launch pad of the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta.
Among the eight satellites launched, three satellites were from India, three from Algeria and one each from Canada and
United States.
SCATSAT-1 satellite of India weighing 371 kg was the primary payload and remaining other seven customer satellites were
secondary payloads (5 foreign and 2 domestic satellite) weighing 304 kg in total.
The name of the three Indian Satellites is SCATSAT-1, Pratham and PISAT.
Three Algerian satellites are Alsat-1B (103 kg), Alsat-2B (110 kg) and Alsat Nano (7 kg).
Pathfinder-1 is US satellite and NLS-19 is Canadian satellite.
3.
Indian Army carries out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across LoC
Indian Army has successfully conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control () in PakistanOccupied Kashmir (PoK) i.e. along Indias de-facto border with Pakistan.
The surgical strikes were Indias first direct military response to attack on Uri army base by Pakistan-based militants that had
killed 18 Indian soldiers.
The motive of the operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into the Indian territory.
During the operation, significant casualty was caused to terrorists .
The cross-border action comes India reviewed Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and pulled out of the regional SAARC
Summit that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan as part of a wider diplomatic offensive to isolate Pakistan.
Surgical strike is a military attack which is intended to only damage to the intended legitimate military target and no or
minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, general public infrastructure, vehicles, buildings and utilities.
4.
US & Vietnam navies begin 7th annual NEA in Da Nang

The US and Vietnamese navies have begun the 7th annual Naval Engagement Activity NEA, Vietnam 2016 at Tien Sa Port
in Da Nang.
The exercise will focus on non-combatant events and include seminars in military medicine and maritime law as well as
subject matter expert exchanges in navigation, shipboard medicine and damage control.
The exercise will also include Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and search and rescue scenarios.
5.
Facebook, Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft on one AI platform

In a major boost to artificial intelligence (AI) research, five top-notch tech companies Facebook, Amazon, Google, IBM
and Microsoft have joined hands to announce a historic partnership on AI and machine learning.
It means that these companies will discuss advancements and conduct research in AI and how to develop best products and
services powered by machine learning.
Initial financial help will come from these companies and as other stakeholders join the group, the finances are expected to
increase.
6.
Acquisition Council clears proposals worth Rs 1,900 crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared proposals worth 1,900 crore rupees (close to $3 billion).
All these approved proposals will be executed under Buy India by Indian contractors.
Decision in this regard was taken by DAC meeting chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi.
Proposals cleared by DAC are Weapons repair facility at Port Blair at a cost of Rs 450 crore.
Anti-tank guided missiles for training purpose of the army. It is worth of 405 crore rupees.
Electronic warfare system for low intensity conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. It is worth of 330 crore rupees.
Mumbai based Defence shipyard Mazagon Dock will get a repair facility for Scorpene submarines at cost of Rs 725 crore.
7.
Worlds first three-parent baby born in Mexico
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The worlds first three-parent baby boy was born in Mexico to a Jordanian couple with the help a controversial new fertility
technique that incorporates DNA from three people in the embryo.
The three-parent technique also known as Mitochondrial donation (Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy) allows parents
with rare genetic mutations to have healthy babies.
8.
New lizard species named as Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii discovered in Mumbai

A new species of a ground-dwelling lizard has been discovered in Goregaons Aarey Colony and Thanes Badlapur forested
belts in Maharashtra.
It has been named as Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii or Giris Geckoella after a Bengaluru-based scientist Varad Giri.
It was discovered 130 years after the last such gecko was discovered.
Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii or Giris Geckoella belongs to the genus Cyrtodactylus known in Southeast Asia, India and Sri
Lanka.
9.
Fine particulates causing chronic illnesses: WHO Study

As per the study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) air pollution caused by fine particulate matter (PM) is
causing long-lasting disease chronic illnesses.
About a fifth of the 3 million people died worldwide because of exposure to fine PM2.5 which may have aggravated or been
directly responsible for cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.
The findings were based on data derived from satellite measurements, ground station monitors for more than 3000 locations,
both rural and urban and air transport models.
The study did not tool actual impact of air pollution as it does not include the separate impacts on health from other air
pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) or ozone (O3).
10. Researchers produce carbon from sugarcane waste for use in batteries
Researchers from Pune (Maharashtra) have produced high-quality carbon from sugarcane waste within minutes by using a
low power microwave system.
They had used a simple, cost-effective and quick process to convert sugarcane bagasse into anode-grade porous, conducting,
activated carbon material for use in Li-ion batteries.
This helped in forming robust carbon double bond backbone structure. The solid product obtained from acid treatment was
washed thoroughly and was oven-dried at 70 degree C.
11. Scientists successfully grow three-dimensional lungs in lab using stem cells
Scientists in the United States including those of Indian origin have successfully grown three-dimensional (3D) lungs in the
lab, using stem cells.
The 3D lungs or organoids was created by coating tiny gel beads with lung-derived stem cells and then allowing them to selfassemble into the shapes of the air sacs found in human lungs.
The laboratory-grown 3D lungs can be used to study diseases including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) which has been
difficult to study using conventional methods and also test possible treatments for the lung diseases.
12. Indian Navys most Advanced Guided Missile Destroyer Mormugao launched
Indian Navys indigenously built most Advanced Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer Mormugao was launched in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
The bedecked ship was launched by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanbas wife Reena at a function at Mazagaon Docks.
It has been Christened Mormugao after the Mormugao port of Goa, the home State of Union Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar.
The stealth vessel was built by government-run Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and belongs to Visakhapatnam class of
ships being constructed under Project 15B.
Mormugao has a displacement of 7,300 tonne with maximum speed of over 30 knots. It is fitted also with the Barak-8 longrange missiles.
13. China, Russia conduct joint naval exercises Joint Sea-2016 in South China Sea
China and Russia have carried out joint naval exercises dubbed as Joint Sea-2016 in the resource-rich South China Sea (SCS)
off Chinas southern Guangdong province.
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The exercises follow a spike in tensions after Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected Chinas claims in the
SCS and slammed it for causing environmental damage there.
The eight-day naval exercises (from September 13 to 19) were held in a non-disputed area in SCS off Chinas southern
Guangdong province.
14. Indian Air Force successfully test fires long range air-to-air MICA missile
Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully fired recently acquired long range air-to-air MICA missile from Mirage-2000
Upgrade combat aircraft on a maneuvering target.
During the test, the missile achieved a direct hit on a target which was much smaller than an actual aircraft and flying at a low
altitude.
With this success IAF has become one of the few air forces in the world that have capability of launching such beyond visual
range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
Mirage-2000 is a single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter manufactured by Frances Dassault Aviation.
The upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter jets are fitted with the Thales RDY 2 radar, new avionics, helmet-mounted display. They
have ability to fire new weapons including BVR MICA, Meteor missiles.
15. India and Russia joint military exercise Indra 2016 begins
The eighth edition of joint military exercise Indra-2016 between India and Russia has begun in Russian city of Vladivostok.
The main focus of this edition of bilateral military exercise is on Counter-Terrorism Operations in semi mountainous and
jungle terrain under United Nations Mandate.
The eleven days bilateral military exercise seeks to achieve interoperability in joint operations.
Troops from both sides would acquaint themselves with the respective approach to such counter-Terrorism operations. Indian
army contingent is represented by 250 soldiers from the Kumaon Regiment.
The Indra series of annual bilateral exercises and is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India
and Russia since 2003.
16. China successfully launches Tiangong-2 space lab
China has successfully launched Tiangong-2 space lab to develop expertise for a future space station and conduct science
experiments.
The space lab was launched on board of Long March-2F T2 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern
Chinas Gobi desert.
Tiangong-2 ( in English means Heavenly Palace 2) space lab is part of Chinas ambitious Project 921-2 space station
program aimed at creating a third generation space station.
The 8-tonne module replaces Chinas now-defunct Tiangong 1 space lab mission which had ended its operational life in
March 2016.
It will be used for testing systems and processes for mid-term space stays and refueling. It will be placed at slightly higher
orbit around 393 kilometres above the earth.
17. India, US Joint Military Training Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2016 concludes
India and United States (US) Joint Military Training Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2016 concluded at the Chaubattia Military
Station in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand.
The bilateral military exercise was the twelfth edition in the YudhAbhyas series which started in the year 2004 under US
Army Pacific Partnership Program.
This was the third time the exercise is being conducted at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand.
The YudhAbhyas 2016 aimed at strengthening and broadening the inter-operability and cooperation between the Indian and
US armies.
18. First Russia-Pakistan military exercise Druzhba-2016 begins
The first military exercise between Russia and Pakistan named Druzhba-2016 (Friendship-2016) has kicked off in Pakistan.
With this, Pakistani Army and Russian Ground Forces (RGF) have come together for the first time in military exercises
reflecting growing military ties between two former Cold War rivals.
The military exercise is taking place at the Army High Altitude School in northern Pakistans Rattu and at a special forces
training centre in Cherat.
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19. Worlds largest radio telescope built in China

China has built worlds largest radio telescope nicknamed Tianyan (Heavenly Eye or The Eye of Heaven) or the fivehundred-metre aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST).
It has started its operation and is part of Chinas drive to become a science powerhouse.
It is located in the Dawodang depression (vast natural crater), a natural basin in Pingtang County in the Guizhou Province,
Southwest China.
With its opening, the intensive testing phase of the telescope will begin.
It is the worlds largest filled aperture (single dish) radio telescope and the second largest radio telescope after the Russian
RATAN-600, which has a sparsely filled aperture.
It is made up of 4,450 panels and has reflector as large as 30 football pitches.
It has 500 meters diameter, giving it more sensitivity.
20. "His Bloody Project" shortlisted for Man Booker prize
Novel titled "His Bloody Project" by Graeme Macrae Burnet has been shortlisted for the 2016 Man Booker prize.
His Bloody Project, a crime thriller, narrates a story in which a triple murder in a remote community in the Scottish
Highlands leads to arrest of a young man, Roderick Macrae.
It is one of the six books that were shortlisted for the 50,000 award that will be announced on 25 October at Guildhall.
The other five books are: The Sellout by Paul Beatty, Hot Milk by Deborah Levy, Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh, All That Man
Is by David Szalay & Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien.
21. Surgeons use robot to operate inside eye in world first
British surgeons have successfully performed the worlds first robotic operation inside the eye, potentially revolutionising the
way such conditions are treated.
The procedure was carried out at John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, where surgeons welcomed its success.
Current technology with laser scanners and microscopes allows surgeons to monitor retinal diseases at the microscopic level.
This is the first time a device has been available that achieves the three-dimensional precision required to operate inside the
human eye.
22. Indian Coast Guard commissions offshore patrolling vessel Sarathi
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned well-equipped offshore patrolling (OPV) vessel named Sarathi.
It was commissioned by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Goa
Shipyard Ltd (GSL) shipyard at Vasco in south Goa.
ICGS Sarathi is the third in the series of six OPVs built by GSL for Indian Coast Guard (ICG). It is designed and built
indigenously by GSL.
It is the largest i.e. 105-meter long and is most advanced new generation off-shore patrol vessel.
It has been fitted with advanced EW and electronic systems and guns.
23. China tests stealth-defeating quantum radar
China has claimed that it has successfully developed and tested a radar system that uses quantum entanglement to beat the
stealth technology of modern military aircrafts.
This first Chinese quantum radar was developed by the Intelligent Perception Technology Laboratory. Prior to it, US was
only the country stealth-defeating quantum radar.
Quantum radar is a device that uses quantum entanglement photons to provide better detection capabilities than conventional
radar systems.
The radar system is able to detect a target at a range of 100 kilometers in a real-world environment.
24. Odisha bags 9th Global Agriculture Leadership Award 2016
Odisha bags 9th Global Agriculture Leadership Award 2016 at the National Level gathering of important stake-holders in
agriculture development at the Agriculture Leadership Summit at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi.
Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) have awarded Odisha in the category of Best Agriculture State-2016 in
recognition of the efforts towards development of agriculture and bringing rural prosperity.
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Shri Pradeep Maharathy, Minister, Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development
received this prestigious Award from Prof. K.S Solanki, Honorable Governor of Haryana and H.E. Sh. Ram Naik, Honorable
Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
25. ISROs GSLV-F05 launches advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR.
The satellite was launched on board of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F05), from the Satish Dhawan
Space Centre in Sriharikota.
So far this year, it was the seventh successful mission of ISRO including the IRNSS series and the scramjet propulsion
mission.
INSAT-3DR weighing 2,211-kg will supplement the services of INSAT-3D launched from French Guiana in July 2013. It
has designed mission life of ten years.
26. First LIGO lab outside U.S. may come up in Maharashtras Hingoli
The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) project that was given the in-principle approval by the
Union Cabinet may come up in Maharashtras Hingoli district.
Aundh in Hingoli district is a preferred site for the Ligo project.
A strip of four km on both sides of a 150-metre wide area was needed to carry out experiments.
LIGO-India will bring considerable opportunities for Indian scientists in instrumentation and development also, as they along
with industry members will be engaged in the construction of the eight km-long beam tube at ultra-high vacuum on a levelled
terrain.
27. NASA launches OSIRIS-REx to collect samples from asteroid
The US space agency, NASA, launched OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, SecurityRegolith Explorer) spacecraft.
The unmanned spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx, blasted off onboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station.
OSIRIS-REx is United States first mission to collect samples from an asteroid and return to Earth.
The 800 million dollar mission will travel for two years on a journey to Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid about the size of a small
mountain.
28. Indra Nooyi 2nd on Fortune's most powerful women list
PepsiCo Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Indra Nooyi is the only Indian origin woman in Fortune's '51 Most Powerful
Women' list that is topped by Mary Barra, CEO and chairman, General Motors.
Nooyi was ranked second on the list, same as 2015. In 2014, she was ranked third.
29. India, Kazakhstan Joint Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK-16 begins
India, Kazakhstan joint bilateral military exercise PRABAL DOSTYK-16 began in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan.
The fourteen day (till 17 September 2016) will be a significant step towards fostering military as well as diplomatic ties
between both countries.
Prabal Dostyk means Robust Friendship.
In this edition of exercise, Indian Army is being represented by a platoon strength and the Kazakhstan Army is represented
by platoon from Special Operating Forces Unit.
The primary aim of exercise will be to enhance interoperability while undertaking Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency
Operations in rural & semi-urban environment under the umbrella of United Nations.
30. India's light utility helicopter maiden flight successful
India test flew its homegrown Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) for the first time, giving a boost to its military plane maker
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's bid to win large orders from its armed forces for the chopper.
The LUH, which is being designed to replace the ageing Chetak helicopters of the armed forces, flew for around 15 minutes.
HAL chief test pilot Wing Commander Unni Pillai and test pilot Anil Bhambhani flew the chopper over the HAL airport to
test basic parameters.
The three-tonne class single engine multi-purpose helicopter now needs to be certified, which HAL expects by 2017 before it
is manufactured in large scale for the armed forces.
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So far, the armed forces have committed to order 200 LUH, to replace its ageing Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
The choppers will be built at the new helicopter complex being set up in Tumakuru, around 70 kms outside Bengaluru.
31. GRSE hands over fast attack craft 'Tihayu' to Indian Navy
The Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC), 'Tihayu' built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE),
Kolkatawas handed over to the Indian Navy on August 30.
The warship was handed over by Rear Admiral (Retd) A.K. Verma, Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE to the
Commanding Officer of the ship Cdr. AjayKashov, at a ceremony held in GRSE.
GRSE had earlier built and delivered ten (10) WJFACs to the Indian Navy during 2009 to 2011, which are proving well in
service.
The Indian Navy has placed order for four more of these WJFACs as 'Follow-on' ships.
32. Worlds largest LEGO ship sets Guinness record
A new Guinness world record for the largest LEGO ship has been set in Denmark, where employees of a shipping company
successfully constructed the incredible 2,860 kg boat using over one million interlocking plastic bricks.
The blue and white LEGO boat measures 12.035 metres in length.
The new Guinness World Records title was confirmed at an event organised to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
shipping and transport services company DFDS A/S in Copenhagen.
33. Microsoft, Google sign up for EU US Privacy Shield
American tech giants Microsoft, Google and Salesforce have officially adopted the EUUS Privacy Shield framework,
enabling them to receive personal data from the European Union (EU) in compliance with the new standards.
They are now among the 103 companies out of the 5,526 signatories - that have so far signed up to replace the defunct
Safe Harbour framework.
34. NASA Scientist for first time sequences DNA in Space
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the first time has successfully sequenced DNA in space
aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The genome sequencing was undertaken for the first time in microgravity as part of the Biomolecule Sequencer experiment
performed by NASA astronaut Kate Rubins.
The experiments were undertaken by using commercially available DNA sequencing device called MinION on samples of
mouse, virus and bacteria DNA.
The tests were set up for selected organisms whose DNA has already been completely sequenced in an attempt to make
spaceflight conditions, primarily microgravity, the only variables that could account for differences in results.
35. Indian Army launches Army Design Bureau to reduce dependence on imports
The Indian Army has set up Army Design Bureau (ADB) in an attempt to indigenise procurements and reduce import
dependence.
It has been established as part of the governments Make in India initiative and will integrate various stake holders in its
long-term requirements.
Army Design Bureau (ADB) will provide a better understanding of the Armys requirements to the academia, research
organisations and the industry for developing high tech defence products.
It will be the interface of the Indian Army for a single point contact for all stakeholders which would help R&D fraternity in
developing indigenous solutions.
36. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, satellite destroyed in explosion

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploded on its Cape Canaveral launch pad during a test, destroying a commercial satellite that
Facebook had planned to use to extend Internet access in Africa.
No one was injured, but the accident could ground SpaceX for weeks or months, depending on its cause and the extent of
damage to Launch Complex 40.
It was the second time in just over a year that SpaceX has lost a Falcon 9 rocket, which is slated to launch NASA astronauts
for the first time as soon as next year.
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37. Aishwaryaa Dhanush appointed as UN Womens Advocate for Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment in India
Noted filmmaker Aishwaryaa Dhanush was appointed United Nations Womens Advocate for Gender Equality and Womens
Empowerment in India.
In her new role she will help raise awareness of UN Womens core message of gender equality and womens empowerment
across India.
Besides she will play important role in boosting the organisations efforts to close the gender gap and achieve a more equal
world, a Planet 50-50 by the year 2030.
With this, Aishwaryaa joins other celebrities who have joined hands with U.N. Women to work for gender equality and the
empowerment of women.
Some of them star Sania Mirza, actor-director Farhan Akhtar, British actor Emma Watson, Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman
and Anne Hathaway and Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand.
Sports
1.
Indian womens kabaddi team wins gold medal in Asian Beach Games
Indian womens beach kabaddi team has won the gold medal at the 5th Asian Beach Games held in Danang, Vietnam.
In the final match, Indian team defeated Thailand by 41-31 score.
With this, Indian womens kabaddi team has won the title for the record fifth time in succession.
For Thailand, it was the fifth time in a row they had lost to India in a final.The Indian womens kabaddi team won the gold
medal since the inception of the biennial Games in 2008.
2.
Priyesha Deshmukh wins bronze in World Deaf Shooting Championships

Hearing-impaired Indian shooter Priyesha Deshmukh won the bronze medal in her first-ever international competition at the
first World Deaf Shooting Championships.
The Championships was held in Kazan, Russia from 7 September to 15 September 2016.
Deshmukh won the bronze in the 10m air rifle category.The shooter won the medal after scoring 180.4 points. Ukraine's
Svitlana Yatsenko won the gold in the Championships while Serbia's Gordana Mikovic clinched the silver.
3.
Sathiyan Gnanasekaran wins Belgium Open title of Table Tennis

Indian paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran has won the Belgium Open title of the table tennis in the mens singles category.
This was his first his first pro title.
In the final match played at De Haan in Belgium, he defeated defeating local player Nuytinck Cedric 4-0 score in the final
with 15-13, 11-6, 11-2, 17-15.
With this victory, he becomes only the second Indian table tennis player to win an ITTF event.
Achanta Sharath Kamal was the first Indian table tennis player to win an ITTF event in 2012.
4.
Pinky Balhara wins bronze medal in 5th Asian Beach Games

Indias Pinky Balhara has won bronze medal in the sporting event of kurash at the 5th Asian Beach Games held at Da Nang,
Vietnam.
She won the medal in womens 52kg category after she lost to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy of Vietnam in the semifinals.
Vietnams Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy won the gold medal in this event while another Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Quynh won the
silver medal.
5.
India wins historic 500th Test by 197 runs against NZ

India notched up a mammoth 197-run win in their historic 500th cricket Test to assert their supremacy in home conditions,
bowling out New Zealand for 236 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After setting the Kiwis a rather improbable target of 434, the Indian bowlers, especially senior off-spinner Ravichandran
Ashwin (6/132), revelled in home conditions to rip through the visiting teams line-up with more than a session to spare.
Ravinder Jadeja was declared Man of the Match for his fine all-round performance. He had taken six wickets and scored 92
runs in the match.
India is the 4th country to play 500 Tests in a format which has 10 participants. Others are England (played 976 test
matches), Australia (791) and West Indies (517).
6.
Ritu Rani retires from international hockey
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Former Indian womens hockey captain Ritu Rani has reitered from international hockey after being deeply hurt following
her axing from the Rio Olympics-bound squad.
Ritu, who was controversially dropped from the team for the Rio Olympics citing attitude issues, however was included in
the 29 probables for the National camp which began in Bhopal.
7.
Velavan Senthilkumar wins U-19 Asian title of Squash

Indias squash player Velavan Senthilkumar has won the Under-19 Asian Junior Individual squash championship title.
In the final match held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysias capital), he defeated Jordans Mohammad Al-Sarraj by 12-14, 9-11, 116, 11-8, 11-7 score.
With this he becomes, second Indian to win this title after Ravi Dixit in 2010.Tushar Shahani had won the silver medal in
boysU-17 and Yash Fadte had won bronze medal in boys U-15 section.
8.
Rituparna Das wins Polish Open

Young Indian shuttler Rituparna Das clinched the Polish Open after defeating compatriot Rasika Raje 11-21, 21-7, 21-17 in
the womens singles final of the International challenge badminton event.
The womens doubles pair of Sanjana Santosh and Arathi Sara Sunil also triumphed after defeating top seeds Natalya
Voytsekh and Yelyzaveta Zharka 19-21, 21-19, 21-14 in the summit clash.Sourabh Verna, however, finished the runner-up
after going down against Denmarks Victor Svendsen 27-29, 13-21.
9.
Indian shooter Subhankar Pramanick wins gold at ISSF Junior World Cup
Young Indian shooter Subhankar Pramanick has won the gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup for pistol, rifle and
shotgun in Gabala, Azerbaijan.
He won the gold medal in 50-metre rifle prone event with overall 205.5 score to finish top of the podium.
Czech Republics Filip Nepejchal (205.2) followed in second position, while Romanias Dragomir Iordache (185.1) was
placed third at the end of the finals.
Indias Sambhaji Patil also had won second gold medal when he won the junior mens 25-metre standard pistol event by
shooting 562 score.
He also has added the team gold medal in the event along with compatriots Gurmeet and Rituraj Singh.
10. India Blue wins Duleep Trophy tournament

Gautam Gambhir-led India Blue has won the inaugural day/night 2016-17 Duleep Trophy Cricket tournaments played with a
pink ball.
The 201617 was 55th season of Duleep Trophy.
In the final match held in Greater Noida, India Blue defeated India Red, captained by Yuvraj Singh, by a massive 355 runs.
Ravinder Jadeja, who bagged 5 wickets in the second innings, finished the game with a 10-wicket haul.
Cheteshwar Pujara was named player of the match.
The Duleep Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket tournament played between teams representing geographical zones of
India. The Tournament was instituted in 1961-62 by BCCI.
11. Devendra Jhajharia wins gold medal in javelin throw at 2016 Rio Paralympics
Indias Devendra Jhajharia has won gold medal in the mens javelin throw, F46 event held at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
With this, he becomes only the second gold medallist at the Paralympics for the country.
He won the gold medal with world-record throw of 63.97 metres.
Devendra victory took Indias medal tally at this edition of the Paralympics to four medals two golds, one silver and a
bronze.
He also became first Indian Paralympian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.
He had also secured the gold medal in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with record throw of 62.15 metres.
12. Sushmita Rai wins Bronze at World Martial Arts Masterships
Sikkims Sushmita Rai in the second week of September 2016 won a bronze medal at the recently concluded World Martial
Arts Masterships 2016, which was held at Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do of South Korea.
The competition is considered an Olympics for martial arts with 2073 participants from 87 countries.
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The World Martial Arts Masterships was the first comprehensive martial arts competition where national teams from across
the globe took part.
13. Deepa Malik first Indian woman to win Paralympics medal

Deepa Malik has created history by winning silver medal in Womens shotput at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
With this she becomes first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics.
It is Indias 3rd medal in the ongoing Paralympics games at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Malik had won the silver medal in the shotput F-53 event with her best throw of 4.61m in her six attempts.
In the shotput F-53 event, Bahrains Fatema Nedham had won the gold medal with the best throw of 4.76m.
Greeces Dimitra Korokida had won the bronze medal with a throw of 4.28m.
14. Army Green beat Neroca FC to win Durand Cup
Army Green defeated newcomers Neroca Football Club 6-5 on penalties to win the 128th edition of the Durand Cup at
Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.
The final was decided in the penalty shoot-out after both the teams failed to score goal even after the added 30 minutes of
extra-times.
It was Neroca, the first team from Manipur to compete in the tournament, who had the upperhand after their captain and
goalkeeper Lalit Thapa made a brilliant save to give the team 2-1 lead after two shots each in the shoot-out.
15. Lochte banned for 10 months by USOC
American swimmer Ryan Lochte has been suspended for 10 months and will miss next year's world championships for his
part in a scandal involving the U.S. athlete and three other swimmers at the Rio Olympics, the United States Olympic
Committee.
Lochte, who won gold in the 4x200 metres freestyle relay in Rio, will also forfeit bonus money from the Games, monthly
funding he receives from USOC and USA Swimming and will not be allowed access to USOC training centres.
16. Stan Wawrinka & Angelique Kerber win US Open 2016
Third-seeded Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland overwhelmed World No 1 Novak Djokovic 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 at the
Flushing Meadows in New York to clinch his first US Open tennis title and his third Grand Slam title.
It was the 31-year-old Swiss' third Grand Slam title in as many major final appearances, after he won the Australian Open in
2014 and the French Open in 2015.
Wawrinka now becomes one of eight men to win at least three Grand Slam finals without losing.
He also becomes one of just five players who have won at least two Slams at age of 30 or older.
Angelique Kerber of Germany won her first U.S. Open title and the second major trophy of an out-of-nowhere breakthrough
season, taking five of the last six games to beat a fading Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the Billie Jean
King National Tennis Centre in New York.
Kerber is the first woman from Germany to win the U.S. Open.
Birtain's Jamie Murray and Brazil's Bruno Soares defeated Spain's unseeded Pablo Carreno Busta and Guillermo GarciaLopez 6-2 6-3 in New York to claim US Open Doubles 2016.
With this, Jamie Murray become the first British man for 44 years to win the US Open doubles title.
17. Indian Railways claims Murugappa Gold Cup
Indian Railways broke the unwritten rule with an impressive performance, barring the defeat to Punjab & Sind Bank in its
group (Pool-B) to claim MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup.
At the final of the 90th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament, Railways defeated defending champion
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 2-1 to lift the Trophy.
Prabhjot Singh and Sanjay, with the support from Roshan Minz, did try to break through the Railways defence, but in vain.
18. Mariyappan Thangavelu wins Indias first Gold medal at 2016 Rio Paralympic Games
Mariyappan Thangavelu has won Indias first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
He won the gold medal in the Mens High Jump T-42 event with jump of 1.89 metres.
With this, Thangavelu became the first Indian high-jumper to win gold at the Paralympics.
This was Indias overall third gold at the Paralympics and the first after 12 years.
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In addition, Indias Varun Singh Bhati won the bronze medal in same event with the jump of 1.86 metres to finish third.
India had won its first ever Paralympics Gold medal in the 1972 Heidelberg Games.It was won by Swimmer Murlikant
Petkar.
19. Anjum Chopra becomes first Indian woman to be honoured with MCC life membership
Former Indian womens cricket team captain Anjum Chopra in the first week of September 2016 was awarded an honorary
life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Chopra is presented with the honour along with former mens team stalwarts Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag.
With this, Chopra became the first Indian woman cricketer to get the prestigious life membership of MCC.
20. Shahan Ali Mohsin becomes first Indian to win the Asian Karting Championship
Young Indian racer Shahan Ali Mohsin created history by becoming the first Indian racer to win the Asian Karting Champion
Championship.
The 12-year-old displayed a valiant performance during the final weekend after missing two days of track time due to a bout
of food poisoning and staved off a strong challenge from his main Hayden Haikal to clinch the title.
The Agra lad will be now hoping for a repeat closer home in the JK Tyre National Rotax Max Karting Championship as well,
with the final round scheduled on September 25.
21. Sikki, Pranaav clinched Brazil Open Grand Prix title
India's mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy on 5 September 2016 won the 2016 Brazil Open
Grand Prix.
It was their maiden Grand Prix title.
In the final clash, the top seeded Indian pair, ranked World no. 65, defeated Canadian combo of Toby Ng and Rachel
Honderich 21-15, 21-16 in straight games at Costa Cavalcante.
22. Abhinav Bindra announces retirement from Shooting
Abhinav Bindra, India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, officially announced his retirement from shooting.
He announced his retirement after playing for almost two decades.
In Rio Olympics 2016, Bindra nearly missed a second Olympic medal by a whisker and came fourth.
Presently, he is the Chairman of a review committee formulated by the NRAI to examine and identify in a cold and ruthless
manner the reason as to why shooting failed to secure any medal at Rio Olympic Games.
He is the first Indian to win an individual Gold medal in Olympic since 1900 the year our country participated in the Olympic
Games.
23. Nico Rosberg wins 2016 Italian Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg won the 2016 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Monza, Italy.
It is Rosbergs seventh victory of the 2016 Formula One season.
In this season, he has won the 2016 Australian Grand Prix, the 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix, the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix, the
2016 Russian Grand Prix, the 2016 European Grand Prix and the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix.
ABBREVIATION:
BBPS: Bharat Bill Payment System

CBDT: Central Board of Direct Taxes
CMA: Cement Manufacturers Association
CSS: Centrally Sponsored Schemes
GVA: Gross Value Added
HNI: High-net-worth individual
IMPS: Immediate Payment Service
InvIT: Infrastructure Investment Trusts
MIP: Minimum Import Price
NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
NBFC: Non-Banking Finance Companies
NCD: Non-Convertible Debentures
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NEFT: National Electronic Funds Transfer

NPCI: National Payments Corporation of India
NRLM: National Rural Livelihoods Mission
PAN: Permanent Account Number
PRS: Permanent Residency Status
QIP: Qualified Institutional Placement
RIDF: Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
RTGS: Real-time Gross Settlement
SarfaesiAct: Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act
SGSY: Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana
SHG: Self-Help Group
TDS: Tax Deducted at Source
UPI: Unified Payment Interface
WPI: Wholesale Price Index
Books & Authors
Shanti Ki Talaash Mein Zindagi Radhika Nagrath

Chain of Custodyby Anita Nair
The Man Who Wouldnt Be God Shashi Warrier
Tiger: The Life of Tipu Sultan Kate Brittlebank
Being the Other Saeed Naqvi
Selection Day Aravind Adiga
Second-Hand Time Svetlana Alexievich
Not Out: The Incredible Story of The IPL Desh Gaurav Sekhri
The Great Derangement Amitav Ghosh
The Rise and Fall of Nations: Ten Rules of Change in the Post-Crisis World Ruchir Sharma
Once Upon a Time Ashok Srinivasan
What is Remembered Suketu Mehta
Maoism in India and Nepal Ranjit Bhushan
The Brave New World: India, China and the United States Anja Manuel
Old History, New Geography Jairam Ramesh
A Long Watch: War Captivity and Return in Sri Lanka Ajith Boyagoda and Sunila Galappatti
A Book of Light: When A Loved One Has a Different Mind Jerry Pinto
Indias Long Road: The Search for Prosperity Vijay Joshi
Perilous Interventions: The Security Council and the Politics of Chaos Hardeep Singh Puri
Important Days
September
2 September:- World Coconut Day

5 September:- International Day of Charity; National Teachers Day
8 September:- International Literacy Day [UNESCO]
12 September:- United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
13 September:- World First Aid Day
14 September:-Hindi Divas; World Fraternity and Apology Day
15 September:- International Day of Democracy; Engineers Day
16 September:- International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
18 September:- International Red Panda Day
(3rd Sunday of Sep)
21 September:- International Day of Peace; Alzheimers Day
25 September (last week of September):- World Maritime Day
25 September:-International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27 September:- World Tourism Day
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28 September:- World Rabies Day

29 September:- World Maritime Day (last Thursday of Sep); World Heart Day
30 September:- International Translation Day
Appointments
Appointment
Executive Director (ED) of Indian Overseas
Bank (IOB)
Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and
Library (NMML)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Myntra
President of Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
Ambassador of India to the Republic of
Djibouti
President of the Boxing Federation of India
Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
Additional Secretary in the Goods and Services
Tax (GST) Council
Ambassador to the United States
Chairperson of Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Board of India
Institute of Rural Management-Anand (IRMA)
Director
Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Chief Justice of Kerala High Court
World Bank Country Director for India
Strategic role for Messenger app
BCCI Secretary
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,
Western Command
Director Marketing of the Bharat Electronics
Ltd (BEL)
Indian envoy to Sweden
Chairman of UPSC
UNODC Goodwill Ambassador
Additional charge as Chairman, LIC of India
Director of RCI, DRDO
President of the World Bank (2nd Term)
ED in UBI
CMD of Shipping Corporation of India
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
UEFA President
Manager of Pakistan Cricket Team
MD & CEO of IDBI Asset Management
Company (AMC)
CMD of Uranium Corporation of India Limited
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Appointee
R Subramania Kumar
Shakti Sinha
Dipanjan Basu
Vijay Kelkar
Anurag Srivastava
Ajay Singh
Sanjiv Singh
Arun Goyal
Navtej Sarna
Madhusudan Sahoo
Dr R C Natarajan
Justice G C Gupta
Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar
Junaid Ahmad
Anand Chandrasekaran
Ajay Shirke
Lt. Gen Surinder Singh
Anandi Ramalingam
Monika Kapil Mohta
Alka Sirohi
Nadia Murad Basee Taha
V K Sharma
Narayana Murthy
Jim Yong Kim
Atul Kumar Goel
Anoop Kumar Sharma
V Shanmuganathan
Aleksander Ceferin
Wasim Bari
Dilip Kumar Mandal
CK Asnani
(UCIL)
Ambassador of India to the People's
Democratic Republic of Algeria
Henkel India
CEO of Religare Enterprises
National President of the Indian Medical
Association (IMA)
CMD of MOIL Ltd
Nepal's ambassador to India
MD & CEO of SbiMutual Fund
Chancellor of The Energy and Resources
Institute (TERI) University
Satbir Singh
Shilip Kumar
Sunil Godhwani
K K Aggarwal
Mukund Chaudhari
Deep Kumar Upadhyay
Anuradha Rao
Ashok Chawla
Awards
2 Indians selected for 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards
Two Indian forest officials have been selected for the 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards.
They are Assistant Conservator Ritesh Sarothiya of Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service and Range officer Sanjay Dutta of
Belakoba Forest Range Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
Both of them have been honoured with this award for their exemplary law enforcement actions to protect wildlife.
They will be presented with this award at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2016.
Syrian aid group White Helmets wins Right Livelihood Award
Syrian aid group White Helmets has won the prestigious Right Livelihood Award which is also known as alternative Nobel
prize.
The White Helmets also known as the Syria Civil Defence is a Syrian civil organisation of emergency responders in rebelheld areas.
It has been honoured for their outstanding bravery, compassion and humanitarian engagement in rescuing civilians from the
destruction of the Syrian civil war.
Book based on Arunachal wins UK award for historical fiction
A book, which tells the story of the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh during British India, has bagged the MM Bennetts
Award for Historical Fiction 2016 in the UK.
Stuart Blackburn was presented the award at the HNS Conference in Oxford for his novel Into the Hidden Valley.
The book, published by Speaking Tiger, looks into a little-known episode in the colonial history of British India.
Blackburn vividly brings alive the world of the Apatanis.
The award is named in memory of writer-historian Bennetts who was a specialist in early 19th century British history and the
Napoleonic wars.
The novel dramatises the colonial encounter with tribes by telling two stories, one of a British official and the other of a
tribesman.
Indian film Thithi wins best film award at BRICS Film Festival
Indian film Thithi has won the best film award at the first BRICS Film Festival concluded in New Delhi.
The film festival had opened in New Delhi on 2nd September 2016.
Thithi is a dramatic comedy Kannada film co-written and directed by Raam Reddy.
It is about how three generations of sons react to the death of the oldest man in their clan, named Century Gowda who is a
locally renowned, highly cantankerous 101-year-old man.
Best film award: Thithi (India).
Best Director Award: Huo Jianqi (China).
Best Actor Award: Thabo Rametsi (South Africa).
Best Actress Award: Yulia Peresild (Russia).
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Special jury award: Brazils Phillipe Barcinski for Between Valleys.
Bezwada Wilson, TM Krishna receive 2016 Magsaysay Award

Two Indians TM Krishna and Bezwada Wilson have received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay prize for the year 2016.
They were among six persons/organisations who received the prestigious award, often regarded as Asias Nobel Prize.
The award ceremony was held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Manila on August 31, 2015 i.e. on the
birth anniversary of former Filipino President Ramon Magsaysay.
Six awardees are
1. Bezwada Wilson (India): He is the National Convener of the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA). He was awarded for
asserting the inalienable right to a life of human dignity. He has done remarkable work in liberating scores of people
engaged in manual scavenging across the country.
2. Thodur Madabusi Krishna (India): He is a Carnatic music vocalist. He was bestowed with this award ensuring social
inclusiveness in culture.
3. Conchita Carpio Morales (Philippines): She was bestowed with this award for restoring faith in the rule of law.
4. Dompet Dhuafa (Indonesia): She was bestowed with this award for expanding the transformative impact of zakat.
5. Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (Japan): The organisation was awarded for building a world of genuine
solidarity.
6. Vientiane Rescue (Laos): The organisation awarded for volunteering to save lives at risk.
Ramon Magsaysay Award is Asias highest cilivian honour and is often regarded as the regions equivalent of the Nobel
Prize.
Established in 1957 in the memory of Philippines third President Ramon Magsaysay who had died in air disaster in March
1957.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Tannishtha Chatterjee Win Big at LIFFI
Acclaimed talents Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tannishtha Chatterjee were named Best Actors at the debut edition of the
Lonavla International Film Festival India (LIFFI), where the Best Director honour went to Anant Mahadevan for Rough
Book.
While Nawazuddin was lauded for bringing alive the struggle of real life hero Dashrath Manjhi inManjhi - The Mountain
Man, Tannishtha's portrayal of a teacher with a difference in Rough Book won the LIFFI jury's heart.
LIFFI, organised by actor-writer-director Riju Bajaj, businessman Madhav Todi and San Francisco-based doctor Anamika
Sharma.
Tannishtha shared the Best Actor (Female) Award with her National School of Drama senior Bhagirathi Bai Kadam who has
delivered a power-packed performance in Assamese filmScarecrow.
Nawazuddin's award was collected by Manjhi - The Mountain Man director Ketan Mehta.
Awards
Awardee
'Lifetime Achievement Award' of the Asian

Achievers Awards
Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith
2015
N Mohanan Suvarna Mudra Award 2016
Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel
Fellows of Nature (FON) South Asia Short

Story Award
Lata Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime
Achievement
Arjuna Award 2016
Arjuna Award 2015
Clinton Global Citizen Award
Lemelson-MIT Prize 2016
Haryana
Paul Baran Young Scholar Award
Meghna Pant
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Prof.Kalakaluri Enoch
Dr M Leelavathi
Uttam Singh
Ajinkya Rahane
Rohit Sharma
Adi Godrej
Ramesh Raskar
Best Horticulture State award
Dinesh Bharadia
National Humanities Medal 2015

2016 Lemelson-MIT Prize
Humanitarian Award by Jewish human
rights
'LalitArpan Samman'
Abraham Verghese
Ramesh Raskar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Tamil Ratna
'Pangkor Dialogue Award 2016
Heritage Heroes Award of IUCN
Unesco Confucius Prize for Literacy
Subramanian Swamy
T R Zeliang
Bibhuti Lahkar
Jan Sikshan Sansthan
Malappuram
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
'Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion

d'Honneur' (Knight of the National Order of
the French Legion of Honour)
Lifetime achievement Oscar
9th Moscow Sand Sculpture Championship
2016
J C Daniel Award
Shubha Mudgal
(JSS),
Jackie Chan
Sudarsan Pattnaik
K G George
Obituary
Bangladeshs best known writers
Former Australian cricketer
Freedom fighter and peasant leader
Israeli Prime Minister
FCAT Chairman
US Golfer
Hindi and Urdu writer
Oscar-winning writer and film
director
Mumbai trade union
Uzbekistan's President
Assamese poet
Worlds oldest Cricketer
Animal rights activist
Pulitzer-winning US playwright
Syed Shamsul Haq

Max Walker
K Madhavan
Shimon Peres
S K Mahahan
Arnold Palmer
Reoti Saran Sharma
Curtis Hanson
Sharad Rao
Islam Karimov
Nalinidhar Bhattacharyya
Lindsay Tuckett
Claude Lila Parulekar
Edward Albee
ALL THE BEST!!
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September 2016 GA Refresher

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September 2016 GA Refresher

Urjit Patel takes over as RBI governor

Union Govt appoints three economists to Monetary Policy Committee

HDFC, Airtel, SBI most valued brands

Federal Bank launches FederalSkill Academy at Coimbatore

Centre sacks Bank of Maharashtras CMD-Muhnot

Tata AIG, Paytm to offer health insurance to cab drivers

ADB clears $631 million loan for Vizag-Chennai industrial corridor

Axis Bank, BHU team up for banking courses

CBDT launches e-nivaran to resolve I-T grievances

10. ICICI Bank becomes first bank to introduce Software Robotics

17. NPCI starts pilot for Bharat Bill Payment System

Tirupati Airport awarded Best Tourist Friendly Airport

Ministry of Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Agriculture sign MoU

India to invest $2 billion in Sri Lanka

India, China hold 1st high-level dialogue to combat terror

India will not attend SAARC Summit in Islamabad: MEA

Shaheed Bhagat Singhs 109th birth anniversary observed across India

Parliamentary panel to examine merger of budgets

Union Govt decides to suspend talks on Indus Waters Treaty

11. 2nd SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism held in New Delhi

24. Reliance Communications and Aircel to be merged

40. NITI Aayog chalks up plan to secure 50 medals in 2024 Olympics

56. Malaysian envoy releases translated book on Sai Baba

77. 13 Indians test positive for Zika Virus in Singapore

West Bengal govt decides to install Monorail

Gionee inks MoU with Haryana Govt

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana launched in Srinagar, J&K

Telangana signs MoU to help Goa in IT development

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar declares Charkhi Dadri as 22nd district

Telangana inks MoU with ISRO to promote education

Gurgaon officially renamed Gurugram

Tripura Unanimously Ratifies GST Bill

Rajasthan replaces 5 lakh streetlights with LED bulbs

10. Stayzilla inks pact with Gujarat Tourism to encourage homestays

17. CM inaugurates week-long Onam celebrations in state

30. Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao sworn in as acting Governor of Tamil Nadu

Americas Region Declared Free of Endemic Measles

Union Cabinet approves merger of Rail budget with General budget

Barack Obama designates first US Marine National Monument in Atlantic Ocean

U.S., Israel sign $38 billion military aid package

Cuba, Russia sign Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation

Colombia, FARC sign Historic Pact ending 52-year Civil War

3rd BRICS Urbanisation Forum Meet begins in Vishakhapatnam

China has worlds longest bullet train network

Godrej Properties opens office in Singapore

12. 2016 ASEAN Summit held in Vientiane, Laos

17. Infosys sets up JV for Saudi Arabian market

MOUs, Reports&Govt Approvals

India ranks 39th in 2016-17 Global Competitiveness Index

India, Nepal sign three agreements

Andhra Pradesh tops in attracting industrial investments

PNB ropes in Virat Kohli as brand ambassador

Union Cabinet approves formation of GST Council

India to clock 8% growth over next few years: S&P

Govt approves 9 highway projects worth Rs 2,600 crore

Cabinet clears revised India-Cyprus DTAA

10. India, Sri Lanka sign MoU to support fishermen

12. Union Cabinet approvals

13. CCEA approves proposal for initiation of 3rd phase of TEQIP

25. India at 35th rank in World Bank logistics index

Science, Defence & Technology

HRD Minister inaugurates Super Computer PARAM-ISHAN at IIT Guwahati

ISRO successfully launches 8 satellites into two different orbits