October 2016 GA Refresher 2 - JJJ

GA Refresher : October 2016
Banking & Financial Awareness

1. Reserve Bank of India to issue Rs 2,000 notes soon
India is all set to add one more denomination to its currencies shortly.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be issuing Rs 2,000 currency notes, the highest to come into circulation, even as some
experts feel high-value denominations should be discontinued to curb black money.
The printing of these notes has been completed at the Mysuru currency printing facility.
Currency notes and coins are printed/minted at about eight units owned by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of
India Limited (SPMCIL), a finance ministry company.
SMPCIL's two currency printing units at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh and Nashik in Maharashtra print about 40 percent
of India's currency notes.
Coins are minted at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Noida units of SMPCIL.
2. TRAI recommends Rs 3,050 crore penalty on Airtel, Vodafone & Idea
Telecom Regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended Department of Telecom (DoT) to
impose combined penalty of 3,050 crore rupees on Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea cellular.
It had mentioned that the penalty should be imposed on these telecom companies for allegedly denying interconnectivity to
newcomer Reliance Jio.
The Reliance Jio had alleged that due to inadequate interconnection points its subscribers were unable to make calls to other
networks.
TRAI has found that these three companies have violated licence norms by denying adequate interconnection points to
Reliance Jio Infocomm.
2. SC freezes BCCIs transactions with state cricket bodies
Supreme Court has frozen all financial transactions between the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and state
cricket associations.
The apex court directed BCCI, the apex cricket body not to disburse any funds to state cricket associations till they resolve to
abide by Justice RM Lodha Committee recommendations.
Besides, the Supreme Court also asked the Lodha Committee to appoint an independent auditor to verify the BCCIs
accounts.
It was also asked to set a threshold value for various contracts the BCCI enters into, and all contracts in excess of that
amount would need the committees approval.
3. NABARD sanctions Rs. 19,702 crore loan to National Water Development Agency
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned loan worth Rs. 19,702 crore to
National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
The loan will be provided through NABARDs Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) for 50 irrigation projects from 11 States.
This loan will be part of the Central share of assistance to State Governments.
It will ensure front loading of resources so that the identified incomplete irrigation projects under Pradhan Mandtri Krishi
Sinchai Yojna (PMKSY) are executed in time.
4. Global Conference to strengthen Arbitration & Enforcement held in New Delhi
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The first ever global conference to strengthen Arbitration and Enforcement in India was held in New Delhi.
The 3-day Conference was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on 21 October 2016.
The conference aims to provide impetus to commercial arbitration in country or faster and efficient dispute resolution outside
the court room.
It was started with title National Initiative On Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement.
It was held to change the face of dispute resolution in India.
5. Union Govt launches UDAN Scheme for Regional Air Connectivity
The Union Govt has launched the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) which seeks to get
more people to fly in the smaller towns.
The scheme was launched by the Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in New Delhi.
It will be rolled out by January, 2017 and will be in operation for a period of 10 years.
The scheme seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing
air-strips and airports.
The first-of-its-kind scheme will ensure affordability, connectivity, growth and development.
It aims to increase ticketing volume from 80 million to 300 million by 2022.
6. Union Govt inks loan pact with World Bank for Eastern Freight Corridor
The Union Govt has signed $650 million loan agreement with the World Bank for construction of the Eastern Dedicated
Freight Corridor (EDFC)-III project.
The agreement was signed between International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IRBD), part of World Bank
Group to lend $650 million, third tranche for construction EDFC to Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India
(DFCCIL).
The project aims to enhance rail transport capacity, improve service quality and boost freight carriage on the 401-km- long
Ludhiana-Khurja section of the EDFC.
7. FinMin announces fresh tranche of gold bonds
In time for Dhanteras and Diwali, the Finance Ministry announced the sixth tranche of sovereign gold bonds.
Applications for the bonds will be accepted from October 24 to November 2 whereas the bonds will be issued on November
17.
Hoping to attract more investors, the Finance Ministry also said the issue price of the gold bonds will be 50 per gram less
than the nominal value.
They will be be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India, designated post offices and stock exchanges.
The tenor of the bond will be for a period of eight years with exit option from the fifth year to be exercised on the interest
payment dates.
Minimum investment of one gram will be allowed while the maximum will be 500 gram per person per fiscal year.
8. SBI declares Silchar as its 5th zone in North East
The State Bank of India (SBI) has declared Silchar as its 5th zone in North East to facilitate banking issues for the customers
of the region.
The 5th zone will further help to cater the banking needs of the people of Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur along with the
Barak Valley of North east India.
SBI also opened its administrative office at Silchar, Assam.
Other four zones of SBI in North East are Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh and Jorhat.
9. BCCI president Anurag Thakur part of powerful ICC sub-committee
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Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur is now officially a part of the International Cricket
Council's (ICC) powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs committee after completion of the global cricket body's board
meeting in Cape Town.
The F&CA wing is arguably one of the most powerful decision making sub-committees of the ICC as all the revenue related
financial aspects are passed through this committee.
10. Union Govt proposes 4 GST slabs
The Union Govt has proposed a four-slab rate structure for the new indirect tax regime i.e. Goods & Services Tax (GST)
ranging from 0 to 26 per cent.
It was proposed at the meeting of the GST Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and included
representatives from all states in New Delhi.
Outcomes of Meeting based on consensus Compensation of states due to loss of revenue after implementation of GST from 1
April 2017.
Secular growth rate of 14% will be taken into consideration for calculating the revenue of each state in the first five years of
implementation of the GST.
Base year for calculating the revenue of states will be 2015-16.
Good items along with other 50% items of common usage to be exempted from the tax to keep the inflation under check.
The GST is proposed to be levied at 6% (lower rate), 12% (Standard 1 rate), 18% (Standard 2 rate) and 26% (Higher rates) on
the goods and services.
It will be 0% on host of goods and services, including food, health and education services, and 26% on luxury items, such as
fast-moving consumer goods and consumer durables.
On consumption of ultra-luxury items and demerit goods, such as big cars and tobacco products, cess must be imposed over
and above a 26% GST rate.
11. Rosneft-led consortium buys Indias Essar Oil for $13 billion
Russian consortium led energy giant Rosneft Oil Company has agreed to acquire Indias second biggest private oil firm Essar
Oil in an all-cash deal valued at about US $13 billion.
The consortium includes Rosneft Oil Company, Netherlands-based commodities trader Trafigura and private investment
group United Capital Partners.
The business transaction was announced in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir
Putin at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa.
Under this deal Rosneft bought a 49% stake in Essar Oils refinery, port and petrol pumps, while Trafigura Group Pte and
United Capital Partners split 49% equity equally.
It includes $10.9 billion for Essar Oils Vadinar refinery (Indias second-largest refinery with a capacity of 20 million tonnes)
and $2 billion for a port terminal that helps feed refinery.
It also includes Essar Oils debt of $4.5 billion and about $2 billion debt with the Port Company and power plant.
12. BRICS to set up credit rating agency
The five-nation group of emerging economies BRICS has agreed to set up an independent BRICS Rating Agency in its
efforts to challenge western hegemony in the world of finance.
It was announced during the 8th BRICS summit held in Goa, India. BRICS comprises five emerging economies Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The BRICS Rating Agency will be based on market-oriented principles to strengthen the global governance architecture.
It will be launched as per the shared vision of the BRICS nations for institution-building to transform global financial
architecture based on the principles of fairness and equity.
13. 8th BRICS Summit concludes in Goa
The eighth BRICS summit was held in Goa from 15 to 16 October 2016.
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The summit concluded with adaptation of Goa Declaration.

The two day summit was attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President
Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.
The theme for the summit was Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.
BRICS nations condemns terrorism in all its forms and stressed that there can be no justification for such acts.
The ninth BRICS Summit will be hosted by China in 2017.
14. Union Cabinet approves MoU between EXIM bank and NDB
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a MoU on General Cooperation with New Development Bank
(NDB) or BRICS Bank and Export Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank).
The MoU will be through the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism.
The MoU will help enhance trade and economic relations among the BRICS countries.
However there is no financial implication involved with signing of the MoU.
It aims at establishing a cooperation framework in accordance with the national laws and regulations. Besides it also seeks for
skills transfer and knowledge sharing amongst the signatories.
15. CCEA approves revision of ethanol price for supply to Public Sector OMCs
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the mechanism for revision of ethanol price for supply
to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The revised administered price will facilitate OMCs to carry out the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme for the next
sugar season 2016-17.
16. Bank of Maharashtra renews tie-up with United India Insurance
State-run Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has renewed its corporate agency tie-up with United IndiaInsurance Company (UIIC).
Customers can buy the entire gamut of UIIC products at any of the 1,896 branches of the bank across the country.
Accenture to help AU Financiers offer digital banking.
17. India donates Rs. 9.3 million to Mandela Foundation
India donated Rs. 9.3 million (ZAR 2 million) to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to help it in its welfare work for the people
of South Africa.
Announcing the donation at the offices of the Foundation here, Indian High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanashyam said the
donation was a direct result of the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
18. India ranks at 97 in Global Hunger Index 2016
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) released the 2016 Global Hunger Index (GHI).
India ranked 97th out of 118 countries on the International Food Policy Research Institutes (IFPRI) Global Hunger Index
(GHI) in 2016, behind Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, among others, but ahead of Pakistan and three other Asian countries.
It was positioned at 80 out of 104 countries the previous year.
19. Standard Chartered Bank ties-up with Uber to offer discounts
Foreign lender Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) tied-up with Uber under which its credit cardholders will get a cash-back of
up to 25 percent for hailing cabs from the app across six countries.
In India, the cardholders will get a 20 percent cash-back on all Uber rides, subject to a cashback cap of 600 rupees per
month.
Additionally, first-time Uber users will get a discount of 50 rupees for the first three rides.
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20. Union Govt to invest Rs 15000 crore to increase Panipat oil refinery capacity
The Union Govt has decided to invest 15,000 crore rupees to increase the capacity of Panipat refinery in Haryana to 25
Million Tonnes from existing 15 Million Tonnes.
It was announced by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan at a function in
Panipat.
The expansion of Panipat refinery will help raise specifications of fuel quality from BS-IV to BS-VI to meet future demand.
21. Union Govt approves Rs.114 crore worth projects under HRIDAY Scheme
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved projects worth Rs.114 crore under HRIDAY scheme for improving
infrastructure facilities around core heritage sites in five cities.
These five cities are: Varnasi (Uttar Pradesh), Amritsar (Punjab), Dwaraka (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha) and Warangal
(Telangana).
Projects in these districts were selected based on recommendation of inter-Ministerial HRIDAY National Empowered
Committee.
HRIDAY is a Central Scheme that aims to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country.
22. Payment Banks need RBIs Prior product approval
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified entities that have been granted a payments bank (PB) licence will need to take
specific approval for products they would be offering to customers.
In this regard, RBI has issued separate operating guidelines for payments banks in view to focus on financial inclusion.
Employee of Payment Bank should be available for sufficient duration at a fixed location to attend customers.
They must at least have 25% of access points in un-banked rural areas.
The main mandate of Payment Banks is to offer remittance services. They will be not allowed to lend.
23. BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement declared operational
The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) of BRICS nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was
declared operational.
It was announced by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who had chaired the Governing Council meeting of the BRICS
CRA in New York, United States.
CRA was established in 2015 during 7th BRICS summit in July 2015. The Treaty for the establishment of BRICS CRA was
signed at Fortaleza, Brazil in July 2014.
It is a framework that aims at providing support through additional liquidity and other means to BRICS countries at a time of
economic crisis.
It will be providing support to BRICS countries through liquidity and precautionary instruments in response to actual or
potential short-term balance of payments pressures.
The initial total committed resources of the CRA will be 100 billion dollars with individual commitments as follows: China
($41 billion), India ($18 billion), Brazil ($18 billion), Russia ($18 billion) and South Africa ($5 billion).
24. Adoption of GST tax will boost Indias medium-term growth: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asserted that adoption of GST (Goods and Services) tax will boost Indias
medium-term growth.
It was mentioned IMFs latest Asia Pacific regional economic update.
It mentioned that India has shown progress on reforms that could boost business investment and growth.
IMFs findings Greater labour market flexibility and product market competition in India remain essential to create jobs and
raise growth.
India has shown progress on reforms that could initiate business investment, including already strong FDI inflows, which will
further increase domestic demand.
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25. RBI Panel moots easing bank branch norms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Internal Working Group (IWG) on Rationalisation of Branch Authorisation Policy has
proposed easing bank branch norms.
It was chaired by Lily Vadera.
It has proposed to relax norms that a bank branch has to follow, like a building, number of employees etc to facilitate
financial inclusion.
Bank branches including those manned by business correspondents providing minimum 4 hours of service for 5 days a week,
should be allowed to be treated as a full-service branch.
Any other fixed point unit of the bank not complying with minimum working period should be considered a part-time
banking outlet A part-time banking outlet can be opened in any centre.
It will be counted in for computing requirement of having 25% branches in rural areas.
26. Oil India Limited signs MoU with University of Houston
Oil India Limited (OIL) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Houston (USA), one of the
leading universities on oil and gas of the world.
The MoU was signed by OIL with an intent of augmenting its reserves base and maximising recovery from its aging
oilfields.
It will also contribute towards national obligation as set by Prime Minister to reduce import dependency of oil and gas by
10% by 2022.
27. CCEA approves OVLs proposal to buy 11% stake in JSC Vankorneft
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given approval ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) proposal to buy
11% stake in JSC Vankorneft.
OVL will buy this stake in JSC Vankorneft from Rosneft Oil Company (Rosneft), National Oil Company of Russia which
operates Vankor oil fields.
OVL will pay US 930 million dollars for acquiring 11% stake in Vankorneft.
28. SBI becomes first domestic bank to open branch in Yangon
The State Bank of India (SBI) became the first domestic bank of India to open a branch in the capital city of Yangon,
Myanmar.
Ghanshyam Srivastava will be the Chief Executive Officer of the SBI Yangon branch.
29. Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2016-17
The Reserve bank of India has reduced the key policy rate or the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25 per cent in the fourth bimonthly
policy review announced on Tuesday.
New Governor Urjit Patel, who took over a month ago from Dr Raghuram Rajan, announced his first monetary policy.
There was no change in the cash reserve ratio (CRR) or the amount of money parked with the central bank as a percentage of
bank deposits at 4 per cent.
The decision to cut was taken after a two-day deliberation by the newly formed Monetary Policy Committee.
30. Reliance ties up with Dassault to execute Rafale offsets
Dassault Aviation of France has entered into a partnership with Reliance group to execute offsets for the recently concluded
deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets.
The joint venture called Dassault Reliance Aerospace was jointly announced by Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO Eric
Trappier and Reliance Group Chairman Anil Dhirubhai Ambani.
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This is the largest offset contract to be executed by any defence company in India till date as the contract value is estimated
up to Rs. 30,000 crore.
Last month, India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 36 Rafale multi-role jets in fly-away
condition worth 7.87 billion or about Rs. 59,000 crore.
31. Black money worth Rs. 65,250 crore declared under Income Disclosure Scheme, 2016
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has received total disclosure of Rs. 65,250 crore black money in the form of cash
and other assets under the Income Disclosure Scheme, 2016.
The scheme launched in June 2016 has provided a one-time opportunity to those who had not paid full taxes in the past.
It had provided four-month window for declaring undisclosed income or black money and ended on 30 September 2016.
32. RBI allows startups to raise $3 million via ECBs annually
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted startups to raise external commercial borrowings (ECBs) of up to $3 million
in a financial year for three year tenure.
The new rules issued by RBI aims at boosting innovation and promoting job creation in the country.
It will apply to startups looking to raise foreign borrowings and restrictions on such funds will be kept minimum.
Under this, Funds can be raised with a minimum maturity of 3 years.
The ECBs can be raised from a country which is either a member of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) or either through
FATF-Style Regional Bodies.
Any money borrowed from foreign sources for financing the commercial activities in India are called ECBs.
33. EU, Canada sign CETA
The European Union (EU) and Canada have signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark
trade deal.
The deal was signed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and top European Union officials in Brussels, Belgium.
Now all 28 European Union states are required to endorse it.
CETA is a free free-trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the EC.
It aims to revoke roughly 9,000 tariffs, covering many industrial goods and agricultural and food items.
It links single European Union market with Canada, worlds 10th largest economy.
It will add around 11.6 billion to the EU economy and around 8.2 billion to Canadas economy.
National
1. ITBP celebrates its 55th raising day
The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) celebrated its 55th raising day on 24 October.
The force was raised on 24th October in 1962.
ITBP is deployed on border guarding duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh covering
3488 kilometer of India-China Border.
It is manning Border Outposts on altitudes raging from 9000 feet to 18700 feet in the Western, Middle and Eastern Sector of
the India-China Border.
2. PM Modis #Sandesh2Soldiers campaign
The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has launched a campaign asking people to reach out to them for Diwali.
The #Sandesh2Soldiers campaign will be spearheaded by Narendra Modi himself.
Holistic campaign will be launched to urge and invite people to send letters and messages to the armed forces.
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It will focus on the need to involve the entire population in the cause and increase public interaction with the armed forces.
3. Union Govt planning to fast-track irrigation projects in Indus basin
The Union Govt is planning to fast-track four projects in Indus river basin to increase irrigation area in Jammu and Kashmir
(J&K) by nearly 2.05 lakh acres.
This decision was taken after India had decided to exploit to the maximum the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers Indus,
Jhelum and Chenab as per Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
Three projects Prakachik Khows Canal in Kargil, Tral Irrigation Project in Pulwama and restoration and modernisation of
main Ravi Canal in Jammus Sambha and Kathua are expected to be completed by this fiscal.
The fourth project of Rajpora Lift Irrigation is planned will be completed by December 2019.
4. Railway ministry inks MoU for Smart Railway Stations
The Union Ministry of Railways and Union Urban Development Ministry have inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
for smart railway stations.
The validity of the MoU is for the five years and can be extended with the consent of both the ministries.
Under this initiative Railway stations and surrounding areas will be redeveloped under the Smart City plan.
500 railway stations in the country will be smarten up with better passenger amenities, integrated public transport hubs and
easy access.
5. EC hosts first ever International Conference on Voter Education
The Election Commission of India hosted the first ever International Conference on Voter Education in New Delhi.
The three day (from 19 to 21 October, 2016) conference was inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr
Nasim Zaidi.
The topic of the first of its kind conference is Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation.
6. Delhis air quality very poor: SAFAR
According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) national capital New Delhis air
quality was recorded in the very poor category.
The average (24-hour rolling) of PM2.5 and PM10, suspended respirable pollutants, were recorded as 120.8 and 248
micrograms per cubic metre as against safe limits of 60 and 100.
The poor air quality may lead to respiratory problems, irritation to eyes and skin, blurring of vision and headache.
The major reasons for the poor air quality may due to the favourable cold weather conditions coupled with very light wind,
vehicular pollution and farm fires in neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana.
7. Irom Sharmila announces formation of political party named PRJA
Human rights activist Irom Sharmila announced the formation of her political party named Peoples Resurgence and Justice
Alliance (PRJA).
The announcement was made with a promise to fight for justice and peace among the people.
While launching the party, the Iron Lady of Manipur said that she is entering electoral battle to fight against injustice after
ending her nearly 16-year long hunger strike.
Sharmila further said her party will contest for at least 20 seats in the coming state Assembly election to be held early in
2017.
She will contest from two seats, Thoubal and Khurai. Thoubal is her home constituency, while Khurai is represented by Chief
MInsiter Okram Ibobi Singh.
8. Auto manufacturers to provide emission and noise pollution details for every vehicle
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The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has made it mandatory for all automobile manufacturers to provide
emission and noise pollution details for every vehicle they produce by April 2017.
9. PM launches National SC/ST hub and Zero Defect Zero Effect scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National SC/ST hub and the Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) scheme for Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at Ludhiana in Punjab.
The objective of the SC/ST (Schedule Castes/Schedule Tribes) Hub is to provide professional support to entrepreneurs from
the SC/ST.
10. Ashok Leyland rolls out first India-made electric bus
Conglomerate Hinduja Groups flagship company Ashok Leyland has unveiled countrys first 100 per cent indigenously
made electric bus which are non-polluting and have zero-emissions.
These buses were unveiled in lines with National Electric Mobility Plan which aims at a 20% penetration of electric/hybrid
(eco-friendly) vehicles by 2020.
11. Saraswati River existed: KS Valdiya committee
The K.S. Valdiya committee in its report submitted to the Union Water Resources Ministry has concluded that Saraswati
River so far considered mythical, existed.
The committee comprising of geologists, archaeologists and hydrologists say that they have found evidence of the course of
the river Saraswati.
12. Union Govt launches satellite-based illegal Mining Detection System
Union Govt has launched Mining Surveillance System (MSS), a pan-India surveillance network to check illegal mining using
latest satellite technology.
MSS is a satellite-based monitoring system which aims to check illegal mining activity through automatic remote-sensing
detection technology in order to establish a regime of responsive mineral administration.
Mining Surveillance System (MSS) Developed by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) in coordination with Bhaskaracharya
Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar.
13. Union Govt to use post offices to distribute pulses
The Union Govt has decided to utilise the vast network of post offices across the country to sell subsidised pulses.
The decision was taken during the meeting of the inter-ministerial committee on prices of essential commodities headed by
Consumer Affairs Secretary.
The committee reviewed the availability and prices of essential commodities, especially pulses.
The prices of pulses, sugar and other essential commodities.
14. Union Cabinet approvals

Approves establishment of IIM in Jammu
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment and operationalisation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Jammu.
It will become operational from the Academic Year 2016-17 at the transit or temporary campus at Old Government College
of Engineering & Technology.
Approves MoU between India and Hungary on cooperation in field of water management
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The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Hungary on cooperation in the field of water management.
The MoU will be signed between Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the
Ministry of Interior, Government of Hungary.
This is for the first time India is entering into a MoU with Hungary with wide-ranging areas on water sector.
15. Union Govt to adopt three-pronged approach to spur internal trade
The Union Govt may soon consider adopting a three-pronged approach to revitalise domestic retail and wholesale trade.
The three-pronged approach includes (i) Establishing a regulatory body for national internal trade (retail and wholesale) (ii)
Comprehensive domestic trade policy and (ii) Board for Internal Trade.
16. Union Govt to commemorate birth centenary of Nanaji Deshmukh
The Union Govt is going to commemorate the birth centenary of social activist and former RSS leader Nanaji Deshmukh
from October 11, 2016 to October 11, 2017.
It was announced by the Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma during inaugural programme organised on the eve of the
birth centenary celebrations.
Nanaji Deshmukh was a social activist who had worked in the fields of education, health, and rural self-reliance. He was a
leader of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and RSS.
17. Janani Suraksha Yojana pays dividends
As per the new study Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has played important role in reducing socioeconomic disparities
existing in maternal care.
The study was conducted by researchers from Delhi based National Council of Applied Economic Research.
This is for first time study has shown JSY has reduced socioeconomic inequalities in maternal care compared to earlier
studies which showed impact of JSY in reducing maternal mortality.
JSY has led to reduction of prevalent differences in access to maternal care between individual people of higher or lower
socioeconomic status.
It has led to enhancement in utilisation of health services among all groups especially among the poorer and underserved
sections in the rural areas.
18. IAE to tie up with India for its global LED programme
The International Energy Agency (IAE) is going to partner with India to implement its Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for
All (UJALA) initiative globally for energy savings.
IAE has been impressed with performance of Indias UJALA programme in terms of vastly improving access to LED
lighting while reducing their cost drastically.
The UJALA scheme is implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the
Union Ministry of Power.
19. Union Govt to invite bids soon for 36 inland waterways
The Union Govt is going to soon float tenders to invite bids for the development for 36 inland waterways projects in the first
phase.
This move will help to tap the huge potential in the so-far-untapped inland waterways transport segment despite India being
endowed with natural rivers suitable for it.
Earlier, Parliament had enacted a legislation allowing 106 rivers across the country to be converted into National Waterways
(NWs) in addition to the existing 5 such NWs.
20. Union Govt extends anti-dumping duty on certain Chinese products
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The Union Govt has extended anti-dumping duty on import of certain Chinese products, used in garment, toys and footwear
manufacturing, for another five years i.e. till 2021.
Decision in this regard was taken by Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) based on recommendations of the
Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD).
This extension will protect domestic industry from the harm caused by dumping (import) of the cheap Chinese products.
21. SC widens ambit of Domestic Violence Act, 2005
The Supreme Court in its landmark judgement has widened the scope of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence
Act, 2005 by making it gender-neutral.
The SC ordered deletion of the words adult male before the word person in Section 2(q) of the Act making it genderneutral.
22. New termite species named Chiraharitae discovered
A new termite species Glyptotermes Chiraharitae was discovered at Kakkayam in the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.
23.Union Govt set up Public Debt Management Cell
The Union Finance Ministry has set up a Public Debt Management Cell (PDMC) with the objective of deepening bond
markets in the country.
PDMC will streamline government borrowings and better cash management for deepening bond mark.
PDMC is an interim arrangement and will be upgraded to a statutory Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA).
Thus, it will requisite preparatory work for PDMA.
24.India-Pakistan border to be sealed completely by 2018
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India-Pakistan border will be completely sealed by December 2018.
Announcement in this regard was made after Union Home Minister held meeting of representatives of 4 states sharing border
with Pakistan in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Central government has formulated time-bound action plan to completely seal the entire stretch of 3,323-km-long border
between the two countries.
The process of sealing border will be monitored at Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) level, Border Security Force (BSF)
level and chief secretary of states level.
Besides, a new concept of Border Security Grid (BSG) has been envisaged, in which all the stake holders related to border
security are involved.
India-Pakistan share 3,323-km-long border which is termed as International Border. Border between both countries was
created based upon the Radcliffe line in 1947.
25. SC stays commercial release of GM mustard
The Supreme Court has stayed the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crop till October 17, 2016.
It has asked the Central Government to seek public opinion before releasing the variety for cultivation purpose.
Order in this regard was issued by SC Bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice A.M. Khanwilkar on petition filed by
Aruna Rodrigues.
26.Election Commission partners with Facebook to encourage voter registration
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has collaborated with social networking giant Facebook to register young voters in
5 states, which are going to polls in 2017.
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These five states are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakh.The purpose first-of-its-kind voter registration drive
is to encourage youth to participate in the democratic exercise.
The services of Facebook will be used to link all the eligible voters who are 18 years and above to the National Voters
Services Portal (NVSP).
27.EC bars political parties from using public space for propagating symbol
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directions barred political parties from using public resources that
amount to advertisement for parties or propagating their election symbols.
The ECI has issued these directions in the wake of the High Court July 2016 order and considering the views of political
parties.
28.President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first edition of World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) at Vigyan
Bhawan in New Delhi.
The summit was organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with the theme Beyond 2015: People, Planet and
Progress.
WSDS has replaced TERIs earlier called Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS).
The first DSDS was organised in 2005.
29.India seeks greater Pharma market access in Japan
India is seeking greater market access for the domestic pharmaceuticals sector in the Japanese market as Indias share in the
Japanese drug market continued to be below par.
It was announced by Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in seminar on promoting Indias exports to Japan under
India-Japan CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in New Delhi.
30. All ASI protected historical monuments declared polythene-free zones
All Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected historical monuments and archaeological sites have declared polythenefree zones.
Union Ministry of Culture has issued an advisory to all State Governments/UTs to support ASI in keeping monuments
polythene free up to 300 meters from protected boundaries.
Rani ki Vav (Gujarat), a 900-year-old World Heritage Site was declared as the cleanest iconic place (among top 25 Adarsh
Monuments) in the country by the Union Ministry of Culture.
It was presented with the Cleanest Iconic Place Award at the Indian Sanitation Conference (INDOSAN) 2016.
ASI had ranked these 25 Adarsh Monuments on the basis of Cleanliness parameters such as amenities like toilets, Polythene
Free Zone, green lawns, disabilities access, signage for awareness, drinking water and provision for garbage bins etc.
31. Cabinet approves amendments to HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to introduce amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill,
2014.
The Bill seeks to safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV.
It seeks to prevent social stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV).
It also seeks to strengthen legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing
grievances to probe discrimination complaints against those who discriminate against PLHIV.
32. India to host 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction
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India is hosting the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) from November 3 to 5, 2016
in New Delhi.
This will be second time India hosting AMCDRR.
The conference will be hosted by Union Government in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (UNISDR).
It will be first AMCDRR after advent of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRRR) which was adopted at
3rd UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan in March, 2015.
33.Union Cabinet approvals

Approves MoU between India and European Union on water cooperation
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
European Union in the field of water resources.
The MoU envisages strengthening technological, scientific and management capabilities of India and EU in field of water
management on basis of reciprocity, equality and mutual benefit.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and AARDO
The Union Cabinet gave its approval to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and African Asian Rural
Development Organization (AARDO) for capacity building programmes in the field of rural development.
The MoU is being signed under which capacity building programmes for AARDO member countries for the triennium 2015
2017.
Union Cabinet approves setting up of India's first Medipark in Tamil Nadu
The Union Cabinet approved setting up of a Medical Devices Manufacturing Park (Medipark) at Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram
District, Tamil Nadu through a special purpose Vehicle.
For this purpose, HLL Lifecare Ltd, a Mini Ratna PSU under Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, will sub-lease
330.10 acres of land at Chengalpattu.
34. Venkaiah Naidu releases book titled Modis Midas Touch in Foreign Policy
M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, released the book titled Modis Midas Touch in Foreign
Policy.
The book is authored by Ambassador Surendra Kumar.
The book draws round the progress and the indelible imprint on the conduct of Indias Foreign Policy by the Prime Minister
Modi in the last two and a half years.
35.Aadhaar card must for LPG subsidy after November 2016
The Union Govt has made Aadhaar card mandatory for availing cooking gas (LPG) subsidies after November 2016.
In this regard, the Union Petroleum Ministry has asked Oil marketing companies (OMCs) to facilitate enrollments of Aadhaar
of the consumers to avail the subsidy.
Currently, the government gives 12 LPG cylinders at subsidised rates per household in a year.
The subsidy on every LPG cylinder is transferred directly into bank accounts of individuals who then buy the cooking fuel at
market rates.
36.Union Govt launches Indian Bridge Management System
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS).
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It was launched by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi as a major step towards
ensuring safety of bridges in the country.
IBMS is being developed to create an inventory of all bridges in country and rate structural condition of the bridges.
37.India ratifies Paris Climate Agreement
India has ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change on the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Indias Permanent Representative to UN, Syed Akbaruddin handed over the Instrument of Ratification signed by President
Pranab Mukherjee to the United Nations in New York.
With this, India became 62nd country to ratify the agreement.
These 62 countries including India are responsible for almost 52% of Green House Gases (GHG) emissions.
The Paris Agreement on climate change will enter into force one month after 55 countries that account for 55% of global
GHG emissions ratify the agreement.
The Paris Agreement was adopted by more than 190 nations at the 21st Conference of Parties of UNFCCC (UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change) held in Paris in December 2015.
It seeks to accelerate and intensify the actions and investment needed for a sustainable low carbon future.
The agreement caps limit global temperature rise (global warming) to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
38. PM Narendra Modi launches Urja Ganga in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of Urja Ganga, the highly ambitious gas pipeline project in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The project is being implemented by state-run gas utility GAIL.
It envisages laying a 2,050-km pipeline connecting Jagdishpur (UP) to Haldia (West Bengal) by 2018.
The project is considered as a major step towards collective growth and development of the Eastern region of India.
The Urja Ganga project also augments existing GAILs network of trunk pipelines covering the length of around 11,000 km
by 2540 km.
Besides, under this project work on 2540-km long Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas pipeline project will
begin and will be completed between 2018 and 2020.
Seven East India cities Varanasi, Jamshedpur, Patna, Ranchi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack will be the major beneficiary
of this network development.
39. ECI amends election rules to allow e-transfer of postal ballot
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 to facilitate the e-transfer of
postal ballot.
The new rules empower a returning officer in any constituency to send postal ballots to an eligible voter by electronic means
as specified by the ECI.
In India, postal ballots have played a critical role in extending the electoral process to voters who are unable to exercise their
franchise due to either the nature of their job or geographical location of their posting.
40. India falls short in female literacy compared to its neighbours
As per new study, Indias school education system is under-performing in terms of quality in female literacy when compared
to its neighbours, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
These findings were released by International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity (or Education
Commission).
The proportion of women who completed five years of primary schooling in India and were literate was 48%, much less than
92% in Nepal, 74% in Pakistan and 54% in Bangladesh.
The female literacy rates in India went up by one to 15% after completing two years of schooling.
Corresponding numbers for Pakistan and Nepal were three to 31% and 11 to 47% respectively.
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India was ranked 38th among the 51 developing countries for female literacy rates when countries are ranked by earliest
grade at which at least of the women are literate.
41. Tatas dump Cyrus Mistry as chairman, recall Ratan Tata
The board of Tata Sons shocked corporate India by sacking Cyrus Mistry as chairman four years into the job as Ratan Tata
emerged from retirement to wrest back control of the group that bears his family name.
The unprecedented move could spark a battle between two of Mumbais oldest business families, which share close ties
the Mistrys own about a fifth of Tata Sons, the group holding company.
42. CO2 level reaches record high in 2016: WMO
According to the World Meteorological Organizations (WMO) annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin level of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions in the atmosphere has reached a record high.
The globally averaged concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere reached to 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in
2015.
It is expected to surge again to new records in 2016 on the back of the very powerful El Nio event.
43. India ranks 130th in 2017 Ease of Doing Business index
India has been placed at 130th position among the 190 countries in the recently released World Banks ease of doing business
index for the year 2017.
The index was released as part of the World Banks annual report Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All.
This report had revised Indias rank to 131 from earlier 130th for the year 2016.
Thus, India has improved its place by one spot in the 2017 index and its place remained unchanged from the previous original
ranking of 130 in the year 2016.
The ease of doing business index is annually released by World Bank in its Ease of Doing Business Report. It was introduced
in 2004.
The list was topped by New Zealand (1st) followed by Singapore (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Hong Kong (4th), South Korea (5th).
44. India ranks 87th on the WEFs Global Gender Gap Report 2016
India has been ranked 87th out of 144 countries on the World Economic Forums (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2016.
India has climbed 21 spots from 108th position in 2015.
The report was topped by Iceland (1st) followed by Finland (2nd), Norway (3rd), Sweden (4th) and Rwanda (5th).
On economic participation and opportunity too, India has moved up to 136th rank in 2016, from 139th in the year 2015.
45. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates first National Tribal Carnival
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first National Tribal Carnival in New Delhi to promote a sense of
inclusiveness among the tribals.
The main purpose of this four-day carnival is to promote a sense of inclusiveness among the tribals.
46. Union Govt forms panel to resolve telecom penalty row
The Union Telecom Ministry has formed a committee to look into the regulator TRAIs recommendation of a Rs. 3,050 crore
penalty on top three telcos Airtel, Vodafone and Idea.
The committee has been asked to give a report on the recommendations soon likely to be before 15 November 2016.
TRAI had recommended fine for Airtel and Vodafone to Rs.1,050 crore for 21 service areas (all, expect Jammu and Kashmir)
and for Idea the penalty was pegged at Rs 950 crore for 19 service areas (all, except for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and
Kashmir and Northeastern States).
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47. MMTC ties up with major banks to retail gold coins
Public sector major MMTC has joined hands with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Andhra Bank to retail gold coins with a new
buyback option.
Besides its own outlets across the country, MMTC has tied up with Indian Overseas Bank, Vijaya Bank, Federal Bank and
YES Bank to sell gold coins in denominations of 5 gm and 10 gm coin and 20 gm bar.
MMTC has also announced a transparent buyback of gold coins made of recycled gold.
48. Union Cabinet approvals

Gives approval to IISER, Berhampur in Odisha
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to formation of the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research
(IISER) at Berhampur in Odisha.
IISER, Berhampur will be established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and it will start of its 2016-17 academic
session from 1 August 2016.
It will being its operations from a transit or temporary campus from the Academic Year 2016-17 for the initial three years i.e.
till 2016-19.
Approval for introduction of NITSER Bill 2016
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Second
Amendment) Bill, 2016.
This bill will pave way for inclusion of IISER, Tirupati and IISER, Berhampur in Second Schedule of National Institutes of
Technology, Science Education and Research (NITSER) Act, 2007.
In-principle approval for strategic sale of over dozen PSUs
Union Cabinet gave its in-principle approval to NITI Aayogs proposal for strategic sale of over a dozen public sector
undertakings (PSUs).
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the names of PSUs that are up for strategic stake sale would be made public once they are
going to be put up for the auction.
Approves agreement between India and Estonia on the transfer of sentenced persons
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of an Agreement between India and Estonia on the
transfer of sentenced persons.
This agreement will facilitate the Indian prisoners imprisoned in Estonia or vice-versa for serving remaining part of their
sentence in their country and be near to their families.
It will also facilitate their social rehabilitation.
Approves establishment of National Academic Depository
The Union Cabinet approved establishment and operationalisation of a National Academic Depository (NAD).
Under it all academic degrees, certificates and awards in the country will be made digitally available for verification on single
spot.
The NAD will be established and operationalised within the next three months.
It will be rolled out throughout the country in 2017-18.
It will be operationalised by NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) and CDSL Ventures, Limited (CVL).
49. DoPT launches Employees Online Application
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The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has
launched Employees Online (EO) App.
The mobile application aims to update on Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointments and postings on real
time basis and to bring transparency.
The EO App has been developed keeping in mind the spirit of maximum Governance, minimum Government and meet the
need of the hour to bring high-tech systems in the governance.
It enables its users, to stay updated on real time basis with appointments and postings approved by the ACC and vacancies at
senior level in the Central Government.
50. Union Govt recognizes Boxing Federation of India as National Sports Federation for Boxing
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recognized Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as the National Sports
Federation (NSF) for Boxing.
This decision will give massive fillip to the recently-formed BFI and also give a boost to the sport of boxing which had
suffered due to absence of an NSF in the discipline since 2012.
The BFI was formed recently and had conducted its elections of its office bearers in September, 2016.
AIBA, the International Body for boxing had recognized these newly elected office bearers of BFI.
The recognition of BFI will help Indian boxers prepare for 2020 Olympics with more national & international exposure, and
training.
51. Union Govt reconstitutes Inter-State Council
The Union Govt has reconstituted the Inter State Council (ISC) and the Standing Committee of the ISC under Clause 2 of the
Inter State Council order,1990.
The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre.
It will be headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It comprises Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories (having legislative Assembly), Six Union Ministers.
Besides, administrators of Union Territories which do not have legislative Assembly are also members of the Council.
The six Union Ministers are Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkiah Naidu and Road
Transport Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The Standing Committee of the Inter State Council will be headed by Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh.
52. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remembered on his 141st birth anniversary
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India and former Deputy Prime Minister, was in news on 31 October
2016.
The Iron Man of India came into news on his 141st birth anniversary.
His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas).
The theme for the 2016 Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was Integration of India.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the digital exhibition Uniting India: Sardar Patel at Pragati Maidan in New
Delhi.
PM Modi also launched the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat initiative, to promote greater awareness among people of various
States about one another, hence promoting the spirit of Unity in Diversity.
States
1.Western Zonal Council Meeting held in Mumbai
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The 22nd meeting of the Western Zonal Council was recently held at Mumbai, Maharashtra under the chairmanship of Union
Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Western Zonal Council consists of the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Union Territories of Daman & Diu and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers and ministers of these States and Union Territories administrators as well as
senior officers of Union and State Governments.
The Council reviewed issues related to internal security, coastal security, issuance of bio-metric identity cards to fishermen
and card readers, modernization of police force, formulation of plans for countering terrorism etc.
It also reviewed other important issues such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Urban) Mission, providing shelters to the urban
homeless, and surplus lands of Union Government for Housing for All: 2022.
2.President inaugurates Sevashram Hospital and Sardar Patel Hospital & Heart Institute in Gujarat
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Sevashram Hospital at Bharuch and Sardar Patel Hospital and Heart
Institute at Ankleshwar, Gujarat on October 23, 2016.
The President said that it was indeed a matter of great pleasure for him to be inaugurating the multi speciality Sardar Patel
Hospital and Heart Institute.
The President said that both Sevasharam Hospital and the Sardar Patel Hospital are driven by similar ethos, a desire to serve
humanity and take care of the health of people. He commended all those associated with both the hospitals.
3.Smooth-coated otter sighted for first time in Krishna sanctuary
Smooth-coated otter was sighted for the first time in the mangrove forest near the Krishna wildlife sanctuary (KWS) in
Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh.
In all, seven otters were sighted in the mangrove forests and brackish water channels of Eelachetladibba and
Lankevennedibba and other areas outside the KWS.
The presence of the otter is a key indicator for rise of the mangrove cover in the KWS.
4.Maharashtra launches Kaushalya SETU initiative
Maharashtra Govt launched Kaushalya SETU (Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation) initiative.
The initiative, which is a skill development programme for students, is likely to generate employment for as many as 7.5 lakh
people in state.
For the purpose of employing skilled people, the state also signed 22 MoUs with various industries.
5.Govt funds Ro Pax Ferry Service in Gulf of Cambay under Sagarmala Programme
The Union Ministry of Shipping has sanctioned the Capital Dredging Project of Ro Pax Ferry Services between Gogha &
Dahej, in Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat under Sagarmala programme.
The total project cost is estimated to be Rs 234 Crore of which 50% will be funded by the Union Government under the
Sagarmala programme.
This is first of its kind project in India as it will be executed in the area of worlds 2nd highest tidal range.
This project on completion will result in reduction in motorable distance of 231 kms between Gogha and Dahej in Gujarat to
mere 31 kms.
It will pave way for launching Indias first roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) vessel passenger ferry services on this route by April
2017.
6.Kashmir's Red Stag to get IUCN's 'Critically endangered' tag
The magnificent Kashmiri Red Stag or Hangul could finally get some protection with the IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature) all set to declare it a 'critically endangered' species.
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7.National Summit on Fortification of Food inaugurated in New Delhi
The National Summit on Fortification of Food was recently inaugurated in New Delhi to address interventions in combating
micronutrient malnutrition in the country.
The two day summit was co-hosted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in partnership with related
central ministries/departments and development partners.
8. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates three mega hydro projects in Himachal Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three hydro-electric projects (HEPs) with a generating capacity of 1,732 MW in
Himachal Pradesh.
All the three power projects are equipped with generating equipment supplied and commissioned by state owned Bharat
Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
These three hydro-electric projects are Koldam HEP (4200 MW), Parbati HEP (530 MW) & Rampur HEP (412 MW).
9. Japanese Encephalitis claims 54 lives in Odishas Malkangiri district
The Japanese Encephalitis has claimed 54 lives in Odishas backward Malkangiri district in just a more than a month.
The State Govt is monitoring and overseeing the measures to check the spread of Japanese Encephalitis.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus.
It belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses.
10. 2nd Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav begins in New Delhi
The second edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM)-2016 was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at
Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in New Delhi.
The 10-day event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India in all its rich and varied dimensions.
11. National Seismic Programme launched in Odisha
The Union Government has launched National Seismic Programme (NSP) to trace hydrocarbon resources like oil and natural
gas in Mahanadi basin.
It was launched by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Petroleum and Natural Gas at Taranga village under Soro block in
Balasore district of Odisha.
12. Women of India Festival 2016 of organic products inaugurated in New Delhi
The Women of India Festival 2016 of organic products was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Women & Child
Development in New Delhi.
The 10 day festival has been organised by the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development to benefit women
entrepreneurs, and also actively promote organic food and products.
13. First World Tsunami Awareness Day to be celebrated at AMCDRR 2016
The first World Tsunami Awareness Day will be celebrated on November 5, 2016 at the Asian Ministerial Conference for
Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016.
The conference will organised from November 3 to 5, 2016 in New Delhi by the Union Government in collaboration with
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).
To commemorate the occasion, an event will be organised with Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Champions at the AMCDRR
2016.
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14. 4th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting held at Jaipur
The 4th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was held at Jaipur, Rajastan.
The purpose of the meeting was to further strengthen the collaboration amongst the BRICS countries in the areas of Science,
Technology and Innovation (STI).
The meeting adopted a five-pronged approach, viz. Institution Building, Implementation, Integration, Innovation and
Continuity.
15. Himansh, Indias remote, high-altitude station opens in Himalayas
A high altitude glaciological research station in Himalaya called Himansh (meaning a slice of ice) began functioning above
13,500 ft (4000 m) in a remote region in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
Researchers will use this station as a base for undertaking surveys that would digitize the glacier motion and snow cover
variations with exceptional precision.
Himansh station will provide much needed fillip to the scientific research on Himalayan glaciers and its hydrological
contribution.
16. Harikatha: traditional art of story-telling in South India
Harikatha, a traditional art story-telling was in news for its revival due to patronage from various cultural organisation.
Harikatha is a form of Hindu religious discourse in which the storyteller explores a religious theme, usually based on the life
of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.
Harikatha is an art form composed of storytelling, music, drama, dance, poetry, and philosophy in South India especially in
villages of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
It had originated from Ajjada village of Srikakulam in Coastal Andhra.
17. Telangana Govt creates 21 new districts
Telangana Govt in its the biggest administrative reform has created 21 new districts.
With this reorganisation, the total number of districts in the State went up to 31 from 10.
The 21 new districts are: Siddipet, Jayashankar, Jangaon, Jagtial, Yadadri, Warangal (Rural), Peddapally, Sangareddy,
Kamareddy, Mancheriyal, Kothagudem, Vikarabad, Rajanna, Asifabad, Suryapet, Wanaparthy, Nirmal, Mahabubabad,
Nagarkurnool, Jogulamba and Malkajgiri. Earlier 10 districts are: Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Karimnagar,
Medak, Adilabad, Warangal, Nizamabad, Khammam and Nalgonda.
18. Maharashtra Govt allocates land to LIGO India Project
Maharashtra Govt has allocated 40.68 hectare land to Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to build LIGO (Laser
Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) India Project at Dudhala village in Hingoli district.
With this, India will join elite league of countries consisting of US, UK, Italy, Germany and Japan that support on-going
research on gravitational waves.
Besides, it will be third such laboratory in the world and first outside US. The existing two LIGO laboratories in US are
located in Livingston, Louisiana and Hanford, Washington.
The LIGO-India Project will be piloted and overseen by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science
and Technology (DST).
19. Maharashtra becomes 17th state to join UDAY Scheme
Maharashtra became 17th state to Central Governments Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojna (UDAY) scheme.
It will help Maharashtra to reap benefits worth Rs 9,725 crore by way of cheaper funds, transmission losses, energy
efficiency and coal reforms during the period of the turnaround.
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Under the UDAY Scheme, Maharashtra has committed to take more than 75% of the discoms non-capex debt of around
6,600 crore rupees in the current year.
The balance 25% debt will be converted into bonds or re-priced at cheaper rates which will reduce the interest burden by 595
crore rupees.
20. Indias first Medipark will be set up in Tamil Nadu
Indias first Medipark (Medical Park) will be set up in Tamil Nadu at Chengalpet near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
It will boast of the first medical devices manufacturing park in the country.
In this regard, the Union Cabinet has allowed HLL Lifecare, a miniratna public sector company to sub-lease over 300 acres
of land for the purpose.
The Medipark will be funded through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with HLL being a 50% shareholder.
21. Synchrony Financial ties up with Hyderabad Police
New York Stock Exchange-listed Synchrony Financial will deploy closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment in two police
station areas in Hyderabad.
The US firm will spend 50 lakh on this project.
An agreement was signed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner M Mahendar Reddy and Kurt Grossheim, Executive VicePresident and Chief Operating Officer of Synchrony Financial.
22. Jharkhand becomes first state to implement DBT in Kerosene
Jharkhand has become the first state in the country to implement Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Kerosene Scheme.
The scheme is being implemented in four identified districts of the state from 1st of October 2017.
These districts are Chatra, Hazaribagh, Khunti and Jamtara.
23. Urban areas of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh declared open defecation free
The Union Urban Development Ministry has declared urban areas of Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh open defecation free (ODF).
These are the first states to become open defecation free in urban areas.
It was announced on the occasion of second anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission and 147th birth anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi observed on October 2, 2016.
24. BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration on Education
The BRICS nations have adopted the New Delhi Declaration on Education to ensure inclusive and equitable quality
education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all.
The declaration was adopted at fourth Meeting of BRICS Education Ministers Conference held in New Delhi.
It was attended by Ministers of Education and assigned representatives of BRICS nations viz. Brazil, China, India, Russia
and South Africa.
The declaration reiterates commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) which aims to ensure inclusive and
equitable quality education and the Education 2030 Framework for Action.
25. Rajasthan becomes first state to adopt LED street lights under all ULBs
Rajasthan has become the first state in India to adopt Central Governments Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) in
all its urban local bodies (ULB).
Under this programme, around 5 lakh conventional street lights were replaced with LED street lights across the state.
The project was funded by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a Public Energy Services Company under the
administration of the Union Ministry of Power.
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Through implementation of this project, 152 million units of energy savings has been achieved so far have been and cost
saving of Rs. 60 lakh daily to some municipalities.
The energy saving has resulted in reduction of 225 tonnes of CO2 per day. The SLNP was launched in January 2015.
Under the programme around 3.5 crore conventional street lights will be replaced with smart and energy efficient LED street
lights by March 2019.
26. National Mission on Bioeconomy launched in Shillong, Meghalaya
The National Mission on Bioeconomy has launched in Shillong, Meghalaya by the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable
Development (IBSD).
The mission is unique to south-east Asia and India has become one of the few countries to tap bio-resources.
The purpose of the mission is to boost rural economy by utilizing bio-resources.
Besides, it can be optimally utilized can create a large number of jobs at village level.
It also focuses on sustainable utilization of renewable biological resources for food, bio-energy and bio-based products
through knowledge-based approaches.
27. Arunachal CM flags off all-women Mt Gorichen expedition
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today flagged off an all-women Mt Gorichen expedition.
This will be the first all women team attempting to summit the second highest peak of the state, which is considered as a
technical peak and only seasoned climbers can make it to the top (6,488 m).
28. Delhi Police launches Mobile App for senior citizens
The Delhi Police has launched a mobile application Delhi Police Senior Citizen for senior citizens to provide immediate
assistance to them in distress.
The facility was launched by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung at a function in New Delhi on the occasion of
International Day of Older Persons (observed on October 1).
29. Uttarakhand High court bans sale of whitener
The Uttarakhand High Court ordered state government to completely ban on the sale of whitener in the state following the
death of a teenager from sniffing an excess of it.
It contains volatile aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons such toluene and trychloroethane which are intoxicating chemicals.
30. Microsoft launches Indias first Cybersecurity Engagement Center in Delhi
Technology giant Microsoft has launched its first full-scale Cybersecurity Engagement Center (CSEC) in Delhi.
It is first-of-its-kind Cybersecurity Centre in India and overall 7th in the world including in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Singapore,
Berlin and Washington DC.
The CSEC will bring together Microsoft capabilities to foster deeper Cybersecurity collaborations with public and private
sector organisations.
31. Himachal Pradesh declared Indias second Open Defecation Free State
The State of Himachal Pradesh was officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Every individual household in the state
has functional toilet under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
With this, Himachal Pradesh becomes the second State in the country after Sikkim to achieve the feat. However, among
bigger states Himachal Pradesh is the first state to become ODF.
Himachal Pradesh has successfully achieved total rural sanitation coverage of 100% in the state.
Besides, all 12 districts in state were declared as well as verified as ODF.
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This status will further entitle Himachal Pradesh to receive World Bank funding under Rs 9,000 crore project to sustain
sanitation campaign.
32. Fishing cat sighted in Andhra Pradesh
A fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was sighted in the moderately dense mangrove surrounding of the Gilalakalandi
harbour near Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The movement of the fishing cat was sighted moderately dense mangrove area which is home for Asian sea bass fish species
seed.
The fishing cat is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia.
It is the state animal of West Bengal.
33. First meeting of NCTF held in New Delhi
The first meeting of National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) was held in New Delhi to discuss ways for
developing roadmap for implementation of WTOs trade facilitation agreement.
It was headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and was attended by all 24 members along with secretaries of various
ministries and departments like Home, Shipping, Civil Aviation.
The NCTF is a mandatory requirement under the WTOs Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
International
1. Milan confers honorary citizenship on Dalai Lama
The Milan city council bestowed honorary citizenship on the Dalai Lama.
However, China has strongly opposed another award given to him.
Lamberto Bertole, Chairman of the Council of Milan, honoured the Dalai Lama with the Milan Honorary Citizenship award
at a ceremony held at the Arcimboldi Theatre in Milan, Italy.
2. Pakistan to enforce complete ban on Indian TV, radio contents from 21 October
Pakistan's media regulatory authority has decided to enforce a complete ban on Indian TV and radio contents from 21
October 2016.
It has warned that the licences of those found guilty of violating the ban will be suspended.
In a statement, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said that it has decided to ban airing of Indian
content at the request of the federal government.
3. India, Myanmar signed 3 MoUs including Cooperation in field of Power Sector
India and Myanmar have signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to boost bilateral relations between two
neighbouring nations.
These MoUs were signed in New Delhi after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the visiting
State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi.
Signed MoUs are
MoU for designing an academic and professional building programme for insurance industry of Myanmar.
MoU on Cooperation in the field of Power Sector.
MoU on Banking Supervision.
It was signed between Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Central Bank of Myanmar.
www.bsc4success.com
4. NPL Scientists produce electricity from water without using energy
Scientists have developed a novel way using of producing electricity from water hydroelectric cell at room temperature
without using any power or chemicals.
The major breakthrough was developed by team of scientists led by Dr. RK Kotnala from Delhis National Physical
Laboratory (NPL).
5. Brazil opens Latin America's first elephant sanctuary
The first elephant sanctuary in Latin America has opened in Brazil to provide a home for an estimated 50 circus animals from
across the region.
Guida and Maia, both over 40 years old, are the first residents.
6. BIMSTEC countries express commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms
The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries have expressed
commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
In this regard, seven nations of BIMSTEC countries have issues Leaders Retreat Outcome Document emphasising that there
can be no justification for acts of terror.
BIMSTEC countries strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in the region.
They renewed their commitment to the early conclusion of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area negotiations, and direct the Trade
Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent Agreements.
BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in the littoral and adjacent
areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.
They are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka (from South Asia) and Myanmar, Thailand (from South East Asia).
BIMSTEC has its headquarterd at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
7. Historic Global Greenhouse gas emission Agreement signed in Kigali
A historic global climate deal was reached in Kigali, Rwanda at the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP28).
The so called Kigali Amendment which amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol aims to phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a
family of potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s.
Under Kigali Amendment, in all 197 countries, including India have agreed to a timeline to reduce the use of HFCs by
roughly 85% of their baselines by 2045.
8. India, Hungary sign two agreements including co-operation in Water resources
India and Hungary signed two agreements to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreements are
Cooperation in the field of water resources, including innovations in irrigation technology.

Promotion of co-operation between Indian Council of World Affairs and its Hungarian counterpart.
The two agreements were inked in Budapest during Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari's visit to that country.
Vice President is on a two-nation tour to Hungary and Algeria.
During the visit, Vice President had bilateral discussions with Hungary's Prime Minister Victor Orban and other leaders.
9. India, Russia ink agreement to set up 25 Agro Irradiation Centres
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India and Russia have signed an agreement for cooperation in the development of a network of 25 integrated infrastructure
Agro irradiation centres.
The agreement was signed between Indian Agricultural Association, Hindustan Agro Co-Op Ltd (HACL) and United
Innovation Corporation (UIC), a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia.
As part of the agreement, India-Russia joint venture (JV) will be formed in which HACL will have the majority 51%
stakeholding.
10. India, Russia sign 16 agreements across diverse sectors
India and Russia have signed 16 agreements across diverse sectors including in defence, infrastructure, energy, space, ship
building sectors etc.
They were signed following delegation-level talks co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President
Vladimir Putin during the 17th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit in Goa.
Some of the signed agreements are
Agreement on cooperation in International Information Security.

MoU for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Shareholder agreement for establishing a Joint Venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopter in India.
MoU for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
MoU for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and
the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
11. Bangladesh, China agree to elevate their ties to strategic partnership
Bangladesh and China have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to strategic partnership.
It was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit Bangladesh.
This is the first official state visit by Chinese head of state to Bangladesh in three decades since President Li Xiannians visit
in March 1986.
12. WHO releases Global Tuberculosis Report 2016
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released the Global Tuberculosis Report 2016 highlighting that countries need to
move much faster to prevent, detect and treat Tuberculosis (TB) in order to meet global targets.
The report highlights the considerable inequalities among countries in enabling people with TB to access existing costeffective diagnosis and treatment interventions that can accelerate decline in TB worldwide.
13. India-Indonesia bilateral maritime exercise commences at Belawan, Indonesia
The 28th India and Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and Second Bilateral Maritime Exercise have commenced at
Belawan, Indonesia in the Andaman Sea.
The 17-day-long bilateral exercise (from 10 to 27, October, 2016) will demonstrate Indias commitment to its ties with
Indonesia and to maritime security in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The bilateral maritime exercise and CORPAT will see participation by one warship and one maritime patrol aircraft from
navies of both countries.
14. India, Singapore sign three agreements
India and Singapore have signed three agreements (MoUs) in the fields of skill development and IPR to boost bilateral
relations between them.
These agreements were signed in New Delhi during Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loongs official state visit to India.
Signed MoUs are:
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MoU in the field of Industrial Property Cooperation: It was signed between Department of Industrial Policy &
Promotion (DIPP) and Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Singapore
MoU on collaboration in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training: It was National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) and ITEES Singapore.
MoU on collaboration in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training: It was signed between
Government of Assam and ITEES Singapore.
15. France becomes first country to ban plastic cups and plates
France has become the first country in the world to ban disposable plastic cups and plates.
The country has passed a law in September 2016 that will go into effect in January 2020.
The law will require all disposable tableware to be made from 50% biologically-sourced materials that can be composted at
home. That number will rise to 60% by January of 2025.
Defence, Science & Technology

1. ICGS Aryaman and Atulya Commissioned into Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGSs) Aryaman and Atulya were commissioned into Indian Coast Guard in Kochi,
Kerala.
These ships are the eighteenth and nineteenth in the series of twenty Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) designed and built by Cochin
Shipyard Limited.
The ships have been christened ICGS Aryaman and Atulya.
Aryaman literally meaning is Possessor of Greatness and Atulya meaning is Unrivalled.
They can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots with range of 1500 nautical miles.
They are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced communication and navigational equipment. Aryaman will be
based at Kochi under the administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).
Atulya will be based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
2. IIL develops CYSVAX, worlds first vaccine to fight against tapeworms in pig
The Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has launched CYSVAX, worlds first vaccine to fight against Taenia solium
Tapeworms in pigs.
The vaccine has significant potential benefit to reduce the incidence of epilepsy in humans.
The CYSVAX is a recombinant porcine (Pigs) Cysticercosis Vaccine.
The vaccine has potential to break the Cysticercosis disease parasites life-cycle in pigs which is considered to be one of the
important reasons for epilepsy in humans.
3. Okha-Kanalus, Porbandar-Wansjaliya sections of Gujarat become Green Train Corridors
The Union Ministry of Railways has declared the Okha-Kanalus and the Porbandar-Wansjaliya railway sections of Gujarat as
Green Train Corridors.
Green Train Corridors are sections of the railways which will be free of human waste discharge on the tracks.
The 114-km long Rameswaram-Manamadurai section of Tamil Nadu was made the Indias first Green Rail Corridor in July
2016.
4. Coast Guard ship commissioned
Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Rani Gaidinliu was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard by Director-General of Coast Guard
Rajendra Singh.
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The vessel is named after freedom fighter and famous Naga spiritual and political leader Rani Gaidinliu, who belonged to the
Heraka cult of Manipur.
5. India, China conduct second Joint tactical Exercise in Ladakh
India and China have conducted second joint military exercise Sino India Cooperation 2016 in Ladakh region along the
Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The exercise compliments Hand in Hand series of India-China joint military exercises that aims to enhance cooperation and
maintain peace and tranquility along border areas of both countries.
The theme of the day long joint exercise was based on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR).
6. India, Algeria mull fertilizer Joint Venture
India has shown keen desire to initiate a joint venture (JV) arrangement with Algeria for a multi-billion dollar fertilizer plant
located in the North African country.
The proposal in this regard has moved to front burner following a meeting between Algerian Minister for Industry and
Mining and Indian Minister of State for Chemicals in Algiers.
7. India signs pact with Russia to lease second nuclear submarine
India has signed agreement with Russia to lease second Akula-II class nuclear attack submarine (SSN).
The deal is believed to be worth about $2 billion.
The lease to transfer a multipurpose Project 971 nuclear submarine to India from the Russian Navy was signed in Goa on the
sidelines of 8th BRICS Summit.
The second nuclear submarine is expected to arrive in Indian waters in 2020-21.
8. Indian Navy commissions INS Tihayu
Indian Navy has commissioned INS Tihayu, a Car Nicobar Class water jet fast attack craft (WJFAC).
It was commissioned by the Flag-Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral H.C.S. Bisht
in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
INS Tahiyu is the sixth WJFAC Car Nicobar Class vessel to be commissioned and allotted to the Eastern Fleet of the Indian
Navy.
It has been built by Kolkata-based shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
It weighs 315-tonne and can achieve a top operating speed of 35 knots per hour.
9. India completes nuclear triad by commissioning INS Arihant
India has completed its nuclear triad by inducting the first indigenously built strategic nuclear submarine INS Arihant into
service.
With this, India becomes fourth country to have a nuclear triad i.e. capable of delivering nuclear weapons by aircraft, ballistic
missiles and submarine launched missiles.
Other countries having nuclear triad are Russia, United States and China.
INS Arihant was formally commissioned by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in August 2016.
INS Arihant is nuclear submarine capable of carrying nuclear tipped ballistic missiles.
It weighs 6000 tonnes and is 112 metre long.
It is powered by 83 MW pressurised light water nuclear reactor with enriched uranium fuel.
It will be armed with the K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km.
10. China successfully launches its longest ever manned mission to space
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China has successfully launched longest-ever manned mission by taking two astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong into the
orbit.
They were launched on board of Shenzhou-11 (heavenly vessel) spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre near the
Gobi Desert in northwest China.
The spacecraft was put into orbit by a Long March-2F carrier rocket.
11. Russia, India ink defence deal on S-400 Air Defence Systems
India has signed a defence deal worth nearly Rs 39,000 crore with Russia to purchase five state of art S-400 Triumf air
defence systems.
Besides, India also announced to collaborate in making four stealth frigates and setting up a joint production facility for
making Kamov helicopters under Make in India.
In this regard, inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) were signed between both countries following talks between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa.
An S-400 Triumf long-range air defence missile system is one of the most advanced long-range defence systems in the
world. It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO.
It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey. It has been in service in Russia
since 2007.
12. India to eliminate use of HFC-23 by 2030
India has decided to eliminate use of HFC-23, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that harms the ozone layer by 2030.
With this, India, is taking the lead on tackling climate change.
It was announced during the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol at Kigali in Rwanda.
13. IISc researchers develop self-powered UV photodetector
The researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a cost-effective, high-performance,
self-powered UV photodetector.
The self-powered UV photodetector can use the harvested optical energy for direct self-charging of energy storage devices
such as supercapacitor.
14. IISER researchers use human hair to produce cheaper cathodes for solar cells
Researchers from Kolkata based Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) have produced cost-effective,
metal-free cathodes using human hair for use in solar cells.
This is the first instance where a bio-waste-derived electrode (in this case human hair) has been used as cathode in a quantum
dot sensitised solar cell device.
IISER researchers have developed graphitic porous carbon cathode by cleaning and drying human hair and treating with
sulphuric acid to achieve precarbonisation.
15. Russia, Turkey agree to intensify military, intelligence contacts
The Russia and Turkey have agreed to intensify military and intelligence contacts.
They also have agreed on the need for aid to get to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.
Decision in this regard was taken after meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President
Vladimir Putin on sidelines of World Energy Congress in Istanbul.
The two countries also have signed a deal to construct two TurkStream gas pipeline pipelines to send Russian gas under the
Black Sea to Turkey.
16. Indian researcher produces stable Perovskite Nanocrystal solar cells
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For the first time, Indian researcher has successfully produced a stable, high-efficiency, all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystal
solar cells.
It was produced by Abhishek Swarnkar, a research scholar from the Department of Chemistry at Punes Indian Institute of
Science Education and Research (IISER).
The new inorganic perovskite nanocrystal material has 10.77% efficiency to convert sunlight to electricity. It used cesium to
produce the material of cesium lead iodide.
17. Hubble Space Telescope detects Great Balls of Fire
NASAs Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has detected Great Balls of Fire (GBF), a mysterious super-hot blobs of gas seen
near a dying star.
The plasma gas balls were observed near a red giant called V Hydrae, about 1,200 light years away from Earth.
Red giants are dying stars that are nearing the end of their fuel supplies and have begun to expand and puff up.
18. Indias communication satellite GSAT-18 successfully launched from French Guiana
Indias latest communication satellite GSAT-18 was successfully launched from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.
The satellite was launched on board of heavy duty Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket of Arianespace.
It was successfully injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
GSAT-18 was the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and overall 280th mission of the
Arianespace rocket launcher family.
GSAT-18 is indigenously built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
19. ISRO starts landing tests for Chandrayaan-2 mission
The Indian Space Research Organsiation (ISRO) has started a series of ground and aerial tests linked to the critical Moon
landing of Chandrayaan-2.
These tests were started as ISROs new site at Challakere in Chitradurga district, 400 km from Bengaluru.
This site has simulated craters.
ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) is the lead centre for the second Moon mission.
It has artificially created close to ten craters to simulate the lunar terrain and test the Landers sensors.
ISAC will conduct many tests including on avionics and electronics, testing the Landers legs, followed by a combined full
test.
Chandrayaan-2 mission is tentatively set for late 2017 or early 2018.
The mission includes an Orbiter, a Lander and a Rover.
The Orbiter spacecraft will be launched from Sriharikota will travel to the Moon and release the Lander, which will in turn
deploy a tiny Rover to roam the lunar surface.
20. Chinas Space Lab Tiangong-2 launches Micro-Satellite Banxing-2
Chinas experimental space lab Tiangong-2 orbiting the Earth with two astronauts on board has successfully launched a
micro-satellite Banxing-2.
The two astronauts were launched into space onboard of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carried two astronauts on 11 October
2016.
It docked with Tiangong-2 on 13 October 2016.
The micro-satellite Banxing-2 is roughly the size of a desktop printer and the media has nicknamed Selfie Stick.
21. Uranus may have two more moons: Study
According to study conducted by researchers from University of Idaho, US Uranus may have two tiny, previously
undiscovered moons orbiting near two of the planets rings.
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These two moons were detected by researchers after analysing decades-old images of Uranus icy rings taken by NASAs
Voyager 2 spacecraft which had flown by the planet 30 years ago.
22. Two-thirds of wild animals may go extinct by 2020
According to recently released study, global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970 and if the trend continues
then two-thirds of wild animals may go extinct by 2020.
The study was published as The Living Planet assessment by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the World
Wildlife Fund (WWF).
23. India, Russia agree to double the range of BrahMos Missile
India and Russia have agreed to double the range of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from 290 km to over 600 km.
The decision in this regard was taken during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President
Vladimir Putin in Goa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
Earlier, India was denied access to the missile technology with range over 300 km as it was not member state of the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
But Indias recent accession to MTCR, allowed Russia to provide the critical systems and technology to extend the range of
the missile beyond 300km.
24. Antarticas Ross Sea declared as worlds largest Marine Protected Area
Antarticas Ross Sea was declared as worlds largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) to protect the Earths most pristine
marine ecosystem.
It was declared after landmark international agreement among 24 countries and European Union in Commission for the
Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting in Hobart, Australia.
The Ross Sea is one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the world.
Sports
1. North Korea won the U-17 Women's World Cup
North Korea's women's U-17 team has been a powerhouse for nearly a decade and now they are U-17 World Cup champions
for the second time.
The North Koreans beat Japan in penalty kicks to win the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, capping an undefeated
tournament.
This is North Korea's second U-17 Women's World Cup title, despite this being just the fifth time the tournament has been
contested.
North Korea won the first ever U-17 Women's World Cup in 2008.
2. FIFA unveils mascot for 2018 World Cup
Zabivaka the wolf followed in the footsteps of Naranjito the orange, Footix the football-playing rooster and Fuleco the
armadillo by being named as the official mascot of the 2018 World Cup.
FIFA described its latest creation, unveiled during a live television show in the presence of Russian deputy prime minister
Vitaly Mutko and former Brazil striker Ronaldo, as a wolf who radiates fun, charm and confidence.
The wolf, whose name according to FIFA means the one who scores, received 53 per cent of the more than one million
votes cast in a poll, beating a tiger (27 percent) and a cat (20 percent).
3. Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 United States Grand Prix
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the 2016 United States Grand Prix.
The race was held at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, United States.
Nico Rosberg finished second while Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuers Daniel Ricciardo finished third in the race.
4. BCCI approves use of DRS in India-England Test series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given its consent for using the Decision Review System (DRS) in the
forthcoming five-Test series against England in November 2016.
BCCI will use the DRS on a trial basis to evaluate the improvements and changes made to the system over a period of time.
Decision Review System (DRS) is technology-based system used in sport of cricket for the sole purpose of reviewing
controversial decisions made by on-field umpires as to whether or not a batsman had been dismissed.
The system was first tested in an India v Sri Lanka match in 2008.
It was officially launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2009 during the first Test match between New
Zealand and Pakistan.
5. India wins 2016 Kabaddi World Cup
India has won the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup by defeating Iran by 38-29 score in the final match played at the Arena By
TransStadia in Ahmedabad (Gujarat).
It was Indias third consecutive Kabaddi World Cup in the Standard Style version of Kabaddi. Earlier India had won in 2004
and 2007.
Kabaddi World Cup is standard style indoor international kabaddi competition conducted by the International Kabaddi
Federation (IKF).
6. Indian Boxing Council inducted in WBO
The Indian Boxing Council, a licensing body for the countrys professional boxers, has been inducted into the World Boxing
Organisation with voting rights in the WBOs annual convention at Puerto Rico.
IBC President Brig. PKM Raja attended the meet in which the Indian body was welcomed into the fold by WBO
founder Chairman Luis Batista Salas.
This paves the way for Indian Boxers to participate in WBO Events and be eligible to compete for WBO Asia Pacific as well
as WBO World Titles.
7. Kochi becomes first Indian city to host FIFA U-17 World Cup
Kochi became the first Indian city to be officially declared as one of the venues for hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The tournament will be hosted in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of the city.
A 23-member high-level delegation comprising experts from FIFA and Local Organising Committee (LOC) ratified Kochi as
the venue for next year's mega event.
Earlier, the delegation visited the Jawarharlal Nehru International Stadium.
8. Indian Railways wins World Railway Shooting Championship Cup
Indian Railways in the second week of October 2016 won the World Railway Shooting Championship Cup.
The tournament was held at Saint Mandrier, France.
It is the first time that Indian Railways emerged victorious in this competition.
Indian Railways team won a total 10 medals, which include 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze, to bag the Overall Championship
at the 15th International Shooting World Championship (USIC).
9. World Bank pledges $2 billion aid to Bangladesh to tackle climate change
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The World Bank has pledged 2 billion US dollars aid package to Bangladesh to tackle climate change over the next three
years.
The aid package is part of the World Banks fund for the poorest countries.
Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to climate change and accounts for almost 70% of all storm surges in the world.
The aid package aims to further develop the resilience of the people at a time when climate change is putting their lives and
livelihoods at greater risk.
10. India's Gaganjeet Bhullar Wins Korea Open
India's Gaganjeet Bhullar stormed back from a five-stroke deficit to win the Korea Open, ending an Asian Tour drought after
sustaining a serious wrist injury two years ago.
The 28-year-old fired an impressive 67 for a four-day total of 269 at the Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club, winning the 216
million-won ($196,000) cash prize.
Appointments
Odisha's CIC
DSP in Haryana Police
ET Panache's 'Trendsetter Awards 2016'
Member of IOCs Athletes Commission
Member Secretary, Law Commission
Indias new envoy to UAE
Indias Ambassador to UN Conference on
Disarmament
DG of Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Whole-Time Member of SEBI
New Secretary-General of UN
Brand ambassadors of Bank of Baroda
Ambassador of India to Austria
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
Committee headed by
Prime minister of Morocco
Chairman of CBDT
Honorary German Consul
Swiggy New strategic advisor
Indian inducted into IAF Hall of Fame
full-time member of 21st Law Commission of India
CEO of Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Ltd
First female President of Estonia
Chairman of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI)
Brand ambassador of Haritha Keralam project
knighthood by France
Registrar-General of Madras HC
Ambassador of India to the Republic of Guinea
Chief Guest on 2017 Republic Day
Chairperson of J&K Human Rights Commission
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Sunil Mishra
Geeta Phogat
Sonam Kapoor
Saina Nehwal
Sanjay Singh
Navdeep Suri
Amandeep Singh Gill
Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Gurumoorthy Mahalingam
Antonio Guterres
P V Sindhu and K Srikanth
Renu Pall
Mata Prasad
Abdelilah Bekirane
Sushil Chandra
B.V.R. Mohan Reddy
Mukesh Bansal
U R Rao
S Sivakumar
Ashish Vohra
Kersti Kaljulaid
MS Sahoo
KJ Yesudas
Elephant researcher Prajna
Chowta
Satish Kumar
R. Ravindra
crown prince of Abu Dhabi,
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed
Al Nahyan
Bilal Nazki
Awards
International Prize in Statistics
Mathrubhumi Literary Award 2016
Chaplin Award
Nobel Prize in Literature 2016
Champion of Champions pistol award of
ISSF
Nobel Prize in Economics 2016
Sustainable Development Leadership Award
Nobel Peace Prize 2016
John F Richards Prize 2016
Nobel prize in chemistry
Malaysian Grand Prix 2016
Nobel Prize in Physics 2016
Swachh Bharat Short Film Festival Award
UN climate award for clean energy project
Nobel Prize in Medicine
World Banks Award of Excellence for best
utilisation of fund
2016 Man Booker Prize
NCC National Games
2016 Sakharov Human Right Prize
CAM
International
Film
Documentary Film category
Festival-
Sir David Cox

C Radhakrishnan
Robert De Niro
Bob Dylan
Jitu Rai
Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmstrom
Pawan Chamling
Colombian President Juan Manuel
Santos
Nayanjot Lahiri
JeanPierre Sauvage, J Fraser Stoddart
& Bernard Feringa
Daniel Ricciardo
Thouless, Haldane & Kosterlitz
Murga
An Indian NGO, Swayam Shikshan Prayog
Yoshinori Ohsumi
Almatti Dam (Karnataka)
Paul Beatty (The Sellout)
Punjab Directorate
Nadia Murad Basee and Lamiya Aji
Bashar
Daughters of Mother India
Obituary
Mehar Mittal
Gandhian activist
Rwanda's last king
King of Thailand
Theatre legend
Bengaluru-based artist
Prominent anti-Vietnam
War activist
legend of comedy in Punjabi movies

Mewa Ramgobin
Kigeli V
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Heisnam Kanhailal
Yusuf Arakkal
Tom Hayden
Important Days
United Nations Day
Police Commemoration Day
World Food Day
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
International Day of Rural Women
www.bsc4success.com
October 24
October 21
October 16
October 17
October 15
World Students' Day

International Day for Disaster Reduction
International Day of the Girl Child
World Post Day
World Mental Health Day
World Teachers Day
World Habitat Day
World Space Week
International Day of Non-Violence
National Ayurveda Day
October 15
October 13
October 11
October 9
October 10
October 5
October 3
October 4-10
October 2
October 28
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

World Cities Day
October 31
October 31
BEST OF LUCK !!!!
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October 2016 GA Refresher 2 - JJJ

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October 2016 GA Refresher 2 - JJJ

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GA Refresher : October 2016

Banking & Financial Awareness

2. TRAI recommends Rs 3,050 crore penalty on Airtel, Vodafone & Idea

2. SC freezes BCCIs transactions with state cricket bodies

4. Global Conference to strengthen Arbitration & Enforcement held in New Delhi

5. Union Govt launches UDAN Scheme for Regional Air Connectivity

7. FinMin announces fresh tranche of gold bonds

8. SBI declares Silchar as its 5th zone in North East

9. BCCI president Anurag Thakur part of powerful ICC sub-committee

10. Union Govt proposes 4 GST slabs

12. BRICS to set up credit rating agency

13. 8th BRICS Summit concludes in Goa

The summit concluded with adaptation of Goa Declaration.

16. Bank of Maharashtra renews tie-up with United India Insurance

17. India donates Rs. 9.3 million to Mandela Foundation

18. India ranks at 97 in Global Hunger Index 2016

19. Standard Chartered Bank ties-up with Uber to offer discounts

22. Payment Banks need RBIs Prior product approval

23. BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement declared operational

25. RBI Panel moots easing bank branch norms

26. Oil India Limited signs MoU with University of Houston

28. SBI becomes first domestic bank to open branch in Yangon

29. Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2016-17

30. Reliance ties up with Dassault to execute Rafale offsets

32. RBI allows startups to raise $3 million via ECBs annually

33. EU, Canada sign CETA

2. PM Modis #Sandesh2Soldiers campaign

3. Union Govt planning to fast-track irrigation projects in Indus basin

4. Railway ministry inks MoU for Smart Railway Stations

5. EC hosts first ever International Conference on Voter Education

6. Delhis air quality very poor: SAFAR

7. Irom Sharmila announces formation of political party named PRJA

10. Ashok Leyland rolls out first India-made electric bus

11. Saraswati River existed: KS Valdiya committee

12. Union Govt launches satellite-based illegal Mining Detection System

13. Union Govt to use post offices to distribute pulses

14. Union Cabinet approvals

15. Union Govt to adopt three-pronged approach to spur internal trade

16. Union Govt to commemorate birth centenary of Nanaji Deshmukh

17. Janani Suraksha Yojana pays dividends

19. Union Govt to invite bids soon for 36 inland waterways

20. Union Govt extends anti-dumping duty on certain Chinese products

21. SC widens ambit of Domestic Violence Act, 2005

22. New termite species named Chiraharitae discovered

23.Union Govt set up Public Debt Management Cell

24.India-Pakistan border to be sealed completely by 2018

25. SC stays commercial release of GM mustard

26.Election Commission partners with Facebook to encourage voter registration

28.President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates World Sustainable Development Summit

29.India seeks greater Pharma market access in Japan

30. All ASI protected historical monuments declared polythene-free zones

33.Union Cabinet approvals

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and AARDO

Union Cabinet approves setting up of India's first Medipark in Tamil Nadu

35.Aadhaar card must for LPG subsidy after November 2016

36.Union Govt launches Indian Bridge Management System

37.India ratifies Paris Climate Agreement

38. PM Narendra Modi launches Urja Ganga in Varanasi

39. ECI amends election rules to allow e-transfer of postal ballot

40. India falls short in female literacy compared to its neighbours

41. Tatas dump Cyrus Mistry as chairman, recall Ratan Tata

42. CO2 level reaches record high in 2016: WMO

43. India ranks 130th in 2017 Ease of Doing Business index