Monthly Current Affairs January 2017 “INDIAN AFFAIRS 1” key points to Remember.
Mori in Andhra gets Smart Digital village tag
Mori, a tiny village under Sakhinetipalli mandal in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, has sealed its place on India’s digital map by transforming completely into a Smart Digital Village, in every sense of the term.
All the 1189 households in the village with a population of 4500 became fully digital as Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu finally launched the AP FiberNet project that will provide internet at a speed of 15 mbps, WiFi, a telephone connection and 250CABLE television channels (using a triple-play set-top box) for a total price of Rs 149 per month.
World famous 11-day gala festival Bargarh Dhanua Jatra begins
Odisha’s World famous 11-day gala festival Bargarh Dhanua Jatra is all set to begin on 2 January 2017. All rituals were performed before Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the event. Dhanu Jatra is an annual drama-based open air theatrical performance celebrated in a 6 km radius in and around Bargarh municipality. It is considered to be the world’s largest open air theatrical festival.
India’s first laser technology-based advanced AVMS RTO check-post at Shamlaji
Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani dedicated India’s first laser technology-based advanced AVMS RTO check-post at Shamlaji of Aravalli district. The check-post isEQUIPPED with advanced ray technology with a cost of Rs 4.72 crore. Along with this programme, Rupani also laid foundation stones of various developmental works worth Rs 30 crore in tribal area of Aravalli district.
India successfully test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile Agni-IV
India has successfully tested the Agni-IV ballistic missile, which has a strike range of 4,000km, from the Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. The actual operational induction of the missile, which was tested for a range of only 3,000 km, will take another couple of years. The road-mobile Agni-IV and Agni-V, in turn, are specifically meant for deterrence against China, which can target any Indian city with its formidable inventory of missiles.
Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016
Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state, besides being adjudged the cleanest state, overall best in education and as a tourist destination, while the famed Kanchenjunga National Park was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land were gradually converted to certified organic land by implementing practices and principles as per guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Production. It took the state 13 years to fully implement organic farming since the idea was mooted way back in 2003.
AIIMS partners with MobiKwik to go cashless
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Delhi has partnered with MobiKwik to go cashless. Resident doctors, staff and visitors can pay with MobiKwik in the institution’s cafeteria. Payment of doctor’s consultation, tests and other services will be made cashless by the first week of January 2017.
The Institute was established in 1956 and operates autonomoustly under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Daily, over 25000 patients visit the facility to receive best in class treatment for their ailments.
India 3rd among nations offering highest salaries to expats
India has ranked third among the countries offering the highest average annual salary to expatriates, according to HSBC Holdings data. Notably, Switzerland offers an average salary of $188,275 a year to expats, the highest in the world and almost twice the global average. Further, the best employment packages, including health benefits, are found in Middle East countries like Bahrain.
CCMB signs MoUs with 4 start-ups
Four biology start-up firms have signed up with the city-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) to incubate their companies at Innovation Hub (iHUB). The CCMB, a research establishment of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in its efforts to engage with industry and to translate its own research, had in October last year launched an Innovation Hub (iHUB@CCMB) in its medical biotechnology complex
After the launch of Innovation Hub, this for the first time that four biology start-up companies – Oncosimis, Virupaksha Life Sciences, Theranosis and Bioartis – have signed and exchanged a licence agreement with CCMB recently to incubate their companies at iHUB.
Union Government launches mobile app for Haj Pilgrimage
The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched Mobile App for Haj Pilgrimage. The app will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage. This is for the first time digital push has been given to the Haj application process. It is also a major initiative in the government’s ‘Digital India’ programme.
The main features of the app include applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment. It is available on Google Play store. The application can be made directly on the app. Using five adults and two infants can apply as a group.
Andhra Pradesh Government launches NTR Arogya Raksha Scheme
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Arogya Raksha’, a health insurance scheme. By paying Rs.1,200 a year as premium one can get an insurance coverage of Rs.2 lakh. One can become a member of the scheme just by paying Rs.100 a month and people should register themselves before February 28 through online with Aadhaar number.
Registration can be done through http://www.ntrvaidyaseva.ap.gov.in./
Under Arogya Raksha, end-to-end cashless services would be rendered for 1044 diseases under secondary and tertiary care through 432 government and private hospitals.
India’s 1st gaming, animation institute to come up in Mumbai
Maharashtra government has decided to allot a 20-acre plot to set up India’s first training institute for gaming, visual effects, animation and comics at Film City in Mumbai. The project, a PPP between the ministry of information and broadcasting and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will be set up and run by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). The Rs 200-crore institute is expected to produce as many as 1,600 professionals in the fields of animation, visual effects, gaming and comics—sectors.
Government launches Swachh Bharat Survekshan 2017 in 500 cities
The Union Ministry of Urban Development launched Swachh Survekshan 2017 to rank 500 cities/towns across the country on cleanliness with a population of 1 lakh and above. The survey will be conducted by Quality Council of India (QCI) under the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan in a bid to encourage competition to improve sanitation. Swachh Survekshan 2016 had ranked 73 cities across the country and Mysore was ranked onTOP followed by Chandigarh. 1 lakh citizens had participated and gave their feedback.
Govt clears signing of agri pact with Portugal
Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an agreement between India and Portugal for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The agreement covers various activities which include exchange of scientific and technical information, trade in plants and plant products, exchange of information in phytosanitary issues, training programmes, seminars and visits of experts and consultants. The Group would be to monitor the implementation of the present MoU and making concrete proposals for agriculture cooperation and develop guidelines
and priorities for future cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Kenya in field of agriculture and allied sectors
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Kenya on bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors.
The MoU covers various activities in these fields which include agricultural research, animal husbandry and dairy, livestock and fisheries horticulture,natural resource management, postharvest management and marketing, soil and conservation, water management, irrigation farming systems development and integrated watershed development integrated pest management, agricultural plant, machinery and implements, sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
Cabinet approves Agreement between India and Uruguay for Cooperation in Customs Matters
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an agreement between India and Uruguay for cooperation in matters related to customs. The agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of customs laws, besides facilitating legitimate trade.
104th Indian Science Congress inaugurated in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 104th Indian Science Congress at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Modi exhorted scientists to keep an eye on the rise of disruptive technologies and leverage them for the country’s growth, as he pledged government’s commitment to support different scientific streams with emphasis on innovations.Theme: Science and Technology for National Development.
India and Kazakhstan sign Protocol to amend DTAC
India and Kazakhstan signed a Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) between the two countries which was earlier signed on 9th December, 1996 for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The Protocol provides internationally accepted standards for effective exchange of information on tax matters.
16th meeting of FSDC held in New Delhi
The 16th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The Central Government had established Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in December 2010 with the Finance Minister as it Chairman. The idea to create it was first mooted by the Raghuram Rajan Committee on Financial Sector Reforms in 2008.
DGFT bans import of exotic skins
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification amending a trade policy to prohibit the import of skins of reptiles and fur of chinchillas, minks and foxes. In 2014, PETA India wrote to the Inspector General of Forests in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and spoke with Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, on banning the import of all exotic skins and fur products. After her intervention, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry sought MoEFCC’s comments, which agreed to ban certain items.
Cabinet approves 26% strategic sale in BEML
The government has approved of 26% strategic sale in state run BEML Ltd. The company in a notification to stock exchanges informed that the government, ministry of defence has approved of the strategic sale plan. At the current market pricing of ₹999.50 a share, 26 per cent stake of BEML could fetch the exchequer over ₹1,000 crore.
Established in May 1964, BEML operates on three major business verticals for associated equipment manufacturing — mining and construction, rail and metro and defence and aerospace. Its turnover has risen to more than ₹3,500 crore.
EPFO makes Aadhar mandatory for its pensioners
Retirement fund body EPFO has made it mandatory for its about 50 lakh pensioners and around four crore subscribers to provide either Aadhaar or a proof that they have applied for it till month-end to remain the beneficiary of its social security schemes. EPFO has asked its over 120 field offices to provide wide publicity to the move through media as well as individual notes through employers to create awareness among members and pensioners about providing Aadhaar as their identification.
IRCTC to launch new app for booking tickets faster
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Limited will soon launch a new ticketing App which will have several features added to the existing one for faster booking of tickets.
Equippedwith the latest technology, existing IRCTC Connect will now become IRCTC Rail Connect to facilitate the booking of train tickets in a faster and easier way, a senior Railway Ministry official said, reports PTI.
44th New Delhi World Book Fair begins
The 25th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair themed ‘Manushi – writings on and by women’ begun with over 800 participating publishers from across the country and abroad. Touted as Asia’s largest, the nine-day fair was inaugurated by Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development.
India’s GDP growth expected to be slower at 7.1% in 2016-17: CSO
According to growth projection released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to grow at a slower pace at 7.1% in 2016-17 as compared to 7.6% in 2015-16.
World Bank holds meet with India on Indus Water Treaty
India asked the World Bank not to rush in brokering a deal on its dispute with Pakistan over Ratle and Kishenganga projects coming up in Jammu and Kashmir. India conveyed its position during a meeting with World Bank presentative in New Delhi. India asserted that the differences between India and Pakistan can be resolved bilaterally or through a neutral expert.
IWT is a bilateral water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan signed in 1960. It was brokered by the orld Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development).
Air India named third worst international airline of 2016
Air India, with a nearly 39% chance of a flight delay, has been rated the third worst international airline of 2016 by aviation insights company FlightStats. The ‘Worst International Airlines’ list wastopped by Israel-based El Al with a 56% chance of delay, while Icelandair came second with a 41% chance. Philippine Airlines and Asiana Airlines completed the top five.
PM Modi announces scheme for youth seeking jobs abroad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government will soon launch a skill development programme for young Indians seeking jobs abroad. The Pravasi Kaushalya Vikas Yojana (PKVY), a skill development scheme, is aimed at boosting the confidence level of the Indian youth, Modi said, addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bengaluru.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa, Modi said this day marked the return to India of one of the greatest Pravasis and that his government’s priority was to convert “brain drain” into brain gain”.
20th National Conference on e-Governance inaugurated in Visakhapatnam
The 20th National Conference on e-Governance began in Visakhapatnam. A film on e- governance “Transforming India” was screened on the occasion. Addressing the gathering at the inaugural function, the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that Good Governance is Fundamental, but e-Governance is instrumental. The mantra for our Government from first day has been Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.
India, Portugal sign six agreements
India and Portugal signed six agreements – including one on defence cooperation – after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa. The other MoUs signed provide for cooperation in the areas of information technology and electronics, agricultural trade (including market access for agricultural products), deeper engagement in renewable energy and marine research.
BSE launches mobile app for mutual fund trading
Making trading in mutual funds more convenient for investors, top stock exchange BSE has announced the launch of the ‘BSE StAR MF’ mobile application. The app is currently available to android mobile users. BSE runs the mutual fund trading platform – BSE Star MF – the largest MF distributor platform in India with more than 4 lakh SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) per month.
The platform provides a range of services for easy transactions and seamless order flow for Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
Sex ratio in Haryana touches 900-mark for first time in 20 years
Haryana achieved a sex ratio of 900 girls as against 1000 boys in 2016. Sex ratio at birth in the State this past year touched the 900-mark for the first time in almost two decades.
This improvement was made possible due to effective implementation of the law against illegal sex-determination and female foeticide.
In January 2015 Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the ambitious “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign against female foeticide in Panipat.
Ministry of Power unveils World’s Largest Street Light Programme
Power Minister Piyush Goyal will unveil the world’s largest street light replacement in South Delhi Municipal Corporation area where two lakh led lights will replace inefficient lamps. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), currently running in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) area is the World’s Largest Street Light Replacement Programme.
The SLNP is being implemented by state-run Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Ministry of Power. The SLNP programme is presently running in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first international exchange at GIFT city
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated India’s first international exchange India INX at the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) of GIFT City, saying it will enable Indian firms to compete on equal footing with offshore firms.
A subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange, India INX is one of the world’s most advanced technology platforms with a turn-around-time of 4 micro seconds which will operate for 22 hours a day, allowing international investors and NRIs to trade from anywhere across the globe.
Two-day Digidhan Mela inaugurated in Guwahati
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated the Digidhan Mela organized in Guwahati. The two-day Digidhan Mela is being organised with an aim to enable citizens and merchants to familiarize and adopt real time digital transactions. On the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched “Toka Paisa” e-wallet for initiative towards cashless economy. The Mela is being organized by the Government of Assam in collaboration with IT Department and NITI Aayog.
Indian Railways launches IRCTC Rail Connect app
Railways has launched a new ticketing App, IRCTC Rail Connect, to facilitate booking of train tickets in a faster and easier way. Equipped with latest technology, the new App also makes possible booking of tatkal ticket, ladies quota, premium tatkal quota booking and current reservation. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Limited, which handles online train ticket bookings, has synchronised the new App, IRCTC Rail Connect, with its website.
Health Ministry to roll out measles-rubella vaccine
India will for the first time introduce a vaccine against Rubella — a viral disease that infects pregnant women and leads to babies being born with cardiac, cerebral, ophthalmic and auditory defects.
The Union health ministry so far believed that the disease, also called German Measles, did not affect Indians. Now, the ministry estimates that around 30,000 abnormal children are being born annually because of Rubella. Many experts, however, say the accurate figure would be around two lakh babies.
India sixth largest manufacturing country in the world: PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lured investors with the promise of progressive policies while inaugurating the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial business meet he had launched as the state’s chief minister in 2003.
The summit, which has made headlines in the past for the staggering number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) inked at each edition, now aims to facilitate nearly 22,000 such deals with an investment commitment of around Rs 30 lakh crore at Mahatma Mandir over the next four days.
World’s first gender literature festival to be held in Patna
The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ will be held in Patna in the second week of April. The Gender Resource Centre of Bihar’s Women Development Corporation will be organising the festival. The objective of this initiative is to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in the field of gender [-based or focussed] literature. The festival will also act as a platform to increase visibility for gender equity and advocacy in the State of Bihar.
Government releases draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing) Rules, 2016
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has invited comments on the draft notification of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Dog Breeding and Marketing Rules), 2016.
The Ministry will be notifying the proposed draft Rules in the Gazette of India for public information. Any interested person can make any suggestion on the said draft rules in writing for consideration of the Central Government to the Deputy Secretary, Animal Welfare Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, within 30 days of such publication of the Rules.
Tax break for political parties legal: SC
The Supreme Court has said political parties require donations from followers to project their political ideas and represent the people. It dismissed a petition seeking to lift “100 per cent tax exemption” granted to political parties.
Every political party needs funds to project their political regime and political represent the people who follow them,” a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar said. The court observed that it was up to the government of the day to decide what tax regime they need to impose.
Telangana inks MoU with Aviation Ministry for Regional Connectivity Scheme
The Telangana government has signed a MoU with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for air connectivity by developing small airports and airstrips in the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed here in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Telangana Minister for IT and industries K T Rama Rao in the national capital.
For first time 46 UP constituencies to have Urdu electoral rolls
For the first time, electoral rolls in as many as 46 assembly constituencies spread across 22 districts in UP would be printed in Urdu as well. In Uttar Pradesh, the voters’ list is generally prepared in Hindi.
If 30% of the population of an area (assembly constituency in this case) speaks a different language than the rest, then voters’ list is prepared in that language as well. In case of UP, it is Urdu.”
NGT orders test of cosmetics containing microbeads
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Centre to test cosmetic products containing microbeads after a plea sought ban on their use on the ground they are extremely dangerous for aquatic life and environment.
A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim said that it is the duty of the government to ensure that no “dangerous” product is allowed to be manufactured or sold to public and directed Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to analyse the products in laboratory and submit a report in four weeks.
On-road emission tests to be mandatory from 2020: ARAI
On-road emission tests for vehicles plying on Indian roads will be mandatory once the Bharat Stage VI norm kicks in from 2020, for which testing agency ARAI is developing a unified test cycle. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is currently working on devising ways to determine the on-road emission benchmarks at different stages of vehicle lifetime in the aftermath of the Volkswagen emission cheating scandal which broke out in 2015.
Second Scorpene class submarine INS Khanderi launched
Khanderi, the second Kalvari class Scorpene submarine that has superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on surface, was launched at the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai.