INTERNATIONAL
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WHO for first time releases guidelines on child sex abuse
The World Health Organisation (WHO) for first time has formulated clinical guidelines on responding to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. The guidelines are grounded in human rights standards and ethical principles. They will assist frontline health care providers – general practitioners, gynaecologists, nurses and others – who may directly receive victim of sexual abuse or may identify sexual abuse during course of diagnosis and treatment.
Hwasong-15: North Korea tests most powerful ICBM
North Korea successfully launched Hwasong-15, a new type of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is North Korea’s most powerful ICBM that can reach entire eastern US seaboard and Washington. The ICBM was launched from near Pyongyang and had reached height of 4,475 km and traveled 950 km before it accurately hitting a sea target. It landed inside of Japan’s economic exclusion zone (EEZ) in Sea of Japan, about 250 km west of Aomori, which is on northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu.
IMMSAREX-2017 begins in Bangladesh
The International Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise 2017 (IMMSAREX 2017) began on 27 November 2017 in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff of Indian Navy, is attending the exercise, on an invitation from Bangladesh. The exercise will be held till 28 November 2017 under the aegis of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). Indian Naval ships (INS) Ranvir, Sahyadri, Gharial and Sukanya along with one Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-81 will be participating in the exercise.
Aung San Suu Kyi stripped of Freedom of Oxford Award
Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the Freedom of Oxford award over her “inaction” in handling the raging Rohingya refugee crisis and turning a “blind eye to violence” in the country that forced over 600,000 people to flee to Bangladesh. Oxford City Council in London voted unanimously to permanently remove the honour given to 72-year-old Suu Kyi in 1997.
Palestinian factions agree to hold election by 2018 end
Rival group Hamas and Fatah have agreed to hold a general election by the end of 2018. Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal min October in Cairo-backed talks after Hamas agreed to hand over administrative control of Gaza, including the key Rafah border crossing, a decade after seizing the enclave in a civil war. The Western-backed mainstream Fatah party lost control, of Gaza to Hamas, considered a terrorist group by many in the West and by Israel, in fighting in 2007.
Qatar, the Richest Country in the World Per Capita
Based on the per capita income of its people, Qatar has been named the world’s richest country as per the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report. The per capita GDP (gross domestic product) of Qatar is over Rs. 81 lakh. With per capita GDP of over Rs. 38 lakh, the United States is at No. 12. India, with a GDP of over Rs. 4 lakh per person, is not even in the top 100.
Iraqi forces successfully liberated town of Rawa from ISIS
The US-backed Iraqi forces has reclaimed the town of Rawa from the most dangerous terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS). Notably, the town of Rawa is located in Anbar province in the Euphrates valley and was the last known Iraqi town still held by ISIS terrorists. The Iraq’s Joint Operation Command (IJOC) said in a statement read that the Iraqi national flag was hosted in the town of Rawa, which was reclaimed from ISIS terrorist organize easily.
Army takes over Mugabe government in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s military leaders have seized control of the impoverished southern African nation, placing longtime leader Robert Mugabe under house arrest and deploying armored vehicles to the streets of the capital, Harare. The military move follows a power struggle over who might replace Mr Mugabe. His vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired last week, making Mr. Mugabe’s wife Grace the president’s likely successor which left top military officials feeling sidelined.
Founding ceremony of International Solar Alliance held in Germany
A Curtain Raiser Event for the Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held in Bonn, Germany. Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy was present at the event from the Indian side.
Saudi Arabia recognizes Yoga as Sport
The Saudi Arabian government approved the practice of yoga as a sports activity, claimed a social media post of Nouf Marwaai, founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation in the Saudi kingdom. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recognized the practice of Yoga as an approved sport, which can be practiced freely there.
China launches world’s first fully electric cargo ship
China has launched world’s first fully electric cargo ship in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. This 2000-metric-ton ship is the first in the world to use lithium battery. The ship was manufactured by the Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Ltd. The ship is presently running in the inland section of the Pearl River.
Slovenia’s President wins second term in runoff election
Slovenia’s President Borut Pahor wins Second Term in Runoff Election. He received nearly 53 percent of votes. His rival, Marjan Sarec, the former actor and mayor of a small town north received a little more than 47 percent of the vote.
United Nations hosts first talks on use of killer robots in Geneva
United Nations is set to open its first official talks on the use of autonomous weapons, including killer robots, at the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) for 5 days, in Geneva. The meeting is chaired by Indian ambassador on disarmament, Amandeep Gill. The discussion will also include civil society and technology companies. It will be partly focused on understanding the types of weapons in the pipeline.
China all set to make first contact with aliens
China, which on its way to emerge as a Space Superpower, has claimed be the first nation to make contact with alien life using the world’s largest radio dish. According to reports, china has spent billions of pounds into space exploration and the world’s largest dish to detect alien signals coming from other galaxies.
UNESCO confirms France’s Audrey Azoulay as New Head
UNESCO member states confirmed the nomination of France’s former culture minister Audrey Azoulay to head the cultural agency. 45-year-old Azoulay becomes UNESCO’s second woman director general. Azoulay succeeds Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, whose eight-year term. Ms Azoulay was France’s Minister of Culture and Communication from February 2016 to May 2017. Ms Azoulay is the 11th Director-General of UNESCO. She will take office on 15 November 2017.
EU launches election observation mission for Nepal Polls
The European Union Election Observation Mission was officially launched to monitor the general and provincial polls in Nepal which are scheduled for November 26 and December 7. Around 100 election observers from member countries of the European Union (EU) have been deployed to oversee the polls in the Himalayan nation. The EU has allocated 3.5 million euro for the entire election observation process.
NASA: Ozone hole over Antarctica smallest in 30 years
The ozone hole that forms over Antarctica every year in September was found to be the smallest this year since 1988. this was revealed by the NASA satellite measurements from 2017. According to NASA scientists, the hole in the ozone layer reached its peak extent on September 11, covering an area about two and a half times the size of the US – and then it declined through the remaining part of September. The ground- and balloon-based measurements from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also showed the least amount of ozone depletion above the continent during the peak of the ozone depletion cycle since 1988.
Nepal opens bridge built by India’s help
Nepal inaugurated a bridge on the Kaligandaki River at Jomsom area in Mustang district near China border. This bridge has been built with the financial assistance of 44.5 million Nepali rupees provided by India as a part of India–Nepal Economic Cooperation programme. With the inauguration of this bridge, people of Mustang now have direct motorable connectivity.
ICIJ releases Paradise papers
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has released ‘The Paradise Papers’, a global investigation that reveals the offshore activities of some of the world’s most powerful people and companies. Among 180 countries represented in the data, India ranks 19th in terms of number of names. In all names of 714 Indians have figured in this largest ever black money data leak.
Guinea becomes new member of International Solar Alliance
Guinea handed over country’s instrument accession to the India-initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA). Founder of ISA is Narendra Modi with its headquarters at Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, Haryana.
Singapore Changi airport opens new terminal with cleaning robots
The world’s busiest airport, Singapore’s Changi airport’s newest terminal, its fourth, officially began operations recently, which features cleaning robots, mechanised systems transporting luggage, and a live theatre production. This Singapore airport unveiled a £544 million (₹4,660 crore) five-storey terminal the size of 27 football fields. It has not completed construction yet, and will get a rainforest-inspired canopy garden housing the world’s biggest indoor waterfall by 2019.
China makes disrespecting national anthem punishable by jail
China’s rubber-stamp legislature has made disrespecting the national anthem a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison. The legislature also moved to apply a separate, recently passed law on the national anthem to Hong Kong and Macau, Chinese semi autonomous regions with separate legal systems.
China unveils Asia’s largest Island-Building Vessel
China unveiled Asia’s largest artificial island-building ship. The 140-metre-long vessel, which has been dubbed as “magic island maker”, is capable of digging 6,000 cubic metres an hour, which is equivalent to three standard swimming pools. The vessel is expected to be delivered in June 2018 after being tested completely. The boat named Tian Kun Hao is equivalent of three standard swimming pools.
Turkey President Erdogan signs contentious religious marriages law
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed into law a controversial legislation to let state- approved clerics conduct marriage ceremonies. The law allows “muftis” as well as state-appointed civil servants to perform and register marriages. The new law will open the way for child marriages. The law has been a priority for the government and in October, Erdogan told the opposition that the law would pass “whether you like it or not”.
Trump will make his first official visit to Japan on November 5
U.S. leader Donald Trump will travel to Asia in November for the first time since becoming president, stopping in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines on a trip expected to be dominated by the North Korea nuclear threat. His visit will include attending two major summits, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations conclave in the Philippines.
World’s third largest Book Fair opens in Sharjah
With more than 1.5 million book titles and 1,650 publishing houses from 60 countries, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opened its doors to public and trade visitors. It is the third largest book fair in the world. The book fair was held under the theme ‘A World in My Book’. The event has been organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Sharjah also inaugurated Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) which is the world’s first specialised book publishing free zone.
Kazakhstan to change its name by 2025
Kazakhstan is changing its name to Qazaqstan as part of a transition from Cyrillic to a Latin-based script. A national commission will be set up to oversee the transition, which will be completed by 2025.
INDIA & WORLD
India and Italy sign MoU for enhanced cooperation in health sector
The agreement was signed by Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare JP Nadda and Health Minister of Italy Beatrice Lorenzin. The MoU is aimed at establisihing comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional cooperation between the two countries in the field of health.
Russia to Help India to Set up National Crisis Response Centre
Russia will assist India to set up a national crisis management centre in the country to handle disaster and other emergency situations. This was agreed during a meeting between Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov in Moscow. Both sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India.
India and UK to sign MoU in Urban Transport Sector
India and United Kingdom (UK) will soon sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the urban transport sector for cooperation in policy planning, technology. The draft of MoU was finalised by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport of UK. It will also help in promoting digital transactions and induction of high capacity diesel and electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
India and Finland join hands to boost mutual ties in IT renewable energy
India and Finland joined hands to boost mutual ties in the areas of trade and investment, renewable energy and science and technology. Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Finnish counterpart held talks in New Delhi to discuss upon strengthening mutual relations. The two ministers reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and agreed to ramp up cooperation in trade.
India to help Mauritius on digital locker
The Government of India will assist Mauritius to develop and set up digital locker services. DigiLocker is a key initiative of the Indian government under its flagship Digital India program. The free service provides citizens a shareable private space on a public cloud wherein they can store their documents. The service is aimed at paperless governance.
India is one of top global cybercrime hotspots: study
According to the latest study, Asia-Pacific region accounts more than half of the world’s Internet users and is the biggest region globally in terms of e-commerce sales, has seen a massive rise in cybercrime. As per the APAC Cybercrime report 2017 by Threat Metrix, cybercrime in the Asia-Pacific region is growing with attacks becoming more organized and sophisticated. It is because of the rapid digital transformation spurred by massive economic growth.
Modi Govt. 3rd most trusted in the world
Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ranked as the third most trusted government in the world as per Government at a Glance 2017. It was published by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. As per the report, nearly 74 percent of Indians have expressed confidence in their national government. This list is topped by Switzerland and followed by Indonesia.
India and Russia join hands to provide visa free entry for flight crew members
India and Russia have joined their hands and signed a pact for giving visa-free entry to the crew members of chartered and scheduled flights in both the nations. The agreement will facilitate visa-free entry, stay and exit of the crew of aircraft of the designated airlines as well as other aircraft companies operating chartered and scheduled flights in the respective territories on a reciprocal basis. This ease has made the relationship between the two nations more concrete. The Visa requirements for crew members are administrative entry restrictions imposed by the countries for the pilot or a member of the crew during a transit. The crew visas are associated with the request for permission to enter a country for a short duration and perform the predefined duties in the given areas, distinct from actual formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country.
1st Indo-Myanmar joint military exercise
A group of 15 officers from the Myanmarese army started a 6 day bilateral military exercise with their counterparts from the Indian Army in Meghalaya in the first ever joint training of the troops from the 2 neighboring countries. IMBAX-2017 will take place at the recently created Joint Training Node of the Indian Army at Umroi. The IMBAX-2017 would conclude on November 25.
India ranks 51 on IMD Talent Rankings
India ranked 51st among 63 countries on the IMD Talent Rankings in terms of ability to attract, develop and retain talent. In previous rankings, India was ranked 54th. The annual IMD World Talent Ranking covers 63 countries and assessed methods countries adopted to attract and retain talent. The rankings of countries are based on their performance in three main categories – investment and development, appeal, and readiness.
IFFI 2017 Indian Panorama inaugurated at Panaji by noted actress Sridevi
The Indian Panorama, the most sought-after section of the International Film Festival of India, IFFI, was inaugurated at Panaji in Goa by noted actress Sridevi. Around 6 feature films and 16 non-feature films selected from different languages and regions will be screened in the Indian Panorama section. Vinod Kapri-directed Hindi film ‘Pihu’ was the opening movie in the feature film category, while ‘Pushkar Puran’ by Kamal Swaroop opened the non-feature film category. They included Sudhir Mishra, Rahul Rawail, Ruchi Narain, Nishikant Kamat, Nikhil Advani and KG Suresh. Filmmakers whose movies are being screened in the prestigious Indian Panorama section were also felicitated.
India, France agree to deepen Security Co-operation
India and France have agreed to deepen security cooperation, bilaterally and in the multilateral fora, and strengthen strong commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. After holding delegation-level talks with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean Yves-Le Drain, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated both countries have vowed to get rid of the menace of terrorism.
INS Sarvekshak reaches Dar-Es-Salaam to conduct Joint Hydrographic Survey
INS Sarvekshak, a hydrographic survey ship of southern Naval Command, arrived Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania for conducting Joint Hydrographic Survey along with the Tanzanian Navy. The Joint Hydrographic Survey is being conducted with an aim to boost bilateral relations with friendly foreign countries and navies in the Indian ocean region.
India, US, Japan, Australia hold first quad talks on Indo-Pacific Cooperation
India, the United States, Japan and Australia held their first official-level talks in Manila, Philippines with a focus on keeping the India-Pacific region “free and open”. After the meeting, India, Australia and Japan issued separate statements listing the Indo-Pacific as the major area of the deliberations and resolved to expand cooperation to uphold a rules-based order and respect for international law in the strategically important region.
India to be third largest economy by 2028: Report
India is likely to achieve strong growth over the next decade and emerge as the world’s third-largest economy, overtaking Japan in nominal GDP by 2028, according to the report titled “India 2028” by Bank of America Merrill Lynch. According to the report, India has already emerged as the second largest BRIC economy after China by overtaking Brazil and Russia. By 2019, India will also overtake France and Britain to emerge as the world’s fifth largest economy. This assumes that the Indian economy witnesses a 10 percent (in nominal US GDP) growth in the next decade which is well ahead of Japan’s 1.6 percent. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch has reported the country’s real GDP growth at the potential of 7 percent.
Rice Field laboratory in Manila named after PM Modi
While on his visit to Philippines, PM Narendra Modi visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Philippines and inaugurated ‘Shri Narendra Modi Resilient Rice Field Laboratory’. He also presented two Indian rice seed varieties to the IRRI gene bank.
India sixth most vulnerable country facing extreme weather events: Report
According to global climate risk index (CRI), a report by Germanwatch, an independent Berlin-based development and environmental organisation, India is the sixth most vulnerable country in the world in terms of facing extreme weather events with Haiti, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Vietnam taking top five positions in the fresh list of nations facing climate risk.
1.3 lakh Indians book ticket to Mars
More than 1.3 lakh Indians have booked a flight to Mars which is a part of National Aeronautics & Space Administration’s InSight mission. US had the most number of people sending their names followed by China & India. InSight, scheduled to land on Mars on 26 Nov, next year, will be the 1st mission to look deep beneath the Martian surface, studying planet’s interior by listening for marsquakes.
The 23rd edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival inaugurated
Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), India’s second oldest film festival, will screen an assemblage of 143 films spanning 53 countries under 16 different categories till Nov 17. This festival is hosted by the West Bengal government and is presided over by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Britain will be the focus country this year in commemoration of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017.
India re-elected Member of UNESCO’s Executive Board
India has been re-elected as the member of the UNESCO’s executive board, its top decision-making body. The election was held at the 39th session of the General Conference of the UNESCO in Paris, France. The General Conference consists of the representatives of the States Members of the organisation. Each country has one vote, irrespective of its size or the extent of its contribution to the budget.
Dubai bank Emirates NBD begins operations in India
Emirates NBD, the UAE’s second-largest lender, has started operations in India with an aim to invest USD 100 million capital into its Indian operations. The Mumbai branch marks the bank’s fifth international branch outside of its UAE network.
India-Bangladesh inaugurated Train service between Kolkata and Khulna
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the long-awaited direct train-service between Kolkata and Khulna through video-conferencing. The new train service is called Bandhan Express. It is the second cross-border train between the two neighboring countries. The train will run in either direction twice a week and cover the 177 km distance between Kolkata and Khulna within 4 1/2 hours.
The 20th International Children’s Film Festival begins in India
International Children’s Film Festival (ICFFI), popularly known as the Golden Elephant began in Hyderabad, Telangana on 8 November 2017. The festival would conclude on the occasion of Children’s Day on 14 November. The global festival, which is held every two years, strives to bring the most imaginative cinema including both national and international to the young audiences in India.
India slips to 7th position in business optimism ranking
As per Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR), India has slipped in ‘business optimism’ index to the 7th position in the September quarter, from the 2nd slot in the previous three months, showing clear signs of lag in the economy. Indonesia is at the top of the list, followed by Finland and the Netherlands.
India, Bangladesh begins joint military combat exercise
The Indian and the Bangladeshi army are all set to take part in an intensive combat exercise “Exercise Sampriti” at India’s Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte in Mizoram from November 6 to 18. This is the 7th edition of the joint training exercise. The military combat exercise is organised to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-mountainous jungle terrain to bolster bilateral military ties.
Indo-Kazakhstan Joint Exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK 2017” begins
A fourteen-day joint training exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK – 2017” between the Indian Army and the Kazakhstan Army commenced with the Opening Ceremony at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The joint exercise is aimed at enhancing the military ties between the two countries as also at achieving interoperability between the two armies. The training contingents comprise of platoon strength from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and a similar strength of the Kazakhstan Army.
India slips 21 slots on WEF Gender Gap Index
India slipped 21 places on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap index to 108, behind neighbours China and Bangladesh, primarily due to less participation of women in the economy and low wages, according to the WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2017. India’s latest ranking is 10 notches lower than its reading in 2006 when the WEF started measuring the gender gap. According to the Report, India has closed 67 percent of its gender gap. Bangladesh ranked 47th while China was placed at 100th.
NATIONAL
Global University Employability Ranking 2017 – IISc Ranks 29th in the World
Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has ranked 29th among the top 150 universities on Global University Employability Ranking 2017 published by Times Higher Education. Other than IISc, only two institutes from India featured among the top 150. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) ranked 145th and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) ranked 148th.
Indian Railways installs Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking in Kharagpur
Indian Railways has installed Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system in Kharagpur, which will enable station masters to set 800 different routes for trains in a matter of minutes. Interlocking is a railway signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements of trains. Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system has been installed in Kharagpur at a cost of Rs 39 crore. The cutting-edge technology replaces the pre-1989 route relay system that only allowed operators to set maximum 423 routes. The new system ensures that no cross-movement takes place.
Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017 begins
The Ministry of Home affairs will conduct a multi-State mega mock exercise on tsunami preparedness on 24 November 2017. The Ministry with the help of the national Disaster Management Authority, NDMA and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services will conduct the exercise simultaneously in 31 coastal districts across four States – West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – and Union Territory Puducherry along with the entire East Coast. The exercise is one of the various activities planned on the occasion of the 2nd World Tsunami Awareness Day held on November 5 this year.
Bamboo not ‘Tree’ any more: President promulgates ordinance to amend Forest Act
President Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated an ordinance under Article 123 of Constitute to amend Indian Forest Act, 1927 to encourage bamboo plantation by farmers in private lands. The ordinance omits bamboo (taxonomically a grass) grown in non-forest areas from definition of trees. The omission, thereby exempts it from requiring permits for felling or transportation of bamboo grown in non-forest areas.
HRD ministry launches Digital Signature campaign on Constitution Day
Ministry of Human Resources Development has launched a Digital Signature campaign on Constitution Day affirming faith in Indian Constitution and to generate awareness on fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution. Giving the link in a tweet, Mr Javadekar stated that people, can join the campaign by filling a form online. 26th November is celebrated as Constitution Day.
Union Cabinet introduces Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave approval for the expansion of schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) under the umbrella scheme “Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women”. The expansion has been approved for a period from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with financial outlay of 3636.85 crore. The Central Share will be approximately Rs.3084.96 crore. Besides, a new scheme called ‘Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra (PMSSK)’, which will empower rural women through community participation approved.
Government Sets up a Panel to Draft New Direct Tax Law
The government has constituted a task force for redrafting the 50-year old income tax law in sync with the economic needs of the country. The six-member task force will have Arbind Modi, CBDT Member (Legislation) as the Convener and other members, including Girish Ahuja (chartered accountant), Rajiv Memani (Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of EY) and Mansi Kedia (Consultant, ICRIER). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the annual conference of tax officers in September, had observed that the Income-tax Act, 1961 was drafted more than 50 years ago and it needs to be redrafted.
Union Govt initiates ‘safe-city’ plan for women in 8 metropolitan cities
The union govt has initiated the process of formulating comprehensive ‘safe-city’ plans for women in eight metropolitan cities of the country. The process was kick-started during a Steering Committee meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv gauba. During the meeting, a comprehensive review was undertaken to measure the progress and examine steps taken by the police and civil administration for women’s safety. The pan will be implemented in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Hyderabad.
Prime Minister Modi launches Umang app
Prime minister Narendra Modi has launched Umang mobile application, an integrated platform for government to citizen services. Umang- an acronym for “unified mobile app for new age” e-governance – currently hosts around 162 services from 33 government departments of central and state governments. The app has been developed by the ministry of electronics and information technology (MEITY). Some of the services relate to Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Pay Gov, Bharat Bill Payments System (BBPS), and CBSE. The app provides easy facility for provisioning the services through mobile without long drawn detailed project report (DPR)/ bidding process.
India becomes Second Largest Fish Producing Country in the World
Combining the production of all types of fisheries (capture and culture), the total fish production has reached at about 11.41 million tonnes in 2016-17 and India has become the second largest fish producing country in the world. The scheme ‘Blue Revolution’ has been launched with the outlay of Rs. 300 crore for the integrated development of the Fisheries sector in the country. As a result, overall fish production has registered an increase of about 18.86% in comparison to the last three years, whereas inland fish production has registered a growth of more than 26%.
India’s first Mega Coastal Economic Zone to come up in Maharashtra
The government has given the go-ahead for setting up India’s first mega coastal economic zone (CEZ) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra as part of a plan to develop 14 such industrial clusters to spur manufacturing and generate jobs. About 45 companies across telecom, auto and IT sectors will soon bid for 200 hectares of land to set up manufacturing units in the zone. The plan envisages a total investment of Rs 15,000 crore in the first phase and creation of more than 1.5 lakh jobs.
India Disease Burden Initiative Report
As per ‘India State-level Disease Burden Initiative Report’, child and maternal malnutrition were responsible for 15 % of the total disease burden in 2016 across India. Analysis of disease burden for each Indian state from 1990 to 2016 has been presented. It is jointly prepared by the ICMR, the Public Health Foundation of India and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
Vice President inaugurates ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ Tribal Festival
The Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ – fortnight long Tribal Festival with the theme of ‘A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Cuisine and Commerce’ on 16 November at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The festival will run for a fortnight through 30th November 2017. The festival will feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through about 200 stalls. The Mahotsav is an effect to take tribal commerce to the next level of digital and electronic transactions. The Mahotsav apart from exotic handicrafts will also showcase the electronic and digital skills of the tribals as a special attraction.
India’s global rank up to 14th for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
India is ranked 14th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2018 out of 56 nations and the European Union by environmental organisation Germanwatch, an improvement from its 20th position last year, for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by opting to transform its electricity sector towards green technology. The top three rankings are unoccupied as the report says no country is on a Paris-compatible path yet that aims to keep the average global temperature rise well below two degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Sweden ranks fourth in this year’s CCPI, following the empty top three.
Thirty seventh India International Trade Fair begins in New Delhi
The 37th India International Trade Fair (IITF) has begun at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The 14-day annual event has been organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). It was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind. This year the theme of the fair is “Startup India Standup India”. Vietnam is the Partner Country, while Kyrgyzstan is the Focus Country. Jharkhand is participating as a Partner State in the event.
Power Minister launches National Portal for power sector
Power Ministry launched a National Power Portal (NPP), a centralised platform for collation and dissemination of Indian power sector information. The portal may be accessed at http://npp.gov.in. The NPP is a centralised system for the power sector which facilitates online data capture/input (daily, monthly, annually) from generation, transmission and distribution utilities.
Youth Affairs Minister releases India Youth Development Index and Report 2017
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Rajyavardhan Rathore released the Indian Youth Development Index (YDI) and Report 2017 in New Delhi. The index has been developed by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in Tamil Nadu. The main aim behind constructing the index is to track the trends in Youth Development across the states.
Govt to give proxy voting rights to over 25 million Non Resident Indians
The government has decided to give proxy voting rights to over 25 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) spread across the world, Attorney general KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court. The Election Commission of India had already recommended that the government take necessary steps to amend the law for NRI voters. It had prepared a report titled ‘Exploring Feasibility of Alternative Options for Voting by Overseas Electors’ and presented it to the court in October 2014.
First ever Nordic-Baltic Youth film festival in India
The Nordic-Baltic embassies will host the first ever youth film festival of the European nations in Delhi showcasing movies from the region. The 6-Day long festival will run in collaboration with the India Habitat Centre. The Nordic-Baltic countries Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden or NB8 are tied together geographically and historically through trade, culture, and many common value systems.
Government doubles import duty on wheat to 20%
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under Union Finance Ministry has doubled import duty on wheat to 20% from 10% to curb cheap shipments and give positive price signal to farmers in ongoing Rabi season. It also imposed import duty of 50% on peas to check cheaper shipments from countries like Canada to boost domestic prices. The import duty on peas has been imposed to curb shipments and boost domestic prices.
Union Minister Smriti Irani flags off Digital Rath in New Delhi
Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani flagged off Digital Rath in New Delhi to create awareness among people for the cashless transaction. UPI transactions have increased from 3.8 million in April to 77 million in October this year, which is a huge growth. The travel is around 20 thousand kilometer and will reach 10 lakh people.
Main Arch of World’s Highest Bridge launched by Indian Railways
Indian Railways has launched the main arch of the world’s highest bridge on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district which will provide direct connectivity to the Kashmir valley. The iconic bridge will soar 359 metres above the bed of the River Chenab and will be 30 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge forms the crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal which is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project. It entails carrying heavy segments from two ends of the bridge – Kauri end and Bakkal end – and involves the world’s longest cable crane arrangement.
Maneka Gandhi launches ‘first of its kind’ portal for sexual harassment complaints
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi launched ‘SHe-box’ (sexual harassment electronic box), an online portal for registering complaint related to sexual harassment in non-government and government organisations. The SHe-Box was launched in New Delhi to ensure the effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013. The new portal offers the facility of making online complaints of sexual harassment at workplace to all women employees in the country including government and private employees.
Seven commodities granted Geographical Indication Tag
Seven commodities were granted Geographical Indication (GI) this year by the Indian patent office. It includes Banaganapalle mangoes (Andhra Pradesh), Tulaipanji rice (West Bengal), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Gobindobhog rice (West Bengal), Durgi stone carvings and Etikoppaka toys (Andhra Pradesh) and Chakshesang shawl (Nagaland). In 2016-17, as many as 33 items got GI registration.
India to be high-middle income country by 2047: World Bank CEO
Lauding India’s increasing per capita income, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva said she has no doubt that India will be a high-middle income country by 2047 when it completes its centenary year of independence. Georgieva praised India for its sudden jump of 30 ranks in 2017, the biggest leap ever, in the history of the ease of doing business. She hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “high-level ownership” efforts and “championship of reforms” that led to achieve India such a ranking in ease of doing business.
ONGC to acquire HPCL
The Cabinet approved ONGC for acquiring majority 51.11 % stake in HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited). ONGC’s acquisition of 51.11 % stake in HPCL is in line with the government’s plan to create an integrated energy major with businesses spread across the hydrocarbon value chain. The government’s stake in HPCL is sold to ONGC for an amount of Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore.
India successfully tests its first fully indigenous Glide Bomb
The Union Government announced that an indigenously developed lightweight ‘Glide’ bomb was successfully tested in Chandipur in Odisha. The development marks a major milestone in developing such weapons. The bomb – SAAW (Smart Anti Airfield Weapon) – was dropped from an Indian Air Force aircraft at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur.
Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana launched to promote philately
The Union Ministry of Communications has launched Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a pan India scholarship program for school children to increase the reach of Philately. The SPARSH stands for Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby. Under the scheme, annual scholarships will be awarded to children of Standard VI to IX having good academic record and also pursuing Philately as hobby through competitive selection process in all postal circles. Government will award 920 scholarships to students pursuing Philately as hobby.
Technical Education can not be provided through correspondence courses- SC
The Supreme Court has ruled that technical education cannot be provided through correspondence courses. The Apex Court restrained educational institutions from providing courses in technical education like engineering through distance learning programme. Two years ago, the Punjab and Haryana high court had ruled that a degree in ‘computer science’ obtained through distance mode could not be considered at par with one attained by attending regular classes.
PM Modi inaugurates World Food India 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the World Food India 2017 event, at Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi. The three day-long event, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is set to host a congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from November 3 to 5 in New Delhi. This is the first time that India is hosting such an event for the food processing sector. PM Modi launched “Nivesh Bandhu”, an Investor Facilitation Portal. Karnataka will be the focus State in the ‘World Food India 2017’ trade fair. In September 2017, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was named brand ambassador for World Food India’s Food Street. Germany, Japan and Denmark are partner countries to World Food India, while Italy and the Netherlands are the focus countries.
President inaugurates 21st World Congress of Mental Health
The 21st World Congress of Mental Health was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi. The conference was organised by the World Federation for Mental Health in partnership with Caring Foundation and other institutions. The World Congress of Mental Health is taking place in India for the first time. India’s National Mental Health Programme is building 22 centres of excellence in the field of mental health. The District Mental health Programme has already covered 517 of the approximately 650 district in India. It is taking the conversation about mental health to the grassroots of our society.
Aadhaar-mobile number linking must by February 6: Govt
The Aadhaar-Mobile SIM linking should be completed by February 6, under e-KYC verification, the Centre told the Supreme Court. The Centre also mandated production of 12-digit unique Aadhaar number for opening new bank accounts. The government has introduced three new methods, including through one-time password (OTP), to ease the process of linking the Aadhaar identity number with individual mobile numbers.
9th ‘CMS Vatavaran’ begins in Delhi
The 9th edition of ‘CMS Vatavaran’, a global film festival on environment and wildlife begins in New Delhi. The Theme of CMS Vatavaran is “Conservation 4 Water”. The event is supported and partnered by Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, National Geographic, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Max age of joining NPS increased from 60 to 65 years: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance increased the maximum age of joining the National Pension System (NPS) from the existing 60 years to 65 years under NPS – Private Sector (i.e. all citizen and corporate model). In accordance with several initiatives undertaken by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) during the last few years, now any Indian citizen, resident or non-resident, between the age of 60 – 65 years, can join NPS and continue up to the age of 70 years.
Goa tops Gender Vulnerability Index, Bihar at bottom
The Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI) prepared by Child development NGO Plan India has ranked the state of Goa at the top and Bihar at the bottom. The other two states to occupy the top positions include Kerala and Mizoram, which were ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. Bihar was joined by Uttar Pradesh at the bottom, while Delhi was placed near bottom at the 24th place. The composite index has been developed after analysing the situation of girls and women in the country on the basis of four important dimensions – Health, Education, Protection and Poverty. It will be useful in understanding the situation in states, as it ranks each state in every dimension of gender vulnerability.
STATES
SAUBHAGYA Scheme Launched in Manipur
The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) was launched in Manipur, by Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh and N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur. A total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under the Scheme.
Punjab Govt notifies Ban on Truckers’ Cartelisation
Punjab State Government notified the ‘Punjab Goods Carriages (Regulation and Prevention of Cartelization Rules), 2017’, banning goods carriage operators from forming cartels in the state. This notification is aimed at creating a favorable environment for industries and business houses in the state which will encourage industrial and infrastructural investment.
DANX-17: Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise concludes
The Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX-2017) was conducted under the aegis of Andaman & Nicobar Command from 20 to 24 November 2017. The main objective of the five-day exercise was to practice and validate procedures and drills of all Command forces aimed at defending strategic Andaman and Nicobar Island. The purpose of the exercise was for adopting planning and precise execution of Command plans by forces in a synergistic manner.
First Indian casino game training course centre in Goa
The casino game training courses were set up in 2013 as a part of Delta Corp Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Goa. Anil Malani, President Delta Corp Ltd said that they have a designated batch of 20 courses which is absolutely free. Also, after passing the course, most of the students get recruited in premier hotels like Hyatt or Taj. The state government-recognized courses are either in diploma – which runs through a year or certified – that ends in six months.
TN has highest number of women entrepreneurs: Report
According to the state-wise analysis of state of women entrepreneurship in the country by Sheatwork, a knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of women entrepreneurs in India, followed by Kerala and West Bengal. It also said that nearly 80 per cent of women entrepreneurs in India are self-financing their businesses, with little utilisation of the various government schemes that provide financial aid to them.
Telangana makes Telugu compulsory till Inter from next academic year
Telugu would be implemented as a compulsory subject from first standard to Intermediate, including in the CBSE and ICSE schools, from the next academic year in Telangana. Deputy Chief Minister K. Srihari, who also holds Education portfolio, reviewed the steps to be taken before the commencement of the 2018-19 academic year in tune with the decision already taken by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
Feroz Shah Kotla gates to be renamed after Anjum Chopra
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4 of the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after Anjum Chopra. Chopra has represented India in six World Cups. In addition to that, the DDCA has planned to name two stands of the stadium after former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi and former India all-rounder Mohinder Amarnath.
Rajasthan launches ‘Dishari’ to provide free study material for competitive exams
Rajasthan government has launched ‘Dishari’ – an educational mobile application that provides free study materials for youths preparing for competitive examinations. The app features interactive quizzes with questions related to mathematics, general knowledge, current affairs, computers, reasoning and economics. The app will also provide latest updates and job alerts.
Nagaland, A&N Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu ink MoU under UDAY Scheme
Government has signed four MoUs under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) Scheme with Nagaland and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu for operational improvements. With this, 27 States and 4 UTs have joined UDAY till date. These State/UTs have joined only for operational improvement and shall not undergo financial restructuring and issue of bonds under the scheme. These MoUs will pave way for improving operational efficiency of Electricity Departments or DISCOM of these State/UTs.
President Ram Nath Kovind reaches Imphal to inaugurate Manipur Sangai Festival
President Ram Nath Kovind reached Imphal to inaugurate the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017. He was accorded a warm welcome at the Imphal Airport by State Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh and his cabinet colleagues. The 10-day state festival will be opened today at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre at Palace Compound in Imphal. He will open a two-day North-East Development Summit at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. Around 20 memorandums of understanding(MoU) will be signed with investor companies during the Summit to attract investment in the State to generate employment avenues for the unemployed educated youths of the State.
Gleadovia konyakianorum: Parasitic plant found in Nagaland
Scientists from Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of parasitic flowering plant named Gleadovia konyakianorum. The species was named in honour of Konyak tribe of Nagas. The plant was discovered in the semi-evergreen forest at an altitude of 1,500-1,600 metres during an exploration near Tobu town of Mon district in eastern Nagaland. Parasitic plants are often referred to as curious plants, as they steal their nutritional needs from the host.
Punjab to compensate acid attack victims
Punjab State Cabinet approved ‘Punjab Victim or Their Dependents Compensation Scheme’. It will provide minimum compensation of Rs three lakh to an acid attack victim. Every year, Punjab State Government’s department of home affairs and justice, will allocate a separate budget to the department of legal and legislative affairs to provide compensation under this scheme.
Delhi to form ‘Mahila Suraksha Dals’
According to Deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia, the Delhi would form “Mahila Suraksha Dals” to curb crimes against women in the national capital. The government would constitute these teams in coordination with the Delhi Commission for Women. These MSDs will comprise representatives of the local community, both men and women, besides civil defence volunteers & will work at the grassroot-level.
Assam launches its first air ambulance for the public
The government of Assam inaugurated its first air ambulance of the state. It will operate from Guwahati airport. The air ambulance is equipped with all emergency medical equipment and medical team to take care of patients onboard. Unveiling the service, Patowary hoped that the air ambulance service would usher in a new era of healthcare for the patients of Assam and Northeast. Delhi-based Flaps Aviation Private Limited will operate its air ambulance service from Guwahati with “Book Air Ambulance” as its brand. The aim is to expand this facility to the capitals of all states.
First Namami Barak festival held in Assam
The first ever Namami Barak festival was held at Silchar in Assam. It was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The event was organised at 3 locations in Barak Valley also known as Southern Assam. Silchar is main event area while other two locations are Hailakandi and Karimganj district.
Maharashtra CM launches initiative to curb Childhood Obesity
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a new initiative against childhood obesity, which will directly benefit over 6,000 children in Pune alone by making them aware of their Body Mass Index (BMI). As per the initiative, a BMI dialer will be given to the schools through which children will be able to know their BMI. India is the diabetes capital of the world and by 2025 is expected to be the second-largest country with childhood obesity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The initiative was taken by Rotary Club of Koregaon Park with JT Foundation. The campaign will ensure that childhood obesity will not hamper the growth or development of our future generations. This is a positive movement and the government will ensure support to spread this across Maharashtra.
Maharashtra bans Plastic Bottles at Government Offices, Hotels
The Maharashtra government, in a bid to become plastic-free state from March 2018, has banned packaged water bottles in Mantralaya and other government offices. The regulation will soon be imposed on restaurants.
Bihar govt to set up “State Ayush Society”
The Bihar government gave its nod for setting up a “State Ayush Society” to give a boost to alternative medicine in the state. The Society will be set up as part of the Centre’s “National Ayush Mission” and registered under the Society Registration Act.
RBL Bank opens all women branch in Chennai
Private sector RBL Bank has set up an all women branch in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The branch at R A Puram, would be managed by eight women and offer all products and services across liability and assets. The women’s branch is a testament to the bank’s efforts in encouraging gender equality.
Nagaland becomes first North East state to launch PoS for electricity bill payments
Nagaland became the first among the North Eastern states to launch Point of Sale (PoS) for electricity bill payment. The PoS facility was formally launched by State Chief Secretary, Pankaj Kumar, at Kohima Electrical Subdivision-1 in Kohima on 16th November 2017. The Chief Engineer of Power Department, Khose Sale informed that PoS services will be extended to other major cities and districts of Nagaland.
Karnataka launches project to install WiFi facilities in gram panchayats
Karnataka State Government unveiled an ambitious project to install Wi-Fi facility in all gram panchayats across the state. During this year itself, Wi-Fi facility will be installed in 2500 gram panchayats. The main objective of this project is to bridge the digital divide. Through this project, each and every entrepreneur from the cities and towns across Karnataka, will be provides an opportunity to benefit from the enabling eco-system. This project is a part of Karnataka State Government’s efforts to strengthen the Information Technology sector in the state.
Andhra Pradesh hosting its first ever hot-air balloon festival
The Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh is hosting the first edition of its Hot Air Balloon Festival. The Hot Air Balloon Festival is organized by SkyWaltz and supported by Andhra Pradesh tourism. The festival will feature unique balloons from 13 countries. The participating countries are India, Australia, USA, Brazil and South Korea. The Extraordinary shaped balloons like the Seahorse, the Kiwi, the Bee and much more are lined up in the festival. This festival is being organized to promote tourism. A large team of over 100 photographers, nature lovers and students from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana arrived at Araku to capture the scenes of the festival. Araku is known for its coffee plantations, rich cultural heritage, and stunning waterfalls.
UP tops in mobilising Jan Dhan Accounts
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) which was launched to further the financial-inclusion process in the country have gathered momentum in some Northern States post demonetisation. With its area and size of population, Uttar Pradesh tops in opening new PMJDY accounts. In fact, one-fifth of the more than five crore new PMJDY accounts in the Indian banking system came from Uttar Pradesh alone. Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal cumulatively added another 2.2 crore new accounts in the last one year.
Varanasi tops list of India’s most polluted cities
With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 491 on the 500-point scale, Varanasi has become the most polluted Indian city among 42 cities, according to data from Central Pollution Control Board. The concentration of PM2.5 was eight times the safe limit, indicating a public health emergency in the city. Gurugram was the 2nd most polluted with an AQI of 480.
Sainik Sankshema Sabha to be organised in all districts of AP and TS
The Sainik Sankshema Sabha will be organized in all districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Inauguration of Dakshin Bharat Area at a rally and grievance redressal programme held in Secunderabad. The Headquarters Telangana & Andhra Sub Area under the aegis of HQ Dakshin Bharat Area conducted. Thousands of former armed forces personnel from Ranga Reddy, Medchal, Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, and Hyderabad districts including those who had served in World War-II attended the rally.
Haryana, first state in India to treat Hepatitis-C patients with Oral Medicine
Haryana has emerged as the first state in the country to treat Hepatitis-C patients through oral medicine, according to the health minister Anil Vij of the state. This medicine would be provided free of cost to permanent residents of all categories at district level. The medicine and treatment costs about Rs 28,000 to Rs 30,000 in the market, but the state government would provide this facility free of cost.
Pune University to give gold medal to only vegetarians and non drinkers
Only vegetarian students and those who do not consume alcohol will be considered for the Maharishi Keertankar Shelar Mama Gold Medal at the Savitribai Phule Pune University. There is a list of 10 qualifications for a student to be eligible for the gold medal. Other criteria includes students following Indian culture, and participation in blood donation and environment protection.
Telangana State Assembly passes Police Protection Bill
Telangana State Assembly passed the Telangana Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug Offenders, Goondas, Immoral traffic offenders and Landgrabbers (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Assembly also passed the Telangana Road Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 for development of roads and highways by securing funds from financial institutions and the Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2017 to give instant licenses to shops and commercial establishments as part of Ease of Doing Business.
Telangana govt declares Urdu as second official language
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao declared Urdu as the state’s second official language. Every office in the state will now have an Urdu speaking officer. According to the CM, the demand to make Urdu a second language had been there for a long time. First official language is Telugu.
In a first, Kerala launched ‘She Pad’ scheme for School Girls
Kerala government launched “She Pad”, a scheme to distribute free sanitary napkins to girl students from classes VI to XII in government and aided private schools affiliated to the state school board. This is the first time that a state government is distributing sanitary napkins to school students. In this academic year, the scheme will be implemented in 300 schools in 114 panchayats by the Kerala Women Development Corporation with the support of local self-governing bodies.
Chennai included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for contribution in Music
64 cities from 44 countries have been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities by Director-General, Irina Bokova. Chennai is the third Indian city on the list of UNESCO Creative Cities list after Jaipur and Varanasi. After this, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts a total of 180 cities in 72 countries. Few famous cities included in the list are- Auckland (New Zealand), Cairo (Egypt), Cape Town (South Africa), Istanbul (Turkey), Yamagata City (Japan).
Coal India launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App’
Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways & Coal has launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App’ benefitting customers of Coal India Limited (CIL) lifting coal through road mode. The customer friendly app, launched recently in Kolkata on CIL’s Foundation Day, helps achieve transparency in despatch operations, as a tool to monitor, whether the despatches are made on the fair principle of ‘First in First Out’.
Nagaland aims to promote ‘plastic free’ motive through ‘Hornbill Festival’
Nagaland is set to host ‘Hornbill Festival’ with the main motive to promote the ‘plastic-free’ mission all around. ‘Hornbill Festival’ will go on for 10 days from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage village Kisama. He also urged the Hohos to give their best effort towards making the festival a grand success. Phom further informed that picturesque Kisama has been declared as a ‘Plastic Free Zone’ during the festival and asked the Hohos to propagate and ensure that no plastic is used throughout ten days festival.
Balijatra Festival begins in Cuttack
The annual ‘Balijatra’ festival was inaugurated by Health and Law Minister Pratap Jena at Gadagadia ghat in Odisha on the banks of river Mahanadi. The week-long famous fair on an area of 30 acres on the river bank will continue till November 10. It got the nod from east zone bench of National Green Tribunal for the second time this year.
Sonepur cattle fair begins in Bihar
Sonepur mela is one of the biggest cattle fair in Asia that takes place in Bihar. The month-long fair is organised annually in November. Also known as Kshetra Mela, its origins can be traced to the Mughal era. The Sonepur fair majorly attracts cattle traders from all over Asia. Many farm animals including some breeds of dogs, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies are displayed and sold at this fair.
Free treatment for road victims: Kerala
Kerala has decided to formulate a trauma-care scheme in the State wherein all emergency care and treatment will be provided to accident victims free-of-cost for the first 48 hours. The government will pay for the emergency care expenses incurred by a hospital. No money should be collected from the accident victim or his/her relatives for the emergency.
Signature Hyderabadi dishes get India Post stamps
Trademark Hyderabadi dishes biryani, baghare baingan, and seviyan have all made their way into India postage, with the Department of Post issuing stamps with photos of the same. The stamps come as a tribute to the rich, varied cuisine of Hyderabad, two months ahead of the 500th anniversary of the construction of the Golconda Fort.
Goa to hold Nobel Prize Series-India 2018
The Goa government executed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Bio-Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India (GoI) and Nobel Media, Sweden to hold the ‘Nobel Prize Series – India 2018 (Science Impacts Life)’ to be held from February 1-28 next year along with a month-long exhibition brought from Nobel Museum, Sweden. The Nobel series has earlier been organised in Gujarat.
Sikkim to get its first airport this month
Sikkim is set to get its first airport by the end of November, over 30 kilometres from the state capital of Gangtok. The airport, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 300 crore, was supposed to be completed in 2012 but faced repeated delays. It is at an altitude of 4,700 feet, and will be among the five highest Indian airports. Up until now, people travelling to and from Sikkim had to trek to Bagdogra in West Bengal to access the nearest airport.
Etikoppaka toys from Andhra Pradesh get GI tag
The Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) has given Geographical Indication (GI) tag traditional Etikoppaka toys (Etikoppaka Bommalu) from Andhra Pradesh. These traditional toys are made by artisans in Etikoppaka village located on banks of river Varaha in Visakhapatnam district of the state. With this, Etikoppaka toys join elite products from Andhra Pradesh such as Kondapalli toys, Tirupati laddu, Bobbili Veena, Srikalahasthi Kalamkari, Uppada Jamdani sarees and Shadow puppets to have coveted GI tag.
Walmart’s first fulfillment centre in Mumbai
Walmart India launched its first fulfillment centre in Mumbai. The global chain recently signed a MoU with the Maharashtra government to build 15 Cash and Carry stores under the brand `Best Price’ in the state. This FC will bring in almost 1,500 direct and indirect jobs to the city and help develop SME suppliers in the state.
Mumbai received its first batch of four battery operated eco friendly BEST buses
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has procured six eco-friendly, battery-operated buses at a cost of Rs.10 crore. The step is aimed at reducing air and noise pollution in Mumbai. The buses take three hours to get fully charged and can cover about 300 kilometres on a full charge.
Maharashtra Govt adds 18m to Shivaji statue, to be World’s Tallest at 210m
The 210-metre-high statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj received environmental clearance, making it the world’s tallest statue, once built. the Maharashtra government plans to build it in the sea off the Mumbai coast. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) approved the government’s application to increase the height from the earlier proposed 192 meters. Currently, the Spring Temple Buddha statue, which stands at 208 metres in China, is the world’s tallest statue.
Odisha imposes 7-month ban on fishing to protect endangered Sea turtles
The state government of Odisha has imposed a seven-month ban on sea fishing activity in order to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles. The move han been brought on, as the breeding season of the endangered marine animals is approaching. The ban will hold until 31 May 2018.
Haryana announces lifetime pensions for ‘Hindi Satyagrahis’
The state government of Haryana has announced lifetime monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for ‘Hindi Satyagrahis’ and those from the state who were jailed during the Emergency. The state government also announced that it would be providing enhanced financial assistance to World War-II veterans and their widows. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu was the Chief Guest for the occasion.
ERO-Net launched in Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat launched the Election Commission’s web-based project, ERO-Net, using which voters can register their names on electoral rolls. The Electoral Roll Management System (ERMS) software was being used to make voter lists. It could not identify multiple entries of a voter. ERMS software has been replaced with ERO-Net, which is a transparent mechanism to identify whether the voter was listed anywhere in the country.
CONFERENCES
PM Narendra Modi, Ivanka Trump Inaugurate Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump’s advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump jointly inaugurated 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The mega event was co-hosted by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and US Government.
12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council held
The 12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council was held in New Delhi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-state relations. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The members of the 12th standing committee include Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot. The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, who are the members of the Standing Committee, also attend the meeting. The Standing Committee in 12th meeting discussed 118 recommendations contained in Volumes-III, IV and V and finalised its recommendations. This includes Subjects related to centre-state relations like GST, financial transfers from the centre to the states, Police reforms, migration etc.
Delhi to host International Geological Congress in 2020
Recently, a high level delegation of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) comprising its President Prof Qiuming Cheng, Secretary General Prof S C Finney, and Treasurer Prof H Kitazato visited India to discuss the preparatory aspects of the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) to be held in Delhi, India in the year 2020. India won the bid in 2012 at Brisbane, Australia to host the Congress in 2020.
Northeast Development Summit held in Manipur
Manipur hosted the first- ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017 in Imphal. NEDS 2017 was jointly organized by Manipur State Government in collaboration with Union Commerce Ministry and India Foundation. The main objective of this summit was to showcase the economic potential and to attract investments in food processing, bamboo industry, real estate and other businesses within the state. During the course of this Summit, around 20 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between various Departments of Manipur State Government and National and International Companies/ Investors.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates 5th global conference on cyber space
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth edition of Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) in New Delhi. GCCS is one of world’s largest conferences on cyber space. It is for first time organized in India. The theme of the two-day conference is “Cyber4All: A Secure and Inclusive Cyberspace for Sustainable Development”.
Conference of Commanders of Eastern Air Command commence in Shillong
A two-day conference of all Commanders of Eastern Air Command commenced at Shillong in Meghalaya, where issues pertaining to security are being discussed. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa interacted with the Commanders and exhorted them to put in efforts to upgrade the operational infrastructure and capability of eastern zone.
42nd International Congress of Military Medicine begins in New Delhi
The 42nd World Congress of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) organised by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) began in New Delhi. The ICMM is an international inter-governmental organisation created in 1921 with its secretariat at Brussels in Belgium and currently has 112 nations as members. The theme of this 42nd World Congress is “Military Medicine in Transition: Looking Ahead.”
1st WHO Global Ministerial Conference on Ending TB
Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating TB by 2025 at 1st WHO Global Ministerial Conference on Ending TB in Sustainable Development Era’ at Moscow, Russia. The National Strategic Plan for TB elimination in India has essentially four pillars to address the major challenges for TB control, namely- “Detect, Treat, Build and Prevent”. The top thematic priorities of this conference based on the SDGs and the UNGA high level health themes include Universal Health Coverage, Increased and Sustainable Financing and Scientific Research and Innovation.
4th Global Conference on Sustained Eradication of Child Labour held in Argentina
Since 1997, countries around the world have shared knowledge on policies and good practices, and have committed to eliminate child labour in a series of global conferences held in Oslo (1997), The Hague (2010) and Brasilia (2013). The IV Global Conference on the Sustained Eradication of Child Labour was organized by the Government of Argentina and was held in Buenos Aires.
UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference 2017 held in Canada
Canada hosted the 2017 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference in Vancouver, Canada. This conference is the largest gathering of Defence ministers dedicated to UN Peacekeeping. The goals of this conference are to measure the progress made since the 2016 UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial. The main aim is to encourage new pledges from the Member States, particularly in areas where the UN faces gaps, such as rapid deployment, helicopters, and francophone units.
15th Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team Conference held in India
The 15th Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Conference was held in New Delhi. It is first ever conference to be held in India and South Asia. It was organised by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the aegis of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
10th South Asia Economic Summit begins in Nepal
The 10th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) has begun in Kathmandu, Nepal. The theme of 3-day summit is “Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in South Asia”. The summit is being organised by National Planning Commission and Ministry of Commerce of Nepal and South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment, Nepal.
Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit held in Vietnam
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held in Da Nang, Vietnam. The theme of this meeting was ‘Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future’. Leaders of 21 Pacific Rim countries attended this meeting. This was the first APEC meeting for several leaders including United States President Donald Trump, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The APEC summit for 2018 will be held in Papua New Guinea.
4th India-Canada annual Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi
A high level delegation led by the Canadian International Trade Minister, Mr. Francois-Philippe Champagne is in India to attend the 4th Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD). The Indian delegation was led by the Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu. In the current round of the Ministerial Dialogue, India and Canada focused on some of the key commercial drivers to enhance the India-Canada partnership.
Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates three-day Organic World Congress 2017
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated the three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. The Organic World Congress (OWC) is organized once every three years in a different country. The International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM) and Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) are organizing the event. One of the highlights of the event is the exhibition of carefully preserved diverse indigenous seed varieties over generations. 55 seeds group from 15 Indian states showcase 4,000 varieties of seeds in the event.
India Pavilion launched at COP 23 in Germany
The India Pavilion at Conference of Parties (COP) 23 was inaugurated by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan at Bonn in Germany. The Minister is leading the Indian delegation, which is participating in the 23rd to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) being held at the Bonn, Germany from November 6-17, 2017. India’s theme for COP 23 is “Conserving Now, Preserving Future”.
Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore in Egypt to attend World Youth Forum
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore is in Egypt to attend World Youth Forum at Sharam El Shiekh. The five-day forum was inaugurated by the President of Egypt Mr Abdelfateh El Sisi. The Forum aims to provide a platform to the youth from all over the globe to engage with the key global policy makers.
7th Asia Ministerial Energy roundtable held in Bangkok
The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan was on an official visit to Bangkok, Thailand to participate in the IEF 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7). India is the current chair of International Energy Forum (IEF) which is promoting the AMER – a biennial event bringing together Energy Ministers and experts from Asian countries.
India and US Ocean Dialogue held in Goa
The India-US Ocean Dialogue, hosted by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, began at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) in Goa. It is aimed at promoting sustainable development of the Blue Economy. Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.
President inaugurates Global Clubfoot Conference
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Global Clubfoot Conference organised by CURE India in partnership with Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi. 500 doctors from 20 countries and 29 Indian states are attending the conference. It is one of the most common orthopedic birth defects that affect the child’s mobility. It can cause permanent disability if not treated early.
AWARDS & HONOURS
French film on AIDS wins Best Film Award at IFFI 2017
Robin Campillo’s French film 120 Beats Per Minute, about a passionate fight against indifference towards AIDS, won the prestigious Golden Peacock award for best film at the controversy-ridden 48th International Film Festival of India. The film’s actor Nahuel Perez Biscayart won the Silver Peacock in the best actor male category. Malayalam film Take Off, which is loosely based on the evacuation of nurses from Kerala, who were stranded in Iraq’s Tikrit in 2014, won two awards at the festival’s Indian Panorama section, winning Silver Peacocks for best direction (Mahesh Narayanan) and best actor female (Parvathy). Actor Amitabh Bachchan was also presented the Indian film personality of the year award.
Japanese professor Horoshi Marui conferred with 3rd ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award
President Ram Nath Kovind on 27 November 2017 conferred the 3rd ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award to Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan for his exemplary contribution to Indology. Indology is defined as the academic study of the history, cultures, languages and literature of India and is a subset of Asian studies.
Ruskin Bond conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award
Renowned Author and Padma Bhushan Awardee Ruskin Bond was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chandigarh Literary Society during the 5th edition of Chandigarh Literature Festival. He was conferred with the award comprising a citation and Rs 2 lakh for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature.
Golden Temple awarded as the most visited place in the World
Shri Harmandir Sahib also known as Golden Temple and the Darbar Sahib has been awarded as the most visited place of the world. The holy Sikh Shrine is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. It is surrounded by a Sarovar which is fed by river Ravi. Book of World Records, London Awards Harmandir Sahib as the Most Visited Place of the World.
Rajkummar Rao, Newton win big at Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Bollywood movie ‘Newton’ secured two wins with Rajkummar Rao winning the best actor award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Brisbane, Australia. For ‘Newton’, Rajkummar Rao won the best actor award and Mayank Tewari and Amit V. Masurkar secured the best screenplay honor. Newton was produced by Drishyam Films and directed by Amit V. Masurkar. The movie revolves around a young government clerk who is sent on election duty to a Maoist-controlled town and how the ideological struggle puts him in an awkward situation. India’s Lady of the Lake by director Haobam Paban Kumar won a special mention in the Cultural Diversity Award under the Patronage of UNESCO category.
Lionel Messi wins fourth European Golden Shoe Award
Lionel Messi drew level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of four European Golden Shoes after receiving the award at a ceremony in Barcelona, Spain. The FC Barcelona superstar claimed the prize – handed to Europe’s top goalscorer – for his 37 LaLiga strikes in 2016-17. It is the fourth time Messi has taken the honours, after his successes in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Nabaneeta Dev Sen Presented Big Little Book Award 2017
Sahitya Akademi awardee Bengali writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen has been declared winner of the Big Little Book Award for year 2017 in the “Author in Bengali Language” category for her contribution to the children’s literature. The award, given out by Parag initiative of Tata Trusts to recognise and honour authors and illustrators of children’s literature, focused on the writers in Bengali language in its second edition. Chennai-based illustrator Proiti Roy received the award in the illustrator category.
Veteran Journalist Manik Banerjee Gets IMF Award
Veteran journalist Manik Banerjee, who is also an acclaimed mountaineer was presented with the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). Banerjee was presented the award in recognition of his achievements in mountaineering over a period of four decades.
Girish Karnad conferred with 2017 Tata Literature Live Lifetime Achievement Award
Actor-playwright Girish Karnad (79) was conferred with 2017 Tata Literature Live Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution in field of theatre at the eighth edition of the Tata Literature festival held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Former PM Manmohan Singh to get Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India’s stature globally. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs.25 lakh and a citation, was instituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial trust in 1986 and previous recipients include the former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel, and organisations such as the United Nation’s Human High Commissioner for Refugees and ISRO.
Sri Lankan author bags 2017 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature
Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam’s “The Story of a Brief Marriage” – a touching tale of a young man trapped on the frontlines between the Sri Lankan Army and the Tamil Tigers – has bagged the $25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2017.
Child Care activist Gopinath R. selected for Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Youth Award 2017
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) which is the largest student organization has selected Gopinath R. for Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Yuva Puraskar 2017. Gopinath R. is a known child care activist from Bengaluru and has been taking care of at least 400 deprived children. He is selected a known child care activist from Bengaluru Gopinath R. for Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar Yuva Puraskar 2017 amongst the various nominations received this year from all over the country. The selection committee of Yuva Puraskar 2017 has selected nomination of Gopinath R. in appreciation of his work for “Childcare, protection, and development”.
Abu Dhabi award for APMDC
The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) has bagged an international award from Abu Dhabi. The ADI PEC (Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference) Excellence in Energy Awards 2017 had adjudged the APMDC as the winner for the second position in the category of “social contribution in country value”.
Anand Kumar of Super 30 is Awarded Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award for 2017
Anand Kumar of Super 30 programme awarded to Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award for this year. He was awarded this honor from our President Ram Nath Kovind felicitated the teacher who guided taught and mentored many underprivileged students from Bihar to crack the prestigious IIT JEE examination.
Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and K. Raghavendra Rao win NTR Award
Veteran actors Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and film director K. Raghavendra Rao have bagged the NTR National Film Awards for 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Andhra Pradesh government announced the Nandi state film award winners and also the winners of the NTR, B. N. Reddy, Nagi Reddy-Chakrapani (all national) and Raghupathi Venkaiah film awards. Directors S.S. Rajamouli, Trivikram Srinivas and Boyapati Srinivas won the BN Reddy Award.
Dantewada hosts India 1st Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit
To inspire, nurture and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in tribal youth, the NITI Aayog in partnership with the US government organized India’s first Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit at Dantewada. The summit is inaugurated by MoS Science and Technology YS Chowdhary held at Dantewada in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This event is an 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit, being held in India which ensures yet another step towards tribal-centric sustainable and inclusive development.
President gives away National Child Awards 2017
The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind gave away the National Child Awards 2017 on the occasion of Children’s Day (14 November) in New Delhi. This year, the President honoured 16 children, out of which one child was given a gold medal and 15 children were given silver medals. Master Akash Manoj from Tamil Nadu was the only child winning gold for Innovation. The child with the most outstanding achievement is honoured with a cash prize of Rs.20,000/-, a certificate/citation and a Gold Medal.
Transport for London gets 2017 Bad Grammar Award
Transport for London has been given the 2017 ‘Bad Grammar Award’ by The Idler Academy in Britain. The award was instituted by the academy to highlight “the incorrect use of English by people and institutions who should know better.”
UNHCR to receive Mother Teresa Award 2017 for social justice
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was named as the recipient of Harmony Foundation’s Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice 2017 for its exceptional work worldwide. Harmony Foundation’s 2017 theme is ‘Compassion Beyond Borders’ and UNHCR efforts aptly fit into this theme.
ATP World Tour Awards 2017
The ATP World Tour Awards presented by Moet & Chandon honours the season’s best players and tournaments, as determined by the players and Emirates ATP Rankings. Roger Federer’s 2017 season has been recognized with three ATP World Tour Awards. The 36-year-old Swiss player takes his record tally to 36 awards since 2003. Federer has been selected by fans as ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite for a 15th straight year, and voted by fellow players as the winner of the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and Comeback Player of the Year. This is the first time that he has won the Comeback Award. Neville Godwin has been chosen as the winner of Coach of the Year in the 2017 ATP World Tour Awards. Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have been voted by fans as the ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite.
National Entrepreneurship Awards 2017
To empower Indian youth with skill training an employability, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) hosted the National Entrepreneurship Awards 2017. The National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA) was instituted by MSDE in 2016 to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship across the country. This year the second edition of awards and finally 15 winners across defines categories, were announced and awarded. Winners were given a cash award of Rs 5 lakh (enterprises and individuals) and Rs. 10 lakhs (organizations/ institutes) along with a certificate and trophy recognizing their efforts of being the change agents in India’s development.
Award Track
| S.No | Award (Sub-Category) | Winner |
| 1 | Agri, food and forestry products | Rays Culinary Delights Pvt. Ltd. |
| 2 | Engineering systems | SenseGiz Technologies Pvt. Ltd. |
| 3 | Renewable energy and waste management | Atomberg Technologies Pvt. Ltd. |
| 4 | IT & ITES, Financial | Naffa Innovations Pvt. Ltd. |
| 5 | Education | Simulanis Solutions Pvt. Ltd. |
| 6 | Hospitality | Oravel Stays Pvt. Ltd. |
| 7 | E-Commerce, logistics, transport & other services | LogiNext Solutions Pvt Ltd. |
| 8 | Social Enterprises | Sampurn(e)arth Environment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. |
| 9 | Barefoot Enterprises | Thejaswini Coconut Farmers Producer Company Ltd. |
| 10 | Woman Enterprise | SP Robotic Works Pvt. Ltd. |
Recognition Track
| S.No | Award Category | Winner |
| 11 | Incubation, mentorship &handholding support (Government) | C-Camp |
| 12 | Incubation, mentorship & handholding support (Private) | IKP Knowledge Park, Hyderabad |
| 13 | Mentor (Government) | Dr. G. Subba Ramaiah |
| 14 | Mentor (Government)Jury Special Award | Dr. Renu Swaroop |
| 15 | Mentor (Private) | Vishwanathan |
Champions of Change: Long Term Skill Development
| Best State Engaging Apprentices | Haryana |
| Best Employer: CPSU | BHEL |
| Best Employer: SPSU | MSEDCL, Maharastra |
| Best Employer: PRIVATE | Aegis India, Gurgaon |
Champions of Change: Short Term Skill Development
| Champion Sector Skill Council | Textile Sector Skill Council |
| Champion Training Provider under fee-based program | LabourNet Services India Private Limited |
| Champion Training Provider under PMKVY (100+ centers) | IL&FS Skill Development Corporation |
| Champion Training Provider under PMKVY (50 – 100 centers) | Orion Edutech |
| Champion Training Provider under PMKVY (less than 50 centers) | Shri Technologies |
| Champion PIA under RPL (non-government) | EduJobs Academy |
| Champion PIA under RPL (government) | Rubber Board |
| Champion Employer (PMKVY) | ISON |
| Champion Corporate: Special Recognition | ICICI Bank |
Photo of baby elephant on fire wins Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Award
An image of a baby elephant fleeing a mob that has just set it on fire in Bankura district of West Bengal has won the Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Awards 2017. The photo is titled “Hell is here” and taken by Biplab Hazra, a wildlife Photographer from west Bengal. Hazra won the 2017 Sanctuary’s Wildlife Photographer of the year award. Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Awards 2017 given by Sanctuary Asia magazine is a pan-Asian wildlife photography competition.
Novel on Hitler’s rise wins Goncourt Prize 2017 award
Eric Vuillard’s novel L’ordre du jour (in English ‘Agenda’), story of how German industry and finance backed Adolf Hitler, won the top Goncourt Prize 2017 award. L’ordre du jour has been among the favourites for the Goncourt prize. The Goncourt Prize is the most prestigious award in the French-speaking world. L’ordre du jour is a 160-page book.
Surat bags best city bus services award
Gujarat state is considered as one of the best models that have provided employment, economy, infrastructure and law and order to the state. It has been chosen for the ‘Best City Bus Services Award’ by the Central government. Notably, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs gave the award to Surat Municipal Corporation for operating the ‘best city bus services’. The corporation bagged the award for attracting 87 percent of a private vehicle and auto-rickshaw users to its buses. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced these awards to promote the best practices in urban transport and these are presented at the annual conference.
Veteran Actor Mohan Joshi honoured with Vishnudas Bhave award
Renowned Indian film and television actor Mohan Joshi was honoured with the prestigious vishnudas Bhave award for his contribution to the theatre. The award was presented to Joshi by veteran actor Jayant Sawarkar. The award is conferred with memory of Vishnudas Bhave, the founder of Marathi theatre. it comprises a trophy, a citation and a cash prize worth Rs 25,000. Besides plays, Joshi has acted in a number of Marathi and Hindi films including Major Saab, Baghban, Gangaajal, Garv: Pride and Honour and more recently Yeh Hai India.
Indian short film wins award in Montreal
Indian short film “The School Bag”, which tells a story based in Pakistan, has won the Best Short Film Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM). The film is directed by Dheeraj Jindal. The movie’s plot is based in Peshawar and tells a story about the relationship between a mother and her seven-year-old son who wants a new school bag on his birthday, but fate has something else in store for him.
Air New Zealand wins Airline Excellence Award for the 5th time
Air New Zealand has been crowned “2018 Airline of the Year” by leading international aviation. The award marks the 5th consecutive year Air New Zealand has received the top honour in its Airline Excellence Awards. It is followed by Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines are also featured on the list.
Tamil Nadu’s Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple wins UNESCO award
The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu has won UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation programme in the Awards of Merit category. It is first temple from Tamil Nadu to grab the prestigious honour from the UN body. The temple won the award in recognition of its efforts for protecting and conserving cultural heritage. The traditional method of renovating temple premises as well as re-establishment of rainwater harvesting and historic drainage system in preventing flooding were two key parameters that earned temple the award.
Hindi Writer Krishna Sobti awarded Jnanpith award 2017
Eminent Hindi Litterateur Krishna Sobti (92) was awarded the 53rd Jnanpith Award for the year 2017 for her path-breaking contribution to Indian literature. She will be overall eight women to win this prestigious award. She is known for experimenting with new writing styles and creating bold and daring characters in her stories. Her language is highly influenced by the intermingling of Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi cultures.
K Satchidanandan selected for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram
Noted Malayalam Poet and literary critic, K Satchidanandan selected for 2017 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram award, Kerala government’s highest literary honor. This award is instituted in the name of Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language. This award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation. His important works are Kurukshetram and Anchusooryan. He has edited several magazines like ‘Jwala’, ‘Uttaram’ and ‘Pachakkutira’. He was a former editor of Indian Literary Journal and former secretary of Sahitya Akademi.
Mumbai’s Royal Opera House gets UNESCO heritage award
The restored Royal Opera House, located at Mumbai’s Charni Road, has received the Award of Merit from the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The building, which was closed to the public in 1993 and reopened in 2016, was restored by architect Abha Narain Lambah.
SPORTS & GAMES
Assam girl wins Best Boxer title in World Youth Women’s Boxing Championship
Ankushita Boro, a young girl from Assam, has done India proud after winning ‘The Best Boxer’ title in World Youth Women’s boxing Championship held in Guwahati.
Pankaj Advani secures IBSF World Snooker Championship title
Pankaj Advani continued his strong show on global stage by winning the 15-frame IBSF World Snooker Championship at the Al Arabi Sports Club in Doha. It was the Indian star’s 18th world title. Advani defeated Amir Sarkhosh of Iran 8-2 in the final.
Mirabai Chanu wins gold medal at IWFWWC
Mirabai Chanu became the first Indian in over two decades to claim a gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championship in Anaheim, USA. Chanu lifted 85kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk to total an impressive 194kg in the women’s 48kg, in the process setting a new national record.
Archers Abhishek Verma and Jyoti Surekha Vennam bags Gold and Bronze medal in Asia Archery Championship
Abhishek Verma won a gold medal and Jyothi Surekha Vennam a bronze medal at the Asian Archery Championship. The tournament began in 1980 and it was first hosted in India. Countries such as South Korea, China, Japan and India compete, with many of the world’s leading archers representing them.
7th World Military Games to be Held at Wuhan in China
The 7th international military games will be held in Wuhan city in the central China’s Hubei Province. The International Military Sports Council (CISM)’s Military World Games is a top sport event for military personnel. It comprises 329 competitions in 27 categories and is expected to attract around 8,000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions.
Serene Valtteri Bottas Wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Valtteri Bottas won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole position, beating his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton as Formula One’s season finale petered out into a procession. The Finnish driver comfortably secured the third win of his F1 career, all this season since joining from Williams. It was his 22nd career podium and 13th with Mercedes. Third spot in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was occupied by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. This race took place at Yas Marina Cicuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
India Win 10 Medals in Para Badminton World Championships
Indian contingent to BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Ulsan, South Korea clinched 10 medals, including two golds. India’s Parul Parmar defeated Thailand’s Wannaphatdee Kamtam in the finals of the women’s singles Standing Lower (SL3). Other gold was also won by Parul Parmar, who paired with Japan’s Akiko Sugino in women’s doubles (SL 3-4) final.
India clinched 5 gold medals at World youth women boxing championship
India showing up a dominating performance at the World youth women boxing championship which is being held in N.C. Bordoloi Indoor Stadium and clinched five gold medals in their respected final matches. Haryana quartet of Nitu in the 48kg category, Jyoti Gulia in the 51kg category, Sakshi Chaudhary in the 54kg category and Shashi Chopra in the 57kg category and Assam girl Ankushita Boro in 64kg category won their respected final matches and clinched gold medals. Before India bagged two gold medals through Sarjubala Devi in the 48kg category and Minu Basumatary in the 64kg category at the inaugural edition in Antalya, Turkey, in 2011.
Gopi Wins Asian Marathon Championship Gold
Gopi Thonakal created history by becoming first Indian man to win Asian Marathon Championship. He achieved the feat in the 16th edition of the prestigious event held at Dongguan in China. He clocked 2 hours 15 minutes and 48 seconds to win gold medal. Uzbekistan’s Andrey Petrov and Byambalev Tseveenravdan of Mongolia won silver and bronze medal respectively.
PV Sindhu wins Silver at Hong Kong Badminton Open
She suffered a second successive loss to world no.1 Tai Tizu Ying of Chinese Taipei. The 400000 Hong Kong Super Series was held at Kowloon. Sindhu had won two titles at India and Korea in 2017. This is Sindhu’s second loss in the four finals that she reached this season.
Iran allows women weightlifters to compete Internationally
The President of the Iran Weightlifting Federation has said that the nation will allow women weightlifters to compete internationally, after establishing the Iran Weightlifting Federation Women’s Committee. The federation’s chief also said that the women weightlifters can compete wearing special clothes for Muslim athletes.
Gopi Thonakal becomes 1st Indian man to win Asian Marathon Championship
Gopi Thonakal created history by becoming first Indian man to win Asian Marathon Championship. He achieved the feat in the 16th edition of the prestigious event held at Dongguan in China. He clocked 2 hours 15 minutes and 48 seconds to clinch gold medal. Uzbekistan’s Andrey Petrov won silver mdeal while Byambalev Tseveenravdan of Mongolia won bronze medal.
Ritu Phogat wins silver in U-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship
Ritu Phogat has clinched the silver medal in Under-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship at Poland. The 23-year-old, lost against Turkish Wrestler Demirhan in the gold medal bout of women’s 48 kilogram category. In Semifinal, Ritu defeated Chinese Wrestler Jiang Zhu 4-3 points to reach the finals.
Basel first city to jointly host Badminton and Para Badminton World Ch’ships
Basel will become the first city to jointly host the Badminton and Para-Badminton World Championships in 2019. The Badminton World Federation (BWF)confirmed that the two tournaments: Badminton and Para-Badminton World Championships will be held simultaneously for the first time. Basel beat off competition from Tokyo to land the 2019 Para-Badminton World Championships in a vote which was delayed by the BWF Council to allow further discussions. The event will be the last held in the sport before Para-Badminton makes its Paralympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020.
Paes-Purav lift JSM Champaign trophy
Leander Paes and Purav Raja won the JSM Champaign Challenger trophy, their second title together, winning over Ruan Roelofse and Joe Salisbury. It was second title-clash for Paes and Raja pair. Raja before teaming up with Paes had won Bordeaux Challenger with Divij Sharan and also made the final of the ATP 250 Chennai Open with the Delhi left-hander.
Women’s Youth World Boxing Ch’ship begins in Guwahati
Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship begins in Guwahati, Assam. Three young boxers will lock horn in the preliminaries. In 54 kilogram category, Shashi Chopra will play in 60 kg category, Mizoram’s Vanlalhriapuii will bout against Korean player and Astha Pahwa will take on opponent from Bulgaria in 69 kg. Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal has inaugurated the event.
Grigor Dimitrov beats David Goffin to lift ATP finals title
Grigor Dimitrov won the ATP Finals Title in London, UK. The sixth-seeded Bulgarian claimed the title at the season-ending ATP Finals to beat David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in the final. Dimitrov claimed his first Master’s title in Cincinnati in August and has risen to a career-high No. 3-ranking with victory in London.
Afghanistan wins Maiden Under-19 Asia Cup
Afghanistan stunned favourites Pakistan by a massive 185 runs to clinch their maiden Under-19 Asia Cup title, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ikram Ali khil was the man of the match against Pakistan U19 in the ACC U19 Youth Asia Cup Final for his 107 not out and Mujeeb Zadran was the man of series for his 20 wickets in the tournament.
62nd National Wrestling championship
2-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar won a gold medal in men’s 74 kg freestyle competition in 62nd National Wrestling championship. Geeta Phogat won a gold medal in the 59 kg category of women’s wrestling & her husband Pawan Kumar also finished on top in 86 kg category. India’s only woman Olympic medal winner Sakshi Malik won gold medal in the 62 kg category. For the first time Indore has hosted National Wrestling Championship.
Wrestler Sandeep banned for failing dope test
Wrestler Sandeep Tulsi has been handed a four-year ban by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of the NADA. He is from Sonepat. He has tested positive for methandienone, an anabolic steroid. Sandeep Yadav’s sparring partner and roommate Narsingh Yadav was also ousted from the Olympics in 2016 and given a four-year ban for failing a dope test after Court of Arbitration for Sports.
Ethiopians Birhanu Legese, Almaz Ayana win Delhi Half Marathon
Ethiopians Birhanu Legese and Almaz Ayana won the Delhi Half Marathon, 2017. In the Men’s section, Legese clocked 59 minutes 46 seconds to claim the first spot, while his countryman Andahmlak Belihu finished second and Kenyan-American Leonard Korir came third. India’s Nitendra Rawat finished 10th. In the Women’s section, it was a clean sweep for Ethiopia, with world recorded holder Almaz Ayana finishing at the top of the podium. She clocked one hour, seven minutes and 11 seconds. Ababel Yeshaneh claimed the second spot, with Netsamet Gudeta coming third.
Shagun Chowdhary crowned National Women’s Trap Champion
Shagun Chowdhary bagged a National Champion Crown when she won the women’s trap event at the 61st National Shooting Championship. Representing ONGC, Chowdhary is the first Indian woman trap shooter to win an Olympic berth, overcame the challenge from Punjab’s Rajeshwari Kumari to prevail 41-38 in the final.
France named as host of 2023 Rugby World Cup
France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup to stage one of the world’s best attended and lucrative sporting events. The country beat strong bids by South Africa and Ireland, but the award represents a repudiation of the sport’s leadership which have transformed the quadrennial tournament into a multi-million-pound enterprise.
Aditi, first Indian to qualify for LPGA Tour Championships
Aditi Ashok has qualified for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA, becoming the first from the country to play in the prestigious meet. The 19-year-old prodigy from Bengaluru is one of the eight rookies to make it to the Tour Championships in what is one of the strongest fields in women’s golf.
Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018
In Football, Italy has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958. The four-time champions failed to make the cut after they lost the World Cup Qualifying European play-off against Sweden, 0-1. Italy has now joined the Netherlands, US, Chile, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon in the list of big nations that have failed to qualify to tournament which will be held in Russia in June 2018.
Mithali Raj named Sportswoman of the Year
Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj bagged the Indian Sportswoman of the Year (Team Sports) award at the Indian Sports Honours (ISH) event held in Mumbai. Further, Mithali-led Indian team, which ended as runners-up in the World Cup, won the Team of the Year award.
Sebastian Vettel wins Brazilian Grand Prix
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won his fifth race of the Formula One season at the Brazilian Grand Prix to all but secure second place in the driver’s championship. Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas took second place while Kimi Raikkonen claimed third.
Nadal honoured with ATP World Tour No. 1 Trophy
Spain’s Rafael Nadal was presented with ATP World No. 1 award, as he became the oldest player to finish as year-end world number one in ATP rankings history. This is the 31-year-old’s fourth time finishing the year as world number one.
Dipa Karmakar honoured with D.Litt.
India’s star gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been conferred a D.Litt. degree from the National Institute of Technology Agartala. She is the first Indian woman gymnast to have qualified for the Olympics and finished 4th in the final round of vault event at the Rio Olympics. She is now preparing for the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia’s Jakarta and 21st Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia.
Teddy Riner remains undefeated and claims tenth World title
Teddy Riner won his tenth World title at the 2017 Judo World Championships Open in Marrakesh and remains undefeated emperor in judo. French heavyweight judo champion Teddy Riner won his 10th world title with victory at the open-weight world championships in Marrakech. He won his ninth gold medal at the world championships in Budapest two months ago. He had already become the most successful judoka of all-time with his eighth title in 2015. He has not faced defeat since losing in the final of the open-weight championships to Japanese fighter Daiki Kamikawa in September 2010.
Leander Paes and Purav Raja won Knoxville Challenger men’s doubles title
India’s tennis star Leander Paes and his Indian partner Purav Raja clinched the Knoxville Challenger men’s doubles title at Tennessee in the United States. The Indian duos defeated the pair of American-Australian James Cerretani and John Patrick Smith. This year in August, Paes, and Raja won their first ever title in partnership. Pairing with Canadian Adil Shamasdin and American Scott Lipsky, Leander Paes won three Challenger level titles this season. Purav Raja with Divij Sharan had won Bordeaux Challenger before joining Leander Paes he had also made the final of the Chennai Open.
Bharat Khandare, First Indian fighter to be signed for UFC
Bharat Khandare became the first India-born fighter to be signed by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as the Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. The UFC’s aim to take MMA to all parts of the world is well and truly underway and now India can to be added to the list. Khandare will make his debut at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai, China on November 25th. It will be the first UFC event held on mainland China and will air live on UFC Fight Pass in the United States. Khandare was born in Maharashtra.
Pankaj Advani clinches 17th world title
Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani clinched his 17th world title after thrashing his arch-rival Mike Russell of England in the IBSF World Billiards Championship at Doha, Qatar.
Dhoni inaugurates his first global cricket academy in UAE
Two-time World Cup winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni inaugurated his first global cricket academy in Dubai, UAE. The facility named the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy (MSDCA) will have coaches from India to train the wards.
Prannoy emerges as New National Champion
HS Prannoy defeated Kidambi Srikanth in the finale to claim the men’s singles title at the 82nd Senior National Championship. He achieved his career-best ranking of World No. 11 recently, saw off top seed Srikanth in a 49-minute clash to return the favour after his semi-final loss to his compatriot at the French Open Super Series last month. The tournament was held in Nagpur.
Virat Kohli consolidates top spot in ICC T-20 Rankings
Indian captain Virat Kohli has consolidated his position at the top of the latest ICC Twenty-20 Rankings for Batsmen. Kohli scored 104 runs in the recent T20 series against New Zealand to guide India to a 2-1 win and that has helped him strengthen his number one position.
MC Mary Kom wins Gold in 48 kg category in Asian Boxing Championship
Indian boxer MC Mary Kom on 8 November 2017 won the Gold Medal at the Asian Boxing Championship 2017 in 48 kg category. Mary Kom defeated North Korea’s Hyang Mi Kim by 5-0 in the 48 kg category of the Asian Women’s Boxing Championship. This was her fifth gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championship. In her entire boxing career, till now, Mary has won four gold and a silver in the Asian Boxing Championship.
Saina Nehwal, Shuttler Prannoy win Senior National title
Saina Nehwal defeated PV Sindhu in the Senior National Badminton Championships to clinch the women’s singles title. At the same time, Hyderabad’s H.S. Prannoy defeated Kidambi Srikanth in the championship to clinch the men’s singles title.
India ends Commonwealth Shooting Championship at Top with 20 Medals
The Indian shooting contingent finished the Commonwealth Shooting Championship 2017 with the best tally of 20 medals. Indian shooters won a total of six gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals in the competition. On the competition’s final day, Satyendra Singh and Sanjeev Rajput won a gold and a silver respectively in the men’s 50m rifle three positions.
Mascot of Youth Women’s World Boxing Championship unveiled
The official mascot of the 2017 AIBA Youth Women’s World Boxing Championship is Assams famed one-horned rhino. The official mascot, anointed Guppy, is a female version of Assam’s one-horned rhino. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 19 at the Maulana Mohd. Tayebulla Hockey Stadium. The championship’s official logo and anthem was also launched. The anthem “Make Some Noise” has been composed by Shaan and rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan.
Aditi Ashok wins in Abu Dhabi for her third LET Title
19 Year old Indian golfer Aditi Ashok made her return to the Ladies European Tour by clinching the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi. It is Aditi’s third LET win in less than 12 months.
Satbir, Manorama win in Elite category at Cyclothon
Satbir Singh and T Manorama Devi emerged victorious in the Elite Men’s and Elite Women’s events at ‘Saksham Pedal Delhi’ Cyclothon. The event was organized by Petroleum Conservation & Research Association (PCRA) under technical guidance from Cycling Federation of India. The event was supported by many Oil companies including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and ONGC.
Indian women’s hockey team lifts hockey Asia Cup after 13 years
Indian women’s hockey team on 5 November 2017 beat China 5-4 to win the Asia Cup 2017 title. The crucial final was held in Kakamigahara city in southern Gifu Prefecture, Japan. With the victory, Team India has secured a berth for itself at the 2018 Hockey World Cup. this is the second time that India has claimed the top spot in the history of the tournament. The first time was 1 years ago in the year 2004. Indian women’s hockey team triumphs at Hockey Asia Cup 2017.
Indian golfer Shiv Kapur wins Panasonic Open India
Shiv Kapur has clinched his first Asian Tour title in India. At the Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi , he bagged the Panasonic Open. Kapur had won the Yeangder Heritage in April and finished second at the Thailand Open this season.
Ferrari may quit Formula 1 from 2020
Ferrari team would consider quitting Formula 1 from 2020 if changes proposed by new owners Liberty Media were implemented. Ferrari is the only team to have participated in all F1 world championships. Ferrari president – Sergio Marchionne.
Gagan Narang wins Silver in Commonwealth Shooting Championships
Olympic bronze-medallist Gagan Narang won a silver medal in the men’s 50m rifle prone event at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. Annu Raj Singh has also won the bronze medal in the women’s 50m pistol competition. London Olympics bronze medallist Narang, who is appearing in his first major tournament since the 2016 Rio Olympics, shot a total of 617.6 in the qualification to end fourth.
Nadal secures world No.1 until end of year
Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal secured a year-end top position in the ATP Rankings following his victory over South Korean talent Chung Hyeon in the second round of the Paris Masters. This is his fourth time to be crowned world No.1 at the end of the season, after 2008, 2010 and 2013.
Srikanth rises to career-best 2nd rank
Indian ace shuttler Srikanth Kidambi has risen to the zenith of his career as he established himself as world number 2 in the latest BWF men’s singles ratings. He has once again created history as he became only the first Indian male badminton player to achieve this rank. The top spot of the men’s singles ranking has been held by Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen.
Diya wins medals in ITTF WCC
Indian table tennis player Diya Chitale won a silver medal in the girls’ doubles category of the 2017 ITTF World Cadet Challenge, in Suva, Fiji. Diya hails from Mumbai. She was the only Indian player selected to represent Asia in this tournament. Diya also won a gold medal in the Team event, as part of Team Asia.
ECONOMY
Jet Airways and Air France-KLM tie up to Boost Traffic
Jet Airways and Air France-KLM announced a partnership to route more traffic through Europe and on to North America, in a potential challenge to Gulf carrier Etihad Airways that is a shareholder in Jet. The agreement also includes Delta Air Lines, with which Air France KLM has an existing partnership.
GDP growth recovers to 6.3 pct in second quarter of FY18
The data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation estimated GDP for the second quarter (July-September) Q2 of 2017-18. According to it, India’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) surged by 6.3 percent in the September quarter, thus indicating healing in the Indian economy from the shake off of Demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST) last year.
Bitcoin Crosses $10,000 for the First Time Ever
Bitcoin rose above the symbolic $10,000 threshold for the first time, bringing its rise for the year to date to more than 900 per cent. The price of the cryptocurrency edged above $10,000 on Coinbase, the largest dollar denominated bitcoin exchange, which gave the latest price as $10,052 in Asia. Bloomberg data gave the intraday high as $10,058 before easing to $9,999.Bitcoin was trading at around $1,000 dollars at the beginning of 2017.
Skill India partners with Airbnb to Upskill hospitality Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s implementation arm National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) signed a tripartite a MoU with Airbnb to provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. Through the partnership, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Airbnb, NSDC and THSC will work together to create an accredited skill development module for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay facilities, unique accommodations and local experiences.
Reserve Bank of India raises Shareholding Limit of ARCs
The Reserve bank of India (RBI) allowed Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to hold more than 26% post-conversion of debt into equity in companies undergoing restructuring. In a notification, the central bank notified the extent of shareholding post-conversion will be in accordance with permissible foreign direct investment (FDI) limit for that specific sector.
Paytm Payments Bank raises to 122 crore
Paytm Payments Bank raised 122 crores from Paytm’s parent company One97 Communications and its Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. It is also the first bank to offer cash back on deposits, such as cash back of Rs 250 on depositing Rs 25,000 into the bank account. These are India Post Payments Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, Fino Payments Bank and Paytm Payments Bank. The surprising aspect related to the functioning of these payments bank as revealed through an RTI report from RBI is that none of these banks have really been able to attract deposits from the public in all these months.
SBI launches YONO, an Integrated app for Financial Services
State Bank of India, the country’s largest public sector bank, has launched a unified integrated app called YONO (You Need Only One) that would offer all kinds of financial and lifestyle products. YONO will also allow customers to meet their lifestyle needs across 14 categories including booking and renting cabs, entertainment, dining experience, travel and stay, medical needs and so on. To provide the customised offers and discounts, SBI has partnered with e-commerce players including Amazon, Uber, Ola, Myntra, Jabong, Shoppers Stop, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, Yatra, Airbnb, Swiggy and Byjus.
Hike partners with Airtel Payments Bank mobile wallet
Messaging app Hike announced that it has entered into a tie-up with Airtel Payments Bank for its mobile wallet product. Wing to this tie-up, users of Hike messenger will now have access to Airtel Payments Bank’s vast product line including merchant and utility payments. From Airtel Payments Bank’s perspective, this tie-up will be beneficial as it will get access to over 100 million users on Hike.
Toyota and Suzuki partners together to bring electric vehicles to India by 2020
India’s leading car companies Toyota and Suzuki have joined their hands to make an electric car for our country. Both the companies have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see both companies working together for introducing electric vehicles (EVs) in the Indian market by around 2020. Suzuki is to produce Electric Vehicle (EVs) for the Indian market and will supply some to Toyota, while Toyota is to provide technical support.
Yes Bank ties up with Centre Denmark India for fintech collaboration
Private sector lender Yes Bank has signed an MoU with Innovation Centre Denmark India (ICDK India), a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science to bring fintech innovations and startups from Denmark to India, and facilitate entry of Indian startups to the region. The partnership aims to build bridges to promote innovation and assist fintech companies in India and Denmark to expand into each other’s markets.
Moody’s upgrades India’s Sovereign rating for first time in 14 years
The International rating agency Moody’s Investors Service upgraded India’s local and foreign currency issuer ratings to Baa2 from Baa3 and changed the outlook on the rating to stable from positive. Moody’s has revised the sovereign rating of India a notch above investment grade after a long gap of 14 years. Moody’s has also upgraded India’s local currency senior unsecured rating to Baa2 from Baa3 and its short-term local currency rating to P-2 from P-3.
Not to pursue Islamic banking in India
RBI has decided not to pursue a proposal for introduction of Islamic banking in the country. Islamic or Sharia banking is a finance system based on the principles of not charging interest, which is prohibited under Islam. Taking into account, wider & equal opportunities available to all citizens to access banking & financial services, RBI has decided not to pursue the proposal further.
GST on AC, non AC restaurants reduced to 5 percent
The GST Council had previously pegged GST rates for air-conditioned eateries and those with liquor licences at 18%, and non-air-conditioned restaurants at 12%. During 23rd GST Council meeting held at Guwahati, Assam, the GST Council slashed rates for both air conditioned and non-air-conditioned restaurants to 5% without input tax credit (ITC). Background Fact:- Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) – President- Garish Oberoi requested the GST council members to either bring down the GST rate on restaurants to 12% with input credit or 5% without input credit.
India became the first country to partner with Facebook on disaster response
India is the first country to partner with social networking site Facebook on disaster response, Union minister Kiren Rijiju announced at the inaugural meeting of the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’, organised jointly by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Facebook. The programme will be piloted in two disaster-prone states – Assam and Uttarakhand.
Uber joins forces with NASA to develop flying taxis
Uber unveiled a partnership with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to develop flying taxis priced competitively with standard Uber journeys. The first demonstration flights are expected in 2020 and will move into commercial operations by 2023, with plenty of time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. An Uber Air journey would take three times less time than the same journey by car.
IDFC Bank partners with MobiKwik
IDFC Bank has entered into a “strategic alliance” with mobile wallet major MobiKwik to launch a co-branded virtual Visa prepaid card for customers of MobiKwik. Important feature of this alliance is one need not be a customer of IDFC Bank to use the co-branded pre-paid card.
Bank of China begins operations in Pakistan
Bank of China formally launched its operations in Pakistan, with its first branch inaugurated in Karachi. The bank would strengthen the “brotherly relations” between the two countries in the financial sector.
HDFC Bank makes RTGS, NEFT online transactions free
HDFC Bank Limited made online transactions through RTGS and NEFT free of cost from with an aim to promote a digital economy. For a customer can avail one chequebook of 25 leaves free, only once in a year. If a cheque is returned due to insufficient funds, each such cheque will attract a penalty of Rs 500. In cases where cheques deposited are returned unpaid, the charge has been raised to Rs 200 per instance.
Ola inks partnership with Microsoft for enhanced passenger experience
The transportation network company Ola announced its strategic partnership with Microsoft company and thereby choosing the Microsoft as its preferred cloud provider. Ola Play customers will be able to use productivity tools such as Office 365 and Skype for Business, as well as voice-assisted controls built using Microsoft Cognitive Services and bot framework, in-car during their rides. It helps transform the car into a high-performing, intelligent vehicle, capable of assessing fuel efficiency, engine performance, and driver performance.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
SAM: World’s first AI politician developed
Scientists from New Zealand have developed world’s first artificial intelligence politician named SAM. It was created by Nick Gerritsen, entrepreneur in New Zealand. The virtual politician SAM can answer person’s queries regarding local issues such as policies around housing, education and immigration. It constantly learns to respond to people through Facebook Messenger as well as a survey on its homepage. It may help to bridge the growing political and cultural divide in many countries.
China launches remote sensing satellites
China has launched three remote sensing satellites Jilin-1 04, Jilin-1 05 and Jilin-1 06 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China’s northern Shanxi Province. The satellites have been designed to improve observation capability to promote commercial use for the remote sensing industry. The system will be used for wide imaging, video imaging, and multispectral imaging.
India’s first mission to the Sun to be launched in 2019
India’s mission to the Sun will be launched in 2019 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The main aim of the solar mission is to improve our understanding of dynamical processes of the sun and help resolve some outstanding questions in solar physics. The satellite carrying six payloads will be launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on the PSLV- XL launch vehicle. It will be launched into the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system. The second edition of India’s moon mission, Chandrayaan II is scheduled for launch in March 2018. The space agency is aiming to double its satellite launches next year from the current eight to nine annually to 20 every year.
Brahmos Flight test from IAF’s Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft
Brahmos, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile created history after it was successfully flight-tested first time from the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) frontline fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30MKI against a sea-based target in the Bay of Bengal. The successful maiden test firing of Brahmos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) from Su-30MKI will significantly bolster the IAF’s air combat operations capability from stand-off ranges.
NASA tests Supersonic Parachute for Mars 2020 mission
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully tested supersonic landing parachute that will be deployed in its Mars rover mission set to launch in 2020. The mission will rely on a special parachute to slow spacecraft down as it enters Martian atmosphere at over 5.4 kilometers per second. It was first of several tests in support of NASA’s Mars 2020 Mission.
NASA launches Joint Polar Satellite System-1 into space
NASA launched a next-generation satellite into space designed to monitor weather around the world and help improve forecasts. The satellite, called the Joint Polar Satellite System-1, is a joint venture between the US space agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provides weather reports and forecasts. The satellite will orbit the Earth 14 times each day from one pole to the other at 824 kms above the planet, providing scientists full global coverage twice a day.
US approves first Pill with Digital Tracking Device
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug in the United States with a digital ingestion tracking system, in an unprecedented move to ensure that patients with mental illness take the medicine prescribed for them. The drug Abilify MyCite, developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, was first approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat schizophrenia. The ingestible sensor, made by Proteus Digital health, was approved for marketing in 2012.
Virtual Nation Asgardia launched its first Satellite Asgardia-1 into Space
The Space Kingdom of Asgardia has launched its first satellite. This so-called ‘virtual nation’ is the pet project of Russian scientist and billionaire Igor Ashurbeyli. In 2016, he proposed a new nation which would be based in space in order to be outside of the control of nations on Earth. The Asgardia-1 satellite, which is about the size of a loaf of bread, and contains half a terabyte of data. It was launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia aboard a Cygnus spacecraft on an Orbital ATK Antares rocket.
Morocco launches earth observation satellite
Morocco has successfully launched an earth observation satellite called ‘Mohammed VI-A’. The satellite was launched by European consortium Arianespace’s Vega rocket from French Guyana Space Centre. The satellite will be used for mapping and land surveying activities along with regional development and agricultural monitoring.
Twitter officially expands its Character Count from 140 to 280
Twitter has officially increased the number of characters in tweets from 140 to 280 for the majority of users. The new limit will not apply to tweets written in Japanese, Chinese and Korean which can convey more information in a single character. It was called microblogging site because of its lesser character limit. The move follows a trial among a small group of users which started in September in response to criticism that it was not easy enough to tweet. The change is part of Twitter’s plan to attract new users and increase growth.
NIRBHAY Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile successfully flight tested
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight test of its indigenously designed and developed long range sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ from test range at Chandipur, Odisha. It was the fifth experimental test of Nirbhay missile system. It achieved all mission objectives completely from lift-off till the final splash, boosting the confidence of all scientists associated with the trial.
China launches two BeiDou-3 navigation satellites
China successfully launched two BeiDou-3 satellites named BeiDou-3 M1 and BeiDou-3 M2 into space on board of single carrier rocket Long March-3B from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern province of Sichuan. These two satellites and carrier rocket were developed by China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, respectively.
PERSONS IN NEWS
A). APPOINTMENTS
Pradeep appointed as Air India CMD
Senior IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India. Pradeep, a Karnataka cadre IAS officer, would replace Rajiv Bansal, who has been serving as the interim CMD for a little over three months. Currently, Pradeep Singh Kharola is the Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Snehlata Shrivastava appointed first woman Secretary General of Lok Sabha
Snehlata Shrivastava has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Lok Sabha. She will be the first woman Secretary General of the Lok Sabha and will assume charge on 1 December. Her tenure will end on 30 November, 2018. She will succeed Anup Mishra who resigned from his post.
IAS Officer B.N. Sharma appointed Chairman, National Anti-profiteering Authority
Following the Union Cabinet’s approval for the creation of the National Anti-profiteering Authority under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, the Centre appointed senior IAS officer B.N. Sharma as the first chairman of the apex body.
Karen Pierce appointed as Britain’s Ambassador to UN
With this appointment, Pierce became the first woman to be appointed to this role. Previously she served as Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and had served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York as well & nbsp.
Shaktikanta Das appointed as India’s G 20 Sherpa
The Union Ministry of Finance has appointed Shaktikanta Das, Former Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) as India’s G 20 Sherpa till December 31, 2018 for Development Track of G20. Sherpa is personal representative of leaders participating at G-20 summit and are responsible for thrashing out details before meeting of the leaders.
NK Singh Appointed as 15th Finance Commission Chairman
The government announced that former revenue secretary NK Singh will be the chairman of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) that will recommend distribution of taxes between the Centre and the states. Other members of the commission are former department of economic affair secretary Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Singh, professor at Georgetown University, former chief economic advisor Ashok Lahiri, agricultural expert and NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand. Chand and Lahiri are part time members. The commission has to submit its report by October 30, 2019.
Aegon Life Insurance Appoints Vineet Arora as MD & CEO
Aegon Life Insurance today announced the appointment of Vineet Arora as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer. Vineet Arora will replace K S Gopalakrishnan. Chief People Officer of Aegon Life Insurance, Saba Adil, will serve as the interim In-charge and Principal Officer.
Soumya Swaminathan to take charge as Dy Director-General of WHO
Soumya Swaminathan, Chief of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), will take charge as the Deputy Director-General for Programmes (DDP) of World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva in December 2017. Her appointment as the Deputy Director-General of WHO elevates India’s stature globally as it is the second-highest position in the WHO. Swaminathan, a pediatrician by training, is daughter of agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan, who is hailed as the father of the Green Revolution”.
Nirmala Sitharaman elected IDSA President
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been elected President of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA). IDSA was set up in 1965 by the Ministry of Defence as an autonomous think tank, and it is customary to have the Defence Minister as its President.
N Sambasiva Rao appointed as DGP of Andhra Pradesh
N Sambasiva Rao was appointed as the Director-General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh, despite the fact that Union Home Ministry rejected his candidature on earlier occasions. Roa has been holding the DGPs post as “full additional charge” since 23 July 2016, while his actual position was DGP (Coordination). He is due to retire on 31 December 2017. However, with this appointment, he may serve the post for a full two-year term as per the state law. Sambasiva Rao is an Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer of 1984 batch.
India’s Nominee Dalveer Bhandari re-elected to International Court of Justice
India’s Nominee to the International Court of Justice (ICj), Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected to the International Court of Justice on 21 November 2017. Bhandari received 183 – 193 votes in the General Assembly and secured all the 15 votes in the Security Council after separate and simultaneous elections were held at the UN headquarters in New York. Bhandari and Britain’s Christopher Greenwood were locked in a neck fight for re election to the ICj. However, in a dramatic turn of events Britain withdrew its candidates from the election.
S African Indian-origin Appointed UNAIDS Special Ambassador
Acclaimed South African Indian-origin AIDS researcher Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim has been appointed as a UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV. Professor Abdool Karim is one of the world’s leading AIDS researchers and has made pioneering contributions to understanding the HIV epidemic among young people, especially among young women.
Trisha becomes UNICEF celebrity advocate
Actor Trisha Krishnan was conferred the UNICEF celebrity advocate status for child rights at an event held in Chennai. She is the first actor from the South Indian film industry to receive this honour. Previously this honour was bestowed upon Bollywood celebrities like Nandita Das, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Raveena Tandon.
Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar takes charge as SEBI Executive Director
According to the Markets regulator SEBI, Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar has taken charge as an executive director. An Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1990 batch, Baiwar assumed office on November 16. The Other executive directors are P K Nagpal, S Ravindran, S V Murali Dhar Rao, S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.
Britain appoints the first female Black Rod in 650 years
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has approved the appointment of Sarah Clarke as the country’s first female Black Rod, in over 650-year history of the office. She will formally take on the duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod next year. The Black Rod is responsible for controlling access to and maintaining order within the UK’s House of Lords.
AVPS Chakravarthi appointed World Packaging Organisation Ambassador
Ecobliss India managing director AVPS Chakravarthi has been appointed as the ambassador of World Packaging Organisation at its 99th board meeting held in Rio de Geneiro, Brazil. He has served as chairman of Indian Institute of Packaging, Hyderabad and has been on the board of Indian Institute of Packaging for over a decade. He has won Worldstar award for packaging excellence for five years in a row.
BSE appoints S Ravi as its New Chairman
Eminent chartered accountant Sethurathnam Ravi has been appointed as the chairman of the leading Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Ravi, who was a public interest director at the BSE, replaced Dhirendra Swarup. The appointment has been approved by Market regulator SEBI.
RBI Governor Urjit Patel appointed to advisory board of BIS
RBI Governor Urjit Patel was appointed to the Financial Stability Institute Advisory Board of the Bank of International Settlement (BIS). The Bank of International Settlement is a global financial organisation owned by major central banks from across the world. The Financial Stability Institute (FSI) of the BIS assists financial sector authorities worldwide in strengthening their financial systems.
Vijay Prasad Dimri appointed President of 36th Intl Geological Congress
Scientist Vijay Prasad Dimri has been appointed as the president of the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC), a global platform for the advancement of earth science, to be held in 2020. He has replaced Shailesh Nayak. India, along with its co-host neighboring countries Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, and Pakistan won the bid to host the 36th IGC in the National Capital Region from March 2 -8, 2020.
Bhaskar Ganguly appointed AIFF Ombudsman by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court had appointed former football captain Bhaskar Ganguly as ombudsman, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). As per the AIFF, the apex court also appointed S Y Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, who has also served as Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India as the ombudsmen to formulate the AIFF Constitution.
Debjani Ghosh to be first woman President of NASSCOM in 2018
The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has named Debjani Ghosh its president-designate. She will succeed R Chandrashekhar after his tenure ends in March 2018. It will make her first female president global trade body representing software companies. She is former Managing Director of Intel South Asia. She is also member of NASSCOM’s Executive Council and a trustee of NASSCOM Foundation.
Qatar appoints four women to Shura Council for the first time
Qatar has appointed four women to one of its most important consultative bodies, the Shura Council, for the first time in the country’s history. The women appointed were named as Hessa al-Jaber, Aisha Yousef al-Mannai, Hind Abdul Rahman al-Muftah and Reem al-Mansoori. Important Person:- Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Gautam Gambhir named Govt Nominee in DDCA managing committee
Former Test opener Gautam Gambhir was named a government nominee in the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) managing committee. The 36-year-old Gambhir has played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20 Internationals. He has been the top scorer in finals of two World Cups (2007 T20 and 2011 50-over) that India won.
Poonguzhali becomes First Woman Sr DDG appointed in TERM, DoT
N Poonguzhali has become the first woman to be appointed as senior Deputy Director General, Tamil Nadu, Telecom Enforcement Resource Monitoring (TERM), Department of Telecommunications (DoT). She is an Indian telecom service officer of the 1979 batch and an alumnus of IIT Madras.
Mary Kom named Women’s Youth World Championships Ambassador
Five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom has been named as the ambassador of the upcoming AIBA Women’s Youth World Championships. The event, which is being hosted in Guwahati, Assam is scheduled to be held from November 19 to 26. The 34-year-old is currently in Vietnam for the Asian Championships and has reached the semi-finals of the tournament.
Rajesh appointed High Commissioner to Malta
Shri Rajesh Vaishnaw has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta. He is a 1996 batch IFS Officer. Rajesh presently holds the office of Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.
Ajay Bisaria named India’s next High Commissioner to Pakistan
India has appointed Ajay Bisaria as the next high commissioner to Pakistan. He is currently ambassador to Poland. Bisaria takes over from Gautam Bambawale, who was last month appointed India’s ambassador to China. Bisaria was in charge of the Eurasia desk that looks after India’s ties with Russia and the Central Asian republics, prior to his appointment as India’s ambassador to Poland.
Tata Steel elevates T V Narendran as global CEO, MD
Tata Steel Limited promoted T V Narendran as chief executive officer and managing director globally. He joined the Tata Steel in 1988. He was serving as Managing Director (India and South East Asia) for the past four years.
Suresh Chukkapalli appointed as Consul General of Korea
Suresh Chukkapalli, Chairman of Phoenix Group of Hyderabad appointed as Honorary Consul General in Hyderabad by the Republic of Korea, with consular jurisdiction over the state of Telangana. Suresh Chukkapalli was given charge/ invested formally at a ceremony in New Delhi.
Neelamani N Raju appointed as DG-IGP of Karnataka
Neelamani N Raju was appointed as the first woman Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) of Karnataka. Neelamani is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer. She succeeds R K Dutta, who retired from the service following his superannuation. She will retire in January 2020 and will serve as the Karnataka’s Police Chief for over 2 years.
Bharti AXA Life appoints Vikas Seth as CEO
Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and AXA, appointed Vikas Seth as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is subject to requisite IRDAI approval. Prior to joining Bharti AXA Life, he was with the Aditya Birla Group, where he worked for nearly 10 years in different roles. He has also served as the Chief Distribution Officer for Birla Sun Life Insurance.
B). RESIGNS
UBS India chief Aashish Kamat quits
The head of India operations at UBS AG, Manisha Giotra, has resigned, the latest high-profile exit from the Swiss bank in the world’s second-fastest growing major country. Kamat will be replaced by UBS veteran Harald Egger who till recently was head of group corporate services and sourcing based at the investment bank’s Zurich headquarters. Giotra joined UBS India in 1998 and had led several cross-border deals and equity offerings including advising Unitech’s telecom unit on a Rs 6,024 crore ($1.2 billion) stake sale to Norway’s telenor and Rs 3,830.26 crore ($763 million) treasure share sale by energy major Reliance Industries last year.
Robert Mugabe resigns as Zimbabwe’s President, former VP to take oath as new President
Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980 and once proclaimed that “only God will remove me”, resigned as president shortly after lawmakers began impeachment proceedings against him. Zimbabwe’s former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa returned to the country and will be sworn in as President, succeeding friend-turned-foe Robert Mugabe.
Sujoy Ghosh resigns as Jury Head of 48th International Film Festival of India
Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh on 14 November 2017 resigned as Head of the Jury of the Indian Panorama of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IIFI). His resignation came following the elimination of the two films “Sexy Durga” and “Nude” from the final list of films. Instead of Nude, the Hindi movie Pihu by Vinod Kapri was finalised as the opening film of the festival. The 13-member jury, led by Sujoy Ghosh, included both the movies in their recommended list, but these two movies did not find their way in the list passed by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Pakistan Cricketer Saeed Ajmal retires from International cricket
Pakistan Cricketer Saeed Ajmal retires from International cricket. Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. During a successful but controversial career, Ajmal was once celebrated as the world’s number one bowler in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 cricket, and was almost as successful in Tests. He finished with 184 wickets in 113 ODIs, and 85 in 64 Twenty20 Internationals. But in spite of his early successes, the last two years of his career had been frustrating.
Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha resigns
Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Sinha has resigned amid criticism over a Supreme Court verdict which scrapped Parliament’s power to remove judges on grounds of misconduct & incapacity. Sinha whose term was scheduled to expire in Jan next year is the 1st top judge of the country to step down. SC has issued a statement saying he is facing 11 charges including money laundering & corruption.
Indian origin Priti Patel resigns as British Minister
Britain’s first Indian-origin Cabinet Minister Priti Patel resigned as International Development Secretary due to controversies over her unauthorized secret meetings with Israeli politicians. Priti Patel’s resignation is followed by controversies around a dozen undisclosed meetings she had with other Israelis, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for which she had been forced to apologize. She was among the most active supporters of Brexit and had supported the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign in the lead in favor of Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU).
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigns
Lebanon’s prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned, citing an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world. His father, former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, was assassinated in 2005.
Martina Hingis announces retirement from Pro Tennis
Martina Hingis, one of only six women’s players to hold the No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles at the same time, will retire after the WTA Finals. Hingis, 37, won Grand Slam titles Nos. 24 and 25 at the US Open in September, capturing the women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles. Overall, she won 13 major doubles titles, along with five in singles and seven in mixed doubles. She held the world No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks during her career, winning 43 WTA singles titles and 64 doubles titles.
C). DEATHS
Former India women’s cricketer, coach Sreerupa passes away
Former India women’s cricket team coach and batswoman Sreerupa Bose (Mukherjee) has passed away due to massive cardiac arrest. She was 66.
Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Abi passes away
Popular Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Abi has passed away. The actor, who is best known for films like Mazhavil Koodaram, Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar, Mimics Action 500, Aniyathipraavu and Rasikan, etc.
E Chandrasekharan Nair passes away
Veteran Communist Party of India leader and former Minister E. Chandrasekharan Nair, died following a chest congestion in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was admitted to Sree Chitra Institute of Medical Sciences. He died on 29th November 2017. He was elected to Assembly six times in 1957, 1967, 1977, 1980, 1987 and 1996. He had served as Minister thrice under the Late E.K.Nayanar.
Malayalam stage, movie and television actor Thodupuzha Vasanthi passes away
Popular Malayalam stage, movie and television actor Thodupuzha Vasanthi passed away at a private hospital in Thodupuzha, Kerala. Thodupuzha Vasanthi was 65 years old. She was battling cancer for some time now. Her film career began in 1975. She had acted in over 450 films. She had won the state government award for theatre acting.
Hindustani classical music exponent Pandit Narayanrao Bodas passes away
Eminent exponent of Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music, Pandit Narayanrao Bodas, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra after a brief illness. He was 84. He was revered for his deep voice and expressive face among actor vocalists.
Rajasthani singer Mangi Arya passes away
Rajasthani Maand folk singer Mangi Bai Arya passed away following a heart attack in Udaipur. Mangi Bai Arya was 88 years old. She had learnt singing from her father Kamlaram Arya, an eminent classical singer of his times. She had contributed significantly in taking Maand to the national and international levels. She has won several awards, including the Kendriya Sangeet Natak Akademy Award.
Jazz Singer and Lyricist Jon Hendricks dies
Jon Hendricks, a jazz singer and songwriter died in Manhattan. he was 96. He was jazz singer and songwriter who became famous in the 1950s with the vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross by putting lyrics to well-known jazz instrumentals and turning them into vocal tours de force. He first teamed up with Lambert, bebop singer he admired, in the mid- 1950s; the duo had a hit with “Four Brothers” and “Cloudburst”.
Daniel dies after crashing in Macau GP
Daniel Hegarty, a British motorcycle racer, was killed after hitting the barriers on the outside of the circuit and losing his crash helmet, at the Macau Grand Prix, in Macau. The race was immediately stopped as Daniel Hegarty crashed on a part of the track known as Fishermen’s Bend. He is the first rider to die at Macau since Portugal’s Luis Carreira was killed in qualifying in 2012.
Former Wimbledon Champion Jana Novotna passes away
Czech tennis player Jana Novotna, a Wimbledon champion in 1998 and 16-time Grand Slam winner in doubles and mixed doubles, has died at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer. Novotna entered the tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. Novotna was a three-time Olympic medalist and a member of Czechoslovakia’s 1988 Fed Cup championship team.
Ex-Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passes away
Congress leader and former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passed away aged 72, after being in coma for 9 years. Dasmunsi served as the All India Football Federation President for almost 20 years and was the first Indian to serve as a match commissioner in a FIFA World Cup game. He was paralysed after suffering a stroke in 2008. In 2004, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi went on to serve as India’s Chef-de-Mission to the Athens Olympics.
Former SC Judge V Khalid passes away
Retired Supreme Court judge V. Khalid died in Kannur. Justice Khalid was 95 years old. He had served as the judge in the Kerala High Court and as Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. He began his career as a lawyer at the Kannur munsiff court in 1948 and moved to the Thalassery bar in 1949.
Legendary Hindi Poet Kunwar Narayan passes away
Eminent Hindi poet and Jnanpith awardee Kunwar Narayan passed away in New Delhi. He was 90. Born on 9 September 1927 in Uttar Pradesh’s Faizabad, Kunwar Narayan was known for his poetry, stories, and critiques. His first poetry collection was “Chakravyuh”.
Former Nepal Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista passes away
Nepal’s three-time Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista passed away at the age of 90 at Gyaneswor in Kathmandu. Bista served as Prime Minister from 1969 to 1970, 1971 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979 during the party-less Panchayat system under two monarchs – King Mahendra and King Birendra. Later in 2005, he served as the Vice Chairman of the government under the direct regime led by King Gynendra.
Padma Shri awardee Author Manu Sharma passes away
Noted author and Padma Shri awardee Manu Sharma died in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh following a prolonged illness. He was 89. He was nominated as one of the navratna of the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharma had donated his lifetime savings of Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of a ghat in Varanasi to carry out a cleanliness campaign.
Veteran Malayalam actor Vettoor Purushan passed away
Veteran Malayalam actor Vettoor Purushan passed away following old age illness, in Kerala. He was 70 years old. He died as his condition deteriorated while being taken to the hospital. Vettoor Purushan started his career on silver screen with the movie ‘Nadee nadanmare avashyamund’ which was released in 1974. He had acted in ‘Athbhutha Dweep’, ‘Sooryavanam’, ‘Itha Innu Muthal’ films.
D). VISITORS
Sri Lankan PM arrives in Bengaluru on 4 day visit to India
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has arrived in Bengaluru on four-day visit to India. He will be taking part at the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Conference on Cyberspace which will take place on 23rd & 24th of November 2017 in New Delhi.
President’s visit to 3 NE States
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit three Northeastern States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur – from November 19 to 22, 2017. This is his first visit to these states as the President of India. On November 19, 2017, the President will grace the valedictory function of the completion of 40 years of the Vivekananda Kendra in Itanagar.
Modi leaves for Philippines to attend ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for the Philippines, where he will participate in various bilateral and multilateral programmes, including the India-ASEAN Summit.His visit to the Philippines to attend the India-ASEAN Summit symbolises the country’s commitment to deepening ties with the ASEAN member states and the Indo-Pacific region as part of the ‘Act East Policy’.
Prince of Wales Charles arrives India on 2-day visit
Prince of Wales, Charles Philip Arthur George arrived in New Delhi on a 2-day visit to India. This visit is a part of their 10 day tour to Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and India. This visit will be the 9th visit of the Prince of Wales to India. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
President of Armenia on a three-day visit to India
President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. He attended the World Food India Conference 2017. The visiting dignitary also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called on President Ramnath Kovind. Bilateral dialogue between India and Armenia is conducted through the mechanisms of Foreign Office Consultations and Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological, Cultural and Educational Cooperation.
E). MISCELLANEOUS
Health Ministry Wins Bronze Medal at the India International Trade Fair 2017
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been awarded the Bronze Medal for its creative and informative display at the 37th India International Trade Fair 2017 being held at Pragati Maidan. The award was presented by Shri C R Chaudhary, Minister of State (Commerce and Industry) at a function organized to award the winners.
South Africa Contestant wins Miss Universe crown
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree crowned during the event at The AXIS theatre at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, while the second runner-up was Miss Jamaica, Davina Bennett. Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition. This year’s edition had the most contestants ever, including the first-ever representatives of Cambodia, Laos and Nepal.
Five Indian films nominated for ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal
The International Film festival of India (IFFI) has nominated nine movies for this year’s International council for Film, Television and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT) UNESCO Gandhi Medal. Among the total nine nominated films, five are from India. The Indian films competing for the prestigious ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal include Kshitij – A Horizon, Manusangada, Poorna, Railway Children and Take-Off. The competing foreign films include Amok from Poland, Khibula – a co-production of Germany, France and Georgia, The Last Painting from Taiwan and Women of the Weeping River – a joint production of the US and UK.
Shubhangi Swaroop becomes first female pilot in Indian Navy
Bareilly’s Shubhangi Swaroop became the first-ever female pilot to be inducted into the Indian Navy. Swaroop who has been appointed in the Naval Armament Inspection (NAI) branch will now undergo pilot training at Dundigal Air Force Academy near Hyderabad. She is among the 328 cadets who passed out from the Indian Naval Academy’s first batch of female officers.
Kendall Jenner becomes world’s highest paid model in 2017
American model Kendall Jenner beat Gisele Bündchen to become the world’s highest-earning model in 2017, as per Forbes Report. The 22-year-old model’s earnings have been estimated to be $22 million (142 crores). Gisele, who has been the highest-paid model since 2002, was ranked second in the list this year, with earnings of $17.5 million (113 crores).
Beyonce Named 2017’s Highest-Paid Woman in Music according to Forbes
American singer Beyonce has been named the highest-paid woman in music in 2017 by the Forbes. Her earnings, mainly from album ‘Lemonade’ and Formation World Tour, have been estimated to be $105 million (Rs 682 crore). Adele, with earnings of $69 million came second while Taylor Swift, with earnings of $44 million, was ranked third on the list. The Top 5 highest-paid woman in music in 2017 are Beyonce ($105 million) Adele ($69 million) Taylor Swift ($44 million) Celine Dion ($42 million) Jennifer Lopez ($38 million).
Sarajevo in UNESCO’s Memory of the World
Sarajevo Haggadah, the 14th- century richly illuminated Hebrew manuscript, has been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. Sarajevo Haggadah has been kept at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1894. In Hebrew, Haggadah means a handwritten story (on parchment). It is read by family members on the occasion of the Jewish feast of Passover.
India’s Manushi Chillar crowned Miss World 2017
India’s Manushi Chillar won the coveted Miss World 2017 pageant, 17 years after Priyanka Chopra won the title in 2000. Chillar competed against 108 contestants from various countries at a glittering event held at Sanya City Arena in China. Apart from the title, Chillar also won the Beauty with Purpose award. In the final round, she was asked, “Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?” Manushi’s winning answer was, “A mother deserves the highest respect..when you talk about salary, I don’t think it’s just about cash but the love and respect you give to someone”. She added that mothers deserve the highest salary, respect and love.
Nicaraguas Sergio Ramírez wins Spain’s Cervantes Prize
Nicaraguan author and former politician Sergio Ramirez Mercado won the 2017 Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world’s highest literary honor. He has written more than 20 novels, including “Margarita, esta Linda la mar” (Margarita, How Beautiful the Sea), which won Spain’s prestigious Alfaguara award in 1998. The award consists of 125,000-euro ($148,000). The prizes are presented each April 23 on the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote”.
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Christ painting sold for record USD 450 Million
A painting of Christ by Italian Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci was sold for a record USD 450 million at an auction, breaking all the previous records of artworks sold or auctioned. It was sold be Christie’s auction house. The highest price ever paid for a work of art at auction was USD 179.4 million for Pablo Picasso’s painting ‘Women of Algiers (Version O)’ in May 2015. While, the highest known sale price for any artwork was USD 300 million for Willem de kooning’s painting ‘Interchange’.
Mukesh Ambani topped Forbes List of Asia’s Richest Families
India’s Ambani family topped the Forbes list of Asia’s Richest Families for the first time with a net worth of $44.8 billion, up $19 billion from the previous year. The collective wealth of Asia’s 50 richest families on the list is a record $699 billion, according to the Forbes.
Indonesian beauty queen crowned Miss International 2017
Indonesia’s Kevin Lilliana was crowned Miss International 2017 at an event held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall. Lilliana also won the award for being the best dressed contestant.
Rasgulla gets GI status and it goes to Bengal
The controversy over the past several years has now been resolved between the West Bengal and the Odisha government over its claim on Rasgulla. West Bengal on 14th November 2017 won the long bitter battle over Rasgulla as Geographical Indications (GI), a Chennai-based Registry announced that one of India’s signature sweets originated in the state and not Odisha. Bengal and Odisha have been locked in a bitter fight over the GI registration of rasgulla since 2015.
Dubai police officers set a Guinness World Record by pulling 3 lakh kg plane
Dubai police officers set a Guinness World Record by pulling the world’s largest passenger airliner Airbus A380 for a distance of 100 metres. The plane which weighs 3.02 lakh kg was dragged by 56 police officers to break the previous record set by 100 people who pulled a 2.18-lakh kg airplane at Hong Kong International Airport in 2011.
Baahubali The Conclusion film to be screened at International Film Festival Goa
Baahubali: The Conclusion, the magnum opus of director SS Rajamouli has been nominated in the Indian Panorama – Feature Films Category. The second part of the flick will be screened at International Film festival in Goa. The 48th edition of the mega film festival will begin from Goa from November 20 to 28.
India sets Guinness Record for cooking 918 kgs of Khichdi
A team of 50 chefs in a government-led initiative created a world record by cooking 918 kg “khichdi” live at the World Food India 2017 event. According to the organisers, their attempt to prepare Brand India khichdi using 800 kg of grains has entered the Guinness World Records. Famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor led the team for the preparation of khichdi. Multi-grains such as rice, bajra, and ragi, as well as pulses, vegetables and spices were used in the khichdi.
Mukesh Ambani becomes Asia’s Richest Person: Forbes
Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Mukesh Ambani overtook China’s Hui Ka Yan to become Asia’s richest person with a total wealth of $42.1 billion, according to Forbes’ real time billionaire’s list. Ambani’s personal wealth rose by $466 million. On the other hand, wealth of China Evergrande Group’s Chairman Hui Ka Yan slumped by $1.28 billion to $40.6 billion. Globally, Ambani stood at the 14th spot on Forbes’ real time billionaire’s list, which is based on the value of person’s stock holding and assets on a real time basis.
Fake news’ named word of the year 2017
Fake news, a term heavily popularised by US President Donald Trump, has been named the word of the year by Collins dictionary due to its widespread use around the world. It was found that the use of this word registered a 365 per cent rise in the last 12 months. Defined as “false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting”, fake news takes over from Brexit – which was named the definitive word last year after the June 2016 referendum in favour of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Chanda Kochhar named most powerful woman in India by Forbes
CEO of ICICI Bank Chanda Kochhar was named the most powerful woman in India as she ranked 32nd in World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list by Forbes. CEO of HCL Enterprise Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of Biocon Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Hindustan Times Group Shobhana Bhartia and actress Priyanka Chopra are the other Indian women who featured on the list. This year’s list is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who retains the number one position for the seventh consecutive year and 12 times in total. She is followed by UK Prime Minister Theresa May (rank 2), who is leading her country through Brexit-a historic and transforming time for the European Union.
Michael Jackson named top-earning dead celebrity
Michael Jackson, who died in the year 2009 i.e, Eight years ago, is still generating millions of dollars. Jackson named top-earning dead celebrity for the 5th time. He was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He was one of the most popular entertainers in the world and was the best-selling music artist at the time of his death. His earnings have been estimated to be $75 million.
PLACES IN NEWS
Indonesia raises Bali volcano alert to highest level
Indonesia raised its warning for Bali’s Mount Agung volcano to the top level four alert closed the holiday island’s airport and told residents near the summit to immediately evacuate, warning of the “imminent” risk of a larger eruption. Bali’s airport was closed for 24 hours, disrupting 445 flights and some 59,000 passengers, due to the eruption warning and the presence of volcanic ash from Agung.
Migratory birds start arriving in Chilika Lake
Lakhs of migratory birds have made their way to Chilika Lake (Odisha) after a long flight of thousands of miles. Major bird congregations were spotted in wetlands of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika and Mangalajodi, a major village on banks of lake. During winter season, migratory birds fly across continents from Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake and remote parts of Russia, Mongolia and Siberia and flock to the marshy lands of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika Lake, which is spread across over 1000 sq. km.
Mount Agung erupts after 54 years
Mount Agung, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali has erupted for the first time in more than 54 years. Mount Agung last erupted in 1963, claiming 1600 lives. Due to increased volcanic activity in the recent months, more than 1.4 lakh people have evacuated their homes.
China Opens World’s Coolest Library
China unveiled one of the world’s coolest library with more than one million books to readers. It took an innovative step and built the world’s most beautiful and modern library. It has a giant spherical auditorium in the middle that looks just like a giant eye. It has near about 1.2 Million Books. It is located in the Binhai Cultural District in Tianjin, China.
Hong Kong is World’s Top City for International Visits
Hong Kong remains the world’s most visited city by international travelers in spite of strained relations with neighboring China. In a report on the top 100 city destinations that highlights the growth in Asian tourism market research firm Euromonitor International approved 25.7 million arrivals are expected in Hong Kong in 2017.
World’s highest motorable road ready in Ladakh
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed the world’s highest motorable road in the cold desert of Ladakh, which has boosted the troop movement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector. China had objected to the road construction up to Demchok, a village located at Zero Line, in 2016. This had led to a standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies in the sector. However, the motorable road has been constructed and its black-topping has already begun.
BOOKS IN NEWS
VP receives first copy of book on law and women
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu received the first copy of the book ‘Journey of Women Law Reforms and The Law Commission of India Some Insights’, from the Author former Joint Secretary, Dr. Pavan Sharma. The author has made an excellent analysis and more such studies can help focus nation’s attention to important areas like matrimonial laws, property laws, laws relating to inheritance, succession, guardianship as well as NRI marriages and issues of sexual violence.
COMMITTEES
WB govt forms Hill Area Development Committee under Mann Ghising
The West Bengal government set up a four-member Hill Area Development Committee that will oversee work in the Hills. The Hill Area Development Committee will be headed by Mann Ghising, president of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). The new committee will supervise all the development works in Darjeeling and Kalimpong and will come into effect immediately. This committee will start functioning from Pintail village on the outskirts of Siliguri.
IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES
26 November: Constitution Day
Constitution Day (National Law Day), also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on 26 November every year to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India. In 2015, government decided to observe 26th November as ‘Constitution Day’. On the day in 1949, the constitution was adopted which came into force on January 26, 1950 marking the beginning of a new era in the history of India.
25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every year across the world on 25 November. Observance of this day seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end violence against women. It also seeks to show that prevention is possible against violence of women. The theme for the year 2017 is ‘Leave no one behind: end violence against women and girls’. It aims to reinforce UNiTE Campaign’s commitment to create world free from violence for all women and girls and reaching out to most marginalized people including refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, minorities and populations affected by natural disasters and conflicts.
21 November: World Television Day
In December 1996 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day. It commemorates the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996. The UN acknowledges that television can be used to educate many people about the world, its issues and real stories that happen on the planet.
21 November: World Fisheries Day
The World Fisheries day is celebrated every year on November 21 throughout world by fisherfolk communities to highlight critical importance to human lives, of water and lives it sustains, both in and out of water. Water forms a continuum, whether contained in rivers, lakes, and ocean. Fish forms an important part of diets of people around world, particularly those living near rivers, coasts and other water bodies. A number of traditional societies and communities are rallied around occupation of fishing.
20 November: Universal Children’s Day
The Universal Children’s Day was observed across the world on 20 November 2017 with the theme ‘2017: It’s a #KidsTakeOver’. This year, UNICEF celebrated the day by inviting children from around the world to voice their support for millions of their friends and kin who are unschooled, unprotected and uprooted. The Universal Children’s Day aims to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights to build a better world for children.
Indira Gandhi’s 100th Birth Anniversary
19th November, 2017 is Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 100th birth anniversary. A commemorative programme to mark the anniversary of Gandhi held at Shakti Sthal, New Delhi. Indira Gandhi was the only female Prime Minister of the country. She served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.
Qaumi Ekta Week being observed across country
The Qaumi Ekta Week is being observed across the country from 19th to 25th November, 2017 to foster and reinforce the spirit of communal harmony and national Integration. The observation of the week will help to highlight the inherent strength and resilience of the nation to withstand actual and potential threats to the eclectic and secular fabric of the country. The occasion also provides an opportunity to reaffirm age old traditions and faith in the values of tolerance, co-existence and brotherhood in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
19th November: World Toilet Day
In a bid to help break taboos around toilets and make sanitation for all a global development priority, the United Nations General Assembly designated 19 November as World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day has previously been marked by international and civil society organizations all over the world. However, it was not formally recognized as an official UN day until 2013.
16 November: National Press Day
India celebrated the National Press Day on November 16 as the Press Council of India started functioning as a responsible body overlooking the works of the press as a whole body on this day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted media on National Press Day, which is commemorated every year on November 16, and appreciated their contribution to make India a democratic country.
16 November: International Day of Tolerance
The International Day of Tolerance was celebrated across the world on 16 November 2017. The observance aims to bolster United Nations commitment to strengthen tolerance in the world by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and people. Taking forward the same commitment, the UN has launched a new campaign called ‘Together’ to promote tolerance, respect and dignity across the world. The global campaign aims to reduce negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants and to strengthen the social contract between host countries and communities and refugees and migrants.
14 November: World Diabetes Day
The World Diabetes Day was observed every year across the world on 14 November to raise awareness about diabetes. Observance of day aims to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health and provide access to health-care treatment and education. The theme for year 2017 is “Women and diabetes – Our right to a healthy future”. It aims to promote affordable access to essential diabetes medicines and technologies for all women with diabetes to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes and strengthen their capacity to prevent type 2 diabetes.
14 November: Children’s Day
Children’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of November in India as a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, who was born on November 14, 1889. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called Chacha Nehru or simply Chachaji, was known for his love for children. Prior to 1964, India celebrated Children’s Day on 20 November, which was observed as the Universal Children’s Day by the United Nations.
12 November: Public Service Broadcasting Day
Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed on 12 November. The day is observed every year to commemorate the first and last visit of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947. The function is organized at the premises of All India Radio in New Delhi to mark the occasion.
11 November: National Education Day
National Education Day is an annual observance in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India, who served from 15 August 1947 until 2 February 1958. National Education Day of India is celebrated on 11 November every year.
10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development
The World Science Day for Peace and Development was observed across the world on 10 November 2017 with the theme ‘Science for Global Understanding’. The day highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.
8 November: International Day of Radiology
The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is an annual event promoting the role of medical imaging in modern healthcare. It is celebrated on November 8 each year, and coincides with the anniversary of the discovery of x-rays. Main theme of International Day of Radiology 2017 is: “Emergency Radiology”.
5 November: World Tsunami Awareness Day
The World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed across the world on 5 November. The theme for 2017 WTAD is ‘Reduce the Number of Affected People’. The day is celebrated to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of tsunami. The first WTAD was observed across the world in 2016 with the theme ‘Effective Education and Evacuation Drills’.