Current Affairs Weekly PDF

Current Affairs Weekly PDF April First Week (1-9)

INDIAN AFFAIRS
Finance Ministrylowers interest rates on small saving schemes like PPF, KVP and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
by 0.1 per cent for April-June quarter
With this approval, quantitative ceiling on exports of organic agricultural and organic processed products has
been squashed. However quantitative ceiling will still prevail on organic lentils and pulses owing to its acute
shortage in the domestic market.
In a bid to make the Regional Connectivity Scheme operational; Civil Aviation Ministry has selected 27
proposals from 5 airlines to operate 128 routes across the country, connecting 31 unconnected airports. It
added that first regional flight under UDAN scheme will start operating from April 2017 , these are Air
Deccan, Air Odisha, Alliane Air, SpiceJet, Trujet.
Pawan Hans, the National chopper operator is all set to launch its Dilli Darshan rides from April 1, 2017
with a 10 minute chopper ride costing Rs 2499 per person. In addition to that, the Chopper operator also
offers a 20 minute helicopter ride for Rs 4999.
Indian railways has announced the 5 Green Corridors under which Barmer Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara
rail routes in Rajasthan have been declared by North Western Railways as Green Corridors under Swachh
Rail- Swachh Bharat mission.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved amendments to the New Urea Policy
2015 on March 31, 2017. The policy is effective from June 1, 2015 to March 31, 2019.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the amendments in the Mega Power Policy
2009 on March 31, 2017. Total of 25 projects comes under this policy.States under these projects are Jammu
and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
On 31st March 2017, President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Finance Bill 2017. Thus, all financial
and taxation related provisions as announced in Budget 2017 have now attained a legal status.
Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 98.35 crores for tourism development in Assam.
The amount sanctioned will be used under the scheme of Swadesh Darshan. The cities to be developed are
Tezpur, Majuli and Sivasagar.
In a bid to promote electric mobility and manufacturing of electric/hybrid vehicles and their components,
Central Government constituted National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) on 3rd April 2017.
In its ongoing efforts to combat the problem of declining child sex ratio in the state, Haryana State Govt. has
announced to provide one-time grant of Rs 21,000 to all those families whose third girl child was born after
August 24, 2015 under the currently operational 'Aapki Beti Humari Beti' scheme.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari has announced the first North
East Express Highway project at the closing ceremony of the 'Namami Brahmaputra' festival on April 4,
2017.This 1300 Km highway project will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore in Assam.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath declares Rs 36,359 crore farm loan waivers at its first cabinet
meeting on 4thApril 2017. Upon this waive off crop loans of up to Rs 1 lakh of small and marginal farmers in
the state.
Union Cabinet approved a proposal to set up a regulator for Indian Railways to recommend passenger and
freight fares and set the performance benchmarks.This entity will be named Railway Development Authority
(RDA) and will be based in New Delhi. Rs.50 crore has been earmarked to set up the authority. Its functions
will be regulated by Railway Act, 1989.
Union Home Ministrys proposal for extending the implementation of the Crime and Criminals Tracking
Network and Systems (CCTNS) project for one year till March 2018. CCTNS aims to create a national
database of crimes and criminals. The Allocated funds for this is Rs. 2,000 crore.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on March 4, 2017 declared Jhargram as the 22nd district of
Bengal and it has been bifurcated from West Midnapore.
The Finance Act, 2017 introduced Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 which states that mandatory
quoting of Aadhaar /Enrolment ID of Aadhaar application form, for filing IT returns and application for
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allotment of Permanent Account Number(PAN) with effect from July 1.

The Madhya Pradesh Government-run Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Sansthan plans to launch one year
diploma course from July 2017 known as Diploma in Purohityam for teaching priesthood.
The agreement was signed between representatives of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and
the ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia on the
final settlement of Kudankulam 1.
Union Govt. has decided to revive its 45-year-old North Koel river irrigation project with an objective to
provide irrigation facilities to over one lakh hectare of farm land in Jharkhand, specifically in Daltonganj and
Palamu region along with neighbouring districts of Bihar. The pending work on this project will be completed
at an estimated cost of Rs 1,622 crore.
This was for the first time in the history of Haryana , the sex ratio has touched the 950 mark. Haryana CM
Manohar LalKhattar said that the sex ratio at birth stood at 950 girls to 1000 boys.
The union government declared Kerala as a drought hit state along with 7 other states and announced a
drought relief package of Rs 24000 crore to drought affected areas as well. The Government has allowed 50
additional working days under The NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GURANTEE SCHEME. Seven
states which are included along with Kerala are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,Uttarkhand, UttarPradesh,
AndhraPradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Venkaiah Naidu launched 352 housing projects in
53 cities.
On April 7, 2017, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the
three-day National Childrens Film Festival (NCFF) at VUDA Childrens Arena in Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh.
President Pranab Mukherjee will draw lots for Lucky Grahak Yojana (3 Mega Prizes for worth Rs. 1 crore,
Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh for consumers) and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana (3 Mega Prizes worth Rs 50 lakhs,
Rs. 25 lakh, Rs. 12 lakh for merchants) at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bahvan.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved 26 projects worth Rs 2,154.28 crore under the
Centres Namami Gange programme, focusing to reduce the rivers pollution.
After Jhargram, West Burdwan has declared as 23rd district of West Bengal by West Bengal CM Mamata
Banerjee as a "Bengali New Year gift to the people."
President three day Visits to West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar
President was the Chief Guest at 52nd Annual Convocation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
Calcutta.
Followed by In Jharkhand, Ranchi, President laid foundation stone of Rabindra Bhawan and Haj House. Other
functions and ceremonies attended by President in Jharkhand included: Inauguration of 44 Kms Deoghar -
Basukinath Solar Street Light Project, laying foundation stone of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
Centre and Employees State Insurance Corporation Hospital.
The President concluded his three-day tour on 03 rd April by visiting Vikramshila University Monument,
Museum at Vikramshila, Shyama Charan Lahiri Peeth and Gurudham-Bounsi in Bihar.

PLACES IN NEWS

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indias longest Chenani-Nashri All-weather road
tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on April 2, 2017. The tunnel is among the longest highway
tunnels of length 9.2Km in Asia. The tunnel was built at a cost of Rs 2519 crore in an altitude of 1,200
meters above sea level.
Indias first International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (ICFMD) has been inaugurated by Union
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh at Argul near Bhubaneswar in Odisha on 1st April 2017.
First bio-gas bus with flat Re 1 fare inaugurated in Kolkata. Phoenix India Research and Development Group
in Kolkata has designed a bus that will run on biogas produced from cow dung.
The Jammu & Kashmir state government has banned the usage of polythene bags which is manufactured
below 50 microns from April 3, 2017.Violator of the Act will be liable for punishment up to one month in jail
or fine of Rs 5000 or both.
The festival of Goddess Budhi Thakurani called Berhampur Thakurani Yatra begun in southern Odisha
on April 3, 2017. The month long festival will be celebrated by the weaving community, known
as Devangiris.
PM Modi Lays the Foundation Stone of a Multi-Modal Terminal on River Ganga at Sahibganj in Jharkhand.
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This 5.8 km long 4-lane bridge will be built by National Highways Authority of India at an estimated cost of
Rs 2,266 crore.
Vriksh is organising the countrys first ever micro-drama festival , Thespis which is scheduled to be held at
the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Delhi. Theatre director is actor Ajith G Maniyan.
The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has given its approval to building a music village
named 'Bismillah Khan Sangeet Gram' to honour of legendary Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan.This
project is planned to develop at Varanasi.

FOREIGN VISITS
Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razaks five day visit to India
MoUs that were signed in presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak and Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi:
A revised Air Service Agreement, which was in effect since 1974 and MoU on Cooperation in Fertiliser and
mutual recognition of educational qualifications, sports, Malaysian Human Resource Fund/ Pembangunan
Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.
MoU on technology development in the field of Palm Oil signed between Institute of Chemical Technology
(ICT), India and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
MoU on implementation of 4th Generation Technology Park in Andhra Pradesh, signed between Andhra
Pradesh Economic Development Board and MIGHT Technology Nurturing Sdn. Bhd (MTN)
Indian Army Chief conferred with Nepal Army honorary title in Kathmandu
General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has visited Nepal and Bangladesh from March 28,
2017 to April 2, 2017 on his first foreign visit.
On his visit to Nepal, the Army Chief was presented with Honorary General of the Nepalese Army title by the
President of Nepal on March 29, 2017.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Israel government approved the establishment of a new settlement within West Bank for the first time in more
than two decades on March 31, 2017. In addition, the government also laid the groundwork for further
expansion and the law is intended to prevent future evacuations.
South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
accepts Myanmar as its 7th member in 2017.
According to a new report released by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India's travel and tourism
sector ranks 7th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On April 3, 2017, the Dispute Settlement Body of World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreed to set up a panel
for resolving a dispute pertaining to imposition of safeguard duty on imports of Japanese steel products by
India.
Germany is the first NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) state to launch a self-contained cyber
command unit to protect from growing attacks. The Bundeswehrs Cyber and Information Space (CIR) boasts
a status of army, navy, and air force.
As a part of its ongoing effort to curb the spread of fake news and fabricated articles, leaders from Tech
industry and academic organizations joined together with $14 million to create an awareness of news literacy
and make trust in social media.
Iceland ranks first on the World Economic Forums 2015 Global Gender Gap Index, followed by fellow
Nordic nations Norway, Finland and Sweden.50 percent of Women are law makers in Iceland Parliament.
Nobel Peace Prize winner from Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai is set to become the United Nations youngest-
ever Messenger of Peace. She has been selected for this honour by United Nations current Secretary
General Antonio Guterres.
Uruguay is set to become the first country to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in pharmacies in July.
The country is trying for nearly four years to legalize the production, sale and consumption of marijuana.

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SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Finance Ministers Meeting held in New Delhi. The
strategic vision document titled SASEC: Powering Asia in the 21st Century will supplement the SASEC
Operational Plan 2016-2025, which was released in May 2016.
The national conference on Communicating India 2017 held in New Delhi on April 5, 2017.
A day-long conference was based on the three main themes1.Telling India's story to the world
2.Communicating via Journalism and3.Dialogue with Diaspora.
The 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference (CFC), 2017 begins at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand on April 3, 2017. The members from 49 Commonwealth countries will be present at
the conference.
9th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue held in New Delhi which was led by Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond.
Tow-Day National TB Summit, for raising awareness and increasing momentum to fight against TB is being
held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on 7th and 8th April. The TB Summit will conclude with a will
pledge their support for TB free India by 2025.
The 136th Mega-Conference of World Parliamentarians has begun in Dhaka on April 1, 2017.The conference
was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. She will also release a commemorative
postage stamp and launch Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) web television.

RANKINGS & REPORTS

Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Prakash Javadekar announced India Ranking 2017 based
on National Institutional Ranking Framework.
Toppers of India Rankings 2017 (NIRF 2017):
Category College/Institute/University
Overall Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Management Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Universities Indian Institute of Science Bangalore
Colleges Miranda House (Delhi)
Pharmacy Jamia Hamdard (Delhi)
India has been ranked 3rd in the doping violation report published by the World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA) for the year 2015. The report stated that, 117 athletes from India have been punished after testing
positive for banned substances. The top spot is held by Russia.
India has ranked 40th out of 136 countries on Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017
published by World Economic Forum (WEF). This marks a commendable jump of 12 spots as compared to
previous years rank. The list is topped by Spain.
India has ranked 9th out of 41 countries in bribery and corrupt practices in businesses as per the EY (Ernst &
Young) Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) Fraud Survey 2017. Countries which rank higher
than India in this survey are: Ukraine, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Kenya, South Africa and Hungary.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI First Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for financial year 2017-18.
Policy Repo Rate 6.25% Unchanged - since 4th October 2016
Reverse Repo Rate 6.00% Hiked by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 5.75%
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.50% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.75%
Bank Rate 6.50% Reduced by 25 basis points. Earlier it was 6.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged since 9th February 2013
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 20.50% Effective from 1st January 2017
GDP growth has been forecasted at 7.4% for current fiscal as compared to 6.7% in 2016-17.
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Gross Value Added (GVA) growth has been forecasted at 7.4% for current fiscal as compared to 6.7% in
2016-17.
Having commenced operations from 1st April 1935, Indias central bank, Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) celebrated 82nd Establishment Day on 1st April 2017.
On March 31, 2017, Japan made a commitment with India for providing Official Development
Assistance (ODA) for Infrastructure projects in India. Japan is providing India with 371.345 billion yen (about
Rs 21,590 crore) under the financial year 2016-17.
Private sector Karnataka Bank in collaboration with SBI Card launched co-branded credit cards for Karnataka
Bank customers on March 31, 2017. Two types of credit cards are launched namely1.Karnataka Bank
Platinum SBI card and2.Karnataka Bank Simply SAVE SBI.
On April 1, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) successfully merged with its five associate banks and Bharatiya
Mahila Bank. By this merger, SBI entered the league of Top 50 Global Banks which ranks 44th and a balance
sheet size of Rs 41 lakh crore along with the new logo.
The New Development Bank (NDB) backed by BRICS has invested a total of USD 1.5 billion through 7
projects in the year 2015 and 2016. The information was shared by NDB president K V Kamath during the
second annual meeting of the bank on April 1, 2017.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar informed Lok Sabha that Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) is planning to set up a separate in-house Enforcement Department which will be
operational from 3rd April 2017.
The Central government has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore under the proposed Goods and
Services Tax (GST) regime as a non-bailable offence. Earlier, the tax evasion of over Rs 2.5 crore was
proposed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
Market leaders ICICI Bank and Axis Bank sold Rs 1800 crore worth loans of paper maker Ballarpur
Industries to Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company.
Indias central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared a proposal to introduce new currency notes
of Rs 200 on April 3, 2017.
Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd. has become the seventh entity to receive a final licence from Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) for carrying out the business of payments bank in India. Aditya Birla Idea Payments
Bank Ltd. will be launched in the first half of year 2017.Its headquarters is in Mumbai.
The currency of the Internet, Biticoin and other digital currencies have recognised as a payment method by
Japan with effect from its new fiscal year. It was recognised under new banking law of Japan but it is not a
legally-recognized currency.
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $175 million loan agreement
to support construction of high voltage transmission systems. The project will improve the capacity and
efficiency of interstate transmission networks, particularly in transmitting the electricity generated from the
new solar parks to the national grid.
India recorded a growth rate of 7.4% in this fiscal year and it expects to be 7.6% in the next financial
year. Despite the effect demonization Indias growth grew from 1% to 7.4%. India is the fastest growing
economy ahead of China mentioned by the ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB).
RBI allow banks to invest in REITs And InvITs and enables faster money transfer by finetuning NEFT
Network.
The Income Tax Department clarified that the Rs 2 lakh cash transaction limit will not be applicable on
withdrawals from bank, cooperative bank or a post office savings account. Section 269ST in the I-T Act, the
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the restriction shall not apply to withdrawal from banks and post
offices.
Private Sector Lender. HDFC Bank Ltd., announced the launch of its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on
Chillr. Henceforth the HDFC Bank UPI will be available on Chillr, in addition to the banks Mobile Banking
app.
RBL bank announced the opening of its IFSC banking unit at Gujarat International History of RBL
Bank Finance Tec-city called Gift city. It opens the opportunity door for our clients and can show their
potential growth overseas.At present GIFT IFSC has already crossed the $2.5 billion.
South Indian Bank made an agreement with Flyworld Money Exchange to facilitate remittances by Indian
migrants in Australia. NRIs in Australia could enjoy quick and cost-effective remittances to India using
the SIB Express facility.

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BUSINESS
On March 31, 2017, 1,000 MW Atomic Power Reactor has begun its 1 year period of warranty operation
at Kundankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP) in Tamil Nadu. This was the 2nd unit to be successfully
launched for commercial operation out of 4 units. The information was announced by the Russian builders.
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) successfully crossed the 50 GW power generation
capacity on April 1, 2017.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), the drug price regulator increased price of stents by
around 2 percent effective after taking into account the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) on April 1, 2017.
For the first time, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on April 2, 2017 assigned a task of making two
Full Multi-Crore Heavy Duty Satellites to Alpha Design Technologies, a private sector high-tech defense
equipment supplier. A sum of Rs 400 crore is signed up with the company to give India its first large private
satellite.
Central government has approved the procurement of a fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles for its
naval warships on April 3, 2017. The missiles will be procured under buy global category from Rafael
Advance Defense Systems Limited of Israel at an approximate cost of 77 million USD.
A landmark contract for Alternate Fuel was signed by Indian Railways with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
for constructing the 2 Megawatt roof top solar power plant under the government's incentive scheme.
Israel Aerospace Industries signs $2 billion with India. This is the largest arms deal in the history of Israel's
defense industries.The deal made a $1.6 billion contract to deliver a medium-range surface-to-air missile
defense system(MRSAM), and a $400 million contract for a long-range surface-to-air missile defense
system(LRSAM).

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has been selected for the US India Business
Council (USIBC) award. The award is to be presented at the 2nd Annual West Coast Summit to be held in
Menlo Park, California on May 8, 2017.
Dawit Isaak, an imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist has been chosen for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano
World Press Freedom Prize 2017 dedicated to promoting press freedom. The award is to be presented on May
3, 2017.
Lance Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of Gorkha Rifles has been conferred with Kirti Chakra by
President Pranab Mukherjee at the defence investiture ceremony in New Delhi.
Asha Khemka, an Indian-origin educationist in the United Kingdom (UK) has been named the 'Asian
Businesswoman of the Year' at the 5th annual Asian Business Awards Midlands, which honours the
outstanding achievements of local Asian businesses. The award ceremony was held at Edgbaston cricket
ground in Birmingham, UK.
NTR National Film Award for the year 2012 and 2013 were announced at the Film Development Corporation
office in Hyderabad by Andhra Pradesh government. Each NTR award winners will get Rs.5 lakh and a
citation.
NTR National Film Award 2012: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam(Singer)
Raghupathi Venkaiah Film award - Kodi Rama Krishna(Director)
NTR National Film Award 2013: Hema Malini(Actor)
64th National Awards - List of winners

Category Film Awardee/s

Best FEATURE FILM Kasaav (Marathi) Director: Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukthankar
Producer: Sumittra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar &
Mohan Aghase
BEST POPULAR FILM Sathamanam Bhavathi Director: Satish Vagesna Producer: V.Venkata
PROVIDING WHOLESOME (Telugu) Ramana Reddy
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ENTERTAINMENT
BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES Pink (Hindi)
BEST FILM ON ENVIRONMENT Loktak Lairembee
CONSERVATION/ (Manipuri)
PRESERVATION
BEST CHILDRENS FILM Dhanak (Hindi)
BEST ANIMATION FILM Mahayodha Rama (Hindi)
NARGIS DUTT AWARD FOR Dikchow Banat Palaax
BEST FEATURE FILM ON (Assamese)
NATIONAL INTEGRATION
BEST ACTOR Rustom (Hindi)
BEST ACTRESS Minnaminungu the
Firefly (Malayalam)
BEST CHILD ARTIST a). Kunju Daivam
(Malayalam) b) Sahaj
Pather Gappo (Bengali) c)
Railway Children
(Kannada)
Director: Anniruddha Roy Chowdhury
Producer: Rashmi Sharma Films
Director & Producer: Haoban Paban Kumar
Director: Nagesh Kukunoor Producer: Drishyam
Film
Director: Rohit Vaid
Producer: Contiloe Pictures Pvt. Ltd.
Animator: Deepak S.V
Director: Sanjib Sabha Pandit Producer:
Canvascope
Akshay Kumar
Surabhi C.M
a) Adish Praveen
b) Nur Islam and Samiul Alam
c) Manohara. K

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Name Designation
Tapan Singhel (re-appointed) Bajaj Allianz General CEO
Diplomat Vipul New Consul General of Dubai.
Rajiv Kumar Chander Permanent Representative to Geneva UN offices
from India.
Lenin Moreno Ecuador President.
Indira Banerjee New Chief Justice of Madras High Court
Mahesh Kumar Jain IDBI bank MD and CEO
K Kharat MD and CEO of Indian Bank
MS Dhoni CEO of Gulf Oil for 1 day
Brayan Jimenez banned for life-time by FIFA
DGP Geetha Johri Gujarats first woman police chief
Aliza Knox (quits) Twitters VP of Asia Pacific
Prithika Yashini Indias first transgender police officer
Tamilnadu Police Dept
Malvika Sinha New Executive Director of RBI
Kenichi Yokoyama New Country Director of India Resident
Mission of the Asian Development Bank
(ADB).
Quatrro's Raman Roy CEO of NASSCOM
Rishad Premji vice chairman of NASSCOM
Former Supreme Court judge Shiva Kirti Head of Telecom Disputes Settlement and
Singh Appellate Tribunal(TDSAT).
Mukta Dutta Tomar New Ambassador of India to Germany
Anuja dhir First non-white circuit judge at Old Bailey in
London
Smita Sandhane MD of Saraswat Co-operative Bank.
S.N. Subrahmanyan CEO -Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T)
Foreign Coaches in Athletics
Name Sports
Dave Smith (Australia) Race walking
Galina P Bukharina (USA) 400m and 400m relay

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Dmitry Kislev (Russia) Masseur

Elmira Kisleva (Russia) Masseur.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

ICICI Venture is planning to do a new project by investing $20 million to acquire a considerable stake
in Theobroma, owned and managed bakery, patisserie and chocolate based in Mumbai, India.

MoUs
Cabinet approves MoU between Forum of Regulators and the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners.
Union Cabinet has Cleared Revised Air Service Pacts With Malaysia, Serbia in accordance with the latest
template of International Civil Aviation Organisation and have factored in the recent developments in civil
aviation sector.
The Agreement was signed between Indian Ministry of Rural Development and Centre on Integrated Rural
Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP). The CIRDAP centre will be setup at National Institute of
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Australia on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine
Ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official visit to India from April 7 to 10, Indian cabinet
approved various bilateral MoUs with Bangladesh. These MoUs pertain to cooperation in following areas:
Agreement on Audio Visual Co-production:
MoU on cooperation in the field of Mass Media:
MoU on passenger cruise services on the coastal and protocol routes:
Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation
Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Georgia
Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Georgia has been approved by Union Cabinet chaired by
the PM Modi.
Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing a Collaborative Agreement with French National Research
Agency (ANR), France for supporting the Belmont Forum Secretariat. The estimated expenditure to support
Belmont Forum Secretariat (currently hosted at ANR) from January 2015 to December 2017 will be Euro
40,000.
Cabinet apprised of the MoU with Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.P.A. of Italy on Technical Cooperation in
the Rail Sector.
India-UK Agree on New Areas of Economic Cooperation.
US President Donald Trump and President of the People's Republic of China & Chairman of the Central
Military Commission, Xi Jinping have agreed to pursue a '100-day plan' aimed at reducing the US trade deficit
with China.

SCHEMES
Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched, first of its kind Rashtriya
Vayoshri Yojana in Nellore; Andhra Pradesh aimed to make life comfortable for senior citizens of India.
This scheme has been launched for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices to Senior Citizens
belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age related problems viz. hearing
impairment, low vision, dental problems etc.
Union Textiles Minister, Ms. Smriti Irani launched PowerTex India Scheme on 1stApril 2017 at Bhiwandi in
Thane district of Maharashtra. It is a gamut of schemes aimed at development of powerloom sector in India
with a special focus on small powerloom weavers. The scheme was simultaneously launched at 45 locations
across India.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Government of India (GoI)
and Mizoram under the scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). The agreement was signed for
operational improvement of the States Power Distribution Department. The state becomes 27th State to join
UDAY scheme.
As per a notification issued by Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, benefits to given to mild
hybrid vehicles under FAME India scheme have been withdrawn with effect from 1st April 2017. The
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notification also clarified that decision does not apply to sales of mild hybrid vehicles made to retail
purchasers up to 31st March 2017.
The number of people benefitting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing (Liquefied
Petroleum Gas) LPG connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households has crossed 2 crore mark. This
feat has been accomplished in less than a years time since its launch.
Union Cabinet has approved closure of the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY). This
scheme was launched in 2012 to provide insurance, resettlement expenses and other social security needs of
blue collar workers going abroad for work to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched subsidized meal scheme at Rs.5 in
Gwalior. This scheme helps people to get economical nutritious and good quality food under the Deendayal
Rasoi Yojana at cheaper rates. It is launched in 49 districts across the state.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have found
a drug to fight against drug resistant superbugs on April 1, 2017. The process was clearly explained by Tony
De Soyza, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University.
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched mobile application MP e-Nagarpalika to provide various
municipal services online. The App was launched by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh
Chouhan.The mobile app is the part of Rs 225-crore e-nagarpalika project, under which all municipal services
would be made available online on a unified web platform.
A group of scientist from India has discovered indications of a massive planet orbiting a low mass X-ray
binary star system. The planet was discovered by scientists from Raman Research Institute,
Bangalore and University of Delhi. The X-ray binary star system is named as MXB 1658-298.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas officially launched the low
emission Bharat stage (BS)-IV Grade fuel in Bhubaneswar on April 1, 2017. The launch was made on the
special occasion of Utkal Diwas which is the foundation day of Odisha.
Online tax filing portal ClearTax.com announced that it has developed a technology platform to help
businesses comply with the provisions of GST law.
Morocco King Launches Final Stage of Largest Solar Plant in The World. The plant is based on photovoltaic
(PV) technology, which spanned over an area of 137 hectares (1.37 square km).The cost of this plant is
nearly 75 million U.S. dollars.
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir launched the website,
http://npdrr2-mha.net.in, during the meeting of National Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR). This
is an exclusive website to share all information related to the NPDRR.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Union Ministry of Science and Technology has
initiated a Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) programme.This programme has a financial outlay of Rs. 3000
crore, out of which Rs. 100 crore have been earmarked in the current financial year itself.
The Government is going to geo-tag all the agricultural assets in the country for better land and crop
management. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), ISRO, for geo-tagging the agriculture land created
under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVA) in the country.
Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around the super-Earth GJ 1132b marks the first time that an
atmosphere has been detected around an Earth-like planet.
Scientists have discovered a protein which helps to make vaccinations provide protection from diseases such
as cancer, HIV, and influenza before they have a chance to establish within the body.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the web portal and mobile application named Bharat ke
Veer to enable the willing donors to contribute towards the family of soldiers who sacrificed his/her life in
line on duty.
NASA's Kepler space telescope have discovered a Venus-like planet orbiting a dim star and located 219 light-
years away.This new planet is slightly larger than Earth, and it tightly embrace its low-temperature star
called Kepler-1649, encircling it every nine days.

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ENVIRONMENT
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified a soil fungus which uses enzymes to
rapidly break down plastic materials. The research was published in the journal called Environmental
Pollution.
The new tree-living species named Kani maranjandu has been found by Scientists from University of Kerala
in Kerala. It was stated in the Journal of Crustacean Biology.
India's first DNA bank for wild animals will be setup by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) at
Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.It was informed by R K Sharma,director of IVRI.

SPORTS

New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott has confirmed his retirement from international cricket on March 30,
2017. He will retire from cricket after playing his last T20 series against England.
Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya broke three world records by winning the Prague Half Marathon in Czech
Republic on April 1, 2017. Defending champion Violah Jepchumba and Fancy Chemutai, both from Kenya
finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
33rd edition - Miami Open 2017 at Crandon Park, Florida in USA - An Overview
CATEGORY WINNERs RUNNERs
Mens single Roger Federer(Switzerland) Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Womens single Johanna Konta (Great Britain) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)
Mens doubles ukasz Kubot (Poland)/ Marcelo Melo Nicholas Monroe (USA)/Jack
(Brazil) Sock (USA)
Womens doubles Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) /Xu Yifan Sania Mirza (India)/Barbora
(china) Strcov (Czech Republic)
Rio Olympics silver medalist P V Sindhu won championship in India Super Series tournament on April 2,
2017. She defeated the Olympic champion Carolina Marin from Spain in straight sets 21-19, 21-16.
Mashrafe Mortaza(33) who led the Bangladesh international cricket team for One day and Twenty20
international matches has announced retirement from T20Is in Colombo.
A right handed Indian international cricketer Virat Kolhi(28) was named as the Leading Cricketer in the
World for the year 2016 by Wisden India Almanack. Kohli also features on the cover of the 2017 edition of
the Wisden Cricketers Almanack. Besides Ellyse Perry of Australia has been named as Leading Woman
Cricketer in the World.
After two decades, the Indian football team has risen to 101st from 132nd in the latest FIFArankings which
was released on April 6, 2017. Brazil retained its top position.
Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu achieves a career-best world number two ranking in the latest
Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings list. Badminton World Federation rankings as Chinese Taipeis
Tai Tzu Ying stayed at first position.
US based National Basketball Association (NBA) has launched its first basketball school in Mumbai, India on
April 7, 2017.More schools will be opened in India and around the world in this year. The school was opened
as part of a multi-year agreement with India On Track (IOT).
The IPL team owned by Royal Challengers Sports Private Ltd, Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) joined
hands with the gaming entity Nazara Games have announced the launch of online cricket game named RCB
Star Cricket on April 7, 2017
India has finished the Thailand International Tournament with two medals includes 1 gold medal and 1
bronze medal in Bangkok on April 8, 2017. Indian boxer K Shyam Kumar (49kg) won a gold medal for the
second time in Thailand International Tournament.
Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Younis Khan(39) has announced to retire from international
cricket matches after the 2017 test series against West Indies which will be ending on May 14 in Jamaica.
Indian team stood top at the Asian Youth Chess Championship in Tashkent,

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Uzbekistan. They elevated our country with 12 medals, including four gold medals.
Mercedes team Driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix for Mercedes
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has granted affiliation to the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), a long-
standing tie made between the two bodies.
2017 Malaysia Super Series Premier Overview
CATEGORY WINNERS RUNNERS
Mens Singles Lin Dan Lee Chong Wei
Womens Singles Tai Tzu-Ying Carolin Marin
Mens Doubles Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo Fu Haifeng & Zheng Siwei
Womens Doubles Yuki Fukushima & Sayaka hirota Huang Yaqiong & Tang Jinhua
Mixed Doubles Zheng Siwel & Chen Qingchen Lu Kai & Huang Yaqiong

OBITUARY
Ajey Jhankar The Noted Scriptwriter passed away
Pop art pioneer James Rosenquist dies at 83
Kishori Amonkar a Hindustani classical vocalist passed away
Gilbert Baker The LGBT rainbow flag creator passed away
Comedian Don Rickles dead at 90 in USA
Roland founder and music pioneer Ikutaro Kakehashi dies aged 87

BOOKS & AUTHORS

President Pranab Mukherjee has released the book on Draupadi authored by Veerappa Moily in New Delhi on
April 7, 2017. The book titled 'Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' was written in both English and Kannada and it
is published by Rupa.

IMPORTANT DAYS
World autism Awareness Day is observed on 2nd April every year by United Nations (UN) member countries
to raise awareness about autism and problems faced by people suffering from it. World Autism Awareness
Day Theme 2017: Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination
The International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was celebrated on April 4,
2017. The theme of this year was Needs driven. People Centered
54th National Maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April 2017 since 1964 to mark the day when the first voyage
of the SS Loyalty, the first ship of Scindia Steam Navigation Company towards United Kingdom from
Mumbai on this day in 1919.
The United Nation proclaimed 6th April as International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on August
23, 2013. The day also coincide with the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
World Health Day observed on 7th April with theme 'Depression: Let's Talk'.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first NIMCARE World Health Day Summit 2017 in New
Delhi on April 7, 2017. Unite for a Healthy Mind was chosen as the slogan of the summit.

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