Current Affairs February 2017 PDF

CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2017 PDF
AWARDS AND HONOURS
NAME OF THE AWARD AWARD WINNER KEY POINTS TO NOTE

2016 National Rajiv Pratap Rudy To recognize the entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurship Awards spirit of Indias youth
eGov awards Rajasthan and Telangana CSI -Nihilent eGovernance Awards
is Instituted by the Computer
Society of Indias (CSI)
worlds most valuable brand Google
Most Excellent Order of the Alastair Cook England Test captain
British Empire (CBE)
Hivor Tiger Award Sexy Durga Malayalam film At International Film Festival of
Rotterdam
2016 B C Roy Award Dr P Raghu Ram For outstanding service in the field
of socio medical relief for 2016.
BAFTA Awards 2017 Dev Patel Best Supporting Actor
Best Film at BAFTA Awards La La Land Britains main film awards
Outstanding Bravery of the Shand Panesar Scotland Yard has been awarded
Year Award
Singapore Tata Quiz 2017 Rohan Naidu and Shivam Tata Crucible Campus Quiz
Bhardwaj Singapore 2017.
Honorary Doctorate Sandeep Singh He is the second Indian hockey
player to receive this award.
The only first player was Dileep
Tirkey
The Brand Laureate Legendary Lata Mangeshkar To recognises world-class
Award achievement
2016 Vyas Samman Surendra Verma Veteran Hindi Scholar and Novelist
International Mercury Award Entrepreneurship Development For the best overall presentation of
2016-17 Institute of India (EDII) its 2015-2016 annual report.
Best Green Award Tata Steels Katamati Mine To recognition of its environmental
protection measures.
IBA-Banking Technology Karnataka Bank For Best financial inclusion
awards initiatives
Entrepreneur of the year Vivek Chaand Sehgal Chairman of Motherson Sumi
award Systems Ltd
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APPOINTMENTS
NAME OF THE PERSON DEPT/FIELD

Moussa Faki Mahamat Head of African Union
Rex Tillerson US secretary of state
Anushka Ambassador of Swachh Bharat campaign
Anand Kumar Gupta Director of NTPC
Sanjeev Sanyal Principal Economic Adviser
Vikram Limaye CEO, MD of National Stock Exchange
Arun M Kumar KPMG India chairman
Rajiv Singh CEO of Prasar Bharati
Arun M Kumar KPMG India Chairman
Ajay Tyagi SEBI chief
Hemant Bhargava MD of LIC
Neelu Rohmetra First woman Director of an IIM
Frank-Walter Steinmeier Germany's president
Tehmina Janjua Paks first woman foreign secretary
Joe Root Englands Test captain
CA Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey President of Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India (ICAI)
CA Naveen N.D. Gupta Vice President of Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI)
Edappadi K Palaniswami CM of Tamil Nadu
Ravi Shankar High Commissioner of India to the Republic of
Rwanda
Vikas Swarup Indias High Commissioner to Canada
T C A Ranganathan Non-Official Director of Indian Overseas Bank
Sunil Mehta Non-Official Director of Punjab National Bank
Neelam Damodaran&Atanu Kumar Executive Director of Bank of India
K Swaminathan General Manager in Indian Overseas Bank
Ashok Kumar Pradhan ED in United Bank of India
P Ramana Murthy Executive Director of Central Bank of India
Fareed Ahmed Khan ED in Punjab and Sind Bank.
M K Bhattacharya ED of Indian Bank
S Harishankar ED of Allahabad Bank
Shurhozelie Liezeitsu Nagaland CM
Hassan Ali Khaire Somalias Prime Minister
N Chandrasekaran Chairman of Indian Hotels
Tom Perez National chairman in U.S
Nand Kumar Sai Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled
Tribes (NCST)
Vikas Swarup Ministry of External AffairsSpokesperson
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Fiscal deficit reaches 94% of the budget estimate
Indias fiscal deficit in the first nine months to December was 5.01 trillion rupees($73.87 billion)
or 93.9 percent of the budgeted target for the fiscal year ending in March 2017, government data
showed . The fiscal deficit was 87.9 percent of the full-year target during the same period a year
ago.
Ministry of Defence to Set up Rs 1500 cr Defence Unit in Madhya Pradesh
The Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Narendra Singh Tomar stated
that the Ministry of Defence is set to open its Defence Unit in Morena district of Madhya
Pradesh. The unit would be set up in Kailaras and Sabalgarh tehsil areas and span over 969.735
hectare of land at a cost of Rs. 1500 crore.
Textile Ministry Inaugurates Meghalayas First Ever Apparel and Garment Centre
at Ampati
The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, along with Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr.
Mukul Sangma, inaugurated the first ever Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Meghalaya,
near Ampati in South West Garo Hills. The Apparel Centre will create employment
opportunities for both men and women of the region, thereby empowering them economically.
Railway Ministry Requests Separate Fund for Rashtriya Rail Safety Fund
The central government said that the Ministry of Railways has requested the Finance Ministry
for a separate fund for improving safety of the Indian Railways. Ministry of Railways has
requested Ministry of Finance to sanction a non-lapsible Rastriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)
totaling Rs 1,19,183 crore for safety improvements of Indian Railways.
Air India to get Rs. 1,800 cr from govtin 2017-2018
National carrier Air India will receive Rs 1,800 crore as equity infusion in 2017-18 under the
governments ongoing financial assistance and the amount is slightly higher than the allocation
for 2016-2017.The allocation has been made in the Union Budget for 2017-18, which was
presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
10,000 cr allocated for PSB recapitalization
The Union Budget has allocated Rs 10,000 crore towards recapitalisation of public sector banks
in FY2017-18. As per the Indradhanush plan, the public sector banks will be provided with Rs
10,000 crore in the next fiscal. Additional allocation would be made if required.
Income Tax Department (ITD) launches Operation Clean Money
Income Tax Department (ITD) has initiated Operation Clean Money. Initial phase of the
operation involves e-verification of large cash deposits made during 9th November to 30th
December 2016.The PAN holder can view the information using the link Cash Transactions
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2016 under Compliance section of the portal. The taxpayer will be able to submit online
explanation without any need to visit Income Tax office.
Payment regulatory board to be created in RBI: Budget 2017
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has proposed creation of a six-member Payments Regulatory
Board in the RBI, headed by its Governor, as part of bringing about structural reforms in the
payment eco-system.Department of Economic Affairs has recommended structural reforms in
the payment eco-system, including amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act,
2007.
Over 8 lakh people win Rs 133 crore under digital payment scheme
Over 8 lakh people have been awarded a total of Rs 133 crore in the last 50 days under the Niti
Aayogs scheme to promote digital payments. The government on December 25 had launched
two schemes Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana to give boost to digital
transaction. The schemes would remain open till April 14.
Rs 10,000 penalty for late filing of income tax returns
As with the presentation of the Union Budget 2017, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has made it
easier for the small tax-payers, the budget has however proposed a fee for delayed filing of
income tax return. If the income tax return is furnished after the due date but on or before the
December 31 of the assessment year, there will be a fine of Rs 5,000 imposed.
Govt to set up dairy development fund with corpus of Rs 8,000 cr
To augment income of farmers, budget has proposed setting-up of a Dairy Processing and
Infrastructure Development Fund with a corpus of Rs 8,000 crores over three years. Dairy is an
important source of additional income for the farmers. A Dairy Processing and Infrastructure
Development Fund would be set-up in NABARD with a corpus of Rs 8,000 crores over 3 years.
Arun jaitley unveils education reforms, to set up National Testing Agency
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has unleashed measures to revamp the countrys education
system, including setting up a National Testing Agency to conduct all entrance examinations for
higher education institutions. Unveiling the budgetary proposals for 201718 in Parliament,
Jaitley said the government proposes to establish a National Testing Agency as an autonomous
and self-sustained premier testing organisation to conduct all entrance examinations for higher
education institutions.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela Kicked off in Faridabad, 20 countries to

participate
The 31st edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela started with amid tight security. To be
inaugurated by Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the carnival is a 15-day affair in
Faridabad, Haryana. Over 20 countries are participating in the event with Egypt as a partner
country this year, 2017 and Jharkhand as the theme state.
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Govt to launch TIES to fund export infrastructure
A new scheme will be launched in 2017-18 to create infrastructure for exports, a move aimed at
reducing transaction costs for traders. A new and restructured central scheme with a focus on
export infrastructure, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) will be launched
in 2017-18.
UIDAI clamps down on 50 fraud sites offering Aadhaar services
In a massive crackdown on unauthorised agencies offering Aadhaar-related services illegally and

charging excessive money from the public, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has
shut down 12 such websites and 12 mobile apps available on the Google Playstore.
Rail Museum celebrates 40th anniversary
The National Rail Museum just entered into its 40th year. It houses the largest collection of life-
size rail exhibits. It was recently renovated and reopened for public. The museum also has
interactive screens, miniature working models to inform the visitors of its main attractions.
Sula Fest begins in Maharashtra
The tenth edition of Sula Fest has begun on 03rd February 2017 at the Sula Vineyards in Nashik,
Maharashtra. The line-up for the three-day festival, which will also feature professional wine
tastings and grape stomping, includes artists Infected Mushroom and Nucleya.
Centre of Integrative Oncology inaugurated in New Delhi
The Centre of Integrative Oncology (CIO) was inaugurated at the National Institute of Cancer
Prevention and Research (NICPR) at Noida on the eve of world Cancer Day (4th February).
NITI Aayog launches India Innovation Index
To make India an innovation-driven economy, NITI Aayog, Department of Industrial Policy &
Promotion (DIPP) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) together launched a mega
initiative India Innovation Index that will rank states on Innovations through countrys first
online innovation index portal that will capture data on innovation from all Indian states on
innovation and regularly update it in real time.
Link all mobile numbers to Aadhaar within a year: SC to Govt
The Supreme Court has directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government to
register details of identity of every mobile user within a year. The apex court said that there are
over 100 crore mobile subscribers while making it mandatory for all mobile subscribers,
including those having pre-paid SIM cards, to have their phone number linked to Aadhaar
without fail within one year.
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President Pranab to bloom at Delhis Mughal Gardens by March first week
As the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan reopen first time for visitors will see roses
named after the Indian President and his wife, growing next to Abraham Lincoln, Christian
Dior and Queen Elizabeth .
President Pranab, a crossbred variety of rose which was planted last month along with another
variety of rose named Suvra Mukherjee, will blossom in spring. The Presidents wife passed
away in August 2015.
Govt forms panel to improve Haj policy,look into subsidy issue
The Centre has formed a six-member committee to give a report on ways to improve Indias Haj
policy and also look into issue of subsidy to the pilgrimage in light of 2012 Supreme Court order
on gradually reducing and abolishing it by 2022. Former Consul General of India (CGI), Jeddah,
Afzal Amanullah has been appointed as convener of the high-level panel.
India opens coal-mining market for first time in 40 years
India is getting ready to open up commercial coal mining to private companies for the first time
in four decades, with the aim of shifting the worlds third-biggest coal importer towards energy
self-sufficiency. The step may allow miners an opportunity to benefit from one of the worlds
biggest coal markets.
Health Ministry launches Measles Rubella vaccination campaign
With an aim to eradicate Rubella and Measles from India, the Union Health Ministry has
launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, targeting 41 crore children across
the country. According to the ministry, after the campaign the MR vaccine will be introduced in
routine immunisation, replacing the two doses of measles vaccine given to children at 9-12
months and 16-24 months of age.
Goa witnesses its highest voter turnout at 83%
Assembly elections in Goa saw a record 83% turnout, higher than the 82.2% recorded in 2012.
Constituencies with multiple contests and several political parties in the fray, witnessed very
high polling. The Election Commission successfully tried out several of its polling reforms
including VVPAT.
Central Delhis Dalhousie Road renamed as Dara Shikoh Road
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has renamed Dalhousie Road as Dara Shikoh Road.
Dara Shikoh was the elder brother of Mughal emperor Aurganzeb. The road, named after Lord
Dalhousie who served as governor general of India from 1848-56, is located less than 2 km from
Rashtrapati Bhawan.
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Railways plans first train on Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Railway Ministry is set to approve the project, which will connect the Union Territorys
capital city in the south with the largest town on the north Andaman island currently linked by a
350-km bus service that takes over 14 hours and a ship that takes around 24 hours. There is no
air connectivity.
Indian Navy launches underwater harbour defence and surveillance system
An Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System was inaugurated by Vice
Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The
system will enhance the security of valuable assets against asymmetric threats.
Govt to open 56 Post Office Passport Seva Kendra facilitie
Head Post Offices as Passport Seva Kendra, the government has now decided to scale up this
programme by opening 56 such facilities across the country. The Ministry of External Affairs
and the Department of Posts had earlier decided to join hands to deliver passport- related
services to the citizens.
Gujarat establishes cashless system for PDS
Gujarat has become the first state in the country for establishing cashless system in its public
distribution system (PDS) of food grains. The beneficiaries who are eligible for subsidised food
grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will now need to carry only Aadhaar cards
for getting their food grains in Gujarat.
Aadhaar mandatory for receiving subsidised foodgrains from PDS shops
The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for availing subsidised foodgrains from the
ration shops with a view to better target 1.4 lakh crore subsidy under the food security law. The
government has given time to those not having the biometric-based unique identification
number to apply for Aadhaar by June 30.
Uber launches UberHIRE in 9 cities
After Ola, US-based cab aggregator Uber has now launched UberHIRE in nine Indian cities,
including Delhi, Mumbai and Pune that will allow users to hire a cab for up to 12 hours.
UberHIRE is a time-based offering that allows users to make trips punctuated with multiple
stop overs. Ubers local rival Ola had launched a similar service Rentals last year, which is
available in 85 Indian cities.
Election Commission asks HRD to introduce electoral literacy in schools
The Election Commission wants students to learn from the secondary-school level how to
become responsible voters. In a bid to educate 15 to 17-year-old future voters, who would enrol
as voters when they turn 18, the Election Commission has asked the Union HRD ministry to
introduce electoral literacy in the curriculum at the secondary school level.
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2nd edition of International Spice Conference to begin at Thiruvanantapuram
The three-day International Spice Conference, beginning on Feb 12, will deliberate on effective
strategies and innovative technologies to improve the livelihood of spices farmers and address
challenges being faced by the industry. More than 700 delegates representing various states,
Industry leaders from 40 countries, International Spice Associations representatives, Policy
makers and End-Users are among those participting.
Single entrance exam for engineering from 2018
tage has been set for single NEET-like examination for entrance to engineering colleges from the
academic year 2018-19, with the HRD ministry asking the All India Council for Technical
Education (AICTE) to spell out suitable norms for holding such an exercise.
11th Aero India 2017 to be held at Yelahanka in Bengaluru from Feb 14
The 11th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition Aero India 2017
will be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka from February 14-18. Aero India which began in
1996, has carved a niche for itself as a premium aerospace and aviation exhibition in the
international arena and has become one of the most sought after exhibitions in the Asian region
in terms of participation from across the globe. The event is being organised and conducted by
the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO).
Kambala Bill passed in Karnataka Assembly
Karnataka assembly has passed a bill to facilitate the conduct of Kambala, a traditional annual
buffalo race in marshy fields, held in the coastal districts of the state. The clamour for Kambala
was spurred by the success of the stir in Tamil Nadu for allowing Jallikattu, which led to the
state government bringing a similar amendment to the Central act.
India Pharma 2017 & India Medical Device 2017 International Conference
inaugurated
Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar
inaugurated the 2nd edition of India Pharma & India Medical Device International Conference
in Bengaluru. The three day event, with the Vision For Responsible Healthcare, is being
organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers and
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) from 11th-13th February, 2017.
Indian holds record for longest cycle journey in a country
Prasad Erande from Pune travelled 14,576 kilometres on a cycle across India, establishing a
Guinness World Record for the longest journey by bicycle in a single country. He covered the
distance between June 22 and November 9 in 2014.
Government launches iOS version of BHIM payments app
The Bharat Interface for Money, or BHIM, an app developed by the government to further its
cashless push, has been finally launched on the iOS platform . With its debut on iOS, it is
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currently supporting over 35 banks such as State Bank of India, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI
Bank, IDBI Bank, Union Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
UNESCO Nature Festival begins in Himachal Pradesh
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh was
accorded the Unesco World Heritage Site status. The Unesco World Heritage Site Committee at
Doha in Qatar granted the status to the park under the criteria of exceptional natural beauty
and conservation of biological diversity.
Government to set up Defence Procurement Organisation
A key committee set up by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to suggest ways to restructure
the acquisition wing will submit its report which will pitch in for a separate set up for defence
procurement. The panel was set up in May last year by Parrikar following recommendations of
the Dhirendra Singh Committee, which had given inputs for the new Defence Procurement
Policy.
Government unveils first phase of Station Redevelopment Programme
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has unveiled the first phase of the Station Redevelopment
Programme as part of which tenders are being floated for 23 of a total of 400 stations set to get a
facelift.
The entire programme is estimated to attract investment of upto Rs 1 lakh crore by developers
and it is estimated that the Railways will generate a surplus of Rs 10,000 crore which can be
invested in other modernisation programmes.
CBDT signs four more Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance has
entered into four more unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). The four APAs signed
pertain to the Manufacturing, Financial and Information Technology sectors of the economy.
The international transactions covered in these agreements include Contract Manufacturing, IT
Enabled Services and Software Development Services.
Arunachal Becomes First NE State to Implement e-Cabinet Solution
Arunachal to become first state to introduce e-Cabinet. (Image courtesy: Shutterstock)

Arunachal Pradesh has become the first state in the northeast to implement e-Cabinet solution
for the state cabinet members. The entire business of the Cabinet can be conducted using the e-
Cabinet solution.
Cabinet approves PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan for digital education
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Pradhan
Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) to make 6 crore rural households
digitally literate. The outlay for this project is Rs.2,351.38 crore to usher in digital literacy in
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rural India by March,.2019. This is in line with the announcement made by Finance Minister in
the Union Budget 2016-17.
Elahiganj becomes West Bengals first village to ban alcohol
Elahiganj in Murshidabad district has become the first village in Bengal to ban sale and
consumption of alcohol and narcotics within its limits and impose a stiff fine for those flouting
the rule. About 6,000 residents of Elahiganj, about 215 km north of Kolkata, decided to crack
down on the sale and consumption of alcohol after six people died after consumed hooch in
Galsi of neighbouring Burdwan district in January.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival begins
One of the most unique festivals is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival that will be held from February
8 to 10 this year. It is held with Jaisalmer Fort in the backdrop and has a bunch of interesting
competitions like the best moustache competition, turban-tying competition and even a Mr
Desert pageant.
Jharkhand CM launches UJALA scheme
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has launched energy efficient fans and LED tube lights
under the Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA) scheme in the
state. The state government set a goal to electrify the rest 23 lakh households by March 2019.
India scraps funding ties with Gates Foundation on immunisation
A group backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that works on Indias immunisation
programmes will now be funded by the health ministry, a government official said, a move in
part prompted by fears foreign donors could influence policy making.
CBDT signs four unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced signing of four more unilateral
Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) on 6th February, 2017. The four APAs signed pertain to the
manufacturing, financial and Information Technology sectors of the economy. The international
transactions covered in these agreements include contract manufacturing, IT enabled services
and software development services.
Assam Government launches Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana
Assam Government has launched Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY)
to bring about paradigm shift towards holistic development of villages in the state. The scheme
is a mega mission aimed at bringing in revolutionary changes by doubling the farm income in
the State.
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Lok Sabha passes Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Rajya Sabha has passed the Payment of Wages Amendment Bill 2017 which allows employers to
pay wages in non-cash mode without formal approval from workers, a day after the Lok Sabha
passed it. The bill will now be sent to the President for his assent.
Intellectual Property index: India remains near bottom
India remains near the bottom in an international Intellectual Property (IP) index by being
ranked 43rd out of 45 countries, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerces
Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC).
The U.S., the U.K., Germany, Japan, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Singapore, South
Korea and Italy completed the top 10 ranks.
Only two countries were ranked below India Pakistan (44th) and Venezuela (45th).
ISKCONs mid-day meal scheme bags quality award
International Society for Krishna Consciousnesss (ISKCON) food relief foundation Annamrita
has bagged the IMC Ramakrishna Bajaj National Quality award. Annamrita, which provides
food to over 12 lakh students daily through its mid-day meal programme across India, has
bagged the award in the NGO category for second time in a row.
Zoom Air the new Indian airline starts service
Indias latest private airline, Zoom Air, will start daily scheduled operations on the Delhi-
Kolkata-Durgapur-Delhi sector from February 15. The same will be extended to Amritsar in the
afternoon, followed by Delhi-Surat-Bhavnagar-Delhi, an evening service.The airline becomes
Indias 10th scheduled carrier for domestic skies presently, with others being Air India, Air India
Express, Jet Airways, Jetlite, Indigo, Spicejet, GoAir, Vistara and Air Asia India.
Three new districts to be formed in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said Jhargram, Kalimpong and Asansol would
be soon declared new districts. The proposal has already been approved by the cabinet and the
new districts would be announced as soon as the Calcutta High Court gives its nod.
Sachin Tendulkar adopts another village for transformation
Indian cricket icon and Rajya Sabha MP Sachin Tendulkar is set to adopt Donja in Osmanabad
(Maharashtra) under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna. Tendulkar has sanctioned over Rs 4 crore
from his MPLAD fund for development of Donja. The amount will be spent on development of a
new school building, a water supply scheme that would provide potable water to each
household, concrete roads and a sewage line attached to the same.
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2nd edition of International Spice Conference to begin at Thiruvanantapuram
Second edition of International Spice Conference was inaugurated at Thiruvananthapuram. The

Conference is hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) which represents about
to 80% of spices exports from India in association with Cochin Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. Spices and herbs are opening up huge opportunities in food and beverages, medicine
and cosmetics.
Indias first floating elementary school opens in Manipur
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the country, has now become home to first of its kind
Loktak Floating Elementary School. Situated about 50 km from Imphal, the school will not only
cater to the need of the children but for the illiterate adults as well.The school will be
accommodating around 25 students and two teachers from the community.
The wettest place in the world is in Meghalaya
The village of Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives 467 inches of rain per year. One of the most
fascinating and beautiful features in the region are the living bridges spanning rain-soaked
valleys. The state of Meghalaya India is the rainiest spot on Earth.
IDFC Asset Management Company launches Open-Ended Fixed Income Fund
IDFC Asset Management Company has launched an open-ended fixed income fund and hopes to
mop-up revenue in the range of Rs 300 crore-500 crore from the scheme in the NFO period
itself. The Credit Opportunities Fund opens for subscription on February 14 and closes on
February 27. It will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase from March 6.
Nomura Projects Indias GDP at 5.7 % in January-March quarter, 2017
According to the global financial services major Nomura, the GDP growth of India is estimated
to remain low at 5.7% in the January-March quarter, 2017 due to the effect of demonetization of
high value currency.Nomura expects the economic growth to slow from 7.3% GDP growth in the
July-September 2016 to 6% in the October-December 2016 quarter and further to 5.7% in the
first quarter of 2017 ending March 2017.
UNESCOs Nature Fest held in Himachal Pradesh
France based UNESCO organised the two-day Nature Fest at the World Heritage Site Great
Himalayan National Park (GNHP) at Sairopa in Kullu district in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
The festival was organised in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and would
be attended by prominent conservationists.
International Coin Fair Begins in Thiruvananthapuram
The International Coin Fair inaugurated at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram,

Kerala by the Kerala state Minister for Tourism, Cooperation and Devaswoms Kadakampally
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Surendran.The three day exhibition 13-15 February, 2017 has been organized by the District
Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The exhibition has been organized to showcase more than
2,500 coins from around 500 regions including those from the time of empires and princely
states.
Haryana govt imposes curbs on liquor consumption
The Haryana government has notified that no person shall consume liquor at a place which has
not been licensed or authorised under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, except at ones
dwelling.Announcing this state Excise and Taxation Minister Captain Abhimanyu said
consumption of liquor on or along the road, in a park/garden/market, along a river side as well
as in a vehicle, whether running or parked, shall now be an offence.
Airbus signs MoU for setting up centre of excellence in Hyderabad
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a Centre of

Excellence for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad, together with the Telangana
government, National Skill Development Corporation India and AEROCAMPUS France.The
Centre, which will come up at Begumpet Airport, will train candidates ranging from high school
graduates to experienced aviation personnel on aircraft manufacturing, logistics, Maintenance,
Repair and Overhaul (MRO), ground handling and special aviation processes.
Science Express Train flagged off in Delhi
The worlds largest science exhibition on wheels, the Science Express themed on climate
change this year was flagged off by Indias Science, Environment and Railway ministers.The 16-
coach AC Science Express Climate Action Special train, custom-built by the Indian Railways,
will embark on a 205-day journey of over 19,000 km to cover 68 locations across India till
September 8, 2017.
Airbus signs MoU for setting up centre of excellence in Hyderabad
Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a Centre of

Excellence for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad, together with the Telangana
government, National Skill Development Corporation India and AEROCAMPUS France.The
Centre, which will come up at Begumpet Airport, will train candidates ranging from high school
graduates to experienced aviation personnel on aircraft manufacturing, logistics, Maintenance,
Repair and Overhaul (MRO), ground handling and special aviation processes.
J&K govt launches e-Prison project
The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched the e-Prison project to enumerate jail
inmates in the State, where numbers of detainees keep swelling during unrest. State Minister of
Information Technology Molvi Imran Raza Ansari has inaugurated the project in Jammu.The
information about jail inmates is currently being maintained manually. To avoid delays in
processing the information and manage all the jails efficiently, the automation of prison
department has been started.
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Cabinet approves merger of 5 associate banks with SBI
The Cabinet has approved the merger of five associate banks with the State Bank of India (SBI),
which will catapult any bank from India to among the top 50 global lenders for the first time.
The merger does not include Bharatiya Mahila Bank.The five associate banks are State Bank of
Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and
State Bank of Travancore.The merger will create a bank with a projected asset book of Rs 37
lakh crore by March 31. As of December 2016, the asset book was Rs 33.5 lakh crore.
Service of delivering Milk for babies in trains launched by RailYatri
Startup RailYatri.in, a train travel marketplace, has launched milk delivery service for train
travellers. Warm milk will be delivered in specially designed spill-proof thermo packages. The
milk for babies can be ordered through the RailYatri app and delivered at the designated
stations.RailYatri.in analysis found that in more than 80% instances, trains are not prepared to
serve baby food or milk to passengers. Long delays and uncertainties that often mark train travel
add to this persistent problem leaving travelling parents in a big fix.
Food-only physical outlets to be opened by Amazon in India
India could be the second country to see Amazon brick-and-mortar stores, with the Seattle-
based company having sought the governments approval to open food-only outlets along with
an online platform to sell these locally produced items.The US giant plans to undertake retail
trading of food products (produced or manufactured in India) to customers at any location
through any channel, offline or online, including e-commerce, across India.
India Ranked 143 in the 2017 Index of Economic Freedom
India ranked a dismal 143rd in an annual index of economic freedom by a top American
thinktank, behind its several South Asian neighbours including Pakistan, as progress on market-
oriented reforms has been uneven.The Heritage Foundation in its Index of Economic Freedom
report said despite India sustaining an average annual growth of about 7 per cent over the past
five years, growth is not deeply rooted in policies that preserve economic freedom.
Radha Mohan Singh Inaugurated 2017 Indian Seed Congress in Kolkata
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated
the Indian Seed Congress 2017 in Kolkata.The theme of Seed Congress is Seed of Joy.2017
Indian Seed Congress in Kolkata. The theme is in line with vision of PM Modi government to
bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of farmers by doubling their farm income by 2022.
Kerala cabinet Gives In-Principle Approval for Greenfield Airport at Sabarimala
The Kerala cabinet has gave in-principle approval for setting up a greenfield airport at pilgrim
centre Sabarimala. The government-run Kerala State Industrial Development Corp. (KSIDC)
will conduct a study on the proposed airport.In November, the union government had agreed to
issue a no objection certificate (NOC) for an airstrip near Sabarimala.
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Himachal Pradesh Governor Inaugurates Campaign against Drug Addiction
Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat has inaugurated the campaign against drug
addiction organised by Shimla Press Club in Shimla, he said the state should be made drug
free as it was ruinous for people, especially for youth and society at large.The Governor
announced rupees grant of Rs one lakh to the Press Club Shimla for organising the campaign
against drugs.
Cabinet Approvals on 17 February 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given some cabinet approvals. The cabinet approvals are as
follows:
The Union Government chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved setting
up of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha, Sehore in Madhya Pradesh
for meeting the emerging food security challenges.
The Cabinet approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Rwanda
which will enable the airlines of the two countries to operate services in each others
territory.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval to award contract in 31
contract areas under Discovered Small Fields Policy 2016 undertaken last year
The Union Cabinet approved the merger of the State Bank of India with its 5 subsidiary
banks namely State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur; State Bank of Hyderabad; State Bank of
Mysore; State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore.
Khadi made compulsory for all Central govt hospitals
The Health Ministry has ordered all of its 23 government hospitals to use only Khadi products.
The Khadi & Village Industries Commission has bagged orders running into crores of rupees
from private sector as well as government agencies including health ministry, railways and Air
India during the past six months.
Govt makes Aadhaar must for availing university scholarships
To avail benefits under the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University
students, applicants will now have to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar card or undergo
Aadhaar authentication, the human resource development (HRD) ministry has said.Those
receiving these scholarships but who dont have an Aadhaar card will have to apply for
enrolment by June 30 this year, the ministry said in a notification.
Mil Banche programme organised in all govt schools of Madhya Pradesh
The Mile Banche Madhya Pradesh programme has been getting an overwhelming response
with over 1.26 lakh volunteers including MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan besides
pensioners, mediapersons, homemakers and other professionals getting registered to play the
role of a teacher for a day in government-run schools.Over 31,000 people have volunteered,
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including chief minister and several of his ministerial colleagues for Madhya Pradesh
governments novel project on a participatory learning to be held in the state on February 18.
UDAN scheme to increase number of airports by 50
The implementation of the regional air-connectivity scheme, UDAN, will see the number of
operational airports in the country shoot up by over 50, while the cost of travelling will come
down to as low as Rs.2,500 for up to an hour of air journey, said Jayant Sinha, Minister of State
for Civil Aviation.There are 75 small operational airports in the country, and this number will
increase to over 125 with the successful implementation of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
the new scheme through which the government hopes to make flying viable to Tier II and III
cities.
ICGS AYUSH the Indian Coast Guard Ship installed at Kochi
The Cochin Shipyard has delivered the 13th of the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Anmol
under construction for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel will be operated from the Coast
Guard station at Haldia.As on date, 12 ships out of 20 have been handed over to Coast Guard,
the 15th ship has been launched, and keel of 16th ship has been laid.The Shipyard has
successfully delivered 12 ships in a span of just 20 months with an average delivery interval of
1.6 months, against the contractual commitment of three months interval.
Gambia invites President Mukherjee on eve of the countries Independence Day
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to
the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia on the eve of their
Independence Day (February 18, 2017).
Nagaland CM TR Zeliang announces resignation
Ending more than two weeks of standoff with Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC),
Nagaland chief minister TR Zeliang resigned from his post.The 64-year-old met Governor PB
Acharya at the Raj Bhawan in Kohima and submitted his resignation, hours after he reached the
state capital from Delhi.Zeliang had been under intense pressure to quit following an ultimatum
given by the NTAC.
Govt launches its own QR code BharatQR for cashless payments
BharatQR, another e-payment medium which has been termed the worlds first interoperable
and low cost acceptance solution, was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India,
MasterCard and Visa.This is another step in the direction of making India a less-cash economy,
said a joint press release by the companies.
India wins InternationalFashion Showcase at London Fashion Week
India beat 25 other countries to win The International Fashion Showcase Country Award at the
London Fashion Week for its exhibition The Indian Pastoralists.Indias exhibit consisted of
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garments showcased by the Indian labels p.e.l.l.a, Kaleekal, Ka-Sha, ikai and Antar-
Agni.Notably, this was the first time that India participated in the competition.
Kohli 1st Indian athlete to sign aRs.100 cr deal with a brand
Virat Kohli has become the first Indian athlete to sign a deal worth over 100 crore with a
brand, after signing up with Puma.With the reportedly eight-year-long deal, Kohli will join
Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Thierry Henry as Pumas global ambassador.Puma will launch a
signature line of sports lifestyle products with a special logo and brand identity.
Drilling begins for Indias 1st undersea bullet train line
Indias first undersea bullet train route has commenced.Stretching over 7km, this route will be a
part of Indias first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. The
construction of the corridor is expected to begin in 2018.Once built, the underwater passage will
considerably reduce the distance between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and will give passengers
the thrill of riding under the sea at a speed of 350km per hour.
India is worlds largest arms importer: SIPRI
India is the worlds largest importer of major arms in the last five years and its overseas
procurement is far greater than that of China and Pakistan.As per latest report of the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for 13% of the total global arms
import between 2012 and 16 which is highest among all the countries.Saudi Arabia was the
second largest arms importer in 2012-16, with an increase of 212% compared with 200711.
Arms imports by Qatar went up by 245%.According to the report, Russia accounted for a 23%
share of global exports in the period 201216 and 70% of its arms exports went to India,
Vietnam, China and Algeria.
Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned
Vice admiral A R Karve, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Southern Naval Command,

commissioned CGS Ayush, the final vessel in the series of twenty fast patrol vessels (FPVs)
designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL).The 50m long ship having maximum speed
of 33 knots.ICGS AYUSH is fitted with state-of- the-art navigational and communication
equipment including Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Machinery Control System
(MCS).FPVs are intended to help secure Indian waters by patrolling within the Exclusive
Economic Zone and help in fisheries protection.
Maharashtra Government approves cloud seeding project for 2017 monsoon
Maharashtra Government has approved Rs.250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme during 2017
monsoon season to produce sufficient rain.Under this programme, weather scientists using
aircrafts will spray chemicals (silver iodide) over clouds clouds hovering above Solapur district,
a rain shadow region of Western Ghats in the state.
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Haryana CM, Gov confer Bhim Award to 42 sports persons
The BJP led Haryana government gave away the Bhim awards to 42 sports persons of the state,
spotting them for their outstanding performance at the national and international fronts
between the years 2013 and 2017.The awards were given by the Chief Minister Manohar Lal
Khattar and Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki at a function held at Haryana Raj Bhawan.A total
prize money of Rs 2.10 crore was distributed among the 42 sports persons and the awardees
would be presented Bhim award that would get in cash, a memento, citation, blazer, tie and a
scarf.
Health Ministry launches Saathiya Kits to improve adolescent health
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, Union health ministry launched Saathiya resource kit
that is specially designed by experts to help peer educators, especially in villages, discuss
sensitive issues and answer teenage queries in their community in an informed manner.More
than 1.5 lakh teenagers are being trained across India to address queries of its 26 crore
adolescents on reproductive and sexual health, substance abuse and mental health among other
issues concerning their age.
Telangana Govt signs MoU with NABARD for Rs 874 crore loan
The Telangana Government has signed a MoU withNABARD for a loan of Rs 874 crore to the
Horticulture Development Corporation to cover 3.15 lakh acres under Micro Irrigation scheme
for 2016-17 and 2017-18.A Government release quoted Agriculture Secretary Parthasarathi as
saying agriculture in the state is rain-fed and about 42.82 lakh acres depend on borewells for
irrigation.
Delhi to get Indias first heliport
The capital will get Indias first dedicated heliport for flying in and out of Delhi to nearby areas
in choppers. Aviation secretary R N Choubey said the Rs 100-crore project will be inaugurated
on February 28 and will be an integrated one with a chopper maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO) unit part of the complex at Rohini.
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu inaugurates Composite Regional Centre in Itanagar
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the presence of Union Minister of State for
Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Composite Regional Centre at Itanagar Banquet Hall,
Arunachal Pradesh.
To create resources and infrastructure required for developing services for persons with
disabilities with an outlay of Rs.20 Crore.The centre is established under the National Institute
for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata of Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and Govt. of India.
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MoU signed for welfare of Handicraft Artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes
Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have come together to
step up interventions for the economic development of an estimated 12 lakh scheduled caste
artisans. An MoU was signed between Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of
Textiles and National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), a
Central PSU under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with the objective of working
together to improve the earnings of artisans across the country, belonging to Scheduled Castes
categories.
Gujarat Assembly passes Aadhaar Bill, 2017
The Gujarat Assembly passed Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies,
Benefits and Services) Bill, 2017 to empower the state government to use Aadhaar number as
the sole identifier for the delivery of various subsidies and benefits in an effective and targeted
manner.This bill will help the government create a credible system to authenticate the identity
of actual beneficiaries.
Apollo Hospitals Foundation signs agreement with WWF-India
Apollo Hospitals Foundation will provide medical support to forest department employees and
local communities in the areas where WWF-India operates for conservation. The frontline forest
staff and members of the local community form an important part of our work and medical
treatment and health check-ups for them will go a long way in ensuring that people have access
to medical care.
Tamil Nadu govt announce Rs 2,247 cr for drought affected farmers
Tamil Nadu government lead by Edappadi K Palaniswami has sanctioned Rs 2,247 crore to
drought-hit farmers in Tamil Nadu after the report submitted to the government by senior
officials.The report suggested that Rs 2,247 crore for 50,34,237 acres in which crops were
cultivated during samba season.
Government launches Cyber Swachhta Kendra to protect citizens
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) has launched Cyber Swachhta Kendra a new
desktop and mobile security solution for a secure cyber space in the country. The new solution
will notify, enable cleaning and secure systems of end-users to prevent further infections.
Tobacco food products like gutkha, pan masala banned in Punjab
Punjab government has prohibited the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of food
products containing tobacco or nicotine like gutkha and pan masala in the state for one year.
The ban also applies on processed, flavoured, scented, chewing tobacco, whether they are
packaged or unpackaged or sold as one or separate products.
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E-learning centres opened at public libraries by J&K govt
Jammu and Kashmir government has launched E-learning program by installing computers in
the states public libraries, thus assisting students to prepare for competitive exams like JEE,
CET and so on. The SPS library at Moulana Azad Road has been the governments choice to
initiate a program to provide quality coaching and comprehensive solutions to NEET, JEE and
CET aspirants.
Antyodaya Express launched by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu
Equipped with cushioned seats, aluminum composite panels, and LED lights, the Antyodaya
Express, a new fully unreserved train for the common man with specially designed colourful
coaches was unveiled by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. Ready to be pressed into service on
busy routes, the first Antyodaya Express will be launched between Mumbai and Tatanagar, and
the second will be between Ernakulam and Howrah shortly.
Govt eyes Rs 3,809 cr via gold schemes 2016-17, new bonds from Feb 27
The government will launch the next tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds on February 27 as part of
efforts to mop up Rs 3,809 crore from all the gold schemes during this fiscal year. The three gold
schemesSovereign Gold Bonds, Gold Monetisation Scheme and Indian Gold Coinwere
unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 as part of the efforts to reduce imports of the
yellow metal.
Haryana makes must for private schools to set up solar plants
The Haryana government has made it mandatory for all private schools to install solar systems
to make them self-sufficient in the field of electricity. A special grant at the rate of Rs 20,000
per kilowatt is being given to these schools for installing solar power plants.During the summer
vocations in the schools, in the month of June and July, the electricity to be generated from
these solar power plants would be added to the grid, the record of which would be maintained
through net metering.
National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala
National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017, one of the significant biodiversity mega events of
the country, will be held from February 22. Hosted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the
present edition of the biennial event comprises an array of programmes including conference,
exhibition, capacity building workshops and Children Biodiversity Congress.
Cabinet approvals: 23 February 2017
Some of the Cabinet Approvals have been approved by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The
Cabinet Approvals are as follows:
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The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Australia for promotion and development of
cooperation in civil aviation security.
Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Greece. The
Agreement has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural
exchange between the two countries bringing it in tune with the developments in the civil
aviation sector.
Cabinet approves signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in
the field of agriculture and allied sectors
PM Modi unveils 112-foot tall Shiva statue in Coimbatore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a 112-foot tall bust of Adiyogi Shiva at the Isha
Foundation at the foothills of Velliangiri Mountains. The bust, made of steel, weighs 500 tonnes
and it took 2.5 years to design it and in eight months to build it.This is the tallest bust in the
planet, recognising the first yogis unparalleled contribution to humanity. The iconic bust
symbolises liberation, representing the 112 ways in which one can attain to ones ultimate
through the science of yoga.
Govt launches app to provide GST updates to taxpayers
The Finance Ministry has launched a mobile app for Goods and Services Tax so as to provide
updates to taxpayers on the new tax regime which is to be rolled out from July 1. Minister of
State for Finance Santosh Gangwar said the Centre and states are in the final lap of discussions
for the implementation of GST which will usher in one-nation one-tax regime.
74th Central Excise Day celebrated by CBEC
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) celebrated 74th Central Excise Day on 24th
February in New Delhi.CBEC is the single largest contributor to the national exchequer with the
collection of Rs.8,50,000 crore a year.Olympic silver medalist, P.V. Sindhu was the guest of
honor. The history of Central Excise day dates back to 1944 when Central Excise Act helped in
levying the Central Excise Duty.Justice Satish Chandra, President, Customs, Central Excise and
Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) was the chief guest.
Maneka Gandhi announces compensation fund for child abuse victims
Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has announced the setting up of a
compensation fund under Nirbhaya scheme to provide financial help to children who are victims
of sexual crimes. The money for this fund will be drawn from Nirbhaya Scheme and will be
monitored directly by the Women and Child Development Ministry.
Tata Power Renewable commissions 15 MW solar plant in Telangana
Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, has synchronised
its 15 MW solar plant at Bellampally in Telangana, thereby taking the Tata Powers total
installed operating capacity past 10, 500 MW mark. The company has won the project in the
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Phase 1 bidding process in Telangana, and its commissioning is in keeping with the conditions
and timelines in the PPA.
Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat to be developed under HRIDAY
Ministry of Urban Development has approved development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan
Circuit in Gujarat at a cost of Rs.16.27 cr under the Central Scheme Heritage City Development
and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).HRIDAY National Empowered Committee chaired by Shri
Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (UD) has approved the circuit connecting the famous Dwarkadish Haveli
and Hanuman Dandi, the only temple housing Hanumanji and his son Makardhwaj, in Dwarka
district of Gujarat. There are two important water bodies along the circuit viz., Ranchod Talav
and Shankhudhar Lake.
Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY
Sikkim has become the 22nd state to join UDAY the scheme designed to nurse debt-laden
electricity distribution companies back to health which will in turn hand it an overall benefit
of Rs 356 crore.The Government of India and Sikkim signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) under the Scheme Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY), for operational
improvement of the states Power Distribution Department.
AYUSH Minister to inaugurate the World Integrated Medicine Forum on

Regulation of Homeopathic Medicine
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik will inaugurate the
World Integrated Medicine Forum on Regulation of Homeopathic Medicinal Products: National
and Global strategies in New Delhi.This is the first-of-its-kind forum considering the increased
perception of the international world towards India as a key player in the progress of the
homoeopathy drug industry.
GST could raise Indias GDP growth to over 8%, says IMF
The adoption of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) could help raise Indias medium-term gross
domestics product (GDP) growth to over 8% and create a single national market for enhancing
the efficiency of the movement of goods and services, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
said. The IMF said larger than expected gains from the GST and further structural reforms could
lead to significantly stronger growth, while a sustained period of continued low global energy
prices would also be beneficial to India.
Government ropes in Shilpa Shetty as Swachh Bharat brand ambassador
The government has roped in actress Shilpa Shetty as a brand ambassador for the Modi
governments cleanliness initiative Swachh Bharat Mission. The 41-year-old actress will feature
in TV and radio campaigns aimed at discouraging people from littering on roads. Soon,
campaign posters featuring her will be displayed at various places across the country.
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Union Government allows Tamil Nadu to increase number of workdays under

MGNREGA
The government has raised the workdays under its flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) from 100 to 150 for tribals, a move that will benefit 14
lakh families. The Union Cabinet decision will come into effect from April this year. Those
tribals who have received land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, will be eligible for
additional 50 days of wage employment under the rural job scheme.
Rajasthan 2nd largest crude oil producer in country
Rajasthan has become the second largest crude oil producer in the country after the offshore
field Bombay High, Governor Kalyan Singh said in the Assembly highlighting the achievements
of the state government. Delivering his speech on the first day of the Budget Session, Singh said
oilfields in the state were producing nearly 90 lakh tones oil annually, which is 24 per cent of the
total domestic crude oil production.
Indias first hill station bicycle path inaugurated in Darjeeling
The Hill authorities inaugurated Indias first mountain cycle park along a 20-km stretch inside
a forest in the Senchel wildlife sanctuary.This is the first dedicated cycle park in any hill station
in the country. Tourists have one more reason to visit their favourite hill station Darjeeling.
Besides trekking and other adventure sports, they can now go on a cycle ride in the mountains.
Famous International Shivratri festival begins in Mandi on 25 feb 2017
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the famous week-long International Shivratri Fair
at the historical Paddal Ground. Thousands of people, dressed in their colourful attire, followed
the procession carrying the palanquins of the local deities and marched to the Paddal mela
ground from Madho Rai temple. Around 200 devtas participated in the Jaleb from almost all
corners of the district.
Ahmedabad celebrates its 606th foundation day
Ahmedabads nomination to the UNESCO heritage list, the Ahmedabad Sunni Muslim Waqf
Committee will be using the opportunity of citys 605th foundation day to chalk out a policy for
promotion of Ahmedabads rich heritage, along with establishing an importance of this day.
Organising such an event for the first time at Juma Masjid, one of the earliest monuments that
the city as an effort to reclaim its shared past, nearly a dozen non-government organisations
associated with preservation of citys heritage would also come together and hold a discussion
on ways to promote Ahmedabads heritage as well as its foundation day as one of the festivals.
UBI ties up with IRCTC to launch railway booking facility
Kolkata-based United Bank of India (UBI) has launched a railway ticket booking facility by
having a direct tie-up IRCTC. The facility was launched on February 21. Post the introduction of
this facility, UBI customers can now book railway tickets seamlessly through IRCTC website
using the banks debit card.
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India to be fastest growing economy among G-20 nations: Moodys
India will be the fastest growing economy among G-20 countries clocking a 7.1 per cent growth
in 2017, Moodys Investors Service said. The Indian economy had slowed in the fourth quarter of
2016 due to the withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation without an immediate
replacement.India is forecast to have the fastest growing economy among all G-20 countries
with growth put at 7.1 per cent for 2017, down from a previous expectation of 7.5 per cent
because of the effects of demonetisation.
Chandra Shekhar Azads 86th Martyrdom Day observed
Chandra Shekhar Azads 86th Martyrdom Day observed on 27th February. Chandra Shekhar
Azad, the mere name that could make a British policeman during the British Raj era break into
cold sweat.He was born on 23 July 1906, in Bhavra, Alirajpur. He died on 27 February 1931 at
Allahabad. He lived for mere 24 years, but made a world of difference to Indias freedom
struggle.When he died, freedom for his beloved nation was nowhere in immediate sight.
Rajasthan Inaugurates Medical Project RAHAT for Prompt Treatment of Heart

Disease
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical project Rajasthan Heart
Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT) at the Eternal Heart Care Center Hospital in Jaipur.
She also flagged off an ambulance fitted with equipment and trained paramedical staff required
for treatment of heart disease. RAHAT programme aims to provide people in remote and rural
areas with timely treatment during heart attacks.
Mumbai richest Indian city with total wealth of $820 bn
Indias financial capital Mumbai, which is home to 46,000 millionaires and 28 billionaires, is
the richest Indian city with a total wealth of $820 billion. According to New World Wealth,
Mumbai is the richest city in the country followed by Delhi and Bengaluru in the second and
third place, respectively.Delhi is home to 23,000 millionaires and 18 billionaires with a total
wealth of $450 billion, while Bengaluru with a total wealth of $320 billion houses 7,700
millionaires and eight billionaires.
Paytm Mall a new shopping platform launched by Paytm
Paytm is now expanding its reach in the e-commerce segment. While the Paytm app itself
offered a bunch of booking, buying and renting facilities, the company has now launched a
dedicated app and website, Paytm Mall, for the online marketplace business. Presently, the app
is only available on Android, but is expected to be launched on iOS soon. Paytm Mall, the
company aims to offer a unique combination of the Mall and Bazaar concepts to Indian
consumers.
TCS Ranked Among Top Three IT Services Brands Globally by Brand Finance
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced it had become one of the top three most-
valuable brands in the information technology (IT) service sector. The company was assessed by
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Brand Finance, the leading brand valuation firm in the world. The TCS brand had achieved a
major milestone, emerging as one of the big four brands in the IT services sector.
Haryana Launches Online Sex Ratio Monitoring System For Panipat
The Haryana government has set up an online system for Panipat to monitor the sex-ratio in the
district as part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme. The system, called the sex ratio
monitoring dashboard, will have the data of child sex-ratio collected from all villages by the
Health and Women and Child Welfare Departments every month. The dashboard had been
developed in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC) as a pilot project.
Government Issues Sovereign Gold Bonds 2016-17-Series IV
Praising National Stock Exchange (NSE) for its efforts so far for the Sovereign Gold Bond
scheme, the Finance Ministry has written to this bourse urging it to actively create awareness
among investors even for the upcoming fourth series. The fourth series of gold bond scheme will
open and close on March 3. The bonds will be issued on March 17.
Suresh Prabhu flags off first Antyodaya Express between Ernakulam, Howrah
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the fourth Humsafar class of trains and the first
Antyodaya class of trains through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan. The countrys first
Antyodaya Express to be launched. Antyodaya Express is a long-distance, fully unreserved,
superfast train service, for the common man to be operated on dense routes. He also launched
the following two policies: (i)New Catering Policy 2017, (ii) New partnership in Parcel Business
with Department of Post.
Liquor ban to be implemented in Chandigarh from April 1
The Union Territory of Chandigarh could face a complete liquor ban including in restaurants,
shops and hotels. The decision came following Supreme Courts December 2016 verdict which
ordered the closure of liquor shops on state highways and national highways. The apex court
had set April 1 as the deadline to ensure all such shops on all highways are shut. The licenses of
liquor shops on highways wont be renewed after April 1.
1st Integrated Heliport of India launched at Rohini in North Delhi
Pawan Hans Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indias first
heliport has been inaugurated in north Delhis Rohini. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok
Gajapathi Raju inaugurated the heliport. The heliport has a terminal building having capacity of
150 passengers, four hangars with parking capacity of 16 helicopters and nine parking bays. It
also has a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility. Pawan Hans Ltd Chairman and Managing
Director B P Sharma
EA Secretary states from 1st of July 2017 GST to be implemented
Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be implemented from July 1, 2017, Economic Affairs
Secretary Shaktikanta Das said. Das said that GST will be a reality soon as all states were on
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board and this, in turn, will unleash the growth potential of the economy. The GST, which will
replace a myriad of consumption taxes, could be a game-changer over the medium term as it
would reduce tax cascading and boost Indias competitiveness, investment and job creation.
Tata Communications partners with HPE for roll-out of LoRa network
Tata Communications is partnering with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to support the roll-
out of the formers Internet of Things platform, the LoRa network. The company will also work
with HPE to provide a range of domestic and cross-border IoT connectivity and management
services, particularly for applications requiring elements of mobility, such as connected cars,
fleet management and transportation services.
Aero India copy 5HAL signs MoU with CPWD to build helicopter facility at
Tumakuru Karnataka
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for execution of infrastructure
development works at HALs new Greenfield helicopter facility at Tumakuru.
The project spread over 615 acres of land allotted by the Karnataka government will
house infrastructure for production and testing facilities, self-sufficient manufacturing
capabilities of a wide range of helicopters of 3-ton to 12-ton class, said T Suvarna Raju,
Chairman and Managing Director, HAL.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for HALs new helicopter
manufacturing facility at Biderehalla Kaval, Tumakuru on January 3, 2016.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India & Austria Signs Protocol to Amend Bilateral Taxation Treaty
India and Austria signed a Protocol amending the existing Convention between the two
countries for Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to
Taxes on Income. The Protocol was signed by Shri Sushil Chandra, Chairman CBDT on behalf
of India and Mr. Georg Zehetner, Charge d Affaires, Embassy of Austria on behalf of Austria.
India &US agree to sustain momentum on defence efforts
India and the US agreed to sustain the momentum in their defence collaboration while
committing to build on the tremendous progress made in the sector as Defence Secretary
James Mattis held his first telephonic conversation with Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar.
UN Seeks Indias Nominee For Anti-Terror Panel
India has been asked to send the name of its nominee for inclusion in a global team to assist a
United Nations committee which decides on banning terror outfits and their leaders. Following
the request from the global body, both the Home and Finance ministries have been asked to
recommend names of suitable individuals who can be part of the key team.
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Sweden pledges to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by 2045
Sweden has committed to completely phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and called
for all countries including the US to step up and fulfil the Paris Agreement. In one of the
most ambitious emissions plans published by a developed nation, the Swedish government has
reaffirmed the urgency of tackling climate change.
Latvia builds 23 km of anti-migrant wall on Russia border
Latvia has completed the first stages of protecting EU borders after erecting a 14-mile fence
along the Russian border to stop illegal migrants entering the European Union. The
construction was started back in 2015, and planning to finish it by 2019.
Johnson & Johnson sued for selling leaking breast implants
A Johnson & Johnson unit is allegedly selling defective breast implants that are causing health
problems for some women, including muscle pain and nausea, according to the first state-court
lawsuit in California over the devices.
Alibaba-made app helps find 611 missing Chinese children
A mobile app developed by Alibaba helped Chinese authorities recover 611 missing children last
year. The Tuanyuan app, which means reunion in Chinese, sends push notifications with
photos and descriptions to users who are close to the location of a childs disappearance. The
notifications are sent to users farther from the location of the disappearance till the child is
found.
US Senate votes to confirm Jeff Sessions as next US Attorney General
A bitterly divided U.S. Senate confirmed Republican Senator Jeff Sessions as the next attorney
general of the United States after strong pushback from Democrats concerned about his record
on civil rights. Sessions, 70, who has served two decades in the Senate from Alabama, was
confirmed by a 52-47 vote largely along party lines after Democrats raised public opposition to
his confirmation.
China becomes worlds largest producer of solar power
China has become the worlds largest producer of solar energy, according to a new report from
the countrys energy administration. The most populous nation on Earth nearly doubled their
capacity for solar power in 2016, but they still have a very low per-capita rate for solar power
use.
Grammy Awards to include first-ever transgender trophy girl
Grammys, a man and a transgender woman will join the so-called trophy girls who bring musics
top honours onstage. Its a change that puts the Grammys in the front ranks of awards
diversity.Transgender model Martina Robledo and model/actor Derek Marrocco will be trophy
presenters at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards
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Queen Elizabeth II to host spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch
Queen Elizabeth II will host a spectacular UK-India Year of Culture launch at Buckingham
Palace to strengthen the special cultural partnership between the two countries.The Palace had
officially announced the date of the reception, February 27 in the monarchs engagements
calendar.
90-year-old Queen Elizabeth II is the worlds longest reigning sovereign and has become the
first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.
Worlds first scuba restaurant opens in Brussels
A new underwater eatery has opened in Brussels at the bottom of one of the deepest pools in the
world. If you fancy diving in, first youll have to head to NEMO33 in Belgium and don your
scuba gear before plunging 5m below the surface. Once youve hit the bottom you can crawl into
a futuristic white pod and await some deep sea delicacies.
Worlds longest elevated cycleway opens in China
The longest elevated bike path in the world has been opened in the Chinese city of
Xiamen.Standing at five miles long and 16 feet wide, large sections of the route sit underneath
an elevated motor vehicle expressway offering shelter from the elements for the 2,023 cyclists
the route can carry per hour.Alongside cycle hire stations the route will feature bike servicing
pavilions and plenty of bicycle parking for privately owned bicycles.
US, Japan successfully intercept missile in space
The US and Japanese military have successfully tested the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA
missile defence system by intercepting a medium-range ballistic missile target in space for the
first time. The missile was launched from a ship off the west coast of Hawaii, US. The US Missile
Defence Agency said that the defence system met each of its primary objectives.
UK Foreign secretary renounces US citizenship
Boris Johnson, the New York-born British foreign secretary and former mayor of London,
renounced his U.S. citizenship last year. A list from the U.S. Treasury Department showed
Johnson was one of more than 5,000 people who gave up their American citizenship in 2016.
Nepal to host 4th BIMSTEC Summit 2017
The fourth edition of BIMSTEC Summit-2017 will be held in Nepal. It was announced in the
17th session of BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in Kathmandu, capital Nepal.
The BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia
lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional
unity.
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US House of Representatives Introduces H-1B Visa Reform Bill
A legislation has been introduced in the US House of Representatives, which among other things
calls for more than doubling the minimum salary of H1B visa holders to $130,000, making it
difficult for firms to use the programme to replace American employees with foreign workers,
including from India.
British PM Theresa May receives UK Parliaments approval to begin Brexit process
The United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Theresa May has received Parliaments approval to
begin the process of Britains exit from the European Union (EU) after winning a crucial vote in
the House of Commons.The bill now faces further scrutiny in the Commons and the House of
Lords before it can become law.
Apple to start manufacturing in India
Apple will start making iPhones in India this year. The company seeks to tap into a booming
Indian middle class while sales in China slow. Karnatakas IT minister said Apple had agreed to
assemble its hugely popular phones in the southern State, whose capital Bangalore is Indias
technology hub.
Right to Information Act comes into force in Sri Lanka
The Right to Information (RTI) Act came into force in Sri Lanka, a piece of legislation aimed at
restoring transparency and good governance in a country that has been plagued by corruption
and misrule. The government had last week gazetted the categories of public authorities that fall
within the purview of the RTI.
Ireland became the worlds first country to stop investing in fossil fuels
Ireland has voted to be the worlds first country to fully divest public money from fossil fuels.
The Irish Parliament passed the historic legislation in a 90 to 53 vote in favour of dropping coal,
oil and gas investments from the 8bn (6.8bn) Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, part of the
Republics National Treasury Management Agency.
UNICEF launches 3.3 bln USD to aid millions of children
The UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has launched an appeal of 3.3 billion U.S. dollars to provide
emergency assistance in 48 countries around the globe, against the backdrop of ever increasing
number of children driven from their homes due to conflict, disasters and climate change.
SAARC programming committee meeting begins in Kathmandu
The 53rd meeting of SAARC Programming Committee began in Kathmandu, Nepal. The two-
day meeting at joint secretary/director general level only entails discussions about the budget
allocation of five SAARC regional centres, some specialised bodies and their annual programme,
it will definitely set a positive tone to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan and for
resumption of the Saarc process.
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Chinese New Year sparks worlds largest migration of people
Based on the Chinese lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February
20 each year. This year the year of the monkey, according to the Chinese 12-year animal cycle
the Lunar New Year will fall on February 8.
Michael Flynn resigns as US National Security Advisor
President Donald Trumps national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned after revelations
that he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United
States before Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the
conversations.Flynns resignation came hours after it was reported that the Justice Department
had warned the White House weeks ago that Flynn could be vulnerable to blackmail for contacts
with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Trump took power on Jan. 20.
Steven Mnuchin appointed as Treasury Secretary in Trumps Administration
The U.S. Senate is expected to confirm former Goldman Sachs banker and Hollywood financier
Steven Mnuchin as Treasury secretary returning a Wall Street veteran to the top U.S. economic
and financial job for the first time in eight years.Mnuchins appointment to Treasury signals the
Trump administrations trust in bankers and other senior business executives after Democrat
Barack Obama launched his presidency with career regulator Timothy Geithner running
Treasury and a mandate to rein in Wall Street for its role in the 2007-2009 financial crisis.
India Joins UN Network to Prevent Maternal, Newborn and Child Deaths by 2030.
India is among nine countries that will be part of a global health network focused on improving
the quality of care for new mothers and babies and strengthen national efforts to end
preventable deaths of pregnant women and newborns by 2030.The nine countries are India,
Bangladesh, A Cote dIvoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.
US, Thailand Launched 2017 Cobra Gold Military Exercises
The United States and Thailand will kick off the 2017 iteration of the annual Cobra Gold military
exercises, Asias largest multinational drill. In over 30 years, Cobra Gold, which began as a
bilateral drill between the United States and Thailand Washingtons oldest ally in Asia has
now grown into one of the worlds largest multinational exercises, involving some 30 countries.
New cross-border power lines to be built between India and Nepal
India and Nepal have agreed to build new cross-border power transmission lines to help in the
distribution of electricity from power projects being developed in Nepal.The new
Butwal(Nepal)-Gorakhpur (India) and Lumki (Nepal) Bareilly ( India) transmission lines and
new 400 kV sub-stations at Dhalkebar, Butwal and Hetauda, all in Nepal, were discussed during
the fourth meeting of the Indo-Nepal joint working group and joint steering committee (JSC) on
power cooperation.
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UNICEF Makes $110 Million Appeal for Sudan Children
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has launched a $110 million appeal to help two
million acutely malnourished children across Sudan including hundreds of thousands living in
conflict areas.Sudan is home to around 13% of all children suffering from acute malnutrition
across Africa. Two million children under five in Sudan are acutely malnourished.
Raytheon signs MoU with TASL for co-production of Stinger missile components
US-based Raytheon Company has said it has signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems
(TASL) to engage in co-production of Stinger air defense missile components.Raytheon
Company is a technology and innovation firm specialising in defense, civil government and
cyber security solutions headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
NRAI gets highest WHO ratings for vaccine regulations
The National Regulatory Authority of India (NRAI) has been given the maximum ratings by
global health body World Health Organisation for vaccine regulations.WHO completed the
assessment of the status of the Indian vaccine regulatory system against WHO NRA Global
Benchmarking Tool (GBT) and measured the maturity of the system in India.
Pakistan Senate passes landmark Hindu marriage bill
The landmark bill to regulate marriages of minority Hindus in Pakistan is set to become a law
with the Senate unanimously passing it.The Hindu Marriage Bill 2017, which is the first
elaborate Hindu communitys personal law, was adopted by the Senate.The bill had already been
approved by the lower house or the National Assembly on September 26, 2015, and it now just
needs signature of the President, a mere formality, to become a law.
Southern & Central California hit by Powerful Pacific storm
A powerful Pacific storm blew into Southern and Central California with wind-driven heavy
rains that downed power lines and electrocuted a man, stranded others in flooded areas and
disrupted hundreds of flights at airports.With the storm feeding on an atmospheric river of
moisture stretching far out into the Pacific, precautionary evacuations of homes in some
neighborhoods were requested due to the potential for mudslides and debris flows.
India & China to hold their 1st Strategic Dialogue
China and India have held their upgraded strategic dialogue to shore up bilateral ties amid
hectic parleys to resolve differences over Beijings reluctance to support Indias NSG bid as well
as a UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar.Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called on China to
address Indias concerns on issues such as the economic corridor Beijing is building through
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the sanctioning of Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar.
Indias entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group is likely to be discussed in the meet.
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Russia to begin military helicopters deliveries to India in 2018
Russia will start initial deliveries of military helicopters to India in 2019, with assembly and
manufacturing to follow in Asias fastest growing economy, the chief executive of state-owned
manufacturer Russian Helicopters.India and Russia signed an agreement in October to jointly
manufacture 200 of the KA-226T helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces.Both countries have
agreed to cooperate in energy and defense as India seeks to modernize its armed forces and
build a nuclear industry and sanctions-hit Russia looks for investment and new markets.
An international zip line connects Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal have been linked by a zip wire, meaning thrillseekers can cross from one
country to another by flying through the air at speeds of up to 50mph.Adrenaline junkies board
in Sanlucar de Guadiana in Andalucia, Spain, before whizzing down the line and landing across
the Guadiana River in Alcoutim, Portugal.It is the first of its kind and certainly makes border
crossings a lot more fun.
US, China discuss measures to counter North Korea threat
The US and China have agreed on a constructive bilateral relationship to address the threat
posed by North Korea due to its repeated ballistic missile tests despite a UN ban. The two sides
agreed on the need to address the threat that North Korea poses to regional stability.
WTOs trade facilitation agreement comes into effect
The World Trade Organizations (WTOs) landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which
came into force on 23 February 2017,is expected to provide a much-needed boost to beleaguered
global growth.Ratified by 112 nations, more than two-thirds of all member nations, the deal will
ease trade processes, bring down barriers to trade and enhance the capacity of the developing
world to better engage with the global trading network.
Ban on Women army officers wearing Islamic headscarf removed by Turkey
Turkeys army is lifting a historic ban on female officers wearing the Islamic headscarf in the
officially secular country.The move, ordered by the defence ministry, applies to female officers
working in the general staff and command headquarters and branches.The reform will come
into force once it is published in the official gazette. It was not immediately clear if it applied to
women on combat missions. It will also apply to female cadets.
Cressida becomes 1st woman to head Scotland Yard in 188 yrs
The British government has said senior officer Cressida Dick will be the next commissioner of
Londons Metropolitan Police the first woman to lead Scotland Yard in its 188-year history.
Dick, a former assistant commissioner of the force, succeeds Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is
stepping down next week.
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9th BRICS Summit to be held in Chinas Xiamen city
The ninth BRICS Summit will be held in Chinas Xiamen city from September 3-5. The theme of
this years event is BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future. China expects the
Xiamen BRICS summit will promote members strengthening solidarity and collaboration, and
improving global governance, deepening pragmatic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit,
increasing people-to-people exchanges, and enhancing public support, and strengthening
institutional mechanism and improving cooperation platform, which are the four objectives.
India and Japan ink pact on rail safety
India signed an agreement with Japan on enhancing railway safety in the Indian Railways with
focus on railway track and rolling stock safety. The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed
between Railway Board Chairman A.K.Mittal and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport
and Tourism of Japan Vice-Minister Hiroshi Tabata.
India, Bangladesh ink MoU for development of Sylhet city
India and Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the sustainable
development of Sylhet city with financial aid from India. Indian High Commissioner Harsh
Vardhan Shringla, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division Shah Md. Aminul
Haque and Sylhet City Corporation CEO Enamul Habib signed the tripartite agreement in
Sylhet, a metropolitan city in northeastern Bangladesh.
India, Germany ratify Social Security Agreement
India and Germany have ratified the Social Security Agreement (SSA), which will come into
force from May 1 this year, to help promote more investment flows between the two countries.
The SSA will also integrate the provisions of the 2008 social insurance pact that exempts
detached workers of the two countries from making social security contributions in either
country so long as they were making such contributions in their respective countries.
India clears Rs 17,000-crore mega missile deal with Israel
A Rs 17,000 crore deal has been cleared by the government for jointly developing with Israel a
medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the army, reflecting Indias fast-growing
defence ties with the Jewish nation. The project will be implemented by the DRDO (Defence
Research and Development Organisation) and Israeli Aircraft Industry (IAI).
Australia and Indonesia restore full military ties
Australia and Indonesia have full military ties between the two countries had been restored,
after Indonesias military suspended cooperation in January because of insulting teaching
material found at an Australian base. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made the
announcement alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who arrived in Australia for his
first visit as president.
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Pakistan, Turkey sign 10 agreements to enhance bilateral ties
Pakistan has signed 10 agreements with Turkey to enhance bilateral cooperation in various
fields, including exchange of financial intelligence relating to money laundering, hydrocarbon
and defence cooperation. The agreements and MoUs were signed during Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharifs visit to Turkey from 22-24 February during which he co-chaired the 5th Session of
Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
Venezuela, Libya suspended from voting in UNGA
Venezuela and Libya have been suspended from voting in the UN General Assembly for
the second time in two years because of millions of dollars in unpaid dues to the world
body.
The Assembly decided this week that six countries would lose their votes in the 2016-
2017,session because theyre over two years in arrears.
As of January, the most recent figures available, Venezuela would have to make a
minimum USD 24 million payment to get under the two-year threshold and get its
voting rights restored. Libyas minimum payment is USD 6.5 million.
Worlds first 5G-suppourting smartphone launched by ZTE
Chinese telecoms giant ZTE unveiled the worlds first smartphone compatible with the
lightening-fast 5G mobile internet service that networks expect to have up and running by
2020.The company said the Gigabit Phone is the first smartphone capable of download speeds
reaching up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps)up to 10 times faster than the first generation of 4G
services widely.
UK-India Year of Culture 2017 hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace
Queen Elizabeth II hosted a reception in Buckingham Palace to celebrate 2017 UK-India Year of
Culture. The Queen had extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this
reception. Prime Minister Modi nominated a delegation led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to
represent him at the reception. The reception was attended by close to 200 eminent persons
from the cultural arena including sports, theatre, dance, films, art, design, food etc.
Iran and Russia Agrees Roadmap to Jointly Produce Nuclear Fuel
Irans Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) said that Russia and Iran have reached an agreement
to jointly produce nuclear fuel. A preliminary agreement with Russia on the joint production of
nuclear fuel was reached during the nuclear negotiations between Iran and the major world
powers in 2015, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of AEOI
India & Ukraine to strengthen bilateral cooperation through Cinema
India and Ukraine have agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the
twocountries through the medium of Cinema.
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The cooperation would be worked out through a policy and institutional framework to
showcase films through the medium of Film Festivals and utilizing the Film Facilitation
Office platform established by India.
The screening of films with subtitles was also discussed in order to reach out to people.
These issues were discussed during the meeting between Shri M Venkaiah Naidu,
Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Ukrainian delegation led by Mr. Iurii
Artemenko, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine and Chairman of the National Council
of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine in New Delhi.
MERGERS AND ACQUISITION
Bharti Airtel to acquire Telenor India
Bharti Airtel the largest domestic telecom operator by subscriber base, said that it has entered
into a definitive agreement with Telenor South Asia Investments to acquire Telenor India
Communications that will give it an access to seven circles including Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP
East and UP West.
Startup acquires Googles satellite imaging business
Alphabet Incs Google said it would sell its satellite imaging business, Terra Bella, to Planet
Labs, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator founded by former NASA scientists. The
financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. As part of the deal, Planet Labs will acquire the
Terra Bella business including the SkySat constellation of satellites
BANKING AND FINANCE
ICRA Estimates Banks Credit Growth to Remain Subdued at 5-6% in FY17
As per the report of the rating agency, ICRA, the bank credit growth rate is likely to float
between 5-6% in the current fiscal year (2017).The reason cited includes weak loan demand as
the rate of return offered by debt market is better in comparison to banks.
Lakshmi Vilas Bank Partners with Fisdom for Mission FINFIT
The private sector lender Lakshmi Vilas Bank in partnership with Bangalore based fin-tech
startup firm Fisdom, has launched a mobile application Mission FINFIT to offer the customers
of the bank financial planning and personal wealth management services based on Robot
advisory.
BoB to finance small units in diamond sector at concessional rates
To give a leg up to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the diamond industry, Bank
of Baroda is planning to launch a supply chain financing product for the industry on a pilot basis
in Surat. Cutting and polishing units, which procure roughs from large companies and supply
finished products back, will be provided finance at a competitive rate of interest.
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HDFC Bank, KMB go live with Bharat Bill Payment System
Private sector lenders HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are live with the Bharat Bill
Payment System (BBPS) that is aimed at easing utility and other repetitive bill payments for
consumers. The BBPS is a centralised system created by the National Payments Corporation,
involving banks and non-banks and allows agents to access bill payments services in an
interoperable manner
IDFC Bank, India Lends tie-up for loan services to 01st timers
Private sector lender IDFC Bank has collaborated with fintech startup IndiaLends to enable first
time borrowers who do not have a credit history to take loans. IDFC Bank said it is a
differentiated personal loan solution which will offer instant loans approvals through a
completely digitised process to first time borrowers.
PNB Housing Finance limited & CREDAI-West Bengal Signs MoU to train
construction workers in West Bengal
PNB Housing Finance Limited (PNBHFL) has signed an MOU with CREDAI West Bengal to
train 1000 construction workers in Kolkata and nearby villages. CREDAI-Bengal would also be
setting up permanent (off-site) skill development centres in Medinipur and Murshidabad
places with huge concentration of construction labour. 50% of the training cost is to be borne by
the West Bengal State Government and PNBHFL, while the remaining 50% while would be
borne by the developer at the construction site from where workers would be trained.
RBI to set up panel on strengthening cyber security
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up an inter-disciplinary panel on
cybersecurity to examine various threats and suggest measures to deal with it.
While banks have taken steps to strengthen their defences, the diverse and ingenious nature of
recent cyberattacks necessitates an ongoing review of the cybersecurity landscape and emerging
threats. Towards this end, an inter-disciplinary Standing Committee on cybersecurity is being
constituted.
RBI keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged for 2nd time
RBI today left interest rates unchanged for second time in a row awaiting more clarity on
inflation trend and impact of demonetisation on growth even as it hinted at no interest-rate cut
in immediate future by shunning its long-held accommodative monetary policy stance.
HDFC Bank increases cash transaction fees on savings a/cs
The countrys second-largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has decided to steeply increase
the fees for savings account holders on a slew of activities involving cash. HDFC Bank has
decided to steeply raise the charges on certain transactions, capping cash component in others
and also introducing charges on certain transactions from March 1.
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Government appoints 3 whole-time members in IBBI
Government has appointed four nominees, including two joint secretaries, to the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). M S Sahoo, who has served as member of fair trade regulator
CCI and markets watchdog Sebi, took charge as IBBI Chairperson.
Catholic Syrian Banks name and shame campaign starts paying dividends
The name and shame campaign initiated by Catholic Syrian Bank Employees and Retirees
against wilful defaulters in Kerala seems to have started paying dividends. Of the 30 defaulters
identified by the bank with dues of more than 50 lakh each, 10 borrowers have already
approached the bank with settlement proposals, following dharnas organised at 20 locations in
the State.
World Bank Group to conduct training programmes for NBFCs
International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has teamed up with
Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC) to conduct training programmes for Non-
Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs). The training programmes will be on movable asset
financing and commercial credit reporting. For this purpose, two engagement letters have
been signed between IFC and FIDC, a representative body for NBFCs, especially those engaged
in asset financing.
Centre Allocates Rs. 500 crore to India Post Payments Bank for FY18
Government has allocated an amount of Rs 500 crore to India Post Payments Bank for the
financial year 2017-18 to help it in setting up 650 branches across country by September 2017.
As per Output-Outcome Framework for Schemes 2017-18 for the Department of Posts released
that out of the allocated amount, Rs. 125 crore has been allocated as capital infusion into
corporate entity for India Post Payments Bank and Rs 375 crore as grant in aid to India Post
Payments Bank (IPPB).
AIIMS Delhi wins Rs.5-crore govt award for cleanliness
AIIMS was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5 crore for maintaining high standards in sanitation and
hygiene and was followed by Shillongs North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of
Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) who came second and received a cash prize of Rs 3
crore for cleanliness.The third position was awarded to Chandigarhs Postgraduate Institute of
Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), who received a cash prize of Rs 1 crore.
Cabinet approves merger of 5 associate banks with SBI
The Cabinet has approved the merger of five associate banks with the State Bank of India
(SBI), which will catapult any bank from India to among the top 50 global lenders for the
first time. The merger does not include Bharatiya Mahila Bank.
The five associate banks are State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad,
State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore.
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The merger will create a bank with a projected asset book of Rs 37 lakh crore by March
31. As of December 2016, the asset book was Rs 33.5 lakh crore.
RBI Doubles Gold Loan Limit for Regional Rural Banks to Rs. 2 lakhs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said that regional rural banks (RRBs) can grant gold loans
up to Rs2 lakh with bullet repayment option against the current limit of Rs1 lakh.Under bullet
repayment schedule, loan amount is paid at the end of maturity.The loans with a bullet
repayment will have a maximum maturity of 12 months and the loan-to-value ratio should be
75% of the gold pledged.
Muthoot Exim ties up with Divine Solitaires
Muthoot Exim has tied with Divine Solitaires Pratham to retail Swarnavarsham diamond
jewellery. To start with, the company will offer 18-Karat gold rings studded with 0.14 cents
diamond of EF color and VVS clarity (most preferred in south India). This ring is being offered
in three sizes of 12mm, 14mm and 16mm with weight of gold as 2gm, 2.2gm and 2.4gm. One
year free insurance is also being offered on diamonds.
Raytheon signs MoU with TASL for co-production of Stinger missile components
US-based Raytheon Company has said it has signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems
(TASL) to engage in co-production of Stinger air defense missile components.Raytheon
Company is a technology and innovation firm specialising in defense, civil government and
cyber security solutions headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Govt launches its own QR code BharatQR for cashless payments
BharatQR, another e-payment medium which has been termed the worlds first interoperable
and low cost acceptance solution, was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India,
MasterCard and Visa.This is another step in the direction of making India a less-cash economy,
said a joint press release by the companies.
SIDBI, Vijaya Bank combine to provide concessional loans to micro, small units
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Vijaya Bank for providing concessional finance to micro and small
enterprises (MSEs).The MoU aims at promoting and strengthening units in the MSE segment
through concessional funding that is, at the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate
(MCLR) of Vijaya Bank under refinance from SIDBI.
Bharat Financial launches instant microloan facility
Microfinance institution Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd has launched an initiative for instant
loan approval and disbursed them to three women in a village near Bassi in Jaipur district. The
initiative is expected to help rural areas embrace cashless transactions. The loans are cashless
since they are deposited directly to the loaners bank account.
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SBI merger with five associate banks from April 1
The government has said that 1 April will be the record date for the merger of State Bank of
India (SBI) with five of its associate banks. The associate banks are State Bank of Bikaner and
Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Mysore (SBM), State Bank of Travancore (SBT), State Bank of
Hyderabad (SBH) and State Bank of Patiala (SBP).
Visa-AP sign MoU to make Vizag Indias first less cash city
Global payments network Visa has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
Andhra Pradesh government to help transform Vishakhapatnam into Indias first less cash city.
This initiative is designed to provide the foundation for the city to emerge as Indias Fintech
Valley. Another focus area of Visa will be to provide support to FinTech start-ups by providing
access to Visas APIs, providing subject matter expertise, and participating in boot camps and
hackathons.
India, ADB ink $375 mn loan pact for industrial corridor
India and ADB have signed USD 375 million pact for loans and grants to develop 800
km VisakhapatnamChennai Industrial Corridor, which is the first phase of a planned
2,500-km East Coast Economic Corridor. ADB had last September approved USD 631
million in loans and grants for the industrial corridor.
The Asian Development Bank said in a statement that it approved loans comprising a
USD 500 million multitranche facility to build key infrastructure in the four main
centers along the corridor Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, and Yerpedu
Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh.
Dena Bank rolls out RFID-enabled cards to serve valued clients better
Dena Bank has introduced RFID-enabled banking cards whereby a branch/relationship

manager can identify a valued client entering a branch with the card. Once the client enters the
branch, complete information about him/her will pop up on the managers desktop. The RFID
card is being introduced in select branches, and Dena Bank JVPD branch (Mumbai) is the first
branch to be enabled with RFID technology.
SoftBank, Foxconn form joint venture to expand investments
Japans SoftBank Group and Taiwans Foxconn Technology Co. Ltd will soon begin operating a
joint venture that deepens ties between two of Asias biggest technology companies. The move
will give Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., a 54.5% stake in one of
SoftBanks existing subsidiaries for $600 million and comes as both groups step up investments
in the technology sector and consider expansion in the US.
Government Issues Sovereign Gold Bonds 2016-17-Series IV
Praising National Stock Exchange (NSE) for its efforts so far for the Sovereign Gold Bond
scheme, the Finance Ministry has written to this bourse urging it to actively create awareness
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among investors even for the upcoming fourth series. The fourth series of gold bond scheme will
open and close on March 3. The bonds will be issued on March 17.
Apollo Munich and Dena Bank Enters Into Bancassurance Tie-Up
Standalone health insurer Apollo Munich Health Insurance said it is expanding its footprint
across the country with bancassurance tie-up with state-owned Dena Bank. Under the tie-up the
bank will distribute customised Apollo Munich Health insurance and personal accident policies
to the banks 20 million customers nationwide.
Inter-disciplinary standing committee been appointed to review cyber threats by

RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up an inter-disciplinary panel on cyber
security to examine various threats and suggest measures to deal with it. The panel will review
the threats inherent in the existing or emerging technology on an ongoing basis. Besides, it will
also study adoption of various security standards/protocols and also act as interface with
stakeholders. The committee will suggest appropriate policy interventions to strengthen cyber
security and resilience.
KVGB brings 13 villages under digital banking
Karnataka Vikas Grameen Bank (KVGB) has made 13 villages under its jurisdiction as 100 per
cent digital villages for banking activities, according to S Ravindran, Chairman of KVGB.Eugene
E Karthak, Regional Director of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bengaluru, to Hulasageri village in
Bagalkot district, he said the bank is planning to make 100 villages as 100 per cent digital for
banking activities by the end of the current financial year.
Oriental Bank Ties Up With Chola MS To Sell Insurance Products
Haryana based Oriental Bank of Commerce has signed a corporate agency agreement with
Chennai based general insurance provider Cholamandalam General Insurance Company for
distribution of insurance products. The partnership will benefit our customers and through this
ties up. The insurance products include motor, health, home and travel.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
INS Sarvekshak 1st Indian warship to use solar energy
Indian Navys survey vessel INS Sarvekshak has gone green by installing a solar power system
on board. The navy said the system, equipped on the ship, works using sunlight and hence, is
100% reliable for power source that can be used for communication equipment, battery charging
and general lightings onboard round the clock with battery outputs.
First stable compound of chemically inactive helium confirmed
Helium, considered to be a chemically inert and unreactive gas due to its extremely stable and
closed-shell electronic configuration, has been confirmed to form a stable compound (Na2He)
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with sodium under high pressure. These findings were so unexpected that it took more than two
years to convince science reviewers and editors to publish their results, said the lead researcher.
Neurocalyx calycinus plant possesses medicinal values
A medicinal plant endemic to the southern parts of Western Ghats and Sri Lanka could offer
scientists the key to new herbal formulations and modern drugs for the treatment of cancer and
wounds and burns.
Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI)
here have confirmed the multiple therapeutic properties of Neurocalyx calycinus used by the
Cholanaickan tribe, one of the particularly vulnerable groups in Kerala, to treat inflammations
and wounds.
India Successfully Test Fires Exo-Atmospheric Interceptor Missile
India has successfully test-fired its interceptor missile off the Odisha coast, achieving a
significant milestone in the direction of developing a two-layered Ballistic Missile Defence
system. The interceptor was launched from Abdul Kalam Island or Wheeler Island.
E-pills that can monitor patient health
MIT scientists have developed a small battery that runs on stomach acids and could power next-
generation ingestible electronic pills which may monitor patient health or treat diseases by
residing in the gastrointestinal tract for extended periods of time.The device may offer a safer
and lower-cost alternative to the traditional batteries now used to power such devices.
Scientists develop terahertz transmitter capable of sending data 10 times faster

than 5G
Scientists have developed a next generation system which can transmit digital data over 10 times
faster than 5G mobile networks, an advance that will pave the way for faster downloads and
improve in-flight network connection speeds.
Japanese researchers use drones to pollinate flowers
Japanese tinkerers created a tiny, flower-pollinating drone for a world without insects.Its a sad
factbee populations are in decline in many parts of the world. While the reasons bees are in
trouble arent yet well understood, the problem has some technologists investigating whether
drones could fly flower-spreading pollen instead.
ISRO to launch record 104 satellites in one go on Feb 15
Indian Space Research Organisations (Isro) workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
will carry a record 104 satellites in a single mission on 15 February from the space centre at
Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. PSLV-C37/Cartosat-2 Series Satellite Mission is scheduled to
be launched on February 15, 2017 at Sriharikota.
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ISRO plans rover on lunar surface
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to deploy a rover on the lunar surface in
the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The Chandrayaan-2, Indias second mission to the Moon, is a
totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover. After reaching the 100
km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter.
Horse antibodies may effectively treat Ebola: Study
In a first, scientists have developed an effective, rapid and economical treatment for the deadly
Ebola virus using antibodies from horses. The post-exposure treatment made with antibodies
from horses could be used in the next Ebola outbreak.
Shawna Pandya To Become Third Indian-origin Woman To Fly In Space
Dr Shawna Pandya is a general physician in Canadas Alberta University Hospital. She is also an
astronaut preparing for two crucial space missions. She will be only the third woman of Indian
origin, after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, to fly to space. Born in Canada, the 32-year-
old was shortlisted after topping the Citizen Science Astronaut (CSA) program.
ISRO will use native processor for Earth to space signals
Indian Space Research Organisation has said that the indigenous development of Telemetry &
Telecommand Processor (TTCP) has been realised and its production will be initiated with the
help of Indian industry. The processor, whose development was taken up by ISRO as part of
Make in India campaign, replaces expensive imported equipment.
ISRO develops Telemetry & Telecommand Processor
Indian Space Research Organisation has said that the indigenous development of Telemetry &
Telecommand Processor (TTCP) has been realised and its productionisation will be initiated
with the help of Indian industry. The processor, whose indigenous development was taken up by
ISRO as part of Make in India campaign, replaces the expensive imported equipment.
Japans plan to clear space debris using fishing net fails
An experimental Japanese mission to clear space junk from the Earths orbit has ended in
failure. More than 100m pieces of rubbish are thought to be whizzing around the planet,
including cast-off equipment from old satellites and bits of rocket, which experts say could pose
risks for future space exploration.
NASAs Juno spacecraft completes fourth flyby of Jupiter
At the time of closest approach (perijove), Juno was about 2,670 miles (4,300 km) above the
planets cloud tops. All of Junos eight science instruments and the spacecrafts JunoCam were
operating during the flyby to collect data that is now being returned to Earth. The Juno science
team continues to analyze returns from previous flybys.
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Single-dose Zika vaccine works in animals: study
An innovative vaccine made from genetic material protected lab animals from the Zika virus in
experiments. A new Zika vaccine candidate has the potential to protect against the virus with a
single dose, according to a research team led by scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine
at the University of Pennsylvania.
New data transfer record created in Quantum computing
Scientists have set a new record in the transfer of information via superdense coding, a process
by which the properties of particles like photons, protons and electrons are used to store as
much information as possible. Researchers at the US Department of Energys Oak Ridge
National Laboratory (ORNL) transferred 1.67 bits per qubit, or quantum bit, over a fibre optic
cable, edging out the previous record of 1.63 per qubit.
China successfully tests DF-5C missile with 10 nuclear warheads
China has reportedly tested a new version of a missile that can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads,
signaling a major shift in its nuclear capability as Beijing gears up for a possible military
showdown with the US under Trump Presidency. The flight test of the DF-5C missile was carried
out last month using 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, or MIRVs.
NASA spots farthest galaxies powered by massive black holes
NASAs Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has identified the farthest gamma-ray blazars, a
type of galaxy whose intense emissions are powered by supersized black holes.Light from the
most distant object began its journey to us when the universe was 1.4 billion years old, or nearly
10 percent of its present age, and experts say they could shed fresh light on how black holes
form.
Gujarat Technological University sets up centre of excellence in automation

technologies
German technology major, Bosch Rexroth-funded Indias first Centre of Excellence in i 4.0
Automation Technology opened at the Vishwakarma Government Engineering College under
Gujarat Technological University in Ahmedabad. The Center of Excellence will be open for
students of engineering students from across the state and also for the industry to conduct
research in automation and hydraulics.
Researchers Discover Oldest Human Ancestor
Researchers have discovered the earliest known ancestor of humans along with a vast range of
other species. They say that fossilised traces of the 540-million-year-old creature are
exquisitely well preserved.
18 fresh swine flu cases reported in Telangana
Eighteen fresh positive cases of swine flu have been reported in Telangana, where 13 people
have succumbed to the H1N1 virus and other complications since August 1 last year. Eighty-five
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cases were tested for swine flu and 18 of them came positive for the deadly virus, a bulletin on
swine flu issued by the State Government.
Countdown of ISROs PSLV C-37 carrying record 104 satellites begins
The 28-hour countdown for the launch of a record 104 satellites by India on board a single
rocket from the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 125 kmWorlds first commercial flying car opens
for sale. India will become the first country to script history if it succeeds in launching the 104
satellites in a single rocket.
New bird species found in Nepal
A new species of birds has been discovered in the high mountainous region of Nepal, bringing
the total number of avian species in the Himalayan country to 866. A Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush
(Monticola saxitilis), considered an autumn passage migrant bird species in Pakistan and India,
was first seen and photographed by an expedition last year near the Shey monastery within the
Shey-Phoksundo National Park.
L&T and MBDA Missile Systems Forms JV to Develop Missiles in India
Engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro Ltd has said it will form a joint venture (JV) with
Frances MBDA to develop and supply missiles and missile systems to the Indian armed forces.
MBDA is jointly held by Airbus Group, BAE Systems and Leonardo and has expertise in
developing all kinds of missile systems.
PSLV-C37 carrying CARTOSAT-2 series earth observation satellite lifts off from
Sriharikota
Space agency ISRO has scripted history by successfully launching a record 104 satellites,
including Indias earth observation satellite, on a single rocket from the spaceport. This is the
highest number of satellites ever launched in a single mission.Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
PSLV-C37 blasted off at 9.28 am from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
and first injected Cartosat-2 series satellite into orbit followed by the other 103 nano satellites,
including 96 from the US, in a gap of about 30 minutes.
First Indian genomics beacon launched in UK
Global Gene Corp and Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has launched the
first-ever beacon for Indian genomics data, which is expected to help scientists develop more
effective drug delivery systems.A beacon is an online web service that allows researchers to
determine whether an institution has particular genomic data in its data set.
IBM plans for emergency weather alerts without internet through Mobile app
IBM is developing an Android app Mesh Network Alerts Which offers a new technology that can
transmit notifications from phone to phone via Bluetooth and WiFi. Its potentially much more
useful than typical emergency alerts from governments, because those dont work when cellular
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networks go down. The app offers much more than just a mere weather update, in some places it
could up saves lives during emergencies.
ISRO successfully tests largest cryogenic engine for GSLV Mark III rocket
Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO has successful tested the countrys largest
cryogenic engine for a full 10 minutes.
The engine will power its mammoth Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
Mark III rocket capable of propelling a 4-ton class satellites into geo-synchronous orbit
the altitude where satellites revolve in sync with the Earths rotation.
With this final hurdle crossed at an ISRO facility in Tamil Nadus Mahendragiri, India is
all set to test the GSLV Mark III rocket which is almost 50 meters high and weighs 414
tons.
This engine has been developed after two decades of hard work as the technology was
denied to India by Russia under pressure from the US.
Indian Navys INSV Tarini inducted
The Indian Navys second ocean-going sailboat INSV Tarini was inducted into the Indian
Navy.Built by Goa-based M/s Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd, INSV Tarini is a sloop, which is slated
to be the platform for first Indian all-women circumnavigation of the globe expedition of the
Indian Navy.The Indian Navy is operating four sailing vessels Tarangini, Sudarshini, Mhadei
and Tarini capable of open ocean deployments and all the four have been built in shipyards at
Goa.
7 new Earth-sized exoplanets discovered by NASA
Astronomers have found a nearby solar system with seven Earth-sized planets, three of which
circle their parent star at the right distance for liquid surface water, bolstering the prospect of
discovering extraterrestrial life, research published. The star, known as TRAPPIST-1, is a small,
dim celestial body in the constellation Aquarius. It is located about 40 light years away from
Earth, close by astronomical standards, but about 44 million years away at the average cruising
speed of a commercial passenger jet.
Former Indian Navy Ship Viraat to be decommissioned on Mar 6
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Viraat, which was first commissioned in the Indian Navy on May 12,
1987, will be decommissioned from service on March 6. A press briefing and interaction
regarding the same will be organised by the navy on February 27. The former flagship aircraft
carrier that served the navy for 27 years had previously served the United Kingdom Royal Navy
for 27 years.
Robotic spacecraft to reach Sun planned by NASA
NASA plans to send its first robotic spacecraft to the Sun next year that is slated to get within six
million kilometres of the blazing star to probe its atmosphere. First, the mission will hopefully
unveil why the surface of the Sun, called the photosphere, is not as hot as its atmosphere, called
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the corona. According to NASA, the surface temperature of the Sun is only about 5,500 degrees
Celsius. However, the atmosphere above it is a sizzling two million degrees Celsius.
SPORTS
WINNER TITLE SPORT/ VENUE

Pankaj Advani 29th National Snooker title Snooker
India Asian Junior Squash Malaysia
Championships
India T20 Blind World Cup Defeated Pakistan
Kush Bhagat Candidate Master (CM) by Mumbai
World Chess Federation
Jehan Daruvala New Zealand Grand Prix
Dronavalli Harika World Womens Chess 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku
Padmini Rout Championship
Pooja Ghatkar Bronze at Shooting World Cup Held in Moscow
Aditya Mehta Asian Para-Road Cycling Held in India
Championship
Monika Athare Womens title Delhi Marothon
Thanackal Gopi Mens title in Delhi Marothon
Kalinga Lancers Hockey India League 2017 Hockey Stadium in Chandigarh
Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu ISSF World Cup 2017 New Delhi, India
Ankur Mittal silver medal in ISSF World Cup
2017
Tarun Kona Gold at 2017 Uganda Kampala, Uganda
Alwin Francis International Series mens
doubles
Indias top athletes are expected to take part in the season-opening fourth National Race
Walking Championships which will be held on February 18 and 19.
Virat Kohli becomes the second Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to feature on the cover of
the Wisden Cricketers Almanack after the Indian captains exceptional performances
over the course of 2016.
Union minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Vijay Goel laid the foundation stone for
constructing countrys first Centre of Excellence for Differently-abled sportspersons in
Gandhinagar.
Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona has been handed an ambassadorial role by
the games global governing body FIFA.
The Billiards and Snooker Federation of India (BSFI) announced that India will host the
World Billiards Championship for the next four years.
Russia banned from World Athletics Championships in London
The official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Kheleao was unveiled at the
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Driven by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modis vision of making football the sport
of choice in India, Mission XI Million, the biggest school sport outreach programme was
launched.
Prasad Erande from Pune travelled 14,576 kilometres on a cycle across India,
establishing a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by bicycle in a single
country.
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Germaine de Randamie defeated Holly Holm by unanimous decision in a clinch-filled

bout at UFC 208 to become the first UFC womens featherweight champion.
India is all set to host its first ever ITTF World Tour event from February 16-19, making
the USD 120000 tournament also the biggest in terms of prize money outside the World
Championships bracket.
Australias Adam Voges has decided to retire from international cricket.
India will be hosting the Combined World Cup for shooting in 2019, a qualifying event
for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Delhi will host the ISSF World Cup finals in 2017, the National Rifle Association of India.
Shuttler Saina Nehwal would be representing the panel in the Badminton World
Federation (BWF).
OBITUARY
NAME OF THE PERSON ASSOCIATED FIELD

E. Ahamed Lok Sabha MP from Kerala
Joginder Singh Former CBI director
Asim Basu Veteran theatre personality
Colonel Nizamuddin(116) Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses driver and INA
veteran
Racharla Samrajyam veteran freedom fighter
Sir Peter Mansfield MRI pioneer and Nobel laureate
Jiro Taniguchi Japan's comic artist
Al Jarreau Jazz singer
T V Parasuram Journalist
Altamas Kabir Former Chief Justice of India
Firebrand Vidarbha Politician, Former Nagpur MP
(Lion of Vidarbha)
Ved Prakash Sharma Hindi Novelist
Vitaly Churkin Russias U.N. Ambassador
Kenneth J. Arrow Winner of a Nobel prize for economics
P Shiv Shankar Politician
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OBSERVED DAYS IN FEBRUARY
DATE OBSERVED DAY OBSERVED Theme / Purpose

February 2 World Wetland day Wetlands for our Future
National Day of Shri Lanka Sustainable Livelihoods
February 4 World Cancer Day We can I can
Sri Lanka Independence Day
February 5 Kashmir Martyrs' Day

February 6 International Day of Zero Achieving the new Global
Tolerance to Female Genital Goals through the
Mutilation elimination of Female
Waitangi Day (New Zealand) Genital Mutilation by
2030
February 7 68th Nowshera Day To honour the sacrifice of
jawans who sacrificetheir
lives in Nowshera in 1947.
February 11 International Day Women and Transforming the World:
Girls in Science Parity in Science
February Darwin day The day is used to
highlight Darwin's
contribution to science
and to promote science in
general.
February 13 World Radio Day Radio in Times of
Emergency and Disaster
Sarojini Naidu's Birth
Anniversary
February 20 World Day of Social Justice Preventing conflict and
sustaining peace through
decent work
February 21 International Mother Language Towards Sustainable
day Futures through
Multilingual Education
February 22 World thinking day Connect Activity Pack
February 24 74th Central Excise Day
February 27 Chandra Shekhar Azads 86th To encourage the
death anniversary or Martyrdom employees of excise
Day department
February 28 National Science day To commemorate the
discovery of Raman Effect
by Sir C.V.Raman in 1928
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

NAME OF THE AWARD AWARD WINNER KEY POINTS TO NOTE

NAME OF THE PERSON DEPT/FIELD

Fiscal deficit reaches 94% of the budget estimate

Ministry of Defence to Set up Rs 1500 cr Defence Unit in Madhya Pradesh

Air India to get Rs. 1,800 cr from govtin 2017-2018

10,000 cr allocated for PSB recapitalization

Income Tax Department (ITD) launches Operation Clean Money

Payment regulatory board to be created in RBI: Budget 2017

Rs 10,000 penalty for late filing of income tax returns

Govt to set up dairy development fund with corpus of Rs 8,000 cr

Arun jaitley unveils education reforms, to set up National Testing Agency

Surajkund International Crafts Mela Kicked off in Faridabad, 20 countries to

Govt to launch TIES to fund export infrastructure

UIDAI clamps down on 50 fraud sites offering Aadhaar services

In a massive crackdown on unauthorised agencies offering Aadhaar-related services illegally and

Rail Museum celebrates 40th anniversary

Sula Fest begins in Maharashtra

Centre of Integrative Oncology inaugurated in New Delhi

NITI Aayog launches India Innovation Index

Link all mobile numbers to Aadhaar within a year: SC to Govt

President Pranab to bloom at Delhis Mughal Gardens by March first week

Govt forms panel to improve Haj policy,look into subsidy issue

India opens coal-mining market for first time in 40 years

Health Ministry launches Measles Rubella vaccination campaign

Goa witnesses its highest voter turnout at 83%

Central Delhis Dalhousie Road renamed as Dara Shikoh Road

Railways plans first train on Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Indian Navy launches underwater harbour defence and surveillance system

Govt to open 56 Post Office Passport Seva Kendra facilitie

Gujarat establishes cashless system for PDS

Aadhaar mandatory for receiving subsidised foodgrains from PDS shops

Uber launches UberHIRE in 9 cities

Election Commission asks HRD to introduce electoral literacy in schools

2nd edition of International Spice Conference to begin at Thiruvanantapuram

Single entrance exam for engineering from 2018

11th Aero India 2017 to be held at Yelahanka in Bengaluru from Feb 14

Kambala Bill passed in Karnataka Assembly

Indian holds record for longest cycle journey in a country

Government launches iOS version of BHIM payments app

UNESCO Nature Festival begins in Himachal Pradesh

Government to set up Defence Procurement Organisation

Government unveils first phase of Station Redevelopment Programme

CBDT signs four more Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)

Arunachal Becomes First NE State to Implement e-Cabinet Solution

Arunachal to become first state to introduce e-Cabinet. (Image courtesy: Shutterstock)

Cabinet approves PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan for digital education

Elahiganj becomes West Bengals first village to ban alcohol

Jaisalmer Desert Festival begins

Jharkhand CM launches UJALA scheme

India scraps funding ties with Gates Foundation on immunisation

CBDT signs four unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements

Assam Government launches Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana

Lok Sabha passes Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017

Intellectual Property index: India remains near bottom

ISKCONs mid-day meal scheme bags quality award

Zoom Air the new Indian airline starts service

Three new districts to be formed in West Bengal

Sachin Tendulkar adopts another village for transformation

2nd edition of International Spice Conference to begin at Thiruvanantapuram

Second edition of International Spice Conference was inaugurated at Thiruvananthapuram. The

Indias first floating elementary school opens in Manipur

The wettest place in the world is in Meghalaya