Current Affairs Magazine (June 2017) · 2017. 8. 17. · ICC Champions Trophy 2017 begins in London...

Current Affairs Magazine (June 2017)

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Global Day of Parents observed on 1 June across the world.

The Global Day of Parents was observed on 1 June 2017. The day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

World Milk Day observed on 1 June globally.

World Milk Day is an initiative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, to celebrate the contribution of the dairy industry around the globe on 1st June.

Nirupama Rao appointed public policy fellow to US think-tank.

Former Indian envoy to the US Nirupama Rao has been appointed public policy fellow to a Washington-based think-tank. She will work on a project on the Sino-India ties for the top American think-tank. Ms Rao will be affiliated with the Wilson Centre's Asia programme.Beginning in June 2017, she will spend three months in residence at the Wilson Centre which is a key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues.The 66-year-old former Indian diplomat was India's first woman ambassador to China and the first woman spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also served as India's foreign secretary from 2009 to 2011.

Ramachandra Guha resigns as BCCI Administrator.

Historian Ramachandra Guha who was appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the four administrators of BCCI, had resigned from the post due to personal reasons.

G Parameshwara resigns as Karnataka Home Minister.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara resigned from his post on 1 June 2017. He is also the State Congress Committee chief.

JRR Tolkien's book Beren and Luthien published after 100 years.

Beren and Luthien, a book by Lord of the Rings author John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (JRR Tolkien), was published on 1 June 2017, 100 years after it was rst conceived. The books was published by HarperCollins on the 10th anniversary of the last Middle Earth book 'The Children of Hurin'.

Japan launches satellite for high-precision positioning system.

Japan on 1 June 2017 launched a satellite to help build a high-precision geolocation system that will complement the US operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 2 satellite, H-IIA, was launched from the Tanegashima space center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan.

Delhi Assembly passes state GST Bill.

Delhi Assembly has passed the state Goods and Services Tax, GST Bill in a special session following an extensive discussion while also adopting a resolution on lowering tax slabs.

India signs loan agreement of 36 million dollar with World Bank.

India on 31 May 2017 signed a loan agreement of 36 million dollar with the World Bank for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building Programme. The project aims to to improve the efficiency of public expenditure management and tax administration in Himachal Pradesh. The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs Raj Kumar and the Bank's Country Director Junaid Kamal Ahmad.



ICC Champions Trophy 2017 begins in London from 1 June 2017.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 begins in London from today with hosts England faceing Bangladesh in the Opening match at the Oval.

70th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 70th World Health Assembly was held recently (22nd-31st May) in Geneva, Switzerland. In the meeting member nations agreed to increase their assessed contributions by 3 percent.

Arun Jaitley inaugurates Telangana solar plant.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated a grid-connected solar power plant of 16 MW capacity at the Ordinance Factory in Telangana’s Medak district. He also dedicated a 9 MW capacity windmill project installed at Dammur in Karnataka at a cost of Rs 53 crore by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The solar power plant at Medak has been set up at a cost of Rs105 crore by Bharat Electronics Limited.

Indian Railways to launch 'buy now, pay later' feature for tickets.

To attract more passengers to buy online train tickets, Indian Railways has introduced a service ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ which allow passengers to make payment for tickets booked online within a window of 15 days. ePayLater, a Mumbai-based fintech firm has joined hands with IRCTC for adding the new feature to Indian Railways ticket booking services.

Former Auschwitz Guard Dies At 95.

A 95-year-old former Auschwitz guard, who was sentenced to jail in Germany last year for being an accessory to murder of at least

170,000 people, has died before his conviction became legally binding.

India Ranked 89th Globally in Terms of Average Internet Speed: Akamai.

Content delivery network services provider Akamai Technologies has published its State of the Internet Connectivity report for first quarter of 2017. The report provides key global statistics regarding Internet connection speeds and broadband adoption metrics. While the report suggests that the global average connection speed increased 15 percent year-on-year to 7.2Mbps, India gained eight spots to reach global rank of 89 with average Internet connection speed of 6.5Mbps, up by 87 percent year-on-year during the same time period.

Afghanistan Cancels Cricket Matches With Pakistan After Kabul Attack.

Afghanistan have cancelled proposed home and away cricket fixtures with Pakistan after a deadly bomb attack blamed by the country's intelligence agency on militants allegedly backed by Islamabad.

RBI appoints S. Ganesh Kumar as new Executive Director.

The Reserve Bank of India on 1 June 2017 announced appointment of S. Ganesh Kumar as Executive Director (ED).

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Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired.

India on 2 June 2017 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile from a test range in Odisha as part of a user trial by the Army. The trial of the surface-to-surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was carried out from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore.

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Japan Lower House Panel passes Abdication Bill.

In Japan, members of a committee in the Lower House of the Diet on 1 June 2017 approved a bill enabling Emperor Akihito to abdicate.

Three-day Modi fest begins in Andhra Pradesh.

Making of Developed India (MODI), a three-day festival has been launched in Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2017 simultaneously at three different places of the State - Vijayawada, Kurnool and Visakhapatnam, to mark the successful completion of three-year rule by the NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian-American girl Ananya Vinay wins 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition of US.

Ananya Vinay, a 12-year-old Indian-American girl from California, on 1 June 2017 won the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition of the United States (US). With this, Ananya became the thirteenth Indian-American in a row to win this spelling bee competition.

Trump announces US withdrawal from Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

President Donald Trump announced on 1 June 2017 that he would withdraw the United States from the landmark 2015 Paris agreement to Òght climate change. Trump stated that the Paris accord would undermine the U.S. economy, cost U.S. jobs, weaken American national sovereignty and put the country at a permanent disadvantage to the other countries of the world.

Union Government launches web platform INAM-Pro +

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on 1 June 2017

launched INAMPro + web platform in New Delhi. INAM-Pro+ is an upgraded version of INAM-Pro, the web portal launched by the Ministry in 2015 as a common platform to bring cement buyers and sellers together. The web portal was designed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).

Cricket South Africa announces launching of T20 Global League.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on 31 May 2017 announced that it has planned a Twenty20 cricket league and it will be known as T20 Global League. In addition to this, Cricket South Africa also unveiled the associated logo of the T20 Global League at the Wanderers Stadium. The logo depicts the African continent along with the radiance on South Africa, replaced the word 'destination' with a visual reference.

World TT Championships: Mouma-Manika make history by becoming first Indian pair to reach quarters.

Manika Batra and Mouma Das made history by becoming the first Indian pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships in Dusseldorf on 1 June 2017.

Narendra Modi Gifts Sacred Tibetan Books To Buddhist Temple In Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 June 2017 presented over 100 volumes of the sacred Tibetan Buddhist text "Urga Kanjur" to the head priest of the Datsan Gunzechoinei Buddhist Temple in Saint Petersburg. "PM presents Urga Kanjur to Jampa Donor, Buda Balzheivich Badmayev, Head Priest, Datsan Gunzechoinei Buddhist Temple, St Petersburg,".

CP Joshi pips Ruchir Modi to become RCA president.



Congress leader C P Joshi has pipped Ruchir Modi, son of former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, to become president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The elections of RCA were held on May 29 but results were declared today as per the orders of the High Court. Joshi won with a 19-14 margin.

India's heaviest rocket with GSAT-19 all set for maiden flight.

India's heaviest rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) is all set for its maiden flight into space along with a communications satellite on Monday evening as its countdown of 25 hours and 30 minutes began at 3.58 p.m. on 4 June 2017.The rocket, weighing 640 tonnes and standing 43.43 metres tall, will blast off from the second launch pad at India's rocket port at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, around 105 km from here. It will carry a 3,136-kg GSAT-19 communications satellite the heaviest to be lifted by an Indian rocket till date to an altitude of around 179 km above the Earth after just over 16 minutes into the flight.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June 2017) observed globally.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was observed across the world on 4 June 2017. The day also affirms the commitment of the United Nations (UN) to protect the rights of children. The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, which is annually observed on 4 June as a United Nations observance day, was established on 19 August 1982.

RCom-Aircel merged wireless company to be called Aircom.

Reliance Communications (RCom) Chairman Anil Ambani on 2 June 2017 announced that the merged entities of RCom and Aircel will be called Aircom. These merged entities are

Reliance Communications and Maxis Communications Berhad (MCB).

India successfully test-fires 1st all weather tracked-chassis QR-SAM.

India today successfully test-fired its first all weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) from a mobile launcher at Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha.

Aadhaar Mandatory for Kerosene Subsidy, Atal Pension Yojana.

Those availing kerosene subsidy or contributing for the pension scheme will now be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number and undergo the enrollment process through it to get the benefits.

Punjab CM inaugurates civic project pertaining to cleaning of sewage lines.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu inaugurated a major civic project pertaining to cleaning of choked sewerage lines and drains through super suction-cum-jetting machines at Patiala.

India slips to 45th spot in IMD's World Competitiveness list.

India has been ranked 45th, down four notches from last year, in terms of competitiveness in the annual rankings compiled by IMD which saw Hong Kong topping the list. US was "pushed out" of the top three slots while Hong Kong consolidated its dominance of the annual rankings for the second year in the list compiled by the International Institute for Management Development's (IMD) World Competitiveness Center. Switzerland and Singapore were ranked second and third respectively, with the USA at the fourth spot -- its lowest position in five years and down from third last year.



Bank of India plans to sell stake in subsidiaries to raise capital.

Saddled with bad loans, Bank of India is exploring the possibility of selling stake in some subsidiaries to unlock capital and turn the corner. "BOI sold stake in some of the subsidiaries and are exploring opportunities to divest stake in some other non-core subsidiaries depending on right valuation,"

Tata Communications, Batelco tie up for cloud, connectivity solutions.

Tata Communications and Bahrain's Batelco have signed an agreement to collaborate in the field of cloud computing and connectivity solutions to their customers. The agreement allows Tata communications to extend its data centre footprint in locations like Bahrain, Jordon, among others enabled by Batelco.

Shuttler Sai Praneeth wins Thailand Grand Prix Gold title.

Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in tight three games to win the Thailand Open title on 4 June 2017. Praneeth came from a game down in the final to beat Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19 in a match which lasted one hour and 11 minutes.

India successfully launches GSLV MARK-III carrying GSAT-19 satellite.

India has successfully launched its communication satellite GSAT-19 with its brand new and heaviest Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III D-1 on 5 June 2017.

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World Environment Day observed with theme ‘Connecting People to Nature’.

The World Environment Day (WED) was observed on 5 June 2017 with the year’s

theme ‘Connecting People to Nature’. The day is annually observed with an aim to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

Venkaiah Naidu launches source segregation campaign at Talkatora Stadium.

Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today launched the source segregation campaign at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. Urban local bodies of Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad will be covered in the campaign. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Naidu urged the people to dump wet waste in Green bins and dry waste in Blue bins.

Six Arab countries cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Six countries of the Arab region have cut off their diplomatic ties with Qatar. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Yemen, Libya and Egypt have all accused Doha for destabilising the region and have declared not to maintain any diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

World Bank projects 7.2% growth rate for India in 2017.

World Bank has projected a strong 7(point)2 per cent growth rate for India this year against 6(point)8 per cent growth in 2016. World Bank revised India's growth figures by 0.4 percentage points as compared to its January forecast. The growth projections for China remains unchanged at 6.5 per cent for 2017 and then 6.3 per cent for the next two years 2018 and 2019.

TRAI launches three mobile Apps.

TRAI today launched three mobile Apps, an upgraded official website and a portal in New Delhi with a target to provide consumer friendly monitoring facility. The three Apps, namely Mycall App, Myspeed App and Do Not Disturb have been launched with a view

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to help mobile phone users rate their experience about voice call quality in real time.

Lost temple discovered after 1,000 years in China.

Chinese archaeologists have discovered the Fugan Temple, which had been lost for almost 1000 years in China's south-western Sichuan province. The Temple, located in downtown Chengdu, was a famous one that lasted from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317- 420) to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Vizianagaram wins MGNREGA National Award.

The Union Ministry of Rural Development in the first week of June 2017 selected Vizianagaram as one among the 17 districts across the nation for the MGNREGA Annual Award for eIective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during 2015-16. The prestigious award would be presented to the district programme coordinator and District Collector at the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sammelan on 19 June 2017 in New Delhi.

Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer becomes first Indian to be inducted in ITTF URC.

Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer in the first week of June 2017 became the first Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC).

Andhra Bank and Allahabad Bank to sell worth Rs 6,000 crore of bad loans.

Andhra Bank and Allahabad Bank have put up for sale nearly Rs 6,000 crore of bad loans amid mounting pressure on state-run lenders to clean their books. While Andhra Bank wants to sell off more than 100 accounts adding to about Rs 4,000 crore of loans, Allahabad Bank has invited bids for 73 accounts with outstanding loans of Rs 2,000

crore. The assets on sale include Seven Hills Hospital, Visa Power, Visa Steel, L&T Chennai Tada Toll Road,KS Oil, Transstroy India and a few of its associate companies, Maheshwari Ispat and Abhijeet Power.

Tata Motors' Commercial Vehicles head Ravindra Pisharody quits.

Homegrown auto major Tata Motors said the head of its commercial vehicles division Ravindra Pisharody has resigned citing personal reasons. He has been holding the position of Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles) since June 21, 2012, having joined Tata Motors as Vice President Commercial Vehicles (Sales & Marketing) in 2007.

Real Madrid beat Juventus to win Champions League.

Real Madrid beat Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff to retain their Champions League title and earn a 12th European crown with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Casemiro and Marco Asensio strikes.

United Nations observes 2017 Russian Language Day.

The United Nations Russian Language Day was observed on 6 June 2017. The day is observed annually to maintain the equality of all six official UN languages. These six official languages are English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French.

Saudi Arabia revokes Qatar Airways licence.

Saudi Arabia on 6 June 2017 revoked the operating licence of Qatar Airways and ordered the airline’s offices to close within 48 hours.

Vijaya Bank set to develop 100 digital villages.

India’s public sector bank, Vijaya Bank is going to develop 100 digital villages spread across various states of the country. The



move is being undertaken by the bank as a part of its initiative to promote digital banking among the rural population.

Anand Neelakantan, Haraprasad Das, Paramita Satpathy to be honoured with Kalinga Literary Awards.

Popular writer Anand Neelakantan, Odia poet Haraprasad Das and author Paramita Satpathy were on 6 June 2017 announced as the winners of the Kalinga Literary Awards. Neelakantan was chosen for the Kalinga International Literary Award, Haraprasad Das was chosen for the Kalinga Literary Youth Award and Satpathy was chosen for the Kalinga Karubaki Award. They will receive the award during the Kalinga Literary Festival 2017 which will be held from 10 June to 12 June 2017.

Habibganj Railway Station to become India’s first private railway station.

Habibganj Railway Station, located in the suburbs of Bhopal, will become India’s first railway station to be redeveloped in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The station redevelopment work in the railway station will be launched on 9 June 2017 by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Nepal, China sign MoU for construction of Budhigandaki Hydropower Project.

Nepal on 5 June 2017 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China for construction of 1200-megawatt Budhigandaki Hydropower Project. The agreement was signed at Kathmandu, Nepal by Nepal Energy Minister Janardan Sharma and Lv Zexiang, President of China Gezhouba Water & Power (Group) Co Ltd (CGGC).

World's fastest elevator to be installed in skyscraper complex building in China.

The world's fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking speed of 1260 metres

per minute is set to been installed in a skyscraper complex building in China.

Kerala Government Implements 'Green Protocol' For Weddings.

Wedding ceremonies in Kerala are all set to become 'green', with the state government coming out with a green-protocol to make the auspicious occasions more nature-friendly. With the implementation of the protocol, plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable glasses and plates and thermocol decorations will be kept at bay from marriage functions. Instead of this, people would be persuaded to use tumblers, plates and other utensils made of glass and environment-friendly metals.

Ramkumar Ramanathan lifts ITF men's Futures tennis title.

India's Ramkumar Ramanathan lifted the ITF men's Futures tennis title after outplaying Raymond Sarmiento of the USA in straight sets in Singapore. The top seeded Indian beat the second seeded player 6-2, 6-2 in the final of event last night. It was the first title of the season for Ramkumar.

Reserves Bank of India kept repo rate unchanged at 6.25 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India on 7 June 2017 left its key policy rates unchanged, in it monetary policy review. Headed by Reserve Bank governor, Urjit Patel, the Monetary Policy Committee for the fourth straight time kept the repo rate, the rate at which the RBI lends to banks, unchanged at 6.25 per cent.

HIGHLIGHTS OF RBI BI-MONTHLY

MONETARY POLICY

India will become full member of SCO in Summit to be held at Astana.

India will become a full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO in its two

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day Summit to be held at Astana, Kazakhstan from 8 June 2017.

India to provide $318 million line of credit to Sri Lanka.

India has signed an agreement to provide fresh assistance of 318 million US Dollar credit line to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway sector in the country. The agreement was signed in Colombo.

Sher Bahadur Deuba sworn-in as new PM of Nepal.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has taken the oath of prime minister of Nepal. President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Deuba at Rashtrpati Bhawan in Kathmandu on 7 June 2017.

Foodpanda appoints Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador.

Online food delivery company Foodpanda on 6 June 2017 named Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador. Khan will feature in an upcoming campaign made by advertising agency Lowe Lintas and promoted by media agency Havas Media.

Human Milk Bank inaugurated at Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi.

A national human milk bank was inaugurated at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi today to provide breast milk to newborns who cannot be nursed by their own mothers. The human milk bank and lactation counselling centre, 'Vatsalya - Maatri Amrit Kosh', will collect, pasteurise, test and store milk donated by lactating mothers and make it available for infants in need. Union Health Secretary C K Mishra inaugurated the facility.

Cabinet okays transfer of IISWC land in Gujarat to NHAI.

Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation will transfer 4.64 hectares of land in Gujarat to NHAI for extension and six-laning of the Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway. The land will be transferred on payment of compensation of Rs 12.67 crore. The Cabinet approved the proposal for transfer of 4.64 hectares (46,384 sq meters) of land belonging to IISWC Research Centre at Vasad, District Anand, Gujarat to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on payment of compensation amounting to Rs 12.67 crore.

Zeta partners with Excelity Global.

Excelity Global, Asia’s largest provider of payroll administration, benefits and human capital management, has partnered with Zeta, the pioneer in digital employee benefits solutions, to offer employee benefits to corporates on a fully digital platform. Digital employee benefit company Zeta has tied up with Excelity Global one of Asia's biggest payroll administration and human resource management company. Through this tie up Zeta products will be made available to the customers of Excelity Global.

Donald Trump tominates Christopher Wray as new FBI director.

US President Donald Trump is nominating lawyer Christopher Wray to become the new FBI director. The post has been empty for the past month after Mr Trump fired James Comey from the key law enforcement role. Mr Wray served under George W Bush as an assistant attorney general from 2003 to 2005.

World Oceans Day (8 June 2017) observed globally.

The World Oceans Day was observed across the world on 8 June 2017 with the theme Our oceans, our future. This year’s theme is connected to the Ocean Conference which took place from 5 to 9 June at United Nations headquarters in New York.



North Korea launches multiple ground-to-ship missiles.

North Korea has launched multiple surface-to-ship missiles on 8 June 2017. South Korea's Defence ministry said North Korea today fired multiple unidentified projectiles, assumed to be surface-to-ship missiles from the vicinity of Wonsan, Gangwon Province.

Nepal's first woman Chief Justice Sushila Karki retires.

First woman Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court Sushila Karki has retired after attaining the age 65 years. She was appointed Chief Justice on July 11 last year. She was 25th Chief Justice of Nepal Supreme Court.After Justice Karki’s retirement Justice Gopal Parajuli, who is the senior most judge, has assumed the charge of acting Chief Justice on 7 June 2017.

Sam Pitroda resigns as technical advisor to Odisha govt.

Noted technocrat Sam Pitroda has resigned from Odisha government’s technical advisor post. Pitroda was recently appointed as the Chairman of Congress’s overseas department.Pitroda, a year back had joined Odisha government as its Technical Advisor.

India's textile and fashion heritage became part of Google project We Wear Culture.

India's textile and fashion heritage on 8 June 2017 became the part of Google project 'We Wear Culture'. A large part of a culture is designed by what is worn by its people and in India, there is a vast and varied spectrum of cultures and clothes. Such vast fashion heritage of India can now be explored through Google's latest virtual exhibition project We Wear Culture.

Indian-American Raja Chari among 12 new astronauts chosen by NASA.

NASA on 7 June 2017 announced names of 12 new astronauts, including an Indian-American Lt Col Raja Grinder Chari. They, the new astronauts, were chosen from a record number of over 18000 applicants. The new candidates include six military o ්cers, three scientists, two medical doctors, a lead engineer at SpaceX and a NASA research pilot. The seven men and ĭve women comprise the 22nd class of American space⁴ight trainees since 1959.

Union Health Minister conferred WHO DirectorGeneral’s special recognition award.

J P Nadda, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare was conferred the WHO DirectorGeneral’s Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control on 8 June 2017. The global recognition award was presented to him by Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the Regional Director of WHO’s South-East Asia division at the ‘National Consultation on Accelerating Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) for the achievement of SDGs’.

Tata Consultancy Services launches app development kit for banks.

Global software major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on 8 June 2017 launched "BaNCS App Development Kit" (ADK) that will enable banks to fast design and build their own apps and deploy it across devices and desktops seamlessly.

French Open: Bopanna-Dabrowski win mixed doubles title.

In French Open Tennis, Rohan Bopanna and his Canadian teammate Gabriela Dabrowski have won the mixed doubles title beating the pair of Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Colombia's Robert Farah by 2-6, 6-2, 12-10 on 8 June 2017.

SCO Summit begins in Astana, Kazakhstan.



The 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit began in Kazakhstan capital Astana on 8 June 2017. Heads of six member nations - China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - have begun deliberations at the summit.

Senior Congress leader & MP P Govardhan Reddy passes away.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha Member P Govardhan Reddy died on 8 June 2017. He suffered a heart attack in Kullu Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Petrol, diesel prices to be revised daily across country from June 16.

Oil Marketing Companies will make daily revision in retail selling prices of Petrol and Diesel from 16th of this month across the country. The decision will make the retail prices more reflective of the current market conditions, minimising the volatility in the retail price of Petrol and Diesel. It will also enhance transparency in the system, besides enabling smoother flow of products from refinery to retail outlets.

Polish poet Adam Zagajewski wins Spain's Princess of Asturias Award for Literature.

Polish poet and author Adam Zagajewski on 8 June 2017 won the Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Literature 2017. He was awarded for his resolute stance in defence of freedom and the search for beauty, works of great human depth and ne aesthetic sensibility. Zagajewski is one of the most pre-eminent contemporary Polish poets, novelists and essayists from the so-called 'Generation of New Wave'.

Ex-UN General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann dies.

Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, former Foreign Minister of Nicaragua and former President of the UN General Assembly, passed away on 8 June 2017. He was 84. He was born in

the United States to a Nicaraguan diplomat who served in the administration of dictator Anastasio Somoza Garcia.

Eminent social rights activist Mehrunnisa Dalwai no more.

Mehrunnisa Dalwai, eminent social activist, author and wife of the late thinker and Marathi writer Hamid Dalwai passed away at her residence on 8 June 2017. She was 87.

Ministry of AYUSH inaugurates 2nd National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga.

The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the second National Health Editors' Conference on Yoga on 9 June 2017 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

Muttiah Muralidaran inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Legendary oI-spinner Muttiah Muralidaran was on 8 June 2017 inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame by ICC Chief Executive David Richardson after the India versus Sri Lanka ICC Champions Trophy match at The Oval.

NASA Unveils 'Out of This World' Mars Rover.

NASA has unveiled an "out of this world" futuristic Mars rover concept vehicle to inspire young people to want to learn more about its plans to send humans to the Red Planet in the 2030s.

Tata Motors Signs Wage Settlement Pact With Sanand Workers.

Tata Motors on 9 June 2017 resolved a long pending wage settlement dispute by signing pact with workers of its Sanand plant under which each permanent employee is to get Rs. 16,000 hike spread uniformally over the next 5 years.



India, Pakistan become full members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

India and Pakistan became full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the first-ever expansion of the China-dominated security grouping after 2001. With the inclusion of India and Pakistan, SCO now represents over 40% of world population and nearly 20% of the global GDP. 2017 SCO summit was based on the theme “Future Energy”.

Virat Kohli sole Indian in Forbes list of highest paid athletes.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is the sole Indian sportsperson to feature in the 2017 Forbes list of ‘The World’s highest paid athletes’. Kohli has been ranked 89th among the 100 top-earning athletes with a total pay of $22 million that includes $3 million from salary and winnings and another $19 million from endorsements.

India, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) launch partnership fund to promote Sustainable Development Goals.

India and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) on 8 June 2017 launched a partnership fund to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the developing world. The fund was launched on the occasion of the World Oceans Day at a special ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

President Pranab Mukherjee launches 'Selfie with Daughter' mobile app.

President Pranab Mukherjee today launched the 'Selfie with Daughter' mobile application, aimed at raising awareness about female foeticide and sex selection. The campaign was started by Sunil Jaglan in June 2015 in village Bibipur in Haryana's Jind district. The aim of the campaign is to motivate society to feel proud to be parents of a girl child, which,

in turn, will result in improving child sex ratio.

Indian Overseas Bank launches retail mart in Thiruvananthapuram.

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the Lead Bank for Thiruvananthapuram district, has launched the Retail Mart, a retail lending concept, in Kerala's capital city. The Retail Mart has been designed with an aim to complete all the pre-release formalities at the customer’s doorstep and sanction quality retail loans at a competitive rate of interest with a minimum turnaround time.

SEBI clears Vikram Limaye as NSE chief.

Capital market regulator SEBI has given conditional approval for the appointment of Vikram Limaye as the MD and CEO of the NSE.

Microsoft signs agreement to acquire Israeli security firm Hexadite.

Ransomware attacks have prompted Microsoft to sign an agreement to acquire Hexadite. This deal cost $100 million. Hexadite is an Israeli startup that uses Artificial Intelligence to identify and protect against cyber attacks.

Canara Bank ties up with New India Assurance Company.

Canara Bank has inked pact with the state-owned general insurer The New India Assurance Company Ltd. to sell policies through its branches. The pact allows Canara Bank to offer non-life insurance products to its customers across metros and tier II and III cities through the bank’s extensive network of over 6,000 branches.

Siemens signed a MoU with Karnataka Government.

Siemens Industry Software India Pvt. Ltd. has signed a MoU with the Karnataka



Government to establish four 'Centers of Excellence' across the state.

Tesla became the world's fourth-most valuable automaker.

Tesla became the world's fourth-most valuable automaker, behind Toyota, Daimler, and Volkswagen.

Soumitra Chatterjee to get France's Legion of Honour.

Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee has been selected for France's highest civilian award, Legion of Honour, for his outstanding contribution to cinema and theatre. 82-year old Chatterjee is the first Bengali actor to be chosen for the award.

Sushma Swaraj flags off Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2017.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 11 June 2017 flagged off the first batch of pilgrims bound for the annual Kailash Mansarovar yatra for this year.

DD India to become English news channel, DD News only Hindi.

Public broadcaster Doordarshan’s international channel – DD India – is all set to turn into an English news channel, while the bilingual DD News may soon air only Hindi news.

'Batman' TV series star Adam West passes away at 88.

A well known US actor, Adam West died in Los Angeles. He was suffering to leukaemia for some time. He was 88. Adam West rose to prominance in 1960s for a TV series Batman.

French Open: Jelena Ostapenko wins women's singles title.

In the French Open tennis, the second grand slam of the season, Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko beat Simona Halep to win her first Grand Slam title.

French Open: Harrison and Venus win men's doubles title.

In the French Open tennis, the second grand slam of the season, New Zealander Michael Venus along with his American team mate American Ryan Harrison claimed first grand slam title in the men's doubles category. The duo defeated Mexican American pair of Santiago Gonzalez and Donald Young 7-6, 6-7, 6-3.

Usain Bolt Wins Final 100m Farewell Race In Jamaica.

Usain Bolt ran his final 100 metre race on Jamaican soil on Saturday. At the National Stadium, Bolt bid his devoted fans an emotional farewell as he won the 100 metre 'Salute to a Legend' on the same track where he launched his international career at the World Juniors in 2002.

Mahindra Racing Clenches First Ever Formula E Win In Berlin.

After a successful start to season 3, Mahindra Racing managed to finally win its maiden race in the Formula E series at the Tempelhofring circuit in Berlin, Germany. Mahindra driver Felix Rosenqvist won the first of two Berlin ePrix races on Saturday, starting from third place and moved up to take his first ever win for the team, passing Jose Maria Lopez (DS Virgin Racing) and Lucas di Grassi of ABT Schaeffler Audi.

World Day against Child Labour (12 June 2017) observed.

The World Day against Child Labour was observed globally on 12 June 2017 with the theme In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour.



India emerges as 7th largest exporter of agriproducts globally: Commerce Secretary.

Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, while addressing the 22nd APEDA Export award function in New Delhi on 12 June 2017, said that India has emerged as the 7th largest exporter of agri-products globally.

Justice CS karnan becomes first High Court Judge to retire while absconding.

Calcutta High Court Judge C S Karnan, who was sentenced six months of imprisonment by Supreme Court, retired on 12 June 2017 at the age of 62, the retirement age for a High Court judge. Justice Karnan has been absconding from the office of Calcutta HC judge since May 2017 to escape arrest after the Supreme Court sentenced him to six months imprisonment for contempt of court and ordered his immediate arrest. Karnan was not present at the Calcutta High Court on the day of his retirement as he is banned from performing his judicial duties since February 2017.

Dr. Jitendra Singh Announces “Hill Area Development Programme” for Northeast.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh announced the launch of “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast in Imphal, Manipur.

Kolkata to get India's first underwater Metro.

Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy’ is about to experience a wonder in the form of an underwater Metro train which will run beneath the Hooghly river. It’s one of the path-breaking projects in India as never before a tunnel has been dug beneath a flowing river. The entire project is 16.6 km long, out of which 10.8 km runs under the ground. Of this 10.8 km, 502 meters is under the water. The project connects Howrah to the west and Salt Lake to the east.

Jnanpith awardee Dr C Narayana Reddy passes away.

Eminent Poet and Jnanpith Award recipient Dr C Narayana Reddy passed away this morning in Hyderabad. He was 86.

Shashi Shekar Vempati takes charge as CEO of Prasar Bharati.

Shashi Shekar Vempati on 12 June 2017 took charge as the Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati. After taking charge Mr Shashi Shekar Vempati met Prasar Bharati Chairman Dr A Surya Prakash.

Poet Haraprasad Das conferred with Kalinga Literary Award.

Renowned poet and essayist Haraprasad Das on 11 June 2017 was conferred with the prestigious Kalinga Literary Award. Das has been chosen for the award for his work and contribution to literature at the fourth edition of Kalinga Literary Festival. This year, the Kalinga Literary Festival also introduced two new awards: the Kalinga International Literary Award and the Kalinga Karubaki Award. Anand Neelakantan was honoured with the Kalinga International Literary Award for his contribution towards literature, while Paramita Satpathy was chosen for the Kalinga Karubaki Award for her contribution to Odia poetry.

Jairam Ramesh’s book on the naturist in Indira Gandhi launched.

The book “Indira Gandhi – A life in Nature”, was launched by Congress president Sonia Gandhi at the Indira Gandhi Memorial. The book was authored by Former Union minister Jairam Ramesh.

Theresa May unveils new Cabinet, appoints Damian Green as ‘deputy prime minister'.

Theresa May on 11 June 2017 appointed her close ally Damian Green as her first secretary of state, effectively her deputy



prime minister. The cabinet reshue follows the shock results of UK general elections 2017, which saw Conservatives lose their majority status, forcing May to form a minority government.

NITI Aayog launches SATH Program.

NITI Aayog on 10 June 2017 launched SATH Program for providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital (SATH) to the State Governments.

Jitu Rai-Heena Sidhu clinch gold medal in ISSF World Cup.

India's Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu combined to clinch the gold medal in mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup, beating Russia 7-6 in the final in Gabala, Azerbaijan on 12 June 2017. France beat Iran by an identical score to win the bronze in the event.

Rafael Nadal wins French Open; Becomes 1st player in Open era to bag Grand Slam 10 times.

Spain's Rafael Nadal has lifted his 10th French Open Men's Singles Title. In a one-sided final in Paris yesterday, he completely overwhelmed Swiss star Stanislas Wawrinka in 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. With the win, the 31-year Nadal has become the first player in the Professional arena to win the same Grand Slam title 10 times. The World's 4th ranked player has 15 Grand Slams to his credit. His collection of Slams now stands just three behind great rival Roger Federer. World No. three Wawrinka, has three Grand Slam titles to his credit including a French Open crown.

England beat Venezuela to win FIFA U-20 World Cup for first time.

England on 11 June 2017 lifted the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time ever. England defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the summit clash held in Suwon, South Korea.

Shashikant Kutwal wins gold at world chess championship for differently-abled.

Shashikant Kutwal has won the gold medal at the 17th World Individual Chess Championship for differently-abled. The World Chess Championship was held in Slovakia. Shashikant Kutwal is a railway employee with Pune Division.

Lewis Hamilton wins Canada Grand Prix for sixth time.

Hamilton took his sixth win at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on 11 June 2017, leading his team-mate Valtteri Bottas home in the first one-two for Mercedes this season. The Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen had difficult opening laps and they finished in fourth and seventh.

International Albinism Awareness Day observed on 13 June.

The International Albinism Awareness Day was observed on 13 June 2017 with an aim to end multiple forms of discrimination that is faced by people who suIers from albinism.

Indian girl Padmalaya Nanda bags Little Miss Universe Internet 2017 crown at Little Miss Universe in Georgia .

A 12-year-old Padmalaya Nanda from Odisha has created history by becoming the youngest girl to bag the "Little Miss Universe Internet 2017" and "Little Miss Actress" crowns at the Little Miss Universe 2017 at the port city of Batumi in Georgia. This is the first time that a 12 yr Indian girl has won this beauty pageant title. She will now participate in the "Little Miss World 2017" competition that will be held at Greece from Sept 25 to Oct 1, 2017.

Nalanda model of water conservation chosen for National Award.

A model of water conservation adopted successfully by the authorities in Nalanda



district of south-central Bihar, has been selected for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee program (MGNREGP), by the ministry of rural development. The award for excellence will be conferred on ‘Project Jal Sanchay’, the water conservation model developed in chief minister Nitish Kumar’s native district, at a function to be organized at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on June 19.

World’s largest floating Solar Farm launched in China.

China has launched world’s largest floating solar farm in Anhui province. The 40-megawatt power plant has 160,000 panels resting on a lake that emerged after the collapse of a coal mine in central Anhui province.

World’s smallest & cheapest private jet ‘Vision Jet’ launched in USA.

The World’s smallest and cheapest private jet 'Vision Jet' was launched in the USA recently. The Vision Jet can haul five adults up to 1,150 miles at 28,000 feet. It is the first Private Jet with a single engine and can be conveniently operated by a single pilot, thus keeping production and maintenance costs low for the users. The jet can fly at a speed of 345mph and has an operating altitude of 28,000 feet.

IRDAI takes over management of Sahara India Life Insurance Company.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has announced taking over the management of the Sahara India Life Insurance Company. Insurance regulator, IRDAI in an order issued in New Delhi on 12 June 2017 said that Subrata Roy run insurer was "acting in a manner" prejudicial to the interest of subscribers. IRDAI appointed one of its general managers, RK Sharma, as administrator to manage the aIairs of the insurer with "immediate eIect".

Centre to set up 100 AYUSH hospitals across country .

The Centre has approved proposals for setting up of 100 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) hospitals across the country.

Janaushadhi outlets to be opened at railways stations, hospitals soon.

Janaushadhi outlets will be opened at railways stations and hospitals across the country to make medicines available to the common man at affordable prices.

World Bank approves over $500 million for Afghanistan to boost economy.

The World Bank has approved financing worth more than 500 million dollars for Afghanistan to support a string of projects to boost the economy, help improve service delivery in five cities and support Afghan refugees sent back from Pakistan.

SEBI allows options trading in commodity futures.

Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI, today allowed options trading in commodities to deepen the market but will permit each exchange to launch options on futures of only one commodity initially. It has asked bourses to follow robust risk management measures.

Virat Kohli reclaims top spot in ICC ODI rankings for batsmen.

India captain Virat Kohli has reclaimed the top spot in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. With brilliant knocks of 81 not out against Pakistan and 76 not out against South Africa in the Champions Trophy, Kohli leapfrogged de Villiers and Warner into the number one spot.

World Blood Donors Day 2017 observed.



World Blood Donors Day (WBDD) was observed on 14 June 2017. The theme of the 2017 World Blood Donor Day is Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often.

Centre approves interest subsidy of 2% on farm loans, additional 3% for timely repayments.

Government has approved two percent interest subsidy on farm loans and additional three percent for timely repayments. The approval was given for short term crop loans to farmers for the current year. The decision involves a total expenditure of 20,339 crore rupees in the current financial year.

UP: CM Yogi, Jayanth Sinha inaugurate Mahayogi Gorakhnath Civil Terminal.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union State Minister, Civil Aviation Shir Jayanth Sinha inaugurated " Mahayogi Gorakhnath Civil Terminal at Gorakhpur airport on 14 June 2017.

Tata Motors appoints Girish Wagh as Commercial Vehicle Business Head.

Automobile major Tata Motors on 13 June 2017 announced the appointment of Girish Wagh as the head of its Commercial Vehicle Business Unit. Wagh will take charge of his new responsibilities with immediate eIect. On 5 June 2017, Tata Motors had informed that Director of its associated companies and Executive Director (Commercial Vehicles) Ravindra Pisharody has resigned due to personal reasons.

Indian warships arrive in Australia for bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX-17.

Three Indian warships on 13 June 2017 sailed into Fremantle to participate in a week-long naval exercise, AUSINDEX-17, oI the Western Australian coast. Indian Naval Ships Jyoti, Shivalik and Kamorta are on a port visit to Freemantle, Australia from 13 June to 17 June 2017.

IIT-Kharagpur team develops wearable technology from silk.

A team of experts at the Indian Institute of Technology - Kharagpur has fashioned a hybrid material based on silk protein called silk fibroin. This novel material has the potential to spawn prototype textile-based smart electronic devices for soldiers and defence personnel as well as for biomedical applications.

NASA confers Exceptional Public Service Medal to Michael A'Hearn posthumously.

NASA conferred the Exceptional Public Service Medal to Michael A’Hearn, one of the world’s leading comet scientists, posthumously on 12 June 2017. A’Hearn passed away on 29 May 2017 at his home in University Park, Maryland. He was 76.

RBI issues new batch of Rs 500 notes with inset letter A.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 13 June 2017 announced that it has issued Rs 500 denomination notes with inset letter A. The RBI also made it clear that the old notes, which were introduced after Prime Narendra Modi’s demonetisation drive in November 2016, will continue to remain the legal tender.

Key features of the new batch of the note • The new batch of banknotes will have inset letter "A" in both the number panels. • It will bear the signature of Urjit R Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India. • The year of printing will be '2017' on the reverse. • It will also have Swachh Bharat logo printed on the backside of the banknote. • In addition, some of the notes would carry an additional character in between the prefix and the number of the banknote.

Yes Bank partners with TerraPay for faster international remittance.



Private sector lender Yes BankBSE -3.00 % has partnered with mobile payments switch TerraPay to enable real time money transfer to bank accounts in India. Powered by TerraPay’s global clearing and settlement service, the partnership will make it faster and convenient for consumers to send money to any bank account.

Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi conferred Bhupen Hazarika Award.

The Fifth Bhupen Hazarika National Award, 2017 has been conferred on eminent writer from Arunachal Pradesh Yeshe Dorjee Thongshi. The prestigious Award, instituted by Sarhad,a Maharashtra-based organization, is honouring a person every year since 2012.

India tops global remittance-receiving list.

India has claimed the top spot among the remittance-receiving nations, surpassing China. The United Nations, in its report, said Indians working across the globe sent home 62.7 billion US dollars last year. The 'One Family at a Time' study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development said, about 200 million migrants globally sent more than 445 billion dollars as remittances in 2016 to their families. Remittance flows have grown over the last decade from 296 billion in 2007 to 445 billion dollars in 2016. It has risen at a rate averaging 4.2 per cent annually.

CCI imposes Rs. 87 crore fine on Hyundai Motor India.

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 87 crore on Hyundai Motor India for unfair business practices with respect to providing discounts for cars. The company's anti-competitive conduct include putting in place arrangements that resulted in resale price maintenance by way of monitoring of maximum permissible discount level. This was done through discount control and

penalty mechanisms for non-compliance of the discount scheme.

Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 14 June 2017 launched the Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to intensify eorts to reduce child deaths due to diarrhoea. Through this initiative, the Health Ministry aims to mobilize health personnel, State Governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in control of diarrhoea.

DRDO successfully test fires anti-tank Nag missile.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 13 June 2017 successfully test fired anti-tank ‘Nag’ missile in Rajasthan. The anti-tank Nag missile is one among the five missile systems developed by DRDO under the integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP). The four other missiles developed under this programme are Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi.

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on agriculture cooperation.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 June 2017 approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture of Palestine on agriculture cooperation. The MoU was signed in May 2017 during the visit of the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Aairs Mahmoud Abbas to India.

Union Cabinet approves proposal to introduce Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill 2017.

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 14 June 2017



gave a green signal to the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017. The Bill aims at providing a comprehensive resolution framework for specified financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies and financial sector entities.

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar becomes Ireland’s youngest PM.

Leo Varadkar, a 38-year-old Indian-origin doctor, scripted history by becoming Ireland’s youngest and the first openly gay Prime Minister of the Catholic-majority country. Varadkar, the country’s first Indian-origin premier, officially took over from Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, as the Irish prime ministerial title is known, after a parliamentary vote in Dublin confirmed him as the leader by 57 votes to 50, with 47 abstentions.

India to be Co-Partner Country in ANUGA 2017.

Minister of Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal addressed a Joint Press Conference with the organizers of ANUGA - an international business platform for Food Industry to be held in Cologne, Germany. She also signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Participation in the ANUGA Exhibition with Ms Katharina C Hamma, Chief Operating Officer, Koelnmesse GmBH (Organizers of ANUGA).

Former JMI Faculty Member Receives Highest French Honour.

Dr. Bharti Sharma, former Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been awarded with the highest French honour Chevalier de I'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honour) at an impressive function held at the French Embassy.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank grants USD 150 mn loan for India Infrastructure Fund.

China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has approved USD 150 million equity investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund, the bank's first such loan to fund private projects.

India 60th most innovative globally, China at 22nd: Report.

India has moved up six places to the 60th spot among 130 nations on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017, emerging as the top-ranked economy in Central and South Asia. Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the US and UK retained their top spots as the most-innovative countries. China at 22nd.

TDP MP Diwakar Reddy banned by all domestic airlines.

TDP Member Parliament J C Diwakar Reddy has been banned by all domestic airlines following his alleged unruly behaviour at the Visakhapatnam airport. Vistara and budget airlines -- GoAir and AirAsia India -- today also barred Reddy from their flights. Air India, SpiceJet and Jet Airways followed IndiGo on 15 June 2017, which imposed the flying ban on him.

India re-elected to UN's principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues.

India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ on economic, social and environmental issues for another three-year term. India was among 18 nations to win election on 15 June 2017 to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). ECOSOC, one of the six main organs of the United Nations, is the principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as for implementation of the internationally agreed development goals.



Ajaib Singh Bhatti unanimously elected Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker.

Punjab Assembly on 16 June 2017 unanimously elected Ajaib Singh Bhatti, MLA from Malout, Deputy Speaker of Vidhansabha.

Neeru Chadha becomes 1st Indian woman as member of ITLOS.

In a significant victory for India at the UN, international law expert Neeru Chadha has won a crucial election to a top UN judicial body that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea, becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge at the tribunal. Ms. Chadha, an eminent lawyer and the first Indian woman to become the chief legal adviser in the ministry of external affairs, won the election on 15 June 2017 to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026.

Israeli author David Grossman wins Man Booker International prize 2017.

A Horse Walks Into a Bar by David Grossman Wins The Man Booker International Prize 2017. The novel was translated by Jessica Cohen. David Grossman is an Israeli author. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and have won numerous prizes. David Grossman has become the first Israeli author to be honoured with prestigious Man Booker International Prize for 2017.

Complete Winners List- Man Booker Prize

(1995-2017)

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2017 observed .

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was observed globally on 15 June 2017. The day is observed to voice against abuse and suffering inflicted on older people. The theme of the 2017 World Elder Abuse

Awareness Day is Understand and End Financial Abuse of Older People: A Human Rights Issue.

Former Chief Justice of India PN Bhagwati passes away .

Former Chief Justice of India PN Bhagwati passed away on 15 June 2017 following a brief illness in New Delhi. He was 95. He was 17th Chief Justice of India.

China launches first X-ray Space Telescope to study black holes.

China on 15 June 2017 successfully launched its first X-ray Space Telescope named 'Insight' to study black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray bursts. This Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) was carried into orbit by Long March-4B rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gobi Desert.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2017 observed globally.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed globally on 17 June 2017 with a campaign 'Our land. Our home. Our Future' to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

PM Modi inaugurates Kerala's first metro rail service at Kochi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Metro on 17 June 2017 and took a ride in the Metro from Palarivattom station to Pathadippalam station. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and E Sreedharan popularly known as Metro man also travelled with Mr Modi.

Sushma Swaraj inaugurates KIP for young overseas Indians.

https://ca247.blogspot.in/2017/06/israeli-author-david-grossman-wins-man.html#more

https://ca247.blogspot.in/2017/06/israeli-author-david-grossman-wins-man.html#more



External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 17 June 2017 inaugurated Know India Programme, KIP, for young overseas Indians at a function in New Delhi. The Know India Programme is a three-week orientation programme for the Indian diaspora. It provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and develop closer bonds with the contemporary India. On the occasion, the External Affairs Minister announced opening of new 149 post office passport seva kendras in the country soon.

Black money: Switzerland ratifies automatic exchange of information with India.

Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of information(AEOI) sharing with India and 40 other countries to facilitate immediate sharing of details about suspected black money. The protocol will be implemented next year and the first set of information is planned in 2019.

Export of spices & spice products achieves growth of 12 % in 2016-17.

The export of spices and spice products achieved a growth of 12 per cent during 2016-17. According to Spices Board in Kochi, 9.48 lakhs tons of spices were exported earning over 17 thousand crore rupee. In 2015-16, the country had exported 8.43 lakhs tons worth around 16 thousand crores. Chilli continued to be the most sought after spice, registering an increase of 27 per cent in value in the last fiscal year. Cumin was the second most exported spice recording a rise of 22 per cent in quantity and 28 per cent in value.

Architect of Germany's re-unification, Helmut Kohl passes away.

Helmut Kohl, former German Chancellor who presided over both German reunication and the creation of the eurozone passed away on 16 June 2016. He was 87.

PSU banks fare poorly on customer service levels.

Public sector banks have scored poorly when it comes to adherence to service standards in a survey by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI). No public sector bank, barring IDBI, features among the top 10 in any of the five aspects of customer service surveyed. RBL Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Yes Bank, Citibank and HSBC have emerged as the top five in terms of overall score. At the bottom of the list are Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Andhra Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank and State Bank of Patiala. The BCSBI a body set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is a society of banks that prescribes minimum service standards for lenders.

India bag five medals in Asian Junior Wrestling Championships.

India on 16 June 2017 bagged five medals, including a gold, in the 2017 Asian Junior Wrestling Championships in Taiwan. India's female wrestlers pocketed three medals while two came in the male greco-roman division. India's gold came in the women's 51 kilogram freestyle category through Puja. Further in women's section, Sonu clinched a silver medal in the 44 kilogram category, while Manu claimed a bronze in the 59 kilogram division. In Men's categories, Satish won a silver in the 120 kilogram greco-roman style, while Manish claimed a bronze in the 50 kilogram category.

Govt sets tax rate on state-run lottery at 12% and govt-authorised pvt lottery at 28%.

GST Council has set tax rate on state-run lottery at 12 percent, and government-authorised private lottery at 28 percent.GST rate of 28 percent will be applicable for hotel rooms above 7500. The rate will be 18 percent for rooms priced between 2,500 to 7,500 rupees.



Himachal Students Set Golden Book Of World Records For Practicing Yoga.

Eleven students of Himachal Pradesh have made records by practicing yoga 'asanas' for long duration to enter the Golden Book of World Records, an official claimed today. Golden Book of World Records national head Alok Kumar told that 11 students became young achievers at a yoga camp held in Rampur town on June 15.

Filmfare Awards South 2017 announced.

The 64th Filmfare Awards South 2017 was held in Hyderabad on 17 June 2017. Talent from all the four film industries - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada were honoured. The Filmfare Awards South 2017 was hosted by Allu Sirish, Ragini Dwivedi and Vijay Devarakonda.

Here the complete list of winners.

Best Film: Maheshinte Prathikara (Malayalam)

Best Film: Thithi (Kannada)

Best Film: Joker (Tamil)

Best Film: Pelli Choopulu (Telugu)

Best Actor (Male): Junior NTR for Nannaku Prematho (Telugu)

Best Actor (Female): Samantha Ruth Prabhu for A Aa (Telugu)

Best Director: Vamsi Paidipally (Oopiri, Telugu)

Best Director: Rishab Shetty (Kirik Party, Kannada)

Best Director: Sudha K Prasad (Irudhi Suttru, Tamil)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Vijaya Nirmala

Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor (Male): Allu Arjun for Sarrainodu, Dulquer Salmaan for Kali & Kammattipadam, Rakshit Shetty for Kirirk Party and Suriya for24

Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor (Female): Ritu Varma for Pelli Choopulu, Shruthi Hariharan for Godhi Banna Sadharana Maikattu and Trisha for Kodi

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Jagapathi Babu

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Nandita Swetha

Best Playback Singer (Male): Karthik

Best Playback Singer (Female): KS Chithra

Best Music Album: Devi Sri Prasad for Nannaku Prematho

RBI initiates Prompt Corrective Action against Bank of Maharashtra as NPA mounts.

The Reserve Bank of India has initiated prompt corrective action on Bank of Maharashtra placing restriction on the banking activities. This RBI has said that the action is take on the bank in view of high level of bad loans.

K Srikanth lifts Indonesia Open Super Series Badminton title.

India's K Srikanth has lifted the Indonesia Open Super Series badminton title by defeating Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai in straight games 21-11, 21-19 in the Men's Singles final at Jakarta today. For World No.22 Srikanth, it is his third Super Series title. He had earlier won the 2014 China Open and 2015 India Open.

No ICC World T20 in 2018, next edition in 2020.



The World Twenty20 Championship's seventh edition next year is all set to be scrapped and pushed to 2020. The primary reason for the postponement is there are too many bilateral series happening between member nations.

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is NDA nominee for Presidential poll.

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind will be NDA nominee for Presidential election. Mr Kovind, who hails from Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, is a senior lawyer and BJP leader.

Mangalyaan completes 1000 Earth days in its orbit.

Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) also called Mangalyaan completes 1000 Earth days in its orbit today. The interplanetary mission of ISRO was launched on 5th November, 2013. It was inserted into Martian orbit on 24th September, 2014 in its first attempt.

AIIB approves membership of Argentina, Madagascar, Tonga.

The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved the membership of Argentina, Madagascar, and Tonga at its second annual meeting of Governors. The AIIB’s Board of Governors adopted resolutions approving the three applicants to join the bank at the second annual meeting, which kicked off earlier in the day in South Korea’s southern resort island of Jeju.

World’s second biggest celebrations of International Yoga Day to be held in China after India.

In China, ahead of the third UN International Day of Yoga, thousands of Chinese would participate in scores of events organized across the country. As per the official report,

it will the second biggest yoga day celebration in the world after India.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict observed globally.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict was observed globally on 19 June 2017 with the theme ‘Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence’.

Ramakrishna Mission Chief Swami Atmasthananda passes away .

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Atmasthananda passed away on 18 June 2017 after a prolonged illness. He was 98. Swami Atmasthananda was elected as the President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission on 3 December 2007.

SBI, Tirumala Milk Products tie up for providing loans to dairy farmers.

State Bank of India has entered into a tie-up with Tirumala Milk Products, a South- based company which was acquired by Groupe Lactalis in 2014, to provide loans to dairy farmers who supply milk to the latter. France-based Groupe Lactalis, which also acquired Indore-based Anik Dairy in 2016, wants to double the number of dairy farmers under its fold to three lakh and ramp up the amount of milk it procures daily to 25 lakh litres by 2020 from 14 lakh litres now.

Govt ropes in Amitabh Bachchan to promote GST.

The government has roped in Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan to promote Goods and Services Tax (GST), ahead of the sweeping tax reform’s implementation scheduled from July 1. The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will be making the 74-year-old Bachchan brand ambassador for GST.



‘Harry Potter’ Actor Sam Beazley Dies At The Age Of 101.

Actor Sam Beazley, who played Professor Everard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, has passed away at the age of 101.

Russia appoints Alexei Yerkhov as new ambassador to Turkey.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today appointed a new ambassador to Turkey following the killing of Moscow's previous envoy Andrei Karlov in December. Putin gave an order to appoint Alexei Yerkhov as Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Turkey. Yerkhov, 57, previously worked with Karlov as the Russian consul in Istanbul.

Australia announces online visa applications for Indians from July 1.

The Australian government on 19 June 2017 announced that Indian nationals can apply for a visitor visa online starting from first July. Australia's Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Alex Hawke, said the online application option would make applying for the country's visitor visas easier and enhance the experience for Indians.

Indian Wushu Team bags six medals in BRICS Games.

India won six medals in the Wushu competition of the first ever BRICS Games, which concluded in Guangzhou, China on 19 June 2017. M. Gyandas and Anjul Namdev won one gold each. The two silver medals came through Bidheswari Devi and Toshibala while L. Sanatgombhi Chanu and Sajan Lama settled for bronze in the Wushu competition.

Pakistan beats India to win 2017 ICC Champions Trophy .

Pakistan on 18 June 2017 defeated India in the final played at The Oval, London to lift the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan won the trophy by 180 runs. The margin of victory was the largest by any team in the final of an ICC ODI tournament. Pakistan’s Hasan Ali was declared the Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

International Yoga day observed in country and across the globe.

International Yoga Day was celebrated across the globe on 21 June 2017. In India the main function was held in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow at Ramabai Ambedkar Sthal in Lucknow where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dr Dinesh Sharma performed Yogic postures along with above 60 thousand people.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute selected for PM's Yoga Award 2017.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute of Pune was on 21 June 2017 selected as the first recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Promotion and Development of Yoga for 2017. The award was announced on the occasion of third edition of International Yoga Day.

SEBI relaxes norms for banks to take over stressed assets of listed companies to recover bad loans.

Capital markets regulator, SEBI on Wednesday relaxed take over norms for acquisition of stressed assets of listed companies to help the government and the RBI in their efforts to tackle bad loans.

Govt asks banks to deposit junked notes at RBI by July 20.

The government has permitted banks and post offices to deposit junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the Reserve Bank by July



20. This is the second window the government has provided to banks, post offices and cooperative banks for depositing the junked notes with RBI.

King of Saudi Arabia declares son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.

The King of Saudi Arabia on 21 June 2017 declared his son Mohammed bin Salman as the Crown Prince , replacing his nephew Mohammed bin Nayef through a royal decree , which was approved by 31 out of 34 members of the Allegiance Council. The newly appointed 31 year old Crown Prince will become the Deputy Prime Minister while retaining his position as the Defence Minister.

Guwahati International Documentary Film Festival begins.

The Guwahati International Documentary Film Festival has begun in Guwahati on 21 June 2017. Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit has inaugurated the festival in presence of several eminent film personalities.

Qatar Airways announced World's Best Airline at 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Qatar Airways on 20 June 2017 was announced the World’s Best Airline at the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards.Qatar Airways was voted Best Airline by travellers across the world in the annual passenger survey. The Doha based carrier has now won the prestigious Airline of the Year title for a fourth time.

Other major awards: • World's Best Low-Cost Airline: AirAsia • Best Low-Cost Airline in Asia: AirAsia • Best Airline in Central Asia / India: Air Astana • Best Regional Airline in Asia: Bangkok Airways • Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia / India: Indigo • Best Airline in Asia: Singapore Airlines

China's largest power project in Russia starts operation.

A 483-MW gas-steam Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, built by a China-Russia joint venture, Officially started operation on 20 June 2017. The CHP is the tangible result of the Huadian-Teninskaya joint project. It was launched by China Huadian Hong Kong Co. Ltd. and Russia's second regional power company TGC-2 in 2011, with a total investment of USD 571 million.

India and ADB sign USD 275 million loan agreement for upgrading small towns in Madhya Pradesh.

The Union Government on 19 June 2017 signed USD 275 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for improving urban services in 64 small towns in the State of Madhya Pradesh. The loan agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary under Department of Economic Affairs of Union Ministry of Finance and LB Sondjaja, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick resigns.

Travis Kalanick, the Chief Executive Officer of Uber announced his resignation from the post on 21 June 2017. Kalanick reportedly took the hard decision after a group of major Uber investors demanded his immediate resignation.

Anil Kumble resigns as head coach of Indian Cricket team.

Anil Kumble, the legendary cricketer and cricket thinker, resigned from the post of head Coach of the Indian Cricket team on 20

June 2017.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will be opposition candidate for Presidential elections.



Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will be opposition candidate for Presidential elections. Announcement in this regard was made by Congress President Sonia Gandhi after the meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi on 22 June 2017. The meeting was attended by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M), RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar of NCP, SP leader Ramgopal Yadav, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, DMK leader Kanimozhi among others. Kenneth I Juster set to become America's new ambassador to India.

Kenneth I Juster, a top aide of US President Donald Trump, is set to become America's new ambassador to India. Mr Juster is the Deputy Assistant to the US President for International Economic Affairs. He will replace Mr Richard Verma, if nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

Intel partners with International Olympic Committee.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Intel on 21 June 2017 announced a long-term technology partnership. The partnership was announced at an official signing ceremony in New York with IOC President Thomas Bach and the US tech giant's Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich. Intel will join "The Olympic Partner" (TOP) worldwide sponsorship programme, becoming a Worldwide TOP Partner through 2024. The partnership will transform the Olympic Games and the Olympic experience.

Uttarakhand becomes 4th state to be open defecation free .

Uttarakhand has become the fourth state to be open defecation free (ODF) in the country. The same was declared by Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Narendra Singh Tomar during a Swachh Bharat Programme organized in ONGC, Dehradun on 22 June 2017. Uttarakhand has

achieved the status after Sikkim, which was the írst state to be declared open defecation free and then Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, both of which were declared ODF free in the latter half of 2016. The state has achieved the feat after undertaking a major cleanliness drive. Three more states-Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat are also expected to follow suit on the effort in this financial year.

Indian anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra chosen for Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

Anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra is all set to receive the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award with 60 others from all 53 Commonwealth countries. Kawatra will be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony to be held in the Buckingham Palace on 29 June 2017.

Vladimir Voronkov appointed as Under Secretary-General of UN Counter-Terrorism Office.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 21 June 2017 appointed Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov of the Russian Federation as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations CounterTerrorism Office.

India to become most populated country in the world by 2024: United Nations

In roughly seven years, around 2024, the population of India is expected to surpass that of China, according to a UN report – the World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision--published by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Main Highlights of the Forecast

• By 2024, India and China are expected to roughly have a population of about 1.44 billion each.

• After that, India’s population is projected to continue growing and touch 1.5 billion in 2030 and approach 1.66 billion by 2050, while



China’s population is projected to remain stable until the 2030s, after which it may begin a slow decline.

• India’s population is forecasted to eventually see a decline after 2050 and come down to 1.51 billion by 2100 but it will still remain as the most populous country in the world.

• Life expectancy at birth in India will be 71 years in 2025-2030, which is forecasted to grow to 74.2 years in 2045-2050.

• The under five mortality rate is expected to decline from 32.3 deaths under age ve per 1,000 live births in 2025-2030 to 18.6 in 2045-2050.

Sonam Kapoor's fashion label Rheson wins PETA Award 2017.

Fashion label Rheson, owned by actress Sonam Kapoor and her producer-sister Rhea Kapoor, on 22 June 2017 won the Compassionate Business Award 2017 from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India for a line of bags made exclusively of vegan materials.

ONGC and UNESCO join hands to get Chilika Lake heritage site tag.

A joint team of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in June 2017 carried out a preliminary survey for the conservation of Chilika Lake. The survey has been done to help India’s largest coastal lagoon secure the world heritage site tag.

Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi passes away.

Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi passed away in the third week of June 2017 in Rome. She was 79.

• Fendi is an Italian luxury fashion house whose specialities include fur and leather goods, shoes, fragrances, accessories etc. • The house of Fendi was launched in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi as a fur and leather shop in Rome.

Indore- India’s first city to use robot to control unruly traffic.

The number one clean city of India - Indore has got another milestone to its name. This commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh has reportedly become the first city in India where the robot is being used on an experimental basis to control its ever growing and unruly traffic.

Mumbai most expensive for expatriates in India: Mercer's Survey.

Mumbai is the most expensive city for expatriates in India and is ranked higher than major global cities such as Paris, Canberra, Seattle and Vienna. According to Mercer's 23rd annual Cost of Living Survey, Mumbai is placed 57th on the list while New Delhi was placed at 99. Chennai (135), Bangalore (166) and Kolkata (184) were the other Indian cities on the list. Luanda, the capital of Angola, was the costliest city.

China unveils World’s first train that runs on Virtual Tracks.

China has unveiled the world's first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal rails. The new trains are battery powered and are nonpolluting. The train's top speed is 70 kilometers per hour, and it can travel 25 kilometers in distance after just 10 minutes of charging. The train will be ready to roll out to the public by 2018.

Axis Bank, Kochi Metro launches India’s first single-wallet contactless, Open Loop Metro Card.



Axis Bank, India's third largest private sector bank in association with Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) has launched KMRL Axis Bank 'Kochi1' Card, India's first open loop EMV contactless metro card that would make travel a convenient and hassle free experience for commuters in Kochi.

Indian agri microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi given environment award in Japan.

Indian agricultural microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi has been conferred the Ministry of Environment Award for 2017 in Japan for developing cutting edge technologies to address burning environmental problems. Chandraghatgi, who is President and CEO of EcoCycle Corporation, is the first foreigner to be given the Ministry of Environment Award, the highest award in the environmental sector in Japan.

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite Cartosat-2 Series along with 30 nano-satellites into orbit.

ISRO has successfully launched PSLV C-38 putting Cartosat-2 Series remote sensing earth observation satellite and 30 other nano-satellites into their orbits. The fortieth flight of its highly reliable polar satellite launch vehicle lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta.

Govt announces another 30 cities under Smart City Mission.

Government on 23 June 2017 announced the names of another 30 cities for development as smart cities under Smart City Mission. With this the total number of smart cities has gone up to 90. Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has topped the list.

International Widows’ Day observed globally.

The International Widows’ Day was observed globally on 23 June 2017. The day is an

opportunity for action towards achieving full rights and recognition for widows, who have been living with an invisible status for too long invisible.

Facebook Launches UK Initiative to Counter Online Extremist Material.

Facebook Inc is launching a UK program to train and fund local organizations to combat extremist material online. The company said in a statement, Facebook, which outlined new efforts to remove extremist and terrorism content from its social media platform last week, will launch the Online Civil Courage Initiative in the UK on 23 June 2017.

MeitY launches Web Portal for smooth GST implementation.

In order to ensure smooth GST implementation from 1st July, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched a dedicated Webpage for facilitating taxpayers with regard to addressing issues related to Information Technology Services and Electronics goods. Webpage can be accessed through Ministry’s Web Portal www.meity.gov.in

Rajiv Gauba to be next Union Home Secretary.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 21 June 2017 approved various appointments leading to the major top-level bureaucratic reshue. A total of 16 secretaries were appointed for various Union Government Departments. Urban Development Secretary Rajiv Gauba was named as the next Union Home Secretary. He will succeed Rajiv Mehrishi, who will complete his term on 30 August 2017.

Other Appointments •Durga Shanker Mishra will replace Rajiv Gauba as the Urban Development Secretary. He is the Additional Secretary in the same ministry. •Culture Secretary N K Sinha will be the



Information and Broadcasting Secretary in place of Ajay Mittal, who will now be the DoPT secretary. •Executive Director in World Bank Subhash C Garg will be the new Department of Economic Aairs Secretary. •Aruna Sundararajan will be the new Telecom Secretary. She is at present the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Ajay Prakash Sawhney will be the new MeitY Secretary in place of Sundararajan. •NHAI chief Yudhvir Singh Malik will be the Road, Transport and Highways Secretary. •Deepak Kumar will be the next Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). •Ajay Kumar Bhalla was confirmed as the Power Secretary. He is at present the Director General of Foreign Trade. He will succeed P K Pujari, who retires on 30 June 2017. •Food Processing Industries Secretary Avinash Kumar Srivastava will be the Secretary of Department of Consumer Aairs. •New and Renewable Energy Secretary Rajeev Kapoor was named as the Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. •Ravi Kant, a 1984 batch IAS ocer of Bihar cadre, will be the new Shipping Secretary. •Border Management Secretary Sanjeevanee Kutty was appointed as Secretary of Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare in Defense Ministry. •Arun Kumar Panda was appointed as the Secretary in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Union Government launches VAJRA scheme to attract Indian scientists abroad.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under Ministry of Science and Technology on 22 June 2017 launched the Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty (VAJRA) scheme in a bid to bring together the Indian scientists abroad and India-based researchers for conducting joint researches in India. The web portal of VAJRA was launched by Union Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan.

Haryana declared as 5th Open Defecation Free state.

Haryana was on 22 June 2017 declared as the 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) state of India under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G). On the same day itself, Uttarakhand was decalred as the 4th state to be open defecation free.

India's Forex Reserves Hit Record High.

The country's forex reserves increased by $799 million, mainly on account of rise in foreign currency assets (FCAs), to touch a record high of $381.955 billion in the week to June 16.

PM Modi reaches Portugal capital Lisbon on first leg of his three-nation tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Portugal capital Lisbon on the first leg of his three-nations tour and will meet the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates ‘Homes For All’ property show in Ahmedabad.

Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu inagurated the ‘Homes For All’ property show organized by Ahmedabad Municipal corporation and GIHED CREDAI in Ahmedabad. Mr. Naidu launched several smart initiatives such as Janmitra Card -‘One Card Many Services’, AMC Seva Mobile Application, Amdavad Airport Shuttle Service, Intelligent Transit Management System among others.

RBI amends Banking Ombudsman Scheme.

The central bank has extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme. The Reserve bank said that under the amended scheme, a customer would also be able to lodge a complaint against the bank for its non-adherence to RBI instructions with regard to mobile banking/ electronic banking services



in India. As per the amendment, the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.

Bengal's Kanyashree initiative wins United Nations Public Service Award. The West Bengal Government's Kanyashree Prakalpa on 23 June 2017 was awarded the first prize in United Nations Public Service Award for Asia Pacic. The award was presented at The Hague, Netherlands.

Maharashtra Government to launch ‘My Plant’ app to create database on tree plantation.

Maharashtra Forest Minister, Sudhir Mungantiwar announced on 23 June 2017 that the government plans to launch a mobile app named ‘My Plant’ on 1 July 2017. The app would help in recording data regarding tree plantations in the state.

Power Minister Piyush Goyal launches portal on weather information.

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines launched a weather portal for Power sector on 23 June 2017 that will help all the electricity distribution companies of India in managing power distribution.

Day of the Seafarer 2017 observed by IMO.

The 2017 Day of the Seafarer (DotS) was observed on 25 June 2017 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with the theme 'Seafarers Matter'.

Egypt's president ratifies islands deal with Saudi Arabia.

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has ratified a controversial treaty that transfers two largely uninhabited Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. The deal to hand over Tiran

and Sanafir was agreed during a visit to Egypt by Saudi King Salman a year ago. It was backed by Egypt's parliament last week.

Yemen faces world's worst cholera outbreak: UN

The United Nations on 25 June 2017 warned that Yemen is now facing the worst cholera outbreak anywhere in the world. A statement by UNICEF and the WHO says the number of suspected cholera cases in the war-torn country has exceeded two lakh.

3rd Slum Yuva Daud flagged off in New Delhi.

Sports Minister Vijay Goel and Environment Minister Dr. Harshvardhan on 25 June 2017 flagged off the 3rd Slum Yuva Daud in New Delhi.

Haryana govt to implement health insurance scheme for poor.

Haryana government will implement a health insurance scheme in the state to provide free health services to the poor. The state government will bear the cost of the premium.

Indian Railways to commence survey for world's highest rail track at Leh.

The Railways will kick off the final location survey of the 498 km long Bilaspur-Manali-Leh line at Leh in Jammu and Kashmir this week. Coming up at a high of 3,300 metres, the strategically important rail project is touted to become the highest rail track in the world, overtaking China's Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

IDFC Ltd elevates Sunil Kakar as MD and CEO for 3 years.

IDFC Ltd on 25 June 2017 announced the elevation of its CFO Sunil Kakar as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company with effect from July



16 (rpt) July 16 for three years. Kakar has also been appointed as additional director. Besides, the company announced that the Board has approved the resignation of veteran banker Vikram Limaye from the post of MD and CEO who is set to join leading stock exchange NSE as its new Managing Director and CEO.

Priyanka Chopra to endorse Skill India Campaign.

Actress Priyanka Chopra will soon be seen endorsing government's flagship Skill India campaign, with the National Skill Development Corporation roping in the Bollywood celebrity as an ambassador for the initiative. Earlier, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Shabana Azmi and singer Mohit Chauhan had also become goodwill envoys for Skill India.

Kidambi Srikanth wins Australia Open Super Series.

Kidambi Srikanth clinched his fourth Super Series title with an incredible straight-game triumph over reigning Olympic and world champion Chen Long in the Australian Open final in Sydney on 25 June 2017.

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2017 observed.

The 2017 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26 June 2017. The day was observed with the theme Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the ͖ first step to help them grow healthy and safe.

Venkaiah Naidu launches book titled ‘The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour'.

Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book which titled 'The Emergency - Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour'. A book is

written by Surya Prakash who is a chairman of Prasar Bharati.

Manushi Chhillar from Haryana wins the title of Miss India 2017.

The 54th Femina Miss India World 2017 winner is Manushi Chhillar from Haryana, while the first runner-up is Sana Dua from Jammu and Kashmir and the second runner-up is Priyanka Kumari from Bihar. The event was held at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.

Goa CM Manohar Parrikar inaugurates 3 day MODI Fest in Panaji.

Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the three-day MODI Fest at Kala Academy in Panaji on 26 June 2017. Mr Parrikar said, it’s a programme for taking the achievements of the government to the common people.

Arunachal Pradesh govt raises retirement age of employees to 60 years.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to increase the retirement age of regular state government employees to 60 years with effect from first January next year.

Bhumika Sharma wins Miss World title in bodybuilding championship.

Bhumika Sharma, another Indian has become Miss World in bodybuilding championship. Dehradun’s girl gained maximum points in three categories – individual posing, body posing and fall in that eventually bagged her the Miss World title and the gold medal at the world championship in Venice, Italy.

Junior World Rifle/Pistol Championship: India's Yashaswini Deswal bags gold in 10m air pistol.

India's Yashaswini Singh Deswal has won a gold at the women's 10 metre air pistol event



in the ISSF Junior World Championship in the event being held in Suhl, Germany.

Indian hockey team finish sixth in Hockey World League Semifinals.

Indian hockey team finished sixth in Hockey World League Semifinals after suffering a 2-3 defeat by lowly Canada in London. It was India's second upset loss against a lower-ranked side in the tournament after having lost to Malaysia in the quarterfinals.

Srinivas Gokulnath becomes 1st Indian to finish solo Race Across America.

Srinivas Gokulnath from Maharashtra created history by becoming the first Indian to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in solo category. Considered to be the toughest cycle race in the world, he cycled for eleven days, 18 hours and 45 minutes.

Team India create world record for most 300-plus scores in ODIs.

India became the first team to score the most 300-plus totals in One Day International (ODI) Cricket. India did so when they scored a total of 310 for the loss of five wickets in the second ODI against West Indies. It was the 96th time that India crossed the 300-run mark, surpassing Australia’s 95.

Anish Bhanwala set a junior world record at World Championship.

Haryana's Anish Bhanwala gave a robust start for the Indian challenge by clinching the 25-metre standard pistol gold with a world junior record in the Junior World Shooting Championship in Suhl, Germany.

Daniel Ricciardo wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix Formula 1 2017.

Daniel Ricciardo wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2017. Valtteri Bottas steals second on the

line from Stroll. Vettel, in fourth, is still a place ahead of Hamilton.

SEE ALSO- COMPLETE WINNERS LIST OF 2017 FORMULA 1

PM Modi Meets Donald Trump at White House: 10 Facts

At their first ever meeting on 27 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump struck a common note on terrorism, saying eliminating it is among the top-most priorities for the two nations. In a joint briefing with President Trump after a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks at the White House, PM Modi said "We talked about terrorism, extremism and radicalisation and agreed to cooperate on this." Ahead of the meeting, the US State Department had declared Syed Salahuddin, chief of terror group Hizbul Mujahideen, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

READ MORE ABOUT MODI'S US TRIP- CLICK HERE

US declares Pakistan-based Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin as global terrorist .

The United States (US) Department of State on 26 June 2017 declared Syed Salahuddin, Chief of the terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The declaration came a few hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Donald Trump. The outfits that Syed Salahuddin leads have perpetuated cross border terrorism against India including in Kashmir from the territory of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for a number of years. Salahuddin has been operating out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This declaration will prohibit US nationals from engaging in transactions with Salahuddin. Also, all of Salahuddin's property and interests in property subject to United States jurisdiction are blocked.

Desh Bandhu Gupta, founder of pharma giantLupin passes away.

http://www.bankingshortcuts.com/2017/06/formula-1-live-daniel-ricciardo-wins-azerbaijan-grand-prix-2017/

http://www.bankingshortcuts.com/2017/06/formula-1-live-daniel-ricciardo-wins-azerbaijan-grand-prix-2017/

http://www.bankingshortcuts.com/2017/06/pm-modi-meets-donald-trump-at-white-house-10-facts/



Desh Bandhu Gupta, founder and Chairman of Lupin, India’s second-largest pharmaceutical company passed away on 26 June 2017 in Mumbai. He was 79.

Apple Acquires German Eye-Tracking Company.

Apple on 27 June 2017 confirmed its acquisition of SensoMotoric Instruments, a German computer vision company specialising in augmented reality (AR) and eye tracking.

Mihai Tudose named as prime-minister designate in Romania.

In Romania, President Klaus Iohannis appointed Mihai Tudose as Prime Minister, clearing the way for a new leftist Social-Democrat-led government to be formed by the end of this week.

Home Secretary & DG ITBP flagged in first Mt Dhaulagiri 1 International Mountaineering Expedition-2017.

Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and DG ITBP, Krishna Chaudhary flagged in the first Mt Dhaulagiri 1 International Mountaineering Expedition-2017 on 27 June 2017. Mt. Dhaulagiri 1 is the 7th highest peak of the world situated in Nepal.

Union Government constitutes K Kasturirangan Committee to prepare National Education Policy.

The Union Government on 26 June 2017 constituted a committee for preparation of final draft of National Education Policy under the Chairmanship of eminent Scientist Padma Vibhushan K Kasturirangan.

Dhanraj Pillay to get East Bengal football club's highest honour.

Former Indian hockey captain, Dhanraj Pillay would be conferred East Bengal football club's highest honour - Bharat Gaurav -at its foundation day ceremony on 1 August 2017.

EU slaps Google with record-breaking 2.42 billion euros fine for rigging search results.

European Union (EU) antitrust regulators hit Alphabet unit Google with a record 2.42-billion-euro ($2.7 billion) fine on 27 June 2017, indicating they will likely take a tough line with the company in two other ongoing cases.The Commission found that Google had systematically given prominent placement in searches to its own comparison shopping service and demoted those of rivals in search results.

Oxford Dictionary gets a new last word: Zyzzyva.

'Zyzzyva' - a tropical beetle - has become the new last word in the Oxford English Dictionary with the latest quarterly update which added over 1,200 new words, phrases and senses. Until now, the last alphabetic entry in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) was zythum, a kind of malt beer brewed in ancient Egypt. The title now belongs to Zyzzyva, the name of a genus of tropical weevils native to South America and typically found on or near palm trees.

Actress Vidya Balan will return as the ambassador for IFFM.

Actress Vidya Balan is returning as ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which will be held this year August 10-22, showcasing over 60 films. She is happy about women representation at the gala.

India-Portugal signed 11 agreements during PM Modi’s visit.

India-Portugal signed 11 agreements/MoUs ranging from science and technology, education, antiterrorism, climate, among



others. The signed MoUs will help in enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two nations. In addition, the two nations also announced a four million euros joint fund to bolster research in science and technology. The fund was announced after in-depth talks between PM Modi and his Portuguese counterpart António Costa on cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism, space, climate studies and start-ups. The MoUs were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Portugal on 24 June 2017. Modi is the ĭrst Indian prime minister in Portugal on a bilateral visit.

ISSF Junior World Championship: India wins team bronze in 25m rapid fire pistol.

India won Team Bronze in 25 meter Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior Shooting World Championship. India added a Bronze medal on day three of the International Shooting Sport Federation Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol, currently underway in Suhl, Germany.

Cabinet approves 7th pay commission allowances for central govt employees with some modification.

The government has approved the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission on allowances with 34 modifications.The revised rates will be effective from 1st of next month.

Cabinet gives in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India.

The Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for the disinvestment of debt -ridden of public carrier Air India. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said,a group will be set up to finalise modalities and details of disinvestment including the quantum of stake sale.

Govt makes linking of existing Aadhaar number with PAN of taxpayers mandatory from July 1.

The Government has made it mandatory to link existing Aadhaar numbers with permanent account number or PAN of taxpayers with effect from July 1. Amending income tax rules and notifying the same, the Government has also made quoting of the 12-digit biometric Aadhaar or the enrolment ID a must at the time of applying for the PAN.

Loknath Behra appointed as DGP of Kerala.

Loknath Behra was on 28 June 2017 appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala as incumbent TP Senkumar will retire as the state DGP on 30 June 2017.

Indian Army gets first batch of modern bulletproof helmets.

The Indian Army reportedly received its first batch of bullet-proof helmets from Kanpur-based MKU Industries. The MKU Industries, which supplies military equipment to the United Nations and NATO, was awarded a contract to manufacture 1.58 lakh helmets at the cost of Rs 180 crore. Indian Army has ordered the bolted version of bolt-free ballistic helmets. Bolt-free is a higher and expensive version of bullet-proof helmets, which gives all-round protection from head injuries.

Narinder Nath Vohra appointed as President of India International Centre .

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra in the last week of June 2017 was appointed the President of the India International Centre (IIC).

Sharjah named World Book Capital 2019 by UNESCO.

Sharjah, a city in the United Arab Emirates has been named as 'the World Book Capital' for 2019 by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova for the quality of its literary and cultural activities and for its efforts to make books accessible to the entire population of the nation.



Lasith Malinga suspended for one year, fined for media remarks.

Lasith Malinga was suspended for one year after the fast bowler pleaded guilty to a breach of contract by speaking to the media without permission. Sri Lankan Cricket, SLC, board in Colombo said that Malinga will also be fined 50 percent of the match fee of his next one-day international.

India finish second in Junior Shooting World Championship.

The Indian shooting squad has finished a creditable second at the ISSF Junior World Championship with three gold, two silver and three bronze medals in Suhl, Germany. India picked up a gold and silver in the team and individual sections of the 25m pistol junior men's event. India also won team bronze in the 25m pistol junior women's event. Anish Bhanwala won three medals, one of each colour. China topped the tally in the rifle/pistol tournament with 19 medals, including eight gold.

National Statistics Day observed on 29 June 2017.

The National Statistics Day, celebrated every year on June 29 to mark the birth anniversary of renowned statistician Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. He was the first Indian statistician to receive world recognition. In 1933, he had founded the first Indian statistical journal Sankhya.

International Day of the Tropics 2017 observed globally.

The International Day of the Tropics 2017 was observed across the world on 29 June 2017 with an aim to raise awareness to the specic challenges faced by tropical areas and the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s tropical zone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 June 2017 inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In addition, PM Modi also released the coin and postal stamp in the honour of Jain saint and philosopher Shrimad Rajchandra on his 150th birth anniversary at Abhay Ghat.

Rajiv Kumar appointed as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.

Rajiv Kumar was on 29 June 2017 appointed as the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. His appointment was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Government. He will succeed Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar.

Indian-American Krishna R Urs appointed as US Ambassador to Peru.

Indian-American Krishna R Urs was on 28 June 2017 appointed as the United States (US) Ambassador to Peru by the President Donald Trump administration. Krishna is currently serving as the Charge d' Aaires of the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain, where he was also the Deputy Chief of Mission. He has been a career service American diplomat since 1986.

Union Government appoints Rajesh Shah as NIFT Chairperson.

The Union Government (Ministry of Textiles) has appointed Shri Rajesh V. Shah as Chairperson on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). He has replaced Shri Chetan Chauhan as per the provisions of the National Institute of Fashion Technology Act, 2006.

Kaushik Basu takes over as president of International Economic Association.

Former chief economic advisor Kaushik Basu has taken over as president of the



International Economic Association (IEA). Basu's three-year term started from June 23. Mr. Basu has also served as senior vice-president and chief economist at the World Bank from 2012 to 2016. He is currently the C. Marks Professor of International Studies at Cornell.

India's communication satellite GSAT-17 successfully launched.

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-17 was successfully launched from Kourou in French Guiana on 29 June 2017. The satellite was launched by French rocket Ariane-5.

6th Joint Trade Committee Meeting between India and Myanmar held in New Delhi.

The 6th India - Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting co-chaired by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce & Industry from India and Dr. Than Myint, Union Commerce Minister from Myanmar was held in New Delhi.

India’s first blood bank for Cattle to come up in Odisha.

Odisha is all set to become the first state in the country to have a blood bank for the cattle. Acc. to the Vice-chancellor of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) Surendra Nath Pasupalak, it is the first of its kind blood bank established on the premises of OUAT at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore.

India makes voluntary contribution of USD 100000 to United Nations Tax Fund.

India on 27 June 2017 made voluntary contribution of USD 100000 to the United Nations Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters (UN Tax Fund). This voluntary contribution will be dedicated towards ensuring greater support for developing country participation in the

subcommittee meetings of the UN Tax Committee which are currently unfunded.

Kidambi Srikanth re-enters top 10 of BWF men’s rankings.

Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth has re-entered the top ten of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) men's singles rankings for the first time in ten months. The rankings, which were released on 29 June 2017, saw Srikanth placed at the 8th position with 58,583 points.

PM Narendra Modi launches various infrastructure projects including water supply schemes at Modasa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two water supply projects worth 552 crore rupees at Modasa town in Aravalli district of Gujarat on 30 June 2017. Mr Modi also laid foundation stone of Modasa Bus port. The Prime Minister also inaugurated newly constructed building of APMC at Modasa and dedicated Modasa Raighadh road to the nation. Later, Mr Modi also inaugurated Textiles India 2017 Exhibition and Summit organized at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

British PM Theresa May wins 1st confidence vote in House of Commons.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May has won her first confidence vote by a narrow margin in the House of Commons on her parliamentary agenda set out in the Queen's Speech.

Narendra Kumar Sinha assumes charge as Secretary in I&B Ministry.

Narendra Kumar Sinha, a 1980-batch IAS officer from Bihar, took over as Secretary in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on 30 June 2017. Sinha would be succeeding IAS officer Ajay Mittal who is getting a transfer. Prior to his appointment, Sinha was



serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture under Government of India.

Union Government launched National Biopharma Mission.

The Cabinet Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Harsh Vardhan, on 30 June 2017 launched a first ever Industry-Academia mission. The National Biopharma Mission was launched to accelerate biopharmaceutical development in India. Under the Mission, the government launched a programme named Innovate in India (i3) that will witness an investment of USD 250 million with USD 125 million as a loan from World Bank. The i3 aims to create an enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the sector.

NALSA launches web application for free legal services to prisoners.

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on 29 June 2017 launched a web application for free legal services to prisoners and the Legal Services Management System. NALSA is entrusted with the responsibility to provide legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody.

Indian-origin boy Arnav Sharma gets 162 IQ points, more than Einstein and Hawking.

Arnav Sharma, an 11-year-old Indian-origin boy in the United Kingdom, secured the top possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test. Sharma secured two points higher than physicist Albert Einstein and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, making him one of the brainiest children in the country.

Microsoft to Acquire Cloudyn, an Israel-Based Cloud Management Firm.

Microsoft has said it will acquire Israel-based cloud management company Cloudyn. "Microsoft has signed a definitive

agreement to acquire Cloudyn, an innovative company that helps enterprises and managed service providers optimize their investments in cloud services,".

US Honours IPS Officer For Decade-Long Fight Against Human Trafficking.

The US State Department named Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat one of eight winners this year, citing his leadership in combating modern slavery in India, his role in elevating human trafficking as a government priority and his innovative approach to investigating cases. Mr Bhagwat, 48, was presented the award in absentia in Washington on 27 June 2017.

Nokia Appoints Gregory Lee as Head of Its Technologies Unit.

Nokia has appointed senior Samsung executive Gregory Lee as President of Nokia Technologies and member of the group leadership team. Lee will be based in California, reporting to Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia.

SN Subrahmanyan new CEO & MD of Larsen & Toubro.

SN Subrahmanyan will take charge as the CEO and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro from 1 July 2017, which will also mark the end of nearly two-decade long tenure of A M Naik at the helm.



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