Current Affairs Pocket PDF

Current Affairs Pocket PDF
Current Affairs Pocket PDF October 2017
INDIAN AFFAIRS
In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours, India has opened two immigration check
posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
L&T Infotech, the infotech arm of engineering giant Larsen & Toubro has bagged $ 100-mn Government
contract for an initiative to use social media analytics to identify tax non-compliance.
On 1st 5th October 2017, the 3rd annual Women of India Organic Festival is held at DilliHaat, in New
Delhi. The Women of India Organic Festival is hosted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The theme for 2017 is Good for Women; Good for India; Good for You.
On 28th September 2017, No helmet, no petrol rule for two wheelers came to act in Andhra Pradesh.
Mr.Chandrababu Naidu has sanctioned Rs.10 crore for implementation of this rule.
On October 2, 2017, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri announced that five
more States viz., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Haryana have reached the
milestone of making all cities and towns Open Defecation Free. It is to be noted that On October 2, 2017,
Swacch Bharat Mission completed three years.
Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatam Gandhi in Delhi, has for the first time acquired a statue of Mahatma
Gandhi. The statue was unveiled by Vice-President of India Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu on October 2, 2017, on
the occasion of the 148 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue is 1.80 metre tall and is made of
bronze. It has been sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor, Mr. Ram Sutar.
On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan unveiled Indias third National Wildlife
Action Plan for 2017-2031, which outlines the future road map for wildlife conservation across the country.
The plan was unveiled on the inaugural day of the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference in New
Delhi.
Odisha State Government is creating a 1.2 lakh acre land bank across the state which will be allocated for
industrial use and purposes. Odisha Government is creating the land bank in order to avoid another POSCO-
like fiasco.
On 2nd October 2017, The Minister of Road Transport & Highways Mr.NitinGadkari launched the
countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur, in Maharashtra.
India, Bangladesh to hold border talks on Rohingyas, other issues. On 3rd 5th October 2017, Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB), led by Director General Maj Gen. Abul Hossain conducts talks with Border Security
Force (BSF) of India, led by its chief KK Sharma, at New Delhi.
On October 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of All India Institutes of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) at Una in
Himachal Pradesh.
On October 3, 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the development of an
inland waterway in the Krishna River between Muktyala and Vijayawada in the Andhra Pradesh. Besides, he
dedicated seven national highway projects in Andhra Pradesh to the nation and also laid the foundation stone
for six new projects.
On October 3, 2017, Assam Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal laid the foundation stone for the first ever
Industrial Training Institute (ITI) exclusively for the Dibyangans (Differently Abled) at ITI Complex
in Dibrugarh.
As per statistics released by the Union Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of active gun
licences among all states and union territories of India. 12.77 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh are authorised to
carry weapons.
The Central Government has approved development of a Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with a River
Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical
Sarasvati) under NamamiGangeprogramme.
On 29th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked
online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
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On 4th October 2017, Government forces launched a major Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO), in Hajin
town of north Kashmirs Bandipora district. Cordon-and-Search-Operation (CASO) was launched following
specific inputs about the presence of militants in the Bandipora area.
Prime Minister inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
(ICSI) in New Delhi.
On 5th to 25th October 2017, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ParyatanParv, a tourist festival to promote
India to Indians, all over India. ParyatanParv is a tourism festival in which state governments and 18 central
ministries take part. This festival will be conducted for 20 days.
Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated sea route to Baratang& laid foundation stone for shipping
projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has begun at PuranaQuila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. It
will continue till October 8, 2017. First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival has been organised
by Union Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture and arts/cultural
group Seher.
On 6th October 2017, the First Meeting of India-Australia Joint Steering Committee was held in New Delhi.
This meeting is a follow-up to the MoU on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and
Transnational Organized Crime between India and Australia.
22nd meeting of the Good and Services Tax (GST) Council was held on October 6, 2017 in New Delhi, under
the chairmanship of Finance Minister ArunJaitley. During 22nd meeting of the GST Council, decision was
taken to lower tax rates on 27 products and certain services. At the 22nd Meeting of GST Council, decision
was taken to raise the eligibility threshold for composition scheme to Rs. 1 crore of annual sales from Rs.75
lakh earlier. PAN card not required for jewellery purchase of above Rs 50,000
On Oct.6 2017, The 3-day international exhibition -9th Annual World Dental Show 2017 has opened
Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai.It is an integral part of Asias biggest dental event.
The government has made Aadhaar is mandatory for all post office deposits, PPF, the National Savings
Certificate scheme and KisanVikasPatra.
Chhattisgarh Government has completely banned the usage of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) carry bags in their
state. The government also banned the manufacture, storage, import, sale, transport and use of such plastic-
borne goods.
On September 30, 2017, a high-level meeting on Railways Safety was held at Western Railways (WR)
headquarters at Churchgate in Mumbai, under the chairmanship of Railway Minister Mr. PiyushGoyal.
PM Narendra Modis two day visit to Gujarat
On October 7, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for second airport in
Rajkot.Gujarat government had proposed this new Greenfield Airport at Hirasar, Rajkot, as the existing
airport in Rajkot is capacity constrained with no further scope for expansion.
AAI has been allotted 2534 acres land for this purpose on which it will undertake development work at a cost
of Rs 1405 crore in the initial phase.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-laning of Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway and four-
laning of Rajkot-Morbi State Highway.
He also dedicated a fully automatic milk processing and packaging plant; and a drinking water distribution
pipeline for Joravarnagar and Ratanpur area of Surendranagar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a four-lane cable-stayed bridge between Okha and
Beyt Dwarka. It will be constructed at a cost of Rs 962.43 crore.
PM launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan Scheme in Gandhinagar aimed at imparting
digital literacy to citizens in rural areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) at Vadnagar in Gujarat
to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018. Earlier, Government had set the target to
achieve 90% immunisation coverage by 2020.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of Indias first Marine Police Training Institute at
Dev Bhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has addressed a regional conference of north east labour ministers and
officials to take a sincere effort to end the alienation of people from the north east on 6th Oct. 2017.The
conference was held at the Hotel Classic Grande in Imphal.
On 9th October 2017, the Department of Tourism (Kerala) launched a 3 year long Continuous Tourist Survey
(CTS), to double the number of domestic tourists and increase the foreign tourists by 50 %, by 2021. The
Continuous Tourist Survey (CTS) 2017-2020 sample survey is conducted in collaboration with M/s
Datamation Consultants. The Central Government would provide funds for Rs.25 lakhs.
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On 9th October 2017, a UGC panel recommended that, words such as Hindu and Muslim in names of
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), should be dropped. This UGC
panel was formed to investigate alleged irregularities in 10 central universities.
On 9th October 2017, the Supreme Court (SC) imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers till 31st October 2017,
in the National Capital Region (NCR)-Delhi. The Supreme Court has banned the sale of firecrackers prior to
Diwali. The SC permitted the sale of firecrackers after 1st November 2017.
Gujarat state government announced a 4 per cent reduction in VAT (Value Added Tax) on petrol and diesel. It
has thereby become the first state to cut VAT on fuel.Out of the total levy on fuel, state governments get all of
the VAT collection along with 42 per cent of the central excise collections.
With an aim to gradually phase out private contractors from the data collection process in Aadhaar
enrolment, Central Government has approved Rs 2,000 crore for setting up Aadhaar centres in post offices. By
March 31, 2018, Government will set up Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities in around 15,000 post
offices.
On 10th October 2017, the President of India, Mr.Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated India Water Week 2017, at
Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi. Theme of India Water Week 2017 is Water and Energy for Inclusive
Growth.
The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has planned to make Kempegowda International Airport
(KIA) as Indias first airport to have complete Aadhaar-enabled entry and biometric boarding system in the
country by December 2018.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) has sanctioned Rs.700 crore for eight projects in the Namami
Gange programme.Four projects related to sewage management in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
On October 10, 2017, a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) was signed in New Delhi between Union Ministry of
Railways and Germany for carrying out feasibility study on existing Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian
Railways by German Railways for increasing the speed of passenger trains to 200 kmph.
On 11th October 2017, the first meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(EAC-PM) was held at NITI Aayog, in New Delhi.The EAC-PM is chaired by Dr.Bibey Debroy. Within the
next few months the council would outline the long-term measures for Indian economy, to increase economic
growth.
On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for International Association of Marine Aids to
Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to change its status from Non-Governmental
Organisation (NGO) to Inter-Governmental Organisation (IGO).
On 11th October 2017, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath flagged off 50 buses under the Sankalp
Seva bus service in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.The buses launched under Sankalp Seva bus service will
connect 6,000 villages.
On 11th October 2017, the Central Government approved setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at
Haridwar and Varanasi under its Namami Gange programme. The project would be done in public-private
partnership mode for a combined cost of Rs.324.69 crore. Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari
presided over the programme where the agreement was signed.
On 11th September 2017, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced ration cards for nomadic tribes
living in different parts of Haryana.
On October 12, 2017, Gujarat State Government under Chief Minister Vijay Rupaniannounced its Garments
and Apparel Policy-2017.To encourage womens employment in textiles sector, State Government will
provide financial assistance of Rs. 4,000 per month to female workers working in the factories. This assistance
will be provided for five years.
On Oct 11th 2017 , The Bihar state cabinet has approved reservations for persons with disabilities in
government jobs and educational institutions.The approval was given during a meeting presided by Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar and the Cabinet Secretariat Department Special Secretary Upendra Nath Pandey.
On 26th 31st October 2017, Kolkata is to host an international Puppet festival named PUN (Puppets Unite
Neighbours) International Puppet Festival at Mohorkunj, Kolkata.
On October 12, 2017, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 44th edition of Indian Handicrafts
and Gift Fair (IHGF) 2017 at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The annual Dilli seminar on India and Southeast Asia Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation
Linkages began on October 13, 2017 at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kerala.
On 12th 14th October 2017, APPICON 2017, the 63rd Annual National Conference of Association of
Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India, was held at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical
Education and Research (JIPMER), in Puducherry. Theme of APPICON 2017 was Physiology beyond
Academics in the Era of Translational Research.
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On 13th October 2017, NITI Aayog said that, it is working with states to adopt first set of agri market reforms,
like contract farming, online spot and futures trading, encouraging private investment.
48th Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi from 12thand 13th October 13,
2017.Sessions on Infrastructure for New India 2022, Public Services for New India 2022 and Higher
Education in States and Skill Development were also held during this two-day conference.
Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has introduced a free bicycle ride scheme for its customers.
To implement this scheme, CMRL has tied up with a private agency to provide 100-hours of bicycle ride free
of cost every month.
On October 13, 2017, West Bengal State Cabinet took a decision to set up its scheduled caste advisory
council. As per West Bengal State Government, it is the first Indian state to have such council.
On October 13, 2017, three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra disagreed with
a recent judgment which diluted the rigour of Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC) in dealing with dowry
related complaints of cruelty. Section 498A of IPC warrants immediate arrest of a husband and his relatives in
a dowry-linked complaint of cruelty.
On 12th October 2017, the Election Commission announced that, Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh
will be held in a single phase on 9th November 2017 and the results will be declared on 18th December 2017.
Himachal Pradesh will be the second state after Goa with 100 % VVPAT (Voter-verified paper audit trail)
coverage.
On 12th October 2017, The Hyderabad High Court directed the Telengana government not to grant licence, to
establish liquor retail outlets in the scheduled areas without the resolution of the gramsabha.
Rajasthan State assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and
proposals online from legislators.The new online system was inaugurated by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker
Speaker Kailash Meghwal by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of
mouse.
On October 16, 2017 Punjab police launched foot patrolling i.e. an initiative whereby police personnel will
patrol designated areas on foot to keep a watch on anti-social elements.
Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) has been declared an Institute of National Importance as
the provisions FDDI Act 2017 have come into force from October 16, 2017. Headquarters of FDDI is located
in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
On 16th October 2017, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh reviewed
Project CHAMAN during a presentation on the project in New Delhi. This project is being implemented by
Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) using remote sensing technology. It is likely to be
completed in March 2018.
As per a latest report, prevalence of Cancer in India has been on the rise and Haryana is home to 39% of
cancer patients in India.It is estimated that nearly 17.3 lakh new cancer cases will be registered in India by the
year 2020.
On October 17, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)
in Delhi on the occasion of National Ayurveda Day.AIIA has been set up on 10.015 acres of land at a cost of
Rs. 157 crore.
In a bid to end gender bias in women against women, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development
(WCD) has started an online campaign #IamThatWoman.This campain aims to highlight various aspects of
women standing by and for women.
On 17th October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the
TU142M aircraft museum in Visakhapatnam.
With the slogan ofJawan aur Awaam Amun Hai Muqam( Army and Locals together, peace will prevail ), 19
batch Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army on 19th October 2017 organised Jashn-e-Breng festival in
Kokernag village of the Anantnag district to promote peace and brotherhood between security forces and the
local population.
On 17th and 18th October 2017, the AYUSH Festival of Stamps 2017 was held at Panaji, Goa.
The two-day exhibition event is jointly organised by the Goa Postal Region, Indian postal department and the
Ministry of AYUSH.
In order to meet emergent and unforeseen needs for security measures in States and Union Territories, Central
Government has formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deployment of Central Armed Police
Forces (CAPF) when such requests are made.
As per a report titled Levels and Trends in Child Mortality 2017, India along with Pakistan, Nigeria, Congo
and Ethiopia is responsible for half of all new-born deaths in the world. As per the report, 6 million children
died before reaching the age of five in 2016.This marks a decrease as compared to year 2000 in which 9.9
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million children had died before turning five.

On October 19, 2017, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan inaugurated Odishas first PNG (Piped Natural Gas) project in Bhubaneswar.This PNG supply
project is a part of Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline project.
On 20th October 2017, the Gujarati New Year was celebrated by the Gujaratis. The Gujarat is celebrate their
New Year a day after Diwali. The Gujarati New year is also called Bestu Varas. It is celebrated on the first
day of the Kartik month in the Shukla Paksha.
Health Minister KK Shailaja told that, The State government will organise a four days international seminar
and Global Ayurveda meet in Kochi on February 2018 .This meet includes seminars, road shows, awareness
campaigns, free health camps for women and children.
On October 14, 2017, environmental activists in Mumbai launched Chipko movement to protect over 3,000
trees from being axed in Aarey Colonywhere Mumbai Metro Corporation is planning to construct a car shed.
On October 19, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh restored the Special Family
Pension for widows of government employees killed by extremists.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a notification on commencement of Section 247 of the
Companies Act, 2013 (Valuation by Registered Valuers) with effect from 18th October, 2017.The Rules,
provide regulations for Registration of Valuers, and to conduct valuation, under the Companies Act, 2013.
As per an internal circular of Kerala Information and Public Relations Department, words Dalit and
Harijan will not be used in its official communications.This circular is based on the directive from Kerala
State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) Chairman Justice PN Vijayakumar.
Rajasthan State Government under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has passed Criminal Laws (Rajasthan
Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 which seeks to protect serving judges, former judges, magistrates and public
servants in Rajasthan from being investigated for on-duty action without Governments prior sanction.
On October 21, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced
to double the ex-gratia amount for police officials martyred on duty. Post this announcement, the ex-gratia
amount for Police officials martyred on duty stands, revised to Rs. 40 lakh from Rs. 20 lakh earlier.
The Central Government has asked each state to name the toilets in their rural households as izzat ghar, or
to use a phrase in regional language equivalent to house of dignity.
As a gesture to acknowledge the Talwar couples services , the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to
rename the dental clinic at Dasna Jail in Ghaziabad after Aarushi Talwar, who was murdered at the age of 14
at her residence in 2008.
Government-owned Kandla Port Trust has received environment clearance for setting up a smart industrial
port city in Kutch, Gujarat As per the proposal, smart industrial port cities will be set up at two separate sites
in Gandhidham city, (in Kutch district of Gujarat).Cost for setting up these industrial port cities is estimated at
Rs. 1176 crore.
PM dedicated to the nation, the Vadodara City Command Control Centre; New Head Office Building of the
Bank of Baroda and Waghodiya Regional Water Supply Scheme.
PM Modi laid foundation stone for the capacity expansion of the Mundra-Delhi petroleum product pipeline,
and a greenfield marketing terminal project of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), at
Vadodara.
Union Environment Ministry has given green clearance for a greenfield airport project at Hirasar, located
about 28 km from Rajkot in Gujarat.
On 22nd October 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the roll-on-roll-off (ro-
ro) ferry service between Ghogha in Saurashtra and Dahej in south Gujarat. Gujarat Maritime Board has
executed the ro-ro project. This project has been carried out with funds of Rs.615 crore.
The 20th International Childrens Film Festival (ICFFI) is to be held in Hyderabad between 8 and 14
November 2017.The International Childrens Film Festival (ICFFI) festival is also called The Golden
Elephant. It is being organised by Childrens Film Society, India (CFSI).
On 23rd October 2017, Odisha government approved the Bijepur lift irrigation project and construction of
sewerage system for Bhubaneswar. The Bijepur lift irrigation project is named after renowned poet Gangadhar
Meher.The project is estimated for Rs.1246 crore. It will be completed by March 2018.
The Indian travel and tourism industry is expected to grow by 2.5 %, according to a study by the
ASSOCHAM and Yes Bank. A study conducted by ASSOCHAM and Yes Bank has predicted the growth for
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Indian tourism industry as 2.5 %.It has also proposed developmental suggestions for the tourism industry.
On October 22, 2017, Haryana State Government announced to set up PGs (Paying Guests) for
cattle, through which people living in high-rises or in urban areas will be able to rear their own cattle and
produce quality milk for their personal consumption.
On October 23, 2017, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh along with Union Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Indias first
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) for Skilling in Smart Cities in New Delhi in collaboration
with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
On October 23, 2017, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar mentioned that from the next academic
session, Paika Bidroha (Paika rebellion of Odisha) of 1817 will included in history text books as the First
War of Independence. Central Government has allocated Rs. 200 crore for commemorating it across the
country.
On 23rd October 2017, Agriculture Minister of Andhra Pradesh Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy announced
the release of third installment under Crop Loan Waiver Scheme.
Centre approves mega Rs 7-lakh crore project to develop 83,000 km highways in 5 years. 34800 km of
highways will be constructed in the first phase of this plan which will be completed by year 2022. The first
phase will entail an investment of nearly 7 lakh crore.
Madhya Pradesh State Government has shelved off its plan to switch to January-December financial year
format from 2018.
Chhat Pooja is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Chhath Puja is one of the most
ancient Hindu Vedic festivals.
Madras high court banned the use of pictures of living persons on banners and hoardings in Tamil Nadu.
In a bid to practice preventive vigilance, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) will develop an Integrity
Index, which will annually rank government entities viz.
Tamil Nadu CM lays foundation stone for Rs 198 cr aerospace parkat Kanchipuram district.
Deadline for linking Aadhaar with government schemes extended to March 31, 2018: Centre to SC
Odisha State Government has started the process to prepare the second phase of the State Climate Change
Action Plan (SCCAP) for the next five years with an outlay of Rs. 31667 crore.
On October 26, 2017, Rajasthan State Assembly passed Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in
Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointment and Posts in Services under the State) Bil,
2017 which increases reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the state from 21 per cent to 26 per
cent.
Six-day International Puppet Festival began in Kolkata, West Bengal on October 26, 2017.
Union Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal launched railways first set of solar plants with a total capacity of 5
megawatt peak (MWp) installed on the roof tops of Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Anand Vihar and Delhi
railway stations.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the fifth edition of Tawang festival, at Tawang,
Arunachal Pradesh.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Special Centre for Disaster Research at
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs launched the #AsktheSpokesperson initiative on Twitter, to create better
awareness and understanding of foreign policy issues to general public.
Union Shipping Ministry announced that it has sanctioned Rs 25 crore to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and
another Rs 50 crore to the Karwar port in Karnataka for development of coastal berth under the
flagship Sagarmala project.
Union Cabinet has approved over Rs 7,000 crore for construction of permanent campuses of six new Indian
Institute of Technology (IITs). Permanent campuses for six new IITs will be constructed at Tirupati (Andhra
Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwad (Karnataka), Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and
Goa.
President Ram Nath Kovind launched a Technocity in Pallippuram, Kerala and laid foundation stone of
Kerala Governments first Information Technology (IT) building in the campus.Technocity in Kerala is spread
across 400 acre land in Pallippuram.
International Peace Conference was held in Imphal, Manipur on October 18, 2017.
International Peace Conference in Imphal was held with an objective to promote peace and harmony in the
North Eastern region of India.
Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Fundkar has announced that, in order to avail fertiliser subsidy,
farmers in Maharashtra will have to provide their Aadhaar number. The subsidy will be deposited to farmers
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account only if Aadhaar number has been provided.

Uttar Pradesh State Government issued an order notifying Vrindavan and Barsana towns in Mathura district as
pavitra teerth sthals (sacred pilgrimage sites). Due to this notification, no meat and liquor shops will be
allowed in these towns anymore.
Central Government has released Rs 8698 crore as compensation to states for revenue loss following
implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).All states except Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh have
been given compensation for the first two months (July-August) after GST rollout.
In a bid to enhance security after the Doklam standoff with China, Union Government has armed the Indo-
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with access to GSAT-6 communication satellites feeds to track activities
along Himalayan border.
Phase 1 of Bharat Net project to be completed by December 2017, and will thereby provide internet access to
100000 gram panchayats across India.This announcement was made that at the fourth edition of the i-Bharat
2017 conference held in New Delhi on October 26, 2017. Under Union Budget 2017-18, Rs.10000 crore has
been allocated to Bharat Net Project.
On 30th October 2017, it was announced that, to boost the Make in India initiative, the Union home ministry
has relaxed the Arms Rules. Under the new rules, the licence granted for manufacturing will be valid for life-
time of the licensee company. Up to 15 % of the quantity approved under the licence will not require any
further approval by the government.
On October 30, 2017, Law Commission of India has recommended that Indian Government should ratify a
United Nations Convention against Torture in order to avoid difficulties in extradition of criminals from
foreign countries
PLACES IN NEWS
Central Government has given approval for the combined development of phase II and phase III of Harohalli
industrial zone in Ramnagara district of Karnataka.Cost of the project is pegged at Rs 1,561 crore and is
expected to generate 23,500 jobs.
On 2nd October 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr.Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a community
toilet for third gender, in the Mangalwara area, Bhopal.This is the first community toilet for exclusive third
gender usage in India.
On 5th October 2017, follower and supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P.Singh, announced that, a
temple worth Rs.30 crore is to be built in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
A 100 feet statue of Prime Minister Modi would be installed in the temple.
Turkey has opened its largest military base in Africa, in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia to train Somali
Soldiers.
In a bid to make transactions of the Uttarakhand State Government more convenient, Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) opened a branch in Dehradun on October 3, 2017.
Manipurs traditional Mera Houchongba festival symbolizes brotherhood and unity among indigenous
communities settled in both hill and valley of State.It was celebrated at the Manipur Royal palace (Sana
Konung) in Imphal in the presence of King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba as the main host. This is
the first time Manipur Government and Royal Council of Manipur King jointly organised the Mera
Houchongba festival under the name of State Level Mera Huchongba Committee.
On October 13, 2017, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar gave approval to rename Amin village in
Kurukshetra district to Abhimanyupur.
On 8th October 2017,In Gurugram Saudi Aramcos ARAMCO ASIA INDIA office has been inaugurated by
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra
Pradhan along with Mr Amin H Al-Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.
Pakistan and Iran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve border security between
the two countries. This MoU was signed in Gwadar, Pakistan during the 21st two-day meeting of Pak-
Iran Joint Border Commission.
On 18th October 2017, Gandhi museum was inaugurated on a small piece of land once owned by Mahatma
Gandhi in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh
inaugurated the museum. The museum will reflect the life and universal influence of Mahatma Gandhi.
On October 18, 2017, Arunachal Pradesh State Assembly passed Arunachal Pradesh (Re-Orgaisation of
Districts) Amendment Bill 2017 to create a new district named Kamle. The bill was introduced on October
14, 2017 by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prema Khandu.
Kamle is the 23rd district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been created by bifurcating the present Upper and
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Lower Subansiri districts.

On October 14, 2017, Gujarat Minister of State for Tribal Welfare Shabdasharan Tadvi inaugurated the Birsa
Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, a tribal-dominated town in Narmada district of Gujarat.
Second edition of India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from 8th 11th November, 2017
in Shillong, Meghalaya. This festival is being organised by Meghalaya State Government in association with
the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, and the Indian Council of Cultural
Relations.
Electric car maker Tesla has set up its first electric car manufacturing plant outside the US at Shangai in
China. China has the worlds largest auto industry.
On 24th October 2017, Lonely Planet, the travel guide company, ranked Chile as the number one country to
visit in 2018, in its Best in Travel 2018 list. It was followed by South Korea and Portugal in the 2nd and
3rd positions.
Odisha will be the Focus State in the World Food India (WFI)-2017, the international food event to be held
at New Delhi from 3 to 5 November 2017.
On 24th October 2017, Netherlands opened the worlds first 3D-printed concrete bridge, mainly for the use of
cyclists.There worlds first 3D-printed concrete bridge was inaugurated at the southeastern town of Gemert,
Netherlands. The bridge is 26 feet long and less than 12 feet wide.
FOREIGN VISITS
President Ramnath Kovinds first overseas visit to Ethiopia and Djibouti:

On October 4, 2017, India and Djibouti signed an agreement to establish regular Foreign Office-level bilateral
consultations.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his official visit to
Djibouti. It is to be noted that Ram Nath Kovind is the first Indian leader to visit Djibouti.
On October 5, 2017, India and Ethiopia signed agreements on trade, communication and media to boost
bilateral ties. These agreements were signed in presence of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his
official visit to Ethiopia.
Indias support to Ethiopia in the power sector, healthcare, and education sector was discussed between both
the Presidents.
They also released a book titled India- Ethiopia: 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations.
President Ram Nath Kovinds visit to Ethiopia is the first by an Indian President in past 45 years since
President V V Giris visit in 1972.
During his visit to Ethiopia on October 5, 2017, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind announced
that India would extend USD 195 million line of credit to Ethiopia for power transmission sector and another
USD 2 million line of credit for medicines.
Dharmendra Pradhans two day visit to Japan:
An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan visited Tokyo, Japan from 17th 18th October, 2017 to participate in LNG Producer- Consumer
Conference 2017.
Mr Pradhan and Mr. Seko (Minister of Economy) also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on
establishing a Liquid, Flexible and Global LNG Market between India and Japan.
Sushma Swarajs two days visit to Bangladesh
During the course of this visit, Swaraj co-chaired meeting of the fourth Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC)
and also met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
It is to be noted that India-Bangladesh bilateral economic relations have strengthened considerably in recent
years.
On October 23, 2017, Ms. Sushma Swaraj opened the new chancery complex of the Indian High Commission
in Dhaka. Swaraj had lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the opening of this complex.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Austrias law banning face veils such as burqa or niqab, came into force from October 1, 2017. This
legislation was brought in by the outgoing centrist government of Chancellor Christian Kern.
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From October 1, 2017, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has begun collecting new sin taxes
on tobacco products, energy drinks and soft drinks. Tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100% and soft
drinks at 50%.
Benghazis commercial port in east Libya reopened on October 1, 2017 for the first time in three years.
KhalifaHaftar had declared victory in July 2017 and Benghazi airport had reopened soon after that.
On October 1, 2017 China opened a 409-km new expressway linking Tibets provincial capital Lhasa with
Nyingchi, which is close to Arunachal Pradesh border. Lhasa and Nyingchi, both are major tourist attractions
in Tibet.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan attended a special parliamentary session in Sri Lanka that is being
convened to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Sri Lankan Parliament.
On 2nd October 2017, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled to mark his 148th birth anniversary, in
Cardiff, Wales. The Mahatma Gandhi statue weighs 300 kg. It is 6 feet tall. It is made of Indian bronze.
Nepal and India will conduct a joint head count of tigers in the national parks, forests and sanctuaries in Nepal
and those in India adjoining Nepal using the same camera tapping method.
On 3rd October 2017, Frances lower house of parliament approved a new Anti-Terror Law, in Paris, France.
By approving the new counter-terrorism law, several controversial measures under the state of emergency that
has been in act for nearly two years have been made permanent.
On 4th to 6th October 2017, the 8th conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians
(ASSP) is held at Hotel Hilton, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Theme of this conference is Association of the
SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians: a platform for the Parliamentarians of South Asia to work together
to reach the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
On 4th October 2017, Bangladesh signed a $ 4.5 billion Line Of Credit (LoC) agreement with India, for its
infrastructure and social sector development, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
On 1st October 2017, The World Government Summit announced India as the guest country for its annual
gathering on 11thto 13th February, 2018, in Dubai. The World Government Summit focuses on hosting guest
countries with exceptional experiences, worthy of being global models to follow.
On 5th October 2017, Indias High Commissioner to Singapore announced that, External Affairs Minister
SushmaSwaraj will lead a ministerial delegation to the ASEAN-India PravasiBharatiyaDiwas (PBD) to be
held in 2018, in Singapore.
On 5th October 2017, the UN soldiers left Haiti finishing their 13 year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
A UN peacekeeping mission helped to maintain order in Haiti through 13 years of political turmoil and
disaster. It has come to an end now.
On October 6, 2017, US State Department announced its decision to ease the penalising economic and trade
sanctions against Sudan which have been in place since 1997. This decision of US administration is a result of
16-month diplomatic effort which started during the tenure of previous US President Barak Obama.
A BRICS-themed subway train with carriages representing the five member nations Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa has started test operations in Chinas south-eastern Xiamen city on October 6, 2017.
On 5th October 2017, Oman announced that, it has revised the tourist visa for people from India, China and
Russia in order to attract more tourists from these countries.
Maharashtra has become the leading Indian tourist source market for Australia with over 59,000 tourists
having visited Australia in the year ended in June 2017, According to the data compiled by Tourism Australia.
On 13th October 2017, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting was held
in Washington D.C., US, in which Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated.
On 12th October 2017, the US and Israel announced that, they quit from the UNs cultural agency UNESCO,
after US accused UNESCO of anti-Israeli bias.
On 12th October 2017, Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation deal in, Cairo,
Egypt. Reconciliation deal between Hamas and Fatah has been signed in an effort to end a decade-long rift.
On October 13, 2017, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, Amandeep
Singh Gill told the UN General Assembly that there is no possibility of India joining Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) as non-nuclear weapon state.
Five students from SR Engineering College in Warangal, Telangana have been selected to take part in the 5th
annual NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge.The challenge has been scheduled to be held in April
2018 in the US.
On October 12, 2017, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi extended the countrywide state of emergency
for an additional three months. State of Emergency was first imposed in Egypt in April 2017 after bomb blasts
in two churches which killed 45 people.
On October 11, 2017, worlds first negative emissions power plant started operating in Iceland. The
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term negative emission in this context indicates that the power plant eliminates more carbon dioxide (CO2)
than it produces.
The first metro train to Pakistan has arrived from China as a gift to the country and rolled into Lahore and it is
set to be launched in December 2017. This metro train service is Called as The Orange Line Metro Train
service, and this is the Pakistans first mass transit system. Its fully automated and driverless system.
On 16th October 2017, Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Somudra Avijan arrived at Visakhapatnam on a 4 day
goodwill visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. BNS Somudra
Avijan is commanded by Commander M Moniruzzaman. It is a part of Cadet Training Squadron with 60
cadets onboard for sea training.
The east African landlocked country Zimbabwe, with immediate effect, banned the import of fruits and
vegetables to preserve the scarce foreign currencies. Already in late 1990s Hyperinflation occurred and thus
the stability of the currency had down and therefore the country had to dump its currency for the US dollar.
On October 16, 2017, 15 member nations including Pakistan have been elected to serve on the United Nations
(UN) Human Rights Council.These members would serve three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2018. It
has 47 members.UN Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Polands Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has stated that Poland will quit a precautionary Flexible
Credit Line (FCL) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) worth $9.2 billion.
On October 18, 2017, India, Brazil and South Africa signed the IBSA Trust Fund Agreement that seeks to
combat poverty in developing countries.Each country (India, Brazil and South Africa IBSA) contributes
USD 1 million annually to this fund.
Canada has been chosen as the partner country for the 23rd edition of Technology Summit which is scheduled
to be held from 14th 15th November, 2017 in New Delhi. This event is Indias largest knowledge
and technology conference and exhibition.
The theme of this summit will be Advanced Manufacturing focusing on advances in various sectors
including aerospace, Aviation, Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences.
On October 19, 2017, Lebanons parliament approved countrys first budget in 12 years. This budget is aimed
towards reforming the fragile economy and preventing rising debt from becoming a crisis-like
situation.Political crisis gripped Lebanon since assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in 2005,
thereby preventing successive government from passing the budget.
Worlds first floating wind farm located over 15 miles off the coast of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire in
Scotland has started generating electricity. The farm consists five 6MW turbines. It is expected that this
floating wind farm will generate 135GWh of electricity each year.
On October 19, 2017, Perus conservative Congress passed a bill to legalize medical uses of marijuana with
68-5 vote in favour.
As per the recently released State of World Population 2017 report by the United Nations Population Fund,
prevailing inequality between rich and poor has to be tackled on an urgent basis and poorest and most
vulnerable women will have to be empowered to make their own decisions about their lives. On failing to do
so, countries across the world could face unrest and their development will be hampered. The report has been
titled Worlds Apart: Reproductive Health and Rights in an Age of Inequality.
2nd World Congress on Marxism is scheduled to be held in Peking University in Beijing from 5th 6th May
2018. The theme of 2nd World Congress on Marxism will be Marxism and the current world
Central American country, Nicaragua officially signed the Paris climate change agreement and presented the
relevant documents for the agreement at the United Nations. Now as Nicaragua has signed the Paris Climate
Change Agreement, US and Syria are the only countries who are not party to this agreement.
On 22nd October 2017, India gifted a memorabilia of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 to the
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The memorabilia of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was
handed over to Sheikh Hasina by Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
India has ranked 28th out of 30 countries in the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index 2017 published by
Australian Centre for Financial Studies (ACFS).Denmark has retained the top spot in this index for sixth
consecutive year.
On October 25, 2017, India provided equipment and vehicles worth USD 585,000 to University of Jaffna in
Sri Lanka. Jaffna is a Tamil-dominated former war zone in Northern part of Sir Lanka.
Qatar announced minimum wage for its workers for the first time. It has not been announced when these
reforms will come into effect.
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China began test runs of its worlds first track-less train in Zhuzhou city, China.Chinas worlds first track-
less train, that runs on virtual track is promoted as the Worlds First smart train. This train could travel at
the speed of 70 kmph. This train is called Autonomous Rail Transit (ART).
In a bid to strengthen maritime security, India and the United States have agreed to implement the programme
for Helicopter Operations from Ships other Than Aircraft Carriers (HOSTAC). This decision was taken during
a meeting between Indian Defense Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharama and US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis.
As per a report by UBS AG and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Asia now has more billionaires than US, for the
first time. In 2016, combined wealth of billionaires across the world increased 17 percent to $6 trillion.
African country Burundi has withdrawn from International Criminal Court (ICC) with effect from October 27,
2017 and has thus become the first nation to do so.
India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages in Sri
Lanka.
Catalonia declared independence from Spain after lawmakers in the autonomous region voted to declare
independence.The parliament of Catalonia has voted to declare independence from Spain. The decision was
made during a secret vote in Barcelona on 27th October 2017.
Australias High Court disqualified the deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and four senators to sit in
parliament due to a constitutional ban on dual citizens sitting in Parliament.
On 26th October 2017, India organised a tourism exchange seminar in Chinas Sanya city to create awareness
about Indias tourist destinations.Indian Consulate in Guangzhou, China organised India-China (Sanya)
Tourism Exchange Seminar at Sanya. The seminar was held to coincide with a 3-day Global Yoga Exchange
Conference 2017 organised in Sanya.
The first batch of the Afghan Air Force pilots completed their training in the United States for the newly-
deployed modern UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy,
R. K. Singh addressed the 3rd Global InvestorsIndia Forum in New Delhi.Theme of this event was Ideate,
Innovate, Implement and Invest in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two-day International Conference on Consumer Protection for
east, south and Southeast Asian countries in New Delhi.Theme of this conference is Empowering Consumers
in New Markets.
Vice President inaugurated the 3rd International Conference on Yoga on the theme Yoga for Wellness at
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with National Geographic Society is hosting an
international conference on Dialogue of Civilizations IV from 8th 15th October, 2017 at Delhi,
Gandhinagar (in Gujarat) and Dholavira (in Gujarat). Dialogue of Civilizations conference was initiated by
National Geographic Society in 2013.
On 24th October 2017, the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus was held in Clark,
Philippines. The meeting was chaired by Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines Delfin
Lorenzana.Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman represented India. This is her first foreign visit after
taking charge as Defence Minister.
14th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation in Law (SAARCLAW)Conference is being held
from 27th -29th October, 2017 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, along with the 11th SAARC Chief Justices
Conference.Theme of 14th SAARCLAW Conference is Emerging Legal Trends in SAARC Countries.
On 28th October 2017, the UN for Environment Programme announced that, India will host the next United
Nations (UN) global wildlife conference on migratory species (CMS COP13) in 2020.
On 26th October 2017, the 11th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting was held in Washington D.C., US. In the
11th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting, Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu had
productive discussions with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer and his
team.
On 27th 29th October 2017, the 11th World Congress on Adolescent Health is held in New Delhi.
The theme for World Congress on Adolescent Health 2017 is Investing in Adolescent Healththe Future is
Now. This years event is focused on lowering mortality rates for adolescents
On October 29, 2017, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held second round of strategic dialogue in
Abu Dhabi.India-UAE Second Strategic Dialogue was held with an objective to deepen bilateral cooperation
in various areas such as trade and investment.
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On October 3, 2017, a high-level delegation from Government of India and the United States met at NITI
Aayog to plan the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which is scheduled to be held from 28th
30th November 2017 in Hyderabad. Theme of GES 2017 is Women First, Prosperity for All.
On 4th October 2017, a three day international medical conference, IMTechCon 2017, began at CSIR-
Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), in Chandigarh. The aim IMTechCon 2017 is to engage
industry and academic leaders to discuss current unmet medical needs at global level.
RANKINGS & REPORTS

On 4th October 2017, a report by Norton by Symantec, stated that India ranks first in online harassment, in the
Asia Pacific region.8 out of 10 surveyed Indians said that, they had encountered some form of online
harassment.
With a net worth of $38 billion, Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) chairman MukeshAmbani has topped Forbess
India Rich List 2017. He has topped Forbes rich list for 10th consecutive year. Azim Premji stood at second
position with networth of USD 19 billion.
India has ranked at 100th position among 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2017. This years
ranking marks a drop of three positions as compared to 97th rank in Global Hunger Index 2016. Indias GHI
2017 score of 31.4 , it becomes at the high end of the serious hunger problem category.Chile, Cuba and
Turkey have a GHI score of less than 5 and have ranked as the best nations on the index.
India has ranked as 8th most valuable nation brand as per Brand Finances Nation Brands 2017 report. US
retained its top spot as most valuable nation brand; however meagre growth of 2% percent is putting its
dominance at risk. Besides, perception about Donald Trumps Presidency is not helping Brand America.
SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi has been named among the worlds top 10 regulators in the Market structure. The
regulators list is topped byEuropean Unions Commissioner Margrethe Vestager
Japans capital Tokyo has topped Economist Intelligence Units Safe Cities Index 2017 of 60 cities. Indian
cities Delhi and Mumbai have ranked 43rd and 45th respectively
On 10th October 2017, LinkedIn released a report stating that, India ranks as the second largest market for
pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce.The report was published in the newly released e-book The
Indian Pharma and Biotech Industry.
As per a survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Indias capital Delhi is one of the worst megacities in
the world on the parameter of women safety. In the overall ranking, Delhi ranked fourth from the bottom,
better than Cairo (Egypt), Karachi (Pakistan) and Kinshasa (Congo). Japans capital Tokyo emerged as the
safest city in terms of risk of sexual harassment.
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has emerged as top-ranked Indian institute in the
latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2018.IIT Bombay has ranked 34th and
Singapores Nanyang Technology University has topped QS Asia University Rankings 2018.
On 17th October 2017, a new survey named Authentic Brands Study stated that, Indian consumers regard
Google as the most authentic brand.Globally, Amazon occupies the 1st place and Apple the 2nd, as the most
authentic brands, according to the Cohn & Wolfe survey.
As per Global Passport Power Rank 2017, compiled by international financial advisory firm Arton
Capital, passport of Singapore is now the most powerful passport in the world. India Ranked 75th in the list.
Biocon ranked 9th in Science Careers top employers survey. Biocon is the only Company from Asia to
feature in the list since 2012.
As per CS Family 1000 report by Credit Suisse Research Institute, India has 3rd highest number of family-
owned businesses in the world.Family-owned companies in Spain have highest average market capitalisation
USD 30 billion.
According to Global TB Report 2017 released by World Health Organization (WHO), India has topped the
list of seven countries, accounting for 64 per cent of the 10.4 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide
in 2016.
According to a survey by global consulting firm Capgemini and LinkedIn, India has the highest proportion of
Digital Talent among the countries surveyed.At 76%, India had the highest proportion of Digital
Talent among all the countries that were surveyed. The global average stood at 56%.
India has overtaken the United States and become the 2nd largest smartphone market in the world, according
to independent analyst Canalys.Canalys has released a report recently that states, India has become the second
largest smartphone market in the world. The 1st position is occupied by China.
As per a report by Coeus Age Consulting, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the top state in terms of digital
initiatives undertaken by State Government. Coeus Age Consulting is an organisation which provides
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consultancy services on various aspects of digital economy.
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI - 4th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy

Policy Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged since 2nd August 2017
Reverse Repo Rate 5.75% Unchanged since 2nd August 2017
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.25% Unchanged since 2nd August 2017
Bank Rate 6.25% Unchanged since 2nd August 2017
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged since 9th February 2013
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 19.50% With Effect from 14th October 2017
RBI has projected inflation to stay in the range of 4.2-4.6 per cent in the second half of 2017-18 while
economic growth forecast has been revised down to 6.7 per cent from the August 2017 projection of 7.3 per
cent.
On September 29, 2017, The U.S. Federal Reserve fined HSBC Holdings PLC $175 million for unsafe and
unsound practices in its foreign exchange trading business.
From October 1, 2017, savings bank account customers of State Bank of India (SBI) will not have to pay any
charges for closing the account. This waiver applies to savings accounts which have existed for more than 1
year.Earlier, SBI levied closure charges of Rs 500 with Goods and Service Tax (GST)for its savings account
customers.
On 2nd October 2017, ClearTax, upgraded its GST-compliant software to intelligent features, to help
businesses ensure unobstructed flow of credit. ClearTax is an Income Tax returns e-filing service provider.
Indias first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT)
IFSC has ranked at 10th place in the latest September 2017 edition of Global Financial Centres Index 22
(GFCI) London.GIFT IFSC is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
Credit Rating Agency Fitch Ratings has lowered Indias economic growth forecast for Financial Year 2017-18
to 6.9 % from 7.4% after the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was lower than expected in the April-
June 2017 quarter (at 5.7% vs. 6.1% in previous quarter).
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a High-level Task Force on Public Credit Registry (PCR) for
India. The task force has been constituted under the chairmanship of Yeshwant M. Deosthalee.PCR is
an extensive database of credit information of entities/individuals in a particular area
(country/state/region) that is accessible to all stakeholders.
On 3rd October 2017, HDFC Life Insurance Company launched Neo, a servicing bot for Twitter, to improve
customer service.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned an amount Rs. 273 crore to
the Andhra Pradesh Government for Rural Water supply, Road and Bridge projects. These funds have been
sanctioned under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
On October 4, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) came out with master directions for peer-to-peer (P2P)
lending.Peer-to-peer lending is an online mechanism which raises loans for people who need to borrow, from
people who want to invest. It is to be noted that in September 2017, Reserve Bank of India notified that peer-
to-peer (P2P) lending platforms would be treated as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB)will co-finance a USD
100-million loan for boosting the power sector in India.It is to be noted that India is the second largest
shareholder in the AIIB.
On 5th October 2017, Mobile wallet provider, MobiKwik renamed its payment gateway as MobiKwik
Payment Gateway. The new payment gateway has been introduced with new features for secure transactions.
It supports all major instruments like credit and debit cards, netbanking, UPI and wallets.
On October 5, 2017, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) announced that it has amended the rules
for information utilities. Now onwards, a person can, either alone or together with persons acting in concert,
have a maximum of 51 per cent stake in an information utility for up to three years from the date of its
registration. Indian company listed in India can hold up to 100 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital or
total voting power of an information utility for three years from the date of inception.
World Bank Group member, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced that it has invested USD
76 million in 5-year unrated masala bond issuances of Fullerton India Credit Company.
On 5th October 2017, India and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed the finance contract for lending of
300 million euros (about Rs.2,293 crore) for Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-II.
As per the financial agreement, European Investment Bank (EIB) would lend 300 million euros, as first
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portion of funds, for phase-II works of Bangalore Metro Rail Project.

Government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 Series-III. These bonds will
be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. Simple average of closing price
of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 business
days of the week preceding the subscription period. Discount of Rs. 50 per gm, for those who subscribe online
and pay through digital mode. The scheme will fetch 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.
Vijaya Bank (a public sector bank) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for enabling all HPCL retail outlets in Karnataka with BHIM/UPI
merchant solutions.
J Sagar Associates (JSA) is the first law firm have a plan to open an office at Gujarat International Finance
Tec-City (GIFT).
On 5th Oct. 2017 ,Tata AIA Life launches of Chatbot Eazy Connect ,a online customer service through
social media platform like Facebook Messenger, Twitter DM, Web chat and Whatsapp.ThisChatbot service
helps to support the customers to resolve the frequent queries by providing 24/7 service.
On October 5, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed certain restriction on banking activities of Oriental
Bank of Commerce. RBI initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) against OBC in view of high non-
performing assets.
AU Small Finance Bank has entered into a corporate agency tie-up agreement to sell health insurance
products of Aditya Birla Health Insurance.
On 7th Oct. 2017, IDBI Bank informed that its promoter the government of India, has increased its stake in the
company to 77.79% by acquiring 3.81% shares through preferential allotment. In previous, government had
73.98% stake in IDBI Bank.
On 9th October 2017, Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd said that, it has signed an agreement with Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) for Rs.300 crore loan, in Mumbai to lend to renewable
energy and energy efficiency projects.
As a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, ICICI Bank has committed a financial assistance of
Rs 10 crore to the Indian Armed Forces, which will be utilised for welfare activities and betterment of the
families of ex-servicemen who have lost their lives on duty.
On October 10, 2017, Standard Chartered Bank opened its Global Business Services (GBS) centre in
Bengaluru which will complement its existing GBS centres in China, India and Malaysia.
As per latest edition of World Economic Outlook released on October 10, 2017, International Monetary Fund
(IMF) has lowered Indias growth forecast for 2017 to 6.7% from its earlier estimate of 7.2%.Global
economy, as per the latest World Economic Outlook is projected to rise to 3.6% in 2017 and to 3.7% in 2018.
On 10th October 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) announced the setting up of its 15,000 square feet Innovation
Centre, Indias largest Innovation Centre, in Navi Mumbai.
On October 9, 2017, credit rating agency, Moodys Investors Service assigned a Baa3 issuer rating with
positive outlook to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
On 11th October 2017, the World Bank released a report that stated that, Indias GDP might slowdown from
8.6% in 2015 to 7.0% in 2017.Good policies balancing public spending with private investment might
increase growth to 7.3% by 2018.
On 10th October 2017, HSBC launched the mobile app, HSBCnet Trade Transaction Tracker, to help
customers track the status of their trade transactions on a real-time basis.
On 10th October 2017, SEBI announced that, listed companies not following the norms with regard to
Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) would be taken action including fine (penalty) and delisting. According
to MPS norms, any listed company must have at least 25 % as public shareholders and 75 % can be held by
promoters. Companies not following these norms should to pay a fine of Rs.5,000 a day.
On 12th October 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio
for NBFCs has increased to 5 % at end of March 2017 from 2.9 % at end of March 2012.Bad loans of NBFCs
amount to around Rs.74,230 crore.
On October 12, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) launched a new product called SME Assist to provide a
short-term working capital demand loan to its Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clients.
On October 10, 2017, American financial technology company Mastercard launched its first innovation lab in
India in Pune, Maharashtra.This centre is Mastercards ninth lab in the world and the second in Asia Pacific
besides Singapore.
On October 12, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed banks and non-bank entities to make
their digital wallets/prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), interoperable through the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) within six months. However, cash loading to PPIs will be limited to Rs 50,000 per month. At any point
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of time, PPIs should not have outstanding amount of more than Rs 100000.
Indias biggest reinsurer, General Insurance Corp of India (GIC Re)s Rs. 11,370 crore Initial Public Offer
(IPO) opened for subscription on October 11, 2017.GIC Res Rs. 11370 crore IPO is Indian primary markets
third largest IPO after Coal India (Rs.15,200 crore in 2010) and Reliance Power (Rs. 11,600 crore in 2008).
Through its latest set of guidelines for E-Wallets, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced strict know
your customer (KYC) norms which has evoked mixed response from digital wallet companies. E-Wallet
firms have been instructed to ensure KYC compliance of existing users by December 31, 2017.Users who do
not have stipulated KYC in place, will be allowed to keep only up to Rs 10,000 in wallets post the deadline.
In a bid to become preferred banker for the start-up community in India, HDFC Bank has announced the
launch of SmartUp zones in its branches across India.To start with, SmartUp zones will be launched in over
65 HDFC Bank branches in 30 cities including Tier-2 and-3 cities that are emerging as start-up hubs.
On 14th October 2017, the Odisha governments Directorate of Treasuries and Inspection signed a MoU with
SBI, for integration of SBI e-Pay with cyber treasury. The SBI e-Pay is the payment aggregator service wing
of SBI.
On October 13, 2017, Union Shipping Ministry stated that Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has
raised Rs 660 crore through bonds.E-bidding for these bonds was held on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
portal on October 11, 2017. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 7.47%.
Kenneth Kang Deputy Director Asia Pacific Department of International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested
three policy priorities for India in the area of structural reforms.i. Addressing the corporate and banking sector
weaknesses: ii. Continued fiscal consolidation through revenue measure: iii. Improving the efficiency of
labour and product markets:
On 13th October 2017, Union Bank of India launched an Android app named, Union Sahyog, as a part of its
efforts to digitise customer-facing banking services.
On 11th October 2017, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the International Financial Centre in Abu Dhabi,
and Yes Bank have signed a MoU, to further encourage cross-border exchange between the fintech
ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates and India.
South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has become the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin in exchange
for citizenship. Currently, the citizenship programme of Vanuatu costs USD 200000. With Bitcoin price
hovering around USD 6000, Vanuatu citizenship can be availed at a price of nearly 35 Bitcoins.
On October 16, 2017, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of Indiasigned an investment
agreement worth $1 billion with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).
Credit Ratings firm Moodys Investors Service has affirmed its ratings on domestic as well as foreign
currency bond programmes of State Bank of India (SBI).Moodys is expecting that SBIs financial profile will
remain stable over the mid-term.
iGTB (Intellect Global Transaction Banking) a specialist firm of Intellect Design Arena Ltd. has been selected
by Bangkok Bank, as a technology partner to implement a comprehensive cash management platform and
corporate portal. Bangkok Bank is Thailands market leader in corporate and small and medium-sized
enterprise (SME) banking.
On October 17, 2017, the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) launched
trading in Gold options contract in presence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Options contract offers the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock/commodity/asset at an agreed-upon price (referred
to as strike price) during a certain period of time up to a specific date.
North East Small Finance Bank Limited has commenced operations as a small finance bank from October 1,
2017. Guwahati-based RGVN (North East) Microfinance Limited, was one of the 10 applicants which got
Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) in-principle approval for setting up a small finance bank in September 2015.
On October 16, 2017, Yes Bank announced that it has committed Rs 156 crore to fund first Sewage Treatment
Plant (STP) to be constructed at Varanasi under Namami Gange Project. Yes Bank has signed a deal
with Essel Infraprojects for the above mentioned STP which will be constructed under Hybrid Annuity-Public
Private Partnership (PPP) Model.
On 17th October 2017, SBI Foundation granted Rs.10 crore for the conservation and restoration of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM) of Mumbai over the period of 3-5 years.As per the MoU, SBI Foundation
will provide Rs.10 crore for the project under the SBI-Project Swachh Iconic CSMT.
On October 18, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised guidelines on Interest Subvention Scheme
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under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), stating that banks
will provide funds to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas at 7 per cent under the DAY-NRLM in
current fiscal, 2017-18. These guidelines will be implemented by 21 public sector banks and 19 private banks.
Kotak Mahindra Bank in collaboration with financial technology firm Zeta has launched a multi-wallet digital
prepaid solution for salaried employees named Paymint.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has tied up with Samsung, under which its credit and debit cardholders will be able to
tap and pay using Samsung smart phones at merchant establishments. Currently, Samsung Pay works on 2.9
million points-of-sale card machines across India.
In order to encourage savings, Central Government has issued a notification allowing all public sector banks
and top three private sector banks (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank) to accept deposits under various
small savings schemes, which until now, were only sold through post offices. According to this recent
government notification, all public sector banks and top three private sector banks (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank
and Axis Bank) can now sell National Savings Time Deposit Scheme 1981, National Savings (Monthly
Income Account)Scheme 1987, National Savings Recurring Deposit Scheme 1981 and National Savings
Certificate VIII issue.
On 21st October 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that linking of Aadhaar to bank account is
mandatory under the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules,
2017, published in the Official Gazette on 1st June, 2017.
As per the latest notification issued by Department of Revenue under the Finance Ministry, banks and
financial institutions will have to mandatorily check the original identification documents of individuals
dealing in cash above the prescribed threshold.
State Bank of India (SBI) has launched second edition of its Hackathon. This hackathon has been
named Digitize For Bank.The winners of Digitise For Bank hackathon will get an opportunity for
incubation and acceleration with SBI.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to make Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) compulsory for companies having
aggregate fund-based and non-fund based exposure over Rs 5 crore.LEI is a unique 20 digit alphanumeric
code that will be assigned to corporate borrowers.
Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India, the premier trade and investment promotion body has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to provide easy access to export
finance to the exporters in India. Exporters can avail loans up to Rs 10 crore at competitive rates.
On October 23, 2017, Indias largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI) announced that it has
entered into a tie-up with Escorts Limited to finance farmers for the purchase of Escorts tractors.
IndusInd Bank and MobiKwik announced the launch of a co-branded wallet, IndusInd Mobikwik. IndusInd
Mobikwik wallet allows IndusInd banks customers to pay at the MobiKwik merchant network using their
accounts.
Union Government announced to infuse Rs. 2.11 lakh crore capital over the next two years into public sector
banks (PSBs). 18000 crore out of Rs. 2.11 lakh crore will be funded through Governments Indradhanush
Plan. In 2015 Government had announced Indradhnush Plan to infuse Rs 70,000 crore in public sector banks
over four years to meet their capital requirement as per Basel III norms.
Govt. of India and Asian Development Bank Sign $300 Mn Loan to Promote Further Fiscal Reforms in West
Bengal
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on two private sector banks, Yes Bank and IDFC Bank for
regulatory violations. Monetary penalty of Rs. 6 crore has been imposed on Yes Bank for non-compliance of
RBIs guidelines on Income Recognition Asset Classification (IRAC) and delayed reporting of information
security incident involving ATMs of the bank. Rs. 2 crore penalty has been imposed on IDFC Bank for
violating rules relating to sanction and renewal of loans and advances.
Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley has presented Letters of Intent (LOI) to seven shortlisted entities under
the Adopt a Heritage Scheme. LOIs were presented at the closing ceremony of Paryatan Parv in New
Delhi on October 25, 2017.
Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) has started work on exiting the infrastructure and
private equity funds management business, IDFC Alternatives, which has assets worth $2.6 billion.
On October 25, 2017, Government retained the interest rate for general provident fund (GPF) at 7.8% for
October December 2017 quarter in line with that for public provident fund (PPF).
Asian Development Bank signs $65.5 mn Loan with GOI to support Coastal Protection in Karnataka. This is
the second tranche of a USD 250 million financing facility under the Sustainable Coastal Protection and
Management Investment Programme.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) revised the framework for block deals on stock exchanges
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by providing two separate trading windows of 15 minutes each and increasing the minimum order size to Rs
10 crore.
Star Health and Allied Insurance (SHAI) has introduced first-ever health insurance cover for people already
diagnosed with cancer. This insurance policy has been named Star Cancer Care Gold.
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has revamped its portal udyamimitra.in with enhanced
features to provide easy access to credit and hand-holding services for micro small medium enterprises
(MSME).
AU Small Finance Bank has entered into a tie-up with Small Industries Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) to launch Rs. 200 crore fund for providing loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In a bid to ensure that the benefits of the various Government Schemes reach to the last mile, Government has
made use of Public Finance Management System (PFMS)mandatory for central schemes.PFMS has been
rolled-out by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) at the behest of Union Finance Ministry.
Foreign Exchange and inward remittance service provider company Transcorp International has launched a
platinum pre-paid card in association with Yes Bank.
This card can be used for transactions in stores and ATMs across the country.
Union Finance Ministry and World Bank signed a loan agreement worth $200 million for the Assam
Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.The $200 million from International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (IBRD) is for 16.5 yrs term and has a grace period of seven years.
State Bank of India (SBI) and the World Bank announced Rs 2317 crore credit facilities to seven companies
to finance grid connected rooftop solar projects.These grid connected rooftop solar projects which will
together generate 575 mw.
BUSINESS
On 2nd October 2017, India received its first-ever shipment of US crude oil at Paradip port, in Odisha, as a
part of purchases made by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
(BPCL).IOC and BPCL have placed orders for over 2 million barrels from the United States. This is the first
shipment as per the deal.
On October 4, 2017, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) announced the launch of news services in four
more Indian languages Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Telugu. With this announcement, BBCs Delhi
bureau will become its largest bureau outside the United Kingdom.
On October 3, 2017, Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway
tickets using Mobikwiks payment gateway.
On October 5, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government signed a MoU with American payments solution
company Mastercard for setting up centre of excellence in Vizag.
European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified the clearing arms of National Stock
Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as qualified central counterparty (CCP).
On 3rd and 4th October 2017, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under Union
Commerce Ministry approved several foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals. During 2016-17, India
received $43.47 billion FDI inflows, which marks 9% growth as compared to previous year.
Adobe announced investment on integration of Aadhaar-based authentication in its e-signature
solution Adobe Sign on 4th Oct.2017.The market for e-signatures in India is growing at a Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 57 percent, and is expected to cross over a massive 90 million transactions
by 2020 as per the Adobe commissioned survey conducted by Forrester Consulting.
On 5th October 2017, Flipkart announced the launch of MarQ, an in-house brand in the large appliances
category. MarQ is an in-house brand of Flipkart, that sells large appliances.This has been done in a move
expands Flipkarts self-branded offerings on its marketplace.
On October 6, 2017, Maharashtra State Government and Tata Trusts entered into a tie-up for social
development initiatives in Chandrapur district. The tie-up will focus on livelihood, digital literacy, data driven
governance and child protection.
Magicbricks announced its launch of Indias first online bidding platform for residential and commercial
properties.It tied-up with leading developer Magnificence in the Trinity Of Men, Materials & Money'( M3M)
for their new inauguration of My Bid, My Home .
On Oct. 5 2017, National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) has signed a MoU with Finlands
Fortum Oyj for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in upcoming development projects in India.
On October 6, 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said it has signed two more advance pricing
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agreements (APAs) in September 2017 with Indian taxpayers. These two latest APAs pertain to automobile
and healthcare consulting sectors.
On October 10, 2017, Andhra Pradesh State Government and international digital payments
company Visa announced a tie up for Visakahpatnam Digital Dhan Sankalp Project. Digital Dhan Sankalp
project, is an initiative to develop Visakhapatnam into Indias first less cash city.
On 11th October 2017, the government announced that, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has
revised rates for transportation of natural gas through pipeline, offshore works contracts etc. The
transportation of natural gas through pipeline will attract 5% GST without input tax credit, and 12% with
input tax credit.
On October 9, 2017, Indian Government imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of certain steel wire rods
from China to safeguard the interest of domestic industry.The anti-dumping duty has been imposed for a
period of five years.
European Securities & Markets Authority (ESMA) has certified Metropolitan Clearing Corporation of India
Ltd. (MCCIL), the clearing arm of Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) as qualified central
counterparty (CCP).
A central counterparty (CCP) is a corporate entity which guarantees the terms of a trade even if a buyer or
seller defaults on the agreement.Under the Basel III framework introduced by the Basel Committee on
Banking Supervision, entities are subjected to lower capital requirement/charges while participating in capital
markets through qualified central counterparty (CCP).
On 11th October 2017, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced the setting up of 16 new Gujarat
Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) townships, in Gujarat.Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that, 16
new GIDC townships would be set up in 2400 hectare area to encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs).This township would attract 15,000 industrial units.
On 10th October 2017, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan announced the
formation of an internal think-tank, consisting of experts to advise on technology and build a successful gas
network in India.The think tank will be in an advisory role and will look after gas infrastructure, financing
model for projects, price competitiveness etc.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company has started selling lubricants
in Myanmar. With this move, HPCL has become first oil company of India to start marketing lubricants in
Myanmar.
A new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on March 22, 2016 has been brought
into force with effect from October 12, 2017.Hallmarking of the precious metal articles has been made
mandatory under this new act.
As per data released by Central Statistics Office (CSO) on October 12, 2017, Industrial production in India
grew at a nine-month high of 4.3 per cent in August 2017.Previous Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth
high of 5.7 per cent was registered in November 2016.
On 12th October 2017, Hyperloop One has announced to rebrand itself as Virgin Hyperloop One after
Richard Bransons Virgin Group invested in the firm. The Virgin investment group has taken an undisclosed
stake in Hyperloop One. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
India must invest around $45 billion to generate an additional capacity of handling 500- 600 million
passengers at its airports by 2030By the next five years the passenger capacity is possible to increase as per a
study by an aviation think-tank.
On 13th October 2017, Indian Accent restaurant in New Delhi featured among the top 10 best restaurants in
Asia Travellers Choice in TripAdvisor Travellers Choice awards 2017.Indian Accent has secured the second
position among the top 10 restaurants in Asia in TripAdvisor Travellers Choice awards 2017. Indian Accent
is known for introducing innovative cuisine by involving Indian flavours with global ingredients and
techniques.
On 16th October 2017, E-commerce major Myntra has tied up with the Union Textile Ministry, to work
directly with weavers and improve their economic status.
On October 15, 2017, auto manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas and
launched a programme, Prerna to empower women working in the agriculture sector
BNP Paribas Securities Services has teamed up with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to deliver an
innovative blockchain based platform, Corporate Event Connect.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has approved three foreign direct investment
(FDI) proposals, including that of Merlin Entertainment-owned Madame Tussauds, to open single-brand
retail.Madame Tussauds is expected to open its first museum in India in Delhi. DIPP has approved 20 single-
brand retail proposals worth Rs.4,900 crore so far.
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Software industry association National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) is
setting up centres of excellence on artificial intelligence (AI) and data sciences for a better understanding on
the emerging technologies.These centres of excellence are being set up in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The US has initiated an antidumping duty investigations against the import of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
resin from India and China, according to the US Department of Commerce. The PTFE is mostly used as a
non-stick coating for utensils.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)an apex organisation
under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry will conduct programmes to promote products of north
eastern India in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
According to 10th KPMG Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting, India has emerged as the top
country for reporting corporate social responsibility information in the annual financial report of companies.
On 20th October 2017, Australias last car factory was shut down, as GM Holden Ltd, a unit of US carmaker
General Motors Co, closed its plant in South Australia.
400 out of the 13,000-odd industrial training institutes (ITIs) have been being de-affiliated by the Union
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
According to the latest data by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Maruti Suzuki India has
emerged as the largest passenger cars exporter from India for the April September 2017 period.As per the
latest data by SIAM, Maruti exported 57300 units of passenger cars in the first half of the ongoing fiscal,
which marks a 6% growth as compared to 54008 units exported in the same period of previous fiscal year.
On October 23, 2017, 26 major American companies headed by Aircraft Manufacturer Boeing interacted with
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adtiyanath to explore investment opportunities in the state. This
interaction has been given the tagline US in UP.
On October 23, 2017, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) announced that it has commenced execution
of Yadadri supercritical thermal power project ordered by the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation
Ltd. (TSGENCO). The project is located at Damaracherla in Nalgonda district of Telangana and is valued at
approximately Rs 20,400 crore.
In its recommendations to the Department of Telecom, on approach towards sustainable telecommunications,
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended 40 per cent carbon emission reduction in
telecom network by 2022-23.
On 26th October 2017, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
(MAHB) and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) signed a MoU to promote the growth of tourism
traffic.
Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched Start-up Programme for entrepreneurs in Oil and
Gas sector.The venture fund will disburse Rs 320 crore over a 3-year period to support novel ideas which
would cause positive disruption in the energy sector.
On 26th October 2017, SAP launched the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) regions first SAP Leonardo Center, in
Bengaluru. The Leonardo Centre in Bengaluru is the first in Asia Pacific Japan region and the fourth SAP
Leonardo Center globally.
Indian software company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a pact with the National University in
the Philippines to launch a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of university
graduates for the job market.Under this scheme, 5000 students of National University, Philippines will have
access to digital courses.
Karnataka State Government announced signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
with Microsoft Corporation India Private Limitedwith an objective to provide technology-oriented solutions to
small farmers for helping them to increase their income.
Mukesh Ambanis company Reliance Industries Limited has reached yet another milestone by becoming
the first Indian company ever to cross a market capitalization of Rs. 6-trillion.The recent tariff hikeby
Reliance Jio also contributed to RILs stock price rise.
The telecom company owned by Anil Ambani, The Reliance Communications, is planning to shut down its
2G mobile business by the end of November because the company is running under a debt of nearly Rs 45,000
crore.As a result 1,200 employees will lose their jobs.
Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) launched its unique membership card titled Flysecure, which
provides insurance cover related to air travel. APAI card Flysecure is available in three variants Annual
price of Rs. 1500 for Silver, Rs 3000 for Gold and Rs 5000 for Platinum.
On October 29, 2017, India sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port
in Iran.The shipment was flagged off from the Kandla port in Gujarat. After reaching Chabahar, it will be
transported to Afghanistan viz. land route.
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French Aircarft manufacturer, Dassault Aviation will invest over USD 116 million in a joint venture with Anil
Ambani-led Reliance Aerospace to manufacture aircraft components of 36 Rafale fighter jets, which India has
agreed to purchase from France.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
NOBLE PRIZE 2017 WINNERS

Category Winners Recognition For
Physics Rainer Weiss (US) For decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and
Barry C. Barish (US) the observation of gravitational waves.
Kips S. Thorne (US)
Chemistry Jacques Dubochet(Switzerland) For developing cryo-electron microscopy for the
Joachim Frank (Germany) high-resolution structure determination of
Richard Henderson (Scotland) biomolecules in solution.
Medicine/P Jeffrey C. Hall () For their discoveries of molecular mechanisms
hysiology Michael Rosbah controlling the circadian rhythm.
Michael W. Young
Literature He wrote novels of great emotional force, has
Kazuo Ishigoru (Britan) uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of
connection with the world.
Peace International Campaign to For its work to draw attention to the catastrophic
Abolish Nuclear Weapons humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear
(ICAN) - Geneva, Switzerland weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to
achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons.
Thaler came up with the concept of 'nudging' people
Economics Richard H. Thaler (USA) through subtle changes in government policy to do
things that are in their self-interest. (behavioural
economics)
A Ghana-based Indian entrepreneur named BirendraSasmal has won a prestigious International Business
Person of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards in London for turning his company into a thriving
Information Technology (IT), telecoms and manufacturing success story with operations across West Africa.
On 27th September 2017, tour guide Ms.RamaKhandwala was awarded a National Tourism Award in the
`Best Tourist Guide category, in Delhi. Ms.RamaKhandwala was awarded the `Best Tourist Guide award by
President Mr.RamNathKovind.
On 2nd October 2017, the MeenakshiSundareswarar Temple of Madurai was awarded the best Swachh Iconic
Place (Cleanest Iconic Place), in India. Meenakshi Temple has been honoured with this award for the swift
cleaning process carried out.
On October 2, 2017, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs conferred Swacchhata awards on those who
contributed towards the Clean India objective in urban areas. 20 individuals and agencies in seven categories
were felicitated with these awards. Delhi-based Facebook citizen group My Delhi Keep It Clean was
awarded for promoting efforts to clean public places.
On 2nd October 2017, The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was awarded as the best department for its
contribution during SwachhtaPakhwada, in New Delhi.
On 3rd October 2017, Manipal Universitys Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) bagged the 1st place in
Most Clean Campus in South Western Region award and 3rd place in Most Clean Campus 2017 award, in
Pune, Maharashtra.
TAKE Solutions would receive the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance, from the
Institute of Directors, in London, on 25th October 2017. The Golden Peacock Award is given by the Institute
of Directors, in London. It honours extra-ordianryorganisational performances through a three-tier process.
On 5th October 2017, Reach All Women (RAW) in War announced GauriLankesh as the winner of Anna
Politkovskaya Award 2017. Journalist-activist GauriLankesh was shot dead on 5thSeptember 2017. She was a
critic of right-wing Hindu extremism, campaigner for womens rights, rights of Dalits etc.
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Noted Novelist T D Radhakrishnans has been selected for this years prestigious Vayalar award. The award
will be presented to him on October 27, 2017, the death anniversary of poet and lyricist Vayalar
Ramavarma. It is given for the best literary work in Malayalam.
On 8th October 2017, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), was awarded as the best
FMCG in the food sector, at the 5th International Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards, in
Mumbai. K.M.Jhala, Chief Operating Officer, GCMMF received the best FMCG in the food sector award at
the 5thInternational Advertising Associations (IAA) Leadership Awards.
President Ram Nath Kovind gave away the National award for senior citizens to Indian boxing coach Gurbax
Singh Sandhu and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics
and Management for 2017 to Dr.Bindeshwar Pathak.
Richard H. Thaler won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Economics for his work on behavioural economics. He plans
to spend the prize money irrationally.Thaler, 72 and a professor at the University of Chicago, is one of the
founders of behavioral economics and finance.
On 10th October 2017, Prakash Raj, actor and film-maker, received the Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttura
Prashasti award, at the Kota Shivaram Karanth Theme Park, in Kota, Udupi district of Karnataka. The Kota
Shivaram Karanth Huttura Prashasti award is instituted in the name of Jnanpith awardee K Shivaram Karanth.
On 12th October 2017, Mathrubhumi Managing Director M P Veerendra Kumar announced that, famous critic,
biographer and orator M K Sanu has been chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016. The award
consists of a cash prize of Rs.2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.
Eminent writer Namita Gokhale has been nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature, for
her outstanding literary contributions.The award has been conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, which is
regarded as one of the most prestigious literary bodies in India.
Singer T M Krishna has won 30th Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the year 2015 and 2016..
Krishna is a pre-eminent vocalist in the Carnatic tradition of Indian classical.It carries a citation and a cash
prize of Rs. 10 lakh.
12-year old Indian girl Poorvi G B has been awarded the best performer subtitle at the Little Miss World
2017 pageant held in Greece.
Bollywood actor Varun Dhawans wax statue is to be displayed in Madame Tussauds wax museum in Hong
Kong.Varun Dhawan will unveil his wax statue in the first quarter of 2018. This is his first ever wax figure.
This years Kalakar Puraskar instituted by Mandd Sobhann will be conferred on renowned Konkani folk
artiste Gopal Gowda.
Prabha Varma, an eminent poet, lyricist and journalist has been selected for this years Padma Prabha
Puraskaram for his contribution to Malyalam literature.The award carries a cash prize of Rs 75,000, a plaque
and a citation.
On 17th October 2017, 50 Indian peacekeepers placed in South Sudan were awarded the UN Medal for their
service in maintaining peace in South Sudan. The award was presented by UNMISS Force Commander
General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, attended the medal
ceremony.
Swraj Lord Paul, a famous NRI industrialist and Chairman of The Caparo Group a leading UK-based
manufacturer of steel products, has been honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2nd British
Asian Achievers Awards which was organised by Jagatwani a Hindi weekly. Paul was the first person from
Indian origin to hold the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, from 2008 to 2010.
Indian-origin teenager Akshay Ruparelia has become one of UKs youngest millionaires, after his online real
estate agency business reached the value of 12 million pounds. Akshay Ruparelia, a 19 year old Indian-origin
teenager had started online real estate agency, doorsteps.co.uk a year ago.
Noted Indian-American attorney Ajay Raju has been honoured with the 3rd American Bazaar Philanthropy
award. Ajay Raju has been awarded for his philanthropic activities in the US.
US author George Saunders has won 2017 Man Booker Prize for his novel Lincoln in the Bardo.
Veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar is to be honoured with the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award on
26thOctober 2017.
On 2nd October 2017, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) was awarded Swachh Bharat Inter-
Ministerial Award in Swachh Bharat National Award ceremony on Gandhi Jayanti, in New Delhi.
CSS Corp, a US-headquartered IT services and technology support company, has won the Customer Service
Excellence Award 2017 by National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM).
Hyderabads Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has ranked No. 1 in the Airports Council
Internationals (ACI) service quality survey in the category of 5 to 15 million passengers per annum.
On 18th October 2017, Jaipur and Srinagar Airport got first and second rank respectively in the category of 2-5
21 | P a g e
million passengers in Airport Council International (ACI)-Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Survey.
Environmental scientist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber has received Blue Planet Prize, worlds most prestigious
award for pioneers in environmental science.
Govardhan Eco Village, set up by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Palghar
district of Maharashtra has won the Green Platinum Award.
Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina,the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), will be recognized
as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.He was Nigerias former Minister of Agriculture and rural
development.
The very popular playback singers Alka Yagnikand Udit Narayan and the music composers Usha Khanna,
Bappi Lahiri, Anu Malik and have been selected for the Madhya Pradesh state governments
prestigious National Lata Mangeshkar
According to the latest Forbes Rich List Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest sports personality in the world.
World number two tennis player Serena Williams is the only woman on the list, in 51st, with $27m (20.92m)
made last year. Meanwhile, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is the only cricketer to feature in the Top
100 list.
11 years old Gitanjali Rao from Lone Tree, Colorado, is the winner of this years Discovery Education 3M
Young Scientist Challenge for her sensor that can detect lead levels in water better than traditional methods.
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been named FIFA Mens Player of the Year and Lieke Martens has been
named FIFA Womens Player of the Year.Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid Club was awarded FIFA Best
Mens coach and Sarina Wiegman, manager of Netherlands womens national football team was awarded Best
Womens Coach.
On 24th October 2017, an official announced that, the Meghalaya Election Department has entered Limca
Book of Records for the formation of the biggest human logo comprising young voters in the state.
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been honored with the CII Industrial Innovation Award, 2017 in New
Delhi.
South African Indian-origin couple Salim Abdool Karim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins top US award for
AIDS research
Indian-origin campaigner, Gina Miller, became the UKs most influential black person, by topping the 2018
Powerlist of 100 people of African and African Caribbean heritage.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu received the Golden Peacock Award, at the
17th London Global Convention, held in London.
Sharmila Tagore was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, at a ceremony held at Siri Fort Auditorium, in New Delhi. Sharmila Tagore is 72 years old. She is a
renowned Bollwood actress.
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has received an award from All India Council for
Technical Education (AICTE), at the International Science Festivals Start-up Summit 2017, at Chennai.
At Madame Tussauds Delhi, wax figures of famous personalities including sports, history, politics and
glamour will be displayed under one roof.Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the figures of
celebrities, which is a unique part of the show.
On 27th October 2017, online travel solutions provider Cleartrip was named the Best Mobile App for Travel
and Leisure at the Mobexx Awards 2017.
On 27th October 2017, Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder, replaced Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates as the richest
person in the world.
On October 29, 2017, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher received Parmod Mahajan Smriti Award in
Pune.Anupam Kher is the current Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India.
The democratic opposition and political prisoners in Venezuela won the European Unions Sakharov Prize for
human rights on October 26th 2017. The prize amount of this award is 50,000euros ($59,000).
Michael Jackson, who died in the year 2009 i.e, Eight years ago, is still generating millions of dollars. He was
an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Late singer Michael Jackson has been named the highest-earning
dead celebrity for the 5th consecutive year by Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities. His earnings have
been estimated to be $75 million (485 crore).
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APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Appointee Designation- Organisation

AmrenderSharan Amicus on a plea seeking re-probe of Mahatma Gandhi murder
SambitPatra Non-Official Director of ONGC
Ms.Eman Al-Ghamidi (first
woman to hold senior government Assistant mayor of Al Khubar governorate- Saudi Arabia.
post)
Jagmeet Singh First non-white politician to lead a major party in Canada
PV Sindhu Ambassador of Swachh Andhra Mission.
Birendra Prasad Baishya Chairmen of two sub-committees of IWF
Brenda Hale UK Supreme Courts first female president
Dr SoumyaSwaminathan WHOs deputy director general
Rajnish Kumar SBI Chairman
Zafar Mahmood Abbasi New Navy Chief of Pakistan
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez Brand ambassador of Delhi Dynamos
Corey Anderson Event ambassador for U-19 World Cup 2018- ICC
PoojaKapur (concurrently) Ambassador of India to the Republic of Macedonia
UkhnaagiinKhurelsukh New PM of Mongolia
Rahul Bothra Swiggys (Food delivery company) first-ever CFO
Sangram Singh CEO of Axis Bank acquired Freecharge
John K Paul (re-elected) Federations of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA)-President
Ashish Srivastava MD & CEO of PNB MetLife
Katrina Kaif Brand ambassador of Lenskart
Vinay Mohan Kwatra Ambassador of India to the Principality of Monaco
D Shivakumar (quits) PepsiCo Chairman
D Sivakumar Aditya Birla Group as the group executive president
Vinit Kumar Kolkata Port Trust chairman
Actor Anupam Kher Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
Umang Bedi (quits) Facebook India MD (Bhushan named interim head)
Nisha Desai Biswal Head of U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC).
Yuvraj Singh Laureus first Indian ambassador
Frances Audrey Azoulay Next UNESCO chief
Kwon Oh-hyun (resigns) Samsung CEO
Rukaiya Rangwala MobiKwik Payment Gateway
Gautam H. Bambawale Indian Ambassador to China
Leslie Thng Vistara CEO
Cabinet appoints 11 new secretaries
Environment secretary Ajay Secretary in the expenditure department in the Finance Ministry.
Narayan Jha
C.K. Mishra Environment secretary from Ajay Narayan Jha.
Injeti Srinivas - Corporate affairs secretary in the Union Finance Ministry.
Rahul Prasad Bhatnaga Sports Secretary
Preeti Sudan Secretary of Department of health and family welfare.
Alok Shrivastava Secretary of Department of Justice
K.V. Eapen Secretary of Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and
Pensions and Pensioners` Welfare
Ravi Kant Secretary of Food Ministry
Shakuntala Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Gopal Krishna Secretary of Shipping Secretary
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Secretary of AYUSH Ministry
Pradeep Bakshi MD, CEO of Voltas
Naresh Kumar Gupta Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta
Sunny Verghese World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Chair from
2018
Manika Jain Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia
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Ranjit Kumar (resigns) Solicitor General of India

Jacinda Ardern New Zealand Prime Minister (youngest-ever female)
Oxford University college drops Suu Kyi from common room name
Shinzo Abes coalition wins supermajority in Japan election
Sibi George Ambassador of India to Switzerland
Izham Ismail CEO Malaysia Airlines
Jayant Rikhye HSBC India CEO
Former AC Milan football star Mayor of Tbilisi
Kakha Kaladze
Robert Mugabe WHO withdraws as goodwill ambassador title
Dineshwar Sharma Interlocutor for peace talks with Assams insurgent groups, including the United
Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
Rakesh Asthana CBI Special Director
Ngangom Sarat Singh Member of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Manipur and
Mizoram
Suresh Sethi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer - India Post Payments Bank
Kanwaljit Singh Cheema Principal secretary of BoA in Darjeeling
NS Venkatesh Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) chief executive
Deep Kumar Upadhyay (resigns ) Nepal government accepts resignation of its Ambassador to India
Alok Kumar Pateria ADG of CISF
Utpal Kumar Singh Uttarakhand Chief Secretary
Kenneth Chenault (Step Down) American Express CEO
Richard Verma Board member of US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
N.J.Gangte High Commissioner of India to Republic of Zambia
Satya Gopal Chief secretary of Arunchal Pradesh
Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS)
Suresh Raina Brand ambassador of Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation
SK Sinha Secretary (security) in Cabinet Secretariat
AP Maheshwari DG, Bureau of Police Research
T V Narendran Global CEO, MD- Tata Steel
Vikram Singh Private Secretary to President
Birendra Prasad Baishya (re- President of IWLF
elected)
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

On Oct.6 2017, Zee Entertainment has acquired 100 per cent stake in two media entities, 9X Media and INX
Music for Rs 160-crore.
China has approved HP Incs $1.1 billion purchase of Samsung Electronics printer business with certain
restrictions and concerns about the U.S. firms dominance in the laser printer market.
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) has called off plans to merge its wireless business with
rival Aircel. As announced by RCOM, the merger has been called off owing to legal and regulatory
uncertainties as well as intervention of vested interests to derail the deal.
Qatar Airways, one of the Middle Easts biggest carriers has announced that it has completed the acquisition
of a 49 per cent stake in Italys AQA Holding. Alsarda, previous sole shareholder will retain a 51 per cent
share in the company. It is to be noted that AQA Holding is the parent company of Italys second largest
carrier Meridiana.
On 3rd October 2017, Bharti Airtel received Ghanas National Communications Authoritys approval for the
merger between Bharti Ghana (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana (Tigo), in Ghana. This merger will result in the
second largest mobile network operations in Ghana.
On 29th September 2017, Power Finance Corp (PFC)s board approved the proposal for merger of its wholly-
owned subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company. In the board meeting, on 29th September
2017, the PFC board approved the merger of its subsidiary PFC Green Energy with the parent company.
On 4th October 2017, ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(ONGC), announced that, it has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License (PEL)
24 | P a g e
37, from UKs Tullow Oil.OVL has acquired 30 % interest in the Namibian Petroleum Exploration License
(PEL) 37. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
Itelligence India Software Solutions Private Limited has acquired the Hyderabad-based reseller of SAP
software and SAP services provider named vCentric Technologies. The acquisition deal value has not been
disclosed so far.
Rural financial institution National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has bought an
additional 7% stake in Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for Rs900 crore from IDBI Bank
Ltd.
On 12th October 2017, Bharti Airtel announced the acquisition of Consumer Mobile Businesses (CMB) of
Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL) and Tata Teleservices Maharastra Ltd (TTML).Tata Teleservices has been
merged with Bharti Airtel. After this merger, over 40 Million Tata customers will join Bharti Airtel.
On 14th October 2017, Indias IndusInd Bank Ltd agreed an all-share deal to buy Micro-lender Bharat
Financial Inclusion Ltd.IndusInd Bank has sealed the deal for $2.4 billion to buy Bharat Financial.
Bharti Airtel Limited and Millicom International Cellular S.A with their respective subsidiaries (Airtel Ghana
and Tigo Ghana) came out with the conclusion to combine their operations in Ghana.The combined business
would serve nearly 10 million customers, of which 5.6 million are data customers.
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications (RCom) announced that it has received the final approval on
its merger with Sistema from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT).
American technology conglomerate, Cisco Systems has finalised a deal to acquire American communication
software and service provider BroadSoft for $1.9 billion.
Thomas Cook India announced the acquisition of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tata Capital Limited, Tata
Capital Forex Limited(foreign exchange) and TC Travel and Services Limited (travel services).
MoUs
On 5th October 2017, a MoU was signed by Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the Ek
Bharat, Shrestha Bharat programme, to boost cultural ties.
14th Annual Summit between India and the European Union (EU) was held in New Delhi. Following three
agreements were signed, i. Finance Contract of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2-Line R6 for Euro 300
million out of total loan of Euro 500 million.ii. Implementing Arrangement between the European
Commission and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for Indian Researchers hosted by the
European Research Council grantees in Europe.iii. Joint Declaration between the Interim Secretariat of
the International Solar Alliance and the European Investment Bank.
Central Water Commission (CWC) has signed MoUs with IIT Roorkee and Motilal Nehru National Institute
of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad to support dam rehabilitation efforts of various implementing agencies
and CWC.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy in its campus.
On 9th October 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr.N.Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a two day
International Blockchain Business Conference, at Fintech Valley Vizag, in Vishakapatnam.Thomson Reuters
signed a MoU with Andhra Pradesh government for setting up innovation app studio in Gitam University,
Andhra Pradesh. MoU were signed with several other companies on this occasion.
On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Financial Services Commission (FSC),
Gibraltar for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Capital Markets Authority (CMA),
Kuwait for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on
the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
On October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet approved the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)
between India and Japan on establishing a liquid, flexible and global LNG Market.
25 | P a g e
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus for Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and
Training
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of water resources
Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India
and Lithuania.
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Womens Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) has signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Andhra
Pradesh State Government to develop technologies relating to banana production.
Ms. Florence Parly, the French Minister for the Armed Forces, was on an official visit to India from 26th
28th October, 2017. During Ms Parlys meeting with Indian Defense Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, India
and France agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
On October 30, 2017, India and Tunisia agreed to jointly combat terrorism and extremism and scale up
bilateral cooperation in the field of security. On October 30, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma
Swaraj co-chaired the 12th India- Tunisia Joint Commission Meeting with Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister,
Khemaies Jhinaoui.
SCHEMES
On October 3, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State Government launched a mass marriage scheme
called MukhyamantriSamoohikVivaahYojana. Under the scheme, Uttar Pradesh social welfare department
will conduct mass marriages.
On October 4, 2017, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister VirbhadraSinghapproved Heritage
Tourism Policy 2017 & MukhyaMantri Rural Road Repair Scheme along with other developmental and
welfare initiatives.
On 4th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for
untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary
Education (D.El.Ed). This course would be offered through Swayam, a platform for online education and
knowledge through Dish TV.
On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land
and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
On October 2, 2017, during the inaugural day of Global Wildlife Programmeconferencein New Delhi, Harsh
Vardhan also launched India Wildlife mobile App and released National Wildlife Action Plan for the period
2017-2031.
On October 1, 2017, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Single Click Pension
Delivery scheme. Under this scheme, the money will go directly into the account of the beneficiaries.
On 5th October 2017, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal approved the Delhi governments students higher
education loan scheme, in New Delhi. In 2017, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses
outside Delhi in government recognised institutions.
On 2nd October 2017, Karnataka Chief Minister Mr.Siddaramaiah launched Mathru Poorna scheme, for
nutritional wellness of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas, at VidhanSoudha, in
Bengaluru,Karnataka.The MathruPurna scheme, aims at providing pregnant and lactating poor women in
rural areas with one nutritious meal daily, for 25 days in a month.
On October 8, 2017, Uttarakhand State Government and a charitable funding agency named Swan Cultural
Center and Foundation, launched Solar Briefcase in Kedarnath Dham.This initiative aims to provide
electricity to far flung areas in Uttarakhand.
On 8th October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)s,
Jivamritam filtration system, a clean water initiative, in Vallikkavu, Kollam district of Kerala. Jivamritam
filtration system aims at providing filtration for clean drinking water to 1 crore villagers. The first phase of
this project is to install Jivamritam filtration systems for clean drinking water in 5,000 villages all over India.
This project will be funded by MAM for Rs.100 crore.
In a bid to provide a boost to Skill India Mission, on October 11, 2017, Union Cabinet approved two new
skill development schemes named Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion
(SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE). Both these schemes are
result oriented programmes focusing on vocational education and training.SANKALP is a centrally sponsored
scheme having financial outlay Rs 4,455 crore out of which 3300 crore will be in the form of a loan from
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World Bank.
On 13th October 2017, the Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha launched the Sampoorna Bima Gram
(SBG) Yojana and an initiative for expansion of clientele base of Postal Life Insurance
(PLI).Under Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana, at least one village (having a minimum of 100
households) will be identified in each of the revenue districts India. All households of that identified village
will be covered with a minimum of one RPLI (Rural Postal Life Insurance) policy each.
On October 10, 2017, Maharashtra State cabinet approved a climate change adaptation policy that will focus
on developing environment-friendly villages and cities.Maharashtra State Government will set up a special
cell under the state Environment department for the effective implementation of this policy of developing
environment-friendly villages and cities.
On October 10, 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnacis launched a web portal that will help
people get information about all the government schemes. The portal has been named MahaLabharthi.
Central Government has received 260 applications from foreign scientists for Visiting Advanced Joint
Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme. Out of these 260 applications, 70 will be shortlisted for this year. The
department intends to select 1,000 scientists every year under this scheme.
On 9th October 2017, Himachal Pradesh government implemented the Senior Citizen Health Insurance
Scheme (SCHIS), in Shimla. The scheme would increase coverage of Rs.30,000 per senior citizen to all
existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) smart card holders.This would be in addition to the basic
coverage of Rs.30,000 in Trust and Society mode.
On October 17, 2017, Assam State Government approved a new Information Technology (IT) Policy.Under
the new IT policy, companies involved in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO),companies engaged in
software development and firms carrying out research will be provided financial support.
On October 19, 2017, Assam State Government rolled out Tourism Policy of Assam 2017 with an aim to
increase tourist inflow in the state by at least two to three times within next five years. Tourism Policy of
Assam 2017 will be effective from January 2018 to December 2022.
On October 16, 2017 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the
ambitious Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna in the presence of the farmers at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Khurai,
Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.Under this scheme, farmers will be compensated the difference between
Minimum Support Price (declared by Union Government) and the actual sale price or Model Price, whichever
is higher.
Chhattisgarh State Government has reduced the rate of interest on loan given to women and their self help
groups (SHGs) under Saksham Yojna from 6.5 per cent to 5 per cent.
On October 18, 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis announced that the State Government
has released a sum of Rs 4,000 crore under the first phase of the farm loan waiver scheme.
Karnataka state cabinet approved a policy which seeks to provide legal protection to transgender
community and thereby safeguard them from social and sexual exploitation.
Ministries of Power and Textiles jointly launched SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of
efficient Textile technologies to Help small Industries).Under the SAATHI initiative, Energy Efficiency
Services Limited (EESL), would provide energy efficient Powerlooms, motors and Rapier kits to the small
and medium Powerloom units at no upfront cost. EESL is a public sector entity under the administrative
control of Ministry of Power.
On October 30, 2017, Union Minister for State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas
Athawale launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in Mumbai. Mr. Athawale
COMMITTEE
On 2nd October 2017, President Ram NathKovind appointed a five member Commission under Delhi High
Courts former Chief Justice G Rohini to examine sub categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
Government constitutes a High Level Committee for proper management of water resources in North Eastern
Region. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of
NitiAayog.
Uday Kotak-led panel on corporate governance wants MD, CEO roles split; 6 independent directors on board
On 26th September 2017, the government formed a committee to achieve the target of rolling out 5G
technology in India by 2020.The Central Government has allocated funds of Rs.500 crore for research and
development of 5G.
Central Government has set up a study group to examine the problems being faced by the people residing near
27 | P a g e
the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The study group has been
formed in the wake of regular cross border firing by Pakistan. The study group will be headed by RinaMitra
(Special Secretary in the Home Ministry).
On October 6, 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
constituted a group of ministers (GoM) to make the composition scheme more attractive and also
revisit GST rates on restaurants. The GoM has been set up under Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa
Sarma and will submit its report within 2 weeks.
Committee to review the existing Haj Policy of Indian Government for 2013-17 and to suggest framework for
new Haj policy 2018-22, has presented its report to Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.Afzal Amanullah, IAS
(Retd.), former Secretary to Govt. of India and Ex Consul General of India, Jeddah was appointed as the
convener of this committee.Special quota for Jammu & Kashmir is to be increased from 1500 to 2000.
On 10th October 2017, the Standing Committee on External Affairs headed by Shashi Tharoor, Congress
member of the Lok Sabha, was formed to examine the India-China relations. The Standing Committee on
External Affairs will examine the issue of cooperation between India and China in international organisations.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) panel on an external benchmark rate for banks headed byJanak Raj, Principal
adviser of Monetary Policy Department has submitted its report. As per the report, several disconcerting
banking practices, including violation of the RBI guidelines, inflating of base rate and arbitrary adjustment of
spreads are prevalent among major banks in India.
Union Law Ministry has finalised the appointment of a panel (Second National Judicial Pay Commission) to
recommend new salary structure for judges of lower courts in India.
Former Supreme Court judge PV Reddi will be the head of this proposed commission which will submit its
recommendations in early 2019.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, headed by BJP MP B C Khanduri will examine the
operational preparedness of the armed forces. Next meeting of this committee is scheduled to be held in
November 2017.
On 12th October 2017, the Ministry of Culture announced that, a government committee has been formed to
coordinate year-long celebrations of Mahatma Gandhis 150th birth anniversary from 2nd October, 2019. The
government committee will be headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has set up an internal committee which will
provide suggestions to Indian government on framing a national policy on artificial intelligence (AI).
As per an order from Rajya Sabha secretariat, a five-member committee has been formed to select the
candidate for the post of editor-in-chief of Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV).This committee is headed by Prasar
Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash.
On 16th October 2017, SEBI reorganised its committee on Market Infrastructure Institutions (MII) that advises
it on reviewing norms related to stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depository participants. The five
member expert committee on MII is now chaired by R Gandhi, former Deputy Governor at Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
On 27th October 2017, panel under former Madras High Court judge A.Arumughaswamy started probe into
the death of former Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa.
On October 30, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh constituted a steering committee under
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Randhir Singh, to work out the modalities for setting up a
sports university in Patiala.
On October 30, 2017, Union Government set up an alternative mechanism panel headed by Finance Minister
Arun Jaitley, to consider and oversee mergers among the Indias public sector banks.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

On 29th September 2017, the Defence Ministry launched ARPAN Version 3.0 software for the Defence
Security Corps. ARPAN Version 3.0 software was rolled out by Deputy Chief of Army Staff Information
Systems & Training (DCOAS -IS &T) J.S.Cheema for the Defence Security Corps.This software was
developed by Tech Mahindra.
Scientists in Austria and China made the first video call using quantum encryption technology. The video call
was done using a satellite named Micius.
On 30th September 2017, Gurugram-based VVDN Technologies, in partnership with Irelands Embedded
Downloads, launched the first Blockchain technology based smartphone BitVault.
BitVault is the worlds first blockchain technology based smartphone.
In a bid to reinforce its leadership in the Arctic, Russia has launched worlds largest nuclear-powered
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icebreaker ship named Sibir (Siberia). It was launched into the water at the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg.
On 2nd October 2017, Researchers announced that, they have developed a new test Oncotype DX, that
predicts the return of cancer, thus sparing breast cancer patients from unnecessary chemotherapy, in London.
On 25th September 2017, Australia announced that it will establish a national space agency, as a part of long
term plan to develop Australias domestic space industry, in Australia.
On 3rd October 2017, Deepak Kumar, Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), launched
a new multilingual website and a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) Mobile App. In two
months, the new NHAI website would enable the public to rate national highways.
On 4th October 2017, WWF-India, in partnership with Capgemini, launched One Planet Academy, the first
environment education portal for students and teachers in India.The One Planet Academy website is a digital
network for schools, teachers and students. It acts as a training and resource centre for environmental
education.
A team of researchers, including those from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US has
developed a low-cost rapid test that can quickly and accurately detect Zika and dengue viruses from blood.
On 5th October 2017, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the setting up of a research
centre for startups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs, in Guwahati, Assam.This is the first
time ISRO is setting up an exclusive research facility in Assam.
Embryo transfer technology (ETT) has revolutionized the breeding strategies in Bovines and is being used as
a tool to optimize the genetic improvement in cattle. Under this scheme, Department of Animal husbandry,
Dairying and Fisheries in co-operation with 12 States has undertaken a Mass Embryo Transfer programme in
Indigenous Breeds.
On 5th October 2017, Governor for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh E S L Narasimhan launched the first
regional language version of GST Rate Finder App in Telugu, in Hyderabad.
thenationspride.com, Indias First Portal Dedicated to Para-sports was launched on October 6, 2017. This
platform has been launched to create awareness about para-sports and provide a platform to para sportspersons
to share their success stories against adversities
Scientists have identified a new bacterium from a lime quarry in Karnataka and it will be expecting as a
source of antibiotics for several diseases including malaria. It named as Allostreptomyces indica YIM
75704T, the bacterium belonged to Streptomycetaceae, a family of bacteria.
On October 7 2017,Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash has launched an online application system for
music auditions for the All India Radio (AIR) due to the occasion of 64th Akashvani Sangeet Sammelan.
On 5th October 2017, SS Athenia, the first British ship to be sunk during the Second World War was believed
to be found, in Ireland.SS Athenia was sunk by German submarine during World War II in 1939. It is believed
to be found on the sea bed off the coast of Ireland.
On October 9, 2017, 10 more satellites for the Iridium Satellite Constellation were launched by SpaceX from
Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.
On October 9, 2017, China launched a remote sensing VRSS-2 satellite for Venezuela from the Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Center in Gobi desert.VRSS -2 Satellite was launched by Chinas Long March-2D carrier
rocket.
On October 10, 2017, Japan launched Michibiki satellite, the fourth satellite for a new high-precision global
positioning system (GPS).Michibiki satellite was launched by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency aboard
H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.
On 11th October 2017, NVIDIA unveiled the worlds first Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer designed to
drive fully autonomous robotaxis, named Pegasus. The new system developed to drive robotaxis is
codenamed Pegasus. Pegasus will be available to NVIDIA automotive partners in the second half of 2018.
On 12th October 2017, SpaceX launched its recycled rocket Falcon 9 and landed it on a drone ship in the
Atlantic Ocean.SpaceX has launched the rocket Falcon 9, that had already flown to space and landed it
successfully on an ocean platform. It is as part of SpaceXs effort to recycle costly rocket components.
On 12th October 2017, two experimental vaccines against the Ebola virus proved safe and efficient to produce
an immune response that would last for at least one year, through a clinical trial in Liberia.The results of the
clinical trial were, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They are based on a study of 1,500
adults, that began during the West Africa Ebola outbreak.
On 12th October 2017, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an innovative mobile health App named
MedWatch on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. The concept and content of the App were developed by
the Directorate General of Medical Services (Air).
National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD), worlds largest combustion research
centre was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras on October 13, 2017.It has largest
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infrastructure facilities for any combustion research centre in an academic setting globally.
The Indian Navy long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft P 8I has dispatched to Manila to undertake
a Search and Rescue operations (SAR) to find the missing sailors of a merchant vessel that sank off the coast
of Phillippines.i. The aircraft took off at 11:45pm on October 15 to Manila in search of the missing sailors of
MV Emerald Star which sank in North East of Philippines.
Scientists have developed a military watch for the Russian army kit, that can resist high impact, and even
survive the consequences of a nuclear blast, in Russia.
Trump Government has promised to provide the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System(EMALS)
technology to India for aircraft carriers.EMALS also weighs less, is expected to cost less and require less
maintenance, and can launch aircraft that are heavier or lighter.
On 17th October 2017, Odisha government unveiled the State Open Government Data Platform
namedwww.odisha.data.gov.in. Odishas Chief Secretary A P Padhi inaugurated the
portal www.odisha.data.gov.in.
The Income Tax Department has launched an online chat service for taxpayers to seek answers to their basic
queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues.
Scientists have said that, Lusi, the worlds largest ongoing mud eruption that began on the Indonesian island
of Java in 2006, would not stop soon, as it is connected to a nearby volcanic system.
On 17th October 2017, French defence firm Thales announced the development of a radar catering to the
specific needs of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to equip the Tejas light combat aircraft.
On 18th October 2017, WhatsApp rolled out the option to share live location for its users.
The live location sharing feature of WhatsApp enables a user to let a contact or a group trace his/her
location or movement on a map in real time for a defined window of time.
The refurbished USS Constitution which is worlds oldest commissioned warshipsailed again on October
20, 2017. USS Constitution was named by the first President of United States, George Washington.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced an online single window system to issue
permissions for new businesses and factories, in Mumbai. All new business permissions will now be available
through the online portal and the BMC will stop accepting physical applications. This system will also display
real-time status of the application, from all the departments handling the request.
GST Network (GSTN) has launched an excel-based offline tool for businesses to file initial GSTR-3B
returns.Taxpayers can download excel-based offline tool from the GSTN portal under the download section
and later fill in the data.
Astronomers have discovered a Sun-like star, a planet-eater thats currently 350 light years away. This Sun-
like star has consumed the rocky equivalent of 15 Earths.
Scientists have developed a new online virtual reality experience that lets users explore a Second World War
shipwreck of SS Thistlegorm.Researchers from University of Nottingham in the UK, have combined a 3D
model of the sunken ship SS Thistlegorm, based on thousands of photographs, with 360-degree underwater
video of divers exploring key sections of the wreck.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced a second mission extension for Dawn
spacecraft which is currently in an orbit around dwarf planet Ceres. Dwarf planet Ceres is the largest object in
the asteroid belt (located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter).
Indias neighbouring country, Myanmar has announced to launch its own satellite system MyanmarSat-2 in
June in 2019. MyanmarSat 2 will carry six C-band and six Ku-band transponders
On 24th October 2017, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prabhu launched the official website for
the Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(DIPP).
A navigation tool recovered from a ship of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, that guided ships to India in
the 16th century, has been confirmed as the worlds oldest astrolabe (maritime navigation tool).It showed
that, it was an astrolabe from the 15th century, used by mariners to measure the altitude of the sun while at
sea. It is the worlds oldest astrolabe.
Researchers from Brunel University in the UK have developed the first 3D printed wearable battery. The 3D
printing method of the wearable battery stacks silicone, glue and gel electrolyte, layer by layer to make a
supercapacitor. The supercapacitor stores energy on its surface without chemical reactions.
During the ongoing Naval Commanders Conference, Indian Navy has approved a new mission-based
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deployment plan under which mission-ready ships and aircrafts will be deployed along critical sea lanes of
communications. This plan comes in the wake of Chinas growing presence in the Indian Ocean region.
On October 23, 2017, Indias first all-woman crew on circumnavigation of globe under Navika Sagar
Parikrama expedition arrived at Fremantle, Australia after sailing for 43 days. Under Navika Sagar
Parikrama, six-member all-women crew will cover 21,600 nautical miles around the world in eight months
and will return to Goa from where the expedition began in September 2017.
On 26th October 2017, Saudi Arabia became the worlds first country to grant citizenship to a robot, by
granting citizenship to Sophia, an Artificially Intelligent (AI) robot.The robot, Sophia, was awarded
citizenship of Saudi Arabia at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh. Specific details of Sophias
citizenship were not discussed.
Researchers from Florida State University have developed a new tool for objectively defining the onset and
departure of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM).The researchers from Florida State University, US have
developed a method that uses rainfall rates to mark the span of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) at any
given location throughout the affected region.
On 27th October 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched a web portal Assam
Darpan where details of government schemes and projects would be available to the people. The Assam
Darpan platform has been developed by the National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology, as a part of the Digital India Programme.
The worlds first hybrid electric tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells has started running in China, marking a
big step in the application of green energy in public transport.
Swiss researchers have generated the worlds shortest laser pulse, a 43-attosecond X-ray flash, beating the 53-
attosecond record set by the US earlier in 2017. Scientists at the ETH Zurich have demonstrated the fastest
light pulse ever developed, beating the 53-attosecond record set by the US. The newly developed laser pulse is
a 43-attosecond X-ray flash.
On October 28, 2017, Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari digitally flagged off a Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) ship
from Chennai Port to Mongla port in Bangladesh.
Scientists have linked a new virus to the kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis infection, a parasite infection that
has affected thousands of Indians.
On 27th October 2017, NASAs GRACE-1 and GRACE-2 satellites ended operations after experiencing
problems due to failure of several battery cells.NASA said that, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment
(GRACE) mission, carried out in cooperation with the German space agency DLR, had ended science
operations after the retirement of one of its twin spacecraft GRACE-1 and GRACE-2.
On 30th October 2017, Rajasthans Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat launched the Election
Commissions web-based project, ERO-Net, using which voters can register their names on electoral rolls
DEFENCE
On October 8, 2017, Bangladesh Armed Forces Division and U.S. Army began their participation in
the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE). It is a civil-military disaster
preparedness and response initiative between the governments of Bangladesh and US.
Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan from 12th to 15th October 2017. The visit
of these ships is in line with Indias Act East Policy and reiterating of Indias commitment to peace and
stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. The two Indian naval ships will also take part in Passage Exercise
(PASSEX) with the Murusame Class destroyer, JS Kirisame.
On 13th 25th October 2017, Mitra Shakti 2017, a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka for military co-
operation and interoperability, is conducted at the Aundh Military Camp, in Pune.
On October 16, 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commissioned Indias third indigenously
built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kiltan into the Indian Navy. The commissioning
ceremony was held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and was attended by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral
Sunil Lanba. INS Kiltan is 109 meters long and 14 meters at the beam. Its displacement tonnage (ships
weight) is 3500 tonnes.
Exercise INDRA-2017, the first ever Tri Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces
begun in Vladivostok, Russia on October 19, 2017. INDRA -2107 will continue till October 29, 2017.
On October 21, 2017, Sri Lankan Navy commissioned Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCGS) Ship
Suraksha.SLCGS Suraksha is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) provided by the Indian Coast Guard to the Sri
Lanka Navy. During its tenure with Indian Coast Guard, this OPV was named Varuna.
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On 24th October 5th November 2017, the 30th edition of CORPAT (Coordinated Patrol) and 3rd Bilateral
exercise between the Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy is conducted in Belawan, Indonesia.
On October 27, 2017, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) handed over offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Vikram to Indian
Coast Guard. In March 2017, Union Ministry of Defense had awarded Rs 1,432-crore contract to L&T to
build seven offshore vessel patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircrafts on 24th oct 2017 took off as part of a special drill on a Four kilometre
stretch of the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district. The exercise by the IAF, in
collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, saw aC-130 J Super Hercules transport aircraft make a short
landing on the highway, around 65 km from Lucknow.
In a bid to deepen operational coordination in the strategically important sea lanes, Indian Navy and Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) began a three-day anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Indian
Ocean region on October 29, 2017.In this exercise, Indian Navy is represented by two P-8 I long-range
maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare aircrafts.
Indian Army has finalised one of its biggest procurement plans for infantry modernisation at a cost of nearly
Rs 40,000 crore to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons. Under this plan, around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light
machine guns (LMGs) and nearly 44,600 carbines will be procured.
ENVIRONMENT
On October 5th 2017,The Snow Leopard has been clicked first time in India at Thembang villages
Community Conserved Area, a community-owned reserve, in West Kameng district, Arunachala Pradesh.It
was spotted in the High Asian region, especially in Jammu and Kashmirs Ladakh region in India. It was
clicked at a height above sea level of 3,900 metres.
On 17th October 2017, Marine scientists said that, the sawfish, included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act 1972 is more threatened than tigers and elephants.On 17th October 2017, the first Sawfish
Day was observed all over the world.
Experts have said that, the worlds deepest lake, Siberias Lake Baikal, containing 2223% of the worlds
fresh surface water, is in deep trouble. One-fifth of all non-frozen fresh water in the world is located in a
single Russian lake, Baikal. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
According to a paper published in the taxonomic journal Comptes Rendus Biologies, a team of scientists have
discovered a new species of gecko (lizard) from the Eastern Ghats.
As per a study conducted by Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, released in Lancet medical
journal, India has topped the list of countries with highest pollution-related deaths in year 2015. In 2015,
pollution-related death toll in India stood at 2.51 million, which is 28 per cent of an estimated 9 million
pollution-linked deaths worldwide in the same year.
On October 24th 2017,The Supreme Court has fined of Rs 2 lakh on the Union Environment Ministry for not
fixing the pollution emission standards of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide for 34 categories of industries
as per May 2 order and also SC banned of using pet coke and furnace oil in Delhi and the NCR to control the
air pollution.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has eased standards for sewage treatment plants (STP) coming
up after June 2019. As per 2015 proposal of Government, biochemical oxygen demand (BoD) in water treated
by upcoming STPs should not be more than 10 mg/litre. BoD is a marker for organic pollutants in the water.
An almost completely fossilized skeleton of fish lizard, a type of marine reptile that lived in the Jurassic-era,
has been discovered for the first time in India from Kutch district of Gujarat. The skeleton was discovered by
a team of Indo-German geologists near the Kaas hills of Bhuj town, in January 2016. At that time, it was
believed to be fossil of a dinosaur.
Scientists have declared a 6,000-year-old human skull that was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 1929, as
the worlds oldest tsunami victims skull.
On 28th October 2017, several species including four Asian vultures, were awarded the highest protection by
the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, held in Manila.The Asian vultures
that were included on highest protection list are the red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Indian
vulture and slender-billed vulture.
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SPORTS
Max Verstappen of the Red Bull team won the Malaysian Grand Prix 2017 title.
On 1st October 2017, Jagan Kumar of TVS Racing won his sixth consecutive title in the premier Super Sport
Indian (165cc) class, in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, in
Chennai.
On 1st October 2017, FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) announced that, female
assistant referees will work in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, for the first time in a FIFA mens competition.
Hyundai India has announced that it will be official transportation partner for the upcoming FIFA U17 World
Cup Tournament which starts from October 6, 2017 in India.
On 1st October 2017, ViswanathanAnand finished joint second at the Isle of Man Chess Championship, in
Douglas, Isle of Man.The title was won by Norways world champion Magnus Carlsen, who secured 7.5
points.
On 26th September 2017, Team Europe defeated Team World by 15-9 and won the first Laver Cup 2017, in
Prague, Czech Republic. Laver Cup 2017 is the first edition of Laver Cup tennis tournament. Laver Cup is an
international indoor hard court mens tennis tournament.
On 1st October 2017, nine countries were suspended from weightlifting for 1 year by the International
Weightlifting Federation (IWF), in Budapest, Hungary.The 9 suspended countries are Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. The suspended countries have been given
a 1 year ban.
On 4th September 2017, Adidas launched its new campaign named #HereToCreate, to inspire young football
talent in India and to kick start a football revolution. #HereToCreate is Adidas new campaign for football. It
is a film that showcases how football has caught the imagination of India both on and off the pitch.
On 4th October 2017, MahaveerRaghunathan became the first Indian to win a European racing championship,
by winning the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title, at Imola, Italy. MahaveerRaghunathan is a 19
year old racer from Chennai. He has won the Boss GP Championship (Formula Class) title.
On 4th October 2017, PoojaKadian created history by winning Indias first ever gold medal at Wushu World
Championships, in Russia. PoojaKadian has won gold medal, becoming Indias first gold medal winner in
Wushu World Championships.
Australian Cricketer John Wayne Hastings confirmed his retirement from Tests and One-Day Internationals
(ODIs). He plans to focus on T20 cricket.
On Oct.6th 2017,Morgan Hurd from America won the womens all-around title in world gymnastics
championships at Montreals Olympic Stadium. Canadas Ellie Black took silver and Elena Eremina of
Russia won the bronze.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended its Brazilian arm amid an investigation into
corruption allegations.
India finished second in 20th Asia Masters Athletics Championship held in Rugao, China. and bagged 146
medals, including 37 golds, 43 silvers and 66 bronze.China was topped.
On 8th October 2017, Indian golfer 28-year-old Ajeetesh Sandhu won Asian Tour title at the USD 500,000
Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) at Taipei.
On October 8, 2017, Formula One motorist Lewis Hamilton won Japanese Grand Prix.i. Lewis Hamilton of
Mercedes finished the race 1.2 seconds ahead of Red Bulls Max Verstappen.
China Open:
On October 8, 2017, Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal won the mens singles title at China Open 2017in
Beiging. He defeated Australias Nick Kyrgios in the final match. This is Nadals 75th Career Title.
On October 8, 2017, French tennis player Caroline Garcia won the womens singles title at China Open
2017. She defeated Romanias Simona Halep in the final match.
On October 8, 2017, Chan Yung-Jan of Taiwan and Martina Hingis of Switzerland won the womens doubles
title at China Open 2017.
On 8th October 2017, Anupama Ramachandran of India won the World Open Under-16 Snooker
Championship title in the girls category, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
2017 World Solar Challenge the solar car race, began on October 8, 2017 from the northern Australian city
of Darwin.In this race, 42 solar cars will cover a distance of 3,000 kms from Northern Australian city of
Darwin to southern city of Adelaide.First edition of World Solar Challenge took place in 1987. It has now
become one of the worlds foremost innovation challenges.
On 9th October 2017, mixed pair of Jemson Ningthoujam and Ankita Bhakat from India, won the recurve team
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gold medal, in the World Archery Youth Championship 2017, in Rosario, Argentina.India bagged one gold,
one silver and one bronze at the World Archery Youth Championship 2017.
On 9th October 2017, Iceland became the smallest country ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Iceland has qualified to participate in FIFA World Cup 2018 by defeating Kosovo by 2-0 in the finals. Iceland
finished the group with 22 points from their 10 games.
In a bid to make India Cricket team one of the fittest sides in world cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in
India (BCCI) has made it mandatory for cricketers to pass the yo-yo endurance test.In a yo-yo test, players
have to pace themselves to and fro between two rows of cones kept 20 metres apart.
On October 8, 2017, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusaidutt won the mens singles title at
the Bulgarian International Future Series Badminton tournament.
Ashish Nehra announces retirement from all forms of cricket. Ashish Nehra has collected 44 Test, 157 one-
day international and 34 Twenty20 wickets in his 18-year international career.
The Pakistan football federation was suspended from FIFA (Fdration Internationale de Football
Association) by the Bureau of FIFA council on 10th Oct 2017. The reason behind the suspension was
the Interference of third party in PFF.
Arjen Robben retires from International Footbal. Arjen was in fourth position in the Netherlands all time goal
scorers list.
On 11th Oct. 2017, India won against Macau at the Sree Kanteerava stadium and secured the path into
the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Switzerlands Esther Staubli is set to become the first female football referee to officiate a match at
the FIFA U-17 World Cup when Japan takes on New Caledonia in the final round group E match on October
14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
On Oct.13 2017, International Cricket Council approved to conduct Test championship and one-day
international league. Nine teams will be participated and will play six series of Test matches over a two-year
period .This will be three series at home and three series away in a world Test championship final.
On 13th October 2017, The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved four-day Tests on a trial basis
between South Africa and Zimbabwe from 26-29 December, 2017.
Shakib Al Hasan becomes first Bangladeshi to be inducted in MCC World Cricket Committee
On October 15, 2017, Maria Sharapova of Russia beat Aryna Sabalenka of Belarusin the final match
of Tianjin Open tennis tournament. This was Sharpovas first title victory since May 2015 and seventh event
since she returned in April 2017 from a 15-month drug ban.
On October 15, 2017, Roger Federer of Switzerland beat Rafael Nadal of Spain by 6-4 6-3 to win the final
match of Shanghai Masters tennis tournament China.This is Roger Federers 94th career title and has
equalled Ivan Lendls record in terms of Open era titles. Top spot is held by American player Jimmy Connors
with 109 career titles.
Shanghai, China.
Indias young paddler Selena Selvakumar,17 won gold medal in the Junior Girls Team event to annex the
2017 Egypt Junior and Cadet Table-Tennis Open.
Football club Mohun Bagan has won the 37th All India Governors Gold Cup football tournament.Mohun
Bagan defeated Partha Chakra by a narrow 1-0 margin to win the 37th All India Governors Gold Cup. The
final match was played at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.
On 15th October 2017, Kavita Devi, a former competitive powerlifter, became the first Indian woman to be
signed by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
On 16th October 2017, Brazilian sailor Robert Scheidt announced his retirement from Olympic competition.
Robert Scheidt has ended his 25 year career. He said that, he would continue to participate in non-Olympic
events and support Brazils sailors to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
On 15th October 2017, Indias Selena Selvakumar won three gold medals in Egypt Junior and Cadet Table
Tennis Open 2017, with the junior girls singles and doubles titles at Sharm El Sheikh, in Egypt.
On 17th October 2017, the Kerala High Court restored life ban imposed on cricketer S.Sreesanth by the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Indian cricket team coach Ravi Shastri is the worlds highest-earning cricket coach in the world.He is paid
around 1.17 million dollars per year from the BCCI which is more than the salary of Indian cricket teams
captain Virat Kohli.
On 19th October 2017, India lost its number 1 status in ICC ODI rankings to South Africa, following South
Africas win over Bangladesh in an ODI match. According to the updated ICC ODI rankings, after South
Africas 104-run win over Bangladesh in the second ODI in Paarl, South Africa has occupied the number 1
rank in ODI.
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Mens magazine Playboy has featured its first ever transgender model as playmate centerfold in its
November 2017 issue. Playboy has featured its first ever transgender playmate centerfold in its November
2017 issue. This has been done in a move to create way for all women including transgenders in fashion and
other sectors.
On 19th October 2017, the Greek Olympic committee announced that, Champions League winner Park Ji-sung
will be the first South Korean to carry the flame for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
Indians Mohit Dudeja and Kiran bagged a silver and a bronze medal respectively at the World skills
competition 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Veda Krishnamurthy, Indian cricketer, has signed a 1 year contract with Hobart Hurricanes and will be
available for their 10 league games of the third season, starting on 9th December 2017.Veda Krishnamurthy
has become the third Indian cricketer to sign a Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) contract. In 2016,
Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian womens cricket team player to be signed by an overseas Twenty20
franchise.
On 22nd October 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the 2017 United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, United
States.
On October 22, 2017, during the one day international (ODI) match between India and New Zealand at
Wankhede stadium, Mumbai, Virat Kohli became the highest run-scorer after 200 ODIs. During his innings in
this match against New Zealand, Virats total runs scored in ODIs reached 8888 mark and thereby overtook
South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who has 8621 runs after 200 ODIs.
Marc Mrquez Alent who was born on 17 February 1993 is a Spanish Grand Prixmotorcycle road racer and
three-time MotoGP world champion.
On 22nd October 2017, India beat Malaysia by 2-1 in the finals and won the Asia Cup hockey championship
for the third time, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.India has won the 2017 Mens Hockey Asia Cup. Indias previous
Hockey Asia Cup titles were won in 2003 at Kuala Lumpur and 2007 at Chennai.
The Indian junior women boxers have won 4 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals in the third Youth
International Championships Balkan Open 2017 at Sofia, Bulgaria. Indias Nitu (48kg) defeated Emi-Mari
Todorova of Bulgaria by 5-0. Nitu (48kg) won a gold medal. Indias Shashi (57kg) defeated Italys Giordana
Sorrentino and won a gold medal. Sakshi (54kg) defeated Biancamaria Tessari of Italy and won a gold medal.
Neha Yadav (+81 kg) beat Adrienne Juhasz of Hungary by 3-2 and won a gold medal.
On October 22, 2017, Indian Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar won Macao Open 2017 at the Macau Golf and Country
Club in Macau.
2017 Denmark Open Super Series Premier
Category Winner Runner
Mens Singles Kidambi Srikanth (India) Lee Hyun-il of South Korea
Womens Singles Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand Akane Yamaguchi of Japan
Mens Doubles Liu Cheng and Zhang Nan pair of China Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin
Sanjaya Sukamuljo pair of Indonesia
Womens Doubles Lee So Hee and Shin Seung Chan pair of South Korea Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto
pair of Japan
Mixed Doubles Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet pair of Hong Zheng Siwei and Chen Qingchen pair
Kong of China
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Overview
The 17th edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by India between 6th and 28th of October 2017. A total of
24 teams qualified for the final tournament.
Total 6 venues in the host cities Kochi, Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Margao and Kolkata. The final was
held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 28 October 2017.
The mascot of 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup is a clouded leopard named Kheleo. Official slogan for 2017 FIFA
U-17 World Cup is Football Takes Over.
The official song for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup football tournament Called "Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal", the
song has been written by lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya and composed by Pritam.
England has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup, in the final match, England defeated Spain by 5-2.The final
match was held on October 28, 2017 in Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan/Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
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Phil Foden of England has been adjudged tournaments best player and has been awarded Golden Ball.
Another Player from England, Rhian Brewster who scored the most goals in the tournament (8 goals) has been
awarded Golden Shoe.
Gabriel Brazao the goalkeeper of Brazils national football team has won the Golden Glove.
The official ball for Under-17 football World Cupis called Krasava, a word generally used by Russian sports
fans to describe a striking performance. The ball is manufactured by Adidas and the pattern on it features a
striking red design with jagged lines running through it.
Switzerlands Esther Staubli became the first female football referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17
World Cup. She was the referee for the match between Japan and New Caledonia in the final round group E
match on October 14, 2017 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Indias Divij Sharan and Americas Scott Lipsky won the European Open trophy in Antwerp, Belgium. Divij
Sharan and Scott Lipsky defeated Santiago Gonzalez and Julio Peralta by 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 in the finals. They
won the 2017 European Open title.
Manav Thakkar has become the first Indian to occupy the top spot (3,455 points) on the ITTF World Junior
Circuit standings.Manav Thakkar hails from Surat. He was previously placed at No. 5 position. He has
reached the top position of top ITTF Junior Circuit standings after finishing runner-up at the 2017 Serbian
Junior and Cadet Open, Belgrade.
Jitu Rai, a Commonwealth and Asian Games gold-medallist, and Heena Sidhu, also a former Commonwealth
Gamesgold-winner, picked up their third gold together in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, being held
officially for the first time at an ISSF World Cup on the opening day of competitions in New Delhi .
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Scott Fleming, former India mens national team head
coach, has joined NBA India as Head of Basketball Operations.
Kochi Tuskers have won arbitration case against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over
wrongful termination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and demand Rs.850 crore compensation from
BCCI.
On 25th October 2017, the Committee of Administrators (COA) chose Puducherry as an associate member in
the Indian cricket board (BCCI).
Virat Kohli, the captain of Indian cricket team, has been ranked above the Argentinean and Barcelona football
legend Lionel Messi, as one of the most valuable brands among sports athletes by Forbes. According
to Forbes, Kohli is ranked seventh in the list released by Forbes ahead of Messi, who is at ninth. Roger
Federer tops the list with a brand value of $37.2 million, followed by basketball star LeBron James with $33.4
million and Usain Bolt with $27 million.
On 21st October 2017, Gokul Natesan became the second Indian-origin player to be signed by an NBA G-
League side. Gokul Natesan was signed by Canton Charge, a minor league affiliate team of Cleveland
Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) declared that China have qualified for the Hockey World Cup for
the first time.Chinas place was confirmed when South Korea drew 1-1 with Malaysia, a result which put the
Malaysians into the final against India.
Indias Amanpreet Singh secured third place in the 50-metre pistol final at the International Shooting Sport
Federation World Cup Final in Delhi on October 27, 2017. He shot 76 out of 80 targets, three behind gold
medallist Hu Binyuan (79).
Patna Pirates defeated Gujarat Fortune giants by 55-38 at the finals in Chennai and won the fifth edition of Pro
Kabaddi, for the third consecutive time. Patna Pirates Raider Pardeep Narwal won the Most Valuable Player
and Best Raider awards in the 2017 Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season.
Rwandas first cricket stadium was inaugurated on 29thoct 2017 byPresident Paul Kagame as a permanent
home for developing the sport in the country.
Winners of Yonex French Open Badminton 2017
Category Winner Runner-up
Mens Singles Kidambi Srikanth (India) Kenta Nishimoto (Japan)
Womens Singles Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei) Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)
Mens Doubles Lee Jhe-Huei & Lee Yang (Chinese Mathias Boe & Carsten Mogensen
Taipei) (Denmark)
Womens Doubles Apriyani Rahayu & Greysia Polii Lee So Hee & Shin Seung Chan (South
(Indonesia) Korea)
Mixed Doubles Tontowi Ahmad & Liliyana Natsir Zheng Siwei & Chen Quingchen (China)
(Indonesia)
Women in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to attend matches at sports stadiums form 2018.
36 | P a g e
Virat Kohli became the sixth Indian and the fastest to score 9000 runs in ODI, during a match against New
Zealand in Kanpur.
Italy topped the medal count and Chinese were crowned Champion of Champions, in the ISSF World Cup
Final 2017, in New Delhi. Italy topped the medal count by winning 2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze medals. It
was followed by China in 2nd position with 2 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. India, which hosted the
event, finished in the 7th position overall. It won 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.
Max Verstappen wins Mexican GP, Lewis Hamilton wins the 2017 Formula One championship title
On 30th October 2017, the West Bengal cabinet decided to provide a 15 acre land to the All India Football
Federation (AIFF) on lease for Rs 1 to help set up the National Centre of Excellence. The West
Bengal cabinet has decided to give 15 acre of land to the AIFF for 90 years on an exchange of Rs 1 only.
Indian cricket team captains Virat Kohli and Mitali Raj occupied the No.1 position in the latest ICC ODI
Cricket rankings for batsmen and bats women which was published on 29thoct 2017.
Indian table tennis player Diya Chitale won silver medal in the girls doubles category of the 2017 ITTF
World Cadet Challenge, inSuva, Fiji
OBITUARY
Veteran writer HM Marathe passes away in Pune.
Former Union minister and socialist leader PurushottamLal Kaushik died in Chhattisgarhs Mahasamund
district.
National Award-winning director Kundan Shah died at his age of 69 due to heart attack.
Congress leader Prabhakarpant Ojharkar passed away on October 7, 2017 in Nashik.
Noted journalist Bismoy Kumar Mohanty died due to heart attack at Puri, Odisha.
On 13th October 2017, Veteran historian of medieval India and noted educational administrator, Satish
Chandra passed away, in New Delhi.
Veteran filmmaker, Lekh Tandon, passed away at his residence in Powai, Mumbai.
Indias first Olympic swimmer, Shamsher Khan passed away in Andhra Pradeshs Guntur district.
On 15th October 2017, poet Punyaslok Dasgupta, died of kidney ailment at a hospital in Jalpaiguri, West
Bengal.
Veteran British Actor Roy Dotrice dies at 94
Richard Wilbur, Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Winner, Dies at 96in Belmont, Massachusetts, US.
Mr. Ram Singh Yadav, Congress MLA of Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh) passed away on 18thoct 2017 after a
sudden heart attack.
American Chess grandmaster William Lombardy passed away
French film legend Danielle Darrieux dies aged 100
Former MP Amal Datta passes awayin Kolkata.
Shankaracharya Madhavashram Maharaj passes away at 76 in Chandigarh.
Noted Malayalam filmmaker I.V.Sasi passed away in Chennai.
Thumri Queen, Padma Vibhushan awardee Girija Devi passes away at 88 at BM Birla Heart Research Centre,
in Kolkata.
On 24th October 2017, cross-country woman bike rider Sana Iqbal died in a car accident in Hyderabad.
Gaur Kishore Ganguli, the noted freedom fighter passed awayat his residence in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
Singer Fats Domino died due to natural causes in New Orleans, United States.
Manikchand Group chairman Rasiklal Dhariwal dies of cancerat Ruby Hall Clinic, in Pune.
Malayalam writer Punathil Kunjabdulla passed away at a private hospital, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
On 27th October 2017, former BJP minister Dr Digamber Singh passed away due to multiple organ failure, in
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
On October 30 2017 ,Dr. M.V. Sridhar , 51 a Former Hyderabad Ranji Trophy star and ex-secretary of the
Hyderabad Cricket Association passed away .He was suffering from a massive heart attack.
Gautam Adhikari, co-founder of SAB TV dies at 67
South Korean veteran actor Kim Joo-hyuk passed away
Writer and journalist Khadri Achyuthan dies at 71in Bengaluru, Karnataka
37 | P a g e
BOOKS & AUTHORS

On 4th October 2017, a book titled The Singing Tree was launched by an international NGO, Orbis India, to
spread awareness on preventing child blindness.Author of this book is Ken Youngstein.
A documentary on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, titled An Insignificant Man, is to be released on
17th November 2017 in theatres. Vice Media is presenting the movie An Insignificant Man. It was produced
by Memesys Lab. It was directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vina Shukla.
On October 14, 2017, former president Pranab Mukherjee released The Coalition Years: 1996-2012, the
third part of his memoir in New Delhi.First part of Pranab Mukherjees memoir is The Dramatic Decade: The
Indira Gandhi Years. The title of the second part is The Turbulent Years: 1980-1996.
On 23rd October 2017, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje launched an e-book titled India 2017
Yearbook. India 2017 Yearbook was compiled by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and
former Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.
On 27th October 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released a coffee table book on the
Department of Defence Production (DDP), titled A journey towards self-reliance.
On 15th October 2017, the book Dreamnation: Uniting a Country with Handwritten Dreams
was releasedonline by Indian womens cricket team captain Mithali Raj.It was released on 15th October 2017,
which is the 86th birth anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam.The book was co-authored by Saji Mathew and Jubie
John. Itwas published by Bloomsbury in collaboration with NGO LetterFarms.
On 16th October 2017, Deepika Padukone launched the biography of veteran actress Hema Malini named
Beyond the Dream Girl in Mumbai.The biography of Bollwood actress Hema Malini titled Beyond The
Dream Girl, is written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee.
IMPORTANT DAYS
On 1st October 2017, International day of Older Persons was observed all over the world.
Theme for the International Day of Older Persons 2017 was Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents,
Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.
World Vegetarian Day and International Coffee Day was also observed on October.International Coffee
Day is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage across the world. The first official date was 1
October 2015, as agreed by the International Coffee Organization and it was launched in Milan.
On 2nd October 2017, International Day of Non-Violence was observed all over the world.
International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2nd October every year, to mark the birthday of Mahatma
Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement.
On 2nd October 2017, World Habitat Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Habitat Day
2017 is Housing Policies: Affordable Homes
On 4th to 10th October 2017, World Space Week is observed all over the world.World Space Week theme for
2017 is Exploring New Worlds In Space. It challenges us to look outwards from Earth and consider the
possibilities beyond our own skys limits.
On 5th October 2017, World Teachers Day is observed all over the world. World Teachers Day is also known
as International Teachers Day. Since 1994, it is celebrated worldwide.Theme of 2017 World Teachers Day is
Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers.
On October 8 2017, The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 85th anniversary. The celebrations were marked
by a stellar show in the skies by various aircraft at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad
On 9th October 2017, World Post Day was celebrated all over the world.The World Post Day is celebrated to
mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital,
Bern.
On 10th October 2017, the World Day against the Death Penalty is observed all over the world. The theme for
World Day against the Death Penalty 2017 is the death penalty and poverty.
On 10th October 2017, World Mental Health Day is observed all over the world. Mental health in the
workplace is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017.
International Day of the Girl Child is observed across the world on October 11 every year. Observance of
International Day of the Girl Child can be traced back to Because I Am a Girl campaign started by Plan
International, a non-governmental organization that operates worldwide.Theme of International Day of the
Girl Child 2017 is EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises.
In view of International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2017, Union Ministry of Women and Child
38 | P a g e
Development will be celebrating the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week from 9th to 14th October, 2017.Theme of
this celebration will be Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Week- The Daughters of New India.
On 13th October 2017, International Day for Disaster Reduction was observed all over the world.Home Safe
Home: Reducing Exposure, Reducing Displacement is the slogan for International Day for Disaster
Reduction 2017.
On 14th October 2017, World Standards Day was observed all over the world.World Standards Day theme for
2017 is Standards make cities smarter.
On 15th October 2017, International Day of Rural Women is celebrated all over the world. The theme for
2017 International Day of Rural Women is Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for
gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls.
On 15th October 2017, World Students Day was celebrated all over the world.The United Nations declared
former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalams birthday (October 15) as World Students Day in 2010.
On 16th October 2017, World Food Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Food Day
2017 is Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.
On 17th October 2017, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed all over the
world.Theme for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2017 is: Answering the Call of October 17
to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies.
World Statistics Day was celebrated for the first time on 20th October 2010 throughout the world. The United
Nations Statistical Commission declared 20th October as World Statistics Day.
On 21st October 2017, the Police Commemoration Day was observed all over India.
This day remembers the sacrifice of ten policemen who died in Chinese firing in 1959.
On 22nd October 2017, International Stuttering Awareness Day was observed all over the world.The theme for
International Stuttering Awareness Day 2017 is A World That Understands Stuttering.
On 24th October 2017, World Polio Day was observed all over the world.It is held on October 24th in
celebration of the birth of Dr. Jonas Salk, the man who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio.
On 24th October 2017, the World Development Information Day was observed all over the world.
On 24th to 30th October 2017, the Disarmament Week is observed all over the world. The Disarmament week
was established in 1978. The observance of Disarmament Week focuses on raising public awareness of the
dangers of the arms race and the need for international disarmament.
United Nations Day is celebrated on 24th October every year across the world. United Nations Day is
celebrated on 24th October every year to mark the anniversary of UN Charter which came into force on
October 24, 1945. UN Charter is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.
On 24th October 2017, the first International Day of Diplomats was celebrated in Brasilia.Diplomats of
Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Ghana, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey participated in the
First International Day of Diplomats celebration in Brasilia.
On 27th October 2017, Infantry Day was celebrated by the Indian Army. 27th October is celebrated as
Infantry Day, since, on this day in 1947, the first contingent of infantry landed at Srinagar Airfield.
On 27th October 2017, World Day for Audiovisual Heritage was observed all over the world.Theme for The
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2017 is Discover, remember and share.
On 28th October 2017, International Animation Day was observed all over the world.
On 29th October 2017, World Stroke Day was observed all over the world.The theme for World Stroke Day
2017 is: Whats your reason for preventing stroke? .
October 31 is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in India.This day marks the birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played an instrumental role in integration of princely state with
Indian Union post independence.
On 31st October 2017, World Savings Day was observed all over the world. The theme for World Savings
Day 2017 is: Our future starts with savings. World Savings Day was established to spread awareness among
people around the world about the idea of saving money in a bank.
World Cities Day is observed on 31st October, every year across the world.World Cities Day is observed
with Better City, Better Life as a general theme.
39 | P a g e
Static GK October
About Australia:
Capital Canberra About Morocco:
Currency Australian dollar Capital Rabat
National language English Currency Moroccoan dirham
Current Prime Minister SaadeddineOthmani
About Austria:
Capital: Vienna About Netherlands:
Currency: Euro Capital Amsterdam
Current Chancellor: Christian Kern Prime Minister Mark Rutte
About China: About Republic of Macedonia:

Capital Beijing Capital Skopje
Currency Renminbi Currency Macedonian denar
Official language Standard Chinese President GjorgeIvanov
President Mr.XiJinping Prime Minister ZoranZae
About Myanmar: About Mozambique:

Capital: Naypyidaw Capital Maputo
Currency: Burmese kyat Currency Mozambican metical
Current President: HtinKyaw Current President Filipe Nyusi
Quick Facts about Kuwait: About Mongolia:

Capital Kuwait City Capital Ulaanbaatar
Currency Kuwaiti dinar Currency Togrog
About Indonesia: About Saudi Arabia

Capital Jakarta Capital Riyadh
Currency Indonesian rupiah Currency Saudi Riyal
Official language Indonesian Official Language Arabic
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
About Bangladesh: About Georgia:

Capital Dhaka Capital Tbilisi
Currency Taka Currency Georgian lari
President Abdul Hamid President GiorgiMargvelashvili
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister GiorgiKvirikashvili
About Burundi
Quick Facts about Egypt:
Capital Bujumbura
Capital Cairo
Currency Burundian franc
Currency Egyptian pound
Current President Pierre Nkurunziza
Current President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi
About Lithuania:
Capital Vilnius
Currency Euro
Current President Dalia Grybauskait
About Djibouti:
About Switzerland:
Capital Djibouti City
Important Cities Bern and Zurich
Currency Djiboutian franc
Currency Swiss Franc
Current President Ismail Omar Guelleh
About Myanmar:
About Ethiopia
Capital Naypyidaw
Capital Addis Ababa
Currency Burmese kyat
Currency Ethiopian birr
Current President HtinKyaw
Current Prime Minister HailemariamDesalegn
40 | P a g e
About Turkey: Currency: Sri Lankan rupee

Capital: Ankara Current President: MaithripalaSirisena
Currency: Turkish lira
Current President: RecepTayyipErdoan
About Wales:
Capital Cardiff
About Somalia:
Currency Pound sterling
Capital: Mogadishu
Currency: Somali Shilling
Current Prime Minister: Hassan Ali Khayre About France:
Capital Paris
About Sudan: Currency Euro, CFP franc
Capital Khartoum President Emmanuel Macron
Currency Sudanese Pound
Current President Omar al-Bashir About NIGERIA
Capital Abuja
Motto Unity and Peace, Faith and Progress
About Oman: President MuhhamaduBhuhari
Capital Muscat
Currency Rial About Indonesia:
Capital Jakarta
About the Principality of Monaco: Currency Indonesian rupiah
Capital Monaco President JokoWidodo
Currency Euro
Official language French About Papua New Guinea:
Capital Port Moresby
Currency Papua New Guinean kina
About Peru: Prime Minister Peter ONeill
Capital Lima
Currency Peruvian sol Quick Facts about Libya:
Current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Capital Tripoli
Currency Libyan dinar
About Poland:
Capital Warsaw About Eastern Naval Command:
Currency Polish zloty Headquarters Visakhapatnam
Current President AndrzejDuda Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Vice Admiral
Harish Bisht
About Zimbabwe Quick Facts about NABARD:

Capital Harare Established in 1982
President Robert Mugabe Headquarters Mumbai
Quick Facts about Multi Commodity Exchange

About Japan
(MCX):
Capital Tokyo
Established in 2003
Currency Japanese yen
Headquarters Mumbai
Current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Current CEO MrugankParanjape
About UAE:
Quick Facts about Oriental Bank of Commerce:
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Founded in 1943
Currency: UAE dirham
Headquarters Gurugram
Current President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Current CEO & MD Mukesh Kumar Jain
About Venezuela: About IndusInd Bank:
Capital Caracas Headquarters Mumbai
Currency Venezuelan bolivar CEO RomeshSobti
Current President Nicolas Maduro
Quick Facts about AIIB:
About Sri Lanka: Formation Year 2016
Capital: Colombo
41 | P a g e
Headquarters Beijing, China Quick Facts about European Union:

Current President Jin Liqun Founded in 1993
Headquarters Brussels, Belgium
Quick Facts about ASEAN
Established in 1967
Secretariat Jakarta, Indonesia About ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Current Secretary General Le Luong Minh Ltd.):
Headquarters Dehradun, Uttarakhand
About WWF: Chairman & MD Mr.ShashiShanker
Fullform World Wide Fund for Nature
Headquarters Gland, Vaud, Switzerland Quick Facts about World Health Organization
President Yolanda Kakabadse (WHO):
Founded in April 7, 1948.
Quick Facts about Asian Development Bank Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
(ADB): Current Director General TedrosAdhanom
Formation Year 1966
Headquarters Manila, Philippines
About U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC):
Current President TakehikoNakaho
Headquarters Washington, D.C., United States
Chairman Ajay Banga
About European Investment Bank (EIB):
Location Luxembourg
About G-20:
President Werner Hoyer
Chairperson Angela Merkel
About International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear
Weapons (ICAN): About UNESCO
Field Nuclear disarmament Headquarters Paris, France
Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova
Executive director Beatrice Fihn
About Palestine:
Quick Facts about Mastercard: Capital Jerusalem
Founded in: 1966 Official language Arabic
Headquarters: New York, US President Mahmoud Abbas
Current CEO: Ajaypal Singh Banga
About World Business Council for Sustainable
About United Nations: Development (WBCSD):
Headquarters New York Purpose business and sustainable development
Secretary General Mr.AntonioGuterres Location Geneva, Switzerland
About European Union:

European Union political and economic union of 28 About United Nations Environment Programme:
member states in Europe Headquarters Nairobi, Kenya
President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani Head Erik Solheim
President of the European Council Donald Tusk
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude The International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Juncker Formed In 23 June 1894
Headquarters Lausanne, Switzerland
Quick facts about International Monetary Fund Honorary President Dr. Jacques Rogge Belgium
(IMF): President Dr. Thomas Bach
Formation year 1944
Headquarters Washington D.C., US About ICC:
Current Managing Director Christine Lagarde Headquarters Dubai
Chairman ShashankManohar
About SAARC: President Zaheer Abbas
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
Headquarters Kathmandu Quick Facts about FIFA:
Secretary-General ArjunBahadurThapa Founded in 1904
Headquarters Zurich, Switzerland
Current President Gianni Infantino
42 | P a g e

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million children had died before turning five.

account only if Aadhaar number has been provided.

Lower Subansiri districts.

President Ramnath Kovinds first overseas visit to Ethiopia and Djibouti:

SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

RANKINGS & REPORTS

consultancy services on various aspects of digital economy.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI - 4th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy

portion of funds, for phase-II works of Bangalore Metro Rail Project.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

NOBLE PRIZE 2017 WINNERS

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Appointee Designation- Organisation

Ranjit Kumar (resigns) Solicitor General of India

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

BOOKS & AUTHORS

About China: About Republic of Macedonia:

About Myanmar: About Mozambique:

Quick Facts about Kuwait: About Mongolia:

About Indonesia: About Saudi Arabia

About Bangladesh: About Georgia:

About Turkey: Currency: Sri Lankan rupee

About Zimbabwe Quick Facts about NABARD:

Quick Facts about Multi Commodity Exchange

Headquarters Beijing, China Quick Facts about European Union:

About European Union:

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