IBPS PO -- GENERAL AWARENESS--CURRENT AFFAIRS -- MAY 1 TO 7 2017

source: testbook.com

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR MAY 2017 – HIGHLY USEFUL FOR IBPS PO/IBPS CLERKS/KVB AND OTHER PRIVATE BANKS OFFICERS/CLERKS RECRUITMENT

1ST MAY 2017

CO2 Level Breaks Dangerous Records

Earth broke an alarming record and reached a dangerous climate change milestone,as carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were recorded at 410 parts per million (ppm) on April 18. Such a level was recorded for the first time in human history. Natural factors like El Niño may have driven more CO2 into the atmosphere. The new records are mostly caused due to the tremendous amounts of fossil fuels.

ICC: SA retain top spot, India 3rd

India gained five points to move up to the third place with South Africa maintaining its pole position in the latest ICC ODI team rankings. Australia remained in the second position. England, which will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, has retained its fifth ranking but has moved up one point to 109.

In a first, Aizawl FC wins I-League cup

Aizawl FC, a hitherto little-known club from a remote corner of the country with a shoe-string budget, were on Sunday crowned I-League champions. This is one of the most remarkable achievements in Indian football history. Aizawl FC drew with Shillong Lajong 1-1 as they clinched the title in a manner similar to what Leicester City did in the English Premier League last season.

Maharashtra Day being celebrated today

Maharashtra Day is being celebrated today across the state with great joy and pride. This year, Maharashtra Day will also be celebrated as Transforming Maharashtra Day. Maharashtra is the first State in the country to have enacted the Maharashtra Aadhaar Act, 2016 making Aadhaar as the sole identifier of beneficiary for any subsidy or benefit or service.

Gujarat celebrates 57th foundation day

Gujarat is celebrating its 57th foundation day today. Today’s foundation day is being celebrated as “Gujarat Gaurav Divas” with series of programs during the day. Gujarat was formed on May 1, 1960. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani- has laid foundation stone of 116 infrastructure projects worth of Rs.1600 cr- in Ahmedabad district during this celebrations.

Jivraj Narayan Mehta was the first CM.

‘Bharatmala’ to be launched soon. Bharatmala, an umbrella programme for roads will hit the ground soon ending all existing highway projects. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the ambitious highways development project will be subsuming all road projects. In the first phase, Project Bharatmala will see the construction of 20,000 km of highways.

First book village in Maharashtra

A hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra is all set to embrace the tag of India’s first ‘village of books’. The concept is inspired by Britain’s Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town known for its book stores and literature festivals. Around 15,000 books in Marathi would be made available in the village premises.

Tejas Express To Redefine Rail Travel

Indian Railways is set to launch a premium train service called Tejas Express between Mumbai and Goa this summer. Fitted with automatic doors, LCD screens, onboard wifi, tea/coffee vending machines, magazines and snack tables, the 20-coach Tejas Express will also serve cuisine curated by celebrity chefs. Tejas Express will operate at speeds of 130 kmph and above.

Erdogan to be honoured at Jamia

President Erdogan of Turkey will receive an honorary degree at the Jamia Milia Islamia on Monday. Jamia Milia Islamia’s Vice-Chancellor Lt. Gen. (Retired) M.A. Zaki will confer the Degree of Doctor of Letters to him. In recent years, Jamia Milia Islamia has emerged as an important centre for studies in Turkish language and culture. SpaceX lands Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX has successfully landed its Falcon 9 rocket on solid ground again, after launching the vehicle from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It’s the fourth time SpaceX has landed one of its rockets on land, and the 11th time the company has successfully recovered a rocket post-launch. It’s the first mission that SpaceX has done for the US military.

Astonishing discovery in Antarctica

Antarctica’s famous “Blood Falls” were first discovered in 1911, but scientists had been unable to explain what caused the weird river of blood. A study out of the University of Alaska Fairbanks claims that this blood red river is actually liquid rust. It’s an iron-rich brine that is oxidizing as soon as it emerges from the glacier and makes contact with the oxygen in the air. China and EU to build ‘Moon Village’

The space agencies of Europe and China have begun discussing collaborative projects on the moonbase. “Moon Village” will be used as an international launching pad for future missions to Mars and also for the development of space tourism. The Moon Village proposal is along the lines of NASA’s aim of getting astronauts to the vicinity of Mars by the end of the 2030’s.

India beat New Zealand in Azlan Shah Cup

India has beaten New Zealand 3-0, in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup being played at Ipoh in Malaysia. Six nations – India, Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, Japan and New Zealand – are taking part in the 8-day tournament which will be held in a round-robin format. Australia are the defending champions, while India had finished runners up last year.

Scientists create solar cells from jamun

Scientists at IIT Roorkee have used the juicy, delectable Indian summer fruit Jamun to create inexpensive and more efficient solar cells. Jamun is found as an inexpensive photosensitiser for Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (DSSCs) or Gratzel cells. Gratzel cells are thin film solar cells composed of a porous layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) coated photoanode.

RERA to roll out from today

The long-awaited Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) will be implemented from May 1. The Act specifies that all existing projects must be registered with the state’s regulatory authority by July 2017, and that no new project can be launched without this registration. This enables the buyers to enforce their rights and seek redressal of grievances after such registration.

Delhi cancels holidays on anniversaries

Delhi government has announced the cancellation of public holidays marking the birth or death anniversaries of eminent personalities. The AAP government’s move came three days after the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh cancelled 15 holidays in a calendar year. However, the Delhi government did not specify the number of holidays it was curtailing.

Leander Paes wins Tallahassee Challenger

Leander Paes has won the Tallahassee Challenger title of the men’s doubles. The top-seeded Indo-American pair Paes and Scott Lipsky defeated Argentine third seeds Leonardo Mayer and Maximo Gonzalez. This is Paes’ 2nd Challenger level title of the season. In the singles’ event, Ramkumar, playing first Challenger level final of his career, lost the title match.

1000 yrs celebration of Ramanujacharya

In Tamil Nadu, various functions are being organized to culminate the the 1000 years celebration of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanujacharya. The 1000 year celebration of Sri Ramanujacharyar was started in May last year. The divine body of Sri Ramanuchajaryar is said to be preserved in sannidhi inside Srirangam Ranganathar swamy temple. Renzi regains party leadership in Italy. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has regained the leadership of the governing Democratic Party (PD). The victory propels him back to the forefront of national politics. Renzi resigned as Prime Minister and party leader after his constitutional reform plan was rejected in a national referendum in December. Renzi will now be preparing his centre-left PD for parliamentary elections

Today is International Labour Day

Today is International Labour Day, also known as International Worker’s Day or May Day. It is observed on this day every year to promote and encourage the international labour associations. The day marks the victory of workers’ movement for eight hours of work. It also aims to pay tribute to workers sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world.

2nd MAY 2017

UP Cabinet approves implementing of GST

UP Govt. has approved implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state and the same will be passed in the Assembly in the session commencing from May 15. Petroleum products will not be covered under the GST. The state also approved a new cabinet policy under which Group B officers will be transferred by their departmental heads.

India lose to Aus in Azlan Shah Cup

India lost 1-3 against defending champions Australia in a preliminary league match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament. Australia is Nine-time winners of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Australia now have seven points from three outings, while last year’s runner-up India are on four points after three matches.

India to clock 7.5% in 2018: UN

India is expected to clock 7.1 per cent growth this year before edging up to 7.5 per cent in 2018, according to a UN report. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has said this in its annual flagship report ‘The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017’. Inflation is projected to reach 5.3%-5.5% in 2017 and 2018.

Jeje & Oinam for Arjuna Awards

The legendary Oinam Bembem Devi, Jeje Lalpekhlua and goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu have been recommended for the Arjuna Awards. Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has been AIFF Player of the Year is a member of the national team and has played for Mohun Bangan in the I-League. Bembem had led her side Eastern Sporting to the title in the inaugural Indian Women’s League.

Japan Aussie India trilateral dialogue

The third Japan-Australia-India trilateral dialogue among senior representatives from the three countries has concluded in Canberra. The meeting was attended, Indian Foreign Secretary, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Foreign Affairs Secretary of Australia. The naval exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean in July.

Andhra CM Naidu bags USIBC award

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu has been selected for the ‘Transformative Chief Minister Award’. He has been chosen in recognition for his role in advancing the US-India partnership at the state level. US-India Business Council (USIBC) said in Washington that the award would be presented on 8th of this month at the USIBC West Coast Summit in the Silicon Valley.

SoftBank to Invest $1.4 Billion In Paytm

SoftBank Group Corp. is in talks to invest about $1.4 billion in India’s One97 Communications Ltd. This deal would raise the value of Paytm to about $7 billion. Paytm saw a 1,000 percent surge in money added to customers’ digital wallets, after the demonetisation. Vijay Shekhar Sharma founded One97 Communications in 2000.

First use of plasma technology by SAIL

SAIL would be using plasma technology for the disposal of hazardous waste for the conservation of the environment and natural resources. The company would be the setting up a Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) management facility in collaboration with the United Nations Development Organisation. PCBs are a class of synthetic organic chemicals that can be used for industrial purposes

World’s Largest Space Telescope Tested

The James Webb Space Telescope is on the road again. After passing its final test at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Webb is slated to launch in 2018, when it will become the world’s largest telescope to fly to space. Webb will probe the cosmos from a spot in space called Lagrange Point 2, located directly behind Earth from the sun’s perspective.

Portal for info on tower radiation

The Telecom Department has launched a portal that will allow people to track radiation emitted from mobile towers within a locality. Launching the ‘Tarang Sanchar’ web portal, Ministry hopes that the site will help in clearing “myths and misconceptions” about emissions from mobile towers. This decision coincides with the recent SC order on deactivation of a mobile tower in Gwalior.

Infosys to hire 10,000 American workers

Information Technology major Infosys will hire about 10,000 people in the United States over the next two years. It will also set up four technology and innovation hubs there as part of its efforts to tide over visa related issues. First hub, which would open in Indiana in coming August, would create 2,000 jobs by 2021 for American workers.

Blind Indian at Israel’s I-Day event

In Jerusalem, Dina Simata, a blind Indian immigrant, was one of the 14 people chosen to light the torch at Israel’s 69th Independence Day celebrations. Simata, 19, a member of the Bnei Menashe community which hails from Manipur, is a student and volunteer at Jerusalem’s Institute for the Blind. Israel celebrated its 69th Independence Day yesterday.

World Asthma Day Today

World Asthma Day is commemorated every year on the first Tuesday in the month of May. Its objective to increase awareness about asthma around the world. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways of the lungs that become inflamed, narrow or swell up which makes it difficult to breathe. India ranks first with regard to the number of deaths due to lung disease.

‘UP Diwas’ to be celebrated on Jan 24

The Yogi Adityanath government has decided to celebrate ‘UP Diwas’ on January 24, the day the erstwhile United Provinces was rechristened as Uttar Pradesh. The United Provinces unit was renamed as Uttar Pradesh on on January 24, 1950. The minister said the state’s rich cultural heritage would be showcased through different programmes on this day.

Anti-missile system THAAD in South Korea

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system, which was deployed last week in South Korea, is “operational”. THAAD has the ability to “intercept missiles” from North Korea and “defend” the South. The missile system has been strongly opposed by regional nations such as China and Russia as it breaks strategic balance in the region.

EC cancels Anantnag Lok Sabha bypoll

The Election Commission has cancelled the May 25 by-election to the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir. EC has mentioned that “certain elements” have started anti-election campaigns and there is an increased terrorist threat to those coming out to vote. MHA officials had also asked the EC to postpone the election as it was not conducive to hold polls.

Sardar Singh for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Hockey India has recommended senior player and former captain Sardar Singh for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour. Other players SV Sunil, Dharamvir Singh and Deepika have been recommended for the Arjuna Award. Coaches Sandeep Sangwan and Romesh Pathania have been recommended for the Dronacharya Award.

HRD Min to launch Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan

Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar will launch Students for soldiers- a nationwide Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan. The aim is to encourage Universities to display portraits of Param Veer Chakra-decorated soldiers to instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism among students. The Minister will unveil the portraits of Param Veer Chakra decorated-soldiers in New Delhi.

Cheteshwar Pujara for Arjuna award

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recommended India’s top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara for the prestigious Arjuna award. Besides Pujara, Indian woman’s cricket team player Harmanpreet Kaur has also been nominated by the Board for the award. Harmanpreet has been the best batswoman for the country in the limited-overs format.

Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas today

National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG) will be observing Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas on Tuesday at 12 locations. Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj, Kolkata, Srinagar are among the few places where it will be observed. The objective of the Ganga Swachhta Sankalp Divas is to spread awareness and evoke active involvement of the masses.

3RD MAY 2017

World’s highest railway bridge

In around two years from now, the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir will be spanned by the world’s highest railway bridge that is expected to be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. The massive arch-shaped structure, being constructed at a cost of around Rs 1,100 crore in hostile terrain. The bridge forms a crucial link in the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal.

‘Oldest human’ dies

The Indonesian man who claimed to be 146 years old – the longest living human ever – has died in his village in Central Java. According to his papers, Sodimedjo, also known as Mbah Ghoto (grandpa Ghoto), was born in December 1870. But Indonesia only started recording births in 1900 – and there have been mistakes before.

New ICSSR chairman

The HRD Ministry appointed Braj Bihari Kumar, the 76-year-old editor of quarterly journals Dialogue and Chintan Srijan, as the new chairman of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Kumar succeeds economist S K Thorat, who was heading the council since April 2011. He has been appointed for a term of three years.

Kharge is new PAC chairman

Mallikarjun Kharge, has become the chairman of the 21-member (15 from Lok sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha) Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, replacing K V Thomas. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a committee of selected members of Parliament, constituted by the Parliament of India, for the auditing of the revenue and the expenditure of the Government of India.

GSAT-9 or the South Asia Satellite

This space mission, GSAT-9 or the South Asia Satellite, will carry a new feature that will eventually make advanced Indian spacecraft far lighter. The 2,195-kg GSAT-9, due to take off on a GSLV rocket on May 5, carries an electric propulsion or EP system. The hardware is a first on an Indian spacecraft.

Book on saint Ramanujar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami released a book on Vaishnavite saint Ramanujar, as part of his 1000th birth anniversary. Earlier, the 1000th birth anniversary of Ramanujar was celebrated with fervour at Sriperumbudur, the birth place of the saint, from April 22 to May 2. PM Modi had released a stamp on Ramanujar and had invoked the saint to condemn the practice of untouchability.

Cartilage to treat osteoarthritis

Researchers have successfully generated cartilage tissue using a 3D bioprinter, an advance that could lead to new treatments for osteoarthritis. he stem cells were then expanded and encapsulated in a composition of nanofibrillated cellulose and printed into a structure using a 3D bioprinter. This bioprinted tissue can be used to repair cartilage damage, or to treat osteoarthritis.

One IP- Two Dispensaries

“One IP- Two Dispensaries” scheme was launched by the govt on the occasion of International Labour Day. Under this scheme, ESIC has given an option to an Insured Person (IP) to choose two dispensaries, one for self and another for family through an employer. This will benefit all IPs, especially migrant workers who are working in other than home State.

Buxa Tiger Reserve

Six tigers would be relocated to Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in north Bengal from neighbouring Assam as part of a plan for augmentation of tiger population in the reserve which was approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Northern boundary of Buxa Tiger Reserve runs along the international border with Bhutan. Manas National Park lies on east of BTR.

Padma bestowed with Avvaiyar award

Tamil Nadu govt honoured social worker Padma Venkataraman with the state’s “Avvaiyar Award” for 2017. Padma, daughter of former President of India, the late R Venkataraman, was honoured for her efforts in the areas of women’s welfare and rehabilitation of leprosy-affected persons for the past 30 years.

Cows get an ambulance service

Days after the Centre proposed an UID number for cows, the Uttar Pradesh government has started an ambulance service for cows. The ‘Gauvansh Chikitsa Mobile Vans’ service was flagged by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The ambulance will rescue injured and ill cows and then take them to ‘gau shalas’ or a veterinary clinic for treatment.

Lianzuala takes over as CGA

Anthony Lianzuala took over as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in place of Archana Nigam, who superannuated on April 30. Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in Ministry of Finance heads the organisation and is responsible for administering this system.

First city to get its own Microsoft font

Dubai has become the first city to get its own Microsoft-designed font. The typeface comes in both Latin and Arabic script, and will be available in 23 languages. Dubai’s Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum said he had been personally involved in “all the stages” of the development of the font.

Shobana Kamineni is new CII president

Shobana Kamineni is appointed as the new president of the CII. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is an association of Indian businesses which works to create an environment conducive to the growth of industry in the country. CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, playing a proactive role in India’s development process.

AIIB grants USD 160 mn for AP project

China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on day approved USD 160 mn loan for a power project in Andhra Pradesh, the first credit from the bank for an Indian project. AIIB has approved the project with the objective to strengthen the power transmission and distribution system in AP. Its headquarter is located in Beijing.

UN report- 7.1% growth this year

A UN report has said, India is expected to achieve 7.1 % growth this year as re-monetisation restores consumption, and infrastructure spending increases. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or ESCAP launched its annual flagship report ‘The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017’. The report said, India’s growth would edge up to 7.5 % next year.

UN marks 1st World Tuna Day

The United Nations has marked the 1st World Tuna Day yesterday with calls to conserve one of the globe’s most popular fish to be caught and eaten. Tuna plays a critical role in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and livelihoods of people around the world. The General Assembly established World Tuna Day in Dec to reinforce its importance to nations around the globe.

64th National Film Awards

President Pranab Mukherjee will give way the 64th National Film Awards in New Delhi today. The Awards had been announced Last month. Akshay Kumar has been chosen for the Best Actor Award for Hindi Movie Rustom. Surabhi has been named as the best actress for her role in Malayalam film Minnaminungu-The Firefly.

1st state to shift financial year

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to switch to the Jan-Dec financial year from the existing April-March cycle. The move breaks a 150-year tradition as India started adopting the April-March financial year from 1867. The central govt had constituted a high-level committee under former CEA Shanker Acharya to examine “desirability and feasibility” of having a new financial year.

World Press Freedom Day

Every year World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on 3rd of May. UNESCO marks this day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

4th MAY 2017

US to vote to replace Obamacare

In US, lawmakers will vote today to repeal and replace Obamacare which makes quality health insurance more affordable and available to the Americans. The Republican bill is known as the American Health Care Act. It would repeal most Obamacare taxes, including a penalty for not buying health insurance. The bill would slash funding for Medicaid, a program that provides insurance for the poor.

RBI can now Act Against Loan Defaulters

Union Cabinet has empowered the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to act against wilful defaulters. The Union Cabinet cleared an ordinance aimed at empowering RBI to deal more effectively with stressed assets than earlier. The ordinance may enable RBI to direct banks on how to deal with stressed assets. Shares of public and private sector banks witnessed good buying interest in trade after this.

India tests Agni-II ballistic missile

India’s nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface Agni-II ballistic missile, was test-fired from the Wheeler Island, off Odisha coast. It has a strike range of two thousand kilometres. The test was aimed at re-establishing the operational effectiveness of the weapon system. Agni missile series are among India’s most sophisticated weapons.

Khurshid to assist in triple talaq case

SC has allowed former law minister Salman Khurshid to be an amicus curiae in the ongoing Triple Talaq case. Amicus Curiae is not a party to a lawsuit, but has a strong interest in the matter, and can submit a brief in the action to influence the court’s decision. A five-judge constitution bench of the apex court will start hearing from May 11 the petitions against Triple Talaq.

K Viswanath receives Dadasahab Phalke

Eminent film director and actor Kasinathuni Viswanath received the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest award in cinema. The award is given by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Vishwanath has directed 50 films, known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity.

Int’l status to Vijayawada airport

The central government has granted international status to Vijayawada airport. The decision to upgrade the status of Vijayawada airport, as per the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 was taken by the Union Cabinet. It will provide wider choice of services at competitive costs to the air travellers and give a boost to domestic and international tourism.

Cabinet approves National Steel Policy

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to the National Steel Policy 2017. The Cabinet also approved a policy for use of domestic steel products in government organisations. The policy projects crude steel capacity of 300 million tonne, production of 255 million tonne and robust finished steel per capita consumption of 158 kg by 2030-31.

1 lakh fine for dumping e-waste in Ganga

The National Green Tribunal has announced that anyone found dumping electronic waste (e-waste) on the banks of river Ramganga would have to pay Rs one lakh as environment compensation. Huge quantity of hazardous e-waste generated from various industries in powder form is being disposed on the bank of river Ramganga in Moradabad. The compensation would vary from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

Wimbledon increases prize money

Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament’s host has announced that this year’s edition will pay out $40.8 million in prize money. The winners of the singles competitions will pocket $2.8 million each which is $258,000 more than in 2016. British Andy Murray and the American Serena Williams, who will not participate in this year’s edition as she is pregnant, are the current champions of the tournament.

National Awards 2017

Akshay Kumar won the Best Actor award for Rustom, and Malayalam actor Surabhi Lakshmi, who has been named as the best actress for her role in film Minnaminungu-The Firefly. The winner of the Most Film Friendly State was Uttar Pradesh. Sonam Kapoor received a Special Mention from the jury for playing Neerja Bhanot in the film Neerja.

Banganapalle mango gets a GI tag

Banganapalle mango has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making Andhra Pradesh the proprietor of the variety known for its sweetness. A GI tag indicates that the product comes from a specific region. Banganapalle mangoes have been grown for over 100 years in the State. It also known as Beneshan, Baneshan, Benishan, Chappatai and Safeda.

Most expensive limestone block auctioned

After nearly 24 hours of record bidding, with 600 bids coming in, the country’s most expensive limestone block in Chhattisgarh finally went to Dalmia (Bharat) Cement. The Kesla-II limestone block in Raipur with an estimated reserve of 215 million tonnes was put for auction. Highest bid received was at 96.15 per cent of IBM prices which was 20 times more than the reserve price.

Women’s trio listed for Arjuna award

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has recommended the women’s trio of World Championship silver-medallists for this year’s Arjuna awards. The trio includes Saweety Boora (81kg), Sonia Lather (57kg), and Sarjubala Devi (51kg). Saweety’s world silver medal came in the 2014 edition, the same edition Sarjubala got her silver. Sonia won a silver at the 2016 edition of the same event.

Shapath reaches first World Cup Final

Young Indian shooter Shapath Bharadwaj reached his first ever ISSF World Cup stage Final. Shapath was one of four shooters to finish with a score of 135. Shapath’s teammates Sangram Dahiya and Ankur Mittal finished 17th and 19th respectively with identical scores of 127.

China To Launch Own Encyclopaedia

China plans to launch its own online encyclopaedia next year, hoping to build a “cultural Great Wall” that can rival Wikipedia.  China has over 700 million internet users. China has maintained that its various forms of web censorship — collectively known as “The Great Firewall” — are necessary for protecting its national security.

$770-bn black money came India in 10yrs

A report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) documenting illicit financial flows across the world has pegged the total illicit inflows in India between 2005 to 2014 at $770 billion. The report also pegs the illicit money inflows in 2014 at $101 billion in the report. Illicit outflows from India was pegged at $165 billion between 2005 and 2014. In 2014, this figure stood at $21 billion.

Indore cleanest city, Bhopal second

India’s cleanest city is Indore in Madhya Pradesh and the runner up, Bhopal, is also from the same state. The government’s “Swachh Survekshan 2017”, which has assessed cities based on lakh of votes from 73 cities, also says the dirtiest city is in Uttar Pradesh – Gonda. The third best is the coastal port city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Surat is placed fourth and Mysuru fifth.

Only 27% Indian women in labour force

Only 27% Indian women are in the labour force–the lowest among BRICS countries; among G-20 countries. Rising income levels and stability in families are disincentivising women from joining the labour force, a World Bank report has said. Only 691 females attend college for every 1,000 males. This ratio drops from 825:1,000 at the age of 19 years to 531:1,000 at 25-29 years.

SC issues notice on Mullaperiyar dam

SC has issued a notice to Kerala on Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking execution of its order regarding the maintenance of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam. The Tamil Nadu government has alleged in its plea that Kerala is not allowing it to maintain the dam. The 2 states have been engaged in a long legal battle over the maintenance of the dam located on the Periyar River in Kerala.

India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-‘

Fitch forecasts India’s real GDP growth to accelerate to 7.7 per cent in FY17 and FY18, from 7.1 per cent in FY16. Average per capita GDP remains low, at $1,714, compared with the ‘BBB’ range median of $ 9,701. The higher real disposable income supported by the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission are said to be beneficial for the economy.

5TH MAY 2017

‘Kesar’ mangoes to be sold in Australia

For the first time, Australia will sell ‘Kesar’ variety of Indian mangoes. Kesar mango is grown in the foothills of Girnar in India. The mango is known for its bright orange colored pulp and was given the geographical indication status in 2011.

Mystery of Hawaii’s volcanoes solved

A team led by Australian National University researchers has solved the mystery behind the world’s largest and most active volcanoes in Hawaii. The study used computer simulations to determine that the twin tracks that caused the volcanoes are due to a shift in the Pacific Plate’s motion three million years ago. Scientists have known of the existence of the twin volcanic tracks since 1849

ADB predicts 7.4% growth for India

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Indian economy will grow 7.4 per cent this fiscal, and 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1 per cent in the previous fiscal. ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada said that reforms like the Goods and Services Tax and the new bankruptcy law will make it easier to do business in India.

World’s largest X-ray laser lights up

World’s biggest X-ray laser has generated its first light in Hamburg, Germany. The 3.4 km (2.1 mi) long European X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) produced a pulsing laser light with a wavelength of 0.8 nm. XFEL is a billion times more brilliant than conventional synchrotron light sources and can capture images at atomic resolution.

Shivpal Yadav forms new party

Samajwadi Party (SP) has split, as Shivpal Yadav announced the launch of a new party called the Samajwadi Secular Morcha, which will be headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Mulayam is the one who founded the SP in 1992. Over the past year, there has been an ever-widening rift in the party between Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

India Secular State: No State Religion

Safeguarding the rights of minorities is an essential core of the polity in India, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva. This came as rebutting attempts by Pakistan to point fingers at New Delhi for attacks on minorities. Italy, Israel, and Japan have asked India to abolish death penalty at the meeting.

Maharashtra First State to Launch AWS

In Maharashtra, as an effective measure towards understanding weather cycles and crop patterns that would benefit farmers, Automated Weather Stations or AWS, will be set up. State has collaborated with Skymet Weather Private Ltd, a private weather forecasting firm, for the project Mahavedh under which a network of AWS will be launched. 2,065 such stations will come up in the state on PPP

Odisha communities notified as SCs

Odisha’s Sualgiri and Swalgiri communities have been notified as Scheduled Castes. The SC category status will entitle these communities to reservation in government jobs and admission in educational institutions, besides some other financial benefits. Some of the major schemes for the scheduled castes include scholarships and fellowships, concessional loans and hostel facilities.

Express Wi-Fi services started in India

Facebook has announced its Express Wi-Fi internet services in India, which are already available at 700 hotspots across Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Meghalaya. These services will be sold through vouchers at prices ranging from ₹10-20 for a day to ₹200-300 for a month. Express Wi-Fi offers internet at upwards of 10Mbps speeds without any per day limit.

Adani signs steel deal with Arrium

Energy giant Adani has signed a 74 million dollar landmark deal with Australian steel group Arrium to buy steel for a 400-km rail line for its Carmichael coal mine project. Arrium’s division OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd will supply 54,000 tonnes of steel to Adani. Adani’s 16 billion dollar Carmichael mine project has been dogged by delays, facing opposition from environmentalist groups.

Russia, Turkey, Iran agree on safe zones

Russia, Turkey and Iran agreed Thursday to create four de-escalation zones in Syria, in the latest effort to resolve that country’s six-year conflict. All three countries are sponsors of the latest round of ceasefire talks underway in Astana, Kazakhstan. Russia and Iran are both key backers of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey supports Syrian opposition forces.

Govt announces wind energy auction

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced the launch of second round of wind energy auction for 1,000 MW. UP will buy 499.9 MW, Bihar 200 MW, Jharkhand 200 MW, Delhi 100 MW and Assam and Odisha 50 MW each. All these companies will sell power to Power Trading Companies at a rate of Rs 3.46 a kWhr.

‘The Black Prince’ awarded at film fest

Hollywood film ‘The Black Prince’, featuring Satinder Sartaaj and Shabana Azmi, was awarded the Special Jury Remi Award at the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival. The film is a historic biopic on the poignant life story of the last king of Punjab – Maharajah Duleep Singh and is set for international release on July 21. Film is written and directed by Hollywood filmmaker Kavi Raz

Chinappa wins Asian squash title

Joshna Chinappa has scripted history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title with a thrilling win over compatriot Dipika Pallikal. In the men’s final, however, Saurav Ghosal went down fighting against No.1 seed Max Lee to finish second best. Both Chinappa and Pallikal train together at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai.

6,000 crore scheme for food processing

Govt. has approved a new Rs6,000 crore central scheme ‘SAMPADA’ for the 2016-20 period with an aim to boost processing of marine and agriculture produce. The scheme will help in generating an investment of Rs31,400 crore and facilitate handling of 334 lakh tonnes of agro-produce valuing Rs1,04,125 crore. SAMPADA is an umbrella scheme incorporating all ongoing schemes.

South Asia Satellite to launch today

The South Asia Satellite is all set to be launched this evening by the Indian Space Research organization, ISRO. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV F-09 carrying the communication and broadcasting satellite will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. In total, it would be the 11th flight of the GSLV.

Govt to bring no-fly list rules today

The government today is going to announce a draft rule for a ‘no-fly list’ for unruly passengers. The Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are being amended by the DGCA to facilitate such a list. For effective implementation, the Centre is likely to make some identification mandatory – either Aadhaar or passport number – while booking even domestic tickets.

ICC raises Women’s World Cup prize money

ICC has taken giant strides to popularise women’s cricket ahead of the upcoming 2017 World Cup in England by increasing the prize money to $2 million. This is ten times the amount that was awarded in the last edition in 2013. The ICC has also announced that Decision Review System (DRS) will be put in place for the first time in women’s cricket during the eight-team tournament in June.

US House passes Bill to repeal Obamacare

The US House of Representatives has approved a Bill to repeal major parts of Obamacare and replace it with a Republican health care plan. The bill now faces new hurdles in the Senate, where the House bill will have difficulty gaining Republican support. Democrats are hoping that the vote to repeal Obamacare will spark a voter backlash in next year’s midterm congressional elections.

Drop of blood to detect cancer

A new test that can detect multiple kinds of cancer by analysing a drop of human blood has been developed in China. The new test can detect multiple kinds of cancer by analysing a drop of human blood. It was the first clinical trial in the world to test if the protein could be a useful tumour biomarker for lung cancer, and it has succeeded.

6TH MAY 2017

US to attend UN climate talks

US will take part in United Nations’ climate change meetings in Germany next week even as Washington considers withdrawing from the Paris global emissions-cutting deal. A State Department official said participating in the meetings doesn’t mean the US plans to stay in the Paris deal. The US govt is reviewing whether to withdraw from the deal and a decision expected in the next few weeks.

Subsidised food for workers

The Haryana government has decided to open canteens offering meals at subsidised rates to registered construction workers under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana at 23 locations in the state. This was disclosed by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nayab Singh He also said, mobile food vans will be started at 23 convenient sites which have large number of workers.

E-platform to report sexual harassment

In a move aimed at strengthening the framework against sexual harassment at workplace, the ministry of women and child development will launch an e-platform. It will be a reporting mechanism like the e-box for cases of sexual abuse of children. The Union government has a strength of 30.87 lakh employees. According to the census of 2011, women constitute 10.93% of the total force.

Scientists create world’s fastest camera

Lund University, Sweden has created a camera that can film at a rate equivalent to five trillion images per second. It uses an innovative algorithm that exposes chemical reactions and biological processes to laser flashes instead of light. It is called FRAME (Frequency Recognition Algorithm for Multiple Exposures).

Prez nods to ordinance on banks’ NPAs

An Ordinance to tackle NPAs of banks has got the President’s nod. The Ordinance gives more powers to RBI to direct banks on resolution of stressed assets to speed up the recovery process. Government has authorised RBI to initiate insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings against stressed assets through Sale of assets, closure of non-profitable branches etc

NPAs of banks are around Rs 9 lakh cr

Dubai most visited by Indians. India has topped the list of Dubai’s 100 tourist source markets for the second time, with a total of 1.8 million visitors last year. The Annual Visitor Report 2016 was released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) during this year’s Arabian Travel Market. Saudi Arabia (1.6 million) and the UK (1.2 million) were other prominent names on the list.

AFSPA declared in Assam

The Centre has declared the entire Assam as a “disturbed” area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act — the AFSPA — for three more months, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB and others. The ministry said there were 75 incidents of violence in Assam in 2016 in which 33 people, including four security personnel, were killed and 14 others were abducted.

8th conference of head of missions

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today inaugurated the eighth conference of head of missions in New Delhi. She also released a booklet, ‘India surging ahead’ on successful economic diplomacy. The four-day annual conclave is also expected to discuss major developments globally and how India should mould its policy to deal with them.

Morni wildlife sanctuary

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said work is underway to develop a wildlife sanctuary and a herbal forest at Morni in Panchkula. The Chief Minister said Morni is lagging behind in terms of education and development. The state government is carrying out development works in this area on a priority basis.

LafargeHolcim to merge with Ambuja, ACC

LafargeHolcim has initiated a process that could lead to the union of its Indian operations ACC and Ambuja Cement. The merger has been on the cards since 2013, when LafargeHolcim opted for a major consolidation of its shareholding in India. LafargeHolcim currently owns 63.62% of Ambuja Cement. The combined capacity will help LafargeHolcim inch closer to rival UltraTech Cement.

Govt appoints MDs, CEOs of seven banks

The government on May 5 appointed heads of various banks. Punjab National Bank MD Usha Ananthasubramanian has been shifted to Kolkata-based Allahabad Bank and head of Bank of India Melwyn Rego moved to Syndicate Bank. According to experts, the changes were made in these two public sector banks after a similar rejig at IDBI Bank because of non-performance in tackling non-performing assets.

Coffee, Tea Boards get chiefs

Prabhat Kamal Bezboruah and M S Boje Gowda were appointed chairmen of the Tea Board and the Coffee Board, respectively. Bezboruah is a leading tea association industrialist and Gowda is a renowned coffee grower. Bezboruah’s tenure will run till November 1, 2018 and Gowda will be in the post till December 14, 2018.

First synthetic retina created

The first synthetic, soft tissue retina developed by Oxford University researchers could offer fresh hope to visually impaired people. Until now, artificial retinas have only been made from hard, rigid materials. The new research is the first to successfully use biological, synthetic tissues. The retina contains protein cells that convert light into electrical signals for a person to see.

Haryana passes motion for separate HC

The Haryana Assembly passed a resolution to request the Parliament to effect an amendment in the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 to provide for the creation of a separate High Court for the state in Chandigarh. It had earlier passed resolutions in 2002 and 2005. Chandigarh is common capital of both Haryana and Punjab.

eVIN Project

The eVIN Project of the Health Ministry has been lauded as the best practise in immunisation. Representatives from Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand are on a visit to India to study the project. eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) is an indigenously developed technology system in India that digitizes vaccine related information.

India’s 1st Private Small Arms Mfg Plant

India’s first private sector small arms manufacturing plant has been inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh to supply weapons to the armed forces in line with the India’s defence indigenisation programme. The plant is a joint venture between India’s Punj Lloyd and Israel Weapon Systems. The joint venture company is called Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems.

Narmada recognized living entity

The Madhya Pradesh government passed a resolution granting river Narmada the status of a living entity and committed itself to the protection of its legal rights. A month ago, the Uttarakhand High Court had declared Ganga, Yamuna and their tributaries living entities with the status of a legal person. The move is done to protect the river and the biodiversity.

Reliance, SAP launch ‘SARAL GST’

Reliance has signed a MoU with enterprise application software major SAP SE to launch ‘SARAL GST solution for taxpayers. The new offering will enable taxpayers to be GST compliant and smoothly access the government’s GST System, once GST is rolled out from July 1. The company said SARAL GST will leverage the expertise of Reliance as GST Suvidha Provider & SAP as Application Service Provider

Express Wi-Fi by Facebook

Facebook has launched its “Express Wi-Fi” commercially in India and the service is now available via 700 hotspots across four states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Meghalaya. For the expansion of service, Facebook has announced a partnership with Bharti Airtel for setting up an additional 20000 hotspots covering millions of Indians over the next few months.

Biggest combing operation in Kashmir

The security forces have launched a massive cordon and combing operation in south Kashmir’s Shopian district following the recent militant attacks on policemen and banking facilities. This is the first time in 15 years that the combing operation of this magnitude has been conducted by the security forces. The objective behind the operation is to bring the situation in Kashmir under control.

7TH MAY 2017

Hanover prepares mass evacuation

In Germany, more than 50,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes in the city of Hanover ahead of a a large-scale operation to defuse unexploded bombs dating back to World War II. 13 unexploded ordnances from the 1940s, found at a construction site, are expected to be removed from the northwestern city today. The evacuation involves three heavily-populated areas of Hanover.

Govt. to rework MGNREGA workers’ wages

Centre is looking to rework the baseline on basis of which the remuneration is paid to beneficiaries under the employment guarantee scheme. Daily wage under the MNREGA has risen by just Re 1 in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and UP, by Rs 2 in Odisha and by Rs 4 in Bengal. There is huge variation between MGNREGA wages notified by the Centre and the minimum wage of some states.

Maha govt ties up with WHO

Maharashtra government has tied up with World Health Organisation (WHO) for eradication of Rubella measles and will start vaccination drive from March 2018. Children aged between 9 months to 15 years, will be vaccinated for Rubella under this campaign across the state. The Rubella measles infection is carried by Rubella virus.

Ismail Haniya elected as new Hamas chief

Gaza based Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has elected Ismail Haniya as its new political chief, replacing Qatar based veteran Khaled Meshaal. Haniya served as Palestinian prime minister after Hamas won a 2006 parliamentary election. The change of leadership comes just days after Hamas accepted the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 lines.

Ivanka promotes her new book

Ivanka Trump will continue to promote her new book on Twitter and Instagram. This comes weeks after President Donald Trump’s adviser and daughter pledged not to draw publicity through a promotional tour or media appearances. Ms. Trump raised eyebrows when she plugged the book, “Women Who Work”, to her millions of followers on social media.

Seth, 1st woman judge of Delhi HC dies

Justice Leila Seth, the first woman judge of Delhi High Court who played a major role in the making of the tough anti-rape law five years ago has died. Justice Seth also became the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. She was part of a committee set up to suggest amendments to the criminal law to deal with heinous crimes like rape after the December 16, 2012 case.

IRADI issues new guidelines for insurers

IRDAI has issued new outsourcing guidelines for insurers. Guidelines clearly define the areas of work that should be done in- house and those which can be handed out to third-parties. Guidelines are aimed at ensuring that insurers follow prudent practises on management of risks arising out of outsourcing so as to protect the interests of the policyholders on the other.

India gives Mauritania $65.68 million

New Delhi has approved letters of credit worth $65.68 million for a solar-diesel hybrid rural electrification project in the north African country Mauritania. Mauritania is one of the few African countries to develop full-blown trade with India. Total exports from India to Mauritania were $30.62 million with imports of $1.60 million.

Centenary of Bharat Sevashram Sangha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the centenary celebrations of Bharat Sevashram Sangha being organized at Shillong. Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a vast network of volunteers across the globe dedicated to helping people in distress. It was founded in 1917 by the Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj.

3 Indian elected in UK Royal Society

 Three Indian-origin scientists have been elected fellows of the Royal Society. Krishna Chatterjee from Cambridge University, Subhash Khot from New York University and Yadvinder Malhi from Oxford University are among 2017 cohort of fellows of the academy. UK Royal society promotes & supports excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.

India’s forex reserves touch record high

The foreign exchange reserves of India rose by $1.594 billion to touch a life-time high of Rs 372.73 billion in the week to April 28. Previously, they had touched a high of $371.99 billion in the week to September 30, 2016. Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major component of the overall reserves, surged by $1.569 billion to $349.055 billion in the reporting week.

India to play Champions Trophy: BCCI

BCCI has confirmed that the India would participate in the 50-over pinnacle event, beginning June 1st in England and Wales. The board unanimously also authorised acting BCCI Secretary Amitabh Choudhary to continue negotiations with the ICC in the best interest of the BCCI. ICC has recently proposed a new financial model which reduces the BCCI’s revenues from $570 million to $293 million.

India:World’s biggest two-wheeler market

India has overtaken China to emerge as the world’s biggest market for two-wheelers. A total of 17.7 million two-wheelers were sold here last year, that’s over 48,000 units every day. Neighbouring China trailed with 16.8 million units sold. Indonesia is holding steady as the third-largest two-wheeler market with annual sales estimated at 6 million units.

PM Modi to visit Sri Lanka on May 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on May 11 to attend the biggest Buddhist festival, ‘Vesak Day’. Vesak, the most important day in the Buddhist calendar, marks commemoration of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away. Modi is also likely to visit Kandy in the Central Province which is famous for production of Ceylon Tea.

App to avoid queue At SBI Branches

State Bank of India is offering a virtual queue ticket or “e-token” service through its newly-launched app No Queue. The app enables customers to avail select banking services at its select branches without having to stand in queues. The mobile-based virtual queuing app can be downloaded free of cost from Google Play and Apple app stores.

Hinduja brothers top UK rich list

The Hinduja brothers – Srichand and Gopichand – have retained their top spot in the United Kingdom’s rich set. Sri and Gopi Hinduja’s total wealth was put at £16.2 billion — up £3.2 billion from last year. Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, 66, and family are fourth in the list. The combined wealth of the top 500 of the list surged to £580.3 billion

Naveen Patnaik Reshuffles Odisha Cabinet

Odish CM Naveen Patnaik has reshuffled the Odisha cabinet, a day after ten ministers resigned to make way for new people to be inducted. Mr Patnaik inducted experienced leaders like SN Patro, Prafulla Samal, Maheswar Mohanty, Niranjan Pujari and Pratap Jena. Pradip Kumar Amat is likely to become the next Speaker of the assembly.

Baahubali first to gross 1000 crores

‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ has become the first Indian movie to earn Rs 1000 crore worldwide. Going by the latest figures, the film has minted Rs 800 crore at the Indian box office and Rs 200 crore at the overseas market. The movie collected $13.1 million in US and beat previous record-holder ‘Dangal’s $12.4 million total haul in the territory.

Iceland’s experimental power plant Thor

Thor is named after a Nordic god and drills deep into the heart of a volcano. If successful, the experimental project could produce up to 10 times more energy than an existing conventional gas or oil well, by generating electricity from the heat stored inside the earth. This project was launched in August last year.

Chenanisaurus barbaricus fossils found

The fossil of one of the last dinosaurs believed to have walked the Earth before being smashed and wiped out by the furious impact of a giant asteroid has been found in Morocco. The discovery has helped researchers understand life of dinosaurs in Africa at the end of the Cretaceuous period-a time when the first flowering plants appeared and at the end of which dinosaurs died out.