Current Affairs Study PDF - November 2017 by AffairsCloud

Current Affairs November
2017 PDF Capsule

Current Affairs PDF: November 2017
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam

Contents
INDIAN AFFAIRS............................................................................................................................................................ 3
PLACES IN NEWS .........................................................................................................................................................23
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.......................................................................................................................................28
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES .....................................................................................................................................35
RANKINGS & REPORTS .............................................................................................................................................47
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................59
BUSINESS .......................................................................................................................................................................81
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS.....................................................................................................................................91
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS................................................................................................................................. 102
ACQUISTIONS & MERGER...................................................................................................................................... 110
MoUs ............................................................................................................................................................................ 111
SCHEMES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 116
COMMITTEE .............................................................................................................................................................. 121
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 125
DEFENCE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 136
ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 141
SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 143
OBITUARY .................................................................................................................................................................. 157
BOOKS & AUTHORS ................................................................................................................................................ 159
IMPORTANT DAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 159
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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approvals on November 1, 2017

On November 1, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved
following initiatives and bilateral agreements.
Cabinet approves amendment in the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993
Union Cabinet has given its approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament namely the National
Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Act, 2017, to amend the National Council for
Teacher Education Act, 1993.
• Institutions/Universities conducting Teacher Education Courses without National Council
for Teacher Education (NCTE) recognition till the academic year 2017-2018.
• Department of School Education & Literacy under Union Ministry of Human
Resource Development has brought up this amendment so that students who have
already passed out and are currently studying in these Institutions/Universities are
eligible for employment as a teacher and their future is not jeopardized.
Cabinet approves Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for payment of outstanding
subsidy to fertilizer companies during 2016-17
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given ex-post facto approval for implementation
of Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding
claims on account of fertilizer subsidy in the year 2016-17.
• Specific grades of fertilizers and urea are made available to the farmer by
Government at subsidised rates through fertilizer manufacturers/importers.
Cabinet approves the continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana”
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture
and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20.
• The financial allocation of this scheme is Rs. 15,722 crore.
• Funds under this scheme will be provided to the States as 60:40 grants between
Centre and States. For North Eastern States and Himalayan States the ratio will
be 90:10.
Cabinet approves sale of govt’s entire 73.47% stake in Dredging Corp
Union Cabinet has approved the sale of government’s entire 73.47 percent stake in Dredging
Corporation of India.
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Delhi to host 9th global green film festival

The 9th edition of ‘CMS Vatavaran’, a global film festival on environment and wildlife, will
begin on November 2, 2017 in New Delhi.
i. Theme of CMS Vatavaran is “Conservation 4 Water”.
Maximum age of joining NPS increased from 60 to 65 years: Finance Ministry

On November 1, 2017, Union Ministry of Finance increased the maximum age of joining the
National Pension System (NPS) from the existing 60 years to 65 years.
i. They will have an option of normal exit from NPS after completion of three years.
Centre allocated Rs 109 cr to promote tourism projects in Puducherry

Central Government has earmarked Rs 109 crores to promote heritage and spiritual tourism
projects under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme in Puducherry.
i. Announcement in this regard was made by Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on
November 1, 2017, while addressing public on the occasion of the 63rd Liberation (De facto)
day of Puducherry.
Shivaji statue to be world’s tallest at 210m

On October 30, 2017, Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA)approved
Maharashtra State government’s application to increase the height of the proposed
statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (off the coast of Mumbai) from the earlier 192
metres to 210 metres.With an approval for 210 metres height, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s
statue will be world’s tallest statue surpassing the Spring Temple Buddha statue in China which
stands 208 metres tall.
Haryana to give lifetime pensions to ‘Hindi Satyagrahis’

On 31st October 2017, the Haryana government announced lifetime monthly pension of Rs 10,000
for Hindi Satyagrahis and few more assistances.
i. It also announced increased monthly assistance to soldiers from Haryana who took part in
the World War-II, and their widows, from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000.
Karnataka’s Mudhol Hound becomes First Indian Dog Breed to be trained for Army Duty
Karnataka’s Mudhol Hound, an Indian dog breed, is being trained to serve in the Indian Army,
making it the First Indian Dog Breed to be trained for Army Duty.
Government unveils draft norms for drones, proposes unique IDs

On 1st November 2017, the Civil Aviation Ministry released draft norms for the unmanned aircraft
systems that stated that, drones for civilian use will require a Unique Identification Number
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and Radio Frequency tags.

i. As per the draft norms, Drones require Unique Identification Numbers Drones, Radio Frequency
tags and return to home option and anti-collision lights.
ii. Nano drones (weighing below 250 g) are exempted from seeking one-time approval,
including the unique number requirement. Mini Drones (weighing between 2 kg and 25 kg) need
to comply with remote pilot approval requirement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first World Food fair
On November 3, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘World Food India’ 2017
in New Delhi.India is hosting World Food Fair for the first time.
President of India inaugurates 21st World Congress of mental health, calls for fighting
stigma
On November 2, 2017, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 21st
World Congress of Mental Health in New Delhi.
i. 21st World Congress of Mental Health has been organised by the World Federation for
Mental Health in partnership with Caring Foundation and other institutions.
ii.This is the firt time, World Congress of Mental Health took place in India.
India offers to share real-time maritime data

India has made an offer to 10 Indian Ocean littoral States to share intelligence of
maritime movements in the Indian Ocean on real-time basis.
i.The information will not have much utility for conventional military purpose, but will help to deal
with non-traditional threats arising at sea.
All 4 wheel Motor Vehicles sold after 1st December 2017 to be fitted with FASTags
On 2nd November 2017, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified that, all four-wheel motor
vehicles sold on or after 1st December, 2017, will have FASTags fitted on them by the manufacturer
of the vehicle or its authorised dealer.
Foundation for Poverty-Free India to be laid by 2022: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog has said in a presentation that, the foundation for freedom from six problems namely
poverty, dirt, corruption, terrorism, casteism and communalism will be laid by 2022 when India
celebrates 75 years of Independence.
First Heli Expo India & International Civil Helicopter Conclave in New Delhi
On 4th and 5th November 2017, the 1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-
2017 was held at the Pawan Hans Heliport, Rohini, New Delhi.
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1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017:

i. The 1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017 was inaugurated
by Uttrakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaja ji.
ii. The theme of this conclave was ‘Enhancing Connectivity’. It was organised by Pawan Hans
Limited in association with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Telengana Government Unveils Food Processing Policy

On November 4, 2017, the second day of ‘World Food India’ 2017 event in New
Delhi, Telangana State Government launched its ‘Food Processing Policy’.
Sikkim to launch second phase of organic movement: Chamling

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on 05th Nov 2017 announced about a plan to
launch a second phase of organic movement in the state. Sikkim became a fully organic state on
2016.
Indian Railways launches main arch on world’s highest bridge on Chenab

Indian Railways has launched the main arch of the world’s highest bridge on the river
Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district which will provide direct connectivity to the Kashmir
valley.
i. The bridge will stand 359 metres above the bed of the River Chenab and will be 30 metres
higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
ii. The bridge forms link in the 111-km distance between Katra and Banihal which is part of the
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Kashmir Railway project.
Railways to indroduce Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system for rail employees

On 3rd November 2017, the Railway Board issued a letter stating that, it will install Aadhaar-based
biometric attendance system in all its zones and divisions by 31stJanuary 2018.
i. As per the order, the biometric attendance system would be first implemented in the offices of
all divisions, zones, Metro Rail Kolkata, railways workshop, factories and production
units by 30th November 2017.
Hyderabad’s signature cuisinea to get India Post stamp

On November 3, 2017, Department of Post issued stamps with photos of three Hyderabadi
dishes – Biryani, Baghare Baingan and Seviyan.
Nobel Memorial Wall inaugurated at Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk Metro station

On November 1, 2017, Embassy of Sweden and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
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Ltd jointly inaugurated the Nobel Memorial Wall at the Rajiv Chowk Metro station of the
Delhi Metro network. The wall will be on display till November 7, 2017.
Bombay HC allows woman with abnormal foetus to terminate pregnancy at 25 weeks

On November 6, 2017, Bombay High Court allowed a 28-year-old woman to abort her 25-week
foetus with neuro abnormalities.
i. This order by Bombay High Court’s bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and Girish
Kulkarni was based on a report by government-run JJ hospital which suggested that it is
advisable to terminate pregnancy.
Prakash Javadekar inaugurates ‘Chintan Shivir’ in New Delhi

On November 6, 2017, Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Prakash
Javadekar inaugurated a two-day National Workshop ‘Chintan Shivir’ in New Delhi. More
i. This workshop has been organized by Department of School Education and Literacy, under Union
HRD Ministry.
ii.The workshop focused on five themes – Digital education, Experimental learning, Life Skill
education, Value education and Physical Education.
PM Modi flagged off Bandhan Express & Inaugurates two bridges

‘Bandhan Express’ a passenger train between Kolkata and Bangladesh’s southwestern
industrial city of Khulna was inaugurated on November 9, 2017.
i. ’Bandhan Express’ was jointly flagged off (through video conferencing) by Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
ii. ’Bandhan Express’ will cover 172 kms distance between Kolkata and Khulna in four
hours. It will have two stoppages, one at Petrapole (on the India side) and other at Benapole
(in Bangladesh).
iii.The three leaders also inaugurated two bridges over the rivers Meghna and Titas in
Bangladesh to provide an end-to-end immigration facility to ease Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree train
services.
23rd GST Council Meet held in Guwahati, 28% Tax Only For 50 Items
23rd meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by Union Finance
Minister, Arun Jaitley was held in Guwahati, Assam on November 10, 2017. Decisions taken
during this meeting of GST council has brought in a comprehensive overhaul of GST rates.
Highlights of 23rd GST Council Meeting:
GST rate on 177 items has been reduced from 28% to 18%. Now only 50 items, mostly
demerit, sin and luxury goods will attract 28% GST rate.
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• This decision will have a revenue implication of Rs 20000 crore annually.

• Besides, 13 items have been moved from 18% to 12% slab, 6 items from 18% to
5% slab, 8 items from 12% to 5% slab and 6 items from 5% to nil.
• The new tax rates will come into effect from November 15, 2017.
• All restaurants across India (Air conditioned and non-Air conditioned
restaurants), except those in five-star hotels will be levied GST of 5%, without
input tax credit benefits
• The GST Council has also raised the threshold for the composition scheme to 1.5
crore from 1 crore. Under the composition scheme, traders are allowed to pay a fixed
rate to avoid GST paperwork.
• For nil liability tax filers, fine for late filing of returns has been cut to 20 per day
from Rs. 200.
Telangana passes three bills including one on prevention of dangerous activities

Telangana State Assembly has passed three key bills including Telangana Prevention of
Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug Offenders, Goondas, Immoral traffic
offenders and Land grabbers (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
i. The amendment to Prevention of Dangerous Activities Bill has been brought in to replace a
Government ordinance that was passed about 6 months ago to curb illegal activities.
ii. ‘Telangana Road Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2017’ is the second bill
that was passed.
iii. ‘Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2017’ is the third bill that was passed.

On November 10, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modiapproved
following initiatives and bilateral agreements.
Cabinet approves Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and Colombia
Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing the Joint Interpretative Declaration (JID)
between India and Colombia regarding the existing agreement for the Promotion and
Protection of Investments between both the countries.
Cabinet approves continuation and Restructuring of National Rural Drinking Water
Programme
Union Cabinet has given its approval for continuation and restructuring of National Rural
Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) with an objective to make it outcome-based and
competitive.
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Cabinet approves formation of 2nd National Judicial Pay Commission for Subordinate
Judiciary
2nd National Judicial Pay Commission will be headed by J P.Venkatrama Reddi, Former
Judge of Supreme Court of India. R. Basant, a Former Judge of the Kerala High Court is the
Member of the Commission.
The commission will examine the present structure of emoluments (including variety of
allowance and benefits) and conditions of service of Judicial Officers in the States and
Union Territories (UTs).
Cabinet approves utilisation of pulses from the buffer stock to meet nutrition demand
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved to utilize part of stock of pulses in
the buffer maintained by the Department of Consumer Affairs, for meeting the protein
component under various schemes of Central Government aimed at providing nutrition to various
target groups/beneficiaries.
Government to adopt land-pooling method for airport expansion

Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman, Guruprasad Mohapatra has stated that, Central
Government is working on adopting the ‘Land Pooling’ methodology as an alternative
mechanism for development and expansion of airports.
‘Land-Pooling’ methodology for urban development has so far been adopted in Gujarat, Andhra
Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Currently, Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT),
Ahmedabad has been assigned a task to explore the possibility of adopting ‘Land-
Pooling’ for development of three Greenfield airports and expansion of three brownfield
airports.
Union Cabinet approves Creation of National Testing Agency (NTA)

On November 10, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared a
proposal for creation of a National Testing Agency (NTA) which will conduct various entrance
examinations.
Objectives for Creating National Testing Agency (NTA):
Currently, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts Joint Engineering Entrance
(JEE) Exam, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Central Teacher Eligibility Test (twice a
year) UGC’s National Eligibility Test (twice a year) and the entrance test for Jawahar Navodaya
Vidyalayas. These exams/tests are in addition to CBSE’s own board exams.
• With the creation of National Testing Agency (NTA), CBSE and All India Council for
Technical Education (AICTE) will be relieved from conducting the above stated
exams/tests.
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Structure of National Testing Agency (NTA):

• An eminent educationist appointed by Union Human Resources Development
Ministry will be the Chairperson of NTA.
• The CEO of NTA will be the Director General, and will be appointed by the
government. Director General will be assisted by nine verticals headed by
academicians and experts.
• NTA will also have a Board of Governors comprising members from user institutions.
IT employees get nod to set up trade union in Karnataka

The labour commission of Karnataka has certified the formation of the Karnataka State IT/ITES
Employees Union (KITU) under the Trade Union Act, 1926, and Karnataka Trade Unions
Regulations, 1958.
i. The Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union (KITU) now formed is backed by the Centre of
Indian Trade Union (CITU). CITU is an affiliate of the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist).
Telangana CM declares Urdu as second official language

On November 9, 2017, Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao declared Urdu as
the state’s second official language.
i. Mr. Rao told the state assembly that the demand to make Urdu as second official language has
been there for a long time.
Rajnath Singh chairs second meeting of Island Development Agency

On November 8, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the second meeting of
Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi.The meeting was attended byGovernor of
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D.K. Joshi, who is also the Vice Chairman of IDA.
Sainik Sankshema Sabha to be organised in all districts of Andhra and Telangana

On 12th November 2017, Ex-servicemen Welfare Board officials said that, Sainik Sankshema
Sabha will be organised in all districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Sainik Sankshema Sabha:
i. The announcement was made at a rally and a grievance redressal programme organised in
Hyderabad. Lieutenant General R.K. Anand who is the General Officer Commanding Dakshin
Bharat Area inaugurated the rally.
2020 deadline to redevelop 10 railway stations with airport-like amenities

Rail Land Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
government owned infrastructure firm NBCC to redevelop 10 railway stations across
India with airport-like amenities by year 2020.
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More Information about redevelopment of 10 Railway Stations:

10 railway stations which would be redeveloped as per this MoU are Delhi Sarai Rohilla,
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Gomti Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), Kota (Rajsthan), Tirupati
(Andhra Pradesh), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Ernakulam (Kerala), Puducherry, Madgaon
(Goa) and Thane (Maharashra).
• The redevelopment of these 10 railway stations will be carried out at an estimated cost
of Rs 5000 crore.
• The redevelopment work at these stations will be carried out under a self-financing
model through land monetisation, wherein after completion of work, NBCC will be
granted rights for commercial usage of land at these stations.
• Against this work, NBCC would get commercial usage rights of the land at these
stations for 45 years. NBCC can build or lease land to hotels, malls, multiplexes and
corporate. It can even use it to build residential projects.
• Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that, depending on the success of
these projects, the self-financing model through land monetisation would be standardised
and implemented for other station development projects as well.
Delhi Cabinet okays setting up Delhi Village Development Board for civic works
On November 13, 2017, Delhi Cabinet approved to set up Delhi Village Development Board
(DVDB) for civic works in rural and urban villages of Delhi.
i. All 300 villages in the national capital will come under the purview of the board and it will
subsume the Delhi Rural Development Board (DRDB) that so far, carried out development
works only in rural villages.
ii. Village Development Committees (VDCs) will be set up to assist in carrying out survey of
the villages for assessing the current state of facilities and identifying priority areas for
development works.
NGT restricts number of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi shrine to 50,000 a day
On 13th November 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed that, only 50,000 pilgrims will
be allowed to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu to avoid any unwanted incidents.
i. NGT has made clear that, if the number of pilgrims exceeds the prescribed 50,000 count, they
will be stopped at Ardhkuwari or Katra town, and will not be allowed to visit the Vaishno Devi
shrine.
ii. It also said that, a new path to the shrine exclusively for pedestrians and battery-
operated cars will be opened from 24 November 2017. No horses or mules shall be allowed
on the new route to the shrine and these anmimals shall be removed slowly from the old path
also.
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Bihar government to set up ‘State Ayush Society’ to boost alternative medicine

On November 14, 2017, Bihar State Government gave approval for setting up a ‘State Ayush
Society’ with an aim to promote the usage of alternative medicine in the state.
i. Approval for setting up a ‘State Ayush Society’ was given at a State cabinet meeting chaired
by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
ii. Bihar’s ‘State Ayush Society’ will be set up as part of Central Government’s “National Ayush
Mission”. It will be registered under the Society Registration Act.
Railways plans to equip all trains with Bio-Toilets by December 2018

On 15th November 2017, an official said that, the target of 100 % completion of installing bio-toilets
in the Indian Railway coaches has been advanced to December 2018.
100 % installation of bio-toilets in Indian railways by December 2018:
i. Ravindra Gupta, Member (Rolling Stock), Ministry of Railway said that, the target for 100 %
completion of installing bio-toilets in railway coaches has been advanced to December
2018.
Karnataka launches project to install WiFi facilities in gram panchayats

On November 16, 2017, Karnataka State Government unveiled an ambitious project to install Wi-Fi
facility in all gram panchayats across the state.
i. During this year itself, Wi-Fi facility will be installed in 2500 gram panchayats.
ii. At Bengaluru Tech Summit 2017, Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah stated that the
objective of this project is to bridge the digital divide.
NGT pulls up Amarnath Shrine Board for lack of infrastructure for pilgrims
On November 15, 2017, National Green Tribunal (NGT) rapped the Amarnath Shrine Board for
not providing proper infrastructure facilities to pilgrims travelling to Amarnath Shrine.
i. NGT has directed the board to submit a status report on the same by first week of December
2017.
ii. Besides, NGT has formed a committee of experts, headed by Additional Secretary of the
Ministry of Environment and Forests, to recommend an action plan to the board on providing
facilities to pilgrims.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurates “Hunar Haat” in New Delhi

On 15th November 2017, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated the
fourth edition of ‘Hunar Haat’ at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Cabinet approves the establishment of the National Anti-profiteering Authority under GST
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Cabinet approves the establishment of the National Anti-profiteering Authority under GST
Union Cabinet has given its approval for the creation of the posts of Chairman and Technical
Members of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under Goods and Services Tax.
• NAA is a part of an institutional framework to implement “anti-profiteering”
measures under GST regime.
• Along with NAA, this framework comprises a Standing Committee, Screening
Committees in every State and the Directorate General of Safeguards in the
Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC).
Cabinet allows export of all varieties of pulses
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for removal of prohibition on export
of all types of pulses.
Expected benefits from allowing export of all varieties of pulses:
This decision has been taken to ensure that farmers have more choices in marketing their
produce and in getting better prices for their produce.
Karnataka Assembly passes anti-superstition bill

On November 16, 2017, Karnataka Legislative Assembly unanimously passed ‘Karnataka
Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017’.
Highways to be rated on safety features under India Road Assessment Programme

(IndiaRAP)
On 15th November 2017, India Road Assessment Programme (IndiaRAP) was launched to rate
highways’ safety levels, and to eliminate the most unsafe roads.
i. The ratings through IndiaRAP are assigned on the basis of the level of safety which is ‘built-in’ to
a road for vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Five-star roads are the
safest and one-star roads are the least safe.
ii. The IndiaRAP programme is being supported by FedEx Expressand will be hosted by
the Asian Institute of Transport Development.
Maharashtra bans Plastic Bottles at Government Offices, Hotels

On 17th November 2017, Maharashtra government announced ban on plastic bottles, with effect
from 18 March 2018, which will cover government offices, functions and state educational
institutes before it is extended to private institutes.
Maharshtra bans Plastic Bottles:
i. Maharashtra Environment Minister Ramdas Kadamannounced the new measures on plastic
bottles ban, at a meeting with municipal officials in Mumbai on 16thNovember 2017.
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ii. It was said that, plastic bottles will be prohibited at the Mantralaya – the state government
headquarters, before the statewide ban comes into effect on Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New
Year, in March 2018.
Centre approves Rs 10,000 crore for 107 Maharashtra irrigation projects

On 14th November 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that, the Centre
has given an in-principle approval to provide an assistance of Rs 10,000 crore to fund 107
irrigation projects in drought-hit Vidarbha and Maratha regions of Maharashtra.
Delhi govenment to form ‘Mahila Suraksha Dals’ to curb crimes against women in
national capital
On 17th November 2017, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia said that, the Delhi
government would form “Mahila Suraksha Dals” (women protection groups) to curb crimes
against women in the national capital.
Mahila Suraksha Dals (MSD):
i. Manish Sisodia said that, the government would constitute these teams in coordination with
the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).
ii. DCW chief Swati Maliwal said as a pilot project, the MSDs would be formed at three places,
which were prone to crimes against women, and then it would be expanded across Delhi.
iii. These MSDs will comprise representatives of the local community, both men and women,
besides civil defence volunteers, and will work at the grassroot-level to address the issue of
women’s safety.
Health Ministry introduces Daily Drug Regimen for treatment of Tuberculosis

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently announced the launch of daily regimen for TB
patients across the country under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP).
Daily Drug Regimen for treatment of Tuberculosis:
i. The Health Ministry has been providing the thrice weekly regimen for the treatment of
tuberculosis (TB). It has now decided to change to daily drug regimenusing Fixed Dose
Combinations (FDC) for treatment.
Karnataka assembly passes SC/ST promotions bill

On November 17, 2017, Karnataka State Legislative Assembly passed ‘Karnataka Extension of
Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation
(To the posts in the Civil Services of the State) Bill 2017’.
Information related to Karnataka SC/ST promotions bill:
i. In wake of this decision, Karnataka State Government formed a committee led by
Additional Chief Secretary Ratnaprabha to collate scientific, quantifiable and relevant data.
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IOC sets up India’s first electric vehicle charging station in Nagpur.

On 19th November 2017, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) launched India’s first Electric Vehicle (EV)
charging station at a petrol pump in Nagpur.
India’s first electric vehicle charging station in Nagpur:
i.IOC, in collaboration with Ola, has launched India’s first electric charging station at one
of its petrol-diesel stations in Nagpur.
ii.Nagpur, being the first city to introduce Electric Public Transportation Model in India, has
added one more feather to its cap by adding the first electric charging station at IOC’s petrol pump
in Nagpur.
India and France to act against Terrorism

On November 17, 2017, India and France decided to strengthen counter-terror cooperation, and
asked the international community to oppose the countries which are supporting terrorism by
providing financial assistance and shelter to terrorists.
i.On November 17, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj held wide-ranging
talks with visiting French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian in
New Delhi.
ii.Besides holding discussions on key regional and international issues, both the ministers also
decided to strengthen cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Maharashtra CM launches initiative to curb Childhood Obesity

On November 16, 2017, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a new
initiative against childhood obesity in Pune.
More information about Maharashtra Govt’s initiative to curb Childhood Obesity:
i.Under this initiative, schools will be given Body Mass Index (BMI) dialler, through which
children will be able to know their BMI.
ii.This initiative has been taken by Rotary Club of Koregaon Park with JT Foundation.
Jammu & Kashmir celebrates ‘Heritage Week’ to preserve, protect its culture
On 19th November 2017, Jammu and Kashmir Education and Tourism Minister Priya Sethi
inaugurated ‘Heritage Week’ to generate awareness on preservation of the state’s ancient culture
and environment, in Jammu & Kashmir.
Government cancels Israeli missile deal worth $500-million

Indian Government has decided to cancel a $500 million deal for procuring Spike ATGM (Anti-
Tank Guided Missile) from Israel.
Background Information and Rationale behind cancelling the deal:
i.The $500 million deal to procure Spike ATGM form Rafael Advanced Defence Systems of
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Israel was expected to be signed after price negotiations completed last year.
ii.However, the deal was cancelled as India’s Defence Ministry believes that importing a foreign
ATGM at this stage would negatively impact the programme for indigenous development of the
weapon system by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
iii.Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman wants that Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided
Missile (MPATGM) for the Indian Army should be indigenously develop and build by DRDO.
Karnataka Cabinet approves Electronics System Design, Manufacturing policy

On November 20, 2017, Karnataka State Cabinet approved ‘Karnataka Electronics System
Design and Manufacturing (KESDM) Policy 2017-22’ to promote electronic design and
manufacturing in the state.
FOGSI launches ‘Manyata’ movement for quality maternal care in India

On November 20, 2017, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India
(FOGSI) launched ‘Manyata’, a nationwide movement emphasising the need for quality care for
mothers during and immediately after childbirth.
More Information about ‘Manyata’:
i.FOGSI has launched ‘Manyata’ in partnership with MSD for Mothers, MacArthur Foundation
and Jhpiego (a non-profit health organsiation affiliated of Johns Hopkins University).
Maharashtra sets up Gender Budget cell for WCD

Maharashtra’s Minister for Finance and Planning, Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced to set
up Gender Budget Cells in his ministry for improving coordination and implementation of various
schemes of Women and Child Welfare department (WCD) with other government
departments.
Centre bans artificial lights in mechanised fishing vessels

On the World Fisheries Day (21st November 2017), Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said,
the Centre has banned use of LED lights and other artificial lights on mechanised fishing vessels in
order to protect the marine ecology.
Artificial lights banned in mechanized fishing vessels:
i. The government has also prohibited the practice of bull-trawling, purse seining and gill netting
operations in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) beyond territorial waters.
Cabinet gives nod to wage policy framework for CPSE workers

the ‘Wage Policy’ framework for the 8th Round of Wage negotiations for workmen in central
public sector enterprises (CPSEs).
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i. This decision will impact 9.35 lakh unionised workmen in central public sector
enterprises.
ii. The terms of guidelines for wage negotiations are issued by the Department of Public
Enterprises (DPE).

following bilateral agreements and initiatives:
Cabinet approves India’s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &
Development
Union Cabinet has approved India’s Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction &
Development (EBRD). Department of Economic Affairs under Union Ministry of Finance will
now initiate necessary steps to acquire the membership.
Cabinet approves continuation of the scheme on Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
beyond the 12th Plan Period
Union Cabinet has given its approval for continuation of the scheme on Indian Institute of
Corporate Affairs (IICA) for another three financial years (2017-18 to 2019-20).
Cabinet approves revised salaries, gratuity, allowances and pension for the Judges of the
Supreme Court and the High Courts
Cabinet approves setting up of the 15th Finance Commission
In order to fulfill the constitutional obligation under Article 280 (1) of Indian Constitution,
Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of the 15th Finance Commission. Terms of Reference
for the 15th Finance Commission will be notified soon.
• Task of the Finance Commission is to define the financial relations between the
central government of India and the individual state governments.
Centre initiates ‘safe city’ plan for women in 8 metro cities

On 22nd November 2017, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired a meeting to initiate the
process of formulating ‘safe city’ plans for women in 8 metropolitan cities.
Safe city:
i. The safe city plan will be implemented in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru, Lucknow and Hyderabad. The steering committee meeting was constituted by
the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Punjab Cabinet gives nod to amend Punjab excise Act & amendments to Co-operative
Societies Act
On 22nd November 2017, the Punjab cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Co-operative
Societies Act, 1961, a legislation governing co-operative societies in Punjab, to allow people to
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contest the mergers of some societies.
Karnataka passes diluted law Bill to regulate hospital policies, fees

On 22nd November 2017, the Karnataka Assembly passed a diluted version of law proposed by the
Congress government to regulate pricing and certain policies at private hospitals and medical
establishments in Karnataka.
Karnataka’s diluted medical bill:
i. The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) (KPME) Bill, 2017 was
passed with some modifications, as demanded by private medical establishments during the course
of protests held against the Bill last week.
Consultative Workshop on New National Policy on Biofuels held in New Delhi

On 23rd November 2017, a consultative workshop on ‘New National Policy on Biofuels & Pradhan
Mantri Ji- Van Yojana (VGF for 2nd Generation Ethanol Bio Refineries)’ was held in New Delhi.
Consultative workshop on ‘New National Policy on Biofuels & Pradhan Mantri Ji- Van
Yojana’:
i. The workshop was organized by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for inviting
suggestions for drafting a suitable roadmap for Biofuels in India.
Indian Railways installs Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) in Kharagpur
Indian Railways has installed Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system in Kharagpur,
which will enable station masters to set 800 different routes for trains in a matter of minutes.
Asia’s largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system in Kharagpur:
i. Interlocking is a railway signal apparatus that prevents conflicting movements of trains. Asia’s
largest Solid State Interlocking (SSI) system has been installed in Kharagpur at a cost of Rs 39
crore.
ii. Also, the SSI software will detect the routes a particular train can take and inform the station
masters working at the panel, bringing down the operation time and the possibility of human error.
Centre Promulgates Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has stated
that Union Government has promulgated the Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to
exempt bamboo grown in non-forest areas from definition of tree.
More Information about Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017:
i. This ordinance is aimed at increasing bamboo plantation.
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ii. Taxonomically, bamboo is a grass, yet Indian Forest Act, 1927 defines it as tree, making it
illegal to cut and transport bamboo grown in forest as well as non-forest land.
iii. Current demand of bamboo in India stands at 28 million tonnes. Despite of having 19%
share of world’s area under bamboo cultivation, India’s market share in the sector is only 6%.
Centre announces infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore for Tamil Nadu
On November 23, 2017, Central Government approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore
in Tamil Nadu.
i. Union Road Transport and Shipping Minister, Nitin Gadkari was on a visit to Chennai on
November 23, 2017. During this visit, he announced highway projects worth Rs 40,000 crore
under the Bharatmala highway construction program.
Punjab govt notifies ban on truckers’ cartelisation

On November 24, 2017, Punjab State Government notified the ‘Punjab Goods Carriages
(Regulation and Prevention of Cartelization Rules), 2017’, banning goods carriage operators
from forming cartels in the state.
India to help Mauritius on digital locker services

The Government of India will assist Mauritius to develop and set up digital locker services.
India to help Mauritius to set up digital locker services:
i. Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of electronics and IT, said that, Government of
India will assist Mauritius to develop and set up digital locker services, on the sidelines of Global
Conference on Cyber Space 2017.
115 backward districts in India to be transformed by 2022

On 24th November 2017, the government said, it had identified 115 backward districts for rapid
transformation by 2022, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create a “New India”
over the next five years.
115 backward districts to be transformed by 2022:
i. Senior level government officials, at the rank of Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary, have
been nominated as ‘Prabhari’ officers for each district.
ii. A detailed briefing of these officials was held under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary P.K.
Sinha. He advised the Prabhari officers to immediately form a team with state representatives and
bring convergence in their effort.
World’s First 3D Sanskrit Film Anurakthi Screened at 2017 IFFI Goa

The World’s first Sanskrit 3D film‘Anurakthi’ is among the main attraction in 3D category at the
ongoing International Film Festival of India in Panaji in Goa.
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First 3D Sanskrit Film

The movie directed by Asokan PK revolves aroundthe traditional art form of Kerala,
Koodiyattam.
Maneka Gandhi launches training program for Elected Women Representatives of

Panchayats
On November 26, 2017, Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD), Maneka
Gandhi launched an intensive training program for Capacity Building of Elected Women
Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions in New Delhi.
More Information about Capacity building of Elected Women Representatives (EWRs)
Programme:
i. This program is being organized by National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child
Development (NIPCCD) under Ministry of WCD.
ii. Under this programme, approximately twenty thousand EWRs covering nearly 50 EWRs from
each district will be trained by March, 2018.
Skill India partners with Airbnb to Upskill Hospitality Entrepreneurs

On 28th November 2017, a tripartite MoU was signed between National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC) and Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) with Airbnb.
Skill India partners with Airbnb:
i. The MoU will provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. The
signing of this MoU is in line with the Government’s endeavor to promote entreprenuership under
the Government’s Skill India Programme.
PM Modi inaugurates Hyderabad Metro Rail

On November 28, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 30 km-long, first phase
of Hyderabad Metro Rail between Miyapur and Nagole, at Miyapur station.
Inauguration of Hyderabad Metro Rail:
i. Post inauguration, PM Modi took a ride along with Telangana chief Minister K
Chandrashekhar Rao in its maiden run.
ii. On completion, Hyderabad Metro Rail will be world’s largest public-private partnership
(PPP) in metro rail sector. The project is being executed by Larsen & Toubro.
Manipur CM Biren Singh inaugurates India-Myanmar media interaction programme

On November 27, 2017, Manipur Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh inaugurated a two-day India-
Myanmar media interaction programme in Imphal.
About India-Myanmar media interaction programme:
i. This event was sponsored by the Manipur tourism department in collaboration with
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Information and Public Relations department and the state level committee of the Act
East Policy.
48th International Film Festival of India(IFFI) held in Goa

48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Panjim, Goa from 20th – 28thNovember,
2017.
This event was jointly conducted by the Union Ministry of Information and
broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and the Government of Goa.
• Theme of 48th IFFI was “Celebrating the Future of Cinema”.
Canada the focus country at IFFI 2017
Canada was the focus country at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2017.
IFFI opened with Iranian filmmaker’s Beyond The Clouds
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2017 opened with renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid
Majidi’s ‘Beyond The Clouds’.
• ‘Beyond The Clouds’ is a tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in
separation and turbulent time.
• A R Rahman has composed the music for this film, while, Ishaan Khatter and
Malavika Mohanan are the lead actors.
Subhash Ghai and Shraddha inaugrate Bioscope Village at IFFI
On November 21, 2017, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, actors Padmini Kolhapure and Shraddha
Kapoor inaugurated ‘Bioscope Village’, an initiative by Entertainment Society of Goa, at the 48th
edition of the International Film Festival of India in Panjim, Goa.
48th International Film Festival of India concludes in Goa
48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded on November 28, 2017 in Panjim, Goa.
• 48th IFFI concluded with the world premiere of Indo-Argentinian co-production “Thinking
of Him”, directed by Pablo Cesar.
IFFI personality of the year award for Amitabh Bachchan
On November 28, 2017, at the closing ceremony of 48th IFFI, Bollywood superstar Amitabh
Bachchan was honoured with personality of the year award.
Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan to get lifetime achievement
Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the
48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Mumbai to host 15th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short and
Animation films
Mumbai is to host the 15th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short and
Animation films from 28th January – 3rd February 2018.
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i. The Mumbai International Film Festival will be inaugurated on 28th January 2018, at the National
Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai. It is organized by theFilms Division, Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting (I&B).
ii. The Organizing Committee of MIFF is headed by the Secretary, I&B and consists of
eminent film personalities, documentary makers and film critics.
Centre sanctioned Rs 275 cr for Global Centre for Security and Counter Terrorism
Central Government has sanctioned Rs 275 crore for establishing a Global Centre for Security
and Counter-Terrorism in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
i. Announcement in this regard was made by Rajasthan Home Minister, Gulab Chand
Kataria on November 28, 2017.
Health Ministry and ICMR launches India Hypertension Management Initiative

On November 29, 2017, Smt Preeti Sudan, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) and Dr. Soumya
Swaminathan, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General of Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR), launched India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI).
About India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI):
i. IHMI has been launched with an objective to reduce morbidity and mortality due to
cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by controlling high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor
for CVDs among adults in India.
ii. .IHMI is a collaborative project of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), World Health Organization (WHO), State
Governments and Resolve to Save Lives initiative of Vital Strategies.
Eastern Railways presses first Swarna Rajdhani rake

On November 28, 2017, Eastern Railways brought into service, the first rake of upgraded Sealdah –
New Delhi ‘Swarna’ Rajdhani.
About Project ‘Swarna’ and the upgraded rake of Sealdah – New Delhi Rajdhani:
i. This rake has become India’s first Swarna Rajdhani rake under Project ‘Swarna’ of Indian
Railways.
HEFA approves projects worth Rs. 2,067 cr in 6 institutions

2nd meeting of Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) Board was held on November 29,
2017.
i. During this meeting, HEFA board approved projects worth Rs. 2066.73 Cr to improve the
research infrastructure in six institutions – IITs Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur,
Kanpur and NIT Suratkal.
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ii. Out of the approved projects, 16 projects are for upgrading Research/academic facilities and 11
projects are for other supporting infrastructure.
PLACES IN NEWS
Walmart India launched its first fulfillment centre in Mumbai
After signing a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra government, Walmart
India on 2nd Nov 2017 has announced its plans to launch its Cash and Carry business in Mumbai to
enable small businesses.
Odisha imposes 7-month ban on fishing to protect Olive Ridley turtles

The Odisha Government has imposed seven-months ban i.e. til May 2018, on fishing in the Puri
coast in order to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle.
i. This ban comes prior to arrival of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting in the winter season along the
east coast of Odisha.
ii. The restriction is imposed in accordance with provisions of Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation
Act (OMFRA), 1982 and provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
World’s highest motorable road constructed in Ladakh

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Union Ministry of Defense has constructed the
world’s highest motorable road (at 19300 feet) in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Facts related to World’s highest motorable road constructed in Ladakh:
i. It is a 86km long road connecting Chisumle and Demchok villages, located 230 Kms from Leh.
ii. Construction of roads like Khardung La at an altitude of 17,900 ft and Changla Pass at17,695 ft
in Leh are the other feats accomplished under ‘Project Himank’.
Sonepur cattle fair, Asia’s largest, begins in Bihar

On November 2, 2017, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi inaugurated
‘Sonepur Mela’ (in Sonpur town of Bihar). Sonepur Mela is considered as one of the biggest
cattle fair in Asia. The fair will continue till December 3, 2017.
More Information about Sonepur Cattle Fair:
i. It is an annual cattle fair and its origins can be traced to the Mughal era.
ii. ’Sonepur Fair’ is also known as ‘Kshetra Mela’. It is conducted at the confluence of Rivers
Ganga, Gandak and Mahi.
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Balijatra festival begins in Cuttack, Odisha

On 4th November 2017, the annual Balijatra festival began on the banks of river Mahanadi in
Cuttack at Gadagadia ghat.
World’s third largest book fair opens in Sharjah

World’s third largest book fair, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2017, opened pm
November 1, 2017 in Sharjah, UAE.
i. SIBF 2017 has been organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The fair will continue for 11
days.
ii. Theme of SIBF 2017 is ‘A World in My Book’.
iii.As United Kingdom is SIBF 2017 ‘Country of Honour’, a special programme will be held
featuring elite British authors and prominent literary figures.
iv It is to be noted that Sharjah has been declared as the ‘World Book Capital 2019’ by
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
First ever Nordic-Baltic youth film festival in India

The Nordic-Baltic embassies are set to host the first ever youth film festival of the European
nations at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi from 13 – 18 November 2017.
Nordic-Baltic youth film festival 2017:
i. The Nordic-Baltic youth film festival is organized by Nordic-Baltic embassies in collaboration with
the India Habitat Centre.
ii. The Nordic-Baltic countries are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania,
Norway and Sweden. They are tied together geographically and historically through trade, culture
and many other value systems.
Third edition of Russian film fest opens in Delhi

After the great success of the first two editions, the third edition of the Russian film festival
titled‘Russian Film Days’ is now open for cinema lovers in NewDelhi until Sunday 12th Nov
2017.
India will be hosting its first Military Literature Festival in Chandigarh

Punjab State Government has announced that the first Military Literature Festivalwould be held
in Chandigarh from 7th – 9th December, 2017.
IORA to set up Centre of Excellence in Kochi

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is to set up a Centre of Excellence in Kochi, Kerala.
i. This centre will facilitate the exchange of research findings and studies in the field of fisheries
and ocean studies among IORA member countries.
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ii. With the establishment of a dedicated centre for research, there will be no duplication of
research by different member countries.
iii. IORA Centre of Excellence in Kochi will be digitally connected to IORA’s member countries,
and researchers in member countries would be provided access to data and information stored in
the centre.
iv. Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) is being considered as a
partner to set up the centre in Kochi.
West Bengal gets GI Tag for ‘Rosogolla’

On 14th November 2017, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry announced that, West Bengal
has been awarded the Geographical Indications (GI) status for ‘Rosogolla’.
‘Rosogolla’ originated in West Bengal:
i. The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has said that, the ‘Rosogolla’ originated in West
Bengal and not Odisha. West Bengal and Odisha have been fighting a legal battle over the origin
of the sweet meat ‘Rosogolla’ since June 2015.
Andhra Pradesh hosting its first ever hot-air balloon festival

On 14 – 16th November 2017, Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh is hosting the first edition of its Hot
Air Balloon Festival.
i. The Hot Air Balloon Festival is organised by SkyWaltz and supported by Andhra Pradesh
tourism. The festival will feature unique balloons from 13 countries. Some of the participating
countries are India, Australia, USA, Brazil and South Korea.
Fortnight long Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” held in New Delhi

On 16th November 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ a
fortnight long tribal festival at Dilli Haat, in New Delhi.
Aadi Mahotsav:
i. The theme of the festival is ‘A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Cuisine and
Commerce’. More than 750 tribal artisans and artisans from over 25 states are taking part in the
festival.
ii. The inaugural function was presided over by Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram.Aadi
Mahotsav is organised at four venues throughout Delhi.
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Namami Barak festival

On 18th November 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Namami Barak
festival at Silchar, Assam.
i.Sarbananda Sonowal said that, the Namami Barak is organised to revive humanistic values, to
discover resources and possibilities of the land.
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ii.Also a new train connecting Silchar Dibrugarh – Trivandrum was flagged off. Sonowal added
that Dibrugarh and Silchar direct air connectivity has also started.
Tribal festival Parab takes off in Koraput, Odisha

On 19th November 2017, Parab-2017, the annual cultural festival of Odisha’s Koraput district,
showcasing the tribal art and culture, started.
Sangai Festival 2017 held in Manipur

On 21st November 2017, the Sangai Festival 2017 was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind
in Manipur.
i. The Sangai Festival 2017 is held for 10 days. It is named after Manipur’s state animal, the
brow-antlered Sangai deer.
World’s biggest toilet pot model unveiled at ‘Trump village’ in Haryana

On 19th November 2017, the world’s biggest toilet pot model was unveiled at Marora,
popularly known as the “Trump village”, in Haryana.
Assam to celebrate ‘Lachit Divas’ in different state capitals

On 24th November 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Assam
government would celebrate ‘Lachit Divas’ at various state capitals in India from next year.
i. ‘Lachit Divas’ is celebrated to promote the ideals of Lachit Borphukan – the legendary general of
Assam’s history. Sarbananda Sonowal took part in the Lachit Divas celebration at the statue of
Lachit Borphukan at Brahmaputra riverfront on 24th November 2017.
President of India inaugurates International Gita Mahotsava-2017 in Haryana

On November 25, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Gita
Mahotsava-2017 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
i. Gita Mahotsava-2017 will conclude on December 3, 2017.
ii. Mauritius is the partner country and Uttar Pradesh is the partner state for this event.
Two-day Korea Tourism Festival 2017 opens in Haryana

On November 26, 2017, a two-day ‘Korea Culture and Tourism Festival’ showcasing Korea’s
rich art, culture and heritage was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana by Korea Tourism
Organisation (KTO) Executive Vice President, Min Hong Min along with Suman Billa, Joint Secretary
in the Union Ministry Of Tourism.
Haryana becomes first state to treat Hepatitis-C patients through oral medicine
Haryana has emerged as the first state in India to treat Hepatitis-C patients through oral
26 | P a g e
medicine.
i. This announcement was made by Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij, during a training workshop
organised by the health department.
ii. Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. Haryana State
Government will provide it free of cost.Mr. Vij also mentioned that Haryana will be the first state
where 35 to 40 health tests would be conducted for everyone by visiting houses of all residents.
First power plant under PM Ladakh scheme commissioned in Drass

On 10th November 2017, the New and Renewable Energy Ministry said that, the power plant in
Biaras Drass of Kargil has become the first project to be commissioned under the Prime Minister’s
Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative.
i. The Biaras Small Hydropower Project (SHP) of 1.5 Mw was commissioned on 4th November
2017. This is the first project to be commissioned under the Prime Minister’s Ladakh
Renewable Energy Initiative (LREI).
Gurugram to have North India’s biggest butterfly park

On November 11, 2017, Haryana State Forests Minister Rao Narbir Singh, laid the foundation
stone for a Butterfly Conservatory Park in Gurugram.
i. This conservatory park will be developed on 15 acres in Sector 52 of Gurugram in association
with a non-governmental organisation named Uthaan.
ii. Work of developing this park will take about one year time. On completion, it will be North
India’s biggest butterfly park.
India’s first cartoon network theme park to come up in Surat

Turner International India, the parent entity of Cartoon Network brand has announced that it
has entered into a brand partnership with a Gujarat-based private firm to set up India’s first
cartoon network theme amusement park in Surat.
i. Turner International India has entered into a brand partnership with Rajgreen (Gujarat based
real estate, entertainment and hospitality group) for the launch of a 61000 square meter
property Amaazia, in Surat.
Northeast to get India’s first ever ‘Air Dispensary’

Northeast is set to get India’s first-ever “Air Dispensary” based in a helicopter and the
Union Ministry of Development of Northeast (DONER) has already contributed Rs. 25 crore as part
of the initial funding.
India’s first Air Dispensary in North East:
i. The Union Minister of DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh said that, the Air Dispensary plan might be
implemented, by the beginning of 2018. As per the plan, helicopter will be based at two locations,
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namely Imphal in Manipur and Meghalaya in Shillong.
Nagaland becomes first North East state to launch PoS for electricity bill payments
On 16th November 2017, Nagaland became the first among the North Eastern states to launch Point
of Sale (PoS) for electricity bill payment.
J P Nadda inaugurates 1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products in New Delhi
On 21st November 2017, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda inaugurated
the 1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and
Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in New Delhi.
1st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade
and Health:
i.The Conference is being organized by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with
the support of WHO Country Office for India and in partnership withIndian Society of
International Law.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
‘Fake news’ named word of the year 2017
‘Fake news’ has been named the word of the year by Collins dictionary due to its
widespread use around the world in recent times.
Kazakhstan to change its name by 2025

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian Country will change its name to Qazaqstan.
i. On October 27, 2017, Kazakhstan Government announced that it will appoint a national
committee to oversee the country’s transition from Russian Cyrillic to a Latin-based
alphabet, which be completed by 2025.
Col Rajyavardhan Rathore to attend World Youth Forum at Sharam El Shiekh, Egypt
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan
Rathore has left to attend World Youth Forum, scheduled to be held at Sharam El Shiekh, Egypt.
India, Egypt to step up cooperation in sports, youth affairs

On November 5, 2017, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore met Sports
Minister of Egypt, Khaled Abd El Aziz and discussed ways to step up cooperation in the field of
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sports and youth affairs.

i. Mr. Rathore visited Egypt to attend the World Youth Forum. Around 3200 participants from
over 50 countries participated in the World Youth Forum.
ii. Mr. Rathore informed Mr. Aziz about Union Sports Ministry’s decision to hire Egyptian
trainers and support staff for squash.
China extends national anthem law to Hong Kong

On 4th November 2017, China adopted a new law enforcing a three-year punishment for
disrespecting the national anthem, which would be enforced in the specially administered
provinces of Hong Kong and Macau.
Nepal opens bridge built with India’s help near China border
On November 5, 2017, Nepal inaugurated a bridge on the Kaligandaki River at Jomsom
area in Mustang district near China border.
i. This bridge has been built with financial assistance of 44.5 million Nepali rupees
provided by India. The financial assistance was provided as a part of India–Nepal Economic
Cooperation (INEC) programme.
ii. INEC has an outlay of over 76 billion Nepali rupees under which more than 554 large and
small development projects have been completed or are currently being implemented. INEC
focuses on projects in education, health and infrastructure sectors.
Guinea becomes new member of International Solar Alliance

On November 6, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a meeting with
Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Mamady Toure. During the course of this meeting, Mamady Toure
handed over Guinea’s Instrument of Accession to the India-initiated International Solar Alliance
(ISA).
i. The International Solar Alliance is an alliance of countries which are located completely
or partly between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
International Consortium of Investigative Journalists releases The Paradise Papers

On November 5, 2017, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
(ICIJ)released ‘The Paradise Papers’, a global investigation that revealed as to how some of the
world’s most powerful/famous people and business entities moved money to and from 19 tax
havens to evade taxes through trusts, foundations and shell companies.
More Information about ‘The Paradise Papers’:
i. Information revealed by ‘The Paradise Papers’ is based on leaked data of offshore law firms
and the company registries located in world’s most secretive countries.Most of the data
leak came from Appleby, a Bermuda-based legal services provider.
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ii. The data was procured by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and was shared with
ICIJ.
iiiAmong these countries India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names. Information
pertaining to financial activities of 714 Indians has been provided in ‘The Paradise Papers’.
EU launches Election Observation Mission for Nepal polls

On 7th November 2017, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) was launched to
monitor the general and provincial polls in Nepal which are scheduled for 26 November and 7
December, 2017.
Chennai included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for Contribution in Music
Chennai has been included in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO’s) Creative Cities Network for its rich musical tradition.
More Information on Chennai’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network
Chennai is the third Indian city to be included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Jaipur
and Varanasi have already featured in the network for their contributions to music and
folk arts.
• Few months ago, Union Culture Ministry had submitted a dossier to nominate
Chennai for the Creative Cities Network.
• Chennai is one of the 64 cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities last
month. Other cities that were designated last month include Cairo (Egypt), Cape Town
(South Africa), Manchester (UK), and Milan (Italy).
• On being included in the network, Chennai will now hold cultural events for four
years to highlight its musical tradition. These events will be monitored by the
UNESCO.
India re-elected as member of UNESCO’s executive board

On November 10, 2017, India got re-elected as a member of the Executive Board of the UN
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The executive board is the top
decision- making body of UNESCO.
i. India was re-elected to executive Board during 39th session of the general conference of
UNESCO in Paris, France.
ii. UNESCO’s General Conference comprises representatives of member countries and meets
every two years.
US Congress authorises $700 million for reimbursing Pakistan

The American Congress has authorised up to $700 million in Coalition Support Fund (CSF) to
reimburse Pakistan for activities carried out in support of US operations in Afghanistan.
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BSF, Pakistan Rangers to hold Commandant-level talks

On 10th November 2017, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers decided to
conduct Commandant-level talks along the International Border (IB) to resolve local issues.
PM Modi inaugurated Rice Field laboratory in Manila named after him

On 13th November 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Philippines and inaugurated ‘Shri Narendra Modi Resilient Rice
Field Laboratory’ named after him.
i. Narendra Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of the ‘Shri Narendra Modi Resilient
Rice Field Laboratory’. He also undertook a symbolic ground breaking for a new plot for
submergence tolerant rice varieties and presented two Indian rice seed varieties to the
IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) gene bank.
Nepal cancels power project with China

Nepal has cancelled the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project with the Chinese firm due to
irregularities and lack of transparency.
i. Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa announced that, the power project with Chinese
firm has been cancelled as directed by the parliamentary committee. It is said to be cancelled
due to irregularities and lack of transparency.
ii. Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project is a storage type project, located in Central/ Western
Development region on the Budhi Gandaki River of Nepal.
Syria signs up Paris Agreement on climate change

On 14th November 2017, United Nations announced that, Syria has officially signed the Paris
Agreement on climate change.
US Consulate General launches for young entrepreneurs

On November 14, 2017, The US Consulate General, Kolkata launched ‘Youth for Business-
Y4BIZ’, a support programme for young entrepreneurs in the eastern region of India.
i. Under ‘Youth for Business-Y4BIZ’ programme, a group of 50 young entrepreneurs will be
supported to transform their business ideas from the initial stage to a sustainable business model.
ii. This programme will be launched soon in three other cities of eastern India – Guwahati
(Assam) , Patna (Bihar), Ranchi (Jharkhand).
Canada declared as World’s Best Travel Destination for 2017

Major travel publication Travel+Leisure has named Canada ‘the destination of the year’ in
their recent feature.
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IFFCO retains global seat in International Cooperative Alliance

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has retained the prestigious seat of
the Director on Global Board of International Co-operative Alliance (ICA).
i. This is the second time in a row that IFFCO has retained the seat of the Director on Global Board
of ICA.
ii. IFFCO’s candidate, Aditya Yadav retained his position on the ICA’s Board of Directors, by
securing 627 out of 696 votes. Candidates from Japan, US, Canada, UK, Australia, Italy and Brazil
were also contesting for this post.
China opens world’s coolest library

China has opened the world’s coolest library in the Binhai Cultural District in Tianjin, China.
i. The library has been designed by Dutch design firm MVRDV in collaboration with the Tianjin
Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI). It covers33,700 square meters.
Sarajevo Haggadah listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World

Sarajevo Haggadah, the 14th- century richly illuminated Hebrew manuscript, has been
included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
i.Sarajevo Haggadah has been kept at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina since
1894.
ii.In Hebrew, Haggadah means a handwritten story (on parchment). It is read by family
members on the occasion of the Jewish feast of Passover.
UN Assembly Passes Pakistan-Sponsored Resolution On Self-Determination

On November 16, 2017, United Nations (UN) General Assembly unanimously passed a Pakistan-
sponsored resolution that considers right of peoples to self-determination as a fundamental
condition for the effective guarantee and observance of human rights.
i.This resolution was co-sponsored by 75 member countries of UN and was adopted without a
vote in UN General Assembly’s Third Committee.
ii.UN General Assembly’s Third Committee deals with social, humanitarian and cultural
issues.
India, China Hold First Border Talk After Doklam Standoff in Beijing’
On November 18, 2017, 10th round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and
Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held between Indian and Chinese
officials in Beijing.
Road-map for Talanoa Dialogue prepared at Bonn UN Climate Change Conference

2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference, which incorporated the twenty-
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third Conference of the Parties (COP23), the thirteenth meeting of the parties for
the Kyoto Protocol (CMP13) and the second meeting of the parties for the Paris
Agreement (CMA2) concluded on November 18, 2017 in Bonn, Germany. The conference
concluded with ‘Talanoa Dialogue’, a year-long process to assess countries’ progress on climate
actions.
China launches three remote sensing satellites

On 21st November 2017, China launched three remote sensing satellites Jilin-1 04, Jilin-1 05 and
Jilin-1 06 from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China’s northern Shanxi Province.
China’s remote sensing satellites launched:
India asks UN to declare 2018 as International Year of Millets

Indian Government has written a letter to United Nations (UN) urging to declare 2018 as the
‘International Year of Millets’. If this request is accepted by UN, it will help in spreading awareness
about nutritional value of millets across the world.
i. Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh wrote a letter to UN Secretary General
Antonio Guterres stating that there is a need to promote millets as awareness is low among
consumers, policy makers as well as food industry.
Ayodhya Mahotsav to be held in South Korea next year

‘Ayodhya Mahotsav’, depicting the cultural heritage of the temple town, would be held in Seoul
and Gimhe cities of South Korea in 2018.
WHO for first time releases guidelines on child sex abuse

World Health Organisation (WHO) has released clinical guidelines on responding to children and
adolescents who have been sexually abused.
i. These guidelines are specifically for general practitioners, gynaecologists, paediatricians,
nurses and other frontline health care providers who may directly receive a victim of sexual
abuse or may identify signs of sexual abuse while diagnosing or treating a patient.
Russia to help India set up crisis management centre

India and Russia have entered into an agreement under which, EMERCOM of Russia would
cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre
(NCMC) in India to handle disaster and other emergency situations.
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i. This cooperation was agreed during a meeting between Union Home Minister Rajnath
Singh and Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov in Moscow,
Russia on November 28, 2017.
India to assist in strengthening transport system in Kabul

India will provide USD 2.87 million to Afghanistan for refurbishment (renovation) of 350 buses
that will help in strengthening the public transport system of Kabul.
i. The Indian Embassy in Kabul said that, an MoU in this regard was signed by Manpreet Vohra,
Indian ambassador to Afghanistan, and Afghan Transport Minister Hameed Tahmasi
ii. The Ministry of External Affairs said on twitter that, the 350 buses are expected to be operational
by end of 2018.
Victoria becomes first Australian state to legalise euthanasia

On 29th November 2017, Victoria became the first Australian state to legalise assisted dying,
or euthanasia, as lawmakers voted to allow terminally ill patients the right to request a lethal drug
to end their lives from June 2019.
U.S.-India Business Council unveils mentorship program for women entrepreneurs

On November 28, 2017, U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) announced a collaborative initiative
titled “Women for Women Innovators, Social Leaders & Entrepreneurs (WISE)”.
i. This announcement was made during USIBC’s road to Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)
event, “Creating the Foundations of Innovation” in Hyderabad.
ii. Objective of ‘WISE’ initiative is to offer leadership, mentoring, and development
opportunities for women entrepreneurs and innovators.
$540mn for developing nations to eliminate climate-warming chemicals

UN Environment has stated that developing countries will receive $540 million to continue their
work in phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals.
i. Developing countries will receive funds for this purpose from developed countries for three years
starting from 2018.
ii. Funds will be provided through the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal
Protocol, which has disbursed over $3.7 billion to developing countries since 1991 for phasing out
ozone-depleting chemicals.
Russia to create ‘independent internet’ for BRICS nations

The Russian government has revealed plans to develop an ‘independent internet’ that operates
separately from the Domain Name System used worldwide.
i. The Russian Security Council has asked the Russian government to develop a separate
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infrastructure for BRICS countries’ internet needs while still being linked to the World Wide Web,
which would continue services in the event of a global internet infrastructure collapse.
ii. The initiative plans to create a separate ‘backup’ system of Domain Name Servers
(DNS) that would be totally independent of international bodies and international infrastructure,
yet still remaining linked to the global internet.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 held in Hyderabad, India
Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 was held in Hyderabad from 28th – 30thNovember
2017.GES 2017 (eighth edition of GES) was hosted by NITI Aayog in partnership with Government
of the United States of America.
GES is the annual entrepreneurship gathering which serves as meeting point for emerging
entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.
• Theme of GES 2017 was “Women First, Prosperity for All”.
• The US delegation to GES 2017 was head by Ivanka Trump, daughter and advisor
of US President, Donald Trump.
Made-in-India bot ‘Mitra’ greets PM Modi, Ivanka at GES
On November 28, 2017, at the inauguration of Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in
Hyderabad, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and White House advisor, Ivanka Trump were
greeted by ‘Made in India’ robot, named Mitra.
USAID Administrator Green Announces New Efforts to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
On November 29, 2017, at GES 2017 in Hyderabad, United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) Administrator, Mark Andrew Green announced several initiatives
aimed to empower women entrepreneurs for attaining their full potential.
• WomenConnect Challenge: Under this initiative, USAID will invite proposals for innovative
ideas to bridge the gender digital divide by addressing the barriers of affordability,
security concerns and restrictive social norms.
• In January 2018, Feed the Future will commit $2 million, to connect women
entrepreneurs in Africa with mentors from leading American food companies.
• USAID announced a new $1 million commitment to bring greater awareness to
tuberculosis (TB) stigma with an aim of securing a TB-free India by 2025.
• USAID also announced the launch of its first health-impact bond, the Rajasthan
Development Impact Bond aimed at improving maternal and newborn health.Ivanka
Trump visits historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
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Rajnath Singh chairs 12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council (ISC)
held in Delhi
On 26th November 2017, the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the 12th meeting of
the Standing Committee of Inter-State Council (ISC), in Delhi.
12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council (ISC):
Rajnath Singh said that, Volumes-I & II were discussed during the eleventh meeting of the
Standing Committee in April 2017 and Volumes-VI and VII will be discussed during the next
meeting of the Standing Committee. He said that the recommendations of the Standing Committee
on Punchhi Commissions report will then be placed before the Inter-State Council.
First edition of INSPIRE 2017 kicked off in Jaipur

First edition of the International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy
Efficiency (INSPIRE 2017) begun in Jaipur, Rajasthan on November 27, 2017.
More Information about INSPIRE 2017:
i. Five-day symposium, INSPIRE 2017 is being organized by Energy Efficiency Services
Limited (EESL) in partnership with The World Bank, and Alliance for an Energy Efficient
Economy (AEEE).
ii. INSPIRE 2017 brings together various stakeholders such as innovators, policy makers, financiers
and experts to showcase best practices in the sector.
India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue held in New Delhi

On 27th November 2017, the first India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
i. The Indian Delegation was led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of
External Affairs. The New Zealand delegation was led by Mr. Paul Ash, Director of the National
Cyber Policy Office, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Inter-Governmental Meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities held
in China
High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-point Review Meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons
with Disabilities, 2013-2022 is being held in Beijing, China from 27th November to 1st December,
2017.
Highlights of the meeting:
i. This meeting has been organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in cooperation with Government of China.
ii. Primary objective of this meeting is to review the progress made by the member countries
during the decade at the mid-point in 2017 with regard to Incheon Strategy (that was adopted
at Incheon, South Korea in 2012) to achieve the goals mentioned in UN Convention on
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Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
7th Asia Ministerial Energy Roundtable held in Bangkok

On 1st -3rd November 2017, the 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7) was held in
Bangkok, Thailand.
i. The Government of Thailand hosted the 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7). It
was co-Hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
ii. Theme for AMER7 was ‘Global Energy Markets in Transition: From Vision to Action’.
COP23 climate change summit held in Bonn,Germany

23rd annual “conference of the parties”(COP) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) begun on November 6, 2017 in Bonn, Germany. This conference will continue
till November 17, 2017.
Global climate talks begin in Germany with Fiji at the helm
• COP23 was opened on November 6, 2017 by Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe ‘Frank’
Bainimarama.
• Diplomats from 195 nations, as well as scientists, lobbyists and
environmentalists are participating in this event.
India Pavilion Launched at Cop23 in Bonn “Conserving Now, Preserving Future” is India’s
Theme
• The India Pavilion at COP 23 was inaugurated by Union Minister of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
• India’s theme for COP 23 is ‘Conserving Now, Preserving Future’.
India Pitches for Strong Pre-2020 Climate Action by Developed Countries
• At COP23, India along with the Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group strongly
voiced the need for urgent time bound action on climate change by developed countries in the
pre-2020 period to build trust and confidence for ambitious climate action in post 2020 era.
• Ravi S. Prasad, India’s Chief Negotiator on Climate Change, called for early time-bound
ratification of Kyoto Protocol (KP II) by developed countries to ensure the highest possible
mitigation efforts under the Convention by all parties.
4th JWGACTC meeting held in India

4th meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-
operation (JWGACTC) was organised in India from October 29, 2017 to November 3, 2017.
i. JWGACTC was constituted under the auspices of the Indo – US Defence Trade and
Technology Initiative.
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ii. The 13 member-US delegation for this meeting was headed by Rear Admiral Brian Antonio.
India-US Ocean Dialogue held in Goa

On 1st November 2017, the India-US Ocean Dialogue, hosted by the Indian Ministry of
External Affairs, began at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National
Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) in Goa.
President of India inaugurates Global Clubfoot Conference in New Delhi

On 1st November 2017, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the Global
Clubfoot Conference, organised by the CURE India in partnership with the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare, in New Delhi.
Global Clubfoot Conference:
i. Clubfoot is one of the most common orthopaedic birth defects that affects the child’s mobility. It
can cause permanent disability if not treated early.
International Conference on “Ramayan Circuit and Mithila-Awadh Relations” begins in

Janakpur
An International Conference on “Ramayan Circuit and Mithila-Awadh Relations” started
at Janakpur in Nepal on November 3, 2017.
i. Culture Minister of Nepal Jitendra Naryan Dev, inaugurated this conference.
ii. This conference has been held with dual objective. First is to boost social, cultural and
religious ties between Mithila and Awadh and developing connectivity between Janakpur
and Ayodhya.
Three-Day International Conference FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017 inaugurated in University of

Delhi
“FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017”, Conference on Human Physiology – VII Congress of Federation
of Indian Physiological Societies (FIPS) along with XXIX Annual Conference of the
Physiological Society of India (PSI) was inaugurated at Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute
(VPCI), University of Delhi on November 5, 2017.
More Information about “FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017”:
i. This event was organised by Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science (DIPAS) of
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
ii. The conference was held with an objective to update the scientific community about most
latest advances in human Physiology in extreme environments, Sport Physiology, Yoga,
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Neuroscience, and translational research. 16 sessions and 118 lectures were conducted on these
subjects.
iii. Theme of “FIPSPHYSIOCON 2017” was “Integrating Physiological and Biomedical Science
Approaches to Improve Performance, Health and Safety”.
31st ASEAN Summit held in Manila, Philippines

31tst ASEAN Summit and Related Summits were held in Manila, Philippines from 10th –
14th November, 2017.Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chaired the plenary session of
the 31st ASEAN Summit. It is to be noted that (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
ASEAN Chairmanship for 2017 is held by Philippines
• ‘Partnering for Change, Engaging the World’, has been the theme of Philippines’
Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.
• On November 12, 2027, on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN summit, ASEAN ministers
inked free trade and investment pacts with Hong Kong. These agreements are
expected to come into effect by January 2019.
• At the Closing Ceremony of the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Philippines
President Duterte handed over the Chairmanship of ASEAN to Prime Minister of
Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong as Singapore will hold the chairmanship of ASEAN
for 2018.
PM Modi attends 15th ASEAN-India Summit and 12th East Asia Summit in Manila
Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at the 15th India-ASEAN Summit and 12th East
Asia Summit on November 14, 2017 in Manila, Philippines.
• At 15th India-ASEAN Summit, PM Modi and other ASEAN Leaders reviewed the
commemorative activities undertaken in 2017 to mark the 25 years of India’s dialogue
partnership with ASEAN.
• East Asia Summit, is a forum held annually (since 2005) by leaders of 18
countries including the ASEAN nations, India, US, and Russia.
India, Philippines ink deals on defence, agriculture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Philippines from 12th – 14thNovember 2017.
During the course of this visit, he attended 15th ASEAN-India Summit and 12th East Asia Summit
in Manila. He also held bilateral meeting with Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte.
• Four agreements were signed between India and Philippines after the meeting
between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.
• These agreements covered areas of defence, agriculture, small and medium
enterprises and tie-up between think-tanks.
• It is to be noted that this was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to
Philippines in last 36 years after the visit of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhiin
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1981. However, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had visited Philippines in 2007, but it
was solely for the ASEAN summit.
• During the course of this visit to Philippines, PM Modi also visited International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, near Manila.
Radha Mohan Singh inaugurates three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 in Greater
Noida
On 9th November 2017, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh
inaugurated the three-day Organic World Congress – 2017 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida.
Organic World Congress – 2017:
i. 1,400 representatives from 110 countries, and 2000 delegates from India participated in the
Organic World Congress – 2017. The goal is to move from organic India to the organic world.
ii. The Organic World Congress (OWC) is organized once every three years in a different country.
The International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM) and Organic
Farming Association of India (OFAI) are organizing the event.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial meeting held in Paris

International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial meeting was held in Paris, Franceon 7th and
8th November, 2017.
i. Energy security, clean energy technology and government-industry dialogue on investment and
digitalization were the key focus areas for this meeting.
ii. Indian delegation to IEA Ministerial Meeting, Paris was led by Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Raj Kumar Singh.
Second Meeting of Economic Advisory Council held in New Delhi

On 10th November 2017, the second meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi (EAC-PM) was held in New Delhi.
i. The meeting was chaired by Bibek Debroy. It was attended by renowned economists Dr. Surjit
Bhalla, Dr. Rathin Roy, Dr. Ashima Goyal, Dr. Shamika Ravi and Member Secretary and Principal
Adviser NITI Aayog, Ratan P. Watal.
ii. In the meeting road map towards skill development, job creation, enhanced resource
investment in the social sector– including for Health and Education and for boosting
Infrastructure financing were discussed.
Kiren Rijiju inaugurates ‘India Disaster Response Summit’ in New Delhi

On November 9, 2017, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren
Rijijuinaugurated ‘India Disaster Response Summit’ in New Delhi.
i. This Summit was jointly organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and
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social networking site Facebook.

ii. India has become the first country to partner with Facebook on disaster response.
Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit held in Vietnam

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held on 10th and
11th November, 2017 in Da Nang, Vietnam.
i. Theme of this meeting was ‘Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future’.
ii. Leaders of 21 Pacific Rim countries attended this meeting.
Mumbai to host Asian Bankers Association summit

For the first time, Mumbai is to host the 34th annual conference of the Asian Bankers Association
(ABA) on 16th and 17th November 2017.
i. The Asian Bankers Association (ABA) summit will be hosted by State Bank. The theme for this
year’s summit is ‘Asia’s turn to transform’.
UN hosts first talks on use of ‘killer robots’ in Geneva

On 13th November 2017, the United Nations is set to open its first official talks on the use of
autonomous weapons, including killer robots, at the Convention on Certain Conventional
Weapons (CCW) for 5 days, in Geneva.
i. The meeting is chaired by Indian ambassador on disarmament, Amandeep Gill. He said
that, anything resembling a ban, or even a treaty, is unlikely to be imposed on killer
robots.
Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Conference held in New
Delhi
On 12 – 15th November 2017, the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT)
Conference is held in New Delhi.
i. The APCERT conference is organized by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
(CERT-In) under the control of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
ii. This is the 15th Conference of APCERT and first ever conference in India and South Asia. It is
attended by 21 economies.
iii. The conference theme is “Building Trust in the Digital Economy”. The open session
including industry, academia, civil society and Government stakeholders will be held on 15
November 2017.
President inaugurates 37th International Trade Fair (ITTF) in New Delhi

On 14th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 37th India International
Trade Fair (IITF) – 2017, at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi.
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i. The India International Trade Fair (IITF) -2017 is a 14-day event. It is organized by India
Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
ii. The theme for ITTF 2017 is “Startup India: Stand Up India”. Jharkhand is the partner
state for the fair and Vietnam is the partner country.
International Lavi Fair begins in Himachal Pradesh

Traditional International ‘Lavi fair’ was held from 11th -14th November, 2017 in Rampur,
Himachal Pradesh.
i. The fair was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Governor, Acharya Dev Vrat. The governor
also inaugurated the ‘Kinnauri market’ and exhibition put up by various Government departments.
ii. Lavi Fair has been an important point of trade between India and Tibet for centuries.
4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi

4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD) begun in New Delhi on November 14, 2017.
Highlights of 4th India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD):
i. Canadian delegation was led by the Canadian International Trade Minister, François-
Philippe Champagne, whereas Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu led
the Indian side.
Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held at Bonn

A Curtain Raiser Event for the Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was
held at Bonn, Germany on November 13, 2017.
i. The event was addressed by Anand Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy and C.K. Mishra, Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
ii. Interim Director General of the ISA, Upendra Tripathy, informed that ISA will become a
treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation on December 6 2017.
10th South Asia Economic Summit held in Nepal

10th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) begun in Kathmandu, Nepal on November 14, 2017.
i. Theme of this summit: “Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable
Development in South Asia”.
Dantewada Holds India’s 1st Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit

India’s 1st Tribal Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on
November 14, 2017.
i. The summit was inaugurated by Y S Choudhary, Union MoS Science and Technology.
ii. It has been organised as a run up to the upcoming 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit
(GES), which will be held in Hyderabad from 28th – 30th November, 2017.
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iii. The Summit was organised by NITI Aayog in association with Government of United
States of America. Eminent speakers from NITI Aayog, health and agri-pharma sectors addressed
International meet on buffaloes held in Nepal

Four-daylong symposium to discuss ways to promote the economic and food value of buffalo,
organised by Agriculture and Forestry University at Chitawan, Nepal begun on November 15,
2017.
i. The symposium “Increase in buffalo production for food and economic growth” is being
held in Nepal for the first time. It has been organised in collaboration with the Government of
Nepal, the Ministry of Livestock Development, Department of Livestock Service, Nepal
Agriculture Research Council and Michigan State University, US..
UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial conference 2017 held in Vancouver

UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference 2017 was held in Vancouver, Canada on 14th &
15th November, 2017.
i. This conference was the largest gathering of Defence ministers of countries who support
UN Peacekeeping operations.
ii. Over 500 delegates from more than 70 countries and international organizations attended this
conference.
Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates AP AgTech Summit 2017 in Visakhapatnam

On 15th November 2017, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the three-day Andhra
Pradesh AgTech Summit 2017 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
i Chief Guest for the Valedictory session on 17 November 2017 will be Bill Gates. This summit
is organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government in association with Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Dalberg Advisors.
12th North East Business Summit inaugurated in New Delhi

On 16th November 2017, 12th North East Business Summit, a two day event, was inaugurated in
New Delhi.
i. The summit aims to explore the scope for business opportunities in the North-Eastern
region of India. Focus areas are Infrastructure and Connectivity with Public Private Partnerships,
Skill Development, Financial Inclusion, Services Sector Development- Particularly in Tourism,
Hospitality & Food Processing.
ii. The Summit is being organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Manipur is
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the state partner for this event.
4th Global Conference on Sustained Eradication of Child Labour, Argentina

Plenary session of 4th Global Conference on Sustained Eradication of Child Labour was held
in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 15, 2017.
i. This Conference was jointly organised by Government of Argentina and International Labour
Organization (ILO).
ii. While delivering the country statement at this conference, Union Minister of Women and
Child Development, Maneka Gandhi stated that Indian Government is fully committed to
continue working to eliminate child labour.
SARTTAC Steering Committee meeting held in New Delhi

On 17th November 2017, an interim meeting of the Steering Committee of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF)’s South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center
(SARTTAC) was held in New Delhi.
i. The SARTTAC Steering Committee meeting was held to assess the Center’s activities and to
review the Fiscal Year 2018 Work Plan.
ii. Officials from all 6 member countries attended, together with the Development Partner
representatives (the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and USAID), and IMF
staff.
24th meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency (APRSAF-24) forum held in
Bengaluru
On 14 – 17 November 2017, the 24th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum
(APRSAF-24), was held in Bengaluru.
i. The theme for the 24th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-24)
was ‘Space Technology for Enhanced Governance and Development’.
12th International Conference of Society of Petroleum Geophysicists, Jaipur

12th Biennial International Conference & Exposition of Society of Petroleum
Geophysicists (SPG) -India started in Jaipur, Rajasthan on November 17, 2017. This
conference will continue till November 19, 2017.
i. The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan.
ii. Theme of the conference was “Energy trough Synergy”.
ii. Mr. Pradhan also released a special issue of SPG’s half yearly journal, ‘GEOHORIZON’.
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13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begins in Nay Pyi Taw

Two-day 13th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting begun on November 20, 2017 in Nay Pyi
Taw, the capital of Myanmar
i.The meeting was inaugurated by Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar.
Eastern Air Command commanders’ conference held in Shillong

On 21st and 22nd November 2017, conference of all Commanders of Eastern Air Command was held
at Shillong.
i. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa addressed the EAC Commanders.
The conference was hosted by Air Marshal Anil Khosla, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief,
Eastern Air Command.
ii. Mrs. Kamalpreet Dhanoa, President of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) also
participated. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was also presented to the CAS on his arrival at
Shillong.
International Seminar on Indian Space Programme held in New Delhi

International Seminar on Indian Space Programme: ‘Trends and Opportunities for
Industry’ was inaugurated in New Delhi on November 20, 2017.
i. The seminar was jointly organised by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Antrix
Corporation Limited (the commercial arm of ISRO) and Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
Northeast development summit held in Manipur

Manipur hosted the first- ever North East Development Summit (NEDS) 2017 in
Imphal on21st and 22nd November, 2017.
i. NEDS 2017 was jointly organised by Manipur State Government in collaboration with
Union Commerce Ministry and India Foundation.
ii. President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the summit on November 21, 2017.
Zurich-based think tank Horasis to hold first Asia meet in India

Zurich-based global think-tank Horasis’ first Asia Meet will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal on
26th and 27th November, 2017.
i. This event will be organised in partnership with West Bengal State Government.
ii. Over 350 business leaders from across 65 countries are expected to attend this event.
PM Modi inaugurates largest-ever Global Conference On Cyber Space in New Delhi

On November 23, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 5th Global Conference
on Cyber Space (GCCS) in New Delhi. India is hosting the Global Conference on Cyber Space
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(GCCS) for the first time. This two-day event is one of the world’s largest conferences in the field of
Cyber Space and related issues.
• Theme of the 5th GCCS was ‘Cyber4All: A Secure and Inclusive Cyberspace for
Sustainable Development’.
• 6 oldest Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science
(IISc) were among academic partners of 5th GCCS and Indian public sector banks, State
Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) were among the sponsors of
this event.
• Goal of 5th GCCS: “to promote an inclusive Cyber Spacewith focus on policies and
frameworks for inclusivity, sustainability, development, security, safety &
freedom, technology and partnerships for upholding digital democracy, maximizing
collaboration for strengthening security and safety and advocating dialogue for digital
diplomacy”.
International Congress of Military Medicine begins in New Delhi

42nd World Congress of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) begun in New
Delhi on November 19, 2017.
i.This 5-day event has been organised by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) under
the aegis of the Union Ministry of Defence.
ii.This is the first time World Congress of ICMM is held in India. It is also the largest medical
conference ever organised by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
iii.Theme of the 42nd World Congress of ICMM is “Military Medicine in Transition: Looking
Ahead”.
WHO Global Ministerial Conference on Ending TB held in Russia

On 16 and 17th November 2017, Global Ministerial Conference on ‘Ending TB in the Sustainable
Development Era: A Multisectoral Response’ was held in Moscow, Russia.
i. This conference aimed to accelerate implementation of the WHO End TB Strategyin order to
reach the End TB targets set by the World Health Assemblyand the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates two-day conference on National Law Day in New
Delhi
On 25th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 2-day conference on National
Law Day in New Delhi.
i. This conference is organised by the Law Commission and the Niti Aayog to mark the National
Law Day. The National Law Day is celebrated on November 26, the day on which the
Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.
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President of India inaugurates the International Ambedkar Conclave in New Delhi

On 27th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Ambedkar
Conclave, organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians, in New
Delhi.
Delhi to host International Geological Congress (IGC) in 2020

The 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) is to be held in Delhi in the year 2020.
i. The International Geological Congress is held under the control of the International Union of
Geological Sciences (IUGS).
RANKINGS & REPORTS
Varanasi tops the List of Country’s Most Polluted City

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Varanasi’s Air Quality Index (AQI)
at 4pm on 10th November 2017 was at 491 at Ardhali Bazar monitoring station, making
it the most polluted city of India.
i. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Varanasi was at 491, just nine short of where the AQI scale ends
at 500. This indicates a public health emergency.
NCERT conducts largest ever survey to assess learning levels

National Achievement Survey (NAS), the largest ever assessment survey on national
level was conducted by National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT) across India on November 13, 2017 to ascertain learning level of students. This survey
has been amongst the largest national level surveys in the world.
More Information about National Achievement Survey (NAS):
NAS was conducted for the Classes 3, 5 and 8 in government and government aided schools.
• Survey Tools: Multiple test booklets with 45 questions in Classes III and V related to
language, mathematics and 60 questions in Class VIII in Mathematics, Language,
Sciences and Social Sciences. Questionnaires pertaining to students, teachers and schools
were also used.
• The learning levels of more than 25 lakhs students from 110000 schools across 700
districts in all 36 States/UTs were assessed through this survey.
• The survey was conducted by deploying 75 lakh trained Field Investigators from
outside the government education system. Union Human Resource Development
(HRD) Minister, Prakash Javadekar stated that the NAS is a transparent and credible
exercise done under third party verification.
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India leaps 30 places to 100th rank in World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ index
India has leaped to 100th rank out of 190 countries on World Bank’s latest edition of
‘ease of doing business’ index. This marks a forward leap of 30 places as compared to
130th rank in the previous edition of the index. In the report titled ‘Doing Business 2018:
Reforming to Create Jobs’, India has been recognised as one of the top 10 improvers in this
year’s assessment
‘Doing Business 2018: Reforming to Create Jobs’ – Top 10 Countries:
Rank Country
1 New Zealand
2 Singapore
3 Denmark
4 South Korea
5 Hong Kong
Goa ranks top, Bihar at bottom of Gender Vulnerability Index

Goa ranked at top and Bihar featured at the lowest in the first ever Gender Vulnerability
Index (GVI) released by child rights organisation ‘Plan India’. GVI provides information on
nature and magnitude of various problems affecting children, particularly girls, in difficult
circumstances..
Gender Vulnerability Index (GVI) Score – Top 5 States
State GVI Score
Goa 0.649
Kerala 0.625
Mizoram 0.620
Sikkim 0.604857
Manipur 0.60374
India has largest number of malnourished kids in world – Report

As per joint study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India(ASSOCHAM) and
Ernst & Young (EY), India has the largest number of malnourished children in the world.
Highlights of Joint study by ASSOCHAM and EY:
Nearly 40% of Indian children were reportedly undernourished in the year 2015.
Although there has been an overall reduction in the infant mortality rate and under-five mortality
rate in India during 2005-2015, India is still home to 50 percent of undernourished children of the
world.
• As per the study, 37% of Indian kids, under five years of age are underweight
while 39% are stunted.
• Stunting prevalence reduced from 48 per cent in 2005-06 to 39 per cent in
2015-16, whereas wasting prevalence increased slightly from 19.8 per cent to
21 per cent during this period.
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• The study outlined that only 10% of children ageing 6-23 months are receiving
nutritionally adequate diet.
• Jharkhand has the highest number of underweight kids (less than five years of
age).
India tops domestic air passenger traffic in September, China second: IATA
According to global airlines’ grouping IATA, India’s domestic aviation sector grew the fastest
and India topped the domestic growth chart again in September as the country registered
double-digit growth for 37 consecutive months.
i. In September, India recorded a growth of 15.5% while the global demand stood at 5.7%.
ii. Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) is a measure of demand.
India slips 21 slots on WEF Gender Gap index 2017

India has ranked 108th out of 144 countries on Global Gender Gap Index 2017 released
by World Economic Forum (WEF). This year’s rank marks a drop by 21 places as compared to
previous year’s ranking
Highlights of Global Gender Gap Report 2017:
India has performed poorly on three out of the four main dimensions. In Economic Participation
and Opportunity India ranked 139th, in Educational Attainment it ranked 112th.
• In Health and Survival it ranked fourth-lowest in the world at 141st
position.Over the past decade, India remained world’s least-improved country in this
dimension.
• However, in the dimension of Political Empowerment, India maintained its position
in Top 20 at 15th rank.
• In India, on an average 66% of women’s work is unpaid, as compared to 12% of
men’s.
• Having closed 88% of gender gap, Iceland has topped Global Gender Gap Index
2017. Iceland has been holding the distinction of being world’s most gender-equal
country for nine years.
• 2017 is the year, during which global gender gap has widened for the first time
since Global Gender Gap Report was first published in 2006. Currently, 68% of
the global gender gap has been closed, indicating a marginal widening as compared
to 2016 when the gap closed was 68.3%.
Global Gender Gap Index 2017 – Top 10 Countries:
1 Iceland
2 Norway
3 Finland
4 Rwanda
5 Sweden
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Air New Zealand named airline of the year

Air New Zealand has been named ‘Airline of the Year’ for 2018 by AirlineRatings.com.
i. Air New Zealand has been adjudged ‘Airline of the Year’ for the fifth consecutive year.
AirlineRatings.com’s Top 5 Airlines for 2018:
1 Air New Zealand
2 Qantas
3 Singapore Airlines
4 Virgin Australia
5 Virgin Atlantic
India slips to 7th position in business optimism ranking

As per Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR), India has slipped to 7thposition in
‘business optimism’ index for the September 2017 quarter. This marks a drop by five places
as compared to 2nd position in the previous three months
Highlights of Grant Thornton’s Survey on Business Optimism
During the September 2017 quarter, Indian businesses have expressed low confidence over
revenue expectations in the next 12 months.
• Confidence for profitability among Indian businesses has dropped to 54 per cent
showing optimism as compared to 69 per cent in the last quarter.
• Drop in business optimism is being ascribed clear signs of lag in Indian
economy.
• However, on parameter of increase in employment, Indian businesses have an optimistic
view about increase in employment as 54 per cent respondents expressed the need
to increase hiring in the next 12 months.
• In India, around 69% respondents consider regulations and red tape as the
biggest growth constraint. 46% respondents also consider lack of Information and
communications technology (ICT) infrastructure as a major growth constraint.
‘Business Optimism’ Rankings – Top 5 Countries:
1 Indonesia
2 Finland
3 Netherlands
4 Philippines
5 Austria
Bengaluru outranks San Francisco in Confidence to Go Digital

According to a report based on a survey by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), published on
November 7, 2017, India’s Silicon Valley – Bengaluru has been adjudged as the best city
among 45 cities for the confidence of its businesses in their ability to go digital
Economist Intelligence Unit’s ‘Confidence to go Digital’ survey – Top 10 cities
1 Bengaluru, India
2 San Francisco, US
3 Mumbai, India
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4 New Delhi, India

5 Beijing, China
Hong Kong becomes World’s Top City for International Visits

On 7th November 2017, a report published by Euromonitor International, said that, Hong Kong
remains the world’s most visited city by international travelers.
i. The report on top 100 city destinations was published by market research firm Euromonitor
International. It said that, 25.7 million arrivals are expected in Hong Kong this year, making it
the World’s top city for international visits.
ii. The Thai capital Bangkok retains second place, but its popularity has grown faster than Hong
Kong’s, with arrivals at 21.3 million.
iii. London is Europe’s top city, in third place with 19.8 million arrivals. The report was
authored by Wouter Geerts, Euromonitor’s senior travel analyst. The report highlights the growth in
Asian tourism.
India jumps to 3rd spot in global gaming installs: Unity Tech

On 9th November 2017, Unity Technologies, said that, India is now ranked third in global gaming
installs, surpassing Brazil and Russia.
i. Unity Technologies, said that, the latest market research shows that, India has risen from the
9th position in January 2017 to the 3rd spot in global gaming install rankings.
ii. It has surpassed Brazil and Russia in the global rankings. This is due to a drastic increase in
India’s adoption of high-end mobile devices with larger RAM size.
SBI releases economic report on oil price hike, impact on CAD

The Economic Research Department of State Bank of India (SBI) has released a report on oil price
hike and how unlikely it is to impact the Current account deficit (CAD) and how inflation
could stretch fiscal.
i. The report is authored by Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI.
The report depicts oil price hike and its impact on the Current account deficit (CAD) and inflation.
India sixth most vulnerable country facing extreme weather events – Report
India has ranked as sixth most vulnerable country in the world on Global Climate Risk Index
(CRI) 2018 released by Germanwatch (an independent Berlin-based development and
environmental organisation
Highlights of Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2018:
India’s vulnerability of facing extreme weather events has marginally decreased this year, as
it ranked at 4th position in last year’s CRI.
• As per the report, in 2016, India lost maximum number of human lives
(2119) and sustained over $21 billion worth loss of properties.
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• In 2016, US suffered the maximum financial loss (over $47 billion).

• However, it is to be noted that India is not in the list of the top 10 vulnerable nations on
CRI if data for long-term i.e.1997-2016 is considered. For 1996-2106, India stood at
12th position in the list.
Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2018 – Top 10 Countries:
1 Haiti
2 Zimbabwe
3 Fiji
4 Sri Lanka
5 Vietnam
6 India
Rajyavardhan Rathore releases the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017
On November 13, 2017, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge),
Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore released the ‘India Youth Development Index and Report
2017’ in New Delhi.
Dimensions of ‘India Youth Development Index 2017’:
For constructing Youth Development Index for the year 2017, the latest definition of youth (15-
29 years) as used in India’s National Youth Policy – 2014 and World Youth Development
Report of Commonwealth has been taken into consideration.
• In India Youth Development Index 2017, the five dimensions of Global Youth
Development Index (Global YDI) have been retained. These five dimensions
are education, health and well-being, employment and opportunity, political
participation and civic participation for young people.
India to be 3rd largest aviation market by departure by 2019

As per a report by global consultancy and research firm, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
(CAPA), India will be world’s third largest aviation market for departures by 2019.
i. Currently, India is the fourth largest aviation market in the world with 131 million
passengers per annum (for the year 2016).
Highlights of report by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA):
Currently, India is the fourth largest aviation market in the world with 131 million passengers
per annum (for the year 2016).
• US is the largest aviation market with 815 million passengers, followed by
China(490 million passengers) and Japan(141 million passengers).
• It is estimated that Indian airport system would exceed its maximum structural
capacity by FY 2022. This could happen much sooner if work on the new airport
projects gets delayed.
• Over the next five years, to cater to the rising passenger flow, Indian airlines operator
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would induct nearly 350-400 aircraft in their existing fleet. This will further create new
problems such as availability of arrival/departure time slots and parking bays.
Uttar Pradesh tops in mobilising Jan Dhan Account

Uttar Pradesh has topped in opening new Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts after
demonetisation (post November 8, 2017).
Data on PMBJDY Bank Accounts post Demonetisation:
One-fifth of the more than five crore new PMJDY accounts, from November 9, 2016 to
November 8, 2017 were opened in Uttar Pradesh. With this, the total accounts under PMJDY has
crossed 4 crore in Uttar Pradesh.
• Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal cumulatively added
another 2.2 crore new PMJDY accounts in the last one year.
• However, number of PMJDY accounts came down in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh and Mizoram during past one year.
• Drop in number of PMJDY accounts in these states has been ascribed to the maximum
limits imposed on such accounts viz. average balance should not cross more than
Rs.50000 at any point in time, annual turnover in the account should be below
Rs.1 lakh and withdrawals should not be more than Rs.10,000 a month.
Indians second-highest public bingers in the world: Study

As per a survey released by online streaming platform Netflix, binge watching in public is on the
rise among Indian population. Indians have been adjudged as the second-highest public bingers
in the world, just behind Mexico. ‘Binge’ means excessive indulgence in an activity.
i. As per the survey, number of Indians found to be binge watching in public has increased by
71% as compared to last year.
ii. Prevalence of binge watching in public is highest in Mexico (89%) followed by India
(88%).
iii. The survey was conducted by Netflix through SurveyMonkey
Malnutrition Responsible for 15% of India’s Total Disease Burden in 2016 – Report
As per ‘India State-level Disease Burden Initiative Report’, child and maternal malnutrition
was responsible for 15 per cent of the total disease burden in 2016 across India.
Highlights of ‘India State-level Disease Burden Initiative Report’:
As per the report, prevalence of child and maternal malnutrition is higher in ‘Empowered Action
Group’ States and Assam.
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• Eight less developed states – Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,

Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh – are referred to as
the Empowered Action Group(EAG) states and they receive special development attention
from Central Government.
• On a comparative basis, in 2016, disease burden due to child and maternal
malnutrition (in per person terms) in India was 12 times higher than in China.
• However, the report outlined that disease burden due to malnutrition in India has
dropped substantially since 1990.
• Among all Indian states, Kerala had the lowest disease burden from malnutrition.
5th biennial Hotelivate State Ranking Survey for Tourism – Delhi tops the list
According to the 5th biennial Hotelivate State Ranking Survey for Tourism, Delhi is the top
tourist destination of India.
i. This survey was conducted by hospitality consulting firm, Hotelivate in association with World
Travel & Tourism Council-India Initiative (WTTC-II).
ii. States were assessed on eleven parameters, which included state expenditure on tourism,
number of branded hotel rooms, aircraft movement, road and rail network and other intangible
aspects.
iii. As per the finding of the survey, Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Gujaratare the
top five tourism destination states.
iv.Survey findings revealed that none of the Indian states spent more than 1 per cent of
Gross State Domestic Product on tourism.
Climate Change Performance Index 2018 – India ranks 14th, Sweden ranks highest
India has ranked 14th out of 56 nations and European Union on Climate Change Performance
Index (CCPI) 2018 released by environmental organisation Germanwatch. This marks an
improvement from its 20th rank in CCPI 2017
Highlights of Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) Report:
Improvement in India’s rank in CCPI 2018 indicates that Indian Government is putting efforts for
reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by opting to transform its electricity sector towards
green technology.
• China, which is one of the highest GHG emitting country, ranks 41st.
• Similar to last year’s rankings, top three rankings are still unoccupied as no country
has adhered to commitments made in 2015 Paris Climate Accord that aims to keep the
average global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5
degrees Celsius.
• The bottom three countries in the index are Korea (58), Iran (59) and Saudi
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Arabia (rank 60). These countries have not made any progress in this direction of
reducing emission levels, nor have shown any ambition to do so.
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) – Top 10 Countries:
1 Unoccupied
2 Unoccupied
3 Unoccupied
4 Sweden
5 Lithuania
New global effort launched to end TB by 2030 – WHO
World Health Organization (WHO) Global Ministerial Conference “Ending TB in the
Sustainable Development Era: A Multisectoral Response” was held on 16th and
17thNovember, 2017 in Moscow, Russia. During this conference, delegates from 114 countries
agreed to take urgent action to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
Highlights of WHO Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Tuberculosis:

During the conference, the delegates promised to strengthen health systems in their respective
countries and improve mass access to TB prevention and care.
• In a bid to close gaps in implementation of programmes to combat TB and carry out
related research, delegates agreed to mobilize sufficient and sustainable financing
through domestic and international investments.
• Enhanced resources allocation will provide a boost to research and development of new
tools to diagnose, treat and prevent TB.
Ongoing Global Efforts to Combat TB:
• Since 2000, an estimated 53 million lives have been saved on account of global efforts
to combat TB. Besides, the TB mortality rate has also dropped by 37 per cent.
• However, progress in many countries has lost momentum and still there is lot of ground to be
covered for achieving the global targets
• It is to be noted that TB kills more people than any other infectious disease. Due to its
antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is the leading killer of people
with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Qatar named as World’s Richest Country according to IMF’s GDP data

As per rankings released by business magazine ‘Fortune’, Qatar is World’s Richest Country in
terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Per Capita.
Richest Countries in the World – Overview:
GDP Per Capita is a measure of the total output of a country computed by dividing gross
domestic product(GDP) by the number of people in the country. In theoretical terms, higher
per capita GDP results in to a higher standard of living.
• Fortune’s rankings are based on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) October
2017 data.
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• Economy of many of the richest countries (such as Brunei and Qatar) is highly
dependent on oil, whereas countries like Iceland and Ireland have strong banking and
investment systems.
• Most of the Top 10 richest countries have small populations as compared to countries that
are world leader in terms of size of GDP — such as the United States, China and
Germany.
Richest Countries in the World – Top 5
Rank Country GDP Per Capita
1 Qatar $124930
2 Luxembourg $109190
3 Singapore $90530
4 Brunei $76740
5 Ireland $72630
India moves up one notch to 126 in GDP per capita terms’: IMF Data
As per data which forms part of the latest World Economic Outlook report of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), India ranks 126th out of 200 countries in terms of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) per capita
Highlights of IMF Data on GDP Per Capita of Countries:
• GDP Per Capita of a country is computed by dividing its gross domestic
product(GDP) by the number of people in the country. In theoretical terms, higher
GDP per capita results in to a higher standard of living.
• India’s rank has improved by one spot as compared to previous year’s rank. This
improvement is on account of increase in GDP to USD 7170 in 2017, from USD
6690 in the previous year.
• Qatar topped the rankings with GDP Per Capita of USD 124930. Interestingly,
despite low unemployment and growth in consumption and investment, US with GDP Per
Capita of US 59500 did not feature among the Top 10 countries.
Top 10 Countries in terms of GDP Per Capita:
Rank Country GDP Per Capita
1 Qatar $124930
2 Macau $114430
3 Luxembourg $109190
4 Singapore $90530
5 Brunei $76740
India climbs 3 steps to 51 on IMD World Talent rankings

India has ranked 51st out of 63 countries on IMD World Talent Ranking 2017. This marks an
improvement of three spots as compared to previous year’s rank.
Highlights of IMD World Talent Ranking 2017:India’s overall rank is 51st whereas on three
broad categories viz. investment and development, appeal and readiness it has ranked
62nd, 43rd and 29th respectively.
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• Arturo Bris, Head of Competitiveness, IMD Switzerland stated that India is not
performing well in retaining local talent and attracting foreign labour.
• India is much behind other economies in terms of investment in education. In fact,
it ranks among the bottom five countries in terms of investment in education as a
percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Among BRICS nations, China ranked 40th followed by Russia at 43rd and South
Africa at 48th. Brazil ranked just after India at the 52nd spot.
• Globally, Europe continues to dominate the rankings, with Switzerland, Denmark, and
Belgium occupying the top three spots.
IMD World Talent Ranking 2017 – Top 10:
1 Switzerland
2 Denmark
3 Belgium
4 Austria
5 Finland
India slips in OECD ratings on exchange of tax info

In a set of peer review reports released by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD), India has slipped from a rating of ‘compliant’ to an overall rating of
‘largely compliant’ in meeting international standards for exchange of tax information.
• OECD’s peer review of transparency and exchange of information of a country is
conducted at regular intervals by officials representing other countries to check the
implementation of the OECD-stipulated standards in this area, which helps combat
offshore tax evasion.
Highlights of India’s Peer Review Report for exchange of tax information:
This peer review was conducted for the period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016.It has been
suggested that Indian tax authorities should ensure the quality of the exchange of
information (EoI) requests sent to foreign tax authorities and should carry out efficient
communication with its EoI partners for all cases.
• In the previous peer reviews, parameters of ‘quality of information exchange
requests sent by India to other countries’ and ‘availability of information relating
to beneficial ownership in India’ were not taken into account.
• India has been rated ‘largely compliant’ on both these new parameters which
has pulled down its overall rating to ‘largely compliant’.
• However, it has been outlined that India has shown improvements in the quality of its
requests since 2015.
• Besides, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is also implementing an action plan for
2017-18, under which tax officials are provided training in drafting EoI requests.
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Modi Government third most trusted in the world after Switzerland and Indonesia
Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ranked as third most trusted
government in the world as per Government at a Glance 2017 published by Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
OECD Report on Most Trusted Governments:
i.As per the report, nearly 74 percent of Indians have expressed confidence in
their national government.
ii.The confidence of people was assessed in context of economy, political upheaval, and headline-
grabbing events like major corruption cases.
iii.This list is topped by Switzerland wherein 84% have expressed confidence in national
government. Indonesia has ranked 2nd on this list..
Bengaluru joins 91-city network to collate climate change data

Bengaluru has joined 91 cities across the globe in Datacity programme to collate data on climate
change.
More Information about Datacity Programme:
i.Datacity programme was launched in Paris in 2015 with an objective to develop data which can
help resolve climate challenges. This programme is led by French start-up accelerator
NUMA and is supported by technology experts including Carto, OpenDataSoft and Dataiku.
Latin America is World’s most violent region for Women: United Nations
As per a report presented by UN Women and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Latin
America and the Caribbean is the most violent region in the world for women.
Highlights of UNDP Report:
i. Issue of violence against women in Latin America is so critical, that the region has been referred
to as most violent region in the world for women outside of conflict zones.
ii.There is high prevalence of Femicide (killing of woman by a man on account of gender) in
Central America, wherein two out three women murdered died because of their gender.
Delhi’s Khan Market World’s 24th Most Expensive Retail Location

As per a latest report released by real estate consultancy firm Cushman & Wakefield, Delhi’s
Khan Market is most expensive retail location in India and 24th most expensive retail location
across the world. The report presented findings from a survey which covered 400 retail
locations in 66 countries.
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Most Expensive Retail Locations – Overview:

• Khan Market’s 24th rank in this year’s rankings marks an improvement over 28th rank in
2016 rankings.
• Khan Market has moved up in the rankings even though there has been no change
in rental values which currently stands at Rs 1250 per sq ft.
• In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, Khan Market was ranked 11th, while other prime
Indian locations DLF Galeria in Gurugram and Linking Road in Mumbai are ranked
19 and 20 respectively.
• Global ranking is topped by Upper 5th Avenue in New York, followed by Hong Kong’s
Causeway Bay and London’s Bond Street at 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.
Govt sets Rs 10000 min balance in bank accounts as rural poverty measure
Central Government has set Rs 10000 minimum balance in bank account as one of the 21
parameters to assess poverty in gram panchayats under ‘Mission Antyodaya’.
Overview of Parameters to assess poverty in a gram panchayats:
21 parameters which have been finalised to measure the poverty status of gram panchayats
under ‘Mission Antyodaya’ are placed under three broad categories viz. “economic
development and diversification of livelihoods”, “social development and protection” and
“infrastructure”.
Financial assistance of Rs 2,302.05 cr for projects under Coastal Berth Scheme

Union Ministry of Shipping has announced to provide financial assistance worth Rs 2302
crore for projects under the Coastal Berth Scheme of the flagship Sagarmala
Programme.
Projects under Coastal Berth Scheme will be executed in total eight states.With 12 projects,
Maharashtra is the state having highest number of projects under this scheme.
• 10 projects will be executed in Andhra Pradesh & Goa, 6 projects in Karnataka, 3
projects in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, 2 projects in Gujarat and 1 in West Bengal.
• On completion, these projects will help to promote coastal shipping along India’s 7500
km long coastline. Besides bringing in cost-effectiveness, Coastal shipping’s increased
share in domestic cargo movement will also decongest Indian rail and road network.
BANKING & FINANCE

SBI cuts benchmark lending rate by 0.05 pc across maturities
With effect from November 1, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) has cut its benchmark
lending rate by 0.05 per cent across maturities.
i. This decision has reduced SBI’s marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR) from
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8.00 per cent to 7.95 per cent.

ii. SBI’s MCLR on overnight borrowings has been reduced from 7.75 per cent to 7.70 per cent,
while the rate for three-year tenures has been lowered to 8.10 per cent from 8.15 per cent.
iii. Aanother public sector bank, Allahabad Bank too reduced MCLR rate by 0.15 per cent
across maturities. Allahabad Bank’s one-year MCLR now stands at 8.30 per cent
AIIB grants Rs. 13,000 cr loan to Andhra Pradesh

On October 31, 2017, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved Rs. 13,000
crore loan for five
project in Andhra Pradesh.
i AIIB team of technical representatives headed by Dr D. J. Pandiyan held a meeting
with Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar for an elaborate discussion about these
proposed projects.
Yes Bank Unveils Bhim Yes Pay

Private sector bank, Yes Bank has unveiled BHIM YES PAY which is being termed as India’s
1st wallet that is fully integrated with all the IndiaStack APIs and National Payment
Corporation of India (NPCI) products.
i. BHIM YES PAY is currently available for Android Users and will soon be available for iOS
users.
ii. Around 5.5 lakh customers of Yes Bank are currently registered on BHIM YES PAY.
RBI asks large borrowers to obtain 20-digit Legal Entity Identifier unique code
On November 3, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification, directing corporate
borrowers having exposure of Rs 5 crore and above to mandatorily obtain 20-digit Legal
Entity Identifier (LEI).
Tracking Borrower’s Profile through LEI:

Tracking borrowers through LEI is one of the risk management measures adopted by RBI in wake
of huge accumulated non-performing assets in Indian Banking system.
• Adhering to the above stated schedule, Banks will be required to acquire LEI number from the
borrowers and report it to the Central Repository of Information on Large Credits
(CRILC) CRILC is a database in which details of loans above Rs 5 crore are
maintained.
• Besides, fetching loan details on basis of LEI, will prevent banks from extending multiple
loans to companies against the same collateral.
• Credit Facilities to entities that fail to obtain LEI within prescribed time limit will not
be renewed or enhanced.
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Yes Bank signs MoU with Government for Rs 1,000 crore financing
On 3rd November 2017, Yes Bank signed a MoU with the government to provide Rs 1,000 crore
financing for food processing projects.
i. Yes Bank said that, the funding will be provided to around 100 food processing projects with
an average size of Rs 10 crore each.
AU Small Finance Bank gets RBI nod for Scheduled Commercial Bank
AU Small Finance Bank has received an approval from Reserved Bank of India (RBI) to
operate as Scheduled Commercial Bank and has thereby been included in the Second
Schedule of Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
i. On acquiring the status of Scheduled Commercial Bank, AU Small Finance Bank will now be able
to do borrowing and lending with RBI under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF).
ii. Now, it can even issue Certificate of Deposits (CDs) on competitive interest rates in market to
get liquidity.
PAN not needed for cash sale of agri produce up to Rs 2 lakh per day
On November 3, 2017, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarified that farmers do not
need to quote Permanent Account Number (PAN) for cash sale of their produce up to Rs
2 lakh a day.
i. Cultivators/agriculutralists had sought clarification from CBDT pertaining to applicability of a
specific provision of Income-tax Act, 1961 to cash sale of agricultural produce.
ii. As per provision of section 269ST in the Income Tax Act, any cash sale of an amount of Rs
2 lakh or more on a single day, in respect of a single transaction or transactions relating to one
event or occasion from an individual is prohibited.
India Posts bank to have nationwide operations by April

On November 3, 2017, Union Communications Minister Manoj Sinha stated that India Posts
Payments Bank (IPPB) will have nationwide presence by April 2017.
i. By April 2018, IPPB branches will be opened in 650 districts across India.
ii .These branches will be linked to rural post offices and IPPB will thereby emerge as the
largest banking network in India.
iii. Currently IPPB branches are operational in Raipur(Chhattisgarh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand).
iv. As a payments bank, IPPB can accept deposits of up to Rs 1 lakh per account from
individuals and small businesses.
India’s current account deficit to be 1.5% of GDP this fiscal

As per a report by Japanese financial services firm Nomura, India’s current account
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deficit (CAD) for FY 2017-18 is expected to be around $40 billion, or 1.5 per cent of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP).
i. Current Account Deficit arises when outflow of foreign exchange from the country is greater than
the inflow of foreign exchange.
ii. As per Nomura, CAD for first half of FY 2017-18 i.e. for April –September 2017 period, is
expected to be around 2% GDP
Bajaj Allianz rolls out first-ever cyber crime insurance cover

Insurance firm Bajaj Allianz has come up with India’s first ever insurance cover for
individual victims of cyber crime.
i. Under this policy, insurance cover will be provided against online fraud, identity theft,
cyber-stalking and extortion, phishing and malware attack.
ii. Sum insured for this policy is in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
Paytm unveils ‘Inbox’ messaging platform for Android

On November 3, 2017, digital payment platform Paytm launched ‘Inbox’, a messaging service
that will allow consumers to chat with friends and family and send and request money at
the same time.
i. Paytm’s ‘Inbox’ is an end-to-end encrypted platform, through which users can users can initiate
private conversations and create group chats.
ii. Users can even send photos and videos instantly, share live location. It also has a built-in
camera which will enable to capture and share moments.
India’s forex reserves fall to $398.8 billion

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data has showed that, India’s foreign exchange reserves fell for
the second consecutive week to $398.761 billion.
i. The forex reserves act as a cushion against dollar outflows. The forex rate fell $1.560 billion in
the last two weeks amid concerns over tightening of global monetary easing.
ii. RBI did not provide reasons behind fall in reserves. Forex traders said that, the fall indicates
that RBI must have sold more dollars than what it had purchased over the last two
weeks.
ICICI Bank teams with Apple to launch voice-based international remittance service for
NRIs
ICICI Bank launched of India’s first voice-based international remittance service to enable non-
resident Indians (NRIs) to send money to any bank in India.
i.A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customer of ICICI Bank to send money to any bank in India via just
a simple voice command to Apple’s virtual voice assistant, Siri,on Apple iPhone/iPad.
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ii.A first-of-its-kind cross border remittance service by a bank in the country, it improves
customer’s convenience significantly as it replaces a five step process, which was required to
initiate a remittance to India earlier. The customer needs to simply speak out the ‘nickname’ of the
registered payee in the Money2India (M2I) app to whom he/she wants to send money..
HSBC pledges $100 billion of finance by 2025 to combat climate change

On 6th November 2017, HSBC pledged to provide $100 billion in financing and investment by 2025
to help combat climate change.
i. HSBC has promised $100billion of finance for low-carbon technology and sustainable
development by 2025 as part its commitment to tackling climate change and other “green” goals.
India to contribute USD 100 mn to UN Partnership Fund

On November 6, 2017, India has pledged an additional USD 100 million towards the UN
partnership fund. This amount is in addition to India’s USD 10.582 million contributions to
various other UN programmes
i. In June 2017, India and the UN Office for South- South Cooperation (UNOSSC) launched
a partnership fund for supporting sustainable development projects across the world.
ii. . The fund will be deployed to implement country-level projects that are geared
towardsachieving the 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda.
iii. ‘Climate Early Warning System in Pacific Island Countries’ is first project to receive
support from this fund. This project will benefit seven Pacific island countries – Cook Islands,
Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Tonga.
HDFC Bank makes RTGS, NEFT online transactions free

HDFC Bank Ltd has made online transactions through RTGS and NEFT free of cost from
1st November 2017, with an aim to promote a digital economy
i. According to the revised fees and charges for savings and salary accounts, customers will not
have to pay any charge for doing online transactions through Real Time Gross Settlement
(RTGS) and the National Electronics Funds Transfer (NEFT) from 1st November 2017.ii. Also, HDFC
Bank has said that, a customer can avail one cheque book of 25 leaves free, only once in a
year. If a cheque is returned due to insufficient funds, each such cheque will attract
a penalty of Rs 500. In cases where cheques deposited are returned unpaid, the charge has
been raised to Rs 200 per instance.
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Paytm introduces BHIM UPI for seamless money transfer

On 7th November 2017, Paytm introduced payments using BHIM UPI through which users can
create their own Paytm BHIM UPI ID on the app, using which customers can transfer money.
i. Using BHIM UPI users can create their own Paytm BHIM UPI ID on the app, which will be
issued by Paytm Payments Bank.
ii. Users can link any of their savings bank account with this unique Paytm BHIM UPI ID and
start sending and accepting money.
iii. With Paytm BHIM UPI, users can make instant money transfers directly between two bank
accounts, with no waiting time to add beneficiary. They don’t have to share their bank
account details and IFSC code to receive money.
iv. As per the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) guidelines, users can send up to Rs.
1 lakh a day using BHIM UPI and there is no receiving limit.
India inks $119 mn loan pact with WB for Odisha’s education scheme
On November 7, 2017, India singed a loan agreement with World Bank for USD 119
million for the Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence and Equity (OHEPEE)
Project.
i. OHEPEE seeks to provide equitable access to students to selected institutions in Odisha and
enhance governance of the higher education system in the state.
ii. The financing agreement for USD 119 million has been signed with International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a member institution of World Bank Group.
Bank of China begins operations in Pak, opens first branch in Karachi

On November 7, 2017, Bank of China formally launched its operations in Pakistan by
opening its first branch in Karachi. i. The opening ceremony took place in presence of Bank of
China Chairman Chen Siqing, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Tariq Bajwa and Chinas
Acting Ambassador to Pakistan Zhao Lijian.
ii. With the opening of this branch of Bank of China, it is expected that the benefits of the China-
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would soon start reaching the masses.
iii. Karachi branch of Bank of China is the first in South Asia.
Syndicate Bank forms human chain to fight Corruption

On November 7, 2017, Syndicate Bank formed a human chain to create awareness among
the public to fight corruption.
i. This human chain was formed by Syndicate Bank in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Insolvency resolution norms made stringent

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has amended IBBI (Insolvency
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Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Resolution Process, 2016 to ensure that the
corporate insolvency resolution process results in a credible and viable resolution plan.
i. As per the norm stipulated in this amendment, the antecedents, credit worthiness and
credibility of a resolution applicant, including promoters will be checked by the
Committee of Creditors before approving the resolution plan.
US grants $500k to promote religious freedom in India, Sri Lanka

The US has announced a grant of nearly USD 500,000 for organisations which can come up with
ideas and projects to promote religious freedom in India and Sri Lanka.
i. The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, US, has said
that, it aims to reduce religiously-motivated violence and discrimination in India through its USD
493,827 programme.
IDFC Bank partners MobiKwik for co-branded virtual Visa prepaid card
On November 8, 2017, IDFC Bank entered into a strategic partnership with digital
payments solution company MobiKwik to launch a co-branded virtual Visa prepaid card for
customers of MobiKwik.
i. By next week, IDFC Bank – Mobikwik Visa virtual pre-paid card facility will be available to all
MobiKwik users on Android as well as iOS platform.
ii. This tie-up will enhance the brand visibility of IDFC Bank as Mobikwik’s current user
base stands at 65 million.
IRDA makes linking of Aadhaar with insurance policy mandatory

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) has announced that
linking of Aadhaar number to insurance policies is now a mandatory requirement under Prevention
of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Second Amendment Rules, 2017.
i. This norm of linking Aadhaar number to insurance policies will apply to new customers as
well as existing policy holders.
ii. Besides, it will apply not only to life insurance policies but also to general insurance policies.
Dubai based Emirates NBD bank begins operations in India

United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) second largest bank, Emirates NBD has started operations in
India by opening a branch in Mumbai.
i. Emirates NBD, has a plan to invest USD 100 million capital into its Indian operations over a
period of time.
ii. The Mumbai branch is Emirates NBD’s fifth international branch outside of its UAE.
iii. Emirates NBD’s Mumbai branch will offer a range of services to corporate, institutional clients
and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
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IFAD approves USD 30 million for north east project

International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), an international financial institution
and a specialised agency of the United Nations has approved a USD 30 million soft loans for
fourth phase of the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project
(NERCORMP).
i. NERCORMP is a livelihood and rural development project aimed to transform the lives of the poor
and marginalized tribal families in several districts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh
and Manipur.
Government triples home loan limit for central government employees to Rs 25 lakh
On 9th November 2017, the government raised the maximum amount that a central government
employee can borrow from the government to Rs 25 lakh for new construction/purchase of
new house/flat.
i. The limit for home loan borrowing has been tripled for central government employees as per
the 7th pay commission recommendations.
ii. The employee can borrow up to 34 months of the basic pay to a maximum of Rs 25
lakh, or cost of the house/flat, or the amount according to repaying capacity, whichever
is the least.
iii. If both spouses are central government employees, they can take Housing Building Advance
(HBA) either jointly, or separately. Also, the rate of Interest on HBA will be only 8.50% at simple
interest.
RBI releases new outsourcing norms for NBFC

On November 9, 2017, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification outlining norms for
outsourcing of functions/services by Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFCs).
i. As per the new norms, NBFCs cannot outsource core management functions like internal
audit, management of investment portfolio, strategic and compliance functions for know
your customer (KYC) norms and sanction of loans.
ii. Boards of NBFCs should approve a code of conduct for direct sales and recovery
agents. For debt collection, NBFCs and their outsourced agents should not resort to intimidation or
harassment of any kind.
iii. All NBFCs’ have been directed to set up a grievance redressal machinery, which will also
deal with the issues relating to services provided by the outsourced agency.
Federal Bank gets RBI nod to open offices in Kuwait, Singapore

Federal Bank has obtained Reserve Bank of India (RBI’s) approval to open representative
offices in Kuwait and Singapore.
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i. Federal Bank already has its representative offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has
received approval from RBI for opening a representative office in Bahrain.
ii. It is to be noted that during last financial year, around 15 per cent of the total personal
inward remittances to India were handled by Federal Bank.
RBI directed banks to provide banking Services at Home for those above 70
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks to provide doorstep banking facilities to
senior citizens of more than 70 years of age and differently-abled persons including the
visually-impaired.
i. Besides, banks have been asked to provide a minimum of 25 cheque leaves every year for
a savings bank account free of charge, for which physical presence of any customer, including
senior citizens and differently-abled persons, should not be insisted.
FEMA norms eased to spur investment from overseas

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has simplified the Foreign Exchange Management
regulations pertaining to Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India.
i. This has been done by putting all the 93 amendments to Foreign Exchange Management
Act (FEMA) under one notification.
ii. It is expected that this simplification measure will make it easier for foreign investors to invest in
India.
iii This notification by RBI has combined two existing regulations FEMA 20 and FEMA 24,
which provides information on investment in an Indian company or a partnership, or in a limited
liability partnership or in a partnership firm.
iv. So far 60-70% of the contravention cases received by RBI were due to delays in
reporting. As a solution to this issue, RBI has introduced late submission fee that allows an
investor to regularise any contravention due to non-reporting, by paying the fee.
launches domestic operations in India

American Digital payments company PayPal has launched its domestic operations in India and will
now provide digital payment solutions for merchants and customers in India.
i. In the Indian market, PayPal has been offering cross border payments since last ten
years. It claims to control a third of India’s Business to Customer (B2C) export payments.
ii. Senior officials of PayPal have stated that PayPal’s brand is basically based on three pillars viz.
reliability, safety and security. Adhering to this ideology, PayPal will offer its services with
‘Buyer and Seller protection’ as a differentiating factor to create its presence in the highly
competitive digital payments space of India.
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SEBI Imposes Fine on Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani’s Family for Manipulative Trading
India’s securities market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
penalised 22 entities for involvement in manipulative trading. i. One of these 22 entities
is Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani’s Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) that was found to be
involved in manipulative trading through a listed firm called Sarang Chemicals.
PNB MetLife to sell policies to Bahrain Bank customers

Private sector life insurance company PNB MetLife has entered into a tie-up with Bank of
Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) to sell retail and group insurance products to BBK’s customers in
India.
i. As per the terms of the tie-up, PNB MetLife will offer protection, health, savings and
wealth plans to BBK’s customers in India spread across its branches.
ii. Besides the conventional products, customised insurance plans will also be offered to BBK
customers in India.
iii. Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait has been operating in India for over 30 years while PNB
MetLife has a customer base of 93015 by September 2017.
Air India gets Rs 1,500 crore loan from Bank of India

Air India has received a loan worth of Rs 1,500 crore from Bank of India to meet urgent working
capital needs.
i. Air India has received Rs 1,500 crore loan from Bank of India after the tender for the
amount was floated in October 2017, in order to meet urgent working capital needs.
ii. Earlier, Air India had borrowed around Rs 3,250 crore as short tenure loans from two lenders –
IndusInd Bank and Punjab National Bank. This loan was also for meeting urgent working
capital needs and the tender was floated in September 2017.
India to overtake Japan as third largest economy by 2028: BofAML

As per a recent report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA-ML), by 2028, India is likely to
overtake Japan as world’s third largest economy, in terms of nominal gross domestic product
(GDP).
i. This projection is based on the assumption that Indian economy will grow at 10% rate in US
dollar terms over the next 10 years, ahead of Japan’s 1.6% growth rate.
ii. Besides, the report has forecasted that India will become a world’s fifth largest economy
(ahead of France and United Kingdom) by 2019.
iii. The report has outlined three strong growth drivers for Indian economy which will
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significantly increase the size of Indian economy. First one being falling dependency ratio
(unproductive population in the 0-14 and over-65 age group), which should raise saving and
investment rates.
Government launches BHARAT-22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)

On November 13, 2017, Government of India launched New Fund Offer (NFO) for BHARAT-22
Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), through which it is targeting to raise initial amount of about Rs.
8000 crore as a part of disinvestment programme for the current fiscal.
New Fund Offer of Bharat-22 ETF will be open till November 17, 2017, and is being managed by
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.
• This ETF is a unique blend of shares of key Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs),
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Government owned shares in blue chip private companies
like Larsen & Tubro (L&T), Axis Bank and ITC held under the Specified
Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India (SUUTI).
• The ETF features four banking stocks — SBI, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda and Indian
Bank.
• Specially created ‘S&P BSE BHARAT-22 INDEX’ is the benchmark index for this ETF.
• It is a broad-based and diversified index as it comprises 22 companies that represent
6 important sectors of the economy – Finance, Industry, Energy, Utilities, Fast
Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Basic Materials.
Japan to relax visa regime for Indians from January 2018

On 14th November 2017, the Japanese embassy said that, Japan will simplify its visa rules for
Indians from January 2018 and issue multiple-entry visa for short-term stays.
i. Multiple entry visas with a validity of maximum five years and stay of maximum 90
days will be issued to applicants who have travel records to Japan twice or more in the last one
year.
ii. In this case, the eligible applicants may submit only their passports and visa application form.
Their employment certificate and explanation letter will be exempted.
BSE arm, Thomson Reuters launch ‘BEST’ new trading solution

On 15th November 2017, Marketplace Tech Infra Services, an arm of the premier exchange BSE
(Bombay Stock Exchange), launched BEST (BSE Electronic Smart Trader).
i. BEST (BSE Electronic Smart Trader) is an advanced hosted trading solution built on Thomson
Reuters Omnesys NEST platform.
ii. In October 2017, Marketplace had signed a pact with Thomson Reuters to build the trading
solution for BSEs members and customers.
iii. The new platform will facilitate smooth trading for BSE customers across multiple exchanges,
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including the BSE, NSE, MCX and NCDEX for a wide range of investment categories like equity,
equity derivatives, bonds, currency and commodities on a single terminal.
BSE Institute sets up India’s first in-house Block Chain Lab in Mumbai
BSE Institute Limited (BIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of BSE Limited has signed
an Memorandum of Understanding with DLT Labs to set up the India’s first state-of-the-art
Block Chain Lab in Mumbai.
India’s first mega Coastal Economic Zone to come up at JNPT in Maharashtra

Central Government has given approval for setting up India’s first mega coastal economic zone
(CEZ) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra.
In 2016, Union Cabinet came up with National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala
Programme under which it approved setting up of 14 mega CEZs.
• Objective of this programme is to promote development of industrial clusters around
ports, reduce logistics cost, reduce cargo movement time and create hubs of job creation
around the ports.
• This concept was the brainchild of erstwhile NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind
Panagariya.
• The entire programme envisages investment of about Rs 6.5 lakh crore for creating
world class industrial infrastructure which will trigger port-led economic growth by
leveraging India’s 7500 km long coastline.
Paytm, ICICI Bank collaborate to offer short-term instant digital credit

Digital payments services company, Paytm has entered in to a tie-up with ICICI Bank to jointly
launch ‘Paytm-ICICI Bank Postpaid’, that offers short-term credit to their common customers.
i. ‘Paytm-ICICI Bank Postpaid’ offers instant digital credit for various transactions including
payment for movie tickets, bill payments, flights, as well as physical goods without any
documentation or transaction fees.
ii. Under this facility, real-time credit assessment of customers is done through Big Data
based algorithm of ICICI Bank. The algorithm takes into consideration several parameters such
as digital behaviour of the customer, credit bureau check, purchase patterns and frequency of
online purchases to ascertain the credit – worthiness of a customer and derives a credit score
within few seconds.
iii. Based on the credit-score, instant interest-free credit is offered to the customer. The
borrowed amount has to be repaid within 45 days, after which interest at the rate of 3% is
charged just as per terms of a physical credit card product. Currently maximum credit limit has
been set at Rs. 20000 per customer.
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Yes Bank ties up with Centre Denmark India for fintech collaboration
Yes Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innovation Centre Denmark
– India (ICDK India), to bring financial technology innovations and startups from Denmark to
India, and facilitate entry of Indian startups in Denmark.
i. ICDK is a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Danish
Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Moody’s upgrades Sovereign Credit Rating of India to Baa2 from Baa3

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded the Government of India’s local and foreign currency
issuer ratings to Baa2 from Baa3 and changed the outlook on the rating to stable from
positive.
i. India’s rating has been upgraded by Moody’s after a gap of 13 years. It had last upgraded
India’s sovereign credit rating in January 2004 to Baa3 (from Ba1).Baa3 is Moody’s lowest
investment-grade ranking. By attaining Baa2, India is now in line with Philippines and Italy.
RBL Bank opens all women branch in Chennai

On November 17, 2107, private sector RBL Bank inaugurated an all women branch in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu.
i. The all-women branch in Chennai will be managed by eight women and will offer all products and
services across liability and assets.
ii.Currently, RBL Bank has 246 branches and 389 ATM across India. It serves 3.54 million
customers.
Moody’s Investors Service upgrades ratings of nine PSUs

On November 13, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded ratings of nine Indian public sector
firms.
i.Ratings of BPCL, HPCL, IOC and Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL) was upgraded to Baa2 from Baa3.
This was on account of India’s sovereign rating upgrade.
ii.ONGC’s rating, which was already higher than the sovereign rating, has also been upgraded to
Baa1 from Baa2.
iii.NTPC, NHPC, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and GAIL India are other PSUs
for which the rating has been upgraded to Baa2 stable.
iv. Besides, rating of four financial institutions – Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM India),
HDFC Bank, Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) and State Bank of India
(SBI) – has also been upgraded to Baa2.
Centrum Capital acquires First Rand microfinance business

In a bid to kick-start its lending operations focused on retail and small & medium enterprises
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(SMEs), Centrum Capital has acquired South Africa-based First Rand Bank’s (FRB’s)
microfinance business in India.
i. Centrum is a non-banking finance company (NBFC) which has already received a microfinance
institution (MFI) licence from the Reserve bank of India (RBI).
ii. As FRB already has a Rs 200-crore loan book, around 70,000 customers and a staff
strength of over 300 people, its acquisition will provide a ready-made platform for Centrum to
foray in micro finance business.
PNB, ACE tie-up for farm machinery financing

Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Action Construction Equipment Ltd (ACE) have tied up for
augmenting tractors/agricultural implements financing to the farmers across India through PNB’s
branch network.
PNB and ACE tie-up:
i. A MoU regarding the tie-up was signed by B.M.Padha, Corporate General Manager, Priority
Sector & Financial Inclusion Division, PNB and Ashok Kumar Tomar, COO, ACE(Agriculture
Division) in the presence of Tirlochan Singh, Country Head, Retail Finance, ACE and other
dignitaries.
ii. This tie-up will enable PNB to facilitate the availability of quality farm machinery equipment to
its farmer base at an in,.terest rate of 9.2 % per annum.
Reliance General Insurance inks bancassurance pact with YES Bank

Reliance General Insurance, a subsidiary of Reliance Capital, has signed a comprehensive
bancassurance-corporate agency agreement with YES Bank.
i. YES Bank with its network of 1,040 branches across all 29 States and seven Union Territories
will enable Reliance General Insurance to reach a large base of retail and MSME (Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises) clients.
ii. This is the first partnership signed by YES Bank since the open-architecture norms under the
corporate agency regulations were introduced by the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority) in April 2016.
NRIs, PIOs don’t need to link bank a/c, PAN with Aadhaar: UIDAI
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has stated that Non-resident Indian (NRIs)
and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are not required to link bank accounts and other services with
Aadhaar.
GOVT. sets Rs 10000 min balance in bank accounts as rural poverty measure
Central Government has set Rs 10000 minimum balance in bank account as one of the 21
parameters to assess poverty in gram panchayats under ‘Mission Antyodaya’.
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Overview of Parameters to assess poverty in a gram panchayats:

21 parameters which have been finalised to measure the poverty status of gram panchayats
under ‘Mission Antyodaya’ are placed under three broad categories viz. “economic
development and diversification of livelihoods”, “social development and protection” and
“infrastructure”.
• One of the parameters to determine ‘economic development’ is number of households
with a minimum Rs 10,000 in their savings account. Panchayats with higher number
of households having minimum Rs 10000 in their savings account will be rated
positively on the poverty index.
• Earlier, the threshold for minimum balance in savings account was set at Rs. 20000.
However after months of brainstorming, Rural Development Ministry has now fixed it at
Rs. 10000.
• Parameters to measure “social development and protection” include prevalence of
malnutrition among children up to three years, number of girls completing secondary
education and percentage of children with full immunisation.
• “Infrastructure” development will be measured by considering all weather roads, open
defecation free status, internet connectivity, community waste disposal system and
number of families living in safe houses.
Govt seeks Rs 13,000-cr surplus from RBI

On November 19, 2017, Economic Affairs Secretary, Subhash Chandra Garg, stated that
Central Government has only sought Rs 13,000 crore of surplus which Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
has and has not asked it to pay any ‘special dividend’.
i.The fiscal year for RBI is June-July. For 2016-17 fiscal, ending in June 2017, RBI’s profit was
about Rs 44,000 crore.
ii.This clarification comes in wake of media reports that government has asked for a special
dividend from RBI (in addition to the surplus) to fund a part of its Rs 2.11-lakh crore plan to
recapitalise public sector banks.
NSE arm launches SME Index to track firms on Emerge platform

On November 20, 2017, India Index Services & Products (IISL), a National Stock Exchange
(NSE) Group entity, launched Nifty SME Emerge Index, a new Nifty Index to measure the
performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) listed on NSE’s EMERGE
platform (dedicated NSE platform for small companies).
i.This index represents about 62 per cent of the full market capitalisation of all SMEs listed
on EMERGE.
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ii.Launch of this index coincides with the listing of ANI Integrated Services, which has become
100th company to list on NSE EMERGE.
Logistics sector gets infrastructure status

The government has given infrastructure status to logistics sector, covering cold chain and
warehousing facilities, in a move to attract more funding at competitive rates for these segments.
i.Amending the existing framework, a notification issued by the Department of Economic Affairs
(DEA) has widened the category of infrastructure sub-sectors to “transport and
logistics” from the earlier sub-head of “transport”.
ii.The infrastructure status would help the logistics sector get credit at competitive rates and on a
long-term basis as rising logistics cost impacts global competitiveness of exporters.
iii.According to the notification, logistics infrastructure includes “Multimodal Logistics
Park comprising Inland Container Depot (ICD) with minimum investment of Rs 50
crore and minimum area of 10 acre“.
Govt increases issue size of Bharat 22 ETF to Rs 14,500 cr

On November 20, 2017, Central Government announced that issue size of New Fund Offer (NFO)
of Bharat 22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) has been raised to Rs 14500 crore from Rs. 8000
crore earlier.
i.Bharat 22 ETF was oversubscribed by four times. It received highest subscription for any
new fund offer (NFO) in the history of Indian mutual fund industry. The decision to raise
the issue size has been taken in order to accommodate this positive response.
ii.Major chunk of this NFO has been subscribed by foreign institutional investors, which reflects
confidence on the Indian public sector space.
iii.NFO of Bharat 22 ETF was managed by ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.
iv.Bharat 22 ETF is a unique blend of shares of key Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs),.
Mastercard, Mswipe tie-up to strengthen digital payment acceptance in India

Mswipe, a domestic maker of Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, has partnered MasterCard to digitise
merchant acquisition and can now enable a shopkeeper anywhere in India to acquire a card swipe
machine.
i.At present, merchants need to sign physical agreements and, in some cases, open new current
accounts to become part of a credit card network.
ii.Mswipe will enable a merchant to complete the ‘know-your-customer’ (KYC) requirement using
a mobile application that will scan documents and use complex software to compare these with
government databases, including the income tax department’s Permanent Account Number (PAN)
database and the Shops and Establishments database.
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BRICS Bank approves $400 million loans for India, Russia

New Development Bank (NDB) floated by BRICS nations has approved two infrastructure and
sustainable development projects in India and Russia with loans of $400 million.
i. In India, funds procured by means of NDB loan will be used to rehabilitate the Indira Gandhi
canal system.
ii. In Russia, loan amount will be used to build a toll transport corridor connecting M-5
federal highway to Ufa city centre.
iii. These projects are in line with NDB’s primary objective to provide financial support for
infrastructure and sustainable development in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
(BRICS).
Axis Bank and Mumbai Police Launch new Campaign #MuhPeTaala

During the International Fraud Awareness week (12 – 18 November 2017), Axis Bank in
association with Mumbai Police has launched its latest campaign #MuhPeTaala to promote safe
banking.
Andhra Bank launches loan scheme for rural women

On November 21, 2017, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu
Naidulaunched Pattabhi Sitaramayya-Self Business Group (PS-SBG) scheme, a loan scheme
for rural women in the state, who want to start their own businesses.
i. Under this scheme, Andhra Bank would extend working capital and term loan up to Rs. 25 lakh
to the group or in individual capacity within group.
ii. This scheme has been launched to commemorate 138th birth anniversary of Dr.
Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the founder of Andhra Bank.
Hike partners with Airtel Payments Bank mobile wallet

On November 22, 2017, Messaging app Hike announced that it has entered into a tie-up
with Airtel Payments Bank for its mobile wallet product.
i. Owing to this tie-up, users of Hike messenger will now have access to Airtel Payments Bank’s
vast product line including merchant and utility payments.
ii. From Airtel Payments Bank’s perspective, this tie-up will be beneficial as it will get access to over
100 million users on Hike.
iii. Hike Messenger, which is backed by SoftBank, registered 30 per cent month-on-month
growth for its wallet service.
Ministry of Health celebrates Vasectomy Fortnight

On November 16, 2017, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a one-day national
workshop on the promotion of male participation in family planning in New Delhi.This Workshop
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was a precursor and curtain raiser to the ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ which is being
observed from 21st November 2017 to 4th December 2017 across all states and Union
Territories in India.
i. Objective of ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ is to spread awareness on male sterilization and thereby
improve its acceptance in the community.
ii. Theme of the ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ is “Zimmedar Purush ki yehi hai Pehchan, Parivar
Niyojan mein jo de Yogdaan”.
iii. ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ will comprise two phases – Mobilization phase from 21st November –
27th November 2017 and Service delivery phase from 28th November – 4th December 2017.
Royal Bank of Canada joins the global ranks of banks deemed ‘too big to fail’
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) has become the first Canadian bank to be added to the Financial
Stability Board’s (FSB’s) list of global systemically important banks (G-SIB) deemed ‘too
big to fail’.
i. Financial Stability Board (FSB) is an international body based in Basel, Switzerlandwhich co-
ordinates the work of national financial authorities and international standard-setting bodies.
ii. FSB has added RBC and has removed French bank Groupe BPCE from the list. Currently,
there are 30 institutions on Financial Stability Board’s (FSB’s) list of global systemically important
banks.
UBI gets SEBI approval for Rs 1,000 crore equity issue via QIP
On 22nd November 2017, United Bank of India (UBI) said it has received SEBI’s approval for issue
of equity shares worth Rs 1,000 crore by way of institutional placement.
i. Union Bank of India (UBI) in January 2017, said it planned to raise up to Rs 1,500 crore
through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), rights or public issue.
President approves ordinance to amend Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

On November 23, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his consent to an ordinance to amend
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This ordinance will now be presented in the
upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The provisions of this ordinance are aimed towards
preventing misuse of IBC by unscrupulous, undesirable persons.
Key Provision of the ordinance to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):
Wilful defaulters, whose accounts have been classified as non-performing assets (NPAs) for one
year or more and are unable to settle their overdue amounts including interest will be
considered ineligible to be a ‘resolution applicant.’
• As per the official statement, sale of property to a person who is ineligible to be a
resolution applicant has been barred and violations of this norm will attract fine ranging
from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 crore.
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• The new sections to be added in the IBC through the ordinance not only restricts such
persons to participate in the resolution or liquidation process, but also stipulates
that Committee of Creditors (CoC) should ensure the viability and feasibility of
the resolution plan before approving it.
SBI launches YONO, an integrated app for financial services

On November 24, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) unveiled ‘YONO’, India’s first integrated
lifestyle and banking app.
i. YONO was launched by Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley.
ii. Abbreviation YONO stands for ‘You Only Need One’.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launched ‘Pro-fit’ platform

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has launched ‘Pro-fit’, a platform that will act as a one-stop
solution to all the health-record tracking needs of customers.
RBI relaxes 26% debt-equity conversion cap for ARCs

On November 23, 2017, Reserve Bank issued a notification which relaxed norms capping asset
reconstruction companies (ARCs) shareholdings at 26 per cent in the borrower firm under
reconstruction.
i. However, this relaxation is subject to the condition that the net-owned funds are maintained
at Rs 100 crore on an ongoing basis.
Kotak Mahindra Bank launches “Smart Banking 24×7” e-Lobbies

On November 20, 2017, Kotak Mahindra Bank (Kotak) launched “Smart Banking 24X7” e-
lobbies, in the Mumbai suburbs of Juhu and Powai.
i. “Smart Banking 24×7” e-Lobbies gives customers the freedom to complete banking
transactions at any hour of the day as per their convenience.
Canara Bank rolls out Canarites app and digital library

On November 19, 2017, Canara Bank celebrated its Founder’s Day by rolling out several initiatives
and benefits for its staff.
i. Canara Bank was founded on July 1, 1906, by late Ammembal Subba Rao Pai, at
Mangaluru.
ii. Several initiative including a Canarites app, a digital library, a field recovery mobile app, a
retail loan (vehicle) – tracking system, and a regulatory guidance tracking system were
launched on this occasion.
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JM Financial gets NHB nod for home finance arm

Financial services firm, JM Financial has received certificate of registration from the National
Housing Bank (NHB) for carrying out housing finance activities through its subsidiary JM
Financial Home Loans.
S&P retains India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-‘; maintains stable outlook

On November 24, 2017, rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) kept its sovereign rating for
India unchanged at ‘BBB-‘, with outlook for the nation as ‘stable’.
i. BBB- rating is the lowest investment grade and just one notch above junk status.
iiS&P stated that India’s sizable fiscal deficit, low per capita income and high government debt do
not warrant a sovereign rating upgrade as of now.
Axis Bank launches blockchain-based international payment service

Private sector bank, Axis Bank has launched an instant international payment services
using RippleNet (Ripple’s enterprise blockchain technology solution).
i. This facility is currently available for Axis Bank’s retail customers in India to receive payments
from the UAE-based Rak Bank.
ii. Axis Bank’s corporate customers in India can also use this facility to receive payments
from Standard Chartered, Singapore.
iii. RippleNet is referred to as world’s only enterprise blockchain solution for global payments. It
connects banks, payment providers, digital asset exchanges and corporates for enabling seamless
experience to send money globally.
BillDesk launches cryptocurrency exchange Coinome in India

Indian online payments firm BillDesk-owned Hatio Innovations has launched cryptocurrency
exchange ‘Coinome’ in India offering trading of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash.
i. To start trading on this exchange, the user has to follow an e-KYC process, under which, he/she
is required to register his/her Aadhaar number. After registering Aadhaar number, one time
password (OTP) will be sent for the verification and activation of the account.
ii. Headquarters of ‘Coinome’ is located in Mumbai. Management of ‘Coinome’ has laid out
plan to introduce trading of leading 20 cryptocurrencies by 2018.
Bank of Baroda launches digital Supply Chain Finance solution

On November 27, 2017, Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched digital Supply Chain Finance
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solution which provides working capital loan opportunities for the small and medium enterprises
and large corporate clients.
i. This new product provides a range of supply chain finance products such as pre- and post-
shipment finance.
Asian Development Bank to provide $20 billion loan to India over five years
On November 27, 2017, multilateral funding agency, Asian Development Bank (ADB)announced
that it will raise annual funding to India to $4 billion from existing $2.7 billion, from next
year.
i. Kenichi Yokoyama, ADB Country Director in India, has stated that ADB will now provide
loans up to $4 billion to India on annual basis including non-sovereign/private debt during 2018-22.
ii. Thus, India will get about $20 billion loan from ADB over a period of 5 years.
DBS Bank lowers India’s FY18 GDP growth to 6.6%

Singapore’s DBS Bank has lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for
current fiscal (FY 2017-18) to 6.6 per cent from the previous 6.8 per cent.
i. Growth forecast has been lowered as DBS Bank believes that Indian businesses are still adjusting
to the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, corporate deleveraging is not being carried
out at a required pace and there is limited room for fiscal support.
ii. In its report titled “India in 2018/19”, DBS Bank has outlined that recent sovereign rating
upgrade from Moody’s has uplifted the overall economic sentiment and is likely to lower offshore
borrowing costs for Indian companies.
ICICI Prudential Life becomes first private Life Insurer to Implement e-NACH
ICICI Prudential Life has become first private Life Insurer in India to implement Electronic –
National Automated Clearing House (e-NACH) service of the National Payment
Corporation of India.
i. e-NACH mandate service is a digital registration process through which a customer issues a
mandate to the bank to debit his/her account at pre-determined frequencies.
ii. Customer can register for this mandate at the time of purchasing a life insurance policy, by
sharing bank details and Aadhaar number.
IndiaFirst Life introduces first-ever micro-insurance plan ‘insurance khata’

IndiaFirst Life Insurance has launched India’s first-ever micro-insurance plan ‘insurance khata’
for those in the informal sector and agricultural labourers with seasonal incomes.
i. ’Insurance Khata’ provides individuals with the flexibility to pay premium in parts depending on
periodicity of his/her income.
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ii. Entry level minimum premium for ‘Insurance Khata’ is Rs. 500/-.
Karnataka Bank ties up with BCG for transformation initiatives

Karnataka Bank Ltd has partnered with the Boston Consulting Group (India) Pvt Ltd for its
transformation initiatives and the transformation project ‘KBL Vikaas’ was launched in Mangaluru
on 29th November 2017.
i. The transformation project is aimed at total transformation of the bank by re-positioning it as a
relevant and significant bank by focusing on technology and by keeping intact its core values and
identity.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launches Paytm Payments Bank

On November 28, 2017, Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley formally launched ‘Paytm Payments
Bank’ in New Delhi.
i. Paytm Payments Bank is being termed as India’s only mobile first bank providing zero
balance accounts.
ii.Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Non-executive Chairman of Paytm Payments Bank, has stated
that the management is working towards setting up physical ATMs across India.
ADB approves $500 mn loan for rural roads in 5 states

On November 29, 2017, Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it will provide a $500
million loan to improve rural road connectivity in five states of India.
i. $ 500 mn loan has been approved by ADB for the ‘Second Rural Connectivity Investment
Programme’ to improve rural roads in West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and
Madhya Pradesh.
ii.Entire loan amount will be spent to construct and upgrade over 12000-kilometre rural
roads in these five states.
West Bengal to get World Bank subsidy to buy 130 electric buses
West Bengal State Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari has mentioned that the state
government has negotiated with the World Bank to avail subsidy to buy 130 electric buses.
i. World Bank has agreed to provide a subsidy of Rs seven lakh per bus.
ii. Out of the 130 electric buses, 100 would operate in Kolkata and the remaining 30 will
operate in industrial towns of Durgapur and Asansol.
RBI asks cooperative societies not to use word ‘Bank’ in names

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked co-operative societies not use the word ‘Bank’ in their
names as it violates the Banking Regulation Act.
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i. RBI has specified that using ‘bank’ in the name of cooperative societies violates Section 7
of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
ii. RBI has also issued a statement that some co-operative societies are accepting deposits from
public just like banks do. This activity is also a violation of the provisions of the Act.
iii General public has advised to exercise caution and carry out due diligence before dealing with
such cooperative societies as deposits placed with these societies are note covered by
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
India, World Bank ink $100-million loan agreement for solar parks
On November 20, 2017, India and the World Bank signed a $100-million loan and grant
agreement for increasing solar power generation capacity in India.
i.Fund procured through this loan for “Shared Infrastructure for Solar Parks Project” will be
deployed for financing solar parks across India.
ii.The agreement comprises a $75-million loan from the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), a $23-million loan from the Clean Technology
Fund (CTF) and $2 million as interest-free grant from CTF.
World Bank debars Madhucon Projects Ltd for two years

On 20th November 2017, Madhucon Projects Ltd said that, the World Bank has debarred it from
participating in the projects aided by the multilateral funding agency for two years.
i.The World Bank had temporarily debarred Madhucon Projects from participating in World
Bank aided projects for a period of three years due to allegednegligence of its project staff in
Lucknow-Muzzafarpur Highway projects.
BUSINESS
Core sector growth hits 6-month high of 5.2% in September

As per data released by Union Commerce and Industry Ministry on October 31, 2017, core
industries registered a growth of 5.2% in September 2017.
i. Coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and
electricity are together referred to as core industries.
ii. In September 2017, Production of coal, natural gas, refinery products, electricity generation and
steel products increased. Crude output and cement production was stagnant while fertilisers output
contracted.
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EESL receives $454 mn funding from Global Environment Facility for energy efficiency
programs
Global Environment Facility (GEF), an international partnership of 183 countries,
International development banks, United Nations agencies and international non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) will provide $454 million funding for energy-efficiency projects run
by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL).
Overview of Energy Efficiency Market in backdrop of Climate Change:

India is among world’s most vulnerable countries which could suffer from adverse effects of climate
change.
• India is the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China.As
part of its commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
adopted in 2015, Indian Government plans to reduce country’s carbon footprint by
33-35% from its 2005 levels by 2030.
• Owing to developments in this direction, the energy-efficiency market in India is
estimated at $22.81 billion.
Asia Index launches S&P BSE 100 ESG Index

Asia Index Pvt Ltd, a joint venture of S&P Dow Jones Indices and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange),
has launched an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) index.
ESG Index:
i. The S&P BSE 100 ESG Index uses the S&P BSE 100 as its universe. It excludes all tobacco
producing companies, and companies with tobacco sales greater than 10 %.
ii.It also excludes all companies producing controversial weapons and all companies at or
below the bottom 5 % of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) score.
US approves $1 billion deal to service Qatar’s F-15 fighter jets

On November 1, 2017, United States (US) Government approved a $1.1 billion deal to
service Qatar’s F-15 fighter jets despite the ongoing diplomatic stand-off between Qatar and its
neighbouring countries.
i. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut all diplomatic and
economic ties with Qatar accusing it of supporting terrorism across the region.
ii. However, US Government has recently approved the deal to service Qatar’s F-15 fighter jets and
build them ground facilities as Qatar hosts one of the largest US military bases in the Middle
East.
CBDT signs 7 more unilateral APAs with taxpayers

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed seven unilateral advance pricing
agreements (APAs) with Indian taxpayers during October 2017.
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Details about APAs signed by CBDT during October 2017:

i. 7 unilateral APAs signed by CBDT in October 2017, pertain to sectors like FMCG, semi-
conductor, information technology, travel and leisure, office furniture and engineering.
ii .Including these 7 agreements, CBDT has so far entered into 184 APAs, out of which 171 are
unilateral and 13 are bilateral. 32 APAs (2 bilateral and 30 unilateral) have been signed in 2017-18
itself.
iii. Objective of APA scheme is to provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer
pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and setting the prices of international
transactions in advance.
Reliance Communications to shut voice calls from Dec 1, subscribers can port till Dec 31
On 3rd November 2017, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) announced that, Reliance
Communications will shut down voice call service from 1st December 2017 and its customers can
move to other networks by the end of 2017.
Rs 10,000 crore MoU signed between Government of India & Patanjali

On 3rd November 2017, a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) of Rs 10, 000 Crore was signed
between the Government of India and Patanjali at the World Food India 2017.
Ola inks partnership with Microsoft for enhanced passenger experience

The transportation network company Ola announced its strategic partnership with Microsoft
company, and thereby choosing the microsoft as its preferred cloud provider.
Kerala govt inks MOU with Intel, UST Global

On November 6, 2017, Kerala State Government signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with Intel and UST Global for exploring the possibility of
transforming the state into an electronic hardware manufacturing hub.
More Detail about MoU between Kerala State Government – Intel – UST Global:
i. The MoU was signed between Kerala State IT department, Intel and UST Global in the presence
of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
HSBC pledges $100 billion of finance by 2025 to combat climate change

On 6th November 2017, HSBC pledged to provide $100 billion in financing and investment by
2025 to help combat climate change
i. HSBC has promised $100billion of finance for low-carbon technology and sustainable
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development by 2025 as part its commitment to tackling climate change and other “green”
goals.
ICEX completes first diamond futures contract of Rs 173.32 crore

On 8th November 2017, Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) said that, it has
successfully completed first-ever diamond futures contracts settlement with the total traded
quantity in November expiry for 5,382.08 carats valued at Rs 173.32 crore.
i. ICEX had commenced operations on 28th August 2017 with the launch of three monthly diamond
futures contracts – of November 2017, December 2017 and January 2018 expiry.
ii. The total traded quantity in November expiry since the launch of the contracts is 5,382.08
carats, valuing at Rs 173.32 crore. Percentage of delivery against the total traded quantity is 0.53
%.
Govt notifies tax avoidance protocol between India-New Zealand

Indian government has notified the third protocol with New Zealand for the avoidance of
double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
i. This protocol updates the existing protocol by incorporating new provisions about sharing of tax-
related information as per the latest international standard.
ii. It entered into force in India on September 7, 2017, and has been notified in the official
gazette on November 2, 2017.
Crisil, Sidbi tie up to launch MSME sentiment index – CriSidEx

Ratings firm CRISIL(Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) and Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to launch CriSidEx, a sentiment Index for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
CriSidEx – Utility:
CriSidEx will not only be useful for government and MSMEs, but also for regulators, trade
bodies, banks as well as financial analysts.
China to shut down steel plants for 5 months to curb Beijing winter pollution
A report by non-governmental environmental organisation Greenpeace has stated that, China will
either shut down or reduce operations at several steel plants for the next 5 months to
reduce pollution in Beijing.
i. A number of steel plants in northern China, which usually faces heavy to severe winter pollution
every year, will be shut down before Christmas as part of the green strategy.
ii. The new measures will come to effect in mid-November 2017, and will continue through
the winter. This move aims to cut wintertime particulate pollution by 15%.
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Adani Power inks PPA with Bangladesh Power Development Board

Adani Power has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Adani Power (Jharkhand) has
inked long-term pact with Bangladesh Power Development Board to supply electricity from its
upcoming 1,600 MW plant at Godda in Jharkhand.
i. Adani Power (Jharkhand) Limited has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for net
capacity of 1,496 MW with Bangladesh Power Development Board for 25 year.
ii. Adani Power (Jharkhand) will set up a new 1,600 MW (2X800 MW) ultra— supercritical, coal
based power plant at Godda, Jharkhand.
Government doubles import duty on wheat to 20%

On November 8, 2017, Indian government doubled the import duty on wheat to 20 per
cent to restrict cheap shipments and thereby provide price support to farmers in the ongoing
Rabi season.
i. This decision has been taken as government wants to give positive price signal and encourage
farmers to grow wheat in more area.
ii. Moreover, Indian Government wants to avoid wheat growers to shift to other crops due
to low prices owing to excess supply available at cheaper rates.
HAU, Netherlands to jointly work on crop residue management

On 9th November 2017, Haryana Agriculture University (HAU), Hisar, and the Netherlands
government decided to jointly work on a project to tackle issues like crop residue management.
i. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Joint Working Group of the Indo-Dutch Collaboration
presided over by HAU Vice-Chancellor, K P Singh, at Haryana Agriculture University.
ii. Also, an Indo-Dutch Horticulture Centre at Jhajhar, would be set up. This would be an
agri-business incubation centre and explore the scope for teacher-student training, exchange
programme, special short-term training programme and knowledge gap analysis.
Karnataka inks pacts with Chinese firms

Sixth China-India Forum meet was held in Bengaluru on November 10, 2017.
i. This event was jointly hosted by the Government of China, Chinese People’s Association for
Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), China-India Friendship Association (CIFA), and Podar
Enterprise.
ii. During the course of this forum, several pacts were signed between Chinese firms,
Chinese Government bodies, Karnataka Government and Podar Group of Companies.
International solar alliance announces setting up 1000 GW of solar energy by 2030

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced a target to support setting up 1000GW of
solar energy capacity by 2030 across its member countries.
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i. The 1000 GW solar energy capacity target by 2030 has been set by the ISA. It will
be met through projects that ISA will support under its various work programmes.
ii. This target does not take into account renewable energy targets or projects that
countries are pursuing on their own as part of their national efforts.
Maharashtra government, Patanjali to partner in Rs 25,000 crore cow project

On 12th November 2017, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced
that, Maharashtra governemnt would raise a Rs 25,000 crore project on 800 acres at Heti
(Kundi) village in Vidarbha, Maharshtra.
i. This project is to be carried forward with the help of Ramdev’s Patanjali group. According to Nitin
Gadkari, Patanjali will purchase 10,000 cows to develop a breeding centre and to carry out
dairy and allied activities at the site.
Uber inaugurates its second engineering facility in Hyderabad

On 16th November 2017, Uber inaugurated its engineering facility in Hyderabad, the second such
unit in India.
i. A team of over 40 engineers have been hired to build business intelligence platforms and real
time streaming at the engineering unit for Uber globally. It is spread over 18,000 square feet in
HiTec City, Kondapur, Hyderabad.
NEA, CTGC sign Joint Venture Pact to construct West Seti Hydropower Project
Nepal Electricity Authority, NEA has signed a joint venture agreement with China Three Gorges
Corporation (CTGC) to construct 750 MW West Seti hydropower Project.
NEA, CTGC sign Joint Venture Pact:
i. The joint venture agreement was signed at Kathmandu by NEA Executive Director Kulman
Ghising and representatives of China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC).
ii. He said that estimated cost of the project will be 1.8 billion US dollars. CTGC will have 75%
stake in the joint venture and NEA will hold remaining 25%.
Karnataka, Intel’s Mobileye tie up for “Automotive Safety Innovation” project

The Karnataka government has partnered with Intel company Mobileye to launch a project for
automotive safety called “Automotive Safety Innovation”, which will create a repository of road and
traffic information.
i. As part of this project, multiple vehicles fitted with cameras and other sensors would be covering
several areas around Karnataka to build the repository over the next 9 months.
ii. Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT, BT and Tourismsaid that, this repository can be used to
develop and validate artificial intelligence technologies that can learn and analyse data of road
conditions and assist drivers to make informed decisions for higher safety.
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iii. The vehicles will also carry Mobileye Collision Avoidance Systems that would identify
potential accident zones also known as “Grey Spots”, in addition to real-time warnings to the
driver.
Centre doubles import duty on crude edible oil

On November 17, 2017, Central Government doubled the import duties on most varieties of
crude edible oil.
i.This decision has been taken to support local oilseed prices such as groundnut, soybean
and sunflower, which have dropped below their minimum support prices (MSPs) in this kharif
season.
ii.Import duty on crude palm oil has been increased to 30 per cent from 15 per cent while for
refined palm oil, it has been increased to 40 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent.Import duty on
soybean seeds has also been increased to 45 per cent from earlier 30 per cent.
Toyota teams with Suzuki to bring EVs to India by 2020

On 17th November 2017, Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Suzuki Motor
Corp. said they had agreed to ally to introduce Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India by around
2020.
i.As per the pact, Suzuki would produce EVs for the Indian market and would supply some to
Toyota. Toyota would provide technical support.
ii.A MoU was signed in February 2017 between Toyota and Suzuki to explore a
partnership. Suzuki had earlier said it would invest $180 million (about ₹1,150 crore), along
with partners Toshiba and Denso, for a separate unit to manufacture lithium-ion
batteries at its Gujarat plant.
Mahindra opens Detroit’s 1st car making plant in 25 years

On 20th November 2017, Mahindra opened its new manufacturing plant in the world’s car capital
Detroit, which got its first automotive production facility in 25 years.
Mahindra – Detroit’s 1st car making plant in 25 years:
i.Mahindra has opened its new manufacturing plant with an investment of $230 million. The new
plant will create 250 new jobs in the US.
ii.In a few weeks, the new facility will produce an off-highway vehicle, designed and engineered
by Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA).
India becomes second largest fish producing country in the world

On November 21, 2017 (on the occasion of ‘World Fisheries Day’), Union Agriculture Minister,
Radhan Mohan Singh stated that India has become the second largest fish producing country in
the world.
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i. Total fish production in India (including capture and culture) reached 11.41 million tonnes in
2016-17.
ii. Mr. Singh mentioned that ‘Blue Revolution’ scheme which was launched with the outlay of Rs.
300 crore for the integrated development of the Fisheries sector in India has resulted in overall
increase in fish production by 18.86% as compared to last three years.
iii. It is to be noted that November 21 is celebrated as a World of Fisheries Day every year across
the world. This year India celebrated ‘World Fisheries Day’ with the theme “2022 ka hai
sapnaa…… kisaan ki aay ho duguna – Sankalp se siddhi”.
Samsung partners with UP govt to set up 20 healthcare centres

On November 22, 2017, Samsung India announced a partnership with Uttar Pradesh State
Government for ‘Smart Healthcare Programme’.
i. Under this programme, Samsung India will set-up 20 new smart healthcare centres across
Uttar Pradesh to offer affordable and quality healthcare to patients from the economically and
socially weaker sections of society.
Facebook to help small businesses in India, train 5 lakh Indians by 2020

On 22nd November 2017, Facebook said it expects to train about 5 lakh people in India on digital
skills by 2020 and unveiled two programmes designed for individuals and start-ups.
i. Two programmes: Facebook Digital Training and Facebook Startup Training Hubs were
rolled out in India before any other country.
ii. These tools will help people learn digital skills and enable entrepreneurs and SMB (small and
medium businesses) in digitising their business.
Uber to partner with Mahindra and Mahindra to pilot electric vehicles in India
On 24th November 2017, Uber Technologies partners with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) to add
electric vehicles on its platform in India.
i. Uber will deploy hundreds of electric vehicles in Delhi and Hyderabad, and will consider adding
the cars in other cities across India.
ii. Mahindra’s electric vehicles on the Uber platform will include the e2oPlus hatchback and
the eVerito sedan.
NPPA caps prices of 51 essential medicines

On November 24, 2017, India’s drug pricing regulator, National Pharmaceutical Pricing
Authority (NPPA) capped prices of 51 essential formulations, including those used for the
treatment of cancer and heart conditions.
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i. Reduction in prices for these essential formulations is in the range of 6-53%.

ii. Oxaliplatin (injection 100mg), used for colon or rectal cancer treatment,Japanese
encephalitis vaccine and measles rubella vaccine are some of the drugs for which the ceiling prices
have been capped.
Government doubles incentives rates for garments, made-ups to 4 percent

Under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), Central Government has doubled
incentive rates for export of readymade garments and made-ups to 4 percent from 2 per cent
earlier.
i. This decision has been taken to boost shipments of readymade garments and made-ups.
ii. Readymade garments and made-ups are labour intensive sub-sectors of textile sector. Thus
encouraging its exports through incentives would lead to more production, which would eventually
generate employment opportunities.
iii. Incentives to be paid under this initiative are estimated to be Rs 1143.15 crore for
2017-18 and Rs 685.89 crore for 2018-19.
Trump Tower launched in Kolkata; developers aim Rs 700 crore sales

The iconic Trump Tower comprising 140 ultra-luxury apartments has been been launched in
Kolkata and its Indian developers are expecting to garner around Rs 700 crore in sales from this
project.
i. This is the third Trump Tower to be launched in India.
IKEA opens first ‘Hej HOME’ in India at Hyderabad

The Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA (Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd) launched its first
experimential centre “IKEA Hej HOME”on 26th Nov 2017.
♦ IKEA has planned to open its first store in the India at Hyderabad by 2018.After the Hyderabad
store, the second store will open in Mumbai during 2019, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi NCR.
Amazon India launches startup challenge “Startup C-Cube”

On 28th November 2017, Amazon India collaborated with hardware accelerator “HAX” and crowd-
funding community “Kickstarter” to announce “Startup C-Cube” – a multi-level challenge for the
startups that will commence in Bengaluru on December 5, 2017.
i. This move is expected to bring companies together to work towards building the product startup
ecosystem. The announcement was made at the first anniversary of Amazon’s flagship programme
“Launchpad”.
ii. The winning team in the Startup C-Cube challenge will be supported by Amazon India, HAX and
Kickstarter through the entire “concept-to-customer” journey. They will also provide the startup
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with resources needed to scale up in India, Europe and the US.
Air India Express gets CAT-III-B certification to operate in foggy conditions

Air India Express (AIE), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, has secured the Category
III-B certification from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
i. By gaining this certification, Air India Express flights can now land and takeoff in low
visibility conditions even up to an RVR (runway visual range) as low as up to 50 meters.
ii. Air India Express has got CAT III B certification as all its pilots have completed the low visibility
training, required for carrying out operations in foggy conditions.
India becomes biggest consumer of Ukraine agriculture exports

On 28th November 2017, Ukraine’s Agriculture Ministry said, India was the biggest market for
Ukrainian agriculture products in the first 10 month of 2017, importing 11.3 % of exports in
cash terms.
i. Ukraine’s Agriculture Ministry said, Ukrainian agriculture exports were worth $14.7 billion in the
10 months to October 2017, about 23 % more than in the same period last year. Ukraine is among
the world’s biggest exporters of sunflower oil, maize and wheat.
ii. Egypt was the second-largest importer, with a 7.5 %share, and the Netherlands was
the third, with 6.9 %.
Air India opens simulator training centre for ATR pilots in Hyderabad
On 28th November 2017, Air India commissioned its first ATR simulator ‘ATR 72-600 full-flight
simulator (FFS)’ at its Central Training Establishment (CTE)in Hyderabad.
i. The ATR 72-600 full-flight simulator (FFS) has been set up at an investment of Rs 63 crore,
including the acquisition cost. This will meet the training requirements of the ATR pilots of
Alliance Air, Air India’s regional arm. This new generation simulator is the first of its kind in India.
ii. Pilots will begin simulated training at the centre from 29th November 2017. Till now these pilots
were going to Singapore, Bangkok or France for training on regional jets, which was costly.
India-Lesotho Bilateral Ties: India donates 500 metric tonnes of rice to Lesotho
On 29th November 2017, India donated 500 metric tonnes of rice to the Kingdom of Lesotho,
in Southern Africa, which is facing acute food shortage due to famine.
i. High Commissioner of India to South Africa and Lesotho, Ruchira Kamboj handed over
the donation to the government of Lesotho, after she presented her credentials to King Letsie
III in Lesotho’s capital, Maseru.
ii. Ruchira Kamboj also inaugurated the India-Lesotho Centre for Advanced Information
Technology, a project fully-funded by the Government of India, at the Lerotholi Polytechnic in
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Maseru. The construction of the new building to house the Centre was completed recently.
India’s Jet, Air France-KLM announce tie-up on routes

On November 29, 2017, India’s airline operator, Jet Airways and Air France-KLMannounced a
tie-up to boost flights from the Indian subcontinent to Europe and then onwards to the United
States.
i. This tie-up could give Jet Airways, unrestricted access to Europe and North America and
could reduce the scope of its existing partnership with Etihad Airways.
ii. As per the terms of this tie-up, Jet Airways and Air France-KLM will align their inventory and
networks and will be selling one another’s tickets and frequent flyer programmes.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
K Satchidanandan selected for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram

Noted Malayalam Poet and literary critic, K Satchidanandan, has been selected for 2017
Ezhuthachan Puraskaram award, Kerala government’s highest literary honour.
Chanda kochhar, Priyanka Chopra featured on Forbes 100 most powerful women in the
world
ICICI Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) Chanda Kochhar and
Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra have featured on the list of the world’s 100 most powerful
women compiled by Forbes.
i. The overall list was topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She has retained the top
position for the seventh consecutive year and 12 times in total.
Mumbai’s restored Royal Opera House bags UNESCO heritage award

On 1st November 2017, Royal Opera House in Charni Road, Mumbai, was awarded the 2017
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Royal Opera House – 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage
Conservation:
i. The Royal Opera House was closed to the public in 1993. It was reopened in 2016 after
restoration
ii. It was originally inaugurated by Britain’s King George V in 1911 and completed in 1916. It
is currently owned by Maharaja Joytendrasinhji Jadeja and Maharani Kumud Kumari
Jadeja of Gondal, Gujarat.
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Mukesh Ambani becomes Asia’s richest person

On 1st November 2017, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, overtook China’s Hui
Ka Yan and became Asia’s richest person with a total wealth of$42.1 billion
Tata Power Solar bags Dun & Bradstreet award

Tata Power Solar has won ‘Dun & Bradstreet – Everest Infra Awards
2017’ under Infrastructure Project category for commissioning India’s largest solar project
under Domestic Content Requirement for NTPC at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
i. The 100-MW project of Tata Power Solar is expected to generate nearly 160 million units (kWh)
of energy per year. It is the biggest solar project in India, commissioned using domestically
manufactured solar cells and modules.
Krishna Sobti gets prestigious Jnanpith award 2017

On 3rd November 2017, the Jnanpith Selection Board announced that renowned Hindi
writer Krishna Sobti has been chosen for 2017 Jnanpith Award.
i. Krishna Sobti was born in 1925 in Gujrat, Pakistan’s Punjab Province. Sobti is 92 years old. She is
known for experimenting with new writing styles. Her language was highly influenced by the
intermingling of Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi cultures.
ii. Some of her important works are Daar Se Bichhudi, Mitro Marjani, Zindaginama, Dil-o-
Danish, Badalom ke Ghere, Ai Ladki and Gujarat Pakistan Se Gujarat Hindustan. Several of
her works have been translated into other languages.
Girish Karnad to be honoured with Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award
2017
Indian playwright, actor, film director, and writer Girish Karnad has been announced as
the recipient of the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2017.
Srirangam temple wins UNESCO award

Srirangam temple of Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of
Merit 2017 for cultural heritage conservation.
i. The use of traditional methods in renovating temple structures and re-establishment of rainwater
harvesting and historic drainage system were the main reasons for the temple to achieve the
award.
ii. It has become the first temple in Tamil Nadu to be given the prestigious award from the
UN body. The renovation of the temple began in June 2014.
India sets Guinness Record for cooking 918 kgs of Khichdi

On November 4, 2017, India set a Guinness world record by cooking 918 kg khichdi at
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‘World Food India’ 2017 event in New Delhi.
Best Urban Transport Practices Awards announced in Urban Mobility Conference held in
Hyderabad
On November 6, 2017, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced ‘Best Urban
Transport Practices’ Award on the concluding day of the three day Urban Mobility Conference
–cum-Exhibition at Hyderabad.
Winners of ‘Best Urban Transport Practices’ Awards:
Surat Municipal Corporation has won ‘Best City Bus Services Award’ for attracting 87% of
the private vehicle and auto rickshaw users to use city buses. This feat was accomplished with Bus
Rapid Transport System (BRTS) which was made operational in 2014. BRTS in Surat currently
operates 275 buses on 28 routes.
• Mysuru’s ‘Public Bicycle Sharing’ has been chosen for ‘Best Non-Motorised
Transport’ Award. Public Bicycle Sharing was introduced in Mysuru in June 2017 with
425 bicycles and 45 docking stations. This setup currently has more than registered 6400
members.
• For completing its Metro Rail Project in a quick time and integrating the metro with other
modes of transport, Kochi (Kerala) has been chosen for the ‘Best City in Urban
Transport Initiative’ Award.
• Hyderabad’s Traffic Integrated Management System (H-TRIMS) has won
‘Commendable Initiative Award’ under ‘Best Intelligent Transport Project’
category. H-TRIMS was introduced in 2012 to provide round the clock, no break in
service signalling at all the 221 traffic junctions. It has brought down waiting time at
traffic junctions by over 33%.
• Chittor in Andhra Pradesh has been chosen for the ‘Commendable Initiative
Award’ for the city police’s initiative for improving road safety. Under this initiative
Community Police Officers and students are roped in for spreading awareness about road
accidents and outlining preventive measures.
Mohan Joshi honoured with Vishnudas Bhave award

On 5th November 2017, Veteran actor Mohan Joshi was honoured with the prestigious Vishnudas
Bhave award for his contribution to theatre.
i. Mohan Joshi was honoured with Vishnudas Bhave award at a ceremony held in Sangli,
Maharashtra on the eve of Marathi Rangbhumi Din.
ii. Veteran actor Jayant Sawarkar presented the Vishnudas Bhave award to Mohan Joshi.
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Joshi has acted in a number of Marathi and Hindi films and plays.
Goa to hold Nobel Prize Series-India 2018

On November 3, 2017, Goa State Government signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Department of Bio-Technology under Union Ministry of Science and
Technology and Nobel Media, Sweden to hold the ‘Nobel Prize Series — India 2018’ from
1st – 28th February, 2018.
i. ’Nobel Prize Series – India 2018’ will consist of a month-long exhibition from the Nobel
Museum and Nobel dialogues in which Nobel laureates will interact with school children and
teachers.
ii. Theme of this event will be ‘Science Impacts Life’.
Banaganapalle mangoes, six others get GI tag

Banaganapalle mangoes of Andhra Pradesh and six other products have been
granted Geographical Indications (GI) during this fiscal year, 2017-18 by the Indian patent
office.
i. Other six products which have received GI tag this year include Pochampally Ikat of
Telangana; Tulapanji rice and Gobindobhog Rice of West Bengal; Chakshesang Shawl of
Nagaland; Durgi Stone Carvings and Etikoppaka Toys of Andhra Pradesh.
Maya Swaminathan Sinha awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by ASSOCHAM

On 31st October 2017, ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India)
honoured CMC Skills’ Founder Ms. Maya Swaminathan Sinha with the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year
Award 2017’ award in Ranchi.
i. ASSOCHAM organized “One Day National Summit on Leadership cum Awards 2017’’ at Hotel BNR
Chanakya, Ranchi. The ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2017’ award waspresented to Ms.
Maya Swaminathan Sinha by Governor of Jharkhand, Draupadi Murmu.
Apollo Munich Health Insurance wins ‘General Insurance Company of the Year’
On 1st November 2017, Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company was awarded the 21st Asia
Insurance Industry Awards in the “General Insurance Company of the Year” category, at
Singapore.
i. Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company is a joint venture between integrated healthcare
provider, Apollo Hospitals Group, and the Munich Re Group. The Asia Insurance Industry
Awards is hosted annually by Asia Insurance Review.
Indian short film ‘School Bag’ wins award in Montreal

On 5th November 2017, Indian short film ‘The School Bag’ won the Best Short Film Award at
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the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) in Montreal.

i. Indian short film ‘The School Bag’ is about a story based in Pakistan. The plot is based in
Peshawar and is about the relationship between a mother and her seven-year-old son who wants a
new school bag on his birthday. But fate has something else in store for him.
Novel on Hitler’s rise wins France’s top book award

On 6th November 2017, Eric Vuillard’s novel L’ordre du jour (in English ‘Agenda’), story of how
German industry and finance backed Adolf Hitler, won the top Goncourt Prize 2017 award, at
the restaurant Drouant in Paris.
Natalie Portman has been awarded Israel’s 2018 Genesis Prize

On 7th November 2017, organisers announced that, Natalie Portman has been awarded Israel’s
2018 Genesis Prize in recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her
Jewish and Israeli roots.
i. The Genesis Prize is granted each year to a person recognised as an inspiration to the next
generation of Jews through professional achievement and commitment to Jewish values. It consists
of $1 million cash.
Girija Devi to get posthumous Lifetime Achievement award

Eminent classical singer late Girija Devi will be honoured with the prestigious Sumitra Charat Ram
Award for Lifetime Achievement on 17th November 2017 in New Delhi.
Girija Devi – Lifetime Achievement Award:

i. The Sumitra Charat Ram Award for Lifetime Achievement will be presented by Hardeep Singh
Puri, Minister of State (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) to Girija Devi’s daughter, Sudha
Datta, at Kamani Auditorium.
ii. The award was instituted six years ago in the memory of Delhi’s well-known art
patron, Sumitra Charat Ram, by her daughter Shobha Deepak Singh.
UNHCR to get Mother Teresa Award 2017 for social justice

On 9th November 2017, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was
named as the recipient of the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, 2017 as an
acknowledgement of its exceptional work worldwide.
i. Harmony Foundation’s theme for 2017 is ‘Compassion Beyond Borders’. The Mother Teresa
Memorial Award for Social Justice will be presented to the UNHCR at a function on 10th December
2017.
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National Entrepreneurship Awards 2017 hosted by MSDE

On 9th November 2017, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) hosted
the National Entrepreneurship Awards 2017 marking the completion of three years of its inception.
National Entrepreneurship Awards:
i. The National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA) was instituted by MSDE in 2016 to encourage
entrepreneurship in India. Few of the awardees are mentioned below:
1.Mentor (Government) Category awarded to – Dr. Renu Swarup
2.Best State Engaging Apprentices awarded to – Haryana
3.Champion Sector Skill Council awarded to – Textile Sector Skill Council
4.Champion Corporate (Special Recognition) awarded to – ICICI Bank
NINL gets prestigious Kalinga Safety Award

On 10th November 2017, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) received the prestigious
“Kalinga Safety Award” in the 8th Odisha State Safety Conclave.
i. The Odisha-based NINL got the award in gold category for best safety performer of the
year 2016. S B Jagdale, Joint Managing Director, NINL received the award from Odisha
Governor S C Jamir at 8th Odisha State Safety Conclave held in Bhubaneswar.
Olympic gymnast Dipa karamakar conferred with D.Litt. degree from NIT Agartala
India’s gymnastic star Dipa Karmakar, who finished fourth in the final round of the women’s vault
event at the Rio Olympics Games in Brazil last year,was on Saturday i.e. on 11th Nov 2017,
conferred a D.Litt. degree by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala.
Transport for London gets 2017 Bad Grammar Award

Transport for London has been given the 2017 ‘Bad Grammar Award’ by The Idler Academy in
Britain.
i. The award is instituted by an academy associated with the Idler magazine. It is given to highlight
“the incorrect use of English by people and institutions who should know better”.
Mithali Raj named Sportswoman of the Year (Team Sports) at the Indian Sports Honours
2017
On 11th November 2017, Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj bagged the Indian
Sportswoman of the Year (Team Sports) award at the Indian Sports Honours (ISH)
2017 event held in Mumbai.
Google Doodle celebrates 151st Birthday of India’s First Female Advocate Cornelia
Sorabji
On 15th November 2017, Google paid its tributes to Cornelia Sorabji, India’s first woman lawyer,
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through a doodle on the occasion of her 151st birth anniversary.

i. Cornelia Sorabji is the first woman to graduate in law from India in 1892 and the first Indian
national to attend a British University.
ii. The Google Doodle was created by Jasjyot Singh Hans with Cornelia Sorabji in front of the
Allahabad High Court, where she started her career as pleader.
iii. Cornelia was born in Nashik in 1866. She became the first woman to be graduated from
Bombay University.
Kevin Lilliana of Indonesia won Miss International 2017

On 14th November 2017, Indonesia’s Kevin Lilliana was crowned Miss International 2017 by the
Philippines’ Kylie Verzosa at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan.
Ambani family tops Forbes list of Asia’s Richest Families

On 15th November 2017, Forbes said that, India’s Ambani family has topped the Forbes list of
Asia’s Richest Families for the first time with a net worth of$44.8 billion, up $19 billion from
the previous year.
i. The collective wealth of Asia’s 50 richest families on the list is a record $699 billion.
The 2nd position was secured by, South Korea’s Lee family with $40.8 billion wealth. Hong
Kong’s Kwok family ranks 3rd with a net worth of $40.4 billion.
Baahubali: The Beginning wins big at Nandi awards; Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan win NTR
honour
On 14th November 2017, the Andhra Pradesh government announced Nandi Awards of the year
2014, 2015 and 2016. Baahubali won fourteen awards and Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth were the
winners of NTR honour.
Nandi Awards:
i. Baahubali has become the only film to collect fourteen awards in different categories. The
Baahubali team collected awards for the best film, director, supporting actress, villain,
cinematographer, playback singer (male), music, choreographer, fight master, dubbing and special
effects.
ii. Ramya Krishnan was named the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sivagami in
Baahubali. Rana Daggubati, who played Bhalladeva in Baahubali, won the best villain award,
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan won the NTR National Award for the year 2014 and 2015,
respectively.
Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) bags ADI PEC Excellency in
Energy Awards 2017
On 13th November 2017, the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) bagged
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the ADI PEC (Abu Dhabi Intl Petroleum Exhibition and Conference) Excellency in Energy Awards
2017 as runner-up, in Abu Dhabi.
Nicaragua’s Sergio Ramirez wins Spain’s Cervantes prize

Nicaraguan author and former politician Sergio Ramirez Mercado has won the 2017 Cervantes
Prize, the Spanish-speaking world’s highest literary honor.
Anand Kumar of Super 30 is awarded Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award for 2017
On 14th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind awarded “Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award
2017” to Super 30 founder Anand Kumar for his contributions in the field of teaching and
education, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi.
i. The Rashtriya Bal Kalyan Award was launched by the Department of Women and Child
Development. It carries a citation and Rs. 1 lakh. The awardees are selected after shortlisting
the entries from all over India.
2017 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize goes to Dr Manmohan Singh

Former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has been chosen for Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Disarmament and Development for the year 2017. Dr. Manmohan Singh has been chosen for
achievements during his term as Prime Minister of India between 2004 and 2014.
• As per the jury, Dr. Manmohan Singh has been chosen for this award for his contributions
to introduce reforms in India economy, for strengthening India’s image in world politics
and for improving India’s relations with neighbouring countries.
• Nuclear Cooperation deal with the United States and the Copenhagen Climate
Change agreement are considered among the most significant accomplishments during
Dr. Singh’s tenure as India’s Prime Minister during 2004-2014.
Haryana girl Manushi Chhillar wins Miss World 2017

India’s Manushi Chhillar has won the Miss World beauty pageant for the year 2017.
i.India has won the Miss World 2017 title 17 years after Priyanka Chopra won the title in
2000. Andrea Meza, who is Miss Mexico was the first runner up andStephanie
Hill from England was second runner up.
Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam bags 2017 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature
Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam’s “The Story of a Brief Marriage” has bagged
the $25,000 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2017.
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Veteran journalist Manik Banerjee gets IMF award

Veteran journalist Manik Banerjee, who is also a renowned mountaineer was presented with
the Life Time Achievement Award by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
Actor Trisha gets UNICEF celebrity advocate status

On 20th November 2017, Tamil actor Trisha Krishnan was conferred the UNICEF celebrity advocate
status for child rights at an event held in Chennai.
Nabaneeta Dev Sen honoured with Big Little Book Award

Popular Bengali writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen has been declared as winner in ‘Author in Bengali
language’ category at the second edition of Big Little Book Award.
Beyonce tops Forbes list of highest-earning women in music

Beyonce has jumped from number 5 last year to clinch the top spot (number 1) in Forbes
magazine’s 2017 list for the highest-paid women in music.
i.Beyonce’s most praised album “Lemonade,” her sixth No. 1 hit, and her subsequent Formation
World Tour accounted for the bulk of the estimated $105 millionshe has earned between June 1,
2016, and June 1, 2017.
IIITM-K team bags NITI Aayog prize

A team of research students from Indian Institute of Information Technology and
Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) have won the prestigious NITI Aayog prize in the inaugural
edition of the Proffer Hackathon held at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – New Delhi.
Pankaj Mishra’s ‘Age of Anger: A History of the Present’ named as Best Book of the year
On 19th November 2017, at the Tata Literature Live! Awards, Pankaj Mishra’s ‘Age of Anger: A
History of the Present’ was named as Best Book of the year 2017.
Recipients of other awards are as follows:
1.First Book Award – Prayaag Akbar’s ‘Leila’ & Pranay Lal’s ‘Indica: A Deep Natural History of the
Indian Subcontinent’
2.Book of the Year for fiction – Easterine Kire’s ‘Son of the Thundercloud’
3.Business Book of the Year – YV Reddy’s ‘Advice and Dissent: My Life in Public Service’
4.Publisher of the Year – Penguin Random House India
5.Big Little Book Award – Nabaneeta Dev Sen
Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam bags Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2017
Sri Lankan author Anuk Arudpragasam has bagged the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2017 for
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his debut novel “The Story of a Brief Marriage”, set in the backdrop of the civil war.
Pondicherry University library bags the Highest Profile Registration category award
Pondicherry University library has bagged the Highest Profile Registration category award
for effective utilisation of the J-Gate@eShodhSindhu platform.
i. University librarian R. Samyuktha received the award at the first J-
Gate@eShodhSindhu Forum and Information and Library Network Centers (INFLIBNET)
meet jointly organised by INFLIBNET and Informatics Publishing Ltd, held at Gandhi Nagar
recently.
Rajkummar Rao, ‘Newton’ win big at Asia Pacific Screen Awards

On 23rd November 2017, Bollywood movie ‘Newton’ secured two wins with Rajkummar Rao winning
the best actor award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Brisbane, Australia.
i. For ‘Newton’, Rajkummar Rao won the best actor award and Mayank Tewari and Amit V.
Masurkar secured the best screenplay honour.
ii. Newton was produced by Drishyam Films and directed by Amit V. Masurkar. The movie
revolves around a young government clerk who is sent on election duty to a Maoist-controlled town
and how the ideological struggle puts him in an awkward situation.
Lionel Messi receives his fourth European Golden Shoe award

On 24th November 2017, Lionel Messi received his fourth Golden Shoe award for leading all of
Europe’s leagues in scoring last season, in Barcelona.
Golden Temple awarded ‘most visited place of the world’ -WBR

On 24th November 2017, the Golden Temple has been awarded the ‘most visited place of the
world’ by ‘World Book of Records’ (WBR), a London-based organisation that catalogues and
verifies world records.
Health Ministry wins Bronze Medal at the India International Trade Fair 2017
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has won Bronze Medal for its creative and informative
display at the 37th India International Trade Fair 2017.
i. 37th India International Trade Fair 2017 was held from 14th – 27th November, 2017 in New
Delhi.
ii. Health Ministry pavilion highlighted various programmes and initiatives of the Health Ministry
such as Pradhan Mantri Matritva Suraksha Yojana (PMSMA), Mission Indradhnaush for
expanding full immunization coverage, Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA) for encouraging
breastfeeding, introduction of new vaccines and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
(PMSSY) for strengthening the tertiary health sector.
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Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned Miss Universe 2017

On 26th November 2017, Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned Miss Universe
2017 at the AXIS theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
i. Nel-Peters is 22 years old. She was born in Sedgefield, South Africa. She recently earned her
degree in business management. She wants to use her reign to create awareness about HIV/AIDS
and self-defense causes.
Ishaan Khatter wins Best Actor award at Turkish Film Festival

Actor Ishaan Khattar has won the Best Actor award for his debut film ‘Beyond The Clouds’ at
the International Bosphorus Film Festival in Turkey.
i. ‘Beyond The Clouds’ has been directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi.
ii. It is a tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent time.
iii. Music for this film has been composed by A. R. Rahman.
iv. In India, ‘Beyond The Clouds’ is scheduled to release in early 2018. It was the opening movie of
the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 20, 2017.
Ruskin Bond gets Lifetime Achievement Award

On 26th November 2017, the Chandigarh Literary Society awarded children’s author Ruskin Bond
its first Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Chandigarh Lit Fest ‘Literati-2017’ at the Lake
Club, in Chandigarh.
Japan’s Hiroshi Marui honoured with 3rd ICCR distinguished Indologist Award
On 28th November 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the 3rd ICCR (Indian Council
for Cultural Relations) Distinguished Indologist Award on Professor Hiroshi
Marui of Japan at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Water Resources Ministry pavilion bags gold medal in IITF

On 27th November 2017, the pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development
and Ganga Rejuvenation bagged gold medal in the Ministries/ Departments category for
excellence in display in the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2017, in New Delhi.
Winners of Indian Sports Honours 2017

Inaugural edition of Indian Sports Honours 2017 was held in Mumbai on November 27, 2017.
i. Indian Sports Honours is a joint initiative by Indian Men’s Cricket Team’s Captain Virat
Kohli Foundation RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group to honour Indian sports stars and support the
development of Indian sports.
ii. Indian Badminton players, Srikanth Kidambi and PV Sindhu were honoured with sportsman
and woman of the year respectively for individual sports.
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iii. Off-spinner R Ashwin was awarded Sportsman of the year for team sportwhereas Indian
Women’s Cricket Team Captain Mithali Raj was awarded Sportswoman of the year for team
sport.
iv. Tennis star Sania Mirza was awarded Inspirational Honour by the jury.
Other Awardees at Indian Sport Honours 2017
Award Awardee
Emerging Sportswoman of the year Aditi Ashok (Golfer)
Emerging Sportsman of the year Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Thrower)
Differently abled Sportswoman of the year Deepa Malik
Differently abled Sportsman of the year Devendra Jhajharia
Breakthrough Performance of the Year Hardik Pandya (Cricketer)
Aung San Suu Kyi stripped of Freedom of Oxford award

Aung San Suu Kyi has been formally stripped of the Freedom of the City of Oxford award over her
response to the repression of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims.
Egyptian journalist Khaled el-Balshy wins Nelson Mandela Innovation Award

Egyptian journalist Khaled el-Balshy has won the Individual Activist award of the Nelson Mandela
– Graca Machel Innovation Awards.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Suresh Chukkapalli appointed as Consul General of South Korea
Suresh Chukkapalli, Chairman of Phoenix Group of Hyderabad, has been appointed as Honorary
Consul General in Hyderabad, by South Korea, with consular jurisdiction over the state
of Telangana.
UN names Knut Ostby as new Myanmar resident coordinator

On 31st October 2017, the United Nations announced that, it has appointed Knut Ostby as interim
resident coordinator in Myanmar and resident representative for the U.N. Development
Program in Myanmar.
Neelamani N. Raju is Karnataka’s first woman police chief

On 31st October 2017, Karnataka government announced that, Neelmani N. Raju is the next
Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) of Karnataka, making her the first
woman police chief of Karnataka.
Bharti AXA Life appoints Vikas Seth as CEO

On 1stNov 2017, the Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Bharti Enterprises, appointed
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Vikas Seth as chief executive officer (CEO).

i. The appointment is subject to requisite IRDAI approval. Prior to joining Bharti AXA Life, Vikas was
with the Aditya Birla Group, where he worked for nearly 10 years in different roles.
Paytm Payments Bank appoints Sudhanshu Jain as CFO

On 1st November 2017, Paytm Payments Bank appointed former ICICI Bank
executive Sudhanshu Jain as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Rajesh Vaishnaw appointed as High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta

Shri Rajesh Vaishnaw who was an IFS Officer in the year 1996, presently Joint Secretary in the
Ministry of External Affairs has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to
the Republic of Malta.
Gatorade signs Neeraj Chopra as Brand Ambassador

On 1st November 2017, junior world record holder javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra was
appointed as brand ambassador for Gatorade, sports drinks giant, in a partnership up to 2021.
Nasir Kamal appointed as Additional Director General of BSF

On 2nd November 2017, Home Ministry announced that, Nasir Kamal has been appointed as
Additional Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).
Shamika Ravi to be appointed as member of PM economic panel

A senior government official has said that, Shamika Ravi, senior official at Brookings India, would
be appointed as part-time member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-
PM).
Mary Kom named Youth World Championships ambassador

Five-time world champion MC Mary Kom has been appointed as ambassador of the AIBA
Women’s Youth World Championships 2017 to be held in Guwahati from 19 to 26
November 2017.
Senate confirms Kenneth Juster as US Ambassador to India

The Senate today confirmed by a voice vote the nomination of Kenneth Juster as the next US
Ambassador to India.
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Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigns

On 4th November 2017, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned unexpectedly.
Madhu Azad becomes Gurgaon’s first woman mayor

On 3rd November 2017, Madhu Azad of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Councillor for Ward 7,
bagged the post of Gurgaon Mayor, becoming the first ever female mayor of Gurgaon.
Delhi PWD Secretary Ashwani Kumar to be new Chief Secretary of Puducherry

Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary in the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD), has been
appointed as Chief Secretary for Puducherry.
R K Kulshrestha assumes charges as GM, Southern Railway

On 31st October 2017, R K Kulshrestha assumed charge as the General Manager of Southern
Railway.
Poonguzhali becomes first woman Senior DDG appointed in TERM, DoT

N Poonguzhali has become the first woman to be appointed as senior Deputy Director
General (DDG), Tamil Nadu, Telecom Enforcement Resource Monitoring, Department of
Telecommunications (DoT).
Binoy Kumar appointed as Special Secretary in Commerce Ministry

On 6th November 2017, senior IAS officer Binoy Kumar was appointed as Special Secretary in the
Commerce Ministry.
Gujarat Cadre IAS Officer Hasmukh Adhia named New Finance Secretary
On 6th November 2017, the government named Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia as the new
Finance Secretary of India.
Sanjeev Kaushik appointed as whole-time member of SEBI

Sanjeev Kaushik, a Kerala cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as whole-time member of SEBI.
RBI Governor Urjit Patel appointed to BIS Advisory Board

On 15th November 2017, RBI Governor Urjit Patel was appointed to the Financial Stability
Institute Advisory Board of the Bank of International Settlement (BIS).
Ravinder Singh elected first Sikh mayor of US city

Ravinder Singh Bhalla has become the first ever Sikh mayor of New Jersey’s Hoboken city.
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Indian Origin Priti Patel resigns as British Minister

On 8th November 2017, Britain’s first Indian-origin Cabinet Minister Priti Patel resigned as
International Development Secretary due to controversies over her unauthorised secret
meetings with Israeli politicians.
Union minister Alphons elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan

On 9th November 2017, Union minister of state for tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam, was
elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan in a bypoll.
Ravi Bangar concurrently appointed as Ambassador of India to Ecuador

On 10th November 2017, Ravi Bangar was appointed as Ambassador of India to Ecuador.
Debjani Ghosh to be the first woman to be President of NASSCOM in 2018

NASSCOM has appointed Debjani Ghosh, former MD, Intel South Asia, as the NASSCOM President-
Designate, making her the first woman President of NASSCOM.
Gautam Gambhir named Govt nominee in DDCA managing committee

The India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir was on 10th Nov 2017 made as a government nominee in
the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) managing committee and he has made it clear that
he would do his best to “restore glory days” of the much-defamed association.
RedBus co-founder Phanindra Sama appointed CIO of Telengana

Co-founder of RedBus and serial entrepreneur Phanindra Sama has been appointed as Chief
Innovation Officer for Telangana state.
Tulsi Gabbard named chairperson of World Hindu Congress 2018

On 9th November 2017, Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, was named as
the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress (WHC) to be held in Chicago in 2018.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy was appointed Director-General of

Police (DGP) of Telangana
On 10th November 2017, Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy was appointed as
Director-General of Police (DGP) of Telangana.
Bhaskar Ganguly, former football captain, appointed AIFF ombudsman by Supreme Court
On October 11, 2017, Supreme Court appointed former football captain Bhaskar
Ganguly as ombudsman of All India Football Federation (AIFF).
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Bangladesh Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha resigns

Bangladesh’s first Hindu Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha has resigned after facing
financial irregularities and money laundering allegations.
Vijay Prasad Dimri appointed as president of 36th International Geological Congress

On 13th November 2017, scientist Vijay Prasad Dimri was appointed as the president of the 36th
International Geological Congress (IGC), a global platform for advancement of earth science,
to be held in New Delhi in 2020.
Slovenia’s President Borut Pahor Wins Second Term in Runoff Election

On 12th November 2017, Slovenian President Borut Pahor was re-elected for a second term in a
runoff vote.
i. According to the Slovenian Election Commission, Borut Pahor had won about 53 % of the vote
and opponent Marjan Sarec had 47 % with 99.9 % of the votes counted.
Ganga Kumari becomes first transgender to be appointed in Rajasthan Police

On 14th November 2017, Ganga Kumari became the first transgender to be inducted into Rajasthan
Police.
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) appoints S Ravi as its new chairman

Eminent chartered accountant Sethurathnam Ravi has been appointed as the chairman of the
leading stock exchange BSE.
i. S Ravi, who was a public interest director at the BSE, replaced Dhirendra Swarup as chairman
of BSE with effect from 13 November 2017.
Chakravarthi appointed as ambassador of World Packaging Organisation (WPO)

Chakravarthi AVPS, Managing Director, Ecobliss India, has been appointed as global ambassador of
the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
i. Chakravarthi AVPSis the first Asianto be appointed as ambassador of World Packaging
Organisation (WPO). The honorary appointment was made in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the 99th
board meeting of WPO.
Bhaskar Bhat, Saurabh Agrawal elevated to Tata Sons board

Tata Sons has elevated Group Chief Financial Officer Saurabh Agrawal and Titan Company
Managing Director Bhaskar Bhat to its board.
Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar takes charge as SEBI executive director

On 17th November 2017, markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said
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that, Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar has taken charge as an executive director.
Sibi George accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Principality of

Liechtenstein
Sibi George has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Principality of
Liechtenstein.
Sarah Clarke becomes first female Black Rod after 669 years
Sarah Clarke, a former director of the Wimbledon tennis championships, has been
appointed as Black Rod at the House of Lords. It is the first time a woman has held this position
in the UK parliament’s 669-year history.
India’s Justice Dalveer Bhandari re-elected as Judge in International Court of Justice

On 21st November 2017, India’s nominee to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Dalveer
Bhandari was re-elected to the last seat of the world court.
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim named as UNAIDS Special Ambassador

Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South
Africa (Caprisa) Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim has been appointed UNAIDS Special
Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV.
Ira Joshi appointed director general of Doordarshan News

On 20th November 2017, Ira Joshi was appointed as the Director General of Doordarshan News
following the retirement of Veena Jain.
Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe resigns, ending 37-year rule

On 21st November 2017, Robert Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980
resigned as President, ending his 37 year rule.
Shubhangi Swaroop becomes first female pilot in Indian Navy

On 22nd November 2017, Indian Navy inducted its first-ever woman pilot, Shubhangi Swaroop.
i. The first batch of female officers passed out from the Indian Naval Academy at
Ezhimala on 22nd November 2017. Shubhangi Swaroop, a native of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, has
become the first woman pilot in the Navy.
ii. She will soon be flying Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft. Three other women cadets, Astha
Segal from New Delhi, Roopa A. from Puducherry and Sakthi Maya S. from Kerala, also became
the country’s first women officers at NAI (Naval Armament Inspectorate), branch of the Navy.
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UBS India Chief Executive Officer Aashish Kamat quits

Aashish Kamat has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of Swiss banking giant UBS’s
India operations.
Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe’s President

On 24th November 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe’s second president since
independence in 1980.
N Sambasiva Rao appointed as Andhra Pradesh DGP

On 24th November 2017, the Andhra Pradesh government appointed 1984-batch IPS officer N
Sambasiva Rao as Andhra Pradesh DGP (Director General of Police).
Lucknow to get first woman Mayor in 100 years

On 26th November 2017, Lucknow voters cast ballots to elect their first woman mayor in the
ongoing civic body polls in Uttar Pradesh.
Nirmala Sitharaman elected IDSA President

On November 23, 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was elected as President
of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA).
i. IDSA follows a convention to have the incumbent Union Defence Minister as its President.
ii. Ms. Sitharaman succeeds previous Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar who had re signed
from the post of IDSA President after shifting to Goa as Chief Minister.
Aegon Life Insurance appoints Vineet Arora as MD & CEO

Aegon Life Insurance has appointed Vineet Arora as the Managing Director & Chief Executive
Officer, effective from January 2018.
i. Vineet Arora will replace K S Gopalakrishnan who had left the company on November 17,
2017. Chief People Officer of Aegon Life Insurance, Saba Adil, will serve as the interim In-charge
and Principal Officer.
Government appoints Pradeep Singh Kharola as Air India CMD

On 28th November 2017, Senior IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola was appointed as the Chairman
and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India.
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Bill Gates elected as foreign academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE)

On 27th November 2017, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was elected as a foreign academician of
Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) along with 17 other foreigners.
Shaktikanta Das appointed as India’s G 20 Sherpa

Union Ministry of Finance has issued a notification stating that Shaktikanta Das, former
secretary of Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), has been appointed as India’s G20
(Group of Twenty) Sherpa till December 31, 2018 for the Development Track.
NK Singh appointed as Chairman of 15th Finance Commission

On November 27, 2017, Central government appointed former Planning Commission Member,
NK Singh as chairman of 15th Finance Commission.
i.As per Article 280 of Indian Constitution, Finance Commission is required to make
recommendations on the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Centre
and the states.
Badri Narain Sharma appointed as first Chairman of National Anti-Profiteering Authority

(NAA)
On 28th November 2017, the government appointed IAS officer Badri Narain Sharma as
the Chairman of the newly constituted National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) under the
GST regime.
Karen Pierce appointed as UK’s first ever female ambassador to the UN

Karen Pierce, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) political director of UK, has been
appointed UK ambassador to the United Nations, becoming the first female UK ambassador
to the UN.
Upendra Prasad Singh appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River

Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Upendra Prasad Singh has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Snehlata Shrivastava appointed first woman Secretary General of Lok Sabha

Snehlata Shrivastava, a 1982-batch retired IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been
appointed as the first woman Secretary General of the Lok Sabha.
i. She will replace Anoop Mishra, who is retiring on November 30, 2017.
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Sibi George appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Holy See
On 20th November 2017, Sibi George was appointed the next Ambassador of India to the Holy See.
Rathna Prabha appointed as Chief Secretary of Karnataka

On 28th November 2017, the Karnataka government appointed senior woman IAS officer K Ratna
Prabha as the new chief secretary of Karnataka.
Dia Mirza appointed as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India

Actor-activist Dia Mirza has been appointed UN (United Nations) Environment’s Goodwill
Ambassador for India.
Ajay Kumar appointed secretary in Department of Defence Production

Ajay Kumar has been appointed as secretary in Department of Defence Production as part of a top-
level minor bureaucratic reshuffle effected on 28thNovember 2017.
i. Ajay Kumar is a 1985-batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre. He is at present additional secretary in
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He has been appointed secretary in
Department of Defence Production with effect from December 1, 2017.
ii. Raghvendra Singh, director general, National Archives has been made culture
secretary. Pritam Singh, additional secretary in Corporate Affairs Ministry, will be director
general, National Archives.
iii. Apurva Chandra will be additional secretary and director general (acquisition) in
defence ministry. G C Murmu, additional secretary in Department of Financial Services, has been
moved to the revenue department in the same capacity.
ACQUISTIONS & MERGER

ONGC gets government nod for acquiring HPCL
On 1st November 2017, the Cabinet approved ONGC for acquiring majority 51.11 % stake in HPCL
(Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited).
i. ONGC’s acquisition of 51.11 % stake in HPCL is in line with the government’s plan to create an
integrated energy major with businesses spread across the hydrocarbon value chain.
ii. The government’s 51.11% stake in HPCL is sold to ONGC for an amount of Rs 26,000
crore to Rs 30,000 crore. The government has set the deadline to complete the ONGC-HPCL deal
in the current financial year.
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HCL gets nod for joint venture company with MECL, NALCO
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has received approval from its board of directors to form a
joint venture company with Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL) and NALCO Ltd.
i. The three entities will now form a Joint Venture (JV) in the name of Khanij Bidesh India
Ltd (KABIL).
ii. KABIL will have an authorised capital of Rs. 100 crore and paid-up capital of Rs 30 crore
respectively.
Magazine publisher and broadcast company Meredith Corp. acquires Time Inc.
Magazine publisher and broadcast company Meredith Corp. is acquiring Time Inc. in a deal
valued at $2.8 billion.
MoUs
Assam signs MoUs with Singapore for skilling state’s youth

On 1st November 2017, Assam government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and
Terms of Reference (ToR) with Singapore for skilling youth of the state.
i. The MoU and ToR for North East Skills Centre (NESC) was signed between Skill,
Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, of Assam and ITE Education Service,
Singapore, in Guwahati, Assam.
ii. A MoU for Guwahati City Greening was signed between the Guwahati Metropolitan
Development Authority and Singapore Corporation Enterprise.
iii. The Assam government’s project for beautification and improvement of quality of life of
Guwahati is named ‘Guwahati Open Space and Park Integrator (GOPI) Network’.
iv. This project would be developed on the model of “Park Connector
Network” and implemented by National Park Authority in Singapore.
Indiana, Karnataka in pact for sister-state ties

Indiana, a State in the US, and Karnataka have signed an agreement to establish sister-state ties
for cooperation in economic, educational and cultural fields.
i. The agreement, was signed between Indiana Governor Eric J Holcomb and Priyank Khage,
Karnataka Minister for IT, BT and Tourism. The Indiana delegation is on a tour in India and
visited a few US companies.
Haryana government signs Rs 20,000 crore worth MoU for logistics parks
On 2nd November 2017, the Haryana government signed a MoU with Verbind, an integrated
trade facilitation services organisation, to set up a logistics and trading hub in Haryana.
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Haryana signs MoU with Art of Living’s institute for yoga

Haryana State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Vyakti Vikas Kendra, a training institute of the Art of Living Foundation for helping jail inmates
to maintain and improve their health and reduce physical and mental stress.
i. This MoU was signed in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar
Lal Khattarand founder of the Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
ii VVKI and has been conducting ‘PRISON SMART’ (Stress Management and Rehabilitation
Training) courses for prisoners successfully all over the world.
Karnataka partners with Nasscom for CoE in data science and artificial intelligence
On 16th November 2017, Karnataka government announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence
(CoE) for data science and artificial intelligence withNasscom as its programme and
implementation partner.
i. The Centre of Excellence is based on a public-private partnership model. It will accelerate the
ecosystem in Karnataka by development of data science and artificial intelligence.
India, Singapore ink major pact on marine security

On November 29, 2017, India and Singapore inked a major pact on marine security in New Delhi.
i. The pact was signed during Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen’s visit to India.
India, Italy sign MoU for upgrading medical infrastructure

On November 29, 2017, India and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for
enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health sector.
i. This MoU was signed between Union Health Minister J P Nadda and the visiting Italian
Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin.
Army, Rajasthan govt sign MoU to improve infrastructure near border

Indian Army has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan
State Government to improve infrastructure for their posts near the India-Pakistan border.
i. As per the terms of the MoU, Indian Army will be able to use an airstrip in Lalgarh-Jatan
area in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan for 10 years.
India and UK to sign an MoU in the Urban Transport Sector

India and United Kingdom (UK) will soon sign an memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the
urban transport sector for cooperation in policy planning, technology transfer and institutional
organisation.
i. On November 27, 2017, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari and
Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport in the Government of UK discussed a draft
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MoU in this regard in London.
Dr Jitendra Singh announces exclusive ‘Rural Livelihood’ scheme for Northeast

On November 23, 2017, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of
North-Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh announced “North East Rural Livelihood
Project”, an exclusive rural Livelihood scheme for the North-eastern states of India.
i. This scheme has been launched to benefit the tribals and the lower socioeconomic groups,
including women, in the North-Eastern Region of India.
ii. This project is being supported by World Bank.
iii. Initially, this scheme will be rolled out to help tribal and even the non-tribal lower groups living
in remote areas of four North-Eastern Indian States – Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
Indian Navy signs deal with Tata Power SED for Portable Diver Detection Sonar
The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Tata Power SED under the ‘Buy and Make’ category,
through which Tata Power SED will supply Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) for Indian Navy.
i. Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division (SED) will supply the Indian Navy with Portable Diver
Detection Sonar (PDDS), which will enhance its underwater surveillance capability.
ii.Tata Power SED will manufacture the sonars at its facility in Bengaluru with a transfer
of technology from DSIT Solutions. DSIT is an Israel-based company that specialises in
underwater security systems.
Cabinet approves agreement between India and Philippines on co-operation in customs

matters
This agreement will not only help in fetching relevant information for the prevention and
investigation of Customs offences, but will also facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of
goods traded between India and Philippines.
Cabinet approves signing of India – Russia Agreement on cooperation in combating

terrorism
This Agreement is proposed to be signed during the visit of Indian Delegation to Russia, led by
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from 27-29 November, 2017.
Center signs 4 MoUs with states/UTs under UDAY scheme

On November 20, 2017, Government of India signed four Memorandums of
Understanding (MoUs) under Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) Scheme
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with Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu.
More Information about 4 MoUs with States/UTs under UDAY scheme:
• It is to be noted that November 20, 2017 was the 2ndAnniversary of Ujwal DISCOM
Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
• Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli& Daman & Diu have joined
UDAY scheme only for operational improvement and shall not undergo financial
restructuring as per the basic framework of UDAY scheme.
• As per the terms of the MoU, Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar
Haveli& Daman & Diu have will now have access to cheaper funds for capital
expenditure, reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) and
Transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of
turnaround.
• These measures will result in benefits of approximately Rs. 551 crore (Nagaland),
Rs. 18 crore (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Rs. 13 crore (Dadra & Nagar Haveli)
and Rs. 10 crore(Daman & Diu).
Cabinet approves signing an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and
mutual assistance in customs matters
Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratifying an agreement between India and
Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.
Cabinet approves trade Agreement between India and Ethiopia for strengthening and
promoting trade and economic cooperation
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade agreement between India and
Ethiopia for strengthening and promoting trade and economic co-operation.
Delhi govt signs twin city agreement with Seoul

On November 8, 2017, Delhi Government signed a twin city agreement with the Seoul
(South Korea) Metropolitan Government with an objective to strengthen cooperation between
two cities in the fields of smart city, e-governance, climate change and transportation.
i. This agreement, referred to as ‘Establishment of Friendship City Relationship’ was signed
between Park Won Soon, Mayor of Seoul (South Korea) Metropolitan Government and Delhi and
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Philippines on agriculture and related fields
This MoU will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and will be mutually
beneficial to India and Philippines.
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Cabinet gives nod to Double Taxation pact with Hong Kong

Union Cabinet has approved agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.
Cabinet approves amending DTAA with Kyrgyzstan

On November 10, 2017, Union Cabinet gave its approval for the protocol amending the agreement
between India and Kyrgyz Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and the
prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
Cabinet approves agreement between India and Belarus on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation
Union Cabinet has been apprised of the agreement between the Indian National Science
Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on Scientific and
Technological Cooperation for mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc.
• This agreement was exchanged on September 12, 2017 at New Delhi during the visit
of Belarus President H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Poland for the promotion of Civil Aviation
Cooperation
Objective of this MoU is to recognize the mutual benefit of cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation
with a special emphasis on improving Regional Air Connectivity in India.
India-Russia sign pact for visa free entry of flight crew

On 21st November 2017, a pact for visa free entry of the crew of chartered and scheduled flights
between India and Russia was signed by the two countries.
India & Russia – pact for visa free entry of flight crew:
i.India and Russia have agreed to implement the general declaration for visa free entry of the
crew of chartered and scheduled flights between the two countries.
Myanmar, Bangladesh sign deal for return of Rohingya Muslims

On November 23, 2017, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding on the
return of Rohingya Muslims who fled the Rakhine state in Myanmar to escape a military
crackdown.
India, Greece sign Air Services Agreement

On November 27, 2017, India and Greece signed an air services agreement in New Delhi.
i. The agreement was signed between Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and
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Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

ii This air services agreement will allow Indian airlines to operate
to Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion and accordingly Greek airlines will be able to start services to
major Indian cities.
SCHEMES
Assam CM Sonowal launches 647 schemes for development of Majuli

On November 4, 2017, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched 647 schemes
with a total financial outlay of Rs. 24.57 crore to boost Majuli’s development.
i. Majuli is is a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam. It is India’s first island district and
world’s largest river island.
ii. Out of the 647 schemes, 448 schemes are under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee scheme which entails an investment of Rs. 21.90 crore.
Kerala government launched ‘She Pad’ scheme for school girls in Kerala
On 8th November 2017, the Kerala government launched a new scheme for school students named
‘She Pad’ in Kerala.
i. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that, the ‘She Pad’ scheme will benefit the girls of classes 6 to
12 in Kerala and will be implemented in 300 schools in 114 panchayats this year.
ii. Free sanitary napkins, storage spaces and environment friendly incinerators at
all government-aided schools in Kerala will be provided as part of the project.
Gadkari announces Rs 6000 crore World Bank-backed irrigation scheme

On 9th November 2017, Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced World Bank-supported Rs 6,000
crore scheme to improve the irrigation facilities and water accessibility capacity in several states.
i. This scheme was announced by Nitin Gadkari at the inauguration of Agrovision Exhibition. Vice
President Venkaiah Naidu was present on the occasion. He performed e-jalpoojan of Kerala Lift
Irrigation Scheme and right bank canal of Gosikhurdh Irrigation project.
ii. The states which will benefit from the irrigation scheme are Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
and Rajasthan.
Cabinet approves Continuation of sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme “Integrated Child

Development Services (ICDS)”
The sub-schemes that will be continued are Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls,
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Child Protection Services and National Crèche Scheme.

• Besides, cabinet has also approved conversion of National Crèche Scheme from
Central Sector to Centrally Sponsored Scheme. This scheme aims to provide a safe
place for mothers to leave their children while they are at work.
• These sub-schemes will be continued till November 30, 2018 with financial outlay of
over Rs.41000 crore.
• Above mentioned sub-schemes are continuing from the 12th Five Year Plan. However,
Government has rationalised these sub-schemes in financial year 2016-17 and have been
brought under Umbrella ICDS as its sub-schemes.
• It is expected that around 11 crore children, pregnant women & Lactating Mothers
and the Adolescent Girls will gain benefits through these schemes.
Cabinet okays increase in carpet area of houses under PMAY

Approval for increase in the carpet area has been provided for those houses that are eligible for
interest subsidy under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) for the Middle Income Group
(MIG) under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
• As per this approval, carpet area in the MIG I category of CLSS has been increased
from the existing 90 square metre to up to 120 square metre.
• For MIG II category of CLSS, the carpet area has been increased from the existing
110 square metre to up to 150 square metre.
• These changes have made effective from January 1, 2017.
Punjab Cabinet approves scheme to compensate acid attack victims

On November 17, 2017, Punjab State Cabinet approved ‘Punjab Victim or Their Dependents
Compensation Scheme’which stipulates to provide minimum compensation of Rs three lakh
to an acid attack victim.
As per the order of Supreme Court, the state government would provide a minimum compensation
of Rs three lakh each to the victims of acid attack. In case of death of such victim, the family
will be provided an assistance of Rs. 5 lakh.
Punjab introduces ‘Connect With Your Roots’ scheme for Punjabi youth living abroad
Punjab State Cabinet has approved the “Connect with Your Roots” (CYR) programme to reach
out to youngsters of Punjabi origin whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents have settled
abroad.
Punjab CM launched an Electronic Total Station (ETS)
On November 17, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh launched
an Electronic Total Station (ETS) programme aimed at simplifying the complex process of land
demarcation.
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Punjab Cabinet approves Cloud-based National Generic Document Registration System

(NGDRS)
Punjab State Cabinet has given its approval for a state-of-the-art Cloud-based National Generic
Document Registration System (NGDRS), an online interface for citizens to register revenue-
related documents across the state.
Cabinet approves Expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to improve child sex ratio
In a bid to generate a deeper positive impact on child sex ratio across the country, Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for expansion of Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao yojana for a pan-India reach covering all the 640 districts.
Centre suggests Odisha to enhance PMGSY target to 10,000 km

On 23rd November 2017, the Centre suggested to the Odisha government to enhance its rural road
construction target under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to 10,000
km from 7,000 km during the current fiscal year.
i. Union Secretary to Rural Development Minister Amarjit Sinha made the suggestions to
Odisha after attending a high level review meeting held under the chairmanship of Odisha Chief
Secretary A P Padhi.
30.76 lakh houses sanctioned under PMAY (Urban) till now: Hardeep Singh Puri
On 24th November 2017, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that, the government has
sanctioned 30.76 lakh houses for the urban poor since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (PMAY) – Urban scheme in June 2015.
i. Hardeep Singh Puri said that, currently, 15.65 lakh houses are at various stages of construction
and about 4.13 lakh houses have been built in the last two years, at a at a national workshop on
PMAY (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), in New Delhi.
ii. The workshop was held to deliberate on the issues in the progress of the mission, particularly
implementation of the ‘In-situ Slum Rehabilitation (ISSR)’ and‘Affordable Housing in
Partnership (AHP)’ verticals of the scheme.
Government launched Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a scholarship program for school
children
On November 3, 2017, Union Minister of Communications Manoj Sinha launched a pan India
scholarship program for school children called Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to increase the
reach of Philately.
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Salient Features of Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana:

Abbreviation SPARSH stands for SPARSH(Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude
& Research in Stamps as a Hobby).
• Under this scheme annual scholarships will be awarded to children of Standard VI
to IX who have good academic record and are also pursuing Philately.
• The amount of Scholarship will be Rs. 6000/- per annum @ Rs. 500/- per month.
• Total 920 scholarships will be awarded across India.
Road accident victims in Kerala to get free treatment for first 48 Hours
Kerala State Government has decided to formulate a ‘Trauma-Care Scheme’, under which all
accident victims in Kerala will be provided necessary emergency care and treatment free-of-cost for
the first 48 hours after being admitted to a hospital.
Project Saksham – Railways to start 9-month ‘upskilling’ exercise for employees

Indian Railways will start ‘Project Saksham’, India’s largest time-bound ‘upskilling’ exercise, to
upgrade the skill sets of its 13 lakh employees. ‘Sakham’ is a Hindi word which translates as
‘capable’ in English.
More Details about ‘Project Saksham’:

‘Project Saksham’ will begin in January 2018 and will continue till September 2018.
• Railway General Managers have been directed to identify training needs, divide their
subordinates into small groups and communicate the entire training plan to Union
Railway Ministry by December 31, 2017.
• The project will be launched on January 12, 2018 (tentative date). This date
coincides with the 155th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
President Ram Nath Kovind launches schemes worth Rs 3,455 crore in Jharkhand
On November 15, 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched various schemes and laid the
foundation stones of infrastructure projects in Jharkhand. These schemes and projects are to be
carried out at an expenditure of Rs 3455 crore. It is to be noted that November 15, 2017 was
17th Statehood Day of Jharkhand.
Schemes launched by President Ram Nath Kovind in Jharkhand:
President Kovind was the chief guest of the statehood day celebrations organized by Jharkhand
State Government.
• Firstly, he launched Rs 290-crore ‘108 Ambulance’ service in the state.
• Thereafter, President Kovind launched Jharkhand State Government’s JOHAR
(Jharkhand’s Opportunities for Harnessing Rural Development)
scheme. Financial outlay for JOHAR is Rs. 1500 crore.
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• Kovind also launched Mukhyamantri Swasth Bima Yojana. Under this scheme, 57 lakh
households in Jharkhand whose annual incomes are less than Rs 72000 will be provided
premium free medical insurance cover.
• During the course of this visit to Jharkhand, President Kovind also distributed 40000
tablets to the teachers under Manki Munda and e-Vidya Vahini scheme. He also
unveiled a commemorative stamp on the terracotta temple complex in Maluti
village in Dumka.
Madhya Pradesh launches Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat Yojana

Madhya Pradesh is the partner state of Manipur and Nagaland under ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha
Bharat’ Yojana. Thus, Madhya Pradesh State Government has assigned the task of implementing
this scheme to Higher Education Department of State.i. An 8-member team from Madhya Pradesh
has already toured Manipur and Nagaland in this regard.
ii. It has been decided that Madhya Pradesh will participate in Manipur’s Sangai Mahotsav from
21st – 30th November, 2017 and teams of Manipur and Nagaland will take part in Madhya
Pradesh’s Lok Rang and Bal Rang programmes.
Cabinet introduces ‘Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra’

On November 22, 2017, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave approval for the
expansion of schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) under the
umbrella scheme “Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women”.
• The expansion has been approved for a period from 2017-18 to 2019-
20 with financial outlay of 3636.85 crore. Central Share will be approximately Rs.3084.96
crore.
• Government is planning to establish One Stop Centres (OSCs) to provide comprehensive
support to women affected by violence and deployment of Mahila Police Volunteers
(MPVs) to create public-police interface.
• Pan-India expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao yojana to cover all 650 districts has been
approved by CCEA.
• Besides, a new scheme called ‘Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra’ (PMSSK)’, which
will empower rural women through community participation, has also been approved.
Odisha to launch new irrigation scheme – Nabakrushna Choudhury Seccha Unnayan

Yojana
On 22nd November 2017, Odisha government decided to launch “Nabakrushna Choudhury Seccha
Unnayan Yojana” to provide irrigation facility to about 55,000 hectare of agricultural
land across Odisha.
i. The scheme, “Nabakrushna Choudhury Seccha Unnayan Yojana”, has been named after former
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chief minister and freedom fighter Nabakrushna Choudhury.

ii. The scheme would be implemented with an outlay of Rs 635 crore over a period of three
years.
Haryana Government’s New Scheme Offers Domestic Power Connections On EMI

On November 19, 2017, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a new scheme
offering Domestic Power Connections in rural areas On Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI).
i.Currently it costs between Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 4000/- to get a domestic power connection.
ii.Under this new scheme, households in rural areas can pay just Rs. 200 and get a domestic
power connection. The remaining amount can be paid in easy instalments of Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.
Odisha launches Fish Pond Yojana to increase fish production

On November 27, 2017, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Fish Pond
Yojana’ while inaugurating a workshop on ‘Doubling of Farmer Income through Dairy and Allied
Farming Practices’ in Bhubaneswar.
i. Aim of this scheme is to boost fish production in Odisha.
ii. The scheme has been launched with a budgetary provision of Rs 96 crore.
iii. Under the scheme, additional 2200 hectare of fresh water aquaculture farming will be created,
for which farmers will be given 50 per cent financial assistance from state government.
SAUBHAGYA Scheme launched in Manipur

On November 28, 2017, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable
Energy, R.K. Singh and N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, launched Pradhan Mantri
Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) in Manipur.
‘SAUBHAGYA’ Scheme – Manipur:
i. SAUBHAGYA scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September
2017. Objective of this scheme is to achieve universal household electrification in all parts India.
ii.Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), is the nodal agency for coordinating the
implementation of SAUBHAGYA scheme
COMMITTEE
Inter-State Council reconstituted with PM Modi as chairman

The Inter-State Council, has been reconstituted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as
its Chairman and six Union ministers and all chief ministers as members.
i. Inter-State Council investigates and advises on disputes between states. The Union
ministers who will be members of the reconstituted council are:
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1.Rajnath Singh (Home),Sushma Swaraj (External Affairs),Arun Jaitley (Finance),Nitin Gadkari

(Road Transport),Thaawar Chand Gehlot (Social Justice and Empowerment),Nirmala Sitharaman
(Defence)
ii. Chief Ministers of all states and Union territories having legislative assemblies will also be
members of the council.
iii.The following Union ministers have been made permanent invitees to the council:
Suresh Prabhu (Commerce),Ramvilas Paswan (Food),Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Food Processing
Industries),Jual Oram (Tribal Affairs),Prakash Javadekar (HRD,Dharmendra Pradhan
(Petroleum),Piyush Goyal (Railway)
Panel under M Vinod Kumar begins review of GST laws to remove glitches
A committee headed by M Vinod Kumar, GST chief commissioner for Karnataka has started a
review of the laws governing Goods and Services Tax (GST).
i. The committee has been set up to provide suggestions for smoothening the GST regime,
especially for small businesses who have been complaining of a an increase in compliance burden.
ii. Besides, group of state finance ministers (GoM) has also suggested some changes to
the existing structure.
Maharashtra govt to set up village climate resilient committees

The Maharashtra state government has decided to set up a committee for the implementation of
a Rs.4,000-crore project on climate resilience agriculture in 5,000 villages of 15 districts in the
state. The project would be funded by the World Bank.
i. The seven-member panel, headed by the Principal Secretary (Agriculture), has been set up with a
target of selecting 4,000 drought-prone villages for the implementation of the project.
ii. The committee would select 3,000 villages from eight districts of Marathwada region, while the
remaining 1,000 will be chosen from six districts of Vidarbha.
Power Ministry sets up panel under P.D. Siwal to probe NTPC’s Unchahar plant accident
On November 1, 2017, a boiler blast accident occurred at NTPC’s Unchahar plant in
Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh in which 36 people lost their lives. Union Power Ministry has set up
a panel to probe this accident.
i. Union Power Ministry has set up a committee headed by P.D. Siwal, Member of Central
Electricity Authority (CEA) to investigate the causes of this accident and suggest measures to
prevent such incidents in future.
Multi-agency group reconstituted to probe Paradise Papers

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has reconstituted a multi-agency group to monitor
investigations related to the Paradise Papers. This multi-agency group will be headed by
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Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) chairman Sushil Chandra and includes
representatives of the Enforcement Directorate.
• On November 5, 2017, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
(ICIJ)released ‘The Paradise Papers’, a global investigation that revealed as to how some
of the world’s most powerful/famous people and business entities moved money to and from
19 tax havens to evade taxes through trusts, foundations and shell companies.
• Information revealed by ‘The Paradise Papers’ is based on leaked data of offshore law
firms and the company registries located in world’s most secretive countries. Most
of the data leak came from Appleby, a Bermuda-based legal services provider.
• The data was procured by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and was shared
with ICIJ.
• Among these countries, India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names. Information
pertaining to financial activities of 714 Indians has been provided in ‘The Paradise Papers’.
Govt forms panel under Yashwant Thorat to study merger of weak DCCBs with MSC Bank
Maharashtra State government has formed a panel to study the feasibility of merging
financially weak District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) with the Maharashtra State
Cooperative (MSC) Bank.
i.The panel is headed by former NABARD chairman Yashwant Thorat.
Environment ministry forms 7-member panel under CK Mishra for air pollution in Delhi
As Delhi’s air is turning toxic over recent weeks and reaching crisis levels, the Centre stepped in
and decided to set up a 7-member-committee of secretaries from the Centre, Delhi
Government and experts to continuously monitor and implement a Graded Response Action Plan
(GRAP) that would include control of road and construction of dust garbage burning, control of
power plants and industrial emissions, entry of vehicles and several other related factors.
PSFMC under Avinash K Srivastava decides to import onions through Govt agency
A panel led by India’s consumer affairs ministry under Avinash K Srivastavahas decided to
import the onions through a government agency to increase the availability of the same, in the
market on moderate prices.
i. The meeting of Price Stabilization Fund Management Committee (PSFMC) headed by
Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Shri Avinash K Srivastava was held in New Delhi on 09.11.2017.
ii. Additionally, it was also decided that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation
Of India Limited (NAFED) and Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) would
obtain 10,000 MT and 2,000 MT onions respectively from producing areas, including Delhi, and
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supply it to consuming areas to enhance its availability and thus to control the high price.
RBI panel proposes list for hedging commodities in global markets

A panel formed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under Chandan Sinha (former Executive
Director of RBI) has recommended a list of commodities which can be hedged in the overseas
markets by all Indian residents.
Key recommendations of RBI Panel for hedging commodities in global markets:
i.Thus it has recommended a list of commodities (which includes gold, silver, zinc, tin,
crude oil and its derivatives, coal, natural gas, tea, coffee, sugar and cocoa) which can be
hedged in the overseas markets by all residents i.e. by both domestic users and
exporters/importers.
Maharashtra government sets up committee headed by Sudhir Shrivastav to curb

custodial deaths
On 16th November 2017, Maharashtra government set up a seven-
member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sudhir Shrivastava to
recommend ways to stop the custodial deaths.
i. Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar informed that, the committee will
recommend measures so that people get proper treatment at police stations.
Shia Waqf Board headed by Wasim Rizvi proposes building Ram Temple in disputed
Ayodhya land and mosque in Lucknow
On 20th November 2017, the UP Shia Central Waqf Board (UPShCWB), unveiled a proposed
solution for an out-of-court settlement of theRamjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case: a Ram
temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and a mosque in Lucknow.
i.Shia board chairman Waseem Rizvi said they were in favour of a grand Ram temple at the
disputed Ayodhya land, reiterating that the board was the rightful and only claimant to the land
on which the demolished Babri mosque once existed.
ii.The Shia Board said the state government may in turn allot one acre of land for a mosque for
Shia Muslims in Lucknow’s Husainabad area.
Government sets up Arbind Modi-led panel to overhaul, simplify income tax laws
On 22nd November 2017, the government formed a task force to draft a new direct tax law to
replace the existing Income Tax Act, which has been in force since 1961.
Task force to draft new direct tax law:
i. Arbind Modi, Member, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), will lead a six-member panel.
Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian will be apermanent special invitee on the panel.
ii. Other members of the task force are:
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1.Girish Ahuja (chartered accountant)

2.Rajiv Memani (Chairman and Regional Managing Partner of EY)
3.Mukesh Patel (Practicing Tax Advocate)
4.Mansi Kedia (Consultant, ICRIER)
5.G C Srivastava (retired IRS and Advocate).
iii. The task force will submit its report to the government within six months.
West Bengal government forms Hill Area Development Committee under Mann Ghising
The West Bengal government has set up a four-member Hill Area Development Committee that will
oversee work in the Hills.
i. The Hill Area Development Committee will be headed by Mann Ghising, president of Gorkha
National Liberation Front (GNLF).
World Trade Organization (WTO) sets up panel on Qatar-UAE crisis

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has established a panel to decide on Qatar’s complaint
against measures imposed on Doha by the United Arab Emirates for its alleged financial
support for militant groups.
Panel on Qatar-UAE crisis: i. Qatar insisted UAE’s actions violate its rights and those of other
countries by denying freedom of transit to Qatar. The UAE said the measures are allowed according
to an exception under WTO rules for national security reasons.
FSDC Sub-Committee headed by Urjit Patel reviews financial events of country

On November 23, 2017, Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council
(FSDC) reviewed major global and domestic developments which could have a bearing on India’s
financial stability
Highlights of FSDC Sub-Committee Meeting:
Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) is headed by
incumbent RBI Governor, Urjit Patel.
• During this meeting, discussions were held on setting up of the National Centre for
Financial Education (NCFE), sharing of data among regulators, operationalisation of
information utilities registered by the IBBI and the implementation status of Legal Entity
Identifier (LEI).
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Giriraj Singh launches MSME Samadhan Portal for delayed payments

On 30th October 2017, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Giriraj Singh
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launched MSME Delayed Payment Portal named MSME Samadhaan

(http://msefc.msme.gov.in).
MSME Samadhaan:
i.The MSME Samadhaan Portal will give information about the pending payment of MSEs with
individual CPSEs, Central Ministries, State Governments, etc.
Indian Army releases Integrated Quarter Master Package Software Application

On 2nd November 2017, Integrated Quarter Master Package (IQMP) software application
was released to the Indian Army by the Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand, in an
event at South Block, New Delhi.
i. IQMP is a web based software developed by Army Software Development Centre in
association with TCS (Tata Consultancy Services). The application automates various logistics
related functions of an Army Unit.
Western Railway’s RPF launches app for women’s safety

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railway (WR) has launched a mobile application
‘Eyewatch Railways’ for the security of women commuters travelling between Churchgate and Virar
suburban railway stations, in Mumbai.
i. The free app, ‘Eyewatch Railways’ was developed by RPF of Western Railway in collaboration
with Eyewatch Technologies Pvt Ltd. It is available on Google Playstore and App Store.
ii. This app helps women commuters in times of emergency, to immediately send out their
location, video and audio.
Indian naval ships Tir and Sujatha pay goodwill visit to Sri Lanka
Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujatha and the Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi arrived at the
Colombo port on 02nd Nov 2017 on a goodwill and training visit.
i. The two Indian naval ships are on afive-days goodwill visit to Sri Lanka to participate in the
training exercises in a bid to share professional expertise and strengthen India-Srilanka
friendship.
Indian Air Force, DRDO successfully test-fire guided ‘Glide Bomb’

On 3rd November 2017, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian
Air Force (IAF) successfully tested an indigenously-built lightweight ‘glide bomb’ at the Integrated
Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.
i. The ‘glide bomb’ is named as Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). It was released from the
IAF aircraft and guided through precision navigation system.
ii. The ‘glide bomb’ reached the targets at greater than 70 km range, with high accuracies.
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Three test-fires were conducted with different release conditions and ranges.
Launch of Food Regulatory Portal and “Nivesh Bandhu” An Investor Facilitation Portal
Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI), the regulatory body for Food Safety in India have launched a new tool called ‘Food
Regulatory Portal’.
i. ‘Food Regulatory Portal’ will serve as a single interface for food businesses to cater to both
domestic operations and food imports.
About ‘Nivesh Bandhu’ Portal:

During ‘World Food India 2017’, held from 3rd – 5th November, 2017 in New Delhi, Government
also launched an Investor Facilitation Portal ‘Nivesh Bandhu’.
China launches 2 navigation satellites

On 6th November 2017, China successfully launched two navigation satellites, named BeiDou-3
satellites, aimed to build its own global positioning network with more than 30 satellites.
i. The BeiDou-3 satellites were launched with Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang
Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, China.
ii. The BeiDou-3 satellites and the carrier rocket were developed by China Academy of
Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, respectively.
Tokyo’s AI ‘boy’ first bot to gain a residency

Having Microsoft as a joint developer, an AI character was made an official resident of a busy
central Tokyo district in Japan. He doesn’t exist physically. He is a virtual chatty seven-year-old
boy.
i. The virtual boy was named “Shibuya Mirai”. Mirai, whose name means “future” in Japanese
language.
ii. This makes him Japan’s first, and maybe the world’s first, artificial intelligence robot to be
granted a place on a real-life local registry and he is supposed to be a first grader at an elementary
school.
Pakistan naval ship ‘PNS Saif’ arrive in Sri Lanka on goodwill visit
Like INS Sujatha and INS Tir, Sri Lankan Navy welcomed the Pakistan Navy Ship PNS Saif, which
arrived at the Port of Colombo on 05thNovember on a 4 days goodwill visit.
i. The PNS Saif is 123 m in length and 13.2 m in width. The ship which has a replenishment
capacity of 3,144 tons is comprised of 225 crew members.
ii. During the visit, the crew of PNS Saif will take part in several programmes including friendly
sports events organised by the Sri Lankan Navy.
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China unveils Asia’s largest island-building vessel

On November 3, 2017, China unveiled ‘Tiankun’ a massive ship described as a “magic
island maker” and considered the most powerful vessel of its type in Asia.
i. ’Tiankun’ was launched at Qidong in eastern Jiangsu province of China on November 3, 2017.
ii. Its displacement is 17000 metric tons and the deck is 140-meter-long.
India test fires ‘Nirbhay’ missile

On November 7, 2017, India successfully conducted a flight test of its indigenously designed and
developed long range sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’.
i. This latest test was conducted from a test range at Chandipur along the Odisha coast.
ii. This was Nirbhay’s fifth experimental test. Out of previous four experimental tests conducted
since 2013, only one was successful.
Tata Steel sets up country’s largest coke dry quenching facility in Odisha plant
Tata Steel has set up India’s largest Coke Dry Quenching (CDQ) facility at its steel plant
located in Kalinganagar, Odisha.
WorkoLab launches India’s first co-working space with research facility

On November 6, 2017, independent workplace provider WorkoLab unveiled its first co-working
space in Gurgaon, Haryana and in Pusa Road, New Delhi.
India Navy to use US aircraft launch system ‘CATOBAR’ in ship

The Indian Navy is set to use advanced catapult-based aircraft launch mechanism (CATOBAR)
from the U.S. for its second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II).
i. The U.S. has offered India its latest EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System)
technology. This was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Coal Ministry launches Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App for transparency in coal
despatches through road
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways & Coal has launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran
App’ on CIL’s Foundation Day at Kolkata.
i. The Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App is a customer friendly app. It helps to
achieve transparency in despatch operations, by monitoring, whether the despatches are made
on the principle of ‘First in First Out’.
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ISRO’s AstroSat accomplishes X-ray polarisation for the first time

ISRO’s “AstroSat”accomplished the difficult task of measuring X-ray polarisation of Crab pulsar in
the Taurus constellation during 18-months of its study for the first time.
i. ISRO launched its first dedicated space observatory AstroSat on aPolar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (rocket) on September 28, 2015, from its spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
ii. The telescope measured the variations of polarisation as the magnetised object (pulsar)
spins 30 times per second..
Twitter officially doubles character limit to 280

On 08th Nov 2017, the social media giant, Twitter announced that it is extending the 140
character limit to 280 characters in all languages where cramming was an issue.
i. For India and the Indian diaspora, this update will apply to thesix regional languages and
those languages are Tamil, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Bengali.
Scientists discover universe’s most ancient spiral galaxy

Astronomers have discovered the most ancient spiral galaxy in the universe which they believe
existed 11 billion years ago, named A1689B11.
i. According to the scientists, the galaxy known as A1689B11, existed just 2.6 billion years after the
Big Bang, when the universe was only one-fifth of its present age.
ii .Researchers were from Australian National University (ANU) and Swinburne University of
Technology. The study has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.
iii. They used a technique that combines gravitational lensing with the Near-infrared Integral
Field Spectrograph (NIFS) on the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii to verify the vintage and
spiral nature of the galaxy.
Maneka Gandhi launches ‘first of its kind’ portal for sexual harassment complaints
On 7th November 2017, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi launched
an online portal for registering complaint related to sexual harassment in non-government and
government organisations named ‘SHe-box’.
i. The comprehensive online complaint system ‘SHe-box’ (sexual harassment electronic
box) will be hosted on the website of the Ministry Of Women and Child Development.
India s Second Technology and Innovation Support Center in Chennai

India’s second Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) will be set up at
the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) in Anna University, Chennai.
i. To set up this Center, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under Union Ministry
of Commerce & Industry has signed an Institutional agreement with Anna University.
ii. This center will be set up under the World Intellectual Property Organizations (WIPO)
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Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program. .
Uber joins forces with NASA to develop flying taxis

On 9th November 2017, Uber unveiled a partnership with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) to develop flying taxis priced competitively with standard Uber journeys.
i. Uber has also announced that, Los Angeles will join two other previously revealed “UberAIR”
pilot schemes in Dallas Fort-Worth, Texas, and Dubai.
ii. The first demonstration flights are expected in 2020 and will move into commercial
operations by 2023, with plenty of time for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Google Arts and Culture unveils its first lab experiment in India
On 10th November 2017, Google Arts and Culture unveiled its first lab experiment in India at an
exhibition at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai.
i. As a part of first Google Arts & Culture Lab experiment in India, Google has collaborated with
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and the British
Museum in London to unveil Future Relics.
ii. Future Relics is an interactive installation that takes participants on a shared journey,
connecting past with present whilst looking to the future.
China to make first contact with Alien life using world’s largest dish
China claims to be the first country to make contact with alien life using its radio dish named Five
hundred metre Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which is believed to detect alien signals
coming from other galaxies.
i. The Five hundred metre Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) is considered the world’s largest
radio dish. It is almost twice as wide as the America’s Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
Government launches Bharat Net phase 2 project

On November 13, 2017, Central Government launched phase 2 of BharatNet project to connect
1.5 lakh gram panchayats with high-speed broadband by March 2019.
About Bharat Net Project:
Bharat Net Project, formerly known as National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) was launched by
Central Government in October, 2011 with an aim to deploy high-speed optical fibre cables across
rural areas of India.
• Its ultimate goal is to provide broadband connectivity to all 2.5 Lakh Gram
Panchayats in India.
• The project is being implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL), a
special purpose vehicle (SPV).
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• BBNL has assigned the execution work to three government owned companies – Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI) and RailTel
Corporation of India (RailTel).
• Total project cost of BharatNet is estimated to be around 45000 crore, out of
which Rs. 11200 crore have been used for the phase 1.
• Under the ongoing Phase 1, one lakh gram panchayats will have broadband
connectivity by end of 2017.
Scientists created a new organic material that generates electricity when stressed
A flexible new material has been developed by researchers from Empa, the Swiss Federal
Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, which generates electricity when stressed.
i. The researchers have created a thin, flexible, rubbery material that generates electricity
when stretched and compressed. This works using Piezo-electric effect.
Australian scientists launch “dinner table” app to tackle vegetable aversion

On 13th November 2017, Australian scientists launched a dinner table app named ‘VegEze’ in an
effort to tackle aversion towards consuming vegetables.
i. VegEze app has been developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO). It aims to encourage Australians to add extra vegetables to their daily
diets.
NIOT to build India’s first offshore desalination plant near Chennai coast
Director of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) Satheesh C Shenoi said that, scientists
from NIOT will build India’s first offshore desalination plant about 40km from the Chennai
coast.
i. This desalination plant is estimated to cost Rs. 2,000 crore. It will be designed and built by
NIOT scientists off the shores of Ennore. The capacity of the plant will be 10 million litres of
water per day..
India’s first wave-powered navigational buoy launched in Chennai

On 13th November 2017, India’s first wave-powered navigational buoy, developed
by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), to guide ships in and out of ports was
launched in Chennai.
i. The wave-powered navigation buoy has been deployed at Ennore Kamarajar Port, in
Chennai. It would help ships, moving in and out of the harbour, navigate through a designated
channel.
ii. The wave-powered navigational buoy would record data on wind speed and direction, which
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would be relayed to port authorities. It gets energy from waves to power its beacon.
Whereas, conventional buoys are solar-powered.
Virtual nation Asgardia launched its first satellite ‘Asgardia-1’ into space
On 12th November 2017, the Space Kingdom of Asgardia (virtual nation) launched its first satellite
‘Asgardia-1’ into space from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
i. The Asgardia – so-called ‘virtual nation’ is the project of Russian scientist and billionaire Igor
Ashurbeyli. In 2016, he proposed a new nation which would be based in space in order to be
outside of the control of nations on Earth.
ii. The Asgardia-1 satellite, which is about the size of a loaf of bread, contains half a terabyte of
data. It holds the foundations of the project – the nation’s constitution, its national symbols,
and data from its 115,000 citizens.
China launches world’s first fully electric cargo ship

China has launched the world’s first all-electric ship, which can travel up to 80 km with 2000-
tonnes cargo after a two-hour charge.
i. The ship is 70.5-metre-long and weighs about 600 tonnes.
ii. It was launched in Guangzhou in South China’s Guangdong Province.
Power minister R K Singh launches National Power Portal (NPP)

On 14th November 2017, Power Minister R K Singh launched a National Power Portal (NPP), a
centralised platform for collation and dissemination of Indian power sector information.
i. The NPP would be a single point interface for all power sector apps launched previously by the
power ministry. The portal may be accessed at http://npp.gov.in.
US approves “Abilify MyCite”, first pill with digital tracking device

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved “Abilify MyCite” the first drug in the
United States with a digital ingestion tracking system, to ensure that patients with mental illness
take the medicine prescribed for them.
i. The drug Abilify MyCite was developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. It was first
approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat schizophrenia. The ingestible sensor, made by Proteus
Digital health, was approved for marketing in 2012.
Astronomers spot pair of rare hyper-luminous galaxies “ADFS-27”

For the first time, astronomers have spotted close encounter between two hyper-luminous
galaxies, collectively known as ADFS-27, bright and massive galaxies in the early universe.
i. Astronomers captured these two interacting galaxies, collectively known as ADFS-27, as they
began the gradual process of merging into a single, massive elliptical galaxy.
ii. The study published in the Astrophysical Journal said that, the ADFS-27 system has
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approximately 50 times the amount of star-forming gas as the Milky Way.
R.K. Singh launches ‘Saubhagya’ Web-Portal – a Platform for Monitoring Universal

Household Electrification
On 16th November 2017, R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy,
launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – ‘Saubhagya’ Web Portal.
i. The Saubhagya portal can be accessed at http://saubhagya.gov.in. This is a platform for
monitoring household electrification progress.
Country’s longest expressway from Agra to Lucknow to offer free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi will soon be available on the entire 302-kilometre stretch of India’s longest expressway
from Agra to Lucknow.
i. The Uttar Pradesh government has offered to lease out space for laying an Optical Fibre
Cable (OFC) along the six-lane Agra to Lucknow expressway.
ii. This will also help UP have Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) by traffic
monitoring, event detection and speed enforcement through CCTV cameras and phone helplines at
every two kilometres on the expressway.
INS Sarvekshak reaches Dar-Es-Salaam for hydrographic survey

INS Sarvekshak, a hydrographic survey ship of Southern Naval Command has arrived in Dar-es-
Salaam Tanzania for undertaking joint- Hydrographic Survey along with the Tanzanian Navy.
i. The joint survey will be conducted with the Naval personnel of Tanzania who have been trained in
India in National Institute of Hydrography, Goa.
ii. During the survey, training of Tanzanian Naval personnel will also be undertaken on advanced
hydrographic equipment and practices.
NASA Launches NOAA Weather Satellite to Improve Forecasts

On November 18, 2017, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)successfully
launched Joint Polar Satellite System-1 (JPSS-1) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) from California, US.
i.JPSS-1 is the first in a series of four highly advanced polar-orbiting satellites which are to be
deployed for improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and Earth observations.
ii.It was launched atop United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket.
Rajasthan government launches free learning app ‘Dishari’ for competitive exams
On 21st November 2017, Rajasthan’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Kiran
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Maheshwari launched ‘Dishari’, an educational mobile application that provides free study
materials for youths preparing for competitive examinations.
i. The app features interactive quizzes with questions related to mathematics, general knowledge,
current affairs, computers, reasoning, and economics.
NASA tests Supersonic Parachute for Mars 2020 mission

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has completed the first test of its Mars 2020
mission’s parachute-testing series, the Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research
Experiment (ASPIRE).
i. The test began with a 58-foot-tall Black Brant IX sounding rocket launch and upper-
atmosphere flight last month from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight
Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Odisha launches ‘Arpana’ Portal to help pensioners

On 21st November 2017, Odisha government launched a new portal ‘Arpana’ for online processing
of applications for pension revision in respect of pre-2016 pensioners.
i. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Arpana’ portal at the Secretariat in the presence of
Finance Minister Shashibhusan Behera and Chief Secretary AP Padhi.
India’s first mission to study the Sun scheduled for 2019: ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Satellite Centre Director Mylswamy Annadurai recently
revealed its plans to launch ‘Aditya-L1’, the first Indian mission to study the Sun, by the
year 2019 – 2020.
i. The Aditya-1 mission was conceived as a 400kg class satellite carrying one payload,
the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and was planned to launch in a 800 km low
earth orbit.
ii. A Satellite placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth
system has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any eclipses.
PM Modi launches UMANG app for government services

On 23rd November 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally launched UMANG, a state and
central government services app, at the inaugural ceremony of the Global Conference for
Cyberspace in New Delhi.
UMANG – Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance:
i. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)along with the National e-
Governance Division (NeGD) has developed the app. UMANG expands to Unified Mobile
Application for New-age Governance.
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CMFRI joins hands with ISRO to identify Potential Fishing Zone

The (CMFRI) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has joined hands with ISRO
(Indian Space Research Organisation) to identify Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ), an area in
sea where fishes are seen in abundance.
i.In the first phase, CMFRI and the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO have jointly
launched a research project for identifying, forecasting and monitoring PFZ in coastal and offshore
waters of Tamil Nadu.
ii.The project named “Samudra” is aimed at helping fishermen easily locate fish without wasting
time and fuel.
Scientists make world’s smallest tape recorder from bacteria

Columbia University researchers have converted a bacterial immune system into the world’s
smallest data recorder.
World’s smallest tape recorder from bacteria:
i. The researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) in the US modified an
ordinary laboratory strain of the human gut microbe Escherichia coli, using CRISPR gene-
editing method. This enabled the bacteria to not only record their interactions with the
environment but also time-stamp the events.
ii. It could be used for disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Other applications
are environmental sensing and basic studies in ecology and microbiology.
iii. The Science paper is titled, “Multiplex recording of cellular events over 1 time into a
CRISPR biological tape.” The contributors are: Harris Wang, Sung Sun Yim
and Felix L. Wu (CUMC).
China successfully launches remote sensing satellites

On November 25, 2017, China successfully launched remote sensing satellites for conducting
electromagnetic probes and other experiments.
i. These Satellites were launched on a Long March-2C rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch
Center in southwestern Sichuan. However, number of satellites launched has not been
specified.
ii. Those satellites were carried by a Long March-6 rocket developed by China Aerospace
Science and Technology Corporation.
World’s first AI Politician developed in New Zealand

Scientists of New Zealand have developed the world’s first artificial intelligence politician.
i. This virtual politician was named as SAM. It was created by Nick Gerritsen, a 49-year-old
entrepreneur in New Zealand.
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Tata Power Solar commissions India’s first rooftop solar carport

Tata Power Solar Systems has commissioned India’s first rooftop solar carport at 70000 sq.
mtr. Unity One Mall, in Rohini, Delhi.
i. Tata Power Solar Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Company.
Planet Labs to launch 4 satellites on board PSLV-C40

On 29th November 2017, Planet Labs Inc, a US-based integrated aerospace and data analytics
company, said four of its Dove satellites will be launched aboard India’s PSLV-C40
mission, scheduled to fly in January 2018.
i. The primary payload for PSLV-C40 mission is Indian Space Research Organisation’s
(ISRO) Cartosat-2 Series satellite, and Planet Lab’s four satellites will ride as secondary
payloads.
North Korea tests “Hwasong-15” most powerful ICBM

North Korea has claimed that “Hwasong-15” test-fired on 29th November 2017 is a new type
of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that can strike anywhere on the US mainland.
i. North Korea’s Hwasong series represents the most successful and formidable part of its ballistic
missile arsenal. “Hwasong-15” was North Korea’s 20th launch of a ballistic missile in 2017.
Manohar Parrikar launches farmer engagement app ‘Jai Kisaan’

On 29th November 2017, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched the Jai Kisaan App, a
farmer engagement app containing features and functions to fulfill the needs of the farmer
community in India.
i. The Jai Kisan app is a one-stop solution on agricultural information and cultivation,
covering crop nutrition, protection, seeds, and diagnostic services.
ii. Its services include soil testing and customized information wherein farmers will have access to
fertilizer recommendations on the basis of crop and target yields.
DEFENCE
Indian Air force contingent leaves for Israel to Participate in ‘Ex Blue Flag-17’
On October 31, 2017, a 45 member contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Israel to
participate in exercise ‘Blue Flag-17’.
i. Blue Flag is a bi-annual multilateral exercise held by Israeli Air Force with air forces of
other countries.
ii. Objective of this exercise is to strengthen military cooperation amongst participating nations.
iii. The Indian contingent for exercise ‘Blue Flag – 17’ is led by Gp Capt Maluk Singh VSM.
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iv. Indian Air Force is participating in ‘Blue Flag -17’ with C-130J special operations
aircraft along with ‘Garud’ commandos.
China, ASEAN hold joint naval drills

China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have held their
largest- ever joint maritime rescue exercise, signalling a calm in South China Sea tensions.
i. The exercise, which took place on 31stof oct 2017, in the waters off the southern coast of China’s
Guangdong Province, was “the largest of its kind for China and ASEAN members.
ii. It involved about 1,000 participants aboard 20 ships and three helicopters from China,
Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar Laos, Philippines and Brunei, rival claimants in the South
China Sea with Vietnam notably absent.
Army launches joint training node in Meghalaya

The Indian Army today launched an independent and fully-integrated Joint Training Node
(JTN) at Umroi cantonment, Meghalaya.
i.The JTN is the first of its kind in eastern command and is different from other joint training
centres in Belgaum, Varangte and Bakloh.
ii.The Indian Army has other joint training centres in Belgaum, Varangte and Baklohbut Umroi is
Eastern Command’s first of its kind independent & fully integrated Joint Training Node for Foreign
Armies.
Centre clears mega project to acquire 111 helicopters for Navy

On October 31, 2017, Union Defense Ministry approved a major project to acquire 111
utility helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs.21738 crore.
i. The proposal to acquire these helicopters was cleared at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition
Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman.
ii. Out of the 111 helicopters, 16 will be procured at a fly away condition while 95 will be
manufactured in India.
Odisha, West Bengal to hold joint coastal security exercise

In a bid to tighten the existing coastal security mechanism, Odisha and its neighbouring
state West Bengal will soon organize a joint security exercise named as ‘Sagar Kavach’along
the 630 km long coastline.
i.’ Sagar Kavach’ will be a real-time security exercise, conducted with an aim to check the efficacy
of the security parameters and preparedness of various security forces viz. Indian Navy, Marine
police force, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Forest Department, Fisheries and district
administration.
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India, Bangladesh joint military combat exercise “Sampriti” begins in Meghalaya

On November 6, 2017, ‘SAMPRITI 2017’, the seventh edition of Indo-Bangladesh joint
military training exercise begun in Meghalaya.
i. ’SAMPRITI 2017’ will be held from 6th – 18th November, 2017. Firstly, Command Post Exercise
(CPX) will be conducted from 6th – 11th November, 2017 in Umroi, Meghalaya followed by
Field Training Exercise (FTX) at India’s Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte in Mizoram.
ii. Exercise ‘SAMPRITI’ is held alternately in India and Bangladesh every year.
India, Kazakhstan joint exercise “Prabal Dostyk- 2017” begins in Himachal Pradesh
On 2nd November 2017, Indian and Kazakhstan armies began a 14-day joint
exercise “Prabal Dostyk- 2017” in Himachal Pradesh, to strengthen bilateral relations
and exchange skills and experience.
Prabal Dostyk- 2017:
i. This is the second joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The first edition of
“Prabal Dostyk” was held in Kazakhstan in 2016.
ii. The joint exercise aims to acquaint the forces with each other’s operating procedures with focus
on counter- insurgency and counter-terrorism operationsunder the UN’s mandate.
Two-day Sagar Kavach exercise starts on November 8 in Goa

The two-day Coastal Security Exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ is to be held on 8th and 9th November,
2017.
i. The Sagar Kavach exercise is conducted to provide smooth seaward cover along the Goa Coast
jointly by all security agencies from coastal belt area line to the limit of territorial water (12 nautical
miles).
ii. The Sagar Kavach exercise is being conducted and coordinated by Indian Coast Guard,
District Headquarter at Goa.
Five-ship Indian naval training flotilla on visit to Colombo

A five-ship Indian naval training flotilla (a small fleet of ships or boats), is on a visit
to Colombo, Sri Lanka to to expose the trainees to the conduct of warship in foreign waters and
strengthen the bridges of friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
i. The five ships in this flotilla includes INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Sudarshini, INS
Shardul and Coast Guard vessel ICGS Sarathi.
ii. All these ships belong to the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy and are functioning
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under the Southern Naval Command (SNC) headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
Indo-Bangla defense cooperation: Army training capsule in Patna

As a part of the ongoing Indo-Bangladesh defense cooperation, an army training capsule on
counter-insurgency operations will be conducted in Patna’s Danapur Cantonment from
November 13, 2017 to December 10, 2017.
i. This training capsule will be first of its kind being organised for the Bangladesh Army at
Danapur Cantonment.
ii. Five officers and 25 other ranks of the Bangladesh Army will attend this training. Experienced
Indian Army training team will provide them skill based training on handling counter-insurgency /
counter-terrorism operations in hostile environment.
iii. Colonel D.D. Swain will be heading the Indian Army training team.
Navy chief launches document on joint training of 3 services

On November 14, 2017, Indian armed forces released ‘Joint Training Doctrine Indian Armed
Forces – 2017’, aimed at ensuring integration amongst the three defence services and optimum
utilisation of resources.
i. This document was released by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in presence of Army Chief,
General Bipin Rawat, IAF Chief, Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa and Chief of
Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Lt Gen Satish
Dua.
ii. This training document flows from ‘Joint Doctrine Indian Armed Forces -2017’ which was
released in April 2017.
iii. ‘Joint Training Doctrine Indian Armed Forces – 2017’ brings out Indian Armed Forces’
approach to Joint training at macro-level, Fundamentals, Objectives, Joint Structures, Planning and
Organisation.
India successfully test-fires Brahmos from Sukhoi fighter jet

On November 22, 2017, Brahmos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired for the first
time from the Indian Air Force’s frontline Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet.
i. This test has not only increased the strike power of Indian Air Force, but has also accomplished
the triad (capability to launch from air, sea and land) for Brahmos Missile.
ii. During this latest test, Brahmos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) hit a sea-based target
in the Bay of Bengal from the combat jet.
iii. With strike range of 290 km and weighing 2.5 ton, Brahmos ALCM is the heaviest weapon
to be deployed on India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI combat jet.
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India-Myanmar joint Army exercise “IMBAX-2017” begins in Meghalaya

First India-Myanmar bilateral military exercise 2017(IMBAX – 2017) begun on November
20, 2017 in Umroi in Meghalaya. IMBAX-2017 will continue till November 25, 2017.
More Information about IMBAX-2017:
i.This exercise is being held to train Myanmar’s army delegation for participation in United
Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
India conducts major exercise in strategically-located Andaman & Nicobar Islands

India has conducted a major military exercise in the strategically-located Andaman and Nicobar
Island archipelago.
Military exercise in Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
i. This is expected to help to counter China’s strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and
ensure security of sea lanes converging towards the Malacca Strait.
ii. The “Defence of A&N Islands Exercise” (DANX), with fighters, heavy-lift transport aircraft,
warships, infantry combat vehicles, special forces and regular troops, was conducted
from November 20 to 24, 2017 to fine-tune operational drills and synergy among the Army,
Navy and Air Force in the region.
IMMSAREX-17 begins in Cox’s Bazar

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise-2017
(IMMSAREX-17) started in Bay of Bengal on November 27, 2017.
i. The exercise was inaugurated by Bangladesh President Md Abdul Hamid near Inani Beach at
Cox’s Bazar.
MHA conducts Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017

On November 24, 2017, Ministry of Home Affairs conducted a multi-State mega mock exercise on
tsunami preparedness along the East Coast of India.
i. This exercise was conducted through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)in 31 coastal
districts across four States – West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – and
Union Territory Puducherry.
Defence Ministry approves procurement of 260 naval communication sets

On 29th November 2017, the Defence Ministry approved procurement of 260 naval
communication sets at a cost of Rs 490 crore to improvise surveillance on the high seas.
i. The decision of procuring these 260 naval communication sets was taken at a meeting of
the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
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U.S., South Korea to hold joint air force drill “Vigilant Ace”
The air forces of South Korea and the United States will hold ‘Vigilant Ace’ a joint drill from 4th –
8th December, 2017.
i. ‘Vigilant Ace’ between air forces of United States and South Korea is held at periodic intervals
to simulate wartime defenses.
ii. Nearly 12000 U.S. personnel, including U.S. Marine Corps and Navy troops will participate in the
upcoming edition of ‘Vigilant Ace’ along with South Korean troops.
ENVIRONMENT
Allahabad to get India’s first black buck conservation reserve

On October 31, 2017, Uttar Pradesh State cabinet took a decision to make India’s first
conservation reserve for black buck in Meja Forest Division of Allahabad.
i. Among five major decisions taken by Uttar Pradesh State Government during cabinet meeting on
October 31, 2017, decision on black buck conservation reserve in Meja, Allahabad is considered as
the most important one.
ii. Uttar Pradesh State Government believes that this decision will not only protect black
bucks but will also attract tourists.
World’s longest living dolphin in captivity dies at Japan aquarium

On 31st November 2017, Nana, a female bottlenose dolphin, died at the Shizuoka Prefecture
aquarium, in Japan.
i. Dolphin Nana recently broke a national record of staying captive at the aquarium for
15,666 days, or 42 years and 11 months.
New Orangutan Species Found, becomes Endangered right after discovery

On 2nd November 2017, a new species of orangutan ‘Pongo tapanuliensis’ was discovered in the
Sumatra island of Indonesia, which has become the world’s most endangered great ape.
i. The species, called ‘Tapanuli orangutan’, lives in the Batang Toru forest on Sumatra island of
Indonesia. They are only 800 in number totally. This has made them the most endangered great
ape in the world.
Typhoon Damrey batters Vietnam

Typhoon Damrey hit Vietnam on 4th November 2017 and made landfall causing devastation.
This was the strongest cyclone in Vietnam in 16 years. It weakened and fully dissipated on
5th November 2017.
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Tyrannomyrmex alii: New ant species discovered in the Western Ghats

Researchers have discovered a new species of ant named ‘Tyrannomyrmex alii’ in the Western
Ghats.
i. The new species of ant was found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The research has
been published in the journal Zootaxa.
Musa paramjitiana: New species of wild banana discovered in Andaman and Nicobar
A new species of wild banana named ‘Musa paramjitiana’ has been discovered in Andaman and
Nicobar islands.
i. The new species of wild banana has been named after Paramjit Singh, director of the
Botanical Survey of India (BSI). This discovery has been published in the Nordic Journal of
Botany.
India becoming world’s top sulphur dioxide emitter: Study

A study led by researchers at the University of Maryland in the US suggests that India is
becoming, if it is not already, the world’s top sulphur dioxide emitter.
i. The study says that, India’s emissions of the air pollutant sulphur dioxide increased by
50 % since 2007, while China’s fell by 75 %.
Govt advances BS-VI fuel roll out in Delhi to cut pollution

On November 15, 2017, Union Petroleum Ministry announced that Bharat Stage VI (BS-
VI) fuel will be introduced in Delhi from April 1, 2018, much ahead of the earlier deadline of 2020.
Gleadovia konyakianorum: Scientists discover new parasitic plant in Nagaland

During a botanical expedition carried out in earlier part of 2017, scientist discovered a new species
of parasitic flowering plant (named Gleadoviakonyakianorum) which does not have chlorophyll
(necessary to make its own food) and survives by deriving its entire nutritional requirement from
other plant.
i.This parasitic plant has been named Gleadovia konyakianorum, in honour of the Konyak tribe of
Nagas.
ii.It was found near Tobu town of Mon district in eastern Nagaland in the semi-evergreen
forest at an altitude of 1500-1600 metres.
Mount Agung Volcano in Bali erupts for the first time in 54 years
Mount Agung, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali has erupted for the first time in more
than 54 years.
i. As a result of eruption, ash clouds shot up to 700 metres in the Indonesian sky.
ii. Due to increasing volcanic activity in the recent months, more than 1.4 lakh people have
evacuated their homes.
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New species of gecko discovered in Andhra Pradesh after 5-year study

A new species of gecko named ‘Hemidactylus sushilduttai’ was found in the Eastern Ghats in
northern Andhra Pradesh.
i. The reptile, Hemidactylus sushilduttai is endemic to the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra
Pradesh. It was identified as a different species after a five-year study.
ii. It is named after eminent herpetologist Sushil Kumar Dutta from Odisha, as Hemidactylus
sushilduttai. It is also called as Dutta’s Mahendragiri gecko.
Surge in oxygen levels led to explosion of life: study

A study has found that, a boost in levels of oxygen may have caused a three-fold increase in
biodiversity during between 445 and 485 million years ago.
i. The explosion of diversity, recognised as the Great Ordovician Bio-diversification
Event, brought the rise of various marine life, starting at the bottom of the ocean floors..
New species of gecko discovered in Andhra Pradesh after 5-year study

A new species of gecko named ‘Hemidactylus sushilduttai’ was found in the Eastern Ghats in
northern Andhra Pradesh.
i. The reptile, Hemidactylus sushilduttai is endemic to the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra
Pradesh. It was identified as a different species after a five-year study.
ii. It is named after eminent herpetologist Sushil Kumar Dutta from Odisha, as Hemidactylus
sushilduttai. It is also called as Dutta’s Mahendragiri gecko.
Surge in oxygen levels led to explosion of life: study

A study has found that, a boost in levels of oxygen may have caused a three-fold increase in
biodiversity during between 445 and 485 million years ago.
i. The explosion of diversity, recognised as the Great Ordovician Bio-diversification
Event, brought the rise of various marine life, starting at the bottom of the ocean floors.
SPORTS
Pakistan will host the 2018 Asian Cricket Council (ACC)
On 29th October 2017, it was announced that, Pakistan will host the next Asian Cricket Council
(ACC) Emerging Nations Cup in April 2018.
i. The 2018 Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Nations Cup would be held in Pakistan in
more than one city. This was announced by PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Najam Sethi.
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Geeta Phogat wins Gold in All India Police Championship

On 30th October 2017, Indian wrestler Geeta Phogat won a gold medal at the All India Police
Championship 2017.
i. Geeta Phogat has won a gold medal at the All India Police Championship 2017. She won India’s
first-ever gold medal in women’s wrestling at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. She
became the first woman wrestler from India to qualify for the Olympic Summer Games.
Bopanna wins Erste Open, Myneni-Prashanth clinch Vietnam Open trophy

On 29th October 2017, Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas won the Erste Open title in Vienna,
and Saketh Myneni and Vijay Sundar Prashanth pair won theVietnam Open trophy at the Ho
Chi Minh City, in Vietnam.
i. In Vienna, Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas played with Sam Querrey and Marcelo Demoliner by
7-6(7), 6-7(4), 11-9. Bopanna and Cuevas were down by 7-9 in the deciding super tie-breaker but
had saved two match points and won the title.
Federer fights back to win 8th Basel title

On 29th October 2017, Roger Federer won 8th Swiss Indoors title, in Basel, Switzerland.
Roger Federer wins Basel title:
i. Roger Federer defeated Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro by 6-7(5) 6-4 6-3 and won the eighth
Swiss Indoors title, in Basel, Switzerland.
Hong Kong to be first Asian host of Gay Games

Hong Kong has become the first Asian city to host the Gay Games in 2022.
i. Hong Kong beat Mexico’s Guadalajara and Washington DC to host the 11th edition of Gay
Games. The event is expected to attract 15,000 participants.
ii. It is organised by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. The Gay
Games was founded by former Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell and first held in San Francisco in
1982.
Virender Sehwag Gate inaugurated at Feroz Shah Kotla

On 31st October 2017, the Delhi District Cricket Association inaugurated the Virender Sehwag Gate
at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
i. A gate at the Feroz Shah Kotla dedicated to cricket legend Virender Sehwag was
inaugurated by the Delhi and District Cricket Association.
India’s K Srikanth achieves career-best World No 2 ranking

On 2nd November 2017, Kidambi Srikanth secured a career-best ranking of World No. 2,after
jumping two places in the latest BWF (Badminton World Federation) ranking.
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i .Kidambi Srikanth has reached five finals and clinched four titles so far this year. He has 73,403
points that is 4527 point away from World Champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, who tops the
ranking list.
Aditi wins in Abu Dhabi for her third LET title

On November 4, 2017, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok won the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies
Open in Abu Dhabi, UAE and has thereby won her third Ladies European Tour (LET) title in
less than twelve months.
i. Aditi Ashok won the title by outperforming Cheyenne Woods (US), Georgia Hall (England)
and Camilla Lennarth (Sweden).
TT Super League in Chennai from Nov 24

Chennai will host the inaugural edition of Table Tennis Super League-Tamil Nadufrom
24th – 26th November, 2017.
i. This tournament will be organised by Indusports, under the auspices of Tamil Nadu Table
Tennis Association and 11Even Sports.
ii. Competition will take place among eight teams and each would have six members from
different categories viz. men, women, junior boys, junior girls, cadet boys and veterans.
India’s Sharath Kamal & Sathiyan bag bronze in Belgium Open

Indian table tennis players Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran have
won bronze medal in the men’s doubles category of the 2017 Challenge Belgium Open
i. Sharath Kamal & Sathiyan lost in the semi-finals to the German pair of Patrick Franziska
and Ricardo Walther.
ii. In women’s doubles category, Indian pair of Manika Batra and Mouma Das too
performed well and reached quarter finals. In quarter finals they lost to Taiwan’s Hsien-Tzu
Cheng and Hsing-Yin Liu.
Satbir, Manorama win in Elite category at Cyclothon

Satbir Singh and T Manorama Devi emerged victorious in the Elite Men’s and Elite
Women’s events at ‘Saksham Pedal Delhi’ Cyclothon held in New Delhi on November 5, 2017.
i. This event was organised by Petroleum Conservation & Research Association
(PCRA) under technical guidance from Cycling Federation of India.
ii. The event was supported by many Oil companies including IOCL, BPCL, HPCL and ONGC.
iii.Besides cycling professionals and amateurs, participants from all walks of life including officials
from various ministries and sports personalities took part in this Cyclothon. Bollywood actor
Farhan Akhtar too participated in this event..
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Indian women win Asia Cup 2017, qualify for Hockey World Cup
i.India beats China 5-4 via and won the women’s Asia Cup hockey and India also qualified for next
year’s World Cup as Continental champion.
ii.Korea is in third place after it defeated Japan.
National Cycling Championships organized in Delhi to promote fuel conservation

On 5th November 2017, the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA)
organised Delhi’s first ‘Saksham Pedal Delhi’ cyclothon event to promote cycling and conservation
of transport fuel.
i. The Saksham Pedal Delhi event started from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. The event
was supported by the Cycling Federation of India.
India beat China to lift women’s Asia Cup hockey title

On 5th November 2017, India won the women’s Asia Cup hockey title 2017 at Kakamigahara in
Japan.
i. The Indian women’s hockey team ‘Women in Blue’ defeated China in the final of the Asia Cup
2017 with a score of 1-1. India has won the gold medal after 13 years.
ii. In the penalty shootout Rani scored twice and Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored a goal
each. Savita was selected as Goalkeeper of the Tournament andMonica won the Woman of
the Match award.
Shiv Kapur clinches Panasonic Open title

On 5th November 2017, Shiv Kapur won his first Asian Tour title in India, bagging the Panasonic
Open title 2017 at the Delhi Golf Club.
i. Shiv Kapur won the Panasonic Open title 2017 by three strokes, after bringing home a card of
four-under 68 in the fourth and final round at the Delhi Golf Club.
ii. It is the second Asian Tour title of the season for Shiv Kapur. He had won the Yeangder
Heritage in April and finished second at the Thailand Open this season. He had won his first Asian
tour title in 2005 at the Volvo Masters of Asia.
India unveil logo, mascot and song for AIBA Youth Women’s World Boxing Championship
2017
On 6th November 2017, the official logo, mascot and anthem for 2017 AIBA Youth Women’s World
Boxing Championship was unveiled in a ceremony at Guwahati, Assam.
i. Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal and Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President
Ajay Singh released the championship’s official mascot, logo and anthem.
ii. The official mascot, named Guppy, is a female version of Assam’s one-horned rhino.
The official anthem is ‘Make Some Noise’. The anthem as composed by Shaan and sung by
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Sunidhi Chauhan.
iii. The logo consists of two key elements – the strength of an Indian woman in the form of a
female boxer and the culture of Assam through the ‘gamosa’, a cherished hand-woven piece of
cloth in Assam. It has integrated the national flag’s three main colours – saffron, green and
white.
Commonwealth Shooting Championships 2017 in Australia

Commonwealth Shooting Championships 2017 was held in Gold Coast, Australiafrom
28th October, 2017 to 8th November, 2017. This Championship is held among
Commonwealth countries and is considered as a test event for the Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Shooting Championship 2017 was held in conjunction with the 2017 Oceania
Shooting Championships.
India finish with 20 medals at Commonwealth Shooting Championships
• The Indian squad won a total of 20 medals which included six gold, seven silver and seven
bronze medals.
• Satyendra Singh wins gold Heena Sidhu on a roll, wins gold at Commonwealth Shooting
C’ships
• Shahzar, Pooja Win Gold At Commonwealth Shooting Championships
• Nanjappa, Mittal win gold medals at Commonwealth shooting
• Gagan Narang wins silver medal in 50m rifle prone event
• Anish Bhanwala won a silver,Anjum & Neeraj Kumar bagged a bronze
Punjab government to organise village-level tournaments to curb drug menace

On 4th November 2017, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister of Punajb, Tript
Rajinder Singh Bajwa said that, to rule out the problem of drugs from Punjab, the Punjab
government would organise village-level sports tournaments.
i. The announcement was made at a sports tournament to mark the Parkash Utsav of Guru
Nanak Dev at Sultanpur Lodhi. The minister said that, these tournaments would be organised at
the village level to promote sportsmanship among the youth.
Mitchell Starc makes history with two hat-tricks in one game

On 7th November 2017, Strike bowler Mitchell Starc took two hat-tricks in the same first-class
game in Australia.
Mary Kom beats a North Korean, storms to Asian Boxing Championships gold
On 8th November 2017, Mary Kom won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championships in the
Light Flyweight category, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
i. Mary Kom defeated North Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the final 5-0 by unanimous judges’
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decision and won the gold medal in the Asian Boxing Championships in the Light Flyweight
category (48 kg category).
Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy win National titles

On 8th November 2017, Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy won titles in Senior National Badminton
Championship 2017, in Nagpur.
i. Saina Nehwal, a former world number one, defeated PV Sindhu, the Olympic and World
Championship silver medallist by 21-17, 27-25 in the finals of women singles. Saina won the
women’s singles title.
ii. HS Prannoy defeated Kidambi Srikanth by 21-15, 16-21, 21-7 in the men’s singles finals. HS
Prannoy won the men’s singles title.
Indians set 2 world record on para world cup

On 9th November 2017, Indian para shooters Deepender Singh and Manish Narwal set 2 world
records in the Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2017, in Bangkok.
i. Indian para shooters Deepender Singh and Manish Narwal won gold and silver respectively
in the P1 10m Air Pistol SH1 category in the Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2017.
ii. Deepender Singh with 238.3 points broke the world record set by Iran’s Mahdi
Zamanishurabi (235 points). 16-year-old Manish Narwal set a junior world record with 236.6
points.
Bharat Khandare becomes first India-Born Fighter to sign with Ultimate Fighting
Championship
On 11th November 2017, Bharat Khandare became first Indian-born Mixed Martial Arts
(MMA) fighter to be signed by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).
i. Bharat Khandare will have his debut fight against Pingyuan Liu, who has won 12 fights in the
tournament, in the UFC Bantamweight division at the UFC Fight Night in Shanghai on 25 November
2017. It will be the first UFC event held on mainland China.
ii. Arjan Singh Bhullar was the first Indian-origin fighter to be signed by the UFC. Bhullar
had represented Canada at the 2012 London Olympics.
Dhoni inaugurates his first global cricket academy in UAE

On 11th November 2017, Mahendra Singh Dhoni inaugurated his first global cricket academy in the
United Arab Emirates.
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Teddy Riner remains undefeated and claims tenth World title

On 11th November 2017, Teddy Riner won his tenth World title in the 2017 Judo World
Championships Open in Marrakesh and remains undefeated emperor in judo.
Teddy Riner – 10th world title in judo:
i. French heavyweight judo champion Teddy Riner won his 10th world title with victory at the
open-weight world championships in Marrakech.
Pankaj Advani wins 17th world title

Indian cueist Pankaj Advani has won his 17th world title at the IBSF World Billiards Championship
2017 in Doha, Qatar.
i. Pankaj Advani beat Mike Russell of England by 6-2 (0-155, 150-128, 92-151, 151-0, 151-6,
151-0, 150-58, 150-21) and won his 17th world title at the IBSF World Billiards Championship 2017
ii. Pankaj Advani is the winner of maximum number of world titles in any sport by an Indian. He
has increased his total with one more victory.
Marquez wins fourth MotoGP world title

On 12th November 2017, Spain’s Marc Marquez won his sixth world championship and fourth in
the premier MotoGP category with third place at the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix.
Rafael Nadal presented with ATP World No. 1 award

On 12th November 2017, tennis player Rafael Nadal was presented the ATP World Number 1
award on court, at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena, in London.
Sebastian Vettel wins Brazilian Grand Prix

On 12th November 2017, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won the Brazilian Grand Prix, a Formula
One championship race, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
i. Valtteri Bottas started the race at the pole position. Vettel controlled the race after taking the
lead from Valtteri Bottas.
ii. The Formula One world championship title had already been decided at the Mexican Grand Prix,
two weeks earlier.
Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal retires from all forms of cricket

On 13th November 2017, Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal announced his retirement from all
forms of cricket.
i. Saeed Ajmal has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket two years after his bowling
action was remarked as illegal for the second time.
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Italy fail to qualify for Football World Cup 2018 for first time since 1958
On 13th November 2017, Italy failed to qualify for the Football World Cup 2018 for the first
time since 1958 at San Siro, Italy.
i. Italy was disqualified for Football World Cup 2018, as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the second
leg of their play-off by Sweden, who qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
Aditi Ashok becomes first Indian golfer to qualify for LPGA Tour Championships
Aditi Ashok has qualified for the CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA (Ladies
Professional Golf Association), becoming the first from India to play in the prestigious meet.
i. Aditi Ashok is one of the eight rookies to make it to the LPGA Tour Championships, one of the
strongest fields in women’s golf. Also, Aditi has succeeded in keeping her LPGA card for 2018 after
a sterling rookie season.
France named as host of 2023 Rugby World Cup

On 15th November 2017, France was announced as the surprise host of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
i. Ireland got eight votes in the first round, compared to 18 for France and 13 for South Africa. In
the second round, France won by 24 votes to 15.
ii. Ireland’s bid was rated as the weakest of the three nations in contention by World Rugby’s
technical review group. Its report said that, South Africa was itspreferred candidate.
Shagun Chowdhary crowned National Women’s Trap champion at 61st National Shooting
Championship
On 16th November 2017, Shagun Chowdhary bagged a national champion crown when she
won the women’s trap event at the 61st National Shooting Championship, in New Delhi.
i. Shagun Chowdhary represented ONGC. She is the first Indian woman trap shooter to win
an Olympic berth. She overcame the challenge from Punjab’s Rajeshwari Kumari to score 41-38
in the final.
India to host Asia Cup of Road Racing with National Championship

On 18 and 19 November 2017, Round 3 of FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing (ACRR) will be held at
the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, India.
i. Top bikers from Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Nepal, Taiwan and India will
participate in round three of the FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing (ACRR) at the Buddh International
Circuit in Greater Noida.
ii. India will be represented by Sai Rahil Pillarisetty and Israel Vanlalhruaizela, who are
fourth in the standings after the first two rounds in Thailand and Taiwan. They have accumulated
28 points, 23 points behind the leaders from Philippines (5 points) and Thailand (25 points).
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Sushil Kumar, Geeta Phogat win gold in 62nd National Wrestling championship
Sushil Kumar and Geeta Phogat bagged gold medal at the 62nd National Wrestling championship in
Indore.
i. Two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar won a gold medal in men’s 74 kilogram freestyle
competition.
ii. Geeta Phogat won a gold medal in the 59 kg category of women’s wrestling. India’s single
woman Olympic medal winner Sakshi Malik won gold medal in the 62kg category of women’s
wrestling.
Wrestler Sandeep Yadav banned for four years for failing dope test
Wrestler Sandeep Tulsi has been handed a four-year ban by the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel of
the NADA.
Yuki Bhambri outlasts Ramkumar Ramanathan to win KPIT-MSLTA Challenger in Pune

(tennis)
On 18th November 2017, Yuki Bhambri clinched his first title of the 2017 season on the ATP
Challenger Tour following a win over Ramkumar Ramanathan in the final of the KPIT-MSLTA
Challenger in Pune.
Sharath Kamal, G Sathiyan win bronze in Sweden Open (table tennis)

On 17th November 2017, India’s table tennis doubles pair A Sharath Kamal and G Sathiyan won
a bronze medal at the Seamaster 2017 World Tour Swedish Open.
Leander Paes-Purav Raja lift JSM Champaign Challenger trophy (tennis)

On 18th November 2017, Leander Paes and Purav Raja won the JSM Champaign Challenger
trophy, their second title together, winning over Ruan Roelofse and Joe Salisbury.
i.Leander Paes-Purav Raja pair defeated the British-South African combination Ruan Roelofse
and Joe Salisbury by 6-3, 7-6(5), 10-5 in the final of the JSM Champaign Challenger, the USD
75000 hard court event.
Grigor Dimitrov beats David Goffin to win the singles title of 2017 Nitto ATP Finals
(tennis)
On 19th November 2017, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov beat Belgium’s David Goffin and won the
singles title of 2017 Nitto ATP Finals, at The O2 Arena, in London.
i.Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov beat Belgium’s David Goffin by 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 at the finals and won the
singles title of 2017 Nitto ATP Finals.
ii.Grigor Dimitrov has become the first debutant for 19 years to win the singles title at the
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ATP Finals since Alex Corretja in 1998.
Hockey Karnataka clinches Hockey India 5-a-side Senior Men’s National Championship
2017
On 19th November 2017, Hockey Karnataka won the second edition of the Hockey India 5-a-
side Senior Men’s National Championship 2017 title at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium, in
Balewadi, Pune.
i.Hockey Karnataka won the Hockey India 5-a-side Senior Men’s National Championship 2017
title after beating Hockey Haryana 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout.
Ethiopian athletes clinch Gold medals in both sections of Delhi Half Marathon 2017
On 19th November 2017, Ethiopia’s current woman world athlete of the year Almaz
Ayana and Ethiopia’s Berhanu Legese won gold in the women’s and men’s
event respectively at the Delhi Half Marathon 2017.
i.Almaz Ayana, the world’s leading woman long distance runner on track, clocked one hour,
seven minutes and 11 seconds and became champion in her first half marathon race, securing
the gold medal.
Afghanistan clinches 2017 Under-19 Asian Cricket Cup

On 19th November 2017, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan and won the Under-19 Asia Cup for the first
time at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
i.Afghanistan has won its first Under-19 Asia Cup with a 185-run victory over Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s Ikram Ali Khelofscored a century. He was named the ‘man of the match’.
ii.Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Zadran took an overall 20 wickets in the tournament and was named
the ‘best player of the tournament’.
Gates 3 & 4 of Feroz Shah Kotla to be named after Anjum Chopra

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4
of the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after Anjum Chopra, who represented India in six World Cups.
i.The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Gate No. 3 and 4 of
the Ferozshah Kotla stadium after the cricketer-turned-commentator, Anjum Chopra.
Basel to become first city to jointly host Badminton and Para Badminton World
Championships in 2019
Basel will become the first city to jointly host the Badminton and Para Badminton World
Championships in 2019.
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First Indian casino game training course centre in Goa

On 24th November 2017, Delta Corp Limited claimed to have set up the first casino game training
course centre in India, at Goa.
Sixth edition of Swimmathon will be held in Goa

The sixth edition of Swimmathon, open water swimming competition, is to be held at Colva
beach in South Goa on 3 December, 2017.
i. The Swimmathon had been accredited by the Swimming Federation of India as the national
selection trials. Olympian Virdhawal Khade is the brand ambassador of Swimmathon.
Indian football team remains 105th in FIFA rankings

On 23rd November 2017, the Indian football team remained static at 105th in the latest FIFA
(International Federation of Association Football) rankings.
i. India drew with Myanmar 2-2 in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium in
Bangalore during this ranking period.
Youth Women’s World Championships 2017 held in Guwahati

On 19 – 26th November 2017, Youth Women’s World Championships 2017 is held in Guwahati,
Assam.
i. The World Youth Women’s Boxing Championship 2017 was inauguratedat Md. Toyabullah
Hockey Stadium in Bhetapara by Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
ii. It is organised by AIBA (International Boxing Association). Over 150 boxers from 38 countries
are competing in the event, being held in India for the first time.
Ritu Phogat clinches Silver medal in Under-23 Senior World Wrestling Championship in
Poland
India wrestler Ritu Phogat (48kg) clinched the silver medal in the Under-23 Senior World Wrestling
Championship at Poland.
i. Ritu Phogat lost against Turkish Wrestler Demirhan in the gold medal clash and settled for
a silver medal. She is 23 years old. She had won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling
Championship in 2016.
Gopi Thonakal wins gold in Asian Marathon Championship

On 26th November 2017, Gopi Thonakal became the first Indian man to win Asian Marathon
Championship after he won gold in the 16th edition of the Asian Marathon Championship, in
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Dongguan, China.
i. Gopi Thonakal clocked 2 hours 15 minutes and 48 seconds and won the gold. Andrey
Petrov of Uzbekistan bagged the silver with a timing of 2:15:51s and Byambalev
Tseveenravdan of Mongolia won bronze by clocking 2:16:14s.
Virat Kohli – first captain to smash 10 international hundreds in a calendar year

Virat Kohli has become the first captain to score 10 international hundreds in a calendar year.
i. On 26th November 2017, Virat Kohli struck his 19th hundred in Test as India played against Sri
Lanka at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. It was also his fifth double hundred in Test cricket.
ii. Virat Kohli reached his fourth Test hundred in 2017 in just 130 balls. He scored his 51st career
hundred in international cricket.
Valtteri Bottas beats Lewis Hamilton to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
On November 26, 2017, Formula 1 motorist, Valtteri Bottas won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
i. Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes team defeated his fellow teammate, Lewis Hamiltonwho finished
at second spot.
India wins 10 medals in Para-Badminton World Championships

Indian contingent to BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Ulsan, South Korea has
clinched 10 medals, including two golds.
i. India’s Parul Parmar defeated Thailand’s Wannaphatdee Kamtam in the finals of the
women’s singles Standing Lower (SL3).
ii. Other gold was also won by Parul Parmar, who paired with Japan’s Akiko Sugino in women’s
doubles (SL 3-4) final. Parul Parmar- Akiko Sugino pair beat Chinese pair of Cheng Hefang and MA
Huihui in the finals.
India claim 5 gold medals in AIBA World Women’s Youth Boxing Championships
On 26th November 2017, India won 5 gold medals at the AIBA World Women’s Youth Boxing
Championships, in Guwahati.
i. Nitu (48kg), Jyoti Gulia (51kg), Sakshi choudhury (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg)
and Ankushita Boro (64kg) won gold medals for India in the finals. Jyoti Gulia also qualified for
next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.
ii. Also, two bronze medals were secured by Neha Yadav (+81kg)
and Anupama (81kg). Ankushita was named the boxer of the tournament.
7th international military games to be held at Wuhan in China

The 7th international military games will be held in Wuhan city in the central China‘s Hubei
Province.
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♦ Emblem:consists of a dove, a star, ribbons and other elements

♦ Mascot:Bing Bing. Its design is based on the Chinese sturgeon, a critically endangered fish
known as the “panda in water”.
♦ Slogan: Military glory, world peace
Mairaj Khan crowned skeet champion at 61st National Shooting Championship for
Shotgun events
On 25th November 2017, India’s top skeet shooter Mairaj Ahmad Khan was crowned national
champion at the 61st National Shooting Championship Competitions (61st NSCC) for Shotgun
events, at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
i. In a battle between India’s present and future of men’s skeet shooting, Mairaj Khan, representing
Uttar Pradesh and Angad Vir Singh Bajwa of Punjab, both recorded 57 out of 60 hits in the final.
ii. Then they went through a marathon shoot-off before Mairaj Khan came through 26-25 to
win Gold. Man Singh of Haryana won the Bronze with a score of 46 in the finals.
Indian men’s and women’s teams win 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship
On 26th November 2017, the Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams were both crowned the
champions of Asia at the 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship, in Gorgan, Iran.
Sathiyan wins gold in 2017 ITTF Challenge, Spanish Open

On 26th November 2017, Indian paddler G Sathiyan defeated Japan’s Kazuhiro Yoshimura 4-
2 to clinch the men’s singles gold medal at the 2017 ITTF Challenge Spanish Open in Almeria,
Spain..
R Ashwin breaks Dennis Lillee’s record of fastest 300 Test wickets

On 27th November 2017, Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest bowler to gain 300 Test
wicket, in the second match against Sri Lanka at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium, in
Nagpur.
i. Ashwin broke the record of Australian legend Dennis Lillee, who achieved the feat in 56
Tests in 1981. Earlier, in February 2017, Ashwin broke Lillee’s record of fastest to 250 Test wickets.
Punjab to get world-class football academy

UK’s Southall Football Club will jointly set up an international level football
academy with Cordia Institutes at its campus at Sanghol in Punjab.
i. Cordia Institutes Chairman Diljit Rana said that the objective was to build a world class
academy with facilities comparable to the very best in the world.
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Asian champion Bajrang Punia and Vinod Kumar bags silver U-23 World Wrestling
Championship
Asian champion Bajrang Punia and Vinod Kumar settled for silver medals at the U-23 World
Wrestling Championship in Poland.
i. Bajrang Punia lost the 65kg lop-sided final 6-17 to Russian grappler Kuular and Vinod
Kumar lost 1-3 to American Richard Lewis. Both won silver medals in the event.
IOA formally recognises Boxing Federation of India

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has been recognised as a national body by the Indian
Olympic Association (IOA), which removed the terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation
(IABF) as its affiliate.
i. The BFI, had already been recognised by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the
Sports Ministry. It has finally been approved by IOA.
ii. Also, IOA has removedIndian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) as its affiliate. IABF was
first suspended and then terminated by AIBA for manipulation in elections.
France beat Belgium to claim its 10th Davis Cup (tennis)

On 26th November 2017, France won its 10th Davis Cup title when France’s Lucas Pouille beat
Belgium’s Steve Darcis by 6-3 6-1 6-0 to give France a 3-2 victory in the final against Belgium.
i. This is France’s first title since they beat Australia in 2001 before three defeats in the final in
2002, 2010 and 2014. Belgium, on the other hand has yet to win the title, having now lost three
finals after defeats in 1904 and 2015.
Competition Commission imposes Rs. 52.24 crore penalty on BCCI

On 29th November 2017, the Competition Commission (CCI) imposed a fine of Rs
52.24 crore on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for anti-competitive practices
with respect to the Indian Premier League.
i. The Competition Commission had penalised the BCCI for the same amount in February 2013 as
well, but that penalty was set aside by the appellate tribunal after an appeal by the BCCI.
Odisha Chief Minister unveils logo & mascot of Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018
On 29th November 2017, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the logo and mascot
for the Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
i. Naveen Patnaik launched the countdown timer for the Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 scheduled
to be held in Odisha from November 28 to December 16, 2018.
ii. 16 countries, including India, will participate in the 14th edition of the Hockey World Cup.
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OBITUARY
Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s Daughter Dina Wadia passes away

On 2nd November 2017, Dina Wadia, daughter and the only child of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad
Ali Jinnah passed away in New York.
Veteran Malayalam Actor Vettoor Purushan passed way

On 4th November 2017, Veteran Malayalam actor Vettoor Purushan passed away following old
age illness, in Kerala.
Actor Karin Dor dies at 79

Karin Dor, who played the red-haired villainess Helga Brandt in the 1967 James died on
06thNov 2017 in a nursing home in Munich.
Padma Shri awardee author Manu Sharma passes away

On 8th November 2017, noted author and Padma Shri awardee Manu Sharma died in Varanasi
following prolonged illness.
i.He was also the recipient of the prestigious Yash Bharti Award of the Uttar Pradesh
government. He has authored several Hindi books including Krishna Ki Atmakatha.
Veteran journalist Virendra Sanghi passes away

On 10th November 2017, veteran journalist Virendra Sanghi passed away in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Former Test cricketer Milkha Singh passes away

On 10th November 2017, former India cricketer A G Milkha Singh passed away after a cardiac arrest
at a hospital in Chennai.
Veteran Cyclist Ashok Khale Passes Away

On 11th November 2017, veteran cyclist Ashok Khale, who was recently injured in an accident on
the Sion-Panvel highway, died in Bombay Hospital during treatment, in Mumbai.
Former Nepal PM Kirti Nidhi Bista passes away

On 11th November 2017, Nepal’s three-time Prime Minister Kirti Nidhi Bista passed away at
Gyaneswor, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Former MP Abdul Mannan Hossain passed away

On 14th November 2017, former Murshidabad MP and senior Trinamool Congress leader Abdul
Mannan Hossain died at Belle vue clinic due to age related problems, in Kolkata.
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Veteran Hindustani vocalist Jagdish Mohan passes away

On 14th November 2017, noted Hindustani vocalist of Kirana Gharana, Jagdish Mohan died in
New Delhi.
Former SC Judge Justice V Khalid Passes Away

On 15th November 2017, retired Supreme Court judge V. Khalid died in Kannur.
Legendary Hindi Poet Kunwar Narain passes away at 90

On 15th November 2017, eminent Hindi poet and Jnanpith awardee Kunwar Narayan passed away
at his home in New Delhi.
British motorcyclist Daniel Hegarty dies after crashing in Macau Grand Prix
On 18th November 2017, Daniel Hegarty, a British motorcycle racer, was killed after hitting
the barriers on the outside of the circuit and losing his crash helmet, at the Macau Grand Prix, in
Macau.
Naim Suleymanoglu, Turkey’s 3-time Olympic gold weightlifter, dead at 50

On 18th November 2017, Naim Suleymanoglu, the Turkish weightlifter who won three Olympic Gold
Medals and was known as “Pocket Hercules,” died at an Istanbul hospital.
Former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passed away

On 20th November 2017, Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Priya Ranjan
Dasmunsi, in coma since 2008, died at Apollo hospital in Delhi.
Justice Bhagwati Prasad passed away

On 19th November 2017, Former chief justice of the Jharkhand High Court Bhagwati Prasad passed
away at a private hospital, in Ahmedabad.
i.Justice Bhagwati Prasad was admitted to the hospital on 18th November 2017 after he
suffered low blood pressure complications. He died at the hospital on 19th November 2017.
Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna dies aged 49

On 19th November 2017, former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna passed
away peacefully after a battle with cancer.
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Singer-actor Della Reese passes away

On 19th November 2017, Della Reese, the popular TV actress on “Touched by an Angel”
and one of the pioneers of jazz music in 1950s-’60s, died at her home in California.
Noted jurist Habibullah Basha passes away

On 22nd November 2017, veteran lawyer Habibullah Basha, one of the finest jurists of the
Madras Bar, passed away in Chennai after a prolonged illness.
Sudip Datta Bhowmik, the noted journalist of Tripura shot dead

On 21st November 2017, Sudip Datta Bhowmik, a senior journalist was shot dead under
mysterious circumstances at a battalion headquarters of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) near
Agartala.
Assam’s legendary actor Biju Phukan passes away

On 22nd November 2017, Assam’s prominent film actor Biju Phukan passed away at a
private hospital in Guwahati, after suffering cardiac ailments.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

Vice President launches ‘Journey of Women Law Reforms and The Law Commission of
India – Some Insights’ book
On 17th November 2017, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu received the first copy of the book
‘Journey of Women Law Reforms and The Law Commission of India – Some Insights’, from
the Author former Joint Secretary, Dr. Pavan Sharma.
Journey of Women Law Reforms and The Law Commission of India – Some Insights:
i. M Venkaiah Naidu said on the occasion that, we need to focus on women’s issues in India. He
hoped that, the book would inspire many more experts to focus on women’s issues in the next few
years.
IMPORTANT DAYS
November 1 2017
Remember Day: World Vegan Day
Purpose :The benefits of veganism for humans, animals and the natural environment are
celebrated through activities such as setting up stalls, hosting potlucks and planting memorial trees
Organization: About Vegan Society
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November 5 2017
Remember Day: World Tsunami Awareness Day
Purpose :November 5 was chosen as World Tsunami Awareness Day in honour of the Japanese
story of “Inamura-no-hi”, meaning the “burning of the rice sheaves”.
Organization: UN
November 6 2017
Remember Day: International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and
Armed Conflict
Purpose :To reduce the damage from conflicts and protect the natural resources that are crucial
for sustainable development
Organization: UNGA
November 8 2017
Remember Day: World Radiology Day
Theme : Emergency Radiology
Purpose :An annual event promoting the role of medical imaging in modern healthcare
Organization: International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists
November 9 2017
Remember Day: Uttarakhand 17th formation day.
Purpose :Uttarakhand was formed on 9th November 2000 as the 27th state. It was separated
fromUttar Pradesh.
Remember Day: Legal Service Day

Theme : Emergency Radiology
Purpose :To offer help and support to the weaker and poor group of sections of people which may
be women, disabled persons, Scheduled Tribes, children, Scheduled Castes, human trafficking
victims and natural calamities victims
Organization: Supreme Court of India
November 10 2017
Remember Day: World Science Day for peace and development
Theme :‘Science for Global Understanding’.
Purpose : To renew the national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and
development and to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society.
Organization: UNESCO
November 11 2017
Remember Day: National Education Day
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Purpose :To mark the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister
of independent India
Organization: GOI
November 12 2017
Remember Day: Public Service Broadcasting Day
Purpose :In the memory of the first and only address by Mahatma Gandhi on All India Radio (AIR)
on November 12 in 1947, this day was announced as a Public Service Broadcasting Day.
Organization: All India Radio (AIR)
Remember Day: World Pneumonia Day

Purpose :To raise awareness about pneumonia, promote methods to protect against pneumonia,
prevent and treat pneumonia and generate action to fight pneumonia.
November 13 2017
Remember Day: World Kindness Day
Purpose :To highlight good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and the
common thread of kindness that binds us.
November 14 2017
Remember Day: World Diabetes Day
Theme :‘Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future’
Purpose :This day marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best and John
James Rickard Macleod, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922
Organization: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
Remember Day: , Children’s Day

Theme :‘Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future’
Purpose :It is celebrated on 14 November every year on the birth anniversary of the first Prime
Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru
Organization: GOI
November 16 2017
Remember Day: World Philosophy Day
Purpose : The Dvaita Philosophy Resource Centre (DPRC), Manipal University, celebrated the
World Philosophy Day 2017 with a special seminar. The seminar was on “The intellectual duties of
the King: An Indian perspective”.
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Remember Day: International Day for Endurance or Tolerance

Purpose :to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance
Remember Day: National Press Day

Purpose :To ensure that if the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful
medium and also that it was not affected by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors.
Organization: Press Council of India
November 16– 20 2017

Remember Day: the Child Rights Week ‘Hausla 2017
Purpose :Child Rights Week by WCD Ministry by hosting an Inter CCI Festival for the childrenwho
reside in Child Care Institutions (CCIs)
Organization: Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD)
November 17 2017
Remember Day: International Students Day
Purpose :This day marks the anniversary of the 1939 Nazi storming of the University of Prague
after demonstrations against the killing of Jan Opletal and the occupation of Czechoslovakia, and
the execution of nine student leaders, over 1200 students sent to concentration camps, and the
closing of all Czech universities and colleges
Organization: International Union of Students
November 19 2017
Remember Day: World Toilet Day
Theme :Wastewater
Purpose : To create awareness about necessity of sanitation and making it a global development
priority
Remember Day: National Integration Day

Purpose : To mark the birth anniversary of the first woman prime minister of the India, Indira
Gandhi,also known as the Quami Ekta Divas
Remember Day: International Men’s Day

Theme : ’Celebrate Men and Boys’
Purpose :Objectives of International Men’s Day include a focus on men’s and boy’s health,
improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models
Remember Day: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
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Theme : ‘2020 Target: reduce road fatalities AND serious injuries by 50%’.
Organization: European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR):
November 20 2017
Remember Day: Universal Children’s Day
Theme :It’s a #KidsTakeOver
Purpose :To promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and
improving children’s welfare.
Organization: UNICEF
Remember Day: Africa Industrialization Day

Theme :“African Industrial Development: A Pre-Condition for an Effective and Sustainable
Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)”.
Purpose :To raise global awareness of the challenges faced by the African continent with regard to
industrialization.
Organization: UNGA
November19 – 25 2017
Remember Day: “Qaumi Ekta Week” (National Integration Week)
Purpose :foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in
vibrant, composite culture and nationhood
Organization: National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH)
November19-25 2017
Remember Day: Communal Harmony Campaign and Fund Raising Week
Theme :“This is done to promote Communal Harmony and National Integration.
Organization: This is done to promote Communal Harmony and National Integration.
November 21 2017
Remember Day: World Fisheries Day
Theme :“2022 Ka Hai Sapna … Kisan Ki Aay Ho Dugna – Sankalp Se Siddhi”.
Organization: World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers
Remember Day: World Television Day

Purpose :Tocommemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996
Organization: UNGA
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November 25 2017
Remember Day: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Purpose :To raise awareness of the fact on women around the world are subject to rape, domestic
violence and other forms of violence etc
Theme :‘Leave no one behind: end violence against women and girls’.
Organization: UNGA
November 26 2017
Remember Day: Constitution Day
Purpose :Constitution Day also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on 26 November
every year to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India
Organization: Law Commission of India and NITI Aayog
November 29 2017
Remember Day: International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Purpose :The date of 29 November was chosen because on that day in 1947, the UN General
Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II), which came to be known as the Partition Resolution
Organization: UNGA
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Current Affairs November

2017 PDF Capsule

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam

Cabinet Approvals on November 1, 2017

Delhi to host 9th global green film festival

Maximum age of joining NPS increased from 60 to 65 years: Finance Ministry

Centre allocated Rs 109 cr to promote tourism projects in Puducherry

Shivaji statue to be world’s tallest at 210m

Haryana to give lifetime pensions to ‘Hindi Satyagrahis’

Government unveils draft norms for drones, proposes unique IDs

and Radio Frequency tags.

India offers to share real-time maritime data

Foundation for Poverty-Free India to be laid by 2022: NITI Aayog

1st Heli Expo India and International Civil Helicopter Conclave-2017:

Telengana Government Unveils Food Processing Policy

Sikkim to launch second phase of organic movement: Chamling

Indian Railways launches main arch on world’s highest bridge on Chenab

Railways to indroduce Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system for rail employees

Hyderabad’s signature cuisinea to get India Post stamp

Nobel Memorial Wall inaugurated at Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk Metro station

Bombay HC allows woman with abnormal foetus to terminate pregnancy at 25 weeks

Prakash Javadekar inaugurates ‘Chintan Shivir’ in New Delhi

PM Modi flagged off Bandhan Express & Inaugurates two bridges

• This decision will have a revenue implication of Rs 20000 crore annually.

Telangana passes three bills including one on prevention of dangerous activities

Cabinet Approvals on November 11, 2017

Government to adopt land-pooling method for airport expansion

Union Cabinet approves Creation of National Testing Agency (NTA)

Structure of National Testing Agency (NTA):

IT employees get nod to set up trade union in Karnataka

Telangana CM declares Urdu as second official language

Rajnath Singh chairs second meeting of Island Development Agency

Sainik Sankshema Sabha to be organised in all districts of Andhra and Telangana

2020 deadline to redevelop 10 railway stations with airport-like amenities

More Information about redevelopment of 10 Railway Stations:

Bihar government to set up ‘State Ayush Society’ to boost alternative medicine

Railways plans to equip all trains with Bio-Toilets by December 2018

Karnataka launches project to install WiFi facilities in gram panchayats

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurates “Hunar Haat” in New Delhi

Cabinet Approvals on November 17, 2017

Karnataka Assembly passes anti-superstition bill

Highways to be rated on safety features under India Road Assessment Programme

Maharashtra bans Plastic Bottles at Government Offices, Hotels

Centre approves Rs 10,000 crore for 107 Maharashtra irrigation projects

Health Ministry introduces Daily Drug Regimen for treatment of Tuberculosis

Karnataka assembly passes SC/ST promotions bill

IOC sets up India’s first electric vehicle charging station in Nagpur.

India and France to act against Terrorism

Maharashtra CM launches initiative to curb Childhood Obesity

Government cancels Israeli missile deal worth $500-million

Karnataka Cabinet approves Electronics System Design, Manufacturing policy

FOGSI launches ‘Manyata’ movement for quality maternal care in India

Maharashtra sets up Gender Budget cell for WCD

Centre bans artificial lights in mechanised fishing vessels

Cabinet gives nod to wage policy framework for CPSE workers

Cabinet Approvals on November 23, 2017

Centre initiates ‘safe city’ plan for women in 8 metro cities

contest the mergers of some societies.

Karnataka passes diluted law Bill to regulate hospital policies, fees

Consultative Workshop on New National Policy on Biofuels held in New Delhi

Centre Promulgates Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017

Punjab govt notifies ban on truckers’ cartelisation

India to help Mauritius on digital locker services

115 backward districts in India to be transformed by 2022