IBPS Guide GK Power Capsule 1st June-15th October 2017

1. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th Oct GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October ober) ) 2017 2017 For IBPS RRB PO/Clerk 2017 For IBPS RRB PO/Clerk 2017 CONTENTS CONTENTS S. No S. No 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5 5 6 6 7 7. . 8 8. . 9 9. . 10 10. . 1 11 1. . 12. 12. 1 13 3. . 1 14. 4. 15. 15. 1 16 6. . 17. 17. 18. 18. 1 19 9. . 20 20. . Topics Topics Page No. Page No. 2 2 5 5 35 35 52 52 76 76 88 88 8 89 9 124 124 141 141 152 152 174 174 176 176 176 176 181 181 190 190 195 195 197 197 203 203 203 203 231 231 Important Days Important State Wise National News Important Ministry Affairs Important Banking News Important Financial & Economy Affairs Important Funds Allocated By Organizations Important International News Important Appointments Important Awards and Honors Important MoU and Agreements Important Summit & Conference Important Bills and Amendments Important Mobile App and Web Portal Important Defence News Important Schemes and Programs Important Ranking and Indexes Important Science and Techmology Important Books and Authors Important Sports News Important Obituaries www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 1

2. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 IMPORTANT DAYS IMPORTANT DAYS JUNE June 1 – Global Day of Parents June 1 – world milk day Theme – Raise a glass of milk June 4 – World Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression June 5 – World Environment Day, Theme – connecting People to Nature June 6 – Russian language day June 8 – World Brain Tumor Day June 8 – World Oceans Day Theme– Our Oceans, Our Future June 12 – World Day Against Child Labor, Theme– In conflicts and disasters, protect children from child labour June 13 – International Albinism Awareness Day June 14 – World Blood Donor Day Theme– Give Blood, Give Now, Give Often June 15 – World Elder Abuse Awareness day Theme– Understand and End Financial Abuse of Older People: A Human Rights Issue. June 16 – International Integration Day June 16 – international day of family remittances June 17 – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Theme – Our Land, Our Home, Our Future June 18 – International Picnic Day June 18 – sustainable gastronomy day June 19 – International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Theme –‗Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence‘ June 20 – World Refugee Day June 21 – World Music Day June 21 – world hydrography day June 21 – International Yoga Day Theme– yoga for Health June 23 – International Olympic Day June 23 – United Nations Public Service Day June 23 – International Widows Day June 25 – Day of the Seafarer Theme – Seafarers Matter June 26 – International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Theme– Listen First – Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe June 27 – micro small and medium sized enterprises day June 28 – Tau Day June 29 – international day of the tropics June 29 – national statistics day(India) June 30 – international asteroid day JULY 1st July : National Doctors‘ Day 1st July : Chartered Accountants' Day 1st Saturday : International co-operative day Theme : Co-operative ensures no once left behind 2nd July : World Sports Journalists Day www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 2

3. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 3rd July : International Plastic Bag Free Day 6th July : World Zoonoses Day 7th July : Global Forgiveness Day 7th July : World Chocolate Day 11th July : World Population Day Theme : Family Planning : Empowering People, Developing Nations 12th July : World Malala Day 15th July : World Youth Skills Day Theme : Skills for All 17th July : World Day for International Justice Theme: Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work 18th July : International Nelson Mandela Day 19th July : Save Public Sector Bank 23rd July : National Broadcasting Day 24th July : Income Tax Day 26th July : Kargil Vijay Diwas 27th July : Central Reverse Police Force (CRPF)Foundation Day 28th July : World Hepatitis Day Theme : Eliminate Hepatitis 28th July : World Nature Conservation Day 29th July : International Tiger Day Theme :Fresh Ecology For Tigers‘ Protection 30th July : World Day against Trafficking in Persons Theme : Act to Protect and Assist Trafficked Persons 01st August - World Breast Feeding Day Theme- Sustaining Breastfeeding Together AUGUST 06th August - Hiroshima Day 07th August - National Handloom Day 08th August - World Senior Citizen‘s Day 09th August - krantidiwas- Quit India Movement Day -Sankalp se Siddhi-the attainment through resolve 09th August - Nagasaki Day 09th August - International day of the world's indigenous people 10th August - World Bio-Fuel Day 12th August - International Youth Day Theme : Youth Building Peace 12th August - World Elephant Day 13th August - Organ Donation Day 15th August - India‘s Independence Day 19th August - World Humanitarian Day Theme: WHD Campaign: Not a Target 19 th August-World Photography Day 20th August - Sadbhavna Divas 20th August - Harmony Day 20th August - World Mosquito Day 23rd August - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition 26th August - women equality day 29th August - International Day Against Nuclear Tests 29th August - National Sports Day - To mark the birthday of the hockey player Dhyan Chand 30th August - Small Industry Day www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 3

4. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 SEPTEMBER 02nd September:World Coconut Day Theme– Coconut for Family Nutrition, Health and Wellness 04th September: World Chocolate Day 05th September: National Teachers Day 05th September: International Day of Charity 07th September: World Forgiveness Day 08th September: International Literacy Day Theme– Literacy in a digital world 10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day Theme– Take a minute, change a life 12th September: United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 13th September: World First Aid Day 14th September: World Fraternity and Apology Day 14th September: Hindi Day 15th September: International Day of Democracy Theme– Democracy and Conflict prevention 15th September: Engineers Day Theme– Role of Engineers in a developing India 16th September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Theme– Caring for all life under Sun 20th September: International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 20th September: RPF Foundation day 21st September: Alzheimer‘s Day Theme - Dementia: Can we reduce the risk? 21st September: International Day of Peace Theme– Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All 22nd September: World Cancer Free Day or Rose Day 23rd September: International Day of the Deaf 26th September: World Contraception Day, 27th September: World Tourism Day Theme– Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development 28th September: International Day for Universal Access to Information, 28th September: World Rabies Day Theme– Rabies: Zero by 30 28th September: World Maritime Day Theme– Connecting Ships, Ports and People 29th September: World Heart Day 29th September: World Heart Day Theme- Creating Heart Healthy Environments 29th September: World Coffee Day 30th September: International Translation Day Theme– Translation and Diversity 30th September: International Translation Day 30th September: World Deaf Day OCTOBER 1st October - International Day of Older Persons 1st October - World Vegetarian Day 2nd October - World Habitat Day www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 4

5. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 2nd October - International Day of Non-Violence 4th October - World Animal Day 5th October - World Teachers' Day 5th October - World Ballet Day 8th October - Indian Air Force Day 9th October - World Post Day 10th October - World Mental Health Day 10th October - World Day Against the Death Penalty 11th October - International Day of Girl Child 12th October - World Sight Day 14th October - World Standards Day 15th October - World Students' day 15th October - International Day of Rural Women . STATE WISE NEWS STATE WISE NEWS Andhra Pradesh Capital– Amaravati; CM– N. Chandrababu Naidu; Governor– E S L Narasimhan Andhra Pradesh government launched “Back to School” programme against child labour Krishna District Collector B.Lakshmikantham Inaugurating a week-long campaign against child labourand ‗Back to School‘programme said all children aged below 14years should be in school under the Right to Education Act, 2009.Persons having information on child labour could alert the officials by calling ‗100‘or ‗1098‘, the Collector said. New airport in Kurnool to boost business, employement opportunities: Chandrababu Naidu In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said that with the construction of new airport in Kurnool district, many industries will come up and thus enhance the growth in business and more employment opportunities. He laid the foundation stone of the Greenfield Airport at Orvakal. The airport will be constructed in 2,000 acres land at a cost of 120 crore rupees with international standards. 9.5 lakh children to be given Measles-Rubella vaccine in Andhra Pradesh The Medical and HealthAuthorities of Krishna districthave kept ready 10.5 lakhdoses of Measles- Rubellavaccine in what is being seenas the biggest vaccine-byinjectioncampaign in thehistory of the country. Asmany as 9.5 lakh children willbe administered the MRvaccine in 8,166 sessions. Tirupathi and Vijaywada Airport in Andhra Pradesh going to be green airport As a part of Government of India‘s initiative to develop green airports, two airports in Andhra Pradesh- Tirupati and Vijayawada are going to go completely green. AAI has commenced installation of 1MWp solar power plant at Tirupathi and Vijaywada Airports. It has also completed installation of solar power plants at 29 airports/locations with a total capacity of 12.84 MWp. Vizag‟s Rayichapalu declared one of the rarest fish in world Vizag‘sRayichapalu is declared one of the rarest fish in the world by researchers from the Marine Living Resources Department of Andhra University.The tiny, colourful fish, called ‗Ranguchapulu‘ or ‗Rayichapalu‘ by the fisherfolk, will have the scientific name ‗PseudathiasVizagensis‘, after the city where it was first discovered. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandra babuNaidu announced scheme forbrides of poor families Andhra Pradesh ChiefMinister N. ChandrababuNaidu announcedthe launch of PelliKanuka(marriage gift), a schemeaimed at helping families ofbrides belonging to the poorand disadvantaged sectionsof society. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu declared the year of 2017 as e-Pragati year www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 5

6. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu declared the year of 2017 as e-Pragati year. The flagship program will help the government to make real-time governance.The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh Sports Policy 2017. Chandrababu Naidu Launches 'Swachh Andhra Mission' Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched Swachh Andhra Mission on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Ace shuttler PV Sindhu has been chosen as the brand ambassador of Swachh Andhra. Arunachal Pradesh Capital– Itanagar; CM– Pema Khandu; Governor– B. D. Mishra Delhi-based NGO to help Arunachal Pradesh to build toilets Arunachal Pradesh has collaborated with a Delhi based NGO for construction of toilets at Hong village in Ziro. State PHE Minister Bamang Felix visited Sulabh International in Delhi in this connection, officials said. Kiren Rijijuhas inaugurated the Research Institution of World Ancient, Traditional, Culture& Heritage (RIWATCH) Museum at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijijuhas inaugurated the Research Institution of World Ancient, Traditional, Culture& Heritage (RIWATCH) Museum at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh. Later, on the sideline of his visit to Roing, Rijiju also inaugurated the 235-meter longChimari Bridge, which would serve as a life line between the National Highway 52 of Roing-Tezu. Useful Info Union Minister of state for Home – KirenRijiju Constituency – Arunachal West Centre releases advance grant-in-aid of Rs.51.30 crore to Arunachal Pradesh The Centre has released advance grant-in-aid of Rs 51.30 crore to Arunachal Pradesh for rescue and relief operations on account of flash floods. Due to heavy rains and floods in North East, department of expenditure in the Ministry of Finance has released Rs 51.30 crore as grant-in-aid to Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission for relief necessitated by natural calamities to the state. Assam State– Assam; Capital– Dispur; CM– SarbanandaSonowal; Governor– Jagdish Mukhi Assam government has decided to distribute 13 lakh Soil Health Cards among farmers Assam government has decided to distribute 13 lakh Soil Health Cards among farmers. About 1 lakh 41 thousand cards have already been distributed between April 2016 and June 2017.Agriculture minister Atul Bora has mentioned that 214 soil test kits are operational for this purpose and that the government would soon be announcing a State Agriculture policy. Centre has declared entire Assam as a “disturbed” area under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for one more month Centre has declared entire Assamas a ―disturbed” area under the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act(AFSPA) for one more month, citing various violent activities by insurgent groups ULFA, NDFB, and others. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 6

7. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The Union home ministry also declared Meghalaya‟s border areas adjoining Assam, and three districts in Arunachal Pradeshas ―disturbed‖ under the AFSPA for two more months with effect from August 03rd, 2017. Assam forest dept deploys excavators to evict illegal encroachers from Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary Assam forest department deployed around 10000 security and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, 20 elephants and 20 excavators to evict 1400 families that have been encroaching upon Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary on the northeastern fringe of Guwahati. The sanctuary is spread over 78.64 sq km. Assam govt sets up DBT cell for implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer scheme In Assam, the state govt. has set up a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Cell for implementation of DBT across schemes in the Country. It helps in coordinating efforts at the State Level in taking the DBT initiative forward with immediate effect.It will closely monitor & evaluate the progress of various Departments on DBT related indicators. Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates MODI Fest in Tripura Making of Developed India (MODI) Fest, was launched in Tripura for highlighting the flagship schemes, initiatives, policies and achievements of NDA Government on completion of its 3 years. The three day Expo has begun at Santirbazar School Ground in Santirbazar Sub-division of South Tripura district. The Programme was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal. Country‟s First ITI for Divyangans in Assam Foundation stone for the first ever Industrial Training Institute for the Divyangans exclusively was laid at Dibrugarh ITI Complex at Borboruah, Dibrugarh by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. As per the guidelines of National Council for Vocational Training, the ITI will have sixty seats for three different trades with 20 seats per trade. The three different trades included in the curriculum are Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Cutting and Sewing Technology and Hair & Skin Care. ISRO to Set up Research Centre in Guwahati The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will set up a research centre in Guwahati, Assam for start ups, academicians, environmentalists and entrepreneurs. ISRO would set up the exclusive research facility in Assam to explore the possibility of using geospatial technology, which include data generated through global positioning system (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing for expediting the development of Assam. Useful Info ISRO headquarters - Bengaluru, Karnataka Chairman of ISRO - A. S. Kiran Kumar Bihar Capital– Patna; CM– Nitish Kumar; Governor– Satya Pal Malik Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar opened two road bridges over the Ganga Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar dedicated two road bridges over the Ganga to the people of the State. At a function in the State capital attended among others by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and others, Nitish Kumar dedicated the two bridges, Sonepur-Digha and Ara- Chapra. The two bridges will go along way in improving road connectively between south and north Bihar. Ram Nath Kovind resigned from the post of governor of Bihar Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind has resigned from his gubernatorial post. The resignation follows his nomination as the ruling NDA‘s presidential candidate. President Pranab Mukherjee has accepted the resignation of Kovind as the Governor of Bihar. West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi will discharge the functions of the Governor of Bihar, in addition to his own duties. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 7

8. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Useful Info NDA - National Democratic Alliance First female president of India– Pratibha Devisingh Patil A model of water conservation in Nalanda district of Bihar selected for National Award A model of water conservation adopted successfully by the authorities in Nalanda district of south-central Bihar, has been selected for the national award for excellence in the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee program (MGNREGP),bytheministryofruraldevelopment.The award for excellence will be conferred on ‗Project JalSanchay‘, the water conservation model developed in chief minister Nitish Kumar‘s native district, at a function to be organized at VigyanBhawan in New Delhi on June 19. Useful Info State – Bihar Capital – Patna CM – Nitish Kumar Governor - Ram NathKovind Nitish Kumar takes oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the 6th time Less than a day after resigning as Bihar chief minister, Nitish Kumar took oath at Raj Bhawan in Patna as the head of the government that would include BJP and its allies. Prior to this, the party of Nitish Kumar, JD-(U) was supported by Mahagathbandhan allies with LaluYadav led RJD. Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of Bihar. Sushil Kumar Modi took oath as deputy chief minister. Ex-Deputy CM of Bihar, TejashwiYadav meets Bihar governor KeshriNathTripathi in Patna to register protest over Nitish Kumar being invited to form his government ahead of RJD. Useful Info Present Deputy CM - Sushil Kumar Modi EX – Deputy CM - TejashwiYadav Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expanded the Cabinet, inducting 27 new ministers Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expanded the Cabinet, inducting 27new ministers which included 14 JD(U), 12 BJP and 1 LJPlegislator. CM Nitish Kumar -Home and Personnel, and Department of Monitoring portfolios. Deputy CM SushilModi-Finance, Commerce, Forestry, and IT Department. Krishna NandanVerma-Education Ministry. Shravan Kumar -Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs. Bihar Government announced Compulsory retirement for non-performing teachers and education officials above 50 The Bihar Government has informed that it has decided to compulsory retirement to the non-performing teachers, head masters and education department officials above the age of 50 years.The committee is headed by RK Mahajan. The main aim is to improve results in matriculation and intermediate. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launches mobiletherapy van for elderly Bihar Chief Minister NitishKumar flaggedoff mobile therapy vanswhichwould provide basic medicalassistance to elderly people,widows and other sectionwho requires social security.The CM flagged off mobiletherapy vans to launch―BuniyadiSanjivaniSewa‖. Bihar govt releases Rs 1935 crore to undertake relief operations in flood affected areas Bihar government has released Rs 1935 crore to undertake relief operations in flood affected areas of the state.The decision was taken in the state cabinet which was chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Bihar Cabinet Approves Reservation for „Divyangs‟ in Govt Jobs www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 8

9. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The Bihar Cabinet has approved reservations for persons with disabilities in government jobs and educational institutions. The cabinet gave its approval during a meeting presided by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The provision has been brought in accordance with the Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016. The cabinet also approved establishment of a state advisory board for the empowerment of „Divyangjan‟ as envisaged in the Act. PM lays Foundation Stone for Infrastructure Projects in Bihar The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for four sewerage projects under the Namami Gange programme; and four National Highway projects, at Mokama in Bihar. The total outlay of these projects is over Rs. 3700 crore. The four sewerage projects include Sewage Treatment Plant at Beur, Sewerage System with Sewer Network at Beur, Sewage Treatment Plant at Karmalichak and STP and Sewer Network at Saidpur. These projects together will create new STP capacity of 120 MLD and upgrade the existing 20 MLD for Beur. Chhattisgarh State– Chhattisgarh; Capital– Raipur, Bilaspur (Judiciary); CM– Raman Singh; Governor - Balram Das Tandon Chhattisgarh: „Ye India ka time hai‟ event organized at NIT Raipur ‗Ye India ka time hai‘ event was organized at National Institute of Technology, Raipur yesterday evening. The event was held as per the directives of HRD ministry to mark India's 70 years of independence and 75 years of the Quit India movement.AIR correspondent reports that On the occasion of ‗Ye India ka time hai event‘, students of NIT Raipur participated in a brainstorming session on 'New India Manthan' and discussed their views on ‗what kind of India do they imagine for the year 2022‘. Goa State– Goa; Capital– Panaji; CM– Manohar Parrikar; Governor– Mridula Sinha The Goa Legislative Assembly passed a bill which reclassifies coconut as a `tree' The Goa Legislative Assembly passed a bill which reclassifies coconut as a `tree', ensuring legal protection for it. Goa Forward Party, a partner in the ManoharParrikar-led government, had promised to reclassify coconut.The previous LaxmikantParsekar-led government had changed classification of coconut tree to a `palm'. The Assembly, on the last day of Monsoon session, passed the Goa, Daman and Diu (Preservation of) Trees Act, 1984 to regulate felling of coconut trees and reclassify it as a tree. Goa: CM Parrrikar launches online Public Grievance Redressal System Goa chief minister ManoharParrrikar launched an online Public Grievance Redressal System at the state secretariat. It is a single window online portal for citizens to register grievances towards any state government department. Vice President Inaugurated 3rd International Conference on Yoga Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the third International Conference on Yoga in New Delhi. The theme of this year‟s conference will be „Yoga for Wellness‟ The two-day conference has six technical sessions and experts will deliberate on the scope of yoga in integrated medicine, and control of cancer, depression and gynaecological disorders and pain management. Around 500 delegates, including those from 44 countries, will attend the conference. Useful Info AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy Minister for AYUSH – Shripad Yasso Naik Constituency – North Goa www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 9

10. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Gujarat Capital– Gandhinagar; CM– Vijay Rupani; Governor– Om Prakash Kohli Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates „Homes For All‟ property show in Ahmedabad Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu inagurated the ‗Homes For All‘ property show organized by Ahmedabad Municipal corporation and GIHED CREDAI in Ahmedabad. On the occasion, Mr. Naidu launched several smart initiatives such as Janmitra Card -‗One Card Many Services‘, AMC Seva Mobile Application, Amdavad Airport Shuttle Service, Intelligent Transit Management System among others. Useful Info Minister of Urban development, housing and urban poverty allevation, information and broadcasting – M Venkaiah Naidu Constituency – Rajasthan (RajyaSabha) India is set to get its first high-speed rail training center at Gandhinagar, Gujarat The country is set to get its first high-speed rail training center at Gandhinagar. The center will provide for advanced training modules on cutting edge technologies. While India‘s first bullet train is proposed to hit the track in 2023, the training center is supposed to start operating by 2020 Useful Info Managing director of National High-Speed Rail Corporation – AchalKhare Ahmedabad city has been declared as a World Heritage City Ahmedabad city has been declared as a World Heritage City at the 41st session of UNESCO's world heritage committee being held at Krakow in Poland. Nomination of Ahmedabad was supported by close to 20 countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia, Portugal, Peru and Kazakhstan. The walled city has 26 ASI-protected structures, hundreds of 'polls' that capture the essence of community living and numerous sites associated with Mahatma Gandhi who lived here from 1915 to 1930. Now, Ahmedabad will join the world heritage cities like Paris, Cairo and Edinburgh. Out of total 287 world heritage cities across the globe, there were only two cities in the Indian subcontinent- Bhaktpur in Nepal and Galle in Sri Lanka. The UNESCO tag will add immense value to Ahmedabad city which will also boost tourism. Useful Info UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization HQ – Paris, France Director-general - Irina Bokova Gujarat First State to Implement Coal Utilisation Between Power Units The Gujarat government has issued a tender for power developers to receive cheap coal marked for the state in return for selling coal-based power at less than Rs 2.82 a unit.Through the auction, Gujarat will transfer the coal allocated to power generating stations owned by Gujarat State Electricity Corporation (GSECL) to more fuel-efficient private power plants. The aim is to reduce the cost of fuel for financially ailing distribution companies and ensure effective distribution of domestic coal. Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone of the second phase of SAUNI Yojana President Ram NathKovindlaid the foundation stone of the second phase of link IV pipeline canal of Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana in Rajkot, Gujarat.The Scheme aimed to fill up about 115 dams by the overflowing waters of SardarSarovar Dam on Narmada River. The entire project will benefit more than 2 lakh acres of farm land and more than 900 villages of 7 districts of Saurashtra.The first phases of link I, II, and III of the SAUNI Project have been inaugurated by Prime Minister NarendraModi. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 10

11. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The project is aimed at bringing the waters of Narmada River to the reservoirs of parched Saurashtra region. President Kovind was on a two- day visit to Gujarat. Gujarat government launches „Gyankunj Project „in schools Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani has launched “Gyakunj e-class project” from Shahpur primary school in GandhinagarUnder this initiative, interactive e-class will be launched with smart board. In the first phase, 550 schoolswill be covered under the ‗Gyankunj Project‘ and gradually standard 5th to 9th of every schools of the state will cover under the project. ‟Gyankunj Project‟ covers under total worth of Rs. 35.85 crore. The objective of the project is to produce world-class students. The project is launched at expenditure of Rs. 222,000/- per school. India‟s First Lithium-Ion Battery Unit in Gujarat Suzuki Motor will invest more thanRs 1,150 crorealong with Japanese partners Toshiba and Denso to set up India's first lithium-ion battery facility in Gujarat.The announcement by the parent of the country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is a major boost to the government's ambitious vehicle electrification and Make in India initiatives. In the battery venture, Suzuki will hold half the stake, while Toshiba will own 40% and Denso the remaining 10%. Japan PM Shinzo Abe in Ahmedabad for India-Japan Annual Summit Prime Minister NarendraModi received his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Mr. Abe is in India on a two-day visit to attend the India-Japan annual summit meeting.The 12th edition of the summit will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted co-operation between India and Japan under the framework of their „Special Strategic and Global Partnership‟. They will also attend a function to mark the commencement of work of India‟s first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Useful Info Country – Japan Capital – Tokyo Currency – Japanese Yen Shinzo Abe Gujarat Visit: India's First Bullet Train Project Inaugurated Prime Minister NarendraModi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone of the 508-km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail in Ahmedabad. This is the fourth summit meeting between Modi and Abe.The two leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram after Abe‘s arrival in Gujarat. The Japanese Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Gujarat. He will also attend the 12th Indo-Japan Summit. PM Modi inaugurates country's biggest dam, SardarSarovar Dam, Called 'Gujarat's Lifeline' Prime Minister NarendraModi launched the SardarSarovar Dam - the world's second biggest - on the river Narmada in Gujarat.The 1.2-km-long dam, which is 163 metres deep, will irrigate over 18 lakh hectares in the state, according to officials; the water from Narmada will flow into over 9,000 villages through a canal network, SardarSarovar Nigam Limited (SSNL).After inaugurating the dam, PM Modi will head to Sadhu Bet, an island in the river Narmada where a 182-metre-tall statue of SardarVallabhbhai Patel - called the 'Statue of Unity'. Dharmendra Pradhan to host first LPG Panchayat in Gandhinagar DharmendraPradhan will inaugurate one of the ambitious programmes of the Centre — LPG Panchayat, aimed at encouraging rural communities to turn to clean fuel.The Centre plans to organise one lakh LPG Panchayats across the country, where discussions will take place between officials of fuel companies and villagers on awareness and uses of the LPG. The First LPG Panchayat will be held in Gandhinagar, where Pradhan will preside over the interaction between women using LPG under the PradhanMantriUjjawalaYojana (PMUY) and the companies.According to data shared by the oil marketing www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 11

12. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 companies, so far three crore connections have been allotted under the PMUY against the target of five crore by 2019. Useful Info Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas - DharmendraPradhan Constituency – RajyaSabha, Bihar Kandla Port Renamed as Deendayal Port The Kandla Port, one of the top 12 major ports in the country, has been renamed as Deendayal Port in the name of Hindutva icon Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. Kandla Port, located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, is one of the twelve major ports in the country PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for Bridge in Dwarka, Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a four-lane cable-stayed bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka. The bridge is a link between old and new Dwarka. The 2.32 km bridge, including 900 metres of central double span cable-stayed portion, will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 962.43 crore. The four- lane 27.20-metre wide bridge will have 2.50 metre wide footpaths on each side. Solar panels installed on the roof of footpath will produce 1 MW power for street lights on the bridge. Useful Info Present Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi 1st Prime Minister of India – Jawaharlal Nehru PM Modi lays foundation stone for Bhadbhut Barrage over Narmada River Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River in Bharuch Gujarat. Mr Modi also flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna in Surat and Jaynagar in Bihar. Prime Minister is now addressing a public meeting at Bharuch. Prime Minister Launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) at Vadnagar in Gujarat. Through this programme, Government of India aims to reach each and every child under two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation program. IMI is supported by 11 other ministries and departments. Gujarat Government Announces Garments & Apparel Policy 2017 Gujarat Government has announced the Garments and Apparel Policy-2017, with the aim of creating more opportunities in the garment sector of Gujarat and to create huge employment opportunities for women through the apparel industry. This Policy is prepared with an aim to make Gujarat number 1 in textile which produces more of cotton. The State government will also provide incentives for garment unit owners for generating employment by providing subsidy in wages. The women workers will get Rs 4,000 subsidy, while their male counterparts will get Rs 3,500. Haryana Capital– Chandigarh; CM– Manohar lal khattar; Governor - Kaptan Singh Solanki Haryana government to implement health insurance scheme for poor Haryana government will implement a health insurance scheme in the state to provide free health services to the poor. The state government will bear the cost of the premium. Chief Minister Manohar Lal said this after inaugurating a medical college and hospital at Mohri village in Kurukshetra district. He said private organisations have been invited to establish Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy colleges in the state. Haryana government announced a hike in the monthly stipend of widows and destitute women The Haryana government announced a500 rupee increase in the monthly stipend of widows and destitute women and girls imparting training in tailoring. To purchase raw materials each trainee will get 300 rupee per month instead of 150 rupee during the training period. Haryana to set up more centres for women in distress www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 12

13. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 To provide support to women affected by violence, whether in a private or a public place, the Haryana government has decided to set up ‗One Stop Centres‘ (OSCs) in15 more districts under the State‘s golden jubilee year programme. A sum of over20.61 crore rupees would be spent on the construction of these centres. Ornamental fish hatchery to be set up in Jhajjar district of Haryana soon The Haryana government has decided to set up a modern ornamental fish hatchery in Jhajjar district at a cost of Rs 13.68 crore. ―This will be the first-of-its-kind project in the country,‖ Agriculture and Fisheries minister Om PrakashDhankar said. First International Aviation Security seminar organised by National Security Guard in Haryana The Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy attended the first International Aviation Security Seminar in Manesar Haryana. National Security Guard (NSG) has organized the seminar, with the aim of bringing all major stakeholders under one roof and facilitate them sharing views/opinion, discussions, brainstorming with the matters concerning Aviation Security. Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy also hoisted the National Flag at NSG Campus, during the National Flag Foundation program. It is the India's 67th Flagpole and 26th highest Monumental Flagpole. Useful Info NSG - National Security Guard HQ – New Delhi Current Director General - SudhirPratap Singh Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) - Rajiv Pratap Rudy Constituency – Saran, Bihar Haryana CM rules out resignation for violence Haryana chief minister ManoharLal ruled out his resignation for the violence that swept the state after the conviction of self-styled godmanGurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in two rape cases. Kerala, Haryana Top Sanitation Survey According to the survey, almost all rural households in Kerala and Haryana had access to a toilet report. The survey is released by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and was carried out by the Quality Council of India (QCI).The survey, covering 4626 villages across all States and Union territories, claimed that 62.45% of the households had access to a toilet. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has least access to toilets compared to other states. Useful Info Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation – Uma Bharti Constituency – Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh State– Himachal Pradesh; Capital– Shimla; CM– Virbhadra Singh; Governor– AcharyaDevVrat Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination campaign launched in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh A campaign to protect children from major childhood diseases like measles, mumps and rubella has been started in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.The campaign has been initiated by Dharamshala Municipal Corporation Mayor RajniVyas. Under the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination programme, all children between the age of nine months to 15 years shall be vaccinated. Himachal Pradesh, First State to Launch Electric Bus Service in India The Himachal Pradesh government on launched first-of-its-kind electric bus service in the 51km-long stretch road between Manali and Rohtang Pass. The bus service was flagged off by State Transport Minister www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 13

14. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 GS Bali.The move was made amidst concern over increasing environmental degradation in the Rohtang Pass area due to plying of diesel taxis. With this initiative, the state has become the first in the world to ply electric buses at an altitude of 13 thousand feet. Himachal Pradesh Implements Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme Himachal Pradesh government implemented the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS) to provide easy access to curative geriatric health care services by way of additional cover. The scheme would provide top-up coverage of Rs 30,000 per senior citizen to all existing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna (RSBY) smart card holders. This would be in addition to the basic coverage of Rs 30,000 in Trust and Society mode. Jharkhand State– Jharkhand; Capital– Ranchi; CM– Raghubar Das; Governor– Draupadi Murmu SmritiIranihas inaugurated Jharkhand‟s first textiles manufacturing and export unit „Orient Craft Ltd‟ SmritiIranihas inaugurated Jharkhand‟s first textiles manufacturing and export unit „Orient Craft Ltd‟.Irani will also lay foundation stones of numerous companies under special make in Jharkhand drive, called “Momentum Jharkhand" in Jamshedpur. The ongoing ceremony, named as ”Second Groundbreaking Ceremony” foundation stones for 70 companies. Useful Info Union minister of Textiles –SmritiIrani Constituency –Gujarat, RajyaSabha Jammu & Kashmir Capital– Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter); CM - Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed; Governor– Narinder Nath Vohra Dalai Lama to celebrate 82nd birthday in Leh Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will celebrate his 82ndbirthday with the people of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, an aide said.―His Holiness will hold long life offering ceremony in Lehon his birthday on July 6. He will also deliver teachings that day,‖ an official at the Dalai Lama‘s office said. Useful Info Country – Tibet Capital – Lhasa Currency – Renminbi Jammu and Kashmir Assembly adopted a resolution to implement the goods and services tax (GST) Jammu and Kashmir Assembly adopted a resolution to implement the goods and services tax (GST), bringing the state‘s indirect taxation into the new unified tax regime that the rest of the country adopted on 1 July at a landmark ceremony in Parliament. With this Jammu and Kashmir has become the last state to pass the GST bill in the state. Jammu & Kashmir government launches weekly festival „Cultrue of Cruise' at Dal Lake The spectacular Dal Lake here hosted first ever 'Cultrue of Cruise', a weeekly cultural programmeorganised by the Jammu and Kashmir government aimed to bring artists from various fields on one stage. The innovative programme series brings writers, performance artistes, musicians, poets and academics together and offers a program of performances, workshops, talks, forums and debates. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 14

15. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Jammu and Kashmir government to set up Eco-Park in Rajouri district The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to set up an Eco-Park on over 34 acres of land retrieve from encroachers in the state‘sRajouri district.The park is a first-of-its-kind project in the region. It will have a botanical garden, a cactus garden, a cafeteria and other amenities. Jammu and Kashmir governor N NVohra inaugurated the second International Yoga Festival Jammu and Kashmir governor N NVohra inaugurated the second International Yoga Festival and International Yoga Sports Championship 2017 in which about 300 people from across the world are participating.The festival is being organized by the Yoga Society of Kashmir at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. About 300 participants from various parts of India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Canada, Bulgaria, USA, and Nepal are participating in the festival. Useful Info The first International Yoga Festival was held in Uttarakhand Bilal Dar from Srinagar becomes an ambassador for Swachhata Hi Seva Bilal Dar, a young boy from Srinagar has become the brand ambassador for Srinagar Municipal Corporation. Dar has been contributing to the ‗SwachhtaAbhiyan‘ since the age of 12.'Swachhta Hi Sewa‘ campaign has turned out to be monetarily beneficial for residents and scrap buyers/dealers, besides helping in enhancing preventive measures against vector-borne diseases. Karnataka Capital– Bengaluru; CM– Siddaramaiah; Governor– Vajubhai Vala TrinTrin, the country‟s first smartcard-based public bicycle sharing (PBS) in Mysuru TrinTrin, the country‘s first smartcard-based public bicycle sharing (PBS) initiative under a six-year20.5 crore rupees plan will be seen all over the city. Mysuru scored over other cities when Karnataka‟s Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) looked fora candidate for the bike venture. Bengaluru has become the country's first city to deliver diesel at home Mypetrolpump, a one-year-old startup, conducted a soft launch with three delivery vehicles -each with a capacity of 950 litres. President to inaugurate Green Line of Bengaluru Metro President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Green Line of Metro Rail from Mantri Square Sampige Road Station to Yelachanahalli Metro Station in Bengaluru. The President will also dedicate Phase - 1 of Namma Metro to the Nation at Banquet Hall, Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat. Useful Info First President of India - Rajendra Prasad First Woman President of India– Pratibha Devisingh Patil 13th President of India - Pranab Mukherjee Kambala (the traditional slush-track buffalo race) Bill gets presidential assent The traditional slush-track buffalo race of coastal Karnataka — are cleared with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017, finally got the presidential assent. Useful Info Kambala – Kambala is an annual Buffalo Race held traditionally under the sponsorship of local land lords and households, in coastal Karnataka, India. Karnataka Government constituted a 9-member committee to study the possibility of designing a separate state flag www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 15

16. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Karnataka Government constituted a 9-member committee to study the possibility of designing a separate state flag and providing it a statutory standing. This committee was constituted following representation of social activists from the state urged the government to design a separate flag for Kannada ‗naadu‘ and accord statutory standing for it. This committee will be headed by Principal Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture. The new flag for Karnataka state has been designed Karnataka government has recently formed a panel to design a separate flag for the state. Significance of Design AndColour of Kannada Flag The official state flag for Karnataka is a longstanding demand of pro-Kannada activists. The Kannada flag, which is divided into two equal horizontal stripes, a yellow strip for the top half and a red strip below, could become the official state flag of Karnataka. This flag was designed by Kannada writer and activist Ma Ramamurthy for a pro-Kannada political party. The flag's red colour stands for Kumkuma (Vermilion) and the yellow stands for Arrishna (Turmeric), symbolising auspiciousness and well-being of the state and its people. This flag is unofficially adopted and is hoisted on the state's formation day every year since 1960s. Vondaraguppe village in Karnataka's Ramanagara district has transitioned to a completely cashless system Vondaraguppe village in Karnataka's Ramanagara district has transitioned to a completely cashless system. Around 350 families, 90% of which are involved in the silk-rearing business, have deposited their cash in banks and carry their business transactions through cheques. The villagers are using RuPay, an Indian domestic card scheme, for everyday transactions. RCEP trade negotiating Committee meeting held in Hyderabad 19th round of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) meetings and other related meetings were held in Hyderabad.The Meeting was inaugurated by Rita Teaotia, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India. India‟s First Heli-taxi service launched by MoS for Civil Aviation JayanthSinha in Bengaluru Thumby Aviation, a private helicopter service provider, and Bangalore International Airport Ltd., (BIAL) have partnered to launch Heli-Taxi service from Bengaluru Airport.Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is the first airport and Bengaluru is the first city in the country with such a service. Useful Info Union Civil Aviation Minister – Ashok GajapathiRaju Constituency – Vizianagaram (AP) Minister of State for Civil Aviation - JayantSinha Constituency – Hazaribagh, Jharkhand Karnataka Launches „Indira Canteen‟ in Bengaluru Indira Canteen‟, aimed at serving food to poor at subsidized rates, was inaugurated in Bengaluru, by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.Rahul Gandhi who had the first breakfast at the canteen in Jayanagar, said ‗Indira Canteens‘ would serve the migrants who came to Bengaluru with a dream to build something. Karnataka to give free education to all girls till graduation Karnataka government has decided to make education free for all girls from Class 1 to graduation level in all public and aided private schools and colleges, barring only professional institutions, from the next academic year. ―We expect around 18 lakh students whose parents' income would be less than Rs 10 lakh to opt for this scheme and are planning to earmark Rs 110 crore," higher education minister BasavarajRayareddi said, hoping only the poor would avail of the scheme. Karnataka, 1st Indian State to Approve e-vehicle Policy www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 16

17. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Karnataka is the first state to roll out an Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy that looks not only at boosting sales of Electrical Vehicles, but also setting up charging infrastructure and special manufacturing zones.Karnataka is looking to attract investments to the tune of Rs 31,000 crore from companies looking at R&D and manufacturing of electric vehicles in the state. Karnataka Government has launched 'Vision-2025' projectacross the state Karnataka Government Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched 'Vision-2025' project across the state. It aimed at evolving a draft policy for development of the state in next seven years by seeking the opinion of the public.Under the project, the government would seek public opinion on how they want their dream state to be in the next seven years. The CM has also launched the website 'www.navakarnataka2025.in'. Karnataka Launches mid-day Meals Scheme for Pregnant Women The Karnataka government launched the Rs. 302-crore Mathru Poorna scheme, aimed at providing free mid-day meals to pregnant and lactating women in rural areas. The meals, which will be provided in Anganwadi centres, will include an egg, rice, pulses, vegetables, and milk. This is aimed at reducing child malnutrition and in turn curb infant mortality. Kerala Capital– Thiruvananthapuram; CM– Pinarayi Vijayan; Governor - P Sathasivam PM Modi to inaugurate Usha school stadium in Kozikode Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Usha school stadium located at Kozikode in Kerala through video conference. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel will be present in person to deliver the presidential address on the occasion. Useful Info Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha (born 27 June 1964), popularly known as P. T. Usha, is a retired Indian track and field athlete. Currently she runs the Usha School of Athletics at Koyilandy in Kerala. First phase of Kochi Metro to be inaugurated by PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel 8 km in the Kochi Metro corridor and, soon after, dedicate the much awaited first system of mass rapid transport in Kerala tot he country. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated a cleanliness drive Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated a three day sanitation campaign for controlling the outbreak of viral fever in the State. The Chief Minister started the campaign by volunteering in the work to remove garbage in Kannurcity, a residential suburb of Kannur Corporation. Kerala hosted the fifth edition of South India Writers Ensemble (SIWE) Kerala hosted the fifth edition of South India Writers Ensemble (SIWE) at Chengannur, a town in Kerala‘s coastal Alappuzha district. The core theme of the festival this year is ‗tolerance‘. So creative writers, journalists, theatre and film personalities from across the industry will be seen deliberating on the theme at a time when the country as a whole is witnessing raging debates over intolerance. Kochi to Host Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Summit Kochi will host the fifth edition of the „Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Business Summit 2017‟. The summit will be an initiative to explore the immense potential of coastal shipping and waterways as well as an effort to build a shared commitment and decipher the role that each stakeholder will have to play in integrating the coastal and waterways transport infrastructure.Kerala Governor P Sathasivam will present the India Seatrade Award for Excellence in Coastal Shipping & Inland Water Transportation. President launches Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project Jeevamritham in Kerala President Ram Nath Kovind has said, the Nation requires more people who use their knowledge for the betterment of the nation and society. He was speaking at an event in Amrithapuri in Kollam in Kerala. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 17

18. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 President launched 100 crore rupees Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project "Jeevamritham "to provide filtration system for cleaning drinking water to 5000 villages across India, in kollam district in kerala. President launches Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project Jeevamritham in Kerala President Ram Nath Kovind has launched 100 crore rupees Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project "Jeevamritham "to provide filtration system for cleaning drinking water to 5000 villages across India, in kollam district in kerala. The President also distributed the certificates to three village out of 12 villages in the States of Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chatisgarh, Uttarakand, Maharashtra and kerala, which were adopted by the Math, verified as Open Defecation Free by Swatch Bharat Abhiyan. Madhya Pradesh Capital– Bhopal; CM - Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Governor - Om Prakash Kohli Indore become the first city in India to use robot to control unruly traffic The number one clean city of India - Indore has got another milestone to its name. This commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh has reportedly become the first city in India where the robot is being used on an experimental basis to control its ever growing and unruly traffic. Madhya Pradesh conduct a massive plantation campaign to save the environment and conservation of the Narmada River In Madhya Pradesh, a massive plantation campaign was undertaken to save the environment and conservation of the Narmada river. According to official sources over six crores, saplings were planted in 24 districts of Narmada basin in just 12 hours. Arrangements were made to record the whole event for the Guinness World Record. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the plantation drive at Amarkantak of Anooppur district. Later he also took part in plantation drives in Jabalpur and Omkareshwar. India-ASEAN Youth Summit Begins in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh TheIndia-ASEAN Youth Summitbegins in Bhopal. The event is being organised by Foreign Ministry, Madhya Pradesh government and India Foundation. Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the five day Summit.The exercise will mark the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India dialogue partnership in the ongoing year and also the commemorative year‘s theme of “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. Useful Info Minister of State for External Affairs - General Vijay Kumar Singh Constituency – Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Madhya Pradesh has won the „Best Tourism State‟ national award for the third consecutive year Madhya Pradesh has won the „Best Tourism State‟ national award for the third consecutive year. President Ram NathKovind handed over the award, named as „Hall of Fame Award‟, to Minister of State for Tourism SurendraPatwa at a ceremony held at VigyanBhawan in New Delhi.The state bagged total 10 awards in this programme, organised on the occasion of World Tourism Day (27 September). Madhya Pradesh also received a national award for Film Promotion Policy in the category of Best Film Promotion Friendly State/Union Territory. Maharashtra Capital– Mumbai; CM– Devendra Fadnavis; Governor - C. Vidyasagar Rao India's first 150 kWp canal top solar PV System Mouda Thermal Power Project, near Nagpur in Maharashtra www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 18

19. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 State-run power giant National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has energized India's first 150 kWp canal top solar PV System on cooling water (CW) channel inside power station premises at its 2,320 MW, Mouda Thermal Power Project, near Nagpur in Maharashtra. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is turned into “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” Mumbai‘s iconic ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus railway station has been rechristened with addition of an honorific ‗Maharaj‘ after ‗Shivaji‘ to its earlier name. The British-era landmark was called Victoria Terminus before it was named after the Maratha warrior king in1996. The Central Railway (CR) issued a notification to this effect on June 27. Maharashtra, first state in the country to launch free injectable contraceptive for women Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to provide women an injectable contraceptive for free. The state‘s public health department launched a program called Antara to offer women an injection of Medroxy progesterone acetate (MPA), a birth-control hormone. The announcements were made on the occasion of World Population Day (11th July). According to state health officials, the injection, a safe means of birth control, is effective for three months. The injection will be given intramuscularly to women in the age bracket of 18-45 years. Maharashtra has become the first state to make social boycott Maharashtra has become the first state to make social boycott a crime after President Pranab Mukherjee cleared the legislation. The Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal) Act prescribes a maximum punishment of three years in jail and a fine of Rs1lakh. It aims to prevent atrocities carried out by extra-judicial courts and caste panchayats. The Act also provides for compensation to victims. The fines imposed on violators will be used to compensate them. Maharashtra government has launched a medical insurance scheme up to 10 lakh rupees The Maharashtra government has launched a scheme to cover medical insurance of up to Rs10 lakh for legislators and their families. This scheme is aimed at curbing the use of fake bills in the medical reimbursement scheme the legislators were covered under earlier. The Maharashtra government has approved a revised policy of the 'MajhiKanya Bhagya shree' scheme The Maharashtra government has approved a revised policy of the 'MajhiKanyaBhagyashree' scheme, according to which families who have a yearly income of uptoRs 7.5 lakh will be benefited. The scheme was launched by the state government on April 1, 2016 in place of 'Sukanya' scheme. It is aimed at improving the skewed girl child ratio, prevent sex determination and female foeticide, and support female education. Maharashtra government has lifted the ban on the sale of paan masala The Maharashtra government has lifted the ban on the sale of paan masala until a single-member committee decides on the matter. Maharashtra had banned paan masala in 2014. Maharashtra government announced no intergrated coaching from next academic year Maharashtra government announced that integrated coaching will not be allowed in the state from the next academic year. It will be compulsory to attend college lectures and attendance will be marked through bio- metric system. Integrated coaching is an arrangement between colleges and coaching centres, in which students don't need to attend college lectures. C. Vidyasagar Raoand Devendra Fadnavis has released the book „Mann Ki Baat – A Social Revolution on Radio‟ at Raj Bhavan C. Vidyasagar Raoand Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has released the book ‗Mann Ki Baat –A Social Revolution on Radio‘ at Raj Bhavanin Mumbai The book includes transcripts of the first 23 episodes of Prime Minister‘s monthly addresson radio ‗Mann Ki Baat‘. This book will enable citizens to read and understand Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision and his ideas of development. Matunga railway station in Mumbai becomes India's first railway station run by women www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 19

20. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Central Railway has taken a step towards women empowerment by appointing an all-female work staff at the suburban Matunga station, Mumbai. Matunga station has now become the first such ladies special station. According to the official, women have been manning this station, which falls on the Central Railway, since the past two weeks. A total of 30 women staffers, including 11 booking clerks, five RPF personnel, seven ticket checkers are working under the supervision of station manager MamtaKulkarni. Useful Info Central Railway Headquarters –Mumbai CST Mumbai Metro announced the launch of India's first Mobile Ticketing System 'OnGo' Mumbai Metro announced the launch of India's first Mobile Ticketing System 'OnGo' which will help commuters pass the AFC gates using their mobile phones. Commuters will be able to generate a QR Code through 'OnGo' service for current or future journeys up to a week in advance by clicking the mobile app wherein they would pay for their journey. Useful Info Mumbai Metro is a consortium formed by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, MMRDA and Veolia Transport SA, France. Mrs. AshwiniBhide is the present Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation. Mumbai railway is going to introduce a software to book tickets through USSD The Mumbai railway is going to introduce a software which will help commuters book tickets through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes. The software will make use of SMS services, which will allow commuters without smart phones to book tickets. Maharashtra Government has launched two online portals MahaDBT and MahaVASTU to streamline the process of direct benefit transfer (DBT) Maharashtra Government has launched two online portals MahaDBT and MahaVASTU to streamline the process of direct benefit transfer (DBT) and to bring in more transparency in construction sector. MahaDBT portal: It is an Aadhaar-authenticated electronic mechanism that will enable direct transfer of benefits for over 40 schemes currently implemented. MahaVASTU portal: It is an online building permission management system, through which construction approvals will be sanctioned with full transparency. Maharashtra government dedicated 10 motorbike ambulances The Maharashtra government dedicated 10 motorbike ambulances equipped with primary facilities to provide swift assistance to patients, as part of a pilot project. This will work as an emergency first responder medical service, which will be available through 108 free helpline and have teams of paramedics who will stabilise the patient until the four-wheeler ambulance arrives. 2030WRG will help the Maharashtra Government raise $270 million from the Green Climate Fund The 2030 Water Resources Group (2030WRG) will help the Maharashtra Government raise $270 million from the Green Climate Fund, which will be invested in integrated watershed programmes such as JalyuktShivarYojana.The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a new fund under the UN and is guided by the principles and provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 2030WRG is hosted by the International Finance Corporation and is a public-private-civil society collaboration for water resources reform in developing economies. Its ultimate aim is to close the gap between water demand and supply by the year 2030. India‟s leading FMCG Britannia to set up largest plant in Maharashtra India‘s leading FMCG Britannia Industries would set up its largest plant in Maharashtra in a food park at Ranjangaon. The company was also planning to set up a diary project at the food park with a capacity of seven lakh litres per day. Useful Info www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 20

21. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Britannia HQ – Bengaluru CEO - Varun Berry Maharashtra CM DevendraFadnavis launched “NamoYuvaRojgar Kendra” an initiative providing job opportunities to unemployed youth Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis launched NamoYuvaRojgar Kendra an initiative providing job opportunities to unemployed youth in Mumbai. There are various schemes like farmers weekly market, farmers mobile market and mother‟s Tiffin, under this YuvaRojgar Kendra.These products will be made available with the help of mobile vans all over Mumbai and the information about the location of the vans is made available through an app. This app was also launched by the Chief Minister. India‟s first World Peace University inaugurated in MIT, Pune Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has inaugurated Dr.VishwanathKarad MIT World Peace University (MITWPU).MIT World Peace University is an entirely new concept and a model for moulding global citizens.The inauguration ceremony was held at the Swami Vivekananda Mandap at the MIT World Peace University‟s Kothrud Campus. Sachin Tendulkar Launches Mission 24 Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkarlaunched -Mission 24 for Mumbai's M east ward which is known to have one of highest slum population's in the city. The project by NGO Apnalaya and Mumbai first plans to work along with the BMC -as the principal stakeholder over the next 24 months to improve the quality of lives of people living in M east ward of Mumbai. President Ramnath Kovind inaugurates Shirdi airport in Maharashtra President Ramnath Kovind inaugurated the Shirdi airport in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The President also flagged off the inaugural flight of Alliance Air from Shirdi to Mumbai. The flight will take around 45 minutes. Besides Alliance Air, two other Airlines will be operating flights between Mumbai and Shirdi. The airport will initially have four flights to Mumbai and one each from Delhi and Hyderabad. After inauguration, the President said, this infrastructure development will create new employment opportunities. President also inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of Samadhi of Shri Saibaba at the famous Sai Mandir at Shirdi. The President also attended a function in Mumbai where Urban Maharashtra was declared as open defecation free. Maharashtra Launched Web Portal with Information on New Government Schemes Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis launched „MahaLabharthi„ web portal that will help people get information about all the government schemes that they are eligible for. The government is now working to connect the web portal with other websites, to allow people to apply for the welfare schemes. The web portal, https://www.mahalabharthi.in, works on the basis of personal, educational and professional information provided by a person while registering on it. Manipur Capital– Imphal; CM– Nongthombam Biren Singh; Governor - Najma A. Heptulla Manipur Assembly clears GST Bill The Manipur Assembly passed the Manipur Goods and Sales Tax Bill,2017.Finance Minister Yumnam Joykumar said the Bill would ensure price uniformity and would not lead to an increasein prices. LS Speaker SumitraMahajan inaugurates 16th NERCPA Conference at Imphal Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan inaugurated the 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Imphal. The theme of the two-day conference is "North East and Look East Policy." Nungthaang Tampak becomes North East‟s first 100 % computer literate village www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 21

22. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Manipur‟s Nungthaang Tampak village has emerged as the „100% computer literate‟ in the entire North East. The villagers were taught how to surf, compose text, save them, photoshop, send e-mail, store data and get print outs, etc. The village, about 65 kms south of Imphal, is located in Saikot Assembly constituency of Churachandur district. Useful Info Nungthang Tampak has become India‘s second 100% computer literate village in India. Kerala‘s Chamravattom village is the country‘s first 100% computer literate village. Meghalaya Capital– Shillong; CM– Mukul Sangma; Governor - Ganga Prasad Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma launches LIFE program at Songsak Meghalaya Chief Minister MukulSangma has recently launched an ambitious flagship program titled ―Livelihood Intervention and Facilitation of Entrepreneurship‖ (LIFE) at Songsak. LIFE will focus on capacity building, Under the program, every 10 SHGs (Self-Help Groups) will be motivated to act like a bank and help each other. LIFE aims to bring all the poor and vulnerable women into the SHGs movement. Mukul Sangma launched „Mission Football‟ at a grand ceremony at JN Sports Complex, Shillong Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. MukulSangmalaunched ‗Mission Football‘ at a grand ceremony at JN Sports Complex, Shillong recently. During the occasion, Dr. MukulSangma stated that through this mission the future of Meghalaya can be foreseen when the State will be connected with the rest of the world because of the love and passion for the game. Mission Football is an initiative to help develop skills of football enthusiasts and develop young footballers for the country. It is a dedicated program for talent identification and nurturing of talents to develop national and international players. Nagaland Capital– Kohima; NewCM– TR Zeliang; Governor - PB Acharya TR Zelianghas been appointed as the Chief Minister of Nagaland by Governor PB Acharya TR Zelianghas been appointed as the Chief Minister of Nagaland by Governor PB Acharya. This will be the second term for Zeliang, his earlier term was from 2014 to 2017. Zeliang's appointment came after Nagaland Chief Minister ShurhozelieLiezietsu and nine ruling Naga People‘s Front (NPF) legislators failed to appear for the floor test. Zeliang was asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before 22 July 2017. Zeliang claims the support of 43 MLAs including seven independents. Nagaland to implement DBT under MGNREGA Nagaland will start implementing Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under MGNREGA beginning from the current financial year.Secretary of Rural Development KeleiZeliang said, to ensure transparency and check corruption at all levels, wages of the MGNREGA workers will be directly credited to the individual accounts of the jobcardholders through National Electronic Fund Management System or Public Financial Management System. New Delhi Union Territory– New Delhi; CM– Arvind Kejriwal; Governor– Anil Baijal Delhi Police will be the first state police in India who will get „super cop belt' National capital police the first state police in India who will get ‗super cop belt', a specially designed belt, widely used by Police in UK, USA, Russia and para-military forces like CRPF, CISF, NSG etc. This belt will help cops to keep things like Gun, Mobile Pouch, Security Batten, Wireless Set Pouch & ammunition pouch. www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 22

23. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Delhi Metro is the first Metro system to become completely green in the world Delhi Metro is the first Metro system to become completely green in the world. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had earlier received the green certificates for its Phase-3 stations, depots, and sub- stations. Delhi Metro has also secured the platinum rating for adherence to green building norms for its 10 residential colonies from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). DMRC has generated new solar power facilities that produce 2.6 MW across the Metro network. DMRC also announced it is now generating 20 megawatt (MW) of solar power. The DMRC also mentioned ‗SwachhChetna –An Eco Club‘, a joint initiative of the DMRC and Shri Ram School, Gurugram. It has been initiated to ―encourage school children to participate in the more environment friendly projects and activities‖. Energy consumption has increased by 700% in the last four decades in the country and this will increase further three times by 2030. It is necessary to focus on Metro systems and talk of green Metro. Useful Info DMRC - Delhi Metro Rail Corporation HeadquartersofDMRC - New Delhi Chiefexecutive - Mangu Singh First Edition of WINGS 2017 –“Sab Uden, Sab Juden”- Expanding Regional Connectivity Hosted in New Delhi The First edition of WINGS 2017 –―Sab Uden, Sab Juden‖- Expanding Regional Connectivity was hosted in New Delhi by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Plenary session was chaired by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri P. Ashok GajapathiRaju. Useful Info Civil Aviation Minister - P. Ashok GajapathiRaju Constituency– Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh The Delhi government has decided to construct 582 flats for the economically weaker section The flats, to be built under the government‘s 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makan' scheme, will come up a few metres from aslum at Rana Pratap Bagh in south Delhi's Sangam Parkarea. DUSIB will build the flats, which will be ready inthe next two-three years. Delhi Assembly passes Minimum Wages (Delhi) Amendment Bill 2017,NetajiSubash Varsity bill The Delhi Assembly has passed the Minimum Wages (Delhi) Amendment Bill 2017 and the Delhi NetajiSubhash University of Technology Bill 2017.The Minimum Wages (Delhi) Amendment Bill 2017 seeks to make the punishment to violators of minimum wages norm stricter.In the amended bill, the penalty for violation of law had been raised from the existing Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 and minimum imprisonment of 6 months increased to 3 years. Delhi Police's women safety mobile application 'Himmat' can be access via cab aggregator Uber's application Passengers can now access the Delhi Police's women safety mobile application 'Himmat' via cab aggregator Uber's application while travelling in taxis. This is Delhi Police‘s first partnership with a technology company to intensify its focus on the safety of women in the city. With this partnership, Himmat will now be accessible to lakhs of women riders in one go. Uber also aims to act as a force multiplier and expand its access to all of its women riders. Useful Info Uber HQ– San Francisco, California, United States Founder of UBER - Travis Cordell Kalanick Vice President Venkaiah Naidu launches National Sports Talent Search Portal in New Delhi www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 23

24. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu launched the Sports Ministry‘s much-awaited National Sports Talent Search Portal at a function in the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.The portal will be available in English and other regional languages so that any boy or girl can upload his or her achievements from any part of the country.The portal will also be available as App which can be downloaded on smart phones. Useful Info 1st Vice President - SarvepalliRadhakrishnan Present & 13thVice President –Venkaiah Naidu „Rajaswa Gyansangam‟ scheduled to be held at VigyanBhawan in New Delhi ‗Rajaswa Gyansangam‘ is going to be held on 1st and 2nd September, 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The Prime Minister, ShriNarendraModi will inaugurate this two day Conclave on the 1st day of September, 2017. The main reason of this inauguration will be on GST as well as on unearthing black money. The Tax Officers of the State Governments will also be invited for discussion for the first time on the GST related issues during the 1st day of the two day Conclave. Delhi LG Anil Baijal bans dumping of solid waste at Ghazipur Garbage dumping in Ghazipur has been banned with immediate effect and the landfill site is likely to be cleared within two years, Lt Governor Anil Baijal's office said. A day after a portion of the waste dump, estimated to be as high as a 15-storey building, collapsed, killing two persons, Baijal held a meeting to take stock of the situation.He directed that traffic be diverted on the road adjoining the landfill for proper vehicular movement."National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) assured the LG that it will begin the process of lifting, segregating and processing of the solid waste by November 2017, for its use in road construction". GoM on Composition Scheme holds First Meeting in New Delhi Within a week of being set up, the group of ministers (GoM) on making the GST composition scheme more attractive held its first meeting in New Delhi. The 5-member GoM, led by Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has also been tasked to revisit Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates for restaurants. With only over 15.50 lakh businesses out of 98 lakh registered under the GST regime opting for the composition scheme, the GST Council decided to set up the GoM to examine ways of making it more attractive. Useful Info The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and consisting of his state counterparts, had on October 7 constituted the GoM, which will submit its report by the end of November. Odisha Capital– Bhubaneshwar; CM– Naveen Patnaik; Governor– S.C.Jamir Sam Pitroda resigned as technical adviser to the Odisha government Telecom engineer and inventor Sam Pitroda resigned as technical adviser to the Odisha government. He was appointed in January. 53 New Projects for 9 Cities Approved in Odisha under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) The state government approved 53 urban projects with a total investment of Rs 538 crore under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Berhampur, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Balasore, Bhadrak and Baripada are the nine places where the scheme is being implemented with fund sharing patter of 50:50 between the Centre and state government. AMRUT - Providing basic services (e.g. water supply, sewerage, urban transport) to households and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. RathYatra or Chariot Festival started at Puri, odhisa www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 24

25. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 In Odisha, the most awaited biggest annual festival of Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival at Puri commences. The festival honours the Lord Jagannath‘s visit along with his siblings to the temple of Queen Gundicha. JagannathPuri temple is called ‗YamanikaTirtha‘where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‗Yama‘, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. Odisha develops flood forecasting model for the entire Mahanadi river basin The Odisha government has developed a real time flood forecasting model for the entire Mahanadi river basin for better flood control, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced. The model is supported by the State Climate Change Innovation Programme, Mr.Patnaik said at a function organized by the Department of Water Resources. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated to the nation the state's longest bridge and named it after NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated to the nation the state's longest bridge and named it after NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose. The 2.88 km bridge over the river Kathajodi will connect the state capital of Bhubaneswar with Cuttack reducing the distance between the two cities by 12 km. Although the construction work of the bridge started after Mr. Patnaik laid the foundation in February 2011, the completion missed the deadline by over three years. Odisha government signs Expression of Intent (EOI) with IAAF & AFI to establish High Performance Academy The Odisha government signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) to establish a High-Performance Academy in Bhubaneswar. Useful Info IAAF - International Association of Athletics Federations HQ– Monaco President - Sebastian Coe President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Bicentenary celebration of Paika Rebellion of Odisha President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Bicentenary celebration of Paika Rebellion of Odishaorganised by the Union Ministry of Culture in New Delhi. Many scholars, researchers and historians have opined that the Paika Rebellion of 1817 was India‘s first organised armed rebellion against British Raj. Useful Info PranabMukerjee 13th President of India Odisha CM inaugurates fourth Govt medical college in koraput Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated the SaheedLaxmanNayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in the tribal-dominated district of southern Odisha. The admission process in SLNMCH is already completed. A total number of 100 students have been admitted to the first year MBBS course and the classes for the commencement of its first academic session began from the day of inauguration. Puducherry Union Territory– Puducherry; CM– V.Narayanasamy; Governor– Kiran Bedi A three-day annual cultural festival named „Fete de Puducherry‟ begins in Puducherry A three-day annual cultural festival named „Fete de Puducherry‟ organised by the government of India begins in Puducherry. The festival is held in association with the South Zone Cultural Centre (Tamil Nadu) every year to bring to focus the multi-faceted cultural features of various states.The Puducherry government www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 25

26. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 has been holding the festival since 1985 as part of celebrating Independence Day and also Liberation Day of Puducherry (August 16). Punjab Capital– Chandigarh; CM– Amarinder Singh, Governor - V. P. Singh Badnore Punjab and UNODC will join together to wipe out drugs in state The Punjab government hasdecided to collaborate withthe United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)as part of its efforts to rootout the drug menace in theState.―A Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) will be signed between the State‘s Health Department, a SpecialTask Force (STF) andthe UNODC in the secondweek of June. UNODC - United Nations Office onDrugs and Crime HQ –Vienna Executive Director - Yuri Fedotov Punjab CM inaugurates civic project pertaining for cleaning of sewage lines Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu inaugurated a major civic project pertaining to cleaning of choked sewerage lines and drains through super suction-cum-jetting machines at Patiala. Punjab government starts free mortuary van service The Punjab government has decided to start a free mortuary van service in the State. All government hospitals have been directed to provide such vans free of cost. Free Education For Girls From Nursery To PhD in Punjab The Punjab Government has announced free education for girls in government schools and colleges from Nursery to Ph.D. This is the major step towards women empowerment by Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh. Reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies has already been increased by the government from 33 per cent to 50 per cent. The CM also announced free Wi-FI for 13,000 primary schools and all 48 government colleges. Strictly implement ban on sale of tobacco in Punjab announced by CM Captain Amarinder Singh Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to ensure strict implementation of the ban on sale of tobacco laced products such as ‗gutkha‘ and ‗paan masala‘ in the State. The source of manufacture and sale of banned products should be identified and plugged with no delay to stop the problem from escalating, the CM said, adding he noted the blatant violation of the ban. Punjab government has recently launched its flagship 'ApniGaddiApnaRozgar' scheme by flagging off over 100 uber MOTO bikes The Punjab government has recently announced the launch of its flagship 'ApniGaddiApnaRozgar' scheme by flagging off over 100 uber MOTO bikes. Under the scheme, the state government will be providing commercial two wheelers and four wheelers to unemployed youth at subsidized rates. The scheme aims to generate job opportunities for youth and providing better mobile transport in Punjab. Uber target is to create 10,000 entrepreneurial opportunities in one year and 45,000 in next five years. Useful Info Uber HQ –California, USA The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to set up India‟s first TISC in Punjab The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry has signed an Institutional agreement with the Punjab State Council of Science and Technology in New Delhi to establish www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 26

27. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 India‘s first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at Patent Information Centre, Punjab, under the World Intellectual Property Organization‘s (WIPO) TISC program. The objective of the TISC is to stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system in India to foster creativity and innovation. India's first museum on Partition of the Indian subcontinent will open in Amritsar Punjab India's first museum on Partition of the Indian subcontinent will open this week in Amritsar Punjab, as India and Pakistan celebrate 70 years as independent nations. The museum will include photographs, newspaper clippings, donated personal items, and screens showing video interviews with survivors.It will also have 'The Gallery of Hope', where visitors can scribble messages of love and peace. Tickets are priced low at Rs10 for Indians and Rs150 for foreigners. Rajasthan Capital– Jaipur; CM– Vasundhara Raje; Governor - Kalyan Singh Rajasthan becomes the first state in the country to fix minimum educational qualification for contesting cooperative body polls Rajasthan becomes the first state in the country to fix minimum educational qualification for contesting cooperative body polls. To this effect, the Rajasthan Government amended the State Cooperative State Cooperative Societies Rules, 2003. The new rules will benefit around 10,000 cooperative and agricultural credit societies. For contesting election as members of governing boards of dairy societies, farming societies, consumer societies, weavers' societies, urban banks, housing construction societies, primary land development banks, credit societies and cooperative unions, the minimum educational qualifications will range from class 5 to class 8. The primary committee members need to have passed at least class 8. For district level members the minimum qualification required is class 10, while those interested in being a member of State level committee will need to be a graduate. First child-friendly police station coming up at Rajasthan Rajasthan‘s first ―childfriendly‖ police station will come up shortly in Dholpur, with the provision for spreading awareness about laws against child labour, child marriage and sexual offences and establishment of a colourful and attractive child cell. Modi inaugurated highway and road projects worth Rs15,000crore for the state in Udaipur, Rajasthan Prime Minister NarendraModi along with Union minister for road transport and highways NitinGadkari inaugurated highway and road projects worth Rs15,000 crore for the state in Udaipur, Rajasthan.He has also inaugurated Chambal bridge in Kota. Modi inaugurated 12 national highways projects worth Rs5,610crore and laid foundation stones for 11 projects worth Rs9,490 crore. Prime Minister NarendraModi dedicates to nation 11 completed highway projects in Rajasthan Prime Minister NarendraModi dedicated to the nation 11 completed highway projects in Rajasthan, covering a total length of about 873 kilometres. During his visit to Udaipur, MrModi also laid the foundation stone of national highway projects worth around 15,000 crore rupees in the state. Union Textiles Minister SmritiIrani Inaugurates 'VASTRA' Fair in Jaipur Union Textiles Minister SmritiIrani and Rajasthan Chief Minister VasundharaRajeinaugurated the 6th edition of the four-day international textile and apparel fair, 'VASTRA' in Jaipur.FDI in textiles industry has tripled in 2016-17. Mudra Yojna has benefited the weavers community and their incomes have shown a tremendous increase within 60 days from the date of loan availed. Skill development has also enhanced the quality of placements in the textile industry. Useful Info www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 27

28. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Union Textile Minister - SmritiIrani Constituency – Gujarat, RajyaSabha Rajasthan Assembly First in India to Call Motions Online Going digital, the Rajasthan assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators to send them to the state government. Speaker Kailash Meghwal has inaugurated the new system by sending a call for an attention motion to the state government with a click of the mouse. The system is expected to save time, labour and use of paper in the functioning of the assembly, and also help legislators in bringing attention to urgent public issues. Tamil Nadu Capital– Chennai; CM– Edappadi K. Palaniswami; Governor– Banwarilal Purohit NarendraModi inaugurated the former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam‟s memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated the former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam‘s memorial at Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu on the second death anniversary of the former President. MrModi unveils a statue of Dr. Kalam and hoisted the National flag at the memorial. Mr. Modi will flag offKalamSandeshVahini, an exhibition bus which will travel across the country and reach RashtrapatiBhavan on 15th of October, which marks the birth anniversary of the former President. The majestic memorial for the missile man Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has been designed and built by the Defence Research and Development Organization. Useful Info Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – AvulPakirJainulabdeen Abdul Kalam Born – 15th October 1931, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 Earlier, another museum in memory of DrKalam was opened in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. Madras High Court directed that National Song VandeMataramshould be sung in all Tamil Nadu educational institutions Madras High Court directed that National Song VandeMataramshould be sung in all Tamil Nadu educational institutions at least once a week. It further mandated all government and private offices sing or play it at least once a month. Useful Info Chief Justice of Madras High Court - Justice Indira Banerjee Aadi Perukku Festival Celebrated in Tamilnadu AadiPerukku is celebrated for the birth of the Tamil month of Aadi. This is the beginning of all the festivals during the festival seasons. The Aadiperukku festival was celebrated with religious fervour in the towns of Mettur, Poolampattietc situated on the banks of River Cauvery.During the month of Thai and Aadi the sun changes directions so it is celebrated AadiPerukku festival celebrated in Tamilnadu in that way. The 18th day of Aadi is observed as ‗Aadiperukku‘, a day of offerings and prayers to the water bodies like rivers and lakes. 'Sankalp Se Siddhi Program' organized in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu by Ministry of Culture To take forward the initiative of Prime Minister NarendraModi for a New India movement from 2017-2022, a Sankalp Se Siddhi (Attainment through Resolve) Program was organized at Coimbatore.Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma graced the occasion. The New India Movement 2017-2022 envisages an India free of Poverty, Corruption, Terrorism, Communalism, Casteism and Un-cleanliness. Useful Info www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 28

29. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) – Mahesh Sharma Constituency – Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple has been adjudged best „Swachh Iconic Place‟ in India The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Templehas been adjudged best ‗Swachh Iconic Place‘ in India. Madurai District Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao and Corporation Commissioner S. Aneesh Sekhar will receive the award from Uma Bharati, the Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation. A total of 63 compact bins have been placed and four compactor trucks do the rounds around the temple premises. There are 25 e-toilets and 15 water ATMs for tourists to use. There are two road sweepers and battery operated vehicles specifically purchased to clean this stretch. Banwarilal Purohit Sworn-in as Governor of Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit was sworn-in by Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. He entered the Maharashtra Assembly for the first time in 1978 from the Nagpur east seat. Mr. Purohit was appointed as Governor of Assam State by the President of India on August 17, 2016. World‟s Largest Combustion Research Centre Inaugurated at IIT Madras The world‟s largest combustion research center was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) in Tamil Nadu. The National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) was inaugurated by NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat. The establishment of the center will give a major boost to the Indian scientific community and will provide an impetus to research in„Alternative Energy and Environmental Protection‟ by focusing on effective utilization of combustion as a means of thermochemical energy conversion. Useful Info IIT-M was established in 1959. Chairman of IIT-M - Pawan Kumar Goenka Telangana Capital– Hyderabad; CM - ‎ K. Chandrashekar Rao; Governor - E. S. L. Narasimhan The single-woman pension scheme, launched by Telangana government Telangana government has recently launched the single-women pensions scheme across the state. Single women will be given Rs 1,000 per month. It is the first such scheme in India.The government had also increased the Kalyana Laxmi and Shaadi Mubarak scheme amount from Rs50,116 to Rs75,116. Wi-Fi hotspots across Hyderabad launched Hyderabad Mayor B.Rammohan launched the ‗Hyderabad CityWi-Fi Project‘ or ‗Hy-Fi‘ withover 1,000 hotspots where citizens can access Internet free for about half-an-hour. Mr. Rammohan said these hotspots would be upgraded to 3,000 across different areas of the twin cities. Telangana to have separate agriculture budget from next year Telengana will have a separate budget for Agriculture from next year. This was decided after Chief Minister, K. Chandrasekhar Rao met the Ministers and officials on Agriculture in Hyderabad. He said it has also been decided to enhance fund for agriculture sector. Mr. Rao said the State will provide training of modern and scientific methods of farming to increase the farm output. He urged the farmers associations at various levels to organize cultivators. Telangana Chief Minister K. ChandrashekharRao to launch massive plantation drive Telangana Chief Minister K. ChandrashekharRao will formally launch the third phase of the TelanganakuHaritha haram programme by participating in the plantation of saplings in Karimnagar town. Mr. Rao will participate in the massive plantation drive along with 10,000 students. Telangana government launched a special portal called “Janahitha” www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 29

30. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The Telangana government launched a special portal called ―Janahitha‖ to receive complaints from the public. The programme was inaugurated in Suryapet district on a pilot basis by TelanganaEnergy minister G Jagadish Reddy. The portal, which has been developed by Telangana‘s IT department, is a single window for all grievances and their redressal management. India's first Eco-bridges for the movement of tigers in Telangana In a first of its kind, Telangana State will have eco-friendly bridges over a canal cutting across the tiger corridor linking the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra with the forests in Telangana'sKumramBheemAsifabad district. The ‗eco-bridges‘ will be constructed at key spots along the 72 km-long, and at some places over a kilometre wide, right flank canal of the Pranahita barrage in the Bejjur and Dahegaonmandals. Useful Info Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) – Maharashtra Kawal Tiger Reserve is located at Jannarammandal of Mancherial District in Telangana state of India. There are total 50 Tiger Reserves under the project tiger system in India. Amazon India has signed a MoU with the Telangana Department of Handloom and Textiles Amazon India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Telangana Department of Handloom and Textiles, to educate, train and enable weavers and artisans to directly sell their products to Amazon customers across the country.According to a statement issued by the e—commerce giant, with over 17,000 handlooms in the state, this association will further help elevate popular handloom products from clusters such as are Pochampally, Warangal, Gadwal, Narayanpet and Siddipetwhich have a tremendous potential and demand in urban areas. Useful Info Amazon HQ – Seattle, Washington, United States Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao Initiates Rs. 2,000-cr SriramSagar Modernization Project In an effort to modernize the SriramSagar project and increase the area served, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao initiated a Rs. 2,000-crore project that seeks to modernize the project. This project on the Godavari river has the potential to serve several districts in the state. Under the SriramSagar project revival and restoration initiative, water from the Pranahithariver, which joins the Godavari, will be diverted at Medigadda and pumped into the SriramSagar project. Government of Telangana Launched „Smart Streets Lab‟ in Hyderabad The government of Telangana in association with the World Resources Institute (WRI) India – Ross Centre and the Indian School of Business (ISB) launched the „Smart Streets Lab‟ program.It is an effort to apply and figure out technology-based solutions for women and road safety in Hyderabad. Through the „Smart Streets Lab‟, the state government aims to utilize technological interventions from outside and integrate them with its various departments. Amazon opened its largest fulfillment centre in Hyderabad Amazon opened its largest fulfilmentcentre in India on the outskirts of Hyderabad, near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad. The 400,000 sq feet centre with close of 2.1 million cubic feet of storage space is the 5th such centre in Telangana. With this, the US major has ramped up its storage capacity to 3.2 million cubic feet in the State alone.The centre will enable sellers to use local infrastructure, save capital and help them grow their businesses. The centre will work closely with local communities, create numerous skilling and employment opportunities for thousands of youth. With more than 10,000 sellers in Telangana, the selection offered by sellers in the State for immediate delivery has grown more than 120 per cent this year as compared to last year. First water ATM has been inaugurated in Hyderabad www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 30

31. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The First water ATM has been inaugurated by Telangana State Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy at Nalgonda X Roads. A total of 200 ATMs will be set up to reach a targeted 150,000 people. In the first phase, 50 water ATMs will be operationalized by 2018.Safe Water Network, an international NGO has partnered with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to launch water ATMs. It will provide affordable, 24×7 safe water access in Hyderabad.These water ATMs use a seven step treatment process to purify water that adheres to national norms.They are connected via cloud-based technology for real-time monitoring and analyses operational parameters, thereby minimising downtime. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB)is supplying raw water for these ATMs. India's First Centre for Animal Law Set up at NALSAR India's first Centre for Animal Law has been established at the city-based NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, Telangana. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi inaugurated the centre.HSI-India Managing Director N G Jayasimha has been appointed as the honorary director of the Centre. The Centre will create curriculum on animal welfare laws, including developing topics for research. Useful Info Union Minister for Women and Child Development -Maneka Gandhi Constituency – Pilibhit (uttarpradesh) Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 to be Held in Hyderabad A high-level delegation from the Government of India and the United States met NITI Aayog to plan the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit. The summit will be held on November 28-30 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre in Hyderabad, India. This year‘s theme is “Women First, Prosperity for All” to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit in all its strengths and diversity. The Summit will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Advisor to the President, Ivanka Trump, who leads the U.S. delegation. Tripura State– Tripura; Capital– Agartala; CM– ManikSarkar; Governor - Tathagata Roy A new underground water treatment plant has been commissioned at Sadhutilla, Agartala In Tripura, a new underground water treatment plant has been commissioned at Sadhutilla in the southern part of Agartala. The plant has fulfilled the need for drinking water free from iron and other contamination.The plant has started functioning with supply of quality treated water initially to 565 households through pipeline. It has treatment capacity of 4 point 8 million litre per day. It has two Over Head Storage Reservoirs with capacities of 1,130 Kilo Liter and 450 Kilo Liter.The specialty of the plant is that it would be treating water at higher standards with minimizing turbidity and iron in water.The built-up cost of this water treatment plant was Rs. 4 crore 99 lakh.It has been funded jointly by the Asian Development Bank with 70% share of assistance and the Union Government with 30 % share of assistance. Tripura has become the first state in the country to set up family welfare district committees Tripura has become the first state in the country to set up family welfare district committees to examine the complaints of women against their husbands and in-laws and find an amicable solution. Tripura High Court is the first high court among 24 high courts of the country that has constituted the family welfare district committees. The new system would be valid for the next six months and after that National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) would submit a report of its performance to the apex court, on the basis of which a new course of action would be decided. Uttar Pradesh Capital– Lucknow; CM– Yogi Adityanath; Governor– Shri Ram Naik www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 31

32. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Yogi Adityanath and Union State Minister Shir Jayanth Sinha inaugurated Mahayogi Gorakhnath Civil Terminal at Gorakhpur airport Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union State Minister, Civil Aviation Shir Jayanth Sinha inaugurated " MahayogiGorakhnath Civil Terminal at Gorakhpur airport. Useful Info Minister of state civil aviation – Jayanth Sinha Constituency – Hazaribagh Child Rights and You (CRY) report shows UP with maximum child labor According to the Child Rights and You (CRY) report, over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in child labor. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of 2,50,672 children engaged in labor, followed by Bihar with 1,28,087 children and Maharashtra where the number stands at 82,847. The report has outlined that reach of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), is quite limited as it covers only 50% percent of this population. UP government banks on informers to curb female foeticide Uttar Pradesh government has started a scheme under which informers will alert the state authorities about attempts and incidents of female foeticide. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the declining sex ratio in the state and launched the 'MukhbirYojana' or Informer Scheme aimed at checking the cases of female foeticide at an event in Lucknow. The Chief Minister also launched 181 Women Helpline and flagged off 64 rescue vans. Uttar Pradesh Cabinet decided to name the Mughalsarai municipality as „Deendayal Nagar‟ After proposing to rename the Mughalsarai railwaystation after RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet decided to nam ethe Mughalsarai municipalityas ‗Deendayal Nagar‘ The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Government clears proposal for setting up new airport in Greater Noida Government has cleared proposal for setting up a new airport in Jewar in Greater Noida. Briefing media in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, in-principle approval for a green field airport at Jewar has been granted to cater to the growing flying requirements of National Capital Region. He said they are expecting 15 to 20 thousand crore rupees of investment. GST to be part of UP higher education syllabus The taxation system under GST will soon be part of the commerce and management curriculum in Uttar Pradesh‘s higher education institutes, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said. Anti-Copying bill will be introduced by Uttar Pradesh government The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to introduce an 'Anti-Copying' Bill in the upcoming assembly session to check for cheating in the state examinations. UP Power Minister launched free power connection schemes for BPL families Uttar Pradesh Power Minister Shrikant Sharma launched free power connection schemes for BPL families at 624 places across the state. Union cabinet has approved to set up ISARC in varansi The union cabinet has approved the establishment of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), South Asia Regional Center (ISARC) at campus of National Seed Research and Training Center (NSRTC) in Varanasi. Useful Info NSRTC - National Seed Research and Training Center is located at Varanasi Mughalsarai railway station in UP to be renamed as DeenDayalUpadhyaya (DDU) station www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 32

33. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The Centre recently approved the Adityanath-led UP government‘s proposal to rename the Mughalsarai railway station after the Jan Sangh leader as DeenDayalUpadhyaya (DDU) station. This comes as the part of the state government‘s attempt to revive the legacy of Upadhyaya who died in 1968. The UP government in its proposal pointed to the mysterious death of Upadhyaya at the Mughalsarai station as one of the primary reasons to rename the station. Uttar Pradesh Government has launched a new awareness drive called NamamiGangeJagritiYatra Uttar Pradesh Government has launched a new awareness drive called NamamiGangeJagritiYatra. The drive will be focusing on cleanliness along the banks of Ganga river and maintain hygiene.The drive will be covering a total area of around 1,025 kms. It will pass through 108 blocks of 25 districts of UP from Bijnore to Ballia alongside the Ganga river. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched 'Swachh Uttar Pradesh, Swasth Uttar Pradesh' campaign Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched 'Swachh Uttar Pradesh, Swasth Uttar Pradesh' campaign and swept a street in Gorakhpur under the initiative. UP government decides to end interview in government jobs The Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to end the process of holding interview for selection of candidates for the government jobs in all the non-gazetted posts of Group B, C and D categories.The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Rajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath to flagged off Lucknow Metro In Uttar Pradesh, The first commercial run of Lucknow metro rail starts. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and governer Ram Naik will flag off the maiden run of first phase of Lucknow Metro.The 8.5-km-long 'Priority Corridor' from Transport Nagar to Charbagh, which is part of the Phase 1 of the project, and has 8 stations in between will be operational for the public from 6 am to 10 pm every day. Cost of this phase is around 2600 crores and it took almost 3 years to complete. People of the city are so excited to travel in metro that after sell of smart cards started by LMRC last Friday more than 3000 had already purchased them. Government aims to provide Housing to all by 2022: PM Modi Prime Minister NarendraModi said the government has decided to give a house to each and every homeless family by 2022. He was addressing a public meeting at Shahanshahpur in Varanasi district. MrModi distributed allotment letters to the beneficiaries of PradhanMantriAwasYojana both for rural and urban areas.About 10 thousand beneficiaries were given allotment letters during the function. Uttarakhand Capital - Dehradun, Nainital (Judiciary); CM - Trivendra Singh Rawat Governor - Krishna Kant Paul Rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryana have declared themselves as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryana have declared themselves as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India, respectively. The two states joined the league of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala, which were the first three states to be declared ODF. Useful Info The first ODF state of the country – Kerala Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates newly constructed studio complex of AIR & DDK, Dehradun www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 33

34. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Information and broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated newly constructed studio complex of All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra Dehradun. The Minister also launched regional news unit of DD news and AIR Dehradun Station. Uttarakhand records second highest tiger count in India The count of tigers in Uttarakhand shot up to 242 with an increase of 63 big cats in the year 2017. The news was announced by Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. In addition, 11 cubs were also found in the two tiger reserves, the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, in the state. Uttarakhand is the second state in terms of tiger count behind Karnataka, which has 400 big cats. According to the latest statistics, at least 208 tigers have been identified in Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, up from last year's 163. Also six cubs were identified there. Useful Info Highest tiger count in India – Karnataka Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. Uttarakhand Chief MinisterTrivendra Singh Rawatflags off run inDhyan Chand‟s memory Uttarakhand Chief MinisterTrivendra Singh Rawat flagged off a ‗Runfor Uttarakhand‘ here to markthe birth anniversary of MajorDhyan Chand, saying thehockey legend‘s life was aninspiring example of thevalues of perseverance andleadership. He also describedthe event as a dry run for the2018 National Games to behosted by Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Government Launched 'Solar Briefcase' to Provide Electricity in Remote Areas Uttarakhand State Government and a charitable funding agency named Swan Cultural Center and Foundation launched ‗Solar Briefcase‘ in Kedarnath Dham. The initiative was taken to provide electricity to far-flung areas in the hill state. West Bengal Capital– Kolkata; CM– Mamata Banerjee; Governor– Keshari Nath Tripathi West Bengal Government's Kanyashree Prakalpa was awarded the first prize in United Nations Public Service Award for Asia Pacific Out of 552 initiatives from 62 different countries, West Bengal Government's initiative was chosen the best. The award was presented at The Hague, Netherlands. Kanyashree Prakalpa is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at retaining girls in schools and other educational and skill development institutions and preventing child marriage. BJP legislator leads protest against the famous street food „momos‟ A BJP legislator led a protest rally against popular street food ‗momos‘ and demanded a ban on itssale. Ramesh Arora, a BJPMLC, who launched the campaign, said that ‗momos‘ were ―more dangerous than alcohol and psychotropic drugs―. School students from Lucknow to perform yoga at UN A group of school students from Lucknow are practising to perform various asanas at the UN headquarters in New York.A 72-member team of City Montessori School(CMS), Lucknow, will leavefor the US for alive performance at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21. Useful Info United Nation HQ – New York Secretary General – Antonio Guterres www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 34

35. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in association with the West Bengal government to host global business meet in November 2017 The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in association with the West Bengal government, will host Horasis Asia Meeting, a global business meet, in the city in November. The two-day business meet, starting November 26, will focus on sustainable business practices in various areas, including power and energy. Useful Info ICC - Indian Chamber of Commerce President of ICC – Shashwat Goenka Rajeev Pratap Rudy & Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid foundation stone of country‟s biggest Global Skill Park Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Pratap Rudy and MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the foundation stone of the country‘s biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal. Former Captain of Indian Cricket Team K. Shrikant was present on this occasion. Useful Info Minister of state (independent charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship – Rajeev Pratap Rudy Constituency – Saran Bihar SriLankan Airlines from Visakhapatnam -Colombo flight launched The inaugural flight of SriLankan Airlines from Visakhapatnam to Colombo was flagged off by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation P. Ashok GajapathiRaju at Visakhapatnam International Airport. A total of 103 passengers travelled on the inaugural flight. Useful Info Country – Srilanka Capital - Sri JayawardenepuraKotte (Administrative center), Colombo (Commercial Capital) Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee Gobindobhog Rice from Burdwan district of West Bengal Gets Geographical Indication Status Gobindobhog rice, a speciality from Burdwan district of West Bengal, has got the geographical indication (GI) status.The state government had applied for GI status for Gobindobhog rice on August 24, 2015. The region of Burdwan (now divided into the districts of east and west Burdwan) is known as the rice bowl of Bengal. India‟s First Advanced Homoeopathy Virology Lab in Kolkata India‟s first State of art virology laboratory at Dr Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata was inaugurated by ShripadYessoNaik, Union Minister of State for AYUSH.This laboratory has been established to develop new drugs and technologies in Homoeopathy to combat emerging challenges of viral diseases. The laboratory, established at a cost of Rs. 8 crore is the only one in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homoeopathy for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and swine flu. MINISTRY AFFAIRS MINISTRY AFFAIRS The Cabinet approved an IPO by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) The Cabinet approved an IPO by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. It approved the issue of 13.9 crore equity shares of rupee 10 each. IREDA is registered as anon-banking financial company. Useful Info IPO – Initial public offering IREDA – Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency C K Mishra, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) inaugurated the „Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh‟ www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 35

36. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) inaugurated the „Vatsalya –Maatri Amrit Kosh‟, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi. The Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh will be the largest milk bank and lactation counseling center available in the North India. It is established in collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo University and Norway-India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). Useful Info Country – Norway Capital – Oslo Currency - Norwegian krone „Skill for Life, Save a Life‟ initiative launched by health minister J P Nadda J P Nadda has launched 'Skill for Life, Save a Life' initiative to promote skill development in the health sector. ‗Skills for Life, Save a Life‘ Initiative‘ aims to upscale the quantity and quality of trained professionals in the healthcare system. Shri Nadda further informed that the curriculum has been designed by National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) and AIIMS, Delhi. Useful Info Cabinet minister for health and family welfares – J P Nadda Constituency –Himachal Pradesh (Rajya Sabha) GOI has launched „Tele Law‟ service to provide legal aid for the people living in rural areas through video conferencing The government of India has launched ‗Tele Law‘ service to provide legal aid for the people living in rural areas through video conferencing. The Ministry of Law and Justice partnered with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to provide legal aid services through its Common Service Centres, CSC at the panchayat level, spread across the country. The service was launched by IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. In the first phase, the Tele-Law scheme will be tested as a pilot across 1000 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Useful Info Minister of law and justice, electronics and IT – Ravi Shankar Prasad Constituency – Bihar (Rajya Sabha) Yoga awareness drive launched by ministry of AYUSH using attractive mascots The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has initiated a Yoga Awareness Drive through Mascots and Flash Mobs (YogMob) prior to International Yoga Day (21st June) to increase the popularity of Yoga, especially among the youth. The campaign is underway at Delhi NCR, Haryana and Lucknow. Useful Info Minister of state (independent charge) AYUSH –Shripad Yesso Naik Constituency – North Goa Clean Campus, Green Campus, Smart Campus competition for students in colleges and universities Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar unveiled the Clean Campus, Green Campus, Smart Campus competition for students in colleges and universities across the country on the occasion of World Environment Day.―The objective is to make campuses across the country green and sustainable‖. The center decided to open passport service center in 800 head Post Office Making the announcement, Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh said, ―150 post office passport sevakendras are being opened this year and within two years all the 800 head post offices in all thedistricts would be in place.‖ Useful Info www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 36

37. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Minister of State for external affairs –V. K. Singh Constituency – Ghaziabad Mission Retro-Fitment to enhance the passenger experience has been launched by Railway ministry To enhance the passenger's experience by upgrading existing fleet of coaches with better furnishing, aesthetics & amenities and better safety features with a view to provide a safe and comfortable travel, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu (Now Shri Piyush Goyal) has launched MISSION RETRO-FITMENT in Rail Bhavan, New Delhi. Useful Info Union Minister for railways - Shri Piyush Goyal Constituency – Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha To reduce child deaths due to diarrhea The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched IDCF The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) in order to intensify efforts to reduce child deaths due to diarrhea. It aims to create mass awareness about the most effective and low-cost diarrhoea treatment, a combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets. Nearly 12 crores under 5-children will be covered during the program across the country. Useful Info Minister for health and family welfare –J.P.Nadda Constituency – Himachal Pradesh, Rajya Sabha Aadhaar made mandatory for new bank accounts, transactions above Rs.50,000 The Centre has made it mandatory to quote the Aadhaar number for opening bank accounts and for transactions exceeding Rs.50,000. With the amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 notified earlier this month, banks will have to demand both Aadhaar and the Permanent Account Number (PAN) for verification of identity, starting June 1. Useful Info UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority of India. UIDAI Chairperson - J Satyanarayana Tagline -MeraAadhaar, Meri Pehchan Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority launched digital subscription facility for APY Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has now introduced ―APY@eNPS‖ which involves a complete digital enrolment process. This is the latest in the series of various initiatives taken by PFRDA for expansion of outreach of Atal Pension Yojana (APY), to give the additional push to cover the as yet unreached population with greater ease. PFRDA has conducted meetings with Banks and Dept of Post at Kolkata, Bengaluru & Mumbai respectively for the earliest roll out of the facility call. Useful Info PFRDA - Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority HQ – New Delhi Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended the flying license of Air Carnival The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the flying licence of Coimbatore-based carrier Air Carnival, which has not operated a single flight since early April. The DGCA has suspended Air Operator Permit (AOP) of Air Carnival after it failed to satisfy the regulator in its response to the show-cause notice. Useful Info DGCA -Directorate General of Civil Aviation HQ – New Delhi Director General –B.S.Bhullar www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 37

38. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Parent Organisation – Civil Aviation Ministry Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 has been launched by Piyush Goyal Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017). Developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), ECBC 2017 prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India. Useful Info Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines – Raj Kumar Singh Rural Development Ministry gives away 144 awards The Rural Development Ministry has given away 144 awards under various categories to states and other organisations in a function in New Delhi. Under the 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)', Bihar was awarded for constructing the highest number of rural roads while Madhya Pradesh got the award for use of non-conventional construction material in constructing roads. The ministry said in a statement in New Delhi that Haryana, Gujarat and Karnataka received a special prize for completing more than 95 per cent of their targets. Useful Info Minister of Rural development, panchayati raj, drinking water and sanitation –Uma Bharati Constituency – Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary & DG ITBP flagged in first Mt Dhaulagiri 1 International Mountaineering Expedition- 2017 Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and DG ITBP, Krishna Chaudhary flagged in the first Mt Dhaulagiri 1 International Mountaineering Expedition-2017.Appreciating the contribution and achievements of Indo Tibetan Border Police in mountaineering, Mr Mehrishi conveyed his congratulations to the leader and team members of the expedition. Mt. Dhaulagiri 1 is the 7th highest peak of the world situated in Nepal. ITBP has been primarily deployed on high altitude Indo-China border on Border Out Posts. Useful Info ITBP - Indo-Tibetan Border Police HQ – New Delhi Ministry – Home Affairs Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced a new oil and gas block licensing policy The Minister was at the inauguration of the government‘s Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and the National Data Repository. The OALP, a part of the government‘s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), gives exploration companies the option to select the exploration blocks on their own, without having to wait for the formal bid round from the Government. Useful Info Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas –Dharmendra Pradhan Constituency –Rajya Sabha, Bihar Sports Minister Vijay Goel sanctioned Rs.200 crore for the development of sports in Jammu & Kashmir: Sports Minister Vijay Goel sanctioned Rs.200 crore for the development of sports in Jammu & Kashmir, after meeting state Sports Minister Imran Raza Ansari on june 8th. Ansari called for the development of games in the region, which includes the construction of stadiums. Sports Minister: Vijay Goel Constituency: Sadar and Chandni Chowk of Delhi PM Modi to address Chartered Accountants day celebrations of ICAI www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 38

39. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modiattend 68th Chartered Accountants Day function and GST event in New Delhi. Finance Minister Arun Jaitly and Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia will also attend the event. The national professional accounting body of India, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - ICAI celebrates its Foundation Day as the Chartered Accountants‘ Day on 1 July every year. It was established on 1949 as a body corporate under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 enacted by the Parliament to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. ICAI is the second largest professional Accounting and Finance body in the world in terms of membership. Indian Railways to introduce new Economy AC coaches soon New class of 'Economy AC coaches' with fares less than normal 3AC tariff. The proposed fully AC train will have three-tier Economy AC coaches besides AC-3, AC-2 and AC-1 classes as part of the transformation exercise. An added feature would be automatic doors. Useful Info Minister for Railways– Shri Piyush Goyal Constituency– Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha Railways were first introduced to India in 1830s for frieght purposes. First passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. In 1951 the systems were nationalised as one unit, the Indian Railways, becoming one of the largest networks in the world. Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Israel: NarendraModi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 70 years. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu received Modi at the airport, in a departure from the normal practice. Modi's three-day visit aims at commemorating 25 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and strengthening cooperation in the areas of defence, agriculture and science and technology. Country: Israel Capital: Jerusalem Currency: Israeli new shekel Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu President: Reuven Rivlin External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated the 9th edition of Delhi Dialogue External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated the 9th edition of Delhi Dialogue. Under this program, the premier annual track 1.5 event to discuss politico-security, economic and socio-cultural engagement between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Delhi. The theme for Delhi Dialogue 9 is 'India-ASEAN relations: Charting the Course for the Next 25 Years'. Useful Info External Affairs Minister– Sushma Swaraj Constituency–Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations HQ– Jakarta, Indonesia Anti-hijacking law comes into effect a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry The Centre notified the anti-hijacking law that entails capital punishment in case hijacking an aircraft leads to death of ―any person,‖ including ground staff, flight crew, passengers and security personnel. The Anti- Hijacking Act, 2016 came into force, a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry said. Useful Info Civil Aviation Minister– Ashok Gajapathi Raju Constituency– Vizianagaram (AP) The government of India will organize a global food fair in November 2017 www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 39

40. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 The government of India will organize a global food fair in November this year to provide a platform to Indian farmers and manufacturers to showcase their products and explore partnerships with foreign companies. The three-day international level fair 'World Food India 2017' is being organized on November 3-5 by the Food Processing Ministry, where industry body CII will be an event partner. The World Food India is a step aimed at creating India a 'Global Food Factory' and 'Global Food Retail Market'. Useful Info Minister of Food Processing industries– Harsimrat Kaur Badal Constituency– Bhatinda (Punjab) Mother Teresa‟s Blue-Bordered Sari declared an Intellectual Property The famous blue-bordered sari of Mother Teresa, who has been canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Vatican, has been recognized as an Intellectual Property of the Missionaries of Charity. After a series of strict legal proceedings, it was granted. This is the first time that a uniform has been made intellectual property. It has obtained ―distinctive symbolic identity‖ of the Missionaries of Charity. Useful Info Mother Teresa Born - 26 August 1910 Died - 5th September 1997 (at the age of 87) Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize - 1962 Nobel Peace Prize - 1979 External Affairs Ministry is going to make its website available in Arabic Expanding its outreach to the Arab world, External Affairs Ministry is going to make its website available in Arabic. The portal will include speeches, briefings and other documents of the ministry, and articles written in Arabic on India and its foreign relations. Useful Info Minister of External Affairs– Sushma Swaraj Constituency– Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) After French and Spanish, Arabic will be the third foreign language that will be available on the ministry's website. The new name for urban development & housing ministry is Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) The government has merged the urban development and housing and urban poverty alleviation ministries. Now this will be known as Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This is third time the ministries have been merged. Useful Info Minister of urban development, housing and urban poverty alleviation - Shri Rao Inderjit Singh National Green Tribunal banned the use of „Chinese‟ kite strings, made of nylon The National Green Tribunal banned the use of ‗Chinese‘ kite strings, made of nylon or any synthetic material on the grounds that it poses threat to life and environment. The Tribunal directed all state governments to prohibit the ―manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use‖ of synthetic manja or nylon threads and all other synthetic strings used for flying kites with immediate effect. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar ordered the authorities to ban import of any synthetic manja. The judgement came on a plea filed by animal rights body People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and others, contending that ‗manja‘ poses a grave threat to humans and animals as every year a number of deaths are caused by it. Useful Info Present Chairperson of NGT - Justice Swatanter Kumar www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 40

41. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 AICTE has made it mandatory for engineering students to participate in one of five extracurricular activities The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has made it mandatory for engineering students to participate in one of five extracurricular activities, otherwise they won't be awarded a degree. The activities include yoga, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Unnat Bharat Abhiyanand sports. Useful Info AICTE - All India Council for Technical Education HQ – New Delhi Chairperson - Anil Sahasrabudhe Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to lead Central team to flood-hit States Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will lead a high-level Central team to assess the rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas of the north-east. During the tour, , the delegation will visit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, where more than 15 lakh people have been marooned by flood water. Useful Info Kiren Rijiju– Minister of state for Home Affairs Constituency– Arunachal Pradesh West Railways Ministry launches Rail Cloud Project, NIVARAN-Grievance Portal and CTSE Scheme Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu launched the following Initiatives:- Rail Cloud Project. NIVARAN-Grievance Portal (First IT Application on Rail Cloud). Cashless treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE) Scheme. About the Schemes in Brief- Rail Cloud Rail Cloud is another step towards Digitization of Railways. Rail Cloud works on popular Cloud Computing system. It aims to improve customer satisfaction, improve revenue and effective, efficient and safe operations. NIVARAN ‗NIVARAN-Grievance Portal‘ is the first IT application to be launched on the RailCloud. It is the platform for resolution of service related grievances of serving and former railway employees. Cashless treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE) With an aim to provide immediate care to its retired employees in Golden Hour, the Railway Board has rolled out a Cashless treatment Scheme in Emergency (CTSE) in empanelled hospitals for retired employees and their dependent family members. Useful Info Union Railway Minister – Shri Piyush Goyal Constituency– Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha J P Nadda launched the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22) Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22). The Strategic Plan gives year wise elimination targets in various parts of the country depending upon the endemicity of malaria in the next 5 years. This plan focuses on the states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The strategies involve strengthening malaria surveillance, establishing a mechanism for early detection and prevention of outbreaks of malaria, effective indoor residual spray and augmenting the manpower and capacities for effective implementation for the next five years. Useful Info Union Health & Family Minister – J P Nadda www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 41

42. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Constituency – Himachal Pradesh, Rajya Sabha Government setting up passport centre every 50 kilometres in the country Union Minister MJ Akbar said that the government is working towards setting up a passport centre every 50 kilometresin the country. Useful Info Minister of state for External affairs - M J Akbar Constituency–RajyaSabha, Jharkhand Arun Jaitley released the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan. The WTO-Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was a major milestone for the global trading system. This Action Plan gives a time bound map, not only for implementing TFA, but also for India's initiatives for trade facilitation and ease of doing business which goes beyond TFA. According to a Finance Ministry statement, all actions covered under the plan have been categorised by prioritising the activities into short, mid and long term. Useful Info Union Finance Minister– Arun Jaitley Constituency– Gujarat, Rajya Sabha WTO– World Trade Organization HQ - Geneva, Switzerland Head - Roberto Azevêdo Radio broadcasting in country completes 90 years Radio broadcast completes 90 years in country and first ever radio broadcast in the country went on the air from the Bombay Station on July 23, 1927 under a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company. On 8th of June, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio. All India Radio (AIR) has been serving to inform, educate and entertain the masses since it's inception, truly living up to its motto – Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya. Union Ministry of Rural Development is going to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) The Union Ministry of Rural Development is going to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), a sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). This scheme aims to provide an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas. Useful Info Union Minister for Rural Development– Narendra Singh Tomar Constituency– Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Ram Nath Kovind took office as country‟s 14th President Ram Nath Kovind took over as the 14th President of India. He administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice of India Justice J S Khehar at a special function in the Central Hall of Parliament. The stage would be shared by President and President-elect, Speaker, Vice President and Chief Justice of India. After the oath of new President, a 21-gun salute will be honored followed by the acceptance speech of Mr. Kovind. Mr. Kovind was elected the President recently as a ruling NDA candidate. He defeated the Opposition parties‘ nominee Meira Kumar by a huge margin. Useful Info 14th President of India– Ram Nath Kovind CJI - J S Khehar (44th CJI) 1st CJI– H. J. Kania Leila Seth was the first woman judge on the Delhi High Court www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 42

43. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA) The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA). The Union Home Minister presented the vision for developing India‘s maritime economy while preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. He emphasized upon the need for sustainable development of Islands with people‘s participation. Useful Info Union Home Minister– Rajnath Singh Constituency– Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh IDA– Islands Development Agency The IDA was set up on 1st June 2017 FSSAI has banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018. Useful Info FSSAI - Food Safety and Standards Authority of India HQ– New Delhi Chairman– Ashish Bahuguna Chief Executive - Pawan Kumar Agarwal India's first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, will be inaugurated this September India's first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, will be inaugurated this September by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe . A Loan agreement of over 76,900 crore rupee is expected to be signed between the two nations during Abe's India visit. Japan's Shinkansen technology will be used in construction of the line. Useful Info India‟s First Bullet Train between Mumbai– Ahmedabad Country– Japan Capital– Tokyo Currency– Japanese yen PM–Shinzō Abe Niti Aayog cleared 6 proposals of the transport ministry to improve public transport Mass rapid transportation technologies such as hyperloop, metrino and pod taxis could soon be a reality in India after Niti Aayog cleared half-a-dozen proposals of the transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport. Once these safety parameters are tried and tested and the pilot run is successful, some of them including metrino, could be up for running by next year‘s end. Useful Info NITI - National Institution for Transforming India Chairman– Narendra Modi ViceChairman– Arvind Panagariya CEO– Amitabh Kant The Supreme Court ruled that the police cannot arrest the accused without conducting a preliminary inquiry under dowry harassment cases The Supreme Court ruled that the police cannot arrest the accused without conducting a preliminary inquiry under dowry harassment cases. With this, apex court put an end to immediate arrest of the husband and his family members in the dowry harassment cases filed under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code (IPC). The www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 43

44. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Supreme Court passed this order keeping in view the fact of suspected misuse of the anti-dowry harassment law framed in 1983. Useful Info Supreme Court– New Delhi Present Chief Justice of India - J. S. Khehar (44th CJI) First chief justice of India–H.J. Kania Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released Operational Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of Family Participatory Care (FPC). These guidelines are aimed at improving newborn health. The guidelines will serve as a guiding document for those intending to introduce FPC in their facility as an integral part of facility based newborn care. It also provides details of infrastructure, training, role of health care providers and steps in the operationalization of FPC in the newborn care unit. Useful Info Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare– J P Nadda Constituency–Himachal Pradesh (RajyaSabha) Railways launches India‟s first solar-powered DEMU train Indian Railways has launched its first 1,600 HHP solar diesel multiple unit (DEMU) train. The train has a total of 16 solar panels of 300 watts in each coach. The energy generated by these panels will be stored in batteries The move is expected to save Rs 2 lakh worth of diesel per coach, per annum. It will help in reducing carbon dioxide of almost nine tonnes per coach, per annum. It is also expected to save nearly Rs 672 crore per annum. India to import crude oil from US for first time India, the world's third-largest oil importer, will import crude oil from the United States for the first time after Indian Oil Corp bought a cargo that will be delivered in October 2017. India is the latest Asian country to buy US crude after South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Australia and Taiwan as the countries seek to diversify oil imports from other regions after the OPEC cuts drove up prices of Middle East heavy-sour crude, or grades with a high sulphur content. Useful Info Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. - Sanjiv Singh India is going to invite the 10 leaders of ASEAN for 2018 Republic day Celebrations India is going to invite the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Chief Guests for 2018 Republic Day celebrations. If this happens, the Republic Day 2018 would be the first Republic Day event that will have so many leaders as the chief guests. Useful Info 10 Member Countries of ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2” has been launched by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in Mumbai Union Minister of state for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched ―JIYO PARSI PUBLICITY PHASE –2‖ function in Mumbai. In the year of 2013 ―Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-1‖ was initiated to increase the small minority population of parsi community. The main objective of the ―JiyoParsi‖ scheme is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilize their population and increase the population of Parsis in India. The scheme implemented two components: 1.Medical Assistance and 2.Advocacy/Counselling. Due to this effort, it became success with the birth of 101 babies. Useful Info www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 44

45. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Union Minister of state for Minority Affairs - Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Constituency– Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the country's first 'VideshBhavan' in Mumbai External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the country's first 'Videsh Bhavan'. The Bhavan integrates all offices of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Maharashtra It is located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.As a first pilot project, four offices of MEA - Regional Passport Office (RPO), Protector of Emigrants (PoE) office, Branch Secretariat and Regional Office of ICCR - have been assimilated and brought under one roof at the state-of-art office. Useful Info Union minister for External Affairs– Sushma Swaraj Constituency – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh Central Government launched the „Swachh Survekshan-2018‟ to rank all the 4,041 cities and towns of the country Central Government launched the third cleanliness survey ‗Swachh Survekshan-2018‘ to rank all the 4,041 cities and towns of the country based on infrastructure development for improved sanitation services and their sustainability, outcomes, citizen connect and visible impact on ground. Under the survey, launched by Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, 500 cities with more than 1 lakh population and state and UT capitals will have all-India ranking. Also, 3,541 cities with less than 1 lakh population will have state and zonal rankings. Useful Info Union Minister of Housing and Urban affairs– Narendra Singh Tomar Constituency– Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Union Government has launched a portal, e-Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi (e-RaKAM) Union Government has launched a portal, e-Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi(e-RaKAM).The e-RaKAM will provide a platform to sell agricultural produce and strengthen the agriculture-oriented Indian economy. It is a digital initiative that aims to bring together the PSUs, civil supplies, farmers and buyers on a single platform so that the selling and buying process of agricultural products become smooth. Useful Info Union minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution - Ram Vilas Paswan Constituency–Hajipur, Bihar India-ASEAN Youth Summit from Aug 14to be held in Bhopal Over 100 delegates from 10ASEAN countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam - will participate in the India-ASEAN Youth Summit to be held in Bhopal from August 14-19. ExternalAffairs Minister SushmaSwaraj and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be among thekey speakers at the event. Useful Info Union External Affairs Minister– Sushma Swaraj ASEAN Countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the live twitter wall for promoting Bharat Ke Veer portal Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the live twitter wall for promoting Bharat Ke Veer portal on the eve of 71st Independence Day. On the occasion, Mr Singh and Ministers of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and Kiren Rijiju contributed their one month salary for Bharat Ke Veer corpus.Mr Singh has handed over a cheque of 1.59 lakh rupees to the Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi in New Delhi. Useful Info Ministers of State for Home Affairs –Hansraj Gangaram Ahir www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 45

46. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 Constituency– Chandrapur, Maharashtra Union Home Secretary– Rajiv Mehrishi ‗Bharat Ke Veer‘ portal aims to facilitate online donation directly to the families of paramilitary troopers who have sacrificed their lives for the country in the line of duty from January 1, 2016. Bharat Ke Veer portal is technically supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered by State Bank of India. 40 percent reservation for girls at planned Navodaya schools: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi The government has decided to offer 40 per cent reservation for girls at 100 Navodaya-type schools. The Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government is mulling to open 100 Navodaya-type schools in minority concentrated areas of the country. Useful Info Minister of State for Minority Affairs - Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Constituency– Uttar Pradesh, Rajya Sabha Nine new Ministers of state were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers Nine new Ministers of state were inducted into the Union Council of Ministers. Four Ministers of state were elevated to the cabinet rank. They are Minister of State for Commerce and Industries Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State For Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, PiyushGoyal and Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to them at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The portfolios of the Ministers will be announced later. Here is the 9 New Ministers, who take oath- 1. Former IFS officer Hardeep Puri 2. Former Mumbai Police chief Satyapal Singh 3. Former IAS officer Alphons Kannanthanam 4.LokSabha MP's from Madhya Pradesh Virendra Kumar 5.From Karnataka Anant Kumar Hegde 6.From Rajasthan Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 7.From Bihar Ashwini Kumar Choubey 8. From Bihar Raj Kumar Singh and 9. Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh Shiv Pratap Shukla Here is the Full list of Portfolios of changed Ministers Minister Portfolio Cabinet Minister Skill Development and Petroleum Minister Previously held portfolio MoS (independent charge) Oil Natural Gas and Petroleum Ministry MoS (independent charge) Power Ministry MoS (independent charge) Commerce and Industry Ministry Dharmendra Pradhan Piyush Goyal Cabinet Minister Railway Ministry Nirmala Sitharaman Cabinet Minister Defence Ministry Cabinet Minister Minority Affairs Ministry MoS (independent charge) Minority Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Affirs Cabinet Minister Commerce and Industry Ministry Suresh Prabhu Railway Ministry Water Resources, River Development Ganga Rejuvenation. - Uma Bharti Drinking Water and Sanitation Ashwini Kumar Choubey MoS Health & Family Welfare www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 46

47. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 MoS Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs MoS Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. MoS (independent charge) Power MoS (independent charge) Urban Development Virendra Kumar - Anantkumar Hegde - Raj Kumar Singh - Hardeep Singh Puri - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat MoS Agriculture and Farmers Welfare MoS Human Resource Development and MoS Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. MoS (independent charge) Tourism and MoS Ministry of Electronics & IT Shiv Pratap Shukla MoS Finance Ministry MoS (independent charge) Labour and Employment - Satya Pal Singh - Alphons Kannanthanam - - Santosh Kumar Gangwar MoS Finance Ministry Government has issued an alert on the spread of new malware 'Locky Ransomware' The government has issued an alert on the spread of new malware 'Locky Ransomware' that can lock computers and demand ransom for unlocking them. Electronics and IT Additional Secretary Ajay Kumar tweeted that an alert regarding spam spreading Locky Ransomware was issued by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. Ransomware is a malicious software and the Locky Ransomware is learnt to be demanding the ransom of half Bitcoin, which at present rate is equivalent to over Rs 1.5 lakh. Useful Info Union Minister for Electronics and IT– Ravi Shankar Prasad Constituency– Bihar, RajyaSabha Malware– software which is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain authorized access to a computer system Bitcoin– a type of digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. „PrakritiKhoj‟- An Environment Quiz on Teachers‟ Day The Union Environment Ministry launched an environment awareness initiative on the occasion of Teachers‟ Day. Under the initiative, an online environmental quiz competition named PrakritiKhoj will be conducted at the national level. Useful Info Union Minister for Environment – Harsh Vardhan Constituency – Chandni Chowk (Delhi) NITI Aayog sets up task force on employment, export NITI Aayog has constituted an Expert Task Force to provide a major thrust to job creation by enhancing India‘s exports. It will be headed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar. Members of the Task force include CEO, NITI Aayog, Secretaries of Departments of Commerce, Industrial Policy and Promotion, Economic Affairs and Textiles. Leading economists and industry experts are also members of the Task Force, which will submit its report by November 2017. The government stated that the steps outlined by the task force to create well-paid jobs in the formal sector include preparing a comprehensive plan of action to www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 47

48. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 generate employment and alleviate under-employment in both goods and services sector and low wages by boosting exports in labour intensive industries. Useful Info NITI Aayog Chairman – PM Modi Vice Chairman –Rajiv Kumar On 1 January 2015, a Cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the newly formed NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). Govt to start School Chalo Abhiyan from next year for students not going to schools: Javadekar International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8th September to emphasize the importance of literacy to individuals, society and communities. The theme of this year's International Literacy Day, is ‗Literacy in a Digital World‘. The 2017 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes awards ceremony will also take place to recognize and reward excellent literacy practices from around the world in connection with this year‘s theme. Useful Info Union HRD Minister– Prakash Javadekar Constituency – Rajya Sabha, Madhya Pradesh KirenRijiju attended the first National Canine Seminar organized by National Security Guard (NSG) The Minister of State for Home Affairs ShriKirenRijiju attended the first National Canine Seminar organized by National Security Guard (NSG), in NSG Campus, Manesar (Gurugram), Haryana. The theme of the two days National Canine Seminar is ''Canine as Tactical Weapon in Fight against Terrorism'' with an objective to discuss and deliberate on the techniques of dog training and strategies of deploying the dogs in Counter Terrorism/Counter Insurgency scenario. Shri Kiren Rijiju also flagged off "the NSG's Motorcycle Expedition, 2017" from NSG Campus, Manesar. It commemorate the NSG‘s 33 years service to the nation. The Expedition team will traverse major cities of the country including NSG's regional hubs at Gandhinagar/Mumbai/Chennai/Hyderabad/Kolkata to cover a distance of 7000 kms with an objective of spreading a message of collective responsibility towards the fight against terrorism. Useful Info Minister of State for Home Affairs– Shri Kiren Rijiju Constituency – Arunachal West State– Haryana Capital– Chandigarh CM– Manohar Lal Khattar Governor– Kaptan Singh Solanki The NSG is popularly known as "The Black Cats" of the country. Vice President lays foundation Stone of Greenfield Smart City at Ranchi, Jarkhand Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of Greenfield Smart City at Ranchi in Jharkhand. The Vice President laid the foundation stones for its three buildings- Urban Civic Center, Convention Center and Jharkhand Urban Planning Management Institute. Chief Minister and other important dignitaries were present at the occasion. The proposed smart city will be spread over 656 acres in HEC area. The Greenfield Smart City will cost ten thousands crore rupees and will also have 16 thousand residential flats for 70 thousands residents. The smart city will have modern transport system, world class education hub, 24 hours water and electricity, wi-fi, public toilets at every 200 meters and will be carbon free zone. Useful Info State– Jharkhand Capital– Ranchi CM– Raghubar Das Governor– Droupadi Murmu www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 48

49. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 SIM Cards not Linked to Aadhaar to be Deactivated after February 2018 The government is moving ahead with linking Aadhaar with mobile SIM cards and all unlinked phones will be deactivated after February 2018. Aadhaar mobile linkage is being done as per the orders of Supreme Court passed in February 2017 in Lokniti foundation case and all SIM cards have to be verified with Aadhaar within a year from the date of judgement, with all unlinked phones to be deactivated after February next year. So criminals, fraudsters and terrorists cannot use the issued SIMs. Remove all unmanned rail crossings within a year, orders Piyush Goyal Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has asked the railways to remove all unmanned level crossings within a year, instead of the initial goal of doing it in three years. Addressing a function at IIM in Kolkata, he said around 5,000 unmanned level crossings, which account for nearly 30-35 per cent of total rail accidents, need to be removed in the next one year. MrGoyal also advocated the use of technology to reduce manual maintenance of rail tracks, as it entails huge manpower. The minister said that the RailTel corporation has already prepared the optic fibre network for improving communication. Useful Info Union Railway Minister– Piyush Goyal Constituency– Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha National Pension Scheme Upper Age Limit Raised to 65 The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) announced that the upper age limit for joining the National Pension Scheme (NPS) had been raised to 65 years, from the current 60. NPS is currently open for people between 18 and 60, and the Board has approved raising the age limit for joining to 65. Useful Info PFRDA– Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Chairman– Hemant G. Contractor DD & All India Radio to spread information about rights of Divyangs: I&B Minister Smriti Irani Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani said Doordarshan and All India Radio will give information to Divyangs regarding their rights and several schemes which are being run by the Centre. Addressing a function in New Delhi, Mrs Irani said people should be sensitive towards the rights of Divyangs. The Minister said, the education standards for Divyangs should be raised and they must be informed about their career prospects. Useful info Union Information and Broadcasting Minister - Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani Constituency– Gujarat, Rajya Sabha Government Launches Wood is Good Campaign Environmental Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a two-day conference on “Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems: Theory to Practice”. Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched the“Wood is Good” campaign on the occasion. Wood is a climate-friendly material, as it is a renewable resource, having zero carbon footprint. Useful Info Union Minister for Environment - Dr. Harsh Vardhan Constituency– Chandni Chowk (Delhi) Cabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Program at a cost of Rs.1,756crore The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India program at a cost of Rs.1,756crore for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20. This marks a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports, as the Programme aims at mainstreaming sport as a tool for individual development, community development, economic www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 49

50. GK Power Capsule (1st June to 15th October) 2017 development and national development. This is the first time ever that a long-term athlete development pathway would be made available to gifted and talented youngsters to excel in competitive sports. Useful Info Sports Minister of India–Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Constituency–Jaipur, Rajasthan President Ram Nath Kovind‟s First Foreign Trip will be to Ethiopia and Djibouti President Ram Nath Kovind will make his first foreign trip as head of state to the strategically-significant African continent in the first week of October. The President will visit to Ethiopia and Djibouti. Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia is the seat of African Union, had hosted the first India-Africa summit outside India in 2012. There are more than 540 Indian firms in Ethiopia. Useful Info Country– Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopian birr Country– Djibouti, Djibouti, Djiboutian franc TRIFED Organised National Workshop on Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram inaugurated the National Workshop organized by TRIFED on “Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produces (MFP) scheme – Taking it to the next level for a Fair and Equitable Deal to the Tribals”. This scheme is already implemented in 9 States and now it is expanded nationwide. TRIFED has also signed MoU with Amazon for the marketing of tribal handicrafts scaled-up for the empowerment of tribals. Useful Info Minister of Tribal Affairs– Jual Oram Constituency– Sundargarh, Odisha Minister of Communication Shri Manoj Sinha Launched First Ever India Mobile Congress 2017 The Minister of Communication Shri Manoj Sinha launchedDoT‘s first ever Mobile, Internet and Technology event in India – India Mobile Congress 2017 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Led by Department of Telecom as the nodal ministry, the India Mobile Congress is being organised by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The largest and first ever event also has the support of the other ministries like the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Skill Development and Entrepreneurship amongst others. Useful info Minister of Communication – Manoj Sinha Constituency– Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Health Adjudged Best for „Swachhta Pakhwada‟ The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been adjudged as the best department for its contribution during Swachhta Pakhwada, an inter-Ministry initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The Health Ministry observed the Swachhta Pakhwada in February 2017. The award was presented to the Ministry on 2nd October, the third anniversary of Swachh Bharat Mission. Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (HFW) received the award on behalf of the Ministry. Useful Info Union Minister for Health & Family welfare – Jagat Prakash Nadda Constituency – Himachal Pradesh, Rajya Sabha First ASEAN-India Music Festival Begins in New Delhi The first ever ASEAN-India music festival began at Purana Quila in New Delhi. The 3-day festival is being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with Culture Ministry to www.ibpsguide.com | estore.ibpsguide.com | www.sscexamguide.com 50