smartprepsmartprep.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/current-events-of-national... · station of north...

Current Events of National Importance - June, 2016 Current Affairs

June 1

1. Prime Minister released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP). This is the first ever national plan for disaster management in the country.

It aims to make India disaster resilient and to significantly reduce the loss of lives and assets during disasters. The plan is based on the four priority themes of the ''Sendai Framework on Disaster Management''.

They are namely: 1. Understanding disaster risk, 2. Improving disaster risk governance, 3. Investing in disaster risk reduction (through structural and non-structural measures) and disaster preparedness, 4. Early warning and building back better in the aftermath of a disaster. Salient Features of the Plan:

The plan covers all phases of disaster management, which are Prevention, Mitigation, Response and Recovery.

It provides for horizontal and vertical integration among all the agencies and departments of the Government.

It also identifies major activities such as early warning, information dissemination, medical care, fuel, transportation, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. to serve as a checklist for agencies responding to a disaster.

To prepare people to cope with disasters, it emphasizes on a greater need for Information, Education and Communication activities.

2. Four months window to disclose black money

A four-month disclosure window giving an opportunity to domestic black money holders to come clean by paying tax and penalty of 45 per cent on such assets will open from June 2, 2016.

However, people who have made money through corrupt means, will not be allowed to take advantage of the disclosure window.

For more information log on to http://SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS), persons making disclosure of unaccounted assets will be given time up to November 30 to pay taxes, penalty and surcharge totaling 45 per cent at the fair market value.

The declaration made under the scheme will not be used against the declarants, under the Income-Tax Act or Wealth Tax (now abolished).

There will also be immunity from Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act. People with undisclosed assets should use this limited period income declaration

window.

3. Government raised the retirement age of doctors to 65.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the retirement age of 65 years for doctors of central services, in an aim to strengthen the healthcare sector in the country.

This move will enable the government to retain experienced doctors for a longer period, and to provide better services in its public health facilities, particularly to the poor, who are entirely dependent on public facilities.

This will strengthen the efforts of the Health Ministry in conceptualizing and rolling out various people-oriented schemes which will need the services of doctors in implementing them.

The decision would benefit 312 doctors, including 57 medical officials, 159 senior medical officials and other senior health officials such as health department directors and Director General Health Services.

4. Cabinet approved the setting up of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the setting up of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) as a Public Limited Company under the Department of Posts, with 100% Government of India (GOI) equity.

The total expenditure involved in this project is Rs. 800 Crore. All citizens, especially 40% of the country's population that is outside the ambit of formal banking in the country will benefit from this project.

The IPPB will obtain banking license from RBI by March 2017 and, by September 2017, its services will be available across the country through 650 payments bank branches, linked post offices and alternative channels riding on modern technology including mobiles, ATMs, PoS/ m-PoS devices etc.

The proposal will further the cause of financial inclusion by providing basic banking, payments and remittance services and facilitate financial services like


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

insurance, mutual funds, pensions, credit in rural areas and the unbanked and underbanked segments.

It will generate new employment opportunities for skilled banking professionals and will generate opportunities for propagating financial literacy across the country.

5. Cabinet approves MoU between India and other countries.

Qatar (1) For cooperation in Skill Development and Recognition of qualifications. (2) For strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism. (3) Ratification of Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. USA (1) To enhance cooperation in wildlife conservation. Brunei Darussalam (1) In the field of Youth and Sports Affairs. French (1) Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA) and the French Civil Aviation Authority.

6. Cabinet approved the Proposal for Extension of Corridor-1 of Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-I.

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the proposal for Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I Project from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar. It covers a length of 9.051 km. at a total cost of Rs. 3770 crore.

The project will be executed by the existing SPV of Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu having 50:50 equity of each i.e. Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2018.

This extension will provide improved access to public transport for dense population comprising predominantly industrial workers to move towards the central business district of the city for work.

The estimated ridership will be 1.6 lakh passengers per day in first year of operation.

7. Cabinet approved the Mau-Tarighat New Railway line project.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for a new broad gauge line between Mau Station of North Eastern Railway and Tarighat Terminal station of East Central Railway. The total length of this new broad gauge line will be 51 kilometers.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 1765.92 crore and expected completion cost is Rs. 2109.07 crore with 5 percent escalation per annum. The project is likely to be completed in the next six years during 12th and 13th Plan period.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

This project will provide alternative, shorter convenient and better transport infrastructure to the area separated by river Ganga so as to remove the transport difficulties in the area and to boost the socio economic development.

8. Cabinet approved the Additional allocations for the BPL and APL families in non NFSA State.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for additional monthly allocation of 41,800 tonnes of food grains for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families at BPL rates and 20,507 tonnes of food grains for Above Poverty Line (APL) families at 2/3rd of Minimum Support Price (MSP) rates to three non-National Food Security Act (NFSA) States, namely, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Nagaland, from April to June, 2016 or till implementation of NFSA by the respective State, whichever is earlier.

9. Cabinet approved the Procurement Quota to M/s. ITI Ltd. in procurements made by BSNL, MTNL and BBNL.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of Department of Telecommunications regarding continuation of reservation quota for M/s. ITI Limited in procurements made by BSNL, MTNL and Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). The approval consists of the following:

To continue the Reservation Quota policy for M/s. ITI Ltd. by reserving. ITI would accept orders under reservation quota only after the price is known

and if the same is commercially viable. ITI shall exercise its option under Reservation Quota within 15 days of bid

opening. The aforesaid policy measures shall remain in force for a period of two years with

effect from the date of approval of CCEA and shall again be reviewed considering the financial health of ITI after the expiry of this period.

June 2

1. Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Kharif Crops of 2016-17 season.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all Kharif Crops of 2016-17 Seasons. Further, to incentivize cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, in the country Government has announced a bonus on these crops, payable over and above the approved MSP.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The decision to increase MSPs is based on the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) which takes into account the cost of production, overall demand-supply, domestic and international prices, inter-crop price parity, terms of trade between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, the likely effect of the Price Policy on the rest of economy, besides ensuring rational utilization of production resources like land and water, while recommending MSPs.

2. Delhi Government Launched the 'DVAT M SEWA' Mobile App.

CM Arvind Kejriwal launched a mobile app through which city traders can register with the VAT department of the Delhi government, a move that is aimed at boosting tax collection.

The 'DVAT M SEWA' app, traders won't be required to submit application for registration at the department's office and just fill the form online. There is also no need for VAT inspector's visit at their premises. There are 41,000 pending requests awaiting registration with the VAT department.

3. Purbashree Emporium at Handloom Haat, Janpath inaugurated.

The Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Rashmi Verma inaugurated the Purbashree Emporium.

In order to give a boost to the development and promotion of North-East handicrafts and handlooms products, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd (NEHHDC) has set up its „Purbashree Emporium‟ in the Handloom Haat, New Delhi showcasing a wide variety of ethnic and exquisite handlooms products which are eco-friendly and biodegradable.

The NEHHDC markets the handicrafts and handlooms of the North Eastern Region through its chain of emporia located at Shillong, Guwahati, and New Delhi and also through its Regional Sales Promotion Offices located in Bengaluru and Chennai. Besides, NEHHDC conducts 50-80 exhibitions and marketing events per year across the country and abroad for showcasing the exquisite handicrafts and handlooms items of the North Eastern Region.

4. TRAI launched a new mobile app for subscribers to register complaints against pesky calls, SMSs.

TRAI launched a mobile application for telecom subscribers to register their complaints against pesky calls and SMSs in an easy way.

Stringent rule in place for checking promotional calls and SMS but companies are finding ways to bypass them. There has been issue in its enforcement. The new mobile app will help people in easily filing complaints and help us in monitoring such activities.

The mobile app will show SMS in a list form and mobile numbers from the source. Customers need to click on the check box to select such SMSs or calls and then click on report option to file complaint.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The name and address of that telephone subscriber shall then be shared with all other service providers and no service will be provided by any telecom resource in that name and address for a period of two years.

The regulations have provisions to impose fines of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh on registered telemarketers if they are found flouting norms.

June 3

1. India to grant e-visa for tourists for Yoga courses.

In a first, India will give tourist visa and e-tourist visa to foreigners willing to undergo short term course on Yoga in its bid to popularize the ancient spiritual and ascetic practice globally.

Besides, the government has decided to include attending a short term yoga programme and short duration medical treatment under Indian systems of medicine in the list of permissible activities under e-tourist visa.

All Indian Mission abroad and Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs)/ Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in the country have been requested to take action as per the latest decision.

Under the e-tourist visa scheme, an applicant receives an email authorizing him or her to travel to India after it is approved and he or she can travel with a print-out of this authorization.

Till now, the scheme has been extended to 150 countries at 16 Indian airports designated for providing e-tourist visa service.

2. 100 iconic places to be cleaned up under Swachh Bharat Mission.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, it has been decided to undertake a special clean-up initiative focused on 100 iconic heritages, spiritual and cultural places in the country.

The aim of this initiative is to make these 100 places model 'Swachh Tourist Destinations', that will enhance the experience for visitors from India and abroad. Under Phase 1 of this initiative, the following iconic places have been selected for an intensive clean up:


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Vaishno Devi: Jammu and Kashmir Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Maharashtra Taj Mahal: Uttar Pradesh Tirupati Temple: Andhra Pradesh Golden Temple: Punjab Manikarnika Ghat: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Ajmer Sharif Dargah: Rajasthan Meenakshi Temple: Tamil Nadu Kamakhya Temple: Assam Jagannath Puri: Odisha The Secretaries of the Central Ministries expressed full support to the States in

terms of technical assistance and also requested the States to converge resources for the clean-up under ongoing Central programmes, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

For more information, please visit http://sbm.gov.in

3. India and USA can transform the world with trade and trust: Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.

India and USA are natural allies and could transform the world with trade and trust and inaugural session of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce‟s (IACC) National Conclave-2016 in Hyderabad.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the US President Mr. Barack Obama have added a new and successful chapter in Indo-US bilateral relations.

India is now the fastest growing economy in the world. At present, all indicators are in the right direction and the country is the most attractive destination for investments. The government is laying emphasis to achieve double digit growth, by following proactive, holistic and integrated approach.

Indian pharma companies are capable of producing affordable generic medicines and the USA needs to permit import of generic medicines to bring down the healthcare costs.

4. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signed Between Ministry of Railways and Govt. of Haryana for setting up of JV Company.

Union Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manohar Lal Khattar a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ''Formation of Joint Venture Company for Development of Railway Infrastructure in the State'' was signed.

In view of the growing demands for railway lines in various states and huge requirement of funds to execute them, Hon‟ble Minister for Railways announced in his budget speech regarding setting up of Joint Ventures with states for focused project development, resource mobilization, land acquisition, project implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.

17 State Governments consented for formation of Joint Venture Companies in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways for development of rail infrastructure


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

http://sbm.gov.in/

in their respective States. Draft MoUs were sent to these State Governments and discussions were also held with them to clarify various provisions of the MoU.

The ministry of Railways will sign a concession agreement of 30 years with the project SPV for safe and sound operation, revenue sharing and providing technical & marketing logistics to the SPV. The revenue sharing shall be based on already established formula being used for inter zonal apportionment of revenue.

June 4

1. Odisha becomes the first state to give social welfare benefits to the transgender community.

Odisha is first in the country to give transgender people social welfare benefits - such as a pension, housing and food grains.

This move seeks to give the transgender community in the state same benefits as those living below the poverty line (BPL) in order to improve their overall social and economic status.

They would also be entitled 5 kgs of foodgrains every month under National Food Security Act.

2. Khattar inaugurated the 'Jai Jawan Awas Yojna' to provide affordable housing to serving, retired JCOs.

Foundation stone of Jai Jawan Awas Yojna (JJAY), an initiative to provide affordable housing to serving and retired JCOs and Other Ranks, was laid by Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, the Honorable Chief Minister of Haryana, at Bahadurgarh, Haryana.

The project is being executed by Army Welfare Housing Organization and aims to provide low cost housing. This housing project has been named in the memory of Late Major Rajiv Joon, recipient of Ashok Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.

Chief Minister had granted dispensation in construction which permitted construction of about 500 dwelling units instead of 400 planned earlier.

3. Government announced a national-level competition for students.

Union Minister Smriti Irani announced that a national-level competition to promote research and innovation among students will start August and students will contribute their ideas directly to the central government.

Irani, who was in New Delhi, was addressing dignitaries, professors and students through a web-conferencing facility during the nationwide digital launch of 10 infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Human Resource and Development‟s Rastriya Uchchatar Scheme (RUSA), which includes SPPU‟s project of Digital Classroom and E-content learning modules.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Students can contribute to government plans of Make in India and Smart Cities, the research proposals of students will be welcomed through the new scheme. And students to suggest a name, logo and slogan of the competition.

June 5

1. Suresh Prabhu launched the Tiger Express train on the World Environment Day.

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu flagged off the inaugural run of the Tiger Trail Circuit Train from Delhi Safdarjung Station.

The launch of this Tiger Express on World Environment Day is to highlight the significance of environment in our lives.

The Railway Minister took personal interest in conceptualizing this train. This tourist train will be operated by Indian Railway PSU namely Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The „Tiger Express‟ is one of the most innovative tourism products ever launched by Indian Railways.

The Indian Tiger has always allured tourists from both India and abroad. The semi-luxury train will take the guests onboard to the world famous Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh.

2. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar launched the Right to Public Grievance Redressal Act.

CM Nitish Kumar launched Bihar Right to Public Grievance Redressal Act, 2015 on the occasion of JP's 'Sampoorna Kranti Diwas'.

The new legislation will not only empower people to seek time-bound redressal of their grievances by government officials, but also strengthen people's trust in democracy.

The State Public Grievances Receipts Centre for Patna at Suchna Bhavan and public grievances redressal offices and grievance receipts centers in all the 38 districts and 101 sub divisional headquarters across the state, through remote.

. If the grievance cannot be redressed, the complainant will get a letter citing reasons for so. The complainant can file an appeal if she/he is not satisfied with the answer.

3. Army partnered with Tata Motors for skill development of kashmir youth.

The Indian Army, under its welfare and development initiative, Operation Sadbhavna has tied up with Tata Motors for training of Kashmir youth as Automobile Service Technicians.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The first thirteen-week certified training course has been scheduled at the TATA Motors facility at Ropar, Punjab. 29 youngsters from Kashmir have been selected for this course.

The motive of this collaboration with the army was to create quality standards in skill development industry and assist in increasing employment opportunities for the youth of Kashmir.

Operation Sadbhavana was launched by the Indian Army almost two decades ago. The objective was to ameliorate the suffering of the people devastated by the shadow of the gun and also assist the civil administration in rebuilding of the socio-economic infrastructure that terrorism had destroyed.

4. Himachal Pradesh becomes the first state to have its own State Data Centre.

Himachal Pradesh became the first state in the country to have a State Data Centre (SDC), designed using green data centre concept, to offer 101 people-oriented Service online through an integrated data base.

Launching the Rs 58-crore SDC, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh integrated the websites of various departments and all services could be accessible through the integrated data base, saving time and money spent on creation of infrastructure.

It is a major green initiative as all services would be provided online and paperless governance will become a reality.

The Chief Minister directed all government departments to make use of SDC for hosting e-Governance applications instead of creating their own infrastructure.

June 6

1. Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of Northeast girls' hostel in Bangalore.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the Foundation Stone of a Hostel exclusively for Northeast girl students in Bangalore.

The hostel, which is the first of its kind in Bangalore University, will have a capacity to accommodate 269 students and will be constructed at a cost of around Rs. 14 crore.

Dr. Jitendra Singh disclosed that the next hostel project will shortly be started in the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi; Since JNU has a larger number of students from the eight North Eastern States compared to several other States of India, it was found appropriate to raise the facility there.

2. Gujarat government announced its new IT policy to promote new IT ventures.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Gujarat government announced its first ever 'IT and Electronics Start-up Policy', having special focus on encouraging new ventures by providing them various incentives and subsidies.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel announced the policy, which will be applicable only to IT and electronics related start-ups.

Under the policy, the state government would develop 50 incubators to mentor and guide 2,000 start-ups in the next five years.

Our aim is to attract an investment of Rs. 7,000 crore through this policy for start-ups. The Gujarat government will allot around 10 lakh sq feet of land for development of 50 incubators, which will provide guidance to budding innovators in setting up their start-up units.

3. Government to set up 6 bulk drug and medical device parks.

The government has decided to establish 3 bulk drugs and 3 medical devices parks across the country. These parks will require an investment of about Rs. 60,000 crore.

As per various estimates, once these parks become operational, they can bring down the cost of production of devices and bulk drugs by at least 30 per cent and in long-run, this will help the general public also.

These parks will be established on the public private partnership (PPP) mode and the centre is in talks with various states for setting up of these parks.

These bulk drug and medical devices parks will have common facilities like testing, power and effluent treatment plants.

4. 32 DTH channels to live-telecast IIT lectures.

The HRD Ministry is set to launch 32 Direct-to-Home channels which would enable students to watch live telecast of lectures from six IITs, along with other top institutions.

The Department of Space has agreed to allot two transponders on a GSAT series satellite for this ambitious project, while MoUs have been signed with many institutions which will provide lessons and content that will be beamed on these channels.

The government is focusing on using space technology to expand the reach of high quality education. Through the 32 DTH channels the aim is to ensure that live classrooms can be transmitted from ten „Teaching Ends‟ out of which six will be IITs located in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kharagpur, Kanpur and Guwahati.

5. Cambridge and MIT experts to design Indian syllabi.

The HRD ministry has roped in experts from leading global Universities like Cambridge, MIT and Pennsylvania to help design and ''internationalize'' syllabi of higher education institutions in the country.

10 projects in different states under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), experts from institutions like University of Edinburgh, MIT, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, University of Washington and


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

University of Georgia Tech etc have been roped in to upgrade the curriculum in social sciences, sciences, mathematics and engineering.

The government of India has been in touch with some international faculty and academicians and institutions who shall through RUSA, a national higher education mission, help states internationalize their curriculum in order to benefit their students.

6. Swachh Yug campaign to make gram panchayats along Ganga open defecation free.

The campaign, being a collaborative effort between the Swachh Bharat Mission, local youth leaders and the Namami Gange project - is being called 'Swachh', which translates into 'the age of Swachh'.

These organizations will be called upon to provide a large number of local youth volunteers to support a behavior change campaign in the 52 districts under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

To take this initiative forward, a nodal officer has been identified for each district to work on making their district Open Defecation Free (ODF) in mission mode, as well as to focus on „Swachhta‟ at the village through proper Solid and Liquid Waste Management and maintaining general cleanliness.

June 7

1. Shri Piyush Goyal Launched the ''SURYAMITRA'' Mobile App.

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launched ''Surya Mitra'' mobile App at National Workshop on Rooftop Solar Power. The GPS based mobile app is developed by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) which is an autonomous institution of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).

This innovative mobile approach shall enhance the employment of trained youth in solar PV technology and also improve the businesses of solar entrepreneurs because of quality servicing, maintenance and repairing professionals are now available to customers at the click of a button on their mobiles.

Under NABARD scheme of off grid Solar PV system few lakhs of off-grid systems have been installed and systems do require regular maintenance. MNRE has an ambitious target of installing 100,000 solar PV pumps in several states.

2. Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the TCI –IIM report on the Operational Efficiency of Freight Transportation by Road in India.

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the TCI –IIM Calcutta joint study report on the operational efficiency of


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

freight transportation by road in India in New Delhi. The report is based on a study commissioned by the Transport Corporation of India (TCI).

Ministry has taken many steps to facilitate safe, seamless and efficient transportation of people and goods by road. On the safety front engineering solutions are mandatorily being incorporated into road designs to make them safer, accident black spots are being rectified, safety standards are being set for automobiles, issue of driving licenses is being computerized and training centers are being set up for drivers.

To cut down delays due to stoppage, Electronic Toll Collection is being brought in soon. 380 Toll Plazas have been equipped for this.

3. The first ever All India Women Journalists’ Workshop.

The workshop was inaugurated by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi.

In the country people aware of the power and reach of the media and its ability act as agent of change. There is a need to empower the journalists with correct and timely information since journalists are a big social multiplier and can become agents of social change. The journalists to act as two-way communication channels i.e. bring the voice from the grassroots to the government and vice versa.

Issue of safety of women in a holistic manner, i.e. from saving the girls from gender biased sex selection to constructing shelter homes for widows. Similarly, the Ministry has been looking at care and protection of children in a comprehensive manner. In both cases a large number of interventions have been taken by the Ministry.

An exhibition was also organized outside the venue showcasing the live monitoring system of Childline- Child Helpline 1098, and district level initiatives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

4. Delhi Government approved the solar policy with 1 GW target by 2020.

The Delhi government announced implementation of its solar policy with the aim of making the national capital a solar city with installation of 1 GW solar power capacity by 2020.

This target is proposed to double it to 2 GW during further next five years (by 2025). Outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives, and tax breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the capital.

The policy promotes net-metering for all solar plants above 1 kW based on the net-metering regulations already issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.

It also mandates the deployment of solar plants on all government-owned rooftops in the next five years. It requires Discoms to meet at least 75 per cent of their solar renewable purchase obligation (RPO) within Delhi.

Rooftop solar systems offer sustainable energy, environmental benefits, low gestation period and minimum transmission and distribution losses.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

5. Rajasthan Government launched the Mobile App Raj Vayu on Air Quality Index.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje launched a mobile application, 'Raj Vayu', for general public to check the air quality in three cities in the state - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) claims to be the first board in the country to devise an app for delivering real time updates on air quality.

This app will help residents of the three cities plan their day according to the air quality of different areas in the city. Individuals suffering from breathing problems can check the air quality of the zone/ area they are visiting on the app.

It will help them in avoiding those areas which have alarming levels of dust and smoke dangerous for their health.

To ensure participation of common man, particularly youth, in pollution control and environment conservation, such apps should be made more interactive and interesting by installing gaming features.

6. Jharkhand government to launch medical insurance cover for poor.

Jharkhand government will roll out medical insurances for critical diseases. Starting medical insurances up to Rs. 2.5 lakh for gambhir bimaari (critical diseases). Besides critical diseases, medical insurances for non-critical illnesses of up to Rs. 50,000 will also be started.

Primarily aimed at people living below poverty line and for those with annual household incomes less than Rs. 72,000, the insurances will bring people from all economic backgrounds under its fold.

June 8

1. Strategic partnership between Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Civil Aviation to Boost to skill initiatives in aviation sector.

Airport Authority of India (AAI), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) signed for setting up skill development centers in the country for scaling up skill development initiatives in the aviation sector.

Aim to skilled more than 1.04 crore youth last year in 2015-16 which is an incremental growth by 36.8% from the previous year. With contributions like these we are certain that we will be able to bring speed and scale along with standards to skill initiatives in the nation.

The program will be managed by NSDC and its training partners who have till now cumulatively skilled more than 80.33 lakh youth in the country. The fund contributed by AAI will also be utilized to support and sponsor candidates for


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

skill development programs, including Substantially Affected Persons under AAI projects.

2. AYUSH minister to inaugurate the National Health Editors' meet on Yoga.

The Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the National Health Editors‟ Conference on Yoga for Holistic Health-Recent researches, at National Media Centre.

This programme would also serve as a ''Curtain Raiser'' for the forthcoming events of International Day of Yoga – 2016.

3. Union Government to form a new reserve battalion named after Maharana Pratap.

A new Indian Reserve Battalion in Rajasthan will be named Maharana Pratap, the great warrior of Mewar region, by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Indian Reserve Battalion will be named after Maharana Pratap, a Rajput ruler who had fought against the Mughals and never bowed before them.

The Union minister also announced setting up of a global centre for counter terrorism at Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice at Jodhpur and the process of police modernization will be expedited.

4. Government to launch a new e-commerce website for its employees.

The Indian ecommerce space may soon have anew giant, if the government of India has its way. A portal called GeM, short for Government e-Marketplace, has been conceptualized by the government's central purchase arm to allow sarkari babus to make routine office purchases from cups and saucers to laptops and printers online.

Officials estimate that expenditure on commonly used office items ranges between 10% and 20% of the government's non-plan expenditure, a figure which stands at Rs. 14.28 lakh crore for fiscal year 2016-17. That translates to potential purchases of Rs. 1.4 - 2.8 lakh crore. To put that in context, Flipkart was aiming to sell goods worth up to $12 billion (Rs. 80,000 crore) by June 2016.

5. US returned 200 artifacts worth USD 100 million to India.

The US returned over 200 cultural artefacts estimated at $100 million to India at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Items returned included religious statues, bronzes and terra cotta pieces, some dating back 2,000 years, looted from some of India's most treasured religious sites.

Among the pieces returned is a statue of Saint Manikkavachakar, a Hindu mystic and poet from the Chola period (circa 850 AD to 1250 AD) stolen from the Sivan Temple in Chennai, which is valued at $1.5 million.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

June 9

1. Baby food corners opened at railway stations.

With a view to helping mothers travelling in trains to take care of their toddlers, Indian Railways has come up with the novel idea of setting up separate baby food corners in all the major railway stations.

The Railway Minister in the Railway Budget promised steps to make the baby food including milk available in railway stations. Now, the facility has been set up in major railway stations as a pilot project.

In Salem Railway Division, four such Janani Sewa stalls were set up at Salem, Coimbatore, Erode and Karur railway stations, on a pilot basis.

These Janani Sewa stalls have been situated within the vegetarian refreshment rooms (VRRs) and will provide baby foods such as Cerelac, Lactogen, apart from milk, feeding bottles and hot water.

2. UP CM Akhilesh yadav ordered a judicial probe into Mathura turmoil.

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea for a CBI inquiry into the Mathura incident, the Samajwadi Party government ordered a judicial probe into the violent encounter between the State police and squatters that resulted in the death of two dozen persons, including two police officers.

The government had earlier constituted a State-level probe under Aligarh Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant, while Opposition parties had insisted on a CBI probe or an SC-monitored investigation.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav appointed a one-man judicial commission under retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Mirza Imtiaz Murtuza. The Commission has been asked to submit its report in two months.

June 10

1. Maharashtra to observe 21st of every month as Yoga Day.

The Maharashtra government has decided to celebrate the 21st day of every month as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities in the state.

It has also been decided that 21st of every month will be celebrated as Yoga day across all schools, colleges and universities of Maharashtra.

It was also decided that every district would set up a 'Yoga Day committee' to plan a 'Yoga Mahostav' (Yoga Festival) every year in between January 12-21. A separate state-level committee will monitor and coordinate with these committees.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Schools, colleges, technical and medical colleges in the state will help promote yoga during the festival.

2. Centre announced the new Print Media Advertisement policy.

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has framed a New Print Media Advertisement Policy for Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) with the objective to promote transparency and accountability in issuing of advertisements in print media.

The policy focuses on streamlining release of Government advertisements and to also promote equity and fairness among various categories of newspapers/periodicals.

For the first time the policy introduces a New Marking System for newspapers to incentivize Newspapers who have better professional standing and get their circulation verified by ABC/ RNI. This will also ensure transparency and accountability in the release of advertisements by DAVP.

0The policy framework includes circulation verification Procedure for empanelment of Newspapers/Journals with DAVP.

The procedure involves certification by RNI/ ABC if circulation exceeds 45,000 copies per publishing day; for circulation upto 45,000 copies per publishing day certificate from Cost/Chartered Accountant/ Statutory Auditor Certificate/ ABC is mandated.

The policy states that RNI circulation certificate shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue and in case of ABC, the current certificate shall be used for circulation certificate. It is stated in the policy that DG DAVP reserves the right to have figures of circulation checked through RNI or its representative.

3. UP has a village named 'Snapdeal.com Nagar'.

Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district has a village called 'Snapdeal.com Nagar', which was originally named Shiv Nagar.

In 2011, Indian e-commerce company Snapdeal installed 15 hand pumps in the village so that the villagers need not walk long distances to fetch water.

To express their gratitude, the villagers voted to name their village after Snapdeal.

4. Venkaiah Naidu launched the 'Swachh Map' app of Rajkot civic body.

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu launched a 'Swachh Map' mobile application of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) that will enable residents to register complaints of sanitation by sending photos using it.

The application is designed and developed by US-based multinational company 'Intel' without taking any money. Residents can send a photo of a dirty place or area to register their complaints to civic officials through the app and the complaints would be addressed within 24 hours.

The RMC was the first civic body in Gujarat to launch such an app.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

When the Centre had recently announced names of clean cities, the city in the Saurashtra region was ranked 7th.

June 11

1. Union Railways Ministry flagged off the Champaran Satyagrah Express train in Bihar.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the Champaran Satyagraha Express (14009-1410) at a function in Motihari.

The new weekly train, running between Bapudham Motihari and Anand Vihar (Delhi) stations, has a load combination of 15 coaches, including one third AC, six sleeper and six general coaches and two brake vans.

The new train has been introduced to mark 100 years of the historic movement. To provide better facilities to the passengers, we are working on the punctuality

of trains by adopting new technologies.

2. Government to invest Rs. 25 lakh crore in waterways, ports, rail.

Announcing the Centre's plans to inject Rs. 25 lakh crore to strengthen inland waterways, ports and rail-road links, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari approved these projects will create four crore jobs.

Stating that both road and rail connectivity to ports was the key to speedy economic growth, an amount of Rs. 8 lakh crore would be invested for development of the port sector to make transportation of goods and raw materials for industries cost effective.

The government has chalked out an ambitious plan to galvanise the inland waterways involving rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi, adding Rs. 4,000 crore was being spent for developing waterway facilities in Ganga.

3. Madhya Pradesh eyes Rs. 1,300 crore investment in tourism sector.

Madhya Pradesh is expecting Rs. 1,300 crore investment, from private and public sector, this financial year for up gradation of tourism infrastructure.

Upgrading infrastructure is a continuous process and we are looking at doubling our rooms‟ inventory in next five years, in the three-star and above category. And also planning to build over 300 wayside amenities every 50 km.

For upgradation of infrastructure in the tourism sector we are looking at Rs. 1,300 crore investment, from government as well as private sector this financial year.

Besides the religious tourism, the State Government is focusing on wildlife tourism as Madhya Pradesh has six sanctuaries. It is seeking to promote rural tourism around these sanctuaries, heritage wedding destinations, and meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) segments.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

June 12

1. Sikkim becomes India’s first State to launch open government data portal.

Sikkim to become the first state in India to have an open government data portal. Lok Sabha MP, P.D. Rai launched the open government data portal 'Sikkim.data.gov.in' and Open Government Data Platform (Sikkim).

On the open government data portal, the data produced or commissioned by the government or government controlled entities can be freely used, reused and redistributed by anyone.

2. West Bengal government to offer rice at Rs. 2 per kg to sex workers, HIV patients.

West Bengal government has decided to provide rice at Rs. 2 per kg to sex workers and poor HIV patients in the state.

Poor leprosy patients, deaf and dumb children in various homes will also be included in the scheme and in the first phase, about one lakh beneficiaries from across the state will be identified for the purpose.

3. delhi government Set Up a Committee to Look Into Matters Related To Delhi Water Bodies.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of PWD Minister Satyendra Jain to look into matters related to water bodies in the national capital.

The committee will look into matters related to water bodies in Delhi and issues related to taking necessary steps like site inspections, proper identification of water bodies for updated inventory, suggesting suitable recommendations to restore them, rain water harvesting for the benefit of water bodies along with their development and beautification plan on targeted basis for all the water bodies-owning agencies.

June 13

1. Illegal use of name of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India by ''The Scouts/ Guides Organization''.

''The Scouts/ Guides Organization'' having its headquarters at Vasundhara, Ghaziabad is misusing the name of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt of India in their letter head stating that it is affiliated with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has informed to all general public and concerned authorities that ministry neither given any recognition or affiliation to The Scouts/ Guides Organization nor is giving grant-in-aid to this organization to conduct scouting and guiding activities in any State/UT of the country.

The organization is also not an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports as claimed by them in their letterhead/ banners/ posters.

2. Government constituted a Working Group to examine consequential issues arising out of amendments to India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and related issues.

With a view to examine the consequential issues arising out of amendments to India - Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Convention and related issues, a Working Group headed by Joint Secretary (FT&TR-II), CBDT and comprising of departmental officers and representatives of SEBI, custodians, brokerage firms and fund managers has been constituted.

The Working Group will submit its report to the CBDT within 3 months, after examining the relevant issues.

3. Indian Railways launched the Janani Sewa, optional catering Scheme on pilot basis.

Railways minister Suresh Prabhu launched three passenger service initiatives a Janani Sewa for mothers, optional catering in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains on a pilot basis and a children‟s menu on trains.

Under Janani Sewa, hot milk, hot water and baby food-to begin with-will be available at 25 railway stations including New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Chennai, Surat and Lucknow. Originally, the service was meant to have been introduced on trains.

The Indian Railways also launched an optional catering services project. To begin with the project will be taken up on a pilot basis for 45 days and will be available only on the Secunderabad-Pune Shatabdi Express and Mumbai Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express.

To make train travel a happier experience for children, the railways has launched items like french fries, noodles, burgers and meal combos through IRCTC. These items can be ordered by the passengers through the e-catering website of IRCTC, a specified phone number, SMS, mobile app or a four digit all-India toll free number-1323.

4. Jammu & Kashmir: All 'private airborne activity' near defence installations banned.

The Jammu and Kashmir government imposed a ban on all sorts of "private airborne activity" within a radius of one kilometre from any defence/ security forces installation in Jammu for a period of 60 days.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The ban has been imposed after the Indian Air Force (IAF) issued an alert that terrorists may use sub-conventional methods like paragliders, parachutes, air balloons etc. to target IAF, defence and police installations in near future.

5. Bihar education department initiated the 'Operation Clean Up'.

Education Department of Bihar has launched an initiative called 'Operation Clean Up' as part of the grand secular alliance government‟s agenda to provide ''quality education'' in the state.

Operation clean up‟ in order to maintain the standard of education in the state. All the 228 B.Ed colleges will be probed. DMs and SPs have been asked to carry

out a physical verification of these colleges.

June 14

1. Government Sanctioned Rs. 164 crore for Rajasthan, Rs. 156 crore for Telangana for Compensatory Afforestation.

The Centre sanctioned Rs. 164 crore for Rajasthan and Rs. 156 crore for Telangana, following a meeting on Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) with the two States.

Shri Javadekar expressed the hope that the Compensatory Afforestation Bill will be passed in the Monsoon session, making available more money for afforestation and related activities.

2. Ministry of Railways Signed a JV Agreement with Government of Odisha.

Ministry of Railways signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Govt. of Odisha. This is a very important step for formation of Joint Venture Company for development of Railway Infrastructure in the State.

The company shall identify projects to be developed and find avenues for financing of the same. Ministry of Railways and Govt. of Odisha shall be essentially funding part of such identified projects. Project specific SPVs shall be formed after financial closure of the project.

3. Gujarat Government to launch mobile app for delivery of common services.

The Gujarat government has decided to launch the mobile app „Digital Gujarat‟. This app is to put most of the services on the fingertips of citizens, so that they don‟t have to visit government offices.

Initially, it would offer 30 services for which the citizens hitherto had to visit government offices or access the online portal digitalgujarat.gov.in.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

http://digitalgujarat.gov.in/

Using this app, people can apply for various services, such as ration card. Initially, the services available through the app would include procurement of ration card, senior citizen certificate, caste certificate, domicile certificate, income certificate, widow certificate, SC/ST certificate, non creamy-layer certificate and religious minority certificate.

June 15

1. Cabinet appraisal of MoU between ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) on cooperation in the field of outer space.

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding between Department of Space/ Indian Space Research Organization (DOS/ ISRO) and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) on cooperation in the field of outer space.

The MoU would lead to establishment of joint team, drawing members from ISRO and CSA, which will further work out the plan of action including examination and defining cooperative projects and the time-frame. This will also provide opportunities for diverse research in the field of peaceful uses of space technologies.

2. Cabinet approved an Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwan for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sector.

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding between Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India and India Taipei Association in Taipei, Taiwan for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sector.

The MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Food Processing, Genetic Resources as well as Environmental Sustainability.

Both sides will encourage the private sector in both countries to enter into cooperation in these areas. The cooperation between the two sides involves exchange of visits, information, technology and training and also expansion of agricultural trade while reducing trade barriers.

3. Cabinet approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Taiwan.

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement between India-Taipei Association in Taipei (India‟s representative office in Taiwan) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India (Taiwan‟s representative office in India).


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Air Services are governed by a MoU exchanged between Air India Charters Limited (AIRL) and Taipei Airlines Associations (TAA).

The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Taiwan, and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two parties.

4. Cabinet approved India’s Membership of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for Indian membership of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) consortium by signing a MoU with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for geosciences. This is a government-funded, Public Law Foundation of the State of Brandenburg, Germany.

By signing the MoU on the membership for a period of five years with ICDP, India would enable engaging internationally renowned experts with profound expertise in different aspects of scientific drilling in order to accomplish deep drilling and associated investigations in Koyna region.

As a member of ICDP, scientists/ engineers from India would have right to submit proposals, to participate in all ICDP co-funded workshops and drilling projects and have access to all data results from ICDP projects. This will shed new light on the genesis of seismicity and better understanding of earthquake processes.

5. Cabinet approved the signing of contract for Exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides between India and International Seabed Authority.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of 15 years contract by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for undertaking exploration and other developmental activities related to Polymetallic Sulphides in the allotted area of 10,000 sq km. It will be done in parts of Central and Southwest Indian Ridges (SWIR), located in the Indian Ocean.

It will enhance India's presence in the Indian Ocean where other players like China, Korea and Germany are active. The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the participation from various national institutes and research laboratories/ organizations.

6. Cabinet approved the enhancement of age of superannuation of Non-Teaching, Public Health Specialists and General Duty Medical Officers sub-cadre of Central Health Service to 65 years.

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for enhancement of the age of superannuation of

Non-Teaching and Public Health Specialists of Central Health Service from 62 years to 65 years.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Doctors of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) sub-cadre of Central Health Service (CHS) to 65 years.

The target group would be officers of Non-Teaching, Public Health and GDMO sub-cadres of CHS. The decision would help in better patient care, proper academic activities in Medical colleges as also in effective implementation of National Health Programmes for delivery of health care services.

7. Cabinet approved a disinvestment of 10% paid up equity of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO).

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for disinvestment of 10% paid up equity of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) out of Government of India‟s shareholding of 100% through Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the domestic market as per the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Rules and Regulation.

The paid up equity capital of HUDCO is Rs. 2001.90 crore and Government of India owns 100% 0f the equity at present. Net worth of the Company is approximately Rs. 7,800 crore.

8. Cabinet approved of 4/6 laning of Kharar-Ludhiana Section of NH-95 (New NH-05) in Punjab.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the development of 4/6 laning of Kharar-Ludhiana Section of NH-95 (New NH-05) in Punjab.

The cost is estimated to be Rs.2069.70 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities. The total length of the road to be developed is approximately 76 kms.

This work will be done under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-V in Hybrid Annuity Mode.

The improvement of infrastructure in Punjab and in reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic, particularly heavy traffic, plying between Kharar and Ludhiana section.

The development of this stretch will also help in uplifting the socio-economic condition of this region in the State. It would also increase employment potential for local labourers for project activities.

9. Freight rates for the direct road movement of fertilizers upto 500 Km from plant/ port to block level approved.

To ensure timely and adequate availability of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices, Department of Fertilizers has approved the freight rates for the direct road movement of fertilizers upto 500 km from plant/ port to block level, as recommended by the Tariff Commission.

A decision has been taken to reimburse the freight cost in respect of secondary movement of fertilizers from rake point to district/ block headquarter on monthly


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

basis at the lower of the normative Per Tonne Per Kilometer (PTPK) rate or actual expenditure incurred by the company.

10. Drinking Water Ministry organized a national-level Water Conservation workshop.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, recently met the Chief Ministers of 11 drought-affected states and highlighted the importance of water conservation and optimum water utilization and measures should be taken in the short term, medium term and long term to conserve our limited water resources.

This idea forward and intensify efforts, the Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation organized a „National Workshop on Pre-Monsoon Water Conservation Measures‟ in the capital. The workshop was organized with the intent to engage officials from various State Governments, NGOs, domain experts and industry personnel and share best practices on Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting.

11. Government Launched a Scheme for setting up 1000 MW CTU - connected Wind Power Project.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW Wind Power Project connected to transmission network of Central Transmission Utility (CTU) with an objective to facilitate supply of wind power to the non-windy states at a price discovered through transparent bidding process. Ministry has designated Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as nodal agency for implementation of the scheme.

The Scheme will encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes. It will also facilitate fulfillment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of non-windy states.

MNRE has also issued Draft guidelines for implementation of scheme for setting up of 1000 MW CTU connected wind power projects issued by MNRE for stakeholders‟ consultation.

12. Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu launched and dedicated various services to the Nation.

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in a programme held at Rail Bhawan, launched and dedicated following services to the nation as a part of fulfillment of Budget Announcements 2016-17.

Flagging off of inaugural run of first time-tabled container train service from Domestic Container Terminal, Okhla (Delhi) and Whitefield (Bengaluru), by remote from Rail Bhawan.

Launch of liberalized comprehensive parcel leasing policy Launch of liberalized policy for parcel cargo express trains. Integrated (Facebook & Twitter) Social Media Platforms for grievance redressal.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Announcement of implementation of policy allowing differently abled persons to avail concession while travelling without escort.

13. NITI Aayog held a detailed interaction with Education Departments of States/ UTs on Atal Tinkering Laboratories.

NITI Aayog held detailed interaction with Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries of School Education Departments from all States and UTs through video conferencing to disseminate information and ensure successful implementation of Atal Tinkering Laboratories.

Atal Tinkering Laboratories is one of the three major initiatives under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). As part of the Mission, NITI Aayog will fund the establishment of 500 Atal Tinkering Laboratories in schools across India. AIM will also support the setting up of 100 Atal Incubation Centers and provide scale-up support to 10 established incubation centers.

Atal Tinkering Lab will ensure that young minds give shape to their ideas through hands on do-it-yourself mode and learn innovation skills. This is the first time India is investing substantially in cultivating the spirit of innovation right from children in schools.

14. BHEL commissioned 195 MW units at Muzaffarpur.

State-run power equipment maker BHEL has commissioned another 195 MW unit at Muzaffarpur thermal power station in Bihar.

This is the second 195 MW units to be commissioned by BHEL at the 2x195 MW Muzaffarpur Thermal Power Station Stage-II of Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited (KBUNL), a joint venture of NTPC and BSPGCL.

BHEL is the leading supplier of coal-based main plant equipment to NTPC and its joint ventures, with an over 80% share in their installed capacity.

BHEL's scope of work in the Muzaffarpur project envisaged design, engineering, manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of steam turbines, generators and boilers, along with associated auxiliaries and electrical.

June 16

1. Commerce & Industry Ministry aims to establish India as a hub for world class Designing.

Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman has given her approval to begin academic session for National Institute of Design (NID), Kurukshetra from 2016-17. NID, Vijayawada also began its academic session. The Commerce Minister had approved setting up of 4 new NIDs in Hyderabad, Goa, Varanasi and Jaipur.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The aim is to establish India as a hub for world class designing & NIDs shall play a crucial role by providing the skills to empower our human capital towards world class designing.

2. Union HRD Minister Smt Smriti Zubin Irani launched a new initiative 'Vidyanjali' to involve volunteers into co-scholastic activities of schools.

Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani dedicated „Vidyanjali‟- a school volunteer programme to the nation at New Delhi.

Vidyanjali is a step forward in creating an ecosystem, wherein education will be attached with imbibing knowledge and improving learning output. There is an ingrained sense of participation and willingness within the people of this country to contribute towards nation building.

This programme will install fresh enthusiasm in school children to take up reading and will re-energize the teaching-learning process at schools. And also emphasized upon the significance of providing timely remedial support to improve the learning outcomes of school children, thereby reducing the number of school drop outs.

3. Shri Piyush Goyal Launched the Ujala Scheme in Goa and Vidyut Pravah & Urja Mobile App.

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Shri Piyush Goyal launched „URJA‟- Urban Jyoti Abhiyan Mobile app in South Goa. The app is providing information of IT enabled towns on important parameters which concern the consumers like outage information, timely release of connections, addressing complaints, power reliability etc.

The Union Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for all) Yojana in Goa with a target of replacing approximately 15 lakh LED bulbs, impacting nearly 5 lakh households. Under the scheme, consumers are entitled to 3 LED bulbs of 9W each at a subsidized rate of Rs.25/, as against a market price of Rs. 300-350.

The Union Minister also launched ''Vidyut Pravah'' App at the event. The scope of “DEEP” (Discovery of Efficient Electricity Price) e-Bidding and e-

Reverse Auction Portal has been further expanded by covering banking mechanism and the medium term procurement of Power. The Government will soon start 100 percent smart metering to curb the menace of power theft. Currently there is a loss around 24 to 26 percent due to theft of Power.

4. Railways started a social media system for grievance.

Railways minister Suresh Prabhu launched integrated social media platform - Facebook & Twitter - for faster and real-time redressed of passengers' grievances.

All Facebook users to interact with us on this platform and contribute to improve the services of Railways. Railways has been successfully handling more than 7000 tweets daily of various nature such as complaints, suggestions or assistance.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

A system has been put in place to analyze the Facebook Post and the same will be forwarded internally to the concerned divisional railways manager (DRM) by the staff working round the clock in the social media cell at Railway Board.

Prompt action taken by the DRM on the grievance will be posted on the same page. This will be monitored at the Railway Board level in order to ensure that the grievances are redressed by the respective DRMs satisfactorily. The Management Information System (MIS) reports generated through this platform will be used for the system improvement of the Railways in due course.

5. Grievance redressal app for panchayats in Bengal.

West Bengal Panchayat Minister Subrata Mukherjee inaugurated a grievance redressed mechanism app, „Panchayat Pratikar‟. An initiative under the World Bank project for the institutional strengthening of Gram Panchayats (ISGP) in Bengal, the project will allow users to submit complaints in three ways - a toll free number, the website and the app.

It is the first of its kind in the country. It will be effective for people under gram panchayats, blocks and zilla parishads. The people had to travel across districts just to put in a complaint, and even after that, they sometimes became untraceable. To decrease these incidents, and for better transparency, we have introduced this app.

All complaints would be recorded, a reply would be given on the mobile and a redressal would be provided within 72 working hours.

6. Karnataka government banned the electronic cigarettes.

The State government imposed a ban on sale (including online) and use of e-cigarettes in the State, based on the recommendations of the State high powered committee on tobacco control.

The sale of nicotine, apart from tobacco products under Control of Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), is permitted only for tobacco cessation in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

7. Haryana banned the sale of paint thinner in bottles.

A ban has been imposed on the sale of correction fluid and thinner in bottles in Haryana with the government saying strict action will be taken against those found violating the orders.

Correction fluid and thinner are used as nail polish removers by women, which has toxic chemicals. These are also used in offices, but were reportedly being misused by children as intoxicating substance or drug, giving them stimulating effect like drugs on its inhalation. In order to protect them, law was amended.

In future, sale of correction fluid and thinner would be permitted in the form of pens or similar devices which allow limited amount of chemicals to come out. Mandatory warning should also be printed on them.

8. Maharashtra government to use plastic wastes to build roads.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Maharashtra government has decided to use plastic waste along with tar in a bid to improve the durability and longevity of asphalt roads and reduce soil pollution.

The Centre in its recommendations has stated that using plastic waste along with tar to build roads improves the quality. It also helps reduce soil pollution caused by plastic. Thus, the state government has decided to include plastic waste along with tar while building roads.

The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute has assured the government that roads built by using plastic waste along with tar will be of better quality and cheaper.

9. Government to give unique ID cards to disabled persons.

India is in the process of implementing a project to provide a unique ID card to persons with disabilities aimed at creating a national data base that will enable the government to have real time information on their level of education, income and employment status.

Data and statistics on persons with disabilities are key to their inclusion in the implementation of the Agenda 2030. The Indian government is in the process of implementing the „Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities‟ project with a view to create a national data base for persons with disabilities, and issue them an unique ID card.

10. Union Cabinet approved the Bill to fast track recovery of bad loans.

The Union Cabinet approved a bill seeking to amend the debt recovery laws with an overall objective of improving the ease of doing business.

Cabinet approves ex facto The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, 2016.

The bill aims to improve ease of doing business, facilitate investment leading to higher economic growth and development.

The government has come up with this legislation at a time when there is mounting concerns over loan recovery in view of stressed assets to the tune of over Rs 8 lakh crore in the banking system.

Around 70,000 cases are pending in debt recovery tribunals (DRT) and the proposed amendments would facilitate expeditious disposal of recovery applications.

11. Kiran Bedi launched a mobile app to help senior citizens in distress.

Help Age India has launched a security app for elders in connection with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The ''HelpAge SOS App'' was launched by Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi at Raj Nivas.

The app provides for an SOS-Save our seniors button to immediately reach to the counselor desk of Help Age for rendering emergency help and assistance, apart from health related information. It has 24x7 functionality and aims at helping elders in distress at any given time.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The app has been launched in English and Hindi and other languages will follow. The app is GPS enabled and picks up the location of the caller and will dial into the particular State Office.

June 17

1. Yoga Geet Released by Ayush Minister Shri Shripad Yesso Naik.

The celebration of International Day of Yoga – 2016 a Yog Geet (Song) was released by the Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH Sh. Shripad Naik at New Delhi. This song is of 3 minutes and 15 seconds in Hindi language.

As part of celebration of 2nd International Day of Yoga a National level competition for selection of a Yog Geet was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH. About one thousand entries were received for Yog Geet.

2. 4800 villages in Gujarat declared as Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The State Principal Secretary, Sanitation, Ms. Jayanti Ravi, apprised the Central team about various initiatives being taken by the State in this regard. The State has achieved a sanitation coverage of 73.75%, and 4800 villages in Gujarat have declared themselves as ODF.

3. Non Resident Indians (NRIs) can now join and subscribe to NPS online through eNPS.

NRIs have a pivotal role to play in the Indian economy. India has the second-largest Diaspora in the world, with around 29 million people living in over 200 countries and out of these 25% live in the Gulf countries.

Most of the Indians going to the Gulf and some other countries go for employment and return to India after having worked abroad for a certain period.

NPS can provide a long term solution to their old age income security. NPS has been available to NRIs for some time through Bank offices and now, to further ease the process of joining, eNPS is being extended to Non-Resident Indian subscribers.

NRIs can now open NPS Accounts online if they have Aadhaar Card or PAN card. Both Repatriable and Non-Repatriable schemes will greatly appeal to NRIs who

intend to return to India after their employment abroad, in view of their attractive returns, low cost, flexibility and their being regulated by the PFRDA, a Regulator established by the Central Government.

4. Karnataka, Goa signed a pact to join Uday scheme


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

KARNATAKA and Goa have signed an agreement to join the UDAY scheme meant for the revival of discoms that may result in a total gain of about Rs. 4,570 crore to both the states over next 3 years.

Power Ministry would soon approach the Cabinet to seek approval for enabling private sector electricity distribution companies (discoms) to get operational benefits of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).

Under this scheme for reviving financially stressed electricity distribution utilities, state governments takeover 75 per cent of the debt with the electricity distribution utilities. The remaining debt is issued as discom bonds, backed by state governments.

5. UGC approved new guidelines for Deemed universities.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved new regulations for Deemed Universities as per which there will be no bar on the number of off-campus centers such institutions may set up, though quality has to be assured.

The new guidelines for Deemed Universities which was announced by HRD minister Smriti Irani. It has also been decided that Universities will not be able to charge more than Rs. 10,000 at the time of counseling.

There is no cap on the number of off-campus centers an institution may set up but quality has to be of the highest order.

The new regulations also allow setting up of off-campus centers abroad but for that additional permission of the MHA and MEA would be needed.

June 18

1. Rajnath approved the setting up of Central marine police force.

A central marine police force to protect sea, coast, ports and vital institutions along country's 7,517 km long coastline may come up in near future.

India has a 7,517 km coastline, which is dotted with 12 major ports and 187 minor or intermediate ports.

Indian Navy is responsible for overall maritime security including coastal and offshore security. Indian coasts are guarded by a 3-tier system of State Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

Indian Coast Guard looks after the security of country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that stretches up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.

2. National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016

The Minister of Civil Aviation Shri P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju released the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 in New Delhi. This is the first time since independence that an integrated Civil Aviation Policy has been brought out by the Ministry.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The policy aims to take flying to the masses by making it affordable and convenient, establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of the civil aviation sector to promote tourism, employment and balanced regional growth, enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development and enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and e-governance.

3. Government cleared Rs. 300 crore under Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Trying to reach out to the religious pilgrims in Uttar Pradesh, the central government cleared tourism projects worth over Rs. 300 crore "in-principle" in Uttar Pradesh under the Ramayana and Krishna Circuits.

The decision was taken at the first meeting of National Committee on Ramayan Circuit and National Committee on Krishna Circuit held under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry.

4. Bihar to step up Sanitation efforts as part of Swachh Bharat.

The Government of Bihar, as part of a focused strategy to step up Sanitation efforts in the State under the Swachh Bharat Mission, held a workshop on Sanitation for all District Collectors of the State.

Ms. M. Geetha, Mission Director, Chhattisgarh shared experiences from her State at the workshop as Chattisgarh is a State known for pioneering the community approach to sanitation in the country.

The workshop also included deliberations on various issues, such as institutional arrangements, processes, human and social capital requirement, streamlining fund flow, integration with health and other interventions, mechanisms for ODF verification etc. Discussions were also held on Namami Gange implementation and urban sanitation issues.

5. Textiles Minister dedicates five Solarised Community Centers and 100 Shelter Homes for benefit of wool growers in Ladakh.

The Union Textiles Minister Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar dedicated five Solarised Community Centre and 100 shelter homes for the benefit of the nomads (wool-growers) involved in Pashmina sheep rearing, in very hard conditions; in Ladakh region.

The Minister travelled six hours by road in Korzok and Samad in the Changthang area to interact with the nomads. During the interaction, the Minister announced that all other kinds of help in respect of marketing of raw pashmina and linking pashmina products with tourism would be facilitated by Government of India.

The Minister also informed that during the last two years, animal productivity (average pashmina yield) has gone up by 9.30%.

June 19


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

1. Delhi government to disburse social security pensions every month.

In a major relief to over 6 lakh beneficiaries of old age, disability and widow pensions, the Delhi government has decided to disburse these every month.

The Delhi government disburses Rs. 1500 to each beneficiary under all the three categories. However, it makes a distinction between old people with those between 60 and 70 years of age entitled to a monthly pension of Rs. 1000 and those above 70 getting Rs. 1500.

2. Punjab became the first state in India to provide free treatment to confirmed cases of Hepatitis C.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has launched a special fund called „Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund‟ to provide free treatment for patients affected by Hepatitis C.

Punjab has become the first state in the country to provide free treatment to confirmed cases of Hepatitis C.

June 20

1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IWAI and IPGPL on the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project.

The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) in Myanmar was conceptualized and is being administered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with a view to facilitate connectivity between the mainland and the North Eastern States of the country through maritime shipping, inland waterways and roads of Myanmar.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between IWAI and IPGPL for implementation of the following three additional works, which are independent of the on-going works and are estimated to cost Rs. 476 crore.

Container handling facilities at Sittwe & Paletwa Operation & Maintenance of the completed works Wrecks removed in Sittwe Port basin area IWAI shall remain as the overall PDC to MEA for implementation of PORT &

IWT component of Kaladan project.

2. Promoting Cargo transport through Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways.

The Ministry of Shipping organized a National workshop on „Promotion of Modal Shift of Cargo to Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways‟ at New Delhi. The workshop was attended by representatives of various stakeholders viz Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA), ICC Shipping Association (ICCSA),


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Shipping companies, shippers, logistics companies, freight forwarders and government officials.

The participants deliberated on the ways and means to promote coastal shipping and water transportation and make it competitive to roads and railways transportation.

The stakeholders were unanimous that even though use of waterways, as a mode of transportation, is fuel-efficient, environment – friendly, and capable of easing traffic congestion on road and railways additional there are impediments existing in the form of inadequate infrastructure and higher costs due to multiple handling of cargo at the first and the last mile which prevents modal shift of cargo transportation from road and railways towards waterway transportation.

3. No Fee for MSME Registration.

Udyog Aadhar Memorandum is the only form of registration for MSMEs in India and there is no fee for the registration. This has been clarified in view of some complaints received by the ministry, regarding fee charged by certain agencies for facilitating the registration.

Udyog Aadhar Memorandum can be done only on the portal http://www.udyogaadharmemorandum.gov.in created by the Ministry. There is no fee charged for this purpose. The filling process is simple and the entrepreneurs can register without seeking any third party assistance.

4. Himachal government launched the skill development project.

Himachal Pradesh government launched a Rs. 640 crore project for skill development under which multipurpose training and marketing centers would be developed in rural areas as per the needs of local youths.

Training would be provided by government institutes and departments, private sector and industries/industrial associations under the project which is launched with external assistance from Asian Development Bank.

These centers would be monitored by District Skill Development Centre and to facilitate ITI students, equivalency would be granted in respect of trade and apprenticeship certificates being awarded by National Council of Vocational Training for the purpose of seeking admission in colleges.

5. Arun Jaitley Laid the Foundation Stone For New Campus Of IIM-Amritsar.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley laid the foundation stone for a new campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Amritsar.

This would be the institute‟s own campus, the 15th Indian Institute of Management in the country, which has been so far operating from a temporary facility.

Education and Agriculture have to go hand in hand for the country‟s development as has been the case in countries like Japan and South Korea.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

June 21

1. PM Modi released postal stamps on Surya Namaskara.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on 'Surya Namaskar' in New Delhi. Yoga asana 'Surya Namaskar' has been excluded from this year's International Yoga Day celebrations the government has released a postage stamp.

2. Government released the draft National Forest Policy.

The government has made public its draft National Forest Policy, to replace the one crafted in 1988. Incorporating consequences of climate change but entirely ignoring one of the three forest related laws, the Forest Rights Act.

The policy brings new focus to plantations, growing trees outside forest lands and wood industry. The policy continues with the national goal of a minimum of one-third of the geographical area under forest or tree cover. But it does away with the goal for hill and mountainous regions to maintain two-thirds of the geographical area under forest cover.

3. Union Government bans use of Potassium Bromate as food additive.

The government banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive following a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study that found its presence in bread caused cancer.

A CSE study had found that 84 per cent of 38 commonly available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate and potassium iodate.

4. Delhi started a portal to facilitate student loans.

Delhi government launches online application portal for Higher Education and Skill Development Guarantee scheme. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated the online application portal to facilitate loans to students who wish to pursue higher studies in Delhi after graduating from Class XII.

Conceived and developed by the Directorate of Higher Education, the scheme will serve as an encouragement to students who are otherwise unable to pursue education due to lack of financial means.

5. Madhya Pradesh inked an MoU with Chinese firm on $1 billion investment.

Madhya Pradesh signed a MoU worth 1 billion dollars with Sany group of China.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Chinese company evinced interest in investment in 500 MW wind energy sector and building industrial infrastructure.

6. Delhi launched project to ease school admissions.

With an aim to facilitate a hassle free procurement of certain certificates needed for school admissions, Delhi government launched a pilot project to eliminate the need of visiting the district magistrate‟s office.

The scheme will help students and their parents from unnecessary hassles in securing certificate. It was decided to train one teacher/IT person from each school in various aspects of e-district project which are already functioning successfully in Delhi.

June 22

1. Withdrawal of the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has decided to withdraw the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2013, which had been introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill had been examined by the Standing Committee of Parliament which had made a number of recommendations for changing the provisions of the Bill.

2. Cabinet approvals

Special package for employment generation and promotion of exports in Textile and Apparel sector.

MoU between India and Germany on technology resourcing in manufacturing, including sub-sectors of Capital Goods.

Protocol amending the Agreement for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with Belgium.

Four laning of Hubli-Hospet Section of NH-63 in Karnataka. Tax and Production Incentives for Job Creation in Garment Manufacturing

Sector.

3. Amendment to the Rule 114H of Income-tax Rules, 1962.

The Rule 114H of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 (the Rules) has been amended vide Notification No.48/2016 [S.O.2151 (E)].

In order to provide sufficient time to the reporting Financial Institutions for completing the due diligence procedure in respect of other reportable account referred to in Rule 114H (3) (d) (ii).

4. Establishment of Fund of Funds for funding support to Start-ups.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of "Fund of Funds for Startups" (FFS) at Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for contribution to various Alternative Investment Funds (AIF), registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) which would extend funding support to Startups. This is in line with the Start up India Action Plan unveiled by Government in 2016.

The corpus of FFS is Rs. 10000 crore which shall be built up over the 14th and 15thFinance Commission cycles subject to progress of the scheme and availability of funds.

5. Union Minister of Human Resource Development announced a new UGC foreign academic collaboration regulations.

Indian Universities and Colleges, having the highest grade of accreditation/ threshold accreditation, will now be able to apply online to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for starting twinning and collaborative arrangement with quality Foreign Educational Institutions (FEIs) in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to the award of a degree.

The collaborating FEI can be indicated on the degree, the logo and primacy being of the Indian institution. Credits from collaborating FEI when jointly signed by the IEI shall form part of the transcript. FEI may also sign the transcript/ credit issued by the IEI.

6. Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu Flagged Off Various New Train Services.

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in a programme held at Rail Bhawan flagged off and dedicated following new trains services to the nation.

Inauguration of Tr. No. 13205/13206 Danapur - Saharsa 'Janhit Express' (Daily). Extension of Tr. No. 15283/15284 Jaynagar - Saharsa Janki Express Up to

Katihar (Daily). Extension of Tr. No. 18697/18698 Patna - Murliganj Koshi Express up to Purnea

Court (Daily). Extension of 53581/53582 Jasidih-Chandan Passenger train Upto Banka. (First

Passenger Train between newly constructed Chandan-Banka lines).

7. Aadhaar to be linked with caste, domicile certificates.

All state governments have been asked to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile certificates to be issued to school students, as part of a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Centre.

Certificates are issued within 60 days time to the students when they are studying in Class V or VIII.

8. Jaitley released silver coin to mark Martyrdom Day of Banda Singh Bahadur.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley released commemorative silver coin to mark the 300th Martyrdom Day of Banda Singh Bahadur.

Bahadur is considered to be first sovereign ruler of Punjab. Need to educate people about the rich history and tradition of Punjab including its leaders like Banda Singh Bahadur.

9. Maharashtra Government granted the minority status to Jews.

Jews in Maharashtra are now a minority community. The State Cabinet approved the decision to grant minority status to the Jews, a demand pending for many years. The decision is based on the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission Act, 2004.

The minority status will also help to identify the problems of the community, and the government can come up with schemes to resolve them.

10. Cabinet approved the biggest ever spectrum auction.

Paving the way for the largest-ever spectrum auction in the country, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the sale of all available spectrum a move that could potentially fetch the exchequer about Rs. 5.5 lakh crore going by the reserve price.

The auction in which about 2000 MHz of airwaves will be put up for sale is likely to be conducted. The government had earned revenues of Rs. 1.1 lakh crore from the auctions held last year.

11. Maharashtra to set up anti-terrorism school for cops.

To enable the police force and the administration to effectively combat the challenges posed by naxalites, the Maharashtra government decided to set up a special training institute at Nagpur. The state government will operate and oversee its functioning and an IPS officer will be specially deployed.

The Counter-Insurgency and Anti- Terrorism School will be set up at Suraburdi in Nagpur; will impart unconventional training to police force that has many challenges in the region.

June 23

1. 'Make in India' conference on Enabling Spacecraft Systems Realization through Industries.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The ''Make in India'' Conference on Enabling Spacecraft Systems Realization through Industries (ESSRI - 2016) was organized at ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore.

The Conference was organized to elicit industry support for spacecraft realization on an end-to-end basis to meet the rapidly increasing national demand for space based services and the realization of Prime Minister‟s objective of ''Make in India''.

The requirements of ISRO with respect to hardware, technologies, quality and delivery schedule and what was essential for them to be qualified vendors of ISRO.

2. Foundation Stone of Advanced Technology Research Centre Laid in Kolkata.

Heralding a new era of DRDO-Academia Partnership, Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jadavpur University (JU), Kolkata to establish the Jagadish Chandra Bose Centre for Advanced Technology (JCBCAT).

The Centre will strengthen DRDO‟s relationship with Jadavpur University and with other academic research institutions in the region. DRDO scientists and engineers will get the opportunity to work with the faculty and scholars of the university towards addressing scientific problems and finding innovative solutions.

3. Pilot Programme to run two wheelers on CNG launched by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan & Shri Prakash Javadekar.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (I/C) Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State (I/C) for Environment, Forests & Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar launched first of its kind Pilot Programme in the country to run two wheelers on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in New Delhi.

The scooters are being retrofitted with CNG kit manufactured by M/s Ituk Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. The type approval of the CNG kit has been taken from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) as well as Transport Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi.

The performance of 50 CNG retrofitted two wheelers would be closely monitored in terms of efficiency, emissions, etc. during the pilot phase by all the


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

stakeholders and the learning from this project would be used to develop the roadmap for introduction of CNG in two wheeler segment across the nation.

June 24

1. Union Textiles Minister inaugurated the Training Programme for Scheduled Castes Handloom Weavers in Odisha.

The Union Textiles Minister Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated 45-day long skill up gradation training programme for Scheduled Caste handloom weavers belonging to Sohlela Block in Bargarh district of Odisha.

The Minister also gave away the certificates to pass outs of the first Handloom Entrepreneur training course. The Minister also handed over the sanction letters to handloom weavers under Pradhan Mantri Weaver MUDRA Scheme.

The Central Government is implementing several new initiatives under the guidance of Hon‟ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which are aimed at raising earnings of handloom weavers to Rs. 500 per day.

2. MoU signed between RD Ministry & ISRO for geo-tagging assets.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Rural Development Ministry and ISRO, Department of Space for geo-tagging the assets created under MGNREGA in each gram panchayat.

Around 30 lakh assets are created annually across the country under the rural job scheme and the Ministry has decided that through convergence with other schemes, the geo-tagging of such assets will be done on a mission mode.

The space technology is increasingly being used up to the grassroots level for not only visualization of the assets but also for terrain mapping to undertake other developmental works like watershed and drought-proofing measures.

3. Maharashtra districts got their own disaster plans.

In anticipation of an „above normal‟ monsoon prediction by IMD this year, the Maharashtra government has ensured that all 36 districts in the state have their own disaster management plans.

The plan deals extensively with the emergency and evacuation measures to be taken up in cases of heavy downpour, flash floods, landslides, lightning strikes and other natural calamities.

The district-level disaster management plan has detailed information about geographical details, population, flood-prone areas, villages and other macro details.

4. Mobile van to teach disabled kids in Chandigarh.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Chandigarh administrator Kaptan Singh Solanki flagged off a mobile van to provide home-based education to disabled children.

Named Kalam Express, the van will work six days in a week and will have an educator and a physiotherapist will comprise an LCD screen, a visual projector, books and toys.

The children who cannot commute to schools to attain education will be covered under home-based education facility and they must be provided all necessary support services like therapies remediation and rehabilitation services. The van will cater to the children with special needs in peripheral, slum, rural and rehabilitation colonies.

5. Haryana to provide 100% rebate in property tax.

Haryana government has decided to provide hundred per cent rebate in property tax for residential, commercial, institutional and other properties.

The rebate would be given for a period of one year. A notification to this effect has been issued by the Urban Local Bodies Department.

The government has already waived electricity dues for the current and impending billing cycles of all those consumers whose houses or commercial properties were damaged or looted.

June 25

1. Arunachal to opt for e-governance, go paperless.

The e-Governance initiative by the Arunachal Pradesh government is all set to go paperless.

The e-Office suite would be made functional in the State Civil Secretariat after which there would be no manual movement of file.

A comprehensive training module would be put in place to train all users of this application. Digitization of legacy data would be undertaken to ensure continuity.

2. Union Government approved the setting up of District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees.

Union Ministry of Urban Development has approved the setting up of District Level Advisory and Monitoring Committees to promote people centric planning and execution of new urban development schemes.

These committees will comprise of elected representatives of the country, thus giving Members of Parliament (MP) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) a say in the implementation of the urban development schemes.

These Committees will oversee, review and monitor implementation of urban development, affordable housing and urban poverty alleviation programmes. Programmes to be monitored under this - Swachh Bharat Mission, Atal Mission


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) etc.

3. Odisha approved 500 new gram panchayats.

Odisha government approved a proposal of the Panchayati Raj department to add 500 new gram panchayats before the 2017 three-tier panchayat polls.

The decision has been taken based on the recommendation received from the district level.

June 26

1. Suresh Prabhu flagged off the maiden train between Sonepat-Jind.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off a maiden train on 81 km railway line between Sonipat and Jind and stressed on the need to create infrastructure to promote growth and to meet future challenges.

The MoU was signed recently between them for constitution of a joint venture entity for development of rail infrastructure in the state.

2. Nagaland launched a women helpline number '181'.

Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya launched women helpline - 181 at District Hospital Dimapur in Nagaland and also inaugurated Sakhi, a one stop Centre, intended to support women affected by violence both in private and public spaces under one roof.

Problems of distressed women would be addressed through this project and also appealed to all the stake holders for extending cooperation, so that violence against women would decline and people to extend co-operation for strengthening the security of women.

3. Greater Noida to develop Paris-like Eco Park.

The Greater Noida authority has decided to develop an Eco park across 2,500 acres on the lines of forest reserves at Paris in France. The park is proposed to be developed inside three forest reserves on 803 acres in Surajpur, 743 acres in Gulistanpur and 1,112 acres in Murshadpur.

Development of the Eco Park as the biggest oxygen bank in Gautama Buddha Nagar is a high-priority project as Akhilesh Yadav, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, had announced the project to combat rising pollution.

4. Union Defence Ministry gave its nod for purchase of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers guns from the US.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Defence Ministry paved the way for purchase of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers, worth about $750 million, from the US and also approved bulk production of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the first acquisition of such weapon systems by the Army in three decades since the Bofors scandal.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar , took up 18 proposals including new schemes worth Rs. 28,000 crore for discussion.

Another key project that got an Acceptance of Necessity (AON), which will now allow the Navy to issue tenders, was the proposal to build six next generation missile vessels under 'Buy Indian' category for Rs. 13,600 crore.

June 27

1. Training programme on ''Ornamental Fish Culture and Management for Livelihood Improvement of Rural Women'' inaugurated.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers‟ Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh has inaugurated the 5 days training programme on ''Ornamental Fish Culture and Management for Livelihood Improvement of Rural Women'' at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna.

The training centre on ornamental fish culture and production has been established recently at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna for imparting training to rural women for their empowerment through ornamental fish farming.

2. Shri J.P. Nadda launched a new Nurse Practitioner courses and ‘Live Register’ for Nurses.

Underscoring the importance of up gradation of skills of nurses across the country, Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare stated that the Government is committed to providing accessible, affordable and quality training to them.

The Nursing Staff occupies important position in healthcare delivery and without them the desired results cannot be achieved. The role of the nursing staff can be compared equally to that of the doctors when we think of achieving the SDGs.

Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated of Indian Nursing Council Office Complex. He also launched two new Nurse Practitioner Courses, one in Critical Care and the other in Primary Health Care and a web-based „Live Register‟ for Nurses.

3. Union Home Minister chaired the 22nd meeting of Eastern Zonal Council at Ranchi.

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the 22nd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council held at Ranchi, Jharkhand.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The Eastern Zonal Council, consisting of the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, discussed the issues like modernization of State Police Forces, measures to curb communal tension and Left Wing Extremism (LWE), curbing of drug trafficking, measures for bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India, issues relating to fisheries, productivity of livestock and poultry to usher Blue Revolution.

The issues of sharing of water of major rivers, development of Railways, construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and Multi –Sectoral Development Programme in the Eastern Zone were also discussed in detail. The Zonal Council also reviewed the progress of the implementation of the recommendations made at the previous meeting of the Council held at Patna.

4. MNRE set the Target of Setting up One Lakh Family type Biogas Plants for FY 2016-17.

With an objective to provide clean gaseous fuel for cooking and organic bio-manure as a by-product, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated to the States/ UTs an annual target of setting up one lakh family size biogas plants (1 m3 to 6 m3 capacity) for the current year, 2016-17.

This will result in a likely saving of about 2,190,000 LPG cooking cylinders annually, besides providing biogas plant processed bio-manure to reduce and supplement use of chemical fertilizers.

The MNRE is implementing a National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) for setting up family type biogas plants in the country. The objective of the scheme is to provide clean gaseous fuel for cooking and organic bio-manure as a by-product in the form of biogas plant left over slurry, which contains higher values of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P&K).

5. Launching of Skill Development Training Programmes under Kamarajar Port Limited’s CSR initiatives – 2016.

Shri Pon Radhakrishnan, Hon‟ble Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping, Government of India, inaugurated the Skill Development Training programmes under Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives – 2016 of KPL at Chennai in the presence of Shri M.A. Bhaskarachar, Chairman cum Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited.

The Hon‟ble Minister launched the training programmes for 865 applicants including the training on ''Tailoring''. As a token of launching the training programme on Tailoring, tool kits for tailoring were distributed to the trainees.

6. BHEL commissioned two hydel units in Afghanistan.

State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commissioned two units of 14 Megawatts each at Salma Hydro Electric Project in Afghanistan.

In the execution of the Salma hydro project, BHEL faced numerous challenges in the movement of men and material through difficult terrains.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

In recognition of BHEL's contribution towards setting up of the project, BHEL CMD Atul Sobti was honored with an appreciation shield by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharati.

7. Indo-Nepal boundary pillars to be GPS-enabled.

Over 8,000 boundary pillars along the Indo-Nepal border will be equipped with positioning system using Global Navigation Satellite System, allowing authorities for the first time to effectively manage the more than 1,700-km-long porous boundary.

The Nepal-India Boundary Global Navigation Satellite System (NIB GNSS) would be used for Nepal-India boundary pillars.

The decision in this regard was made at the third meeting of Nepal-India Boundary Working Group (BWG) which concluded.

June 28

1. Shri Radha Mohan Singh launched a web based App CMRS for better crop and Nutrient management released for Bihar farmers.

The Union Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh launched Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (CMRS) – a web based App for better crop and Nutrient management released for Bihar farmers in a program organized at ICAR-RCER in Patna.

Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (CMRS) is a web-based App which can be used with computer, mobile and tablet and aims to increase farmer's net income and sustain the productivity for rice-based cropping systems in Bihar, India.

CMRS provides irrigated and rained farmers with rice-based cropping systems in Bihar with a crop and nutrient management guideline customized to the needs of an individual farmer.

2. Environment Minister launched a web portal for mining of sand and minor minerals.

A new web portal has been launched for online submission and monitoring of environmental approvals for mining of sand and minor minerals.

The web portal will lead to the empowerment of the project proponent, as it not only enhances transparency of the entire application process, but also enables the proponents to track their applications online.

The web portal is a district-level, web-based and role-based workflow application for online submission and monitoring of proposals for Category B‟2‟projects.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The web-based application automates the entire tracking of proposals, which includes online submissions of a new proposal, editing/ updating the details of proposals at each stage of the workflow.

3. MoU Signed for Coal Quality Analysis.

CSIR - Centre Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR - CIMFR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Coal Supplying companies and Power Utilities for quality analysis of coal being supplied to power utilities by coal companies.

MoU embarks a historic moment for the energy production chapter of the country and crucial task to deliver best possible results in a transparent environment for quality maintenance in coal sector of the country.

4. RFID Based Access Control System Inaugurated at Cochin Port.

Dr. K.N. Raghavan, Commissioner of Customs, Cochin inaugurated a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification System) newly installed at Ernakulam Wharf of Cochin Port.

The RFID is an access control system on digital platform for regulating movement of vehicles, cargo and people into the sensitive wharf area. The system dispenses away with manual checking and reduces the waiting time at the wharf gates.

The introduction of RFID is one of the key steps in the modernization plan of India‟s seaports, formulated by the Government of India, for Port Sector security and efficiency enhancement.

5. Rajnath Singh inaugurated the h.q. of Jharkhand's special anti-Maoist force.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly constructed anti-Maoists forces headquarters in Jharkhand's capital city Ranchi. The headquarters will pave way for further strengthening of the force.

Singh also inaugurated the administration block and other buildings at Jharkhand Jaguar campus. Jharkhand Jaguar is an anti-Maoist squad formed eight years ago and has led many successful operations against Maoists so far.

6. I-T department to establish over 60 taxpayer centers across country.

The income tax department will establish over 60 facilitation centers - Aaykar Seva Kendras (ASKs) - this fiscal from Goalpara in Assam to Neemuch in MP as part of efforts to widen the taxpayer base and reach a maximum number of people who need help in doing business with the taxman.

The ASKs help a person in conducting their personal and business operation with the department ranging from obtaining a new Permanent Account Number (PAN) to filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) apart from other income tax related subjects.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

The effort is to reach more and more people so that they can get their PAN made, understand taxation issues and also those under the tax bracket do not have to travel far to get their issues resolved.

June 29

1. Union Cabinet approvals.

Cabinet clears pay hike for one crore govt employees, pensioners 2.5 times hike in basic pay and pensions under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations that will cost the exchequer annually Rs. 1.02 lakh crore, which the government will have a multiplier effect on economy.

Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between Union Public Service Commission and Royal Civil Service Commission, Bhutan. The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between RCSC and UPSC. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Tanzania for bilateral cooperation in water resources management and development.

Cabinet approves Revised Cost Estimates for establishment of Eight New IITs at Bhubaneswar, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Indore, Jodhpur, Mandi, Patna and Ropar. The revised Cost Estimate is Rs. 13,990 crore for establishment of eight new IITs over a period of 11 years from 2008-09 to 2018-19.

2. Majuli becomes India’s first island district.

A river island in Assam has been rewarded for electing the head of the state‟s first BJP-led government.

Sonowal had won the assembly election this year from Majuli Island in the river Brahmaputra, a constituency reserved for scheduled tribes.

The erosion-troubled Majuli, now a sub-division of Jorhat district, will become the 34th district of Assam.

3. FSSAI signed a pact with ASCI to check misleading advertisements.

Regulator FSSAI joined hands with Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) in its bid to check misleading advertisements in the food and beverages sector.

FSSAI will also redirect complaints against misleading food and beverages advertisements to ASCI.

The agreement also requires ASCI to report to FSSAI non- compliance of ASCIs decisions for further action as required per provisions of the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act.

4. Maharashtra government announced several housing concessions for EWS.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

Maharashtra government decided to offer various concessions to the economically weaker sections (EWS) for projects under its ambitious "housing for all" scheme.

Land for such affordable housing projects will be allotted to the government housing agencies at nominal rates as per this cabinet decision.

50 per cent concession will be given in the surveyor and development cost while stamp duty is being fixed at Rs 1,000 for houses meant for the EWS.

June 30

1. Indian Railways PSU Rites Ltd., exports modern passenger coaches to Bangladesh.

RITES Ltd., a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has supplied 60 Broad Gauge passenger coaches (LHB type) to Bangladesh Railway (BR) against a contract agreement of 120 coaches. Two train sets, comprising of 12 coaches each- 2 AC chair car, 2 first AC sleeper car, 6 non-AC chair car and 2 power car, will presently be deployed to operate 3 pairs of inter-city trains between Dhaka and Rajshahi. These modern stainless steel coaches manufactured by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, are equipped with Fiat bogies capable of running at maximum speed of 160 kmph.

2. Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated/ launched various facilities/ services through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan.

Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated/ launched following facilities/ services through video conferencing from Rail Bhawan.

Dedication of Improved passenger amenities at Gurgaon station. Laying of Foundation-stone for auto car loading facility at Farukhnagar. Railway has renovated Gurgaon Railway Station into a modern station.

3. J&K government launched the e-file tracking system.

In a major e-Governance initiative, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti launched the new workflow based e-file tracking system in the Civil Secretariat - the seat of the government.

The new IT-enabled file-tracking system implemented by Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JKeGA) is aimed at automating file, correspondence and document tracking within government offices.

It is a major good governance initiative and would go a long way in addressing the concerns regarding inordinate delay in disposal of matters of public importance.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

4. EESL Signed an MoU with TERI.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) entered into a strategic partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for two years. The MoU was signed between the two parties in the presence of Union Minister of State (IC) Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Piyush Goyal.

Agreement as Strategic Partners, to work jointly for the achievement of common goals and objectives related to energy efficiency in India and abroad.


SmartPrep.in

SmartPrep.in

smartprepsmartprep.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/current-events-of-national... · station of north...

Documents