GYANM GENERAL AWARENESS (English Version) August 2017..!!

Last six months current affairs very useful for all competitive examinations..!!

2. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
GENERAL AWARENESS

AUGUST 2017
Vol. 6, Issue 02


A PUBLICATION OF GYANM EDUCATION &
TRAINING INSTITUTE PVT. LTD.
SCO 13-14-15, 2
ND
FLOOR, SEC 34-A, CHANDIGARH

Contents

CURRENT AFFAIRS
APRIL TO JUNE 2017
03-48
BULLET NEWS
JANUARY TO MARCH 2017
49-61
LATEST 100 GK MCQs 62-68
SSC CGL - TIER - I PAPER 69-80
CURRENT GK BYTES 81-102

FIGURES TO REMEMBER

REPO RATE (04.10.2016) 6.25%
REVERSE REPO RATE 6.00%
MARGINAL STANDING
FACILITY RATE
6.50%
STATUTORY LIQUIDITY RATIO 20.00%
CASH RESERVE RATIO 4.00%
BANK RATE 6.50%
BASE RATE(s)
(of various banks)
9.10 to
9.60%

INDIA’s RANK IN

Rank in Receiving Remittances 1st
Global Retail Development Index 1st
World Competitiveness List 45
th
Global Innovation Index 60
th
Global Peace Index 137
th
Rank in Neo-Natal Mortality 154
th
Rank in Internal Displacements 03
rd
Rank in Two Wheelers Sales 01
st
Rank in Stainless Steel Production 02
nd
Tourism as %age of GDP 7
th
FDI Confidence Index 8
th
World Happiness Report 122
nd
Human Development Index 131
st
The Global Energy Architecture
Performance Index
87
th
Index of Economic Freedom 143
rd
Intellectual Property Index 43
rd
Global Index of Talent Competitiveness 92
nd
Global Wind Power Index 4
th
ICT Development Index 138
th
Gender Gap Index 87
th


PM MODI MEETS TRUMP
Prime Minister Modi visited three countries on
his foreign trip, starting with
and Portugal agreed to set up a joint fund of
four million Euros to support bilateral
collaboration in cutting edge technology.
Next he called upon US President, Mr. Trump
in Washington DC, USA. During the visit,
cleared the sale of
drones to boost the Indian Navy’s intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Finally, he visited The Netherlands to end his
tour.

PM ATTENDS SCO IN ASTANA
Prime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take p
summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s
largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the
two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years.

INDIA TO

India has claimed the top spot among the remittance
surpassing China, receiving $62.7 billion in 2016.
study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that
about
remittances in 2016 to their families.

SAINT PETERSBURG DECLARATION
India
enhance cooperation. It was signed a
between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian
port town of
AUGUST 2017
NATIONAL NEWS
PM MODI MEETS TRUMP
Prime Minister Modi visited three countries on
his foreign trip, starting with Portugal. India
and Portugal agreed to set up a joint fund of
four million Euros to support bilateral
collaboration in cutting edge technology.
Next he called upon US President, Mr. Trump
in Washington DC, USA. During the visit, the US
cleared the sale of 22 predator Guardian
drones to boost the Indian Navy’s intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Finally, he visited The Netherlands to end his
tour.
PM ATTENDS SCO IN ASTANA
Prime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take p
summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s
largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the
two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years.
INDIA TOPS IN RECEIVING MONEY
India has claimed the top spot among the remittance
surpassing China, receiving $62.7 billion in 2016. The 'One Family at a Time'
study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that
about 200 million migrants across the world sent more than $445 billion as
remittances in 2016 to their families.
SAINT PETERSBURG DECLARATION SIGNED
India and Russia have signed Saint Petersburg Declaration
enhance cooperation. It was signed after the 18th annual bilateral summit
between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian
port town of Saint Petersburg.
3

NATIONAL NEWS
JUNE
Prime Minister visited Astana, capital of Kazakhstan to take part in the annual
summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kazakhstan is India’s
largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the
two countries rose from $120 million to around $900 million in recent years.

India has claimed the top spot among the remittance-receiving nations,
The 'One Family at a Time'
study by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development says that
200 million migrants across the world sent more than $445 billion as
Saint Petersburg Declaration as a roadmap to
fter the 18th annual bilateral summit
between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian

3. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
INDIA RATIFIES TIR CONVENTION

India has become the 71
st
country to ratify the United
Nations TIR Convention. TIR stands for "Transports
Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road
Transports". Managed and developed by IRU
(International Road transport Union), the
transport organisation, TIR is the global standard for
goods customs transit. TIR will help India to integrate
with Myanmar and Thailand as well as Bangladesh,
Bhutan and Nepal for enhancing trade through road.

INDIA TOPS IN ‘EASE OF DOING BUSINESS’
According to the 2017 Global Retail Development Index
(GRDI), India has surpassed China to secure the top
position among 30 developing countries on ease of
doing business; citing India’s rapidly expanding
economy, relaxation of FDI rules and a consum
boom as the key drivers.

EU TO SUPPORT INDIAN SMART CITIES

France and the European Union have extended a grant
of 3.5 million Euros to India under the ‘Moblise Your
City’ (MYC) initiative for reducing carbon emissions and
promote sustainability of smart city programme. Three
Indian cities- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmadabad
the grant as part of the EU’s commitment under the
Paris Climate agreement.
AUGUST 2017

country to ratify the United
TIR stands for "Transports
Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road
Transports". Managed and developed by IRU
(International Road transport Union), the world road
transport organisation, TIR is the global standard for
goods customs transit. TIR will help India to integrate
with Myanmar and Thailand as well as Bangladesh,
Bhutan and Nepal for enhancing trade through road.
NESS’
According to the 2017 Global Retail Development Index
(GRDI), India has surpassed China to secure the top
position among 30 developing countries on ease of
doing business; citing India’s rapidly expanding
economy, relaxation of FDI rules and a consumption
EU TO SUPPORT INDIAN SMART CITIES

France and the European Union have extended a grant
‘Moblise Your
initiative for reducing carbon emissions and
of smart city programme. Three
Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmadabad -- will get
the grant as part of the EU’s commitment under the
IIT DELHI IS BEST IN INDIA
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Indian University, scoring 172
edition of the ‘Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World
University Rankings’. IIT Bombay is nearby at 179
while otherwise leading university
Science (IISc), Bengaluru, slipped to 190
these three universities could enter the top 200 list.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the list,
followed by Stanford University and Harvard University
at 2
nd
and 3
rd
rank, respectively. All three are from USA.

INDIA RE-ELECTED TO ECOSOC
India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for another
three-year term. India was among 18 nations to win
membership to the 54 members’ body.
platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking
on sustainable development.

INDIA RANKS 60
TH IN INNOVATION

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in
its 10th edition of the ‘Global Innovation Index (GII)’ has
ranked India 60
th
on its list of 130 most innovative
countries in the world. Switzerland is at the top for the
seventh year running. India performed well on a
number of parameters, claiming top spot in ICT services
exports.

INDIA RANKS 45
TH IN COMPETITIVENESS
In the world competitiveness list compiled by the World
Competitiveness Centre of the International Institute for
Management Development, Switzerland, India has been
ranked 45
th
, while Hong Kong topped the list, followed
by Switzerland and Singapore at second and thir
respectively.
The Center also published a separate report ranking
countries’ digital competitiveness
was at top, followed by Sweden and USA.

‘DANGAL’ CREATES HISTORY
According to Forbes Magazine's latest report, the movie
Dangal has become the first ever Indian film in history
to earn Rs 2000 crore (307 million USD) worldwide
after it earned Rs 2.5 crore on its 53rd day at the China
box office.
4

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Delhi is top
ersity, scoring 172
nd
rank in the latest
edition of the ‘Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World
University Rankings’. IIT Bombay is nearby at 179
th
rank
while otherwise leading university - Indian Institute of
Science (IISc), Bengaluru, slipped to 190
th
position. Only
these three universities could enter the top 200 list. The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the list,
followed by Stanford University and Harvard University
rank, respectively. All three are from USA.
LECTED TO ECOSOC
elected to the UN's principal organ
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for another
year term. India was among 18 nations to win
membership to the 54 members’ body. It is the central
e, and innovative thinking
IN INNOVATION

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in
its 10th edition of the ‘Global Innovation Index (GII)’ has
on its list of 130 most innovative
Switzerland is at the top for the
India performed well on a
number of parameters, claiming top spot in ICT services
IN COMPETITIVENESS
competitiveness list compiled by the World
Competitiveness Centre of the International Institute for
Management Development, Switzerland, India has been
, while Hong Kong topped the list, followed
Switzerland and Singapore at second and third rank,
Center also published a separate report ranking
countries’ digital competitiveness wherein Singapore
ollowed by Sweden and USA.
‘DANGAL’ CREATES HISTORY
According to Forbes Magazine's latest report, the movie
l has become the first ever Indian film in history
to earn Rs 2000 crore (307 million USD) worldwide
after it earned Rs 2.5 crore on its 53rd day at the China

4. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
INDIA IS NOT ‘PEACEFUL’

As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The
Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has
ranked 137th out of 163 countries. Iceland
named the world's most peaceful country f
consecutive year followed by New Zealand and
at second and third position while Syria has been named
the least peaceful country.

PACT WITH SOMALIA ON PRISONERS
Union Cabinet has approved an agreement on transfer
of sentenced persons between India and Somalia. This
will facilitate transfer Indians imprisoned in Somalia to
be near to their families in India while serving
remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their
social rehabilitation.

 The national function for the International Yoga Day
was held on June 21 at Ramabai Ambedkar Ground in
Lucknow where PM Modi performed yoga with over
60 thousand participants.
 The National Archives of India signed a Protocol of
Cooperation with the Portuguese Republic
of archives in Lisbon, Portugal.
 India has agreed to provide $ 318 million fresh credit
to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway
sector in the country.
 Australia allows Indians to apply for a visitor visa
online starting from first July to make visitor visas
easier and enhance the experience for Indians.
AUGUST 2017

As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The
Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has
163 countries. Iceland has been
world's most peaceful country for the tenth
consecutive year followed by New Zealand and Portugal
at second and third position while Syria has been named
PACT WITH SOMALIA ON PRISONERS
Union Cabinet has approved an agreement on transfer
of sentenced persons between India and Somalia. This
Indians imprisoned in Somalia to
be near to their families in India while serving
remaining part of their sentence and shall facilitate their
The national function for the International Yoga Day
kar Ground in
Lucknow where PM Modi performed yoga with over
signed a Protocol of
he Portuguese Republic in the field
318 million fresh credit
to Sri Lanka for the development of the railway
to apply for a visitor visa
online starting from first July to make visitor visas
easier and enhance the experience for Indians.


INDIA WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF TURKEY
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
on a two day official visit. His visit was focused on trade
and about 150 businessmen accompanied him.
countries resolved to fight against terrorism.
Jamia Millia Islamia University presented him an
honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT IN INDIA
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New
Delhi on a four day State visit. The two countries signed
MoUs on cooperation in various sectors. India and
Palestine enjoy historically close and friendly ties.
offers tourist visa on arrival facility to Palestinians.

MAURITIUS PM VISITS INDIA
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius
visited India. He held discussions on bilateral issues
with top statesmen of the country.
$500 million line of credit for Mauritius. R
cent of all FDI inflows into India are from Mauritius

ICJ RULES IN FAVOUR OF INDIA
India secured a major victory when the International
Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherland, asked
Pakistan not to execute former Indian Navy official
Kulbhushan Jadhav, before the final decision of the
court. The Indian legal team was led by eminent lawyer
Harish Salve. Pakistan had arrested Mr Jadhav in
Baluchistan accusing him of spying and awarded death
sentence to him.

LONGEST ROAD BRIDGE IN INDIA
A 9.15 km long road bridge over Brahmaputra river in
Assam was opened to traffic on May 26. Supposed to be
the longest bridge in India, it connects Dhola on South
Bank with Sadia on North Bank. reducing the road
distance by over four hours. The bridge has been named
after the legendary Assamese singer and musician late
Dr Bhupen Hazarika.
5
MAY
INDIA WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF TURKEY
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to India
His visit was focused on trade
and about 150 businessmen accompanied him. The two
fight against terrorism. Delhi's
Jamia Millia Islamia University presented him an
honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.
PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT IN INDIA
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New
Delhi on a four day State visit. The two countries signed
various sectors. India and
Palestine enjoy historically close and friendly ties. India
facility to Palestinians.
MAURITIUS PM VISITS INDIA
Prime Minister of Mauritius
discussions on bilateral issues
with top statesmen of the country. India announced a
$500 million line of credit for Mauritius. Roughly 30 per
cent of all FDI inflows into India are from Mauritius.
ICJ RULES IN FAVOUR OF INDIA

victory when the International
Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherland, asked
Pakistan not to execute former Indian Navy official
Kulbhushan Jadhav, before the final decision of the
court. The Indian legal team was led by eminent lawyer
kistan had arrested Mr Jadhav in
Baluchistan accusing him of spying and awarded death
LONGEST ROAD BRIDGE IN INDIA
A 9.15 km long road bridge over Brahmaputra river in
was opened to traffic on May 26. Supposed to be
bridge in India, it connects Dhola on South
Bank with Sadia on North Bank. reducing the road
The bridge has been named
legendary Assamese singer and musician late

5. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
INDORE IS THE CLEANEST CITY

In a government survey - Swachh Survekshan of
cities in the country, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been
ranked as the cleanest city in India while Gonda in Uttar
Pradesh has been ranked the dirtiest. Bhopal, another
city from MP has been ranked second foll
Visakhapatnam and Surat at third and fourth place.
The criteria for this year's ranking included 45% marks
for cities becoming open defecation free, solid waste
management (including sweeping, collection,
transportation and processing of garbage), education and
capacity building.

PM VISITS SRI LANKA
Prime Minister Modi made a two day visit to Sri Lanka.
He took part in the International Vesak Day celebrations
in Colombo. Vesak day is one of the holiest day for
Buddhists as its marks the birth, enlightenment and death
of Lord Buddha.

DHAKA, MUMBAI MOST CROWDED

In a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) citing
UN Habitat data, two Indian cities—Mumbai and Kota
have been named among the world’s most crowded.
With a population density of 44,500 people per square
kilometre, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the most
crowded city on the planet, followed by Mumbai
(31,700). Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per
square km was ranked seventh.
AUGUST 2017

Swachh Survekshan of 434
cities in the country, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been
ranked as the cleanest city in India while Gonda in Uttar
Pradesh has been ranked the dirtiest. Bhopal, another
city from MP has been ranked second followed by
Visakhapatnam and Surat at third and fourth place.
The criteria for this year's ranking included 45% marks
for cities becoming open defecation free, solid waste
management (including sweeping, collection,
education and
Prime Minister Modi made a two day visit to Sri Lanka.
He took part in the International Vesak Day celebrations
Vesak day is one of the holiest day for
lightenment and death

In a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) citing
Mumbai and Kota
have been named among the world’s most crowded.
44,500 people per square
kilometre, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is the most
crowded city on the planet, followed by Mumbai
Kota in Rajasthan with 12,100 people per
VIZAG IS THE CLEANEST RLY STATION
Among the 407 stations surveyed across the country for
cleanliness, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra ranked
first among the A1 category stations, while Beas (near
Amritsar) in Punjab topped the A category stations. The
survey was conducted by the environment and
housekeeping management directorate of the Railway
Board under the Swatch Rail Swatch Bharat mission.

FIRST SMART GRID POWER PROJECT
The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and
Technology (IIEST) in Shibpur, West Bengal has
successfully created the country's first smart grid power
project to generate power from various renewable
sources of energy. The smart grid will be synchronised
to generate power from solar, wind and vegetable
waste, depending on the weather conditions and
availability of waste products.

INDIA LAGS IN NEO NATAL MORTALITY

According to a study published on the ‘Global Burden of
Disease’ in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet,
newborns in India have a lesser chance of survival than
babies born in Afghanistan and Somalia.
154
th
out of 195 countries.
In the case of neonatal mortality, on a scale of 1 to 100,
India scored 14 while Afghanistan scored 19

STAMP RELEASED ON SRI RAMANUJACHARYA
Various functions are being organized in Srirangam and
Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu to culminate the
1000
th
birth anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri
Ramanuja, the Acharya who gave the Nava
the world. PM released a commemorative stamp of Sri
Ramanuja Acharya on the occasion.

INDIA 3
RD HIGHEST IN DISPLACEMENTS
A report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Centre and the Norwegian Refugee Council
India third among nations most affected by local
displacement of people, after China and the Philippines.
Of the 2.4 million displacements in
million were associated with monsoon season floods in
Bihar between mid-July and October, 2016.
6
VIZAG IS THE CLEANEST RLY STATION
07 stations surveyed across the country for
cleanliness, Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra ranked
first among the A1 category stations, while Beas (near
Amritsar) in Punjab topped the A category stations. The
survey was conducted by the environment and
ekeeping management directorate of the Railway
Board under the Swatch Rail Swatch Bharat mission.
FIRST SMART GRID POWER PROJECT
The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and
Technology (IIEST) in Shibpur, West Bengal has
country's first smart grid power
project to generate power from various renewable
The smart grid will be synchronised
to generate power from solar, wind and vegetable
waste, depending on the weather conditions and
INDIA LAGS IN NEO NATAL MORTALITY

According to a study published on the ‘Global Burden of
Disease’ in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet,
newborns in India have a lesser chance of survival than
babies born in Afghanistan and Somalia. India ranks
In the case of neonatal mortality, on a scale of 1 to 100,
India scored 14 while Afghanistan scored 19, Somalia, 21.
STAMP RELEASED ON SRI RAMANUJACHARYA
Various functions are being organized in Srirangam and
Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu to culminate the
birth anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri
Ramanuja, the Acharya who gave the Nava granthas to
released a commemorative stamp of Sri
on the occasion.
DISPLACEMENTS
A report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Centre and the Norwegian Refugee Council has ranked
India third among nations most affected by local
displacement of people, after China and the Philippines.
Of the 2.4 million displacements in India, more than 1.6
million were associated with monsoon season floods in
July and October, 2016.

6. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29 went for a
four nation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and
France, beginning with Berlin in Germany
 The Taj Mahal, ranked 5
th
, is the only Indian
monument in the world's top 10 Travellers' Choice
awards for Landmarks. Angkor Wat in Cambodia
was at top.

 The Union Cabinet approved the Joint Declaration of
Intent (JDI) with Germany for cooperation in
of alternative medicine.
 United Nations World Tourism Organisation has
revised India’s ranking for 2014 & 2015 to 24
improving 16 places from earlier 40
th
place.
 A three day annual meeting of the African
Development Bank was held in Ahmadabad.
quarters are in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
 The two-day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held in Abu
Dhabi, UAE to provide a common platform for the
Start up eco system in both India and UAE.
 In the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness
Index by consultancy giant EY (Earnest and Young),
India has been placed at 2
nd
spot, first being China.
 India has been elected as the President of UN
an organ of the UNO, to promote sustainable human
settlements across the globe.
 India organised a cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to
mark the 156
th
birth anniversary of the famous
Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore.
 India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crore
the new 'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme for children
of freedom fighters in Bangladesh.


SHEIKH HASINA VISITS INDIA
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to India
on a four day visit. The two countries signed a number
of bilateral agreements including issues like cooperation
in civil nuclear usage and defence. India extended a
of Credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for defence
purchases.
AUGUST 2017
on May 29 went for a
four nation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and
France, beginning with Berlin in Germany
, is the only Indian
monument in the world's top 10 Travellers' Choice
Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The Union Cabinet approved the Joint Declaration of
Intent (JDI) with Germany for cooperation in the field
United Nations World Tourism Organisation has
revised India’s ranking for 2014 & 2015 to 24
th
place,
place.
A three day annual meeting of the African
adabad. Its head
day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held in Abu
Dhabi, UAE to provide a common platform for the
Start up eco system in both India and UAE.
In the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness
consultancy giant EY (Earnest and Young),
spot, first being China.
India has been elected as the President of UN-Habitat,
an organ of the UNO, to promote sustainable human
cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to
birth anniversary of the famous
India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crore for funding
'Muktijodha scholarship' scheme for children
ARPIL
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to India
on a four day visit. The two countries signed a number
of bilateral agreements including issues like cooperation
in civil nuclear usage and defence. India extended a Line
angladesh for defence
AUSTRALIAN PM VISITS INDIA
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrived in
New Delhi on a four-day visit to India. A number of
MoUs and agreements were signed in the areas of
security, environment, sports, science a
and health.

INDIA GREETS PRESIDENT OF NEPAL
Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New
Delhi on a five day visit to India. This is her first foreign
trip after assuming the office in October 2015, following
the promulgation of the new Constitution in Nepal.

P M OF MALAYSIA VISITS INDIA
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in India
on an official visit. Both nations
defeat Islamic State militants and the growing threat of
radicalisation and extremism. The two countries signed
investment deals worth $36 billion or about Rs 2.45
lakh crore. This year marks the 60th anniversary of
formal diplomatic relations.

VICE PRESIDENT VISITS ARMENIA AND POLAND
Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari went on a
day two nation tour to Armenia and Poland
celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relationship with
Armenia this year. His visit to Poland aims at further
deepening the economic co-operation between two
countries.

INDIA BECOMES EXPORTER OF ELECT

India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of
electricity during the April-February period. In FY17 up
to February, India had exported around 5,798 million
units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213
million units more than the import of around 5,585
million units from Bhutan.

INDIA RANKS 7
TH IN TOURISM TURNOVER
A report of the World Travel and Tourism Council says
that India’s travel and tourism sector
world in terms of its total contribution to the country's
GDP. The USA topped the list followed by China and
Germany at the second and third positions, respectively.
7
AUSTRALIAN PM VISITS INDIA
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrived in
day visit to India. A number of
MoUs and agreements were signed in the areas of
security, environment, sports, science and technology
INDIA GREETS PRESIDENT OF NEPAL
Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New
Delhi on a five day visit to India. This is her first foreign
trip after assuming the office in October 2015, following
the new Constitution in Nepal.
P M OF MALAYSIA VISITS INDIA
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in India
on an official visit. Both nations agreed to cooperate to
defeat Islamic State militants and the growing threat of
. The two countries signed
investment deals worth $36 billion or about Rs 2.45
lakh crore. This year marks the 60th anniversary of
VICE PRESIDENT VISITS ARMENIA AND POLAND
President Mohammad Hamid Ansari went on a five
day two nation tour to Armenia and Poland. India is
celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relationship with
Armenia this year. His visit to Poland aims at further
operation between two
INDIA BECOMES EXPORTER OF ELECTRICITY

India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of
February period. In FY17 up
to February, India had exported around 5,798 million
units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which is 213
the import of around 5,585
IN TOURISM TURNOVER
World Travel and Tourism Council says
travel and tourism sector ranks 7th in the
world in terms of its total contribution to the country's
topped the list followed by China and
Germany at the second and third positions, respectively.

7. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
INDIA’s LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL

The 9.2 km long Chenani - Nashri Tunnel, India's
road tunnel, built on the Jammu-Srinagar National
Highway was inaugurated by the prime minister on
April 2. The tunnel will reduce travel time between
Jammu and Srinagar by up to two hours by cutting the
distance by 31 kilometers. It will also hel
the highway open during winters when it is closed due
to heavy snowfall.

NIRF RANKINGS RELEASED

Ministry of HRD released the National Institutional
Ranking Framework- NIRF in New Delhi for ranking top
educational institutes of India. Bengaluru’s Indian
Institute of Science was declared as the best university,
while Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras
Hindu University stood 2
nd
and 3
rd
respectively.
Winners in other categories include Indian Institute of
Technology, Madras (engineering), IIM Ahmadabad
(management), Jamia Hamdard, Delhi
Delhi’s Miranda House (college).
In the overall rankings, Indian Institute of Science,
Bengaluru topped the rankings.

INDIA FARES POORLY IN ENERGY SECTOR

The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index
2017 released by the World Economic Forum ranked
127 countries on their ability to deliver secure,
affordable and sustainable energy. The index is topped
by Switzerland while India was placed at 87
AUGUST 2017

Nashri Tunnel, India's longest
Srinagar National
Highway was inaugurated by the prime minister on
April 2. The tunnel will reduce travel time between
to two hours by cutting the
distance by 31 kilometers. It will also help in keeping
the highway open during winters when it is closed due
Ministry of HRD released the National Institutional
NIRF in New Delhi for ranking top
Bengaluru’s Indian
Institute of Science was declared as the best university,
elhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras
respectively.
Indian Institute of
ras (engineering), IIM Ahmadabad
(pharmacy),
In the overall rankings, Indian Institute of Science,
INDIA FARES POORLY IN ENERGY SECTOR

The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index
2017 released by the World Economic Forum ranked
127 countries on their ability to deliver secure,
affordable and sustainable energy. The index is topped
by Switzerland while India was placed at 87
th
position.
AADHAAR CARD NOT MANDATORY
The Supreme Court has clarified that the government
cannot make Aadhaar number mandatory for availing
benefits of various welfare schemes like LPG subsidy,
foodgrains, mid day meals, etc. However, govt
stopped from using Aadhaar in other schemes like the
opening of bank accounts, issuance of PAN card, etc.

MODI, VIJAY FIGURE IN TIME LIST
Time Magazine released the annual list of 100 most
influential people of 2017 in five categories
artists, leaders, titans and icons. T
Indians are there in the list- Prime Minister Narendra
Modi (leaders) and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar
Sharma (titans).

 President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos
Anastasiades arrived in Mum
visit.
 Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
arrived in New Delhi on a five
economic cooperation with India.
 India and Russia are celebrating the 70
of establishment of diplomatic relations between
them.
 India ranks 40th in list of 136 countries in Travel and
Tourism Competitiveness Report by World
Forum. Spain is ranked at the top in the list.
 India has signed a joint decla
promote innovation and the R&D ecosystem
the two countries.
 International Conference and Exhibition on Steel
Industry 'India Steel 2017' was held in
 National Convention on World Homeopathy Day was
held in New Delhi on 10 April.
 A three-day National Children’s Film Festival was
held in Vishakhapatnam from April 7 to 10.
 19
th
Commonwealth Forestry Conference
Forest Research Institute
Uttarakhand.
 Annual meeting of the New Development Bank
(BRICS Bank) was held in New Delhi. This is the first
time the meet is happening in India.
 The World Conference on Environment
New Delhi on March 26.

8
AADHAAR CARD NOT MANDATORY - SC
The Supreme Court has clarified that the government
cannot make Aadhaar number mandatory for availing
benefits of various welfare schemes like LPG subsidy,
foodgrains, mid day meals, etc. However, govt. cannot be
stopped from using Aadhaar in other schemes like the
opening of bank accounts, issuance of PAN card, etc.
MODI, VIJAY FIGURE IN TIME LIST
Time Magazine released the annual list of 100 most
influential people of 2017 in five categories – pioneers,
artists, leaders, titans and icons. This year, only two
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi (leaders) and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos
Anastasiades arrived in Mumbai on a four-day India
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit to strengthen
economic cooperation with India.
India and Russia are celebrating the 70
th
anniversary
of establishment of diplomatic relations between

ranks 40th in list of 136 countries in Travel and
Tourism Competitiveness Report by World Economic
Spain is ranked at the top in the list.
has signed a joint declaration with Russia to
R&D ecosystem between
International Conference and Exhibition on Steel
was held in Mumbai
World Homeopathy Day was
10 April.
day National Children’s Film Festival was
held in Vishakhapatnam from April 7 to 10.
Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at
Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun,
Annual meeting of the New Development Bank
(BRICS Bank) was held in New Delhi. This is the first
time the meet is happening in India.
The World Conference on Environment was held in

8. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
NEWS FROM STATES
NATIONAL AWARD FOR ‘JAL SANCHAY’

A model of water conservation adopted successfully by
the authorities in Nalanda in Bihar has been selected for
the National Award for Excellence in the MNREGA by
the union ministry of rural development. The project
named Jal Sanchay made effective use of traditional local
methods of making check dams with modern techniques
to store water during rainy season.

SEPARATE TIME ZONE IN ARUNACHAL
Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has requested for a separate
time zone for the north-eastern states to improve work
efficiency and save electricity. It may be noted that i
North East India, the day starts getting brighter by 4 AM
and darker by 5 PM. Productive hours at offices, mainly
government offices, are usually for less than 7 hours.

ARUNACHAL REVIVES REFUGEE ISSUE

Arunachal Pradesh has sought help from the Union
Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma
and Hazong refugees in the state. The refugees,
originally from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, were
relocated by the Indian government in parts of
Arunachal Pradesh in 1960’s.
Supreme Court in 2015 had directed the centre to grant
citizenship rights to these refugees. However, local people
have been demanding for ouster of these refugees from
the state.
AUGUST 2017
NEWS FROM STATES


JUNE

NATIONAL AWARD FOR ‘JAL SANCHAY’

adopted successfully by
the authorities in Nalanda in Bihar has been selected for
the National Award for Excellence in the MNREGA by
the union ministry of rural development. The project
named Jal Sanchay made effective use of traditional local
aking check dams with modern techniques
SEPARATE TIME ZONE IN ARUNACHAL
Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has requested for a separate
eastern states to improve work
ay be noted that in
North East India, the day starts getting brighter by 4 AM
and darker by 5 PM. Productive hours at offices, mainly
government offices, are usually for less than 7 hours.
ARUNACHAL REVIVES REFUGEE ISSUE

help from the Union
Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma
The refugees,
originally from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, were
in parts of
Supreme Court in 2015 had directed the centre to grant
citizenship rights to these refugees. However, local people
have been demanding for ouster of these refugees from
NEW CRPF HELPLINE FOR KASHMIRIS
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has
helpline, ‘Madadgaar’ (helpful), with a toll
14411 to serve the Kashmiris located all over the
country. The helpline will render assistance in case of
women and public safety, medical emergencies,
disruption of civic amenities and n
calamities.

SPECIAL TRAIN FROM SABARMATI ASHRAM
Gujarat government has launched ‘Astha Tourist Train’,
a special Gandhi Darshan train from Sabarmati railway
station near Ahmadabad on the occasion of centenary
celebrations of the historic Sabarmati Ashram founded
by Mahatma Gandhi.
The train would be travelling for 10 days (to and fro trip)
to Bihar’s Bettiah and Motihari, formerly known as
Champaran, the place where Mahatma Gandhi staged his
first satyagraha in 1917 in order to r
the indigo farmers.


PENSION FOR SINGLE WOMEN
Telangana has become first state in India to launch a
pension scheme for the single
scheme, the state government would be giving a pension
of about Rs 1000 per month to single women on
humanitarian grounds.

VARANASI TO GET ‘FREIGHT VILLAGE’
Uttar Pradesh plans to develop a Rs 1,000
modal ‘freight village’ in Varanasi. The project will be
commissioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of
India. The village, first of its kind in India, will anchor
movement of goods by railways and roadwa
ultimately linking with the waterways.
A 'Freight Village' is a specialised industrial estate which
attracts companies that require logistics services and can
cluster to improve their competitiveness. This will allow
relocation of retailers, warehouse
service providers supplying the regional FMCG market.
9
NEW CRPF HELPLINE FOR KASHMIRIS
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a
helpline, ‘Madadgaar’ (helpful), with a toll-free number
14411 to serve the Kashmiris located all over the
country. The helpline will render assistance in case of
women and public safety, medical emergencies,
disruption of civic amenities and natural and man-made
SPECIAL TRAIN FROM SABARMATI ASHRAM
Gujarat government has launched ‘Astha Tourist Train’,
a special Gandhi Darshan train from Sabarmati railway
on the occasion of centenary
historic Sabarmati Ashram founded
The train would be travelling for 10 days (to and fro trip)
to Bihar’s Bettiah and Motihari, formerly known as
Champaran, the place where Mahatma Gandhi staged his
first satyagraha in 1917 in order to remove the misery of

PENSION FOR SINGLE WOMEN IN TELANGANA
has become first state in India to launch a
pension scheme for the single-women. Under the
scheme, the state government would be giving a pension
of about Rs 1000 per month to single women on
VARANASI TO GET ‘FREIGHT VILLAGE’
Pradesh plans to develop a Rs 1,000-crore multi-
modal ‘freight village’ in Varanasi. The project will be
commissioned by the Inland Waterways Authority of
India. The village, first of its kind in India, will anchor
movement of goods by railways and roadwa ys
ultimately linking with the waterways.
A 'Freight Village' is a specialised industrial estate which
attracts companies that require logistics services and can
cluster to improve their competitiveness. This will allow
relocation of retailers, warehouse operators and logistics
service providers supplying the regional FMCG market.

9. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
MYSURU STARTS BICYCLE SHARING

Country’s first public bicycle sharing project has been
launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. Named simply ‘Trin
Trin’, the project allows the general public to borrow
bicycle from any of 48 docking stations set up across the
city and return the same to a docking station nearest to
their destination.

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR EMPLOYMENT
Maharashtra govt has launched a web
portal 'Mahaswayam' to bring all the job seekers,
employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes at one
platform to facilitate better skill development and
employment opportunities.

TELANGANA LAUNCHES T-WALLET
The Telangana Government has launched a digital
wallet, named T-Wallet that will not charge transaction
fee from consumers. The wallet, available in Google Play
may be used for remittances under MNREGA,
scholarships for students and many such other mass
applications.

WORLD BANK LOAN FOR HIMACHAL
World Bank will provide $ 36 million loan for Himachal
Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building
Programme. The project aims to improve the efficiency
of public expenditure management and tax
administration in Himachal Pradesh.

ODISHA GETS EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System that
would set off a warning in the event of the occurrence of
natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone is likely to
become operational by July 2017 on Odisha coast.
AUGUST 2017


Country’s first public bicycle sharing project has been
launched in Mysuru, Karnataka. Named simply ‘Trin
general public to borrow
bicycle from any of 48 docking stations set up across the
city and return the same to a docking station nearest to
PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR EMPLOYMENT
Maharashtra govt has launched a web
all the job seekers,
employers, entrepreneurs, and training institutes at one
platform to facilitate better skill development and
The Telangana Government has launched a digital
that will not charge transaction
fee from consumers. The wallet, available in Google Play
may be used for remittances under MNREGA,
scholarships for students and many such other mass

million loan for Himachal
Pradesh Public Financial Management Capacity Building
Programme. The project aims to improve the efficiency
of public expenditure management and tax
ODISHA GETS EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System that
would set off a warning in the event of the occurrence of
natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone is likely to
become operational by July 2017 on Odisha coast.
ZIKA VIRUS CASE FOUND IN AHMADABAD
The Health Ministry has confirmed that the blood
samples collected from three pregnant ladies during
laboratory surveillance from Ahmadabad
Corporation have tested positive for Zika virus.
The virus is transmitted to people through a bite of an
infected mosquito called Aedes Aegypti, which also
transmits dengue and chikungunya.

 Delhi Police launched the Bicycle Patrols for better
policing in the capital. Initially, 65 high
have been operationalised.
 The Manipur government has
village of Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity
Heritage Site of the state.
 The Law Ministry has cleared the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill
2017, legalising Kambala, a traditional race
involving buffaloes, popular in Karnataka.


 A joint team of the ONGC and the UNESCO has carried
out a preliminary survey for the conservation of
Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, to secure
the world heritage site tag for it.
 Indore, one of the cleanest cities of
the first city in India where a robot is being used
an experimental basis to regulate the city traffic.
 The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide
$275 million loan for improving urban services in 64
small towns in Madhya Pradesh.
FIRST SHATABDI TRAIN IN ARUNACHAL
Arunachal Pradesh got its first Shatabdi Express
providing a speedier and comfortable connectivity
between Guwahati and Naharlagun, the state capital
cities of Assam and Arunachal.
Shatabdi train in the north eastern India.
the 350 km distance in six hours as against nine hours
by bus.
10
ZIKA VIRUS CASE FOUND IN AHMADABAD
The Health Ministry has confirmed that the blood
samples collected from three pregnant ladies during
Ahmadabad Municipal
Corporation have tested positive for Zika virus.
The virus is transmitted to people through a bite of an
infected mosquito called Aedes Aegypti, which also
transmits dengue and chikungunya.
Delhi Police launched the Bicycle Patrols for better
policing in the capital. Initially, 65 high-end bicycles
The Manipur government has declared Dailong
village of Tamenglong district as a Biodiversity
The Law Ministry has cleared the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill
2017, legalising Kambala, a traditional race
ular in Karnataka.

A joint team of the ONGC and the UNESCO has carried
out a preliminary survey for the conservation of
Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, to secure
the world heritage site tag for it.
Indore, one of the cleanest cities of India has become
the first city in India where a robot is being used on
an experimental basis to regulate the city traffic.
The Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide
$275 million loan for improving urban services in 64
small towns in Madhya Pradesh.


MAY


FIRST SHATABDI TRAIN IN ARUNACHAL
Arunachal Pradesh got its first Shatabdi Express
providing a speedier and comfortable connectivity
between Guwahati and Naharlagun, the state capital
cities of Assam and Arunachal. It is the first ever
train in the north eastern India. It will cover
the 350 km distance in six hours as against nine hours

10. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
‘GOOD MORNING’ SQUADS IN MAHA

The Maharashtra government has decided to form
morning’ squads to prevent and monitor open
defecation in villages and districts across the state. The
squads will be formed by taking volunteers from local
bodies, self-help groups, NGOs, students and social
workers working in the area of sanitation and
cleanliness.

MUMBAI AIRPORT IS THE BUSIEST
The Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Mumbai has
become the world’s busiest single-runway airport with
average 837 flights a day or one flight in 65 seconds on
an average in the 2016-17 fiscal year, leaving behind
London's Gatwick airport that had average of 757 flig
a day.

KERALA EXCELS IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A latest survey by the Bengaluru based think
‘Public Affairs Centre’ has ranked Kerala at the top for
second consecutive year, followed by Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat at second and third rank, respectively.
The ranking was done by compiling a ‘Public Affairs
Index’ based on the quality and levels of governance in
the ambit of 10 broad themes.

‘MAA’ TO WATCH MID DAY MEALS

UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees in
primary schools to keep an eye on mid
served to students. The committee will comprise of six
mothers, from all sections of society, whose students are
studying in that school.
AUGUST 2017


has decided to form ‘good
squads to prevent and monitor open
villages and districts across the state. The
squads will be formed by taking volunteers from local
help groups, NGOs, students and social
workers working in the area of sanitation and
i Shivaji International in Mumbai has
runway airport with
average 837 flights a day or one flight in 65 seconds on
17 fiscal year, leaving behind
London's Gatwick airport that had average of 757 flights

A latest survey by the Bengaluru based think-tank
‘Public Affairs Centre’ has ranked Kerala at the top for
second consecutive year, followed by Tamil Nadu and
Gujarat at second and third rank, respectively.
ranking was done by compiling a ‘Public Affairs
Index’ based on the quality and levels of governance in

UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees in
mid-day meals
The committee will comprise of six
mothers, from all sections of society, whose students are
NORTH EAST GETS IARI
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
cleared the setting up of Indian Agricultural Research
Institute (lARI) in Dhemaji district of Assam.
kind in entire North East, the IARI will promote region
specific research and development of local varieties of
crops and plants.

PLASTIC PARK IN HARYANA
With the view to promote plastic industry in the state,
Haryana Government plans to develop Plastic Park
Project at Industrial Estate Panipat. It will effectively use
the plastic granules produced by the Panipat Refinery
nearby.

PUNE GETS INDIA’s FIRST BIO REFINERY
Country’s first bio refinery plant which produces
ethanol from variety of biomass such as
straw, cotton stalk, cane trash, corn cobs has been
started at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra.

AUTO WEATHER STATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

In a unique project in the country, Maharashtra plans to
install 2065 automatic weather stations across the state
to measure wind direction and speed, temperature,
relative humidity and amount of rainfall in the area. The
information will be available on mobile
will help farmers to manage sowing in a much better
and planned way as per the weather conditions.

MP SWITCHES TO JAN-DEC FY
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to
switch to the January-December
existing April-March cycle. The move breaks a 150
tradition as India started adopting the April
March financial year from 1867.

 Andhra Pradesh has been granted a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes
from Banganpalle.
 A geographical indication is a name or sign used
on certain products, which corresponds to a
specific geographical location or origin.
11
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
ian Agricultural Research
Institute (lARI) in Dhemaji district of Assam. First of its
kind in entire North East, the IARI will promote region
specific research and development of local varieties of
PLASTIC PARK IN HARYANA
to promote plastic industry in the state,
Haryana Government plans to develop Plastic Park
Project at Industrial Estate Panipat. It will effectively use
the plastic granules produced by the Panipat Refinery
PUNE GETS INDIA’s FIRST BIO REFINERY
ntry’s first bio refinery plant which produces
ethanol from variety of biomass such as rice and wheat
straw, cotton stalk, cane trash, corn cobs has been
started at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra.
AUTO WEATHER STATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

unique project in the country, Maharashtra plans to
install 2065 automatic weather stations across the state
to measure wind direction and speed, temperature,
relative humidity and amount of rainfall in the area. The
information will be available on mobile network and
will help farmers to manage sowing in a much better
and planned way as per the weather conditions.

has become the first state in India to
financial year from the
The move breaks a 150-year
tradition as India started adopting the April-

Andhra Pradesh has been granted a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes
l indication is a name or sign used
on certain products, which corresponds to a
specific geographical location or origin.

11. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

 Kerala organized the country's first transgender one
day athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram.
 Assam state has been declared as a 'disturbed' area
under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
(AFSPA) for another 3 months.
 Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All
India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kamrup, Assam,
a first of its kind in North East region.
 India’s first underwater rail tunnel has been
completed under the Hooghly river for establishing
metro rail link between Howrah and Kolkata.
 Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in
the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi
service by the cab aggregator Ola.
 The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva at the
Isha Yoga Foundation, Coimbatore has been declared
the world’s largest bust by the Guinness Book.

NGT ORDERS FOR BELLANDUR LAKE

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed an
immediate and complete shutdown of all industries
around Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake where a mound of
garbage was set on fire in February this year.
also banned dumping of any kind of municipal solid
waste around the lake. The bench also announced a
environment penalty of 5 lakh rupees on anyone found
dumping waste in and around the lake.
AUGUST 2017

Kerala organized the country's first transgender one-
day athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram.
'disturbed' area
under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All
India Institute of Medical Sciences in Kamrup, Assam,
rwater rail tunnel has been
completed under the Hooghly river for establishing
metro rail link between Howrah and Kolkata.
Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in
the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi
foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva at the
Isha Yoga Foundation, Coimbatore has been declared
the world’s largest bust by the Guinness Book.


ARPIL


The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed an
immediate and complete shutdown of all industries
around Bengaluru's Bellandur Lake where a mound of
garbage was set on fire in February this year. The NGT
also banned dumping of any kind of municipal solid
waste around the lake. The bench also announced an
environment penalty of 5 lakh rupees on anyone found
INDIA’s FIRST BIO GAS RUN BUS
A Kolkata based firm has launched country’s first bus
service in Kolkata that runs on the biogas from cow
dung. The 54-seater bus manufactured in association
with Ashok Leyland charges a flat fare of rupee one only.

ANDHRA, TELANGANA BEST FOR BUSINESS
In a list prepared by the World Bank and DIPP
(Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
Pradesh and Telangana have jointl
doing business ranking, while Gujarat has slipped to the
third position.

DELHI OFFICE SPACE MOST EXPENSIVE
Delhi's Connaught Place is the world's 9th most
expensive office location with annual prime rent of $
105.71 per sq ft, says global property consultant CBRE.
With annual prime rent of $ 264.27 per sq ft, Hong Kong
(Central) is the world's most expensive office Market.

CENTENARY OF CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA

The Bihar Government launched year long celebrations
to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran
Satyagraha. This was Gandhi’s first Satyagraha. It was
undertaken in the Champaran district in northern Bihar
in April, 1917 to protest the abuses suffered by the
cultivators of the district as they were forced by B
planters/estate owners into growing indigo into one
third of their land. The practice was called

BHOORSINGH THE BARASINGHA
Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has become the
first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a
mascot, named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. Barasingha
(swamp deer) is also the state animal of Madhya
Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve is the only place in the
world where this species exists.

‘OPERATION DURGA’ IN HARYANA
Haryana government has launched
form police squads that would aim to stop harassment
of women in public spaces and ensure adequate safety
for them. 24 squads have been formed for this purpose.
12
INDIA’s FIRST BIO GAS RUN BUS
A Kolkata based firm has launched country’s first bus
service in Kolkata that runs on the biogas from cow
manufactured in association
with Ashok Leyland charges a flat fare of rupee one only.
ANDHRA, TELANGANA BEST FOR BUSINESS
In a list prepared by the World Bank and DIPP
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion), Andhra
Pradesh and Telangana have jointly topped the ease of
doing business ranking, while Gujarat has slipped to the
DELHI OFFICE SPACE MOST EXPENSIVE
Delhi's Connaught Place is the world's 9th most
expensive office location with annual prime rent of $
global property consultant CBRE.
With annual prime rent of $ 264.27 per sq ft, Hong Kong
(Central) is the world's most expensive office Market.
CENTENARY OF CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA

The Bihar Government launched year long celebrations
centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran
This was Gandhi’s first Satyagraha. It was
undertaken in the Champaran district in northern Bihar
in April, 1917 to protest the abuses suffered by the
cultivators of the district as they were forced by British
planters/estate owners into growing indigo into one
third of their land. The practice was called Tinkathia.
BHOORSINGH THE BARASINGHA
Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has become the
first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a
, named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. Barasingha
(swamp deer) is also the state animal of Madhya
Pradesh. The Kanha tiger reserve is the only place in the
‘OPERATION DURGA’ IN HARYANA
Haryana government has launched Operation Durga to
form police squads that would aim to stop harassment
of women in public spaces and ensure adequate safety
for them. 24 squads have been formed for this purpose.

12. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
 Manipur to hold People’s Day on the 15th of every
month to enable the common public to get easy
access to the state’s top elected leaders and officials.
 Maharashtra has become the first state to launch a
special awareness drive to ensure
that transgenders in the state register as voters in
greater numbers.
GOVERNMENT
INITIATIVES

‘VAJRA’ SCHEME FOR SCIENTISTS

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under
Ministry of Science and Technology launched the
Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty
scheme in a bid to bring together the Indian
abroad and India-based researchers for conducting joint
researches in India. Scientists and academicians abroad
shall be invited to work in India for a period of one to
three months.

MISSION LAUNCHED FOR ARTISTS
The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission on
Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of the PM's 'Ek
Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Best India)
scheme to provide a direct channel of communication to
artistes from different fields with the gove
authorities.
The mission will cover all the blocks of the country,
involving more than six lakh villages to collect data for
preserving the scattered and near extinct art forms and
bringing all the cultural activities under one web based
umbrella for better results.

CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT DIARRHEA
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched
the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF)
intensify efforts to reduce child deaths due to
diarrhea. It aims to create mass awareness about
most effective and low-cost diarrhea treatment
combination of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution
and Zinc tablets.
AUGUST 2017
Manipur to hold People’s Day on the 15th of every
n public to get easy
access to the state’s top elected leaders and officials.
the first state to launch a
special awareness drive to ensure
state register as voters in



GOVERNMENT



JUNE


The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under
Ministry of Science and Technology launched the
Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty
scheme in a bid to bring together the Indian scientists
based researchers for conducting joint
researches in India. Scientists and academicians abroad
shall be invited to work in India for a period of one to
The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission on
Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of the PM's 'Ek
Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Best India)
scheme to provide a direct channel of communication to
artistes from different fields with the government
The mission will cover all the blocks of the country,
involving more than six lakh villages to collect data for
preserving the scattered and near extinct art forms and
bringing all the cultural activities under one web based
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched
Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to
to reduce child deaths due to
It aims to create mass awareness about the
treatment - a
Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution
BILL TO PROTECT FINANCIAL CONSUMERS
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to
introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit In
Bill, 2017. The Bill would provide a resolution for
financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy
situation in banks, insurance companies and financial
sector entities. The law will help to protect the interests
of consumers of financial service providers in financial
distress.

OPERATION SWARN BY RAILWAYS
Indian Railways has launched ‘Operation Swarn’
to upgrade Shatabdis and Rajdhanis in the coming
months. Railway has identified 10 key areas or
parameters such as cleanliness, linen,
toilets, catering, wi-fi facility, coffee vending machines
and infotainment screens that need improvement.

ONLINE LEGAL SERVICE FOR RURAL AREAS
A video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law' has
been launched for the people living in
will be available across the 1,000 Common Service
Centre (CSC) network connecting the citizens to legal
service providers. The scheme will be tested as a pilot
across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

‘SATH’ LAUNCHED FOR STATES
NITI Aayog has launched SATH, a program for providing
‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’
with the State Governments. The program aims to
initiate transformation in the education and health
sectors. Initially, three states will be identified to
develop them as the future ‘role models’ for health
systems.

NEW REGULATOR FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Govt plans to replace regulators of higher education
University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India
Council of Technical Education (AICTE) with a single
higher education regulator. The proposed agency
named ‘Higher Education Empowerment Regulation
Agency’ (HEERA) is aimed at eliminating overlaps in
jurisdiction and remove irrelevant regulatory
provisions.
13
BILL TO PROTECT FINANCIAL CONSUMERS
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to
introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance
Bill, 2017. The Bill would provide a resolution for
financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy
situation in banks, insurance companies and financial
sector entities. The law will help to protect the interests
ice providers in financial
OPERATION SWARN BY RAILWAYS
Operation Swarn’ (Gold)
to upgrade Shatabdis and Rajdhanis in the coming
months. Railway has identified 10 key areas or
, linen, coach interiors,
fi facility, coffee vending machines
and infotainment screens that need improvement.
ONLINE LEGAL SERVICE FOR RURAL AREAS
A video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law' has
been launched for the people living in rural areas. It
will be available across the 1,000 Common Service
Centre (CSC) network connecting the citizens to legal
service providers. The scheme will be tested as a pilot
across 500 CSCs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
‘SATH’ LAUNCHED FOR STATES
Aayog has launched SATH, a program for providing
‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’
with the State Governments. The program aims to
initiate transformation in the education and health
sectors. Initially, three states will be identified to
develop them as the future ‘role models’ for health
NEW REGULATOR FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Govt plans to replace regulators of higher education
University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India
Council of Technical Education (AICTE) with a single
higher education regulator. The proposed agency
named ‘Higher Education Empowerment Regulation
Agency’ (HEERA) is aimed at eliminating overlaps in
jurisdiction and remove irrelevant regulatory

13. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
NATIONAL HUMAN MILK BANK LAUNCHED

Govt has launched the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a
National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling
Centre at the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi.
It is expected to be the largest centre of its kind in the
North India. It is an initiative of the LHMC
collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo
University and Norway-India Partnership Initiative.

3 APPS LAUNCHED BY TRAI
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched three
mobile Apps to provide consumer friendly monitoring
facility. The three apps, namely Mycall, Myspeed and Do
Not Disturb will help mobile phone users to rate their
experience about voice call quality in real time.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH SECTOR
Health Ministry has launched – ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’
initiative in New Delhi to promote skill development in
the health sector. The initiative aims to improve the
quality and quantity of professionals in the healthcare
system through better training.

ALL PORTS TO RUN ON SOLAR ENERGY
India plans to be the first country to h
government-owned ports running on solar and wind
energy. The government plans to install almost
megawatt solar and wind power generation capacity at
the ports by 2019.

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR RAW MATERIAL

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development
Corporation has launched an e-commerce platform
‘inampro’ for construction and infrastructure raw
material for government and private procurement.
AUGUST 2017
NATIONAL HUMAN MILK BANK LAUNCHED

Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a
National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling
Centre at the Lady Harding Medical College, New Delhi.
It is expected to be the largest centre of its kind in the
an initiative of the LHMC in
collaboration with the Norwegian government, Oslo
India Partnership Initiative.
launched three
mobile Apps to provide consumer friendly monitoring
pps, namely Mycall, Myspeed and Do
Not Disturb will help mobile phone users to rate their
experience about voice call quality in real time.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTH SECTOR
‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’
Delhi to promote skill development in
he initiative aims to improve the
quality and quantity of professionals in the healthcare
ALL PORTS TO RUN ON SOLAR ENERGY
plans to be the first country to have all 12
solar and wind
The government plans to install almost 200
solar and wind power generation capacity at
PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR RAW MATERIAL

Infrastructure Development
commerce platform
‘inampro’ for construction and infrastructure raw
material for government and private procurement.
 Amitabh Bachchan launched ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut
the door) campaign under ‘Swachh Bh
from Mumbai to discourage people from open
defecation.
 Govt plans to appoint retired judges as Nyaya Mitras
to expedite over 7.5 lakh cases pending for last 10
years in lower courts across the country.
 Railways launched ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’
service for buying tickets allowing passengers to
make payment within a window of 15 days.
‘SEVA’ TO MONITOR COAL MOVEMENT

With a view to increase the consumer connect as well as
the transparency and accountability in Coal dispatch,
Power Ministry launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran
Application (SEVA). Developed in
Limited, the app tracks coal dispatch to 118 Power
Plants through Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of around
500 MT.

VIDYA-VEERTA ABHIYAN
Union ministry of HRD launched a
campaign, ‘Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan’, to promote
nationalism among youth by asking universities to
display portraits of Param Veer Chakra
soldiers on a wall in the campus.

‘SAMADHAN’ TO DEAL WITH NAXAL ISSUE
In a review meeting of left wing extremism affected
states, government has come out with a new doctrine
named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with the Naxal
challenge. The new doctrine will have 8 pillars as
under:
1. S- Smart Leadership
2. A- Aggressive Strategy
3. M- Motivation and Training
4. A- Actionable Intelligence
5. D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance
Indicators)
6. H- Harnessing Technology
7. A- Action plan for each Theatre
8. N- No access to Financing

14
Amitabh Bachchan launched ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut
the door) campaign under ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission
from Mumbai to discourage people from open
Govt plans to appoint retired judges as Nyaya Mitras
to expedite over 7.5 lakh cases pending for last 10
years in lower courts across the country.
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ online
service for buying tickets allowing passengers to
make payment within a window of 15 days.





MAY

‘SEVA’ TO MONITOR COAL MOVEMENT

With a view to increase the consumer connect as well as
the transparency and accountability in Coal dispatch,
Power Ministry launched the Saral Eindhan Vitaran
Developed in-house by Coal India
Limited, the app tracks coal dispatch to 118 Power
Plants through Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) of around
launched a nationwide
Veerta Abhiyan’, to promote
nationalism among youth by asking universities to
display portraits of Param Veer Chakra-decorated

‘SAMADHAN’ TO DEAL WITH NAXAL ISSUE
eting of left wing extremism affected
government has come out with a new doctrine
named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with the Naxal
challenge. The new doctrine will have 8 pillars as
Motivation and Training
Actionable Intelligence
Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance
Harnessing Technology
Action plan for each Theatre
No access to Financing

14. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

























APP LAUNCHED FOR CLEANLINESS
Govt has launched the Swachh Bharat App with an aim
to involve people actively to become part of Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan. Once downloaded, it will deliver the
message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will ask the
user to report the garbage around him. The App will be
monitored by the Union Ministry of Culture and will
work around various monuments and places of tourist
interest.

RAILWAY STARTS MEDICAL CARE @ Rs. 1
The railways have begun to roll out Emergency Medical
Response (EMR) units that provide medical care to
passengers for as low as one rupee. These clinics have
been started at five major railway stations in Mumbai
and soon nine more will be added.
AUGUST 2017

Govt has launched the Swachh Bharat App with an aim
to involve people actively to become part of Swachh
will deliver the
message about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will ask the
und him. The App will be
monitored by the Union Ministry of Culture and will
work around various monuments and places of tourist
CARE @ Rs. 1
The railways have begun to roll out Emergency Medical
provide medical care to
These clinics have
been started at five major railway stations in Mumbai

























CBSE LINKED WITH E SANAD
Government has integrated CBSE's
in New Delhi with the online portal E Sanad for easy and
safe access of academic documents and records.
E Sanad is an E service for verification and attestation of
documents of Indian citizens. It is a faceless and paperless
service.

OPERATION CLEAN MONEY PORTAL LAUNCHED
Union Finance Ministry has launched Operation Clean
Money Portal with an aim to keep a tab on dishonest
citizens hiding their income from the authorities. It will
also enable citizen engagement for creating a tax
compliant society and citizens would be able to support
the Operation Clean Money.

FIRST VACCINE LAUNCHED FOR PNEUMONIA

India rolled out its first free anti-
children under five years of age to address the huge
burden of infant mortality. It will help prevent nearly
one lakh under-five deaths annually from pneumonia
caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
‘pneumococcal conjugate vaccine’ was launched from
Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
15
CBSE LINKED WITH E SANAD
Government has integrated CBSE's academic repository
in New Delhi with the online portal E Sanad for easy and
safe access of academic documents and records.
is an E service for verification and attestation of
documents of Indian citizens. It is a faceless and paperless
OPERATION CLEAN MONEY PORTAL LAUNCHED
Union Finance Ministry has launched Operation Clean
Money Portal with an aim to keep a tab on dishonest
citizens hiding their income from the authorities. It will
also enable citizen engagement for creating a tax
liant society and citizens would be able to support
FIRST VACCINE LAUNCHED FOR PNEUMONIA

-pneumonia vaccine for
children under five years of age to address the huge
It will help prevent nearly
five deaths annually from pneumonia
caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The three-dose
‘pneumococcal conjugate vaccine’ was launched from

15. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

10 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS APPROV
The Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10
units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) for
nuclear power generation. This will result in
augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity by
7000 MW.

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR TELECOM TOWERS
In its endeavour to clear misconceptions around the
issue of mobile tower emissions, Department of
Telecommunication (DoT) has launched Tarang Sanchar
Portal. It will provide a map-based search feature for
viewing the mobile towers in any locality and assessi
their EMF (Electro-magnetic field) emission level.
has prescribed standards for EMF emissions from
mobile towers that are ten times stricter than the
international standards.

SUPREME COURT GOES ONLINE

Indian judiciary crossed a milestone on May 10 when
country’s apex court – Supreme Court of India was
connected online to the Integrated Case Management
Information System-ICMIS, making it a paperless court.
In due course, all High Courts, District Courts, Sub
Division Courts and jails will be integrated with the new
system.
AUGUST 2017

10 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS APPROV ED
The Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10
units of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) for
This will result in
augmentation of nuclear power generation capacity by
PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR TELECOM TOWERS
s endeavour to clear misconceptions around the
issue of mobile tower emissions, Department of
Telecommunication (DoT) has launched Tarang Sanchar
based search feature for
viewing the mobile towers in any locality and assessing
magnetic field) emission level. DoT
has prescribed standards for EMF emissions from
mobile towers that are ten times stricter than the

May 10 when
Supreme Court of India was
Integrated Case Management
ICMIS, making it a paperless court.
In due course, all High Courts, District Courts, Sub-
ntegrated with the new
EC LAUNCHES 24X7 HELPLINE
The Election Commission of India has launched the
National Contact Centre with a toll free number
1800111950 to enable citizens to lodge 24X7 any
election related query or complaint in Hindi or Engl

THE REAL ESTATE (Regulation
Act, 2016 (RERA) came in to force w
act aims to protect the interests of homebuyers across
the country and bring transparency in the deals.
compulsory for all the builders and real estate
developers to get registered with RERA.

GOVT SCRAPS FIPB
In a move to reduce red tape in government and
facilitate ease of doing business, the government has
abolished the Foreign Investment Promotion Board
(FIPB) that approved the foreign investment proposals
up to Rs 5,000 crore. Now the concerned ministries will
grant the approval directly.

ONLINE ATAL PENSION YOJANA

With a view to digitally empower the
Yojana (APY) subscribers and improve the quality of
service, the facility of online viewing of the statement of
the transaction (e-SOT) and also the e
Retirement Account Number (e-
launched.

 To strengthen security and surveillance at railway
stations, the Railways has announced to install CCTV
cameras at more than 900 stations.
 A new coal allocation policy ‘SHAKTI’ (Scheme for
Harnessing and Allocating Koyla
India) launched for the power sector.


GST RAISES TAX EVASION LIMIT
Govt has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore
under the proposed Goods and Services Tax
a non-bailable offence, with the police having authority
to make an arrest without a warrant.
was Rs 2.5 crore.
16
EC LAUNCHES 24X7 HELPLINE
The Election Commission of India has launched the
National Contact Centre with a toll free number-
1800111950 to enable citizens to lodge 24X7 any
election related query or complaint in Hindi or English.
THE REAL ESTATE (Regulation & Development)
came in to force w.e.f. May 01. The
act aims to protect the interests of homebuyers across
the country and bring transparency in the deals. It is
compulsory for all the builders and real estate
developers to get registered with RERA.
ape in government and
facilitate ease of doing business, the government has
abolished the Foreign Investment Promotion Board
(FIPB) that approved the foreign investment proposals
up to Rs 5,000 crore. Now the concerned ministries will
ONLINE ATAL PENSION YOJANA

With a view to digitally empower the Atal Pension
subscribers and improve the quality of
service, the facility of online viewing of the statement of
and also the e- Permanent
-PRAN card) have been
To strengthen security and surveillance at railway
stations, the Railways has announced to install CCTV
cameras at more than 900 stations.
A new coal allocation policy ‘SHAKTI’ (Scheme for
Koyla Transparently in
India) launched for the power sector.
ARPIL


GST RAISES TAX EVASION LIMIT
Govt has decided to make tax evasion of over Rs 5 crore
under the proposed Goods and Services Tax-GST regime
with the police having authority
to make an arrest without a warrant. Earlier this limit

16. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
LOK SABHA PASSES GST BILLS

After prolonged delays and several attempts, finally the
Lok Sabha on 29 March passed four Goods and Services
Tax (GST) Bills:
i. The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The
CGST Bill)
ii. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The
IGST Bill)
iii. The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill,
2017 (The UTGST Bill)
iv. The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the
States) Bill, 2017 (The Compensation Bill)
These GST Bills will subsume all the indirect taxes
currently levied such as the Value Added Tax (VAT),
excise duty, service tax and central sales tax. It
empowers the centre to impose an additional tax of up
to 1 per cent on the inter-state supply of goods for two
years or more.

THREE NEW LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHED
Union Ministry of Law has launched three new services
as under:
i) Pro-bono legal services- platform for lawyers
willing to provide free services
ii) Tele-law service- to connect poor people with
lawyers through video conferencing facilities, to
be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs).
iii) Nyaya Mitra Project- to focus on cases which
are more than ten years old.

PROG FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Union ministry of food processing plans to launch an
umbrella programme named ‘SAMPADA’ for food
processing sector, with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore.
Acronym ‘sampada’ stands for Scheme for
Produce Processing and Development of Agro
Processing Clusters.
AUGUST 2017

After prolonged delays and several attempts, finally the
Lok Sabha on 29 March passed four Goods and Services
i. The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The
ii. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill, 2017 (The
iii. The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill,
iv. The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the

These GST Bills will subsume all the indirect taxes
currently levied such as the Value Added Tax (VAT),
excise duty, service tax and central sales tax. It
ers the centre to impose an additional tax of up
state supply of goods for two
NEW LEGAL SERVICES LAUNCHED
Union Ministry of Law has launched three new services
platform for lawyers
poor people with
lawyers through video conferencing facilities, to
be set up at Common Service Centres (CSCs).
to focus on cases which
PROG FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Union ministry of food processing plans to launch an
umbrella programme named ‘SAMPADA’ for food
processing sector, with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore.
Acronym ‘sampada’ stands for Scheme for Agro-Marine
Produce Processing and Development of Agro -
GOVT SAYS ‘NO’ TO RED BEACON
In a major step towards the elimination of VIP culture,
the Union cabinet has approved the notification
prohibiting the use of red beacon light on all
vehicles. Govt has decided to amend rule 108 of the
Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 for this purpose.
Even the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief
Justice of India and Lok Sabha Speaker will NOT be
allowed to use the red beacon.
The ban will be implemented from May 1, 2017.
vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and
ambulances may be allowed to use red beacon to ensure
their smooth passage through traffic.

GOVT TO BUY VVPAT MACHINES

The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal of the Election
Commission to procure VVPAT machines (
Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) for use during future
elections. The decision comes in the wake of growing
demands from opposition parties for holding all future
elections using paper trail machines along with EVMs, to
clear doubts about votes cast.
The EC has sought Rs 3,174 crore in all for procuring over
16 lakh paper trail machines to cover all polling stations
in the country.

P F ALLOWED FOR HOME LOAN
Over four crore subscribers of the Employees Provident
Fund Organisation (EPFO) will now be able to withdraw
up to 90 per cent of their accumulations in their PF
account for purchase of homes or for paying the EMIs
for home loans.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM
The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian
Institute of Petroleum and Energy at Visakhapatnam
The institute will be set up as "an Institute of National
Importance" through an Act of Parliament.

GREEN GROWTH EQUITY FUND
India and the UK will set up a 240
Growth Equity Fund to finance clean energy
projects. The fund will be set up under the National
Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF).
17
GOVT SAYS ‘NO’ TO RED BEACON
In a major step towards the elimination of VIP culture,
the Union cabinet has approved the notification
prohibiting the use of red beacon light on all VIP
. Govt has decided to amend rule 108 of the
Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 for this purpose.
President, Prime Minister, Chief
Justice of India and Lok Sabha Speaker will NOT be
ban will be implemented from May 1, 2017. Only the
vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and
ambulances may be allowed to use red beacon to ensure
their smooth passage through traffic.
GOVT TO BUY VVPAT MACHINES

cleared a proposal of the Election
Commission to procure VVPAT machines ( Voter-
for use during future
elections. The decision comes in the wake of growing
demands from opposition parties for holding all future
paper trail machines along with EVMs, to
The EC has sought Rs 3,174 crore in all for procuring over
16 lakh paper trail machines to cover all polling stations
F ALLOWED FOR HOME LOAN
subscribers of the Employees Provident
Fund Organisation (EPFO) will now be able to withdraw
up to 90 per cent of their accumulations in their PF
account for purchase of homes or for paying the EMIs
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM
Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian
Institute of Petroleum and Energy at Visakhapatnam.
The institute will be set up as "an Institute of National
Importance" through an Act of Parliament.
GREEN GROWTH EQUITY FUND
240 million pound Green
Growth Equity Fund to finance clean energy
The fund will be set up under the National
Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF).

17. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
KILKARI APP FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

The National Health Mission has launched a mobile
based application named 'Kilkari' in Haryana to create
awareness among pregnant women, parents and health
workers on the importance of ante and post natal care.

WOMEN ALLOWED TO RETAIN NAME
Prime Minister has announced that women are free to
retain their maiden names in their passports now after
the marriage. Up till now, to change the name in the
passport after marriage, one had to apply for a "re
issue" and get the specified change done in the name

GSI LAUNCHES WEB PORTAL ‘NAKSHE’ (MAPS)
Govt has launched a new web portal ‘Nakshe’ for
providing free download of Survey of India's
topographic maps of the entire country in PDF format to
Indian citizens. The maps can b e downloaded through
Aadhaar-enabled user authentication process.
The topographic maps on the scale of 1:50,000, contain
natural and man-made geographical features including
terrain or topography. The service was launched to mark
the 250
th
anniversary of the Survey of India.

PORTAL LAUNCHED FOR MARTYRS

Govt has launched the website and app named '
Ke Veer' to facilitate the monetary contribution to the
kin of soldiers killed in action. The website is
technically supported by National Informatics Centre
(NIC) and powered by State Bank of India.
AUGUST 2017
RI APP FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

has launched a mobile-
' in Haryana to create
awareness among pregnant women, parents and health
workers on the importance of ante and post natal care.
WOMEN ALLOWED TO RETAIN NAME
Prime Minister has announced that women are free to
names in their passports now after
the marriage. Up till now, to change the name in the
passport after marriage, one had to apply for a "re-
issue" and get the specified change done in the name
GSI LAUNCHES WEB PORTAL ‘NAKSHE’ (MAPS)
Govt has launched a new web portal ‘Nakshe’ for
providing free download of Survey of India's
topographic maps of the entire country in PDF format to
Indian citizens. The maps can b e downloaded through
enabled user authentication process.
graphic maps on the scale of 1:50,000, contain
made geographical features including
terrain or topography. The service was launched to mark


website and app named 'Bharat
contribution to the
The website is
National Informatics Centre
CENSOR BOARD GOES ONLINE
Govt has launched the online film certification system,
‘e-cinepramaan’, with a view to censor corruption and
promote clean cinema. The new system of Central
Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will make the entire
process of certification transparent and
paperless.
The payments made during the process by the producers
will go to Bharatkosh portal.

NATIONAL BOARD OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY
Government has constituted the National Board of
Electric Mobility (NBEM). The Board
formulate and propose short- as well as long
to promote electric mobility by encouraging the
manufacturing of various electrical vehicles.

TWO NEW APPS FOR TRANSPORT SECTOR

The government has launched two mobile
apps, eChallan and mParivahan.
integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic
violations while 'mParivahan' provides access to various
services, information and utilities related to the
transport sector.

POWERTEX LAUNCHED FOR WEAVERS
The Government has launched Power Tex India at over
45 locations in the country. It is a comprehensive
scheme for power loom sector development aimed at
providing one point solutions to various problems being
faced by the power loom weavers.

 Government plans to set up a Cen
Divyangs (disabled) in Uttar Pradesh.

 The FRBM committee headed by NK Singh has
recommended a fiscal deficit target of not more than
3% of GDP till financial year 2020.

FRBM: Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
18
CENSOR BOARD GOES ONLINE
Govt has launched the online film certification system,
cinepramaan’, with a view to censor corruption and
promote clean cinema. The new system of Central
Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will make the entire
process of certification transparent and efficient and
The payments made during the process by the producers
NATIONAL BOARD OF ELECTRIC MOBILITY
Government has constituted the National Board of
The Board will examine,
as well as long-term plans
to promote electric mobility by encouraging the
manufacturing of various electrical vehicles.
TWO NEW APPS FOR TRANSPORT SECTOR

The government has launched two mobile
. First, 'eChallan' is an
integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic
violations while 'mParivahan' provides access to various
and utilities related to the
POWERTEX LAUNCHED FOR WEAVERS
Power Tex India at over
45 locations in the country. It is a comprehensive
scheme for power loom sector development aimed at
providing one point solutions to various problems being
faced by the power loom weavers.
Government plans to set up a Central university for
Divyangs (disabled) in Uttar Pradesh.
The FRBM committee headed by NK Singh has
recommended a fiscal deficit target of not more than
3% of GDP till financial year 2020.
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management

18. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
GDP GROWTH SLIPS TO 7.1%

Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that India’s
GDP grew 7.1% in the financial year 2016
than the 8% registered in 2015-16. Growth was
particularly slow in the fourth quarter of 2016
ripple effect of demonetisation, bringing down the GDP
to 6.1%.

INDIA LIKELY TO GROW BY 7.5% - MOODY’s
Moody's Investors Service in its Global Macro Outlook
has stated that India’s economic growth will accelerate
to 7.5 per cent in current fiscal and the government's
reform push will help achieve 8 per cent GDP growth
rate in about four years.

World Bank has projected a strong 7.2 per cent growth
rate for India during 2017 and likely to improve to 7.5%
in 2018 and 7.7% in 2019.

GOLD PUSHES IMPORTS BY 33%
India’s exports grew by 8.3% to $24.01 billion in May,
mainly on account of robust performance by sectors like
petroleum, chemicals, engineering goods as well as
gems and jewellery. Imports too jumped by 33% to
$37.85 billion mainly due to high gold imports, pushing
the trade deficit to $13.84 billion.

AUGUST 2017


INDICATORS





JUNE







Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that India’s
GDP grew 7.1% in the financial year 2016-17, slower
Growth was
2016-17 due to
ripple effect of demonetisation, bringing down the GDP
MOODY’s
Moody's Investors Service in its Global Macro Outlook
has stated that India’s economic growth will accelerate
fiscal and the government's
reform push will help achieve 8 per cent GDP growth
has projected a strong 7.2 per cent growth
rate for India during 2017 and likely to improve to 7.5%
India’s exports grew by 8.3% to $24.01 billion in May,
mainly on account of robust performance by sectors like
petroleum, chemicals, engineering goods as well as
gems and jewellery. Imports too jumped by 33% to
high gold imports, pushing

 Industrial output in the country rose by 3.1 per cent
in April from a year earlier, mainly due to an increase
in electricity generation and mining.
 Growth in the country's eight core sect
2.5 per cent in April this year, mainly due to lower
coal, crude oil and cement production.

ADB PUTS INDIA’s GROWTH AT 7.4%
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
economy will grow 7.4 per cent this fiscal (2017
and 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1
per cent in the previous fiscal.

INDIA MAY GROW BY 7.2% -
As per a report by IMF, India's growth is expected to
rebound to 7.2 per cent in the 2017
cent in 2018-19 after disruptions caused by
demonetisation.

INDIA TO GROW BY 7.1% - UN REPORT
India is expected to clock 7.1% growth this year and
may grow by 7.5% in 2018, according to a UN report,
which warned that the country faces heightened risks
related to the concentration of bad loans in the public
sector banks.

BASE YEAR REVISED FOR WPI / IIP

The government has revised the base year of Wholesale
Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial Production, IIP
to 2011-2012 from earlier 2004
provide a more accurate picture as it will use prices
without indirect taxes. The new IIP series captures work
in progress for capital goods to avoid volatility. It has
407 item groups, as against 399 in old series.



INDIA 8
TH IN ATTRACTING FDI
The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index
compiled by the A.T. Kearney,
management consulting firm of USA has placed India at
the 8
th
spot. USA tops the index, followed by Germany
and China.
19
Industrial output in the country rose by 3.1 per cent
in April from a year earlier, mainly due to an increase
in electricity generation and mining.
Growth in the country's eight core sectors slowed to
2.5 per cent in April this year, mainly due to lower
coal, crude oil and cement production.


MAY


ADB PUTS INDIA’s GROWTH AT 7.4%
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Indian
economy will grow 7.4 per cent this fiscal (2017-18),
7.6 per cent in the next fiscal. India had grown 7.1
- IMF
As per a report by IMF, India's growth is expected to
rebound to 7.2 per cent in the 2017-18 fiscal and 7.7 per
disruptions caused by
UN REPORT
India is expected to clock 7.1% growth this year and
may grow by 7.5% in 2018, according to a UN report,
which warned that the country faces heightened risks
tion of bad loans in the public
BASE YEAR REVISED FOR WPI / IIP

The government has revised the base year of Wholesale
Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial Production, IIP
2012 from earlier 2004-05. The new WPI will
more accurate picture as it will use prices
without indirect taxes. The new IIP series captures work
in progress for capital goods to avoid volatility. It has
407 item groups, as against 399 in old series.





ARPIL
IN ATTRACTING FDI
The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index
A.T. Kearney, a leading global
of USA has placed India at
USA tops the index, followed by Germany

19. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

TEA OUTPUT PEAKS IN INDIA

India’s tea output reached a record high in 2016
rising by 1.4 % to 1.25 million ton, despite a 7.7 % drop
in South Indian tea crop, according to the Tea Board of
India. After China, India is the second largest producer
of tea in the world.

AFGHANISTAN OPENS AIR CARGO ROUTE
India and Afghanistan trade ties reached a new high
with the inauguration of the first-ever Afghanistan
air cargo route. The first flight departed from Kabul with
a 60-tonne consignment of goods, mostly medicinal
plants for India. The air route provides an opportunity
to both countries to bypass Pakistan that was the main
stumbling block when it came to trade between the two
via the land route.

IOC IS MOST PROFITABLE
Indian Oil Corporation has overtaken Oil and Natural
Gas Corporation (ONGC) to become India’s most
profitable state-owned company, earning net profit of
Rs. 19,106.40 crore in the FY ended March 31, 2017.

WORLD’S LARGEST OIL REFINERY

India’s three public sector oil companies
Corp. Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) and
Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL), have joined
hands to build one of the world’s largest integrated
refinery-cum-petrochemicals complexes in Ratnagiri
district of Maharashtra. The 60 million metric tonnes
per annum (MMTPA) capacity complex is expected to be
commissioned by the year 2022.
AUGUST 2017
ECONOMY & INDUSTRY

JUNE

India’s tea output reached a record high in 2016-17
rising by 1.4 % to 1.25 million ton, despite a 7.7 % drop
in South Indian tea crop, according to the Tea Board of
India. After China, India is the second largest producer
AFGHANISTAN OPENS AIR CARGO ROUTE
India and Afghanistan trade ties reached a new high
ever Afghanistan-India
air cargo route. The first flight departed from Kabul with
mostly medicinal
plants for India. The air route provides an opportunity
to both countries to bypass Pakistan that was the main
stumbling block when it came to trade between the two
rtaken Oil and Natural
India’s most
, earning net profit of
ended March 31, 2017.

companies—Indian Oil
Corp. Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) and
Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL), have joined
hands to build one of the world’s largest integrated
petrochemicals complexes in Ratnagiri
The 60 million metric tonnes
per annum (MMTPA) capacity complex is expected to be
BACHCHAN TO PROMOTE GST
The much awaited GST will be launched from mid
of June 30-July 1. The GST launch function would be held
at Central Hall of Parliament and all MPs, CMs and state
finance ministers would be invited.
roped in Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador to
promote Goods and Services Tax (GST).

WOMEN EMPLOYMENT VERY LOW
According to India Development R
World Bank, India had one of the lowest female
participation in the workforce, ranking 120th among
131 countries.
As per the report, the participation level has been
dropping since 2005, despite having 42% women who
are graduates. More shocking is the fact is that most
women are employed in agriculture and less than 20 per
cent are in services and industry.

TRADE MARK FOR TAJ HOTEL
For the first time in India, a structure has been given a
trade mark. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel
given an image trade mark by the India’s Trade Mark
Registry. This means that no one now can make building
looking similar to the Taj Hotel.

 China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
approved $150 million equity investment loan for the
India Infrastructure Fund. It is the bank's first such
loan to fund private projects.
 National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
launched India's first 150 kWp canal top solar system
on cooling water channel inside its power station at
Mouda, near Nagpur in Maharashtra.
 The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
100 million loan agreement with the
Bank to finance large solar rooftop systems on
industrial and commercial buildings throughout
India.
 The World Bank has approved a Rs.283
Assam for implementing the Assam State Public
Finance Institutional Reforms project.
20
BACHCHAN TO PROMOTE GST
The much awaited GST will be launched from mid-night
July 1. The GST launch function would be held
Central Hall of Parliament and all MPs, CMs and state
finance ministers would be invited. The government has
roped in Amitabh Bachchan as brand ambassador to
promote Goods and Services Tax (GST).
WOMEN EMPLOYMENT VERY LOW
According to India Development Report released by
World Bank, India had one of the lowest female
participation in the workforce, ranking 120th among
As per the report, the participation level has been
dropping since 2005, despite having 42% women who
shocking is the fact is that most
women are employed in agriculture and less than 20 per

TRADE MARK FOR TAJ HOTEL

For the first time in India, a structure has been given a
trade mark. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace hotel has been
given an image trade mark by the India’s Trade Mark
Registry. This means that no one now can make building
led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has
equity investment loan for the
India Infrastructure Fund. It is the bank's first such

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has
launched India's first 150 kWp canal top solar system
on cooling water channel inside its power station at
r in Maharashtra.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $
100 million loan agreement with the Punjab National
finance large solar rooftop systems on
industrial and commercial buildings throughout
The World Bank has approved a Rs.283 crore loan for
Assam for implementing the Assam State Public
Finance Institutional Reforms project.

20. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 21





Finally, the GST cat is out of the taxman’s bag! With the
GST council finalizing the GST tax rates, the much-
awaited decision is now in the public domain. But before
we delve deep into it, it would be advisable to grasp the
background scenario against the latest development.

We basically pay two broad kinds of taxes: those which
are part of the price of an item we buy – indirect taxes
(like sales tax, VAT etc) we pay through the seller to the
government and those which depend on the level of
personal income, wealth or assets – the direct taxes
(income tax, corporate tax etc.).

The Indian consumers pay multiple indirect taxes while
buying different goods and services, which are included
within their selling prices. The list is a long one – on
buying goods, we pay excise duty, sales tax, VAT and on
services, the service tax. By the time an item reaches our
hands, it has been through multiple stages of taxation,
which causes a substantial padding up of its cost.
Resultantly, the tax burden on the final consumer comes
out to be a tad too high.

It is with this goal of easing the consumer burden and
simplifying the tax structure that a single, all-inclusive
indirect tax was mooted in the 2006 Union Budget. After
much wrangling, debate and parliamentary roadblocks in
its way, the GST bill was finally enacted into a law only
recently. With all the requisite infrastructure in place
now, the GST regime is all set for its initial rollout on July
1 this year.

A 4-tier GST tax structure has been proposed by the GST
Council. The proposed GST rates are likely to ease the
burden on the common man due to the lower rates on
most mass consumption items. Keeping zero/very low
rates for essential food items, which make up half of the
consumption basket, will ensure zero inflationary
pressures due to the GST. Most FMCG items including hair
oil, toothpaste and soap will be taxed @ 18% as
compared to the earlier 28%. Beverages like tea and
coffee will be taxed at 5% while staples like milk, pulses
and food grains are exempt from GST.

Simultaneously, luxury goods and negative items would
be taxed at a higher rate to ensure revenue neutrality for
the government under the new system. An additional
concessional GST tax slab is likely for gold and other
precious metals that currently attract only 1% VAT.










New Tax Slabs for Some Goods and Services

No Tax Slab

Goods: No tax will be imposed on items like fresh meat,
fish chicken, eggs, milk, butter milk, curd, natural honey,
fresh fruits and vegetables, food grains, besan, bread,
prasad, salt, bindi. Sindoor, stamps, judicial papers,
printed books, newspapers, bangles, handloom, etc.

Services: Hotels and lodges with tariff below Rs 1,000,
Grandfathering service has been exempted under GST.

5% Slab

Goods: Items such as fish fillet, cream, skimmed milk
powder, branded paneer, frozen vegetables, coffee, tea,
spices, pizza bread, rusk, sabudana, kerosene, coal,
medicines, stent, lifeboats will attract tax of 5 %,

Services: Transport services (Railways, air transport),
small restraurants will be under the 5% category
because their main input is petroleum, which is outside
GST ambit.

12% Slab

Goods: Frozen meat products , butter, cheese, ghee, dry
fruits in packaged form, animal fat, sausage, fruit juices,
Bhutia, namkeen, Ayurvedic medicines, tooth powder,
agarbatti, colouring books, picture books, umbrella,
sewing machine, cellphones will be under 12 % tax slab.

Services: Non-AC hotels, business class air ticket,
fertilisers, Work Contracts will fall under 12 per cent
GST tax slab

18% Slab

Goods: Most items are under this tax slab which
includes flavoured refined sugar, pasta, cornflakes,
pastries and cakes, preserved vegetables, jams, sauces,
soups, ice cream, instant food mixes, mineral water,
tissues, envelopes, tampons, note books, steel products,
printed circuits, camera, speakers and monitors.

Services: AC hotels that serve liquor, telecom services,
IT services, branded garments and financial services will
attract 18 per cent tax under GST.

21. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 22
28% Slab

Goods: Chewing gum, molasses, chocolate not
containing cocoa, waffles and wafers coated with
chocolate, aerated water, paint, deodorants, shaving
creams, after shave, hair shampoo, dye, sunscreen,
wallpaper, ceramic tiles, water heater, dishwasher,
weighing machine, washing machine, ATM, vending
machines, vacuum cleaner, shavers, hair clippers,
motorcycles will attract 28 % tax - the highest under
GST system.

Services: 5-star hotels, race club betting, cinema will
attract tax 28 per cent tax slab under GST

Goods With Higher Burden
Small cars – petrol driven 28% + 1% cess
Small cars – diesel driven 28% + 5% cess
Luxury cars 28%+15% cess
Luxury and de-merits goods and sin
items e.g. tobacco, pan masala
28% + cess
Heavy bikes, Luxury yachts, private
jets
31%
Gold, Packaged foods, cigarettes,
footwear and textiles
Decision likely
on June 3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Goods and Service Tax (GST)?
A destination-based tax on consumption of goods
and services. It is to be levied at all stages from
manufacture to final consumption with the a tax
credit provision available as setoff i.e. only the
value addition part will be taxed and the tax
burden is to be borne by the final consumer.

2. What are the GST rate slabs?
0%-28%. The four-tier GST structure is- 5%,
12%, 18% and 28%, with lower rates for
essential items and the highest for luxury goods.
Essential items including food will be taxed at
zero rate. The lowest rate of 5% is meant for
daily use items. There would be two standard
rates of 12 per cent and 18 per cent, leviable on
most goods and services, including FMCGs.
The highest tax will apply to items currently
taxed @ 30-31% (excise duty plus VAT). Ultra
luxuries, demerit and sin goods (tobacco, aerated
drinks), will attract a cess besides a 28% GST.
The collection from this cess and the clean energy
cess would compensate the states for any
revenue losses in the first 5 years of the GST
implementation. The GST will subsume the
multiple cesses currently in place, including the
Swachh Bharat Cess, the Krishi Kalyan Cess and
the Education Cess. Only the Clean Environment
Cess is being retained, revenues from which will
also fund the compensations.
3. How does it work?
It is a tax only on value addition at each stage.
The supplier at each stage is permitted to set-off,
through a tax credit mechanism. The final
consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by
the last dealer in the chain.

The illustration here indicates, with a
hypothetical example taking a manufacturer, a
wholesaler and a retailer, how GST works.

A. Suppose the GST rate is 10%, and the
manufacturer makes a value addition of Rs.30 on
his purchases worth Rs.100 of input goods used,
making the price Rs. 130/- (100+30).
Manufacturer will pay a net GST of Rs. 3 after
setting-off Rs. 10 as GST paid on inputs (i.e. Input
Tax Credit) from gross GST of Rs. 13 (10% of
130).

B. The manufacturer sells the goods to the
wholesaler, who sells the goods for Rs. 150/-
(130+20) after making a value addition of (say),
Rs. 20, he pays a net GST of only Rs. 2, after
setting-off of Input Tax Credit of Rs. 13 from the
gross GST of Rs. 15(10% of 150) to the
manufacturer.

C. Similarly, when a retailer sells the same goods
after a value addition of (say) Rs. 10, for Rs. 160
(150+10) he pays a net GST of only Re.1, after
setting-off Rs.15 from his gross GST of Rs. 16
(10% of 160) paid to the wholesaler.

D. Thus, the manufacturer, wholesaler and
retailer have to pay only Rs. 6 (= Rs. 3+Rs. 2+Rs.
1) as GST on the value addition along the entire
value chain, after setting-off the GST paid earlier,
lessening the overall burden of GST.


Supply
Chain Stage
Purchase
Value
Of Input
Value
Addition
Value at
Which
Supply
Goods
and
Services
Made to
Next
Stage
Rate of
GST
GST on
Output
Input Tax
Credit
Net
GST=GST
on
output-
Input Tax
Credit
Manufacturer 100 30 130 10% 13 10 13–10 = 3
Whole Seller 130 20 150 10% 15 13 15–13 = 2
Retailer 150 10 160 10% 16 15 16–15 = 1

4. Which existing taxes are subsumed under the
GST?
The GST will replace central taxes like
# Central Excise Duty # Additional Excise duties
The GST will replace state taxes like
# State VAT # Central Sales Tax
# Purchase Tax # Luxury Tax
# Entry Tax (all forms)
# Entertainment Tax
# Taxes on lotteries, betting and gambling
# State cesses and surcharges

22. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 23
5. What will be the status of Tobacco and
Tobacco products under the GST regime?
They would be subject to GST. Besides, the Centre
can levy Central Excise duty on these products.

6. Tell me about the types of GST to be
implemented.
A dual GST with the Centre and States levying it
on a common tax base. The GST levied by the
Centre would be called the Central GST (CGST)
and the one to be levied by States would be called
the State GST (SGST). Similarly, an Integrated
GST (IGST) is to be levied by the Centre on inter-
state supply of goods/ services.
Besides, since the SGST cannot fulfill the needs of
the UTs, a UTGST has been finalized. Currently,
the UTGST is applied to the UTs - Chandigarh,
Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

7. But why do we need a dual GST?
India is a federal country where both the levels of
government have clear responsibilities as per the
Constitution for which they need resources. A
dual GST is in line with the idea of fiscal
federalism.


8. Which authority will levy and administer the
GST?
The Central Government will levy and administer
the CGST, the IGST and UTGST. The states will
levy and administer the SGST.

9. How will India gain from the GST?
The GST is a very significant step in indirect tax
reforms in India. A single tax would remove the
ill effects of cascading (spreading) and make
India a common national market. For the
consumer, the biggest gain would be a fall in the
overall tax burden on goods, currently estimated
at 25%-30%.
It would also make our products competitive,
domestically and internationally, besides
spurring economic growth. The government may
earn more revenues due to - wider tax base,
increased trade volumes and better tax
compliance and transparency.

10. Who is liable to pay the GST under the
proposed GST regime?
The GST is payable by the taxable person upon
crossing the threshold exemption i.e. Rs.10 lakh
(Rs. 5 lakh for NE States) except in certain cases
where it has to be paid even though he does not
cross the threshold e.g. persons making any inter-
State taxable supply, casual taxable persons,
persons required to pay tax under reverse
charge, Non-resident taxable persons, those
required to deduct tax at source, Input service
distributors, those supplying goods/services
other than branded services through e-
commerce, e-commerce operators and
aggregators who supply services under their
brand name/trade name.

11. What are the benefits available to small tax
payers under the GST regime?
Those with an aggregate turnover in a financial
year up to Rs. 10 lakhs are exempt from tax. For
NE States and Sikkim, the exemption threshold
shall be Rs. 5 lakhs.

12. Have we got the necessary infrastructure?
A Special Purpose Vehicle GSTN (Goods and
Service Tax Network) will provide the IT
infrastructure and services to the government
and other stakeholders. The GSTN is developing a
GST portal and applications for registration,
payment and MIS reports.

13. What about the likely disputes arising under
the GST regime?
The Constitution (101
st
amendment) Act, 2016
provides that the GST Council shall establish a
mechanism to adjudicate any such disputes. A
person unhappy with the order passed by an
adjudicating authority (as defined by the GST
law) can appeal to the First Appellate Authority
within 3 months from the date of the order. The
GST Commissioner can examine the order for its
legality or propriety and direct his subordinates
to apply to the First Appellate Authority within
six months from the date of the order.
The GST has been touted as the single biggest
indirect tax reform in India post-independence,
something akin to the Direct Tax reforms
recommended by the Raja Chelliah Committee in
1991. The government is pinning great hopes on
its successful rollout. Though there are fears in
some quarters over the shopkeepers
overcharging the customers in the garb of
collecting the new tax, the government is alive to
the situation and has already launched a
consumer awareness campaign to forestall any
such possibility.
The new game plan can help India usher
in a new economic era, marked by better tax
compliance, simplified and transparent tax
structure, a common national market, lower tax
administration costs, better tax collections and
lower consumer prices, thus benefiting all
stakeholders in the process.

--xxx--

23. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
INDIA TOPS IN 2-WHEELER SALES

India has overtaken China to emerge as the world's
biggest market for two-wheelers, selling a total of 17.7
million two-wheelers last year, leaving behind China
which sold 16.8 million units.

TEJAS EXPRESS – INDIA’s FASTEST TRAIN
India’s state-of-the-art high-speed train Tejas Express,
which can run up to the speed of 200km per hour, made
its first trip between Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus, Mumbai, and Karmali, North Goa.
has introduced many new first time features.

INDIA 2
ND IN STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTION
India has left Japan behind to become the second
producer of stainless steel in the world, with China at
the top, in 2016, according to data released by the
International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). India’s
stainless steel production rose 9% to 3.32 million
tonnes in 2016.

TATA IS TOP INDIAN BRAND
Global brand valuation and strategy consultancy firm
Brand Finance in its 2017 report for India has listed
Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India with an
estimated brand value of $13.1 billion. Next in ranking
are Airtel, LIC, Infosys and SBI, in descending order.

IRCTC TO HOME DELIVER TICKETS

Moving with the times, the Indian Railway Catering and
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is now offering home
delivery of rail tickets and passengers may make
payment through any payment mode, including cash.
AUGUST 2017
MAY


India has overtaken China to emerge as the world's
wheelers, selling a total of 17.7
wheelers last year, leaving behind China
FASTEST TRAIN
Tejas Express,
per hour, made
Chhatrapati Shivaji
North Goa. The train
has introduced many new first time features.
STEEL PRODUCTION
India has left Japan behind to become the second-largest
world, with China at
the top, in 2016, according to data released by the
International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). India’s
stainless steel production rose 9% to 3.32 million
nsultancy firm
Brand Finance in its 2017 report for India has listed
Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India with an
estimated brand value of $13.1 billion. Next in ranking
are Airtel, LIC, Infosys and SBI, in descending order.

Moving with the times, the Indian Railway Catering and
is now offering home
delivery of rail tickets and passengers may make
payment through any payment mode, including cash.
‘CHEVROLET’ SAYS GOOD BYE TO INDIA
General Motors of USA, popular for their ‘Chevrolet’
brand, have decided once again to quit Indian markets.
One of the biggest auto makers in the world,
India journey in 1996 but could secure only 0.85% of
market share in India, selling 25,82

DISCOVERY TO START NEW CHANNEL
American broadcaster Discovery Communications is
planning to launch a new Hindi general entertainment
channel in India called Discovery JEET, in a bid to scale
up local programming content across its netw


GOOGLE TO PROMOTE START
Google has announced a new ‘Solve for India’ initiative
aimed at encouraging the start-up ecosystem in tier II
cities across the country. The campaign will mentor and
inspire upcoming entrepreneurs and startups in major
Indian cities.

WIPRO ADOPTS NEW
LOGO
India’s leading IT
Company Wipro has
changed its logo and brand
identity. The new logo re-
presents the way
Wipro "connects the dots" for its clients integrating
deep technology and domain expertise.

 The total number of LPG consumer connections has
crossed 20-crore with 3.25 crore new connections
being released in financial year 2016
 China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB) has approved $160 million loan for a
power project in Andhra Prade
24
‘CHEVROLET’ SAYS GOOD BYE TO INDIA
General Motors of USA, popular for their ‘Chevrolet’
brand, have decided once again to quit Indian markets.
One of the biggest auto makers in the world, it began its
but could secure only 0.85% of
market share in India, selling 25,823 units in 2016-17.
DISCOVERY TO START NEW CHANNEL
American broadcaster Discovery Communications is
planning to launch a new Hindi general entertainment
channel in India called Discovery JEET, in a bid to scale
up local programming content across its network.

GOOGLE TO PROMOTE START -UPs
Google has announced a new ‘Solve for India’ initiative
up ecosystem in tier II
cities across the country. The campaign will mentor and
inspire upcoming entrepreneurs and startups in major
"connects the dots" for its clients integrating
deep technology and domain expertise.
number of LPG consumer connections has
crore with 3.25 crore new connections
being released in financial year 2016-17.
Asian Infrastructure Investment
$160 million loan for a
power project in Andhra Pradesh.

24. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
VISTADOME COACH ARRIVES IN INDIA

Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPS
based info system and rotating seats — are some of the
welcoming features in the new Vistadome
launched for the first time in India, on the
Visakhapatnam - Araku route in Andhra. These coaches
will enable tourists to enjoy scenic beauty along the
journey. Only 40 seats are available in the coach.

FIRST FLIGHT UNDER UDAN SCHEME
The Prime Minister flagged off the first flight under the
regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka
Aam Nagarik) from Shimla to Delhi. Under UDAN
scheme flights up to one hour / 500 kms. shall be
offered for not more than Rs 2500.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS TO COST MORE
The Lok Sabha passed amendments to the Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988 that will substantially increase the
penalty for traffic violations, allow learner’s driving
licences to be issued online and penalise contractors for
faulty road design. The bill has provisions to increase
the penalties by 10% every year. Now the bill will be
presented in the Rajya Sabha.

PRIVATE RAILWAY STATION

For the first time in Indian Railway history,
railway station in Bhopal has been handed over to a
private firm for operation and maintenance.
building will be developed as airport terminal.
AUGUST 2017
ARPIL

VISTADOME COACH ARRIVES IN INDIA

Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPS-
are some of the
welcoming features in the new Vistadome rail coach
launched for the first time in India, on the
These coaches
will enable tourists to enjoy scenic beauty along the
Only 40 seats are available in the coach.
FIRST FLIGHT UNDER UDAN SCHEME
The Prime Minister flagged off the first flight under the
l air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka
Under UDAN
scheme flights up to one hour / 500 kms. shall be
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS TO COST MORE
The Lok Sabha passed amendments to the Motor
Vehicles Act, 1988 that will substantially increase the
penalty for traffic violations, allow learner’s driving
licences to be issued online and penalise contractors for
The bill has provisions to increase
r. Now the bill will be

in Indian Railway history, Habibganj
in Bhopal has been handed over to a
private firm for operation and maintenance. The station
airport terminal.
NPCI AWARDS 245 CR FOR DIGI PAYMENTS
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
umbrella organisation for all retail payment systems in
the country, has disbursed over
prize money to about 18 lakh winners under the
Aayog’s Lucky Draw schemes for promotion of digital
payments. The scheme for consumers was
Grahak Yojna and for merchants was
Yojna (DVY).

'OPERATION CLEAN MONEY’
The Income Tax department has launched the second
phase of the 'Operation Clean Money’ to investigate over
60,000 individuals to detect black money generation
post demonetisation. The department had
undisclosed income over Rs 9,334 crore between the
period of November 9, 2016 till February 28 this year.

SBI IS LARGEST M-CAP PSU
State Bank of India, after the merger of the associate
banks, for the first time, has surpassed
Corporation (ONGC) to become most valued public
sector undertaking (PSU) stock in terms of market
capitalization (m-cap) in intra-day trade.
of Rs 239,808 crore was ahead of ONGC having m
Rs. 236,003 crore, BSE data showed.

SC BANS POLLUTING VEHICLES

The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration
of vehicles which are not compliant with Bharat Stage
IV (BS-IV) emission norms wef April 1, 2017. The ban,
however, will not cover BS-III compliant vehicles
on or before 31 March 2017. The court noted that
polluting vehicles are threatening health hazard to
millions of countrymen due to increased air pollution.

FLIPKART GETS $1.4 BN FUNDING
In the biggest-ever fund raising by an Indian Internet
firm, India's largest e-commerce firm Flipkart raised
$1.4 billion (Rs 9,000 crore approx.) from Tencent
Holdings (China), Microsoft Corp and eBay Inc. Flipkart
has decided to take over the Indian business of the eBay.
25
NPCI AWARDS 245 CR FOR DIGI PAYMENTS
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the
all retail payment systems in
Rs. 245 crore worth of
prize money to about 18 lakh winners under the NITI
for promotion of digital
payments. The scheme for consumers was Lucky
for merchants was Digi-Dhan Vyapar
'OPERATION CLEAN MONEY’
The Income Tax department has launched the second
phase of the 'Operation Clean Money’ to investigate over
60,000 individuals to detect black money generation
he department had detected
undisclosed income over Rs 9,334 crore between the
period of November 9, 2016 till February 28 this year.

State Bank of India, after the merger of the associate
banks, for the first time, has surpassed Oil & Natural Gas
to become most valued public
sector undertaking (PSU) stock in terms of market
day trade. SBI with m-cap
of Rs 239,808 crore was ahead of ONGC having m-cap of
showed.
SC BANS POLLUTING VEHICLES

The Supreme Court has banned the sale and registration
of vehicles which are not compliant with Bharat Stage-
IV) emission norms wef April 1, 2017. The ban,
III compliant vehicles sold
on or before 31 March 2017. The court noted that
polluting vehicles are threatening health hazard to
millions of countrymen due to increased air pollution.
FLIPKART GETS $1.4 BN FUNDING
ever fund raising by an Indian Internet
commerce firm Flipkart raised
$1.4 billion (Rs 9,000 crore approx.) from Tencent
Holdings (China), Microsoft Corp and eBay Inc. Flipkart
has decided to take over the Indian business of the eBay.

25. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
FRANCE TO HELP IN RAILWAY SECTOR

France and India have agreed to collaborate in railway
sector in areas such as high-speed and semi
rail, modernisation of current operations and
infrastructure, station renovation and operations,
suburban trains and safety systems.

INDIA’s FIRST INTERNET TV
Airtel Digital TV, the DTH arm of Bharti Airtel, has
launched ‘Internet TV’, India’s first hybrid set
powered by Android TV. It will relay a bouquet of over
500 plus satellite TV channels.

 The ADB has agreed to lend $175 milli
the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
the capacity and efficiency of its transmission
networks.

BANKING & FINANCE


RBI CUTS SLR TO 20%

The Reserves Bank of India has kept repo rate
unchanged at 6.25 per cent in its second
policy review. However, the Statutory liquidity ratio has
been cut down by 0.5 per cent to 20 per cent wef 24
June. This will release roughly 50,000 crore rupees in
the banking sector.
Considering the pressure on inflation, it has also cut
growth projection for current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from
earlier 7.4 per cent.
AUGUST 2017
FRANCE TO HELP IN RAILWAY SECTOR

and India have agreed to collaborate in railway
speed and semi-high speed
rail, modernisation of current operations and
infrastructure, station renovation and operations,
Airtel Digital TV, the DTH arm of Bharti Airtel, has
launched ‘Internet TV’, India’s first hybrid set-top box,
powered by Android TV. It will relay a bouquet of over
$175 million to
Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. to improve
the capacity and efficiency of its transmission

BANKING & FINANCE
JUNE

The Reserves Bank of India has kept repo rate
unchanged at 6.25 per cent in its second bi-monthly
the Statutory liquidity ratio has
been cut down by 0.5 per cent to 20 per cent wef 24
th

June. This will release roughly 50,000 crore rupees in
Considering the pressure on inflation, it has also cut the
growth projection for current fiscal to 7.3 per cent from
SCOPE OF OMBUDSMAN EXTENDED
The RBI has widened the scope of the Banking
Ombudsman Scheme 2006 by extending the coverage to
include complaints related to mobile banking and
electronic banking services and instances of mis
of third-party products like insurance and mutual fund

Further, the power to pass compensation award has
been hiked to Rs. 20 lakh, from the existing Rs. 10 lakh.

The Ombudsman has also been empowered to allow
compensation not exceeding Rs. 1 lakh to the
complainant for loss of time, expenses incurred
harassment and mental anguish suffered by him.

AADHAAR MUST FOR BANK ACCOUNTS

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for
opening new bank accounts and for financial
transactions above Rs 50,000. Existing account holders
have been given time until December 31, 2017 to submit
the Aadhaar details, failing which the accounts will be
held invalid.

CVC ALLOWED TO PROBE PRIVATE BANKS
The RBI and the Department of Financial Services have
approved the provisions for probing of allegations of
corruption in private sector banks and against their
employees by the Central Vigilance Commission. Earlier,
the Supreme Court had said that all officials working in
banks operating under an RBI license would be defined
as public servants under the Prevention
Act, 1988.

RBI IDENTIFIES TOP 12 NPA ACCOUNTS
The RBI’s Internal Advisory Committee has identified 12
loan accounts, each having more than 5,000 crore
rupees of outstanding, accounting for
percent of the current gross Non Perform
the banks.

The apex bank said that bankers will be asked to
formulate resolution plan for these accounts within six
months, failing which they may initiate insolvency
proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016 to recover the dues.
26
SCOPE OF OMBUDSMAN EXTENDED
The RBI has widened the scope of the Banking
Ombudsman Scheme 2006 by extending the coverage to
include complaints related to mobile banking and
electronic banking services and instances of mis-selling
party products like insurance and mutual funds.
Further, the power to pass compensation award has
been hiked to Rs. 20 lakh, from the existing Rs. 10 lakh.
The Ombudsman has also been empowered to allow
compensation not exceeding Rs. 1 lakh to the
complainant for loss of time, expenses incurred as also
harassment and mental anguish suffered by him.
AADHAAR MUST FOR BANK ACCOUNTS

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for
opening new bank accounts and for financial
transactions above Rs 50,000. Existing account holders
time until December 31, 2017 to submit
the Aadhaar details, failing which the accounts will be
CVC ALLOWED TO PROBE PRIVATE BANKS
The RBI and the Department of Financial Services have
approved the provisions for probing of allegations of
ruption in private sector banks and against their
employees by the Central Vigilance Commission. Earlier,
the Supreme Court had said that all officials working in
banks operating under an RBI license would be defined
as public servants under the Prevention of Corruption
RBI IDENTIFIES TOP 12 NPA ACCOUNTS
The RBI’s Internal Advisory Committee has identified 12
loan accounts, each having more than 5,000 crore
rupees of outstanding, accounting for roughly 25
percent of the current gross Non Performing Assets of
The apex bank said that bankers will be asked to
formulate resolution plan for these accounts within six
months, failing which they may initiate insolvency
proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,

26. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

THREE BANKS PUT UNDER PCA
RBI has put the Central Bank of India, Dena Bank
Bank of Maharashtra under Prompt Corrective Action in
view of high net NPA and negative RoA (Return on
Assets). With this, the total number of banks placed
under RBI's watch has gone up to six.
Action under PCA can include curbs on expansion,
exposure and dividend payment. In extreme cases, the
PCA framework provides the RBI with powers to force
mergers or even wind up the non-compliant banks.

IDBI ONLY PSB TO GET ‘HIGH’ RATING
According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done
by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and Standards
Board of India (BCSBI), only one out of 26 public sector
banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to code
compliance. Among 17 private sector banks, 8 managed
to get ‘high’ rating.
The code compliance rating is based on five parameters
— information dissemination, transparency, grievance
redressal, customer-centricity, and customer feedback. It
indicates the level of implementation of important code
provisions in a bank.

5 % INTEREST SUBSIDY FOR CROP LOANS

Government has decided that farmers will continue to
get short-term crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a
subsidised interest rate of 7 per cent, including interest
subsidy of 2 per cent. Further, if this loan is repaid in
time, the farmer will get additional subsidy of 3 per cent,
bringing down the effective rate to 4 per cent.
AUGUST 2017

, Dena Bank and
under Prompt Corrective Action in
view of high net NPA and negative RoA (Return on
With this, the total number of banks placed
Action under PCA can include curbs on expansion,
exposure and dividend payment. In extreme cases, the
PCA framework provides the RBI with powers to force
compliant banks.
T ‘HIGH’ RATING
According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks done
by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and Standards
Board of India (BCSBI), only one out of 26 public sector
banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to code
sector banks, 8 managed
The code compliance rating is based on five parameters
information dissemination, transparency, grievance
centricity, and customer feedback. It
mportant code
5 % INTEREST SUBSIDY FOR CROP LOANS

Government has decided that farmers will continue to
term crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a
subsidised interest rate of 7 per cent, including interest
cent. Further, if this loan is repaid in
time, the farmer will get additional subsidy of 3 per cent,
bringing down the effective rate to 4 per cent.
SEBI COMMITTEE ON CORP GOVERNANCE
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
a committee under the Chairmanship of Uday Kotak
Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of
Kotak Mahindra Bank to help improve the standards of
corporate governance of listed companies in India.

SBI RAISES Rs. 15,000 CR THROUGH QIP
State Bank of India has raised nearly Rs 15,000 cr from
institutional investors, both domestic and foreign,
through India’s biggest the QIP (Qualified Institutional
Placement) issue. LIC alone opted for about 50 per cent
share. Share with face value of Rs.
price of Rs. 287.58 per share. SBI raised the capital
meet Basel III regulatory capital stipulation and to make
provisions for bad loans.



CABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE ON NPAs
The Union Cabinet has
passed an ordinance to
amend the Banking
Regulation Act for dealing
with the non-performing
assets (NPAs) in the
banking system. It aims to
provide more powers to
RBI to deal effectively
with the high value NPAs.
A NPA is a loan account
where delay in realization
of interest or installment
has crossed 90 days.

‘PAYTM PAYMENT BANK’ LAUNCHED
Digital payments firm Paytm
its payments bank ‘Paytm Payment Bank’, offering 4 per
cent interest rate on savings account,
deposits, zero fees on online transactions
minimum balance requirement. It is the second payment
bank in India, first being Airtel Payment Bank.



KEY RATES CHANGED, EXCEPT REPO
The Reserve Bank of India kept the key policy rate or
the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first bimonthly
monetary policy review of 2017-
6. The RBI said the decision was consistent with neutral
stance of the monetary policy.

However, the Reverse Repo Rate was raised by 25 basis
points to 6.0 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility
(MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate were cut by 25 basis points
to 6.50 per cent.
27
SEBI COMMITTEE ON CORP GOVERNANCE
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set up
Chairmanship of Uday Kotak,
Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of
Kotak Mahindra Bank to help improve the standards of
corporate governance of listed companies in India.
SBI RAISES Rs. 15,000 CR THROUGH QIP
raised nearly Rs 15,000 cr from
institutional investors, both domestic and foreign,
through India’s biggest the QIP (Qualified Institutional
Placement) issue. LIC alone opted for about 50 per cent
share. Share with face value of Rs. 1 was issued for a
ce of Rs. 287.58 per share. SBI raised the capital to
meet Basel III regulatory capital stipulation and to make
MAY
CABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE ON NPAs
‘PAYTM PAYMENT BANK’ LAUNCHED
Paytm formally launched
bank ‘Paytm Payment Bank’, offering 4 per
on savings account, cash backs on
online transactions and no
minimum balance requirement. It is the second payment
bank in India, first being Airtel Payment Bank.
ARPIL
KEY RATES CHANGED, EXCEPT REPO
The Reserve Bank of India kept the key policy rate or
the repo rate unchanged at 6.25% in the first bimonthly
-18 announced on April
6. The RBI said the decision was consistent with neutral
However, the Reverse Repo Rate was raised by 25 basis
points to 6.0 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility
(MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate were cut by 25 basis points

27. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017

GRA FRAMEWORK FOR PSBs
To prepare public sector banks (PSBs) to enable them to
compete with smart private sector rivals and also
prepare them for possible mergers in the future, the
Bank Boards Bureau (BBB) has drawn up an elaborate
Governance, Reward and Accountability Framewor
(GRAF) for banks. The BBB has evolved a relative
performance rating system to assess the performance of
PSBs, its directors and employees.
The BBB was set up by the government last year to make
recommendations for selection of the chiefs of PSBs and
financial institutions and help them develop strategies
and capital-raising plans.

MORE BATCHES FOR NEFT
The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement cycle
from hourly batches to half hourly batches,
from 8 in the morning till 7 in the evening,
settlement batches.

‘WHOLESALE & LONG-TERM FINANCE BANKS’


The Reserve Bank has released on its web site
a discussion paper on ‘Wholesale & Long-Term Finance
Banks’ for comments from all the stakeholders. The
paper explores the scope for setting up ‘wholesale &
long-term finance banks’ in the context of having issued
in-principle approvals and licenses to set up
differentiated banks, such as, payments banks and small
finance banks.
AUGUST 2017

To prepare public sector banks (PSBs) to enable them to
compete with smart private sector rivals and also
prepare them for possible mergers in the future, the
Bank Boards Bureau (BBB) has drawn up an elaborate
Governance, Reward and Accountability Framework
The BBB has evolved a relative
performance rating system to assess the performance of
The BBB was set up by the government last year to make
recommendations for selection of the chiefs of PSBs and
ncial institutions and help them develop strategies
The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement cycle
from hourly batches to half hourly batches, starting
from 8 in the morning till 7 in the evening, with total 23
TERM FINANCE BANKS’

The Reserve Bank has released on its web site
Term Finance
Banks’ for comments from all the stakeholders. The
setting up ‘wholesale &
term finance banks’ in the context of having issued
principle approvals and licenses to set up
differentiated banks, such as, payments banks and small
PROVISIONING NORMS RELAXED
The Reserve Bank has relaxed
against bad loans by allowing banks to set aside (to
utilise) up to 50 per cent of floating provisions as
against 33 per cent at present.
Floating provisions are the amount that banks set aside
that are above the mandatory provisioning
against bad loans established by the central bank.

SBI JOINS HAND WITH INDIA POST
State Bank of India has joined hands with
Posts to promote 'SBI buddy e-wallet'
(PoS) machines for cashless transactions at post office
for booking speed post/registered post items.

‘PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION’ FOR BAD LOANS


The Reserve Bank has issued a new set of enabling
provisions named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA)
framework to resolve the bad loans issues of the banks.
The new set of provisions is effective from April 1.
 A bank will be placed under PCA framework based
on the audited annual financial results and RBI's
supervisory assessment.
 Banks having NPA of more than six
under PCA. Once under PCA, a bank will have to do
what the RBI wishes it to do, placing the RBI in the
driver’s seat in bad debt resolutions.
 Under the new norm, 17 banks
under the RBI lens.


 The Reserve Bank has set up two new offices of the
Banking Ombudsman for the state of
Kashmir (in Jammu) and Chhattisgarh
 The Reserve Bank has issued draft guidelines on cross
border merger transactions under the Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
 The RBI signed an MoU on “Supervisory Cooperation
and Exchange of Information”
in South America.
 The ICICI Bank Data Centre,
the country's first Platinum rated project
under IGBC Green Data Centre Rating System.
IGBC: Indian Green Building Council
28
PROVISIONING NORMS RELAXED
relaxed provisioning rules
by allowing banks to set aside (to
utilise) up to 50 per cent of floating provisions as
Floating provisions are the amount that banks set aside
that are above the mandatory provisioning requirement
against bad loans established by the central bank.
SBI JOINS HAND WITH INDIA POST
has joined hands with Department of
wallet' and Point of Sale
machines for cashless transactions at post office
registered post items.
‘PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION’ FOR BAD LOANS

The Reserve Bank has issued a new set of enabling
provisions named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA)
loans issues of the banks.
The new set of provisions is effective from April 1.
A bank will be placed under PCA framework based
on the audited annual financial results and RBI's
Banks having NPA of more than six per cent may fall
under PCA. Once under PCA, a bank will have to do
wishes it to do, placing the RBI in the
resolutions.
banks have already come
up two new offices of the
Banking Ombudsman for the state of Jammu and
Chhattisgarh (in Raipur).
has issued draft guidelines on cross
border merger transactions under the Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
“Supervisory Cooperation
and Exchange of Information” with Bank of Guyana
ICICI Bank Data Centre, Hyderabad has become
the country's first Platinum rated project
Green Data Centre Rating System.
Indian Green Building Council

28. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
DEFENCE, SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY




ARMY GETS DHANUSH GUNS

The first regiment of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the
indigenously upgraded variant of the Swedish Bofors
guns, is scheduled to be inducted into the Army
end of this year. It is a 155-mm, 45-calibre gun with a
maximum range of 40 km.

TATA’s TO PRODUCE F-16 AIRCRAFTS
Lockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant from
USA, signed an agreement with India's Tata Advanced
Systems to produce most modern F-16 fighter jet in
India. The company plans to shift its Texas plant to
India to win billions of dollars worth of order from the
Indian military. Around 3200 F-16 fighters are being
flown by 26 countries.

 Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week
long naval exercise, AUSINDEX-17 with Australian
Navy, off the Western Australian coast.
 India successfully test-fired its first all weather
tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-
(QR-SAM) from a mobile launcher at Chandipur in
Odisha.
 Larsen and Toubro has developed India's first
indigenously-built floating dock – FDN
Indian Navy for docking ships and submarines of up
to 8,000 tonnes of displacement.

ISRO LAUNCHES CARTOSAT-2
ISRO successfully launched PSLV -C38 rocket
carrying Cartosat-2 and 30 other satellites on June 23.
The Cartosat-2 series satellite, nick named ‘eye in the
sky’ is a remote sensing satellite for providing high
resolution, scene-specific spot imagery very useful for
civil and military usage. The satellite was placed into a
505-Km Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.
AUGUST 2017
DEFENCE, SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY
JUNE

The first regiment of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the
indigenously upgraded variant of the Swedish Bofors
guns, is scheduled to be inducted into the Army by the
calibre gun with a
16 AIRCRAFTS
Lockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant from
USA, signed an agreement with India's Tata Advanced
16 fighter jet in
India. The company plans to shift its Texas plant to
India to win billions of dollars worth of order from the
16 fighters are being
Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week-
17 with Australian
fired its first all weather
-to-Air Missile
SAM) from a mobile launcher at Chandipur in
Larsen and Toubro has developed India's first
FDN-2 for the
Indian Navy for docking ships and submarines of up
C38 rocket
and 30 other satellites on June 23.
series satellite, nick named ‘eye in the
sky’ is a remote sensing satellite for providing high-
specific spot imagery very useful for
s placed into a
ISRO LAUNCHES GSAT-19 SUCCESSFULLY
India’s brand new and heaviest rocket
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark
Mk-III), weighing 640,000 kg and nick named ‘fat boy’
successfully launched the 3,136 kg communication
satellite GSAT-19 from the Sriharikota spaceport on
June 5.
The GSLV Mk-III is a three stage/engine rocket.
The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel a
motors by liquid fuel. The second is fired on liquid fuel
and the third is the cryogenic engine that uses Oxygen
and Hydrogen as liquefied fuel. The GSAT
beam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band
transponders.

MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM)
ISRO’s maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’
completed 1000 Earth days in its orbit on 19 June 2017,
well beyond its designed mission life of six months. The
spacecraft was launched on 5 Nov

KALAMSAT LAUNCHED BY NASA

An experimental satellite named ‘Kalamsat’ designed by
a six-member team led by 18 year old Md. Rifath
Shaarook of Pallapatti in district Karur, Tamil Nadu, was
successfully launched by NASA in USA.

29
19 SUCCESSFULLY
India’s brand new and heaviest rocket — the
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV
weighing 640,000 kg and nick named ‘fat boy’
successfully launched the 3,136 kg communication
19 from the Sriharikota spaceport on
III is a three stage/engine rocket.
The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel and its two
motors by liquid fuel. The second is fired on liquid fuel
and the third is the cryogenic engine that uses Oxygen
and Hydrogen as liquefied fuel. The GSAT-19 is a multi-
beam satellite that carries Ka and Ku band
ON (MOM)
ISRO’s maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’
completed 1000 Earth days in its orbit on 19 June 2017,
well beyond its designed mission life of six months. The
spacecraft was launched on 5 Nov. 2013 by PSLV-C25.
KALAMSAT LAUNCHED BY NASA

An experimental satellite named ‘Kalamsat’ designed by
member team led by 18 year old Md. Rifath
Shaarook of Pallapatti in district Karur, Tamil Nadu, was
successfully launched by NASA in USA.

29. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
‘JUDY’ VIRUS THREATENS SMARTPHONES

A new malware called 'Judy' is now infecting millions
of Android smart phones around the world. It
infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent
clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the
perpetrators behind it.

CHINA LAUNCHES SPACE TELESCOPE
China has launched its first space telescope named
‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and gamma
bursts. The 2.5-tonne Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope
(HXMT) was launched via a Long March-4B rocket from
Gobi Desert.

EARTH LIKE PLANET DISCOVERED
US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable
Earth-like planet, located just 21 light years away in its
host star Gliese 625. The planet is likely to host liquid
water on its surface, indicating possibility of life.

TRACKLESS TRAIN IN CHINA

China has unveiled a track-less train that runs on virtual
rails in a bid to speed up public transportation in major
cities. It is fitted with sensors that allow it to detect the
dimensions of the roads and plan its own route without
the need for metal railway tracks. The new trains are
said to be non-polluting as they run on battery.

WORLD’S FASTEST ELEVATOR
A skyscraper complex in China has installed the world’s
fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking
speed of 1,260 metres per minute. Developed by Japan’s
Hitachi, its rated speed is 1,200 metres per minute.
AUGUST 2017
‘JUDY’ VIRUS THREATENS SMARTPHONES

called 'Judy' is now infecting millions
around the world. It uses
infected devices to generate large amounts of fraudulent
clicks on advertisements, generating revenues for the

China has launched its first space telescope named
‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and gamma-ray
ray Modulation Telescope
4B rocket from
US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable
like planet, located just 21 light years away in its
host star Gliese 625. The planet is likely to host liquid
water on its surface, indicating possibility of life.

less train that runs on virtual
rails in a bid to speed up public transportation in major
fitted with sensors that allow it to detect the
dimensions of the roads and plan its own route without
The new trains are
polluting as they run on battery.
A skyscraper complex in China has installed the world’s
fastest elevator that can operate at a record breaking
per minute. Developed by Japan’s
Hitachi, its rated speed is 1,200 metres per minute.

INDIA TEST FIRES ‘SPYDER’ MISSILE
India test fired a surface-to-air missile
to-air PYthon and DERby) from a test range
at Chandipur in Odisha. Acquired from Israel, it is a
short-range quick reaction surface
neutralize enemy targets up to a distance of 15 km and
at heights between 20-and-9,000 meters.

INDIA GETS ITS FIRST M777 GUNS

The weapon modernisation plan of the
a major boost when two M777
USA were test-fired in Pokhran, Rajasthan; nearly 30
years after the Bofors howitzer guns were introduced.
These guns are of ultra light howitzers (ULH) quality
and have 155mm/39 calibre with
manufactured by BAE Systems, USA.

 The BSF has started operation
Rajasthan to increase the vigil along the border
with Pakistan to check infiltration.
 Simbex-17, a bilateral naval exercise between India
and Republic of Singapore was held in the South
China Sea. Simbex is an acronym for
Maritime Bilateral Exercises.
 INS Karwar and INS Kakinada
ships of the Indian Navy were decommissioned at
Mumbai after being in service for over 30
 The 29
th
series of India- Indonesia Co
Patrol (CORPAT), joint naval exercise was held near
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

INDIA GIFTS TECHNOLOGY TO NEIGHBOURS
ISRO gave south Asian nations a big technological boon
by successfully launching South Asia Satellite or GSAT
into space on a GSLV rocket. The 2,230
support communication, broadcasting and internet
services, disaster management, tele
education, weather forecasting in the region covering all
neighbours of India, except Pakistan.
30
MAY
INDIA TEST FIRES ‘SPYDER’ MISSILE
air missile ‘Spyder’(Surface-
from a test range
Acquired from Israel, it is a
range quick reaction surface-to-air missile to
neutralize enemy targets up to a distance of 15 km and
9,000 meters.
INDIA GETS ITS FIRST M777 GUNS

The weapon modernisation plan of the Indian Army got
M777 guns acquired from
fired in Pokhran, Rajasthan; nearly 30
years after the Bofors howitzer guns were introduced.
These guns are of ultra light howitzers (ULH) quality
and have 155mm/39 calibre with a range of 30 km,
manufactured by BAE Systems, USA.
has started operation 'Garam Hawa' in
Rajasthan to increase the vigil along the border
to check infiltration.
a bilateral naval exercise between India
Singapore was held in the South
China Sea. Simbex is an acronym for Singapore-India

INS Karwar and INS Kakinada, the two minesweeper
ships of the Indian Navy were decommissioned at
Mumbai after being in service for over 30 years.
Indonesia Co-ordinated
Patrol (CORPAT), joint naval exercise was held near
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
INDIA GIFTS TECHNOLOGY TO NEIGHBOURS
ISRO gave south Asian nations a big technological boon
South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9
The 2,230-kg Satellite will
support communication, broadcasting and internet
services, disaster management, tele-medicine, tele-
education, weather forecasting in the region covering all
rs of India, except Pakistan.

30. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
ISRO –NASA TO LAUNCH ‘NISAR’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
have collaborated to make a satellite called
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. The satellite will
help scientists monitor the Earth in detail like never
before. It is scheduled to be launched in 2021.

NOW ROBOTS TO POLICE DUBAI
Dubai Police has launched their first robot officer, giving
it the task of patrolling the city's malls
attractions. People will be able to use it to report crimes,
pay fines and get information by tapping a touch screen
on its chest.

‘YEAR OF POLAR PREDICTION’
The World Meteorological Organization and the
Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research have
announced the start of the ‘Year of Polar Prediction’
aimed at improvement in environmental prediction
capabilities for the Polar Regions and beyond.

NOW BLINDS CAN WATCH TV

Researchers in Spain have invented a technique that
types Braille in real time and helps deaf-
"watch" television without intermediaries. The
technique developed under "PervasiveSUB Project"
compiles all the subtitles of TV channels and coverts
them to Braille through their smartphones or tablets.
AUGUST 2017

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
have collaborated to make a satellite called NISAR -
The satellite will
help scientists monitor the Earth in detail like never
It is scheduled to be launched in 2021.
Dubai Police has launched their first robot officer, giving
and tourist
People will be able to use it to report crimes,
pay fines and get information by tapping a touch screen
The World Meteorological Organization and the
Research have
announced the start of the ‘Year of Polar Prediction’
aimed at improvement in environmental prediction
capabilities for the Polar Regions and beyond.

Researchers in Spain have invented a technique that
-blind people
"watch" television without intermediaries. The
technique developed under "PervasiveSUB Project"
channels and coverts
them to Braille through their smartphones or tablets.
WORLD’s THINNEST HOLOGRAM
Scientists in Melbourne, Australia have created the
world’s thinnest hologram that can be seen without 3D
goggles and may be integrated into everyday electronics
such as smartphones, computers and TVs. It is 1,000
times thinner than a human hair.

 Dubai has become the first city in the world to get its
own Microsoft Font. It has been launched in 3 types
Dubai, Dubai Medium and Dubai Light.



DRDO’s LAB IS HIGHEST IN WORLD

The Extreme Altitude Research Centre set up by the
DRDO at Chang La in Ladakh has received Guinness
World Records certification for bei
terrestrial research laboratory. Located at 17,664 feet, it
is about a 1,000 feet higher than
Pyramid Laboratory in Nepal.

INDIA RANKS 5
TH IN DEFENCE SPENDING
The rankings released by the Swedish think
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI) in their report titled ‘Trends in world
Military Expenditure, 2016’, place India at 5
terms of defence spending in the year 2016.
India spent $55.9 billion on defence in 2016, which was
2.5 per cent of its GDP. The US is the top most spender at
$611 billion, followed by China at
$69.2 billion and Saudi Arabia $63.7 billion.

INDIA – FRANCE JOINT NAVA
Three Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya
were deputed to France on a three day friendly visit to
French Navy’s Toulon Naval Base. The two navies
conducted joint naval exercise named ‘Varuna’.

AGNI – III FIRED SUCCESSFULLY
India successfully carried out a fresh user trial of 3,000
km. range Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam
Island off Odisha coast. Agni-III is a rail mobile system
capable missile and can be launched from anywhere
giving the country extended ballistic missile firepower.
31
WORLD’s THINNEST HOLOGRAM
Scientists in Melbourne, Australia have created the
world’s thinnest hologram that can be seen without 3D
goggles and may be integrated into everyday electronics
phones, computers and TVs. It is 1,000

Dubai has become the first city in the world to get its
It has been launched in 3 types –
Dubai, Dubai Medium and Dubai Light.
ARPIL
WORLD

The Extreme Altitude Research Centre set up by the
DRDO at Chang La in Ladakh has received Guinness
World Records certification for bei0ng highest
terrestrial research laboratory. Located at 17,664 feet, it
is about a 1,000 feet higher than previous record holder
IN DEFENCE SPENDING
The rankings released by the Swedish think-tank
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI) in their report titled ‘Trends in world
, 2016’, place India at 5
th
rank in
terms of defence spending in the year 2016.
India spent $55.9 billion on defence in 2016, which was
2.5 per cent of its GDP. The US is the top most spender at
followed by China at $215 billion, Russia at
$69.2 billion and Saudi Arabia $63.7 billion.
AL EXERCISE
Three Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya
were deputed to France on a three day friendly visit to
French Navy’s Toulon Naval Base. The two navies
joint naval exercise named ‘Varuna’.
III FIRED SUCCESSFULLY
India successfully carried out a fresh user trial of 3,000
III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam
III is a rail mobile system
and can be launched from anywhere
giving the country extended ballistic missile firepower.

31. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
ARMY JOINS HAND WITH IIT-MADRAS

The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with
the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT
identify and enhance critical areas of technology in the
armed forces. Both entities will work in tandem to
enhance their experience and technology for betterment
of each other.


 The 12th edition Indo-Mongolian Joint Military
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 has begun at
Vairengte in Mizoram.
 India signed a MoU with South Korea to strengthen
bilateral cooperation in defence shipbuilding.
 Government has approved procurement of a fresh
batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles from Israel for
Naval warships.

GOOGLE LAUNCHES AREO APP
Google has launched a new food delivery and home
services aggregator called Areo for the Indian market.
The app is available as a free download on the Google
Play store and is currently operational only in
Bengaluru and Mumbai.

NASA LAUNCHED SUPER PRESSURE BALLOON
NASA has successfully launched its football
sized and heavy-lift Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) from
Wanaka, New Zealand. The balloon will float for 100 or
more days at 110000 feet (33.5 km) across the globe to
detect the ultra violet fluorescence from the deep space
cosmic rays coming in from above.

FUNGUS DISCOVERED TO COUNTER PLASTIC
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
have discovered a soil fungus Aspergillus Tubingensis
that can break down plastic materials using its enzymes.
This discovery could help solve the ever
problem of non decomposing plastic waste that
threatens to destroy our environment.

 Finnish mobile giant Nokia has signed a MoU with
Airtel and BSNL for providing 5G technology and
connected devices in India.
 NASA’s Cassini spacecraft made its first dive into the
never-before-explored region between Saturn and its
rings on 26 April.


AUGUST 2017
MADRAS

The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with
Madras (IIT-M) to
critical areas of technology in the
armed forces. Both entities will work in tandem to
enhance their experience and technology for betterment
Mongolian Joint Military
Nomadic Elephant 2017 has begun at
India signed a MoU with South Korea to strengthen
bilateral cooperation in defence shipbuilding.
Government has approved procurement of a fresh
air missiles from Israel for
Google has launched a new food delivery and home
services aggregator called Areo for the Indian market.
The app is available as a free download on the Google
Play store and is currently operational only in
PRESSURE BALLOON
NASA has successfully launched its football-stadium-
lift Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) from
Wanaka, New Zealand. The balloon will float for 100 or
more days at 110000 feet (33.5 km) across the globe to
t fluorescence from the deep space
FUNGUS DISCOVERED TO COUNTER PLASTIC
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
have discovered a soil fungus Aspergillus Tubingensis
using its enzymes.
This discovery could help solve the ever-growing
problem of non decomposing plastic waste that
Finnish mobile giant Nokia has signed a MoU with
Airtel and BSNL for providing 5G technology and
NASA’s Cassini spacecraft made its first dive into the
explored region between Saturn and its
INTERNATIONAL
NEW UN OFFICE FOR TERRORISM
The UN General Assembly has approved the
establishment of a new office to coordinate counter
terrorism efforts. The new office will align the world
body with needs of the global community in the fight
against the menace of terrorism.

ARAB MAJORS BOYCOTT QATAR

The Arab world’s strongest powers have cut ties with
Qatar over its alleged support for Islamists and Iran.
The move was initiated by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United
Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Three countries,
Libya and the Maldives joined in later.
the move as based on lies about it supporting militants.

INDIA FORMALLY JOINS SCO
India and Pakistan have become the formal members of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
was founded at a Summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the
Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran and
Pakistan were admitted as observers at the 2005 Astana
Summit.

32
INTERNATIONAL


JUNE

NEW UN OFFICE FOR TERRORISM
The UN General Assembly has approved the
establishment of a new office to coordinate counter-
terrorism efforts. The new office will align the world
body with needs of the global community in the fight

ARAB MAJORS BOYCOTT QATAR

The Arab world’s strongest powers have cut ties with
Qatar over its alleged support for Islamists and Iran.
The move was initiated by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United
Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Three countries, Yemen,
Libya and the Maldives joined in later. Qatar denounced
the move as based on lies about it supporting militants.
INDIA FORMALLY JOINS SCO
India and Pakistan have become the formal members of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – SCO. The SCO
was founded at a Summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the
Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic,
Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran and
Pakistan were admitted as observers at the 2005 Astana

32. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
USA NOT READY FOR PARIS ACCORD

US President Donald Trump shocked the world by
announcing his decision to walk out of the Paris Climate
Change Agreement stating that the agreement gives
undue advantage to India and China, “the world’s
leading polluters”, at the cost of U.S. interests. It
noted that China, USA and India are world’s top
polluters, accounting for 28.2%, 16% and 6.2%,
respectively, of world’s CO2 emissions in 2016.
Three of the US’ unwavering allies in the Western world
— Germany, France and Canada — have openly criticised
the US decision while UK expressed deep disappointment.
Like Brexit, the American exit will not happen anytime
soon. The Paris accord stipulates a four-year exit process.

SOUTH AFRICA SUFFERS RECESSION
South Africa, one of Africa's biggest economies, has
slipped into recession. It suffered a 0.7 per cent decline
in GDP in the first quarter of this year, after a 0.3 per
cent contraction in the last quarter of 2016. Suffering
negative growth in two subsequent quarters is termed
as recession. Rampant corruption is being cited as one
of the main reasons behind this negative growth.

MONTENEGRO JOINS NATO AS 29
th MEMBER
Montenegro, a tiny country in South East Europe has
become 29
th
member of the powerful Western military
alliance NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation,
against the wishes of big brother Russia. NATO group is
lead by America. Thus this development is being seen as
a big diplomatic setback for Russia.

SWISS AGREE TO SHARE INFO
Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of
information sharing with India and 40 other countries
to facilitate immediate sharing of details about
suspected black money cases. The protocol will be
implemented next year and the first set of information is
planned in 2019.
AUGUST 2017


US President Donald Trump shocked the world by
announcing his decision to walk out of the Paris Climate
Agreement stating that the agreement gives
undue advantage to India and China, “the world’s
leading polluters”, at the cost of U.S. interests. It may be
noted that China, USA and India are world’s top
polluters, accounting for 28.2%, 16% and 6.2%,
respectively, of world’s CO2 emissions in 2016.
hree of the US’ unwavering allies in the Western world
have openly criticised
the US decision while UK expressed deep disappointment.
Like Brexit, the American exit will not happen anytime
year exit process.

South Africa, one of Africa's biggest economies, has
slipped into recession. It suffered a 0.7 per cent decline
in GDP in the first quarter of this year, after a 0.3 per
st quarter of 2016. Suffering
negative growth in two subsequent quarters is termed
as recession. Rampant corruption is being cited as one
of the main reasons behind this negative growth.
MEMBER
outh East Europe has
member of the powerful Western military
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation,
against the wishes of big brother Russia. NATO group is
lead by America. Thus this development is being seen as

Switzerland has ratified automatic exchange of
information sharing with India and 40 other countries
to facilitate immediate sharing of details about
suspected black money cases. The protocol will be
implemented next year and the first set of information is
 Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers
Meeting was held in Bologna, Italy
from climate change to sustainable development
 The world's largest floating solar
in Anhui in China, comprising of 160,000 panels
floating upon a lake that emerged after the collapse
of a coal mine.
 In the recent general elections in Britain, for the first
time a female Sikh and a turban
been elected as the MP for their House of Commons.
 Meeting of BRICS Media Forum was held in Beijing.
The forum announced that the Xinhua News Agency
of China will invest $1 million for boosting media
cooperation in the five-nation grouping.
EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CONGO

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an
Ebola outbreak in Congo in the country’s north
region. Describing the outbreak as a public health crisis
of international importance, WHO has sent medical
experts to the region. More than
the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014
Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

CHINA LAUNCHES ONE BELT, ONE ROAD
China hosted one of its most important diplomatic event
- a two-day conclave of over 30 world leaders in Be
to launch its ‘Belt and Road initiative’.
immensely ambitious development campaign through
which China wants to boost trade and stimulate
economic growth across Asia and beyond.
It hopes to do so by building massive amounts of
infrastructure connecting China to countries around the
globe. Over 100 countries across the world have signed
up for the mega project.

G-7 SUMMIT HELD IN SICILY
Leaders from the group of leading industrial nations, the
G7, held their summit in Taormina, Sicily
26-27. The leaders signed a document saying more
should be done by internet companies to identify and
remove extremist material.
The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
the UK and the US, along with representative from the
European Union.
33
Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers
Bologna, Italy to discuss issues
from climate change to sustainable development.
The world's largest floating solar farm has been built
in Anhui in China, comprising of 160,000 panels
floating upon a lake that emerged after the collapse
In the recent general elections in Britain, for the first
time a female Sikh and a turban-wearing Sikh have
d as the MP for their House of Commons.
Meeting of BRICS Media Forum was held in Beijing.
The forum announced that the Xinhua News Agency
of China will invest $1 million for boosting media
nation grouping.




MAY


IN CONGO

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an
Ebola outbreak in Congo in the country’s north-east
region. Describing the outbreak as a public health crisis
of international importance, WHO has sent medical
More than 11,000 people died in
the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014-2015, mainly in

CHINA LAUNCHES ONE BELT, ONE ROAD
China hosted one of its most important diplomatic event
day conclave of over 30 world leaders in Beijing
to launch its ‘Belt and Road initiative’. It is an
immensely ambitious development campaign through
which China wants to boost trade and stimulate
economic growth across Asia and beyond.
It hopes to do so by building massive amounts of
re connecting China to countries around the
globe. Over 100 countries across the world have signed
7 SUMMIT HELD IN SICILY
Leaders from the group of leading industrial nations, the
held their summit in Taormina, Sicily (Italy) on May
The leaders signed a document saying more
should be done by internet companies to identify and
The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
the UK and the US, along with representative from the

33. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
US AND GULF TO LAUNCH TFTC
The United States and six Gulf countries, including Saudi
Arabia, have joined hands to form ‘Terrorist Financing
Targeting Center’ for curbing financing of terror
organisations like Islamic State, Al-Qaeda,
Taiba, the Haqqani network and the Taliban.

 Global IT giant Apple Inc became the first U.S.
company to top the $800 billion mark in terms of
market capitalization on May 9.
 Afghanistan has started, for the first time in the
country, a new TV channel Zan TV ("Women's TV")
that will have all female presenters and producers.
ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS IN VENEZUELA
In Venezuela, people have a hard time finding enough
food to eat and fighting the rising unemployment.
Recently, thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets,
demanding a referendum to oust sitting President
Nicolas Maduro. His government has furthermore been
hampered by falling oil prices.
Oil accounts for about 95% of Venezuela's export
revenues. The lack of oil revenue has f
government to curtail its social programmes, leading
to virtual revolt by the people.

US TIGHTENS VISA RULES
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive
order that calls for a review of the H
programme, saying that these should never be used to
replace American workers and must be given only to the
most skilled and highest paid applicants.
The new visa norms could potentially hurt margins at
India's IT services providers and may lead to layoffs



















AUGUST 2017
The United States and six Gulf countries, including Saudi
Arabia, have joined hands to form ‘Terrorist Financing
Targeting Center’ for curbing financing of terror
Qaeda, Lashkar-e-
Taiba, the Haqqani network and the Taliban.
Global IT giant Apple Inc became the first U.S.
company to top the $800 billion mark in terms of
Afghanistan has started, for the first time in the
Zan TV ("Women's TV")
that will have all female presenters and producers.


ARPIL

ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS IN VENEZUELA
In Venezuela, people have a hard time finding enough
food to eat and fighting the rising unemployment.
Venezuelans took to the streets,
demanding a referendum to oust sitting President
His government has furthermore been
Oil accounts for about 95% of Venezuela's export
revenues. The lack of oil revenue has forced the
government to curtail its social programmes, leading
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive
order that calls for a review of the H-1B visa
programme, saying that these should never be used to
replace American workers and must be given only to the
ew visa norms could potentially hurt margins at
India's IT services providers and may lead to layoffs.
CHINA’s GDP GROWS BY 6.9%
The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics,
China says that the Chinese economy grew by a 6.9 per
cent in the first quarter this year mainly due to a surge
in infrastructure investment and exports.
The GDP reached 18.07 trillion Yuan ($2.63 tr
ending March 31, 2017.

LARGEST EVER BOMB DROPPED
U.S. forces in Afghanistan dropped a 22,000
Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb
the "mother of all bombs," on Islamic State forces in
eastern Afghanistan on April 13. At least 94 terrorists
were killed in the attack.
It is the largest non-nuclear bomb ever employed in
combat by any army. By comparison, U.S. aircraft
commonly drop bombs that weigh 250 to

El SALVADOR BANS METAL MINING
El Salvador has become the first country in the world to
impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including
gold as the same was adversely affecting the ecological
balance of the country. Govt said the law was
protect the country’s dwindling supply of clean water.

JAPAN ACCEPTS BITCOIN AS LEGAL TENDER
Japan has officially recognized
Bitcoin and digital currencies as
legal money with effect from 1
April 2017. The step will facilitate
integration of digital currency
into legal banking system
through regulatory scrutiny.
Bitcoin is a crypto-currency and
an electronic payment system.













































34
CHINA’s GDP GROWS BY 6.9%
The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics,
China says that the Chinese economy grew by a 6.9 per
cent in the first quarter this year mainly due to a surge
in infrastructure investment and exports.
The GDP reached 18.07 trillion Yuan ($2.63 trillion) in Q1
LARGEST EVER BOMB DROPPED
U.S. forces in Afghanistan dropped a 22,000-pound
Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb GBU-43, nicknamed
on Islamic State forces in
eastern Afghanistan on April 13. At least 94 terrorists
nuclear bomb ever employed in
combat by any army. By comparison, U.S. aircraft
commonly drop bombs that weigh 250 to 2,000 pounds.
BANS METAL MINING
the first country in the world to
impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including
gold as the same was adversely affecting the ecological
balance of the country. Govt said the law was needed to
supply of clean water.
JAPAN ACCEPTS BITCOIN AS LEGAL TENDER
Japan has officially recognized
Bitcoin and digital currencies as
legal money with effect from 1
April 2017. The step will facilitate
gital currency
into legal banking system
through regulatory scrutiny.
currency and

34. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
 IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a
pace of 3.5 percent in 2017, up from 3.1%
 The BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu,
China from June 23 to 27, 2017.
 Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven
industrialised nations, met in Lucca, Italy to forge a
response to the deadly chemical attack in Syria.

PERSONS IN NEWS
RAM NATH KOVIND:
has announced that Bihar
Governor, a senior Dalit leader
from Uttar Pradesh, will be its
nominee for the forthcoming
Presidential poll.

JUSTICE DALVEER
BHANDARI: India has re-
nominated him as its
candidate for another nine
year term as judge at the
International Court of
Justice, which is also known
as the World Court and is
based in The Hague in the
Netherlands. Elected in
2012, his current term runs
through February 2018.

NEERU CHADHA: Indian international law expert
became the first Indian woman to be elected as the
Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
(ITLOS). She will have tenure of 9 years as judge of the
Hamburg, Germany based Tribunal.

SACHIN TENDULKAR: The Indian Cricket star has been
picked up to promote a United Nations
campaign/initiative titled Super Dads. An initiative by
the UNICEF, it highlights the critical role played by
fathers in children’s early development.

ANANYA VINAY: The 12-year-old sixth class school girl
from Fresno, California, won the prestigious 90th
Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in Oxon Hill,
Maryland, USA.

PALBINDER KAUR SHERGILL: She has become the
first baptised and turbaned Sikh woman to be appoin
as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia,
Canada. Born in Rurka Kalan village, near Phillaur in
Jalandhar, she is a noted human rights activist and a
keen player of Tabla and Harmonium, and is a black belt
in Tae Kwon Do.
AUGUST 2017
IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a
% in 2016.
will be held in Chengdu,
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven
industrialised nations, met in Lucca, Italy to forge a
response to the deadly chemical attack in Syria.
PERSONS IN NEWS

JUNE

RAM NATH KOVIND: The BJP
has announced that Bihar
Governor, a senior Dalit leader
from Uttar Pradesh, will be its
nominee for the forthcoming
Indian international law expert
first Indian woman to be elected as the
Member of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
. She will have tenure of 9 years as judge of the
The Indian Cricket star has been
picked up to promote a United Nations
campaign/initiative titled Super Dads. An initiative by
the UNICEF, it highlights the critical role played by
old sixth class school girl
won the prestigious 90th
Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in Oxon Hill,
She has become the
first baptised and turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed
as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia,
Canada. Born in Rurka Kalan village, near Phillaur in
Jalandhar, she is a noted human rights activist and a
keen player of Tabla and Harmonium, and is a black belt
TRAVIS KALANICK: CEO of one of the largest startups,
Uber, the taxi aggregator, resigned from the company in
the face of intense pressure to quit from some of its
investors. The U.S.-based company had come under fire
after allegations of widespread mismanagement and
harassment at workplace.

KATY PERRY: Most popular pop singing star from
California, USA made social media history by becoming
the first person in the world to reach 100 million
Twitter followers. Second on the list is also a pop singer,
Justin Bieber from Canada, with 96.7 million followers.

WORLD’s HIGHEST-PAID CELEBRITIES
Forbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highest
celebrities has placed Shah Rukh Khan at no. 65, best in
India, with earnings of $38 million (Rs 245 crore)
followed by Salman Khan at 71
st
earnings.
Musician Sean Diddy Combs ($130 million), American
entertainer has topped the list, followed by singer
Beyonce and novelist J K Rowling at second and third
place.
MUKESH AMBANI: 60 years old Chairman of Reliance
Industries has topped the list of the 25 Global Game
Changers listed by Forbes magazine that are
transforming their industries and changing the lives of
billions of people around the globe.
Reliance’s Jio brand revolutionized the mobile internet
market in India. Offering fast internet at dirt
prices, it gained 100 million customers in six months
and set off a wave of consolidation in the market.

RIFATH SHAROOK: An 18 year old student from
Pallapatti in Karur district in Tamil Nadu has developed
the lightest working satellite ever,
possessing a professional satellite designing degree. The
satellite will be launched into space later this year by
NASA.
35
EO of one of the largest startups,
Uber, the taxi aggregator, resigned from the company in
the face of intense pressure to quit from some of its
based company had come under fire
after allegations of widespread mismanagement and
Most popular pop singing star from
California, USA made social media history by becoming
the first person in the world to reach 100 million
Twitter followers. Second on the list is also a pop singer,
a, with 96.7 million followers.
PAID CELEBRITIES
Forbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highest-paid
celebrities has placed Shah Rukh Khan at no. 65, best in
India, with earnings of $38 million (Rs 245 crore),
place with $37 million
Musician Sean Diddy Combs ($130 million), American
entertainer has topped the list, followed by singer
Beyonce and novelist J K Rowling at second and third


MAY

60 years old Chairman of Reliance
Industries has topped the list of the 25 Global Game
Changers listed by Forbes magazine that are
transforming their industries and changing the lives of
billions of people around the globe.
revolutionized the mobile internet
Offering fast internet at dirt-cheap
prices, it gained 100 million customers in six months
of consolidation in the market.
An 18 year old student from
arur district in Tamil Nadu has developed
the lightest working satellite ever, despite not
possessing a professional satellite designing degree. The
satellite will be launched into space later this year by

35. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
KALPIT VEERWAL: Young student from
Rajasthan created history by scoring a perfect 360 out of
360 in the IIT JEE mains examination. No one before has
earned full marks in this exam.

JUSTICE C S KARNAN: For the first time in the judicial
history of the country, a seven-judge Consti
of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S
Khehar, sentenced the sitting judge of Calcutta High
Court to six months of imprisonment for repeated
incidents of contempt of court.

JASVIR SINGH: A barrister in London has become the
youngest Sikh in the world to be awarded the
the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding community
services. The honour marks the recognition of the
contribution of the Punjabi diaspora in the UK.

PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL ‘PRACHANDA’
Prime Minister resigned after a brief stint of nine
months, honouring a power sharing understanding with
the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand
over the country's leadership to the largest party in
Parliament.

YUSRA MARDINI: Young girl from Syria
bombs in her country and almost drowned when her
dinghy capsized off Greece coast, but then competed at
the Olympics as a refugee and has now been appointed a
UN goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people
seeking shelter from war.

ASHA KHEMKA: An Indian-origin educationist in the
UK, who moved to Britain after her marriage with no
English language skills, has been named the ‘Asian
Businesswoman of the Year’ in Birmingham, UK. She is
the Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire Colleg

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: Pakistani human
education advocate became the youngest person ever to
be named a U.N. Messenger of Peace, an honorary title
conferred by António Guterres, UNO’s Secretary
General. Yousafzai, now 19 years old, has accepted
role with a special focus on girls’ education.

PEGGY WHITSON: US astronaut
set a new record for most
cumulative days spent in space,
beating the earlier record of 534
days, 2 hours and 48 minutes set
by cosmonaut Jeff Williams. She
still has five months stay left to
rack up another record.
She also made history when she
floated outside the International Space Station for
making her record 8
th
spacewalk, breaking the record for
the most spacewalks by a woman, previously held by
Sunita Williams for seven walks.
AUGUST 2017
Young student from Udaipur,
Rajasthan created history by scoring a perfect 360 out of
360 in the IIT JEE mains examination. No one before has
For the first time in the judicial
judge Constitution bench
of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice J S
Khehar, sentenced the sitting judge of Calcutta High
Court to six months of imprisonment for repeated
has become the
st Sikh in the world to be awarded the Order of
(OBE) for his outstanding community
services. The honour marks the recognition of the
in the UK.
PUSHPA KAMAL DAHAL ‘PRACHANDA’ : Nepal’s
r resigned after a brief stint of nine
months, honouring a power sharing understanding with
the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand
over the country's leadership to the largest party in
Young girl from Syria escaped the
bombs in her country and almost drowned when her
dinghy capsized off Greece coast, but then competed at
the Olympics as a refugee and has now been appointed a
UN goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people
ARPIL

origin educationist in the
UK, who moved to Britain after her marriage with no
English language skills, has been named the ‘Asian
Businesswoman of the Year’ in Birmingham, UK. She is
the Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire College.
Pakistani human-rights and
education advocate became the youngest person ever to
, an honorary title
conferred by António Guterres, UNO’s Secretary
General. Yousafzai, now 19 years old, has accepted the

floated outside the International Space Station for
spacewalk, breaking the record for
the most spacewalks by a woman, previously held by
APPOINTMENTS
NAJMA HEPTULLA: Appointed as the
of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Governor of Manipur.

Dr. K. KASTURIRANGAN:
Eminent scientist, former Chief of
ISRO and Padma Vibhushan
awardee has been appointed
Chairman of the committee tasked
with preparing the final draft of
the National Education Policy.

SHASHI SHEKAR VEMPATI: Appointed as the new
Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, the
organisation that heads All India Radio and Door
Darshan.

RAJIV GAUBA: Union Home Secretary, appointed by
the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

SANJIV SINGH: appointed as the Chairman
country’s biggest and most profitable PSU
Corporation.

KENNETH JUSTER: Appointed as the new Ambassador
of USA to India.

SHER BAHADUR DEUBA: Elected as the new Prime
Minister of Nepal. He is the President
Congress party.

JOSEPH MUSCAT: Elected as the
Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.

MIROSLAV LAJCAK: Elected as the next President of
the UN General Assembly. At present he is Foreign
Minister of Slovakia.

ALEKSANDAR VUCIC: Elected as the new President of
Serbia

LEO VARADKAR: Elected as the new Prime Minister of
the Republic of Ireland. At just 38, he is the youngest
ever PM of Ireland and hails from Mumbai.
SANJAY MITRA: Appointed as the new union Defence
Secretary

V K SARASWAT: Eminent scientist appointed as the
Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New
Delhi.

GAYARUL HASAN: Social activist from UP appointed
the chairperson of the National Commission for
Minorities .

36

APPOINTMENTS

JUNE

Appointed as the Chancellor
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. She is former
Dr. K. KASTURIRANGAN:
Eminent scientist, former Chief of
ISRO and Padma Vibhushan
awardee has been appointed
Chairman of the committee tasked
with preparing the final draft of
Appointed as the new
Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, the
organisation that heads All India Radio and Door
Union Home Secretary, appointed by
the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
appointed as the Chairman of the
country’s biggest and most profitable PSU Indian Oil
Appointed as the new Ambassador
Elected as the new Prime
Minister of Nepal. He is the President of Nepali
Elected as the Prime Minister of
Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea.
Elected as the next President of
. At present he is Foreign
Elected as the new President of
Elected as the new Prime Minister of
the Republic of Ireland. At just 38, he is the youngest
ever PM of Ireland and hails from Mumbai.


MAY

the new union Defence
Eminent scientist appointed as the
Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New
Social activist from UP appointed
the chairperson of the National Commission for

36. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
7 BANKS GET NEW CHIEFS
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed
by Prime Minister effected change for heads of seven
public sector banks as under:

Usha Ananthasubramanian Allahabad Bank,
Melwyn Rego Syndicate Bank
R Subramaniakumar Indian Overseas Bank
Sunil Mehta Punjab National Bank
Dinabandhu Mohapatra Bank of India
R A Sankara Narayanan Vijaya Bank
Rajkiran Rai G Union Bank of India

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE: Leader of Congress in Lok
Sabha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament.

SHOBANA KAMINENI: Elected as the new President of
the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She is the
Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals
Enterprises.

AMITABH BACHCHAN: The World Health Organisation
has appointed Bollywood actor as its Goodwill
Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia R
boost awareness around the hepatitis epidemic.

EMMANUEL MACRON: Pro-European centrist leader
won the elections for the new President of France,
crushing the far right leader Marine Le Pen.
he is the youngest ever President of France.

TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS: Statesman from
Ethiopia has been elected as the next Director General of
the World Health Organization (WHO).

HASSAN ROUHANI: Re-elected as the President of Iran

EDOUARD PHILIPPE: Appointed as the new Prime
Minister of France by the newly elected French
President Emmanuel Macron.

HUBERT MINNIS: New Prime Minister of The Bahamas,
a tiny island country near south east USA

SOHAIL MAHMOOD: Appointed as the Pakistan’s next
High Commissioner to India.

MOON JAE-IN: Elected as the President of South Korea
RAJIV RAI BHATNAGAR: Appointed Director General
of the Central Reserve Police Force – CRPF

RK PACHNANDA: Appointed Director General of the
Indo-Tibetan Border Police - ITBP

RAMAN ROY: Elected as the Chairman of The National
Association of Software and Services Companies
(NASSCOM) for 2017-18. Roy is the CMD of IT company
Quatrro Global Services.
AUGUST 2017
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed
heads of seven
Allahabad Bank,
Syndicate Bank
Indian Overseas Bank
Punjab National Bank
Bank of India
Vijaya Bank
Union Bank of India
Leader of Congress in Lok
Sabha has been appointed as the Chairperson of the
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament.
Elected as the new President of
the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). She is the
Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals
The World Health Organisation
has appointed Bollywood actor as its Goodwill
Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia Region to
s around the hepatitis epidemic.
European centrist leader
won the elections for the new President of France,
crushing the far right leader Marine Le Pen. At 39 years,

Statesman from
Ethiopia has been elected as the next Director General of
elected as the President of Iran
Appointed as the new Prime
France by the newly elected French
New Prime Minister of The Bahamas,
Appointed as the Pakistan’s next
ed as the President of South Korea


ARPIL

Appointed Director General

Appointed Director General of the
Elected as the Chairman of The National
Association of Software and Services Companies
18. Roy is the CMD of IT company
RAJIV KUMAR CHANDER :
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to
the United Nations Offices in Geneva
India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to
UNO (Headquarters) is Syed Akbaruddin.

VANAJA N. SARNA: Appointed as the new chairman
of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)

KRISTIN DAVIS: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has
appointed internationally acclaimed actress and
philanthropist as its Goodwill Ambassador.

RUNO TSHIBALA: Appointed new Prime Minister of
Democratic Republic of the Congo

LENIN MORENO: Elected as the new President of
Ecuador.


AWARDS & HONOURS
THE 54
TH
FEMINA MISS INDIA WORLD 2017 held in
Mumbai


Final Winner: Manushi Chhillar
1
st
runner-up: Sana Dua from J&K
2
nd
runner-up: Priyanka Kumari from Bihar.
These girls will now represent India officially in various
international beauty pageants.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute,
Pune has been selected as the
Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to
promotion and development of Yoga.

DADASAHEB PHALKE ACADEMY AWARD
Priyanka Chopra honoured with this award in the
'Internationally Acclaimed Actress'
This is not the famous national Dada Saheb Phalke
Award.

RED INK AWARD: For lifetime achievement in
journalism given to veteran journalist Vinod Dua in
Mumbai. The award is given by the Mumbai Press Club.

37
: Appointed as the
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to
United Nations Offices in Geneva.
India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to
Syed Akbaruddin.
ppointed as the new chairman
Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has
appointed internationally acclaimed actress and
Goodwill Ambassador.
Appointed new Prime Minister of
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Elected as the new President of
AWARDS & HONOURS

JUNE

FEMINA MISS INDIA WORLD 2017 held in

from Haryana,
Sana Dua from J&K
Priyanka Kumari from Bihar.
These girls will now represent India officially in various
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute,
has been selected as the first recipient of the
Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to
evelopment of Yoga.
DADASAHEB PHALKE ACADEMY AWARD : Actress
honoured with this award in the
'Internationally Acclaimed Actress' category. CAUTION:
This is not the famous national Dada Saheb Phalke
For lifetime achievement in
journalism given to veteran journalist Vinod Dua in
Mumbai. The award is given by the Mumbai Press Club.

37. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 38
KALINGA LITERARY AWARD: Renowned poet and
essayist Haraprasad Das conferred this prestigious
award for his contribution to literature in Odisha.

JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA: Union Health Minister
selected for the WHO Director-General Special
Recognition Award for accelerating India’s tobacco
control initiatives and taking bold measures to protect
people against hazards of tobacco use.

MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE: for the year’s
best fiction translated in English won by Israeli
novelist David Grossman for ‘A Horse Walks into a Bar’.
He will share the £50,000 prize with his English
translator, Jessica Cohen.

LEGION OF HONOUR: Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra
Chatterjee, 82, has been selected for France's highest
civilian award, for his outstanding contribution to
cinema and theatre.

THE PALME d’Or: The prize for the best film at the
Cannes film festival was won by the Swedish film ‘The
Square’ directed by Ruben Ostlund.

QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS AWARD: Anti-hunger
activist Ankit Kawatra has been selected for this
prestigious civil honour of UK with 60 others from all 53
Commonwealth countries.

UN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD: The West Bengal
government won this prestigious award in The Hague,
Netherlands, for its initiative ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’ to
combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl
child.

CARNEGIE MEDAL: Wipro Chairman Azim Premji is
among the honorees of this year’s, considered the most
prestigious prize in philanthropy, for his efforts to
reform India’s public school system. The award is given
by Carnegie Corporation, New York founded by renowned
US philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AWARD: Indian
agricultural microbiologist Shrihari Chandraghatgi won
this award in Japan for developing cutting edge
technologies to address burning environmental
problems.

QATAR AIRWAYS was voted Best Airline by travelers
across the world in the annual passenger survey done
by the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards.

MAY

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and
Development: Awarded to ISRO for 2014 in
recognition of its contributions in international
cooperation in peaceful use of outer space.

Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha won the jury prize gold
medal at the 10
th
Moscow Sand Art Championship.

Pawan Kumar Chamling, Sikkim Chief Minister was
conferred with the first Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Lifetime Achievement Honour for excellence in public
service.

Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award
2017: The Yes Bank has won the prestigious award in
Financial sector Banking category.

WWF INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’s AWARD: Won
by Rohan Chakravarty, Indian wildlife and environment
cartoonist for his efforts to promote conservation of
nature.

DAN DAVID PRIZE: Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni
has won the prestigious prize for his contribution in the
field of astronomy. The honour will be conferred in Tel
Aviv, Israel.
Dan David prizes of one-million dollar each are given
every year in the categories of "Past", "Present" and
"Future" to people around the world who have made
outstanding contributions to humanity in the sciences,
humanities, or through their work in civil society.

WHITLEY AWARD: Also known as ‘Green Oscar’, won
by wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman
(Assam) and Sanjay Gubbi (Karnataka) in London. The
award is given to recognize the work of conservation
leaders.

WOODROW WILSON AWARD For Global Corporate
Citizenship: ICICI Bank CEO and Managing Director
Chanda Kochhar has become the first Indian woman to
receive this prestigious award, given in Washington.

NEW YORK INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Konkona Sen
Sharma won the Best Director award for the film ‘A
Death in the Gunj’ and also the Best Actress award
for ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’.

MISS TEEN UNIVERSE 2017: The Indian beauty Srishti
Kaur won the crown in the annual beauty pageant held
in Managua, Nicaragua.

The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun:
Prestigious civil honour of the Japanese Govt was
awarded to former union minister Ashwani Kumar at
Tokyo for his contribution to the strengthening of
bilateral ties and promotion of friendship between the
two countries

Pierre L’enfant Planning Excellence and
Achievement Awards -2017: Odisha’s capital
city, Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to
win this prestigious US award for excellence in town
planning.

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR EMMA WATSON won the first-
ever Genderless Acting Award for the Best Actor
category for her role in the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’
at the MTV Movie and TV Awards. This award does not
differentiate between male and female actors.

38. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 39
ARPIL

64
TH
NATIONAL FILM AWARDS DECLARED

Best Feature Film: Kasaav (Marathi)
Best popular film providing wholesome
entertainment: Sathamanam Bhavathi (Telugu)
Best Hindi Film: Neerja
Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national
integration: Dikchow Banat Palaax (Assamese)
Best Direction: Rajesh Mapuskar for
Ventilator(Marathi)
Best Actor: Akshay Kumar for Rustom (Hindi)
Best Actress: Surabhi C M for Minnaminungu – the
Firefly (Malayalam)

DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD: Renowned Telugu
actor-director Kasinadhuni Viswanath selected for the
prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to
the film industry. He has made number of films in
Telugu, Tamil and Hindi. This is the highest recognition
in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash
prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.

GOLDEN PEACOCK AWARD 2017: The Gujarat
Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) won
this award for pioneering a cashless township
transformation model.

GOLDMAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRIZE: Also known as
‘Green Nobel’, the prize has been awarded to noted
environmental activist Prafulla Samantara of Odisha for
his crusade to save the habitat of state’s Dongria Kondh
tribals in Niyamgiri hills from the encroachment of
Vedanta group of industries.

KRISHI KARMAN AWARD 2015 -16: Himachal
Pradesh has been selected for this award by the Union
Ministry of Agriculture for the commendable increase in
food grains production.

Bollywood film "Newton” directed by Amit Masurkar
won the best film honour at the Hong Kong
International Film Festival.

Karur Vysya Bank has been adjudged the ‘Best Small
Bank for 2016’.

Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize: The prize
sponsored by UNESCO has been awarded to Giuseppina
Nicolini, an Italian mayor for her commitment to saving
the lives of migrants and refugees.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

JUNE
The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour
written by A. Surya Prakash, Chairman Prasar Bharati
Board.

The Girls by Emma Cline

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Son of the Thundercloud by Easterine Kire.

‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ by Ramesh
Pokhriyal ‘Nishank, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister.

Indira Gandhi – A Life in Nature by former Union
minister Jairam Ramesh

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy


MAY

Matoshree by Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker.

Winning like Virat: Think & Succeed like Kohli by
Abhirup Bhattacharya

Confessions of a Dying Mind: The blind faith of
atheism by IAS officer Haulianlal Guite. It is touted as
world’s first philosophical novel on God.

Looking for the Rainbow by Ruskin Bond

Sita: Warrior of Mithila by Amish Tripathi

Dialogue of the Deaf – the Government and the RBI by
TCA Srinivasa Raghavan.

Between Them by Richard Ford

39. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
3 and a Half Murders by Salil Desai.

Hope in a Challenged Democracy: An Indian
Narrative by Ashwani Kumar. He is a senior Indian
politician and attorney.

'The Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' by senior Congress
leader M Veerappa Moily

Asha Parekh The Hit Girl – An autobiography with
Khalid Mohammed

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.
The novel won the Pulitzer Prize in the fiction segment in
2017.

Gandhi in Champaran by Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar

Indian Railway-The weaving of a National Tapestry
by Bibek Debroy, Sanjay Chadha & Vidya Krishnamurthi.
The book is an interesting account of history of Indian
railways, right from 1830 onwards, till date.

India’s Railway Man — A biography of E. Sreedharan
by Rajendra B. Aklekar

Mind: A Journey of the Heart of Being Human
Daniel J.Siegel.
OBITUARY
JUSTICE P N BHAGWATI: The father of public interest
litigation (PIL) and judicial activism in Indian legal
jurisprudence, the 17th Chief Justice of India,
Delhi after a brief illness at 95.

Dr. C NARAYANA REDDY:
Eminent poet and Jnanpith
Award recipient passed awa
Hyderabad. He was 86.
honoured with the prestigious
Padma Shri award in 1977 and
the Padma Bhushan in 1992.
Popularly known as ‘CiNaRe’, he was proficient in
Telugu, Urdu and Hindi and several other languages and
wrote hundreds of books in all forms of literature. He
also wrote lyrics for hundreds of Telugu Films.

DASARI NARAYANA RAO: Renowned film director and
former union coal minister passed away in Hyderabad
at the age of 75. He entered into Guinness Book of
Records for directing highest number of films
mostly in Telugu.

Dr. DESH BANDHU GUPTA: Founder and Chairman of
pharma major Lupin, passed away in Mumbai. He was
79. A renowned philanthropist, he extended the empire
of Lupni in over 100 countries.
AUGUST 2017
ARPIL

Hope in a Challenged Democracy: An Indian
senior Indian
by senior Congress
An autobiography with
by Colson Whitehead.
novel won the Pulitzer Prize in the fiction segment in
by Dinanath Gopal Tendulkar
The weaving of a National Tapestry
ibek Debroy, Sanjay Chadha & Vidya Krishnamurthi.
of history of Indian

E. Sreedharan
Mind: A Journey of the Heart of Being Human by




JUNE


The father of public interest
litigation (PIL) and judicial activism in Indian legal
jurisprudence, the 17th Chief Justice of India, died in
C NARAYANA REDDY:
Eminent poet and Jnanpith
Award recipient passed away in
Hyderabad. He was 86. He was
honoured with the prestigious
Padma Shri award in 1977 and
the Padma Bhushan in 1992.
Popularly known as ‘CiNaRe’, he was proficient in
Telugu, Urdu and Hindi and several other languages and
forms of literature. He
also wrote lyrics for hundreds of Telugu Films.
Renowned film director and
former union coal minister passed away in Hyderabad
He entered into Guinness Book of
umber of films – 151,
Founder and Chairman of
pharma major Lupin, passed away in Mumbai. He was
79. A renowned philanthropist, he extended the empire
SWAMI ATMASTHANANDA
MAHARAJ: Holy Saint and
Head of the Belur
based Ramakrishna Math and
Mission died of age-related
ailments in Kolkata. He was
98. He was the spiritual Guru
of Prime Minister Sh. Modi.
The Ramakrishna Mission
was founded by Sh. Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur, near
Kolkata.

HELMUT KOHL: Former German chancellor known for
his reunification of East and West Germany died at 87.
Over his 16 years at the country’s helm from 1982 to
1998, first for West Germany and then for the united
Germany, Kohl combined a dogged pursui
unity.
ANIL MADHAV DAVE: Serving Union minister for
environment, forest and climate change died at the age
of 60 in New Delhi. He was a member of Rajya Sabha
since 2009.

REEMA LAGOO: Veteran film and TV actor, known for
her role of mother in movies like
Aapke Hain Kaun, Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai,
and TV serial Shriman Shrimati, died due to a cardiac
arrest in Mumbai. She was 59.

KPS GILL: Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, the supercop credited
with rooting out terrorism in Punjab with an iron hand,
passed away in new Delhi, succumbing to a kidney
ailment at the age of 82. He is known for his successful
‘Operation Black Thunder’ to flush out militants from
the Golden Temple in 1988.

CHANDRASWAMI: Self - styled
broker and astrologer to the powerful, rich and
influential, the controversial Swami died at 66 after a
prolonged illness in Delhi. His name was most closely
associated with former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha
Rao and Chandrashekhar, but his circle of patrons
included many other VVIPs. His real name was Nemi
Chand Jain.

ROGER MOORE: Former James Bond superstar from
England passed away in Switzerland after a brief battle
with cancer. He was 89. He played the role of James
Bond in seven films.

USTAD RAIS KHAN: Renowned Pakistani Sitar maestro
of Indian origin passed away in Karachi, Pakistan. He
was 77. He was born in Indian city of Indore, Madhya
Pradesh and moved to Pakistan in 1986.

JONATHAN DEMME: The Oscar-
famous film The Silence of the Lambs
New York. He was 73.
40
was founded by Sh. Vivekananda in 1897 at Belur, near
Former German chancellor known for
his reunification of East and West Germany died at 87.
Over his 16 years at the country’s helm from 1982 to
1998, first for West Germany and then for the united
Germany, Kohl combined a dogged pursuit of European



MAY


Serving Union minister for
environment, forest and climate change died at the age
of 60 in New Delhi. He was a member of Rajya Sabha
Veteran film and TV actor, known for
of mother in movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum
Aapke Hain Kaun, Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho
and TV serial Shriman Shrimati, died due to a cardiac
Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, the supercop credited
terrorism in Punjab with an iron hand,
passed away in new Delhi, succumbing to a kidney
He is known for his successful
‘Operation Black Thunder’ to flush out militants from
styled Godman, political
broker and astrologer to the powerful, rich and
the controversial Swami died at 66 after a
His name was most closely
associated with former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha
ut his circle of patrons
included many other VVIPs. His real name was Nemi
Former James Bond superstar from
England passed away in Switzerland after a brief battle
with cancer. He was 89. He played the role of James
Renowned Pakistani Sitar maestro
of Indian origin passed away in Karachi, Pakistan. He
He was born in Indian city of Indore, Madhya
Pradesh and moved to Pakistan in 1986.
-winning director of the
The Silence of the Lambs, passed away in

40. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 41
ARPIL

VINOD KHANNA: Veteran actor passed away at a
Mumbai hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 70.
Khanna acted in lead roles in various superhit films and
is best remembered for his performance in 'Mere Apne',
'Mera Gaon Mera Desh', 'Gaddar', 'Imtihaan' 'Qurbani',
'Kudrat', 'Dayavaan' and 'Jurm'.

GIRISH CHANDRA SAXENA : Former Governor of
Jammu and Kashmir and former director of India's
external intelligence agency - the Research and Analysis
Wing (RAW), passed away at the age of 90.

RAMESH CHANDRA AGARWAL: Chairman of the
Dainik Bhaskar group of newspapers died in
Ahmedabad following cardiac arrest. He was 74. Dainik
Bhaskar was the most circulated multi-edition daily in
2015-16 with 45 editions and a total claimed circulation
of 4.6 million copies per publishing day.

KISHORI AMONKAR: Renowned Hindustani classical
vocalist passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. She
was considered one of the foremost singers in the
Hindustani tradition and as an innovator of the Jaipur
gharana. She received a plethora of awards, including
the Padma Bhushan in 1987 and the Padma Vibhushan
in 2002.

ROBERT TAYLOR: A computer scientist, who was
instrumental in the creation of the internet and modern
computer, died at the age of 85 in Woodside, California.

PLACES IN NEWS

JUNE

JEWAR: Place near Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh,
some 90 kms from Delhi, has been selected by the
Central govt for constructing a second airport in the
National Capital Region (NCR). It will be a “world-class”
international airport aimed at reducing the rush at the
existing Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.

DARJEELING: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)
launched a widespread agitation in the streets of
Darjeeling to press for its demand for a separate
Gorkhaland state carved out of West Bengal. The
movement turned violent at several places, claiming
three lives in police firing.

MANDSAUR: District headquarters in Madhya Pradesh
witnessed widespread farmers’ agitation that turned
violent following the death of five protesters in police
firing. Hundreds of vehicles were set on fire by the
agitating farmers. CM Shiv Raj Singh Chauhan sat on an
indefinite fast for restoration of peace.
THE GREAT MOSQUE OF AL-NURI: The more than 800
year old mosque in Mosul, Iraq was blown up by a group
of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants. The
medieval mosque was the place from where Islamic
State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 declared an
Islamic caliphate spanning parts of Iraq and Syria.

LONDON: More than 80 persons, including children lost
their lives and over 70 went missing after a massive
blaze swept through the 24-storey Grenfell Tower, a
residential apartment block in central London. Prime
Minster ordered a full public inquiry in to the incident to
find out the actual cause behind the tragic disaster.

TEHRAN: In one of the worst terrorist strikes to hit the
Islamic republic in years, two groups of armed terrorists
attacked the Iran’s parliament building and nearby
shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, killing at least
12 and injuring 30 people. One of the attackers was a
suicide bomber who blew himself up. Six other
terrorists were killed by the security forces.

LONDON: Seven people died and at least 48 were
injured following a terrorist attack in London. It is the
third terrorist attack to take place in the country;
following last month’s bombing in Manchester and the
attack on Westminster in March.

KABUL: A powerful bomb hidden in a sewage tanker
exploded in Kabul, Afghanistan claiming over 90 lives
and wounding more than 400 persons. The blast took
place in a highly secure diplomatic area of the Afghan
capital where the Indian embassy is also located.



MAY

MAIBA LOKPA: The hillock in Bishnupur
district in Manipur was in news as Japan is going to
build a war museum at this place. It is reported that
about 70,000 Japanese soldiers had died in this area
fighting battles from March to June 1944 during World
War II.

BHILAR: It is India’s first ‘village of books’ located in
Satara district, about 260 km from Mumbai. It will offer
the best books on literary, cultural, and intellectual
traditions of Maharashtra. The concept is modeled on
Hay-on-Wye, the world famous ‘town of books’ in Wales,
UK.

MANCHESTER: At least 22 people, including many
children, were killed and around 60 injured in a suicide
attack by an alleged terrorist at a concert of US pop star
Ariana Grande in Manchester Arena, Britain’s largest
indoor arena. It is the deadliest terrorist attack on
Britain since 2005, when bombings on London’s
transport system killed 52 people.

41. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
SANA’A: Yemen has declared a state of emergency in
the capital city of Sana’a over a deadly outbreak of
cholera, claiming over 250 lives. The country has stated
that it was “unable to contain this disaster” and appealed
for international humanitarian assistance to deal with
the crisis.

FUEGO: The volcano in the south Guatemala, near the
capital Guatemala City, erupted suddenly spewing hot
ash high into the sky up to 5 km threatening nearby
villages. Over 300 persons were evacuated from the
nearby area.

SUKMA: The deadly Maoist ambush of a Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF) team that was helping build a ro
in Chhattisgarh's Sukma area, claimed life of 25 CRPF
men and seriously injured six more. About 300
Naxalites attacked them with rocket launchers and AK
47s, outnumbering the 99-member team of soldiers.

BHADRAK: In a shocking incident of communal strife,
tension erupted in Bhadrak town of Odisha over
defamatory postings allegedly by some Muslim youth
against Hindu deities on Facebook. The incident lead to
widespread violence and arson by groups of both the
communities. The town was put under curfew for over
four days.

MAZAR-i-SHARIF: The Taliban militants went on a
rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers and officers in one
of the deadliest known attacks on an Afghan military
base near Mazar-i-Sharif in the country's 16
Dressed in military uniforms, a squad of 10 Taliban
militants drove in two army Ford Ranger trucks
successfully deceiving seven check posts.

MOCOA: In Colombia, at least 250 people died and
hundreds went missing after heavy rain flooded the city
of Mocoa in the country's southwest with mud and
rocks. The flood buried whole neighbourhoods and
forced residents to flee their homes.

AUGUST 2017
Yemen has declared a state of emergency in
the capital city of Sana’a over a deadly outbreak of
claiming over 250 lives. The country has stated
” and appealed
for international humanitarian assistance to deal with
The volcano in the south Guatemala, near the
pted suddenly spewing hot
ash high into the sky up to 5 km threatening nearby
villages. Over 300 persons were evacuated from the
ARPIL

The deadly Maoist ambush of a Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF) team that was helping build a road
in Chhattisgarh's Sukma area, claimed life of 25 CRPF
men and seriously injured six more. About 300
Naxalites attacked them with rocket launchers and AK-
member team of soldiers.
In a shocking incident of communal strife,
tension erupted in Bhadrak town of Odisha over
defamatory postings allegedly by some Muslim youth
incident lead to
widespread violence and arson by groups of both the
unities. The town was put under curfew for over
The Taliban militants went on a
rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers and officers in one
of the deadliest known attacks on an Afghan military
Sharif in the country's 16-year war.
Dressed in military uniforms, a squad of 10 Taliban
tants drove in two army Ford Ranger trucks,
In Colombia, at least 250 people died and
hundreds went missing after heavy rain flooded the city
of Mocoa in the country's southwest with mud and
flood buried whole neighbourhoods and

SPORTS WORLD

Kidambi Srikanth won the Australian Open
Superseries Badminton Trophy in Sydney by defeating
former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold
medalist Chen Long of China.
He also won the men’s singles title in Indonesia Open
Super Series badminton by defeating Japanese
Kazumasa Sakai at Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh
silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing
tournament in Mangolia.

Anish, 15-year old pistol shooter from Haryana,
gold in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard P
in Suhl, Germany, with a world record score of 579.
Yashaswini Singh Deswal won gold at the women's
10 metre air pistol event.

Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu jointly won the gold medal in
mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup
in Gabala, Azerbaijan

Rohan Bopanna along with his Canadian partner
Gabriela Dabrowski won his maiden Grand Slam title by
lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy in

B Sai Praneeth won the Thailand Open Grand Prix
(badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand.

C A Bhavani Devi, fencer from Chennai, became first
Indian to win a gold in an international event, at
the Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship
(Iceland).

Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh
record in the hammer throw event with an effort of
65.25m, claiming the gold in the Federation Cup
athletics championship in Patiala, Punjab
42
SPORTS WORLD

JUNE


won the Australian Open
Superseries Badminton Trophy in Sydney by defeating
former world number one and Rio Olympics Gold
the men’s singles title in Indonesia Open
Super Series badminton by defeating Japanese
, Indonesia.
Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh won gold and
silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing
year old pistol shooter from Haryana, won
gold in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard Pistol event
with a world record score of 579.
Yashaswini Singh Deswal won gold at the women's
jointly won the gold medal in
mixed team 10m air pistol event of the ISSF World Cup
along with his Canadian partner
Gabriela Dabrowski won his maiden Grand Slam title by
lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy in Paris.
won the Thailand Open Grand Prix
(badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand.
fencer from Chennai, became first
Indian to win a gold in an international event, at
Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship at Reykjavik
Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh broke the national
record in the hammer throw event with an effort of
65.25m, claiming the gold in the Federation Cup
Patiala, Punjab

42. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 43
Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu : Uttarakhand
Mountaineer and BSF officer has become the first
Indian to summit Mount Everest a record six times.

Bhumika Sharma, the girl from Dehradun has won the
Miss World title in Bodybuilding Championship in
Venice, Italy.

Lt. Colonel Srinivas Gokulnath, an army doctor from
Maharashtra created history by becoming the first
Indian to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America
(RAAM) in solo category. Considered to be the toughest
cycle race in the world, he cycled for eleven days, 18
hours and 45 minutes.

India won six medals in the Wushu (martial art)
competition of the first ever BRICS Games held in
Guangzhou, China.

Indian cricket team became the team to score the most
300-plus totals in One Day International (ODI) matches.
The team scored its 96
th
over 300 score playing against
West Indies (310) played in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Virat Kohli is the sole sportsperson from the country to
feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes in
the latest Forbes list topped by soccer star Cristiano
Ronaldo of Portugal.

Dushyant Chautala, President of the Table Tennis
Federation of India was elected President of the South
Asian Table Tennis Federation.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian Daniel Ricciardo from the team Red Bull
won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Lewis Hamilton from team Mercedes won the Formula-
1 Canadian Grand Prix 2017 held in Montreal, Canada.

Sebastian Vettel won the Formula One’s showcase
Monaco Grand Prix in Monaco.

Lionel Messi, Barcelona striker won the European
Golden Shoe for a record-equaling fourth time having
scored 37 goals in the Spanish league, equaling the
record of Cristiano Ronaldo.

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY: Pakistan won the finals
played against India by a huge margin of 180 runs at
The Oval in London. Hasan Ali of Pakistan was named
Man of the Series and winner of Golden Ball for taking
highest number of wickets (13). Shikhar Dhawan won
the Golden Bat for scoring highest runs (338).

FRENCH OPEN Tennis Grand Slam (Roland
Garros) held at Paris
Men's Singles Title: Spain's Rafael Nadal won it
becoming first player to win it for the 10
th
time,
defeating Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka.
Women's Singles Title: Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko won
her maiden title by defeating Simona Halep of Romania
REAL MADRID WINS UEFA TWICE
For the first time in the history of UEFA Champions
League, a team has won the championship two times in
succession. Real Madrid, winners of last year, won the
title this year also, creating the history, thanks to their
star performer - Cristiano Ronaldo (of Portugal)

French Cup Football Trophy: Also known as Coupe
Charles Simon, the cup was won by Paris Saint-Germain
team by defeating Angers team in Paris.

The cricket board for West Indies has changed their
name to ‘Cricket West Indies’ from the former West
Indies Cricket Board and their team’s new name will be
‘Windies’ in place of West Indies.

The International Olympic Committee has approved
some new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games. The
additions include a mixed team event for judo, a mixed
doubles pair for Table Tennis and three-on-three
basketball.


MAY

Deepti Sharma made a stunning 188-run knock, the
second highest score in women's one-day international,
playing against Ireland in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Arjun Maini created history by becoming the first
Indian driver to win a GP3 (Grand Prix 3) race by
winning the event at Barcelona, Spain.

Pankaj Advani, India's top cueist ended at number two
at Asian Snooker Championship held in Doha, Qatar.

Joshna Chinappa scripted history by becoming the first
Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title defeating fellow
Indian Dipika Pallikal in Chennai.

Jehan Daruvala of Sahara Force India clinched his first
podium in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship at
Monza, Italy by finishing second – the first for an Indian
driver in the highly competitive championship.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian off-spinner won the
‘International Cricketer of the Year’ award at the CEAT
Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards.

R Vaishali from Chennai won the women's title in
the Asian Continental Blitz Chess
Championship in Chengdu, China.

Grand Master R R Laxman won the All India Open
Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament in Kolkata, West
Bengal.

Harpreet Singh won a bronze medal in Greco-Roman
category in Asian Wrestling Championship in New Delhi.

Jhulan Goswami: Indian women's team fast bowler
has become the highest wicket-taker in history of ODIs
in world by taking 181 wickets.

The Indian men's archery team won the gold medal at
the World Archery Cup in Shanghai, China.

43. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 44
Anshu Jamsenpa, a native of Bomdila in Arunachal
Pradesh scripted history by becoming the first Indian
woman to scale the Mount Everest for the fifth time and
also the first women to conquer the peak twice in five
days. Aged 32 years, she is a proud mother of two
teenage children.

Anita Kundu, a Sub-Inspector in Haryana Police, has
become the first Indian woman to climb the Mount
Everest from the Chinese side.

Indian Premier League-IPL: Mumbai Indians lifted the
trophy for the third time beating Rising Pune
Supergiants in Hyderabad. David Warner scored highest
in the series at 641 runs while Bhuvaneshwar
Kumar bagged 26 wickets to top the bowlers' chart.

Federation Cup Football Tournament: Bengaluru FC
won the cup by defeating defending champions Mohun
Bagan in Cuttack, Odisha.

Asian Wrestling Championship: The Indian wrestlers
overall bagged 10 medals comprising a gold, five silver
and four bronze in the event held in New Delhi.

The Asian Athletics Championships will be held in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha from July 6 to 9. Olly Turtle,
depicting the Olive Ridley sea turtle has been declared
the mascot of the Championship.

Senior Women’s Hockey National Championship:
Railways won the title after beating Haryana in the final
played in Rohtak.

Asian Junior Tennis Championship was held in Pune,
Maharashtra.

U-19 National School Football Girls Championship:
Haryana defeated Tamil Nadu in the final to win the
championship for the fifth time in succession, in Hissar,
Haryana

For the first time in 21 years, the Indian football team
has made it into the top 100 of the FIFA World
Rankings.
INTERNATIONAL
Rafael Nadal of Spain won a record-extending 10
th

Barcelona Open title by defeating Dominic Thiem of
Austria. He also won Madrid Open title of Tennis by
beating Dominic Thiem.

Italian Open (Tennis): Alexander Zverev of Germany
defeated World No. 2 Novak Djokovic to win the final in
Rome, Italy.
Lewis Hamilton won the Spanish Grand Prix Formula
One championship in Barcelona, Spain.

Valtteri Bottas of Finland won his first Formula one
title by winning the Russian Grand Prix beating
champion Sebastian Vettel in Sochi.

World Table Tennis Championships begin in
Dusseldorf, Germany.
N'Golo Kante has been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ by
the Football Writers' Association. He is a French player,
playing for English club Chelesa.

Lhakpa Sherpa, the 44-year-old Nepalese mountaineer
has created a new world record for the most Everest
summits by a woman, scaling the world's tallest peak for
the eighth time.

Sudirman Cup: South Korea defeated China to lift their
fourth title of the Badminton championship at Gold
Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Azlan Shah Cup: Great Britain beat Australia to win the
prestigious hockey cup at Ipoh, Malaysia.

The 116
th
edition of the French Open tennis started in
the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris from May 29. The
stadium is famous for its red gravel courts. It is the
second Grand Slam of the year, the first being Australian
Open.


ARPIL


Manpreet Kaur: Indian shot putter clinched a gold in
the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in
Jinhua, China.

S V Sunil: Indian forward hockey player was named the
‘Player of the Year for 2016’ by the Asian Hockey
Federation (AHF).

K Shyam Kumar: Indian boxer won a gold medal in the
49- kilogram category at the Thailand International
Boxing Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sagar Baheti became the first visually impaired Indian
to complete the popular Boston Marathon in USA.

Sai Praneeth has won the title match of Men's singles at
Singapore Open Badminton beating his compatriot
Kidambi Srikanth.

Pankaj Advani won the sixth Asian Billiards title and
seventh overall Asian championship.

P V Sindhu: Star Indian shuttler reached her career-
best ranking of World no.2 in the latest Badminton
World Federation (BWF) rankings, released on 6
th
April.

Indian captain Virat Kohli has been named Wisden's
Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016. Kohli amassed
1,215 Test runs at an average of 75.93 last year.

Harbhajan Singh, ace Indian spinner has been named
one of the eight ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy
2017 to be played from June 1 in England.

Ravichandran Ashwin, star Indian spinner has broken
the world record for most wickets in a single Test
season, claiming 79 this season during the Dharamsala
Test against Australia.

44. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament:
V Sindhu defeated reigning Olympic champion C
Marin of Spain to lift women’s title. Men’s title was won
by Viktor Axelsen of Denmark by beating Tien Chen
Chou of China.

Indian players bagged three gold, two silver and 11
bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship
held in Las Vegas.

National Youth Athletics Meet, Hyderabad:
beat arch rivals Kerala after six years to win the team
championship.

7
th
Junior National Hockey Championship was held in
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Asian School Hockey Championship:
school team beat Malaysia 5-1 to lift the title at Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh.
Deodhar Trophy: Tamil Nadu won the cricket
tournament by defeating India 'B' in Vishakhapatnam.

17
th
National Para Athletics Championships were held
at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium complex in Jaipur.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy - ICC Cricketer of the
Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner
was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his
outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.

INDIA RANKS THIRD IN DOPING
For the third year in succession, India
ranked third in the doping violation report published
by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2015 as 117
athletes from the country were punished after testing
positive for banned substances. India is behind Russia
with 176 defaulters and Italy with 129 defaulters.

INTERNATIONAL

Chris Gayle of West Indies became the first batsman in
world to make 10,000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket. He
achieved the feat playing for Royal Challengers,
Bengaluru in Rajkot, Gujarat.

Rafael Nadal of Spain won the Monte Carlo Masters
title beating fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos

Roger Federer (Switzerland) defeated Rafael Nadal
(Spain) to win singles title at Miami Open
2017 in Florida, USA.

Sebastian Vettel (Germany) of team Ferrari won the
Bahrain Grand Prix F1 championship.

Lewis Hamilton of Britain won the Chinese Formula
One Grand Prix held in Shanghai, China.

Olympic Council of Asia has announced to add Video
gaming as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games to be held
in Hangzhou, China. It also decided to drop Cricket from
the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
AUGUST 2017
India Open Super Series Badminton Tournament: P
V Sindhu defeated reigning Olympic champion Carolina
Marin of Spain to lift women’s title. Men’s title was won
by Viktor Axelsen of Denmark by beating Tien Chen
bagged three gold, two silver and 11
bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship
ational Youth Athletics Meet, Hyderabad: Haryana
beat arch rivals Kerala after six years to win the team
Championship was held in
The Indian
1 to lift the title at Bhopal,
Tamil Nadu won the cricket
tournament by defeating India 'B' in Vishakhapatnam.
Championships were held
Singh Stadium complex in Jaipur.
ICC Cricketer of the
Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner
was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his
outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.
For the third year in succession, India has been
n the doping violation report published
for 2015 as 117
athletes from the country were punished after testing
is behind Russia
with 176 defaulters and Italy with 129 defaulters.

of West Indies became the first batsman in
20 cricket. He
achieved the feat playing for Royal Challengers,
won the Monte Carlo Masters

(Switzerland) defeated Rafael Nadal
Miami Open
(Germany) of team Ferrari won the
won the Chinese Formula
has announced to add Video
gaming as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games to be held
in Hangzhou, China. It also decided to drop Cricket from
DAYS & DATES





JUNE 1: THE GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS

The day supported by UNO, provides an opportunity to
appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their
selfless commitment to children and their lifelong
sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

JUNE 1: WORLD MILK DAY
Observed across the world to increase
of milk and to promote activities connected with milk
and the milk industry. It is supported by Food and
Agriculture Organisation of UNO.
‘Raise a Glass’. India is the largest producer of cattle and
buffalo milk in the world.

JUNE 4: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF INNOCENT
CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION
Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War,
the day provides an opportunity to the world to
acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout
the world who are the victims of physical, mental and
emotional abuse.

JUNE 5: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Observed globally to promote awareness for
preservation of environment. The theme of this year is
‘Connecting People to Nature’. The day implores people
to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty
and its importance, and to take forward the call to
protect the Earth.

JUNE 8: THE WORLD OCEANS DAY
Observed across the world to generate awareness about
importance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance.
Oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the
Earth. They generate most of the oxygen that we
breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide
emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate
climate. This year’s theme is ‘Our oceans, our future’.
45
DAYS & DATES
JUNE
JUNE 1: THE GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS

by UNO, provides an opportunity to
appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their
selfless commitment to children and their lifelong
sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.
to increase awareness on use
of milk and to promote activities connected with milk
and the milk industry. It is supported by Food and
Agriculture Organisation of UNO. Slogan for this year is
‘Raise a Glass’. India is the largest producer of cattle and
JUNE 4: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF INNOCENT
CHILDREN VICTIMS OF AGGRESSION
Originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War,
the day provides an opportunity to the world to
acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout
e the victims of physical, mental and
JUNE 5: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Observed globally to promote awareness for
The theme of this year is
‘Connecting People to Nature’. The day implores people
and into nature, to appreciate its beauty
and its importance, and to take forward the call to
JUNE 8: THE WORLD OCEANS DAY
Observed across the world to generate awareness about
importance of oceans in maintaining ecological balance.
thirds of the surface of the
Earth. They generate most of the oxygen that we
breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide
emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate
This year’s theme is ‘Our oceans, our future’.

45. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
JUNE 12: THE WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Observed globally with the patronage of International
Labour Organisation to spread awareness about the
abuse of child labour. This year’s focus is on
of conflicts and disasters on child labour.

JUNE 14: WORLD BLOOD DONORS DAY
Observed across the world to raise the awareness about
the need for safe blood donation. The theme for the year
2017 is Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often
campaign focuses on blood donation in emergencies.

JUNE 20: THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY
Observed across the world to commemorate the
strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of
refugees. The Day encourages the public to show
support for families that are forced to flee for their lives
each day.

JUNE 21: WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY
Observed world over to highlight the role of oceans and
seas in human life. It is the establishment day
of International Hydrographic Organization,
ago. This year’s theme is ‘Mapping our seas, oceans and
waterways – More important than Ever’.

JUNE 21: WORLD MUSIC DAY
Observed around the world to popularise music and
musicians. Musicians from all genres and all ages,
amateurs and experienced performers, gather together
to perform at various public places with a view
promote public participation. The first World Music Day
was celebrated in the year 1982, in Paris.
AUGUST 2017
THE WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR

Observed globally with the patronage of International
Labour Organisation to spread awareness about the
This year’s focus is on the impact
Observed across the world to raise the awareness about
The theme for the year
Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often. This year’s
campaign focuses on blood donation in emergencies.
Observed across the world to commemorate the
strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of
refugees. The Day encourages the public to show
support for families that are forced to flee for their lives
Observed world over to highlight the role of oceans and
It is the establishment day
International Hydrographic Organization, 95 years
‘Mapping our seas, oceans and

Observed around the world to popularise music and
musicians. Musicians from all genres and all ages,
amateurs and experienced performers, gather together
to perform at various public places with a view to
The first World Music Day
JUNE 21: INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
Millions of people around the world celebrated Yoga
Day by organising mass yoga sessions at various places.
In India, main function was held in Lucknow where
Prime Minister Modi himself led a gathering of over
60,000 people for a mass yoga session.

JUNE 23: INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAY
The International Widows’ Day was observed globally
on 23 June 2017. The day is an opportun
towards achieving full rights and recognition for
widows, who have been living with an invisible status
for too long invisible.

JUNE 23: UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY
This international day celebrates public servants’
contribution to sustainable development. This year’s
celebrations were organised by the United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs in
collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands
together with the in honor of United Nations Public
Service Day.

JUNE 23: THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY

Celebrated every year on 23 June to mark the occasion
of the commencement of modern Olympic Games on this
day in 1894 at Sorbonne in Paris.

JUNE 26: INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG
ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
The day is observed as an expression of the
determination to strengthen action and cooperation to
achieve the goal of an international society free of drug
abuse. Theme for this year is Listen First
children and youth is the first step to he
healthy and safe.





MAY 1: INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY
Also known as International Worker's Day or May Day
observed every year to promote and encourage the
international labour associations.
Haymarket labour riots that took place in Chicago, USA
on May 4, 1886.

46
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
Millions of people around the world celebrated Yoga
Day by organising mass yoga sessions at various places.
in function was held in Lucknow where
Prime Minister Modi himself led a gathering of over
60,000 people for a mass yoga session.
JUNE 23: INTERNATIONAL WIDOWS’ DAY
The International Widows’ Day was observed globally
on 23 June 2017. The day is an opportunity for action
towards achieving full rights and recognition for
widows, who have been living with an invisible status
UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY
This international day celebrates public servants’
sustainable development. This year’s
celebrations were organised by the United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs in
collaboration with the Government of the Netherlands
together with the in honor of United Nations Public
23: THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC DAY

Celebrated every year on 23 June to mark the occasion
of the commencement of modern Olympic Games on this

JUNE 26: INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG
ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
The day is observed as an expression of the
determination to strengthen action and cooperation to
achieve the goal of an international society free of drug
Listen First - Listening to
children and youth is the first step to help them grow
MAY
MAY 1: INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY
International Worker's Day or May Day is
observed every year to promote and encourage the
international labour associations. It commemorates the
Haymarket labour riots that took place in Chicago, USA

46. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
MAY 2: WORLD ASTHMA DAY
Observed across the world to improve asthma
awareness and its care. This year’s theme is
Better Air, Better Breathing'.

MAY 3: WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day
to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the
press and remind governments of their duty to respect
and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

MAY 08: WORLD THALASSEMIA DAY
Observed every year to raise awareness about the
Thalassemia disease, making the world a better place to
live on. It is a dangerous genetic disorder that is said to
affect about 10,000 children in India every year.
blood disorder disease which is inherited from parents,
marked by abnoral deficiency of Hemoglobin.

MAY 8: WORLD RED CROSS DAY
Observed every year to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red
Cross. The theme for this year is “Less Known
Stories”

MAY 10: WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
The day highlights the interdependence of people and
nature, and more especially people and migratory
animals - in particular birds as they all share the same
habitat. The theme for this year is "Their Future is our
Future – A Healthy Planet for Migratory Birds and
People."

MAY 11: NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY
This day is observed to commemorate the anniversary
of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on 11 May
1998. Also, first indigenous aircraft “Hansa
flown at Bangalore on this day in 1999. The day glorifies
the importance of science in day to day life and
motivates students to adopt science as the career
option. This year’s theme is “Technology for inclusive
and sustainable growth”.
President of India awards National Technology Awards
for adopting new technologies by companies or
individuals.

MAY 12: INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
Celebrated all over the world to commemorate Florence
Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses are given awards to
recognize excellence in services rendered by them.
Theme for this year is ‘Nursing: A voice to lead
Achieving the sustainable development goals’.
AUGUST 2017
to improve asthma
theme is 'Asthma:

The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day
to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the
press and remind governments of their duty to respect
and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Observed every year to raise awareness about the
Thalassemia disease, making the world a better place to
is a dangerous genetic disorder that is said to
affect about 10,000 children in India every year. It is a
sease which is inherited from parents,
marked by abnoral deficiency of Hemoglobin.
Observed every year to commemorate the birth
Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red
“Less Known Red Cross

highlights the interdependence of people and
nature, and more especially people and migratory
in particular birds as they all share the same
Future is our
A Healthy Planet for Migratory Birds and
This day is observed to commemorate the anniversary
of Shakti, the Pokhran nuclear test held on 11 May
Also, first indigenous aircraft “Hansa-3” was test
The day glorifies
the importance of science in day to day life and
motivates students to adopt science as the career
“Technology for inclusive
nt of India awards National Technology Awards
for adopting new technologies by companies or
Celebrated all over the world to commemorate Florence
Nurses are given awards to
xcellence in services rendered by them.
‘Nursing: A voice to lead –
Achieving the sustainable development goals’.
MAY 17: WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND
INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY
Supported by UN organisation the
Telecommunication Union, ITU to
possibilities that the use of Internet and other
information and communication technologies can bring
to societies and economies. This year’s theme is
Data for Big Impact.

MAY 17: WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY
Observed to promote public awareness about
hypertension (high blood pressure) and to encourage
public to prevent and control this silent killer.
theme this year is ‘know your numbers’.
Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading
no higher than 120/80 mm Hg. A readings of 140/90 or
higher is considered high blood pressure.

MAY 21: ANTI-TERRORISM DAY

Observed to commemorate the martyrdom of former
Indian PM Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in Sri
Perambadur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bom
day in 1991.

MAY 22: THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The day is observed to raise awareness about the
contribution of sustainable tourism to economic growth
as well as to the conservation of biodiversity. The theme
for this year is “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”.

MAY 23: WORLD TURTLE DAY
The day is observed to raise awareness on conservation
of tortoise and turtles and their habitat, and to curb
their illegal trafficking.

MAY 31: WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
the world every year supported by the WHO to
demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses
to sustainable development, including the health and
economic well-being of citizens in all
countries. Consumption of tobacco
million deaths each year worldwide. This year’s theme
is ‘Tobacco as a threat to development’.

ALL THE NEWS ITEMS IN THIS MAGAZINE HAVE BEEN SOURCED
FROM VARIOUS NEWS PAPERS AND GOVT. PRESS RELEASES.

47
MAY 17: WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION AND
Supported by UN organisation the International
cation Union, ITU to raise awareness of the
possibilities that the use of Internet and other
information and communication technologies can bring
This year’s theme is Big
WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY
to promote public awareness about
hypertension (high blood pressure) and to encourage
public to prevent and control this silent killer. The
theme this year is ‘know your numbers’.
Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading
than 120/80 mm Hg. A readings of 140/90 or
higher is considered high blood pressure.
TERRORISM DAY

Observed to commemorate the martyrdom of former
Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in Sri
Perambadur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomber on this
MAY 22: THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR
raise awareness about the
contribution of sustainable tourism to economic growth
as well as to the conservation of biodiversity. The theme
“Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”.

The day is observed to raise awareness on conservation
of tortoise and turtles and their habitat, and to curb
MAY 31: WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY : Observed around
e world every year supported by the WHO to
demonstrate the threats that the tobacco industry poses
to sustainable development, including the health and
being of citizens in all
Consumption of tobacco leads to nearly 6
s each year worldwide. This year’s theme
‘Tobacco as a threat to development’.
ALL THE NEWS ITEMS IN THIS MAGAZINE HAVE BEEN SOURCED
FROM VARIOUS NEWS PAPERS AND GOVT. PRESS RELEASES.

47. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017


AUGUST 2017 48

48. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 49













NATIONAL NEWS
MARCH
 Indians observed the ‘Earth Hour’ on March 25 by
switching off all the unnecessary lights between
8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
 Earth Hour is an annual international event
created by the World Wide Fund for Nature.
 As per the New World Wealth, Mumbai is the richest
Indian city with a total wealth of $ 820 billion,
followed by Delhi at $ 450 bn and Bengaluru at $
320 bn.
 As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017,
Hyderabad has emerged as the best Indian city in
terms of living standards.
 The Supreme Court has clarified that govt cannot
make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits like
LPG subsidy, foodgrains, mid day meals, etc.
 The fifth edition of the mega cultural festival ‘India
by the Nile’ was held in Cairo, Egypt.
 India and Germany have ratified a Social Security
Agreement, which will come into force from May 1
this year.
 Norway displaced Denmark as the world's happiest
country in the World Happiness Report 2017. India
was placed at 122
nd
rank among 155 countries.
 India has ranked 131
st
among the 188 countries
Human Development Index 2016. The index based
on 2015 data, is topped by Norway.
 Country’s tallest flag post, standing 360 feet high
with a 110 meter long flag was inaugurated near
Wagah check post at Pakistan border in Amritsar.
 India’s first power boat racing event ‘Indian Grand
Prix of the Seas’ was held at Mumbai coast.

 The World Conference on Environment was held in
New Delhi on March 26.
 The International Conference on Theory and
Practice of Electronic Governance was held in New
Delhi from March 7-9,
 India to host its first mobile congress at Pragati
Maidan, Delhi on 27 September 2017 with focus on
reaching out to the South East Asian markets.
 A three-day international conference on e-
governance `ICEGOV 2017' was held in New Delhi in
collaboration with UNESCO.
 A national conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan was
held in New Delhi to focus on consolidation of water
conservation and management in the country.
 The three-day International Buddhist conference
was held in Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar from
17
th
March.
 India has signed a 'call for action' with World Health
Organization (WHO) and pledged to scale up
measures to end the Tuberculosis by 2030.



FEBRUARY

 The Heritage Foundation, a top American think tank
has ranked India at 143
rd
place in its Index of
Economic Freedom, covering 186 countries.
 The index is topped by Hong Kong, followed by
Singapore and New Zealand.
 India has been placed at 43
rd
rank in a list of 45
countries compiled by 5
th
Annual International
Intellectual Property (IP) Index in USA.
 NITI Aayog launched India’s first online India
Innovation Index portal to capture data on
innovation from all Indian states.
 India’s first floating school named Loktak
Elementary Floating School has been started in
India’s largest fresh water lake, Loktak Lake in
Manipur.
 The Implementation and Assessment Group
Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear
Terrorism held in New Delhi, with delegates from
150 countries.
 19
th
Bharat Rang Mahotsav (International Theatre
Festival of India) was hosted by National School of
Drama in New Delhi.
Bullet News
(JANUARY – MARCH 2017)
For details visit – www.gyanm.in

49. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 50
 3
rd
National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in
Thiru vananthapuram. This year’s theme is
“Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable
Development”.
 A two day ASEAN India Digital Connectivity Summit
was held in New Delhi, attended by delegates from
30 countries.
 The 11
th
International Aerospace and Defence
Exhibition - Aero India 2017 was held at the Air
Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
 A 3 day International Spice Conference was held at
Kovalam in Kerala.
 A two-day Nature Fest was organised by the
UNESCO at the world heritage site Great Himalayan
National Park (GNHP) at Sairopa, Kullu in Himachal
Pradesh.


JANUARY

 The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest for India's
68
th
Republic Day celebrations.
 The Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas convention was held in
Bengaluru. Prime Minister of Portugal Dr Antonio
Costa was the Chief Guest of the PBD.
 Union Cabinet has approved the 2
nd
Commitment
Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing emission
of green house gases, for the period 2013-17.
 Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and the 1st
commitment period was from 2008-2012.
 The 104th Indian Science Congress was hosted by
the Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati in
Andhra Pradesh.
 The N.K. Singh panel, constituted to review the Fiscal
Responsibility and Budget Management Act,
submitted its report to the union finance minister.
 The 58
th
edition of India International Garment Fair
was held in New Delhi.
 The first edition of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s
International Television Dance Festival was held in
Hyderabad, Telangana.
 Japan has decided to be associated with the
development of Chennai, Ahmedabad and Varanasi
as smart cities.
 The International Conference on “Yoga for Diabetes”
was held in New Delhi on January 4.

NEWS FROM STATES
MARCH

 The Uttarakhand High Court has accorded the status
of "living human entities" to the Ganga and Yamuna,
two of India's most sacred rivers.
 The country's largest waste-to-power plant was
inaugurated at Narela-Bawana in New Delhi.
 The 24 mega watt plant will consume around
1,300 metric tonne waste on a daily basis.
 Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment
programme (RAHAT) launched to provide people in
remote and rural areas with timely heart treatment
 National Theatre Festival was held in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from March 16 to 24.
 Country’s longest extradosed bridge, running for 1.4
km, located across River Narmada at Bharuch in
Gujarat, was opened up for traffic.
 Rajasthan has become India’s 2
nd
largest crude oil
producer, after the offshore field Bombay High,
producing nearly 90 lakh tones oil annually
 Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport stood
first in the world in the Airports Council
International (ACI) Airport Service Quality survey.
 Himachal Pradesh govt has launched a mobile app
and website titled ‘Mera Hunar HP’ or ‘My Talent’ to
help skilled and semi-skilled workers find jobs.
 The National Green Tribunal has banned camping
activities along the river bank of Ganga in
Uttarakhand
 Assam to host its first river festival, ‘Namami
Brahmaputra’ to promote its culture, heritage,
tradition and art.
 Madhya Pradesh has announced Deendayal Rasoi
Yojna to provide meals to urban poor for Rs 5.
Initially it will cover four major cities.
 Assam has decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory
language for students up to class 8
th
in the state.
 Government has decided to start the National
Banana Research Centre at Gorole, Vaishali, Bihar.
India is number one producer of bananas in world.
FEBRUARY
 India’s first National Women’s Parliament was held
in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
 The Telangana state has launched India's first social
innovation centre the ‘Kakatiya Hub for Social
Innovation’.
 The world famous dance event was held in Madhya
Pradesh in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho
temples.
 Gujarat has become the first state in the country for
establishing the cashless system in its public
distribution system (PDS) for food grains.
 The eligible beneficiaries now will need to carry
only Aadhaar cards for getting their food grain
in Gujarat.
 Karnataka has passed a bill to facilitate the conduct
of traditional buffalo race “Kambala” and bullock
cart races in South Kanara and Udupi districts.
 Jammu & Kashmir state has declared 2017 as ‘Year
of Apple’ to promote the famed Kashmiri apples in
domestic and foreign markets.

50. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 51
 The first heliport in India has been started in North
Delhi, built by state-owned Pawan Hans.


JANUARY


 Himachal Pradesh govt has declared that
Dharamsala would be the second capital of the
State.
 Goa becomes first state to opt for electronic
transmission of postal ballot to service voters. The
ballot will be sent by e-mail.
 The world’s largest street light replacement prog-
ramme Street Lighting National Programme was
launched by the South Delhi Municipal Corp.
 Delhi Police and IndiGo airlines have joined hands
to start ‘Aakhiri Ahuti’ - a humanitarian initiative to
carry free of cost the bodies of the North-east
residents who die in Delhi, to their homes in NE.
 Arunachal Pradesh launched ‘Dulari Kanya’, a
special scheme to check infant mortality in the state.
 Kerala has launched the country’s first solar-
powered boat 'Aaditya' at Vaikom. It has seating
capacity for 75 persons.
 Sikkim has emerged as the India’s first fully organic
state by converting around 75,000 hectares of
agricultural land into sustainable cultivation.
 Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands hosted the
Island Tourism Festival 2017.

GOVT INITIATIVES


MARCH

 Railways plan to set up Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks named
‘Railwire Saathi’ at about 500 stations to help
people access an array of online services
 After the implementation of GST, govt has decided
to rename the Central Board of Excise and Customs
as the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
(CBIC).
 The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's
Welfare has launched ‘Mission Fingerling’ to
promote fisheries as part of the Blue Revolution.
 The new health policy promises to increase public
spending on health to 2.5 per cent of the GDP by
2025, from 1 per cent at present.
 The Union Cabinet has decided to set up a National
Commission for Socially and Educationally
Backward Classes with constitutional status.
 Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana launched for providing
Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior
citizens belonging to BPL category.
 The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in coordination
with International Criminal Police Organization
(INTERPOL), launched two missions:
 ‘Operation Thunder Bird’ to combat illegal trade
of wildlife animals and ‘Operation Save Kurma’
to curb smuggling of turtles.
 Lok Sabha passed the Mental Healthcare Bill, which
decriminalises suicide and guarantees the right to
better healthcare for people with mental illness.
 Now, the person attempting suicide shall be
presumed to be suffering from “severe stress” and
therefore, shall not be tried or punished by law.
 Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has
launched ‘MoP&NG e-Seva’ portal for speedy
disposal of queries and grievances relating to oil
and gas sector.
 Union Cabinet has approved setting up of 50 new
Kendriya Vidyalayas across the country to provide
quality education to around 50,000 students.
FEBRUARY
 Govt has launched ‘Cyber Swachhta Kendra’ in New
Delhi for Botnet cleaning and Malware analysis as a
part of digital India initiative.
 Two mobile apps namely ‘Mkavach’ to protect
smart phones and tablets from hackers and
‘Samvid’ to protect Desktops
 Railways have started Antyodaya Express - a long-
distance, fully unreserved and super fast train
service for the common man.
 Govt has launched the Saathiya Resource Kit and
mobile app named ‘Saathiya Salah’ for adolescents
under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram.
 The kit and app will impart age appropriate
knowledge on key adolescent health issues to
the teenagers through their peer groups.
 World’s first Braille atlas for visually challenged
people has been prepared by National Atlas and
Thematic Mapping Organisation, New Delhi.
 Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource
Augmentation (TAMRA) mobile app and portal
launched to ensure transparent award of statutory
clearances for mining operations.
 Post offices will now provide services such
as employment registration for rural youth
through National Career Services portal.
 The Govt has approved the proposal for a single all
India exam for entrance in to all the engineering and
architecture colleges from 2018.
 Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
launched to make 6 crore rural households digitally
literate by March 2019.
 Union Health Ministry launched the Measles-
Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign from Bengaluru
to target around 41 crore children across India.

JANUARY
 Head Post Offices in various states now will work as
the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra for delivering
passport related services to the people.

51. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 52
 Prime Minister announced a number of new
schemes to help the poor, farmers, women and
small businesses.
 Housing: Under P M Awas Yojana (grameen), home
loans up to Rs 9/12 lakh will now get 4 /3 % rebate
in interest, respectively.
 In rural areas, 3 % interest relief will be given on
loan of up to 2 lakh rupees for the construction,
renovation and expansion of home.
 Women: A national scheme was announced for the
would-be mothers to provide them Rs. 6,000 for
their delivery, vaccination, and nutritious meals.
 Senior citizen: Senior citizens have been assured 8
per cent interest on their deposits up to Rs. 7.5 lakh,
for next 10 years.
 Farmers: Govt. to bear 60 days interest on select
farm loans. ii. To issue rupay debit cards to 3 crore
farmers in next three months.
 Small and Medium businesses:
i. Loan guarantee scheme to small business
extended up to Rs. 2 crore.
ii. Banks and NBFCs not to levy high interest rate on
these loans as the govt. is bearing the cost of under
writing them.
iii. Banks to raise credit limit from 20% of turnover
to 25% for small business.
iv. Banks to raise working capital loan to 30% from
20% of sales for enterprises that transact digitally.
 The Government of India has increased the
minimum monthly pension for central govt.
employees to Rs. 9,000 per person from Rs. 3500
earlier.
 Further, the ex-gratia amount for the employees
has been increased from 10-15 lakh to 25-35
lakh rupees.
 The cabinet approved the Varishtha Pension Bima
Yojana to provide an assured return of 8% p a for
10 years to persons of age 60 years and above.
 Govt approved the IIM Bill to allow the IIMs to grant
degrees rather than diplomas and be declared as
Institutions of National Importance.
 A web portal 'ShaGun' has been launched to
monitor the progress of country’s flagship
educational programme – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
 The government has tied up with the National Yuva
Coop. Society to set up 1,000 Janaushadhi Kendras
to provide quality medicines at an affordable price.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS






MARCH

 OECD has cut India's growth forecast for 2016-17 to
7% from 7.4% earlier (2015-2016) due to impact of
demonetization.
 US based rating agency Fitch has projected Indian
economy to grow by 7.1%in 2016-17, but may jump
to 7.7% in the next two financial years.





FEBRUARY



 In its 6
th
bimonthly policy review, the RBI lowered
the GDP growth forecast for 2016-17 to 6.9% from
7.1 % projected in 5
th
policy review in Dec, 2016.

JANUARY


 A study Oxfam, UK, shows that just 57 billionaires in
India have same wealth ($216 billion) as that of the
bottom 70% population of the country.
 India’s richest 1% hold as much as 58% of the
country’s total wealth.

ECONOMY


MARCH


 Country’s first ‘Make in India’ EMU (Electric
Multiple Unit) rake for suburban travel was
launched in Western Railways, from Dadar to
Borivali in Mumbai.
 The new rake is named ‘Medha’ as it is
powered by Hyderabad-based firm Medha
Servo Drives.
 The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for
filing income tax returns and also applying for a
Permanent Account Number (PAN).
 Idea Cellular Ltd agreed to merger with Vodafone
India Ltd in a $23 billion deal, creating worlds
second largest and India’s largest telco.
 Govt has abolished the 1% tax on cash payments of
over Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of goods or services
as such transactions have been banned from April
1.
 The NTPC has installed India’s largest floating solar
photovoltaic plant for 100 kw at Rajiv Gandhi
Combined Cycle Power Plant, Kayamkulam, Kerala.
 Tata Steel Ltd and Wipro Ltd have been named in
the list of World’s Most Ethical Companies 2017 by
American think tank Ethisphere Institute.

FEBRUARY

 Agriculture Ministry in its 2nd advance estimates
for 2016-17 has stated that the total foodgrain
production in the country is estimated to be at
record 272 million tonne.
 India’s iconic car brand ‘Ambassador’ has been sold
off by the Hindustan Motors to European auto major
Peugeot for Rs 80 crore.

52. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 53
JANUARY

 India’s first international exchange called India INX
has been opened at the International Financial
Service Centre, GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
has approved listing of five government-owned
General Insurance Companies on stock exchanges.
 The companies are National Ins Co, New India
Assurance Co, Oriental Ins Co, United India Ins
Co and General Insurance Corporation of India.









BANKING


MARCH

 Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for
amending NABARD Act, 1981, to increase the
authorized capital of NABARD to Rs. 30,000 crore.
 It also approved transfer 0.4 percent share of
RBI in NABARD amounting to Rs. 20 crores to
the Government of India.
 The RBI has asked bank-operated Financial Literacy
Centers and rural bank branches to organize special
camps starting from April 1, 2017.
 They will educate public about digital payments
through UPI and USSD based “*99#” service
code platforms.
UPI -Unified Payments Interface
USSD -Unstructured Supplementary Service Data
 The RBI has clarified that currency notes on which
some message is scribbled, do not cease to be legal
tender.
 However, if message scribbled on it is political
in nature, then the note ceases to be legal
tender.
 SBI Card has launched a new credit card 'Unnati'
which will have zero annual fee for the first four
years of its subscription.
 Dena Bank has introduced Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) enabled banking cards.
 When a valued client enters the branch with the
card, his complete profile will pop up on the
manager’s desktop.
 RBI data says, ICICI Bank topped the list of banks
that witnessed most number of frauds during April
to December, 2016 with SBI taking the second spot.
 RBI has directed that the NBFCs now cannot
disburse gold loan of more than Rs. 25,000 in cash.
Earlier this limit was Rs. one lac.
 ICICI Bank has launched 'Mera iMobile' app for rural
customers to allow them to access banking services
as well as information on agri-services.
 State Bank of India has approved the 'Work from
Home' policy for its employees to enable them to
work while at home using various mobile devices.
 HDFC Bank launched India's first AI-based banking
chatbot named ‘Eva’ which can answer millions of
customer queries across multiple channels
instantly.


FEBRUARY

 RBI has promoted digital payment initiative named
Bharat QR code to enable seamless digital payments
without card swiping machines.
 Payment networks such as MasterCard and Visa
have joined hands with NPCI to launch Bharat
QR (Quick Response).
 All the five associate banks will merge with State
Bank of India from April 1, 2017.
 Assets of SB of Bikaner and Jaipur, SBof Mysore,
SB of Travancore, SB of Patiala and SB of
Hyderabad will be transferred to SBI on April 1.
 ‘Indradhanush 2.0’ launched for recapitalisation of
public sector banks to ensure compliance of the
Basel-III norms for capital adequacy.
 The Lok Sabha passed the Specified Bank Notes
(Cessation of Liabilities) Bill
 It makes holding of more than 10 old notes of
Rs 500/1000 denomination punishable.
 The fine will be up to Rs.10,000 or 5 times the
value of notes possessed, whichever is higher.
 SBI has become the first bank in India to use a gTLD
for its internet presence and better security. Now its
web address is ‘bank.sbi’.
 A generic top level domain (gTLD) enables an
organisation to use its corporate name as their
website’s top-level identifier.
 The RBI has increased the gold loan limit for RRBs
(Regional Rural Banks) to Rs 2 lakh from the
current Rs 1 lakh to help the farmers and artisans.


JANUARY

 Govt hass amended the Income-tax Rules, 1962 to
allow banks to obtain and link PAN or Form No 60
in all existing bank accounts, other than Basic Saving
Account by February 28, 2017.

DEFENCE, SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY


MARCH


 The DRDO and Israeli Aircraft Industry will jointly
develop the ‘medium-range surface-to-air missile’
(MR-SAM) for the Indian army.

53. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 54
 The Indian Navy has decommissioned its iconic
Tupolev-142M anti-submarine warfare aircraft
after utilising its serviced for almost 30 years.
 These aircrafts are being replaced by advanced
P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft
manufactured by the Boeing Company of USA.
 Annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational
Exercise (TROPEX 17) was hosted by the Indian
Navy off the western coast in Arabian sea.
 IN LCU L51, the first of the eight ships of the
Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV Class was
commissioned into the India Navy at Andaman
Nicobar Islands.
 INS Viraat, India's second aircraft carrier after INS
Vikrant, was decommissioned on March 6 after
serving the Indian Navy for nearly 30 years.
 A two week long joint military exercise SURYA
KIRAN-XI between India and Nepal was held in
Pithoragarh area of Uttarakhand
 Indian and Royal Oman armies held their two week
long joint exercise named Al-Nagah-2 in Bakloh area
of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.
 Indigenously developed radar named Swati, capable
of locating field guns, tanks, etc. in a range of up to
50 km. has been inducted in Indian Army.
 The 9
th
Gorkhas celebrated 200-years of its raising
in Secunderabad, Telangana. Their first battalion
was raised by the British government in 1817.
 INS Tillanchang, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft
(WJFAC) was commissioned into the Indian Navy, at
Karwar, south of Goa.
 India's first lunar mission – the Chandrayaan-
1 spacecraft, which was generally considered lost in
August, 2009, is still orbiting the Moon.
 This has been confirmed by NASA scientists using
new technological application of their
interplanetary radar.



FEBRUARY

 India is world’s largest importer of weapons and
military equipment, accounting for 13% share
during the five-year period 2012-2016.
 The Ministry of Defence has approved setting up of
38 new radar stations to strengthen surveillance of
the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.
 L&T has entered into a joint venture with European
defence major MBDA Missile Systems for
development of missile systems in India.
 Thailand with USA jointly hosted Asia’s largest
military exercise ‘Cobra Gold’ from Feb 14-24 in
jungles of Thailand. India also took part.
 Indian Navy launched sailboat 'Tarini' for the first
Indian all-women global circumnavigation by the
Indian Navy to begin in August.
 INS Sarvekshak, the survey vessel of Indian Navy
has become the first Indian warship to install a 5
KW solar power system on board.
 India successfully test-fired its home grown
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile
from Abdul Kalam Defence Base at Dhamara, off
Odisha coast.
 On Feb 15, the ISRO scripted history by successfully
launching a record 104 satellites, including India’s
earth observation satellite Cartosat-2.
 To increase understanding of the climate change, a
special train named ‘Science Express Climate Action
Special’ (SECAS II) started from New Delhi.
 A group of scientists have claimed that there exists
an eighth continent also, named Zealandia.
 It is spread around New Zealand, covering
about 4.9 million sq km, although most of it is
submerged below the current sea level.


JANUARY

 Khanderi, the second Kalvari class Scorpene
submarine, was launched into water - or 'undocked'
at the Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.
 Agni-IV, the nuclear-capable intercontinental
ballistic missile with a strike range of 4,000 km was
tested successfully as part of a user trial
 State Bank of India has installed an ATM on India's
largest warship, INS Vikramaditya to cater to the
over 1,500 sailors and 110 officers on ship.
 Pakistan successfully tested its long range surface-
to-surface ballistic missile Ababeel, having a strike
range of 2,200 km.
 A new guided version of the Pinaka Rocket was
successfully test-fired from Integrated Test Range at
Chandipur in Odisha.
 Scientists have discovered a new organ named
‘Mesentery’ inside human body in the digestive
system, connecting the intestine to the abdomen.




INTERNATIONAL


MARCH

 The leaders of 27 countries that form European
Union gathered in Rome on March 25 to celebrate
60 years of its formation.
 On this day in 1957, Treaty of Rome was signed
in Rome by six countries to lay the foundation
of European Union.
 In the World Health Index 2017, Italy has been
named as the healthiest country, followed by
Iceland and Switzerland.
 Finland-based HMD Global, a company formed by
veterans of Nokia, has launched new generation
Nokia 3, 5 and 6 Android-based smart phones.

54. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 55
 The finance ministers and central bank chiefs from
the G-20 nations held their meeting in Baden-Baden
in Germany from 17-18 March 2017.
 13
th
summit of Economic Cooperation
Organisation of 10 Muslim nations was held in
Islamabad, Pakistan.
 Leaders of 22 Arab nations met in Sweimeh, Jordan
for the annual summit of Arab League to work out
strategies to handle terrorism in the region.
 The first Summit of Indian Ocean Rim Association
(IORA) nations was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.


FEBRUARY


 UNICEF has advised that millions of people,
including 1.4 million children, are at risk of death
due to a severe famine in Africa.
 The affected countries are - Nigeria, Somalia,
South Sudan and Yemen. The crisis has been
declared as the first new famine in six years.
 Qatar Airways conducted the world’s longest
nonstop commercial flight for 14,535 kms from
Doha in Qatar to Auckland, New Zealand, in 16:20
hrs.
 British luxury carmakers Rolls-Royce reported a
record loss of £4.6 billion ($5.7 billion), the biggest
in the company’s history since 1884.
 2017 BRICS summit shall be held in Xiamen, China
in September 2017. This year’s theme is “BRICS:
Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future”.
 China generated 66.2 billion kilowatt-hours of
energy in 2016 to become the world’s largest
producer of solar energy, replacing Germany from
the top.
 World’s longest elevated cycle path bulit in Xiamen,
China. Running for over 8 kms, it can handle over
2,023 cyclists with a speed up to 24 kmph.


JANUARY


 China has built the world’s biggest solar
park, Longyangxia Dam Solar Park, in Qinghai,
spread over 27 sq km.
 Finland has become the first country in the world to
pay a basic monthly income of Euro 560 to
randomly picked citizens on a national level
 China has launched its first freight train to London.
The train will depart from Yiwu in eastern China.
 China launched its longest bullet train “Shangri-la of
the World” from Kunming in SW China to Beijing,
covering a distance of 2,760-km in about 13 hours.
 World’s highest bridge has been thrown open for
traffic in China. The Beipanjiang Bridge soars 565
metres (1,854 feet) above the Beipan River.
 The United Nations General Assembly
has recognised the year 2017 as the International
Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development


PERSONS IN NEWS


MARCH

ARUN JAITLEY: Union Finance Minister was given the
additional charge of the defence ministry on 13 March
after Manohar Parrikar resigned from the post to take
on the role of Chief Minister of Goa.

ADITYA PURI: American financial magazine Barron's
has ranked HDFC Bank Chief at 23
rd
position in its list of
world’s 30 best CEOs.


SHILPA SHETTY: Bollywood celebrity has been
appointed as a brand ambassador for the government's
cleanliness initiative Swachh Bharat Mission.


MAHERSHALA ALI: American actor, who won the Oscar
for the best supporting actor for his role as Juan in Barry
Jenkins' "Moonlight", is the first Muslim actor in history
to win an Academy Award.

PARK GEUN-HYE: South Korea’s Constitutional Court
on 10 March 2017 voted unanimously to remove the
country’s President from office on account of corruption
charges.

FEBRUARY

SATINDER SARTAAJ: Punjabi folk singer selected for
the awareness of project against human trafficking
named 'Blue Heart Campaign' by the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime.


SUDARSAN PATTNAIK: World famous sand artist from
Odisha has created a Guinness World Record for the
highest sand made structure by creating a 48.8 feet tall
sand castle at Puri beach in Odisha.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: The world’s longest reigning
sovereign, became the first British monarch to reach her
Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.

JANUARY

PRIYANKA CHOPRA: won USA’s prestigious “People’s
Choice Award for the Best Dramatic Actress” for her role
in the popular TV series Quantico.

APPOINTMENTS

MARCH

FIVE NEW CHIEF MINISTERS ELECTED
1. Yogi Adityanath-BJP UttarPradesh
2. Manohar Parriker-BJP Goa

55. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 56
3. N. Biren Singh-BJP Manipur
4. Amrinder Singh-Congress Punjab
5. Trivendra Singh Rawat-BJP Uttarakhand

B.P. KANUNGO: Appointed as the Deputy Governor of
the RBI.
MAHESH KUMAR JAIN: Appointed as Managing
Director & CEO of IDBI Bank.

KISHORE PIRAJI KHARAT: Appointed as Managing
Director and CEO of Indian Bank.

MALLIKARJUN KHARGE: Appointed chairman of the
Public’s Account Committee (PAC) of Parliament.

DONALD TUSK: Polish diplomat has been re-elected as
the President of European Council.


FEBRUARY

EDAPPADI K. PALANISWAMI: Elected as the new Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu

SHURHOZELIE LIEZITSU: New Chief Minister
of Nagaland


SANDEEP JAJODIA: Elected as the new President of
Assocham - The Associated Chambers of Commerce of
India. He is the CMD of Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd.

HEMANT BHARGAVA: Appointed as Managing
Director of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.

AJAY TYAGI: Appointed as the new Chairman of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

SANJEEV SANYAL: Appointed as Principal Economic
Adviser in the Ministry of Finance. He is the former
global strategist and Managing Director of Deutsche
Bank.

MOHAMED ABDULLAHI FARMAJO: Elected new
President of Somalia (East Africa)

FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER: Elected as the new
President of Germany.

GURBANGULY BERDYMUKHAMEDOV : Elected as the
new President of Turkmenistan.

JANUARY

NATARAJAN CHANDRASEKARAN: CEO and MD of TCS
has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Sons.

PROF. DAVID R SYIEMLIEH: Appointed as the
Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, UPSC

ALOK KUMAR VERMA: New Director of the Central
Bureau of Investigation.

RAJESH GOPINATHAN: Appointed as the new CEO of
the Tata Consultancy Services – TCS.

NATARAJAN CHANDRASEKARAN: CEO and MD of TCS
has been appointed as the new Chairman of Tata Sons

PRAVIND JUGNAUTH: Appointed as the new Prime
Minister of Mauritius.

ADAMA BARROW: New President of The Gambia, a
small country in West Africa.

ANTONIO TAJANI: Elected as the new President of the
European Parliament.

BERNARD CAZENEUVE: Appointed as the new Prime
Minister of France

DANIEL ORTEGA: Elected as the President of
Nicaragua for a third consecutive term.

JOVENEL MOISE: Elected as the President of Haiti.

SORIN GRINDEANU: Appointed as the new Prime
Minister of Romania.


AWARDS & HONOURS

MARCH

SARASWATI SAMMAN 2016: Awarded to eminent
Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail for his
novel ‘Hawthan’.

MOORTIDEVI AWARD: Awarded to eminent Malayalam
writer and journalist M P Veerendra Kumar for his
travelogue 'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil'

RAGHU RAI: Veteran photojournalist was conferred
with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th
National Photography Awards in New Delhi.

EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016: Vivek Chaand
Sehgal of Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd by Ernest Young

Karur Vysya Bank has been adjudged the ‘Best Small
Bank for 2016’.

OSCAR AWARDS DECLARED
Director: Damien Chazelle for La La Land
Best Picture: Moonlight by Barry Jenkins
Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea
Best Actress: Emma Stone for La La Land

ABEL PRIZE: The prize for excellence in Math’s has
been awarded to French mathematician Yves Meyer.

GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE: Prestigious $ 1 million prize
was won by Maggie MacDonnell, a Canadian who
teaches at a school in a fly-in only village in the Arctic.

56. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 57
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR: Rihanna, the 29-year-
old famous pop singer from Barbados has been named
for this award given by the Harvard University, USA.

FEBRUARY

VYAS SAMMAN 2016: Prestigious award for excellence
in Hindi literature was conferred upon Surendra Verma,
a well known Hindi scholar and writer for his novel
Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha: Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se.


KAYAKALP AWARD: The All India Institutes of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was awarded the first prize
under the Central Government Hospitals category for
maintaining high standards of sanitation and hygiene.

VISITORS AWARD: Jawaharlal Nehru University won
this national award for the best Central University in
India. The award is given by President of India.

SANDEEP DAS: Indian tabla player won the Grammy
for the Best Global Music category for the composition
‘Sing me Home’ in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.

BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION
AWARDS (BAFTA) announced on Feb 12 in London.

Best Film: ‘La La Land’ directed by Damien Chazelle
Best Director: Damien Chazelle for ‘La La Land’, USA
Best Actor: Casey Affleck for ‘Manchester by the Sea’
Best Actress: Emma Stone for ‘La La Land’

MISS UNIVERSE - 2016: Iris Mittenaere from France

GENESIS PRIZE-2016: Prestigious $1 million prize by
Israel was won by Indian-origin British sculptor Anish
Kapoor for his commitment to Jewish values.

59
th
GRAMMY AWARDS announced on Feb 12 in Los
Angeles, USA to recognize the best in the field of
music.
Album of the year: ‘25’ by Adele (Britain)
Record of the year: ‘Hello’ by Adele
Song of the year: ‘Hello’ by Adele
Best Rock Song: ‘Blackstar’ by David Bowiey
Best Pop Solo Performance: ‘Hello’ by Adele
Best Pop Vocal Album: ‘25’ by Adele


JANUARY

PADMA AWARDS 2017 DECLARED
President of India approved conferment of Padma
Awards on 89 persons comprising seven Padma
Vibhushans, seven Padma Bhushans and 75 Padma Shri
awards, of which 19 awardees are women.

ASHOK CHAKRA: The highest peace time gallantry
award was conferred upon Havildar Hangpan Dada, who
killed four terrorists before laying down his life in
Kupwara on May 26 last year.

The Delhi International Airport Limited won the
Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social
Responsibility in the aviation transport sector.

62
ND
FILMFARE AWARDS HELD AT MUMBAI
Best Film: ‘Dangal’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari
Best Actor: Aamir Khan for Dangal
Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for Udta Punjab
Best Director: Nitesh Tiwari for Dangal
Lifetime Acheivment: Shatrugan Sinha

THE 74
TH
GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS for cinema and TV
were held in Beverly Hills, California (USA)
Best Picture: Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins
Best Director: Damien Chazelle for La La Land
Best Actress: Isabelle Huppert for Elle
Best Actor: Casey Affleck for Manchester by the Sea

OBITUARY


MARCH

SYED SHAHABUDDIN: Former senior Indian diplomat
and 3 times MP from Kishanganj, Bihar, died at the age
of 82.

RABI RAY: Veteran socialist leader and eminent
Parliamentarian, former Union Minister for Health and
Family Welfare and Speaker of the Lok Sabha, passed
away at 91, after prolonged illness in Cuttack, Odisha.

TAARAK MEHTA: Renowned Gujarati humourist and
playwright passed away at 87. The popular TV series
‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ is an adaptation of
his daily column ‘Duniya Ne Undha Chasma’.

P. SHIV SHANKAR: Former Union Minister and veteran
Congress leader passed away in Hyderabad. He was 88.
He was also the Governor of Kerala and Sikkim.

DAVID ROCKEFELLER: The billionaire businessman
and renowned philanthropist of USA died at the age of
101.

FEBRUARY
JOGINDER SINGH: Former CBI director passed away
after prolonged illness in New Delhi. He was 77.

ALTAMAS KABIR: Former Chief Justice of Supreme
Court passed away in Kolkata. He was 68.

VED PRAKASH SHARMA: Popular Hindi novelist,
counted among the highest-selling Hindi writers in the
country, died in Meerut.
BANO QUDSIA: Renowned Pakistani Urdu novelist and
playwright passed away at the age of 88. She was
honoured with Pakistan’s highest civil awards - Sitara-i-
Imtiaz in 2003 and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2010.

57. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 58
JANUARY

OM PURI: Legendary cinema and theater actor passed
away after a massive heart attack in Mumbai. He will
always be remembered for his outstanding performance
in films like Ardhsatya, Aakrosh. He also acted in several
Pakistani, British and Hollywood films.

SURJIT SINGH BARNALA: Former Punjab Chief
Minister and former Governor of Tamil Nadu, Andhra
and Uttarakhand, passed away at 91.

NAQSH LYALLPURI: Renowned Urdu poet and
Bollywood lyricist Jaswant Rai Sharma, known to the
world by his pen name, died at the age of 89. Some of his
best songs include, Main to har mod par tujh ko dunga
sada; Na Jane kya hua, jo tune chhu liya

MASAYA NAKAMURA: The father of Pac-Man video
game is no more. The game has been played over 10
billion times, a Guinness Book record.

AKBAR HASHEMI RAFSANJANI: Two times former
Iranian President died at 82. He was an influential figure
in Iranian politics.


TONY ATKINSON: Eminent British economist and a
noted scholar at the London School of Economics died in
Oxford, UK.


PLACES IN NEWS


MARCH

VILLAGE HABBI: in Kotranka in Rajouri district of
Jammu and Kashmir has been developed as the
country’s first tribal model village.

CHANGI AIRPORT: Singapore's airport has been voted
as the World's Best Airport by air travelers at the 2017
World Airport Awards for the fifth consecutive year.


DEBBIE: A "monster" cyclone named ‘Debbie’ made
landfall in northeast Australia on the Queensland coast,
causing widespread destruction.



FEBRUARY

BARREN ISLAND VOLCANO: India’s only active volcano
in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted once again,
spewing lava and ash several feet high in to the air.







JANUARY

DHARAMSALA: Himachal Pradesh govt has declared
that Dharamsala would be the second capital of the
State.


MAWLYNNONG: a village in Meghalaya has become a
role model for maintaining cleanliness. It is known as
Asia’s cleanest village.

PATNA: Lakhs of devotees from all over the world
visited Patna to participate in the grand ‘Prakash Parv’
organised to celebrate the 350
th
birth anniversary of the
10th Sikh guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh.




SPORTS WORLD



MARCH

Ravichandran Ashwin, star Indian spinner has broken
the world record for most wickets in a single Test
season, claiming 79 this season during the Dharamsala
Test against Australia.

Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy the ICC Cricketer of the
Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin, ace Indian spinner
was honoured with the prestigious trophy for his
outstanding performance in 2016, best in the world.

Ankur Mittal won Gold medal in the Men's Double Trap
event at the International Shooting Sport Federation
(ISSF) World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico

Cheteshwar Pujara became first Indian batsman to face
over 500 balls in an innings. He played for more than 11
hours scoring 202 off 525 balls in the first innings
during the third test-match against Australia at the JSCA
Stadium at Ranchi.
BCCI ANNUAL AWARDS
 Polly Umrigar award for the international
cricketer of the year: Virat Kohli
 Dilip Sardesai Award: Ravichandran Ashwin for
the best performance in India's bilateral Test series
against West Indies
 C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award:
Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar
Lifetime Achievement Award for Women: Former
captain, Ms. Shanta Rangaswamy. This award is being
given for the first time.


SACHIN TENDULKAR: Legendary cricketer was
announced as the official ambassador of Women's
Cricket World Cup 2017 by the International Cricket
Council (ICC)

Saina Nehwal, a member of the International Olympic
Committee's Athletes' Commission, would be
representing the IOC in the Badminton World
Federation (BWF).


Vijay Hazare Trophy: Tamil Nadu won the popular
cricket trophy by defeating Bengal in the Final played at
the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

58. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 59
FEBRUARY


KOHLI CREATES HISTORY
Indian captain Virat Kohli created history by becoming
the first batsman to score double hundreds in four
successive Test series. He surpassed the legendary Sir
Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid who achieved the
feat in only three successive series. Kohli achieved the
landmark in Hyderabad, playing against Bangla Desh.
 He became the second Asian to be featured on the
latest cover of the bible of cricket - Wisden Cricketers'
Almanack, the other being Sachin Tendulkar.
 He also became the first Indian sports personality to
strike a Rs 110-crore endorsement deal with a single
brand – Puma.

Ravichandran Ashwin became the fastest bowler to
claim 250 Test wickets when he dismissed Bangladesh
skipper Mushfiqur Rahim on Feb 12 in Hyderabad. He
achieved the milestone in his 45
th
Test, three less than
former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee (48).

Jehan Daruvala became the first ever Indian to claim
the New Zealand Grand Prix at Chris Amon Circuit in
Manfeild, New Zealand.

Kush Bhagat, a second grade 7 year old student
from Mumbai has been awarded the title of Candidate
Master (CM) by World Chess Federation for his
outstanding victories in a number of international
tournaments.

Lakshya Sen, fifteen-year-old shuttler from
Uttarakhand has become the World No 1 Junior
Badminton player as per the latest rankings of the
Badminton World Federation.

Pankaj Advani won the Indian National Snooker
Championship held in New Delhi.



Senior National Badminton Championships, Patna
Men’s Singles title won by Sourabh Verma
Women’s Singles title won by Rituparna Das


India to host FIBA Women's Asia Cup basketball
tournament at Bengaluru in July, 2017.

‘MISSION XI MILLION’ FOR FOOTBALL
The government launched the Mission XI Million
initiative, the biggest school sports outreach programme
in the country to promote football among school
children. It aims to instill the passion for football in 11
million children from every part of the country.

‘KHELEAO’ : MASCOT FOR FIFA U-17 CUP
A clouded leopard called ‘Kheleao’ has been has been
named as the official mascot for FIFA Under-17 World
Cup India 2017 to be hosted by India from October 6 to
28 this year.
This leopard is an endangered wild cat whose habitat
extends from the Himalayan foothills to mainland
Southeast Asia.

Belgium's John-John Dohmen and Netherlands' Naomi
Van were named as male and female Hockey
Federation's Player of the Year award.

Diego Maradona, Argentina’s former star soccer player
has been named as the new Ambassador of the FIFA.

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS declared in
Monaco

Sportsman of the Year: Sprint king Usain Bolt of
Jamaica. He has won this award for the record fourth
time.

Sportswoman of the Year: Star gymnast Simone Biles
from USA, winner of 4 Olympic medals in 2016 and
winner of more than 10 world championships.

JANUARY
INDIAN
PV Sindhu: The Olympic silver medallist won her
maiden women's singles crown at the Syed Modi Grand
Prix Gold badminton tournament in Lucknow.


Saina Nehwal defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of
Thailand to win the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold
final in Sarawak, Malaysia.


M S DHONI: Iconic cricketer and one of the most
successful Indian captains shocked his fans and admires
by announcing his retirement from the captaincy of ODI
and T20 format.

Cricket icon Kapil Dev was inducted into Legends Club
'Hall of Fame' in Mumbai.

Shreyas Mehta: India Under-13 squash player won the
prestigious Scottish Junior Open title in Edinburg,
Scotland.

Irani Trophy (cricket): Rest of India clinched recent
Ranji Trophy champions Gujarat in Mumbai.


Ranji Trophy: Gujarat won this national trophy for the
first time, beating Mumbai in the final at Indore, Madhya
Pradesh.


INTERNATIONAL

Roger Federer won the Men's Singles of Australian
Open in Melbourne. Serena Williams beat Venus
Williams to Australian Open Title.


Abbu Ammaz, an eight-year old boy from Jammu and
Kashmir's Rajouri won gold medal in National level
Thaiboxing Championship.

59. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 60
FIFA has decided to expand the World Cup Tournament
to 48 teams from its current 32. The change will be
effected from the 2026 tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo was named the World's Best Player
at the Best FIFA Football Awards in Zurich, Switzerland.


BOOKS & AUTHORS

MARCH

Home of the Brave Nitin A Gokhale & Brig S
K Chatterji.
50 Years – The Great
Indian Milk Revolution, a
coffee table book brought
out
National Dairy
Development Board to
commemorate 50 years
of its existence.
My story, autobiography of
Michael Clarke, former
Australian cricket captain

Numbers Do Lie Akash Chopra, Former
Indian cricketer
Ashoka: Lion of Maurya Ashok K Banker
Lanka’s Princess Kavita Kane
An Unsuitable Boy Karan Johar
Shadow Fighter: Sarita Devi
and her Extraordinary
Journey
Suprita Das
Hema Malini: Beyond the
Dream Girl
Ram Kamal Mukherjee
The Untold Vajpayee:
Politician and Paradox
N. P. Ullekh
A Season For Martyrs Bina Shah.
From Kalburgi to Ayodhya a collection of poems by
Gulzar, famous poet and
lyricist.
Fearless in Opposition P. Chidambaram, former
Union Finance Minister
Veerappan, Chasing the
Brigand
K Vijay Kumar. He
headed the special task
force that killed
Veerappan during the
Operation Cocoon in
2004.
An Era of Darkness: The
British Empire in India
Shashi Tharoor
The Spy by Paulo Coelho
Jinnah Often Came to Our
House
Kiran Doshi. The book
won The Hindu Prize
2016
'Akhada' biography of former
wrestler and coach
Mahavir Singh Phogat
on whose life film
‘Dangal’ has been made.
The People's President: Dr
APJ Abdul Kalam
S M Khan, President’s
press secretary
Brothers Manju Kapur
Immortal Krishna Udayasankar
Necessary Trouble:
Americans in Revolt
Sarah Jaffe
Khullam Khulla Autobiography of
Bollywood veteran Rishi
Kapoor
The Wonder Emma Donoghue
Fantastic Beasts and Where
to Find Them
J K Rowling.
Black Water Lilies Michel Bussi
Many Everests Ravindra Kumar, an
IAS officer of 2011
batch who scaled Mt
Everest.
Conflicts of Interest: My
Journey through India's
Green Movement
Sunita Narain. She is a
noted environment
activist.
Courts of India – Past to
Present
a book edited by a
board of the Supreme
Court of India. It is a
comprehensive history
of courts and judicial
system in India.
Death Under The Deodars Ruskin Bond
The Legend of Lakshmi
Prasad
Twinkle Khanna,
Bollywood celebrity.
India Rising: Fresh Hope
New Fears
Ravi Vellor
‘An Era of Darkness: The
British Empire in India’
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP
The Ministry of Utmost
Happiness: Title of the
forthcoming novel
Arundhati Roy
Harry Potter and the
Cursed Child
J. K. Rowling
This Love That Feels Right Ravinder Singh
Selection Day Aravind Adiga
The Sellout Paul Beatty
Magic Danielle Steel
Sunshine Lanes Prasoon Joshi, famous
Bolywood lyricist.
Being the Other: The
Muslim in India
Saeed Naqvi, noted
media personality.
Citizen and Society Hamid Ansari (Vice
President of India)
Selection Day Aravind Adiga.
Six Machine An autobiography of
Chris Gayle, explosive
batsman from West
Indies

60. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
Gyanm
PUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS

Maninder
Singh(Patwari)

Sahil Sachdeva
(Panchayat sec. ,
Chd. admin Clerk)
(Panchyat Sec.)

Bhuvandeep
(IBPS PO
(Pre/mains)

Ravinder Kumar
(PSPCL, Patwari, Co-
oprative ins.)

Sukhdeep Upana
(Patwari)

Harmandeep Singh
(POLICE Operator)

Manpreet Singh
(Patwari)


Raman Khurana
(Economics Lec.)

Gaurav Kumar
(PSSSB Clerk)


Jagnandan Singh
(PSSSB Clerk)
(Sub


2017
Gyanm Shining Stars
PUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS


Pankush
(Panchyat Sec.)

Eshan Narang
(Patwari )


Neeraj Narang
( PSSSB Clerk

Sachin
(PSSSB–clerk)

Sourabh Girdhar
(Panchyat sec.)

Aarti Grover
(IBPS PO)

Ruchika
(PSPCL)

Jujhar Singh
(Senior Ass.)

Mohit Baghla
(Senior Asst.
&PSPCL)

Rajeev Kumar
( Patwari)

Jiwanjyoti
(Panchyat Sec.)


Ashish Dhingra
(Panchyat SEC.,
Intelligence Asst.)


Babli
(Sub-Inspector)

Rajan Baghla
(SSt. Teacher)

Puneet Sharma
(PSPCL & Patwari)
61
tars
PUNJAB GOVT. EXAMS


Rupinder Singh
(Small scale
industries clerk)


Deepika
(PSSSB Clerk)

Jagjeet Singh
(Water resources)



Intelligence Asst.)

Aniket Chabhra
(Patwari,Police
operator

Patwari)


Yamini
(RRB PO)

61. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017
Latest M
ON CURRENT AFFAIRS



JUNE GK TEST - 01

1. Who is the first woman to grace the post of
Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)?
A. Tasleema Ahmad B. Najma Heptulla
C. Shazia Ilmi D. Shagufta Naseem
E. Nikhat Kazmi
2. The government plans to go in for substantial
disinvestment through strategic sale of its
shareholding in which PSU?
A. SAIL B. NTPC
C. NALCO D. SBI
E. Air India
3. The “law of adverse selection” belongs to
which of these fields?
A. Information technology
B. Economics
C. Biology D. Finance
E. Banking
4. If the labour demand elasticity
market is zero, which of the following is MOST
likely to happen?
A. There will be little incentive to improve one’s
job skills
B. The wage costs will rise
C. There will be moderate unemployment
D. There will be no worker available to new units
for employment
E. There will be high unemployment
5. Super cop KPS Gill, who was known for
rooting out militancy from Punjab, belonged
to
A. Haryana B. Punjab
C. Himachal Pradesh D. Chhattisgarh
E. None of these
6. India’s longest bridge “Dhola-Sadia Bridge”
has been built over the river
A. Brahmaputra B. Kosi
B. Subarnrekha C. Cauvery
D. Ganga

Latest M CQs
ON CURRENT AFFAIRS

Who is the first woman to grace the post of
Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)?
B. Najma Heptulla
D. Shagufta Naseem
The government plans to go in for substantial
tegic sale of its

The “law of adverse selection” belongs to

D. Finance
in a labour
market is zero, which of the following is MOST
A. There will be little incentive to improve one’s

C. There will be moderate unemployment
ll be no worker available to new units

Super cop KPS Gill, who was known for
rooting out militancy from Punjab, belonged
B. Punjab
D. Chhattisgarh
Sadia Bridge”
C. Cauvery
7. Which country’s police have officially
deployed the world’s first operational robot
police officer “Robocop”?
A. Dubai
C. Japan
E. The USA
8. Who is the 2017 CEAT International Cricketer
of the Year?
A. Virat Kohli
B. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
C. Ravichandran Ashwin
D. Ajinkya Rihane
E. Chris Gayle
9. Which organisation has been honoured with
the 2014 Indira Gandhi Prize for Pecae,
Disarmament and Development?
A. United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR)
B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
D. International Labour Organization (ILO)
E. Gandhi Peace Foundation
10. Fiscal consolidation refers to a situation
involving
A. high rates of personal taxation
B. better tax collections
C. lower government expenditures
D. Either B or C
E. Printing too many currency notes
11. The term “Hindu growth rate” implies
A. Low, single digit economic growth rate
B. High economic growth rate
C. Very low, close-to-zero
D. Moderate economic growth rate
E. India’s economic growth rate
12. Pick the wrongly matched pair out of the
following atomic reactor
A. Jaitapur –Maharashtra
B. Narora – Madhya Pradesh
C. Kalpakkam – Tamil Nadu
62

Which country’s police have officially
deployed the world’s first operational robot
police officer “Robocop”?
B. Israel
D. Germany
Who is the 2017 CEAT International Cricketer



Which organisation has been honoured with
Indira Gandhi Prize for Pecae,
Disarmament and Development?
A. United Nations High Commissioner for
B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
D. International Labour Organization (ILO)
E. Gandhi Peace Foundation
Fiscal consolidation refers to a situation
A. high rates of personal taxation
C. lower government expenditures
E. Printing too many currency notes
The term “Hindu growth rate” implies
A. Low, single digit economic growth rate
B. High economic growth rate
zero economic growth rate
D. Moderate economic growth rate
E. India’s economic growth rate
Pick the wrongly matched pair out of the
following atomic reactor-location pairs:

Madhya Pradesh
Tamil Nadu

62. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 63
D. Rawatbhata- Rajasthan
E. Kaiga – Karnataka
13. A cricket bat is made using the ________ ___
wood.
A. maple B. teak
C. cherry D. willow
E. walnut
14. Which official body has been disbanded by the
Central Government recently?
A. Foreign Investment Promotion Board
B. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
C. National Integration Council
D. Public Debt Management Agency
E. Bank Boards Bureau
15. Which of these is a Card Not Present
transaction?
A. Buying on debit card
B. Making an online purchase
C. Withdrawing money from an ATM
D. Using a Credit Card at a merchant
establishment
E. None of these
16. Dasari Narayana Rao, who passed away
recently, was a famous personality in the field
of
A. Journalism
B. Film Industry
C. Spirituality
D. Painting
D. None of these
17. Love Raj Singh became the first Indian to
scale the Mt. Everest 6 times. He hails from
A. Jharkhand B. Bihar
C. Uttarakhand D. Uttar Pradesh
E. Sikkim
18. Which film has won the Palme d’Or at the
2017 Cannes film festival?
A. April’s Daughter B. Wind River
C. The Square D. Force Majeure
E. Night at the Louevre
19. Which Indian personality has been named in
the Forbes’s 2017 Global Game Changers list?
A. Sunny Varkey B. Mukesh Ambani
C. Rahul Bhatia D. Cyrus Poonawalla
E. Binny Bansal
20. The acronym CSR, commonly found in
newspapers, implies
A. Companies Social Responsibility
B. Corporate Securitization Rate
C. Corporate Security Responsibility
D. Cash Security Reserve
E. Corporate Social Responsibility
21. TEDx is best described as
A. a global idea exchange forum
B. series of motivational seminars
C. a group of venture capitalists
D. an online community
E. an online anti-suicide helpline
22. A Business Correspondent (BC) of a bank in
India represents
A. the last–mile connectivity tool in remote areas
B. almost a bank branch for a person in a remote
area
C. a way to ensure financial inclusion
D. All of the above are correct
E. None of the above is correct
23. All complaints of unfair trade practices like
overcharging, manipulation of supply and
cartelization in India are heard by the
A. Competition Commission of India
B. Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices
Commission
C. National Consumer Forum
D. Food and Civil Supplies Ministry
E. Consumer Affairs Ministry
24. Which of the following terms denotes a
situation of uncontrollable and unpredictable
inflation?
A. Core inflation B. Disinflation
C. Skewflation D. Stagflation
E. Hyperflation
25. The Fundamental Prize is related to
A. Sports B. Theoretical Physics
C. Spirituality D. Medicine
E. Popularization of science
26. Section 80 D of the Income Tax law deals with
A. equity-linked savings schemes
B. home loan repayments
C. life insurance policies
D. Medical Insurance
E. donations to approved institutions
27. The speed of a supercomputer is measured in
terms of
A. Bits B. Bytes
C. Kilobytes D. Megaflops
E. Teraflops
28. The “Darwaza Band” campaign of the Union
Government is related to
A. Promoting toilet usage
B. Empowering women to defend themselves

63. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 64
C. Ensuring safety and security of rural homes
D. Checking the tendency of Kashmiri youth
joining the anti-national campaign in the valley
E. None of these
29. Which Bollywood actress will be honoured
with the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award
as “Internationally Acclaimed Actress”?
A. Priyanka Chopra
B. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
C. Deepika Padukone
D. Sonam Kapoor E. Konkana Sen
30. Pick the odd man out.
A. Rashmi Bansal B. Chetan Bhagat
C. Ram Chandra Guha D. Amitav Ghosh
E. Preeti Shenoy
31. Which member country/ group of countries
has exited from the Paris Climate change
Accord?
A. China B. G8
C. The USA D. European Union
E. France
32. Find the INCORRECT pair:
A. UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on
TRADE and Development
B. ECOSOC- European Council on Social Affairs
C. FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization
D. UNDP - United Nations Development
Programme
E. All these pairings are correct
33. The Make in India programme was designed
to create _________ jobs a year in India.
A. 1 crore B. 50 lakh
C. 15 lakh D. 2 crore
E. 3 crore
34. As per SEBI rules, what minimum amount of
money collected from the public for
investment qualifies to be called collective
investment?
A. Rs. 100 crore B. Rs. 10 crore
C. Rs. 1000 crore D. Rs. 500 crore
E. Any amount collected from more than 100
investors
35. Kimono is a traditional dress worn by the
___________ women.
A. African B. Korean
C. Indonesian D. Japanese
E. Nepali
36. The subsidies which benefit the society as a
whole rather than a particular section called
A. Cross subsidies B. Merit subsidies
C. Blanket subsidies
D. Non-merit subsidies
E. Social subsidies
37. Recently, which android -based virus
threatened the health of around 3.65 crore
cellphones around the world?
A. Sandy B. Mora
C. Laila D. Judy
E. Veronica
38. Which one of the following is NOT a credit
rating agency?
A. ICRA B. CIBIL
C. Standard and Poor’s D. Fitch
E. CARE
39. Who gave the first-ever national income
estimates for India?
A. RC Dutt B. Dadabhai Naoroji
C. Gopal Krishan Gokhle
D. PC Mahalanobis E. RC Majumdar
40. A Uniform Civil Code in India implies
A. Equal treatment being given to all religions in
India
B. The same set of personal laws applicable to all
religious groups
C. Validating the Muslim Personal Law called the
Shari’at
D. The same set of criminal laws applicable to all
religious groups E. None of these
41. Which of the following public sector
companies has emerged as the most
profitable this year?
A. Oil and Natural Gas Commission
B. Indian Oil Corp
C. Air India
D. Oil India Corp
E. National Thermal Power Corp
42. The acronym PRAN is used in connection with
A. Insurance
B. New Pension System
C. Banking D. Share Markets
E. Income Tax
43. The Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)
is run by the
A. Ministry of Labour and Employment
B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
C. Department of Company Affairs
D. Ministry of Health
E. Ministry of Industries
44. The Mundas are a tribe inhabiting
A. Bihar B. West Bengal

64. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017
C. Madhya Pradesh D. Karnatka
E. Tamil Nadu
45. The 100
th
anniversary of which event was
observed in May, 2017?
A. The launch of Non-Cooperation Movement
B. The return of Mahatma Gandhi from South
Africa
C. The launch of Indigo Movement in India
D. The historic rail journey of Mahatma Gandhi in
South Africa
E. The launch of the first satyagraha
Gandhi in South Africa
46. Which of the following abbreviations is NOT
related to the tax system in India?
A. GAAR B. TDS
C. CGST D. GAAP
E. PAN
47. In India, the banks’ major source of income
comes from
A. NIM - Net Interest Margin
B. Third Party Products
C. Fee-based services D. Loans
E. None of these
48. In the acronym ESOP, the letter O denotes
A. Over B. Optional
C. Overall D. Option
E. Organizational
49. We understand your world –
belongs to
A. HDFC Bank B. ICICI Bank
C. Panjab National Bank D. Yes Bank
E. State Bank of India
50. Out of these, which one DOES NOT come under
the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881?
A. Hundis
B. Cheques
C. Bills of Exchange
D. Lorry receipts
E. Bills of Lading



D. Karnatka
anniversary of which event was
Cooperation Movement
B. The return of Mahatma Gandhi from South
C. The launch of Indigo Movement in India
D. The historic rail journey of Mahatma Gandhi in
by Mahatma
Which of the following abbreviations is NOT

In India, the banks’ major source of income

In the acronym ESOP, the letter O denotes
B. Optional

the tagline
B. ICICI Bank
D. Yes Bank
Out of these, which one DOES NOT come under
the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881?

JUNE GK TEST

1. Who has been sworn in as the new Prime
minister of Nepal?
A. Bam Bahadur Kunwar
B. Sher Bahadur Deuba
C. Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah
D. Kirti Nidhi Bista
E. Swati Kirkee
2. Who will be honoured with the Red Ink Award
for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism
2017?
A. Vinod Dua
C. T N Ninan
E. Barkha Dutt
3. The Rs. 5000/- overdraft under the Jan Dhan
Yojana will be available only if
active for a minimum of
A. There is no such requirement
B. 6 months
C. 3 months
E. 24 months
4. According to the Census of India 2011, the
lowest population density in India is found in
A. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Goa
E. None of these
5. The recently released book
Utmost Happiness is authored by
A. Anita Desai
C. Shauna Baldwin
E. Mary Com
6. The folk dance Sattriya belongs to
A. Bihar
C. Assam
E. Chhattisgarh
7. Among the following, who is the Union
Minister for Atomic Energy?
A. Praksh Javdekar
C. Bandaru Dattatreya
E. Nitin Gadkari
8. What is the maximum interes
available under the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana?
A. 8%
C. 4%
E. 9.5%
9. Theoretically speaking, the current
incumbent President of India Pranab
65
GK TEST - 02
Who has been sworn in as the new Prime

C. Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah
Who will be honoured with the Red Ink Award
for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism
B. Vinod Sharma
D. Kuldip Nayar
overdraft under the Jan Dhan
Yojana will be available only if the account is

A. There is no such requirement
D. 12 months
According to the Census of India 2011, the
lowest population density in India is found in
B. Sikkim
D. Puducherry
The recently released book The Ministry of
is authored by
B. Arundhati Roy
D. Kamla Dass
belongs to
B. Maharashtra
D. West Bengal
Among the following, who is the Union
Minister for Atomic Energy?
B. Piyush Goyal
D. Narendra Modi
What is the maximum interest rate subsidy
available under the Pradhan Mantri Awas
B. 3%
D. 6.5%
Theoretically speaking, the current
incumbent President of India Pranab

65. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 66
Mukherjee _________ contest for the next
presidential elections due in July next, with
the condition that _________.
A. can, he cannot contest any election thereafter
B. can, he cannot become the President for a third
term
C. can, he must get the support of all political
parties
D. may, the Parliament allows it
E. can, there are no conditions applicable
10. The rate of minimum wages payable to the
workers working under the MGNREGS is
A. determined by the central government in
terms of the minimum national wage rate
B. determined by the state government
concerned in terms of the minimum wages
applicable there
C. determined by the Deputy Commissioner of the
district concerned, where the projects are going
on
D. determined by the Supreme Court of India
E. determined by the Parliament, from time to
time
11. Study the following news item, which was
recently published in newspapers.
“Trump To Dump Paris Accord”
Which of the following is NOT true of the
above development?
1. The Paris Accord puts an obligation on all its
signatories cut down their dependence on fossil
fuel.
2. The USA has decided to pull out of the accord
over its allegations of undue concessions given to
China and India in the accord.
3. The Paris Accord requires the developed
countries to provide financial help to the
developing nations to help them meet their
obligations under it.
A. 2 and 3 B. 2 Only
C. 1 and 3 D. 1 and 2
E. All these statements are correct
12. The only place, where the one -horned
rhinoceros is found in India, is
A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Simplipal sanctuary
C. Sariska sanctuary
D. Bharatpur sanctuary E. Dachigam sanctuary
13. CGI is a technology employed in
A. Cosmetic surgery B. Banking
C. Supercomputers D. Films
E. 3D Printing
14. Pick the odd one out.
A. Seed money B. Loan syndication
C. Nomination D. Standard risk
E. Mortgage
15. To buy a unit of a mutual fund, you need to
pay @ NAV, which refers to
A. The total market price of all units on a
particular day
B. The market price of a unit on a particular day
C. The market price of a unit + applicable fee on a
particular day
D. The issue price of the unit during a New Fund
Offer
E. None of these
16. Which of these fuels is added to petrol for
blending purposes?
A. Pentene B. Ethyl Mercaptan
C. Ethanol D. Methanol
E. Octane
17. Examine the following statements:
Assertion (A): The global crude prices have been
showing a steep downturn in the past few
months.
Reasoning (R): Many oil importing nations have
discovered new oil wells, leading to lesser
imports and thus, falling prices.
A. Both A and R are correct and R correctly
explains A.
B. Both A and R are correct but R does not
correctly explain A.
C. A is correct but R is wrong.
D. R is correct but A is wrong.
E. Both A and R are wrong
18. The popular hill station Coorg is located in
A. Karnataka B. Tamil Nadu
C. Gujarat D. Darjeeling
E. Maharashtra
19. A Red Herring Prospectus is issued by a
company desiring to
A. Diversify its operations
B. Raise debt from the public
C. Collaborate with other companies
D. Disinvest its equity capital
E. Have an IPO
20. The world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa is
situated in
A. Doha B. Manama
C. Dubai D. Abu Dhabi E. Iraq

66. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 67
21. Up to which limit does an investment in Public
Provident Fund offer income tax rebate?
A. Rs. 1.5 lakh B. Rs. 2.5 lakh
C. Rs. 0.5 lakh D. Rs. 1 lakh
E. There is no such limit
22. Which country has become the latest member
of North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO)?
A. Japan B. Montenegro
C. Russia D. Germany
E. Poland
23. The Cyclone Mora had recently hit
A. Fiji B. Malta
C. Malaysia D. Myanmar
E. Bangladesh
24. Which state was in news due to some
incidents of farmer protests and subsequent
violence there?
A. Telangana B. Haryana
C. Panjab D. Madhya Pradesh
E. Uttar Pradesh
25. Which city hosted the 2017 Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit?
A. Dushanbe B. Astana
C. Beijing D. Tashkent E. Kiev
26. Who has been bestowed with the RedInk
Award Journalist of the Year Award 2017?
A. Sreenivasan Jain B. Bachi Karkaria
C. Raj Kamal Jha
D. Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
E. Ravish Kumar
27. The creditworthy of the applicant does not
matter while being issued a __________.
A. Credit Card
B. Credit-Cum-Debit Card
C. PAN Card D. Debit Card
E. Both C and D
28. The National Hindi Divas is observed in India
on
A. September 5 B. September 14
C. July 11 D. September 8
E. November 26
29. Pick the odd one out of the following.
A. The White House B. Raisina Hill
C. The Elysium D. 10, Downing Street
E. Teenmurti Bhawan
30. Which law deals with cases of physical abuse
of children?
A. JJA B. POCSO
C. COFEPOSA D. SITA
E. MCOCA
31. The stocks which belong to large, stable
companies and have a regular dividend
payment record are called
A. Blue chip stocks B. Red chip stocks
C. Bulls D. Stags
E. Greenbacks
32. Sovereign debt implies the
A. Overdraft extended by the Reserve Bank of
India to States/Centre
B. Loans raised by the Reserve Bank of India
C. Loans granted by the RBI to Commercial Banks
D. Government Securities
E. None of these
33. The recently begun UDAN is the name of a
new government initiative to
A. help the slum dwellers own a house of their
own
B. teach illiterate women
C. help those with a mental handicap
D. help the physically handicapped
E. improve regional air connectivity
34. Supply creates its own demand --- The line
sums up
A. Pareto's principle B. Murphy's law
C. Giffin's rule D. Gresham's law
E. Say’s Law
35. A Venture Capital firm provides
A. Soft loan for a new, unproven business idea
B. Capital for a new, unproven business idea
C. Technology for new companies
D. Bank guarantee for a new, unproven business
idea
E. All of the above are correct
36. The tenure of the Prime Minister of India is
A. Co-terminus with the tenure of the Lok Sabha
B. Co-terminus with the tenure of the President
C. As long as he enjoys the support of a majority in
the Lok Sabha
D. Five years
E. At the pleasure of the President
37. For the forthcoming presidential elections
due to be held in July, 2017, the eligible voters
will be
A. All Lok Sabha MPs
B. All Rajya Sabha MPs
C. Members of State Legislative Assemblies
D. A, B and C are correct

67. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGSUT 2017 68
E. None of these options is completely correct
38. The Triple Vaccine commonly administered in
India DOES NOT cover which of these
illnesses?
1. Diptheria 2. Tetanus
3. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
4. Polio
A. 1 only B. 4 only
C. 2 only D. 3 only
E. 1 and 3
39. As per the Union Budget 2017-18, the biggest
expenditure made by the government is in
respect of
A. Interest payments B. Subsidies
C. Defence D. Grants to states
E. Salaries and pensions
40. The State Bank of India recently raised capital
by means of a QIP offer. What does the
acronym QIP mean?
A. Qualified Investors Placement
B. Quantitative Institutional Placement
C. Quality Improvement Proposal
D. Qualified International Placement
E. Qualified Institutional Placement
41. Which Indian American has been chosen for
the 2017 NASA Astronaut Candidate Class?
A. Kayla Barron B. Jasmin Moghbeli
C. Robb Kulin D. Raja Chari
E. None of these
42. The Statutory Liquidity Ratio for the banks in
India has been revised to
A. 6.5% B. 20%
C. 4% D. 20.5%
E. 19%
43. Pick the odd one out:
A. PIN B. EMV
C. OTP D. NFC
E. Artificial Intelligence
44. Which of these organizations is NOT related to
banking in India?
A. CCI B. MUDRA
C. DICGC D. IDBRT
E. BBB
45. Disguised unemployment leads to
A. congestion in villages
B. more people working in agricultural farms
C. frequent breaks in employment
E. low productivity
E. None of these
46. A fiduciary note issue is made
A. By keeping equivalent gold reserves
B. by the finance ministry and not by the RBI
C. Without keeping equivalent gold reserves
D. to create extra money supply to plug the fiscal
deficit
E. None of these
47. Mingle, a banking app using which one can
conduct transactions on Facebook and
Twitter, has been launched by the
A. State Bank of India
B. ICICI Bank
C. Small Industries Devp. Bank of India
D. Panjab National Bank
E. Reserve Bank of India
48. The first-ever woman to become the chief
Minister of a state in India after
Independence, was
A. Sucheta Kriplani
B. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
C. Sarojini Naidu D. Annie Besant
E. Indira Gandhi
49. Find the ODD one out.
A. Online banking B. Net banking
C. Branchless banking
D. Mortar and Brick banking
E. Mouse and Click banking
50. Which of these loans has no fixed repayment
period and can be run as long as the customer
wishes to?
A. Durable loan B. Home loan
C. Cash Credit Limit D. Personal loan
E. Education loan

Answer - June GK - 01

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.
1 B 2 E 3 B 4 D 5 B
6 A 7 A 8 C 9 B 10 D
11 A 12 B 13 D 14 A 15 B
16 B 17 C 18 C 19 B 20 E
21 A 22 D 23 A 24 E 25 B
26 D 27 E 28 A 29 A 30 C
31 C 32 B 33 D 34 A 35 D
36 B 37 D 38 B 39 B 40 B
41 D 42 B 43 A 44 A 45 C
46 D 47 A 48 D 49 A 50 A

Answer - June GK - 02

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.
1 B 2 A 3 B 4 A 5 B
6 C 7 D 8 D 9 E 10 B
11 E 12 A 13 D 14 D 15 B
16 C 17 C 18 A 19 E 20 C
21 A 22 B 23 E 24 D 25 B
26 C 27 E 28 B 29 E 30 B
31 A 32 D 33 E 34 E 35 B
36 C 37 E 38 B 39 D 40 E
41 D 42 B 43 E 44 A 45 E
46 C 47 A 48 A 49 D 50 C

68. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017
SSC–
TIER - 1 Model Test Paper
REASONING ABILITY

Directions (1 - 2): In each of the following questions,
select the related number / word / letter from given
alternatives.

1) 9 : 7 :: 80 : ?
a) 48 b) 50
c) 78 d) 82

2) Defer : Put off :: Deduce : ?
a) Infer b) Protect
c) Delate d) Oppose

Directions (3- 4): In each of the following questions,
which one set of letters when sequentially placed at
the gaps in the given letter series shall complete it?

3) a_ _ b abba_abb a_ba
a) abab b) abba
c) aabb d) aaab

4) AZB _, AZ_Y, A_BY, _ZBY
a) YBZA b) BYAZ
c) BZYA d) AZBY

5) Find out the wrong number in the sequence
102, 101, 98, 93, 86, 74, 66, 53
a) 101 b) 66
c) 74 d) 93

Directions (6- 7): In each of the following questions,
select the one which is different, from other three
responses.

6) a) Detach b) Affix
c) Append d) Fasten

7) a) Man = 13114 b) Ram = 18113
c) Jug = 10217 d) Hub = 82110

8) The set which resembles the given set 1, 5, 12
is
a) 7, 11, 35 b) 4, 8, 24
c) 10, 14, 44 d) 9, 13, 42

–CGL
Model Test Paper


ABILITY
2): In each of the following questions,
select the related number / word / letter from given
b) Protect
d) Oppose
4): In each of the following questions,
which one set of letters when sequentially placed at
the gaps in the given letter series shall complete it?
Find out the wrong number in the sequence
7): In each of the following questions,
om other three

b) Ram = 18113
d) Hub = 82110
The set which resembles the given set 1, 5, 12
b) 4, 8, 24
d) 9, 13, 42
Directions (9): In each of the following questions, a
series is given, with one term missing. Choose the
correct alternative from the given ones that will
complete the series.

9) ELFA, GLHA, ILJA, ?, MLNA
a) OLPA
c) LLMA

10) 4, 18, 48, ?, 180
a) 80
c) 105

11) In a certain code, LONDON is coded as 24
– 28 – 8 – 30 – 28. How will FRANCE be coded?
a) 10 – 24 – 6 – 28 – 6 – 12
b) 12 – 26 – 6 – 28 – 8 – 10
c) 12 – 36 – 2 – 28 – 6 – 10
d) 12 – 26 – 2 – 28 – 8 – 10

12) In a certain code, MAARK is written as KRAAM.
How PASSI can be written in that code?
a) ISSAP
c) SSIPA

13) If 29 x 48 = 576, 35 x 16 = 90, 22 x 46 = 96,
then 42 x 17 = ?
a) 56
c) 48

14) If ‘P’ denotes ‘multiplied by’, ‘T’ denotes
‘subtracted from’, ‘M’ denotes ‘added to’ and
‘B’ denotes ‘divided by’ then: what should be
the correct responses of
12 P 6 M 15 T 16 B 4 ?
a) 70
c) 83

Directions (15): In each of the following
select the missing number form the given
responses:

15) 95, 115, 145, 155, ?
a) 215
c) 185
69


Directions (9): In each of the following questions, a
series is given, with one term missing. Choose the
correct alternative from the given ones that will
, MLNA
b) KLMA
d) KLLA
b) 100
d) 125
In a certain code, LONDON is coded as 24 – 30
28. How will FRANCE be coded?



10
In a certain code, MAARK is written as KRAAM.
How PASSI can be written in that code?
b) ISSPA
d) ASSIP
If 29 x 48 = 576, 35 x 16 = 90, 22 x 46 = 96,
b) 286
d) 64
denotes ‘multiplied by’, ‘T’ denotes
‘subtracted from’, ‘M’ denotes ‘added to’ and
‘B’ denotes ‘divided by’ then: what should be

b) 75
d) 110
Directions (15): In each of the following questions,
select the missing number form the given
b) 175
d) 165

69. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 70
16) Rohan walks a distance of 3 km towards
North, then turns to his left and walks for 2
km. He again turns left and walks 3 km. At this
point he turns to his left and walks for 3 km.
How many kilometers is he from the starting
point?
a) 1 km b) 2 km
c) 3 km d) 4 km

17) Rani and Sarita started from a place X. Rani
went West and Sarita went North,
bothtravelling with the same speed. After
sometimes, both turned their left and walked
a few steps. If they again turned to their left,
in which directions’ the faces of Rani and
Sarita will be with respect to X?
a) North and East b) North and West
c) West and North d) East and South

Directions (18): In each of the following questions,
one/two statements are given followed by three
conclusions. You have to consider the statements to
be true even it they seem to be at variance from
commonly known facts. You have to decide which of
the given conclusions. If any, follow from the given
statements.

18) Statements:
Some ladies are beautiful.
Some beautiful are honest.
All honest are sensitives.
Conclusion I: Some sensitives are beautiful.
Conclusion II: Some honest are ladies.
Conclusion III: Some sensitives are ladies.
a) None of the Conclusion follows.
b) Only Conclusion I follows.
c) Only Conclusion I and II follow.
d) All Conclusions follow.

19) Which one of the answer figures shall
complete the given question figure?
Question Figure:

Answer Figures:


20) Which of the four cubes pictured below are
correct view when the six squares are folded
(in clockwise direction) into a cube?


Question Figure:

Answer Figures:


21) Which one of the following diagrams best
depicts the relationship among Black eyed
people, Brown haired people, Indian


22) Find out which of the following answer figures
will exactly make up the question figure?
Question Figure:

Answer Figures:


23) Which one of the answer figures is hidden in
the following question figure?
Question Figure:

Answer Figures:

24) From the answer figures, find out the figure
which is the exact mirror image of the
question figure, when the mirror is placed on
the line MN.
Question Figure:

70. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 71
Answer Figures:


25) In the following question, a word is
represented by a set of numbers as given in
any one of the alternatives. The sets of
numbers given in the alternatives are
represented by alphabets as in the matrices
given below. The columns and rows of matrix
are numbered from 1 to 6. A letter from these
matrices can be represented first by its row
and next by its column number, e.g., ‘A’ can be
represented by 42, ‘S’ can be represented
by 21, etc. Similarly, you have to
identify the set for the word ‘PLAY’.

1 2 3 4 5 6
1 H R E I P S
2 S G N D Z I
3 B U F T K L
4 V A P C Y A
5 H W C O X N
6 B A E F L Q
a) 43, 36, 42, 23 b) 43, 32, 33, 33
c) 15, 12, 42, 45 d) 43, 65, 62, 45

NUMERICAL ABILITY

26) If the side of a square is reduced by 50% its
area will be reduced by
a) 75% b) 80%
c) 60% d) 50%

27) Two triangles ABC and PQR and congruent. If
the area of ABC is 60 sq. cm. then area of
PQR will be
a) 60 sq. cm. b) 30 sq. cm.
c) 15 sq. cm. d) 120 sq. cm.

28) The least number which must be added to
1728 to make it a perfect square is …………….
a) 36 b) 32
c) 38 d) 30

29) For a triangle ABC,D and E are two points on
AB and AC such that ABAD
4
1
 , AE =
4
1
AC,
IF BC = 12 cm, the DE is
a) 5cm b) 4 cm
c) 3 cm d) 6 cm
30) If tan  + cot  = 2 then the value of  is
a) 45 b) 60
c) 90 d) 30

31) The term to be added to 121a
2
+64b
2
to make
a perfect square is
a) 176 ab b) 276 a
2
b
c) 178 ab d) 188 b
2
a

32) A can do a piece of work in 6 days. B in 10
days and C in 15 days. They jointly complete
the work and earn Rs 300. The sum of their
wages for 2 days is
a) Rs 180 b) Rs 200
c) Rs 160 d) Rs 120

33) A sum of Rs 76 is divided among A, B and C in
such a way that A gets Rs 7 more than that
what B gets and B gets Rs 6 more than what C
gets. The ratio of their shares is
a) 19 : 24 : 33 b) 32 : 25 : 19
c) 32 : 24 : 20 d) 19 : 25 : 33

34) If the opposite sides of a quadrilateral and
also its diagonals are equal, then each of the
angles of the quadrilateral is
a) 90 b) 120
c) 100 d) 60

35) If cos x = x
2
– x +
4
5
, then value of x will be
a) 0 b) 1
c) – 1 d) None of the above

36) A tank 40 m long, 30m broad and 12m deep is
dug in a field 1000m long and 30m wide. By
how much will the level of the field rise if the
earth dug out of the tank is evenly spread
over the field?
a) 2 metre b) 1.2 metre
c) 0.5 metre d) 5 metre

37) In a triangle, if orthocentre, circumcentre,
incentre and centroid coincide, then the
triangle must be
a) obtuse angled b) isosceles
c) equilateral d) right-angled

38) If a = 2 + 3, then the value of 






2
21
a
a is
a) 12
b) 14
c) 16
d) 10

71. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 72
39) For what value(s) of k the expression p+
p
4
1
+ k
2
is a perfect square?
a) 
3
1

b) 
4
1

c) 
8
1

d) 
2
1


40) If 15% of x is same as 20% of y then x : y is
a) 4 : 3 b) 5 : 4
c) 6 : 5 d) 3 : 4

41) If
c
ba
b
ca
a
cb 




= 1 and a – b + c  0
then which one of the following relations is
true?
a)
bac
111


b)
cba
111

c)
cab
111


d)
cab
111


42) A train crosses a platform in 30 seconds
travelling with a speed of 60km/h. If the
length of the train be 200 metres then the
length (in metres) of the platform is
a) 400 b) 300
c) 200 d) 500

43) If FGH is isosceles and FG  3 cm, GH = 8 cm,
then of the following the true relation is
a) GH = FH b) GF = GH
c) FH  GH d) GH  GF

44) The numerical value of 1 +
63cot
1
2
- sec
2
27
+
63sin
1
2
- cosec
2
27 is
a) 1 b) 2
c) – 1 d) 0

45) A and B together can complete a job in 8 days.
Both B and C, working alone can finish the
same job in 12 days. A and B commence work
on the job, and work for 4 days, whereupon A
leaves. B continues for 2 more days, and then
he leaves too. C now starts working, and
finishes the job. How many days did C
require?
a) 5 b) 8
c) 3 d) 4

46) If x = 23 then the value of x
3
-
3
1
x
is
a) 102

b) 142
c) 222

d) 82

47) What is the product of the roots of the
equation x
2
- 3 = 0 ?
a) + 3

b) 3i
c) - 3I d) - 3

48) If x =


sin1
cos

, then


sin1
cos

is equal to
a) x – 1 b)
x
1

c)
1
1
x

d)
x1
1


49) On what sum of money will the difference
between S.I and C.I for 2 years at 5% per
annum be equal to Rs 25?
a) Rs 10,000 b) Rs 10,500
c) Rs 9,500 d) Rs 9000

50) In ABC, B = 90 and AB : BC = 2 : 1. The
value of sin A + cot C is
a) 3 + 5

b)
52
52

c) 52

d) 35


GENERAL AWARENESS

51) The companies contributing to the Swachh
Bharat campaign can claim tax rebate under
the CSR guidelines. The acronym CSR stands
for
A. Corporate Social Responsibility
B. Common Social Responsibility
C. Cumulative Social Rejuvenation
D. Community Social Responsibility

52) The respiratory centre in humans is situated
on the
A. Cerebrum B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata D. Diencephalon

53) The pH of human blood ranges between
A. 6.5-7 B. 7.5-8
C. 8-9 D. 4.5-5

72. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 73
54) Which of the following schemes aims at
constructing two crore houses with a grant of
Rs. 1-2.30 lac per house?
A. Housing for All
B. Indira Awas Yojana
C. Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana
D. Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana

55) Which of the following is INCORRECT in the
context of Union Budget 2017-18?
1. The exemption limit for Income Tax has been
fixed at Rs.3 lac.
2. Out of every rupee spent by the government,
the highest amount goes towards interest
payments.
3. The highest government tax receipts come
from Corporate Tax collections.
A. 1, 2 B. 1 Only
C. 1, 3
D. All these statements are incorrect

56) The normal temperature of a human body is
A. 90°F B. 98.4°C
C. 98.4°F D. 96.4°F

57) Malik Kafur was a favourite general of
A. Balban B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Mohammad Tughlaq D. Firoz Tughlaq

58) The Funny Bone in the human body is actually
A. A muscle B. A nerve
C. A bone D. A blood vessel

59) Photosynthesis involves
A. oxidation of H2O and release of O2
B. reduction of CO2 and oxidation of H2O
C. reduction of CO2 and release of O2
D. reduction of CO2, oxidation of H2O and release
of O2

60) The Mohemmadan Anglo -Oriental college of
Aligarh was founded by
A. Md. Ali Jinnah B. Mohammad Ali
C. Shaukat Ali
D. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

61) The words Satyameva Jayate in the State
Emblem of India have been adopted from
A. Mundak Upanishad
B. Brahma Upanishad
C. Mudgala Upanishad
D. Maitreyi Upanishad

62) The expounder of Yoga philosophy was
A. Patanjali B. Gautam
C. Jaimini D. Sankaracharya

63) The Preamble to our Constitution describes
India as
A. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic
Republic
B. Sovereign, Democratic, Socialist, Secular
Republic
C. Socialist, Sovereign, Democratic, Secular
Republic
D. Democratic, Sovereign, Secular, Socialist
Republic

64) Mahaparinirvan refers to the ___________ of the
Buddha.
A. Passing away B. First sermon
C. Marriage
D. Departure from home

65) Jharoka Darshan was a practice followed by
A. Akbar B. Shahjehan
C. Babar D. Jahangir

66) The President's Rule in a state means that the
state is ruled by
A. A caretaker government
B. The Chief Minister nominated by the President
C. The Governor of the State
D. The President directly

67) The largest gland in the human body is
A. heart B. liver
C. kidney D. brain

68) The Mid Day Meal scheme was launched first
of all by
A. Tamil Nadu B. Rajasthan
C. Goa D. Kerala

69) …….. had a separate department of slaves.
A. Feroz Tughlaq B. Mohd Tughlaq
C. Aurangzeb D. Qutbuddin Aibak

70) Match List-1 with List – II and select the
correct answer from the codes given below
the lists:
List - I List - II
(Forms of Government) (Principles)
A. Presidential system 1. Separation of powers
B. Parliamentary system 2. Close relationship
between executive and
legislature
C. Federal System 3. Concentration
D. Unitary System 4. Division of power
Code: A B C D
A. 1 2 3 4
B. 2 1 3 4
C. 2 1 4 3
D. 1 2 4 3

73. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 74
71) Our skin colour is due to the presence of
A. rennin B. melanin
C. mesotosin D. metatonin

72) The Hazarat Nizamuddin Auliya shrine is in
A. Aligarh B. Roorkee
C. Delhi D. Ajmer

73) The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a
formal organization which originated from
the erstwhile
A. League of Nations B. GATT
C. Brettonwoods Agreement
D. European Economic Community

74) Match the following:
Element Nature
A. Sodium 1. Gas
B. Phosphorus 2. Halogen
C. Iodine 3. Alkali metal
D. Radon 4. Transition metal
5. Non-metal
A B C D A B C D
A. 2 5 3 1 B. 3 5 2 1
C. 4 2 3 5 D. 5 3 4 2

75) Match the following:
Process Changes
A. Evaporation 1. Liquid into gas
B. Sublimation 2. Gas into liquid
C. Freezing 3. Solid into gas
D. Melting 4. Solid into liquid
5. Liquid into solid
A B C D A B C D
A. 1 2 5 4 B. 3 1 2 4
C. 3 1 5 4 D. 1 3 5 4


ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Directions (76– 80): In the following questions,
some parts of the sentences have errors and some
are correct. Find out which part of a sentence has an
error. The number of that part is your answer. If a
sentence is free from error, then your answer is (4)
i.e. No error

76) After tasting both /(a) John prefers /(b) tea
than coffee /(c) No error (d)
a) After tasting both b) John prefers
c) Tea to coffee d) No error

77) I loved /(a) the drawings /(b) they were so
real /(c) No error (d)
a) ) I loved b) the drawings
c) they were so real d) No error

78) Suddenly they saw a car coming /(a) at a
break neck speed /(b) An old man were
crossing the road at the zebra crossing /(c) No
error (d)
a) Suddenly they saw a car coming
b) at a break neck speed
c) An old man were crossing the road at the zebra
crossing d) No error

79) I sprained my ankle /(a) When I was /(b)
playing basketball /(c) No error (d)
a) I sprained my ankle b) When I was
c) playing basketball d) No error

80) It is time /(a) we should accept all our people
as equals /(b) and as partners in the task of
building a strong and united nation /(c) No
error (d)
a) It is time
b) we should accept all our people as equals
c) and as partners in the task of building a strong
and united nation
d) No error

Directions (81– 85): In the following questions,
sentences are given with blanks to be filled with an
appropriate word(s). Four alternatives are
suggested for each question. Choose the correct
alternative out of the four.

81) Lella said the new restaurant was nothing to
write about. She thought it was ______ .
a) just average b) really terrible
c) splendid d) excellent

82) My Nigerian friend, Fela is having trouble
finding work here in London, but he says if
push comes to shove he can always _______ .
a) go to jail b) win the lottery
c) end of the journey that is life
d) go back to Nigeria

83) If you say to someone. “You’re so full of
yourself” they’ll probably feel ______ .
a) upset b) pleased
c) calm d) proud

84) The archer missed the ______ by an inch.
a) score b) point
c) blow d) aim

85) Bob and Jane decided to tie the knot because
a) they loved one another
b) they needed to save money
c) they wanted to make a long rope
d) it had come undone

74. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 75
Directions (86–88): In the following questions, out
of the four alternatives, choose the one which best
expresses the meaning of the given word.

86) CREDIBLE
a) Charming b) Serious
c) Believable d) Worthy

87) EXTRICATE
a) Free b) Tie
c) Complicate d) Pull

88) OBSTREPEROUS
a) Unrule b) Lazy
c) Awkward d) Sullen

Directions (89– 91): In the following questions,
choose he word opposite in meaning to the given
word.

89) ACQUIT
a) Despair b) Mild
c) Smart d) Condemn

90) DISSENT
a) Discord b) Disagreement
c) Unacceptable d) Agreement

91) GROUP
a) Singular b) Individual
c) Alone d) Solitary

Directions (92– 93): In the following questions, four
alternatives are given for the Idiom/Phrase printed
in bold. Choose the alternative which best expresses
the meaning of the Idiom/Phrase.

92) After his business failed, he had to work very
hard to Keep the wolf from the door
a) keep away extreme poverty
b) earn an honest living
c) regain his lost position
d) defend from enemies

93) The mention of her former husband’s name still
makes Rita foam at the mouth.
a) angry b) vomit
c) shy d) fall sick

94) He found a wooden chair that has broken in the
room.
a) wooden and broken chair
b) broken wooden chair
c) broken and wooden chair
d) No improvement

95) The hosts were taken aback when many guests
who had been invited did not turn up for the
party.
a) had been invited b) had invited
c) was invited d) No improvement

Directions (96– 100): In the following questions, you
have two passages with 5 questions in each passage.
Read the passages carefully and choose the best
answer to each question out of the four alternatives.

The National Highways Network of India measures over
70,934 km as of 2010, including over 1,000 Km of
limited –access expressways. Out of 71,000 km of
National Highways 15,000 plus km are 4 or 6 lanes and
remaining 50,000 km are 2 lanes. The National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the nodal agency
responsible for building upgrading and maintaining
most of the National Highways network. The National
Highways Development Project (NHDP) is a major effort
to expand and upgrade the network of highways. NHAI
often uses a public –private partnership model for
highway development, maintenance and toll –
collection. National Highways constituted about 2% of
all the roads in India, but carried about 40% of the total
road traffic as of 2010. The majority of existing National
Highways are two lane roads (one lane in each
direction), through much of this is being expanded to
four lanes, and some to six or eight lanes. Some sections
of the network are toll roads. Over 30,000 km of new
highways are planned or under construction as part of
the NHDP, as of 2011. This includes over 2,600 km of
expressways currently under construction.

96) What is the current measurement of
expressways under construction in India?
a) 15,000 km
b) 30,000 km
c) 2,600 km
d) 1,000 km

97) What is the responsibility of the NHAI?
a) planning of National Highways
b) building upgrading and maintaining of
National Highways
c) control of National Highways
d) expansion of National Highways

98) What is the measurement of two –lane
National Highways of India?
a) 15,000 km b) 61,000 km
c) 50,000 km d) 71,000 km

99) What percentage of roads in India are
National Highways?
a) 2% b) 30%
c) 4% d) 40%

100) The majority of National Highways in India
have:
a) two -lanes b) six -lanes
c) eight -lanes d) four –lanes

75. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 76
ANSWER KEY

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.
1 C 2 A 3 A 4 A 5 C
6 A 7 D 8 B 9 D 10 B
11 C 12 A 13 A 14 C 15 B
16 A 17 D 18 D 19 B 20 A
21 A 22 B 23 C 24 D 25 D
26 A 27 A 28 A 29 C 30 A
31 A 32 B 33 B 34 A 35 D
36 C 37 C 38 B 39 C 40 A
41 C 42 B 43 A 44 D 45 D
46 C 47 D 48 B 49 A 50 B
51 A 52 C 53 B 54 A 55 C
56 C 57 B 58 B 59 C 60 D
61 A 62 A 63 A 64 A 65 A
66 C 67 B 68 A 69 A 70 B
71 B 72 C 73 B 74 B 75 D
76 C 77 C 78 C 79 D 80 B
81 A 82 D 83 D 84 D 85 A
86 C 87 A 88 A 89 D 90 D
91 B 92 A 93 A 94 B 95 D
96 C 97 B 98 C 99 A 100 A

SOLUTIONS

1) c) (3)
2
= 9 : (3)
2
– 2 = 7
Similarly,
(3)
4
– 1 = 81 – 1 = 80
(3)
4
– 3 = 81 – 3 = 78
In simple way, 9 – 2 = 7 and 80 – 2 = 78
2) a) Defer means ‘to delay something until a later
time’, ‘to postpone’.
Put off means ‘to put something to a later time or
date’, ‘to delay’.
Thus, Defer and Put off are synonymous to one
another.
Deduce means ‘to infer’, ‘to arrive at facts’.
Infer means ‘to arrive at a conclusion’
3) a)

4) a)

5) c) 102 – 1 = 101
101 – 3 = 98
98 – 5 = 93
93 – 7 = 86

77 – 11 = 66
66 – 13 = 53
Therefore, the number 74 is wrong in the
sequence.
6) a) ‘Detach’ is different from the other three words.
Detach means ‘to separate or remove something
from a large or longer part
Affix means ‘to stick fasten or attach something.’
Append means ‘to attach to add something’.
7) d)

The position number of letters in the English
alphabet.



8) b) 1 + 5 = 6 and 6 x 2 = 12
Similarly, 4 + 8 = 12 and 12 x 2 = 24
9) d)

10) b)

11) c) L  12; 12 x 2 = 24
O  15; 15 x 2 = 30
N  14; 14 x 2 = 28
D  04; 04 x 2 = 08
O  15; 15 x 2 =30
N  14; 14 x 2 = 28
Therefore,
F  06; 06 x 2 = 12
R  18; 18 x 2 =36
A  01; 01 x 2 = 02
N  14; 14 x 2 = 28
C  03; 03 x 2 = 06
E  05, 05 x 2 = 10
12) a) The letter have been written in the reverse order.
M A A R K  K R A A M
Therefore,
P A S S I  I S S A P

76. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 77
13) a) 29 x 48
 2 x 9 x 4 x 8 = 576
35 x 16
 3 x 5 x 1 x 6 = 90
22 x 46
 2 x 2 x 4 x 6 = 96
Therefore,
42 x 17

14) c)
P  x T  -
M  + B  
12 P 6 M 15 T 16 B 4 = ?
 ? = 12 X 6 + 15 – 16  4

15) b)

16) a)

Required distance = 1 km
17) d)

Rani is facing towards East and Sarita is facing
towards South.
18) b) The first and second Premises are Particular
Affirmative (I - type).
The Third Premise is Universal Affirmative (A -
type).

I + A  I – type of Conclusion
“Some beautifuls are sensitives.”
Conclusion I is Converse of it.
19) b)

20) a)

In option (b) 3 is on the adjacent face of dot.
In option (c)is on the adjacent face on W.
In option (d)  is on the top and hence the
positions of dot (.) and W are not correct.
21) a) Some black eyed people may be brown haired
and vice-versa.
Some black eyed people may be Indians and vice-
versa.
Some brown haired people may be Indians and
vice-versa.
Some black eyed and brown haired people may
be Indians and vice-versa.

22) b) All the components of the Question Figure are
present in the answer figure (b)

23) c)

24) d)

25) d) P  15, 43:
L  36, 65;
A  42, 46, 62;
Y  45

77. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 78

26. a) Required percentage decrease
= 




 

100
5050
5050 %
= - 100 + 25 = 75%
27. a) Both the triangles are congruent.
 ABC = 60 sq. cm.
PQR = 60 sq. cm.
28. a) 41 x 41 = 1681
42 x 42 = 1764
Required answer
= 1764 – 1728
= 36
29. c)


AC
AB
AE
AD

 ADE   ABC
 DE =
4
1
x 12 = 3 cm
30. a) tan  + cot  = 2
 tan  +
tan
1
= 2



tan
1tan
2

= 2
 tan
2
 + 1 = 2tan
 tan
2
 - 2tan + 1 = 0
(tan - 1)
2
= 0
 tan = 1 = tan 45
  = 45
31. a) 121a
2
+ 64b
2
(11a)
2
+ (8b)
2

(x + y)
2
= x
2
+ y
2
+ 2xy
 Required expression
= 2 x 11a x 8b
= 176ab
32. b) (A + B + C)’s 1 day’s work
=
3
1
30
235
15
1
10
1
6
1



Hence, the work will be completed in 3 days.
 Their 2 day’s wages = Rs. 200
33. b) B’s share = Rs. B
A’s share = Rs. (b + 7)
C’s Share = Rs. (b – 6)
 b + b + 7 + b – 6 = 76
 3b = 76 – 1 = 75
 b = Rs. 25
 A’s share = 25 + 7 = Rs. 32
C’s share = 25 – 6 = Rs. 19
 Required ratio = 32 : 25 : 19
34. a)

AB = CD
BC = AD
AC = BD
It will be a rectangle and each angle will be right
angle.
35. d) cosx = x
2
– x +
4
5

= x2 – 2.x.
4
5
4
1
4
1
2
1

=
2
2
1






x + 1  1
We know that - 1  cos x  1
So answer is None of these
36. c) Volume of earth taken out
= 40 x 30 x 12
= 1440 cu. Metre
Area of the rectangle field
= 1000 x 30 = = 30000 sq. metre
Area of the region of tank
= 40 x 30 = 1200sq. metre
Remaining area
= 30000 – 1200
= 28800 sq. metre
Increase in level
=
28800
14400
= 0.5 metre
37. c) In an equilateral triange, orthocenter, cirum-
centre, incentre and centroid coincide.
38. b) a = 2 + 3
  32
32
32
1
32
11







a

= 32
34
32




78. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 79
 a
2
+ 2
2
11
2
2






a
a

=  23232
2

= 16 – 2 = 14
39. c) p+
2
4
1
kp
= 
2
22
2
8
1
8
1
8
1
..2 kpp 












 k
2
=
8
1
8
1
2






k
40. a) x
100
20
100
15
 y
 x x 15 = y x 20

3
4
15
20

y
x

41. c)

1





c
ba
b
ca
a
cb

 01





b
ca
c
ba
a
cb

 0





b
bca
c
ba
a
cb


b
bca
c
ab
a
bc 






b
bca
ac
aabbcc 


22


  
b
bca
ac
abbcac 


22



ac
acbacac 

=
b
bca


 
b
bca
ac
bacac 




bac
ac 1




bac
a
ac
a 1


bca
111



42. b) Speed of train = 60 kmph
= 






18
5
60 m /sec.
=
3
50
m/sec
If the length of platform be
= x metre, then
Speed of train
=
 
gcrosintakenTime
platformtrainLengthof
sin



30
200
3
50 x

 50 x 10 = 200 + x
 x = 500 – 200 = 300 metre
43. a)

F G  3 cm
G H = 8 cm
Clearly, FH = GH
The sum of two sides to a triangle is greater than
its third side.
44. d) 1 +
63cot
1
2
- sec
2
27 +
63sin
1
2
- cosec
2
27
= 1 + tan
2
63 – sec
2
27 + cosec
2
63 - cosec
2
27
= 1 + tan
2
(90 - 27) – sec
2
27 + cosec
2
(90- 27)
– cosec
2
27
= 1 + cot
2
27 – sec
2
27 = sec
2
27 – cosec
2
27
= 1 + cot
2
27 – cosec
2
27
= 1 – 1 = 0
[+ cosec
2
 - cot
2
 = 1]
45. d) Work done by A and B in first 6 days
= (A + B)’s 4 day’s work + B’s 2 day’s work
= 4 x
12
2
8
1


=
3
2
6
4
6
13
6
1
2
1



Remaining work
=
3
1
3
2
1
Time taken by C = 12
3
1
 = 4 days
46. c) x = 23


















2323
23
23
11
x

79. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 80
= 23
23
23




 x -
x
1
= 2323 
= 22
 x
3
- 












x
x
x
x
x
1
3
11
3
3

=  22322
3


= 16 222262 
47. d) x
2
- 3 = 0
 x
2
- 2
1
3 = 0  x
2
-








4
1
3= 0



















4
1
4
1
33xx = 0
 x = 3
1/4
or -3
1/4

 Product or roots
= 3
1/4
x – 3
1/4
= - 3
Note : Product of the roots of
ax
2
+ bx + c = 0 is
a
c

 Product of the roots of
x
2
– b.0 - 303 is
48. b) x =
)sin1)(sin1(
)sin1(cos
sin1
cos









=


2
sin1
)sin1(cos



=


2
cos
)sin1(cos

=


cos
sin1


x
1
sin1
cos




49. a) Difference =
10000
2
PR

 25 =
10000
55P

 P = Rs. 10000
50. b)

1
2

BC
AB

 AB = 2k, BC = K
 AC = 
222
52 kkk  = k5
 sin A + Cot C =
AB
BC
AC
BC

=
k
k
k
k
25


=
52
52
2
1
5
1 

76. c) If prefer is followed by a Noun, preposition ‘to’
should be used. Hence, tea to coffee should be
used here.
77. c) Here, which seemed so real/which looked so real
……. should be used.
78. c) Here, subject (An old man) is singular. Hence,
singular very i.e. An oldman was ……….. should be
used.
80. b) ‘It is time’ is followed by Past Simple, Hence, we
accepted all our ……….. should be used.
81. a) Nothing much to write home about = not
especially good : ordinary.
82. d) When push comes to shove = when there is no
other choice, when everything has failed.
83. d) Full of yourself = very proud ; thinking only of
yourself.
85. a) Tie the knot = to get married.
86. c) Credible (Adjective) = that can be believed or
trusted; convincing.
Look at the sentence.
It is just not credible that he would cheat.
87. a) Extricate (Verb) : to escape or enable somebody
to escape from a difficult situation; to free
somebody.
Look at the sentence :
They managed to extricate the pilot from the
tangled control panel.
88. a) Obstreperous (Adjective) = noisy and difficult to
control.
89. d) Acquit (Verb) = to decide and state officially in
court that somebody is not guilty of a crime.
Condemn (verb) = to express strong disapproval;
to sentence.
Look at the sentences:
The jury acquitted him of murder.
She was condemned to hang for killing her
husband.
90. d) Dissent (Noun) = disagreement : expressing
different opinions from those that are officially
accepted.
91. b) Group (Noun) = disagreement : expressing
different opinions from those that are officially
accepted.
92. a) To keep the wolf from the door = to have enough
money to avoid going hungry.
93. a) Foam at the mouth = to be very angry

80. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 81

Latest G.K. Bytes


JUNE 2017
1) Name the renowned film director and former union
coal minister passed away in Hyderabad: Dasari
Narayana Rao
2) Name of late Sh. Dasari Narayana Rao appears in the
Guinness Book of Records for which achievements:
For directing highest number of films – 151
3) Which important day is observed on May 31 around
the world to discourage consumption of Tobacco:
World No Tobacco Day
4) What is the theme for this year’s “No Tobacco Day”:
Tobacco - a threat to development’
5) US Scientists have discovered a potentially habitable
Earth-like planet recently. Name its host star: Gliese
625
6) Dushyant Chautala has been elected as the_________ of
the South Asian Table Tennis Federation: President
7) Sebastian Vettel won the Formula One’s showcase
Monaco Grand Prix in which place: Monaco
8) Data from the Ministry of Statistics showed that
India’s GDP grew _____ % in the financial year 2016-
17: 7.1
9) Which global financial body has agreed to provide $
36 million loan for Himachal Pradesh Public Financial
Management Capacity Building Programme: World
Bank
10) The Palme d’Or is associated with which international
film festival: Cannes
11) The Palme d’Or award is given for which category in
Cinema: Best Film
12) Which film won the Palme d’Or for 2017: The Square
13) Who is the director of the famous Swedish film ‘The
Square’: Ruben Ostlund
14) In which state Dailong village of Tamenglong district
has been declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site of
the state: Manipur
15) Which PSU has overtaken Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC) to become India’s most profitable
state-owned company: Indian Oil Corporation
16) Who has won this year’s Dada Saheb Phalke Academy
Award for Internationally acclaimed actress:
Priyanka Chopra
17) Who has been awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb
Phalke Award this year: K. Viswanath, Director
18) Why Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu, a BSF officer was
in news: He became the first Indian to summit
Mount Everest a record six times
19) C.A.Bhavani Devi has won the gold medal at an
international event in which discipline: Fencing
20) The ‘Darwaja Band’ (shut the door) campaign under
‘Swachh Bharat’ mission has been launched for what
objective: To discourage people from open
defecation
21) Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for
the Darwaja Band Campaign: Amitabh Bachhan
22) ________ has been appointed as the Chancellor of Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi: Najma Heptulla
23) The Global Day of Parents is observed on which date:
June 1
24) What is the popular name of the football cup Coupe
Charles Simon: French Cup Football Trophy
25) Where in India police has launched Bicycle Patrols for
better policing of the colonies: Delhi
26) Ananya Vinay, the 12-year-old sixth class school girl
from Fresno, California was in news for which
achievement: She won the Scripps National Spelling
Bee contest
27) Why the Reserve Bank of India placed ailing public
sector bank Dena Bank under prompt corrective
action: In view of high net non-performing assets
and negative return on assets
28) Shashi Shekar Vempati has been appointed as the new
Chief Executive Officer of which national organization:
Prasar Bharti
29) What is the role and function of Prasar Bharti:
Looking after the functioning of All India Radio
and Door Darshan
30) How Leo Varadkar, the new Prime Minister of the
Republic of Ireland is connected with India: He hails
from Mumbai
31) In which Indian city the health ministry has confirmed
the presence of Zika Virus: Ahamadabad
32) The Zika virus is transmitted to people through which
media: By bite of an infected mosquito called
Aedes Aegypti
33) Name the malware (virus) that infected millions
of Android smart phones around the world: Judy
34) Which state has launched digital wallet named T-
Wallet that will not charge transaction fee from
consumers: Telanagana
35) As per the Global Peace Index (GPI) published by The
Institute of Economics and Peace, Sydney, India has
ranked ______ out of 163 countries: 137th
36) Which country has been ranked as the World’s Most
Peaceful country for the 10
th consecutive year:
Iceland
37) As per the Global Peace Index, ___________ has been
ranked as the least peaceful country: Syria
38) Recently which major country made news headlines
for withdrawing its support to the Paris Climate
Change Agreement: USA
39) As per the data from the Paris Climate Agreement,
which are the top 3 polluting countries of the world:
China, USA, India
40) Sarita Singh of Uttar Pradesh broke the national

81. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 82
record in which athletic event: Hammer throw
41) What is the name of the indigenously upgraded
variant of the Swedish Bofors guns: Dhanush
42) After ______, India is the second largest producer of tea
in the world: China
43) Aleksandar Vucic has been elected as the new ______of
Serbia: President
44) Who has won the European Golden Shoe for a record-
equaling fourth time: Lionel Messi
45) Which Union Minister has been selected for the WHO
Director-General Special Recognition Award: J.P.
Nadda, Health Minister
46) In terms of participation of women in the work force,
India has been placed very low at ______ place among
131 countries: 120
47) Name the diplomat from Slovakia who has been
elected as the next President of the UN General
Assembly: Miroslav Lajack
48) Sanjiv Singh has been appointed as the Chairman of
the country’s biggest and most profitable PSU. Can
you name it: Indian Oil Corporation
49) The National Highways and Infrastructure
Development Corporation has launched an e -
commerce platform ‘inampro’ for what purpose: To
facilitate procurement of construction and
infrastructure raw material
50) Which state has launched a web
portal 'Mahaswayam' for all the job seekers,
employers, entrepreneurs: Maharashtra
51) Country’s first Early Warning Dissemination System
(EWDS) for natural disasters has been setup in which
state: Odisha
52) World Milk Day observed on June 1 is supported by
which UN organization: FAO-Food and Agriculture
Organization
53) _______ is the largest producer of cattle and buffalo
milk in the world: India
54) Which day is observed globally on June 5 to promote
awareness for preservation of environment: World
Environment Day
55) India successfully test-fired its first all weather
tracked-chassis QR-SAM missile. What is its full name:
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
56) Joseph Muscat has been elected as the Prime Minister
of which small island country in the Mediterranean
Sea: Malta
57) ________ won the Thailand Open Grand Prix
(badminton) men’s title in Bangkok, Thailand: B Sai
Praneeth
58) As per the world competitiveness list, what is the rank
of India in the world: 45
th
59) Which country has been ranked as the most
competitive in the world: Hong Kong
60) What is the nick name of the ISRO’s heaviest rocket
GSLV Mk-III, weighing 640 tonnes: Fat boy
61) The GSLV Mk-III used which highly advanced type of
engine: Cryogenic Engine
62) The GSAT-19 satellite shall be useful for which
purpose: Communication
63) Which country has become 29
th member of the
powerful Western military alliance NATO:
Montenegro
64) What is the full form of NATO: North Atlantic Treaty
Organization
65) The Arab world’s strongest powers recently cut their
diplomatic ties with which country: Qatar
66) Red Ink Award is given for excellence in which field:
Journalism
67) Name the noted Indian Journalist who won this year’s
Red Ink Award for life time achievement: Vinod Dua
68) Which city in India has started a novel project named
Trin Trin for public bicycle sharing: Mysuru
69) Indian Railways has introduced ‘Buy Now, Pay
Later’ service for what purpose: For ticket payments
70) With which bank ADB has signed a $100 million loan
agreement for financing of solar systems: PNB
71) Saint Petersburg Declaration refers to which issue
related to India: Bilateral cooperation
72) Saint Petersburg Declaration has been signed jointly
by which two countries: India and Russia
73) Where in India country’s first freight village has been
established: Varanasi
74) What is the new proposed name for the West Indies
cricket team: Windies
75) Which public sector bank recently raised Rs. 15000
crore through India’s biggest QIP: State Bank of
India
76) In the share market, the term QIP stands for:
Qualified Institutional Placement
77) RBI in its second bimonthly policy review changed
which policy rate: Statutory Liquidity Ratio - SLR
78) RBI has reduce the SLR by 50 basis points to ________
per cent: 20
79) The recent cut of 50 basis points in the SLR is likely to
released roughly how much bank funds: Rs. 50,000
crore
80) Which Union Ministry has launched – ‘Skill for Life,
Save a Life’ initiative to promote skill development in
the health sector: Health Ministry
81) Government plans to appoint _______ as Nyaya Mitras
across the country to expedite over 7.5 lakh pending
cases: Retired judges
82) India has agreed to provide $ 318 million fresh credit
to Sri Lanka for the development of which sector:
Railways
83) Prime Minister Modi visited which city in Kazakhstan
to attend SCO: Astana
84) What is the full form of SCO: Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation
85) With which country India has approved an agreement
on transfer of sentenced prisoners: Somalia
86) Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected as the new
___________ of Nepal: Prime Minister
87) Out of the following four apps, which one has not been
launched by TRAI- Mycall, Myspeed, Myphone and Do
Not Disturb: Myphone
88) What is the full form of TRAI: Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India
89) One of Africa's biggest economies has slipped into
recession. Name this country: South Africa
90) In the recent QS World University Rankings, which
University in India has been ranked highest: IIT,

82. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 83
Delhi
91) Massachusetts Institute of Technology topped the QS
World University Rankings. It is in which country:
USA
92) Who is the sole sportsperson from the country to
feature among the world’s 100 highest paid athletes
in the latest Forbes list: Virat Kohli
93) The Forbes list of the world’s 100 highest paid
athletes is topped by which person: Cristiano
Ronaldo
94) Cristiano Ronaldo is related to which sports: Football
95) Govt. plans to launch a new regulator named ‘HEERA’
for higher education sector. What is its full form:
Higher Education Empowerment Regulation
Agency
96) June 4 is observed as the International Day of
_______Children ___________of Aggression: Innocent,
Victims
97) Govt has launched the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’
as a repository of which item: It is a human milk
bank
98) The World Oceans Day is observed on which date:
June 8
99) What is the theme for this year’s World Ocean Day:
Our oceans, our future
100) __________ has become first state in India to launch a
pension scheme for the single-women: Telangana
101) Which Indian celebrity has been selected to promote a
United Nations campaign/initiative titled Super Dads:
Sachin Tendulkar
102) Which Indian tennis star won his maiden Grand Slam
title by lifting the French Open mixed doubles trophy:
Rohan Bopanna
103) _________ hosted the meeting of BRICS Media Forum:
Beijing
104) Who is the head of the committee setup by SEBI to
improve the standards of corporate governance of
listed companies: Uday Kotak
105) Immensely popular UEFA Champions League is
associated with which sports: Football
106) “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” is a book written
by which famous author: Arundhati Roy
107) As per the 2017 Global Retail Development Index,
which country enjoys the top position: India
108) The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka
Amendment) Bill 2017, legalising Kambala. What is
Kambala: A traditional race involving buffaloes
109) Which organization has launched SATH, a program for
providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming
Human capital’ with the State Governments: NITI
Aayog
110) The International Olympic Committee has approved
some new events for which Olympic Games: 2020
Tokyo Olympics
111) Out of mixed team Judo, mixed doubles Table Tennis,
team boxing and three-on-three basketball, which one
is not a proposed Olympic game: Team Boxing
112) Which two countries have become new members of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: India and
Pakistan
113) Legion of Honour is one of the highest civil honours of
which country: France
114) Name the veteran Bengali actor who has been
honoured with Legion of Honour: Soumitra
Chatterjee
115) A video conferencing aided legal service 'Tele Law'
has been launched for people of which area: Rural
Area
116) Legal service ‘Tele Law’ has been launched as a pilot
in which two states: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
117) Mandsaur district witnessed widespread farmers’
agitation that turned violent following the death of
five protesters in police firing. It is in which state:
Madhya Pradesh
118) Indian Railways has launched ‘ Operation
Swarn’ (Gold) for what purpose: To upgrade
Shatabdis and Rajdhanis
119) Dr. C Narayana Reddy, eminent poet and Jnanpith
Award recipient was in news recently for what
reasons: He passed away
120) What is the popular name for the French Open Tennis
Grand Slam: Roland Garros
121) Name the winner of the men’s singles title of the
French Open: Rafael Nadal
122) Name the winner of the women’s singles title of the
French Open: Jelena Ostapenko
123) Jelena Ostapenko, winner of French (women) Open
hails from which country: Latvia
124) Which three Indian cities have been selected by
France and the European Union under the ‘Moblise
Your City’ (MYC) initiative: Nagpur, Kochi and
Ahmadabad
125) What is the objective of the ‘Moblise Your City’
initiative: Reducing carbon emissions and promote
sustainability of smart city programme
126) Kalinga Literary Award is given in which state:
Odisha
127) The World Day Against Child Labour is observed on
which date: June 12
128) Which UN organization supports the World Day
Against Child Labour: International Labour
Organization
129) Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu jointly won the gold medal
in which mixed team event: 10m air pistol event
130) Name the former Union Minister who has authored
the book Indira Gandhi – A Life in Nature: Jairam
Ramesh
131) Lewis Hamilton from team Mercedes won the
Formula-1 Canadian Grand Prix 2017 held in _______,
Canada: Montreal
132) Forbes magazine’s 2017 list of the world’s highest-
paid celebrities has placed ___________ at no. 65, best in
India: Shah Rukh Khan
133) As per Forbes Magazine, who has been declared as the
artist with the highest earnings in 2017 in the world:
Sean Diddy Combs
134) Sean Diddy Combs is associated with which art: Music
135) Mr. Combs hails from which country: USA
136) Which Indian state has requested for a separate time
zone for the North eastern states: Arunachal
Pradesh

83. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 84
137) Why Arunachal has requested a separate time zone
for the North eastern states: Because sun rises their
very early, around 4 am
138) The world's largest floating solar farm has been built
in _____ in China: Anhui
139) Three Indian Naval warships took part in a week-long
naval exercise, AUSINDEX-17 with which country’s
navy: Australia
140) The joint naval exercise AUSINDEX-17 was held at
which place: Off the Western Australian Coast
141) Man Booker International Prize is offered for which
achievement: For best book translated in English
142) Who is the winner of the 2017 Man Booker
International Prize: David Grossman and his
translator Jessica Cohen
143) Which novel won the 2017 Man Booker International
Prize: A Horse Walks into a Bar
144) Govt has announced _________% interest subsidy for
farm loans up to Rs. ________ lacs: 2 %, 3 lacs
145) Farmers who repay their farm loans up to Rs. 3 lacs
within time, will get additional interest subsidy of
_______ per cent: Three
146) Name the father of public interest litigation (PIL) and
judicial activism in Indian legal jurisprudence, the
17th Chief Justice of India who died recently: Justice
P N Bhagwati
147) The UN General Assembly has approved the
establishment of a new office for dealing with which
international issue: Counter terrorism efforts
148) As per the Global Innovation Index 2017 India has
been placed at ________ rank: 60
th
149) _____________ is at the top of the Global Innovation Index
for the 7
th year in running: Switzerland
150) India has been re-elected to the UN's principal organ
ECOSOC for another three-year term. What is
ECOSOC: Economic and Social Council
151) __________ has claimed the top spot among the
remittance-receiving nations, surpassing China,
receiving $62.7 billion in 2016: India
152) The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for
opening new bank accounts and for financial
transactions above Rs. __________: 50,000
153) In which city around 80 persons working in a massive
fire in a residential tower: London
154) Which country launched its first space telescope
named ‘Insight’ to observe black holes, pulsars and
gamma-ray bursts: China
155) Name the former German chancellor known for his
reunification of East and West Germany, who died at
87: Helmut Kohl
156) Group of Seven (G7) Environment Ministers
Meeting was held in Bologna, in which country: Italy
157) What is ‘Yug Purush, Bharat Ratna, Atal Ji’ – A book, a
documentary, a drama, a film: A book
158) According to the Code Compliance Rating of banks
done by the RBI promoted Banking Codes and
Standards Board of India (BCSBI), which is the only
public sector bank to get a ‘high’ rating: IDBI Bank
159) What are the two most effective and low-cost options
for diarrhea treatment: A combination of Oral
Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution and Zinc tablets
160) Name the Indian international law expert who became
the first Indian woman to be elected as the Member of
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea: Neeru
Chadha
161) Which international bank has approved $150
million equity investment loan for the India
Infrastructure Fund: Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank
162) Where are the headquarters of the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank: Beijing, China
163) Which day is observed across the world to raise the
awareness about the need for safe blood donation:
World Blood Donors Day, June 14
164) Who is the author of the book ‘Son of the
Thundercloud’: Easterine Kire
165) Name the most popular pop singing star who has
become first person in the world to reach 100 million
Twitter followers: Katy Perry
166) Katy Perry hails from which country: USA
167) What is the name of the special Gandhi dharshan train
launched from Sabarmati: Astha Tourist Train
168) The Astha Tourist Train will travel from Sabarmati to
which place in Bihar: Champaran
169) Who was the Swami Atmasthananda Maharaj, who
died recently: Head of the Belur
based Ramakrishna Math
170) Which country has announced the facility of online
visitors visa for Indians: Australia
171) India’s ______________ lifted the men’s singles title in
Indonesia Open Super Series badminton: K Srikanth
172) Finals of the ICC Champions trophy was played in
which stadium of London: Oval
173) Which cricketer was declared Man of the Series in the
Champions Trophy: Hasan Ali
174) Name the batsman who won the Golden Bat for
scoring highest runs in the Championship Trophy:
Shikhar Dhawan
175) __________ won the Golden Ball in the Champions
Trophy for taking highest number of wickets: Hasan
Ali
176) The Culture Ministry has launched ‘National Mission
on Cultural Mapping of India’ as part of which major
programme: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
177) What is the objective of the recently launched
National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India: To
provide an online platform to all the cultural
artists of India
178) India has become the 71
st country to ratify the United
Nations TIR Convention. TIR stands for what:
Transports Internationaux Routiers or
International Road Transports
179) Lockheed Martin, aerospace and technology giant
from USA, signed an agreement with which Indian
industrial house to produce F-16 fighter jets: Tata
180) The main national function for the International Yoga
Day was held at which place in India: Lucknow
181) Which state has sought help from the Union Ministry
of Home Affairs to resolve the issue of Chakma and
Hazong refugees in the state: Arunachal Pradesh
182) The Chakma and Hazong refugees came to India from
which country: Bangladesh

84. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 85
183) India won six medals in the Wushu competition in the
first ever BRICS Games. What type of sports is Wushu:
Martial Art
184) The first ever BRICS Games were hosted by which city
in China: Guangzhou
185) The government has roped in __________ as brand
ambassador to promote Goods and Services Tax
(GST): Amitabh Bachchan
186) BJP nominee for the Presidentship, Ram Nath Kovind
was the Governor of which state: Bihar
187) Which organization launched a widespread agitation
in the streets of Darjeeling to press for its demand for
a separate Gorkhaland: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha
188) Which country recently opened its first ever air cargo
route with India: Afghanistan
189) What is the most recent achievement of the ISRO’s
maiden interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’: It
completed 1000 days in its orbit
190) Which international day is observed to commemorate
the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of
refugees: The World Refugee Day, June 20
191) Which paramilitary force of India has launched a 24x7
helpline ‘Madadgaar’: Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF)
192) The Madadgaar helpline has been launched for which
population group: Kashmiris
193) Name the judge from India who has been re -
nominated to the International Court of Justice:
Justice Dalveer Bhandari
194) Headquarters of the International Court of Justice are
located at which place: The Hague, Netherlands
195) What is the tenure of the judge at the International
Court of Justice: 9 years
196) How many judges are there in the International Court
of Justice: 15
197) Which Indian company has developed India's first
indigenously-built floating dock – FDN-2 for the
Indian Navy: Larsen and Toubro
198) Who has been appointed as the new Union Home
Secretary: Rajiv Gauba
199) Which bank has approved a Rs.283 crore loan for
Assam for implementing the Assam State Public
Finance Institutional Reforms project: World Bank
200) Name the CEO of one of the largest startups, Uber, the
taxi aggregator, who was compelled to resign by the
investors: Travis Kalanick
201) Who has been appointed as the new Ambassador of
USA to India: Kenneth Juster
202) Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute that won
the Prime Minister award for promotion of Yoga is
located at which place: Pune, Maharashtra
203) With which country India has signed a protocol of
cooperation in the field of archives: Portugal
204) Where in India is being setup the world’s largest oil
refinery: Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
205) Which country has launched a prototype of a trackless
train that runs on virtual rails: China
206) The ADB has agreed to provide $275 million loan for
improving urban services in 64 small towns in which
state: Madhya Pradesh
207) _______ Airways was voted Best Airline by travelers
across the world in the annual passenger survey done
by the SKYTRAX 2017 World Airline Awards: Qatar
208) Name the more than 800 year old mosque in Mosul
that was blown up by the militants: Al-Nuri
209) What is the name of the remote sensing satellite
launched by ISRO recently: Cartosat-2
210) What is the nick name given to the recently launched
Cartosat-2 satellite: Eye in the sky
211) The Cartosat-2 satellite has been placed in which type
of orbit: Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit
212) In which city a robot is being used on an experimental
basis to regulate the city traffic: Indore, Madhya
Pradesh
213) Indian agricultural microbiologist Shrihari
Chandraghatgi has recently been honoured with
which prize in Japan: Ministry of Environment
Award
214) Name the India’s largest coastal lagoon for which the
world heritage site tag is being sought: Chilika Lake,
Odisha
215) Govt. has launched VAJRA faculty scheme to attract
Indian scientists working abroad. What is the full form
of VAJRA: Visiting Advanced Joint Research
216) International Widows Day is observed on which date:
June 23
217) Which organization promotes the observation of
World Hydrography Day on June 21: International
Hydrographic Organization
218) World Music Day is observed on which date in June:
21
219) Which Indian state has won the UN Public Service
Award: West Bengal
220) West Bengal has won the UN Public Service Award for
which initiative: Kanyashree Prakalpa
221) The scheme Kanyashree Prakalpa is meant for what
purpose: To combat child marriage and ensure
education to the girl child
222) Name the Indian philanthropist who has been
honoured with the Carnegie Medal: Ajim Premji,
Wipro Chairman
223) RBI has extended the scope of the Ombudsman
Scheme 2006 to include which new issue: Mis-selling
of third-party products like insurance and mutual
funds
224) RBI has enhanced power of the Ombudsman to pass
compensation award up to Rs. _________ lacs: 20
225) The Ombudsman can now also pass compensation not
exceeding Rs. _____lakh to the complainant for loss of
time: One
226) Which Indian anti-hunger activist has been honoured
with Queen’s Young Leaders Award in UK: Ankit
Kawatra
227) Name the three countries visited by Mr. Modi in his
foreign trip in the last week of June: Portugal, USA
and Netherlands
228) The book titled “The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s
Darkest Hour” has been written by which author: A.
Surya Prakash, Chairman Prasar Bharati Board
229) Name the Indian Badminton star who won the
Australian Open Superseries Badminton Trophy in
Sydney: Kidambi Srikanth

85. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 86
230) Name the young shooter from Haryana who won gold
in the ISSF Junior Men's 25m Standard Pistol event in
Suhl, Germany: Anish,
231) Which Indian shooter won gold at the women's 10
metre air pistol event in Germany: Yashaswini Singh
Deswal
232) Palbinder Kaur Shergill has become the first baptised
and turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed as a judge
of the Supreme Court in which country: Canada
233) Government has approved setting up of new
international airport near Delhi at which place: Jewar,
near Noida, UP
234) Which building in India have been given a trademark
for the first time: Taj Hotel, Mumbai
235) Daniel Ricciardo, winner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
in Baku is from which country: Australia
236) Ankush Dahiya and L Devendro Singh won gold and
silver, respectively, at the Ulaanbaatar Cup
_______tournament in Mangolia: Boxing
237) On which date the United Nations Public Service Day
is observed: June 23
238) Which UN organ supports the celebration of the
Public Service Day: Department of Economic and
Social Affairs
239) For what reason the International Olympic Day is
observed on June 23: Modern Olympic Games
started on this day in 1894 at Sorbonne in Paris
240) International Day against drug abuse and illicit
trafficking is observed on ______ day of June: 26
th
241) What is the name of the Indian miniature satellite
launched by NASA: Kalamsat
242) Who has been appointed Chairman of the committee
tasked with preparing the final draft of the National
Education Policy: Dr. K. Kasturirangan
243) Who is Dr. K. Kasturirangan: Eminent scientist,
former Chief of ISRO and Padma Vibhushan
awardee
244) Dr. Desh Bandhu Gupta founder and Chairman of
pharma major______, passed away in Mumbai: Lupin
245) According to Forbes Magazine's latest report, which
movie has become the first ever Indian film in history
to earn Rs 2000 crore worldwide: Dangal
246) Lt. Colonel Srinivas Gokulnath, an army doctor from
Maharashtra created history by becoming first Indian
to complete which event in USA: The 4,900-km Race
Across America (RAAM) in solo category
247) Govt. has allowed Central Vigilance Commission what
role in private sector banks: It can probe allegations
of corruptions in private banks also
248) Name the first winner of the 54
TH Femina Miss India
World 2017: Manushi Chhillar from Haryana
249) By scoring 310 runs against which team Indian team
became the team to score the most 300-plus totals in
One Day International (ODI): West Indies
250) Name the girl from Dehradun who has won the Miss
World title in Bodybuilding Championship in Venice,
Italy: Bhumika Sharma
MAY–2017
251) _______ has become the first state in India to switch to
the January-December financial year from the existing
April-March cycle: Madhya Pradesh
252) India started adopting the April-March financial
year from _____: 1867
253) President of _________ Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to
India on a two day official visit: Turkey
254) Which University presented President of Turkey an
honorary degree of Doctor of Letters: Jamia Millia
Islamia University, Delhi
255) "Dialogue of the Deaf – the Government and the RBI"
is a book written by which author: TCA Srinivasa
Raghavan
256) U-19 National School Football Girls Championship
was hosted by which city: Hissar, Haryana
257) Government has introduced the facility of online
viewing of the statement of the transaction (e-
SOT) and also the e- Permanent Retirement Account
Number (e-PRAN card) in which pension scheme:
Atal Pension Yojana
258) Which bank won the Golden Peacock Innovative
Product/Service Award 2017: Yes Bank
259) Which Indian city won the Pierre L’enfant Planning
Excellence and Achievement Awards -2017:
Bhubaneswar
260) Jehan Daruvala of Sahara Force India clinched his first
podium in which race: FIA Formula 3 European
Championship
261) Which city hosted the FIA Formula 3 European
Championship: Monza, Italy
262) __________ from Odisha won the jury prize gold medal
at the 10
th Moscow Sand Art Championship: Sudarsan
Pattnaik
263) India has agreed to provide Rs 35 crore for funding
the new 'Muktijodha Scholarship' scheme for children
of freedom fighters in which country: Bangladesh
264) Who is the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash title:
Joshna Chinappa
265) Google has announced a new ______________ initiative
aimed at encouraging the start-up ecosystem in tier II
cities across the country: ‘Solve for India’
266) Valtteri Bottas of Finland won his first Formula one
title by winning which race: Russian Grand Prix
267) Which Indian cueist won the second position at Asian
Snooker Championship held in Doha, Qatar: Pankaj
Advani
268) To protect the interests of homebuyers across the
country, the Government has passed RERA. What is
the full form of RERA: The Real Estate (Regulation
and Development) Act, 2016
269) World Press Freedom Day is observed on which date:
3
rd May
270) Senior Women’s Hockey National Championship was
held in which city: Rohtak, Haryana
271) Which team won the Senior Women' Hockey National
Championship: Railways
272) Who has been elected as the new President of the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): Shobana
Kamineni
273) Bhilar, India’s first ‘village of books’ is located in
which state: Maharashtra, in Satara district
274) ___________ organized the country's first transgender
one-day athletic meet at Thiruvananthapuram:
Kerala

86. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 87
275) Which country awards the prestigious civil honour
'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun':
Japan
276) Name the Indian diplomat who has been honour with
'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun':
Ashwani Kumar
277) What are the two other popular names for the
International Labour Day: International Worker's
Day or May Day
278) May Day is observed on which date: May 1
279) ________________ of Spain won a record-extending 10
th
Barcelona Open title: Rafael Nadal
280) World Asthma Day is celebrated on which date: 2
nd
May
281) _____________has become the first city in the world to
get its own Microsoft Font: Dubai
282) Union ministry of HRD launched a nationwide
campaign, ‘Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan’ for what purpose:
To promote nationalism among youth
283) How Government plans to promote na tionalism
among youth through Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan: By
asking universities to display portraits of Param
Veer Chakra-decorated soldiers on a wall in the
campus
284) Government has launched Tarang Sanchar Portal for
what purpose: To assess EMF emission level of
telecom towers
285) What the full of the abbreviation EMF: Electro
Magnetic Field
286) Government has passed an ordinance to amend the
Banking Regulation Act for what purpose: To
promote the better handling of NPAs
287) Which organisation has recently been given more
powers to deal with high value NPAs: Reserve Bank
of India
288) A NPA is a loan account where delay in realization of
interest or installment has crossed __________ days : 90
289) In a government survey - Swachh Survekshan of 434
cities in the country, ________ has been ranked as the
cleanest city in India: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
290) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has
approved $160 million loan for a _________ project in
Andhra Pradesh: Power
291) Which state has been granted a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag for its famous sweet mangoes from
Banganpalle: Andhra Pradesh
292) For the first time in 21 years, the Indian football team
has made it into the top ______ of the FIFA World
Rankings: 100
293) The GSAT-9 satellite recently launched by the ISRO
will render its services to neighbouring countries of
India except ____________: Pakistan
294) Name the volcano that erupted suddenly in the south
Guatemala, near the capital Guatemala city: Fuego
295) Name the committee that finalises the names for the
heads of public sector banks: Appointments
Committee of the Cabinet
296) ____________ has been appointed as the Chairman of the
Punjab National Bank: Sunil Mehta
297) Ms. Usha Ananthasubramanian has been appointed as
the chairperson of which bank: Allahabad Bank
298) The longest road bridge of India has been constructed
over which river: Brahmaputra
299) The longest road bridge of India connects which two
places: Sadia in Assam to Dhola in Arunachal
Pradesh
300) This bridge has been named after which legendary
Assamese singer and musician: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
301) Jasvir Singh, a barrister in London has become the
youngest Sikh in the world to be awarded the OBE.
What is OBE: Order of the British Empire
302) Kalpit Veerwal, a student from Udaipur, Rajasthan
created history by doing what: by scoring a perfect
360 out of 360 in the IIT JEE mains examination
303) Who is Yusra Mardini who has been appointed a UN
goodwill ambassador to be a voice for people seeking
shelter from war: A refugee Olympian from Syria
304) Name the Indian beauty who has won the Miss Teen
Universe 2017 title: Srishti Kaur
305) Which state in India has launched a project to install
2065 automatic weather stations across the state:
Maharashtra
306) What is the main objective of launching these
automatic weather stations: To help farmers to
manage sowing in a much better and planned way
as per the weather conditions
307) The Prime Minister recently released a
commemorative stamp in the honour of which famous
saint from South India: Sri Ramanujacharya
308) Which Indian state is celebrating 1000
th birth
anniversary of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanujacharya:
Tamil Nadu
309) Name the pro-European centrist leader who won the
elections for the new President of France: Emmanuel
Macron
310) India organised a cultural festival in Cairo, Egypt to
mark the 156
th birth anniversary of which famous
Indian poet: Rabindranath Tagore
311) Country’s first bio refinery plant which produces
ethanol from variety of biomass items, has been
established in which state: Maharashtra
312) The Asian Athletics Championships will be held
in____________, Odisha from July 6 to 9: Bhubaneswar
313) Which animal has been adopted as the mascot of the
Asian Athletics Championships: Olive Ridley sea
turtle
314) Which two stations have been linked with the first
Shatabdi train in the North-East: Guwahati and
Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh)
315) The total number of active LPG consumer connections
has recently crossed the ________ crore mark: 20
316) Which state has been declared as a 'disturbed' area
under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
(AFSPA) for another 3 months: Assam
317) Which day in May is observed as the World
Thalassemia Day: 8
th May
318) What kind of disease is Thalassemia: A blood
disorder disease
319) Which day is observed to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red
Cross: World Red Cross Day
320) The Azlan Shah Cup is associated with which sports:
Hockey

87. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 88
321) The Azlan Shah Cup is hosted by which country:
Malaysia
322) Which country won this year's Azlan Shah Cup: Great
Britain
323) The Home Ministry has come out with a new doctrine
named ‘SMADHAN’ to deal effectively with which
major national issue: Naxal challenge
324) Who won the first-ever Genderless Acting Award for
the Best Actor category at the MTV Movie and TV
Awards: Emma Watson
325) Name the India’s leading IT company which has
changed its logo and brand identity: Wipro
326) India has overtaken ___________ to emerge as the
world's biggest market for two-wheelers: China
327) _____________ became the first U.S. company to top the
$800 billion mark in terms of market capitalization on
May 9: Apple Inc
328) Moon Jae-In has been elected as the ___________ of
South Korea: President
329) Name the Indian women's team fast bowler who has
become the highest wicket-taker in history of ODIs in
world by taking 181 wickets: Jhulan Goswami
330) India has recently been unanimously elected as the
President of which UN organisation: UN-Habitat
331) The UN-Habitat works for promoting which aspect of
human life: Sustainable human settlements
332) Sohail Mahmood has been appointed as the next High
Commissioner of __________ to India. Pakistan
333) Which actor won the Best Director award for the film
‘A Death in the Gunj’ at New York Indian Film Festival:
Konkona Sen Sharma
334) The World Migratory Bird Day is observed on which
date: 10
th May
335) Buddhists around the world celebrate which day to
mark the birth, enlightenment and death day of Lord
Buddha: Vesak day
336) Which day is observed to glorify the importance of
science and technology in day to day life: National
Technology Day
337) India observes National Technology Day on which
date: 11
th May
338) The 29
th series of India- Indonesia CORPAT naval
exercise was held at which place: Near Andaman and
Nicobar Islands
339) What is the full form of CORPAT: Co-ordinated
Patrol
340) China hosted one of its most important diplomatic
events to promote OBOR. What its full form: One Belt
One Road
341) Who represented India at the two day conclave for
OBOR initiative: No one, India did not participate
342) ___________ has been voted ‘Footballer of the Year’ by
the Football Writers' Association: N'Golo Kante
343) N'Golo Kante hails from which country: France
344) Which organisation is now offering home delivery of
rail tickets: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation
345) The Election Commission of India has launched the
National Contact Centre for what purpose: To enable
citizens to lodge 24X7 any election related query
or complaint
346) May 12 is observed internationally as which day
related to medical profession: International Nurses
Day
347) International Nurses Day is observed to
commemorate the birthday of which famous person:
Florence Nightingale
348) World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an
Ebola outbreak in which African country: Congo
349) What is the full form of Ebola: It is not an
abbreviation (it is a viral disease)
350) The government has revised the base year of
Wholesale Price Index, WPI and Index of Industrial
Production, IIP to which year: 2011-12
351) India rolled out its first free vaccine for children
under five years of age against which disease to
address the huge burden of infant mortality:
Pneumonia
352) Which Indian statue has been declared as the world’s
largest bust by the Guinness Book of World Records:
The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva near
Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu
353) WHO has appointed which Bollywood actor as its
Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South East Asia
Region: Amitabh Bachchan
354) Name the Indian banker who won the Woodrow
Wilson Award For Global Corporate Citizenship:
Chanda Kochhar
355) Ms. Chanda Kochhar is the CEO and Managing
Director of which bank: ICICI Bank
356) President of __________ Mahmoud Abbas arrived in New
Delhi on a four day State visit: Palestine
357) In which city the railways have begun to roll out
Emergency Medical Response (EMR) units that
provide medical care to passengers for as low as one
rupee: Mumbai
358) India test fired a surface-to-air missile ‘Spyder’ from a
test range at Chandipur in Odisha. What is its full
form: Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby
359) India has acquired the Spyder missile from which
coun try: Israel
360) Hubert Minnis has been elected as the New Prime
Minister of ____________, a tiny island country near
south east USA: The Bahamas
361) Edouard Philippe has been appointed as the new
Prime Minister of which country: France
362) Name the Indian woman cricketer who made a
stunning 188-run knock, the second highest score in
women's ODI: Deepti Sharma
363) Name the first Indian driver to win a GP3 (Grand Prix
3) race: Arjun Maini
364) Which state has been ranked at the top as per the
Public Affairs Index for excellence in governance:
Kerala
365) Which Mumbai airport has become the world’s
busiest single-runway airport: The Chhatrapati
Shivaji International Airport
366) V K Saraswat, eminent scientist has been appointed as
the Chancellor of which University: Jawaharlal
Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
367) Which institution has created the country's first smart
grid power project to generate power from various
renewable sources of energy: The Indian Institute of

88. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 89
Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) in
Shibpur, West Bengal
368) Name the Indian woman who scripted history by
becoming the first Indian woman to scale the Mount
Everest for the fifth time: Anshu Jamsenpa
369) Anshu Jamsenpa hails from which place in India:
Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh
370) __________ won the Spanish Grand Prix Formula One
championship in Barcelona, Spain: Lewis Hamilton
371) Lhakpa Sherpa, the 44-year-old Nepalese
mountaineer has created a new world record for
which achievement: For the most Everest summits
by a woman – 8
372) Pawan Kumar Chamling was conferred with the
first Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Lifetime Achievement
Honour for excellence in public service. Who is he:
Chief Minister of Sikkim
373) UP government has decided to form 'Maa' committees
in primary schools to keep an eye on mid-day meals
served to students. What is the full form of Maa: No
full form
374) Union Finance Ministry has launched
____________________ Portal to keep a tab on dishonest
citizens hiding their income from the authorities:
Operation Clean Money
375) World Telecommunication And Information Society
Day is observed on which date: May 17
376) Which UN organisation supports the observance of
the World Telecommunication And Information
Society Day: International Telecommunication
Union
377) Sanjay Mitra has been appointed as the new union
__________ secretary: Defence
378) Name the veteran film and TV actor, known for her
role of mother in movies, who died at the young age of
59: Reema Lagoo
379) Which Indian railway station has won the top rank in
cleanliness: Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) in Andhra
Pradesh
380) Name the serving union minister for environment,
forest and climate change who died at the age of 60 in
New Delhi: Anil Madhav Dave
381) Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the Dan
David Prize for excellence in which field: Astronomy
382) Which global awards are popularly known as 'Green
Oscar': Whitley Award
383) Which Indian corporate topped the list of the 25
Global Game Changers listed by Forbes magazine:
Mukesh Ambani
384) Which country has topped the Renewable Energy
Country Attractiveness Index: China
385) India was placed at which rank in the Renewable
Energy Country Attractiveness Index: Second
386) The Union Cabinet approved the construction of 10
units of PHWR for nuclear power generation. What is
the full form of PHWR: Pressurized Heavy Water
Reactors
387) Which international day is observed to promote
public awareness about high blood pressure: World
Hypertension Day
388) Normal blood pressure is defined as an average
reading no higher than ________ mm Hg: 120/80
389) World Hypertension Day is observed on which day in
May: 17
390) Government has approved setting up of first of its
kind Indian Agricultural Research Institute in North-
East at which place: In Dhemaji district of Assam
391) General Motors of USA have decided to discontinue
sale of their which popular brand in India: Chevrolet
392) What is the title of the latest book by Ruskin Bond:
Looking for the Rainbow
393) 'Sita: Warrior of Mithila' is the tile of a novel written
by which author: Amish Tripathi
394) In which case the International Court of Justice
recently delivered an order in favour of India: Case of
Kulbhushan Jadhav
395) Govt has introduced a new more transparent coal
allocation policy for the power sector by the
name SHAKTI. What is its full form: Scheme for
Harnessing and Allocating Koyala (Coal)
Transparently in India
396) What are the four tax slabs announced for the GST
regime: 5, 12, 18 & 28
397) The GST regime is likely to be implemented in India
from which date: July 1, 2017
398) Simbex-17, a bilateral naval exercise was held
between India and which other country: Singapore
399) Simbex-17 was held at which place: South China Sea
400) What is the full form of Simbex: Singapore-India
Maritime Bilateral Exercises
401) In a report by Brand Finance, _________ has been
declared as the most valuable brand in India: Tata
Group
402) India has acquired prototype of which powerful filled
gun from USA: M777 ultra light howitzers
403) Grand Master__________ won the All India Open Rapid
FIDE Rating Chess Tournament in Kolkata, West
Bengal: R R Laxman
404) As per a global report on infant mortality, India has
been placed at ______ rank out of 195 countries: 154
th
405) Hassan Rouhani has been re-elected as the President
of which country: Iran
406) The Indian men's archery team won the gold medal at
the World Archery Cup in____________, China: Shanghai
407) Anita Kundu, a Sub-Inspector in ___________ Police, has
become the first Indian woman to climb the Mount
Everest from the Chinese side: Haryana
408) Which team won the 10
th edition of Indian Premier
League: Mumbai Indians
409) Federation cup is associated with which sports:
Football
410) Which team won the Federation Cup for 2017:
Bengaluru FC
411) Italian Open (Tennis) championship was hosted by
which city: Rome, Italy
412) Which International Day is observed on May 22, to
raise the awareness about the conservation of
biodiversity: The International Day for Biological
Diversity
413) In which country scientist have invented a technique
that types Braille in real time and helps deaf-blind
people "watch" television without intermediaries:
Spain

89. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 90
414) What is the name of the recently launched second
payment bank of India: Paytm Payment Bank
415) What is the name of the first payment bank of India:
Airtel Payment Bank
416) The six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have
joined hands with which county to form ‘Terrorist
Financing Targeting Center’: USA
417) As per a recent global report, India ranks very high in
terms of local displacement of people. What is India's
rank: 3rd
418) What is the major factor behind massive internal
displacements in India: Monsoon Season Floods
419) India has left ________ behind to become the second-
largest producer of stainless steel in the world: Japan
420) Which country is the largest steel producer in the
world: China
421) Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in India on which
date: May 21
422) Why Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21: On
this day in 1991, former Indian PM Mr. Rajiv
Gandhi who was killed in Sri Perambadur, Tamil
Nadu, by a suicide bomber
423) First trip of India’s state-of-the-art high-speed
train Tejas Express connects which two places:
Mumbai and Goa
424) The ISRO and NASA have collaborated to make NISAR
satellite. What is the full form of NISAR: NASA-ISRO
Synthetic Aperture Radar
425) The two-day ‘Start up India Summit’ was held
in______________, UAE: Abu Dhabi
426) Rohan Chakravarty, Indian wildlife and environment
cartoonist won which global award recently: WWF
International President’s Award
427) What is the name of the book which is supposed to be
the world’s first philosophical novel on God:
Confessions of a Dying Mind: The blind faith of
atheism
428) The World Turtle Day is observed on which day in
May: 23rd
429) ____________ from Chennai won the women's title in
the Asian Continental Blitz Chess Championship: R
Vaishali
430) Name the former James Bond superstar from England
who passed away in Switzerland: Roger Moore
431) Which Indian cricketer won the ‘International
Cricketer of the Year’ award at the CEAT Cricket
Rating (CCR) International awards: Ravichandran
Ashwin
432) The Union Cabinet has approved to abolish which
major organization associated with FDI: FIPB -
Foreign Investment Promotion Board
433) Name the Nepal’s Prime Minister who resigned after a
brief stint of nine months: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
‘Prachanda’
434) Gayarul Hasan, a social activist from UP has been
appointed the chairperson of which national body:
The National Commission for Minorities
435) India has signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for
cooperation in the field of alternative medicine with
which country: Germany
436) What is the name of the book recently written by
Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker: Matoshree
437) Power Ministry has launched the Saral Eindhan
Vitaran Application (SEVA) app for what purpose: To
track dispatch of coal to 118 power plants in India
438) Which state has decided to form ‘good
morning’ squads to prevent and monitor open
defecation in villages: Maharashtra
439) In which state in India, Japan plans to build a war
museum in the memory of its 70,000 soldier who
were killed there: Manipur
440) India’s first underwater rail tunnel has been
completed under which river: Hooghly
441) __________ in Madhya Pradesh became the first city in
the country to start the local electric vehicle taxi
service: Nagpur
442) Name the Prime Minister of Mauritius who visited
India recently: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
443) Which country accounts for roughly 30 per cent of all
FDI inflows into India: Mauritius
444) Leaders from the group of leading industrial nations,
the G7, held their summit in which place: Taormina,
Sicily (Italy)
445) Which two major superpowers are not member of G-
7: Russia and China
446) Name the supercop credited with rooting out
terrorism in Punjab: KPS Gill
447) The 116
th edition of the French Open tennis started in
the ___________ Stadium in Paris from May 29: Roland
Garros
448) Roland Garros is famous for its ______________ courts:
Red Gravel (Laal Bajri)
449) Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All
India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in_________,
Assam: Kamrup
APRIL –2017
450) India has become, for the first time, a net exporter of
electricity during the April-February period. It exports
electricity to which countries: Nepal, Bangladesh
and Myanmar
451) Name the online film certification system launched by
the government to curb corruption in the cinema: e-
cinepramaan
452) In India certification of films is done by CBFC. What is
its full form: Central Board of Film Certification
453) _______ has become the first country in the world to
impose a nationwide ban on metal mining, including
gold: El Salvador
454) Why El Salvador has imposed a ban on metal mining:
Because it was adversely affecting the ecological
balance of the country by using excess water
455) Name the American astronaut who made history
when she floated outside the International Space
Station for making her record 8
th spacewalk: Peggy
Whitson
456) Which Indian forward hockey player was named the
Player of the Year for 2016 by the Asian Hockey
Federation: S V Sunil
457) India's longest road tunnel has recently been
inaugurated in which state: J & K
458) What is the name of the India’s longest road tunnel:
Chenani – Nashri Tunnel
459) The Chenani – Nehsri tunnel is part of which national

90. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 91
highway: Jammu – Srinagar National Highway
460) 'India’s Railway Man' is the biography of which
veteran engineer of India: E. Sreedharan
461) E. Sreedharan is also known as _________ of India:
Metro Man
462) April 2 is observed as the World Autism Awareness
Day. What is Autism: Learning and communication
disorder usually found in small children
463) Bhoorsingh the Barasingha has been adopted as the
mascot by which tiger reserve in India: Kanha Tiger
Reserve
464) Kanha Tiger Reserve is situated in which state:
Madhya Pradesh
465) The book ‘Indian Railway-The weaving of a National
Tapestry’deals with which topic: History of Indian
Railways till date
466) Deodhar Trophy is associated with which sports:
Cricket
467) Who is the winner of 2017 Deodhar Trophy: Tamil
Nadu
468) The Supreme Court has banned the sale and
registration of vehicles which are not compliant with
_______________emission norms wef April 1, 2017:
Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV)
469) Why Supreme Court banned BS-III compliant vehicles:
Because these were hazardous to the health of
millions of countrymen due to increased air
pollution
470) Lok Sabha on March 29 passed how many GST Bills:
Four
471) Which major indirect tax (duty) has not been covered
under GST: Customs Duty
472) What is the formal name of the BRICS Bank: The New
Development Bank (NDB)
473) The government has launched two mobile
apps, eChallan and mParivahan for which sector of
economy: Transport
474) __________ appointed as the new chairman of Central
Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC): Vanaja N.
Sarna
475) The Indian Army has entered into an agreement with
which IIT to identify and enhance critical areas of
technology in the armed forces: IIT Madras
476) Government has released NIRF rankings for which
sector: Educational institutes
477) What is the full form of NIRF: National Institutional
Ranking Framework
478) NIRF rankings are released by which ministry: HRD
479) Which University topped the overall NIRF rankings
for the best institute: Indian Institute of Science,
Bengaluru
480) As per NIRF rankings which institute has been
declared best in the engineering category: IIT Madras
481) _________ has been declared best management institute
as per NIRF ranking: IIM, Ahmadabad
482) Jamia Hamdard, Delhi has been declared best institute
by NIRF in which category: Pharmacy
483) __________ won the women’s singles title in the India
Open Super Series Badminton Tournament: P.V.
Sindhu
484) Men’s singles title in the India Open Super Series
Badminton Tournament was won by ________: Viktor
Axelsen of Denmark
485) Name the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist who
passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84: Kishori
Amonkar
486) Kishori Amonkar is credited with innovation of the
________ gharana: Jaipur
487) Lenin Moreno has been elected as the new ________of
Ecuador: President
488) The country of Ecuador is located in which continent:
South America (North West)
489) ________ in India is the world's 9th most expensive
office location with annual prime rent of $ 105.71 per
sq ft.: Delhi's Connaught Place
490) 19
th Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at
Forest Research Institute (FRI) in ________________:
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
491) The Government has launched Power Tex India at
over 45 locations in the country to promote which
sector: Power Loom Sector (Textiles)
492) Rajiv Kumar Chander has been appointed as the
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India
to __________ : United Nations Offices in Geneva
493) Headquarters of United Nations Organization – UNO
are located in which city: New York
494) For the third year in succession, India has been
ranked _______ in the doping violation report published
by WADA: Third
495) What is the full form of WADA: World Anti Doping
Agency
496) As per WADA report, ________ has the highest number
of doping defaulters: Russia
497) In which city India’s first bio-gas run bus service has
been launched for trial: Kolkata
498) Government has constituted the National Board of
Electric Mobility (NBEM) for what purpose: To
promote electric vehicles
499) __________ has been named Wisden's Leading Cricketer
in the World for 2016: Virat Kohli
500) RBI recently revised downwards the Marginal
Standing Facility (MSF) Rate and the Bank Rate to
_________: 6.50%
501) Bangladesh _________ Sheikh Hasina came to India on a
four day visit: Prime Minister
502) India extended a Line of Credit of $ 500 million to
Bangladesh for what purpose: For defence
purchases
503) Indian boxer _________ won a gold medal in the 49-
kilogram category at the Thailand International
Boxing Tournament: K Shyam Kumar
504) Which film won the national award for the Best
Feature Film: Kasaav (Marathi)
505) _______ won the national award for the best Hindi film:
Neerja
506) National award for best actor has been won by
__________: Akshay Kumar for Rustom
507) ___________ won the national award for the best actress:
Surabhi C M for Minnaminungu
508) Who is Malcolm Turnbull who arrived in New Delhi
on a four-day visit to India: Prime Minister of
Australia

91. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 92
509) Which state launched year long celebrations to mark
the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran
Satyagraha: Bihar
510) Champaran Satyagrraha was launched to protest
against which issue: Forced cultivation of Indigo by
Britishers
511) India and _________are celebrating the 70
th anniversary
of establishment of diplomatic relations between
them: Russia
512) Which city hosted a three-day National Children’s
Film Festival: Vishakhapatnam
513) P V Sindhu reached her career-best ranking of World
no.____ in the latest Badminton World Federation
(BWF) rankings: Two
514) World Health Day is observed on which date: April 7
515) Which health issue has been selected this year for
attention on World Health Day: Depression
516) What is this year’s theme for the World Health Day:
'Depression: Let's Talk’
517) Raman Roy has been elected as the Chairman of The
NASSCOM. What is NASSCOM: National Association
of Software and Services Companies
518) Mr. Raman Roy is associated with which IT company:
CMD of Quatrro Global Services
519) On what grounds 5
th April is observed as National
Maritime Day: On this day in 1919 first Indian ship
journeyed to United Kingdom
520) Which country has officially recognized Bitcoin and
digital currencies as legal money with effect from 1
April 2017: Japan
521) The Lok Sabha passed amendments to which act to
substantially increase the penalty for traffic
violations: Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
522) Which e-commerce company recently raised $1.4
billion in one of the biggest ever fund raising in India:
Flipkart
523) Who is known as the founder of the Homeopathy: Dr.
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
524) Mr. Hahnemann was from which country: Germany
525) World Homeopathy Day is observed on which date:
April 10
526) Which Indian city hosted the National Convention
on World Homeopathy Day: New Delhi
527) Govt has launched the website and app named 'Bharat
Ke Veer' for what purpose: To facilitate the
monetary contribution to the kin of soldiers killed
in action
528) Which bank has provided the Banking support to the
website ‘Bharat Ke Veer’: State Bank of India
529) Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 was
held between which two countries: India and
Mongolia
530) Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 was held at
which state of India: Mizoram
531) As per the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness
report 2017, India has been placed at which rank: 40
th
532) __________ is the No. 1 country as per the Travel and
Tourism Competitiveness report 2017: Spain
533) Which organization arranged for disbursement of Rs.
245 crore worth of prize money to about 18 lakh
winners for various digital payment schemes: NPCI
534) What is the full form of NPCI: National Payments
Corporation of India
535) Which national organization framed the prize
schemes for promotion of digital payments: Niti
Aayog
536) Who has been named as the youngest person ever to
be named a U.N. Messenger of Peace: Malala
Yousafzai
537) Ms. Malala is a young crusader for promoting which
social issue: Girls’ education
538) The RBI has decided to slash the NEFT settlement
cycle from hourly batches to ________batches: half
hourly
539) In total there are how many settlement batches in
NEFT in a day: 23
540) With which country India plans to set up a 240 million
pound Green Growth Equity Fund to finance clean
energy projects: Britain
541) A report of the World Travel and Tourism Council
says that India’s travel and tourism sector ranks _____
in the world: 7th
542) In terms of contribution of tourism in the GDP of the
country, _______ stands at no. 1 in the world: USA
543) RBI has issued a new set of enabling provisions
named ‘Prompt Corrective Action’ (PCA) framework
for what purpose: To resolve the bad loans
problems of the banks
544) Banks having NPA of more than ____ per cent may fall
under PCA: Six
545) The RBI has released on its web site a discussion
paper on which new type of banks: Wholesale &
Long-Term Finance Banks
546) What are the two types of differentiated banks for
which RBI has already issued licenses: Payment
Banks and Small Finance Bank
547) Christians all over the world celebrate Good Friday as
one of their holiest day. What happened on this day:
Jesus Christ was crucified on this day.
548) Which big Christian festival is celebrated one day
after the Good Friday: Easter Sunday
549) 7
th Junior National Hockey Championship was held in
which city: Bhopal
550) The FRBM committee, headed by NK Singh, has
recommended a fiscal deficit target of 3% of GDP till
financial year 2020. What is FRBM: Fiscal
Responsibility and Budget Management
551) In terms of ‘ease of doing business’ which two states
have been placed jointly at No. 1: Andhra and
Telangana
552) Which digital TV company has launched India’s first
internet TV: Airtel Digital TV
553) _________ won the 6
th Asian Billiards title: Pankaj
Advani
554) Which bank has tied up with Department of Posts to
provide them support of Point of Sale (PoS) machines:
State Bank of India
555) Which state has been given awarded Krishi Karman
Award for the commendable increase in food grains
production: Himachal Pradesh
556) 'The Flaming Tresses of Draupadi' is a book written
by M Veerappa Moily. Who is he: A senior Congress

92. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 93
politician from Karnataka and former Union
Minister
557) Which national organization has drawn up an
elaborate Governance, Reward and Accountability
Framework (GRAF) for banks: Bank Boards Bureau
(BBB)
558) Who is the head of the Bank Boards Bureau: Mr.
Vinod Rai
559) The GRAF for banks is applicable to which category of
banks: Public Sector Banks
560) What is the aim of setting up of GRAF: To enable
public sector banks to compete with private
sector banks
561) Which state has launched Operation Durga to form
police squads that would aim to stop harassment of
women in public spaces: Haryana
562) Who is the author of the book ‘Hope in a Challenged
Democracy: An Indian Narrative’: Ashwani Kumar
563) The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of Indian
Institute of Petroleum and Energy at ________ in Andhra
Pradesh: Visakhapatnam
564) Glass roof, LED lights, wide window glass panes, GPS-
based info system and rotating seats are the special
features of which new railway coach: Vistadome
565) The Indian railway has launched its first Vistadome
rail coach on which root: Visakhapatnam -
Araku route in Andhra
566) Name the Nepalese President who arrived in New
Delhi on a five day visit to India: Bidya Devi
Bhandari
567) Which Indian player won the Men's singles title at
Singapore Open Badminton: Sai Praneeth
568) Sebastian Vettel who won the Bahrain Grand Prix F1
championship, is from which country: Germany
569) Asha Khemka who has been named the ‘Asian
Businesswoman of the Year’ in UK, is from which field:
Education
570) As per a recent World Bank report, India is poised to
grow at ________ per cent in 2017-18: 7.2
571) Most of the global rating agencies and financial
institutions have projected a lower GDP growth for
India in 2017-18 due to which common factor: Slow
down of the economy due to effect of
demonetization
572) April 17 is observed as the World Hemophilia Day.
What is Hemophilia: An inherited bleeding disorder
in which blood does not clots properly
573) What is the theme for this year’s World Hemophilia
Day: Hear Their Voices
574) What is the objective of observing the World Heritage
Day on every April 18: To promote the importance
of protecting and preserving heritage sites
575) As per new rules, who among the President, Vice
President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and
Lok Sabha Speaker is/are allowed to use red beacon
on their cars: None
576) As per new rules, the Red Beacon can only be allowed
on which category of vehicles: Fire service, police,
army and ambulances
577) __________ became the first batsman in world to make
10,000 runs in Twenty-20 cricket: Chris Gayle
578) The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal of the
Election Commission to procure VVPAT machines.
What is VVPAT: Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
579) US President has tightened the rules for issuance of
which type of visa that will affect Indian IT companies
adversely: H-1B visa
580) What is the name of the new food delivery and home
services aggregator app launched by the Google: Areo
581) For the first time in Indian Railway history, a railway
station has been handed over to a private firm for
operation and maintenance. Can you name it:
Habibganj, Bhopal
582) ______ has become the first state to launch a special
drive to register transgenders as voters:
Maharashtra
583) Which public sector undertaking has beaten ONGC to
No. 2, becoming No. 1 in terms of market
capitalization: State Bank of India
584) Which UN organization supports the celebration of
International Mother Earth Day: UNESCO
585) Name the first visually impaired Indian runner who
completed the popular Boston Marathon in USA:
Sagar Baheti
586) Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize is sponsored by
which UN organization: UNESCO
587) The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Confidence Index
compiled by the A.T. Kearney ranked India at which
place in attracting FDI: 8
th
588) As per FDI confidence index, _______ is the No. 1
country in attracting FDI: USA
589) The Reserve Bank has set up two new offices of the
Banking Ombudsman in which states: Jammu and
Kashmir (in Jammu) and Chhattisgarh (in Raipur)
590) Data centre of which bank has achieved the
distinction of becoming the country's first Platinum
rated project: ICICI Bank
591) In terms of military expenditure, India has been
ranked at ________ place in the world: 5
th
592) In terms of military expenditure, __________ is the
largest spender in world: USA
593) In which Afghan city the Taliban militants went on a
rampage, killing at least 140 soldiers: Mazar-i-Sharif
594) Which Indian film won the best film honour at the
Hong Kong International Film Festival: Newton
595) The 73
rd Amendment to the constitution was passed
on April 24, 1992. This day is celebrated as what day:
The National Panchayti Raj Diwas
596) National Youth Athletics Meet was hosted by which
Indian city: Hyderabad
597) Which state won the National Youth Athletics Meet
Championship: Haryana
598) What is the main factor behind the recent economic
crisis of Venezuela: Steep fall in revenue from sale
of crude oil
599) Which Indian environmentalist has been awarded the
prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize: Prafulla
Samantara
600) For which achievement Mr. Samantara won the
Goldman Environmental Prize: For championing the
cause of Odisha’s Dongria Kondh tribals and
safeguarding their land and culture.
601) World Malaria Day is observed on which date: April

93. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 94
25
602) Which UN organization supports the World Malaria
Day: WHO
603) Name the Sri Lankan Prime Minister who recently
visited India: Ranil Wickremesinghe
604) Name the renowned actor – director who has been
awarded the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award:
Kasinadhuni Viswanath
605) Government plans to set up a Central university for
Divyangs (disabled) in which state: Uttar Pradesh
606) Indian shot putter ___________ clinched a gold in the
first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in
Jinhua, China: Manpreet Kaur
607) Indian players bagged three gold, two silver and 11
bronze medals in which international sports event: US
Open Karate Championship held in Las Vegas
608) Which UN organization supports the celebrations of
The World Book And Copyright Day: UNESCO
609) IMF has projected the world economy to grow at a
pace of ________ percent in 2017, up from 3.1 percent in
2016: 3.5
610) Olympic Council of Asia has announced to add ________
as full sports at the 2022 Asian Games: Video gaming
611) The 2022 Asian Games will be hosted by which city:
Hangzhou, China
612) Which prominent sport has been dropped from the
2018 Asian Games: Cricket
613) Which corporate won the Golden Peacock
Award 2017 for pioneering a cashless township
transformation model: Gujarat Narmada Valley
Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd.
614) The RBI signed an MoU on “Supervisory Cooperation
and Exchange of Information” with Bank of Guyana in
which country: Guyana
615) Union Ministry of Law has launched "Pro-bono legal
services" for what purpose: Platform for lawyers
willing to provide free services
616) Govt. has launched which new service to connect poor
people with lawyers through video conferencing
facilities, to be set up at Common Service Centres
(CSCs): Tele-law service
617) What is the objective of recently launched legal
service named Nyaya Mitra: To focus on court cases
which are more than ten years old
618) Where in India DRDO has establish highest research
lab of world: Chang La, Ladakh
619) ________ has been appointed Director General of the
Central Reserve Police Force – CRPF: Rajiv Rai
Bhatnagar
620) R. K. Pachnanda has been appointed Director General
of which paramilitary force: Indo-Tibetan Border
Police - ITBP
621) We celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April
26. Can you name intellectual properties: Patents,
Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Copyright
622) The first flight under the regional air connectivity
scheme UDAN was launched from which place:
Shimla to Delhi
623) What is the full form of acronym UDAN: Ude Desh ka
Aam Nagrik
624) What is the maximum airfair charged under UDAN
scheme: Rs. 2500/-
625) The Reserve Bank has issued draft guidelines on cross
border merger transactions under which Act: Foreign
Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)
626) NASA’s __________ spacecraft made its first dive into the
never-before-explored region between Saturn and its
rings on 26 April: Cassini
MARCH –2017
627) The popular Oscars awards are given by which
organization: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences
628) Who is the director of the movie Moonlight that won
the Oscar for the best picture: Barry Jenkins
629) _____________ won the Oscar for the best director for his
film ____________: Damien Chazelle for La La Land
630) Name the heroine who won the Oscar for the best
actress for her role in the La La Land: Emma Stone
631) ADB to give $ 375 million loan to develop
Visakhapatnam—Chennai Industrial Corridor. It is
part of which major infra project: East Coast
Economic Corridor
632) In collaboration with which country the DRDO is
developing the ‘medium-range surface-to-air missile’
(MR-SAM) for the Indian army: Israel
633) ____________ has become the second largest crude oil
producer state in the country: Rajasthan
634) This area produces largest portion of crude oil
production in India. Can you name it: Bombay High
635) Which bank has introduced RFID cards for its VIP
customers: Dena Bank
636) What is the full form of RFID: Radio Frequency
Identification
637) Shilpa Shetty has been named the brand ambassador
for which national mission: Swachh Bharat Mission
638) As per a report released by the New World Wealth,
_________ is the second richest Indian city, first being
Mumbai: Delhi
639) Rajasthan has launched a medical project ‘Rahat’ for
what purpose: To provide heart treatment in
remote rural areas
640) What is the full form of RAHAT: Rajasthan Heart
Attack Treatment Programme
641) India and Germany have ratified a Social Security
Agreement. It will cover which services: Insurance,
Medicare, Pension, etc.
642) Duo of Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu clinched the Gold
medal in which international event: ISSF shooting
World Cup in New Delhi
643) In which shooting event Jitu Rai created a new world
record: 50 mts air pistol
644) Which Indian badminton star has been selected to
represent IOC in the Badminton World Federation:
Saina Nehwal
645) Which Indian warship was decommissioned on March
6 after serving the Indian Navy for nearly 30 years:
INS Viraat
646) What type of warship was INS Viraat: Aircraft Carrier
647) What was the original name of INS Viraat: HMS
Hermes
648) What is the name of the only aircraft carrier now
available with the Indian Navy: INS Vikramaditya

94. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 95
649) Which wing of Indian armed forces recently hosted
the war exercise named Tropex-17: Indian Navy
650) The war exercise Tropex-17 was held at which place:
Off the western coast in Arabian sea
651) What is the full form of Tropex: Theatre Level
Readiness and Operational Exercise
652) Moorti Devi Award is given for excellence in which
field: For outstanding work in an Indian language
highlighting the Indian philosophy and cultural
heritage
653) Who is the winner of the 2016 Moorti Devi award: M P
Veerendra Kumar
654) For which book Mr. Kumar won the Moorti Devi
award: 'Haimavatha Bhoomiyil'
655) M P Veerendra Kumar is a prominent writer and
journalist from which language: Malayalam
656) Name the famous global mobile phone brand that re-
entered the market after a gap of few years: Nokia
657) ____________ became the first Muslim actor in the history
who win an Academy Award (Oscar): Mahershala Ali
658) M Ali won the Oscar for best ___________ in the film
‘Moonlight’: Supporting Actor
659) As per CSO data, the GDP growth rate is estimated to
be at ___ per cent in 2016-17: 7.1
660) To which Japanese company Tata Sons agreed to pay
$1.8 billion to settle its dispute with it: NTT DoCoMo
661) ___________has been appointed as India’s permanent
representative to World Trade Organization (WTO): J.
S. Deepak
662) ____________ won the Polly Umrigar award for the
international cricketer of the year: Virat Kohli
663) Dilip Sardesai Award is given annually by the BCCI in
which category: For the best performance in India's
bilateral Test series against West Indies
664) Which state has announced Deendayal Rasoi Yojna to
provide meals to urban poor for Rs 5: Madhya
Pradesh
665) Which state plans to appoint a teacher in all of its high
schools for ensuring cleanliness in the school: Assam
666) Which day is observed to mark the discovery of the
Raman Effect (a phenomenon of scattering of
photons) by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara
Venkata Raman: National Science Day
667) India observers National Science Day on which day of
February: 28
th
668) An indigenously developed weapon locating radar has
been inducted in Indian Army. What is its name: Swati
669) __________ has introduced India's first AI-based banking
chatbot named ‘Eva’ which can answer millions of
customer queries across multiple channels instantly:
HDFC Bank
670) India’s first power boat racing event ‘Indian Grand
Prix of the Seas’ was held at which place: Mumbai
coast
671) India’s first hit-tech virtual world fish aquarium is
being set up in which city: Udaipur, Rajasthan
672) Which Indian university has been placed at 8
th rank in
the ‘Best Small Universities in the World 2017'
compiled by the Times Higher Education (THE), UK:
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
673) A two week long joint military exercise SURYA KIRAN-
XI between India and _________: Nepal
674) The Shahpur Kandi Dam project is located on which
river: Ravi
675) International Women’s Day is observed on which date:
March 8
676) Country’s longest extradosed bridge, running for 1.4
km, is located across River Narmada at Bharuch in
which state: Gujarat
677) Village __________ in J&K has been developed as the
country’s first tribal model village: Habbi
678) The Great Backyard Bird Count, 2017 report claims
that nearly 45 per cent of the 1263 species available in
India are found in ____________ state: Himachal
Pradesh
679) Country’s tallest flag post, standing 360 feet high and
supporting a 110 meter long national flag was
inaugurated at which place: Wagah border check
post at Pakistan Attari border in Amritsar
680) World Hearing Day is observed on which date: March
3
681) _________ has been appointed as the Deputy Governor of
the RBI: B. P. Kanungo
682) The country's largest waste-to-power plant was
inaugurated at Narela-Bawana in _____________:New
Delhi
683) __________, Polish diplomat has been re-elected as the
President of European Council: Donald Tusk
684) Men’s title in All England Open badminton
championships was won by whom: Lee Chong Wei
685) Ace badminton player Lee Chong Wei hails from
which country: Malaysia
686) Which state has decided to make Sanskrit a
compulsory language for students up to class 8
th in the
state: Assam
687) RBI has directed that Bank branches refusing to
exchange soiled notes from people will have to pay a
penalty of Rs. __________: 10,000/-
688) RBI has advised that if a _____________ message is
scribbled on currency note, it ceases to be legal
tender: Political
689) As per RBI guidelines, banks should not take any
charges for exchanging up to ____ notes: 20
690) The award for the 'Most Popular Tourism Destination’
was won by ___________ at the Guangzhou International
Travel Fair (GITF) in China: Sri Lanka
691) ‘Numbers Do Lie’ is a book written by Akash Chopra
on which topic: Cricket Statistics
692) "Ashoka: Lion of Maurya" is a book written by which
author : Ashok K Banker
693) The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) functions
under which Union Ministry: The Ministry of
Environment and Forests
694) The WCCB has launched Operation Thunder Bird for
what purpose: To combat illegal trade of wildlife
animals
695) The WCCB has launched "Operation Save Kurma" for
what purpose: To curb smuggling of turtles
696) Which Indian airport has secured first position in the
world in the prestigious Airports Council International
(ACI) Airport Service Quality survey: Rajiv Gandhi
Hyderabad International Airport

95. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 96
697) Which public sector bank has approved the 'Work
from Home' policy for its employees: State Bank of
India
698) RBI has directed that the NBFCs now cannot disburse
gold loan of more than Rs. _____in cash: 25,000/-
699) Himachal Pradesh government has launched a mobile
app and website titled ‘Mera Hunar HP’ or ‘My Talent’
for what purpose: To help skilled and semi-skilled
workers find jobs
700) As per recent RBI data, which bank topped the list of
banks that witnessed most number of frauds during
April to December, 2016: ICICI Bank
701) Which day is observed on March 9 to promote
awareness about the harmful consequences of obesity
and its association with kidney diseases: World
Kidney Day
702) The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's
Welfare has launched ‘Mission Fingerling’ for what
purpose: For the development of fisheries
703) Development of fisheries is covered under which
revolution: Blue Revolution
704) As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017,
______ has emerged as the best Indian city in terms of
living standards: Hyderabad
705) As per the Mercer's Quality of Living rankings 2017,
which city has secured top position: Vienna, Austria
706) World Consumer Rights Day is observed on which
date: March 15
707) On which date India observes National Consumer Day:
December 24
708) State Bank of India has announced a one-time
settlement scheme worth 6,000 crore rupees
primarily for ___________ loans: Tractor
709) In which country, Seema Verma, a leading health
consultant of Indian origin has been appointed to the
top healthcare position of the country: USA
710) Who has been announced as the official ambassador of
Women's Cricket World Cup 2017 by the International
Cricket Council (ICC): Sachin Tendulkar
711) Which PSU has installed India’s largest floating solar
photo voltaic plant for 100 kw at the Rajiv Gandhi
Combined Cycle Power Plant: National Thermal
Power Corporation - NTPC
712) The Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant is
located at which place: Kayamkulam, Kerala
713) The Commonwealth Day is observed on second
Monday of which month: March
714) What is the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day:
'A peace-building Commonwealth'
715) All England Open Badminton Championships’
Women’s title was won by top seed Tai Tzu Ying of
which country: China
716) Govt. has launched which scheme for addressing the
infrastructure needs of the exporters: Trade
Infrastructure for Export Scheme
717) Government has decided to start the National Banana
Research Centre at Gorole in which state: Bihar
718) India ranks at __________ place in production of Bananas
in World: No. 1
719) The World Bank has agreed to provide loan to develop
internal transmission arrangements of the upcoming
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project in which state:
Madhya Pradesh
720) _________ has been named as Vice President of the U-17
FIFA World Cup – 2017: Babul Supriyo
721) Which two Indian companies have been named in the
list of World’s Most Ethical Companies 2017 by
American think tank Ethisphere Institute: Tata Steel
Ltd and Wipro Ltd
722) India recently contributed Rs. 244 crore to as its
annual contribution to which international
organization: United Nations
723) India and __________have signed a social security
agreement to exempt detached workers of the two
countries from making social security contribution in
either country: Brazil
724) As per the Women in Politics Map 2017 compiled to
show the status of women in politics in various
countries, _____________ has been ranked at no. 1:
Rwanda
725) As per the Women in Politics Map 2017, what is the
rank of India: 148
th
726) Scientists have discovered the world’s first fluorescent
frog near Santa Fe in which country: Argentina
727) Which country had decided to begin testing new voice
recognition software which can tell that migrants
without documentation have come from which
country: Germany
728) The new health policy promises to increase public
spending on health to _____ per cent of the GDP by
2025: 2.5
729) The new health policy aims at reducing infant
mortality rate to 28 per 1,000 live births, from _______
at present: 39/1000
730) India has committed to which global organization to
scale up measures to end the Tuberculosis by 2030:
World Health Organization
731) Singapore's ___________ airport has been voted as the
World's Best Airport by air travelers at the 2017
World Airport Awards: Changi
732) The finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the
Group of 20 (G20) member nations held their meeting
in Baden-Baden in ___________ from 17-18 March 2017:
Germany
733) ___________ has been declared as the world's happiest
country in the World Happiness Report 2017
produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions
Network: Norway
734) What is the rank of India as per the World Happiness
Report 2017: 122
nd
735) Police station in Sanjauli, a suburb of________, has
become the first police post in the country to be linked
with Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and
Systems: Shimla
736) Which telecom has agreed to merge with Vodafone
India Ltd in a $23 billion deal, creating the world’s
second largest and India’s largest telecom: Idea
Cellular Ltd.
737) Which High Court has accorded the status of "living
human entities" to the Ganga and Yamuna, two of
India's most sacred rivers: Uttarakhand
738) Vijay Hazare Trophy is related to which sports:
Cricket
739) ____________ won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for 2017:

96. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 97
Tamil Nadu
740) Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open is associated with
which sports: Tennis
741) Who has been elected as the new Chief Minister of
Manipur and Uttrakhand: N Biren Singh and
Trivendra Singh Rawat
742) Global Teacher Prize is awarded by which
organization: Varkey Foundation, Dubai
743) Global Teacher Prize has been won by Maggie
MacDonnell of __________ who teaches at a school in a
fly-in only village in the Arctic region: Canada
744) On March ______, International day of Happiness is
observed across the world: 20
745) Scientists in ___________have developed a new wireless
technology based on infrared rays, which is reportedly
100 times faster than the existing wireless internet
networks: The Netherlands
746) __________became first Indian batsman to face over 500
balls in an innings: Cheteshwar Pujara
747) World’s Sparrow Day is celebrated on which date:
March 20
748) Which treaty was signed in 1957 to lay the foundation
of present day European Union: Treaty of Rome
749) March 22 is devoted to conservation and recycling of
which precious natural resource: Water
750) International Day of Forests is observed on which date
in March: 21
st
751) What is the theme of International Day of Forests
2017: Forests and Energy
752) ICICI Bank has launched a mobile banking
app __________ for rural customers: 'Mera iMobile'
753) In the World Health Index 2017 released by
Bloomberg, ____ has been named as the healthiest
country: Italy
754) National Building Construction Corporation – NBCC, A
navratna company is under control of which Union
Ministry: Ministry of Urban Development
755) NBCC has signed a MoU to execute a $ 20 million
(Rs.130 crore) social housing project in which
country: Mauritius
756) World Poetry Day is observed on which date:
March 21
757) Among the 188 countries surveyed for the Human
Development Index 2016, India ranks low at _______
place: 131
st
758) As per the Human Development Index 2016 __________
is the best country: Norway
759) Which UN agency is associated with the compilation of
Human Development Index: UN Development
Programme
760) In terms of number of billionaires in a country, India’s
rank is _________ in the world: 4
th
761) Which Army unit celebrated 200-years of its raising in
Secunderabad, Telangana on 16 March: Ninth
Gorkhas
762) Which day is celebrated by World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) to highlight the contribution of
meteorology in ensuring safety and well being of the
society: World Meteorological Day
763) What is the theme of this year’s World Meteorological
Day: Understanding clouds
764) The Union Cabinet has decided to set up a National
Commission for _____________Classes with constitutional
status, at par with the panels for SCs and STs: Socially
and Educationally Backward
765) Why the government has abolished the 1% tax on cash
payments of over Rs 2 lakh for the purchase of goods
or services: Because cash dealings above Rs. 2 lakh
have banned from April 1
766) ISRO has commissioned the world’s third largest
hypersonic wind tunnel at which place:
Thiruvananthapuram
767) In which country shortage of food items led to riots
and looting of bakeries, creating a ‘bread war’
situation: Venezuela
768) Scientists in India have uncovered a pair of 1.6 billion-
year-old fossils containing red algae in which region
on UP-MP border: Chitrakoot
769) Govt has launched which scheme for providing
Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior
citizens belonging to BPL category’: Rashtriya
Vayoshri Yojana
770) Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for
amending NABARD Act, 1981, to increase the
authorized capital of NABARD from Rs. 5,000 crore to
Rs. _____ crore: 30,000
771) Observation of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24
is supported by which UN organization: WHO
772) Able prize, popular as the Nobel Prize of Maths has
been won by Yves Meyer of which country: France
773) The Able prize in Maths is awarded by which
authority: The Norwegian Academy of Science and
Letters.
774) Name the veteran photojournalist who was conferred
with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th
National Photography Awards: Raghu Rai
775) “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution” is a
coffee table book brought out by which organization:
National Dairy Development Board
776) “My story” is a autobiography of which famous
Australian cricketer: Michael Clarke
777) Which Indian city will host 2017 Men’s Hockey World
League final and the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup:
Bhubaneswar
778) At which international event India bagged record 73
medals - 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze medals:
Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria
779) Indian navy has selected which maritime surveillance
aircraft to replace Tupolev-142M aircraft: P-81
aircraft
780) Indian Navy has inducted IN LCU L51 warships for
what purpose: To carry out amphibious operations
and surveillance
781) What is the full form of IN LCU: Indian Navy Lending
Craft Utility
782) Which international organization supports the
observation of Earth Hour: World Wide Fund for
Nature
783) The newly passed Mental Healthcare Bill has what
provisions for suicide: Person committing suicide
shall not be tried or punished by law
784) After implementation of GST, the CBEC will be
renamed as __________: CBIC - Central Board of

97. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 98
Indirect Taxes and Customs
785) Railways plan to set up Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks named
_____________at about 500 stations: Railwire Saathi
786) India has become the _________ largest aviation market
in terms of domestic passenger traffic: Third
787) World Theatre Day on March 27 a supported by which
UN organization: UNESCO
788) Tanushree Pareek became the first woman combat
officer to be commissioned in the 51-year history of
___________ force: Border Security Force
789) Govt has launched ‘MoP&NG e-Seva’, a dedicated
online grievances redressal platform for what
purpose: For queries and grievances relating to Oil
and Gas Sector
790) ____________Indian-American woman has been
appointed as the President and CEO of ‘The
Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’:
Vanita Gupta
791) ________________has been adjudged the ‘Best Small Bank
for 2016’: Karur Vysya Bank
792) What is the special feature of the Unnati credit card
launched by the SBI card: No annual fee for first four
year
793) The Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat was
conferred with the title of Honorary General by the
army of which country: Nepal
794) Who won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy the ICC
Cricketer of the Year 2016: Ravichandran Ashwin
795) The Global Energy Architecture Performance Index
2017 ranks India at which place: 87th
796) Prestigious $ one million Genesis Prize is awarded by
which country: Israel
797) Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was
recently honoured with which international prize:
Genesis Prize
798) _________ is the capital of Nagaland: Kohima
FEBRUARY - 2017
799) Prestigious $ one million Genesis Prize is awarded by
which country: Israel
800) Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was
recently honoured with which international prize:
Genesis Prize
801) _________ is the capital of Nagaland: Kohima
802) Data released by the CSO says that the GDP growth for
2015–16 has been hiked to _____ % from the earlier
estimate of 7.6%: 7.9
803) Which airways conducted the world’s longest
commercial flight covering a distance of 14,535 kms:
Qatar Airways
804) World’s longest flight connects Doha with which city:
Auckland, New Zealand
805) Which Indian state has launched India's first social
innovation centre the ‘Kakatiya Hub For Social
Innovation’: Telangana
806) India’s first-ever Centre of Excellence for differently-
abled sportsmen is being established in which place:
Gandhinagar, Gujarat
807) National campaign for Measles-Rubella (MR)
vaccination was launched from which city: Bengaluru
808) Which apex national organization has launched an
online index to capture data on innovation from all
Indian states: Niti Aayog
809) What is the name of innovation index launched by Niti
Aayog: India Innovation Index
810) The 19
th Bharat Rang Mahotsav was held to celebrate
which performing art: Theatre
811) Which national body hosted the 19
th Bharat Rang
Mahotsav: National School of Drama
812) National School of Drama is located in which city:
New Delhi
813) ________ won the Men’s singles title in the Senior
National Badminton Championship: Sourabh Verma
814) ________ won the Women’s singles title in the Senior
National Badminton Championship: Rituparna Das
815) As per a new bill, holding of more than ____ old notes
of Rs 500/1000 denomination is a punishable offence:
Ten
816) Who is the world’s longest reigning monarch who
recently completed 65 years of reign: Queen
Elizabeth II
817) Govt. has launched which programme to make 6 crore
rural households digitally literate by March 2019:
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
818) Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
shall be implemented by which Union Ministry:
Ministry of Electronics and IT
819) Which country has started taking fingerprints of all
foreign visitors to enhance security on its boarders:
China
820) The Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting
of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
was held in which city: New Delhi
821) India has been placed at ______rank in a list of 45
countries compiled by 5
th Annual International
Intellectual Property (IP) Index in USA: 43
rd
822) Sir Peter Mansfield, who died recently was associated
with development of which medical technique: MRI
823) What is the full form of MRI: Magnetic Resonance
Imaging
824) _______ has become the world’s largest producer of
solar energy, replacing Germany from the top: China
825) The 'National Deworming' Day is observed on which
date: February 10
826) Which popular de-worming tablet is distributed in
schools and anganwadis: Albendazole
827) ___________appointed as the new Chairman of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India: Ajay Tyagi
828) Which Indian sand artist has created a Guinness
World Record for the highest sand made structure:
Sudarsan Pattnaik
829) India successfully test-fired its home grown AAD
interceptor missile. What is AAD: Advanced Air
Defence
830) ________ has been has been named as the official
mascot for FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Kheleao
831) Which country will host FIFA Under – 17 World Cup
in October 2017: India
832) Mascot “Kheleao” has been developed after which
animal: Clouded Leopard
833) USA plans to build a defence wall at a huge
expenditure with which neighbouring country:
Mexico

98. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 99
834) __________ has become the first state in the country for
establishing the cashless system in its public
distribution system (PDS) of food grains: Gujarat
835) The government launched the Mission XI Million
initiative for what purpose: To promote football
among school children
836) Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had been elected as the
new _________of Somalia (East Africa): President
837) Frank-Walter Steinmeier elected as the new President
of _________: Germany
838) World’s first road made up of electricity-generating
solar panels has been constructed in: France
839) “From Kalburgi to Ayodhya” is a collection of poems
by which famous poet and lyricist: Gulzar
840) What is the proper name of Gulzar Sahib: Sampooran
Singh Kalra
841) “Fearless in Opposition” is a book authored by which
former Union Finance Minister: P. Chidambaram
842) Which iconic Indian car brand has been sold off by the
Hindustan Motors to European auto major _____:
Ambassador, Peugeot
843) World Radio Day is observed on which date:
February 13
844) Which UN body supports the celebrations of the
World Radio Day: UNESCO
845) What is this year’s theme for World Radio Day: Radio
is you
846) BAFTA awards are associated with excellence in
which field: Cinema
847) BAFTA awards 2017 were held in which city: London
848) Who is the director of the highly awarded popular
film La La Land: Damien Chazelle of USA
849) Which city hosted the 59
th Grammy Awards: Los
Angeles
850) Which artist won the Grammy for both record of the
year and song of the year: Ms. Adele
851) Immensely popular pop singer Adele is from which
country: Britain
852) Which state has passed a bill to facilitate traditional
animal sports “Kambala”: Karnataka
853) Animal sports “Kambala” is associated with which
animal: Buffalo (Race)
854) The scam involving the cancellation of 634 MBBS
students became notorious as Vyapam scam. What is
Vyapam: Vyavasayik Pareeksha Mandal
(Professional Examination Board)
855) ____________ claimed 250 test wickets in shortest time
in world: Ravichandran Ashwin
856) With a view to increase understanding of the science
of climate change, a special train named _____________
has been launched: ‘Science Express Climate Action
Special’ (SECAS II)
857) Government has launched which programme for
recapitalisation of public sector banks:
‘Indradhanush 2.0’
858) Govt. plans to infuse Rs. 70,000 crore for
recapitalization in public sector banks in view of
which international requirements: Basel III norms
859) In which country world’s longest elevated cycle path
was opened recently: China, in Xiamen
860) Thailand and the United States jointly hosted Asia’s
largest military exercise named ________: Cobra Gold
861) Asia’s largest military exercise named Cobra Gold was
hosted by which country: Thailand
862) Vyas Samman is awarded for excellence in which
field: Hindi Literature
863) Who is the winner of 2016 Vyas Samman: Surendra
Verma
864) For which novel Surender Verma won the prestigious
Vyas Samman: Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha: Padma
Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se
865) Name the Indian tabla player who won the Grammy
Award for the Best Global Music category: Sandeep
Das
866) Pakistan recently passed which bill to recognize
marriages in Hindu Community: Hindu Marriage Bill
2017
867) RBI has decided to start reimbursement of MDR
charges to banks for payments made through debit
cards since January 1, 2017. What is MDR: Merchant
Discount Rate
868) The RBI has increased the gold loan limit for RRBs
(Regional Rural Banks) to Rs. ______lakh from the
current Rs 1 lakh: Two
869) World famous Khajuraho dance festival is held in
which state: Madhya Pradesh
870) Which bank won the National MSME Excellence
Award: Corporation Bank
871) The Indian Navy launched sailboat _________as the
platform for the first Indian all-women global
circumnavigation: 'Tarini'
872) ___________of Haryana won the national championship
for men's 50-kilometre race walk: Sandeep Kumar
873) __________: Beyond the Dream Girl is a book written
by Ram Kamal Mukherjee: Hema Malini
874) UNICEF has declared emergency conditions due to
famine in which three African countries: Nigeria,
Somalia, South Sudan
875) As per the report released by SIPRI, Sweden,
_________ is the world’s largest importer of weapons
and military equipment in 2012-16: India
876) What is the full form of SIPRI : Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute
877) As per the report by SIPRI, India imports ______
percent of world’s total arms trade: 13
878) Shurhozelie Liezitsu has been elected as the new Chief
Minister of which Indian state: Nagaland
879) Virat Kohli became first Indian to strike a Rs. 110
crore endorsement deal with which company: Puma
880) The Union Health Ministry has launched the Saathiya
Resource Kit and mobile app named ‘Saathiya Salah’
for which target group: Adolescent Boys and Girls
881) ‘Saathiya Salah’ app is aimed at providing information
on which subject: Health
882) In a survey conducted by the C-SPAN of USA on
Presidential Leadership, ___________was ranked at the
top spot: Abraham Lincoln
883) Scientists have claimed to discover a new 8
th
continent. What is its name: Zealandia
884) The Zealandia continent is supposed to be located in
which part of the world: Around New Zealand
885) What is the possible use of the newly developed

99. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 100
material coating called LiquiGlide: To make daily use
containers like bottles etc. super slippery from
inside
886) RBI has promoted a new digital payment initiative to
enable seamless digital payments without card
swiping machines. What is its name: Bharat QR Code
887) Which is the first bank in India to use a gTLD for its
internet presence: State Bank of India
888) What is the full form of gTLD: generic Top Level
Domain
889) International Mother Language Day is observed on
which date: Feb 21
890) Film “Newton”, directed by Amit Masurkar won the
International Federation of Art Cinemas award at
which film festival: Berlin Film Festival
891) Govt. has launched Mkavach and Samvid Apps for
what purpose: For digital security of mobiles,
tablets and computers
892) Which state has declared 2017 as the “Year of Apple”:
Jammu & Kashmir
893) Justice___________appointed the chairman of Cauvery
Water Disputes Tribunal: Abhay Manohar Sapre
894) From which date the branches of 5 associates banks of
SBI will be converted into SBI branches: April 1,
2017
895) Astronomers of which organization have discovered
seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a star called
Trappist-1: NASA.
896) About which restaurants charges the Consumer
Affairs Ministry has notified that they are not
mandatory: Service Charges
897) Which country is facing strong international criticism
for failing to rein-in months-long military crackdown
on Rohingya Muslim community: Myanmar
JANUARY – 2017
898) About which restaurants charges the Consumer
Affairs Ministry has notified that they are not
mandatory: Service Charges
899) The 104th Indian Science Congress was hosted by the
__________University in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh: Sri
Venkateswara
900) Govt. has launched a new online payment named
BHIM. What is its full form: Bharat Interface for
Money
901) What is the main objective of the initiative, ‘Swachh
Swasth Sarvatra’: Strengthening of community
health centres
902) The Swachh Swasth Sarvatra initiative is proposed to
be implemented in which type of blocks: Blocks free
from open defecation
903) Which Union Ministry has launched Mission Swachh
Swasth Sarvatra: Health Ministry in collaboration
with the Ministry of Drin king Water and
Sanitation
904) The Beipanjiang Bridge, the highest in the world, has
been opened up in which country: China
905) ___________ has emerged as the India’s first fully organic
agriculture state: Sikkim
906) The Supreme Court of India has ruled that no
politician can seek the vote in the name of ___, ____,
_____ community or language: Caste, Creed, Religion
907) ________ has been named as the World’s Best
Playmaker for the year 2016: Lionel Messi
908) _________has become the first country in the world to
pay a basic monthly income to its deserving citizens:
Finland
909) Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar islands hosted the
_________Festival 2017: Island Tourism
910) Scientists in Ireland have classified a new organ
named ‘Mesentery’ inside human body in the _______
system: Digestive
911) The United Nations General Assembly
has recognised the year 2017 as the International
Year of ________for Development: Sustainable
Tourism
912) World Braille Day is observed, which date: January 4
913) Why January 4 is observed as World Braille Day: It is
the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor
of the Braille language for the blind
914) Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, home loans upto
Rs. _____ lakh will now get 4 % rebate in interest: 9
915) Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, home loans upto
Rs. _____ lakh will now get 3 % rebate in interest:12
916) In a new scheme, senior citizens have been assured
_____ per cent interest on their deposits up to Rs. _____
lakh, for next 10 years: 8, 7.5
917) Which country has launched world’s longest bullet
train running for 2760 kms: China
918) ___________ was named the World's Best Player at the
Best Fifa Football Awards: Cristiano Ronaldo
919) _________ became the first country in the world to start
shutting down its FM radio network in favour of
digital radio: Norway
920) The Golden Globe Awards are given for excellence in
which field: Cinema
921) Which film won the Golden Globe for best motion
picture: Moonlight
922) Damien Chazelle won the Golden Globe for Best
Director for which film: La La Land
923) Which Union Ministry sponsors the World Hindi Day
celebrations around the world: Ministry of External
Affairs
924) Abbu Ammaz, an eight-year old boy from Jammu and
Kashmir won gold medal in National level
_______Championship: Thaiboxing
925) Railways has launched a new passenger mobile
application 'IRCTC Rail Connect' for what purpose: To
promote ease of booking tickets through digital
mode.
926) __________ has been appointed as the new Chairman of
Tata Sons: Natarajan Chandrasekaran
927) Name the first payments bank of India that started
operations in January: Airtel Payments Bank
928) Payment Banks are not allowed to accept which type
of deposits: Time Deposits (FD and RD)
929) Khelo India National level Sports Competitions were
held in which city: New Delhi
930) Filmfare award for best film was won by which
picture: Dangal
931) __________ won the Filmfare award for the best director:

100. GENERAL AWARENESS – AUGUST 2017 101
Nitesh Tiwari
932) Name the cricket icon who was inducted into Legends
Club 'Hall of Fame' in Mumbai: Kapil Dev
933) As per the Global Passport Index, passport of which
country has been ranked as the best: Germany
934) Himachal Pradesh has declared that ______ would be
the second capital of the State: Dharamsala
935) Which Indian Navy warship has become the first ship
to have an ATM on board: INS Vikramaditya
936) Who was the head of the panel constituted to review
the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act:
N. K. Singh
937) Which insurance company has been given the charge
for implementing the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana
2017: LIC
938) Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 will provide an
assured return of ____% per annum for _____ years: 8,
10
939) The threshold age limit for the
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 is_____ years: 60
940) Which airport won the Golden Peacock Award for
Corporate Social Responsibility in the aviation
transport sector for the year 2016: Delhi
International Airport
941) Annual Status of Education Report-2016 relates to
which subject: Children’s schooling in rural India
942) Recently Union Cabinet has approved which change
for IIMs: They have been allowed to issue degrees
rather than diplomas
943) Crown Prince of which country was the chief guest for
this year’s Republic Day Parade function: Abu Dhabi
(UAE)
944) National Voters Day is celebrated on which date: 25
th
January
945) For what reason National Voters Day is observed on
25
th January: On this date in 1950, Election
Commission came into being
946) Name two active politicians who have been conferred
Padma Vibhushan in 2017: Mr. Sharad Pawar and
Sh. Murli Manohar Joshi
947) Padma Vibhushan has been conferred on which
politicians posthumously: Sh. Sunder Lal Patwa and
Sh. P A Sangma
948) Prof. U R Rao has been decorated with which national
award: Padma Vibhushan
949) Name the gallant soldier who was conferred with the
highest peace time gallantry award Ashok Chakra on
this Republic Day: Havildar Hangpan Dada
(posthumously)
950) ____________ was declared the new Miss Universe at a
glittering pageant held in Manila (Philippines): Iris
Mittenaere
951) Iris Mittenaere, the new Miss Universe, belongs to
which country? France
952) As per reports, more than _________ of the Indian adult
population now has an Aadhaar number. 99%
953) The Anti Leprosy Day is observed in the memory of:
Mahatma Gandhi

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