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Current Affairs Compilation

UPPSC PCS 2019
Dear Aspirants,
This Current Affairs Compilation is a complete docket of important National and International Affairs events that occurred in last 6
months (1st June 2019 – 25th November 2019). This file is important and relevant for all State PCS and other upcoming competitive
exams.

National Affairs
November
1. As per Economist Intelligence Unit's 2019 Global Note: It has been published by the Centre of Sustainable
Microscope on Financial Inclusion report: Employment at the Azim Premji University. The paper is
Note: India placed among the top nations with the most based on both the recent “Employment and
conducive environment for financial inclusion in terms of Unemployment” and “Unincorporated Non‐Agricultural
allowing non-banks to issue e-money.The overall Enterprise” survey data of the National Sample Survey
environment for financial inclusion has improved globally (NSS).
with India, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Mexico have the 6. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is collaborating
most favourable conditions for inclusive finance. with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set
2. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the National symposium to up a space technology cell at the campus.
eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in New Delhi. Note: The cell will work for carrying out focused research
Note: The theme of the symposium was “United to projects in the space technology domain with specific
Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis”. During the symposium, Dr. deliverables. The IIT Delhi celebrating 50thConvocation on 2
Harsh Vardhan signed a ‘Call to Action to eliminate November where Dr. K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO will be the
Lymphatic Filariasis by 2021’. The Lymphatic Filariasis is a chief guest.
disease caused by a human parasitic worm called 7. Siemens Limited has signed a MoU with NTPC Limited to
Wuchereria Bancrofti and spread by Culex Mosquitoes. identify, evaluate and set up reference use cases of
3. 5th Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations held in hydrogen sector-coupling for various upstream and
-- New Delhi. downstream applications.
Note: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Note: The collaboration is aimed at developing innovative
Chancellor Angela Merkel co-chaired the 5th Indo-German technologies, solutions and techniques to reduce the
Inter-Governmental Consultations to strengthen the "very dependence on Hydrocarbons in India. Siemens has also
close" relationship between the two countries. The two inked a separate MoU with TERI for collaboration on
leaders also discuss bilateral issues including agriculture technologies to support the energy transition in India
economic partnership, trade and investment. including sector-coupling.
4. Telecom Regulatory Authority of Indian (TRAI) fixed phone 8. AYUSH Ministry has Inaugurated National Research
call ring time at 30 seconds on mobiles and 60 seconds for Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders.
landline phones. Note: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Note: The time duration of alert for an incoming voice call, AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated National
which is neither answered nor rejected by the called party, Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders
shall be thirty seconds for Cellular Mobile Telephone (NRIUMSD) in Hyderabad. It is upgraded institutions from
Service and sixty seconds for Basic Telephone Service. the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM).
Telecom operators on their own were reducing incoming 9. German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged to invest 1
call ring time to attract reverse calls from the subscriber of billion euros over the next five years on environmentally
other networks. friendly urban mobility in India.
5. According to a new academic paper- written by Santosh Note: Merkel, whose visit to the country coincided with one
Mehrotra and Jajati K Parida, The total employment during of the worst spells of air pollution in Delhi/NCR, also
2011-12 and 2017-18 declined by - 9 million. emphasized on the need to replace diesel-run public

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transport with electric vehicles. Germany would also put in Note: The SACEP is an inter-governmental organization
200 million euros to reform the bus sector in Tamil Nadu. which was established in 1982. Its member countries
10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 5th Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
India International Science Festival (IISF) through video Pakistan and Sri Lanka aim to promote and support
conference. protection, management and enhancement of the
Note: The theme for this year’s festival is RISEN India - environment in the region.
Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation. 17. Italian movie Despite the Fog is the opening movie at the
11. The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled 50th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
two new IT Initiatives (ICEDASH and ATITHI) for improved 2019.
monitoring and pace of customs clearance of imported Note: The 100-minute film directed by Goran Paskaljevic
goods. narrates the tale of a child whose parents drown while
Note: ICEDASH is an Ease of Doing Business monitoring trying to migrate to Italy in a rubber boat. The 50th edition
dashboard of the Indian Customs helping the public see the of IFFI witnessed the screening of over 200 best films from
daily Customs clearance times of import cargo at various 76 countries.
ports and airports. The ATITHI app will facilitate hassle-free 18. Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development
and faster clearance by Customs at the airports and Sanjay Dhotre has launched the Shala Darpan Portal of
enhance the experience of international tourists and other Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
visitors at the airports. Note: Shala Darpan provides an integrated platform to
12. The first-ever containerized cargo movement via the Indo- meet the educational and administrative needs of all
Bangladesh protocol route and Brahmaputra river will start stakeholders-students, teachers and parents. This will
from Haldia (West Bengal). integrate all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas with a common
Note: The vessel MV Maheshwari, carrying 53 containers of standard which includes around 636 schools and 2.67
petrochemicals, edible oil and beverage will take 12-15 days million students.
to reach the IWAI terminal at Pandu in Assam’s Guwahati. 19. Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has released
National Waterway 2 (NW-2) is a section of the the fifth edition of Wastelands Atlas - 2019.
Brahmaputra River having a length of 891 km between the Note: The Atlas, published jointly by Department of Land
Bangladesh border near Dhubri and Sadiya in Assam. Resources and National Remote Sensing Centre, provides
13. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has launched a first robust geospatial information on wasteland.
of its kind job helpline number (76260-76260) for the 20. India has decided not to be part of the Regional
unemployed youth of the state under Ghar Ghar Rozgar’ Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in
programme. the national interest.
Note: The objective of this helpline is to reach every house Note: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his
in Punjab. In this process, a 110-seat call centre of Punjab speech at the RCEP Summit in Bangkok. The Regional
Job Helpline has also been created for the data to be Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed
prepared. free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states
14. The first-ever India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
‘Dustlik-2019’ has begun at Chirchiq Training Area (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
nearTashkent. the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its six
Note: The exercise enabled the sharing of best practices FTA partners (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
and experiences between the Armed Forces of the two and New Zealand).
countries and will lead to greater operational effectiveness. 21. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 10th
15. The Guinness World Records for the largest astrophysics Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine in New Delhi.
lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of spectroscopes was Note: Within Asia, EM was first recognized in Singapore in
successfully achieved at the Science City, Kolkata (IISF- 1984, followed by the Philippines, Turkey, South Korea,
2019) Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand and India.
Note: Over 1,598 students has participated in the event. 22. The union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated state
16. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar has attended the 15th of art railway station in Sultanpur Lodhi. Punjab.
meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Co- Note: The railway station modelled on Sikh architecture
operative Environment Programme (SACEP) in Dhaka. has been engineered to facilitate pilgrims visiting the holy

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city. The Minister also released a book on the life and and documentary films from 76 countries will be screened
teachings of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to commemorate Guru in 17 venues during the film extravaganza.
Sahab's 550th Prakash Purb. 29. The Golden Jubilee of International Film Festival of India
23. The Eleventh edition of Bal Sangam has begun in New (IFFI) 2019 will screen three films for differently abled.
Delhi. Note: International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2019 will
Note: The four-day festival will showcase enthralling folk have the screening of Accessible India Films. This is a
and traditional performing arts and folk theatre dedicated collaboration between IFFI, Saksham Bharat and UNESCO
to children. As many as twelve States including Assam, with the aim to promote the creation of inclusive spaces for
Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat are participating in the differently abled to access the joy of cinema through
the event. Audio Deion.This unique film section will witness the
24. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Supreme Court screening of three films, two in Hindi - Lage Raho Munna
Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi paved the way for the Bhai and M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and one in Konkani-
construction of a Ram Temple at Ayodhya. Questao De Confusao in Konkani.
Note: It also directed the Centre to allot an alternative five- 30. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque at (MoSPI) has organized the 27th Conference of Central and
a prominent place in the holy town. State Statistical Organizations (COCSSO) in Kolkata.
25. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Note: The theme of this year’s Conference “Sustainable
check post of Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Punjab. 31. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has
Note: Mr. Modi flagged off the first batch of over 500 Indian launched its first all-electric experimental aircraft named--
pilgrims led by Akal Takhat Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to X-57 ‘Maxwell’.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the corridor. The corridor Note: The first delivery of the all-electric experimental
connects ‘Dera Baba Nanak’ (in Gurdaspur district-India) to aircraft was taken from Empirical Systems Aerospace
the ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ (in Kartarpur in Narowal (ESAero) in California, United States (US). Due to current
district of Pakistan). The Kartarpur Gurudwara (Darbar battery limitations, Maxwell's design is envisioned for use in
Sahib Kartarpur) is situated on the banks of river ‘Ravi’, short-haul flights as an air-taxi or commuter plane for a
considered to be the first gurdwara ever built. small number of passengers. 
26. Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional level Search 32. The Union government of India has given approval for
and Rescue Workshop and Exercise - 2019 (ReSAREX - setting up Four medical device parks.
2019). Note: The four parks will be set up in Andhra Pradesh,
Note: It conducted this exercise to check the preparedness Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These parks will provide
and response measures for search and rescue at sea in a the necessary infrastructure, where companies can easily
coordinated manner. The two days event organised by the plug and play. The project of Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone
Coast Guard District Headquarters - 11 (Goa) comprised of for creation of Common Facility Centre (CFC) for
search and rescue workshop and tabletop exercise followed Superconducting Magnetic Coil Testing and Research was
by search and rescue exercise at sea. given in-principle approval recently.
27. India will be the host nation for the ‘No Money For Terror’ 33. The 50th- edition of International Film Festival of India
Conference to be held in 2020. (IFFI) showcase Eight movies from Russia.
Note: The ‘No Money For Terror’ conference is organised by Note: 'Andrei Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer', is one of the
Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of over 100 countries, movies to be featured among these Russian movies. The
jointly known as the Egmont Group. documentary by Tarkovsky is considered one of his
28. The 25th Kolkata International Film Festival (eight-day) held masterpieces. It recounts the director's life and works told
at the Netaji Indoor Stadium Kolkata. by himself. In the film, he shares his memories, view of art
Note: Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan inaugurated the and reflections on the destiny of the artist and the meaning
festival at a glittering function at the Netaji Indoor Stadium of human existence.
in the city in presence of a galaxy of cine personalities and 34. Newly discovered species of spider named after Sachin
dignitaries of cultural and sports field. Noted film director Tendulkar.
Mahesh Bhatt referred the contribution of Bengal’s Movies Note: Mr. Dhruv Prajapati is a research scholar from the
in the national perspective. 213 feature films and 152 short Gujarat Ecological Education & Research (GEER)

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Foundation. One spider species was named after Indian 40. Mangala Mani is the first woman scientist to spend 403
cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as “Marengo Sachin Tendulkar”. days in Antarctica.
The other was named as “Indomarengo chavarapater” after Note: Mani was part of an expedition team that went to
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, who played a key role in Bharati – India’s research station in Antarctica – in
creating awareness on education in the state of Kerala. November 2016. She was the only woman in the 23-
35. The defence ministry is organizing Def-Connect to showcase member-team that went to the freezing continent this time.
the accomplishments of the Innovations for Defence 41. The Union Water Resources Ministry has set up a
Excellence (iDEX) initiative in New Delhi. Committee to draft a new National Water Policy (NWP).
Note: The conference aims to bring together all The Committee will be chaired by Mihir Shah.
stakeholders of the iDEX ecosystem, Ministry of defence, Note: The committee has 10 principal members, including
iDEX selected startups, Partner Incubators, Defence Shashi Shekhar, a former secretary of Water Resources,
Innovation Organisation, Nodal agencies (Indian Army, and A.B. Pandya, former chairman of the Central Ground
Navy, Airforce), Defence Research Water Board. The NWP currently in force was drafted in
36. The 39th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF- 2012 and is the third such policy since 1987
2019) started at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 42. The Supreme Court has held that the office of the Chief
Note: The theme for the 39th edition of the fair is ‘Ease of Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority under the Right to
Doing Business’ inspired by India’s unique achievement of Information (RTI) Act 2005.
rising to 63rd rank on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Note: The judgment in this regard was made by a five-judge
Business Index from 142nd rank in the year 2014. Several constitution bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi on
countries, including Australia, Iran, UK, and Vietnam will November 13, 2019.
participate in the 14-day IITF-2019. This year the status of 43. The first woman Assistant Naval Attache and second
‘Partner Country’ has been accorded to ‘The Islamic woman defence personnel to be appointed for a diplomatic
Republic of Afghanistan’ and ‘The Republic of Korea’ will be assignment in Russia --- Gogoi
the ‘Focus Country’. Bihar and Jharkhand will be the focus 44. The 6th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance
states in this edition of the fair. was held in New Delhi.
37. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria has inaugurated the 58th Note: It was jointly hosted by the Asia-Pacific Rural and
Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) Annual Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA), National Bank for
Conference at Bengaluru. Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Ministry
Note: The objective of the conference to address of Agriculture, Government of India.
contemporary issues and applications in the subject of 45. India-U.S. tri-services amphibious exercise Tiger Triumph
aerospace medicine. The theme for this year’s conference is has begun at Vishakhapatnam.
‘Changing Paradigms in Aerospace Healthcare’. Note: The training events will enhance U.S.-India military-
38. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be the Chief Guest at to-military relations and hone individual and small-unit skills
the Republic Day Parade 2020. in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The
Note: The year 2018 was historic when leaders from the 10 exercise will include staff-planning events as well as field
ASEAN nations – Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, training that simulates moving a humanitarian
the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and assistance/disaster relief force from ship to shore.
Brunei – were the chief guests at Republic Day celebration. 46. CSIR- IMTECH, Chandigarh has signed a MoU with the
On 26th January 2020, India will celebrate its 71st Republic Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to promote
Day. collaborative research.
39. India gets USD 43 million from Green Climate Fund to boost Note: The objective of this collaboration is to carry out state
climate resilience. of the art research in areas of healthcare especially in
Note: India kicked-off a USD 43 million project to boost projects and missions where both the institutes can
climate resilience in three coastal states in partnership with significantly complement each other.
the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The 47. Two-day Regional Conference on the theme: “Replication
project is funded by the Green Climate Fund, established of Good Governance Practices in Union Territories of J&K
within the framework of the United Nations Framework and Ladakh” has begun in Jammu.
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to assist Note: The Conference is organized by the Department of
developing countries. Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG),

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Government of India in collaboration with the Government Note: President's Colour is a visible symbol of excellence
of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. and is earned through worthy contribution both during war
48. National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic and peace.
Advancement (NISHTHA) was launched in Jammu and 52. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) has launched a special
Kashmir. winter-grade diesel that remains unfrozen up to minus 33
Note: The event was attended by around 300 teachers, Key degree Celsius.
Resource Persons (KRPs) and Chief Education Officers, DIET Note: The fuel would help provide year-round access to
Principals and Educational Administrators. NISHTHA is a snow-capped border regions and is part of India’s efforts to
National Mission aimed at improving learning outcomes at speed up strategic road connectivity.
Elementary level through integrated Teacher Training 53. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) has released a 28-
49. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has a set up an Online page booklet called ‘From uttapam to sprouted dal
Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention and parantha’.
Investigation Unit at headquarter in New Delhi. Note: It explains that nutritious food prepared at less than
Note: It has been set up to counter the growing menace of 20 rupees will help in dealing with problems like
child porn on the internet. The new specialized unit under underweight, obesity and Anaemia in children. The book
the Special Crime Investigation Wing of the agency will gives a detailed break-up of protein, carbohydrate, fat, total
collect intelligence on those who are allegedly creating and fibre, iron, vitamin C and calcium content of the recipe.
transmitting such material on the internet. 54. The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the
50. Smriti Irani Inaugurates Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh National Institute for Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in Leh.
(BPKK) to Tackle Malnutrition. Note: The setting up of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa
Note: The Poshan Atlas was inaugurated by Smriti Zubin (NISR) would provide an impetus for the revival of Sowa-
Irani along with Bill Gates in New Delhi. The Bharatiya Rigpa in the Indian Sub-continent. It will be an autonomous
Poshan Krishi Kosh is a repository of diverse crops across organization under the Ministry of AYUSH.
128 agro-climatic zones to help enable better nutritional 55. RSS Chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat has inaugurated the
outcomes. The Kosh aims to reduce malnutrition among International Principal’s Education Conference (IPEC) at
women and children across the country, through a multi- Nagpur.
sectoral results-based framework, including agriculture Note: Noted mathematician Anand Kumar (Super 30
51. President Ram Nath Kovind presented the prestigious founder) was honoured with Nachiketa Sarvottama Award
President's Colour to the Indian Naval Academy at on the occasion. Mr. Kumar dedicated this award to all the
Kannur,Kerala. teachers who are working for the upliftment of
underprivileged children.

October

1. Aarambh: The Centre’s first-ever common foundation 4. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed
course for the 2019 batch probationer civil servants at the Vigilance Awareness Week -- 28th October to 2nd
the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. November 2019.
Note: The theme this year is ‘How to achieve the goal 5. IIM Kozhikode and Mangalore Refineries and
of making India a 5 trillion Dollar economy. Petrochemicals Ltd. have announced a special drive to
2. ‘Maharatna’ status has been granted by the support women entrepreneurs in the country -- “La Eve
Government to state-owned --- Hindustan Petroleum (meaning The Woman)”
Corporation Limited & Power Grid Corporation of 6. United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has
India Limited. launched a cinema advertisement campaign to raise
3. The Union Cabinet has approved the merger of loss- awareness and take steps against hunger and
making telecom firms BSNL and MTNL malnutrition in India -- Feed Our Future.

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7. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched the postal • The theme for the 2019 summit was ’Innovating for
stamp under the ‘Corporate My Stamp’ scheme of India: Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the
India Posts. World‘.
8. NITI Aayog with Institute for Competitiveness as the 14. India’s first private train Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express
knowledge partner released the -- India Innovation flagged off – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Index (III) 2019. Adityanath flagged off country’s first private train Delhi-
Note: Lucknow Tejas Express started its maiden journey from
Lucknow.
• Karnataka is the most innovative major state in
• It will be the first train of Indian Railways that will
India.
be entirely run by Indian Railway Catering and
• Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana,
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat,
• All passengers travelling by Delhi-Lucknow Tejas
and Andhra Pradesh form the remaining top Express will be provided free insurance of up to ₹25
ten major states respectively. lakh by IRCTC.
9. National Highway No. 703AA renamed as -- Shri Guru Note:
Nanak Dev Ji Marg. • In a first, IRCTC will offer a refund to travellers if the
Note: The road starting from Kapurthala connecting train gets delayed.
Goindwal Sahib and terminating near Taran Taran in • If the Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express delays for over an
Punjab. hour, passengers will get a compensation of ₹100.
10. India’s longest Tunnel Chenani- Nashri on NH 44, in • For delay of two hours and more, the passengers will
Jammu and Kashmir will be named after --- Dr Shyama receive ₹250.
Prasad Mukherjee (Bhartiya Jansangh Founder). 15. Jaipur topped the list of cleanest railway stations in
11. Railways Minister Piyush Goyal flagged off ‘Sewa the country - ‘Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat 2019
Service’ trains -- 9. • According to the ‘Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat
Note: The trains are – Delhi to Shamli, Bhubaneswar to 2019’ report, Jaipur topped the list of the cleanest
Nayagarh town, Murkongselek to Dibrugarh, railway station in India.
Coimbatore to Palani, Coimbatore to Pollachi, Vadnagar • Three railway stations of Rajasthan have been
included in the list of top clean railway stations in
to Mehsana, Asarya to Himmatnagar, Karur to Salem,
the country.
Yesvantpur to Tumkur.
• In the Railway Cleanliness Survey conducted by the
12. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences in
Ministry of Railways, Jaipur Junction has come first,
collaboration with the Union Health Ministry launched
Jodhpur railway station ranked second and
the 1st-ever website and mobile application on oral Durgapura railway station ranked at the third spot.
health awareness – eDantSeva. • A total of 720 stations and were included in the
13. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a survey.
four-day official visit to India – • Since 2016, cleanliness survey is carried out by the
• On 03rd October, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Quality Council of India (QCI), an independent
Sheikh Hasina paid a four-day official visit to India. body.
33rd India Economic Summit in New Delhi Key points of the report - Top 10 cleanest railway station -
• Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was invited as the The top ten railway stations include seven cities of
Chief Guest at the 33rd edition of the India Rajasthan.
Economic Summit which was held in New Delhi. • Jaipur (Rajasthan)
• The summit was organized by the World Economic • Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Forum (WEF) in partnership with Confederation of • Durgapura (Rajasthan)
Indian Industry (CII). • Jammu Tawi

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• Gandhinagar (Jaipur district) a permanent deployment of more than 300 highly-

• Suratgarh (Rajasthan) trained personnel at Baglihar Hydro Electric Power
• Vijayawada plant in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Udaipur (Rajasthan) Note:
• Ajmer (Rajasthan) • Baglihar Dam also known as Baglihar Hydroelectric
• Haridwar Power Project, is a run-of-the-river power project
Suburban stations - Suburban stations were included for on the Chenab River in the Ramban district of the
the first time in this survey. Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Andheri, Virar and Naigaon railway stations were 19. India’s largest ‘Charkha’ made of waste plastic
the top three among 109 suburban stations. inaugurated in Noida – Union Minister Smriti Irani
Best railway zone inaugurated India’s largest ‘Charkha’ made of Waste
• The North Western Railway (NWR), headquartered Plastic in Noida.
in Jaipur, has been ranked the best among the 17 Note:
railway zones in the country. • This ‘charkha’ (spinning wheel) made of used
• South Eastern Railway ranked at second place was plastic waste was inaugurated the eve of Mahatma
and East Central Railway ranked at the third spot in Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
the list. • The ‘charkha’, which symbolises Gandhi’s dream of
16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares India open Swadeshi (self-sufficing and self-reliance),
defecation-free – On the occasion of 150th birth measures 14ft, 20ft and 8ft and is made of 1,250 kg
anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, of used plastic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India as Open 20. Amit Shah flags off Delhi-Katra Vande Bharat Express –
Defecation Free (ODF). Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off Delhi-Katra
• On 02nd October, 'Swachh Bharat Divas' program Vande Bharat Express from the New Delhi Railway
was organized in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad where PM Station.
Modi announced the country to be open • This is the second Vande Bharat Express. The first
defecation free. one runs in between Delhi and Varanasi.
• During the event, the PM Modi released Note:
commemorative Rs 150 coins on Mahatma • Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is an
Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Indian semi-high speed intercity electric multiple
• According to the PM Modi, under the massive, unit.
Swachh Bharat Mission India has built almost 11 • It was designed and built by Integral Coach Factory
crore toilets for about 60 crore people in just a Chennai under the Indian government's Make in
period of 60 months. India initiative over a span of 18 months.
17. Titan MD Bhaskar Bhat retires - The Managing Director 21. Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th
(MD) of Titan company Bhaskar Bhat has retired after birth anniversary on 02nd October 2019
33 years of service in the company on 30th September. • The Nation pays homage to the Father of the
Note: C.K. Venkataraman appointed new MD of Titan - C.K. Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth
Venkataraman has been appointed as the Managing anniversary today i.e. 2nd October 2019.
Director (MD) of Titan company with immediate effect from • The nation also remembers Former Prime Minister
October 1. Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 115th birth anniversary.
22. India will shift to Bharat Stage Six (BS-VI) vehicular
emission norms from BS IV by April 2020 in order to
18. CISF to set up permanent deployment at Baglihar curb vehicular pollution. This announcement was made
Hydro Electric Power plant – According to sources, the by the Environment and Forest Minister Mr Prakash
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to have Javadekar in New Delhi.

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23. Government launches eDant Seva – On October 7, ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Express’ train at New Delhi railway
2019, the eDant Seva was launched by the Ministry of station.
Health and Family welfare. It is an initiative under the • The ‘New Delhi-Lohian Khas-New Delhi Intercity
National Oral Health Program. Express’ was recently renamed as ‘Sarbat da Bhala
24. Ganga Aamantran initiative launched by Jal Shakti Express’ by Indian Railways.
Minister – Ganga Aamantran is an initiative to connect • The renamed train will run from New Delhi to
stakeholders of the Ganga river. It is the first effort of Lohian Khas via holy city Sultanpur Lodhi.
National Mission for Clean Ganga. 27. Kartarpur corridor: Former PM Manmohan Singh has
25. Govt. launches PRAKASH Portal – To bring better accepted Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's
coordination for coal supplies among all stakeholders, invitation to join the inaugural event of Kartarpur
PRAKASH portal was launched by Union Power Minister corridor.
(Independent charge) Raj Kumar Singh and Coal, Mines
and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.
• PRAKASH stands for - Power Rail Koyla Availability
through Supply Harmony Portal
26. Sarbat Da Bhala Express: Union Ministers Piyush Goyal,
Harsh Vardhan and Harsimrat Kaur Badal flagged off
September

approved a special scheme to cover upto 12,000

1. First Indigenous Fuel Cell System launched on CSIR uncovered villages in aspirational districts.
Foundation Day – The President of India Ramnath Kovind 4. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank launches
unveiled the first Indigenous High-Temperature Fuel Cell WAWE Summit 2019 – Human Resource Development
System. Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched Waste
• This system is developed by Council of Scientific Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women
and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Entrepreneurs (WAWE) summit.
Indian industries under India’s flagship program • It will be jointly organized by All India Council for
named “New Millennium Indian Technology Technical Education (AICTE) and Institute of Waste
Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” on the occasion of Management (IIWM) at Jaipur.
CSIR Foundation Day in New Delhi. 5. India’s first central police university to come up in Greater
Note: Noida – The country’s first central police university will be
• The 77th foundation day of Council of Scientific and set up by the Union Home Ministry at the Yamuna
Industrial Research (CSIR) was observed on 26th Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
September 2019. 6. Google announces new AI research lab in India - Google
2. NTPC to build India’s biggest solar park in Gujarat – India’s has announced that it will open an artificial intelligence (AI)
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) plans based research lab “Google Research India” in Bengaluru.
to set up a 5-gigawatt solar park in the western state of • The Indian AI lab will be led by Dr. Manish Gupta, a
Gujarat, which would be the biggest in the country. renowned computer scientist in the country.
7. India Post expands speed post service to 6 new foreign
3. Telecom body approves Rs 8500 crore for mobile towers & countries – India Post expanded speed post service to six
optical fibres – The Digital Communication Commission, the new foreign destinations in Asia, Europe and South
highest decision making body in the Department of Telecom America.
has approved multiple projects worth over Rs 8,500 crore. • The Department of Posts has announced
• The projects aims to set up mobile towers and commencing of International Speed Post (EMS)
laying of optical fibre, with an aim to provide Service to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Ecuador,
improved connectivity. The commission also Kazakhstan, Lithuania and North Macedonia.
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8. India’s 1st National Antimicrobial Resistance Hub set up in • A National TB prevalence Survey was also launched
Kolkata – India’s first National Antimicrobial Resistance Hub by the minister. ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega
was recently inaugurated in Kolkata. The Kolkata centre Campaign’ campaign has been launched with an
would be the hub for research on antibiotic resistance not aim to eliminate tuberculosis from India.
only for the country but for the entire South Asia.
9. India to fund 1000 PhD fellowships for ASEAN students at 14. Govt constituted a Sanjay Mitra committee to look into
IITs – India has formally launched an initiative to fund 1000 assets, liabilities of J&K – The government has constituted
scholars from South East Asian countries to pursue PhD at a three-member committee to look into the distribution of
its 23 Indian Institutes of Technology. assets and liabilities of Jammu and Kashmir between two
• It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of External successor Union territories. It will come into existence on
Affairs and the Human Resource Development. October 31.
• The scheme has an initial budget of Rs. 300 crore. • Former defence secretary Sanjay Mitra will be the
10. Ravi Shankar Prasad launches Maritime Communication chairman of the committee. The other members
Services in India – Union Minister for Communications, are - retired IAS officer Arun Goyal and retired
Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer Giriraj
Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched the Maritime Prasad Gupta.
Communication Services at Mumbai, Maharashtra. Important point -
• Nelco, India’s leading VSAT solutions provider is the • As per Section 84 of the Act, the assets and
first Indian company that will now provide quality liabilities of the existing state of Jammu and
broadband services to the maritime sector. Kashmir have to be apportioned between the
11. Centre to set up 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and
Centres – Union Government has set a target of setting up Ladakh.
12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres across the 15. PM Modi crosses 50 million followers, becomes third most
country. followed leader – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
• Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and crossed the mark of 50 million followers on his twitter
Homoeopathy Minister Shripad Yesso Naik account, becoming the third most followed world leader
announced this during the inauguration of a Unani after Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
Medical Centre and Siddha Clinical Research Unit. • PM Modi is the most followed Indian on Twitter,
12. PM Modi inaugurates multi-modal terminal at Jharkhand’s even ahead of Bollywood superstars like Salman
Sahibganj – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Khan and Shahrukh Khan and Indian skipper Virat
second riverine multi modal terminal at Sahibgunj. Kohli.
Note: 16. First greenfield industrial smart city opened in Aurangabad
• This is the second of the three Multi Modal • On 7th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Terminals being constructed on river Ganga under inaugurated the Aurangabad Industrial City (Aurik)
Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). in Aurangabad.
• Earlier, in November 2018 the Prime Minister had • It is the first new smart industrial city in the country
inaugurated the MMT at Varanasi. and is spread over 10 thousand acres. It is part of
• The MMTs are being built as part of the Jal Marg the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor.
Vikas Project that aims to develop the stretch of • PM Modi also inaugurated the Auric Hall, a six-
River Ganga between Varanasi to Haldia. storey building which will be both monitoring and
administrative nerve centre for a smart city.
13. 'TB Harega Desh Jeetega': A campaign to eliminate • He also launched the Auric chatbot that will help
tuberculosis from India – 'TB Harega Desh Jeetega': Union anyone get their problems addressed by the city
Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan administration.
has launched a new ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign’.

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• Developed in the backward Marathwada region of operational area visibility. The tower has
Maharashtra, this city is being described as the multilayered security.
country's first greenfield industrial smart city. 21. INX Media case: P Chidambaram sent to Tihar jail till
17. HRD Ministry awarded Institute of Eminence status to 5 September 19 - P Chidambaram has been sent to Tihar jail
public institutions – The Human Resource Development till September 19, 2019.
Ministry has awarded the Institute of Eminence status to 5 • The order was given by Rouse Avenue Court in
public institutions. Delhi where the CBI's case against the former
• Each of the above university has to sign a MoU with Finance Minister in relation to INX Media
the HRD Ministry and will lay out its plan to achieve corruption case was being heard.
the objective of becoming a world-class institution. 22. Ministry of culture rolls out 25 new mobile science
The public institutions on the list will then be museums buses – Union Minister of State for Culture and
eligible for a government grant of RS 1,000 crore. Tourism (Independent Charge), flagged off the first-ever
The status was awarded to the following institutions: Mobile Science Exhibition buses for the entire Ladakh
• IIT Madras Region in Leh.
• IIT Kharagpur • The Minister simultaneously launched 25 new
• Delhi University Mobile Science Exhibition buses for Aspirational
• Banaras Hindu University Districts of India.
• University of Hyderabad 23. First metro coach manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers
18. GoI to spend 3.5 lakh crore rupees on Jal Jeevan Mission – inaugurated by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the • On 07th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
central government will spend 3.5 lakh crore rupees in the inaugurated the first metro coach manufactured by
next five years on ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ to deliver potable Bharat Earth Movers in Mumbai.
water at every household across the country. • Bharat Earth Movers (BEML) has built it in just 75
• Jal Jeevan Mission involves saving water and days.
delivering water at one’s doorstep. • Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for three
19. Tourism Minister inaugurates first-ever architectural LED Metro corridors worth over 19,000 crore rupees.
illumination at Qutub Minar – Minister of State for Culture • The three corridors, namely Gaimukh-Shivaji
and Tourism Prahalad Singh Patel inaugurated first-ever Chowk; Wadala-CST and Kalyan-Taloja are together
architectural LED illumination at the Qutub Minar. expected to carry more than 40 lakh commuters
• With the illumination, the architectural beauty of daily.
the 12th-century monument will display its historic Note:
majesty after sunset. Qutb Minar is a UNESCO • BEML (formerly known as Bharat Earth Movers
World Heritage Site is one of most visited historical Limited) is an Indian Public Sector Undertaking. Its
site in Delhi. headquarters is located in Bengaluru.
20. Delhi’s IGI Airport Gets India’s Tallest ATC Tower – Delhi’s 24. IIT Delhi to establish shared research infrastructure 'SATHI'
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport gets India’s tallest – Indian Institute of Delhi (IIT Delhi) will set up a science and
ATC tower to enhance the safety and boost the efficiency of technology infrastructure facility centre named
air transport management services. Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute
• The Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri (SATHI).
inaugurated the Delhi Air Traffic Service Complex, • The centre will be set up in the Sonepat campus
which is the tallest Air Traffic Control tower in India (Haryana) of IIT Delhi.
with a height of 102 metres. • The Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• The tower aims to reduce the pressure on has selected Indian Institute of Delhi (IIT Delhi) for
controllers and provide relief to flyers from delays. setting up 'SATHI' centre in the country.
The tower has over 45 workstations with better

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• The main objective of the centre would be is to • The target of the mission is to bring down stunting
provide professionally managed services under one among children in the age group 0-6 years from
roof to meet the demands of industry, start-ups 38.4% to 25% by 2022.
and academia. 27. Govt. to set up 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres
25. Income tax dept creates a world record with the filing of across country – Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced
49 lakh ITRs in one day – According to the Income Tax government’s target of setting up 12,500 AYUSH (Ayurveda,
department, it has created a sort of world record by Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy)
achieving a record Income Tax Return filing in a single day. Centres across India.
• While releasing the data on e-filing of ITRs, The • Out of which government is trying to set up 4000
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said that the such centres in 2019 itself. The announcement was
IT department made history with an all-time high made by PM Modi during giving away Yoga Awards
record of 49 lakh 29 thousand ITRs filed in a single to winners for Outstanding Contribution for
day on August 31. Promotion and Development of Yoga in New Delhi.
26. September month to be celebrated as 'Rashtriya Poshan 28. Country's longest electrified rail tunnel inaugurated in
Maah' – Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his latest Mann Ki Andhra Pradesh – Vice-President of India inaugurated the
Baat programme announced to celebrate September 2019 country's longest electrified rail tunnel between Cherlopalli
as a month of nutrition. The month of September will be and Rapuru and the electrified railway line between
celebrated as ‘Poshan Abhiyaan’ or 'Rashtriya Poshan Maah' Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli in Andhra Pradesh. The
across India. length of the rail tunnel is 6.6 kilometre.
• This year the theme is 'Complementary Feeding'. • The South-Central Railway (SCR) zone of the Indian
About POSHAN Abhiyaan Railways has commissioned India’s longest
• The POSHAN Abhiyaan, an overarching scheme for electrified railway tunnel in Andhra Pradesh.
holistic nourishment, was launched by Prime • It is situated between Cherlopalli and Rapuru
Minister Narendra Modi in March 2018 at Railway stations in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. • The height of the tunnel (rail level to roof) is 6.5
• POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a meters and the minimum height of the contact
scheme of Ministry of Women and Child wire is maintained at 5.2 meters.
Development. 29. Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• POSHAN stands for - Prime Minister’s Overarching has approved establishment of International Coalition for
Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) along with its
• The Abhiyaan targets to reduce stunting, under- supporting Secretariat Office in New Delhi.
nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women • CDRI is proposed to be launched at United Nations
and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight (UN) Climate Action Summit scheduled to be held
by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively. in New York, US on 23rd September 2019.

August

1. Union HRD Minister launches Integrated Online junction • School Education Shagun is an over-arching
‘Shagun’ – Union Human Resource Development Minister initiative to improve the school education system
launched one of the world’s largest Integrated Online by creating a junction for all online portals and
Junction for School Education ‘Shagun’ in New Delhi. websites relating to various activities of the
• Shagun is coined from two different words- ‘Shala’ Department of School Education and Literacy in the
meaning Schools and ‘Gunvatta’ meaning Quality. Government of India and all States and Union
Note: Territories.

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2. Prime Minister launches Fit India Movement – On the • The new facial biometric technology is a marked
occasion of National Sports Day (29th August), Prime improvement over the two-finger or iris-based bio-
Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Fit India metric data, with modern security features.
Movement at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New • It will make the identification of the SID holder
Delhi. more reliable and efficient while protecting their
• During the event, PM appealed to the nation to join dignity and privacy.
this fitness movement and make a ‘Fitter & Better • BSID project has been taken up in collaboration
India’. with the Centre for Development of Advanced
• The nation-wide Fit India Movement aims to Computing (CDAC).
motivate every Indian to incorporate simple, easy 7. Govt Launched mobile app “Janaushadhi Sugam” – Union
ways of staying fit in their everyday life. Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers launched a mobile
• The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 application “Janaushadhi Sugam”.
August, on the birth anniversary of hockey legend • This app will enable people to search for
Major Dhyan Chand. Janaushadhi generic medicines and the stores at
3. The Union Environment Ministry releases Rs 47,436 cr for the tip of their fingers.
green activities – The Union Environment Ministry has 8. Project SURE - Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani
transferred Rs 47,436 crore to 27 States for afforestation. launched Project SURE, a move towards sustainable fashion
The amount has been released from the Compensatory at Lakmé Fashion Winter/Festive 2019 held in Mumbai,
Afforestation Fund. Maharashtra.
• The corpus will be utilised for compensatory • The project aims to move towards sustainable
afforestation, wildlife management, forest fire fashion that contributes to a clean environment.
prevention, work related to soil and moisture About SURE project
conservation in forests, voluntary relocation of • SURE stands for ‘Sustainable Resolution’. It is first
villages from protected areas etc. holistic effort by the apparel industry towards
gradually introducing a broader framework for
4. UGC constitutes 5-member committee to inquire into sale establishing critical sustainability goals for the
of fake degrees by universities – The UGC has set up a five- industry.
member committee to look into the allegations of sale of 9. National Digital Library of India launched by HRD Ministry
fake degrees by certain universities. – Human Resource Development Ministry has launched the
• The committee was set up after the Union HRD National Digital Library of India project to develop a
Ministry directed UGC to immediately constitute a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a
high-level committee to inquire into the matter. single-window search facility.
• The special committee will be headed by Chairman • It has been launched under the National Mission on
DP Singh and assisted by UGC Joint Secretary Education through Information and Communication
(Private Universities) Surender Singh. The HRD Technology, NMEICT.
Ministry has directed the committee to complete 10. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurates National
its enquiry within three weeks. Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology – Union Environment,
5. Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has set up a waste plastic Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar has
to diesel plant in Dehradun (capital of Uttarakhand) as a inaugurated the National Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology at
step towards ensuring freedom from plastic. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural Sciences
6. India Launches World’s First Ever Facial BSID – India has (SACON) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
become the first country in the world to issue Biometric
Seafarer Identity Document (BSID), capturing the facial 11. Ocean Energy gets renewable energy Status – Union
biometric data of seafarers. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has

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approved proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable (National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers Holistic
Energy. Advancement) to improve Learning Outcomes at the
• It has clarified to all stakeholders that energy Elementary level across the country. This is the largest
produced using various forms of ocean energy such teachers’ training programme of its kind in the world.
as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy • NISHTHA to build capacities of 42 Lakh government
conversion (OTEC) will be considered as Renewable teachers across the country.
Energy. • The basic objective of this massive training
• The decision will give boost to ocean energy in the programme ‘NISHTHA’ is to motivate and equip
country. It will make ocean energy eligible for teachers to encourage and foster critical thinking in
meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase students.
Obligations (RPO).
12. Indian Railways to prohibit single-use plastic from October 17. Amazon’s largest campus in the world inaugurated in
2 – In a move to curb use of plastics, Union Ministry of Hyderabad – Amazon has opened its largest campus in the
Railways has directed all regional offices to ensure world in Hyderabad.
complete removal of single-use plastics from all railways • The campus covers 1.8 million square feet and can
stations effective from 2 October 2019. accommodate 15,000 workers.
13. Minority Affairs Ministry Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to • This is Amazon’s first owned-building outside of the
inaugurate “Hunar Haat” – Union Minority Affairs Minister US and is also its largest tech base outside the
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Seattle headquarters, which has about 155,000
Ashok Gehlot will inaugurate this “Hunar Haat” at Jawahar contract employees.
Kala Kendra in Jaipur. 18. India to launch e-commerce portal “Bharatcraft” for
• “Hunar Haat” has proved to be an effective MSME’s – Union Government is planning to launch an e-
programme to provide employment and commerce portal named “Bharatcraft” for MSME’s.
employment opportunities to master artisans. • The portal is based on other e-commerce portals
14. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates FSSAI’s National Food like ‘Alibaba’ and ‘Amazon’.
Laboratory – Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan • The portal will provide a platform for MSMEs to
inaugurated FSSAI’s National Food Laboratory (NFL) in market and sell their products and in turn boost the
Ghaziabad on the occasion of 13th anniversary of the Food sector. As per the MSME Union Minister, the
Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This national lab is a result Bharatcraft portal has a huge potential to generate
of a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), the first-of-its-kind in revenue worth ₹10 lakh crore in next 2-3 years.
the food laboratory sector. 19. India Celebrates 73rd Independence Day on August 15,
15. “Op-Blue Freedom” flag off in Delhi – Sports Minister Kiren 2019 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at Raj
Rijiju and former India football captain Baichung Bhutia Ghat and addressed the following points in his speech:
flagged off Op-Blue Freedom in Delhi. • One nation, one constitution spirit has become a
• This is an initiative in which a group of armed reality after scrapping of provisions of Article 370.
forces veterans train sports enthusiasts in survival • There is a ‘huge’ scope for improvement in the
training and self-defence. tourism sector and everyone should visit at least 15
Note: tourist destinations within India by 2022.
• Op-Blue Freedom is a nation-wide adaptive scuba • India can become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the
diving programme for people with disabilities as next 5 years.
well as the able-bodied. It comes under the parent • Government to invest Rs 100 lakh cr in
project “Special Forces Adventures”. infrastructure building.
• Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure safe drinking water to
16. Union HRD Minister launches NISHTHA – Union HRD all households was announced. Government will
Minister launched the training programme NISHTHA, spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it.

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• Implementation of GST achieved One Nation, One 26. Prasar Bharati will introduce 2 awards namely ‘Neelum
Tax. India achieved One Nation, One Grid in the Sharma Tejaswini award’ & ‘Achyutananda Sahoo Award’
energy sector. PM gave a motto to boost digital in honor of Neelum Sharma
payment- ‘Yes to digital payment, No to cash’. • On August 20, 2019, India’s largest public
• A transfer of about Rs. 90,000 crores to farmers’ broadcasting agency, Prasar Bharti’s Chairman A
bank accounts is in progress to those who are Suryapakash stated that the agency will introduce 2
beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. awards namely ‘Neelum Sharma Tejaswini award’
• 1.5 lakh wellness centers will be created at villages. & ‘Achyutananda Sahoo Award’ in memory of
20. Hardeep Puri launches Swachh Survekshan 2020 – The Doordarshan(DD) News Former anchor, Neelum
Minister of State (Independent charge) for housing and Sharma who passed away due to cancer on August
urban affairs Shri Hardeep SinghPuri launched the fifth 17, 2019.
edition of annual cleanliness survey, Swachh Survekshan 27. Lucknow’s iconic Hazratganj Chauraha renamed as Atal
2020 (SS 2020) which is to be conducted from January 2020. Chowk
21. Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat • Famous ‘Hazratganj Chauraha’ of Lucknow, Uttar
launched the 2nd Edition of Swaccha Survakshan Grameen, Pradesh has been renamed as ‘Atal Chowk’ in
India’s largest sanitation survey, for 2019 in New Delhi. memory of former Prime Minister of India, Late
22. Govt. to launch new app ‘Uber for tractors’ to aid farmers Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the occasion of his first
– The agricultural Ministry and the centre decided to launch death anniversary on August 16, 2019.
a farm equipment rental app to aid farmers in accessing • He was a five-time Member of Parliament (MP)
cutting- edge technology at affordable prices. from Lucknow.
• Farmers can book and hire agricultural equipment • A memorial named “Atal Smriti Upvan” will also be
and use them on rent basis. Through this initiative, built on his name.
small farmers will be able to make use of tools 28. Punjab CM dedicates 3rd phase of ‘Jung-E-Azadi’ memorial
equipped with technology that are expensive to to victims of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
own. • On the occasion of 73rd Independence Day, Chief
• The name ‘Uber for tractors’ was kept by the govt. Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh dedicated 3rd
keeping in mind the popular app ‘Uber’. Just like phase of ‘Jung-E-Azadi’ memorial to people who
uber connects to cabs, this ‘uber for tractors’ will were killed in Jallianwala Bagh massacre and
reach the grassroot level people and farmers. unsung heroes who were incarcerated in Andaman
23. CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security), a special Cellular jail during freedom struggle.
railway unit for the Indian railways and a new About ‘Jung-E-Azadi’ Memorial
establishment manual for the Railway Protection Force(RPF) • It is a memorial and museum being built in
was launched by union Railway Minister Shri Piyush Goyal Kartarpur, near Jalandhar city of Punjab. It is built
at a function in New Delhi railway station. in memory of sacrifices and contribution made by
24. Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) will be set up in Mumbai in community of Punjabi’s in Indian independence
association with the Tata Trust – Dr. Mahendra Nath movement.
Pandey, Minister for Skill Development and 29. Sadbhavna Diwas: Birth anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) stated that world-class Indian celebrated – Every year 20 August is celebrated as
Institute of Skills (IIS) will be set up in Mumbai, Maharashtra Sadbhavana Diwas or Communal Harmony Day to
in association with Tata Educational and Development Trust commemorate birth anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi,
(TEDT). former Prime Minister of India.
25. Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh has approved • On this observance, close family members and
the formation of 12-member high-level committee, headed senior Congress party members pay homage to his
by the Director-General (Acquisitions), Apurva Chandra, to memory and legacy by laying down wreaths and
revise and align the procedure of Defence procurement garlands on Veer Bhoomi, where he was cremated.
with the aim of strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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• 20 August 2019 marks 75th birth anniversary of ambitious second lunar mission of India is named
Rajiv Gandhi. 'Vikram'.
30. INTELIGHTS: India’s 1st 3-D Smart Traffic Signal launched • Vikram Sarabhai was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
in Mohali – Mohali traffic police in Punjab have launched on 12th August, 1919.
India’s first wireless 3-D Smart Traffic Signal System called 35. PM to be the chairman of the Inter-State Council – The
Intelights. Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime
• It proposes a Intelligent Traffic Timer Control to Minister as its chairman and 6 Union ministers and all chief
regulate traffic signals with smart bird’s eye view ministers as its members.
using wireless sensor system. It has been installed • Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the standing
at traffic crossing near the Airport Road in Mohali committee of the Inter-State Council.
on a pilot project basis. • The Inter-State Council is mandated to investigate
• 3-D Smart Traffic Signal ‘Intelights’ designed by the and advise on disputes between states. It is also
students of Chitkara University. tasked with giving recommendations on any such
31. 2nd UDAY Express to run between Visakhapatnam, dispute and recommendations for the better
Vijayawada – Indian Railways’ 2nd UDAY (Utkrisht Double coordination of policy and action.
Decker Air Conditioned Yatri) Express will run between • The Union ministers who will be members of the
Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada to cater to busy route in reconstituted council are Amit Shah (Home),
East Coast Railway zone (ECoR), one of 18 railway zones of Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance), Rajnath Singh
Indian Railways. (Defence), Narendra Singh Tomar (Minister of
• The 1st double-decker UDAY Express started Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural
service between Coimbatore and Bangalore in June Development and Panchayati Raj).
2018. Another Uday Express is proposed between 36. Prime Minister has announced the creation of the post of
Bangalore City and Chennai Central. Chief of Defence Staff
32. GI Tag accorded to three new products – Geographical • The Chief of Defence Staff will be above the
Indications Registry under Department for Promotion of three Service Chiefs.
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has accorded • The CDS is meant to be a single-point military
Geographical Indication (GI) tag to – advisor to the government who will coordinate
• Tirur betel leaf from Kerala, long-term planning, procurements, training
• Tawlhlohpuan fabric and Mizo Puanchei and logistics of the three services.
shawl/textile from Mizoram. • The CDS will also act as the military advisor to
33. All CAPF personnel will now retire at a uniform age of 60 the Prime Minister on nuclear issues.
years: Govt – As per a recent order issued by Union Home • The need for a CDS was first recommended by
Ministry, all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel the Kargil Review Committee after the 1999
will now retire at a uniform age of 60 years instead of 57 conflict with Pakistan, but it was not
years for certain rank of officials. implemented.
• All these forces come under ambit of Union Home • CDS could replace the system of the Chairman
Ministry. of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), who
34. 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai celebrated takes all central decisions of the services and
on 12th August, 2019 across the country. presents it to the government.
• He is known as the father of India’s Space • The senior-most service chief is the chairman
Programme. COSC. Currently, it is the IAF chief, Air Chief
• He is also founder of Indian Space Research Marshal BS Dhanoa, who is retiring in end-
Organization (ISRO). September.
• Keeping in mind the contribution of him in India’s 37. India contributes $1 million to UN fund – India has
space programme the lander of Chandrayaan-2, the contributed $1 million to the UN Special Purpose Trust Fund

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for the Resident Coordinator System. The Special Purpose • Driving without license- will now charge Rs
Trust Fund (SPTF) is a specific fund housed within the UN 5000 in place of Rs. 500.
Secretariat. • Driving without insurance will be punishable
38. PM inaugurates Dynamic Facade Lighting in Parliament with Rs 2,000 fine.
House – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated • While driving without helmets will attract Rs
Dynamic Facade Lighting of Parliament House Estate in 1,000 penalty and three-month suspension of
presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Union licence.
Ministers including Hardeep Puri and Jitendra Singh. • Traffic violations would now attract a penalty
• Work of dynamic facade lighting was initiated of Rs 500 in place of Rs 100 earlier.
on 20 July 2019 by Central Public Works • Over speeding – Rs. 1000 for LMV (Light Motor
Department (CPWD) and completed in just 22 Vehicle) and 2000 for Medium Passenger
days. Vehicle
39. Headgear becomes mandatory for children above 4 years – • Drunken Driving – Rs. 10,000
Central government has made “Headgear” mandatory for • Seat Belt violation – Rs. 1000 in place of Rs.
children above 4 years while travelling on a motorcycle. The 100.
safety measures for the children travelling on motorcycles • Also, the guardian/owner will be deemed guilty
have been included in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act in case of road offence by juveniles, while
2019. registration of the vehicle will be cancelled - As
• Making the protective headgear mandatory for per the new provisions, "guardian/owner shall
children, Central government has replaced be deemed to be guilty and there will be a
Section 129 of the principal Act. penalty of Rs 25,000 with three years
40. President approves Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 imprisonment and cancellation of registration
– President has approved the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) of the Motor Vehicle".
Act, 2019. The bill amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. 41. Doordarshan produced a patriotic song “Watan” – Union
• The act aims to make Indian roads safer, Information and Broadcasting Minister has released a
reduce corruption and use technology to patriotic song “Watan” to mark the occasion of
overhaul the country’s transportation system. Independence Day, 2019.
Some main features of the act are: • The song is sung by singer Javed Ali, penned by
• The Bill proposes a scheme to allow cashless lyricist Alok Shrivastav and musically composed
treatment of victims in a road accident during by Dushyant. The patriotic song is produced by
the golden hour. Doordarshan.
• The golden hour is defined as the time period 42. The Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting has
of up to one hour following a traumatic injury, launched the e-version of Rozgar Samachar.
during which the likelihood of preventing death • It has been launched with a view to make
through prompt medical care is the highest. aspirants aware of job opportunities in
• The Bill proposes to increase the minimum government sector including public sector
compensation for hit and run cases. In case of enterprises.
the death, the compensation has been raised • It will also provide information and guidance
from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2,00,000, and in case of about admission and career opportunities in
grievous injury it will be from Rs. 12500 to Rs. various streams through career-oriented
50,000. articles by experts.
• Under the law, Rs 10,000 fine would be levied 43. A two-day International Conference titled ‘Journey of
for not giving way to emergency vehicles such Teacher Education: Local to Global’ was inaugurated by
as ambulances. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of Human
Resource Development (HRD) in New Delhi.

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• The two-day event is organized by National Council Constitution, which grants special status to the state of
of Teacher Education (NCTE) as part of silver jubilee Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in the Union of India.
(25 years) celebration of its establishment in 1995. Key points –
44. “Operation Number Plate” Launched by RPF – Railway • It has decided that Jammu and Kashmir would
Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways launched a Special be turned into a Union Territory with a
Drive with a Code Name “Operation Number Plate” to legislature, and the Ladakh division would be
identify and verify all vehicles parked in Railway premises, made a separate Union Territory (without
circulating area, parking and even in the ‘No Parking’ areas legislature).
for a longer duration. What is Article 370 & 35A?
45. Air India became the 1st Indian airline to fly over the North • Article 370 of the Constitution grants special
Pole while connecting New Delhi and North America status to Jammu and Kashmir, while Article 35A
46. Centre launches Swachh Nagar app – Swachh Nagar app empowers the state legislature to define the
was launched by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs state’s “permanent residents” and their special
Ministry. rights and privileges.
• An app that will allow users to have waste — • Article 35A, which was incorporated in the
solid, wet or construction and demolition Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, gives
(C&D) — collected by their urban local bodies special rights and privileges to the citizens of
along with a new protocol on wastewater Jammu and Kashmir.
treatment that would become a part of How does this change the current situation in Jammu and
cleanliness rankings of cities. Kashmir?
47. BIS to set up Pashmina testing centre in Leh – Bureau of • Any citizen of the country will be able to buy property
Indian Standards (BIS) in collaboration with Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) will work • J&K will no longer have a separate flag.
together to promote the pashmina products at the high- • J&K will no longer have dual citizenship.
level market for the proper value of this fine product of
• J&K will no longer be a separate state but a union
pashmina (Lena-Ladakhi).
territory with assembly.
• Ladakh region and parts of Himachal and
• Ladakh is declared a separate union territory (UT).
Kashmir have world-class Pashmina
• The term of the Legislative Assembly will be 5 years
production.
instead of 6 years.
48. 1st Central Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology
• The special status of Jammu and Kashmir is scrapped
to be set up in Gujarat – India’s first Central Institute of
• Laws like RTI and CAG will also apply here.
Chemical Engineering and Technology (CICET) will be set up
• Now, any citizen of the country can get a job in Jammu
in Gujarat to give boost to the chemical industry.
and Kashmir.
• It will come up either at Ahmedabad or Surat.
• After the removal of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir
• It was announced by Union Minister of State
do not get any exclusive rights.
(MoS) for Chemical and Fertilizers Sadananda
Gowda.
51. India contributed 5 million USD to the UN Palestine refugee
49. KABIL set up to ensure supply of critical Minerals to Indian
agency and called for ensuring sustained financial support
market – A joint venture company Khanij Bidesh India
for the organisation’s work.
limited has been set up with the participation of 3 Central
• The amount was hand over to the United
Public Sector Enterprises. These CPSEs are National
Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for
Aluminium Company Limited, Hindustan Copper Limited
Palestinian Refugees.
and Mineral Exploration Company limited.
• The headquarter of UNRWA is in Amman,
Jordan.
50. Art – 370 and Art -35-A revoked from J&K by GOI – The
Union government has revoked Article 370 of the Indian
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52. NITI Aayog to launch the 4th Edition of WTI Awards – The 55. Lalit Kala Akademi celebrates 65th Foundation Day – Lalit
NITI Aayog will launch the 4th Edition of Women Kala Akademi celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on August
Transforming India (WTI) Awards. The WTI Awards is being 5th, 2019.
organized in collaboration with the United Nations to • The event was inaugurated by Culture and
recognize women entrepreneurs from across India. Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel.
• This year’s theme is ‘Women and • Uttam Pacharne is the Chairman of Lalit Kala
Entrepreneurship’, in continuation of the Akademi.
theme for WTI Awards 2018. WhatsApp has 56. 30th Interaction through PRAGATI Platform Chaired By
collaborated with NITI Aayog for WTI Awards Prime Minister Narendra Modi – The 30th Pro-Active
2019 and will be providing support amounting Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)
to US$100,000 to the award winners. platform was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
53. Environment minister Prakash Javadekar launches website New Delhi.
for COP14 – Union Environment minister launched a • The scheme has been launched by the government
website ‘unccdcop14india.gov.in, which contains all the to monitor the grievances in government schemes
information related to COP14 . and projects.
Note: The 14th Session of the Conference of the Parties to • It is an innovative project in e-governance initiative
the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and good governance.
(COP14), will take place on 2-13 September 2019 at Greater • It uniquely bundles 3 latest technologies– (1) Digital
Noida, India. data management, (2) Video-conferencing and (3)
54. President Kovind inaugurates exhibitions on M. Gandhi Geo-spatial technology.
and Khadi in Gambia – President Ram Nath Kovind • 3-Tier System: Platform offers unique combination
inaugurated exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi at in Cooperative Federalism as it brings Prime
the “Ebunjan Theatre” in the Gambia to commemorate the Minister Office (PMO), Union Government
150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi. Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of States all on
one stage.
July

1. Gujarat tops in solar rooftop installations – Gujarat has to become the highest-ranking Indian firm on the Fortune
emerged as the state with the most rooftop solar panels Global 500 list.
installed. • Reliance Industries (RIL) ranked at 106 spots.
• According to data tabled in Rajya Sabha, Gujarat • IOC ranked at (117).
has an installed rooftop solar power capacity of • ONGC has moved up 37 places to 160th rank on the
261.97MW, against 1,700.54MW for all of India. global list, while SBI lost 20 places to 236th rank.
• Gujarat is followed by Maharashtra (198.52MW) Tata Motors slipped 33 places to 265th position.
and Tamil Nadu (151.62MW) in terms of installed BPCL rose 39 places to rank 275th spot, while
rooftop capacity. Rajesh Exports slipped 90 places to rank 495th.
2. Govt to Install Solar projects of 40,000 MW by 2022 – The • Top 3 companies - Walmart of US, Chinese state-
government has set a target for the installation of Rooftop owned oil and gas company Sinopec Group, Dutch
Solar projects of 40,000 MegaWatt by 2022 in the country. company Royal Dutch Shell was ranked third
• The projects include installation of solar panels on followed by China National Petroleum and State
the rooftop of houses. It is estimated that 1.5 Grid.
million units per MegaWatt per year are generated 4. Vande Bharat Express completes trial run from New Delhi
from solar rooftop plants. to Katra – The Northern Railway zone of Indian Railway
3. Reliance become highest-ranked Indian firm on Fortune successfully conducted trial run of Vande Bharat Express,
Global 500 list – Reliance Industries has jumped 42 places known to be India’s fastest train.

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• The trial run was conducted from New Delhi to Irani and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and
Katra small town in Jammu and Kashmir. Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh
• It is also known as Train 18. It can run at a speed of Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.
160 -180 km per hour. 8. E-postal ballot registered 60.14% turnout in 2019 Lok
• It is designed and developed by Chennai-based Sabha elections - Using the Electronically Transmitted
Railways Production unit Integral Coach Factory. Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), out of the 18,02,646 service
5. All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 released – As per electors, 10,84,266 e-postal ballots were received indicating
the All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 India has 2,967 60.14% turnout in Lok Sabha elections 2019. Only 4% was
tigers, a third more than in 2014. registered in 2014.
• The Tiger census made public on occasion of Global 9. IEA praised PMUY for providing free cooking gas
Tiger Day (29 July) by Prime Minister Narendra connection to poor - The International Energy Agency (IEA)
Modi. Executive Director Fatih Biro praised Pradhan Mantri
• Top 5 Performing States: Madhya Pradesh saw Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for providing free cooking gas
highest number at 526, followed by Karnataka connection to poor.
(524), Uttarakhand (442), Maharashtra (312) and Note:
Tamil Nadu (264). • The International Energy Agency (IAE) is a Paris-
• States that saw Decline in Tiger Population: based autonomous intergovernmental
Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. While all other States organization.
saw a Positive increase. PMUY:
• Highest Number of Tigers: found in Pench Tiger • It was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra
Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Modi on May 1, 2016, in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
• Maximum Improvement in Tiger Population since • It aims to safeguard the health of women and
2014: recoded in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in children by providing free cooking gas- Liquefied
Tamil Nadu. Petroleum Gas (LPG) connection to poor families.
6. India is home to 1,256 species of orchid: survey –
According to the first comprehensive census of orchids of 10. Amit Shah will head ministerial panel on Air India sale - On
India titled ‘Orchids of India: A Pictorial Guide’, India is July 18, 2019, Union Government reconstituted the Group
home to 1,256 species of orchid. of Ministers (GoM) called the Air India Specific Alternative
• The census containing photographs of 775 species Mechanism (AISAM) on Air India disinvestment. The group
is published recently by the Botanical Survey of is headed by Home minister Amit Shah.
India (BSI) was unveiled in early July 2019 Union 11. Central Govt approves Rs 206.8 crore for Implementation
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate of Agriculture Export Policy Scheme - On July 18, 2019, the
Change (MoEFCC). central government has approved a sum of Rs 206.8 crore
• In the light of importance of orchids in floriculture, for a Central Sector Scheme called ‘Implementation of
this publication by BSI, which has photographs of Agriculture Export Policy’, which aims at double farmers’
60% of all species, is 1st authentic inventory and income by the year 2022.
thus will be useful for researchers, growers, nature 12. India’s first ‘Garbage Cafe’ for Ragpickers – The municipal
lovers and people with different backgrounds. officials of Chhattisgarh have launched a unique garbage
7. Amit Shah to chair panel on sexual harassment at cafe scheme in Ambikapur of Surguja district which has
workplace – On July 24, 2019, the Union Government has become India’s first ‘Garbage Cafe’ for Ragpickers.
reconstituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine • The ragpickers and the homeless will collect plastic
frameworks for dealing with matters of sexual harassment waste, and in return, the municipal corporation will
of women at the workplace with Home Minister Amit Shah. offer them food. The fund allocated for this scheme
• The other members of the new panel include is Rs. 5.5 lakh.
Women and Child Development Minister Smriti

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13. Under Bharat Net, more than 1.28 Lakh Gram Panchayats • The 3 member panel constitutes Dr Deepak Apte,
linked with optical fibre Dr Asad R Rahmani and Dr Dhananjai Mohan.
• Union Panchayat Raj Minister Narendra Singh 17. All lanes at toll plazas to be ‘FASTag lanes’ from 1st Dec –
Tomar informed that under Bharat Net Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
programme, more than 1.28 Lakh Gram Panchayats has decided to declare all lanes in all toll fee plazas on
were linked with optical fibre. National Highways across country as dedicated ‘FASTag
• The programme has uploaded the photographic lanes‘ from 1 December 2019.
evidence of the works taken up by them and FASTag
assistance given to beneficiaries. • It is an electronic toll connection device which is
About Bharat Net Programme: installed in vehicle (mostly attached to windscreen)
• It is also known as Bharat Broadband Network to help drivers to drive through toll plazas without
Limited. having to stop.
• It is a telecom infrastructure provider, set up by the • FASTag uses radio frequency identification (RFID)
Government of India under the Department of technology to enable direct toll payments while
Telecommunications for the establishment, vehicle is moving. The toll fare is deducted directly
management, and operation of the National Optic from prepaid of saving bank account linked to
Fibre Network to provide a minimum of 100 Mbit/s FASTag.
broadband connectivity to all 250,000 Gram 18. Iwai Ship Carrying Bhutanese Cargo flagged off from
Panchayats in the country, to improve Assam to Bangladesh - In a first ever movement of its kind,
telecommunications in India and reach the IWAI (Inland Waterways Authority of India) ship carrying
campaign goal of Digital India. Bhutanese cargo was flagged off from Dhubri in Assam to
14. Cabinet approves to 2,880MW hydel project in Dibang – Narayanganj in Bangladesh over Brahmaputra River and the
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affair gave the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route.
approval to the 2,880 megawatts Dibang hydropower • This is for the 1st time ever, an Indian waterway is
project in Arunachal Pradesh, approving a Rs 1,600 crore being used for transport of cargo between two
pre-investment and clearance expenditure for the Rs countries, using India for transit.
28,080.35 crore strategic project.
• The Dibang river is a tributary river of the 19. National Data Quality Forum: launched by ICMR – Indian
Brahmaputra that originated and flows through the Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR’s) National Institute for
Mishmi Hills & northeast India from the state of Medical Statistics have launched National Data Quality
Arunachal Pradesh. Forum (NDQF) to improve quality of health and
15. Infosys launches Cyber Defence Center in Romania – demographic data in India.
Infosys announced the launch of its state-of-the-art Cyber 20. Atal Community Innovation Centre launched in New Delhi
Defence Center in Bucharest, Romania. – Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra
• The Defence Center is an expansion of services Pradhan launched Atal Community Innovation Centre in
delivered through the Infosys Digital Innovation New Delhi. It aims to encourage spirit of innovation at
Center. community level.
• The Romanian leu is the currency of Romania. Note:
• Bucharest is the capital of Romania. • The Atal Community Innovation Centre initiative
16. Panel to prevent extinction of Great Indian Bustard and has been launched under Atal Innovation Mission
the Lesser Florican – The Supreme Court of India has (AIM), a flagship initiative of NITI Aayog.
constituted a high powered committee to urgently frame • NITI Aayog is tasked upon to open innovation
and implement an emergency response plan for the Centres in all Gram Panchayats of country to
protection of two Indian birds- Great Indian Bustard and the promote local innovation.
Lesser Florican. 21. 5,645 electric buses sanctioned for 65 cities: NITI Aayog

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• According to NITI (National Institution for 25. DD News received “Champions of Empathy Award” for
Transforming India) Aayog an Inter-Ministerial spreading awareness about hepatitis – DD News
Panel has sanctioned 5645 electric buses for (Doordarshan), has been awarded with “Champions of
operations in 65 cities and for inter-city operations Empathy Award” for spreading awareness about hepatitis.
to 8 state transport undertakings. • Mayank Agrawal, Director General of DD News has
• The announcement in this regard was made by NITI received the Award from Lok Sabha Speaker Om
Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. Birla.
• The move will give huge impetus to automobile
sector, clean up cities & drive Make in India 26. World Tiger Day 2019 observed on July 29 – Prime Minister
intiative. Narendra Modi released the results of the 4th cycle of All
• Niti Aayog has also proposed that all two-wheelers India Tiger Estimation 2018, at Lok Kalyan Marg in New
below capacity of 150cc sold in country after March Delhi.
31, 2025, should be electric only while three- • According to the Survey, the count of tigers in India
wheelers sold in country after March 31, 2023 rose to 2967 in 2018. India has achieved its 2022
should be electric ones. target of doubling tiger population four years
22. Phase-II DBT in fertilizer subsidy launched – Union Minister before the deadline.
for Chemicals and Fertilizers D.V. Sadananda Gowda has 27. India becomes second- growing gas market fastest– India
launched the Phase-II of the Direct Benefit Transfer of has become the second-fastest growing natural gas market
Fertilizer Subsidy. globally with $30 billion for production, import and
• DBT in fertilizer subsidy is a step in the direction of distribution infrastructure.
bringing ease of living in the lives of farmers • China is the fastest growing natural gas market.
through use of modern technology and plugging 28. “Operation Thirst” launched by RPF – RPF launched
leakages, pilferages and black marketing. “Operation Thirst” to crack down selling of unauthorised
23. Agri-Business Incubation Centre set up in Chhattisgarh – Packaged Drinking Water in the railway premises.
Union Agriculture Ministry has set up an Agri Business 29. 12 Indian beaches in the race to crest the ‘Blue Flag’
Incubation Centre in Chhattisgarh. challenge – The Union Environment Ministry has selected
• The centre has been set up by Agriculture Ministry 12 beaches in India to vie for a ‘Blue Flag’ certification, an
in Indira Gandhi Agriculture University of Raipur, international recognition conferred on beaches that meet
Chhattisgarh. certain criteria of cleanliness and environmental propriety.
Note: • These beaches are at Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Bhogave
• Agri Business Incubation Centre is set up under (Maharashtra), Ghoghla (Diu), Miramar (Goa),
National Agriculture Development Scheme- Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad
RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches for (Kerala), Eden (Puducherry), Mahabalipuram (Tamil
Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation). Nadu), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden
• It is established to focus on innovations, skill (Odisha), and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar
building and entrepreneurs development in Islands).
agriculture and allied sectors. • The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas
24. Defence minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Mozambique – is run by the international, non-governmental, non-
Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh visited profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for
Mozambique from july 28-30 2019.This is the first official Environmental Education).
visit of Rajnath Singh as a Defence Minister to the African 30. Kaiga Atomic Energy station sets a World record – Kaiga
country as well as it is the first time ever a defence minister Atomic Energy station (Karnataka) sets a World Record in
of India has visited Mozambique. continuous operation of 962 days by Unit-1 of Kaiga
• Mozambique Capital- Maputo Generating Station (KGS-1) among nuclear power plants of
• Mozambique Currency- Metical all technologies.

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• KGS-1 (220 MW) in an indigenous Pressurised sensitised solar cell (DSSC) by employing an off-the-shelf
Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) fuelled by domestic dye used to make kumkum or vermilion.
fuel which started commercial operation on 35. Govt sets 100% Digitization target of all Waqf properties in
November 16, 2000. 100 days – On July 29,2019, Union Minister of Minority
31. 7th Economic Census begins from Tripura –The Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that the Centre
Government of India begins the 7th Economic Census from government has set a target to achieve “100% Digitization
Tripura. Ministry of Statistics and Programme of Waqf properties across country in its 1st 100 days” at
Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct the census. It will be the National Conference of State and Union Territories
conducted after a gap of 5 years. Waqf Boards organized by the Central Waqf Council, held in
• The fieldwork is expected to be completed by New Delhi.
December and the results at the national level is • GIS/GPS: Geographic Information System (GIS)/
expected to be available by March 2020 Global Positioning System(GPS) mapping are being
Previous Economic Censuses used on a war footing with the help of IIT Roorkee
• Six Economic Censuses, (EC) have been conducted and the Aligarh Muslim University to achieve the
by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Program target.
Implementation. till date. • This is the 1st time the Government providing 100
• The first Economic Census was undertaken in 1977. % funding to develop various educational and
• The Second EC was carried out in 1980 followed by developmental programs on waqf land under
the Third EC in 1990. Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram (PMJVK).
• The fourth edition took place in 1998 while the fifth 36. Under Khelo India Scheme Over 2000 sporting talents
EC was held in 2005. identified – A total number of 2437 sporting talents have
• The Sixth edition of Economic Census was been identified under the Khelo India Scheme. Sports
conducted in 2013. Minister Kiren Rijiju informed.
32. Cabinet approves merger of NIMH with ICMR-NIOH – • Under the scheme, the government provides
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi financial assistance of about Rs 5,00,000 per
has approved to dissolve National Institute of Miners’ annum for a period of 8 years.
Health (NIMH), an autonomous Institute under Union 37. Govt to increase coal production to one billion tone by
Ministry of Mines (MoM) and merge it with ICMR-NIOH 2022-23 – The government has plan to increase the total
(Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of production of coal in the country to 1 billion tone by 2022-
Occupational Health), Ahmedabad, under Union Ministry of 23.
Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) with all assets and • Coal minister said that the gap between demand
liabilities. and supply of coal cannot be bridged completely as
33. Government waives duty on products imported for there is insufficient domestic availability of coking
nuclear plants – The government has waived off basic coal.
customs duty (BCD) on products imported for nuclear
plants. 38. Cabinet approves setting up of NMC – The Union Cabinet
• “All goods for use in generation of nuclear power” has approved National Medical Commission Bill, 2019. The
and “all forms of uranium ores and concentrates bill provides for setting up of a National Medical
for generation of nuclear power” will now have to Commission in place of Medical Council of India and repeal
pay no basic customs duty. the Indian Medical Council Act 1956.
34. Scientists from IIT Hyderabad developed an eco-friendly • The features of the bill include, the Common final
solar cell using kumkum dye- DSSC – Scientists from the year MBBS Exams will be know as National Exit Test
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad developed (NEXT) which would serve as Licentiate Exam, for
low-cost, environment-friendly solar cells named Dye- entrance to Post Graduate medical course and as
screening test of foreign medical graduates.

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39. Culture Minister inaugurates architectural illumination of industrial clusters are giving rise to the country's
Safdarjung Tomb – Culture Minister has inaugurated the worst Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) hotspots like Delhi,
architectural illumination of the historic Safdarjung Tomb in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and
New Delhi. Hyderabad which have high vehicular population
• A total of 213 technologically advanced LED lights and diesel consumption.
have been used to highlight the 17th century • Coal consumption and industrial clusters like
monument. The consumption of LED lights is Sonbhadra-Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
approximately 62 percent less than conventional Pradesh, Korba in Chattisgarh, Talcher in Odisha,
light fixtures. Chandrapur in Maharashtra, Mundra in Gujarat and
40. First printing press heritage gallery opened by Railway’s – Durgapur in West Bengal were equally polluting
The Western Railway General Stores Depot (GSD) has when it comes to NOx emissions.
become the first in Indian Railways to opened a heritage • The data was collected between February 2018 and
gallery of the printing and allied machines used in the May 2019.
Western Railway Printing Press since (1948) at Mahalaxmi 45. Coffee Table Book launched to commemorate 50 years of
in Mumbai. partnership with UNWFP – ‘The Coffee Table Book – 50
41. Uttarakhand was named among best performing states in years of Partnership for Change’ was launched by Union
‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme – Uttarakhand has been Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra
adjudged as one of the country’s five best performing states Singh Tomar.
under the National Programme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao • The book was launched to commemorate five
(BBBP) scheme aimed at addressing declining child sex ratio decades (50 years) of partnership between Union
and issues of women empowerment. Ministry and agency towards addressing food and
42. Jaipur walled city now a world heritage site – The walled nutritional security in India.
city of Jaipur, known globally as Pink City, has finally UN World Food Programme
become a Unesco world heritage site. • It was founded in 1961.
• It is India’s first planned city founded by Sawai Jai • It was formally established by Food and Agriculture
Singh II in 1727, and is only the second Indian city Organization (FAO) and United Nations General
to feature on the prestigious list. Assembly (UNGA) in 1963. It is headquartered in
• With this, India now has overall 38 World Heritage Rome, Italy.
sites. 46. Operation Milap: 333 missing children rescued in 7 months
Note: – Under Operation Milap of Delhi Police, Delhi Police Crime
• In 2017, old Ahmedabad was India’s first city to win Branch has rescued 333 missing children from the city and
the ‘heritage city’ tag. handed them over to their families in different parts of
• In 2018, sites in Mumbai the Victorian and Art Deco country.
Ensembles straddling two heritage precincts of Fort 47. UIDAI operationalizes 1st Aadhaar Seva Kendra in Delhi
and Marine Drive, were chosen as world heritage and Vijayawada – The Unique Identification Authority of
sites. India (UIDAI) has operationalized 1st ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendra’
43. Unmanned Level Crossings in all Broad-Gauge Network (ASKs) in Delhi and Vijayawada.
removed – Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal • The new centres are functioning on a pilot basis
informed that all Unmanned Level Crossings (ULCs) in all and have set in motion UIDAI’s ambitious plan to
Broad-Gauge (BG) Network were removed on January 31, set up 114 such centers by the end of 2019.
2019. 48. Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express to be first train operated by
44. Six Indian metros are hotspots of air pollutant nitrogen private players – Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express, one of the
oxide: Greenpeace most-awaited trains on the route announced in 2016, is set
• An analysis by environmental NGO Greenpeace to be the first train to be operated by private players. At
India said that as per satellite data, transport and

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present, it is parked at the Anandnagar Railway Station in 54. Longest electrified railway tunnel in India commissioned –
Uttar Pradesh The South Central Railway has commissioned the longest
electrified tunnel of India.
49. PM Narendra Modi unveils statue of Lal Bahadur Shastri – • The tunnel which is between Cherlopalli and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled statue of former Rapuru stations is 6.6 km long, is built at a total
PM of India Lal Bahadur Shastri at Varanasi airport on 06th cost of ₹460 crore.
July 2019. • It is situated between Cherlopalli and Rapuru
50. India’s first Design Development Centre launched in Railway stations in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
Gujarat – India’s first Design Development Center About South Central Railway
‘Fashionova’ was launched in the Textile city Surat. • It is one of the 18 zones of Indian Railways.
• The centre will promote the city in the field of the • The jurisdiction of the zone is spread over the states of
fashion design sector. Maharashtra, Telangana, and some portions of Madhya
51. Tata Steel Kalinganagar has been included in World Pradesh.
Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network. • It has three divisions under its administration, which
• TSK in Odisha’s Jajpur district is the first and the include Nanded, Secunderabad, Hyderabad.
only Indian manufacturing plant to be included in 55. Indian Railways to install CCTV cameras in over 7,000 train
the WEF’s Lighthouse Network. coaches – According to the GoI, the Indian Railways has set
52. PM Modi pays tribute to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his a target to install CCTV cameras in more than 7,000 coaches
birth anniversary – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today of mainline passenger trains by March 2021.
paid tributes to BJP icon and the founder of Bharatiya Jana 56. Army Chief releases Kargil Tribute Song – Army Chief
Sangh, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth General Bipin Rawat has released a Kargil Tribute Song to
anniversary. honour, salute and pay homage to the Kargil martyrs and
• Dr Mukherjee was born on the 6th of July, 1901 in war veterans.
Kolkata. • The song has been composed by eminent Hindi
53. India to get the first e-Vehicle Charging Highway by March lyricist Sammer Anjaan and sung by Shatadru Kabir.
2020 – • The song was released as part of the celebration of
• India's first highway corridors with charging the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas to be
stations for electric vehicles are expected to come celebrated on 26th of July.
up along the Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways
by 2020.

June

1. All panchayats to have Broadband Connectivity by March • The project seeks to provide affordable last mile
2020: Govt – Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister high speed broadband connectivity to 2.5 lakh
Electronics and Information Technology in a written reply in gram panchayats across the country.
Lok Sabha informed Parliament that all gram panchayats • Nodal Ministry: for implementation of project is
will be provided high speed broadband connections under Ministry of Communication.
BharatNet project by March 2020. 2. India to train 1,000 civil servants of Maldives over next 5
• Phase II of project is under implementation, and a years – India’s leading civil services training institution,
total of 2 lakh GPs (gram panchayats) are targeted National Center for Good Governance (NCGG) signed a
to be completed by March 2020. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maldives Civil
BharatNet Services Commission for capacity building (training) of 1,000
civil servants of Maldives over next five years.

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• This agreement was signed during Prime Minister • It was established on 1 January 2015 by replacing
Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Male (Maldives 65 years legacy of Planning Commission (PC).
capital). 9. India’s Forest cover up by 1%- Environment Minister –
3. Five-year vision plan EQUIP finalised and released by HRD Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment
Ministry – The Department of Higher Education of HRD informed the Lok Sabha that India’s forest cover has
Ministry has finalized and released a five year vision plan increased by 1% in last one year period and over 24.39% of
named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion India’s geographical area now constitutes of green cover.
Programme. 10. Mumbai Metro Railway Corporation to dig 170m long
4. Japan gifts Manipur a peace museum – Japan gifts Manipur tunnel under Mumbai's Mithi river –
a “Peace Museum” which is built on the memories of one of • Mumbai Metro Railway Corporation plans to dig a
the fiercest battles of the Second World War. 170m long tunnel under Mumbai's Mithi river as a
• The inauguration of the Imphal Peace Museum at part of Mumbai's Metro Line 3. This will be India's
Red Hill, about 20 km southwest of Manipur’s second largest underwater project.
capital Imphal, marked the 75th anniversary of the • The first tunnel was built for the Kolkata metro.
Battle of Imphal. 11. India’s first Blockchain District to come up in Hyderabad,
5. 35000 km of highways to be built by 2022 under Telangana – The Telangana government is going to set up
Bharatmala – the country’s first ‘Blockchain district’ to create an
• Under the 'Bharatmala Project', construction or ecosystem for all the start-ups and institutes working in the
upgradation of about 35,000 kilometres of national space.
highways is to be undertaken by 2022. • The State signed an agreement with Tech Mahindra
6. Statue of Unity enters prestigious 2019 World Architecture last year to set up the Blockchain district.
News Awards – World’s tallest idol Statue of Unity has • It proposed 25 per cent subsidy on lease rentals up
entered prestigious World Architecture News Awards 2019 to ₹5 lakh per annum for the first 3 years of
in the mixed-use category. operations.
• The statue is surrounded by Narmada river. 12. National Film Heritage Mission Project reviewed by
• The Statue of Unity is built in dedication to Iron Prakash Javadekar - Minister of Information and
Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who served as the Broadcasting (I&B) Forest and Climate Change, Prakash
first home minister of independent India. Javadekar reviewed the National Film Heritage Mission
• The height of Statue of Unity is 182 metre. (NFHM) during a visit to the National Film Archive of India
• The Statue of Unity was built by Padma Bhushan (NFAI), Pune, Maharashtra.
recipient sculptor Ram V Sutar. 13. The United States (US) Secretary of State, Michael R.
7. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired Pompeo visited India on 25-27 June 2019.
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended service of 14. Aparna Kumar becomes the first civil servant & IPS Officer
Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha for a further period to conquer the ‘Seven Summits’ challenge - Uttar Pradesh
of three months. cadre IPS officer and DIG (Deputy Inspector General of
8. PM Modi reconstitutes NITI Aayog – Prime Minister Police) in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Aparna Kumar
Narendra Modi approved the reconstitution of government has scaled Mount Denali (the highest peak in Northern
of India’s policy think tank NITI Aayog (or National America stands at 20,310 feet) in Alaska, USA (United States
Institution for Transforming India). of America).
• Chairperson– Prime Minister Narendra Modi • She is the first civil servant and IPS (Indian Police
• Vice-Chairperson– Dr. Rajiv Kumar Service) officer to achieve the feat of completing ‘7
• Amitabh Kant gets two-year extension as Niti Aayog Summits’ challenge.
CEO. 15. GST day - July 1 celebrated as Goods and Services Tax day.
Note:

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• New GST return system: Sahaj and Sugam returns 18. Government schools to introduce Self Defence Training for
for small taxpayers are proposed by the Finance girls under Samagra Shiksha - Integrated Scheme for School
ministry. Education ‘Samagra Shiksha’ was launched by the
• The Central or State Government which sanctions Department of School Education and Literacy which comes
refund disburses all four major heads of refunds under the Ministry of Human Resource Development,
namely CGST, SGST, IGST, and Cess. effective from the academic year 2018-19. The activity of
• Threshold limit for goods: Threshold Limit of Rs 40 Self Defence training for girls comes under Samagra
Lacs is offered of suppliers of goods as per the Shiksha.
choice of States. 19. National Freight Index (NFI) - In order to bring transparency
• Composition Scheme for Services: Composition in the road-freight marketplace, an Indian technology
Scheme for small service providers up to annual company based in Gurgaon, Rivigo which owns 3,000 trucks
turnover of Rs 50 lacs with a tax rate of 6%. 5,000 drivers launched the National Freight Index (NFI)
• E-invoicing system: Electronic invoicing system in a which will provide unrestricted access of live freight rates
phase-wise manner for B2B (Business to Business) for different lanes and vehicles across the country. Logistics
transactions is proposed to be introduced. account for nearly 14% of India’s GDP.
• GSTAT: GST Appellate Tribunals are being 20. Govt. reduces the rate of ESI Contribution from 6.5% to 4%
established at various State Headquarters and area - The government has reduced the total rate of contribution
benches also. made by workers and employers towards the Employees’
16. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union finance & Corporate Affairs State Insurance (ESI) scheme from 6.5% to 4% for the first
minister, among ‘100 Most Influential in UK-India time in over two decades.
Relations: Celebrating Women’ list - On June 24, 2019, To • At present, nearly 4.75% of a worker’s monthly
mark ‘India Day’ in the Houses of Parliament in London, salary goes towards ESI as the employer’s
United Kingdom (UK), Sajid Javid, Home Secretary of UK, contribution and 1.75% of the income is the
released the ‘100 most Influential in UK-India Relations: employee’s share at present.
Celebrating Women’ list. 21. Delhi metro becomes India’s 1st Project to receive power
• Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister of India, from waste-to-energy – The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
Nirmala Sitharaman, was one among the 100 most (DMRC) has become the first ever project in the country to
influential women driving the UK-India relationship receive power generated from a waste-to-energy plant.
forward. • It has started receiving 2 MW power from a 12 MW
17. Central Government move to set up Krishi Vigyan Kendras capacity waste-to-energy plant set up in Ghazipur.
to double farmers’ income by 2022 – The Minister of 22. Centre sets target to provide Clean Drinking Water to all
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar by 2024 – Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
announced that central Government has decided to use said that the Central government has set a target of
digital technology in rural India to double farmers’ income providing clean drinking water to all by 2024.
by the year 2022. • It includes increasing coverage of piped water to
• For this, the Government has set up 713 Krishi households from current 18 to 100% by 2024.
Vigyan Kendras (KVK) and 684 Agricultural • In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal,
Technology Management Agencies (ATMA) at the Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha, the coverage
district level in the country for dissemination of of clean drinking water is less than five percent.
technologies among the farming community. • It is only in Sikkim that 99% of households get
tapped water.

State Affairs
November

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1. According to the Election Commission, Jharkhand Note: The state legislative assembly has been kept under
assembly polls will be held in five phases between 30th suspended animation. In India, the president's rule is the
November to 20 December. suspension of state government and imposition of direct
Note: As per the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, central government rule in a state.
the polls to 81-member assembly will be held on 9. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has launched an
November 30, December 7, 12, 16 and 20. The counting online registration portal to facilitate setting up of new
of votes will take place on 23rd December. Jharkhand was MSME units.
formed in the year 2000 by dividing Bihar into two-state. Note: Mr. Rupani approved the first online application
2. The National Tribal festival (15-day Aadi Mahotsav) held through the portal and issued a certificate through an e-
in New Delhi. mail to a woman entrepreneur.
Note: The theme of the festival is a celebration of the 10. The Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of
spirit of tribal culture, craft, cuisine and commerce. Congress-JD (S) MLA who had resigned this year 17
3. The French Development Agency (AFD) and Assam govt. MLAs.
have signed an agreement for supporting Phase II of Note: Now, the Supreme Court allowed them to contest
Assam Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation the election. The speaker of legislative assembly Ramesh
(APFBC). Kumar had disqualified 17 rebel MLAs before the
Note: The total budget for the second phase is Rs 500 confidence motion of the HD Kumaraswamy government
crore. The project was launched in response to the in the assembly. Kumaraswamy's government resigned
threats posed by deforestation, poaching and over- after failing to get a trust vote in the assembly.
dependence of local communities on forest resources. 11. The Haryana government has decided to bring more
4. The Indian Railways has installed two ‘Health ATMs’ at crops under its ‘Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna (BBY)’
the Charbagh railway station in Lucknow. scheme.
Note: The kiosks, promoted by YOLO Health ATM, Note: The decision was taken at a BBY’s review meeting
provide 16 health check-ups for Rs 50-100. There are two which was presided by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar
types of check-ups a 9-minute one that costs Rs 100, and Lal Khattar. Under BBY scheme, farmers get compensated
a 6-minute one that costs Rs 50. for selling their crop at a price lower than that fixed by
5. Sanskrit lovers from 17th countries are attended the the government
three-day mega event in New Delhi. 12. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Arunachal
Note: According to Minister of State for External Affairs Pradesh to attend the Maitree Diwas celebrations (11th
V.Muraleedharan, Sanskrit continues to be prevalent in edition) at Tawang.
the society as it is used by the people across the country. Note: Maitree Diwas (Civil-Military Friendship) will be
6. Cyclone Bulbul claims at least ten lives and affected 2.73 celebrated for two days at Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High
lakh families as it hit the coastal districts of West Bengal. Altitude Stadium Tawang. Mr. Rajnath Singh will also
Note: The cyclone has also damaged hundreds of houses. inaugurate Sisseri River Bridge and National Highway-52
Nearly two lakh people have been moved to relief camps in East Siang District.
set up in nine places of the state. Hundreds of uprooted 13. Haryana Government has constituted an Economic
trees have blocked thoroughfares in Kolkata and its fringe Advisory Council (EAC) for five years to promote
areas. industries in the state.
7. Gujarat Govt. has given approval to the world’s first CNG Note: The Economic Advisory Council will comprise
terminal at Bhavnagar port. membership-based advisory panel and will be headed by
Note: The joint venture of United Kingdom-based the Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. This council
Foresight Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh Mafatlal would be constituted for 5 years, in which the
Group will invest 1,900 crore rupees to set up a CNG government members would remain as permanent
terminal at Bhavnagar port. Proposed CNG terminal will members of the council, while the members of the
have an annual capacity of 1.5 metric tonnes. private sector would serve a term of 2 years.
8. As per Maharashtra Governor’s Bhagat Singh Koshyari 14. The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a dedicated
recommendation, President Ram Nath Kovind signed a web portal and a mobile application for sugarcane
proclamation imposing President’s rule in Maharashtra. farmers of the state -- e-Ganna App.

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Note: The web portal and e-Ganna App will help in 20. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched ‘SAANS’
eradicating cane mafia and middleman and strengthen campaign to reduce child mortality due to pneumonia in
cane development societies. The portal and the App will Gujarat.
ensure transparency in the process of getting slips and Note: Mr. Vardhan launched the campaign while
facilitate sugarcane supply by farmers to mills and check inaugurating the 6th National Summit on Good,
irregularities. Replicable Practices and Innovations in Gujarat. The
15. The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child objective of the SAANS campaign to reduce child
Rights has launched a mobile app ‘Sishu Suraksha App’. mortality due to pneumonia, which contributes to around
Note: The purpose of the app is to empower citizens to 15% of deaths annually of children under the age of five.
take moral responsibility for protecting future 21. Union Minister for Rural Development Narendra Singh
generations. The app can be used by anyone in the state Tomar has inaugurated the SARAS India International
to lodge a complaint which will be directly registered at Trade Fair in New Delhi.
Commission. Note: More than seven crore women have joined Self-
16. Andhra Pradesh has launched the ‘Nadu-Nedu’ scheme Help Groups so far and the Ministry is making all efforts
to introduce English medium from classes 1 to 6th. to take this number to 10 crores.
Note: The Union government also planning to introduce 22. The Government of India and the Asian Development
another scheme called ‘Amma Vodi’ in January 2020 to Bank (ADB) has signed a loan amount USD 91 million
give incentives to others who send their children to under Karnataka Integrated and Sustainable Water
school and continue their education till class 12. In the Resources Management Investment Program (IWRM).
first phase, the ‘Nadu-Nedu’ programme will be Note: The project will help to modernize the Vijayanagara
implemented in 15,715 schools. It will cover all schools in Channel irrigation systems, prepare river basin
three years under a budget of Rs 12,000 crores. management plans in the Krishna river basin that will
17. Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa has help improve irrigation water use efficiency and
inaugurated the Bengaluru Tech Summit at Bengaluru contribute to improving sustainable water security in
Place. Karnataka.
Note: More than 3500 delegates, 12,000 visitors and 200 23. India's biggest cinematic event, the 50th International
speakers are participating in this Summit. 250 Exhibitors Film Festival of India (IFFI) has begun in Panaji, Goa.
will showcase their services, products, and technologies Note: Rajinikanth has been conferred with the Special
to visitors. The summit is expected to be attended by Icon of Golden Jubilee award for his outstanding
global tech leaders, investors, industry captains, research contribution to Indian cinema. French actor Isabelle
heads, policymakers and startups from India and 20 Huppert honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
foreign countries. Russia is the partner country of the IFFI 2019.
18. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inaugurated North 24. Directorate of School Education (DSEJ), Jammu has
India's first sugar mill in Gorakhpur (Pipraich area). launched a special enrollment drive under the banner
Note: North India's first sugar mill will produce ethanol 'Aao School Chalein' for increasing the enrollment in
direct from sugarcane.Ethanol is naturally produced by government schools.
the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical Note: As per the Directorate of School Education, the
processes and is commonly consumed as a popular special enrollment drive would be conducted across all
recreational drug. the villages and catchment areas of the government
19. The two tea varieties of Darjeeling (green tea and white schools, under the supervision of chief education officers
tea) have been registered as a geographical indication of all the districts of Jammu Division. The prime focus of
(GI) products in the country. the drive is on the strengthening of pre-schooling of
Note: These two varieties of Darjeeling tea have been children in the age group of 3 to 5 years.
registered under Geographical Indications of Goods 25. Assam Govt. has approved Arundhati scheme to provide
(Registration and Protection) Act 1999 (effective from 1 Tola Gold to Brides free of cost.
October 2019). This will “strengthen the protection of the Note: This scheme to give 1 tola Gold (11.66 grams) to
intellectual property rights of the Darjeeling tea” which is brides parents belonging to the economically weaker
considered as “niche and luxury” products in the country sections of the society, whose annual income is below Rs
and abroad. 5 lakh. The objective of the scheme to reduce child

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marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act that by the state government for the promotion of
a girl in India can’t get married before the age of 18 and a investment, employment for youth and welfare of Non-
boy cant get married before 21 years of age Resident Indians.The new department will deal in the
26. Uttarakhand govt. has launched a project to connect 500 formulation of country-wise strategies for the promotion
secondary schools to virtual classrooms. of investment, employment in the state, education and
Note: The schools in the state facing a shortage of skill development and promotion of Haryanvi culture and
teachers will benefit from the new technology. Virtual welfare of Haryanvi diaspora.
classes are attended through video conferences where 28. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has
students can meet the teacher on a real-time basis and inaugurated the newly established Munderwa Sugar Mill
ask questions. An estimated 1.90 lakh students of 500 in Basti district.
government-run secondary schools in the state will Note: Munderwa mill will have a capacity of 5000 Tons of
benefit from the project Cane per Day and generate 27 Mega Watt of power. It
27. Haryana Government has decided to create a dedicated will be the third inauguration of sugar mills in the state in
new department namely Department of Foreign just three weeks (Ramala in Baghpat and Pipraich in
Cooperation. Gorakhpur).
Note: The department has been created in order to
streamline and provide focus to various initiatives taken

October

1. India’s first e-waste clinic to be set up in Bhopal – The 4. Odisha govt. & UNICEF launched ‘Tikki Mausi’
Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Central mascot – The Department of Women & Child
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have joined hands to set Development and Mission Shakti, Government of
up the country’s first e-waste clinic in Bhopal, Madhya Odisha, in collaboration with United Nations
Pradesh. International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• “Electronic waste will be collected door-to- unveiled a mascot named ‘Tikki Mausi’.
door or could be deposited directly at the • Aim - to spread awareness about nutrition of
clinic in exchange for a fee. children and women.
2. PMJAY – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – • The mascot- ‘Tikki Mausi’ aims to change the
According to data available with the Union Health behaviour of common people and make
Ministry, in its first year, the Pradhan Mantri Jan them aware about child and woman’s
Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), the tertiary care arm of nutrition and development in every
Ayushman Bharat, has funded the treatment of household.
90,000 cancer patients through 1.8 lakh hospital 5. No govt. jobs in Assam for people with more than
admissions. two children:
• Tamil Nadu, with 40,056 cases, tops the state • The State Cabinet of Assam has
where the most cancer patients availed decided to make government jobs out of bounds
treatment under PMJAY, followed by Kerala for people with more than 2 children. The policy
(22,000), Madhya Pradesh (19,455), will come into effect from January 1, 2021.
Chhattisgarh (15,997) and Gujarat (14,380). • The Cabinet also adopted a new land
3. Meghalaya govt. signed agreement with Dalmia policy that will make the landless indigenous
Cement to turn plastic waste into Fuel – The people eligible for 3 bighas (43,200 sq. ft.) of land
Meghalaya state government signed an agreement for farming and half a bigha for constructing a
with Dalmia Cement a cement company, to make the house.
state plastic-free by 2022.

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• The beneficiary will be able to sell the 8. Tamil Nadu constitutes two panels over water disputes
given land only after 15 years of use. with Kerala:
6. First Robot Chef Restaurant opens in Odisha: • The Tamil Nadu government constituted two
committees to deal over water disputes with
• Odisha’s smart city Bhubaneswar gets
Kerala relating to the Parambikulam-Aliyar
it 1st Robo Chef Restaurant in Odisha. Project (PAP) and the Pandiyar-Punnampuzha
• The Robot Restaurant opened at the project.
Infocity DLF tower of Bhubaneswar claims to be • Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Public Works
the first restaurant in Eastern India where two Department (PWD) K. Manivasan would lead
indigenously developed robots, ‘Champa’ and both the committees constituted by the State
‘Chameli’ are engaged. government. Cauvery Technical Committee
• The robots are developed at a Jaipur- chairperson R. Subramanian is also part of both
based startup using SLAM technology, and It the panels
9. Shirui Lily Festival inaugurated in Manipur
automatically navigates like humans, follows the
routes and instructions. • Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
7. Madhya Pradesh CM inaugurates “Magnificent Madhya Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel
Pradesh Conference”: inaugurated Shirui Lily Festival, 2019 at Shirui
Vangayan Ground of Ukhrul in Manipur.
• Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
• Mr Patel along with State Chief Minister N. Biren
Kamal Nath formally inaugurated the 2-day Singh also inaugurated the Strength of Unity
Magnificent Madhya Pradesh Conference in Statue as a mark of opening the third edition of
Indore. the four-day state festival.
• The event showcasing various • This joint efforts of the State Government and
opportunities that exist in the state in variegated Central Government can only promote tourism
sectors, including food processing, and culture of a region to the level of people’s
pharmaceuticals, textile and garment, expectation.
warehousing and logistics, IT &ESDM, urban
development and renewable energy.
• Chief Minister Kamal Nath also
inaugurated the Global Trade Exhibition at the
Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore.
September
coverage of up to ₹ 5 lakh per family per
1. J&K becomes first state to issue highest number of year.
golden cards under Ayushman Bharat scheme – Jammu • The scheme will cover 10 crore vulnerable
and Kashmir became the first state in the country to issue families, with approximately 50 crore
the highest number of golden cards under Ayushman beneficiaries.
Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). • It was launched on 23rd September 2018 by
• Over 11 lakh golden cards have been Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
generated within the first 90 days of the Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi.
launch of the scheme with 60% of families 2. Telangana government declares 2020 as Artificial
having at least one golden card which is Intelligence year – The state government of Telangana
highest in the country. has decided to declare 2020 as Year of Artificial
About Ayushman Bharat scheme Intelligence.
• The Ayushman Bharat Scheme introduced by • The state government will be running
the Government of India provides medical multiple programs, meetings and activities

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such as hackathons, master classes and other • The CM said that the government will
activities. arrange for a free trial of women suffering
• The state government has signed up with from triple talaq.
NITI Aayog (National Institution for 7. Now CM- ministers will fill their income tax in UP – Yogi
Transforming India), which has come out Adityanath Government of Uttar Pradesh has ended the
with ‘National Strategy for Artificial 38-year-old system of paying income tax of the salaries of
Intelligence‘ to run pilot projects in the Chief Minister and ministers from the government
Telangana. treasury.
• Telangana was 1st State to sign up with NITI • Now Chief Minister and Ministers will have
Aayog when they prepared ‘AI for All’ to pay their own income tax burdening the
document. exchequer for the last 40 years.
• IIT- Khargapur is also coming up with its 8. Kerala to open the country's first women's global trade
regional centre in Hyderabad to train centre – Taking a major initiative towards promoting
students in AI in partnership with State women entrepreneurship, Kerala state government has
government. decided to set up the country's first International
3. Madhya Pradesh government appointed film star Women's Business Center (IWTC) in Kozhikode.
Govinda as brand ambassador to promote the state’s 9. Maharashtra to set up Swachh Bharat World University
traditions and tourist places. • The State Government of Maharashtra has
4. Hyderabad-Karnataka Region Renamed ‘Kalyana decided to set up ‘Swachh Bharat World
Karnataka’ – Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa University’ in Wardha to mark Mahatma
announced that the Hyderabad-Karnataka region has Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
been renamed as ‘Kalyana Karnataka’ and a separate • The University will focus on research studies
secretariat would be established for its development. in sanitation, cleanliness and environment.
• Hyderabad Karnataka region comprising six • The State has formed a seven-member
north-eastern districts of the State — Bidar, committee headed by the Minister of
Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal and Education Vinod Tawde. The committee will
Ballari. conduct a study on the requirements of the
5. Dikshi Hydroelectric Project – Arunachal Pradesh Chief University.
Minister Pema Khandu dedicated the Dikshi Hydroelectric 10. IIT Guwahati & Numaligarh refinery partners to set up
Project to the people of the state. Centre of Excellence – Indian Institute of Technology
• The 24 Mega Watt Hydroelectric Project has Guwahati has joined hands with Numaligarh Refinery
been installed at Dikshi Village in West Limited (NRL) for setting up the “NRL-Centre of
Kameng District. Excellence (CoE) for Sustainable Materials”. This is a first
• It is a Run of the River project constructed on of its kind academic-industrial collaborative venture.
the river Phudung by Devi Energies Private Note:
Limited. • The Numaligarh Refinery is located at
6. U.P. government announces Rs 6,000 annual aid for Morangi, Golaghat district, Assam.
triple talaq victims • It is a joint venture between Bharat
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Petroleum, Oil India and Govt of Assam.
has today announced that the state 11. Google ties up with BSNL; launches free public Wi-Fi in
government will provide financial assistance villages in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar
of six thousand rupees to the triple divorce • Google has announced the partnership with
victims and the women left by the husband. BSNL which would help its expansion of high-
speed public WiFi to villages in Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Bihar.

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• The announcement was done at the Google 17. Maharashtra to have drone service for emergency
for India event which took place in New medicine and critical care – The Maharashtra
Delhi on 19th September. government will now take the help of drones to provide
12. Assembly polls in Maharashtra, Haryana to be held on essential medicines and medical aid to remote areas in
Oct 21 – According to the Chief Election Commissioner case of flood or other emergency situations.
Sunil Arora, the legislative Assemblies election of • For this service, the Government of
Maharashtra and Haryana will go to the polls on October Maharashtra has done a partnership with
21. While votes will be counted on 24 October. the Zipline. Zipline is an automated logistics
• In Maharashtra, the Legislative Assemblies company based in California.
elections to be held for 288 seats and 90 18. Unani Medical Centre to be inaugurated at Safdarjung
seats in Haryana. Hospital, New Delhi – Union Minister of State
• In the last Legislative Assemblies elections, (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik will
BJP won 47 out of 90 seats in Haryana, while be inaugurating Unani Medical Centre at New OPD
in Maharashtra BJP emerged as the largest Building in Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
party by winning 122 out of 288 seats. 19. Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) to opened in Mumbai,
13. Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ launched Maharashtra.
in Himachal Pradesh - Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister • Objective - To provide skill training in highly-
Jai Ram Thakur has launched Mukhya Mantri Seva specialised areas to students who want to
Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ (Chief Minister’s Service pursue technical education after completing
Resolution Helpline) for speedy and time-bound redressal Class X and XII and also to make them
of public grievances using modern technology. employable and industry ready for New India
• So far, this facility is available in and global market.
Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar 20. Garvi Gujarat: 2nd state bhawan of Gujarat inaugurated
Pradesh. by PM Modi
14. Kerala to set up India’s first iWTC in Kozhikode – Kerala • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
will set up India’s first international women’s trade centre ‘Garvi Gujarat’, the second state bhawan of the
(iWTC), in consonance with the United Nations Gujarat government in the national capital New
sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kozhikode. Delhi.
• The first phase of iWTC, being executed • This is the ‘first eco-friendly’ state Bhawan in
under the gender park’s “Vision 2020”, is national capital.
scheduled to be completed by 2021. 21. Gorewada International Zoo opened in Nagpur – Union
15. Rajasthan launches ‘Jan Soochna Portal’ – The state Minister Prakash Javadekar has announced the approval
government of Rajasthan launched ‘Jan Soochna Portal’, of the new ‘Gorewada International Zoo’ in Nagpur
a portal for quick access to information on government district of Maharashtra.
departments. The portal was launched by Rajasthan’s • The Zoo will have attractions like Bio Park, Indian
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Safari, African Safari, Night Safari, Research,
16. Madhya Pradesh government offers cows for adoption Education and Training, facilities for tourists, etc.
online – The state government of Madhya Pradesh is • The task of construction of Indian Safari and
launched an online service for those wanting to adopt a ancillary activities, Water Reservoir and
cow and provide sheds to them at gaushalas (cow Gorewada Reserve has been given to FDCM Ltd.
shelters) across the State. with Government Grants.
• People can adopt a cow for a minimum • The Government of Maharashtra has accorded
period of 15 days and can go on supporting it permission for establishing the International Zoo,
till animal’s lifetime. This initiative is part of through Forest Development Corporation of
Madhya Pradesh government’s ‘Project Maharashtra Limited (FDCM. Ltd.), Nagpur.
Gaushala’.
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Note: Uttar Pradesh. This machine will grind the wasted and
The Gorewada International Zoo is likely to be one of the broken pottery items for re-using in pottery-making.
largest captive Zoo Safari in India with over 1914 Hectares 24. Haryana govt waives off interest & penalty of Rs 4,750 cr
of land adjoining the Gorewada Lake. on crop loans – Haryana government has announced Rs
22. India’s first 'Garbage Cafe' will be opened in 4,750 crore interest and penalty waiver on crop loans.
Chhattisgarh - The Ambikapur municipal corporation of • The waive off is for farmers who had borrowed
Chhattisgarh will open India’s first 'Garbage Cafe'. from Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies,
• This cafe offers a full-fledged meal to a person District Cooperative Central Banks and Land
who collects 1 kg of plastic waste and a Mortgage Bank. The step will benefit around 10
substantial breakfast to those who collect 500 lakh farmers in the state.
grams. 25. UDAN regional connectivity scheme launched in
• This initiative was to ensure that the homeless Haryana from Hisar – Hisar, Haryana has entered into the
rag pickers, who collect plastic waste to earn civil aviation map after the launch of the air shuttle
some money, had a hearty meal. service between Hisar and Chandigarh.
• The municipal corporation will provide food to • SpiceJet has started the air shuttle service
the poor and homeless in exchange for plastic between Hisar and Chandigarh under the Ude
waste. Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Regional
23. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched Connectivity Service scheme.
first ever ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at Sewapuri in Varanasi,

August

1. Most awaited “Assam’s National Register of Citizens • To accommodate excluded people, detention
List” released – State coordinator of the National Register camps have been set up across the state of
of Citizens, Prateek Hajela has released the most awaited Assam.
Assam’s final National Register of Citizens list. The list has • The NRC list is the biggest exercise India has
been made accessible online and at all NRC seva kendras undertaken to expel illegal immigrants residing
in the state. The process of NRC Update was started in illegally in India. The updation process of NRC
the state of Assam as per order of the Supreme Court of was carried out under The Citizenship Act, 1955,
India in 2013. The NRC took five years and Rs 1,220 crore and according to the rules framed in the Assam
before getting published. Accord.
Important findings of the NRC: 2. Special Tiger Force” for Corbett Reserve to be set up by
• From the 3.29 crore applicants, a total of 3.11 Uttarakhand – The Uttarakhand government has decided
crore people have been found eligible for to form a Special Tiger Force for Corbett Tiger Reserve.
inclusion in final NRC list. The STPF will serve as a second layer of protection for
• 19.06 lakh people have been excluded from the tigers at the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
final NRC list. 3. Meghalaya launches ‘Walk to Work’ campaign – Chief
• Those excluded from the final NRC list will have Minister of Meghalaya launched the ‘Walk to Work’
120 days to approach the Foreigners’ Tribunals. If campaign in the state. The campaign is a part of Fit India
a person is dissatisfied with the tribunal’s Movement which has been launched in the country by
decision, he/she can appeal against it. the Prime Minister.
• Foreigners tribunals is a place where bona fide 4. Tamil Nadu govt announces trifucation of Vellore district
citizens, whose names do not figure in the final – Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K Palaniswami
NRC, can approach to challenge their exclusion. announced that Vellore district of state would be
trifurcated into Vellore, Ranipet and Tirupattur districts.

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• Vellore will be headquarters of these 2 new improve the infrastructure, quality education and
districts. With creation of two more districts the overall improvement of government schools.
total number of districts in state would become 10. RACE: Rajasthan’s New Higher Education Model – State
37. government of Rajasthan has launched a new higher
5. Maharashtra: 1st state to adopt digital fingerprint and education model titled- Resource Assistance for Colleges
iris scanning system – Maharashtra became first state in with Excellence or RACE, for distribution of faculties and
the country to adopt an Automated Multi-modal movable assets among government colleges at district
Biometric Identification System (AMBIS) i.e. digital level so as to rationalise availability of resources.
fingerprint and iris scanning system to help police 11. AP launches ‘Village Volunteers System’ - Chief Minister
investigations. of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched his
• This system will soon be replicated by police government’s flagship programme called ‘Village
forces of other states in the country. Volunteers System’ aimed at providing government
6. Odisha police station in top 10 in India – Tarava police services at doorsteps of people.
station in the Subarnapur district of Odisha has been 12. West Bengal launches awareness campaign ‘Save Green,
adjudged as one of the 10 best police stations in India in Stay Clean’ – The West Bengal Government has launched
the annual ranking for the year 2018. an awareness campaign ‘Save Green, Stay Clean’ for
• The certificate of excellence and a trophy preserving the greenery and keeping the environment
awarded by the Union Home Ministry were clean.
handed over to Tarava police inspector Dulamani 13. One Nation One Ration Card scheme launched on pilot
Bhoi by Odisha DGP R.P. Sharma. basis in 4 States – One Nation-One Ration Card scheme
launched on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
7. Tamil Nadu’s Panchamirtham prasadam granted GI tag – Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ • Families who have food security cards can buy
at Murugan temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu has been subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop
granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag. in these states. Their ration cards should be
• This is first temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.
that has been bestowed with coveted GI tag. 14. Centre has approved the project to link Kosi & Mechi
• It takes total number of such indigenous rivers – The Centre has approved a Kosi-Mechi river
products from Tamil Nadu that have been interlining project in Bihar.
accorded GI tag to 29. • Estimated cost of the project is Rs 4,900 crore.
• The project will provide irrigation for over 2.14
8. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel announces formation lakh hectares of command areas spread across
of Lemru Elephant Reserve the districts of Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and
• On August 15, 2019, Chief Minister of Katihar in north Bihar.
Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel announced the • This is India’s 2nd major river linking project after
formation of ‘Lemru Elephant Reserve’ (LER) in Ken-Betwa of Madhya Pradesh.
the state, over an area of 450 square kilometres. 15. Odisha approves conservation plan of lakes “Chilika and
• It will minimize human-elephant conflict and Ansupa” – The Odisha Wetland Authority has approved
destruction of property, with the provision of a implementation of an integrated management plan of
permanent habitat for the wild tuskers. lakes “Chilika and Ansupa”.
9. Manipur Govt launches “School Fagadaba” scheme to • The Chilika lake is India’s largest brackish water
improve infrastructure of government schools lagoon and Ansupa is the Odisha’s largest
• Chief Minister (CM) of Manipur, N Biren Singh freshwater lake.
has launched “School Fagadaba” (Make 16. Kerala Govt to Set up Country's First-ever Elephant
education better) scheme with the aim to Rehabilitation Centre – The Kerala government would set
up a first-of-its-kind elephant rehabilitation centre here
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at an outlay of Rs 105 crore, to take care of jumbos, old girl from Manipur was made the ambassador of ‘Chief
which were either orphaned or abandoned. Minister’s Green Manipur Mission’, after a video of her
• Kottoor, an ecotourism village situated nearly 35 crying over felled trees went viral on social media.
km from here, would soon host the country's 21. Rajasthan becomes the first state in the country to
first-ever elephant rehabilitation centre. implement biofuel policy – Deputy Chief Minister of
17. Manipur tops the rank in breastfeeding report released Rajasthan state Government, Sachin Pilot stated that
by health minister – Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Rajasthan is the 1st state in the country that released
Health and Family welfare released a report on biofuel rules-2019 (after the notification of the Centre on
Breastfeeding in New Delhi where states were ranked April 30, 2019) with the vision to promote the use of
based on Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child biofuels.
Feeding Practices in the country. 22. Gogabeel, an ox-bow lake in Bihar declared as the
• The ranking was topped by Manipur. state’s first ‘Community Reserve’ – Gogabeel, an ox-bow
• The worst performing states were Uttar Pradesh, lake (measures 88 hectares ) in Katihar district of Bihar
Rajasthan and Bihar. has been declared as state’s 1st ‘Community Reserve’.
• The national capital Delhi is also one among the • Gogabeel, which is the 15th Protected Area (PA)
worst-performing states. in Bihar, is formed from the flow of the rivers
18. UP govt creates world record by planting over 22 cr Mahananda and Kankhar in the north and the
saplings in one day on 77th anniversary of the Quit India Ganga in the south and east.
Movement - To mark the 77th anniversary of Quit India 23. A rare tea variety of eastern Assam’s Dikom Tea Estate
movement, Uttar Pradesh(UP) chief minister(CM) Yogi named “Golden Butterfly tea” created a record of being
Adityanath has launched the mega greenery plantation sold at Rs.75,000 per kg at the Guwahati Tea Auction
drive called “Vriksharopan Mahakumbh”, which now sets Centre (GTAC), Assam.
a world record by planting over 22 crore saplings in a day. 24. Karnataka categorises Nicotine as “class A poison” – The
19. India’s first underwater train will be launched in Kolkata Karnataka government has amended the Karnataka
– Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules 2015 and notified
India’s first underwater train project is set to launch in Nictoine as “Class A poison”.
Kolkata, West Bengal under the Hooghly river. It is a 16- • The step has been taken to strengthen
kilometer long Kolkata Metro project. enforcement of the ban on production and sale
20. 9 year old Manipuri girl, Valentina Devi made Manipur’s of electronic cigarettes.
green ambassador - Elangbam Valentina Devi, a 9-year-

July

1. Uttarakhand holds 1st Himalayan conclave – Conclave of gharials in their natural habitat by releasing 5 reptiles,
Himalayan States was held on at Mussoorie in fitted with radio transmitters, into Satkosia gorge of
Uttarakhand to discuss priorities of Indian Himalayan Mahanadi which is the southernmost limit of gharials’
Region (IHR) in 15th Finance Commission (XV FC). home range in India.
• The conclave was initiated by government of • Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located
Uttarakhand with Integrated Mountain Initiative in the Angul district of Odisha.
(IMI) as its knowledge partner. The chief guest of 3. Western Railways first printing press heritage gallery
conclave was Union Finance Minister Nirmala opened at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai
Sitharaman. • Western Railways (WR) opened its first printing
2. Odisha renews effort to revive Gharial population – press heritage gallery named Western Railway
Odisha has renewed its effort to revive population of Mahalaxmi General Stores Depot (GSD) at

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Mahalaxmi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was • This is for the first time that a dragon tree
inaugurated by V P Pathak, Member (Materials species has been reported from India. Dragon
Management) of the Railway Board. tree species whose sap turns bright red after
4. Tamil Nadu to be the first state to manufacture electric coming in contact with air.
cars: Minister 9. Odisha gets GI tag for its sweet version of Rasagola –
• M C Sampath, minister for industries stated that The Registrar of Geographical Indications(GI), Chennai
South Korean multinational automotive has awarded a GI certificate registering the sweetmeat as
manufacturer Hyundai plans to launch its electric ”Odisha Rasagola” to the state of Odisha which will be
car for India and the global market from Chennai valid till Feb 22, 2028.
facility will help make Tamil Nadu the first state • In 2017, West Bengal had secured the GI tag for
in India to manufacture electric cars. ”Banglar Rosogolla” after a tug of war with
5. Uttar Pradesh becomes No.1 in implementation of Odisha since 2015 over the origin of the sweet.
Pradhanamntri Suraksha Beema Yojna in the country - 10. B S Yeddyurappa sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
The State Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has become - State BJP President B.S. Yediyurappa (76) took oath as
number one in implementation of ambitious central 31st Chief Minister of Karnataka by Governor Vajubhai
government scheme Pradhanamntri Suraksha Beema Vala.
Yojna. 11. MP gets its 1st international flight with Air India’s
• Totally 1.95 crores people have been given Indore-Dubai service – Indore, the commercial capital of
insurance cover under the scheme till 31 march Madhya Pradesh recently made it to international
2019 in the state. aviation map with national carrier Air India launching its
About Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana: flight service to Dubai from MP Airport.
• It is a government-backed Life insurance scheme • Air India Flight AI903 took wings from Indore’s
launched on 9 May 2015. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport with
• It is available to people between 18 and 50 years 150 passengers on. This was the 1st international
of age with bank accounts get an accidental commercial flight from Madhya Pradesh.
insurance cover of rupees 2 lakh by paying an 12. Andhra Pradesh first state to reserve 75% private jobs
annual premium of 330 rupees. for locals – Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in
6. Haryana cabinet permitted to set up Sports University at the country to reserve jobs for locals. The Andhra
Rai –, The Cabinet of Haryana under the chairmanship of Pradesh Assembly passed the Andhra Pradesh
chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar approved the setting Employment of Local Candidates in Industries/Factories
up of Haryana Sports University at Rai, Sonepat. Act, 2019.
7. Meghalaya becomes 1st state to ensure water 13. Nepal invited as a partner country for Gita Jayanti
conservation – Meghalaya became the first state in India Mahotsav 2019 – Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal
to ensure the conservation of water and have own water Khattar has invited Nepal to be the partner country for
policy following a nod given by the State Cabinet. this year’s ‘Gita Jayanti Mahotsav 2019’ scheduled to be
• The draft policy was approved by the State held at Kurukshetra.
Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Meghalaya Chief • He extended the invitation to Ambassador of
Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Nepal to India Nilamber Acharya.
• It is historic for Meghalaya as the state has 14. Chengalpet, Tenkasi to be new districts in Tamil Nadu –
become the first state in the country to have a The number of districts in Tamil Nadu will go up to 35 as
State Water Policy. the government announced its decision to carve out
8. India’s first dragon blood-oozing tree – Researchers Tenkasi district from Tirunelveli district and Chengalpet
discover Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species in district from Kancheepuram district will become the 34th
the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong district in and 35th districts of Tamil Nadu.
Assam. 15. Rajghat coal plant to be turned into solar park – The
Delhi government has announced that the Rajghat
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thermal power plant will be officially shut and turned into Six Sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines and High-
a solar park. A 5,000 KW of solar power will be produced Altitude Rescue to be established at Rudraprayag district
at the 45 acre plant site. in Uttarakhand.
• The coal-based plant, whose current units were 21. Tamil yeoman: now Tamil Nadu’s State Butterfly –
commissioned in 1989, has been lying in a Butterfly species Tamil yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) has
shutdown mode from 2014. been officially declared as state butterfly of Tamil Nadu.
16. TN celebrates ‘Hospital Day’ on July 30, 2019 - On July • Scientific Name: Cirrochroa thais
30, 2019, Government hospitals in Tamil Nadu (TN) • It is also known as Tamizh Maravan
celebrated its first ‘Hospital Day’ on the commemoration 22. Kaziranga National Park: Special Rhino Protection Force
of the birth anniversary Muthulakshmi Reddy. deployed – An 82-member Special Rhino Protection Force
• She was one of India’s prominent successful which is trained to combat poachers and understand
woman doctors in the early 20th century and animal behaviour was recently deployed in Kaziranga
TN’s first woman legislator. National Park (KNP).
17. Maharashtra Govt. raises Financial Aid for Martyrs’ Kin • About Kaziranga National park is located in
to Rs.1 crore – The Maharashtra government has Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
approved an increase in financial assistance given to • In 1968 it was given National Park status and in
families of martyred and disabled soldiers hailing from 1985 it was declared UNESCO World Heritage
state who lay down their life in the line of duty. Site (WHS) for its unique natural environment.
• The approved four-time increase in 23. Meghalaya fined Rs 100 cr for illegal coal mining – The
compensation from Rs 25 lakh to Rs.1 crore for Supreme Court directed the Meghalaya government to
Kin of martyred soldiers will be implemented deposit the Rs 100 crore fine imposed on it by the NGT
from January 1, 2019. for failing to curb illegal coal mining with the Central
18. J&K District Administration Udhampur launched helpline Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
“Jeene Do” – Under the Centrally sponsored Beti Bachao • The National Green Tribunal had fined the
Beti Padhao scheme, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) District Meghalaya government on January 4.
Administration Udhampur launched a helpline, “Jeene 24. Damanganga-Pinjal project to meet water needs of
Do” with an objective to improve sex ratio and deal with Mumbai till 2060 – On June 28, 2019, The Chief Minister
defaulters of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis announced that
Techniques (PCPNDT) Act 1994. Damanganga-Pinjal project will meet the water needs of
19. Telangana Government and WEF to launch Drone Mumbai till 2060.
Delivery Project – 25. The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel has
• The State Government of Telangana and World inaugurated the ‘Jan Choupal’ program in Raipur,
Economic Forum’s (WEF) Centre for Fourth Chhattisgarh for holding public meetings once every week
Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network announced to discuss the issues of the people.
the launch of drone-delivery project called 26. Operation Khumaar launched in J&K - In a major step
‘Medicine from the Sky’. aimed towards making ‘drugs-free panchayats’, district
• The Telangana government, World Economic administration Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir (J&k)
Forum and Health Net Global signed an launched an anti Drug Campaign called “Operation
agreement for project to be supervised and Khumaar” in all 312 Panchayats of the district.
managed by leaders in field of medicine, 27. Twenty-three persons are feared dead as the Tiware dam
technology and research. in Ratnagiri in Maharashtra’s Konkan region breached
20. Six Sigma Institute of Mountain Medicines and High- following incessant rains.
Altitude Rescue to be set up at Uttarakhand - Asia’s 1st
June

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1. Yogi Adityanath unveils 7-feet statue of Lord Rama in further boost its sale in other parts of the
Ayodhya country and abroad.
• Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath • The Controller General of Patents, Designs and
unveiled a 7 -feet wooden statue of Lord Rama in Trade Marks has granted the GI tag for
Ayodhya. Kolhapuris to four districts of Maharashtra —
2. India gets its first dinosaur museum and fossil park in Kolhapur, Solapur, Sangli and Satara — along
Gujarat – Gujarat is now home to India’s first dinosaur with four in Karnataka — Dharwad, Belgaum,
museum and Fossil Park at Raiyoli village, which is located Bagalkot and Bijapur.
near Balasinor town of Mahisagar district. 11. Himachal Pradesh makes GPS device mandatory for
• Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani recently trekkers
inaugurated the park. • The Himachal Pradesh (HP) government has
3. India’s first solar-powered cruise boat launched in made it compulsory for trekkers to carry a GPS
Kerala state - Aditya, India's first solar ferry, is a solar- (Global Positioning System) device to tackle any
powered ferry operating between Vaikkom and exigency.
Thavanakkadavu in the Indian state of Kerala. About Himanchal Pradesh
4. Gujarat police to use laser guns to crack down on over- • Himachal Pradesh state formed on 25 January
speeding - The Gujarat government has decided to equip 1971 and became 18th state of the Indian Union.
the traffic police with 'laser guns' for detection of over- • It is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state
speeding by vehicles. to the north, China’s Tibet Autonomous Region
5. Nandankanan National Park is situated in Odisha. (TAR) to east, Uttarakhand to southeast, Haryana
6. The state government of Goa recently approved an to its south, and Punjab to west.
amendment to Factories Act 1948 which will allow 12. Assam govt to set up Skill University at Darrang district –
deployment of women in night shifts (from 7pm to 6 am) Assam government will set up a Skill University at the
in industries. cost of 850 crore rupees at Darrang district.
7. Telangana hosts 32nd ISTA Congress – Telangana is • This will be perhaps the first skill university of the
hosting the triennial International Seed Testing country with a capacity of 10 thousand seats.
Association (ISTA) Congress in Hyderabad. ISTA congress 13. Assam govt hikes parental income limit under fee
is being held for the first time in Asia. waiver scheme - Assam government has waived
8. Unique Flood Hazard Atlas: Odisha – Odisha has come admission fees for students taking admission up to Post
out with a unique flood hazard atlas aided by satellite Graduate level whose parental income is less than 2 lakh
imagery, which is expected to help the coastal state rupees per year.
manage floods more efficiently. The atlas was released by • All provincialized government colleges and 5
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the State-level universities are incorporated under the scheme.
Natural Calamity Meeting. 14. Unemployed Graduates to get up to Rs 3,500 in
• Base Period: Atlas is compiled on basis of historic Rajasthan – Unemployed youth having graduation or
flood inundation captured via satellite imagery equivalent degree will be given unemployment allowance
over 18 years period from year 2001 to 2018. by Rajasthan government.
9. Bihar Government bans Tree-Felling – The Bihar • Male applicants will get Rs 3,000/month, while
Government recently announced ban on felling of trees in the women and differently-abled will get Rs
different cities of Bihar, citing increasing pollution as well 3,500/month under Chief Minister Yuva Sambal
as a fatal heatwave in the state as reason for the ban. Yojana from February this year.
10. Namma Kolhapuri chappal gets GI boost • The applicants must be natives of Rajasthan and
• Maharashtra's extremely popular footwear the amount will be given for two years or until
industry, renowned for its handcrafted leather they get employed.
Kolhapuri chappal has been given the
Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which is likely to
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News related to RBI

November
1. RBI Enhances Scope of Non-Resident Rupee 3. RBI supersedes DHFL board to initiate
Accounts: insolvency proceedings:
• To popularise cross-border transactions in
Indian rupee, the Reserve Bank of India has • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
enhanced the scope of 'Special Non-resident superseded the board of Dewan Housing
Rupee' (SNRR) account. Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL) as it
• It allows the persons residing outside India to "intends to shortly" initiate the process of
open such accounts for purposes like external insolvency.
commercial borrowing and trade credit in • In January, a web portal accused the DHFL
Indian rupee. promoters of committing financial frauds by
• Any person resident outside India, having a creating shell companies.
business interest in India, can open a non- • A total of 32 Indian and foreign banks lent Rs
interest-bearing Special Non-Resident Rupee 97,000 crore to DHFL Group companies with
Account (SNRR account) with a bank for bona many borrower companies having the same
fide transactions in rupees. addresses, directors, and auditors.
• The restriction on the tenure of SNRR account, • DHFL is the fourth-largest Indian housing
which is currently 7 years, has also been finance company based on loans outstanding as
removed. of March.
• RBI has also modified norms regarding re-
export of unsold rough diamonds from the 4. RBI imposes Rs 5 lakh fine on Oxigen Services
special notified zone of Customs without export
declaration form (EDF) formality. • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a
2. Banks cannot charge on NEFT transactions fine of Rs 5 lakh on prepaid payment
from January 2020: instrument Oxigen Services.
• On the third anniversary of demonetisation, the • The move was taken in exercise of powers
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a report vested under Section 30 of the Payment and
titled “Furthering Digital Payments”. Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for non-
• In the report with a view to promoting digital compliance of regulatory guidelines.
transactions RBI proposed that from January • The fine comes through a speaking order dated
2020, banks can no longer charge savings bank September 17, 2019.
account holders for online transactions in the • Oxigen Services facilitates payment processing
NEFT system. and money transfer services.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now
mandated banks to do this.

October

1. Rs 35 lakh penalty on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank: • The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of
Rs 35 lakh on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank for violating
norms on fraud classification and notification.
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• The bank has been penalized for non-compliance 5. Indiabulls Housing & Lakshmi Vilas Bank merger rejected
with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI on by RBI:
fraud classification and reporting by commercial • The Reserve Bank of India has rejected the merger
banks and select FIs directions 2016. proposal of Indiabulls Housing Finance and Lakshmi
2. NBFC licence for Vreedhi Financial Services: Vilas Bank.
• The RBI has given a non-banking finance company • RBI has rejected the application for voluntary
licence to Vreedhi Financial Services (VFS). amalgamation of Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd.
• Vreedhi Financial Services objective is to provide and Indiabulls Commercial Credit Ltd. with the
credit and other services to micro-enterprises Lakshmi Vilas Bank Ltd.
operating in tier two-three cities and small towns. • The merger was crucial for Lakshmi Vilas Bank as it
• It will address the gap between the addressable and is now under the prompt corrective action
viable credit in the micro-enterprises space which is framework of the RBI due to a high level of bad
$123 billion as per the study conducted by the loans and insufficient capital.
International Finance Corporation (IFC). 6. RBI reduces repo rate by 25 basis points – On 04th October,
3. RBI approves merger of DCBs to form ‘Kerala Bank’: the Reserve Bank of India has reduced the policy repo rate
• The Reserve Bank of India approved the by 25 basis points (bps).
amalgamation of 13 district cooperative banks • The repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility
(DCBs) with the Kerala State Cooperative Bank to (LAF) was reduced from 5.40% to 5.15%.
form the proposed “Kerala Bank”. • The reverse repo rate under the LAF stands revised
• Except the Malappuram District Cooperative Bank, to 4.90%.
all district banks had approved the scheme of • The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the
amalgamation proposed by the State government at Bank Rate is revised to 5.40%.
their respective general body meetings. • RBI has also reduced the real GDP growth for 2019-
• RBI also insisted that the State government would 20 from 6.9% to 6.1%.
have to consistently infuse additional capital and • Last month Government cut the corporate tax rate
also put in place a well-defined governance from 30% to 22% to revive the slow growth rate.
structure by amending the KSCS Act. • The current inflation of India is 3.21%.
4. RBI released Consumer Confidence Survey (September Current rate is as follows:
2019): • Repo rate - 5.15%
• The Reserve Bank of India has released the data of • Reverse repo rate – 4.90%
the September 2019 round of its Consumer • MSF rate - 5.40%
Confidence Survey. • Bank rate - 5.40%
• The survey was conducted in 13 major cities: • SLR – 18.75%
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, • CRR – 4%
Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, 7. RBI Consumer Confidence Survey, 2019 – According to RBI
Mumbai, Patna and Thiruvananthapuram. Consumer Confidence Survey, the consumer confidence
Key Highlights: dipped to a six-year low.
• Consumer confidence weakened in September with • The federal bank says that this is mainly due to
both the current situation index and the future decline in employment, income and discretionary
expectations index recording declines. spending.
• Households’ sentiments on the general economic • The CSI – Current Situation Index fell to 89.4
situation and the employment scenario declined. whereas it was recorded as 95.7 in July. Previously
They were less optimistic on their income over the the index hit its low in 2013, when it reached 88.
year ahead than in July 2019.
• Respondents perceived an increase in the price
level over the last 1 year and a majority of them
expect prices to rise further in the coming year.

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September

1. RBI placed restrictions on PMC Bank – The Reserve Bank Other recommendations of the Task Force include –
of India has imposed caps on withdrawals made by • linking the pricing of all loans to an external
customers of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative benchmark as the current Marginal Cost of Funds
Banks for 6 months. Based Lending Rate (MCLR) may not be comparable
• The imposition was invoked by the central bank across banks.
under Section 35 A of India’s Banking Regulation • recommended setting up of an online loan sales
act, 1949. platform to conduct auctions of secondary market
• PMC is spread across 6 states and has a network loans.
of 137 branches. 5. RBI orders banks to link lending rate to external interest
Section 35 A of India’s Banking Regulation act, 1949 rate benchmark – The Reserve Bank of India has made
• Section 35A of the Banking Regulation act provides mandatory for banks to link retail and MSME loans to
powers to RBI to give directions to banks. external interest rate benchmarks.
• It enables RBI with the power to take action in order • This new norm will be effective from 1st of
to prevent a banking company acting detrimental to October. Under this norm, banks have to link all
the interests of the depositors. of their new loan products, be it personal,
2. RBI expands coverage of Bharat Bill Payment System – In housing or auto to an external benchmark rate.
a consumer friendly initiative, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) • Banks have been allowed to choose any
has expanded the scope and coverage of Bharat Bill benchmark market interest rate published by the
Payment System (BBPS) to include all categories of billers Financial Benchmarks India Private Ltd (FBIL).
who raise recurring bills and payments (except prepaid • Banks can choose RBI’s repo rate, government of
recharges) as eligible participants, on a voluntary basis. India’s three-month treasury bill yield published
• At present, the facility of payment of recurring by the FBIL, government’s six-month treasury bill
bills through BBPS is available only in five yield published by the FBIL or any other market
segments i.e. direct to home (DTH), electricity, interest rate published by the FBIL.
gas, water and telecom. 6. RBI has clarified that non-cash withdrawal transactions
3. Harsh Vardhan committee submitted its report to RBI from ATMs such as balance enquiry cannot be part of
Governor - A panel set up by the central bank to suggest free transactions
measures to make the housing finance securitization Key points –
market more attractive has recommended that the • Banks offers their savings account customers a
National Housing Bank (NHB) set up an intermediary with certain number of free transactions at ATMs
51% government ownership. every month and beyond that they levy charges.
Note: • Now, the Reserve Bank of India or RBI has
• The Reserve Bank of India had constituted a clarified the list of transactions at ATMs for
Committee on the Development of Housing Finance which banks cannot charge their customers.
Securitisation Market, on May 29, 2019, with Dr. Banks cannot charge for these ATM transactions:
Harsh Vardhan, Senior Advisor, Bain & Co. as the (i) ATM transactions that fail due to technical reasons like
Chairperson. hardware, software, communication issues will not be
4. T.N. Manoharan committee submitted its report – A task counted as valid ATM transactions for the customer.
force set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) submitted (ii) Other ATM transactions that failed due to non-availability
its report on the development of a secondary market for of currency notes, invalid PIN/validations, and other
corporate loans. transaction declines directly attributable to the bank or
• The task force headed by Canara Bank chairman T.N.
services provider will not be counted as valid transactions and
Manoharan recommended setting up of a self-
cannot be charged.
regulatory body (SRB), which will oversee the
proposed secondary market.

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(iii) Non-cash withdrawal transactions from ATMs such as 92% of the total number of accounts, as against the
balance enquiry, cheque book request, payment of taxes and international benchmark of 80%.
funds transfer - which is part of ‘on-us’ transactions - shall • In terms of amount, the total insured deposits of Rs
33.7 lakh crore as at end-March 2019 constituted
also not be part of the number of free ATM transactions.
28% of assessable deposits of Rs 120 lakh crore,
Note: At the end of March 2019, the number of ATMs stood against the international benchmark of 20% to 30%.
at 2.22 lakh, down from 2.21 lakh in the previous year, • In August last year, the government scrapped the
according to the RBI's latest report. Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill
7. RBI selected Daffodil Software Pvt Ltd for developing which had argued a higher share of deposit insurance
mobile app for visually impaired – The Reserve Bank of for depositors.
India (RBI) selected Daffodil Software Pvt Ltd to develop Important points to note:
a mobile phone-based application for visually impaired • The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee
people to identify currency notes. It informed the Corporation (DICGC) provides insurance cover to
deposits in all commercial banks.
Bombay High Court that an internet connection would
• Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
not be required for its proposed mobile application.
(DICGC) is a subsidiary of Reserve Bank of India.
8. Deposit insurance in India covers 92% of accounts, 28%
• It was established on July 15, 1978 under Deposit
of banking deposits: RBI Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act,
• According to the Reserve Bank of India data, Deposit 1961, for the purpose of providing insurance of
insurance in India covers 92% of the total number of deposits and guaranteeing of credit facilities.
accounts but only 28% of the total banking deposits. • DICGC insures all bank deposits, such as saving, fixed,
• At the current level, this insurance cover works out to current, recurring deposits for up to the limit of Rs. 1
0.8 times of per capita income in 2018-19. lakh of each deposit in a bank.
• RBI in its annual report said that - “With the current
limit of deposit insurance in India at Rs 1 lakh, the
number of fully protected accounts stood at 200
crores at the of end-March 2019, which constituted
August

1. RBI board accepts Jalan panel report, approves surplus hefty 17 percent to Rs 21.10 lakh crore as of March 2019,
transfer of Rs 1.76 lakh cr to govt – Central board of the the Reserve Bank says in its annual report for 2019.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted Bimal Jalan • The demand for the Rs 500 bill, which is the second
committee's recommendations and approved a surplus highest denomination after the Rs 2,000 note, has
transfer of Rs 1.76 lakh crore to the government. soared the highest and now accounts for over 51
• The surplus comprises Rs 1,23,414 crore for percent of the value of currency in circulation.
2018-19 and Rs 52,637 crore of excess provisions • The annual report notes a 59 percent increase in
identified as per the revised Economic Capital retail electronic payment transactions to 23.3 billion.
Framework (ECF). 3. RBI announces modalities for 2 pc interest subvention
• The surplus transfer is 1.25 per cent of the GDP for fisheries farmers – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
(2018-19). announced modalities for providing 2 per cent interest
Note: subsidy on short-term loans of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers
• The central bank, in consultation with the engaged in fisheries and animal husbandry through Kisan
government, had constituted a committee chaired by Credit Card (KCC).
former RBI governor Bimal Jalan to review the extant • With this interest subvention, such farmers will
economic capital framework of the RBI. get short-term loan of up to Rs 2 lakh at a
2. RBI says currency in circulation soars 17 per cent to Rs concessional rate of 7 per cent. The interest
21.1 lakh crore in FY19 – Despite the many an effort to subsidy scheme is applicable for loans taken
shift to digital payments and usher in a digital payment during 2018-19 and 2019-20.
economy, the currency in circulation has jumped by a

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4. RBI allows e-mandate for cards for recurring • Banks falling under this schedule have to adhere
transactions – The Reserve Bank of India has permitted to the norms of the RBI.
processing of e-mandate on credit and debit cards for 8. Atanu Chakraborty nominated on central board of RBI
recurring transactions (merchant payments). • The Union Government has nominated Atanu
• The maximum limit for such a transaction will be Chakraborty as a Director on the Central Board of
Rs 2,000. While processing the first transaction in Directors of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
e-mandate-based recurring transaction series, • Currently, he is a Secretary in the Department of
additional factor authentication (AFA) validation Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.
should be performed. • Shri Rajiv Kumar (new Finance Secretary) is also a
5. NEFT to be available 24x7 from December 2019: RBI Director on the Central Board of Directors of
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 07th August Reserve Bank of India.
announced that the National Electronic Funds Note:
Transfer (NEFT) systems would be available on a • The central board of directors is the main
24x7 basis from December 2019. committee of the central bank.
• At present, the NEFT payment system operated • The RBI has four regional representations: North
by the Reserve Bank as a retail payment system in New Delhi, South in Chennai, East in Kolkata
is available to customers from 8am to 7pm on all and West in Mumbai.
working days of the week (except 2nd and 4th • The headquarters of RBI is in Mumbai.
Saturdays, and all Sundays of the month). • Current Governor of RBI is Shaktikanta Das
6. RBI to set up “Central Payment Fraud Registry” 9. Banks not to charge for failed transactions, balance
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 07th August enquiry: RBI
proposed to set up a central payment fraud • Every month banks provide certain number of
registry (CPFR), which will monitor digital free transactions at ATMs to their customers and
payment frauds in real-time. exceeding which charges are imposed.
• The move is expected to boost customer According to the Reserve Bank of India, the following
confidence in the payments systems. transactions should not be counted as valid ATM transactions
• At present, banks report all frauds in the system for the customer as the ‘free ATM transactions’:
to the central fraud monitoring cell of the RBI.
• Transactions failed at ATMs due to technical
• According to an RBI report, instant payment reasons like hardware and software issues.
systems such as immediate payment service
• Transactions failed due to non-availability of
(IMPS) and unified payments interface (UPI) are
currency in ATMs.
expected to have annual growth of over 100%,
• Use of ATMs for non-cash withdrawal
while national electronic funds transfer (NEFT)
transactions such as balance enquiry, cheque
will witness 40% growth by 2021.
book request, payment of taxes, funds transfer.
• Besides, the number of digital transactions is
10. RBI releases the final Regulatory Sandbox Framework
expected to increase fourfold to ₹8,707 crore by
for Fintech Companies – On August 13, 2019, the Reserve
December 2021.
Bank of India (RBI) issued the final draft ‘enabling
• The central fraud registry was proposed earlier
framework for regulatory sandbox (RS)’, for the startups,
both in the Nandan Nilekani committee report banks and financial institutions aims at enabling
and RBI’s payments vision document 2019 to innovations in the financial technology space.
2021.
• Criteria: RBI will launch the sandbox for
7. RBI alltargetednk of China to offer regular banking
companies/banks that meet the criteria of the
services in India
minimum net worth of Rs.25 lakh and the
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed Bank of promoter/director of the entity should meet fit
China to offer regular banking services in the and proper framework.
country.

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• Regulatory Sandbox (RS): It refers to live testing improve access of overseas users and allow Indian banks
of new products/services in a secure &controlled to freely offer prices to global clients around the clock.
regulatory environment, where the regulators 14. HFCs will be treated as one category under NBFCs: RBI
can allow certain regulatory relaxations for the • On August 13, 2019, India’s central bank, the
limited purpose of the testing. Reserve Bank of India(RBI) stated that, for
• Background: The concept of Regulatory Sandbox regulatory purposes, Housing Finance Companies
was proposed by a committee headed by (HFCs) will be treated as one of the categories of
Sudarshan Sen, former executive director of RBI. NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) & it
11. Bank Retail loan growth slips to 5-year low in the first will come under RBI’s supervision.
half of 2019 at 7.3 %: RBI 15. Residential Asset Price Monitoring Survey – RBI
• According to the latest monthly data of • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey has said that
RBI(Reserve Bank of India), the retail personal housing has become less affordable over the last
credit disbursement growth in the first half of four years.
2019(January -June) was 7.3%, which is the • According to the report, Mumbai remains the
slowest rate of disbursement by banks in 5 years. least affordable city in India, while Bhubaneswar
12. RBI Expands biller categories for Bharat Bill Payment has the cheapest real estate among the 13 cities
System that were studied by RBI.
• On August 7, 2019, the Reserve Bank of India • As per the findings of the survey, the median
(RBI) has permitted all categories of billers loan-to-value (LTV) ratio moved from 67.7% to
(except prepaid recharges), who provide for 69.6% between March 2015 and March 2019
recurring bill payments to participate in BBPS showing that banks have become increasingly
(Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)on a risk tolerant.
voluntary basis. • The movement of median loan to income (LTI)
• RBI also decided to offer ‘on tap’ authorization to ratio also confirms worsening housing
entities wishing to function as / provide affordability as it moved from 3.0 in March 2015
platforms for to 3.4 in March 2019.
• Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU) Note:
• Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) • The Reserve Bank has been conducting a quarterly
• White Label ATMs (WLAs). residential asset price monitoring survey (RAPMS)
13. RBI’s Task Force on Offshore Rupee Markets headed by since July 2010 on housing loans disbursed by select
Usha Thorat recommends extension of onshore market banks/ housing finance companies (HFCs) across 13
hours – The Task Force formed by the Reserve Bank of cities, viz., Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru,
India (RBI) on Offshore Rupee Markets headed by Usha Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Chandigarh,
Thorat has recommended the extension of onshore Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar.
market hours to 9 am to 9 pm, from 9 am to 5 pm, to
July

1. B.P. Kanungo to run the monetary policy portfolio - RBI 2. RBI fines Mobikwik & Hip Bar for violating norms – The
• Reserve Bank of India has assigned deputy Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty on two
governor B.P. Kanungo to run the monetary online payment solutions providers Mobikwik Systems
policy portfolio and forecasting department. and Hip Bar for non compliance of regulatory guidelines.
After the exit of Viral Acharya, Kanungo has • Mobikwik Systems Private Limited has been
become the 6th member of the RBI’s Monetary slapped a fine of Rs 15 lakh while Hip Bar Pvt Ltd
Policy Committee. faced a fine of Rs 10.85 lakh.
• Now, all the three deputy governors N S 3. RBI’s Working Group recommends extension of market
Vishwanathan, B P Kanungo and M K Jain have hours- An Internal Working Group of Reserve Bank of
been made responsible for 12 departments each. India (RBI) on Comprehensive Review of Market Timings

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has suggested calibrated extension of Currency Market (FEMA), 1999 along with Foreign Exchange
(Foreign Exchange Market) hours, from 9 am to 9 pm for Management (Borrowing or Lending in Foreign
both Over the Counter (OTC) and Exchange Traded. At Exchange) Regulations, 2000, as amended from
present the markets close at 5 pm. time to time.
Key Recommendations 5. RBI fines Union Bank, SBI for flouting norms
• Bond Market: On account of lack of demand • The Reserve Bank of India has penalised State
from participants group recommended that the Bank of India and Union Bank of India for
government bond market timing can be retained violating certain regulatory guidelines.
and the market be closed at 5 pm. • SBI was fined Rs 7 crore for non-compliance on
• Call Market: Its timings could be extended till 6 Income Recognition and Asset Classification
pm. As Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) norms, code of conduct for opening and
system is operational till such time. operating current accounts and reporting of data
• G-Sec Trading: Currently there have been no on Central Repository of Information on Large
requests from any market participants seeking Credits, and fraud risk management and
extension of market hours for G-sec trading. classification and reporting of frauds.
Note: • The central bank also imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine
• Exchange Traded Derivatives (ETD) are traded via on Union Bank of India for non compliance with
central exchange with publicly visible prices i.e. on a the directions on the cyber security framework in
centralized exchange. banks.
• Over the Counter (OTC) derivatives are for companies 6. RBI panel for hike in collateral free lending, MUDRA loan
that are not listed on a formal exchange and traded limit to Rs 20 lakh – A committee constituted by the RBI
between two parties (bilateral negotiation) without has recommended increase in the collateral free lending
going through an exchange or any other limit to Rs 20 lakh for MSMEs and self-help groups.
intermediaries. • The committee has also recommended revision
4. RBI liberalises ECB norms by relaxing end-use of loan limit sanctioned under MUDRA (Micro
restrictions Units Development and Refinance Agency) to Rs
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed External 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh, Nitin Gadkari, Union
Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms for Minister for MSMEs, said in a written reply to the
corporates, non-banking lenders by relaxing end- Lok Sabha.
use restrictions with regard to working capital, • In an another reply to the Lower House, he said,
general corporate purpose and repayment of 22.83 lakh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
rupee loans. (MSMEs) were registered on Udyog Aadhaar
• It also allows ECBs to raise with minimum Portal in the country during March, 2018 to
average maturity period of 7 years for repayment March 2019.
of rupee loans availed domestically for capital • The MSME ministry facilitates access to finance
expenditure. through its schemes / programmes namely Prime
About External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Minister's Employment Generation programme
• It is instrument used in India to facilitate Indian (PMEGP), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro
companies to raise money outside the country in and Small Enterprises and Credit Linked Capital
foreign currency. Subsidy Scheme.
• It may be commercial loans which can be in form 7. Maharashtra tops in ATM frauds: RBI - According to the
of bank loans, bonds, securitized instruments, data of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), accessed by the
buyers’ and supplier’s credit availed from non- Times of India (TOI), Maharashtra registered the highest
resident lenders with minimum average maturity number of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) frauds in
of 3 years. India for the FY 2018-19.
• In India, ECBs availed of by residents are
governed by Foreign Exchange Management Act

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• It was followed by Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and • The appellate authority for the Banking Ombudsman
Karnataka. Amounts of less than Rs 1 lakh were Scheme is the Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of
not considered for the data. India.
• Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura were the 9. RBI to regulate housing finance companies– In the Union
only three states which did not report a single Budget 2019-20, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
incident. stated that India’s central bank, Reserve Bank of India
8. RBI opens third office of Banking Ombudsman in New (RBI) will now be given power to takes over as the
Delhi – The Reserve Bank said it has opened third office regulator of Housing Finance Firms (HFFs) instead of NHB
of the Banking Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Digital (National Housing Bank).
Transactions (ODT) at its New Delhi office. • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act will be
• RBI said the third office has been opened with a amended to give the RBI powers to regulate the
view to meet the growing demand for resolution HFC sector.
under the two schemes. • NHB was part of the RBI till April this year when
• With this, now there are 22 functional banking the government decided to take it over.
ombudsman offices in the country. 10. No charges on NEFT, RTGS money transfers from 1 July –
• These offices were established under Banking As per Second Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement for
Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 2019-20, the Reserve Bank of India will stop imposing
Note: additional charges on Fund transfer through RTGS and
• The Banking Ombudsman scheme is an NEFT systems from 1st July, 2019.
expeditious and inexpensive forum for bank • National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) –
customers for resolution of complaints relating There is no limit – either minimum or maximum
to certain services rendered by banks. limit.
• The scheme is introduced under Section 35 A of • However, maximum amount per transaction is
the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 by RBI with limited to ₹ 50,000/- for cash-based remittances
effect from 1995. within India and also for remittances to Nepal
Banking Ombudsman scheme under the Indo-Nepal Remittance Facility
• Banking Ombudsman is a person to whom the Scheme.
customer can approach for redressal of their • RTGS - Real Time Gross Settlement System
grievances. He is appointed by RBI to redress (RTGS)
customer complaints against certain deficiency in • Maximum limit – No upper limit
banking services. • Minimum limit – Rs. 2 lakhs
• All Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural 11. Utkarsh 2022: finalized by RBI board – The Reserve Bank
Banks and Scheduled Primary Co-operative Banks are of India (RBI) board has finalised Three Year Roadmap to
covered under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, improve supervision and regulation, among other
2006. functions of central bank. This medium term strategy is
• One can file a complaint before the Banking named as Utkarsh 2022.
Ombudsman if the reply is not received from the Note:
bank within a period of one month after the bank • An internal committee to identify issues that
concerned has received one's representation, or the needed to be addressed over next 3 years was
bank rejects the complaint, or if the complainant is formed, which was anchored by Viral Acharya
not satisfied with the reply given by the bank. outgoing Deputy Governor of RBI.
• The Banking Ombudsman does not charge any fee for
filing and resolving customers’ complaints.
June

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1. RBI: Payments related Data to be stored only in India – Salient features of the Scheme includes:
Reserve Bank of India recently clarified that all Payment • Loan upto Rs 10 lakh for study in India and upto
System Operators (PSOs) shall store entire payment data Rs 20 lakh for study abroad.
in systems located only in India. • Collateral free loans upto Rs 7.5 Lakh under the
• It means that the data related to payments must Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education
be stored in systems located only in India. Loans (CGFSEL).
2. RBI permits ARC to buy financial assets from Peers – The • No Margin for loan up to Rs 7.50 Lakh.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted Asset • Repayment period of 15 years.
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to acquire financial • One Year Moratorium for repayment after
assets from peers i.e. other such entities. completion of studies in all cases.
• However, RBI, the apex banking regulator cleared • Moratorium taking into account spells of
that all such transactions have to be settled in unemployment/under employment, say two or
cash. three times during the life cycle of the loan.
• The ARCs have been allowed to acquire financial • Moratorium for the incubation period if the
assets from other ARCs, in the view of student wants to take up a start-up venture after
amendment to the Securitisation and graduation.
Reconstruction of Financial Assets and 5. RBI launches Complaint Management System – The
Enforcement of Securities Interest (SARFAESI) Complaint Management System (CMS) is a software
Act, 2002. application launched by Reserve Bank of India on its
3. UK Sinha panel on MSMEs suggests Rs 20 lakh collateral- website.
free loan under Mudra – A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) • It will be used for lodging complaints against
expert committee on micro, small and medium banks and NBFCs with a view to improve
enterprises (MSMEs) has recommended doubling the cap customer experience in timely redressal of
on collateral-free loans to Rs 20 lakh from the current Rs grievances.
10 lakh. This will be extended to borrowers falling under • Customers can lodge complaints against any
the Mudra scheme, self-help groups, and MSME. regulated entity on the platform. These
Note: complaints will be directed to the appropriate
• Distressed asset fund: It also recommends the office of the Ombudsman/Regional Office of the
creation of a distressed asset fund of Rs 5,000 crore RBI.
for small enterprises. 6. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya resigns – Reserve
• It stated the Small Industries Development Bank of Bank of India’s (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya has
India (SIDBI), which is responsible for the quit six months before the scheduled end of his term. He
development of the MSME sector. had joined RBI on January 23, 2017.
• The government has notified a procurement policy RBI Deputy Governor -
wherein PSUs (Public Sector Units)& government • BP Kanungo, N. S. Vishwanathan, and Mahesh
departments have to make 25 percent of their Kumar Jain are present RBI Deputy Governor.
procurement from MSMEs through government e- 7. On June 24, 2019, the Reserve Bank of India Governor
marketplace (GeM) portal. Shaktikanta Das has launched a Complaint Management
• The proposal is part of a report prepared by the System (CMS) for lodging complaints against banks and
eight-member RBI committee tasked with reviewing NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) on its website.
the current framework for the MSME sector. 8. CAD increased to $57.2 billion or 2.1% of the GDP in
• The panel, headed by former Securities and Exchange FY19 - On June 28, 2019, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Board of India chairman U K Sinha, submitted its stated that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD)
report to the RBI. increased to $57.2 billion or 2.1% of the Gross Domestic
4. RBI advises commercial banks to adopt Education Loan Product (GDP) in FY19 as against 1.8% of 2018 which
Scheme – The Reserve Bank of India has advised all stood at $48.7 billion.
Scheduled Commercial Banks to adopt Education Loan • It was the highest in 6 years on due to higher
Scheme, formulated by Indian Banks Association. trade deficit caused by high crude oil imports.

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• The Centre has pegged fiscal deficit—the Function of FBAs:
difference between the government’s revenue • It ensures significant benchmark’ is designed to
and expenditure—at 3.4% of the GDP for this be an accurate and reliable representation of the
fiscal year, the same as in 2018-19. referenced (specified) financial instrument and
Note: data used for the administration based on an
• Current account deficit (CAD) is one of the key active market involving transactions then it
indicators of an economy’s health and measures submits the report to RBI.
the difference between the value of the goods • The guidelines are based on the report by RBI’s
and services a country imports and the value of executive director P Vijaya Bhaskar.
its exports. 12. RBI has promoted Rabi N. Mishra as executive director
9. RBI relaxes leverage ratio for banks – The Reserve Bank (ED).
relaxed the leverage ratio (LR) to 4% for Domestic • He was earlier holding the position of the
Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs) and 3.5% for other Principal Chief General Manager at the central
banks. This has been done to help them boost their bank’s Risk Management Department.
lending activities. 13. RBI conducted Financial Literacy Week
• The reduced leverage ratio will be effective from • Financial Literacy Week 2019 observed from June
the quarter commencing October 1, 2019. 3-7, 2019.
• The leverage ratio, as defined under Basel-III • The theme of “Farmers” and how they benefit
norms, is Tier-I capital as a percentage of the by being a part of the formal banking system.
bank’s exposures. • Financial Literacy Week is an initiative of RBI to
10. RBI sets average base rate at 9.18% for NBFC-MFI promote awareness of key topics every year
borrowers for the quarter beginning July 1, 2019 through a focused campaign.
• On June 28, 2019, the Reserve Bank of India set 14. RBI releases report on ‘Benchmarking India’s Payment
an average base rate of 9.18% for Non-Banking Systems’ – The report on 'Benchmarking India's Payment
Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Systems’ which was released mentions that the country is
Institutions (MFIs) to be charged from their "strong" in areas like having necessary laws and cash in
customers. It will be charged for the quarter circulation per capita.
beginning July 1, 2019. 15. RBI to infuse Rs 12,500 crore into the financial system
11. RBI issued Guidelines for Setting up of an FBAs for through bond purchase – The Reserve Bank of India will
administering “Significant Benchmarks” – The Reserve infuse Rs 12,500 crore into the financial system through
Bank of India (RBI) has issued a regulatory framework for bond purchases under the Open Market Operation
setting up of financial benchmark administrator (FBA) for (OMO).
administering ‘significant benchmarks’ in the markets for • The RBI uses open market operations (OMO) for
financial instruments. injecting liquidity into the system through the
• FBAs: It will be incorporated in India as a purchase of government bonds (G-Sec).
company that will maintain a minimum net
worth of Rs 1crore at all times.

GDP growth rate projection by various Org.

India’s Growth forecast:

Major credit rating agencies GDP growth (now) GDP growth (earlier)

Moody’s 5.8 6.8

OECD 5.9 7.2

World Bank 6.0 7.5

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RBI 6.1 7.2

Asian Development Bank (ADB) 6.5 7.2

Ranking/Indexes

1. Global prosperity index 2019: •

In the released report, India was ranked at
• The first-ever Prosperity & Inclusion City Seal 59th position, a slip by 6 places on a global
and Awards (PICSA) Index, released in the annual list of 63 countries. The list was topped
Basque Country capital of Bilbao in northern by Switzerland.
Spain. • The top 10 countries that followed Switzerland
• Bangalore emerged as India’s highest-ranked were Denmark(2nd), Sweden(3rd),
city at No. 83 in a new index of the world’s 113 Austria(4th), Luxembourg (5th), Norway(6th),
cities in terms of economic and social Iceland(7th), Finland (8th), Netherlands (9th)
inclusivity. and Singapore(10th).
• Delhi at 101 and Mumbai at 107 are the other 4. Bangladesh tops business bribery risk in South
Indian cities to make at the index, Asia
• with the top 20 awarded a PICSA Seal as the • According to the latest Global Bribery Risk
world’s highest-ranked cities building Index, Bangladesh has been identified as the
inclusive prosperity. “country with the highest risk” in terms of
• Zurich in Switzerland topped the list while bribery threats in South Asia.
Austrian capital, Vienna in second place. • India has been ranked at 78th in the Global
Copenhagen, Luxembourg and Helsinki Bribery Risk Index out of 178 countries.
complete the top five. • In South Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the
2. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tops Fortune's only countries where the bribery risk is “high”.
Businessperson of the Year 2019 list • Except for Bhutan, which has a “low” risk of
• India-born Satya Nadella (Chief Executive bribery demands, the risk level of other
Officer of Microsoft) has occupied the top spot countries in the region is “medium”. Bhutan,
in Fortune's Businessperson of the Year 2019 which has the lowest risk score of 41, was
list. placed ranked 52nd.
• The list also includes Ajay Banga (Mastercard • The five countries with the lowest bribery risk
CEO) and Jayshree Ullal (Arista head). in the world are New Zealand, Norway,
• Fortune's annual Businessperson of the Year Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
list features 20 business leaders "who tackled • The countries with the highest risk are
audacious goals, overcame impossible odds, Venezuela, Yemen, North Korea, South Sudan
found creative solutions". and Somalia.
• Top five Fortune’s Businessperson of the Year
2019 are here: 5. India Justice Report 2019: Maharashtra holds
1. Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft); top, UP ranks bottom
2. Elizabeth Gaines (CEO, Fortescue Metals • According to ‘India Justice Report 2019’,
Group); Maharashtra is the top state in delivering
3. Brian Niccol (CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill) justice to its citizens followed by Kerala, Tamil
4. Margaret Keane (CEO, Synchrony Financial) Nadu, Punjab and Haryana in the first-ever
5. Bjorn Gulden (CEO, Puma) ranking of states on their capacity to deliver
3. India ranks 59th on IMD World Talent Ranking justice to citizens.
Report • The list of seven small states (population less
• The International Institute of Management than one crore each) was topped by Goa,
Development’s (IMD) World Talent Ranking followed by Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. In
(WTR) report for the year 2019 was released. this classification, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh are at the bottom.

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• The ranking is part of the India Justice Report self-reported data from States and third-party
(IJR) 2019, an initiative of Tata Trusts in verification.
collaboration with Centre for Social Justice, Key points of the report
Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights • Uttar Pradesh was ranked at the bottom of the list.
Initiative, DAKSH, TISS- Prayas and Vidhi • Chandigarh has topped the list of Union Territories.
Centre for Legal Policy. • Tamil Nadu was the top performer in access and
1. Singapore is the world's smartest city: IMD Smart City
equity outcomes, while Karnataka led in learning
Index
outcomes. Haryana had the best infrastructure and
• According to the IMD Smart City Index, Singapore is
facilities.
the smartest city in the world.
• Among smaller States, Manipur emerged as the
• The first edition of the IMD Smart City Index 2019
best performer.
ranks 102 cities worldwide.
4. Times Higher Education released “World University
• Zurich ranked second and Oslo is the third smartest
Rankings 2020” – World University Rankings 2020,
city in the world.
published by the United Kingdom (UK) based Times Higher
Indian cities in the index
Education (THE).
• Indian city Hyderabad ranked 67 in the list, while the • The University of Oxford is the number one
capital of India, New Delhi is the 68th smart city in the university in the world for the fourth time in a row.
world. • The California Institute of Technology stands at
• On the other hand, Mumbai is the 78th and Bengaluru the second place and the University of Cambridge
is the 79th smart city in the world. fell to the third rank this year.
• The index is released by the IMD World • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and
Competitiveness Center’s Smart City Observatory in Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore were
partnership with Singapore University of Technology ranked number 1 among the 56 Indian institutes on
and Design (SUTD). the list of the best universities of the world.
2. World Digital Competitiveness Rankings – India was ranked 5. Global Firepower Index: Indian military strongest in South
44th in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. Asia
• In 2018, India was ranked at the 48th position. • In the Global Firepower's 2019 Military Strength
• Top 3 countries – (1) United States (2) Singapore (3) Ranking, the Indian military has been ranked as the
Sweden strongest military power in South Asia.
• The report is published by the Swiss based • While Pakistan has been ranked the second and
International Institute for Management Bangladesh is ranked the third most powerful
Development. military power in South Asia.
The Index ranks the countries based on the following three • In the world ranking, the United States has topped
factors: the list, followed by Russia, and China.
• Knowledge: The capacity to understand and learn • India has been ranked at 4th position in the world
new technologies. ranking.
• Technology: The competence to develop new 6. India ranked at 34th position on world travel and tourism
digital innovations. competitiveness index
• Future readiness: The preparedness for the coming • According to the World Economic Forum (WEF)
developments. report, India has jumped 6 places to claim 34th
3. NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Index – Kerala has spot on world Travel & Tourism Competitiveness
topped the “School Education Quality Index” launched by Index 2019.
NITI Aayog. • The WEF report shows, over 1.5 crore international
• The School Education Quality Index assesses States tourists arrived in India while the share of travel
on the basis of learning outcomes, access, equity and tourism industry was 3.6 per cent and that of
and infrastructure and facilities, using survey data, industry employment was 5.1 per cent.

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• Spain tops the ranking index followed by France • Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability
and Germany. Index for 2019, released with both Delhi and
• Other countries in the top 10 include Japan, the Mumbai sliding down ranks.
United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, • New Delhi dropped 6 places to 118, from 112 last
Canada, and Switzerland. year and Mumbai also fell in this year’s index, by
7. India among top 10 nations in gold reserves – two places to 119, from 117 last year.
• India has surpassed the Netherlands to move into • Vienna in Austria, Melbourne and Sydney in
the list of top10 countries in terms of total gold Australia make the top three cities.
reserves. • The survey ranks countries across indicators
• According to the World Gold Council, India has gold including stability, healthcare, education,
reserves totalling 618.2 tonnes, which is marginally infrastructure, culture and environment.
higher than the Netherlands’ reserves of 612.5 11. Mumbai at 45th spot and Delhi at 52nd in World Safe
tonnes. Cities Index 2019
• According to the World Gold Council, the U.S. leads • According to a report of Economist Intelligence
the country list with total gold reserves of 8,133.5 Unit, Mumbai has been ranked as the 45th safest
tonnes followed by Germany with 3,366.8 tonnes. city on the Safe Cities Index (SCI) 2019, while Delhi
• In terms of individual countries, India actually ranks stood at the 52nd position.
9th since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) • Tokyo taking the top spot, while Singapore and
occupies the third position after the U.S. and Osaka came 2nd and 3rd in the list.
Germany. 12. Karnataka tops the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness
8. ‘Statue of Unity’, Mumbai’s Soho House among Time’s 100 Index –
greatest places in the world • The State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index-SARAL
• The 597-ft tall ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat and was launched during the Review Planning and
Mumbai’s Soho House have been featured by the Monitoring (RPM) Meeting with States and State
Time magazine in its second annual list of the 2019 Power Utilities.
World’s greatest places, in a compilation of 100 • Karnataka has topped the index which evaluates
new and newly “noteworthy destinations. Indian states based on their attractiveness for
• The ‘Statue of Unity’, the world’s tallest statue, is a rooftop development.
tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, independent • SARAL has been designed collaboratively by the
India’s first home minister as well as deputy prime Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),
minister. Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF),
• Soho House Mumbai is Asia’s first Soho House that Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of
puts a local spin on the “formula that has allowed India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY).
Nick Jones’ members--only clubs to blossom across 13. Akshay Kumar in 4th spot in Forbes highest paid actors list
the US and Europe”. 2019
9. India ranks 9th on “Global Happiness Survey” by Ipsos • Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar has made it to the
• According to a “Global Happiness Survey” by Ipsos, 4th position on the Forbes magazine’s Worlds
Indian has been ranked 9th on the happiness index Highest-Paid Actors Of 2019 list.
among 28 global markets. • Akshay has raked in $65 million. Hollywood star
• For India, there has been a six per cent drop (from Dwayne ‘Rock’ Johnson tops the Forbes list of the
83 per cent in 2018 to 77 per cent in 2019). 10 highest-paid actors.
• Australia and Canada at the top spot (at 86 per 14. India slips to 7th largest economy in 2018
cent) have emerged as the happiest nations of the • According to the World Bank, India has been
world, While Russia (47 per cent) emerged at the pushed to the 7th place in the global GDP rankings
bottom of the heap, among the 28 markets. in 2018.
10. Delhi, Mumbai fall in EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2019 • In 2017, India had emerged as the 6th largest
economy.

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• The US remains the top economy with a GDP of • It ranked 129 economies based on 80 indicators,
$20.5 trillion in 2018. ranging from intellectual property filing rates to
• China was the 2nd largest economy with $13.6 mobile-application creation, education spending
trillion, while Japan took the 3rd place with $5 and scientific and technical publications.
trillion. • The headquarters of World Intellectual Property
• India’s GDP was at $2.7 trillion in 2018, while UK Organisation (WIPO) is in Geneva, Switzerland.
and France were at $2.8 trillion. Ranking
• India still remains the fastest-growing major • India was ranked 52nd in 2019 with the score 36.58 out
economy in the world. of 100 from 57th position in 2018.
15. London named the world’s best city for students - • Top 3 countries – Switzerland, Sweden and United
• London has named the world’s best city for States of America.
students for the 2nd consecutive year, beating 18. Global Multidimensional Poverty Index -
Tokyo and Melbourne that came 2nd and 3rd, • The MPI provides a comprehensive and in-depth
respectively, on a new worldwide ranking. picture of global poverty – in all its dimensions –
• According to the rankings, India’s best student city and monitors progress towards Sustainable
is Bengaluru (81st), followed by Mumbai (85th), Development Goal (SDG) 1 – to end poverty in all
Delhi at 113th and Chennai at 115th, out of a total its forms.
of 120th cities in the list. • The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is
• The QS Best Student Cities Ranking compiled by published by United Nation Development
global education consultancy QS Quacquarelli Programme (UNDP)
Symonds highlights each city’s performance across Key findings
different categories. • Across 101 countries, 1.3 billion people—23.1
16. India is the 46th highest risk country in the world: Water percent—are multidimensionally poor.
Stress Index 2019 • Two-thirds of multidimensionally poor people live
• According to the Water Stress Index 2019, in middle-income countries.
formulated by London-based risk analytics firm • One in every three children (under the age of 10)
Verisk Maplecroft, India is the 46th highest risk and every second child below the age of 18 years is
country in the world. multidimensionally poor in the world.
• 11 out of India’s 20 largest cities face an ‘extreme • About 34% of the world’s children and 17.5% adults
risk’ of water stress and 7 are in the ‘high risk’ covered under MPI survey are multidimensionally
category. Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, poor.
Nashik, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Indore are among • One adult in six is multidimensionally poor
the cities facing ‘extreme risk’. compared with one child in three, hence children
• Chennai is the “tip of the iceberg” for India’s water- are more prone to multidimensional poverty than
stressed cities. adults.
17. Global Innovation Index 2019 – On July 24, 2019, Union Indian Scenario
Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush • India’s MPI value reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to
Goyal launched the 12th Edition of the Global Innovation 0.123 in 2015-16.
Index (GII) for the year 2019 in New Delhi. • India has lifted 271 million people out of poverty
• The theme of the 2019 GII is “Creating Healthy between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest
Lives – The Future of Medical Innovation”. reductions in the multidimensional poverty index.
• Global Index is published annually by Cornell • India and Cambodia has reduced their MPI values the
University, INSEAD (Institut Européen fastest among the 10 selected countries for which
d’Administration des Affaires) and the United changes over time were analysed.
Nations World Intellectual Property Organisation • Jharkhand has reduced the incidence of poverty at a
(WIPO) and GII Knowledge Partners. faster pace than other regions (reduced the incidence

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of multidimensional poverty from 74.9% in 2005-06 to • As per the report, Tamil Nadu, Telangana,
46.5% in 2015-16). Karnataka and Gujarat are among the top five
• India (along with Ethiopia and Peru) significantly states delivering good governance.
reduced deprivations in all 10 indicators, namely • Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
nutrition, sanitation, child mortality, drinking water, and Odisha ranked the lowest on the index,
years of schooling, electricity, school attendance, indicating higher social and economic inequalities.
housing, cooking fuel and assets. • Among smaller states – with the population less
• MPI reduced from 640 million people (55.1%) in 2005- than two crore – Himachal Pradesh topped the list
2006 to 369 million people (27.9%) in 2015-16. of states with good governance, followed by Goa,
19. Singapore tops Asia in Dell Global Women Entrepreneur Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura.
Cities Index 2019 • Meghalaya performed the worst in this list.
• According to the latest “Women Entrepreneur Manipur, Nagaland, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir
Cities Index 2019”, sponsored by Dell and were the other poor performers.
conducted by London-based global information • This year’s index also measured how child-friendly
provider, IHS Markit, San Francisco Bay Area has each state is. Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and
topped the list with 63.7 points followed by New Mizoram topped this index.
York (62.9 points) and London(3rd ). 22. India ranked 86th in the Henley Passport Index 2019
• Singapore tops in Asian city ranked at 21st position, • The Henley Passport Index 2019 have ranked the
while Indian cities Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Delhi Indian passport on the 86th position with a
were ranked 43rd (7th in Asia) and 50th (10th in mobility score of 58.
Asia) respectively. • Japan and Singapore hold the top spot with a score
20. Chandigarh best performing state in the field of education of 189.
in the Performance Grading Index 2017-18 • The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel
• Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) destinations including micro-states and territories.
informed that in the Performance Grading Index 23. Global Peace Index 2019: India Ranks 141
2017-18, Chandigarh was ranked best among States • India’s ranked141 among 163 countries on the
and Union territories (UTs) in the field of education. Global Peace Index 2019.
• The Index ranked the states on the basis of 5 • Iceland remains the most peaceful country and
parameters including learning outcomes and Afghanistan the least peaceful nation.
quality, access, infrastructure and facilities, equity • New Zealand has been ranked the second most
and governance process. 36 States/ UTs were peaceful country.
ranked in the Index. • Portugal was ranked third, and Austria fourth and
• Other Rankings: Kerala was ranked second followed Denmark was fifth most peaceful country in the
by Gujarat (3), Haryana (4), Tamil Nadu (5), Punjab world.
(7), Rajasthan (8), Delhi(9). • The report is prepared by Australian think tank
• Least Rankings: Arunachal Pradesh (36), Nagaland Institute for Economics & Peace.
(35) and Meghalaya (34) were the least performing 24. Maharashtra ranks first in NITI Aayog’s AMFFR Index –
states. Maharashtra achieves first rank in NITI Aayog launched
• Literacy: Kerala had the highest literacy rate “Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index
followed by Lakshadweep and Mizoram. (AMFFRI)”.
21. Public Affairs Index 2018: Kerala Best Governed State, Bihar • Gujarat secured the second rank with a score of
Worst 71.5 out of 100, followed by Rajasthan and Madhya
• Kerala is the best governed state in the country, Pradesh.
according to a survey released by a Bengaluru • The index ranks states based on the degree of
think-tank, Public Affairs Centre. reforms they have undertaken in agricultural
marketing.

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• AMFFRI has a score that can have minimum value • The Index is developed by Equal Measures 2030, a
“0” implying no reforms and maximum value “100” partnership effort of regional and global
implying complete reforms in the selected areas. organisations.
25. NITI Aayog’s Health Index 2019 - Kerala took the top spot • Indicators: It includes 51 indicators across 14 of 17
among larger states for overall performance on health official Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
indicators in a NITI Aayog report, followed by Andhra 27. IIT Bombay has emerged the country’s best university: QS
Pradesh and Maharashtra. Rankings
• Uttar Pradesh is the worst state in the index. • IIT Bombay has emerged the country’s best
Key points university for the second consecutive year in the
• Gujarat, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh stood at 2019 QS World University Ranking.
fourth, fifth and sixth spots. • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was
• The ranking was done under three categories -- named the world’s best for a record eighth
larger states, smaller states and Union territories consecutive year.
(UTs) -- to ensure comparison among similar • Twenty-three Indian institutes feature in the
entities. sixteenth edition of the QS World University
• In terms of annual incremental performance Ranking in which IIT Bombay (152), IIT Delhi (182)
among the larger states, Haryana, Rajasthan and and Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (184) are
Jharkhand are the top-three states. ranked in the global top 200.
• Among the smaller states, Mizoram ranked first in • The ranking is produced by global higher education
overall performance, while Tripura and Manipur consultancy Quacquarelli Symonds, QS ranks the
were the top-two states in terms of incremental world’s top 1,000 universities.
performance. 28. IMD World Competitiveness Rankings 2019
• Among the UTs, Chandigarh ranked first in overall • India ranked at 43rd position in the most
performance, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli competitive economy in the world.
improved the most. • In 2018 India was ranked at 44th place.
• Niti Aayog member Vinod Kumar Paul said the • Singapore has grabbed the top position.
Union government should spend 2.5 per cent of • Hong Kong SAR is in second position and US has
gross domestic product on health. slipped to the third place in 2019.
• Kerala and Tamil Nadu have already reached the • The ranking is compiled by International Institute
2030 SDG target for neonatal mortality rate (NMR), for Management Development (IMD).
which is 12 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. 29. India Ranks 140th In World Press Freedom Index –
• The report has been prepared in collaboration with • India ranked 140th out of 180 countries in the
the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with World Press Freedom Index 2019.
technical assistance from the World Bank. • Index is released by Reporters Without
• The second round of the Health Index took into Borders.
account the period 2015-16 (base year) to 2017-18 • The index is topped by Norway followed by
(reference year). Finland and Sweden.
26. Global Gender Equality Index Released: India Ranks 95 30. WEF Global Energy Transition Index – India rank 76th on a
• India ranked 95th out of 129 countries in a new global energy transition index.
index that measures global gender equality looking • The report stated that India is amongst the
at aspects such as poverty, health, education, countries with high pollution levels and has a
literacy, political representation and equality at the relatively high CO2 intensity in its energy
workplace. system.
• The list was topped by Denmark followed by • Sweden remains on the top and is followed by
Finland and Sweden. Switzerland and Norway in the top three.
• Chad was placed at bottom most position (129th). • The index is compiled by Geneva-based World
Economic Forum (WEF).

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31. World Happiness Report 2019 – India is ranked 140th out • India ranked at 80th positions on the Global Talent
of 156 nations. Competitive Index (GTCI) 2019.
• The World Happiness Report was released by • The index is released by INSEAD business school in
the Sustainable Development Solutions partnership with Tata Communications and Adecco
Network for the United Nations. Group.
• For the second consecutive year, Finland • Switzerland topped the index which is followed by
topped the list. Singapore and the US.
• Denmark ranked second followed by Norway. • Last year in 2018, India was ranked at 81st position.
• Pakistan ranked 67th, Bhutan 95th, China 93rd, 37. Democracy Index 2019: The Economist Intelligence Unit
Bangladesh 125th, and Sri Lanka 130th while (EIU) has released the Democracy Index which ranks 167
South Sudan ranked last in the World countries by 60 indicators across five broad categories.
Happiness Report. • Top 3 countries in the list are – Norway, Iceland
32. Inclusive Internet Index 2019 – India has been ranked 47th. and Sweden.
• Sweden has topped the rankings followed by • Australia and New Zealand are the only “full
Singapore and the US. democracies” in the entire Asia-Pacific region
• The Inclusive Internet Index 2019 was prepared • India was at the 41st place with a score of 7.23/10
by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for and was placed in the flawed democracies
Facebook. category.
• The ‘Inclusive Internet’ score was based on the
scores of availability, affordability, relevance 38. Three Indian origin CEOs in the top 10 best performing
and readiness categories. CEOs of the world:
33. International IP index 2019 • Among the top 10 chief executives on the list, 3
• India has jumped eight places to 36th position on spots have been occupied by the Indian-origin
the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index. CEOs.. in the Best-Performing CEOs in the World,
• The US, the UK, Sweden, France and Germany 2019′ list compiled by the Harvard Business Review
remained the top five economies on the (HBR).
intellectual property index in 2019 • Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen was ranked 6th,
• In 2018, India was ranked at 44th position. MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga ranked at 7th and
34. Corruption Perception Index 2018 Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella ranked at 9th spot.
• India has improved its ranking by 3 points by • The list also features India-born CEO of DBS Bank
moving onto 78th position in the Corruption Piyush Gupta on the 89th spot. Apple CEO Tim
Perceptions Index 2018 published by Transparency Cook was ranked 62nd in the list.
International. • The 2019 list has 4 female CEOs in the top 50 of the
• China and Pakistan, in a list of 180 countries, lagged rankings.
far behind than India at 87th and 117th position • The List features 100 CEOs which has been topped
respectively. by the American technology company NVIDIA’s CEO
35. India ranks 54th in 'Bloomberg Innovation Index’ of 60 Jensen Huang.
economies 39. Bill Gates regains world’s richest person title:
• India has grabbed the 54th spot among 60 • Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates overtook Jeff Bezos
countries in the Bloomberg Innovation Index with a to become the world’s richest person.
score of 47.93 out of 100. • Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos lost the title to
• South Korea has topped the Bloomberg Innovation Bill Gates, after losing nearly $7 billion in stock
Index for the sixth time in a row with a total score value leaving his net worth to $103.9 billion.
of 87.38. • Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is currently worth
• Germany ranked second, Finland stood on the third $105.7 billion.
spot.
36. Global Talent Competitive Index 2019:

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• Bezos ended Gates’ 24-year run as the richest man per cent donated money and 19 per cent
in 2018 and became the first man on earth with a volunteered or donated their time.
net worth of $160 billion. • According to the WGI, the USA stood at the top
• Bill Gates debuted on Forbes’ first ever billionaire followed Myanmar, New Zealand and Australia.
list in 1987 with a net worth of $1.25 billion. 43. India ranked 102 in Global Hunger Index 2019:
40. World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Ranking, India ranked • As per the 2019 Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019,
at 63rd: India has has slipped from 95th ranks in 2010 to
• World Bank has released Ease of Doing business 102nd out of 117 qualifying countries, with a score
Rankings which includes 190 countries. of 30.3.
• India has jumped 14 places and has been ranked at • Seventeen countries, including Belarus, Ukraine,
63rd. Turkey, Cuba and Kuwait, shared the top rank with
• New Zealand and Somalia retained their 1st and GHI scores less than 5.
190th spot respectively. • There were only four countries in the alarming
• From 2020, the World Bank has expanded its ease hunger category are Madagascar, Chad, Yemen and
of doing business survey to 2 more cities: the Central African Republic in the extremely
Bengaluru and Kolkata in addition to Delhi and alarming hunger category.
Mumbai that are currently surveyed. • The report warned that climate change was causing
• The World Bank has decided to have four cities alarming levels of hunger and making it more
from every country with a population above 100 difficult to feed people in the world’s most
million. vulnerable regions.
41. IIT-Bombay again tops this year’s QS India University • The Global Hunger Index is a peer-reviewed annual
Rankings 2020 report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide
• The latest 2 edition of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Welthungerhilfe.
India University Rankings 2020 released. • The aim of the GHI is to trigger action to reduce
• The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) hunger around the world.
has again topped all Indian Institutes in the list with 44. Global Competitiveness Index be WEF; India Ranks at 68th:
an overall score of 88.5 followed by IISc- Indian • World Economic Forum has released the Global
Institute of Science, Bangalore (ranked 2 with 84.7 Competitiveness Index report 2019.
score) & Indian Institute of Technology Delhi • As per the WEF’s released report, India has moved
(IITD),which has improved a notch to rank 3 with down 10 places to rank 68th on an annual global
82.2 scores. competitiveness index which was topped by
42. 2019 World Giving Index: Singapore.
• India ranked 82 spots among the 128 countries • India is among the worst-performing BRICS nations
surveyed in the World Giving Index (WGI). along with Brazil which is ranked 71st this year.
• The average figures for India over the past decade
show that 34 per cent people helped a stranger, 24

Economy News
Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2018-19

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2018-19 in the
Parliament on 04th July 2019.
• The theme of Economic Survey, 2018-19 is "Shifting
The Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2018-19 are as Gears towards a $5 trillion Indian economy by
follows: 2024-25”.
• This is the first survey by the new chief economic • Sustained real GDP growth rate of 8% needed for a
advisor Krishnamurthy V Subramanian. $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.

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• “Virtuous Cycle” of savings, investment and exports • It believes that Humans are not-so-rational and often
catalyzed and supported by a favorable need encouragement or intervention — a nudge — to
demographic phase required for sustainable get going and do what’s best for the country or society
growth. at large.
Policies for MSME Growth
Key ingredients for a self-sustaining virtuous cycle:
• The survey highlights the importance of
• Presenting data as a public good.
intervention in the case of “Dwarfs”.
• Emphasizing legal reforms.
• Dwarfs are the firms with less than 100 workers
• Ensuring policy consistency. despite being more than 10 years old.
• Encouraging behavior change using principles of • They account for more than 50% of all organized
behavioral economics. firms in manufacturing by number.
• Nourishing MSMEs to create more jobs and
• Contribution of dwarfs to employment is only 14%
become more productive. and to the productivity is a mere 8%.
• Reducing the cost of capital. • Large firms (more than 100 employees) account for
• Rationalizing the risk-return trade-off for 75% employment and close to 90% of productivity
investments. despite accounting for about 15% by number.
Behavioural Economics for Social Change Minimum Wage System & Inclusive Growth
• The survey has drawn on Nobel Laureate Richard • Survey proposes a well-designed minimum wage
Thaler’s Behavioural Economics Theory to lay out system as a potent tool for protecting workers and
an “ambitious agenda" for behavior change that alleviating poverty.
will bring in social change, which in turn, will help
• The survey supports rationalization of minimum wages
India transit to a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.
as proposed under the Code on Wages Bill. Minimum
• Decisions by real people deviate from impractical wages to all employments/workers.
robots theorized in classical economics. Behavioral Current Scenario:
economics provides insights to ‘nudge’ people
towards desirable behavior.
• Present minimum wage system in India has 1,915
Using insights from behavioral economics to create an minimum wages for various scheduled job categories
aspirational agenda for social change: across states.
• From ‘Beti Baco Beti Padhao’ to ‘BADLAV’ (Beti Aapki • 1 in every 3 wage worker in India is not protected by
Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay Lakshmi). the minimum wage law.
• From ‘Swachh Bharat’ to ‘Sundar Bharat’. Setting a National Floor Level Minimum Wage:.
• From ‘Give it up” for the LPG subsidy to ‘Think about • The Survey now suggests that the Central
the Subsidy’. Government should notify a national floor
• From ‘Tax evasion’ to ‘Tax compliance’. minimum wage that can vary across five
geographical regions.
Nudge Theory Criteria for setting minimum wage:
• American economist Richard Thaler has won the 2017 • The Survey suggests that the Code on Wages Bill
Nobel Prize in economics for his contributions to should consider fixing minimum wages based on
behavioural economics. either of two factors: (a) the skill category i.e.
• According to Nudge theory, people, rather than being unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled;
forced, can be encouraged and influenced to pursue or and (b) the geographical region, or else both.
desist from certain actions through nudges. • For instance, Madhya Pradesh has notified
• It does not talk about penalizing people if they do not minimum wages based on just four skill levels of
behave in a particular manner, rather it encourages unskilled, semiskilled, skilled and highly skilled
them to make desirable decisions. across occupations and regions. The state has just
four basic minimum wages for the four skill
categories."

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Enabling Inclusive Growth through Affordable, Reliable and • Fisheries sector, as India is the second largest producer.
Sustainable Energy • 89% of groundwater extracted is used for irrigation.
• India now stands at 4th in wind power, 5th in solar • Organic and natural farming techniques including Zero
power and 5th in renewable power installed capacity. Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) can improve both water
• Market share of electric cars only 0.06% in India while it use efficiency and soil fertility.
is 2% in China and 39% in Norway. About Zero Budget Natural Farming
• Thermal power still plays a dominant role at 60% share. • Zero Budget Natural Farming, as the name implies,
is a method of farming where the cost of growing
State of the Economy in 2018-19:
and harvesting plants is zero.
• India still the fastest growing major economy in 2018- • This means that farmers need not purchase
19. fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the
• Growth of GDP moderated to 6.8 per cent in 2018-19 healthy growth of crops.
from 7.2 per cent in 2017-18. • It is, basically, a natural farming technique that
• Inflation contained at 3.4 per cent in 2018-19. uses biological pesticides instead of chemical-based
• Non-Performing Assets as percentage of Gross fertilizers. Farmers use earthworms, cow dung,
Advances reduced to 10.1 per cent at end December urine, plants, human excreta and such biological
2018 from 11.5 per cent at end March 2018. fertilizers for crop protection. It reduces farmers’
• Current account deficit manageable at 2.1 percent of investment. It also protects the soil from
GDP. degradation.
• Fiscal deficit of Central Government declined from 3.5 • Zero budget natural farming requires only 10 per
percent of GDP in 2017-18 to 3.4 percent in 2018-19. cent water and 10 per cent electricity than what is
Fiscal Developments required under chemical and organic farming.
• FY 2018-19 ended with fiscal deficit at 3.4 per cent of Industry and Infrastructure
GDP and debt to GDP ratio of 44.5 per cent • Overall Index of Eight Core Industries registered a
(Provisional). growth rate of 4.3 percent in 2018-19.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change • India’s ranking improved by 23 to 77th position in
• India’s SDG Index Score ranges between 42 and 69 for 2018 among 190 countries assessed by the World
States and between 57 and 68 for UTs: Bank Doing Business (DB) Report, 2019.
• Kerala and Himachal Pradesh are the front runners with • Total telephone connections in India touched
a score of 69 amongst states. 118.34 crore in 2018-19
• Chandigarh and Puducherry are the front runners with
Services Sector
a score of 68 and 65 respectively among the UTs.
• Namami Gange Mission launched as a key policy • Services sector (excluding construction) has a share of
priority towards achieving the SDG 6, with a budget 54.3 per cent in India’s GVA and contributed more than
outlay of INR. 20,000 crore for the period 2015-2020. half of GVA growth in 2018-19.
External Sector • Services share in employment is 34 per cent in 2017.
• As per WTO, World trade growth slowed down to 3 per Social Infrastructure, Employment and Human Development
cent in 2018 from 4.6 per cent in 2017. Government expenditure (Centre plus States) as a percentage of
• Top export items continue to be Petroleum products, GDP on
precious stones, drug formulations, gold and other
• Health: increased to 1.5 per cent in 2018-19 from 1.2
precious metals.
per cent in 2014-15.
• Top import items continue to be Crude petroleum,
• Education: increased from 2.8 per cent to 3 per cent
pearl, precious, semi-precious stones and gold.
during this period.
• India’s main trading partners continue to be the US,
China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Agriculture and Food Management
• Dairying as India is the largest producer of milk.

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November

1. Government to launch first fixed income ETF of •The General Insurance Companies have sought
bluechip PSUs: Rs 500 crore to Rs 3000 crore each to avoid
• Union Government will launch India’s first falling below solvency ratio. However, the
fixed income Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) three companies that are to be merged are
comprising debt securities of large central struggling to maintain minimum solvency ratio
public sector enterprises (PSUs) by mid- of 1.5
December 2019. 4. World Bank’s 300 million USD plan to Develop
• It will comprise only AAA-rated papers of the Kolkata:
PSU companies. • The World Bank has submitted a master plan to
• It is expected to have a size of Rs 15,000 crore develop logistics infrastructure of Kolkata
to Rs 20,000 crore. metropolitan area. The bank is to invest 300
• It is expected to improve liquidity in corporate million USD in the project. The Government
bond market, smoothen borrowing plans of entities participating in the deal includes CII
the participating state-owned companies and and the West Bengal Industrial Development
enhance investor base. Corporation.
• Department of Investment and Public Asset • The focus of the project is to be on construction
Management (DIPAM) has appointed of rail, road, industrial parks. The aim of the
Edelweiss Asset Management as the asset project is to improve competitiveness, increase
manager for this proposed debt ETF. employment.
• The tax treatment of this debt ETF will be • The Inland Water Transport World Bank
same as that of debt mutual funds. Project, Asian High way project, Amritsar-
2. IRCTC Revenue doubles; 14% increase in Kolkata Industrial Corridor are the current
profits prominent infrastructural developments in the
• The earnings from internet ticketing services region
of IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and 5. AIIB to invest 100 million USD in solar and
Tourism Corporation) increased by 80.8% wind projects in India:
between the period April, 2019 and • The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
September, 2019. (AIIB) which is headquartered at Beijing
• IRCTC is an exclusive e-ticketing partner of the expects an investment of 100 million USD in
Indian Railways. India in a year. The foreign investment is to
• This is the first time IRCTC is releasing its enter India through the bank in Wind and solar
revenue after it entered the stock market in projects.
October, 14, 2019. Also, the sector has earned • AIIB approves 500 million USD for MUTP 3
huge success in India’s path of Digitization. • On November 16, 2019, the bank approved a
3. GoI merges three Insurance PSUs: loan of 500 million USD in three suburban rail
• The GoI will merge 3 public Sector Insurance infrastructure projects.
Companies as announced in budget 2019-20. • The projects are being executed under MUTP-
• The merger includes United India Insurance Mumbai Urban Transport Project
Limited, National Insurance Co Limited and • The project curbs trespass deaths by including
Oriental Insurance Company Limited. mid-section trespasses. It is the first of its kind
• The Budget 2019-2020 did not make provision in the country.
of funds for insurers and the Department of
Financial Services. Therefore, the government 6. Indo-French collaboration: Largest FDI project
institutions in the financial sector are forced to of Indian Railways:
seek supplementary demands to fulfil their • The Indian Railways and Alstom came together
purposes. The Budget allocated Rs 12,000 in the intention of transforming the freight
crore for this. transportation of India.

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• In line with the collaboration, the MELPM- Development Board headed by Chief Minister
Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Vijay Rupani.
Limited has been established. • World’s first CNG port terminal
• MELPM will now manufacture 800 electric • The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) had signed
locomotives for freight services with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
foreign investment of 3.5 billion Euros. UK-based Foresight Group to set up this port
7. BHIM UPI goes global: Demonstrated at terminal at Bhavnagar in the Vibrant Gujarat
Singapore FinTech Festival: Summit held in January 2019. The existing port
As a first step towards internationalization, a global at Bhavnagar is administered by Gujarat
pilot demo of BHIM UPI QR-based payments began Maritime Board (GMB).
on 13 November 2019 with a live transaction at • The terminal will be jointly built by Foresight
merchant terminal at the Singapore FinTech Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh Mafatlal
Festival 2019. The Indian contingent with Group. The consortium of company will invest
participation of 43 companies and start-ups was Rs.1,900 crore out of which Rs.1,300 crore will
one of the largest at Singapore FinTech Festival be invested in 1st phase and Rs.600 crore in
2019 being held between 11 and 15 November. 2nd phase.
In May 2018 Prime Minister Narendra Modi
suggested the launch of BHIM UPI QR code-based 10. Finance Minister: Rs 25,000 crore Fund for
payments internationally after launching RuPay stuck Housing Projects
International card and SBI’s UPI based remittance
app in Singapore, as an achievement for fintech
• On November 7, 2019, Government of India
cooperation between India and Singapore.
announced the establishment of Rs 25,000
crore fund for home buyers whose money is
8. Central Electricity Authority Data: India’s stuck in stalled projects. According to the
Electricity Demand fell to a 12-year low Ministry of Finance, there are over 1600 such
projects comprising of 4.58 lakh housing units
• According to the data released by the Central across the country. The “Special Window” will
electricity Authority (CEA), the electricity prioritize debt financing in the Affordable and
demand of the country fell by 13% in October middle-income housing sector.
2019 as compared to October 2018. This is the • Rs 10,000 crore is to be provided by GoI
lowest in 12 years. towards the fund. Other firms like LIC and SBI
• Sharp reduction in the industrialized states like along with sovereign wealth funds and pension
Maharashtra and Gujarat indicating an funds will contribute Rs 15,000 crore
economic slowdown is the major reason for the • The fund is to be set up as Category II Alternate
decline in demand. Investment Fund.
• Electricity demand of the country was 98 billion • The fund is to be registered with SEBI as an
units in October 2019 as against 112 billion escrow account.
units in October 2018.
• Power demand in Madhya Pradesh declined by 11. India withdraws from RCEP
26%, Karnataka declined by 25%, Maharashtra
declined by 22%, Gujarat by 19%, Telangana by
• On November 4, 2019, India decided against
16% and Andhra Pradesh by 16%.
joining Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) trade deal as India did not
9. World’s first CNG port terminal to be built in receive any credible assurance on market
Gujarat: access and non-tariff barriers. This paved way
• Gujarat government has given its approval to a for the other 15-members to go ahead and sign
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) terminal facility the deal keeping the door open for India to join
at Bhavnagar port. This would be the world’s at later date.
first CNG port terminal. The approval for this • Reasons of Withdrawal
was given by Gujarat Infrastructure • Trade Deficit

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• India has trade deficit with at least 11 of 15 • As per ADB, the Manila-headquartered
RCEP countries. It has doubled in the last five multilateral agency the total cost of the project
years from 54 billion USD in 2013-14 to 105 is $653.5 million, of which the government will
billion USD in 2018-19. Of this China alone provide $202.5 million.
accounts to 53 billion USD. Signing the RCEP 13. IIT Delhi launches Global Alumni Endowment
will widen trade deficit and will empty foreign Fund
exchange reserve of India at a faster rate.
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has
12. ADB to give $451Mn for Chennai-Kanyakumari formally launched its Global Alumni
Industrial Corridor power links Endowment Fund with an initial commitment
• The Asian Development Bank will provide a of Rs 250.crore from nearly 20 corporate
$451 million (appx. Rs.3,200 crore) loan to leaders and alumni of institution.
strengthen power connectivity between • The Endowment Fund was launched by
southern and northern parts of Chennai- President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati
Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in Bhavan on 31 October 2019.
Tamil Nadu.

October

1. SEBI new rule to impact foreign funds – The Securities and • Thus, from now onwards, every CBDT
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified that only FPIs – communication will have to have a documentation
Foreign Portfolio Investors located in FATF countries or identification number.
managed by an enterprise based under FATF jurisdiction 5. Finance Minister launches two IT initiatives ICEDASH and
can deal in Participatory Notes. ATITHI
Note: • The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
• HR Khan Committee - The new rule is based on the unveiled two new IT Initiatives ‘ICEDASH’ and
HR Khan Committee’s recommendation. HR Khan ‘ATITHI’ for improved monitoring and pace of
Committee was formed by SEBI under customs clearance of imported goods and
chairmanship of former deputy governor of RBI to facilitating arriving international passengers.
streamline FPI. • ICEDASH is an Ease of Doing Business monitoring
• Participatory Notes are financial instruments dashboard of the Indian Customs helping the public
required by investors to invest in Indian stock see the daily Customs clearance times of import
markets without being registered with SEBI. cargo at various ports and airports.
2. Govt constituted Ajay Bhushan Pandey panel to check • The ATITHI app will facilitate hassle-free and faster
money laundering activities – On 07th October the clearance by Customs at the airports and enhance
government set up a high-level inter-ministerial committee the experience of international tourists and other
chaired by the Ajay Bhushan Pandey (Revenue Secretary) visitors at the airports.
for better coordination among various departments and law 6. Moody’s cuts India’s GDP growth forecast to 5.8% for FY20
enforcement agencies to prevent money laundering • US Rating agency, Moody has lowered the India
activities. GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 to 5.8% from
3. S&P lowered India's growth forecast to 6.3% for 2019-20 - 6.2%.
The S&P Global Ratings lowered India’s growth projection • It stated that the Indian economy is experiencing a
for 2019-20 to 6.3% from 7.1%. pronounced slowdown partly due to long-lasting
4. CBDT launches Documentation Identification Number – factors.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched a 7. IMF cuts World and India growth rates
computer-generated Document Identification Number • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
(DIN) to ensure greater transparency and accountability in downgrade the global growth in 2019 to 3%, the
tax administration. slowest since the global financial crisis.

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• India’s growth projections have also been • The organization was renamed following the
downgraded to 6.1% and 7.0% in 2019 and 2020 purchase of 75% stake in Reliance Nippon Life Asset
respectively, down by 1.2 percentage points and Management by Nippon Life Insurance.
0.5 percentage points relative to April projection. • Nippon India Mutual Fund has become the largest
• The IMF projected the U.S. would grow at 2.4% and foreign-owned Asset Management Company in
2.1% in 2019 and 2020 respectively. For China, India. Sundeep Sikka will continue to lead company
growth was projected to grow at 6.1% and 5.8% in as the CEO.
2019 and 2020.
8. Reliance MF renamed as “Nippon India Mutual Fund”
• Reliance Mutual Fund has been renamed as
“Nippon India Mutual Fund“.
September

1. Economic Advisory Council to PM reconstituted under the insurance cover guaranteed will cover up to 90
Bibek Debroy – Government of India has reconstituted percent of the principal and interest.
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) • The insurance cover will include both pre and post-
under existing Chairman Bibek Debroy. shipment credit. The Export Credit Guarantee
• The reconstitution is for a period of two years, with Corporation of India (ECGC) currently provides
effect from 26 September 2019. credit guarantee of up to 60 percent loss.
Note: 5. Centre cuts Corporate Tax Rate for domestic investors –
• Bibek Debroy is the Chairman of Economic Corporate Tax Rate has been cut to 22 per cent from 30 per
Advisory Council to Prime Minister (PMEAC) as of cent earlier.
February 2018. • It is one of the lowest tax rates among the
About Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC- Developed and Developing economies in South
PM – Asian and South-East Asia Regions for the
• Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister manufacturing units globally.
(PMEAC) is a non-constitutional, non-permanent Note:
and independent body constituted to give • Corporate Tax Rate after surcharge will now stand
economic advice to the Prime Minister. at 25.17% for domestic companies (inclusive of all
2. ADB cuts India growth forecast to 6.5% for 2019-20 – The cess and surcharges).
Asian Development Bank has slashed its growth forecast for • New domestic manufacturing companies
India for fiscal year 2019-20 to 6.5% from 7%. incorporated after October 1, 2019, will now be
3. GSTN makes Aadhaar verification mandatory for new required to pay income tax at 15%, which stands at
dealers from Jan 2020 – The Goods and Services Tax 17.01% including the surcharge and cess.
Network has decided to make Aadhaar authentication or 6. India among top 10 nations in gold reserves – According to
physical verification mandatory for new dealers from the World Gold Council, India ranked at the 10th positions
January 2020. in terms of total gold reserves.
• The announcement in this regard was made by • India has surpassed the Netherlands to move into
Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, the list of top ten countries in terms of total gold
who heads the Group of Ministers of GST Network. reserves.
4. NIRVIK scheme: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of • India with total gold reserves of 618.2 tonnes is
India (ECGC) has introduced ‘NIRVIK’ scheme to ease the marginally higher than the Netherlands’ reserves of
lending process and enhance loan availability for exporters. 612.5 tonnes.
Note: • The U.S. topped the list with total gold reserves of
• Under the new ‘NIRVIK’ scheme, which is also 8,133.5 tonnes followed by Germany with 3,366.8
called the Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS), tonnes.

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• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ranked to implement Rs 100 lakh crore over the next five
third with a holding of 2,451.8 tonnes. years in the infrastructure projects in the country.
• The other countries in the list are - Italy (4th), • The task force would be headed by the department
France (5th), Russia (6th), China (7th), Switzerland of economic affairs (DEA) secretary and will have
(8th) and Japan (9th) before India at the 10th spot. the CEO of a government think tank or his nominee
7. TN Manoharan committee recommends for creating a loan as one of the members.
contract registry – The six-member task force headed by 11. Ind-Ra cuts GDP growthforecast in FY20 to 6.7% - India
Canara Bank chairman TN Manoharan submitted its report Ratings and Research has revised its projection of the
to Governor of RBI Shaktikanta Das on September 3. India’s GDP growth in financial year 2019-20 to 6.7%. It has
• The Reserve Bank of India constituted the task reduced the GDP growth rate from 7.3% to 6.7%. It expects
force. GDP growth to recover to 7.4% in the second half of
• It has recommended for creating a loan contract financial year 2019-20.
registry to remove information asymmetries 12. Growth of eight core sectors slows to 2.1% in July 2019 –
between buyers and sellers. According to official data released by Government, Growth
• The report also recommends setting up of an of eight core industries (Index of Eight Core Industries)
online loan sales platform to conduct auctions/sale dropped to 2.1% in July 2019. It was mainly due to
process of secondary market loans. contraction in coal, crude oil, natural gas and refinery
8. Modi launches Act Far East Policy for Russia; announces $1 products.
bn support – Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Act 13. CRISIL revises India’s GDP growth to 6.3% in fiscal 2020 –
Far East' policy and asserted that India will walk shoulder- Rating agency CRISIL has revised India’s fiscal year 2020
to-shoulder with Russia in its development of the Far East. GDP growth forecast to 6.3%. CRISIL has lowered the GDP
• Narendra Modi announced a $ one billion line of growth forecast from 6.9% to 6.3%. The growth was revised
credit for the development of the resource-rich as the first-quarter growth rate of India reduced to a 25-
region. quarter low of 5%.
9. ‘Ashok Leyland’s heavy-duty trucks becomes 1st to get BS- 14. Centre to infuse Rs 12,000 crore in state general insurance
VI certification – Commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland firms – Following the recapitalisation of public sector banks
announced that its entire range of heavy duty trucks has (PSBs), now public sector insurance companies -- National
been upgraded to meet BS-VI emission norms, which come Insurance, Oriental Insurance and United India Insurance --
into force from 1 April 2020. are going to be infused with funds worth Rs 12,000 crore to
10. FM sets up a task force to implement Rs 100 lakh crore boost their capital base and meet regulatory norms, sources
infrastructure projects – said.
• Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had • Last year's Budget announced plans to merge these
announced the setting up of 6 member task force three insurance companies, and thereafter list the
combined entity.
August

1. The Central Board of Direct Taxes has announced the • Member (Income Tax and Computerisation): Chairman
creation of a five-member special cell “Startup Cell” for • Joint Secretary (tax policy and legislation-II): Member
startups. • Commissioner of I-T (ITA): Member
• The “Startup Cell” will address the grievances of • Director (ITA-I): Member Secretary
the startups with relation to angel tax and other • Under Secretary (ITA-I): Member
tax-related issues. Startup entities can approach 2. SEBI announces Rs 1 crore reward for insider trading
the cell for speedy resolution of their grievances. informants – The Securities and Exchange Board of India
• The ‘startup cell’ will be headed by the member has announced a new mechanism to reward insider trading
(Income Tax and Computerisation) of the board. informants to uncover insider trading cases.
Start-up Cell has been constituted by CBDT with the following
ex-officio members:

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• The reward would be 10 per cent of the money 6. India’s GDP to grow at 6.2% in FY 2019-20: NCAER – As per
collected, subject to a maximum amount of Rs 1 the National Council of Applied Economic Research
crore. (NCAER), an economic think-tank, India’s Gross Domestic
• The above announcement is a part of the detailed Product (GDP) growth will be 6.2% in FY 2019-20, down
set of rules for the new ‘Informant Mechanism’ from 6.8% in 2018-19.
under Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations 7. WTO likely to set up panel to decide on India’s sugar sops
that has been approved by the SEBI board. – Brazil, Australia and Guatemala have requested the World
3. GST collections drop below Rs 1 lakh cr to Rs 98,202 cr in Trade Organisation (WTO) to set up dispute panels to rule
August – India's gross GST collections slipped below Rs 1 on India’s sugar subsidies the second time round after India
lakh crore to Rs 98,202 crore in August, according to official rejected the request at the last meeting of the Dispute
data released on Sunday.Gross revenue collections from the Settlement Body (DSB) last month.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July stood at Rs 1.02 lakh 8. India to conduct 1st Time Release Study for efficient
crore. trade flow – The Department of Revenue of the Ministry of
4. 33% of India’s skilled youth jobless: official survey Finance conducted India’s first national Time Release Study
• An analysis of the unit-level data from the Periodic (TRS) from August 1-7, 2019.
Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017-18, conducted by • It will be conducted on an annual basis, during the
the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), found same period every year hereafter.
that 33% of India’s skilled youth are jobless. • It is lead by the Central Board of Indirect Tax and
• 4 out of 10 youth who received vocational training Customs (CBIC).
are out of the labour force. • TRS: It is an internationally recognized tool
• Three fifth young skilled young women out of advocated by the World Customs Organization
labour force. (WCO) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness
• The unemployment rate among freshly trained of international trade flows.
youth, who completed training during the previous 9. Sebi to relax norms to allow smart cities issue funds
year, was even higher at 40%. through 'Muni Bonds' – Capital market regulator Sebi is
• The bulk of the training received by younger planning to ease its norms for 'Muni Bonds' to help smart
population were in the fields of IT, electronics, cities and other registered entities working in areas of city
mechanical sectors. planning and urban development work, like municipalities,
• Coverage was another challenge, with just 1.8% of raise funds through issuance and listing of their debt
the population getting formal training in 2017-18. securities.
Note: • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the had issued its Issue and Listing of Debt Securities by
flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Municipalites (ILDM) Regulations nearly five years
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill ago and since then seven municipalities have raised
Development Corporation. nearly ₹1,400 crore by issuing their debt securities,
• The objective of this Skill Certification Scheme is to which are commonly known as 'Muni Bonds'.
enable a large number of Indian youth to take up 10. NSE, SGX get SEBI’s nod to operate jointly in GIFT City - The
industry-relevant skill training that will help them in National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Singapore Exchange
securing a better livelihood. Individuals with prior (SGX) received permission from the Securities and Exchange
learning experience or skills will also be assessed and Board of India (SEBI) to operate jointly in Gujarat
certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). International Finance Tec (GIFT) City under the proposed
5. ANZ lowers India’s GDP growth in FY20 to 6.2% - According programme ‘Connect’.
to a recent report of Australia and New Zealand Banking • Nifty index, which is trading on SGX in Singapore,
Group (ANZ), India’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth will be traded on a joint platform between the NSE
expected to grow by 6.2 % in 2019 (FY-Fiscal Year 2020). and SGX in GIFT City.
• It also downgraded its forecast for the year to 11. Akhilesh Ranjan committee - On August 19,2019 a group
March 2021 to 6.5% from 7.1%. of experts panel headed by Central Board of Direct Taxes

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(CBDT) legislative member Akhilesh Ranjan who was • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget
appointed as the convener of the task force in November speech said "To discourage the practice of making
2018 by the finance ministry, submitted a report to Nirmala business payments in cash, I propose to levy TDS of
Sitharaman(Finance Minister), to replace the Income Tax 2 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding Rs 1 crore
Act with a new Direct Tax Code(DTC). in a year from a bank account".
12. MSCI added HDFC Life Insurance to its Global Standard 14. Crisil cuts India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.9% for FY 2019-
Index - MSCI Inc ( Morgan Stanley Capital International), 20 – Ratings agency CRISIL has cut its forecast for India’s
One of the world’s biggest index compilers, has added HDFC GDP growth by 20 basis points for FY 2019-20. It has
Life Insurance Company Ltd. to its Global Standard Index lowered India’s GDP growth to 6.9% from 7.1%.
and removed Union Bank of India(UBI) from its India 15. Union government has constituted a 12-member high-level
Smallcap Index. committee to revise and align the procedure of Defence
• The changes in the MSCI Index will be implemented procurement with the aim of strengthening the ‘Make in
as of the closing hours of August 27, 2019. India’ initiative. The panel will be headed by the Director-
13. 448 entities withdrew over Rs 100 crore each, prompting General (Acquisitions).
TDS levy – As many as 448 firms have withdrawn more than 16. Injeti Srinivas Committee - A high level steering committee
Rs 100 crore in cash cumulatively withdrawing Rs 5.56 lakh on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) headed by Injeti
crore during fiscal 2017-18. Srinivas, Corporate Affairs Secretary has recommended to
• Almost 2 lakh individuals and business entities make CSR expenditure tax-deductible and that non-
withdrew more than Rs 1 crore in cash from bank compliance of CSR norms be treated as a civil offence.
accounts in 2017-18, official data showed. • The committee also recommends companies may
• These entities had cumulatively withdrawn over Rs be exempted from constituting a CSR committee, if
11.31 lakh crore. its CSR prescribed amount below Rs 50 lakh.
July
users to open bank accounts and get a mobile
1. ADB cuts India’s GDP growth rate from 7.2% to 7% for phone connection.
FY20 – Asian Development Bank lowered India’s GDP • Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification
growth rate from 7.2% to 7% for the current fiscal year. number issued by the Unique Identification
• India is expected to grow by 7% in 2019 and 7.2% in Authority of India on behalf of the Government of
2020, slightly slower than projected in April, ADB India. This number will serve as a proof of identity
said in its supplement to the Asian Development and address, anywhere in India.
Outlook 2019. Key Points:
2. IMF lowers India’s growth outlook for FY20 – The • If private entities violate provisions on Aadhaar
International Monetary Fund has lowered its annual growth data, they will be imposed Rs 1 crore penalty and a
forecast for India from 7.3% to 7% in financial year 2019-20. jail term.
3. Cars24 gets RBI NBFC license to offer loans against used • The Bill provides the use of Aadhaar number for
cars KYC (Know Your Customer) authentication on
• On July 26, 2019, CARS24, an online marketplace voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act, 1885, and
for buying and selling used cars has received a the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
license of a Non-banking Finance Company (NBFC) 5. DCC imposes penalty of Rs.3050 crore on Airtel, Vodafone
from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and will be Idea on recommendations by TRAI – The Digital
venturing into the consumer lending business as a Communications Commission (DCC) , on recommendations
separate entity within the Cars24 group. by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI),
4. Parliament passed Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) approved the penalty of Rs.3050 crore to be imposed on
Bill, 2019 Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for not providing points of
• On July 8, 2019, Parliament passed Aadhaar and interconnection to Reliance as TRAI recommended
Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which allows imposing a total penalty to those network operators for
voluntary use of Aadhaar as proof of identity for

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allegedly denying interconnectivity to Reliance Jio in 331.3 million subscribers overtaking Vodafone Idea whose
October 2016. customer base stood at 320 million in the quarter ended
• The DCC, which is an apex decision-making body of June 30, 2019.
the Department of Telecom (DoT), last month • Airtel moved to the third position and the state-
approved imposing a penalty. owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) stood
6. India will be the first recipient of AIIB local currency at the fourth position.
funding – India will be the first recipient of local currency 11. Centre cuts interest on GPF by 10 bps – Finance Ministry
financing by the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank has cut the rate of General provident fund (GPF) by 10 basis
(AIIB). The objective of local currency financing is to provide points from 8% to 7.9%.
more options to borrowers. • During the year 2019-2020, accumulations at the
• India is the second-largest shareholder of AIIB with credit of subscribers to the GPF and other similar
a 7.5% stake. It has received about $2-billion funds shall carry interest at the rate of 7.9% with
funding for various projects so far. effect from July 1, 2019 to 30th September 2019.
• China holds 20.06% and Russia holds 5.92%. 12. LIC offers Rs 1.25 trillion by 2024 for highway projects –
• Headquarters: Beijing, China Life Insurance Corporation of India has agreed to offer Rs
7. 36th Goods & Service Tax (GST) Council Meeting was held 1.25 trillion Line of Credit by 2024, to fund highway
in New Delhi – The GST Council made the following changes projects.
in the GST rate on supply of goods and services which will • LIC has offered Rs 25,000 crore in a year and Rs
be effective from August 1, 2019: 1.25 trilion in five years. The borrowings will be in
the form of bonds to be issued by the National
• The GST rate on all Electric Vehicles (EVs) was Highways Authority of India.
reduced from 12% to 5%. • The Line of Credit will be used to fund the
• The GST rate on charger or charging stations for ambitious Bharatmala project.
EVs was reduced from 18% to 5%. 13. Average Monthly Income per Agricultural Household has
• Hiring of electric buses (of carrying capacity of estimated Rs. 6426: Agriculture ministry – On July 26,
more than 12 passengers) by local authorities was 2019, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,
exempted from GST. Narendra Singh Tomar stated that the average monthly
Note: income per agricultural household from all sources is Rs.
• GST Council is the governing body of GST, chaired by 6,426 in the country based on the Situation Assessment
the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Survey of Agricultural Households conducted by National
assisted by the finance ministers of all the states of Sample Survey Office (NSSO) during its 70th round (January
India. 2013-December 2013).
8. India’s current account balance deficit shoots up to $68 14. Kerala Govt. to set up Non-Resident Keralites Investment
billion in 2018-19: IMF company – Kerala Government decided to form a Non-
• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Resident Keralites Investment company with 74% stake to
India’s current account (CA) balance deficit rose to $68 be held by expatriate (or expat) to channelize investments
billion in 2018-19 from $49 billion in 2017-18. from overseas Keralites for major infrastructure
9. SIDBI introduced web-based application system for development in the state.
contribution from FFS • Decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet
• The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) meeting chaired by Kerela Chief Minister Pinarayi
introduced a web-based application system for Vijayan.
contribution from the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). 15. Promoters get 90 days to retake company after insolvency
The objective of the new web-based application system proceedings begin: IBBI
is to improve the turnaround time and increase • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
transparency. has notified that the promoters and other
10. Reliance Jio is India’s largest telecom company – Reliance stakeholders will be given 90 days after the
Jio becomes the largest telecom company of India with commencement of insolvency proceedings to re-

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take control of the company through agreements as well as reconciliation systems in securities
with creditors. market.
• It was proposed under Section 230 of the
Companies Act 1956. 18. India’s first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
• Limit of 1 year was specified for the liquidation dashboard launched - Union Ministry of Statistics and
from the date of commencement of insolvency Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched India’s first
proceeding. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) dashboard in a bid to
• Section 230 of the Companies Act 1956 allows for effectively track country’s progress on Agenda 2030
promoters or any class of creditors of the company adopted by UN.
to reach a compromise or arrangement with other • It was launched on occasion of National Statistics
stakeholders of the company to take control of the Day (on June 29) which marks birth anniversary of
company. Prof. P C Mahalanobis.
16. Health Ministry bans Colistin in Animal Food Industry – • It is a unique, searchable platform, which provides
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned data and insights on how India is progressing on
manufacture, sale and distribution of antibiotic, Colistin as SDGs.
well as its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, • SDG Dashboard is developed in partnership with
aqua farming and animal feed supplements. United Nation in India, Department for
• The ban is announced in a bid to preserve drug’s International Development (DFID) India and data
efficacy in humans. intelligence firm Social Cops.
• Colistin is a valuable, last-resort antibiotic that 19. Govt sets a target to raise health services expenditure to
saves lives in critical care units. It is effective 2.5% of GDP by 2025 – Minister of Health and Family
against most Gram-negative bacilli. It is also known Welfare, Harsh Vardhan stated that the Government sets
as polymyxin E. target is to raise health services expenditure to 2.5 percent
17. Subhash Chandra Garg panel submitted its report on of the country’s GDP (Gross domestic product) by 2025 due
Virtual Currencies– Inter-Ministerial Committee on Virtual to the increment of expenditure over the last 10 years.
Currencies headed by finance secretary Subhash Chandra 20. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog,
Garg has submitted its report to the government. think tank of the government, has proposed that only
• The committee set up by Centre has also proposed Electric Vehicles (EVs) should be sold after 2030.
a draft bill ‘Banning of Cryptocurrency & Regulation • This is proposed in order to expand the scope of
of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2019’. the clean fuel technology beyond two and three-
Note: wheelers.
• All private cryptocurrencies, except any • The panel headed by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant
cryptocurrency issued by the state, be banned in had suggested earlier that only EV (three-wheelers
India. and two-wheelers) with an engine capacity of up to
• It has also drafted a law, the ‘Banning of 150 cc should be sold from 2025 onwards.
Cryptocurrency & Regulation of Official Digital 21. India could lose the equivalent of 34 million jobs in 2030
Currency Bill, 2019’, which mandates a fine and due to global warming: ILO
imprisonment of up to 10 years for offences. • The International Labour Organisation (ILO)
• Report submitted by group highlights positive released its report ‘Working on a Warmer Planet:
aspect of distributed-ledger technology (DLT). The Impact of Heat Stress on Labour Productivity
• It suggested various applications for use of DLT in and Decent Work.
India, especially in financial services. • According to the report, India will be the most
• DLT-based systems for instance can be used by affected country due to global warming because of
banks or other financial firms for processes like its large population.
tracking of loan-issuance, fraud detection, claims Key highlights of the report:
management in insurance, collateral management • By 2030 the 2.2 per cent of total working hours
worldwide is projected to be lost every year, either

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because it is too hot to work or because workers have 23. Budget 2019: To help marginal cultivators government
to work at a slower pace. proposes 10,000 FPOs – The government plans to form
• The global productivity losses would be around 80 10,000 farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in the next
million full-time jobs (equivalent to an economic loss of five years.
US$ 2,400 billion). • This is expected to help small and marginal
• The accumulated global financial loss due to heat stress cultivators team up to get lower rates for inputs
is expected to reach USD 2,400 billion by 2030. and sell produce at higher rates.
• In agriculture – 60% of working hours will be lost due to 24. India’s turnover ratio fell by 60% in 10 years – World Bank
heat stress by 2030. – As per the data of the World Bank for the year 2018, the
• In construction – 19% of global working hours to be turnover ratio of Indian stock market fell significantly by
lost. 60% in the past 10 years.
Projections for India • A turnover ratio of Indian stock market fell from
• India is expected to lose an equivalent of 34 million jobs 143 in 2008 to 58 in 2018.
as a result of global warming and heat stress by the • It was the highest among the most leading markets
year 2030. of the world, except the United States (US) and
• The country most affected by heat stress in India, which European Union (EU).
lost 4.3 per cent of working hours in 1995 and is 25. Tata Steel Kalinganagar included in WEF’s Global
projected to lose 8 per cent of working hours in 2030. Lighthouse Network – Tata Steel Kalinganagar becomes
About ILO the first and the only Indian manufacturing plant that has
• The International Labour Organization is a United been included in prestigious Lighthouse Network of the
Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social World Economic Forum.
justice and promote decent work by setting • TSK in Odisha’s Jajpur district commissioned at May
international labour standards. 2016.
• It was founded on 29 October 1919 with Headquarters 26. Airtel completed the merger of Tata Tele’s consumer
in Geneva, Switzerland. mobile business – Bharti Airtel Limited and Bharti Hexacom
22. Budget 2019: Rs 3.18 lakh crore allocated to the defence Limited announced the merger of the consumer mobile
budget – An allocation of Rs 3.18 lakh crore was made in businesses (CMB) of Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) and
the Union Budget to the defence sector for 2019-20 as Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited (TTML) with the
against last year's Rs 2.98 lakh crore. two Bharti Group companies.

June

1. NPAs under PM Modi's Mudra scheme jumped 126% in • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a
FY19, shows RTI – The Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) under written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship scheme Pradhan • As per information compiled from public sector
Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) saw a jump of 126% in just banks (PSBs), instances of alleged frauds reported
one year. during the last three years and the current year so
• The NPAs of loans issued under the programme is far is in 2,313 accounts.
increased by Rs 9,204.14 crore in FY 19 from Rs • The highest number of frauds were reported from
7,277.31 crore in March 2018 to Rs 16,481.45 crore Tamil Nadu (344), followed by Chandigarh (275)
in March 2019. and Andhra Pradesh (241).
• This information was obtained as a response to an 3. Govt cuts interest rate on small savings schemes – The GoI
RTI filed by The Wire. has reduced interest rates for small savings schemes by 10
2. 2,313 frauds reported in Mudra loan accounts – As many basis points for the July-September quarter of the 2019-20
as 2,313 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) accounts financial year.
with the public sector banks reported instances of fraud
since the financial year 2016-17.

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• Some schemes that will fetch lower interest rates made it mandatory for GST-registered multiplexes to
are Kisan Vikas Patra (7.6%), Public Provident Fund issue e-tickets.
(7.9%), Sukanya Samriddhi Account (8.4%). • According to the proposal, entities with a turnover of
4. India’s Forex reserves rise to a record high of $426.42 more than Rs 50 crore will be required to generate
billion – As per the data revealed by Reserve Bank of India electronic invoices on a government portal for B2B
(RBI), India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserve rose to a life- sales.
time high of $426.42 billion (in week to 21 June 2019) after 7. SEBI sets up panel for reviewing Margins on Derivatives –
it surged by $4.215 billion boosted by higher foreign The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the
portfolio investments (FPI) and a stable rupee. capital markets regulator has set up a panel, to review
5. Government to constitute working group for revision of current framework of margins in the futures and options
Wholesale Price Index – Central Government has (F&O) derivative segment.
constituted Working Group for the revision of the current • The working group set up by SEBI is headed by the
series of Wholesale Price Index (Base 2011-12). National Stock Exchange (NSE) Clearing Ltd.
• It will be chaired by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, 8. EAC-PM releases a detailed analysis on robustness of
NITI Aayog. Office of Economic Adviser, India’s GDP estimation methodology – The Economic
Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Advisory Council to the Prime Minister released a detailed
Trade will be nodal office for Working Group. note titled ‘GDP estimation in India- Perspectives and
• It will process report / recommendation of this Facts’.
Working Group for further necessary action. • The new methodology that uses 2011-12 as the
6. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 35th GST base year includes two major improvements,
council meeting in Delhi • a) Incorporation of MCA21 database, and
• The 35th Goods and Service Tax (GST) council • b) Incorporation of the Recommendations of
meeting was held in New Delhi. System of National Accounts (SNA), 2008.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired 9. World Investment Report 2019: UNCTAD
the meeting for the first time after assuming the • According to the World Investment Report 2019,
office. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to India
Key points grew by 6% to USD 42 billion in 2018. India was
• The Council extended the tenure of the anti- ranked among the top 20 host economies for FDI
profiteering authority by two years till November 2021. inflows in 2017-18.
• The Council has decided to use Aadhaar as the identity • The report is published by United Nation
and address proof required for registration for GST. No Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
other documents will be required, and authentication 10. FDI in services sector up 37 per cent in 2018-19
can be done using a one-time password. • Foreign direct investment (FDI) in services sector
• The Council decided to extend the deadline for the grew 36.5 per cent to $9.15 billion in 2018-19,
filing of the annual return forms GSTR 9, 9A and 9C to according to the Department for Promotion of
August 30, 2019. The earlier deadline was June 30, Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
2019. • The sector attracted FDI worth $6.7 billion in 2017-
• The council also approved the rollout of the single- 18.
return filing system for all by January 1, 2020. • Services sector contributes over 60 per cent to the
• The council also approved imposing a penalty of up to gross domestic product (GDP).
10 per cent of the profiteered amount on entities for 11. India accounts for 6.3% of global fish production: Fisheries
not passing on benefits of GST rate cuts to consumers, department
as against the current norm of levying a maximum fine • According to the Fisheries Department, India is the
of Rs 25,000. second largest fish producing country in the world as it
• The Council also approved the rollout of an electronic accounts for 6.3 per cent of the global fish production.
invoicing system on a pilot basis from January 1, 2020, • China is the largest producer of fish in the world.
12. Electoral bond scheme –

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• The central government had on January 29, 2018, Jio Infocomm Ltd. when the latter had entered market in
notified the electoral bond scheme. 2016.
• An Indian citizen or body incorporated in India will • The telecom regulator while recommended a fine
be eligible to purchase the bond. for Airtel and Vodafone amounting to ₹1,050 crore
• Electoral bonds can be used for making a donation each.
only to the political parties registered under section Digital Communications Commission
29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 • DCC was formerly called ‘Telecom Commission’. It
(43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one is the top decision-making body in Department of
per cent of the votes polled in the last general Telecommunications (DoT), under Union Ministry
election to the House of the People or a Legislative of Communications and Information Technology.
Assembly. 15. CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian appointed part-time
• These bonds will not carry the name of the payee. member in IBBI – Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief
• Authorised centre - It can be purchased only from Economic Adviser (CEA) and B. Sriram, former managing
specified branches of State Bank of India. director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Industrial
• Denomination - Electoral bonds can be bought for Development Bank of India (IDBI Bank) were appointed
any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 part-time members of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
lakh, Rs 10 lakh or Rs 1 crore. India (IBBI).
• Validity - Electoral bonds will be valid for 15 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
days from the date of purchase. • IBBI, an insolvency regulatory agency was
13. Bangladesh's first iron ore mine discovered established on 1 October 2016.
• For the first time in Bangladesh, iron ore mine has • The IBC 2016 established Insolvency and
been discovered at Isabpur village in Dinajpur. Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), to oversee
• The announcement was made by the Geological insolvency proceedings in India and to regulate
Survey of Bangladesh following extensive drilling over entities registered under it.
two months in the area. 16. ONGC overtakes India Oil Corp as Most Profitable PSU –
14. DCC approves levy of penalty on Airtel, Vodafone Idea - The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) overtook India
The Digital Communications Commission (DCC), the highest Oil Corporation (IOC) by regaining crown of being India’s
decision-making body of Department of Telecom (DoT), has most profitable Public Sector Undertakings (PSU).
approved levying of penalty on Bharti Airtel Ltd. and • It is a state owned multinational oil and gas
Vodafone Idea Ltd. for denial of interconnection to Reliance company now headquartered in Vasant Kunj, Delhi.

Banking & Financial Awareness

November
1. Muthoot Finance to acquire IDBI Mutual Fund the Securities and Exchange Board of India
for Rs 215 crore (SEBI).
• Muthoot Finance Ltd, the largest gold loan non- 2. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches Instant
banking finance company in the country, Digital Savings and Instant FD Account
entered into a definitive agreement to acquire • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) has launched
IDBI Asset Management Ltd and IDBI Mutual an instant digital savings account (SA) along
Fund Trustee Company Ltd. with Fixed Deposit (FD) and Privilege Savings
• Muthoot Finance will purchase 100 per cent Account to offer distinctive banking and digital
equity shares of IDBI Asset Management and services to its customers.
IDBI MF Trustee for a total consideration of Rs • The Instant Digital SA account has the
215 crore. restriction of Rs 1 lakh deposit & has the
• The transaction is expected to be completed by unlimited free transactions on the bank’s own
the end of February 2020. The deal is subject to ATM (automated teller machine) and 6 free
receipt of approval from regulators including transactions for other bank ATMs per month.

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• The Instant Fixed Deposit (FD) will fetch • This downgrade was due to global slowdown
interest rate ranging from 5.5% (7days to 29 in the index of industrial production (IIP).
days) & up to 8.3% (799 days), the customers • The SBI economic research team group has
can invest in this account up to a maximum of projected the second quarter (July-September)
Rs. 1 Lakh without a Savings Account. GDP growth at 4.2% in their report titled
• The Privilege SA account comes with the “EcoWrap”. It expects the growth rate to pick
eligibility for a monthly salary of Rs. 30,000 or up in FY2021 to 6.2%.
above /on maintaining a Monthly Average
Balance of Rs 25,000 / opening a Fixed Deposit 6. New rules framed under IBC for rescue of non-
of Rs. 10 Lakh. It provides a higher accidental bank lenders
insurance cover of Rs. 2 Lakh. • The Government of India has issued fresh rules
3. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance launches under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
‘Farmitra’ mobile app for farmers (IBC) to govern the rescue of non-bank
lenders.
• Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has launched a • The new rules are likely to help out distressed
new mobile app called ‘Farmitra’ to help the shadow banks and housing financiers, which
farmers needs and address their worries. have been battling a liquidity crunch for a year.
• It also resolves with relevant information, • These entities will be covered by a special
which they can use in optimizing their farming window under the bankruptcy code, which will
practices. be notified from time to time.
• The app ‘Farmitra’ provides services for even • Reserve Bank of India has been given the
those who are not customers of Bajaj Allianz. authority to decide which companies will be
4. Karnataka Gramin Bank initiates ‘mobile taken up to a bankruptcy tribunal under these
ATMs’ in rural areas rules.
• The bankruptcy tribunal will appoint an
• The Karnataka Gramin Bank (KGB) has administrator who will be nominated by the
launched ‘mobile ATMs’ in Kalaburagi, among regulator, will try to stitch together a
several other districts in the Karnataka. turnaround plan. In case a turnaround of the
• The special vehicle includes an ATM and a financial institution is not possible, the
screen to show videos of different banking tribunal will gather the views of the regulator
schemes. before deciding to liquidate it.
• The mobile ATMs will go to the doorsteps of
the farmers and make them aware of the 7. Exim Bank grants $30 million line of credit to
banking schemes and digital operating Ghana
systems. • The Export-Import (Exim) Bank has provided
• A bank official would be present in the van, a USD 30 million (about Rs 210 crore) line of
who will provide information regarding the credit to Ghana for a potable water project in
digital operating systems and schemes. the country.
5. SBI’s economic research team revised India’s • Under the arrangement, financing of export of
FY20 GDP forecast to 5% eligible goods, works and services from India
would be allowed subject to their being
• The economic research team from the State eligible for export under the Foreign Trade
Bank of India (SBI) has revised India’s Gross Policy of India and whose purchase may be
Domestic Product (GDP) to 5% from its earlier agreed to be financed by the Exim Bank.
estimate of 6.1% for the Fiscal Year 2020 • As per the agreement, the terminal utilisation
(FY20). time is 60 months period after the scheduled
completion date of the project.

October

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1. T.L. Alamelu committee - The Insurance Regulatory and • SBI Card has launched ‘SBI Card Pay’, a feature
Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a which allows contactless payment using mobile
12-member working group (WG) chaired by T.L. Alamelu to phones at PoS terminals.
review the product structure of title insurance, which • Using SBI Card Pay, customers can make
covers any loss caused due to a defect in the ‘title’ of the contactless payments at near field communication
property arising out of third-party challenges. (NFC) enabled point of sale terminals with just one
2. Axis Bank launches short-term online fixed deposits tap of their mobiles, without using the physical
“Express FD” – Axis Bank has launched the ‘Express FD’, a credit card or entering any PIN.
digital fixed deposit (FD) product that allows a customer to • SBI Card Pay is a payment feature based on Host
open an FD account in 3 minutes through the digital mode Card Emulation (HCE) technology for faster,
without opening a savings account with the bank. convenient and more secure card payments using
• A customer can open an Express FD account by mobile phones.
investing a minimum Rs 5,000 up to Rs 90,000, for a 7. India Post launches mobile banking facility for savings
tenure of 6 to 12 months. accounts
3. SBI becomes first Indian bank to have office in Australia’s • The Department of Post announced that it has
Victoria – The State Bank of India opened its Melbourne launched mobile banking for its savings account
office and becoming the first Indian bank to have a branch customers.
in the Australian state of Victoria. • The facility will be available all the post office
4. UCO Bank launches UCash, Digilocker and an App – UCO savings account holders of the CBS (core banking
Bank has launched three new digital products called, UCash, solutions) post offices.
Digilocker and an app in Kolkata, West Bengal. • The launch of the mobile banking facility comes
5. Grant Thornton to investigate Rs 4,355-crore PMC Bank almost a year after the Department of Post
fraud – The government has roped in Grant Thornton to launched Internet banking facility for its savings
carry out forensic investigations into the fraud hit Punjab account holders.
and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank. 8. ICICI Bank launches new FD scheme “FD health”
• Grant Thornton LLP is the sixth largest U.S. • ICICI Bank has launched a fixed deposit scheme
accounting and advisory organization. called FD Health, that comes with an in-built critical
Note: insurance policy.
• The PMC Bank scam came into the limelight after a • The FD Health – Critical illness Cover will be
whistle-blower informed the RBI to look into the books provided to only the primary holder of the FD
of the cooperative bank. account. Anyone in the age bracket of 18-50 years,
• Acting swiftly, the RBI on September 23 placed PMC gets this complimentary insurance cover for a year
Bank under an administrator, suspended the on 33 critical illnesses.
management, and placed curbs on deposit withdrawals. • For the first year, free of cost insurance cover will
• The former Managing Director of the bank, Joy Thomas, be provided which can be renewed later.
has been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing • The new FD scheme from ICICI bank offers a
(EOW). complimentary critical illness cover of Rs. 1 lakh
• Thomas confessed that the loans granted by the bank from ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company on
were not classified as non-performing assets (NPAs) in opening an FD of Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh for a
the bank’s books deliberately so as to avoid RBI tenure of at least two years.
scrutiny. • The critical illness cover will be available on
• PMC Bank has given loans of Rs 6,500 crore, which Cumulative FDs opened for a period of a minimum
accounts for 73 per cent of the bank’s loan book of Rs of 2 years.
8,880 crore. 9. UCO Bank launches UCash, Digilocker and an App
6. SBI Card launches contactless mobile phone payments • UCO Bank has launched three new digital products
facility: called, UCash, Digilocker and an app in Kolkata,

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West Bengal. A new current account facility has • Digilocker aims to eliminate the use of physical
also been launched by the bank. documents and enables sharing of verified
• UCash enables customers to withdraw money from electronic documents.
ATMs through mobile banking without using a • The third product, the new mobile app, integrates
debit card. four existing apps of the bank – UCO Mbanking,
UCO UPI, UCO Mpassbook and UCO Secure- in a
single interface.
September

1. Airtel Payments Bank launches ‘Bharosa’ savings account – 5. IDBI Bank introduces repo-linked home and auto loans –
Airtel Payments Bank launched “Bharosa savings account” • IDBI Bank will introduce two Repo Linked Products
services, designed for deepening the financial inclusion in –Suvidha Plus Home Loan and Suvidha Plus Auto
the country. Loan from September 10.
• Bharosa savings account would offer Rs 5 lakh • The new Home Loan and Auto Loan products will
personal accident insurance on maintaining the be offered to new customers having good credit
balance of Rs 500 along with one debit transaction score and minimum income of Rs. 6 lakh per
per month. annum.
2. Preventive Vigilance portal: launched by PNB – Punjab • The Suvidha Plus Home Loan will be offered for up
National Bank launched a Preventive Vigilance (PV) portal to Rs. 75 Lakh with a tenor of up to 35 years. The
to facilitate its staff members to check procedural lapses as Suvidha Plus Auto loan will be offered for up to Rs.
well as promote good practices. 25 lakh covering the on-road price with a tenor of
• To promote vigilance awareness in the banking up to 7 years.
system, PNB introduced the first of its kind 6. ECL Finance and Central bank of India ink pact to co-lend
technology based solutions through Preventive to MSMEs – ECL Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of Edelweiss
Vigilance portal. Financial Services, and Central Bank of India have signed an
3. SBI launches mobile app YONO in the UK – State Bank of agreement for priority sector lending to Micro, Small and
India (SBI) has launched its digital banking app YONO in the Medium Enterprise (MSME’s) customers.
UK, marking its global launch. 7. Cabinet approves Rs 4,557 crore capital infusion into IDBI
• The app is unveiled by SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar Bank – The Cabinet has approved a capital infusion of Rs
in coordination with the UK India Business Council 4,557 crore into IDBI Bank.
(UKIBC) in London on 23rd September.
Note: • The capital infusion process will be done through
• In 2017, SBI launched the ‘YONO’ (You Only Need recapitalisation bonds under which The
One) app in India. government will infuse the capital into the bank
• It is an integrated digital banking platform to and the bank will buy the recapitalisation bonds
enable users to access a variety of financial and from the government on the same day.
other services such as taxi bookings, online 8. Standard Chartered Bank launches “DigiSmart” credit card
shopping, or medical bill payments. – Standard Chartered Bank, a British multinational banking
4. EPFO to credit 8.65% interest in over 6 crore accounts – and financial services company has launched a DigiSmart
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to pay credit card.
8.65% interest on the deposits of more than 6 crore • The primary focus of the Bank on the ever-growing
subscribers for the period of 2018-19. segment of millennials.

August

1. Government announces Mega Merger of Public Sector

Banks –

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• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has • Lenders will refer all large fraud cases above Rs 50
announced a big consolidation of public sector crore to the board and on receipt of its
banks. recommendation or advice, the bank concerned
• Under the scheme of amalgamation, 10 public would take further action in such matters.
sector banks are to be merged into four banks. 4. Bandhan Bank launches co-branded credit card with
• After the amalgamation, the total number of Public Standard Chartered – Bandhan Bank launched a co-
Sector Banks in the country will come down to 12 branded credit card in association with Standard Chartered
from 27 banks in 2017 bank. This credit card would be offered to 40 lakh savings
The amalgamation of banks will be in the following manner: bank account holders across the 1,000 branches of Bandhan
• Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce Bank.
and United Bank of India to be merged into one 5. EnKash launches India’s first corporate credit card for
single bank, with business of Rs 17.95 lakh crore to SMEs
make India’s 2nd largest bank. • EnKash, a card focused Fin-tech startup, has
• Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank are to be merged launched the EnKash “Freedom Card”, India’s
to become the 4th largest public sector bank with FIRST Corporate Credit Card for SMEs / MSMEs and
business of Rs 15.2 lakh crore. Startups.
• Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation • The Freedom Card would give SMEs and startups
Bank are to be merged to become the 5th largest the freedom to avail credit facility for immediate
public sector bank with business of Rs 14.6 lakh needs and to manage their liquidity.
crore. 6. AePS crosses 200 million transactions in July: NPCI
• Indian Bank will be merged with Allahabad Bank to • National Payments Corporation of India has
become the 7th largest public sector bank with announced that Aadhaar enabled Payment System
business of Rs 8.08 lakh crore. has crossed the milestone of over 200 million
• The government has also announced capital transactions during July 2019.
infusion of over Rs 55,000 crore into public sector • The transaction count of AePS stood at 220 million
banks: PNB (Rs 16,000 crore), Union Bank of India in july 2019.
(Rs 11,700 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 7000 crore), • According to NPCI, in July, the transaction count of
Indian Bank (Rs 2500 crore), Indian Overseas Bank AePS stood at 220.18 million with transaction value
(Rs 3800 crore), Central Bank (Rs 3300 crore), UCO ₹9,685.35 crore compared with a transaction count
Bank (Rs 2100 crore), United Bank (Rs 1600 crore) of 194.33 million and a transaction value of
and Punjab and Sind Bank (Rs 750 crore). ₹8,867.33 crore in June.
2. Canara Bank introduced OTP facility for ATM withdrawal – 7. Mastercard launches identity check express to secure
Canara Bank has launched India’s first OTP facility for ATM online transactions
withdrawals. This additional factor of authentication • Mastercard announced the launch of Identity
protects from unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals for Check Express, a next-generation, mobile-first
cardholders. authentication solution that aims to redefine the e-
• Now Canara Bank ATMs get safer and more commerce journey for Indian consumers.
secured with OTP facility on cash withdrawals • Mastercard Identity Check Express combines the
above ₹10,000 in a day. latest technology, including device intelligence and
behavioural biometrics, with the latest EMV 3-D
3. CVC sets up 4-member Advisory Board for Banking Frauds Secure and FIDO authentication standards to
– The Central Vigilance Commission has constituted a 4- deliver an uninterrupted mobile payment
member Advisory Board for Banking Frauds (ABBF). The experience.
ABBF will be headed by former Vigilance Commissioner 8. RBL Bank launches India’s first health-focused credit card
T.M. Bhasin. • Private sector bank, RBL Bank and digital
• The panel will function as the 1st level of healthcare platform Practo have partnered to
examination of all large fraud cases.

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launch an industry-first co-branded health credit • Standard Chartered has received in-principle
card. This credit card is powered by Mastercard. regulatory approvals to set up its IFSC Banking Unit
• RBL Bank’s new credit card offers benefits like (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT
online consultations with doctors and a free health City).
check-up.
9. SBI, Shanghai becomes first Indian bank to link up with 13. New insurance plan “Jeevan Amar” launched by LIC – LIC
CNAPS has launched a new term-insurance plan called Jeevan
• The State Bank of India’s (SBI) Shanghai branch is Amar.
now connected to China’s National Advance • It is a non-linked, without profit, pure protection
Payment System (CNAPS). plan, and is available for sale offline.
• SBI is the only Indian bank to have obtained the • It offers the flexibility to choose from two death
license to do business in local currency and also benefit options – level sum assured and increasing
inducted to the CNAPS by the People’s Bank of sum assured.
China (PBOC). • The minimum sum assured under the plan is ₹25
• SBI Shanghai can also offer the real-time transfer of lakh with no maximum limit.
local funds within China by routing them through • People of ages 18-65 years are eligible. The
the PBOC. maximum maturity age is 80yrs offering policy
• The CNAPS, launched in 2008 by People’s Bank of terms from 10 years to a maximum of 40 years.
China (PBOC) provides real-time settlement • The insurance premium can be paid only once for a
services for all payments. limited premium paid regularly.
10. India Post Payments Bank to be converted into SFB
• The postal department it has decided to convert 14. Deutsche Bank to set up 50 billion euro bad bank in
the India Post Payments Bank into a small finance revamp – Deutsche Bank is planning to overhaul its trading
bank, enabling it to offer small loans to customers. operations by creating a so-called bad bank to hold tens of
• This bank will provide micro credit at the doorsteps billions of euros of non-core assets.
to individuals and SME’s. The postal department • Deutsche Bank AG is a German multinational
has also target the milestone of 1 crore accounts investment bank.
for IPPB in 100 days. 15. SBI Life Insurance and Indian Bank signed a Bancassurance
• India Post will partner with Common Service Centre agreement – , Indian Bank has signed a bancassurance
to provide a suite of citizen centric services such as agreement with the leading private life insurer, SBI (State
banking, remittance, insurance, DBT, bill and tax Bank of India)Life Insurance to provide SBI’s suite of
payments etc at post offices. insurance products to its customers.
11. NHB to provide Rs.10,000 cr liquidity infusion facility to 16. Scheduled bank status is given to Jana Small Finance Bank
HFCs – The housing sector regulator National Housing Bank - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) gave the status to Jana
(NHB) opened a liquidity infusion facility of Rs.10000 crore Small Finance Bank to operate as a Scheduled Bank.
for Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) to improve liquidity • Headquarters- Bengaluru.
in sector. The move is taken to unveil measures to boost 17. Axis Bank and Aditya Birla Health Insurance signed
lending and accelerate growth. bancassurance pact –
Note: • The 3rd -largest of the private-sector lender, Axis
• National Housing Bank (NHB) was established in Bank has signed a bancassurance agreement with
1988, under National Housing Bank Act, 1987. It is stand alone health insurer, Aditya Birla Health
an All India Financial Institution (AIFI). Insurance Co Ltd (ABHICL) to provide Aditya Birla’s
12. Standard Chartered to be first foreign bank to launch ops suite of insurance products to its customers.
at GIFT IFSC – UK-based Standard Chartered will be the first 18. Aditya Puri, CEO of HDFC bank, is the top-paid bank CEO in
foreign bank to launch operations at International Financial FY19
Services Centre (IFSC). • The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDFC Bank
Aditya Puri, who led the bank since its inception 25

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years ago, is the highest-paid bank chief executive Jyske Bank has launched the world’s first negative interest
in India with a monthly basic salary of Rs 89 lakh in rate mortgage – handing out loans to homeowners where
FY19. the charge is minus 0.5% a year. It has begun offering
19. Denmark’s Jyske Bank unveiled world’s first negative borrowers a 10-year deal at -0.5%.
interest rate home loan – Denmark’s third-largest bank,

July

1. Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank to close operations –

Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Limited announced to • The small bank shall be registered as a public limited
close its business on account of "unanticipated company under the Companies Act, 2013.
developments" that made its economic model "unviable". • Capital requirement - The minimum paid-up capital
• In less than 18 months after its commencement, requirement for small banks is Rs. 100 crore.
Aditya Birla Payments Bank announced that it • Can provide basic banking activities – The small banks
will shut down operations. accept deposits as well as can offer loan products.
• The bank’s customers have been informed that Small banks can accept fixed deposits (FDs), term
they can transfer the balance in their accounts to deposits, recurring deposits (RDs) and any non-
any other bank account and that the bank would resident Indian deposits.
restrict any further credits (add money) from July • Promoter's contribution: Promoter contribution
26, 2019. would be at least 40 percent for the first five years.
• Aditya Birla Payments Bank is promoted by Excess shareholding should be brought down to 40
Grasim Industries Limited and Vodafone Idea percent by the end of the fifth year, to 30 percent by
Limited with 51 and 49 per cent shareholdings the end of 10th year and to 26 percent in 12 years
respectively. from the date of commencement of business
• According to the filing, ABIPBL incurred a loss of • Foreign shareholding: The foreign shareholding in the
Rs 24 crore at the end of 2017-18. small finance bank would be as per the Foreign Direct
• Total deposits with Aditya Birla Idea Payments Investment (FDI) policy.
Bank stand at about Rs 20 crore. • They cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-
2. India Post Payments Bank to be converted into Small banking financial services activities.
Finance Bank • The maximum loan size and investment limit
• The postal department will convert the India Post exposure to single/group borrowers/issuers would be
Payments Bank into a small finance bank, restricted to 15 percent of total capital funds.
enabling it to offer small loans to customers, with • Loans and advances of up to Rs 25 lakhs, primarily to
an aim to open one crore accounts in the first micro enterprises, should constitute at least 50
100 days. percent of the loan portfolio.
• India Post will partner with Common Service • For the first three years, 25 percent of branches
Centre to provide a suite of citizen centric should be in unbanked rural areas.
services such as banking, remittance, insurance, • For the initial three years, prior approval will be
DBT, bill and tax payments etc at post offices, the required for branch expansion.
statement said. • The small finance banks will be required to extend 75
Note: percent of its Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to the
• India Post Payments Bank headquarters is in New sectors eligible for classification as priority sector
Delhi. lending (PSL) by the Reserve Bank.
• Suresh Sethi (MD & CEO)

Other Key guidelines and other conditions to set Small

Finance Bank:

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Payment Banks business banking transactions digitally and
instantly.
• Payments Bank cannot lend money to the people. • It is a new comprehensive digital platform for
• Payments banks can’t accept fixed deposits (FDs), businesses enables MSMEs to experience the
term deposits, recurring deposits (RDs) and any non- convenience of a range of services digitally
resident Indian deposits. includes instant overdraft (OD) facility of up to
• Payment Banks will provide banking services to Rs.15 lakh.
migrant labor workforce, low-income households, 7. HDFC Bank, CSC launch credit card for VLEs and small
small businesses, other unorganized sector entities traders – HDFC Bank and Common Services Centres
and other users. launched a co-branded ‘Small Business Money Back
• Payments banks can open small savings accounts and Credit Card’ for small traders and village-level
accept deposits of up to Rs.1 lakh per individual. entrepreneurs (VLEs).
• Payments banks can issue debit cards but they are • The credit card is specifically designed for VLEs
not eligible to provide credit card facilities. and VLE-sourced customers. It will give users
• Payments Banks are allowed to set up their own easy access to credit for their day-to-day
ATMs (automated teller machines). business expenses.
8. HDFC Bank terminated & delisted its GDRs from
3. “Sahamati” introduced to Solve Fintech’s Data Problem Luxembourg Stock Exchange – HDFC Bank has
– Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has introduced a terminated and de-listed its 22 outstanding global
new platform “Sahamati” based on a new class of non- depository receipts (GDRs) from the Luxembourg Stock
banking financial institutions called the account Exchange. The action has been taken due to low trading
aggregator (NBFC-AA) model. This will work as consent volume of GDRs.
brokers, which will take users permission to access their Note:
financial accounts, aggregate and organize all their • A global depositary receipt (GDR) is a bank
financial information in one place. certificate issued in more than one country for
4. NPCI ties up with JCB for global RuPay card – National shares in a foreign company. The shares are held
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and JCB by a foreign branch of an international bank. The
International have launched RuPay JCB Global Cards. shares trade as domestic shares but are offered
• RuPay JCB Global Cards can be used at all point for sale globally through the various bank
of sales terminals which accept RuPay cards and branches.
terminals outside India which accept JCB. 9. ICICI Bank to buy stake in BSE subsidiary INX for Rs 31
5. Deposits in Jan Dhan Yojana accounts crosses Rs 1 lakh crore – ICICI Bank said it has entered into an agreement
crore – Deposits in bank accounts opened under Jan with the BSE to buy stake in its subsidiary INX - located at
Dhan scheme have crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark. As GIFT City Gujarat - for nearly Rs 31 crore.
per the latest finance ministry data, the total balance in • India International Exchange (INX) - a wholly
over 36.06 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana owned subsidiary of the BSE - is India's first
accounts was at Rs 1,00,495.94 crore as on July 3. international exchange at International Financial
• The PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City.
with an aim to provide universal access to 10. Andhra Bank rolls-out Al chatbot “ABHi” in Telangana –
banking facilities to the people in the country. A medium-sized public sector bank in India, Andhra Bank
6. ICICI Bank unveils digital platform InstaBIZ for MSMEs – launched its AI (Artificial Intelligence) interactive assistant
• ICICI (Industrial Credit and Investment called “ABHi” at a function in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Corporation of India) launched a new digital 11. Repco MFI wins an award from NABARD for SHG linkage
platform called ‘InstaBIZ’. in TN for 2018-19 - Repco Micro Finance, a Non-Banking
• It targeted at micro, small and medium Financial Company (NBFC)-Micro Finance Institution (MFI)
enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed promoted by Repco Bank, was awarded for outstanding
customers, enable them to undertake their performance in terms of Self-Help Group (SHG) linkage in

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Tamil Nadu for 2018-19 from National Bank for • It is the central bank of 19 European Union (EU)
Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). countries which have adopted Euro.
12. PayPal opens third Global Technology Centre in 15. Punjab & Sind Bank sets up Cen-MARG – Punjab & Sind
Hyderabad – On July 23, 2019, an online payment Bank has set up a centralised hub “Centralised MSME &
solutions provider PayPal Holdings, Inc has opened a 3rd Retail Group”.
Global Technology Centre at Western Aqua at Kondapur • It will process retail and MSME loans for the
in Hyderabad, Telangana after Bengaluru and Chennai. better efficiency of branches in business
13. YES Bank acquires 9.47% stake in Eveready Industries by acquisition.
invoking pledged shares – YES Bank has acquired a 9.47 • The Cen-MARG has been envisioned to ensure
% stake in dry cell battery maker, Eveready Industries qualitative improvement in credit appraisal,
India by invoking shares pledged by McLeod Russel. improved turnaround time, uniform
14. International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director documentation, and efficient monitoring.
Christine Lagarde was nominated as the president of the 16. ‘Vasool So-Ft’ launched to digitize NPA recovery process
European Central Bank. – Karnataka Bank Ltd has launched the web tool ‘Vasool
About the European Central Bank So-Ft’ (Vasool So-Fast) for digitalising the Non-Performing
• European Central Bank was established on 1 June Asset recovery process of the bank.
1998. 17. ICICI Bank tied up with IndoStar Capital, a non-banking
• ECB headquarters is located in Ostend district, financial company, for vehicle financing for small and
Frankfurt, Germany. medium fleet owners to buy new and old commercial
vehicles.
June

1. Number of wilful defaulters has risen by 60% in five years - 1 per thousand, with a minimum of Rs 50 and a
On June 24, 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman maximum of Rs 5,000 plus GST.
stated that the number of wilful defaulters in nationalized 5. Jammu and Kashmir Bank now under RTI, CVC guidelines –
banks has risen by 60% in five years to March 2019. The Jammu and Kashmir Bank will now come under the
Key points: purview of Right to Information Act and Central Vigilance
• In PSBs (public sector banks), out of 9856 wilful Commission (CVC) guidelines as per the decisions taken by
defaulters, 960 accounts from Punjab National the Board of Directors of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to
bank followed by Union Bank of India and Central ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Bank Of India. • J&K Bank Interim Chairman: R K Chibber
• In Private sector banks, Axis Bank reported the • Headquarters: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
maximum number of defaulters. 6. IndusInd Bank-Bharat Financial merger to be effective
• As of March 2019, PSBs filed suits for recovery in from July 4
8,121 cases however it recovered about Rs.3.59- • IndusInd Bank and Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd
lakh crore over four fiscal years (FY16 to FY19). (BFIL) said their merger will be effective from July
2. Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company a mutual fund 4.
company has launched WhatsApp transaction platform for • National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the
new as well as existing investors. merger of private sector lender IndusInd Bank with
3. State Bank of India (SBI) has organised a nationwide Bharat Financial Inclusion (BFIL), a microfinance
customer meet to understand their grievances and enhance company.
services. • Now Bharat Financial will become a subsidiary of
4. Canara Bank updates rules for cash deposits of up to Rs IndusInd Bank.
50,000 – From July 1, Canara Bank customers can deposit Note:
cash of up to Rs 50,000 for free only thrice a month. • IndusInd Bank Headquarter: Mumbai, CEO: Romesh
• From the fourth transaction or for cash deposits of Sobti.
over Rs 50,000, there will be a service charge of Rs • NCLT Headquarter: New Delhi.

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Banking & Financial terms

1. AEPS – Aadhar Enabled Payment System 47. NPA – Non- Performing Assets
2. APBS – Aadhar Payment Bridge System 48. NSFR - Net Stable Funding Ratio
3. ATM – Automated Teller Machine 49. NPCI - National Payment Corporation of India
4. ALM - Asset Liability Management 50. NFS – National Financial Switch
5. AIIB - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 51. NSFR - Net Stable Funding Ratio
6. AMFI - Association of Mutual Funds in India 52. NACH – National Automated Clearing House
7. BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards 53. NEFT – National Electronic Fund Transfer
8. BBPS – Bharat Bill Payment System 54. NFC - Near field communication
9. BCA -Baseline Credit Assessment 55. NDTL – Net Demand and Time Liabilities.
10. BHIM - Bharat Interface for Money 56. NASSCOM - National Association of Software and Services
11. BLRA: Bank Led Resolution Approach Companies
12. CBL - Chest Balance Limit 57. NIIF - National Investment and Infrastructure Fund
13. CMFRI - Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute 58. OTC – Over the Counter
14. CBS – Core Banking System 59. PIN – Personal Identification Number
15. CIDR - Central Identities Data Repository 60. PAC - Personal Access Code
16. CTS – Cheque Truncation System 61. PCA - Prompt Corrective Action
17. CDR - Corporate Debt Restructuring 62. PCR – Public Credit Registry
18. CASA – Current Account Saving Account 63. PCR - Provisioning Coverage Ratio
19. CAD – Capital Account Deficit 64. PSPs - Payment Support Providers
20. CRA - Counterparty Risk Assessment 65. TC-CCP - Third-Country Central Counterparty
21. CRR – Cash Reserve Ratio 66. TRR - Temporary Recognition Regime
22. ECS – Electronic Clearing Service 67. TReDS - Trade Receivables Discounting System
23. DNS - Domain Name System 68. RTGS – Real Time Gross Settlement
24. DEAF - Depositor Education and Awareness Fund 69. USSD - Unstructured Supplementary Services Data
25. EFTPOS - Electronic funds transfer at point of sale 70. UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority of India
26. EFT – Electronic Fund Transfer. 71. VPA - Virtual Payment Address.
27. FRBM - Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management 72. WMA - Ways and Means Advances
28. LGD - Loss Given Default 73. TIEA - Tax Information and Exchange Agreement
29. LTV- Loan To Value 74. NRETP - National Rural Economic Transformation Project
30. LRS - Liberalized Remittance Scheme 75. IBC - Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
31. LCR - Liquidity Coverage Ratio 76. GSP - Generalised System of Preferences
32. GNFV - Gross Negative Fair Value
77. IFFCO - Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative
33. SFTs: Securities financing transactions
78. PMJAY - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
34. HCE - Host Card Emulation
35. PFE - Potential Future Exposure 79. NBFC - Non-banking finance companies
36. IIP - Index of Industrial Production 80. SWIFT - Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial
37. IBBI - Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Telecommunications
38. IFC - International Finance Corporation 81. NHB – National Housing Bank
39. IDRBT - Institute for Development and Research in Banking 82. NGT - National Green Tribunal
Technology 83. DSIB – Domestically Systematically Important Bank
40. Ind As - Indian Accounting Standards 84. RWAs - Risk Weighted Assets
41. ICAAP - Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 85. TCs - Trade credits
42. IFSC - Indian Financial System Code 86. CSO - Central Statistics Office
43. IMPS - Immediate Payment Service 87. ASSOCHAM - Associated Chambers of Commerce and
44. IMPS - Interbank Mobile Payment Service Industry of India
45. MMID - Mobile Money Identifier 88. WPI - Wholesale Price Index
46. MPIN - Mobile Personal Identification Number 89. FTA - Free Trade Agreement

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90. NHB - National Housing Bank 102. UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
91. YONO - You only need one 103. UPI - Unified Payments Interface
92. ARC - Asset Reconstruction Company 104. NPCI - National Payments Corporation of India
93. D-SIBs - Domestic Systemically Important Banks 105. CII - Confederation of Indian Industry
94. MFIs - Micro Finance Institutions 106. NBCC - National Buildings Construction Corporation
95. FPIs - Foreign portfolio investors 107. NSSO - National Sample Survey Office
96. FVCIs - Foreign venture capital investors 108. EMV - Europay, MasterCard, Visa.
97. PPF - Public Provident Fund 109. FATF - Financial Action Task Force
98. NSC - National Savings Certificate
99. CbC - Country-by-Country
100. WEF - World Economic Forum
101. MPI - Multidimensional Poverty Index
Important Committees

• The committee will be led by V G Kannan, Chief

1. Tapan Ray committee – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has Executive, Indian Banks Association.
set up a working group to review the regulatory and 7. Anil Kakodkar & Sidharth Pradhan committee - to discuss
supervisory framework for core investment companies research-related synergies and tax issues for state-run oil
(CICs). companies. The committee has recommended strategies to
2. Ramesh Chand (Member, NITI Aayog) committee – Central reduce import dependency.
Government has constituted Working Group for the 8. TN Manoharan committee (Chairman Canara Bank)- on the
revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (Base Development of Secondary Market for Corporate Loans to
2011-12). come up with recommendations to increase the efficiencies
3. Devendra Fadnavis (CM of Maharashtra) - PM Narendra of the debt market and aid in the resolution of stressed
Modi has constituted a high-powered Committee of Chief assets.
Ministers (CMs) for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’. 9. Kasturirangan committee - Former ISRO chief Dr.
7. Aruna Sundararajan Committee - – Union Telecom Minister Kasturirangan led Committee submitted the draft National
Ravi Shankar Prasad had constituted a committee chaired Educational Policy (NEP) to HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal
by Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan to spell out Nishank in New Delhi.
revival plans for Telecom sector. 10. Amitabh Kant (Niti Aayog CEO) committee - National
4. P K Sinha (Cabinet Secretary) panel - Central Government Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage,
has formed a committee for coordination among the which is being set up to promote clean and sustainable
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the mobility initiatives in the country.
Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change 11. Suresh Mathur committee – to review the regulatory
(MoEFCC) and the state governments after a tug of war framework on microinsurance and recommend measures to
between the two ministries. The panel formation will help increase the demand for such products.
in speeding up hydrocarbon exploration-related clearances. 12. Bimal Jalan Panel - to suggest how the central bank should
5. Nandan Nilekani committee – To encourage digital handle its reserves and whether it can transfer its surplus to
payments, the committee has suggested a host of the government.
measures, including elimination of charges, round-the-clock 13. Anoop Satpathy Committee - Recommends Rs 9,750
RTGS and NEFT facility, and duty-free import of point-of- Monthly National Minimum Wage
sales machines. Note:
6. V G Kannan committee - The Reserve Bank of India • submitted its report on “Determining the
constituted a six-member committee to review the ATM Methodology for Fixation of the National Minimum
interchange fee structure with a “view to increase the ATM Wage” to the Government.
deployment in the unbanked areas”. • It recommended the fixation of need-based
National Minimum Wage (NMW) for India at Rs 375

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per day or Rs 9,750 per month irrespective of Technical Education (AICTE) not to allow setting up
sectors, skills, occupations and rural-urban of new Engineering colleges from 2020.
locations for a family comprising of 3.6 18. Nandan Nilekani committee - to boost digital payments
consumption units. and enhance financial inclusion.
• The Present NMW is Rs. 4,576. 19. U.K. Sinha committee - to suggest long-term solutions for
14. Sanjeev Sharma (income tax commissioner) Committee - the economic and financial sustainability of the MSME
to look into the matter of taxation related pain points and sector.
submit its final report and recommendations by mid-March. 20. Committee headed by NITI Aayog member (health) - The
15. CPWD Constitutes 8-member Committee to Chart Out Union government has constituted a high-power committee
Design Policy - The Central Works Public Department headed by NITI Aayog member (health) to monitor the
(CPWD) has constituted an expert committee to formulate a pricing of medicines and healthcare products.
design policy for building construction and infrastructure 21. Praveen Kutumbe committee - Insurance Regulatory
development. Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set up a panel
• The committee has been set up under the headed by Praveen Kutumbe, to identify domestically
chairmanship of CPWD’s Additional Director systematically important insurers (SIIs) and an augmented
General M K Sharma. regulatory framework is logically established in this regard.
16. Environment Ministry Constitutes Committee to 22. Akhilesh Ranjan Committee – for drafting New Direct Tax
Implement National Clean Air Programme - The Union Legislation (Law)
Environment Ministry has constituted a committee to 23. Dr. Bibek Debroy (The Economic Advisory Council to the
implement the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Prime Minister) Committee - to assess key challenges and
which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution by suggest reforms in logistics development and associated
20%-30% in at least 102 cities by 2024. commerce.
• The committee will be chaired by the Secretary, 24. Rajiv Kumar (NITI Aayog Vice Chairman) Committee – to
Union Environment Ministry. It would be look at selling of 149 small and marginal oil and gas fields of
headquartered in New Delhi. state-owned the Oil and Natural Gas Corporatio (ONGC) and
17. B V R Mohan Reddy committee - not to allow setting up of Oil India Limited (OIL) to private and foreign companies to
new Engineering colleges from 2020. boost domestic output.
Note:
• The Panel headed by IIT-Hyderabad chairman B V R
Mohan Reddy has suggested All India Council for
Agreement & Deals
October

National Sports University at Imphal, Manipur. The

1. NHA and Google tie up for Ayushman Bharat approximate cost of project would be Rs.400 crore.
Implementation – The National Health Authority (NHA) has 3. Indian & Bangladesh signed 7 agreements – The seven
joined hands with international giant Google to collaborate pacts and three projects that were signed and finalised
as well as strengthen the implementation of government’s during the visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh to
flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat- India.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The key agreements signed between India & Bangladesh –
2. Sports Ministry inks MoU with NBCC to develop National • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the use of
Sports University at Imphal – State-owned construction Chattogram and Mongla Ports for Movement of
firm NBCC (India) has signed a Memorandum of goods to and from India
Understanding (MoU) with Department of Sports under • withdrawal of 1.82 cusec of water from Feni river
Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) to provide by India for drinking water supply, scheme for
Project Management Consultancy for development of Sabroom town, Tripura, India

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• MoU on providing Coastal Surveillance System - • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) in association with
Delhi to set up a coastal surveillance system radar Universal Sompo General Insurance Co Ltd. has
in Bangladesh launched upgraded health care plus insurance
• Inauguration of BIPSDI – Bangladesh – India policy.
Professional Skill Development Institute • It is a co-branded insurance scheme exclusively
• Inauguration of Vivekananda Bhaban, students designed for IOB customers with a sum insured
hostel at Ramakrishna mission in Dhaka. starting from ₹50,000 and going up to ₹15 lakh.
4. Bank of Baroda signs MoU with Indian Army for • The policy issuance will be made on a real-time
customised services – Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed a basis at the IOB branches to its customers. Self,
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian spouse, dependent children, dependent parents
Army under which the bank would offer customised can be covered under the policy.
services along with a host of facilities to account holders. 4. USD 165 mn loan agreement for Odisha’s Integrated
• The MoU includes handsome free personal Irrigation Project
accident insurance cover, free air accident • The Government of India, Government of Odisha
insurance cover of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 50 lakh and an and the World Bank have signed a USD 165 million
overdraft facility up to three times of monthly net loan agreement.
salary. • The agreement is signed for Odisha’s Integrated
1. Siemens signs MoUs with NTPC, TERI on Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture.
decarbonisation, energy transition • The project will be implemented in rural areas
vulnerable to droughts and largely dependent on
• German multinational conglomerate company, rainfed agriculture.
Siemens Limited has signed a Memorandum of • The $165 million loan from the International Bank
Understanding (MoU) with NTPC Limited to identify, for Reconstruction and Development (Member of
evaluate and set up reference use cases of hydrogen World Bank Group), has a 6-year grace period, and
sector-coupling for various upstream and a maturity of 24 years.
downstream applications. 5. GeM and Federal Bank sign MoU for payment related
• The collaboration is aimed at developing innovative services
technologies, solutions and techniques to reduce • The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) signed a
the dependence on Hydrocarbons in India. memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
• Siemens has also inked a separate MoU with TERI for Federal Bank to offer a number of services
collaboration on technologies to support the energy including transfer of funds through GeM Pool
transition in India including sector-coupling. Accounts (GPA), advising of Performance Bank
2. GeM signs MoU with Indian Bank and Canara Bank for Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit
payment related service (EMD) to the registered users on the portal.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has signed MoU • The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and
with Indian Bank and Canara Bank. transparent payment system on the portal and
• The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and would create an efficient procurement system for
transparent payment system on the portal and government entities.
would create an efficient procurement system for 6. Grasim partenered with German’s MR to produce
government entities. insulators
• Through this partnership, both the banks will be able • Grasim Industries Limited has signed a definitive
to offer an array of services including transfer of agreement to form a joint venture company in
funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of India with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH (MR)
Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG), Earnest of Germany.
Money Deposit (EMD) and Payment Gateway to the • The joint venture is for the manufacturing and sale
registered users on the portal. of Composite Hollow Core Insulators to serve the
3. IOB launches health care plus insurance policy

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power transmission and distribution (T&D) industry • The initiative ‘Team Cashless India’ brings
globally. consumers and merchants to the forefront of the
• This joint venture will bring together Aditya Birla digital payments dialogue.
Insulators (a unit of Grasim) and Reinhausen Power • The campaign encourages all Indians to nominate
Composites (a unit of MR). one or more merchants who currently do not
• ABPCL will build a fully integrated CHCI plant at accept digital payments.
Halol, bringing the latest technology for Composite • Mastercard will work together with Confederation
Hollow Insulators from Europe. of All India Traders (CAIT), acquirer banks and
• It will serve the insulator requirements of Indian fintech companies to support nominated
and global OEMs in the power equipment industry. merchants to deploy digital payments acceptance
7. AYUSH, Defence ministries ink MoU to provide infrastructure.
traditional medicine services: 10. ADB & India signs $190 million loan for projects in
• The AYUSH ministry has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan:
Defence Ministry to provide traditional medicine • The Asian Development Bank and the Government
services at the armed forces’ hospitals and of India has signed a $190 Million loan. The amount
dispensaries. will be used to upgrade 754 km of state highways
• Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik and major district roads (MDRs) to benefit about 26
inaugurated an Ayurveda Palliative Care Unit at the million people in 14 districts of Rajasthan. For the
Base Hospital in the Delhi Cantonment. benefit of commuters and pedestrians, particularly
• Under the MoU, Ayurveda units will also be women and children, the project provides for
established at palliative care centres at the Army constructing more than 200 bus stops, 70 km of
Research and Referral Hospital, Air Force Hospital, hard shoulder, and 2 km of raised sidewalk on
Hindon in Ghaziabad and five identified ex- project roads.
servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
polyclinics in Delhi–NCR. 11. GeM signs MOU with Union Bank of India
8. Home Credit India join hand with Karur Vysya Bank for • Government e-Marketplace signed an MoU with
joint lending: Union Bank of India. As per the MoU, UBI will be
• Home Credit India (HCIN), a local arm of the able to offer an array of services including transfer
international consumer finance provider, has tied- of funds through GeM Pool Accounts, advising of
up with Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) for joint lending Performance Bank Guarantees and Earnest Money
using end-to-end automated processing which will Deposit to the registered users on the GeM portal.
help the customer get real-time approval and • The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and
disbursement. transparent payment system on the portal and will
• Under the agreement, HCIN and KVB will disburse create an efficient procurement system for
loans in a single amount to customers. With this government entities.
partnership and by leveraging the lower cost of 12. NHA ties with Google to strengthen the
funds of KVB, Home Credit India will be able to implementation of PMJAY
reach out to a new segment of customer. Home • National Health Authority signed a Statement of
Credit India has operations spread over 179 cities Intent (SoI) with Google to collaborate and
across 20 States in India. strengthen the implementation of Ayushman
9. Mastercard and MS Dhoni partner to build ‘Team Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Cashless India’: • The two organizations will now work together to
• Mastercard, along with cricketer Mahendra Singh increase process efficiencies in day-to-day
Dhoni, launched a nationwide initiative ‘Team applications. Google will support NHA in improving
Cashless India’ to accelerate the acceptance and digital presence of PMJAY and showcasing relevant
adoption of digital payments. content to the 50 crore entitled beneficiaries.

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• Google will also help provide training and support to
NHA personnel to build on digital skills. NHA is the
nodal agency for implementing Ayushman Bharat-
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
September

1. DRDO and CUJ sign MoU to set up Kalam Centre for Aayog) has selected McKinsey & Company to set up India’s
Science and Technology – Defence Research & first Digital Capability Centre (DCC).
Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence and 8. Gurugram Police ties up with tech giant Google – The
Central University of Jammu (CUJ) have entered into a Gurugram traffic police have tied up with Google maps for
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the real time traffic updates.
establishment of Kalam Centre for Science and Technology 9. World Bank to sanction Rs 3,000 crore for food parks – The
(KCST) at the university. World Bank will provide Rs 3,000 crore assistance to finance
2. India, ADB sign $200-million loan agreement for upgrading mini and mega food parks across India.
rural roads in Maharashtra • The announcement was made by Union Minister of
• India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed State for Food Processing Industries during the
200-million dollar loan agreement for upgrading 15th Indo-US Economic Summit held in New Delhi.
rural roads in 34 districts of Maharashtra with the 10. Gujarat Govt, Delaware State of America sign MoU for
objective of improving road safety and better sister state – Gujarat Government and the Delaware State
connecting rural areas with markets and services. of America signed Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)
3. Facebook bags digital content rights for ICC matches in for sister state. This is the first sister-state MoU signed by
South Asia – The International Cricket Council has inked an Gujarat with any state of America.
agreement with Facebook, under which the social media 11. ESIC Signs an Agreement with SBI – Employees’ State
platform will get exclusive digital content rights for select Insurance Corporation(ESIC) signed Memorandum of
cricket matches in the Indian subcontinent including the Agreement (MoA) with State Bank of India for direct
Women’s T20 World Cup 2020-22, Men’s T20 World Cup transfer of benefits electronically into bank accounts of all
2020-21 and the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. stakeholders.
4. DSCI, MeitY and Google India join hands for ‘Digital 12. IIT-Kharagpur and Amazon Web Services join hands to
Payment Abhiyan – Nasscom’s Data Security Council of develop AI portal – IIT Kharagpur has collaborated with
India (DSCI) collaborated with the electronics and IT Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop a National Artificial
ministry (MeitY) and Google India to launch a nationwide Intelligence resource platform (NAIRP) to promote learning
awareness campaign ‘Digital Payment Abhiyan’. and development in artificial intelligence (AI).
5. ISRO, DRDO sign MoUs to provide technologies for Human 13. UNESCO & Rajasthan partners to promote the state’s
Space Mission – The Indian Space Research Organisation intangible cultural heritage – UNESCO and Rajasthan
(ISRO) joined hands with Defence Research and government partners to promote music, art and craft forms,
Development Organisation (DRDO) for the development of and other intangible cultural heritage of the state to spur
human-centric systems for the Human Space Mission to socio-economic growth of several artist communities.
demonstrate its human space flight capabilities. • It is a partnership agreement to promote
6. Skill India sign agreement with IBM for Train-the-Trainer community-based responsible tourism based on
programme in AI – The Directorate General of Training the rich intangible cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
(DGT), under the skill development and entrepreneurship • The project will be implemented in Jodhpur,
ministry, has signed an agreement with IT major IBM to Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts.
carry out a nationwide Train-the-Trainer programme in Note:
basic artificial intelligence. • The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
7. Niti Aayog, McKinsey to launch First Digital Capability Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the
Centre – National Institution for Transforming India (Niti United Nations based in Paris, France.

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14. Microsoft & CBSE partners to build AI learning for schools • The construction of the plant will be completed by
– Microsoft India and the Central Board of Secondary 2022.
Education have partnered to build AI learning for schools. • Reliance Power has also signed an MoU with Petro
• They will conduct capacity building programmes for Bangla to set up 500 mmscfd (Million standard
high school teachers with an aim to integrate cubic feet per day) LNG terminal at Kutubdia Island
cloud-powered technology in K12 teaching. near Chittagong in Bangladesh.
15. Wipro bags $300-million deal from ICICI Bank – Wipro 17. MeitY and Google signed a SoI to roll out “Build for Digital
Limited has bagged a strategic contract valued at $300 India” – Google and the Ministry of Electronics and
million from the ICICI Bank. Information Technology have signed a statement of intent
• Under the contract, Wipro will offer a to roll-out ‘Build for Digital India‘.
comprehensive suite of services to ICICI Bank for • It is a programme which will provide engineering
the next seven years, starting September 2019. students a platform to develop market-ready,
16. Bangladesh partners with Reliance Power for gas-based technology-based solutions that address key social
power plant – The Bangladesh government has signed an problems.
agreement with Reliance Power of India. As per the • Under this program, the applicants will participate
agreement, they will set up a 750 MW gas based power in online and offline learning opportunities on key
plant in Meghnahat near Dhaka. technologies like machine learning, cloud and
android.

August

1. BSE and SUFI join hands to launch steel futures – The Steel adopted The United Nations Convention on
Users Federation of India has signed a MoU with the International Settlement Agreements Resulting from
Bombay Stock Exchange to launch trading in steel futures. Mediation.
2. ADB to provide $200 Million loan for improving road 5. UP Govt extends bilateral agreements with Netherlands
infrastructure in Maharashtra – Asian Development Bank till 2024 – The Uttar Pradesh government has extended
(ADB) has approved US $200 million loan for Road bilateral agreements with Netherlands till 2024.
Infrastructure Improving project in Maharashtra’s 34 • The previously inked MoUs sought cooperation and
districts for better connecting rural areas with markets and exchange of the knowledge and techniques in the fields
services. of solid waste management, spatial planning, water
3. ADB signs USD 500 million loan agreement with Pakistan – management including restoration of water bodies and
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a USD 500- mobility planning.
million loan agreement with cash-strapped Pakistan to 6. OYO Hotels partners with ACKO General Insurance will
support the country’s trade competitiveness and exports. launch complimentary insurance cover up to Rs.10 lakh for
4. India signs UN Convention on International Settlement guests
Agreements – India signed United Nations Convention on • On August 12, 2019, Budget hotel chain Oyo Hotels and
International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) also known Homes have partnered with ACKO General Insurance to
as Singapore Convention on Mediation. provide a complimentary insurance cover as part of the
• It was signed by India’s High Commissioner to booking price for guests at its hotels across India.
Singapore Jawed Ashraf, representing Government 7. Chennai City FC ties up with German company “uhlsport” –
of India (GoI). I-League champion Chennai City FC has announced a
• So far 46 countries have signed this international strategic partnership with German sports goods supplier
treaty on settlement agreements. “uhlsport”.
About UN Convention on International Settlement Agreement • The partnership aims to support a sustainable growth
(UNISA) of football education in India.
• It is also known as Singapore Convention on Mediation. 8. UNIDO and NISE to partner for skill development program
In December 2018 UN General Assembly (UNGA) – The National Institute of Solar Energy and the United
Nations Industrial Development Organization have signed

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an agreement to initiate a skill development programme for • The river Ganga’s water is being received by
different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy Bangladesh under the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty
sector. 1996.
• NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international • Both the countries have also agreed to prepare a
experts to bring the best practices by developing framework for interim water-sharing agreement for
specialized training material. 8 rivers including Feni, Gumti and Teesta.
9. Rel Jio & Microsoft partners to offer cloud infrastructure 11. Bangladesh signs uranium supply deal with Russia -
for businesses – Reliance Jio and Microsoft announced a Bangladesh signed a deal with Russia for the supply of
partnership to accelerate the digital transformation in India. uranium for its 2400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
• Under this deal, Microsoft will bring in the Azure Cloud (RNPP).
on Jio Network and target the enterprise and business • The deal was signed in Dhaka between the
users seeking a technological shift. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Russian
10. India & Bangladesh to set up committee for optimum use Nuclear Fuel Supply Company (TVEL).
of water resources – India and Bangladesh have agreed to • Under this deal, Russia will supply the nuclear fuel
set up a Joint Technical committee for optimum use of needed for the plant during its entire life cycle.
Ganges water.
July

1. India, UK launch Innovating for Clean Air initiative in 3. Deputy CM of Tripura, Jishnu Dev Varma announces
Bengaluru – India and United Kingdom launched two-year projects worth Rs.1925 crore by ADB - Deputy Chief
joint initiative- Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) n Bengaluru, Minister of Tripura, Jishnu Dev Varma announced that
capital of Karnataka. Rs.1,925 crore worth of amount is sanctioned by the Asian
• It is aimed at providing unique air quality Development Bank (ADB) for power generation up-
measurement system by integrating satellite and gradation and distribution projects in the state.
sensor data and support India’s transition to 4. NTPC & BHEL ink pact to set up 800 MW TDP in Sipat,
Electric Vehicles (EVs). Chhattisgarh – On July 24, 2019, National Thermal Power
2. President Ram Nath Kovind Visit to Benin – President Ram Corporation (NTPC) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Nath Kovind visited Benin at Cardinal Bernadine de Cotonou (BHEL) signed a pact, forming a joint venture (JV) company,
International Airport in Cotonou, the largest city in the to set up an 800 MW Technology Demonstration Plant
West African country. (TDP) at NTPC’s existing power plant in Sipat, Chhattisgarh.
• This is first visit by either a head of state or head of It will be the world’s most efficient and environment-
government to three West African countries. friendly coal-fired power plant.
Note: 5. NITI Aayog and WhatsApp partners to promote women
• Both countries showed commitment towards entrepreneurs – A partnership between NITI Aayog and
taking development partnership forward by signing WhatsApp has been announced to support the growth of
of country agreement for Benin to avail various the ecosystem to promote women entrepreneurs in India
initiatives by India such as tele-medicine initiative– under the aegis of Women Entrepreneurship Platform
e-Arogyabharati and tele-education programme– e- (WEP).
Vidyabharati. • A coffee table book was launched by WhatsApp in
• India also extended free tele-education courses to New Delhi named “Gateway To A Billion
over 15,000 Beninese students and tele-medicine Opportunities” which is a collection of impactful
courses to 1,000 doctors and paramedics in Africa. stories from across India.
Note: 6. WB govt will sign MoU with British Council to improve the
• Benin, a French-speaking West African nation spoken English skills - The technical education department
• Porto-Novo is the capital of Benin. of West Bengal (WB) will sign an MoU (memorandum of
• Franc is the currency of Benin. understanding) with the British Council to improve the

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English- speaking skills of the students studying in • The deal period will begin from 5 September, 2019
Polytechnic Colleges in the state. until 31 March, 2022.
7. AIIB provides $100 million to L&T Finance arm for wind • Byju Raveendran, founder and chief executive of
and solar infrastructure projects Byju’s.
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will 12. India hands over pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar - India
provide $100-million loan to L&T(Larsen & Toubro) handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar in
Infrastructure Finance Company(LTIF) for wind and Maung Daw for use of displaced returnees from
solar infrastructure projects. This is the first time Bangladesh.
AIIB is extending loan to a non-banking finance • The Indian government had taken up the project
company(NBFC). under its Rakhine State Development Programme
8. Exim Bank signs Loan Pact worth $124 Mn For Infra, for $ 25M for a period of five years.
Health Projects In Papua New Guinea, Senegal Note:
• The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has • Capital of Myanmar: Naypyitaw
signed a loan agreement of providing $124 million • Currency of Myanmar: Burmese Kyat.
(over Rs 850 crore) to Papua New Guinea and 13. Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti – The aim of Raksha Gyan
Senegal governments to finance infrastructure and Shakti is to inculcate Intellectual Property culture in Indian
health care projects. defence manufacturing ecosystem.
9. India extends $500,000 assistance to Gambia – During the • Defence Ministry has signed an MOU with the
President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Gambia, India has Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell and National
promised to extend an assistance of USD 500,000 to Research Development Corporation in connection
Gambia. to the mission Raksha Gyan Shakti.
• The assistance will contribute in supporting the skill • The MoU will bridge the capacity shortfall and
development and cottage industry projects in the provide a major fillip to the ongoing efforts of the
West African country. Defence Ministry towards promoting a culture of
• The two countries has also signed a MoU on Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights in the
Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Defence industry.
Medicine and Homeopathy. 14. Union Ministry signs MoU with Ministries of Ayush,
Note: Defence and Railways – Union Health Ministry has signed
• President of: Adama Barrow an MoU with Ministries of Ayush, Defence and Railways to
• Capital: Banjul. strengthen the efforts towards a TB-Free India by 2025.
• The dalasi is the currency of the Gambia. • Around 28 lakh people contract the disease every
10. BCC signs MoU with BRICS chamber to promote trade – year in the country and four lakh people die every
The Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the BRICS Chamber year.
of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, signed an MoU for 15. Sri Lanka signs agreement with India to upgrade railway
promoting trade and investments between the BRICS lines – Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with India to
countries and the eastern part of India. upgrade tracks in a key railway segment connecting the
Note: north and south at a cost of $ 91.26 million.
• BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China; President of • This is the first time in 100 years that the 130 km-
BRICS: K V Kamath. long-tracks, running from Maho town in the North
• Members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and Western Province to Omanthai in the Northern
South Africa. Province, are being upgraded.
11. Byju's replaces Oppo as Team India's official sponsor: BCCI • The contract agreement for concessional financing
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has was signed in Colombo between the Government
announced that Bengaluru-based education and of Sri Lanka and IRCON International Ltd (India).
learning app Byju’s, which is owned by Think and 16. India, Italy to set up fast-track mechanism – India and Italy
Learn Private Limited, has replaced Oppo India as have decided to set up a fast track mechanism to facilitate
the official Team India sponsor. investors and companies.

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• The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Italy • The pilot study will be conducted for the Kharif
to India, Lorenzo Angeloni and Secretary of crop season 2019 in three districts - Bhopal, Rajkot
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, and Nanded - in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and
Ramesh Abhishek. Maharashtra, respectively.
17. OYO Hotels & Homes acquires co-working firm Innov8 – 22. Hong Kong to provide over $9 million aid for Cyclone Fani
• OYO Hotels & Homes has formally announced its victims - The Hong Kong government has approved over
acquisition of co-working venture Innov8. OYO will $900,000 for relief and rehabilitation work in cyclone-hit
operate the firm Innov8 as an independent brand, Odisha that could benefit around 45,100 victims.
and along-side its existing co-working operations. • Cyclone Fani, an extremely severe cyclonic storm,
18. Israel Aerospace signs $50 million deal with Indian navy – made a landfall in Odisha’s Puri in May 2019.
Israel Aerospace signs $50 million follow-up deal with 23. India sign Rs.200 crore deal with Russia to acquire Strum
Indian navy. Ataka – India has signed Rs.200 crore deal with Russia for
• Under the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries will acquiring Strum Ataka anti-tank missile for its fleet of Mi-35
provide complementary missile systems to the attack choppers of Indian Air Force (IAF).
Indian navy and India’s MDL Shipyard. 24. MoU between India and Maldives in the Health Sector.
• The agreement also involves a range of 25. Cabinet approves India-Maldives MoU for passenger,
maintenance and other services for sub-systems of cargo services – The Union Cabinet has approved the pact
Israel Aerospace’s naval medium range surface-to- signed between India and Maldives to start passenger and
air missile. cargo services via sea route. The MoU will pave way for
19. Reliance Jio ties up with Facebook for ‘Digital Udaan’ – ferry services between Maldives and India.
Reliance Jio ties up with Facebook for digital literacy 26. SBI, NIIF in pact for funding infrastructure projects – The
initiative ‘Digital Udaan’. The initiative will have audio-visual State Bank of India has signed a memorandum of
training in 10 regional languages. understanding with National Investment and Infrastructure
20. ISRO ties up with Russian agency to select, train Indian Fund to boost availability of capital for infrastructure
astronauts – Indian Space Research Organisation has signed projects.
a contract with Russia’s Glavkosmos for selection support, 27. Airtel Payments Bank to sell Bharti AXA Life’s term
medical examination and space training of Indian insurance – Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Bharti
astronauts. AXA Life Insurance to offer a life term insurance plan.
• ISRO has planned to send two unmanned missions • The product, Bharti AXA Life (Point of Sale) Saral
before the mission ‘Gaganyaan-1’. Jeevan Bima Yojana, is a pure life term insurance
21. Govt ropes in IBM for a pilot study on using AI, weather plan which is aimed at the under insured and
tech in agriculture – The Centre on 03rd July 2019 inked uninsured segments in India.
pact with IBM India for undertaking a pilot study to utilise
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and weather technology solutions
in agriculture in one district each in three states.
June
• The World Bank supported program will cover nine
1. First Resilient Kerala Program – The Government of Kerala States and it will support the government's
and the World Bank have signed the Loan Agreement of National Strategic Plan to end TB in India by 2025.
USD 250 million for the First Resilient Kerala Program. 3. Max Bupa partners with MobiKwik for health insurance –
• The New Program is part of ‘Rebuild Kerala Max Bupa partners with fintech platform MobiKwik to
Development Programme’ aimed at building a promote bite sized group health insurance products for
green and resilient Kerala. MobiKwik’s 107 million customers across the country.
2. India signs USD 400M loan agreement with World Bank to 4. NTPC, PGCIL ink MoU to enter national electricity
eliminate TB by 2025– India has signed a loan agreement distribution business – National Thermal Power
worth 400 million dollar with the World Bank to help treat Corporation Limited and Power Grid Corporation of India
and eliminate Tuberculosis from the country.

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Limited have signed an agreement to set up National • Jharkhand will invest the amount to provide urban
Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. services such as water supply, sewerage, drainage
• NEDCL will be a joint venture company on 50:50 and urban road.
equity basis. 13. India & Portugal to set up National Maritime Heritage
• The main aim of the initiative is to enter the Museum - India and Portugal will cooperate in setting up of
electricity distribution business on a pan India a national maritime heritage museum at ancient Indian site
basis. of Lothal in Gujarat.
5. India signs $250 million World Bank loan to develop • Lothal (literally means the mound of dead) was one
Rajasthan’s Roads and Highways. of port cities of Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan
6. India & World Bank signed a loan agreement worth of Civilization).
$328 million for improving health services of Andhra • The proposed maritime museum in Indian is likely
Pradesh. to come up on lines of similar museum at Lisbon,
7. World Bank commits $31.58 mn loan for Uttarakhand which is administered by Portuguese Navy.
Public Financial Management Strengthening Project 14. DD India to be available in Bangladesh, South Korea
8. Tech Mahindra signed a contract with Airbus for cabin and • The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry said
cargo design engineering - Tech Mahindra, an information that India has entered into agreements with
technology firm, entered into a multi-year contract with Bangladesh and South Korea to make DD
Airbus for cabin and cargo design engineering. (Doordarshan) India available to viewers in the two
• The contract is aimed to capitalise on the countries respectively.
specialised skills and competencies in growing • Under this agreement, Bangladesh’s BTV World and
cabin engineering business over the next few years. South Korea’s KBS World will also be made
9. Airbnb has invested $100mn in Indian hotel startup OYO - available on DD Free Dish, which has nearly 35
Airbnb has invested $100 million in hospitality chain million subscribers across the country.
• Oyo Hotels & Homes, making it the third successive 15. India extends $15 Million assistance to Niger for holding
strategic investor to buy a stake in the Gurgaon- AU summit – India has for the first time extended $15
based company. Million financial support to Niger as a support for organising
• Airbnb, Inc. is an American online marketplace and African Union (AU) summit scheduled to be held in 7-8 July
hospitality service brokerage company based in San 2019 in Niamey (Capital of Niger).
Francisco, California, United States. Members can • This will be the 1st time that Niger will be hosting
use the service to arrange or offer lodging, an AU summit.
primarily homestays, or tourism experiences. • India is also establishing the Mahatma Gandhi
• As part of the deal, Oyo is also likely to list its International Convention Centre (MGICC) in
properties on the San Francisco-headquartered Niamey under grant assistance.
company’s platform. • African Union (AU), international organization
10. India scraped $500 mn arms deal with Israel - India scraped established in 2002 by the nations of the former
$500 million arms deal with Israel for the purchase of Spike Organization of African Unity (OAU).
anti-tank missiles from defence contractor Rafael Advanced • There are 54-member nations; the only African
Defense Systems. country that is not a member is Morocco.
11. Maruti Suzuki inks partnership with BOB for dealer • The AU's headquarters are at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
financing - Automobile manufacturer in India, Maruti Suzuki 16. India extended a financial aid of 1.6billion Nepalese Rupees
signed ‘Preferred Financier’ MoU(Memorandum of (NPR) to Nepal government for rebuilding earthquake-hit
understanding) with public sector Bank, Bank of Baroda houses in two district that were most hit.
(BOB) to improve credit for dealership inventory financing. 17. ICANN partners NASSCOM to develop tech, standards for
12. World Bank approves $147 Million Loan to the IoT devices – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and
Government of Jharkhand – The Government of India, the Numbers (ICANN) and Indian IT industry body National
Government of Jharkhand and the World Bank signed a Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom)
$147 Million Loan Agreement.

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collaborated to develop identifier technology to manage • They will be laying the world’s longest LPG pipeline
devices and infrastructure using internet. from Kandla (Gujarat) to Gorakhpur (UP).
18. Tamil Nadu gets $287 million World Bank Loan for 20. Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC)
Healthcare Reform – The Centre, the Tamil Nadu entered a Tripartite Agreement with French Railways
Government and the World Bank have signed a $287- (SNCF) & AFD, a French Agency which will finance up to
million loan agreement for the Tamil Nadu Health System 7,00,000 EURO, through French National Railways (SNCF)-
Reform Programme (TNHSRP). Hubs and Connexions as a Technical Partner to IRSDC to
19. IndianOil, BPCL And HPCL Ink JV For Kandla-Gorakhpur LPG support the Railway Station Development Program in India,
Pipeline Project – IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation so there will be no financial liability on IRSDC or Indian
(BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) had signed Railways.
a joint venture in New Delhi for Kandla-Gorakhpur LPG
Pipeline Project.

Reports/Survey

1. 300 mn Indians lifted above the poverty line in the last 14 4. National Nutrition Survey – The Ministry of Health and
years: NITI Aayog Family Welfare organized first National Nutrition Survey.
• According to the NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, as • The ministry took help from UNICEF to complete
many as 300 million Indians were lifted above the the survey.
poverty line between 2004 and 2018. • The survey was conducted between 2016 and
2. India has the second-highest number of Internet users 2018.
after China – Key points –
• According to a report by Internet and Mobile • Around 10% of children in the age group of 5 to 9 years
Association of India (IAMAI), India has the second- and adolescents in the age group 10 to 19 years are pre
highest number of internet users after China. – diabetic. 5% of them were overweight and 5%
• As per the report, India has 451 million monthly suffered from blood pressure.
active internet users at the end of the financial year • Tamil Nadu and Goa had the highest number of
2019. adolescents who were obese or overweight.
5. Mukesh Ambani richest Indian with a net worth of Rs
3. Indian diaspora largest in the world at 17.5 million: UN 3,80,700 crore: Report
Report • According to the latest IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich
• India was the leading country of origin of List, Reliance Industries' Chairman Mukesh Ambani
international migrants in 2019 with a 17.5 million has topped the list of richest Indians for the eighth
strong diaspora. consecutive year, with a net worth of Rs 3,80,700
• Migrants from Mexico constituted the second crore.
largest diaspora (11.8 million), followed by China • The second spot was retained by the London-based
(10.7 million). SP Hinduja & family, with assets worth Rs 1,86,500
• In India, the highest number of international crore which is followed by Wipro founder Azim
migrants came from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Premji at the third place with a wealth of Rs
Nepal. 1,17,100 crore.
• The International Migrant Stock 2019 was released 6. Global Nutrition Report, 2018 – The Global Nutrition
by the Population Division of the UN Department of Report 2018, prepared by WHO, states that India is home to
Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). 46.6 million stunted children out of 150.8 million stunted
• The report provides the latest estimates of the children all over the world.
number of international migrants by age, sex and The report also says that
origin for all countries and areas of the world.

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• Out of 50.5 million children who are wasted • According to the London-based consultancy Brand
globally, 25.5 million are in India. Finance annual report , “Brand Finance India 100
• India is the third most obese nation in the world. 2019”, “Tata” has become India’s most valuable
WHO states India as Diabetes capital with 69.2 brand for the second straight year in 2019 with the
million suffering from diabetes. brand value of $19.6 billion followed by LIC(Life
7. Mumbai most preferred city for co-living in India: Knight Insurance Corporation) (2nd )with $7.3 billion and
Frank Infosys (3rd )$6.5 billion.
• According to the report of property consultant Knight 11. UN Report: Over 820 million people suffering from hunger
Frank Mumbai ranks 5th among 20 cities in the Asia –
Pacific that can emerge as a co-living destination. • A UN report has said, more than 821 million
• Whereas, India capital city New Delhi ranked at 11th and people suffered from hunger worldwide last year.
Bengaluru at 19th rank in the list, according to Knight It is the third year in a row that the number has
Frank's report 'Insights on Co-living: An Asia-Pacific risen.
Perspective.' • The report named, ‘The State of Food Security and
• Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong are the top Nutrition in the World’, produced by the UN Food
four cities in the list. and Agriculture Organization and other UN
8. Earth has lost 53% of its Wildlife since 1970: WWF Report agencies, including WHO, was released.
• According to the first-ever global assessment of • The report is part of tracking progress towards
forest biodiversity, “Below the Canopy: Plotting Sustainable Development Goal to Zero Hunger,
Global Trends in Forest Wildlife Populations” by which aims to end hunger, promote food security
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the number of and end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
forest wildlife populations have declined on Number of hungry people in the world in 2018: 821.6
average by 53% since 1970 due to Habitat loss and million (or 1 in 9 people)
degradation, over exploitation and Climate change. • Asia: 513.9 million.
• The report has been produced in collaboration with • Africa: 256.1million.
the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)& The UN • Latin America and the Caribbean: 42.5 million.
Environment World Conservation Monitoring 12. India stays lower-middle-income nation while Sri Lanka
Centre (UNEP-WCMC) co-led the analysis and gets richer: World Bank Report
modelling for this report. • According to the World Bank’s classification of
9. MSME Pulse Report: Gujarat tops – countries by income levels, released on July 1,
• According to TransUnion Credit Information Bureau 2019, India continues to be a lower-middle-income
(India) Limited (CIBIL) – Small Industries country along with 46 others, while Sri Lanka has
Development Bank of India’s (SIDBI) Micro, Small & climbed to the upper-middle-income group for the
Medium Enterprises (MSME) Pulse Report, Gujarat fiscal year (FY) 2020.
was ranked first in terms of performance and credit • India became a lower-middle-income nation from
growth potential for MSME Corporate Lending in low-income in FY 2009.
India. • Sri Lanka entered the lower-middle-income group
• It has maintained the top position since the past 4 in FY 1999, from the low-income category and
years. MSME corporate entities are borrowers with continued for over two decades, before moving to
aggregate credit exposure of up to Rs 50 crore. The the upper-middle-income group this year.
market size of this category is Rs 17.6 lakh crore as • The World Bank classifies economies based on
of March 31, 2019. gross national income (GNI) per capita (current
• Gujarat was followed by Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, US$) calculated using what is called the Atlas
Karnataka and Delhi. Maharashtra, one among the method.
most industrialized states, was ranked 9th. • Argentina is the only country that slipped from the
10. “Tata” becomes India’s most valuable brand for 2019: high-income to upper-middle-income group.
Brand Finance India 100 2019 report Classifications are determined:

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• A country’s GNI per capita, which can change with • Reduction: Stunting in children in India under the
economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and age of five has reduced at a rate of about 1% per
population. Revisions to national accounts methods year in the last decade.
and data can also influence GNI per capita. • India must double its rate of progress to reach the
13. WHO has launched its first guidelines on self-care target of 25% by 2022 set by the National Nutrition
interventions for health – Mission.
• As per an estimate by 2035 the world will face a About Stunting:
shortage of nearly 13 million healthcare workers. • Stunting is the impaired growth and development
• Currently at least 400 million people worldwide that children experience from poor nutrition,
lack access to the most essential health services. repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial
• The International Self Care Day (ISD) is observed stimulation.
annually on July 24. 16. WHO - E-2020 initiative: 2019 progress report – According
14. 75% of children with disabilities don't attend schools in to the World Health Organzation (WHO) - four countries
India: UNESCO - The 2019 "State of the Education Report from Asia — China, Iran, Malaysia and Timor-Leste — and
for India: Children with Disabilities" took into account the one from Central America — El Salvador — reported no
2011 census, according to which there are 78,64,636 indigenous cases of malaria in 2018.
children with disability in India constituting 1.7 percent of Note:
the total child population. • Earlier in May 2019, the WHO declared Algeria and
Key points of the report - Argentina as malaria-free. The last case of
• India is home to 8 million children with disabilities. indigenous malaria was reported from Algeria in
• Nearly 75% of 5 year olds who have certain disabilties, 2013 and Argentina in 2010.
do not go to any educational institution. • Algeria became the second E-2020 country to
• There are more than 78 lakh children aged under 19 achieve certification, after Paraguay was certified
lived with disabilities. malaria-free by WHO last year.
• Three-fourths of the children with disabilities at the age 17. Mercer’s 25th Annual Cost of Living Survey –
of five years and one-fourth between 5-19 years do not • Mumbai was considered as India’s most expensive
go to any educational institution. city.
• SDG: The report is in sync with the Sustainable • Costliest city in the world was Hong Kong for the
Development Goal 4(SDG) which aims to ensure second consecutive year.
“inclusive and equitable quality education”. • It was followed by Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul.
• The report was commissioned by UNESCO and was • iLeast Expensive Cities: The world’s least expensive
prepared by the Tata Institute of Social Science. cities for expatriates were Tunis (209), Tashkent
15. World Food Programme (WFP) report on Food & Nutrition (208), and Karachi (207).
Security (FNS) – The report on Food & Nutrition Security • Indian Cities: Mumbai fell 12 spots and was ranked
(FNS) Analysis of India developed by UN (United Nations) 67th position.
World Food Programme in partnership with Ministry of • New Delhi stood at 118th place, Chennai was
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) stated ranked 154th position, Bengaluru at 179th position
that 31.4% of Indian children under five years will still be and Kolkata at 189th place.
stunted by 2022. 18. India to cross China's population by 2027: United Nations
Key Highlights: • As per a United Nations report, India is projected to
• The stunting in children under 5years of age is the surpass China as the world's most populous country in
highest in Bihar (48%), Uttar Pradesh (46%), 2027 and will have almost 1.64 billion inhabitants by
Jharkhand (45%), and Meghalaya (44%). 2050.
• Only one in five children in Kerala and Goa (20% Key highlights of the report
each) are stunted. • India is expected to add nearly 273 million people
between 2019 and 2050 and remain the most

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populated country through the end of the current 21. Dell has emerged as the most trusted brand in India in
century. 2019: TRA
• China, with 1.43 billion people in 2019, and India, with • According to a report released by brand analytics
1.37 billion, have long been the two most populous firm TRA Research, “Dell” has emerged as the most
countries of the world, trusted brand in India in 2019.
World Population • IC and Amazon are ranked on the third and fourth
• The UN report 'The World Population Prospects 2019' spots and Apple iPhone emerged as India’s fifth
added that the world's population is expected to most trusted brand.
increase by two billion people in the next 30 years -- 22. Amazon top global brand: 100 Top BrandZ report
from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7 billion in 2050. • According to global market research agency Kantar
Population Growing Older in its 2019’s ‘100 Top BrandZ Report’, US retail
• By 2050, one in six people in the world will be over age giant Amazon has moved past hi-tech titans Apple
65 (16 per cent), up from one in 11 in 2019 (9 per and Google to become the world’s most valuable
cent). brand.
• The number of persons aged 80 years or over is • The brand value of Amazon surged by 52 percent to
projected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 $315 billion, hence jumping from third to first place
million in 2050. to replace Google.
Average life expectancy 23. Arunachal has highest 35% of India’s Graphite Deposits:
• The report also projected people would survive longer GSI Report
in the future, with global average life expectancy • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its report
expected to reach 77.1 years in 2050 against 72.6 years revealed that about 35 % of India’s total Graphite
currently. reserves are found in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the
• In 1990, the average life expectancy worldwide was highest found in the country.
64.2 years. 24. BPRD releases “Data on Police Organizations (DoPO
19. At 9.8 GB per month, India has the highest data usage per 2018)”
smartphone • Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan
• According to a new study by Swedish telecom Reddy has released the Bureau of Police Research
equipment maker Ericsson, India has the highest and Development’s flagship publication “Data on
average data usage per smartphone, reaching 9.8 GB Police Organizations” (DoPO 2018) in New Delhi.
per month at the end of 2018. • There has been an increase of 19,686 Police
• The report, released on 19th June, also forecasts that personnel in the sanctioned strength of the State
this figure is likely to double to 18 GB per month per Police and 16,051 in the strength of CAPFs
smartphone by 2024. • There has been 20.95% increase in the strength of
• The ‘Ericsson Mobility Report’ added that total Woman Police which brings the total percentage of
smartphone subscriptions in the region is likely to women in the Indian Police to 8.73%.
reach 1.1 billion by 2024, growing at 11% CAGR. • The overall Police Population Ratio at the state
• The total mobile broadband subscriptions in India are level stood at 192.95 policemen per lakh
expected to grow from about 610 million in 2018 to population.
1.25 billion in 2024. • Police Stations have increased from 15579 to
20. Amazon India is the country's most attractive employer 16422. This includes Cyber Police Stations whose
brand number has risen from 84 to 120.
• Amazon India is the country’s most attractive • Electronic surveillance has improved with addition
employer brand, according to the findings of the of 2,10,278 CCTV Cameras.
Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) 2019. 25. NCRB releases Crime in India Report 2017
• Microsoft India emerged as the runner-up, • National Crime Records Bureau has released the
followed by Sony India. annual “Crime in India Report 2017” after a delay
of 2 years.

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• 3.59 lakh cases of crime against women were 27. Forbes India Rich List 2019
reported in the country. Uttar Pradesh topped the • The US business magazine Forbes has released
list with 56,011 cases followed by Maharashtra “The Forbes India Rich List 2019” which has been
with 31,979 cases and West Bengal 30,002 in cases topped by Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh
of crime against women. Ambani with net worth of $51.4 billion.
• Majority of cases under crimes against women • Industrialist Gautam Adani jumped 8 spots on the
were registered under ‘Cruelty by Husband or his list to become the 2nd richest Indian with net
Relatives’ (27.9%) followed by ‘Assault on Women worth of $15.7 billion.
with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’ (21.7%), • Hinduja Brothers, Pallonji Mistry and Uday Kotak
‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women’ (20.5%) and are at 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively with net
‘Rape’ (7.0%). worth of $15.6 billion, $15 billion and $14.8 billion
• The NCRB report also cited 58,880 incidents of 28. 2019 Global Report on Food Crises –
rioting in 2017. Maximum incidents of rioting were • The report is released by the Food and Agriculture
reported from Bihar (11,698), followed by Uttar Organization (FAO).
Pradesh (8,990) and Maharashtra (7,743). Key points –
• The incidents registered under the Scheduled Caste • More than 113 million people across 53 countries
Prevention of Atrocities Act saw an increase from experienced “acute hunger” last year because of
5,082 incidents reported in 2016 to 5,775 in 2017. wars and climate disasters, with Africa the worst-
• Incidents of crime related to Scheduled Tribes hit region.
dipped from 844 in 2016 to 720 in 2017. • Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo,
26. Narendra Modi becomes most followed leader on Afghanistan and Syria were among the eight
Instagram: nations accounting for two-thirds of the total
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the number of people worldwide exposed to the risk of
most-followed elected world leader on photo- famine.
sharing app Instagram. • African Nations were “disproportionally” affected
• He is ahead of US President Donald Trump, as close to 72 million people on the continent
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and former suffered acute hunger.
president Barack Obama. About FAO –
• With 30 million followers, PM Modi leads the list of • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a
world leaders on Instagram, with Joko Widodo specialized agency of the United Nations that leads
coming in a close second with 25.6 million international efforts to defeat hunger.
followers on the popular app. • Headquarters: Rome, Italy
• Barack Obama comes in third with 24.8 million • Founded: 16 October 1945
followers while, Donald Trump, trails behind with
14.9 million followers.

Government Schemes
October

1. Faceless e-Assessment scheme launched by the Income Tax Department – On 07th October, the Income-Tax Department
launched a faceless e-assessment scheme to eliminate interface between an assessing officer and a taxpayer.
• The scheme was launched by the Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey in New Delhi.
• With the launch of the scheme, the Income Tax Department begin with, 58,322 cases for the faceless e-Assessment
scheme.
• The National e-Assessment Center (NeAC) will facilitate the faceless e-assessment scheme across the country and
benefit taxpayers.

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2. 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme launched by the Delhi Government – On 07th October Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal
launched 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme to honour good samaritans who take accident victims to the hospital.
3. YSR Vahana Mitra scheme launched by Andhra Pradesh state – The scheme was launched by the Chief Minister of Andhra
Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
• The scheme will provide Rs.10,000 allowance to self-employed drivers of the state.
About YSR Vahana Mitra Scheme
• Under the scheme an allowance of Rs.10000 would be given every year to the beneficiaries.
• It will provide Rs.50,000 to self-employed drivers in 5 years.
4. ‘The Gandhian Challenge’ for school children - On the occasion of 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Atal Innovation
Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog’s Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, launched ‘The Gandhian
Challenge’ for school children.
• This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a
sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi’s principles.

September

1. Government launches UMMID initiative – To tackle the • Aim - Yojana’ to provide state ration card
menace of genetic diseases in newborn babies. holders two kilograms of two different varieties
• This initiative was launched by Minister of of pulses available at prices much lower than
Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan the market rate.
Key points – • Under the scheme State government will offer
• UMMID stands for - The Unique Methods of a subsidy of Rs.15 per kilogram on variety of
Management and treatment of Inherited pulses identified, including chana, malka and
Disorders. masur.
• Aim - to tackle inherited genetic diseases of • Each eligible beneficiary and ration card
newborn babies. holders in state will get 2 kgs of pulses at
National Inherited Diseases Administration (NIDAN) – The subsidised rates every month under the
NIDAN kendras are to be established under the UMMID scheme.
initiative. These centres will provide counselling, prenatal 4. Assam Govt launches “Aponar Apon Ghar” scheme – The
testing / diagnosis and management in government hospitals of Assam Government has launched a housing loan subsidy
the country. scheme “Aponar Apon Ghar”.
2. Haryana launches two insurance schemes for traders – The • The scheme was launched to provide financial
State government of Haryana has launched two insurance assistance on purchase or construction of the
schemes for registered small and medium traders. Traders first house for a family.
registered under the Haryana Goods and Service Tax (HGST) • The subsidy of up to Rs 250000 will be
Act, 2017 would be covered under these schemes. provided for loan amounts from Rs 5,00,000 to
(i) “Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Rs 40,00,000.
Beema Yojana” – An insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh would 5. Scheme “Nirvik” to ease the lending process – Ministry of
be provided under this scheme. Commerce & Industry through Export Credit Guarantee
(ii) Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema Yojana – Corporation has introduced a new Export Credit Insurance
An insurance cover ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh Scheme called NIRVIK.
would be provided under this scheme. • Under the new scheme NIRVIK, up to 90 per
3. ‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana’ launched in cent of the principal amount and interest will
Uttarakhand – ‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana’ launched be covered through insurance.
in 6. PM Narendra Modi launches National Animal Disease
Uttarakhand. The scheme was launched by the Chief Control Programme – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

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launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme • Government has earmarked Rs 750 crore for the
in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura. scheme in the Union Budget 2019-20.
Key points – • The benefit of the scheme will be available to all those
• The programme aims at vaccinating over 500 businesses whose annual turnover under GST is less
Million livestock including cattle, buffalo, than Rs 1.5 crore.
sheep, goats and pigs against foot and mouth (iii) Ekalavya Model residential schools - The Prime Minister
disease. laid the foundation stone of 462 Eklavya Model Residential
• The programme also aims at vaccinating 36 Schools online in tribal areas.
million female bovine calves annually in its • In this, 69 Eklavya schools are being opened in 13
fight against Brucellosis disease. districts of Jharkhand.
• The government will fund the programme for • Each school will have 480 tribal students. The students
Rs 12,652 crore for a period of 5 years till 2024. will be trained in four different sports.
• The programme has two components; to 8. Ayushman Bharat scheme completes one year of its launch
control the diseases by 2025 and eradication – Ayushman Bharat - the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
by 2030. has completed one year of its launch on 23rd September
7. PM Modi launched 3 schemes launched in Ranchi, 2019.
Jharkhand • Indu Bhushan is the Chief Executive Officer
(i) 'Kisan Maan-dhan Yojana', pension scheme for (CEO) of the Centre's ambitious Ayushman
small and marginal farmers – Prime Minister Narendra Bharat National Health Protection Mission
Modi launched 'Kisan Maan-dhan Yojana' or PM-KMY in (ABNHPM).
Ranchi, Jharkhand. Note:
Key points of the scheme – • On 23rd September 2018, Prime Minister
• Minimum pension - Under this scheme, small Narendra Modi had launched the scheme from
and marginal farmers, who have attained the Ranchi, Jharkhand.
age of 60, will get a minimum pension of Rs • The scheme is renamed as PM Jan Arogya
3,000 per month. Yojana.
• Age limit - All small and marginal farmers, who • The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana,
are currently aged between 18 and 40 years, popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, looks to
are eligible to avail the benefits. provide cashless hospitalisation for 1,354
• Outlay of the scheme - The scheme has an procedures to 10 crore poor families for Rs 5
outlay of Rs 10,774 crore for the next three lakh per family per year.
years. • The Indian insurance regulator has partnered
• Monthly contribution - The farmers will have with the National Health Authority to study the
to make a monthly contribution of Rs 55 to Rs prime minister’s health insurance scheme
200, depending on their age of entry in the (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) and
pension fund till they reach the retirement suggest measures to streamline its
date. implementation.
(ii) Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyaparik Mandhan Yojana' - For 9. National Artificial Insemination Programme – Prime
small traders and shopkeepers - Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Artificial
Insemination Programme at Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
• Minimum pension - Under this scheme, small and • Aim – To eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease
marginal farmers, who have attained the age of 60, will (FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock.
get a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month. • The programme 100% funding from Central
• Age limit - All small and marginal farmers, who are Government, of Rs.12,652 Crores for a period
currently aged between 18 and 40 years, are eligible to of 5 years till 2024.
avail the benefits. 10. Govt. launches updated Credit linked Capital Subsidy
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Enterprises Nitin Gadkari launched the updated Credit provisions have been made for 117 ‘aspirational’
linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) to allow micro, small districts, northeastern region and hill states.
and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access to capital. 11. SATHI: IIT Kharagpur to assist academic institutes in
• Union Minister re-Launched the Credit Linked neighbouring region – Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
Capital Subsidy (CLCS) web portal during the 2-day Kharagpur has been selected for setting up a Sophisticated
workshop on ‘Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI), a
Delayed Payment of MSMEs’ held at New Delhi. Department of Science and Technology (DST) initiative of
• During the course of workshop Memorandum of Centre.
Understandings (MoUs) was also signed by office of • Centre has allotted an amount of Rs.125 crore over
Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of a period of financial years (starting from 2019-20)
MSME with 11 Nodal Banks. for the purpose.
• It provides 15% subsidy for additional investment • SATHI is a state-of-the-art, professionally managed
up to Rrs.1cr. for technology upgradation by science and technology infrastructure facility. Its
MSMEs in the specified 51 sub-sectors. primary objective will be to extend help to
• Now in relaunched scheme there is an additional academic institutes in neighbouring regions.
10% subsidy to SC-ST entrepreneurs while special
August

1. Punjab govt. launches ‘Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Sehat government will launch a Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped
Bima Yojana’ health insurance scheme – State government water to households.
of Punjab launched a mega health insurance scheme title • The announcement was made during his 6th
‘Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana’ (MGSSBY) for Independence Day (August 15) address from Red
poor by clubbing Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Fort.
Yojana (PMJAY) plan with its own. Concerned Authority: Under Department of Drinking Water and
• The PMJAY was unveiled in September 2018 by the Sanitation.
Centre and kept on hold so far by Punjab Objective: It seeks to converge with other Central and State
government. Government Schemes to achieve its objectives of sustainable
• The scheme was launched by Punjab’s Chief water supply management across India.
Minister Amarinder Singh to mark 75th birth 3. Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana – Vice President
anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. launches Jharkhand government’s financial assistance
• With launch of this scheme, Punjab has become 1st program for its farmers
state to offer medical insurance for such a large • Under the Jharkhand state’s scheme,
proportion of its population. Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana launched by
About Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana Shri Venkaiah Naidu, farmers/ beneficiaries having
• It incorporates Ayushman Bharat or Pradhan Mantri Jan farmlands of less than 1 acre to 5 acres will be
Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Centre’s health insurance provided financial assistance of Rs5,000-25,000.
scheme for poor. The launching ceremony was held in 23 districts
• By clubbing Centre’s Ayushman Bharat plan with its apart from Ranchi.
MGSSBY, it is expected to benefit 46 lakh families • This scheme would benefit approximately 35 lakh
covering 76% of state’s population. farmers and by september/october this year. The
Insurance Coverage: Like PMJAY, this Punjab government’s outlay is Rs 3000 crore.
scheme will also provide cashless health insurance cover of Rs.5 • This scheme is apart from the benefits that the
lakh/year. farmers are getting under Pratan Mantri Kisan
yojana.
2. PM announces Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme for households 4. SAMARTH Scheme: 16 states ink MoU with Textiles
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Ministry – 16 states out of 18 selected states have signed
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry

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of Textiles for skilling about 4 lakh workers as part of • To empower students to learn to protect the
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH). natural sources of water.
• 16 states that have signed MoUs include Arunachal • To help every Student to save at least one litre of
Pradesh, Kerala, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, water per day.
Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya • To encourage Students towards judicious use and
Pradesh, Tripura, Karnataka,Manipur, Haryana, minimum wastage of water at home and school
Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. Jammu & level.
Kashmir and Odisha earlier had agreed to be on Target under the drive -
board, but did not sign MoU. • 1 Student – 1 Day – Save One Litre Water
Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH) • 1 Student – 1 Year – Save 365 Litres Water
• It is skill development scheme of Union Ministry of • 1 Student – 10 Years – Save 3650 Litres Water
Textiles, covering the entire value chain of the 7. One Nation, One Ration Card’ to be rolled out in India by
textile sector excluding Spinning & Weaving in June 1, 2020 – “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme to be
organized Sector. It was approved by Cabinet rolled out in India from June 1, 2020.
Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in • To implement the scheme successfully, the centre
December 2017. has kick started inter state portability of ration card
5. Government of Odisha launched Small Savings Incentive pairing two states each.
Scheme – Odisha government unveiled the ‘Odisha Small • The pairs are made between Telangana-Andhra
Savings Incentive Scheme‘ for the calendar year 2019 under Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat.
the notation “AQ” series. The aim of the scheme is to stop • This means that beneficiaries living in Telangana
people from transacting with ‘suspicious’ non-banking and Andhra Pradesh can buy their quota of ration
private financial institutions. from the Public Distribution System (PDS), also
6. Union HRD Minister to launch ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal called ration shops, in either of the states.
Suraksha’ drive – Union HRD Minister will launch ‘Samagra 8. KVIC launches “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day –
Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ to create awareness about Water The Khadi and Village Industry Commission has launched
Conservation among all school students in the country. “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day.
• So that they can become competent, conscientious • Under this mission, the commission will give
and committed water citizens of our nation. leather kits to the leather artisans across the
Five Major Objectives of the scheme - nation.
• World Tribal Day observed on 9th August every
• To educate students learn about conservation of year.
water. • The 2019 theme is ‘Indigenous Languages’.
• To sensitize students about the impact of scarcity
of water.

July

Scheme Announced in Budget 2019-20

1. FAME II scheme – aims to encourage faster adoption of Phase II (FAME India Phase II)' for promotion of
electric vehicles by right incentives and charging infra. Electric Mobility in the country.
Key points • Only advanced-battery-operated and registered e-
• The Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister vehicles to be incentivized under FAME Scheme.
Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Financial Implications:
implementation of scheme titled 'Faster Adoption • Total fund requirement for this scheme is Rs.
and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India 10,000 crores over three years from 2019-20 to
2021-22.

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Note: • The budget allocated for the newly carved out
• This scheme is the expanded version of the present Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
scheme titled 'FAME India1 which was launched on 1st Dairying is Rs 3,737 crore.
April 2015, with total outlay of Rs. 895 crores. 5. Pradhan Mantri Karam Yogi Maandhan Scheme – Monthly
2. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – The Economic Survey 2019 has Pension Scheme for Traders
proposed a change in the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) • The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri
scheme. Narendra Modi has approved Rs.3000 monthly
• The campaign, to be labelled BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan pension scheme for small retail traders and
Lakshmi Aur Vijay Lakshmi), will be used to represent shopkeepers after they attain the age of 60 years.
the change towards gender equality. Key points of Scheme
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme: • Under the scheme all small shopkeepers, retail
• BBBP scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 by traders and self-employed persons are assured a
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. minimum of Rs.3,000 monthly pension after
• It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child attaining 60 years of 60 years.
Development, the Ministry of Health and Family • The new pension scheme that offers pension
Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource coverage to the trading community will cover 3
Development. crore small retail traders and shop keepers.
• The budget of Rs 280 crore allocated to BBBP scheme in • Eligibility: All small shopkeepers, self-employed
the current financial year. persons and retail traders aged between 18-40
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – In the years and with Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Union Budget 2019-20, the allocation for the Pradhan turnover below Rs.1.5 crore can enrol for pension
Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a maternity scheme.
benefit programme, was Rs 2,500 crore. 6. National Common Mobility Card – India’s first indigenously
Key points developed payment ecosystem for transport, based on
• Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) standards,
Pradesh were the top three performing states launched in March 2019.
under the maternity benefit programme 'Pradhan • This will enable people to pay multiple transport
Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' (PMMVY). charges across India.
4. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: A new scheme to • This card runs on RuPay card and allows users to
promote processing in the fishery sector. pay bus charges, parking charges, etc.
• While presenting Union Budget 2019-20, Finance Note:
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new • National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI)
scheme to promote processing in the fishery developed One Nation One Card.
sector. • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs ministry
• The new scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya formulates the concept of One Nation One Card.
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), will be established 7. One Nation, One Grid – for power availability to states at
under the Department of Fisheries for a robust affordable rates.
fisheries management framework. 8. MUDRA scheme – According to the Union Budget 2019-20,
• She also announced the creation of a new ministry the overdraft of Rs. 5,000 to be allowed for every verified
for fisheries sector Ministry of Fisheries, Animal women SHG member having a Jan Dhan Bank Account.
Husbandry and Dairying. • One woman per SHG to be eligible for a loan up to
• The new ministry was formed in order to promote Rs. 1 lakh under MUDRA Scheme.
the allied farm sector that has huge potential to Note:
help achieve the government's target of doubling • Prime Minister Modi had launched Pradhan Mantri
farmers' income by 2022. Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in April 2015.

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• The objective was to provide non-corporate and ASPIRE Scheme -
non-agricultural small businesses with loans up to • The ASPIRE-A scheme runs under the Ministry of
Rs 10 lakh, which are called Mudra loans. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and aims to
• Mudra loans are divided into three categories: promote innovation, rural industry and
Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000), Kishor (loans entrepreneurship in India.
between Rs. 50,001 and Rs. 5 lakh), and Tarun • This scheme was launched in March 2015.
(loans between Rs. 5,00,001 and Rs. 10 lakh). • Objective - To set up a network of technology
• Maximum loan amount under MUDRA scheme is – centres, incubation centres to accelerate
Rs 10 lakh and the minimum loan amount is Rs. entrepreneurship and also to promote start-ups for
50,000. innovation and entrepreneurship in rural and
• MUDRA stands for - Micro Units Development & agriculture based industry with a fund of Rs. 200
Refinance Agency Ltd. crores.
9. Jal Jeevan Mission – Jal Shakti Mantralaya will work with 13. MNREGA – According to the budget document, for the
states to ensure Har Ghar Jal for all rural houses by 2024, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
under JalJeevan Mission. Programme (MNREGA) the budget was allocated to Rs
• To all rural households by 2024, water will be 60,000 crore for 2019-20.
supplied. 14. National Rural Livelihood Mission – In the Union Budget
10. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan - Over 2 2019-20, this year, the allocation has been increased to Rs
crore Indian made digitally literate under PMGDISHA 9,024 crore.
(Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan). Note: Originally called as Aajeevika – National Rural
• Under Digital India Programme would cover 6 crore Livelihoods Mission, the programme was renamed as
households in rural areas to make them digitally Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood
literate. Mission (DAY-NRLM) in 2015.
• The Scheme is applicable only for rural areas of the 15. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Under PMAY
country. Garmin, in the 2nd phase 1.95 crore houses are proposed to
Entry criteria be provide to eligible beneficiary with facilities like toilet
• The beneficiary should be Digitally Illiterate and LPG connection.
• Only one person per eligible household would be • Urban, over 80 lakh houses have been sanctioned
considered for training under PMAY.
• Age Group: 14 - 60 years • The completion of houses that required 314 days in
11. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – Under phase three of 2015-16, it has now come down to 114 days since
PM Gram Sadak Yojana, 1.25 lakh kms of road to be built in 2017.
the next five years. Project cost estimated cost of nearly Rs • The budget allocated for PMAY for 2019-20 fiscal is
80,200 crore. Rs 19,000 crore.
12. ASPIRE scheme - Under ASPIRE to develop, 80 Livelihood
business incubators and 20 technology business incubators
to be set up in 2019-20
July

3000 rupees to the beneficiaries after attaining the

1. Over 30 lakh persons enrolled under “PM Shram Yogi age of 60 years.
Maandhan Scheme” - Under “Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi 2. Under PMKSNY, more than 7 crore 32 lakh farmer families
Maandhan Scheme”, total 30,85,205 persons have been received first two instalments of Rs 2000 each
enrolled. • Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
• This voluntary and contributory pension scheme is Yojana (PMKSNY), more than 7 crores 32 lakh
benefited for unorganized workers. Under this farmer families across India received the first and
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second installments of Rs 2000 each amounting to and culture of the institution, help them build
14 thousand 646 crore rupees. bonds with other students and faculty members,
• The list was topped by Uttar Pradesh with over two and expose them to a sense of larger purpose and
crores twenty lakh farmer families followed by self-exploration.
Andhra Pradesh with 72 lakh and Maharastra 50 7. Internet Saathi’ programme to be expanded to Punjab,
lakh farmers. Odisha – Google India and Tata Trusts initiative is aimed at
3. HRD Ministry launches new UGC Scheme “Paramarsh” For facilitating digital literacy among women in rural India
Higher Education - On July 19, 2019, Ramesh Pokhriyal named “Internet Saathi”. This initiative will be expanded to
‘Nishank’, Union Minister for Human Resource villages in Punjab and Odisha.
Development (HRD) launched a Scheme called “Paramarsh” • This programme has now reached 2.6 lakh villages
of University Grants Commission (UGC) in New Delhi. in 20 states. In Punjab, the programme will cover
• This scheme aims at mentoring National around 5,000 villages. In Odisha, it will cover over
Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) 16,000 villages.
accreditation aspirant institutions to develop 8. Bangla Abas Yojana - The West Bengal Government has
quality assurance in Higher Education. decided to construct 8 lakh 30 thousand houses under
• Under the scheme, the prime Mentoring Bangla Abas Yojana for the people belonging to
institutions will provide regular mentoring to Economically Weaker Section.
colleges to help achieve high-quality standards. For • Under the scheme, the Rural Development
mentoring they will get the financial assistance & Department has constructed more than 14 lakh
also the option of appointing an expert, who can be houses.
paid a fellowship amount of Rs 31,000 per month. 9. Health Ministry launches Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan in New
4. India to give scholarships to heirs of Muktijodhas – Delhi – Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Government of India will provide 10,000 scholarships for (MoHFW) have launched a 3 day special campaign called
heirs of the liberation war fighters of Bangladesh called Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan in New Delhi.
‘Muktijodhas’ over the next five years under the Nutan 10. UDAN Scheme: 8 more air routes added – Civil Aviation
India-Bangladesh Maitree Muktijodha Sontan Scholarship Ministry announced addition of 8 more air routes under
Scheme. UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik), the regional air
5. UKIERI Mobility Programme: Study in India – India and UK connectivity scheme. These air routes have become
have joined hands together for UKIERI Mobility Programme: functional and started operations.
Study in India which will allow UK students to visit India for • With the addition of 8 new routes the total UDAN
higher studies. routes that are now operational in country has
• The British Council of India and Universities UK increased to 194.
International have joined hands together for the About UDAN
launch of UKIERI Mobility Programme. • UDAN or Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik is a regional
• It aims to generate up to 200 opportunities for connectivity scheme (RCS). It was scheme on 21
undergraduate students at UK universities to visit October 2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity
India by March 2021. and make air travel affordable to masses.
• The programme will be funded by the UK and • It aims to make flying affordable besides
Indian governments as part of Phase 3 of the UK- connecting underserved and unserved airports
India Education Research Initiative (UKEIRI). across India.
6. Union HRD Minister lauches “Deeksharambh” – Union 11. PENCIL Portal – Union Minister for Labour & Employment
Minister of Human Resource Development released UGC informed Lok Sabha that 361 Complaints of Child Labour
Guide to Student Induction Programme “Deeksharambh” in have been resolved via PENCIL (Platform for Effective
New Delhi. Enforcement for No Child Labour) Portal (pencil.gov.in).
• The guide to Student Induction Programme is to About PENCIL Portal
help new students adjust and feel comfortable in • It is a separate online portal Platform for Effective
the new environment, inculcate in them the ethos Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL) launched

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on 26 September 2017 to ensure effective Skill India Mission, the Union Ministry of Skill Development
enforcement of provisions of Child Labour Act and and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) launched ‘Kaushal Yuva
smooth implementation of National Child Labour Samwaad’ (A Youth Dialogue) in New Delhi.
Project (NCLP) Scheme. • It aimed at creating an open dialogue with youth
12. YouTube Introduces ‘Learning Playlists’ for Educational across all skill training centres to hear their views,
Videos – YouTube is bringing a new education feature ideas, opportunities, and recommendations help
“Learning Playlists” with dedicated landing pages for the Ministry of Skill Development scaling up
educational videos on topics like math, science, music and existing programs and improve the overall
language. efficiency of the on-going projects.
• YouTube was investing $20 million to fund 16. WCD implements a Scheme for Women in Difficult
resources for educational creators and Circumstances called “Swadhar Greh”
organisations through a Learning Fund initiative. • The Ministry of Women and Child
13. PM-LVMY Yojana launched by Labour ministry Development(WCD), Government of India is
• Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-Dhan Yojana implementing the Swadhar Greh Scheme for the
(PM-LVMY) was launched by the Union labour and rehabilitation of women in difficult circumstances
Employment ministry for retailers and small so that they could lead their life with dignity.
traders. 17. Govt signs MoU with NATHEALTH to streamline delivery of
• This scheme provides a minimum monthly pension services under PMJAY – National Health Authority (NHA)
of Rs 3000/month to small shopkeepers, retail implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat, Centre’s flagship
traders, and the self-employed people after they healthcare scheme has signed Memorandum of
attain 60years of age. understanding (MoU) with Healthcare Federation of India
• It is an extension of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi (NATHEALTH) to streamline delivery of services under
Maan-dhan (PM-SYM). Ayushman Bharat.
Eligibility About Ayushman Bharat
• Self-employed people, small shopkeepers and • Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection
retail traders aged between 18-40 years and with Scheme (AB-NHPS) launched by PM Shri Narendra
Goods and Service Tax (GST) turnover below Rs 1.5 Modi on Independence Day 2018.
crore can avail the scheme. • The scheme is renamed as PM Jan Arogya Yojana
14. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – On July 23,2019, Union • The aim of the scheme is to provide cashless
Minister for Rural Development, Narendra Singh Tomar hospitalisation for 1,354 procedures to 10 crore
stated that the ministry is implementing Deendayal poor families for Rs 5 lakh per family per year.
Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission • It covers both preventive and promotive health.
(DAY-NRLM) across the country. 18. Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal for farmers launched by
• The aim of the schme is to organized the rural poor Haryana – The Chief Minister of Haryana Government
women into Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Manohar Lal Khattar has launched online portal named
continuously supporting them to take economic “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” for farmers to directly avail crop
activities till they come out of poverty and reach related benefits of state government schemes after self -
an good-level of increase in income to improve reporting their land and crop-related details.
their quality of life. 19. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme – Government of India has
Rashtriya Aajeevika Mission fixed the price at Rs.3,443 per gram for the new series of
• It is a poverty alleviation scheme launched in 2011 Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) opening July 8.
as National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and • Union Finance Ministry recently announced that
was succeeded by Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana in Centre in consultation with Reserve Bank of India
2016. (RBI) has decided to allow a discount of Rs. 50 per
gram from issue price to those investors who apply
15. Kaushal Yuva Samwaad” – To commemorate World Youth online and payment which is made via digital
Skills Day (July 15) and celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the mode.

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Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 22. Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra
• It was launched by Government of India in Singh Shekhawat recently launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan- a
November 2015 with the goal of reducing the campaign for water conservation and water security in 1592
demand for physical gold and shifting a part of stressed blocks in 256 districts.
domestic savings, used for purchase of gold, into • It is a collaborative effort of various Union
financial savings. Ministries and State Governments, being
• Under the SGB scheme, bonds are denominated in coordinated by Department of Drinking Water and
units of 1 gram of gold and multiples thereof. Sanitation (DDWS).
• Minimum Investment: in bonds is 1 gram and a 23. UP launches Dastak Campaign to eradicate AES & JE –
maximum limit of subscription of 500 Uttar Pradesh government has launched a massive
gram/person/fiscal year (April-March). campaign called ‘Dastak’ to eradicate deadly Acute
• Maximum Limit: of subscription is 4 kg for an Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
individual and Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and disease.
20 kg maximum subscription limit for trusts and 24. West Bengal introduces free crop insurance scheme
similar entities per fiscal (April-March). Bangla Shashya Bima for farmers
20. UGC approves a scheme “STRIDE” to boost research • On June 28, 2019, West Bengal Government
culture in India – University Grants Commission has launched a crop insurance scheme, Bangla Shashya
approved a ‘Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for Bima (BSB) for the 2019 ‘Kharif’ season to protect
India’s Developing Economy’ to boost research culture in farmers from losses due to natural disasters and
India. provide a steady income in case of unstable market
• STRIDE stands for Scheme for Trans-disciplinary prices.
Research for India’s Developing Economy. 25. ‘Go Tribal’ campaign launched – Go Tribal campaign, was
• launched by Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED
Key points (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of
• It will provide support to research projects that are India) in association with Amazon Global.
socially relevant, locally need-based, nationally • Amazon, an e-commerce giant company will
important and globally significant. market ‘Tribes India‘ collections under sections of
• An advisory Bhushan Patwardhan committee set ‘Tribes of India Heritage Collection.
up by UGC under chairmanship of Prof Bhushan • Objective is to create awareness and promote
Patwardhan, Vice Chairman, UGC will oversee tribal arts and crafts as well as help in socio-
entire scheme. economic welfare of more than 700 Indian tribes.
21. ‘One nation one ration card’ scheme from July 1, 2020 – TRIFED
‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme will be available • TRIFED is an organization that functions under the aegis
across the country from July 1, 2020. of Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and is engaged in
• The scheme will allow portability of food security marketing development of tribal products including
benefits according to which the poor migrant tribal art and craft under the brand name of TRIBES
workers will be able to buy subsidised rice and INDIA.
wheat from any ration shop in the country as long
as their ration cards are linked to Aadhaar.
June

1. Union Cabinet approves extension of PM-KISAN scheme – • PM-KISAN scheme was launched in Uttar Pradesh’s
The government has extended the extension of Pradhan Gorakhpur on 24th February 2019.
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to all the farmers in Key points of the scheme
the country. • Aim - to provide to provide income support to
• Earlier the benefit of the scheme was applicable to all small and Marginal landholding farmer.
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• Objective - The main objective of the 4. E-Governance Initiatives for ST Welfare Schemes - Arjun
government to launch this scheme is the Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs launched the “e-
development of farmers by the provision of governance initiatives for ST Welfare schemes” at a function
financial assistance which can utilize by the organized by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
farmer to increase the crop production every • These e-governance initiatives will serve their
year. purpose of the betterment of tribal communities
Benefits of the Scheme across the nation.
• As per government norms, the farmers will get the 5. Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income
benefit of Direct Income support of Rs. 6,000 per year Augmentation (Kalia) scheme - Odisha government has
(500 Rs per month) allocated an additional Rs 3,234 crore for covering more
• This fund will be transferred directly into the bank farmers under the Kalia scheme during 2019-20.
accounts of beneficiary farmers through 3 equal • Under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and
instalments of Rs. 2000 every four months into the Income Augmentation (Kalia) scheme, farmers get
Aadhar ceded bank accounts of eligible landholding Rs 5,000 financial assistance per crop.
SMFs families. • A farm household is entitled to get Rs 10,000 per
• 2 per cent interest subvention to farmers pursuing year for two crops (Kharif and Rabi),
animal husbandry and fisheries. 6. PM Modi hikes National Defence Fund scholarship
• All farmers severely affected by severe natural assistance – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
calamities will get 2% interest subvention who avail changes to the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for
loan through Kisan Credit Card and additional 3% wards of deceased defence personnel under the National
interest subvention upon timely repayment of crop Defence Fund.
loans. Key points:
Fund allocation • Scholarship Rate: The rates of scholarship have
• The government has allocated Rs 75,000 crore towards been increased from Rs.2000pm (per month) to
the scheme for financial year 2020. Rs.2500pm for boys and from Rs. 2250pm to
2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana - The Union Cabinet Rs.3000pm for girls.
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved • Scholarship Extended: The ambit of Prime
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana, a new Central Sector Minister’s Scholarship Scheme is now extended to
Scheme (CSS), to provide pension cover to farmers. include the wards of State Police officials who are
Key Features of Scheme or were martyred during terror or naxal attacks.
• It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme for The new scholarships quota for wards of state
all Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) across the police officials will be 500 in one year.
country. • Nodal ministry - For the implementation of it the
• Eligibility: Entry age of 18 to 40 years with provision Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be the nodal
of minimum fixed pension of Rs.3,000 on attaining Ministry.
the age of 60 years. About National Defence Fund
• Contribution: Beneficiary farmer of this scheme is • NDF was set up in 1962.
required to contribute Rs 100 per month at median • It was meant to take charge of voluntary donations
entry age of 29 years. (in cash and kind) received for promotion of
3. Government launches DBT Tribal web portal - Union national defence effort, and also to decide on their
Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched DBT Tribal web portal to utilisation.
streamline and expedite the process of releasing • National Defence Fund also accepts online
scholarship grants directly into bank accounts of beneficiary voluntary contributions.
students. • NDF is used for welfare of members of Armed
• The portal provide single common platform to Forces, Para Military forces and Railway Protection
states to upload data related to beneficiaries, raise Force, and their dependents.
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• Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme’ (PMSS) is for the girls in class 9 to 12, the financial aid has
implemented under NDF. been increased to Rs 2,500 from Rs 1,500.
• The National Defence Fund is administered by an • Similarly, the government has also increased ex-
executive committee that has the Prime Minister as gratia payment to the next of kin of an official killed
the chairperson and the Defence, Finance and on election duty to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 15 lakh.
Home Ministers as members. 9. Telangana enhances Rythu Bandhu scheme to Rs 5000 per
7. Cabinet approved new initiative to control FMD and acre per season - The Telangana Government has issued a
Brucellosis - Union Cabinet has approved new initiative notification to extend the Rythu Bandhu scheme for 2019-
(scheme) to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 20, while enhancing the amount from Rs 4000 to Rs 5000.
Brucellosis to support the livestock rearing farmers and About Scheme
improve the health of animals. • The scheme aimed at providing income support to
• This initiative aims to fully control these diseases the agriculturists directly to back their crops.
amongst livestock in the country in next five years • Now the scheme provides Initial Investment
and subsequently eradicate these diseases. support to agriculture and horticulture crops
• Cabinet has cleared a total outlay of Rs. 13,343 through a grant of Rs 5000 per acre per farmer
crores for this scheme and entire cost will be now each season towards purchase of inputs like seeds,
borne by Central Government. fertilisers, pesticides, labour and other filed
8. ‘Aapki Beti’ scheme – Rajasthan government has increased operation.
the financial assistance given to school girls under the • The amount would be paid through electronic
‘Aapki Beti’ scheme. transfer to all the pattadars and title holders
• Under the Aapki Beti scheme, girls living under the through e-Kuber, the RBI payment platform.
Below Poverty Line (BPL) and whose mother or • In 2018, scheme was launched by Telangana CM K
father or both have died to get annual financial Chandrasekar Rao.
assistance in the state.
• The amount has been increased to Rs 2,100 from
Rs 1,100 for the girls studying in class 1 to 8 and

Summits & Conference

November

1. The 9th Regional Comprehensive Economic Note:The first summit held in Wuhan in the wake of
Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting the Doklam crisis in April, 2018.
held in -- Bangkok, Thailand. 5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on
Note: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme in -- Delhi.
represented India in the meeting. Note: Under the initiative, the government plans to
2. State Power Ministers’ Conference held in --- Gujarat. hold people-to-people exchange between states to
Note: The 2-day conference discussed on policies enhance knowledge about each-others culture. ‘Ek
related to emerging technologies in sustainable and Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ highlights India’s diversity
renewable energy sector. and furthers national unity.
3. The 1st India Sports Summit 2019 held in -- New 6. The first National Hindi Science writers conference
Delhi. 2019 held in -- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Note: According to Minister of State for Youth and Note: A dedicated website
Sports Kiren Rijiju, ‘Fit India’ mission office would be WWW.VIGYANLEKHAN.COM has been prepared for
set up, with the help of the Confederation of Indian this event.
Industry (CII), to promote the aforementioned goals. 7. Union minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated a
4. The 2nd “India-China Informal Summit” held at conference on --- ‘One Nation One Tag – FASTag.
Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.

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Note: Under this system the same FASTag affixed on 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the11th
the windscreen of a vehicle can be used to pay toll BRICS Summit in -- Brasilia, Brazil.
across all toll plazas in the country. Note: The theme of the Summit this year is “Economic
8. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st Growth for an Innovative Future”.
DRDO Directors Conference in -- New Delhi. 18. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating 10th
9. Who will host the 91st Interpol General Assembly in Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine in -- New
2022 --- India. Delhi.
Note: All major decisions affecting general policy, the Note: The Government of India has made it
resources needed for international cooperation, mandatory for all medical college hospitals to have
working methods and finances are deliberated and full-fledged Emergency Departments by 2022 with an
discussed by representatives. aim to improve trauma car
10. Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 11th Edition of 19. National Capital Region -2041” conclave held in ---
Nuclear Energy Conclave 2019 in -- New Delhi. Delhi
Note: The theme of the Conclave: “Economics of Note: This conclave is organized by the National
Nuclear Power- Innovation towards Safer & Cost- Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB). The theme of
Effective Technologies”. It was organized by India the conclave was “Planning for Tomorrow’s Greatest
Energy Forum (IEF). A “Hall of Nuclear Energy” was Capital Region”.
opened to educate the students and the general public 20. 19th council of heads of government of the Shanghai
about the applications of nuclear energy, in Pragati Cooperation Organisation 2020 will be held in – India.
Maidan in Delhi. 21. The 27th Conference of Central and State Statistical
11. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in -- Organizations (COCSSO) held in -- Kolkata.
Baku, Azerbaijan. Note: The theme of this conference was “Sustainable
Note: The Non-Alignment Movement was founded in Development Goals (SDGs)” which highlights the
1961. India is a founding member of the NAM summit. actions taken by the Ministry of Statistics and
12. The first India-Bangladesh Stakeholders’ meet was Programme Implementation (MoSPI) for a strong
held in -- Guwahati. observing mechanism for Sustainable Development
Note: A 70-member delegation from Bangladesh is Goals (SDGs).
participating in the meet, while a similar top-level 22. India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
team will represent the host nation. Nations) Business Summit 2019 held in --- New Delhi.
13. The Global Bio-India 2019 held for the first time in 23. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Forum of
India -- New Delhi. Young Scientists and Innovators in 2020 will be
Note: A brochure of GlobalBio-India 2019 was also hosted by -- India
released at the Curtain Raiser ceremony. 24. Global Bio-India Summit 2019 held in -- New Delhi.
14. The 9th edition of Bangladesh-India Friendship Note: It will bring academia, innovators, researchers,
Dialogue will be held at -- Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. start-ups, medium and large companies together on
Note: The dialogue aims to draw from learning and the same platform.
experiences in these sectors between India and 25. 8th International Conference on Agricultural Statistics
Bangladesh. will be held in – India.
15. The 35th ASEAN Summit began in --- Bangkok, Note: The conference will be held with the theme of
Thailand. ‘Statistics for Transformation of Agriculture to Achieve
Note: 10 ASEAN member countries: Indonesia, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’.
Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, 26. The Women and Child Development Minister
Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Laos. The Smriti Irani addressed the 2nd edition of South Asia
theme of the summit for this year is “Advancing Safety Summit in - New Delhi.
Partnership for Sustainability”. Note: The summit was joined by over 100
16. The 6th parliamentary summit of G20 countries, held organisations from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
in --- Tokyo, Japan. Afghanistan, and India.
Note: Lok sabha speaker Om Birla composed the
Indian Parliament delegation.

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October

1. C40 Summit will be held in Copenhagen – The C40 Summit 3. Kochi to host national health informatics meet in 2020 –
is to take place in Copenhagen between 9th October and The 20th National Health Informatics conference will be
12th October, 2019. The aim of the summit is to show how held in Kochi on February 7 and 8 next year.
cities are delivering their strong commitments for healthier, • The conference will be jointly organised by the
sustainable, resilient and inclusive future. Health Informatics and Information Management
2. Second edition of informal summit between India and Association (HIIMA), Kerala, and the Health Records
China – Mamallpuram, Tamil Nadu Association of India (HERAI).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese • The theme of the conference – Medrecon 2020 – is
President Xi Jinping, who would be visiting ‘Value of Data in Health Care Ecosystem’.
Mamallapuram for the second edition of the 4. India Economic Summit was held in New Delhi.
informal summit between India and China. Note:
• The summit will be held from October 11-October • The World Economic Forum is organizing India
12. Economic Summit on October 3 – 4, 2019 in New
Note: Delhi.
• Mamallapuram is also known as Seven Pagodas or • It is hosted in collaboration with CII –
Mahabalipuram. Marco Polo and other Europeans Confederation of Indian Industry.
named it Seven Pagodas
September

1. UN Climate Change Summit 2020 – Glasgow, UK • The theme of this World Energy Congress is
• The COP26 meeting, under the auspices of the UN, “Energy for Prosperity”.
will take place in Glasgow in December 2020. • It was held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa
2. UN Climate Action Summit 2019 – New York bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at 7. The 1st conference on military medicine for the Shanghai
the UN Climate Action Summit 2019 which was Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states held in
held on 23 September in New York. Delhi.
• Sweden's 16-year-old environmental activist Greta 8. The 9th India-China Financial dialogue was held in New
Thunberg shook world leaders with her speech at Delhi.
the United Nations, accusing world leaders of 9. First India-Caribbean Summit – 2019 was held in New York.
failing to take action on climate change. Note:
3. International Conference on Sindh held in London – The • Prime Minister Modi met the leaders of the
World Sindhi Congress (WSC) hosted a 31st international Caribbean Community on 25th September, 2019, in
conference on Sindh in London. New York.
4. 7th World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2019 held in • At the meeting, PM Modi announced 14 million
Mumbai – 7th World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2019 USD grant for community development projects in
held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The theme of (WHEF) 2019 the region. He also extended 150 million USD of
“Prosperous Society: Stronger Society”. line of credit for renewable energy, solar and
5. International conference ‘ANGAN’ organized in New Delhi climate change related projects.
- International conference ANGAN (Augmenting Nature by 10. SAARC Council of Ministers meeting – The SAARC Council
Green Affordable New-habitat) for Energy Efficiency in the of Ministers meeting was held on New York on 26th
Building Sector is being organized by the Bureau of Energy September 2019.
Efficiency in New Delhi. • The 2020 SAARC Summit will take place in
6. 24th World Energy Congress commence in Abu Dhabi, Islamabad, Pakistan.
UAE. • The last and the 18th SAARC summit was held in
Kathmandu, Nepal.

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About SAARC • For the first time, India is hosting the Conference of
• SAARC is South Asian Association for Regional Parties (COP14) to the United Nations Convention
Cooperation. to combat desertification (UNCCD).
• The 8 member nations of the grouping are - • The 14th session of the Conference of Parties (COP)
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, of UNCCD began at the India Mart and Expo, in
Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Greater Noida.
• Headquarters of SAARC is in Kathmandu, Nepal. • The conference began on September 2 and will end
11. Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 held in Male – on September 13, 2019.
Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 was recently held in Note:
Male, capital of Maldives. • The current Union Minister of Environment, Forest and
• The two-day conference was held from 3-4 Climate Change is Prakash Javadekar.
September 2019. 18. 4th General Assembly of A-WEB held at Bengaluru
• Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was • The Election Commission of India hosted the 4th
one of the speakers at Indian Ocean Conference General Assembly of Association of World Election
2019 event. Bodies (A-WEB) at Bengaluru on 3rd September
12. India’s first-ever helicopter summit held in Dehradun – 2019.
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation organised country’s first • India will take over as A-WEB’s Chair for the 2019-
ever helicopter summit at Sahastradhara helidrome in 21 term.
Dehradun, capital of Uttarakhand. The summit was based 19. 72nd Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-
on theme of expanding connectivity through helicopters. East Asia held in New Delhi - Union Minister of Health and
13. Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh co-chaired the Family Welfare inaugurated the 72nd Session of the WHO
Japan–India Defence Ministerial Meeting with Defence Regional Committee for South-East Asia held in New Delhi.
Minister of Japan Takeshi lwaya in Tokyo, Japan. • The committee is the highest decision making and
14. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addresses 8th Seoul governing body of WHO in the region.
Defense Defence Dialogue 2019 – Defence Minister Rajnath • Dr Harsh Vardhan was unanimously elected as
Singh delivered a keynote address at ‘Seoul Defence Chair of the 72nd Session of the WHO Regional
Dialogue 2019’ during his visit to South Korea. Committee for South-East Asia.
• The theme of Defence Dialogue was- ‘Building 20. National Conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a
Peace Together: Challenges and Vision’. Defence Changing Global Order: Priorities, Prospects and
Minister is on a 3-day visit to Seoul. Challenges’ held in New Delhi.
15. India hosts 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue – • It was organized by Indian Council of World Affairs
India is hosting 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (ICWA).
(SED) in New Delhi. 21. India-New Development Bank Workshop held in New Delhi
• The three-day Dialogue was held from 7-9 – A joint India- New Development Bank workshop was held
September 2019. in New Delhi. The workshop was organized to enhance the
• It was chaired by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv NDB’s engagement with the India’s private and public
Kumar and Chinese side will led by chairman, sector.
National Development and Reforms Commission Note:
(NDRC). • The NDB is the first Multilateral Development Bank
16. 20th India-Russia Summit talks conclude in Vladivostok established by developing countries and emerging
• The 20th India-Russia annual summit held in economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Vladivostok, Russia. 22. Japan–India Defence Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo,
• During the summit, India and Russia have signed 15 Japan – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the
agreements in several areas in the presence of Japan–India Defence Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin. Japan.
17. For the first time, India is hosting COP14 of UNCCD • Japan’s delegation was represented by Defence
Minister of Japan Mr Takeshi lwaya.

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August

1. 45th G7 Summit held in Biarritz, France – The 45th edition • The theme of the summit was “Towards New
of the G7 Summit was held in Biarritz, France from 24-26th National Cyber Security Strategy”.
August 2019. 8. 28th BASIC Ministerial meeting on Climate Change held in
• It is an informal meeting between France, the Brazil – BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and
United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China) held their 28th Ministerial meeting on Climate
Japan, Italy and Canada as well as the European Change recently in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Union. • In this meeting, India was represented by
• India has been invited as a special guest in the Union Environment Minister Prakash
summit. PM Narendra Modi will address sessions Javadekar.
on environment, climate, oceans and digital 9. 5th BRICS Minister of Environment Meeting held in Sao
transformation at the G7 Summit. Paulo, Brazil
Note: • The Indian delegation was led by Union
• The 46th G7 summit will be held in 2020 in the United Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate
States. Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar.
2. 4th edition of Internet of Things (IoT) India Congress 2019 10. Udaipur to host India’s Largest Education Brainstorm – The
• The 4th edition of India’s largest confluence of digital 3rd edition of India’s largest education brainstorming event,
technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) India Congress the ScooNews Global Educators Fest (SGEF) will held in the
2019 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. city of lakes, Udaipur.
• Theme is - ‘Mainstreaming the Internet of Things’. • The theme for fest is Education for
3. 2019 Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHOD) Conference Sustainability: Moving on from Conformity to
held in Bangkok, Thailand Creativity’.
• The theme for the conference is “Collaboration in a 11. 3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave held in
free and Open Indo – Pacific”. Manesar – The 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave
4. 7th ‘Community Radio Sammelan’ held in New Delhi was inaugurated at the International Centre for Automotive
• The theme of this year’s Sammelan is ‘Community Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Haryana.
Radio for SDGs’. 12. 10th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation in Bangkok – External
5. First World Youth Conference held in New Delhi. Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended 10th Mekong-Ganga
• President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the first- Cooperation (MGC) in Thailand’s Bangkok.
ever World Youth Conference. Which was 13. HRD Minister inaugurates Technology Expo at IIT Delhi –
organised by the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Human Resources Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal
Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Nishank inaugurated Technology Expo at IIT Delhi to
Development (MGIEP) at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi. showcase the latest innovation in the field of science and
• The theme of the conference was ‘Vasudhaiva technology.
Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World: 14. Global Investors Summit 2019 will be held in Srinagar, J&K
Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of • A 3-day Global Investors Summit 2019 starting
Mahatma Gandhi. from October 12, 2019, will be held in Srinagar,
6. CoP18 of CITES held in Geneva - The 18th Conference of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) which will provide
the Parties (CoP18) of Convention on International Trade in the state an opportunity to showcase its
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was strengths, strategies, and potential.
recently held in Geneva, Switzerland. 15. Foreign Ministers from South East Asia attend 52nd ASEAN
7. 12th India Security Summit held in New Delhi summit – Foreign Ministers from South East Asia are
• The 12th India Security Summit was held in New attending the 52nd ASEAN summit in Bangkok.
Delhi. • The annual meeting opened with a call from
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expand trade and bolster prosperity in the • The theme of the conference is ‘Digital India:
region amid rising global challenges. Success to Excellence’.
16. 22nd National Conference on e-Governance - Shillong,
Meghalaya
July

1. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial meeting was 7. 14th conference of Parties to be hosted by India - India will
held in Caracas, Venezuela host the 14th conference of the parties from September 02
• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN to 13, 2019 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin represented India in • Three crucial issues in this conference are
the meeting. desertification, land degradation and drought.
• The movement had 125 members and 25 observer 8. First Global Conference for Media Freedom was held in
countries. London.
• The headquarters of NAM is in Central Jakarta, • The conference was co-hosted by the UK and
Indonesia Canada.
2. BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting 2019 held in Rio De 9. The US India Strategic and Partnership Forum 2nd annual
Janeiro, Brazil leadership summit held in Washington, US.
• India was represented by Gen. (retd) VK Singh who 10. India-Nepal Logistics Summit organised in Kathmandu –
is the Union Minister of State for Road Transport India-Nepal Logistics Summit was organised in Kathmandu,
and Highways. Nepal on 28 July 2019. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister
• BRICS member countries - Brazil, Russia, India, of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. Theme for Summit was:
China and South Africa Transforming Logistics Landscape.
3. 44th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2020 11. G20 Summit 2019 – was held in Osaka, Japan from 28 – 29
• The city of Fuzhou (China) will host the 44th session June 2019.
of the World Heritage Committee in 2020 Highlights
• In the event of 43rd session of the World Heritage
Committee meeting 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan( June • Prime Minister’s sherpa for the G20 summit Suresh
30 to July 10,2019), the UNESCO(United Nations Prabhu attended G20 Sherpa meeting at Osaka in
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Japan.
announced that the Chinese city of Fuzhou will host • Sister City Partnership: LoI shared between
the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee Ahmedabad and Kobe – A Letter of Intent (LoI) was
in 2020. exchanged between Ahmedabad and Japanese city
4. Lucknow to host DefExpo 2020 of Kobe for a sister city partnership.
• Lucknow will host the 11th biennial edition of • Osaka Track” - India, South Africa, and Indonesia
DefExpo from February 5 to 8, 2020. boycotted the “Osaka Track” on the “digital
• The focus of the Expo will be on “Digital economy”.
transformation of defence”. • PM Modi outlined 5 I vision in G-20 meet at Osaka
• The main theme of DefExpo India-2020 will be to maximize digital technology for social benefit.
“India: the emerging defence manufacturing hub” • The 5 ‘I’s (5I Vision) are — Inclusiveness,
5. The International Police Expo 2019 was held at Pragati Indigenisation, Innovation, Investment in
Maidan in New Delhi. infrastructure & International cooperation.
• Theme ‘Challenges to strengthen peace and • Over the next five years, India aims to become a 5
security’ trillion dollar economy and setting up of 50,000
6. The 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting start-ups in 5 years was the goal.
was held in London, UK. • India is also planning to run its first bullet train
• India External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar between Mumbai and Ahmedabad with Japan’s
attended the meeting. help.

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Participants • India has received an invitation from France to
• Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, attend the outreach Session at the G-7 Summit to
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, be held in France in August 2019. Prime Minister
Republic of Korea, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation from
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of French President to attend the outreach session of
America and European Union. the G7 Summit in Biarritz as a special invitee.
12. Women Startup Summit - Kerala Startup Mission to host 15. First ever IICTF to be held in India – The first ever India
Women Startup Summit in Kochi on August 1 International Cooperatives Trade Fair (IICTF) to be held in
13. The 3rd edition of International Sunflower Seed and Oil New Delhi, India.
Conference (ISSOC) 2019 will be held in Mumbai • It is a unique initiative for taking farmers, artisans &
• India will be hosting the 3rd edition of International other members of cooperatives directly to the
Sunflower Seed and Oil Conference (ISSOC) 2019 in global trade arena which will be held from 11th till
Maharashtra, Mumbai (on July 19-20). 13th October 2019 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
14. G-7 Summit to be held in France in August 2019.
June

1. G20 Finance Ministers’ Meeting – Fukuoka, Japan • At present, KPCS has 55 members representing 82
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend countries including EU with 28 members.
the two-day meeting of G-20 Finance Ministers and • The Kimberley Process is a joint initiative involving
central bank governors in Japan. Government, international diamond industry and
2. G20 Ministerial meeting on Trade and Digital Economy – civil society to stem the flow of Conflict Diamonds.
Tsukuba, Japan. • Conflict Diamonds means rough diamonds used by
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict
represented the Indian delegation. aimed at undermining legitimate governments.
Note: • It is also described in United Nations Security
Japan will host the G20 summit for the first time in 2019 Council (UNSC) Resolutions.
• Japan is going to host this year G20 Summit in the 5. G-7 Summit 2019 will be held in France in August 2019.
city of Osaka. Note:
• The G20 Osaka Summit will be held from June 28 to • The 45th G7 summit will be held on August 25–27,
29, 2019 in Japan. 2019, in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
• The summit under Japanese presidency is cantered • G7 member countries – China, France, Germany,
around the theme "Human centered future Italy, Japan, UK, US.
society". • The President of the European Commission has
3. Saudi Arabia to host G20 Summit in 2020 been a permanently welcome participant at all
Note: meetings and decision-making since 1981.
• Saudi Arabia (first G20 meeting in the Arab world) • The 44th G7 summit was held on 8–9 June 2018, in
will host the G20 summit on 21-22 November 2020 La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada.
in its capital Riyadh. 6. 2nd Global Disability Summit - Buenos Aires, Argentina was
• Italy will host the G20 Summit in 2021. held from 6th June to 8th June 2019.
• India will host the G20 Summit in 2022 when the • India a delegation headed by Union Minister for
country celebrates its 75th year of Independence. Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand
Gehlot.
4. The Intersessional meeting of Kimberley Process (KP) was
held in Mumbai. • ‘1st Global Disability Summit’ held at London, UK in
Note: July 2018.
7. 14th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit was held
• India is one of the founder members of Kimberley
in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Process Certification Scheme.

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8. Fifth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held • The second edition of World Food India to be held
in New Delhi. from 1st to 4th November 2019 in New Delhi,
• The fifth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI which will position India as Food Processing
Aayog was held under the chairmanship of the Destination of the World.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi. • The tagline of the event will be “Forging
9. World Food India to be held in New Delhi Partnerships for Growth”.

Books & Author

1. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has released the 8. Bill Gates’ Book titled “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The
monograph, the Musical Excellence of Mridangam in Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” will be
Chennai. released -- June 2020.
Note: The book was authored by mridangam Note:
maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee 9. Book titled “India in a Warming world: Integrating Climate
Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman and former scientists Change and Development” will be published by –-Oxford
T. Ramasami (former Secretary of the Department University Press(OUP).
of Science and Technology) and M.D. Naresh. 10. Book titled “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a
2. CJI Ranjan Gogoi releases Assamese version of book -- Champion’s Life” - written by Viswanathan Anand.
'Courts of India: Past to Present'. Note: The book is based on the experience he had in the
Note: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has game of Chess.
inaugurated the Assamese version of the book 11. Book titled ‘Bridgital Nation’ – written by N
Courts of India: Past to Present' in Guwahati. The Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Roopa
book has captured the historical developments Purushothaman Eminent industrialist.
which took place in the history of the nation's Note: The book presents a powerful vision of the future
courts. where technology and human beings co-exist in a mutually
3. Writer and columnist, Harish Bhat’s new novel was beneficial ecosystem.
launched in Mumbai -- An Extreme Love of Coffee. 12. “Ten Studies in Kashmir: History and Politics” - written by
Note: The novel is published by Penguin Random Kashi Nath Pandit.
House India with the collaboration of Tata Note: A new book looks at the riveting history of Jammu
Starbucks. This is his third book but the first and Kashmir from the time of its political and geographic
fiction and it took Bhat about 8 months to consolidation to the abrogation of the state’s special status.
complete. The book is a story about two young 13. Book titled “The Tech Whisperer” written by - Jaspreet
people, Rahul, and Neha who follow their passion Bindra
for coffee. 14. Book titled ‘Reset: Regaining India’s Economic Legacy’ -
written by Subramanian Swamy (BJP MP)
4. Jal Shakti Minister releases short documentary film --
15. ‘Professor Ayushman’ a comic book released by Ayush
SHIKHAR SE PUKAR.
Ministry in New Delhi
5. ‘Hemant Karkare: A Daughters Memoir’, book written
16. Book titled “Being Gandhi” authored by Paro Anand
by -- Jui Karkare Navare. 17. Book titled “The Cousins Thackeray: Uddhav, Raj and the
6. Former cricket umpire and author of ‘Finding The Shadow of their Senas” written by the journalist Dhaval
Gaps’ is -- Simon Taufel. Kulkarni
7. Book titled “150 Years of Celebrating the Mahatma the 18. Book titled “Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past, 1883-
South African Legacy”, -- written by Fakir Hassen 1924″ written by Bengaluru-based historian Vikram
Note: This book released on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth Sampath
anniversary. 19. Book titled ‘Fortune Turners: The Quartet That Spun India
To Glory’ written by - Aditya Bhushan and Sachin Bajaj.

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Note: The book on India’s 4 spin legends: Bishan Singh Bedi, 36. Book titled ‘Function of Data Sovereignty: The Pursuit of
Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar and S. Supremacy’ authored by - Vinit Goenka
Venkataraghavan. 37. Book titled ‘Cricket World Cup: The Indian Challenge” –
20. Book titled ‘A Short History of Indian Railways’ written by authored by - Ashis Ray
Rajendra B Aklekar 38. Book titled - Politics of Jugaad: The Coalition Handbook -
21. Book titled ‘Big Billion Startup’: The Untold Flipkart Story - Journalist Saba Naqvi
written by Mihir Dalal 39. Book titled 'Darkness to light' - Former American
22. The Book titled ‘Kashmir’s untold story: Declassification’- professional basketball player, Lamar Odom.
author of the book is Delhi- based filmmaker Iqbal Chand 40. Book titled "No Presents Please’ is authored by - Jayant
Malhotra and defense analyst Maroof Raza. Kaikini
23. Book ‘Resurgent India’ – Book authored by former 41. Book titled “Game Changer” autobiography of - Shahid
Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Bimal Jalan Afridi (Pakistan’s former Cricket team captain). The book is
24. The book, titled ‘Sridevi: Girl Woman Superstar’ authored co-authored by Afridi and journalist Wajahat S Khan.
by screenwriter Satyarth Nayak. 42. Book titled “Indian Fiscal Federalism” authored by - Dr. Y.
25. Vice President’s book titled “Listening, Learning & Leading” V. Reddy, former Governor of RBI and Chairman of the 14th
released – Home Minister Amit Shah released a Vice Finance Commission of India (The Chairman of 15th Finance
President M Venkaiah Naidu’s book titled “Listening, Commission of India, N.K. Singh launched the book)
Learning & Leading”. 43. Book titled ‘Saffron Swords’ authored by - Manoshi Sinha
26. PM Modi releases book on former PM Chandra Shekhar – Rawal
PM Narendra Modi releases book “Chandra Shekhar – The 44. Book titled “The Third Pillar - How Markets and the State
Last Icon of Ideological Politics” is written by Deputy leave the Community Behind” authored by –Raghuram
Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh and Ravi Dutt Rajan (Former Governor of RBI)
Bajpai in New Delhi. 45. Book titled ‘Every Vote Counts: The Story of India's
27. Book ‘Who Stole My Job’ authored by Sunil Mishra Elections’ authored by - former Chief Election
28. The coffee table book titled ‘Fire and Fury Corps – Saga of Commissioner Navin Chawla. Former Vice-President Hamid
Valour, Fortitude and Sacrifice’, was released by Northern Ansari launched the book.
Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh. 46. Book titled “India Positive” authored by - Chetan Bhagat
Note: This book showcases the courage and bravery of the 47. Book titled ‘Simplicity & Wisdom’ authored by - Mr. Dinesh
Fire and Fury Warriors and portrays the rich heritage and Shahra
ethos of the Indian Army. 48. Book titled ‘ Khooni Vaisakhi’ authored by -- Nanak Singh
29. Book titled ‘Vivekadeepini’ – authored by Adi (Jallianwala Bagh survivor)
Shankaracharya Note: A poem on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, ‘Khooni
30. Book titled “A Prime Minister to Remember,” – authored by Vaisakhi’, by Punjabi writer Nanak Singh has now been
former Navy Chief Admiral Sushil Kumar translated into English.
31. Book titled ‘The New Delhi Conspiracy’ – authored by 5. • It was banned by the British in 1920. Singh was
BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi present at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, and
32. Book titled ‘War over Words: Censorship in India, 1930- was 22 years old at the time.
1960” authored by Devika Sethi • A book containing English translation of the 100-
33. Book titled ‘Whispers of Time’ authored by Dr. Krishna year-old classic Punjabi poem about Jallianwala
Saksena Bagh massacre, ‘Khooni Vaisakhi’ has been released
34. Autobiography titled 'Lessons Life Taught Me, in Abu Dhabi.
Unknowingly' - autobiography of veteran Bollywood actor • India’s Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri
Anupam Kher commended the launch of the book.
35. Autobiography titled- ‘My Life, My Mission’ – • It will be published by Harper Collins India in March
authobiography of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev to mark the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh.
• The book is co-authored with senior journalist Uday 49. Book titled “Quality, Accreditation & Ranking” authored by -
Mahurkar. Dr. H Chaturvedi

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50. Book titled ‘Mann Ki Baat – A Social Revolution on Radio’ 53. Book titled “Undaunted: Saving the Idea of India” authored
51. Arun Jaitley releases book titled ‘Mann Ki Baat – A Social by - P Chidambaram (former Finance Minister)
Revolution on Radio’ authored by - BlueKraft Digital 54. Book titled 'We are Displaced' authored by - Malala
Foundation Yousafzai
52. Book titled ‘Moving On, Moving Forward: A year in Office’ - 55. A book titled ‘Changing India’ written by – Former PM
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu Manmohan Singh
Obituaries
November

1. Former judge of the Supreme Court and former Lokayukta in electoral reforms that changed the face of Indian
of Karnataka Venkatachala passed away. elections.
Note: Venkatachala was known for bringing to light the 7. Ramakant Gundecha: Padma Shri-awardee Dhrupad
existence of Karnataka’s autonomous anti-corruption wing vocalist passed away.
as the Lokayukta by conducting raids on public servants and Note: He was awarded the Padma Shri for 2012 in the field
disclosing their names and particulars of seized assets. He of Art – Indian Classical Music – Vocal along with his brother
was Lokayukta from July 3, 2001, to July 2, 2006. Umakant Gundecha. Dhrupad is a genre in Hindustani
2. Geetanjali Ramakrishna: Vetrean Telugu actress passed classical music from the Indian subcontinent and is related
away to the South Indian Carnatic tradition.
Note: She had an illustrious career spanning nearly six 8. Sahitya Akademi awardee writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen
decades by doing movies not just in Telugu, but also in passed away.
other South Indian languages. Some of her popular works Note: She was also the recipient of the Padma Shri in 2000.
include Seetharama Kalyanam, Deivathin Deivam, She is the founder and president of the West Bengal
Swapnangal, Parasmani, Gudachari 116 and Bobbili Women Writers’ Association.
Yuddham. 9. Kailash Joshi: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
3. Gurudas Dasgupta: Veteran communist leader and trade Note: He was MLA for eight terms and also served as a
unionist passed away. member of both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha
Note: Dasgupta became a member of the Rajya Sabha in 10. Vashishth Narayan Singh: Famous Indian mathematician
1985. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha from Panskura passed away.
and Ghatal constituencies of West Bengal in 2004 and 2009 Note: The 77-year old had been suffering from
respectively. Schizophrenia for 40 years. Vashishth Narayan Singh was
4. Krishnan Kumar Modi: Noted industrialist & Chairman of famous for his extraordinary skills of calculation, challenged
Modi Enterprises passed away. Einstein's theory of relativity.
Note: Mr. Modi served as the chairman of Modi 11. Kshiti Goswami: former West Bengal Minister & The
Enterprises, which includes companies like Godfrey Phillips, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP).
Indofil Industries and Modicare. He was the eldest son of Note: Goswami was PWD Minister in Jyoti Basu and
late Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi (founder of the city of Buddhadev Bhattacharjee’s cabinet in the Left Front
Modi Nagar). Government in the State.
5. Babasaheb Dhabekar: Senior Congress party leader & 12. Veteran actor Shaukat Kaifi passed away.
former Maharashtra minister passed away in Mumbai Note: Kaifi’s husband was the celebrated Urdu poet and
Note: Mr. Dhabekar was water resources minister when the film lyricist, Kaifi Azmi. Kaifi and Shaukat were leaders of
Shiv Sena-BJP alliance government came to power for the the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) and the
first time in the 1990s. Progressive Writers Association (IWA).
6. TN Seshan: Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) 13. Famous Indian mathematician Vashishth Narayan Singh
Note: Mr Seshan (IAS Officer: 1955 batch) was appointed passed away.
CEC on 12th December 1990 during the P V Narasimha Rao
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Note: Vashishth Narayan Singh was famous for his
extraordinary skills of calculation, challenged Einstein's
theory of relativity.

October

1. Ramu, Satyapriya Mohathero: The second highest 10. Dadu Chougule: wrestler and recipient of Major
Buddhist leader of Bangladesh and head of Sima Bihar Dhyanchand award passed away.
of Ramu, Satyapriya Mohathero passed away in Dhaka, Note:
Bangladesh. ➢ In 1973, Chougule had won the titles ‘Rustum-
2. Diahann Carroll: American actress, singer, and model. e-Hind’ and ‘Mahan Bharat Kesari’ in national-
3. Kadri Gopalnath: Legendary saxophonist and the level tournaments.
Padma Shri awardee. The Carnatic music maestro won 11. Marieke Vervoort: Belgian Paralympic athlete has
multiple awards in his illustrious career, including the ended her life at the age of 40 through euthanasia.
Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award and 12. Dilip Parikh: Former Gujarat Chief Minister (13th)
Karnataka Kalashree passed away. He was an industrialist and also served as
4. Sara Danius: She was the first female head of Nobel’s president of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and
Literature Award Body. She also served as the first Industry.
female permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy 13. India’s oldest Yoga teacher Nanammal passed away at
between 2015 and 2018. 99 years.
5. Alexei Leonov: He was the legendary Soviet Note:
cosmonaut who became the first human to walk in • She had bagged 150 awards, 6 national-level
space 54 years ago. gold medals and Yoga Ratna award of the
6. Renowned painter Kalidas Karmakar passes away in Government of Karnataka in 2014.
Dhaka. • She was also conferred the Padma Shri in
7. Alicia Alonso: Cuban ballet dancer considered one of January 2019 for her efforts to make people
the greatest 20th Century ballerinas. In 1948, she lead a healthy life.
founded the Alicia Alonso Ballet Company in Cuba’s 14. First female UN refugee chief passed away-- Sadako
capital. Ogata
8. Mark Hurd: Former Co-Chief executive Officer (CEO) of 15. John Witherspoon passed away -- Actor and comedian
Oracle Note:
9. Writer and philosopher K.B. Siddaiah passed away. • He was best known best known for the hit
Note: He was one of the founder members of Dalitha Friday franchise and The Wayan Brothers.
Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) during the ’80s and co- 16. N. Venkatachala: Former judge of the Supreme Court
authored many songs to inspire the movement. and former Lokayukta of Karnataka
September

1. Viju Khote - Famous Bollywood actor Viju Khote passed 3. Bhagat Ram Vats – A former senior correspondent
away at the age of 77 on 30th September. (journalist) of the country's leading news agency 'Press
• He is known for his 'Kalia' role in the film 'Sholay'. Trust of India', passed away.
2. Jacques Chirac - Former President Jacques Chirac who • He had covered the first Lok Sabha election of the
dominated French politics for decades in roles ranging from country in April 1952.
mayor of Paris to the second-longest serving leader of the • He had also written a book called 'Foreign Intrigue
nation passed away on 26th September. He was 86. Against India'.
4. Madhav Apte – Former Indian cricketer

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5. KPS Menon (junior) - Former Foreign Secretary • He was known as 'Dancing Bowler' in the cricket
6. Boman Rashid Kohinoor – co-owner of Mumbai's iconic world due to his interesting bowling action.
eatery Britannia & Co. 15. Sukhdev Singh Libra - Veteran congress leader and former
7. S.K. Padmadevi - Veteran actor and multi-faceted artiste MP.
8. Shyam Ramsay – Bollywood’s famous horror film producer • He was the member of the 14th and 15th Lok
9. Sanjib Kumar Datta – Film editor Sabha.
10. Sivaraman Cheriyanad - renowned writer of Kerala 16. Robert Mugabe - Zimbabwe’s former President Robert
11. B.N. Yugandhar - Former bureaucrat and Secretary to the Mugabe passed away.
PMO • He was the country’s first post-independence
Note: B.N. Yugandhar was the father of Microsoft’s present leader and also considered as Zimbabwe’s founding
Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella. father.
12. Veeru Krishnan - Actor, Kathak Dancer 17. Kiran Nagarkar - Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer
13. Ram Jethmalani - One of India’s finest lawyers and a former • He began his career as an educationist, a journalist
union minister has passed away. and then later as a screenplay writer in the
• Mr. Jethmalani had also served as the chairman of advertising industry.
the Bar Council of India. • His novel “Cuckold” (1997) won him the 2001
14. Abdul Qadir - Pakistan's master leg-spinner, passes away Sahitya Akademi award.
• Abdul Qadir played cricket for Pakistan for 16 years
and took 236 wickets in 67 Test matches and 132
wickets in 104 ODIs.

August
1. Nimu Bhowmik - Veteran Bengali actor • She was the 1st full time woman external affairs
2. Arun Jaitley - Former Union finance minister and senior BJP minister of India.
leader Arun Jaitley passed away. He was a lawyer by • She was also the youngest cabinet minister at 25
profession. when she joined the Haryana government in 1977
• He held the portfolios of Finance Ministry, and the first woman chief minister of Delhi.
Corporate Affairs Ministry, Defence Ministry, and 7. Neelum (Neelam) Sharma – Doordarshan News Anchor and
Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Nari Shakti Award Winner
3. Kanchan Chaudhary – India’s first woman Director General 8. Mohammed Zahur Hashmi – Veteran music composer
of Police (DGP), Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya passed Mohammed Zahur Hashmi, popularly known as Khayyam
away. passed away.
• She was a 1973 batch officer, made history in 2004 9. Niranjan Singh Tasneem - Eminent Punjabi writer and
when she was appointed as the DGP of Sahitya Akademi winner
Uttarakhand. 10. Jagannath Mishra – Former Bihar Chief Minister
• She was also the second woman IPS officer in the 11. Babulal Gaur – Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh
country. 12. J Om Prakash – Veteran director
4. Noel Kelman – Naval war hero and Kirti Chakra awardee 13. Rizia Rahman - Renowned Bangladeshi novelist
Commander Noel Kelman passed away. 14. Vidya Sinha – Veteran Bollywood actress
• Commander Kelman was awarded the Kirti Chakra 15. VB Chandrasekhar - Former Indian cricketer
for valour during the liberation of Goa in 1961. 16. Damodar Ganesh Bapat - a noted social worker from
5. Navnitbhai Shah – Socialist leader and former MLA of Chhattisgarh and Padma Shri award winner
Palghar Navnitbhai Shah passed away. 17. Dayanidhi Nayak – Freedom fighter
• He took part in the freedom struggle in 1942 at the 18. Kanti Bhatt – Veteran Gujarati journalist, author and
Gowalia Tank maidan in Mumbai. columnist
6. Sushma Swaraj – Former External Affairs Minister Sushma 19. Toni Morrison – Toni Morrison, the 1993 Nobel laureate in
Swaraj passed away. literature passed away.

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• She was the 1st African American woman to win • He was Glamorgan’s legendary left-arm bowler
the Nobel in literature. who took 993 first-class wickets in a 17-year career
20. Anant Setalvad – Cricket commentator Anant Setalvad, between 1966 and 1983. He became famous after
who used to draw pictures of the game’s progress on Garfield Sobers hit him for six sixes in an over.
airwaves with his fine command of the English language, 22. Russi Taylor - Veteran actor Russi Taylor, who voiced
from the mid 1960s through to the 1980s, passed away . Disney’s Minnie Mouse for more than 30 years,
21. Malcolm Nash - Former cricketer 23. Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy – Former Padma Shri award
winner and educationist Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy passed
away.

July
1. Sheila Dikshit – Three-time Delhi Chief Minister and senior 9. Fernando Corbató - American computer scientist, known
Congress leader Shiela Dixit passed away in New Delhi. for computer passwords
2. Subir Gokarn - Former RBI Deputy Governor and Noted 10. Yukiya Amano – Chief of International Atomic Energy
economist Subir Vithal Gokarn passed away. Agency. He was extensively involved in negotiations over
• He had the distinction of being the youngest RBI Iran’s nuclear program.
Governor at the time. 11. Attoor Ravi Varma - Renowned Malayalam poet, translator
3. Lt Gen Joginder Singh Gharaya - Retired Lt Gen Joginder 12. A. U. Celestine - Former India football goalkeeper from
Singh Gharaya, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in Tamil Nadu A. U. Celestine passed away. He played for the
the 1971 Indo-Pak war and Kirti Chakra in the 1947 Tamil Nadu men’s team in the senior Nationals as a keeper
Hyderabad operations, passed away. in the 1965 and 69 National championships.
4. M. K. Seetharam Kulal - Veteran poet and lyricist and • He represented India in the Merdeka Cup in
former president of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Malaysia in 1969.
5. Ram Chandra Paswan – Lok Janshakti Party MP from Bihar’s 13. Lee Iacocca - Automobile industry legend from USA
Samastipur Ram Chandra Paswan passed away. 14. BK Birla – Veteran industrialist, businessman and Indian
• He was the younger brother of Union minister and industry stalwart
LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan. • He wrote several books including an autobiography
6. S. Jaipal Reddy – Former Union Minister and senior titled ‘Svantah Sukhaya’.
Congress leader 15. Barun Haldar - veteran newsreader of All India Radio (AIR)
7. Donkupar Roy – Meghalaya Assembly Speaker and former 16. Rakesh Shukla - former leg-spinner of India
Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy passed away. He 17. Sudershan Agarwal - former Uttarakhand Governor
was head of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
8. Mukesh Goud - Former Andhra Pradesh state Minister

June

1. Babu Narayanan – Malayalam director 6. Mohan Ranade – Veteran freedom fighter from Goa and
2. Abburi Chaya Devi – Telugu story writer and the Sahitya Padmashri winner
Akademi award winner 7. Mohammed Baji - Noted freedom fighter
3. Jharna Dhara Chowdhury – an Eminent Social Activist and 8. Rajnath Singh Surya - Former BJP Rajya Sabha MP and
secretary of the Gandhi Ashram Trust in Jayag, Noakhali, senior journalist
Bangladesh passes away in Dhaka. 9. Mohamed Morsy - Former Egyptian President
4. Shyam Sundar Mitra – Former Bengal cricketer Shyam 10. Dinyar Contractor - Veteran comedian, film and theatre
Sundar Mitra passes away . He was awarded the Karthick actor
Bose Lifetime Achievement Award by Cricket Association of 11. Girish Karnad - Noted actor, filmmaker and playwright
Bengal. 12. Crazy Mohan - Tamil writer, comedian and actor
5. Vijaya Nirmala – Veteran actor-filmmaker

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13. R V Janakiraman - Former Puducherry Chief Minister
between 1996 and 2000
14. Pazhavila Ramesan - Poet and lyricist
15. Ruma Guha Thakurta - Actor-singer Ruma Guha Thakurta,
who featured in films such as Jwar Bhata, Ganga and 36
Chowringhee Lane.
National Appointments

LIST OF CABINET MINISTERS & CONSTITUENCY 2019

Portfolio (Department) Minister Name Constituency

Prime Minister and Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of
Atomic Energy; Department of Space; and All- Narendra Modi Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
important policy issues; and All other portfolios
not allocated to any Minister.
Ministry of Home Affairs Amit Shah Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Ministry of Defence Rajnath Singh Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar -
Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate
Nirmala Sitharaman Karnataka, Rajya Sabha
Affairs
Minister of Road Transport and Highways; and
Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Nitin Jairam Gadkari Nagpur, Maharashtra
Enterprises.
Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers D.V. Sadananda Gowda Bangalore North, Karnataka
Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Minister
of Science and Technology; and Minister of Dr. Harsh Vardhan Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Earth Sciences
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Ramvilas Paswan --
Distribution
Minister of Law and Justice; Minister of
Communications; and Minister of Electronics Ravi Shankar Prasad Patna Sahib, Bihar
and Information Technology
Ministry of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Jharkhand, Rajya Sabha
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; Minister of
Prahlad Joshi Dharwad, Karnataka
Coal; and Minister of Mines
Minister of Skill Development and
Mahendra Nath Pandey Chandauli. Uttar Pradesh
Entrepreneurship
Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public
Prakash Javadekar Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha
Enterprises
Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal Bathinda, Punjab
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Minister of Rural Development; and Minister of Narendra Singh Tomar Morena, Madhya Pradesh
Panchayati Raj.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda Khunti, Jharkhand

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Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and
Giriraj Singh Begusarai, Bihar
Fisheries
Minister of Women and Child Development;
Smriti Zubin Irani Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
and Minister of Textiles
Minister of Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot Madhya Pradesh, Rajya Sabha
Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change; and Minister of Information and Prakash Javadekar Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha
Broadcasting
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; and
Dharmendra Pradhan Madhya Pradesh, Rajya Sabha
Minister of Steel
Minister of Railways; and Minister of Commerce
Piyush Goyal Maharashtra, Rajya Sabha
and Industry
Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Shekhawat Jodhpur, Rajasthan

New Appointments

1. The first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT -- Radha ➢ Chief Justice of Tripura High Court -- Justice Akil
Krishna Mathur. Abdulhamid Kureshi
2. The first Lieutenant Governor of J&K - Girish Chandra 6. The new Ambassador to UAE -- Pavan Kapoor.
Murmu. 7. chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) --
3. Argentina’s new President: Alberto Fernandez. Aditya Mishra.
Note: Fernandez, a 60-year-old law professor, got 47.36 per 8. Speaker of Haryana Assembly -- Gian Chand Gupta.
cent votes crossing the threshold for outright victory. 9. Governor of Mizoram - P.S Sreedharan Pillai.
4. Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri has resigned from Note: P.S Sreedharan Pillai replaced Governor of Assam
the portfolio amid anti-government protests. Jagdish Mukhi (additional charge- Mizoram).
Note: He resigned bowing to one of the central demands of 10. The two-day ‘BIMSTEC Conclave’ held in Visakhapatnam.
anti-government demonstrators shortly after baton- Note: Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh L.
wielding Hezbollah supporters rampaged through the main Mandaviya has inaugurated the two-day BIMSTEC (Bay of
protest camp in Beirut. Bengal initiative multi-sector technical and economic
5. The Government of India has appointment of new Chief cooperation) Conclave at Visakhapatnam.
Justices to the High Courts. 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated two-day
Note: mega global investors meet ‘Rising Himachal 2019’ at
➢ Chief Justice of the Madras High Court -- Justice Dharamshala.
Amreshwar Pratap Sahi Note: The event has been graced by the presence of top
➢ Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court -- heads of Indian industry and business besides foreign
Justice AK Mittal delegations and Union minister and senior government
➢ Chief Justice of the Patna High Court ---- Justice officials.
Sanjay Karol. 12. Re-elected President of UAE -- Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
➢ The Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court -- Justice Nahyan.
Muhammad Raffiq. Note: The UAE's Supreme Council of the Union has re-
➢ Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court -- Justice Dr elected His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as
Ravi Ranjan. its President for a fourth five-year term.
13. Prime Minister of Mauritius -- Pravind Jugnauth.

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14. Manmohan Singh has been nominated to the parliamentary Note: She will replace Neerabh Kumar, who has been
standing committee on finance. holding additional charge as the CS, following the sudden
Note: In August 2019, Manmohan Singh was elected transfer of LV Subramanyam, a week ago.
unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. 20. Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde sworn in as the 47th Chief
15. Additional charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Justice of India.
Public Enterprises --- Minister Prakash Javadekar. Note: Justice SA Bobde succeeds Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
Note: President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the 21. The new President of Sri Lanka -- Gotabaya Rajapakasa.
resignation of the Union Council of Ministers Arvind Ganpat Note: Gotabaya is the younger brother of former President
Sawant (Shiv Sena MP). Mahinda Rajapksa (now Prime minister) and served as
16. Suranga Bawadi in Bijapur (Karnataka) has been selected defence secretary during the end of LTTE war.
as the World Monument Watch List for 2020. 22. President of Gymnastics Federation of India -- Sudhir Mital.
Note: Suranga Bawadi was selected under the category of 23. FIFA’s Chief of global football development - Arsene
“Ancient Water System of the Deccan Plateau” along with Wenger.
24 monuments across the world. It was built in the 16th 24. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India -- Mohammad
century of Adil Shahi-I in Vijayapura. Imran.
17. The new Chairman and Managing Director of India Tourism Note: Currently, he is Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the
Development Corporation (ITDC) - G Kamala Vardhana United Arab Emirates.
Rao. 25. Next ambassador of India to the Republic of Mali - Anjani
Note: He has also served as the Secretary of Kerala Tourism Kumar.
in 2014-15. 26. First Indian to be elected to the position of General Vice
18. The new Chairman of Unilever -- Nils Andersen. President (GVP), International Organisation Development
Note: Nil Andersen replaced Marijn Dekkers. Unilever is a Association (IODA) -- Dr Vinaya Shetty
British-Dutch transnational consumer goods company co- 27. MD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndusInd Bank --
headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and Rotterdam, Suman Kathpalia
Netherlands.
28. Dhanlaxmi Bank’s managing director (MD) and chief
19. First woman Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh -- Nilam
executive officer (CEO) T. Latha has resigned.
Sawhney.
October

1. Surjit Bhalla: The executive director of the International 13. R K Mathur: Lt Governors of Ladakh.
Monetary Fund for a period of three years. Note: Satya Pal Malik has been transferred and
2. Amrit Lugun: Ambassador of India to Greece. appointed as Governor of Goa, succeeding Mridula
3. Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi: High Commissioner of India to Sinha
Niue. 14. P S Sreedharan Pillai: the 15th governor of Mizoram
4. Sushil Chandra: MD & CEO of Oil India Limited. succeeding Jagdish Mukhi.
5. J. P. S. Chawla: the new Controller General of Accounts 18. New Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) - Rakesh Kumar
(CGA). He will replace Girraj Prasad Gupta. Bhadauria. He is the 26th Chief of the Air Force.
6. Anup Kumar Singh: Director-General of NSG. • He succeeds Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa.
7. Pankaj Kumar: CEO of UIDAI (Unique Identification 19. President Ram Nath Kovind appointed Chief Justices to 7
Authority of India) high courts –
8. Sourav Ganguly: New BCCI President • New Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court -
9. Rajnish Kumar (SBI chairman): new chairman of IBA. Lingappa Narayana Swamy
10. Manohar Lal Khattar sworn in as CM of Haryana for a • New Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High
Court - Ravi Shankar Jha
second term.
• New Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court - Indrajit
11. Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde: 47th Chief Justice of India.
Mohanty
12. G C Murmu: Lt Governors of J&K

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• New Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court - 24. Surjit Bhalla Appointed as Executive Director for India at
J.K. Maheshwari IMF - The government has appointed an eminent economist
• New Chief Justice of Kerala High Court - S. Surjit S Bhalla as the Executive Director for India on the
Manikumar board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• New Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court - Arup K. Note: Surjit S Bhalla succeeds former RBI deputy governor
Goswami Subir Gokarn who died in the US on July 30 after a brief
• New Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court - Ajai illness.
Lamba 25. President of Mumbai Cricket Association – Vijay Patil (son
20. Vice-Chief of Air Force - Air Marshal HS Arora. He succeeds of former Governor of Bihar Dr DY Patil)
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria 26. New MD & CEO of Tata Communications - Amur
21. New chief of PIB - Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia has been Lakshminarayanan
appointed as the new Director-General of the Press 27. New MD & CEO of Punjab National Bank - SS Mallikarjuna
Information Bureau (PIB). He becomes the 28th DG of the Rao. He will replace Sunil Mehta.
PIB. 28. New chief of South Western Air Command - Air Marshal S K
• He succeeds incumbent Sitanshu Ranjan Kar. Ghotia
22. New Lokpal of Punjab - Justice Vinod Kumar Sharma 29. New administrator for PMC Bank – Jai Bhagwan Bhoria
23. New MD & CEO of Oil India Limited – Sushil Chandra 30. International Egg Commission chief – Suresh Chitturi
Mishra 31. Former Indian cricketer, Kapil Dev resigned as chairman of
Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of BCCI.
September

1. Four new judges appointed as judge in the Supreme Court • She is the only governor who is under 60 years of
- Justice Krishna Murari, Justice S Ravindra Bhat, Justice V age.
Ramasubramanian and Justice Hrishikesh appointed as • The second youngest governor is Acharya Devvrat,
judge in the Supreme Court. 60, who is serving as the governor of Gujarat since
• With this, the number of judges in the court has July this year.
increased to 34. • She replaces E.S.L. Narasimhan.
2. Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee – Army Chief Gen. 8. Vijay Kumar Chopra elected PTI Chairman - Chief Editor of
Bipin Rawat the Punjab Kesari Group of newspapers Vijay Kumar Chopra
3. New chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations – Madhukar has been elected as the Chairman of Press Trust of India
Kamat (PTI).
4. First woman Lieutenant Colonel from Arunachal Pradesh – • Vijay Kumar Chopra succeeds N Ravi, Publisher and
Army officer Ponung Doming became the first woman former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu.
officer from Arunachal Pradesh state to be elevated to the 9. Vineet Jain, Managing Director of Bennett, Coleman and
rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. Company Limited (BCCL), has been elected as the Vice-
5. Visa appoints PV Sindhu as brand ambassador - Payment Chairman of PTI.
technology company Visa announced that it has signed up 10. New Chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) -
world badminton champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (PV Madhukar Kamath
Sindhu) as its brand ambassador. 11. New chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds in India
6. Election Commission appoints Madhuri Dixit as goodwill (AMFI) - Nilesh Shah
ambassador for Maharashtra Assembly polls. 12. New Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of IDBI Bank -
7. Telangana Governor Tamilisai becomes the youngest Samuel Joseph Jebaraj
governor - Tamilisai Soundararajan who was sworn in as the 13. India’s first female military diplomat – Wing Commander
first woman governor of Telangana became the youngest Anjali Singh
state governor at the age of 58 among all the current Note:
governors.

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• She has joined the Indian Embassy in Russia as 18. New Principal Advisor to PM Modi - Pradeep Kumar Sinha
India’s first female military diplomat to be posted 19. New Press Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind - Ajay
in any of the Indian missions abroad. Kumar Singh
• She has joined her new assignment as the Deputy 20. New MD of Microsoft India (R&D) - Rajiv Kumar
Air Attache. 21. First Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax of NeAC -
14. First Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh - Justice P Lakshmana Krishna Mohan Prasad
Reddy Note: Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT) has newly set up
15. First chancellor of Rai Sports University – The Haryana National e-Assessment Centre (NeAC) in Delhi.
Government has appointed cricket legend Kapil Dev as the 22. New Director General (DG) of BSF - Vivek Kumar Johri
first Chancellor of Sports University, Rai (Sonepat). 23. Vice Chief of Army Staff - Lt. Gen. Mukund Naravane
16. Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court – Justice Vikram Nath 24. New Chairman of Association of World Election Bodies
17. New Principal Secretary to PM Modi - Pramod Kumar (AWEB) - Sunil Arora
Mishra
August

1. New Home Secretary - Ajay Kumar Bhalla (He replaces Rajiv assumed the charge of the chairman and managing director
Gauba) of Power Grid Corporation of India.
2. New Defence Secretary - Ajay Kumar (He replaces Sanjay 16. Giriraj Prasad Gupta appointed as new CGA – Giriraj Prasad
Mitra) Gupta, Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, took over
3. New Cabinet Secretary - Rajiv Gauba (He replaces P.K. as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).
Sinha) • He succeeds Anthony Lianzuala as the new
4. New Chairman of Coal India - Pramod Agarwal (He will Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the
replace present chairman A K Jha who retires in January Finance Ministry.
2020) 17. IFSG appoints Justice A.K. Sikri as ombudsman – The Indian
5. P.K. Sinha appointed as “Officer on Special Duty” in the Federation of Sports Gaming (IFSG), country’s self-
office of the Prime Minister. regulatory industry body for the online fantasy sports
6. India’s 1st female flight commander - Wing Commander gaming sector, announced the appointment of Justice Arjan
Shalija Dhami Kumar Sikri as its ombudsman and ethics officer.
7. Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes - Pramod • Justice A.K. Sikri will be responsible for
Chandra Mody investigating queries/complaints raised by the
8. First woman president of INSA – Chandrima Shaha became users of the online fantasy sports gaming
the 1st woman president of the Indian National Science platforms.
Academy. 18. Rakesh Asthana given additional charge of NCB – The
9. New MD-CEO of Vodafone Idea – Ravinder Takkar Appointments Committee on Cabinet has given the
10. Director of National Institute of Health and Family Welfare additional charge of the post of Director General Narcotics
- Harshad Pandurang Thakur has been appointed as the Control Bureau to Rakesh Asthana.
director of National Institute of Health and Family Welfare. • He is presently serving as the Director General of
11. P.T. Usha has been appointed as a member of the Asian Civil Aviation Security.
Athletics Association’s (AAA) Athletes Commission. This is 19. New DPIIT secretary – Guruprasad Mohapatra assumed
the 2nd time P.T. Usha has been appointed a member of charge as the secretary of the Department for Promotion of
the Asian Athletics Association’s Athletes Commission Industry and Internal Trade.
12. New President of Paytm - Madhur Deora 20. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles – Ravi Capoor, an Indian
13. New MD and CEO of Mindtree – Debashis Chatterjee Administrative Service (IAS) officer, assumed charge of the
14. Harshad Pandurang Thakur has been appointed as the office of Secretary, Ministry of Textiles in New Delhi.
director of National Institute of Health and Family Welfare.
15. New CMD of Power Grid Corporation – State-owned Power
Grid Corporation Director (Finance) Kandikuppa Sreekant

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July

1. New Finance Secretary - Rajiv Kumar. He replaces Subhash 12. Joint Secretary to the President - Ajay Bhadoo
Chandra Garg. 13. Next Vice-Chief of Army Staff - M.M. Naravane
2. New Home Secretary - Ajay Kumar Bhalla 14. New India’s table tennis coach - Dejan Papic (Canadian)
3. New PAC Chairman - The leader of the Congress party in Lok 15. New Director of of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was appointed as the (IBPS) - B Harideesh Kumar
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). 16. N S Vishwanathan gets extension by one year as RBI deputy
4. New BSF Director General - V.K. Johri governor
5. New chairman of the “Estimates Committee” - Girish Bapat 17. New Chairman of Microfinance Institutions Network -
6. New Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Manoj Kumar Nambiar
Indian Army - Lt Gen Paramjit Singh 18. New CMD of BSNL - P.K. Purwar
7. New MTNL Chief - Sunil Kumar 19. LinkedIn chooses Ashutosh Gupta as country manager for
Note: He is currently Director (Human Resources and India
Enterprise Business) at MTNL and takes over from P K 20. Additional director on Board of Directors (BOD) of Jammu
Purwar who was recently appointed chairman and and Kashmir Bank - AK Misra
managing Director of BSNL. 21. New Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) – K.
8. Vikas Swarup appointed as Secretary of Overseas Indian Natarajan
Affairs • He has become the 23rd chief of India’s coastal
9. New Deputy Chief Minister of Goa - Chandrakant Kavlekar security force.
10. Kiran More (former India wicket keeper-batsman) 22. New CMD of BHEL - Nalin Shinghal
appointed USA cricket team’s interim coach 23. He will replace Atul Sobti.
11. Vivek Kumar appointed as private secretary to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.

June

9. Speaker of 17th Lok Sabha - Om Birla (MP from Kota,

1. New Governor of Manipur – Padmanabha Balakrishna Rajasthan)
Acharya sworn in as Governor of Manipur. 10. New executive director at RBI - Rabi N. Mishra
2. Amitabh Kant gets two-year extension as NITI Aayog CEO - 11. New Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court - Justice Dhirubhai
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Naranbhai Patel
the extension of Amitabh Kant’s tenure as the CEO of NITI 12. New interim Chief of J&K Bank - RK Chibber
Aayog beyond June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2021. 13. New acting Central Vigilance Commissioner - Sharad Kumar
3. New Chief of RAW - Samant Goel 14. New Chief of India Meteorological Department (IMD) -
4. New Chief of Intelligence Bureau - Arvind Kumar Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Renowned scientist and cyclone
5. New director general of Indian Coast Guard – warning specialist)
Krishnaswamy Natarajan 15. Principal Secretary to PM Modi - Nripendra Mishra
6. New President of FIEO – Exporters body Federation of 16. New Chairman of Axis Bank - Rakesh Makhija
Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has elected Sharad 17. New independent director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank -
Kumar Saraf as its new president. Sachin Bansal
7. New MD of National Housing Bank - Sarada Kumar Hota 18. New National Security Adviser (NSA) - Ajit Doval
8. Justice Prasanta Kumar Saikia (Retired) was sworn in as the 19. New Advocate General of Chhattisgarh - Satish Chandra
Chairperson of the Lokayukta in Arunachal Pradesh. Verma

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International Appointment

October
1. Next High Commissioner of India to Niue – Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi
Note: Capital of Niue: Alofi; Currency: Niue dollar, New Zealand dollar.
2. Next Ambassador of India to Greece - Amrit Lugun
3. Christine Lagarde: Head of European Central Bank.
4. Rafael Mariano Grossi: New Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
5. New President of Tunisia: Kais Saied.
Note: The Independent law professor Kais Saied won against his rival, Nabil Karoui. He won Tunisia’s presidential election with
73% of votes. The elections followed the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi in July 2019.
6. Prime Minister of Portugal: Antonio Costa.
September

1. Bulgaria's economist Kristalina Georgieva (66-year-old) has been elected the new head of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF).
2. Next Indian Ambassador to Guinea Bissau - Godavarthi Venkata Srinivas
Note: Capital of Guinea Bissau: Bissau, Currency of Guinea Bissau: West African CFA franc.
3. National Security Adviser of US – Robert O’Brien
4. ADB president Takehiko Nakao resigns - Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao has announced his
resignation. He became the president of ADB on April 28, 2013.
Note: Headquarters of ADB: Manila, Philippines; Founded:19 December 1966.
5. Head of Hodeidah mission – Lieutenant General (Retired) Abhijit Guha as the head of the UN mission in Hodeidah, Yemen
6. First female Chief of Royal Bank of Scotland - Alison Rose. She will replace Ross McEwan on November 1.
7. Next Indian Ambassador to Norway - B Bala Bhaskar
8. Next High Commissioner of India to Lesotho - Jaideep Sarkar
9. Youngest-ever Prime Minister of Ukraine - Oleksiy Honcharuk
10. President Donald Trump has nominated Indian American Shireen Mathews as a judge of the US District Court for the Southern
District of California.

August

1. New India’s Ambassador to UAE - Pavan Kapoor 6. New CEO of HSBC – Noel Quinn has been appointed as the
2. New Prime Minister of Sudan - Abdalla Hamdok interim CEO of HSBC’s Global Commercial Banking unit.
3. New President of Nauru - Lionel Aingimea (Capital of 7. India’s next Ambassador to Republic of Congo – Ghotu
Nauru: Yaren; Currency of Nauru: Australian dollar) Ram Meena has been appointed as the next Ambassador of
4. Guatemala’s new president – Alejandro Giammattei India to the Republic of Congo.
5. New director of ICTP – Atish Dabholkar, a theoretical 8. Former SC judge Madan Lokur sworn in as Fiji’s SC judge -
physicist from India, has been appointed as the new On August 12, 2019, the President of Fiji Major.
director of Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical General(Retd) Jioji Konrote has appointed Justice Madan
Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Lokur from India as the new Supreme Court (SC) judge of
• He will succeed Fernando Quevedo, who has led Fiji.
the centre since 2009.
July

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1. New Britain’s Home Secretary - Priti Patel has been 7. New chief of ICC committee - Ehsan Mani (Pakistan Cricket
appointed as Britain’s Home Secretary in the newly- Board’s chairman)
unveiled Boris Johnson Cabinet. 8. New Prime Minister of Greece - Kyriakos Mitsotakis
• She has become the Britain’s first Indian-origin 9. New head of European Central bank (ECB) – Christine
Home Secretary. Lagarde (MD of IMF)
2. New US Secretary of Defence - Mark Esper 10. Economist David Lipton appointed as IMF interim leader –
3. Anshula Kant appointed World Bank Group Managing International Monetary Fund (IMF) appointed American
Director and Chief Financial Officer economist David Lipton as its interim leader. He replaces
• She is currently a Managing Director of the State Christine Lagarde who was nominated to head the
Bank of India (SBI). European Central Bank.
• She will be the first woman CFO of the Bank. 11. New President of European Commission – Ursula von der
4. Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Sikri, has been appointed Leyen (German politician)
as an international judge of the Singapore International • She will replace Jean Claude Juncker.
Commercial court (SICC). • She has become the first woman to be elected to
5. New India’s Ambassador to Israel - Sanjeev Kumar Singla lead the EU’s executive arm.
6. India’s next Ambassador to Panama - Upender Singh Rawat

June

1. Shefali Juneja appointed India’s representative to ICAO – • He will replace Brazil’s Jose Graziano da Silva.
Senior bureaucrat Shefali Juneja is appointed as India’s 4. External Auditor for WHO - CAG Rajiv Mehrishi chosen
representative in the council of International Civil Aviation External Auditor for WHO
Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations body. 5. New PM of Thailand - Prayuth Chan-ocha
• She will replace the senior IAS officer Alok Shekhar. 6. New Pakistan ISI Chief - Lt General Faiz Hameed
• Presently, Shefali Juneja is serving as the Joint 7. UN Deputy Executive Director - Anita Bhatia
Secretary in Ministry of Civil Aviation. • Indian-origin Anita Bhatia has been appointed as
2. First female CEO of Warner Bros – WarnerMedia, part of the Deputy Executive Director of the United
AT&T Inc, has appointed Ann Sarnoff as the chief executive Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the
officer of Warner Bros. Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) for
• Ann Sarnoff has become the first female CEO of Resource Management, Sustainability and
Warner Bros. She will be replacing Kevin Tsujihara. Partnerships.
3. Qu Dongyu becomes first Chinese to head FAO - Qu
Dongyu becomes the first Chinese national to head the UN’s
Food and Agriculture Organization.

Honours & Awards

November

1. The 28th Vyas Samman for the year 2018 was conferred to Note: The Gangs of Wasseypur actor was presented the
Hindi writer Leeladhar Jagoori. award by counsel general of Wales, UK, Mick Antoniw, at an
Note: The prestigious award was presented to him by event in Cardiff. The actor has made a mark internationally
renowned author Govind Mishra. Mr Jagoori has been with Netflix’s Sacred Games, Ritesh Batra’s Photograph and
chosen for the prestigious award for his poetry collection- BBC UK’s McMafia.
Jitne Log Utne Prem. 3. Indian Film star Rajinikanth will be honoured with first
2. Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been honored with the “Icon of Golden Jubilee Award” at IFFI.
prestigious Golden Dragon Award.

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Note: The IFFI will also confer with the Lifetime manus, "Nishiddho" and "Dhoashar Tamate Rong,"
Achievement Award for a Foreign Artiste to French Actress respectively.
Isabelle Huppert. The Icon of Golden Jubilee Award is a 11. The Raja Ram Mohan Roy award will be presented to
special award constituted by the Government of India in the Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari.
year 2019. Note: Mr Kothari was selected for the prestigious award by
4. Noted writer Anand has been selected for the 27th the Press Council of India for his outstanding contribution in
Ezhuthachan Puraskaram. the field of journalism.
Note: This award is given by the Kerala Sahitya Akademi 12. TVS Motor Chairman Srinivasan conferred with Deming
Award and the Government of Kerala. His one of the award.
famous Novel is Aalkoottam which portrays the unique Note: Venu Srinivasan (Chairman of TVS Motor Company
crises that the nation had witnessed with a rare finesse. His and Sundaram Clayton) was conferred with the prestigious
Govardhante Yatrakal had won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Deming Distinguished Service Award For Dissemination and
award, Veedum Thadavum and Jaina Manushyan Kerala Promotion Overseas. Srinivasan becomes the first
Sahitya Akademi award and Marubhoomikal Undakunnath, industrialist from India to be bestowed this prestigious
Vayalar award. award for his contributions in the field of total quality
5. Neeraj Sharma: winner of the ‘Early Career Researcher of management (TQM).
the Year Award-2019’ (Physical Sciences). 13. Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be honoured with Lesley Ho
Note: The Award has been given by the Australian Asian Film Talent Award at the Singapore International Film
government for his work in lithium-ion batteries found in Festival (SIFF).
electronic devices, electric vehicles and the grid. Note: He will be awarded for his Netflix's Emmy-nominated
6. Sudarsan Pattnaik has been chosen for the Italian Golden original series Sacred Games. Earlier, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Sand Art Award 2019. was honoured by the Golden Dragon Award at the Cardiff
Note: He will be felicitated during the International International Film Festival for his excellence in cinema in
Scorrana Sand Nativity fete in Italy which will be held the International market.
between 13th and 18th November 2019. 14. Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth was awarded the Wildlife
7. U.S. based-Indian author Madhuri Vijay’s debut novel, “The Conservation Society’s George Schaller Lifetime Award in
Far Field” has won 2019 JCB prize for Literature. Wildlife Conservation Science.
Note: She also received the Rs 25 lakh as the prize money, a Note: K. Ullas Karanth has been awarded for his
sculpture by Delhi artist duo Thukral & Tagra entitled Mirror contribution to the field of conservation. His research is
Melting. described as pioneering and groundbreaking with focus on
8. Shripad Naik inaugurated the DRDO Igniter Complex at the ecology of tigers, predator-prey population ecology,
High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in sympatric predators and other large mammals, and
Pune. mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.The award is
Note: HEMRL (a premier laboratory of DRDO) is primarily instituted by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), New
engaged in developing rocket and gun propellants, York.
pyrotechnic devices, high-explosive systems and synthesis 15. Writer, translator and film critic Shanta Gokhale has been
of high-energy molecules. conferred with Tata Literature Live Lifetime Achievement
9. Sara Damnjanovic has been crowned ‘Miss Asia Global Award 2019.
2019’ (5th Edition) at Gokulam Convention centre in Kochi, Note: Poet K Satchidanandan was named the Tata
Kerala. Literature Live! Poet Laureate for 2019. Recently, Gokhale
Note: Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Yen Trang was crowned 'Miss published her memoir One Foot on the Ground: A Life Told
Asia', while Samiksha Singh (India) won the sub-title of 'Miss Through the Body.
Beautiful Face'. Miss Asia Global aims to find the most 16. Dr Debabhuson Borah: winner of Munin Barkotoki Literary
beautiful and talented women from all over the globe. Award 2018 in Assam.
10. West Bengal based writer Abhisek Sarkar has won an award Note: He has been awarded for his book on literary
at Dhaka Lit-fest. criticism titled 'Nirbochon'. The award carries a cash prize of
Note: West Bengal-based writer Abhisek Sarkar and Rs 50,000 along with with a citation and a plaque. The
Bangladeshi poet Rofiquzzaman Rony were given the Munin Barkotoki Memorial Trust announced the annual
Gemcon Young Literature Award and Gemcon Young Poetry Award instituted to encourage young and promising writers
Award. Abhisek and Rofiquzzaman won the awards for their in Assamese.

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17. An Indian Ph.D. Scholar has won BRICS-Young Innovator Note: The award was presented by Chiranjeevi (Telugu
Prize -- Ravi Prakash. actor). The award is instituted by the Akkineni International
Note: India won 1st prize of #BRICS -Young scientist forum's Foundation and honours those who have made a lasting
(YSF) conclave during 6-8 Nov 2019 in Brazil. The theme for impact on Indian cinema.
the 4th BRICS-YSF was “Cybersecurity and Bio-economy”. 22. Bajrang Punia has been conferred the Indian Personality of
18. Tobacco Board got ‘Golden Leaf Award’ Tab Expo 2019 in the Year Award (Sports) at the Indo Arab Leaders Summit &
the Netherlands. Awards 2019.
Note: The Tobacco Board of India was awarded the ‘Golden Note:World powerlifting champion Mahant Gaurav Sharma
Leaf award 2019’ at the Tab Expo 2019 in Amsterdam, was honoured with Visionary Leaders of the Year (Sports)
Netherlands. award.Gaurav was conferred with the prestigious Mahatma
19. Manoj Bajpayee starrer won two awards at Asian Film Gandhi Leadership Award in London.
Festival Barcelona -- Bhonsle. 23. Sir David Attenborough.: 2019 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
Note: Manoj Bajpayee-starrer and critically acclaimed Note: He will receive the award for his tireless work to
movie "Bhonsle" has won the ‘Best Screenplay’ and ‘Best preserve and protect biodiversity. This prestigious award
Director’ awards at the ‘Asian Film Festival’ in Barcelona, (named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi) has
Spain. been accorded annually by Indira Gandhi Trust since 1986.
20. Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent from Bangladesh 24. Virat Kohli: Named People for the Ethical Treatment of
Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has conferred the ICCR Animals (PETA) India’s Person of the Year for 2019 for his
distinguished alumni award in Dhaka. animal advocacy efforts.
Note: The award was given away by the Riva Ganguly Das Note: Virat Kohli’s efforts to improve conditions for animals
(High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh) in a musical include sending a letter to officials asking for the release of
function organized by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre an elephant used for rides at Amer Fort. People for the
(IGCC). Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an American animal
21. Late actor Sridevi Sridevi & actor Rekha conferred with the rights organization based in Norfolk, Virginia.
Akkineni Nageswara Rao National Award for 2018 and 2019
respectively.

October
Complete list of the winners of Nobel Prize 2019:

S.No. Field Winners Description

William G. Kaelin
(USA)

Physiology or Sir Peter J. Ratcliffe for their discoveries of how cells sense
1
Medicine (United Kingdom) and adapt to oxygen availability

Gregg L. Semenza
(USA)

James Peebles for theoretical discoveries in physical

(Canada) cosmology
2 Physics
Michel Mayor for the discovery of an exoplanet
(Switzerland) orbiting a solar-type star

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Didier Queloz
(Switzerland)

John B.
Goodenough
(Germany)

M. Stanley for the development of lithium-ion

3 Chemistry
Whittingham batteries
(United Kingdom)

Akira Yoshino
(Japan)

for a narrative imagination that with

Olga Tokarczuk
Literature (2018) encyclopedic passion represents the
(Poland)
crossing of boundaries as a form of life

4
for an influential work that with
Peter Handke linguistic ingenuity has explored the
Literature (2019)
(Austria) periphery and the specificity of human
experience

Abiy Ahmed Ali for his efforts to achieve peace and

5 Peace
(Ethiopia) international cooperation

Abhijit Banerjee
(India)

Esther Duflo for their experimental approach to

6 Economics
(France) alleviating global poverty

Michael Kremer
(USA)

1. Swachhata ambassador award – President Ram Nath Kovind presented the most effective Swachchta Ambassador award to
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
2. AzizbekAshurov wins 2019 – Human rights lawyer from Kyrgyzstan Azizbek Ashurov was awarded the 2019 UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) prestigious Nansen Award.
3. National Tourism Award – Odisha’s Tapan Kumar Mishra has been honoured with the National Tourism Award for the Category
of “Best Tourist Guide” for the year 2017-18 during celebration of the World Tourism Day.
• He is a freelance Tourist Guide approved by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

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4. Golden Dragon Award for his works in Hindi cinema - Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
5. The Mohun Bagan Athletic Club has conferred life membership to Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee.
6. The Sakharov Prize to Uighur intellectual -- Ilham Tohti.
7. The Asian Academy Creative Awards – ‘Gully Boy’ & ‘Delhi Crime’.
8. People’s Icon Award 2019: Jennifer Aniston.
9. “Most Eminent Senior Citizen Award”: K Parasaran (former Attorney General of India).
10. Orchestra of the year award 2019: Philharmonic Orchestra
11. 2019 Booker Prize: Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo.
12. Golden Shoe as top scorer in European Leagues: Leo Messi
Note: Messi won the trophy for a 3rd straight year after scoring 36 goals, 3 more than his closest challenger, Kylian Mbappe of
Paris Saint-Germain.
13. Madhya Pradesh government’s National Kishore Kumar Samman for 2018-19 – Priyadarshan.
14. The 31st Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for the years 2017 and 2018: Chandi Prasad Bhatt.
15. Asia Environmental Enforcement Award by the United Nations Environment Programme -- Ramesh Pandey.
16. The Don’ Award -- Ashleigh Barty.
17. Russia’s highest honours, “The Order of Courage“-- Nick Hague (NASA astronaut).
18. People’s Choice Award at My Rode Reel film competition -- Spirit Of Kerala.

September
the prestigious M P Birla Memorial Award 2019 for his
1. Pandit Jasraj becomes first Indian musician to have minor contributions to the world of cosmology.
planet named after him – The IAU – International 4. Punyabhushan Award – Eminent archaeologist Dr. G.B.
Astronomical Union has named a minor planet between Deglurkar has been awarded with the prestigious
Mars and Jupiter after an Indian classical singer Pandit Punyabhushan Award.
Jasraj. • The award was presented him for his long-standing
• The number given to Pandit Jasraj planet was contribution to the field of Indian Archaeology
300128 which is a reverse order of his date of birth through renowned Deccan College Post graduate &
28/01/30. Research Institute.
• He is the first Indian musician to receive this honor. 5. Real Kashmir FC nominated for BAFTA Awards – A
• The planet was discovered on November 11, 2006. documentary on Srinagar-based football club Real Kashmir
FC has nominated in the prestigious British Academy Film
About IAU and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards.
• International Astronomical Union was founded in 1919. 6. Cochin International Airport wins award for passenger
• The objective of the organization was to promote and satisfaction – Airport Council International has recognised
safeguard astronomical science in every aspect. Cochin International Airport Limited as the best airport in
• The headquarters of IAU is located in Paris, France. terms of services offered to passengers.
2. India’s Most Powerful Women in Media” – Kallie Puri has 7. Infosys Bags UN Global Climate Action Award – IT major
been awarded with “India’s Most Powerful Women in Infosys has received the United Nations Global Climate
Media” award at the famed Confluence Excellence Awards. Action Award in the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category.
• She received the prestigious award at the British • The award will be presented to Infosys at the UN
Parliament. She is the Vice-Chairperson of the India Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Santiago,
Today Group. Chile (December 2019).
3. MP Birla Memorial Award –Thanu Padmanabhan (62-year- 8. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019 – Kolkata-based
old) a well-known Physicist and Cosmologist was conferred mathematician Neena Gupta has bagged the Shanti Swarup

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Bhatnagar award, the most prestigious award of the • Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg– for
country for maths, this year. inspiring and amplifying political demands for
• She has also been recognised as the youngest ever urgent climate action reflecting scientific facts
to win it. She is yet to be 35. • Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar- for
• President of India Ram Nath Kovind, presented her steadfast nonviolent action, despite
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019, for imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and
outstanding contributions in science and self-determination for people of Western Sahara
technology at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in • Chinese women’s rights lawyer Guo Jianmei– for
New Delhi. her pioneering and persistent work in securing
• The awards were presented on the occasion of the women’s rights in China.
78th Foundation Day of Council of Scientific and • Hutukara Yanomami Association (Brazil) and its
Industrial Research (CSIR). indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa– for their
List of winners – courageous determination to protect the forests
• For Biological Sciences: Dr. Kayarat Sai Krishnan (Indian and biodiversity of Amazon, and the lands and
Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune); Dr. culture of its indigenous peoples
Soumen Basak (National Institute of Immunology, New 12. Changemaker Award 2019 – Rajasthan’s Payal Jangid, aged
Delhi) 17, became the first Indian to receive the Changemaker
• For Chemical Sciences: · Dr. Raghavan B Sunoj (IIT, Award 2019 at the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards 2019.
Bombay); Dr. Tapas Kumar Maji (Jawaharlal Nehru • The Award was presented by the Bill and Melinda
Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru) Gates Foundation at a ceremony held in New York,
• For Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences: United States.
Dr. Subimal Ghosh (IIT, Bombay) • She was awarded for her work towards the
• For Engineering Sciences: Manik Varma (Microsoft abolition of child marriage in her village and other
Research India, Bengaluru) neighbouring areas.
• For Mathematical Sciences: Dr. Dishant Mayur Bhai 13. Global Goalkeeper Award – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Pancholi (Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai), received the 2019 Global Goalkeeper Award.
Dr. Neena Gupta (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata) • He received the award for Swachh Bharat Mission
• For Medical Sciences: Dr. Dheeraj Kumar (International from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New 14. Dada Saheb Phalke award – Veteran Bollywood actor
Delhi), Dr. Mohammad Javed Ali (LV Prasad Eye Amitabh Bachchan has been selected for the 66th
Institute, Hyderabad) Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2018.
• For Physical Sciences: Dr. Aninda Sinha (IISc, • The Award is given by the Government of India for
Bengaluru), Dr. Shankar Ghosh (TIFR, Mumbai) Lifetime Contribution to Indian Cinema.
9. 21st Century Icon Awards – Playback singer Sonu Nigam • The first Dadasaheb Phalke award was given to
has been honoured with the Magnificent Performing Arts Devika Rani in 1969.
Award at the annual 21st Century Icon Awards in London. 15. Documentary film Moti Bagh’ nominated for Oscars – A
10. Vaccine Hero’ award – Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh documentary film 'Moti Bagh' has been nominated for the
Hasina has been conferred with prestigious ‘Vaccine Hero’ Oscars which is based on the life struggle of farmer 'Vidya
award of Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisations Dutt Sharma'.
(GAVI) in recognition of Bangladesh’s outstanding success in • He is a resident of Sanguda in Kaljikhal block of
vaccination to immunise children. Pauri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
11. Right Livelihood Award 2019 – Swedish climate activist • 'Moti Bagh' is directed by Nirmal Chander
Greta Thunberg has been named for Right Livelihood Award Dandriyal.
2019. 16. 2017-18 National Tourism Awards – National Tourism
• Right Livelihood Award also known as ‘Alternative Awards for 2017-18 were presented by Vice President M.
Nobel Prize’. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi on 27 September 2019 on
List of winners – occasion of World Tourism Day.

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• Andhra Pradesh state won the first prize for Best • ‘The Last Color’ was directed by chef Vikas Khanna.
State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism. The film deals with taboo surrounding widows in
• Goa and Madhya Pradesh: Both states were Vrindavan and Varanasi in India.
announced as joint winners in Adventure Tourism 23. Eminent Engineers Award – Vinod Kumar Yadav (Chairman
category. of Railway Board)
• Uttarakhand state won the best film promotion • The Union Minister for Skill Development &
friendly state. Entrepreneurship, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey
• Telangana won the best state in innovative use of presented the award to Vinod Kumar Yadav for his
IT category. outstanding contributions in the field of
17. SASTRA Ramanujan prize for 2019 – The SASTRA engineering.
Ramanujan prize for 2019 will be awarded to Adam Harper. • The award was presented on 52nd Engineers’ Day.
• Mathematician Adam Harper is an Assistant The theme of 52nd Engineers’ Day was
Professor with the University of Warwick, England. “Engineering for change”.
• The award was instituted in 2005 and awarded by 24. Aga Khan Architecture Award – Arcadia Education Project
SASTRA University on its campus near which involves construction of floating school for
Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. marginalised children in South Kanarchor of Bangladesh,
18. Senior journalist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee, Ravish has been awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Architecture
Kumar has received the 1st Gauri Lankesh National Award Award 2019.
for Journalism. 25. Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award –
19. Gully Boy’ India’s official entry to Oscars 2020 – The Film Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the Dr
Federation of India (FFI) has chosen ‘Gully Boy’ as India’s Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award 2019 in Dhaka.
official entry to the Oscars. “Gully Boy”, produced by Ritesh 26. 11th International Hrant Dink Award - Meghalaya-based
Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar and directed by Zoya Akhtar. rights activist Agnes Kharshiing, who survived an assault by
• Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt was in a lead role in the coal mafia almost a year ago, received the 11th
film Gully Boy. International Hrant Dink Award.
20. IIFA Awards 2019 – • She received the award along with Turkish activist
• Best Film – Raazi against male violence, Nebahat Akkoc.
• Best Actor (Female) - Alia Bhatt (Raazi) 27. First Class Order of Zayed II – Navdeep Singh Suri, India’s
• Best Actor (Male) - Ranveer Singh (Padmaavat) envoy to United Arab Emirates, has been honoured with the
• Best Director - Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun) First Class Order of Zayed II award.
• Lifetime Achievement Award - Jagdeep Jaffery 28. Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame – Managing Director and
(actor & comedian) Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, Pawan Munjal will be
• 20 Years Best Actor (Female) - Deepika Padukone inducted into the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. He will
be inducted for his support to “Golf” in India and around
• Outstanding performance by a director in the last
the world.
20 years - Rajkumar Hirani (Sanju)
29. Knighthoods award - England cricket greats Geoffrey
• 20 Years Best Actor (Male) - Ranbir Kapoor
Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been honoured with
• Best music in the last 20 years – Pritam
“Knighthoods” by Theresa May in her resignation honours
• Best film of the past 20 years - Kaho Na Pyaar Hai
list.
21. Education Excellence Award 2019 – Super 30 founder and
• Both the former cricketers have received the
noted mathematician Anand Kumar has been felicitated in
honour for their services to sport after outstanding
the US with a prestigious Education Excellence Award 2019.
careers for England.
22. Boston Film Festival – Bollywood actress Neena Gupta has
30. Sarala Puraskar – Noted Odia writer Pradeep Dash will be
won 2 awards at Indian International Film Festival of
conferred with the 40th edition of prestigious Sarala
Boston.
Puraskar for his poetry work Charu Chibar O Charjya.
• The actress won the Best Actress award for
31. “Oscars of science” awarded to Event Horizon Telescope
‘Badhaai Ho‘ and her film ‘The Last Color‘ emerged
Team –
victorious in Best Feature Film category.

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• On 5th September the team from the Event • It is one of flagship initiatives of Prime Minister Naredra
Horizon Telescope Collaboration project won the Modi towards making Swachh Bharat everyone’s
‘Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics’ an business.
award considered the ‘Oscars of Science’. • SAP was formally launched on 1 April 2017, with active
• The team won a prize of $3 million for their work. participation of 72 Ministries and Departments.
• On April 10, 2019, the team had published the • It has brought all Ministries and Departments under
image of black hole circled by a flame-orange halo one umbrella and contributed towards achieving
of white-hot plasma on the Messier 87 (M87) Swachh Bharat by 2019.
galaxy. • Nodal agency: for SAP is Union Ministry of Drinking
32. Odisha bags award for using IT in disaster management - Water and Sanitation.
Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has 35. Global Goalkeeper Awards – Prime Minister Narendra
won the IT Excellence Award, 2019. Modi will be honoured with the prestigious ‘Global
• The award was presented to the Odisha state for its Goalkeeper Award’.
innovative conception by using information Note:
technology in the field of disaster management. • He will be given this honour for his commitment
• The "SATARK" (System for Assessing, Tracking and and leadership towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Alerting Disaster Risk Information based on • The award will be presented by the Bill and
Dynamic Risk Knowledge) has been chosen for the Melinda Gates Foundation which is owned by
award, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda
33. ‘Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis’ Award conferred on Gates.
Muhammad Yunus – The Vatican has honoured Nobel • According to this foundation, this award is to a
Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus with the ‘Lamp of Peace of leader to show commitment towards working
Saint Francis’ award. effectively for the global goal in his country or
• The award aims to honour those who work towards globally.
promoting peace and harmony. About Global Goalkeeper Awards
• Dr. Muhammad Yunus is known as the father of the • The Global Goalkeeper Awards are presented to leaders
microcredit concept. and individuals for their efforts in achieving the
• He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in five
founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the categories.
concepts of microcredit and microfinance. • The categories are Progress, Changemaker, Campaign,
34. Indian Railways wins Best Ministry for Implementation of Goalkeepers Voice and the Global Goalkeeper.
Swachhata Action Plan for 2018-19 –On occasion of About Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Swachh Mahotsav 2019 held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is one of the ambitious
(on 6 September 2019). projects that was introduced by PM Modi on Mahatma
• President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented an Gandhi’s birth anniversary 2nd October 2014.
award to Indian Railways as Best Ministries for • The ambitious mission aims at accelerating the efforts
Implementation of Swachhata Action Plan for 2018- to achieve universal sanitation coverage in the country
19. by this year as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his
• Best Swachh iconic Place award to Chhatrapati 150th birth anniversary.
Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai under • As per the reports, till now 90 million toilets have been
Swachh Bharat Mission initiative. built to eliminate open defecation by October 2, 2019,
• The 3 best stations as per Cleanliness Ranking and currently, 98 per cent of India's villages have rural
Survey for 2018 i.e. Jaipur, Jodhpur and Tirupati sanitation coverage instead of 38 per cent four years
were also awarded. ago.
Note: 36. CSIR Young Scientist Award 2019 – Scientist John Mondal
Swachhata Action Plan (SAP)? receives the CSIR Young Scientist Award 2019 in the field of
Chemical Sciences.

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Note • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and
• Currently, he is working as a scientist at the CSIR- Kashmir tops the list of the Best Swachh Iconic
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in place in the country in the ‘Swachh Iconic Places’.
Hyderabad. • The Shrine has been adjudged based on the overall
• The CSIR Young Scientist Award given to those improvement in sanitation.
people who are under 35 years old. The award • The list is list released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
carries a cash prize of ₹50,000 and a plaque. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation on
37. Best Swachh Iconic Place - Vaishno Devi shrine September 3.
August

National Sports Awards 2019 - National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. The
awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 29th
August 2019.

• Para-athlete Deepa Malik and wrestler Bajrang Punia will be conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
Award.
• Khel Ratna is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a
period of four year.
• Arjuna Award is given for consistently outstanding performance for four years.
• Dronacharya Award for coaches is given for producing medal winners at prestigious International sports events.
• Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime contribution to sports development.

List of all winners

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
• Bajrang Punia – Wrestling
• Deepa Malik - Para Athletics

Dronacharya Award (regular category for coaches)

• Vimal Kumar – Badminton
• Sandeep Gupta - Table tennis
• Mohinder Singh Dhillon – Athletics
Dronacharya Award (lifetime category)
• Sanjay Bhardwaj - cricket
• Rambir Singh Khokar - kabaddi
• Mezban Patel – hockey
Dhyan Chand Award
• Manoj Kumar (wrestling),
• C Lalremsanga (archery),
• Arup Basak (table tennis),
• Nitten Kirrtane (tennis) and
• Manuel Fredricks (hockey).
Arjuna Awards

Arjuna Award Sh. Tajinderpal Singh Toor Athletics

Arjuna Award Mohammed Anas Yahiya Athletics

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Arjuna Award Sh. S. Bhaskaran Body Building
Arjuna Award Ms. Sonia Lather Boxing
Arjuna Award Sh. Ravindra Jadeja Cricket
Arjuna Award Sh. Chinglensana Singh Kangujam Hockey
Arjuna Award Sh. Ajay Thakur Kabaddi
Arjuna Award Sh. Gaurav Singh Gill Motor Sports
Arjuna Award Sh. Pramod Bhagat Para Sports (Badminton)
Arjuna Award Ms. Anjum Moudgil Shooting
Arjuna Award Sh. Harmeet Rajul Desai Table Tennis
Arjuna Award Ms. Pooja Dhanda Wrestling
Arjuna Award Sh. Fouaad Mirza Equestrian
Arjuna Award Sh. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Football
Arjuna Award Ms. Poonam Yadav Cricket
Arjuna Award Ms. Swapna Barman Athletics
Arjuna Award Sh. Sundar Singh Gurjar Para Sports (Athletics)
Arjuna Award Sh. Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth Badminton
Arjuna Award Sh. Simran Singh Shergill Polo

66th National Film Awards

• Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal shared the Best Actor national film award and Uri Director Aditya Dhar won the
Best Director award.
• The 66th National Film awards were announced by Rahul Rawail, head of the Jury for feature films.
List of winners –

• Best Director: Aditya Dhar for Uri : The Surgical Strike

• Best Feature Film: Hellaro a Gujarati film directed by Abhishek Shah
• Best Actor: Ayushmann Khuranna for Andhadhun and Vicky Kaushal for Uri : The Surgical Strike
• Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh for Mahanati
• Best Supporting Actor - Swanand Kirkire for Chumbhak
• Best supporting actress - Surekha Sikri for Badhaai Ho
• Best Action Direction: KGF Chapter I
• Best Choreography: Padmaavat for Goomar
• Best Film for National Integration - Ondalla Eradalla (Kannada)
• Best Popular Film: Badhaai Ho
• Best film on Environment issues - Paani
• Best Debut Film of a Director: Naal (Marathi)
• Best film on Social Issues: Padman
• Best Children's Film: Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale Kasaragod
• Special Jury Award: Award shared by Sruthi Hariharan, Joju George for Joseph, Savithri for Sudani From Nigeria,
Chandrachood Rai

Other Awards

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1. King Hamad Order of the Renaissance – Prime Minister of • President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, presented
India Narendra Modi has been conferred King Hamad Order Bharat Ratna Awards to Nanaji Deshmukh
of the Renaissance by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa bin (posthumously), Bhupendra Kumar Hazarika
Salman Al Khalifa in Manama, capital of Bahrain. (posthumously) and Pranab Mukherjee at
• He was conferred this prestigious honour in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral • Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika were conferred
relations with Bahrain. the award posthumously.
• PM Modi is the 1st Indian prime minister to visit • The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of
Bahrain. four years.
2. Order of Zayed - Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi • Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and
was honoured with prestigious ‘Order of Zayed’, United founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan
Arab Emirates’ (UAE) highest civilian award. Malviya were given the award by the government
Note: The award in name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al in 2015.
Nahyan, founding father of UAE. About Nanaji Deshmukh
3. Eminent Engineer Award 2019 - Prabhakar Singh, Director • Nanaji Deshmukh was born in 1916 in a Marathi
General, Central Public Works Department has been chosen family in Parbhani, Maharashtra. As a child, he was
for the ‘Eminent Engineer Award for the Year 2019’. inspired by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Note: This award will be given by the Institution of • Nanaji established India's first Saraswati Sishu
Engineers (India) for his distinguished and exemplary Mandir at Gorakhpur in 1950.
service in the field of Engineering and Technology. • Nanaji Deshmukh had won in the 1977 Lok Sabha
4. UEFA President’s Award – Former Manchester United election from Balrampur.
forward player Eric Cantona honoured with the award. About Bhupen Hazarika
5. SKOCH Governance Gold Award – Deendayal Antyodaya • Bhupen Hazarika was born on September 8,
Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), 1926 in Sadiya, Assam.
has been conferred the prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold
• He was also one of the leading author-poets of
Award.
Assam with more than 1,000 lyrics and several
• It has been conferred the award for its initiative short stories, essays and travelogues to his
“Portal for Affordable Credit and Interest credit.
Subvention Access (PAiSA)”. DAY-NULM is a
• Bhupen Hazarika, popularly known as the 'Bard
flagship mission under the Ministry of Housing and
of Brahmaputra',.
Urban Affairs.
• In May 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
6. Indian documentary film I’m Jeeja” has won the award at
inaugurated India’s longest bridge (9.15 kms),
the 14th edition of the ‘We Care Film Festival on Disability
which runs over the Lohit river in Assam. Modi
Issues’.
named the Dhola-Sadia bridge after Bhupen
7. Pushkin Medal 2019 - JNU Professor Meeta Narain was
Hazarika.
conferred the ‘Pushkin Medal – 2019’. This award is the
About Pranab Mukherjee
highest honour given to an Indian scholar by the Russian
• Pranab Mukherjee was born in Mirati in Birbhum
government.
District of West Bengal on December 11, 1935 to
Note: Pushkin Medal is given to a scholar of Russian
freedom fighters.
language and literature for outstanding contribution to
• He served as the 13th President of India from 2012 until
Russian studies abroad.
2017.
8. South Asian Spelling Bee competition 2019 – Navneeth
About Bharat Ratna
Murali, an Indian-American teenager from New Jersey, has
won the 2019 South Asian Spelling Bee contest. • It is highest civilian award of Republic of India. It was
9. Bharat Ratna Award 2019 instituted in 2 January 1954.

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• First recipients of Bharat Ratna award (1954)- C. “100 Years of Chrysostum” will receive Guinness Award in
Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and C. V. the category of longest documentary.
Raman. • The “100 Years of Chrysostum” is based on the life
• Limits: Maximum of 3 nominees can be awarded per of Philipose Mar Chrysostum, scripted and directed
year. by filmmaker Blessy.
10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be honoured with • The 48-hour and 8 minutes documentary has
“Order of Zayed” – The United Arab Emirates will honour broken the record of the 21-hour Saudi Arabian
the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the “Order documentary “World of Snakes”.
of Zayed“, the highest civilian award of the country. 16. Rajasthan bags award at World Education Summit 2019 –
11. ISRO Chairman K. Sivan honoured with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Rajasthan wins the “best innovation and initiative
Award – Tamil Nadu government has awarded K. Sivan with leadership award” for its achievements in higher education
its Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award. in the World Education Summit-2019 held in New Delhi.
• K. Sivan is currently serving as the chairman of 17. Priyam Chatterjee becomes 1st Indian chef to win French
Indian Space Research Organisation. honour – Priyam Chatterjee became the 1st Indian chef to
12. CCMB scientist K Thangaraj awarded JC Bose Fellowship – be awarded the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite Agricoleto’
Dr K Thangaraj, Chief Scientist at Council of Scientific & by the government of France to recognise his contribution
Industrial Research (CSIR)– Centre for Cellular and towards reinventing the gastronomic scene in India.
Molecular Biology (CCMB) was awarded JC Bose Fellowship. • Chatterjee is best known for revisiting the
• He was given this fellowship for his outstanding traditional dishes from his native state of West
contributions in the field of population and medical Bengal and giving it a French twist.
genomics. 18. Lionel Messi Wins UEFA Goal of the Season Award 2018-19
• The JC Bose Fellowship is awarded to scientists in – Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has been awarded UEFA’s Goal
recognition for their outstanding performance by of the Season award 2018-19 for his free-kick against
the Science and Engineering Research Board, Liverpool.
Department of Science and Technology. 19. ISRO announces Vikram Sarabhai Journalism Award 2019 -
13. Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman honoured with Vir Chakra As part of centenary year celebrations of Dr. Vikram
– Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, has been Sarabhai, father of Indian space programme, ISRO institutes
honoured with the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest war time two categories of awards in journalism.
gallantry medal. • ISRO has announced its “Vikram Sarabhai
Note: Journalism Award in Space Science, Technology
• From the Army, Sapper Prakash Jadhav of the and Research” to recognize and reward journalists
Rashtriya Rifles posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra, who have actively contributed towards the field of
the second highest peacetime gallantry award. space science, applications, and research.
• Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal, who played a key role 20. BAFTA LA to honour Steve Coogan with Charlie Chaplin
as flight controller during the aerial combat between Award - Actor Steve Coogan will be felicitated with the
India and Pakistan on February 27, has been awarded Charlie Chaplin Award by the British Academy’s Los Angeles
Yudh Seva medal. branch. He will receive the honour during the 2019
14. Arun Lal awarded CAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award – Britannia Awards.
Former India cricketer Arun Lal conferred with Karthik Bose 21. President Kovind honoured with the highest award of
Lifetime Achievement award of the Cricket Association of Republic of Guinea – President Ram Nath Kovind has been
Bengal’s (CAB’s) in Kolkata. awarded the National Order of Merit by the President of
• Former Bengal captain Raju Mukherjee was also Guinea.
considered for 2019 Lifetime Achievement but CAB • The award is bestowed for his exceptional
eventually picked Lal. contribution to the advancement of overall
15. Longest documentary “100 Years of Chrysostum” will relations and development of mutual
receive Guinness Award – A biographical documentary cooperation between India and Guinea.
Note:

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• President of Guinea: Alpha Conde Note:
• Capital of Guinea: Conakry • The Magsaysay award was started in 1957 and
• Currency of Guinea: Guinean franc celebrates the memory and leadership
22. India’s transsexual woman Naaz Joshi was crowned Miss example of the former Philippine president
World Diversity 2019. This event was held in Port Louis, Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay.
Mauritius. • Ramon Magsaysay Award is regarded as the
23. Miss England 2019 - Bhasha Mukherjee, a 23-year-old Asian version of the Nobel Prize.
Indian origin doctor was crowned Miss England 2019. 25. Kapil Dev honoured with Bharat Gaurav Award – East
24. Ramon Magsaysay award 2019 – Ravish Kumar has been Bengal club awarded former Indian Cricket captain Kapil
awarded the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award for “harnessing Dev with its highest honour, Bharat Gaurav.
journalism to give voice to the voiceless”. 26. 2019 Prem Bhatia Award – Veteran journalist and
The other winners of the award are: consulting editor at India Today TV (television), Mr. Rajdeep
Sardesai was awarded the 2019 Prem Bhatia Award for his
• Ko Swe Win (Myanmar): He is a human rights defender Outstanding Political Reporting with a career spanning over
and the chief editor of Myanmar Now news agency. three decades.
• Angkhana Neelapajit (Thailand) is human rights activist 27. Ruhan Rajput honoured with ‘Entrepreneur of the Year
and a leading human rights defender in Southern Award, 2019’ –
Thailand. • Ruhan Rajput, a renowned entrepreneur, co-
• Raymundo Pujante Cayabyab (Philippines) is a musician founder and Director of Einfolge Technologies
who has served in the music faculty of the University of Pvt Ltd was awarded the prestigious
the Philippines and has conducted free workshops for Entrepreneur Award 2019 at New Delhi.
thousands of students all across the country. • Ruhan was acknowledged for his contributions
• Kim Jong-Ki (South Korea) is an activist working with and achievements in the business industry.
violence and mental health issues in youth and a South • His company, is one of the leading players in
Korean agrarian movement leader who pioneered the knowledge process outsourcing (KPO)
wasteland cultivation, and strove to demonstrate industry.
through his work that life as a farmer can be fulfilling
and productive.

July
1. Sachin Tendulkar 6th Indian to be inducted into ICC Hall of 4. P T Usha nominated for IAAF Veteran Pin – Former
Fame – International Cricket Council has inducted India’s Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been
batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, South African pace legend nominated for the International Association of Athletics
Allan Donald and two-times World Cup-winning Australian Federations Veteran Pin for her ‘long and meritorious
woman cricketer Cathryn Fitzpatrick into the ICC’s Hall of service to the cause of World Athletics’.
Fame. 5. CSR Journal Excellence Awards – The 3rd Edition of the CSR
• Other Indians on the list are Bishan Singh Bedi, Journal Excellence Awards honoured 6 firms for the best
Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Rahul practices in Corporate Social Responsibility. The theme of
Dravid. the event was ‘India First’.
2. Sudarsan Pattnaik wins People’s Choice Award in U.S. – The winners of the awards are:
Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has won • YES Bank Ltd. won in the category “Health &
People’s Choice Award at a prestigious sand sculpting Sanitation”.
festival in United States (US). • Aditya Birla Capital Ltd. won in the category
• 2019 Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting “Sports”.
Festival was held in Boston. • Tata Power won in the category “Education & Skill
3. Mohun Bagan Ratna Award - Keshav Dutt, Prasun Banerjee Training”.
to be honoured with Mohun Bagan Ratna

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• ReNew Power won in the category “Women • The 9th edition of SAARC film fest took place in
Empowerment & Child Welfare”. Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Mahindra & Mahindra won in the category 12. Isha Kanth bags ICJ internship programme – Indian girl,
“Environment”. Isha Kanth is one of the two persons in the world to have
• Hindustan Zinc won in the category “Agriculture & bagged an internship programme at the International Court
Rural Development”. of Justice.
6. Miss Deaf World 2019 title – Vidisha Baliyan, a 21-year-old • She has earlier worked in rural Bihar spreading
girl from Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar city, was crowned awareness on the right to education and women
the Miss Deaf World 2019 title. empowerment among children belonging to the
• The international beauty pageant was held in marginalised sections.
Mbombela, South Africa. 13. Shah Rukh Khan to be conferred with an Honorary
• She is a former international tennis player who Doctorate by Melbourne’s La Trobe University
represented India in the Deaflympics and also won • Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood actor, will be felicitated
a silver medal. with an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters (honoris
7. Pata Gold Award 2019 – Union Tourism Ministry’s causa) from Melbourne-based La Trobe University at
Incredible India ‘Find the Incredible You’ campaign has won the 10th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2019. (IFFM) at Bundoora, Australia.
• It won the award in ‘Marketing – Primary 14. IOC Sportsperson of the Year – Sharath Kamal was voted
Government Destination’ category. the Sportsperson of the Year in the annual Indian Oil Sports
8. Indian Woman of Influence’ award – Eminent fashionista, Conclave.
social entrepreneur and philanthropist Priya Priyadarshini • Sharath Kamal is a professional table tennis player from
Jain has been felicitated with the prestigious ‘Indian Tamil Nadu, India.
Woman of Influence’ award at the House of Lords, the 15. Best Innovation Award’ - Northeast Frontier Railway has
United Kingdom Parliament, London. won the‘Best Innovation Award’ for unique strategy
• Priyadarshini Jain for it also marked the grand adopted to keep wild elephants away from train tracks.
launch of coffee table book on ’50 most influential • The Plan Bee initiative of the Northeast Frontier
Indian women worldwide’ featuring her as one of Railway (NFR) has won the Best Innovation Award
the most prominent personalities from India. in Indian Railways for the 2018-19 fiscal.
9. 2019 Sangita Kalanidhi award – Noted Carnatic vocalist S. • The initiative helps in preventing trains from hitting
Sowmya won the 2019 Sangita Kalanidhi award of Music elephants crossing tracks.
Academy. 16. Gully Boy’ wins NETPAC award in Bucheon film festival –
10. Tribute Actor award – Veteran actor Meryl Streep Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s directorial ‘Gully Boy’ has won the
(American) will be honoured with Tribute Actor award at Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC)
2019 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Award at the 23rd Bucheon International Fantastic Film
11. Nagarkirtan’ wins Best Feature Film’ at SAARC film fest – Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea.
Bengali film ‘Nagarkirtan’, has won 4 awards in SAARC film 17. 2019 Global Excellence Awards - The US-India Strategic
festival. Partnership Forum has announced that Mastercard CEO and
• The movie was honoured with ‘Best Feature Film’, President Ajay Banga and Wipro Chairman Azim Premji will
‘Best Director’, ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Original receive the 2019 Global Excellence Awards.
Score’ awards. 18. NALCO to get President’s award for excellent CSR –
• The movie was directed by Kaushik Ganguly. National Aluminium Company Limited has been selected for
• Best Short Film’ award– Na Bole Wo Haram, a 20- President’s award for utilisation of Corporate Social
minute film by debutant director Nitish Patan Responsibility fund in social development.
• Special Jury Award for Direction and Story– Walking • NALCO started a scheme “Aliali Jhia” in 2015 to
With the Wind, by Praveen Morchhale promote the education of Girls of BPL families.
About SAARC Film Festival NALCO is an Odisha based Navaratna Company.

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June

become the first Indian film to won ‘Outstanding Artistic

1. UK-India Awards 2019: Mark Tully gets Lifetime Achievement’ award at the Shanghai International Film
Achievement Award – Veteran British journalist Sir Mark Festival. The film is directed by Bijukumar Damodaran.
Tully was conferred with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at 6. Indian woman crowned Miss Universe Australia – India
UK-India Awards in London for his contributions to UK-India born Priya Serrao has won the Miss Universe Australia title
relationship. for 2019.
Other awards – 7. Kapil Sharma is the most viewed Stand-up Comedian in
• Start-up of the Year Award- Maanch, a new India and Abroad – Comedian-actor Kapil Sharma has been
platform that matches up funders and receivers to acknowledged as the most viewed stand-up comedian in
accelerate global sustainable development India and abroad by the World book of Records London.
• Global Indian Icon of the Year– Kunal Nayyar, best
known for his role as Rajesh Koothrappali on US 8. Maldives to confer its highest award ‘Nishan Izzuddin’ on
sitcom The Big Bang Theory PM Modi - Maldives will confer ‘Nishan Izzuddin’ award on
• Market Entrant of the Year category– Oyo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is the highest award to
hospitality start-up honour foreign nationals.
• Social Impact category– British Telecom (BT) 9. Miss India 2019 - Suman Rao from Rajasthan has won the
2. IIT Kanpur honours Gopichand with honorary doctorate – Femina Miss India World 2019 beauty pageant during a
IIT Kanpur honours India’s chief national badminton coach star-studded ceremony at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor
Pullela Gopichand with honorary doctorate on the occasion Stadium in New Delhi.
of their 52nd convocation. • Shivani Jadhav from Chhattisgarh clinched Femina
3. RedInk Award – The Tribune’s reporter wins the ‘Journalist Miss Grand India 2019 title and Shreya Shanker
of the Year’ RedInk Award. from Bihar won Miss India United Continents 2019
• Rachna Khaira of The Tribune has bagged the title during the grand finale of the beauty pageant.
prestigious RedInk Award for ‘Journalist of the 10. Ex-President Pratibha Patil awarded with Mexico’s Highest
Year’. She won it for exposing the functioning of Civilian Award - Former President Pratibha Patil was
the UIDAI and its Aadhaar data cache. bestowed on the highest civilian award of Mexico for
• Two retired senior journalists Dinu Ranadive from foreigners.
the Maharashtra Times, and Sebastian D’Souza, 11. Chinese President Xi Jinping was conferred with highest
from the Mumbai Mirror, have jointly received the national award of Kyrgyzstan titled Manas Order of the First
Lifetime Achievement Award for this year. Degree in Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan).
• The RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism are Note: Kyrgyzstan hosted19th Shanghai Cooperation
conferred to encourage good quality reporting and Organisation (SCO) summit.
analysis, fair play and high ethical standards in 12. Indian engineer wins Innovation for Sustainable
Indian journalism. Development Award - An Indian engineer named Nitesh
4. Indian engineer wins Innovation Award in UK – Nitesh Kumar Jangir won 2019 Commonwealth Secretary-General’s
Kumar Jangir, an Indian engineer has won the 2019 Innovation for Sustainable Development Award in London,
Commonwealth Secretary General’s Innovation for United Kingdom (UK). He won the award in People
Sustainable Development Award in the “People” category in category, for creating a low-cost breathing support device
London. called ‘Saans’ for premature babies.
• Nitesh Kumar Jangir created Saans, a breathing 13. Amitav Ghosh becomes first English writer to get 54th
support device to tackle avoidable deaths of Jnanpith award - Renowned author Amitav Ghosh was
premature babies from respiratory distress awarded the 54th Jnanpith Award for his contribution to
syndrome. the enrichment of Indian Literature in English. He was
5. Award for Malayalam film at 22nd Shanghai International conferred the award by former governor of West Bengal
Film Festival – Veyil Marangal (Trees Under the Sun) have Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

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14. Man Booker International Prize - An author from Oman, been chosen for the prestigious Global Leadership Awards
Jokha Alharthi has won the prestigious Man Booker 2019.
International Prize for “Celestial Bodies”, the story of three 20. Automobile major Mahindra won the Gold Award in South
sisters of a desert country confronting its slave-owning past Africa for fairing on various indicators, including level of
and a complex modern world. satisfaction among its network of dealers and the manner
15. Priyanka Chopra to be honoured with humanitarian award of allocation of vehicles to them.
by UNICEF - Priyanka Chopra, a global UNICEF Goodwill 21. UN Sasakawa Award 2019: The United Nations Office for
Ambassador for Child Rights is going to be honoured with Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conferred ‘Sasakawa
Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award by UNICEF at the UNICEF Award 2019’ for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to Pramod
SNOWFLAKE BALL. Kumar Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to Prime
16. WHO award for Rajasthan Health Department - The World Minister of India.
Health Organization has selected the Rajasthan 22. Former US President Jimmy Carter receives Statesmanship
government’s Medical & Health Department for its award Award - Jimmy Carter, Ex-President of United States of
this year in recognition of its achievements in the field of America (USA) won the inaugural George H. W. Bush Award
tobacco control. for Statesmanship in recognition of his contributions to
• The department’s Additional Chief Secretary, Rohit relations between U.S. and China.
Kumar Singh has received the award at a function 23. Teen Climate activist Greta Thunberg wins Amnesty prize -
to mark World No Tobacco Day in New Delhi. The 16-year old climate activist, Greta Thunberg of Sweden
• The Health Department of the State is the only won Amnesty International’s ‘Ambassador of Conscience’
government body in the country which will be Award 2019 for mobilising world public opinion global
awarded for its tobacco-free initiatives. warming.
17. J.C. Daniel Award - Malayalam Actor Sheela J.C. has won 24. I&B Ministry institutes Antarashtriya Yoga Diwas Media
the J.C. Daniel Award, the highest honour in Malayalam Samman - The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
cinema. She is only the second woman to get it, after (I&B) has instituted a new award called Antarashtriya Yoga
Aranmula Ponnamma in 2005. Diwas Media Samman (AYDMS) from year 2019 to
18. Akshaya Patra wins BBC award - Akshaya Patra, a non- recognise contribution made by media in spreading
profit organisation, has been awarded the BBC World awareness about Yoga and for promotion and
Service Global Champion Award. It runs one of the world’s commemoration of International Yoga Day, held every year
largest school meals project in India. on 21 June.
19. 2019 Global Leadership Award - Google’s India-born CEO
Sundar Pichai and Nasdaq president Adena Friedman have

Arts & Culture

September

1. Festival of Fulpati being celebrated in Nepal – The • Bathukamma, the flower festival of Telangana
festival of Fulpati is being celebrated with gaiety and was celebrated in state’s Warangal district.
religious fervour in Nepal. • The nine-day long festival of flowers was
• Fulpati is observed on the seventh day of celebrated from 29 September to 6 October
Dashain festival. 2019.
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• Bathukamma marks the beginning of Sharath Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to translate
Ruthu and it is widely celebrated by young girls and publish an anthology of writings of Baba Guru Nanak
and women. Dev, the founder of Sikhism (and also 1st of 10 Sikh Guru)
• The ‘Bathukammas’ are basically the cone in world languages to commemorate 550th birth
shaped flower stack, at street corners and anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
temples in the city. • The year 2019 mark 550th birth anniversary of
3. Bangladesh lifts ban on Hilsa export to India – Guru Nanak Dev.
Bangladesh Government will allow 500 tons of Hilsa fish 7. Nuakhai Juhar: Odisha’s harvest festival celebrated –
to be exported to India prior to the eve of Durga Pooja. Nuakhai Juhar, a harvest festival welcoming the newly
• Bangladesh accounts to nearly 75% of world Hilsa harvest crop of the season was celebrated in Odisha.
production. • It is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated
• The government of Bangladesh had imposed ban in Odisha to welcome new crop of the season. It
on its export to India due to its over – is an important social festival of Western Odisha
exploitation. and is an agricultural festival.
4. Ladakhi Shondol dance enters Guinness book of world 8. Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree gets GI
record – Ladakhi Shondol dance has created history by tag – The Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) in
breaking into Guinness book of world records as the Chennai has accorded coveted Geographical Indication
largest Ladakhi dance. (GI) tag to Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree from Tamil
• The Shondol dance was gracefully performed by Nadu. This takes total number of such indigenous
about 408 women artists in traditional dresses products that have been accorded GI tag from Tamil
on the occasion of the Annual Naropa Festival. Nadu to 31.
• Shondol dance also known as the ‘royal dance of 9. ‘Namaste Pacific’ Cultural Event held in New Delhi – A
Ladakh’ cultural event called ‘Namaste Pacific’ to showcase in
5. PM Modi, Mongolian President jointly Unveils statue of India the culture of Pacific countries such as Australia,
Lord Buddha – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji was held in New
President of Mongolia H.E. Mr Khaltmaagiin Battulga, Delhi.
jointly unveiled a statue of Lord Buddha and his two • The event was jointly organized by High
disciples, installed at historic Gandan Tegchenling Commissions of Australia, New Zealand, Papua
Monastery in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s Capital) via New Guinea, and Fiji.
videoconferencing from Delhi.
6. UNESCO to publish Guru Nanak Dev’s writing in world
languages – United Nations Educational, Scientific and

August

1. President inaugurates underground Bunker Museum at 2. 17 August: Parsi New Year Navroz celebrated – Parsi
Raj Bhavan in Mumbai New Year, also known as Navroz or Jamshedi Navroz, is
• President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated celebrated every year on August 17 to mark the
underground ‘Bunker Museum‘ at the Raj Bhavan beginning of the new Iranian calendar.
(official residence of the Governor of • In Persian, Nav means new and Roz means day
Maharashtra) in state capital Mumbai. and together translating to ‘new day’. It is
• The bunker was discovered by Maharashtra celebrated for health, wealth, prosperity and
Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao last year, along productivity.
with two identical cannons, atop foothills of Raj 3. National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ organised at
Bhavan, which is situated at the tip of south Leh-Ladakh – In a bid to give a fillip to tribal economy in
Mumbai. Ladakh, Aadi Mahotsav or National Tribal Festival will be
organised at Polo Ground, Leh-Ladakh.

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• It is a 9 day festival that will start from 17 August Records for becoming most visited museum in Asian sub-
till 25 August 2019. continent on a single day. Museum witnessed a record
4. Virasat-e-Khalsa set to enter Asia Book of Records – footfall of 20,569 visitors on a single day on 20 March
Virasat-e-Khalsa museum located in Anandpur Sahib 2019.
town in Punjab is set to find a place in Asia Book of

July

1. Pakistan opens historic Hindu temple in Punjab – the year 2019 was held at the National Film
Pakistan has opened a 1,000 year old Hindu temple in Corporation Cinema Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka
eastern city Sialkot for worship for the first time since from July 2-7, 2019.
partition on the demand of the local Hindu community. 7. Saudi Arabia adopts Digital India, equality of women in
• The Shawala Teja Singh temple, located in city’s Haj 2019 women in Haj 2019 – Indian Haj mission in the
congested Dhaarowal locality, some 100 km from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has adopted digital technology
Lahore, is more than 1,000 years old, according to reach out to a large number of pilgrims as part of
to the book ‘History of Sialkot’ by the late Rashid Digital India initiative of Government of India.
Niaz. 8. Jagannath Rath Yatra - Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra held in
2. Prakash Javadekar inaugurates 10th Jagran Film Festival Puri, Odisha.
– Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting • The Rath Yatra marks the journey of Lord
inaugurated the 10th Jagran Film Festival in an event held Jagannath along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra
at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. and Devi Subhadra from Jagannath temple to
3. IFFI’s Golden Jubilee Edition to be celebrated in Goa – Gundicha temple. This journey covers a distance
The Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of around 17 km in Puri.
of India, will be held from 20th Nov till 28th November 9. Chamliyal mela 2019 was held in Jammu and Kashmir.
2019 in Panaji, Goa. 10. Sindhu Darshan Utsav 2019 - The 23rd edition of Sindhu
• President of Oscar Academy John Bailey and Darshan Utsav 2019 was held at Sindhu Ghat Shey in Leh
other eminent cinematographers and producers Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
have been invited for the event. Russia will be 11. Bonalu festival was held in Telangana - The annual
IFFI partner in this edition. Bonalu festival kicked off at the Jagadamba temple in
4. Baba Guru Nanak University Foundation stone laid in historic Golconda Fort, Telangana. Bonalu is the “state
Pakistan – Pakistan Punjab’s chief minister laid the festival” of Telangana.
foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University at 12. Mela Kheer Bhawani celebrated in J&K
Nanakana Sahib. • The annual festival of Kheer Bhawani Mela
• The University was dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev celebrated by Kashmiri Pandit devotees at
at his birth place. This university would be spread famous Ragnya Devi temple in Jammu and
over 10 acres. Kashmir’s (J&K) Ganderbal district.
5. Nishagandhi Monsoon Ragas Music Fest 13. ASI declares Chaukhandi Stupa as Monument of
• Kerala Tourism organized a 5-day annual National importance – According to a notification issued
Nishagandhi Monsoon Ragas Music Fest 2019 in by Union Ministry of Culture, Chaukhandi Stupa, an
Kanakakkunnu, Thiruvananthapuram. It was held ancient Buddhist site located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
from July 20-24, 2019. It was inaugurated by the (UP) has been declared as ‘protected area of national
Governor of Kerala, P Sathasivam at Nishagandhi importance’ by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Auditorium in Kanakakkunnu Note:
6. SAARC Film Festival 2019 held at the National Film • The Stupa is known as ‘Chaukhandi’ because of
Corporation Cinema Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka its four-armed plan.
• The 9th Edition of South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Film Festival for

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14. Elephanta Festival of Art and Culture– The Elephanta 23. Nearly after four decades, Bamboo rice has shown up in
Festival of art and culture commenced at the iconic Odisha. The state of Odisha had last witnessed Bamboo
Gateway of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra. rice in 1979. The Forest Authorities of Chandaka-
• Elephanta Caves is currently maintained by the Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Cuttack district have
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are also opened up the gates for the forest dwellers to collect the
a UNESCO World Heritage Site Bamboo rice.
15. Tripura to host 10th National Science Film Festival of 24. New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of
India in 2020 Archaeology Inaugurated – Prime Minister Narendra
• The 10th National Science Film Festival of India Modi has inaugurated the new Pandit Deendayal
(NSFFI) will be organised in Tripura on January Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in
and February 2020. Uttar Pradesh.
• The film festival is being held with the objective 25. Ugadi/Yugadi - Ugadi festival celebrated in Karnataka,
of highlighting science, technology, innovation, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
energy, environment, agriculture and traditional 26. Gudi Padwa - Gudi Padwa is celebrated in the state of
knowledge in a simple way. Maharashtra.
16. People celebrate Bhandara festival, the great turmeric 27. Baisakhi - Baisakhi is the Punjabi New Year celebrated in
festival of Maharashtra – The Bhandara festival takes the month of April by performing their folk dance,
place on Somvati Amavasya- a new moon day at Bhangra and Gidda and feasting.
Khandoba Temple in Maharashtra. 28. Puthandu - Puthandu is the Tamil New Year celebrated in
• During the festival, devotees use the golden the month of April by preparing Manga Pachadi a
powder to worship the deity Lord Khandoba, traditional food to ring in their new year.
widely known as a descendant of the sun, and to 29. Bohag Bihu - Bohag Bihu is the Assamese New year
celebrate his victory over the demons Mani and celebrated by performing the folk dance Bihu and a grand
Malla. buffet.
17. Culture Minister Prahalad Singh Patel has inaugurated the 30. Pohela Boishakh - Pohela Boishakh is the Bengali New
exhibition titled ‘Unknown’ Masterpieces of Himachal Year celebrated with making many sweetmeats.
Folk Art’ at National Museum in New Delhi. 31. Bestu Varas - Bestu Varas is celebrated in Gujarat on the
18. Namaste Thailand Film Festival held in Delhi. Namaste day after Deepavali. Marwaris in Rajasthan also celebrate
Thailand Film Festival is an annual festival organised to their new year during Deepavali.
bridge the gap between Indian and Thai cultures. 32. Vishu - Vishu is the Malayali New Year celebrated in the
19. Baikho Festival - Rabha tribal Hindu women participate in state of Kerala in the month of April.
a tug of war during Baikho festival at Pantan village, 33. Losoong - Losoong is the Sikkimese New Year and falls in
Guwahati, Assam. December at the end of harvesting. It is celebrated by
20. Amasebailu in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi district has performing Chham dance.
become Karnataka’s first solar-powered Gram 34. Navreh - Navreh is the Kashmiri New Year celebrated in
Panchayat. the Hindu month of Chaitra.
21. Meghalaya CM launches Aroma Mission – Meghalaya 35. Prayagraj Kumbha Mela 2019 makes it to the Guinness
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the Aroma World Records – The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 has
Mission and also inaugurated the Processing Unit of made into Guinness World Records in the following three
Essential Oil at Byrwa village in Ri Bhoi District. sectors:
22. Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to • Largest traffic and crowd management plan.
provide digitally-signed land record receipts (also known • Biggest painting exercise of public sites under
as 7/12 receipts). paint my city scheme.
• The 7/12 receipt is the most important • Biggest sanitation and waste disposal
document which establishes the ownership of mechanism.
the land, and is primarily used by farmers while 36. Ghumot to be declared Goa’s heritage musical
applying for loans instrument – The Art and Culture Minister of Goa, Govind

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Gaude has announced that Ghumot, an indigenous 38. Foundation stone laid for Hastshilp complex in New
earthen drum will soon be notified as a heritage Delhi – The Union Minister for Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani
instrument of Goa. . laid the foundation stone of a Hastshilp Complex in New
37. ‘Festival of India’ Begins in Kathmandu - A month-long Delhi. The complex would be named after Deendayal
‘Festival of India’ began in Kathmandu, Nepal, to Upadhyaya as Deen Dayal Antarashtriya Hastshilp
familiarise the new generation of the country about the Bhawan.
similarities between the two countries.

International Affairs
November
1. The 35th ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand. 7. The Ministry of Tourism has participated in the three-day-
Note:Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan -O-Cha long World Travel Market (WTM) in London, UK.
inaugurated this summit at IMPACT convention complex. Note: The theme for India Pavilion at WTM 2019 is
The theme of the summit is 'Advancing Partnership for ‘Incredible India - Find Incredible India’. This year, the
sustainability'. 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the
2. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at a Statue of Unity are also being promoted and publicized in
meeting of the council of heads of government (CHG) of the India Pavilion at WTM 2019.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tashkent. 8. Defence minister Rajnath Singh has co-chaired the 19th
Note: The SCO is an influential regional security grouping India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military
which is seen as a counterweight to NATO. Shanghai and Military-Technical Cooperation in Moscow.
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, 9. The US- Bangladesh Navy exercise 'Cooperation Afloat
economic and military organisation, which was founded in Readiness and Training (CARAT)- 2019' started in
Shanghai by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Chattogram
Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan in the year 2001. Note: CARAT is one of the U.S. Navy’s longest continually
3. Russia's newest nuclear submarine was successfully test- running exercise in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from White Assistant chief of naval staff (operations) Bangladesh Navy
Sea off Russia. rear admiral M Makbul Hossain was present as the chief
Note: The Knyaz Vladimir, or Prince Vladimir, fired the guest in the opening ceremony.
missile from underwater that landed on target on the 10. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Kamchatka peninsula in far eastern Russia. (USCIS), The US has announced the increase of H-1B work
4. The biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference visa application fee by 10 US Dollars.
held in Colombo, Sri Lanka 2019. Note: The non-refundable fee will support the new
Note: The Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar electronic registration system to make the H-1B cap
Prasad is representing India at the conference. The theme selection process more efficient. Petitioners seeking to file
of the event: “Equal Access to Justice and the Rule of Law”. H-1B cap-subject petitions will first have to electronically
Purpose of the event: It seeks to address challenges faced register with the USCIS during a designated registration
by millions of people seeking to resolve legal problems or period.
disputes. 11. Iran and Russia inaugurated a new phase of construction
5. Sudan’s first-ever satellite for conducting research in for a second reactor at Iran's sole nuclear power plant in
military, economic and space technology has been Bushehr.
launched by China. Note: The reactor is one of two officially under
6. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep construction since 2017 at the Bushehr site. The landmark
Singh Puri has inaugurated a new Guru Nanak Chair at 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with six major powers,
University of Birmingham. including Russia, placed restrictions on the sort of nuclear
Note: Mr. Puri also announced the new Chair to mark the reactor Tehran could develop and its production of nuclear
550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak, during his visit to fuel.
Birmingham where he delivered an Annual Lecture on the 12. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the
Contemporary Relevance of Guru Nanak's Teachings. United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the inaugural

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Ministerial session of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Note: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with 17 other
Exhibition and Conference. Defence Ministers of ADMM-Plus countries are attending
Note: The Minister is scheduled to meet his UAE the meeting.
counterpart Minister of Energy and Industry, Suhail 18. As per latest Global Bribery Risk Index, Bangladesh has
Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei. Both the countries will been identified as the “country with the highest risk” in
discuss issues of bilateral hydrocarbon as well as steel terms of bribery threats in South Asia.
sector engagements. Note: India has been ranked at 78th in the Global Bribery
13. BRICS trade ministers meeting has been started in Brasilia. Risk Index out of 178 countries. In South Asia, Pakistan and
Note: MoU on trade and investment promotion between Afghanistan are the only countries where the bribery risk is
agencies of all the 5 BRICS countries will be signed after “high”. The five countries with the lowest bribery risk in
the meeting. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal is leading the world are New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden
the Indian delegation. and Finland.
14. The fifth edition of Global Exhibition on Services (GES)- 19. Pakistan has become the 1st country to introduce the new
2019 will be held at Bengaluru. vaccine to combat typhoid.
Note: The Global Exhibition on Services is an annual event Note: Pakistan has become the first country in the world
which aims to engage industry and governments across to introduce World Health Organisation-recommended
the world and to promote greater exchange of trade in typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) in its national
services between India and the rest of the world. GES 2019 immunisation program. It will initially be used during a
is an attempt towards escalating the Indian services bar in two-week immunisation campaign starting from 18 to 30th
the global arena, encompassing participation from 100 November in the urban areas of Sindh.
countries and hosting sector-specific knowledge sessions. 20. 1st Indo-Qatari joint Naval Exercise Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of
India is looking to attract investments and partnerships in the Sea) held in Doha.
strategic areas like aviation and space programme, Note: The Bilateral Maritime Exercise Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of
infrastructure, and telecom projects. the Sea) between the Indian Navy and Qatari Emiri Naval
15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 11th BRICS Forces has been started in Doha to enhance
Summit in Brasilia. interoperability between the two navies. From the Indian
Note: BRICS Business Forum will enhance the business side, Indian Navy Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS
collaborations between BRICS countries and deepen the Trikand and Patrol Aircraft P8-I are participating in the
relations with the New Development Bank.The theme of exercise.
the Summit this year is "Economic Growth for an 21. As per World Talent Ranking (WTR), for the year 201, India
Innovative Future”. was ranked at 59th position.
16. India will host 19th SCO Heads of Government Council in Note: In the released report, India was ranked at 59th
2020. position, a slip by 6 places on a global annual list of 63
Note: It is the first such high-level meeting of the eight- countries. The top 10 countries that followed Switzerland
member grouping to be organised by New Delhi after its (1st) were Denmark (2nd), Sweden (3rd), Austria (4th),
admission into the grouping in 2017. Luxembourg (5th), Norway(6th), Iceland (7th), Finland
17. The 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM- (8th), Netherlands (9th) and Singapore (10th).
Plus) held in Bangkok, Thailand.

October
2. Palestine has released a commemorative postage stamp
1. Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio named UNESCO on Mahatma Gandhi, honouring his legacy and values, to
Goodwill Ambassador – The Director-General of mark the 150th birth anniversary of the world leader.
UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has named Mexican actress 3. PM Modi inaugurates Metro Service and ENT hospital in
Yalitza Aparicio as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Mauritius – The Indian Government has granted $275
Indigenous Peoples. million for the Metro Express project and a grant of $14
Note: She is the first indigenous Mexican woman to be so million for the new Hospital Project.
recognized by the US Academy Awards 4. Typhoon ‘Mitag’ hits Northern Taiwan
5. Mahatma Gandhi’s 80-year-old Letter wishing Jews ‘Era
of Peace’ Unveiled – The National Library of Israel

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unveiled an 80 – year old handwritten letter by Mahatma •Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last ruler of
Gandhiji on the day World War II broke out. He had Hyderabad had transferred a sum of 1 million pounds
wished the Jewish people an era of peace in his letter. for safe-keeping to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to
• The letter was written by Gandhiji on the the United Kingdom, Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola, in
occasion of Jewish new year, that is, on 1948.
September 1, 1939. • The money was transferred from the state of
6. World Space Week: 4-10 October: Important Facts – Hyderabad’s bank account to Rahimtoola’s account in
World Space Week is the largest space event on the UK’s National Westminster Bank.
Earth. More than 80 countries are participating • The amount, which has now grown in value to 35
commemorating the week this year million pounds or Rs 306 crore, continues to remain
• This year Theme: The Moon: Gateway to the in the UK bank.
stars. 9. Ecuador to withdraw from OPEC in January 2020 –
Ecuador has announced to withdraw its membership
7. FATF report on money laundering: The Asia – Pacific from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Group of FATF (Financial Action Task Force) slammed (OPEC) from 1 January 2020.
Pakistan as the later failed to take actions against terror • Ecuador joined OPEC in 1973 had earlier
groups. withdrawn from the bloc in 1992. However, it
• On 5th October, 2019, the group published rejoined the organization in 2007.
report on Money Laundering and terror financing About OPEC –
in Pakistan. • The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
8. Nizam Funds case: India wins £35m worth case at UK Countries (OPEC) is a permanent
court – India has won a decades-old legal dispute over intergovernmental organization of 14 oil-
funds belonging to the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad at the UK exporting developing nations that coordinates
Court. and unifies the petroleum policies of its Member
• The High Court of England and Wales, in a Countries.
landmark judgement on October 2, 2019, ruled in • It was founded on 14 September 1960 in
favour of India and the Nizam's descendants and Baghdad by the first five members.
dismissed Pakistan's claims in a legal battle • OPEC headquartered is in Vienna, Austria.
involving £35m.
• The judgement was delivered by Justice Marcus
Smith. The court ruled that those claiming in
right of Nizam VII- his grandsons and India were
now entitled to the Nizam Funds.
Background –
September

1. Hazzaa al-Mansoori becomes first Arab to reach •Thomas Cook, one of the world's leading travel
International Space Station - Hazzaa al-Mansoori has companies, said after the private investment and
created history to become the first Arab to reach the the government could not get bailout package,
International Space Station (ISS). the company decided to close the business with
• He was a former military pilot who was selected immediate effect.
for the UAE's new human spaceflight program in • The company was founded in 1841 by Thomas
2018. Cook. Earlier it served domestic travellers in
2. British travel giant Thomas Cook collapses – Britain's Britain, later it started taking foreign trips.
178-year-old travel company Thomas Cook declared itself 3. Thailand 1st in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging
bankrupt. – Thailand became the first country in Asia to introduce

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rolled out plain cigarette packaging which aims to reduce solar power farm which has the capacity to produce 688
the appeal of smoking. million kWh of electricity annually.
• Keeping a uniform typeface below graphic 10. Typhoon Faxai hits Tokyo, Japan – Typhoon Faxai has hit
depictions of cigarette-related illnesses will make Tokyo, Japan. There were winds of up to 210km/h
the products less attractive to buyers (130mph). Faxai is one of the strongest typhoons to hit
4. PM Modi Inaugurates Gandhi Solar Park at UN the Japanese capital in a decade.
Headquarters – Prime Minister Narendra Modi 11. Howdy Modi event held in Houston, Texas – Prime
inaugurated a 50 kilowatt ‘Gandhi Solar Park’ at the UN Minister Narendra Modi played host to United States
headquarters in New York. President Donald Trump at NRG Stadium in Houston,
• Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated a Gandhi Texas, for an Indian-American rally dubbed the ‘Howdy
Peace Garden at the State University of New York Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’. The mega ‘Howdy,
Campus at Old Westbury in Long Island. Modi’ gala event saw around 50,000 Indian-Americans in
• The world leaders also launched UN postage attendance.
stamp on Mahatma Gandhi, commemorating his 12. India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline inaugurated –
150th birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepal counterpart
5. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for the KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated South Asia’s first cross-
first time – The kingdom of Saudi Arabia will offer tourist border petroleum products pipeline from Motihari (in
visas for the first time as part of a push to diversify its Bihar) in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal.
economy away from oil. • It is a first-ever cross-border petroleum products
6. St. Vincent and Grenadines, 79th country to join India- pipeline in the South Asia region.
led ISA – Saint Vincent and Grenadines became the 79th 13. Hurricane Dorian: India has announced an immediate
country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). humanitarian assistance of $1 million to help people in
• ISA is an initiative by India aimed at combating The Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian.
the threats of climate change and global 14. India joins Global AMR R&D hub as a new member –
warming. India has joined Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• The International Solar Alliance is a group of 121 Research and Development (R&D) hub as a new member.
solar resource-rich countries with headquarters • AMR refers to a microbe’s ability to resist the
in Gurugram, India effects of drugs and medication that once could
7. UNWTO selects India as host country to celebrate World successfully treat the microbe.
Tourism Day 2019 – India has been selected as the host • The announcement in this regard was made by
country for celebration of World Tourism Day 2019 by Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Science & Technology in New Delhi.
Note: • The Global AMR R&D hub was launched in May
• This is for the very first time that India will host 2018 on the sidelines of 71st session of World
the day in its National Capital, New Delhi. Health Assembly (WHA), following a call from
• The World Tourism Day which observed globally G20 leaders in 2017.
on 27 September every year. • Global AMR R&D Secretariat: It is established in
• World Tourism Organization headquarters is in Berlin, Germany.
Madrid, Spain. 15. WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate measles &
8. Sri Lanka unveils South Asia’s tallest tower – Sri Lanka rubella by 2023 – World Health Organisation South-East
unveiled South Asia’s tallest tower, costing over $100 Asia Region have resolved to eliminate measles and
million, 80% of which has been funded by China under rubella by 2023.
the controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). • The resolution to eliminate the highly infectious
• The 350-metre-tall 17-storey Lotus Tower, childhood killer diseases “measles and rubella”
located in the heart of Colombo city. was taken at the 72nd session of the WHO
9. Vietnam opens Southeast Asia’s largest solar power Regional Committee for South-East Asia in Delhi.
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16. US Federal Trade Commission fines YouTube with $170 for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) for 6th Replenishment
million – The US’s Federal Trade Commission has fined Cycle (for year 2020-22). This is an increase of 10% over
Google’s YouTube with $170 million. YouTube will have to the amount contributed by India in 5th cycle.
pay $170 million to settle allegations of collecting • India stands firm to its long-standing partnership
personal information about children. with Global Fund and its commitment to
• YouTube has been accused of tracking viewers of eliminate AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
children’s channels using cookies without 18. Indonesia to move capital from Jakarta to East
parental consent. Kalimantan – Indonesia’s president announced that the
• YouTube also used those cookies to deliver country’s capital will move from overcrowded, sinking
million of dollars in targeted advertisements to and polluted Jakarta to a site in sparsely populated East
those viewers. Kalimantan province on Borneo island.
17. India to contribute $22 mn to GFTAM for 2020-22 – India
has announced contribution of $22 million to Global Fund

August

1. Narendra Modi launches RuPay card in UAE – Prime • The move is also a part of a global movement
Minister of India Narendra Modi has launched the RuPay “Project CAT -Conserving Acres for Tigers” which
card, making the UAE the first country in the Middle East aimed at building healthy habitats for Tigers.
to initiate the Indian indigenous system of electronic 4. FATF Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan – Pakistan has
payment. been placed on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task
Note: Force’s Asia Pacific Group.
• RuPay card scheme was launched in 2012 to • Pakistan has been blacklisted for non-compliance
fulfill the Reserve Bank of India’s vision to have a and non-enforcement of safeguards against
domestic, open and multilateral system of terror financing and money laundering.
payments. About Asia Pacific Group (APG)
• RuPay facilitates electronic payment at all Indian • It is Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style
banks and financial institutions. India has already regional body for Asia-Pacific region to develop
launched the RuPay card in Singapore and policies to combat money laundering and terror
Bhutan. financing. It is inter-governmental organisation
2. Johnson & Johnson asked to pay $572 mn for Opioid founded in 1997 in Bangkok, Thailand.
addiction crisis – Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to 5. Saudi Arabia: Travel abroad restriction on women lifted
pay $572 million for Opioid addiction crisis in US. – In a landmark reform, Saudi Arabia has allowed women
Oklahoma court has accused J&J for its role in fostering above 21 years of age to receive passports (issue or
the state’s opioid addiction crisis. renew) and travel abroad without permission from a
• The money will be used to provide care for male guardian.
addicts, families and communities ravaged by the 6. Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to
crisis. Bhutan
3. Discovery, WWF tie up to preserve Sundarbans – • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day
Discovery India and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India visit to neighbouring country Bhutan.
have partnered with the Forest Directorate, the • Prime Minister of Bhutan - Lotay Tshering
government of West Bengal and local communities to Key points –
preserve Sundarbans. Sapling planted at Bhutan’s historic Simtoka Dzong
• This move is to protect the Sundarbans, the • PM Modi planted a Cypress tree sapling at historic
mangrove forest, the habitat of Bengal tigers, to Simtoka Dzong in Thimpu in presence of his
reduce the tiger-human conflict. Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering.

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• Simtoka Dzong is one of the oldest fortresses in • The co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates with $106
Himalayan nation. Billion, became the second richest person in the
• Simtoka Dzong functions as a monastic and world again, by surpassing Europe’s richest
administrative centre. person Bernard Arnault, French luxury good
720 MW Mangdechhu hydroelectric power plant (Louis Vuitton Moét Hennessy) tycoon, as per
inaugurated Bloomberg Billionaire Index.
• This hydroelectric plant is touted as a Bhutan-India • Jeff Bezos of Amazon still holds his no.1 spot as
friendship project. the world’s richest person.
• It is a 720MW run-of-river power plant built on 10. U.S. labels China a ‘currency manipulator’ – The United
Mangdechhu River in Trongsa Dzongkhag district of States has officially labeled China a “currency
central Bhutan. It was developed by Mangdechhu manipulator”. The US has accused China of using yuan to
Hydroelectric Project Authority (MHPA). gain “unfair competitive advantage” in trade.
• MHPA was jointly constituted by Indian and • The US took the action as Beijing has allowed its
Bhutanese governments. yuan to fall below the politically sensitive level of
RuPay Card launched “seven” to the U.S. dollar for the first time in 11
• PM Modi launched RuPay Card in Bhutan by making a years.
purchase at Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest 11. Iceland commemorates 1st glacier “Okjokull” lost to
dzongs in Bhutan. climate change – Iceland commemorated the loss of 1st
• India announced that an additional $100 million will glacier “Okjokull”, lost due to climate change. A bronze
be available to Bhutan under SAARC currency swap plaque was unveiled by Iceland in a ceremony which was
framework to meet foreign exchange requirement. attended by scientists and locals at the glacier in west-
Key agreements signed between India & Bhutan central Iceland.
• The plaque bears the inscription “A letter to the
• MoU between Bhutan’s Department of Information
future”.
Technology and Telecom (DITT) and Indian Space
12. Hiroshima Day 2019 observed on August 6 - Hiroshima
Research Organisation (ISRO) on establishment of
Day was observed on August 6, 2019. It marks the
SATCOM Networkfor utilization of South Asia Satellite
anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and
(also known as GSAT-9).
Nagasaki, Japan by the United States (US) in 1945.
Note:
• During World War II, an American B-29 bomber
• Capital of Bhutan is Thimphu
had dropped the first atomic bomb nicknamed
• Currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum.
‘Little Boy’ on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
7. India suspends Thar Link Express – India suspended
• Three days later i.e on August 9, 1945, a second
weekly Jodhpur-Munabao Thar Link Express amid the
atomic bomb “Fat Man” was dropped on the city
ongoing tension with Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.
of Nagasaki.
• This move comes days after India cancelled
• 2019 marks the 74th anniversary of the
Samjhauta Express from its side after Pakistan
disastrous event.
had announced suspension of all train services to
13. Papua New Guinea has the highest number of ‘living’
India.
languages in the world, India ranks 4th
8. Kajin Sara Lake set to be world’s highest lake – Newly
• According to Ethnologue, a directory of
discovered Kajin Sara lake in Nepal is likely to set a new
languages which lists 7,111 living languages
record of being the world’s highest lake.
(languages that are still being used and spoken
• It is located at Singarkharka area of Chame rural
by people) worldwide, Pacific island nation of
municipality in Manang district of Nepal.
Papua New Guinea, Country in Oceania tops the
• Current world’s highest lake: It is Tilicho Lake,
list with 840 living languages, while India ranks
situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres in Nepal.
4th position with 453.
9. Microsoft’s Bill Gates regains the spot of the second
• The other nations in the top 5 positions include
richest person in the world in Bloomberg Billionaire
Indonesia (2nd ) with 710 living languages and
Index

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Nigeria(3rd with 524) and US (United States)
came 5th with 335.

July

1. Boris Johnson announced as Britain’s next prime 8. WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC as a Global Health
minister - Boris Johnson replaces Theresa May as Britain’s Emergency – World Health Organization (WHO) has
next Prime Minister. declared deadly Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of
2. International arbitration court imposes $5 billion Congo (DRC) as ‘Public Health Emergency of International
penalty Pakistan – International Arbitration Court has Concern’. This announcement comes after Ebola virus
imposed over $5 billion penalty on Pakistan for unlawful spread to a city of 2 million people.
denial of a mining lease to a company called Tethyan • Kinshasa is the capital of Democratic Republic of
Copper Company for Reko Diq project in 2011. This Congo.
penalty on cash-strapped Pakistan is one of the biggest in • Congolese franc is the currency of Democratic
its history. Republic of Congo..
3. Australia-India finalize a new veterinary health protocol 9. Jordan has unveiled its 1st Underwater Military Museum
- Australia and India recently finalized a new veterinary on the bed of Red Sea off the coast of Aqaba.
health protocol for the export of Australian breeder Red Sea - It is a narrow strip of water inlet of Indian
sheep to India Ocean. It extends southeastward from Suez in Egypt, to
4. World Hindu Economic Forum launches its Nepal Bab el-Mandeb Strait (it connects Red Sea to Gulf of
Chapter in Kathmandu – World Hindu Economic Forum Aden).
(WHEF) has launched its Nepal Chapter which was 10. Ukraine inaugurates world’s largest Metal Dome –
inaugurated by Nepal’s Minister of State for Health and Ukraine has inaugurated the world’s largest movable
Population Dr. Surendra Kumar Yadav in Nepal’s Capital metal dome encasing the destroyed reactor at the
of Kathmandu. infamous Chernobyl plant. It is a 108-meter high dome
• It has been founded by Swami Vigyananand. which weighs 36,000 tonnes.
5. France to impose green tax on plane tickets from 2020 – 11. Motihari-Amlekhgunj Oil Pipeline ready for commercial
France will impose green tax up to €18 on plane tickets operation – The landmark Motihari-Amlekhgunj
from 2020. The move aims to fund less-polluting Petroleum Products Pipeline between India and Nepal is
transportation projects. now completed and is ready for commercial operation.
6. Gafa Tax: France to levy 3% tax on Internet giants – The • The testing transfer of the pipeline was
French parliament approved a law dubbed as Gafa Tax successfully completed by Indian Oil Corporation
(an acronym for Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon), (IOC) and Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). As part of
the legislation will impose a 3% levy on sales generated in trial, diesel was released from Motihari which
the country by non-tax paying online giants. reached Amlekhgunj.
7. Palau becomes 76th nation to join International Solar • The prestigious project is the 1st oil pipeline in
Alliance – Palau, an archipelago of more than 500 islands Nepal, 1st transnational petroleum pipeline from
in Oceania, has become 76th signatory country to join the India as well as 1st South Asian oil pipeline
International Solar Alliance (ISA). corridor.
About International Solar Alliance 12. Sri Lanka eliminates measles – Sri Lanka has become fifth
• ISA is a group of 121 solar resource-rich nations. country in the World Health Organisation (WHO)
It was jointly launched by India and France on Southeast Asia region to eliminate measles.
November 2015 on side lines of COP21 UN • The other countries in the region which have
Climate Change Conference held at Paris. achieved this feat are Bhutan, Maldives, DPR
• It is headquartered at campus of National Korea and Timor-Leste.
Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gurugram, 13. Tropical Storm Barry hits Louisiana in US. - In the United
India. States, Tropical Storm Barry has devastated Louisiana.

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President Donald Trump has declared a state of home to world-famous sparkling wine Prosecco, were
emergency in Louisiana. added by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific
14. U.S. sets $5 bn fine for Facebook – U.S.’s Federal Trade and Cultural Organization) to World Heritage list.
Commission have approved a $5 billion penalty to be • It has now become Italy’s 55th World Heritage
levied on Facebook. The penalty have been approved to site.
settle a probe into the social network’s privacy and data 22. Australia’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape included in
protection lapses. UNESCO’s WHS – Australian Aboriginal site ‘Budj Bim
15. Plastic-like Jute material developed in Bangladesh – Cultural Landscape’ in south-west Victoria has been
Scientists in Bangladesh have developed a method to added to UNESCOS’s World Heritage List.
convert Jute fibre into low cost bio-degradable cellulose • It is the 20th site in Australia to make it to WHS
sheets named “Sonali”. list.
• The Eco-friendly jute poly bags made up of Sonali 23. Iraq’s Babylon listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site –
can be used in garments and food packaging UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has voted to list the
work and they are not harmful for human health. sprawling Mesopotamian metropolis of Babylon as a
16. The UK’s new £50 pound note features codebreaker World Heritage Site after three decades of lobbying
Alan Turing - According to the Bank of England, Alan efforts by Iraq.
Turing, a crack code-breaker and visionary mathematician • Since 1983 Iraq had been trying to have Babylon
who set the foundations for artificial intelligence (AI) will site recognised by UNESCO.
feature on Britain’s new £50 banknote. 24. Sharjah issues its first Golden card visa to an Indian Lalu
• The new note is expected to enter circulation by Samuel, Chairman of Kingston Holdings – The General
the end of 2021. Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Sharjah
17. Padma Shri awardee Raghu Ram receives FRCS of has granted the first golden card visa to an Indian expat
Thailand businessman, Lalu Samuel, Chairman and Managing
• Popular breast surgeon and Padma Shri awardee Director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah
P.Raghu Ram has been conferred the Honorary Industry Business Group.
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons 25. World’s largest burn and plastic surgery institute
(FRCS) of Thailand at the 44th annual congress of inaugurated in Dhaka, Bangladesh – The world’s largest
the Royal College in Pattaya themed “ASEAN burn and plastic surgery institute named Sheikh Hasina
collaboration in value-based surgery”. National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute started its
18. Ukraine inaugurates gigantic dome worth $1.7 billion functioning in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
over destroyed Chernobyl reactor 26. Sri Lanka inaugurates first model village built with
• Ukraine and its European partners have Indian assistance – The first model village built with
inaugurated the world’s largest new metal dome Indian assistance under the Model Villages Program was
encasing the destroyed reactor at the infamous inaugurated at Ranidugama in Gampaha in Sri Lanka.
Chernobyl nuclear power station. 27. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Note: confirmed that Iran had exceeded a limit of 300 kilograms
• Ukraine: Capital: Kyiv or Kiev on its enriched uranium reserves set by a 2015 nuclear
• Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia deal/Iran deal.
19. European Union fines chipmaker Qualcomm $271 About Iran Deal
million – European Union has fined US based chipmaker • It is also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan
Qualcomm $271 million, accusing it of “predatory of Action (JCPOA) or Iran Nuclear deal.
pricing” to drive a competitor out of the market. • It was signed on July 14, 2015 in Vienna, Austria
20. 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee – The between - Iran, P5+1 namely- France, United
43rd session of the World Heritage Committee was held Kingdom, China, Russia, and the US (P5) plus
in Baku, Azerbaijan from 30 June to 10 July 2019. Germany.
21. Italy’s Prosecco hills enters UNESCO World Heritage list • International Atomic Energy Agency
– Italy’s hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, which is headquarters is in - Vienna, Austria.

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28. Japan resumes commercial whaling – Japan has resumed •ICRW governs scientific, commercial, and
commercial whaling after a period of 31 years, but will aboriginal subsistence whaling practices of 59
stay within country’s exclusive economic waters. member nations.
• IWC Headquarters: Impington, England.
International Whaling Commission 29. New Zealand bans Single-Use Plastic shopping bags –
• It is an international body set up under New Zealand has officially banned single-use plastic
International Convention for Regulation of shopping bags with effect from 1 July 2019.
Whaling (ICRW), which was signed in 1946 in
Washington, D.C., United States (US).

June

1. ‘goAML’ launched by UAE - The United Arab Emirates Sumatra, Indonesia, sent a huge plume of thick ash 7km
(UAE) has become 1st country in Gulf to launch new anti- high into the sky during an eruption on 9 Jun
money laundering platform called ‘goAML’ (Anti-Money 6. UAE launches 'Golden Card' scheme to woo wealthy
Laundering). investors, exceptional talents – The United Arab
• It is the new anti-money laundering platform was Emirates launched a permanent residency scheme to woo
launched by UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit wealthy individuals and exceptional talents, a move that
(FIU) and is developed by United Nations Office could attract more Indian professionals and businessmen
on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to curb organised to the Gulf nation.
crimes. • The "Golden Card" programme unveiled by UAE
2. Saudi Arabia becomes 1st Arab country to get full FATF Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-
membership – Saudi Arabia has become 1st Arab country Maktoum is open to investors and "exceptional
to be granted full membership of Financial Action Task talents" such as doctors, engineers, scientists,
Force (FATF) following FATF’s Annual General Meeting students and artists.
held in Orlando, Florida in United States (US). 7. IMF approves $6 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan
About FATF – – The IMF has approved a USD 6 billion loan over a period
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an of 3 years for cash strapped Pakistan.
intergovernmental organization that designs and 8. Pakistan secures $3 billion bailout from Qatar – Cash-
promotes policies and standards to combat strapped Pakistan has secured a financial assistance in
financial crime. form of a bailout package of $3 billion from oil-rich Qatar.
• The FATF was created in 1989 on the initiative of 9. Mauritania holds election for 1st time in 60yrs –
the G7 to develop policies to combat money Mauritania, a country in Northwest Africa went to polls
• FATF headquartered in Paris, France. for the first time since the African nation gained
3. India-assisted IT- Biotechnology Park inaugurated in independence from France nearly 60 years ago.
Cote d’Ivoire – Mahatma Gandhi Information Technology • Mohamed Ould Ghazouani elected as the
and Biotechnology Park (MGIT-BP) built with India’s president of Mauritania
assistance was recently inaugurated at Grand-Bassam in • Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of
Cote d’Ivoire. Mauritania, is a country in Northwest Africa.
• Côte d'Ivoire is a West African country • Capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott.
• Yamoussoukro is the capital of Côte d'Ivoire. 10. U.S. Senate passes provision to give India NATO ally-like
• Currency - franc status – The U.S. Senate has passed a legislative provision
4. The world’s smallest baby ever to survive, weighing a National Defense Authorisation Act for India.
mere 245 grams was born in San Diego, California. About NATO
5. Indonesia's Mount Sinabung spews huge column of ash • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
during latest eruption – Mount Sinabung in North Formed in 1949 with the signing of the

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Washington Treaty, NATO is a security alliance of 15. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev elected Kazakhstan president
29 countries from North America and Europe. 16. SriLankan Airlines: World’s Most Punctual Airline –
• NATO headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium. SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of island nation
11. BIMSTEC Day- 2019 celebrated in Dhaka, Bangladesh has been named the ‘World’s Most Punctual Airline’ for
• The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi- second consecutive time.
Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) 17. Russia launches 1st Arctic train service – Russia has
member countries consisting of Bangladesh, launched first Arctic train service running from St.
India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Petersburg station headed to Norway
Bhutan celebrated the BIMSTEC Day- 2019 in 18. Italy’s Volcano Mount Etna erupts on Island of Sicily –
Dhaka, Bangladesh. Europe’s Highest Volcano Mount Etna, in southern Italy
• BIMSTEC: Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh erupted with burst into life, spews ash, fire, and spitting
12. Russia extends ban on EU Food Imports until end of molten lava high into sky.
2020 – Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a 19. 16th Asia Media Summit held in Siem Reap province in
decree for extending Moscow’s embargo on food Cambodia.
products being imported from the European Union (EU) • The 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS-2018) was
to the end of 2020. hosted by India.
13. Imports from Pakistan to India decline by 92% in March 20. China launches Space Rocket from Yellow Sea for 1st
2019 - Imports from Pakistan to India have declined by time - China launched a space rocket named “Long March
92% amounting to USD 2.84 Million in March 2019 after 11” from a mobile launch platform in Yellow Sea off
imposition of 200% customs duties on all products. Shandong province (China) for the first time.
14. UAE Cabinet adopts ‘National Strategy for Wellbeing • With this China became 3rd nation following the
2031’ – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cabinet adopted U.S. and Russia to successfully demonstrate
a National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 during its meeting ability to launch satellites into orbit from a
at Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi (UAE Capital). floating platform.

Sports
November
1. C. Mary Kom: included in a 10-member athlete 5. Novak Djokovic won the fifth Paris Masters title for 2019
ambassadors’ group by the International Olympic by defeating Denis Shapovalov in the final.
Committee (IOC). Note: Djokovic will lose top spot in the rankings to Nadal
Note: The group will represent boxers in the build-up to next week,but could still equal Pete Sampras' record by
next year’s Tokyo Olympics (Tokyo Olympic 2020). C. finishing a sixth year as the world's best player.
Mary Kom will represent the Asian bloc in boxing's 6. Finnish racing driver Valtteri Bottas has won the Formula
athlete ambassadors’ group. One, United States Grand Prix 2019.
2. Pooja Gehlot: silver medal in 53kg at UWW Under-23 Note: Lewis Hamilton was on second, Max Verstappen on
World Championships in Budapest. third, Charles Leclerc on fourth and Alexander Albon on
Note: Pooja lost 0-2 to Okuno in the summit clash. She fifth.
had entered the finals after beating Turkey's Zeynep 7. India B has won the 2019–20 Deodhar Trophy (47th
Yetgil in the semifinals of the tournament. edition) at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi.
3. South Africa defeated England in the final to win the Note: Deodhar Trophy was contested between three
Rugby World Cup. teams (India-A, India -B and India-C) selected by the
Note: South Africa beat England 32-12 in the world cup Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
final in Japan. 8. Serbian professional tennis player Novak Djokovic eased
4. Lakshya Sen has won the SaarLorLux Open badminton to a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title.
tournament at Saarbrücken in Germany. Note: He defeated Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov
Note: He defeated Weng Hong Yang of China in an 6-3, 6-4 in the final.
exciting final last night. 9. Deepak Kumar: won the men's 10m air rifle bronze
medal at the 14th Asian shooting Championships in Doha.

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Note: India has already secured nine Tokyo quotas in rifle surpassing batting legend Tendulkar, who had notched up
and pistol and lies behind China who has 25 quotas and his maiden Test fifty at 16 years and 214 days.
Korea's 12 in the Asian region, besides the host-country 18. The 1st South Asian country to call match-fixing a crime -
Japan, in terms of quotas won. - Sri Lanka.
10. Manu Bhaker: He won gold medal in women’s 10m air Note: Sri Lanka has become the first South Asian nation
pistol event at Doha, Qatar. to criminalize several offenses related to match-fixing. Sri
Note: She put up a dominant showing, shooting 584 in Lanka parliament passed all three readings of a bill
qualification and 244.3 in the final to take gold.Vivaan labeled "Prevention of Offences Related to Sports".
Kapoor & Manisha Keer also won the Gold medal in junior 19. Punjab will host the Kabaddi World Cup 2019.
trap mixed event at the Asian Shooting Championships Note: The tournament will be dedicated to the 550th
2019. birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji (1 to 9 December)
11. Rohit Sharma has become the first Indian man and Nine teams -- India, USA, Australia, England, Sri Lanka,
second in world cricket to complete 100 T-20 Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Canada -- are
Internationals. expected to take part in the tournament.
Note: He reached the milestone when he led the team in 20. Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has been named in the TIME
the second match against Bangladesh at the Saurashtra 100 list of the most influential persons in the world.
Cricket Association Stadium. Shoaib Malik with 111 Note: The list, an initiative of TIME magazine, highlights
games from Pakistan is the only player to have played 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business,
more than 100 T20 Internationals. entertainment, sports, politics, health, science, activism,
12. India will host the 2023 Men's Hockey World Cup from etc.
13th to 29th January. 21. England has qualified for the UEFA Euro 2020 football
Note: The decisions were made during FIH's Executive tournament.
Board Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. Note: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 99th international goal
13. Two-time Olympic champion Nicola Adams will retire as Portugal secured its place at the Euro 2020 finals.
because of fears about her sight. Portugal are the defending champions, having won the
Note: Nicola Adams became the first-ever women's 2016 edition. For the first time, the video assistant
Olympic boxing champion at London 2012. Adams referee (VAR) system will be used at the UEFA European
successfully defended her title in the 2016 Rio Olympic Championship.
Games. 22. Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas.has won the ATP
14. Kento Momota: China Open 2019 winner. Finals in London.
Note: Japan's Kento Momota (world number -1) defeated Note: It is Tsitsipas's third title of the season and comes a
Taiwan's Tien-chen (world number-2) to retain his Fuzhou year after he was crowned champion at the Next Gen ATP
China Open Badminton title.Chinese player Chen Yufei Finals in Milan. Tsitsipas had qualified for the finals after
successfully defended the women's title with a victory defeating six-time champion Roger Federer in the semi-
over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara. Chen Yufei beat Okuhara finals.
21-9, 21-12, 21-18. 23. Indian women have clinched five gold, while men bagged
15. Saurabh Chaudhary has won silver medal in Men's 10m two silver at Asian Youth Boxing Championship in
air pistol event at Asian Championship. Mongolia.
16. India's Javelin thrower Sundar Singh Gurjar has won a Note: All five women finalists, Naorem Chanu (51kg),
gold medal in the men's F46 javelin throw event at World Vinka (64kg) Sanamacha Chanu (75kg), Poonam (54kg)
Para Athletics Championships in Dubai. and Sushma (81kg) won Gold for the country in a
Note: Gurjar came up with his season's best effort of phenomenal sweep.
61.22m to claim the top spot. While Yogesh Kathuniya 24. Harmeet Desai has won men’s singles Gold medal at
added a silver for India in men's discus throw F56 event International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Challenge
with a best throw of 42.05m yesterday. Indonesia Open 2019 Table Tennis tournament.
17. Shafali Verma (15-years- and 285 days) has become the 25. Korean teenager Joohyung Kim has won the 2019
youngest Indian Cricketer to score a half- century in Panasonic Open India held at Gurgaon, Haryana.
International Cricket. Note: India’s Shiv Kapur and Chikkarangappa S finished
Note: Shafali Verma’s 73 runs (49-ball) in the first T20 tied second. With this win, the Joohyung Kim has become
International against West Indies surpassing Sachin the second-youngest winner on the Asian Tour.
Tendulkar’s 30-year-old record. Shafali achieved the feat

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26. David Villa: Spanish striker has announced his retirement Note: The Ferraris of Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc
from football. clashed in the race due to which Verstappen was able to
Note: David Villa retired from the national team with 59 take the lead and ultimately win the race. Pierre Gasly
goals in 98 matches, making him Spain's all-time top (France) was on the second position and was the first
goalscorer as well as the country's top scorer in the podium position for him while Lewis Hamilton remained
World Cup, with nine goals. on the third.
27. India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie shifted to Kazakhstan capital 29. Manu Bhaker has become the second Indian shooter to
Nur-Sultan from Islamabad. win a gold medal Women's 10m Air Pistol at the ISS
Note: The Devis Cup tie was scheduled to be held in World Cup 2019.
September but was pushed to 29-30 November after Note: Serbia's Zorana Arunovic won the silver with 241.9,
India expressed concerns about the safety of their while Quian Wang of China bagged the bronze with
players. 221.8. Manu Bhaker shot 244.7 to win the gold medal at
28. Belgian-Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen (with Red World Cup Finals.
Bull) has won the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix 2019.

October

1. Harmanpreet Kaur has become the 1st Indian to play 100 13. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas won the 2019 Japanese Grand
T20 International matches. Prix.
2. Japan Open title 2019 -- Novak Djokovic. Note: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel (Germany) and
Note: He defeated Millman with a score of 6-3, 6-2 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton (Britain) were ranked at
and secured a 76th career singles tournament win. the 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
3. Austria’s Christine Wolf has won the Hero Women’s 14. Zimbabwe and Nepal were re-admitted as ICC members.
Indian Open at Gurugram, Haryana. Note: Zimbabwe will now be able to take up their
4. Japan’s Naomi Osaka has won the China Open held in place in the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in
Beijing, China. January and the ICC Super League later in 2020.
5. Simone Biles has won the 15th World Gymnastics 15. The Indian football team won the 3rd Edition of the SAFF
Championship title in Stuttgart, Germany. U-15 Women’s Championships 2019 at Changlimithang
6. German World Cup champion Bastian Schweinsteiger has Stadium in Thimpu, Bhutan.
announced his retirement from soccer. 16. Yashasvi Jaiswal (17-year) has become the youngest
7. India’s M C Mary Kom has won the bronze medal in the cricketer in the world to score a double century in One
51kg event of World Women’s Boxing Championships in Day cricket.
Russia. 17. England all-rounder Jennifer Louise Gunn has announced
8. Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge becomes 1st athlete to run sub 2- her retirement from international cricket.
hour marathon. 18. Great Britain won the 9th edition of the Sultan of Johor
9. Indian shuttler clinched his maiden BWF World Tour title Cup 2019.
in the Netherlands-- Lakshya Sen. Note: Great Britain defeated India in the finals by 2-1
10. Manju Rani settled for silver medal in World Women’s in the
Boxing Championships (in the 48-kilogram category) in 19. Kuhoo Garg and Dhruv Rawat won the badminton mixed
Russia. doubles title at the Egypt International 2019 in Cairo,
11. Priyanshu Rajawat wins men’s singles title at Bahrain Egypt.
International Series. 20. Indian cyclist Ronaldo Singh bagged a gold medal in the
12. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has changed the men’s junior Keirin event at the Asian Track Cycling
super-over rule for all its major events Championships in South Korea.
Note:As per new rule, in case of a super over tie, 21. Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma smashed the Don
there will be a repeated super over until one team Bradman’s (former Australia cricketer)record of highest
has more runs than the other. average in Test cricket on home soil.

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Note: He broke record by scoring an average of 34. Indian men’s doubles pair has won the silver medal in
99.84. Bradman, the legendary Australia cricketer the men’s doubles event at French Open -- Chirag Shetty
had an average of 98.22. and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy.
22. Riya Bhatia has won the ITF women’s tennis tournament 35. Indian boxer clinched gold medals in Olympic Test Event
in Lagos, Nigeria. for Boxing in Tokyo, Japan -- Shiva Thapa and Pooja Rani.
Note: She defeated Slovenian player Nastja Kolar of 36. India’s Prithvi Sekhar wins gold in World Deaf Tennis
Slovenia 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 in the summit clash of the ITF Championship.
women’s tennis tournament. Note: The 2nd Edition of World Deaf Tennis
23. India’s 65th Grandmaster: Raunak Sadhwani. Championships 2019 was held in Antalya, Turkey.
24. Canadian player Denis Shapovalov has won the 37. The Indian cricket team will play its first-ever Day-Night
Stockholm Open title 2019. Test match against -- Bangladesh.
25. Bengal Warriors wins 7th season of Vivo Pro Kabaddi
League 2019. 38. China Open (tennis) - Japan’s Naomi Osaka has won the
Note: Bengal Warriors won their first title by China Open held in Beijing, China. She defeated world
defeating Dabang Delhi by 39-34 at the EKA Arena by number one Ashleigh Barty in the final.
TransStadia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 39. Hero Women’s Indian Open (Golf) - Austria’s Christine
26. The logo for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games unveiled at a Wolf has won the Hero Women’s Indian Open at
ceremony in the French capital. Gurugram, Haryana.
40. Japan Open (Tennis) – Novak Djokovic defeated
Note: The circular design with Paris 2024 in the art
Australia’s John Millman in the finals to win the Japan
deco style which was in vogue in 1924 when Paris last
Open title.
hosted the Games, also incorporates the lips and
41. Ravindra Jadeja becomes second fastest Indian to 200
outline of Marianne, the personification of the
wickets in Test cricket –
French Republic since the revolution in 1789.
• Ravindra Jadeja became the fastest left-arm
27. Para-athlete Anandan Gunasekaran has won 2 gold bowler to reach the milestone.
medals at the 7th CISM World Military Games in Wuhan, • He became the second Indian bowler to take the
China. fastest 200 wickets in Test cricket.
28. Graeme Smith (Former South Africa skipper) has been • He achieved the feat when he dismissed
elected an Honorary Life Member of the Marylebone centurion Dean Elgar (160) during South Africa's
Cricket Club (MCC). first innings on the third day, in reply to India's
29. 1st Indian man to win a gold medal at the Wushu World 502 for 7 declared.
Championships-- Praveen Kumar. 42. Professional Cricketers’ Association player of the year –
30. Mumbai all-rounder has announced his retirement from England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been voted
all forms of cricket -- Abhishek Nayar. Professional Cricketers’ Association player of the year at
31. Karnataka has won the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy. the Professional Cricketers’ Association awards.
Note: Karnataka won their 4th Vijay Hazare Trophy title • All-rounder Stokes played a starring role in
with a dominant display against Tamil Nadu. England’s maiden World Cup win before
43. Annu Rani becomes 1st Indian to qualify for women's
32. Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana won Wisden India
javelin throw final – India's top female javelin thrower
Almanack Cricketer of the Year award.
player Annu Rani made it to the finals of the World
Note: The other 3 winners are Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan),
Athletics Championship. She is the first Indian woman to
Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) and Rashid Khan
reach the finals of this event.
(Afghanistan).The Zozo Championship 2019 tournament 44. India gets its first-ever floating basketball court in
title was clinched by -- Tiger Woods. Mumbai – The National Basketball Association installed
33. Mercedes’ driver won the Mexican Grand Prix 2019 -- India's first-ever floating basketball court in Mumbai.
Lewis Hamilton. • The basketball court set up in the Arabian Sea
near the Bandra-Worli Sealink.

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• India’s first NBA Game to be held in October 46. Maj Abdul Quadir Khan of the Corps of Signals has won
• The first NBA game is scheduled to host from the Silver medal at the 53rd Asian Body Building and
October 4 to October 5 in in the SVP Stadium at Physique Sports Championship held at Batam, Indonesia.
Dome, NSCI, in Mumbai. 47. India’s N. Wilson Singh and Satish Kumar Prahapati won
45. India won the under-19 Asia Cup for the 7th time – The the gold medal in the 10m platform synchronised diving
Indian U-19 cricket team has won the Asia Cup for the event at the Asian Age Group Championships held in
second time in a row. Bengaluru.
• Team India defeated Bangladesh by 5 runs in a 48. Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won gold
thrilling final in Colombo, Sri Lanka. medal in 100m race of 2019 IAAF World Championships
Note: held in Doha.
• India has won the Under-19 Asia Cup title for the 49. Indian fencer Bhavani Devi wins the silver medal in the
seventh time. women’s sabre individual event at the Tournoi satellite
• Earlier India won this title in 1989, 2003, 2012, competition in Belgium.
2013-14, 2016, 2018. 50. Mercedes Lewis Hamilton won 2019 Russia F1 Grand
Prix.
September

1. India lift SAFF U-18 Championship title for first time 6. FIFA Football Awards 2019 – The Best FIFA Football
• India won the SAFF Under-18 football Awards 2019 were presented at La Scala opera house in
Championship by defeating Bangladesh by 2-1 in Milan, Italy.
final held in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is India’s • Best Men’s Player: Lionel Messi of Barcelona &
maiden SAFF U-18 trophy. Argentina
2. IAAF Council: Adille Sumariwalla re-elected as its • Best Women’s Player: Megan Rapinoe of Reign
member – The President of Athletics Federation of India FC & United States
(AFI), Adille Sumariwallam has been re-elected as 7. World Wrestling Championships: India’s bags 5 medals
member of Council of International Association of • The World Wrestling Championships held in Nur-
Athletics Federations (IAAF). His election is for a second Sultan, Kazakhstan.
four-year term. • Rahul Aware bagged a bronze medal in men’s
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 61kg category.
• It is the international governing body for sport of • Deepak Punia won silver in men’s 86 kg freestyle.
athletics. • Deepak Punia by winning silver has become only
• It was established on 17 July 1912 in Stockholm, 5th Indian to reach the final at senior World
Sweden. It is headquartered in Monaco. Championships.
• Membership: 215 member federations • Bajrang Punia won a bronze medal
3. PT Usha honoured with IAAF Veteran Pin – Former 8. Sumit Nagal wins title at ATP Challenger Tournament –
athlete and Olympian PT Usha, known as 'Payyoli Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal has won the men’s
Express', has been awarded the prestigious International singles title at the ATP Challenger Tournament held in
Athletics Federation (IAAF) Veteran Pin Award. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• IAAF chief Sebastian Coe presented her the 9. Advani-Mehta pair wins “IBSF World Snooker” title –
Veteran Pin during the 52nd IAAF Congress at The Indian team of Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta to
Doha. win the “IBSF World Snooker” title.
4. Singapore Grand Prix Formula – Four-time world • India defeated Thailand in the team event to
champion Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel emerge World champions in the IBSF World
5. Rupa Gurunath was appointed as the first woman snooker team event held in Mandalay, Myanmar.
president of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) at the 10. Manipur wins Senior Women’s National Football
87th Annual General Meeting of TNCA in Chennai, Championship – Manipur defeated Railways by 1-0 to win
TamilNadu.

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the Senior Women’s National Football Championship held 21. Lakshya Sen wins Belgian International Badminton title –
in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Badminton star, Lakshya Sen has won the Belgian
• This was Manipur’s 20th National title. International badminton title.
11. Skolkova Fides Grand Prix title 2019 – Indian chess 22. Sourabh Verma clinches Vietnam Open Super 100 title –
grandmaster, Koneru Hampi of Gudivada ( Andhra Sourabh Verma has won the Vietnam Open Super 100
Pradesh) has clinched Fide World Grand Prix 2019 title. title held at the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
12. Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod has won the Maldives 23. Pankaj Advani became world champion for 22nd time –
International Future Series held in Maldives. Pankaj Advani has become the world champion for the
13. Amit Panghal becomes first Indian male boxer to win 22nd time.
silver at World Boxing Championship – Amit Panghal • The 34-year-old Advani has won the title of IBSF
settled for the silver medal at World Boxing World Billiards Championship for the fourth
Championships after he lost to Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin consecutive time. This is his fifth world title in
Zoirov 3-2 in the 52kg category final. the last 6 years in the short format of billiards.
• He became the first Indian male pugilist to win a
silver in World Championships at Ekaterinburg in 24. Andrew Strauss becomes chairman of ECB’s cricket
Russia. committee – Former England captain Andrew Strauss has
14. The International Cricket Council has banned Sri Lankan been appointed as the chairman of the England and
off-spinner Akila Dananjaya from bowling in international Wales Cricket Board’s cricket committee.
matches for 1 year. 25. Megan Schutt becomes the first woman to claim two
15. India slip to 104th spot in latest FIFA ranking – The white ball hat-trick – Australian fast bowler Megan
Indian football team slipped a place to 104th position in Schutt scripted history by becoming the first woman to
the latest FIFA rankings released. claim two hat-tricks in white-ball cricket.
16. Anurag Thakur announces cricket and sports academy • The right-arm medium-pacer claimed an ODI hat-
for Leh – Union Minister of State for Finance and trick to become the first Australian woman to
Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur announced that a cricket achieve the feat.
and sports academy will be set up in Ladakh. • She became the first Australian women to claim
17. Vinesh Phogat wins bronze medal in Wrestling World a hat-trick in ODIs. Schutt had claimed her first
Championships – Vinesh Phogat won the bronze medal at hat-trick in a T20 game against India.
the Wrestling World Championships held in Nur-Sultan, 26. Athlete Hima Das named brand ambassador of Gatorade
Kazakhstan. by PepsiCo – PepsiCo India has roped in India’s star
• She defeated Maria Prevolaraki of Greece in the athlete Hima Das as the brand ambassador for its sports
53 kg freestyle event. drink brand Gatorade.
18. Dinesh Mongia announces retirement forms all form of • With this the 19-year old Hima Das joins ace
cricket – Former Indian Cricket all-rounder Dinesh Mongia shuttler PV Sindhu (since 2017) and javelin
announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. thrower Neeraj Chopra (since 2018) as the
19. Basketball World Cup – Spain defeated Argentina by 95- brand’s ambassadors in country.
75 to win the Basketball World Cup held in Beijing, China. 27. Sports Ministry derecognises Paralympic Committee of
The next world cup will be held in 2023 in Japan, India – Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)
Indonesia and the Philippines. derecognised the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for
• Spain became the fifth country to win the World violating National Sports Development Code of India,
Cup 2 times. 2011.
20. India’s Kaushal Dharmamer wins Myanmar International 28. Diego Matos banned for a lifetime for match-fixing –
Series – Indian shuttler Kaushal Dharmamer has won the Diego Matos of Brazil was banned for life from
Myanmar International Series. He defeated Indonesia’s professional tennis for being found guilty of match-fixing.
Karono Karono by 18-21, 21-14, 21-11 in the finals. 29. Feroz Shah Kotla stadium renamed after Arun Jaitley –
Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi will now be known as
Arun Jaitley Stadium.

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• The stadium was renamed on 12 September Note:
2019 in the memory of former Finance Minister • Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has clinched his
of the country and stalwart BJP leader Arun fourth US Open title at the Arthur Ash Stadium in
Jaitley. New York.
30. Sarah Thomas became the first person to swim across • With this win, Nadal won the second Grand Slam
the Channel four times – American Sarah Thomas, 37, this year. He also won the men's singles French
became the first person to swim across the Channel four Open title 2019
times non-stop in a 54-hour feat of endurance. 19th Grand Slam singles title -
• A woman who was treated for breast cancer a • In the men's US Open 2019 final which lasted nearly
year ago has become the first person to swim five hours, Nadal defeated Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-
across the English Channel four times non-stop. 6, 6-4 to win his 19th Grand Slam singles title.
31. Vinesh Phogat becomes first Indian wrestler to qualify • With this, Nadal is now just a step away from
for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Indian women wrestler Switzerland's Roger Federer record of winning the
Vinesh Phogat has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. most Grand Slam title.
Vinesh managed to get an Olympic ticket in the 53 kg • Federer, who was out of the quarterfinals of the US
category. Open 2019, has recorded 20 Grand Slams title in his
• She has become the first Indian woman wrestler name.
to make it to the 2020 Olympics. 35. Bianca Andreescu wins U.S. Open women’s singles title
• Vinesh Phogat achieved this feat by defeating 2019
Sarah Hildebrandt of America in the repechage • Bianca Andreescu becomes the first Canadian
rounder of the World Wrestling Championship. singles player to win a Grand Slam event.
Note: • She defeated Serena Williams 6-3, 7-5 in her first
Grand Slam title.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC. has • With the victory, Andreescu also jumps into the
selected Tokyo, Japan, to host the Summer top 10 in the WTA rankings.
Olympics in 2020. The games are planned to be • The 19-year-old teen is also the first woman to
held from 24 July to 9 August 2020 in Tokyo. win the trophy in her tournament debut in the
• The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, US Open era.
France. 36. India Red clinch Duleep Trophy title
• The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los • India Red defeated India Green by an innings and
Angeles, California. 38 runs to clinch the Duleep Trophy title.
37. Malinga creates history by taking 4 wickets in 4 balls for
32. Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza retires from the second time in Int'l cricket
international cricket – The captain of Zimbabwe cricket • Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has taken
team Hamilton Masakadza retires from International four wickets in 4 balls for the second time in his
cricket on 21st September. international career.
• He broke a T20I record in his final international • The 36-year-old took his second double hat-trick
game against Afghanistan in the ongoing tri- by dismissing New Zealand’s Colin Munro,
series also involving Bangladesh. Hamish Rutherford, Colin de Grandhomme and
33. Deepak Punia claims world number 1 spot in 86 kg – Ross Taylor in the third T20I.
Wrestler Deepak Poonia became the world's number one • Earlier, he took four wickets in 4 consecutive
wrestler in the 86kg category in the latest rankings balls against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup.
released by the international federation United World 38. Steve Smith becomes 2nd Australian to score 500 in
Wrestling (UWW). Ashes series
34. US Open men's singles title 2019 • On 5th September in the current Ashes series,
• Winner - Rafael Nadal (Spain) Steve Smith scored his third double century
• Runner-up - DomDaniil Medvedev (Russia) against England.

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• With this, he became the second Australian after International Twenty20 matches and scored
Allan Border to score 500 and more runs in the 2364 runs.
consecutive Ashes series in England. Smith • She is the highest run-scorer in this format.
scored 508 runs in the Ashes series in England • She is also the first Indian woman to reach the
which was held in 2015. landmark of 2000 T20I runs.
• Allan Border is the first Australian batsman who • She hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
scored 500 plus runs consecutively in the Ashes 43. Rishabh Pant became fastest Indian wicket-keeper to
in England. claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket
• Border scored more than 500 runs in 1981 and • Rishabh Pant became fastest Indian wicket-
1985. keeper to claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket.
39. Italian Grand Prix - Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has won the • He broke previous record held by MS Dhoni for
Italian Grand Prix. India.
40. Bianca Andreescu of Canada becomes 1st teen US Open • Pant claimed his 50th test wicket in his 11th test
semi-finalist during India vs West Indies.
• The 19-year-old Canadian, Bianca Andreescu • MS Dhoni had taken 15 tests to get to 50 Test
became the first teen to enter in the semi-finals dismissals.
of US Open tournament. 44. Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
• Bianca Andreescu becomes the first teenager to • Qatar will be the first Arab country to host the
reach the US Open semi-finals since Caroline World Cup.
Wozniacki in 2009. 45. Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza has announced
41. Rashid Khan becomes the youngest Test Captain to retire from international cricket.
• Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan created 46. Anupama Swain wins bronze in World Martial Arts
another record in his name. He has become the Mastership – Indian woman athlete Anupama Swain won
youngest Test Captain in the world at the age 20 a bronze medal in the recently concluded World Martial
years 350 days. Arts Mastership Jiu-Jitsu 2019.
• Rashid Khan achieved this feat when the • The event was held in Chungju, South Korea.
Afghanistan team started playing against Now she qualified for 2022 Asian Games. she was
Bangladesh. the only Indian to participate in the
• Rashid Khan won his first toss as a Test captain championship.
and decided to bat first. • Jiu-Jitsu is a form of martial art and combat sport
• Before Rashid Khan, the record of captaining the and it puts the entire focus on grappling with
Test team at the youngest was the name of particular emphasis on ground fighting.
Tatenda Taibu of Zimbabwe. 47. Virat Kohli becomes India's most successful Test skipper
• He first captained against Sri Lanka in 2004. His • Virat Kohli surpassed Mahendra Singh Dhoni to
age at that time was 20 years 358 days. become India's most successful Test captain.
42. Mithali Raj retires from T20Is • Virat achieved this feat by winning 28 matches
• Indian women cricketer Mithali Raj announced for India from 48 games.
her retirement from the T20 International • It came after the Indian team recorded its 28th
Cricket. win under Kohli's leadership in the second and
Note: final test against the West Indies at Kingston.
• She leads team India in 32 T20 International • MS Dhoni in his captaincy won a total of 27
matches. matches from 60 Test matches.
• Three times she has also captained team India in • Sourav Ganguly with 21 wins and Mohammad
the ICC Women's World Twenty20. Azharuddin with 14 wins are third and fourth in
• She was the first captain of the Indian women's the list of successful Indian Test skippers.
Twenty20 team in 2006, played a total of 89 • Former South African captain Graeme Smith
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with 53 Test wins, followed by ex-Australia Kingston, Jamaica. He dismissed Darren Bravo,
captain Ricky Ponting, who recorded 48 Test wins Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase to claim the
in his captaincy tenure. hat trick.
48. India beat Nepal 7-0 to lift SAFF Under-15 title • This was the third test hat-trick by an Indian
• India defeated Nepal with 7-0 to lift the SAFF bowler after Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan.
Under-15 title at Kalyanai, West Bengal, 51. Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei completed the fastest half-
• With this win, India wins the title for a record marathon ever ran by a woman.
third time after previous wins in 2013 and 2017. 52. Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary won the gold
• India is now the most successful team in the medal in mixed 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Rio
tournament's history. de Janeiro.
49. Yashaswini Deswal wins gold at ISSF World Cup 53. Shot putter Tejinderpal Singh Toor won a silver medal
• Indian shooter Yashaswini Singh Deswal won during an athletic meet at Decin in the Czech Republic.
gold in the women’s 10meter Air Pistol event at 54. Belgian Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc of Ferrari won the
the ISSF World Cup at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Belgian Grand Prix after defeating Lewis Hamilton by less
50. Jasprit Bumrah becomes 3rd Indian to register hat trick than a second.
in Test cricket 55. New head coach appointed of Pakistan Cricket team -
• Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has been appointed as
the third Indian to register a hat-trick in Test head coach and chief selector of Pakistan’s cricket team.
cricket. He took 3 wickets in 3 successive balls in Note: Waqar Younis appointed as the team’s new
the 2nd test against West Indies, held in bowling coach.

August

1. Goa to host 36th National Games. • The 85-year-old claims to have played over two
• The 36th National Games to be held in Goa from million games taking over 7,000 wickets in
October 20 to November 4, 2020. professional cricket.
• Goa was earlier supposed to host the 36th 5. Ajantha Mendis announces retirement from Cricket –
edition of the National Games in November last Ajantha Mendis, the mystery spinner from Sri Lanka, has
year. announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
2. Virgil van Dijk, Lucy Bronze win UEFA Award – Liverpool • Mendis played 19 Tests, 87 One-Day
Football player Virgil van Dijk has won UEFA’s Player of Internationals and 39 T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking
the Year award. 70 Test wickets, 152 ODI wickets and 66 T20I
3. Abhishek Verma and Elavenil Valarivan won the gold wickets.
medal in shooting Worldcup – Abhishek Verma won the 6. Worldskills Kazan competition in Russia – Indian team
gold medal and Saurabh Chaudhary won the bronze created history by winning one gold, one silver and two
medal, in a dominant display by Indian shooters in the bronze medals at the world’s biggest international
men’s 10m air pistol event. vocational skill competition, 45th WorldSkills Kazan 2019,
• While Elavenil Valarivan opened India’s account Russia.
with a gold in the women’s 10m air rifle event of • S Aswatha Narayana won the gold medal in
the World Cup at Rio de Janeiro. water technology, Pranav Nutalapati won a silver
4. West Indies fast bowler Cecil Wright retires at 85 – West medal in web technologies, Sanjoy Pramanik and
Indies pacer Cecil Wright has announced his retirement Shweta Ratanpura won one bronze medal each
from all forms of cricket at the ripe old age of 85. in Jewellery and graphic design technology.
• Wright made his first-class debut for Jamaica 7. British Grand Prix – Spain motorcycle racer, Alex Rins of
against a Barbados side which had legends Wes the Team SUZUKI ECSTAR has won the British Grand Prix.
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8. Vikram Rathour appointed as Team India’s batting coach in the World Archery Youth Championships in Madrid,
– Former Indian opener Vikram Rathour appointed as Spain.
team India’s new batting coach. He will replace Sanjay 16. Maharashtra launches Mission Shakti sports initiative –
Bangar. • Film Actor Aamir Khan launched Mission
• While Bharath Arun and R. Sridhar were retained Shakti, a Maharashtra government’s
as bowling and fielding coaches. initiative to train athletes from tribal areas
9. Durand Cup - Gokulam Kerala FC won the 129th Durand for international sports events such as
Cup, defeating Mohun Bagan 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium Olympics.
in Kolkata. • It will help Maharashtra government to hunt
10. PV Sindhu becomes first Indian to win World for talented athletes in remote areas of
Championships gold – Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.
won the World Championships title defeating Japan’s • At the launch event Aamir Khan felicitated a
Nozomi Okuhara in the final at Basel, Switzerland. team of tribal mountaineers who had
• Sindhu defeated her Japanese opponent Nozomi recently scaled Mount Everest as part of
Okuhara to 21-7, 21-7. ‘Mission Shaurya’.
• This was Sindhu’s third straight World Mission Shakti
Championships final.
• With this victory, the 24-year-old shuttler has • It aims to groom tribal student for an Olympic medal
become the first Indian to book a gold medal at by 2024.
the World Championships. • The mission is directed towards 6 sporting disciplines
11. Paytm retains title sponsorship of Indian cricket for 5 namely- archery, shooting, volleyball, swimming,
years – The Board of Control for Cricket in India has weightlifting and gymnastics.
announced that mobile payments and e-commerce 17. Former Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole announces
company “Paytm” has retained the title sponsorship retirement – Former Chelsea, Arsenal and England
rights. Paytm has retained the title sponsorship rights for football player Ashley Cole aged 38, announced his
all cricket matches, domestic and international, played in retirement from football.
India for 5 years. 18. Mitchell Johnson becomes MCC Honourary Life member
12. B.N.S. Reddy beats Bruce Barrios of the U.S. in the men’s – Former Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson has
singles final to win the gold medal at the World Police been elected as an Honorary Life Member of the
and Fire Games. Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
13. Para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia crosses America’s 19. Labuschagne becomes 1st Concussion Substitute cricket
Catalina Channel player – Australian player Marnus Labuschagne has
• Indian Para Swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia has become the 1st Concussion Substitute player in the
become the first Asian swimmer to cross the history of International cricket.
Catalina Channel of America. • A Concussion Replacement Request is the
• Satendra holds the Asian record of crossing both notification made to the ICC Match Referee
the English and Catalina channels. in accordance with the process set out by
14. Komalika Bari becomes recurve cadet at the World ICC.
Archery Youth Championships – India’s Komalika Bari • The Team Medical Representative is the
became recurve cadet world champion at the World individual designated for the assessment of
Archery Youth Championships in Madrid, Spain. She any head or neck injury sustained by a
defeated higher-ranked Sonoda Waka of Japan 7-3 in the player.
final. • A Concussion Replacement is a player who
15. India won Bronze in World Archery Youth takes the place of a player who has been
Championships – The Indian team of Sukhbeer Singh, replaced for the remainder of the match.
Sangampreet Singh Bisla and Tushar Phadtare clinched a • The player will be selected from the list of
bronze medal in the junior compound men’s team event nominated players provided by that team

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whose player was injured and will take a full and former cricketer) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board
part in the match. (BCB).
Note: 26. NZ’s Tim Southee equals India’s Sachin Tendulkar’s
• In Ashes Series 2019, Steve Smith was ruled out of record
the last day of the 2nd Ashes Test match at Lord’s • New Zealand’s fast bowler Tim Southee now
due to concussion. Marnus Labuschagne replaced equaled former Indian cricketer Sachin
Smith on the last day of the Lord’s Test. Tendulkar’s record tally of sixes in Test
20. Hima Das, Mohammad Anas win gold in Athleticky cricket, on the first day of the Test match
Mitink Reiter event - Indian sprinters Hima Das and between Srilanka and New-Zealand that was
Mohammad Anas have won a gold medal and Nirmal Tom held at Galle, Srilanka.
clinched a bronze medal in 300m races at the Athleticky • Both Tendulkar and Southee have made 69
Mitink Reiter event. sixes in the Test cricket.
• The event was held in Czech Republic. While 27. Mumbai to host 2019 World Youth chess meet - The
Hima won the gold in women’s category and 2019 World Youth chess championship is to be held in
Mohammad Anas and Nirmal Tom claimed Mumbai from October 1-13, at the Renaissance Hotel in
the yellow and bronze medal in men’s Powai, Mumbai
category. 28. Ravi Shastri appointed as Head Coach of Indian Cricket
21. India wins U-12 Asian Tennis Team championship – India Team – Former all-rounder Ravi Shastri has been
have won the gold medal at the Under 12 Asian Tennis appointed as the head coach of Indian cricket team for
Team championship held in Kazakhstan. India defeated another two years.
Chinese Taipei in the summit clash to win the title. 29. Deepak Punia wins Junior World Championship title –
22. India wins T20 Physical Disability World Cricket Series – Deepak Punia won the gold medal at the Junior World
India has won the inaugural T20 Physical Disability World Championships held in Talinn, Estonia.
Cricket Series 2019 held in England. • He defeated Russia’s Alik Shebzukov to win
• India defeated England by 36 runs in the the 86 kg junior freestyle title.
finals to win the title. 30. Serena Williams tops Forbes list of best-paid female
• The 6-nation tournament was organized by athletes –
the England and Wales Cricket Board. • Serena Williams topped the List of Highest-Paid
23. Indian cyclists win gold at World Junior Track Cycling Female Athletes 2019 published by Forbes.
Championships – Indian cyclists team have won the gold • She has topped the annual list for a 4th
medal in the Team Sprint event at World Junior Track consecutive year with estimated total earnings of
Cycling Championships held in Frankfurt, Germany. $29.2 million.
• Indian team comprised of Esow Alben, • Japan’s Naomi Osaka was 2nd on the list with
Ronaldo Singh and Rojit Singh. earnings of ($24.3 million).
• This is India’s first ever gold medal in a global • Indian badminton player P.V. Sindhu came in tied
cycling competition. for 13th ($5.5 million), with Thai golfer Ariya
• The Indian team defeated Australian team in Jutanugarn ($5.3 million) rounding out the top 15
the finals to win the gold medal. of Forbes list of best-paid female athletes.
24. In the 300m races held at the Athleticky Mitink Reiter 31. Liverpool beats Chelsea to win UEFA Super Cup –
Event 2019 in the Czech Republic, Indian sprinters Hima Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the finals to win UEFA
Das and Mohammad Anas won gold in the women’s and Super Cup held in Istanbul. The match ended in draw with
men’s category respectively. score 2-2 following the extra time.
• It was the sixth gold in European races by 32. Simone Biles makes history with a “triple-double” twist
Hima Das since July 2, 2019. – Simone Biles makes history with a never-before-seen
25. Russell Domingo appointed as the head coach of “triple-double” floor exercise landing.
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• She performed the landing featuring “two
flips and three twists” in U.S. Gymnastics 40. Rafael Nadal wins Montreal Masters title – Rafael Nadal
Championships held in Kansas City. wins in Montreal to win 35th Masters crown. He defeated
33. Wesley Sneijder announces retirement from Football – Russian Daniil Medvedev by 6-3, 6-0.
The Netherlands’ most-capped player Wesley Sneijder • With the win, he also extended his record
announced his retirement from football. haul of Masters 1000 titles.
34. Aishwarya Pissay wins FIM Bajas World Cup – Aishwarya 41. Bajrang Punia wins gold at Tbilisi Grand Prix – Bajrang
Pissay made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Punia wins gold at Tbilisi Grand Prix held in Tbilisi,
world title in motorsports as she won the FIM World Cup Georgia.
in women’s category after the final round of the • He defeated Iran’s Peiman Bibyani by 2-0 in
championship in Varpalota, Hungary. the 65 kg final of the men’s freestyle
• The event was conducted by the competition.
International Motorcycling Federation, the • It was the 4th gold of the season for the
governing body for motorcycle racing in the Asian Games champion.
world. 42. BCCI has agreed to come under NADA ambit – The Board
• The headquarters of International of Control For Cricket In India has agreed to come under
Motorcycling Federation is in Mies, the ambit of the National Anti-Doping Agency.
Switzerland. • This decision makes Indian Cricket’s
35. Women’s Cricket at Birmingham CWG – Cricket will governing body a sports federation as per
come back to the Commonwealth Games (CWG) roster government norms. As a result, all cricketers
for the 1st time since 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, with the will now be tested by NADA.
inclusion of women’s T20 for the 2022 edition in About NADA
Birmingham. • The National Anti-Doping Agency is the
• It will take place from July 27 to August 7, national organisation responsible for
2022, with 8 international teams playing promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the
cricket. This decision was taken by doping control program in sports in all its
Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and forms in India.
the International Cricket Council (ICC). • It was established as registered society
36. Dutch Hero Wesley Sneijder announces retirement from under Societies Registration Act of 1890 in
Football. 2005 with mandate for dope free sports in
37. Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu wins Rogers Cup India.
2019 – Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu wins Rogers 43. Cricket Australia unveils new transgender inclusive
Cup tennis tournament 2019 held in Toronto, Canada. policy – The Cricket Australia has announced new
• She was the first Canadian to win the event transgender inclusive policy. This policy will enable
in 50 years. Serena Williams was the runner- transgender players to play the game of cricket at the
up in the final. highest levels.
38. Sourabh Verma wins Hyderabad Open – Indian • The decision aligns in accordance with the
Badminton star Sourabh Verma clinched the Men’s International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) gender
Singles title in the Hyderabad Open. recognition policy and gender diversity
• He beat Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in a 52- guidelines.
minute final clash. Sourabh Verma belongs • The policy sets out a testosterone limit for
to Madhya Pradesh. transgender and gender-diverse players who
39. Chennai Lions beat Dabang Delhi to win UTT – Chennai want to play for state and national women’s
Lions wins the Ultimate Table Tennis league. They teams.
defeated Dabang Delhi in the finals by 8-1. Chennai Lions 44. World Archery suspends AAI for violating guidelines –
collected the winner’s share of Rs. 75 lakh while Delhi The World Archery (WA) has suspended the Archery
settled for Rs. 50 lakh. Association of India for violating its guidelines.

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• The AAI violated the WA’s guidelines by 53. Vinesh wins gold in 53kg at Poland Open Wrestling
electing two parallel bodies. Tournament.
• As per the suspension order, the last event in 54. 1st Indian doubles pair to win Super 500 title – India’s
which the Indian archers can participate Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted a
under the Indian flag is the World Archery history to win the men’s doubles final of the Thailand
Youth Championships to be held in Madrid. Open badminton championship in Bangkok.
45. Diego forlan announces retirement from professional • This is the first-ever Indian men’s
football – Legendary Uruguay striker Diego Forlan has combination to win a BWF Super 500 title.
announced his retirement from professional football. 55. Hungarian Grand Prix – Formula One Mercedes driver
• He had won the Golden Ball award after Lewis Hamilton winner.
being adjudged the best player of the 2010 56. Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Organisers firm on
FIFA World Cup. shooting exclusion - Commonwealth Games chief Louise
46. Amla retires from international cricket – South African Martin said shooting will not be part of the 2022 edition
batsman Hashim Amla has retired from all formats of in Birmingham.
international cricket. • Commonwealth Game 2022 scheduled to be
• Amla played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs and 44 held in Birmingham, England.
T20Is between his 15-year-long cricketing 57. Bangalore will host the 10th AASF Asian Age Group
career. Championships 2019 for the 1st time – For the first time,
• Scoring more than 18,000 runs, including 55 Bangalore(Karnataka) will host the 10th AASF (Asia
centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50 Swimming Federation) Asian Age Group Championships
47. 1st woman to win 4,000km cycling race – German cancer 2019 starting from September 24, 2019, to October 2,
researcher Fiona Kolbinger won the mixed annual 2019, will give the country’s swimming enthusiasts an
4,000km(2,485 miles) cycling Transcontinental Race from opportunity to witness the aquatic event.
Burgas in Bulgaria to Brest in France. 58. Steve Smith becomes second fastest to score 25 test
• Kolbinger becomes the 1st woman to win centuries overtaking Virat Kohli – Former Australian
one of the world’s toughest cycling races in captain Steve Smith has overthrown Indian Skipper Virat
her first ultra-distance event. Kohli to become the second-fastest batsman to score 25
48. Sally Pearson announces retirement from Track and field test centuries during the second innings of the first Ashes
– Australia’s reigning world-champion hurdler Sally test match against England.
Pearson announced her surprise retirement due to injury. • The chart is topped by Australian cricketer,
49. Nick Kyrgios beats Daniil Medvedev to win 6th ATP title – Sir Don Bradman.
Australia’s Nick Kyrgios kept his composure and captured • Smith recorded this feat in his 119th innings
the ATP Washington Open title, defeating Russia’s 10th- whereas Sir Don Bradman achieved this feat
ranked Daniil Medvedev. in just 68 innings.
50. Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, aged 59. Lionel Messi suspended from Argentina for 3 months –
37, has announced retirement from all forms of cricket. Soccer body CONMEBOL suspended Lionel Messi from
51. Ravichandran Ashwin named “PCA Player of the Month international matches for three months because of
– Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been accusations of corruption he made at the latest Copa
named as Professional Cricketers Association’s Player of America.
the month of July 2019. • The South American body also fined the
• He has been named for his consistent superstar in USD 50,000 for his comments
performances in the county championships after Argentina’s 2-1 win against Chile in the
as he hit 197 runs and picked up 23 wickets third-place playoff of the tournament.
from just 3 matches for Nottinghamshire.
52. South African bowler Dale Steyn retires from Test
cricket.

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July

1. ICC World Cup title 2019 – rare milestone of scoring 1000 runs and taking 100
• England lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy wickets in the T20 format.
2019 at the Lord’s cricket stadium in London. 4. ‘Robot umpires’ debut in U.S. baseball league – The
• England defeated New Zealand with more Independent Atlantic League became the first American
number of boundaries in the Super Over thriller professional baseball league to let a computer call balls
in the grand finale of ICC Cricket World Cup and strikes.
Trophy 2019. • The umpires have the ability to override the
Note: computer, which considers a pitch a strike when
• Player of the tournament: Kane Williamson (New the ball bounces and then crosses the zone.
Zealand). 5. Indian weightlifter Ajay Singh created a new
• Player of the Match Award: Ben Stokes (England). Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk category en
• Highest run scorer of the tournament: Rohit Sharma route to a gold medal at the Commonwealth
(India). Championships held in Apia, Samoa.
• Highest wicket taker of the tournament: Mitchell 6. Sunil Chhetri named AIFF Player of the Year for a record
Starc (Australia). 6th time
Note:
• The 13th edition of ICC Cricket World Cup will be held • Sunil Chhetri was named as the AIFF Men's
in India from February 9 to March 26, 2023. Footballer of the Year for a record-extending
2. Wimbledon 2019 – sixth time.
• Simona Halep (Romanian) beats Serena Williams • Sunil Chhetri has already won Player of the
to win first Wimbledon title. Year award in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014 and
• Novak Djokovic (Serbian) won his fifth 2017
Wimbledon title after defeating Swiss tennis ace • India midfielder Abdul Samad was named
Roger Federer. the AIFF Emerging Men's Player of the Year.
• This is Djokovic’s 16th Grand Slam and 5th Note:
Wimbledon title. He is now level with Bjorn Borg • Ashalata Devi (Maipur) was named the AIFF
as a five-time Wimbledon winner. Women's Footballer of the Year 2018-19 –
• Mixed Doubles – • Manipur's Dangmei Grace was announced as the
Winner - Dodig (Croatia) and L. Chan (Taiwan) emerging player of the year in the women's category.
Runner up - R. Lindstedt (Sweden) and J. Note:
Ostapenko (Latvia) • AIFF Player of Year has been awarded by All
• Women’s Doubles India Football Federation since 1992.
Winner - S W. Hsieh (Taiwan) and B. Strycova • It is an annual association football award
(Czech Republic) presented to best footballer in India.
Runner up - G. Dabrowski (Canada) and Y. Xu 7. FIFA rankings: India drops two places to 103 – On 25th
(China) July 2019, Federation Internationale de Football
• Men’s Doubles Association(FIFA) has released its ranking for the year
Winner - Juan Sebastian Cabal (Colombia) and 2019. Belgium leads the overall FIFA rankings, followed
Robert Farah (Colombia) by Brazil, France, England, and Uruguay.
Runner up - Nicolas Mahut (France) and Edouard • Indian football team slipped two places to 103rd
Roger Vasselin (France) in the recent FIFA rankings with 1214 ranking
3. Ellyse Perry becomes first cricketer to reach 1000 runs, points.
100 wickets in T20Is – Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry 8. Nuwan Kulasekara, Sri Lanka pacer retires from
became the first cricketer of either gender to reach the international cricket - Sri Lanka pacer, Kulasekara
Mudiyanselage Dinesh Nuwan Kulasekara aged 37

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announced retirement from international cricket. He hails there is no government interference in its running of the
from Nittambuwa, Sri Lanka. sport.
9. India will host ISSF World Cup 2020 – International • ICC funding has been withdrawn and the country
Shooting Sport Federation approved India’s application to will be barred from participating at ICC events.
host the ISSF World Cup stages. Zimbabwe’s Test status was suspended by the
• World Cup will be held in New Delhi from March ICC in June 2004.
15 to 26 ,2020. 16. North Korea wins Intercontinental Cup title – North
• The last edition of ISSF World Cup was held in Korea wins the 2nd edition of Intercontinental Cup
Munich, Germany. football tournament. North Korea beats Tajikistan in the
10. Khelo India Youth Games 2020 to be held in Guwahati – finals held in Ahmedabad.
The 3rd edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2020 will be 17. British Grand Prix - Lewis Hamilton
held in Guwahati. 18. Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup final - Mexico
• Khelo India programme’s inaugural edition was defeated USA to claim their eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup
held in New Delhi in 2018. title. Jonathan Dos Santos scored the winning goal in 73rd
• The 2nd edition of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’ min for Mexico in the thrilling final.
was held in 2019 in Pune, Maharashtra. 19. Vinesh Phogat wins gold at Yasar Dogu International in
• In the second edition of Khelo India Youth Games Istanbul.
(2nd edition), Maharashtra topped with 228 • Phogat beat her Russian opponent Ekaterina
medals (85 gold, 62 silver and 81 bronze). Poleshchuk in the final match to bag the gold
• Haryana was second with total 178 medals (62 medal.
gold, 56 silver and 60 bronze) while Delhi was 20. 2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour title - Magnus Carlsen
third with total 136 medals (48 gold, 37 silver won the 2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour title.
and 51 bronze) for a total of 136 medals. 21. 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship held in
11. Mary Kom wins gold in President’s Cup – Six times World Cuttack, Odisha.
Champion MC Mary Kom (36) claimed gold medal at 23rd • India women defeated Singapore to clinch their
President’s Cup held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. She first-ever Commonwealth Table Tennis title
defeated April Franks of Australia with 5-0 • India men pipped England 3-2 in the final in
12. German Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Cuttack
13. Chandigarh gets BCCI affiliation – Chandigarh received 22. Hima Das wins gold in “Tabor Athletics” - Star Indian
affiliation from the Board of Control for Cricket in sprinter Hima Das clinched gold in a 200m race in 23.25
India(BCCI) after nearly four decades. seconds creditable timing in the Tabor Athletics Meet in
• After getting BCCI affiliation, Chandigarh Cricket Czech Republic.
Association-Punjab had recently decided to 23. Commonwealth Senior Weightlifting Championships – 4
merge with Union Territory Cricket Association, gold medals for India
thus paving way for the Union Territory to be • Mirabai Chanu wins gold in the senior women’s
recognised as a separate entity. 49 kg event.
14. ICC launched the World Test Championship – The WTC • Jhilli Dalabehra wins gold in the senior women’s
will see the top nine Test teams in the world – Australia, 45 kg event.
Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South • Soroikhaibam Bindyarani Devi wins gold while
Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Matsa Santoshi wins the silver medal in the
• Compete in 71 Test matches across 27 series, senior women’s 55kg event.
played over two years. • Rishikanta Singh grabbed the gold in the senior
• The top 2 teams at the end will compete in the men’s 55kg event.
ICC World Test Championship Final in the UK in 24. Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships – India
June 2021. have won 4 gold medals in Commonwealth Weightlifting
15. ICC suspends Zimbabwe Cricket - International Cricket Championships held in Apia, Samoa. The Indian medallists
Council has suspended Zimbabwe for failing to ensure are:

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• Men (Elite and junior): Achinta Sheuli has won 2 35. Former France and Manchester United defender Patrice
gold medals in 73kg event. Evra has announced his retirement.
• Junior: Gulam Navi has won gold medal in 67kg 36. Hima Das returns to 400m run, grabs 5th gold - Indian
event. sprinter Hima Das extended her sensational run by
• Junior and youth: L. Sadananda Singh has won claiming her fifth gold of the month as she returned to
Bronze & Gold medals in 73kg event. her pet 400m competition with a season-best time of
• Women (Elite): Manpreet Kaur has won silver 52.09 seconds in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. She is
medal in 76kg event. fondly called the ‘Dhing Express’.
• Junior: R. Arockiya Alish has won silver medal in 37. BCCI approves Indian Cricketers Association - The BCCI
76kg event. has approved the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA). The
25. Tamil Nadu girl wins gold medal in World Deaf title – ICA is not affiliated to Federation of International
Tamil Nadu girl Jerlin Anika has won the gold medal in the Cricketers’ Association (FICA) and is only open to former
World Deaf Youth Badminton Championships held in men and women cricketers.
Taipei. 15-year-old Anika bagged four medals in the • Former India cricketers Kapil Dev, Ajit Agarkar
championship, including the gold, two silver and one and Shantha Rangaswamy are the directors at
bronze. ICA.
26. In Table Tennis, Indian pair G. Sathiyan and Anthony 38. First Indian boxer to win gold at President’s Cup - Shiva
Amalraj won the bronze at the World Tour Platinum Thapa became India’s first gold-medallist at the
Australian Open. They defeat Korean pair of Jeoung President’s Cup boxing tournament after getting a
Youngsik and Lee Sangsu. walkover in the finals in Astana, Kazakhstan.
27. Boxer Vijender Singh wins 11th consecutive pro bout – 39. Ravinder Malik clinches Mr South Asia title - Indian
He defeated Mike Snider on his debut in the US bodybuilder Ravinder Kumar Malik has clinched Mr.
professional circuit at Newark in the US. South Asia title. He has crowned the overall champion at
28. M. Sreeshankar has won the long jump gold at the 12th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports
Tatyana Kolpakova International athletics. The Championship in Kathmandu.
tournament was held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). 40. Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi wins Indonesia Open - Japan’s
29. Amir Khan (British professional) wins WBC international Akane Yamaguchi wins Indonesia Open BWF Tour Super
welterweight title. He defeated Australian Billy Dib in the 1000 tournament held in Jakarta, Indonesia. She defeated
fourth round of his bout in the inaugural Super Boxing India’s P.V. Sindhu.
League held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 41. WBA welterweight title - Filipino legend Manny
30. Vijayveer wins his 3rd gold at ISSF Junior Shooting World Pacquiao claimed the WBA welterweight
Cup – Vijayveer Sidhu picked up his third gold medal of championship after scoring a split-decision win
the ongoing ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, against Keith Thurman.
combining with Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Adarsh 42. Shane Lowry wins British Open - Irishman Shane Lowry
Singh to clinch the men’s 25m pistol. wins British Open to claim his first major golfing title at
31. Anish Bhanwala claims gold medal in ISSF Junior World Royal Portrush.
Cup - Shooter Anish Bhanwala claimed gold in 25m rapid 43. John Isner wins Hall of Fame Tennis Championships -
fire pistol competition to continue India’s dominance in American tennis player John Isner wins Hall of Fame
the tournament in Suhl, Germany. Tennis Championships title in Newport, Rhode Island.
32. Sarabjot Singh wins gold medal in ISSF Junior World Cup 44. Adam Peaty breaks 57 seconds barrier & 100m
tournament in Suhl, Germany. breaststroke world record – The Britain swimmer Adam
33. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has launched the All India Peaty has break the world record in the men’s 100 metre
Football Federation’s Golden Baby Leagues handbook breaststroke at the World Championships in Gwangju,
2019-20. South Korea. He smashed the previous record of 57.10
34. Collin Morikawa wins the US PGA title – American Collin seconds.
Morikawa has won the US PGA title at the Barracuda 45. Abhay, Tanvi win Bengal Open squash titles – Abhay
Championship. This was his 1st win in the US PGA title. Singh of Tamil Nadu and Tanvi Khanna clinched the men’s

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and women’s titles respectively in the sixth Bengal Open 53. Prithvi Shaw suspended by BCCI for doping violation –
squash tournament. Prithvi Shaw has been suspended by Board of Control for
• Earlier under-15 category witnessed a thrilling Cricket in India for 8 months for a doping violation. Shaw
battle between fifth seeded Tamil Nadu girl was charged with the commission of an Anti-Doping Rule
Shameena Riaz upsetting top seed Soniya Bajaj Violation (ADRV) under the BCCI Anti-Doping Rules.
from Maharashtra. 54. FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 – The U.S. women's
46. Kristof Milak breaks the Phelps record in 200m butterfly national soccer team defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the
stroke – Kristof Milak shattered Michael Phelps’ long- 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final.
standing world record in the 200 metres butterfly at the • Host country - France
World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju. • USA secured its fourth Women’s World Cup title
• Hungarian teenager Milak won the final in (1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019), now winning twice
1:50.73, breaking the previous record of 1:51.51, as many Women’s World Cup tournaments as
set by Phelps in 2009. any other nation.
47. Nikoloz Basilashvili wins the German Tennis • USA's Jill Ellis became the first coach to win two
Championships. He defeated Andrey Rublev to FIFA Women's World Cup titles.
successfully defend his title at the German Tennis 55. Brazil beats Peru in the final to lift the Copa America 2019
Championships. title
• With the win, he has become first player to win 56. Rahul Dravid appointed as Head of Cricket at NCA by
the event in successive years since Roger Federer BCCI – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
in 2004-2005. appointed the former Indian captain Rahul Dravid as
48. Dressel breaks the Phelps record in 100m butterfly Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
stroke – American star Caeleb Dressel destroyed Michael 57. IOA President Narinder Batra elected to IOC – Narinder
Phelps’s World record in the 100 metres butterfly at the Batra, President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was
World Aquatics Championships 2019 in Gwangju (South elected as a member of International Olympic Committee
Korea). (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Caeleb Dressel take 49.50 seconds in the semi- 58. Indian Pro Boxer Wins WBC Asia Title - Indian pro boxer
final event and breaking the old record of 49.82 Vaibhav Yadav has become the WBC Asia Silver
seconds set by Michael Phelps. Welterweight Champion. He defeated Thailand’s
49. Egan Bernal claims Colombia’s 1st Tour de France title – Fahpetch Singmanassak in the title bout held in Pattaya,
Egan Bernal became the 1st Colombian to win the Tour Thailand.
de France which finished in Paris, France. He beat the 59. India loses to Pakistan in the IBSF Snooker World Cup
defending champion Geraint Thomas of Britain by 1 finals – The Indian team lost to Pakistan in the final of the
minute 11 seconds. IBSF Snooker World Cup in Doha. India lost the summit
50. Dalilah Muhammad shatters 400m hurdles World record clash by 1-3. Pankaj Advani and Laxman Rawat
– Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad shattered one of represented the Indian team in the world cup.
the longest standing records in women’s athletics with a 60. Ambati Rayudu retires from international cricket - Indian
superb display to clinch victory in the 400m hurdles at US batsman Ambati Rayudu has announced his retirement
Championships. from international cricket.
51. Sniper Frontier Competition: 2019 – A 9 member Indian 61. Dutee Chand wins gold in Summer University Games -
Army team has left for Belarus to compete in the Sniper Dutee Chand from Odisha has won the gold medal in the
Frontier Competition as part of the International Army women’s 100 metre sprint at the 30th Summer University
Games scheduled on 03 Aug to 17 Aug 2019. Games in Naples, Italy.
52. 2020 Tokyo Olympics will feature Table Tennis Mixed 62. Magnus Carlsen won the 2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour
Doubles event - For the first time in the Olympic Games’ title
history, Table Tennis Mixed Doubles event added in a 63. Arjen Robben announces retirement from football –
new Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games. Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from football

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at the age of 35 after a 10-year spell with German giants 69. World Youth Cup 2019 was held in Umag, Croatia – A 10-
Bayern Munich. year old Karate girl, Arinjeeta Dey (Barasat, West Bengal)
64. Austrian Grand Prix 2019 - Max Verstappen (Red Bull’s) has won a silver medal in the under 12 age category in
65. Toran Yadav, a para-athlete wins 3 medals at 4th World the World Youth Cup 2019 which was held in Umag,
Wealth Yoga Championship 2019 - Toran Yadav(19), a Croatia.
specially-abled boy from Khatti village in Chhattisgarh 70. 34th Sailing Championship inaugurated in Telangana -
clinched 3 medals for India at 4th World Yoga Festival and The 34th edition of Hyderabad Sailing Week National
Championship 2019, held at Bulgaria, Sofia. Ranking Multi-Class Championship 2019 was inaugurated
66. Hima Das (Indian athletes) have won 4 gold medals in the by Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ESL
Kutno Athletics Meet held in Poland. Narasimhan in Hyderabad, Telangana.
67. Vinesh Phogat & Divya Kakran won gold; Pooja Dhanda 71. Veer Chotrani won Asian U-19 champion in Squash -
won silver at the Wrestling Grand Prix 2019 of Spain. Veer Chotrani became third Indian after he won 26th
68. Elavenil Valarivan clinched silver medal in shooting in Asian junior Individual squash championship 2019 in the
women’s 10m Air Rifle event at the 30th Summer U-19 category at Macau, China. It was organized by
Universiade Games 2019 held in Napoli, Italy. Macau Squash Association.

June

1. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – youngest player to register a 80+ score in the
• The 12th edition was hosted by England and World Cup history.
Wales from 30 May to 14 July 2019. • Ikram Ali Khil, at the age of 18 years and 278
• Total number of Matches played – 48 days scored 86 runs in Afghanistan's last league
• Winner of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – match against West Indies.
Australia • Tendulkar's had scored 81 runs at the age of 18
• It is the fifth time that the Cricket World Cup is years and 318 days in a World Cup match against
being held in England and Wales, following the Zimbabwe in 1992.
1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999 World Cups. 4. Rashid Khan becomes most expensive bowler in World
2. Rohit Sharma sets world record of maximum hundreds Cup history
in single World Cup • Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan recorded
• Indian batsman Rohit Sharma became the first the worst bowling figures in an ICC World Cup
batsman in the world to score five hundred in a Match after conceding 110 runs in 9 overs
single World Cup. against England.
• Rohit scored his fifth century of the World Cup • Previous record of conceding 105 runs in 12
against Sri Lanka. overs was held by New Zealand’s Martin
• He scored rest four centuries against South Snedden.
Africa, Pakistan, England and Bangladesh. 5. Virat Kohli becomes the fastest cricketer to score 20,000
• Rohit Sharma broke the record of former Sri international runs
Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara who scored • Virat Kohli becomes the fastest cricketer to score
four centuries in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. 20,000 international runs.
• Rohit also equalled Sachin Tendulkar in the total • He took just 417 innings to reach the milestone
number of World Cup hundreds. Both the Indians and advanced the time taken by legends such as
have six hundred to their names. Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.
3. Afghanistan batsman Ikram Ali Khil breaks Sachin • The India captain reached the milestone when he
Tendulkar's long-Standing World Cup record – reached the score of 37 in India’s 6th match in
• Afghanistan batsman Ikram Ali Khil broke Sachin World Cup tournament against West Indies.
Tendulkar's long-standing record to become the

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6. IOC opens new headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland - 16. Marcus Trescothick to retire from professional cricket -
The International Olympic Committee has formally Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick is to retire
opened new headquarters in Switzerland exactly 125 from professional cricket. Trescothick, 43, played 76 Tests
years after the Olympic Games were revived. for England between 2000 and 2006 and scored 5,825
7. IOC lifts sanctions imposed on India to host runs at an average of 43.79.
international sporting events 17. Hima bags gold in Poznan Athletics Grand Prix – Hima
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted Das, the under-20 World champion has won the gold
the sanctions imposed on India to host medal in women’s 200m in the Poznan Athletics Grand
international sporting events. Prix. Poznan Athletics Grand Prix is taking place in
• The sanctions were imposed on India when Poznan, Poland.
Pakistani shooters were not issued visas for the 18. India proposes to host 2023 IOC session – India has
ISSF World Cup held in Delhi in February 2019. proposed to host 2023 International Olympic Committee
8. Summer Olympics 2020 Venue – Tokyo, Japan - Japan (IOC) session in Mumbai, which is expected to choose
will be the host nation of the 2020 Summer Olympics in host city for 2030 Winter Olympics.
Tokyo from 24 July to 9 August 2020. • Earlier, India has hosted the 86th IOC Session in
9. Bronze for India in the 58th Ostrava Golden Spike 1983 in New Delhi.
Athletics meet - Annu Rani won the women’s javelin 19. Italy to host 2026 Winter Olympics
bronze in the 58th Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet, • The Italian city Milan was named as host of 2026
an IAAF World Challenge event. Winter Olympics.
• Annu Rani is a Javelin thrower from Uttar 20. Coca-Cola and Chinese Dairy firm sign Olympic
Pradesh. Sponsorship – Coca-Cola and Chinese dairy firm Mengniu
10. Shooting game has been excluded from 2022 have signed a multi-year global Olympic deal to become
Commonwealth Games. joint sponsors (beverages and dairy) of Olympic Games
• The 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held in starting from 2021 to 2032.
Birmingham, England from 27 July to 7 August 21. India women’s Rugby team record 1st-ever International
2022. win – Indian Women’s Rugby team claimed their 1st ever
11. Men’s Asian Snooker Championship - Pankaj Advani has international women’s 15s victory after beating
clinched the 35th men’s Asian Snooker Championship Singapore in the Asian Women Rugby Championship
held in Doha. Division 1 in Manila, Philippines.
12. Bronze medal for India at Asian Artistic Gymnastic 22. 10th Halle Open 2019 title - Roger Federer (37) of
Championship - India’s gymnast Pranati Nayak has won a Switzerland defeated David Goffin (Belgium) to win the
bronze medal in the vault event at the Senior Asian 27th edition of the Halle Open 2019.
Artistic Championships. The championship was held in 23. Odisha to host the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Championship 2019.
13. Fernando Torres retires from football - The spanish 24. Girish Koushik of Karnataka became India’s 63rd
footballer Fernando Torres who was a part of 2010 World Grandmaster.
Cup Winning Team of Spain has announced his 25. Indian women’s Rugby team scripted history in Manila -
retirement from football. The 26-member squad of Indian women’s Rugby team
14. Indian women’s hockey team defeats Japan in FIH Series created a historic first international 15s rugby match win
Finals – The Indian women’s hockey team have won the at Southern Plains Sports Field in Manila, Philippines.
FIH Series Finals after defeating Japan. The team rose to a 26. French Open Tennis 2019 – The 2019 French Open was
victory with a score of 3-1. The series was held in Japan. the 123rd edition of a Grand Slam tennis tournament. It
• The best player title was clinched by Rani was held from 26 May to 9 June 2019, at Stade Roland
Rampal. Garros in Paris, France.
15. France Grand Prix 2019 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes List of Winners
Driver) • Men’s single title - Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated
Dominic Thiem of Austria.

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Note: With this win Rafael Nadal won the French • The 37-year-old cricketer announced his decision
Open title for 12th time and 18th overall Grand in Mumbai.
Slam title. • Yuvraj played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is for
• Women’s Singles title – Ashleigh Barty of India.
Australia defeated Marketa Vondrousova of • He put together 1900 runs in the longest format,
Czech Republic in final. and 8701 in the one-dayers, the format in which
• She won the1st Women’s Singles title at French he enjoyed the most success.
Open tennis 2019. 33. Kohli is the sole Indian in the list of top-paid athletes –
• Women’s Doubles title - Hungary’s Tímea Babos Virat Kohli, ranked 100th, remains the sole Indian in the
& France’s Kristina Mladenovic defeated Zheng Forbes list of world’s highest-paid athletes with estimated
Saisai & Duan Yingying of China in final. annual earnings of $25 million.
• Mixed Doubles title - Chinese Taipei’s Latisha • The list is topped by Barcelona and Argentina
Chan & Ivan Dodi goof Croatia defeated Gabriela football superstar Lionel Messi.
Dabrowski of Canada & Mate Pavić of Croatia in • Top 5 athletes in the list are - Lionel Messi,
final. Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Canelo Alvarez
27. Joshna Chinappa wins record 17th National Title in (Mexican professional boxer) and Roger Federer.
Squash – Joshna Chinappa made a record for the most 34. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes won Formula One Canadian
number of national titles after beating her Tamil Nadu Grand Prix 2019.
state-mate Sunayna Kuruvilla. 35. Sunil Chhetri became the most capped India player by
28. FIH Men’s Series Finals, India defeated South Africa by 5 surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia’s 107 international matches.
goals. 36. IAAF to rebrand as World Athletics - World athletics’
29. Gary Woodland won the 119th US Open Golf title after governing body, the International Association of Athletics
defeating two-time defending champion Brook Koepka. Federations (IAAF) will re-brand itself as World Athletics.
30. FIFA latest Rankings: India remains static at 101 - The The rebranding would be operational from October 2019.
Indian football team remained static at 101st place in the 37. Facebook launched its first interactive Game Show in
FIFA rankings. India - The Social networking giant Facebook launched its
• Belgium continued to top overall world rankings, first interactive game show, titled “Confetti” in India on 4
followed by France, Brazil, England, and Portugal. June 2019. The launch announcement was made on
31. Peter Gilchrist wins Pacific International Billiards sidelines of Facebook’s Social Entertainment Summit held
Championship - Peter Gilchrist defeated India’s Sourav in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Kothari in final.
32. Yuvraj Singh announces retirement from International
Cricket - Yuvraj Singh announced retirement from
international cricket.

Science & Defense

Military Exercise
November

1. Indian Navy to host multi-nation military drill in 2. The union Govt. has extended to ban on Assam-
March -- Milan 2020. based NDFB by another ---5 years.
Note: 41 nations from South Asia, Southeast 3. Mine Counter Measure Exercise-first time
Asia, Africa and Europe that share defence between – India & Japan.
cooperation with India have been invited for the Note: This is first time an explosive ordance
drill. disposal and mine counter measure was held by
Indian and Japanese forces.

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4. United States of America (USA) approved 11. A three-day naval exercise is being conducted
Foreign Military Sale to India between the Indian and Qatar Naval Forces --
Note: The principal contractor in this India-US Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea).
defence deal will be BAE Systems Land and Note: The aim of the exercise is to enhance
Armaments, Minneapolis, Minnesota with gun interoperability between the naval forces.
manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky. 12. Indian Army conducts Sindhu Sudarshan
5. Lieutenant Shivangi: 1st woman pilot of Indian exercise in -- Barmer, Rajasthan.
Navy to join Naval operations. Note:The annual exercise will test the
Note: She will join after naval operations on operational readiness and maneuver warfare
completion of operational training at the capability of Indian Army’s 21 Corps, one of the
Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala service’s three so-called Strike Corps.
6. The Defense Research and Defense 13. India conducted its first night trial of AGNI II
Organization has allowed free access to its -- missile successfully: It is the first night trial
450 patents. being tested by the country. The nuclear capable
Note: The organization intends to provide a missile was tested at the Abdul Kalam Island of
boost to domestic industries, especially startups Odisha Coast.
and the strategic sector that has a network of 50 14. Defence Minister inaugurates Sisseri River
national laboratories that are involved in Bridge in East Siang:The bridge will play an
research and development important role in the overall development of the
7. Prithvi-2 missile successfully test fired: area and will immensely contributes to the
Note: India successfully test-fired two rounds of socio-economic development of the region.
its indigenously developed nuclear-capable 15. Ministry of Defence showcases the
Prithvi-II missile at night as part of a user trial innovations of iDEX initiative: The main
by Indian Army.These test were conducted from objective of the event is to showcase the
a mobile launcher from Launch Complex-3 of accomplishments of iDEX-Innovations for
Chandipur Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Defence Exellence.
Balasore district of Odisha. These were second 16. IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air
night trials of Prithvi-II missile. Force – A Cut Above’ game
8. DRDO to double ASTRA’s range: Astra Note: The game is a combat simulator that lets the
(Sanskrit word for weapon) is an all-weather players choose from an array of IAF’s fighter
air-to-air missile developed completely by aircraft, such as Tejas, Rafale Mirage-2000, Su-30
DRDO. Currently, ASTRA is capable of engaging among others.
targets upto a distance of 110 km. 17. First Tri-services amphibious exercise
9. The central government has banned Meghalaya- between India and US: India and US are to
based insurgent group ‘Hynniewtrep National jointly conduct Tiger TRIUMP. It is to be conducted
Liberation Council’ (HNLC). in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Note: The union Govt. also notified that HNLC’s It includes field training and events that simulate
activities are detrimental to the sovereignty and humanitarian assistance in disaster times.The
integrity of India. event will also hold simulations in moving disaster
10. Pakistan successfully test fires Shaheen-1
relief forces from ship to shore.
surface-to-surface ballistic missile:
18. India- Indonesian Joint Naval exercise:
Note: The test come days after India conducted
Samudra Shakti
the first night trial of Agni-II surface-to-surface
Note: This year is the second edition of India,
medium range nuclear-capable missile having
Indonesia Bilateral Naval Exercise. The
strike range of 2,000 km.
inaugural edition of exercise was held at the port
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19. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 22. Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint
‘Regional Level Search and Rescue Workshop Exercise: SCOJtEx-2019
and Exercise 2019’: ReSAREX- 19. Note: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Note: The two-day event was organised by Coast inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation
Guard District Headquarters-11 (Goa) to test Organization Joint Exercise on Urban
efficiency and preparedness of ICG. Earthquake Search and Rescue- ‘SCOJtEx-2019’
20. DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated in in New Delhi.
Pune: The main purpose of the laboratory is to 23. India Uzbekistan joint Military Exercise:
design, process, evaluate ignition systems for any Dustlik 2019
kind of DRDO projects. Note: The Defence Minister Shri Raj Nath Singh
21. US-Bangladesh Navy exercise: CARAT- 2019 during his 3 day visit met the Indian contingent
Note: The biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise participating in the joint exercise.
dubbed as ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and 24. Brahmos missile is considered as one of the
Training (CARAT) – 2019’ is being held in fastest supersonic missiles. Philippines army is
Chattogram (or Chittagong City) in Bangladesh. acquiring Indian-manufactured weapon in order
The CARAT is a yearly exercise conducted to strengthen its coastal defences. In 2018,
between the navies of Bangladesh and United Indian PM Modi signed 4 bilateral agreements
States in the Bay of Bengal. The first edition of during his visit to Philippines, and acquiring
exercise was held in 2011. Brahmos is one among them.

October
1. Nomadic Elephant 2019 – joint military exercise between India and Mongolia.
• The exercise will be conducted from 05 Oct 19 to 18 Oct 19 at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
2. ‘Him Vijay’ 2019 – Indian Army’s first and biggest mountain combat exercise “Him Vijay” for the year 2019 begun at Arunachal
Pradesh.
3. KAZIND -2019: joint military exercise between India and Kazakhistan held at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand.
4. Malabar 2019 – The 23rd edition of the trilateral maritime exercise of India, Japan and the United States (US) named “Malabar
2019” exercise was held at Sasebo, Japan.
5. Exercise ‘Chang Thang’ - The Indian Army conducted a massive rare exercise ‘Chang Thang’ in Eastern Ladakh bordering China.
6. “SITMEX” - A maiden trilateral exercise SITMEX, involving Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Thailand Navy (RTN) and
Indian Navy (IN) conducted at Port Blair.
7. Maitree 2019 – joint military exercise between India and Thailand held at Node, Umroi, Meghalaya.

September

1. ‘SLINEX 2019’ - the bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka held at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
2. EX TSENTR 2019: India, Pakistan forces to be part of military exercise in Russia
• Armies of India, Pakistan will take part in this year’s military exercise TSENTR 2019 that will be conducted by Russia
from September 9 to 23, 2019.
Note:
• Russia holds major military exercise every year at one of its four military Commands i.e Vostok (East), Zapad (West),
TSENTR (Centre) and Kavkas (South).
3. AUMX: 1st ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise
• The first ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX) between regional bloc- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
and United States kicked off at the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand.
4. Exercise “Yudh Abhyas 2019” - joint military exercise between India & US.

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• This exercise is being conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington, USA from 05-18 September 2019.
July

1. Garuda-VI: Joint Air Exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and French Air Force at Mont de Marsan in France.
2. ISALEX19 - The first edition of the joint security exercise of International Security Alliance (ISA), ISALEX19 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE
(United Arab Emirates).

June 2019

1. Kharga Prahar - The “Kharga Prahar”, a major training exercise conducted by the Indian Army in Punjab from 27 May 2019
concluded on 4 June 2019.
• The Indian Army’s II Corps, based in Ambala is known as Kharga Corps. It has been stationed at Ambala since 1985.
2. SIMBEX-19 Naval Exercise – Naval exercise between India & Singapore.
• The 26th Edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)-19 has commenced in the South China Sea.
• In addition to IN Ships Kolkata and Shakti, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise.
3. Exercise Pacific Vanguard 2019 - US, Japan, South Korea, Australia hold 1st Naval Drills in Western Pacific in Guam.

April

2. ‘Bold Kurukshetra–2019 - joint military exercise between

1. Varuna 19.1 - naval exercise between India & France. India & Singapore held in Babina Cantonment in Jhansi.
• The first part of the Indo-French joint naval 3. African Lion 2019 - joint military exercise between
exercise, Varuna 19.1 conducted in Off Goa Morocco and the US held in southern Morocco.
Coast. 4. IN – VPN BILAT EX - bilateral maritime exercise between
• The second part, Varuna 19.2, is scheduled to be the Indian Navy and Vietnam Peoples’ Navy conducted
held at the end of May in Djibouti. at/ off Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.

Science & Technology

September

1. India International Science Festival to be held in Kolkata – The 5th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) will be
held in Kolkata from November 5-8. IISF is the largest science festival in the world.
2. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation’.
3. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will launch ‘Samudrayaan project by 2021-22 to explore the deep sea region.
• It is pilot project of Union Ministry of Earth Sciences as part the Rs 6000 crore ‘Deep Ocean’ mission for deep ocean
mining of rare minerals.

August

5. Intel launches first artificial intelligence chip Springhill • The chip developed at its development facility in
• Intel Corp launched its latest processor, it’s first Haifa, Israel.
using artificial intelligence (AI), designed for large • The name of the chip is Nervana NNP-I or
computing centres. Springhill and it is based on a 10 nanometre Ice

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Lake processor that will allow it to cope with high Health and Family Welfare, has decided to
workloads using minimal amounts of energy. expand its India Hypertension Control Initiative
6. NASA honours Rolling Stones by naming rock on Mars – (IHCI) across the country.
NASA announced that it has named rock on Mars in 13. ICMR finalizes India’s first National Essential Diagnostics
honour of the iconic English band, The Rolling Stones. List – Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has
• The space agency revealing that the “Rolling finalized India’s first National Essential Diagnostics List
Stones Rock” was a stone that was sent rolling (NEDL).
after NASA’s InSight lander touched down on the • With this, India has become the first country to
Mars’ surface. compile such list that will provide guidance to
7. Russia sends its first humanoid robot Fedor into space – government for deciding kind of diagnostic tests
Russia launched an unmanned rocket carrying a life-size that different healthcare facilities in villages and
humanoid robot named Fedor, (Final Experimental remote areas require.
Demonstration Object Research). 14. PRETOMANID: US FDA approves new drug for drug-
• Fedor will spend 10 days learning to assist resistant TB – United States (US) Food and Drug
astronauts on the International Space Station. Administration (FDA) has approved new drug-Pretomanid
8. Cerebras Systems reveals “world’s largest computer for treating drug-resistant strain of Tuberculosis (TB).
chip” – Artificial intelligence(AI) company Cerebras • Pretomanid is novel compound developed by
Systems has unveiled the world’s largest single silicon- New York-based non-profit organisation TB
based processor named Cerebras Wafer Scale Alliance. It is used alongside two other antibiotics
Engine(WSE). (bedaquiline and linezolid) to treat extremely
9. Akademik Lomonosov: Russia launches world’s first drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis.
floating nuclear reactor – Russia launched world’s first 15. ROTAVAC Vaccine to be expand to entire country –
floating nuclear reactor called Akademik Lomonosov, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided
sending it on epic journey across the Arctic. to expand Rotavirus vaccine to the entire country from
10. IIT-Madras researchers develop industrial and field September 2019. It will provide Rotavirus vaccine to
robot ‘GraspMan’ – IIT Madras researchers have develop every child across all 36 states/UTs by September, 2019.
a multi-modal robot with Industrial and field applications 16. A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Technology,
called ‘GraspMan’ . Guwahati (IIT-G) has developed portable diagnostic
• GraspMan consists a pair of graspers, which device to detect bacteria without cell culture or
provide morphological adaptation, enabling it to microbiological assays.
conform to the geometry of the object being 17. China successfully launched a new rocket for commercial
grasped. use named Smart Dragon-1.
• This allows the grasper to hold objects securely 18. NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
and manipulate it much like the human hand. mission has discovered GJ 357 d, a super-Earth planet
11. Meghdoot app launched to assist farmers – The located 31 light years away from our own solar system.
Ministries of Earth Sciences and Agriculture have • About GJ 357 d
launched a mobile application that will provide location, • It is super-Earth planet discovered in early 2019
and crop and livestock-specific weather-based agro by NASA’s TESS. It is located GJ 357 planetary
advisories to farmers in local languages. system which has diminutive M-type dwarf sun,
• The app has been named Meghdoot and can be about one-third the size of our own sun and
downloaded from Google Play Store and App harbour in three planets including GJ 357 d.
Store. 19. NASA PUNCH Mission - NASA's ‘Polarimeter to Unify the
12. ICMR launches India Hypertension Control Initiative – In Corona and Heliosphere’ (PUNCH) mission is focused on
India, one in four adults has high blood pressure. understanding the transition of particles from the outer
• To deal with the problem, Indian Council of corona of the Sun to the solar wind that fills the
Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with interplanetary space.
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• NASA has selected Texas-based Southwest Research (ICMR) launched India’s first large-scale trial for
Research Institute to lead its PUNCH mission two new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines named IMMUVAC and
which will image the Sun. VPM1002
• Dipankar Banerjee, solar physicist from Indian 22. First Ever Space Museum of India Inaugurated at
Institute of Astrophysics is also a Co-Investigator Hyderabad – The first space museum of India opening
of the PUNCH mission. new attraction to space enthusiasts, was set up at
20. ISRO sets up Space Situational Awareness Control Hyderabad in Telangana in association with Indian Space
Centre in Bengaluru – Indian Space Research Research Organisation (ISRO).
Organisation (ISRO) laid foundation stone for Space 23. IIT-KGP develops Hydro-Thermal Carbonization
Situational Awareness Control Centre in Bengaluru, technology for Waste Management – IIT-KGP (Indian
Karnataka to protect Indian satellites from space debris. Institute of Technology Kharagpur) researchers develop
• It will facilitate intensified activities foreseen for new technology- Hydro Thermal Carbonization (HTC) for
Space Situational Awareness & Management solid waste management.
(SSAM), in view of the increasing debris • This Hydro Thermal Carbonization Technology
population and operational space assets. can convert municipal solid waste to biofuel, soil
21. IMMUVAC , VPM1002: India’s 1st large-scale trial of two amendment and absorbents.
new TB vaccines launched – Indian Council of Medical

July

1. Chandrayaan 2 mission –India’s second moon mission • Chandrayaan-2 is led by Muthayya Vanitha and Ritu
launched Karidhal, the project director and mission director,
• On July 22, 2019, India’s 2nd moon mission (after respectively.
Chandrayaan-1, 2008) was successfully launched • ‘Bahubali’ is the nicknamed of Geosynchronous
by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle - Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III.
GSLV-MkIII-M1 from Second Launch Pad at Satish • Chandrayaan-2 will be the first spacecraft to land
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra near the South Pole of the moon and the landing will
Pradesh. be attempted on September 7, 2019.
• India became the fourth country after Russia, the • It is an Rs 978-crore project.
US and China to pull off a soft landing on the • The first spacecraft, Chandrayaan-1, launched in
moon. 2008 and orbited the moon without landing on it.
• It is the world’s first mission to Moon’s South The new mission will attempt to do what the first
Pole. could not.
• ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan. 2. Cabinet approves ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow
Key points – Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
• Chandrayaan-2 is India's second mission to the moon. Modi has approved setting up of Indian Space Research
• It comprises a fully indigenous Orbiter, Lander Organisation (ISRO) Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at
(Vikram) and Rover (Pragyan). Moscow, Russia.
• The Rover Pragyan is housed inside Vikram lander. 3. NASA’s discover TOI 270 - NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet
• The mission objective of Chandrayaan-2 is to develop Survey Satellite (TESS) recently discovered new dwarf
and demonstrate the key technologies for end-to-end star and planetary system named as TOI 270. It is located
lunar mission capability, including soft-landing and about 73 light years away from Earth, and in the
roving on the lunar surface. constellation Pictor.
• Besides being India’s 2nd mission to the moon it is 4. Centre plans to combat vehicle theft with Microdot
1st-ever mission to be spearheaded by two women. Patches – Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
(MoRTH) has issued a Draft Notification GSR 521(E) that
seeks to amend Central Motor Vehicle Rules and allows

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motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, 10. First-ever image of quantum entanglement “Bell
sub-assemblies to be affixed with Microdot Patches. entanglement” unveiled by the physicists of Glasgow
• Application: Use of this technology will help University
check theft of vehicles and also use of fake spare • A team of physicists from the University of
parts. Glasgow has taken a photo of a strong form of
5. NASA to send “first woman and next man” on Moon in quantum entanglement called Bell
2024 – U.S. space agency NASA prepares to send “first entanglement. It has captured visual evidence of
woman and next man” on Moon as part of its ambitious an elusive phenomenon which a baffled Albert
Artemis programme in 2024. Einstein once called “spooky action at a
• NASA has marked the 50th anniversary of the distance”.
historic first Moon landing. 11. JATAN: special software for Digitization of
6. U.S. celebrates 50 years of the Apollo 11 mission – U.S. Archaeological Museum – The Minister of State (I/c) of
celebrates the Apollo 11 mission’s 50th year anniversary. Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel informed
July 20, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 Lok Sabha about JATAN: Virtual Museum software. JATAN
mission. has been developed by Human Centres Design and
Note: Computing Group, C-DAC, Pune, Maharashtra.
• On July 20, 1969, 600 million people watched About JATAN
with anxious excitement as Neil A. Armstrong • JATAN is used for creating digital collections in
and Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. and and Michael various museums and digital archival tools that
Collins took their first steps on the moon's are used in background for managing National
surface. Portal and Digital Repository for Indian
• The mission, dubbed Apollo 11, was the climax of Museums.
the Apollo program, which pushed human 12. NASA’s Dragonfly to look for Origins, Signs of Life in
spaceflight forward faster than ever before. Titan – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
7. CARE4U app: for elderly people developed by IIT (NASA) recently announced its plan to launch Dragonfly
Kharagpur team – To help geriatric care, students of IIT drone helicopter to Saturn’s largest moon Titan in search
Kharagpur have developed an application called CARE4U of building blocks of life.
that connect the caregiver to the elderly person. It will • Titan. Dragonfly will launch be launched in 2026
inform the caregiver when elderly person falls down with and will arrive at its destination in 2034.
exact location. 13. NASA successfully tests launch-abort system for moon-
8. ISRO to launch India’s 1st solar mission Aditya-L1 in the mission capsule – The National Aeronautics and Space
first half of 2020 - On July 23, 2019, The Indian Space Administration (NASA) successfully conducted the test of
Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will a launch-abort system for the Orion capsule designed to
launch its first solar mission Aditya-L1 in the first half of take United States (US) astronauts to the Moon.
2020. It will be the first dedicated scientific mission to • It took place at the Cape Canaveral Air Force
study Sun’s corona. Station in Florida, US. It was launched by a mini-
9. India’s first space tech park to come up in rocket, a repurposed first stage of an
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala intercontinental ballistic missile.

June

1. Indian Railways conducting trials of Tri-Netra technology 2. NASA’s Mars Rover detects High Levels of Methane –
– Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal during The Curiosity Rover of National Aeronautics and Space
Question Hour informed Rajya Sabha members that Administration (NASA), an independent federal agency of
Indian Railways is conducting TRI-NETRA (Terrain Imaging United States has found the largest amount of methane
for Drivers Infrared, Enhanced, Optical & Radar Assisted) ever measured during its mission on Red Planet (Mars).
technology for detecting obstructions on tracks.

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3. India gets new C-ATFM System – India now has a state- 6. ISRO opens its laboratories for Indian school students -
of-the-art Central Command Centre for Air Traffic Flow The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has, for
Management (C-ATFM) in New Delhi, which will optimise the first time, opened its laboratories for Indian school
utilisation of resources such as airspace and aircraft at students to undergo two-week training from this year.
the capacity-constrained Indian airports. • The training module has been devised as part of
4. Facebook’s Cryptocurrency ‘Libra’ - Facebook has its new Young Scientists Programme, or Yuva
officially announced the details of its new global Vigyanik Karyakram, YUVIKA.
cryptocurrency called Libra. This Facebook owned 7. HCL to roll out “Tech Bee” programme - HCL
cryptocurrency Libra will be launched by social media Technologies is all set to roll out “Tech Bee” programme,
giant in 2020. a company initiative under which it trains and hires
5. NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope to Retire in 2020 – After students who have completed XII standard, across several
nearly 16 years of exploring the cosmos in infrared light, states.
NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope will be switched off • Tech Bee is a HCL’s early career programme in
permanently on Jan. 30, 2020. which company provides students an
• Spitzer is a small but transformational opportunity to start early and become financially
observatory. independent and trendsetters.
• It captures infrared light, which is often emitted • Enrolled students are paid stipend of Rs 10,000
by “warm” objects that aren’t quite hot enough per month.
to radiate visible light.

Defense News
November
1. Indian Navy to host multi-nation military drill in 6. The Defense Research and Defense
March -- Milan 2020. Organization has allowed free access to its --
Note: 41 nations from South Asia, Southeast 450 patents.
Asia, Africa and Europe that share defence Note: The organization intends to provide a
cooperation with India have been invited for the boost to domestic industries, especially startups
drill. and the strategic sector that has a network of 50
2. The union Govt. has extended to ban on Assam- national laboratories that are involved in
based NDFB by another ---5 years. research and development
3. Mine Counter Measure Exercise-first time 7. Prithvi-2 missile successfully test fired:
between – India & Japan. Note: India successfully test-fired two rounds of
Note: This is first time an explosive ordance its indigenously developed nuclear-capable
disposal and mine counter measure was held by Prithvi-II missile at night as part of a user trial
Indian and Japanese forces. by Indian Army.These test were conducted from
4. United States of America (USA) approved a mobile launcher from Launch Complex-3 of
Foreign Military Sale to India Chandipur Integrated Test Range (ITR) in
Note: The principal contractor in this India-US Balasore district of Odisha. These were second
defence deal will be BAE Systems Land and night trials of Prithvi-II missile.
Armaments, Minneapolis, Minnesota with gun 8. DRDO to double ASTRA’s range: Astra
manufacturing in Louisville, Kentucky. (Sanskrit word for weapon) is an all-weather
5. Lieutenant Shivangi: 1st woman pilot of Indian air-to-air missile developed completely by
Navy to join Naval operations. DRDO. Currently, ASTRA is capable of engaging
Note: She will join after naval operations on targets upto a distance of 110 km.
completion of operational training at the 9. The central government has banned Meghalaya-
Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala based insurgent group ‘Hynniewtrep National
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Note: The union Govt. also notified that HNLC’s event will also hold simulations in moving disaster
activities are detrimental to the sovereignty and relief forces from ship to shore.
integrity of India. 18. India- Indonesian Joint Naval exercise:
10. Pakistan successfully test fires Shaheen-1 Samudra Shakti
surface-to-surface ballistic missile: Note: This year is the second edition of India,
Note: The test come days after India conducted Indonesia Bilateral Naval Exercise. The
the first night trial of Agni-II surface-to-surface inaugural edition of exercise was held at the port
medium range nuclear-capable missile having of Surabaya, Indonesia in November 2018.
strike range of 2,000 km. 19. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the
11. A three-day naval exercise is being conducted ‘Regional Level Search and Rescue Workshop
between the Indian and Qatar Naval Forces -- and Exercise 2019’: ReSAREX- 19.
Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea). Note: The two-day event was organised by Coast
Note: The aim of the exercise is to enhance Guard District Headquarters-11 (Goa) to test
interoperability between the naval forces. efficiency and preparedness of ICG.
12. Indian Army conducts Sindhu Sudarshan 20. DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated in
exercise in -- Barmer, Rajasthan. Pune: The main purpose of the laboratory is to
Note:The annual exercise will test the design, process, evaluate ignition systems for any
operational readiness and maneuver warfare kind of DRDO projects.
capability of Indian Army’s 21 Corps, one of the 21. US-Bangladesh Navy exercise: CARAT- 2019
service’s three so-called Strike Corps. Note: The biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise
13. India conducted its first night trial of AGNI II dubbed as ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and
missile successfully: It is the first night trial Training (CARAT) – 2019’ is being held in
being tested by the country. The nuclear capable Chattogram (or Chittagong City) in Bangladesh.
missile was tested at the Abdul Kalam Island of The CARAT is a yearly exercise conducted
Odisha Coast. between the navies of Bangladesh and United
14. Defence Minister inaugurates Sisseri River States in the Bay of Bengal. The first edition of
Bridge in East Siang:The bridge will play an exercise was held in 2011.
important role in the overall development of the 22. Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint
area and will immensely contributes to the Exercise: SCOJtEx-2019
socio-economic development of the region. Note: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
15. Ministry of Defence showcases the inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation
innovations of iDEX initiative: The main Organization Joint Exercise on Urban
objective of the event is to showcase the Earthquake Search and Rescue- ‘SCOJtEx-2019’
accomplishments of iDEX-Innovations for in New Delhi.
Defence Exellence. 23. India Uzbekistan joint Military Exercise:
16. IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air Dustlik 2019
Force – A Cut Above’ game Note: The Defence Minister Shri Raj Nath Singh
Note: The game is a combat simulator that lets the during his 3 day visit met the Indian contingent
players choose from an array of IAF’s fighter participating in the joint exercise.
aircraft, such as Tejas, Rafale Mirage-2000, Su-30 24. Brahmos missile is considered as one of the
among others. fastest supersonic missiles. Philippines army is
17. First Tri-services amphibious exercise acquiring Indian-manufactured weapon in order
between India and US: India and US are to to strengthen its coastal defences. In 2018,
jointly conduct Tiger TRIUMP. It is to be conducted Indian PM Modi signed 4 bilateral agreements
in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. during his visit to Philippines, and acquiring
It includes field training and events that simulate Brahmos is one among them.
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October

1. The Indo – Mongolian joint military training, Exercise (14th 11. The 2nd joint military exercise to promote military
edition) -- Nomadic Elephant-XIV. cooperation between India and Japan held in Mizoram--
Note: Nomadic Elephant-XIV is aimed at training troops ‘Dharma Guardian-2019’
in counter insurgency & counter-terrorism operations Note: Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence
under United Nations mandate. Forces (JGSDF) comprising 25 soldiers each will
2. The first-ever India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise at participate in the exercise with an aim to share
Uzbekistan –- Dustlik-2019. experience gained during various Counter-Terrorism
3. The bilateral between the armies of India and France at Operations in respective Countries.
Rajasthan -- ‘Exercise SHAKTI’. 12. The 2nd edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) of the
Note: It will be conducted from 31st October to 13th navies of India and Bangladesh held at -- Northern Bay of
November 2019 at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Bengal.
Field Firing Ranges. 13. Rajnath Singh creates history, becomes first Defence
4. The Indian Army (IA) will conduct exercise Sindhu Minister to fly Rafale jet – Union Defence Minister Rajnath
Sudarshan in 2019 in the deserts of Rajasthan. Singh created history by becoming the first defence
Note: The aim of this exercise is to evaluate the minister to fly sortie in Rafale fighter jet from Dassault
capability of the defence services in an integrated air- Aviation Mérignac facility in France.
land battle. • The Defence Minister received the first of the 36
5. Two-day long manoeuvres by Sudarshan Chakra Vahini of Rafale fighter jets on behalf of the Indian Air Force
Indian Army Started held at – Jaisalmer. (IAF) at Merignac in France.
Note: In this war exercise, the army is going to exhibit 14. China launched Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental-
its strength regarding Agni Missile and artillery range ballistic missile – The missile is touted to be the most
6. The India-Myanmar Naval Exercise is being organized in powerful missile on the planet. It was launched during the
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh -- IMNEX-2019. National Day parade, as China observed its 70th anniversary
of Communist rule.
7. Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has conducted the
• DF-41 has a range of up to 9,320 miles (15,000
2nd edition of Defence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2019
kilometres), more than any missile on Earth.
-- DANX-19.
15. Japan Launches “World’s Biggest Transport Space-Ship” for
8. Indian Air Force (IAF) kickstarted its bilateral joint exercise
Space Station – Japan launched an unmanned H-2B rocket
with Royal Air Force Oman (RAFO)-- EX EASTERN BRIDGE-V. towards the International Space Station. The H-2B rocket
9. Indian Air Force and Japanese Air Self Defence Force lifted off with cargo vessel Kounotori8, Mitsubishi Heavy
(JASDF) carrying out a joint military air force exercise named Industries.
-- Shinyuu Maitri. 16. India successfully test-fired a land-attack version of
Note: The focus of the exercise will be to undertake BrahMos supersonic missile from Chandipur coast in
Joint Mobility and Tactical interoperability among the Odisha’s Balasore district. DRDO conducted the test-fire
two forces. successfully.
10. The 10th edition of the joint military exercise between India • The missile, with a strike range of 290km.
and the US-- Vajra Prahar 2019. 17. US military test fires Minuteman III ballistic missile – US
Note: ‘Vajra Prahar’ is a Special Forces joint training tested an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic
exercise conducted alternately in India and the US. Last missile. The missile was launched from the California base.
year, the exercise had taken place in Jaipur. • The missile travelled 6,750 km across Pacific Ocean
to the Kwajalein Atoll in Marshall Islands.

September

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1. China launches its first Amphibious Assault Ship – China • Astra missile has a strike range of over 70 km. It
has launched its first amphibious assault ship in Shanghai. can fly towards its target at a speed of over 5,555
This ship would enable ground forces to carry out attacks km per hour.
on enemy territory from sea. 8. Shaheen VIII: joint bilateral aerial exercise between
2. INS Khanderi submarine commissioned into Indian Navy Pakistan and China held in China’s Hotan City.
– Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 9. As part of Indian Navy’s Overseas Deployment to South
28, 2019 commissioned the INS Khanderi, the second East Asia and Western Pacific, two Indian Navy warships,
indigenously built Scorpene class submarine, into the INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan arrived at Laem Chabang,
Indian Navy. Bangkok for a port call from 31 August to 3 September
• INS Khanderi is fully automated and has been 2019. The port call is a demonstration of India’s warm
built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited ties with Thailand.
in Mumbai 10. Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable ballistic missile
3. Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly in Ghaznavi – Pakistan successfully conducted night training
LCA Tejas – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the launch of hypersonic surface-to-surface ballistic missile
first defence minister to fly in the indigenously-built light Hatf-III Ghaznavi from Sonmiani test range in Balochistan.
combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas. 11. Abhinandan Varthaman flies with IAF Chief BS Dhanoa
• He flew in the Tejas fighter aircraft from the HAL on his last sortie – Wing Commander Abhinandan
airport in Bengaluru. Varthaman, the recipient of Vir Chakra, flew with IAF
4. White Water Rafting Expedition ‘Rudrashila’ Flagged off Chief BS Dhanoa on his last sortie aboard MiG-21 fighter
at Jaisalmer – The White water Rafting Expedition aircraft on September 2, 2019.
christened ‘RUDRASHILA’ being undertaken by Kalidhar • Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa and Wing
Battalion under the aegis of Battle Axe Division was Commander Abhinandan took off in MiG-21
Flagged Off at Jaisalmer Military station. trainer from the Pathankot Airbase in Punjab and
• The expedition christened ‘Rudrashila’ has been flew for 30 minutes.
organised to commemorate the 75th Raising day 12. Amazon India launches Military Veterans Employment
of the Kalidhar Battalion. programme – Amazon India has launched a Military
5. ICGS ‘Varaha’ commissioned – Defense Minister Rajnath Veterans Employment programme in country.
Singh has formally commissioned the Indian Coast Guard • This initiative of e-commerce giant will create
offshore patrol vessel ‘Varaha’ at the Chennai Port Trust. employment opportunities for military veterans
6. DRDO hands over second ‘Netra’ (AEWC) aircraft to IAF as well as their spouses across company’s sort
– The Defence Research Development Organization centres, delivery centres and fulfilment centres
(DRDO) has handed over the second airborne warning in India.
plane, Netra, to the Indian Air Force. The Netra, an • For this, Amazon India has partnered with office
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft. of Director-General of Resettlement (DGR),
7. India successfully test-fires air-to-air missile Astra – India 13. IAF inducts 8 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters – The
has successfully test-fired air-to-air missile Astra from Indian Air Force has inducted 8 Apache AH-64E attack
Sukhoi-30 MKI. The indigenously developed missile was helicopters at the Pathankot Air Force station to enhance
tested off the coast of Odisha on September 17, 2019. its combat capabilities.
• Astra missile is India’s first indigenous air-to-air The Apache AH-64E helicopters are made by US
and beyond visual range missile. company Boeing and will give a major boots to
• The missile can engage targets of different combat capabilities of Indian Air Force.
ranges and altitudes
August

1. IAF’s Shalija Dhami becomes first female flight Dhami has become the first female officer in the country
commander – Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander Shalija to become Flight Commander of a flying unit.

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2. Iran unveils new missile defence system “Bavar-373” – • Ghaem: It is heat-seeking missile capable of hitting
Iran unveiled its new home-grown air defence system target within 50 centimetres of a target.
called Bavar-373 during a ceremony held on Iran’s 7. QRSAM: successfully test-fired by DRDO – Defence
‘National Defence Industry Day’. Research Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully
• Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has ordered to conducted two back-to-back flight tests of its state of the
add Bavar-373 to country’s missile defence art Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM) from
network. Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in Odisha.
3. Astra Rafael Communication System inaugurated in 8. Indian Army in partnership with EESL employs e-cars to
Hyderabad – An Indo-Israel joint venture’s “Astra Rafael combat pollution – Indian Army in partnership with
Communication System” was inaugurated in Hyderabad. Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has launched
• The Joint Venture between Astra Microwave and ecological initiative of employing E Cars for use of its
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has officials in New Delhi. Under this ecological initiative, first
become India’s first private sector firm to lot of 10 e-Cars was flagged off by Indian Army.
manufacture cutting-edge software defined • Now, Indian Army is planning to further increase
radios in multiple variants. number of E Cars in Delhi to ensure economy,
4. The Indian Navy is to host naval exercise MILAN in efficiency and minimal emissions.
March 2020 in Vizag – The Indian Navy is to host the 9. Indian Army launches ‘Mission Reach Out’ in Jammu –
multilateral naval exercise named ‘MILAN‘ at Indian Army has launched Mission Reach Out in Jammu to
Visakhapatnam for the year 2020 in the month of March. ensure basic essential services and necessities are
5. SCO exercise “Tsentr (centre) 2019” to be participated available in region after the abrogation of Article 370
by India with Pakistan, China - India and Pakistan will be provisions and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
participating in the upcoming major military exercise • In this regard, high level “Mission Reach Out”
“Tsentr (centre) 2019” under the Shanghai Cooperation conference was held in the Nagrota Military
Organisation (SCO), to be held from tentatively scheduled Station to review the prevalent situation in the
period of September 10-21 at Orenburg, Russia. region.
• SCO members – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, 10. Falcon 9 rocket launched by SpaceX carrying AMOS-17
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and satellite of Israel - The US (United States) carrier rocket
Pakistan. Falcon 9 carried Israel’s satellite AMOS-17 off the pad in
6. Iran unveils three new precision-guided missiles – Iran Florida, America. This is SpaceX’s 25th reflight of an orbit
unveiled 3 precision-guided missiles. The new line-up of class rocket and also this booster’s third flight.
air-to-air missiles named the “Yasin”, “Balaban” and a 11. INS Tarkash participates in 14th Edition of KONKAN-19
new series of the “Ghaem” were developed jointly by the Bilateral Exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal
ministry and Sa Iran, also known as Iran Electronics Navy of Britain - The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS
Industries. Tarkash, participated in the 14th Edition of KONKAN-19
Note: series of annual bilateral exercises between Indian Navy
• Yasin: It is smart, guided missile with folding wings and Royal Navy of Britain off the South Coast of the
that can be fired from a range of 50 kilometres of its United Kingdom (UK).
target from manned or unmanned aircraft. 12. DRDO transfers design of Mobile Metallic Ramp (MMR)
• Balaban: It is guided by GPS and sensors. It is also to Indian Army – Defence Research and Development
equipped with folding wings and could be mounted Organisation (DRDO) transferred the design of Mobile
under aircraft. Metallic Ramp (MMR) to Indian Army.

July

1. Rs.1500 crore deal signed by India and Russia to acquire • India signed a contract with Russia for the
Russia’s R-27 acquisition of R-27air-to-air missile which gives

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the additional capability to target enemy aircraft 8. China has gifted warship ‘P625’ to Sri Lanka. It will be
at long Ranges. mainly used for offshore patrol, environment monitoring
• These missiles are to be equipped on the Su- and anti-piracy combats.
30MKI combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force
(IAF) 9. AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack helicopters arrived
• R-27 missile - It is a medium-to-long-range air-to- India – The 1st batch of Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
air missile developed by Russia for its MIG and Attack helicopters arrived at Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s)
Sukhoi fighter jets. Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
2. Indian Army successfully conducts Summer User Trials of • The 1st batch consists of 4 out of 22 choppers
Nag Missile – Indian Army has successfully conducted ordered by India from United States.
summer user trials of NAG, 3rd Generation Anti-Tank 10. Project Sampark: Defence Minister inaugurates Ujh and
Guided Missile (ATGM). The test was carried out at Basantar Bridges in J&K – Union Minister of Defence
Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Rajnath Singh inaugurated 1 km long Ujh bridge in Kathua
Note: district and 617.40 m long Basantar bridge in Samba
• NAG missile Developed by: Defence Research and district of Jammu & Kashmir.
Development Organisation (DRDO), a government • Both of these bridges have been constructed by
agency responsible for military’s research and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under 69
development. RCC/13 BRTF of Project Sampark.
• Range: Minimum-500 metres and Maximum- 4 11. Bhabha Kavach: India’s 1st Lightest, Indigenous Bullet
kilometres Proof Jacket gets MHA nod
3. India and Russia bilateral co-operation to the next level in • Indigenously produced lightweight bullet proof
the field of space, including assistance in India’s maiden jacket Bhabha Kavach was launched at
human space flight mission ‘Gaganyaan’. International Police Expo 2019 held at Pragati
4. INS Sagardhwani embarks on mission Sagar Maitri – INS Maidan, New Delhi. The jacket which is a major
Sagardhwani embarked on a two-month-long Sagar breakthrough for Paramilitary Forces and Indian
Maitri Mission-2 from Southern Naval Command in Kochi. armed forces got nod from Union Ministry of
INS Sagardhwani is an oceanographic research vessel of Home Affairs (MHA).
the Defence Research and Development Organisation • India’s Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket ‘Bhabha
(DRDO). Kavach’ by was launched at the International
• Sagar Maitri is a unique initiative of the DRDO to Police Expo 2019.
promote closer cooperation in socio-economic • It is powered with nano technology from Bhabha
aspects as well as greater scientific interaction, Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
especially in ocean research among Indian Ocean 12. Japan’s Hayabusa2 Probe makes 2nd touchdown on
Rim (IOR) countries. asteroid Ryugu – Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe has made a
5. Indian Navy Ship LCU L-56, the sixth of the Landing Craft perfect touchdown on a distant asteroid named Ryugu,
Utility (LCU) MK IV class ships, was commissioned into the some 300 million kilometres from Earth. It collected
Indian Navy. samples from beneath surface in an unprecedented
6. Israel and the US successfully tested Arrow-3 Anti- mission that could shed light on origins of solar system.
Ballistic Missile System - On July 28, 2019, Israel’s Prime 13. China launches first private rocket capable of carrying
Minister and Minister of Defense Benjamin Netanyahu satellites – “Interstellar Glory Space Technology” also
informed that Israel and the United States (US) known as iSpace successfully launched the china’s first
successfully conducted tests of the advanced anti-ballistic commercial rocket.
missile system “Arrow-3″. • The 20 m (66-foot) rocket designed by iSpace
7. Russia launched Soyuz Carrier Rocket with 33 satellites – named Hyperbola-1 reached an altitude of 300
Russia successfully launched Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket kilometres (186 miles). The rocket is capable of
with a hydrometeorological satellite and 32 small carrying satellites into orbit.
satellites.

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14. Iran test-launched Shahab-3, a Medium-Range Ballistic Brahmos missile that can be fired from Sukhoi 30
Missile inside its borders. fighter jets.
missile defence system despite repeated warnings from • BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture company
US against the purchase. owned by the governments of India and Russia
15. Indian Naval Ship Tarkash arrives in Morocco – Indian and its missiles are produced in India.
Naval Ship Tarkash arrived at Tangier, Morocco. The visit 17. Operation Sudarshan: launched by BSF to fortify border
is part of an ongoing Overseas Deployment by the Indian with Pakistan – Border Security Force (BSF) has launched
Navy to the Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe. a massive exercise, code named as Sudarshan, to fortify
16. India has successfully tested the vertical steep dive Anti-Infiltration Grid along Pakistan border in Punjab and
version of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. Jammu.
• Made in India ‘Brahmos Aerospace’ is also ready
with a longer 500 km range version of the
June

• NASA has revealed its first cube-shaped

1. Indian Army releases special tribute video to 'Astrobee' robot, called Bumble, flew under its
commemorate 20 years of ‘Operation Vijay’ - To own power in space for the first time on June 14.
commemorate the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, 4. IAF inks Rs 300 crore deal to procure SPICE 2000 bombs
the Indian army has released a special Kargil Tribute from Israel – Indian Air Force (IAF) signed Rs.300 crore
Song’ to honor, salute and pay homage to the Kargil deal with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an
martyrs and the war veterans who sacrificed and fought Israeli defence firm to procure a batch of SPICE 2000
for the country. guided bombs.
• The song titled ‘Tujhe Bhulega Na Tera • The SPICE stands for Smart, Precise Impact and
Hindustan’ has been written by renowned Cost-Effective.
Bollywood lyricist Sameer. • It is guidance and maneuvering kit manufactured
• The nation will celebrate the 20th anniversary of by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2019. 5. Operation Sankalp - Indian Navy launched ‘Operation
• The 20th anniversary of "Operation Vijay" will be Sankalp’ in Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to reassure
celebrated with the theme 'Remember, Rejoice safe passage of Indian flagged vessels transiting through
and Renew'. area. This deployment is in the wake of following recent
2. Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot maritime incidents in region.
airstrike – • Indian Naval Ships, INS Chennai (Kolkata-class
• According to the senior defence sources, in order stealth guided missile destroyers) and INS
to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans Sunayna (Saryu-class patrol vessel) have been
don't leak out, the Balakot operations were given deployed in region to undertake maritime
the codename Operation Bandar,". security operations.
• On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off 6. Operation Sunrise - The armies of India and Myanmar
from multiple air bases crossed over into the carried out a 3-week-long coordinated operation in their
Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks respective border areas called ‘Operation Sunrise 2’ to
on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot bust terror camps.
town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province. • The operation was targeted at militant groups
• The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, operating in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. This
pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs. was the 2nd edition of Operation Sunrise.
3. NASA's First Astrobee Robot Bumble Starts Flying in 7. Govt. to set up Defence Space Research Agency – The
Space Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) of the Central
• NASA's First Astrobee Robot Bumble Starts Flying Government of India headed by Prime Minister Narendra
in Space.

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Modi has cleared setting up of new agency called Defence 9. ICG co-hosts 12th ReCAAP ISC capacity building
Space Research Agency (DSRO). workshop – Indian Coast Guard (ICG) co-hosts 12th
• The DSRO has been entrusted with task of Capacity Building workshop with Regional Cooperation
creating space warfare weapon systems and Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery
technologies. against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre
• The agency would be providing the research and (ISC) in New Delhi.
development support to the Defence Space Note:
Agency (DSA) which comprises members of the • The ReCAAP is the first regional Government-to-
three services. Government agreement to deal with piracy and
• The Defence Space Agency is being set up in armed robbery at sea in Asia.
Bengaluru under an Air Vice Marshal-rank officer • Presently 20 countries are members of ReCAAP.
and will gradually take over the space-related • India played an active role in the setting up and
capabilities of the three forces. functioning of ReCAAPISC along with Japan and
8. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singapore.
Singh became first ever woman pilot to fly by day on
Hawk advanced jet aircraft.

Important Days

November

01 Nov World Vegan Day

2nd Nov The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

5th Nov World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD)

06 Nov International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War
and Armed Conflict

07 Nov National Cancer Awareness Day

10 Nov World Science day for Peace and Development, Public Transport Day
11 Nov National Education Day
12 Nov World Pneumonia Day, Public Service Broadcasting Day
13 Nov World Kindness Day
14 Nov Children’s Day (India), World Diabetes Day
17 Nov International Students Day, Gurunanak Dev's Birth Anniversary, National
eplilepsy day
19 Nov World Toilet Day, International Men’s Day, National Integration Day
20 Nov Universal Children’s Day
26 Nov National Law Day or National constitution Day
30 Nov National Flag Day

October

1. October 1 - International Day of Older Persons (2019 2. October 1 - International Coffee Day
Theme: The Journey to Age Equality) 3. October 1 - World Vegetarian Day

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4. October 2 - International Day of Non – Violence 10. October 10 - World Mental Health Day
5. October 5 – World Teachers Day (2019 Theme: Young 11. October 11 - International Girl Child Day
Teachers: The Future of the Profession) 12. October 13 - World Calamity Control Day
6. October 7: World Habitat Day (2019 Theme: Frontier 13. October 14 - World Standards Day
Technologies as an innovative tool to transform waste 14. October 15 - World Students’ Day
to wealth) 15. October 16 - World Food Day
7. October 7 - World Cotton Day 16. October 17 - International Poverty Eradication Day
8. October 8 – Air Force Day 17. October 24 - United Nations Day
9. October 9 - World Postal Day or World Post Office Day 18. October 31 - Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day
September

1. September 05 - International Day of Charity 6. September 21: Alzheimer’s Day; Day for Peace & Non-
2. September 08 - International Literacy Day (Theme - violence (UN)
Literacy and Multilingualism) 7. September 22: Rose Day (Welfare of cancer patients)
3. September 14: Hindi Diwas 8. September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
4. September 15: Engineers’ Day; International Day of 9. September 26: Day of the Deaf; World Contraception Day
Democracy 10. September 27: World Tourism Day; World Maritime Day
5. September 16: World Ozone Day; International Day for 11. September 29: World Heart Day
Preservation 12. September 30: International Translation Day
August

1. 1 August - Yorkshire Day 15. 16 August- Bennington Battle Day

2. 6 August - Hiroshima Day 16. 17 August - Indonesian Independence Day
3. 7th August – National Handloom Day 17. 19 August - World Photography Day
4. 9 August - Quit India Movement Day (The 77th 18. 19 August – World Humanitarian Day
anniversary of the August Kranti Din or Quit India 19. 20 August - World Mosquito Day
Movement was observed on 9th August 2019) 20. 20 August- Sadbhavna Divas
5. 9 August - Nagasaki Day 21. 20 August - Indian Akshay Urja Day
6. 9 August – Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 22. 22 August - International Day Commemorating the
7. 10 August - World Biofuel Day (Theme for year 2019: Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
Production of Bio-diesel from Used Cooking Oil) 23. 23 August - International Day for the Remembrance of
8. 12 August - International Youth Day (theme the Slave Trade and its Abolition
“Transforming education) 24. 23 August - European Day of Remembrance for Victims of
9. 13 August - International Lefthanders Day Stalinism and Nazism
10. 14th August- Youm-e-Azadi (Pakistan Independence Day) 25. 26 August - Women's Equality Day
11. 15 August- National Day of mourning (Bangladesh) 26. 29 August - National Sports Day
12. 15 August - Independence Day (India) 27. 30 August - Small Industry Day
13. 15 August (UK) - Victory over Japan Day 28. 31 August - Hari Merdeka (Malaysia National Day)
14. 15 August - Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

July

• 1 July - Doctor's Day • 6 July - World Zoonoses Day

• 1 July – GST Day (Goods & Services Tax DAY) • 11 July - World Population Day
• 1 July - National Gingersnap Day • 15 July - World Youth Skills Day
• 2 July - World UFO Day • 17 July - World Day for International Justice
• 2 July - National Anisette Day • 18 July - International Nelson Mandela Day

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• 23 July - National Broadcasting day • 28 July - National Parent's Day
• 24 July – Aaykar Diwas (The Central Board of Direct Taxes • 28 July - World Nature Conservation Day
(CBDT) celebrating the 159th Income Tax Day • 28 July - World Hepatitis Day (The theme for 2019 is
(AaykarDiwas) on 24th July) “Invest in eliminating hepatitis”)
• 26 July - Kargil Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day) – (This year • 29 July - International Tiger Day
20th anniversary of Kargil Diwas is celebrated). • 30 July - World Day Against Trafficking

June
• 1 June: World Milk Day (2019 theme - “Drink Milk: Today • 18 June: Autistic Pride Day
& Everyday) • 18 June: International Picnic Day
• 1 June: Global Day of Parents • 19 June: World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
• 2 June: International Sex Workers Day • 19 June: World Sauntering Day
• 2 June: Telangana Formation Day • 20 June: World Refugee Day (Theme for 2019: Step With
• 3 June: World Bicycle Day Refugees — Take A Step on World Refugee Day)
• 4 June: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of • 21 June: World Music Day
Aggression • 21 June: World Hydrography Day
• 5 June: World Environment Day (2019 Theme - Beat Air • 21 June: International Yoga Day (Theme 2019 - Yoga for
Pollution) Climate Action)
• 7 June: World Food Safety Day • 23 June: International Olympic Day
• 8 June: World Brain Tumour Day • 23 June: United Nations Public Service Day
• 8 June: World Oceans Day • 23 June: International Widow's Day
• 12 June: World Day Against Child Labour • 26 June: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
• 14 June: World Blood Donor Day (Theme 2019 - "Blood Trafficking
donation and universal access to safe blood transfusion") • 26 June: International Day in Support of Victims of
• 15 June: World Wind Day Torture
• 15 June: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day • 27 June – (Theme for 2019 is - Micro, Small and Medium
• 3rd Sunday of June: World Father’s Day sized Enterprises Day)
• 16 June: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev • 29 June - Statistics Day (Theme for year 2019: Sustainable
• 17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification and Development Goals)
Drought (International) • 30 June: Asteroid Day

---All the Best-

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