Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Current Affairs Study PDF - July 2017 by AffairsCloud
Current Affairs Study PDF - July 2017 by AffairsCloud
PDF Capsule
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Help:
If You Satisfied with our Capsule mean kindly donate some amount to BoscoBan.org
(Facebook.com/boscobengaluru ) or Kindly Suggest this site to your family members &
friends !!!
http://bit.ly/BOSCOBang
2|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
INDIAN AFFAIRS
Railways, NBCC to redevelop 10 railway stations
Rail Land Development Authority has joined hands with National Building Construction
Corporation(NBCC) for redevelopment of 10 railway stations across the country on global
standards.
i. An MoU was signed between RLDA, an arm of the Railways for commercial exploitation of rail
land, and NBCC, a PSU of urban development ministry for implementation of station redevelopment
projects for the 10 identified stations.
ii. NBCC has now been given 10 stations in first phase for redevelopment and more stations
would be given to them in subsequent phases.
iii. The identified stations to be taken up initially by NBCC for redevelopment are Tirupati, Sarai
Rohilla (Delhi), Nellore, Puducherry, Madgaon, Lucknow, Gomtinagar, Kota, Thane (New),
and Ernakulam.
3|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Its main aim to bring this programme to ensure transparency through technology and teamwork.
iii. It will cover all the three tiers of short term cooperative credit structure - state cooperative
bank, district central cooperative banks and 2,708 primary agriculture cooperative societies.
iv. By converting the PACS as One Stop Shops the government is keen to address all
requirements of the farmers.
v. Patnaik also distributed micro ATMs for dispensation of loans at the doorsteps of the farmers.
vi. With computerisation of PACS, farmers are now able to draw their sanctioned loans from
the ATM network of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) having 2.14 lakh ATMs
of all banks across the country.
4|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
5|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Formalise Election Commissioner's appointment through law - Supreme Court tells Centre
On July 5, 2017, Supreme Court told Central Government that there is a need for Parliament to
make law to ensure fair and transparent appointments of Election Commissioners (EC).
More Information about Supreme Court’s Observations in this matter:
Supreme Court raised this matter in backdrop of public interest litigation (PIL) by Anoop
6|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Paranwal through lawyer Prashant Bhushan asking for a fair and transparent procedure for EC
appointments. The PIL expressed concern that as the appointments of Election Commissioners was
made by the President solely on the basis of the advice given by the political-executive at the
Centre, there exists an ample room for the ruling party to choose someone whose loyalty is
ensured and renders the selection process vulnerable to manipulations and partisanship.
• The Bench of Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and Y. Chandrachud pointed out
that there is a gap due to the lack of a parliamentary law which transparently spells out
the eligibility, criteria required for a person to be an election commissioner.
• Khehar highlighted that even the selection procedure of the CBI Director is formalised by
a written law, but not that of Election Commissioners.
• The court also asked the government whether it should intervene in the issue to achieve
the constitutional objective under Article 324 (2) of the Constitution which provides
that the appointments of Chief Election Commissioner and the Election
Commissioners be made as per the enabling law.
India declares itself free from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 and H5N8)
According to the Ministry of Agriculture India has declared itself free from highly pathogenic
avian influenza (H5N1 and H5N8) and notified the same to World Organisation for Animal
Health (OIE).
i. The country had reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza at various
epicenters in Delhi, Gwalior (MP), Rajpura (Punjab), Hissar (Haryana), and many other states
during October, 2016 to February, 2017.
ii. All the outbreaks of Avian Influenza (HPAI) mentioned above were notified to OIE.
programme. MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan - Minister of
Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Mr.
Prakash Javadekar - Minister of Human Resource Development.
Details about ‘JIGYASA’ Programme:
Focus of ‘JIGYASA’ programme is to connect school students and scientists so as to extend
student’s classroom learning with that of a very well planned research laboratory based learning.
• The Programme is expected to connect 1151 Kendriya Vidyalayas with 38 National
Laboratories of CSIR targeting 100,000 students and nearly 1000 teachers
annually.
8|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The definition has been expanded to include death of "security personnel on board" or "ground
support staff" as well.
Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centres to be established in 100 districts of the country:
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
The Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on 6th July said that Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centres will be
established in 100 districts of the country which will effectively ensure employment oriented skill
development of youth belonging to Minority communities.
i. In next six months, job oriented skill training centres in various fields, will be established in
Hyderabad, Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Aurangabad and in many more states.
ii. Along with this ,Ministry of Minority Affairs will launch a mega education campaign Tahrik-e-
Taleem. The campaign will be launched on 15th October, the birth anniversary of former
President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
"No detention policy" to go away from next academic year: HRD ministry
Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said on 6th July in Agartala that the government has
decided to do away with the no-detention policy for students from the next academic session.
i. The decision was taken as the standard of education has deteriorated because of the policy.
ii. The no-fail provision has been laid down under Section 16 of the RTE Act 2009, and prohibits
schools from detaining or expelling any student up to Class VIII.
iii. The minister said the state governments will decide if they want to continue with the policy or
remove it.
iv. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey is a Minister of State for Human Resource Development in
Government of India(Higher Education)
9|Page
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
3.National Academic Depository :It will facilitate online verification of certificates. All the
courses are interactive and available free of cost. Students from various recognised institutes in
India will be able to earn credits on clearing these online courses.
4.He also launched the National Digital Library which containing 6.5 million books
India plans to invite Leaders of ASEAN countries for 2018 Republic Day celebrations
Indiais planning to invite the leaders of the 10 ASEAN nations for the Republic Day parade
for 2018. It has been announced on 8th of July 2017.
i. It is being seen as a major step towards the government’s ‘Act East’ policy.
ii. It will bring together leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
iii. This year also marks the 25th year of dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN.
iv. It will be the first Republic day for India where so many chief guests will be invited.
MoHUA is the new name for urban development & housing ministry
The government has merged the ministries of urban development, and housing and urban poverty
alleviation on 7th July- involved in policy making in urban areas - to form the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs.This is third time the ministries have been merged.
i. Venkaiah Naidu heads the ministries of urban development, and housing and urban poverty
alleviation
ii. With this merger, the government now has 51 In 2004, the number was 42. The first
government in independent India had just 17 ministries.
iii. Government proposes to increase urban reform incentive fund, to Rs 3000 crores.
Govt to organise global food fair in November 2017 to boost food sector
The government is going to organise a global food fair in November 2017. The Food Fair will
be organized to provide a platform to Indian farmers and manufacturers so that they
can showcase their products and explore partnerships with foreign companies.
11 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. The three-day World Food India 2017 is being organised on November 3-5 by the Food
Processing Ministry.
iii .This event will provide a big boost to food processing sector as well as farmer’s
income.
CM Arvind Kejriwal launches e-RTI, Delhi becomes 2nd state to accept online applications
CM Arvind Kejriwal has launched e-RTI in Delhi and has become second state to accept
online application. It has been launched on 10th of July 2017.
i. Right to Information (RTI) applicants would be able to register their queries online on
the Delhi government’s new portal from 10th of July onwards.
ii. As per the Delhi government, the e-RTI portal would start accepting applications for a total of
172 public authorities or government departments in the Delhi region.
Cabinet approves Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany on
cooperation in the field of Health
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for signing a Joint Declaration of Intent
(JDI) between India and Germany on cooperation in the field of Health. The JDI was signed
on June 1, 2017.
12 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Cabinet approves creation of three posts of Directors for the three new AIIMS in Andhra
Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra
Union Cabinet has approved the creation of three posts of Directors for the three new All India
Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Mangalagiri near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh,
Kalyani in West Bengal and Nagpur in Maharashtra.
• As per the AIIMS Act 1956 Amended vide AIIMS (Amendment) Act, 2012, there
shall be a Chief Executive Officer of the Institute. He shall be designated as the Director
of the Institute and shall be appointed by the Institute provided that the first Director of
the Institute shall be appointed by the Central Government. The Director shall act as the
Secretary to the Institute as well as the Governing Body and support proper functioning
and governance of the three AIIMS.
Shri J P Nadda launches the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2017-22
On July 12, 2017, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J P Nadda, launched the National
13 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Arunachal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands get exemption from SC highway liquor ban
Supreme Court has allowed Arunachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands to get
exemption from the court's ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of National and State
Highways.
i. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar took note of the geographical quirks of
Arunachal Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and concluded that they deserved parity
with Sikkim and Meghalaya.
ii. The ban was ordered to prevent drunk driving, one of the major killers plaguing Indian roads.
14 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inducts First DEMU Train with Solar powered Coaches into
service of the Nation
On July 14, 2017, Indian Railways launched its first 1,600 HP solar powered Diesel Electric
Multiple Unit (DEMU) train from Safdarjung station, New Delhi
Specifications of First solar powered DEMU train:
The first DEMU Train with prototype solar based hotel load system has been manufactured by
Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai & fitted with solar panels by Indian Railway
Organisation for Alternate Fuels (IROAF). Hotel Load refers to humanoccupancy aspects of
a vehicle such as air conditioning and lighting, analogous to the features of a hotel.
• The train has a life span of 25 years and will have a capacity of 89 people per coach.
• The ten-coach train has two motor coaches and eight passenger coaches.
• The total cost of the train is Rs 13.54 crore with the passenger coaches costing around
Rs 1 crore each and the two motor coaches costing around Rs 2.5 crore each. The solar
panels on six coaches cost Rs 9 lakh each.
working on a vision to set up one passport centre in every 50 km range in the country in
future.
i. The Union minister also inaugurated another POPSK in Kishnanagar in Nadia district
through video-conferencing at the same time.
Phases Themes
Phase I to IV Cutting-edge research in Science and Technology being carried out worldwide
16 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
17 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Cabinet approves MOC in respect of tax matters between India and BRICS countries –
Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa
Union Cabinet has given the approval for the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in
respect of tax matters between India and the Revenue administrations of BRICS countries
namely, Brazil, Russian Federation, China and South Africa.
18 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Cabinet approves Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017
Union cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the promulgation of the Central Goods and
Services Tax (Extension to Jammu & Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and replacement of the
Ordinance by the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
• The Ordinance has extended the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act,
2017 referred to as (CGST Act) to the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Cabinet approves alternative mechanism for creation and launch of a New Exchange
Traded Fund
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has authorized the Alternative Mechanismon the
following:
19 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• To take decision for divestment through Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) out of all the
listed central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) including CPSEs listed subsequently
subject to Government of India (GoI) retaining 51% stake in these CPSEs.
• To take decision on the divestment in respect of Public Sector Banks, other listed
Public Sector Financial Institutions and Public Sector Insurance
Companies (when listed) through ETF or other methods subject to GoI retaining 52%.
20 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed in
Lok Sabha
On July 21, 2017, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill,
2017, a bill amending the law on free and compulsory education to extend the deadline for
teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment was passed in Lok
Sabha.
About Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017:
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced by
the Minister of Human Resource Development, Mr. Prakash Javadekarin Lok Sabha on April
10, 2017.
• The Bill adds a provision to Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act,
2009 by stating that those teachers who do not possess the minimum qualifications as on
March 31, 2015 will acquire the minimum qualifications within a period of four years i.e.
by March 31, 2019.
• Javadekar has mentioned that through the amendment, inadequately qualified teachers,
working after enactment of the Right to Education Act, were being given a last chance to
acquire minimum qualifications by March 2019.
21 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. The approval was granted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ii. The guidelines would cover three key areas namely:
(a)Community Welfare activities
(b)Improvement in Consular services
(c)Assisting Overseas Indian nationals in distress situations
iii .The scale and speed of these evacuations and assistance provide through the Fund has been
universally appreciated.
22 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
23 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• It will repeal laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861, the Colonial Courts of
Admiralty Act, 1890.
• Moving the bill for consideration and passage, Minister of State for Road Transport
and Highways and Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya said the maritime admiralty laws
in India remain old and need to be changed in line with the changes effected globally.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chairs first meeting of Islands Development Agency
(IDA)
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly
constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA) on 24th of July 2017 in New Delhi
i. The Union Home Minister presented the vision for developing India’s maritime economy while
preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns.
ii. He emphasized upon the need for sustainable development of Islands with people’s participation.
iii. The CEO of NITI Aayog has made a detailed presentation on the current status. He
informed that Concept Development Plans and Detailed Master Plans are being prepared
for identified islands.
iv. In the first phase 10 islands have been identified for holistic development includes
Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli,
Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep.
24 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Constitution as applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. These subjects include citizenship, education,
banking, labour and forests.
• The Bill also provides for the appointment of a nodal officer by the central or state
government. The nodal officer will coordinate and supervise statistical activities under the
government by whom he/she is appointed.
Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval for amendment of the Constitution (Application to
Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954
Union Cabinet, has given its ex-post facto approval for amendment of the Constitution
(Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954 by way of the Constitution (Application to
Jammu & Kashmir) Amendment Order, 2017.
• The approval paves the way for applicability of Goods and Services Tax regime in the
State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Cabinet apprised of the Joint Declaration of Intent between India and Germany on Indo
German-Centre for Sustainability
The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between
Department of Science & Technology (DST), India and the Federal Ministry of Education
and Research (BMBF), Germany on Indo German-Centre for Sustainability (IGCS). The JDI
was concluded on May 30, 2017 in Germany during the fourth Inter-Governmental
Consultations (IGC).
• On the Indian side, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras will act as the host
institution for IGCS.
• DST and BMBF will jointly support the IGCS for a period of five years starting from
January 2018.
Cabinet approves revision of cost of Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of Department of Rural
Development for revision of cost of Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011)
which provides for:
• Revising the cost of SECC 2011 to 4893.60 crore from the approved estimated
expenditure of Rs.3543.29 crore.
• Approval of time and cost overrun and consequential revision in the upper limit of cost per
record to the consortium of Central Public Sector Undertakings.
Utility of SECC - 2011:
• Before the availability of SECC -21011 data, Below Poverty Line (BPL) list prepared in
2002, by States/UTs was being used for identifying beneficiaries of development
programmes and schemes including Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)
and National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
25 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Rajya Sabha passes the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Public Private
Partnership) Bill 2017
On July 28, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed Indian Institute of Information Technology (Public-
Private Partnership) Bill, 2017, a bill to declare 15 Indian Institute of Information
Technology (IIITs) set up through public-private partnership mode as "institutions of national
importance" as well as to set up such institutes through collaboration.
26 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. The IIIT (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017 seeks to grant statutory status to 15 IIITs
and declare them as 'Institutions of National Importance' (INI).
ii. The Bill also seeks to enable these institutions to grant degrees to their students in the
academic courses conducted by them.
27 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Swachh Survekshan-2018 launched to assess sanitation in all 4,041 cities and towns of
the country
Central Government has launched ‘Swachh Survekshan-2018’ to rank all the 4,041
cities and towns of the country on 31st of July 2017. It is based on certain parameters like
infrastructure development for improved sanitation services and their sustainability, outcomes,
citizen connect and visible impact on ground.
Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has launched the survey, the
third in the series and released a comprehensive Survey Tool Kit which explain the
methodology, weightages and new features and plunge areas .
• As per the Survey Toolkit released, cities and towns will prepare over the next six months
before field assessment begins on the fourth of January next year with survey results
scheduled to be announced on 26th March 2018.
• The first Pan-India sanitation survey will assess sanitation levels in all the cities and
towns of the country.It will impact the lives of about 40 crore urban people and it is
the largest of its kind in the world.
• It includes 500 with a population of one lakh and above each and state capitals and
3,541 with population below one lakh each.
• The total weightage for Citizen Feedback and Independent observation of
sanitation have been increased by 10% over that of 2017 Survey.
• To encourage cities take up innovative sanitation practices and solutions, a new element
of ‘Innovation’ has been introduced this year with a weightage of 5%.
Sanitation component-wise weightages
Component Weightage in 2017 Survey Weightage in 2018 Survey
ODF Progress 30% 30%
Collection & Transportation of 40% 30%
Solid waste
Processing & Disposal of solid 20% 25%
waste
Info, Edu, Communication 5% 5%
Capacity Building 5% 5%
Innovation – 5%
Total marks 2000 40000
Assessment Weightages
Assessment Category Weightage in 2017 Survey Weightage in 2018 Survey
Service level progress 45% 35%
(Infrastructure creation,
Processes operations)
Citizen Feedback 30% 35%
28 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launches “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-2” in Mumbai
On July 29th 2017, Union Minister of state for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched “JIYO PARSI PUBLICITY PHASE – 2” function in Mumbai.
i. In the year of 2013 “Jiyo Parsi Publicity Phase-1” was initiated to increase the small minority
population of parsi community.
ii. The main objective of the “Jiyo Parsi” scheme is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population
by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilize their population and increase
the population of Parsis in India
iii. The scheme implemented two components:
1.Medical Assistance and 2.Advocacy/Counselling.
Due to this effort, it became success with the birth of 101 babies.
29 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. For Uttar Pradesh, interception, diversion and STP projects for Unnao, Shuklaganj and Ramnagar
have been approved.
iii. In Bihar, three projects at Sultanganj, Naugachia and Mokama with total estimated
cost of Rs 175 crore have been approved.
PLACES IN NEWS
India’s largest Fresh water aquarium has opened by Raghubar Das,Chief Minister of
Jharkhand
Raghubar Das, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has recently inaugurated the India’s largest
fresh water aquarium “Ranchi Machchli Ghar” at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Biodiversity Park
in Ranchi .
i. It has been launched to encourage tourism in the state.
ii. The aquarium is spread over in 36,000 sq feet area and it has 58 fish tank, where 120
species of 1500 fishes have been displayed.
iii. Ranchi Machchli Ghar is the country's biggest fresh water aquarium.The eco-park will be
developed in an area of 4.99 acres at a cost of Rs 5.67 crore.
Foundation stone of country’s biggest Global Skill Park laid by Rajeev Pratap Shivraj
Singh Chouhan in Bhopal
On July 3, 2017, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Rajeev Pratap Rudi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan laid the
foundation stone of the India’s biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Other Dignitaries present at the ceremony: Former cricketer K Srikanth, Singapore Embassy’s
Councellor Ajit Singh, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of State for Skill Development (Independent
Charge), Chetan Chouhan.
30 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Arunachal Pradesh celebrates 'Dree festival' with traditional pomp & gaiety
The Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Apatani tribe of
Arunachal Pradesh at Ziro
i. The Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is celebrated on 5th July with the pre-celebration
rituals starting from the evening of 4th July every year.
ii. It is the biggest festival of the Apatanis and celebrated with zest marked by sacrificial offerings
and prayers.
iii. The Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is a celebration of the agricultural way of life for
the Apatanis.
India's first university only for Dalit students to come up in Hyderabad by 2018
Telangana is the first state to build India’s first university for Dalit students by 2018. It
has been announced on 7th of July 2017.
i. The university will be a part of the government’s policy of providing education free of cost to
students from weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG) level.
ii. The objective of establishing an university for Dalit students is to provide them a comprehensive
education, so that they would come out as complete and knowledgeable citizens.
iii. The proposal was bring up by a government arm – Telangana Social Welfare Residential
Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS).
31 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Rajasthan become the first State to fix Minimum qualifications for coop. societies’ polls
Rajasthan is the first state of our country has set minimum educational qualification to candidates
for elections to village cooperative societies and various other cooperative bodies.
Qualification needed to become a member of contesting election
i. The minimum educational qualification from class 5 to class 8 is must for members of dairy
societies, farming societies, consumer societies, weavers' societies, urban banks, housing
construction societies, primary land development banks, credit societies and cooperative unions.
ii. The minimum educational qualification of primary committee members is of class 8.
iii. The minimum qualification required is class 10 for district level members
iv. A member of State level committee must be a graduate.
32 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
33 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iv. Under the scheme, shrimp rearers would be provided 50% grant of the total unit cost and for
this the state government has made a provision of over Rs 51 crore.
v. The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources has declared Haryana as a fish disease-
free state.
34 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iii. He also said the civil terminal at the Bareilly airport should be re-named as Nath Nagri
after the cultural name of the city.
President of India inaugurates the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Paika Rebellion
of Odisha
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the 200th anniversary
celebrations of the Paika Rebellion of Odisha on 20th July 2017 in New Delhi.
i. Pranab Mukherjee congratulated the people of the country and especially those of Odisha on the
occasion.
ii. The President said that it was indeed a privilege for him to be present on the occasion of
inauguration of year-long celebration of Bi-Centenary of the Paika Bidroha of Odisha.
iii. It is a time to remember the great history of our country and pay respect to our great heroes.
iv. It is time to pay respects to other great warriors of Paika Bidroha who fought side by side such
as Dinabandhu Samantray Mohapatra, Dama Subudhi Manjaraj, Samanta Madhaba and many more
heroes of Paika Bidroha.
v. Many scholars, researchers and historians have observed that the Paika Rebellion of 1817
was India’s first organized armed rebellion against British Raj.
Kiren Rijiju inaugurates RIWATCH Museum and Chimari Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh
On July 22, 2017, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Research
Institution of World Ancient, Traditional, Culture & Heritage (RIWATCH) Museum at
Roing in Arunachal Pradesh and hoped that it would serve as a place of exchange of cultural
values of various tribes of the state and the North East.
• Arunachal Pradesh State Art & Culture Minister, Mohesh Chai said that according to
UNESCO report there are 32 languages in Arunachal Pradesh that are on the verge
of extinction and the state government is initiating programmes and policies to find out
and to revive those minor and major tribal languages.
• On the sideline of his visit to Roing, Mr. Rijiju also inaugurated the 235-meter long
Chimari Bridge, which would serve as a life line between the National Highway 52 of
Roing-Tezu. The bridge has been constructed by Border Roads Organisation(BRO).
35 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Lucknow Metro to be India's first metro with own FM Station & to offer free water and
toilet facilities
India’s first Lucknow metro network to offer free drinking water and toilet facilities and
will also become the first in the country to have its own FM radio station. It has been
announced on 24th of July 2017.
i. It will also provide free -WiFi at all stations to commuters with a ‘Go Smart’ card.
ii. Lucknow Metro is expected to cover 140 km in the city in a total of four phases over the next 25
years, operating two routes, from North to South and East to West.
iii. It is reported that Lucknow will be the fastest built metro system in the world and the
most economical high speed rapid transit system project in India.
Madras HC makes Vande Mataram mandatory in Schools, Govt. and Private Offices
Madras High Court has ruled that Vande Mataram should be sung in all schools and colleges
across the state “at least once a week” and in government and private offices “at least
once a month”. The order has been issued on 25th of July 2017.
i. The order has been issued by Justice M V Muralidharan. ‘Vande Mataram’ shall be played
and sung in all schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions at least once a week
(preferably on Monday or Friday).
ii. The main reason Madras HC made Vande Mataram compulsory in all schools and organisations
because K. Veernamani had lost minimum eligibility test by 1 mark.
36 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• The interiors of the memorial reflect the various facets of Dr Kalam’s life, including the
Pokhran nuclear test. There’s even a missile model celebrating his contribution to space
• science.
Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu:
After inaugurating APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial, PM Modi flagged off ‘Kalam Sandesh Vahini’, an
exhibition bus which will travel across various states and reach Rashtrapati Bhavan on 15 October,
the birth anniversary of the former president.
• He also distributed sanction letters to the beneficiaries of long liner trawlers under the ‘Blue
Revolution’ scheme and also flagged off a new express train from Ayodhya to
Rameswaram (via video conference).
• Later PM Modi released a synopsis of the ‘Green Rameswaram’ project.
37 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
FOREIGN VISITS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel - Overview
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Israel from 4th to 6th July 2017.
• PM Modis’s visit is aimed at commemorating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic
• ties between India and Israel.
New Israeli Flower Named After PM Modi
During his Israel visit, PM Modi visited the Danziger "Dan" Flower Farm along with his Israeli
counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Mishmar Hashiva where they were briefed about the latest
technologies being used for floriculture.
• Commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Danziger Flower Farm named
the flower Crysanthumun as 'Modi', on the name of Prime Minister.
• Crysanthumun is a new fast-growing Israeli flower.
Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Israel
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel from 4th – 6th July, 2017 was the first ever visit of an
incumbent Indian prime minister.
• It is to be noted that India has gradually built up counter-terror and trade relations with
Israel since diplomatic ties were restored 25 years ago. Currently, India is Israel's
biggest arms market, worth $1bn a year.
Mahindra Telephonics inks pact with Israeli firm
On July 4, 2017, India’s Mahindra Telephonics and Israeli firm Shachaf Engineering signed a
MoU to collaborate on design, development and manufacture of strategic electronics for
military use.
India, Israel resolve to fight menace of terrorism and radicalism
India and Israel have agreed to cooperate to protect their strategic interests and called for strong
measures against terror groups and their sponsors.
• As per a joint statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minsiter
Benjamin Netanyahu have recognised that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace
and stability and reiterated their strong commitment to combat it in all its forms and
manifestations.
PM Modi gifts 2 sets of relics from Kerala to Israeli PM
On July 4, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted his Israeli counterpart Benjamin
Netanyahu replicas of two sets of relics from Kerala, regarded as key artefacts of the long
Jewish history in India. The gift comprise two different sets of copper plates that are believed
to have been inscribed in 9-10th Century.
India, Israel sign seven agreements, to cooperate in fight against terror
On July 5, 2017, India and Israel signed following Seven Agreements:
38 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
1. An MoU was signed between the Department of Science and Technology, India, and
the National Technological Innovation Authority, Israel, for setting up an India-
Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F).
2. India's Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a MoU with Israel's Ministry of
National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources on a national campaign for water
conservation in India.
3. An MoU on state water utility reform was signed between the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam
and the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources of
Israel.
4. India-Israel Development Cooperation on a three-year work programme
in agriculture from 2018 to 2020.
5. A Plan of Cooperation was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) regarding cooperation in atomic clocks.
6. ISRO and ISA signed a MoU on cooperation in GEO-LEO Optical Link.
7. ISRO and ISA signed another MoU on cooperation in electric propulsion for small
satellites.
India and Israel elevated their ties to the "strategic partnership" level with a vow to do much
more together to combat growing radicalisation and terrorism and pitched for strong measures
against those financing and providing sanctuaries to terror groups.
PM Modi announces launching of flight services from Delhi, Mumbai to Tel Aviv
While addressing the Indian Diaspora in Tel Aviv's Convention Center, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
announced to start a new flight service connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv and invited
youth of Israel to visit India.
• PM Modi also promised to ease the process of acquiring Overseas Citizen of India
(OCI) and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards by Israelis of Indian origin. People of
Indian community who have done compulsory army service in Israel will be eligible for
OCI cards.
India to open cultural centre in Jewish nation
In a bid to enhance people-to-people contacts between India and Israel, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi has announced the setting up of an Indian Cultural Centre in Israel.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WHO declares an end to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the latest Ebola virus disease
(EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
i. It comes at 42 days after the last confirmed case of Ebola.
39 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The last confirmed patient was in the affected Bas-Uele province and tested negative for the
disease for the second time.
iii. The experts have said that two incubation period cycles of 21 days have passed with no
new cases and thus it can be safely said that the outbreak has ended.
Italy passes law making torture a crime, critics say full of holes
Italian lawmakers on 5th of July,2017 finally passed a bill making torture a crime under national
law, after years of parliamentary haggling.
i. Rome signed the UN Convention against Torture in 1984 and it sanctioned in 1988 but had
never transferred it into national legislation.
40 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Lawmakers on 5th July 2017 passed a bill that makes torture punishable by four to 10 years in
prison.
41 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The bridge would improve road connectivity between the two regions and also strengthen
the ties between the people of the two countries living both sides of the borders.
UK launches ‘Grand Trunk Road’ project to mark 70th anniversary of India’s partition
The British government has launched a new project the ‘Grand Trunk Road’ to mark the
70th anniversary of India’s Partition in August 1947.
i. The UK-wide project is launched to bring British Asians of all faiths and backgrounds together.
ii. It has launched this week to reflect their shared history through 11 special events funded by the
Department for Communities and Local Government.
iii. The Grand Trunk Roadhas tied together India and Pakistan and their diverse cultures
and faiths for millennia.
iv .This project will highlight the rich history that British Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus share.
v. The aim is for the participants to remember lives lost and learn about the history of partition.
42 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
43 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
44 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
expected to open in 2018 as a joint effort by the Saola World Working Group and the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature.
45 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Dubai has launched a series of comprehensive and integrated initiatives to mine and
manage the city’s data.
World's 1st floating wind farm starts to take shape off coast of Scotland
The world's first full-scale floating wind farm has started to take shape off the north-east
coast of Scotland announced on 24th of July 2017.
i. The Peter head wind farm, known as Hywind, is a trial. It will bring power to 20,000 homes.
ii. It is a tech development project to ensure it's working in open sea conditions
World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge’ the Europabrücke (Europe Bridge)’ opens
in Switzerland
The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge the Europabrücke or Europaweg (Europe
Bridge) on 29th July 2017, a ribbon-thin span nearly a third of a mile long at in Randa,
Switzerland.
i. It measures 1,620 feet long and rises as high as 278 feet above the Grabengufer ravine.
ii .The span is also impossibly narrow, at just 25.6 inches wide.Hikers can now cross the
Europaweg (Europe Bridge) which connects Grächen and Zermatt and measures nearly 500m.
46 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Health Ministry holds 4th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations
in Public Health Care Systems
On July 6, 2017, Ms. Sumitra Mahajan - Speaker of the 16th Lok Sabha inaugurated the 4th
National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care
Systems at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Faggan Singh Kulaste and Ms. Anupriya Patel -
Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare and Mr. Rustam Singh, Health Minister (MP) were
also present at the occasion.
Highlights of 4th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in
Public Health Care Systems:
During her address, Ms. Sumitra Mahajan mentioned that National Health Policy, 2017 is a
landmark step as it commits to comprehensive primary healthcare, effective regulatory framework
and best infrastructure.
47 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
48 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• According to the declaration, members states - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South
Africa - are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)-Education
2030 which aims to "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long
learning opportunities for all" that was set within The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.
• The declaration reiterated support for the BRICS Network University (NU) to collaborate in
the fields of education, research and innovation. It also encouraged universities to participate
in the BRICS University League.
First Edition of WINGS 2017 – “Sab Uden, Sab Juden”- Expanding Regional Connectivity
Hosted in New Delhi
Civil Aviation Ministry on 8th July hosted the First edition of WINGS 2017 – “Sab Uden, Sab
Juden”- Expanding Regional Connectivity. The session was chaired by the Union Minister of Civil
Aviation, Shri P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and the Union Minister of State for Civil
AviationShri Jayant Sinha .
i. 338 delegates from Government and Civil Aviation sector participated in the first edition of
WINGS-2017.
ii. During the Wings-2017, Interactive sessions with Stakeholders of entire Ecosystem such
as Tourism Departments, Tour Operators, Airport Operators, and other players in the value
chain was convened.
Two day Regional conference on Good governance and Replication of best held in
Nainital, Uttarakhand
A two days Regional Conference on “Good Governance and Replication of Best Practices” will
begin in Nainital, Uttarakhand from 9th of July.
i. It is organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG),
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India in collaboration with
Government of Uttarakhand.
49 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Delegates from 12 States and four UTs of Northern, Western and Central Region will be
participating in the conference.
iii. The Conference will be inaugurated by Secretary, DARPG, Shri C. Viswanath.
iv. Its objective is to create a common platform to share experiences in the formulation
and implementation of citizen centric governance.
50 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i .The conference was organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and
Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
ii. It set up the stage for adoption of best practices and use of technology to reduce risks at mass
gathering events across the country.
iii. The conference has brought to focus on varied issues relevant to efficient crowd
management.
51 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
53 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
UNESCO has declared the Hoh Xil nature reserve in China’s Qinghai Province a natural
heritage site in a controversial decision challenged by pro-Tibet activists.
UNESCO declares Ahmedabad as world heritage city
The 5.5 km walled city area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with an approximate population of four lakh
has been declared India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO.
• Ahmedabad was in competition with New Delhi and Mumbai for the title.
Brazilian Port Where Slaves Arrived Given UNESCO Status
The Valongo wharf in Rio de Janeiro, where slaves from Africa first arrived in Brazil has been
added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Japan island that bans women is UNESCO Heritage site
Okinoshima, a sacred island in south-west Japan that bans women and where male visitors
must strip naked before going ashore has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cambodian Temple Site Gets UNESCO World Heritage Status
Sambor Prei Kuk, an ancient temple site in Cambodia has been added to the list of UNECO
World Heritage Sites.
List of 21 new sites that have been inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List during 41st
annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee conference
Site Type Country/Countries
Aphrodisias, archeological site and Cultural Turkey
marble quarries
Asmara, modernist city of Africa Cultural Eritrea
Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of Cultural Russia
Sviyazhsk
Caves and ice age art in the Swabian Cultural Germany
Jura
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town Cultural Palestinian territories
Historic city of Yazd Cultural Iran
Kujataa Greenland, sub-arctic farming Cultural Denmark
landscape
Kulangsu, historic international Cultural China
settlement
Mbanza Kongo, political and spiritual Cultural Angola
capital of the Kingdom of Kongo
Sacred Island of Okinoshima Cultural Japan
Taputapuātea, center of the "Polynesian Cultural France
Triangle"
Tarnowskie Góry, lead-silver-zinc mine Cultural Poland
Sambor Prei Kuk temple zone Cultural Cambodia
54 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
22nd World Petroleum Congress (WPC) International Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas,Dharmendra Pradhan visited Istanbul in
Turkey from 9thto 12th July, 2017 to represent India at the 22nd World Petroleum Congress
(WPC) International Conference.
Highlights of 22nd World Petroleum Congress:
Theme for 22nd World Petroleum Congress was ‘Bridges To Our energy Future’.
• During the conference, Mr. Pradhan chaired a ministerial session on the subject ‘Current
Economic Strategies in Indian Oil and Gas Sector’ and a plenary session on ‘Supply
and Demand Challenges for Oil, Gas and Products’.
• Pradhan launched an event on Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy
(HELP) as a part of promoting upcoming oil and gas bidding rounds in India. He also
reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has given a target of reducing import
dependence by 10 per cent by 2022.
India to host Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 – World’s Largest Conference on
Cyber Space
India will be hosting the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) in 2017. It is one of
the world’s largest two day conference on Cyber Space.
i. The theme of Cyber4All is “An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental, Safe and Secure
Cyberspace” . The theme of this conference reflects the changing architecture of India in the
Digital space.
55 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The GCCS 2017 will take place on the 23rd and 24th of November, 2017 in Aero City, New
Delhi.
iii. The GCCS 2017 will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra
Modi.
iv. The 4th version of GCCS 2015 was held on April 16-17, 2015 in The Hague, Netherlands.
56 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
entrepreneurship, as well as the roles of BRICS youth in global governance, before formulating an
action plan for the forum.
Shri Bandaru Dattatreya attends the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet held in
China
BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet was held on 26th and 27th July, 2017
in Chonqging, China. Indian delegation to this meet was led by Bandaru Dattatreya, the
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment. M Sathiyavathy, Secretary (
Labour and Employment), Manish Gupta, Joint Secretary, Anuja Bapat, Director and Prof
Sasikumar, Sr. Fellow, VVGNLI were also the part of Indian delegation.
Highlights of BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet:
China is the chair for the BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meet for the year 2017.
• The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment
Ministerial Declaration.
• The Declaration covered a variety of areas that are of critical importance to all BRICS
countries including India and called upon strengthening collaboration and cooperation on
these through appropriate institutionalisation.
• The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Declaration would now be presented to the
Leaders/ Head of the State at BRICS Summit scheduled to be held on 3-
5thSeptember, 2017 Xiamen, China.
7th edition of SAARC Artists Camp & Exhibition of Paintings begins in Nepal
The 7th edition of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Artists Camp
and Exhibition of Paintings has begun at Kathmandu on 28th of July 2017.
i. These events provides platform to artists to exchange ideas with fellow artists and help
in creating special bonding among them and 40 artists from SAARC member countries except
Afghanistan taking part in the 4 day camp.
ii. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Jitendra Narayan Dev has
57 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• Singapore tops the charts with a 0.925 score with the highest level.
• China comes behind India at 34th position & Russia is ranked 11th
The top 10 most committed countries to cyber security are
Countries Rank
Singapore 1
United States 2
Malaysia 3
Oman 4
Estonia 5
Mauritius 6
Australia 7
Georgia 8
France 9
Canada 10
Global Cyber-Security Index(CGI)
The GCI categorizes India as a “Maturing Country” which refers to countries with a GCI score
between 50 and 89 percentile..In addition to showing the overall cybersecurity commitment of
ITUs 193 member-states, the Index also shows the improvement and strengthening of the five
pillars of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda: legal, technical, organisational, capacity
building and international cooperation.
• In the Asia-Pacific region, India takes the number 8 spot on index.
• Apart from France, European countries fared poorly in the survey and Equatorial Guinea
finished last with a score of zero.
Asia and the Pacific region Score Global rank
Singapore 0.925 1
Malaysia 0.893 3
Australia 0.824 7
Japan 0.786 11
Republic of Korea 0.782 13
New Zealand 0.718 19
Thailand 0.684 20
India 0.683 23
Andhra, Telangana and Gujarat top ease of doing business, says NITI CEO Amitabh Kant
According to the NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat
are the three best-performing states in "ease of doing business".
i. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam are included worst in the rankings.
ii. The rankings is based on key development and social indicators across states and union
territories during a national conference of Chief Secretaries.
iii. Based on availability of electricity in rural households the best-performing states are
Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, which have achieved 100%
penetration.
iv. The bottom three are Bihar with 46% Nagaland with 45% and Jharkhand with 40%.
60 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
v. In nutrition, Kerala, Goa and Tripura are the best-performing states while Meghalaya,
Jharkhand and Bihar are the worst.
vi. In terms of reading comprehension Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Kerala come out on top
while Uttarakhand, Chattisgarh and Bihar are at the bottom.
Raipur Swami Vivekananda Airport ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index Survey
Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has ranked first in Customer
Satisfaction Index Surveyamong 49 airports in India.Raipur Airport has scored highest, 4.84
on a five point scale index in the latest Customer Satisfaction Index Survey conducted by an
independent agency for the period of January-June 2017.
• It has topped this survey for the third consecutive time in the past two years.
• Raipur Airport is followed by Udaipur, Amritsar and Dehradun airports which have
scored 4.75, 4.74 and 4.73 respectively.
India to become largest milk producer in 2026 – OECD & FAO Report
According to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2017-2026, released by Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of
the United Nations, India will be the world's largest milk producer by 2026 and will account
for the biggest increase in wheat production globally.
61 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
India ranks 116 out of 157 nations on Sustainable Development Goals index
India has ranked 116 out of 157 nations on a global index that assesses the performance of
countries towards achieving the ambitious sustainable development goals (SDGs). The SDG
Index and Dashboards Report has been compiled by the Sustainable Development
Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Findings of SDG Index and Dashboards Report:
The SDG Index ranks countries based on their performance across the 17 Sustainable
Development Goals.
• India is ranked 116th on the index with a score of 58.1, behind countries such
as Nepal, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and China. Pakistan is ranked 122.
• Sweden leads the list, followed by Denmark and Finland.
The United States Rank Country
1 Sweden
• ranks 42nd on the Index, while Russia and China rank 2 Denmark
62nd and 71st respectively. 3 Finland
4 Norway
• As per the report, many of the richest countries in the world 5 Czech Republic
are nowhere near achieving the global policy objectives. 6 Germany
7 Austria
They are even deteriorating the implementation process for
8 Switzerland
poorer countries because of negative spill over effects. 9 Slovenia
10 France
• For high-income countries, one of the greatest obstacles to
achieving the global goals are poor performances regarding sustainable consumption and
production.
63 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• The report outlined that the countries which are closest to fulfilling the goals are not the
biggest economies but comparably small, developed countries.
64 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
65 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Mike Bloomberg delivers remarks at the launch of the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco
Epidemic
As per World Health Organization (WHO) Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2017,
launched at the United Nations on July 19, 2017, several countries have implemented tobacco
control policies, ranging from graphic pack warnings and advertising bans to no smoking areas.
• The report has been funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
• Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies is WHO Global Ambassador for
Non-communicable Diseases.
Highlights of WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2017:
• As per the report, currently, about 4.7 billion people – 63% of the world’s
population – are covered by at least one comprehensive tobacco control measure, which
has quadrupled since 2007 when only 1 billion people and 15% of the world’s population
were covered.
• However,tobacco industry continues to hamper government efforts to fully implement
life- and cost-saving interventions.
• One third of countries have comprehensive systems to monitor tobacco use.This
is up from one quarter of countries monitoring tobacco use in 2007.
• It has been mentioned in the report that Nepal, India and the Philippines are among
countries that conducted WHO-backed initiatives to monitor tobacco use and then
implemented measures to protect people from tobacco.
• India launched a nationwide tobacco cessation programme and toll-free quit line in 2016
after conducting a “global adult tobacco survey” in 2009–10 that revealed high interest
among almost 1 in 2 smokers and users of smokeless products to quit eventually.
• Report outlines that one in 10 deaths around the world is caused by tobacco, but
that can be changed through MPOWER tobacco control measures, which have proven
highly effective.
India, China, Pakistan among 10 nations accounting for 95% of HIV infections - UN
report
As per a report titled ‘Ending AIDS: Progress towards the 90-90-90 targets’ by the Joint UN
Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, India, China and Pakistan are among the 10
countries that accounted for more than 95% of all new HIV infections in the Asia and the Pacific
region in 2016.
Highlights of ‘Ending AIDS: Progress towards the 90-90-90 targets’:
The report gives a comprehensive analysis of the 2014 targets to accelerate progress so that by
2020, 90% of all HIV-infected people know their status, 90% of all HIV-diagnosed
people are accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 90% of those taking ART are
virally suppressed.
66 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• As per the report, positive developments have been observed for the first time in the fight
against AIDS as more than half of all people living with the HIV virus now have
access to treatment, while AIDS-related deaths have nearly halved since 2005.
• The report added that last year, 19.5 million of the 36.7 million people living with HIV
globally had access to treatment.
• The annual number of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific has declined from
310,000 in 2010 to 270,000 in 2016, marking a 13% drop.
• However, the report has identified India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam,
Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia as top 10
countries which together accounted for more than 95% of all new HIV infections in
the region in 2016.
• In India, a respondent-driven sampling survey across 26 cities found that knowledge of
HIV status was 41% among people living with HIV who inject drugs. Of those who
knew their HIV status, only 52 per cent were accessing antiretroviral therapy and 83 per
cent of those accessing treatment were virally suppressed.
• The report also shows that globally, 30% of people living with HIV still do not know their
status, 17.1 million are unable to access ART and more than half are not virally
suppressed.
5 Germany 10 Luxembourg
India third largest terror target after Iraq and Afghanistan - US report
According to National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism
(NCSTRT) data compiled by the US state department, India is third after Iraq and
Afghanistan on a list of countries facing terror attacks in 2016. Earlier, Pakistan held the third
position.
Analysis of Terror Attack in India:
Out of 11,072 terror attacks in 2016 worldwide, 927 attacks occurred in India, 16% more
than 2015 (798). The number of deaths in India also rose 17% from 289 in 2015 to 337 last year
while the number of injured increased from 500 in 2015 to 636 last year.
• The US analysis has labelled Naxalsthe third most deadly terror organisation in the
world after IS and Taliban, even ahead of Boko Haram. In 2016, nearly two third of
terror attacks in India were carried out by Naxals.
• The CPI (Maoist) was behind 336 terror attacks last year in which 174 people were
killed and 141 were injured.
• More than half of the terror attacks in India in 2016 took place in four states –
J&K, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and Jharkhand.
• Jammu & Kashmir saw a surge of 93% in terror attacks last year. However, as per Indian
home ministry’s annual report 2016-17, there was 54.81% increase in terror incidents in
the state.
• According to the NCSTRT data, total number of people kidnapped or taken hostage
in terrorist attacks in India has reduced 63% from 866 in 2015 to 317 in 2016.
• On average, terrorist attacks in India caused 0.4 total deaths per attack in 2016,
compared to 2.4 deaths per attack worldwide.
• Nearly three quarters of attacks (73%) in India in 2016 were non-lethal.
• The deadliest terror attack in India last year was in July 2016 when Naxals
attacked CRPF men in Bihar in which 16 people, including assailants, were killed.
Analysis of terror attacks across the world:
The US has identified 334 groups and organisations behind terror attacks in
2016 worldwide, while there were 288 such groups active in 2015.
• It says that number of total attacks worldwide in 2016 reduced by 9% (11,072)
against 12,121 in 2015 and total deaths worldwide also reduced by 13% in 2016 (25,621)
as compared to 2015 (29,424).
68 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
69 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• Haryana and Telangana have moved rapidly up the ranks to finish among the top five.
• While Gujarat topped on the indicator of economic climate and perceptions, Delhi
ranked first in infrastructure.
• Tamil Nadu topped the chart in labour indicator and Madhya Pradesh ranked
one in land
• The report has highlighted that although Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are
ranked among the least favourable states for investment, they rank higher under
individual pillars.
40% Fortune 500 corporates are Asian, 7 Indian companies in the list
197 Asian companies have featured in the latest edition of the Fortune Global 500 list, which
ranks companies by their revenues in 2016.
♦ With 197 companies (nearly 40%) on the list Asia is now home to more of these global giants
than any other continent, followed by North America (145) and Europe (143). The rest of the
world has a mere 15 companies on the list.
Fortune Global 500 list– Top 10:
Rank Company Country of Origin
1 Walmart US
2 State Grid China
3 Sinopec China
4 China Petroleum China
5 Toyota Motor Japan
Indian Companies in Fortune Global 500 list:
Total 7 Indian companies have featured in this list out of which four are from the public
sector.
• Indian Oil, ranked at 168th is the only Indian company in the top 200.
• Other six Indian companies in the list are Reliance Industries (203), State Bank of
India (217), Tata Motors(247), Rajesh Exports (295), Bharat Petroleum (360)
and Hindustan Petroleum (384).
70 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• The type of beef exported was not specified, but the meat exported appeared to be
mostly from buffaloes as the report specified the animal for imports by Myanmar from
India.
• According to the OECD database, India imported 363,000 tonnes of beef last
year and the amount is projected to stay the same over the decade.
• The report outlined that total world beef exports in 2016 was 10.95 million tonnes
and is expected to increase to 12.43 million tonnes by 2026.
• For 2016, Brazil was ranked as the world’s top beef exporter, followed by
Australia.
India will need $4.5 trillion by 2040 for infrastructure - Global Infrastructure Outlook
As per `Global Infrastructure Outlook’ released by Global Infrastructure Hub (GIH), India
will need investments to the tune of around USD 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop
infrastructure to improve economic growth and community wellbeing. The report is based on
an intensive study of 50 countries and seven industry sectors.
India specific Highlights of ‘Global Infrastructure Outlook’ Report:
As per the report, rising income levels and economic prosperity is likely to drive significant demand
for infrastructure investment in India over the next 25 years.
• Taking sustainable development goals (SDGs) into account, it is predicted that India will
need additional USD 888 billion by 2030 to provide universal household access to
electricity and water.
• In absolute terms, the total investment needed to meet the SDGs is greatest in India –
a total of USD 1.3 trillion of investment is needed by 2030, more than China, which is
USD 257 billion.
• The report highlighted that on account of rural to urban migration in India urban population is
growing by 46%, triggering massive demand for infrastructure support.
Infrastructure Spending in Global Context:
To support global economic growth and to bridge infrastructure gaps, it is forecasted that cost of
US$94 trillion has to be incurred by 2040, with a further USD 3.5 trillion needed to meet
the UN SDGs (sustainable development goals) for universal household, access to drinking
water and electricity by 2030, bringing the total to USD 97 trillion.
• The reports has expressed concerns that nearly a fifth of the $94 trillion in global
infrastructure investment needed by 2040 risks being unfunded if current spending trends
continue.
• To close the spending gap, annual infrastructure spending needs to rise to 3.5%
from 3% of global gross domestic product.
71 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
73 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Govt lowers interest rate by 0.1 % on small saving schemes for July-Sep quarter
The government has lowered interest rate on small saving schemes like PPF, Kisan Vikas Patra
and Sukanya Samriddhi by 0.1% for the July- September quarter.
i. The rates have been lowered by 0.1% across the board compared to the April-June quarter.
ii. The Interest rate on savings deposits has been retained at 4% annually. The interest
rates for small savings schemes are to be notified on a quarterly basis.
iii. Investments in the public provident fund (PPF) scheme will fetch lower annual rate of
7.8%.
iv. Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) investments will yield 7.5% and mature in 115 months.
v. The one for girl child savings, Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme, will offer 8.3%
annually, from 8.4% at present.
vi. The investment on 5-year Senior Citizens Savings Scheme will yield 8.3%. and the interest
rate on the senior citizens scheme is paid quarterly.
vii. Term deposits of 1-5 years will fetch a lower 6.8-7.6% that will be paid quarterly while the
5-year recurring deposit has been pegged lower at 7.1%.
viii. Since April last year, interest rates of all small saving schemes have been recalibrated on a
quarterly basis.
74 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
75 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
China-backed AIIB approves USD 329 million loan for Gujarat rural roads
China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has said its board has approved USD
329 million loan to build access roads to 4,000 villages in Gujarat on 5th of July 2017.
i. The AIIB has approved to build access roads to approximately 4,000 villages in all 33
districts of Gujarat, India.
iv. The project will also better integrate rural population, tribal villages, business and
industries with the national and state economy through better transport connectivity.
76 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The MoU covers access for Indian businesses looking to expand globally to access
Santanders support network in the UK.
iii. The main objective of both the organization is to boost international trade links.
iii. The transaction charges for making payments to members in their accounts in
different banks used to cost us Rs 350 crore a year.
India likely to clock 6.9% GDP growth this fiscal - BMI Research
According to a report by BMI Research, Indian economy is expected to clock a real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 6.9% in this financial year.
Highlights of Report by BMI Research:
According to a report by BMI Research, India's growth is expected to pick up in coming quarters by
overriding the negative effects from the demonetisation drive in November 2016.
• The report noted that the negative effects from demonetisation is already wearing off,
and the Indian economy is likely benefit from positive demographic trends, greater
external stability (due to improved terms of trade from low oil prices), and continued
reforms.
• However it noted that public banking sector is still weak on account of mounting non-
performing assets and it is likely to cap the recovery.==
• Elaborating this situation, the report mentioned that despite Reserve Bank of
India's efforts to clean up these bad loans, it will still weigh on the economy for some
more time and will thereby negatively affect credit allocation to the productive sectors.
• The report outlined that Real GDP growth slowed substantially to 6.1% year-on-
year in the fourth quarter of 2016-17.
• Owing to structural slowdown in China, poor policy mix in Japan, and policy
uncertainty in South Korea, the report has forecasted slow economic growth in
North Asia over the course of 2017 and 2018.
• India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have accumulated new capabilities that allow for more
diverse and more complex production that predicts faster growth in the coming years
Observations pertaining to Global Economy and China:
The study has warned of a continued slowdown in global growth over the coming decade.
• Growth in emerging markets is predicted to continue to outpace that of
advanced economies, though not uniformly.
• The projections are optimistic about new growth hubs in East
Africa and new segments of South-East Asia, led by Indonesia and Vietnam.
• The growth projections are based on measures of each country’s economic complexity,
which captures the diversity and sophistication of the productive capabilities embedded in
its exports and the ease with which it could further diversify by expanding those
capabilities.
• China’s economic complexity ranking has fallen for the first time since the global
financial crisis.
• The growth projections still have China growing above the world average, at 4%
annually for the coming decade.
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance ties up with Dhanlaxmi Bank for
marketing bancassurance
Private life insurance company Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance,
has tied up with Dhanlaxmi Bank for marketing bancassurance on 7th July 2017.
i. All the life insurance products of Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance would
be made available to customers of Dhanlaxmi Bank and would be sold by the licensed staff of the
bank.
ii. As part of the agreement, the bank will be a corporate agent for 3 years.
80 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
MobiKwik, Samsung Pay to enable one-tap payment solution for e-wallet users
MobiKwik and Samsung Pay enable one-tap payment solution for e-wallet users.
i. According to the digital payments firm MobiKwik wallet is now integrated with Samsung
Pay Mini to enable one-tap payments at more than 1.4 million MobiKwik-powered merchants
across the country.
ii. The government has also introduced a number of schemes to promote adoption of e-payment
methods like mobile wallets, debit/credit cards and Unified Payment Interface (UPI).
iii. It allows users to just tap and pay using the debit/credit cards and wallets stored on
their mobile devices.
the 12 non-performing assets (NPAs), would be granted priority at the National Company Law
Tribunal.
ii. Essar Steel, one of the 12 large NPAs identified by the RBI, had approached the Gujarat High
Court for the RBI proceedings
Govt launches next gold bond tranche from July 10, 2017
The next tranche of sovereign gold bond (SGB) scheme will be launched by Government on July
10, 2017. This time is providing a 2.5 per cent annual interest to investors.
i. In previous this was launched in November 2015 to rectify the demand for physical gold and shift
a part of the domestic savings, used for the purchase of gold, into financial savings.
ii. The bonds will be available in banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL),
designated post offices and recognized stock exchanges namely National Stock Exchange of
India Limited(NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) and bond applications will be accepted
from July 10 to July 14 ,2017.
iii. Reserve Bank India will be issued the gold bonds to eligible applicants on July 28.The Bonds
will not be eligible for sale to resident Indian entities including individuals, HUFs, Trusts,
Universities and Charitable Institutions.
iv. The minimum investment will be 1 gram of gold. The maximum limit can be subscribed up
to 500 grams per person per fiscal year (April-March). A self-declaration to this effect will be
obtained.
82 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Business houses get time till August 16 to opt for GST composition scheme under GST till
August 16
The government has extended the deadline till 16th August for businesses to opt for
composition scheme under the GST regime. It has been announced on 22nd of July 2017.
i. Small businesses with turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh were earlier given time till July 21 to opt for
the scheme in the Goods and Services Tax regime.
ii. To opt for composition scheme, the taxpayer needs to log into his account at the GST
Portal http://www.gst.gov.in
iii. They have to select ‘Application to opt for the Composition Scheme’ under ‘Services’ menu and
then fill up the Form GST CMP-01 to opt for the scheme.
iv. Under composition scheme, traders, manufacturers and restaurants can pay tax at 1%, 2%
and 5%, respectively.
84 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. SBI-Realty will help customers to choose their desired home from the universe of 3000 SBI
approved projects across the country.
ii. There are 9.5 lakhs home units available on the website. Customers can compare current and
past trends of prices for the properties in various localities in the city.
iii. These projects are spread across 13 states and Union Territories covering 30 cities
including metros, semi metro and towns.
India on track to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2017: Asian Development Bank report
According to ADB India is expected to achieve the projected growth rate of 7.4% in 2017
and further up 7.6% on 2018.
i. According to the report, South Asia will be the fastest growing of all sub-regions in Asia
and the Pacific, with growth on track to meet original projections of 7% in 2017 and 7.2% in
2018.
ii. ADB has upgraded its growth outlook in the Asian region to 5.9% in 2017 from 5.7% and to
5.8% for 2018 from 5.7%.
85 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. A customer can get personal loans of upto Rs 15 lakh for a fixed tenure of 60 months.
iii. Money will get transferred to the customer's account instantly on completion of this
procedure.
iv. Customers can also avail personal loans from the Bank’s website, iMobile.
86 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
(IMF) on July 24, 2017, economic growth outlook for India has been kept unchanged at
7.2% in 2017-18 and 7.7% in 2018-19.
Highlights of IMF’s World Economic Outlook Update:
For Indian economy, the report remarked that despite of slowdown following the demonetisation
initiative; growth for 2016 at 7.1% was higher than anticipated due to strong government
spending in the first part of the year.
• India however remains the fastest growing major economy in the region and the
world and will continue to grow faster than China in 2017 as well as in 2018.
• Economic activity in advanced, emerging and developing economies is forecasted to
accelerate in 2017 to 2% and 4.6%, respectively.
• IMF has kept its outlook for global growth unchanged at 3.5% in 2017 and 3.6%
in 2018.
IMF lowered forecasts for US, UK economic growth this year
IMF has cut its growth forecast for the UK economy this year after a weak performance in the first
three months of 2017.
• In its first downgrade for the United Kingdom (UK) since the EU referendum in June
2016, the IMF said it expected the British economy to expand by 1.7% this year,
0.3 points lower than the previous forecast in April 2017.
• IMF has also lowered its growth forecast for US to 2.1% in 2017 as well as in
2018
Aurionpro launches a Bank in a Box to reduce branch expansion cost for banks
Aurionpro Solutions has launched its Branch-in-a-Box product, the Virtual Teller
Machine (VTM) a fully integrated self-service kiosk for automating 90% of banking
transactions at the branch level.
i. Aurionpro Solutions is a global leader in digital innovation, enterprise security and banking
solutions.
ii. The VTM helps in migrating routine transactions like KYC, account opening, passbook
and statement printing, video assistance, bill payment, cash and cheques.
87 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Punjab National Bank ties up with Bajaj Allianz General for distribution
Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance have signed an
agreement for the distribution of insurance products through the branches on 26th July 2017.
i. Under this agreement, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance will offer Personal lines of
insurance and Commercial line of insurance products to the banks customers.
♦ Personal Line of Insurance includes health, personal accident, home motor and travel insurance.
88 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
RBI sets up Supervisory Colleges for six Scheduled Commercial Banks which have
sizeable international presence
RBI has set up Supervisory Colleges for six Scheduled Commercial Banks which have sizeable
international presence.
i. The objectives of the colleges are to enhance information exchange and cooperation
among supervisors, to improve understanding of the risk profile of the banking group.
ii. It helps in facilitating more effective supervision of internationally active banks.
iii. The Banks which are included are State Bank of India, ICICI Bank Ltd., Bank of India,
Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank Ltd. and Punjab National Bank.
NPCI receives final nod from RBI to function as Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit
The RBI has given a final nod to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the
umbrella organisation for all retail payment to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central
Unit (BBPCU) and operate the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
i. Total number of Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU) certified by NPCI now stands at
24.
ii. The certified units include three public sector banks (Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India and
Indian Overseas Bank), 10 private banks, 5 Cooperative Banks and 6 non-bank biller
aggregators.
Indian Overseas Bank goes live with Bharat Bill Payment system
Indian Overseas Bank has offered the Bharat Bill Payment System(BBPS) which is introduced
by the National Payments Corporation of India, for its customers.
i. Indian Overseas Bank is one of the three public sector banks (apart from Bank of Baroda and
Union Bank of India) to get the approval from RBI for providing the service.
ii. BBPS is an integrated bill payment system that offers inter-operable online bill payments to
customers.
89 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iii. The services include online payments of electricity, telecommunication, DTH, water
and gas bills.
India among top nations with potential for digital payments’ - Digital Evolution Index
India has featured among 60 nations on Digital Evolution Index 2017, exhibiting a high
potential in terms of digital payments.
Digital Payments potential in India:
On the Digital Evolution Index 2017, India has been categorised under the “break out”
segment which refers to countries that have relatively lower absolute levels of digital
advancement, yet remain poised for growth and are attractive to investors by virtue of their
potential.
• The report outlined that India has been experiencing rapid strides of progress with an
evolving payments landscape, catalysed by the government’s demonetisation decision.
• Indian government’s endeavour to boost the acceptance infrastructure coupled with
a host of other economic reforms has further hastened the momentum for the country’s
journey towards a cashless society.
90 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
BUSINESS
India launches $250 mn National Biopharmaceutical Mission
On June 30, 2017, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan launched National
Biopharmaceutical Mission. This programme has been named Innovate in India (i3).
National Biopharmaceutical Mission – i3:
National Biopharmaceutical Mission is the first ever Industry-Academia mission to accelerate
biopharmaceutical development in India.
• It is a $250 million dollar initiative that includes a $125 million loan from the
World Bank.
91 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• Despite India being a forerunner in developing life saving drugs and low cost
pharmaceutical products, it currently serves only 2.8% of the
global biopharmaceutical market. Mission goal is to expand India’s market share
to 5% resulting in an additional business opportunity of $16 Billion.
• This is the first time World Bank is helping in a project to strengthen the R&D
activities in any country. Partnering with World Bank would allow scientists and
entrepreneurs in India to tap into a global network.
Implementation of National Biopharmaceutical Mission:
The mission will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology.
93 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
94 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. IOC Director (Finance) A K Sharma has said that India has bought 2 million barrels of crude oil
from North America comprising 1.6 million barrels of US Mars crude and 400,000 barrels of
Western Canadian Select.
ii. According to ministry it has been said that Even after including the shipping cost, buying US
crude proved to be very cost competitive to India.
iv. The Tata LPO 1613, already in operation by Pune Municipal Transport Corporation, was
showcased with bio-methane fuel at the event.
96 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Israel to partner DRDO for developing missile defence system for India
The Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Defence Research and Development
Organisation ( DRDO) to raise one regiment of the advanced Medium Range Surface to Air
Missiles ( MRSAM) .
i. The system will be jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and DRDO with
the involvement of private sectors and DPSUs.
ii. The entire project has a total cost of Rs 17,000 cr.
efficient way.
iii. It bring together desktop users and mobile-only users who may be within or outside their
organisations..
iv. Both 'Kaizala and Kaizala Pro are integrated with Microsoft Office 365.
1st time India becomes net exporter country in Steel: Birender Singh
According to Minister for Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh said that first time India has
become a net export country in Steel. It has been announced on 31st of July 2017.
i. The steel imports in the country have gone down by 39% and exports have gone up by
102% last year.
ii. Crude steel production has registered 3.5% during April-June 2017-18.
Amazon signs deal with Salman Khan, movies to premiere first on Prime Video before TV
Amazon Prime Video has signed deal with Bollywood star Salman Khan to premiere his all future
films first exclusively on Amazon Prime Video right after the theatrical release.
i. Nitesh Kripalani, Director and Country Head, Amazon Video India and James Farrell, Head of
Content, Prime Video, Asia Pacific, also participated in signing deal. It will start with his film
98 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Government enters into nine Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (UAPAs) with Indian
taxpayers
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 9 Unilateral Advance Pricing
Agreements (UAPAs) with Indian taxpayers on 31st of July 2017.
i. The APA Scheme will provide certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing.
ii. It will specify the methods of pricing and determining the Arm's Length Price of international
transactions in advance for a maximum period of five future years.
iii. The international transactions covered in these nine APAs include provision of software
development services; provision of IT enabled services, provision of engineering design
services, distribution, contract manufacturing, etc.
iv .With this, the total number of APAs signed till date stands at 171 (Unilateral-159 and
Bilateral-12).
Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya set to be awarded with Mohun Bagan Ratna
Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya will get the 'Mohun Bagan Ratna' for this year.
It was announced on 30th of June 2017.
i. Balwant Singh will also bag the best footballer of the year.
ii. The awardees will be honoured on the club's foundation day on 29th July 2017.
iii. Bhattacharya has also coached East Bengal and Prayag United.
99 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iv. Mohun Bagan, was hired as city-based outfit Bhowanipore FC coach almost a month ago
v. Bhattacharya will be the 17th recipient of the award, which was instituted in 2001, with late
Sailen Manna being the first recipient.
vi. Debabrata Das will get the best cricketer prize.
vii. Indian women's cricket team fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, middledistance runner Lili
Das and Mount Everest conqueror Shaikh Sahabuddin will be given special awards.
Telangana IPS officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat gets award from US state department
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, an IPS Officer from Telangana has been conferred with the 2017
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes Award by the US state department. Mr.
Bhagwat, the current Rachakonda Police Commissioner is the third IPS officer to get the honour.
i. Mr Bhagwat was recognised for his vital role in elevating human trafficking as a government
priority, and his innovative approach to investigating cases and dismantling trafficking operations.
ii. He has demonstrated remarkable commitment to the fight against organised human trafficking
for the last 13 years.
Tata Steel bags PM's trophy for best integrated steel plant
Tata Steel has won the Prime Minister's trophy for being the best performing integrated steel
plant in the country during 2014-15 and 2015-16. This makes it the third consecutive-year for the
firm to be honoured with this award.
i. Tata Steel has been recognised as the best integrated steel plant for 12 times and has won
the PM's Trophy 10
101 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Film Fest Gent. The event takes place yearly in Ghent, Belgium with the ceremony usually at
the Capitole Concert Hall.
IROAF sets gold standards by winning Golden Peacock Award for Eco Innovation for year
2017
Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) has set gold standards by winning
Golden Peacock Award for Eco Innovation for the year 2017 for introducing eco friendly and
cost saving Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) based Dual Fuel 1400 HP Diesel engines on Diesel
102 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
IIFA Awards 2017 - Shahid-Alia win Best Actor and Actress, Neerja wins Best Film
IIFA Awards 2017, officially known as 18th International Indian Film Academy
Awards ceremony was held on 14–15 July 2017 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
IIFA Awards 2017 – Winners List
Category Winner
Best Film Neerja
Best Actor – Male Shahid Kapoor (Udta Punjab)
Best Actor – Female Alia Bhatt (Udta Punjab)
Best Actor in Supporting Role – Male Anupam Kher (M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story)
Best Actor in Supporting Role – Shabana Azmi (Neerja)
Female
Best Debutant – Male Diljit Dosanjh (Udta Punjab)
Best Debutant – Female Disha Patani (M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story)
Best Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (Pink)
Best Actor in a Comic Role Varun Dhawan (Dishoom)
Best Actor in a Negative Role Jim Sarbh (Neerja)
Special Contribution to Indian Cinema A R Rahman
Woman of the Year Taapsee Pannu
Best Music Direction Pritam Chakraborty ( Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)
Best Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya (Channa Mereya – Ae Dil Hai
Mushkil)
Best Playback Singer – Male Amit Mishra (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)
Best Playback Singer – Female Tulsi Kumar (Airlift) and Kanika Kapoor (Udta Punjab)
Best Story Shakun Batra and Ayesha DeVitre Dhillon (Kapoor & Sons)
103 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
(a) Sahar Nasr, the country’s minister of investment and international cooperation
(b) Ghada Wali, the minister of social solidarity.
104 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iii. Suparnokanti Karati for ‘Bisarjan’ film and Shiboprasad Mukhopadhyay of Windows Productions
for ‘Praktan’ film were awarded in Best Film and Best Producer categories.
105 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Ms. Lilia de Lima (Philippines) For overseeing the opening of hundreds of job-
generating export processing zones across the
country as head of the Philippine Economic Zone
Authority
Philippine Educational Theatre Philippine Educational Theatre Association was
Association (Philippines) founded in 1967 with an initial aim of creating a
national theatre but served as an artistic platform
for protest when dictator Ferdinand
Marcos declared martial law five years later. Its
advocacies through the arts have since expanded to
gender issues and disaster preparedness.
Trump to Award First Medal of Honor to Vietnam Army Medic
An Army medic from Michigan is becoming the first person to receive the Medal of Honor
from President Donald Trump in Wahington.
i. He risked his life nine times to rescue comrades in Vietnam.Trump is set to present America's
highest military honor to 71-year-old James McCloughan (mih-KLOO'-uhn) at the White House.
ii. While McCloughan was a 23-year-old, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Southeast
Asia. He repeatedly entered the "kill zone" to rescue wounded comrades during the Battle of Hui
Yon Hill in 1969.
106 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. An Election Commissioner or a Chief Election Commissioner has tenure of six years in office or till
he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Hong Kong's first female leader Carrie Lam sworn in as country marks 20 years since
British handover
China’s President Xi Jinping has inaugurated the new Hong Kong administration led by Carrie
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the first woman to lead the city.
i. Carrie Lam was sworn in as Hong Kong's first female leader on 1st of July 2017.
ii. Mrs. Lam was sworn as Hong Kong’s chief executive, becoming its first female leader.
iii. She is the fourth person to hold the top government post since China regained control of the
former British colony in 1997.
107 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. The post of NDRF Director General (DG) fell vacant after incumbent R K Pachnanda was
appointed as the chief of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Sino-Indian border guarding
force.
Pradeep Kumar Rawat appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of
Indonesia
Pradeep Kumar Rawat has presently a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
here, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Indonesia.Rawat, an
Indian ForeignService (IFS) officer of the 1990 batch, is expected to take up his assignment
shortly.
Indian Ambassador to Peru Sandeep Chakravorty appointed New York Consul General
India's Ambassador to Peru Sandeep Chakravorty has been appointed as the head of the
Indian consulate in New York on 7th of July 2017.
i. Chakravorty was India's Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, before being appointed as
Ambassador to Peru and Bolivia.
ii . He will replace Riva Ganguly Das as Consul General in one of the busiest Indian diplomatic
missions overseas.
Queen Elizabeth hires first ever black assistant Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah
A new personal assistant selected by the Queen is to become the first black assistant who
will serve as the first black equerry in British history. It has been announced on 9th of July 2017.
i .Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, a Ghanaian-born officer who fought in the Afghanistan
war, will be the personal assistant of Queen Elizabeth.
ii. As an equerry, Major Twumasi-Ankrah will act as one of the Queen’s most-trusted attendants,
assisting her with official engagements and welcoming high profile guests to royal residences.
Association of India (NRAI) for a four-year term in Mohali. Raninder is the son of Punjab Chief
Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh.
i. The 48-year-old Singh, who represents Punjab in NRAI’s governing body, is an active trap
shooter and has also participated in ISSF World Cups and National Championships.
ii. K N Singh Deo, was unanimously elected as senior vice president. Deo is a BJD MP from
Odisha.
BCCI appoints Ravi Shastri as new head coach of Indian cricket team
Ravi Shastri was appointed as new head coach of Indian cricket team on 12 July 2017.
110 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
i. Shastri is widely known as an individual who is intelligent and always a step ahead of the others.
ii. He had represented India in 80 Tests and 150 ODIs and performed well as an all-rounder.
Senior IRS Officers Arbind Modi and Bajrang Dass Vishnoi appointed CBDT Members
Senior bureaucrats Arbind Modi and Bajrang DassVishnoi were appointed as members of the
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). It is the apex policy- making body of the Income Tax
111 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
department.
i. The CBDT is headed by a chairman and can have a maximum of six members.
ii. Both of them are 1981-batch officers of Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre).
Sanjiv Kohli concurrently accredited as the next High Commissioner of India to Niue
Sanjiv Kohli has been concurrently recognized as the next High Commissioner of India to Niue
on 14th of July 2017.
i. Sanjiv Kohli is presently High Commissioner of India to New Zealand.
ii. Kohli, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1988 batch, is expected to take up his
assignment shortly.
112 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
UK's first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill elected to key Parliament panel
UK first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill, has been elected in the UK Parliament that examines the
workings of the Home Office.
i. Preet Kaur Gill, who won the Edgbaston seat for the Labour party on 8th June was elected to
the Home Affairs Select Committee in the UK Parliament.
ii. She has also been chosen to lead the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs.
113 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Bharat Arun appointed Team India bowling coach until 2019 World Cup
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Bharat Arun as the Indian Cricket
team’s bowling coach until 2019 World Cup.
i.Sanjay Bangar will be an assistant coach and R Sridhar as fielding coach till the 2019
ODI World Cup.
ii.Ravi Shastri is the newly appointed coach of Indian Cricket team.
iii.The confirmation of their appointment came after newly appointed Indian coach Ravi Shastri met
the four-member committee.
iv.The four member committee comprises of acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary
Amitabh Choudhary, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji.
Mayawati resigns from Rajya Sabha for not being allowed to raise issue of Dalit atrocities
Mayawati has resigned from the Rajya Sabha for not being allowed to speak about
atrocities against Dalits on 18th of July 2017.
i. Mayawati told media persons that she had to quit as a Rajya Sabha member after deputy
chairman P J Kurien asked her to stop speaking as she was exceeding the time given to her.
ii. Mayawati said that She will resign from Rajya Sabha. She has no moral right to be in the House
if she has not allowed to put across her views on atrocities being committed against Dalits.
Lady Super Star Nayanthara appointed as Brand Ambassador for Tata Sky
An Actress who is called as Lady Super Star in South is the New Brand Ambassador for Tata
Sky. It has been announced on 20th of July 2017.
i. Nayanthara is a popular South Indian actress.
ii. The company currently has 17 million connections across the country . It is a country's leading
distribution platform.
Former minister Lord Davies appointed chair of the UK India Business Council
Former minister Lord Davies is appointed as new chairman of the UK India Business
Council (UKIBC).
i. Davies will take up this role from 1st September 2017.
115 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. He will serve for a period of 3 years and will replace the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt.
116 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Development.
JDU President Nitish Kumar sworn-in as Chief Minister of Bihar for 6th time
On July 27, 2017, Janata Dal (United) President, Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister
of Bihar for 6th time. Ending the grand alliance between his party, Congress and Lalu Prasad
Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Nitish Kumar will now form the new government with the
support of BJP-led NDA.
i. Senior Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi also took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.
ii. On July 26, 2017, after Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister of Bihar on account of
differences with RJD, BJP announced support for JD(U) and Nitish Kumar as chief minister. BJP also
added that it will be a part of the government.
Nokia and Xiaomi ink patent and equipment deal, Xiaomi buys Nokia patents
Nokia has announced that it has entered into a wide-ranging patent licensing and purchase
deal with Xiaomi on 5th of July 2017.
i. Xiaomi is the Chinese maker of smartphones, wearables and other hardware, which will also
become a customer of Nokia’s for networking equipment.
ii. The deal covers three main areas:
1.Nokia and Xiaomi have inked a cross licensing deal covering cellular standard essential patents.
2.Xiaomi has acquired unspecified patents from Nokia.
3.Nokia will provide network equipment to Xiaomi and will collaborate on building IP transport
solutions.
CCEA gives in-principle approval for selling 51% stake in HPCL to ONGC
The Cabinet has given an in-principle approval to sell the government’s entire 51.11%
stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd to Oil and Natural Gas Corp. It has been announced
118 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
MoUs
Odisha govt signs EOI with IAAF & AFI to establish High Performance Academy
Odisha government has signed an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the International
Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on
6th of July 2017.
i. An academy for athletes will be built in the Kalinga Stadium.
ii. The EOI was signed by Sports Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev on behalf of the Odisha government,
AFI president Adille Sumariwala and IAAF president Lord Sebastian Coe.
iii. It is for establishing an 'Odisha-AFI-IAAF High Performance Academy', to
119 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
provide coaching, integrated support services and education to athletes and junior potential elite
athletes of the state.
65 MoUs signed at Textiles India 2017 in the presence of Union Textiles Minister Smt.
Smriti Zubin Irani
65 MoUs in the textiles sector were signed on July 1, 2017, the 2nd day of mega textiles trade
fair, ‘Textiles India 2017’. These MoUs were signed in presence of Union Textiles Minister
Smriti Irani.
More Details about 65 MoUs signed on second day of ‘Textiles India 2017’:
MoUs were signed between various domestic and international organizations from industry and
government. Of the 65 MoUs, three were Government – to – Government (G2G) MoUs, with
Australia, Bangladesh and China.
• The MoUs signed relate to exchange of information and documentation, research &
development, commercialization of handloom products and silk production, cooperation in geo
textiles, skill development and supply of cotton and trade promotion with overseas partners.
About ‘Textiles India 2017’:
‘Textiles India 2017’ was a three-day event held from June 30, 2017 to July 2, 2017
in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 30, 2017.
• Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest for the
valedictory session of the event on July 2, 2017.
Ministry of Health signs MoU with Government of West Bengal to set up Centre of
Excellence in Transfusion Medicine
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Government of West Bengal to set up a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in
Transfusion Medicine on 10th of July 2017.
i. The Centre of Excellence in Transfusion Medicine will be set up in Kolkata.
ii. The initiative helps in strengthening the blood transfusion services in the State and the
surrounding region.
120 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iii. Government of India has approved an outlay of approximately Rs.200 Crores towards
equipment, manpower and running costs.
ESIC & DGFASLI sign MoU for collaboration on occupational health and prevention of
occupational injuries and diseases
In the presence of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
Labour & Employment, A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ESIC and Directorate
General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) for collaboration in the field of
occupational health and prevention of occupational injuries and diseases signed in New Delhi on
11th July .
i. It will remain in force for a time period of three years.
ii. The main focus of MoU is occupational health by establishing ‘DGFASLI-ESIC Occupational
Health Training, Research & Development Centre’ (OHTRDC) at Regional Labour Institute,
Faridabad .
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of Health
and Medicine
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. The
MoU was signed on May 16, 2017.
Cabinet approves Joint Interpretative Notes on the Agreement between India and
Bangladesh for Promotion and Protection of Investments
The Joint Interpretative Notes (JIN) on the Agreement between India and
Bangladesh would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing Agreement between India
and Bangladesh for the Promotion and Protection of Investments (BIPA).
• It will also play an important supplementary role in strengthening the investment treaty
regime.
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh for cyber security cooperation
Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Bangladesh Government Computer
Incident Response Team (BGD e-Gov CIRT) for cyber security cooperation.
121 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of
Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E)
This MoU intends to promote closer co-operation between India and Palestine in the areas of e-
Governance, m-Governance, e-Public Services Delivery, cyber security, software
technology parks, start-ups ecosystem etc.
• The MoU shall come into effect from date of signature of the parties and shall remain in
force for a period of 5 years.
122 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
India & Sri Lanka sign MoU to develop village in Anuradhapura District
India and Sri Lanka have signed a MoU to develop a village in Anuradhapura District. The
total estimated cost is Rs 30 crores Sri Lankan rupees.
i. The MoU was signed by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu and
Mrs. W.K.K. Athukorala, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Construction in the presence of
Parliament Speaker Mr. KaruJayasuriya.
ii. The project is in line with Government of Sri Lanka’s policy of rehabilitation of rural villages for
economic development.
MoU Signed Between Department of Defence Production and GSL, HSL,GRSE, BDL
1.BDL :
i. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bharat Dynamics Limited
(BDL) and Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) for the financial year 2017-18.
ii. The revenue from operations, as per the MoU, has been targeted at Rs 5300 crore.BDL
has planned to spend an amount of Rs 140 crore for modernization and Capital expenditure.
2.HSL
i. A MoU has been signed between Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a Schedule ‘B’ Central
Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and a Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
for the financial year 2017-18.
ii. The revenue from operations has been targeted at Rs 600 Crore.
3.GSLi. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a miniratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU)
123 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Cabinet apprised of the MoU signed between India and Palestine on cooperation in the
field of youth affairs and sports
Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between
India and Palestine on cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports.
• The MoU will help in promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture amongst all youth
irrespective of their caste, religion and gender as well as development of sports in India and
Palestine. It will thereby help in consolidating friendly relations between the two countries.
124 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) on 28th of July 2017. The MoU was signed on the
occasion of World Hepatitis Day.
i. It is a global diagnostic firmto help the state diagnose and treat Hepatitis C patients.
ii. The firm would provide rapid test kits for screening of high-risk patients, for disease like HIV,
IVDU (Intravenous Drug Users).
iii. Punjab is also the first state in the country where the injection safety programme is being
implemented in collaboration with WHO.
125 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
SCHEMES
Delhi govt launches Free Surgery Scheme
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on 8th July, 2017 announced a new health scheme to
enable capital’s residents avail free surgery in private hospitals at government’s cost. This
would be applicable in case government hospitals were unable to operate within one month.
i. According to the scheme, if the waiting period for 52 surgeries — heart bypass, cataract and
kidney stones removal,etc—listed by the government is more than one month, patients would
be eligible to get it done at 48 empanelled hospitals.
ii. The new scheme is open for all residents of Delhi, irrespective of their income slab. The
patient can get the authorization letter from Delhi Arogya Kosh (Health Fund) after submitting
residence proof along with OPD slip.
126 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
vi. The girl will be able to withdraw the interest money twice - once she attains 6 years of
age and when she turns 12.
vii. The girl will be able to withdraw the principle money plus the interest when she turns 18,
provided she has completed her education upto Standard 10 and is unmarried.
Arun Jaitley launches Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana pension scheme with 8 pct
fixed rate
On July 21, 2017, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley formally launched Pradhan Mantri Vaya
Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), a pension scheme exclusively for senior citizens (60 years and above)
with 8% fixed rate of interest on their savings.
More Details aboutPradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY):
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India which has been given the sole privilege to operate this
scheme started offering the scheme from May 4, 2017. The scheme will remain open till May 3,
2018.
• It can be purchased offline as well as online through Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
of India.Pension is payable at the end of each period, during the policy term of 10 years,
as per the frequency of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly as chosen by the pensioner
at the time of purchase.
• PMVVY provides an assured return of 8% per annum payable monthly for 10 years.
• Loan up to 75% of purchase price shall be allowed after 3 policy years to meet the
liquidity needs.
• The scheme also allows for premature exit for the treatment of any critical or
terminal illness of self or spouse. On such premature exit, 98% of the purchase
price will be refunded.
• On death of the pensioner during the policy term of 10 years, the purchase price
shall be paid to the beneficiary.
127 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
128 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
viii. The CSMC, in its 24th meeting has approved the construction of 2,84,803 more
affordable houses for urban poor under PMAY (U).
ix. Total cost of these houses to be built in six states is Rs 16,407 crore for which central
assistance of Rs 4,272 crore has been approved.
x. Andhra Pradesh has been sanctioned 2,25,245 houses, Uttar Pradesh 23,322, Tamil
Nadu 15,374, Manipur 10,392, Assam 9,767 and Meghalaya 703.
129 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
COMMITTEE
Karnataka appoints panel to design 'state flag', look into legal sanctity
Karnataka has constituted a nine member committee to design a 'state' flag and submit a
report on giving it legal sanctity.
i. If such a flag does come into being, Karnataka will only be the second state in the country to
officially have a flag of its own.
ii. Jammu & Kashmir is the only state to have its own flag as it enjoys a special status
under Article 370 of the Constitution.
131 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
132 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Power Minister launches merit order dispatch of electricity App, portal for flexibility in
coal supply for IPPs
On July 5, 2017, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy
and Mines, Piyush Goyal launched the ‘MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for
Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency)’ and the e-bidding portal for providing e-Bidding
solution to States to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for procurement of power by
transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilization of domestic coal.
i. The app and the web portal would result in optimum utilization of Coal which would save the
consumer close to Rs. 20,000 crores five years down the line.
ii. On July 5, 2017, Mr. Piyush Goyal also launched the e-Bidding portal, which has been designed
to facilitate States in inviting bids for procurement of power from the prospective IPPs in
transparent and fair manner
35e communications satellite is the heaviest payload SpaceX has ever launched toward
geostationary orbit, about 36,000km above the Earth's surface
Centre launches GST Rates Finder app to verify accurate tax rate under GST regime
Centre has launched a GST Rates Finder app to verify the accurate tax rate on commodity
and services under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
i. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has launched the app in New Delhi on 7th of July 2017.
ii. It will help the taxpayers and every citizen of the nation, to find out the correct GST rate on
goods and services.
134 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
NASA's Juno mission has completed a close flyby of Jupiter's Great Red Spot
According to NASA's Juno mission has completed a close flyby of Jupiter's Great Red Spot on
12th of July 2017. This flyby came as part of Juno's sixth science orbit around the planet the
next close flyby will occur 1st Sept.
i. NASA's Juno mission approached closest to Jupiter's center on July 10 at 9:55 p.m. EDT (0155 on
July 11 GMT), at which point the probe was just 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) above the planet's
visible cloud tops.
ii. After 11 minutes and 33 seconds, Juno passed directly above the Great Red Spot at a
height of 5,600 miles (9,000 km).
away from Earth and roughly more than 10 billion years old.
iii .Its mass extends over the scale of 600 million light years.
Govt launches low-cost screening device SOHUM to detect congenital hearing loss in
newborns
On July 17, 2017, Ministry of Science and Technology launched Sohum Hearing Screening
device, a low-cost indigenous screening device to detect congenital hearing loss in newborns.
The device was formally launched in New Delhi by the Minister of State for Science and
Technology YS Chowdary.
136 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
137 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
138 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
specific human antibodies in the laboratory by treating patient-derived B cells with tiny
nanoparticles coated with both CpG oligonucleotides and an antigen.
NASA will chase total solar eclipse in jets to make it last longer
This rare eclipse will be the first in 99 years, when the Earth will cross the shadow of the
moon, creating a total solar eclipse. The event will occur on 21st August 2017.
i. During the eclipse, the moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, blocking the face of
the sun and leaving only its outer atmosphere, or corona, visible in the sky.
ii. NASA will fly"eclipse jets" to make totality when the moon blocks out the sun last nearly
three times as long.
iii. The jets will use telescopes to study the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere.
National Centre for Seismology launches ‘India Quake’ – An App for Earthquake
Parameter Dissemination
On the occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi Union Minister of
Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh
Vardhan has launched an app“India Quake”on 27th of July 2017.
i. National Centre for Seismology (NCS) operates national seismological network with 84
stations.
iii. The App will make information dissemination faster with no restrictions on the number of
recipients.
139 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Scientists develop new software that can crate 3D models from 2D photographs
Scientists have developed new Artificial intelligence (AI) software called SurfNet that can
create three dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs.
i. SurfNet can be used in robotics, object recognition and even self-driving cars.
ii. SurfNet software using hundreds of thousands of 2D shapes of objects can reconstruct it a model
in 3Dimensions.
140 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. It includes high-tech mass rapid transportation technologies such as Metrino, Hyperloop, Pod
taxis, hybrid buses Stadler buses, and freight rail road.
Some More Points:
♦ Metrino: It is fully automatic, driverless small pods, travel independently suspended over an
overhead network.
♦ Pod taxis: It is small automated vehicles, cable cars or pod cars which is equipped to carry a
small group of passengers.
♦ Hyperloop: It is a pod like vehicle is propelled through a near vacuum tube connecting cities at
speeds matching that of an aircraft.
kind of mucus when threatened that glue it in place, making it difficult for a predator to pry it off its
surface.
ii. The key feature of the material is the combination of a very strong adhesive force and the ability
to transfer and dissipate stress, which have historically not been integrated into a single adhesive.
iii. The"tough adhesive" is biocompatible and binds to tissues with strength comparable
to the body’s own resilient cartilage.
DEFENCE
Indo-Thai joint military exercise begins in Himachal Pradesh
There is a 15-day long joint military training exercise between the Indian and Thai army has begun
from 3rd July in Himachal Pradesh.
i. The main aim is to build and promote bilateral Army-to-Army relations and enhance
inter-operability between the two armies.
ii. The armies of India and Thailand are conducting the yearly joint training exercise named Ex
Maitree 2017 from July 3 to July 17 at Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh.
ii. The Chinese Navy is represented by one of its most advanced missile destroyers, the Hefei, as
well as missile frigate Yuncheng and the Luomahu supply ship.
143 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Reliance Defence launches first two naval patrol vessels Shachi and Shruti
On July 25, 2017, Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (subsidiary of Reliance
Infrastructure) announced the launch of its first two Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs)
– ‘Shachi’ and ‘Shruti’ - at their shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat.
i. The two NOPVs -- 'Shachi' and 'Shruti' -- are the first warships to be launched by a private sector
shipyard in India.
ii. The five NOPVs are patrol ships armed with a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)
system along with two 30 mm AK-630 guns, which provide medium range and short range
offensive and defensive capabilities.
Muntra - country's first unmanned tank, rolls out from the Chennai lab
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an unmanned,
remotely operated tank named ‘Muntra’ which has three variants – surveillance, mine
detection and reconnaissance in areas with nuclear and bio threats.
More Information pertaining to Muntra:
Muntra has been developed and tested for the Army by Combat Vehicles Research and
Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Avadi, Chennai.
• Indian paramilitary force has also expressed interest to use these unmanned tanks in
Naxal-hit areas. However it will require a few modifications.
• Variants: Muntra-S is India’s first tracked unmanned ground vehicle developed for
unmanned surveillance missions while Muntra-M is for detecting mines and Muntra-N is
for operation in areas where there is a nuclear radiation or bio weapon risk.
• Specifications: The vehicle has surveillance radar, an integrated camera along
with laser range finder which can be used to spy on ground target 15km away – may
be a crawling men or heavy vehicles.
• The vehicle has been tested and validated at Mahajan field firing range in
Rajasthan under dusty desert condition.
ENVIRONMENT
Sundarbans mangrove cover at risk says Study
As per a publication titled ‘Mangrove Forest Cover Changes in Indian Sundarban (1986-
144 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
2012) Using Remote Sensing and GIS’, by the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur
University, 124.418 sq. km. mangrove forest cover in Indian Sundarbans has been lost from 1986
to 2012.
i. The total forest cover of the Indian Sunderbans as assessed by remote sensing studies for the
year 1986 was about 2,246.839 sq. km., which gradually declined by 2,201.41 sq. km. in 1996,
then down to 2168.914 sq km in 2001 and to 2122.421 sq km in 2012.
ii. The loss in the mangrove forest in the Indian Sunderbans is about 5.5 %. Maximum
erosion of mangroves has occurred in Bhangaduni (37% loss), Dalhousie Island (16% loss),
Jambudwip (10% loss) and Dulibhasani West (9.7%).
145 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK investigated the conduct of chemical
compounds, called perchlorates, which are found on the surface of Mars.
iii. The study also conclude that the effect of perchlorates can be compounded by two other types
of chemicals found on Mars' surface, iron oxides and hydrogen peroxide.
GSI discovers millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals in Indian waters
Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions
of tonnes of precious metals and minerals deep under the waters that surround peninsular
India.
Marine Exploration by Geological Survey of India (GSI):
The huge presence of marine resources was first identified off Mangaluru, Chennai, Mannar
Basin, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and around Lakshadweep in early 2014.
• Marine resources that have been identified comprise lime mud, phosphate-rich and
calcareous sediments, hydrocarbons, metalliferous deposits and micronodules.
• After three years of exploration, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has generated 181,025
square kilometres of high-resolution seabed morphological data and has established the
146 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
occurrence of more than 10,000 million tonnes of lime mud within the Exclusive
Economic Zone of India.
Identified Marine Resources and Location:
Marine Resources Location
Phosphate sediment Off Karwar, Mangaluru and Chennai coasts
Gas Hydrate In the channel-levee system of Mannar Basin off the Tamil Nadu
coast
Cobalt-bearing ferro-manganese Andaman Sea
crust
Micro-manganese nodules Lakshadweep Sea.
147 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
China produces gas from 'flammable ice' under South China Sea
According to the Land and Resources Ministry China has successfully produced natural gas
from methane hydrate, also known as “flammable ice”, in an experimental project in the
South China Sea (SCS).
i. Under the experiment, a drilling platform had produced a total of 309,000 cubic meters of
natural gas from gas hydrate in 60 days.
ii. China has achieved theoretical, technological, engineering and equipment innovations and has
made a historical breakthrough.
SPORTS
Jeff Horn stuns Pacquiuao in WBO welterweight world title fight
Australia's Jeff Horn stunned Pacquiuao to claim a unanimous 12-round decision and win
the WBO world welterweight title in front of 50,000 fans at Lang Park on 2nd July 2017.
Indian shuttlers win singles, doubles titles in Ivory Coast International tournament
On July 2, 2017, Indian woman badminton player Ritika Thaker defeated another Indian woman
badminton player Simran Singhi to win the singles title in the Ivory Coast International
149 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Jehan Daruvala becomes 1st Indian to win FIA Formula 3 European Championship race
On July 2, 2017, Jehan Daruvala became the first Indian driver to win in the FIA Formula 3
European Championship claiming victory at Norisring in the final race of Round 5
i. Jehan Daruvala’s historic win comes 18 years after Naren Karthikeeyan won in the British
F3 championship.
Pankaj Advani-led Indian team beat Pakistan to clinch Asian Snooker Championship
India’s leading Pankaj Advani teamed up with Laxman Rawat to beat Pakistan in the final of
the Asian Team Snooker Championship.
i. Asian Snooker Championship is to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
150 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
v. Sarita Singh also created a new meet record in women’s hammer throw with a best throw of
63.22m.
Asian Athletics Championships 2017 Overview - India finish on top in medals tally
The 2017 Asian Athletics Championships was the 22nd edition of the Asian Athletics
Championships. It was held from 6 to 9 July 2017 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar,
India. Bhubaneswar was the third Indian city to host Asian Championships. Around 800 athletes
from 45 countries attended the event.
The Asian Athletics Championships are organized by Asian Athletics Association every two years.
• The mascot of Championship was Olly, the Olive Ridley sea turtle.
• India ended the four-day championship on top with their highest ever medal haul of 29
medals (12 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze) ,India's best came way back in the 1985
Jakarta edition where they had won 22 medals.
Medal Chart
Rank Nation Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 India 12 5 12 29
2 China 8 7 5 20
3 Kazakhstan 4 2 2 8
151 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• Anu Raghavan added a silver in the women's 400m hurdles, while woman triple jumper NV
Sheena, men's 400m hurdler Jabir MP and the women's 4x100m relay team grabbed a
bronze as India took one gold, one silver and three bronze on the third day.
India bag two gold through unheralded Archana, Barman
Archana Adhav gave India a surprise gold in 800m while heptathlete Swapna Burman 20-year-
old of Bengal in Hepatthalon won gold medal with 5942 point added another yellow metal on the
fourth and final day .
• With the win, Archana also qualified for the World Championships to be held in
London next month.
• Jinson Johnson and Purnima Hembram also won a bronze each in the men's 800m race
and women's heptathlon .
152 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
153 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Indian Damneet Singh wins silver medal at IAAF World U18 Championships in hammer
throw
Indian youngster Damneet Singh has wonthe India’s first silver medal at the IAAF World
U18 Championships. He has won in the boys’ hammer throw category.
i. The IAAF World U18 Championships being held in Nairobi, Kenya.
ii. Damneet has achieved best mark of 74.20m in his first attempt.
iii. Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan won the gold medal with a throw of 82.31m.
154 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
155 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Indian team won 5 medals at World Para Athletics Championships 2017, London
Eighth edition of World Para Athletics Championships was held in London, UK from 14th to
23rd July, 2017.It was organized by the World Para Athletics subcommittee of
the International Paralympic Committee.
• Around 1,300 athletes from 100 countries participated in this championship,
contesting at more than 200 medal events.
156 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
• Competition was held in the iconic London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park, the same venue that staged athletics events during the London 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games.
• India ranked at 34th position on medal table. Indian team won 5 medals (1 gold, 2
silver and 2 bronze) in this championship.
World Para Athletics Championships 2017 – Medal Table – Top 5:
Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
China 30 17 18 65
United States 20 19 20 59
Great Britain 18 8 13 39
Ukraine 12 6 11 29
Australia 11 9 8 28
Gurjar 2nd Indian to win gold at World Para Athletics C’ship
Indian Para-athlete Sundar Singh Gurjar became second Indian to win gold at the World
Para Athletics Championships.
Amit Kumar Wins Silver In World Para Athletics Championships
India’s Amit Kumar Saroha clinched a silver medal in men’s club throw competition in World
Para Athletics Championships on July 17, 2017.
Karamjyoti Dalal wins bronze medal at World Para Athletics
Discus-thrower Karamjyoti Dalal won a Bronze medal at World Para Athletics Championships
2017, in the Women’s category.
Sharad Kumar and Varun Bhati winning a silver and bronze at world Para Athletic
Championship
High jumpers Sharad Kumar and Varun Bhati won silver and bronze medalrespectively at
Para Athletics Championships 2017.
157 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
iii. The 2018 Women’s World Championships will also be held in New Delhi.
iv. The 2019 Women’s World Championships will be held in Trabzon, Turkey.
v. The AIBA 2018 Congress was awarded to the Russian capital city of Moscow.
Caeleb Dressel becomes first ever Swimmer to win three gold medals in one night at
worlds Championship
The 20-year-old American Swimmer Caeleb Dressel has become the first swimmer to win
three gold medals on a single night at either the FINA World Swimming Championship or the
Olympics.
i. Caeleb Dressel accomplished this feat on July 29, 2017 at 2017 FINA World Aqatics
Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
159 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Dressel started with a victory in the 50-meter freestyle, came back about a half-hour later to
nearly break Michael Phelps' world record in the 100 butterfly, and closed the night by leading off a
world-record performance in the mixed 400 freestyle relay.
iii. He now has six gold medals in the championships, putting him in position to tie Phelps' record of
seven at the 2007 Champonships in Melbourne, Australia.
Peaty & Masse sets world record at 2017 World Aquatic Championship
1.Peaty sets world record in 50m
On July 25, 2017, Britain's Adam Peaty broke the 50m breaststroke world record for the
second time in a day as he reached the World Aquatics Championships final in Budapest, Hungary.
In medal tally US topped with 39 medals(17 gold, 12 Silver and 10 bronze)
2.Masse wins 100m backstroke world gold in record time
On July 25, 2017, Kylie Masse of Canada won women's 100m backstroke gold in a new world-
record time at the world aquatics championships.
best finishers.
ii. Payas Jain had won silver after defeated by Hsu p-Hsuan(Taipei boy) 4-11, 6-11, 6-11.
iii. Payas, Yashansh Malik and Chinmaya Somaiya have lost against Hsu Po-Hsuan, Lin Yen-
Cun and Pen gChih who claimed the gold.
iv. Payas overcame Iran’s Mohammad Amin Samadi to win the boys singles title with a 11-5,
11-9, 12-10 triumph.
v. Anargya Manjunath grabbed the singles crown when she scored a 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 12-10
victory over Taipei’s Cheng Pu-Syuan in a needle final contest.
OBITUARY
Simone Veil, iconic European feminist politician, dies at 89
Simone Veil an iconic European feminist politician, dies at 89.
i. Simone Veil was the French politician, women's rights champion and Holocaust survivor.
ii. She known in France for her instrumental role in legalising abortion in the 1970s.
161 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
162 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
163 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
age 70.
i. Phiri was a vocalist and guitarist known for his versatility in jazz fusion.
ii. He has founded the band Stimela and became internationally known while performing on Paul
Simon's groundbreaking “Graceland” tour.
164 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
known for his role as Red alongside Patrick Swayze in "Road House", and a longtime friend and
songwriting partner of Elvis Presley
i. As a songwriter, he co-wrote "Separate Ways" for Elvis in 1972. The song was the title of an
Elvis album released on RCA's budget album line.
ii. His most memorable role was as Red Webster in 1989's "Road House" opposite Patrick Swayze.
Professor UR Rao, ex-Isro chief and renowned space scientist passes away
Internationally-renowned space scientist UR Rao passed away on July 24, 2017 due to age-related
health issues. He was 85.
Overview of UR Rao’s accomplishments as a Space Scientist:
Born in Adampur village in Udupi, Karnataka, Prof. Rao has continuously been associated with
India’s space programme working with people like MGK Menon, Satish Dhawan and Vikram
Sarabhai.
• The first Indian satellite ‘Aryabhata’ was launched in 1975 under his watch.
165 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Former Australia and French Open Tennis Champion Mervyn Rose dies
Former Australian Grand Slam champion and reputed coach Mervyn Rose has passed on 25th
166 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
ii. Inder Kumar had made his Bollywood debut with 1996 film Masoom and worked in over 20
films in a career spanning nearly twenty years
Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat releases coffee table book on PM Narendra Modi's life
BJP President Amit Shah and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has released a coffee table book on
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life in New Delhi.
i. The book – Making of A Legend, has been compiled by Sulabh International Founder
Bindeshwar Pathak.
ii. Shah had spoken about welfare targets the government has set, many with 2024 deadline. The
next Lok Sabha elections are due in 2019.
President of India receives first copy of book “President’s Lady” (Pranaber Preyosi)
The President of India, ShriPranab Mukherjee received the first copy of the book
“President’s Lady” (Pranaber Preyosi) on his wife Late Smt. Suvra Mukherjee on 13th of July.
i. The president has received the first copy of book from Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid
Ansari.
iii. The author of the book is Sangeeta Ghosh and President said he was grateful to all those who
have brought out the publication and author of the book.
168 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Defence Minister releases a book on Historic 2800 Kms Expedition – ‘Ganga Avahan’
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has released a coffee table book on 'Ganga Avahan'. It is a
2,800 km exploratory open-water swim expedition on the Ganga river.
i. The book "Ganga Avahan is the Epic Tale of a Historic Swim". It is on the first-ever human
effort to swim down the entire stretch of the river.
ii. The coffee table book chronicles includes there entire fascinating journey, detailing
experiences, and challenges of the civilizational cradle that is the Ganga.
iii. The Foreword of this epic expedition is written by the Prime Minister.
iv. It is a nine-member team of three swimmers and the rest are rafters from the three services of
the Indian Armed Forces, led by international open-water swimmer Wing Commander Paramvir
Singh.
IMPORTANT DAYS
July 1 2017
Remember Day: National Doctor’s Day
Purpose : To recognize the contributions of physicians to individual lives and communities
Organization: GOI
July 2 2017
Remember Day: World Sports Journalists Day
Purpose : To commemorate the creation of AIPS and to celebrate the achievements of members of
169 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
July 3 2017
Remember Day: International Plastic Bag Free Day
Purpose : To heightening awareness about plastic and disposable carrying devices.
Organization: IPEN
July 6 2017
Remember Day: World Zoonoses Day
Purpose : To create awareness on zoonotic diseases, how to prevent them and what actions to
take when exposed.
July 7 2017
Remember Day: Global Forgiveness Day
Purpose : It is a day to forgive, and a day to be forgiven!
July 11 2017
Remember Day: World population day
Purpose : To increase people’s awareness on various population issues such as the importance of
family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights
Organization: UNDP
Theme: 'Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations‘
July 12 2017
Remember Day: Malala Day
Purpose : To raise awareness and to help girls get their right to education. Malala Yousafzai is a
global symbol of every girl’s right to an education.
Organization: UN
July 15 2017
Remember Day: World Youth Skills Day
Purpose : To highlight the fundamental rights of the youth.
170 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
July 17 2017
Remember Day: International Justice Day
Purpose : To marks the 19th anniversary of the 1998 Rome Statute, the founding treaty that
created the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Organization: ICC
July 18 2017
Remember Day: Nelson Mandela International Day 2017
Purpose : To remembers Mandela’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution,
democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation.
Organization: UN
July 19 2017
Remember Day: Save public sector banks
Purpose : 48th anniversary of nationalisation of major banks.
July 23 2017
Remember Day: National Broadcasting Day(Radio broadcast had completed 90 years)
Purpose : To marks the day Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) began organized radio
broadcasting from Bombay station.
Organization: Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC)
July 26 2017
Remember Day: Kargil Vijay Diwas
Purpose : To honour the Kargil War’s Heroes in the Kargil – Dras sector in New Delhi.
Organization: GOI
July 27 2017
Remember Day: Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) Foundation day
Organization: GOI
July 28 2017
Remember Day: World Hepatitis Day
171 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com
Current Affairs PDF: July 2017
Purpose : To mark the awareness of hepatitis and to boost prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
the decease.
Organization: WHO
Theme: "Eliminate Hepatitis"
July 29 2017
Remember Day: International Tiger Day
Purpose : To promote the protection and expansion of the endangered wild tigers habitats and to
gain support through awareness.
Slogan: ‘Fresh Ecology For Tigers’ Protection’.
July 30 2017
Remember Day: International Day of Friendship
Purpose : To promote the role that friendship plays in also making peace in many cultures
Organization: UN
Remember Day: World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Purpose : To raise awareness around human trafficking. The Day is witnessed across the world.
Organization: UN
172 | P a g e
Follow Us - FB.com/AffairsCloudOfficialPage copyrights 2017 @ AffairsCloud.com