Current Affairs November 2017 - National

1 - India and Italy sign six MoUs

India and Italy signed six agreements following delegation-level talks headed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni.

The MoUs are as follows:

Joint Declaration of Intent of Cooperation for Safety in the Railway sector between India and Italy
MoU on 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Government of the Republic of Italy
MoU on cooperation in the field of Energy
Executive Protocol on Cultural Cooperation
MoU between the Training Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Government of the Republic of Italy and the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs, GoI
MoU for promoting mutual investments between Italian Trade Agency and Invest India

2 - The GoI and World Bank sign $200 Million Loan Agreement for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project

The Government of India and the World Bank signed a $200 million Loan Agreement for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project. The Project will support the Government of Assam to facilitate agri-business investments, increase agriculture productivity and market access, and enable small farm holders produce crops that are resilient to recurrent floods or droughts in the state.

The Project will be implemented in over 16 Districts of Assam. Over 500,000 farming households will directly benefit from the Project. At least 30% women are expected to participate in project activities.

3 - World Food India 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the World Food India 2017 at Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi. The fair was organized by Ministry of Food Processing and Industries, Government of India jointly with Confederation of Indian (CII).

World Food India is an International Event comprising series of Sectoral Conferences along with Exhibition and vibrant Food Street.

India is expected to attract an investment of US$ 10 billion in food processing sector and generate 1 million jobs in the next 3 years.

4 - MHA gives a boost to “Make in India” in the field of manufacturing of arms

The Ministry of Home Affairs has liberalized the Arms Rules to boost “Make in India” manufacturing policy of the Government as also to promote employment generation in the field of manufacturing of arms and ammunition.

The liberalization of the Arms Rules will encourage investment in the manufacturing of arms and ammunition and weapon systems as part of the “Make in India” program. One of the key features is that the license granted for manufacturing shall now be valid for the lifetime of the licensee company. There is no requirement of renewal of the license after every 5 years.

5 - MSME Delayed Payment Portal, MSME Samadhaan, launched

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Giriraj Singh launched MSME Delayed Payment Portal - MSME Samadhaan (http://msefc.msme.gov.in) empowering micro and small entrepreneurs across the country to register their cases relating to delayed payments by Central Ministries/Departments/CPSEs/State Governments.

The Portal will give information about the pending payment of MSEs with individual CPSEs / Central Ministries, State Governments, etc. The CEO of PSEs and the Secretary of the Ministries concerned will also be able to monitor the cases of delayed payment under their jurisdiction and issue necessary instructions to resolve the issues.

6 - DoNER Ministry sanctioned Rs. 200 crores for flood affected reconstruction works in the Northeast

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned Rs. 200 crore for flood affected reconstruction works in the four North Eastern States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced a flood relief package of Rs. 2,000 crore.

The government also has set up a high-level committee to monitor the flood related operations and plan for future roadmap to avoid such situations. The first-ever airport at Sikkim coming up at Pakyong is ready to become functional soon.

7 - Cabinet approved trade Agreement between India and Ethiopia

The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade Agreement between India and Ethiopia for strengthening and promoting trade and economic co-operation. The trade Agreement will replace the existing trade Agreement signed in 1982. The trade Agreement will provide for all necessary measures to encourage trade, economic cooperation, investment and technical co operation.

The bilateral trade between India and Ethiopia declined to USD 840.5 million in 2016-17, from USD 854.6 million in the previous fiscal.

8 - Cabinet approved signing an Agreement between India and Armenia

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

9 - Cabinet approved amendment in the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993, namely the National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Act, 2017 to grant retrospective recognition to the Central/State/Universities who are found to be conducting teacher education courses without NCTE permission.

The amendment will make students studying in these Institutions/Universities, or already passed out from here, eligible for employment as a teacher.

10 - Cabinet approved continuation of RKVY as RKVY-RAFTAAR

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20.

The financial allocation of the scheme will be Rs. 15,722 crore with the objective of making farming as a remunerative economic activity. RKVY-RAFTAAR funds would be provided to the States as 60:40 grants between Centre and States (90:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States).

11 - Cabinet approved Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for payment of outstanding subsidy to fertilizer companies during 2016-17

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has accorded the ex-post facto approval for implementation of Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) for Rs. 10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims because of fertilizer subsidy in the year 2016-17.

Under the SBA, a total loan of Rs. 9,969 crore for settlement of outstanding subsidy bills with SBI was raised by the Government. The loan amount along with interest liability on the part of Government amounting to Rs. 80.90 crore were paid to SBI.

12 - Cabinet approved revised price of ethanol under EBP for the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the revision in the price of ethanol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program for supply to the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies.

The revised price of ethanol would be fixed at Rs.40.85/- per liter under EBP and will be applicable for the forthcoming sugar season 2017-18. GST and transportation charges will also be payable additionally. The revised price will be applicable during ethanol supply period from 1 December 2017 to 30 November 2018.

13 - Food Regulatory Portal launched

Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries and FSSAI, the apex Regulatory body for Food Safety in India launched a powerful new tool called ‘The Food Regulatory Portal’. The portal will act as a single interface for food businesses to cater to both domestic operations and food imports.

The Ministry also launched an Investor Facilitation Portal “Nivesh Bandhu” during the World Food India 2017 fair. The portal will assist investors to make informed investment decisions. It would provide information on Central and State Governments’ investor friendly policies, agro-producing clusters, infrastructure, and potential areas of investment in the food-processing sector.

14 - EESL launched ‘Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency’ project

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has collaborated with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Ministry of Power, for the project ‘Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency’.

The project will receive a composite funding of $454 million comprised of the GEF grant of $20 million and co-financing of $434 million in the form of loans and equity, including a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). EESL further proposes Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF) for sustainable funding mechanism of energy efficiency projects in the country.

15 - The 12^th Session of India-Tunisia Joint Commission

The 12^th Session of the India-Tunisia Joint Commission was held in New Delhi. To celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, it was decided to hold a yearlong Festival of India in Tunisia and Festival of Tunisia in India in 2018.

A MoU was signed for establishment of Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory in Tunis. The Government of Tunisia announced that it would become a partner country in the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Tunisia agreed to fight against terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drugs and organized crime and in the field of security including cyber security. Both countries proposed to reach the bilateral trade to USD 1 Billion in the next five years.

16 - Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana launched to promote philately

Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha launched a Pan India scholarship program for schoolchildren called Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to increase the reach of Philately.

Under the scheme of SPARSH(Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby), it is proposed to award annual scholarships to children of Standard VI to IX having good academic record and also pursuing Philately as a hobby through a competitive selection process in all postal circles. It is proposed to award 920 scholarships to students pursuing Philately as a hobby.

17 - The fourth JWGACTC meeting held in India

The fourth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Co-operation (JWGACTC), constituted under the auspices of the Indo - US Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, was organized in Delhi, India.

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the significant achievements of the Joint Working Group so far and discussed plans for future co-operation under various aspects of aircraft carrier technology such as design optimization, construction philosophy, trials procedure and project management. The meeting marked yet another significant landmark in the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the field of aircraft carrier technology.

18 - Scope of Coastal Berth Scheme expanded to cover DPR preparation

The Ministry of Shipping has taken up projects worth Rs 2,302 crore for financial assistance under the Coastal Berth Scheme of the flagship Sagarmala Program. The period of this scheme was extended for three years, up to 31 March 2020. It expanded its scope to cover capital dredging at Major Ports and preparation of DPR for coastal berth project in Oct 2017.

The projects under Coastal Berth Scheme of the flagship Sagarmala Program are distributed over eight states with the highest number of projects in Maharashtra.

19 - A three-day mega food fair attracted investment worth 19 billion dollars

Investment of around 19 billion dollars were committed during the three-day mega food event- World Food India. The event achieved a resounding success and saw participation from 60 countries and over 50 global CEOs. This was the first time that India hosted such an event for the food-processing sector.

Over 8 thousand business-to-business and business to government meetings were held. 50 MoUs were signed worth 11.25 billion dollar to boost food processing levels, of which, about 2.5 billion dollar worth of MoUs were signed between state governments and stakeholders.

20 - Tata Steel established India’s largest CDQ Facility at Odisha

India’s largest coke dry quenching (CDQ) facility was set up by Tata Steel in Odisha’s Jaipur district. Essar Projects has made it possible with the help of technology partner Japan’s Nippon Steel and Sumkin Engineering. Coke dry quenching is required to cool the hot coke from coke ovens.

It is one of the eco-friendly facility in steel production where steam created out of waste heat recovery boiler, generates electricity. The CDQ facility saves water, decreases dust emission, generates electricity and provides improved coke quality.

21 - Border Roads Organisation created world’s highest motorable road

World’s highest motorable road is created by Border Roads Organisation in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, at a height of over 19,300 feet. This creation was a part of project named Project Himank of Border Roads Organisation.

Prior to this, various roads have been constructed under Project Himank, such as Khardangu La at an altitude of 17,900 ft. and Changla Pass at 17,695 ft. in Leh by connecting Nobra valley and Durbuk valley in the cold desert.

22 - Expert Group advised for MR campaign to cover the country by 2018

The India Expert Advisory Group on Measles & Rubella (IEAG-MR) has commended India on the progress of the measles and rubella vaccination campaign, as it reviewed the existing strategies and efforts towards measles elimination and control of rubella during the past two days with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The expert member group concluded that ‘the country is on the right track’.

The group has advised for the MR vaccination campaign to cover the whole country by 2018. It is planned to expand across the country, covering 41 crore children by the end of 2018.

23 - Coal India launched a new App “Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App”

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railways & Coal has launched ‘Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran App’ benefitting customers of Coal India Limited (CIL) lifting coal through road mode. The app helps achieve transparency in dispatch operations, as a tool to monitor, whether the dispatches are made on the fair principle of ‘First in First Out’ and keeps track of all the activities from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road.

The launching of the app is also one of the initiatives of CIL towards achieving the much cherished goal of ‘Digital India’ and transparency.

24 - Affordable tariff structure for rural and remote areas to promote Digital India

BharatNet, a flagship project to provide Broadband services in rural and remote areas has entered in service provisioning phase. In order to provide affordable broadband services in rural areas, a new attractive and affordable tariff structure has been decided with the principle of more you use, less you pay. This tariff structure is expected to reflect in the tariffs to be charged from the consumers by the service.

For asymmetrical bandwidth between block to GPs the charges per annum varies from Rs.700/- per Mbps for up to 10Mbps and Rs. 200/- per Mbps for one Gbps.

25 - IBBI strengthens its Due Diligence Framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India amended its Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process Regulations to ensure that as part of due diligence, prior to approval of a Resolution Plan, the antecedents, credit worthiness and credibility of a Resolution Applicant, including promoters, are taken into account by the Committee of Creditors.

The Revised Regulations make it incumbent upon the Resolution Professional to ensure that the Resolution Plan presented to the Committee of Creditors contains relevant details to assess the credibility of the Resolution Applicants.

26 - NDMA conducted brainstorming session on use of UAVs in Disaster Management

The National Disaster Management Authority conducted a one-day national-level brainstorming session on "Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Disaster Management. The event aimed to build and improve the capacity of stakeholders to use UAVs and related technologies for better disaster preparedness and response.

UAVs can provide high-resolution, real-time images of even the inaccessible locations. These images can then be used to produce accurate hazard maps so that prevention and mitigation measures for reducing disaster risks are planned accordingly. In a post-disaster situation, UAVs can be used to map the affected areas in high resolution within a short time.

27 - SHe-Box Online Complaint Management System for working women launched by WCD

WCD Minister Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched a comprehensive SHe-Box online complaint Management System for women working in both public and private organizations to lodge complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. The portal provides information on 112 institutions empaneled by MWCD to conduct training/workshops on the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Users of SHe-Box also have the option of interacting with Ministry of WCD through this portal, with an assured time-bound response. It is an effort to utilize the digital space to enable speedier response to the complaints of women against sexual harassment at workplace.

28 - India’s Second Technology and Innovation Support Center established at Chennai

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has signed an Institutional agreement with Anna University to establish India’s second Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), Anna University, Chennai, under the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) TISC program.

The objective of the TISC is to stimulate a dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system in India to foster creativity and innovation, thereby promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing social, economic and cultural development by establishing a network of TISCs in India.

29 - IICA, Atal Innovation Mission and HVSU celebrated National Entrepreneurship Day 2017

Two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Atal Innovation Mission - Niti Aayog and Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University in Delhi. IICA explored ways to collaborate and undertake various activities to promote incubation/ entrepreneurship and innovation.

Shri R. Ramanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, Niti Aayog, dwelt on building the ecosystem for entrepreneurship in India through specific interventions such as Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centre.

30 - Shri Rajnath Singh chaired second meeting of Island Development Agency

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the second meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA). The Island Development Agency reviewed the concept development plans and detailed master plans for holistic development of 09 islands (four in A&N Islands i.e. Smith, Ross, Long, Avis) and (five in Lakshadweep i.e. Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli).

The project being steered by NITI Aayog aims at promoting and implementing development based on sustainable approach to building a thriving maritime economy of the project islands. NITI Aayog was also asked to drive the formulation of PPP projects and proposed detailed guidelines to boost private sector participation.

31 - PM Modi, Bangladesh PM, and West Bengal CM, jointly launched connectivity projects between India and Bangladesh

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, jointly launched a series of connectivity projects between the two countries.

These include the second Bhairab and Titas Railway Bridges and the International Rail Passenger Terminus at Chitpur in Kolkata. The dignitaries also flagged off the inaugural run of the Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna. External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj also joined the event from New Delhi.

32 - Shri Kiren Rijiju launched the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’

Shri Rijiju launched the ‘India Disaster Response Summit’, organized jointly by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Facebook on how best to leverage social media platforms to 'prepare, respond and recover' for, during and after a disaster. This partnership is a benchmark and first of its kind - India became the first Government to collaborate with Facebook on disaster response.

Facebook will share its disaster maps, developed using aggregated, de-identified data, with NDMA. These maps can aid swift disaster response by providing real-time, actionable information.

33 - Indian Panorama selection of films for 48^th IFFI 2017 announced

Indian Panorama 2017 announced its final selection of Feature & Non-Feature films to be screened in Goa at 48^th International Film Festival of India, 2017. Five Mainstream films were also selected. The opening film of the feature film section of Indian Panaroma is Pihu, which has been directed by Vinod Kapri. The Non - Feature Film Jury was chaired by well-known film director and screenwriter Shri Sudhir Mishra.

The Jury for Feature Films was headed by acclaimed film director, actor and screenwriter, Shri Sujoy Ghosh. The Jury previewed 153 eligible entries.

34 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Philippines on agriculture and related fields

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Philippines in the field of agriculture and related fields. The MoU will improve bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and will be mutually beneficial to both countries.

This MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of rice production and processing, multi cropping system, dryland farming systems, bioorganic farming, solid and water conservation and management, soil fertility, sericulture, agro forestry, livestock improvement etc.

35 - Cabinet approved agreement between India and the Hong Kong

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for entering into an Agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The Agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to HKSAR & vice versa, prevent double taxation and provide for exchange of information between the two Contracting Parties. It will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.

36 - Cabinet approved the protocol amending the Agreement between India and Kyrgyz Republic

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for the protocol amending the Agreement between India and Kyrgyz Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The updated Article provides for exchange of information to the widest possible extent. The Protocol further empowers India to use information received under the DTAA to be used for other law enforcement purposes on the supplying State authorizing such use.

37 - Cabinet approved Joint Interpretative Declaration between India and Colombia

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval for signing the Joint Interpretative Declaration (JID) between India and Colombia regarding the existing Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments between India and Colombia signed on November 10, 2009.

The JID would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing Agreement as it includes interpretative notes to be jointly adopted for many clauses, including, the definition of investor, definition of investment, Fair and Equitable Treatment, National Treatment and Most Favoured Nation treatment, expropriation, Investor - State Dispute Settlement provision and Denial of Benefits.

38 - Cabinet approved appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved appointment of Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) for Subordinate Judiciary in the country. The Commission is to be headed by Shri Justice (Retd. J P. Venkatrama Reddi, former Judge of Supreme Court of India. Shri R. Basant, a former Judge of the Kerala High Court is the Member of the Commission.

The Commission aims to evolve the principles, which would govern pay structure and other emoluments of Judicial Officers belonging to the Subordinate Judiciary of the country, thus making the pay scales of Judicial Officers uniform.

39 - NITI Aayog released proposal for a quick pilot on EV charging infrastructure in Delhi

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, released a proposal to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Delhi. The proposal was drafted by AC2SG in collaboration with NITI Aayog. The proposal for the quick pilot could be used to provide a structure for EV infrastructure rollout in the Gurgaon-IGI-South Delhi-Noida corridor. This planning will make the actual rollout easier, faster and save cost on the deployment.

This proposal for developing the pilot includes 55 locations with 135 charging stations of which 46 are DC quick charging stations and 89 are slower AC charging stations.

40 - Home Ministry sets up two new divisions to deal with cyber crime

The Union Home Ministry, as part of an administrative rejig, has formed two new divisions to exclusively deal with emerging security challenges such as radicalization and cybercrime. The two divisions called Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Radicalization (CTCR) and the Cyber and Information Security (CIS) encompass merger of some of the Ministry's existing divisions.

The CTCR wing will focus on tracking and assessing the online reach of global terrorist outfits and devising strategies to counter their propaganda. The CIS division will monitor online crimes and threats, including cyber fraud and hacking, and suggest ways to minimize and fight them.

41 - WCD Ministry celebrated Child Rights Week Hausla 2017

The Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrated the Child Rights Week Hausla 2017. To mark the occasion various events were held including Bal Sansad, painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech writing.

The country celebrated the Children’s Day on 14 November and the International Child Rights Day on 20 November every year. The ministry celebrated the period between these two important events as the Child Rights Week. Child reporters from street children's news magazine 'Balaknama' covered the entire event and UNICEF published the speeches in the form of a booklet.

42 - Railway announced to provide skill training for its employees

Railway has designed a five-day on-the-job or classroom intensive plan to provide skill training for its employees to meet the growing passenger expectations of better services and amenities.

All employees in each zone will be put through a week's training in skills and knowledge relevant to their work area over the next one year.

Training need is quickly identified for each category of employees in their specific zones. Training will be completed within 9 months.

43 - Indian Railways to set up main arch on world’s highest bridge on Chenab

Railways of India will install a main arch at the world’s highest bridge on Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. This 1.3-km-long bridge will be built at a cost of Rs. 1,250 crore. Arch will provide direct connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The bridge will be built at 359 meters above the bed of the River Chenab and will be 30 meters taller than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It will ease the 111-km stretch between Katra and Banihal. The two ends of the bridge the Kauri end and the Bakkal end require world longest cable crane arrangement.

44 - The fourth Annual India-Canada ministerial dialogue held in Delhi

The fourth India-Canada Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment was held in New Delhi. Both sides recognized that the current bilateral trade is much below the potential between the two world’s robust economies, despite the huge untapped potential for two way trade and investment. The other issues such as early institutionalization of the CEO Forum mechanism, issue of extension of derogation of pulses, etc. were also discussed.

It was agreed to explore collaboration in the area of export credit insurance through India’s Export Credit Guarantee Corporation Ltd. (ECGC Ltd.) and Canada’s Export Development Canada (EDC).

45 - Army organized a youth fest at Kishtwar

The Indian Army organized a mega event 2017 Youth Fest at the historic Chowgan ground of Kishtwar. The Fest was an amalgamation of varied programs highlighting the rich culture of different regions of India and stalls of food, entertainment and games for people of all the age groups to rejoice & cherish. The event also encompassed display of various ethnic specialties from across the country.

Students from various schools of Kishtwar district participated in the event to display their talent and performed folk dances of Rajasthani, Punjabi & Kashmiri culture.

46 - International Road Federation organized the ‘Transport Ministers` Forum on Road Safety’

International Road Federation organized the ‘Transport Ministers` Forum on Road Safety’. The importance to create an enhanced capacity and infuse the knowledge of road safety related actions in public bystanders was discussed.

Around 85 new trauma care facilities are approved to establish in Government Hospitals on National Highways. National Injury Surveillance, Trauma Registry and Capacity Building Centre at Dr. RML Hospital and ATLS/NELS training for doctors and BLS training for nurses at Dr. RML Hospital has been established.

47 - National Achievement Survey (NAS) conducted successfully

The National Achievement Survey is the largest national assessment survey in the country and is amongst the largest in the world, was conducted throughout India. NAS is a transparent and credible exercise done under third party verification. It was conducted for the Classes 3, 5 and 8 in government and government aided schools. The survey tools used multiple test booklets. The competency-based test questions developed, reflected the Learning Outcomes developed by the NCERT.

The findings of the survey will help in understanding the efficiency of the education system, help guide education policy, planning and implementation.

48 - Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore released the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore released the India Youth Development Index and Report 2017. The objective of constructing the India Youth Development Index (YDI) 2017 was to track the trends in Youth Development across the States.

The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, an Institute of National Importance proposed the index. YDI-2017 will enable the policy makers to track the national and the regional progress as well setbacks in youth development policies, planning and priority identification and implementation strategies.

49 - Government launched BharatNet phase 2 project

To provide high-speed broadband service in all Gram Panchayats by March 2019, government launched its second and final phase of BharatNet project. It will be implemented at an outlay of around 34000 crore rupees. Department of Telecommunications signed MoUs with states for the implementation of the second phase of BharatNet.

Under this phase, broadband connectivity will be provided in remaining 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats in the country. Broadband infrastructure on Optical Fibre network has been made available in more than one lakh Gram Panchayats as part of BharatNet Phase-1.

50 - Northeast all set to get India's first-ever air dispensary based in helicopter

Northeast is all set to get India's first-ever air dispensary based in a helicopter, for which government has contributed 25 crore rupees as part of the initial funding for this initiative.

A helicopter based Dispensary and OPD service is introduced in far-flung and remote areas, where no doctor or medical facility is available. The proposal has been accepted and is in the final stages of process in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Nearly one third of country's population did not have access to proper hospital bed care.

51 - President of India inaugurated the 37^th India International Trade Fair-2017

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 37^th India International Trade Fair (IITF) -2017 in New Delhi. Around 3,000 exhibitors, including 222 companies from abroad, are participated at IITF 2017. Thirty-two of India’s states and Union territories represented.

IITF is snapshot of the diversity and the sheer energy of this subcontinent. The 2017 IITF took place at a point when India is recognized as one of the bright spots of the global economy. The world has acknowledged the changed business environment in India and the strides made in ease of doing business.

52 - First ever Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (Apcert) conference held

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the aegis of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology organized the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Conference in New Delhi. This was the 15^th Conference of APCERT and first ever conference in India and South Asia.

The conference theme was "Building Trust in the Digital Economy". Conference was attended by over 300 cyber security professionals from the Asia Pacific region, USA, Europe, Industry, Academia, Government and Media.

53 - Vice President of India released the findings of ‘India State Level Disease Burden’ report

Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu released the findings of ‘India State Level Disease Burden’ report of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The estimates released were based on utilization of all available epidemiological data.

It shows per person burden due to major infectious disease, which is 7 to 9 times higher in the states like Bihar, Odisha, U.P, Assam, Rajasthan, M.P. and Jharkhand than in other states. The India State-level Disease Burden Initiative is a joint initiative between the Indian Council of Medical Research, Public Health Foundation of India, and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

54 - Shri R.K. Singh launched the national power portal

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the National Power Portal (NPP).

NPP is a centralized system for Indian Power Sector, which facilitates online data capture/ input from generation, transmission and distribution utilities in the country and disseminate Power Sector Information through various analyzed reports, graphs, statistics for generation, transmission and distribution at all India, region, state level for central, state and private sector. It standardized data parameters and formats for seamless exchange of data between NPP and respective systems at utilities.

55 - Railway Minister gives directions for “comprehensive training programme” for all employees

Under the direction of Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal, a comprehensive plan for imparting training to all employees of Indian Railways is being prepared with a view to upgrade skill & knowledge. This comprehensive training program named as “Project Saksham” will help boost productivity and efficiency. Under this plan, all employees in each zone will be put through a week’s training in skills.

This training will not only upgrade skill of each of the employees but also go a long-way in improving the performance of the Indian Railways.

56 - India and Canada technology summit held in Delhi

India and Canada opened a new chapter in their bilateral relationship with the start of a two-day India-Canada Technology Summit in New Delhi. The Summit, organized jointly by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was inaugurated by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences.

The new phase of India Canada - IMPACTS program between DST and NSERC, Canada, was announced to promote multidisciplinary research partnerships aimed to deliver practical solutions through application of science and technology. The themes were Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Transport Systems, Aviation, and Infrastructure.

57 - Hunar Haat inaugurated in IITF 2017

“Hunar Haat”, a spectacular platform of Ministry of Minority Affairs where exquisite pieces of Handicraft & Handloom prepared by inmates of Tihar Jail and master artisans from across the country were displayed at India International Trade Fair. “Hunar Haat” have become a successful mission to provide employment and employment opportunities.

Artisans from various states participated. Various handloom work like Cane & Bamboo & Jute Products of Assam; Tussar, Geeja, Matka Silk of Bhagalpur; Traditional Jewellery, Lac Bangles & Jewellery from Rajasthan & Telangana were displayed.

58 - Union Steel Minister launched Steel Pavilion at IITF 2017

The Union Minister of Steel Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh launched Ministry of Steel’s Pavilion at India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2017. The pavilion, where all public sector and major private sector steel companies jointly participated, was designed on IITF 2017’s theme of Start-Up India: Stand-Up India.

Start-up India: Stand-Up India is one of the core economic development initiatives of the government and the theme of IITF 2017, which aims at promoting entrepreneurship and business in various sectors.

59 - National seminar on adoption organized in Delhi

A one day National Seminar on Adoption was held to the Children's Festival "Hausala 2017" being celebrated as Child Right's Week by the Ministry of Women & Children Development. It was organized by Central Adoption Resources Authority. The Minister announced that the government would soon launch the process of categorizing and ranking adoption agencies based on their performance. The best performing agencies will be rewarded and projected as role model.

The purpose of the seminar was to discuss the issues and concerns pertaining to adoption program, the role of SARAs, DCPUs & CWCs and legislations governing adoption.

60 - ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ a mega national tribal festival launched

Vice President of India launched “Aadi Mahotsav”, a Mega fortnight long National Tribal festival with the theme: ‘A celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture, cuisine & commerce’. Over 750 tribal artisans from over 25 States will be participated in the festival. The festival featured exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, Jewellery and much more through about 200 stalls.

The 15 days Mahotsav promises to be a feast of shopping, exotic dining and fine music from Artists from all over the Country. A team of 350 tribal artists presented excellent and choreographed dances, vocal and instrumental music.

61 - Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Anti-profiteering Authority

The Union Cabinet approved for the creation of the posts of Chairman and Technical Members of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) under GST.

The establishment of the NAA, to be headed by a senior officer of the level of Secretary to the Government of India with four Technical Members from the Centre and/or any of the States. This is one more measure aimed at reassuring consumers that Government is fully committed to take all possible steps to ensure the benefits of implementation of GST in terms of lower prices of the goods and services reach them.

62 - Cabinet approved agreement between India and Belarus on scientific and technological cooperation

The Union Cabinet apprised of the Agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc.

The Agreement is aimed at identifying, assessing, developing and commercializing globally competitive technologies from India and Belarus. It will support institutions in both countries by way of research, technology transfers, exchange of visits and joint workshops leading to scientific and economic benefit.

63 - Cabinet approved MoU between India and Poland

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Poland for the Promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation. The MoU will be signed on behalf of the two countries after its approval by the two Governments. The MoU would be for a term of five years.

The objective of the MoU is to recognize the mutual benefit of Cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation having particular significance in establishing and improving Regional Air Connectivity in India.

64 - The two-day 12^th northeast business summit held in New Delhi

The Two-day “12^th North-East Business Summit” was organized in Delhi. The summit aimed to explore the scope for business opportunities in the Northeastern region of India.

The Summit was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with Manipur being the state partner for the event. Focus areas were Infrastructure and Connectivity with Public Private Partnerships, Skill Development, Financial Inclusion, Services Sector Development- Particularly in Tourism, Hospitality & Food Processing.

65 - ‘Saubhagya’ Web-Portal - a Platform for Monitoring Universal Household Electrification launched

Shri R.K. Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - ‘Saubhagya’ Web Portal.

The portal can be accessed at http://saubhagya.gov.in. Saubhagya Dashboard is a platform for monitoring household electrification progress, which would disseminate information on Household Electrification Status (State, District, village-wise), Household Progress on live basis, State-wise Target vs Achievement, Monthly Electrification Progress, etc.

66 - Aadhaar card enrolment facility launched at post offices from 2018

The residents of Maharashtra and Goa would be able to enroll for Aadhaar Cards in more than 1,200 Post Offices, in the two States from 2018. Public can present their Aadhaar cards corrected or updated at 1,293 post offices, out of the total 2,216, from 2018.

The Department of Post had started updation facility for Aadhaar at its 120 post offices across the Maharashtra and Goa circle.

Almost 4,000 staffers of the postal department are being trained to issue Aadhaar cards to the residents of the circle.

67 - Ministry of Shipping laid foundation stone for Cochin Shipyard

The Minister of Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for Rs. 970-crore International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) for Cochin Shipyard Limited. The facility is being built at Cochin Port Trust where CSL has leased out a 40-acre plot for the project.

The International Ship Repair facility will be a State of the Art facility that can handle a major chunk of small and medium sized vessels plying in India. The facility can repair up to 85 vessels, and CSL will thereby be almost doubling the number of ships that can be repaired every year.

68 - Ministry of Shipping organized the conference ‘Build the ship - 2017’

Build The Ship - 2017 conference was organized by the Ministry of Shipping in Cochin. The event deliberated upon the recommendations of a study regarding the growth strategies for promotion of Shipbuilding, Ship Design, Ship Repair and Marine Ancillaries in India.

The start of Center of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), a start up in skill development for maritime and shipbuilding sector was discussed at the conference. A joint venture between Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd. with CSL was incorporated. A Shareholders agreement was signed between CSL and HDEPL at the conference.

69 - Government removed restrictions on export of all types of pulses

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA removed restrictions on export of all types of pulses. The decision will help farmers offer greater choice in marketing their produce and enhance their incomes. The opening of export of pulses will help the farmers to dispose of their products at remunerative prices and encourage them to expand the area of sowing.

This will help in pulses production to sustain in the country and its import dependence on pulses will come down substantially. This is also likely to provide higher levels of protein to the population and work towards nutritional security.

70 - NCPCR celebrated ‘Baal Utsav’ as part of Hausla-2017

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights celebrated Baal Utsav as part of Hausla-2017, a weeklong festival for children living in Child Care Institutions across India. The main objective of the program was to promote child participation and display their talents in other creative activities.

The main attraction of the program was an interactive session between the children and the dignitaries of the event. Apart from sports activities, cultural programs by differently abled children and others were presented.

71 - The 42^nd International congress of military medicine held

The 42^nd World Congress of the International Committee of Military Medicine (ICMM) organized by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) held in Delhi. The theme of this 42^nd World Congress was “Military Medicine in Transition: Looking Ahead.”

There were 26 thematic sessions covering diverse areas including “Terrain Specific Military Medical Support”, “Health Protection and Promotion in the Military Environment”, “Combat Medical Support”, and “Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief”. Panel discussions on women in combat, medical disability benefits, veterans’ health and health screening of recruits were planned.

72 - Health Ministry notified amendment to Food Safety & Standards (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Regulations, 2011

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through FSSAI, notified amendment to Food Safety & Standards (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Regulations, 2011. This notification contains maximum permissible limits of various antibiotics in meat and meat products. Maximum permissible limits of 37 antibiotics and 67 other veterinary drugs are prescribed for chicken.

The recommendations of the Scientific Panel will be considered by the Scientific Committee and then the Food Authority for approval after which it will be notified in the Gazette of India with the approval of the Hon’ble Minister.

73 - The 48^th International Film Festival of India held in Goa

The 48^th International Film Festival of India was organized in Goa. Around 200 films from 82 countries were screened during the nine-day extravaganza in Panaji. Apart from 20 Oscar-nominated movies, 2017 screened over 10 Asia premiers, 3 world premieres and 64 India premiers of international films.

Around 26 feature films and 16 non-feature films belonging to different languages and regions of India were screened in the Indian Panorama Section of the festival. Canada was the focus country of 2017 and presented a package of its eight best recent films.

74 - Government increased import duty on edible oils

Government of India increased import duty from 15% to 30% on crude palm oil and from 15% to 40% on refined oil, to lower shipment cost and increase farmer’s income.

Import duty on crude soya bean oil was increased to 30% from 17.5% and refined soya bean oil to 35% from 20%. Import duty on soya bean was also increased to 45%.

The said decisions were taken under the supervision of inter-ministerial group headed by Union minister Nitin Gadkari and the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister.

75 - India-Russia inked pact for visa free entry of flight crew

India and Russia have agreed to implement the general declaration for visa free entry of the crew of chartered and scheduled flights between the two countries.

The agreement will facilitate visa-free entry, stay and exit of crew of aircraft of the designated airlines as well as other aircraft companies operating chartered and special flights in the respective territories on reciprocal basis. According to official estimates, around 1,200 scheduled flights ply between India and Russia every year. Moreover, about 1,100 Russian chartered flights arrive in India every year.

76 - 1^st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and Health

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and Indian Society of International Law with the support of WHO organized the “1^st World Conference on Access to Medical Products and International Laws for Trade and Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” from 21-23 November 2017 at New Delhi.

The objective of the Conference was to exchange knowledge and expand understanding on contemporary issues in international trade laws, research, and innovation for access to medical products to achieve SDG 2030 agenda.

77 - Canada chosen as the Country of Focus at IFFI, Goa 2017

Canada has been chosen this year as the Focus Country at the 48^th International Film Festival of India. IFFI 2017 hosted and presented a Canadian delegation, in addition to presenting a package of eight best films from recent Canadian Cinema.

The International Festival of India features a Country of Focus every year. Through this category, prominent films made by the country of focus are screened at IFFI Goa 2017. The festival encourages friendly ties between India and other countries through this category.

78 - Nagaland, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu sign MoU under UDAY Scheme

On the second anniversary of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), the Government of India has signed four Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with the State of Nagaland as well as with Union Territories (UTs) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu.

These State/UTs have joined only for operational improvement and shall not undergo financial restructuring/issue of bonds under the scheme. An overall net benefit of approximately Rs. 551 crores, Rs. 18 crores, Rs. 13 crores and Rs. 10 crores respectively would accrue to the State of Nagaland & UTs of Andaman & Nicobar, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

79 - Cabinet approved agreement between India and Philippines on co-operation in customs matters

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing and ratifying of an Agreement between India and Philippines on co-operation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries. The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries.

80 - Cabinet approved India's Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

The Union Cabinet has approved India's Membership for European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD). The minimum initial investment towards the membership of EBRD will be approximately €1 (one) million.

Membership of EBRD would enhance India's international profile and promote its economic interests as well as access to EBRD's Countries of Operation and sector knowledge. It would increase the scope of cooperation between India and EBRD through co-financing opportunities in manufacturing, services, Information Technology, and Energy.

81 - Cabinet approved signing of India - Russia Agreement on cooperation in combating terrorism

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing an Agreement on Cooperation between India and Russia in the field of combating all forms of terrorism and organized crime.

The proposed Agreement, which will replace the Agreement of October 1993, is a step towards consolidating the benefits accrued in the field of security and seeks to fight the new and evolving risks and threats.

This agreement will help in exchange and sharing of information, expertise, best practices.

82 - Cabinet approved setting up of the 15^th Finance Commission

The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of the 15^th Finance Commission. Under Article 280 (1) of the Constitution, it is a Constitutional obligation.

Former Planning Commission member N.K. Singh was appointed Chairman of the 15^th Finance Commission. The commission is required to submit its report by October 2019. The other members are former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das and former chief economic adviser Ashok Lahiri, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand and Georgetown University professor Anoop Singh.

83 - The fifth Global Conference on Cyberspace, 2017 launched

The fifth edition Global Conference on Cyberspace 2017 was inaugurated in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the UMANG App that aims to bring 162 government services on a single mobile app, with a larger goal to make the government accessible on the mobile phone of citizens.

This year the theme was Cyber4All: A Secure and Inclusive Cyberspace for Sustainable Development. The overall goal of GCCS 2017 is to promote the importance of inclusiveness and human rights in global cyber policy.

84 - Centre approved over one lakh crore rupees worth Highway and Shipping Projects for Tamil Nadu

The Union Government has approved projects of value of more than one Lakh crore rupees for Tamil Nadu. These projects will cover the Highways, Shipping and Port and for finding a permanent solution to the irrigation and drinking water requirements of the state.

Three New Elevated Corridors have been approved first being the Tambaram-Chengelpatu at a cost of 2250 crores, Poonamalee-Maduravoyal Corridor with an outlay of 1500 crores and the Tiruvallur Corridor budgeted at 1000 crore.

85 - President nod to Ordinance to amend Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the ordinance to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.

The Code provides for a market-determined and time-bound insolvency resolution process. The ordinance aims at putting in place safeguards to prevent unscrupulous, undesirable persons from misusing or vitiating the provisions of the code. The amendment also provides such check by specifying that the Committee of Creditors ensure the viability and feasibility of the resolution plan before approving it.

86 - Union Government promulgated Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017

The Union Government has promulgated Indian Forest (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 to encourage bamboo cultivation in non-forest areas.

The ordinance exempts bamboo grown in non-forest areas from definition of tree, thereby dispensing with the requirement of felling and transit permit for its economic use. Bamboo, though, taxonomically a grass, was legally defined as a tree under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. The measure will go a long way in enhancing the agricultural income of farmers and tribals, especially in Northeast and Central India.

87 - Multi state mega mock tsunami exercise 2017 held

The Ministry of Home Affairs through National Disaster Management Authority and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services conducted a first-of-its-kind multi State mega mock exercise on tsunami preparedness covering the entire eastern coastline of India.

Simulation exercises were conducted simultaneously in 35 coastal districts across four States of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry along the entire East Coast, to assess and improve the early warning and response mechanism to mitigate the impact of a high-intensity tsunami.

88 - HRD ministry launched Digital Signature campaign on Constitution Day

A signature campaign was launched by Human Resources Development department on Constitution day. This will help in creating awareness on fundamental duties as per the Constitution. The constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. The day is also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’.

Public was invited to join the campaign by filling a form online. The form not only gave information about the Constitution but also created importance of the day among people.

89 - Prime Minister launched all in one app ‘UMANG’

Indian Prime minister launched new app called UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New age Governance), meant for citizens to access all government services such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), EPFO services, PAN applications etc., on single platform. App will provide access to 1200 services.

This app will also facilitate users to apply for job by registering on Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. It was done in an initiative to welcome digital world and make public friendly to digital services.

90 - India and Russia ink anti-terror pact

India and Russia signed a key agreement and agreed to help each other in combating terrorism. The pact was signed by Indian ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran and deputy minister for internal affairs of the Russian Federation Igor Zubov.

The new agreement between India's MHA and Russia's interior ministry will replace the October 1993 agreement between both the countries. Indian and Russian representatives also signed a joint action plan for countering the threat posed by narcotics. This agreement will provide legal framework for bilateral cooperation in this field.

91 - India, Greece sign Air Services Agreement

India and Greece signed Air Services Agreement and MoU on Cooperation in the field of New and Renewable Energy in New Delhi.

The pacts were inked after talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Kotzias. As per the new civil aviation policy, the government would enter into an 'open sky' air services agreement on a reciprocal basis with SAARC nations as well as countries with territory located entirely beyond a 5,000-kilometre radius from New Delhi.

92 - Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched program to train Elected Women Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions

The Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched an intensive training program for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Master Trainers.

The program is being organized by National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) of the WCD Ministry, which will ultimately train approximately twenty thousand EWRs by March 2018. The training program will include simple engineering skills, which will give them an insight into women’s issues as well as focus on education and financial matters.

93 - The 12^th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the 12^th meeting of the Standing Committee of Inter-State Council (ISC). The meeting discussed the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-State Relations.

The Punchhi Commission was set up by the Government under the leadership of Justice (Retd.) Madan Mohan Punchhi, former Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India, in 2005. The Punchhi Commission submitted its report in 2010 containing 273 recommendations in seven volumes.

94 - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India upholds net neutrality

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has upheld the basic principles of an open and free internet in its recommendations on net neutrality. Net neutrality means that telecom service providers must treat all internet traffic equally, without any regard to the type, origin or destination of the content or the means of its transmission.

TRAI recommended prohibiting Internet service providers from making any discrimination in traffic while providing web access by either blocking or throttling some apps, websites and services or by offering fast lanes to others.

95 - Health Ministry and ICMR launched India Hypertension Management Initiative

Health Ministry department and ICMR launched the India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI). The IHMI aims to reduce disability and death related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in India, by improving the control of high blood pressure (hypertension), reducing salt consumption and eliminating artificial trans-fats, leading risk factors for CVD.

WHO India Representative highlighted the importance of awareness and detection of hypertension. This program will help with the management of hypertension in the country.

96 - World’s first 3D Sanskrit Film screened at 2017 IFFI Goa

Asokan PK-directed film ‘Anurakhti’ that is called as world’s first Sanskrit 3D film was screened at the International Film Festival of India in Panaji in Goa. The movie is based on story of 'Vasudha', a Punjabi danseuse, who comes to Kerala to learn Koodiyattam from a practitioner called Paramesharwan Chakkiar. Koodiyattam is a 2000-year-old dance form of Kerala.

The movie was made to create importance of Sanskrit language in todays’ world. The language has been used in movie in such a way that it became simplifies for viewers to understand.

97 - Russia to help India to set up national crisis response centre

Russia will help India to set up a national crisis management centre in the country to handle disaster and other emergencies.

Both sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India. This was agreed during a meeting between Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov in Moscow. The two nations also reviewed the implementation of the agreement on information security signed in October 2016.

98 - FSSAI issued detailed guidelines on recall of food products

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued detailed guidelines on recall of food products in order to put in place a proper plan to recall food products from markets if found unsafe and also inform the authority about the same.

Recall is an action to remove food products from market, which may pose a threat to the public health or food that violate the Act. "At the time of recall being carried out, the FBO shall submit their detailed recall plan to the CEO, FSSAI," the regulator said.

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