GK & CA
Collection of weekly GK & CA since year 2016.
February, 2017
1697
Edappadi K Palaniswamy sworn-in as CM of Tamil Nadu
Edappadi K Palaniswamy was sworn in as the 13th chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He was administered oath of office and secrecy in a simple ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Chennai, state capital.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171696
SC introduces Middle Income Group Scheme
The Supreme Court has introduced Middle Income Group Scheme, (MIGS) a self-supporting scheme for providing legal services to the middle and relatively lower income groups.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171695
Surendra Verma selected for 2016 Vyas Samman award
Renowned Hindi Scholar, litterateur and playwright Surendra Verma (75) was selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman 2016. He was chosen for this award for his novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha : Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se, published in 2010.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171694
RBI allows multilateral FIs to invest in masala bonds
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted multilateral and regional financial institutions (FIs) to invest in ‘masala bonds’, rupee denominated bonds issued by Indian entities.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171693
India ranks 143rd in 2017 Economic Freedom Index
India was ranked 143rd out of 186 economies in the annual Index of Economic Freedom 2017 that measures the degree of economic freedom in the countries of the world.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171692
NRAI gets highest WHO ratings for vaccine regulations
India’s vaccine regulatory body NRAI (National Regulatory Authority of India) was given the maximum ratings by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for vaccine regulations.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171691
Maharashtra govt approves cloud seeding project for 2017
Maharashtra Government has approved Rs. 250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme during 2017 monsoon season to produce sufficient rain.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171690
Scientists develop high-quality graphene from soybean
Scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have made world’s strongest material graphene commercially more viable by using soybean.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171689
Indian Navy’s INSV Tarini inducted
Indian Navy’s second ocean-going sailboat INSV Tarini was inducted at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool on Saturday in Goa. It is slated to be the platform for the Indian Navy’s first Indian all-women circumnavigation of the globe expedition.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171688
Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned
Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH was commissioned at Kochi, Kerala by Vice Admiral AR Karwe, Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief, Southern Naval Command.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171687
ISRO successfully tests largest GSLV Mark III rocket
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully ground tested India’s largest indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage engine for GSLV Mark III.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171686
GST council approves law to compensate states
The GST Council has approved a law to compensate states for any loss of revenue from the implementation of the new nationwide indirect taxation regime.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171685
February 20: World Day of Social Justice
The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on February 20 to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171684
Researchers develop first stretchable integrated circuit
Researchers from US based Michigan State University have developed the first stretchable integrated circuit (IC) made entirely using an inkjet printer.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171683
Barren Island: India’s only live volcano active again
According to scientists from Goa based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), India’s only live volcano at Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar has become active again.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171682
Scientist have claimed discovery of new geological continent
Geologists have claimed discovery of new geological continent named Zealandia submerged beneath the south-west Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is around 4.5-million square km land mass and is 94% under water.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171681
MoU signed for welfare of Handicraft Artisans
The Union Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have signed MoU to step up interventions for the welfare and economic development of scheduled caste artisans.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171680
Gujarat Assembly passes Aadhaar Bill, 2017
The Gujarat Assembly has passed Gujarat Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2017.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171679
govt releases format for recording, reporting road accident
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the new format for recording and reporting road accident data.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171678
govt announces expansion of rotavirus vaccine in 5 states
The Union Government has announced the expansion of rotavirus vaccine in five additional states under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). They are Assam, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171677
govt launches SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH app
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) programme.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171676
India, Rwanda sign MoUs
India and Rwanda have inked three agreements in the fields of innovation, aviation and visa requirements to boost bilateral relations.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171675
Government approves Phase II of coastal surveillance project
The Union Defence Ministry has given its nod to the Phase II of coastal surveillance project to expand the coastal radar surveillance network. It will strengthen surveillance of over 7,500-km coastline of the country.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171674
February 21: International Mother Language Day
The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed across the world on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. This year it is the 17th anniversary of IMLD.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171673
National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala
The National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017 was held in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. The event is hosted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171672
Shurhozelie Liezitsu sworn-in as Chief Minister of Nagaland
Shurhozelie Liezitsu (81) was sworn-in as the 17th Chief Minister of Nagaland. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor PB Acharya at a ceremony in the state capital Kohima.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171671
Scientists discover four new miniature frog species
Scientists have discovered four new species of miniature night frogs no bigger than a human thumbnail in Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171670
Government launches Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi for Botnet cleaning and Malware analysis.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171669
Government launches Bharat QR code
The Union Government has launched Bharat QR code, a quick response (QR) code to enable digital payments without card swiping machines.
Thu, 23 Feb, 20171667
Government constitutes inter-departmental task force
The Union Government has constituted inter-departmental task force comprising members of various regulatory Ministries and enforcement agencies to crack down on benami firms.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171666
Pakistan’s naval exercise Aman 2017 begins in Karachi
The Pakistan Navy has kicked of its biannually-held multinational AMAN 2017 naval exercise in Karachi, Pakistan. 37 countries are participating in the international event.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171665
AAD interceptor missile successfully test-fired
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile dubbed as Ashwin was successfully test-fired from launching complex-IV of Dhamara Abdul Kalam defence base off Odisha coast.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171664
February 12: National Productivity Day
The National Productivity Day is observed every year on February 12. Besides, February 12-18 is observed as National Productivity week throughout the country.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171663
govt to come out with 2nd PSB recapitalisation plan
The Union Government is planning to come out with ‘Indradhanush 2.0’, a comprehensive plan for recapitalisation of public sector lenders.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171662
India to host counter-radicalisation conference with ASEAN
India is planning to host a conference on counter-radicalisation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2017.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171661
INS Sarvekshak becomes India’s first ship to go green
Indian Navy’s survey vessel INS Sarvekshak, based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi became the first naval ship to go green by installing a solar power system on board.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171660
February 13: World Radio Day
The World Radio Day is observed every year on 13th February to celebrate radio as the medium for entertainment, information and the mode for communication. 2017 Theme: “Radio is You”.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171659
DAE plans to develop uranium deposits in Meghalaya
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has planned to develop large deposits of uranium found in Meghalaya to tap its potential to generate substantial nuclear fuel for atomic power plants in the country.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171658
India’s first floating elementary school inaugurated
India’s first floating elementary school named Loktak Elementary Floating School was inaugurated at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok floating village on Loktak Lake in Manipur.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171657
Reliance Defence signs warship repair pact with US Navy
Anil Ambani group led Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited (RDEL) has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the US Navy to provide repair and alteration services for ships of the Seventh Fleet.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171656
Karnataka passes Bill to allow Kambala & bullock-cart racing
Karnataka Assembly has passed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 to allow kambala, the traditional buffalo race and bullock-cart racing.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171655
59th Grammy awards 2017
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards were announced by the Recording Academy announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171654
70th BAFTA Awards 2017
The 70th British Academy of Film & Television Arts Awards ceremony was held in London. This year the BAFTA awards were conferred for the outstanding performances in films & documentaries screened at British Cinemas in 2016.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171653
India’s air pollution is world’s deadliest
According to a new study of global air pollution India’s rapidly worsening air pollution is now surpassing China’s as the deadliest in the world.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171652
No need to stand if National Anthem is part of film: SC
The Supreme Court has clarified that there is no need to stand inside a cinema hall when the national anthem is featured as a part of a film, documentary or a newsreel.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171651
Scientists discover 1970s banned chemicals
Scientists for the first time have found high levels of human-made pollutants, including chemicals that were banned in the 1970s, in the tissues of marine creatures dwelling in the deepest oceans of the Earth.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171650
IMF opens technical assistance and training centre
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has opened a first-of-its-kind South Asia Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) in New Delhi for economic capacity building in South Asia.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171649
Scientists develop Thubber, stretchable rubber material
Scientists have developed novel rubber like material nicknamed ‘thubber’ which has high thermal conductivity and elasticity.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171648
India joins UN network to halve maternal, newborn deaths
India has joined Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, a global health network focused on improving the quality of care for new mothers and babies.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171647
IAF inducts indigenous early warning system NETRA
The AEW&C NETRA has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was unveiled at the 2017 Aero India exhibition held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171646
FSSAI constitutes Panel on Food Fortification & Nutrition
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has constituted a Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition to identify critical nutritional gaps in the Indian diet in general and also in specific target groups.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171645
ISRO successfully launches record 104 satellites
ISRO successfully launches record 104 satellites in single mission. These satellites were launched on board of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C37, on its 39th mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171644
CCEA approves contract awards for 44 small oil & gas fields
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved to award contract in 31 contract areas of small oil and gas fields belonging to ONGC and Oil India Limited (OIL)
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171643
Union Cabinet approves establishment of FLRP at Amlaha
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh with Satellite Hubs in West Bengal and Rajasthan.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171642
Government launches TAMRA Portal and Mobile App
The Ministry of Mines has launched Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation (TAMRA) Portal and Mobile Application to ensure transparent award of statutory Clearances for mining operations
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171641
Cabinet approves bill to amend Collection of Statistics Act
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved introduction of Bill in Parliament to extend the jurisdiction of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 to Jammu & Kashmir.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171640
Union Cabinet approves merger of SBI, 5 associate banks
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the merger of State Bank of India (SBI) with five of its associate/subsidiary banks.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171639
Scientists ‘unmask’ superbug-shielding protein
Scientists from University of Western Australia have successfully mapped three-dimensional molecular structure of EptA protein that shields superbugs from antibiotics.
Thu, 16 Feb, 20171637
February 10: National Deworming Day
The National Deworming Day is observed every year on February 10 with main objective to combat parasitic worm infections among preschool and school-age children across India.
Sat, 11 Feb, 20171636
Government to set up Defence Procurement Organisation
The Union Government is planning to set up a Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO), new procurement body to integrate and streamline the long and arduous process of defence acquisitions.
Sat, 11 Feb, 20171635
India ranks 43rd out of 45 nations in 2017 IIPI
India ranked low 43rd among the surveyed 45 nations in 2017 International Intellectual Property Index (IIPI). In this edition, India is just above Pakistan (44th) and Venezuela (45th).
Sat, 11 Feb, 20171634
Senior IAS officer Ajay Tyagi appointed as SEBI Chairman
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior bureaucrat Ajay Tyagi (58) as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Sat, 11 Feb, 20171633
Shuttler Aditya Joshi reaches quarters of Thailand Masters
Former World No 1 junior, Aditya Prakash Joshi sailed into the quarterfinals of the Thailand Masters.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171632
Gopichand badminton academy to start training for players
National badminton coach and Dronacharya award winner Pullela Gopichand will start coaching at the Greater Noida academy from March this year said Deepak Agarwal, CEO of Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA).
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171631
Sourabh wins men's national title
Seasoned campaigner Sourabh Varma tamed the new badminton sensation in straight games in the summit clash to emerge men's singles champion at the 81st Senior Badminton National Championship.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171630
Sindhu, Saina in India team for Asia Mixed team Championship
Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu and London Games bronze winner Saina Nehwal have been named in the Indian squad for the inaugural Asia Mixed Team Championships.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171629
Chennai and Mumbai have high wind energy potential
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay researchers said, Chennai and Mumbai seem to have the highest potential to harvest wind energy during the time when the wind energy potential is very high (active period) during the monsoon period.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171628
Researchers employ laser light to speed up electronics
A researcher from India has taken the first definitive step to produce high-speed electronic devices that can operate one million times faster than modern electronics.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171627
Budget 2017: digital economy benefits
India at cusp of massive digital revolution. Govt to launch two new schemes to promote BHIM app, including cashback scheme for merchants.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171626
Budget 2017: financial sector benefits
New ETF to be launched. Stand-up India scheme: over 16,000 new enterprises have been set up.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171625
Budget 2017: infrastructure benefits
New metro rail policy to be announced. Digi-gau initiative to be launched. To make India global hub for electronics manufacture.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171624
Budget 2017: youth sector benefits
Education: System of measuring annual learning outcomes, emphasis on science. Propose to leverage information technology with launch of SWAYAM platform for virtual learning.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171623
Budget 2017: rural sector benefits
Mission Antyodaya to bring 1 crore households of poverty Rs1,87,223 crore allocated for rural programmes.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171622
New AIIMS for Jharkhand and Gujarat: Arun Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced two new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jharkhand and Gujarat as part of increasing healthcare in the country.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171621
Budget 2017: the agriculture sector benefits
Total allocation for rural, agricultural and allied sectors for 2017-18 is Rs 187223 crore, which is 24% higher than last year .
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171620
Complete rural electrification by 2019, hike in MNREGA fund
From poverty free Panchayats to 100 per cent electrification of villages by May 2019 and majorly hiking the MNREGA fund, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley focused on rural India.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171619
Sania inaugurates the ‘cradle’ of tennis
For Sania Mirza, by all means it was a trip down memory lane when the synthetic court designed to meet the needs of kids in the age group of three to four years was formally inaugurated adjacent to her residence at Jubilee Hills.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171618
Railway Minister launches Station Re-Development Project
The Union government has identified about 100 cities to be developed as smart cities and a smart railway station is necessary for every city to become a complete smart city, said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171617
Governor: Waive tax on all language films
Governor Vajubhai R. Vala said movies in all languages should get entertainment tax exemption like Kannada films in the State.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171616
Parrikar, Mattis agree to boost defence partnership
This is the first high-level contact between the defence departments of India and the U.S. since President Donald Trump took charge, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his U.S. counterpart, James Mattis, agreed to expand cooperation.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171615
National Women’s Parliament begins in Andhra Pradesh
The three-day National Women’s Parliament, being organised by Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly with the theme of ‘Empowering Women — Strengthening Democracy’, began in the state capital region Amaravati.
Fri, 10 Feb, 20171614
India is set to be one of the fastest growing economies
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is set to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world. The IMF estimates the world's GDP will grow 3.4%. India is the 6th largest manufacturing nation currently.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171613
Agriculture sector is expected to grow at 4.6%
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said union budget for agriculture expenditure targeted at Rs 10 lakh crore.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171612
Indian-origin British sculptor wins ‘Jewish Nobel’
Well known Indian-origin British sculptor Anish Kapoor was named the winner of a prestigious $1 million Genesis Prize by Israel for his commitment to Jewish values.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171611
Mattis calls Parrikar, vows to build defence cooperation
India and the US have agreed to “sustain the momentum on key bilateral defence efforts”, as said Defence Secretary James Mattis Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171610
Centre to install 150 quake sensors in Uttarakhand
India is looking to have more than six times the number of earthquake sensors in Uttarakhand to better understand the geology of the region and the evolution of Himalayan earthquakes.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171609
India takes 1st steps to policy on artificial life forms
India is taking its first steps to evolve a policy on synthetic biology, an emerging science whereby new life forms can potentially be made in labs and can be tweaked to exude specific proteins or chemically useful products.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171608
Queen marks Sapphire Jubilee - a first for a British monarch
Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest reigning sovereign, became the first British monarch to reach the Sapphire Jubilee, with 65 years on the throne.
Thu, 09 Feb, 20171606
Committee led by former CAG Vinod Rai to run BCCI
In a double tribute to transparency in sport administration and women cricketers, the Supreme Court appointed a four-member panel of administrators led by Vinod Rai and includes the legendary women test cricket player, Diana Edulji.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171605
Bihar introduces third gender category in school exams
Bihar have been allowed to appear for the Board exams conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) under the third-gender category.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171604
Security council secretariat gets Rs.333 crore hike
The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), which reports to National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, has seen a tenfold increase in budgetary allocation.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171603
Harikrishna rise to joint second in Tata Steel Chess
The India's Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna rose to the second position after three rounds in the Tata Steel Chess tournament.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171602
Anurag Thakur elected HPOA president
Anurag Thakur was elected head of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA).
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171601
Djokovic, Kyrgios in lead roles at star-stripped Davis Cup
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios hope the Davis Cup they will be the only two men in the top 15 taking part.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171600
Sindhu, Sameer triumph at Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold
Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu and national champion Sameer Verma wins the women's and men's singles crowns respectively at the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171599
Lakshya Sen becomes World No 1 junior badminton player
The 15-year-old shuttler from Almora, Lakshya Sen, became the number one junior singles badminton player in the world in the latest rankings of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171598
ASM to be India's 1st B-school to collaborate with Harvard
Audyogik Shikshan Mandal (ASM) becomes the first Indian B-school in India to collaborate with Harvard Business School.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171597
India and World Bank sign agreement to improve education
A USD 201.50 million financing agreement has been signed between India and the World Bank in order to improve the quality of technical education in the country.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171596
CSO revises GDP growth for 2015-16 upwards to 7.9%
Government has marginally revised upwards GDP growth for 2015-16 to 7.9 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.6 per cent after factoring in latest data on agriculture and industrial production.
Fri, 03 Feb, 20171595
25 coal mines to be auctioned in 2017-18
The Centre will auction 25 coal mines in 2017–18, four of which will be reserved for commercial mining, Coal Secretary said by Susheel Kumar.
Fri, 03 Feb, 2017