Tnpsc Current Affairs January 2017 (February 02-10, 2017)
Mascot for FIFA Under 17 World Cup India 2017
Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel with President of AIFF Shri Praful Patel here today unveiled the mascot KHELEO for FIFA under 17 World Cup India 2017. The mascot was unveiled during the launch of Mission XI Million programme. FIFA under 17 world cup to be held in India from 06/10/2017 to 28/10/2017.
Basant Panchami is being celebrated - 01.02.2017
Basant Panchami is being celebrated on 01.02.2017. The festival marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the month of 'Magha'. Basant means spring and Panchami means "the fifth day". On this day, Hindus wearing yellow clothes visit temples and pray to Goddess Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge, and celebrate the day as Saraswati Puja. Schools and educational institutes celebrate Saraswati Puja. Kite flying competitions will also be held. The festival is mostly celebrated mostly in northern states of Punjab and Bihar. In Allahabad, Basant Panchami bathing is taking place at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna and other Ghats of holy rivers from this morning. Besides elaborate arrangements for the bathing, security has been tightened at the Sangam area. Police and paramilitary forces are keeping vigil and drones and CCTV cameras have been put into service in the area.
CBSE to conduct NEET on 7th May this year
The Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE, will conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to all medical colleges in the country on 7th May this year. The test will be conducted across 80 cities for admission to MBBS and BDS courses in medical and dental colleges run with approval of the Medical Council and Dental Council of India. Candidates have been given an opportunity to submit the online application for a month from 31st January to 1st March. According to an official statement, the test will be held at 1,500 centres across the country and more than 10 lakh candidates are expected to appear in the examination.
UNICEF launches 3.3 bln USD to aid millions of children
UN children's agency UNICEF has launched an appeal for 3.3 billion US Dollar to help 48 million children caught up in crises worldwide amid fears of a funding cut from top donor the United States. This year's appeal represents a 18 per cent increase from the initial request for funding in 2016. Donors contribute to the appeals on a voluntary basis. The United States is by far the top donor to UNICEF, followed by Germany, Britain and the European Commission. According to UNICEF, Almost one in four of the world's children now lives in a country affected by conflict or disaster.
India, Russia holds high-level consultations on counter-terrorism
India and Russia held high-level consultations on counter-terrorism issues in New Delhi. An official release issued after consultations between the two special strategic partners said that both sides shared views and assessment on the threats posed by the scourge of terrorism, including state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism faced by India. They also shared concerns regarding the emergence of Afghanistan-Pakistan region as the epicentre of terrorism. They discussed successful experiences in curbing terrorism and countering radicalisation.
Background: Both sides agreed that the UN Security Council Sanctions List processes for blacklisting various terrorist individuals and entities must be stringently complied with. Prospects for deepening engagement on counter-terrorism under the UN, BRICS and SCO mechanisms were also emphasized. The two sides also agreed to a joint action plan which seeks to focus on enhancing capacity building, frequent expert-level meetings, sharing of insights, exchange of best practices in countering radicalization and curbing terrorism. The Indian delegation was led by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs while the Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Oleg V. Syromolotov.
31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela to begins
The 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela will begin today. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal will inaugurate the fortnight-long event. Briefing media persons, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Haryana government and Vice-Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority VS Kundu said, Jharkhand is the theme state and Egypt is the partner nation. Our correspondent has the deatils.
31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela to begin
The 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela will begin today. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal will inaugurate the fortnight-long event. Briefing media persons, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Haryana government and Vice-Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority VS Kundu said, Jharkhand is the theme state and Egypt is the partner nation. Our correspondent has the deatils.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela: The mela will remain open for public from 1030 AM to 0830 PM till 15th February. Organisers have set up help desk at all six gates where visitors can get all relevant information. An 18-feet statue of greatest freedom fighter of Jharkhand Birsa Munda has been erected. 21 countries are participating in the fair. Organisers have made elaborate arrangements as they are expecting 15 lakh people to visit the mela this year.
AIR to launched special FM radio station- Sainagar Shirdi
In Maharashtra, All India Radio will launch today a special FM radio station- Sainagar Shirdi at Shirdi in Ahmadnagar district. It will cover an area of around 25 km from the Sai Baba temple. Chief Executive Officer of the Prasar Bharati Suresh Chandra Panda will officially launch the radio service, 103.7 MHz 'FM Shirdi Sai', at 9.30 this morning. All India Radio Director General F Shahariyar and Additional Director General M S Thomas will also be present at the launch of the FM Station. The programmes will be broadcast in Marathi, Hindi and English languages. This is the first-of-its-kind radio station in Maharashtra after Tirupati radio station personalised for Titupati temple.
India's forex reserves soar by $ 932.4 million to $ 360.775 billion
Rising for the second consecutive week, India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves soared by 932.4 million dollars to 360.775 billion dollars in the week ended January 20. In its weekly statistical supplement, Reserve Bank said that foreign currency assets, which constitute a major chunk of the forex reserves, had gone up by 926.4 million dollars to 338.434 billion dollars during the week. Country's forex reserves had increased by 687.9 million dollars to 359.843 billion dollars in the previous week. The RBI said that country’s gold reserves remained unchanged at 18.584 billion dollars during the week, while its special drawing rights (SDRs) went up by 2.3 million dollars to 1.442 billion dollars. It also stated that India’s reserve position in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased by 3.7 million dolars to 2.315 billion dollars during the week.
FM Arun Jaitley will present the Annual Budget for the "first time it will be presented on the first of February"
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the budget on 1st February. Expectations are high among the general public. This year's budget is historic in a number of ways. For the first time it will be presented on the first of February. It is also the first time that there will be no separate railway budget, and plan expenditure will also be done away with since the era of 5 year plans comes to an end. Another historic feature of this year's budget is that instead of a separate rail budget presented by the Railway Minister, allocations for the railways will be presented as part of the general budget by the Finance Minister himself. Earlier it was February end event, the government is aiming at implementing the budgetary provisions from the beginning of the financial year which is April 1st. Earlier the implementation extended even beyond the month of May and special budget allocations had to be made for the 2 months of April and May.
BNHS launched "Climate Change Programmein Central Himalayas"
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to conduct study to assess the status, distribution and conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation.
Himalayas& Natural Heritage: The Himalayas hold a rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across the Himalayas.
BNHS-Bombay Natural History Society: BNHS is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It was founded on 15 September 1883 and headquartered at Hornbill House, Mumbai. It supports many research efforts through grants and publishes the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. Department of Science and Technology has designated as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’.
Former Minister "E Ahamed" Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest
ormer Union Minister E Ahamed, who collapsed Tuesday morning in parliament after suffering a cardiac arrest, has died. He was 78. Ahamed was admitted at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest while both houses of parliament were being jointly addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee. Ahamed, who has served as Minister of State for External Affairs in previous government, represented Kerala in the Lok Sabha and is the president of the Indian Union Muslim League.
Mission XI Million, the biggest school sports outreach programme in the country launched in New Delhi
Driven by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi´s vision of making football the sport of choice in India, Mission XI Million, the biggest school sport outreach programme was launched here today by the Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel in the presence of President of AIFF Shri Praful Patel. A first of its kind, the programme will encourage children to play the beautiful game of football, gain healthy habits and learn important life lessons in teamwork and sportsman spirit. The approach is to work with school principals and sports teachers and encourage and incentivize them to make children play football games on regular basis.
Mission XI Million: It is a massive school engagement programme for football. Designed with international sporting expertise, but keeping in mind the ground realities of our huge and varied country, it aims to instill the passion for football in 11 million children from every part of the country. Mission XI Million will take the beautiful game of football to at least 11 million boys and girls around the country. Children in every state, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh will get a chance to learn, play and enjoy football.
Dr P Raghu Ram awarded "2016 B C Roy Award"
Dr P Raghu Ram, President of Association of Breast Surgeons of India was awarded prestigious Dr B C Roy national award for outstanding service in the field of socio-medical relief for 2016. The award will be conferred on him by President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of the Doctors day observed every year on 1st July. He is claimed to be the youngest surgeon ever from the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) to receive this award. The award recognises Dr Rams significant contribution towards improving the delivery of breast health care in India. Besides, it also recognises his efforts for creating the much needed awareness about importance of early detection of breast cancer in Telugu states through a number of initiatives.
About BC Roy Award: BC Roy Award is the highest recognition for medical practitioners in India. It was instituted by the Medical Council of India (MCI) in 1976 in memory of renowned physician and former West Bengal Chief Minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. The award is bestowed annually 6 categories viz. statesmanship of the Highest Order in India, eminent medical person, medical man-cum-statesman, eminent person in philosophy, eminent person in arts and eminent person in Science.
India to Host the First meeting of National Security Advisers of "BIMSTEC"
India to host the first meeting of national security advisers of BIMSTEC countries India will host the first meeting of national security advisers (NSAs) of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries to coordinate action against terrorism, extremism and radicalization. It was offered by India at the BIMSTEC senior officials meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal. India’s offer comes as concerns about the growth of radicalization of ethic Rohingyas of Myanmar by Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in recent months. This issue was part of the conversation between Indian leadership and NSA Ajit Doval and the Myanmar NSA U Thaung Tun, who visited India recently.
China Emerged as the World’s Largest Producer of Solar Energy
China becomes world’s largest Solar Energy Producer China has emerged as the world’s largest producer of solar energy. According to China’s National Energy Administration, its photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached to 77.42 GW in 2016. It has surpassed Germany, former global solar-power leader which has produced 40.78GW solar energy in November 2016. China claims that 11% of its energy use comes from renewable supplies such as solar and wind power. China also leads the world in wind-powered energy. India’s PV capacity has reached to 9 GW in 2016.
Telangana Government Launched "India’s First Social Innovation Centre"
Telangana government launches India’s first social innovation centre Telangana government has launched India’s first social innovation centre “Kakatiya Hub for Social Innovation” in Nizamabad. The hub is funded by the Telangana government and is expected to be run by September 2017. It will function like a rural incubator to encourage entrepreneurship at grassroots level. Its purpose is to create a model for promoting entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban areas in the country. The incubator will be run through Kakatiya Sandbox, a centre that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation modelled after Deshpande Foundation’s Hubli Sandbox.
Orientation Programme for launched of "1000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs)"
Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar inaugurated and presided over the orientation programme for the district conveners of National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) here today, for launching of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) in the country. The workshop was targeted to educate and channelize youth to synergize their efforts for taking ahead the mission to open 3000 PMBJKs by March 2017. As a follow up activity to the MoU signed earlier between Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) and NYCS for establishing 1000 PMBJKs in the country, the workshop served the purpose of laying the details of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) threadbare and presented a future model of a PMBJK before the district conveners of NYCS. Representatives from 24 States and 106 districts from across the country attended the programme to further help spread the scheme in their respective zones and bring momentum in opening of PMBJKs.
852 Solar PV based Projects Operational Under of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
A total of 852 projects (based on Solar PV) have been operational under Decentralized Distributed Generation (DDG) of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) implemented by Ministry of Power as on 31.01.2017. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Mines New & Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 09.02.2017.
Rs. 600 Crore Allocated for “Grid connected Rooftop and small Solar Power Plants Programme”
An amount of Rs. 600 crore has been allocated for the projects under “Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar power Plants Programme” and Rs. 508.84 Crore has been released till 31.01.2017. This was stated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Mines New & Renewable Energy and Mines in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 09.02.2017.
19654 cases of "Child Rape registered in the country in 2015"
As per information furnished by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 12,363 cases in 2013 under child rape (Section 376 IPC) were registered. A total of 18,661 cases in 2014 and 19654 cases in 2015 under child rape (including section 376 of IPC and Section 4&6 of the POCSO Act) were registered. NCPCR has registered 613 complaints under the POCSO Act, 2012 during the last 3 years. Out of 613 complaints, 92 cases are from the schools.
Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) with the objective of creating a safe and secure environment for children in conflict with law as well as children in need of care and protection.
Arunachal Pradesh Government implemented "E-Cabinet for Decision-Making Process"
The Arunachal Pradesh government has recently implemented e-Cabinet solution to use as a powerful tool to streamline its decision-making process. With this, Arunachal Pradesh has become the first state in the northeast to implement e-Cabinet solution for the state cabinet members.
E-Cabinet: The e-Cabinet solution will give remote access to the ministers to view Cabinet notes and the same will be circulated well in advance for proper analysis and feedback. The system is a multi-user secure solution that keeps relevant information organised and updated in real time, giving ministers a clear overview of each item under discussion.
Gujarat - the First Indian State to establish "Cashless System for Distribution of Food Grains"
Gujarat has become the first Indian State to establish cashless system for distribution of food grains. The beneficiaries under National Food Security Act (NFSA) will need to carry only Aadhaar cards for getting their food grain in Gujarat. This will help in establishing the identity of beneficiaries, help in stopping the leakages of grain at shop level and above all eradicate corruption in the Public distribution System (PDS).
Book Released: “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand” Authored by K. Vijay Kumar,
The book “Veerappan: Chasing the Brigand” has been authored by K. Vijay Kumar, the Senior Security Adviser in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The book is a source of valuable inspiration offering insight into the tactics that went into the wiping out of the dreaded forest brigand on whom a prize money of Rs. 5 crores had been declared more than a decade back.
Book Released: “Band, Bajaa, Boys!” Authored by Rachna Singh
The book “Band, Bajaa, Boys!” has been authored by Rachna Singh, an HR and marketing consultant. This book explores the many hilarious shades of small town life, with an underlying theme of rejection.
Union Minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu Released Annual Year Book ‘India-2017’ and ‘Bharat-2017’
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu has recently released the annual year book ‘India-2017’ and ‘Bharat-2017’ at a function in Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi on February 6, 2017. The book published by the Publications Division gives comprehensive information about the country and various States and Union Territories including functioning of the government and the economy. The book also gives a glimpse of flagship programmes of the government, important events of the year and the story of Indian States and Union Territories with their vital statistics. Beside this, the electronic version of the Year Book has also launched that provides latest technical features and has a variety of reader-friendly features like searchable content, referencing and is priced at 25% less than the print books.
17th International Seminar on "Counter Terrorism" held ar Manesar in Haryana
The 17th International Seminar on Counter Terrorism has been held at Manesar in Haryana on February 8, 2017. The seminar is organised by National Security Guard (NSA) and inaugurated by the Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. Apart from this, the Minister also unveiled the NSG annual magazine ‘The Bombshell’, which contains details of various IED explosions that occurred in various parts of the world in 2016.
Two Indians selected for the "NBA and FIBA’s third annual Basketball without Borders (BWB) Global Camp"
The first time, two Indian cagers – Aashay Verma and Priyanka Prabhakara – have been selected in a 67-strong international group of boys and girls for the NBA and FIBA’s third annual Basketball without Borders (BWB) Global Camp in New Orleans, USA. The camp will be held February 17 to 19 as part of NBA All-Star 2017. The BWB Global Camp is a great opportunity for the top male and female prospects from around the world to compete against one another, learn directly from NBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches, and experience the excitement of NBA All-Star. The Basketball without Borders program was founded on the belief that basketball brings young players from different backgrounds together and transcends cultural boundaries.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 02, 2017
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed every year across the world on February 6 to promote the UN’s campaign to raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and to stop genital mutilation to girls and women. Basically, this day is an awareness campaign to end a harmful practice that violates girls’ and women’s rights. The 2017 theme is “Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa and the world to accelerate ending FGM by 2030”.
"Rollball World Cup 2017" will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh
The 4th Rollball World Cup will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from February 17 to 23, 2017. Approx 700 competitors from 45 countries are expected to participate in the tournament. It is the largest-ever event in any field where such a huge number of countries will be participating in any Asian Country. The International Rollball Federation (IRBF) is a body which is associated with International Rollball. This game was created by Raju Dabhade of Pune City, India and is also the Secretary of the IRBF. Rollball is a game played between two teams of 12 players. Out of 12, only 6 players are allowed to play on court at a time. This game is played on skates.
Jharkhand Government will give 2% Reservation to Sportsperson in Government Job
Jharkhand government will give 2% reservation to sportsperson in government job and nutritious food to them. Apart from this, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has stated that Kamal Clubs would be set up to promote football, and for this the government would give kits to players and competitions would be held at block, district and state levels and women teams will also be set up for this purpose.
Foundation Stone laid for "India’s first Centre of Excellence for Differently-Abled Sportsmen in Gujarat
Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel has laid the foundation stone of the India’s first centre of excellence for differently-abled sportsmen at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Center of Excellence is proposed with an estimate of over Rs 50 crore. It will have world class facilities where para athletes can train for various international competitions including Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
Indian-origin "Dr Shawna Pandya" shortlisted for NASA 2018 Space Mission
An Indian-origin neurosurgeon currently based in Canada has been shortlisted by NASA for its 2018 space mission under the Citizen Science Astronaut (CSA) programme. If everything goes as per plan, 32-year old Dr Shawna Pandya may join the league of Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams. Dr Pandya, who was born in Canada, is a general physician with the Alberta University Hospital. She has her roots in Mumbai, where her grandmother currently lives. Pandya, who is in Mumbai holding talks with medical professionals, was shortlisted after securing top score in the CSA programme.
"Jallikattu" held in Madurai Alanganallur, Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the world famous jallikattu was held on 10.02.2017 in Madurai Alanganallur. Madurai district collector Veera Raghava Rao gave away the prizes to winners. AIR correspondent reports, Jallikattu held at Alanganallur today after two years attracted thousands of people from all over the state. Union minister of state for road transport highways and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan DMK working President M K Stalin were among the many leaders who witnessed the jallikattu. Madurai Collector Veera Raghava Rao gave away prizes to best bull tamers Vimal Raj who tamed bulls, Manikanda Prabhu who tamed 12 bulls and Anandam for taming 9 bulls. The best jallikattu bull award was given to the Thondaiman bull from Tiruchirapalli. Jallikattu was held in many places including Alanganallur Trichy Manaparai today after jallikattu law was enacted in state Assembly.
640th "Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidass" is being celebrated on 10.02.2017
In Punjab and Haryana, 640th (Parkash Utsav) birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidass is being celebrated today. All the Gurudwaras and Guru Ravidass temples have been decorated tastefully. Recitation of Guru Ravi Dass's couplets is going on in the Gurudwaras since morning. Large number of devotees are visiting the religious places.41 couplets of Guru Ravi Dass are there in the sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Musical recitation (kirtan) of these couplets is going on regularly. Devotees have organised special community kitchens for the devotees.
World Wetlands Day observed on 02.02.2017
On World Wetlands Day, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has proposed that Thane creek be declared a Ramsar site as it is an important bird area. Ramsar sites are wetlands considered to be of international importance. The Ramsar convention, an international body, forms the basis for identification of such wetlands. The international treaty came into effect in 1971 after identifying the first such wetland at the Ramsar city of Iran. The Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Virat Kohli - The First Batsman to Score Double Hundreds in Four Successive Test Series.
Indian captain Virat Kohli continued his unbelievable record-breaking spree on Friday and surpassed the legendary Sir Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid by becoming the first batsman to score double hundreds in four successive Test series. Kohli's double tons came in the series against the West Indies, New Zealand, England and now Bangladesh, which is in India for a one-off Test. Bradman and Dravid had achieved the feat in three successive series.Kohli hit his maiden double hundred (200) at North Sound against the West Indies in July last year followed by 211 against New Zealand at Indore in October. This was followed by his current career-best score of 235 against England in Mumbai in December and now 204 against Bangladesh.While statistically Kohli had broken Bradman and Dravid's record but a cursory look at 'The Don's' statistics would tell that his numbers during that 1930-31 phase was phenomenal. In the 1930 Ashes series in England between June and August, the then 22-year-old Bradman scored 254 at Lord's, 334 (his career best) at the Leeds (Headingley) followed by 232 at the Oval -- all in a single series.In the following series against the West Indies in January 1931, Don hit 223 at Brisbane (the series was played in Australia). The next series that he played against South Africa (again Down Under), he hit 226 at Brisbane becoming the first batsman to score a double hundred in three successive series.For Dravid, the hat-trick of double hundreds in successive series came in the 2003-04 season.He scored 222 against New Zealand at Ahmedabad (October 2003) followed by 233 against Australia at Adelaide (December 2003). The hat-trick was accomplished with his career-best 270 against Pakistan in the very next series.