CA REFRESHER FOR SBI/UIIC

RBI

1. Cabinet approves MoU between RBI and Central Bank of UAE

The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Reserve Bank
and the Central Bank of United Arab Emirates (UAE) on co-operation on currency swap agreement.
2. RBI releases draft norms for universal bank licences on tap
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines for on-tap licensing of universal banks in the private sector,
allowing individuals with 10 years of experience in banking and finance to apply for a licence.
Apart from individuals, existing NBFCs controlled by residents having a successful track record for at least 10 years are
eligible to apply for a licence.
Entities in the private sector that are owned and controlled by residents and have a successful track record for at least 10
years, provided that if such entity has total assets of Rs 5,000 crore or more, the non-financial business of the group does not
account for 40% or more in terms of total assets in terms of gross income.
According to the draft guidelines, the initial minimum paid-up voting equity capital required is Rs 500 crore, and thereafter
the bank should maintain a minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore at all times.
3. RBI to issue Rs 1000 banknotes with inset letter 'R
The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 1000 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 with the
inset letter 'R' in both the number panels.
The banknotes will also have on the obverse, all the other security features, including ascending size of numerals, bleed lines
and enlarged identification mark as well as the signature of Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India.
These banknotes will also have the year of printing '2016' printed on the reverse.
4. RBI issues norms for branch offices by foreign entities
The Reserve Bank on 13 May said that entities from Pakistan, China, Bangladesh and four other regions will require its prior
approval to establish branch office or project office in India.
Other countries and regions are Sri Lanka, Afghanistan,Iran and Hong Kong or Macau, RBI said while releasing guidelines
for foreign entities to open a branch office (BO) or a liaison office (LO) or a project office (PO) in India.
Permission of RBI will also be required for opening a BO/LO/PO in Jammu and Kashmir, North East region and Andaman
& Nicobar Islands.
The approval is also required if the applicant is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO), a Non-Profit Organisation, or a
Body/ Agency/ Department of a foreign government.
It will also be needed if the principal business of the applicant falls in the four sectors -- defence, telecom, private security
and information and broadcasting.

5. RBI proposes higher provisions, risk weight for loans exceeding threshold
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said that there is a build-up of high concentration of credit risk in the banking sector
and has proposed, in a discussion paper, higher provisioning norms if loans exceed a certain threshold.
The discussion paper proposed the new norms to be applicable from 2017-18.
The central bank has conducted an analysis of bank loans to 77,036 corporate borrowers, of Rs.1 crore and above.
It is proposed that from 2017-18 onwards, incremental exposure of the banking system to a specified borrower beyond the
threshold limit will carry 3 per cent standard asset provisioning and additional 75 per cent risk weight.
RBI also said that banks may subscribe to bonds issued by highly leveraged groups from 2017-18.
6. RBI cuts repo rate by 25 basis points
The Reserve Bank on 05 April, 2016 cut the key interest rate by 0.25 per cent to 6.50 percent and introduced a host of
measures to smoothen liquidity supply so that banks can lend to the productive sectors and indicated accommodative stance
going ahead.
But in a surprise move, the Reserve Bank of India also raised the reverse repo - or the rates lenders charge to the central bank
- by 25 basis points to 6.0 percent, while taking measures to ensure more availability of cash in the banking system.
Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 6.0 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF)
rate to 7.0 per cent.
The Bank Rate which is aligned to the MSF rate also stands adjusted to 7.0 per cent.
Effective April 2, 2016 the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of scheduled commercial banks was reduced by 25 basis points
from 21.5 per cent to 21.25 per cent of their NDTL
7. RBI gives nod to Bharti Airtels payments Bank Unit
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its in-principle approval to Bharti Airtels payments bank venture Airtel M
Commerce Services Ltd (AMCS).
Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank has upto 19.9 per cent stake in Airtel M Commerce.
8. RBI tightens provisioning norms for bank frauds
Tightening disclosure norms, RBI has asked banks to disclose fraud cases and make provisions for them not exceeding four
quarters from the date during which it has been detected.

ECONOMY
1. India to pay 1.5% interest on $6.5 bn Iran oil dues
India has agreed to pay Iran an interest of 1.5 per cent on $6.5-billion that refiners like Essar Oil and Mangalore Refinery
owe it in oil dues, as a goodwill gesture.
Iran had sought an interest rate of Libor-plus 75 basis points on the $6.5 billion Indian refiners owe it in past oil dues, to
make up for the foreign exchange losses.
2. NSE to launch platform for financing SMEs against bills
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is planning to launch a new trading platform for bill discounting or trade receivables of
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
The countrys largest exchange has forged a joint venture with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) for
the new platform.
3. Kotak Mahindra Bank opens IFSC banking unit at GIFT City
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd became the fourth bank to open its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at Indias first and only International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) City.
With over $250 million worth of business transactions done at IFSC in the past six months, GIFT is attracting interest from
the BFSI sector in India, especially from banks, insurance companies and other financial services players who want to tap the
global markets.
4. ADB, AIIB sign landmark partnership deal in show of cooperation
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun and Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao signed a
memorandum of understanding during the Manila-based institution's 49th annual meeting held in Frankfurt, Germany.

5. IDBI Bank opens IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City

Public sector lender, IDBI Bank announced opening of its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at India's first and only International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec - City (GIFT) near Gandhinagar.
The bank informed that it became the first Public Sector bank to start functions in GIFT-IFSC.
6. Wilful defaulters owe Rs 66,000 cr to govt banks
There were 7,686 wilful defaulters owing Rs 66,190 crore to state-owned banks as of December 2015, Jayant Sinha, minister
of state for finance.
Sinha also said that the total outstanding amount in top 100 non-performing accounts (NPAs) with public sector banks
(PSBs) was Rs 1.73 lakh crore as of December 2015.
7. IREDA may be converted into a Green Bank
State-run Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) might be converted into a Green Bank to enable it to
access funding from overseas banks.
IREDA might be converted in to Green Bank without under going any altercation in its basic structure to enable it access
funding from overseas banks that are currently not supporting the solar and wind funding, barring well-known KFW
8. ICICI Bank signs MoU with New Development Bank
ICICI Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership with the New
Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states, namely Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa.
KV Kamath, president, New Development Bank, who was the chairman of ICICI Bank before assuming his present role.
ICICI Bank is the first Indian bank to sign an MoU with NDB.
9. I-T refunds worth Rs.1.22 lakh cr issued in FY16
The Income Tax Department has issued 2.1 crore refunds totalling more than Rs.1.22 lakh crore in 2015-16, which saw 94
per cent of the returns being filed online.
During FY 2015-16, more than 2.10 crore refunds amounting to Rs.1,22,425 crore were paid compared to Rs.1,12,188 crore
in the financial year 2014-15 and Rs.89,664 crore in the financial year 2013-14.
9. YES Bank gets SEBI nod to act as custodian of securities
Securities market regulator SEBI has granted in-principle approval to YES Bank for it to act as custodian of securities (CoS).
A Custodian of Securities licence-holder allows the entity to offer custodial services to financial market participants,
including FIIs and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).
10. India ranks ninth in crony-capitalism index
India is ranked at ninth position in crony-capitalism with crony sector wealth accounting for 3.4 per cent of the gross
domestic product (GDP), according to a new study by The Economist.
In India, the non-crony sector wealth amounts to 8.3 per cent of the GDP.
Russia tops the list followed by Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
11. ICICI Bank launches business credit card with Jet Airways
ICICI Bank on 12 May 2016 launched the countrys first contactless business credit card in association with Jet Airways for
small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their employees.
ICICI christened his first contactless card with Jet Airways ICICI Bank Business Advantage Card.
The card is powered by the VISA payWave contactless technology that enables the cardholder to make payments by simply
tapping the card at contactless enabled terminals in more than 48 countries, including India.
12. Indian economy poised to grow 7.3 % in 2016: U.N. report
Notwithstanding delays in domestic policy reforms, Indias economy is slowly gaining momentum and is projected to
grow by 7.3 per cent this year, a United Nations report forecast on 13 May 2016.

The World Economic Situation and Prospect report, in its mid-2016 update, has said India is expected to achieve a 7.5 per
cent GDP growth in 2017 and the economic prospects of the South Asian region will be contingent on the growth trajectory
of India and Iran.
China, which grew at about 6.9 per cent in 2015, will continue to witness slowdown in growth, with its GDP projected to
grow 6.4 per cent in 2016 and 6.5 per cent in 2017.

13. NITI Aayog to replace Nehruvian 5-year plans with 15-year vision documents
NDA government at the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to get rid of the Nehruvian five-year
plans, and replace them with 15-year vision documents.
The current 12th Five-Year Plan will be terminated in the current financial year, 2016-17.
The first 15-year vision document will start from 2017-18, along with a seven-year National Development Agenda which will
lay down the schemes, programmes and strategies to achieve the long-term vision.
For the first Development Agenda, the review would be done in 2019-20, in line with the termination year of the 14th
Finance Commission.
The Five-Year Plans first started in 1951 under the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
14. EPFO paid 8,200 crore as monthly pension in 2015-16
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) disbursed 8,200 crore as monthly pension and 47,630 crore as
member benefits in 2015-16.
15. Income Declaration Scheme 2016 to open from 1st June 2016
The Income Declaration Scheme 2016 or four month window for declaration of domestic black money shall come into effect
from 1st June 2016.
The window provides an opportunity to all persons who have not declared income correctly in earlier years to come forward
and declare their undisclosed incomes.
The declared income would be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent plus Krishi Kalyan cess of 25 per cent on taxes payable and a
penalty at the rate of 25 per cent of the taxes payable.
The surcharge and penalty must be paid by 30th November, 2016.
16. India's GDP likely to expand by 7.7% in FY17: NCAER
Economic think-tank NCAER projected India's economic growth rate to improve marginally to 7.7 per cent in 2016-17
against the backdrop of IMD's forecast of better monsoon rains this year.
The agriculture sector has witnessed feeble growth on account of drought for two successive years.The average rate of
growth in the agricultural and allied sectors' GDP for 2014-15 and 2015-16 has been a low 0.5 per cent.
17. World Bank approves $625 m loan to support rooftop solar programme in India
The board of World Bank has approved a $625 million loan to support the central governments programme to generate
electricity from rooftop solar power plants.
The board also approved a co-financing loan of $120 million on concessional terms and a $5 million grant from the Climate
Investment Funds Clean Technology Fund.
18. DBS Bank to set up new technology hub in Hyderabad
Singapore-based DBS Bank has decided to set up in Hyderabad its biggest technology hub outside its headquarters.
The lender has appointed Mohit Kapoor as the head of its Technology Development Centre in Hyderabad.
19. IT dept launches e-nivaran portal to fast track taxpayers grievances
The Income Tax (IT) department has launched electronic grievance redressal system e-nivaran to fast track taxpayer
grievances and ensure early resolution of their complaints.
The e-nivaran system also called as unified grievance management system seeks to integrate all online and physical
complaints gathered by the department, which will be monitored by the Assessing Officer of the case upto the supervisory
officers in a paperless environment.
20. RBS to close retail banking operations in India

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will close down it's retail operations in the country which will resulting in shutting down of
10 branches.It will exit it's retail operations in a phased manner.

21. Honda partners with IndusInd Bank for two wheeler financing
Honda Motorcycle and a Scooter India (HMSI), the country's second-largest two wheeler player, has partnered with IndusInd
Bank to offer retail finance to buyers.
IndusInd Bank will offer finance to eligible customers for purchasing Honda two wheelers through its network of over 1,000
branches across the country.
A customer can avail loan of up to 90% of the product value to be repaid in up to 36 months.
22. SBI seeks to take over 5 associate PSBs, Bhartiya Mahila Bank
The countrys largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to merge its five associate public sector banks (PSBs) and
the Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) with itself.
The merged entity will increase SBIs market share from 17 per cent to 22.5-23 per cent the country with total business of
over Rs. 35 lakh crore.
The merged entity will also increase branch network by 6,000.
At present, SBI alone has more than 15,000 branches in the country.
23. Nepal SBI Bank launches payment gateway
Nepal SBI Bank, one of the largest overseas subsidiaries of SBI, has launched payment gateway to facilitate online trade and
non-trade transactions between the Himalayan nation and India.
The Payment Gateway was inaugurated by SBI Managing Director B Sriram, and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae.
Besides, Sriram also handed over a cheque for Rs 5.21 crore to Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli for PM Natural Disaster Relief
Fund.
24. PNB tops list of worst losses in Indian banking history
State-run Punjab National Bank posted the largest quarterly loss ever reported by an Indian lender after being forced to set
aside more funds as bad loans more than doubled from the year earlier.
The Delhi-based lender made a net loss of Rs 5,367 crore in the January-March quarter compared with a profit of Rs 307
crore in the year earlier.
25. HDFC Bank launches SmartUp for startups
Indias second-largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has launched SmartUp, a dedicated solution for startups to fulfil all
their banking needs.
It was launched in association with a Mumbai-based start-up accelerator Zone Startups India (ZSI).It is a complete banking
solution meant for startups.It will be offering banking and payment solutions, along with forex and advisory services to
startups.
SmartUp will provide facility of current account.It will also provide HDFCs PayZapp for business a payment and
collection solution and a dedicated relationship manager.
26. India to grow at 7.5% in 2016, 2017: Moody's
Forecasting Indian economy to grow 7.5 per cent in the current and next year, Moody's Investors Service said the expansion
is primarily driven by rising consumption and sustained improvement in private investment was needed to maintain the
momentum.
The rating agency forecast G20 emerging markets growth at 4.2 per cent for 2016 and 4.8 per cent for 2017 compared with
4.4 per cent in 2015.
It maintained expectation of Chinese economy gradually slowing down to around 6.3 per cent in 2016 from 6.9 per cent in
2015, with significant fiscal and monetary policy support.
27. India, Slovenia amend DTAA to bring information exchange under ambit
India and Slovenia have signed a protocol to amend the bilateral Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
The protocol was signed by Ambassador of India to Slovenia Sarvajit Chakravarti and the Slovenian Minister of Finance
Dusan Mramor in Ljubljana.

28. IFC likely to invest $68 million in Apollo Hospitals' subsidiary

International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank, is likely to invest $68 million in India's Apollo Health &
Lifestyle Limited (AHLL).
AHLL is a subsidiary of Apollo Health Enterprises Limited and includes a network of primary healthcare clinics across the
country.
This investment is part of the overall raise of $135 million or Rs 900 crore.
IFC is considering an equity investment of approximately $68 million, including approximately $34 million for its own
account and approximately $34 million for IFC's Asset Management Company.
29. SEBI tightens P-note norms
The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has tightened the Participatory Notes (P-note) norms.
Participatory Notes are offshore/overseas derivative instruments (ODIs) issued by registered foreign institutional investors
(FII) to overseas investors.
30. India Post payments bank will be functional by March 17
India Post's payments bank will start functioning from March 2017 and serve as a wider platform to implement financial
inclusion programmes.
31. India, World Bank ink US$ 100 million loan agreement
India and World Bank have signed the Loan and Project Agreements for World Bank (IBRD) assistance of US 100 million
dollars for Karnataka Urban Water Supply Modernization project.
The project has four broad components: (i) Capital Investment Program (ii) Technical Assistance for Sector Development
(iii) Institution Building and (iv) Project Management.
32. Govt revises norms of Performance in Credit Rating Scheme
Government approved the revision in guidelines of the Performance in Credit Rating Scheme, aiming to increase its
credibility and effectiveness for both borrowers and banks.
For turnover up to Rs 50 lakh, the fee to be reimbursed by the MSME Ministry will constitute 75 per cent of the fee charged
by the rating agency subject to a ceiling Rs 15,000.
For turnover between Rs 50 lakh and 2 crore, the fee to be reimbursed will be 75 per cent of the fee charged by the rating
agency subject to a ceiling of Rs 30,000.
Similarly, for micro and small enterprises having turnover above Rs 2 crore, the fee to be reimbursed will be 75 per cent of
the fee charged by the rating agency subject to a ceiling of Rs 40,000.
33. World leaders kick off G7 talks with economy in focus
World leaders kick off two days of G7 talks in Japan on May 26 with the creaky global economy, terrorism, refugees, China's
controversial maritime claims, and a possible Brexit headlining their packed agenda.
34. Govt waives over Rs 9,000-cr loans of HFCL
Union Cabinet on May 26 waived off loans worth more than Rs 9,079 crore owed by Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd
(HFCL) as part of a financial restructuring package for the PSU.
The Cabinet also approved transfer of 56 acres of ash dyke land of Barauni unit to Bihar State Power Generation Company
Ltd to settle dues of HFCL for faster revival of the unit.
35. IndusInd Bank partners Lohia Auto for vehicle financing
Private sector lender IndusInd Bank on May 26 signed a pact with diesel three-wheeler maker Lohia Auto Industries for
delivering on the finance needs of the motor companys customers.
36. Yes Bank gets nod for raising FDI limit to 74%
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Yes Banks request for an increase in the foreign investment limit to
74 per cent from the existing limit of 41.87 per cent without any sub-limits.
This will result in a foreign direct investment of $1 billion (approximately Rs.6,885 crore) in the country.

37. Islamic banking to debut in Gujarat

Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is set to start its India operations from Gujarat.
The international financial institution from Saudi Arabia has chosen Gujarat to set up its first branch in India.
IDB's main objective is to foster the economic development and social progress of member countries as well as the Muslim
community in accordance with principles of Shariah (Islamic law).The bank has 56 Islamic countries as its members.IDB had
signed a $55-million pact with Rashtriya Institute of Skill and Education (RISE) to provide medical care to rural poor in
India.
38. EPFO doubles insurance for subscribers to Rs 6 lakh
The government has finally enforced the decision of retirement fund body EPFO to almost double the maximum sum assured
under its insurance scheme to Rs 6 lakh for its 4 crore subscribers.
In September, Employee Provident Fund Organisation's apex decision making body Central Board of Trustees (CBT) had
decided to increase benefits under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance ( EDLI ) scheme from Rs 3.6 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.
Besides, he said, the decision to provide 8.8 per cent rate of interest to over 4 crore EPFO subscribers for 2015-16 has also
been notified.
39. Cabinet nod for rail infra projects worth Rs 10,736 cr
Railway projects worth Rs 10,736 crore were cleared by the government for improving infrastructure in various states,
including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat that go to polls next year.
The projects, including three for doubling of existing rail lines for 763 kms and two for laying a third rail line on busy routes
for 514 kms, were cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
In Gujarat the CCEA has given approval for doubling of Surendranagar-Rajkot project at an estimated cost of Rs 1,002.39
crore with expected completion cost of Rs 1,137.17 crore with 5 per cent escalation per annum.
The length of the railway line will be 116.17 kms. The completion period of the project will be four years.
40. Number of public sector banks to come down to 8-10
Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha on May 27 said that the number of PSU banks will come down dramatically from
27 to around 8-10 once the "dust settles" and the consolidation phase ends.
Currently, the number of inactive accounts are 22 crore, compared to 70 crore a few months back.
41.Mahindra & Mahindra inks brand licence agreement with Pininfarina
Mahindra & Mahindra said it has entered into a brand licence agreement with Pininfarina for use of trademarks after closing
the deal to acquire 76.06 per cent stake in the Turin-based company.
42.Indian economy to grow 7.7% in current fiscal: Survey
Indian economy will grow 7.7 per cent in the ongoing fiscal (2016-17) amid likely improvement in the industrial and
agricultural sectors' performance on account of good monsoon, though the investment cycle is expected to take at least 6
months to witness a pick-up according to the the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's Economic
Outlook Survey.
The Reserve Bank last month had forecast a 7.6 per cent growth for the current fiscal on the back of favourable monsoon, a
notch lower than the upper end of government's range of 7 per cent to 7.75 per cent.
Industrial growth is expected to grow by 7.1 per cent in 2016-17, while services sector growth is estimated at 9.6 per cent.
43.YES Bank, Click&Pay team up for cashless transactions
YES Bank has joined hands with Click&Pay to offer cashless, secure and flexible transactions for its customers.
The start-up allows its customers to pay at designated shops with just one click and help them find special offers in the
locality.
44. Japan to lend Rs.14,000 crore for Indian projects
The Government of Japan has committed a loan of JPY 242.2 billion (around Rs.14,251 crore) for various projects across
India, including Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and the North East.
45. NSE launches Nifty MidSmallcap 400 index

 NSE has launched a new Nifty MidSmallcap 400 index, which will represent the mid and small market capitalisation
segments of the stock market.
India Index Services and Products, an NSE group company which manages the index, said that the index will be added to the
exchanges family of broad market indices.
The Nifty MidSmallcap 400 is a well-representative index consisting of 150 midcap and 250 smallcap stocks across 18
sectors.
46. Union Govt imposes safeguard duty on import of steel products
The Union Finance Minister has extended the safeguard duty on import of some steel products by two years i.e till March
2018.
In this regard, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has issued a notification mentioning that safeguard duty will
be reduced to 10% in stages till 2008 from current 20%.
47. India seeks $500M AIIB loan for solar power projects in 2016
India expects to get one of the first loans for its solar power projects from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) later
this year.
The China-led AIIB which has authorized capital of $100bn plans to join global clean-energy initiatives by funding into ecofriendly investment projects.
India being banks second major shareholder after China will borrow to back PM Modis ambitious plan of increasing solar
capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2022.
48. India signs $100 million draft export pact with ICD
India has signed an agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for a possible $100 million line of credit to
facilitate exports to IDB's member countries.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between the IDB's private sector arm, the Islamic Corporation for the
Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), a specialised financial
institution, wholly owned by the government of India to finance and facilitate foreign trade.
ICD's mandate is to support economic development and promote the development of the private sector in its member
countries through providing financing facilities and investments which are in accordance with the principles of Sharia.
49. WTO cuts 2016 global trade forecast to 2.8%
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its 2016 global trade updated forecast for 2016 downward by more than
one percentage point to 2.8% from 3.9%.
The main reasons for cutting the forecast rate is slowdown in China and broad market volatility that continues to threaten
growth.
50. SIDBI signs MoU with LIC for Fund-of-Fund operations
In a bid to boost the startup ecosystem in the country, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) for supplementing Governments
efforts under Fund-of-Fund operations for the Venture Fund industry.
The MoU was executed with LIC for contributing to the corpus of MSME focused venture capital funds along with India
Aspiration Fund (IAF) being managed by SIDBI.
As part of its Fund-of-Fund operations, SIDBI has set up IAF with a corpus of 2,000 crore pursuant to budget
announcement of 2015.
5 . $200-mn pact inked to study TAPI project
Shareholders of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline Company Limited signed an agreement to
invest $200 million in studies and engineering for the $10 billion project to transport natural gas to energy-hungry countries
like India.
52. Federal BankPhillip Capital tie-up announced at Singapore
Kerala based private sector lender Federal Bank, tied up with Phillip Capital (India), a subsidiary of the Singapore
headquartered Phillip Capital group, for managing the NRI Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS).

 PIS is a route designated by the Reserve Bank of India for Non-Resident Indians ( NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
to invest in Indian Equity Markets for purchase of shares and convertible debentures listed on registered stock exchanges in
India.
53.India links $20 bn investment in Tehran to favourable terms
Stepping up its energy ties with Iran, India has lined up USD 20 billion as investment in oil and gas as well as petrochemical
and fertiliser projects in the Persian Gulf country subject to provision of concessional rights.
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on a two-day visit to Tehran from April 9, also discussed with his Iranian counterpart the
repayment of nearly USD 6.5 billion that Indian refiners owe to Iran, but there is no agreement yet on rights to develop
Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf discovered by OVL.
54. IMF retains India's GDP forecast at 7.5% for 2016-17
Retaining its 7.5 per cent GDP expansion forecast for India in 2016 and 2017, IMF on 12 April 2016 asked the government to
cut down subsidies, initiate labour reforms and dismantle infrastructure bottlenecks to sustain strong growth.
In its World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said India should continue fiscal consolidation,
underpinned by revenue reforms and further reduction in subsidies.
IMF, however, upgraded its China growth forecast by 0.2 percentage point for this year and the next to 6.5 per cent and 6.2
per cent, respectively.
55. Federal Bank launches campus wallet for students
Federal Bank ties up with Chillar Payment Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a technology driven start-up company to promote the startup's technology product - 'Campus Wallet'.
This is a student Identity Card integrated with banking technology.
Campus Wallet is a futuristic ID card that facilitates students to make petty payments within their school/college campus
without opening a bank account.
56.India worlds largest remittance recipient in 2015: World Bank
As per recently report of World Bank, India remained the worlds largest remittance recipient in 2015.In 2015, India attracted
about 69 billion US dollars in remittances, down from 70 billion in 2014.
57. Piyush Goyal Launches "Deep" E-Bidding & E-Reverse Auction Portal"
Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launched DEEP (Discovery of Efficient
Electricity Price) e-Bidding & e-Reverse Auction portal for procurement of short term power by DISCOMs.
The web portal is accessible to all the stakeholders in the Power Sector through www.mstcecommerce.com.
58. NPCI launches Unified Payments Interface
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to revolutionise
mobile payment system in the country.
It was launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan.
29 banks have agreed to join the platform.
UPI seeks to provide uniform mobile payment system by leveraging digital trends such as increasing smart phone adoption
and deeper penetration of mobile data.
59. Nauru becomes 189th member of IMF, World Bank
The Republic of Nauru, a tiny South Pacific island nation in Pacific Ocean became the 189th member of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank i.e. Bretton-Woods institutions.
Its initial subscription quota for IMF will be of SDR (Special Drawing rights) 2 million or about $2.81 million.It will be the
second smallest member of the Fund, after Tuvalu.
The capital of The Republic of Nauru is Yaren District.
60. World Bank and AIIB Sign First Co-Financing Framework Agreement
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun today signed the
first co-financing framework agreement between the two institutions.
The agreement outlines the co-financing parameters of World Bank-AIIB investment projects, and paves the way for the two
institutions to jointly develop projects this year.

 In 2016, the AIIB expects to approve about $1.2 billion in financing, with World Bank joint projects anticipated to account
for a sizable share.
61. BRICS bank disburses $250 million loan for renewable energy project to Canara Bank
India was among the first four countries to get a loan from the newly established BRICS New Development Bank which gave
a USD 250 million funding to Canara Bank for a renewable energy project.
The China-based NDB has approved four green renewable energy projects from India, China, Brazil and South Africa
entailing Bank financing of USD 811 million.
62. G20 Countries seek to crackdown on tax havens, terror financing
The G20 countries including India have sought a crackdown on tax heavens, shell companies and terror financing in the wake
of the Panama Papers scandal.
63. Govt renames Panagarh airbase after former IAF Chief Arjan Singh
The Union Government has renamed Panagarh Air Force Base of Indian Air Force in West Bengal as Air Force Station
Arjan Singh in honour of the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh.
It was renamed on the occasion of 93rd birthday of Arjan Singh.
64. PSU bank OBC to raise over Rs 178 crore via issue of shares to LIC
Public sector lender Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) on 16 April 2016 said it will raise over Rs 178 crore by issuing
shares to LIC on a preferential basis.
65. Banks to share all transaction details in standard format
A standard format has been designed for banks to share transaction related details with revenue intelligence and central
security agencies looking into money laundering and financial fraud cases.
66. US court slaps 940 million dollars fine on two Tata group companies
The federal grand jury in the US State of Wisconsin has slapped 940 million US dollars fine against two companies of Indias
Tata group Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tata America International Corp.
They were fined in a trade secret lawsuit filed against them by the US based electronics medical records vendor Epic
Systems.
67. India to Purchase 145 M777 Howitzers for US$ 750 Million
India is likely to buy 145 M777 Howitzers for $750 million to equip its Mountain Strike Corps.
The decision to buy ultra-light Howitzers produced by BAE Systems under the Make In India program was discussed at a
meeting on April 12 between Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter, Tribune.
In India, the BAE Systems had tied up Mahindra as its business partner for its proposed in-country assembly, integration and
test (AIT) facility for the M777 Howitzer.
68. RBL becomes first private sector bank to open dedicated branch for startups
The RBL Bank (formerly Ratnakar Bank) became the first private sector bank in India to open dedicated branch for startups.
The dedicated branch was inaugurated at Koramangala, Bengaluru by Nandan Nilekani, noted entrepreneur and former
chairman of UIDAI.
69. RIC Forum pitches to deepen cooperation in combating terrorism
The 14th meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russia, India and China (RIC) Forum has vowed to deepen cooperation in
combating terrorism.
The meeting was held in Moscow, Russia and was attended Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Union Minister of
Foreign Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi took.
70. Government rolls back restrictions on withdrawal of provident fund
Bowing to pressure from trade unions, the government has set aside the controversial provident fund (PF) withdrawal norms
that had restricted complete withdrawal from PF account before the retirement age of 58 years.
The February 10 notification had restricted the withdrawal of employers' contribution of 3.67% and interest earned on it
under the EPF scheme till retirement or 58 years instead of 54 years earlier.

71.India pips China as top FDI destination in 2015

According to FDI Intelligence Report India has replaced China as the top Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination by
attracting $63 billion worth FDI projects in 2015.
FDI Intelligence is a division of international media company The Financial Times Limited. India was the highest-ranked
country by capital investment in the year 2015, with 63 billion dollars-worth of FDI projects announced.
Gujarat was the top destination for FDI in 2015 in India which had attracted $12.4 billion.
Maharashtra was second attracting $8.3 billion respectively in 2015.
72.FinMin approves 8.7% interest on EPF for 2015-16
The Finance Ministry has approved 8.7 per cent interest on PF deposits for over 5 crore subscribers of retirement body EPFO,
lower than 8.8 per cent decided by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).
73. DBS Bank rolls out mobile-only bank in India
DBS Bank on 26 April launched a mobile-only bank in India.
The digibank uses technologies, such as biometrics and artificial intelligence, to enable paperless, signature-less and
branchless bank.
74. New Zealand's 'stunning' $5 bill named best banknote of the year
New Zealands five-dollar ($5) polymer note has been named the banknote of the year for 2015, a clear winner among
nearly 40 eligible designs from a record 20 countries.
The honour is awarded every year by the International Bank Note Society.
Geoff Bascand is the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
75.Experian India unveils fraud detection mechanism
Experian, the global information services company, launched the Hunter Fraud Score, a new scoring mechanism that
measures the probability of fraud in a credit application across banking and insurance industries.
Businesses will be able to identify applications that should be screened for potential fraud, and prioritise those that have a
high probability of being fraudulent.
76.NABARD partners with Germany for food security initiative
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has entered into collaboration with German
Government for a special programme on Soil Protection and Rehabilitation for Food Security.
The programme is part of the German governments recently introduced special initiative One World, No Hunger initiative.
As part of the collaboration NABARD is anchoring two programmes.
77. India, Papua New Guinea sign four agreements
India and Papua New Guinea have signed four Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) in various sectors to boost bilateral
cooperation.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of the visiting President Pranab Mukherjee and the Papua New Guinea Prime
Minister Peter O Neil in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea.
MoU regarding $100 Million Credit Line: India will provide a Line of Credit of 100 million dollars for specific projects in
Transport and infrastructure sectors.
MoU in the field of Health Care and Medical Science
MoU in the field of Agriculture
MoU in the field of IT
78. SIDBI signs MoU with SAARC Development Fund
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Saarc Development Fund (SDF) has entered into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) for mutual cooperation and collaboration.
The MoU envisages SDF and SIDBI to work together in co-funding of projects in Indian MSMEs on risk sharing basis in
identified sectors, development of suitable financial products for SME financing for MSMEs of other Saarc states.

NEWS (NATIONAL)
1. Union Govt launches Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
The Union Government launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for providing free of cost LPG (cooking gas)
connections to women from BPL Households.
It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Maldepur Morh, Ballia in Uttar Pradesh.The tagline for the scheme
is Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan.
Under PMUY, each of the beneficiaries will receive monetary support of about 1,600 rupees to get a connection of cooking
gas.
2. Union Govt launches UJALA Scheme
The Union Government has launched National LED programme Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA).
The UJALA scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the
Union Ministry of Power.
It is LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP).
Under it, 3 crore 9W energy efficient LED Bulbs will be distributed in Madhya Pradesh in the next 6 months.
3. EPFO launches "One Employee-One Account" on May Day
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, EPFO has launched a special drive to encourage EPF members to consolidate their
multiple accounts.
4. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 comes into force
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 came into force on 1 May 2016.
In this regard, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) had notified 69 of the total 92 sections of
the Act to bring it into force from 1 May 2016.
5. Parliament passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2016
Parliament has passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016.The Bill provides for
transfer of mining leases, which have been granted through procedures other than auction and where minerals are used for
captive purpose.
6. BHEL commissions 600 MW thermal power plant in MP
State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) on 03 May announced the commissioning of a 600 MW coal-based thermal
power plant in Madhya Pradesh.
The unit has been commissioned at the 1x600 MW Jhabua Thermal Power Project (TPP) located in Seoni district in Madhya
Pradesh.
The project has been developed by Jhabua Power Ltd (JPL), a subsidiary of Avantha Power & Infrastructure Limited (APIL).
7. Union Railways Ministry launches E-enabled PMIS app
The Union Railways Ministry has launched an application namely Project Management and Information System (PMIS) for
proper monitoring of all the Railway projects throughout the country.
The application was launched by Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.
8. SC brings former CJI RM Lodha to reform medical regulator MCI
After fixing the countrys cricket board, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha gets the responsibility to reform the
Medical Council of India (MCI), which the Supreme Court described as unprofessional.Besides Lodha, the panel has former
CAG Vinod Rai and Dr SK Sareen.
9. India to hold festival in Egypt to mark Tagore's birth anniv
India will organise a cultural festival in Egypt to mark the 155th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in an bid to build
connections between the people of the two countries who share strong cultural bonds.
India's Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya said that the Embassy of India in Cairo and Maulana Azad Centre for
Indian Culture will host the Tagore Festival from May 8-12.

10. Jindal Brothers Sign Rs 6,500 Crore Power Deal

Billionaire Sajjan Jindal's JSW Energy Ltd has agreed to buy a 1,000 megawatt power plant from his brother's heavily
indebted Jindal Steel and Power Ltd in a deal valued at up to $976 million.
The New Delhi-based steel firm majority-owned by Sajjan's younger brother Naveen will get more than Rs 6,500 crore from
Mumbai's JSW if some conditions on coal supply and power purchase agreements are met.
11. Reliance Power to set up plant in Bangladesh
Reliance Power, promoted by Anil Ambani, would be now venturing into Bangladesh for setting up a power plant.
Reliance Power has received in-principle approval from the Bangladesh government for the first phase of a 3,000 megawatt
gas-based power plant, paving the way for the largest Foreign Direct Investment in the neighbouring country with a potential
investment of over Rs 8,700 crore ($1.3 billion).
12. DRDO and Ayush Join Hands to Impart Yoga Training to Defence Wing Staff
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) a Delhi based premier laboratory of DRDO in collaboration
with Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) organised a training
program on Yoga for the Defence Wing Staff during 25th to 30th April 2016.
13. Union Cabinet gives nod and approves MoU
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval to MoU and nod to agreements in New Delhi.
Gives nod to adoption of UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for adoption of United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
There are 10 UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
Gives nod to India-EU agreement on S&T cooperation
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the renewed Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation with
European Union (EU) for another period of 5 years.
The agreement will be retrospectively effective from 17 May 2015 until 2020.
Union Cabinet approves India-UAE currency swap agreement
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) and Central Bank of United Arab Emirates (UAE) on co-operation concerning currency swap agreement.
The Agreement was signed in February, 2016 during the official state visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India.
Union Cabinet apprised IT agreement signed between India and Qatar
The Union Cabinet has apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promoting bilateral cooperation in the
field of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Union Cabinet approved signing of MoC between MWCD and Gates Foundation
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) between Ministry of Women & Child
Development (MWCD) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
It was signed for the cooperation in Information and Communication Technology enabled Real Time Monitoring (ICT-RTM)
of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and other related technical matters.
The MoC would cover 162 high malnutrition burden districts of 8 States viz. Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,
Maharashtrta, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
14. SBI launches card-less payment solution for offline transactions
State Bank of India, the country's largest public sector bank, has launched a mobile payment solution that will enable
customers to make digital payments at offline stores by scanning a QR (quick response) code on their smartphones.
The service has been launched in Bengaluru with a sizable number of merchants and will soon expand into other cities.
15. Projects worth Rs. 2446 Crore approved under Namami Gange Programme
Giving a major fillip to Namami Gange programme the Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) of the National Ganga River
Basin Authority (NGRBA) has approved projects for Development of Ghats and crematoria in the stretch from Haridwar to
Uttarakhand Border in Uttarakhand, Garhmukteshwar in UP, Buxar, Hajipur and Sonepur of Bihar, Sahibganj, Rajmahal and
Kanhaiya Ghat of Jharkhand and Delhi and afforestation along the banks of river Ganga.
The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs. 2446 crore.

16. BHEL commissions 500-MW thermal power unit in Jharkhand

State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd announced the commissioning of a 500-MW thermal power unit in Jharkhand.
The unit has been commissioned at Bokaro Thermal Power-A Station of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) on
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis.
17. President Pranab Mukherjee confers Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu Awards
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 15th set of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Niryat Shree and
Niryat Bandhu Awards in New Delhi.
The awards were presented at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
The awards were conferred to the companies from various sectors of exports besides service providers, banks, and various
facilitating agencies which are promoting exports during the year 2015-16.
Reliance Industry was adjudged as the top foreign exchange earner and leading exporter of last 50 years.
TCS bagged the Gold Award in IT services.
State Bank of India got the Gold award followed by Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank are among the supporting
institutions.
18. Reliance Defence receives 16 new industrial licenses for equipment manufacture
Reliance Infrastructures wholly-owned subsidiary Reliance Defence has received 16 industrial licenses for manufacture of
equipment ranging from small arms, heavy weapons, armoured vehicles, ammunition, explosives, electronic warfare systems,
missiles, UAVs and directed energy weapon systems, laser systems for target destruction and C4I systems for all defence
platforms.
19. Single emergency number 112 to be operational throughout India from January 1, 2017
The single emergency number 112 will be operational throughout India from January 1, 2017 to help people reach
immediate services of police, ambulance and fire department.
In this regard, Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad approved the provision of a single number for various
emergency services.
The single emergency number will be similar to the 911 all-in-one emergency service in the United States and 999 of
United Kingdom (UK).
20. Indian Railways launches Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims
Indian Railways has launched the Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims to visit Shirdi, Tirupati, Jagannath Puri,
Gangasagar, Baidyanath Dham and Jyotirlingams among others.
21. 55,669 villages to have mobile connectivity by 2019
Government plans to provide mobile connectivity in 55,669 villages by March 2019 in a phased manner.
It will also commission a project to connect 8,621 villages in the north-eastern region by installing 321 mobile tower sites by
September 2017.
22. HAL hands over Kumudvathi River rejuvenation project
Defence public sector HAL has handed over the Kumudvathi River rejuvenation project to the village panchayats of
Nelamangala Taluk of Bengaluru rural district.
It contributes to such a noble cause of reviving dried natural water resources at this critical juncture when water has become a
precious commodity everywhere.
23. Union Govt starts UBIN drive for budding entrepreneurs
The Union Government has started the process for issuance of Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN) to enable
budding entrepreneurs set up their business without any delays.
The drive has been launched by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) under the aegis of Union Ministry
of Commerce and Industry.
It will be subsequently sent to the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) which would nomenclature it as PAN for UBIN.
24.EC to send Meghdoot postcards to 3 lakh voters

In a unique initiative, the Election Commission will be sending out Meghdoot postcards to three lakh voters requesting them
to cast their votes in the May 16 Assembly polls in the Union Territory, Puducherry.

25. Parliament Passes Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2016

Parliament has passed the Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2016 to widen ambit of law dealing with this anti-hijacking crime.
The Bill was first passed in the Rajya Sabha and later in the Lok Sabha in May 2016.
Now the Bill will go for Presidential assent as per Article 111 of Indian Constitution.
26. Web-based application on Integrated Waste Management System launched
The Ministry of Environment and Forests on 9 May 2016 launched a web-based application on Integrated Waste
Management System (IWMS).
The systems web address is www.iwms.nic.in.The user-friendly application is capable of tracking the movement of
hazardous waste.
27. Parliament passes bill on potable alcohol
Parliament has passed the Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 after with the Lok Sabha adopted
certain amendments made by the Rajya Sabha.
The Bill seeks to amend the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 that provides for development and
regulation of certain industries.
28. Parliament passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, 2016
The Parliament has passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, 2016.
The code seeks to ensure time-bound settlement of insolvency, faster turnaround of businesses and create a unified data base
of serial defaulters.
It provides for setting up Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) to regulate professionals, agencies and
information utilities (IUs) engaged in resolution of insolvencies of companies.
It also provides for establishment of National Companies Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRT) as
nodal adjudicating authorities for resolution of insolvency, liquidation and bankruptcy.
As per the code, in case of insolvency the interest of the workers must be fully protected and they should be given dues for 24
months.
29. Reliance Jio launches JioMoney Wallet service
Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio Infocomm has launched digital wallet service, named JioMoney Wallet, for Indian
consumers.
JioMoney is a semi-closed prepaid wallet that aims to enable mobile-based transactions.
Using it customers can store money and use it for purchasing goods and services.
30. Govt fixes ceiling price of 54 drug formulations
Pharma prices regulator NPPA has fixed ceiling price of 54 drug formulations used for treatment of cancer, diabetes
rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infections and hypertension.
It has also fixed the retail price of 11 drugs.
31. Bajaj Auto Finance inks pact with India Post
Motorcycle finance company Bajaj Finance Ltd has entered into an arrangement with post offices across India to enable
buyers get information through brochures available at the Post Offices, as well as apply for 2-wheeler loans from Bajaj Auto
Finance.
32. BHU completes its 100 years of glorious existence
Banaras Hindu University, a name of excellence, scientific researches and technological innovations, was founded in 1916 to
help promote the sustainable development, growth and eradication of poverty, this glorious institution of excellence has
completed 100 years of its eventful journey.
This globally reputed temple of learning was established by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916.

33. Uday Kotak sole Indian financier in Forbes' most powerful list
Kotak Mahindra Bank Chief Uday Kotak, who has a net worth of about $7.1 billion, is the sole Indian in Forbes' list of 40 of
the most powerful people in the financial world who control the flow of trillions of dollars around the global economy.
He is ranked 33rd in the Forbes list of 'Money Masters: The Most Powerful People In The Financial World' .
The list is topped by Blackstone Group's CEO Stephen Schwarzman, who has a net worth of $10.2 billion and oversees assets
worth $344 billion.
34. Union Cabinet gives nod to India, Mauritius agreement on cooperation in Cooperatives
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Mauritius on
cooperation in cooperatives and related fields.
The Agreement provides for promoting cooperation between both countries through short and medium term programmes
within the framework of the joint activities.
It will be valid for duration of five years after which it can be automatically extended for another five years.
35. Union Cabinet gives nod India, UAE Renewable Energy Cooperation Agreement
The Union Cabinet has apprised of a General Framework Agreement (GFA) on Renewable Energy Cooperation between
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The GFA was signed in February 2016 in New Delhi during the official state visit of Crown Prince of UAE to India.
It aims at boosting bilateral cooperation between India and UAE in the field of new and renewable energy technologies.
36. Railways to constitute Mobility Directorate, Non-Fare Revenue Directorate
The Union Railways Ministry has decided to constitute two Directorates viz. Mobility Directorate (MD) and Non-Fare
Revenue Directorate (NFRD).
They will be established for creation of cross functional directorates to focus on different areas in line with the Railway
Ministers budget speech.
Mobility Directorate will be constituted to focus on areas like speed enhancement.
38. SC upholds constitutional validity of penal laws on defamation
The Supreme Court has upheld constitutional validity of penal laws on defamation as the right to life under Article 21
includes the right to reputation.
Ruling in this regard was given by two-judge SC bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Justice Prafulla C Pant on combined
petitions filed by a number of politicians and public figures.
The petitioners had alleged that the provisions of criminal sanction act as a censoring device thus violate the freedom of
speech guaranteed by the Constitution.
39. Cabinet approves pact between Sebi, FSRA Abu Dhabi
The Union Cabinet approved signing of a pact between markets regulator Sebi and Financial Services Regulatory Authority,
Abu Dhabi for mutual co-operation and technical assistance.
It will promote further development of economic links and cooperation between the two signatories and will help create
conditions for development of securities markets in the two countries.
40. Cabinet approves country's first IPR policy
The Cabinet has approved the national intellectual property rights (IPR) policy with a view to promoting creativity,
innovation and entrepreneurship.
It aims to create awareness about economic, social and cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society.
41. SC slaps Rs 10 lakh on Spicejet for offloading disabled flyer
The Supreme Court directed budget airline Spicejet to pay Rs 10 Lakh as damages to a flyer, suffering from cerebral palsy,
who was forcibly offloaded in 2012, saying the manner in which she was deboarded depicts "total lack of sensitivity".
42. Indian Railways goes green as solar-powered train set for trial
Aiming to materialise its ambitious plan of harnessing solar energy to run trains, the Indian Railways is set to try its first train
powered by the solar panels in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Gopal Sharma, the PRO North Western Railways told ANI that the trial run of this train will be conducted by the end of this
month.
The first trial run will be conducted in the next three to four days in Jodhpur

43. UIDAI launches special enrolment drive in 4 States/UTs

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched a unique initiative to enroll left over population for Aadhaar,
in four States and Union Territories, viz., Haryana, Goa, Chandigarh and Puducherry, where the Aadhaar saturation levels are
more than 100% (as per projected population figure of 2015).
As on May 12, 2016, over 101.26 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated across the country.This pilot exercise in the
four States/Union Territories will be conducted between May 13 - June 15, 2016.
44. Cabinet nod for Rs 1,984-cr Delhi-Meerut Expressway stretch
The government approved widening of the crucial UP Gate to Dasna stretch of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, to be built at
an estimated cost of Rs 1,983 crore, which will ease traffic congestion in the national capital.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, has given its approval
for development of 8/6 laning of Delhi-Meerut Expressway - Package-II-Uttar Pradesh Border to Dasna Section of NH-24 in
Uttar Pradesh.
The total length of the road will be approximately 19 kms.
45. EPFO paid 8,200 crore as monthly pension in 2015-16
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) disbursed 8,200 crore as monthly pension and 47,630 crore as
member benefits in 2015-16.
46. Centre approves setting up of Kalinganagar National Investment Manufacturing Zone
The Centre has approved the Odisha Government's proposal to set up Kalinganagar National Investment and Manufacturing
Zone in Jajpur district.
The Zone will be a mega industrial zone having a world-class township to cater to the needs of the investors.
47. India inks Project Collaboration Agreement with WHO
India has signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) with World Health Organization (WHO) for cooperation
on promoting the quality, safety and effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine.
The PCA aims at supporting WHO in the development and implementation of the WHO Traditional and Complementary
Medicine Strategy.
PCA for the period 2016-2020 will contribute to the global promotion of traditional Indian Systems of Medicine.
48. Modi, Sirisena release 'Simhastha Declaration' at Mahakumbh
The Prime Minister along with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena have released Simhastha Declaration at Ninora
village in Ujjain.
Both leaders addressed the concluding session of the three day International Vichar Mahakumbh held on side-lines of the
month-long Simhastha mela.
49. India, Bangladesh power ties with 21st-century nuclear deal
India has concluded a nuclear agreement with Bangladesh in a sign that the bilateral neighbourhood relationship is becoming
special.
The core of the new engagement is all 21st century energy, connectivity, security.
The nuclear agreement is a three-document package that has been negotiated between the MEA and the Bangladesh
department of science and technology over the past few months.
50. India ranks 3rd in 'Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index'
Indias renewable energy sector has been ranked third in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) with
China at second and the US on top.
51. BHEL wins Rs. 1,600-cr order from NTPC, SAIL joint venture

State-run engineering firm BHEL has bagged a Rs. 1,600-crore order from a joint venture company of NTPC and SAIL to set
up a coal-based thermal power project in Odisha.
The 1x250 MW coal-based thermal unit will be set up at Rourkela Power Project on engineering, procurement &
construction (EPC) basis.
The Rs. 1,600-crore order for Stage-III of the brownfield power project, located in Rourkela district of Odisha has been
placed on BHEL by NTPC-SAIL Power Company (NSPCL).

52.Center launches INFRACON, ePACE and up-Scaled INAM PRO

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on 16 May 2016 launched three initiatives for
best practices in road transport sector.
These three innovative IT initiatives are: INFRACON, ePACE and up-Scaled INAM PRO.
These innovative IT initiatives are developed in house by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation
Ltd (NHIDCL).
ePACE (Projects Appraisal & Continuing Enhancements) is an online integrated Management Information System.
INFRACON is the National Portal for Infrastructure Consultancy Firms and Key Personnel.
INAM PRO has been developed as a web-based application (www.inampro.nic.in) for Infrastructure and Material Providers.
53. National conference on ' Gaushalas ' organised in New Delhi
A day long national conference on 'gaushalas' has been organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries.
54. IT dept launches e-nivaran portal to fast track taxpayers grievances
The Income Tax (IT) department has launched electronic grievance redressal system e-nivaran to fast track taxpayer
grievances and ensure early resolution of their complaints.
In this regard, a separate and dedicated window for grievance redressal has been launched in the Income Tax Business
Application (ITBA).
The e-nivaran system also called as unified grievance management system seeks to integrate all online and physical
complaints gathered by the department, which will be monitored by the Assessing Officer of the case upto the supervisory
officers in a paperless environment.
55. Apple announces iOS App design and development accelerator in Bengaluru
Global Technology major Apple on 18 May 2016 announced a new initiative to support engineering talent and accelerate
growth in Indias iOS developer community.
The US-based company will establish a Design and Development Accelerator in Bengaluru.
It will provide additional, specialised support for the developers who make applications for Apple's iOS operating system.
The facility will also provide support and guidance on Swift, Apples programming language created to build apps for iOS,
Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch.
The iOS App Design and Development Accelerator is expected to open in early 2017.
56. Union Govt launches Centre for Environmental Health
The Union Government has launched the Centre for Environmental Health in New Delhi to assess the impact of
environment-related problems on health.
The centre was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda on in New Delhi.It is a joint initiative
of the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) and Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).
57. Taj Mahal in top 5 tourist attractions globally: Survey
Considered one of the most iconic wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal has been voted among the top five tourist attractions
in the world, second in Asia and led the popularity list in India, according to a leading travel planning and booking site Trip
Advisor.
The iconic 'monument of love' is ranked number 5 in the global list of the recently released TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice
Landmarks Awards, which put Machu Picchu in Peru and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi as the top
two destinations for travellers.

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and
one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

58. President inaugurates Intelligent Operations Centre in Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated an Intelligent Operations Centre (IOC) in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
He also launched a mobile application Monitor for transformation of Presidents Estate into a smart township.
The Presidents Estate will work around the 4H theme of a Humane, Hi-Tech, Heritage and Happy Township.
Intelligent Operations Centre (IOC) is a software solution to provide intelligent insights by collecting the rich data streaming
in from several sources within the Estate. It is designed by IBM.
59. Union Cabinet approves ordinance to keep state boards out of NEET
Union Cabinet has approved promulgation of an ordinance to keep state boards out of the ambit of common medical entrance
exams i.e. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for one year.
Through the ordinance, the order of the Supreme Court on NEET will be put on hold for a year i.e. for the academic year
2016-2017.
60. India lauded for Medicines with the Red Line campaign on antibiotics
The Global Review on Antimicrobial Resistance in its final report has appreciated Indias Medicines with the Red Line
campaign on antibiotics.
The global review was commissioned by the UK Prime Minister David Cameron in 2014 and was chaired by economist Jim
ONeil.
Indias model of putting a red line on antibiotic packages to curb their over-the-counter sale can be used globally to counter
the rising threat of superbugs.
61. Centre sets up panel to relook defence spend
Union Government has constituted 11 members committee to recommend measures to enhance the combat capabilities of the
armed forces and re-balance the overall defence expenditure.
The 11-member committee will be headed by Lt Gen D B Shekatkar (retd).
62. Govt constitutes IEPF Authority
Government has constituted the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority, moving ahead with efforts to
further strengthen the framework for safeguarding the interest of investors.
Recently, the government has constituted a six-member IEPF Authority under the chairmanship of Corporate Affairs
Secretary Tapan Ray.
63. Govt renames disability dept; 'divyang' replaces 'viklang'
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will now be known as 'Divyangjan' Sashaktikaran Vibhag in
Hindi, dropping the word 'viklangjan' from its previous nomenclature.
The development comes nearly five months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat' on
December 27, last year, had said physically challenged people have a "divine ability" and the term "divyang" should be used
in place of "viklang" for them.
The Centre had proposed the change in name of the department by amending the Government of India (Allocation of
Business) Rules, 1961.
Now, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities ('Viklangjan' Sashaktikaran Vibhag) will be Department
of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities ('Divyangjan' Sashaktikaran Vibhag).The department, which works under
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, facilitates empowerment of persons with disabilities.
64. Union Govt shortlist 13 Cities for Smart Cities Mission in 2nd batch
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has shortlisted 13 cities from 13 States/UTs in the list of second batch of Smart
Cities Mission.
This competition list was topped by Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and was followed by Warangal in Telangana and
Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh.

65. Union HRD Ministry to launch ASMITA, student tracking system

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has decided to launch ASMITA, a student tracking system
programme.
ASMITA is acronym for All School Monitoring Individual Tracing Analysis and shall be launched under Shala Asmita
Yojana (SAY).
66. New website of Ministry of AYUSH and web portal for IDY launched
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik launched the new website of the Ministry of
AYUSH and web portal for International Day of Yoga(IDY) in New Delhi.
The website http://ayush.gov.in has been developed as part of digital India programme, using content management
framework (CMF) approach.
67. Govt releases draft rules of Juvenile Justice Act 2015
No child between 16 and 18 years of age in conflict with law will be handcuffed or sent to jail or lock-up, according to the
draft rules of Juvenile Justice Act 2015 that was released on May 25.
The rules that were released by women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi detailing child-friendly procedures
for police, Juvenile Justice Board and Childrens court to deal with children in conflict with law.
68. Union Cabinet approves National Capital Goods Policy 2016
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for National Capital Goods Policy 2016 to give an impetus to the capital goods
sector and the Make in India initiative.
This is first ever policy for Capital Goods sector framed by the Union Government (Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public
Enterprise).
The main objective is to Increase production of capital goods from 2,30,000 crore rupees in 2014-15 to 7,50,000 crore rupees
in 2025. Increase exports from the current 27% to 40% of production.
69. Union Cabinet approves MoU
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi has given approval to several MoUs.
MoU between ISRO and United Arab Emirates Space Agency
The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) and the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA) for cooperation in the exploration and user of
outer space for peaceful purposes.
The MoU seek to set up a Joint Working Group with members from ISRO and UAESA.
MoU between India & Maldives
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Union Ministry
of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism of Government of Maldives.
The MoU was signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism and under it Maldives will be instrumental in
increasing arrival from this important source market.
70. Union Cabinet gives approval to 6 new IITs
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to amend The Institutes of Technology (IIT) Act, 1961 for incorporation of 6 new
IITs.
This amendment will declare these 6 IITs as the institutions of national importance.
Six new IITs will come up at: Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwar (Karnataka), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh),
Goa, Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir).
Besides, Union Cabinet also gave its approval to convert of Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad into an IIT under the
ambit of the IIT Act, 1961.
71. Union Cabinet approves Amendments in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for introduction of two Bills in the Parliament for certain amendments in the
Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
These bills seek to modify the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of five States, namely, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu,
Jharkhand, Tripura.

Assam: Inclusion of Boro, Boro Kachari, Bodo, Bodo Kachari and Karbi (Mikir) communities in the list.
Chhattisgarh: Inclusion of Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, Bhuyan, Dhanuhar/Dhanuwar,Kisan, Saunra, Saonra and Dhangad communities in the
list.
Jharkhand: Inclusion of Bhogta, Deshwari, Ganjhu, Dautalbandi (Dwalbandi), Patbandi, Raut, Maajhia, Khairi (Kheri) and Puran
communities in the list.
Tamil Nadu: Inclusion of Malayali Gounder, Narikoravan and Kurivikkaran communities in the list.
Tripura: Inclusion of Darlong community in the list.
Puducherry: Identification (First Order) of Irular (including Villi and Vettaikaran).
72. Apollo launches its first standalone fertility centre
Healthcare major Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd has launched its first standalone fertility centre in Chennai with a promise
to offer quality infertility treatment backed by world class infrastructure and a team of experienced clinicians.
73. 20 Nirbhaya buses with multiple IT-enabled safety measures launched
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has launched 20 Nirbhaya buses of Rajasthan State Transport
Corporation (RSTC).
These buses are fitted with multiple IT-enabled safety measures to better protect women passengers and keep anti-social
elements under check.
These buses were launched by RSTC as a pilot project under the NIRBHAYA scheme.
74. Union HRD Ministry launches Bharatavani Portal
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched the multilingual knowledge portal
www.bharatvani.in
It was launched by Union HRD Minister Smriti Zubin Irani at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh as part of Union Governments
Digital India Mission.
The first knowledge portal of its kind in India will help the government to showcase the Indian culture and heritage to the
world.
Bharatavani is the largest online repository of dictionaries in India consisting more than 130 dictionaries, glossaries and
terminology books.
75. India fifth largest producer of e-waste: Assocham-KPMG Study
As per recent study conducted by Assocham-KPMG, India has emerged as the worlds fifth largest electronic waste (e-waste)
producer.
India discards roughly 18.5 lakh tonnes of e-waste each year and telecom equipment alone accounts for 12% of it.
76. Indian-American map experts sweep National Geographic Bee
Rishi Nair, 12-year-old Indian American student, has won the prestigious $50,000 National Geographic Bee competition in
which Indian-origin contestants maintained their dominance by sweeping all the top three slots.
Nair, a sixth grader from Florida, took top honours at the 28th annual National Geographic Bee held at the National
Geographic headquarters Washington.
As National Geographic Bee champion, Nair received a $50,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the
National Geographic Society. He also wins a trip to Alaska and Glacier Bay National Park.
77.Modi announces 65 as retirement age for govt. doctors
Citing shortage of doctors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced raising the age of retirement of government doctors to
65 years and said the Union Cabinet will give its nod to the decision this week.
The decision will cover all government doctors whether serving under states or the central dispensation.
78. Union Railways Ministry launches Rail Humsafar Saptaah
The Union Ministry of Railways has launched Rail Humsafar Saptaah, a week-long initiative to highlight significant
achievements made by Indian Railways in all spheres.
The Rail Humsafar Saptaah starting on 26th May 2016 will conclude on 1st June 2016.
Each day of the Rail Humsafar Saptaah will focus on a particular theme and the days have been named as:
26th May (Swachchta Diwas)

27th May (Satkar Diwas)

28th May (Sewa Diwas)
29th May (Satarkata Diwas)
30th May (Saamanjasya Diwas)
31st May (Sanyojan Diwas)
1st June (Sanchaar Diwas)

79. First bullet train to run in India by 2023

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has said the first bullet train will run in India in 2023, heralding a new era in train operations
in the subcontinent.
The bullet train is expected to cover 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in about two hours, running at a maximum
speed of 350 kmph and operating speed of 320 kmph.
The 508-kilometre-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor will have a 21-km tunnel under the sea.
Estimated to cost about Rs 97,636 crore, 81 per cent of the funding for the project will come in the form of loan from Japan.
It is a soft loan for 50 years at 0.1 per cent annual interest with a 15-year moratorium.
80.PMO website launched in six regional languages
The official website of Prime Minister's Office is now available in six major regional languages including Gujarati,
Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali as part efforts to reach out to people across the country.
The initiative is part of Prime Ministers efforts to reach out to people and communicate with them in their own languages.
The initiative would further enhance the interaction between people from all parts of the country and the Prime Minister on
various issues concerning their welfare and development.
81. Trial run of High-Speed Spanish Talgo Train conducted in India
Nine-coach Spanish train Talgos trial run was conducted on 29 May 2016 on the Bareilly-Moradabad route of Uttar Pradesh.
It was conducted as part of the Railways strategy to increase the speed of trains.
The trail run was conducted by a joint team of the Railway Design Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Spanish train
manufacturer Talgo.
The nine-coach Talgo train hauled by a 4500 HP diesel engine was tested on the 90-km line as part of the first trial run. The
90-km distance was covered in 1 hour 10 minutes.
The trial run will be conducted in three phases on three routes.
First phase: Bareilly-Moradabadone route
Talgo is a lighter and faster vehicle with speed up to 115 km per hour.
82.NHAI awards Rs.2,640-cr Gujarat projects
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has picked builders for four-laning the Bhavnagar-Somnath national
highway stretch in Gujarat at a cost of Rs.2,640 crore.
The road connects religious and tourist places such as the Island of Diu, Somnath Temple, Gir National Park, Porbandar and
Dwarka.
83.India climbs three notches to 41 in global competitiveness
Indias global competitiveness rank rose three notches to 41 from a year ago due to significant improvement in exchange rate
stability, fiscal deficit management and efforts to tackle corruption and red tape, according to a survey by the Switzerlandbased IMD World Competitiveness Centre (WCC).
India was ranked 44th in 2015, according to IMD. The current ranking is lower than the 35th position it secured in 2012.
The U.S. is ranked third this year yielding the numero uno position to China Hong Kong followed by Switzerland.
84.Indian Railways, PEC sign MoU to set up Kalpana Chawla Chair
Union Ministry of Railways and PEC University of Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for
setting up of Kalpana Chawla Chair on Geospatial Technology for Indian Railways at the University.
The MoU was signed in the backdrop of Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhus Budget announcement in this regard.
The academic chair is being instituted in memory of IndoAmerican Astronaut and Alumnus of PEC Late Kalpana Chawla.
She was the first woman of Indian origin in space.

The Chair will be headed as Chairman by V.K.Gupta, Member Engineering, Railway Board and Manoj Arora, Director, PEC
University of Technology, Chandigarh as Co-chairman.

85.ONGC Videsh signs pact with SOCAR Trading

ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas arm of state-run explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), announced it
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SOCAR Trading SA, the trading arm of Azerbaijan's governmentowned energy firm SOCAR, for foraying into oil trading business.
The objective of the MoU, signed in Geneva on 27 May, is to explore possibilities of joint marketing of OVL's crude oil
portfolio by leveraging SOCAR Trading's experience in oil trading.
The Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) field is located off the coast of Baku and is said to be the largest oilfield in the Azerbaijan
sector of the Caspian basin.
SOCAR trading is the international marketing and development arm of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan republic (SOCAR).
86.Snapdeal opens data sciences centre in California
Online marketplace Snapdeal said it has established a data sciences centre in San Carlos, California to get top global talent
and build high-value solutions.
The centre will focus on big-data and advanced analytics to add clarity to Snapdeal's consumer-centric initiatives, help shape
business strategy and optimise the operational efficiencies using data.
87. Union Govt releases Indian Intellectual Property Panorama
Union Government has released Indian Intellectual Property (IP) Panorama to increase awareness and build sensitivity
towards IP in the SME sector, academia and researchers.
The IP Panorma is a single window interface for information on IP and guidance on leveraging it for competitive advantage.
It can be accessed at http://ict-ipr.in/index.php/ip-panorama.
88. India ranks 6th in 2015 top-10 manufacturers list: UNIDO report
India has been ranked sixth among the worlds Top-Ten largest manufacturing countries in the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO) 2015 Yearbook report.
China has topped the list followed by United States, Japan, Germany and South Korea.
UNIDO is a specialized agency in the United Nations and is member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG). It
is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
89. PM Narendra Modi conferred Saudi Arabias highest civilian honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Saudi Arabias highest civilian honour- the King Abdulaziz Sash.
The prestigious award was bestowed upon Indian Prime Minister by incumbent Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdulaziz at
the Royal Court.
The award has been named after Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of the modern Saudi state.
90. SBI makes it easy with State Bank of India NO Queue app
The countrys largest lender, SBI, has launched a virtual queuing mobile application that will help customers save on time.
The application is a mobile-based virtual queuing application for customers to book an instant queue ticket for select services
at select branches.
91 Union Govt launched Vidyut PRAVAH Mobile App
Union Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Minister of State (Independent Charge) Piyush Goyal on 31 March 2016
launched Vidyut PRAVAH- Electricity, Price Availability and Highlights mobile application in New Delhi.
The mobile application provides highlights of the power availability in India on real time basis.
The app will empower common people to demand 24X7 power from the states and will take transparency to the next level
and make state governments more accountable.
92. Union Govt launches Startup India portal and mobile app
The Union Government has launched the Startup India portal (http://startupindia.gov.in) and mobile application.
It was launched by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) Ramesh Abhishek in New Delhi as an integral
component of the Action Plan of the Startup India.

93. Govt allots Rs 25834 cr food subsidy to FCI

The Government has released Rs. 25,834 crore to FCI as Food Subsidy on 05 April, 2016. In addition to this, wage and
means advance of Rs. 10,000 crore will be released shortly.
FCI is also raising short term loans from banks upto a maximum limit of Rs. 30,000 crore.
94. India's fastest train "Gatiman Express" flagged off from Delhi to Agra
Covered in tricolor balloons and marigold, India's fastest train "Gatimaan Express" on 05 April, 2016 made its debut run
from Delhi to Agra in 100 minutes.
95. PM Narendra Modi launches Stand up India scheme for SC/ST, women
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Stand-up India scheme aimed at providing credit to Scheduled Caste (SC),
Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women borrowers in the non-farm sector.
Composite loan between 10 lakh rupees and up to 1 crore rupees will be provided to SC/ST and women and also inclusive of
working capital component for setting up any new enterprise.
Refinance window through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with an initial amount of 10,000 crore
rupees.
Creation of a corpus of 5,000 crore rupees for credit guarantee through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
(NCGTC).
Under the scheme, 1.25 lakh bank branches will provide loans up to 1 crore rupees to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
96. Madhukar Gupta committee to suggest ways to tighten security along Indo-Pak border
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted high-level committee to suggest ways to tighten security along
India-Pakistan border.
The committee will be headed by former Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta.
97. 3rd phase of Mission Indradhanush begins
The third phase of Union Health Ministrys universal vaccination programme Mission Indradhanush began on 7 April, 2016.
It will cover 216 Districts across several States including Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh.
The diseases include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B.
98. ECoR becomes largest freight loading railway zone
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) Zone headquartered in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) has emerged as the largest Freight Loading
Railway Zone in the country in year 2015-16 in terms of revenue loading performance.
99. Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU between India and Sweden
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Sweden
on Technical Cooperation in the Railway Sector.
100. Mother Dairy partners Delhi Daredevils as principal sponsor
Mother Dairy has partnered Zaheer Khan-led IPL cricket team Delhi Daredevils as its principal sponsor.
With this association, the brand Mother Dairy will be seen on Delhi Daredevils team jersey, along with the visibility at key
spots in the stadium on match days.
101. NTPC suspends power generation from Farakka
An unprecedented dip in the water level of Farakka feeder canal has yet again forced the countrys largest power producer,
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), to suspend generation at five units of Stage I and II of the Farakka Super
Thermal Power Station.
102. Govt. inaugurates 'Namma Toilet' in Delhi under Swachh Bharat Mission
In a boost to the Swachh Bharat Mission, Union Urban development Minister Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 'Namma Toilet' in
the national capital Delhi.
The mission targets to establish 2 lakh 56 thousand public toilets by 2nd October 2017.
103. Union Govt launches ISBN portal

 The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched the International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
portal in New Delhi.
The ISBN portal seeks to facilitate publishers and authors to register for allotment ISBN online.
104. Union Govt constitutes B B Tandon Committee to monitor Govt Advt
The Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has constituted a three-member Committee to see that guidelines
set for government advertisements by the Supreme Court are followed.
The committee will be headed by the former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) B B Tandon.
Senior TV journalist Rajat Sharma and ad-man Piyush Pandey will be the other two members of the committee.
105. Union Govt gives nod to Indias first Metrino Pod Taxi project
The Union Government has approved countrys first Metrino Pod project i.e. personal rapid transit (PRT) network for
Gurgaon, Haryana.
It was announced by Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister, Rao Narbir Singh.
106. India tops Credit Suisse emerging consumers scorecard 2016
Indian consumers remain most optimistic, among nine nations surveyed by Credit Suisse, about their current and future
finances and relatively lower inflation expectations.
According to Credit Suisse Emerging Consumer Scorecard 2016, India topped the chart, while China and Saudi Arabia
shared the second position.
107. Snapdeal launches donation program 'Sunshine'
Delhi-based online marketplace Snapdeal has launched Snapdeal Sunshine, a program that allows users to donate to the nine
associated NGOs, who are in need of products.
The nine associated NGOs include HelpAge India, Teach For India and Care India.
After the donations get accepted, the donors would be able to track their donations which will be coming from Snapdeal's
inventory.
108. UN to observe 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar
For the first time, United Nations (UN) will observe the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, father of the Indian
Constitution on April 13, 2016, a day before his date of birth.
The main focus of this observance will be on combating inequalities to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
109. Centre to Issue Universal I-Cards For Differently-Abled People
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar said the Centre has decided to issue
universal identification cards for physically handicapped people across the country.
110. Centre approves Rs. 1,304 cr for drought relief to UP
The Centre has approved Rs. 1,304 crore for drought relief to Uttar Pradesh under National Disaster Relief Fund, NDRF.
The State government has been asked to disburse the amount directly into bank accounts of farmers within a week.
111. PM Modi inaugurates 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the third edition of Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation at Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi to save wild tigers.
India is host of this edition of conference in which more than 700 tiger experts, scientists, managers, donors and other
stakeholders are participating.
112. India ranks 44 in 2016 Global Connectivity Index
Huawei has announced its third Global Connectivity Index report during the Global Analyst Summit 2016 in Shenzhen,
China.
The report sheds light on various global improvements in the field of internet connectivity.
In terms of numbers, United States, Singapore and Sweden top the rankings, while India is ranked 44.
113. EC partners with Facebook for Tamil Nadu polls

 After joining hands with Twitter, Election Commission on 11 April 2016 announced its partnership with Facebook to reach
out to 31 per cent of the electorate in Tamil Nadu and achieve 100 per cent turnout.
114. Union Cabinet approves and gives nod for MoU between India, UAE
i. to check human trafficking:
ii. to adaptation of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network
The Union cabinet has given its formal approval for adopting the Statute of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network
(SAWEN).
With this, India will become member of SAWEN, a regional inter-governmental body in combating wildlife crime in the
region and beyond.
SAWEN is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body launched in January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan.
iii. to MoU between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the field of Fisheries
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for extension of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and
Bangladesh on cooperation in the field of Fisheries.
115. India, Germany sign Implementation Agreement on Ganga Rejuvenation
India and Germany have signed an Implementation Agreement for Ganga Rejuvenation under the Namami Gange
Programme in New Delhi.
It was signed between the Union Ministry of Water Resources and German International Cooperation (GIZ) of Germany.
116. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Maritime India Summit 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maritime India Summit 2016 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The first of its kind two day summit (from April 14 to 16, 2016) will be held at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition
Centre in Goregaon, Mumbai.
South Korea is the partner country for the summit and will be represented by a high level ministerial and business delegation.
117. PM Narendra Modi launches Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan (Village Self Governance Campaign),
an eleven day campaign (from 14th April to 24th April 2016), to strengthen Panchayati Raj in villages and ensure social
harmony in villages.
It was launched on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at his birthplace at Mhow, Madhya
Pradesh.
118. PM Narendra Modi launches National Agriculture Market portal eNAM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Agriculture Market portal eNAM to connect e-mandis in several States.
eNAM is an online inter-connectivity of e-mandis, aimed at ushering in much needed agriculture marketing reforms to enable
farmers to get better price of their produce.
e-National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India e-trading platform.
It is designed to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
Farmers can showcase their produce online from their nearest market and traders can quote price from anywhere.
119. Union Government imposes anti-dumping duty on N-Butyl Alcohol
The Union Government has imposed an anti-dumping duty of up to US 149 dollars on imports of N-Butyl Alcohol from five
countries viz.
120. MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga appointed as member of US cybersecurity body
US President Barack Obama has nominated MasterCards Indian-American CEO Ajay Banga as a member of the
Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.
Mr. Banga is one of the 10 members of the Commission which also includes General Keith Alexander former Director of the
top US spying body National Security Agency (NSA).
121. India, South Korea ink MoU for cooperation and mutual assistance in development of Ports
India and South Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation and mutual assistance in
development of ports.

 It was signed by Union Road, Transport and Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and South Korea Oceans and
Fisheries Minister Kim Young Suk in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
122. MoU signed to promote research with IMPRINT programme
To promote research in premier technical institutions through Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT)
programme, an memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed among 25 different ministries/departments of Government
of India, including ministry for human resource development.
IMPRINT, is a flagship national initiative of the government which was launched on November 5, 2014.
123. Govt renames Panagarh airbase after former IAF Chief Arjan Singh
The Union Government has renamed Panagarh Air Force Base of Indian Air Force in West Bengal as Air Force Station
Arjan Singh in honour of the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh.
It was renamed on the occasion of 93rd birthday of Arjan Singh.
Air Officer Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal C. Harikumar unveiled the rechristening plaque.
This is first time in Indias defence history, a military installations has been named after individuals, especially when they are
alive.
124. Centre releases commemorative coin to mark Tatya Tope martyrdom day
The Union Government has leased a commemorative coin of 200 rupees and a circulation coin of 10 rupees on freedom
fighter Tatya Tope.
It was released by the Union Culture Minister Dr. Mahesh on the occasion of the Martyrdom Day of Tatya Tope in New
Delhi.
125. Beti Bachao Beti Padho Scheme extended to 61 more districts with low child sex ratio
The Union Government has extended the Beti Bachao Beti Padho Scheme in additional 61 districts across 11
States and Union Territories with low Child Sex Ratio.
It was announced by the Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi while addressing the function in New
Delhi.
126. PM Modi inaugurates superspeciality hospital in Katra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 April 2016 dedicated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital to
the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Katra belt of Reasi district.
The 230-bed hospital has been set up by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board with an investment of about Rs 300 crore
at Kakryal near Katra.
127. India, Mauritius ink MoU to promote traditional medicine
India and Mauritius have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in traditional medicine and
homeopathy.
The MoU envisages supply of traditional medicinal substances, exchange of experts, joint R&D and recognition of the
traditional systems of health and medicine in both countries.
128. Union govt. allots Rs. 800 crore to clean up polluted lakes in garden city
The Union government has earmarked Rs. 800 crore to clean up Bengalurus polluted lakes.
Last year, Bellandur lake saw frothing that rose to nearly six feet and, in some instances, caught fire.
129. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi has given nod to various agreement and
MoU.
to expansion of India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for expansion of India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between both
countries.
Under the expanded PTA, India has offered concessions to Chile on 1031 tariff lines at 8-digit level with Margin of
Preference (MoP) ranging from 10 to 100%.

to operationalisation of IISER Tirupati

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for operationalisation of new Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
(IISER) at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
The operationalisation IISER Tirupati will commence from the Academic Year of 2015-16 from a transit or temporary
campus.
to MoU on technical cooperation between India, Bhutan
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bhutan on Technical
Cooperation in the field of benchmarking, capacity building and bilateral exchange in Infrastructure Engineering.
130.Govt. renames Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan as 'Khelo India'
The BJP-led NDA Government has revised the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA) scheme by merging it with Khelo India.
Khelo India scheme is based on Gujarat's model of Khel Mahakumbh under which the schools and colleges from different
parts of the country participate in about 27 disciplines.
131.Emirates Airline continues long standing relationship with ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Emirates Airline, the worlds largest international airline, renewed a deal for an
additional seven years which confirms Emirates as a Global Partner for all ICC events from 2016-2023.
132. JK Tyres acquires Cavendish Industries for Rs 2200 crore
JK Tyre & Industries today said it has completed acquisition of Cavendish Industries which houses three tyre business
undertakings of Birla Tyres at an enterprise value of Rs 2200 crore.
The plants are located at Laksar (Haridwar), which manufactures a range of tyre, tubes and flaps.
The acquisition has been funded through a combination of internal accruals and debt.
With this acquisition JK Tyres will have 12 manufacturing units across India and Mexico.
133. Union Commerce Ministry launches Twitter Seva for Start-Ups
The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry has launched a new service Twitter Seva to address issues and grievances of
startups, exporters and importers, and other stakeholders.
134. International Yoga Fest inaugurates
The three day International Yoga Fest: A Curtain Raiser for International Day of Yoga-2016 was inaugurated by the Minister
of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in New Delhi.
135. ISRO Scientists develop worlds lightest material Silica Aerogel
Scientists from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have indigenously developed worlds lightest synthetic material
called silica aerogel or blue air.
136. President Mukherjee inaugurates 2nd edition of `Global Exhibition on Services'
The second edition of Global Exhibition on Services (GES) 2016 has inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee at India
Expo Centre &Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
137. Mahindra & Mahindra becomes first Indian company to join EP100 campaign
Automobile giant Mahindra & Mahindra has become the first Indian company to join a global energy campaign led by an
international non-profit group that will work with the world's most influential businesses in setting commitments to double
their energy productivity.
138. President nominates 6 eminent members to Rajya Sabha
President Pranab Mukherjee has nominated six eminent members to Rajya Sabha as per the provisions of Article 80 of the
Constitution.
These nominated members are
Mary Kom: Legendary boxer and Olympic bronze medallist.
Narendra Jadhav: He is renowned economist and former member of the erstwhile National Advisory Council (201014) and Planning Commission (2009-14).

 Suresh Gopi: He is Malayalam actor and had acted in over 200 films. He is a winner of the National Film Award and
Filmfare Award.
Swapan Dasgupta: He is journalist by profession. He had worked at senior editorial positions in various publications
including The Indian Express, India Today and The Times of India.
Subramanian Swamy: He is BJP leader and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1977, 1980 and 1988, and to the Rajya
Sabha in 1974 and 1998.
Navjot Singh Sidhu: He is cricketer-turned-politician and former two time member of Lok Sabha.
As per Article 80 (Part V) of the Constitution, President can nominate 12 members in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
139. Accenture launches cyber centre in Bengaluru
Global professional services company Accenture on 21 April said it opened a cyber centre in Bengaluru to expand its global
security presence and help organisations tackle complex security challenges.
140. Rs 842 crore assistance approved for Karnataka, Puducherry and Arunachal Pradesh
The Centre on 23rd April approved assistance of Rs 842.7 crore for Karnataka, Puducherry and Arunachal Pradesh, which
have been affected by drought or floods.
141. 6 Indians in TIME's 100 most influential people
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, tennis star Sania Mirza, actress Priyanka Chopra, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and founders
of Flipkart Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal have been named by Time magazine in its list of the '100 Most Influential People
in the World'.
142. Uber partners with FICCI, Gujarat Tourism for soft skill training
Cab aggregator, Uber has entered into a partnership with Gujarat Tourism and FICCI in Ahmedabad city to facilitate training
for Uber driver-partners.
The training is designed and conducted by Ace Driving & Road Safety Education Pvt Ltd on areas of Safe Driving and
Interpersonal Skills of the drivers, in order to improve the overall rider experience in Gujarat.
143. India, France launch $1 Trillion Potential Solar Programme under ISA
India and France have launched a programme with $1 trillion Potential Solar Programme under the International Solar
Alliance (ISA).
It is a solar finance programme that aims at helping developing countries to fully harness their solar resources for a clean
energy future.
144. Indias first online interactive heritage portal Sahapedia launched
The Union Government has launched Indias first online interactive heritage portal named Sahapedia was in New Delhi.
The web portal is a collaborative knowledge resource on the arts, culture and heritage of India.
Sahapedia is a not-for-profit society headed by former TCS chairman S. Ramadorai, who currently helms the National Skill
Development Agency.
145. Union Govt notifies new rules to revamp SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
The Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry has notified new rules to give effect amended Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The new rules seek to tighten provisions to ensure speedy justice to members of the SC/ST community.
146. Heart of Asia conference begins in New Delhi
The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference begins on 26 April in New Delhi.
The conference is with the objective of bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan and speeding up its reconstruction with a
focus on enhancing investment and connectivity to the country.
147. Union Govt constitutes committee for doubling farmers income by 2022
The Union Government has recently constituted 8-member inter-ministerial committee to prepare a blueprint for doubling
farmers income by 2022.
The committee will be headed by Ashok Dalwai, Additional secretary at the Union Agriculture Ministry and is expected to
submit the report in two months.

148. Parliament passes Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Parliament has passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to remove given to Sahjdhari Sikhs to vote in the
elections to members of the Board and the Committees.
The amendment bill first was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2016 and later in the Lok Sabha in April 2016.
The amendment bill removes exception given to Sahjdhari Sikhs in 1944 to vote in the elections to members of the Board and
the Committees constituted under the parent Act.
149. Union Tourism Ministry launches NMAs NOAPS web portal
Union Tourism Ministry has launched National Monuments Authority Web Portal called NOC Online Application and
Processing System (NOAPS).
The web portal will provide single window clearance for applicants to get no-objection certificates (NoC) within six working
days for construction-related works near the 3,686 protected monuments in the country.
Under the present rules, hundred meters area around the monument is a prohibited zone. While the area between 100 to 300
metres is regulated zone for which no-objection certificate is needed for construction-related works.
The time limit for availing NoC was 90 days.
150. Centre to sell 11.36% stake in NHPC
The government will kick-start its Rs 56,500-crore disinvestment programme on 27 April when it will sell 11.36 per cent
stake in power producer NHPC through an offer-for-sale issue, which is likely to fetch the exchequer Rs 2,700 crore.
The government holds 85.96 per cent in NHPC and selling 11.36 per cent would help it comply with minimum public
shareholding norms of 75 per cent sovereign holding in state-owned companies.
151. Govt to provide Rs 1 lakh per month to Rio-bound athletes
Union Sports Ministry has decided to provide one lakh rupees per month as out of pocket allowance to the sports persons
under the Target Olympic Podium scheme in their preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics Games at Rio de Janeiro.
77 Indian athletes in eight disciplines have qualified for the Olympics till date and many more are likely to qualify in the next
two months.
Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme is a sports ministry initiative under which Olympic medal prospects are funded by the
government for top class training as part of their preparations for the Games.
152. Shyam Benegal Committee Recommendations on the functioning of Censor Board
The Shyam Benegal headed committee constituted by the Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has submitted
its report to Union I&B minister Arun Jaitley.
The committee was tasked to look holistically into the functioning of the censor board and revamp the film certification
nuances by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
153. India banned import of milk, some mobile phones from China
India has banned import of milk and milk products, certain mobile phones and a few other items from China after finding
them sub-standard or not following security codes.
Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha that India banned import of milk and milk products from China
as their quality was unacceptable.
Sitharaman said some mobile phones, which do not carry International Mobile Station Equipment Identity number or other
security features, and some steel products have also been banned from importing from China.
154. Union Railway Ministry to set up Rs 1 lakh crore Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
The Union Railway Ministry has decided to create a 1 lakh crore rupees safety fund named Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh to
strengthen safety measures on the rail network to prevent accidents.
The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh will be a non-lapsable fund which will be utilised for safety measures.
155. Union Govt makes panic button, GPS compulsory in all mobiles
The Union Government has made mandatory for mobile manufacturers to add in-built panic button and global positioning
system (GPS) in all phones from January 1, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
156. Videocon d2h ties up with Vodafone m-pesa

 Videocon d2h has tied up with Vodafone m-pesa, where the formers customers can recharge their d2h service using
Vodafone m-pesa.
157. The Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval to MoU and nod to
Agreements in New Delhi on 27 April 2016.
Gives nod to BPCLs investment enhancement in Oman Refineries
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to enhance investment by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Bharat
Oman Refineries Limited (BORL).
With this, the investment amount of BPCL could be enhanced upto a maximum of 3000 crore rupees by way of subscription
of convertible warrants or other instruments.
Gives nod to MoU between IRDAI and Insurance Authority of UAE
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Insurance Authority of United Arab Emirates.
It will increase mutual understanding through the exchange of regulatory and relevant supervisory information.
Approves MoU between India and Papua New Guinea
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Papua New Guinea
on cooperation in the field of Healthcare and Medical Science.
The bilateral MoU will encourage cooperation between the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India and
Ministry of Health and HIV/AIDS of the Papua New Guinea.
Union Govt allows states to put stock holding limits on sugar
The Union Government has decided to allow States to impose and enforce stock limits on sugar in order to check the the
price rise of sweetener in the market.
The decision to bring sugar under the purview of stock holding limits on dealers of sugar was taken in Union Cabinet
meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
It will empower State and Central Government agencies to impose stock limits and regulate supply, storage, distribution and
trade of sugar in order to bring down sugar prices at reasonable level by curbing unscrupulous trading.
158. PM Narendra Modi to address US Congress on June 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to address a joint meeting of the United States (US) Congress on June 8,
2016 during his visit to the US.
159. Parliament passes Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015
The Parliament has passed the Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015.
The Bill amends the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951.
Now it will go for Presidential assent as per Article 111 of the Indian Constitution.
The bill seeks to bring industries engaged in the manufacture of potable alcohol under the exclusive control of States in all
respects.
160. Parliament passes Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Parliament passed Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to include certain communities in the list
of Scheduled Castes (SC) from 4 states.
161. BSF to put tallest 'Tiranga' at Wagah border by January 2017
The Border Security Force (BSF) is planning to install the tallest national flag near the Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post,
famously known as the Wagah border.
The flag at 350 feet is part of BSF's expansion plans for the visitors' gallery at the site of the iconic Retreat ceremony.
The tallest tricolour can be seen both from Lahore as well as Amritsar.
Currently, Jharkhand holds the record of hoisting the largest tricolour - a massive 99X66 feet - on the country's tallest flag
post at 293 feet in Ranchi.
162. UJALA will be implemented across country by 2019
The Centres ambitious National LED programme - Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) - will be implemented
across the country by 2019.

 A total of 9 crore LED bulbs were sold in the country since the scheme was launched a year ago on May 1, which means
people will get the benefit of Rs 5,500 crore in their electricity bills.
It will be implemented across the country by 2019.
163. Centre approves Rs.9,005 cr more investment for affordable housing
Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has approved an investment of Rs.9,005 cr for construction of 73,205 more
houses for Economically Weaker Sections in urban under Prime Minister's Awas Yojana in the States of Maharashtra, Punjab
and Jammu & Kashmir.
164. Reliance Defence inks strategic partnership pact with 3 Ukrainian state firms
Reliance Infra-led Reliance Defence Ltd has signed a strategic partnership agreement with 3 Ukrainian state firms to
collaborate on a range of military products.
165. Infosys unveils machine learning platform Mana
Infosys has launched a machine learning platform and strengthened its partnerships with Microsoft.
The platform is called Mana and aims to drive automation and bring in innovation amongst businesses.

NEWS (STATES)
1. Maharashtra Govt launches Adi Praman app for caste validity certificate
Maharashtra Government has launched Adi Praman, a web-based application for states tribal population to get the caste
validity certificates online.
It was launched along with portal named etribalvalidity.mahaonline@gov.in by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.
2. South Indias first underground metro services flagged off in Bengaluru
South Indias first underground metro services flagged off in Bengaluru i.e. at East-West corridor (Purple Line) of Bangalore
Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
The underground metro corridor has been named as Namma Metro and was flagged off Dr BR Ambedkar station by the
Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The newly inaugurated
28-km metro line has 5.12-km underground stretch and connects Cubbon Park to the City Railway station.
3. AP Govt launches Chandranna Bima Yojana
Andhra Pradesh Government has launched Chandranna Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme for the working class people.
The scheme was launched by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on the occasion of May Day in Vijayawada.
Any insured worker who meets an accidental death and permanent disability will be paid 5 lakh rupees.
Any insured worker who suffers partial disability will be paid 3 lakh rupees.
4. Andhra Pradesh Harita-Priya Agriculture Project wins 2016 WSIS Prize
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Project has won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2016 prize in
the e-Agriculture category.
Harita-Priya (Harmonized Information of Agriculture, Revenue and Irrigation for a Transformation Agenda Precision
Technology for Agriculture) Project is meant to collect very specific climate data from farms and give farmers personalised
information through SMS.
5. Gangavati to get Asias first Rice Technology Park
The Karnataka government has decided to go ahead with the establishment of Asias first Rice Technology Park at Gangavati
in Koppal district and a Maize Technology Park at Ranebennur in Haveri district on the public-private participation model as
a one-stop solution to all problems of rice and maize growers.
6. Two new train services in Kashmir Valley
Catering to the public demand, the Railways launched two new train services in Kashmir Valley to enhance the rail
movement in the region.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched two new train services, the new passenger trains between Banihal-Baramulla and
Baramulla-Budgam regions, through video conferencing.

7. Kalraj Mishra inaugurates Khadi Center in Srinagar

The Minister for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra inaugurated a spinning and weaving centre
and marketing plaza for khadi goods in Srinagar.
At the centre -- Harmukh Khadi Gram Udyog Sansthan -- Mishra also distributed 25 model charkhas among local artisans at
a function.
The charkha is a symbol of resistance and can help maximum number of unemployed youth and women in far flung areas to
attain economic independence.
8. Gujarat Govt accords minority status to Jain community
The Gujarat Government has accorded minority status to the Jain community in the state.
In this regard state government has issued a government resolution (GR) giving minority status to the Jain community.
The decision has nothing to do with reservations and the new status will benefit the poor among the Jain community.
9. Telangana to set up monkey rescue, rehabilitation centre
A monkey rescue and rehabilitation centre will come up in Telangana's Adilabad district, which is known for a large simian
population.
The centre will be established as a pilot project at Chincholi near Nirmal town, about 200 km from Hyderabad.
The facility will be come up at a cost of Rs.2.21 crore, including Rs.1.56 crore as non-recurring expenditure and Rs.65 lakh
as recurring cost for the first year.
10. Saraswat Bank donates Rs 1 cr relief for drought in Maharashtra
Saraswat Bank, country's largest urban co-operative bank which recently crossed a total business of Rs 50,000 crore, has
announced donation of Rs 1 crore towards drought relief in Maharashtra.
11. Nagalands SMS-based Vehicle Monitoring Service bags award
The SMS-based Vehicle Monitoring System of Nagaland police has bagged the National Award for Smart Policing instituted
by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
The award for the Best Practice in the category of Road Safety and Traffic Management was presented to Nagaland Police by
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary at a function in New Delhi.
12. Rural Sanitation Initiatives for Ganga Rejuvenation launched in Jharkhand
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Uma Bharti launched nine projects for
rural sanitation initiatives under Namami Gange Programme for conservation of river Ganga in Sahibganj, Jharkhand today.
The entire 83 Km. stretch of Ganga in Jharkhand will be covered under this programme.
The programme, to be implemented in a number of states, including Jharkhand, was allocated Rs.2,037 crore.
13. Odisha CM launches DBT scheme for farmers
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik launched a 'Direct Benefit Transfer' scheme for the state's farmers.
The farmers can now get themselves registered online to purchase seeds and get the subsidy amount in their bank account
directly under the scheme.
14. Harish Rawat led Congress Govt wins the Floor Test in Uttarakhand
Harish Rawat-led Congress Government has won the floor test in the state legislative assembly conducted on 10 May 2016
on the order of the Supreme Court.
In the floor test Harish Rawat Government recieved 33 votes against 28 votes out of 61 qualified members who voted in the
assembly.
15. Gujarat govt to kick-start solar rooftop project for citizens
With an aim of scaling up the present solar power generation in Gujarat, the state government is now all set to launch its
much awaited project of grid-connected rooftop solar power units, wherein residential property owners will be encouraged to
install this new system.

The Solar Rooftop project was initiated by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), which is the state nodal agency to
promote renewable energy.

16. UP Government approves bicycle highway between Taj and lion safari
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has given its approval to develop over 197 km long bicycle highway from Agra up to the lion safari
in Etawah to encourage eco-tourism in vicinity of Taj Mahal.
Decision in this regard was taken by State Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
The bicycle highway will not run along the Agra-Etawah main road but will cover various historical and tourism centres.
17. Maharashtra govt declares drought in 29,000 villages
Maharashtra government has declared drought in over 29,000 villages of the state, most of them in parched Marathwada and
Vidarbha regions.
The government issued a corrigendum clarifying that wherever reference is made to a drought-like situation, it would be
read as drought.
18. Kerala Bags 'Best Family Destination' 2016 Tourism Award
Kerala has once again been named as the best family destination in the country at the Lonely Planet Magazine India (LPMI)
Travel Awards 2016.
Kerala Tourism Director U V Jose received the award at a function in Mumbai on Monday.
Kerala Tourism had earlier won the Ulysses Prize of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for its contribution as a
global leader to sustainable tourism.
19. J P Nadda to lay foundation stones of medical colleges in J&K
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda will lay the foundation stone of three medical colleges, to be set up
at a cost of around Rs. 189 crore each, in Jammu and Kashmir on 15 May 2016.
These colleges will be set up at Rajouri in Jammu division, Anantnag in south Kashmir and Baramulla in the north.
20. Odisha Govt launches Green Passage Scheme for orphan students
Odisha Government has decided to launch Green Passage scheme for orphan students to ensure that they get free of cost
higher education in the state.
A proposal of the higher education department in this regard, was approved by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
21. Delhi Metro conducts trial run of countrys first driverless train
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) conducted the trial run of the countrys first ever Metro train equipped to run in
the driverless mode.
The train was ceremonially flagged off by Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu and Delhi Chief
Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The driverless trains will run on the over 58 km-long Majlish Park-Shiv Vihar (Line 7) and the over 38 km-long Janakpuri
(West)- Botanical Garden (Line 8) corridors of the Phase-III.
22. Apple announces opening of its map development centre in Hyderabad
Apple officially announced the opening of its Hyderabad technology centre that will focus on the development of maps for its
mobile products.
The centre which has drawn in estimated investment of $25 million will employ up to 4,000 people.
23. World's largest rooftop solar power plant inaugurated in Punjab
Worlds largest single rooftop solar power plant of 11.5 Mw capacity was inaugurated in Beas near Amritsar in Punjab by
Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal.
Spread at a single rooftop stretch of 42 acre at Dera Baba Jaimal, the project was synchronised earlier this year.
The EPC contractors for the project were Tata Power Solar and Larsen and Toubro.
The investment in this sector has steeply gone up from Rs 82 crore in 2012 to nearly Rs 10,000 crore now with an
employment potential of 12,500 jobs.
Punjab would achieve a target of 2552 MW of renewable energy generation by 2022.

24. BHEL commissions 250 MW thermal unit in Maharashtra

State-owned BHEL said it has commissioned a 250 MW thermal unit in Maharashtra.
The unit has been commissioned at Parli Thermal Power Station (TPS) located at Beed district in the Marathwada region of
Maharashtra, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) said in a BSE filing.
The project is owned by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (Mahagenco). This is the eighth coal-based unit
commissioned by BHEL at Parli TPS.
25. Himachal Pradesh Govt launches PEHAL
Himachal Pradesh Government has launched PEHAL, a vision document of the Shimla District administration for raising
education standards.
It was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in Shimla.
PEHAL is an attempt to integrate the various stakeholders in the development story of the district.
26. After liquor, Bihar govt bans 'gutka' and paan masala
After the prohibition of any type of liquor with effect from April 5, Bihar government has also decided to prohibit the
distribution, manufacture, storage, distribution, consumption, transportation, display or the sale of any type of 'gutka' and pan
masala containing tobacco or nicotine with effect from 21 May for a period of one year.
27. Cyclonic storm ROANU hits eastern coast of India
Cyclonic Storm Roanu, an active tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal has hit the eastern coast of India.
It is the first tropical cyclone of the annual cyclone season.
Roanu originated from a deep depression (low pressure) area that formed south of Sri Lanka and later gradually drifted north
and intensified into a cyclonic storm.
28. Gujarat Government launches Smart Village program
Gujarat Government has launched Smart Village program to improve public facilities in the villages.
It was launched by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on the occasion of completion of two years of her Government.
Under this programme, 300 villages will be selected for Smart Village program.
29. Diesel vehicles over 10 years banned in Kerala
In a landmark judgement, the National Green Tribunal Circuit Bench, in Kerala, banned light and heavy diesel vehicles,
which are more than 10 years old, in six major cities, including state capital Thiruvananthapuram and commercial capital
Kochi, in Kerala.
The order also prevented the state government from registering new diesel vehicles of 2000 cc and above, except those in the
public transport and government sector.
Upon expiry of 30 days from 23 May, if any vehicle is found to be violating this direction, it shall pay Rs. 5000 as
environmental compensation and this will be collected by traffic police or pollution control board.
30. Odisha Governor promulgates ordinance for official use of Odia
Odisha Governor Dr SC Jamir has promulgated Odisha Official Language (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 to ensure use of
Odia in all government systems.
The ordinance was promulgated as per provisions of the Article 213 of the Constitution.
It empowers the state government to formulate laws to implement Odisha Official Language Act, 1954.
31. BHEL commissions 800 MW supercricital thermal unit in Karnataka
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has successfully commissioned the first 800 MW supercricital thermal unit in
Karnataka, which is also the highest rating unit in the State.
The unit has been commissioned at the 2x800 MW Yeramarus thermal power station (TPS) located in Raichur district of
Karnataka.
Yeramarus is being developed by Raichur Power Corporation Ltd (RPCL) a joint venture of Karnataka Power Corporation
Ltd (KPCL) and BHEL.

32. Punjab and Haryana HC stays quota for Jats, five other communities in Haryana
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the reservation for Jats and five other communities provided by the Haryana
government.
The five other communities which were provided reservation under the Act were Jat Sikhs, Bishnois, Muslim Jats, Rors and
Tyagis.
They were entitled to 10 per cent reservation in government services and also admission to educational institutions.
33. Union Government approves NIMZ in Kalinganagar, Odisha
The Union Government has given its final approval to setting up of National Investment & Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) in
Kalinganagar, Odisha.
It will come up on a massive area of 163 square kilometres and on completion will be the third NIMZ of India.
For execution NIMZ project, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved fund of Rs. 4241 crore.
Of this total amount, estimated Rs. 3816 crore will be invested for the first phase of the project which will be completed by
2020.
34.Lakshadweep becomes first UT to sign 247 Power for All document
Lakshadweep became first Union Territory (UT) in the counry to sign 247 Power for All document.
The document was signed by representative of Union Government and administration of Lakshadweep.
The 247 Power for All document chalks out A plan to increase solar capacity from 2.15 MW to 8.45 MW of the island
region.
Envisions reduction of AT & C losses from current level of 21% to 6.7% till 2019 by increasing the collection efficiency up
to 99%.
35.J&K NCC girls scale Mt Everest
Three girls of National cadet Corps of Directorate Jammu and Kashmir have done the state proud by scaling the Worlds
Highest Mount Everest.
The girls were part of first ever All Girls Mt Everest Expedition of the NCC which scaled the summit on May 21, 22.
The three girl cadets from J and K are Cadets Stanzlin Laskit, Tashi Laskit and Tsering Angmo.
36. Hyderabad Angels to invest Rs. 15 cr in 12 start-ups
Hyderabad Angels has committed investments to the tune of Rs. 15 crore in 12 start-ups in the current financial year.The
network has about 100 investors from India, the US, Japan and Singapore.
The network has so far invested Rs. 30 crore in over 20 start-ups.
37. Kachhabali becomes first liquor-free village in Rajasthan
Kachhabali village in Bhim tehsil of Rajsamand district has become the first in Rajasthan to liquor-free village.
38. Maharashtra first state to link colleges to national cancer grid
In a major step towards improvement of infrastructure for cancer cure, Maharashtra tied up with the Tata Trusts to link all
government colleges and medical colleges to the national cancer grid for uniform cancer profiling and quality treatment.
39. Delhi CM Kejriwal launches Green Delhi initiative
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the Green Delhi programme by planting trees at the Triangular Park at the ITO
Chowk.
The event comes on the eve of his promise to rid the Capitals streets of dust a major contributor to air pollution.
40. Nitish Kumar declares Bihar a dry state
Four days after promulgation of partial prohibition in Bihar on April 01, the Nitish Kumar government on 05 April,
2016 decided to impose a total ban on alcohol in towns and cities.
The decision to ban sale and consumption of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in municipal and town council areas with
immediate effect was taken at a cabinet meeting.
The Nitish Kumar government had banned sale and consumption of country and spiced liquor in rural areas from April 1 this
year, but had allowed sale of foreign liquor in towns and cities.

41. Worlds first White Tiger Safari opens in Madhya Pradesh

Worlds first White Tiger Safari was inaugurated at Mukundpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh.
42. AP Govt signs pacts for Rs. 5,200-cr tourism projects
The Andhra Pradesh Government on 05 April signed 27 MoUs with several companies for tourism projects with an
investment potential of Rs. 5,200 crore.
The MoUs were signed at the concluding day of the 3-day Partnership Summit jointly held by the Confederation of Indian
Industry and the State Government.
43. Mumbai gets its first-ever AC local train
The first ever air-conditioned suburban local for Mumbai, which was flagged off from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai
on March 31, has finally arrived in the metropolis on 05 April, and its trial run would take place within a week.
44. Odisha Govt launches 100 Adarsha Vidyalayas
Odisha government on 05 April has launched 100 Adarsha Vidyalayas and CBSE-affiliated English medium schools in 14
districts of the state.
Students of these model schools would get free education and all facilities like mid-day meal, uniform and textbooks free of
cost like other state government-run schools.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated these schools to the people at a function at Sasan Ambagaon under his constituency
Hinjli.
45. Anandiben Patel launches 'Maa Annapurna Yojna'
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on 06 April 2016 officially launched the state-wide implementation of National Food
Security Act, which has been renamed as 'Maa Annapurna Yojna (Scheme)' by the state government.
46. Gangwar inaugurates 3 mega projects in Nagaland
Union Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar on 07 April 2016 inaugurated three mega textile projects in Nagaland.
These three projects included Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Dimapur, Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong in
Mokokchung district and newly approved Integrated Eri Silk Development Project under North East Textile Promotion
Scheme (NERTPS).
47. North East-ASEAN Business Summit kicks off in Imphal
The first-ever North East-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Summit kicked off in Imphal, Manipur
with the focus on road connectivity, trade and tourism.
The two day summit has been organized by Manipur Commerce and Industries Department (MCID) in collaboration with the
Union Ministries of External Affairs and Development of North-Eastern Region(DoNER), Indian Chamber of
Commerce(ICC) and Indian Chamber of Service Industries(ICSI).
48. Agri Minister laid Foundation stone of Haryana's first Horticulture University
Union Agriculture and farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh laid the Foundation stone of Haryana State University
of Horticultural Sciences at Karnal, Haryana.
49. Rajasthan becomes the first state to pass land title Bill
Rajasthan state assembly passed the Rajasthan Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Bills, 2016 for providing statutory
backing to land records. With this Rajasthan has become the first state to pass land title bill for effectively guaranteeing land
and property ownership.
50. Sajibu Cheiraoba festival celebrated in Manipur with religious fervor
The traditional festival of Sajibu Cheiraoba was celebrated in Manipur to mark the beginning of a new year with cultural
gusto and religious fervor.
The festival is mainly observed on the first lunar day of the lunar month Sajibu (March/April) by the Meiteis community, a
majority ethnic group of Manipur.
51. Green UP - Clean UP programme : Five crore trees to be planted in UP

 The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all the district magistrates for plantation of five crore trees at 6,500 sites in 24
hours on a date fixed in month of July under the Green UP - Clean UP programme.
Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan has directed all DMs that the coding of plantation sites should be done according to IGRS based
coding of NIC.
He said that all online data of plantation sites should be prepared with the cooperation of NIC to ensure effective district-wise
monitoring.
52. Haryana Govt decides to rename Gurgaon as Gurugram
Haryana Government has decided to rename Gurgaon as Gurugram.
State government also has renamed Mewat as Nuh.
53. Maharashtra becomes first state to pass law against social boycott
The Maharashtra legislature has unanimously passed the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016 to end the menace social boycott practiced by extra-judicial institutions like caste and
community panchayats.
54. J-K govt announces Mufti Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme
Jammu and Kashmir government launched Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES) to supplement
the National Food Security Act in the state.
55. Centre appoints Finance Secretary as liaison officer with J-K
The Centre has appointed Finance Secretary Ratan Wattal as the liaison officer with Jammu and Kashmir government to
ensure that the flow of funds to the state is fast-tracked for smooth implementation of Prime Minister's Development
Package.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on 13 April 2016 assured her of complete
cooperation on all the issues related to his ministry.
56. Delhi Govt bans sale of all forms of Chewable Tobacco for 1 year
Delhi government has banned the manufacture, distribution, storage and sale of all forms of chewable tobacco for one year in
the interest of public health.
The ban incudes all forms of chewable tobacco including scented, flavoured or mixed and sold in other forms such as gutkha,
pan masala, khaini and zarda.
57. Delhi ranked 44th among worlds 50 Future-ready Cities
National Capital of India, Delhi has been ranked 44th among the worlds 50 future-ready economies cities that are
embracing technology for growth.
It was revealed by the recently released report Future-Ready Economies Model by the Information Technology major Dell.
The list is topped by San Jose, followed by San Francisco, Singapore, London, Washington DC, etc.
58. Maneka Gandhi inaugurates regional conference of north-east states
The Minister of Women & Child Development, Mrs. Maneka Gandhi inaugurated a One Day Regional Conference with
North Eastern States in Shillong on the issues relating to Child Adoption.
The conference is being held at State Convention Centre, Shillong.
59. Maharashtra Govt to use hologram technique to check spurious liquor
Maharashtra Government has decided to make it mandatory to have a hologram on every alcohol bottle manufactured and
sold in the state in order to check sale of spurious liquor.
Henceforth, no liquor bottle will be allowed to be sold in the state without the hologram.
60. Maharashtra Government bans digging of bore wells beyond 200 feet
Maharashtra Government has banned digging of borewells beyond 200 feet in order to check the steep decline in ground
water level across the state.
61. HC quashes President rule in Uttarakhand

 Dealing a major blow to Modi government, the Uttarakhand High Court on 21 April 2016 quashed the imposition of
President rule in the state and revived the Congress government headed by Harish Rawat, who has been asked to prove his
majority on April 29.
62. SC stays Uttarakhand HCs order revoking Presidents rule in Uttarakhand
The Supreme Court has stayed the judgement of the Uttarakhand High Court quashing the imposition of Presidents rule
imposed under Article 356 in the Constitution till April 27, 2016.
With this President rule has been again restored in Uttarakhand as the High Court judgement will be kept in abeyance till the
next date of hearing of SC.
The apex court stay order came after the Union Government had moved the Court against the Uttarakhand High Court verdict
quashing Presidents rule in the state.
63.National Food Security Act implemented in Manipur
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh declared that the National Food Security Act has been implemented in the State.
Mr. Singh made the announcement at a function organised by the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
department at Sangaiprou Godown.
The Act would lay stress on those possessing Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards.
64. Gujarat announces 10% quota for economically backward in gen category
The Gujarat government announced on Friday 10% reservation for the economically backward among upper castes, a move
apparently aimed at placating the influential Patidars who launched a violent agitation last year seeking quota benefits.
The decision, taken at a meeting of the BJP core committee headed by party president Amit Shah in Gandhinagar, will
benefit all upper caste families with annual income less than Rs six lakh.
65. EC launches mobile app e-voter for Kerala assembly polls
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched an innovative mobile application titled e-voter with comprehensive
details about the forthcoming 2016 Assembly polls in Kerala.
The app is envisaged for voters facilitation for search in electoral roll, information regarding candidates, location of polling
station, affidavit filed by them, filing of complaint and so on.
66. Cabinet nod to solar power plant of 200 MW at Jetsar, Rajasthan
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for utilisation of 400 hectares of
un-cultivable farm land at the Central State Farm (CSF), Jetsar in Sri Ganganagar District, Rajasthan for setting up of a solar
power plant of capacity exceeding 200 MW.
67. J&K Govt approves 5% interest subsidy for flood-hit traders
Jammu and Kashmir government on 27 April 2016 approved five percent interest subvention to flood-hit traders with effect
from 1 April 2016.
The decision will bring a major relief to September 2014 flood hit traders and business units.
The interest subsidy will have a cap of five lakh rupees per unit for a period of four years, that is, up to 31 December 2020.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu.
68. Mindtree co-founder Subroto Bagchi to head Odisha Skill Development Authority
IT major Mindtree co-founder Subroto Bagchi has been appointed as head of the Odisha Skill Development Authority.
He would report directly to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and has been given the rank of cabinet minister with a token
monthly salary of Re 1.
69. Kohima declared 'smoke-free city'
Nagaland's capital Kohima was on 30 April declared as a 'smoke-free city'.
The official declaration was made by the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilatuo Mor during the campaign for SmokeFree Kohima City organised by District Tobacco Control Cell under the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
70. Odisha CM launches 100 piped water supply projects
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 30 April dedicated to the people 100 piped water supply projects for rural areas
and pledged to make piped water provision in all gram panchayats by 2017.

71. Rahuri in Ahmednagar becomes First to have Digi-Locker

Rahuri Municipal Council of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra became the first Municipal Council to attain the status of
integrated with digital locker for the issuance of all essential Documents.
Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad formally launched this service here as part of Digital India Programme.

NEWS (WORLD)
1. UN launches Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Zika virus response
The United Nations has launched UN Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to finance critical unfunded priorities
in the response to the Zika outbreak.
The fund was launched by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.
2. Pak human rights activist Khurram Zaki gunned down in Karachi
A leading human rights campaigner and blogger who was instrumental in filing cases against Lal Masjid cleric Mullah Abdul
Aziz and other right wing radicals in Pakistan was shot dead in Karachi, once again putting a question mark on Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharifs campaign against religious extremism in the country.
Khurram Zaki, 40, who edited the blog Let Us Build Pakistan (LUBP) which claimed to spread liberal religious views and
condemned extremism in all forms was shot dead while his companion was seriously injured as they sat outside a Karachi
eatery for dinner.
3. Indian-origin Murali Pillai elected to Singapore Parliament
An Indian-origin lawyer Murali Pillai from Singapores ruling Peoples Action Party (PAP) has been elected member of the
parliament.
He got elected by garnering 61.21 per cent of the votes in the by-election held at suburban Bukit Batok constituency.
With this victory, Mr Murali became the first PAP candidate to win a by-election in a single member constituency in more
than three decades.
4. Google launches free public Wi-Fi service at five railway stations
Google announced the launch of its free high-speed public Wi-Fi service at Ujjain, Jaipur, Patna, Guwahati and Allahabad
railway stations.
This is in continuation with its project to provide high-speed public Wi-Fi service at 100 Railway stations across India by end
of the year.
5. Mauritius investors to be taxed from Apr 2017
The government has gained the right to tax capital gains arising in Mauritius from sale of shares acquired on or after April 1,
2017, in Indian companies.
India and Mauritius signed a protocol for amendment of a three-decade-old double taxation avoidance agreement. The
agreement was signed in Port Louis.
During a transition period of two years, the tax will be limited to half the Indian tax rate. The full tax rate will kick in from
2019-20.
6. India to develop regional connectivity projects worth $5 billion in South Asia
India is planning to develop regional connectivity projects worth $5 billion in South Asia, Economic Affairs Secretary
Shaktikanta Das told at the South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) 2025 workshop.
The South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the
Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
7. 26th World Economic Forum on Africa inaugurated at Rawanda
Rwanda is hosting the 26th World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF) in its capital Kigali from 11 to 13 May under the
theme: Connecting Africa's Resources through Digital Transformation.
The event will focus, among other things, on how to diversify economies, tackle inequality and strengthen collaborations
among countries.

8. World's largest Cargo Aircraft lands in Hyderabad

The world's largest cargo aircraft, Antonov AN-225 Mriya - or the Dream, made its first landing in India at the Rajiv Gandhi
International Airport in Hyderabad on 13 May 2016.
It will halt at the GMR-owned Shamshabad Airport for 20 hours for refuelling and rest for crew during a flight from Prague
to Perth with 130 tonnes of energy equipment for a Western Australian mining company.
9. India, China and four others courtiers sign pact on tax info sharing
India and other 5 countries viz. Canada, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand and China have signed OECDs (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development) Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement in Beijing (China).
The multilateral agreement aims at boosting automatic exchange of information on tax issues and developing new tools to
tackle the tax evasion.
10. Central Asian state leaders inaugurate CASA-1000 power project in Tajikistan
Central Asian state leaders inaugurated the Central Asia South Asia (CASA-1000) transmission line near Dushanbe in
Tajikistan.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay
Jeenbekov jointly launched the project alongside Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
11. World's Oldest Ground-Edge Stone Axe Found in Australia
Work by the team of researchers showed the fragment came from an axe that had been shaped out of basalt then polished by
grinding it on a softer rock such as sandstone until it was very smooth.
Australian archaeologists on 11 May 2016 announced that they have discovered a piece of the world's oldest axe. The axe
was discovered in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.
12. UNWTO and China to organize First World Conference on Tourism
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China will organize the First
World Conference on Tourism for Development in Beijing on 18-21 May 2016.
Under the theme Tourism for Peace and Development, the event aims to kick start a high level debate on the contribution of
tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
13. Kenya to close Dadaab, worlds biggest refugee camp
The Kenyan Government has decided to close Dadaab refugee camp which is often referred to as the worlds largest refugee
camp over the issue national security.
The camp is home to 330000 refugees mostly from Somalia who have fled from the civil war in their country.
14. Italian Parliament approves same-sex civil unions
The Italian parliament on 11 May 2016 passed legislation legalizing same-sex civil unions, with 372 voting in favour, 51
against and 99 abstaining.
With this, it has become the last country in Western Europe to do so.
The bill to this effect was approved by the Senate on 25 February 2016 and the Chamber of Deputies on 11 May 2016.
15. World's first robot lawyer hired by US firm
The world's first artificial intelligence lawyer has been employed by a law firm in the US, which will use the robot to assist
its various teams in legal research.
The robot called 'ROSS' is built upon Watson , IBM's cognitive computer.
16. China plans to build more than 500 Airports by 2020
China plans to build more than 500 airports by 2020 to create a market worth over USD 153 billion for its general aviation
industry.
The country will have more than 500 general aviation airports in a number of places, including major agricultural and forest
regions and over 50 per cent of five scenic tourist spots by 2020.
It also plans to increase the number of general aircraft, including helicopters and private jets, to more than 5,000 by 2020.

China had announced plans to invest USD 723.8 billion in the next three years to improve the country's well laid out
infrastructure which includes development of airports to boost investment-led growth to halt the economic slowdown.

17. World's largest rooftop solar power plant inaugurated in Punjab

Worlds largest single rooftop solar power plant of 11.5 Mw capacity was inaugurated in Beas near Amritsar in Punjab by
Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal.
Spread at a single rooftop stretch of 42 acre at Dera Baba Jaimal, the project was synchronised earlier this year.
According to Wikipedia,the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Centre, Las Vegas in the United States is next biggest solar
photovoltic power station in the world having 6.4 megawatts (Mw) capacity.
The EPC contractors for the project were Tata Power Solar and Larsen and Toubro.
The investment in this sector has steeply gone up from Rs 82 crore in 2012 to nearly Rs 10,000 crore now with an
employment potential of 12,500 jobs.
Punjab would achieve a target of 2552 MW of renewable energy generation by 2022.
18. US House approves move to bolster defence ties with India
The US House of Representatives has approved a bipartisan legislative move to bolster defence ties with India and bring it at
par with other NATO allies in terms of sale of defence equipment and technology transfer.
It urges the U.S. government to enhance Indias military capabilities in the context of combined military planning, and
promote co-production/co-development opportunities.
19. International Buddhist conference begins in Nepal
A two-day international Buddhist conference to mark the 2,560th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha began in Nepal with
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, advocating Buddhism as a means to avoid extremism in all forms.
The theme of the Conference is "Lumbini, Nepal: the birth place of Lord Buddha and the fountain of Buddhism and world
peace".
20. Beijing-New Delhi Yoga Conference opens in China
Over 1,000 Chinese yoga practitioners gathered for a group performance in Kunming city to open the China-India Yoga
Conference.
The conference from May 18 to 22 will feature activities including courses from Indian yoga masters and yoga introductions
for communities.
21. First World Conference on Tourism for Development held in Beijing
The first World Conference on Tourism for Development (WCTD) was held in Beijing, China from May 18 to 21, 2016.
It was held under the theme Tourism for Peace and Development to advance the contribution of tourism to the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The event will be jointly organized by the Government of China and United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO).
Its focus was on discussion to align national development strategies of countries with the SDGs and the role of public and
private partnerships (PPP) in the 2030 SDGs.
22. UN appoints Mary Robinson, Macharia Kamau as special envoys for El Nino, Climate
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Mary Robinson and Macharia Kamau as UNs Special
Envoys for El Nino and Climate.
These appointments come at a time of great urgency as the drought and flooding associated with El Nio have created
massive needs across the world.
The El Nio has worst affected four regions of East Africa, Southern Africa, Central America and the Pacific.
23. World Bank launches $500 million insurance fund to fight pandemics
The World Bank is launching a $500 million, fast-disbursing insurance fund to combat deadly pandemics in poor countries,
creating the world's first insurance market for pandemic risk
Japan has committed the first $50 million towards the facility, which will combine funding from reinsurance markets with the
proceeds of a new type of World Bank-issued high-yield pandemic catastrophe bond, the bank said.

The facility was developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization and reinsurers Swiss Re and Munich Re,
which are acting as insurance providers.

24. US lifts embargo on sales of lethal weapons to Vietnam

United States has fully lifted its embargo on sales of lethal weapons to Vietnam, its one-time enemy.
This move of US removed a lingering vestige of the Cold War that was seen in South East Asia in 1970s.
It was announced by US President Barack Obama during his official state visit to Vietnam and after talks with Vietnamese
President Tran Dai Quang.
US Arms embargo on Vietnam has been in place since 1984 over the human rights issue.
25. World's first functioning 3D-printed office opens in Dubai
Dubai has opened what it said was the world's first functioning 3D-printed office building, part of a drive by the Gulf's main
tourism and business hub to develop technology that cuts costs and saves time.
The printers - used industrially and also on a smaller scale to make digitally designed, three-dimensional objects from plastic
- have not been used much for building.
26. 1400-Km Long Road To Connect India, Thailand, Myanmar
India, Thailand and Myanmar are working on a 1,400-kilometre long highway that will link India with Southeast Asia by
land for the first time in decades, giving a boost to trade and cultural exchanges between the three countries.
The planned highway starts in the eastern region of India from Moreh to Myanmar's Tamu city.
The road will help in transportation of goods and further development of SMEs in North East India, he said, adding the trination highway exemplifies India's "Act East" policy.
27. India, Australia sign pact to boost horticulture research
India and Australia have signed a pact to boost horticultural research in a bid to develop and deploy modern tools of plant
biotechnology to improve crop productivity with a funding commitment of up to Australian $ 6 million over a period of three
years.
28. Sadhguru to lead yoga session at UN on 2nd International Yoga Day
Spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev will lead a yoga session at the UN on the occasion of
the second International Yoga Day next month.
The International Yoga Day will be commemorated on June 21 and this year's focus will be on the theme of Yoga for the
Sustainable Development Goals.
29. Barack Obama becomes first US president to visit Hiroshima bomb site
Barack Obama became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima memorial, site of the worlds first atomic
bombing dropped on August 6, 1945.
He paid tribute to the 140,000 people killed by the worlds first atomic bomb attack and laid wreath at Hiroshima nuclear
memorial.
30.India, Australia sign MoU to enhance R&D capabilities in biotech
India and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance research and development (R&D)
capabilities in biotechnology by launching a joint funding call.
The MoU was signed between Indias BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and Horticulture
Innovation Australia.
It seeks to stimulate and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry.
31. 4th Nuclear Security Summit begins in Washington
The fourth edition of Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) began in Washington, United States to discuss a gamut of issues
pertaining to nuclear security.
The fourth summit is the last summit under the current format and also under the presidency of Barack Obama.
32. FICCI signs pact with AIBC

 In a bid to further strengthen and promote business ties with Australia, FICCI on 01 April, 2016 announced inking an MoU
with Australia India Business Council (AIBC).
The agreement was signed in the presence of the visiting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during the Invest in India Round
Table Conference.
33. Worlds first public dengue vaccination programme launched in Philippines
The worlds first public dengue vaccination programme was launched in the Philippines with a French drug Dengvaxia
(worlds 1st dengue fever vaccine) to combat mosquito-borne disease.
Several hundred children aged between 9 and 10 were vaccinated with the injections in front of government health workers at
a public school in eastern Manila.
Mexico was first country in the world to approve first-ever Dengvaxia Dengue fever vaccine for the public use and
Philippines was the first county in Asia to allow it.
34. India, Saudi Arabia ink 5 agreements to boost bilateral co-operation
The agreements were signed during the two day official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
The visit to Saudi Arabia was part of PM Modis three-nation visit to Belgium,United States for Nuclear Security Summit
and Saudi Arabia.
Five agreements singed are:
Agreement on Labour Co-operation
Technical Cooperation Program
Executive Program for Cooperation in the Field of Handicrafts
MoU in the Exchange of Intelligence related to Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Related Crimes
Framework for Investment Promotion Cooperation
During his visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a gold-plated replica of the Cheraman Juma Masjid of Kerala to Saudi King
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
35. China successfully launches retrievable satellite
China on 06 April launched a retrievable scientific research satellite in a bid to aid scientists to study microgravity and space
life science.
SJ-10 was put into orbit by Long March 2-D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in north-western Chinas Gobi
desert.
36. Bronze bust of Aryabhatta unveiled at UNESCO Headquarters
A bronze bust of ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta was unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarters in
Paris, France.
It was unveiled by Union Human Resource and Development Minister Smriti Irani.
She was in the French capital to attend the International Conference on Zero.
37. World Bank launches ambitious Climate Change Action Plan
The World Bank has unveiled an ambitious Climate Change Action Plan (CCP) to accelerate efforts to tackle climate change
over the next five years i.e. by 2020.
38. Saudi Arabia and Egypt to build bridge over the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia and Egypt have decided to build bridge connecting each other over the Red Sea to boost trade and commerce.
In this regard, Saudi Arabi has announced that an agreement has been reached with Egypt.
39. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launches inflatable room to ISS
Private SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket contracted by NASA has successfully launched the first inflatable habitat room that will
attach to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off on schedule from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United States.
In another major success for SpaceX, the reusable main stage booster of Falcon 9 rocket for the first time successfully landed
on an ocean (floating) platform, known as a drone ship, off the coast of Florida.
40. Sri Lanka announces resumption of Chinese Colombo Port City project
Sri Lankan Government has formally announced the resumption of work on the stalled Chinese Colombo Port City project.

 The announcement was made in the Joint Statement by China and Sri Lanka at the conclusion of the official state visit of
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to Beijing.
41. Global Tiger population increased for the first time in 100 years by 22%: WWF & GTF
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), the global tiger population has increased
by 22 per cent after a century of constant decline.
The number of wild tigers across the globe has gone up globally by 22 per cent to 3,890, from the 2010 estimate of 3,200.
42.India, Afghanistan and Iran finalize draft of Chabahar Trilateral Agreement on Transport and Transit Corridors
India, Afghanistan and Iran have finalized draft of the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement on Transport and Transit Corridors.
The text of the draft was finalized at the second technical meeting of experts from the three countries in New Delhi.
43. EU Parliament approves joint system for sharing air passenger data
The European Parliament has approved creation of a European passenger name records (PNR) system to combat terrorism.
Now the EU member countries will have two years to turn it into national law.
44. Europe becomes worlds first region to end malaria: WHO
Europe has become the worlds first region to wipe out Malaria, a mosquito-borne vector disease with zero cases reported in
the year 2015.
It was revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its World Malaria Report 2015.
45. India, China agree for peaceful negotiations to settle border issue
India and China have agreed to adhere to peaceful negotiations to settle the border issue and reach a fair, reasonable and
mutually acceptable solution.
Decision in this regard was taken during the annual 19th round of boundary talks between National Security Adviser (NSA)
Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi at Beijing.
46. India ranks 133 in 2016 World Press Freedom Index
In recently released 2016 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India ranked 133rd out of 180 nations surveyed worldwide in
terms of press freedom in 2015.
The Index was published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Finland with the score of 8.76 has retained its top spot for the sixth consecutive year followed by Netherlands, Norway,
Denmark, and New Zealand. It aims to promote and defend freedom of information and freedom of the press.
47. 175 nations sign historic Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day
48. China, Pakistan ink agreement to launch satellite to monitor CPEC projects
China and Pakistan have signed an agreement for the launch of a special satellite to monitor the development of the multibillion dollars China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
In this regard, both countries have decided for development and launch of the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-1)
System and launch a satellite in June 2018.
This agreement will also transfer space technology to Pakistan as the PRSS-1 is considered as yet another flagship project
between China-Pakistan after CPEC.
49. US ex-slave Harriet Tubman to appear on $20 bill
Anti-slavery crusader Harriet Tubman will become the first African-American to be featured on the face of US paper
currency when she replaces President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, the US Treasury Department announced.
She will also be the first woman on U.S. paper currency in more than a century.
Treasury has decided to replace former President Andrew Jackson (Top) with anti-slavery crusader Harriet Tubman on the
$20 bill, and will put leaders of the women's suffrage movement on the back of $10 bill.
50. Mondelez India opens $190-million facility at Sri City
Mondelz India, part of Mondelz International Inc which makes Cadbury chocolates, inaugurated its plant today at Sri City
in Andhra Pradesh.
This is its seventh plant in the country.

 The investment for phase 1, which was inaugurated today, was $190 million.
51. India, Mongolia hold joint exercise Nomadic Elephant to boost military cooperation
The eleventh edition of India-Mongolia joint military training Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2016 has commenced at
Mongolia.
It seeks to promote military associations between India and Mongolia.
52. Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, alongwith a Dornier
Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are participating in the 22nd Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), scheduled from 19-27 Apr
16 in the Andaman Sea.
Maritime interaction between India and Thailand has been growing steadily with frequent port visits, participation in
multilateral exercises and training exchanges.
53. China launches sounding rocket
China launched a sounding rocket designed to conduct research, take measurements and scientific experiments in the
country's Hainan Province.
Kunpeng-1B was launched from Danzhou City in the early hours today by the National Space Science Center (NSSC).

Science, Defence and Technology

1. DriveU acquires CallAtHome
DriveU, an on-demand driver aggregator for private car owners, has acquired Gurgaon-based CallAtHome for an undisclosed
amount.
With this acquisition, DriveU will now have over 500 partner-drivers across India.
DriveUs on-demand driver services for private cars for travel both within the city limits and outstation travel are available in
Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi.
Through this acquisition, DriveU extends its service to Gurgaon.
2. CBEC launches mobile application for baggage rules information
The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has launched mobile app Indian Customs- Guide to Travellers for
dissemination of information about Customs Baggage Rules, 2016.
The application has been launched to inform traders, exporters and importers about Customs Baggage Rules, 2016.
3. Indian Railways ink MoU with Haryana and Punjab to plant trees alongside Railway Track
The Union Ministry of Railways and Forest Department of Haryana & Punjab have inked Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for plantation of trees alongside Railway Track on Railway Land Boundary.
The MoU paves way for planting around 5 lakh trees alongside Railway Track on Railway Land Boundary prior to Monsoon
Season.
4. Scientists create worlds smallest thermometer from DNA
Scientists have developed worlds Smallest (Nano) Thermometer using DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) structures that can fold
and unfold at specifically defined temperature functions.
It was developed by the scientists at the University of Montreal and the study report in this regard was published in the
journal Nano Letters.
The worlds smallest thermometer is 20,000 times smaller than a human hair and is fully programmable.
5. Three Earth-like planets discovered orbiting dwarf star
An international team of scientists have discovered a trio of Earth-like exoplanets using the TRAPPIST telescope at ESOs
La Silla Observatory.
These planets were found orbiting an ultra-cool dwarf star just 40 light-years from Earth and are likely comparable in size
and temperature to Earth and Venus.
Scientists have named the ultra-cool dwarf star 2MASS J23062928-0502285 (also known as TRAPPIST-1). It is located in
the constellation of Aquarius (The Water Carrier).

6. World's smallest and most powerful engine created

The world's smallest engine has been created in a lab at Cambridge University.
It is fuelled by lasers and gold and is so tiny it could power the nanobots.
The engine, which is powered by laser light, is aptly named the ANT (standing for Actuating Nano-Transducer) and takes
cues from its insect counterpart in the sense that it is small and mighty.
7. Scientists win $3 million for detecting Einstein's waves
Researchers who helped detect gravitational waves for the first time, confirming part of Albert Einstein's theory in a
landmark moment in scientific history, will share a $3 million Special Breakthrough Prize, according to the prize's selection
committee.
The Breakthrough Prizes for scientific achievements were created by Russian billionaire Yuri Milner along with several
technology pioneers, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
8. ADMM Plus Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism begins in Brunei
The ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus) Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism (Ex MS
& CT) has started at Brunei on May 1, 2016. The nine day exercise (till May 9, 2016) seeks to strengthen the strong bilateral
ties and extensive maritime interactions between India and ASEAN countries.
9. SpaceX successfully launches Japanese JCSAT-14 Satellite
US based private space transport service company, SpaceX has successfully launched Japanese JCSAT-14 communication
satellite into the space.
The satellite was place into its intended preliminary geostationary transfer orbit by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket which was
launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.
After meeting its primary goal of the mission, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully landed on an ocean (floating)
platform, known as a drone ship, off the coast of Florida.
This is for the second time in row the reusable main stage booster of Falcon 9 rocket successfully landed on offshore floating
platform after the April 8, 2016 landing.
JCSAT-14 Satellite is owned by Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation.
10. Offshore patrol vessel IGCS Shourya launched
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Shaurya at Panaji.
It was launched by the Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha, in the presence of GSl and ICG officials.
ICGS Shaurya is fifth of a series of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) designed in-house and built by GSL.The vessel is
105-metre long and is capable of cruising at a speed of 23 knots.
It has a range of 6000 nautical miles.
11. China Bug Declared World's Longest Insect
A bug over half a meter (1.6 feet) long discovered in southern China has been declared the worlds longest insect.
A stick insect measuring 62.4 centimeters (24.6 inches) found two years ago in the southern province of Guangxi has broken
the record for length among the worlds 807,625 known insects.
12. Australian university to provide medical technology to India
Australian state of Victoria announced two agreements with India in the area of medical technology to address major health
challenges in India.
During the government-led Neuroscience Victoria trade mission to India this week, Swinburne University signed two
memorandums of understanding (MoU) to partner with major Indian healthcare providers.
13. Atomic oxygen detected in Martian atmosphere
Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time since the last observation 40 years ago.
It was detected using an instrument on-board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 100-inch diameter telescope.
It is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Centre.

14. President Mukherjee presents gallantry awards to defence personnel

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Gallantry Awards and the Distinguished Service Decorations to defence personnel
and martyrs posthumously at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.
Sepoy Jagdish Chand who made the supreme sacrifice during terror attack at Pathankot Air Base was awarded Kirti Chakra
posthumously.
Subedar Mahendra Singh who displayed exemplary leadership despite grievous injury was also awarded Kirti Chakra.
15. NASA unveils first global topographic model of Mercury
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled the first global digital elevation (topographic
model) of Mercury.
The model was unveiled by NASAs MESSENGER ((MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging)
mission.
The model was created using more than 100,000 images acquired by the MESSENGER mission.
MESSENGER is a NASAs robotic spacecraft that orbited the planet Mercury between 2011 and 2015.
It was launched in August 2004 to study Mercurys chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field.
It had entered orbit around Mercury on March 18, 2011, becoming the first spacecraft to do so.
16. Indian Army conducts Chakravyuh-II training exercise in Rajasthan
Indian Army had conducted major military training exercise 2016 Chakravyuh-II in Suratgarh, Rajasthan.
The purpose of the exercise is to validate battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the Pivot Formation and Rapid
Division of Indian Army along with all its affiliated components.
The Chakravyuh-II exercise involved rapid mobilisation and execution of battle plans in conjunction with the Indian Air
Force (IAF).
17. Scientist develops Worlds first holographic flexible phone
Scientists from the Queens University (Canada) have developed the worlds first holographic flexible smartphone named
HoloFlex.
The HoloFlex smartphone lets users to interact with 3D (Three dimensional) videos and images without using any headgear
or glasses.
HoloFlex features is a high-definition Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode (FOLED) touch-screen display.
18. US-India Defence Cooperation Act introduced in Senate
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit here next month, two top American senators have introduced a
legislation which if passed by Congress would elevate the status of the Indo-US defence relationship on par with that of
America's closest allies like NATO and Israel.
The US-India Defence Technology and Partnership Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators Mark Warner and John
Cornyn - co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus - on 10 May 2016.
The legislation has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for necessary action.
19. NASAs Kepler telescope finds largest trove of exoplanets
NASAs unmanned Kepler space observatory has discovered the largest trove of exoplanets outside our solar system.
So far, it has discovered total of 1,284 exoplanets and it is more than double the number of known exoplanets found with the
Kepler space telescope.
Of the new trove of 1,284 exoplanets nearly 550 are said to be rocky planets like Earth, based on their size.
20. Indian Navy launches underwater Harbour Defence Systems in Visakhapatnam
Indian Navy has launched the state-of-the-art Harbour Defence Systems, viz. Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and
Surveillance System (IUHDSS) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Besides, Mine Warfare Data Centre (MWDC) was also launched.
IUHDSS and MWDC systems seek to enhance the Indian Navys surveillance capability and response to security threats at
the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

21. Indian Navy decommissions fighter planes Sea Harriers

Indian Navy has decommissioned its aging fleet of iconic Sea Harriers at a function organised at INS Hansa base in Vasco,
Goa.
The Harriers will be replaced by a squadron of Russian MIG 29k jets and the retired aircrafts will be put on display in
museums.
22. Indian Air Forces Electronic Maintenance Management System launched
Indian Air Force has launched its Electronic Maintenance Management System (e-MMS) Project, an automated military
maintenance system.
It was inaugurated by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at the Air Force Station in Pune, Maharashtra.
The e-MMS project is one of the largest Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) IT implementation in the world.
The project has been designed and developed by the Indian IT giant Wipro. IAF had signed the contract for the project eMMS with Wipro as a System Integrator (SI) in 2013.
23. US activates land-based missile defence station in Romania
United States has activated a land-based missile defence station (Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System) in Deveselu,
Romania.
The missile defence station is part of NATOs larger European shield to protect member countries from short and mediumrange missiles, particularly from the Middle East.
24. Indigenous Advanced Air Defence interceptor missile, Ashwin successfully test fired
Indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile, Ashwin was successfully test fired.
The test was the twelfth test of interceptor missiles fired from a warship in the Bay of Bengal. Of the 11 tests held earlier, 9
were successful.
The interceptor missile was test fired from the complex of Abdul Kalam Island (formerly known as Wheeler Island) in
Balasore district off Odisha coast.
AAD interceptor missile Ashwin is the advanced version of low altitude supersonic ballistic interceptor missile.
25. China launches Yaogan-30 remote sensing satellite
China has successfully launched Yaogan-30 remote-sensing satellite into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) using the Long
March-2D rocket.
The rocket was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in Gobi desert in northwest Chinas Gansu Province.
The Yaogan-30 satellite was built by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is part of second generation of the
Yaogan series inaugurated in 2008. The first Yaogan satellite was launched in 2006.
Yaogan-30 will be used for land surveys, crop yield estimates, experiments and disaster relief purposes.
26. China's DF-26 missile has a strike range of about 5,500 km
Chinas new Guam killer missile, capable of hitting targets some 5,500 km away, is raising new fears of a growing Chinese
threat to key American military facilities and stability in the Pacific Rim.
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said this week that Chinas DF-26 missile dubbed by
analysts the Guam killer and unveiled at a high-profile military parade in Beijing last September allows China to bring
unprecedented firepower to bear on the U.S. territory of Guam.
Guam, home to Andersen Air Force Base and Apra Naval Base, has been a place from where the U.S. could project power
across the Pacific while having its forces at relatively safe distance from possible threats, including North Korea and China.
27. 2016 Red Flag Aerial combat exercises conclude in US
The multilateral Red Flag Aerial combat exercises between US, NATO and allied forces and India Air Force (IAF) concluded
in Alaska, US.
The four-week long (from April 28 to May 13, 2016) aerial combat exercises was held at the Nellis Air Force Base, Alaska.
This was the second time India had participated in such an exercise after 2008.
28. Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II missile test fired from Odisha

India on 17 May 2016 test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a test
range in Odisha.
The missile, capable of carrying warheads weighing 500 kg to 1,000 kg, was test-fired as part of a user-trial by the Army
from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Balasore district in Odisha.
It is the first missile indigenously developed by DRDO under Indias prestigious Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program (IGMDP).
Prithvi-II is a tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a strike range of 350 km.

29. NASA launches near-space monitoring super pressure balloon from New Zealand
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched a super pressure balloon to conduct
near-space scientific investigations from South Island Wanaka Airport in New Zealand.
The launch marks the fifth attempt to get the massive balloon airborne, with previous bids thwarted by bad weather.
The balloon is 532,000 cubic metres with a operational float altitude is 33.5 kms and aims to remain airborne for more than
100 days.
30. Himalayan Brown Bears sighted for first time in Kargil after 1999 War
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Wildlife Department for the first time has sighted group of eight Himalayan brown bears in
Kargils Drass Sector after 1999 India-Pakistan War.
The eight Himalayan brown bears (three adult females and five grown-up cubs) were sighted in the mountain ranges of
Ladakhs Drass area at altitude 16,000 to 21,000 feet.
The sighting is considered as rare record as their natural habitats in Kargils Drass Sector were damaged during the 1999 war
due to heavy artillery shelling for almost three months.
31. Scientists develop worlds first Zika virus clone
Scientists from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have developed worlds first genetically engineered clone
of the Zika virus strain.
They have dubbed it as infectious complementary DNA (cDNA) clone.
It will help scientists to quickly develop countermeasures and also to explore evolution of Zika virus and how it spread more
quickly.
32. Hypersonic superjet technology successfully tested in Australia
A joint US-Australian military research team successfully tested a hypersonic technology in the Australian desert.
In the test, scramjet attached to a rocket booster was successfully sent to an altitude of 278 km at Mach 7.5 (seven times the
speed of sound).
The team was running a series of 10 trials of the hypersonic technology at the worlds largest land testing range located at
Woomera in Australia and at Norways Andoya Rocket Range.
33. Indias first reusable space shuttle RLV-TD launched
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully test launched the first indigenous Reusable Launch
Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD).
It was launched from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The launch was part of a series of technology demonstration missions, which is considered as a first step towards realising a
Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable vehicle.
After launch RLV-TD glided back onto a virtual runway in Bay of Bengal and re-entered the atmosphere after reaching a
height of over 70 km.
RLV-TD is winged body aerospace vehicle that operated in hypersonic flight regime.
34. India, Oman sign 4 bilateral agreements on defence cooperation
India and Oman have signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)/agreements on defence cooperation.
These MoUs/agreements were signed in Muscat during the visit of Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to Oman.
Signed agreements are
MOU on Defence Cooperation
MOU in the field of Marine Crime Prevention at Sea

MOU on Maritime Issues

Protocol on Flight Safety information Exchange

35.Indigenously built INS Tarmugli commissioned in Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has commissioned indigenously built highly maneuverable Fast Attack Craft INS Tarmugli at the
commissioning ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
INS Tarmugli will be based in Visakhapatnam under the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Andhra Pradesh).
It would be deployed for coastal patrol and surveillance operations along the East Coast of India.
INS Tarmugli is indigenously conceived, designed and built by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE).
The ship is named after a picturesque Tarmugli island located in the Andaman group.
36.HP launches artificial propagation programme of mahseer fish for conservation
Himachal Pradesh fisheries department has started an artificial propagation programme for rehabilitation and conservation of
Golden Mahseer fish.
Under this programme, a hatchery has been set up in the state with an outlay of Rs 6 crore to rear mahseer fish and release its
fingerlings into the wild.
37. ISRO to test Air-breathing Propulsion System
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has decided to test an Air-breathing Propulsion System after successful test
of Reusable launch Vehicle- Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD).
The testing of air-breathing propulsion system aims to capitalize on the oxygen in the atmosphere instead of liquefied oxygen
while in flight.
ISRO is evolving and testing various technologies to bring down the cost of launch vehicles and the air-breathing propulsion
system is part of its new space endeavor.
38. Chemical additive Potassium bromate is carcinogenic: CSE Study
As per recent study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), chemical additive Potassium bromate (KbrO3)
widely prevalent in bread and refined flour is carcinogenic.
The test was conducted by CSEs Pollution Monitoring Laboratory.
It has found that 84% of the samples were found to be laced with carcinogenic and thyroid triggering chemicals, such as
Potassium Bromate and Potassium Iodate.
Following this, national food regulator FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has decided to remove
potassium bromate from the list of permitted additives.
39. Scientists discover new property of light based on Angular Momentum
Scientists from Trinity College Dublins School of Physics and CRANN Institute have discovered a new property of light
based on Angular Momentum.
The scientific breakthrough discovery has potential to alter the basic understanding of fundamental nature of light.
The discovery was made by passing light through crystals.
During it passage, unexpected new property of light, based on the concept called angular momentum was observed.
40. China sign two agreements with Sudan to build nuclear reactor
China has signed two agreements with Sudan, its close ally in Africa to build 600-megawatt (MW) atomic reactor.
It was the first of its kind project to be built by China in African country.
The two framework agreements in this regard have been signed by state-owned China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) with
Sudan.
These agreements include nuclear power development and building a 600 MW atomic reactor.
41. Coast Guard ship Arush commissioned
The Indian Coast Guard ship Arush, the 17th in the series of 20 fast patrol vessels designed and built by Cochin Shipyard
Ltd., was commissioned.

The ship was commissioned by the Coast Guard Commander (western seaboard) Additional Director General SPS Basra in
the presence of the Commander Coast Guard Region (West) Inspector General K. Natarajan and other senior dignitaries of
the central and state governments.

42. Indian Air Force successfully test fires Brahmos missile

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos at the
Pokaran field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
IAF is deploying this version of the missile in the border areas to take out the enemys communication towers, runways, and
radar in case of a conflict.
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has been designed and developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India and
Russia.
It has derived its name from the names of two rivers, Indias Brahmaputra River and Russias Moskva River.
43.Indias first integrated web portal to promote Net Zero Energy Buildings launched
The Union Ministry of Power and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched Indias first
integrated web portal designed to promote and mainstream Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in India.
The portal (www.nzeb.in) was launched by Secretary of Union Ministry of Power Pradeep Kumar Pujari and Ambassador Mr
Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India.
A first of its kind portal provides complete information about NZEB that generate as much energy as they use.
44.NASA successfully deploys BEAM, first inflatable room attached to ISS
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully deployed the first experimental inflatable
room attached to the International Space Station (ISS).
The experimental inflatable room dubbed as BEAM (Bigelow Expandable Activity Module) was deployed after it was
successfully expanded and pressurized.
The inflatable room BEAM has been built by Nevada Company Bigelow Aerospace.
It is made up of aluminium and soft fabric which expands in space.
It creates place for astronauts to live and work.
It is 4 metres long and 3.2 metres in diameter with 16 cubic metres of interior volume when fully expanded.
45.Indias own submarine assembly workshop inaugurated at Mazgaon
Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated a state-of-the-art submarine assembly workshop at the Mazgaon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The inauguration is considered as a major step towards self-sufficiency in the area of submarine construction for the Indian
Navy.
The newly built Submarine Marine Assembly Workshop is a pre-engineered building structure built at a cost of Rs 153 crore.
46. India, US ink MoU for setting up LIGO observatory in India
India has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States for setting up Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) in India.
LIGO is a large-scale physics experiment and observatory to detect gravitational waves.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in
Washington.
47. India jumps to fourth spot in defence spending
India has become the worlds fourth largest spender on defence, following a 13.1% increase in its 2016-17 defence budget,
according to US research firm IHS Inc.
Indias rise in the rankings from sixth position last year is a result of an increase in expenditure to $50.7 billion, combined
with cuts to military spending by Russia and Saudi Arabia, where low oil prices have put considerable strain on their
finances.
48. ISRO to provide space technology for construction of airports
The department of space has said it will sign an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide scientific
parameters for construction of airports.

 Under the agreement, DoS will provide data on the landscape around the airports.
49. Flipkart acquires mobile payments firm PhonePe
Indias largest e-commerce company Flipkart has acquired PhonePe, a Bengaluru-based mobile payments company, which
was co-founded by ex-Flipkart employees Sameer Nigam and Rahul Chari.
PhonePe is building Indias a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) based product, which is, planned to go live in April.
50. Indian Scientists develop biopolymer for water purification
Indian scientists have developed an eco-friendly biopolymer using nanotechnology for water-softening and water purification
applications.
It was developed by the team of scientists from Guwahati (Assam) based Institute of Advance Study in Science &
Technology (IASST).
The eco-friendly biopolymer has been created using a naturally occurring substance, called chitosan.
51.IISc ranked Indias top university in first NIRF Survey
The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bangaluru was adjudged as the best Indian university in the first National Institutional
Ranking Framework (NIRF).
NIRF Survey was the first of its kind of indigenous ranking framework for higher education institutions in the country.
IIM, Bengaluru and IIT, Madras has topped under Management and Engineering category respectively.
52. India's first cash giving app 'CASHe' launched
Indias first cash giving app has just Launched and this is named as CASHe introduced by Tslc Pte Ltd., a fin-tech company
which promoted by serial entrepreneur and private equity investor V. Raman Kumar.
This new application is very helpful and provides users a personalized experience to borrow cash anytime, anywhere within
minutes for their needs.
This is all new mobile-only lending platform. The loan is disbursed by One Capitall Ltd. An RBI registered NBFC only.
53. Scientists discover new planet with triple-star system named KELT-4Ab
Scientists have discovered a rare triple-star system named KELT-4Ab with a gas giant planet similar in size to Jupiter.
It was discovered by the researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in the United States. The research
was published in The Astronomical Journal.
54. HP launches world's thinnest laptop Spectre
Personal computers and printing major HP Inc on 07 April 2016 launched eight new personal products including the worlds
thinnest laptop at 10.4 mm thickness, a calling device and a business notebook.
According to the company Spectre is the worlds thinnest laptop and has a battery life of up to nine and a half hours.
Spectre is 1.11 kg laptop comes with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors as against mobile processors often used in this class of
device & cost at $1,249.
55. Oracle launches startup cloud accelerator in Bengaluru
Enterprise software giant Oracle announced the launch of its first start-up incubation centre in India on 07 April, 2016.
Called the Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator, the centre will open in Bengaluru on April 8.
56. Orahi acquires Odd-Even.com
Gurgaon-based carpooling app Orahi said it has acquired Odd-Even.com, a platform to find partners to commute during the
odd-even rule, for an undisclosed amount.
Odd-Even.com was started by Akshat Mittal, a 13- year-old.
57. Researchers made the smallest diode using a DNA molecule
A team of researchers from the University of Georgia and Ben-Gurion University has developed an electronic component so
tiny, you can't even see it under an ordinary microscope.
The team used a single DNA molecule to create a diode, a component that conducts electricity mostly in one direction
58. World military spending up in 2015, India in sixth position

 India is the sixth largest military spender in 2015 having spent $51.3 billion even as the world spent $1,676 billion reversing
a global trend which was on the decline since 2011., as per the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI).
India moved one rank up from last year accounting for 3.1 percent of global military expenditure.
59. IIT- Kharagpur wins National IP Award
The IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)-Kharagpur has won the National Intellectual Property (IP) Award in the academic
institutes category.
The institute will be awarded the prize Top Academic Institute for Patents 2016 by the Union Ministry of Commerce and
Industry on the occasion of World IP Day i.e. 26 April 2016.
60. Chinese researchers introduce Graphene based all-weather solar cell
Chinese researchers have developed Graphene based all-weather solar cell that can generate electricity even during rains.
The new approach for making an all-weather solar cell by using the wonder material graphene was developed by the team
of researchers from the Ocean University of China and Yunnan Normal University.
61. Pakistan, China launch joint air force training exercise Shaheen 5
Pakistan and China have launched a joint bilateral air force exercise named Shaheen (Eagle) 5 in Pakistan.
62. Pakistan successfully test-fires anti-ship Zarb missile
Pakistan has test fired anti-ship surface to sea Zarb missile from the coastal areas successfully.
63. Nuclear-capable K-4 ballistic missile successfully tested from INS Arihant
Nuclear capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLMB) code named K-4, was successfully test fired from an
undisclosed location in the Bay of Bengal.
It was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) along with Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) which provided all logistics.
64. India Successfully Test Fires Surface-To-Air Akash Missile
India test fired its indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur
near Balasore in Odisha.
The Akash missile, with a strike range of 25 km and capability to carry warhead of 60 kg, was test fired from the launch
complex-3 of the ITR.
The missile has supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5.
65. Supercomputer Param Kanchenjunga unveiled at NIT Sikkim
Supercomputer Param Kanchenjunga was unveiled at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sikkim.
It has been named after Kangchenjunga mountain, the third highest mountain in the world which lies partly in Nepal and
partly in Sikkim.
66. Google extends free internet service through WiFi to 10 railway stations.
The search engine giant Google has extended free internet service through WiFi to 10 railway stations across the country to
provide internet to over 1.5 million people.
The free internet service was extended as part of Googles tie up with Railtel, the internet provider arm of Indian Railways.
67. Indian Army conducts Shatrujeet battle exercise in Rajasthan
The Indian Army conducted major battle exercise named as Shatrujeet in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan near to the border
with Pakistan.
The sole purpose of the exercise was to evaluate the capability of the Indian Army and fine tune its proactive war strategy to
respond swiftly to any threat to nations security.
It aimed to evaluate the capability of the Indian Army to strike deep into enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle
environment.
68. Russia test-fires nuclear-capable missile

 The Russian military test-fired a nuclear-capable short-range Iskander M cruise missile as part of its drills in the country's
southern Astrakhan region.
The cruise missile was launched from Kapustin Yar missile test range on April 15 and a video of the launch was released by
Russia's Defense Ministry on April 18.
Iskander-M is a variant of the Russian tactical missile system designated SS-26 Stone by NATO.
69. Navy grants permanent commission to woman officers
Breaking the gender barrier, seven women officers of Short Service Commission batch of 2008-09 have been granted
permanent commission by Indian Navy.
Navy is the last of the three wings of the armed forces in the country to allow permanent commission for women.
While the army and air force allow permanent commission for them, the navy had limited women officers only to short
service commission of 14 years.
70. Japans first stealth fighter X-2 jet successfully completes its maiden flight
Japan successfully tested the maiden flight of its first domestically developed single-pilot stealth fighter jet X-2.
With this Japan becomes fourth country in the world to have indigenous full-size stealth combat aircraft.
71. Naval detachment set up at Lakshadweeps Androth Island
The Southern Command of the Indian Navy has inaugurated a naval detachment at Androth Island of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
72.India's very own GPS is ready with seventh navigation satellite launch
ISRO's PSLV-C33, carrying India's seventh navigation satellite IRNSS-1G, blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
in Sriharikota at 12.50 p.m. on 28 April.
The satellite was successfully placed in sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
A regional navigation satellite system with just seven spacecraft and in civil domain is unique to India. The three global
versions of other countries offer worldwide commercial coverage and are operated by their militaries.
IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) will be to the subcontinent what the GPS is to its users worldwide, but
with far greater precision and in Indian control, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation.
It is expected to provide position accuracy of better than 20 m over Indian region and also an area extending up to 1,500 sq.
km around India.
The well-known GPS is owned by the U.S. Air Force; Russia has GLONASS and China is expanding its regional BeiDou
into a global system, also operated by its military. Europes GALILEO is a civil global system. They each have between 28
and 35 satellites.
73. Indian Naval Ships Veer and Nipat decommissioned
Indian Naval Ships (INS) Veer and Nipat were decommissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
74. Russia launches first rocket from new Vostochny Cosmodrome
Russia has successfully launched the first rocket from its newly built Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Oblast, in Russian
Far East region bordering China.
The unmanned Soyuz-2.1a rocket is carrying three satellites as payloads namely Mikhailo Lomonosov (scientific satellite),
SamSat-218 (an experimental nanosatellite) and Aist-2D (a civilian distance viewing satellite).
Vostochny Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport for civilian launches under construction after it was launched in 2012.

Reports
1. Paytm ties up with Wipro for payments bank
Paytm, India's largest mobile payments, has joined hands with Wipro Ltd to create the requisite technology infrastructure for
its upcoming payments bank business.
According to Paytm, Wipro will be implementing the core banking solution for Paytm and also programme managing the
integration of other key systems like the anti-money laundering solution and the regulatory reporting solution.
Paytm had received an in-principle approval to set up a payments bank in August last year.
Payments banks can accept demand deposits and savings bank deposits from individuals and small businesses, up to a
maximum of Rs 1 lakh per account.

2. India, New Zealand ink Air Services Agreement

India and New Zealand have signed a landmark Air Services Agreement paving the way for introduction of direct flights
between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the President Pranab Mukherjee and the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
3. Airtel, GBI announce partnership for West Asia
Airtel Business, the enterprise arm of Bharti Airtel, has partnered with networking player GBI to increase its direct reach in
West Asian countries.
The partnership will help "extend our network reach to Airtel's customers and to further enhance the benefits of our value
propositions for customers and partners".
4. MoU signed for setting up of IIT in Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Delhi for setting up of IIT in Jammu.
5. Uber ties up with Alipay globally
Online cab aggregator Uber announced a global partnership with third-party payment platform, Alipay, to enable Chinese
travellers avail of rides through this solution in more than 400 cities.
Uber riders in India can avail of the facility through Paytm platform.
Chinas Alibaba Group and its affiliate Ant Financial had earlier picked up stake in One97 Communications, the parent
company of Paytm.
6. Nagendra Committee submitted its report on Yoga Education
The Union Government announced that the H.R. Nagendra Committee on Yoga Education in Universities has recommended
seven programmes for implementation in universities.
The Union Government on 15 January 2016 had constituted a committee on yoga education in universities.
The committee had submitted its report on 19 April 2016.
The committee had recommended seven programmes for implementation in universities.
7. Swiss honour for Yash Chopra
Late director Yash Chopra, who captured the verdant Swiss valley in his films, has been honoured with a special statue by the
Switzerland government.
A sculpture made of pure bronze, and weighing about 350 kilos, will present Yash Chopra in an iconic pose of him directing
a film.
8. Facebook, NASSCOM Sign MoU to Support Young Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups
Indias trade association of the IT and BPO industry, NASSCOM, has signed an MoU entering into partnership with social
networking giant Facebook to build a new product design initiative.
Fostering innovation and design, this initiative will encourage Indian entrepreneurs to become problem solvers and develop
solutions to harbor creative economic growth, according to NASSCOM.
9. Obama reappoints Indian-American Sachin Dev Pavithran to key administration post
US President Barack Obama has reappointed Indian-American Sachin Dev Pavithran to a key independent government
agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.
Pavithran has been reappointed as a Member of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
10. India, Japan to sign MoU on cooperation in sports
In the run-up to the Under-17 World Cup set to be hosted in the country next year, India and Japan decided to exchange
sportspersons, coaches, experts and administrators to improve the standard of the game in both nations.
11. Shashi Kapoors Biography Shashi Kapoor the Householder, the Star releases
Veteran actor Shashi Kapoors autobiography titled Shashi Kapoor the Householder, the Star was released recently.

The biography has been authored by film journalist Aseem Chhabra and with foreword by Karan Johar. It unveils the
chapters of actors personal and professional life.

12. Japan honours N.K. Singh

Bureaucrat-turned-politician N.K. Singh was honoured with Japans second highest national decoration for his contribution in
strengthening Indo-Japan ties in the field of trade and investment over the last few decades.
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star award was conferred on Mr. Singh by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
13. Sanjay Mitra committee to prepare policy framework for taxi operators
The Union Government has constituted a three member committee to prepare a policy framework for taxi and other transport
operators.
The committee will be headed by Sanjay Mitra, Secretary of Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
The committee was constituted after taxi and other transport operators had appraised the situation emerging from Supreme
Courts order and directions of Environment Pollution Control Authority of banning diesel taxis in the National Capital
Region (NCR).
14. NALCO inks R&D agreement with BARC
National Aluminium Company (Nalco) has signed an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC), Mumbai, for Research and Development (R&D) in fields of mutual interest.
The MoU was signed by B K Satpathy, executive director (Business Development), Nalco and Dr. Jagtap, Director
(Chemistry Group), BARC in presence of Nalco chairman Dr. Chand, Director (P&T) N R Mohanty and Principal Scientific
Advisor to Government of India and Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet, Dr. Rajagopala
Chidambaram.
15. FPL ties up with Nokero
Chennai-based FPL has partnered with Nokero, to launch off-grid solar products and soon plans to manufacture these
products in India.
FPL makes engineering platsics that goes into different kinds of industrial applications and Nokero makes solar lights, phone
chargers and is a specialist in solar energy-related products.
The company believes that solar is the way to go in rural parts of India, where infrastructure such as power lines are often not
working or have not been laid.
16. US President honours Indian-American elementary teacher Revathi Balakrishnan
US President Barack Obama has honoured an Indian-American elementary teacher Revathi Balakrishnan from Texas at the
White House.
She was honoured for her excellent work in the field of education as part of the National Teacher of the Year Programme.
Currently, Ms. Balakrishnan teaches math classes in third through fifth grade at Patsy Sommer Elementary School, Texas.
17. Barack Obama appoints Indian-American to key administration post
US President Barack Obama has appointed an Indian-American engineer to a key administration post, the White House said.
Manjit Singh, co-founder of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund has been appointed as the member of
Presidents Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
18. Uday Kotak sole Indian financier in Forbes' most powerful list
Kotak Mahindra Bank Chief Uday Kotak, who has a net worth of about $7.1 billion, is the sole Indian in Forbes' list of 40 of
the most powerful people in the financial world who control the flow of trillions of dollars around the global economy.
He is ranked 33rd in the Forbes list of 'Money Masters: The Most Powerful People In The Financial World' .
The list is topped by Blackstone Group's CEO Stephen Schwarzman, who has a net worth of $10.2 billion and oversees assets
worth $344 billion.
19. Bajaj Auto Finance inks pact with India Post

Motorcycle finance company Bajaj Finance Ltd has entered into an arrangement with post offices across India to enable
buyers get information through brochures available at the Post Offices, as well as apply for 2-wheeler loans from Bajaj Auto
Finance.

20. BHU completes its 100 years of glorious existence

Banaras Hindu University, a name of excellence, scientific researches and technological innovations, was founded in 1916 to
help promote the sustainable development, growth and eradication of poverty, this glorious institution of excellence has
completed 100 years of its eventful journey.
This globally reputed temple of learning was established by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1916.
The University started functioning from 1st October, 1917 with the Central Hindu College as its first constituent College.
21. Half of worlds 20 most polluted cities in India
WHO in its report said that half of the worlds 20 most polluted cities are in India, indicating industrial and vehicular exhaust
were choking large parts of the country with little oversight or monitoring mechanism.
The Indian Capital is no longer the worlds most polluted city, dropping to 11th position with smaller towns galloping past
Delhi to grab second and third spot.
The top spot is taken by the Iranian city of Zabol that falls in the middle of a dust bowl.
22. India, US hold first Maritime Security Dialogue
India and United States (US) held their first Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi for deepening the evolving partnership
in the maritime domain between both countries.
The Maritime Security Dialogue was one of the several new initiatives agreed between Union Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter during the latters visit to India in April 2016.
23. IIT student wins top materials science award
A doctoral researcher at IIT-Kharagpur has bagged the European Materials Research Societys (E-MRSs) Young Scientist
Award for contribution to materials science.
Nandini Bhandaru won the award based on her outstanding contribution to materials science and nanotechnology,
particularly nano-patterning of soft films and surfaces.
Ms. Bhandaru works at the Instability and Soft Patterning Laboratory of the institute IIT-Kharagpur.
24. Sudha Singh sets national record in 3,000m steeplechase
Indian athlete Sudha Singh has created history by breaking the national record in women's 3,000m steeplechase event in the
Diamond League Meet in Shanghai.
She clocked 9 minutes, 26.55 seconds to finish a creditable eighth.
This is a far and fair improvement from her stint at the Federation Cup, where she had clocked 9 minutes, 31.86 seconds to
make the cut for Rio 2016.
25. Center constitutes NK Singh Committee to review FRBM Act
The Union Government has constituted a five member committee, headed by Former Revenue Secretary and Rajya Sabha
MP, NK Singh, to comprehensively review and give recommendations on the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
(FRBM) roadmap for the future.
Its members are former Finance and Revenue Secretary Sumit Bose, Chief Economic Adviser (CEC) Dr. Arvind
Subramanian, Deputy Governor of RBI Urijit Patel and Director of National Institute Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
Rathin Roy.
It will submit its Report to the Union Government by the 31st October, 2016.
26. Honda partners with IndusInd Bank for two wheeler financing
Honda Motorcycle and a Scooter India (HMSI), the country's second-largest two wheeler player, has partnered with IndusInd
Bank to offer retail finance to buyers.
IndusInd Bank will offer finance to eligible customers for purchasing Honda two wheelers through its network of over 1,000
branches across the country.
A customer can avail loan of up to 90% of the product value to be repaid in up to 36 months.

27. Bollywood actress Kajol appointed part-time member of Prasar Bharati board
Bollywood actress Kajol was appointed as a part-time member of the Prasar Bharati Board which runs public broadcasters
Doordarshan and All India Radio ( AIR).
The actress, known for starring in hit films like 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Baazigar', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' etc., will
serve as a part-time member on the Board till November 2021.
28. India, Iran sign 12 bilateral agreements in various areas
India and Iran signed 12 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and Agreements in various areas including building and
operating the Chabahar port by India.
The other agreements include cooperation in science and technology, culture, library sciences, and cooperation between the
EXIM banks of both the countries.
These agreements were signed after the delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani.
Some of signed Agreements are
Bilateral contract on Chabahar Port for port development and operations
MoU between EXIM Bank and Irans Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO): It is intended for the purpose of
credit of USD 150 million for Chabahar port.
Confirmation Statement between EXIM Bank and Central Bank of Iran (CBI): It confirms availability of credit up to
3000 crore rupees for the import of steel rails and implementation of Chabahar port.
MoU between IRCON and CDTIC
MoU on India-Iran Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)
MoU on Policy Dialogue between Governments and Interaction between Think Tanks
MoU between Foreign Service Institute, MEA and School of International Relations, Irans MoFA
Implementation Protocol on Cooperation in the Fields of Science and Technology
Besides, leaders of both countries also issued a joint statement mentioning that the Chabahar port is a symbol of synergy
between both the nations.
The port can serve as a point of connectivity to different countries and economic relations between India and Iran can further
be expanded through the project.
29. NALCO signs MoU with Iran to set up smelter plant in Chabahar
The National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has signed a MoU with Iranian Mines and Mining Industries
Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).
The signing of the MoU coincided with the official two days state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Iran.
The MoU was signed to explore the possibility of setting up smelter-cum-gas based power plant on joint venture in Iran for
the proposed smelter plant in Chabahar Free Trade Zone.
30. India, Iran and Afghanistan sign historic land transit trade agreement
India, Iran and Afghanistan sign historic three-way land transit agreement on Irans strategic southern port of Chabahar.
It was signed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Afghanistan President Ashraf
Ghani in Teheran, Iran.
Under the agreement, India will invest up to 500 million dollars in a deal to develop a strategic port in Iran.
Chabahar port is strategically located in the Sistan-Balochistan Province on the energy-rich Persian Gulf nations southern
coast.
It lies outside the Persian Gulf and is easily accessed from Indias western coast, by passing Pakistan.
31. Committee to boost Cashless Transaction in the Country
The government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have been working on how to reduce cash transactions in the economy.
In this regard, they formed a committee last month, of seven members, chaired by a ministry official, Neeraj Kumar Gupta.
It aims to increase card acceptance infrastructure, fix interchange fee for credit cards.
RBI data at end-March shows 24.5 million credit cards and 661.8 million debit cards in the country, compared to 1.3 million
PoS terminals

Books & Authors

The Vegetarian Han Kang (translated by Deborah Smith)

A General Theory of Oblivion Jos Eduardo Agualusa
The Story of the Lost Child Elena Ferrante
A Strangeness in My Mind Orhan Pamuk
A Whole Life Robert Seethaler
The Four Books Yan Lianke
A Revolutionary History of India Kama Maclean
Breaking Mazes Peer GN Suhail
With a Little Help from my Friends Dev Lahiri
India's War: The Making of Moder South Asia 1939-45 Srinath Raghavan
Pyre Perumal Murugan
Jihad Academy: The Rise of Islamic State Nicolas Henin
India's Broken Tryst Tavleen Singh
Not Out: The Incredible Story of the Indian Premier League Desh Gaurav Sekhar
The Northeast Question: Conflicts and Frontiers Pradip Phanjoubam
The Girl Who Ate Books: Adventures in Reading Nilanjana Roy
Gandhi: An Illustrated Biography Pramod Kumar
The Kiss of Life: How a superhero and my son defeated cancer - Emraan Hashmi & Bilal Siddiqi
The Sialkot Saga Ashwin Sanghi
Incarnations: India in 50 Lives Sunil Khilnani
Safeguarding India: Essays on Governance and Security NN Vohra
The Vanished Lotte and Soren Hammer
Keep You Close Lucie Whitehouse
The Noise of Time Julian Barnes
State of Denial: Pakistan's Misguided and Dangerous Crusade BG Verghese
A Revolutionary History of Interwar India: Violence, Image, Voice and Text Kama McLean
Strangers to Ourselves Shashi Deshpande
Culture of Encounters: Sanskrit at the Mughal Court Audrey Truschke
For Tibet, With Love: A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World Isabel Losada
Swimmer Among the Star Kanishk Tharoor
The Noise of Time Julian Barnes
The Phoenix Moment: Challenges Confronting the Indian Left Praful Bidwai
The Story of the Lost Child Elena Ferrante

Appointments
Brand Ambassador for Hublot watches
Rio Olympics BrandAmbassador
Senior Vice President of Housing.com
Reo Olympics Goodwill ambassador
Vice chair of the California Republican Party
I&B secretary
CFO of Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd
Bitcoin creator
Executive secretary of UNFCCC
FTII Director
Chairperson in the National
Commission (NSC)
Chief of the Naval Staff

Statistical

Rohit Sharma
Abhinav Bindra, Salman Khan
Dilip Tuli
Sachin Tendulkar
Harmeet Kaur Dhillon
Ajay Mittal
Ameer Aggarwal
Craig Wright
Mexican diplomat Patricia
Espinosa
Bhupendra Kainthola
Dr Radha Binod Barman
Sunil Lanba

MD of Godrej Natures Basket

Director General (DG) of Tihar
Chief of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
Ireland's prime minister
Ambassador to Tajikistan
Chairman of Public Accounts Committee
(PAC)
Pakistan cricket teams head coach
First Muslim Mayor of London
Additional Solicitor General
MD and CEO of MCX
President Philippines
ICCs first independent Chairman
Executive director ICICI Prudential
NSE chairman
Chairman - Axis Bank
First female secretary general of FIFA
Dy CAG
ICC Cricket Committee chairman
Dy Chairman of FIFA Governance Committee
New Chief Justice (CJ) of the Chhattisgarh
High Court
First woman SSP of Lucknow
New CFO IndiGo
MD (India) Barco
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
(CCMB) Director
Deputy Mayor in UK
First female president of Taiwan
Tamil Nadu chief minister
BCCI President
Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry
Principal adviser for NITI Aayog
CMD OF NPCIL
New commandant of IMA
F45 India brand ambassador
Assam Chief Minister
CEO of Freecharge
Kerala Chief Minister
MD of Infosys BPO
Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval
Command (SNC)
Goodwill ambassador for LEPRA India
Navy chief
DGP of West Bengal
Urban Development Secretary
First female house speaker of Vietnams
Parliament
Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd
(BHAVINI)
J&K's first woman CM

Avani Davda
Sudhir Yadav
Kumar Rajesh Chandra
Enda Kenny
Somnath Ghosh
K V Thomas
Mickey Arthur
Sadiq Khan
Atma Ram Nadkarni
Mrugank Paranjape
Rodrigo Duterte
Shashank Manohar
Sankaran Naren
Ashok Chawla
Sanjiv Misra
Fatma Samoura
Hindupur Pradeep Rao
Anil Kumble
Justice Mukul Mudgal
Justice Deepak Gupta
Manzil Saini
Rohit Philip
Rajiv Bhalla
Rakesh Kumar
Philip Abraham
Tsai Ing-wen
J Jayalalithaa
Anurag Thakur
Kiran Bedi
Ratan P Watal
S K Sharma
Lt General S K Saini
Brett Lee
Sarbananda Sonowal
Govind Rajan
Pinarayi Vijayan
Anantha Radhakrishnan
Vice Admiral AR Karve
R Madhavan
Sunil Lanba
Surajit Kar Purkayastha
Rajiv Gauba
Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan
Kallol Roy
Mehbooba Mufti

9th President of Vietnam

New PM of Iceland
Chairman of National Real Estate
Development Council
President of Kosovo
CEO of GoJavas
Next Ambassador of India to Norway
Chairman of NASSCOM
New director of the Tamil Nadu Cricket
Association (TNCA)
Haryana's New Lokayukta
Chairman of Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank
(KVGB)
Brand ambassador of 'Skill India'
Lava International
Premier Futsal football league
CFO of Indus Towers
Director General (DG) of Bureau of Police
Research & Development (BPR&D).
First Woman Chief Justice of Nepal
Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited
CVO in Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
CVO of NIFT
CVO of Heavy Engineering Corporation Ltd
Ranchi
AIBA ambassador for Women's World Boxing
Championship
New chairperson of the National Monument
Authority (NMA).
New prime minister of Ukraine
Chairman of Indira Gandhi National Centre for
Arts (IGNCA) board
First Woman DGPof Gujarat
Director General, Fire Services, Civil Defence
and Home Guards of Gujrat
New Additional Director General in the
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
chief selector of Pakistan
Chief Executive Officer of Tata Steel UK
CEO of BCCI
US envoy to Chad
International Hockey Umpire
Lokayukta of Goa
Rubber Board chief
Prime minister of Laos
President of Laos
Chads President
FTII Director
Prime Minister of Congo
Goodwill Ambassador for 2016 Rio Olympics

Tran Dai Quang

Sigurdur Ingi Johannson
Rajeev Talwar
Hashim Thaci
Amitabh Coomar
Debraj Pradhan
CP Gurnani
D. Vasu
NK Aggarwal
S. Ravindran
Sachin Tendulkar
MS Dhoni
Virat kohli
Hemant Kumar Ruia
Ms. Meeran C. Borwankar
Justice Sushila karki
Deepak Kashyap
Manoj Kumar
Sushma Singh
Deepak Kumar
Mary Kom
Susmita Pande
Volodymyr Groysman
Ram Bahadur Rai
Geeta Johri
P C Thakur
Deepak Mishra
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Bimlendra Jha
Rahul johri
Geeta Pasi
Durga Thakur
Justice PK Mishra
A Ajith Kumar
Thongloun sisoulith
Bounnhang Vorachit
Idriss Deby
Bhupendra Kainthola
Mouamba Clement
Salman Khan

International Plant Nutrition Scholar Award

PM of Tibet
Vice-president of South Sudan
UN University Council
DG of Railways Protection Force

K Ashok kumar
Lobsang Sangey
Riek Machar
Radha Kumar
Surender Kumar Bhagat

New Chief Justices in Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan

Justice Tinlianthang Vaiphei of the Guwahati High Court will be the new acting Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
He will replace Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Gupta, who has been transferred as the Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High
Court.
Justice Navin Sinha, Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court has been moved as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High
Court.
Justice Ved Prakash Vaish of the Delhi High Court has been transferred to Meghalaya, while Justice Satish Kumar Agnihotri
of the Madras High Court has been shifted to Sikkim.

Awards
Best Film award at 63rd National Film Award
Best Actor award at 63rd National Film Award
2016 Commonwealth Short Story Regional Prize
Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience
Award
Lonely Planets Best Indian Destination for Wildlife
Award
UN poster contest on N-disarmament
International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Hall of
Fame
2016 Man Booker International Prize
Knight in the French Legion Of Honour, France's
US National Medal of Science Award
Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award
Highest teaching award in US
Best Far-shore Team by the National Outsourcing
Association (NOA).
Top chemical industry award
Nepals literary award
Harvard Alumni award
2016 India Biodiversity Award
'Scholastic Asian Book Award'
Springer Theses Award
Japan's Fukuoka prize 2016
Maharashtrian Of The Year
Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award
Most powerful businesswoman in Asia
United Kingdoms prestigious Founders Award 2016
FBB Femina Miss India World
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
2016 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom
Prize
2016 US Masters Golf

Baahubali
Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut
Parashar Kulkarni
Benin-born artist Anglique Kidjo
MP Tourism
Anjali Chandrashekar
Prof Udupi Ramachandra Rao
Han Kang
JK Rowling
Rakesh K Jain
Syamantak Payra
Rupa Iyer
Intelenet
Mukesh Ambani
Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling
Sunil Mittal
Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal
Pradesh
Aditi Krishnakumar
Arnab Des
AR Rahman
Ranveer Singh
Vishwanathan Anand
Nita Ambani
Mother Teresa
Priyadarshini Chatterjee
Priyanka Chopra
Khadija Ismayilova
Danny Willett

Highest French civilian honour

2015 Saraswati Samman
Global Indian of the Year award
Mumbai Press Clubs lifetime achievement award
Pulitzer Prize for public service
Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Pulitzer prize for international reporting
Commander of the Order of Merit Uk
Order of Arts and Letters French honour
Dadasaheb Phalke award for 'Aligarh'
best actress award for madly at Tribeca Film Fest 2016
Japans highest civilian award
2016 Nelson Mandela Award

Ex Army Chief JJ Singh

Padma Sachdev (for her autobiography
Chitt-Chete)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
T N Ninan
The Associated Press
Hamilton
Alissa J. Rubin
Amitav Banerji
Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee
Manoj Bajpayee
Radhika Apte
N K Singh
Tabassum Adnan

President presents National Florence Nightingale awards

President Pranab Mukherjee has presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards to thirty-five nursing personnel from
across the country at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of International Nurses Day (May 12).
The National Florence Nightingale Awards are given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government ofIndia as a
mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals in the country.
The International Nurses Day is celebrated all over the world on May 12 every year to commemorate Florence Nightingale's
birthday.
5 Indians posthumously honoured with UNs Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Four Indian peacekeepers and a civilian have been chosen posthumously for United Nations Dag Hammarskjold Medal for
their courage and sacrifice.
They are among the 124 police, military and civilian personnel who have been posthumously awarded a prestigious UN
medal.
They will be honoured on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (observed annually on 29 May).
Five Indians are Head Constable Shubhkaran Yadav, Rifleman Manish Malik, Havildar Amal Deka, Naik Rakesh Kumar and
Gagan Punjabi.
Delhi-based NGO Routes 2 Roots awarded Inter-cultural Innovation Award 2016
Routes 2 Roots, a Delhi-based Non-profit organization (NGO), has been awarded prestigious Inter-cultural Innovation Award
2016.
The award was bestowed upon the NGO for their unique Student Exchange Program, which allowed children in schools from
India and Pakistan to connect with each other.
The award was given by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Evolutionary engineer Frances Arnold wins 1m tech prize
American biochemical engineer Frances Arnold, whose discoveries in "directed evolution" have helped produce medicines,
including drugs for treating diabetes, was awarded this year's euro 1 million ($1.2 million) Millennium Technology Prize.
President Pranab Mukherjee presents National Geoscience Awards 2014
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Geoscience Awards 2014 on 05 April, 2016 at a function held at
Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President presents Hindi Sevi Samman Awards
President Pranab Mukherjee on 19 April 2016 presented the Hindi Sevi Samman Awards to 39 scholars in seven different
categories for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
The awards were distributed at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mongolia confers highest civilian honour on two Indians

 Mongolia on 28 April conferred its highest civilian award, the North Star, on two Indian scholars who are experts on that
country.
Mongolian Foreign Minister Lundeg Purevsuren conferred the award on Lokesh Chandra, president of the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR), and Mansura Haider, former academic adviser at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
(IGNCA).

Sports
1. Indian team win one silver, two bronze in Archery World Cup
Indian womens team has won silver medal in the recurve team final of Archery World Cup held at the Yuanshen Stadium in
Shanghai, China.
Womens team comprised of Deepika Kumari, Bombayla Devi Laishram and Laxmirani Majhi.
In the final match they lost to Chinese Taipei team by 2-6 score.
2. Nico Rosberg wins Russian Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg cruised to victory in the Russian Grand Prix on 02 May as his title rival and teammate Lewis Hamilton dodged
crashes and battled through the pack for second.
Rosberg has won all four of this season's races -- seven in a row including victories from last season -- and has a hefty 43point lead over Hamilton in the title race.
3. Vijender Singh records 5th consecutive victory in Professional Boxing
Star Indian pugilist Vijender Singh recorded his 5th consecutive victory in Professional Boxing.
He defeated Frenchman Matiouze Royer at Londons Copper Box Arena via knock-out.
Vijender, whose last four wins were all knock-outs or technical knock-outs, was declared the winner in the fifth round of the
six-round super middleweight contest.
4. BCCI recommends Virat Kohli for Khel Ratna, Ajinkya Rahane for Arjuna Award
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) on 03 May has recommended Indian Test captain Virat Kohli for the Rajiv
Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the countrys highest sporting honour.
Ajinkya Rahane has been recommended for the Arjuna award.
If Kohli wins, he would become only the third cricketer after the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and the countrys most successful
captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to win Indias highest sporting honour.
It is after a gap of four years that a cricketer has been recommended for the Khel Ratna.
The prestigious Khel Ratna award carries a cash price of Rs. 7.5 lakh in addition to a citation, while the Arjuna awardee
receives a cash prize of Rs. five lakh and a citation.
5. Leicester City crowned English Premier League champions
Leicester City have won the English Premier League title after closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur blew a two-goal lead to
draw at last season's winners Chelsea.
Tottenham's two-goal advantage came courtesy of first-half goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min but Chelsea pulled a
goal back just before the hour-mark with a Gary Cahill strike from a corner.
A late equaliser from Eden Hazard sealed the draw, and the title for Leicester City who fought off relegation last season.
6. Seven Indian shuttlers qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics
Seven Indian shuttlers (Badminton players) have officially earned the qualification for the forthcoming Rio Olympics
scheduled to be held in August 2016 in Brazil.
They are Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, K. Srikanth, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy. The
pairs of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa and Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy qualified after the release of latest BWF
world rankings.
Saina Nehwal who won a Bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, will represent India for the third time, while Jwala
Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa will be figuring in Olympics for second time.
7. Rohit Sharma unveils Indias first sports expo

Cricketer Rohit Sharma inaugurated the Pune International Sports Expo at the Agriculture College Ground. Shooter Gagan
Narang was also present on the ceremony.
It is the first sports expo being held in the country organised by city-based Steps Sports Entertainment Private Limited and
will be open for public till May 8.

8. Pakistan wins 2016 Asia Kabaddi Championship Cup

Pakistan has won the third edition of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2016 (Circle Style) by defeating India.
In the final match held at Pakistan Ordinance Factory Sports Complex in Wah Cantonment, Pakistan (defending champion)
defeated India by 50-31 points.
9. India women wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics
Two Indian women wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik have qualified for 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to be held in
August 2016.
Vinesh sealed her place for the Olympic berth after defeating Avin Demirhan of Turkey 12-2 in the 48 kg category in the
semi-final match of the Olympic world qualifying tournament held at Istambul in Turkey.
10. Novak Djokovic wins 2016 Mutua Madrid Open
Serbian Tennis player Novac Djokovic (World no. 1) won the 2016 Mutua Madrid Open title in the mens single category.
In the final match played in Madrid, Spain he defeated Andy Murray from Great Britain by 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 score.
With his win, Djokovic has moved ahead of Spains Rafael Nadal with a record 29 ATP Masters 1000 titles.
11. Shashank Manohar resigns as BCCI president
Shashank Manohar has resigned as the president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the chairman of
International Cricket Council (ICC).
The move has come in anticipation of Mr. Manohar set to be re-nominated as ICC chief during the governing bodys annual
board meeting scheduled for next month.
The deadline for filing the nomination for the ICC chiefs post is May 23. The BCCI will have to propose Mr. Manohar as its
ICC presidential candidate.
12. England womens captain Edwards retires
Long-serving England women's captain Charlotte Edwards announced her retirement after a sparkling and pioneering 20-year
career.
The 36-year-old led her country to glory in the Ashes, World Cup and ICC World T20, winning a world-record 309 caps and
scoring over 10,000 runs across the formats.
13. AR Rahman becomes India's fourth Goodwill Ambassador for Rio Games
Music composer AR Rahman accepted the Indian Olympic Association's offer to become the Goodwill Ambassador for the
Rio Olympics.
He becomes the fourth India's Goodwill Ambassador for the Rio Olympics after Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and
Abhinav Bindra.
There was a storm when the IOA named Salman Khan as a Goodwill Ambassador late last month.
Rahman is well-respected across the country and bagged an Oscar for his music in 'Slumdog Millionaire.'
The Olympics this year is going to be a very significant event for India as it will send its largest ever contingent - about 90
athletes - to the Games in Rio de Janeiro beginning August 5.
14. ICC lifts suspension on Kusal Perera
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 11 May 2016 announced that it has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on
Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Perera.
The decision was taken after withdrawal of the disciplinary charges against Perera that were made in December 2015.
The pronouncement came after the WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar withdrew its original Adverse Analytical Finding
following further investigations.
15. Andy Murray wins 2016 Italian Open title

World No.3, Andy Murray from Britain has won the 2016 Italian Open title of Tennis in the mens singles category.
It was Murrays first Italian Open title.
In the final match played in Rome, Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic (World No.1) for the first time on the clay court
by 6-3, 6-3 score.
Womens Single Title: Serena Williams (World No 1) from United States has won the 2016 Italian Open title of Tennis in
the womens singles category.
In the final match, she defeated Madison Keys.
Womens Doubles Title: Indias Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis (World No. 1 pair) have won the 2016
Italian Open title in the Womens Doubles category.
In the final match, the World Number One pair defeated the 7th seeded Russian pair of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena
Vesnina.
Mens doubles Title: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan pair from United States have won the the 2016 Italian Open title in the
mens Doubles category.
In the final match, they defeated pair of Vasek Pospisil (Canada) and Jack Sock (United States).

16. Max Verstappen becomes youngest Formula 1 winner

Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen from Netherlands created history by becoming Formula Ones youngest race winner.
He achieved this feat after winning the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, which was his debut race for Red Bull at the age of 18.
He was able to win the Spanish Grand Prix by maintaining lead position after Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico
Roseberg crashed into each other in the 1st lap of race.
17. Archers Deepika, Bombayla, Laxmirani named for Rio Olympics
A three-member Indian women's archery team comprising Deepika Kumari , Bombayla Devi and Laxmirani Majhi was
named for the Rio Olympics after a series of selection trials in the last three months.
The women's trio will compete in the individual events as well as team event at the Rio Games in August.
18. Joe Root bags hat-trick of England cricket awards
The England Cricketer, Joe Root bagged a hat-trick of awards as he was named Test Player of the Year, Limited Overs Player
of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year.
The Yorkshire batsman beat tough competition from Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes for the Test award while Jos Buttler and
David Willey ran him close in the Limited Overs category.
The 25-year-old was England's leading run-getter at the recently-concluded World T20 in India where his side finished as
runners-up, and also enjoyed a phenomenal season with the bat in Tests as he scored two centuries in his side's Ashes triumph
last year.
Somerset's Anya Shrubsole was voted Women's Player of the Year, while Charlotte Edwards, the veteran skipper who
recently announced her international retirement, was awarded the fans' prize.
There was also a Special Achievement Award for former England coach-turned-commentator David Lloyd.
The England Physical Disability team won the inaugural Physical Disability World Cup in Bangladesh.
19. Sudha Singh sets national record in 3,000m steeplechase
Indian athlete Sudha Singh has created history by breaking the national record in women's 3,000m steeplechase event in the
Diamond League Meet in Shanghai.
She clocked 9 minutes, 26.55 seconds to finish a creditable eighth.
This is a far and fair improvement from her stint at the Federation Cup, where she had clocked 9 minutes, 31.86 seconds to
make the cut for Rio 2016.
20. Sevilla win 3rd consecutive Europa League title
Sevilla were crowned the UEFA Europa League champions for the third straight year after they defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the
final.
Kvin Gameiro scored one goal and Coke grabbed a brace for Sevilla.
Daniel Sturridge was the only scorer for Liverpool, which also made him the first English player to score in the Europa
League final since 2001.

21. Pankaj Advani wins Asian 6-Red Snooker title

India's ace cueist Pankaj Advani created history in Abu Dhabi by clinching the Asian 6-Red Snooker title.
Advani thus became the first in the world to hold both world and continental titles in 6-red snooker at the same time,
according to information received.
The double IBSF World Six-Red Snooker Champion stamped his authority again in the short format of the game, defeating
top seeded Malaysian Keen Hoh Moh 7-5 last night.
22. Mohun Bagan wins 2016 Indian Federation Cup football tournament
Mohun Bagan FC has won the 2016 Indian Federation Cup football tournament title for the 14th time.
They have won the tournament after a gap of 8 years and last was won in 2008.
In the final match played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati (Assam), they defeated Aizawl FC by 5-0 goals.
For Mohun Bagan FC the Jeje Lalpekhlua scored two goals while Haitian Sony Norde, Dhanachandra Singh and Bikramjit
Singh scored one each.
23. Denmark wins first Thomas Cup badminton tournament
Denmark won the 2016 Thomas Cup badminton tournament. In the final match played at Kunshan, China, the Danish team
defeated Indonesia 3-2.
In the fifth and final set, Danish Hans-Kristian Vittinghus defeated Indonesian Ihsan Maulana Mustofa in two straight games
21-16 and 21-7.
Ending a 67-year wait, this was Denmarks first ever win in the international tournament.
Denmark is also the first European nation to win the Thomas Cup.
24. China wins Uber Cup Badminton tournament for 14th time
Chinese women badminton team showing its supremacy won the Uber Cup title.
In the final played at the Kunshan Sports Centre Gymnasium in Beijing, the host country defeated South Korea 3-1.
It was the host countrys third triumph in a row since 2012 and overall it won the title for 14th time since it first started
competing in the Uber Cup in 1984.
India won the bronze of the Uber Cup tournament after they suffered a 0-3 defeat at the hands of defending champions China
in the semifinals.
Indian women team comprise of Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Jwala Gutta and N Sikki Reddy.
25. Two young Indian-Americans win US Spelling Bee in historic tie
The Scripps National Spelling Bee ended in a tie for the third consecutive year, with Jairam Hathwar and Nihar Janga
declared co-champions after a roller-coaster finish.
Thirteen-year-old Jairam is the younger brother of the 2014 co-champion, Sriram Hathwar. Nihar, at age 11, is the youngest
winner of the bee on record.
Each will receive a trophy and $45,000 in cash and prizes.
Jairams winning word was Feldenkrais, which is derived from a trademark and means a system of body movements intended
to ease tension. Niram won with Gesellschaft, which means a mechanistic type of social relationship.
Among the words they got right- Kjeldahl, Hohenzollern, juamave, groenedael, zindiq and euchologion.
26. Para athlete Saroha wins gold in record breaking performance
Indian para athlete and Arjuna Awardee Amit Kumar Saroha from Haryana won the gold medal in men's club throw (F-51) at
the recently concluded 2016 French Open Athletics Championship in Paris.
The event was held on May 23 and 24.
Amit's effort of 26.58m broke the Asian record which he had himself set at last year's World Championships in Doha on way
to winning a silver.
Amit has already qualified for the 2016 Rio Paralympics scheduled to be held this September, and the 2016 French Open
Athletics Championship was part of his preparation for Rio 2016, for which he is one of India's biggest medal prospects.
27. Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch maiden IPL title 2016
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has won the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is their maiden IPL title.

In the final match played at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore (Karnataka), SRH defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore
(RCB) by eight runs.
Player of the Match: Ben Cutting (SRH).
Player of the Series: Virat Kohli (RCB).

28. Discus thrower Seema Punia qualifies for 2016 Rio Olympics
Discus thrower Seema Punia has qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in
August 2016.
She is the 19th Indian track and field athlete to qualify for Rio Olympics.
Seema was able to qualify after throwing discus at 62.62 meters at the Pat Youngs Throwers Classic 2016 event held at
Salinas (California) in the United States.
She crossed the Rio Games qualification standard of 61meters with her seasons best effort of 62.62 meters and winning gold
medal in the event.
29. Real Madrid FC wins 2016 UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid FC won the 2016 UEFA Champions League for the record 11th time by defeating Atletico Madrid FC by 5-3
goals in penalty shootout.
In the final played, both teams scored 11 goals in regulation period leading to draw.
Earlier Real Madrid FC had won UEFA Champions League in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002
and 2014.
30. Lewis Hamilton wins epic Monaco Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton took a superb victory in a close battle with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo in a thrilling Monaco Grand Prix to
re-ignite his title campaign.
Hamilton's first win this year cut his deficit to Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg, who finished seventh, to 24 points.
31.Alastair Cook becomes youngest to score 10,000 Test runs
Alastair Cook has become the first Englishman to score 10,000 in Test cricket on the fourth day of the second Test against
Sri Lanka at the Riverside.
The English Test Captain has become the youngest batsman to score 10,000 Test runs, a record held by India's cricketing
legend, Sachin Tendulkar, for more than a decade.
Sachin was 31 years and 10-months-old when he achieved this landmark against Pakistan in Kolkata in March 2005 while he
achieved at the age of 31 years 10 months.
He becomes the 12th Player to reach five digit figure.
Sunil Gavaskar was the first man to reach the landmark in 1987, followed by Allan Border six years later.
32. Kohli named T20 Player of the Year in Ceat Award event
Star India batsman Virat Kohli was named Ceat T20 Player of the Year while former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar was
conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a glittering function attended by several past and present players.
England batsman Joe Root was named as the Ceat International Cricketer of the Year as well as International Batsman of the
Year.
India off-spinner R Ashwin won the Ceat International Bowler of the Year award while Rohit Sharma was named as the
Indian Cricketer of the Year.
Kohli has been in the form of his life in the shortest format recently as he was named as Player-of-the-Tournament in the
World T20 held in India earlier this year and won the orange cap for amassing the most runs of 973 in 16 matches in the justconcluded IPL-9.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Dilip Vengsarkar
International Cricketer of the Year - Joe Root
International Batsman of the Year - Joe Root
International Bowler of the Year - R Ashwin
Test Cricketer of the Year - Kane Williamson
ODI Cricketer of the Year - Martin Guptill
T20 Player of the Year - Virat Kohli

Indian Cricketer of the Year -Rohit Sharma

Domestic Cricketer of the Year - Shreyas Iyer
Young Player of the Year - Rishabh Pant
Special Award (for scoring a century in each inning of Test Match)- Ajinkya Rahane.

33. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu becomes first Indian to play in European top league
National football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has achieved a historic feat as he became the first Indian to feature
in a top-tier league match in Europe by turning out for his Norwegian side Stabaek FC.
The 24-year-old Indian kept a clean sheet in his first Tippeligaen (Norwegian Premier League) start for Stabaek FC, helping
them claim a dominant 5-0 triumph over IK Start in an away league match last night.
34. Shiva Thapa wins Silver medal at Asian/Oceania Qualifying event in China
Ace Indian boxer Shiva Thapa has won the silver medal at the Asian/Oceania Qualifying Tournament held in Qianan, China
in the 56 Kilogram category final.
In the final match, he lost to Thailands Chatchai Butdee by 0-3 score who won the gold medal.
35. West Indies wins 2016 ICC T-20 Cricket World Cup
West Indies has won the ICC Cricket World Mens T-20 Cup 2016 by defeating England by 4 wickets in the final match
played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
With this win, West Indies became the only team to win the ICC World Twenty20 title twice. Earlier it had won its first title
in 2012 by defeating Sri Lanka.
Darren Sammy is the captain of West Indies Men's team.
West Indies has also won their maiden Womens World T-20 title by defeating reigning champions Australia by 8 wickets at
the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Stafanie Taylor is the captain of West Indies Women's team.
36. Novak Djokovic wins 2016 Miami Open Title
World Number One tennis player Novak Djokovic from Serbia has won the 2016 Miami Open Title in the mens singles
category.
In the final match played on outdoor hard courts at the Tennis Centre at Crandon Park Florida, US, he defeated Kei Nishikori
(Japan) by 6-3, 6-3 score.
It was his third consecutive and overall sixth ATP Miami Open title, equalling Andre Agassis Miami record total.
It was also his record 28th career ATP Masters title.
37. Nico Roseberg wins 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg from Germany has won the 2016 Gulf Air Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix held at Bahrain
International Circuit in Manama. Bahrain Grand Prix title race was the second race of the 2016 season of Formula One in
which total 11 teams had participated.
It was Rosbergs overall sixteenth championship title of F1 in his career and the second win in the 2016.
38. Cyprian Kotut wins 40th Paris marathon 2016
Cyprian Kotut from Kenya has won the 40th edition of the 2016 Paris marathon held on 3 April 2016 in the mens category.
He finished the 35km race in an official time of 2hr 07min 10sec. Gebretsadik Abraha (Ethopia) finished the race at the
second position.
The womens title was won by Visiline Jepkesho (Kenya).
She completed the race in 2hr 25 min 52sec ahead of Ethiopian pair Gulume Chala (2nd position) and Dinknesh Tefera
(3rd position).
39. India wins 2016 Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament
Indian men have won the 2016 Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament by defeating Vietnam in the final round by 3-1 score
played in Abu Dhabi.
With this win India gained 17 points, two more than World and Olympiad champions China. It was overall third time, Indian
men won the event earlier they had won at Esfahan, Iran in 2005 and Kolkata 2009.

40. Lee Chong Wei wins 2016 Malaysian Open title of Badminton
Malaysias badminton star Lee Chong Wei has won2016 Malaysian Open title in the mens single category.
In the final held at Kuala Lumpur, Lee defeated Chen Long (world number 1) of China in straight games 21-13, 21-8 in a
match that lasted 42 minutes.
It was Chong Weis overall 11th Malaysia Open title after having won in 2004, 2005, 2006 and consecutively from 20082014.
Malaysian Open Womens singles Title: It was won by Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand).
Mens doubles Title: It was won by South Korean pair, Kim Gi-jung and Kim Sa-rang.
Womens doubles Title: It was won by Chinese pair, Tang Yuanting and Yu Yang.
Mixed doubles Title: It was won by Indonesian pair, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir.
41. Anthony Joshua Wins International Boxing Federation Title
British professional boxer, Anthony Joshua on 9 April 2016 won the International Boxing Federation heavyweight title.
He knocked out Charles Martin in the second round at the O2 Arena in London.
Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, captured his first world title in only his 16th professional fight.
42. Varanasi Kathak dancer breaks world record
Soni Chaurasia, a 31 year-old Varanasi Kathak dancer, has broken the world record of the "longest dance marathon" with a
non-stop performance lasting 124 hours.
The previous record was set by Kalamandalam Hemalatha of Kerala in 2011. Soni, who entered the 123rd hour of her
performance at 9pm, was encouraged by the crowd who kept cheering for her until she broke the record of Hemalatha.
Having danced for more than five days straight, Soni looked fresh and continued dancing with a smile glued on her face.
43. Nico Rosberg wins 2016 Chinese Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg from Germany has won the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix held at the Shanghai International
Circuit.
Chinese Grand Prix title race was the third race of the 2016 season of Formula One in which total 11 teams had participated.
It was Rosbergs overall seventeenth championship title of F1 in his career and the third consecutive win in the 2016 season.
44. Australia wins 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament
Australia has won the 25th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2016 for record ninth time.
In the final match played at Ipoh, Australia defeated India by 4-0 goals.
With this India settled at the second position and was followed by New Zealand (defending champion) at the third position.
45. Sri Lankas veteran spinner Rangana Herath announces retirement from T20, ODI
Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath has announced his retirement from T20 and One Day International
Cricket (ODI).
However he will continue to play in Test matches which always have been his personal passion.
He took the decision of retiring from T20 and ODIs in order to make room for fresh talent to be groomed for the 2019 World
Cup.
46. Dipa Karmakar, first woman gymnasts to seal Olympic berth
Dipa Karmakar has made history by becoming the first ever Indian gymnast to qualify for the Olympics.
In the final qualifier of the Olympic Test event in Rio de Janeiro, she put up an impressive show.
The Tripura girl secured 13.366 and 12.566 points in beam and floor exercises. Her strong show in the qualifier has assured a
berth for the upcoming Rio Olympics starting August.
Besides being the first Indian woman, she will also be an Indian gymnast qualifying for the quadrennial extravaganza after 52
long years.
47. Djokovic, Serena bag top honours at Laureus World Sports awards
Tennis star Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams were proclaimed as the premier athletes of 2015 at the Laureus World
Sports Awards ceremony by winning the Laureus Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards respectively on 18 April
2016.
This was their third premier athletes award.

 In the other categories, American golf star Jordan Spieth, who was also nominated in the Sportsman of the Year category,
won the Breakthrough of the Year award.
The world champion New Zealand rugby team won the Team of the Year honour, while the star of their triumph, Dan
Carter, was picked for Comeback of the Year for bouncing back remarkably following an injury breakdown in 2011.
Brazilian swimmer Daniel Dias was recognised as outstanding sportsperson of the year with a disability.
48. Rafael Nadal wins 2016 Monte Carlo Masters title of Tennis
Ace tennis player Rafael Nadal (World No. 5) from Spain has won the 2016 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title of Tennis.
In the final match he defeated Gael Monfils of France by 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 score.
It was his overall 9th Monte Carlo Masters title and his 68th win from 100 finals on the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP) World Tour.
It was also Nadals 100th ATP Tour final appearance and this win also helped Nadal to equal Noval Djokovics (World No
1) record of 28th Masters Titles.
49. BCCI to host first day-night Test against New Zealand this year
In order to raise the ever dwindling number of spectators in the stadium, the BCCI is all set to host its first-ever day/night
cricket Test with pink ball when New Zealand tour India later this year.
Before that Duleep Trophy will act as a dress rehearsal for the day-night Test match.
The main objective of the Duleep Trophy will be to check how the pink kookaburra behaves under the light in subcontinental conditions.
While Test matches in India are played with 'SG Test' balls, but in the upcoming match it will be 'Pink kookaburra'.
50. Hong Kong cricketer Irfan Ahmed suspended for 30 months
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 22nd April announced the suspension of Hong Kong all-rounder Irfan Ahmed for
two years and six months after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
Ahmed's period of ineligibility will take effect from the date of his provisional suspension and will therefore expire on May
4, 2018.
51. New emblem of Tokyo 2020 Olympics unveiled
The new emblem of Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games was unveiled on 25 April 2016, featuring an indigocoloured check in the design.
The logo features a circular Japanese traditional checkered pattern. Below the design are the words Tokyo 2020 and under
them the five interlocking Olympic rings.
The logo was chosen from a shortlist of four announced on April 8 after more than 14,599 entries were publicly accepted.
Tokyo 2020 organisers had to scrap a logo by Japanese designer Kenjiro Sano over its close resemblance of a theatre in the
Belgian city of Liege created by designer Olivier Debie.
52. Rafael Nadal wins 2016 Barcelona Open
Ace tennis player Rafael Nadal (World No 5) from Spain has won the 2016 Barcelona Open title of Tennis.
It was Nadals overall 9th Barcelona Open title and 69th win from 101 finals on the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP) World Tour.
He also has now won his first 10 matches of the European clay-court 2016 season.
In the final match played at in Barcelona, Spain he defeated Kei Nishikori (World No 6) of Japan in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.
53. Indian rower Dattu Bhokanal qualifies for Rio Olympics
Indian rower Dattu Baban Bhokanal qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to be held in August 2016 in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
He qualified Rio Olympics after winning a silver medal in the mens single sculls event at the FISA Asian and Oceania
Olympic Qualification Regatta held at Chung-ju in South Korea.
He will be the lone Indian rower taking part in Rio Games.
54. India to host 2018 Commonwealth Judo Championships
India is going to host the 2018 Commonwealth Judo Championships in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was announced by the Judo
Federation of India (JFI).

 The announcement came after the Commonwealth Judo Congress allotted the Championships to India at its meeting held at
Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
This will be the first time that Commonwealth Judo Championships will be held in India.
Besides, India will also host the 10th Asian Cadet Judo Championships and the 17th Asian Junior Judo Championships from
September 6th to 12th, 2016 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadvanthaa in Kerala.
55. Mohun Bagan and Jeje Lalpekhlua named FPAI Player of the Year
Professional football club Mohun Bagan and India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua on 25 April 2016 won the Football Players
Association of India (FPAI) Indian Player of the Year award at its annual awards function held in Mumbai.
Lalpekhlua received the highest number of votes from fellow professional footballers to finish on top in the shortlist which
included India captain Sunil Chhetri, Bikash Jairu, David Lalrinmuana and Dhanachandra Singh.
Nigerian striker Ranti Martins, who played for East Bengal in the I-League, was named the Foreign Player of the Year.
56. Mairaj Ahmed Khan wins silver medal at ISSF World Cup of shooting
Indias Mairaj Ahmed Khan has won the silver medal in the mens skeet event at ISSF World Cup held in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
With this victory, he becomes first Indian shooter to win skeet medal for India at a World Cup.
Earlier in September 2016 he had qualified for his maiden Olympics after finishing in sixth place at the ISSF Shotgun World
Cup.
He is the first Indian to qualify in the skeet event at the Olympics.
57. Wrestler Sandeep Tomar qualified for Rio Olympics
Wrestler Sandeep Tomar on 24 April 2016 secured an Olympic quota place for India in the men's 57kg freestyle category
with a bronze medal finish on the final day of the 1st World Olympic qualifying tournament at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
He secured his berth for Rio Olympics by winning the playoff bout after having clinched the bronze medal.
58. Thailand former Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa dies
The former prime minister of Thailand, Banharn Silpa-archa was died on 23 April 2016 in Bangkok. He was 83.
His scandal-ridden tenure a Prime Minister preceded the Thailands economic collapse in the 1990s.
59. Riyad Mahrez becomes first African footballer to win PFA Player of the Year
Riyad Mahrez (Algerian origin) became the first African footballer to win the Professional Footballers Associations (PFA)
Player of the Year award.
He was presented the award for the 201516 season at the Professional Footballers Association awards ceremony organised
in London.
With this, Mahrez also became the second non-European, after Luis Suarez (Uruguayan striker) to win this prestigious award
in the sport of Football.
Besides Dele Alli FC midfielder Tottenham Hotspur was named as the Young Player of the Year for the 201516 season.
60.Deepika Kumari equals world record in recurve event at Archery World Cup
Indias Deepika Kumari has equalled the world record in Womens Recurve event at the qualifying stage of Archery World
Cup held in Shanghai, China.
Deepika recorded a score of 686 out of 720 to finish 1st in qualifiers and equal the world record.
With this she equalled the record set by South Koreas Ki Boe Bae at the World University Games in Gwangju in 2015.
61. ICC suspends Cricket Association of Nepal
The ICC has suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) in view of government interference in the board.
In December, Nepal's National Sports Council (NSC) had formed an ad-hoc committee to run the CAN.
This happened soon after Chatur Bahadur Chand was elected the CAN's president in controversial annual general meeting which was not attended by its then president Tanka Angbuhang - without the NSC's permission.
The Chand-led CAN faction then filed a court case, which is still pending, challenging the NSC's decision.
62. Sudarsan Pattnaik bags gold medal at sand art contest in Moscow
Renowned artistSudarsan Pattnaik bagged thegold medal at the ninth Moscow Sand Sculpture Championship "The magical
world of sand" 2016.

 Pattnaik won the championship for best composition 'Mahatma Gandhi - World Peace'.
Pattnaik's solo presentation-about fifteen feet high sand sculpture 'Mahatma Gandhi' depicted the message of non-violence
and peace.
63. Sanath Jayasuriya returns as Sri Lanka chief selector
Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya was reappointed as the country's chief selector, a little more than a year after he
stepped down from the position.
64. Garima Chaudhary wins gold at the 2016 Commonwealth Championship
Judoka Garima Chaudhary has clinched the gold medal at the 2016 Commonwealth Judo Championship finals at Port
Elizabeth in South Africa.
Participating in the 63kg category, this 26-year-old from Meerut, was the only representative from India to contest for Olympic glory
in London 2012 at Judo, where Yoshi Ueno from Japan had Ipponed her out of the race in the first elimination round.

Important Days

01 May: May Day, International Labour Day

03 May: World Press Freedom Day; World Press Freedom Day
04 May: International Firefighters Day, Star Wars Day
05May: International Midwives Day
08May: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
09May: Europe day
11May: National Technology Day
12 May: International Nurses Day; World Migratory Bird Day; International Nurses Day
15May: International Day of Families; International Day of Families
16May: National Dengue Day
17May: World Hypertension Day;World Telecommunication and Information Society Day; World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day; World AIDS Vaccine Day; International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
18May: International AIDS Candlelight Memorial; International Museum Day
20 May: Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon
21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development;
22May: International Day for Biological Diversity; World Goth Day
23May: World Turtle Day
25May: Geek Pride Day
29May: International Day of UN Peacekeepers
31May: World No-Tobacco Day; World No-Tobacco Day
8-9 May: Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War
12-13May: World Migratory Bird Day
1stTuesdayofMay: World Asthma Day
2ndSaturdayofMay: World Fair Trade Day
01-07 Apr: Prevention of Blindness Week (India)
02 Apr: International Childrens Book Day; World Autism Awareness Day
04Apr: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
05Apr: National Maritime Day
06Apr: International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
07Apr: World Health Day; International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda
07-14Apr: Handloom Week (India)
11Apr: National Safe Motherhood Day (India)
12Apr: International Day of Human Space Flight; International Day for Street Children
13Apr: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (India)
14Apr: Birth Anniversary of BR Ambedkar
17Apr: World Hemophilia Day
18Apr: World Heritage Day
14-20Apr: Fire Service Week (India)
22Apr: International Mother Earth Day

23Apr: World Book and Copyright Day; English Language Day

24Apr: Womens Political Empowerment Day (India); National Panchayati Raj Diwas (India)
25Apr: World Malaria Day
26Apr: World Intellectual Property Day
28Apr: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
29Apr: International Dance Day; Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
24-30Apr: World Immunization Week (last week of Apr)
30Apr: International Jazz Day

Obituary
Former Jammu and Kashmir Minister
Famous American actor
Veteran Communist leader
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member
Legendary cricket commentator
Nirankari spiritual head
Former Test cricketer
Veteran CBS News journalist
Veteran Gujarati folk singer
World's oldest Olympic champion
Veteran CPI(M) leader
Pink Panther star
AIADMK MLA
Noted Marathi literary
Veteran actor
BJP leader and former MP
Renowned Iraqi-born British architect
Former AC Milan FC defender and Italy coach
Renowned Latin jazz saxophonist
Former Project Director of Madras Atomic Power
Station (MAPS)
Veteran journalist
Former Union Minister of state (MoS) of Health
and Family Welfare
Prominent Woman Biker
Hero group co-founder
Renowned Malian photographer
Renowned Hollywood actress
Pop music superstar
Renowned Cartoonist

Romesh Sharma
William Schallert
Chennamaneni Rajeswara
Rao
Praveen Rashtrapal
Tony Cozier
Baba Hardev Singh
Deepak Shodhan
Morley Safer
Diwaliben Bhil
Sandor Tarics
K Anirudhan
Burt Kwouk
'S.M. Seenivel
R G Jadhav
Suresh Chatwal
Rudra Madhab Ray
Zaha Hadid
Cesare Maldini
Leandro Gato Barbieri
Myneni Hari Prasad Rao
Yogendra Bali
Dr C Silvera
Veenu Paliwal
Satyanand Munjal
Malick Sidibe
Doris Roberts
Prince Roger Nelson
V T Thomas

ALL THE BEST!