Loading blogs…

Download our apps & Start learning now

Analogy & Classification

Analogy means ‘correspondence’(x:y::a:b). In the questions based on analogy, a particular relationship is given and another similar relationship has to be identified from the alternatives provided. Analogy tools are therefore meant to test one’s ability to reason -how far you are able to compare and comprehend the relationship that exists between two objects, things or figures. Verbal analogy measures the ability to understand the relationship between two given words or group of letters, presented in abbreviated form. See the following example. Moon : Satellite :: Earth : Planet This abbreviated form conveys the idea that moon is related to satellite in the same way as the earth is related to planet. Look for the Kinds of Relationship There are many possibilities in establishing a relationship. Here are some useful points on the basic general knowledge required for the test.

Country and Currency

· India-Rupee

· US-Dollar

· UAE-Dirham

· USA-Dollar

· Turkey-Lira

· Germany-Mark

· Japan-Yen

· Greece-Drachma

· Argentina-Peso

· Russia-Rouble

Country and Capital/Famous Place

· India-Delhi

· Nepal- Kathmandu

· USA-Washington

· Bhutan-Thimphu

· Austria – Vienna

· Canada - Ottawa

· Japan – Tokyo

· China - Beijing

· Russia - Moscow

· Australia - Canberra

· UK – London

· Iran – Tehran

· Egypt-Cairo

· Greece-Athens

· Bangladesh-Dhaka

Male and Female

· Son : Daughter : : Nephew : Niece

· Drone - Bee

· Lion -Lioness

· Dog –Bitch

· Stag – Doe

· Gentleman - Lady

· Tiger – Tigress

· Horse - Mare

· Uncle - Aunt

Animal and Young One

Cat - Kitten : : Dog – Puppy

Kitten is the young one of a Cat and Puppy is the young one of a Dog.

· Butterfly – Caterpillar

· Lion – Cub

· Cow - Calf

· Man – Child

· Duck – Duckling

· Pig – Piglet

· Frog – Tadpole

· Stallion - Colt

· Hen- Chicken

· Sheep-Lamb

· Horse- Pony

· Swa-Cygnet

Animal and Sound

· Insect – Whine, Hum, Buzz

· Human – Cocks, Crow

· Birds – Caw, Quack, Scream

· Deer – Bell

· Dogs – Bark

· Dolphins – Click

· Donkeys – Bray

· Doves – Coo

· Ducks – Quack

· Eagles – Scream

· Elephants – Trumpet, Roar

· Flies – Buzz, Hum

· Foxes – Bark, Yelp, Simper

· Frogs – Croak

· Giraffes – Bleat

· Goats – Bleat

· Geese – Cackle, Quack

· Grasshoppers – Chirp

· Hamsters – Squeak

· Hares – Squeak

· Hens – Cackle, Cluck

· Hogs – Grunt

· Horses – Neigh, Snort, Whinny, Nicker

· Hummingbirds – Hum

· Hyenas – Laugh, Scream

· Jackals – Howl

· Kangaroos – Chortle

Animal and Keeping Place (Dwelling Place)

· Spider – Web

· Bird – Nest

· Pig – Sty

· Eskimo – Igloo

· Bee – Hive

· Nun – Convent

· Lion – Den

· Knight – Mansion

· Hare – Burrow

· Gypsy – Caravan

· Mouse – Hole

· Cow – Byre / Pen

· Peasant – Cottage

· Monk – Monastery

· Eagle – Eyrie

· Lunatic – Asylum

· Horse – Stable

· Convict – Prison

· King – Palace

· Soldier – Barracks

· Owl – Barn

Worker and Product

Example:
Carpenter – Furniture :: Mason – Wall

(Carpetner makes furniture and a mason builds a wall.)

· Author – Book

· Editor – Newspaper

· Architect – Design

· Farmer – Crop

· Butcher – Meat

· Judge – Justice

· Chef – Food

· Poet – Poem

· Choreographer – Ballet

· Teacher – Education

· Cobbler – Shoes

· Tailor – Clothes

Worker and Tool Relationship

Example:
Woodcutter – Axe :: Soldier – Gun

(Axe is the tool used by a woodcutter, likewise a soldier uses a gun.)

· Author – Pen

· Doctor – Stethoscope

· Astronomer – Telescope

· Farmer – Plough

· Barber – Scissors

· Gardener – Harrow

· Butcher – Chopper

· Painter – Brush

· Blacksmith – Anvil

· Sculptor – Chisel

· Bricklayer – Trowel

· Surgeon – Scalpel

· Carpenter – Saw

· Tailor – Needle

· Cobbler – Awl

Tool and Action

Example:
Pen – Write :: Knife – Cut

(Pen is used for writing and knife is used for cutting.)

· Axe – Grind

· Spade – Dig

· Auger – Bore

· Shovel – Scoop

· Chisel – Carve

· Spoon – Feed

· Gun – Shoot

· Spanner – Grip

· Loudspeaker – Amplify

· Steering – Drive

· Microscope – Magnify

· Sword – Slaughter

· Oar – Row

Worker and Working Place

Example:
Farmer – Field :: Doctor – Hospital

(A farmer works in a field while a doctor works in a hospital.)

· Artist – Theatre

· Pilot – Cockpit

· Actor – Stage

· Sailor – Ship

· Clerk – Office

· Scientist – Laboratory

· Driver – Cabin

· Teacher – School

· Engineer – Site

· Umpire – Pitch

· Lawyer – Court

· Worker – Factory

· Mechanic – Garage

· Warrior – Battlefield

Product and Raw Material

Example:
Cloth – Fibre :: Petrol – Crude Oil

(Cloth is made from fibre and petrol is extracted from crude oil.)

· Book – Paper

· Omelette – Egg

· Butter – Milk

· Paper – Pulp

· Furniture – Wood

· Road – Asphalt

· Fabric – Yarn

· Rubber – Latex

· Jaggery – Sugarcane

· Shoes – Leather

· Metal – Ore

· Sack – Jute

· Oil – Seed

Quantity and Unit

Example:
Length – Metre :: Distance – Light Year

(Metre is the unit of length and light year is the unit of distance.)

· Angle – Radian

· Power – Watt

· Current – Ampere

· Pressure – Pascal

· Energy – Joule

· Resistance – Ohm

· Force – Newton

· Time – Second

· Mass – Kilogram

· Volume – Litre

· Potential – Volt

· Work – Joule

Instrument and Measurement

Example:
Barometer – Pressure :: Speedometer – Speed

(Barometer measures pressure and speedometer measures speed.)

· Ammeter – Current

· Rain Gauge – Rainfall

· Anemometer – Wind Velocity

· Screw Gauge – Thickness

· Balance – Mass

· Seismograph – Earthquakes

· Hygrometer – Humidity

· Sphygmomanometer – Blood Pressure

· Thermometer – Temperature

Sport and Place of Playing

· Badminton – Court

· Boxing – Ring

· Race – Track

· Tennis – Court

· Skating – Rink

· Athletics – Stadium

· Hockey – Ground

· Wrestling – Arena

· Cricket – Pitch

· Exercise – Gymnasium

Study and Topic

Example:
Botany – Plants :: Ornithology – Birds

(Botany is the study of plants and ornithology is the study of birds.)

· Anthropology – Man

· Orography – Mountains

· Astrology – Future

· Palaeontology – Fossils

· Conchology – Shells

· Pedology – Soil

· Cardiology – Heart

· Pathology – Diseases

· Entomology – Insects

· Semantics – Language

· Haematology – Blood

· Seismology – Earthquakes

· Nephrology – Kidney

· Taxonomy – Classification

· Oology – Eggs

· Zoology – Animals

Word and Synonym

Example:
Mend – Repair :: House – Home

· Abode – Dwelling

· Fierce – Violent

· Abduct – Kidnap

· Happy – Glad

· Ban – Prohibition

· Presage – Predict

· Blend – Mix

· Solicit – Request

· Brim – Edge

· Substitute – Replace

· Dissipate – Squander

· Aborigine – Native

Word and Antonym

Example:
Ignore – Notice :: Friend – Foe

· Advance – Retreat

· Gentle – Harsh

· Best – Worst

· Gradual – Abrupt

· Cruel – Kind

· Initial – Final

· Chaos – Peace

· Kindle – Extinguish

· Create – Destroy

· Lend – Borrow

· Cordial – Hostile

· Robust – Weak

· Deep – Shallow

· Sink – Float

Word and Intensity

Example:
Anger – Rage :: Joy – Ecstasy

(Rage is a greater degree of anger and ecstasy is a greater degree of joy.)

· Crime – Sin

· Refuse – Deny

· Error – Blunder

· Unhappy – Sad

· Quarrel – War

· Wish – Desire

· Sink – Drown

· Famous – Renowned

Practice Question Set-1

Directions: In each of the following questions there is a certain relation between the two given words on one side of (: :) and one word is given on the other side of : : while another word is to be found from the given alternatives, having the same relation with this word as the words of the given pair. Choose the correct alternative.

Q1. Girl : Beautiful : : Boy : ?

(1) Smart

(2) Heroic

(3) Courageous

(4) Handsome

(5) None of these

Q2. Anatomy : Zoology : : Paediatrics : ?

(1) Chemistry

(2) Medicine

(3) Palaeontology

(4) Mechanics

(5) None of these

Q3. Matricide : Mother : : Homicide : ?

(1) Human being

(2) Children

(3) Father

(4) Apes

(5) None of these

Q4. Microphone : Loud : : Microscope : ?

(1) Increase

(2) Investigate

(3) Examine

(4) Magnify

(5) None of these

Q5. Line : Square : : Arc : ?

(1) Ring

(2) Sphere

(3) Circle

(4) Ball

(5) None of these

Q6. Meat : Vegetarian : : Liquor : ?

(1) Insane

(2) Introvert

(3) Teetotaller

(4) Foolish

(5) None of these

Q7. Tuberculosis : Lungs : : Cataract : ?

(1) Ear

(2) Throat

(3) Skin

(4) Eye

(5) None of these

Q8. Professor : Lecture : : Doctor : ?

(1) Hospital

(2) Disease

(3) Medicine

(4) Patient

(5) None of these

Q9. Victory : Encouragement : : Failure : ?

(1) Sadness

(2) Defeat

(3) Anger

(4) Frustration

(5) None of these

Q10. Doctor : Diagnosis : : Judge : ?

(1) Court

(2) Punishment

(3) Lawyer

(4) Judgement

(5) None of these

Directions:

The following questions consist of two words that have a certain relationship between each other, followed by four lettered pairs of words. Select the lettered pair that has the same relationship as the original pair of words.

Q11. Restaurant : Menu

(1) Library : Catalogue

(2) Journal : Newspaper

(3) Book : Encyclopaedia

(4) College : Account

(5) None of these

Q12. Heart : Cardiology

(1) Brain : Psychology

(2) History : Histology

(3) Civics : Polity

(4) Fossils : Palaeontology

(5) None of these

Q13. Soldier : Regiment

(1) Flower : Bunch

(2) Drop : Ocean

(3) Sailor : Crew

(4) Deer : Jungle

(5) None of these

Q14. Acoustic : Sound

(1) Mathematics : Geometry

(2) Radio : Song

(3) Pathology : Disease

(4) Communication : Phone

(5) None of these

Q15. Yen : Currency

(1) Brass : Metal

(2) Hen : Poultry

(3) Paper : Book

(4) Karnataka : State

(5) None of these

Q16. Bird : Wings

(1) Whale : Water

(2) Dog : Lungs

(3) Car : Wheels

(4) Pen : Paper

(5) None of these

Q17. Aspirin : Headache

(1) Amoeba : Dysentery

(2) Acid : Burns

(3) Quinine : Malaria

(4) Iron : Anemia

(5) None of these

Q18. Sprain : Fracture

(1) Cool : Cold

(2) Accident : Death

(3) Pneumonia : Fever

(4) Fall : Slip

(5) None of these

Q19. Ampere : Current

(1) Sound : Wave

(2) Speed : Time

(3) Distance : Kilometre

(4) Ohm : Resistance

(5) None of these

Q20. Muslims : Quran

(1) Hindus : Temple

(2) Sikhs : Avesta

(3) Christians : Christ

(4) Jews : Torah

(5) None of these

Directions:

In each of the following questions, the first two words have a definite relationship. Choose one word out of the given four alternatives which will fill in the blank space and show the same relationship with the third word as between the first two.

Q21. Soap is related to Wash in the same way as Broom is related to ______

(1) Clean

(2) Dust

(3) Sweep

(4) Floor

(5) None of these

Q22. Happiness is related to Sorrow in the same way as Comfort is related to ______

(1) Hardship

(2) Rest

(3) Poverty

(4) Difficulty

(5) None of these

Q23. Bicycle is to Pedal as Boat is to ______

(1) Steering

(2) Water

(3) Oar

(4) Sail

(5) None of these

Q24. Hygrometer is to Humidity as Sphygmomanometer is to ______

(1) Pressure

(2) Blood Pressure

(3) Precipitation

(4) Heartbeat

(5) None of these

Q25. Drama is related to Scene in the same way as Book is related to ______

(1) Story

(2) Page

(3) Chapter

(4) Author

(5) None of these

Answers Key Set-1

Q.No.	Answer
1	(4)
2	(2)
3	(1)
4	(4)
5	(3)
6	(3)
7	(4)
8	(3)
9	(4)
10	(4)
11	(1)
12	(4)
13	(3)
14	(3)
15	(4)
16	(3)
17	(3)
18	(1)
19	(4)
20	(4)
21	(3)
22	(1)
23	(3)
24	(2)
25	(3)

Explanatory Answers Set-1

1.

“Beautiful” describes the quality of prettiness in girls, while “Handsome” describes the quality of prettiness in boys.

2.

Anatomy is a branch of Zoology. Likewise, Paediatrics is a branch of Medicine.

3.

Matricide is the killing of one's mother. Similarly, Homicide is the killing of a human being.

4.

A microphone makes sound louder, while a microscope magnifies an object.

5.

The first is a part of the second.

6.

A vegetarian never eats meat. Similarly, a teetotaller never drinks liquor.

7.

Tuberculosis is a disease of the lungs. Similarly, cataract is a disease of the eye.

8.

A professor delivers lectures to students. Similarly, a doctor gives medicine to patients.

9.

Victory leads to encouragement, whereas failure leads to frustration.

10.

The function of a doctor is to diagnose a disease, and the function of a judge is to give judgement.

11.

A menu gives the list of items available in a restaurant. Similarly, a catalogue gives the list of books available in a library.

12.

The study of the heart is called Cardiology. Similarly, the study of fossils is called Palaeontology.

13.

A group of soldiers is called a regiment. Similarly, a group of sailors is called a crew.

14.

Acoustics is the science of sound. Similarly, Pathology is the study of diseases.

15.

Yen is a currency. Similarly, Karnataka is a state.

16.

Wings help a bird to move. Similarly, wheels help a car to move.

17.

Aspirin is used to cure headache. Similarly, Quinine is used to cure malaria.

18.

The second is a more intensive form of the first.

19.

Ampere is the unit of current. Similarly, Ohm is the unit of resistance.

20.

The Quran is the holy book of Muslims. Similarly, the Torah is the holy book of Jews.

21.

The second denotes the function of the first.

22.

The given words are opposites of each other.

23.

The second is the tool used to move the first.

24.

A Hygrometer is an instrument used to measure humidity. Similarly, a Sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure.

25.

The second is a unit or component of the first.

Practice Question Set-2

Directions: There is a certain relation between two given Words/Numbers/Alphabets on one side of (::) and one Word/Number/Alphabet is given on the other side of (::), while another Word/Number/Alphabet is to be found from the given alternatives having the same relation with this Word/Number/Alphabet as the given pair. Select the correct alternative.

Q1. Iron : Copper :: Zinc : ?

(1) Ceramic

(2) Carbon

(3) Silver

(4) Coke

(5) None of these

Q2. Menu : Food :: Catalogue : ?

(1) Rack

(2) Newspaper

(3) Library

(4) Books

(5) None of these

Q3. Botany : Plant :: Entomology : ?

(1) Snakes

(2) Insects

(3) Birds

(4) Germs

(5) None of these

Q4. Gun : Shoot :: Axe : ?

(1) Grind

(2) Grip

(3) Magnify

(4) Feed

(5) None of these

Q5. Anaemia : Blood :: Anarchy : ?

(1) Lawlessness

(2) Government

(3) Monarchy

(4) Disorder

(5) None of these

Q6. Mountain : Valley :: Genius : ?

(1) Brain

(2) Idiot

(3) Think

(4) Intelligence

(5) None of these

Q7. House : Garbage :: Ore : ?

(1) Rubbish

(2) Gangue

(3) Sand

(4) Dregs

(5) None of these

Q8. King : Throne :: Rider : ?

(1) Seat

(2) Horse

(3) Saddle

(4) Chair

(5) None of these

Q9. Imprison : Jail :: Exile : ?

(1) Country

(2) Depart

(3) Banish

(4) Punishment

(5) None of these

Q10. Reluctant : Keen :: Remarkable : ?

(1) Usual

(2) Restrained

(3) Striking

(4) Evocative

(5) None of these

Q11. 21 : 3 :: 574 : ?

(1) 23

(2) 82

(3) 97

(4) 113

(5) None of these

Q12. 335 : 216 :: 987 : ?

(1) 867

(2) 868

(3) 872

(4) 888

(5) None of these

Q13. 149 : 238 :: 159 : ?

(1) 169

(2) 248

(3) 261

(4) 268

(5) None of these

Q14. 68 : 130 :: ? : 350

(1) 210

(2) 216

(3) 222

(4) 240

(5) None of these

Q15. 8 : 28 :: 27 : ?

(1) 55

(2) 63

(3) 64

(4) 65

(5) None of these

Q16. 9 : 80 :: 100 : ?

(1) 901

(2) 1009

(3) 9889

(4) 9999

(5) None of these

Q17. 7584 : 5362 :: 4673 : ?

(1) 2367

(2) 2451

(3) 2531

(4) 4521

(5) None of these

Q18. 3265 : 4376 :: 4673 : ?

(1) 2154

(2) 3562

(3) 5487

(4) 5784

(5) None of these

Q19. 25 : 37 :: 49 : ?

(1) 41

(2) 56

(3) 60

(4) 65

(5) None of these

Q20. 5 : 124 :: 7 : ?

(1) 125

(2) 248

(3) 342

(4) 343

(5) None of these

Q21. MAD : JXA :: RUN : ?

(1) ORK

(2) OSQ

(3) PRJ

(4) UXQ

(5) None of these

Q22. CAT : DDY :: BIG : ?

(1) CLL

(2) CLM

(3) CML

(4) CEP

(5) None of these

Q23. COMPUTER : fqprxvht :: LANGUAGE : ?

(1) oxpixdig

(2) ocqicyig

(3) ocqixcjg

(4) ocqixcig

(5) None of these

Q24. FILM : ADGH :: MILK : ?

(1) ADGF

(2) HDGE

(3) HDGF

(4) HEGF

(5) None of these

Q25. corden : zrogbq :: ? : pxivro

(1) mulmul

(2) sulsul

(3) munmun

(4) srspql

(5) None of these

Q26. GHF : CDB :: EFD : ?

(1) ABJ

(2) CBD

(3) IJH

(4) AJB

(5) AKB

Q27. AKJ : GNH :: EMD : ?

(1) CLB

(2) CLD

(3) AKB

(4) EMF

(5) CDB

Q28. HNP : PDA :: DLP : ?

(1) PJG

(2) CDP

(3) CLP

(4) PME

(5) PHE

Q29. AFHO : GBDM :: CHFM : ?

(1) GBLD

(2) GBJO

(3) GPLD

(4) GBDM

(5) IBDE

Q30. AOE : ? :: GMA : NKM

(1) KLM

(2) KLF

(3) OBM

(4) KLO

(5) KMN

Q31. ABSORPTION : ROSBANOITP :: VISUALIZER : ?

(1) AUSIVREILZ

(2) VUAISREZIL

(3) AUSIVREZIL

(4) UASIVERZIL

Q32. SLOW : MPTX :: CAUGHT : ?

(1) WVHIUV

(2) BDHIUV

(3) BDIUVH

(4) DBVHIU

Q33. 16 : 224 :: ?

(1) 20 : 400

(2) 22 : 440

(3) 25 : 650

(4) 17 : 289

Q34. CROW : XILD :: SPONGE : ?

(1) HKLPRV

(2) HKLMSY

(3) HKLMTV

(4) FJLMTV

Q35. 5 : 75 :: ?

(1) 6 : 36

(2) 8 : 192

(3) 9 : 343

(4) 7 : 83

Q36. ZODIAC : DOZCAI :: MISTER : ?

(1) NITUFS

(2) SFUTJN

(3) SMIRTE

(4) SIMRET

Q37. 14 : 588 :: ?

(1) 20 : 980

(2) 12 : 666

(3) 18 : 972

(4) 11 : 344

Q38. VOWEL : ZPAFP :: FRICK : ?

(1) JVJGO

(2) OGMVH

(3) JVMGO

(4) JVGOK

Q39. BEST : WVHE :: CROP : ?

(1) PRUM

(2) SRVG

(3) SRUF

(4) RTUF

Q40. 7 : 198 :: ?

(1) 6 : 72

(2) 9 : 162

(3) 5 : 240

(4) 8 : 228

Q41. PORCH : IDSPQ :: MOIST : ?

(1) OMITS

(2) UTJQO

(3) UTJPN

(4) OPJTU

Q42. JEALOUSY : LAYSEJUO :: FUSEWIRE : ?

(1) REWISEFU

(2) ESERUFIW

(3) EEFIRSUW

(4) ESUFERIW

Q43. ACTION : TCANOI :: BOTTLE : ?

(1) EBLOTT

(2) TOBELT

(3) OBTTEL

(4) ELTTOB

Q44. 84 : 72 :: ?

(1) 64 : 56

(2) 68 : 54

(3) 76 : 62

(4) 77 : 64

Q45. RUBBER : BURREB :: CATTLE : ?

(1) ACTTEL

(2) TACELT

(3) ELTTAC

(4) TACTLE

Q46. FEEDBACK : DEABEFKC :: HIGHLAND : ?

(1) HGIHDNAL

(2) HGALIHDN

(3) ALHGDNIH

(4) IHHGALDN

Q47. 48 : 60 :: ?

(1) 78 : 94

(2) 64 : 72

(3) 86 : 100

(4) 98 : 114

Q48. (2, 3, 25) : ?

(1) (9, 11, 81)

(2) (7, 11, 169)

(3) (15, 17, 400)

(4) (19, 23, 441)

Q49. 19 : 171 :: 9 : ?

(1) 81

(2) 49

(3) 86

(4) 98

Q50. 531 : 441 :: 3114 : ?

(1) 5201

(2) 2151

(3) 8610

(4) 9014

Answers Key Set-2

Classification

Classification refers to categorization, the process in which ideas and objects are recognized, differentiated, and understood.

There are five types of Classification questions generally asked in examinations:

Numeric Based
Alphabet Based
Mixed Type (Alphabet–Numeric)
General Intelligence
Pair Type Odd Man Out

I. Numeric Based Classification

All questions are based on numbers. The pattern may involve:

Prime numbers
Even/Odd numbers
Composite numbers
Squares
Cubes
Multiplication
Division

Four options follow the same pattern, while one does not belong to the group.

Example 1

Q1. Which number does not belong to the group?

(a) 19

(b) 17

(d) 27

(e) 37

Answer: (d)

Explanation: All others are prime numbers, whereas 27 is not.

Example 2

(a) 52

(b) 39

(d) 117

(e) 27

Answer: (e)

Explanation: All numbers except 27 are multiples of 13.

Example 3

(a) 4

(b) 36

(d) 64

(e) 84

Answer: (e)

Explanation: All others are perfect squares.

Example 4

(a) 15

(b) 25

(d) 35

(e) 12

Answer: (e)

Explanation: All others are divisible by 5.

Practice Questions

Q1.

(a) 12

(b) 21

(d) 72

(e) 82

Q2.

(a) 24

(b) 32

(d) 36

(e) 15

Q3.

(a) 56

(b) 35

(d) 42

(e) 51

Q4.

(a) 343

(b) 64

(d) 27

(e) 216

Answers

Q1. (e) — All are divisible by 3 except 82.

Q2. (b) — All are divisible by 3 except 32.

Q3. (e) — All are divisible by 7 except 51.

Q4. (c) — All are cubes except 75.

II. Alphabet Based Classification

Questions are based on alphabetical patterns and relationships.

Practice Questions

Q1.

(a) BE

(b) GJ

(d) QT

(e) US

Q2.

(a) AD

(b) EI

(d) OS

(e) TX

Q3.

(a) PQR

(b) CDE

(d) KLM

(e) TSU

Q4.

(a) EVW

(b) FUV

(d) LOP

(e) STV

Answers

Q1. Answer: (e)

There are two letters between the given pair in all options except (e).

Q2. Answer: (a)

There are four letters between the pair in all options except (a).

Q3. Answer: (e)

All others contain letters in continuous alphabetical order.

Q4. Answer: (e)

In all other options, the 2nd and 3rd letters are consecutive; option (e) does not follow the pattern.

III. Mixed Type (Alphabet–Numeric)

These questions combine letters and numbers.

Q1.

(a) BY27

(b) GH15

(d) QT35

(e) US40

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Sum of alphabetical positions equals the number in all options except (d).

Q2.

(a) A2D

(b) E12Q

(d) O5T

(e) T6Y

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Numerical difference of letters follows the same pattern except in (d).

Q3.

(a) PQR17

(b) CDE4

(d) KLM12

(e) TSU18

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Numerical value of the middle letter matches the given number pattern except (a).

Q4.

(a) EVW17

(b) FUV15

(d) LOP4

(e) SHV12

Answer: (e)

Explanation: Difference between the first and second letters follows the same rule except (e).

IV. General Intelligence Classification

These questions are based on:

Objects
Cities
Colours
Places
General Knowledge
Vocabulary

Q1.

(a) Sitar

(b) Guitar

(d) Violin

(e) Flute

Answer: (e)

Explanation: All others are played using hands, while a flute is played using the mouth.

Q2.

(a) Jupiter

(b) Mars

(d) Uranium

(e) Moon

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Uranium is a metal; others are celestial bodies.

Q3.

(a) Wood

(b) Table

(d) Sofa

(e) Bench

Answer: (a)

Explanation: Others are objects made from wood.

Q4.

(a) Blue

(b) Red

(d) Violet

(e) Grey

Answer: (e)

Explanation: Grey is not a rainbow colour.

Q5.

(a) April

(b) July

(d) November

(e) June

Answer: (b)

Explanation: July has 31 days; others have 30 days.

V. Pair Type Odd Man Out

Questions are based on relationships between pairs.

Q1.

(a) Car – Road

(b) Ship – Sea

(d) Rocket – Space

(e) Train – Track

Answer: (c)

Explanation: All others show vehicle and route/place, whereas Pilot is a person.

Q2.

(a) IKL : MPO

(b) EGH : ITS

(d) PRS : TLH

(e) SUV : HFE

Answer: (d)

Explanation: In all other pairs, the last two letters are opposite letters of each other; option (d) does not follow the pattern.

Practice Test-1

Q1. (1) Ladder (2) Staircase (3) Bridge

(4) Escalator (5) Lift

Q2. (1) Nephrology (2) Entomology (3) Astrology

(4) Mycology (5) Pathology

Q3. (1) Swimming (2) Breathing (3) Walking

(4) Dancing (5) Playing

Q4. (1) Arrow (2) Missile (3) Sword

(4) Bullet (5) Spear

Q5. (1) Biscuit (2) Chocolate (3) Cake

(4) Bread (5) Pastry

Q6. (1) Tortoise (2) Snail (3) Turtle

(4) Spider (5) Oyster

Q7. (1) Virgo (2) Pisces (3) Libra

(4) Sagittarius (5) Orion

Q8. (1) Japan (2) India (3) Sri Lanka

(4) New Zealand (5) Malagasy

Q9. (1) Producer (2) Director (3) Investor

(4) Financier (5) Entrepreneur

Q10.(1) Chariot (2) Car (3) Bus

(4) Wagon (5) Sledge

Q11.(1) Crow (2) Pigeon (3) Parrot

(4) Butterfly (5) Peacock

Q12.(1) Hepatitis (2) Tetanus (3) Cancer

(4) Conjunctivitis (5) Measles

Q13.(1) Fox (2) Wolf (3) Jackal

(4) Deer (5) Panther

Q14.(1) Nitrogen (2) Oxygen (3) Carbon dioxide

(4) Phosphorus (5) Hydrogen

Q15.(1) Man (2) Mother (3) Sister

(4) Father (5) Brother

Q16.(1) EWZQ (2) OSLS (3) GFKD

(4) VSPM (5) QBTV

Q17.(1) 26Z (2) 24X (3) 22V

(4) 20S (5) 18R

Q18.(1) BTR (2) CTR (3) DTR

(4) ETR (5) FTR

Q19.(1) NOOP (2) HIIJ (3) PQQR

(4) UVVX (5) XYYZ

Q20.(1) TYN (2) BFD (3) MQO

(4) LPN (5) QUS

Q21.(1) BCD (2) HIJ (3) MNP

(4) TUV (5) WXY

Q22.(1) MNO (2) CDE (3) GHI

(4) PQR (5) STU

Q23.(1) BEH (2) ILO (3) NQT

(4) GHK (5) RUX

Q24.(1) TAN (2) RAE (3) UCT

(4) AWS (5) YSX

Q25.(1) 135 (2) 286 (3) 371

(4) 591 (5) 719

Answers Key:

1. (3) 2. (3) 3. (2) 4. (3) 5. (2)

6. (4) 7. (5) 8. (2) 9. (2) 10. (5)

11. (4) 12. (2) 13. (4) 14. (4) 15. (1)

16. (2) 17. (4) 18. (4) 19. (4) 20. (1)

21. (3) 22. (4) 23. (4) 24. (5) 25. (2)

Explanatory Answers – Practice Test-1

1. All except Bridge are used for up and down movement.

2. All except Astrology are connected with Biology.

3. Breathing is the only natural action.

4. All except Sword strike the target from a distance.

5. All except Chocolate are baked items.

6. All except Spider have hard protective shells.

7. All except Orion are zodiac signs, while Orion is a constellation.

8. All except India are islands, while India is a peninsula.

9. All except Director spend money.

10. All except Sledge have wheels.

11. All except Butterfly are birds, whereas Butterfly is an insect.

12. All except Tetanus are diseases caused by viruses, while Tetanus is caused by bacteria.

13. All except Deer are flesh-eating animals.

14. All others are gases.

15. All other words define some relationship.

16. No letter is repeated in any other group.

17. In all other options, the number denotes the position of the letter in the English alphabet.

18. No other group has a vowel.

19. All other groups contain three consecutive letters with the second letter repeated twice.

20. In all other options, there are three alternate letters.

21. In all others, the letters are consecutive.

22. All except option (4) are consecutive letters ending with a vowel.

23. In all other groups, there are two letters between the 1st & 2nd letters and also between the 2nd & 3rd letters.

24. In all others, a meaningful word can be formed by the letters.

25. In all others, the numbers are odd numbers.

Practice Set-2

Direction (Q.1 to 25): Given below are five alternatives. Four of them are alike in a certain way and form a group. Find the one that does not belong to that group.

Q1.  (1) Painting      (2) Art          (3) Sculpture
      (4) Drawing      (5) Music

Q2.  (1) Mountain      (2) Plateau      (3) Valley
      (4) Peak         (5) Hill

Q3.  (1) Dynamics      (2) Mechanics    (3) Electronics
      (4) Optics       (5) Physics

Q4.  (1) Consumer      (2) Customer     (3) Buyer
      (4) Purchaser    (5) Retailer

Q5.  (1) Jasmine       (2) Coriander    (3) Lotus
      (4) Lily         (5) Rose

Q6.  (1) Moth          (2) Bee          (3) Lizard
      (4) Cockroach    (5) Aphid

Q7.  (1) Kiwi          (2) Eagle        (3) Emu
      (4) Penguin      (5) Ostrich

Q8.  (1) Swimming      (2) Diving       (3) Driving
      (4) Sailing      (5) Fishing

Q9.  (1) Pupil         (2) Iris         (3) Cornea
      (4) Medulla      (5) Retina

Q10. (1) Sahara        (2) Thar         (3) Gobi
      (4) Sunderbans   (5) Kalahari

Q11. (1) Skull         (2) Pelvis       (3) Fibula
      (4) Appendix     (5) Vertebra

Q12. (1) Cap           (2) Turban       (3) Helmet
      (4) Veil         (5) Hat

Q13. (1) Snore         (2) Slumber      (3) Yawn
      (4) Doze         (5) Dream

Q14. (1) Epicentre     (2) Seismology   (3) Focus
      (4) Crater       (5) Richter Scale

Q15. (1) Curious       (2) Humour       (3) Wise
      (4) Angry        (5) Mighty

Q16. (1) Flat          (2) Bungalow     (3) House
      (4) Temple       (5) Palace

Q17. (1) Sweet         (2) Cold         (3) Sour
      (4) Bitter       (5) Salty

Q18. (1) Paper         (2) Pencil       (3) Eraser
      (4) Ink          (5) Sharpener

Q19. (1) Cotton        (2) Rice         (3) Wheat
      (4) Gram         (5) Barley

Q20. (1) Cricket       (2) Baseball     (3) Football
      (4) Billiards    (5) Badminton

Q21. (1) 17            (2) 44           (3) 21
      (4) 66           (5) 19

Q22. (1) DFI           (2) MOQ          (3) BDG
      (4) RTW          (5) IKN

Q23. (1) 341           (2) 679          (3) 385
      (4) 495          (5) 561

Q24. (1) 250           (2) 150          (3) 125
      (4) 116          (5) 105

Q25. (1) BdE           (2) XpD          (3) HQu
      (4) MkV          (5) PtZ

Answers Key – Practice Set-2

1. (5)   2. (3)   3. (5)   4. (5)   5. (2)
6. (3)   7. (2)   8. (3)   9. (4)   10. (4)
11. (4)  12. (4)  13. (3)  14. (4)  15. (5)
16. (4)  17. (2)  18. (4)  19. (1)  20. (4)
21. (3)  22. (2)  23. (2)  24. (4)  25. (3)

Explanatory Answers – Practice Set-2

Except Music, all others can be seen whereas music is heard.
All except Valley are elevated landforms.
All others are branches of Physics.
All other terms refer to a person who buys something.
All except Coriander are flowers.
All except Lizard are insects.
All except Eagle are flightless birds.
All except Driving are activities performed in water.
All except Medulla are parts of the eye, while medulla is a part of the brain.
All except Sunderbans are deserts, while Sunderbans is a delta.
All except Appendix are bones, while appendix is an organ.
All except Veil cover the head, while a veil covers the face.
All except Yawn are actions associated with sleep.
All except Crater are associated with earthquakes.
All others are related to a state of mind or sense.
Except Temple, all are places for living.
Except Cold, all others refer to taste.
Except Ink, all others are solids.
Except Cotton, all others are edible.
All except Billiards are outdoor games.
In all other numbers, the sum of the digits is even.
In all other groups, the difference between the positions of the 2nd and 3rd letters is 3.
In all other numbers, the last digit equals the difference between the first and second digits.
Except 116, all other numbers are divisible by 5.
In all other groups, the middle letter is a lowercase (small) letter.

6/6/2026

Problems based on Number and word

6/3/2026

Problems Based on Coding Decoding

Q1. If '$' stands for addition, '%' stands for subtraction, '#' stands for multiplication and '@' stands for division, then what is the value of

यदि '$' का मतलब जोड़ है, '%' का मतलब घटाव है, '#' का मतलब गुणा है और '@' का मतलब भाग है, तो इसका मान क्या होगा?

18 # 2 @ 2 $ 18 % 18 = ?

(a)36 (b)0 (c)2 (d)18 @reasoningbyamitsingh

Q2. If '+' stands for '-', '-' stands for '×', '×' stands for ' ÷ ' and ' ÷ ' stands for '+', then what will be the value of the following expression?

यदि '+' का मतलब '-' हो, '-' का मतलब '×' हो, '×' का मतलब '÷ ' हो और ' ÷ ' का मतलब '+', तो निम्नलिखित का मान क्या होगा?

@reasoningbyamitsingh 14 – 3 + 10 × 5 ÷ 5 = ?

(a)65 (b)48 (c)45 (d)40

Q3. What will come in place of (?) in the following equation, if '+' and '–' are interchanged and '×' and ' ÷ ' are interchanged?

निम्नलिखित समीकरण में प्रश्नवाचक चिन्ह (?) के स्थान पर क्या आएगा, यदि ‘+’ और ‘−’ को आपस में तथा ‘×’ और ‘÷’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए?

107+ 2028 × 6 – 427 ÷ 7 = ?

(a) 2759 (b) 2758 (c) 2268 (d) 2785

Q4. Which of the following interchanges of numbers (not digits) would make given equation correct?

निम्नलिखित में से संख्याओं (अंकों नहीं) के किस अदला-बदली से दिया गया समीकरण सही हो जाएगा?

2^{57 –}^{33 ÷ 11 × 13 – 2}+ 3^{64 – 56 ÷ 8 × 4 – 44}= 35

(a) 2 and 4 (b) 56 and 57 (c) 57 and 64 (d) 33 and 44

Q5. If 'A' stands 'addition', B stands for 'division', C stands for 'subtraction' and D stands for 'multiplication, then what is the value of the following equation?

यदि 'A' का मतलब 'जोड़' है, 'B' का मतलब 'भाग' है, 'C' का मतलब 'घटाव' है और 'D' का मतलब 'गुणा' है, तो निम्नलिखित समीकरण का मान क्या है?

4 D (3 A 1) C 5A (6 B 2) C 7 = ?

(a) 12 (b) 7 (c)17 (d) 5 @reasoningbyamitsingh

Q6. If 'A' stands 'addition', B stands for 'division', C stands for 'subtraction' and D stands for 'Multiplication', then what is the value of the following equation?

14 A 7 D 5 D (2 D 2) C (96 B 6) D 3 =?

(a)104 (b)105 (c)106 (d)107

Q7. If A indicates >; B indicates <; C indicates =; D indicates +; E indicates –; F indicates ×; G indicates ÷; then which of the following options is true?

यदि A का मतलब > है; B का मतलब < है; C का मतलब = है; D का मतलब + है; E का मतलब – है; F का मतलब × है; G का मतलब ÷ है; तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा विकल्प सही है?

(a) (27G3) C(75G5) C(6F2) (b) (35E15) C(5F5) A(20G4)

(c) (5D6) A(6D12) A(13D6) (d) (5D6) A(4D3) A(3D3)

Q8. If 'A' denotes 'addition', 'B' denotes 'multiplication', 'C' denotes 'subtraction', and 'D' denotes 'division', then what will be the value of the following expression?

यदि 'A' का अर्थ 'जोड़', 'B' का अर्थ 'गुणा', 'C' का अर्थ 'घटाव', और 'D' का अर्थ 'भाग' है, तो निम्नलिखित अभिव्यक्ति का मान क्या होगा?

50 D (2 B 5) A 3 B (15 A 12) C 2 B (18 C 15) =?

(a)127 (b)89 (c)54 (d)80

Q9. What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following equation, if ‘×’ and ‘÷’ are interchanged?

निम्नलिखित समीकरण में प्रश्नवाचक चिन्ह (?) के स्थान पर क्या आएगा, यदि ‘×’ और ‘÷’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए

28 + 125 × 5 − 12 ÷ 3 = ?

(a) 17 (b) 46 (c) 28 (d) 21

Q10. What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following equation if ‘÷’ and ‘×’ are interchanged and ‘+’ and ‘−’ are interchanged?

निम्नलिखित समीकरण में प्रश्नवाचक चिन्ह (?) के स्थान पर क्या आएगा, यदि ‘÷’ और ‘×’ को आपस में तथा ‘+’ और ‘−’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए?

38 − 8 ÷ 2 + 16 × 8 = ?

(a) 53 (b) 52 (c) 55 (d) 54

Q11. What will come in the place of the question mark (?) in the following equation, if ‘÷’ and ‘−’ are interchanged and ‘×’ and ‘+’ are interchanged? @reasoningbyamitsingh

निम्नलिखित समीकरण में प्रश्नवाचक चिन्ह (?) के स्थान पर क्या आएगा, यदि ‘÷’ और ‘−’ को आपस में तथा ‘×’ और ‘+’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए?

93 × 9 ÷ 9 − 3 × 8 + 23 × 6 ÷ 3 − 3 × 2 = ?

(a) 235 (b) 274 (c) 266 (d) 290

Q12. Which option gives the two signs that need to be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

कौन सा विकल्प उन दो चिह्नों को दर्शाता है जिन्हें आपस में बदलने पर दिया गया समीकरण सही हो जाएगा?

6 – 20 ÷ 12 × 7 + 1 = 70

(a) ÷ and + (b) × and - (c) × and + (d) ÷ and x

Q13. Which two signs should be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

14 + 4 ÷ 5 – 18 × 2 = 25

(a) ÷ and + (b) × and + (c) × and - (d) ÷ and × @reasoningbyamitsingh

Q14. Which option gives the two signs that need to be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

24 – 8 ÷ 5 + 5 × 3 = 13

(a) × and + (b) × and ÷ (c) ÷ and + (d) ÷ and –

Q15. Which option gives the two signs that need to be interchanged to make the given equation correct?

15 ÷ 15 × 10 – 10 + 5 = 15

(a) ÷ and × (b) + and – (c) × and – (d) ÷ and –

Q16. Find out the two signs to be interchanged for making the following equation correct.

@reasoningbyamitsingh

(a) × and + (b) ÷ and – (c) + and – (d) × and –

Q17. Select the correct equation from the given options after interchanging operations '-' and ‘× ‘and numbers '4' and '5'.

दिए गए विकल्पों में से सही समीकरण का चयन करें, जब क्रियाओं ‘−’ और ‘×’ तथा संख्याओं ‘4’ और ‘5’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए।

(a) 9 - 4 * 5 = 21 (b) 5 * 4 – 9 = 7

(c) 5 * 9 – 4 = 4 (d) 4 – 5 * 9 = 11

Q18. If sign '+' is interchanged with '÷ ' and number '2' is interchanged with '6', which of the following equations would be:

यदि चिह्न ‘+’ को ‘÷’ से तथा संख्या ‘2’ को ‘6’ से आपस में बदल दिया जाए, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा समीकरण होगा?

(a) 8 + 6 ÷ 2 = 8 (b) 2 + 8 ÷ 6 = 6

(c) 2 + 8 ÷ 2 = 8 (d) 2 + 6 ÷ 8 = 11

Q19. From the given alternatives select the numbers that must be interchanged to make the following equation correct.

दिए गए विकल्पों में से उन संख्याओं का चयन करें जिन्हें आपस में बदलने पर निम्नलिखित समीकरण सही हो जाएगा |

16 – 6 + 12 × 3 ÷ 4 = 18

(a) 16 and 3 (b) 6 and 3 (c) 12 and 4 (d) 6 and 4

Q20. Which two numbers should be interchanged in the following equation to make it correct?

618 + 37 × 12 – 703 ÷ 14 = 767

(a) 14 and 37 (b) 618 and 14 (c) 703 and 12 (d) 12 and 37 @reasoningbyamitsingh

Q21. Which two numbers should be interchanged in the following equation to make it correct?

दिए गए विकल्पों में से उन संख्याओं का चयन करें जिन्हें आपस में बदलने पर निम्नलिखित समीकरण सही हो जाएगा

6 × 3 – 8 ÷ 2 + 5 = 8 ÷ 2 + 3 × 5 – 6

(a) 6 and 2 (b) 8 and 6 (c) 5 and 6 (d) 3 and 5

Q22. If the two signs, '+ and ÷ ' are interchanged, which of the following equations will be correct? @reasoningbyamitsingh

यदि दो चिह्न ‘+’ और ‘÷’ को आपस में बदल दिया जाए, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा समीकरण सही होगा?

(a) 16 ÷ 9 + 4 × 8 = 34 (b) 16 ÷ 21 + 13 × 26 = 56

(c) 11 + 13 × 4 ÷ 2 = 37 (d) 13 × 9 + 16 ÷ 2 = 125

Q23. If the given two numbers 3 and 5 are interchanged, which of the following equations will become correct?

यदि दिए गए 3 और 5 दो संख्याओं को आपस में बदल दिया जाए, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा समीकरण सही हो जाएगा?

(a) 3 + 5 – 4 * 2 = 1 (b) 1 + 9 + 3 + 5 = 9

(c) 6 + 5 * 2 – 3 = 7 (d) 3 + 4 – 1 * 5 = 2

Q24. After interchanging the given two numbers, what will be the value of

दिए गए दो संख्याओं को आपस में बदलने के बाद, निम्नलिखित का मान क्या होगा?

6 +7 × 3 – 8 ÷ 4 = ?

(a)43 (b)41 (c)42 (d)38 @reasoningbyamitsingh

Q25. Which of the following interchanges of signs and numbers would make the given equation correct?

निम्नलिखित समीकरण को सही बनाने के लिए किन दो चिह्नों और किन दो संख्याओं को आपस में बदलना चाहिए?

10 + 8 – 200 × 15 ÷ 5 = 407

(a) + and –, 15 and 10 (b) × and ÷, 8 and 5

(c) × and –, 5 and 15 (d) + and ÷, 200 and 10

Q26. Which two signs and two numbers should be interchanged in the following equation to make it correct?

18 + 25 – 10 × 10 ÷ 5 = 203

(a) + and –, 18 and 25 (b) × and –, 18 and 25

(c) × and ÷, 25 and 5 (d) + and ÷, 18 and 5

Q27. Select the correct sequence of mathematical signs to replace the * signs so as to balance the given equation. @reasoningbyamitsingh

दिए गए समीकरण को संतुलित करने के लिए ‘*’ चिह्नों के स्थान पर गणितीय चिह्नों के सही क्रम का चयन करें।

72 * 12 * 8 * 6 * 22 = 32

(a) ×, +, –, ÷ (b) +, –, ×, + (c) ÷, +, ×, – (d) +, ×, ÷, –

Q28. Select the correct combination of mathematical signs to replace * signs and to balance the following equation. @reasoningbyamitsingh

निम्नलिखित समीकरण को संतुलित करने के लिए ‘*’ चिह्नों के स्थान पर उपयुक्त गणितीय चिह्नों के सही संयोजन का चयन करें।

* * 2 * 8 * 35 * 23

(a) ×, –, ÷, +, = (b) ×, +, ÷, –, = (c) +, –, ÷, ×, = (d) ÷, –, ×, +, =

Q29. Select the correct combination of mathematical signs to replace * signs and to balance the following equation.

(9 * 8 * 7) * 13 * 5

(a) ×, =, =, – (b) ×, –, +, ÷, = (c) ÷, –, =, × (d) –, +, ×, =

Q30. Which of the following options of changing the mathematical operations will make the given equation correct?

निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा गणितीय क्रियाओं में परिवर्तन दिया गया समीकरण को सही बना देगा?

– 5 × 3 + 3 = 16

(a) ÷ → ×, – → ÷, × → +, + → – (b) ÷ → ×, – → +, × → ÷, + → –

(c) ÷ → –, – → ÷, × → +, + → ÷ (d) ÷ → +, – → ×, × → –, + → ÷

ANSWER KEY

1.d	2.c	3.b	4.d	5.b	6.c	7.d	8.d	9.a	10.b
11.d	12.a	13.d	14.d	15.b	16.d	17.d	18.d	19.d	20.a
21.c	22.a	23.c	24.a	25.a	26.d	27.c	28.d	29.b	30.d

Best Railway Exam Classes in Panvel | Railway Coaching in Panvel | IPCI

If you are searching for the best Railway exam classes in Panvel, IPCI is a trusted institute for Railway recruitment exam preparation. We provide expert coaching for aspirants preparing for various Railway exams such as RRB NTPC, Group D, ALP, Technician, JE, and other Railway recruitment exams.

Railway exams are among the most popular government job opportunities in India. To crack these competitive exams, students need proper guidance, smart strategy, regular practice, and updated syllabus preparation. IPCI offers all these under one roof.

Why Choose IPCI for Railway Coaching in Panvel?

Expert faculty for Railway exams
Complete syllabus coverage
Special batches for RRB NTPC, Group D, ALP & Technician
Daily practice sets and mock tests
Previous year paper solving sessions
Shortcut tricks for Maths and Reasoning
Current Affairs and General Awareness preparation
Doubt-solving sessions
Affordable fee structure
Offline coaching in Panvel and Dadar
Online classes available on Exam Insight App

Railway Courses Offered at IPCI:

RRB NTPC Coaching
Railway Group D Classes
RRB ALP Preparation
Railway Technician Coaching
Railway JE Coaching
SSC + Railway Combined Batches

Online + Offline Learning Facility

Students can join classroom coaching at IPCI branches in Panvel and Dadar or prepare from home through our Exam Insight App, where live lectures, recorded videos, mock tests, and study materials are available anytime.

Best Railway Coaching in Panvel

IPCI helps students improve speed, accuracy, time management, and confidence through regular tests and expert mentorship. If you want serious preparation for Railway government jobs, IPCI is a great choice.

Join IPCI today and begin your Railway exam preparation journey with confidence.

4/29/2026

Best IBPS Exam Classes in Panvel

If you are searching for the best IBPS exam classes in Panvel, IPCI is one of the trusted names for government exam preparation. We provide result-oriented coaching for IBPS exams with expert faculty, updated study material, mock tests, and personalized guidance for every aspirant.

IBPS exams are highly competitive and require strong preparation in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. At IPCI, our structured teaching method helps students understand concepts clearly and improve speed and accuracy.

Why Choose IPCI for IBPS Coaching in Panvel?

Experienced faculty for banking exam preparation
Complete syllabus coverage for IBPS PO, Clerk, RRB, SO exams
Regular mock tests and previous year paper practice
Shortcut tricks for Maths and Reasoning
Doubt-solving sessions
Interview guidance for final selection
Affordable fee structure
Online classes available on Exam Insight App
Offline classroom coaching available in Panvel and Dadar

Courses Offered for IBPS Exams:

IBPS PO Coaching
IBPS Clerk Coaching
IBPS RRB Assistant Coaching
IBPS RRB Officer Coaching
SBI PO / Clerk Preparation
RBI Assistant Preparation
Banking Foundation Batch

Online + Offline Learning सुविधा

Students can attend classroom sessions at IPCI branches in Panvel and Dadar or prepare from home through our Exam Insight App, where live classes, recorded lectures, tests, and study material are available.

Best Banking Exam Coaching in Panvel

IPCI focuses on concept clarity, exam strategy, time management, and regular performance analysis. Many aspirants choose IPCI for quality coaching and serious preparation for banking sector jobs.

Join IPCI today and start your journey toward a secure government banking career.

4/29/2026

Editing text (Edit)

Edit text includes selecting, deselecting, deleting, inserting, replacing text, which are described in this subsections:

Selecting text: You can select text by dragging over the text to select it, as well as clicking actions. The actions you perform depend on what you want to do.
Deleting Text: Text can by deleted by using either the “Delete” or “Backspace” keys. Delete removes single characters to the right of the cursor, while backspace removes single characters to the left.
Inserting Text: place the mouse pointer where you want to being inserting text. Click the Mouse button to move the insertion point to the desired locations.
Replacing Text: To Replace text:

Select the text to be removed
Start typing the new text
The selected text will be removed and the new text accommodated

Cut (ctrl+x), Copy (ctrl+c) & Paste (ctrl+v)

If a portion of the text is to be moved to a different place, select the text to be moved and then use the cut option in the edit menu. The selected text will be copied to the clipboard in windows. Now the Paste option is enabled in the Edit menu. To Paste the text that is in the Clipboard at some position in the document, place the cursor at the starting point of the insertion and choose Edit-> Paste. The Text will be pasted there.

Typing Special Characters (Symbols)

MS- Word supports a set of special characters and symbols, which cannot be entered through the keyboard. To insert these specials characters choose Insert-> Symbol. The dialog box of all available symbols is displayed for respective fonts.

Some Common Features ( Upper Case & Lower Case)

The “Change Case” command in the “ Format” menu allow you to change the case of the characters in text without having to retype them.

Justifying text

Justification determine the way text is aligned with respect to the margins. The default for word is left justification, which aligns text to the left margin. You can change the justification of text by using the justification buttons on the toolbar from left to right they are:

Left- Justifies text on the left margin;
Center- Centers all lines of text;
Right – Justifies text on the right margin;
Justify- Justifies text on both left and right margins;

Finding and Replacing ( Ctrl + F)

Ms- Word provides some excellent features as Find and Replace, which may be used for a number of tasks, with high flexibility, using these features it is possible to find a specific text in a document, search for a particular pattern of text etc.

Spelling Checker

Spell checker is one of the powerful features of MS- Word. It also provides to check the spellings of the entire document including the header, footer and hidden text. Adding words to the dictionary is possible.

To retain the word, choose Ignore and to ignore the change at all its occurrences in the document choose Ignore All.

To change the word, choose Change and to change the word at all its occurrences in the document choose Change All.

Checking Grammar

During a grammar check, Word identifies sentences that conatin possible grammatical or stylish errors and suggests improvements. For example, if you wrote “The Project were completed by your team”. Word could question the grammar, first for subject- verb agreement and then for passive voice. Word also question style errors, such as wordiness and the use of clichés.

ATAL Penson Yojana

The Government of India is concerned about the old age income security of the working poor and is focused on encouraging and enabling them to save for their retirement. To address the longevity risks among the workers in unorganized sector and to encourage the workers in unorganized sector to voluntarily save for their retirement. The GoI has therefore announced a new scheme called Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in 2015-16 budget. The APY is focussed on all citizens in the unorganized sector. The scheme is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) through NPS architecture.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ATAL PENSION YOJANA:
– Under the APY, there is guaranteed minimum monthly pension for the subscribers ranging between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 5000 per month.
– The benefit of minimum pension would be guaranteed by the GoI.
– GoI will also co-contribute 50% of the subscriber’s contribution or Rs. 1000 per annum, whichever is lower. Government co-contribution is available for those who
are not covered by any Statutory Social Security Schemes and is not income tax payer.
– GoI will co-contribute to each eligible subscriber, for a period of 5 years who joins the scheme between the period 1st June, 2015 to 31st December, 2015. The benefit of five years of government Co-contribution under APY would not exceed 5 years for all subscribers including migrated Swavalamban beneficiaries.
– All bank account holders may join APY. Eligibility
– APY is applicable to all citizen of India aged between 18-40 years.
– Aadhaar will be the primary KYC. Aadhar and mobile number are recommended to be obtained from subscribers for the ease of operation of the scheme. If not available at the time of registration, Aadhar details may also be submitted later stage.

2/27/2026

Current Affairs Set-1

1. The literature prize was awarded- 2015 is:
a) Takaaki Kajita
b) Svetlana Alexievich
c) National Dialogue Quartet
d) Ram prasad
2. Which of the following states decided to establish India’s first Dolphin Community Reserve?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Bihar
c) Assam
d) West Bengal
3. Name the Carnatic flautist who died on 9 October 2015 in Chennai?
a) Natesan Ramani
b) U Srinivas
c) MS Gopalakrishnan
d) N Rajam
4. Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved tied-up with which group to sell its products on their retail stores?
a) Reliance Group
b) Future Group
c) MORE Group
d) 24/7 Stores
5. Who was appointed to the Board of Securities and Exchange Board of India?
a) Tapan Ray
b) Anjuly Chib
c) Prabhjot Singh
d) Prakash
6. Name the music composer who died and was known for famous songs like Geet Gaata Chal, Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Chor Machaye Shor?
a) Aadesh Shrivastava
b) Ravindra Jain
c) MS Viswanathan
d) U Shrinivas
7. Identify the multilateral agency that launched Operation Sophia (Phase-II) to combat Mediterranean Migration Crisis?
a) NATO
b) UN Peacekeeping
c) EU Naval Force
d) African Union
8. Which of the following states launched e-Pragati project to facilitate e-governance?
a) Kerala
b) Telangana
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
9. Identify the eminent scientist who was appointed as the chairman of Atomic Energy Commission.
a) Sekhar Basu
b) Anil Kakodkar
c) R K Sinha
d) Srikumar Banerjee
10. ICICI Bank launched which service to enable customers to make electronic payments from their smartphones at traditional stores and e-commerce sites?
a) mVisa based Mobile Payment Service
b) Star mPay Service
c) PayZippy Payment Service
d) PayZapp mPayment Service
11. Which state launched the Operation Valsalya project to track missing children?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Rajasthan
c) Kerala
d) Tamil Nadu
12. Identify the Indian-origin poet who was appointed as BBC Radio 4’s first resident poet?
a) Vijay Seshadri
b) Siddhartha Mukherjee
c) Geeta Anand
d) Daljit Nagra
13. With which of the following South American nations, India signed a protocol to Protocol to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) on 9 October 2015
a) Brazil
b) Ecuador
c) Argentina
d) Peru
14. Identify the literary personality who resigned from the general council of Sahitya Academy on 9 October 2015
a) Nayantara Sahgal
b) Shashi deshpande
c) Ashok Vajpeyi
d) Sarah Joseph
15. Who was resigned as the CEO of National Skill Development Corporation on 9 October 2015?
a) Atul Bhatnagar
b) Chandrajit Banerjee
c) Dilip Chenoy
d) Subramaniam Ramadorai
Answers
1-(a) 6-(b) 11-(c)
2-(b) 7-(c) 12-(d)
3-(a) 8-(d) 13-(b)
4-(b) 9-(a) 14-(b)
5-(a) 10-(a) 15-(c)

Problem based on Coding-Decoding

Q.1) MP is related to HK, in the same way HK is related to _______?
a) CE
b) CF
c) CG
d) DG
e) None of these
Q.2) In a certain code MUMBAI is written as NFNYZR, how THANE is written in that code.
a) VMZSG
b) GSZMV
c) ENAHT
d) AHTEN
e) None of these
Q.3) In a certain code, DOMAIN is written as CNLZHM. How is STREAM written in that code?
a) RSQDZL
b) TUSFBN
c) UTSFBN
d) LZDQSR
e) None of these
Q.4) If PRISM is written as OSHTL and RUBLE is written as QVAMD. How will WHORL is written in that code?
a) XIPSM
b) VGNQK
c) UINSK
d) XGPQM
e) VINQK
Q.5) In a certain code, GARNISH is written as RGAINHS. How Will GENIOUS be written in that code?
a) NEGOISU
b) NGEOIUS
c) NGESUOI
d) NEGSUOI
e) None of these
Q.6) In a certain code COMPUTER is written MOCUPRET, in the same way PRODUCTS is written as
a) UDSTCORP
b) ORPUDSTC
c) PUDSTCOR
d) RODUCTSP
e) None of these.
Q.7) In a certain code TEMPORAL is written as OLDSMBSP. How is CONSIDER written in that code?
a) RMNBSFEJ
b) BNMRSFEJ
c) RMNBJEFS
d) TOPDQDCH
e) None of these
Q.8) In the word MELODRAMATIC, position of 1st and 7th letter is interchanged, similarly 2nd to 8th and so on till after arrangement. What is the position of 5th element from the right end?
a) E
b) G
c) K
d) M
e) None of these
Q.9) If “red means white” “White means black” “Black means yellow” “Yellow means green” “Green means blue” “Blue means indigo” then which of the following will represent the color of the “sunflower”.
a) Sky
b) Green
c) Yellow
d) Blue
e) None of these.
Q.10) If in the word, DOCUMENT, all the vowels are first arranged alphabetically followed by the entire consonant arranged alphabetically then which letter is fifth from right?
a) U
b) D
c) M
d) N
e) None of these

Answer:
1. b) 2. b) 3. a) 4. e) 5. e) 6. b) 7. a) 8. a) 9. b) 10. b)

Cheque Truncation System(CTS)

Cheque Truncation truncation is the process of stopping the flow of the physical cheque. In its place an electronic image of the cheque is transmitted to the paying branch through the clearing house, along with relevant information like data on the MICR band, date of presentation, presenting bank, etc.

Benefits of Cheque Truncation:
It speeds up the process of collection of cheques resulting in better service to customers,
reduces the scope of loss of instruments in transit,
lowers the cost of collection of cheques, and
Removes reconciliation-related and logistics-related problems, thus benefitting the system as a whole.
CTS 2010 is a cheque truncation system, an image-bound method, for faster clearing of cheques. Truncation means conversion of a physical cheque into electronic form. As per RBI guideline, all banks providing cheque facility to their customers have been advised to issue only ‘CTS-2010’ standard cheques.

2/27/2026

MUDRA Loan

MUDRA, which stands mudra for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., is a new institution being set up by Government of India for development and refinancing activities relating to micro units. It was announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget for FY 2016. The purpose of MUDRA is to provide funding to the non corporate small business sector.
MUDRA would be r
esponsible for refinancing all Last Mile Financiers such as Non Banking Finance Companies of various types engaged in financing of small businesses, Societies, Trusts, Section 8 Companies [formerly Section 25], Co-operative Societies, Small Banks, Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks which are in the business of lending to Micro / Small business entities engaged in manufacturing, trading and services activities. The Bank would partner with State / Regional level financial intermediaries to provide finance to Last Mile Financier of Small / Micro business enterprises.
Under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, MUDRA has already created its initial products / schemes. The interventions have been named ‘Shishu’, ‘Kishor’ and ‘Tarun’ to signify the stage of growth / development and funding needs of the beneficiary micro unit / entrepreneur and also provide a reference point for the next phase of graduation / growth to look forward to :

a. Shishu : covering loans upto  50,000/-
b. Kishor : covering loans above  50,000/- and upto  5 lakh
c. Tarun : covering loans above  5 lakh to  10 lakh
more details: Click here

2/27/2026

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana

This year Jan 2015 will witness the change in lives of countless girl child and women. The pet project launched by Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi “Beti bachao beti Padhao” (BBBP) Yojana (save daughter, educate daughter) to save and empower the girl child is making waves all over the nation.The scheme will have focussed intervention and multi-section action in almost 100 districts with low Child Sex Ratio (CSR). The objective of this campaign is to celebrate and value the girl child and highlight the importance of education in empowering her.

“The village that succeeds in attaining a balanced sex ratio will be awarded Rs 1 crore’’this strong incentive will reduce the declining CSRensuring that the girl child gets equal opportunities to shine.

Bring a smile to those angels. SAVE THE GIRL CHILD, EDUCATE THE GIRL CHILD!

2/27/2026

Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)

Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), a real-time funds transfer mechanism, developed by National Payment Corporation of India. It offers an instant, 24X7, interbank electronic fund transfer service through mobile phones. It is also being extended through other channels such as ATM, Internet Banking, etc. This facility is provided by NPCI through its existing National Financial Switch (NFS).

Objective of IMPS:
• To enable bank customers to use mobile instruments as a channel for accessing their banks accounts and remit funds
• Making payment simpler just with the mobile number of the beneficiary
• To sub-serve the goal of RBI in electronification of retail payments
• To build the foundation for a full range of mobile based Banking services.

Participants in the transaction:
• Remitter (Sender)
• Beneficiary (Receiver)
• Banks
• National Financial Switch – NPCI

Procedure of fund transfer through IMPS:
Registration for Remitter:

Remitter is required to register for mobile banking service with his/her bank and obtain Mobile Money Identifier (MMID) and MPIN from the bank. Download Software (Application) for mobile banking (ensuring compatibility of mobile with the application) or using the SMS facility in the mobile if bank provides IMPS on SMS.
Note: Mobile Money Identification Number (MMID) is a seven digit number of which the first four digits are the unique identification number of the bank offering IMPS.
Registration for Beneficiary:
Beneficiary has to link his/her mobile number to the account in the respective bank and obtain MMID from the bank. There is no need to register for mobile banking service.

Services available under IMPS:
1. Funds Transfer and Remittances: Sending Money and Receiving Money
2. Merchant Payments
• Grocery bills
• Travel & Ticketing
• Credit Card bills
• Utility bills
• Online shopping
• School & College fees
• Mobile top ups & DTH recharge

Benefits of IMPS:
• Instant
• Available 24 x7 (functional even on holidays)
• Safe and secure, easily accessible and cost effective
• Channel Independent can be initiated from Mobile/ Internet / ATM channels
• Debit & Credit Confirmation by SMS

Advantage of IMPS over NEFT and RTGS: No other fund transfer mechanism can match IMPS in terms of swiftness when it comes to remittance and merchant payments.

• IMPS is instant fund transfer, in ideal scenario transaction will be completed in 15-20 seconds i.e. beneficiary will receive the amount in 20 seconds.
• There is no holiday for IMPS like NEFT and RTGS.
• IMPS works 365 days and 24×7.
• Both the remitter as well as Beneficiary will receive the SMS i.e remitter will receive SMS on debit to his account and beneficiary will receive SMS on credit to his account.

Who all are offering IMPS ?

Banks and non-bank entities authorized by RBI are offering IMPS to the customers across India. Pre-Paid instruments Issuer such as Oxigen, GI Tech , Airtel Money, ITZ Cash, UAE Exchange, mRupee & M-Pesa etc are providing IMPS services.

Computer Abbreviations

ALGOL –Algorithm language
ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit
AMD – Advanced Micro Devices
ANSI– American National Standards Institute
APCI– Application Layer Protocol Control Information
ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ASP– Active Server pages/ Application Service Provider
AVC –Advance Video Coding
BAL -Basic Assembly Language
BASIC – Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
BIOS – Basic Input- Output System
CAD -Computer Aided Design
CAE- Computer Aided Engineering
CD – Compact Disc.
CDMA– Code Division Multiple Access.
COBOL – Common Business Oriented Language
CD – Compact Disc
CDROM – Compact Disc Read Only Memory
CDRW – Compact Disc Rewritable
CPU- Central Processing Unit
DB – Database
DBA – Data Base Administrator
DBMS – Data Base Management System
DDR – Double Data Rate
DMS – Direct Memory Access
DNS – Domain Name System
DRAM – Dynamic Random Access Memory
DVD – Digital Video Disc/Digital Versatile Disc
DVDR – DVD Recordable
DVDROM – DVD Read Only Memory
DVDRW – DVD Rewritable
DVI – Digital Visual Interface
DVR – Digital Video Recorder
EPROM-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

2/27/2026

BRICS

The seventh BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit was held from 8 to 9 July 2015 in the Russian city of Ufa in Bashkortostan. It was held under the theme BRICS Partnership – a Powerful Factor of Global Development. The seventh BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit was held from 8 to 9 July 2015 in the Russian city of Ufa in Bashkortostan. It was held under the theme BRICS Partnership – a Powerful Factor of Global Development.

The summit was attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dilma Rousseff, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Jacob Zuma president of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa respectively.

At the end of the summit, Ufa Declaration was released by the leaders that called for enhanced coordinated efforts in responding to emerging challenges, ensuring peace and security, promoting development in a sustainable way among the member countries.

Besides the BRICS summit level meeting, the leaders held a summit with the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

In a five-year summit cycle, the summit is hosted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in the order. While the 6th BRICS summit was held at Fortaleza in Brazil in 2014, New Delhi will be hosting the 8th summit in 2016.

Head of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations on 9 July 2015 released the Ufa Declaration. The declaration was released after the 7th BRICS summit held in the Russian city of Ufa in Bashkortostan from 8 to 9 July 2015. 7th BRICS Summit was held under the theme ‘BRICS Partnership – a Powerful Factor of Global Development’.

The Ufa declaration saw the support for India to host the Eighth BRICS Summit in 2016.

Main highlights

Ufa declaration saw the resolve of the BRICS nations to step coordinated efforts in responding to emerging challenges, ensuring peace and security, promoting development in a sustainable way.
Highlighting the need to reform UN Security Council (UNSC), China and Russia supported Brazil, India and South Africa aspiration to play a greater role in the UN
Expressing the disappointment over United States failure to ratifyIMF 2010 reform package,the BRICS nations called the US to ratify it by mid-September 2015. The IMF 2010 reform package called for increase in the institution’s quota resources and the revision of quotas and voting power in favour of developing countries and emerging markets.
Welcoming Kenya’s hosting of the10th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10)in Nairobi on 15-18 December 2015, the member nations for working together to strengthen an open, transparent, non-discriminatory, and rules-based multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO.
In the economic sphere, BRICS nations expressed support for the development of action-oriented economic cooperation and systematic strengthening of economic partnership for the recovery of global economy and resisting protectionism.
BRICS financial institutions, viz.,Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), New Development Bank (NDB)that was established during 6th BRICS Summit at Fortaleza was ratified
BRICS Inter-Central Bank Agreementthat sets technical parameters of operations within the BRICS CRA was signed.
Adoption of Strategy for theBRICS Economic Partnershipto foster trade, economic and investment cooperation between BRICS nations. In this regard, the ministers/sherpas were asked to develop a roadmap for the period until 2020.
Looking forward to the sixth session of theConference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)to be held in St. Petersburg in November 2015, the BRICS members decided to create a BRICS Working Group on Anti-Corruption Cooperation.
MoU on the Creation of theJoint BRICS Websiteamong our Foreign Ministries was signed
Recognising the urgent need to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of Information, Communication and Technology (ICTs), BRICS nations decided to constitute aBRICS working group on ICT cooperation.
First meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment will be held in February 2016, which will focus on the creation of decent jobs and information sharing on labour and employment issues.

10 Steps for the Future proposed by PM Narendra Modi for BRICS countries:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 July 2015 proposed a 10 point initiative named as ‘Dus Kadam: 10 Steps for the Future’ to boost cooperation within the members of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). He proposed the initiative while addressing the 7th BRICS summit in Ufa, Russia.

The 10 steps of the proposed Dus Kadam are:

1.BRICS Trade Fair (to be held during India’s chairmanship in 2016).

2.BRICS Railway Research Centre.

3.Cooperation among Supreme Audit Institutions.

4.BRICS Digital Initiative.

5.BRICS Agricultural Research Centre.

6.BRICS state/Local Government’s Forum.

7.Cooperation among cities in field of Urbanisation.

8.BRICS Sports Council and Annual BRICS Sports Meet.

9.First Major Project of NDB to be in field of Clean Energy.

10.BRICS Film Festival.

India will be hosting the Eighth BRICS Summit in 2016.

Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)

A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property.

In a simple sentence, Non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) are financial institutions that provide certain banking services without having the banking licenses.

As per the latest directives, the RBI has raised the limit for NBFCs to maintain the net owned fund (NOF) requirement to four times by 2017 to Rs.2 crore.
At present, the NOF requirement is at Rs.25 lakh. In a phased manner, the NBFCs would be required to raise it to Rs.1 crore by March, 2016, and to further double it to Rs.2 crore by 2017.

The Salient Features of NBFCs Regulations:-
– The NBFCs are allowed to accept/renew public deposits for a minimum period of 12 months and
maximum period of 60 months. They cannot accept deposits repayable on demand.
– NBFCs cannot offer interest rates higher than the ceiling rate prescribed by RBI from time to time. The present ceiling is 12.5 per cent per annum. The interest may be paid or compounded at rests not shorter than monthly rests.
– NBFCs cannot offer gifts/incentives or any other additional benefit to the depositors.
– NBFCs (except certain AFCs) should have minimum investment grade credit rating.
– The deposits with NBFCs are not insured.
– The repayment of deposits by NBFCs is not guaranteed by RBI. Certain mandatory disclosures are to be made about the company in the Application Form issued by the company soliciting deposits.
– For deposit and non-deposit taking NBFCs, Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio or CRAR, which includes Tier I capital of 7.5 per cent, is 15 per cent at present.

Categories of NBFCs registered with RBI

Asset Finance Company(AFC) : An AFC is a company which is a financial institution carrying on as its principal business the financing of physical assets supporting productive/economic activity, such as automobiles, tractors, lathe machines, generator sets, earth moving and material handling equipments, moving on own power and general purpose industrial machines. Principal business for this purpose is defined as aggregate of financing real/physical assets supporting economic activity and income arising therefrom is not less than 60% of its total assets and total income respectively.

Investment Company (IC) : IC means any company which is a financial institution carrying on as its principal business the acquisition of securities,

Loan Company (LC): LC means any company which is a financial institution carrying on as its principal business the providing of finance whether by making loans or advances or otherwise for any activity other than its own but does not include an Asset Finance Company.

Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC): IFC is a non-banking finance company a) which deploys at least 75 per cent of its total assets in infrastructure loans, b) has a minimum Net Owned Funds of Rs. 300 crore, c) ha

Systemically Important Core Investment Company (CIC-ND-SI): CIC-ND-SI is an NBFC carrying on the business of acquisition of shares and securities which satisfies the following conditions:-
(a) it holds not less than 90% of its Total Assets in the form of investment in equity shares, preference shares, debt or loans in group companies;
(b) its investments in the equity shares (including instruments compulsorily convertible into equity shares within a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of issue) in group companies constitutes not less than 60% of its Total Assets;
(c) it does not trade in its investments in shares, debt or loans in group companies except through block sale for the purpose of dilution or disinvestment;
(d) it does not carry on any other financial activity referred to in Section 45I(c) and 45I(f) of the RBI act, 1934 except investment in bank deposits, money market instruments, government securities, loans to and investments in debt issuances of group companies or guarantees issued on behalf of group companies.
(e) Its asset size is Rs 100 crore or above and
(f) It accepts public funds
Infrastructure Debt Fund: Non- Banking Financial Company (IDF-NBFC) : IDF-NBFC is a company registered as NBFC to facilitate the flow of long term debt into infrastructure projects. IDF-NBFC raise resources through issue of Rupee or Dollar denominated bonds of minimum 5 year maturity. Only Infrastructure Finance Companies (IFC) can sponsor IDF-NBFCs.

Non-Banking Financial Company – Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI): NBFC-MFI is a non-deposit taking NBFC having not less than 85%of its assets in the nature of qualifying assets which satisfy the following criteria:
a. loan disbursed by an NBFC-MFI to a borrower with a rural household annual income not exceeding Rs. 60,000 or urban and semi-urban household income not exceeding Rs. 1,20,000;
b. loan amount does not exceed Rs. 35,000 in the first cycle and Rs. 50,000 in subsequent cycles;
c. total indebtedness of the borrower does not exceed Rs. 50,000;
d. tenure of the loan not to be less than 24 months for loan amount in excess of Rs. 15,000 with prepayment without penalty;
e. loan to be extended without collateral;
f. aggregate amount of loans, given for income generation, is not less than 75 per cent of the total loans given by the MFIs;
g. loan is repayable on weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments at the choice of the borrower

Non-Banking Financial Company Factors (NBFC-Factors): NBFC-Factor is a non-deposit taking NBFC engaged in the principal business of factoring. The financial assets in the factoring business should constitute at least 75 percent of its total assets and its income derived from factoring business should not be less than 75 percent of its gross income.

Difference between banks & NBFCs:
a. NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;
b. NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself;
c. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.

Types of NBFC which are not regulated by RBI:
Category of Companies Regulator
Chit Funds Respective State Governments
Insurance companies —————–IRDA
Housing Finance Companies ——— NHB
Venture Capital Fund ————-SEBI
Merchant Banking companies ——-SEBI
Stock broking companies ———–SEBI
Nidhi Companies —————-Ministry of corporate affairs, Government of India

Nidhi Company

to any mutual benefit society notified by the Central / Union Government as a Nidhi Company. They are created mainly for cultivating the habit of thrift and savings amongst its members. The companies doing Nidhi business, viz. borrowing from members and lending to members only, are known under different names such as Nidhi, Permanent Fund, Benefit Funds, Mutual Benefit Funds and Mutual Benefit Company.
Nidhis are more popular in South India and are highly localized single office institutions. They are mutual benefit societies, because their dealings are restricted only to the members; and membership is limited to individuals. The principal source of funds is the contribution from the members. The loans are given to the members at relatively reasonable rates for purposes such as house construction or repairs and are generally secured. The deposits mobilized by Nidhis are not much when compared to the organized banking sector.

DeitY

Prime Minister launched Digital India Week to spread awareness about Digital India Programme.

The Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY) is the nodal agency for implementing the Digital India Programme in close cooperation with other departments and ministries.

Digital India has been envisioned as an ambitious umbrella programme to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

In order achieve the above objectives, several projects/products were already launched by the Union Government and Public Sector Enterprises or ready to be launched as indicated below:

Digital Locker System aims to minimize the usage of physical documents and enable sharing of e-documents across agencies. The sharing of the e-documents will be done through registered repositories thereby ensuring the authenticity of the documents online, says the government.
in has been implemented as a platform for citizen engagement in governance, through a “Discuss”, “Do” and “Disseminate” approach.The mobile app for MyGov would bring these features to users on a mobile phone.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Mobile app would be used by people and Government organizations for achieving the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission.
eSign framework would allow citizens to digitally sign a document online using Aadhaar authentication.
The Online Registration System (ORS) under the eHospital application has been introduced. This application provides important services such as online registration, payment of fees and appointment, online diagnostic reports, enquiring availability of blood online etc, the government claims.
National Scholarships Portal is said to be a one stop solution for end to end scholarship process right from submission of student application, verification, sanction and disbursal to end beneficiary for all the scholarships provided by the Government of India.
Digitize India Platform (DIP) for large scale digitization of records in the country that would facilitate efficient delivery of services to the citizens.
Bharat Net, a high speed digital highway to connect all 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats of country. This would be the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity project using optical fibre.
Policy initiatives have also been undertaken by in the e-Governance domain likee-Kranti Framework, Policy on Adoption of Open Source Software for Government of India, Framework for Adoption of Open Source Software in e-Governance Systems,
Policy on Open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for Government of India, E-mail Policy of Government of India, Policy on Use of IT Resources of Government of India, Policy on Collaborative Application Development by Opening the Source Code of Government Applications, Application Development & Re-Engineering Guidelines for Cloud Ready Applications
BSNL has introducedNext Generation Network (NGN), to replace 30 year old exchanges, which is an IP based technology to manage all types of services like voice, data, multimedia/ video and other types of packet switched communication services.
BSNL has undertaken large scale deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country. The user can latch on the BSNL Wi-Fi network through their mobile devices.
BPO Policy has been approved to create BPO centres in different North Eastern states and also in smaller/mofussil towns of other states.
Electronics Development Fund (EDF) Policy aims to promote Innovation, R&D, and Product Development and to create a resource pool of IP within the country to create a self-sustaining eco-system of Venture Funds.
National Centre for Flexible Electronics (NCFlexE) is an initiative of Government of India to promote research and innovation in the emerging area of Flexible Electronics.
Centre of Excellence on Internet on Things (IoT) is a joint initiative of Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), ERNET and NASSCOM.

Protect Cultural Heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) signed an agreement to protect cultural heritage sites with the latest geo-spatial technologies. The agreement was signed at the annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Bonn, Germany.

Features of the AgreementIt is part of the UNESCO’s Unite for Heritage framework under which UNESCO enters into agreements with sister UN Agencies to protect cultural heritage sites across the world.
It will enable both the organizations to work together during conflict situations and following natural disasters by sharing their respective expertise and collaborating on prevention and capacity development.
Under the agreement, complimentary capacities of both the organizations-satellite technology of UNITAR and ground based resources of UNESCO – will be put into best use for protection of heritage sites.
Apart from the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), crowd-sourcing application UN-ASIGN, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced web-mapping solutions will be deployed to continuously monitor the status of heritage sites.
Both the organizations will jointly explore new and innovative solutions that can further contribute to improved management and protection of cultural heritage sites.
The agreement will be operational through the UNITAR’s Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT).

Satellite imagery is often the only source of objective information for areas affected by conflict or by natural disasters. It helps the international community to understand the situation on the ground and plan emergency measures. For example, a recently-published report on cultural heritage sites in Syria, by UNITAR-UNOSAT revealed the extent of damage to cultural heritage, confirming information obtained through unofficial sources.

The agreement between both the UN organizations was signed against the backdrop of damage occurred to cultural heritage sites due to conflicts and natural calamities in different parts of the world in recent times. For example, the earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 destroyed the 19th century Dharahara (Bhimsen) tower and Monkey Temple of Swayambhunath that happens to be UNESCO heritage sites. Similarly, damage was done to world heritage sites in Syria and Iraq by the ISIS militant group.

Bank Punch line

Bank ——————–Punch line
Allahabad Bank———–A Tradition of Trust
Andhra Bank————–Much more to do, with YOU in focus
Bank of Baroda———–India’s International Bank
Bank of India————Relationship beyond Banking
Bank of Maharashtra——One Family, One Bank
Canara Bank of India—–Together we can
Central Bank of India—-Build A Better Life Around US
Corporation Bank———Sarve Jahan Sukhino Bhavantu (Prosperity for all)
Dena bank—————-Trusted family bank
IDBI Bank—————-Aao soche bada
Indian Bank————–Taking banking technology to the common man
Indian Overseas Bank—–Good people to grow with
Oriental Bank of Commerce-Where every individual is committed
Punjab and Sind bank——Where service is a way of life
Punjab national Bank——A name you can bank upon
Syndicate Bank————Your faithful & friendly financial partner
State Bank of India——-Pure Banking Nothing Else
Union Bank of India——-Good people to bank with
United Bank of India——The bank that begin with ‘U’
UCO Bank——————Honours yours trust
Vijaya Bank—————A friend you can bank upon
Bharatiya Mahila Bank —-Empowering women Empowering India

2/27/2026

SEBI Board of Director

Corporate Affairs Secretary Tapan Ray has been appointed to the board of capital market regulator, SEBI. Ray, who took charge as Corporate Affairs Secretary in August, replaces his predecessor Anjuly Chib Duggal on the Sebi board.

SEBI: The Preamble of the Securities and Exchange Board of India describes the basic functions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India as
“…to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”

The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) is the chief regulator of commodity futures markets in India. On 28 September 2015, it was merged with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India ).

2/27/2026

India’s GDP to grow at 7.5 percent in 2015: UNCTAD

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) projected that India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 7.5 per cent in 2015.
As per the report, the growth rate for world in 2015 is expected to remain more or less unchanged from last year, at 2.5 per cent.
Highlights of the report with respect to India
• India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 7.5 per cent in 2015 compared to China’s 6.9 as China rebalances the structure of its demand by concentrating more on exports.
• India’s upward growth will be possible because of lowering oil prices in the international market that will ease pressure on current account deficit.
• India’s export growth (by volume) slowed down from 8.5 per cent in 2013 to 3.2 per cent in 2014.
• Public banks, which account for 62 per cent of Indian bank loans, will find it difficult to meet the Basel III capital requirements between 2015 and 2019.
• India has emerged as an important player in extending development assistance to developing and under developed countries as part of south-south cooperation that takes the form of credit, concessional loans and grants.
• India is one of the few countries where the Public Private Partnership investment is high. Almost 60 per cent of the total private participation in projects recorded in developing countries was in China, Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, Mexico and Turkey.
• It identified potential financial role of south-led multilateral banks including New Development Bank of BRICS and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in both of which India has membership.

2/27/2026

MS- Word Basics

A word processor is a software package, which helps enter and edit a document much faster than the usual manual ways. Most of the word processors today allow much more than allowing one to enter and edit a document. MS- Word Basic is also known as Word Processing.

The following is a list of some of the functions that are possible by using a Word Processor.

Creating the Documents ( typing in)
Saving the document
Opening an existing document
Moving or copying paragraphs from one place in the document to another
Finding the words and replacing them with another word
Searching for spelling errors
Printing the documents etc.

Starting Word

As in the case with other window applications, to invoke MS Word, you click on the icon Micro soft Word. In application or MS Office group the following icon will be displayed. To invoke MS Word, double click on this icon.

To start word and simultaneously open a word document, double click the filename of the document in the file Manager.

The Word Screen

This section provides an overview of the major elements on the Word Screen, such as menus, toolbars and status bar.

When the word is started, a new, blank document appears on the word screen. The following illustration identifies each part of the word screen.

(Image)

The Menu bar provides access to the word commands, these commands are grouped together in menus, with only the group (menu) name displayed on the menu bar.

The “toolbars” contain buttons that provide quick access to commonly used commands.

The Ruler allows you to accurately set layout of the document. It allows you to set tabs, indents, and change page margins.

Getting to Word Document

This section explains the basic procedure for creating new documents, saving new documents, saving your work, opening existing documents, and printing .

Creating a Document (Ctrl + N)

To create a new document at any time, click the new button on the standard toolbar. While creating a document such as memo, letter, report or resume, one can often save time by using one of the wizards or templates that come with word.

Opening a Document (Ctrl + O)

To quickly open one of the last documents you worked on, choose it from the bottom of the file menu. To open a document, click on the Open button on the standard toolbar. When the dialog box appears, select the document in the file Name box and then choose the OK button.

Saving a Document (Ctrl + S)

To save a document on disk, click the save button on the standard toolbar. When you save a document for the first time, Word displays the Save As dialog box so that you can type a name for the document.

Printing a Document (Ctrl + P)

Before printing a document, Page breaks and choosing print preview from the file menu checks the overall appearance of the document. To view the document one page at a time, and also edit the text more easily, choose Page Layout from View Menu. When the ready to print, click the Print button on the standard toolbar. Your default printer should be set using windows programs for printing.

Closing a Document and Quitting Word

When finished working in Word close the active document and then quit Word by choosing Exit( windows) from the file menu. To work on another document in word , close the active document by choosing Close from file menu and then open the other document.

Typing and Revising Text

Typing text in MS- Word is very easy and straightforward task, because of the useful word processing features supported by it. When you create a new document in word you can just start typing. Press the Enter key only when you have finished a paragraph.

Tunisian group wins Nobel Peace Prize

The prize was awarded “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011”.The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize went to the National Dialogue Quartet in Tunisia.

The National Dialogue Quartet consists of four organisations in Tunisian civil society – the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT, Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail), the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA, Union Tunisienne de l’Industrie, du Commerce et de l’Artisanat), the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH, La Ligue Tunisienne pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme), and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers (Ordre National des Avocats de Tunisie)

After the Arab Spring in Tunisia in 2010-2011, the Quartet paved the way for a peaceful dialogue between the citizens.

LIST NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS, 2015:
Peace:National Dialogue Quartet
Literature: Svetlana Alexievich
Physiology or Medicine: William C. Campbell, Satoshi Omura, Youyou Tu, Paul Modrich
Physics: Arthur McDonald, Takaaki Kajita.
Chemistry: Tomas Lindahl, Aziz Sancar

2/27/2026

Ratio Age and Partnership Set-1

Q1. The ratio of monthly salaries of two persons, A and B is 8:7. If the salary of A is increased by 20% and that of B by 11%, the new ratio becomes 96 : 77. What is A’s Salary?
1) Rs.800
2)Rs.700
3)Rs.750
4)Cant be determined
5)None of these

Q2.Three persons A, B and C start a business with Rs.12800, Rs.16800 and Rs.9600 respectively. At the end of the year, B received Rs.13,125 as share in total profit. What is the share of C in the profit?
1) Rs.7850
2)Rs.7550
3)Rs.7500
4)Rs.8500
5) None of these

Q3. The ratio of the number of boys to that of girls in a school is 9:7. If the number of boys increases by 40% and that of girls by 20%, what will be the new ratio of boys to girls?
1)3:2
2)2:3
3)4:3
4)3:4
5) None of these

Q4. The ratio of the present ages of A to B is 2:3. Four years hence, the ratio of their ages will be 5:7. What is the present age of A?
1)24 years
2)20 years
3)21 years
4) 16 years
5) None of these.

Q5. The total number of Students in a college is 3906. The number of girls is 1638. What is the ratio of boys to girls in the college?
1) 18:13
2) 13:18
3)13:19
4)19:13
5) None of these.

Q6. The Total number of students in a school is 31700. If the ratio of boys to the girls in the school is 743:842 respectively, what is the total number of girls in the school?
1)14860
2)16480
3)15340
4) Can’t be determined
5) None of these

Q7. The ratio between Gloria’s and Sara’s present ages is 4:7 respectively; Two years ago the ratio between their ages was 1:2 respectively. What will be the Sara’s age three years hence?
1)17 years
2) 14 years
3) 11 years
4) 8 years
5) None of these

Q8. The average age of a woman and her daughter is 19 years. The ratio of their ages is 16:3. What is the age of the daughter?
1)9 years
2)3 years
3)12 years
4)6 years
5) None of these.

Q9. In an examination it is required to get 65% of the aggregate marks to pass. A student gets 847 marks and is declared failed by 10% marks. What is the maximum aggregate marks a student can get?
1) 1450
2)1640
3)1500
4)Can’t be determined
5) None of these

Q10. Amits present age is three times Pratibha’s present age and nine-thirteenths of his father’s present age. The sum of the present age of all them is 150 years. What is the difference between Pratibha’s present age and Amit’s Father’s present age?
1)56 years
2) 64 years
3) 60 years
4) Can’t be determined
5) None of these

Memorable Points Current Affairs

Winner of three Wimbledon titles in a day, who died at the age of 89– Doris Hart
Person who was sworn-in as 19th Governor of Arunachal Pradesh – Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa
Former cricketers who were inducted into the BCCI’s newly-constituted cricket advisory committee – Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman
Football club Copa del Rey also known as Spanish King’s Cup by defeating Athletic Bilbao – Barcelona
Person who was appointed as the new Chancellor of the Nalanda University, Bihar– George Yeo, the former Foreign Minister of Singapore
The women, who was designated as the new President of the Indian Ocean island nation, Mauritius by its government– Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
India and Sweden signed 6 agreements to boost ties and restart the bilateral strategic dialogue in presence of– President Pranab Mukherjee, who was on a state visit to Sweden
One of the founders of India’s Information Technology (IT) industry and chairman of Hinditron Group who died – Hemant Sonawala
92 year 65 days old cancer survivor, who became the oldest woman to finish a marathon at San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers)– Harriette Thompson
President of FIFA who resigned amid the corruption scandal that has engulfed the football’s governing body– Sepp Blatter
To attract investment of 1 lakh crore rupees Maharashtra Cabinet approved– a Composite Renewable Energy Policy worth 4156.43 crore rupees
Scientists claimed that some female members of a critically endangered species of sawfish are reproducing in the wild without sex, that is, by– Parthenogenesis
US President Barack Obama signed the USA FREEDOM Act 2015 in law for Uniting and Strengthening America by– Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015.
The former cricket captain of Indian team, who was re-appointed as the Director of Indian cricket team for the Bangladesh tour– Ravi Shastri
Sixth city in the country to have metro services; other cities are Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata is– Jaipur
Indian shot putter who won gold medal in men’s shot put event in the 21st Asian Athletics Championships– Inderjeet Singh
India and Belarus inked six agreements to boost ties and relationship based on – friendship and mutual benefit
Jharkhand Cabinet approved Jharkhand Special Courts Ordinance, 2015 to make Jharkhand– rid of corruption
Person who for his contribution towards the development of athletics in Asian continent was was conferred with the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) President’s award – Suresh Kalmadi
World Bank Board approved $250 Million support to Jammu and Kashmir for– Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project
Name the legendary Telugu writer who died in Hyderabad after a brief illness– Dasaradhi Rangacharya
Name the Cyclonic storm that was developed over the Arabian Sea – ASHOBAA
Three districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh that were included in National Capital Region are– Jind, Karnal and Muzaffarnagar
ICICI Bank, India’s largest private sector bank, appointed a person as the non-executive chairman for a period of five years is– Mahendra Kumar Sharma
City that who’s Municipal Corporation (AMC) announced USE and GET PAID scheme, under which people will be paid one rupees for using public toilets– Ahmadabad
Person who was conferred with the prestigious 14th Sant Namdev National Award 2015 at a function in Pune, Maharashtra– Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
Former Indian cricketer who died after a prolonged illness at his residence in Pune, Maharashtra– Hemant Kanitkar
Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman who was named as the new Law Minister of Delhi– Kapil Mishra
Researchers discovered a trio of mud statuettes inside a reed basket in a building, an important archaeological site, in the ancient city of Vichama in northern Peru is believed to be created about 3800 years ago by– the ancient Caral civilization.
HDFC Bank launched a mobile app as a complete digital payment and purchase solution–PayZapp
The United Nations (UN) envoy in Burundi crisis, who stepped down from his role as mediator of the crisis after being accused of being biased– Said Djinnit
Union Government scrapped customs import duties for drugs and test kits used to treat– AIDS
Four Indian languages included in the books of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of UAE which can be chosen while appearing for driving tests here in the UAE from September 2015 includes– Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali
Cricketer who became the ninth all-time highest Test wicket-takers by claiming 416 wickets in 102 matches is– Indian off-spin cricketer Harbhajan Singh
Person elected as the President of United Nations General Assembly’s 70th session– Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark
China unveiled 800-year-old Buddha statue (Qianshou Guanyin) famous for its 1000 hands in– Dazu County in Sichun province
First Indian footballer to score 50 international goals – Sunil Chhetri
India’s first 100 percent visually-challenged person to be inducted into the Indian Foreign Services (IFS) is– Beno Zephine

First World Indigenous Games started in Brazil-2015

The World Indigenous Games are a multi-sport event involving indigenous athletes that will be first staged in 2015. The Games are governed by the Inter Tribal Council, a Brazilian indigenous peoples NGO that has staged Brazil’s national Indigenous Games since 1996. The first edition of the Games will be held in Palmas, Brazil, in 2015.

The Games are expected to be held intermittently thereafter, and will feature competitive sports and non-competitive demonstration events.

First World Indigenous Games started in Brazil on 23 October 2015 in the northern Brazilian city of Palmas. The game will end on 31 October 2015.The games are a multi-sport event involving indigenous athletes has around 2000 athletes participating from many indigenous ethnic groups and 30 countries like Ethiopia, Mongolia, Brazil, Australia, Russia, the Philippines, Ethiopia and New Zealand.
The participants on 22 October 2015 took part in a traditional fire lighting ceremony in Palmas’s central square and danced at the ceremony in traditional outfits.
Sports included in the games are archery, spear tossing, canoeing and a race through the forest. Besides, there will be non-competitive events showcasing the many different traditions of indigenous ethnic groups involved, such as a football-style game called xikunahity in which the ball is controlled only with the head. It is played in the Matto Gross region of Brazil.

2/27/2026

Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006

The scheme was introduced with the following objectives:
• To resolve complaints relating to banking services and to facilitate the satisfaction or settlement of such complaints.
• Resolve disputes between a bank and its constituents as well as amongst banks, through the process of conciliation, mediation and arbitration.
All banks are covered by the scheme, including Regional Rural Banks and scheduled primary co-operative banks.
The scheme provides for Reserve Bank to appoint one or more of its officers in the rank of Chief General Manager or General Manager to be known as the banking ombudsmen to carry out the functions entrusted to them within the identified territorial limits. As on date, fifteen Banking Ombudsmen have been appointed, with their offices located mostly in state
capitals.
The Banking Ombudsman may award compensation not exceeding Rs 1 lakhs to the complainant only in the case of complaints relating to credit card operations for mental agony and harassment.

2/27/2026

Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC)

Deposit Insurance: Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) was set up by RBI with the intention of insuring the deposits of individuals. The deposit insurance scheme covers:
• All commercial banks, including branches of foreign banks operating in India, and Regional Rural Banks
• Eligible co-operative banks. The insurance scheme covers savings account, current account, term deposits and 30 recurring accounts. However, the following deposits are not covered by the scheme:
• Deposit of Central / State Government
• Deposit of foreign governments
• Inter-bank deposits
• Deposits received outside India
In order for depositers in a bank to benefit from the insurance scheme, the bank should have paid DICGC the specified insurance premium (10 paise per annum per Rs. 100 of deposit).
Under the Scheme, in the event of liquidation, reconstruction or amalgamation of an insured bank, every depositor of that bank is entitled to repayment of the deposits held by him in the same right and same capacity in all branches of that bank upto an aggregate monetary ceiling of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh). Both principal and interest are covered, upto the prescribed ceiling.

2/27/2026

Monetary Control Policy

Reserve Bank of India makes use of all those methods of credit control that are adopted by other Central Banks in the world.
These measures are as under RBI
Bank Rate: Rate of interest that the Reserve Bank charges from other scheduled bank on loans given to them is called bank rate.
Repo Rate: It was introduced in December, 1992 by RBI. It is the rate at which RBI lends short-term money to the bank against securities. It is currently is__
Reserve Repo Rate: It was introduced in November 1996. It is the rate at which bamk park short-term excess liquidity with on RBI. It is currently is___
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): It is the ratio of liquid asset, which all commercial Banks have to keep in the form of cash, gold an unencumbered approved securities equal to Net demand and time deposits liabilities.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): It is the amount of funds that the banks have to keep with the RBI. If the RBI decides to increase this rate the available amount with the banks comes down. RBI uses this method (increase of CRR rate), to drain out the excessive money from the banks.
Open Market Operation: It means that the bank controls the flow of credit through the sale and purchase of government securities in the open market.
Important points to remember:
Bank Rate, Repo Rate, Reserve Repo Rate:Cash Reserve Ratio. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) , Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)

2/27/2026

Use of At, On and In

At, On and In
The prepositions at, on and in can show place. At is used to talk about position at a point.
The boy stood at the gate.
Turn left at the next corner.
On is used to talk about position on a line.
London is on the river Thames.
In is used to talk about position inside large areas and three dimensional spaces.
She was born in Mexico.
Complete the following sentences using at, on or in.
1. I saw a beautiful girl ………………… the shop.
a) in
b) on
c) at
2. I met her ………………. a party.
a) at
b) on
c) in
3. There is a spelling mistake …………………. line nine.
a) in
b) on
c) at
4. He works ………………….. the US.
a) in
b) on
c) at
5. Grandmother is arriving ………………… the 8.30 train.
a) in
b) onc) at
6. She is a student …………………. Cambridge.
a) at
b) in
c) on
7. Who is that pretty girl …………………. the second row?
a) in
b) on
c) at
8. The cat is ………………. the piano.
a) in
b) on
c) at
9. Why do you wear that ring ………………… your index finger?
a) on
b) at
c) in
10. Eat ………………. the Modern Restaurant. They serve the best food in town.
a) in
b) at
c) on
Answers
1. I saw a beautiful girl in the shop.
2. I met her at a party.
3. There is a spelling mistake in line nine.
4. He works in the US.
5. Grandmother is arriving on the 8.30 train.
6. She is a student at Cambridge.
7. Who is that pretty girl in the second row?
8. The cat is on the piano.
9. Why do you wear that ring on your index finger?
10. Eat at the Modern Restaurant. They serve the best food in town.

2/27/2026

Function key of Computer

Function Keys:
F1—— Get help or visit Microsoft office Online.
F2—— Move text or graphic.
F4—— Repeat the last action
F5—— Choose the Go To command (Home tab).
F6—— Go to the nest pane or frame.
F7—— Choose the spelling command (Review tab)
F8—— Extend a selection
F9—— Update the selected fields
F10—– Show key tips
F11—– Go to the nest field
F12—– Choose the Save As comman

2/27/2026

4G networks offer faster speeds than cable or DSL

4G is the fourth generation of cellular data standards. Like 3G, there is no single 4G technology. Instead, 4G an umbrella of technologies that conform to the requirements established by the International Telecommunications Union. All 4G devices must support a data transfer rate of at least 100 Mbps.

2/27/2026

SARFAESI Act

Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002) was enacted to provide banks and financial institutions with a more effective framework to enforce the security structure underlying loans and advances given by them, and recover their dues expeditiously.
Banks and Financial Institutions can benefit from SARFAESI. The term ‘bank’ includes all banking companies, including co-operative banks. However, regional rural banks have been kept out.
‘Financial institution’ means:
• A public financial institution within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1956
• Any institution specified by the Central Government under the Recovery of Debts due to
Bank and Financial Institutions Act, 1993
• The International Finance Corporation, established under the International Finance
Corporation (Status, Immunitis and Privileges) Act, 1958
• Any other institution or non-banking financial company as defined in the Reserve Bank of
India Act, 1934, which the Central Government may specify as a financial institution for
the purposes of the Act.
The bank or financial institution which has lent money to a borrower is also called originator in the context of securitization.

2/27/2026

Banking Structure in India

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 defines a banking company as a company which transacts the business of banking in India. Banking is defined as accepting, for the purpose of lending or investment, of deposits of money from the public, repayable on demand or otherwise and withdrawable by cheque, draft, order or otherwise. Section 49A of the Act prohibits any institution other than a banking company to accept deposits from the public withdrawable by cheque. RBI is the apex regulater for banks.
Banks can be broadly categorized as Commercial Banks or Co-operative Banks.
Commercial Banks include:
• Public Sector Banks (SBI, SBI Associates and Nationalised Banks)
• Private Sector Banks (Old, New and Foreign)
• Regional Rural Banks
Co-operative Banks include:
• Urban co-operative banks
• Rural / Agricultural co-operative banks.
Banks which meet specific criteria are included in the second schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. These are called scheduled banks.Scheduled banks are considered to be safer, and are entitled to special facilities like re-finance from RBI. Inclusion in the schedule also comes with its responsibilities of reporting to RBI and maintaining a percentage of its demand and time liabilities as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) with RBI.

2/27/2026

Computer Input Devices

Input Devices:n input device is a peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliance.
List of Input device:
Keyboard
Mouse
Joy Stick
Light pen
Track Ball
Touch Pad
Scanner
Touch Screen
Graphic Tablet
Microphone
Web Camera
Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
Optical Character Reader(OCR)
Bar Code Reader
Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
Stylus
Bio-metric
Digitizer

2/27/2026

Memorable Point (Current Affairs)

– Brazil First World Indigenous Games start.
– Carolina Marin Ace shuttler World No.1 ranking.
– Robert Mugabe won the 2015 Confucius Peace Prize given by China.
– Andhra Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Shri Venkateswara Mobile and Electronics-Manufacturing Hub.
– Jacques Kallis was appointed as the Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Rider.
– The deposits outstanding under the Gold Deposit Scheme will be allowed to run till maturity unless the depositors prematurely withdraw regarding directions on implementation of Gold Monetisation Scheme 2015 that were issued by RBI.
– China & Britain signed Strategic Investment Agreements for building three nuclear plants.
– Russia declared that it will permanently station a military unit in the Arctic by 2018.
– Alok Rawat first male member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) who was appointed.
– Ashwini Kumar the honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in India died.

2/27/2026

Alok Rawat is first male member of the National Commission for Women (NCW)

Former Water Resources Secretary Alok Rawat was appointed as the first male member of the National Commission for Women (NCW). His appointment filled the fourth seat in the five-member body.

2/27/2026

Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT)

Society for Worldwide Inter bank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) is solely a carrier of messages. It does not hold funds nor does it manage accounts on behalf of customers, nor does it store financial information on an on-going basis.
As a data carrier, SWIFT transports messages between two financial institutions. This activity involves the secure exchange of proprietary data while ensuring its confidentiality and integrity.
SWIFT, which has its headquarters in Belgium, has developed an 8-alphabet Bank Identifier Code (BIC). For instance HDFCINBB stands for:
• HDFC = HDFC Bank
• IN = India
• BB = Mumbai
Thus, the BIC helps identify the bank.

2/27/2026

Confucius Peace Prize 2015: China gives top award to Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe

President Robert Mugabe was awarded with the 2015 Confucius Peace Prize by China for supposedly injecting fresh energy into the global quest for harmony. The Prize is dubbed as Chinese equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize.

2/27/2026

Problem based on Blood Relation

Directions (Q.1 to 6): Read the following information carefully and answer the questions given below:

A+B means A is the daughter of B.
A-B means A is the husband of B.
A*B means A is the brother of B

Q.1) If P + Q – R, which of the following is true?
a) R is the mother of P
b) R is the sister in law of P.
c) R is the aunt of P
d) R is the mother in law of P
e) None of these

Q.2) If P*Q+R, which of the following is true?
a) P is the brother of R
b) P is the uncle of R
c) P is the son of R
d) P is the father of P
e) None of these

Q.3) If P+Q*R, which of the following is true?
a) P is the niece of R
b) P is daughter of P
c) P is the cousin of R
d) P is the daughter in law of R
e) None of these

Q.4) If A $ B means “A is father of B‘ , A # B means ‘A is daughter of B‘ , A @ B means ‘A
is sister of B‘ ,
then how is K related to M in H @ K $ L # M?
a) Husband
b) Uncle
c) Father
d) Cannot be determined
e) None of these

Q.5) If A+B means A is the sister of B; A-B means A is the brother of B; A*B means A is
the daughter of B, which of the following shows the relation that E is the maternal
uncle of D?
a) D+F*E
b) D-F*E
c) D*F+E
d) D*F-E
e) None of these

Answer:
1.a) 2. c) 3. a) 4. a) 5.e)

2/27/2026

IBPS P.O Main Exam crash course for High Level Reasoning start

IBPS P.O mains exam syllabus details:

Reasoning:

Syllogism
Course of Action
Assumption & Conclusion
Strong and Weak Argument
Cause and Effect
Statement and Conclusion
Data sufficiency
Passage Inference
All topics given above are most important for the highest score in IBPS P.O examination.

2/27/2026

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

Scheduled Commercial Banks are required to maintain with RBI, an average cash balance, the amount of which shall not be less than 6% of the total of the Net Demand and Time Liabilities(NDTL) in India.

Demand Liabilities include all liabilities which are payable on demand and they include current deposits, demand liabilities portion of savings bank deposits, margins held against letters of credit/ guarantees, balances in overdue fixed deposits, cash certificates and cumulative/ recurring deposits, outstanding Telegraphic Transfers (TTs), Mail Transfer (MTs), Demand Drafts (DDs), unclaimed deposits, credit balances in the Cash Credit account and deposits held as security for advances which are payable on demand.
Time Liabilities are those which are payable otherwise than on demand and they include fixed deposits, cash certificates, cumulative and recurring deposits, time liabilities portion of savings bank deposits, staff security deposits, margin held against letters of credit if not payable on demand, deposits held as securities for advances which are not payable on demand, India Millennium Deposits and Gold Deposits.

The CRR is calculated on the basis of average of the daily balance maintained with RBI during the reporting fortnight. Scheduled Commercial Banks are required to maintain minimum CRR balances up to 70 per cent of the total CRR requirement on all days of the fortnight.

2/27/2026

Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)

Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transfers are instantaneous – unlike National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) where the transfers are batched together and effected at hourly intervals. As with NEFT, the transferor needs to know the IFSC Code and the beneficiary’s bank account no.
RBI allows the RTGS facility for transfers above Rs2 lakhs. The RBI window is open on weekdays from 9 am to 4.30 pm; on Saturdays from 9 am to 12.30 pm.

2/27/2026

Banking System of India Reserve Bank of India

Banking System of India
A bank is a financial institution that provides banking and other financial services to their customers. A bank generally provides banking services such as accepting deposits and providing loans.
There are also non-banking institutions that provide certain banking services.
The following are functions of bank:
• To provide security to the savings of customers.
• To control the supply of money and credit.
• To encourage public confidence in the working of the financial system increase savings speedily and efficiently.
• To avoid focus of financial powers in the hands of a few individuals and institutions.
• To set equal norms and conditions (i.e.; rate interest, period of lending etc) to all types of customers.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Reserve Bank of India Bank of India is the Central Bank of our country. On the recommendation Hilton Young Commission, it was established on 1st April 1935 and in 1949 it was nationalized. Reserve Bank is the Central Bank of India. RBI (Reserve Bank of India) is constituted under RBI act 1934, and started functioning on 1st April 1949 with a capital of Rs.5 crore. Central Banking Functions are as under Issue of Paper Currency: The Reserve Bank is one nation’s sole note issuing authority. Indian Currency System: The Present Monetary system of India is based on inconvertible paper Currency and is managed by the Reserve Bank of India. The Present currency system is based on Minimum reserve system, of note issue. It was adopted in 1957 under the minimum reserve system, minimum of Gold and foreign securities to the extent of Rs.200 crore (of which Gold should be value Rs.115 crore) and the balance in rupees securities maintained.

Important Function of the Reserve Bank Of India
As Central Bank —————–Function————–As an ordinary Bank
Note issuing Authority —————————————Granting short-term loans
Banker of Government —————————————Recovering short-term loans
Banker’s Bank ————————————————–Buying/ Selling of bills
Collects and Publishes Banking Data ——————- Accepting Deposits
Custodian of Foreign Exchange Reserves———– Buying and selling of agricultural bills
Provision of Agricultural Credit ————————-Dealing with foreign Securities
Provision of industrial Credit—————————- Dealing with costly metals
Training Facilitation —————————————Dealing with banks of other countries
Controller of Credit
Clearing House Function

First Governor Of RBI:- Sir Osborne Smith
Current Governor Of RBI:- Dr. Raghuram Rajan.
Banker of the Government: The RBI deals as an agent of the Central and State Governments. It Performs various banking functions such as to accept deposits, taxes and make payments on Behalf of the government.
Banker of Bank and Lender of the Last Resort: RBI acts as a banker for all the commercial banks. All scheduled banks come under the direct control of RBI and follow the Rules and Regulation of RBI.
By performing the following functions, the RBI helps the member bank significantly.
• It acts as the lender of the last resort
• It is the custodian of cash reserves of commercial banks.

Problem based on Square Root

Q.1) 362 x 689 = ?
a) 723692
b)249418
c) 710308
d) 719868
e) None of these
Q.2) √(11881 ) x √? = 10137
a) 8649
b) 9216
c) 8281
d) 9409
e) None of these
Q.3) √4096 = ?
a) 64
b) 46
c) 62
d) 66
e) None of these
Q.4) √729 + √484 = ?
a) 27
b) 22
c) 49
d) 52
e) None of these
Q.5) √10.24 – √9.61 = ?
a) 32
b) 3.2
c) 3.1
d) 0.1
e) None of these
Q.6) 40 * 40 + 50 * 50 = ?
a) 3100
b) 3200
c) 4100
c) 5100
e) None of these
Q.7) √(?) + 17 = √961
a) 169
b) 196
c)188
d) 140
e) None of these
Q.8) √(? ) x √3136 = 2184
a) 1521
b) 1681
c) 1444
d) 1849
e) None of these
Q.9)(84)2 ÷ √(?) = 168
a) 1936
b) 1521
c) 1681
d) 1764
e) None of these
10) 1181 + 1520 = (26)²+ (?)²
a) 49
b) 43
c) 47
d) 45
e) None of these

Mandatory for All IPCI Students reply answer…………Thank you

Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi

Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi has been conferred with Harvard University’s prestigious humanitarian award for this year, in recognition of his continuing contribution to the cause of child rights.

The annual award by the prestigious university is given to an individual whose works and deeds have served to improve the quality of lives and have inspired us to greater heights. Satyarthi is the first Indian to have been given this award.

The university said the ‘Harvard Humanitarian of the Year’ has been awarded to Satyarthi for his contributions in the field of child rights and abolition of child slavery.
Satyarthi recently succeeded in getting child protection and welfare-related clauses included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which aim to end slavery, trafficking, forced labour and violence.

“I humbly accept the award on behalf of millions of left out children, for whose rights we strive to work for. Let us all pledge together to eradicate child slavery from the world,” the social activist said in his acceptance speech yesterday.

“Even developed countries, including the Unites States, have hundreds of slaves who are forced into labour, pushed into sex trade or trafficked into domestic labour. Undocumented immigrants, people in the margins of the society are pulled into a circuit of slavery,” he said.

Each year the Harvard Foundation presents the Humanitarian Award to people whose work and deeds have served to improve the society and inspire people to achieve greater heights.

In past this award has been conferred upon luminaries such as Martin Luther King Sr, Secretaries-General of the United Nations: Kofi Annan, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Ban Ki-moon; Nobel laureates: Jose Ramos-Horta, Bishop Desmond Tutu, John Hume, and Elie Wiesel; Ethel Kennedy, R C Gorman, artist and ThorbjornJagland, head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee, to name a few.

2/27/2026

MBA Entrance Program Course

September to February marks the season of MBA Entrance Exams in Indian Education industry. This is the time where India’s top B-Schools try to pick the best candidates for their MBA programs via an extensive selection procedure, generally consisting of a written MCQ test followed by essay writing and a GD/PI session. With different institutes conducting their own tests, keeping track of all different MBA entrance exams has become quite a task. To help you and many other aspirants with preparation for their dream B school debut, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top 8 MBA Entrance Examinations in India.

CAT – Common Entrance Test
CAT is often considered the ‘holy grail’ of MBA entrance exams. Held annually in the month of October or November; the CAT enables aspirants to seek admission to all postgraduate management courses in all the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs). In addition to this, several other premium management institutes (165 to be exact), accept CAT scores for admission purposes, making it the most important MBA Entrance test in India. As per rough estimates, more than 2 Lakh aspirants appear for CAT annually every year.
Eligibility: Any graduate with minimum 50 percent or equivalent CGPA score can appear for CAT.
Application cost: The application form and information bulletin are available for Rs 1600.
Exam Pattern: CAT examination is conducted in two main phases, the first being a computerized written based test followed by a GD/PI round. The written examination covers Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning as well as Verbal and Reading Comprehension. The total duration of written test of 180 minutes, i.e. 1 hour for each aforementioned sections. Another prominent change in the CAT test pattern has been introduction of non MCQ questions, which need to be typed in the space given as part of the digital test paper. Candidates will also be allowed to use ‘basic on-screen calculator’ for calculation purposes. Based upon the final score of written test, candidates are shortlisted for a Personal Interview round by respective IIM. Several other institutes have Group Discussions as part of their selection procedure as well.
For information visit their website: www.catiim.in

XAT – Xaviers Admission Test
Conducted by XLRI, XAT is one of the oldest management entrance tests in India. XLRI annually conducts XAT in January across 33 major cities in India. More than 70 odd B schools accept XAT scores as its primary admission criteria along with personalized GD/PI rounds.
Eligibility: Any person with Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university is eligible to appear for XAT.
Exam Pattern: XAT examination consists of an MCQ format covering four main sections i.e. ”Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA)’, ”Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA)’ and ”Analytical Reasoning and Decision Making Ability (AR)’ and ‘General Awareness’. Apart from this, candidate also has to take up essay writing test. On basis of the merit score of XAT candidates are called in for personal interview or group discussions.
For information visit their website: www.xlri.net.in

MAT – Management Aptitude Test
Conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association); MAT is a credible entrance examination, which can be taken up by candidates four times in one year. MAT scores are widely accepted by several business schools and associate universities across India for selection procedure, making it one of the most popular management entrance exams in the country.
Eligibility: Any person with Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university is eligible to appear for MAT.
Exam Pattern: One of the key reasons for the popularity of MAT is its exam pattern. It gives candidates the choice of either appearing for an offline test or an online one depending upon the feasibility. MAT tests b-school aspirants in five main subjects i.e. Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning and Indian & Global Environment Section.
For information visit their website: www.aima-ind.org

SNAP – Symbiosis National Aptitude Test
Symbiosis International University is one of the most well recognized private B schools in India. Over the years, it has carved a niche for itself by offering unique and rare MBA specializations to aspirants. SNAP is the national level aptitude test conducted for admission to all Post Graduate Management Programs offered by Symbiosis.
Eligibility: Any graduate with minimum 50 percent or equivalent CGPA score can appear for CAT.
Exam Pattern: SNAP is an objective styled MCQ test conducted in December every year. The syllabus consists mostly from four major topics namely, General English, Quantative Aptitude, General Awareness, Logical & Analytical Reasoning. Written exam also attracts 25 percent negative marking for every wrong answer.
• Form Available from: August
• Last day to Submit form: November
• Exam Date: December
For information visit their website: www.snaptest.org

NMAT – Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test
NMAT is the MBA entrance exam for securing admission to NMIMS. NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) is a Mumbai based deemed university, which offers various management courses in different specializations. Run by Narsee Monjee Educational Trust, NMIMS has acquired quite a cult status among aspirants looking for executive or part-time MBA programs.
Eligibility: Any graduate with minimum 50 percent or equivalent CGPA score can appear for NMAT.
Exam Pattern: NMAT is a MCQ based test which is conducted over the period of two hours. The test covers topics like Language Skills; Quantitative Skills, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency; and Logical Reasoning. A merit list is prepared on basis of the score of the written examination and candidates are shortlisted for the GD/PI round based upon that. Another significant factor that is considered in the selection of candidates is the work experience, in case of executive MBA programs.
• Form Available from: Jul 2, 2015 to Oct 5, 2015
• Last day to Submit form: Oct 19, 2015
• Exam Date: Oct 6 – Dec 19, 2015
For information visit their website: www.nmims.edu

CMAT – Common Management Admission Test
CMAT is a national level entrance examination conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for admissions to post graduate management programs offered by institutes accredited by the council. Until last year, AICTE use to conduct CMAT twice a year, from Academic Year 2016-17, the test will be conducted only once, i.e. January of every year.
Eligibility: Any graduate with minimum 50 percent or equivalent CGPA score can appear for CMAT.
Exam Pattern: CMAT is an online test with 100 objective type questions, which are to be answered in total time duration of 180 minutes. CMAT exam paper includes 25 questions from four main sections i.e., Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness. With total 400 marks, each right answer earns candidate 4 marks, whereas 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• Form Available from: November
• Last day to Submit form: January
• Exam Date: Feb 19 – February
For information visit their website: http://www.aicte-cmat.in

IIFT – Indian Institute of Foreign Trade MBA Entrance Test
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is one of the top B schools in India. IIFT offers MBA in International Business, which is one of the most sought after program as far as management aspirants in India is concerned. MBA-IB is aimed at developing capable cadre of business managers who can effectively handle multinational corporations in global setup. IIFT conducts its annual MBA entrance examination in November every year for admissions to IIFT Delhi and Kolkata campuses.
Eligibility: Any person with Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university is eligible to appear for IIFT MBA Test.
Application Cost: Application cost for IIFT MBA Entrance Test.
Test Pattern: IIFT conducts its own entrance examination for MBA International Business Program; it is covers a written test, essay writing test and a GD/PI round. The test paper covers diverse topics like English Comprehension, General Knowledge & Awareness, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Analysis.
For more information visit: www.iift.edu

MH-CET – Maharashtra Common Entrance Test

As the name suggest, MH-CET is the main management entrance test for admission to the Two-year Full Time Post Graduate Degree Courses in MBA/MMS and PGDBM/PGDM in Government, University Managed, University Departments and Unaided Institutes in the state of Maharashtra. Eligibility: Any graduate with minimum 50 percent or equivalent CGPA score can appear for MH-CET.

Exam Pattern: MH-CET is a computerized test objective test with multiple choice questions. The questions range from different subjects like Verbal ability, Reading comprehension, Quantitative analysis, Data interpretation, Data sufficiency, Analytical reasoning, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal reasoning. Total number of questions in the test is 200, which are to be answered in 150 minutes. There is no negative marking in MH-CET.

For more information visit: http://www.dtemaharashtra.gov.in

Keyboard and type of Key:

Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps in inputting data to the computer. The layout of the keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter, although there are some additional keys provided for performing additional functions.

Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys, but now keyboards with 104 keys or 108 keys are also available for Windows and Internet.

The keys on the keyboard are as follows:

Typing Keys: These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digit keys (0-9) which generally give same layout as that of typewriters.
Numeric Keypad: It is used to enter numeric data or cursor movement. Generally, it consists of a set of 17 keys that are laid out in the same configuration used by most adding machines and calculators.
Function Keys: The twelve function keys are present on the keyboard which are arranged in a row at the top of the keyboard. Each function key has unique meaning and is used for some specific purpose.
Control keys: These keys provide cursor and screen control. It includes four directional arrow keys. Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).
Toggle Key: A toggle key is used to alternate the input mode of a group of keys on a keyboard. Some examples include Caps Lock, Insert, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock.
Modifier Key: a modifier key is a special key (or combination) on a computer keyboard that temporarily modifies the normal action of another key when pressed together. the Alt, Ctrl, and Shift keys are modifier keys
Special Purpose Keys: Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Space bar, Tab, Multimedia and Print Screen.

2/27/2026

Question Bank for Computer Awareness for IBPS P.O(Main) Exam

Question Bank for Computer IBPS – P.O(Main) Exam

As IBPS PO Mains 2015 Exam is coming closer day by day, it is important to maintain your confidence level and focus on your goal. In Mains exam, Computer section contains total 40 questions and it is expected that 15 or 15 + questions attempt to right. IPCI provides Practice Book for Computer Awareness. Click here

Q.1) Which of the following is an Object Oriented Programming Language?

(1) C

(2) Java

(3) C++

(4) Both 2 and 1

(5) None of these

Q.2) MICR is exclusively used in ___________

(1) Libraries

(2) Super markets

(3) Stock markets

(4) Banking Industry

(5)None of these

Q.3) Which of the following is an audio input device?

(1) Microphone

(2) Webcam

(3) MIDI keyboard

(4) Only 1 & 3

(5) None of these

Q.4) Digital Camera is an?

(1) Input Device

(2) Output Device

(3) Storage Device

(4) Controller Device

(5) None of these

Q.5) The internet service that provides a multimedia interface to available resources is called __________

(1) FTP

(2) World Wide Web

(3) Telnet

(4) VPN

(5) None of these

Q.6) What is the short-cut key to display save -as dialog box in MS-Word?

(1) F1

(2) Alt + F1

(3) F12

(4) F5

(5) None of these

Q.7) Which of the following is not a web browser?

(1) Mozilla

(2) IE

(3) CE

(4) Opera

(5) Safari

Q.8) The backspace key is most often used to?

(1) Delete a character to the right of the cursor

(2) Delete a character to the left of the cursor

(3) Delete a character above the cursor

(4) Delete a character below the cursor

(5) None of these

Full Practice Book Download : Click here

Sehwag retires from all forms of international cricket, IPL

One of India’s greatest opening batsmen Virender Sehwag announced on Tuesday that he will be retiring from all forms of international cricket and Indian Premier League (IPL). Sehwag, celebrating 37th birthday today, had already hinted about his imminent retirement at a function in Dubai yesterday and he took barely a few hours to make it official.

2/27/2026

India seeks investment from BRICS partners in programmes including Make in India

BRICS partners to invest in its flagship programmes including ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ while making a strong pitch for removal of structural impediments for increasing trade engagement amongst members of the group.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, while speaking at a meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) ministers of industries, said the government has laid down a clear roadmap for lowering corporate taxes and that there is huge opportunities in India for trade and investment.

2/27/2026

Shortcut Keys of MS-Excel

Shortcut Keys of MS-Excel:-
Key———————— Description
F2 ————————-Edit the selected cell
F5 ————————-Go to a specific cell
F7 ————————-Spell check selected text and/or document
F11————————Create chart
Ctrl + Shift + ;——–Enter the current time
Ctrl + ; ——————Enter the current date
Shift + F3 ————–Open the Excel formula window
Shift + F5 ————–Bring up search box.
Ctrl + A —————–Select all contents of the worksheet
Ctrl + B —————–Bold highlighted selection
Ctrl + I ——————Italic highlighted selection
Ctrl + U —————–Underline highlighted selection
Ctrl + P —————–Bring up the print dialog box to begin printing
Ctrl + Z —————–Undo last action
Ctrl + F9 —————Minimise current workbook
Ctrl + F10 ————-Maximise currently selected workbook
Ctrl + F6 ————–Switch between open workbooks/window
Ctrl + page up ——Move between Excel worksheet in the same Excel document.
Ctrl + Page Down–Move between Excel worksheets in the same Excel document
Ctrl + Tab ————Move between two or more opennExcel files
Alt + = —————–Create a formula to sum all of the above cells
Ctrl + ’——————Insert the value of the above cell into cell currently selected.
Ctrl + Arrow key–Move to next section to text
Ctrl + Space ———Select entire column
Shift + Space——–Select entire row

Syllabus of Computer in IBPS Clerk and MT PO Examination

Fundamentals of the Computer :
1. Hardware and Software
2. Memory and Memory Units
3. Number System
2. Internet
3. Microsoft Office (MS-Office)
4. Networking
5. DBMS (Database Management System)
6. Programming Languages
7. Full Forms/Abbreviations and Important Terms
8. Shortcut Keys
9. Miscellaneous (Latest in Computers and Mobile Technology)

2/27/2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the IDFC Bank in New Delhi

IDFC Bank Limited, which started its operations on 1 October 2015, is an Indian Banking company with headquarters in Mumbai that forms a part of IDFC, an integrated infrastructure finance company. IDFC Bank was granted a universal banking license in July 2015 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). IDFC was incorporated on 30 January 1997. It founded a non-operative financial holding company (NOFHC) in 2014 to manage its five subsidiaries IDFC Bank, IDFC MF, IDFC Alternatives, IDFC IDF & IDFC Securities to conform with RBI guidelines.

2/27/2026

Problem Based on Numeric Series

Directions (Q.1 to 5) In each of the following questions a number series is given with one term missing. Choose the correct alternative that will continue the same pattern and fill in the blank spaces.
Q.1) 4, 9, 13, 22, 35, ——
(1) 57
(2) 70
(3) 63
(4) 75
(5) None of these
Q.2) 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, ——
(1) 43
(2) 47
(3) 51
(4) 53
(5) None of these
Q.3) 15, 31, 63, 127, 255, ——
(1) 513
(2) 511
(3) 517
(4) 523
(5) None of these
Q.4) 5, 11, 17, 25, 33, 43, ——
(1) 49
(2) 51
(3) 52
(4) 53
(5) None of these
Q.5) 9, 12, 11, 14, 13, ——, 15
(1) 12
(2) 16
(3) 10
(4) 17
(5) None of these

Directions: (Q.6 to 10) In each of the following questions, one term in the number series is wrong. Find the wrong term.
Q.6) 125, 126, 124, 127, 123, 129
(1) 123
(2) 124
(3) 126
(4) 127
(5) 129
Q.7) 10, 26, 74, 218, 654, 1946, 5834
(1) 26
(2) 74
(3) 218
(4) 654
(5) 1946
Q.8) 1, 2, 6, 15, 31, 56, 91
(1) 31
(2) 15
(3) 56
(4) 91
(5) 2
Q.9) 3, 7, 15, 39, 63, 127, 255, 511
(1) 39
(2) 15
(3) 7
(4) 63
(5) 127
Q.10) 56, 72, 90, 110, 132, 150
(1) 72
(2) 90
(3) 110
(4) 132
(5) 150

Answer:
1. (1) 2. (1) 3. (2) 4. (4) 5. (2) 6. (5) 7. (4) 8. (4) 9. (1) 10. (5)

World’s Great personalities

Who’s who
Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1980- 1988) Also called “Frontier Gandhi” because he organized the people of the north-west Frontier Province(NWFP) of undivided India (now merged with Pakistan) on Gandhian principles. He was a staunch Congress man who called himself a solider of the freedom struggle. His admirers called him Badshah Khan. He was awarded as Bharat Ratna in 1987.
Arundhati Roy (b.1960) Noted Indian writer, environmentalist and social activist. She became first Indian to win Booker Prize for her book, The God of Small Things. She was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in 2004.
Abdul Rehman Tunku (1903- 73) The Malaysian statesman, and the first prime minister, who negotiated with the British for the independence of Malaysia.
Abraham Lincoln (1809-65) The 16th president of USA, who succeeded in abolishing slavery. He was re-elected as president in 1864 and assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.
Abu-Bakr ( AD 573- 634) Abu-Bakr, a leading general of prophet Mohammed, was the first Caliph of the Muslim empire and ruled from AD 632. He made Islam a political and military force in Arabia.
Abul Fazal (1561- 1602) The author of Ain-i- Akbari and Akbarnama. He was the celebrated Mughal court poet, and prime minister during Akbar’s reign.
Adolf Hitler (1889- 1945) The Austria- Born German dictator who influenced the course of history in the 20th Century. He served in the German army in World War I. He later founded the Nazi party and become Chancellor in 1933.

2/27/2026

English Language course details for all IBPS, SSC and other competitive examinations

In competitive exam English question contain two parts:
(I) General English Knowledge:
In examination general question based on understanding power of English Knowledge like as essay, paragraph, comprehension and fill in the blank. In this section has no any grammatical rule to apply to solve questions and most of examination half of question contain general English knowledge.
-Vocabulary means (Synonyms & antonyms)
-Sentence formation, rearrangements & completion
-Passage, Comprehension and Paragraph
-Close test & fill in the Blank

(II) English Grammar Knowledge
In this section grammatical question are asked, grammatical rule are used to solve the question. The topics covered in this section are:
-Article
-Noun
-Pronoun
-Verb
–Adjective
-Adverb
-Preposition
-Conjunction
-Interjection and
-Superfluous

2/27/2026

Roles of Bank

The relationship with the bank gets defined by the nature of the product / service availed by the customer. Some of these are described below:
Bank as Debtor:
This is the normal relationship of a person who has an account with the bank. The moment he deposits money in the account, he becomes a creditor of the bank; the bank will be his debtor for the amount lying in his account.
Once the bank has the money, it can use the money the way it chooses. The depositor cannot direct the bank to use it in any specific manner. Similarly, the depositor cannot
ask for return of the same currency notes / coins that he deposited.
Bank as Creditor:
When a customer takes a loan from the bank, he becomes the borrower. The bank will be his creditor. The terms for the loan will be as incorporated in the loan agreement executed between the parties.
Various forms of creating the security.
Bank as Bailee:
When the customer deposits valuables or documents with the bank, the bank becomes a bailee of those items. The customer is the bailer. As provided in the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the bailer is responsible to the bailee for any losses that arise on account of the bailer’s negligence.
Bank as Agent:
When a customer deposits a cheque into his account, the bank will send it for clearing. The bank, in this role, is an agent of the customer. The customer is the principal. Similarly, the bank becomes an agent when the customer leaves various standing instructions for payments with the bank.
It is the duty of the agent to follow the instructions given by the principal. The relationship terminates either when the principal gives notice of such termination, or in the event of death, insolvency or lunacy of the principal.
Bank as Lessor:
When a customer opts for a safe deposit locker with a bank, he is effectively leasing the locker. He is a lessee, the bank is the lessor. The relationship lasts so long as the lessee keeps paying the prescribed charges. The lessor is responsible for ensuring minimum standards of security to ensure the safety of the items deposited in the locker. However, it will be liable for loss only if it is negligent in any manner. It can also insist on the procedures to be followed for using the locker.
Bank as Executor / Trustee:
Banks have their Executor and Trustee department, who can be appointed for handling the estate of the customer, after the customer’s death. The person, in his Will, would mention the bank as Executor of the Will. So long as the bank has accepted the prescribed charges from the customer, it cannot refuse to act as such. While performing this role, it has to act as a trustee of the customer’s affairs, and exercise reasonable diligence and care. Companies often appoint bankers as Trustees for their debenture-holders. In such situations, the bank has a role to protect the interest of the debenture-holders. This would normally take the form of ensuring that the security is created, payments are made as promised etc. The company may appoint different trustees for different series of debentures.

MCA Entrance Exam & Top college in India

IPCI(Indian Public Career Institute) over the year has come to symbolize the true spirit of dedication to the task of maintaining a standard of education for MCA Entrance tests like NIMCET, TANCET, CUSAT, PONDI…MAH-CET, JNU, HCU etc. The Institute received the unstinted co-operation of our experienced faculty team and ground staff, in the arduous task and the results has been a consistent excellence shown by the IPCI’s student. more details: Click here

2/27/2026

Computer term Ethernet

3G: 3G refers to the third generation of cellular data standards. Cell phone companies often market mobile phones as “3G…
4G: 4G is the fourth generation of cellular data standards. Like 3G, there is no single 4G technology. Instead, 4G an…
802.11a: 802.11a is a Wi-Fi standard developed by the IEEE for transmitting data over a wireless network. It uses a 5 GHz band…
802.11b: 802.11b is a Wi-Fi standard developed by the IEEE for transmitting data over a wireless network. It operates on a…
802.11g: 802.11g is a Wi-Fi standard developed by the IEEE for transmitting data over a wireless network. It operates on a…
802.11n: 802.11n is a wireless ((Wi-Fi|wi-fi)) standard that was introduced in 2007. It supports a longer range and higher…

2/27/2026

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)

National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) is a nation-wide system that facilitates individuals, firms and corporate to electronically transfer funds from any bank branch to any individual, firm or corporate having an account with any other bank branch in the country.
In order to issue the instruction, the transfer or should know not only the beneficiary’s bank account no. but also the the IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) of the concerned bank. IFSC is an alpha-numeric code that uniquely identifies a bank-branch participating in the NEFT system. This is a 11 digit code with the first 4 alpha characters representing the bank, and the last 6 numeric characters representing the branch. The 5th character is 0 (zero). IFSC is used by the NEFT system to route the messages to the destination banks / branches.
Once the NEFT instruction has been issued, it will be effected between the concerned banks in the next settlement. During weekdays, between 9am and 7 pm, there are 11 settlements i.e. every hour. On Saturdays, there are 5 hourly settlements between 9am and 1 pm. The beneficiary can expect to get credit on the same day, for the first nine batches on week days (i.e., transactions from 9 am to 5 pm) and the first four batches on Saturdays (i.e., transactions from 9 am to 12 noon). For transactions settled in the last two batches on week days (i.e., transactions settled in the 6 and 7 pm batches) and the last batch on Saturdays(i.e., transactions handled in the 1 pm batch) beneficiaries can expect to get credit either on
the same day or on the next working day morning (depending on the type of facility enjoyed by the beneficiary with his bank).

2/27/2026

Recent News Abbreviation

ACD – Accredited Clients Program
ACTPN – advisory committee for trade policy and negotiations
AEO – Authorised Economic Operator
AFI – Athletics federation of India
AFSPA – Armed forces special powers act
AFSPA – Armed force special Power act
AIIB – Asia infrastructure investment Bank
AIM – Atal innovation mission
AOP – Air operator Permit
BDL – Bharat Dynamic Limited
BIFR – Bureau for industrial and financial reconstruction
BRC – Bank Realization Certificate
CAGR – compound annual growth rate
CARE – crew model atmospheric re-entry experiment
CCEA – cabinet committee on economic affairs
CCEA – cabinet committee on Economic Affairs
CCI – competitive commission of India
CCP – Custom Clearance Permit
CCTNS – Crime and criminal tracking network system
CEIB – Central economic Intelligence Bureau
CPCB – Central pollution Promotion Board
CPGRAMS – centralized public grievance and monitoring system
CRZ – Coastal regulatory zone
CSS – central sponsor schemes
DAC– Defence acquisition council
DAVP – directorate of audio visual publicity
DBT – Direct benefit transfer
DBTL – direct benefit transfer of LPG
DCCO – data of commencement of commercial operations
DGFT – Director General of Foreign Trade
DIAL – delhi international airport limited
DIPP – department of industrial policy & promotion
ECB – External commercial borrowings
ECIL – Electronic Corporation of India Limited
Eco Soc – Economic Social Council
EPIC – electro photo identity card
ETF – Exchange Traded Fund
EZs – Exclusion Zones
FFFAI – federation of freight forward association of India

FIBA – federation of international basket ball association
FIEO -federation of Indian exports Organisation
FIPB – Foreign investment promotion board
FIPB – Foreign Investment Promotion Board
FIU – Financial intelligence units
FMC – Forward Market Commission
FPIs – Foreign Portfolio Investors.
FPIs – Foreign portfolio investors
FRBM – Fiscal responsibility and budget management
FRP – Fair Price Remunerative
FTAAP – Free trade area for Asia-pacific
GAAR – General anti avoidance rule
GCTOC – Gujarat Control Of Terrorism and organised crime
GIFT – Gujarat international Finance tech-city
GIIC – Guizhou maritime silkroad international investment corporation
GMS – Gold monetized scheme
IAMAI – Internet and mobile assocaition of india
ICBM – Intercontinental ballistic missile
IEDs – improvised Explosive Devices
IFSC – international finance Service Centre
IGMDP – integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
IMEI – international mobile equipment identity
INDCs – Intended Nationally Determined Contribution
INSTC – International north south transport corridor
InvITs – Infrastructure Investment Trusts.
IPCC – International panel for climate changes
IREDA – Indian renewable energy development agency
IRNSS – Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
ISSF – international shooting sport federation
ITR – Income Tax Returns.
JAM – jandhan yojana aadhaar mobile number
LARR – land acquisition rehabilitation and resettlement
LCA – light combat aircraft
LEA – loss of ecology authority
MAI – Market Access Initiative
MAT – Minimum Alternate Tax
MEIS – Merchandise exports from India scheme
MEIS – Merchandise Export from India Scheme
MIAL – Mumbai international airport limited
MII – MAKE in INDIA
MPC – Monetary policy committee
MSP – Minimum support price
MUDRA – multi units development and refinance agency
NERPAP– National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme
NALSA – National Legal Services Authority
NASSCOM – National Association Of Software and Services Companies
NASSCOM – National Association of Software & Services companies
NBT – National Book Trust
NDB – new development bank
NDLM – National digital literacy mission
NDRF – National disaster response fund
NFC – near field communication
NFE – Net Foreign Exchange
NFTP – New Foreign trade policy
NGT– national green tribunal
NIIF – national investment infrastructure fund
NIIF – National Investment and Infrastructure fund
NJAC – national judicial appointment commission
NMDA – national disaster management act
NOFNP – National optic fiber network programme
NPCI – National payment commission of India
NRI – Nonresident Indian
NSFR – Net stable funding ration
NTCA – National tiger conservation authority
OCI – Overseas citizens of India
OMCs – Oil marketing companies
OPCW – Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
OROP – One Rank One Pension
PAT – Profit After Tax
PCI – Paraolympic committee of India
PDMA – public debt management act
PHWRs – Pressurised heavy water reactors
PIO – person of Indian origin
PIT – Prohibition of insider trading
PMG – project monitoring group
POTA – prevention of terrorism Act
PSKs – Pass port seva Kendra
PSLCs – Priority sector lending certificates
QIP – Qualified intuitional placement
REITs – Real Estate Investment Trusts
RFA – Red Flag Account
RNI – Registate of newspapers of India
RPA – Rupee payment Area
RRAI – railway regulatory authority of India
SaaS – Software as a Service
SAC – Space Application Centre
SAI – sports authority of India
SAT– Securities Appellate Tribunal
SDRF – state disaster response fund
SEIS – Services exports from India scheme
SEIS – Service export from India Scheme
SETU – self employment and talent utilization
SLACC – sustainable livelihoods and adaption to climate change
SPV – special purpose vehicles
STC – State Trading corporation
STPs – sewage treatment plants
SWFs – Sovereign Wealth Funds
TADA – Terrorist and disruptive activities act
TFA – Trade Facilitation Agreement
TPO – Trade Promotion Organization
TRAI – telecom regulatory authority of india
TRANSLOC – Transport logistic corporation of India
TReDS – Trade Receivables Discounting System
UAC – Unit Approval Committee
UCC– Union carbide corporation
ULFA – United liberation front of ASOM
UPSI – Unpublished price sensitive information
VSAT – very small aperture terminal
WCO – World Custom Organization
WGEEP – Western Ghats ecology expert

Banking Channels

Banking Channels, all banking services were offered from the bank branches.
Automated Teller Machines:(ATMs) made it possible for customers to handle their transactions at multiple ATM locations across the country.
Tele-banking: supported by call centers and automated messaging made 37 it convenient for customers to handle many services from their home.
E-banking: (through the internet) Banking online or by phone allows you to make banking transactions such as transferring money, paying a bill, checking your balance or setting up a regular payment on your bank or building society’s secure website.
M-banking: (through mobile phones) have added another chapter of banking convenience.
Thus, with the aid of technology, the service offering of banks and convenience of customers.

2/27/2026

Type of Deposit

I. Demand Deposit: – Customer can withdraw or deposit the amount as per requirement is known as demand deposit. For example: – Saving account & Saving Account
Saving Account: – Saving accounts are used for saving purpose by general people. Bank pay interest on the deposited amount, and limited transaction is allowed to the customer.
Current Account: – Current Account is used for business purpose; bank does not give any interest rate on the amount deposited in the current account. Unlimited transaction is allowed to the customer.
II. Time Deposit: – The amounts deposited for particular period of time are called time deposit. These deposits are repayable after the maturity of time. For example:-Recurring account, fixed deposit, Pension Deposit account and Cash Certificate.
Fixed Deposit Account: The amount is deposited for a certain period of time as per the bank. Generally the rate of interest is high and it cannot be matured before the maturity period.
Recurring account: – Recurring is opened by those customers who want to save regularly and for a certain period of time, minimum period of recurring account is 6months and maximum is 10years.
Minor Accounts: A minor is a person who has not attained legal age of 18 years. As per the contract Act, a minor cannot enter into a contract but as per negotiable instrument act, a minor can draw, negotiate endorse and receive payment on a negotiable instrument so as to bind all the persons expect him.

2/27/2026

Top Colleges Under CAT

Top Colleges Under CAT

Apart from the present 13 IIMs, the Government has decided to open six new IIMs, one each in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. CAT will also include the Registration option for these new IIMs. Other prominent B- Schools (not in any particular order) that accept CAT scores are:

S.P. Jain Institute of Management Research	IMT Ghaziabad
NITIE	K. J. Somaiya Institute Of Management Studies And Research
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi	MICA Ahmedabad
MDI Gurgaon	SJMSOM (IIT-Bombay)
VGSOM (IIT Kharagpur)	Department of Management Studies (NIT Trichy)
DMS (IIT-Delhi)	TAPMI
IMI Delhi	XIM-B

2/27/2026

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

Ministry of Urban Development approved the first batch of state level Action Plans under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). In this context, consider the following statements:
I. The State Annual Action Plans were cleared for 89 cities in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
II. AMRUT aims at enabling water supply as per the norm and providing water supply and sewerage connections to all urban households.

2/27/2026

Top-B (MBA College) school in mumbai

The MBA colleges in Mumbai provide globally recognized MBA programs. With a great track record of many years, the quality of teaching as provided by the Mumbai MBA colleges is unmatched. Some of the excellent students with MBA degree are produced every year by the MBA institutes in Mumbai. Here is a list of various MBA programs offered by the MBA colleges in Mumbai. If you are looking forward to seek admission to the institutes, you can choose from the following list of programs:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in IT Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Biotech Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Financial Management
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business
Master of Business (MBA) in Family Business
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Infrastructure Management
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in IT Management
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in Biotech Management
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in General Management
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in Infrastructure Management
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in International Business
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in Financial Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA)
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) in Human Resources (HR)
Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management (PGDHRM)
Post Graduate Diploma in Business management (PGDBM)
Post Graduate Diploma in Finance Management (PGDFM)
Post Graduate Diploma in IT Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology Management (PGD Biotech)

List of Top MBA Colleges in Mumbai
College Name	Address	Contact Details	Website
S.P.Jain Institute of Management & Research	Munshi Nagar, Dadabhai Road, Andheri West Mumbai- 400058	91-22-2623 7454 spjicom@spjimr.org	www.spjimr.org
NMIMS University	V.L. Mehta Road , Vile Parle west mumbai-400056	91 – 22 – 2613 4577 / 2618 3688 enquiry@nmims.edu	www.nmims.edu
Jamna lal Bajaj Institue of Management Studies	Jamnalal Bajaj Institue of Management Studies Backbay Reclamation Mumbai India nil 400020	022-22024133/4118/ 5153 director@jbims.edu	www.jbims.edu
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research	L. Napoo Road Near Matunga (Central Rly.) Mumbai-400019 Fax-91-22-24097824	91-22-24178300	www.welingker.org
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research	Vidyanagar Vidyavihar Mumbai -400077, Fax- 91-022-2515 721920	022- 6644 9304 ssharma@simsr.somaiya.edu/ info@simsr.somaiya.edu	www.simsr.somaiya.edu
Tata Institute of Social Science	Tata Institute Of Social Science Post Box No – 8313, Deonar Mumbai- 400088, Fax-91-22-25525070	91-22-25525000 acadsec@tiss.edu	www.tiss.edu
MET Asian Management Development Centre	MET Complex Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West) Mumbai- 400050, Fax- 022 -26440155	022 – 2644 0446 communications@met.edu	www.met.edu
Garodia School of Professional Studies	5th Floor Plot No. 153, Garodia Nagar, Ghatkopar East Mumbai-400077	022 -25065457, 25060777 gsps@garodia.com	www.gspsinfo.com
M.E.S. Humera Khan Institute of Management Studies & Research	H.K. Campus, Pratiksha Nagar, Adj. Municipal School Oshiwara, Jogeshwari (W) Mumbai- 400102, Fax- 022-26770095	022-26774639, 022-26774588 admin@hkcollege.ac.in	www.hkcollege.ac.in
Chetana s RK Institute Of Management and Research	Survey No. 341, Govt. Colony, Bandra – East, Mumbai -400051, Fax-91- 22- 26406172	91-22-26513346, 26516643 info@crkimr.in	www.crkimr.in
GNVS Institute of Management	GTB Nagar, Sion Koliwada (E), GTB Nagar Railway Stn.(E) , Mumbai – 400037, Fax- 91-022-24030054	91 81089 79137, 98201 02938 gnvsiom@gmail.com	www.gnvsiom.org
Guru Nanak Institute of Management Studies	G.N Khalsa College Campus, King’s Circle, Matunga Mumbai 400019, Fax- 022-24043933	022-24043928 gnimscom@gnims.com	www.gnims.com
Bushra International Institute of Graduate Studies	D.Y Patil Building, Opp MIG Colony, Adarsh Nagar, Worli, Mumbai-400025, Fax- 022-26939465	022-24305555 query@biigsindia.com	N.A.
Amity Global Business School	Infinity Towers, 4th Floor, Opp. Goregaon Sports Complex, Malda (W) Mind Space Mumbai- 400064	09819783213, 09819783214 admissions@amityvarsity.com	N.A.
AEFT Dadar College of Management	Dr.Antonio Da Silva College (New Building), Near Kabootar Khana, S.K. Bhole Road, Dadar (W) Mumbai-400 028	9224450573 dadsdadar@yahoo.co.in	www.aeftscollege.com
M Visvesvaraya Institute Of Management Studies and Research	Road No 7A, Sewree-Wadala Estate, Scheme No-57, Beside Indulal-D. Bhua Marg, Near UIT and VJTI, Wadala West, Mumbai – 400031	022 – 24180561, 24180562, 24180563 svims3@gmail.com	www.svims.com

Antonyms Practice

1. DESTITUTE:
a) Adrift
b) Civilized
c) Affected
d) Affected
e) Miserly
2. CAMARADERIE:
a) Sincerity
b) Retardation
c) Refutation
d) Animosity
e) Parody
3. DISSUADE:
a) Extort
b) Exhort
c) Extol
d) Assuage
e) Intensify
3. EGRESS:
a) Exit
b) Entrance
c) Acceptance
d) Rejection
e) Snake
4. GELID:
a) Hard
b) Warm
c) Soft
d) Cold
e) Medium
5. SUPERCILIOUS:
a) Excited
b) Humility
c) Haughty
d) Below
e) Standard Whimsical

Reply answer by comment…

2/27/2026

RBI the apex banking institution

RBI the apex banking institution, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has a basic function “…to regulate the issue of Bank Notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage.” The RBI, which commenced operations on April 1, 1935, is at the centre of India’s financial system. Hence it is called the Central Bank. It has a fundamental commitment to maintaining the nation’s monetary and financial stability. It started as a private share-holders’ bank – but was nationalized in 1949, under the Reserve Bank (Transfer of Public Ownership) Act, 1948.
RBI is banker to the Central Government, State Governments and Banks. Key functions of RBI Include:
• Monetary policy
• Supervision of Banking companies, Non-banking Finance companies and Financial Sector, Primary Dealers and Credit Information Bureaus
• Regulation of money market, government securities market, foreign exchange market and derivatives linked to these markets.
• Management of foreign currency reserves of the country and its current and capital account.
• Issue and management of currency
• Oversight of payment and settlement systems
• Development of banking sector
• Research and statistics.
While RBI performs these functions, the actual banking needs of individuals, companies and other establishments are met by banking institutions (called commercial banks) and non banking
finance companies that are regulated by RBI.
RBI exercises its supervisory powers over banks under the Banking Companies Act, 1949, which later became Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

2/27/2026

IPCI Capsule 2 – Banking Awareness

Core Banking Solutions (CBS): Core Banking Solutions is a buzz word in Indian banking at present, where branches of the bank are connected to a central host and the customers of connected branches can do banking at any breach with core banking facility.
Debit Card: A plastic card issued by banks to customers to withdraw money electronically from their accounts. When you purchase things on the basis of Debit Card the amount due is debited immediately to the account. Many banks issue Debit-Cum-ATM Cards.
E-Banking: E-Banking or electronic banking is a form of banking where funds are transferred through exchange of electronic signals between banks and financial institution and customers ATMs, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, International Cards, Internet Banking and new fund transfer devices like SWIFT, RTGS belong to this category.
Foreign Banks: Banks incorporated outside India but operating in India and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),. e..g., Barclays Bank, HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, etc.
Initial Public Offering (IPO): An event where a company sells its shares to the public for the first time. The company can be referred to as an IPO for a period of time after the event.
Money Laundering: When a customer uses banking channels to cover up his suspicious and unlawful financial activities, it is called money laundering.
Monetary policy: Monetary policy is usually defined as the central banks policy pertaining to the control of availability, cost and use of money and credit with the help of monetary measures in order to achieve specific goals,
Insider Trading: The illegal use of non-public information about a company to make profitable securities transactions.
JHF Account: Joint Hindu Family Account is account of a firm whose business is carried out by Karta of the Joint family, acting for all the family members.. The family members have common ancestor and generally maintain a common residence and are subject to common social, economic and religious regulations.
Joint Account: When two or more individuals jointly open an account with a bank.
Kiosk Banking: Doing banking from a cubicle from which food, newspapers, tickets etc. are also sold.
Letter of Credit: A document issued by importers bank to its branch or agent abroad authorizing the payment of a specified sum to a person named in Letter of Credit (usually exporter from abroad). Letters of Credit are covered by rules framed under Uniform Customs and Practices of Documentary Credits framed by International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.
Mortgage: Transfer of an interest in specific immovable property for the purpose of offering a security for taking a loan or advance from another. It may be existing or future debt or performance of an agreement which may create monetary obligation for the transferor (mortgagor).
LIBOR: The London Interbank Offered Rate (or LIBOR) is a daily reference rate based on the interest rates at which banks offer to lend unsecured funds to other banks in the London wholesale money market (or interbank market). The LIBOR rate is published daily by the British Banker’s Association and will be slightly higher than the London Interbank Bid Rate (LIBID), the rate at which banks are prepared to accept deposits,
Minor Accounts: A minor is a person who has not attained legal age of 18 years. As per Contract Act a minor cannot enter into a contract but as per Negotiable Instrument Act, a minor can draw, negotiate, endorse, receive payment on a Negotiable Instrument so as to bind all the persons, except himself. In order to boost their deposits many banks open minor accounts with some restrictions.

Abhishek Verma became first Indian to win Silver Medal in Archery World Cup Final

Abhishek Verma gave India a perfect Independence Day gift by clinching the gold medal in the compound men’s individual section to open their account in the Archery World Cup Stage 3 on Saturday. Having failed as a team in the bronze play-off earlier in the day, the world number 18 was at his best in the individual final as he held on to his lead to wrap up the issue 148-145 against Esmaeil Ebadi of Iran.

India’s recurve mixed pair of Deepika Kumari and Mangal Singh Champia will look to earn the country a second gold when they face their opponents from Mexico on Sunday.

2/27/2026

IPCI Capsule 1 Banking Awareness

Certificate of Deposit: Certificate of Deposits are negotiable receipts in bearer form which can be freely traded among investors. This is also a money market instrument, issued for a period ranging from 7 days to one year .The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 1 lakh and they are transferable by endorsement and delivery.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMS): Also known as variable-rate mortgages. The initial interest rate is usually below that of conventional fixed-rate loans. The interest rate may change over the life of the loan as market conditions change. There is typically a maximum (or ceiling) and a minimum (or floor) defined in the loan agreement. If interest rates rise, so does the loan payment. If interest rates fall, the loan payment may as well.
Arbitrage: Buying a financial instrument in one market in order to sell the same instrument at a higher price in another market.
Bank Ombudsman: Bank Ombudsman is the authority to look into complaints against Banks in the main areas of collection of cheque / bills, issue of demand drafts, non-adherence to prescribed hours of working, failure to honour guarantee / letter of credit commitments, operations in deposit accounts and also in the areas of loans and advances where banks flout directions / instructions of RBI. This Scheme was announced in 1995 and is functioning with new guidelines from 2007. This scheme covers all scheduled banks, the RRBs and co-operative banks.
Bancassurance: Bancassurance refers to the distribution of insurance products and the insurance policies of insurance companies which may be life policies or non-life policies like home insurance – car insurance, medi-policies and others, by banks as corporate agents through their branches located in different parts of the country by charging a fee.
Anytime/Anywhere Banking: With introduction of ATMs, Tele-Banking and internet banking, customers can conduct their business anytime of the day and night. The ‘Banking Hours’ is not a constraint for transacting banking business.
Bank Ombudsman: Bank Ombudsman is the authority to look into complaints against Banks in the main areas of collection of cheque / bills, issue of demand drafts, non-adherence to prescribed hours of working, failure to honour guarantee / letter of credit commitments, operations in deposit accounts and also in the areas of loans and advances where banks flout directions / instructions of RBI. This Scheme was announced in 1995 and is functioning with new guidelines from 2007. This scheme covers all scheduled banks, the RRBs and co-operative banks.
ATM: ATMs are Automatic Teller Machines, which do the job of a teller in a bank through Computer Network. ATMs are located on the branch premises or off branch premises. ATMs are useful to dispense cash, receive cash, accept cheques, give balances in the accounts and also give mini-statements to the customers.
Basis Point: One hundredth of 1%. A measure normally used in the statement of interest rate e.g., a change from 5.75% to 5.81% is a change of 6 basis points. Bear Markets: Unfavorable markets associated with falling prices and investor pessimism.
Blue Chips: Blue chips are unsurpassed in quality and have a long and stable record of earnings and dividends. They are issued by large and well-established firms that have impeccable financial credentials.
Call Money: Call money is the borrowing or lending of funds for 1 day. Where money is borrowed or lend for period between 2 days and 14 days it is known as ‘Notice Money’.
Cheque Truncation: Cheque truncation truncates or stops the flow of cheques through the banking system. Generally truncation takes place at the collecting branch, which sends the electronic image of the cheques to the paying branch through the clearing house and stores the paper cheques with it.
Credit Rating: An assessment of the likelihood of an individual or business being able to meet its financial obligations. Credit ratings are provided by credit agencies or rating agencies to verify the financial strength of the issuer for investors. E.g. CRISIL, ICRA, S&P.
Gross Domestic product (GDP): The total of market value of the finished goods and services produced in a country in a given year. Comprising of three sectors: Agriculture, Industry and Services.
Gross National Product(GNP): The total market value of finished goods and services produced in the country in a given year, plus income of domestic residents from investments made abroad, minus income earned by foreigners abroad from the domestic market
Demat Account: Demat Account concept has revolutionized the capital market of India. When a depository company takes paper shares from an investor and converts them in electronic form through the concerned company, it is called Dematerialization of Shares. These converted Share Certificates in Electronic form are kept in a Demat Account by the Depository Company, like a bank keeps money in a deposit account. Investor can withdraw the shares or purchase more shares through this demat Account.
EFT – (Electronic Fund Transfer): EFT is a device to facilitate automatic transmission and processing of messages as well as funds from one bank branch to another bank branch and even from one branch of a bank to a branch of another bank. EFT allows transfer of funds electronically with debit and credit to relative accounts.
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce): E-Commerce is the paperless commerce where the exchange of business takes place by Electronic means.

CDS Previous year question paper English-2015

The “Combined Defence Services”Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy. The Notification for the examination is usually released in the months of October and June, and the examinations are conducted in February and November respectively. Only unmarried graduates are eligible to sit for the exam. Successful candidates are admitted into the respective Academies after an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Click here to download: CDS Previous year English paper

2/27/2026

MICR code consists of how many digits- 9 digits. (First three digits denotes city, next three digits representing the bank and the last three digits representing the bank branch)
What is the minimum limit in RTGS system -2 lakhs (there is no upper limit in RTGS)
What is full form of CTS – Cheque Truncation System
Under which service, customers may access their bank account and perform basic transactions from any of the member branch offices – Core Banking Solution (CBS)
Exchange of cash flow in different currency is known as – Currency Swap
Assets or loans which stop performing after 90 days is known as Non Performing Asset (NPA).
Who controls the Monetary Policy in India – RBI (Reserve Bank of India).
RuPay card is issued by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
Definition of Current Account deficit – A measurement of a country’s trade in which the value of goods and services it imports exceeds the value of goods and services it exports.
Full form IFSC – Indian Financial System Code ((The IFSC is an 11 digit alpha numeric code, with the first four digits identifying the bank, fifth is numeric (kept 0) and the last six digits represent the bank branch.))
Commercial paper can be issued for a maximum period of 365 days or 1 year.
The Mutual funds in India follow accounting standards laid by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
Minimum amount for Certificate of Deposit has been fixed at Rs. 1 Lakh.
AML is a term mainly used in the financial and legal industries. Expand the term AML- Anti Money Laundering
PIN is a number allocated to an individual and used to validate electronic transactions. Expand PIN (Personal Identification Number)
Repo rate is the rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to the commercial banks.
A cheque which is presented to a bank after 3 months from date of issue is considered as stale cheque and will often not be honored for cash or deposit at a bank.
Bancassurance: The selling of life assurance and other insurance products and services by banking institutions.
KYC: KYC guidelines is to prevent banks from being used, intentionally or unintentionally, by criminal elements for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines are issued under: Ans: Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949
BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account): the credits in a financial year does not exceed rupees Rs. 1 lakh
In BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account) the balance at any point of time does not exceed rupees: Ans: Rs. 50,000
In BSBDA (Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account) the withdrawals and transfers in a month does not exceed rupees Rs. 10,000
CASA: Current Account Saving Account
In what denominations Commercial Paper (CP) can be issued Rs. 5 lakh
2500 is the minimum denomination of Treasury bills to issue in India.
Certificate of Deposit (CD) cannot issue Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Local Area Banks (LABs)
ASBA: Application Supported by Blocked Amount.
Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) is maintained with RBI.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the amount of funds that the banks have to keep with Central Bank (RBI).
Maximum amount per transaction NEFT limit for cash-based remittances to Nepal Rs. 50,000.
CAR: Capital Adequacy Ratio
When money is lent or borrowed for one day or on overnight basis it is known as Call Money.
When money is lent or borrowed for between 2 days and 14 days it is known as Notice money
When money is lent or borrowed for a period of more than 14 days, it is known as Term money.
Treasury Bills and Certificate of Deposit are considered as the negotiable money market instruments.
Commercial Paper (CP) is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of a Promissory note
5 lakhs is the upper limit in Public Provident Fund (PPF).
As per RBI guidelines, with effect from April 1, 2012, the validity period of Cheques, Demand Drafts, Pay Orders and Banker’s Cheques is 3 months.
90 days is the time limit for an asset or loan to be declared as Non-Performing Asset.
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) does not cover Primary co-operative societies.
RBI measure to liquidate the market: Repo rate.
Full form of EFT: Electronic Fund Transfer
Fastest mode of transaction: RTGS
Daily Basis Bank pays interest on savings account.
What is the loan limit for education under priority sector for studies abroad Rs. 20 lakh (Loans to individuals for educational purposes including vocational courses upto Rs.10 lakh for studies in India and Rs. 20 lakh for studies abroad are included under priority sector.)
Fixed Deposit (FD)Account may be opened for a minimum period of: Ans: 7 days 52 and minimum amount Rs.1000 required to open a Fixed Deposit (FD).
The Banks has converted all ‘no – frills’ accounts’ into Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts
‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ is a Scheme for Financial inclusion & overdraft facility to be provided in ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’ scheme Rs. 5,000.
In CBS, C stands for Core Banking Solution.
In CRAR, A stands for Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio)
IMPS – Immediate Payment Service is an interbank electronic instant mobile money transfer service through mobile phones in India, the facility is provided by NPCI (National Payment Corporation of India).
The Central Bank of India has adopted new measure of inflation Consumer Price Index (CPI)
When a cheque is torn into two or more pieces and presented for payment, such a cheque is mutilated cheque.
Deputy Governor of RBI appellate authority in Banking Ombusdsman. If any customer is not satisfied by the decision of Banking Ombudsman, customer can appeal against the award before the appellate authority within 30 days.
ATMs or Cash Dispensing machine which are owned and operated by Non-Banking Financial Companies are called White Label ATMs.
RBI gave in-principle for Banking license to IDFC and Bandhan and Minimum capital requirement for new banks in private sector is 500 crore.
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under Companies Act, 1956 and Minimum capital requirement for Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is Rs. 500 crore.
The NBFCs are allowed to accept/renew public deposits for a minimum period of 12 months ( and maximum period of 60 months)
A NBFCs cannot offer interest rates higher than the ceiling rate prescribed by RBI and the present ceiling 12.5%pa.
Minimum capital requirement for Foreign banks that want to set up operations in India is Rs. 500 crore.
100 crores minimum paid-up capital requirement of both small banks and payments banks in India.
RBI extended the timeline for full implementation of Basel III norms till 31 March 2019.
SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) is the amount a commercial banks needs to maintain in the form of Cash or Gold or govt. approved securities.
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) is the rate at which banks borrow funds overnight from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) against approved government securities.
Treasury bills (T-bills) issue Government of India and Treasury bills are available for a minimum amount Rs. 25,000
to implement GST (Goods & Services Tax) new indirect tax regime from 1st April 2016.
RBI extends deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency from June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
2000 amount RBI allows in ‘Tap and pay’ transactions without PIN.
RBI lifted a ban on carrying Indian bank notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs. 500 denominations to and from Nepal and Bhutan.
Pension scheme for unorganized sector Swavalamban.
Full form of REIT: Real State Investment Trust.
Forward Market Commission merge with SEBI.
Purpose of starting Minor account for 10 years children Financial inclusion.
Full form of CVV: Card Verification Value.
(BIS)Bank of International Settlement headquarters in Switzerland.
RBI appoints Banking Ombudsman officer.
IFRS full form International Financial Reporting Standards.
Corporate Social Responsibility committee headed is by Anil Baijal.
NABARD is the Regulatory body for RRBs.
Mutual funds regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
MTSS stand for Money Transfer Service scheme.
2% of NDTL amount of money can RBI lend to a bank.

Salient Features of the Harappan Culture

Town Planning
The Harappan culture was distinguished by its system of townplanning on the lines of the grid system – that is streets and lanes cutting across one another almost at right angles thus dividing the city into several rectangular blocks. Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Kalibangan each had its own citadel built on a high podium of mud brick. Below the citadel in each city lay a lower town containing brick houses, which were inhabited by the common people. The large-scale use of burnt bricks in almost all kinds of constructions and the absence of stone buildings are the important characteristics of the Harappan culture. Another remarkable feature was the underground drainage system connecting all houses to the street drains which were covered by stone slabs or bricks.The most important public place of Mohenjodaro is the Great Bath measuring 39 feet length, 23 feet breadth and 8 feet depth. Flights of steps at either end lead to the surface. There are side rooms for changing clothes. The floor of the Bath was made of burnt bricks. Water was drawn from a large well in an adjacent room, and an outlet from one corner of the Bath led to a drain. It must have served as a ritual bathing site. The largest building in Mohenjodaro is a granary measuring 150 feet length and 50 feet breadth. But in the citadel of Harappa we find as many as six granaries.

Economic life
There was a great progress in all spheres of economic activity such as agriculture, industry and crafts and trade. Wheat and barley were the main crops grown besides sesame, mustard and cotton. Surplus grain is stored in granaries. Animals like sheep, goats and buffalo were domesticated. The use of horse is not yet firmly established. A number of other animals were hunted for food including deer. Specialized groups of artisans include goldsmiths, brick makers, stone cutters, weavers, boat-builders and terracotta manufacturers. Bronze and copper vessels are the outstanding examples of the Harappan metal craft. Gold and silver ornaments are found in many places. Pottery Harapan Seal remains plain and in some places red and black painted pottery is found. Beads were manufactured from a wide variety of semi-precious stones. Internal trade was extensive with other parts of India. Foreign trade was mainly conducted with Mesopotamia, Afghanistan and Iran Gold, copper, tin and several semi-precious stones were imported. Main exports were several agricultural products such as wheat, barely, peas, oil seeds and a variety of finished products including cotton goods, pottery, beads, terracotta figures and ivory products. There is much evidence to prove the trade links between the Indus and Sumerian people. Many seals of Indus valley have
been found in Mesopotamia. Trade was of the barter type. The seals and the terracotta models of the Indus valley reveal the use of bullock carts and oxen for land transport and boats and ships for river and sea transport.

Social Life
Much evidence is available to understand the social life of the Harappans. The dress of both men and women consisted of two pieces of cloth, one upper garment and the other lower garment. Beads were worn by men and women. Jewelleries such as bangles, bracelets, fillets, girdles, anklets, ear-rings and fingerrings were worn by women. These ornaments were made of gold, silver, copper, bronze and semi precious stones. The use of cosmetics was common. Various household articles made of pottery, stone, shells, ivory and metal have been found at Mohenjodaro. Spindles, needles, combs, fishhooks, knives are made of copper. Children’s toys include little clay carts. Marbles, balls and dice were used for games. Fishing was a regular occupation while hunting and bull fighting were other pastimes. There were numerous specimens of weapons of war such as axes, spearheads, daggers, bows, arrows made of copper and bronze.

Arts
The Harappan sculpture revealed a high degree of workmanship. Figures of men and women, animals and birds made of terracotta and the carvings on the seals show the degree of proficiency attained by the sculptor. The figure of a dancing girl from Mohenjodaro made of bronze is remarkable for its workmanship. Its right hand rests on the hip, while the left arm, covered with bangles, hangs loosely in a relaxed posture. Two stone statues from Harappa, one representing the back view of a man and the other of a dancer are also specimens of their sculpture. The pottery from Harappa is another specimen of the fine arts of the Indus people. The pots and jars were painted with various designs and colours. Painted pottery is of better quality. The pictorial motifs consisted of geometrical patterns like horizontal lines, circles, leaves, plants and trees. On some pottery pieces we find figures of fish or peacock.

Script
The Harappan script has still to be fully deciphered. The number of signs is between 400 and 600 of which 40 or 60 are basic and the rest are their variants. The script was mostly written from right to left. In a few long seals the boustrophedon method – writing in the reverse direction in alternative lines – was adopted. Parpola and his Scandinavian colleagues came to the conclusion that the language of the Harappans was Dravidian. Agroup of Soviet scholars accepts this view. Other scholars provide different view connecting the Harappan script with that of Brahmi. The mystery of the Harappan script still exists and there is no doubt that the decipherment of Harappan
script will throw much light on this culture.

Religion
From the seals, terracotta figurines and copper tablets we get an idea on the religious life of the Harappans. The chief male deity was Pasupati, (proto-Siva) represented in seals as sitting in a yogic posture with three faces and two horns. He is surrounded by four animals (elephant, tiger, rhino, and buffalo each facing a different direction). Two deer appear on his feet. The chief female deity was the Mother Goddess represented in terracotta figurines. In latter times, Linga worship was prevalent. Trees and animals were also worshipped by the Harappans. They believed in ghosts and evil forces and used amulets as protection against them.

Burial Methods
The cemeteries discovered around the cities like Mohenjodaro, Harappa, Kalibangan, Lothal and Rupar throw light on the burial practices of the Harappans. Complete burial and post-cremation burial were popular at Mohenjodaro. At Lothal the burial pit was lined with burnt bricks indicating the use of coffins. Wooden coffins were also found at Harappa. The practice of pot burials is found at Lothal sometimes with pairs of skeletons. However, there is no clear
evidence for the practice of Sati.

Decline of the Harappan Culture

There is no unanimous view pertaining to the cause for the decline of the Harappan culture. Various theories have been postulated. Natural calamities like recurring floods, drying up of rivers, decreasing fertility of the soil due to excessive exploitation and occasional earthquakes might have caused the decline of the Harappan cities. According to some scholars the final blow was delivered by the invasion of Aryans. The destruction of forts is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Also, the discovery of human skeletons huddled together at Mohenjodaro indicates that the city was invaded by foreigners. The Aryans had superior weapons as well as swift horses which might have enabled them to become masters of this region.

Vidya Devi Bhandari was today elected as Nepal's first woman President

Communist leader Vidya Devi Bhandari was today elected as Nepal’s first woman President by the parliament, weeks after it adopted a new landmark Constitution that declared the country a secular state.

54-year-old Bhandari, the Vice-president of CPN-UML and widow of late general secretary of the party Madan Bhandari, secured 327 votes against 214 votes of her rival veteran Nepali Congress leader Kul Bahadur Gurung.

2/27/2026

Practice Set -1 Noun & Number Common Error

Directions (Q. 1-20): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E), i.e. ‘No error’. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.)

Q.1 One of the problem (A)/ with you (B)/ is that you do not (C)/ come in time. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.2 All the girls students (A)/ of the college are advised (B)/ to sit in the(C)/ girls’ common room. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.3 The majority of the woman (A)/ teachers are persuading (B)/ the principal to consider (C)/ their demands. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.4 He said that (A)/ he always kept in his pocket (B)/ a bundle of one hundred (C)/ rupees notes. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.5 He gave me (A)/ two important informations (B)/ I had been waiting for (C)/ the previous two Month (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.6 The class teacher (A)/ gave him a home work (B)/ and instructed him to do it (C)/ at night. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.7 I saw only (A)/ five police who (B)/ were running after (C)/ the bank robbers. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.8 The wall of this magnificent (A)/ building is (B)/ fifty foot high and its paintings (C)/ are very striking (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.9 Wordsworth’s poetries (A)/ is characterized by his subtle description (B)/ of the beauty and liveliness (C)/ of nature. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.10 When you see his (A)/ offsprings, you can’t (B)/ believe that he is (C)/ above seventy.(D)/ No Error(E)

Q.11 When he returned (A)/ from America, informed me (B)/ that he had come here (C)/ to do an urgent work. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.12 The issues are (A)/ very complex and the problem (B)/ is that they are bound to be obscured (C)/ by these hypocritical politician. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.13 These type of books (A)/ are certainly helpful to the students (B)/ preparing for the banking service(C)/ Examinations. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.14 “I have never seen (A)/ such as lovely spectacles (B)/ in my life”, said (C)/ the passer-by.(D)/ No Error (E)

Q.15 Owing to his heavy engagement, (A)/ he could not write even the two-third (B)/ of the book which (C)/the publication was expected before January. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.16 It is harmful (A)/ to take cupful (B)/ of tea (C)/ five times a day. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.17 The brethrens (A)/ of this locality are always (B)/ at daggers dawn without any (C)/ apparent reason(D)/ No Error (E)

Q.18 The sceneries (A)/ of Kashmir is more beautiful (B)/ than that of (C)/ Darjeeling. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.19 He has ordered (A)/ bricks (B)/ for the proposed (C)/ hotel and bar. (D)/ No Error (E)

Q.20 He does not (A)/ cut paper with (B)/ blade, but (C)/ with scissor. (D)/ No Error (E)

Answer:

1. A 2. A 3. A 4. D 5. B 6. B 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. B 11. D 12. E 13. A 14. B 15. B 16. B 17. A 18. A 19. B 20. D

Explanations:

1. Substitute plural noun problems for problem.
2. Substitute Girl students for girls students.
3. Substitute Women for Woman.
4. Substitute rupee for rupees. (one hundred rupee notes)
5. Substitute information for informations (information is singular uncountable noun and a/an never used before singular uncountable noun).
6. Substitute homework for a home work.
7. Substitute policemen for police ( the police uncountable noun but police man countable noun)
8. Substitute feet for foot (foot of feet are plural).
9. Substitute pieces of poetry or poems for poetries.
10. Substitute offspring for offsprings.
11. Substitute urgent work for an urgent work
12. No error
13. Substitute types for type (these, those, certain etc are adjective its come after plural noun)
14. Substitute spectacle for spectacles (here spectacle means scenes which singular uncountable noun. e.g. what a beautiful spectacle! = what a beautiful sight)
15. Substitute two-thirds for two-third(one-third is singular but two thirds, three-fourths are plural).
16. Substitute cupfuls (plural form) for cupsful (meaning less)
17. Substitute brethren for brethrens (brethren are plural which means brothers)\
18. Substitute scenery for sceneries.
19. Substitute pieces of brick for bricks
20. Substitute scissors for scissor (two part of instruments are always plural)

Singular uncountable noun:- news, information, advice, work, scenery, pottery, imagery, Poetry, stationary etc with all nouns which never used to before a/an and after s/es.

IBPS P.O mains question based on graph-1

The graph provided information gives the sales of books (in thousand numbers) from six branches of a publishing company during two consecutive years 2000 and 2001. Answer the questions based on this bar-graph:

Graph 1 Sales of books (in thousand numbers) from six branches-B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and B6 of a publishing company in 2000 and 2001

Q.1) total sales of branches B1, B3 and B5 together for both the years (in thousand numbers) is:
(a) 250
(b) 310
(c) 435
(d)560
(e)585
Q.2) total sales of branch B6 for both the years is what percent of the total sales of branch B3 for both the years?
(a) 68.54%
(b)71.11%
(c) 73.17%
(d)75.55%
(e)77.26%
Q.3) what is the average sale of all the branches (in thousand numbers) for the year 2000?
(a)73
(b)80
(c)83
(d)88
(e)96
Q.4) what is the ratio of the total sales of branch B2 for both years to the total sales of branch B4 for both years ?
(a)2:3
(b)3:5
(c)4:5
(d)5:7
(e)7:9
Q.5)what percent of the average sales of branches B1, B2 and B3 in 2001 is the average sales of branches B1, B3 and B6 in 2000?
(a)75%
(b)77.5%
(c)82.5%
(d)85%
(e)87.5%

Explanation:
1.(d) total sales of branches B1,B3 and B5 for both the years (in thousand numbers)=(80+105)+(95+110)+(75+95)=560

2(c) required percentage=[(70+80)/(95+110)*100]%=(150/205*100)%=73.17%

3(b)average sales of all the six branches (in thousand numbers ) for the year 2000=1/6*(80+75+95+85+75+70)=80

4(e) required ratio=(75+65)/(85+95)=140/180=7/9

5(e)average sales(in thousand numbers of branches B1,B3,and B6 in 2000= 1/3*(80+95+70)=245/3

average sales(in thousand numbers of branches B1,B2,and B3 in 2001=1/3*(105+65+110)=280/3

therefore required percentage=[((245/3)/(280/3))*100]%=(245/280*100)%=87.5%

MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus(IIFT, NMAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, CET, SNAP)

The most frequently asked questions by an aspirant of MBA are about the syllabus for entrance exams. But, there is no set syllabus for MBA Entrance exams. A brief outline of the syllabus for CAT, the most popular MBA entrance exam, can be obtained from the pattern of previous year exams and from the topics included in those exams. CAT test structure includes Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. Similar sections, with some variations, occur in IIFT, NMAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, CET, SNAP etc

Quantitative Math
Simplification (BODMAS)
Fraction
Approximate
Series
Averages
Ratio and Proportion Age, Partnership
Allegations and Mixtures
Percentages
CI and SI
Profit and Loss
Time and Distance
Boat and stream
Time and Work
Pipe and Cistern
Commercial Maths
DI and DS
Clocks and Calendars

Advance Section Math:

Introduction to Numbers
Number Theory I
Number Theory II
LCM and HCF
Elementary Algebra
Solving Polynomial Equations
Inequalities
Progressions
Functions
Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Trigonometry
Mensuration
Height and Distance
Permutation and Combination
Probability
Set Theory

2/27/2026

Metal Age

The Neolithic period is followed by Chalcolithic (copper-stone) period when copper and bronze came to be used. The new technology of smelting metal ore and crafting metal artifacts is an important development in human civilization. But the use of stone tools was not given up. Some of the micro-lithic tools continued to be essential items. People began to travel for a long distance to obtain metal ores. This led to a network of Chalcolithic cultures
and the Chalcolithic cultures were found in many parts of India Generally, Chalcolithic cultures had grown in river valleys. Most importantly, the Harappan culture is considered as a part of Chalcolithic culture. In South India the river valleys of the Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar and Kaveri were settled by farming communities during this period. Although they were not using metals in the beginning of the Metal Age, there is evidence of copper and bronze artifacts by the end of second millennium B.C. Several bronze and copper objects, beads, terracotta figurines and pottery were found at Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu. The Chalcolithic age is followed by Iron Age. Iron is frequently referred to in the Vedas. The Iron Age of the southern peninsula is often related to Megalithic Burials. Megalith means Large Stone. The burial pits were covered with these stones. Such graves are extensively found in South India. Some of the important megalithic sites are Hallur and Maski in Karnataka, Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh and Adichchanallur in Tamil Nadu. Black and red pottery, iron artifacts such as hoes and sickles and small weapons were found in the burial pits.

2/27/2026

Banking Awareness: IBPS Exam related banking word:

Balance: the difference between credits and debits in an account
Bank charges: money paid to a bank for the bank’s services etc
Branch: local office or bureau of a bank
Checkbook: book containing detachable checks; chequebook
Check: written order to a bank to pay the stated sum from one’s account; cheque
Credit: money in a bank a/c; sum added to a bank a/c; money lent by a bank
Credit card (plastic) card from a bank authorising the purchasing of goods on credit
Current account: bank a/c from which money may be drawn at any time; checking account
Debit: a sum deducted from a bank account, as for a cheque
Deposit account: bank a/c on which interest is paid; savings account
Fill in: to add written information to a document to make it complete; to fill out
Interest: money paid for the use of money lent – interest rate.
Loan: money lent by a bank etc and that must be repaid with interest.
Overdraft: deficit in a bank account caused by withdrawing more money than is paid in
Pay in: [paid, paid] to deposit or put money in to a bank account
Payee: person to whom money is paid
Paying-in slip small document recording money that you pay in to a bank account
Standing order: an instruction to a bank to make regular payments
Statement: a record of transactions in a bank account
Letter of credit: a letter from a bank authorising a person to draw money from another bank
Bill of lading: list of goods and shipping instructions; waybill
Point of sale. the place where a product is actually sold to the public
A.T.M. Automated Teller Machine; cash dispenser
Banknote: a piece of paper money; bill
Bill a banknote: a piece of paper money
Black market: illegal traffic in officially controlled commodities such as foreign currency
Bureau de change: establishment where currencies of different countries may be exchanged
Cash: coins or bank notes (not cheques); actual money paid as opposed to credit
Cash dispenser: automatic machine from which clients of a bank may withdraw money; ATM
cashier: person dealing with cash transactions in a bank, store etc
Currency: the money in general use or circulation in any country
Exchange rate: the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another
Foreign exchange: the currency of other countries
Hard currency: currency that will probably not fall in value and is readily accepted
Invest: to put money for profit into business, land etc – investment
Legal tender: currency that cannot legally be refused in payment of a debt
Petty cash: a cash fund for small, everyday expenses
Soft currency: currency that will probably fall in value and is not readily accepted
Speculate: (risky) buying of foreign currency, land etc for rapid gain – speculation
Transaction: a (usually commercial) exchange; a deal – to transact

IBPS Clerk Previous Year Question Paper -2013

In IBPS Examination Logical Reasoning consists of question types which test both your mathematical and logical abilities. These questions are there is most of the examinations, and present an interesting challenge to students. In IBPS Examination a situation which question to skip and to solve question in examination.

Q.1) How many meaningful words can be made from the letters ’DEIV’ using each letter only once?
(1) None
(2) One
(3) Two
(4) Three
(5) More than three

Q.2) If “Star is called Planet” “Planet is called Satellite”, “Satellite is called Earth”, “Earth is called Comet”, then ‘Earth’ is classified under which category?
(1) Galaxy
(2) Comet
(3) Planet
(4) Star
(5) Satellite

Q.3) In a certain code ROPE is written as %57$, DOUBT is written as 35#8* and LIVE is written as’@24$. How is TROUBLE written in that code?
(1) *%5#8@$
(2) *%#58@$
(3) *%5#8@4
(4) *%#58$@
(5) None of these

Q.4) If in the number 589463271 all the odd digits are firs arranged in ascending order and then all the even digit are arranged in ascending order, which digit will be sec and to the right of fifth digit from the right end?
(1) 5
(2) 6
(3) 2
(4) 4
(5) None of these

Q.5) If the letters of the word VERTICAL are arranged alphabetically, how many letters will remain at the same position?
(1) Four
(2) Three
(3) Two
(4) One
(5) None of these

Q.6) How many such pairs of letters are there in the won EXAMINATION, each of which has as many letters between them in the word, as they have in the English alphabet?
(1) None
(2) One
(3) Two
(4) Three
(5) More than three

Q.7) If it is possible to make a three-digit number from th third, the fifth and the sixth digits of the number 30651972 using each digit only once, which is the square of a odd number the last digit of that three-digit number 1 your answer. If no such number can be formed you answer is 4 and if more than one such number can be formed your answer is 8.
(1) 1
(2) 9
(3) 6
(4) 4
(5) 8

Q.8) If it is possible to make only one meaningful word from the third, the sixth, the ninth and the tenth letters of the word PARENTHESIS, using each letter only once, letter of the word is your answer. If no such word can be formed your answer is X and if more than one such word can be formed your answer is Y.
(1) R
(2) T
(3) S
(4) X
(5) Y

Q.9) Four of the following two are alike in a certain way and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to the group?
(1) Iron
(2) Silver
(3) Copper
(4) Mercury
(5) Aluminum

Q.10) In a certain code HUMANITY is written as BNVIZUJO. How is EQUATION written that code?
(1) BVRFUJPQ
(2) BVRFOPJU
(3) BUVJPRFO
(4) BVJURFPO
(5) None of these

Direction (Q. 11-15): In each of the questions below are given four statements followed by three conclusions numbered I, II and III. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements disregarding commonly known facts.

Q.11) Statements:
Some pens are sticks.
Some sticks are canes.
All canes are scales.
No scale is weight.

Conclusions:
I. Some sticks are scales.
II. No stick is scale.
III. No cane is weight.

(1) Only either I or II follows
(2) Only I & II follow
(3) Only either I or II and III follow
(4) All I, II & III follow
(5) None of these

Q.12) Statements:

Some folders are boxes.
Some boxes are bags.
All bags are containers.
Some bags are sacks.

Conclusions:
I. No folder is bag.
II. Some boxes are containers.
III. Some sacks are containers.

(1) Only I & II follow
(2) Only II & III follow
(3) Only I & III follow
(4) All follow
(5) None follows’

Q.13) Statements:
Some insects are pests.
All pests are birds.
No bird is amphibian.
All amphibians are animals.

Conclusions:
I. No animal is bird.
II. Some insects are birds.
III. No pests are amphibians.

(1) Only I follows
(2) Only II follows
(3) Only III follows
(4) Only II & III follow
(5) None of these

Q.14) Statements:
Some paints are colours.
All colours are solutions.
Some solutions are liquids.
All liquids are solids.

Conclusions:
I. Some paints are solutions.
II. Some colours are liquids.
III. Some solutions are solids.

(1) Only I & II follow
(2) Only II & III follow
(3) All I, II & III follow
(4) None follows
(5) None these

Q.15) Statements:
All locks are keys.
All keys are doors.
Some doors are windows.
Some windows are floors.

Conclusions:
I. Some keys are windows.
II. No floor is door.
III. No lock is window.

(1) None follow
(2) Only I follow
(3) Only I & II follow
(4) Only III follow
(5) None of these

Directions (Q. 16-20): Below are given two arrangements I & II. The elements in the two arrangements written one below the other are corresponding elements. Study both the arrangements carefully to answer these questions.

I: T $ I E # D R H F @ % J M * D L
II: 5 8 Q 4 A K 3 U 6 W Y 1 7 V 2 9

Q.16) Four of the following are alike in a certain way on the basis of their positions in the above arrangements and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to the group?

(1) *2L
(2) I4#
(3) H6@
(4) EAD
(5) M1%

Q.17) If T8: 51, MV: 7A then FW : ?
(1) 6@
(2) 6%
(3) Y@
(4) YJ
(5) None of these

Q.18) If all the elements in the first half of the arrangement I are replaced by the corresponding elements in arrangement II, which element will be fourth to the left of eighth element from the right in arrangement I?

(1) #
(2) E
(3) 4
(4) A
(5) None of these

Q.19) What will come in place of question mark (?) in the following series based on the above arrangements?

TI$ QA4 # R D ?

(1) H@F
(2) UW6
(3) 36U
(4) RFH
(5) None of these

Q.20) If in arrangement I the order of all the elements is reversed, which element will be third to the left of eleventh from the left end?

(1) F
(2) 6
(3) H
(4) U
(5) None of these

Directions (Q. 21-25): Study the following information carefully to answer these questions.

Eight friends P, R, T, V, W, J, F & K are sitting around a circle facing the centre. T is third to the right of F and second to the left of W, P & R are not neighbours of W. R is third to the right of K. J is between W & K.

Q.21) Which of the following is the correct position of T with respect to K’s position?
(1) Second to the left
(2) Third to the left
(3) Third to the right
(4) Second to the right
(5) None of these

Q.22) Which of the following pairs has the first person to the immediate left of the second person?

(1) RP
(2) FJ
(3) VT
(4) JW
(5) JK

Q.23) Who is to the immediate right of F?

(1) J
(2) P
(3) R
(4) V
(5) None of these

Q.24) Which of the following is the correct position of V?

(1) Second to the left of R
(2) Between T & P
(3) To the immediate right of W
(4) To the immediate left of W
(5) None of these

Q.25. Who is second to the right of J?

(1) F
(2) V
(3) W
(4) P
(5) None of these

Directions (Q. 26-80): In these questions the symbols @, #, $,.and © are used with different meanings as follows:

‘A@B’ means ‘A is smaller than B’.
‘A#B’ means ‘A is either smaller than, or equal to B’.
‘A$B’ means ‘A is greater than B’.
‘A*B’ means ‘A is either greater than or equal to B’.
‘A©B’ means ‘A is neither greater nor smaller than B’.

In each question, three statements showing relationships have been given, which are followed by two conclusions I & II. Assuming that the given statements are true, find out which conclusion(s) is/are definitely true.

Give answer (1): if only conclusion I is true.
Give answer (2): if only conclusion II is true.
Give answer (3) : if either conclusion I or conclusion II is true.
Give answer (4): if neither conclusion I nor conclusion II is true.
Give answer (5): if both conclusions I and II are true.

Q.26) Statements: H#Q, Q@F, L$F

Conclusions:
I. L$H
II. H#F

Q.27) Statements: J$T, T@V, V#M

Conclusions:
I. T#M
II. J©M

Q.28) Statements: U#D, D@R, R©T

Conclusions:
I. U@R
II. T$D

Q29) Statements: M*L, L$K, K@R

Conclusions:
I. I. M *R
II. M@R

Q.30) Statements: J@N, N©W, W$V

Conclusions:
I. J©V
II. J@W

Directions (Q. 31-35): Each of the questions below

consists of a question and two statements numbered I and II are given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are sufficient to answer the question. Read both the statements and

Give answer (1): if the data in Statement I alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement II alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
Give answer (2): if the data in Statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question, while the data in Statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
Give answer (3): if the data in Statement I alone or in Statement II alone are sufficient to answer the question.
Give answer (4): if the data in both the Statements I and lI are not sufficient to answer the question.
Give answer (e): if the data in both the Statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question.

Q.31) Who among five boys Abhishek, Rajesh, Karan, Nitin and Vikas, each having different height, is second to the tallest among them?
Statements:

Only Rajesh is taller than Karan.
Nitin and Vikas are shorter than Abhishek.

Q.32) How many sons does Anita have?
Statements:

Anita is mother of X, who is brother of Y.
Anita’s daughter Nikita has only two brothers.

Q.33) What is the code for ‘where’ in the code language?
Statements:

In the code language ‘where is she’ is written as ‘ka mate’ and ‘she is good’ is written as ‘te ka ro’.
In the code language ‘where are you going’ is written as ‘lama pa je’ and ‘where is the girl’ is written as ‘cha fa mate’.

Q.34) How many children are there in the row of children facing North?
Statements:

Sangita is third from the left end of the row and is third to the left of Hasina.
Rakesh is fifth from the right end of the row and is third to the right of Hasina.

Q.35) How is Nandini related to Santosh?
Statements:

Nandini’s brother is the only grandson of Santosh’s father.
Nandini has only one brother.

Directions (Q. 36-38): Use the following information to answer these questions.

‘A + B’ means ‘A is father of B’.
‘A x B’ means ‘A is daughter of B’.
‘A *. B’ means ‘A is brother of B’.
‘A – B’ means ‘A is wife of B’.

Q.36) In ‘L-M + K ÷ F’ how is ‘Ferreted to ‘L’?
(1) Son
(2) Daughter
(3) Nephew
(4) Cannot be determined
(5) None of these

Q.37) Which of the following expressions means ‘J is son of D’?

(1) D + L × H ÷ J
(2) J ÷ P × D
(3) J ÷ P – D
(4) T – D + J
(5) None of these

Q.38) In ‘H + K × R’, how if ‘R’ related to ‘ H’?
(1) Husband
(2) Brother
(3) Wife
(4) Mother
(5) None of these

Directions (Q. 39-40): These questions are based on the following set of numbers.

348 436 652 198 563

Q.39) If the first and the third digit in each number are interchanged, which number will be the smallest?
(1) 348
(2) 436
(3) 652
(4) 198
(5) 563

Q.40) If the first two digits in each number are interchanged and then the newly formed numbers are arranged in descending order, which number will be second?
(1) 348
(2) 436
(3) 652
(4) 198
(5) 563

Click here to download full question papers

ANSWERS

1. (4) 2. (1) 3. (1) 4. (4) 5. (5) 6. (2) 7. (5) 8.(1) 9. (4) 10. (2) 11. (2) 12. (2) 13. (4) 14. (5) 15.(5) 16.(5) 17. (2) 18. (4) 19. (3) 20. (1) 21. (5) 22. (5) 23.(2) 24. (4) 25. (1) 26. (1) 27. (4) 28. (5) 29. (3) 30. (2) 31.(4) 32. (2) 33. (3) 34. (5) 35. (4) 36. (4) 37. (2) 38. (3) 39. (3) 40. (5)

World Bank retains India growth forecast at 7.5% for 2015-16

The World Bank has maintained its growth forecast for India in 2015-16 at 7.5 per cent, while lowering marginally the projection for 2016-17 to 7.8 per cent, and for 2017-18 to 7.9 per cent. The World Bank says India, now the world’s fastest growing economy, is relatively well-positioned to weather the global volatility and even set for a modest acceleration in growth in the years ahead.

2/27/2026

THE VEDIC CULTURE

The cities of the Harappan Culture had declined by 1500 B.C. Consequently, their economic and administrative system had slowly declined. Around this period, the speakers of Indo-Aryan language, Sanskrit, entered the north-west India from the Indo-Iranian region. Initially they would have come in small numbers through the passes
in the northwestern mountains. Their initial settlements were in the valleys of the north-west and the plains of the Punjab. Later, they moved into Indo-Gangetic plains. As they were mainly a cattlekeeping people, they were mainly in search of pastures. By 6th century B.C., they occupied the whole of North India, which was referred to as Aryavarta. This period between 1500 B.C and 600 B.C may be divided into the Early Vedic Period or Rig Vedic Period (1500 B.C -1000 B.C) and the Later Vedic Period (1000B.C – 600 B.C).

Original Home of the Aryans
The original home of the Aryans is a debatable question and there are several views. Different scholars have identified different regions as the original home of the Aryans. They include the Arctic region, Germany, Central Asia and southern Russia. Bala Gangadhara Tilak argues that the Aryans came from the Arctic region on astronomical calculations. However, the theory of southern Russia appears to be more probable and widely accepted by historians. From there, the Aryans moved to different parts of Asia and Europe. They entered India in about 1500 B.C. and came to be known as Indo-Aryans. They spoke the Indo-Aryan language, Sanskrit.

Vedic Literature
The word ‘Veda’ is derived from the root ‘vid’, which means to know. In other words, the term ‘Veda’ signifies ‘superior knowledge’. The Vedic literature consists of the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. The Rig Veda is the earliest of the four Vedas and it consists of 1028 hymns. The hymns were sung in praise of various gods. The Yajur Veda consists of various details of rules to be observed at the time of sacrifice. The Sama Veda is set to tune for the purpose of chanting during sacrifice. It is called the book of chants and the origins of Indian music are traced in it. The Atharva Veda contains details of rituals. Besides the Vedas, there are other sacred works like the Brahmanas, the Upanishads, the Aranyakas and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Brahmanas are the treatises relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony. The Upanishads are philosophical texts dealing with topic like the soul, the absolute, the origin of the world and the mysteries of nature. The Aranyakas are called forest books and they deal with mysticism, rites, rituals and sacrifices. The author of Ramayana was Valmiki and that of Mahabharata was Vedavyas.

UPSC Mains Exam related question:

1. The Vedic Literature such as the four Vedas and the Brahmanas and other later Vedic literature.
2. The Rig Vedic polity, society and economy.
3. Religious life of the Rig Vedic people.
4. The changes during the Later Vedic period in the sphere of polity and society.
5. The increasing rites and rituals in the religious life of the Later Vedic people.

Rig Vedic Age or Early Vedic Period (1500 & 1000 B.C.)

Rig Vedic Age or Early Vedic Period (1500 – 1000 B.C.)During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to Saptasindhu or the land of seven rivers. This includes the five rivers of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Saraswathi. The political, social and cultural life of the Rig Vedic people can be traced from the hymns of the Rig Veda. Political Organization The basic unit of political organization was kula or family. Several families joined together on the basis of their kinship to form a village or grama. The leader of grama was known as gramani. A group of villages constituted a larger unit called visu. It was headed by vishayapati. The highest political unit was called jana or tribe. There were several tribal kingdoms during the Rig Vedic period such as Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus. The head of the kingdom was called as rajan or king. The Rig Vedic polity was normally monarchical and the succession was hereditary. The king was assisted by purohita or priest and senani or commander of the army in his administration. There were two popular bodies called the Sabha and Samiti. The former seems to have been a council of elders and the latter, a general assembly of the entire people.

Social Life
The Rig Vedic society was patriarchal. The basic unit of society was family or graham. The head of the family was known as grahapathi. Monogamy was generally practiced while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families. The wife took care of the household and participated in all the major ceremonies. Women were given equal opportunities as men for their spiritual and intellectual development. There were women poets like Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopamudra during the Rig Vedic period. Women could even attend the popular assemblies. There was no child marriage and the practice of sati was absent. Both men and women wore upper and lower garments made of cotton and wool. A variety of ornaments were used by both men and women. Wheat and barley, milk and its products like curd and ghee, vegetables and fruits were the chief articles of food. The eating of cow’s meat was prohibited since it was a sacred animal. Chariot racing, horse racing, dicing, music and dance were the favorite pastimes. The social divisions were not rigid during the Rig Vedic period as it was in the later Vedic period.

Economic Condition
The Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral people and their main occupation was cattle rearing. Their wealth was estimated in terms of their cattle. When they permanently settled in North India they began to practice agriculture. With the knowledge and use of iron they were able to clean forests and bring more lands under cultivation. Carpentry was another important profession and the availability of wood from the forests cleared made the profession profitable. Carpenters produced chariots and ploughs. Workers in metal made a variety of articles with copper, bronze and iron. Spinning was another important occupation and cotton and woolen fabrics were made. Goldsmiths were active in making ornaments. The potters made various kinds of vessels for domestic use. Trade was another important economic activity and rivers served as important means of transport. Trade was conducted on barter system. In the later times, gold coins called nishka were used as media of exchange in large transactions.

Religion
The Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. They personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them. The important Rig Vedic gods were Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain) and Indra (Thunder). Indra was the most popular among them during the early Vedic period. Next in importance to Indra was Agni who was regarded as an intermediary between the gods and people. Varuna was supposed to be the upholder of the natural order. There were also female gods like Aditi and Ushas. There were no temples and no idol worship during the early Vedic period. Prayers were offered to the gods in the expectation of rewards. Ghee, milk and grain were given as offerings. Elaborate rituals were followed during the worship.

IBPS P.O mains question based on graph

Study the following line-graph and answer the question based on it.

Number of vehicle Manufactured by Two Companies over the Years (Numbers in thousands)

Q.1) What is the difference between the total productions of the two Companies in the given years?
a) 19000
b) 22000
c) 26000
d) 28000
e) 29000

Q.2) What is the difference between the numbers of vehicles manufactured by Company Y in 2000 and 2001?
a) 50000
b) 42000
c) 33000
d) 21000
e) 13000

Q.3) What is the average number of vehicles manufactured by Company X over the given period? (rounded off to the nearest integer)
a) 119333
b) 113666
c) 112778
d) 111223
e) None of these

Q.4) In which of the following years, the difference between the productions of Companies X and Y was the maximum among the given years?
a) 1997
b) 1998
c) 1999
d) 2000
e) 2001

Q.5) The production of Company Y in 2000 was approximately what percent of the production of Company X in the same year?
a) 173%
b) 164%
c) 132%
d) 97%
e) 61%

Explanation:
1. (c) : Total production of Company X from 1997 to 2002
= 119000+99000+141000+78000+120000+159000 = 716000
and total production of Company Y from 1997 to 2002
=139000+120000+100000+128000+107000+148000=742000
Difference=742000-716000=26000.

2.(d) : Require difference = 128000-107000 = 21000.
3.(a) : Average number of vehicles manufactured by Company X
= (91/6)* (119000 + 99000 + 141000 + 78000 + 120000 + 159000) = 119333.

4.(d) : The difference between the production of Companies X and Y in various years are.
For 1997 = (139000 – 119000) = 20000;
For 1998 = (120000 – 99000) = 21000;
For 1999 = (141000 – 100000) = 41000;
For 2000 = (128000 – 78000) = 50000;
For 2001 = (120000 – 107000) = 13000;
For 2003 = (159000 – 148000) = 11000;
Clearly, maximum difference was in 2000.

5.(b) : Required percentage = [( 128000/78000)* 100] % = 164 %.

INDIA AND SRI LANKA : JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE SLINEX II

The navies of Sri Lanka and India conducted a joint naval exercise in the sea off Trincomalee in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. The joint naval exercise between the two nations was conducted after a gap of 6 years. The exercise was named “Operation Slinex II” and was aimed to develop greater interoperability and rekindle close cooperation between the two navies. It is hoped that Slinex II” will pave way for both navies to rehearse the concept of joint naval operations and enhance skills by gaining expertise through each other’s experience. Since the last joint naval exercise with Sri Lanka was held in 2005, the current operation is a huge step in bridging the gap between the two navies who maintained a close affinity during Sri Lanka’s battle against the extremist outfit LTTE in the north and north eastern waters. It should be here noted that in the recent past, India has been instrumental in maintaining military ties with Sri Lanka by providing various incentives in terms of specialized training. India has trained thousands of Sri Lankan personnel at its military institutions ranging from Counter-insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Vairengte (Mizoram) to School of Artillery at Devlali (Maharashtra). India has also imparted training to Sri Lankan personnel’s by providing specialized naval courses in gunnery, navigation, communication and anti-submarine warfare. The premier Indian Military Academy at Dehradun has even run special courses to train hundreds of gentlemen cadets from Sri Lanka

2/27/2026

John Magufuli elected as President of Tanzania

John Magufuli of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) defeated his closest opponent Edward Lowassa in the Tanzania presidential elections, extending the party’s rule for another five years. The country’s electoral commission announced the results of the polls on Thursday (29 October).

2/27/2026

31 October: National Unity Day in India

The National Unity Day was observed across India on 31 October 2015 to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. On this occasion of 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, PM Narendra Modi flagged off Run for Unity at Rajpath in New Delhi

2/27/2026

Ratio Age and Partnership Set-2

Q1. The ratio of monthly salaries of two persons, A and B is 8:7. If the salary of A is increased by 20% and that of B by 11%, the new ratio becomes 96 : 77. What is A’s Salary?
a)Rs.800
b)Rs.700
c)Rs.750
d)Cant be determined
e)None of these

Q2.Three persons A, B and C start a business with Rs.12800, Rs.16800 and Rs.9600 respectively. At the end of the year, B received Rs.13,125 as share in total profit. What is the share of Mr. C in the profit?
a)Rs.7850
b)Rs.7550
c)Rs.7500
d)Rs.8500
e)None of these

Q3. The ratio of the number of boys to that of girls in a school is 9:7. If the number of boys increases by 40% and that of girls by 20%, what will be the new ratio of boys to girls?
a)3:2
b)2:3
c)4:3
d)3:4
e) None of these

Q4. The ratio of the present ages of A to B is 2:3. Four years hence, the ratio of their ages will be 5:7. What is the present age of A?
a)24 years
b)20 years
c)21 years
d)16 years
e)None of these.

Q5. The total number of Students in a college is 3906. The number of girls is 1638. What is the ratio of boys to girls in the college?
a)18:13
b) 13:18
c)13:19
d)19:13
e)None of these.

Q6. The Total number of students in a school is 31700. If the ratio of boys to the girls in the school is 743:842 respectively, what is the total number of girls in the school?
a)14860
b)16480
c)15340
d)Can’t be determined
e)None of these

Q7. The ratio between Gloria’s and Sara’s present ages is 4:7 respectively, Two years ago the ratio between their ages was 1:2 respectively. What will be the Sara’s age three years hence?
a)17 years
b)14 years
c)11 years
d) 8 years
e) None of these

Q8. The average age of a woman and her daughter is 19 years. The ratio of their ages is 16:3. What is the age of the daughter?
a)9 years
b)3 years
c)12 years
d)6 years
e)None of these.

Q9. In an examination it is required to get 65% of the aggregate marks to pass. A student gets 847 marks and is declared failed by 10% marks. What is the maximum aggregate marks a student can get?
a)1450
b)1640
c)1500
d)Can’t be determined
e)None of these

Q10. Amits present age is three times Pratibha’s present age and nine-thirteenths of his fathers present age. The sum of the present age of all them is 150 years. What is the difference between Pratibha’s present age and Amit’s Father’s present age?
a)56 years
b)64 years
c)60 years
d)Can’t be determined
e)None of these

Q11. Varun got a monthly increment of 12 percent of Puja’s monthly salary. Puja’s monthly salary is Rs.7800. Varun’s monthly salary before increment was Rs.6400. What amount will he earn in four months after his increment?
a)29344
b)29434
c)28434
d)28344
e)None of these

Q12. The average age of a man and his son is 30 years. The ratio of their ages four years ago was 10:3 respectively. What is the difference between the present age of the man and his son?
a)28 years
b)16 years
c)26 years
d)44 years
e)None of these.

Q13. A particular sum was divided among A, B and C in the ratio of 2:6:7. If the amount received by A was Rs.4908, what was the difference between the amounts received by B and C?
a) Rs.24547
b)Rs.34947
c)Rs.21357
d)Rs.24817
e) None of these

Q14.The ratio of Sita’s, Riya’s and Kunal’s monthly income is 84:76:89. If Riya’s annual income is Rs.4,56,000, what is the sum of Sita’s and Kunal’s annual incomes?(in some cases monthly income is used while in others annual income is used)
a)Rs.1,95,000
b)Rs.9,83,500
c)Rs.11,30,000
d)Rs.10,38,000
e)None of these

Q15. At present Anil’s age is 1.5 times the age of Purvi. Eight years hence, the ratio of the ages of Anil and Purvi will be 25:18. What is Purvi’s present age?
a)50 year
b)28 year
c)42 year
d)36 year
e)None of these

Q16. At present Kavita is twice Sarita’s age. Eight years hence, the respective ratio between Kavita’s and Sarita’s ages then will be 22:13. What is Kavita’s present age?
a)26 years
b)18 years
c)42 years
d)36 years
e)None of these

Q17.The ratio of the monthly income of Trupti, Pallavi and Komar is 141: 172: 123. If Trupti’s annual income is Rs.3,38,400, what is Komal’s annual income?(in some cases, monthly income is used, while in others, annual income is used)
a)Rs.4,12,800
b)Rs.3,63,500
c)Rs.3,17,600
d)Rs.2,95,200
e)None of these

Q18.The ratio of the monthly incomes of Sneha, Tina and Akruti is 95:110:116. If Sneha annual income is Rs.3,42,000, what is Akruti annual income?
a)Rs.3,96,900
b)Rs.5,63,500
c)Rs.4,17,600
d)Rs.3,88,000
e) None of these.

Q19.In an examination, it is required to get 55% of the aggregate marks to pass. A student gets 520 marks and is declared failed by 5% marks. What is the maximum aggregate marks a student can get?
a)960
b)1250
c)1040
d)Can’t be determined
e)None of these

Q20. At present Sheetal is three times Surabhi’s age. After seven years Sheetal will be twice Surabhi’s age then. How many times Sheetal’s age be in another fourteen years time with respect to Surabhi’s age then?
a)1
b)3
c)2
c)1.5
d) None of these.

Answer:

d) 2.c) 3.1) 4.d) 5. a) 6. b) 7. a) 8. d) 9.e) 10. c) 11. a) 12. a) 13. a) 14. d) 15. b) 16. d) 17. d) 18. c) 19. c) 20. d)

English Antonyms Set-2

11. PERENNIAL(चिरस्थायी):
a) Gregariousness
b) Illegality
c) Commonplace
d) Inherited trait
e) Evanescent
12. SOPORIFIC(ऊंघता हुआ):
a) Parasite
b) Energizer
c) Supervisor
d) Cleanser
e) Itinerant
13. ENSUE (पीछा करना):
a) Litigate
b) Precede
c) Fortify
d) Accent
e) Delay
14. INDIGENOUS(स्वदेशी):
a) National
b) Exciting
c) Alien
d) Intelligent
e) Inimical
15. REFRACTORY(आग रोक):
a) Renewing
b) Obedient
c) Unsatisfactory
c) Blasphemous
e) Chilly
16. MITIGATE(कम करना):
a) Adore
b) Saturate
c) Proclaim
d) Aggravate
e) Chilly
17. TRACTABLE(विनयशील):
a) Inadmissible
b) Unquestionable
c) Unsystematic
d) Froward
e) Submissive
18. REVILE (गाली देना):
a) Slander
b) Awake
c) Deaden
d) praise
e) Secrete
19. TURBI:
a) Limpid
b) Activated
c) Turgid
d) Viscous
e) Hungry
20. ECLECTIC(उदार):
a) Agnostic
b) Dogmatic
c) Habitual
d) Incisive
e) Impulsive

Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age

The next stage of human life is called Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age which falls roughly from 10000 B.C. to 6000 B.C. It was the transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and Neolithic Age. Mesolithic remains are found in Langhanj in Gujarat, Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and also in some places of Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh and Bihar. The paintings and engravings found at the rock shelters give an idea about the social life and economic activities of
Mesolithic people. In the sites of Mesolithic Age, a different type of stone tools is found. These are tiny stone artifacts, often not more than five centimeters in size, and therefore called microliths. The hunting-gathering pattern of life continued during this period. However, there seems to have been a shift from big animal hunting
to small animal hunting and fishing. The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for longer periods in an area. Therefore, domestication of animals, horticulture and primitive cultivation started. Animal bones are found in these sites and these include dog, deer, boar and ostrich. Occasionally, burials of the dead along with some microliths and shells seem to have been practiced.

2/27/2026

IBPS CLERK ONLINE MOCK TEST PRELIM AND MAINS EXAM

FOR MORE DETAIL FOR IBPS CLERK ONLINE EXAM ONLINE TEST CALL – 8080160826
LIKE FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/ipcimumbai
GOOGLE PAGE :https://plus.google.com/+IndianPublicCareerInstituteIPCI
E-MAIL: info@ipci.co.in

2/27/2026

Map Of India

2/27/2026

International Film Festival for the persons with disabilities

First international film festival for the persons with disabilities (IFFPD) will be held in Delhi from 1st to 3rd December 2015. Announcing this here today Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Lov Verma said the festival organized to recognise the spirit of the persons with disabilities and will show case cinemas that open our world to their mind space, and sensitise on issue relating to disabilities.

2/27/2026

Staff Selection Commission

Staff Selection Commission:

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) (Hindi: कर्मचारी चयन आयोग) is an Indian organization to recruit staff for various posts in the various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and in Subordinate Offices.

more details: www.ssc.nic.in

2/27/2026

The Legatum Prosperity Index 2015 released

The annual Legatum Prosperity Index ranks 142 countries across eight categories: the Economy, Entrepreneurship & Opportunity; Governance; Education; Health; Safety & Security; Personal Freedom; and Social Capital.
Overall prosperity ranking: Norway (1), Switzerland (2), Denmark (3), New Zealand (4) and Sweden (5) topped the table, while Burundi (138), Chad (139), Haiti (140), Afghanistan (141) and Central African Republic (142) were at the bottom.
ndia ranked 99 overall in terms of prosperity out of the 142 countries surveyed. India continued to improve prosperity that is evident from its ranking of 106 and 102 in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

2/27/2026

Simplification Set-1

1.)362 × 689= ?
a) 723692
b) 249418
c) 710308
d) 719868
e) None of these
2.)√(11881 ) × √(?) = 10137
a) 8649
b) 9216
c) 8281
d) 9409
e) None of these
3) ∛804357 = ?
a) 98
b) 89
c) 96
d) 93
e) None of these
4) 64% of ? -96% of 1120 = 499.2
a) 2600
b) 2540
c) 2460
d) 2280
e) None of these
5) (64)² ÷ ∛32768 = ?
a) 128
b) 132
c ) 142
d) 104
e) None of these
6) 0.09 × 6.8 × ? = 2.142
a) 2.5
b) 4.4
c) 3.5
d) 2.4
e) None of these
7) (19)¹² × (19)² ÷ (19)³ = (19)?
a) 24
b) 8
c) 11
d) 12
e) None of these
8) 680% of ? = 290360
a) 43800
b) 42700
c) 41900
d) 42500
e) None of these
9) √(?) + 17 = √961
a) 169
b) 256
c) 225
d) 196
e) None of these
10) 123 ÷ 6 ÷ 0.8 = ?
a) 25.625
b) 23.545
c) 27.455
d) 21.365
e) None of these
11) 4.65 × ? – 25.18 =31.271
a) 9.84
b) 12.14
c) 14.16
d) 9.96
e) None of these
12) √(? ) × √3136 = 2184
a) 1521
b) 1681
c) 1444
d) 1849
e) None of these
13) (0.98 × 6.3) + (? ÷ 12) = 58.174
a) 648
b) 624
c) 576
d) 636
e) None of these
14) (25% of 120) + (40% of 220) = ?
a) 115
b)122
c) 120
d) 112
e) None of these
15) (9.3 × 7.5) ÷ (2.5 × 3.6) = ?
a) 7.75
b) 8.95
c) 6.75
d) 7.95
e) None of these

Answer Key
1. d) 2. a) 3.d) 4.c) 5.a) 6.c) 7. c) 8.b) 9.d) 10. a) 11. b) 12. a) 13. b) 14. e) 15. a)

Najib Shah appointed CBEC chairman

Senior IRS officer Najib Shah was appointed as Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), apex body on Indirect Taxes. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC)

2/27/2026

Later Vedic Period (1000 – 600 B.C.)

The Aryans further moved towards east in the Later Vedic Period. The Satapatha Brahmana refers to the expansion of Aryans to the eastern Gangetic plains. Several tribal groups and kingdoms are mentioned in the later Vedic literature. One important development during this period is the growth of large kingdoms. Kuru and Panchala kingdoms flourished in the beginning. Parikshat and Janamejaya were the famous rulers of Kuru kingdom. Pravahana Jaivali was a popular king of the Panchalas. He was a patron of learning. After the fall of Kurus and Panchalas, other kingdoms like Kosala, Kasi and Videha came into prominence. The famous ruler of Kasi was Ajatasatru. Janaka was the king of Videha with its capital at Mithila. His court was adorned by scholar Yajnavalkya. Magadha, Anga and Vanga seem to be the easternmost tribal kingdoms. The later Vedic texts also refer to the three divisions of India – Aryavarta (northern India), Madhyadesa (central India) and Dakshinapatha (southern India).

Political Organization
Larger kingdoms were formed during the later Vedic period. Many jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas or rashtras in the later Vedic period. Hence the royal power had increased along with the increase in the size of kingdom. The king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. They include Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race). The kings also assumed titles like Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi, (lord of all earth), Ekrat and Samrat (sole ruler). In the later Vedic period, a large number of new officials were involved in the administration in addition to the existing purohita, senani and gramani. They include the treasury officer, tax collector and royal messenger. At the lower levels, the administration was carried on by the village assemblies. The importance of the Samiti and the Sabha had diminished during the later Vedic period.

Economic Condition
Iron was used extensively in this period and this enabled the people to clear forests and to bring more land under cultivation. Agriculture became the chief occupation. Improved types of implements were used for cultivation. Besides barley, rice and wheat were grown. Knowledge of manure was another improvement. Industrial activity became more varied and there was greater specialization. Metal work, leather work, carpentry and pottery made great progress. In addition to internal trade, foreign trade became extensive. The Later Vedic people were familiar with the sea and they traded with countries like Babylon. A class of hereditarymerchants (vaniya) came into existence. Vaisyas also carried on trade and commerce. They organized themselves into guilds known as ganas. Besides nishka of the Rig Vedic period, gold and silver coins like satamana and krishnala were used as media of exchange.

Social Life
The four divisions of society (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras) or the Varna system was thoroughly established during the Later Vedic period. The two higher classes – Brahmana, and Kshatriya enjoyed privileges that were denied to the Vaisya and Sudra. A Brahmin occupied a higher position than a Kshatriya but sometimes Kshatriyas claimed a higher status over the Brahmins.Many sub-castes on the basis of their occupation appeared in this period. In the family, the power of the father increased during the Later Vedic period. There was no improvement in the status of women. They were still considered inferior and subordinate to men. Women also lost their political rights of attending assemblies. Child marriages had become common. According the Aitreya Brahmana a daughter has been described as a source of misery. However, the women in the royal household enjoyed certain privileges.

Religion
Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni lost their importance. Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer) became prominent during the Later Vedic period. Sacrifices were still important and the rituals connected with them became more elaborate. The importance of prayers declined and that of sacrifices increased. Priesthood became a profession and a hereditary one. The formulae for sacrifices were invented and elaborated by the priestly class. Therefore, towards the end of this period there was a strong reaction against priestly domination and against sacrifices and rituals. The rise of Buddhism and Jainism was the direct result of these elaborate sacrifices. Also, the authors of the Upanishads, which is the essence of Hindu philosophy, turned away from the useless rituals and insisted on true knowledge (jnana) for peace and salvation.

PRE-HISTORIC INDIA

In India, the prehistoric period is divided into the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), Neolithic (New Stone Age) and the Metal Age. However, these periods were not uniform throughout the Indian subcontinent. The dating of the prehistoric period is done scientifically. The technique of radio-carbon dating is commonly used for this purpose. It is based on measuring the loss of carbon in organic materials over a period of time. Another dating method is known as dendro-chronology. It refers to the number of tree rings in wood. By counting the number of tree rings in the wood, the date of the wood is arrived at.
Paleolithic or Old Stone Age
The Old Stone Age sites are widely found in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. These sites are generally located near water sources. Several rock shelters and caves used by the Paleolithic people are scattered across the subcontinent. They also lived rarely in huts made of leaves. Some of the famous sites of Old Stone Agein India are:
a. The Soan valley and Potwar Plateau on the northwest India.
b. The Siwalik hills on the north India.
c. Bhimpetka in Madhya Pradesh.
d. Adamgarh hill in Narmada valley.
e. Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and
f. Attirampakkam near Chennai.
In the Old Stone Age, food was obtained by hunting animalsand gathering edible plants and tubers. Therefore, these people are called as hunter-gatherers. They used stone tools, hand-sized and flaked-off large pebbles for hunting
animals. Stone implements are made of a hard rock known as quartzite. Large pebbles are often found in river terraces. The hunting of large animals would have required the combined effort of a group of people with large stone axes. We have little knowledge about their language and communication. Their way of life became modified with the passage of time since they made attempts to domesticate animals, make crude pots and grow some plants. A few Old Stone Age paintings have also been found on rocks at Bhimbetka and other places. The period
before 10000 B.C. is assigned to the Old Stone Age.

Balasubrahmanyam Kamarsu on the board of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

The government has appointed Balasubrahmanyam Kamarsu on the board of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as an industry representative. Balasubrahmanyam Kamarsu, the national co convenor of Bharatiya Janta Party’s (BJP) legal cell and the secretary of the BJP parliamentary party.

2/27/2026

India replaced China to emerge as Biggest Gold Consumer in World: Thomson Reuters

India regained its top position replacing China as the biggest overall consumer of gold in the first nine months of year 2015. India consumed a total of 642 tonnes of gold in this period and china is lagging behind by just 63 tonnes with total consumption of 642 tonnes in first nine month of the year. GFSM survey was released on 17th October 2015.

2/27/2026

Neolithic Age

A remarkable progress is noticed in human civilization in the Neolithic Age. It is approximately dated from 6000 B.C to 4000 B.C. Neolithic remains are found in various parts of India. These include the Kashmir valley, Chirand in Bihar, Belan Stone age valley in Uttar Pradesh and in several places of the Deccan. The important Neolithic sites excavated in south India are Maski, Brahmagiri, Hallur and Kodekal in Karnataka, Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu and Utnur in Andhra Pradesh. The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture are the practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the manufacture of pottery. In fact, the cultivation of plants and domestication of animals led to the emergence of village communities based on sedentary life. There was a great improvement in technology of making tools and other equipments used by man. Stone tools were now polished. The polished axes were found to be more effective tools for hunting and cutting trees. Mud brick houses were built instead of grass huts. Wheels were used to make pottery. Pottery was used for cooking as well as storage of food grains. Large urns were used as coffins for the burial of the dead. There was also improvement in agriculture. Wheat, barely, rice, millet were cultivated in different areas at different points of time. Rice cultivation was extensive in eastern India. Domestication of sheep, goats and cattle was widely prevalent. Cattle were used for cultivation and for transport. The people of Neolithic Age used clothes made of cotton and wool.

2/27/2026

Hamilton: Third F1 title the greatest moment of my life

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton on won the 2015 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix title. It was the third title for Hamilton at the Circuit of the Americas in Elroy, Texas of the USA where championship is being held annually.
In the final race, while his team-mate Nico Rosberg of Germany stood at the second position, Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel (Germany) was at the third.

2/27/2026

SSC General Knowledge MCQ: Modern History

The history of India includes prehistoric archaeological evidence from Anatomically modern humans on Indian subcontinent, advances of civilisation to the Vedic period of the Indo-Aryan cultures, the founding of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, a number of ruling dynasties throughout various geographic areas of the … Some useful MCQ for UPSC, SSC CGL-Examination..

Practice Set-1
1. Which one of the following Governor Generals was impeached by the British Parliament?
(a) Lord Curzon
(b) Warren Hastings
(c) Lord Canning
(d) William Bentick
2. What is the correct sequence of the following events?
(a) Foundation of Indian National Congress.
(b) Simon Commission
(c) Home Rule Movement
(d) Cabinet Mission
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1,3,2,4
(b) 3,1,4,2
(c) 1,2,4,3
(d) 1,4,3,2
3. Which of the following posts during the Delhi Sultanate was related to the Provincial Services?
(a) Qazi -ul Quzat
(b) Ariz –i Mumalik
(c) Wali
(d) Barid – i Muamlik
4. Match List-I with List – II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists
List – I List – II
(a) Doctrine of Lapse 1. Lord Curzon
(b) Partitions of Bengal 2. Warren Hastings
(c) Rohilla war 3. Lord Dalhousie
(d) Subsidiary Alliance 4. Lord Wellesley.
Codes :
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 3 1 2 4
(c) 4 2 1 3
(d) 3 2 1 4
5. Fatehpur Sikri symbolises
(a) Mohgul architecture
(b) Hindu and Muslim architecture
(c) Muslim and Christan architecture
(d) Hindu, Muslim and christen architectures
6. Raja Rammohan Roy was responsible for which of the following reforms?
1. Abolition of Sati
2. Abolition of child marriage
3. widow remarriage
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 alone
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
7. ‘Direct Actions’ was the brain child of
(a) Subhas Chandra Bose
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Mohamed Ali Jauhar
(d) Mohamed Ali Jinnah
8. Who among the following was the ‘political guru’ of Mahatma Gandhi?
(a) B.G Tilak
(b) G.K Gokhale
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji
(d) S.N. Banerjee
9. Assertion (A) : In greenhouse effect, the thick carbon dioxide layer allows sunlight to filter through but prevents heat from being re-radiated in outer space.
Reason (R) : The thick carbon dioxide layer functions like glass panels of a greenhouse or glass win-dows of a motor car
10. Assertion (A) : Salt Satyagraha was an outcome of the Nonco-operation Movement.
Reason (R) : Rajaji started the Vedaranyam March.
11. Who among the following was associated with the Hindustan Republican Associa-tion?
(a) Jogesh Chandra Chatterji
(b) Rasbehari Bose
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Bhagwati Charan vohra

download to full practice set with Answer Click here

The Harappan Civilization

The earliest excavations in the Indus valley were done at Harappa in the West Punjab and Mohenjodaro in Sind. Both places are now in Pakistan. The findings in these two cities brought to light a civilization. It was first called the ‘The Indus Valley Civilization’. But this civilization was later named as the ‘Indus Civilization’ due to the discovery of more and more sites far Haripian away from the Indus valley. Also, it has come to be called the ‘Harappan Civilization’ after the name of its first discovered site. Important Sites Among the many other sites excavated, the most important are Kot Diji in Sind, Kalibangan in Rajasthan, Rupar in the Punjab,Banawali in Haryana, Lothal, Surkotada and Dholavira, all the three in Gujarat. The larger cities are approximately a hundred hectares in size. Mohenjodara is the largest of all the Indus cities and it is estimated to have spread over an area of 200 hectares.

Origin and Evolution
The archaeological findings excavated for the last eightdecades reveal the gradual development of the Harappan culture. There are four important stages or phases of evolution and they are named as pre-Harappan, early-Harappan, mature-Harappan and late Harappan. The pre-Harappan stage is located in eastern Baluchistan. The excavations at Mehrgarh 150 miles to the northwest of Mohenjodaro reveal the existence of pre-Harappan culture. In this stage, the nomadic people began to lead a settled agricultural life. In the early-Harappan stage, the people lived in large villages in the plains. There was a gradual growth of towns in the Indus valley. Also, the transition from rural to urban life took place during this period. The sites of Amri and Kot Diji remain the evidence for early-Harappan stage. In the mature-Harappan stage, great cities emerged. The excavations at Kalibangan with its elaborate town planning and urban features prove this phase of evolution.
In the late-Harappan stage, the decline of the Indus culture started. The excavations at Lothal reveal this stage of evolution. Lothal with its port was founded much later. It was surrounded by a massive brick wall as flood protection. Lothal remained an emporium of trade between the Harappan civilization and the remaining part of India as well as Mesopotamia.

Date of the Harappan Culture
In 1931, Sir John Marshall estimated the duration of the occupation of Mohenjodaro between 3250 and 2750 B.C. Subsequently, as and when new sites were discovered, the dating of the Harappan culture is modified. The advent of the radiocarbon method paves way for fixing almost accurate dates. By 1956, Fairservis brought down the dating of the Harappan culture to between 2000 and 1500 B.C. on the basis of radiocarbon dates of his findings. In 1964, D.P. Agarwal came to the conclusion that the total span of this culture should be between 2300 and 1750 B.C.
Yet, there is further scope of modification of these dates.

Salient Features of the Harappan Culture

UPSC Mains examination related question:

Q.1. The findings of the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Metal Age and the socio-economic life of the people during these
periods.
Q.2. The origin and evolution of the Harappan culture and the important sites of excavations.
Q.3. The salient features of the Harappan civilization such as town planning, social life and economic condition of the
Harappans.
Q.4. The date of the Harappan culture as well as the religious beliefs and the art of the Harappans.
Q.5. Different views on the decline of the Harappan civilization.

CDS Previous year question paper Elementary Mathematics-2015

2/27/2026

RBI signs MoU with Bangladesh Bank for exchange of supervisory information

The Reserve Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Bank for exchange of supervisory information. The MoU is on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information with the Bangladesh Bank, Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

2/27/2026

IBPS Clerical Prelim and Mains Exam Syllabus:

IBPS provides its service to all Public Sector Banks, SBI, Associate Banks of SBI, RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, few Co.op.Banks, LIC & Insurance companies which are regular members of the IBPS society. In addition to that Regional Rural Banks, many Public Sector Undertakings of Nonfinancial sectors, Government Departments, State owned companies and Corporations also avail its services. Some major universities and reputed Management institutes engage IBPS regularly for conduct of their “Admission Tests”.
This indicates that more and more candidates are getting attracted towards job opportunities in Banking, Insurance and Financial sectors and directly/ indirectly, are showing their confidence in the system of the Online tests conducted by IBPS which are absolutely fair,transparent and test of job relevant skills, aptitudes and knowledge.
Online test syllabus for Quantitative Math:
Simplification
Fraction
Approximate
Series
Averages
Ratio and Proportion Age, Partnership
Allegations and Mixtures
Percentages
CI and SI
Profit and Loss
Time and Distance
Boat and stream
Time and Work
Pipe and Cistern
Commercial Maths
DI and DS
Area & Perimeter
Clocks and Calendars

2/27/2026

Current Affairs Quiz- 4 November

Daily Important updates for General Awareness quiz to all competitive examinations (IBPS Clerk & P.O, Bank Exam, MAH-CET, SSC (Staff Selection Commission) NDA, CDS etc

1.The Union government has announced Rs 10,000-crore road and bridges development projects for which city in next five years?
a)Manipur
b)Meghalaya
c)Assam
d)Nagaland
e)None of these
Answer d)Nagaland
2.Who is Road and Highways Minister?
a)Jairam Ramesh
b)Nitin Gadkari
c)Dr Harsh Wardhan
d)Hamid Ansari
e)None of these
Answer b)Nitin Gadkari
3.Who has been appointed as Managing Director of Indian unit of Information Technology firm Unisys Corporation?
a)Ravikumar Sreedharan
b)Rajkumar Rao
c)Mahesh Kumar Jain
d)R R Reddy
e)None of these
Answer a)Ravikumar Sreedharan
4.Who has been appointed managing director of the Hyderabad-based Andhra Bank?
a)Suresh N Patel
b)Ramesh Mehta
c)K R Rao
d)P N Venkata
e)None of these
Answer a)Suresh N Patel
5.Who has been appointed as head of Kolkata-based UCO Bank and previously was executive director of Dena Bank?
a)R K Takkar
b)Anurag Kakkar
c)Suresh N Patel
d)Ramesh Garg
e)None of these
Answer a)Suresh N Patel
6.Who has been named as the Managing director of Corporation Bank?
a)J K Garg
b)Ramesh Shakil
c)R K Mathur
d)Kamlesh Jain
e)None of these
Answer a)J K Garg
7.All India Radios Programme has bagged the first prize under the Community Service Announcement category at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes 2015 on which social issue?
a)Child labour
b)Dowry
c)Sexual Abuse
d)Drug Abuse
e)None of these
Answer a)Child Labour
8.Name the Malayamal programme, titled Which is part of an initiative taken up by Biju Mathew, Programme Executive at AIR Thiruvananthapuram on behalf of All India Radio?
a)Nilkkam Ivarkkoppam
b)Child on pyre
c)Water
d)Agony
e)None of these
Answer a)Nilkkam Ivarkkoppam
9.Oscar-winning writer and actor who won an Oscar in 1982 for best original screenplay for writing the film Chariots of Fire, about two athletes at the 1924 Olympic Games. died. Who was he?
a)Audrey Hepburn
b)Colin Welland
c)Ashton Kucher
d)Tim cook
e)None of these
Answer b)Colin Welland
10.Tata Motors on November 2 has signed-up football player as its brand ambassador. Name the football player?
a)Lionel Messi
b)David Beckham
c)Arild Stavrum
d)Reggie White
e)None of these
Answer a)Lionel Messi
11. Which country has rolled its first homegrown large passenger jet off the production line in Shanghai, vowing to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the global commercial aviation market?
a)Japan
b)China
c)Germany
d)Korea
Answer a)China
12.Which Indian goalkeeper has added another feather to his cap by ensuring that he would be the first from his country to be part of a team scheduled to play in the Europa League next season?
a)Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
b)Vishal Kumar
c)Jaideep Sandhu
d)Sandeep Kumar
e)None of these
Answer a)Gurpreet singh sandhu
13.Former Janata Dal MLA ————–, who was on a fast unto death demanding liquor ban and strengthening of Lokayukta in Rajasthan, has died?
a)Gurcharan Chabbra
b)Rajendra Rathore
c)Ashok Gehlot
d)Gurpreet Singh
e)None of these
Answer a)Gurcharan chabbra
14. Who has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to strategically important Afghanistan, succeeding Amar Sinha. Nmae the senior diplomat?
a)Manpreet Vohra
b)Amar Kumar
c)Navtej Singh Sarna
d)Gurcharan Chabbra
e)None of these
Answer a)Manpreet Vohra
15. India and which country have signed two agreements on new and renewable sources of energy and cultural exchange. The agreements were signed in the presence of Vice President M. Hamid Ansari?
a)Indonesia
b)Japan
c)China
d)Riyaad
Answer a)Indonesia

Blue Revolution with an outlay of 3000 crore rupees proposed

Blue Revolution: Creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic development of fisheries

The scheme will cover inland fisheries, aquaculture, marine fisheries including deep sea fishing, mari-culture and all activities undertaken by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) towards realizing Blue Revolution. This will ensure that a focused approach of this nature ushers in Blue Revolution through an integrated development and management of fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The Scheme Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries was in news as Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Radha Mohan Singh on the eve of World Fisheries Day 2015 on 21 November 2015 mentioned about it.

The scheme was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and entails a total outlay of 3000 crore rupees.

2/27/2026

Tirath Singh Thakur appointed as the Chief Justice of India.

Hon'ble Mr. Justice T.S. Thakur The President of India Pranab Mukherjee on 18 November 2015 appointed Justice Tirath Singh Thakur as the Chief Justice of India. Justice Thakur will take over the office from 3 December 2015 as the 43rd Chief Justice of India. His tenure will be till 3 January 2017. Thakur will take over from incumbent Chief Justice H.L. Dattu on 3 December. He has been a judge of the apex court since November 2009.

2/27/2026

Sunil Kanoria was appointed as the President of (ASSOCHAM)

Sunil Kanoria was appointed as the President of The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). Kanoria has succeeded Rana Kapoor, Yes Bank Managing Director and CEO.

“Kanoria has been instrumental in bringing over Rs 34,000 crore (over USD 5 billion) of consolidated assets under SREI which became one of the first NBFCs to get listed on the London Stock Exchange,” Assocham said in a statement.

2/27/2026

	DAM	RIVER	STATE
1	BHAKRA NANGAL DAM (Biggest Dam)	SATLUZ	HIMANCHAL PRADESH
2	NATPA ZAKRI	SATLUZ	HIMANCHAL PRADESH

3	NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM	KRISHNA	ANDRA PRADESH
4	SHRI ZELUM	KRISHNA	ANDRA PRADESH

5	SARDAR SAROVAR	NARMADA	MP
6	GANDHI/JAWAHAR SAGAR DAM	CHAMBAL	MP

7	TALAIYA DAM	BARAKAR	BIHAR

8	INDRA GANDHI DAM	MALAPRABHA	KARNATKA

9	IDUKKI	PERIYAR	KERLA

10	HIRAKUND DAM (Longest Dam)	MAHANADI	ODISHA

11	JAWAHAR SAGAR DAM	CHAMBAL	RAJSTHAN

12	BAGLIHAR	CHINAB	J & k

13	DAMODAR DAM	DAMODAR RIVER	WEST BENGAL

14	TIHRI DAM (Highest Dam)	ALAKNANDA/BHAGIRATHI	UTTRANCHAL

15	INDRA GANDHI DAM	SATLUZ & BEAS	PUNJAB
16	RIHAND	RIHAND RIVER	UP

Suresh N Patel New MD CEO of Andhra Bank

Suresh N Patel on 2 November 2015 in New Delhi took charge as new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Andhra Bank. He succeeded CVR Rajendran who retired on 30 April, 2015 and became the CEO of Association of Mutual Funds in India.

2/27/2026

Navtej Singh Sarna appointed as Indian High Commissioner to United Kingdom

Navtej Singh Sarna was on 31 October 2015 appointed as Indian High Commissioner to United Kingdom (UK). Sarna is a 1980 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.

2/27/2026

Indo Russia Bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA NAVY-15

Indo Russia Bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA NAVY-15: Important facts The eighth edition of India-Russia joint naval exercise, ‘INDRA NAVY-15’, has begun in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is being conducted in the Bay of Bengal from December 7 – 12.

The bilateral maritime joint naval exercise between the navies of India and Russia is aimed to epitomise the strategic relationship between the two countries.

Here are some important facts about the ongoing INDRA NAVY-15:The primary aim of INDRA NAVY-15 is to increase interoperability between the navies of two countries
It is likely to develop a common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations between the two navies
The exercise is being progressed in two phases, i.e., the Harbour Phase (December 7 – 9) at Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase (December 10 -12). The Harbour Phase would encompass table-top exercises and planning conferences ashore, prior progressing to sea. The Sea Phase would include various facets of fleet operations
In the current exercise, Indian Navy is being represented by INS Sahyadri (an indigenous frigate), INS Ranvijay (a guided missile destroyer) and INS Shakti (a fleet support ship)
The Russian Federation Navy (RFN) ships, Varyag (cruiser), Bystry (destroyer), Alatau (rescue ocean going tug) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are also taking part in the operation Initiated in 2003, INDRA NAVY-15 has matured over the years; increasing scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.

2/27/2026

JAINISM AND BUDDHISM

The sixth century B.C. is considered a wonderful century in history. Great thinkers like Buddha, Mahavira, Heraclitus, Zoroaster, Confucius and Lao Tse lived and preached their ideas in this century. In India, the republican institutions were strong in the 6th century B.C. This enabled rise of heterodox sects against the orthodox religion dominated by rites and rituals. Among them the most successful were Jainism and Buddhism whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.

Causes for the Rise of Jainism and Buddhism
The primary cause for the rise of Jainism and Buddhism was the religious unrest in India in the 6th century B.C. The complex rituals and sacrifices advocated in the Later Vedic period were not acceptable to the common people. The sacrificial ceremonies were also found to be too expensive. The superstitious beliefs and mantras confused the people. The teachings of Upanishads, an alternative to the system of sacrifices, were highly philosophical in nature and therefore not easily understood by all. Therefore, what was needed in the larger interests of the people was a simple, short and intelligible way to salvation for all people. Such religious teaching should also be in a language known to them. This need was fulfilled by the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira.
Other than the religious factor, social and economic factors also contributed to the rise of these two religions. The rigid caste system prevalent in India generated tensions in the society. Higher classes enjoyed certain privileges which were denied to the lower classes. Also, the Kshatriyas had resented the domination of the priestly class. It should also to be noted that both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Kshatriya origin. The growth of trade led to the improvement in the economic conditions of the Vaisyas. As a result, they wanted to enhance their social status but the orthodox Varna system did not allow this. Therefore, they began to extend support to Buddhism and Jainism. It was this merchant class that extended the chief support to these new religions.

Jainism
Life of Vardhamana Mahavira (539- 467 B.C.)
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain tradition. He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali to Kshatriya parents Siddhartha and Trisala. He married Yasoda and gave birth to a daughter. At the age of thirty he became an ascetic and wandered for twelve years. In the 13th year of his penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kevala Gnana. Thereafter, he was called Mahavira and Jina. His followers were called Jains and his religion Jainism. He preached his doctrines for 30 years and died at the age of 72 at Pava near Rajagriha.

Teachings of Mahavira
The three principles of Jainism, also known as Triratnas (three gems), are:
– right faith
– right knowledge
– right conduct.
Right faith is the belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira. Right Knowledge is the acceptance of the theory that there is no God and that the world has been existing without a creator and that all objects possess a soul. Right conduct refers to the observance of the five great vows:
– not to injure life
– not to lie
– not to steal
– not to acquire property
– not to lead immoral life.
Both the clergy and laymen had to strictly
follow the doctrine of ahimsa. Mahavira regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have souls and various degrees of consciousness. They possess life and feel pain when they are injured.
Mahavira rejected the authority of the Vedas and objected to the Vedic rituals. He advocated a very holy and ethical code of life. Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes injury to the earth, worms and animals. Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture.

Spread of Jainism
Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. He admitted both men and women in the Sangha, which consisted of both monks and lay followers. The rapid spread of Jainism was due to the dedicated work of the members of the Sangha. It spreadrapidly in Western India and Karnataka. Chandragupta Maurya, Untitled Kharavela of Kalinga and the royal dynasties of south India such as the Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism. By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta Maurya came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
Those who stayed back in north India were led by a monk named Sthulabahu who changed the code of conduct for the monks. This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras (whiteclad) and Digambaras (Sky-clad or Naked).
The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu, the leader of the Digambaras, in the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. The second Jain Council was held at Valabhi in 5th century A.D. The final compilation of Jain literature called Twelve Angas was completed in this council.

Buddhism

Bank P.O Previous Year Question Paper: Logical Reasoning

Reasoning Ability

Directions (Q. 1): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions.
Q1. A school bus driver starts from the school, drives 2 km towards North, takes a left turn and drives for 5 km. He then takes a left turn and drives for 8 km before taking a left turn again and driving for further 5 km. The driver finally takes a left turn and drives 1 km before stopping. How far and towards which direction should the driver drive to reach the school again?
1) 3km towards North
2) 7 km towards East
3)6 km towards South
4) 6 km towards West
5) 5 km towards North

Directions (Q.2-3): Read the following information carefully and answer the questions which follow.
A, B, C, D, E and F live on different floors in the same building having six floors numbered one to six (the ground floor is numbered one, the floor above it is numbered two, and so on, and the topmost floor is numbered 6).
A lives on an even-numbered floor. There are two floors between the floors on which D and F live. F lives on a floor above D’s floor. D does not live on the floor numbered two. B does not live on an odd-numbered floor. C does not live on any of the floors below F’s floor. E does not live on a floor immediately above or immediately below the floor on which B lives.

Q2. Who among the following live on the floors exactly between D and F?
1) E, B
2)C,B
3) E,C
4)A,E
5)B,A

Q3. On which of the following floors does B live?
1) Sixth
2) Fourth
3) Second
4) F
5) Cannot be determined

Directions (Q. 4-5): Study the following information to answer the given questions.
In a five-letter English word (which may or may not be a meaningful English word), there are two letters between L and P. S is not placed immediately next to L. There is only one letter between S and A. S is towards the right of A. S is not placed immediately next to E.

Q4. Which of the following is correct with respect to the word thus formed?
1) E is at one of the extreme ends of the word.
2) P is not placed immediately next to A.
3) There are two letters between A and E in the word thus formed.
4) P is placed second to the right of E.
5) None is correct

Q5. Which of the following words will be formed based on the given conditions?
1) SPAEL
2) PEALS
3) LEAPS
4) SEPAL
5) LAPSE

Directions (Q. 6-10): In each question below are given two/three statements followed by two conclusions numbered I and II. You have to take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follows from the given statements disregarding commonly known facts. Give answer.
1) if only conclusion I follows.
2) if only conclusion II follows.
3) if either conclusion I or conclusion II follows.
4) if neither conclusion I nor conclusion II follows.
5) if both conclusion I and conclusion II follow.

(Q. 6-7):
Statements: All gliders are parachutes.
No parachute is an airplane. All airplanes are helicopters.
Q6. Conclusions:
I. No helicopter is a glider.
II. All parachutes being helicopters is a possibility.

Q7. Conclusions:
I. No glider is an airplane.
II. All gliders being helicopters is a possibility.

Q8. Statements: Some mails are chats.
All updates are chats.
Conclusions:
I All mails being updates is a possibility.
II. No update is a mail.

(Q. 9-10):
Statements: No stone is metal.
Some metals are papers. All papers are glass.

Q9. Conclusions:
I. No glass is metal.
II. At least some glasses are metals.

Q10. Conclusions:
I. All stones being glass is a possibility.
II. No stone is paper.

Directions (Q. 11-15): Study the following information to answer the given questions.
A word and number arrangement machine when given an input line of words and numbers rearranges them following a particular rule. The following is an illustration of input and rearrangement. (All the numbers are two-digit numbers.)

Input: sine 88 71 cos theta 14 56 gamma delta 26
Step I. cos sine 71 theta 14 56 gamma delta 26 88
Step II. delta cos sine theta 14 56 gamma 26 88 71
Step III. gamma delta cos sine theta 14 26 88 71 56
Step IV. sine gamma delta cos theta 14 88 71 56 26
StepV. theta sine gamma delta cos 88 71 56 26 14
Step V is the last step of the rearrangement. As per the rules followed in the above steps, find out in each of the following questions the appropriate steps for the given input.

Input for the questions:
Input: for 52 all 96 25 jam road 15 hut 73 bus stop 38 46 (All the numbers given in the arrangement are two-digit numbers.)

Q11. Which word/number would be at 8th position from the right in step IV?
1) 15
2) road
3) hut
4) jam
5) stop

Q12. Which step number would be the following output? bus all for 52 25 jam road 15 hut stop 38 46 96 73
1)There will be no such step.
2) III
3) II
4) V
5) VI

Q13. Which of the following would be step VII?
1).stop road jam hut for bus all 15 96 73 5246 38 25
2) road jam hut for bus all stop 15 25 38 46 52 73 96
3) stop road jam hut for bus all 96 73 5246 38 25 15
4). jam hut for bus all 25 road stop 15 96 73 52 46 38
5) There will be no such step.

Q14. Which word/number would be at 6th position from the left in step V?
1)25 2) stop 3) jam 4) all 5) road
15. Which of the following would be step III?
1) hut for bus all 25 jam road 15 stop 38 96 73 52 46
2) for bus all 25 jam road 15 hut 38 stop 96 46 73 52
3) hut for bus all jam road 15 stop 38 96 73 52 46 25
4) for bus all 25 jam road 15 hut stop 38 46 96 73 52
5) None of these

Directions (Q.16-20): Study the following information carefully and answer the given questions.
Representatives of eight different banks, viz A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, are sitting around a circular table, facing the centre, but not necessarily in the same order. Each one of them is from a different bank, viz UCO Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India and Dena Bank.
F sits second to the right of the representative of Canara Bank. The representative of Bank of India is an immediate neighbour of the representative of Canara Bank. Two person sit between the representative of Bank of India and B. C and E are immediate neighbours. Neither C nor E is an immediate neighbour of either B or the representative of Canara Bank. The representative of Bank of Maharashtra sits second to the right of D. D is the representative of neither Canara Bank nor Bank of India. G and the representative of UCO Bank are immediate neighbours. B is not the representative of UCO Bank. Only one person sits between C and the representative of Oriental Bank of Commerce.
H sits third to the left of the representative of Dena Bank. The representative of Punjab National Bank sits second to the left of the representative of Syndicate Bank.

Q16. Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on the given arrangement and thus form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
1) H-UCO Bank
2) A-Canara Bank
3) D – Bank of Maharashtra
4) E – Syndicate Bank
5) F – Punjab National Bank

Q17. Which of the following is true with respect to the given seating arrangement?
1) B is the representative of Bank of Maharashtra.
2) C sits second to the right of H.
3) The representative of Dena Bank sits on2 the immediate left of the representative of UCO Bank.
4) A sits second to the right of the representative of Bank of India.
5) The representatives of Bank of Maharashtra and Syndicate Bank are immediate neighbours.

Q18. Who among the following sit exactly between B and the representative of Bank of India?
1) A and the representative of UCO Bank
2) F and G
3) H and the representative of Bank of Maharashtra
4) H and G
5) Representatives of Syndicate Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce

Q19. Who among the following is the representative of Oriental Bank of Commerce?
1) A
2) C
3) H
4) G
5) D

Q20. Who amongst the following sits second to the left of B?
1) C
2) H
3) The representative of Canara Bank
4) The representative of Punjab National Bank
5) G

Directions (Q. 21-25): Each of the questions below consists of a question and three statements numbered I, II and III given below it. You have to decide whether the data provided in the statements are sufficient to answer the question.

Q21. How many daughters does W have?
I. B and D are the sisters of M.
II. M’s father T is the husband of W.
III. Out of the three children which T has, only one is a boy.
1) Only I and III are sufficient to answer the question.
2) All I, II and III are required to answer the question.
3) Only II and III are sufficient to answer the question.
4) Question cannot be answered even with all I, II and III
5) Only I and II are sufficient to answer the question.

Q22. Who among A, B, C, D, E and F, each having a different height, is the tallest?
I. .B is taller than A but shorter than E.
II. Only two of them are shorter than C.
III.. D is taller than only F.
1) Only I and II are sufficient to answer the question.
2) Only I and III are sufficient to answer the question.
3) Only II and III are sufficient to answer the question.
4) All I, II and III are required to answer the question.
5) All I, II and III even together are not sufficient to answer the question.

Q23. Towards which direction is Village J from Village W?
I. Village R is to the west of Village W and to the north of Village T.
II. Village Z is to the east of Village J and to the south of Village T.
III. Village M is to the north-east of Village J and to the north of Village Z.
1) Only III is sufficient to answer the question.
2) Only II and III sufficient to answer the question.
3) All I, II and III are required to answer the question.
4) Question cannot be answered even with all I, II and III.
5) None of these

Q24. On which day of the week did Suresh visit Chennai? (Assume that the week starts from Monday.)
I. Suresh took a leave on Wednesday.
II. Suresh visited Chennai the day after his mother’s visit to his house. DL Suresh’s mother visited
III. Suresh’s house on neither Monday nor Thursday.
1) Only II and III are sufficient to answer the question.
2) Only I and II are sufficient to answer the question.
3) Only I and III are sufficient to answer the question.
4) All I, II and HI are required to answer the question.
5) Question cannot be answered even with all I, II and III.

Q25. How is ‘go’ written in a code language?
I. ‘now or never again’ is written as ‘torn ka na sa’ in that code language.
II.’you come again now’ is written as ‘ja ka ta sa’ in thatcode language.
III. ‘again go now or never’ is written as ‘na ha ka sa torn’ in that code language.
1) Only I and III are sufficient to answer the question.
2) Only II and III are sufficient to answer the question.
3) Only I and II are sufficient to answer the question.
4) All I, II and III are required to answer the question.
5) None of these

Directions (Q. 26-30): Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below.
P, Q, R, S, T, V, W and Z are going to three destinations Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad in three different vehicles – Honda City, Swift D’Zire and Ford Ikon. There are three females among them-one in each car. There are at least two persons in each car.
R is not travelling with Q and W. T, a male, is travelling with only Z and they are not going to Chennai. P is travelling in Honda City and is going to Hyderabad. S is the sister of P and is travelling by Ford Ikon. V and R are travelling together. W is not going to Chennai.

Q26. Members of which of the following cars are going to Chennai?
1) Honda City
2) Swift D’ Zire
3) Ford Ikon
4)Either Swift D’Zire or Ford Ikon
5) None of these

Q27. In which car are four members travelling?
1) None
2) Honda City
3) SwiftD’Zire
4) Ford Ikon
5) Either Honda City or Ford Ikon

Q28. Which of the following combinations represents the three female members?
1) QSZ
2) WSZ
3) PSZ
4) Cannot be determined
5) None of these

Q29. Who is travelling with W?
l) Only Q
2) Only P
3) Both P and Q
4) Cannot be determined
5) None of these

Q30. Members of which of the following combinations are travelling in Honda City?
1)PRS
2) PQW
3) PWS
4) Data inadequate
5) None of these

Q31. It has been reported in recent years that a very large number of seats in engineering colleges in the country remain vacant at the end of the admission session. Which of the following may be the probable cause of the above effect?
1) There has-been a considerable decrease in hiring of engineering graduates due to economic slowdown in the recent years.
2) Students have always preferred to complete graduation in three years, time instead of four years for engineering.
3) The Govt. has recently decided to provide post- qualification professional training to all engineering graduates at its own cost.
4) There has always been a very poor success rate among the engineering students.
5) None of these

Q32. The condition of the roads in the city has deteriorated considerably during the first two months of monsoon and most of the roads have developed big potholes. Which of the following can be a possible effect of the above cause?
1) The municipal corporation had repaired all the roads in the city before the onset of monsoon with good quality material.
2) A large number of people have developed spine- related injuries after regularly commuting long distances by road within the city.
3) The municipal corporation has been careful in choosing the contractors for repairing roads in the past.
4) People always complain about potholed roads during the monsoon months.
5) None of these

Q33. Majority of the students who appeared in the final examination of postgraduate course in management in the local college have secured first class, which is comparatively higher than the performance of students of other management colleges in the state. .
Which of the following may indicate that the results are not in line with the general trend?
1) The students of the local college are qualitatively better than those of other colleges.
2) The authorities of the other management colleges in the state are stricter in their standard of evaluation.
3) The students of other management colleges in the state performed better than the students of the local college in all the previous examinations.
4) The local management college recently retrenched many of its regular faculty members.
5) None of these

Q34. It has been reported in many leading newspapers that the current year’s monsoon may be below the expected level as many parts of the country are still not getting adequate rainfall.
Which of the following can be a possible fallout of the above situation?
1) People from those affected areas with less rainfall may migrate to urban areas.
2) Govt.. may announce exgratia payment to all the farmers affected in these areas.
3) Govt. may declare these areas as drought-affected.
4) People may blame the govt. and agitate for not getting adequate water for cultivation.
5) None of these

Q35. There has been a spate of rail accidents in India in the recent months killing large numbers of passengers and injuring many more. This has raised serious doubts on the railway’s capability of providing safety to travellers. Which of the following statements substantiates the views expressed in the above statement?
1) Indian Railways is known for providing best comfort to its passenger.
2) People have no option other than travelling by rail over long distances.
3) The railway tracks at many places have been found to be stressed due to wear and tear in the recent times.
4) Local residents are always the first to provide a helping hand to the passengers in the event of such disasters.
5) None of these

Q36. A few travellers were severely beaten up by villagers recently in a remote rural part of the state as the villagers found the movement of the travellers suspicious. The district authority has sent a police team to nab the culprits. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statement? (An inference is something which is not directly stated but can be inferred from the given facts.)
1) The villagers dislike the presence of strangers in their vicinity.
2) Villagers are generally suspicious in nature.
3) Travellers prefer to visit countryside.
4) The govt. generally provides protection to travellers across the country.
5) None of these

Q37. There has been a considerable drop in sales of four- wheelers during the past six months when compared to the number of four-wheelers sold during this period last year.
Which of the following can the probable cause(s) of the above phenomenon?
(A) The govt. imposed higher excise duty on four- wheelers at the beginning of this year.
(B) The petrol prices have risen considerably during the past eight months.
(C) The rate of interest on home and car loans have been rising for the past seven months.
1) All (A), (B) and (C)
2) Only (A) and (C)
3) Only (B) and (C)
4) (B) Only
5) (A) Only

Q38. There is an alarming trend of skewed sex ratio against women in India during the past decade and the situation may go out of hand if adequate steps are not taken to stop female foeticide.
Which of the following can be an effective step to reverse the trend?
(A)The govt. should immediately completely ban the use of scanners/sonography on expecting mothers at all health centres.
(B) The govt. should announce a substantial incentive scheme for couples who have at least one girl child.
(C) The govt.should launches a nationwide campaign to create awareness against female foeticide.
1) Only (A)
2) Only (A) and (B)
3) Only (B) and (C)
4) All (A), (B) and (C)
5) None of these

Q39. A very large number of technically qualified young Indians are coming out of colleges every year though there are not enough opportunities for them to get gainful employment.
Which of the following contradicts the views expressed in the above statement?
1) Technically qualified persons are far superior to those with standard degrees like B A/ B Sc / B Com etc.
2) The govt. has not done effective planning for engaging technically qualified personnel while authorizing the setting up of technical colleges.
3) huge gap exists between the level of competence of technically qualified graduates and requirements of the industry.
4) Majority of the technically qualified persons are migrating from India to developed countries for better opportunities.
5) None of these

Q40. The govt. appealed to all cititzens to use potable water judiciously as there is an acute shortage in supply. Excessive use may lead to huge scarcity incoming months. Which of the following assumption is implicit in the above statement? (An assumption is something supposed or taken for granted.)
1) People may igonore the appeal and continue using water as per their consideration.
2) Govt. may be able to tap those who do not resopond to the appeal.
3) Govt. may be able to put in place alternate sources of water in the event of crisis.
3) A large number of people may positively respond to the govt’s appeal and help tide over the crisis.
4) Only the poor are going to suffer from this shortage of water supply.

Answer Key
1.5) 2. 4) 3. 1) 4. 4) 5. 3) 6. 2) 7. 5) 8. 1) 9. 2) 10. 1) 11. 2) 12. 3) 13. 3) 14. 1) 15. 4) 16. 2) 17. 5) 18. 3) 19. 5) 20. 4) 21. 3) 22. 4) 23. 5) 24. 5) 25. 1) 26. 3) 27. 1) 28. 4) 29. 3) 30. 2) 31. 1) 32. 2) 33. 3) 34. 3) 35. 3) 36. 4) 37. 3) 38. 3) 39. 4) 40. 4)

Kuldip Nayar honoured with Ramnath Goenka Lifetime Achievement Award

Kuldip Nayar, a veteran journalist, columnist and author was honoured with Ramnath Goenka Lifetime Achievement Award 2015. He was awarded for his contribution to journalism. He was conferred with the award at the eighth edition of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence awards ceremony held in Delhi.

2/27/2026

Previous year question paper RBI assistant exam-2013

Complete previous paper for RBI assistant exam held online July -2013 which is help to analyse about exam question are given…

Download Full question paper Click here

2/27/2026

CHOGM: India has announced $2.5 million in aid for CLIMATE CHANGE

India has announced $2.5 million in aid for the small states in the Commonwealth to help them combat climate change in the 24th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM. Leaders from 53 Commonwealth countries, including India, are meeting in Malta for the biennial summit of the bloc amid unprecedented security to explore concerted global efforts to deal with terrorism and climate change.

CHOGM is held after every two years and the theme for this year’s meeting is ‘Adding Global Value’. India has announced $ 2.5 million in aid for the small states in the Commonwealth to help them combat climate change.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, British Prime Minister David Cameron are among the leaders attending the three-day Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Points To Note

Commonwealth has decided to set up the trade finance facility to help the poor nations introduce clean energy and bring down green-house gas emissions.
Canada has pledged $2 billion assistance to help poor countries in their quest for limiting green-house gas emissions.
Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Friday unveiled a $1 billion Commonwealth Green Finance Facility to support environmental projects in poor member countries of the bloc.
Separately, the UK has committed 21 million pounds for disaster management and 5.5 million pounds for the ocean-based economy. Australia has committed $1 million for a new Commonwealth idea — a Climate Finance Access Hub.

2/27/2026

	MINISTER	COUNCIL
1	NARENDRA MODI	PM
		Ministry of Personnel , Public Grievances & Pensions
		Dept of Atomic Energy
		Dept of Space
2	RAJ NATH SINGH	HOME MINISTER
3	SUSHMA SWARAJ	EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER
4	ARUN JAITLEY	FINANCE MINISTER
		CORP AFFAIRS & INFO OF BROADCASTING/INFO
5	M VENKAIAH NAIDU	URBAN DEVLOPMENT, HOUSING & POVERTY OR PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.
6	NITIN GADKARI	ROAD & TRANSPORT & HIGHWAY/SHIPING MINSTER
7	MANOHAR PARRIKAR	DEFENCE MINISTER
8	SURESH PRABHU	RAILWAY MINSTER
9	D V SADANANDA GOWDA	LAW & JUSTICE MINISTER
10	UMA BHARTI	WATER RESOURCE MINISTER
11	NAJMA HEPTULLA	MINORITY AFFAIRS
12	RAMVILAS PASWAN	CONSUMAR AFFAIRS
13	MANEKA GANDHI	WOMEN & CHILD DEV MINISTER
14	ANANT KUMAR	CHEMICAL & FERTILIZER
15	RAVI SHANKAR PD	COMMUNICATION MINISTER
16	J P NADDA	HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
17	A G R PUSAPATI	CIVIL AVIATION
18	ANANT GEETE	HEAVY INDUSTRIES & PUBLIC ENTP
19	NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR	MINES AND STEEL MINISTER
20	JUAL ORAM	TRIBAL AFFAIRS MINISTER
21	RADHA MOHAR SINGH	AGRICULTURE MINISTER
22	SMRITI IRANI	HRD MINISTER
23	HARSH VARDHAN	SCIENCE & TECH MINISTER

Justice Tirath Singh Thakur sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India

T S Thakur “Justice Tirath Singh Thakur was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India in a ceremony held today at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He made and subscribed to the oath of office before the President,” a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

2/27/2026

Great Britain have won the Davis Cup for Great Britain

Great Britain have won the Davis Cup for the first time since 1936 after Andy Murray beat Belgium’s David Goffin to clinch the decisive point in Ghent. Murray won 6-3 7-5 6-3 to give the visitors an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five tie. Britain have now won the team title 10 times, while Murray adds the Davis Cup to his other major titles at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic Games. Captain Leon Smith guided Britain from the third tier to glory in five years.

2/27/2026

	CITY	RIVER
1	AGRA	YAMUNA
2	AHMEDABAD	SABARMATI
3	ALLAHABAD	GANGA
4	BADRINATH	GANGA
5	HARIDWAR	GANGA
6	KANPUR	GANGA
7	PATNA	GANGA
8	VARANASI	GANGA
9	JABALPUR	NARMADA
10	UJJAIN	CHIPRA
11	AYODHYA	SARYU
12	KOLKATA	HOOGHLY
13	CUTTACK	MAHANADI
14	NEW DELHI	YAMUNA
15	GUWAHATI	BRAHMAPUTRA
16	HYDERABAD	MUSI
17	SRINAGAR	JHELUM
18	SURAT	TAPTI
19	MATHURA	YAMUNA
20	GWALIOR	CHAMBAL
21	LUCKNOW	GOMTI
22	PUNE	MUTHA
23	NASHIK	GODAVARI

Buddhism

Life of Gautama Buddha (567- 487 B.C.)
Gautama or Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 567 B.C. in Lumbini Garden near Kapilavastu. His father was Suddodhana of the Sakya clan and mother Mayadevi. As his mother died at child birth, he was brought up by his aunt Prajapati Gautami. At the age of sixteen he married Yasodhara and gave birth to a son, Rahula. The sight of an old man, a diseased man, a corpse and an ascetic turned him away from worldly life. He left home at the age of twenty nine in search of Truth. He wandered for seven years and met several teachers but could not get enlightenment. At last, he sat under a bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya and did intense penance, after which he got Enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of thirty five. Since then he became known as the Buddha or ‘the Enlightened One’. He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath near Benares and for the next forty five years he led the life of a preacher. He died at the age of eighty at Kusinagara.
The most important disciples of Buddha were Sariputta, Moggallanna, Ananda, Kassapa and Upali. Kings like Prasenajit of Kosala and Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha accepted his doctrines and became his disciples. Buddha in his lifetime spread his message far and wide in north India and visited places like Benares, Rajagriha, Sravasti, Vaisali, Nalanda and Pataligrama. It should be noted that he did not involve himself in fruitless controversies regarding metaphysical questions like god, soul, karma, rebirth, etc., and concerned himself with the practical problems confronting man.

Teachings of Buddha
The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are:
– The world is full of suffering.
– The cause of suffering is desire.
– If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed.
– This can be done by following the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path consists of right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Buddha neither accepts god nor rejects the existence of god. He laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his own deeds. He taught that the soul does not exist. However, he emphasized Ahimsa. By his love for human beings and all living creatures, he endeared himself to all. Even under the gravest provocation he did not show the least anger or hatred and instead conquered everyone by his love and compassion. His religion was identical with morality and it emphasized purity of thought, word and deed. He was a rationalist who tried to explain things in the light of reason and not on the basis of blind faith. Though he did not make a direct attack on the caste system, he was against any social distinctions and threw open his order to all. Therefore, Buddhism was more a social than religious revolution. It taught the code of practical ethics and laid down the principle of social equality.

Spread of Buddhism
Buddha had two kinds of disciples – monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas). The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings. The membership was open to all persons, male or female and without any caste restrictions. There was a special code for nuns restricting their residence and movement. Sariputta, Moggallana and Ananda were some of the famous monks. The Sangha was governed on democratic lines and was empowered to enforce discipline among its members. Owing to the organised efforts made by the Sangha, Buddhism made rapid progress in North India even during Buddha’s life time. Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi and several republican states of North India embraced this religion. About two hundred years after the death of Buddha, the famous Mauryan Emperor Asoka embraced Buddhism. Through his missionary effort Asoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus a local religious sect was transformed into a world religion.

Buddhist Councils
The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagraha under the chairmanship of Mahakasapa immediately after the death of Buddha. Its purpose was to maintain the purity of the teachings of the Buddha. The second Buddhist Council was convened at Vaisali around 383 B.C. The third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Asoka. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it. The final version of Tripitakas was completed in this council. The fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir by Kanishka under the chairmanship of Vasumitra. Asvagosha participated in this council. The new school of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism came into existence during this council. The Buddhism preached by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka was known as Hinayana. The Buddhist texts were collected and compiled some five hundred years after the death of the Buddha. They are known as the Tripitakas, namely the Sutta, the Vinaya and the Abhidhamma Pitakas. They are written in the Pali language.

Causes for the Decline of Buddhism in India
The revival of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism led to the fall of popularity of Buddhism. The use of Pali, the language of the masses as the language of Buddhism was given up from the 1st century A.D. The Buddhists began to adopt Sanskrit, the language of the elite. After the birth of Mahayana Buddhism, the practice of idol worship and making offerings led to the deterioration of moral standards. Moreover, the attack of the Huns in 5th and 6th centuries and the Turkish invaders in 12th century destroyed the monasteries. All these factors contributed to the decline of Buddhism in India.

Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture
Buddhism has made a remarkable contribution to the development of Indian culture.
– The concept of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.
– Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was notable. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut and Gaya are wonderful pieces of architecture. Buddhism takes the credit for the chaityas and viharas in different parts of India.
– It promoted education through residential universities like
those at Taxila, Nalanda and Vikramasila.
– The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
– It had also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.

UPSC exam related question:
1. The religious and other causes for the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
2. Early life of Mahavira and his principles of Triratna.
3. Early life of Gautama Buddha and his important principles like the four truths and eightfold path.
4. The patrons of Buddhism and the formation of the Sangha as well as the spread of Buddhism.
5. Causes for the decline of Buddhism in India and its contribution to Indian culture.

World Pneumonia Day

12 November: World Pneumonia Day was observed on 12 November 2015 across the world with the theme Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia Now.
To mark the occasion, special programmes were held to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote prevention and treatment and generate action to fight the illness.

2/27/2026

NATIONAL PARK	STATE

GIR	GUJRAT
KAZIRANGA	AASAM
MANAS	AASAM
CHANDRAPRABHA	UP
DUDHWA	UP
JIM CORBETT	UTTRAKHAND
GANDHI SAGAR	MP
PERIYAR	KERALA
EDDUKI	KERALA
SARISKA	RAJASTHAN
RANTHAMBHOR	RAJASTHAN
GHANA	RAJASTHAN
MARU	RAJASTHAN
KEVLADEV	RAJASTHAN
RANGANTHITTO	KARNATAKA
NANDAN KANHA	ODISHA
CHILKA	ODISHA
SUNDER VAN	WEST BENGAL
KAWAR LAKE	BIHAR
VALMIKI	BIHAR
SALIM ALI	J & K
Silent Valley National Park	Palakkad, (Kerala)
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park	Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Mudumalai Sanctuary	Nilgiris (Tamilnadu)
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary	Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Chandraprabha Sanctuary	Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Kanha National Park	Mandla (Madhya Pradesh)
Dachigam National Park	Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
Rajaji National Park	Dehradun, (Uttarakhand)
Dudwa National Park	Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh)
Bandipur National Park	Mysore (Karnataka)
Ghatprabha Bird Sanctuary	Belgaum (Karnataka)

International Organization

ORGANIZATION	HEAD QUARTER	MEMBER	HEAD

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank	Beijing, China
New Development Bank (BRICS Development Bank)	Shanghai, China
UNO (United Nation Organization)	NEWYORK	193	BAN KIM MOON
United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA)			–

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)	PARIS	195	Irina Bokova
	PARIS	195
WORLD BANK	WASHINGTON DC	188	JIM YONG KIM
IMF (International Monetary Fund)	WASHINGTON DC	188	CHRISTINE LAGARDE
	WASHINGTON DC	188
WTO (World Trade Organization)	GENEVA	161	ROBERTO AZEVEDA
ILO (International Labor Organization)	GENEVA	—	Guy Ryder
	GENEVA	—
UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)	GENEVA	–	–
WHO (World Health Organization)	GENEVA	—	Margaret Chan
World Intellectual Property Organisation			–
International Committee of the Red Cross
World Economic Forum			–


UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund)	NEWYORK	—	Anthony Lake
	NEWYORK	—
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)	ROME	—	José Graziano da Silva
	ROME	—
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)	VIENNA (Austria)	12	Edmund Daukoru,
International Atomic Agency
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)			–

OCED (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development )	PARIS	—	José Ángel Gurría
	PARIS	—
CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation)	MOSCO		–
	MOSCO
SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional corporation)	KATHMANDU	8	Ahmed Saleem,

BRICS	BRAZIL	5

ADB ((Asian Development Bank)	MANILA	67	TAKEHIKO NAKAO
Amnesty International	London, UK
International Maritime Organisation	London, UK
Commonwealth of Nations	London, UK
NATO	BRUSSELS	28	–

EU	BRUSSELS	28 (Croatia)	Herman Van Rompuy

SWIFT	BRUSSELS

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)	SINGAPORE	–	Muhamad Noor

ASEAN	JAKARTA	10

UNHC (United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights)		–	Navanethem Pillay
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)	GENEVA	–	–
G-8	(NO HQ)	–	David Cameron
International Court of Justice	The Hague, The Netherland
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)	Gland, Vaud, Switzerland

Important Line with neighbour of Country

COUNTRY	BETWEEN LINE/PLACE/ISLAND	COUNTRY

*· INDIA**	· RADCLIFFE LINE	· PAKISTAN

*· INDIA**	· McMAHON LINE	· CHINA

*· PAKISTAN**	· DURAND LINE	· AFGHANISTAN

· INDIA	· NEW MOORE ISLAND	· BANGLA DESH

· INDIA	· MANNAR ISLAND/PALKSTRAIT	· SRILANKA

· INDIA	· IRAWATI KRAVE	· MYANMARIT

· INDIA	*· 8 CHANNAL**	· MALDIVES

· INDIA	· GREAT CHANNAL	· INDONESIA
IMPORTANT OTHERS COUNTRY
GERMANY	MAGINOT	FRANCE
NATHULA PASS	SIKKIM	INDIA
NORTH KOREA	38TH PARALLER LINE	SOUTH KOREA
USA	49TH PARALLER LINE	CANADA

Country & River

	COUNTRY	RIVER

1	EGYPT	NILE (Longest river of the world)
2	IRAQ	TIGRIS
3	GERMANY (BERLIN)	SPREE
4	GERMANY (BONN)	RHINE
5	AUSTRIA	DANUBE
6	CHINA	HUANGPU
7	AUSTRALIA (PERTH)	SWAN
8	AUSTRALIA (SIDNEY)	DARLING
9	PAKISTAN	INDUS, RAVI
10	LONDON	THAMES
11	USA (NEW YORK)	HUDSON
12	USA ( W DC)	POTOMAC
13	USA	MISSISSIPI
14	RUSSIA	VOLGA
15	MYANMAR	IRRAWADDY
16	ROME	TIBER
17	PARIS	SEINE
18	MOSCOW	MOSKVA
19	LAHORE	RAVI
20	BONN	RHINE
21	Yangtze	ASIA LARGEST RIVER

PV Sindhu completed a hat-trick of women’s singles title Macau Open Grand Prix Gold

Two-time defending champion PV Sindhu completed a hat-trick of women’s singles title at the USD 120,000 Macau Open Grand Prix Gold after defeating Japan’s Minatsu Mitani in the finals here on Sunday. Sindhu produced a dominating game to notch up a 21-9 21-23 21-14 win against sixth seed Mitani in a women’s singles match that lasted an hour and six minutes here.

2/27/2026

Swati Dandekar appointed Executive Director to Asian Development Bank by Obama

Swati Dandekar, a former Iowa state legislator and member of the Iowa Utilities Board, has been named the U.S. director of the Asian Development Bank by President Barack Obama.

The Asian Development Bank is an international organization that provides loans, grants, policy aid, technical assistance and equity investments to countries in Asia and the Pacific.

2/27/2026

UNHCR chosen for Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2015

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was on 19 November 2015 chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2015. A decision in this regard was taken by the international jury of the prize, headed by Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari on the occasion of birth annniversary of Indira Gandhi.

2/27/2026

All about Bihar Election 2015

Nitish Kumar will be Bihar chief minister for a third straight term, with the state handing the Grand Alliance that he leads a big win in the assembly elections. It is now leading in 178 seats, with the BJP camp trailing at only 58.

2/27/2026

World Economic Forum released Global Gender Gap Report 2015

World Economic Forum (WEF) on November 2015 released the Global Gender Gap Report 2015. It ranked 145 economies according to how well they are leveraging their female talent pool, based on economic, educational, health-based and political indicators.

As per the report, the global gender gap across health, education, economic opportunity and politics has closed by only 4 percent in the past 10 years suggesting it will take another 118 years to close this gap completely. And, out of the 145 countries surveyed, while Iceland topped the Gender Gap Index for the seventh year in a row, India stood at the 108th position.

Main Highlights of the Global Gender Gap Report 2015

• Top 5 countries with high gender equality are Iceland (1), Norway (2), Finland (3), Sweden (4) and Ireland (5).
• Five countries with least gender equality are Iran (141), Chad (142), Syria (143), Pakistan (144) and Yemen (145).
• The Nordic countries still dominate the Global Gender Gap Index. Ireland is the highest placed non-Nordic country, ranking 5th. Rwanda (6), Philippines (7) and New Zealand (10) are the only non-European countries in the top 10; and the United States falls eight places to 28th.
• As compared to 2006, an extra quarter of a billion women have entered the labor force in 2015 that is pegged at 1.75 billion.

2/27/2026

Deepak Singhal – New Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India

On 2 November, 2015 RBI appointed Deepak Singhal as the Executive Director (ED). Deepak Singhal replaced K K Vohra.

2/27/2026

Harjit Sajjan (Indian Born) sworn in as Defence Minister of Canada

Harjit Sajjan an Indo-Canadian Sikh sworn – in as Defence Minister of Canada on 4 November, 2015. Harjit Sajjan is one of the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 30 members Cabinet. Ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Canada.

2/27/2026

REPORT/PUBLICATION	ORGANIZATION

HUMAN DEVLOPMENT INDEX	UNDP/PLANNING COMISSION
WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT	UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Developmen
BUSINESS INDEX	WORLD BANK
INCLUSIVE WELTH REPORT	UNO
World Urbanization Prospects Report	UNO
WORLD DEV REPORT	IBRD (WORLD BANK)
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT	WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK	IMF
GLOBAL FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT	IMF
REVIEW OF MACROECONOMIC & MONETARY DEV	RBI
FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT	RBI
OUTLOOK SUPLEMENT REPORT	ADB
Economic Survey	NSSO
Financial Data of India	NSSO

Regulatory Body of financial Sector

REGULATOR	SECTOR	ESTABLISHMENT	HQ	CHIEF

RBI	MONEY MKTG	1935	MUMBAI	RAGHURAM GOVIND RAJAN
SEBI	CAPITAL, MUTUAL FUND, STOCK, MERCHANT, 1988		MUMBAI	U K SINGHA
IRDA	INSURANCE	1999	HYDRABAD	T S VIJYAN
TRAI	TELECOM	1997	NEW DEL	RAM SEVAK SHARMA
FMC	COMMODITY MKTG	1953	MUMBAI	RAMESH ABISHEK
PFRDA	PENSION SECTOR	2003	NEW DELHI	HEMENT CONTRACTOR
CBDT	DIRECT TAX	1944	NEW DELHI	ANITA KAPOOR
CBEC	INDIRECT TAX	1944	NEW DELHI	Kaushal Srivastava
NPCI	RUPAY CARD	2008	MUMBAI	A P HOTA

Justice Teerth Singh Thakur to be the next Chief Justice of India

Justice Teerth Singh Thakur would be the next Chief Justice of India recommended by Chief Justice H L Dattu on 4 November, 2015. T S Thakur will take over as the 43rd Chief Justice of India.

2/27/2026

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchai Yojana (PMKSHY)	Purpose—- Irrigation need of farmers Lunched in—- Haryana Present allocation—-1000 cr Total allocation—–50000 cr( for 5 years)
INDRADHANUS	7TH Point agenda for PSB banks Started @ Delhi 1. Appointment, Bank Board Beuro, Capitalization, De-stresing, Empowerment, Performance & Reforms
Pradhana Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)	Purpose—Comprehensive financial inclusion Launched in— Vigyan bhawan Delhi 76 cr accounts opened by 10 Jan 15 Accidental insurance –1 lakh–given by HDFC Ergo Life Insurance—30000—given by LIC Overdraft Facility—5000
Make In India	Purpose:to make India a manufacturing hub Launched in—-vigyan bhawan Delhi This program emphasis –25 sectors
Swachh Bharat Mission	Purpose–clean india by 02/10/ 2019 Launched on 02/10/2014 Launched in–Valmiki Basti in Delhi Logo—-Anat Khasbardar from Maharashtra Tagline–“Ek Kadam Swachhata Ki Aur”-by Bhagyasri –Gujarath Ambassador–Aamir Khan Cost- 62, 000cr.
Saansad Adhrash Gram Yojana (SAGY)	Purpose–Developing villages by MPs by 2019 Goal: Each MP will develop at least 1 villages by 2017 least 3 villages by 2019 Later 5 villages by 2024 Samanvay Portal has started.
Vana bandhu Kalyan Yojana	Purpose–welfare of tribal people Allocation—100 cr(2014-15)
Kishaan Vikas PatraInvestmentScheme	Purpose——Relaunched to encourage savings among citizens Launched in — Delhi Investment in KVP doubled in –100 months or 8 yr 4 minths Is PAN required –No (if <50000 br=””>If 10 lakh— additional income proof required Currently available — Sold only via post offices Available denominations—1000,5000,10000,50000 Is there any limit in investment–No Is there any premature withdrawal– only after 30 months Can we transfer this certificate to others—Yes Is interest is taxabke—Yes Interest rate —8.7 %
National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)	Purpose— Heritage Conservation Completing duration — by March 2017 The scheme implented in how many cities –12 Total outlay– 100 cr
Beti Bachao,Beti Padhao (Save Girl child, Educate Girl child)	Purpose–To improve child sex ratio(0-6yrs) Launched In:Panipat,Haryana Brand Ambassador -Madhuri Dixit Brand Ambassador of Haryana BB,BP –Paraneeti Chopra
Sukanya Samridhi Yojana (SSY)	Purpose—Social security for girls Launched in—– Panipat,Haryana Eligibility to open accounts–girls under 10 yrs Howmuch amount can deposit—1000 to 1.5 lakh Maturity period —- 21 yrs Interest rate— 9.2 % per annum
MUDRA(Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Bank	Purpose–To fund small entrepreneurs Launched in —New Delhi Is it setup under which scheme—Pradhan Mantrim MUDRA Yojana Scheme Is it part of — SIDBI Tagline:Innovative Way of Funding Small Business Corpus—-20000 cr Credit guarantee corpus — 3000 cr Products: SHISHU —- Loans up to 50000 KISHOR —-50000 to 5 lakh TARUN —–5 lakh to 10 lakh First bank to launch MUDRA card on RuPay — Corporation Bank
Pradhana Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)	Purpose– Accidental Insurance Scheme Launched In — Kolkata Eligibility—— 18 to 70 yrs Coverage — Accidental death and full disability–2 lakh Partial Disability– 1 lakh Premium— 12 Rs for annum
Pradhana Mantri Jeevana Jyoti Bima Yojana(PMJJBY)	purpose– Life insurance Eligibility —- 18 to 50 yrs Coverage—- Death — 2 lakh Premium — 330 Rs per annum
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)	Purpose– Pension Scheme Eligibility— 18 to 40 yrs Premium –besed on what you want receiving at age of 60 yrs Pension range —– 1000 to 5000 How much Union government contribute– 50 % for period of 5 yrs Who will administrated this — PFRDA(Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority)
Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan(RAA)	The government has announced that the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan will be renamed as APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan in memory of the former president Purpose– Motivate children 6-18 yrs engage in Science and Mathematics and Technology Who will develop this concept– Ministry of Human Resource Development Under Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, the government schools will be mentored by Institutes like IITs/ IIMs/ IISERs and other Central Universities and reputed organisations through innovative programmes, student exchanges, demonstrations, student visits, etc to develop a natural sense of passion towards learning of Science and Maths
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana	Purpose–Urban Development 3 schemes launched Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation(AMRUT) Aim– Developing 500 cities population 1 lakh above Outlay — 50000 cr Smart Cities Mission Aim——Developing 100 smart cities Outlay — 48000 cr
Housing for All	Aim——developing housing facilities in urban areas Time period — by 2022
Digital India	Purpose —- to transform India into digitally empowered Launched in—-Indira Gandhi stadium,Delhi The time period–2019
Skill India Mission	Main Aim of this Scheme — to coverage and minister skill development schemes and subsidise loans to students Target– to provide skill training to 40.02 crore people by 2022 Skill Loan where loans from 5000 to 1.5 lakh available to 34 lakh youth Tag Line— Kaushal Bharat, Kushal Bharat PMKVY will skill how many people next year—- 24 lakh youth Howman graduating students received job offer letters on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day—- 18000 above
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana(DDUGJY)	Main Aim of this Schem—24/7 supply of power in rural area Launched in —Patna Outlay—– 76000 cr
Sahaj Scheme	Main Aim and Objective Of this Scheme -The on line release of new LPG connections, through the portal mylpg.in to enable customers to register for new LPG connections online, as well as make on line payments for the same. In Starting This Scheme Was Launched In 12 Cities
Pahal Scheme	Direct LPG Cash Subsidy Transfer to Consumer Account Once consumer join the scheme he will get LPG cylinder at market price and will receive LPG subsidy in his bank account . If the LPG consumers who do not wish to avail the LPG subsidy for LPG cylinders can simply choose to opt out of subsidy
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)	This scheme will organize rural poor into SHG groups and make them capable for self-employment. The idea is to develop better livelihood options for the poor.
HRIDAY – Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana	The scheme seeks to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country. Scheme Will Be Implemented By Urban Development Ministry Was Launched On Jan 2015
Smart Cities Mission	To enable better living and drive economic growth stressing on the need for people centric urban planning and development. Scheme Will Be Implemented By Urban Development Ministry

G20 Leaders’ Communiqué Antalya Summit, 15-16 November 2015

The 2015 G20 Summit was held for two days on 15 November and 16 November 2015 at Regnum Carya Hotel Convention Centre in Antalya, Turkey.
It was the tenth summit since the inception of G20 in 1999 and held under the Turkish leadership.
The focus of the summit was to evolve strategies to ensure inclusive and robust growth through collective action. For this to achieve, Turkey has proposed three I’s-Inclusiveness,Implementation and Investment for growth.
The summit was attended by all the leaders of the G20 including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, France President Francois Hollande couldn’t attend the summit as Paris came under a coordinated terrorist attack on 13 November 2015 that killed around 130 civilians.

Besides urging for strong and coordinated actions against climate change and terrorism, the G-20 has reaffirmed its earlier goal of achieving two percent additional GDP growth by 2018.
On the sidelines of the summit, meetings of G7 and BRICS leaders took place.
At the end of the summit, Turkey handed over the presidency of the Grouping to China for 2016. The 2014 Summit was held at Brisbane in Australia.
G20 Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and European Union.

2/27/2026

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar Chief Minister at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Friday

Nitish Kumar was sworn in Bihar Chief Minister for a fifth time on Friday at a grand event attended mostly by non-BJP leaders. The two sons of RJD chief Lalu Prasad — Tejaswi and Tej Pratap —and 26 others were also sworn in.

In the late-evening allocation of portfolios, Tejaswi Yadav, the younger son of Mr. Lalu Prasad, became Deputy Chief Minister. The elder son, Tej Pratap, was given charge of three important Ministries.

Apart from Nitish Kumar, 12 members each from the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal and four from the Congress were administered the oath of office.

After Mr. Kumar, Tejaswi Yadav and Tej Pratap took the oath. All the family members of Mr. Lalu Prasad were present at the glittering ceremony on Patna’s historic Gandhi Maidan.

The JD(U) members who took the oath are: Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallan, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shrawan Kumar, Jay Kumar Singh, Maheshwar Hazari, Krishnandan Prasad Verma, Santosh Nirala, Khurshid alias Firoz Ahmad, Shailesh Kumar, Kumari Manju Varma, Madan Sahni and Kapildeo Kamat.

2/27/2026

STATE	CAPITAL
Andra Pradesh	Hyderabad
Arunachal Pradesh	Itangar
Assam	Dispur
Bihar	Patna
Chhattisgarh	Raipur
Goa	Panaji
Gujarat	Gandhinagar
Haryana	Chandigarh
Himachal Pradesh	Shimla
Jammu and Kashmir	Srinagar and Jammu
Jharkhand	Ranchi
Karnataka	Bangalore
Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram
Madya Pradesh	Bhopal
Maharashtra	Mumbai
Manipur	Imphal
Meghalaya	Shillong
Mizoram	Aizaol
Nagaland	Kohima
Orissa	Bhubaneshwar
Punjab	Chandigarh
Rajasthan	Jaipur
Sikkim	Gangtok
Tamil Nadu	Chennai
Tripura	Agartala
Uttaranchal	Dehradun
Uttar Pradesh	Lucknow
West Bengal	Kolkata
Telangana	Hyderabad

	UNION TERRITORIES	CAPITAL
1	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair
2	Chandigarh	Chandigarh
3	Dadar and Nagar Haveli	Silvassa
4	Daman and Diu	Daman
5	Delhi	Delhi
6	Lakshadeep	Kavaratti
7	Pondicherry	Pondicherry

Indian Ports located in states

PORTS	STATES

KANDLA	GUJRAT
MUNDRA (BIGGEST PORT OF INDIA)	GUJRAT
JAWAHAR LAL NAHRU	MUMBAI
MARGUGAO	GOA
NEW MANGLORE	KARNATKA
COCHIN (MODERN PORT OF INDIA)	KERLA

ENNORE (CORPORATE Port)	TAMIL NADU
VISHAKHAPATNAM (DEEPIST PORT OF INDIA)	ANDRAPRADESH
Gangavaram	VISHAKHAPATNAM
PARADIP	ODISHA
HALDIA	WEST BENGAL
TUTICORN	TAMIL NADU

2/27/2026

TAG LINE	TRICK	BANK OF INDIA	HQ
Banker to every indian/with you all the way/Pure banking nothing else/The nations Bank on US	I	STATE BANK OF INDIA	M
Relationship Beyond Banking	N	BANK OF INDIA	U
Central to you since 1911	D	CENTRAL BANK OF INDIA	M
Good People to Bank With	I	UNION BANK OF INDIA	BA
	A	RESERVE BANK OF INDIA	I
Banking for all/AAo sochen BADA		IDBI	Mumbai
Trusted Family Bank		Dena Bank	Mumbai
The Bank That Begins with “U”		EXCEPT- UNITED BANK OF INDIA	KOLKATTA

The Name you can Bank Upon		PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK	D
Where Service is a way of Life		PUNJAB & SIND BANK	E
–		ORIENTAL BANK OF COMMERCE	L
Empowering Women		BHARTIYE MAHILA BANK	HI

Your Tech Family Bank	INDIAN	INDIAN BANK	CHE
Good Poople to Grow with		INDIAN OVERSEAS BANK	NNAI

–	U	UCO BANK	KOLKATTA
The Bank That Begins with “U”	U	UNITED BANK OF INDIA

A Tradition of Trush		EXCEPT- ALLAHABAD BANK	KOLKATTA

Together we can	SOUTH NAME	CANARA BANK	BANGLORE
A friend that you can bank on		VIJAYA BANK


India’s International Bank		BANK OF BARODA	BARODA
One family one Bank mahabank		BANK OF MAHARASHTRA	PUNE
Where India Bank		ANDRA BANK	HYDRABAD

–		SYNDICATE BANK	MANIPAL (SMU)
A premier Public Sec Bank/prosperity for all		CORPORATION BANK	MANGLORE

BADHTI KA NAAM ZINDAGI		AXIS BANK
HUM HAI NA, KHYAL APKA		ICICI BANK
WE UNDERSTAND YOUR WORLD INDEED		HDFC BANK
THE WORLD’S LOCAL BANK		HSBC
THE PERFECT BANKING PARTNER		Federal bank
AAPKA BHALA SABKI BHALAI		Bandhan Bank
YOGAKSHEMAM VAHAMYAHAM/ ZINDIGI KE SATH VE ZINDIGI KE BAD VE		LIC	MUMBAI

ORGANISATION	HEADQUARTER (Nationalization Year)

RBI	MUMBAI(01/04/1935)
SEBI	MUMBAI(1988/1992)
NABARD	MUMBAI(12/07/1982)
CRISIL	MUMBAI
IRDA	HYDRABAD
TRAI	NEW DELHI
GIC	MUMBAI(1972)
LIC	MUMBAI(1956)
SIDBI	LUCKNOW (02/04/1990)
NHB	NEW DELHI (1988)

FICCI Chairman appointed Harshavardhan Neotia

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia group, has been elected president of industry body Ficci for 2016. Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia group, has been elected president of industry bodyFicci for 2016. Neotia, a ‘Padma Shri’ awardee, is also a member of the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Advisory Council and West Bengal Chief Minister’s Core Committee on Industry.

2/27/2026

Scheme to be fully supported by Union Government

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)
2. Multi Sectoral Development Programme for Minorities (MSDP)
3. Pre-Matric Scholarship for children of those engaged in unclean occupation
4. Scholarship schemes (Post and Pre Matric) for SC, ST and OBCs
5. Support for Machinery for implementation
of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989
6. National Programme for persons with Disabilities
7. Scheme for providing Education to Minorities
8. Umbrella scheme for education of ST Children
9. Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojna (IGMSY)
10. Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
11. Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)- SABLA
12. National Nutrition Mission (NNM)
13. Scheme for protection and development of women
14. Assistance for schemes under proviso(i) to
Article 275(1) of the Constitution
15. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan
16. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (Financed from Education Cess)
17. Mid Day Meal
18. Schemes of North Eastern Council
19. Special Package for Bodoland Territorial Council
20. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) including Annapurna
21. Grants from Central Pool of Resources for North Eastern Region and Sikkim
22. Social Security for Unorganized Workers Scheme
23. Support to Educational Development including Teacher Training and Adult Education
24. Border Area Development Programme
25. Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
26. Cess backed allocation for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY)
27. Roads and Bridges financed from Central Road Fund
28. Project Tiger
29. Project Elephant
30. Additional Central Assistance for Externally Aided Projects (Loan Portion)
31. Additional Central Assistance for Externally Aided Projects (Grant Portion)

23rd APEC Economic Leaders Summit held at Manila

23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Summit was held at Manila, Philippines from 18 November to 19 November 2015. The summit was chaired by Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The theme of the Summit was Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World. After the conclusion of the summit, the leaders from 21 member-countries issued the 2015 Leaders Declaration titled Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World: A Vision for an Asia-Pacific Community Peru will chair APEC throughout 2016 and host the 24th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

2/27/2026

27th ASEAN Summit, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, 18-22 November 2015

Modi Congratulates Malaysia For Outstanding ASEAN, East Asia Summit

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 23 (Bernama) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded Malaysia for hosting the outstanding 27th ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit (EAS) as well as the establishment of the ASEAN Community.

He said Malaysia’s review of the 10th anniversary of AES had set an excellent course for the most important forum in the Southeast Asian region.

Modi also commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s leadership as well as the Malaysian people for their resolve and resilience in the aftermath of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 and MH17 tragedies last year.

“The two back-to-back airline tragedies could sap the morale of any nation. I commend your leadership and the resolve and resilience of the Malaysian people,” he said in his joint press conference with Najib at Perdana Putra, here Monday.

Modi, who is here for a maiden official visit after assuming his post in 2014, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to attend the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Meanwhile, Najib said Malaysia was delighted to receive Modi’s inaugural visit as both countries had very close and substantive relations based on common heritage and strong people-to-people ties.

He said he was very satisfied with the productive and constructive bilateral meetings held earlier this morning.

“There is a great desire between our two governments to strengthen and bring our bilateral ties to greater heights.

Najib also applauded Modi’s leadership, saying that he was a man of action, who wanted things implemented expeditiously.

Thus, he said both governments had agreed to appoint persons on both sides for immediate follow through of all plans.

“He has a proven track record as a Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister. He tells me the construction of roads had been implemented in much faster way from 2km a day to 18km a day,” Najib said, adding that he was excited about the new possibilities that both countries could do together.

Earlier, both leaders had witnessed the signing of three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) involving Malaysia and India.

The MoUs were in the area of performance management, project delivery and monitoring related to government programmes and delivery as well as cultural exchange programme agreement for the period of 2012 to 2020.

Also signed was the MoU between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Department of Electronics and Information Technology of India and CyberSecurity Malaysia on cooperation in the area of Cyber SecurityStatements

Speeches

Opening Address by Yab Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak Prime Minister of MALAYSIA on the Opening Ceremony of The 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on 21 November 2015 st the Plenary Hall, Level 1, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Agreements and Declarations

Press Releases

IBPS Interview Tips

In the IBPS interview board, generally there are Four/five members with the chairperson seated at the centre along with panel of senior officers/educationists, psychologists, eminent personalities etc. Basics :

– The interview nowadays is known as a Personality Test. The reason being that it is not a test of knowledge, but of the overall personality of the candidate/ aspirant.

– Interview is more of a psychological test than just contentbased. Along with good communicative skills and selfconfidence, good knowledge base no doubt gives you an upper hand. However, it has to be borne in mind that nearly all the aspirants/candidates in the Personality Test start more or less as equals in the sphere of knowledge base.

– One is not expected to know everything under the sun. If you do not know the answer to a particular question, do not hesitate to say I don’t know, Sir/Ma’m. However, even “I don’t know Sir/Ma’m” should be said confidently and with a reasonable amount of cheerfulness. Remember your knowledge levels have been thoroughly checked during the earlier stages of the CSE viz Prelims and Mains.

– Always remember that the interview is not a cross examination, but a natural, purposeful conversation.

– Keep a photocopy of the form filled for the Mains examination handy. Most of the initial questions viz the meaning of your name, educational background, professional experience, hobbies etc. will be based on this form only. Try to prepare on your biodata; roughly 30% questions are based on biodata, 40% questions are based on banking awareness and 30% are based on current affairs.

DRESSING MANNERS :

Types of questions asked at the IBPS interview During Interview :

About yourself :

About your College :

About Banking Knowledge & Terms:

Current Affairs and General Knowledge:

CALL FOR INTERVIEW PREPARATION: 8080160826

2/27/2026

LIC Apprentice Development Officers (ADO) Exam Previous Question Paper (Reasoning)

Q.1 How many such pairs of letters are there in the word TRANSFER each of which has as many letters between them in the word as in the English alphabet?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.2 D is sister of F. M is brother of F. K is brother of D and son of T. R is wife of T. How is F related to T?
1) Son
2) Daughter
3) Son or daughter
4) Data inadequate
5) None of these

Q.3 The positions of how many digits in the number 8359614 will remain unchanged after the digits are rearranged in descending order within the number?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.4 In a certain code ‘STAGE’ is written as ‘4@59’ and ‘EARN’ is written as 987′. How is ‘NEST’ written in that code?
1) 497@
2) 794@
3) @79
4) 79@
5) None of these

Q.5 In a certain code TRILOGY is written as HQSMXFN. How is CREDITS written in that code?
1) DQBERSH
2) FSDCTUJ
3) DQBETUJ
4) FSDCRSH
5) None of these

Direction (6 – 10) : Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below:
H 3 $ E K 5 @ M % I 8 2 T A F 6 W I  N V ★ P 4 Q δ R D Z

Q.6 Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on their positions in the above arrangement and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
1) FAW
2) N★
3) 4Pδ
4) MI
5) SEH

Q.7 How many such symbols are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a number and immediately followed by a letter?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Q.8 Which of the following is the fifth to the left of the sixteenth from the left end of the above arrangement?
1) 2
2) 
3) 8
4) 6
5) None of these

Q.9 If all the symbols and numbers are dropped from the above arrangement which of the following will be the fourteenth from the right end?

1) T
2) K
3) N
4) P
5) None of these

Q.10 How many such numbers are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a letter but not immediately followed by a letter?
1) None
2) One
3) Two
4) Three
5) More than three

Directions (11 – 15): In these questions, certain symbols have been used to indicate relationships between elements as follows:
‘P  Q’ means ‘P is neither greater than nor equal to Q.
‘P $ Q’ means ‘P is neither smaller than nor equal to Q.
‘P @ Q’ means ‘P is not smaller than Q.
‘P % Q means P is not greater than Q.
‘P ★ Q’ means ‘P is neither greater than nor smaller than Q.

In each question, four statements showing relationships have been given, which are followed by three conclusions I, II and III. Assuming that the given statements are true, find out which conclusion(s) is /are definitely true?

Q.11 Statement:
R % T, T  K, K $ M, M @ V
Conclusions:
I. M  T
II. R  K
III. K $ V
1) None is true
2) Only I and II are true
3) Only II and III are true
4) Only I and III are true
5) All I, II and III are true

Q.12 Statements:
W $ N N  R, R @ K, K % F
Conclusions:
I. F ★ R
II. R $ W
III. N  K
1) None is true
2) Only I is true
3) Only II is true
4) Only III is true
5) Only II and III are true

Q.13 Statements:
F @ M, M % W, W $ R, R  V
Conclusions:
I. V $ M
II. F $ W
III. R  F
1) None is true
2) Only I is true
3) Only II is true
4) Only III is true
5) Only I and III are true

Q.14 Statements:
B $ D, D @ M, M % K, K  R
Conclusions:
I. R $ M
II. K@D
III. B $ M
1) Only I and II are true
2) Only I and III are true
3) Only II and III are true
4) All I, II and III are true
5) None of these

Q.15 Statements:
N@W, W★K, KV, V$F
Conclusions:
I. K★N
II. K@N
III. FW
1) Only I is true
2) Only II is true
3) Only III is true
4) Only either I or II is true
5) None of these

Directions (16-20) Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below:
P,Q,R,S,T,V,W and Z are sitting around a circle facing the centre. S is second to the right of V who is third to the right of T.Q. is second to the left of T and fourth to the right of Z, W is third to the right of P who is not an immediate neighbour of T.

Q.16 Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on their positions is the above arrangement and so form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
1) ZRV
2) SPQ
3) VZP
4) TWR
5) QWT

Q.17 Who is to the immediate left of W?
1) Q
2) T
3) S
4) Data inadequate
5) None of these

Q.18 Who is second to the left of R?
1) T
2) Q
3) W
4) Data Inadequate
5) None of these

Q.19 Who is fourth to the left of P?
1) R
2) Z
3) W
4) T
5) Data inadequate

Q.20 In which of the following pairs is the first person sitting to the immediate right. of the second person?
1) SQ
2) TW
3) ZV
4) PS
5) QW

Directions (21-25): Study the following information carefully and answer the questions given below: Following are the conditions for selecting Manager- Accounts in an organisation.

The Candidate must:
i. be at least 28 years and not more than 33 years as on 01.06.2010.
ii. be agraduate with at least 55 percent marks. iii. be a post graduate dergee/ diploma holder in financial management with atleast 60 percent marks.
iv. have post qualification work experience of atleast seven years in the Finance department of an organisation.
v. have secured 40 percent marks in the personal interview.

In the case of a candidates who satisfies all the conditions

EXCEPT:
A) at (iii) above but has completed CA/ICWA/CFA after his/ her graduation, the case is to be referred to executive Director- Finance.
B) at (v) above but has secured atleast 35 percent marks in the personal interview and at least 65 percent marks in graduation. The case is to be referred to General Manager – Finance. In each question below are given details of one candidate.
You have to take one of the following courses of action based on the information provided and the conditions and sub- conditions given above and mark the number of that course of action your answer. You are not to assume anything other that the information provided in each question.

Mark Answer
(1) if the case is to be referred to Executive Director – Finance. Mark answer
(2) if the case is to be referred to General Manager- Finance. Mark answer
(3) if the candidate is to be selected. Mark answer
(4) if the candidate is not to be selected. Mark answer
(5) if the data provided are not adequate to take a decision

Q.21 Subodh Saha has been working in the finance department of an organisation for the past seven years after completing his post Graduate degree in Financial Management with 60 percent marks. He has secured 53 percent marks in the personal interview. He was born on 8th may 1984.
Q.22 Abhiram Gupta was born on 8th July 1980. He has been working in the Finance department of an organisation for the past nine years after completing his post graduation degree in Financial Management with 68 percent marks. He has secured 37 percent marks in personal interview and 70 percent marks in graduation.
Q.23 Suchitra Kulkarni has been working in the finance department of an organisation for the past eight years. She was born on 12th April 1979. She has secured 65 percent marks in both graduation and post graduate diploma in financial management. She has also secured 50 percent marks personal interview.
Q.24 Atul Sangma was born on 24th March 1980. He has secured 45 percent marks in the personal interview and 60 percent marks in graduation. He has been working organisation for th past seven yeas after completing his post graduate degree in Financial Management with 65 percent marks.
Q.25 Neha Juneja was born on 4th September 1981. She has been working in the Finance department of an organisation for the past eight years after completing her ICWA after obtaining 58 percent marks in graduation. she has secured 48 percent marks in the personal Interview.

Answer Key

1-4; 2-3; 3-1; 4-2; 5-1; 6-5; 7-4; 8-3; 9-2; 10-5; 11-3; 12-1; 13-1; 14-2; 15-4; 16-5; 17-1; 18-3; 19-4; 20-2; 21-4; 22-2; 23-3; 24-3; 25-1;

How to crack IBPS bank PO examination in first attempt?

Public sector banks(PSU) in India recruits candidates into various banking jobs for their branches spread across the India. Probationary Officer (PO) post is one of the many posts available in the banks, for which IBPS, SBI and other private banks recruit candidates every year. The aspiring candidates who are willing to join the banking industry prepare whole year for the written examination associated with bank PO recruitment. The increasing number of candidates every year has obligated the recruitment authorities to divide the written test into two: Prelims and Mains. This has resulted in tougher competition to get the job, which is followed by a personal interview round. Hence, it is not an easy task to crack the examination in the very first attempt. Many candidates try for three to four years to succeed in the examination and get the PO job. But there are few tips, following which the candidates can actually score quite well in the written examination and perform well in the personal interview round.

Tips to crack bank P.O (Probationary Officer) examination

Spot your weakness and work on it: The candidates must undergo the examination pattern in detail to understand the contents of the examination. This would make them to know their strength and weaknesses and allow them to mend the gaps in the preparatory period. Candidates should give emphasis on their weaker sections and strengthen the particular section or paper. They can also take help and counsel from the best of the sources available, online or offline like any education portal or coaching institute. It is noticed that the best way to remove your weakness is to not avoid it.
Make a proper study time table: It doesn’t matter whether you are still a student or are working somewhere, while you decide to crack PO exam. There is no shortcut to crack it except your commitment and focus for the examination from the very first day of your preparation. The candidates should initiate preparation for the examination immediate after filling the application form. They should make a proper time table, giving enough time to each of the subjects in the preliminary and mains written examination. They should give extra time to their weaker areas and try to mend them as soon as possible. They should develop a regular habit of practicing learnt materials, so that they do not forget them. They should also make a revision time table. There should be bi-weekly or tri-weekly mock tests, taken up by the candidates
Prepare from the best of the sources: There is no time to lose while you are in the preparatory stage and thus you should be careful about the sources you are pondering upon. You should make your choices about the study materials carefully as this could make or break your chances. Candidates can even join a coaching institute, if they are new to banking examinations, and get a clear idea about the best sources available for preparation. They should not limit to books, but should explore the limitless avenue available over the world of internet.
Formulate the proper examination module: The candidates should keep certain things in mind while undergoing the written examination. They should be focused to their speed of solving questions with accuracy. They should pick up the easier segment in the paper first and try to solve easy questions from all the sections. They should begin with the section, in which they are the most strongest and confident. If they get stuck at any point, while giving the written examination, they should immediately leave the question and move ahead.
Be Confident and Positive in your interview: The personal interview round is the last hurdle in the bank PO selection of the aspiring candidates. The candidates often feel uncomfortable and lack in confidence while undergoing personal one to one interaction with the board. They should keep in mind that they have undergone tremendous competition and out caste so many other candidates to rise up to this level, and thus should not lose confidence. They should have a positive approach towards the questions and answer them with utmost honesty and precision.

Examination Training and Online Test is the most Important part to Qualify Bank P.O Examination
For more detail Call:9869139632

Important Day Date from September to December

September:

 September 2 – World Coconut Day

 September 5 – National Teacher’s Day or Dr. Radhakrishanan’s Birth Day, Sanskrit Day

 September 7 – World Forgiveness Day

 September 8 – World Literacy Day

 September 10 – World Anti-Suicide Day

 September 14 – Hindi Diwas or HindiDay, World First Aid Day

 September 15 – International Day of Democracy, International Engineer’s Day

 September 16 – World Ozone Day

 September 20 – RPF Foundation day

 September 21 – World Peace Day orInternational day

 September 22 – World Cancer FreeDay or Rose Day

 September 23 – International Day ofthe Deaf

 September 25 – Antyodya Diwas

 September 26 – World ContraceptionDay, European day of languages

 September 27 – World Tourism Day

 September 28 – World Rabies Day

 September 29 – World Heart Day

October:

 1st Monday of October – World HabitatDay

 October 1 – World Vegetarian Day, International Day of the older/Elderly

 October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti, International Day of Non-Violence,Birth of lal bahudar shastri.

 October 3 – World Nature Day

 October 4 – World Animal Day

 October 5 – World Teacher’s Day

 October 6 – World Wildlife Day

 October 8 – Indian Air Force Day

 October 9 – World Postal or Post-officeDay

 October 10 – World Mental HealthDay, National Post-office Day

 October 11 – International Day of theGirl Child

 2nd Thursday of October – World SightDay

 October 12 – World Arthritis Day

 October 13 – International Day forNatural Disaster Reduction

 October 14 – World Standards Day

 October 16 – World Food Day

 October 17 – International Poverty Dayfor its Eradication

 October 20 – World OsteoporosisDay,World Statistics Day,

 October 24 – UN Day, WorldDevelopment Information Day, World Polio Day

 October 27 – World day for AudioVisual Heritage

 October 28 – International AnimationDay

 October 30 – World thrift day

 October 31 – World Savings Day orHalloween Day

November:

 November 1 – World Vegan Day

 November 6 – International Day forPreventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and ArmedConflict

 November 7 – Infant Protection Day,World Cancer Awareness Day

 November 8 – World Radiology Day

 November 9 – World Legal ServiceDay

 November 10 – World Science day forPeace and Development,

 November 11 – National EducationDay

 November 12 – World PneumoniaDay, Public Service Broadcasting Day

 November 13 – World Kindness Day

 November 14 – Children’s Day(India),World Diabetes Day

 November 16 – International Day forEndurance or Tolerance

 November 17 – International StudentsDay, Gurunanak Dev’s Birth Anniversary,

 November 19 – World Toilet Day,International Men’s Day, NationalIntegration

 November 20 – Universal Children’sDay

 3rd Sunday of November – World Dayof Remembrance for Road TrafficVictims

 3rd Thursday of November – WorldPhilosophy Day

 November 21 – World Fisheries Day,World Hello Day, World TelevisionDay

 November 25 – International Day

 November 26 – National Law Day orNational constitution Day

 November 30 – National Flag Day

December:

 December 1 – World AIDS Day

 December 2 – World ComputerLiteracy Day

 December 3 – International Day ofPeople with Disability or WorldDisability D

 December 4 – Indian Navy Day

 December 5 – International VolunteerDay for Economic and SocialDevelopment

 December 7 – International CivilAviation Day, Indian Armed ForceFlag Day

 December 9 – The International Anti-Corruption Day, Girl child day (INDIA)

 December 10 – World Human Rights Day,International Children’s Day

 December 11 – International MountainDay, UNICEF Day

 December 14 – National EnergyConservation Day (India)

 December 17 – International dayagainst violence against sex workers

 December 16 – Vijay Diwas

Analogy Exercise For CAT, SNAP and CET Exams

ANALOGIES EXERCISES

1. APOSTATE : RELIGION ::
a.Offender : Order
b.Atheist : faith
c.Deserter : duty
d.Adherent : rule
e.Differ : hero

2. BIRD : AVIARY ::
a.Lion : Circus
b.Bear : Cave
c.Pig : sty
d.Hare : Burrow
e.Rodent : silo

3. JEER : DERISION ::
a.Worry : Check
b.Tremble : Menace
c.Slouch : Alertness
d.Reprimand : Censure
e.Glower : Agony

4. SWARM : INSECT ::
a.Match : Player
b.Picnic : forest
c.Throng : Person
d.Dog : Puppy
e.Vase : Bloom

5. IRASCIBLE : PROVOKED ::
a.Credulous : Convinced
b.Reliable : Disproved
c.Immoral : Suppressed
d.Impersonal : Described
e.Taunting : Amused

6. EXPEL : SCHOOL ::
a.Export : Factory
b.Exile : Nation
c.Escape : penitentiary
d.Vacate : Building
e.Dodge : Taxes

7. COLD : FORSTBILE ::
a.River bed : Sand
b.Star : Twinkling
c.Laceration : Wound
d.Heat : sunburn
e.Rain : Overcoat

8. BACTERIA : DECOMPOSITION ::
a.Volcano : Eruption
b.Antibiotic : Injection
c.Yeast : Fermentation
d.Oxygen : treatment
e.Trees : Deforestation

9. GRADUATE : DIPLOMA ::
a.Aggressor : Compromise
b.Property owner : Deed
c.Editor : Byline
d.Elector : Vote
e.Librarian : volume

10. COLOR : WAVELENGTH ::
a.Pitch : Frequency
b.Diameter : Circumference
c.Angle : Acuteness
d.Power : Generation
e.String : Vibration

Answer:

1.C 2.C 3.D 4.C 5.A 6.B 7.D 8.C 9.B 10.A

(DEFINITION ) An apostate is one who has abandoned his faith; a deserter is one who has abandoned his duty. (C)
(HABITAT ) An aviary is where one grows birds; a sty is where one grows pigs. (C)
(SYNONYM VARIANT ) (From a reference to the first words in the choices, we can infer that jeer is used as a verb in this question.) When one jeers ( meaning mocks or abuses) criticizes) another person, he shows his censure ( meaning disapproval ) (D)
(COLLECTIVE NOUN) A swarm means a large number of insects; a throng means a large number of persons. (C)
(DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC ) An irascible (meaning easily angered ) person can be easily provoked; a credulous (meaning disposed to believe readily ) person can be easily convinced. (A)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT ) A person expelled from school cannot reenter ti; a person exiled (meaning banished legally) from a country cannot reenter it. (B)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT) Severity of cold causes frostbite: severity of heat causes sunburn. (D)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT) Bacteria are minute organisms which cause decomposition: yeasts are minute organisms which cause fermentation (meaning chemical reaction induced by living organisms). (C)
(SYMBOL AND MEANING) The word deed’ means ‘title deed’ to a property) The diploma forms proof that one is a graduate; the deed forms proof that one is a property owner. (B)
(UNIT OF MEASUREMENT ) The color of light is measured by its wave length: the pitch of sound is measured by its frequency. (A)
(DEGREE OF INTENSITY) Being austere (meaning bare) is a heightened form of being plain: being sterile (meaning free from bacteria or other micro-organisms) is a heightened form of being clean. The pairs (neutral, detached); (deserted, barren) and (eloquent, talkative) are mere synonyms.) (B)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT) When discomposed (meaning disturbed in composure) one loses one’s equanimity (meaning calmness); when unbalanced, one loses one’s equilibrium (meaning mental or emotional peace). (D)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT) A surface that is riddled ( meaning pierced or perforated) develops holes; a surface that is pitted (meaning marked with depressions) develops indentations (meaning depressions). (D)
(THING AND PURPOSED) A bastion (meaning the projecting part of a fortification) is a structure used for defense; an arsenal (meaning a place used for storing arms and ammunitions) is a building used for storage. (A) Choice (E) is given to trip you because you may think that there is some connection between ‘defense’ and ‘fortification’ and wrongly choose it as the answer)
(DEFINITION) A relapse (meaning getting back an illness) is a setback on convalescence (meaning the process of returning to health and strength); a recidivism (meaning returning to criminal habits) is a setback on rehabilitation. (D)
(THING AND PURPOSE) The purpose of a vault (meaning a steel structure where valuables are kept) is to protect from theft; the purpose of a fort is to protect from aggression. (A)
(DEGREEE OF INTENSITY ) Coma is an intensified state of unconsciousness; delirium (meaning state of uncontrolled excitement or emotion) is an intensified state of confusion. (B)
(CAUSE AND EFFECT) A speckled surface has a number of spots; a striated surface has a number grooves. (E)
(DESIRABLE AND UNESIRABLE FORMS OF A QUALITY) Being a lackey (meaning a servile follower ) is an undesirable form of a being a dependent; being a groveler (meaning a person who abases himself for a favour ) is an undesirable form of being a petitioner. (B)
(THING AND PURPOSE ) A sedative act as an aid to sleep; a mnemonic (such as VIBGYOR, a a word made of the first letters of the sequential colors of the rainbow) acts as an aid to memory. (B)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Start up India and Stand up India Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Start up India and Stand up India initiatives in his Independence Day speech last year. Under Stand up India the government aims to achieve the target of at least 2.5 lakh approvals in three years from the launch of the scheme.

the Union cabinet on Wednesday approved ‘Stand Up India’ scheme and creation of a credit guarantee fund to back the Mudra Yojana. The cabinet also approved conversion of MUDRA Ltd, a non-banking financial company, into MUDRA Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIDBI. “There is a need to support SC/ST and women entrepreneurs…Under Stand up India scheme, Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore will be provided as loan to them for new ventures,” finance minister Arun Jaitley said. Every bank branch will fund at least one SC/SCT and one women entrepreneur, he said.
Read more at: click

2/27/2026

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sarosh Homi Kapadia passed away

SH Kapadia: Pilgrim of Justice

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sarosh Homi Kapadia passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was 68 years. His funeral was held as per Parsi tradition at Tower of Silence at Kemps Corner, South Mumbai. Kapadia was born on 29 September 1947. He had graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai.

2/27/2026

Kate Atkinson won 2015 Costa Novel Prize for A God in Ruins

Kate Atkinson

British writer Kate Atkinson on 4 January 2016 won the novel-of-the-year prize at Britain’s Costa Book Awards 2015 for the second time in three years. She fetched the award for A God in Ruins, a story of war and its aftermath. With this, Atkinson became the first author to receive the Costa novel prize three times: for A God in Ruins in 2016, Life After Life in 2013 and Behind the Scenes at the Museum in 1995. Her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, won the 1995 Whitbread Book of the Year ahead of Salman Rushdie’s The Moor’s Last Sigh. Since then, she has published another eight novels, one play, and one collection of short stories.

2/27/2026

Jetha Bharwad appointed as 1st Vice-Chairman of GCMMF

Jetha Bharwad appointed as 1st Vice-Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). GCMMF is a largest food products marketing organization of India.

2/27/2026

Shyam Benegal to head committee to revamp censor board

The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has constituted a committee headed by noted film-maker Shyam Benegal to look into revamp the film certification nuances by Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC). The committee is tasked to suggest recommendations provide a holistic framework and interpretation of provisions of Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. Other Members of the Committee: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Bhawana Somaaya, Piyush Pandey, Nina Lath Gupta and Joint Secretary (Films) as Member Convenor.

2/27/2026

Permanent memorial of India’s first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant

A permanent memorial of India’s first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has been unveiled in Mumbai by Vice Admiral S.P.S. Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta. The memorial stands at a traffic island opposite the Lion Gate near the Naval Dockyard in south Mumbai. The sculpture of INS Vikrant was designed by great metal sculptor Arzan Khambatta. The sculpture was made by using the pieces of metal recovered from the breaking up of INS Vikrant.

2/27/2026

World Economic Forum meeting in Davos 2016

Image result for world economic forum 2016 World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting has started in Swiss resort of Davos, Switzerland with participation of political leaders and business from around the world. In this edition of WEF meeting, the agenda includes the outlook of the global economy and measures to fight terrorism. The 4-day conference will cover the discussions on tumbling oil prices and China’s uncertain economic prospects. It will be also discussing the issue of growing terror threats in the wake of the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris (France) and influx of migrants and refugees in Europe. Participants will also discuss environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions. They will also review the latest efforts to improve industrial production with robotics, artificial intelligence and information technology.

2/27/2026

January:

 January 1 – Global Family Day, Army Medical Corps Establishment Day

 January 5 – Louis Braille Day

 January 6 – World War Orphans Day

 January 9 – NRI Day or Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas

 January 10 – World Laughter Day

 January 11 – Death anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

 January 12 – National Youth Day or Birthday of Swami Vivekananda

 January 15 – National Army Day

 January 23 – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Birth Anniversary

 January 24 – National Girl Child Day of India

 January 25 – National Tourism Day, National Voters Day

 January 26 – Republic Day of India, International Customs duty day

 January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

 January 28 – Data Protection Day,Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai

 January 30 – National Martyr’s Day or Sarvodaya Day,World Leprosy Eradication Day

February:

 February 2 – World Wetlands Day

 February 4 – World Cancer Day, National Day of Srilanka, Facebook day

 2nd Sunday of February – World Marriage Day

 February 6 – International Day against Female Genital Mutilation

 February 10 – National Deworming Day

 February 11 – World Day of the Sick

 February 12 – Darwin Day

 February 13 – World Radio Day, National Women’s day  February 14 – Valentine’s Day

 February 20 – World Day of Social Justice

 February 21 – International Mother Language Day

 February 22 – World Scout Day, World Thinking day

 February 23 – World Peace and Understanding Day

 February 24 – Central Excise Day

 February 28 – National Science Day

March:

 March 3 – National Defence Day

 March 4 – National Safety Day, World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation, National Security Day

 March 8 – International Womens’ Day

 March 13 – World Rotaract Day

 March 14 – World Pie day

 2nd Monday of March – Commonwealth Day

 2nd Thursday of March – World Kidney Day

 March 15 – World Consumer Rights Day, World Disabled Day,  March 16 – National Vaccination Day

 March 18 – National Ordinance Factories Day

 March 20 – International Day of Happiness, World sparrow day

 March 21 – World Forestry Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,

 3rd Friday of March – World Sleep Day

 March 22 – World Water Day

 March 23 – World Meteorological Day, Pakistan Day(Youm-e-pakistan)

 March 24 – World TB Day, International Day for Achievers,

 March 25 – International Day of Remembrance – Victims of Slavery and

 March 26 – World Purple day(epilepsy awareness day)

 March 27 – World Drama Day or World Theater Day

April:

 April 1 – Orissa Day, April fool’s day

 April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day

 April 4 – International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

 April 5 – National Maritime Day

 April 7 – World Health Day, Special protection Group foundation day

 April 8 – World Romani Day

 April 12 – World Aviation & Cosmonauts Day

 April 13 – Jallianwallah Bagh Massacre Day

 April 14 – B.R.Ambedkar Remembrance Day,

 April 15 – World day of Silence, Day of Dialogue

 April 17 – World Haemophilia Day

 April 18 – World Heritage Day

 April 21 – World Creativity and Innovation Day,

 April 22 – World Earth Day

 April 23 – World Book and Copyright Day, World English Language Day

 April 24 – World Lab Animals Day , Panchayat diwas day

 April 25 – World Malaria Day, Italy Liberation Day

 April 26 – World Intellectual Property Day

 April 28 – International Worker’s Memorial Day,

 April 30 – International Jazz Day

Alexander’s Invasion of India

Alexander’s Invasion of India (327-325 B.C.)
Political Condition on the eve of Alexander’s Invasion After two centuries of the Persian invasion, Alexander from
Macedonia invaded India. On the eve of his invasion, there were a number of small kingdoms in northwestern India. The leading kings were Ambhi of Taxila, the ruler of Abhisara and Porus who ruled the region between the rivers of Jhelum and Chenab. There were many republican states like Nysa. In short, the northwestern India remained the most disunited part of India and the rulers were fighting with one another. They never come together against common enemy. Yet, it was not easy for Alexander to overcome so many sources of opposition.

Causes of the Invasion
Alexander ascended the throne of Macedonia after the death of his father Philip in 334 B.C. He conquered the whole of Persia by defeating Darius III in the battle of Arbela in 330 B.C. He also aimed at further conquest eastwards and wanted to recover the lost Persian Satrapy of India. The writings of Greek authors like Herodotus about the fabulous wealth of India attracted Alexander. Moreover, his interest in geographical enquiry and love of natural history urged him to undertake an invasion of India. He believed that on the eastern side of India there was the continuation of the sea, according the geographical knowledge of his period. So, he thought that by conquering India, he would also conquer the eastern boundary of the world.

Battle of Hydaspes
In 327 B.C. Alexander crossed the Hindukush Mountains and spent nearly ten months in fighting with the tribes. He crossed the Indus in February 326 B.C. with the help of the bridge of boats. He was warmly received by Ambhi, the ruler of Taxila. From there Alexander sent a message to Porus to submit. But Porus refused and decided to fight against Alexander. Then Alexander marched from Taxila to the banks of the river Hydaspes (Jhelum). On the other side of the river he saw the vast army of Porus. As there were heavy floods in the river, Alexander was not able to cross it. After a few days, he crossed the river and the famous battle of Hydaspes was fought on the plains of Karri. It was a well-contested battle. Although Porus had a strong army, he lost the battle. Alexander was impressed by the courage and heroism of this Indian prince, treated him generously and reinstated him on his throne. Alexander continued his march as far as the river Beas encountering opposition from the local tribes. He wanted to proceed still further eastwards towards the Gangetic valley. But he could not do so because his soldiers refused to fight. Hardships of prolonged warfare made them tired and they wanted to return home. Alexander could not persuade them and therefore decided to return. He made arrangements to look after his conquered territories in India. He divided the whole territory from the Indus to the Beas into three provinces and put them under his governors. His retreat began in October 326 B.C. and the return journey was not free from ordeals. Many republican tribes attacked his army. Anyhow he managed to reach beyond the Indus. On his way he reached Babylon where he fell seriously ill and died in 323 B.C.

Effects of Alexander’s invasion
The immediate effect of Alexander’s invasion was that it encouraged political unification of north India under the Mauryas. The system of small independent states came to an end. Alexander’s invasion had also paved the way for direct contact between India and Greece. The routes opened by him and his naval explorations increased the existing facilities for trade between India and West Asia. However, his aim of annexing the northwestern India to his empire was not fulfilled due his premature death. His authority in the Indus valley was a short-lived one because of the expansion of Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

Modern History MCQ for RRBs/SSC Examination

1. Which one of the following Governor Generals was impeached by the British Parliament?
(a) Lord Curzon (b) Warren Hastings
(c) Lord Canning (d) William Bentick
2. What is the correct sequence of the following events?
(a) Foundation of Indian National Congress.
(b) Simon Commission
(c) Home Rule Movement
(d) Cabinet Mission
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1,3,2,4 (b) 3,1,4,2
(c) 1,2,4,3 (d) 1,4,3,2
3. Which of the following posts during the Delhi Sultanate was
related to the Provincial Services?
(a) Qazi -ul Quzat (b) Ariz –i Mumalik
(c) Wali (d) Barid – i Muamlik
4. Match List-I with List – II and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the Lists
List – I List – II
(a) Doctrine of Lapse 1. Lord Curzon
(b) Partitions of Bengal 2. Warren Hastings
(c) Rohilla war 3. Lord Dalhousie
(d) Subsidiary Alliance 4. Lord Wellesley.
Codes :
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 3 1 2 4
(c) 4 2 1 3
(d) 3 2 1 4
5. Fatehpur Sikri symbolises
(a) Mohgul architecture
(b) Hindu and Muslim architecture
(c) Muslim and Christan architecture
(d) Hindu, Muslim and christen architectures
6. Raja Rammohan Roy was responsible for which of the following reforms?
1. Abolition of Sati
2. Abolition of child marriage
3. widow remarriage
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 alone (b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
7. ‘Direct Actions’ was the brain child of
(a) Subhas Chandra Bose
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Mohamed Ali Jauhar
(d) Mohamed Ali Jinnah
8. Who among the following was the ‘political guru’ of Mahatma Gandhi?
(a) B.G Tilak (b) G.K Gokhale
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji (d) S.N. Banerjee
9. Assertion (A) : In greenhouse effect, the thick carbon dioxide layer allows sunlight to filter through but prevents heat from being re-radiated in outer space.
Reason (R) : The thick carbon dioxide layer functions like glass panels of a greenhouse or glass win-dows of a motor car
10. Assertion (A) : Salt Satyagraha was an outcome of the Nonco-operation Movement.
Reason (R) : Rajaji started the Vedaranyam March.
11. Who among the following was associated with the Hindustan Republican Associa-tion?
(a) Jogesh Chandra Chatterji
(b) Rasbehari Bose
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Bhagwati Charan vohra
12. The first Indian elected to the Parliament of Great Britain was
(a) Pheroz Shah Mehta (b) Lal Mohan Ghosh
(c) Romesh Chandra Dutt (d) Dababhai Naoroji
13. Which one of the following rulers built the Bibi Ka Maqbara?
(a) Akbar (b) Jahangir
(c) Shahjahan (d) Aurangzeb
14. Hunter Commission was appointed by the British Government to probe into
(a) Chauri Chaura incident
(b) Demolition of Kanpur Mosque
(c) Jalianwalla Bagh tragedy
(d) Kakori train dacoity incident
15. The correct chronological order in which the given parties were established in India is
(a) Indian National Congress, Swaraj party, justice party, Muslim League
(b) Indian National Congress, Muslim League, Swaraj Party, justice party.
(c) Swaraj Party, Indian National Congress, Muslim Leauge, Justice Party
(d) Swaraj Party,Indian National Congress, Justice Party, Muslim Leauge
16. Which one of the following national leaders was opposed to Mrs. Annie Besant’s idea of launching Home Rule Movement?
(a) G.K. Gokhale (b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Aurobindo Ghosh (d) B.G. Tilak
17. What was the ultimate objective of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sault Satyagraha?
(a) Complete Independence for India
(b) Economic relief to the common people
(c) Repeal of salt laws
(d) Curtailment of the Government’s powers
18. Which one of the following indicates the correct chronological order of the events in modern Indian history?
(a) Moreley-Minto Reforms, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, August Offer, Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy
(b) August Offer, Morley-Minto Reforms Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, Gandhi-Irwin Pact
(c) Morley-Minto Reforms. Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, August Offer
(d) Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, August Offer, Morley-Minto Reforms
19. Who amongst the following named Jamshedpur after Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata?
(a) Lord Hardinge (b) Lord Chelmsford
(c) Lord Irwin (d) Lord Ripon
20. Who was the viceroy of India when the British India’s Capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi
(a) Lord Curzon
(b) Lord Dalhousie
(c) Lord Hardinge
(d) Lord William Bentinck

Full Question Paper Download: Modern History

The Rise of Magadha Alexandr Invasion

In the beginning of the 6th century B.C., the northern India consisted of a large number of independent kingdoms. Some of them had monarchical forms of government, while some others were republics. While there was a concentration of monarchies on the Gangetic plain, the republics were scattered in the foothills of the Himalayas and in northwestern India. Some of the republics consisted of only one tribe like the Sakyas, Licchavis and Mallas. In the republics, the power of decision in all matters of state vested with the Public Assembly which was composed of the tribal representatives or heads of families. All decisions were by a majority vote.

The Buddhist literature Anguttara Nikaya gives a list of sixteen great kingdoms called ‘Sixteen Mahajanapadas’. They were Anga, Magadha, Kasi, Kosala, Vajji, Malla, Chedi, Vatsa, Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Surasena, Asmaka, Avanti, Gandhara and Kambhoja. The Jain texts also contain references to the existence of sixteen kingdoms. In course of time, the small and weak kingdoms either submitted to the stronger rulers or gradually got eliminated. Finally in the mid 6th century B.C., only four kingdoms – Vatsa, Avanti, Kosala and Magadha survived.

Vatsa
The Vatsa kingdom was situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. Its capital was Kausambi near modern Allahabad. Its most popular ruler was Udayana. He strengthened his position by entering into matrimonial alliances with Avanti, Anga and Magadha. After his death, Vatsa was annexed to the Avanti kingdom.

Avanti
The capital of Avanti was Ujjain. The most important ruler of this kingdom was Pradyota. He became powerful by marrying Vasavadatta, the daughter of Udayana. He patronized Buddhism. The successors of Pradyota were weak and later this kingdom was taken over by the rulers of Magadha.

Kosala
Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. King Prasenajit was its famous ruler. He was highly educated. His position was further strengthened by the matrimonial alliance with Magadha. His sister was married to Bimbisara and Kasi was given to her as dowry. Subsequently there was a dispute with Ajatasatru. After the end of the conflict, Prasenajit married the daughter of Bimbisara. After the death of this powerful king, Kosala became part of the Magadha.

Magadha
Of all the kingdoms of north India, Magadha emerged powerful and prosperous. It became the nerve centre of political activity in north India. Magadha was endowed by nature with certain geographical and strategic advantages. These made her to rise to imperial greatness. Her strategic position between the upper and lower part of the Gangetic valley was a great advantage. It had a fertile soil. The iron ores in the hills near Rajgir and copper and iron deposits near Gaya added to its natural assets. Her location at the centre of the highways of trade of those days contributed to her wealth. Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha. During the reign of
Bimbisara and Ajatasatru, the prosperity of Magadha reached its zenith.

Bimbisara (546 – 494 B.C.)
Bimbisara belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. He consolidated his position by matrimonial alliances. His first matrimonial alliance was with the ruling family of Kosala. He married Kosaladevi, sister of Prasenajit. He was given the Kasi region as dowry which yielded large revenue. Bimbisara married Chellana, a princess of the Licchavi family of Vaisali. This matrimonial alliance secured for him the safety of the northern frontier. Moreover, it facilitated the expansion of Magadha northwards to the borders of Nepal. He also married Khema of the royal house of Madra in central Punjab. Bimbisara also undertook many expeditions and added more territories to his empire. He defeated Brahmadatta of Anga and annexed that kingdom. He maintained friendly relations with Avanti. He had also efficiently reorganized the administration of his kingdom. Bimbisara was a contemporary of both Vardhamana Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. However, both religions claim him as their supporter and devotee. He seems to have made numerous gifts to the Buddhist Sangha.

Ajatasatru (494 – 462 B.C.)
The reign of Ajatasatru was remarkable for his military conquests. He fought against Kosala and Vaisali. His won a great success against a formidable confederacy led by the Lichchavis of Vaisali. This had increased his power and prestige. This war lasted for about sixteen years. It was at this time that Ajatasatru realised the strategic importance of the small village, Pataligrama (future Pataliputra). He fortified it to serve as a convenient base of operations against Vaisali. Buddhists and Jains both claim that Ajatasatru was a follower of their religion. But it is generally believed that in the beginning he was a follower of Jainism and subsequently embraced Buddhism. He is said to have met Gautama Buddha. This scene is also depicted in the sculptures of Barhut. According to the Mahavamsa, he constructed several chaityas and viharas. He was also instrumental in convening the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha soon after the death of the Buddha. The immediate successor of Ajatasatru was Udayin. He laid the foundation of the new capital at Pataliputra situated at the confluence of the two rivers, the Ganges and the Son. Later it became famous as the imperial capital of the Mauryas. Udayin’s successors were weak rulers and hence Magadha was captured by Saisunaga. Thus the Haryanka dynasty came to an end and the Saisunagadynasty came to power. Saisunaga dynasty The genealogy and chronology of the Saisunagas are not clear. Saisunaga defeated the king of Avanti which was made part of the Magadhan Empire. After Saisunaga, the mighty empire began to collapse. His successor was Kakavarman or Kalasoka. During his reign the second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali. Kalasoka was killed by the founder of the Nanda dynasty.

Nandas
The fame of Magadha scaled new heights under the Nanda dynasty. Their conquests went beyond the boundaries of the Gangetic basin and in North India they carved a well-knit and vast empire. Mahapadma Nanda was a powerful ruler of the Nanda dynasty. He uprooted the kshatriya dynasties in north India and assumed the title ekarat. The Puranas speak of the extensive conquests made by Mahapadma. The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga refers to the conquest of Kalinga by the Nandas. Many historians believe that a considerable portion of the Deccan was also under the control of the Nandas. Therefore, Mahapadma Nanda may be regarded as a great empire builder. According to the Buddhist tradition, Mahapadma Nanda ruled about ten years. He was succeeded by his eight sons, who ruled successively. The last Nanda ruler was Dhana Nanda. He kept the Magadhan empire intact and possessed a powerful army and enormous wealth. The fabulous wealth of the Nandas is also mentioned by several sources. The enormous wealth of the Nandas is also referred to in the Tamil Sangam work Ahananuru by the poet Mamulanar. The flourishing state of agriculture in the Nanda dominions and the general prosperity of the country must have brought to the royal treasury enormous revenue. The oppressive way of tax collection by Dhana Nanda was resented by the people.

Taking advantage of this, Chandragupta Maurya and Kautilyainitiated a popular movement against the Nanda rule. It was during this time that Alexander invaded India.

Read About: Persian & Greek Invasions

Read About: Alexander’s Invasion of India

UPSC Exam related Question:
1. The rise of Magatha and the different dynasties ruled over it.
2. The achievements of Bimbisara, Mahapadma Nanda and other kings.
3. Persian invasions and their occupation of northwest India.
4. Effects of Persian invasion and occupation.
5. Causes and course of Alexander’s invasion of India.
6. Effects of Alexander’s invasion.

Govt. of India linked the LPG subsidy to income

Govt. of India linked the LPG subsidy to income on 28th December 2015. The consumer or his/her spouse has taxable income of more than Rs.10 Lakh, he/she will not get the cylinder on subsidy rate.

2/27/2026

Filippo Grandi takes charge as UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Senior United Nations (UN) official Filippo Grandi from Italy has taken the charge as new UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He succeeds Antonio Guterres of Portugal who has retired after heading the Refugee Agency for one decade. He will have tenure of five years.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and support refugees. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group.

Established: December 14, 1950.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Mission: Safeguard the political and human rights as well as well-being of refugees.

2/27/2026

How to Prepare For Railway Online written Examination

To Crack any of the competitive exam is the tough problem between the assume and reality of gaining life time success. Aspirants who are preparing for railway exam and looking for some helpful tips to crack the examination, here on this page, they can get the tricks about How To Prepare For Railway Online Examination are very helpful for you to crack Exam.

Know about how to crack any written exam becomes easy if you have capability to use or follow the tips on your habit specially in case of scheduling and the routine that you may or may not follow on daily basis. At present almost every government or private organization takes online entrance test / written test as well as interview to select candidates for any of the post. Those aspirants who are going for any of the competitive or interview examination they have to prepare well for it.

Online Written tests are based on knowledge, working skills, practice and abilities to learn that are required for a post. Candidates should make a proper study schedule that can boost their chance to get success and should keep themselves continuously motivated.

For Preparation of Examination You Should Follow some Points:

Give yourself enough time to study. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Organize your study space. Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out
Use flow charts and diagrams
Practice on Previous Exam Pattern
Explain your answers to others
Organize study groups with friends
Take regular breaks

2/27/2026

Countries	Capitals	Currencies
Australia	Canberra	Australian Dollar
Afghanistan	Kabul	Afghani
Algeria	Algiers	Dinar
Argentina	Buenos Aires	Peso
Austria	Vienna	Euro
Bangladesh	Dhaka	Taka
Belgium	City of Brussels	Euro
Brazil	Brasilia	Real
Canada	Ottawa	Canadian Dollar
China	Beijing	Yuan
Cuba	Havana	Cuban Peso
Cambodia	Phnom Penh	Cambodian Riel
Cyprus	Nicosia	Euro
Denmark	Copenhagen	Krone
Egypt	Cairo	Egyptian Pound
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa	Ethiopian Birr
Estonia	Tallinn	Kroon
Ecuador	Quito	United States Dollar
France, Finland	Paris, Helsinki	Euro
Fiji	Suva	Fijian Dollar
Germany, Greece	Berlin, Athens	Euro
Ghana	Accra	Ghana Cedi
Guernsey	Saint Peter Port	Guernsey Pound
Gambia	Banjul	Gambian dalasi
India	New Delhi	Indian Rupee
Indonesia	Jakarta	Indonesian Rupiah
Iran	Tehran	Rial
Iraq	Baghdad	Iraqi Diner
Ireland, Italy	Dublin, Rome	Euro
Israel	Jerusalem	Israeli new shekel
Iceland	Reykjavik	Icelandic Krona
Japan	Tokyo	Japanese Yen
Jamaica	Kingston	Jamaican Dollar
Jordan	Amman	Jordanian dinar
Kenya	Nairobi	Kenyan Shilling
Kuwait	Kuwait City	Kuwaiti Dinar
Korea	Seoul	South Korean Won
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur	Malaysian Ringgit
Mexico	Mexico City	Mexican Peso
Malta	Valletta	Maltese lira
Nigeria	Abuja	Nigerian Naira
Netherlands	Amsterdam	Euro
Norway	Oslo	Norwegian Krone
New Zealand	Wellington	New Zealand Dollar
Nepal	Kathmandu	Nepalese Rupee
Namibia	Windhoek	Namibian Dollar
Pakistan	Islamabad	Pakistani Rupee
Peru	Lima	Peruvian Nuevo Sol
Portugal	Lisbon	Euro
Russia	Moscow	Russian Ruble
Romania	Bucharest	Romanian Leu
Sweden	Stockholm	Swedish Krona
Switzerland	Bern	Swiss Franc
Sri Lanka	Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte	Sri Lankan Rupee
Spain	Madrid	Euro
Thailand	Bangkok	Thai baht
Taiwan	Taipei	New Taiwan Dollar
Turkey	Ankara	Turkish Lira
United Kingdom	London	Pound
United States	Washington, D.C.	United States Dollar
Uruguay	Montevideo	Uruguayan Dollar
Venezuela	Caracas	Venezuelan Bolivar
Yugoslavia	Belgrade	Yugoslav Dinar
Zimbabwe	Harare	Zimbabwean dollar
Zambia	Lusaka	Zambian Kwacha

Preposition English Grammar Quiz Set-1

Choose the most suitable preposition (a, b, c or d) to fill the blank.

Q.1) I came __________ my wife because she is working.
a) outside
b) amid
c) without
d) until
Q.2) I can eat anything __________ pork.
a) up
b) excepting
c) until
d) under
Q.3) I couldn’t hear her __________ the noise.
a) under
b) amid
c) pending
d) outside
Q.4) I don’t live in London. I live __________ London.
a) outside
b) since
c) saving
d) of
Q.5) I have a T-shirt __________ my pullover.
a) considering
b) under
c) of
d) inside
Q.6) I have some questions __________ your decision.
a) concerning
b) inside
c) up
d) outside
Q.7) I think I must be going, __________ the time.
a) opposite
b) minus
c) considering
d) inside
Q.8) I want to talk you __________ the proposed meeting.
a) are
b) top
c) down
d) outside
Q.9) I would like to speak to you __________ my homework.
a) worth
b) to
c) regarding
d) outside
Q.10) I’d better go. It’s getting __________ midnight.
a) down
b) outside
c) as
d) toward(s)
Answers: 1.c, 2.b, 3.b, 4.a, 5.b, 6.a, 7.c, 8.a, 9.c, 10.b

Bill Gates is Once Again the Richest Person in the World In International

A fresh list of the wealthiest people in the world has been released by Wealth-X, a wealth-tracking website, provided Business Insider with its newest figures on the assets of the ultra-rich. Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and one the richest people in human history, once again comes out on top, with a net worth of $87.4 billion and second place finisher, Spain’s Amancio Ortega, by more than $20 billion. Ortega, founding chairman of clothing retailer Inditex, is pegged at a net worth of $66.8 billion (though forgive us for not feeling more sympathetic).

Top Ten Richest People in the World

NAME	NET WORTH
Bill Gates	$87.4 billion
Amancio Ortega	$66.8 Billion
Warren Buffett	$60.7 Billion
Jeff Bezos	$56.6 Billion
David Koch	$47.4 Billion
Charles Koch	$46.8 Billion
Larry Ellison	$45.3 Billion
Mark Zuckerberg	$42.8 Billion
Michael Bloomberg	$42.1 Billion
Ingvar Kamprad	$39.3 Billion

Three Indians – Mukesh Ambani, Azim Premji and Dilip Shanghvi – have made it to a global list of 50 wealthiest people. Mukesh Ambani was ranked at the 27th place on the list with a net worth of $24.8 billion, while Azim Premji and Dilip Shanghvi were ranked at the 43rd and 44th place with assets worth $16.5 billion and $16.4 billion respectively.

ISRO successfully launches IRNSS-1E satellite

ISRO successfully launches IRNSS-1E satellite Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched India’s fifth navigation Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) 1E satellite. It was launched on board of PSLV-C31 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The IRNSS-1E weighs 1425 kilogram and has the mission life of 12 years. It will be mainly used to transmit navigation service signals to the users.

2/27/2026

Stan Wawrinka wins 2016 Chennai Open

World No. 4 Stanislas Wawrinka from Switzerland has won the 2016 Chennai Open title of tennis defeating the Borna Coric (World No. 33) of Croatia by 6-3, 7-5 score.The event took place at Nungambakkam tennis stadium in Chennai. This was his third consecutive ATP Chennai Open title for Wawrinka (won in 2014, 2015 and 2016) and overall fourth, first won it in 2011.

2/27/2026

Government to roll out DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme for kerosene from April 1, 2016

The scheme in the initial phase will be implemented in selected 26 districts of eight states. These states are Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. People will buy kerosene at market rate (un-subsidised price) but will get subsidy directly in their bank accounts.

2/27/2026

Kamlesh Chandra Committee to study wage structure of Gramin Dak Sevaks

Union Government has constituted a committee to examine the wage structure, service conditions of the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) in the Department of Posts (DoP). It is one member committee comprising of Kamlesh Chandra, Retired Member of Postal Services Board.The Committee will go into the service conditions of GDS and suggest changes as considered necessary.

2/27/2026

Japan and South Korea signed the agreement on ‘Issue of Comfort Women’

Japan and South Korea signed the agreement on ‘Issue of Comfort Women’ with the aim to resolve the dispute over women of Korea who used as sex slaves by soldiers of Japan during the World War-II. The foreign ministers of the two countries said after a meeting in Seoul that the “comfort women” issue would be “finally and irreversibly resolved” if all conditions were met. South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to take the opportunity to boost bilateral ties following the agreement, in which Japan made an apology and promised about one billion yen ($8.3 million) for a fund to help former “comfort women.”

2/27/2026

DAVA project bags eASIA award for trade facilitation- 2015

The Drug Authentication and Verification Application (DAVA) project of The Department of Commerce has won the 2015 eASIA Award under Trade Facilitation category. DAVA project was launched by Union Government in June 2015. It seeks to create an integrated platform for implementation of the Track and Trace system for exporters and domestic markets of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.

Aims: to cover all the drugs manufactured in India and contribute considerably in enhancing the brand image of our pharmaceutical exporters.

2/27/2026

PERSIAN AND GREEK INVASIONS

Persian Invasions
Cyrus (558 – 530 B.C)
Cyrus the Great was the greatest conqueror of the Achaemenian Empire. He was the first conqueror who led an expedition and entered into India. He captured the Gandhara region. All Indian tribes to the west of the Indus river submitted to him and paid tribute. His son Cambyses had no time to pay attention towards India.

Darius I (522 – 486 B.C.)
Darius I, the grandson of Cyrus, conquered the Indus valley in 518 B.C. and annexed the Punjab and Sindh. This region became the 20th Satrapy of his empire. It was the most fertile and populous province of the Achaemenian Empire. Darius sent a naval expedition under Skylas to explore the Indus.

Xerxes (465-456 B.C.)
Xerxes utilized his Indian province to strengthen his position. He deployed Indian infantry and cavalry to Greece to fight his opponents. But they retreated after Xerxes faced a defeat in Greece. After this failure, the Achaemenians could not follow a forward policy in India. However, the Indian province was still under their control. Darius III enlisted Indian soldiers to fight against Alexander in 330 B.C. It is evident that the control of Persians slackened on the eve of Alexander’s invasion of India.

Effects of the Persian Invasion
The Persian invasion provided an impetus to the growth of Indo-Iranian commerce. Also, it prepared the ground for Alexander’s invasion. The use of the Kharoshti script, a form of Iranian writing became popular in northwestern India and some of Asoka’s edicts were written in that script. We are able to see the influence of Persian art on the art of the Mauryas, particularly the monolithic pillars of Asoka and the sculptures found on them. The very idea of issuing edicts by Asoka and the wording used in the edicts are traced to Iranian influence. In short, the Iranian connection with India proved more fruitful than the short-lived Indo-Macedonian contact.

2/27/2026

Pradhan Mantri Nai Manzil Scheme Yojana

The government plans to initiate the scheme in order to empower at least 5 thousand students in the first phases and then further expand the scheme to other students and madrasas. The Maulana Azad Education Foundation would be frontrunner in providing all the necessary help in start and execution of the scheme, fairly supported by the Ministry of Minorities.

As per the sources from ministry itself, this project would be fund by central government with a gross of Rs 3,738 crore and the scheme would be applied on a pan India basis. This would act as a rescue to thousands of Muslim students who somehow get their education from Madrasas, however fail to get an admission or a job in universities just because they do not have any standardized form certification.

For those students who would not be willing to take on the academic training, the scheme would provide an option for skill training so that they are skilled enough to work as skilled labor or get a job directly. These skill based training may range from driving to security guards, to carpentry to tailoring to nursing assistants, etc.

Overall, this scheme would be a welcoming move by the religious leaders and such schemes would only enhance the productivity of youths studying in these madrasas. This would ensure that they are not left behind in this competitive world just because of lack of any formal training or education.

Scheme

Information

Purpose

Nai Manzil Scheme:– Education and Skills Training for Minorities.

· Union Government has signed a Financing Agreement of 50 million dollars with the World Bank

· This credit will be in the form of loan which carries a maturity of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period.

· Aims to provide educational intervention by giving the bridge courses to the trainees and getting them Certificates for Class XII and X from distance medium educational system.

· intends to cover people in between 17 to 35 age group from all minority communities as well as Madrasa students.

ALL CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SCHEMES Click here

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died

Mufti Mohammad, Mufti Mohammad died, Mufti Mohammad dead, Mufti Mohammad sayeed, delhi aiims death, Mufti Mohammad sayeed death, j&k cm dead, j k chief minister died, jammu Kashmir cm dead, breaking news. Kashmir news Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away of multiple organ failure in New Delhi on Thursday morning after nearly a week-long hospitalisation. He was 79.

Mr Sayeed, a two-time chief minister, started his second tenure on March 1st, 2015 in alliance with the BJP, after having led the State government between 2002-05 previously. He was the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP) that he founded in 1999 to persuade “the Indian government into an unconditional dialogue with the Kashmiri people.”

In a long career in politics, Mr Sayeed was a Congressman till 1987. He was Minister for Tourism in the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1986, after which he joined former Prime Minister V P Singh’s National Front government as Home Minister. His short stint there (1989-90) was marred by the kidnapping by Kashmiri militants of his daughter Rubaiyya Sayeed. Mr. Sayeed’s other daughter Mehbooba Mufti is considered his political heir, and through his illness there has been talk of her succeeding as Chief Minister.

2/27/2026

Highest civilian Awards of India: Padam Award

Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian Awards of India. The awards are conferred in three categories namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The Awards are given in various disciplines or fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of high order and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. While, they are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March every year. list of 2016 padam Award

2/27/2026

President Pranab Mukherjee announced 2016 Padma Awards

President Pranab Mukherjee on announced the winners of the Padma Awards 2016. The list comprises of 10 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 83 Padma Shri Awardees.

19 of the awardees in the list are women and the list also includes 10 persons in the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and 4 posthumous awardees.

List of Padma Vibhushan Awardees

Sl. No	Name	Field	State
1	Yamini Krishnamurthi	Art- Classical dance	Delhi
2	Rajinikanth	Art-Cinema	Tamil Nadu
3	Girija Devi	Art-Classical Vocal	West Bengal
4	Ramoji Rao	Literature & Education-Journalism	Andhra Pradesh
5	Viswanathan Shanta	Medicine-Oncology	Tamil Nadu
6	Shri Shri Ravi Shankar	Others-Spiritualism	Karnataka
7	Jagmohan	Public Affairs	Delhi
8	Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre	Science & Engineering	Karnataka
9	Avinash Dixit (Foreigner)	Literature & Education	USA
10	Late Shri Dhiru Bhai Ambani (Posthumous)	Trade & Industry	Maharashtra

List of Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awardees

Padma Bhushan :
1 Jahnu Barua- Art- Assam
2 Dr Vijay Bhatkar- Science and Engineering- Maharashtra
3 Shri Swapan Dasgupta- Literature and Education- Delhi
4 Swami Satyamitranand Giri- Others- Uttar Pradesh
5 N Gopalaswami- Civil Service- Tamil Nadu
6 Dr Subhash C Kashyap- Public Affairs- Delhi
7 Dr (Pandit) Gokulotsavji Maharaj- Art- Madhya Pradesh
8 Dr Ambrish Mithal- Medicine – Delhi
9 Sudha Ragunathan- Art- Tamil Nadu
10 Shri Harish Salve- Public Affairs- Delhi
11 Dr Ashok Seth- Medicine- Delhi
12 Rajat Sharma- Literature and Education- Delhi
13 Satpal- Sports- Delhi
14 Shivakumara Swami- Others- Karnataka
15 Dr Kharag Singh Valdiya- Science and Engineering- Karnataka
16 Prof Manjul Bhargava (NRI/PIO)- Science and Engineering- USA
17 David Frawley (Vamadeva) (Foreigner)- Others- USA
18 Bill Gates (Foreigner)- Social Work- USA
19 Melinda Gates (Foreigner)- Social Work- USA
20 Saichiro Misumi (Foreigner)- Others- Japan

Padma Shri :
1 Dr Manjula Anagani- Medicine- Telangana
2 S Arunan- Science and Engineering- Karnataka
3 Kanyakumari Avasarala- Art- Tamil Nadu
4 Dr Bettina Sharada Baumer- Literature and Education- Jammu and Kashmir
5 Naresh Bedi- Art- Delhi
6 Ashok Bhagat- Social Work- Jharkhand
7 Sanjay Leela Bhansali- Art- Maharashtra
8 Dr Lakshmi Nandan Bora- Literature and Education- Assam
9 Dr Gyan Chaturvedi- Literature and Education- Madhya Pradesh
10 Prof (Dr) Yogesh Kumar Chawla- Medicine- Chandigarh
11 Jayakumari Chikkala- Medicine- Delhi
12 Bibek Debroy- Literature and Education- Delhi
13 Dr Sarungbam Bimla Kumari Devi- Medicine- Manipur
14 Dr Ashok Gulati- Public Affairs- Delhi
15 Dr Randeep Guleria- Medicine- Delhi
16 Dr KP Haridas- Medicine- Kerala
17 Rahul Jain- Art- Delhi 18 Ravindra Jain- Art- Maharashtra
19 Dr Sunil Jogi- Literature and Education- Delhi
20 Prasoon Joshi- Art- Maharashtra
21 Dr Prafulla Kar- Art- Odisha
22 Saba Anjum- Sports- Chhattisgarh
23 Ushakiran Khan- Literature and Education- Bihar
24 Dr Rajesh Kotecha- Medicine- Rajasthan
25 Prof Alka Kriplani- Medicine Delhi
26 Dr Harsh Kumar- Medicine- Delhi
27 Narayana Purushothama Mallaya- Literature & Education- Kerala
28 Lambert Mascarenhas- Literature and Education- Goa
29 Dr Janak Palta McGilligan- Social Work- Madhya Pradesh
30 Veerendra Raj Mehta- Social Work- Delhi
31 Tarak Mehta- Art- Gujarat
32 Neil Herbert Nongkynrih (Art), Meghalaya
33 Chewang Norphel- Others- Jammu and Kashmir
34 TV Mohandas Pai- Trade and Industry- Karnataka
35 Dr Tejas Patel- Medicine- Gujarat
36 Jadav Molai Peyang- Others- Assam
37 Bimla Poddar- Others- Uttar Pradesh
38 Dr N Prabhakar- Science and Engg- Delhi
39 Dr Prahalada- Science and Engg- Maharashtra
40 Dr Narendra Prasad- Medicine- Bihar
41 Ram Bahadur Rai- Literature and Education- Delhi
42 Mithali Raj- Sports- Telangana
43 PV Rajaraman- Civil Service- Tamil Nadu
44 Prof JS Rajput- Literature and Education- Uttar Pradesh
45 Kota Srinivasa Rao- Art- Andhra Pradesh
46 Prof Bimal Roy- Literature and Education- West Bengal
47 Shekhar Sen- Art- Maharashtra
48- Gunvant Shah- Literature and Education- Gujarat
49 Brahmdev Sharma- Literature and Education- Delhi
50 Manu Sharma- Literature and Education- Uttar Pradesh
51 Prof Yog Raj Sharma- Medicine- Delhi
52 Vasant Shastri- Science and Engg- Karnataka
53 SK Shivkumar- Science and Engg- Karnataka
54 PV Sindhu- Sports- Telangana
55 Sardara Singh- Sports- Haryana
56 Arunima Sinha-Sports- Uttar Pradesh
57 Mahesh Raj Soni- Art- Rajasthan
58 Dr Nikhil Tandon- Medicine- Delhi
59 H Thegtse Rinpoche- Social Work- Arunachal Pradesh
60 Dr Hargovind Laxmishanker Trivedi- Medicine- Gujarat
61 Huang Baosheng- Others- China
62 Prof Jacques Blamont- Science and Engg- France
63 Late Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin- Others- Maharashtra (Posthumous)
64 Jean-Claude Carriere- Literature and Education – France
65 Dr Nandrajan ‘Raj’ Chetty- Literature and Education- France
66 George L Hart- Others- USA
67 Jagat Guru Amrta Suryananda Maha Raja- Others- Portugal
68 Late Meetha Lal Mehta- Social Work- Rajasthan (Posthumous)
69 Tripti Mukherjee- Art- USA
70 Dr Dattatreyudu Nori- Medicine- USA
71 Dr Raghu Rama Pillarisetti (Medicine), USA
72 Dr Saumitra Rawat- Medicine- UK
73 Prof Annette Schmiedchen (Literature and Education), Germany
74 Late Pran Kumar Sharma alias Pran- Art- Delhi (Posthumous)
75 Late R Vasudevan- Civil Service- Tamil Nadu (Posthumous)

ONGC won 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey tournament

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on 3 January 2015 won the 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey tournament defeating Indian Railways 3-0 on penalties in the final match heldat the Shivaji Stadium in New Delhi.

2/27/2026

Hindi writer and journalist Ravindra Kalia passes away

Noted Hindi writer and journalist Ravindra Kalia passed away in New Delhi after suffering from liver cirrhosis. He was 78. He was known for his works like Ghalib Chutti Sharab and Nau Saal Chotti Patni. He had served as Director of Bharatiya Jnanpith.

2/27/2026

LIC Apprentice Development Officers (ADO’s) Exam Previous Question Paper (English Language)

Directions (Q. 1-10) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. Politicians and generals talk of military strategies and maneuvers but something completely different is needed. Stability will come only when economic opportunities exist, when youth can find jobs and support families rather than seeking their livelihood in violence. Peace can only be achieved with a withdrawal of foreign troops, sanctions and peace-keepers and the arrival of jobs, productive farms and factories, healthcare and schools. Repeatedly the fragile peace in impoverished countries has broken down because of the lack of economic follow-up. Despite promises of aid, the actual record of international aid to post war reconstruction is deficient.

Once the war ends agencies involved in post war relief efforts fail to understand how to start or restart economic development in a low income setting. They squander time, surplus aid funds and opportunities because they are not familiar with local conditions and do not under-stand their point of view. There are distinct phases of outside help to end a conflict. In the first phase focus is on providing food, water, shelter and medicine to refugees i.e., humanitarians. In the second, emphasis is on the refugees returning home while in the last phase long term investments and strengthening of courts is the main focus. However once a conflict is over aid agencies sanctioned by the World Bank send study groups instead of requisite personnel. There is a gap of several years before moving from humanitarian relief to economic development. By the time such help arrives the war has restarted. It is possible to restart economic develop-ment through targeted quick impact initiatives. Most economies in post conflict countries are based on agriculture. Providing free packages of seeds, fertilizers and low cost equipment quickly will ensure that former soldiers will return to their farms and establish their livelihood. But the window of opportunity closes quickly and one has to implement these measures almost immediately.

Q.1 Which of the following is a reason, post conflict reconstruction efforts have failed ?
(A) Aid organizations do not understand issues from the perspective of the poor
(B) Rapid economic development in low income countries
(C)World Bank studies are not valid
(D) International aid organizations become too involved in reconstruction efforts
(E) None of these

Q.2 Where does the problem lie in implementing post war relief measures ?
(A) Aid agencies fail to study the situation
(B) Economic development measures are too rapid
(C) Focus on economic development not humanitarian aid
(D) Lack of funds to implement programmes
(E) Lack of essential and qualified personnel

Q.3 According to the author how can political stability be achieved ?
(A) Increasing the number of foreign troops in areas of conflict
(B) Depending more on foreign aid
(C) Following recommendations given by the World Bank
(D) Providing economic opportunities
(E) None of these

Q.4 Which of the following is not true in the context of the pas-sage ?
(A) Focus in the first phase of a war is on providing humanitarian aid
(B) Sanctions are not a means to ensure peace
(C) Adequate time must be taken to plan and implement quick impact strategies
(D) Providing employment to the younger generation will prevent wars
(E) Focus on delivering justice through courts should be in the last phase of conflict aid

Q.5 How can economic development be restarted in an impoverished country ?
(A) Long term studies should be commissioned
(B) Retaining soldiers in the army to ensure law and order
(C) Restrict number of aid agencies to avoid waste
(D) Focusing on agricultural initiatives
(E) Deploying peace keepers in the country

Q.6 What is the benefit of quick impact aid ?
(A) Soldiers earn income from the army and their farms
(B) Providing alternate livelihood to soldiers before war can restart
(C) Free land is given to soldiers
(D) Price of equipment is low
(E) None of these

Directions (Q. 7 and 8) Choose the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q.7 exist
(A) live
(B) fit
(C) create
(D) occur
(E) survive

Q.8 squander
(A) lavish
(B) spend
(C) displace
(D) lose
(E) misuse

Directions (Q.9 and 10) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q.9 fragile
(A) weak
(B) lasting
(C) long
(D) strong
(E) unstable

Q.10 deficient
(A) surplus
(B) valued
(C) short
(D) secure
(E) repaired

Directions (Q. 11-15) Rearrange the following sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the questions given below it.
A. Strict obedience to these rules is called discipline.
B. In the same way, a societywhere rules are not followed cannot survive for long.
C. Only then a society can be run in an orderly fashion.
D. A society can exist properly onlywhen men living in it agree upon certain rules of conduct.
E. For example, if the people on the road do not obey traffic rules there will be complete disorder and con-fusion.
F. Students must obey their teachers, children their parents, citizens the laws and so on and so forth.

Q.11 Which of the following is the fifth sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) E
(E) F

Q .12 Which of the following is the sixth (Last) sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.13 Which of the following is the second sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.14 Which of the following is the first sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) D
(E) E

Q.15 Which of the following is the third sentence ?
(A) A
(B) B
(C)C
(D) E
(E) F

Directions (Q. 16-20) Pick out the most effective word from among the given words to fill in the blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

Q.16 She did not like to her decision like a dictator on her subordinates.
(A) divulge
(B) prompt
(C) enforce
(D) deploy
(E) make

Q.17 People unfortunately that money brings happiness.
(A) assume
(B) deny
(C) object
(D) rely
(E) conscious

Q.18 The public have a protest against the new rules of the budget.
(A) organize
(B) demonstrated
(C) compiled
(D) pursued
(E) launched

Q.19 Sarojini Naidu will always be remembered for her to the national cause.
(A) blessing
(B) involvement
(C) pursuit
(D) dedication
(E) command

Q.20 Poverty has to be and the basic necessities of life should be made available to everyone.
(A) destroyed
(B) eliminated
(C) finished
(D) magnified
(E) considered

Directions (Q. 21-25) In each of these questions, two of the words are related in some way i.e., they are similar or opposites. Pick out the option which represents that pair.
Q.21
1. moderate
2. easy
3. significant
4. strenuous
(A) 2 -4
(B) 1 -2
(C) 1 -3
(D) 2 -3
(E) 3 -4
Q.22
1. focus
2. trivial
3. vital
4. site
(A) 1 -2
(B) 2 -4
(C) 1 -3
(D) 3 -4
(E) 2 -3
Q.23
1. defer
2. dispute
3. prefer
4. challenge
(A) 2 -3
(B) 1 -3
(C) 2 -1
(D) 2 -4
(E) 3 -4
Q.24
1. consequence
2. potential
3. influence
4. ability
(A) 4 -3
(B) 2 -4
(C) 2 -3
(D) 1 -3
(E) 4 -1
Q.25
1. rebuke
2. oppose
3. praise
4. distrust
(A) 1 -2
(B) 2 -3
(C) 1 -3
(D) 3 -4
(E) 2 -4

Directions (Q. 26 -35) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered.
These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words are suggested, one of which fills the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. Deli king of jobs from degrees is one of the (26) features of our education (27). There has been a (28) fall in (29) in the academic field in recent years. There is a (30)of degree holders in the country, as a result, university degrees have (31) their value and charm while the number of students in colleges and universities of the country has been (32) rising. Consequently thousands of graduates and post graduates come out of these institutions and stand in queues waiting to get some (33) jobs (34) in the country. Moreover, these degree holders do not have any technical or vocational knowledge needed for a particular job. As a result, the number of educated unemployed has been rising (35) . It has created a very serious problem.
Q.26 (A) minor
(B) trivial
(C) unachievable
(D) irrelevant
(E) salient
Q.27 (A) process
(B) policy
(C) development
(D) guideline
(E) procedures
Q.28 (A) expected
(B) sheer
(C) rough
(D) steep
(E) gentle
Q.29 (A) assessment
(B) evaluation
(C) competence
(D) fees
(E) value
Q.30 (A) flood
(B) class
(C) party
(D) mob
(E) rabble
Q.31 (A) mislaid
(C) increase
(D) found
(E) establish
Q.32 (A) slowly
(B) hastily
(C) deeply
(D) waiting
(E) out
Q.33 (A) suitable
(B) remain
(C) study
(D) live
(E) place
Q.34 (A) frequency
(B) occurrence
(C) event
(D) chance
(E) blocking
Q.35 (A) fever
(B) outshine
(C) lean
(D) dwarfed
(E) horribly

Logical Reasoning Click Here

Answers Key:
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (E) 5. (D) 6. (E) 07. (D) 8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (A) 11. (D) 12. (A) 13. (A) 14. (E) 15. (E) 16. (C) 17. (A) 18. (E) 19. (D) 20. (B) 21. (A) 22. (E) 23. (B) 24. (B) 25. (C) 26. (E) 27. (B) 28. (D) 29. (C) 30. (A) 31. (B) 32. (B) 33. (A) 34. (D) 35. (E)

Milos Raonic wins 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis trophy

World No. 14 Milos Raonic from Canada has won the 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis trophy in the men’s single category. In the final match played at Brisbane (Australia), he defeated Roger Federer (world No. 3) from Switzerland by 6–4, 6–4 score. It is Milos Raonic overall 8th career title and 1st of the 2016 season.

2/27/2026

May:

 May 01 – World Labour Day or May Day or Workers Day, Maharashtra Day

 May 03 – Press Freedom Day (Intl.), International Sun Day, World Asthma Day, International Energy Day

 May 04 – Coal Miners Day (Intl.), International Firefighters’ Day

 1st Sunday of May – World Laughter Day

 May 05 – World Athletics Day, World Midwives Day

 May 06 – World No Diet Day

 May 08 – World Red Cross Day

 May 09 – World Thalassemia Day

 2nd Sunday of May – World Mother Day

 May 10 – International Migratory Bird Day

 May 11 – National technology day

 May 12 – International Nurses Da

 May 13 – International Criminal Court Day

 May 15 – International Day of the Families

 May 17 – World Tele-communication and Information Society Day

 May 18 – World Museum Day

 May 20 – World Meteorology Day

 May 21 – National Anti Terrorism Day, National Day for Cultural Development

 May 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity

 May 24 – Commonwealth Day

 May 25 – World Missing Children’s day

 May 29 – International Day of Peacekeepers

 May 31 – World Anti Tobacco Day

June:

 June 1 – Global Day of Parents

 June 4 – World Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

 June 5 – World Environment Day

 June 8 – World Brain Tumor Day, World Oceans Day

 June 12 – World Day Against Child Labor

 June 14 – World Blood Donor Day

 June 15 – World elder abuse awareness day

 3rd Sunday of June – World Father’s Day

 June 16 – International Integration Day

 June 18 – International Picnic Day, Father’s day

 June 20 – World Refugee Day

 June 21 – International Yoga Day, World Music Day

 June 23 – International Olympic Day, United Nations Public Service Day,

 June 26 – International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking,International Day in support of Victimsof torture

July:

 July 1 – world Doctor’s Day, State bank foundation day

 July 2 – World Sports Journalists Day,World UFO day

 1st Saturday of July – International Day of Cooperatives

 July 04 – America Independence Day

 July 06 – World Zoonoses Day

 July 07 – World Chocolate Day

 July 11 – World Population Day

 July 12 – International Malala Day

 July 18 – International Nelson Mandela Day

 July 26 – Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Memorial Day or Kargil Victory Day

 July 28 – World Nature Conservation Day, World Hepatitis Day

 July 29 – International Tiger Day

August:

 First Sunday in August – International Friendship Day

 August 1- World breast feeding day

 August 6 – Hiroshima Day, Anti Nuclear Day, World peace day

 August 8 – World Senior Citizen Day

 August 9 – Nagasaki Day

 August 12 – International Youth Day

 August 13 – International Left Handers Day

 August 14 – Pakistan’s IndependenceDay

 August 15 – India’s Independence Day, International Mourning Day

 August 19 – World Humanitarian Day, World Photography Day

 August 20 – National Sadbhavna Divas or Birthday of Rajiv Gandhi, World Mosquito Day, Indain AkshayUrja Diwas or day

 August 21 – National Senior CitizeDay

 August 23 – International Day for theRemembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

 August 29 – National Sports Day or Dhyanchand’s Birthday

 August 30 – International day of thevictims of enforced Disappearances

Poet Balkrishna Garg conferred with 2015 Harikrishna Devsare Baalsahitya Award

Veteran poet Balkrishna Garg was honoured with the second edition of Harikrishna Devsare Baalsahitya Award 2015 for his collection of poems for children titled ‘Baal Geet’. He was conferred with the award by Sahitya Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari and National Book Trust Chairman Baldeo Bhai Sharm. The award comprised cash prize of Rs 75,000, a shawl and a citation. Harikrishna Devsare was one of the foremost writers of Hindi children’s literature and had devoted his entire life in creating children’s literature in Hindi. He passed away in 2013.

2/27/2026

Commonly Misspelled Words Important for Examination

Spelling Errors Frequently asked in SSC / Banking Examinations. This will help us improve our spellings of words we use on daily / regular basis. These are generally asked for 5 marks. otherwise correct spelling is very important if you want to create a good impression in your writing and get the right meaning across. Here is a list of some of the most commonly misspelled words, to help you learn to spell them correctly.

A : accessible accidentally accessory accessories accommodate accommodation acquaintance acquire acquitted address advertisement advisor aggression aggressive aggressor agreeable alcohol allege amend amendment apologise apology apparent arctic argument average

B: basically beautiful beauty beautify beginning belief believable believe benefited burglar burglary business

C: cemetery cemeteries changeable chaos colleague committee comparative comparison conceive conscientious consensus consensual controversy controversies controversial correspondence council credible

D: deceive deceit definite definitely dependent desperate desperately description developed difference disappoint disappointment discipline

E :eighth efficient embarrass embarrassment emigrate environment exaggerate excitement existence experience extraordinary extreme

F: favourite fascinate fascination foreign fluorescent fluorescence friend fulfill fulfils fulfilling fulfilled fulfillment

G: gauge government grateful guarantee guaranteeing guaranteed guard

Download E-book: Click Here

2/27/2026

REVOLUTION	TERMS

GREEN REVOLUTION	AGRICULTURE
GOLDEN REVOLUTIN	HOTICULTURE
WHITE REVOLUTION	MILK
BROWN REVOLUTION	SOFT DRINKS
YELLOW REVOLUTION	OIL PRODUCTION
BLUE REVOLUTION	FISHERIES
BLACK REVOLUTION	PETROLIUM
PINK REVOLUTION	ONION
GREY REVOLUTION	FERTILIZER
SILVER REVOLUTION	EGG PRODUCTION
EVERGREE /SECOND GREENREVOLUTION	AGRICULTURE
ROUND REVOLUTION	POTATO
RED REVOLUTION	MEAT & TOMATO

API CULTURE	BEE PRODUCTION
FLORI CULTURE	FLOWER PRODUCTION
SARI CULTURE	SILK PRODUCTION
VITI CULTURE	GRAPS PRODUCTION
FISHI CULTURE	FISH PRODUCTION

How to Apply LIC post of Assistant Administrative Officer (Generalist) 2015

How to Apply LIC ADO
Candidates can apply online only from 15.12.2015 to 05.01.2016 and no other mode of application will be accepted.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE NOTED BEFORE REGISTRATION
Before applying online, candidates should
i) Scan their photograph and signature ensuring that both the photograph and signature adhere to the required specifications as given in Annexure III.
ii) Have a valid personal email ID and mobile no., which should be kept active till the completion of this Recruitment Process. LIC may send call letters for the Examination etc. through the registered e-mail ID. In case a candidate does not have a valid personal e-mail ID, he/she should create his/her new e-mail ID and
mobile no. before applying on-line and must maintain that email account and mobile number.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
iii) The examination will be conducted online in venues given in the respective call letters. No request for change of centre/venue/date/session for Examination shall be entertained.
iv) LIC, however, reserves the right to cancel any of the Examination Centers and/ or add some other Centers, at its discretion, depending upon the response, administrative feasibility, etc.
v) LIC also reserves the right to allot the candidate to any centre other than the one he/she has opted for.
vi) Candidate will appear for the examination at an Examination Centre at his/her own risks and expenses and LIC will not be responsible for any injury or losses etc. of any nature. Candidate should select only one centre and indicate the name of the centre in the application form. Choice of centre once exercised by the
candidate will be final.
vii) If sufficient number of candidates does not opt for a particular centre for “Online” examination, LIC reserves the right to allot any other adjunct centre to those candidates OR if the number of candidates is more than the capacity available for online exam for a centre, LIC reserves the right to allot any other centre to the
candidate.
viii) Candidates will be informed accordingly in case of any change in the date /centre/venue of examination by e-mail and SMS.
ix) The possibility of occurrence of some problem in the administration of the examination cannot be ruled out completely which may impact test delivery and/or result from being generated. In that event, every effort will be made to rectify such problem, which may include movement of candidates, delay in test. Conduct of a reexam is at the absolute discretion of test conducting body. Candidates will not have any claim for a re-test. Candidates not willing to move or not willing to participate in the delayed process of test delivery shall be summarily rejected from the process..
x) Instances for providing incorrect information and/or process violation by a candidate detected at any stage of the selection process will lead of disqualification of the candidate from the selection process and he/she will not be allowed to appear in any LIC recruitment process in the future. If such instances go undetected
during the current selection process but are detected subsequently, such disqualification will take place with retrospective effect.
xi) APPLICATION FEES/ INTIMATION CHARGES (NON REFUNDABLE)

BCCI Annual Awards 2014-15

Recipients of 2014-15 BCCI Awards

C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani
Polly Umrigar Award: Virat Kohli
Lala Amarnath Award for Best all-rounder in Ranji Trophy: Jalaj Saxena (Madhya Pradesh)
Lala Amarnath Award for Best all-rounder in Domestic Limited-Overs Competitions: Deepak Hooda (Baroda)
Madhavrao Scindia Award Highest Scorer in Ranji Trophy: Robin Uthappa (Karnataka)
Madhavrao Scindia Award Highest Wicket-Taker in Ranji Trophy: R Vinaykumar (Karnataka)
Madhavrao Scindia Award Highest Wicket-Taker in Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur (Mumbai)
Chidambaram Trophy Best Under-23 Cricketer: Almas Shaukat (Uttar Pradesh)
Chidambaram Trophy Best Under-19 Cricketer: Anmolpreet Singh (Punjab)
Chidambaram Trophy Best Under-16 Cricketer: Shubman Gill (Punjab)
Chidambaram Trophy Best Woman Cricketer (Sr): Mithali Raj (Indian Railways)
Chidambaram Trophy Best Woman Cricketer (Jr): Devika Vaidya (Maharashtra)
Best Umpire In Domestic Cricket: O Nandan
Best Overall Performance: Karnataka State Cricket Association

2/27/2026

World Braille Day observed 4th January

Every year World Braille Day is being observed across the world on 4 January to mark the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, inventor of Braille script or Braille code. Observance of the day helps people to spread the importance of Braille language and also help people to produce works in this language to allow visually impaired people to read the works

2/27/2026

Udai Kumar appointed as MD and CEO of MSEI

Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Limited (MSEI) on 22 February 2016 appointed Udai Kumar as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment was approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
The SEBI’s approval comes after a stringent short-listing process and interviews by the selection committee to select a suitable candidate for the role.

2/27/2026

Highlights of the Railway Budget 2016-17

How PM Modi's imprint is evident in Suresh Prabhu's Railway Budget

Theme of the Budget Overcoming challenges – Reorganize, Restructure Rejuvenate Indian Railways: ‘Chalo, Milkar Kuch Naya Karen’

Three pillars of the strategy i.e. Nav Arjan – New revenues, Nav Manak – New norms, Nav Sanrachna – New Structures.

Financial Performance 2015-16- Savings of Rs. 8,720 crore neutralizing most of the revenue shortfall, expected OR 90%;
2016-17- Targeted Operating Ratio (OR) – 92%, restrict growth of Ordinary Working Expenses by 11.6% after building in immediate impact of 7th PC, reductions planned in diesel and electricity consumption, Revenue generation targeted at Rs. 1,84,820 crore.
Investments and Resources
By 2020, long-felt desires of the common man to be fulfilled i.e, reserved accommodation on trains available on demand, time tabled freight trains, high end technology to improve safety record, elimination of all unmanned level crossings, improved punctuality, higher average speed of freight trains, semi high speed trains running along the golden quadrilateral, zero direct discharge of human waste.
2015-16-Achievements Action initiated on 139 budget announcements of 2015-16.
Project execution 2015-16 – assured funding through LIC; commissioning of 2,500 kms Broad Gauge lines; commissioning of 1,600 kms of electrification, highest ever.
In 2016-17 – targeted commissioning 2,800 kms of track; commissioning Broad Gauge lines @ over 7 kms per day against an average of about 4.3 kms per day in the last 6 years. Would increase to about 13 kms per day in 2017-18 and 19 kms per day in 2018-19; will generate employment of about 9 crore man days in 2017-18 and 14 crore man days in 2018-19. Outlay for railway electrification increased in 2016-17 by almost 50%; target to electrify 2,000 kms.
Jammu and Kashmir Work on Katra-Banihal section of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project progressing satisfactorily- 35 kms of tunnelling out of total of 95 kms completed; Decongestion work on Jalandhar – Jammu line in full swing and doubling of two bridges to be commissioned by March 2016, while the other two bridges will be completed by 2016-17.
Make in India: Finalised bids for two loco factories; proposed to increase the current procurement of train sets by 30%. Capacity Building for the future through:
Digital India: application of Track Management System (TMS) launched, inventory management module of TMS has resulted in inventory reduction by 27,000 MT resulting in saving of Rs.64 crore and scrap identification of 22,000 MT equivalent to Rs.53 crore. The Way Ahead Improving quality of travel For the unreserved passenger –
Antyodaya Express unreserved, super fast service.
Deen Dayalu coaches – unreserved coaches with potable water and higher number of mobile charging points. For the reserved passenger.
Humsafar – fully air-conditioned third AC service with an optional service for meals
Tejas – will showcase the future of train travel in India. Will operate at speeds of 130 kmph and above.Will offer on board services such as entertainment, local cuisine, WiFi, etc. through one service provider for ensuring accountability and improved customer satisfaction. Humsafar and Tejas to ensure cost recovery through tariff and non-tariff measures.
UDAY – overnight double-decker, Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri Express on the busiest routes, has the potential to increase carrying capacity by almost 40%. Ticketing: Sale of tickets through hand held terminals; e-ticketing facility to foreign debit/credit cards; bar coded tickets, scanners and access control on a pilot basis.
Rail Mitra Sewa: expanding Sarathi Seva in Konkan Railway to help the old and disabled passengers, strengthening the existing services for enabling passengers to book battery operated cars, porter services, etc. on a paid basis in addition to the existing pick up and drop, and wheel chair services.
SMART (Specially Modified Aesthetic Refreshing Travel) Coaches – design and layout of our coaches to ensure higher carrying capacity and provision of new amenities including automatic doors, bar-code readers, bio-vacuum toilets, water-level indicators, accessible dustbins, ergonomic seating, improved aesthetics, vending machines, entertainment screens, LED lit boards for advertising, PA system.
Mobile Apps – integrate all facilities into two mobile apps dealing with ticketing issues and for receipt and redressal of complaints and suggestions. Improving customer interface- skilling our front-end staff and those we employ through our service providers, information boards in trains enumerating the on-board services and also GPS based digital displays inside coaches to provide real time information regarding upcoming halts. Work underway on installation of a high-tech centralized network of 20,000 screens across 2000 stations for enabling real time flow of information to passengers and also unlock huge advertising potential. All A1 class stations will be manned with duly empowered Station Directors supported by cross functional teams; to make one person accountable for all facilities on trains.
EPC projects standard document finalized, will implement at least 20 projects through this mode in 2016-17; by 2017-18, endeavour to award all works valuing above Rs. 300 crore through EPC contracts.
Sashaktikaran – Improving our planning practices To set up a Railway Planning & Investment Organisation for drafting medium (5 years) and long (10 years) term corporate plans; identify projects which fulfill the corporate goal. Prepare a National Rail Plan to harmonise and integrate the rail network with other modes of transport and create synergy for achieving seamless multi-modal transportation network across the country. Aekikaran – Consolidation: Forming a holding company of companies owned by IR
Gross Traffic Receipts kept at Rs 1,84,820 crore . Passenger earnings growth has been pegged at 12.4 % and earnings target budgeted at Rs. 51,012 crore. The freight traffic is pegged at incremental traffic of 50 million tonnes, anticipating a healthier growth in the core sector of economy. Goods earnings is accordingly proposed at Rs. 1, 17,933 crore. Other coaching and sundries projected at Rs. 6,185 crore and Rs. 9,590.3 crore respectively.
OWE provides for the implementation of the 7th CPC.
Pension outgo budgeted at Rs 45,500 crore in 2016-17.
Higher staff cost and pension liability impacts the internal resource position of the Railways. Accordingly, appropriation to DRF from revenue placed at Rs 3,200 crore and that from Production Units at Rs 200 crore. A withdrawal of Rs 3,160 crore from DRF on net basis proposed though the gross expenditure to be met from DRF in the Annual Plan estimated at Rs 7,160 crore. Rs 5,750 crore proposed to be appropriated to the Capital fund. With a draw-down of Rs 1,250 crore from previous balances in the fund, plan requirement of Rs 7,000 crore for repayment of principal component of lease charges to IRFC met.
Railways are preparing a Plan size of Rs. 1,21,000 crore in 2016-17

Full E-Book Railway Budget Click here

Railway Exam previous year Paper

The syllabus for the ASM written examination will be generally in a prescribed format Math Questions on Mathematics are designed to test accuracy in rapidity in working. These will mostly be questions in Arithmetic & Candidates are expected to possess a broad knowledge of current events and matters of general interest, particularly relating to India, including Indian Railways. The questions are designed to test the candidate’s power of reasoning and his ability to draw conclusions.

Full question download: RRB Kolkata ASM Question Paper

2/27/2026

Government releases revised pensionary benefits under OROP to over two lakh defence pensioners

NEW DELHI: The government on Monday released revised pensionary benefits under One Rank One Pension (OROP) to over two lakh beneficiaries drawing service or disability pension. The amount along with first instalment of arrears had been released and credited by the Defence Ministry to the accounts of pensioners on March 1, 2016.

“In the case of remaining 1,46,335 family pensioners drawing pension from Departmental Pension Drawing Officers ( DPDOs), payment along with arrears is expected to be released by March end. Banks are under process of revision work,” a Ministry of Defence press release explains.

The total additional annual financial increase for grant of One Rank One Pension (OROP) is Rs 7488.70 crores. The total amount on account of arrears to be paid for the period July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 is Rs 10925.11 crores.

The release states,” Out of total annual liability of Rs 7488.70 crores, Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) family pensioners shall get Rs 6,405.59 crores, which works out to 85.5% of total expenditure of OROP.”

Due to increase in defence pension budget, the additional liability for current financial year 2015-16 shall be Rs 4,721.34 crores which will increase the current defence pension liability of Rs 60,238 crores to Rs. 64,959.34 crores for the year 2015-16.

2/27/2026

Kanhaiya Kumar’s speech: Here are the top 10 quotes

The student leader in his fiery address took a dig at PM Modi, the BJP, Smriti Irani and RSS along with emphasizing his stand on wanting “freedom in India, not freedom from India”. Here are the top 10 quotes from his speech:

# We will fight for Umar (Khalid) and Anirban (Bhattacharya). Let the courts decide what is ‘deshdroh’ (anti-national) and what is ‘deshbhakti’ (patriotism), Madam Smriti Irani will not decide this because we are not her children.

# Modiji was talking about Stalin and Khrushchev in Parliament. When I heard him speaking I felt like jumping into the TV screen, grabbing his suit and saying — ‘Modiji, please speak about Hitler a little’. Forget about Hitler, talk about Mussolini whose black cap you wear, who (RSS founder M S) Golwalkar sahab went to meet.

# They said I raised slogans about freedom. They asked me why I wanted freedom from India. But I want to set this straight. I do not want freedom from India, but freedom in India.

# Modiji tweeted Satyamev Jayate. I also say ‘PMji, I have huge differences in opinion with you, but Satyamev Jayate is from the Constitution. Today, I also say to you Satyamev Jayate’.

# A BJP MP in parliament said that ‘jawans are dying on the border’. I want to ask you. Is your brother there? In this country, the crores of farmers who are dying.

# Do not try to separate the constable, the farmer, the soldier, poor people like me, by creating distorted binaries. I salute the soldiers but have you ever thought of their families, the families of farmers who are forced to commit suicide?

# I told my mother that she took a nice dig at Modiji. But my mother said she was not taking a dig at him, she was only expressing her pain. Those who understand that pain, cry, and those who do not understand, laugh.

# If you speak against this anti-people government, then their cyber-cell will send doctored videos, they will abuse you and count how many condoms there are in your dustbin.

# 69 per cent of the country do not believe in your (BJP) ideology. Even the 31 per cent who voted for you were fooled by your jumla. We Indians forget easily but we still remember all the ‘jumla’ used during election campaign.

# All this was planned. All this was planned to derail the movement seeking justice for Rohith Vemula and Occupy UGC (the recent agitation against the proposed scrapping of PhD fellowships). I have not said this before, but my family earns Rs 3,000 a month. Without JNU, I would not be able to do a PhD.

Analytical Reasoning:- Course of Action

Directions to Solve: In each question below is given a statement followed by two courses of action numbered I and II. You have to assume everything in the statement to be true and on the basis of the information given in the statement, decide which of the suggested courses of action logically follow(s) for pursuing.

(A) If only I follows
(B) If only II follows
(C) If either I or II follows
(D) If neither I nor II follows
(E) If both I and II follow.

Statement: A large number of people in ward X of the city are diagnosed to be suffering from a fatal malaria type.

Courses of Action:

The city municipal authority should take immediate steps to carry out extensive fumigation in ward X.
The people in the area should be advised to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Statement: Severe drought is reported to have set in several parts of the country.

Courses of Action:

Government should immediately make arrangement for providing financial assistance to those affected.
Food, water and fodder should immediately be sent to all these areas to save the people and cattle.
1. Statement: Since its launching in 1981, Vayudoot has so far accumulated losses amounting to Rs 153 crore.

Courses of Action:

Vayudoot should be directed to reduce wasteful expenditure and to increase passenger fare.
An amount of about Rs 300 crore should be provided to Vayudoot to make the airliner economically viable.
1. Statement: Exporters in the capital are alleging that commercial banks are violating a Reserve Bank of India directive to operate a post shipment export credit denominated in foreign currency at international rates from January this year.

Courses of Action:

The officers concerned in the commercial banks are to be suspended.
The RBI should be asked to stop giving such directives to commercial banks.

Download practice Set Click here

Medieval History MCQ for RRBs/SSC Examination

1. In the medieval India Iqta was
(a) hereditary assignment
(b) the personal property of the nodels
(c) generally transferable revenue assignment
(d) Jagir seized by the State after the death of the holder.
2. The Indus or the Harappan culture is
(a) Neolithic culture
(b) palaeolithic culture
(c) chalcolithic culture
(d) post chalcolithic culture
3. Which one of the following mentioned division of the Mauryan Society into seven classes?
(a) Ashoka’s Edicts
(b) Indica
(c) Kautilaya’s Arthshastra
(d) Vishnu Purana
4. Which of the following Jain doctrines is /are considered as the original contribution of Mahavira?
1.Non-violence(ahimsa)
2.Truth
3.Nonstealing
4.Sexual continence (brahamacharya)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 4 only
5. The concept of Autaravad is associated with
(a) Hinayana (b) Shaivism
(c) Tantricism (d) Vaishnavism
6. The Varnas came to be transformed into the hereditary castes during the
(a) Later Vedic period
(b) Gupta period
(c) Mauryan period
(d) Vedic period
7. Considers the following statements:
Assertion (A) : Human figure was the pivot of the sculpture of the Gupta period.
Reason (R) : In the Gupta period, the artists lost interest in nature. Of the the statements.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
8. In ancient and early medieval India, Agrahara denoted
(a) Jaina monastic establishment
(b) Secular land grants
(c) Tax free land gifted to temples
(d) Tax free village possessed byBrahman
9. Consider the following Mughal rulers after Aurangzeb:
(1) Alamgir II (2) Farrukh Siyar
(3) Jahandar Shah (4) Shah Alam II
The correct answer chronological sequences of these rulers is:
(a) 3, ,2, 4, 1 (b) 2, 3, 4, 1
(c) 2, 3, 1, 4 (d) 3, 2, 1, 4

Full MCQ Question Download Click: Medolic History

Cheque Truncation System (CTS)

Cheque Truncation System (CTS) was pioneered by the Reserve Bank of India – RBI, for faster clearing of cheques. It involves sending an electronic image of the cheque together with its Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data, and other relevant fields like date of presentation, presenting bank’s name, etc. This procedure would eliminate the need for physical transfer of cheques across branches, except in certain cases

2/27/2026

Manoj Kumar will be conferred the 47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015

Veteran Film Actor and Director Manoj Kumar will be conferred the 47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015. A five member jury consisted of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Salim Khan, Nitin Mukesh and Anup Jalota unanimously recommended Kumar for the prestigious Award. Manoj Kumar is remembered for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Upkaar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti. He is known for acting in and directing films with patriotic themes.

2/27/2026

World Radio Day observed 13 February

radio%20clipart World Radio Day was observed globally on 13 February 2016 with the theme Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster. To mark the occasion, various activities conducted across India celebrating importance of radio in the day to day life. In Odisha, a two-day annual international event Outreach International Radio Fair 2016 was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar.

2/27/2026

World Autism Awareness Day 2016 celebrated across the world

The World Autism Awareness Day 2016 was celebrated across the world on 2 April 2016. The 2016 theme for the day is Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity.

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about children with autism throughout the world.

It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution62/139. World Autism Awareness Day, passed in council on 1 November 2007 and adopted on 18 December 2007.

This resolution was passed and adopted without a vote in the UN General Assembly, mainly as a supplement to previous UN initiatives to improve human rights.

World Autism Day is also one of only four official health-specific UN Days

2/27/2026

Christine Lagarde has been re-appointed as its Managing Director International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Christine Lagarde has been re-appointed as its Managing Director for a second five-year term after an uncontested election. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday selected 60-year-old Lagarde to serve as IMF Managing Director for a second five-year term starting on July 5, 2016, IMF said in a statement.

The Board’s decision was taken by consensus. France’s former finance minister secured early backing from many of the fund’s most powerful members when the IMF’s executive board launched the selection process in January, keeping other contenders from making an alternate bid and ensuring her a second term.

2/27/2026

RBI has extended the USD 2 billion currency swap arrangement to SAARC nations

In order to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen financial stability, RBI has extended the USD 2 billion currency swap arrangement to SAARC nations till mid-November 2017. The Reserve Bank said that it has decided to extend the SAARC Currency Swap Arrangement till November 14, 2017. Under the arrangement, RBI is to offer swap arrangement up to an overall amount of USD 2 billion both in foreign currency and Indian rupee.

The SAARC Swap Arrangement was offered by the RBI to SAARC nations on November 15, 2012. The facility will be available to all SAARC member countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The swap amount available to various member central banks has been arrived at broadly based on two months import cover subject to a floor of USD 100 million and a maximum of USD 400 million per country

2/27/2026

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Geoscience Awards – 2014

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Geoscience Awards – 2014 today on Tuesday at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said that availability and use of minerals in any country has been one of the factors determining self-sufficiency of its economy. These natural resources have to be explored, extracted, refined and processed to use them for national building. At the same time, we must understand that sustenance of mankind depends only on environmentally sustainable mining practices. Our effort to use our natural resources should be informed by the dangers of natural and man made disasters. He stated that he was happy to note that the Geo scientists of the country are working hard to meet these challenges. The diverse fields work of the awardees are testimony to this inherent spread of the geo scientific developments in the country.

Here is the list of National Geo science Award – 2014

	RECIPIENT OF AWARD	DISCIPLINE

1	Prof. Ashok Kumar Singhvi	Award For Excellence

2	Dr. Muduru Lachhana Dora	Mineral Discovery & Exploration

3	Shri Biswajeet Lenka	Mineral Discovery & Exploration

4	Shri Syed Ajaz Ahmad	Mineral Discovery & Exploration

5	Shri Hemraj Suryavanshi	Mineral Discovery & Exploration

6	Shri Vijay V. Mugal	Coal, Lignite and Coal Bed Methane
6	Shri Vijay V. Mugal	Discovery & Exploration
		Discovery & Exploration

7	Shri Lalit Khasdeo	Coal, Lignite and Coal Bed Methane
7	Shri Lalit Khasdeo	Discovery & Exploration
		Discovery & Exploration

8	Shri Kaushik Rajbanshi	Coal, Lignite and Coal Bed Methane
8	Shri Kaushik Rajbanshi	Discovery & Exploration
		Discovery & Exploration

9	Dr. Abhijit Mukherjee	Groundwater Exploration

10	Dr. Satyendra Kumar Singh	Mining Technology

11	Prof. Arvind Kumar Mishra	Mining Technology

12	Dr. Sreenivas Tumulri	Mineral Beneficiation

13	Dr. Swati Mohanty	Mineral Beneficiation

14	Dr. Khanindra Pathak	Sustainable Mineral Development

15	Dr. Dewashish Upadhyay	Basic Geosciences

16	Dr. Prasanta Sanyal	Basic Geosciences

17	Dr. Rajeev Patnaik	Basic Geosciences

18	Shri Milind V. Dhakate	Applied Geology

19	Shri Gautam Saha	Applied Geology

20	Shri Rashtrapal H. Chavhan	Applied Geology

21	Shri Prashant Tukaram Ilamkar	Applied Geology

22	Dr. Simanchal Padhy	Geophysics / Applied Geophysics

23	Dr. Sandeep Kumar Gupta	Geophysics / Applied Geophysics

24	Dr. Nathani Basavaiah	Geo-Environmental studies

25	Dr. Balakrishnan Nair T. M	Oceanography and Marine Geology

26	Dr. Francis P.A.	Oceanography and Marine Geology

27	Dr. Harikumar R	Oceanography and Marine Geology

28	Sandhya K. G.	Oceanography and Marine Geology

29	Dr. R. Venkatesan	Glaciology and Arctic & Antarctic Research

30	M Arul Muthiah	Glaciology and Arctic & Antarctic Research

31	Dr KP Krishnan	Glaciology and Arctic & Antarctic Research

32	Shri B. Kesavakumar	Glaciology and Arctic & Antarctic Research

33	Dr Indra Sekhar Sen	Young Scientist Award

15 March: World Consumer Rights Day

The World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2016 was observed on 15 March 2016. The day was celebrated by the Consumers International (CI) across the world with the theme Antibiotics off the Menu. The theme was taken up to ensure that fast food companies make a global commitment to stop the sale of meat raised with the routine use of antibiotics important to human medicine.

2/27/2026

Sitting Arrangement

In an examination three type question:
Tabular form arrangement
Line or Floor arrangement
Circular Form

Direction(1 to 5) Read the following information carefully and answer the questions that
follow:
I. Five friends P, Q, R. S and T travelled to five different cities of Chennai, Calcutta, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad by five different modes of transport of Bus. Train, Aeroplane, Car and Boat from Mumbai.
II. The person who travelled to Delhi did not travel by boat,
III. R went to Bangalore by car and Q went to Calcutta by aeroplane.
IV. S travelled by boat whereas T travelled by train.
V. Mumbai is not connected by bus to Delhi and Chennai.
VI. Bus Train Car Boat Aeroplane Name Chennai Calcutta Delhi Bangalore Hyderabad

Q.1) Which of the following combinations of person and mode is not correct ?
(a) P – Bus
(b) Q – Aeroplane
(c) R – Car
(d) S – Boat
(e) T
Q.2) Which of the following combinations is true for S?
(a) Delhi – Bus
(b) Chennai – Bus
(c) Chennai – Boat
(d) Data inadequate
(e) None of these
Q.3) Which of the following combinations of place and mode is not correct ?
(a) Delhi – Bus
(b) Calcutta – Aeroplane
(c) Bangalore — Car
(d) Chennai – Boat
(e) Hyderabad — Bus
Q.4) The person travelling to Delhi went by which of the following modes ?
(a) Bus
(b) Train
(c) Aeroplane
(d) Car
(e) Boat
Q.5) Who among the following travelled to Delhi?
(a) R
(b) S
(c) T
(d) Data inadequate
(e) None of these

Download Full Question sitting Arrangement

Railway Exam Syllabus 2016

There shall be single stage common CBT (Computer Based Test) for all the notified categories followed by aptitude test/typing skill test. Online applications are invited from Indian nationals for over 18000 jobs for the graduate category. Applications complete in all respects should be submitted only online to the concerned Railway Recruitment Board
Question Type: MCQ
Medium: English, Hindi or Urdu
Mode: Computer Based Testing (CBT) at designated Centers of RRB. Number of Questions: 100 Duration: 90 Minutes (1:30 Hours)

Negative Marking: 1/3 Marks
RRB Online Exam (CBT – Computer Based Testing) Syllabus 2016:

General Knowledge
Current Affairs
Book
Authors
Abbreviations
Awards
International & National Organizations
Budget
History
Geography
Environment
Indian Economy
General Science
etc.

Arithmetic (Numerical Ability)
Data Interpretation
Profit & Loss
Simple Interest
Mensuration
HCF & LCM
Time and Work
Time and Distance
Simplification
Algebra
Percentage
Number System
Decimal Fractions
Compound Interest etc.

General Intelligence
Verbal Reasoning
Mathematical Operations
Classification
General Reasoning
Mental Ability
Age Calculations
Direction Test
Arithmetic Reasoning
Age related Problems
Number Ranking
Coding Decoding
Alphabet Series
Decision Making
Blood Relations

Nonverbal Reasoning
Mirror & Water Image
Paper Cutting and Folding
Figure competitions,
Embedded & Grouping
Analogy
Classification
Series
Dice and Cube
Puzzale

Purno Agitok Sangma passed away

National People’s Party, npp, pa sangma, sangma, election commission, meghalaya, ec, election expenditure, latest news Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma died on 4 March 2016. He was 68 years old. He is survived by daughter Agatha Sangma, former Minister of State in the UPA-led Government and Conrad Sangma, the Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

In independent India’s history, he was the first tribal person to hold the post of cabinet minister in 1995. He was also the first tribal person to become the Lok Sabha Speaker in 1996.

2/27/2026

Statement and Assumption Practice Set -1

Logical Reasoning Aptitude questions answers (MCQ) are important for BANK PO, Clerk, IBPS, SBI-PO, RBI, MBA, MAT, CAT, IIFT, IGNOU, SSC CGL, CBI, CPO, CLAT, CTET, NDA, CDS, Specialist Officers and other competitive exams. Statement and Argument Questions Answers (MCQ) of Logical Reasoning include questions based on Statements and Arguments which are important for all competitive exams.

Directions to Solve: In each question below is given a statement followed by two assumptions numbered I and II. You have to consider the statement and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is implicit in the statement.
(A) If only assumption I is implicit
(B) If only assumption II is implicit
(C) If either I or II is implicit
(D) If neither I nor II is implicit
(E) If both I and II are implicit.

1.Statement: “You are hereby appointed as a programmer with a probation period of one year and your performance will be reviewed at the end of the period for confirmation.” – A line in an appointment letter.
Assumptions:
I. The performance of an individual generally is not known at the time of appointment offer.
II. Generally an individual tries to prove his worth in the probation period.

2.Statement: It is desirable to put the child in school at the age of 5 or so.
Assumptions:
I. At that age the child reaches appropriate level of development and is ready to learn.
II. The schools do not admit children after six years of age.

3.Statement: “In order to bring punctuality in our office, we must provide conveyance allowance to our employees.” – In charge of a company tells Personnel Manager.
Assumptions:
I. Conveyance allowance will not help in bringing punctuality.
II. Discipline and reward should always go hand in hand.

Download full practice set- Click here

International Fleet Review 2016 concluded in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam is getting ready to host a major international event – the International Fleet Review 2016 – in the first week of February. Earlier this month, the city hosted the Partnership Summit of the CII and the two events have given the image of the city a great fillip.

The IFR 2016 will be held here from February 4 to Feb 8 and more than 90 ships, 24 of them foreign, will participate in the event. It is intended to showcase the prowess and capabilities of the Indian Navy. President Pranab Mukherjee will review the fleet on February 6. INS Sumitra, an indigenously built naval offshore vessel, will be the presidential yacht.

On Feb 4, the Maritime Exhibition and IFR village will be inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. A function will be held for the visiting chiefs of naval staffs from different countries and for other officials. On Feb 5, the AP Governor Narasimhan will participate in the opening ceremony. Cultural shows and performances will be held throughout the day in the city.

On Feb. 6 the main event – the review and the presidential banquet – will be conducted. On Feb. 7, there will be an international maritime conference in which Union Defence Minister Parrikar will participate. There will also be an operational demonstration and international city parade on the day in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate.

During the final stages of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will steam past the presidential yacht. Several enthralling water front activities by sail boats, water skiing, a display by marine commandos and helicopter demonstrations will form part of the review.

On Feb. 8, the international maritime conference will conclude and there will also be a closing ceremony in which the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R.K Dhowan, will participate.

Security has been tightened in the city in view of the IFR and it is only second time the IFR is being conducted in the country – the first IFR being conducted off Mumbai coast in February 2001. The dolphin has been chosen as the mascot for the IFR depicting friendship across oceans and the theme is “United by oceans.”

Nathuram Godse & The Story of an Assassin book

Nathuram Godse – The Story of an Assassin: Anup Ashok Sardesai
The book titled Nathuram Godse – The Story of an Assassin authored by Anup Ashok Sardesai was released on 30 January 2016. The book was released at the government-owned Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Goa by BJP leader and the bhavan’s chairman Damodar Naik.

2/27/2026

Prime Minister Shram Awards 2014

Union Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the Prime Minister Shram Awards for the year 2014. There are nine nominations for the Shram Bhushan Award, Nineteen nominations for Shram Vir or Shram Veerangana and twenty six nominations for Shram Shree or Shram Devi Awards.

Even though, the total number of Shram Awards is 32, the number of workers receiving the awards is 54 which Included 3 women, as some of the awards have been shared by workers and/or teams of workers consisting of more than one worker. These include 36 workers from the public sector and 18 workers from the private sector.

Shram awards were set up by the Union Government in 1985 to recognize the outstanding contributions of workers in both public and private sectors.

SHRAM RATNA

This is the highest award (one in number) among the Shram Awards and carries a cash award of 2 lakh rupees with a Sanad. For the year 2014, this prestigious award was not awarded to any one as screening committee did not consider any nominee eligible for the award.

SHRAM BHUSHAN

Total number of these awardees is nine. It carries a cash award of one lakh rupees and a Sanad. Nine nominations were found suitable for the award for the year 2014 in respect of Public Sector Undertaking and Private Sector.

And Shram Veer/Veerangana awards carry a cash prize of 60000 rupees and a Sanad. Shram Shree/Devi Awards comprise of a cash prize of 40000 rupees and a Sanad.

PRIME MINISTERS SHRAM AWARDS

The objective of the Prime Ministers Shram Awards is to recognize the outstanding contributions made by workmen as defined in the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947 in organizations both in public and private sector and who have distinguished record of performance, devotion to duty of a high order, specific contribution in the field of productivity, proven innovative abilities, presence of mind and exceptional courage and also to the workmen who have made supreme sacrifice of laying down their lives in the conscientious discharge of their duties.

The Awards will be presented to the workmen as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and employed in the Departmental Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings as also private sector and having minimum of 500 employees on roll and engaged in manufacturing and productive processes and whose performance is assessable. Workmen solely engaged in routine service duties would not be eligible.

1. Coverage should be given to the workers in all sectors of industry. Persons working in important Departmental/Undertakings like those under the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises etc. should be given adequate coverage.

2. Adequate representation would be given to women and handicapped workers who have made outstanding contributions in the areas specified above.

3. The organizations recommending their workmen for the “PRIME MINISTER’S SHRAM AWARDS” should satisfy themselves regarding the eligibility of the workman for this prestigious National Award and issue a certificate to that effect under the signature and seal of the Head of the Organization/Chief Executive Officer where the workman is employed

India, Thailand firm up maritime cooperation & Cobra Gold

Vice-President Hamid Ansari with Thailand Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan Ocha at a guard of honour during a ceremonial reception at Government House in Bangkok on Wednesday. India and Thailand recently held a joint task force meeting in Delhi to deepen maritime and defence cooperation which covers a range of issues, including ocean safety, disaster management and anti-terror drills. The delegations also confirmed that India and Thailand will soon hold naval exercises in the Andaman Seas.

That apart, both sides agreed to fast track the ongoing trilateral land corridor project connecting Thailand-Myanmar and India.

These bilateral and multilateral infrastructure and security projects will receive further boost in the coming months when the entire top brass of the Thai leadership, including Prime Minister Gen. Chan-o-cha, is expected to visit New Delhi.

2/27/2026

General Science Questions for SSC and RRB Examination

Q1. For a freely falling body, the
(a)velocity increases
(b) acceleration increases
(c) both of the above
(d) none of the above
Q2. If we disregard any air resistance for a falling body, then it is right to say that it will fall at constant
(a) velocity
(b) speed
(c) distances each successive second
(d) acceleration
Q3. Walking comes naturally to humans, but force that lets you to walk on a floor is the
(a) friction force of the floor on your foot.
(b) reaction force of your foot against the floor.
(c) both A and B
(d) neither A nor B
Q4. An animal gets ______ by gliding.
(a) better control its fall.
(b) gain forward thrust.
(c) reduce its inertia.
(d) fly at reduced speed.
Q5. A moving particle will continue to move with constant _____ if no forces are acting on it
(a) acceleration
(b) momentum
(c) impulse
(d) all of the above
Q6. Every moving electorn is surrounded with:
(a) a magnetic field
(b) an electric field
(c) both (a) and (b)
(d) none of the above

Full Question Download General Science

2/27/2026

Ancient History MCQ for RRB/SSC Examinations

Q.1.Which of the following is reasons for the identification of life reflected in the later Vedic texts with the painted grey ware culture?
1. Material culture of the two corresponds
2. Geographical distribution of the two correspond
3. Chronological span of the two corresponds
4. Both evolved locally
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Q.2.Which of the following characterized the later Vedic period?
1. Extensive burning of forests
2. Manufacture of iron artifacts
3. Knowledge of seasons
4. Large scale irrigation
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Q.3. Which of the following countries were polluting and were not to be visited except for pilgrimage according to Baudhayana?
1. Vanga 2. Saurashtra
3. Surasena 4. Magadha
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Q.4.Which of the following Harappan crops is believed to have diffused from West Asia?
1. Wheat 2. Rice
3. Cotton 4. Barley
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4
Q.5.Which of the following Harappan sites is located in the Kutch region?
(a) Besalpur and Surkotada
(b) Rangpur and Rojidi
(c) Allabadino and Balakot
(d) Lothal and Surkotada
Q.6.Which of the following is/are true regarding Buddism?
1. It did not reject varna and jati
2. It challenged the highest social ranking of Brahmana varna
3. It regarded certain crafts as low
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None

Full MCQ Download Click here Ancient History

Nonverbal Reasoning water Image Practice Set for Railway & SSC Examination

In competitive examination nonverbal reasoning vital role to play score high and some rule follow to convert image into water Image.

Full practice set download click here

2/27/2026

World Cancer Day Observed 4 Feb

World Cancer Day (WCD) 2016 was observed across the world on 4 February 2016. The day was observed with year’s theme – We can. I can.

World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. The tagline of the theme reflects on what you can do and asks to make a pledge and take action and make a difference in fight against cancer.

2/27/2026

CM Nitish Kumar selected for K Veeramani Award for Social Justice

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was selected for the prestigious K Veeramani Award for Social Justice 2015. Kumar is chosen for the award for his contribution towards social justice as Chief Minister. The award is given away by Periyar International, a Chicago-based voluntary organisation. However, the date and venue of the award function are yet to be decided.

2/27/2026

DJ Pandian appointed Vice President of AIIB

Former chief secretary of Gujarat DJ Pandian was appointed vice-president and chief investment officer of the newly-created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

His appointment as vice-president and chief investment officer was approved by AIIB. The retired 1981-batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre had worked on deputation with the World Bank in Washington. He was also the MD of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC).

2/27/2026

World celebrating International Women’s Day

International Women's Day Essay International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. The official website for the day says: “Celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. “Yet let’s also be aware progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity. Leaders across the world are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity.

2/27/2026

13th India-European Union Summit in Brussels

The 13th Summit between the European Union and India took place in Brussels on 30 March 2016.
Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, participated in the Summit.
The EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission, Ms Federica Mogherini, and the Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, also attended.

The EU and India decided to step up their cooperation to fight climate change and adopted the ‘Joint Declarationbetween the EU and India on a Clean Energy and Climate Partnership’.

2/27/2026

Highlights of Union Budget 2016

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has presented the Union Budget 2016. With an eye on supporting the small tax-payer and the small investor, the Minister announced a slew of schemes, and income tax exemptions. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley did not change income tax slabs in his third Budget, but he did tweak some deductions and announced multiple new cesses, which will impact tax liability for the common man.

Highlights of Union Budget 2016

Tax

Infrastructure and agriculture cess to be levied.
Excise duty raised from 10 to 15 per cent on tobacco products other than beedis
1 per cent service charge on purchase of luxury cars over Rs. 10 lakh and in-cash purchase of goods and services over Rs. 2 lakh.
SUVs, Luxury cars to be more expensive. 4% high capacity tax for SUVs.
Companies with revenue less than Rs 5 crore to be taxed at 29% plus surcharge
Limited tax compliance window from Jun 1 – Sep 30 for declaring undisclosed income at 45% incl. surcharge and penalties
Excise 1 per cent imposed on articles of jewellery, excluding silver.
0.5 per cent Krishi Kalyan Cess to be levied on all services.
Pollution cess of 1 per cent on small petrol, LPG and CNG cars; 2.5 per cent on diesel cars of certain specifications; 4 per cent on higher-end models.
Dividend in excess of Rs. 10 lakh per annum to be taxed at additional 10 per cent.

Personal Finance

No changes have been made to existing income tax slabs
Rs 1,000 crore allocated for new EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) scheme
Govt. will pay EPF contribution of 8.33% for all new employees for first three years
Deduction for rent paid will be raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 60,000 to benefit those living in rented houses.
Additional exemption of Rs. 50,000 for housing loans up to Rs. 35 lakh, provided cost of house is not above Rs. 50 lakh.
Service tax exempted for housing construction of houses less than 60 sq. m
15 per cent surcharge on income above Rs. 1 crore

Social

Rs. 38,500 crore for Mahatma Gandhi MGNREGA for 2016-17
Swacch Bharat Abhiyan allocated Rs.9,500 crores.
Hub to support SC/ST entrpreneurs
Government is launching a new initiative to provide cooking gas to BPL families with state support.
LPG connections to be provided under the name of women members of family: Rs 2000 crore allocated for 5 years for BPL families.
2.87 lakh crore grants to gram panchayats and municipalities – a quantum jump of 228%.
300 urban clusters to be set up under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
Four schemes for animal welfare.

Health

2.2 lakh renal patients added every year in India. Basic dialysis equipment gets some relief.
A new health protection scheme for health cover upto 1 lakh per family.
National Dialysis Service Prog with funds thru PPP mode to provide dialysis at all district hospitals.
Senior citizens will get additional healthcare cover of Rs 30,000 under the new scheme
PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana to be strengthened, 300 generic drug store to be opened

Education

Scheme to get Rs.500 cr for promoting entrepreneurship among SC/ST
10 public and 10 private educational institutions to be made world-class.
Digital repository for all school leaving certificates and diplomas. Rs. 1,000 crore for higher education financing.
Rs. 1,700 crore for 1500 multi-skill development centres.
62 new navodaya vidyalayas to provide quality education
Digital literacy scheme to be launched to cover 6 crore additional rural households
Entrepreneurship training to be provided across schools, colleges and massive online courses.
Objective to skill 1 crore youth in the next 3 years under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna-FM Jaitley
National Skill Development Mission has imparted training to 76 lakh youth. 1500 Multi-skill training institutes to be set up.

Energy

Rs. 3000 crore earmarked for nuclear power generation
Govt drawing comprehensive plan to be implemented in next 15-20 years for exploiting nuclear energy
Govt to provide incentive for deepwater gas exploration
Deepwater gas new disc to get calibrated market freedom, pre-determined ceiling price based on landed price of alternate fuels.

Investments and infrastructure

Rs. 27,000 crore to be spent on roadways
65 eligible habitats to be connected via 2.23 lakh kms of road. Current construction pace is 100 kms/day
Shops to be given option to remain open all seven days in a week across markets.
Rs. 55,000 crore for roads and highways. Total allocation for road construction, including PMGSY, – Rs 97,000 crore
India’s highest-ever production of motor vehicles was recorded in 2015
Total outlay for infrastructure in Budget 2016 now stands at Rs. 2,21,246 crore
New greenfield ports to be developed on east and west coasts
Revival of underserved airports. Centre to Partner with States to revive small airports for regional connectivity
100 per cent FDI in marketing of food products produced and marketed in India
Dept. of Disinvestment to be renamed as Dept. of Investment and Public Asset Management
Govt will amend Motor Vehicle Act in passenger vehicle segment to allow innovation.
MAT will be applicable for startups that qualify for 100 per cent tax exemption
Direct tax proposals result in revenue loss of Rs.1060 crore, indirect tax proposals result in gain of Rs.20,670 crore

Agriculture

Total allocation for agriculture and farmer welfare at Rs 35984 crores
28.5 lakh hectares of land wil be brought under irrigation.
5 lakh acres to be brought under organic farming over a three year period
Rs 60,000 crore for recharging of ground water recharging as there is urgent need to focus on drought hit areas cluster development for water conservation.
Dedicated irrigation fund in NABARD of Rs.20.000 cr
Nominal premium and highest ever compensation in case of crop loss under the PM Fasal Bima Yojna.

Banking

Banks get a big boost: Rs 25,000 crore towards recapitalisation of public sector banks. Jaitley says: Banking Board Bureau will be operationalised, we stand solidly behind public sector banks.
Target of disbursement under MUDRA increased to 1,80,000 crore
Process of transfer of government stake in IDBI Bank below 50% started
General Insurance companies will be listed in the stock exchange.
Govt to increase ATMs, micro-ATMs in post offices in next three years.

Following is a list of items that will turn costlier

1.Cars
2.Cigarettes
3.Cigar
4.Tobacco
5.All services like bill payments, eating out, air travel
6.Ready made garments and branded apparel of more than Rs 1,000
7.Gold and Silver; jewelery articles excluding silver
8.Water including mineral water, aerated water containing added sugar or sweetening matter
9.Goods and services above Rs 2 lakh in cash
10.Aluminum foil
11.Air Travel
12. Plastic bags and sacks
13.Ropeway, cable car rides
14.Imported imitation jewellery
15.Industrial solar water heater
16.Legal services
17.Lottery tickets
18.Traveling by hiring stage carriage
19.Hiring of packers & movers
20.E-reading devices
21. Instruments for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
22.Imported Golf Cars
23. Gold bars

Following is a list items that will turn cheaper

1.Footwear
2.Solar lamp
3.Router, broadband modems and set top boxes, Digital video recorder and CCTV cameras
4.Hybrid electric vehicles
5.Sterilised dialyser
6.Low cost houses with less than 60 sq mt carpet area
7.Hiring of folk artists for performance
8.Refrigerated containers
9.Pension plans
10.Microwave ovens
11.Sanitary pads
12.Braille paper.

World Tuberculosis Day 2016 observed with theme Unite to End TB

World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) 2016 was globally observed on 24 March 2016 with the theme Unite to End TB. The theme was selected against the backdrop of the adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. The Goal 3 of the Agenda aspires to ensure health and well-being for all, including a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030.

2/27/2026

30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela started at Faridabad

30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela Begins in Faridabad The 30th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela began at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana on 1 February 2016. The event that will continue till 15 February 2016 was inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Telangana was selected as the Theme State and will showcase its unique culture and rich heritage and about 300 artistes from the state will perform different folk arts.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela
The first edition of the Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted in 1987. The Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.

Traditional craftsmen (artists, painters, weavers and sculptors) from all parts of the country participate in this annual mela and showcase some of the most exquisite handlooms and handicrafts of India and culture. Handmade fabrics soaked in ethnic colours make an eye catching display for the visitors.

Every year a theme State and a Partner Nation is chosen. Theme State is chosen with a view to promote and focus the art, craft and cuisine of the theme State whereas Partner Nation is chosen to showcases the best of that nation’s art, culture, traditions and heritage.

For the first time in 2009, Egypt became the Focus Nation and the idea of introducing a country/nation as a Partner Nation was mooted. Thailand was introduced as the first Partner Nation during the 26th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2012.

2/27/2026

Economics MCQ Questions for SSC and RRB Examination

Q1. Since 1950-51 the annual growth rate that the Indian Railways have recorded in terms of freight traffic is approximately
(a) 3%
(b) 4%
(c) 4.3%
(d) 6%
Ans. C)
Q2. Railway finances separated from general revenues in the year
(a) 1924–25
(b) 1930–31
(c) 1950–51
(d) 1951–52
Ans. a)
Q3. What is the maximum speed touched by the fastest train in India?
(a) 120 km/h
(b) 130 km/h
(c) 135 km/h
(d) l40 km/h
Ans. d)
Q4. Which one is not a port on the east coast?
(a) Kolkata
(b) Kochi
(c) Paradeep
(d) Vishakhapatnam
Ans. b)
Q5. ‘One of the most daunting engineering tasks under-taken by the Indian railways, across the wilderness of the Eastern Ghats’. This description fits the
(a) Konkan railway connecting Trivandrum with Mumbai
(b) Koraput–Rayagada rail line
(c) Guwahati–Silchar rail line
(d) Dibrugarh–Gorakhpur rail line
Ans. b)

Download full Question Click here

2/27/2026

Commemorative Coin of 150 rupees on Lala Lajpat Rai released

Ministry of Culture released a commemorative coin of 150 rupees and a circulation coin of 10 rupees on Lala Lajpat Rai. The Commemorative Coin of 150 rupees is made of Quaternary alloy with diameter of 44 mm and weight of 35 grams.

The coin was released by Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of state (Independent charge) Minister of Tourism & Culture at New Delhi on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai. Ministry of culture has been celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Rai from 28 January 2015 to 28 January 2016

2/27/2026

9th Indo-Nepal Combined Battalion level Military Training Exercise Surya Kiran

The 9th Indo-Nepal Combined Battalion level Military Training Exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ will be conducted from February 8 to 21, 2016 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The aim of the exercise is to enhance inter-operability between Indian and the Nepalese Army units. The training will also focus on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief including medical and aviation support. Both the Armies will stand to benefit mutually from shared experiences.

2/27/2026

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling conferred with Nepal’s Yugkavi Siddhicharan Prize

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling was conferred the ‘Yug Kavi Siddhicharan Award’ by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday for his commendable contributions in promoting Nepali literature in India.

Siddhicharan Shrestha Academy organised an event in Kathmandu on the occasion of 105th birth anniversary of the late poet Shrestha.

The award carries a certificate of appreciation and a sum of NRs 100,000. Chamling, 65, was not present to receive the award

2/27/2026

5 June: World Environment Day

“On this World Environment Day, I urge people and governments everywhere to overcome indifference, combat greed and act to preserve our natural heritage for the benefit of this and future generations.” — Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

World Environment Day aims to inspire more people than ever before to take action to prevent the growing strain on planet Earth’s natural systems from reaching the breaking point. The2016 theme highlights the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife, which erodes precious biodiversity and threatens the survival of elephants, rhinos and tigers, as well as many other species. It also undermines our economies, communities and security. This year’s slogan “Go Wild for Life” encourages you to spread the word about wildlife crime and the damage it does, and to challenge all those around you to do what they can to prevent it.

2016 Theme: Zero tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife

The booming illegal trade in wildlife products is eroding Earth’s precious biodiversity, robbing us of our natural heritage and driving whole species to the brink of extinction. The killing and smuggling is also undermining economies and ecoystems, fuelling organized crime, and feeding corruption and insecurity across the globe.

Wildlife crime endangers iconic elephants, rhinos, tigers, gorillas and sea turtles. In 2011, a subspecies of Javan rhino went extinct in Vietnam, while the last western black rhinos vanished from Cameroon the same year. Great apes have disappeared from Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo, and other countries could quickly follow. Lesser-known victims include helmeted hornbills and pangolins, as well as wild orchids and timbers like Rosewood – flowers and timber are also considered wildlife! Learn more about this year’s World Environment Day theme.

Host Country: Angola

This year’s World Environment Day celebrations are hosted by Angola, a country seeking to restore its elephant herds, conserve Africa’s biodiversity-rich wildlife, and safeguard the environment as it continues to rebuild after more than a quarter-century of civil war.

“Angola is delighted to host World Environment Day, which will focus on an issue close to our hearts,” said Angolan Environment Minister Maria de Fatima Jardim. “The illegal wildlife trade, particularly the trade in ivory and rhino horn, is a major problem across our continent. By hosting this day of celebration and awareness-raising, we aim to send a clear message that such practices will soon be eradicated.” See more information on the host country.

Australia won Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016

india vs australia, ind vs aus, india vs australia hockey, india australia hockey, india vs australia champions trophy final, champions trophy hockey final, india hockey, hockey india, india hockey team, hockey gallery, hockey Australia on 18 June 2016 won Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London. It defeated India 1-0 in a shoot-out.

The game finished with the score locked at 0-0 but later Australia scored a goal in the shoot-out reducing the score to 1-0 and won the final match to win the Gold medal. Australia’s Blake Govers missed a penalty stroke, while India was dominant in the third and fourth quarter before losing the shoot-out.

With this victory, Australia claimed the Champions Trophy title for the 14th time.

Germany defeated Great Britain to win the bronze medal.

2/27/2026

Simplification

1. Table
2. Square Table
 Practice Set – 1
3. Square Root
 Practice Set – 2
4. Cube Table & Cube Root.
 Practice Set – 3
5. VBODMAS
 Practice Set – 4
 Practice Set – 5
 Answers Key – 5
6. Series
7. Fraction
8. Approximate

BODMAS rule defines the correct sequence in which operations are to be performed in a given mathematical expression to find its value.

In BODMAS,
B = Bracket,
O = Order (Powers, Square Roots, etc.)
DM = Division and Multiplication (left-to-right)
AS = Addition and Subtraction (left-to-right)

This means, to simplify an expression, the following order must be followed.

Do operations in Brackets first, strictly in the order (), {} and []
Evaluate exponents (Powers, Roots, etc.)
Perform division and multiplication, working from left to right. (division and multiplication rank equally and done left to right).
Perform addition and subtraction, working from left to right. (addition and subtraction rank equally and done left to right).

Examples

12 + 22 ÷ 11 × (18 ÷ 3)2 – 10
= 12 + 22 ÷ 11 × 62 – 10 (∵ Brackets first)
= 12 + 22 ÷ 11 × 36 – 10 (∵ exponents)
= 12 + 2 × 36 – 10 = 12 + 72 – 10 (∵ division and multiplication, left to right)
= 84 – 10 = 74 (∵ Addition and Subtraction, left to right)
4 + 10 – 3 × 6 / 3 + 4
= 4 + 10 – 18/3 + 4 = 4 + 10 – 6 + 4 (∵ division and multiplication, left to right)
= 14 – 6 + 4 = 8 + 4 = 12 (∵ Addition and Subtraction, left to right)

E-Book Download Click Here

Utpal Bora appointed as Chairman of Oil India

Utpal Bora who served as the Executive Director in Mehsana asset, has been appointed as the new Chairman and the Managing Director CMD of Oil India Limited (OIL). Till now the Public Enterprise Selection Board has held two interview for the selection of CMD of OIL. Rupshika Saikia Borah was elected earlier as the CMD but her appointment was rejected by the Prime Minister’s Office. After conducting interview of many more applicants, the PSEB finally selected Utpal Bora as the new CMD. Bora after assuming his office said he will put sincere efforts into generating employment oppurtunities for the youths of Assam.

2/27/2026

Global Peace Index-2016

Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) on 10 June 2016 released the 2016 Global Peace Index (GPI). It is 10th edition of GPI that measured peace, its causes and its economic value during 2015 for 163 countries.

India ranked 141 among the 163 countries with 2.566 GPI score. It showed an improvement in peace building as it held 143th rank in 2014 and 2015.

Highlights of 2016 GPI

• The Index shows that the world became less peaceful in 2015, reinforcing the underlying trend of declining peace over the last decade.

• The GPI records a historically less peaceful and more unequal world in which many countries also improved.

• The countries improved in Peace are 81 while deteriorated counts 79.

• The countries that topped the 2016 GPI for being most peaceful are Iceland (1), Denmark (2), Austria (3), New Zealand (4), Portugal (5), Czech Republic (6), Switzerland (7), Canada (8), Japan (9) and Slovenia (10).

• The least peacepul countries are Pakistan (153), Libya (154), Sudan (155), Ukraine (156), Central African Republic (157), Yemen (158), Somalia (159), Afghanistan (160), Iraq (161), South Sudan (162) and Syria (163).

Pakistan (153rd), Libya (154th), Sudan (155th), Ukraine (156th), Central African Republic (157th), Yemen (158th), Somalia (159th), Afghanistan (160th), Iraq (161st), South Sudan (162nd) and Syria (163rd).

• The majority of the global deterioration is due to the developments in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) which is already the least peaceful region in the world.

• It shows that amidst the global deterioration the world continues to spend enormous resources on creating and containing violence but very little on peace.

• The indicators with the largest yearly deterioration were the impact of terrorism and political instability.

• The countries with the largest deteriorations were Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Poland, Burundi, Kazakhstan and Brazil.

• The indicator with the largest improvement is UN peacekeeping funding, while the second largest improvement was recorded in the security officers and police rate indicator.

• UN member states have formally recognised the critical nature of peacefulness in advancing global development for the first time.

• The 17 SDGs are a new set of goals to target poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change by 2030.

• IEP recommends that independent third party organisations provide complimentary support to NSOs and offer a useful benchmark against which to compare results.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2016

Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods

International Day for Biological Diversity 22 may 2016

Biodiversity is the foundation for life and for the essential services provided by ecosystems. It therefore underpins peoples’ livelihoods and sustainable development in all areas of activity, including economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism, among others. By halting biodiversity loss, we are investing in people, their lives and their well-being.

The thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 13) to be held in Cancun, Mexico from 4 to 17 December 2016 will focus on the mainstreaming of biodiversity within and across sectors, which is closely linked to this year’s IDB theme.

We invite Parties and organizations that have already initiated national plans for activities to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity to keep the Secretariat informed of such plans and other noteworthy activities organized by NGOs or other organizations so that they may be included in these pages.

2/27/2026

Directions (Q. 1–5): What value should come in the place of question mark (?) in the following questions?

1. [63 × 54] ÷ 43 = ?

1) 2109.375

2) 2019.375

3) 2209.435

4) 2108.275

5) 2014.275

2. (1.8 * 3.6)/ 0.9 = ?

1) 6.2

2) 8.4

3) 9.2

4) 5.2

5) 7.2

3. (7897 + 4596 + 3128) ÷ 30 = ?

1) 510.7

2) 518.7

3) 520.7

4) 525.7

5) 530.7

4. (104)^2 ÷ ? = 338

1) 1124

2) 1024

3) 961

4) 1089

5) 1156

5. 9880 – ? % of 750 = 9625

1) 34

2) 32

3) 36

4) 30

5) 38

6. 3√103823 = ?

1) 67

2) 37

3) 27

4) 47

5) 57

7. (27894 + 26588 – 13892) ÷ ? = 324720

1) 1.25

2) 0.325

3) 0.75

4) 0.125

5) 0.25

8. 1/8 * 6824 * 1/9 * 279 = ?

1) 27543

2) 26443

3) 26543

4) 28443

5) 26344

9. (28 * 15 – 50)/(25 * 6 / 15) = ?

1) 35

2) 37

3) 39

4) 47

5) 32

10. 46% of 4900 × 0.4% of 1200 = ?

1) 10819.2

2) 10719.2

3) 10809

4) 10919.2

5) 10839

Explanation:

1. 1; ? = 2109.375
2. 5;
? = (1.8 * 3.6)/0.9 = 1.8 * 4 = 7.2
3. 3;
? = (7897 + 4596 + 3128) / 30 = 15621 / 30 = 520.7
4. 2;
√? = (104 * 104)/ 338 = 32
? = 1024
5. 1;
? = 9880 – 9625 = (? * 750)/100
? = (255 * 100)/ 750 = 34
6. 4;
? = 47
7. 4;
? = 0.125
8. 2;
? = 853 × 31 = 26443
9. 2; ? = 370/10 = 37
10. 1; ? = 10819.2

2/27/2026

ICICI Bank signs MoU with BRICS Grouping-promoted New Development Bank

NDB Private sector lender ICICI Bank became the first financial institution in the country to tie up with the BRICS Grouping-promoted New Development Bank (NDB) for a partnership in bond issuances, co-financing, treasury management and human resources. As part of the pact, the two lenders — NDBs first president is ICICI Bank veteran KV Kamath — will look at each other as “preferred partners”.

ICICI Bank and NDB will also leverage a mutually beneficial partnership in other areas such as treasury risk management, account and cash management services and human resource development.

Beyond this, there will be continuous dialogue and regular exchange of information between the two banks for exploring potential partnerships in other areas as well. Headquartered in Shanghai, the NDB began operations with an initial capital of USD 100 billion last year as a multilateral development bank promoted by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

2/27/2026

Malabar 2016: US, Indian and Japanese joint naval exercise that begins today

The United States and India should consider permanently expanding their annual naval exercise to include other like-minded partners as part of their joint cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, a U.S. defense official said earlier this week.

Exercise MALABAR, which initially began as a bilateral naval exercise between the United States and India back in 1992, has at times been expanded to include other partners as well. The 2007 iteration included Japan, Australia, and Singapore, while Tokyo also participated in 2009 and 2014. This year, Japan has been included but Australia has reportedly been left out (See: “Japan to Join US, India in Military Exercises This Year”).

But Robert Scher, the assistant secretary of defense for the Office of Strategy, Plans and Capabilities, told an audience at a Washington, D.C.-based think tank on July 13 that the United States and India should consider permanently expanding the exercise to include these partners instead of doing so on an ad hoc basis. Scher said that expanding the exercise would be one tangible demonstration of Washington and New Delhi working together on maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

About Malabar Exercise 2016
• Malabar 2016 will be conducted with the harbour phase at Sasebo and with the sea phase in the Pacific Ocean.
• The scope of MALABAR-16 includes professional interactions in harbour and a diverse range of activities at sea, including complex surface, sub-surface and air operations.
• This year, four Indian ships are participating in the exercise including INS Satpura, INS Sahyadri, INS Shakti and INS Kirch.
• The ships have embarked one Sea King 42B ASW helicopter and two Chetak utility helicopters.
• The US Navy will be represented by ships from CTF 70 of the USN 7th fleet, which is based at Yokosuka, Japan.
• The CTF will include the aircraft carrier USS John C Stennis (CVN 74), Ticonderoga class Cruiser USS Mobile Bay and Arleigh Burke class destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Chung Hoon.
• In addition, one nuclear powered submarine, carrier wing aircraft and Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft will also participate in the exercise.
• Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) will be represented by JS Hyuga, a helicopter carrier with SH 60 K integral helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft.
• Additionally, the Special Forces (SF) of the three navies will also interact during the exercise.

World Blood Donors Day (WBDD) 2016 was observed on 14 June

World Blood Donors Day (WBDD) 2016 was observed on 14 June 2016.

The theme of the 2016 World Blood Donor Day campaign is Blood connects us all. The theme highlights the common bond that all people share in their blood.

The slogan for 2016 WBDD is Share life, give blood. The slogan focuses on voluntary donation systems. The voluntary donation systems play a pivotal role in encouraging people to care for one another and promoting community cohesion.

The theme of 2015 was “Thank you for saving my life”.

2/27/2026

PM Modi concluded five-nation tour to Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the USA and Mexico

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 June 2016 concluded five-nation visit to Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, the US and Mexico.

During the five-day tour between 4 June and 8 June 2016, Modi met with Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani; Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani; President of Swiss federation, Johann Schneider-Ammann; US President Barack Obama; and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieta.

ModiReturned

During this visit, he held high level meetings on a wide range of bilateral issues and matters of regional and global concern. With US President, Swiss President and Mexico President, Modi discussed India’s NSG membership issue and secured their constructive support.

Major Highlights of the visit to Afghanistan

• In Herat, Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani dedicated Afghan-India friendship dam, earlier known as Salma dam to the people.

• The project built by India at a cost 1700 crore rupees will irrigate 75 thousand hectares of land, generate 42 megawatt power and also supply drinking water in 620 villages.

• Afghan President conferred the highest civilian honour of Afghanistan, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award on Narendra Modi.

Major Highlights of the visit to Qatar

• The two nations signed 7 agreements in various fields.

• Prime Minister as a rare and special gesture shared meal with workers at a medical camp in Doha.

• The two sides agreed to constitute an inter-ministerial High Level Joint Committee to regularly review all bilateral matters, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

• Modi held detailed talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and addressed the business community of Qatar, a country which is India’s largest supplier of LNG requirements, accounting for 65% of the country’s total imports in financial year 2015-16.

Major Highlights of the visit to Switzerland

• Prime Minister meets Indian scientists and students at CERN in Geneva.

• Delegation level talks were held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Switzerland President Johann Schneider Ammann in Geneva.

• Switzerland supported India’s membership in the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

witzerland agreed to provide mutual support to India for becoming non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

• Switzerland agreed to help India in combating the menace of black money and tax evasion

• The country agreed to build Swiss style vocational and educational training centres in India that suit India’s requirements.

• It also agreed to share clean technology and work on energy security and sustainable development.

Major Highlights of the visit to the US

• Modi addressed a joint session of the US Congress.

• He met the Congressional Leadership at Capitol Hills.

• He addressed the gathering at 40th AGM of US India Business Council in Washington.

• He interacted with think tanks in Washington.

• He attended ceremony for repatriation of cultural objects in Washington.

• He laid wreath at Space Shuttle Colombia Memorial at Arlington Cemetery in Washington.

• The two nations announced the creation of a 20 million dollar US-India Clean Energy Finance (USICEF) initiative. The initiative will be equally supported by both and is expected to mobilize up to 400 million dollar to provide clean and renewable electricity to up to 1 million households by 2020.

• The two nations signed and exchanged 6 MoUs and 2 documents.

Modi was the fifth Indian prime minister to address a joint session of US lawmakers. Other four Prime Minister’s to address the joint session include Rajiv Gandhi (June 1985), P V Narasimha Rao (May 1994), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (September 2000), Manmohan Singh (July 2005).

Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the House and Senate separately in 1949 when he was the head of the interim government.

Major Highlights of the visit to Mexico

• Prime Minister meets Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico during his visit to Mexico

• Mexico is an important partner for India’s energy security. We are now looking to move beyond a buyer-seller relationship, and into a long-term partnership.” – Prime Minister

• Foreign Ministers of the two countries were instructed to develop the roadmap of the Privileged Partnership suitable for the 21stCentury, in the framework of the Seventh Mexico-India Joint Commission Meeting to be held in Mexico in 2016.

World Oceans Day observed across the world

World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. This site serves as the central coordinating platform for World Oceans Day, with free resources and ideas for everyone – no matter where you live – to help expand the reach and impact of World Oceans Day on June 8 and year round.

This year’s theme is “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet” and individuals and organizations across the planet are taking action for prevention of plastic pollution in our ocean.

2/27/2026

UNCTAD released World Investment Report 2016

World Investment Report 2016 The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on 21 June 2016 released a report entitled World Investment Report 2016 – Investor Nationality: Policy Challenges.

The report examines international production by multinational enterprises (including sales, exports, employment and value added), as well as their ownership structures and control of affiliates.

In a novel analysis, the report focuses on how policymakers can distinguish between “domestic” and “foreign” companies in a globalized economy and provides with a new framework for handling ownership issues in 21st century investment policymaking.

While the USA surpassed Hong Kong and China in terms of FDI inflows in 2015 with 380 billion US dollars, India continues to be at the 10th position with 44 billion US dollars.

Highlights of World Investment Report 2016

• FDI inflows: Top 10 countries in terms of FDI inflows in decreasing order – The USA, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Brazil, Canada and India.

• Ireland and Switzerland registered considerable progress in 2015. While Ireland attracted additional 71 billion US dollars in 2015 compared to 2014, in the case of Switzerland it was 62 billion US dollars

• Global investment trends: The flows jumped by 38 per cent to 1.76 trillion US dollars, their highest level since the global economic and financial crisis of 2008–2009.

• Inward FDI flows to developed economies almost doubled to 962 billion US dollars. As a result, developed economies tipped the balance back in their favour with 55 per cent of global FDI, up from 41 per cent in 2014.

• FDI flows are expected to decline by 10-15 per cent in 2016, reflecting the fragility of the global economy and persistent weakness of aggregate demand, sluggish growth in some commodity exporting countries.

• Regional investment trends: Developing Asia saw FDI inflows increase by 16 per cent to 541 billion US dollars – a new record. The significant growth was driven by the strong performance of East and South Asian economies.

Investor Nationality-Policy Challenges

• More than 40 per cent of foreign affiliates worldwide have multiple “passports”. These affiliates are part of complex ownership chains with multiple cross-border links involving on average three jurisdictions.

• “Multiple passport affiliates” are the result of indirect foreign ownership, transit investment through third countries, and round-tripping.

• These types of affiliates are much more common in the largest Multi National Enterprises (MNEs). 60 per cent of their foreign affiliates have multiple cross-border ownership links to the parent company.

• The larger the MNEs, the greater is the complexity of their internal ownership structures. The top 100 MNEs in UNCTAD’s Transnationality Index have on average more than 500 affiliates each, across more than 50 countries.

• The blurring of investor nationality has made the application of rules and regulations on foreign ownership more challenging.

• Policymakers in some countries have developed a range of mechanisms to safeguard the effectiveness of foreign ownership rules, including anti-dummy laws, general anti-abuse rules to prevent foreign control, and disclosure requirements.

• The report advised the policy makers to find a balance between liberalization and regulation in pursuing the ultimate objective of promoting investment for sustainable development.

Report with respect to India

• Globally, India was at the top tenth position in terms of FDI inflows in 2015. Compared to 35 billion US dollars in 2014, it received 44 billion US dollars of investments in 2015.

• India’s and Bangladesh’s FDI performance pushed inflows to South Asia to 50 billion US dollars, an increase of 22 per cent from 2014.

• India became the fourth largest recipient of investment in developing Asia.

• Outward FDI from India, South Asia’s dominant investor, dropped by more than one third which resulted in an overall 36 per cent decline of outflows from the region to 8 billion US dollars in 2015

International Day of Yoga June 21st June

Diversity of yoga

Part of yoga’s appeal and rising popularity is its ability to be interpreted and shaped by the culture or society in which it is practised. Traditional styles of yoga such as Iyengar or Ashtanga co-exist alongside more new-age forms such as boxing yoga or rave yoga, even Christian yoga.

Some religious conservatives complain that yoga is rooted in the religions of the Indian sub-continent, notably Hinduism and Buddhism. This perception has restricted the rise of yoga in conservative Islamic societies such as Qatar, where it can be seen as blasphemous. The small Gulf nation is governed by an austere form of Islam known as Wahhabism, which views yoga with suspicion. Despite its global popularity, many Muslims feel that practising yoga is tantamount to practising another religion.

Noor disagrees. “Yoga is not a religion,” she told Al Jazeera. “It is a discipline.”

The reason Noor is able to practise and teach yoga at all, is because of Valerie Jeremijenko. She is an early pioneer of yoga in Qatar, perhaps the earliest. Valerie has been a yoga teacher in Qatar for the past 15 years and has operated her own studio, Yama Yoga, since 2009. She also runs a successful teacher-training programme. However, while the perception of yoga is changing, she still faces some, mostly cultural or social, difficulties.

“This has less to do with yoga and more to do with Qatar’s licensing laws that do not like mixed male-female classes or recognise yoga outside of a sport,” Valerie told Al Jazeera.

Valerie said that the kinds of yoga that took off in the West, physically demanding practices such as Ashtanga and hot yoga, were rooted in the Protestant work ethic, and as such, don’t really suit traditional Qatari society.

“The daily ethic of a rigorous practice is not really part of the Qatari culture, nor is individual expression … so yoga as it is practised in the West does not really work with the traditional Qatari way of life,” she added.

World Population Day 11 Observed

World-Population-quotes-images World Population Day 2016 would be celebrated all over the world by the people on 11thof July at Monday.World Population Day has gained much popularity with support from organizations and masses around the world. It also focuses on challenges presented by world of 7 billion people. Reproductive Health services are one of the main targets set by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) by 2015. So World Population Day is observed in more than 200 countries to bring awareness to people about importance of small families and living healthy lives. On this day, several programs are initiated to educate people about family planning methods. The day is observed every year to bring awareness in people about living a healthy life with benefits of having a small family.

World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2016 with theme Investing in teenage girls. The theme focuses on the empowerment of teenage girls.

2/27/2026

Shahid Rasool takes charge as Director of Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia

Dr. Shahid Rasool, a communication technology specialist, has taken charge as the new director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia(CEMCA).

A Fulbright Fellow with an MS in communication technology from Syracuse University, Rasool will guide CEMCA – an arm of the Vancouver-based Commonwealth of Learning (COL) – in its mission to ensure effective utilisation of educational media resources for distance education.

Rasool, who also has a doctorate in mass communication and journalism from the University of Kashmir, was earlier director of the university’s Educational Multimedia Research Centre.

Headquartered in New Delhi, CEMCA was set up in 1994 in response to calls by Asian Commonwealth countries for a greater focus on distance education.

2/27/2026

Sunil Bharti Mittal receives 2016 Harvard Alumni Award

Bharti Enterprises founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal (58) was bestowed with 2016 Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award. Sunil Mittal is Indian telecom tycoon, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, chairman and Group CEO of Bharti Enterprises, which has interests in telecom, financial services, retail and agri business. The Group flagship Bharti Airtel, with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa and has customer base of over 275 million. It is India’s largest telecom company and world’s third largest mobile operator. He is listed as the eight richest person in India by Forbes with a Net worth of 7 billion dollars. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour.

2/27/2026

Senior advocate Atma Ram Nadkarni appointed Additional Solicitor General

Senior advocate of Bombay High Court Atma Ram Nadkarni on 9 May 2016 was appointed as Additional Solicitor General (ASG).

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Nadkarni as Additional Solicitor General in Supreme Court for a period of three years.

2/27/2026

Union Cabinet Gives Approval To 6 New IITs

The Union Cabinet which met on Wednesday gave its ex post facto approval to amend The Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. (Photo: PTI) Six new IITs will come up at Tirupati, Palakkad, Dharwar, Bhilai, Goa and Jammu while ISM Dhanbad will also be upgraded to an IIT.

The Union Cabinet which met today gave its ex post facto approval to amend The Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 for incorporation of new IITs at Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwar (Karnataka), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), Goa, Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) and conversion of Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad to an IIT under the law.

“The approval will bring six new Indian Institutes of Technology within the ambit of The Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 and declaring them as the institutions of national importance,” an official statement said in New Delhi.

The amendment will also help convert ISM, Dhanbad into an IIT by bringing it into the ambit of the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961

2/27/2026

List of IIFA winners 2016

00420-joseharo-sm Madrid: The 17th edition of the IIFA Awards took place in Spain’s capital Madrid on Saturday in a high-voltage extravaganza.

Here is the list of winners:-
Best Director – Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Bajirao Mastani
Best Film – Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Best Actress – Deepika Padukone for Piku
Best Actor – Ranveer Singh for Bajirao Mastani
Best Supporting Actress – Priyanka Chopra for Bajirao Mastani
Best Supporting Actor – Anil Kapoor for Dil Dhadakne Do
Best Story – Juhi Chaturvedi for Piku
Special Award for Woman of The Year – Priyanka Chopra
Special Award for Woman of The Year – Priyanka Chopra
Best Debut Couple Award – Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty
Best Performance in a Negative Role – Darshan Kumaar for NH10
Best Performance in Comic Role – Deepak Dobriyal for Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Best Debut (Female) – Bhumi Pednekar for Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Best Debut (Male) – Vicky Kaushal for Masaan
Best Playback Singer (Female) – Monali Thakur for Moh Moh Ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Best Playback Singer (Male) – Papon for Moh Moh Ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Best Lyrics – Varun Grover for Dum Laga Ke Haisha

IIFA, which takes the power of Bollywood to international shores every year, celebrated 60 years of India’s diplomatic relations with Spain here with close to 150 film celebrities and over 20,000 fans in attendance.

Chanda Kochhars Heartwarming Letter to Daughter

Most people know Chanda Kochhar as the top honcho of one of India’s largest private banks, an inspiration for working women across the globe, a Padma Bhushan awardee, and recently also listed among the most powerful businesswomen in Asia by Forbes. However, this letter from the ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO to her daughter gives us an insight to the woman and working mother behind the super-achieving professional. And for every daughter growing up with a working mother, this letter is a must read.

“As a parent with a full time job, one must not let work affect the way you relate to your family. Remember the time you were studying in the US and the announcement of my becoming MD and CEO of ICICI was splashed across all newspapers? I remember the mail you wrote to me a couple of days later. ‘You never made us realize that you had such a demanding, successful and stressful career. At home, you were just our mother,’ you wrote in your email. Live your life in the same way, my darling,” says the top banker in the letter, which appears in Sudha Menon’s book ‘Legacy: Letters from Eminent Parents to Their Daughters’. The letter has received a lot of appreciation on social media. Ms Kochhar has even been trending on Facebook since Thursday.

In her poignant letter, Ms Kochchar talks about growing up without her father who died when she was only 13 and her mother became a working single parent. She relates the lessons she learnt as a child to the time she became a working mother herself to her children, Aarti and Arjun.

“If you had complained and whined about my extended absence from home, I would never have had the heart to make a career for myself. I am blessed with a great and supportive family and I really hope you too will be as fortunate when you set out on your own,” she writes in the letter, which is full of heartfelt advice for her daughter, coupled with anecdotes from both her personal and professional life.

The letter makes for a beautiful read for all women, mothers or daughters. Read the letter in its entirety below. This one cannot be missed.

Dear Aarti,

It makes me feel so proud today to see you standing in front of me as a confident young woman right on the threshold of an exciting journey through life. I am looking forward to seeing you grow and flourish in the years ahead.

This moment has also brought back memories of my own journey, and the life lessons I learnt along the way. When I think of those times, I realize that most of these lessons were actually learnt in my childhood, mostly through examples set by my parents. The values that they instilled in my formative years gave me the foundation on which I try to live my life even today.

Our parents treated all three of us – two sisters and a brother – equally. When it came to education, or our future plans, there was no discrimination between us based on our gender. Your grandparents always had the same message for the three of us – that it was important to focus on what gave us satisfaction and to work towards it with utmost dedication. That early initiation enabled us to develop into confident individuals capable of taking decisions independently. This also helped me when I started out on my own journey of self- discovery.

I was only a young girl of 13 when my father passed away from a sudden heart attack, leaving us unprepared to take on life without him. We had been protected from life’s challenges so far. But without warning, all that changed overnight. And my mother, who had been a homemaker till then, faced the responsibility of raising three children all on her own. It was then that we realized how strong she was and how determined to do her duty in the best possible manner. Slowly, she discovered a flair for designing and textiles, found herself a job with a small firm, and quickly made herself indispensable to them. It must have been challenging for her to shoulder the responsibility of bringing up her family single- handed, but she never let us feel like it was a task for her. She worked hard till she saw all of us through college and we became independent. I never knew that my mother had such a wealth of self-assurance and belief within her.

As a parent with a full time job, one must not let work affect the way you relate to your family. Remember the time you were studying in the US and the announcement of my becoming MD and CEO of ICICI was splashed across all newspapers? I remember the mail you wrote to me a couple of days later. ‘You never made us realize that you had such a demanding, successful and stressful career. At home, you were just our mother,’ you wrote in your email. Live your life in the same way, my darling.

I also learnt from my mother that it is very important to have the ability to handle difficult situations and keep moving forward in life, no matter what. Even today I can remember the equanimity and calmness with which she handled the crisis on hand when my father passed away. You have to handle the challenges and emerge stronger from them, rather than allow them to bog you down. I remember how, in late 2008, we were faced with a situation where ICICI Bank’s survival was in jeopardy in the face of a global economic meltdown. The situation was being analysed with a hawk’s eye by major media platforms and debated widely in the public space… I got down to work, systematically communicating with all stakeholders – from the smallest depositor to the sophisticated investors, and from regulators to the government – the bank was sound and its exposure to these institutions involved a small portion of its assets. I understood their concern because so many of them feared that their hard earned savings in our bank could be at risk. I also advised staff across the bank’s various branches to lend a sympathetic ear to those depositors who turned up to withdraw their money, telling them to also offer the depositors a seat and a glass of water while they waited. And though, depositors were welcome to withdraw their money if they wanted to, our staff also took care to explain to them that it would not help them to take their money away, because there was no real crisis situation.

It was during this period that I took a couple of hours off one day to attend your brother’s squash tournament. I did not know it then, but my very presence at the tournament went a long way in reinstalling customer confidence in the bank. A few mothers at the tournament came and asked me if I was Chanda Kochhar from ICICI Bank and when I replied in the affirmative they said that if I could still find time to attend a tournament in the midst of a crisis, it meant that the bank was in safe hands and they need not worry about their money!

It was also from my mother that I learnt the importance of adapting to circumstances and not being afraid of the unknown. While working hard for my career, I looked after my family, and have been there for my mother and in-laws when they needed me around. They reciprocated in kind with their unconditional love and support for my career. Remember that relationships are important and have to be nurtured and cherished. Also keep in mind that a relationship is a two way street, so be ready to give a relationship just as you would expect the other person to be giving to you.

My career would not have progressed the way it did were it not for your father who never once complained about the time I spent away from home. Your father and I nurtured our relationship despite the fact that we were both busy with our own careers, and I am confident you will do the same with your partner, when the time comes. If you had complained and whined about my extended absence from home, I would never have had the heart to make a career for myself. I am blessed with a great and supportive family and I really hope you too will be as fortunate when you set out on your own!

I remember the day your board exams were about to commence. I had taken leave from work so that I could take you to the examination hall myself. When you realized I was coming, you told me how you were used to going for your exams alone for so many years. It hurt me to hear you say that, but I also think in some ways, having a working mother made you much more independent from a very young age itself. You not only became independent, but also stepped into the nurturer’s role for your younger brother and never let him miss my presence. I learnt to have trust and faith in you and you have now grown into a wonderful, independent woman. I now use the same principle at work to make our growing population of younger talent take on larger responsibilities.

I believe in fate but I also believe that hard work and diligence plays a very important role in our lives. In a larger sense, we all write our own destiny. Take destiny in your own hands, dream of what you want to achieve, and write it in your own way. As you go ahead in life, I want you to climb the path to success one step at a time. Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete.

As you go forward, you will sometimes have to take difficult decisions, decisions that others might scorn at. But you must have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Make sure you have that conviction to do what you know is right, and once you have it, don’t let skeptics distract you from your path.

Aarti, there is no limit to what a determined mind can achieve, but in achieving your goal, don’t compromise on the values of fair play and honesty. Don’t cut corners or compromise to achieve your dreams. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of people around you. And remember, if you don’t allow stress to overtake you, it will never become an issue in your life.

Remember that good times and bad times will be part of your life equally, and you have to learn to handle both with equanimity. Make the most of life’s opportunities and learn from every opportunity, and challenge that life brings along.

Lovingly yours,
Mumma

SSC CGL -2016 Revise Examination Syllabus detailed below:

Under the provisions of the Notice as referred above, the Commission has decided to reduce the Number of Questions from 200 to 100 in Tier-I of the above Examination which would continue to carry 200 marks. The duration of the Tier-I examination would be for a period of 75 minutes. It has also been decided to conduct the Tier-I and Tier-II in computer based examination mode in place of OMR based examination mode. Tier-I is scheduled to be held from 27th August, 2016.

more detail click here

2/27/2026

SBI Clerical Examination Preparation Tips for 2016

The State Bank of India conducts the Clerical exam every year to recruit candidates for the post of Clerical Cadre. For the year 2016-17, the notice has been released. The exam will be held online tentatively in the month of May-June 2016. However, the candidates can fill the application form up to 25 April 2016. Aspirants will have to appear in the online examination to be selected the post. Aspirants must be wondering how to prepare for the exam in order to successfully crack it. For the same, we have introduced some preparation tips which can help candidates to clear the exam and make their preparation process all the more easier. Take notes and follow these to prepare nicely. Read the SBI Clerk 2016 Preparation Tips below.

SBI Clerk Preparation Tips:-

Aspirants can follow the SBI Clerk Preparation Tips 2016 given below and act accordingly to obtain a reasonable score and make it up to the selection.

Reading skills: Since, some of the sections asked in the exam such as General Awareness require the knowledge of all the current affairs of the society. For that, the candidate must develop a good reading skill where they can read newspapers and magazines at a good rate so as to increase their domain of knowledge. This Preparation Tip of SBI Clerk 2016 Exam can help candidates in the long run also.
Go thorough with the Syllabus: Before starting any preparation process, it is utterly important that the candidate is completely aware of all the syllabus contents. Candidates must have a complete knowledge of how topics are structured in the syllabus and get clear about each and every topic. The key tip to preparation according to the SBI Clerk Preparation Tips 2016 is to cover every topic mentioned in the syllabus.
Online/Offline Practice: Along with the other things, the one best thing anyone can do is practice stuff enough so as to master that area of knowledge. This is how you can get the most out of your preparation routine. Practice the different type of questions from different places for the topics you have covered and strengthen your base.
Study materials: Before starting the preparation, candidates must collect all the resources necessary for preparation such as books, practice papers, syllabus, notes etc. Also, candidates must clarify their doubts on time so as to not leave anything behind. Group study or recorded lectures are seen as quite helpful in such areas.
Give enough time: Time is the most basic and important asset that one needs to invest to prepare effectively. Along with all the SBI Clerk 2016 Preparation Tips, this one is also necessary. Give enough time to topics and areas as they deserve so that they are clarified and no doubts are left in that domain and time management during the examination very important to qualify prelim and mains examination.
Attempt questions carefully: While answering the questions, this is very important that the candidates read the questions very carefully and answer them with utmost care. Never misread the question and manage time well so as to attempt every question nicely. Examination training is important part to qualify the any exams…

For Inquiry Call: 986 913 9632

NDA Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

As we all know that every year thousands of student appear for NDA written examination and due to its difficulty level only few candidates are able to crack it. The right preparation strategy to clear NDA Exam begins sudden after +2 Board Examinations.
This type of examination requires a good level of intelligence with great practice & lots of motivational sessions. In our Institute we give complete training and best support to the candidates to get success in NDA exams. Indian Armed Forces is the best respectful and influential opportunities for the students. Delhi Career Group is one of the Best Coaching Institutes for NDA IPCI.
It consists of two papers which are given in table as below:

First paper is Mathematics which is of 300 Marks. The duration for this paper is 2:30 hours
Second paper is of General Ability of 600 marks. The duration of this Exam also is 2:30 hours
Thus Toal Marks are 900 with total duration of 5 Hours Mathematics includes following topics for Nda Exam :
Algebra
Probability
Analytical Geometry
Integral Calculus
Trigonometry
Matrices & Determinants
Differential Calculus & etc.
General Ability includes following topics for Nda Exam:
English
General Knowledge
English includes following topics for Nda Exam:
Grammar and usage
Comprehension
Vocabulary
General Knowledge:
Physics
General Science
Geography
Chemistry
Social Studies & Current Events.

2/27/2026

About Bank Probationary Officer Jobs Profile & Selection Process

A Probationary Officer (PO) can reach up to the level of Chairman of a bank. You will be surprised to know that a number of heads of PSBs have started their career as a PO. Normally, the probation period is of two years in which the officer is exposed to different types of bank-related work. There are frequent transfers during the probation period. Once the probation period is over, the officer is appointed as an Assistant Manager and gets his or her permanent posting. Now a day, some banks are placing officers as Deputy Managers also, provided they pass the test conducted by the bank. After confirmation, officers can be posted in specific areas of banking.

Selection Procedure for Bank PO Exams:

Bank Probationary officer recruitment conduct by bank or IBPS organization. Written (prelim & main) examination contain five paper Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English, General awareness and computer/marketing each paper objective type after a qualifying minimum cutoff marks in written examination thereafter you qualified to the personal interview that is final round of bank officers selection.

Eligibility Criteria

A Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a University recognised by the Govt of India or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Govt. All the educational qualifications mentioned should be from a University/ Institution/Board recognised by Govt of India/ approved by Govt Regulatory Bodies.

Age Limit

The candidate must be between the age of 20 and 30 years. Reservations and age relaxation are according to the Govt notification.

Relaxation of Upper Age Limit

S. No.	Category	Age relaxation
1.	Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe	5 years
2.	Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
3.	Persons with Disabilities	10 years
4.	Ex-Servicemen, Commissioned Officers including Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs)/ Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) who have rendered at least 5 years’ military service and have been released on completion of assignment (including those whose assignment is due to be completed within one year from the last date of receipt of application) otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency or physical disability attributable to military service or invalidment	5 years
5.	Persons ordinarily domiciled in the state of Jammu & Kashmir during the period 1-1-80 to 31-12-89	5 years
6.	Persons affected by 1984 riots	5 years

Structure of the Examination

Syllabus for Bank P.O Prelims Online Examination:-

Subject	Question No.	Max Marks	Course Details
Reasoning	35	35	View Details
Numerical Ability	35	35	View Details
English	30	30	View Details

Syllabus for Bank P.O mains Online Examination:-

After qualified Prelims online examination then you appear for Mains Exam.

Subject	Question No.	Max Marks	Course Details
Reasoning	50	50	View Details
Numerical Ability	50	50	View Details
English	40	40	View Details
General Awareness	40	40	View Details
Computer Awareness	20	20	View Details

After qualified Mains online examination then you appear for GDPI (conducted by IBPS/SBI/RBI)

Each candidate will be required to obtain a minimum score in each test and also a minimum total score to be considered to be shortlisted for interview. Depending on the number of vacancies available, cutoffs will be decided and candidates will be shortlisted for interview. Prior to the completion of the interview process, scores obtained in the online examination will not be shared with the candidates shortlisted for interview. MARKS OBTAINED ONLY IN THE MAIN EXAMINATION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR SHORTLISTING FOR INTERVIEW AND ALSO FOR FINAL MERIT LISTING.

Interview

Candidates who have been shortlisted in the main examination for CWE PO/MT will subsequently be called for an Interview to be conducted by the participating organisations and coordinated by the nodal bank in each State/UT with the help of the Institute for Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) will be informed to the shortlisted candidates in the call letter. Candidates are required to download their interview call letters from the authorised IBPS website www.ibps.in. Please note that any request regarding change in date, centre etc of interview will not be entertained. However, the conducting agencies reserve the right to change the date/venue/time/centre etc of interview or hold supplementary process for particular date/session/venue/centre/set of candidates at its discretion, under unforeseen circumstances, if any. The total marks allotted for Interview are 100. The minimum qualifying marks in interview will not be less than 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates). The weightage (ratio) of CWE (Main exam) and interview will be 80 : 20. The combined final score of candidates shall be arrived at on the basis of scores obtained by the candidates in the Main Examination of CWE PO/MT-V and Interview. Interview score of the candidates failing to secure minimum qualifying marks or otherwise barred from the interview or further process shall not be disclosed. A candidate should qualify both in the CWE and interview and be sufficiently high in merit to be shortlisted for subsequent provisional allotment process, details of which will be made available subsequently on the IBPS website.

Emoluments

Following would be the new pay structure of newly joined Probationary Officers:

Components	Amount (Per Month approx)
Basic Pay	Rs 26,705 (Merged 60.15% of DA into current basic pay)
House Rent Allowance	Rs 1,996.2 (7.475% of Basic Pay)
Dearness Allowance	Rs 8,839.36 (33.1% of Basic Pay)
Total	Rs 37,541
Cash in Hand	Rs 33,986 (approx)

This is Indias first ever Maritime Summit on 14 April 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 April 2016 inaugurated the Maritime India Summit 2016 (MIS 2016) in Mumbai. While inaugurating the summit, the PM invited investors to come to India. Maritime India Summit 2016 is a maiden flagship initiative of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India that provides a unique platform for participants to explore potential business opportunities in Indian Maritime Sector.

The two-day summit, which will conclude on 15 April 2016, will host forums to foster interaction between stakeholders through B2B and G2B meetings. It will also organise special sessions on investment opportunities in maritime sector, setting up of new ports and capacity augmentation of existing ports, development of inland waterways for cargo and passenger transportation, coastal shipping and other services related to Indian Maritime Sector.

The summit will project vast investment opportunities in each of the Indian Maritime States and Union Territories, including an exclusive partner country session by Republic of Korea.

The Summit will showcase exciting investment opportunities in:
• Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling
• Port Modernization and New Port Development
• Port-based Industrial Development, Port-based Smart Cities and Maritime Cluster Development
• Hinterland Connectivity Projects and Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs
• Inland Waterways and Coastal Shipping for Cargo and Passenger movement
• Dredging
• Lighthouse Tourism and Cruise Shipping
• Renewable Energy Projects in Ports
• Other Maritime Sector related services (Financing, Legal, Design etc.)

2/27/2026

FERA & FEMA

FERA : The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) was legislation passed in 1973 that imposed strict regulations on certain kinds of payments, the dealings in foreign exchange and securities and the transactions which had an indirect impact on the foreign exchange and the import and export of currency. FERA was introduced at a time when foreign exchange (Forex) reserves of the country were low

FEMA : The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) is an Act of the Parliament of India “to consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India”. It paved the way for the introduction of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, which came into effect from 1 July 2005.

1. FEMA replaced FERA: FERA was repealed in 1998 by the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and replaced by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, which liberalised foreign exchange controls and restrictions on foreign investment.

2. FEMA became an act on 1 June 2000.

3. FEMA was intoduced because the FERA did not fit in with the Post-Liberalization Policy.

4. What Changes FEMA bring? – It made all offence regarding Foreign Exchange Civil Offence, as opposed to criminal offences as dictated by FERA.

5. Main objective of FEMA : Conolidate (strengthen) and amend the law relating to Foreign Exchange. AND

To Promote the orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.

6. FEMA is applicable to all parts in India (abroad also if agency owned by an Indian).

7. The FEMA head-office, also known as Enforcement Directorate is situated in New Delhi and is headed by a Director. The Directorate is further divided into 5 zonal offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Jalandhar and each office is headed by a Deputy Director.

2/27/2026

PM Narendra Modi leaves for Iran on a two-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday left for Iran on a two-day official visit, during which the trilateral agreement between India , Iran and Afghanistan to develop the Chabahar port in that Gulf nation will be signed.

Modi will be accorded an official welcome in Tehran on Monday following which he will hold talks with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani .

Connectivity, energy security and bilateral trade are on top of Modi’s agenda during his visit which comes a little over a month and a half of his trip to Saudi Arabia. The prime minister will also inaugurate an Indian cultural festival in Iran.

The visit will feature discussion on terrorism in the region as well as extended neighbourhood. It will also focus on New Delhi’s desire to secure energy assets for a fast growing economy. After reaching Tehran, PM Modi will visit a Gurudwara there

2/27/2026

About Bank Clerk Jobs Profile & Selection Process

A clerk is mostly a front staff in a bank. Depending on the requirement, clerks are placed at different counters of the banks, e.g. savings, deposit, current deposit, term deposit, retail loans, cash credit, agricultural loans, credit cards, govt business, cash receipt or payment, etc. Maximum customer interface in banks occurs at these counters managed by clerical staff. Bank Clerk recruitment examination conduct by IBPS or specially Bank (SBI/RBI).

Eligibility

The minimum age for applying for the position of a clerk in nationalised or private sector banks is 20 years. The maximum age limit is 28 years. The candidate has to be a Graduate in any discipline. As most of the recruitment in clerical cadre in public sector banks are made state-wise, the candidate applying for the post in a particular State is expected to be proficient in the language of the State. Proficiency means knowing to read, write, speak and understand the language.

Structure of the Examination

The structure of the examinations, which will be conducted online, is as follows:Preliminary Examination

S. No.	Name of Tests	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
1.	English Language	30	30	Composite time of 1hour
2.	Quantitative Aptitude	35	35
3.	Reasoning Ability	35	35
	Total	100	100

Main Examination

S. No.	Name of Tests	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
1.	Reasoning	40	40	Composite time of 2 hours
2.	English Language	40	40
3.	Quantitative Aptitude	40	40
4.	General Awareness(with reference to Banking Industry)	40	40
5.	Computer Knowledge	40	40
	Total	200	200

A candidate should qualify both prelims and mains. Mains exam score high in the merit to be shortlisted for subsequent provisional allotment process, details of which will be made available subsequently on IBPS website.

Emoluments:

Components	Revised (Per Month)
Basic	12,812(60.15% of DA merged in basic)
House Rent Allowance	1,921 (15% of DA)
Fuel Expense	225
Dearness Allowance	5,124 (40% of basic as remaining 60% merged in basic salary)
Special Allowance	1,908 (9.5% increase in final pay slip component)
Total	21,990
Deductions:
Provident Fund	-2,199
Tax	-20
Union Fee	-60
Benefit Funds	-250
In Hand	19,461

more details Call: 986 913 9632

Government to launch & Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan

Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan, a Central government’s campaign to strengthen Panchayati Raj in villages and ensure social harmony, empowerment of women and uplift of farmers will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh in April, on the occasion of 125th Birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Rural Development Minister Birender Singh told reporters on Friday here that the campaign would be held all over the country from April 14 to 24.The topics of discussions in these Gram Sabhas will include :-
• Gram Panchayat Development Plans for local economic development,
• Optimum utilization of funds available with Panchayati Raj Institutions,
• Clean drinking water and sanitation,
• Role of women in village and rural development.
• Social inclusion including welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, person with Disabilities and other marginalized groups.

“The campaign will be run jointly by Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, Social Justice, Labour and Information and Broadcasting Ministries along with States and will culminate on April 24 on the Panchayati Raj Day with the Prime Minister addressing villagers in Jamshedpur.

“During the campaign, discussions on issues pertaining to rural development, improving farmers’ income, SC and ST welfare and social harmony programmes will be held on different platforms,” he said.

2/27/2026

Half of world’s 20 most polluted cities in India, Delhi in 11th position

Half of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, said a World Health Organization report released on Thursday, indicating industrial and vehicular exhaust were choking large parts of the country with little oversight or monitoring mechanism.

The Capital is no longer the world’s 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. Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh take the second and third spot, respectively

2/27/2026

IPL 2016 Final: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win

Sunrisers Hyderabad celebrate after winning its first IPL title.

Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight runs to win their maiden Indian Premier League title.

Virat Kohli during IPL Twenty20 final match between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. Photo : Bhagya Prakash K

Virat Kohli own 973 runs and the ‘Orange Cap’ and Kohli said: “It is a nice incentive, but it does not feel good to be at the other side of the result. Why Sunrisers won is because they have a strong bowling attack. I knew I was hitting the ball well and I just wanted to keep contributing. Why not, records are meant to be broken.”

Here is the full list of award winners and important statistics from

IPL 2016 Champions – Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Prize money – Rs 15 crore
Runner-up – Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Prize money – Rs 10 crore
Orange Cap (Most runs) – 973 runs (16 innings) – Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Purple Cap (Most wickets) – 23 wickets (17 innings) – Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Emerging Player – 17 wickets – Mustafizur Rahman (SRH)
Man of the match in final – Ben Cutting (SRH)
Most Sixes in the final – 8 – Chris Gayle (RCB)
Most Valuable Player – Kohli (356.5 points)
Fairplay Award – SRH
Most Sixes – 38 – Kohli

About IPL:

IPL, which stands for Indian Premier League, is one of the most popular cricketing events in India, which is awaited and watched all over the country and the world by avid cricket fans every year. The event, which was started in 2008 by the BCCI, is played in T20 format of the game and is contested between franchisee teams from various cities, which are currently eight in number. Commercially, it is one of the most successful and lucrative sporting events in the country, with its brand value reaching a whopping US $ 3.2 billion. Till date, eight IPL events have been organized in India and the ninth one is running in 2016.

Kiran Bedi appointed Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry

Kiran Bedi: The Big Splash in Politics BJP leader and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Puducherry on 22 May 2016. Puducherry will now have a full time Lt. Governor after a gap of two year.

She will succeed Ajay Kumar Singh, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who was holding the additional charge of Puducherry since July 2014. The LG post of Puducherry was vacant after the union government in July 2014 sacked Virendra Kataria from the post.

2/27/2026

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SBI clerk last year question paper

Directions (1-5) : Rearrange the given six sentences/group of sentences A, B, C, D, E and Fin a proper sequence so as to form a meaningful paragraph and then answer the given questions. A. Anansi was just about to eat them when he noticed smoke in the distance. He learnt from the cassava that the smoke was from the town of rice. B. “Rice is much better than cassava!” Saying this Anansi promptly journeyed to the town of rice. When he reached there he noticed smoke in the distance. So he left the rice village and headed for the smoke, greedily thinking that he’d get something better. C. Alas, when he reached there he found it was his own village and he had no food for the villagers or himself. Greed had got him nowhere. D. He left his village to find food for his people and himself. After walking miles and miles he saw smoke from a distant village. E. Anansi, the spider was very unhappy. There was a drought and all his people were starving. F. When he reached, the only food he found was cassava. The cassava asked Anansi, “Would you like us roasted, fried or boiled?” Anansi told them that he did not have a particular choice and so they roasted themselves.

Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after the rearrangement?

(1) A

(2) B

(3) C

(4) E

(5) F

Solution: 3

Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after the rearrangement?

(1) A

(2) B

(3) D

(4) E

(5) F

Solution: 4

Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after the rearrangement?

(1) A

(2) B

(3) C

(4) E

(5) F

Solution: 2

Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after the rearrangement ?

(1) A

(2) C

(3) D

(4) E

(5) F

Solution: 3

Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after the rearrangement?

(1) A

(2) C

(3) D

(4) E

(5) F
Solution : 5

Directions (6-10): Read each of the following sentences to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Select the part with the error as your answer. If there is no error, select `No error’ as your answer. (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any)

It seems like that I (1)/ am the most (2)/ beautiful girl on(3)/ this planet.(4) No error(5)

Solution: 1

Whoever covers the longer distance (1)/ and returns home before sunset (2)/ will get wealth in proportionate to (3)/ the distance they cover.(4) No error(5)

Solution: 4

Shyam realised (1)/ his mistake and (2)/ recognised the importance (3)/ of practicality in life.(4) No error(5)

Solution: 5

Two little boys were (1)/ playing together,(2)/ when one them saw/(3) a nut on the ground.(4) No error(5)

Solution: 3

Nick’s father was (1)/ a hardworking man(2)/ and hardly spend any time(3)/ with his son.(4) No error(5)

Solution: 3

Directions (11-15): In each of these questions, sentence with four bold words is given. One from four words given in the bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word which is wrongly spelt or inappropriate. If any, that word will be your answer. If all the words given in the bold are correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence, then All correct’ is your answer.

Soon farmers will be able (1)/ to sell their produce to whoever they want to instead (2)/ of only to wholesale (3)/ tradars.(4)/ All correct(5)

Solution: 4

‘La Nina’ is a weather phenomenon which (1)/ is associated (2)/ with abundant (3)/ rainfall in India say experts. (4)/ All correct(5)

Solution: 2

With the aim (1)/ of achieving xero (2)/ accidents,(3)/ the Indian Railways has sought funds to upgrade(4)/ tracks and signalling systems. All correct (5)

Solution: 2

It is better (1)/ to go slow (2)/ on labour reforms and hold (3)/ discussions with all parties(4)/ concerned with the matter. All correct (5)

Solution: 5

Payments bank can collectt (1)/ deposits and offer (2)/ different payment solutions to customers but are not allowed (3)/ to lend.(4)/ All correct(5)

Solution: 1

Directions (16-25): Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been given in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions. Long time ago, in a forest, there lived a young antelope. He was fond of the fruits of a particular tree. In a village bordering the forest, there lived a hunter who captured and killed antelopes for various reasons. He used to set traps for animals under fruitbearing trees. When the animal came to eat the fruit, it would be caught in the trap. He would then take it away and kill it for its meat. One day, while visiting the forest in search of game, the hunter happened to see the antelope under its favourite tree, eating fruit. He was delighted. ‘What a big, plump antelope!’ he thought. ‘I must catch him. I will get a lot of money from selling his meat.’ Thereafter, for many days, the hunter kept track of the antelope’s movements. He realised that the antelope was remarkably vigilant and fleet footed animal that it would be virtually impossible for him to track him down. However, he had a weakness for that particular tree. The crafty concluded that he could use this weakness to capture him. Early one morning, the hunter entered the forest with some logs of wood. He climbed the tree and put up a machan (platform used by hunters) on one of its branches by tying the logs together. Having set his trap at the foot of the tree, he then took up position on the machan and waited for the antelope. He strewed a lot of iy ,ovef mrui bts eo rn2thoeig6round beneath the 11.004.3, tree to conceal the trap and lure the antelope. Soon, the antelope came strolling along. He was very hungry and was eagerly looking forward to his usual breakfast of delicious ripe fruits. On the treetop, the hunter, having sighted him, sat with bated breath, willing him to come closer and step into his trap. However, the antelope was no fool. As he neared the tree he stopped short. The number of fruits lying under the tree seemed considerably more than usual. Surely, something was amiss, decided the antelope. He paused just out of reach of the tree and carefully began examining the ground. Now, he saw what distinctly looked like a human footprint. Without going closer, he looked suspiciously at the tree. The hunter was well hidden in its thick foliage, nevertheless the antelope, on close scrutiny, was now sure that his suspicions had not been unfounded. He could see a corner of the machan peeping out of the leaves. Meanwhile the hunter was getting desperate. Suddenly, he had a brainwave. Let me try throwing some fruit at him,’ he thought. So the hunter plucked some choice fruits and hurled them in the direction of the antelope. Alas, instead of luring him closer, it only confirmed his fears! Raising his voice, he spoke in the direction of the tree —”Listen, my dear tree, until now you have always dropped your fruits on the earth. Today, you have started throwing them at me! This is the most unlikely action of yours and I’m not sure I like the change! Since you have changed your habits, I too will change mine. I will get my fruits from a different tree from now onone that still acts like a tree!’ The hunter realised that the antelope had outsmarted him with his cleverness. Parting the leaves to reveal himself, he I grabbed his javelin and flung it wildly at the antelope. But the clever antelope was well prepared for any such action on his part. Giving a saucy chuckle, he leapt nimbly out of the harm’s way.

As mentioned in the story, which of the following can be said about the hunter? (1) He was a very good cook. (2) He was not as smart as the antelope. (3) He was growing old. (4) He had never missed any of his prey. (5) He was humane.

Solution: 2

Which of the following is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘AMISS’ as used in the story? (1) Perfect (2) Forgotten (3) Obvious (4) Assumed (5) Fishy

Solution: 2

Which of the following statements is true in the context of the story? (1) The hunter captured antelopes only for their skin. (2) The hunter came to know about the antelope through his friends. (3) The hunter learnt his lesson eventually and never killed any antelope. (4) The hunter and the antelope lived in the same village. (5) None of the given statements is true. Solution: 5
Which of the following is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word ‘VIGILANT’ as used in the story?

(1) High

(2) Loyal

(3) Rigid

(4) Inattentive

(5) Alert

Solution: 4

As mentioned in the story, the antelope told the tree that he would not have its fruits anymore as……………. A. he had sensed danger as everything around the tree appeared different than usual. B. he felt insulted by the tree. C. he started liking fruits from the adjacent tree as they were more juicy.

(1) Only A

(2) Both A and B

(3) Only B

(4) Both A and C

(5) Only C

Solution: 1

As mentioned in the story, the hunter prepared a machan on the tree to……….

(A) live peacefully

(B)keep a watch on the entire forest.

(C)catch his prey.

(1) Only A

(2) Only C

(3) Only B

(4) Both A and C

(5) None of the given options

Solution: 2

Which of the following could be a suitable title to the story?

(1) The Hunter Who Loved Fruits

(2) The Lazy Hunter

(3) The Clever Antelope

(4) The Hunter and His Love for Wild Animals

(5) Antelopes an Endangered Species

Solution : 3

Which of the following is most nearly the opposite in meaning as the word ‘PLUMP’ as used in the story?

(1) Hefty

(2) Chirpy

(3) Long

(4) Boring

(5) Lean

Solution: 5

Which of the following correctly explains the meaning of the phrase, ‘bated breath’ as used in the story?

(1) Turned blue

(2) Without breathing at all

(3) Waited anxiously

(4) Bad breath

(5) Unconscious

Solution: 3

Which of the following is most nearly the same in meaning as the word ‘LURE’ as used in the story? (1) Lie (2) Beat , (3) Fight (4) Attract (5) Hit

Solution: 4

Directions (26-30): In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer to each question out of the five alternatives and fill in the blanks.

There lived an old tiger in a forest. It was becoming..(26)… for him to catch a prey. The Tiger thought, “I no longer have the strength and speed of a youth. …(27)… I find some trick, I will starve to death.” On thinking hard, the tiger came upon a plan. He began shouting loudly, ‘I am very old. I have turned into a vegetarian. I have become a saint and will not eat animals anymore.’ These words spread like …(28)… in the jungle. Innocent animals came to pay respect to the tiger thinking that the tiger had changed into a saint. In turn, the tiger pounced on the animals when they came to his cave. One day, a witty fox heard the words of the tiger. The fox began to wonder, “Can a tiger become a saint?” So stealthily, the fox approached the tiger’s cave. He carefully examined the footprints of animals. He found that all the footprints were going towards the cave but none were … (29)… from the cave. He quickly alerted all animals in the forest. “The Tiger is a cheat. Don’t go to the cave.” No animal ever … (30)… the cave again and the tiger died of starvation.

(1) simple (2) toughly (3) thin (4) difficult (5) stricter

Solution: 4

(1) Unless (2) If (3) Although (4) Before (5) Till

Solution: 1

(1) fast (2) wildfire (3) plane (4) epidemic (5) that

Solution: 2

(1) entering (2) returning (3) left (4) escaped (5) seen

Solution: 2

(1) bothered (2) dealt (3) ventured (4) visited (5) approach

Solution: 4

Air Force Common Aptitude Test Eligibility

Air Force Common Aptitude Test

Air Force Common Aptitude Test is conducted by IAF. It is conducted twice a year. Those candidates who want to make their career in Indian Air Force will have to qualify this test. Recently AFCAT was successfully conducted at various centres in India. Large number of candidates took this examination.
Air Force Common Admission Test also known as AFCAT is conducted for the admission of eligible candidates in Flying Branch, Technical Branch and Ground Duty Branches of Indian Air Force. AFCAT Exam is scheduled to be held every year for all the eligible applicants. You can find the details of the examination. The Air Force Common Admission Test will consist of 100 questions and each question will be of three marks. So total marks for all questions will be 300. As far as negative marking is concerned, there is one-third negative marking in AFCAT exam. For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted as penalty.

Applications are invited from Men and Women candidates for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2016 for the Courses commencing July 2017

Invites applications from bright young engineers to join in the Air Force for grant of Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Permanent/ Short Service Commission (PSC/ SSC) in Technical and Ground Duty Branches for the following courses for Men and Women.
– Flying Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Men, Age : 20-24 years
– Technical Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Men, Age : 20-26 years
– Technical Branch Permanent Commission (PC) Men, Age : 20-26 years
– Ground Duty Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Men, Age : 20-26 years
– Ground Duty Branch Permanent Commission (PC) Men, Age : 20-26 years
– Flying Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Women / Female, Age : 20-24 years
-Technical Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Women / Female, Age : 20-26 years
– Ground Duty Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Women / Female, Age : 20-26 years

The AFCAT paper will consist of four sections:

General Awareness
Verbal Ability
Numerical Ability
Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test

There will be Multiply Choice Based Questions of 3 marks each. The candidates will be penalized in the form of deduction of 1 marks for every wrong answers attempted by them. The duration of AFCAT Exam will be 2 Hours.

AFCAT Syllabus:

(a) AFCAT Exam Syllabus for General Awareness: History, Sports, Geography, Environment, Culture, Current Affairs, Politics , Civics, Basic Sciences, Defence, Art etc

(b) Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Testing of Vocabulary, Sentence Completion etc.

(c) Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest, Profit & Loss, Time and distance etc.

(d) Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test section: Verbal Skills Non Verbal Ability and Spatial Ability etc.

Last Date online apply: 30 June 2016

more details: click here

ASEAN Summit 2016 concludes in Vientiane, Laos

On 8th September 2016 the 28th and the 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit concluded at Vientiane, Laos. However, the main theme for the 2016 summit was Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community.

The Chairperson of the summit was H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR.

ASEAN Summit, china, China south sea, south sea china, south sea china dispute, world news

India-ASEAN Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had represented India at the ASEAN summit at the 14th ASEAN-India summit.
ASEAN-India adopted a document aiming at politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible and people oriented people centered ASEAN-India Community.
The document recognizes the vital importance of the planned review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods (AITIG) Agreement.
It seeks to ensure that the agreement is trade-facilitative and remains relevant to the current global trading practices.
The document also emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability, unimpeded commerce, freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea.

Mr. Modi, who was addressing the 14th ASEAN-India summit here, noted that growing radicalism through the ideology of hatred and spread of extreme violence were the other security threats.

“Export of terror, growing radicalisation and spread of extreme violence are common security threats to our societies,” he said in his second attack on Pakistan in two days amid escalating war of words between New Delhi and Islamabad. Laos Premier Thongloun Sisoulith complimented India’s Act East policy and its contribution to ASEAN, and hoped the summit will provide the future direction.

2/27/2026

Alka Sirohi appointed UPSC chairman

Alka Sirohi Appointed Public Service Commission Chairman IAS officer Alka Sirohi has been appointed as chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), in place of Deepak Gupta who demits office on Tuesday. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Sirohi to perform the duties of the post of the chairman, UPSC, with effect from September 21, an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training said. She is presently member in the Commission.
The appointment is till further orders or till completion of her term as member on January 3, 2017, whichever is earlier, it said.
The post of chairman, UPSC, will fall vacant on Tuesday, consequent upon demitting of office by Gupta on attaining 65 years of age of superannuation, the order said.
Incidentally, the Centre had in November 2014 appointed Gupta as the UPSC chief, breaking away from the tradition of appointing the chief from the serving members of the commission.

2/27/2026

India’s largest lender the State Bank of India (SBI) has cut its term deposit rates by up to 50 basis pointsfor various maturities.
- The rates have been revised for medium and long term deposits and for amount below ₹1 crore.
- The lender will be offering the new rates for fresh deposits and renewals, applicable from April 29, 2017.

2/27/2026

Mental Health Care Bill, 2016

This Editorial is used here for Study Purpose. Students are advised to learn the word-meaning, The Art of Writing Skills and understand decisive of this Editorial.MEANINGS are given in BOLD.

The Mental Health Care Bill, 2016, passed by the Rajya Sabha is a watershed (turning point) legislation that lays down clear responsibilities for the state and has provisions that empower individuals and families. Crucially, it can expand access to treatment, which is dismally (unequal to the purpose) poor today. According to a recent review in The Lancet, of gaps in mental health treatment, although both India and China have renewed their commitment to address the problem through national programmes, it is Beijing that has done better in terms of improving coverage. India allocates just over 1 per cent of the Centre’s health budget to mental health, with States making comparable allocations (to distribute according to a plan).

This situation should change if the provisions of the bill are to be meaningful. The legislation, inter alia (among other things), gives everyone the right to access mental health care as well as treatment from mental health services run or funded by the government; it also provides for supply of all notified essential medicines free of cost to those with mental illness, through the government. The situation today is a far cry from what is promised. While the bill says mental health services should be available at the district level, even States with well-functioning district hospitals do not offer regular psychiatric outpatient services, leave alone in-patient facilities. In government hospitals, medication to treat even the more common psychiatric disorders is not always available. These and other deficiencies need not have waited for a law.

In a much-needed change, the Centre has adopted a medicalised approach to attempted suicide, treating it as the outcome of severe stress. The bill rightly blocks the application of the Indian Penal Code section that criminalises it. A duty is also cast on the authorities to care for and rehabilitate (to restore; to return to its original condition) such individuals. What this means is that official policy must strive (to try to achieve a result) to strengthen the social determinants of health, especially when it comes to universal welfare support systems against catastrophic(a disaster ; any large event of great significance) events in people’s lives. Reliable (suitable ; fit) and free professional counselling must be widely offered.

For too long, mental health treatment in India has existed with the colonial legacy of large asylums (a place of safety) and degrading (to lower in value) confinement (the state of being confined ; not free to move). Many who are held in such places have nowhere else to go, as families facing stigma (the condition of being out of favour) have abandoned (to give up) them. There is much to be said, therefore, in favour of the halfway home system that the bill provides for, where supportive families, medical care and a better quality of life will help many recover. The success of this more progressive law brought in to replace the Mental Health Act, 1987, will depend ultimately on the community keeping up the pressure on the designated Central and State authorities to implement it in letter and spirit.

__________________Thanks Dear Reader___________________

Banking, Business & Economic News

After PM Narendra Modi pitched for shifting to a January-December financial year, Madhya Pradesh has decided to adopt the January-December financial year format from the present April-March cycle.
- Important Note : With this, Madhya Pradesh has become the first in the country to adopt the change.
- With this, the next budget in Madhya Pradesh will be presented in December 2017.
India’s third largest IT firm Wipro has replaced its multi-coloured sunflower logo, which was introduced in 1998, with a new one.
- The new logo comprises dots, which according to Wipro, represent the way the company “connects the dots” for its clients.
In just six months of launching its telecom operations, Reliance Jio has accounted for nearly 40% of India’s broadband connections, according to data by telecom regulator TRAI.
- Reliance Jio accounted for 102.84 million users, the highest, followed by Bharti Airtel at 46.69 million broadband connections.

2/27/2026

India and Turkey have signed 3 agreements following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- The signed agreements are :
  - Agreement for a cultural exchange programme for the years 2017-2020.
  - MoU between the Foreign Services Institute (FSI) of India and the Diplomacy Academy of Turkey.
  - MoU for cooperation in the area of information and communication technologies (ICT).

2/27/2026

Dr. Urjit R Patel as the 24th governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Dr. Urjit R Patel as the 24th governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will be having tenure of three years with effect from 4 September 2016. He will succeed the present RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan, the former International Monetary Fund chief economist.

At present, Dr Patel is the Deputy Governor of RBI and is holding this assignment since 2013. With this appointment, he also becomes the eight Deputy Governor to be elevated as the Governor at RBI.

Dr. Urjit R Patel

• He headed a panel that recommended landmark changes to monetary policy in India, which included a switch to inflation-targeting and the creation of a panel to set interest rates.

• In January 2016, he was reappointed as the deputy governor in charge of monetary policy, the department he ran since 2013.

• Earlier between 1990 and 1995, he had worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) covering US, India, Bahamas and Myanmar.

• He carried a doctorate from Yale University.

• He also carries M Phil from Oxford.

2/27/2026

Rio Olympics: Sindhu, Sakshi shine as India end campaign with two medals

The trio notched a few firsts for India; Sindhu, at 21, became the youngest to win an Olympic medal, a silver which was never achieved in badminton; and Sakshi’s bronze was also a first for women’s wrestling.

BADMINTON:

# P V Sindhu secured a silver medal after losing to Carolina Marin in the women’s singles final.

# Saina Nehwal failed to progress beyond the league stage in women’s singles.

# Kidambi Srikanth lost in the men’s singles quarterfinals against Lin Dan.

# Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa failed to advance to the knock—out stage of women’s doubles.

# Men’s doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy also failed to make the knock—out stage.

WRESTLING:

# Sakshi Malik won bronze in women’s 58kg freestyle.

# Vinesh Phogat retired after suffering an injury in the quarterfinal of women’s 48kg.

# Babita Kumari lost in the pre-quarterfinal round of the women’s 53kg freestyle.

# London Olympics bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt lost in qualification round of men’s 65kg freestyle.

# Sandeep Tomar lost his pre-quarterfinal bout of men’s 57kg freestyle.

# In Greco-Roman, both Ravinder Khatri and Hardeep Singh lost in the pre-quarterfinals of 85kg and 98kg, respectively.

# Narsingh Yadav was ruled out from representing India in men’s 74kg freestyle category after he was slapped with a four-year ban by Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for flunking a dope test after WADA challenged the clean chit given to him by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA).

GYMNASTICS:

# Dipa Karmakar finished fourth in Vaults final.

Current Sports Affairs

The Indian T20I team slipped a spot to the 4th place in the ICC T20I team rankings, according to the latest ICC rankings released today.
- Indian team, with 118 rating points, is three points behind World T20 2009 winner Pakistan and World T20 2010 winner England.
- New Zealand with 125 rating points is the top-ranked T20I team.
- Top 10 in the List :
  - New Zealand
  - England
  - Pakistan
  - India
  - South Africa
  - Australia
  - West Indies
  - Sri Lanka
  - Afghanistan
  - Bangladesh

2/27/2026

Summer Olympics 2016 concluded at Rio de Janeiro

Rio 2016 The 2016 Summer Olympics concluded on 21 August 2016 at ceremony held at the Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

More than 11000 athletes from 207 National Olympic Committees, including first time entrants Kosovo, South Sudan and the Refugee Olympic Team, took part in the games.

The games featured 28 Olympic sports, including rugby sevens and golf, which were added to the Olympic programme in 2009.

The United States topped the medal table for the fifth time in the past six Summer Olympics, winning 46 gold medals and 121 medals overall. Great Britain and China finished in second and third respectively.

India at the Rio Olympics 2016

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had sent a total of 117 athletes, the nation’s largest ever delegation in Summer Olympic history.

• Indian bagged a total of two medals, one silver and one bronze, in the games, and stood at the 67th place in the medal tally.

• Badminton player P V Sindhu won historic silver medal in women’s singles badminton event. With this, she became the first Indian woman to clinch a silver medal in Olympics.

• Wrestler Sakshi Malik secured a bronze in the 58 kg category to become India’s first female wrestler to win an Olympic medal.

• India had qualified one artistic gymnast into the Olympic competition for the first time since 1964. Dipa Karmakar became the first Indian female ever to book an Olympic spot in the apparatus events and all-around event at the Olympic Test Event. She narrowly missed out in the bronze medal, finishing 4th in the finals of the event with a score of 15.066.

• Abhinav Bindra came fourth in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle singles event after losing a shootoff for the top 3 to Serhiy Kulish, who finally won the silver.

• At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Indian long distance runner Lalita Babar scored a time of 9:19.76 in her heat, qualifying to the final. With this, she became the first Indian in 32 years to enter a final in any track event. At the final, she finished 10th with a time of 9:22.74.

Key highlights of the 2016 Summer Olympics

• The opening ceremony took place in the Maracana Stadium on 5 August 2016.

• The Games were officially opened by Acting President of Brazil Michel Temer.

• These were the first Summer Olympic Games under the IOC presidency of Thomas Bach.

• Rio became the first South American city to host the Summer Olympics.

• The two new sports for 2016 Olympic Games were golf and rugby sevens.

• Due to the European migrant crisis and other reasons, the International Olympic Committee allowed athletes to compete as Independent Olympians under the Olympic Flag.

• Due to the suspension of the National Olympic Committee of Kuwait, participants from Kuwait were allowed to participate under the Olympic Flag as Independent Olympic Athletes.

• The official mascot of the 2016 Summer Olympics was Vinicius. It is named after musician Vinicius de Moraes. The mascot represented Brazilian wildlife and carries design traits of cats, monkeys and birds.

About 2020 Summer Olympics

• The 2020 Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

• The city was announced as the host at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires on 7 September 2013.

• The games are planned to be held from 24 July 2020 to 9 August 2020.

Awards & Honours

Sanjay Pratihar, a scientist at Assam’s Tezpur University, has been selected for the prestigious Indian National Science Academy (INSA) medal for the Young Scientist Award, 2017, for his contribution to “multi-metal complexes, theoretical understanding, selective sensing of Hq2+ions and important applications in agriculture”.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has been selected for the ‘Transformative Chief Minister Award‘ in recognition for his role in advancing the US-India partnership at the state level.

2/27/2026

2016 G20 Summit concludes in Hangzhou, China

The 2016 G20 Hangzhou summit was the eleventh meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20). It was held on 4–5 September 2016 in the city of Hangzhou. It was the first ever G20 summit to be hosted in China and the second Asian country after 2010 G20 Seoul summit was hosted in South Korea.

It is noted that Barack Obama and Xi Jinping announced the ratification of the Paris Agreement of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference by their countries. After they did it, it is 26 countries which have ratified the agreement so far; the United States and China represent respectively 18 percent and 20 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

G20 countries score poorly in climate goals report

The theme of 2016 G20 Summit was Toward an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy.

It was the first ever G20 summit to be hosted in China and the second Asian country to host the Summit. Before China, Seoul, South Korea, hosted the 2010 G20 Summit.

It was the 11th summit since the inception of G20 in 1999.The summit was attended by all the leaders of the G20 including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The chair of the summit was Xi Jinping, President of China.

Key highlights of the summit

• On 3 September 2016, Barack Obama and Xi Jinping announced the ratification of the Paris Agreement of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference by their countries. The United States and China represent respectively 18 percent and 20 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

• The world leaders endorsed free trade and a crowded agenda that included the Koreas, Syria and refugees.

The main themes final communiqué of the summit are:

• Fight against tax evasion
• Favour international trade and investments and opposition to protectionism
• Fiscal stimulus and innovation to boost economic growth
• Combating populist attacks against globalisation
• Strengthen support for refugee

The guest invitees in the summit were: Egypt, Kazakhstan, Laos, Senegal, Spain, Singapore and Thailand.

The 2017 G20 Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany, under the leadership of Angela Merkel.

G20 Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and European Union.

International News Affairs

International Workers’ Day, also called Labour Day or May Day, is being observed today.
- This day is celebrated on May 1stevery year to commemorate the struggles of working people throughout the world.
- May Day originated in late 19th century when labour movement to gain the 8-hour work day began.
European Union leaders have promised to embrace the British province of Northern Irelandafter Brexit if it ever unites with Ireland.
India will give 35crore rupees to children of freedom fighters in Bangladesh under the new ‘Muktijodha scholarship’ scheme in the next five years.
- Under the scheme, students at higher secondary level will get a one-time grant of 20,000 (Rs 15,370) and students at the undergraduate level will get a grant of 50,000 (Rs 38,430).

2/27/2026

CDS Exam Syllabus

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Exam 2016: Response Sheet for Answer Keys released at ssc.nic.in

SSC CGL result is round the corner! Response sheet for answer key of SSC CGL Exam 2016 Tier 1 has been released by the Commission. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released response sheet and correct answers for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam 2016. The Commission has sought for representations from candidates regarding the answer key.

Submission of representations can be done before 26 September 2016 (till 05.00 pm). Candidates are required to pay Rs 100 per answer.

For accessing the response sheets candidates are required to login using their same User Id and Password which were used during the SSC CGL exam 2016.

SSC CGL exam was held from 27 August till 11 September 2016 www.ssc.nic.in

2/27/2026

16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Image result for International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2016 observed across the world Layer is observed every year on September 16 for the preservation of the Ozone Layer. Significance of the Day: The day is commemoration of the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol was signed on substances that deplete the ozone layer. 2016 theme: “Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united”. The theme recognizes the collective efforts of the parties to the Montreal Protocol and Vienna Convention towards the restoration of the ozone layer over the past three decades and the global commitment to combat climate change.

2/27/2026

First BRICS Film Festival begins in New Delhi

First BRICS film festival begins in New Delhi

he first BRICS Film Festival will kick started on 2 September 2016 at the Sirifort Auditorium Complex, New Delhi. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore inaugurated the festival.

The five-day festival aims at providing a platform for people of the film industry of member countries to explore areas of cooperation in the domain of cinema, culture and cuisine.

Key highlights of the BRICS Film Festival

• The idea of BRICS film festival has been conceived to build bridges and bring harmony amongst the BRICS countries, i.e., Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

• The opening film for the festival will be the world premiere of the Malayalam movie, Veeram.

• The closing film will be the Chinese movie, Skiptrace, starring Jackie Chan directed by Renny Harlin.

• In the course of 5 days of the event, 20 movies will be screened in the competition section, 4 from each of the countries.

• The festival that kick started on 2 September 2016 will conclude on 6 September 2016.

2/27/2026

Kerala Tourism won two Gold Gongs at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards

Kerala Tourism bagged the award in recognition of its trend setting marketing initiatives, which have given a boost to the state’s profile as a must-visit destination.

The awards were in the categories of Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media and E-Newsletter, which were grabbed by the successful Visit Kerala television commercial campaign and the popular Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter, respectively.

The awards will be presented at the PATA Gold Awards Luncheon and Presentation on 9 September 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2015, Kerala Tourism was also awarded PATA Gold in the Heritage and Culture category for Muziris Heritage Project.

2/27/2026

Computer Basics

Computer

In a computer, basic questions are asked on the definition, parts, hardware, software & functions of the computer. The questions are based on the basic devices of the computer. The questions asked in PO/Clerk level examinations.

Computer Basic
Input/output
Software
Internet
Miscellaneous

Computer Basics

Define the term computer?

A Computer is an automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling operations that are expressible in numerical or logical terms.

The Basic function performed by a computer is the execution of the program. A program is a sequence of instructions, which operates on data to perform certain tasks. In modern digital computers data is represented in binary form by using two symbols 0 and 1 which are called bi nary digits or bits. Computers use eight bits to represent a character internally. This allows upto 2(8)=256 different items to be represented uniquely. This collection of eight bits is called a byte. Thus, one byte is used to represent one character internally. One of the most common codes to represent characters in computer is ASCII( American Standard Code for Information Interchange.)

Normally, a word may be equal to 8,16,32 or 64 bits. The terms like 32 bit computer, 64 bit computer etc. basically point to the word size of the computer.

Von Neumann proposed that there should be a unit performing arithmetic and logical operations on the data. This unit is termed as Arithmetic Logic Unit(ALU). A control unit directs the ALU to perform specific arithmetic and logical functions on the data.

A program consists of a sequence of steps.

The ALU and the CU together are termed as the central processing Unit(CPU). The CPU is the most component of a computer hardware. The ALU performs the arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and the logical operations.

All the arithmetic and logical operations are performed in the CPU in special storage areas called registers. The size of the registers is one of the important considerations in determining the processing capabilities of the CPU. The larger the register size, the faster may be the speed of processing. A CPU’s processing power is measured in Million Instructions Per Second(MIPS)

The instructions and data are to be supplied by external environment. Therefore, an input module is needed. Similarly, we need another component that will report the results in proper format and form. This component is called output module.

It was pointed out by Von Neumann that the same memory can be used for storing data and instructions. The memory unit stores all the information in a group of memory cells, also called memory locations, as the binary digits (bits). The amount of information that can be held in the main memory is known as memory capacity. The capacity of the main memory is measured in kilobytes (KB) or Megabytes(MB). One kilobyte stands for 2(10) kilobytes, which is approximately little over one million bytes.

A bus is a set of wires (lines) which you can visualize on the motherboard of a computer. It is a shared media. A bus connecting the CPU, memory and I/O components is called a system bus. A system bus may consist of 50 to 100 separate lines.

A CPU which includes a ALU and CU.

A main memory system

An Input/Output System

The Von Neumann machine use stored program concept, i.e., the program and data are stored in the same memory unit. A Von Neumann machine has only a single path between main memory and control unit(CU).

The Computer and Integrated circuit technology.

In an integrated circuit, the components such as transistors, resistors and conductors are fabricated on semiconductor material such as silicon. Hundreds or even thousands of transistors could be fabricated on a single wafer of silicon. An integrated circuit is constructed on a thin wafer of silicon that is divided into a matrix of small areas (size of the order of a few millimeters squares).

Initially, only a few gates were integrated reliably on a chip and then packaged. This initial integration was referred to as small-scale integration(SSI). The SSI gave way to Medium Scale Integration where 100s of gates were fabricated on a chip. Then came large Scale Integration(1000 gates) and very large integration (VLSI 100,000,000 components are expected to be fabricated on a single chip.

Semi conductor Memories

Initially pace with electronics as more and more component were fabricated on single chip, fever chips are needed to construct a single processor. Intel in 1971 achieved the breakthrough of putting all the components on a single chip The single chip processor is known as microprocessor. The Intel 4004 was the first microprocessor.

Classification of Computers:

Microcomputers

A microcomputers CPU is a microprocessor. The first microcomputers were built around 8 bit microprocessor chips. The 8-bit Chip can retrieve instructions/data from storage,manipulate, and process an 8-bit data at a time or we can say that the chip has a built in 8 bit data transfer path. An improvement on 8-bit chip technology was seen in early 1980s, when a series of 16-bit chips namely 8086 and 8088 were introduced by Intel corporation.

Minicomputer

The minicomputer is used as a multi-user system, which can be used by various users at the same time. Gradually, the architectural requirement of minicomputers grew and a 32-bit minicomputer, which is called supermini, was introduced. Few of the popular mainframe series are IBM, HP, etc.

Mainframes

Mainframe computers are generally 32-bit machines or on the higher side.Mainframes are also used as central host computer to distributed systems. Libraries of applications programs developed for mainframe computers are much large than those of the micro or minicomputers because of their evolution over several decades as families of computing.

Super Computer:

A commercial computer with vector instructions and pipelined floating point arithmetic operations is referred to as supercomputers. They are very powerful, high performance machines used mostly for scientific computations. A supercomputer is a computer best known for its high computational speed, fast and larger memory system and the extensive used for parallel processing.

India 39th most competitive economy in the world: WEF

India has climbed 16 places to the 39th rank on the Global Competitiveness Index prepared by the World Economic Forum as improved business sophistication and goods market efficiency pushed its ranking higher.

For the eighth straight time, the list is topped by Switzerland as the most competitive economy. Singapore and the US are at the second and third positions, respectively. The jump of 16 places for India from last year’s 55th place is the highest for any economy this year. India is also the second-most competitive among BRICS nations behind neighbouring China, which is ranked at the 28th position.

On the index, India has a score of 4.52 while that of Switzerland is 5.81.

At the fourth spot is Netherlands, followed by Germany (5), Sweden (6) and the UK (7), Japan (8), Hong Kong SAR (9) and Finland (10).

India’s “competitiveness has improved across the board, in particular in goods market efficiency, business sophistication, and innovation”.

2/27/2026

68th Primetime Emmy Awards announced

The 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards was announced on 18 September 2016 at the Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

The Game of Thrones won best drama series at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards, while Veep took home the top comedy award.

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story also earned several awards, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her fifth consecutive Emmy in the lead comedy actress category.

Complete list of the winners

Award	Winner
Outstanding Comedy Series	Veep
Outstanding Drama Series	Game of Thrones
Outstanding Variety Talk Series	Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series	Key & Peele
Outstanding Limited Series	The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Outstanding Television Movie	Sherlock: “The Abominable Bride”
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program	The Voice
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series	Jeffrey Tambor as Maura Pfefferman on Transparent
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series	Julia Louis-Dreyfus as President Selina Meyer on Veep
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series	Rami Malek as Elliot Alderson on Mr. Robot
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series	Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning, Alison Hendrix, Cosima Niehaus, Beth Childs, Rachel Duncan, and MK on Orphan Black
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie	Courtney B. Vance as Johnnie Cochran on The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie	Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark on The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series	Louie Anderson as Christine Baskets on Baskets
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series	Kate McKinnon as Various Characters on Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series	Ben Mendelsohn as Danny Rayburn on Bloodline
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series	Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie	Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden on The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie	Regina King as Terri LaCroix on American Crime
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series	Transparent (Episode: “Man on the Land”), Directed by Jill Soloway
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series	Game of Thrones (Episode: “Battle of the Bastards”), Directed by Miguel Sapochnik
Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special	Thomas Kail and Alex Rudzinski for Grease: Live
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special	The Night Manager, Directed by Susanne Bier
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series	Master of None (Episode: “Parents”), Written by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series	Game of Thrones (Episode: “Battle of the Bastards”), Written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special	Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping, Written by Patton Oswalt
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special	The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (Episode: “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia”), Written by D. V. DeVincentis

‘One Nation, One Tax’ – GST

India moved a step closer to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, as its Parliament’s Upper House, the Rajya Sabha, approved The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 with 203 votes in favour and none against. The GST, which is expected to be implemented from April 1, 2017, aims to replace multiple state and central levies with a single tax. Since the central and state taxes are likely to be included under GST, it may result in reduction of tax credits across intra- and inter-state transactions.

What is GST?

GST is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market. GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain, with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.

In other words, the prices that we pay for goods and services have the taxes embedded in them. Mostly, the consumers are not even aware of or ignore the tax they pay for things they buy. This is because there is a list of indirect taxes such as sales tax, excise and VAT, which leads to increased complexity. The GST seeks to sort out this and include all in one single tax, thereby making India an economically unified market. The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, which deliberated on the tax and its implications, has recommended what all taxes are to be included in the GST:

In the Central taxes: 1) Central Excise Duty; 2) Additional Excise Duties; 3) The Excise Duty levied under the Medicinal and Toiletries Preparation Act Service Tax; 4) Additional Customs Duty, commonly known as Countervailing Duty (CVD); 5) Special Additional Duty of Customs – 4% (SAD); 6) Surcharges, and 7) Cesses. State taxes: 1) VAT / Sales tax; 2) Entertainment tax (unless it is levied by the local bodies); 3) Luxury tax; 4) Taxes on lottery, betting and gambling; 5) State Cesses and Surcharges in so far as they relate to supply of goods and services; and 6) Entry tax not in lieu of Octroi.

“According to analysts from a macro-economic perspective, the short-term impact of GST could be mixed, the long-term impact will be positive”

What will be the Impact??

GST will turn India into one common market, leading to greater ease of doing business and big savings in logistics costs from companies across all sectors. Some companies will gain more as the GST rate will be lower than the current tax rates they pay, others will lose as the rate will be higher than the present effective rate. While the rate of GST is yet to be decided, industry observers have assumed an 18% rate recommended by a government panel in making their impact calculations.

What will the Bill in Parliament today do?

It basically seeks to amend the Constitution to empower both the Centre and the states to levy GST. This they cannot do now, because the Centre cannot impose any tax on goods beyond manufacturing (Excise) or primary import (Customs) stage, while states do not have the power to tax services. The proposed GST would include various central (Excise Duty, Additional Excise Duty, service tax, Countervailing or Additional Customs Duty, Special Additional Duty of Customs, etc.), as well as state-level indirect taxes (VAT/sales tax, purchase tax, entertainment tax, luxury tax, octroi, entry tax, etc). Once the Bill is passed, there will only be a national-level central GST and a state-level GST spanning the entire value chain for all goods and services, with some exemptions.

India ranks 110th on Sustainable Development index

UNITED NATIONS: India has ranked a low 110 out of 149 nations assessed on where they stand with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, according to a new index which is topped by Sweden and shows all countries face major challenges in achieving these ambitious goals.

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung launched a new Sustainable Development Goal Index and Dashboard to provide a report card for tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) progress and ensuring accountability.

The index collected available data for 149 countries to assess where each country stands in 2016 with regard to achieving the SDGs. It ranks countries based on their performance across the 17 global goals, a set of ambitious objectives across the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, underpinned by good governance.

2/27/2026

National Sports Awards 2016 announced

It was a celebration of woman power in sports as Olympic stars PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar were today conferred India’s highest sporting honour — the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna — along with shooter Jitu Rai in a gleaming awards ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Four sports person from different discipline of sports were chosen for the award and they are P.V. Sindhu for Badminton, Dipa Karmakar for Gymnastics, Jitu Rai for Shooting and Sakshi Malik for Wrestling.
The award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four years.

Dronacharya Awards

Six sports coaches will be honoured with Dronacharya Awards and they are Nagapuri Ramesh for Athletics, Sagar Mal Dhayal for Boxing, Raj Kumar Sharma for Cricket, Bishweshwar Nandi for Gymnastics, S Pradeep Kumar for Swimming (Lifetime) and Mahabir Singh for Wrestling (Lifetime).
Dipa Karmakar’s coach Bishweshwar Nandi will receive the award for Gymnastics.
The award is conferred on coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events.

Arjuna Awards

15 sports person from different discipline of sports were selected for the award and they are Rajat Chauhan for Archery, Lalita Babar for Athletics, Sourav Kothari for Billiards & Snooker, Shiva Thapa for Boxing, Ajinkya Rahane for Cricket, Subrata Paul for Football, Rani for Hockey, Raghunath VR for Hockey, Gurpreet Singh for Shooting, Apurvi Chandela for Shooting, Soumyajit Ghosh for Table Tennis, Vinesh for Wrestling, Amit Kumar for Wrestling, Sandeep Singh Mann for Para-Athletics and Virender Singh for Wrestling (Deaf).
The award is given for consistently outstanding performance for four years.

Dhyan Chand Award 2015

Three sports person were selected for the awards and they are Athlete Satti Geetha, hockey player Sylvanus Dung Dung and Rower Rajendra Pralhad Shelke.
The award is conferred for life time contribution to sports development.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahana Purushkar

Seven organisations were selected for Rashtriya Khel Protsahana Purushkar, 2016 and they are Reserve Bank of India (Employment to sportspersons and other welfare measures), India Infrastructure Finance Corporate Limited (Encouragement to sports through corporate social responsibility), and Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (Sports for Development). Four organisation who were chosen for the award for identification and nurturing of budding and young talent includes Hockey Citizen Group, Dadar Parsee Zorostrian cricket club, Usha School of Athletics and STAIRS.
The award is given to the corporate entities (both in private and public sector) and individuals who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy: Punjabi University, Patiala.

The trophy is given to the overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments.
The awardees will receive their awards from President Pranab Mukherjee at a function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 29 August 2016, which is celebrated as the National Sports Day.
Apart from a medal and a citation, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee will receive a cash prize of 7.5 lakh rupees.
Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand Awardees will receive statuettes, certificates and cash prize of five lakh rupees each. Recipients of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar will be given Trophies and certificates. Award money of ten lakh rupees and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy will be given to Punjabi University, Patiala for overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments.
Selection Committee for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Awards was headed by Justice SK Agarwal, Retired Delhi High Court Judge.
Selection Committee for Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Awards was headed by MC Mary Kom.
Selection Committee for Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar was headed by Rajiv Yadav, Secretary (Sports).

Tips to crack IBPS Clerk & Probationary Officer Examination

You should follow these given tips and tricks for IBPS exam to quickly prepare for bank exams online. And by the help of these skills, you can also, easily prepare for ibps exam at home.

Proper planning – First of all you should have made a plan for your studies. Better understand about your IBPS exam syllabus and find that in which weak section you must pay more attention and then prepare a study schedule. And IBPS preparation tips.
Update yourself – You should read newspaper, magazines regularly and also update with current affairs, daily events and activities. Especially from banking and finance industry. It is the master key to preparing for ibps exam online.
Study Topic wise – Students needs to concentrate on a single topic at a time do not just turn one to another pay serious attention to each and every topic. Practice more questions on the various topics.
Make GK a weapon – General Knowledge is one of the best marks gaining subject in all over banking exams. You should command on it by daily newspaper reading habit, Try some latest GK books and magazines which also clear your doubt about current affairs. Focus majorly on these topics – Current events, banking awareness, sports, business news, political news and film & television, etc.
Proper Time Management – You should practice more and more to be able to solve all questions in good timing. Most of the students ask this question that How much time is required to prepare for IBPS Exam? The answer is as you manage. Practice as much as you can don’t waste time in just thinking about the exam. Solve previous year questions and more practice can easily save your time in ibps exam. Read more about time management tips for ibps exam.
Trial with Mock test – You must try yourself with the online mock test. With properly complete your IBPS Exam Syllabus you should try some mock tests to judge yourself in the exam with proper time duration. Solve mock test to have a decent idea of the paper.
Revision – Revise all your syllabus topics before few days once again and focus more on the weak section that time.
Perform Like a Hero – While entering the examination hall, you should perform as a hero does not hesitate about anything. Take section first on which you have command and less time consuming then go for the long part.
Proper Diet & Tension-free – This is the last minute tips for IBPS Exam. Students need to be calm during preparation time. Take your love, friendship and family problems away from your mind for few days. Feel free and the only target one thing. Avoid junk food it turns you more lazy, drink lots of water and get enough sleep.

These are some of the best IBPS exam preparation tips which increase your chances to qualify in any of banking sector examination and also check IBPS Exam study material for preparation here.

Magsaysay award for Wilson, T.M. Krishna

Magsaysay Award winners Bezwada Wilson (left) and T.M. Krishna. Photo: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation

Mr. Krishna will receive the award for “social inclusiveness in culture,” while Wilson was named as an awardee for “asserting the inalienable right to a life of human dignity.”

Bezwada Wilson, a renowned campaigner against manual scavenging, and Carnatic singer T.M. Krishna from Chennai were named for the prestigious Magsaysay Award on Wednesday.

2/27/2026

UPSC Exam Syllabus

2/27/2026

Maharashtra today became the first state to install first-of-its-kind automated weather stations for farmers in the region.
- The state government aims to install a total of 2,065 such units at the village/mandal level across Maharashtra.
Uttar Pradesh state government is going to waive loans of up to ₹1lakh of ‘Divyangs’(differently-abled).
- The government also plans to hold “Samadhan Diwas” every month to resolve their problems.
Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain today flagged off Assam‘s first Shatabdi Expressfrom Dibrugarh.
Haryana police today relaunched ‘Operation Durga‘ to ensure women’s safety.
- The state government had started the operation earlier this month but it was stopped within a week.
Women and children will be allowed to use toilet facilities at hotels and restaurants, including five-stars, in South Delhi for free from today (1st May 2017).
The Real Estate Act which aims to protect the interests of homebuyers by ensuring transparency has come into effect.

2/27/2026

The “South Asia satellite” for use by countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region will be launched on 5th May 2017.
- Important Points to Note :
  - During the 2014 SAARC summit that held in Nepal, the plan for the satellite was announced and subsequently all SAARC countries have joined it except Pakistan.
  - Hence, the beneficiaries of the satellite will be Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
- Dubai government today announced the launch of “Dubai Font“, the world’s first typeface developed by Microsoft for a city.
  - The font will be available in 23 languages to users of Office 365.
  - Dubai’s Crown Prince, Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum, has urged all government institutions to adopt the font in official correspondence.

ElonMusk-led aerospace startup SpaceX today successfully launched a spy satellite into orbit for the US military.

2/27/2026

Padma Sachdev gets Saraswati Samman for year 2015

Jammu-born poet and novelist Padma Sachdev has been chosen for the prestigious Saraswati Samman for the year 2015 for her autobiography written in Dogri language. The 76-year-old writer’s autobiography ‘Chitt-Chete’, published in 2007, was selected from 22 works in as many languages published between the years 2005-2014. The award is given every year for an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language by an Indian citizen and published during last 10 years. It carries award money of Rs 15 lakh, a citation and a plaque.Sachdev, who writes in Hindi and native Dogri, has 60 books to her credit.

She has been a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award in 1971 for her book of poetry ‘Meri Kavita Mere Geet’. In her 662-page autobiography, Sachdev has included some historic photographs with dignitaries from her state, nation and the world.

2/27/2026

Spain’s Rafael Nadal today defeated Austria’s Dominic Thiem to win his 10thBarcelona Open title.
- It was Nadal’s second title of the season and 71st of his career.
- Note : Last week, Nadal had won the Monte Carlo Masters for the 10th time becoming the first men’s player in the Open era to win the same title 10 times.
Barcelona Open Doubles Title was won by Florin Mergea (Romania) and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi (Pakistan)
Indian squash player Joshna Chinappa today defeated compatriot Dipika Pallikal in the women’s singles final to become the first Indian to clinch the Asian Squash Championship title.
Mercedes’ Finnish Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas claimed his first ever Grand Prixvictory after winning the Russian Grand Prix
The top-seeded Indo-American pair of Leander Paes and Scott Lipsky defeated Argentine third seeds Leonardo Mayer and Maximo Gonzalez to win the Tallahassee Challenger title of the men’s double.

2/27/2026

WHO declares Brazil free of measles

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Brazil free of measles, after no case of the disease was registered in the last year. In the coming months, the WHO will issue a certification for the eradication of measles to Brazil.

The eradication of measles is the conclusion of work spanning several years. Brazil saw no domestic cases of measles from 1985 to 2000, although it broke out in 2013 in the northeastern states of Pernambuco and Ceara.

The WHO said it had worked alongside the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to stamp out the disease, with a joint investment of 1.2 million reais ($335000) going towards measles control and the hiring of 165 dedicated nursing staff in Brazil.
Measles can be transmitted orally, through mucus or saliva and mainly affects children. It can be spread rapidly through the air due to sneezing or a cough, and the first symptoms appear after 10 days with red spots on the skin.

While most patients recover within three weeks, it can cause pneumonia, blindness or even death in malnourished children.

Global measles deaths have decreased by 79 per cent, according to WHO, from about 546,800 in 2000 to 114,900 in 2014.

World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Wikipedia
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Founded: April 7, 1948
Head: Margaret Chan

2/27/2026

18 June

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Affairs

Today (3rd Sunday of June) is Father’s Day.
- This is a day to celebrate the journey of fatherhood and honour dads in various parts of the world.

National news Affairs

The Goa Revolution Day is being observed today to recall the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs of the Liberation struggle.
- Since 1980, the Government of Goa has been observing June 18 as Goa Revolution Day in commemoration of the struggle for Goa’s freedom struggle by the great socialist and nationalist Ram Monohar Lohia.
MPs, MLAs to have colour-coded ballot papers in Prez poll.
- Members of Parliament (MPs)will have green-coloured ballot papers.
- Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will have pink-coloured ballot papers.
- Note: The value of an MLA’s vote depends on the population of the state he or she represents but the value of an MP’s vote is fixed.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the Gandhi Darshan tourist train, being run to commemorate 100 years of Sabarmati Ashram.
- The 10 day special train, which starts from Ahmedabad, has a fare of ₹8,720 and covers destinations like Gaya, Varanasi and Surat, which are connected with India’s freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi.
Bengaluru became the 2nd Indian city after Delhi to get a full-fledged metro system, following the inauguration of the final section in the project’s first phase on Saturday.
- Phase 1, comprising an 18-km east-west line and a 24-km north-south line, was built at a cost of ₹13,845 crore, and is expected to be used by five lakh people daily.
The MCA21 portal of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which is used by companies for making filings, was hit by the WannaCry ransomware attack last month, according to an official document.
- The attack was one of the first such attacks on a Government of India portal.
- As per the document, the system servers were formatted and the systems were redeployed.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated Know India Programme (KIP) for NRI and PIO youth with a view to provide them with an exposure to the country of their origin so that they can understand India better and more closely.
- Note : This 3 week orientation programme is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs for the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) between the age group of 18 to 30 years.

AWARDS & HONORS

Filmfare Awards South 2017
- R Madhavan was named the Best Actor (Male) for his performance in the Tamil film ‘Irudhi Suttru’.
- Ritika Singh won the Best Actor (Female) award (Irudhi Suttru).
- Sudha K Prasad was named the Best Director (Irudhi Suttru).
- AR Rahmanwas named Best Music Director for the film ‘Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada’.

BANKING, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC NEWS

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council today relaxed rules that require companies to file tax returns online under GST for the first two months of July and August.
- The council gave extra time for companies to file returns to deal with any lack of preparedness.
- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley maintained that GST will be rolled out on July 1.
- Note : The council has set tax rate on state-run lottery at 12%, and government-authorised private lottery at 28%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) narrowed during 2016-17fiscal owing to a contraction in the country’s trade deficit.
- Note: The CAD for the last fiscal narrowed down to 0.7% of the GDP from that of 1.1% in 2015-16 due to contraction in the trade deficit.
India and Afghanistan are set to operationalize their first air-freight corridor in the coming days.
- The first flight will be operated by Ariana Afghan Airlines, which is the Afghanistan’s national carrier.

CURRENT SPORTS AFFAIRS

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth today defeated Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai to win the Indonesia Superseries Premier title.

With this he became the 1st Indian man to win this title.
He also became the first Indian man to win Superseries Premier, Superseries and Grand Prix Gold titles.
The International Cricket Council (ICC)today announced that the ICC World T20 event scheduled for 2018 will be scrapped, with the next edition of the tournament being scheduled for 2020.
- The council has taken the decision as the top member nations will be busy with bilateral commitments in 2018.

1 June

International News Affairs

Today is World Milk Day
- This day was initiated on 1st June 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations to celebrate all aspects of milk as a global food.
- Important Note:Don’t be confused this day with National Milk Day. National Milk Day is different. We observe National Milk Day on 26th November to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr.Verghese Kurien.
Today (1st June) isGlobal Day of Parents.
- This is a United Nations (UN) observance to honor parents and their commitment to children worldwide.
Iceland has been named the World’s Most Peaceful Country, topping the Global Peace Indexfor the tenth consecutive year.
- New Zealand stood at 2nd position and 3rd place was occupied by
- Syria has been named the least peaceful country, followed by Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Important Note: India is ranked 137 out of 163 (last year’s rank 141).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the 18th India-Russia annual Summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at St Petersburg.
- He also attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
- Modi and Putin held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interests, including ways to boost energy and trade ties.

National News Affairs

Responding to an RTI query on Subhash Chandra Bose, the Central government has announced that Netaji died in a plane crash in 1945.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs further clarified that man named Gumnamibaba or Bhagwanji, who was rumoured to be Bose reportedly living incognito in Uttar Pradesh till 1985, was not the nationalist leader himself.

Science & Technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is launching an unmanned spacecraft named ‘Parker Solar Probe‘ to the Sun on 31st July 2018.
- The mission to “touch” the Sun would reach within 60 lakh km of the solar surface, eight times closer than any man-made object before.
- The mission would study why Corona, Sun’s outer atmosphere (17 lakh ºC) is hotter than the surface (5,500 ºC).

Awards & Honours

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the 3rd most followed leader on Twitter in the world with over 3 crore 58 thousand followers, according to Twiplomacy Study 2017.
- While Pope Francis is the most followed world leader with over 3.37 crore followers across his nine language accounts, US President Donald Trump is ranked second with 3.01 crore followers.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The new₹1 note, which will be printed with a new design, is the only note to be printed by the Central government and not the RBI.
- It will have ‘Bharat Sarkar’ on its masthead.
- The notes will also have signatures of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Rajiv Mehrishi, who was the Finance Secretary in 2015, when printing started.
Telangana has launched a digital wallet namedT-Wallet for people to make public and private financial transactions.
- The service has been launched as “anytime anywhere digital payment option for everyone”.
- Note : This is first such initiative by any state government in the country.

Current Sports Affairs

The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 began in London today with hosts England facing Bangladesh in the Opening match.
- India to play their first match with Pakistan on Sunday.
- The final of the Champions Trophy will be played on the 18th of June.
Top 10 in ESPN’s 100 most famous active athletes in the world :
- Christiano Ronaldo
- Lebron James
- Lionel Messi
- Roger Federer
- Phil Mickelson
- Neymar
- Usain Bolt
- Kevin Durant
- Rafael Nadal
- Tiger Woods
- Indians in the List :
  - Virat Kohli(13th)
  - Mahendra Singh Dhoni (15th)
  - Yuvraj Singh(90th)
  - Suresh Raina (95th)

23 May

Madhya Pradesh bans Sand Excavation in Narmada River

The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has put an indefinite ban on the sand excavation in the Narmada River. This announcement has been made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal. The government has also set up a committee to suggest the scientific ways of mining the rivers. This committee will submit the report to state government after exploring ways for sand excavation without harming rivers. The government will also promote manufactured sand (made by mixing stones).

Free Wi-Fi facility inaugurated at 28 Railway Stations

On May 21, Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu inaugurated free Wi-Fi facility at 28 Railway Stations of Konkan Railway from Kudal Railway Station in Maharashtra. Indian Railways has tied by with SYSCON/JOISTER for providing 2 Mbps peer-to-peer 24 hrs Free Wi-Fi bandwidth at 28 railway stations of Konkan Railway. In line with Government’s Digital India initiative, SYSCON/JOISTER are providing the JOISPOT brand WiFi in Pune and Mumbai educational institutions in Maharashtra state. The company has now undertaken as a part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activity of providing free Wi-Fi to rural area on the Konkan Route. The 28 stations include Kolad; Mangaon; Veer; Karanjadi; Vinhere; Diwankhavati; Khed; Anjani; Chiplun; Kamthe; Sawarda; Aravali Road;Sangameshwar; Ukshi; Bhoke; Ratnagiri; Nivasar; Adavali; Vilavade; Rajapur Road; Vaibhavwadi Road; Nandgaon Road; Kankavali; Sindhudurg; Kudal; Zarap; Sawantwadi Road and Madure⁠⁠⁠⁠. The free Wi-Fi facility would help the travelers, commuters and tourists access essential information while waiting for trains on railway stations.

NASA Names New Species After Abdul Kalam

NASA has named a new bacteria discovered on the filters of the International Space Station, ISS, as Solibacillus kalamii to honour the late president Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. The genus is Solibacillus and the species name is kalamii. Researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has found that the bacteria remained on board the International Space Station for 40 months. The new organism is found only on the ISS and has not been found anywhere on the earth. In 1963, Dr. Kalam had his early training at NASA before setting up India’s first rocket launching facility at Thumba in Kerala.

Air India to auction its properties as part of asset monetisation plan

Air India has decided to auction seven of its properties, as a part of its asset monetisation plan. The national carrier has mandated the auctioneer MSTC to put these properties under the hammer. According to the auction notice, Air India proposes to sell its exclusive properties in the form of land parcels/built-up flats located at prime location in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Trivandrum. This sale is likely to raise around 80 crore rupees. As per the financial restructuring plan approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs back in 2012, Air India is required to monetise its assets and generate 5,000 crore rupees by way of sale, leasing or developing an asset as a joint venture.

RBI to reconstitute oversight committee to deal with bad loans

The RBI has decided to reconstitute the oversight committee, OC, with more members after the government armed it with additional powers to resolve bad loans with banks that have crossed Rs 8 lakh crore. In a statement in Mumbai yesterday, the RBI said, while the current members will continue in the reconstituted OC, names of a few more will be announced soon. It said, the apex bank would also be constituting a Committee comprised majority of its independent Board Members to advise it in the NonPerforming Asset matter. The statement said RBI already sought information on the current status of the large stressed assets from the banks. The RBI further said it has also envisages an important role for the credit rating agencies in resolving the issue. Sources said the RBI has identified about 50 major cases for NPA resolution.

Fact Box: Federation Cup and Other Football Tournaments & Leagues in India

On 21st May, 2017, the Bengaluru FC defeated Mohun Bagan 2-0 to win the Federation Cup. The final event was held in Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. Federation Cup is India’s first major football competition involving the clubs. It was established by the All India Football Federation in 1977. During 1980s and 1990s, it was considered to be most popular foot ball tournament in India. The other popular football tournaments of India include

Durand Cup:-Santosh Trophy, Indian Super League, Subroto Cup, IFA Shield etc. Important facts about these tournaments are given below: Durand Cup Durand Cup is India’s oldest football tournament and is among the oldest in the world. It is named after its founder Sir Mortimer Durand, who served as Foreign Secretary in charge of India from 1884 to 1894. The first Durand Cup tournament was held in 1888. In the beginning, it was an Army cup for the British Indian Army troops. Over the years, it opened up for civilian teams. In 2006, the army passed its administration to civilians’ organizations called Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) and Osians. The latest Durand Cup Tournament was held in 2016 and current champion is Army Green.

IFA Shield:- IFA Shield is second oldest football competition of India organized by Indian Football Association and in existence since 1893. Since 2015, IFA Shield has been designed as an under- 19 youth football tournament. Its current sponsor is LG and latest competition was held in 2016, won by Tata Football Academy.

Subroto Cup:- Subroto Cup Football Tournament is an inter-school football tournament named after Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee. It was started in 1960. More than 50 school teams participate in this competition including schools from Nepal and Afghanistan. It is conducted by the Indian Air Force, with support from India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The Madhyamgram High School, in West Bengal us known for winning this tournament for seven times.

Santosh Trophy:- Santosh Trophy, started in 1941, is an annual Indian football tournament platyed by states and government institutions. It is named after Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh, who served as President of the IFA. The first winners were Bengal. West Bengal has been the most successful team in the tournament and also the current champion with its 32nd title in hand.

Indian Super:- League Indian Super League (ISL) *Officially Hero ISL+ is a men’s professional football league. It was founded in 2013 and is based on franchise model on the lines of IPL. Currently, there are eight teams in ISL viz. Atlético de Kolkata; Chennaiyin FC; Delhi Dynamos; Goa; Kerala Blasters; Mumbai City; North East United and Pune City. So far three seasons have held of which two have been won by Atlético de Kolkata (2014 & 2016) while one season was won by Chennaiyin FC (2015).

I-League:- I-League (officially Hero I League) is another professional league in football in India. It was launched in 2007 as ONGC I-League and as a successor of National Football League. So far, nine sessions have been conducted of this league. It is contested by 10 football clubs and considered to be the primary competition in Indian football. The 10 clubs are Aizawl, Bengaluru FC, Chennai City, Churchill Brothers, DSK Shivajians, East Bengal, Minerva Punjab, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai and Shillong Lajong.

India wins all 10 Gold Medals at South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships

The South Asian Junior Table Tennis championship was held in Mount Lavinia, near Colombia in Sri Lanka. In a stunning performance, the paddlers from India have won all the 10 Gold Medals on offer in this tournament. Apart from 10 gold medals, the Indian participants have also won 14 medals, thus taking the medal tally to 14. In this championship, top seeded Manav Thakkar won Junior Boys final; while Archana Girish Kamath won Junior Girls final. In Cadet Boys final, top-seed H. Jeho won the Gold Medal. India led the championship with eight points, followed by Sri Lanka (six points).

20 June

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Affairs

Today (20th June 2017) is World Refugee Day.
- This day is observed by the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.
- The decision to observe the day, coinciding with Africa Refugee Day, was made by the UN in December 2000.
- The first World Refugee Day marked the 50th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention.
- Theme of 2017 : With Refugees
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called up PM Narendra Modi today, with both leaders discussing the Paris Climate Agreement.
- Modi congratulated Trudeau on the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation this year, besides reaffirming India’s commitment to climate change and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
India has become the 71st nation to join the United Nations TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) Convention.
- Note : India’s decision to join the convention is part of its multi-modal transport strategy that aims at integrating Indian economy with global and regional production networks through better connectivity.

National news Affairs

For the first time in India, Indore has installed a 14-foot-tall robot to control traffic.
- It’s equipped with a public address system and can take photos of traffic violators to generate e-challans when connected to police control room.
- Developed by Shri Venkteshwar Institute of Technology, the robot took two years and ₹20 lakh to complete.
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has announced the following :
- The government will establish wellness mohalla (ward) clinics across the state along with initiating the process of providing health insurance to all citizens.
- Free education for girls in government schools and colleges in the state from Nursery to PhD, fulfilling a poll promise.
- A waiver of more than ₹20,000 crore in farmer loans, in a move expected to benefit 10.25 lakh farmers.
  - Note: The amount is double the relief announced by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines has launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017).
  - This has been developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)with technical support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program.
  - This Code prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India.
- Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan has launched a Mobile App titled “Celebrating Yoga”.
  - The aim of the app is to popularise Yoga and encourage people to practice yoga for a scientifically healthy living.

New Appointments

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed 19-year-old Muzoon Almellehan as its newest and youngest Goodwill Ambassador on World Refugee Day.
- With this, she became the first refugee to become an Ambassador for the organisation.

MOUs & Agreements

American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company Lockheed Martin and India’s Tata Advanced Systems have signed an agreement to produce F-16 fighter planes in India.

Science & Technology

NASA’s Kepler space telescope has discovered 219 new planet candidates, 10 of which are Earth-like and orbit in their star’s habitable zone, the distance at which liquid water can exist.
- To date, Kepler has identified 50 near-Earth-size habitable zone candidates, of which over 30 have been verified.
- Further, it has identified 4,034 planet candidates, with 2,335 being verified as exoplanets.

BANKING & FINANCE

IDBI Federal Life partners with SunTec for GST roll out

IDBI Federal Life Insurance has announced that it has partnered with SunTec.
It will help facilitate in computing and invoicing of debit tax and credit tax that will be GST compliant.
Under the agreement, for the debit tax mandate SunTec will help in analysing data from various sources for computation and invoicing purposes.

About IDBI

♦ Founded: 1 July 1964

♦ HQ: Mumbai

♦ MD & CEO: Mahesh Kumar Jain

India and ADB Sign $275 Million Loan for Upgrading Urban Services in 64 Small Towns in Madhya Pradesh
- The GOI and Asian Development Bank has signed USD 275 million loan for a piped water supply project for rapidly urbanising small towns. It will cover 3 lakh households in 64 small towns in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points:

The state government will provide a USD 124 million counterpart support for the project.
As per ADB it will be completed by June 2022.
According to ADB reports the urban population in the state is expected to increase from 28 per cent in 2016 to 35 per cent by 2026.
It will develop sustainable, inclusive and climate resilient water supply in 64 small and midsized towns.
It will also provide integrated storm water and sewerage infrastructure in two heritage towns — Khajuraho and Rajnagar.
The loan pact was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance and L B Sondjaja, Deputy Country Director ADB India Resident Mission.
Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Urban Development, Madhya Pradesh inked the project agreement.

About MP

♦ Capital: Bhopal

♦ Governor: Om Prakash Kohli

♦ CM: Shivrajsingh Chouhan

CURRENT Sports news

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has bought the Cape Town-based side in Cricket SouthAfrica’s new T20 league.
- The team, which will be called Cape Town Knight Riders, is Khan’s third team in T20 leagues after IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders and Caribbean Premier League’s Trinbago Knight Riders.
- Note: GMR Group, Delhi Daredevils’ owners, have also bought a team in the league.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the Team of the Champions Trophy 2017, which includes 7 players from the finalists of the tournament, India and Pakistan. They are,
- Shikhar Dhawan (India) (338 runs)
- Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) 252 runs)
- Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) (293 runs)
- Virat Kohli (India) (258 runs)
- Joe Root (England) (258 runs)
- Ben Stokes (England) (184 runs and three wickets)
- Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan) (captain) (wicketkeeper) (76 runs and nine dismissals)
- Adil Rashid (England) (seven wickets)
- Junaid Khan (Pakistan) (eight wickets)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India) (seven wickets)

Hassan Ali (Pakistan) (13 wickets)

21 May

Indian Boy Wins Intel International Science Award in US

Prashant Ranganathan has emerged winner in the world’s largest pre-college science competition in the environment engineering category for his work on biodegradation of pesticides. Prashant is among the 20 high schools students from various parts of the country who participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in the US. More than 1700 students across the world had participated in the event. Prashant Ranganathan is a student of Carmel Junior College in Jamshedpur. His project titled ‘Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos using native bacteria’ is aimed at helping farmers to biodegrade the harmful pesticides. In all, Four Indian-Americans received top awards in various categories. Indian American Pratik Naidu has won an award in the category of computational biology and bioinformatics. Other Indian-American winners include Adam Nayak who has won in earth and environmental sciences, Karthik Yegnesh in mathematics and Rahul Subramaniam in the microbiology category.

Cabinet to soon take a call on FIPB abolition

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said that the Union Cabinet will soon take a call on the winding up of 25-year-old Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). The minister said this in a media briefing in New Delhi on initiatives and achievements of the ministry in the last three years. On development of the North Eastern states, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman said that her ministry is working on a new policy for the industrial development of the region. The North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy – 2007 has ended this year. She added that the ministry is holding consultations with those states to understand their industrial priorities with an aim to firm up something which can help in promotion of industry and employment generation there.

Defence Acquisition Council finalises broad outline of policy to engage private sector in manufacturing of hi-tech equipment

Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, today finalised broad contours of policy to engage the country’s private sector in manufacturing of high tech defence equipment in India. The policy outline aims at developing defence industrial eco-system in the country through the involvement of major Indian corporates as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with qualified Indian industry majors through a transparent and competitive process. The policy will give a boost to the ‘Make in India’ policy in the Defence sector and help Indian industry. Initially the policy is expected to be implemented in a few selected segments. These are fighter aircraft, submarines and armoured vehicles.

Hassan Rouhani Wins Iran’s Presidential Election

Hassan Rouhani has been re-elected as the President of Iran. He was elected as president for his first term in 2013. He won 2013 elections by pledging to end Iran’s isolation and improve civil rights at home. Rouhani was born in Semnan province on November 12, 1948. He is a graduate of University of Tehran and did his PhD from Scotland’s Glasgow Caledonian University. The 68 year old Rouhani is a lawyer, academic and a former diplomat. Rouhani has won his second term by presenting himself as the candidate of change and social freedoms that ended many sanctions and a 13 year standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme. He has held various key positions like the key defence portfolios during the 1980 -88 Iran-Iraq war. He had spent 16 years as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, which is Iran’s top security post. Rouhani consistently worked to rebuild Irans’ relations with the West. He also became the first Iranian leader to speak with the President of United States when Barack Obama phoned in September 2013.

US President and Saudi Arabia King sign defence deals

US President Donald Trump and King Salman of Saudi Arabia have signed today 110 billion dollar defense deals to support the long term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of the Iranian influence and Iran related threats. A White House statement said that this package demonstrates the commitment of the United States to Saudi Arabia while bolstering the Kingdom’s ability to provide for its own security and continue contributing to counter terrorism operations across the region, reducing the burden on U.S. military forces. The Press Statement also said that the President’s meetings underscored the deep and longstanding commitment of the United States to the security, stability, and prosperity of Saudi Arabia and demonstrated the President’s confidence in the future of USSaudi relations. He also emphasized the importance of working jointly to address challenges to regional peace and security, including defeating ISIS and al-Qa’eda, countering Iran’s destabilizing activities, and resolving conflicts in Yemen and Syria.

GST Council Finalises 4-slab Service Tax Structure

The GST Council headed by finance Minister Arun Jaitley has finalised a 4-slab service tax structure at the rates of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent as against the single rate of 15% levied on all taxable services. GST regime is scheduled to be implemented from July 1. In the next GST Council meeting, tax rates on gold and other precious metals will be taken up for discussion.

Salient Highlights: Luxury hotels, gambling, race club betting and cinema services will attract a tax rate of 28%. Education, healthcare and non-AC rail travel will remain exempted from the GST tax regime. However, the states will be given the option to levy additional taxes on cinema to compensate for the revenue losses entailed due to merging of entertainment tax with GST. At present, the total tax incidence on cinema including entertainment and service tax is in the range of 55%. The states need to use the legislative route if it wants to levy additional tax on cinema. States will also be permitted to levy any new tax as the taxation powers of the states have only been restricted and not abolished after the rollout of GST. Telecom and financial services will be taxed at a rate of 18%. Transport services will be taxed at the rate of 5%. Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber will have to pay 5% under GST in place of 6%. AC rail travel will attract 5% tax. Economy class air travel will attract 5 % GST while business class will attract 12%. Travelling on metro, local train and religious travel such as Haj Yatra would be exempted from GST. The e-commerce players like Flipkart and Snapdeal would be required to shell out 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS). Non-AC restaurants and AC restaurants will attract a GST of 12% and 18% respectively. Advertisements published in newspapers will attract 5% GST. At present it is exempt from service tax.

Climate Change: Antarctica is Turning Green

According to a new study conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK, plant life on Antarctica is growing rapidly due to climate change. The scientists have observed a sharp increase in biological activity in Antarctica in the last 50 years. For ascertaining the growth, the scientists conducted tests at five cores from three sites and has observed the occurrence of major biological changes across the Antarctic Peninsula. The scientists made use of 150 years’ worth of data to arrive at the conclusion. The study has been published in the journal Current Biology. According to the scientists, Antarctica will be much greener in the future and the continent’s plants and soils will change substantially even with only modest further warming. The continuous retreat of glaciers will make Antarctica much greener in the future. As per the study, the growth of moss in the continent is a signifier that the region is already undergoing change. At present, the plant life exists only in 0.3% of Antarctica. With increase in land cover occurs decrease in snow and ice cover. The thinner ice cover permits the penetration of sunlight into the previously dark areas allowing the planktons to grow. This would bring ecosystem shift to Antarctica similar to what has happened in Arctic.

World Cup Archery: Indian Men’s Team Wins Compound Gold

The Indian Men’s compound archery team has managed to win gold after defeating Columbia 226- 221 in the archery World Cup stage 1 championships held in Shanghai, China. Indian archery team were represented by Abhishek Verma, Chinna Raju Srither and Amanjeet Singh. The Colombian team comprised Camilo Andres Cardona, Jose Carlos Ospina and Daniel Munoz. India beat USA in the semifinal and edged out Iran in the quarterfinals. The team also defeated Vietnam in the first round. The women’s team, however, failed to shine in the event. In the Women’s event, South Korea, Denmark and Russia emerged as winners in that order.

22 May

High speed Tejas Express to be flagged off on 22nd May

The high speed, air-conditioned Tejas Express will be flagged off on 22nd May from Mumbai to Goa. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag off the premium luxury train through video conferencing. Having ultra-modern amenities like LED TV, wi-fi and CCTV, Tejas Express is a state of the art train capable of running at 200 kms per hour. However, due to constraints related to rail tracks, it will run at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour. The train will operate five days a week during non-monsoon period, and three days a week during monsoon period.

GST implementation won’t jeopardise Mumbai security: Maharashtra Finance Minister

The Maharashtra government has sought to discard fears that the GST roll-out would undermine Mumbai’s security because the vehicles entering the city will not have to stop and face checks at borders after abolition of octroi Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar stated that the vehicles entering the city will still be under watch and the government would take new steps to beef up the security. The minister was speaking during a discussion in the Lower House on Sunday on the second day of the three-day special session convened to pave way for the country-wide implementation of the GST from July 1. Mungantiwar said that the government will pay special attention to Mumbai’s security. He added that new measures to boost the city’s security will be undertaken. Leader of opposition in assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the government should tread carefully while implementing the GST.

Anshu Jamsenpa conquers Mount Everest twice within five days: A record

Anshu Jamsenpa from Arunachal Pradesh has created history by becoming the first woman to conquer Mount Everest twice within five days. She along with Nepalease climber Furi Sherpa scaled the Everest at 8 am on 21st May 2017. Anshu also stood atop of the world’s highest mountain on Tuesday. Anshu also become the first Indian women to reach Mt Everest for the fifth time. She successfully climbed Mt Everest twice in 2011 and later in 2013. India’s Dhankude Kishor Dattatraya, Brij Mohan Sharma and Ravi Kumar also successfully conquered Mt. Everest on Saturday. But Ravi Kumar is missing after he was descending to lower camps. Rescue and search efforts are on. Meanwhile an American and Australian climber died today while they were trying to scale roof of the world.

Inflation to fall by 2% after possible initial rise following implementation of GST: Govt

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has said, Inflation will fall by two per cent on implementation of the goods and services tax, GST, and will create buoyancy in the economy. In an interview to PTI, he said the allpowerful GST Council will meet next week to decide on tax rates of contentious items like gold, bidi and biscuits, just in time for its rollout from July 1. Mr Adhia also expressed confidence that the requirement of compensation to make up for revenue loss of any state will be fulfilled from cess on demerit and luxury goods like car and tobacco. With the stage set for the biggest overhaul of India’s tax system since Independence, the government will launch a massive awareness campaign to educate consumers about GST so that they are not fleeced by traders in the name of new tax. The Council over the two days last week assigned tax rates to more than 500 services and 1,200 goods by setting them in five broad rates of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. GST will be a single nation-wide sales tax replacing a string of central and state levies.

India’s export sector performs well despite global slowdown: Nirmala Sitharaman

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said, India’s export sector has performed well despite the global slowdown. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on key initiatives taken by her Ministry during the last three years, Ms Sitharaman said, notwithstanding global headwinds, exports have shone in last 6 months. Ms Sitharaman said, number of mandatory documents required for exports and imports have been reduced to three each. The Minister said, forms related to imports and exports have also been simplified. The Minister said, Government e-Market place is a remarkable step towards fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in Government transaction. She said, there is an increase in exports from special economic zone in the last three years. Exports were valued at 5.23 lakh crore rupees in 2016-17.

UNSC to hold meeting on 23rd May in response to North Korea’s missile test

The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on 23rd May in response to yesterday’s ballistic missile test by North Korea. Uruguay’s mission to the UN said, the meeting was requested by the United States, South Korea and Japan. South Korean military said, the missile was fired from South Pyeongan province and flew about 500 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan. It was Pyongyang’s second missile test in a week and 10th this year. North Korea had termed the launch of its medium-range ballistic missile as successful.

Euro zone, IMF to seek compromise on Greek debt deal on 22nd May

Euro zone Finance Ministers and the International Monetary Fund will seek a deal today on Greek debt relief. Without the deal, no new loans can be disbursed to Athens, even though the bailout is now handled only by euro zone governments. Greece needs new credit to repay some 7.3 billion euros worth of maturing loans in July. Greece has agreed after months of negotiations, with the euro zone lenders and the IMF on pensions and tax reforms.

Swiss people vote for renewable energy against nuclear power

In Switzerland, voters have supported a referendum to withdraw the country from nuclear power in favour of renewable energy. Today’s referendum shows 58 per cent of voters in favor and 42 percent against the proposal. The Swiss government wants to ban the construction of new nuclear power plants and decommission the country’s five existing ones at the end of their technically safe operating lives. The plan would also boost renewable energies such as solar and wind and make cars and electronic devices more energy efficient.

Mumbai Indians win IPL title for third time In Cricket

Mumbai Indians lifted the Indian Premier League trophy for the third time, as they recorded a scintillating 1-run win against Rising Pune Supergiant in the title clash at Hyderabad last night. Opting to bat, Mumbai had posted a modest 129 for 8, with Krunal Pandya top scoring with 47. In reply, Pune got off to a decent start and were 71 for 2 in 12 overs. They needed 11 runs from the last over with 7 wickets in hand, before Mumbai paceman Mitchell Johnson took the wickets of Manoj Tiwary and Steven Smith on successive deliveries. Pune, then, needed 4 runs from the final ball. But, their hopes of winning the IPL title in the maiden Final appearance were dashed to the ground as Daniel Christian was run out and Mumbai won the match by 1 run. Johnson finished with 3 wickets.

Bengaluru FC wins 38th Federation Cup football tournament

Bengaluru FC has won the Federation Cup Football tournament. In the Final played at Cuttack last night, they defeated defending champions and 14-time winners Mohun Bagan, 2-nil. The match went into extra time after neither of the teams could break the deadlock in 90 minutes. India international CK Vineeth, then, scored twice for Bengaluru in extra time helping them to win the tournament for just the second time. With the win, Bengaluru also sealed a berth for next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup. It also became the eighth team to have won more than one Federation Cup title.

29 May

International News Affairs

Today (29th May 2017) is International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
- The day was established to:
  - Honour the memory of the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace;
  - Pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage.
- Theme of International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2017 : “Investing in Peace around the world”
The Russian parliament‘s lower house has passed anAnti-Suicide bill to combat the Blue Whale suicide challenge, which has caused over 100 teen deaths in the country.
- The bill proposes a maximum punishment of six years in jail for driving children towards suicide.
- However, the bill mandates that criminal cases against suspects can be stopped if they cease their activities.
- What is Blue Whale suicide Challenge ?
  - The Blue Whale suicide game is believed to be an online social media group which is encouraging people to kill themselves.
  - A group administrator assigns daily tasks to members, which they have to complete over 50 days.
  - The horrific tasks include self-harming, watching horror movies and waking up at unusual hours.
  - On the 50th day, the controlling manipulators behind the game reportedly instruct the youngsters to commit suicide.

National News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today started off on his journey to 4 countries in a tourlasting six days.
- The 4 Countries he is visiting are :
  - Germany
  - Spain
  - Russia
  - France
- He will reach Germany today, where he’ll meet Chancellor Angela Merkel.
- He will head to Spain on Tuesday evening, after which he’ll be in Russia from Wednesday to Friday.
- Lastly, he’ll be in France till Saturday.
- Aime of this Tour : To strengthen bilateral ties.
HRD minister Prakash Javadekar today launched an Anti-Ragging Mobile App introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) at New Delhi.
- This app will work on android system and students can log in and register their complaints instantaneously.
- Accordingly, all concerned will be informed and action will be initiated immediately.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Kazakhstan, the world’s biggest uranium producer, will start producing nuclear fuel for Chinese power plants in 2019 through a joint venture set up by the two countries.
- The first stage of the joint venture will produce about 200 tonnes of ready-to-use nuclear fuel assemblies a year, using technologies and equipment supplied by France.

Science & Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will commence the operation of India’s own ‘GPS’or positioning system, Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS), in early 2018.
- This would make India part of an elite group of countries that have their own positioning system.
- The ISRO has spent ₹1,420 crore on building and setting up seven IRNSS satellites in space.
A malware named ‘Judy‘ has attacked over 3.65 crore Android users through simple fashion and cooking game apps on Google Play Store, according to security firm Check Point.
- Once these apps are installed, the malware uses the infected phone to click on certain Google Ads to increase the attacker’s revenue.
North Korea today test-fired a short-range ballistic missile that flew 450 kilometres before landing in Japanese waters.
- This was North Korea’s third missile launch in last three weeks, with previous two launches being medium to long range missiles.
- The launch comes a day after state news agency reported that leader Kim Jong Un supervised test of new anti-aircraft weapon system.

Awards & Honours

Visual theatre pioneer Satyabrata Rout has been awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskarfor the year 2016.
- He has been awarded for developing a unique method of teaching and practicing direction and design achieved from his experience working with eminent theatre practitioners and scholars.
The Swedish film ‘The Square‘, directed by Ruben Östlund won the Palme d’Or, the top prize at Cannes Film Festival.
- The film ‘120 Beats Per Minute!’ won the Grand Prix, the runner-up prize.
- Further, the Best Actor prize was awarded to Joaquin Phoenix for ‘You Were Never Really Here’ while Diane Kruger won Best Actress for ‘In the Fade’.

Current Sports Affairs

World Table Tennis Championships begin in Dusseldorf, Germany today with the Qualification matches.
- This is the 54th edition of the competition, and hosted by Germany for the seventh time.
- Top-ranked Indian in the world, Achanta Sharath Kamal will lead the 8-member Indian squad.

The team also includes Soumyajit Ghosh, Harmeet Desai, reigning national champion Madhurika Patkar, Manika Batra and Mouma Das.

3 June

International News Affairs

India has been ranked 137th in the Global Peace Index 2017
- Last Year’s Rank :141st
- Top 10 Countries in the List :
  - Iceland
  - New Zealand
  - Portugal
  - Austria
  - Denmark
  - Czech Republic
  - Slovenia
  - Canada
  - Switzerland
  - Ireland
- The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to expand sanctions against North Korea in response to its repeated missile tests this year.
  - The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on North Korean officials and state entities that deal with the country’s nuclear program.
- Japan‘s Navy and Air Force began a 3-day military exercise with two US aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan adding pressure on North Korea to block its ballistic missile program.
  - The exercise came just two days after the US tested its missile defence capability by intercepting a mock intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean.
- Danish lawmakers have repealed a 334-year-old blasphemy law that forbids public insults of a religion, such as the burning of holy books.
  - However, remarks and acts that threaten or demean certain groups of people because of their religious beliefs will still be punishable.
  - Important Note : Denmark was the only Scandinavian country with a blasphemy law.

New Appointments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)has appointed Ganesh Kumar as Executive Director (ED) after the voluntary retirement of Chandan Sinha.
Indian-origin Minister Leo Varadkar has been elected the Prime Minister of Ireland.
- With this, he became the country’s youngest (38) and first openly gay Prime Minister.
The United Nations General Assembly today picked Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak to be its next President.
- Lajcak, who was a contender to succeed Ban Ki-moon as UN Secretary General last year, will succeed Fijian diplomat Peter Thomson.
Ganeshan Neelakanta Iyer has become the 1st Indian to be nominated as a member of the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
- He will serve for a term of two years which is further extendable.
Shashi Shekar Vempati has been appointed as the CEO of Prasar Bharati.
- He will hold the post for a period of five years.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Anil Ambani today announced that the merged entity of Reliance Communications and Aircel will be called Aircom.
- Note : RCom will hold a 50% stake in the new company.

Recent Committees in News

Market Regulator Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (SEBI) has formed a Committee on Corporate Governance.
- The move is aimed at improving the standards of corporate governance of listed companies.
- The panel has been mandated to submit the report within a period of four months.
- Head of this Committee: Uday Kotak (MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank).

MOUs & Agreements

Samsung India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for setting up two new Samsung Technical Schools in Bengaluru and Jamshedpur as well as to renew the partnership for 10 existing schools being run across the country.

Science & Technology

A Chinese malware named ‘Fireball‘ has hit 25 crore computers worldwide, infecting them with malicious code designed to change the default search engine.
- The malware further tracks the infected computer’s web traffic on behalf of a Beijing-based digital marketing firm called Rafotech.
- The malware also has the ability to remotely run any code on the victim’s machine.
The ‘Stratolaunch‘ aircraft built by Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen to launch rockets into space.
- This is the world’s biggest aircraft with a wingspan of 385 feet
NASA is all set to launch the world’s first ever mission devoted for studying neutron stars.
- NASA will launch the Neutron Star Interior Composition ExploreR(NICER), aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has developed a wireless technology called ‘AmbuSens‘ for remote monitoring of condition of those patients who are ferried in ambulances.

Current Sports Affairs

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is going to launch Messi Experience Park, an Amusement park themed around him in China in 2019.

10 May

International News Affairs

Today (10th May) is World Migratory Bird Day.
- Theme of World Migratory Bird Day 2017 : “Their Future is our Future”
The International Court of Justice, United Nations’ principal judicial organ, has stayed the hanging of ex-Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was given death sentence by Pakistan for spying.
- Note : Jadhav was arrested in March 2016 and the Pakistan court, that sentenced him, had described him as a Research and Analysis Wing agent who was undertaking counter-intelligence operation in Balochistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Buddhist festival ‘Vesak Day’ (Buddha Jayanti)that commemorates birth, enlighten and death of Buddha at Sri Lanka during 12th to 14th May 2017.
- Important Points to Note :
- This will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Sri Lanka since becoming the Prime Minister.
- Vesak is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar.
- This is the first time Sri Lanka will host the festival.
The 29th India–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) has commenced at Port Blair under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- The bilateral exercise is scheduled to be held from 9th to 25th
- This exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding and inter–operability between the two navies.

National News Affairs

PM Narendra Modi today launched the Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS) to help the Supreme Court go paperless.
- This system will help litigants access data and retrieve information online.
- It will help bring transparency, reduce manipulation and help the litigant know about the progress of the case on a real time basis.
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the government-run district and rural hospitals in the state will soon provide free blood tests, X-rays, CT scans and other medical tests 24 hours a day.
- The tests will be outsourced to a private laboratory chain that would be reimbursed by the government for expenses incurred.

New Appointments

Liberal Moon Jae-in has won South Korea’s presidential election, ending nearly a decade of conservative rule in the country.
- Moon, who secured 41.1% votes in early election triggered by ex-President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment, has vowed to achieve peace with North Korea, in contrast to the country’s current policy.
- After taking the oath of office, he declared his willingness to visit the nuclear-armed North Korea under right circumstances.
Adi Godrej has handed over Godrej Group’s flagship firm Godrej Consumer Products to daughter
- Nisaba (39) is among the youngest women to head a large-sized Indian firm.
Twitter has elevated Taranjeet Singh as its Country Director for India.
- Prior to this appointment, Singh was responsible for sales and marketing support for Twitter’s advertisers in India.

Awards & Honours

Vikram Vishal, an IIT-Bombay Assistant Professor, has won the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Medal for Young Scientists, 2017.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

India is going to commence a 10,000-crore deep sea mission by the year end to explore mineral wealth beneath the Indian ocean floor, the Ministry of Earth Sciences announced today.
- The Exclusive Economic Zone allotted to India in the international waters will be covered under the mission.
- Oceans surrounding the Indian peninsula have over 1,300 islands with 7,500 km of coastline.
Indian Railways subsidiary IRCTC is introducing Pay-on-Delivery option for buying train e-tickets, allowing users to pay at the time of ticket’s delivery to their home.
- The service will be available in over 600 cities and would be initially available five days before the departure date.

Science & Technology

India will replace its Maitri station in Antarctica in next 3 to 4 years, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced today.
- The government is drafting laws to safeguard India’s interest in the cold continent, currently governed by international laws, said the ministry’s secretary.
- To expand India’s research in Antarctica, a new ship with ice-cutting facility would be procured, he added.

Current Sports Affairs

South African cricket’s governing body Cricket South Africa has regained the right to bid for and host major tournaments after their changes met the government’s transformation criteria.
- The South African government had asked the board to include a minimum average of six players of colour, including two black Africans, in the South African squad over the course of the season.
Indian women’s cricket team pacer Jhulan Goswami became the all-time leading wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket after picking up her 181st wicket against the South African women’s team today.
- Goswami, who has featured in 153 ODIs for the Indian women’s team so far, went past Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who had picked up 180 wickets in 109 matches.

13 May

International News Affairs

Today (second Saturday of May) is World Fair Trade Day.
- This day was created by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) in 2004.
- This is the annual day of celebration recognising those in the fair trade supply chain, run by The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
- Theme of World Fair Trade Day 2017 : ‘Human Chains for Fair Trade and the Planet’
India is set to skip China’s two-day Belt and Road Forum starting from Sunday due to sovereignty concerns on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a part of China’s One Belt One Road project.
- Note: India-China relations have been strained recently over multiple issues including China’s blocking of India’s NSG membership attempt and its support to Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar.
India moved up to the 26thspot in the Global electricity accessibility rankings of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.
- India was at the 99th position in 2014; it jumped 73 ranks in 2016.
Brazil has declared an end to its public health emergency over the Zika virus, 18 months after the outbreak in 2015.
- The number of cases dropped 95% between January and April, compared to the same period a year ago.
- Note: The World Health Organisation had lifted its own international emergency in November last year.

MOUs & Agreements

Nepal and China today signed a framework agreementon Beijing’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, days ahead of a summit in Beijing to showcase President Xi Jinping’s ambitious plan to build a modern day Silk Road.

National News Affairs

Nagpur is set to become India’s first city to get a fleet of electric cabs.
- The pilot project will see around 200 electric cabs in Nagpur and the local body will also provide charging stations across the city.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Gujarat for 5 districts of the state.
- PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) is an ambitious scheme of Narendra Modi Schemes under which the government provides affordable houses to the homeless people at affordable cost.
- Under housing for all scheme, the central government will provide houses to the people who are living under Below Poverty Line and other categories also.
Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi has announced that all future elections in the country will be held using Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines along with the electronic voting machines.
- The move comes amid series of allegations by political parties, including Mayawati’s BSP and Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, that voting machines were tampered with during the elections.
The Uttar Pradesh government is going to make Saturdays as ‘no school bag day‘ in the state-run schools.
- As per the proposal, the school kids would be allowed to come to school without school bags so that they can enjoy the creative activities.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) for pneumonia in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
- There are over 90 different types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause a range of problems including ear infections and serious chest infections pneumonia.
- This vaccine would help health department to control the pneumonia and child mortality rate.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The US is close to completing a series of Arms deals with Saudi Arabia totalling more than $100 billion which could surpass over $300 billion over a decade.
- Note : Saudi Arabia is leading a military coalition in Yemen which has been accused by UN of carrying out attacks that “may amount to war crimes”.
The Centre today exempted NRIs, citizens above 80 years, and residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Meghalaya from having to mandatorily quote their Aadhaar numbers to file income tax returns.
- Note : Earlier, the Centre had announced in this year’s Union Budget that Aadhaar card will be compulsory for filing income tax returns and obtaining PAN cards from July.
New Changes Introduced by SBI
- SBI has revised service charges on various cash transactions effective June 1, including a ₹25 charge on withdrawing money from an ATM through SBI’s mobile wallet app.
- Customers will be charged for exchanging more than 20 soiled notes and of value above ₹5,000.
- Basic Savings Bank Deposit account customers will get four withdrawals, including ATM withdrawals, free in a month.

Awards & Honours

The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi‘ Lord Shiva at the Isha Yoga Foundation in Tamil Nadu has been declared the world’s largest bust (sculpture) by the Guinness World Records.
- The bust, unveiled by PM Narendra Modi earlier this year, refers to the source of Yoga and symbolises the 112 methods of self-transformation that the first Yogi offered.

New Appointments

Actor Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed as World Health Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East Asia Region.
- He has been appointed to boost awareness and intensify action to stop the spread of hepatitis.

Science & Technology

India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas today successfully demonstrated an air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile firing capability.
- The Derby BVR missile destroyed a maneuverable aerial target with pinpoint precision at the Interim Test Range in Odisha’s Chandipur.
- Note : The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft.
A massive ransomware Cyber Attack dubbed WannaCry, targeted computers in 99 countries including India today, with more than 57,000 attacks detected so far, cyber security firms Kaspersky and Avast have confirmed.
- Russia was the worst hit country, witnessing over 70% of the affected computers, while India was third on the list.
NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer successfully completed the 200th spacewalkfor the $100-billion International Space Station (ISS).
- Note : ISS’ first spacewalk was conducted on December 7, 1998, by NASA astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman.
Pune-based doctors will conduct India’s first womb transplantation next week when they will transfer two uteri from healthy donors to two recipients, who are unable to bear children.
- Note : Womb transplantation was first performed in Sweden in a 16-hour-surgery in 2012 and the first baby, born to the recipient in 2014, was delivered prematurely by caesarean section in a healthy condition.

Sports Current Affairs

Former cricketer VVS Laxman has been awarded honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

27 May

National News Affairs

Inaugurating India’s first electric mass mobility system, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off 200 electric public transport vehicles in Nagpur
- The pilot project, comprising 100 e-taxis and 100 e-rickshaws with four charging stations, would run on Ola’s app.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the Foundation Stone of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Gogamukh in Assam’s Dhemaji district located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
- This will be the third Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
- Note : Apart from IARI in the national capital, the work on setting up of second IARI in Ranchi, Jharkhand has commenced.
Modi also laid the foundation stone for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Changsari in the Kamrup District of Assam.
- The institute will be constructed at a distance of 26 km from Guwahati and will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,123 crores as part of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana’.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has been given back the power to grant licenses for defence manufacturing.
- Note : Earlier the Home Ministry had this responsibility.
The candidates fighting election will now have to declare their as well as spouse’s sources of income while filing nominations.
- The government has amended the Conduct of Election Rules to include a fresh column in the affidavit relating to the source of income of self and spouse.

MOUs & Agreements

India and Mauritius today signed 4 agreementsafter delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in New Delhi.
- The Signed Agreements are :
  - Memorandum of Understanding Between Government of the Republic of India and Government of the Republic of Mauritius for Setting up of Civil Services College in Mauritius;
  - Agreement on Maritime Security;
  - Memorandum of Understanding between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India and Mauritius Oceanography Institute, Mauritius for Research and Education in Marine Sciences and Technology;
  - Dollar Credit Line Agreement Between SBM Mauritius Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd and Export-Import Bank of India
- Note : India also announced $500 million line of credit for Mauritius.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar has drawn ₹7.85 crore as total remuneration in 2016-17, a jump of nearly 64% from a year ago.
- The hike was primarily driven by performance bonus, which Kochhar had forgone a year ago owing to the bank’s weak financial results.
- Note : In 2015-16, Kochhar was the third-highest paid bank chief with a pay of ₹4.79 crore.
Apple has opened its first store in Southeast Asia at Singapore’s upmarket shopping district.

Science & Technology

The construction of the world’s largest optical and infrared telescope has begun in Chile‘s Atacama Desert.
- Named Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), it will have a 39-metre-diameter primary mirror housed in an 85-metre rotating dome weighing 5,000 tonnes.
- ELT will gather 100 million times more light than the human eye to observe Universe’s first galaxies and search for “Earth 2.0”.

New Appointments

Flipkart CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy has taken additional charge of the Human Resourcesat the e-commerce startup amid merger talks with Snapdeal.
- He took over the HR function from Chief Operating Officer Nitin Seth.

General Knowledge

Longest Bridges in India
- The 9.15-kilometre long Dhola-Sadiya bridge in Assam, which was inaugurated yesterday by the Prime Minister Modi, is the longest bridge in India.
- It is followed by the 5.6-kilometre Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, which was built in 10 years.
- The Mahatma Gandhi Setu in Bihar, which is 5.58 kilometres in length, is the third-longest.
- Important Note : Five of India’s 10 longest bridges are in Bihar.

Current Sports Affairs

In a bid to boost sports in the state, Jammu and Kashmir‘s 1st professional football academywas launched in Srinagar
- Initially, the academy will train footballers in the age groups of 13, 15 and 18, and three professional coaches will be employed for the purpose.

Note : India footballer Mehrajuddin Wadoo would be the head of the academy.

7 June

International News Affairs

The United States today warned that it might withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Councilunless reforms are ushered in including the removal of what it sees as an “anti-Israel bias”.
- Important Note : The US earlier boycotted the body for three years on its stance on Israel under President George W Bush before rejoining under Barack Obama in 2009.
US Defence Department Pentagon has said that China is likely to establish additional military bases in Pakistan and other countries with which it has friendly relationships.

This reflects China’s growing influence and expansion of its armed forces, the Pentagon added.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake on a visit to India.
- He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked him for India’s quick assistance in the aftermath of the recent floods and landslides.
- He also called on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed a number of key issues besides exploring ways to further ramp up bilateral ties.
- Note : This is his first visit overseas as Minister of Foreign Affairs

MOUs & Agreements

India has signed an agreement with Sri Lanka to provide USD 318 million as line of credit for developing Sri Lanka’s railway sector.
- The agreement was signed between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance and Mass media, and Managing Director of India’s Export Import Bank in Colombo.

National News Affairs

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi today announced that the last date for nomination of candidates for Presidential elections is June 28 and the polls (if needed) will be held on July 17.
- The vote counting for the elections will take place on 20th July 2017.
- Note : The term of incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee will end on July 24.
As a part of the government’s anti-plastic drive and Green-Kerala Mission, the Kerala State government has come out with a Green Protocol to make the weddings in the state more nature-friendly.
- As per this protocol, plastic and other non-biodegradable articles including disposable glasses and plates and thermocol decorations will not be permitted to be used in wedding ceremonies.
- Instead of these non-biodegradable articles, the marriage parties would be persuaded to use tumblers, plates and other utensils made of glass and environment-friendly metals.

New Appointments

Hoshiar Singh, a 1994 batch officer of the Indian Telecom Service has been appointed as Registrar of Copyrights.

Awards & Honours

Calvin Klein’s creative director Raf Simons won both the Menswear Designer of The Year and Womenswear Designer of The Year at the CFDA Fashion Awards.
- CFDA – Council of Fashion Designers of America

Science & Technology

The world’s first hybrid ‘Aeroboat’ which has been built by an Indo-Russian joint venture has been unveiled at a start-ups event organized by Russia’s state-run Skolkovo Foundation.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)kept the Repo Rate unchanged at 6.25% during its bimonthly monetary policy review today.
- This is the fourth time in a row that the repo rate has been kept unchanged.
- The reverse repo rate also remains unchanged at 6%.
India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) launched the country’s largest institutional share sale programme today, to raise up to ₹15,000 crore.
- With this, SBI looks to strengthen its capital base to increase loan growth and protect the balance sheet from bad loans.
- SBI also broke its own record of 2014 when it raised ₹8,032 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP).

5 June

International News Affairs

Today (5th June 2017) is World Environment Day.
- This day is observed to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth.
- This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 1972 on the day that United Nations Conference on the Human Environment began.
- This year’s host country : Canada
- Theme of World Environment Day 2017 : “Connecting people to nature”
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt today broke off all diplomatic ties and land and sea contact with fellow Gulf Arab state Qatar, citing “terrorism” and “flagrant violation” of international law.
- This comes after Qatar’s state news reported that a Qatari emir criticised Donald Trump and praised Saudi Arabia’s regional rival Iran, although Qatar claimed this was fake news.
For the first time, Pakistan’s Sindh government has recruited 46 women in the police’s counter-terror department for combat operations and intelligence gathering.
- Note : Less than 2% of Pakistani police officers are women.

Awards & Honours

The Ministry of Rural Development has selected Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) as one among the 17 districts for MGNREGA annual award.
- The award will be given to Vizianagaram for its effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during the time period 2015-16.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

2017 Global Retail Development Index
- The 2017 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) titled ‘The Age of Focus‘ has placed India at the top position among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business in the retail sector.
- China stood at the second place and Malaysia has been ranked third.
- Top 10 in the List
  - India (71.7)
  - China (70.4)
  - Malaysia (60.9)
  - Turkey (59.8)
  - United Arab Emirates (59.4)
  - Vietnam (56.1)
  - Morocco (56.1)
  - Indonesia (55.9)
  - Peru (54.0)
  - Colombia (53.6)
- Note: This is the 16th edition of the Global Retail Development Index (GRDI).
Khadi yarn, Gandhi topi, and India’s national flag will not attract any tax under the new GST regime, which is to be implemented from July 1.
- Further, chandan tika, unbranded honey, and wick for diya have also been exempted under the new indirect tax regime.
The World Bank has projected 2 per cent growth for India this year against 6.8 per cent last year.
State-run NTPC today announced that the company has forayed into electric vehicle charging business and has set up first such charging stations at its offices in Delhi and Noida.

Science & Technology

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)today successfully launched India’s heaviest rocket ‘Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III‘ carrying the 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19.
- The 43.43-metre rocket that weighs 640 tonnes is capable of lifting payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
- It was developed in 15 years at a cost of ₹300 crore.

Current Sports Affairs

India defeated Pakistan by 124 runs (D/L method) in their opening encounter of the Champions Trophy 2017, achieving the biggest margin of victory by runs against the arch-rivals in an ICC tournament.

14 June

International News Affairs

Today (14th June) is World Blood Donor Day
- This day is celebrated every year on the day of birth anniversary of Austrian-American biologist and physician Karl Landsteiner (14th of June in 1868) who discovered the existence of different types of blood groups in 1901.
- He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his discovery.
- This day is observed to raise the public awareness about the need for safe blood donation.
- Theme of World Blood Donor Day 2017: “Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often”
- Important Note: World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with
  - World Health Day,
  - World Tuberculosis Day,
  - World Immunization Week,
  - World Malaria Day,
  - World No Tobacco Day,
  - World Hepatitis Day and
  - World AIDS Day.
- Pakistan has claimed that its ally China will fund its long-delayed ₹77-crore mega dam project over the Indus basin in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
  - India has opposed the construction of the dam ever since it was proposed. The dam aims to generate 4,500 MW of electricity and to regulate the water flow to farmlands that are vulnerable to increasingly erratic weather patterns.
- Indian warships have reached Australia’s port city of Freemantle to take part in AUSINDEX, a week-long naval exercise off the Western Australian coast.
  - Exercise Australia-India (AUSINDEX) was first conducted off the East Coast of India in September 2015.
  - AUSINDEX-17 will be the second overall bilateral drill between Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy.
  - AUSINDEX bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability and professional interaction between two navies.

Australia

♦ Capital: Canberra

♦ Currency: Australian Dollar

♦ PM: Malcolm Turnbull

National News Affairs

The Telangana government today launched the website ‘PashuBazar‘ to facilitate online sale or purchase of cattle.
- The online platform has been developed to help farmers in selling their animals without physically taking them to weekly markets.
Recent Approvals by Central government –On June 14, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved following bilateral agreements and initiatives:

i) The Central Government will provide interest subvention of 5% per annum to all prompt payee farmers for short term crop loan up to one year for loan up to Rs. 3 lakhs borrowed by them during the year 201718.
ii) Union Cabinet has given its expost facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture in the State of Palestine on agriculture cooperation.

iii) On June 14, 2017, Union Cabinet was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding which has already been signed in April 2017, between India and Armenia for cooperation on youth matters.

iv) Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017. v. Cabinet was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which has already been signed in April 2017, between India and Bangladesh for promoting cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E).
- Ministry of Railways launches Mission Retro Fitment
  - Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu has launched Mission RetroFitment to enhance the passenger experience by upgrading the existing fleet of coaches.
  - Key Notes:

i)Mission Retro Fitment is a program of railways to upgrade the level of furnishing & facilities in the coaches of Indian Railways.

ii) It aimed at providing a safe and comfortable travel to the railway passengers.

iii) The refurbished coaches will have the following features will be World class ambiance, Enhanced Passenger Safety, Caring for the Environment, Enhanced Passenger convenience.

iv) The mission will be carried out without affecting the traffic operation.

v)The mission will be one of the largest retro fitment projects in the world.

vi) Under Mission Retro Fitment, 40,000 coaches will be refurbished and retrofitted in the next five years.

vii) The mission aims to induct about 40,000 coaches with upgraded interiors by 202223. viii. The cost of refurbishing per coach will be approximately Rs 30 lakhs.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The government today approved the Interest Subvention Scheme for 2017-18 under which it will give an interest subsidy of 2% per annum to farmers for short term loans of up to ₹3 lakh.
Technology giant Google has topped the 2017 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list, with a brand value of over $245 billion.
- Further, US tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook were also among the five most valuable brands.
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce a Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017 which will provide a comprehensive resolution framework for financial sector entities to deal with bankruptcy situation in banks, insurance companies, and other entities.
Telecom giant Verizon has acquired Yahoo’s core business for $4.48bn (£3.51m), thus ending Yahoo’s two-decade long run as an independent company.
- Note : Verizon is the No.1 wireless operator in the US.

IDBI Bank only PSB to get ‘high’ rating for code compliance According to the Code Compliance
- Rating of banks done by the Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) 2017, out of 26 public sector banks and 8 out of 17 private sector banks got ‘high’ rating for their adherence to code compliance.

Key Notes:

i)IDBI Bank was the only public sector bank that got ‘high (H)’(85 and above score out of 100) rating in two successive surveys.

ii) The eight private sector banks that got ‘high’ rating are — Axis Bank, DCB Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank and YES Bank.

iii) The three foreign banks — Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank — that were surveyed got ‘high’ ranking.

iv) The code compliance rating, which is based on five parameters: Information dissemination, transparency, grievance redressal, customer centricity, and customer feedback.
v) A total of 51 banks were surveyed for code compliance in 2017 and in the latest round, five urban cooperative banks were included.
vi) The survey is based on a sample size of 2.5 per cent of the branch network of 51 major banks.

vii)12 banks got ‘high’ rating in the survey, 29 got ‘above average (AA)’ rating (70 to less than 85 score) and 10 got ‘average (A)’ rating (60 to less than 70 score).

viii)The public sector banks, the ratings of which improved in the latest round, are: Central Bank of India, Corporation Bank, UCO Bank and Union Bank of India, with their rating going up to AA from A.

ix) The public sector banks, the ratings of which came down a notch, are: Andhra Bank and Bank of Maharashtra (to A from AA).
x) In the private sector banks category, while DCB Bank’s rating improved to ‘H’ from ‘AA’, Dhanlaxmi Bank’s rating declined to ‘AA’ from ‘H’.
xi) BCSBI chairman: AC Mahajan

IDBI Bank :

♦ Headquarters: Mumbai

♦ CEO: Mahesh Kumar Jain

Emkay and DBS Ink Pact For Equity Research Distribution
- Emkay Global Financial Services has entered into an exclusive pact with DBS Bank arm DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) on 13 of June.

Key Notes:

The pact has signed for co-branding and distribution of equity research to the latter’s global clients.
The agreement involves sharing of knowledge, cobranding of research and its distribution to the global clients of DBS Vickers.

The agreement involves Emkay and DBS Vickers to jointly organise, arrange and participate in events to showcase and market India Research Reports and India Equities.

Emkay Global Managing Director is Krishna Kumar Karwa. v. The alliance will enable both DBS and Emkay to expand their horizon and benefit from each other’s knowledge and expertise.

DBS Bank :

♦ Headquarters: Singapore

♦ CEO: Piyush Gupta

Awards & Honors

IIT Kanpur is set to confer an honorary doctorate on former sprinter PT Usha on June 16 to mark the 50th convocation of the institute.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

India appoints Envoys to Italy, Denmark, Belgium and EU– The government has appointed ambassadors to three European countries, Italy, Denmark th and Belgium.
- Key Points:

i.Gaitri Issar Kumar is a 1986batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to Belgium.

According to the external affairs ministry she will also be accredited as India’s ambassador to the European Union (EU).

iii. Reenat Sandhu, a 1989batch IFS officer, will head India’s diplomatic mission in Italy.

Ajit Vinayak Gupte from the 1991 batch, who is presently joint secretary in the ministry, has been appointed as ambassador to Denmark.

Denmark:

♦ Capital: Copenhagen

♦ Currency: Danish krone

Science & Technology

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test fired anti-tank ‘Nag’ missile in Rajasthan.
- This test was conducted by Scientists of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex at Hyderabad, Defence Laboratory at Jodhpur, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) at Pune and Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at Pune.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Nag missile is one of the five missile systems developed by DRDO under the integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP).
  - The four other missiles developed under this programme include Agni, Akash, Trishul and Prithvi.

Current Sports Affairs

Pakistan defeated hosts England by 8 wickets to reach the final of the Champions Trophy tournament for the first time.
- Note : Pakistan last played the final of an ICC ODI tournament 18 years ago, in the 1999 World Cup.

23 June

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Affairs

Today (23rd June) is International Olympic Day.
- This day was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.
- The goal of this day is to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.
Today (23rd June) is the World Public Service Day.
- This day is dedicated by the United Nations to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community”.
- Since 2003, this day is marked with UN Public Service Awards Ceremony wherein works of public servants are recognised and they are awarded for their contributions in the field.
- Theme of World Public Service Day 2017 : ‘The Future is Now’
Today (23rd June) is International Widows Day.
- This day is a United Nations ratified day of action to address the “poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries”.
- This day was established by The Loomba Foundation to raise awareness of the issue of widowhood.
- The significance of 23 June is that it was on that day in 1954 that Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba, mother of the foundation’s founder, Lord Loomba, became a widow.
- Theme of International Widows Day 2017 : “Empowering Women for Greater Achievements”
UK PM Theresa May has told European Union leaders that any EU citizen living in UK for five years will be given “UK settled status” after Brexit.
- The new immigration status would grant EU citizens the right to stay in the UK and get health, education and other benefits.
Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a ‘family tax’ of 100 riyals (₹1,700 approx) on immigrants living there.
- Expats employed in Saudi are required to pay the fee per dependent per month in advance.
- The move which will be effective from July 1 is expected to put a financial strain on 41 lakh Indians living there, reports said.

National news Affairs

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today announced that all passports from now on will be in English and Hindi languages as against the existing passports which are only in English.
- Swaraj also announced a 10% reduction in passport fee for applicants who are under 8 years of age and for those over 60 years of age.
As part of its ‘Power for All’ scheme, the Uttar Pradesh government will be providing free electricity connections to all urban Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
The government today released a new list of 30 cities to be developed as smart cities under the Smart City Mission.
- Kerala’s Trivandrum has topped the list, while Chhattisgarh’s Naya Raipur and Gujarat’s Rajkot bagged the second and third spots.
- This new list has four cities from Tamil Nadu (Tiruppur, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tiruchirappalli) and three each from Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi, Allahabad and Aligarh) and Gujarat (Rajkot, Gandhinagar and Dahod).
The central government is going to increase the speed limit on highways and expressways up to 120 kilometres per hour across India.
- Currently, all national highways in the country have a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, except the Yamuna Expressway that has a 100 kilometres per hour speed limit.
Department of Science and Technology has launched VAJRA (Visiting Advance Joint Research) Faculty scheme.
- This scheme enables NRIs and overseas scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India.

Science & Technology

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its 40th flight today successfully launched 31 satellites in one gointo a 505 km polar Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
- The ISRO-made rocket carried a 712-kg Cartosat-2 series Earth-observing satellite and 30 co-passenger satellites together weighing 243 kg.
- The co-passenger satellites comprise 29 nano satellites from 14 countries and one from India.
NASA today launched satellite ‘KalamSat‘ which is developed by Indian teenagers hailing from Tamil Nadu.
- Made of reinforced carbon fibre polymer, the 64-gram satellite named after former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam is the smallest and lightest satellite in the world.
- Note: It is the first time that NASA has carried out an Indian students’ experiment.
The United States has cleared the sale of the state-of-the-art Guardian 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India.
- The deal to sell UAV drones to India is estimated to be worth $2 to $3 billion.

Current Sports Affairs

Former powerlifter Kavita Devi will become the first Indian woman wrestler in WWE, after getting selected for the company’s first-ever tournament for women, Mae Young Classi
- Kavita, who trained at The Great Khali’s wrestling academy in Punjab, appeared at the WWE Dubai tryout this year where she was selected.
- She will compete at the 32-competitor event in Florida next month.

6 June

International News Affairs

Yemen and Libya have followed the decision by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE to cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

National Current Affairs

Habibganj Railway Station (Bhopal) is going to become India’s first railway station to be redeveloped in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
- The idea is to develop Habibganj railway station as a world-class transit hub equipped with all amenities.
The government has changed an over 50-year-old rule by setting a deadline of six months to complete probes in corruption cases involving government employees.
- It has amended the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, in order to speed up investigation in such cases.
- Earlier, there was no such time frame to complete such enquiries.
India saw its hottest winter in recorded history in 2016-17, with temperatures reaching 2.95ºC above the 1901-1930 baseline , according to the Centre for Science and Environment.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that it is working on a forecasting system that will give a 15 day warnings on the likelihood of Malaria or Chikungunya outbreak across different regions of the country.
The Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (ESSL)has initiated a French agency funded project to retrofit 10 lakh conventional street lights with LED lights in Gram Panchayats of 7 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
- This is the first project for rural LED street lighting in the country under the Centre’s Street Lighting National Project (SLNP).

Science & Technology

The National Board of Wildlife has approved Rutland Island in South Andaman to be the site for India’s long-range missile test facility.
Technology major Apple today announced that Safari will be the “world’s fastest desktop browser” with its latest High Sierra OS for Mac
- The company claims that its web browser will be 80% faster than its Google competitor, Chrome.

New Appointments

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba (70) elected new Prime Minister of Nepal.
- He will take charge of Prime Minister fourth time.
- He will be 40th Prime Minister of Nepal.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Vijaya Bank has today announced that it is going to develop as many as 100 digital villages in various States across the country as part of its initiative to promote digital banking among the rural population.
- Important Note :As of now, Vijaya Bank is the only public sector financial institution to develop digital villages with focus on rural population.
Adani Group will proceed with its $16.5 billion Carmichael coal project in Australia’s Queensland after its board approved a final investment decision.
South Africa‘s economy, one of Africa’s biggest, falls into recession.
- A 0.7 percent decline in GDP in the first quarter of this year followed a 0.3 percent contraction in the last quarter of 2016, meeting the definition of a recession as two or more quarters of negative growth, the South African government announced today.

MOUs & Agreements

Nepal has signed a major deal with a Chinese company China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) to develop a1,200 MW hydroelectric project, the biggest hydro project in the landlocked country that could resolve its perennial power crisis.

Current Sports Affairs

Sachin Tendulkar joined stars from various fields including David Beckham, Hugh Jackman, Lewis Hamilton and Novak Djokovic among others for UNICEF’s ‘Super Dads’ campaign.
- Note : The aim of this campaign isto highlight the significance of fathers in children’s early development.

10 June

International News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today joined several global leaders at the inauguration of Kazakhstan’s Astana World EXPO 2017 which showcases vital innovation and technological prowess of the resource-rich central Asian country.
- Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, and UAE Minister of State Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Jaber opened the UAE’s pavilion at the Astana Expo 2017.
- What is Astana Expo 2017 ?
- This is an International Exposition (large international exhibition designed to showcase achievements of nations) being held at Astana (Kazakhstan) today.
- Subtitle : “Solutions for Tackling Humankind’s Greatest Challenge.”
- Theme of this expo : “Future Energy”
- Aim : To create a global debate between countries, nongovernmental organizations, companies and the general public on the crucial question: “how do we ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing CO2 emissions ?”
- Note : India is among over 100 countries which are presenting their pavilions at the expo which is expected to be visited by millions of visitors over the next three months.
Canada has introduced a bill that will decriminalise practising witchcraft and challenging people to duels.
- The nation is set to decriminalise 20 criminal offences, including telling fortunes and publishing crime comics.

National News Affairs

The Union Minister for Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley will chair the 16th Meeting of the GST Council scheduled to be held tomorrow (11th June, 2017) at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
- The one day Meeting will also be attended among others by the Finance Ministers of different States and UTs (having elected assembly) being the members of the GST Council.
- Important Note : This meeting will be important in the sense that the GST Law is going to be rolled-out with effect from 1st July, 2017.
Government has awarded a Rs 1,600-crore contract for constructing 109-km road connecting Paletwa river terminal to Zorinpui in Mizoram border as a part of the$484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport (KMTT) projects in Myanmar which will offer connectivity to Mizoram.
A week after announcing that combat roles for women would be open soon, Army chief General Bipin Rawat today said, “Firstly, we will start with women as military police jawans, will take next step after success.”
- The Indian Army had kept combat roles off limit for women until now reportedly due to operational concerns and logistical issues.
NITI Aayog has launched SATH‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with the State Governments for furthering the agenda of cooperative federalism.
- NITI Aayog under the SATH initiative plans to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems.
- After identification of three states, NITI Aayog will work in close collaboration with the state machinery of these three states.
- Note : SATH program will be implemented by NITI Aayog along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium.

New Appointments

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the appointment of Vikram Limaye as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) today subject to his resignation from India’s cricketing body.
- The conditional approval has come four months after the exchange selected Limaye for the job following Chitra Ramkrishna’s sudden exit.
Preet Kaur Gill has become the first Sikh to be elected to the British Parliament’s House of Commons.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has become the first turban-wearing Sikh to be elected to the House of Commons.
- Note : In a first, the House of Commons will have a record 12 Indian-origin MPs, which will be two more than the present record of 10 (five each from Labour and Conservative).

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

India’s forex reserves surged by $2.404 billion to reach life-time high of $381.167 billion in the week to June 2 on account of rise in foreign currency assets, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced today.
- In the previous week, the reserves had declined by $547 million to $378.763 billion.
- Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major component of overall reserves, increased by $2.748 billion to $357.290 billion in the reporting week, RBI said.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)today declared that Aadhaar will be a “must” for filing of Income Tax Returns or for obtaining a new PAN from July 1.

Current Sports Affairs

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially included mixed gender relay racing and 3-on-3 men’s and women’s basketball as Olympic events for the Tokyo Games to be held in 2020.
- The committee has added a total of 15 events, including mixed gender relays in swimming, track and triathlon, mixed team events in archery and judo, and mixed doubles in table tennis.

12 June

International News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted an invitation to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time during his two-day visit to Washington DC from June 25.
- The two leaders will hold discussions on enhancing bilateral ties in the meeting.
The poverty-stricken unincorporated US territory of Puerto Rico today voted in favour of becoming the 51st US state with 97% voters supporting the referendum.
- The final decision to accept Puerto Rico as a state lies with US Congress.

National News Affairs

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has inaugurated the upgraded version of police helpline Namma 100, where police officials will be deputed within 15 minutes to the spot of emergency, for Bengaluru.
- Based on the model adapted in London, which has helpline 999, and USA, where 911 helpline operates, Namma 100 helpline allows the public to access several facilities on a single number.
The Meghalaya Assembly today passed a resolution against the Centre’s ban on sale of cattle for slaughter.
- It said that “the order will hamper the rights of the people”, adding that laws for cattle are already in place.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has demand for a separate time zone for the northeastern states to improve work efficiency and save electricity in the region. According to him, several daylight hours are getting wasted as government offices opens only at 10am and closes as early as 4pm.

Awards & Honors

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar was today honored with the Bharat Gaurav Award at the United Nations hall in New York.
- He dedicated his win to the Indian Armed Forces and their families.
- Note : Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and late astronaut Kalpana Chawla were among the other honourees this year.

New Appointments

Amit Sinha, the Vice President of business and human resources at Paytm’s parent company One97 Communications, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Paytm Mall.
- He will be responsible for Paytm Mall’s overall operations, hiring, and logistics.
- Note : Last year, Paytm de-merged its three-year-old e-commerce business into a separate unit—Paytm Mall.
Technocrat Shashi Shekar Vempati took over as the CEO of Prasar Bharti
- Note : He is the first non-Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to head the public broadcaster which runs Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR).

Science & Technology

The US Navy today commissioned a new warship, USS Gabrielle Giffords, in the name of former Arizona congresswoman who was severely injured in a 2011 shooting, as a tribute to her perseverance.

Deaths

Legendary Telugu poet and writer C Narayana Reddy (85), a recipient of the prestigious Jnanpith award, passed away today.

Current Sports Affairs

Mercedes’ British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton registered his Formula One career’s 6th Canadian Grand Prix title in Montreal today.
Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu won Gold in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup
Rafael Nadal has won his 10th French Open Title in Men’s singles category by beating Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland.
- French Open 2017 Winners List
  - Men’s Singles : Rafael Nadal (Spain)
  - Women’s Singles : Jeļena Ostapenko (Latvia)
  - Men’s Doubles : Ryan Harrison (United States) / Michael Venus(New Zealand)
  - Women’s Doubles : Bethanie Mattek-Sands (United States) / Lucie Šafářová (Czech Republic)
  - Mixed Doubles : Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) / Rohan Bopanna (India)

13 June

International NEWS Affairs

Britain and France have announced a new joint campaign to stop the internet from being a safe space for terrorists as they plan tougher action to tackle online radicalisation.
Israel has approved the construction of over 8,000 new homes in West Bank, making it the largest expansion of Jewish settlements in the area in 25 years.
Panama has established formal diplomatic ties with China and broke all of its relationship with Taiwan in a move that is seen as a victory for China in its drive to isolate Taiwan from the rest of the world.
- Note : China claims Taiwan as its own territory.
- Panama has established formal diplomatic ties with China and broke with Taiwan on 12 of June.

Key Notes:

Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said to media that Panama was upgrading its commercial ties with China.
Panama is establishing full diplomatic links with the second most important customer of its key shipping canal.
China has commended Panama for its decision.
The Panamanian government has announced that it is breaking its ‘diplomatic ties’ with Taiwan, and pledges to end all relations or official contact with Taiwan.
Panama is one of the Taiwan’s oldest friends. vi. Some diplomats in Beijing had speculated that the Central American country could become the next nation to break ties.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ingwen visited Central American allies earlier this year but did not stop in Panama.

About Panama :

♦ Capital : Panama City

♦ President: Juan Carlos Varela

♦ Vice President: Isabel Saint Malo

SRK, Salman, Akshay part of Forbes’ highest earning

The Forbes list of the ‘World’s HighestPaid Celebrities of 2017‘ has been topped by American rapper and entrepreneur Sean Combs, known by his more famous stage name ‘Diddy’, with earnings of 130 million dollars. It was published on 13th of June 2017.

Indian superstars Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar are among Forbes’ annual list of the highestearning entertainers in the world.

The list includes American singer and icon Beyonce on the second spot with earnings of USD 105 million.Author J K Rowling, is at number three with USD 95 million.

National nEWS Affairs

MHA panel to examine rules on people’s movement near Indo Myanmar border On June 12, 2017, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh decided to set up an expert committee to examine the rules which allows free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 kms of the border.
- The decision to setup the committee was taken by Rajnath Singh while chairing the meeting of IndoMyanmar Border States in Aizawl, Mizoram on June 12, 2017.
- The committee will be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
With 2.5 lakh Child labourers, Uttar Pradesh ranks first – CRY report As per a report released by Child Rights and You (CRY), Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of children (250672) engaged in labour.
- Over 8 lakh children in India between the age group 5 and 6 years are engaged in child labour.Over 60% of these children do not attend school. Majority of these kids are engaged in family based employments.
- Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of children engaged in labour, followed by Bihar (128087 children) and Maharashtra (82847 children).

Sikkim govt signs Mou with British Council

The Human Resource Development department of Sikkim government has signed a MoU with the British Council on 13 of June, 2017

Key Notes:

i.Objective: To enhance the quality of education in the state.

The MoU was signed by G P Upadhaya, additional chief secretary cum principal Human Resource Development department and Alan Gemmell, Head of British Council.

iii. The main aim of signing the MoU is to improve the educational structure of the schools of Sikkim.

The purpose of the MoU is to support the aims and aspirations of the young people of Sikkim through collaborative projects.
The CM of Sikkim also planned his vision to revolutionise Sikkim’s education and help children achieves greater feats in life.
The programme includes capacity building in teaching, learning and research pedagogy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Social Science teachers from undergraduate colleges and universities in Sikkim by UK higher education experts along with internship of young faculties at relevant UK Universities.

About Sikkim

Capital: Gangtok
Governor: Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil
Chief Minister: Pawan Chamling

Recent Committees in News

Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted an expert committee to examine the rules which allow free movement of people near Indo-Myanmar border.
- This expert committee would be headed by the special secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
BJP constitutes 3-member high level committee to consult political parties for reaching consensus on Presidential candidate.
- Members of this Committee :
  - M Venkaiah Naidu
  - Rajnath Singh
  - Arun Jaitley

New Appointments

Uber has appointed Wan Ling Martello, the Executive Vice President of Nestle in South Asia, as an independent board director.
- Note : Martello is only the second woman on Uber’s seven-member board after Arianna Huffington, who joined the board in April 2016.

Awards & Honors

‘Project Jal Sanchay’, a water conservation model which is successfully adopted in Nalanda district of south-central Bihar, has been chosen for the National Award for excellence inMGNREGP (Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee programme) by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- The award will be conferred on June 19 at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Science & Technology

In the first-ever study of dating Jupiter‘s age, an international group of scientists have confirmed that Solar System’s largest planet is also the oldest.
- Scientists showed through analyses of meteorites that Jupiter’s solid core was the first to form after the explosion of a nebula (cloud of dust and gas) 4.6 billion years ago, that led to Solar System’s formation.

Business & Economic Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to introduce a new batch of₹500 currency notes, which will have inset letter ‘A‘.
- However, old notes, which were introduced following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetisation move, will continue to remain legal tender.
- The note will bear the signature of RBI Governor Urjit Patel and will have the year of printing ‘2017’.
India’s retail inflation in May cooled to a record low of 2.18% from 2.99% in April, according to government data.
- May’s inflation level is the lowest since India began measuring consumer price inflation in 2012, and remains well below RBI’s 4% target for the seventh straight month.
- The drop was due to lower prices of pulses, cereals, and perishable goods.
Government imposes antidumping duty on Chinese ceramic items India has imposed an antidumping duty on import of ceramic table and kitchen ware items from China.

Key Notes:

The government has done to protect domestic industry against goods being sold at below normal value.
The antidumping duty imposed shall be levied for a period not exceeding six months (unless revoked, amended or superseded earlier).
The main reason of dumping is that the ceramic tableware and kitchenwareare being exported from China to India below its normal value.
The Directorate General of AntiDumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has recommended the imposition of provisional antidumping duty in order to remove the injury to the domestic industry

Current Sports Affairs

Golden State Warriors have been crowned NBA Champions for the fifth time after defeating LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the best-of-seven NBA Finals today.
In a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, South Korean President Moon Jae-inoffered to co-host the 2030 World Cup with rival North Korea and other northeast Asian countries in an attempt to promote peace in the region.
Virat Kohli has become the Top-ranked ODI batsman, rising two places in the ICC ODI rankings after scoring 157 runs in three matches in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
- Top 10 in the List
  - Virat Kohli (India)
  - David Warner (Australia)
  - AB de Villiers (South Africa)
  - Joe Root (England)
  - Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

24 June

International News Affairs

PM Narendra Modi will become the 1st foreign dignitary to have dinner at the White House with US President Donald Trump.
- Modi, who is on a three-day US visit, will have a working dinner with Trump on Monday, after a one-on-one interaction followed by bilateral meetings.
- Note: Modi is on a three-nation tour to USA, Portugal and Netherlands.
The Pakistan government has tasked the country’s National Council of Arts with the responsibility to rearrange the musical rendition of its national anthem ‘Qaumi Taranah‘ using a world class orchestra in order to represent cultural diversity.
- The anthem, which is also called ‘Pak Sarzamin‘, was written by Hafeez Jullundhri in 1952 and was officially adopted in 1954.
Egypt‘s parliament has approved President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s proposal to extend the state of emergency in the country for three more months.
- An emergency has been declared in Egypt since April after Islamic State-affiliated militant groups began targeting Coptic Christians, following which the government launched a crackdown on the attackers.

National News affairs

The urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu has today launched ‘City Liveability Index’, the 1st Liveability index which will rank the country’s 116 major cities on the basis of the quality of life.
- This index will cover cities with a population above one million, including the capital cities.
- The rankings based on the index would be released in 2018.
Telangana Cabinet has approved an ordinance which will make online rummy illegal in the state.
- The ordinance, which will now need Governor E S L Narasimhan’s approval, amends the Gaming Act to include and ban online gambling.

New Appointments

Palbinder Kaur Shergill has become the 1st turbaned Sikh woman to be appointed a Judgeof Canada’s Supreme Court of British Columbia today.
- She is going to replace Justice EA Arnold-Bailey, who retired on May 31.
Anantha P Chandrakasan, an India-born professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been named Dean of the University’s School of Engineering.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Imran Khawaja as its Deputy Chairman.

Science & Technology

The European Space Agency has approved €1.05-billion Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission that will search for minute ripples in space-time called gravitational waves.
Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal has launched Weather Portal for Power Sector & Web Portal titled ‘MERIT’ (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency).

BANKING, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC NEWS

The Indian government has today approved the proposal for setting up a Greenfield airport in Jewar (Greater Noida).
- This airport is likely to be operational in the next five-six years.
The United States of America (USA) has approved the sale of 22 Guardian drones India had sought for its navy.
- The deal, estimated to be worth $2-3 billion, is one of the key defence agreements that the US has approved ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s maiden meeting with President Donald Trump in the US next week.

AWARDS & HONORS

The United Nations today honoured West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with the highest public service award for her girl empowerment initiative Kanyashree Prakalpa.
The Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer ‘Sultan‘ won the Best Action Movie award at the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival.
Nisha Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Intellecap has received the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award at The 7th Asian Awards in London.
- With this, she became the 1st Indian woman leader to have been honoured with this award.

22 June

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Affairs

Aimed at minimising the risk of injuries and casualties, Philippines President Rodrigo Dutertetoday signed an executive order banning the private use of firecrackers in the country
According to the United Nations’ annual population survey, the Global population will hit 8 billion in 2023.
- The survey found that the world’s population has been increasing by roughly 83 million annually, and the number of people aged over 60 will top 1 billion next year.
- Important Note : According to this survey, India will overtake China to become the world’s most populous nation by 2024.
New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed an anti-child marriage law to increase the marriageable age from 14 to 18.
India and Russia are celebrating 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- To commemorate this, a series of events has been planned in Russia and in India during 2017.
- India will also be the Guest Country at the Petersburg International Economic Forumin June 2017.

National news Affairs

A total of 23 Guinness World Records were set at an International Yoga Day event in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 21st June 2017.
- More than 54,000 people participated in the event, beating the earlier record of most people doing yoga by a margin of over 18,000.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has designed flags to be displayed on the state’s IAS officers’ cars after the central government banned beacons.
- The flags for chief secretary and additional chief secretaries will be rectangular, while those of secretaries will be swallow-tailed and junior administrative grade or selection grade officers will get triangular flags.
The government has made it mandatory for the tuberculosis patients to submit their Aadhaar number for availing benefits under the Central government scheme.
- The move has been made to check fraud and corruption in government schemes.
In an attempt to prevent road accidents, police in Andhra Pradesh have launched a ‘Face Wash and Go‘ initiative on national and state highways from 1 AM to 4:30 AM.
- As part of the programme, the police stopped vehicles on highways and asked drivers to wash their faces.
Victims of acid attacks and people with autism, mental illnesses, and intellectual disabilitieswill get 1% reservation for central government jobs and promotions.
- The move has been proposed by the Department of Personnel and Training and includes vacancies, promotion quotas, and age relaxation.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), rural Uttarakhand and rural Haryanahave been declared as the 4th and 5th Open Defecation Free (ODF) States of India.
- Note : Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala have already been declared as Open Defecation Free.

People in News

The opposition led by Congress today announced former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as its candidate for the Presidential polls.
- The Dalit leader from Bihar, will contest the elections against BJP-led NDA’s candidate Ram Nath Kovind, who is also a Dalit.

Banking, Business & Economic news

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks to resolve 55 identified high value cases of bad loans within a period of six months.
- Otherwise, the central bank would examine those cases and refer for resolution under the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
- Earlier this month, RBI had identified 12 accounts for insolvency proceedings, which accounted for 25% of total bad loans of banks.
China today announced plans to link its economic corridor in Pakistan to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) involving India.
- The BRI is a part of China’s initiative to link Europe with Asia.
- Note: India has raised concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through PoK, as a threat to its sovereignty.

Science & Technology news

Social networking platform Facebook has announced India-specific tools that will let users set up a ‘guard’ on their profile picturesto prevent others from downloading and sharing them.
- Facebook also announced an Android-only tool that will prevent others from taking a screenshot of users’ profile pictures.
- Note: A blue border and shield will be displayed around the protected pictures.
The Delhi Metro has introduced its own smart watches, Watch2Pay.
- Watch2Pay will enable commuters’ faster entry and exit at metro stations.
- The watches, priced at ₹6,000 per year, made in partnership with an Austrian company, will have a sim card inside for recharging, but won’t require mobile network to function.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

US President Donald Trump’s top aide Kenneth Juster is set to be US’ new ambassador to India.
- Juster will replace acting US ambassador to India MaryKay Carlson.
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov to head the newly established UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), despite growing tensions between the US and Russia.
Rajiv Gauba was appointed as the new Home Secretary.
- He is presently working as a Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development.
Pakistan’s limited overs captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title, is set to be appointed as the captain of Pakistan’s Test team.
- The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman will be replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, who retired last month after serving as captain for seven years.

AWARDS & HONORS

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune has become the 1st recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding contribution to promotion and development of Yoga.
Indo-Canadian YouTube personality Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, was ranked 1st in the Entertainment category of 2017 Top Influencers list by Forbes.
- American YouTuber Tyler Oakley was ranked second.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated world number one Son Wan-ho for the second time in a week to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open Super series
- World number 11 Srikanth had earlier defeated the South Korean in the semi-finals of the Indonesia Open, which he eventually won.
- Note: Srikanth will face compatriot B Sai Praneeth in the quarters.
The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) chief N Ramachandranhas revealed that IOA has asked the government for permission to bid for the 2032 Olympics and 2030 Asian Games.
- Ramachandran said the IOA also wanted India to host the Asian Beach Games in 2020 alongside hosting 2020’s Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly meeting and the International Olympic Committee’s 2021 session.

11 June

International News Affairs

The United Nations held its first-ever Ocean Conference to renew member nations’ commitment to combatting rising sea levels, pollution, and harmful fishing practices for the protection of world’s waterways.
- This conference ended with the adoption by consensus of a ’14-point Call for Action’ to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
The voters of France began voting today in the first round of a parliamentary election.
- The vote to elect the lower house’s 577 members comes a month after the presidential victory of Emmanuel Macron, who requires a majority in the National Assembly to implement reforms he promised during his campaign.
Aiming to reduce emissions and promote sustainability to help India’s smart city programme, France and the European Union today extended a grant of€3.5 million (nearly ₹25 crore) to India.
- Nagpur, Kochi and Ahmedabad will get the grant as part of the EU’s commitment under the Paris Climate agreement for implementing the ‘Mobilise Your City’ (MYC) initiative.

National News Affairs

West Bengal’s capital Kolkata will get India’s first underwater metro system, which will pass through the Hooghly river.
- The first tunnel, which has been completed, is built 30 metres below the earth’s surface, near the Howrah Bridge.
- Note : This is the first time in India that a tunnel has been made under a flowing river.
The government has proposed to the Supreme Court an NEET-like examination to recruit judges to the lower judiciary.
- There were vacancies of 4,452 judges in subordinate courts in India as per the figures released on December 31, 2015.
- Besides the NEET model, the law ministry has also proposed a “centralised examination” that could be held by a “recruitment body”.

Awards & Honours

Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee will be honored with Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award.

Science & Technology

Israel is going to offer manufacturing of Spike hand held ‘fire and forget‘ Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) to India under Make in India.
- This comes as Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, also the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, will be on a four-day visit to Israel from today.
US-based aviation company Cirrus Aircraft has launched the world’s smallest and most affordable private jet called ‘Vision Jet‘ for ₹12.62 crore.
- The jet which had been in making for a decade has only one engine and can cruise at 555 kmph.
- It has a maximum operating altitude of 28,000 feet, and takes off from just 620 metres of runway.

Obituary

Adam West (88), who played Batman in American Broadcasting Company’s (ABC) 1960’s television series, has died of leukaemia.
- The actor also voiced characters from several shows including Rugrats, The Simpsons, Goosebumps, Johnny Bravo and SpongeBob SquarePants among others.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today announced that the GST Council has decided to reduce tax levels of 66 items.
- The council has lowered tax rates on insulin from 12% to 5%, packaged food including some fruits and vegetables from 18% to 12%, and agarbatti from 12% to 5%.
- Additionally, tax rate on computer printers has been lowered to 18%.
India has moved the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the US as it has not yet complied with the rulings of the WTO pertaining to imposition of high import duty on certain Indian steel products.
- In December 2014, the WTO’s appellate body pronounced a ruling against the act of US which is imposing high import duty on certain Indian steel products.
- It had ruled that the imposition of import duty on steel products was inconsistent with various provisions of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

Current Sports Affairs

Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko (20) became the first ever unseeded women’s singles player in the Open Era to win the French Open after defeating Romania’s Simona Halep in the final today.

Careers

The result of the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2017 were announced today morning.
- At least 1.7 lakh candidates had registered for the exam, which was held on May 21 and conducted by IIT Madras
- Sarvesh Mehtanifrom Panchkula, Haryana, has secured All India Rank 1 with 339 marks out of 366.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) today announced that candidates who bring any gadgets inside the examination hall will be barred from giving the exam in future as well.

It included all electronic gadgets like cellular/mobile phones, any other devices for communication, laptops, bluetooth devices, and calculators in the list of banned gadgets.

9 June

International News Affairs

The 17th SCO Summit is being held in Astana, Kazakhstan during 8th to 9th June 2017.
- Highlights :
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of this Summit.
- India and Pakistan joined SCO, potentially making way for joint military exercises in the future.
- India’s membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan’s entry into the group was backed by China.
- As an SCO member, India is expected to have a bigger say in pressing for concerted action in dealing with terrorism.
- Note : India and Pakistan signed the memorandum of obligations on 24 June 2016 at Tashkent, thereby starting the formal process of joining the SCO as full members
- About SCO :
  - SCO – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
  - Formed on – 26th April 1996
  - Headquarters – Beijing, China
  - Member Countries – 8 (India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)
  - Secretary General – Rashid Olimov
  - Deputy Secretaries General :
    - Sabyr Imandosov
    - Wang Kaiwen
    - Aziz Nosirov
    - Vladimir Potapenko
  - The upper house of the Japanese parliament today passed a legislation paving the way for 83-year-old Emperor Akihito to abdicate.
    - The law sets the stage for the first abdication of a reigning monarch in two centuries.
  - The UK elections today ended in a hung parliament, as PM Theresa May lost her parliamentary majority after calling an election to strengthen it.
    - Although May’s Conservative Party lost the majority, it emerged as the largest and was followed by the Labour Party.
    - The Conservative government will remain in office until it is decided who will form the new government.
  - India and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation have launched a partnership fund to promote sustainable development projects across the developing world.
    - Note : The India-UN Development Partnership Fund was launched on occasion of the World Oceans Day at a special ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

National News Affairs

Following the misuse of biometrics by a developer working for Aadhaar’s parent body UIDAI, new security features have been added to make the enrolment process secure.
- The previous system of taking biometrics allowed operators to store data.
- The new system will eliminate this vulnerability by attaching the biometric reader’s serial number with the fingerprint to generate an encrypted Personal ID.
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has launched a mobile Application ‘Selfie with Daughter’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
- This App is aimed at raising awareness among people about female foeticide and sex selection.
- Aim of this Campaign : To motivate society to feel proud to be parents of a girl child which in turn is expected to have a positive impact in improving the child sex ratio.
- Note : This campaign was started in village Bibipur, Jind, Haryana by a former Sarpanch Sunil Jaglan in June 2015.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced rates for home loans above ₹75 lakh by 10 bps.
- The revised interest rates will be 8.55% per annum for salaried women and 8.60% per annum for others.
- The revised interest rates on home loans by the SBI will come into effect from June 15 this year.
Wipro has become the first Indian IT firm to declare US President Donald Trump a potential threat to business, by officially mentioning it in its filings.

MOUs & Agreements

India has signed the OECD multilateral convention that aims to check cross-border tax evasion by multinational companies.
- This will modify India’s treaties to curb revenue loss through treaty abuse and profit shifting strategies by ensuring that profits are taxed where substantive economic activities generating the profits are carried out.
- Note : More than 65 countries signed the convention.
- OECD – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

8 June

International News Affairs

Today (8th June) is World Oceans Day.
- This is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.
- This day was officially recognized by the United Nations in late 2008.
- The 2017 World Oceans Day will coincide with the The United Nations Ocean Conference.
- Theme of World Oceans Day 2017 : “Our Oceans, Our Future
Today is World Brain Tumor Day.
- This day was initiated by German Brain Tumor Association in the year 2000.
- Aim of this Day : To spread awareness about this lethal disease.
Voting in UK’s general election began today with Conservative Party’s Theresa May and Labour Party’s Jeremy Corbyn contesting to become Britain’s next PM.
- The vote will determine who gets to negotiate Britain’s departure from the EU over the next two years.
The BRICS grouping has established a1 million dollar fund for boosting media cooperation.
- BRICS – Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa

National News Affairs

The government is planning to introduce “Digital Unique Identification”, such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport number for air travel, Union Minister Jayant Sinha announced today.
- Air travellers are already required to carry a copy of their identity while entering an airport.
The Centre has drafted a proposal to allow mercy killing of wild animals in order to control their population and also to save crops.
- Mercy killing involves killing animals for reasons of space, lack of proper centres, resources and personnel, according to the draft of the policy.
- The plan also recommends identifying the relevant procedures for mercy killing.
Health Secretary C K Mishra has inaugurated the ‘Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh’, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre at the Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) in New Delhi.
- This centre would be the largest public sector human milk bank and lactation counselling centre available in North India
The government has directed all colleges and universities to stop accepting students’ fees in cash and resort to digital modes from the next academic session.
- Campus canteens were “encouraged” to use the government’s BHIM payments app for all transactions.
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has cleared the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill 2017, and thus legalising Kambala. The bill will now be sent to the President for getting his assent.
- Kambala : This is the traditional slush track buffalo race that is held annually in coastal districts of Karnataka to entertain rural people of the area.

New Appointments

US Air Force’s Lt Col Raja Chari has been selected by NASA from over 18,300 applicants for its 2017 Astronaut Class.
- The 39-year-old, whose father hails from India, is the 3rd Indian-origin NASA astronautafter Sunita Williams and late Kalpana Chawla.
Flipkart-owned fashion e-tailer Myntra has appointed former Amazon and Snapdeal executive Jeyandran Venugopal as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
- Note : Venugopal would be Myntra’s third CTO in less than a year.
- He will replace Ajit Narayanan, who held the responsibility since September last year.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Retail giant Walmart has topped Fortune’s annual list of America’s top 500 companies for the fifth consecutive year with a revenue of $485.8 billion.
- Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway emerged at the second position on the list followed by tech giant Apple.
Oil marketing companies will extend the new pricing mechanism for fuel across India from June 16.
- Under the new system, companies won’t wait for 15 days to adjust prices, and instead change them everyday based on crude price movements.
- This will move India to an international fuel pricing standard and prevent losses due to crude movements over a 15-day period.
India ranked 15thin the global 4G availability list, according to OpenSignal’s State of LTE report, up nine places from its November 2016 rank of 24.

Awards & Honours

A minor planet in the Milky Way galaxy would be named after 16-year-old Sahithi Pingalifrom Bengaluru.
- The class 12 student represented India and finished second at ISEF, world’s largest international pre-college science competition, following which MIT decided to name a planet after her.
- She had developed a mobile application which obtains data by crowdsourcing to measure pollution in lakes.
Union Minister of Health and Family WelfareJ P Nadda has been conferred the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has surpassed the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, to become the top-ranked Indian institute according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
- Note : With rankings of 172 (IIT-Delhi), 179 (IIT-Bombay) and 190 (IISc), three universities have found a place in the top 200 for the first time.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian professional tennis player Rohan Bopanna has become the 4th Indian to win a Grand Slam, winning the French Open mixed doubles along with Canadian partner Gabriela Dabrowski today.
Forbes’ world’s highest-paid athletes list of 2017
- Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list followed by American basketball player LeBron James and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.
- Virat Kohli (89th Spot) is the only Indian and lone cricketer in Forbes’ world’s highest-paid athletes list of 2017.
- Tennis player Serena Williams is the only woman in Forbes’ 2017 list of world’s 100 highest paid athletes.
- Top 10 in the List :
  - Cristiano Ronaldo
  - LeBron James
  - Lionel Messi
  - Roger Federer
  - Kevin Durant
  - Andrew Luck
  - Rory McIlroy
  - Stephen Curry
  - James Harden
  - Lewis Hamilton

16 May

International News Affairs

African country Botswana is going to use India-manufactured Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)with the voter verifiable paper audit trail for its 2019 general elections.
- The commission has also invited professional hackers to hack an Indian EVM to test its reliability amid claims that they can be rigged.

MOUs & Agreements

India and Palestine today signed 5 agreements during the 4 day visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to India.
- They are :
  - MOU on agriculture cooperation
  - MOU on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holder,
  - MOU on cooperation in field of IT & Electronics
  - MOU on health sector
  - MOU on cooperation in the field of youth affairs and sports
- Indian Navy and the Space Application Centre have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Data Sharing and Scientific cooperation in the field of Meteorologyand Oceanology.

Science & Technology

ISRO is going to launch its most powerful rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-III in June this year.
- Being termed a “game changer”, it can carry satellites weighing up to 4.4 tonnes.
- With the introduction of the Mark-III, India will not have to rely on expensive foreign carriers to launch payloads above 2.2 tonnes in weight.
Rifath Sharook, an 18-year-old student from Tamil Nadu, has developed what he claims is the world’s smallest and lightest satellite.

Important Points to Note :
- Sharook, whose satellite will be launched by NASA in June, will be the first Indian student to have his experiment launched by NASA.
- The satellite, made using reinforced carbon fibre polymer, is named ‘KalamSat‘, after former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

National News Affairs

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar today announced that WiFi services will be launched in 38 Central universities, starting July this year.
- Further, all such universities will be connected with a National Knowledge Network (NKN) for information sharing.
- Some of the universities selected are DU, IGNOU, JNU, Aligarh Muslim University, Hyderabad University, Benaras Hindu University.
West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee has announced that school students across the state, irrespective of boards, will have to study Bengali as a compulsory subject upto Class 10.

New Appointments

French President Emmanuel Macron has named centre-right Edouard Philippe as his first Prime Minister, making his first major political decision a day after being inaugurated as the country’s leader.
Pradeep Amat elected as Speaker of Odisha Assembly following voice vote in House.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has launched the ‘Operation Clean Money‘ portal that aims “to create a tax-compliant society”.
- The portal will identify those who have made deposits or purchases not in line with the declared income.
- It will also enable transparent Tax Administration by sharing status reports, including an explanation of verification issues, and thematic analysis reports.
Indian Railways is going to charge 50-100 extra on the booking of lower berths as there is a high demand for these berths.
- The move, similar to airlines charging extra for window seats, is aimed to benefit senior citizens and those in need.
ICICI Bank cuts home loan rate by up to 3%for loans up to Rs. 30 lakh to promote affordable housing.
- With this reduction, salaried borrowers can avail home loans at among the lowest rates in the industry.

Awards & Honors

Chhavi Verg, an Indian-born, Hindi and Spanish-speaking business student, was named runners-up at Miss USA 2017.
- Note : Scientist and activist Kára McCullough, who works as a radiochemist with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that regulates nuclear plants, was crowned Miss USA 2017.

19 June

INTERNATIONAL NEWS AFFAIRS

Nepal will measure Mount Everest over a period of two years, amid fears the April 2015 earthquake could have affected its stature.
- The government of Nepal is set to measure the mountain, even though both Indian and Chinese institutions have offered their help.
- Note:Everest’s height is 8,848 metres but satellite images after the earthquake show the mountain may have shrunk.
The Australian government today announced that Indian nationals can apply for visitor visas online, starting July 1.
- This will offer benefits like 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of visa application charges and the ability to check application status.

Key Notes:

In the first four months of 2017 alone, the department of immigration and border protection granted more than 65,000 visitor visas to Indian nationals.
It will offer benefits like the ability to check the status of applications lodged online, all through the department’s Immi Account portal.
It will also offer benefits like 24/7 accessibility, electronic payment of the visa application.

Australia:

♦ Capital: Canberra

♦ Currency: Australian dollar

French President Emmanuel Macron‘s party has won a clear parliamentary majority.
- Weeks after his own presidential victory, with nearly all votes counted his La République en Marche, alongside its MoDem allies, won more than 300 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.

NATIONAL news affairs

As many as 65 countries will be celebrating ‘Azadi ke 70 Saal‘, a festival marking 70 years of Indian independence this year.
- The celebrations will start with a Rasleela, storytelling about Lord Krishna and Gopis (his female friends), in Hungary this month. The celebrations featuring folk artists, traditional cuisine and literary exhibitions, will be held in USA, Brazil, Vietnam, etc.
Union Minister Hansraj Ahir today announced that the Centre is planning to set up ‘cow sanctuaries‘ and initiate ‘Project cow‘ on the lines of Project Tiger.

PEOPLE IN NEWS

BJP chief Amit Shah today announced that Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind will be BJP-led NDA’s candidate for the upcoming Presidential poll.
- Kovind had been BJP’s Dalit Morcha chief from 1998-2002 and also served as the party’s spokesperson.
- Narendra Modi has already talked to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh to apprise them of the decision, so there are maximum chances for Kovind to be elected as the next President of India.
- Note: The election to India’s top post is scheduled to take place on July 17.

BANKING, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC news

Nearly three months after Article 50 was triggered, Britain and the European Union today in Brussels started negotiations on the terms on which UK will leave the bloc after 44 years of membership.
- The negotiations come amid continued uncertainty in UK after PM Theresa May failed to secure a Parliamentary majority which could have strengthened her position in the negotiations.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) completes 1000 earth days in orbittoday, which is more than 5 times the number of days it was designated to last.
Two Chinese supercomputers Sunway TaihuLight and Tianhe-2 have been declared the fastest machines in the world, according to a list released today by researchers in the US and Germany.
- Note:Switzerland’s Piz Daint and the US’ Titan took the third and fourth positions respectively.
China is going to send mini-ecosystems comprising of potato seeds and silkworm eggs to the Moon by next year.
- The move is aimed at studying how the organisms develop in Moon.

CURRENT SPORTS AFFAIRS

India’s hockey team registered its biggest win over Pakistan with the final tally of 7-1 in the Hockey World League 2017 Semi-Final.
- This was India’s 56th win over Pakistan in the 168th match between the two nations.
Pakistan won their first ever Champions Trophy title after beating defending champions India by 180 runs in the tournament final on Sunday.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Pakistan last won an ICC ODI tournament 25 years ago when they had lifted the 1992 World Cup.
  - The match was only the third instance of India being beaten by the arch-rivals in an ICC tournament.
- Indian wrestler Jinder Mahal defeated 14-time WWE champion Randy Orton to retain his WWE Championship at Smackdown’s Money in the Bank event today.
- India won six medals in the Wushu competition of the 1st ever BRICS Games, which concluded in Guangzhou, China today.

6 May

International News Affairs

Today (6th May 2017) is International No Diet Day.
- This day is an annual celebration of body acceptance, including fat acceptance and body shape diversity.
- Note: The symbol of International No Diet Day is a light blue ribbon.
A law banning excessively thin models has come into effect in France, and ‘unhealthily skinny’ models will not be allowed to work in the fashion industry unless they provide a doctor’s medical certificate.
- The health ministry explained the aim is to fight eating disorders and inaccessible ideals of beauty.

National News Affairs

The world’s first “ladies special” suburban train, which runs in Mumbai, has completed 25 years.
- Prior to its launch, women commuters were forced to travel in cramped regular ladies compartments.
- Note : At present, the Western Railway operates eight ladies special services daily, divided equally during the morning and evening peak hours.
The Supreme Court today asked the state governments to issue a notification to include children affected with HIV in the disadvantaged group for imparting free, compulsory education under the 2009 law.
Capital punishment has been carried out in 4 instances in India since 2000.
- Yakub Memon was hanged till death in 2015 after being convicted in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case.
- Afzal Guru was executed in 2013 while Pakistani militant
- Ajmal Kasab was hanged in 2012.
- Dhananjoy Chatterjee was hanged in 2004 for rape and murder.
- Note : The four convicts in Nirbhaya gang rape case will be hanged soon as the Supreme Court confirms death sentence.
The government has declared the entire Assam as a “disturbed” area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for another 3 months.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today announced that it will soon launch a smartphone app which will allow people to rate the service quality of their call after the call ends.
- It also announced that it will further bolster the existing ‘Do Not Disturb’ system, which helps people to avoid calls from telemarketers.

Awards & Honors

Saqib Majeed, a Kashmir based freelance photographer has bagged prestigious 2016 Wisden-MCC (Melbourne Cricket Council) Cricket ‘Photograph of the Year’ Award.
- With this he has become the first Kashmiri and second Asian after Atul Kamble to receive the prestigious award.

New Appointments

In a bid to improve their efficiency, the Indian government today appointed heads for 7 Public Sector Banks. They are :
- Sunil Mehta – Punjab National Bank
- Dinabandhu Mohapatra – Bank of India
- Usha Ananthasubramanian – Allahabad Bank
- Melwyn Rego – Syndicate Bank
- Rajkiran Rai G – Union Bank of India
- A. Sankara Narayanan– Vijaya Bank
- Subramaniakumar – Indian Overseas Bank

Obituaries

India’s first woman High Court Chief Justice and Delhi High Court’s first woman judge, Justice (retired) Leila Seth (86), passed away.
- She was the mother of noted author Vikram Seth (A suitable boy, Two lives)
Swimming legend Adolph Kiefer (98), USA’s oldest living gold medalist in any sport, died today in Illinois aged 98 after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.
- He won the 100-meter backstroke at the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a 17-year-old, creating an Olympic record that stood for 20 years.

Science & Technology

The recently launched GSAT-9 / ‘South Asia Satellite‘ became the 1st Indian spacecraft to use an electric propulsion system (EPS).
- It significantly reduced the payload weight as the satellite carried only 80kg of chemical fuel for its 12-year-long mission, 25% of the fuel otherwise needed.

Sports Current Affairs

Boxer Shiva Thapa won a Silver medal at the Asian Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan today.
- With this he became the first Indian to claim three back-to-back medals at the event.
India’s men’s hockey team clinched the Bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, after defeating New Zealand 4-0 in Malaysia today.

9 May

International News Affairs

World Thalassemia Day was observed on 8th May 2017.
- This day is observed every year on 8th of May to increase the awareness about this disease among common public all through the world.
- Note : Celebrating World Thalassemia Day on 8th of May was established by the World Health Organization in order to raise the public awareness about this disease, prevention measures and measures to avoid its transmission.
- Theme of World Thalassemia Day 2017 : ‘Together for Humanity’
India has been unanimously elected as the President of the UN-Habitat, an organ of the United Nations to promote sustainable human settlements across the globe.
- UN-Habitat reports to the United Nations General Assembly.
- Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who is currently in Nairobi in Kenya, will chair the four-day meeting of the 58-member Governing Council (GC) of UN-Habitat there from today.
- Note: Since the UN-Habitat came into being in 1978, it is the third time that India has been elected to lead this organisation after 2007 and 1988.

National News Affairs

The Maharashtra government today banned the sale of ‘High in Fat, Salt and Sugar’ (HFSS) food in school canteens across the state.
- Furthermore, schools have been asked to replace the junk food items with healthy food such as whole grain, home-made rotis, parathas, rice, etc.
All Uttar Pradesh government officials above the age of 50, who are found unfit by the government will compulsorily be asked to retire, CM Yogi Adityanath ruled today.
- The officials will be judged on the basis of performance, punctuality and public image.
- The CM has directed to make the list of unfit officials ready by June 30.
Union Minister of State for Aviation Jayanta Sinha today announced that the Centre will bring 200 airports under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional air connectivity scheme.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all the state governments to link prisons with courts through video conferencing in order to expedite trials and to save costs of escorting undertrials to courts.

People in News

In a first, a Supreme Court bench found Justice CS Karnan of the Calcutta High Court guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to six months in prison.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

TheReserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to introduce new batches for settlement of payments through the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) from July 10.
- The RBI said additional settlements in the NEFT system at half-hour intervals are being introduced to enhance the efficiency of the system and add to customer convenience.
- Note : NEFT is a widely-used online payment system regulated by the RBI that allows inter-bank transfer of funds.
Apple today briefly touched $800 billion market valuation, making it the world’s first ever company to hit the milestone.
- The world’s most valuable company, Apple is followed by Google parent Alphabet, and Microsoft in market valuation.

New Appointments

Seasoned diplomat Venu Rajamony, currently Press Secy. to President of India Pranab Mukherjee, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands.
One of Pakistan’s senior-most diplomats, Sohail Mahmood, will replace Abdul Basit as Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to India.
US President Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American Neil Chatterjee as a Member of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
- FERC is an agency responsible for overseeing America’s power grid and deciding on multibillion-dollar energy projects.

Awards & Honors

Konkona Sen Sharma has been named the Best Actress for the film ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ at the 17th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival.
- She also received the Best Director award for her directorial debut, ‘A Death in the Gunj’.
- Note : ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ was the opening film at the film festival.

Current Sports Affairs

World Basketball governing body Basketball Federation of India, FIBA revises its earlier rule banning players from wearing headgear.
- This move will enable India’s Sikh players to wear turbans and play in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers in China.

12 May

International News Affairs

Today (second Saturday of May) is World Fair Trade Day.
- This day was created by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) in 2004.
- This is the annual day of celebration recognising those in the fair trade supply chain, run by The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
- Theme of World Fair Trade Day 2017 : ‘Human Chains for Fair Trade and the Planet’
India is set to skip China’s two-day Belt and Road Forum starting from Sunday due to sovereignty concerns on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a part of China’s One Belt One Road project.
- Note: India-China relations have been strained recently over multiple issues including China’s blocking of India’s NSG membership attempt and its support to Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar.
India moved up to the 26thspot in the Global electricity accessibility rankings of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index.
- India was at the 99th position in 2014; it jumped 73 ranks in 2016.
Brazil has declared an end to its public health emergency over the Zika virus, 18 months after the outbreak in 2015.
- The number of cases dropped 95% between January and April, compared to the same period a year ago.
- Note : The World Health Organisation had lifted its own international emergency in November last year.

MOUs & Agreements

Nepal and China today signed a framework agreementon Beijing’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, days ahead of a summit in Beijing to showcase President Xi Jinping’s ambitious plan to build a modern day Silk Road.

National News Affairs

Nagpur is set to become India’s first city to get a fleet of electric cabs.
- The pilot project will see around 200 electric cabs in Nagpur and the local body will also provide charging stations across the city.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Gujarat for 5 districts of the state.
- PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) is an ambitious scheme of Narendra Modi Schemes under which the government provides affordable houses to the homeless people at affordable cost.
- Under housing for all scheme, the central government will provide houses to the people who are living under Below Poverty Line and other categories also.
Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi has announced that all future elections in the country will be held using Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines along with the electronic voting machines.
- The move comes amid series of allegations by political parties, including Mayawati’s BSP and Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, that voting machines were tampered with during the elections.
The Uttar Pradesh government is going to make Saturdays as ‘no school bag day‘ in the state-run schools.
- As per the proposal, the school kids would be allowed to come to school without school bags so that they can enjoy the creative activities.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) for pneumonia in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
- There are over 90 different types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause a range of problems including ear infections and serious chest infections pneumonia.
- This vaccine would help health department to control the pneumonia and child mortality rate.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The US is close to completing a series of Arms deals with Saudi Arabia totalling more than $100 billion which could surpass over $300 billion over a decade.
- Note : Saudi Arabia is leading a military coalition in Yemen which has been accused by UN of carrying out attacks that “may amount to war crimes”.
The Centre today exempted NRIs, citizens above 80 years, and residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Meghalaya from having to mandatorily quote their Aadhaar numbers to file income tax returns.
- Note : Earlier, the Centre had announced in this year’s Union Budget that Aadhaar card will be compulsory for filing income tax returns and obtaining PAN cards from July.
New Changes Introduced by SBI
- SBI has revised service charges on various cash transactions effective June 1, including a Rs. 25 charge on withdrawing money from an ATM through SBI’s mobile wallet app.
- Customers will be charged for exchanging more than 20 soiled notes and of value above Rs. 5,000.
- Basic Savings Bank Deposit account customers will get four withdrawals, including ATM withdrawals, free in a month.

Awards & Honours

The 112-foot tall bust of ‘Adiyogi‘ Lord Shiva at the Isha Yoga Foundation in Tamil Nadu has been declared the world’s largest bust (sculpture) by the Guinness World Records.
- The bust, unveiled by PM Narendra Modi earlier this year, refers to the source of Yoga and symbolises the 112 methods of self-transformation that the first Yogi offered.

New Appointments

Actor Amitabh Bachchan has been appointed as World Health Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East Asia Region.
- He has been appointed to boost awareness and intensify action to stop the spread of hepatitis.

Science & Technology

India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas today successfully demonstrated an air-to-air Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile firing capability.
- The Derby BVR missile destroyed a maneuverable aerial target with pinpoint precision at the Interim Test Range in Odisha’s Chandipur.
- Note : The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft.
A massive ransomware Cyber Attack dubbed WannaCry, targeted computers in 99 countries including India today, with more than 57,000 attacks detected so far, cyber security firms Kaspersky and Avast have confirmed.
- Russia was the worst hit country, witnessing over 70% of the affected computers, while India was third on the list.
NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer successfully completed the 200th spacewalkfor the $100-billion International Space Station (ISS).
- Note : ISS’ first spacewalk was conducted on December 7, 1998, by NASA astronauts Jerry Ross and Jim Newman.
Pune-based doctors will conduct India’s first womb transplantation next week when they will transfer two uteri from healthy donors to two recipients, who are unable to bear children.
- Note : Womb transplantation was first performed in Sweden in a 16-hour-surgery in 2012 and the first baby, born to the recipient in 2014, was delivered prematurely by caesarean section in a healthy condition.

Current Sports Affairs

Former cricketer VVS Laxman has been awarded honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

21 June

International news Affairs

Today (21st June) is World Music Day (Fête de la Musique)
- This day is celebrated in an attempt to promote peace and spread goodwill through melodies.
- The day is originated in France in 1982 and is now observed in over 120 countries.
- Aim of this day: To encourage free and accessible concerts or events for the public.
India is Afghanistan’s most reliable regional partner, the Pentagon has recently announced in its first Afghan report.
- The report further stated that India provides training opportunities for Afghan officers.

China unveils World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks

China has unveiled world’s first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal rails. This Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) has been developed by China’s CRRC Zhuzhou Institute

Salient Features of World’s First Train that runs on Virtual Tracks:

The train can move at a maximum speed of 70 km/hour. Instead of railway tracks, the train runs on rubber tyres.
The 30metre train has three carriages as of now and can carry 300 passengers. More carriages can be added – taking the total capacity up to 500 passengers.
This train is equipped with sensors that allow it to read the dimensions of roads and plan its own route.
It is environment friendly as it is powered by electricity. On a full charge, the train can travel for distances up to 40 km.
China plans to build a 6.5kilometre ART line through downtown Zhuzhou for this new train and operations will start some time in 2018.

Railway facts:

♦ The Qinghai Tibet Railway, China – World’s highest train journey.

♦ Beipanjiang River Railway Bridge, China – World’s highest railway bridge

♦ India is building world’s highest rail bridge in Jammu and Kashmir over river Chenab

National news Affairs

3rd International Yoga Day is being celebrated today with participation of Crores of people around the world.
- PM Narendra Modi participated in International Yoga Day celebrations in Lucknow along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik.
- Speaking at the third edition of the festival, Modi said the UN had accepted his proposal in record time to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day.
- Modi also described yoga as a “free life insurance”.
Under Kaushalya Karnataka scheme, the Karnataka government is going to launch a skill development programme for providing vocational training to domestic workers, which includes people employed as cooks, house help and gardeners.
- The month-long certification programme, aims to help workers learn standardised skills in their line of work to enable them to access better employment opportunities.
The Karnataka government has re-introduced garbage bins in Bengaluru after seventeen years.
- Bengaluru’s municipal corporation will install 2,232 pairs of bins for wet and dry waste across the city at a cost of over ₹4 crore.
- Note : Earlier, Bengaluru followed a dustbin-free policy and garbage was collected by municipal workers from door-to-door.
Mumbai will get a suite of floating restaurants by 2018.
- These restaurants will be located on multiple decks of a ship sailing between Gateway of India and Girgaum Chowpatty.

New Appointments

Saudi Arabia has relieved Muhammad bin Nayef as Crown Prince, replacing him with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s son Mohammed bin Salman.
- Note : Salman, who is now first in line to the throne, was also named Deputy Prime Minister.
India has re-nominated Justice Dalveer Bhandari for another term as a Judge at the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations
- Bhandari was elected in 2012 and his current term runs through February 2018.
- Note: The ICJ elections will be held in November and if elected, Bhandari will serve another term of nine years.

People in News

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Daniel Day-Lewis, known for films like Lincoln, My Left Foot and Gangs of New York, has announced his retirement from acting.
- Phantom Thread, scheduled to release on December 25, is likely to be Daniel’s last film.

Obituary

Padma Shri-awardee Predhiman Krishan Kaw (69), widely considered the father of India’s nuclear fusion programme, has passed away.
- He founded the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR),Gandhinagar, which built India’s first tokamak fusion device.
Italian fashion designer Carla Fendi (79), the former President of the luxury fashion brand Fendi, passed away today.
Veteran actor Amrit Pal (76) passed away.
- Pal, who made his Bollywood debut with the Jeetendra-Sridevi starrer film ‘Jaal’, was known for his negative roles.

Banking, Business & Economic news

The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled a specially designed two-dollar coin, or ‘toonie‘.
- This is world’s first glow-in-the-dark coin to enter circulation.
- The coin features two people paddling under the Northern Lights.
- The coin, created to mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation, is also the world’s first coloured bimetallic coin.
The government has asked banks and post offices to deposit demonetised ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes collected by December 30, 2016, with the RBI within 30 days.
- Further, cooperative banks have also been allowed to exchange old notes collected by them by November 14, 2016.
- Entities that don’t submit the notes will have to provide reasons for the same.
Mumbai is the most expensive Indian cityfor expatriates and is ranked above major cities like Paris, Canberra, Seattle and Vienna, a report by consulting firm Mercer revealed.
- Globally, Mumbai was ranked 57 on the list while New Delhi was ranked 99.
- Further, the capital of Angola, Luanda was named the costliest city globally for expats followed by Hong Kong.
The first cargo flight of the Afghanistan-India air freight corridorcarrying Afghan goods to India landed in New Delhi today.
- The flight from Kabul to Delhi was packed with 60 tonnes of Afghan plants with medicinal uses.
- The new air corridor aims to boost trade between India and Afghanistan to $1 billion in three years.

Science & Technology

Estonia will be opening the world’s first-ever data embassynext year in Luxembourg, to keep backup files of its vital information on cloud servers and double secure its data digitally.
- Luxembourg has been chosen as the location for the embassy, since it has capabilities to provide a high level of security for the stored data, Estonian PM Jüri Ratas said.
June 21 marks the beginning of summer in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, referred to as the ‘summer solstice’, the year’s longest day and shortest night.

Current Sports Affairs

Anil Kumble stepped down as Team India coach today amid reports of a rift with Virat Kohli Following his, BCCI has named its general manager MV Sridhar as the supervisor for the Windies tour.
- Meanwhile, Sanjay Bangar and R Sridhar are set to continue as the Batting Coach and Fielding Coach respectively.
- Note: Under Kumble, India won Test series against West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.

17 June

International news affairs

Today (17th June 2017) is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
- This day is a United Nations observance with the purpose highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought. Each annual celebration has a different theme. It should be celebrated all over the world.
- Theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2017: “Our land. Our home. Our Future”

Swedish Parliament voted 254-41 in favour of adopting a climate bill and pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045to tackle climate change.
- The target demands at least 85% reduction in Sweden’s greenhouse gas emissions from its 1990 levels.
- Important Note : This makes Sweden the first country to significantly strengthen its climate targets since the Paris Agreement in 2015.

National news AFFAIRS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated Kochi Metro, Kerala’s first metro rail system
- Modi, along with other dignitaries including ‘Metro Man’ E Sreedharan and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, took a ride on the 13-km long stretch inaugurated in the first phase.
- The Kochi Metro, which started in 2012, was commissioned in 45 months, the shortest time among all Indian metro services.

The Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution, seeking curtailment of the powers granted to Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

Awards & Honors

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s mother-in-law Annabel Mehta has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her 40 years of work and service to the underprivileged communities in Mumbai.
- The award will be presented to her at an official ceremony at the Buckingham Palace in London later this year.

American singer Katy Perry today became the 1st ever person to hit 100 million (10 crore) followers on microblogging site Twitter.

Syama Sanju was declared the Queen of Dhwayah, the winner at Kerala’s first ever beauty pageant for transgender women.
- Jaz D’souza was crowned the first runner-up while Harini Chandana came third from among fifteen participants.

A ceremonial Bat-Signal was lit up at Los Angeles’ City Hall to honour late actor Adam West, known for his portrayal of Batman in American Broadcasting Company’s (ABC) 1960’s television series.

France has named the medieval village of Kaysersberg as its favourite village of the year, beating 12 contenders.
- It won the title because of its architecture and friendly locals, according to reports.

Banking, Business & Economic news

India and Switzerland are going to start exchanging financial account information starting 2019, with the Swiss government formally ratifying the global convention for information exchange on tax matters with 38 countries today.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has introduced “APY@eNPS“, providing a complete digital enrolment process for Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
- The ministry asked the subscribers to link their Aadhar with APY for availing co-contribution.
- Note: APY was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and presently, the scheme has over 54 lakh subscribers.

The Central Vigilance Commission has asked public sector banks not to report frauds below ₹1 lakh to local police, unless their staff is involved.
- Cases of up to ₹1 lakh and not below ₹10,000 are to be scrutinised by bank officials for further action, CVC said.
- The decision was taken amid practical difficulties faced by banks in reporting such cases.

Science & Technology

NASA and US-based researchers have revealed plans detailing various missions that could be sent to Uranus and Neptune by mid-2030s.
- The proposed missions include orbiters and a fly-by around the icy planets.
- Note: NASA’s Voyager 2, launched in 1977, has completed flybys of all four gas giants in Solar System- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, before heading towards interstellar space.

New Appointments

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Thursday nominated Ana Brnabić as the Prime Minister of the country.
- With this, she became the country’s first female and first openly gay Prime Minister.

Obituary

John Avildsen (81), the Oscar-winning director of 1976 boxing saga Rocky and 1984 karate drama The Karate Kid, passed away.

Former German Chancellor and architect of Germany’s reunification, Helmut Kohl (87), passed away.
- He led Germany for 16 years, making him the longest-serving German chancellor since Otto von Bismarck.

Current Sports Affairs

The Indian hockey team defeated Canada 3-0 in their second match in the Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017
- Note : India will next face Pakistan on Sunday, the same day the Indian cricket team faces Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final.

15 June

International news Affairs

Today (15th June) is ASEAN Dengue Day.
2017 ASEAN Dengue Day Theme : “United Fight Against Dengue”
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
- This day was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.
- The purpose of this day is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
- Theme of WEAAD 2017 : “Understand and End Financial Abuse of Older People: A Human Rights Issue”
India 60th most innovative globally, China at 22nd – Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017
- India has ranked 60 on the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2017. The index has been coauthored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organisation.
- Global Innovation Index 2017 – Top 5:

Rank Country

1 Switzerland

2 Sweden

3 Netherlands

4 United States of America

5 United Kingdom

NATIONAL NEWS Affairs

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan inaugurated the 16th North East Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) Conference at Imphal today.
- The conference will deliberate on themes such as ‘North East and Look East Policy’, ‘Special plan for development of railways and airways for speedy economic development of North East region’, and ‘Setting up of a chapter of Speaker’s Research Initiative (SRI) in the region’.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a Twitter handle called Bharat Ke Veer for a fund to help the families of paramilitary personnel martyred while fighting extremists.
- Note : The app and website ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ was launched in April by the Home Minister with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.
Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) across country to reduce child deaths due to
- Through this initiative, Ministry will mobilize health personnel, State govts and other stakeholders in controlling disease which one of the most common childhood illnesses.

Employees who got jobs using forged scheduled or backward caste certificates will be dismissed, the Centre has announced today.
- All government departments have been asked to collect details about such appointments from organizations under them.
- The move assumes significance as over 1,800 appointments, majorly in financial sectors, were allegedly secured through fake caste certificates, official data revealed.

MOUs & Agreements

India and South Korea today signed an agreement for$10 billion assistance for infrastructure development projects in India, including smart cities.
- Note : With this agreement, South Korea has become one of the first non-G-7 countries to become an ODA contributor in India.
South Korea :

♦ Capital: Seoul

♦ Currency: South Korean won

The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum today signed an agreement to jointly set up the world’s largest refinery and petrochemical complex in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Science & Technology

Asgardia, the first-ever country planned to be floated in space would be launching its maiden satellite in August, billionaire founder Igor Ashurbeyli announced today.
The satellite launch is aimed to test the concept of long-term data storage in space, off Earth limits.
People can sign up to become “Asgardians” and send their data into space, said Ashurbeyli.

China launched its first-ever X-ray space telescope, also its second space telescope, today to study the evolution of black holes.
The 2.5-tonne telescope was sent into an orbit of 550 km above Earth.
The telescope would also help scientists study how to use pulsars (fuel-exhausted rotating stars) for spacecraft navigation, and look for gamma-ray bursts corresponding to gravitational waves.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Israeli author David Grossmanhas won the Man Booker International Prize for his novel “A Horse Walks Into a Bar“.
With this, he has become the first Israeli author to win the Man Booker International Prize.
He will share the £50,000 ($64,000) award money with his translator Jessica Cohen.
Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair won the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award for the film Queen of Katwe at this year’s Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards.
Elizabeth Banks won the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film and Tracee Ellis Rosswon the Lucy Award for Excellence in Television.

Banking, Business & Economic news

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the second time this year, citing continued economic growth.
The US central bank voted to raise its key rate target to a range of 1% to 1.25%, the highest level since 2008 financial crisis.
The bank further said it would begin cutting its bond holdings and other securities this year.
India has waived off a cumulative₹3.1 lakh crore ($49.1 billion) in farm loans till date, a report by data journalism firm India Spend has revealed.
The amount is 2.6% of the country’s GDP in 2016-17, or 16 times the amount sanctioned for rural roads in 2016-17.
However, waivers have had little to no impact on farmer suicides, the study revealed.
The government is contemplating daily revision of CNG prices similar to daily fuel price revision, which is going to be implemented across the country from June 16.
Currently, oil marketing firms fix the prices of diesel, petrol and CNG on a fortnightly basis.
According to the ‘One Family at a Time’ study conducted by the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Indians working across the world had sent home USD 62.7 billion in 2016 making India the top remittance-receiving country surpassing China.
- Top Remittance Receiving Countries :
  - India
  - China
  - Philippines
  - Pakistan
- Top Remittance Sending Countries :
  - US
  - Saudi Arabia
  - Russia

New Appointments

Law expert Neeru Chadha has been elected to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas (ITLOS).
With this election, she has become the first Indian women to be appointed as a judge at the ITLOS.
TCS executive Ramanathan Ramanan to head Atal Mission under NITI Aayog
Under the Niti Aayog Ramanathan Ramanan has appointed as the Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission.

Key Notes:

Ramanan is presently working with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
He has been appointed to the post “without pay and allowances” but with the provision of entitlement for government accommodation at New Delhi and all other official expenses including travel.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment in the rank of Additional Secretary to Government of India.
He has been appointed on secondment basis from the TCS, initially for a period of two years, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) .

About Atal Innovation Mission

The Atal Innovation Mission is the Centre’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Its objective is to serve as a platform for promotion of worldclass innovation hubs, startup businesses and other selfemployment activities, particularly in technology driven areas.

Current Sports Affairs

Yuvraj Singh has became the 5th Indian and the 19th overall to feature in 300 ODIs, after facing Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy semifinal today.
Yuvraj, who began his ODI career in the Champions Trophy in 2000, has scored over 8,500 runs and picked over 100 wickets in his 17-year-long ODI career.

16 June

International news AFFAIRS

India wins Re-Election to United Nations Council On Economic, Social Issues.
- India is among the 18 countries re-elected to the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for another three-year term.
- India obtained 183 votes, the second highest after Japan in the Asia Pacific category.
- Note : Pakistan, whose term on the Council is expiring this year, was also seeking re-election but lost as it got only one vote.

Britain and the European Union are going to start Brexit negotiations on June 19 as planned initially.
- Note : Britain had been a member of the EU for 44 years.

The United Nations General Assembly has approved the establishment of anew United Nations office of counter-terrorism to help Member States implement UN’s global counter-terrorism strategy.
- UN will now transfer the relevant functions out of the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) into the new body.

India ranks 75th in environmental impact survey says Report
- India has ranked 75 in environmental impact survey conducted by UKbased

Money Super Market. The survey highlights the individual contribution to the world’s climate and also outlines areas for improvement for each country.

More information about Environmental Impact Survey:

The survey has been topped by Southern African country. Mozambique as almost all its energy use comes from green sources.
India ranked dismal 75th, with renewable energy making up only 15.2% of all energy used; only 2.2% of waste water being recycled, and municipal waste of 0.34 kg per person being generated daily.
Although Mozambique has topped the survey, its neighbouring country South Africa has fared poorly ranking at 95 However South Africa has performed better than developed economies such as US, Canada and Australia.

NATIONAL NEWS aFFAIRS

Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister KP Anbazhagan has announced that all transgender students will get free education in the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli.
- A monthly stipend of ₹3000 for “meritorious students” was also announced.

OBITUARY

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) PN Bhagwati(95), who is credited with introducing the concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), passed away.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Ireland‘s Parliament today voted 57-50 to confirm Indian-origin minister Leo Varadkar as the country’s new Prime Minister.
- With this, the 38 year old has became the country’s youngest and first gay Prime Minister.

AWARDS & HONORS

Noted writer Yeshe Dorjee Thongshiwas honored with the 5th Bhupen Hazarika National Award 2017.
- This award honours an outstanding literary work at national and international level.

The Salman Khan starrer 2016 film Sultan (Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar) is set to be screened at Shanghai International Film Festival 2017.

BANKING, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC NEWS

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for opening bank accounts as well as for financial transactions of ₹50,000 and above.
- Existing bank account holders have been asked to furnish their Aadhaar number by December 31, 2017, failing which the account will become invalid.

The merger between Flipkart and eBay India has been approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
- Note : The CCI’s approval is necessary for the formal completion of any acquisition and merger deals in the country.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved $150 million equity investment loan to the India Infrastructure Fund.
- Important Note : This loan will be the bank’s first equity investment to fund private projects.

China, ADB launch green financing platform to fight pollution
- China and the Asia Development Bank (ADB) have launched a green financing platform to cut pollution in the smoghit BeijingTianjinHebei region on 16 of June 2017.

Key Notes:

The financing platform was launched by the ADB and the China National Investment and

Guaranty Corporation (I&G), the State Development and Investment Corporation (SDIC), as

well as China’s finance ministry and National Development and Reform Commission.

China selected five regions this week to take part in pilot government green

financing schemes.

It would explore new green credit mechanisms, including the granting of loans that accept

emission trading earnings as collateral.

The bank late last year approved a loan of 458 million euros ($510.58 million) for the

platform.

The government is only expected to provide around 1015 percent of the 34 trillion yuan

of green investment China needs every year over the next five years.

ADB :

♦ Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines

♦ Founded: 19 December 1966

♦ President: Takehiko Nakao

MOUS & AGREEMENTS

US Defence Department Pentagon has signed a deal to selldomestically manufactured F-15 fighter jets for $12 billion to Qatar despite President Donald Trump criticising the Gulf nation for allegedly supporting terrorism.
- The sale which aims at increasing security cooperation and interoperability between the two nations signals US support for Qatar which has been facing regional isolation.

Current SPORTS NEWS

India defeated Bangladesh by 9 wickets to reach the Champions Trophy 2017
- Now India will face arch-rivals Pakistan.

Kolkata is going to host an exhibition match between Real Madrid Legends and Barcelona Legends on September 15.
- This match will be a tribute to Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff.

India’s Skipper Virat Kohli has created a record by becoming the quickest batsman to score 8000 runs in one-day international cricket beating South Africa’s AB de Villier’s record by seven fewer innings.

31 May

International News Affairs

Today (31st May) is World No Tobacco Day.
- This day is an annual awareness day sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and encourage governments to adopt effective policies to reduce smoking and other tobacco use.
- Theme of World No Tobacco Day 2017 : “Tobacco – a threat to development”
Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Spain in nearly 30 years, after he reached the country yesterday’s night.
- The previous Indian PM to visit Spain was Rajiv Gandhi, in 1988.

MOUs & Agreements

India and Spain have signed 7 agreementsfollowing talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Mariano Rajoy at the Moncloa Palace in the Spanish capital.
- The agreements signed were :
  - Agreement for Transfer of Sentence Persons
  - Agreement on visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports
  - MoU between Foreign Service Institute and Diplomatic Academy of Spain
  - MoU on Cooperation in Cyber Security
  - MoU on Cooperation in Organ Transplantation
  - MoU on Cooperation in Renewable Energy
  - MoU on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation
- Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)which markets its product under the brand name ‘Amul’ has signed an MoU with ISRO for fodder acreage assessment using satellite observation and space technology.
- India and Germany has inked 12 agreements after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Modi and German chancellor Angela Merkel on a range of issues like trade, skill development, cyber security and terrorism.
- India and Fiji have signed an MoU on defence cooperation after the delegation level talks between Minister of Defence, Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley and the Minister of Defence and National Security of Fiji, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in New Delhi.
  - The MoU envisaged cooperation on defence industry, military training, humanitarian assistance & disaster management.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

3 day India Mobile Congress 2017 (IMC 2017) is scheduled to be held from 27th to 29th September 2017 in New Delhi.
- This is the first time India is hosting its own mobile mega show.
- Note : With a total subscriber base of over 1.18 billion, Indian telecom market is the second-largest in the world after China.
The Indian Railways has introduced ‘Buy Now, Pay Later‘ service for passengers to book tickets online first and make payment for the reservations within a window of 15 days.
- The facility, which allows passengers to travel after five days of booking the ticket, is available for confirmed, waitlisted, and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) berths.
The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Income Tax Department has the powers to seize undisclosed money even from bank accounts not owned by a person being probed, as long as the department is satisfied the money belongs to that person.
MoS for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha today announced that India has emerged as the world’s third largest aviation market, with passenger traffic exceeding 10 crore in 2016-17.

New Appointments

The Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has appointed a renowned social and educational activist George Kurian as Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities.
- The other appointed members of the National Minority Commission are :
  - Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi (Chairman)
  - Sulekha Kumbhare
  - Sunil Singhi
  - Vada Dasturji Khurshed Kaikobad Dastoor
  - Important Points to Note :
    - For the first time a Jain member (Sunil Singhi) has been appointed to the panel after the community was notified as minority in January 2014.
    - Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi and Jain are the six notified minority communities in the country.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli has become the only cricketer to get featured in the top 10 of the ICC Players Rankings for ODIs as he managed to stick to the third spot in the ODI batsman’s chart.

Careers

The results of the Civil Services Examination 2016 were declared by the Union Public Service Commission today.
- The top three positions were secured by Nandini KR, Anmol Sher Singh Bedi andGopalakrishana Ronanki A total of 1,099 candidates were recommended for appointment based on the written examinations held in December 2016 and a personality test.

4 June

International News Affairs

Today (4th June) is International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
- This day affirms the UN’s commitment to protect the rights of children.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started the final leg of his six-day, four-nationEuropean trip with a visit to France.
- He held bilateral talks with newly – elected French President Emmanuel Macron.
- The two world leaders discussed a wide range of issues including counter-terrorism, trade as well as the Paris climate agreement of 2015.
- India and France decide to cooperate in fight against terrorism and climate change.
- Modi invited Macron to visit India.
- Macron to visit India towards the end of this year for a meeting of the International Solar Alliance.
Nepal Parliament is going to elect a new Prime Minister today.
- Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba likely to be elected.

National News Affairs

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today announced that women will soon be inducted in combat roles in the Army, the process for which has started.
- Currently, women are only allowed in medical, legal, educational, signals and engineering wings of the Army.
- Note : Most countries do not allow women in combat roles, with USA, UK and Germany being among the few who do.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Tax rates on various commodities under GST
- The GST Council today cleared the pending rules, including transition provisions and returns, with all the states agreeing to roll out GST from July 1.
- The Council has fitted over 1,200 goods and 500 services in four tax brackets.
- The Council announced that Gold, silver, and processed diamonds will be taxed at 3% under GST.
- The tax slab for footwear below ₹500 has been fixed at 5%, while more expensive footwear will be taxed at 18%.
- Readymade garments will be taxed at 12%, while apparel costing below ₹1,000 will attract a tax of 5%.
- The Council has fixed the tax rate for biscuits at 18%.
- Yarn and fabric cotton will be under the 5% tax slab.
- Beedis will be put in the highest tax bracket at 28% without cess.

Science & Technology

Elon Musk-led aerospace startup SpaceX successfully launched a used Dragon spacecraft for the first time in the company’s eleventh cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- The mission marked the 100th launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, which was also used for the first moon landing missions.
- Dragon is carrying instruments for first-ever neutron stars’ study by NASA.
India test-fired its indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM)for the first time from Chandipur, Odisha today.
- The QR-SAM, developed jointly by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Ltd. for the Indian Army, is an all-weather, truck-mounted missile system with a range of 30 kilometres.
- It is intended to replace the Army and Navy’s ageing quick reaction air defence systems.
The first ever developmental flight of the launch vehicle GSLV Mark III D-1 (GSLV Mk III D-1) will be held tomorrow by the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, and the 25-and-a-half hour countdown for the epoch making launch will begin at 3.58 pm today at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta.
- The most powerful ever rocket developed by the ISRO, will lift off the communication satellite GSAT-19 to a Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit GTO in space, after its ignition at 5.28 hours on Monday.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian shuttler Sai Praneeth won the Men’s singles title at the Thailand Open, defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the final today.
- This is the first Grand Prix Gold win and second title in a row for Praneeth, who had won the Singapore Open earlier this year.
Real Madrid became the first team to win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, defeating Juventus 4-1 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff today.

8 May

International News Affairs

Today is World Red Crossand Red Crescent Day.
- This day is an annual celebration of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s principles.
- This year marks the 67th year of the celebration, which was first officially celebrated in 1948.
- Theme World Red Cross Day 2017 : “Less Known Red Cross Stories”.
- Important Note : The day is also the birth anniversary of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s founder Henry Dunant.
  - He wonfirst Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
- To mark the 156th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, India is going to organise Tagore cultural Festival in Egypt from 8th to 12th
  - This Festival will be organised by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), which is the cultural wing of the Indian Embassy in Cairo.

National News Affairs

The Maharashtra government has declared its Bhilar village in the Satara district as India’s first ‘Pustakanche Gaav’(village of books).
- As many as 25 locations around the village have been turned into reader hot-spots with display of books.
- Inspired by Britain’s Hay-on-Wye town, the aim of the project is to promote the “culture of reading” and boost tourism.
The Centre has allowed emergency vehicles, including those of police, defence and paramilitary forces, to use multicoloured beacons having red, blue and white colours.
- Further, duties relating to disaster management have also been permitted to use such lights.
The strategic anti-Naxal operations command headquarters of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been shifted back from Kolkata to Raipur.
- Note : In 2010, the central zone command headquarters was shifted from Raipur to Kolkata owing to logistics and connectivity issues.

Awards & Honors

Hollywood Actress Emma Watson today won the 1st ever genderless Best Actor award for her role in Beauty and the Beast at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has cut its interest rate for home loans up to ₹30 lakh by 0.25% to 8.35%, while those above ₹30 lakh saw a cut of 0.10%.
- Note : Last week, SBI cut its term deposit rates by up to 50 basis points for amounts below ₹1 crore.
3 India-born citizens are among top 5 richest people in Britain, according to the Times Rich List 2017.
- Hinduja Brothers Srichand and Gopichand have topped the list to become the top of 134 billionaires in the country.
- David and Simon Reuben, of Iraqi Jewish origin but Mumbai-born, have been ranked the third-richest with an $18 billion fortune.
- Steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal is UK’s fourth-richest with $17 billion.
Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated India’s First Integrated Bio‐refinery for Renewable Fuels & Chemicals for producing ethanol from a variety of biomass.
- The plant is situated at Rahu in Pune district of Maharashtra.

New Appointments

Former French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron has been projected as the 25th President of France based on exit polls after the final round of voting in the presidential elections today.
- The 39-year-old centrist will be the youngest ever leader of the country.
Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has been appointed the Coach of Fujairah FC, a second-tier football club in the UAE.

Current Sports Affairs

India ended the Grand Prix of Liberation Plzen 2017 Shooting championships with 7 medals after Indian shooter Heena Sidhu claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 10-metre Air Pistol event today.

19 May

GST Council Announces GST Rates

The GST Council headed by finance Minister Arun Jaitley has finalised tax rates and has approved all the seven rules for the GST regime that is scheduled to be implemented from July 1. The remaining two rules of the GST pertaining to transition and return is under the examination of the legal committee. In total, the council has fixed the rates of 1211 items. It will decide rates of some other items and services in the coming days. Salient Highlights Out of 1211 items, 81% of the items will attract tax of 18% or less. Only the remaining 19% of items will attract a highest rate of 28% Household items like Sugar, Tea, Coffee and edible oil will attract 5% levy. Cereals and milk will be exempted from the tax. Manufactured goods will attract 18% levy. Luxury cars will attract 28% GST in addition to a cess of 15%. Small petrol cars will attract 28% GST plus a 1% cess, and diesel cars will be taxed at 28% plus 3% cess. Capital goods, a key asset for the manufacturing sector, will be taxed at 28%. Aerated drinks will fall under the 28% tax bracket.

Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-17 between Indian & Republic Of Singapore Navy Commences

The 24th bilateral exercise involving Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy has commenced in South China Sea. SIMBEX stands for ‚Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises”. The exercise will be held from May 18, 2017 to May 24, 2017. This edition of the bilateral exercise aims at increasing the interoperability among the two navies as well as developing a common understanding and procedures among the two navies for maritime security operations. The major thrust of the exercise will lie on AntiSubmarine Operations (ASN), integrated operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface Forces, Air Defence and Surface Encounter Exercises.

Indian Scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni Wins Prestigious Dan David Prize

Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the prestigious Dan David prize as a recognition for his contributions made in the field of astronomy. Shrinivas Kulkarni, a professor of astrophysics and planetary science at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, is a pioneer in the field of timedomain astrophysics. He has been credited for building and conducting the Palomar Transient Factory, which is a large-area survey of the night sky that has turned up with thousands of stellar explosions. Shrinivas kulkarni would share the award with Andrej Udalski of the University of Warsaw and Neil Gehrels of NASA for their discoveries on time-domain astrophysics in the ‚Future‛ category of the prize. With this award, Shrinivas Kulkarni will join other prominent Indians who have won the Dan David prize like noted author Amitav Ghosh, music conductor Zubin Mehta and renowned chemist CNR Rao.

Indian Army gets its First Artillery Gun in 30 Years

Nearly after 30 years after the induction of Bofors howitzers, Indian Army will get its first artillery guns called M777 from BAE Systems. Swedish Bofors guns were inducted in late 1980s after which Army has not inducted any modern artillery guns. The two M777s has arrived in New Delhi and will be tested at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan. The two M777 guns will be used for compilation of firing tables. Indian Army has plans to equip 169 regiments with 3,503 guns by 2020.

International Court of Justice directs Pakistan to stay Kulbhushan Jadhav’s execution till its final verdict

The International Court of Justice at Hague today stayed the execution of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav who was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on charges of espionage. Ruling in favor of India, which moved the UN’s highest judicial body against the death sentence, the ICJ President Ronny Abraham directed Pakistan to take all necessary measures at its disposal to ensure that Jadhav was not executed till it takes a final decision.

Tata Group Named Country’s Most Valuable Brand in Brand Finance List

Brand finance in its 2017 report that lists India’s 100 most valuable brands has named Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India at an estimated brand value of 13.1 billion. Brand Finance is a global brand valuation and strategy consultancy firm. Tata Group has managed to top the list despite its brand value declining 4% from 13.7 billion in 2016. As per the report, the total brand value of India’s top 100 brands have surged 15% in 2017 compared to the global average of 11%. Overall 68 of India’s 100 most valuable brands have registered growth in value this year. Telecom operator Airtel at an estimated valuation of 7.7 billion has been ranked second in the list followed by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) with 6.8 billion. IT firm Infosys and State Bank of India have been ranked fourth and fifth in the list with an estimated value of 6.2 billion and 5.5 billion respectively.

BSNL Signs MoU with Facebook and MobiKwik

BSNL has inked agreements with Facebook and MobiKwik in order to popularize the internet and its value added services among its customers. Further, BSNL has also signed a third MoU with Disney Land India to offer premium online gaming services to its mobile customers. The series of MoUs signed by BSNL comes at the backdrop of a stiff competition faced by BSNL from private telecom companies like Airtel and Reliance Jio.

Anti-dumping duty imposed on Chinese chemical, aluminium foil

India has imposed anti-dumping duty on a Chinese chemical used in pharma industry and aluminium foil to protect domestic industry from cheap imports. While an anti-dumping duty of up to 1.63 US Dollar per kg was imposed on aluminium foil, up to 8.71 US Dollar per kg duty was slapped on imports of amoxicillin, used in pharmaceuticals. The duty on both the products would be effective for a period of five years, the finance ministry has said in separate notifications. The commerce ministry’s investigation arm, Directorate General of Anti dumping and Allied Duties, DGAD in the separate probe had concluded that these products were dumped into India and that has caused material injury to the domestic industry.

Key Asian stocks fall amid concern about political developments in US

Key Asian stocks fell, today, amid concern about political developments in the US. Key Asian markets also lost ground. So Japan’s Nikkei 225 index slipped 1.3 percent; Singapore’s Straits Times index lost 0.1 percent; South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.3 percent, each; China’s Shanghai Composite index declined 0.5 percent; and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index shed 0.6 percent. In Europe, the UK’s FTSE-100 had tumbled 1.4 percent, Germany’s DAX had lost 0.9 percent, and France’s CAC-40 had slumped 1.2 percent in intra-day trade. While stocks flashed warning lights again, the dollar steadied and seemed to be going for the ‘calm down’ option.

US Justice Department names former FBI Director Robert Mueller as a special prosecutor to probe possible collusion between President Trump and Russia

In the United States, the Justice Department has named former FBI director Robert Mueller as a special prosecutor to oversee a probe into Russia’s alleged interference in the Presidential election. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said it is in the public interest to bring an outsider to oversee the investigation. Calls for a special prosecutor to probe the matter have risen since President Donald Trump fired the FBI Director James Comey last week.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave Passes Away

Union environment minister Anil Madhav Dave has passed away. He was 60. Anil Madhav Dave was born in Badnagar of Madhya Pradesh on July 6, 1956. He is a Member of Parliament representing Madhya Pradesh. Dave was first elected to Rajya Sabha in 2009. Last year, he was sworn in as a minister with independent charge of environment, forest and climate change. He was very passionate on implementing environmental projects including conservation of the Narmada river. He had also founded an organisation called ‘Narmada Samagra’ for conservation of Narmada.

Veteran film actor Reema Lagoo dies after a cardiac arrest in Mumbai Veteran film actor Reema Lagoo died in Mumbai this morning after a cardiac arrest. She was 59. She is survived by a daughter. Reema had complained of chest pain last night and was rushed to hospital where she breathed her last. “Over the course of her career, Reema Lagoo became Hindi film industry’s favourite actor who played the mother’s role to the biggest stars in the industry like Salman Khan ( in Maine Pyar Kiya), Akshay Kumar (in Gumrah and Yeh Dillagi), Sridevi (in Jai Kishen), Madhuri Dixit (in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!), Juhi Chawla (in Qyamaat se Qayamat tak), Sanjay Dutt (in Vaastav) and Shah Rukh Khan (Kal Ho Na Ho). Her other popular films include Aashiqui, Kuch Kuch hota hain, Saajan and Hum Saath Saath hain. She was critically acclaimed for her acting in Rui Ka Bojh (1997).

2 June

International News Affairs

Today (2nd June) is International Sex Workers Rights Day.
- This day honours sex workers and recognises their often exploited working conditions.
In a move honouring his campaign promise,US President Donald Trump today pulled the country out of the Paris climate agreement.
- The US would join Syria and Nicaragua as the world’s only non-participants in the 195-nation accord which is the first legally binding global deal to fight climate change.
The US has granted emergency approval for a new questionnaire asking US visa applicants social media handles of the last five years and biographical information of the last 15 years.
- Officials can request prior passport numbers, addresses and employment history.
- While the questions are voluntary, failure to provide the information may delay or prevent the processing of visa applications.
PM Narendra Modi will arrive Paris, France tonight.
- There he will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron tomorrow.
The SCO’s summit is going to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 8th and 9th June 2017.
- This summit will complete the admission proceduresfor India and Pakistan’s admission to the China-backed Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

MOUs & Agreements

India and Russia today signed 5 MOUs. They are :
- Agreement between the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent) and the Council of India on Scientific and Industrial Research to provide access to Rospatent experts to the Indian Digital Library of Traditional Knowledge (TKDL).
- An agreement for the construction of the third stage of the Kudankulam NPP (KK5 & KK6) along with the Credit Protocol been signed between NPCIL and ROSATOM.
- An agreement on cultural exchanges for a period of two years (2017-2019).
- Contract between JSC (Russian Railways) and the Ministry of Railways on the preparation of the justification for the implementation of the high-speed service at the Nagpur-Secunderabad section.
- Memorandum of cooperation between ALROSA Joint Stock Company and the Council for the Promotion of the Export of Precious Stones and Jewellery of India.

National News Affairs

The state of Telangana is celebrating the 3rd anniversary of its foundation.
- Telangana is 29th state of India, which came into being on June 2nd 2014, after Andhra Pradesh was split into two states —Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Capital : Hyderabad
  - Total Districts : 31
  - Official Languages : Telugu, Urdu
  - Chief Minister : K Chandrasekhar Rao
- The Haryana government has changed the name of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).
  - The state’s Health Minister Anil Vij said HUDA was often misunderstood as it rhymed with the name of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
- From July, Odisha will commission the ambitious Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS)to warn the vast population residing along its 480 km-long coast in the event of the occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or a cyclone.
  - Note : Andhra Pradesh is also reportedly developing such system to alert the people in case of natural calamities.

Awards & Honours

Indian-origin student Ananya Vinay today won the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee contest, held annually in the United States of America.
- She spelled French word ‘Marocain’, a dress fabric made of silk or wool, to win the contest.
Indian film Ralang Road has been chosen to compete for the top prize at the 52nd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic this year.
- The film has been nominated for the Crystal Globe Award along with eleven other films.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

China has overtaken India to become the World’s Fastest Growing Economy after India reported slow economic growth for the fourth consecutive quarter.
- In the last quarter of the 2016-17 fiscal, India had a 6.1% growth, as against China which recorded a growth rate of 6.9% during the period.
- The GDP growth for the year also fell from 8% to 7.1%.
Bharti Airtel has got approvals from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) for the proposed scheme of merger with Telenor (India) Communications Private Ltd.
- Bharti Airtel now has filed the joint company application before the New Delhi Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal for approval.

Science & Technology

The land version of the short range surface–to–surface ballistic missile Prithvi-II was successfully test-fired from a defence base off Odisha coast.
- The test was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army with logistics support from DRDO.
Social media giant Facebook is developing a new app called ‘Talk‘ for teenagers that would come with parent-centric features.
- With the new app, parents would be able to see and filter the people to whom their children are talking to.

Books & Authors

A new Middle-earth love story by JRR Tolkien (‘Lord of the Rings’ author)has been published 100 years after being written.
- ‘Beren and Lúthien‘ has been referred to as a “personal story” written after Tolkien returned from World War One’s Battle of the Somme.

Current Sports Affairs

The West Indies cricket team has been officially renamed as ‘WINDIES‘ while the West Indies Cricket Board has rebranded itself as ‘Cricket West Indies’ on its 90th anniversary.
- The new name will apply to all teams representing the Board and will be used on all team playing shirts.
Manika Batra and Mouma Das become 1st Indian pair to reach quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships in Dusseldorf.

14 May

International News Affairs

Today (2nd Sunday of May) is Mother’s Day.
- Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.
- Theme of Mother’s Day 2017 : “Every Mother knows”

UJALA (UK Joins Affordable LEDs for All), the world’s largest efficient lighting programme, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Piyush Goyal in London today.
- This programme aims to increase LED penetration in UK.
Voting has begun today in Nepal’s first local-level polls in two decades, a landmark moment in the country’s transition to democracy.
- At least 49 lakh people are eligible to vote in the election in which nearly 50,000 candidates are contesting for the position of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairman and Ward Member in 283 municipalities.
Two warships of the Indian Navy today reached Malaysia on a 6-day visit to step up maritime cooperation, including effectively containing piracy in the Indian Ocean region.

National News Affairs

As per recently released Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2017,Kerala has been declared as the State with the best governance in the country for a second straight year.
- The index judged the states on important themes such as infrastructure, social protection, law and order, and environment, among others.
- Top 5 in the List :
  - Kerala
  - Tamil Nadu
  - Gujarat
  - Himachal Pradesh
  - Karnataka
- PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s longest river bridge, the 15-km-longDhola-Sadiya bridge near the China border, on 26th May 2017.
  - Situated over the Brahmaputra river at an aerial distance of around 100 km from the Chinese border, the bridge can withstand the weight of a 60-tonne battle tank.
  - Note: The Bridge’s construction began in 2011 at a cost of Rs. 950 crore.
- The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to form ‘Maa’ committeesto keep an eye on mid-day meals served to students in state-run primary schools.
  - Each ‘Maa’ committee will have six mothers, from all sections of society, whose students are studying in that school.

New Appointments

Emmanuel Macron today sworn-in as the President of France.
- With this, 39 year old Macron has become youngest President of France.
- He takes over from François Hollande, whose five-year term was plagued by high unemployment figures.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Income Tax Department has launched a facility allowing people to correct errors in their PAN and Aadhaar details.
- The links for corrections are available on gov.in, the department’s e-filing website.

MOUs & Agreements

The US and China have signed a 10-point trade dealthat opens the Chinese market to US credit rating agencies and lifts China’s ban on US beef imports and shipments of liquefied natural gas.

Current Sports Affairs

Wrestler Bajrang Punia won the Gold medal in the men’s 65 kg final at the Asian Wrestling Championships, defeating South Korea’s Lee Seung-chul in Delhi today.
- Note : This is India’s first gold at the tournament, after Olympians Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat won silver medals earlier.
Ramudri Someswara Rao has won a Gold medal in the men’s 200-metre T44 event at the 2017 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in China today.
- Indian para-athlete Hokato Sema won a bronze medal in the shot put event.
Indian dairy cooperative Amul will sponsor the New Zealand cricket team for the upcoming Champions Trophy in England.
- Note: Amul had earlier sponsored Netherlands in the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

11 May

International News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Colombo, Sri Lanka to attendInternational Vesak Day (Buddha Jayanti) celebrations from 12th to 14th May 2017.
The Vatican is celebrating the big-bang theory.
- The Vatican Observatory has invited leading scientists and cosmologists to talk black holes, gravitational waves and space-time singularities as it honors the late Jesuit cosmologist considered one of the fathers of the idea that the universe began with a gigantic explosion.
- The May 9-12 conference aims to help correct the notion that the Roman Catholic Church was hostile to science.
The 2017 Moscow Victory Day Parade was recently took place in Red Square in Moscow.
- Russia observed this parade to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany (Soviet Union’s triumph over Hitler) in 1945.
- In a show of strength, over 10,000 Russian troops marched with ballistic missiles, armoured tanks, and new aircraft systems to mark the day.

National News Affairs

Today (11th May) is observed as the National Technology Day to commemorate India’s technological achievements, including the initiation of ‘Operation Shakti’ (Pokhran-II) at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan in 1998.
- Following Operation Shakti, erstwhile Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee then declared India a full-fledged nuclear state, making it the sixth country to join the “nuclear club”.
- National Technology Day 2017 Theme: ‘Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth’.
India’s leading overseas education consultant Edwise is organising the World Education Fairacross 12 cities from May 13 to 28.
A 5-judge benchheaded by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar has begun hearing petitions challenging the practice of Triple Talaq.
- Important Note :
  - These five judges are from 5 different communities, namely,
    - J S Khehar (Sikh)
    - Kurian Joseph (Christian)
    - R F Nariman (Parsi)
    - U U Lalit (Hindu)
    - Abdul Nazeer (Muslim)
  - Kochi Metro is going to employ 23 members from the Transgender community.
    - Note : This is the 1st time a government owned company has formally appointed members of the transgender community.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Bengaluru has topped the list of most affordable tech cities in the world followed by Cape Town and Santiago, according to the Savills Tech Cities Index.
Paytm has signed a non-exclusive term sheet to acquire Snapdeal-owned payments platform FreeCharge.
- Note : The term sheet being non-exclusive means that Snapdeal will be able to propose FreeCharge to other potential buyers as well.
Indian Railways is going to acquire End of Train Telemetry (EoTT) systems, to do away with the need of guards stationed in the last coach of trains.
- The systems will be used to establish communication between the driver and the last wagon, ensuring that the train is running with all wagons.

People in News

Canadian singer and songwriter Justin Bieber on Wednesday performed at his first ever concert in India at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, where he waved the Indian flag towards the end of the concert.
- The 23-year-old singer performed his songs including ‘Baby’ and ‘Cold Water’.

New Appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of 1982 West Bengal cadre IAS officer Sanjay Mitra as the next Defence Secretary.
- Prior to this appointment, Mitra was the secretary in the ministry of road transport and highways.
French cosmetics company L’Oréal Parishas named Val Garland as its Global Makeup Director.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian wrestler Harpreet Singh (80kg) has won Bronze medal in Greco- Roman category at Asian Wrestling Championship.

30 May

International News Affairs

In a crackdown on child sex tourism, Australia will ban convicted paedophiles from leaving Australia and cancel their passports.
- The new laws, to be introduced in Parliament, will apply to convicts while they are on the offenders’ register.
- Paedophile meaning :a person who is sexually attracted to children.

National News Affairs

Today isHindi Journalism Day.
- On this day in the year 1826, the first Hindi newspaper of India called Udant Martand (The Rising Sun) was edited and published.
- With this, the Hindi Journalism completed its 187 years in India.
Goa is celebrating its30th Statehood Day
- It was on this day in 1987 that Goa became the 25th state of India.
- It was a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu from December 1961 onwards when Goa was liberated from the colonial rule.
The government is going to bring 14 new categories, including acid attack survivors, under the Disability Act, 2016.
- Currently, it provides benefits to seven categories including blindness, hearing impairment, mental illness and leprosy.
- The new categories which will be added include muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, thalassemia, multiple disabilities (two or more disabilities).
The government today launched the ‘Darwaza Band’ campaign supported by the World Bank, to promote the use of toilets and freedom from open defecation across the country.
- Note : Several Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Anushka Sharma will help promote the campaign.
Goa CM Manohar Parrikar today announced that buying or selling of plastic bags in the state will be an offence from July and defaulters can be fined up to ₹5,000 for it.
In support of the Indian Army, Cricketer Gautam Gambhir has started a campaign titled #SoldierSelfies.
- Under this campaign he asked people to take selfies with soldiers and post them on social media with the above hashtag.
Mumbai MLA Bharati Lavekar has launched India’s first digital bank for sanitary pads on the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on Sunday.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon put into circulation new notes in One Rupee denomination while existing notes and coins will continue to be legal tender.
- Features of this new Rupee Note :
  - The new notes, printed by the Government of India, will be predominantly pink-green in colour.
  - The design on the reverse side will consist of the picture of ‘Sagar Samrat‘, the oil exploration platform.
  - The notes will have the watermark of Ashoka Pillar in the window.
  - The notes will have the hidden numeral ‘1’ in the centre and the hidden word ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) vertically arranged on the right.
  - They will also feature a replica of new one rupee coin with ₹ symbol of 2017.
- Russia’s largest bank Sberbank is going to deliver cash via drones, its Deputy Chairman Stanislav Kuznetsov has announced today.
  - The cash delivered through the drones would come with certain security features like permanent ink taint to catch the thieves red-handed.

Awards & Honours

6th Lonely Planet India Travel Awards
- Thailand was named the world’s best destination for relaxation
- Austria was named the Best destination for Romance
- Spain was named the Best destination for food and drink
- Japan was named the Best destination for culture.
- Singapore was named the Best family destination.

New Appointments

The UN has appointed Indian Supreme Court advocate and human rights lawyer Indira Jaisingto lead a probe into alleged rape, torture, and killings by security forces against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

Obituaries

Yoshie Oka (86), the first person to raise the alarm outside Hiroshima that the Japanese city had been hit by an atomic bomb, has died today.
- Oka, who was then 14 years old, was working in Hiroshima as a communications operator at an underground command centre of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Veteran Telugu director-actor Dasari Narayana Rao (75) passed away.
- The two-time National Award-winning filmmaker has directed over 140 films.
- He is known for films like ‘Premabhishekam’, ‘Meghasandesham’, ‘Osey Ramulamma’ and ‘Tata Manavadu’.
- Note : He held the record for directing the most number of films

25 May

Today (25th May) is International Missing Children’s Day.

Emblem of International Missing Children’s Day : forget-me-not flower
Today is Towel Day.
- This day is celebrated every year on 25 May as a tribute to the author Douglas Adams by his fans.
- On this day, fans openly carry a towel with them, as described in Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy or share their folded animal towels to demonstrate their appreciation for the books and the author.
Mumbai has been ranked the world’s second most densely populated city with 31,700 people per sq km, by the World Economic Forum (WEF) citing UN Habitat Data.
- Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka topped the list with 44,500 people per sq km.
- Rajasthan’s Kota has been ranked the world’s seventh most densely populated city with 12,100 people per sq km.
- Top 10 in the List
  - Dhaka (Bangladesh)
  - Mumbai (India)
  - Medellin (Columbia)
  - Manila (Philippines)
  - Casablanca (Morocco)
  - Lagos (Nigeria)
  - Kota (India)
  - Singapore
  - Jakarta (INdonesia)
- Bihari delicacy litti-chokha will represent India at the5-day World Street Food Congress to be held in the Philippines capital,
- Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as ‘Prachanda’, resigned today honouring a power-sharing agreement between his party and the ruling Nepali Congress party.
  - Prachanda resigned just nine months after coming to power, weeks ahead of the final round of local body elections which are taking place for the first time in over two decades in the country.

National News Affairs

The Minister of State for Communications Manoj Sinha has launched3 new initiatives. They are :
- BSNL’s Satellite Phone Service :
  - The service will cover areas where no networks are present and will be provided by INMARSAT which has 14 satellites.
  - This service will be initially offered to government agencies and later opened for others citizen in phased manner.
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanchar Kaushal Vikas Pratisthan Scheme :
  - This is a skill development scheme named after RSS ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya that will train rural youth to maintain mobile towers, repair optical fibres and fix other communication technologies across India.
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Award Scheme : The government will reward people doing innovative work in the telecom space under this scheme.
It is not mandatory to provide age proof for Aadhaar enrolment but a valid document is required to correct the date of birth registered for the unique identity, UIDAI announced today.
Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma has launched Swachh Bharat app at the National Museum in New Delhi today.
- This app will enable visitors to report garbage on the premises of the ASI monuments across the country.
- Around 30 galleries in the National Museum have already been equipped with a device that will make use of the intranet to connect to the app.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Union Cabinet today approved abolition of foreign investment regulator the Foreign Investment Promotion Board(FIPB).
- The 25-year-old body responsible for approving foreign investment proposals was constituted under the Prime Minister’s Office in the wake of the economic liberalisation of the early 1990s.
- Note : In the Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to abolish the body.
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for allocating 5%of the Central Road Fund (CRF) for the development of the National Waterways.

New Appointments

Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led Digital wallet Paytm has added 3 independent directorsto its newly-launched Payments Bank’s board.
- PV Bhaskar – Former Executive Director of RBI
- Ash Lilani– Co-founder and managing partner at Saama Capital
- GS Sundararajan – Former Director at Shriram Group
- Note : The Payments Bank is being led by Paytm’s Vice President of Business, Renu Satti.

15 May

International News Affairs

Today (15th May) is International Day of Families.
- The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families.
- This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.
- Theme of International Day of Families 2017 : “Families, education and well-being”

National News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the river conservation project ‘Narmada Seva Mission‘.
- This project is a road-map for steps to be taken for the conservation of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
In order to ensure round-the-clock security to passengers including women,Indian Railways will install 19,000 high definition CCTV cameras at over 983 stations across the country under the Nirbhaya Fund at an approved cost of Rs 500 crore.
- The cameras will be installed at platforms and waiting areas.
- The CCTV footages would be monitored by trained RPF personnel and the concerned station master will also be given access to the CCTV camera footage.

Science & Technology

Cyber security agency Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)has issued a red alert in the country against ‘WannaCry‘ ransomware that hit 150 countries.
- The malware locks up files, makes them inaccessible on desktops and later demand ransom to unlock them.

New Appointments

4 new Delhi High Court judges, including two women, were sworn in today, taking the working strength of the court to 38 (sanctioned capacity is 60).
- They are :
  - Rekha Palli
  - Prathiba Singh
  - Navin Chawla
  - C Hari Shankar
  - Note : With the elevation of Justices Rekha Palli and Prathiba Singh, there will be 10 women judges in the high court.
- Senior IPS Officer A K Viswanathan today assumed charge as Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai.
  - A 1990 batch IPS officer, Viswanathan replaces Karan Singha.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Kotak Mahindra Bank presents 811, India’s first downloadable Digital Savings Account.
- Customers can open an 811 account in five minutes from their phone with just their Aadhaar and PAN details.
- Kotak 811 has a zero-minimum balance requirement and offers users a virtual debit card to shop online and a Scan & Pay feature to make payments at merchant outlets.
To avoid ‘WannaCry’ ransomware from spreading, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks to not operate ATMs till their software is updated.
- In this regard, RBI has asked banks to update specific Windows patches on ATMs urgently.
- The advice comes as over 60% of ATMs in India run on an outdated version of Windows and hence, are vulnerable to the attack.
Job cuts in the IT sector will be up to 2 lakh annually for next three years due to under-preparedness in adapting to newer technologies, Head Hunters India reported.
- However, these won’t take place in major cities like Bengaluru, but in remote areas.
- This comes amid reports suggesting layoffs at firms including Wipro, following US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s Founder Jack Ma has surpassed real estate and entertainment tycoon, Wang Jianlin, to become China’s richest person with a $30.9 billion fortune.
- Note : Alibaba was established in 1999 by 18 people led by Jack Ma.
The United States will be selling high-tech Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) protective clothing worth $75 million to India.
- For the first time, the Pentagon has notified the sale of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Support Equipment, the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) protective clothing, to the US Congress.

Current Sports Affairs

Mercedes’sLewis Hamilton has won the Spanish Grand Prix from pole position in the Formula One championship.
- This is Hamilton’s 55th career win and second win of the season.
Arjun Maini has become the first Indian to win a GP3 series race, an F1 support race, after registering a win in Barcelona today on the sidelines of the F1 Spanish Grand Prix.
Nine-time French Open Champion Rafael Nadal continued his unbeaten run on clay this season after winning the Madrid Masters for the 5th time by defeating Austria’s Dominic Thiem today.
India ended the Asian Wrestling Championship with 10 medals after Sumit Malik claimed the silver medal in the men’s 125-kg freestyle event on the final day of the championship today.
- India’s tally of ten medals, which includes one gold, five silver and four bronze, is a medal better than the tally from the previous edition in Bangkok.

28 May

International News Affairs

Today (28th May) is Menstrual hygiene day.
- This is an annual awareness day which aims to break taboos and raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for women and adolescent girls worldwide.
- Theme of Menstrual hygiene day 2017 : “Education about Menstruation Changes Everything.”

National Current Affairs

The World Health Organization (WHO) today confirmed India’s first three cases of Zika virusinfections, all from the same area in Ahmedabad.
- The first detection was made in February 2016, the second was reported in November 2016, and third in January 2017.
- About Zika Virus :
  - The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, that breeds in fresh water and bites during the day.
  - The virus causes birth defects and neurological problems like microcephaly (which leads to unusually small heads in babies) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (disorder that causes paralysis).
  - Its symptoms are mild fever, skin rash, muscle and joint pain, headache and body ache.

Science & Technology

Preparing for North Korea’s growing threat, the US Defence Ministry will try to shoot down anInter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) for the first time in a test next week.
- The goal is to simulate a North Korean ICBM aimed at the US homeland, officials said. Notably, the US interceptor has succeeded only once in the last four non-ICBM attempts.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Indian tax laws are perceived to be second most complex in the Asia Pacific region, a Deloitte survey has recently announced.
- India ranks only after China in having most complex jurisdiction for taxation and most complicated requirements of tax.
- Top 6 in the Tax Complexity Index :
  - China
  - India
  - Japan
  - Australia
  - Indonesia
  - South Kore
- Delhi‘s taxi drivers have launched their own taxi app called ‘Sewa Cab‘ to take on Uber and Ola.
  - The service, which offers fares starting from ₹5 per km, was announced during the drivers’ strikes protesting a decrease in incentives given by existing ride-hailing services.

Awards & Honours

12-year-old Padmalaya Nanda from Odisha is set to represent India at the Little Miss Universebeauty pageant, to be held in Georgia, US from 31st May to 6th June 2017.
- She is one of the 16 contestants who were selected from across the world.
- Note : She has also been nominated to represent India at the Little Miss World contest in Greece.

Deaths

Allman Brothers Band Co-founder Gregg Allman (69) passed away today.
- Allman’s band played a key role in pioneering Southern rock music in the 1970s.
- Note : The band received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2012.

Sports Current Affairs

India’s CA Bhavani Devi has won the Gold medal in the Sabre event of the Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship held at Reykjavik in Iceland.

26 May

National News Affairs

PM Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s longest bridge, the Dhola-Sadiya bridge, in Assam.
- The 9.15-km-long bridge located over the Brahmaputra replaced Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link as India’s longest bridge.
- It will reduce Assam-Arunachal Pradesh travel time by four hours, and also boost defence along the border.
- Note : Modi announced that the bridge will be named after Dr Bhupen Hazarika, a noted playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, and filmmaker from Assam.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests have come up with new regulations that bans the sale of cattle for slaughter.
- The rules have been notified under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960.
- Note : Slaughter of cows are banned in most parts of the country except parts of the north-east India and Kerala. The new rules will be implemented in the next three months.
As the Aadhaar ID for cattle process begins in Gujarat to prevent cow slaughter, a team of technicians in the state has started implanting GPS-enabled microchips in the animal’s ears.
- The microchips will have details such as the animal’s age, breed, milk yield, owner’s name, cow’s identification number, date of birth, health records, and migration status.
The government has renamed the Matritva Sahyog Yojana, a scheme launched in 2010 by the Congress for pregnant and lactating mothers, as ‘Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana‘.
- Note : While the Centre dropped ‘Indira Gandhi’ prefix from the scheme after coming to power in 2014, it added ‘Pradhan Mantri’ to it now, claiming that the earlier name did not ring a bell.
I & B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announces setting up of 24×7 satellite channel of Doordarshan for the state of Chhattisgarh.
- Govt of India is going to distribute 10,000 DD Free Dish DTH Set Top Boxes in remote & tribal areas of Chhattisgarh.
- The minister also announced setting up of3 new FM transmitters in Chhattisgarh, one each in Bastar, Surguja & Rajnandgaon.

Science & Technology

American aerospace corporation Rocket Lab has become the first company to successfully launch an orbital-class rocket into space from a private launching facility.
- The test flight from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula was also the first rocket launch for the country.
- The firm launched 17-metre ‘Electron‘ rocket, which harbours 3D-printed engines and can carry 150-225 kg payload into a 500-km orbit.
Iran has built a 3rd underground ballistic missile production factory and vowed to keep developing its missile program.
- The development is likely to increase tensions between Iran and the US, which has accused Iran of sponsoring militant groups and posing a threat to countries in the Middle East.

General Knowledge

The Tanggula Railway Station (Tibet) holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest railway station in the world, as it is 5,068 metres above sea level.

New Appointments

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has appointed Anurag Tripathy, a 1998 batch officer of Indian Railway personnel Service (IRPS) as the new Secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
- He will hold the post for a period of five years.
Socialist Lenin Moreno was sworn in as Ecuador’s President
- Note : He won April’s presidential election, beating conservative Guillermo Lasso.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has appointed Google India managing director and angel investor Rajan Anandan as its new Chairman.
- He is going to relace Kunal Shah (FreeCharge co-founder and chairman).
- Deep Kalra (Chairman and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip), is the new vice-chairman of the association.
India’s Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu became one of the members of the BWF Athletes’ Commission.
- Note : She has been elected for four years and will join Saina Nehwal as the member of the players’ representative body.
United States senate has confirmed Amul Thapar as a Judge to the Cincinnati-based Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- With this appointment he has become only the second Indian-American judge of an appeals court.
- Note ; In 2013, Srnivasan became the first Indian to get appointed to the DC circuit court of appeals by President Barak Obama.

Deaths

Former DGP of Punjab KPS Gill(82), who is credited with wiping out militancy in the state, passed away today.
- Dubbed “supercop” by the media for his crackdown on Khalistani terrorists, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 1989 for his work in the civil service.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Digital currency Bitcoin, whose value surged this month, is now worth almost double an ounce of gold, with a single coin priced at about $2,500 (₹1.61 lakh).
- In just five days, Bitcoin rose to over 40% and has gone up by 88% so far this month.
- Note : Bitcoin surpassed the price of gold for the first time in March.

Books & Authors

Two books based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’ have been launched today by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at Rashtrapati Bhawan’s Darbar Hall. They are,
- ‘Mann Ki Baat: A Social Revolution on Radio’ :
  - This book was compiled by Rajesh Jain.
  - This is a compilation of the prime minister’s addresses to the nation on radio every month under the programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
  - It contains a comprehensive, qualitative and academic analysis of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ — the themes, the choice of topics, the salient features.
- ‘Marching With A Billion Dreams’ :
  - This book is written by eminent journalist Uday Mahurkar.
  - This book analyses the monumental changes that Modi has brought on multiple fronts as the prime minister on India’s governance landscape by ushering in an unprecedented culture of transparency to create a level playing field so necessary in a developing country.
- President Pranab Mukherjee received the first copies of these book.

24 May

Madhya Pradesh Signs MoU with IIT-Kharagpur for Developing Happiness Index

IIT Kharagpur’s Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness and Madhya Pradesh government’s ‘Rajya Anandam Sansthan’ (Department of Happiness) has signed an MoU to collaborate on the development of a Happiness Index for measuring the well-being of the residents of the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and IIT-KGP Director Prof P P Chakrabarti at Bhopal.

World’s First Philosophical Novel on God Unveiled IAS officer

Haulianlal Guite has recently published a philosophical novel for God titled ‚Confessions of a dying mind: the blind faith of atheism‚. The book was unveiled by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at august gathering of Civil Services Officers’ Institute in New Delhi. The book is touted as ‚the world’s first philosophical novel for God‚. Haulianlal Guite is hailed as the first civil servant to write on Philosophy after John Stuart Mill’s work titled ‚On Liberty‛ published in 1858. The book explores interesting arguments against atheism. It also explores the nature of science, religion, evidence and love in light of latest findings of modern science and the solid theories in philosophy. The unveiled book is the first part of the three volumes. The book is published by a UK based Bloomsbury Publishing.

PM Inaugurates African Development Bank’s 52nd Annual General Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 52nd Annual General Meeting of the African Development Bank in Gandhinagar. The AGM will be held in from May 22-26. This is the first time that India is hosting the annual meetings of the AfDB and its sister institutions, including of finance ministers of member countries, who comprise the AfDB board of governors. India had joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 1983. The Annual Meetings are the Bank’s largest annual event and offers a unique forum for representatives of government, business, civil society, think-tanks, academia and the media to debate key issues on Africa’s development. The event will see the participation of 4500 delegates including finance ministers and central bank governors belonging to AfDB’s 54 member countries and 26 non-member countries. The event is expected to deepen India’s ties with African continent.

Paytm Launches Payments Bank

Paytm has rolled out its Payments Bank operations by launching its first physical branch in Noida. With this launch, there are three payments bank operational in the country, the other two being Airtel Payments Bank Ltd and India Post Payments Bank Ltd. The Paytm Payments Bank will be the first bank in the country to offer cashbacks on deposits. Significance :As a Payments Bank, Paytm will be able to accept deposits upto Rs 1 lakh per customer in wallet and savings/current accounts. Further it can also offer other services like Debit Cards, Online Banking and Mobile Banking. It will not be allowed to lend to customers. However, it will be able to offer financial products like loans, insurance, mutual funds, pension funds etc by partnering with other financial institutions and banks.

India soon to become the second largest producer of steel in the world

Steel Minister Birender Singh said India has registered a 102 percent growth in steel exports in 2016-2017. Addressing a press conference on the 3-year achievements of his ministry in New Delhi today, Mr Singh said, the country has become net exporter of steel, with 8.2 million tonnes of exports in 2016-2017. “We have become the second largest producer of stainless steel in the world, leaving behind Japan. Besides, we have gained third spot in steel production, leaving behind America. We are moving fast to reach the 2nd position.” The Minister said, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for National Steel Policy this month, after a gap of 12 years. Mr Singh said, GST will give a big boost to steel industry.

IMD predicts normal monsoon this year

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the onset of the monsoon in Kerala on the 30th of this month but there is a possibility that it may hit the state a day before that. With chances of continuation of the El Nino effect, a phenomena associated with warming of Pacific waters, the IMD has predicted a normal monsoon this year.

Trump admin proposes to reduce 190 million Dollar in financial grant to Pakistan

In US, the Trump administration has proposed to reduce 190 million US Dollar in financial grant to Pakistan in foreign military funding as compared to the 2016 fiscal. This Year, the US administration has proposed 344 million US Dollar in financial assistance to Pakistan including 100 million US Dollar in foreign military funding. Last year, the US assistance to Pakistan under the State Department budget was 534 million US Dollar, which included 225 million US Dollar towards foreign military funding. The Trump administration’s budget proposal would convert some of the United States’ foreign military grants to loans, affecting several countries, including Pakistan. The White House said yesterday that the proposals are a part of a larger effort to slash spending on diplomacy, aid and programmes abroad by more than 29 per cent. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the proposal, said the foreign military grants could affect Pakistan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Ukraine, Colombia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

World’s largest aircraft Airlander 10 completes test flight

The world’s largest aircraft has successfully completed a test flight, bringing the massive heliumfilled airship one step closer to commercial use. The hybrid aircraft dubbed the Airlander 10 combines technology from airplanes, helicopters and airships. It is designed to fly at altitudes of 6,100 meters for up to five days. with a length of 92 metres, it is the largest aircraft currently flying. On May 10th, the Airlander 10 flew for a total of 180 minutes to test the aircraft’s handling, improved landing technology and more. Dave Burns, Airlander 10’s Chief Test Pilot said that during the successful test flight in Cardington, UK, the Airlander 10 handled superbly.

Australian indigenous leaders meet for historic summit

In central Australia, hundreds of indigenous leaders have gathered for a historic summit on formally recognising the country’s first inhabitants. The three-day summit at Uluru coincides with the 50th anniversary of a vote that allowed indigenous Australians to be included on a national census. Australia does not mention Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in its constitution. The summit aims to reach consensus on the best method of recognition. The recommendations may result in a referendum to be voted on by all Australians.

Terror Attack in Manchester City leaves 22 killed and 59 injured

The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for today’s deadly attack at the Manchester Arena which claimed 22 lives and injured 59 people. The attacker died while detonating the explosive device planted at a pop concert. The blast took place in the foyer area of Manchester Arena around 3 AM Indian time today. Manchester Victoria station has been closed and all trains cancelled. British police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the terror attack. After chairing a meeting in the wake of the blast, British Prime Minister Theresa May said the people of Manchester have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack. This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom. It would take some time to establish these jact and the investigation will continue. We can continue to resolve to thwart such acts in future, to take on and defeat the idealogy that often fuels this violence and if there turn out to be others responsible for this attack, to seek them out and bring them to justice. Official sources in New Delhi said they are ascertaining if there are any Indian casualties in the blast. The Indian High Commission tweeted, any Indians injured during Manchester attack may reach the Public Response Unit of High Commission of India at 020 7632 3035. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strongly condemned the attack.

Roger Moore of James Bond fame dies

Roger Moore, the handsome English actor who appeared in seven films as James Bond and as Simon Templar on “The Saint” TV series, has died in Switzerland after a short battle with cancer. He was 89. His family announced the death on Moore’s official Twitter account

17 May

International News Affairs

Today (17th May) is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD 2017).
- This day was proclaimed to be on 17 May by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, following the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis.
- Theme of WTISD 2017 : Big Data for Big Impact

Today is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia.
- This day was launched by the World Health Organization in 2004, to educate about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and to advocate for sensible public policies regarding LGBT people.
- Theme of the year 2017 : “families”
Several European Union countries including France, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Portugaland Britain have refused to sign a trade statement at China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) summit.
- This is seen as a setback to China’s efforts to gain full support for its initiative which it hopes will revive ancient trade routes from Asia to Europe.
Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko has imposed a ban on Russia’s social media networksand internet services as part of economic sanctions against Russia.
- The sanctions were imposed over Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and its alleged support to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

National News Affairs

Cabinet gives its ex-post facto approval to Pan-India implementation of Maternity Benefit Programme.
- The programme now has been extended to all districts of the country from 1st of January this year.
- This Programme will provide compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the women can take adequate rest before and after delivery and not be deprived of proper nutrition.
- Note : It is applicable only to the first born baby.
TheRajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad is set to become south India’s first airport to go 100% LED-lit.
- With the entire Taxiway Edge Lights converted from halogen lamps to energy efficient LEDs, the authorities claimed that 75% work on the project has been completed.
The Andhra Pradesh Assembly today passed an amendment to its public services law to appoint Olympics silver medal-winning shuttler PV Sindhu as a Group-1 officer in the government.
- Certain provisions in the law had earlier prevented Sindhu’s appointment as any recruitment in public service should be made through the state Public Service Commission, selection committee, or employment exchange.

Science & Technology

The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) has successfully created India’s first smart grid project, which will generate power from renewable sources of energy.
- The project will soon be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee, IIEST Director Ajoy Kumar Roy told.
The Union Cabinet has cleared a proposal allowing for the construction of 10 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).
- The reactors will have a capacity of 700 MW. These reactors will add 7000 MW capacity and will ramp up nuclear power generation in the country.

Awards & Honours

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has been featured in the Forbes Global Game Changers List for 2017.
- The list also includes Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Top 10 in the List :
  - Mukesh Ambani (India)
  - Ziv Aviram, Amnon Shashua (Israel)
  - Stewart Butterfield (US)
  - John and Patrick Collison (US)
  - James Dyson (UK)
  - Scott Farquhar, Mike Cannon-Brookes (Australia)
  - Larry Fink (US)
  - Ken Frazier (US)
  - Taavet Hinrikus, Kristo Käärmann (UK)
  - Robert Katz (US)
- Indian Mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa becomes First Woman in World to Climb Mount Everest 4 times.
- Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh adjudged as cleanest railway station followed by Secunderabad in Telangana & Jammu Tawi.

New Appointments

Renu Satti has been appointed as the new CEO of Paytm Payments Bank.
- Satti replaces Shinjini Kumar, a former central banker and senior executive at consultancy PwC, who was named as Paytm Payments Bank CEO last year.
- She has worked with Paytm for around ten years.
Indian national Ovais Sarmad has been appointed by the N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the post of Deputy Executive Secretary, which is a key post in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

India has overtaken the US to become the second-most attractive country for renewable energy investment after Chin.
- India’s rise to the second spot caused by “government’s programme to build 175 gigawatts in renewable energy generation by 2022 and have renewable energy account for 40% of installed capacity by 2030.”
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a new coal linkage policyto ensure adequate supply of the fuel to power plants through reverse auction.
- The new policy will help in ensuring fuel supplies to the power plants in an organised manner.

18 May

International News Affairs

Today (18th May) is International Museum Day.
- This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society.
- Theme of International Museum Day 2017 : “Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums”

An eleven-judge bench of the International Court of Justice unanimously ruled to stay the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav till it reaches a final decision on India’s appeal against a death sentence handed to him by Pakistan.
- The court also ruled that Jadhav had a right to consular access which was denied by Pakistan 16 times.
India received the first artillery guns 30 years after the 1980s Bofors scandal today, as two of the 145 M777 ultra light artillery guns ordered from the US arrived ahead of schedule.
- The guns will be tested at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan today.
- Out of the 145 guns, 120 will be assembled in India, by Mahindra Defence.
- These guns weigh almost half of what towed howitzers weigh, and hence, can be easily transported by the Army’s helicopters.
- The 55 mm/39-caliber howitzers have a maximum field range of around 30km. Manufactured by BAE Systems, the guns are used by the US, Australian and Canadian Armies.
Austria has passed a new law which bans women from wearing full-face Islamic veils in public, in the latest restriction on the country’s Muslim population.
- The law also forbids distribution of the Quran and requires all migrants in Austria to participate in an “integration” year, during which they would take classes to learn German and ethics considered customary in Austria.

People in News

Anshu Jamsenpa, a native of Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh has scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest for the 4th time.

Deaths

American musician Chris Cornell(52), known as the lead singer of bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, passed away.
- Cornell played an important role in the grunge movement during the 1990s.
- He’s also known for performing the theme song of 2006 James bond film ‘Casino Royale’.
Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave (60) passed away.
- A member of the Rajya Sabha since 2009, Dave was sworn in as minister with independent charge of environment, forest and climate change last year.
Veteran actress Reema Lagoo (59) passed away.
- She was known for acting in films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Naa Ho, and TV serials such as Tu Tu Main Main.

Awards & Honours

Indian scientist Shrinivas Kulkarni has won the prestegious Dan David prize for his work in the field of astronomy.
- The $1-million prize will be conferred at a ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel on May 21.
The 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival began in France today.
- The festival features special movie screenings and awards are given to films that represent “arthouse cinema with a wide audience appeal”.
- Note : Indian celebrities including Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor will attend the festival, which will be held from May 17 to May 28.
American television host Jimmy Kimmel will host the 90th Oscars in 2018.

MOUs & Agreements

Indian state-owned telecommunications company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has inked agreements with Facebook and MobiKwik in order to popularize the internet and its value added services among its customers.
- Further, BSNL has also signed a third MoU with Disney Land India to offer premium online gaming services to its mobile customers.
- The series of MoUs signed by BSNL comes at the backdrop of a stiff competition faced by BSNL from private telecom companies like Airtel and Reliance Jio.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Brand finance in its 2017 report that lists India’s 100 most valuable brands has named Tata Group as the most valuable brand in India at an estimated brand value of $13.1 billion.
- Top 5 in the List :
  - Tata Group
  - Airtel
  - Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
  - Infosys
  - State Bank of India
- Marian Ilitch, the owner of Little Caesars pizza chain and Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel, has topped the Forbes List of America’s Richest Self-Made Women for 2017 with a net worth of $5.1 billion.
  - She is followed by roofing supply company ABC Supply’s Diane Hendricks with a $4.9 billion fortune, and Judy Love and Oprah Winfrey, worth $2.9 billion each.
- World’s biggest and most powerful wind turbines have begun generating electricity off the Liverpool coast in the UK.
  - Danish company DONG Energy has installed 32 turbines, each 195 metres tall, with blades longer than nine buses combined.
  - The wind farm can power over 2,30,000 homes and is the first time 8MW turbines have been commercially used.
- India has imposed anti-dumping duty on a Chinese chemical used in pharma industry and aluminium foil to protect domestic industry from cheap imports.

Current Sports Affairs

Umpire Sundaram Ravi will be the only Indian umpire to officiate in matches during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy

Railway NTPC exam 2018 syllabus

General Awareness	Arithmetic	General Intelligence and Reasoning
Current Affairs, National and International, History-India, world Indian economy Indian geography Indian constitution Indian culture & Heritage Indian Polity Science & Technology General Science -Biology -Chemistry -Physics Environmental Studies	Percentage Pipes & Cisterns Profit and loss Time and work Simplification Boats and Streams Averages Time and Distance Problems on Ages Simple Interest Data Interpretation Area and Volume Linear and Quadratic Equations Margins and Discounts	Analogies Space Visualisation Similarities Decision Making Problem Solving Arithmetic Number Series Differences Arithmetic Reasoning Analysis Judgement Relationship Concepts Visual Memory Observation Verbal and Figure Classification Puzzles Sitting Circular Arrangements Direction sense Alphanumeric series

RRB NTPC 2018 Selection Procedure:

Candidates who are going to fill RRB NTPC Application from 2018 should know about the selection process of this recruitment. All the candidates will be selected as per their score which they will get in first and second stage examination. After that, they will have to face typing and aptitude test. If candidates will clear these stages, they will be called for the Document Verification and Medical test.

First Stage Online Examination (PT – CBT)
Second Stage Examination (Mains – CBT)
Typing Test (Skill Test)
Aptitude Test
Document Verification
Medical Fitness Test
Final Merit List

RRB NTPC Admit Card 2018 :

As per the revealed updates, RRB NTPC 2018 first stage examination will be conducted after one or two or application form submission. RRB will release NTPC First Stage Admit card before 7 to 10 days of examination on the official website. The second stage examination will be conducted after two months of prelims exam result declaration. So, likewise 1st stage exam RRB NTPC 2018 Admit Card for 2nd stage exam will be released on the official website before some days of examination. However, only those candidates will be able to download 2nd stage admit card, who will get eligible marks in RRB NTPC 1st stage examination.

RRB NTPC Cut off 2018 :

Likewise every year, RRB release cut off marks to select the candidates. Candidates who are going to appear in the RRB NTPC Examination 2018 will have get marks as per RRB NTPC Cut off 2018. Candidates can check their respective performance by checking RRB NTPC Cutoff marks 2018. When the Railway Recruitment Board will release the cut off marks list, we will update here for the candidate’s help. Till then, candidates are advised to regularly visit this website to know latest updates of RRB NTPC 2018 Cut off.

RRB NTPC Result 2018 :

The Railway Recruitment Board will conduct NTPC 1st stage examination after 2 months of the application form submission and 2nd stage examination in 2018. Therefore, As per the information, RRB NTPC Result 2018 will be declared after one or two months examination on the official website and candidates will be able to check their result by using their roll number and name. Only those candidates will be shortlisted for 2nd stage examination who will clear stage 1st exam according to the cut off marks. When the Railway Recruitment Board announce RRB NTPC 1st Stage Result 2018, we will update here.

17 July

International News Affairs

Today (17th July) is World Day for International Justice (International Justice Day).
- This day is celebrated throughout the world as part of an effort to recognize the emerging system of international criminal justice.
- Important Note: July 17 was chosen to celebrate this day, because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Theme of International Justice Day 2017 : “Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work”
Today (17 July) is ‘World Emoji Day’.
- Emoji enthusiasts around the world have been celebrating this day since 2014.
- The date was kept after Apple’s emoji artwork for calendar, which displays July 17.
Pakistan has launched a military operation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)targeting the Islamic State.
- Note: ISIS has claimed to have carried out several attacks in Pakistan over the past two years.

National News Affairs

Voting to choose the 14th President of India began at the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies at 10 am today.
- A total of 4,120 MLAs and 776 MPs will cast their vote to choose between NDA’s Ram Nath Kovind and Opposition’s Meira Kumar.
President Pranab Mukherjee today gave his assent to Maharashtra government’s ‘Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill’, making Maharashtra the first Indian state to enact an anti-social boycott Bill.
- It aims to prevent atrocities carried out by extra-judicial courts and panchayats and, will include religious rituals, inter-caste marriage, dress or vocation as reasons for social boycott.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh government is setting up ‘astro-OPDs‘ in Bhopal where astrologers and such soothsayers will provide consultation to patients facing diverse problems.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued instructions to all states to stop using bouquets during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tours within India.
- Instead of bouquets, states can offer PM Modi a flower along with a Khadi handkerchief or a book to welcome him.
The Union Minister of Health and Family WelfareJ P Nadda today launched the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22).
- This Strategic Plan gives year wise elimination targets in various parts of the country depending upon the endemicity of malaria in the next 5 years.

Places in News

A museum in honour of late President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam will be inaugurated on July 27 in Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram.
- The museum will come up on a 3.45-acre site and will also house a planetarium.
- Note: Earlier, another museum in memory of Dr Kalam was opened in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.

Obituary

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Martin Landau (89) passed away.
- He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for the film ‘Ed Wood’.
- He is known for his role in the television series ‘Mission: Impossible’ for which he received numerous Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award.

Awards & Honours

Actress Taapsee Pannu was named the Woman of the Year at the 18th edition of the IIFA Awards held in New York.
- Note: Actress Alia Bhatt was given the Style Icon of the Year Award for 2017.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries today crossed ₹5 lakh crorein market capitalisation for the first time in its trading history, making it the second Indian company to do so after TCS.
According to new regulations, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has powers to start probe against service providers registered with it without intimating them, .
- IBBI, which is implementing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), has notified the regulations for inspection and investigation of service providers registered with it.

CLAT Exam Syllabus 2018

UG Programme

Scope and coverage of questions under different subject areas:

English including comprehension:
The English section will test the candidate’s proficiency in English based on comprehension passages and grammar. In the comprehension section, candidates will be assessed on their understanding of the passage and its central theme, meanings of words used therein, etc. The grammar section requires correction of incorrect grammatical sentences, filling of blanks in sentences with appropriate words, etc.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs:
The General knowledge will be evaluated on the general awareness including static general knowledge. Questions on current affairs will test the candidate’s on their knowledge of national and international current affairs.
Mathematics:
This section will test the candidate’s knowledge on elementary mathematics, i.e., maths taught upto 10th Class/Standard.
Legal Aptitude:
This section will test the candidate’s interest towards the study of law, research aptitude and problem solving ability. Questions may include legal propositions (described in the paper), and a set of facts to which the said proposition has to be applied. Some propositions may not be “true” in the real sense, candidates will have to assume the “truth” of these propositions and answer the questions accordingly.
Logical Reasoning:
The purpose of the logical reasoning section is to test the candidate’s ability to identify patterns, logical links and rectify illogical arguments. It may include a variety of logical reasoning questions such as syllogisms, logical sequences, analogies, etc. However, visual reasoning will not be tested.

The pattern of Question Paper for the UG Courses in CLAT-2018

a)	Maximum Marks	200
b)	Duration of CLAT-2018 Exam	02:00 Hours
c)	Multiple-Choice Questions	200 questions of one mark each

Subject areas with weight-age:
1. English including comprehension	40 Marks
2.General Knowledge and Current Affairs	50 Marks
3.Elementary Mathematics (Numerical Ability)	20 Marks
4. Legal Aptitude	50 Marks
5. Logical Reasoning	40 Marks
	Negative Marking	0.25 Mark for each wrong answer

The pattern of Question Paper and syllabus for the PG Programme in CLAT-2018

The pattern of the question paper for admission to the Post-Graduate Course for CLAT-2018 is as under:

Duration:The exam duration will be two hours.
Total Marks:The question paper will be of 150 marks.
Type of Questions:The questions will be of objective type (multiple choice questions).
Medium of Exam:The question paper will be asked in English language only.
Marking Scheme: For correct answer, one marks will be given to the candidates.
Negative Marking:There will be negative marking process. 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

The questions will be asked in the question paper of the given sections:

Subjects	Number of Questions	Marks Allotted per Section
Constitutional Law	50	50
Jurisprudence	50	50
Other Subjects such as Contract, Torts, Criminal Law, International Law, Environment Law and Human Rights.	50	50
Total	150	150

23 July

International News Affairs

A US state department has recently revealed that India in 2016 replaced Pakistan as the world’s third largest terror target after Iraq and Afghanistan.
- It added that out of the 11,072 terror attacks across the world in 2016, 927 took place in India.
For the first time India is going to host Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) 2017, the world’s largest conference on cyber space and related issues in New Delhi in November 2017.
- This is the 5th edition of the conference.
- This is for the first time GCCS is taking place outside Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations.
- Theme of GCCS 2017: ‘Cyber4All : An Inclusive, Sustainable, Developmental, Safe and Secure Cyberspace’.

National News Affairs

Today (23rd July) is National Broadcasting Day.
- On this day in 1927, India got its first radio station.
- Note: The first station of the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was inaugurated at Bombay by the British Viceroy of India Lord Irwin on 23rd July 1927.
- Minister for Information & Broadcasting – Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani
- Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting – Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore
Nation remembered freedom fighters Chandra Shekhar Azadand Lokmanya Tilak, on their birth anniversaries today.
- Indian nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak‘s 160th birth anniversary.
  - Popularly called ‘Lokmanya’, meaning ‘accepted by the people’, Tilak was born on July 23, 1856in Maharashtra.
  - The pioneer of the Swadeshi Movement, he is also widely known for his quote ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it’.
- Indian revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad, popularly known as ‘Azad’, was born on this day (23rd July) in the year 1906.
  - He fought for the Indian independence struggle till the age of 24 years, before shooting himself to keep his pledge of never being caught alive.
- The Union Ministry of Rural Development is going to launch Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), a sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
  - This scheme aims to provide an alternative source of livelihood to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas.
- The Lok Sabha has passed The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
  - This Bill amends the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009 to extend the deadline for teachers to acquire the prescribed minimum qualifications for appointment.

Science & Technology

The US Navy today officially inducted the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford.
- The nuclear-powered carrier is worth over ₹83,000 crore ($12.9 billion) and weighs 1 lakh tonnes.
Iran today announced the production of a New Defence Missile amid ongoing tensions with the US.
- This missile can target fighter planes, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and helicopters.

Obituary

Hollywood actor John Heard(71) passed away today.
- He was best known for his role as Peter McCallister in ‘Home Alone’ (1990) and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost In New York’ (1992), among other films.

New Appointments

Raveesh Kumar is going to be the next spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
- He is going to replace Gopal Baglay, who was recently appointed as the joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to introduce ₹200 notes before 2017-end to ease pressure on lower denomination currencies that are in short supply.
- Introduction of this note will fill in the “missing middle” even as new currency in circulation has already reached 84% of pre-demonetisation levels.
Vondaraguppe village in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district has transitioned to a completely cashless system.
- Around 350 families, 90% of which are involved in the silk-rearing business, have deposited their cash in banks and carry their business transactions through cheques.
- The villagers are using RuPay, an Indian domestic card scheme, for everyday transactions.

Current Sports News

Indian tennis player Vishnu Vardhan won the Men’s doubles event at the $125,000 ATP Astana Challengerwith Japanese partner Toshihide Matsui today.
- Important Notes :
- This is his second Challenger title of the season.
- He has already won six ITF Futures doubles titles this season.
India’s Karamjyoti Dalal has won Bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships 2017 in the discus-throw.
India’s para athletes Sharad Kumar and Varun Singh Bhati clinched the Silver and bronze medals respectively in High jump at the World Para Athletics Championships.
Indian Super League side Atletico de Kolkata has been renamed to ‘Aamar, Tomar Kolkata’ (ATK) after the team’s partnership with Spanish football club Atletico Madrid ended.
- The Spanish club, which had provided technical support to the Indian club, will be selling their stake in the club to the club’s principal owner Sanjiv Goenka.

9 July

International News Affairs

Speaking at the G20 summit,French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Paris will host a summit on December 12 to address financing issues on the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
- The summit would aim to mobilise private and public financing for the projects committed to in the Paris agreement.
Indiais going to invite the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Chief Guests for 2018 Republic Day celebrations.
- If this happens, theRepublic Day 2018 would be the first Republic Day event that will have so many leaders as the chief guests.
- Note: 10 Member Countries of ASEAN areBrunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
TheUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has voted to leave Australia’s Great Barrier Reef off its “List of World Heritage in Danger” despite several reports claiming major coral bleaching at the 2,300-km-long ecosystem.
- However, the UN body expressed “serious concern” about the reef’s health.
- The reef, which is also the largest living thing on Earth, was recently valued for the first time, at $42 billion.

National News Affairs

Ahmadabadhas become India’s first World Heritage City after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee accepted India’s official entry at a meeting in Poland today.
- Nearly 20 nations supported its entry, citing its architecture and secular co-existence of Jain, Islamic, and Hindu communities.
TheUttar Pradesh government has decided to introduce an ‘Anti-Copying’ Bill in the upcoming assembly session to check for cheating in the state examinations.
Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC)has notified of a new rule under which consumers will be compensated by power distribution companies if they don’t restore an outage for more than two to three hours.
- The consumers will get a compensation of₹10 per kW per hour from the power distribution companies under this scheme, which comes into effect from September.
“JIGYASA”, a student- scientist connect programme was officially launched in Delhi today.
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has joined hands with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to implement this programme.
- The main focus of this programme is on connecting school students and scientists so as to extend student’s classroom learning with that of a very well planned research laboratory based learning.

New Appointments

Mongolia’s opposition candidate and ex-martial arts starKhaltmaa Battulga has won the country’s first-ever presidential runoff elections with around 50.6% vote.

Obituary

Bollywood ActressSumita Sanyal (71), who worked in the 1971 Amitabh Bachchan-Rajesh Khanna starrer ‘Anand’, passed away.
- Born as Manjula Sanyal, Sumita acted in over 50 Bengali movies and Hindi films like Guddi (1971), Aashirwad (1968), among others.

Science & Technology News

H-Bots Robotics, a startup from Telangana’s T-Hub incubator, is developing ‘police robots’ priced at about ₹3.5 lakh.
- The first set ofH-Bots’ robots could be deployed to manage traffic by December in Hyderabad.
- The robots will be able to register complaints, detect bombs, and recognise missing persons.

Current Sports Affairs

Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul has become the youngest known winner of a professional golf tour event after claiming the Ladies European Thailand Championship at the age of 14 years, 4 months and 19 days.

Thitikul, who ended the championship with a score of -5 at the final hole, replaced Canada’s Brooke Henderson as the youngest winner in ladies’ professional golf.
Indian athleteSudha Singh bagged Gold in women’s 3000m steeplechase event on the third day of the Asian Athletics Championships.
- Note:India are on top of the medal tally with 7 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze medals.
The Indian Polo team clinched a Polo World Cup spot after defeating Pakistan 8-7 in a qualifying match in Tehran today.
- Note: The Federation of International Polo (FIP) conducts the World Cup Polo championship, a 14-goal tournament every three years.

19 July

International News Affairs

India, US, and Japan have concluded the ‘Malabar 2017‘ international naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal.
- As many as 16 ships, 95 aircraft, and two submarines from the three countries took part in the 21st edition of the annual exercise.
- The drill was aimed at increasing interoperability among the three countries’ navies to counter shared maritime threats.
China today announced that it would stop accepting shipments of garbage such as waste plastic and paper as part of a campaign against “foreign garbage”.
- The ban will come into force by the end of this year.
- Note: China imported 7.3 million tonnes of waste plastics, valued at $3.7 billion last year, accounting for 56% of world’s waste imports.
Lahore High Court today lifted a ban on the airing of Indian television serials in Pakistan.
- The court noted that instead of a blanket ban, Indian content with “objectionable” or “anti-Pakistan” content could still be censored.
The United States has imposed new economic sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile programme and for contributing to regional tensions.
- Under the new sanctions, the US Department of Treasury targeted 16 entities and individuals from Iran citing them as illicit Iranian actors or transnational criminal activity.
Facebook-owned WhatsApp has been partially blocked in Chinafollowing a censorship crackdown by the government.
- Note: China operates world’s largest censorship system, called the ‘Great Firewall‘, blocking platforms like Facebook, Google, and Instagram.

National News Affairs

Karnataka government has recently formed a panel to design a separate flag for the state.
- Significance of Design And Colour of Kannada Flag
- The official state flag for Karnataka is a longstanding demand of pro-Kannada activists.
- The Kannada flag, which is divided into two equal horizontal stripes, a yellow strip for the top half and a red strip below, could become the official state flag of Karnataka.
- This flag was designed by Kannada writer and activist Ma Ramamurthy for a pro-Kannada political party.
- The flag’s red colour stands for Kumkuma (Vermilion) and the yellow stands for Arrishna (Turmeric), symbolising auspiciousness and well-being of the state and its people.
- This flag is unofficially adopted and is hoisted on the state’s formation day every year since 1960s.
The Telangana School Education Department today issued an order capping the weight of school bags for students in primary, upper primary and high schools.
- The order directed school managements to ensure that the weight of a bag does not exceed 5 kilograms for class 10 students.
The Delhi government today announced a ‘merit cum means‘ scholarship for students from low and middle-income groups studying in state universities.
- The scheme has three categories based on the students’ family income and will provide fee waivers up to 100%.
- However, students will need a minimum of 60% in the class they passed to qualify for the scheme.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Bank of England today unveiled a new polymer£10 note featuring 19th century novelist Jane Austen, in a move to replace paper £5, £10 and £20 with secure plastic notes.
- This makes Austen the only woman other than Queen Elizabeth to be featuredon a polymer British banknote.
- Note: This note’s introduction marks the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death.

Science & Technology

US Navy today successfully tested the world’s first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS).
- In the test, the LaWS deployed aboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship was able to destroy a drone in flight and moving targets on the Persian Gulf.
- Note: USS Ponce is first ship in the world to be deployed with such advanced weapons system.

New Appointments

TR Zeliang, the former Chief Minister of Nagaland, was today appointed to the post again.
- This decision was took by the state’s governor PB Acharya after CM Shurhozelie Liezietsu failed to turn up for the floor test.
Actor Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the Ambassador of the new Kabaddi team Tamil Thalaivas for the fifth season of Pro Kabaddi League.
- Note : The team Tamil Thalaivas is co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar.

21 July

International News Affairs

The landmark India-Japan civil nuclear agreement came into effect from today.
- This deal would enable Japan to export nuclear power plant technology as well as provide finance for nuclear power plants in India.
- It will also assist India in nuclear waste management and could undertake joint manufacture of nuclear power plant components under the Make in India initiative.
The report by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, ‘Ending AIDS: Progress towards the 90-90-90 targets’, today revealed that India, China and Pakistan are among the 10 countries that accounted for more than 95 per cent of all new HIV infections in the Asia and the Pacific region in 2016.

National News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited a total of 49 countriesin the last three years.
- Modi’s foreign trips as PM started with his visit to Bhutan in June 2014.
- Further, he has visited the USA five times in the last three years.
The Gujarat government has decided to celebrate the ‘World Heritage City’ status granted to Ahmadabadby UNESCO for a fortnight (a period of two weeks).
- The programme, starting on August 1, will include heritage walks, cultural events, lectures and seminars about the 600-year-old city.
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang won the vote of confidence in the state assembly today, garnering the support of 47 out of 59 MLAs.
- Note:Zeliang was re-appointed the CM after former CM Shurhozelie Liezietsu was sacked for not appearing for the floor test.

Science & Technology

Indian Navy’s second LCU Mark IV L52 ship was formally launched in Kolkata, West Bengal today.
- The LCU Mark-IV vessels are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations jointly carried out Indian Navy and Indian Army to ensure maritime security of Andamans and Lakshadweep islands.
- LCU L52 ship is the second in series of the eight Mark IV LCU vessels built by GRSE for Navy. The first ship of the series was commissioned in 2016.
- LCU – Landing Craft Utility

Obituaries

American rock band Linkin Park’s lead vocalist Chester Bennington(41) died by committing suicide.
Bhiku Daji Bhilare (98), who claimed to have saved Gandhi from an earlier assassination attempt by Nathuram Godse in 1944, passed away today.
- According to Mahatma Gandhi’s great grandson’s book, there were four attempts on Gandhi’s life before Godse killed him in 1948.
- Bhilare reportedly foiled the second attack in Panchgani by overpowering Godse.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The much awaited pension scheme-Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana– for senior citizens aged 60 or above was formally launched by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today.

MOUs & Agreements

The Indian Army has signed MoU with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to raise one regiment of the advanced Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (MRSAM) defence system.
The regulator for the securities market in India Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has signed an MOU with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
- The MoU was signed for exchange of information concerning Central Counterparties (CCPs) under the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
- CPs are entities that help facilitate clearing and settlement activities.

Current Sports Affairs

India’s only ATP tournament the Chennai Open is set to move out of Chennai after 21 years because it is unable to meet the commercial demands of the main organizers IMG.
- Important Note: Now Pune is going to host the tournament from next year.
India’s women’s cricket team defeated defending champions Australia by 36 runs to reach the World Cup final for the second time in history.
- India, who will face hosts England in the title clash on Sunday, first reached the final in 2005, where they lost to Australia.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur scored 171, the highest WWC score by an Indian.
  - With this she became only the second player in women’s World Cup history to score a century in the knockout stage.

20 July

International News Affairs

Uruguay has become the 1st country in the world to allow the sale of marijuana for recreational use.
- The move comes four years after a law was passed under which cannabis trade was fully legalised.
The United States has ended a four-month ban on flyers carrying laptops on US-bound flights from airports in North Africa and the Middle East.
- Note : The UK continues to enforce a similar electronics ban on flights from several Middle Eastern airports.

New Appointments

NDA’s presidential candidate and former Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind was today elected as the 14th President of India.

National News Affairs

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDA) has launched ‘mAadhaar‘, a new app for syncing Aadhaar data on mobile phones.
- This app allows users to carry their Aadhaar information including name, date of birth, gender, address, and the linked photograph, on their smart phones.
- This app also allows users to lock or unlock biometrics data.
The Maharashtra government is going to purchase a chopper for the VIPs of the state after private agencies were suspended from flying them.
To develop Bengaluru as the international hub of computer graphics technology, the Cabinet today approved the Karnataka Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics Policy, 2017-22.
- The city will also have a centre for animation in collaboration with Gobelins, which is among the world’s best animation schools.
The Kerala government today approved the construction of a Greenfield airport near pilgrim site Sabarimala.
- The 2,263-acre airport, which will be situated 48 kilometres from the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, will be the fifth in Kerala.

People in News

Arpan Doshi, an Indian-origin man, who studied in Gujarat until he was 13, has becomeUK’s youngest ever doctor.
- Doshi, who is due to start work next month, beat the previous record by 17 days.

Science & Technology

Over 3 billion tonnes of plastic, enough to cover the entire country of Argentina, has been generated by humans since the material’s mass production started in 1950s, a US-based research has revealed.
- It also said that around 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic was produced by 2015, of which 79% resides in landfills or natural environment, while only 9% was recycled.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to issue a new batch of ₹20 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series-2005
- The notes will have the inset letter ‘S’ and RBI Governor Urjit Patel’s signature.
Union Cabinet today gave its in-principle approval for sale of the government’s 51.11% stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL)to India’s largest oil producer ONGC for ₹30,000 crore.
- Note: After this, the HPCL will become a subsidiary of ONGC and will remain a listed company.

Current Sports Affairs

India’s top-ranked female shot putter Manpreet Kaur has been suspended by the Athletics Federation after she failed dope test.
- He is also set to lose her gold medal which she won at the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships.

22 July

International News Affairs

The United States today announced that the government will ban citizens from traveling to North Koreadue to “the serious risk of arrest”.
Insurance giant Swiss Re is preparing aninsurance policy for the Mesoamerican Reef in Mexico to prevent its further deterioration.
- Under the scheme, which is the first for a natural structure, the premiums will be paid by hotels and government, and money to pay for the repair of the reef will be released if a storm strikes.
The US Defence Department today announced that it will not make military reimbursements to Pakistanfor 2016 fiscal.
- This comes after US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said that Pakistan had not taken sufficient action against the Afghan insurgent group Haqqani Network.
- Note: Earlier, the US Senate had voted to impose tougher conditions on defense aid to Pakistan.

National News Affairs

The government is pro-actively considering having two separate time zones in the country.
- This came after Odisha MP B Mahtab raised the issue and said that there was a gap of nearly two hours in the sunrise between the eastern and western regions of the country.
The government has said that India has less than 1 doctor for every 1,000 people, which is less than the World Health Organisation standard.
- Around 8.18 lakh doctors may be available for active service, giving a doctor-population ratio of 0.62:1000, the Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said.
- Note : The WHO prescribes a ratio of 1:1000.

New Appointments

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Gopal Baglay was appointed as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
- He will have the tenure of 3 years.
- He is going to replace Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who has been named as India’s Ambassador to France.
Sanjay Kothari, a 1978-batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary to President-elect Ram Nath Kovind.
- Senior journalist Ashok Malik has been appointed as the Press Secretary to Kovind.
The Deputy President of the UK Supreme Court,Brenda Hale has been appointed as the first female president of the UK Supreme Court.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the Financial year may soon begin from Januaryin sync with the calendar year.
- Important Note: In May, Madhya Pradesh became India’s first state to shift its financial year format to January-December from the present April-March cycle.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has refused to deposit cash of over ₹200 crore in old notes from 31 district central cooperative banks in Maharashtra.
- RBI argued that the cooperative banks collected the notes after they were demonetised, but the banks claim they were collected before.
For a 4th consecutive year, US retail giant Walmart has topped the 2017 Fortune Global 500 list with a revenue of $486 billion.
- Important Points to Note :
  - 7 Indian companies were featured in this list.
  - Indian Oil, with revenues of over $53 billion in previous fiscal, is the highest ranked Indian company and placed 168th globally.

Current Sports Affairs

Taking India’s medals tally to three, the Indian para-athlete Karamjyoti Dalal won a Bronze Medal in discus throw at the ongoing World Para Athletics Championships

Previous Year CDS Cutoff For Written Exam

Candidates can refer the previous year CDS Cutoff from the below.

Official CDS Cut Off I 2017

Academy	CDS I Cut off 2017
IMA	125
AFA	118
AFA	144
OTA for Men	82
OTA for Women	82

2/27/2026

12 July

International News Affairs

The United States has deployed anti-aircraft missiles for the first time in the Baltics for use in NATO military drills in Lithuania.
- This comes ahead of the Zapad exercise by Russia and Belarus, which NATO allies believe could increase Russian presence.

MOUs & Agreements

The United States and Qatar today signed an agreement on combating terrorism and terror financing.
- Note: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, and Egypt had imposed sanctions on Qatar last month accusing it of financing extremist groups.

National News Affairs

The Telecom department has made it mandatory for all phones, including feature phones, to install Global Positioning System (GPS)from January 1, 2018.
- The order aims to ensure consumers’ safety as GPS can help locate them in emergency situations.
To create awareness about Aadhaar number, the government has started a story-telling contest named ‘Aadhaar Hai To Aasaani Hai‘.
- People willing to participate can send in a 200-500 word-long story about Aadhaar till August 8 midnight.
- The top five stories will be awarded ₹20,000 each, while the next 20 stories will be awarded ₹5,000 each.
The Telangana government has issued an ordinance to curb the “social evils” caused by online rummy card games.
- Note : Online gaming is an offence as per the provisions of another ordinance issued by the state a month ago.
The National Zoological Park, New Delhi is going to launch an Animal Adoption Scheme.
- Citizens would be able to adopt an animal after paying a fixed amount of money, usually spent on food and medicines for the animal.
- The adopter would have free entry for a year and their name will be displayed on the cage.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today directed a complete ban on ‘manja’ (kite strings) made of or coated with any synthetic material that is non-biodegradable.
Maharashtra has become the first Indian state to provide free injectable contraceptives to women under the state’s family planning programme, Antara.
- The injection contains a female birth-control hormone, which prevents pregnancy for three months.
Rajasthan has become the first State to lay down the minimum educational qualifications for contesting elections to village cooperative societies and various other cooperative bodies.
- In this regard, state government has amended State Cooperative Societies Rules, 2003.

Places in News

A total of 36 places in India are recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, with the latest addition being the city of Ahmedabad.
- With four of its sites recognised, Maharashtra tops the list in India.
- India’s World Heritage Sites include West Bengal’s Sundarbans, Maharashtra’s Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UP’s Taj Mahal, Goa’s Churches and Convents, among others.

Banking, Business & Economic News

5 Indian States (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Telangana and Arunachal Pradesh) and a Union Territory (PUducherry) have formally adopted the Centre’s Government e-Marketplace (GeM) initiative.
- In this regard, this states/UT have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join GeM initiative.
- 4 more states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Haryana, will ink such MoU soon.
- What is Government e-Marketplace (GeM) initiative ?
  - GEM Initiative is an Online Market platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government.
  - It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement of goods and services and eliminate corruption.
- The government has approved e-commerce giant Amazon‘s proposed $500 million (over ₹3,200 crore) foreign direct investment (FDI) in retailing of food products in India.
  - As per the proposal, the company will sell food products online via its wholly-owned subsidiary.
  - Note : The government allows 100% FDI in food retail, including e-commerce, provided the items are produced or manufactured in India.
- Traders and businesses will have to display the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration number on their business sign boards and the registration certificate on the premises.
  - This is to ensure that a citizen can easily find out whether a business is registered or not.
  - The GSTIN is a 15-digit number which taxpayers get after registering with GST Network portal.

New Appointments

Ned Segal, a long time Goldman Sachs banker and the former Senior Vice President of Finance at Silicon Valley’s financial software company Intuit, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer at Twitter.
- He will take over the CFO role from Anthony Noto, who was promoted to COO post last November.

Science & Technology

NASA’s James Webb Telescope, the largest space telescope ever built, has been locked in a vacuum vault for testing at sub-zero temperatures to simulate its working in deep space.
- The 6.5-metre diameter telescope has 18 gold-coated mirrors and a tennis court-sized sunshield to gather light and protect its instruments.
- The $8.8 billion telescope took 20 years to build.
The Chinese government has ordered telecommunications firms to completely block access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) by February 2018, in a crackdown aimed at suppressing dissent over the legitimacy of the ruling Communist Party.
- Note: China operates the world’s largest Internet censorship regime and has banned several social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj has became the all-time highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket.
- She also became the second player after Charlotte Edwards to score over 500 runs in four different calendar years in women’s ODI cricket.
Following Angelo Mathews’ resignation as Sri Lanka’s captain from all three formats, the country’s cricket board has named :
- Dinesh Chandimal as the Side’s Test captain.
- Upul Tharanga as the limited-overs captain.

16 July

International News Affairs

The US House of Representatives has voted for three legislative amendments to impose tougher conditions for reimbursement of defence funding to Pakistan.
- The amendments make it conditional for Pakistan to show satisfactory progress in its fight against terrorism.

National News Affairs

Matunga suburban railway station in Mumbai has become the first station in India to be run by an all-women staff.
Union Minister MJ Akbar today said that the government is working towards setting up a passport centre every 50 kilometres in the country.
The Mumbai railways is going to introduce a software which will help commuters book tickets through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)
- The software will make use of SMS services, which will allow commuters without smart phones to book tickets.

New Appointments

Indo-Canadian YouTube personality Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, has been named UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador.

Banking, Business & Economic News

ICICI Lombard General Insurance, a joint venture of ICICI Bank and Fairfax Financial Holdings, has filed draft prospectus for its IPO.
- This makes it the first non-life insurance company in India to file for IPO.
- Important Note : This is the second insurance company from ICICI group to go public.
Axis Bank, India’s third-largest private sector bank, has appointed search firm Egon Zehnderto look for a new CEO to succeed Shikha Sharma, who is set to step down next year.
Baba Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved has been featured among the Top 10 most influential brands in India along with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio, according to research firm Ipsos.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Google has been ranked at the top, while Microsoft and Facebook are ranked second and third, respectively.
  - The State Bank of India (SBI), the only financial institution on the list, moved up four ranks to the fifth position.

Awards & Honours

Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively for the film ‘Udta Punjab’ at the 2017 IIFA Awards.
- Sonam Kapoor’s ‘Neerja won the best picture award.
- Music composer AR Rahman was honoured for 25 years of his musical contribution.
- Check complete list of IIFA Award Winners from HERE
San Miguel de Allende in Mexico has been named the World’s Best City in a survey by Travel and Leisure magazine.
- India’s Udaipur has been ranked 14th in the list.
- Top 5 in the List :
  - San Miguel de Allende (Mexico)
  - Charleston (US)
  - Chiang Mai (Thailand)
  - Kyoto (Japan)
  - Florence (Italy)
- The Tamil Nadu government has announced the State Film awards for six consecutive years from 2009-2014.
  - Winners of Best Picture Category
    - Pasanga (2009)
    - Myna (2010)
    - Vaagai Sooda Vaa (2011)
    - Vazhakku En 18/9 (2012)
    - Ramanujan (2013)
    - Kutram Kadithal (2014)

Science & Technology

US-Russia research collaboration at Harvard has created the world’s most advanced quantum computer with 51 quantum bits, or qubits– the fundamental unit of information in a quantum computer.
- Note: A classical bit can store data in 0 or 1 state whereas a qubit can store both simultaneously.

Obituary

Maryam Mirzakhani(40), the world’s first woman as well as the first Iranian to win the Fields Medal for mathematics died today of breast cancer.
- Mirzakhani, who was a professor of mathematics at Stanford, was awarded the medal nicknamed “Nobel Prize for Mathematics” in 2014.

Current Sports Affairs

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza has today won the Wimbledon Women’s singles title.
- With this she became only the second Spanish women’s player in the history of tennis to win the wimbledon single’s title.
Indian women’s cricket team today defeated New Zealand to book a spot in the Women’s World Cup 2017 semi-finals.
- Indian captain Mithali Raj recorded the joint-highest 50-plus scores in women’s ODIs after smashing her 55th such score in the form of her sixth ODI hundred.
- With the win, India have joined England, Australia and South Africa in the semis.
Indian hammer thrower Damneet Singh won a silver medal in the boys’ hammer throw eventto give India their first medal at the IAFF World U-18 Athletics Championships in Nairobi today.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly today inaugurated an 8-foot tall bronze statue of himself at the Balurghat Stadium in West Bengal.
- The statue has been installed by the South Dinajpur District Sports Association as a tribute to the former player.

14 July

International News Affairs

UK PM Theresa May today published the landmark ‘Brexit repeal bill‘ to end the supremacy of EU laws and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK.
- The repeal bill is a largely technical measure to copy all existing EU legislation into domestic UK law to ensure a smooth transition after Brexit.
India has contributed an additional $1 millionto India-UN Development Partnership Fund launched to support sustainable development projects across the developing world.
- Earlier, India had made an initial contribution of $1 million when the fund was created.
- The amount was allocated for the implementation of a project benefiting seven Small Island Developing States in South Pacific Ocean.
Top 9 in 2017 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Index
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
- Czech Republi
- Germany
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Note:India has been ranked 116 on the index with a score of 58.1, behind countries such as Nepal, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and China. Pakistan is ranked 122.
India for the first time is going to host International Theatre Olympics, the greatest carnival of theatre in the world in 2018.
- The 51-day carnival of theatre will begin on February 17, 2018.
- This event is going to be organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) in coordination with the Union Culture Ministry.
- This is the 8thedition of the Olympics.
- The 7th edition was held in Poland in 2016.

National News Affairs

The government has extended financial powers to the Army Vice-Chief to make emergency purchases to keep the force ready for ‘short intense wars’.
- The Army has identified 46 kinds of ammunition apart from spares for 10 weapons platforms, which can be purchased through the emergency route.
- Further, there is no limit on expenditure to purchase minimum ammunition for Army’s reserve.
TheMumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is going to introduce a second underground metro in the city by extending the Wadala Metro 4 route by 8 kilometres, up to General Post Office.
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2016.
- Note: Maharashtra is the first state in the country to formulate a law to punish social boycott.

New Appointments

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau will appoint former astronaut Julie Payette as the next Governor General.
- Note: The Governor General is Canada’s ceremonial commander-in-chief.
Tata Sons today announced that it has appointed TCS Executive Director Aarthi Subramanian as group’s Chief Digital Officer.

Science & Technology

In a bid to promote environment-friendly system, Indian Railways today launched first 1600 HP solar-powered DEMU train from the Safdarjung railway station in Delhi.
- This train will save about 21,000 litres of diesel and thereby bring cost saving of Rs 12 lakh per year.
- DEMU – Diesel Electric Multiple Unit
Astronomers at Pune-based IUCAA and IISER have discovered a supercluster of galaxies, which they named ‘Saraswati‘.
- A cluster could have galaxies ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, however, a supercluster could have clusters ranging from 40 to 43, researchers said.
- The Saraswati supercluster, 4 billion light-years away, may be more massive than 20,000 trillion Suns, they added.

Awards & Honours

Singer Ariana Grande has been made the first honorary citizen of Manchester city in UK.
- She was praised for returning to perform at the One Love Manchester concert less than two weeks after the terror attack on her earlier concert in Manchester, which killed 22 people.
- She also raised around ₹16.5 crore for a fund to help the victims.

Obituary

Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo (61) who was recently released from prison on compassionate grounds passed away today.
- Liu had been diagnosed with liver cancer in May while serving an 11-year sentence for penning a pro-democracy manifesto in 2008.
- It called for an end to one-party rule and improvements in human rights in China.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Income tax authorities have added a provision in the tax return form (ITR2), which will require all non-residents to disclose details of their bank accounts outside India.
- Earlier, NRIs were allowed to claim funds lying in foreign accounts as lawful income earned abroad.
Individuals selling old jewellery to traders or hostel accommodation provided to students by educational institutions will not be subject to GST, the government has clarified today.
- Sale of old jewellery is not taxable as it is not a transaction made in the course of running a business.
- Further, GST will also not apply on sale of old cars or two-wheelers.
Patanjali Group founder Baba Ramdev today launched a private security firm called ‘Parakram Suraksha Private Limited‘ in Haridwar.
- The company has been launched with the aim of preparing “individuals for self and country’s security,” Ramdev said during the launch.
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) will establish India’s first Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC)at Patent Information Centre, Punjab.
- In this regard, DIPP has signed an Institutional agreement with the Punjab State Council of Science and Technology.
- Note: The TISC will be set up under the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) TISC program.

Books & Authors

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today released a Coffee Table Book titled ‘Ganga Avahan – The Epic Tale of a Historic Swim’.
- Important Points to Note :
  - The ‘Ganga Avahan’ was a pioneering and historic exploratory open-water swim expedition on the Ganga River.
  - This was the first ever human effort to swim down the entire stretch of the river and also the longest ever social campaign undertaken through an adventure sporting activity for the Swachh Bharat National Mission, Clean Ganga projectand Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.

25 July

International News Affairs

Sweden is going to hold its ‘first and biggest’ military exercise in over 20 years, involving all of its military branches as well as troops from several NATO countries.
- The drills are aimed at strengthening Sweden’s defence capabilities and creating a “credible and visible” deterrent to warn potential enemies against the risks of attacking Sweden.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt today blacklisted 9 charity groups and 9 individuals with ties to Yemen, Qatar and Libya, labelling them “terrorist” over suspected ties to Islamist extremism.
- This comes amid the ongoing Qatar crisis in which the Arab states suspended diplomatic ties with Qatar last month, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

New Appointments

Ram Nath Kovind was today sworn-in as India’s 14th President.
- He was administered the oath of the office by the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar.
- Kovind, who defeated Opposition candidate Meira Kumar after securing over 65% votes, is India’s second Dalit President after KR Narayanan.

National News Affairs

Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today announced that the driverless cars and any technology that takes away jobs will not be allowed in India.
- Note: Currently, driverless car technology is being tested in several countries such as the US and the UK.
Madras High Court directed that National Song Vande Mataram should be sung in all Tamil Nadu educational institutions at least once a week.
- It further mandated all government and private offices sing or play it at least once a month.
Parliament has passed The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016.
- The Bill seeks to upgrade existing laws related to civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction of courts, maritime claims, arrest and detention of ships.
- Admiralty laws deal with cases of accidents in navigable waters or involve contracts related to commerce on such waters.
According to the government data, out of India’s population of 132 crore people, only 6.8 crore or 5.15%, have a valid passport.
- Note : India is now third in terms of issuing passports, after China and US.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has banned the use of stapler pins in tea bags from January 2018.
The Union Ministry of Rural Development launched Aarambh mobile appfor performance based maintenance contracting and community contracting for maintenance of rural roads.

Obituary

Renowned scientist Professor Yash Pa (90) passed away.
- He was known for his contribution to the study of cosmic rays at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
- He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2013.
- He also featured in a famous science series, ‘Turning Point’, on Doordarshan.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today introduced the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha.
- This bill empowers RBI to ask any bank to initiate insolvency proceedings and give directions for resolution of stressed assets.
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales has declared “total independence” from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)and World Bank.
- Note : Last year, Bolivia has announced that it will no longer respond to their demands.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved sale of government’s 11% stakealong with management control in HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum) to ONGC.

Science & Technology

“Hywind“, the world’s first full scale floating wind farm is being built off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea.
- Note : The floating wind farm technology will allow wind power to be harvested in waters that are too deep for the existing bottom—standing turbines particularly installed in shallow waters.

15 July

International News Affairs

Today (15th July 2017) is World Youth Skills Day.
- The United Nations General Assembly in November 2014, declared 15th July as World Youth Skills Day.
- The 1st World Youth Skills Day was observed on 15th July 2015.
- This day is celebrated all over the world to raise awareness about the issue of unemployment among youth.
- Theme of World Youth Skills Day 2017 : “Skills for All”
Indonesia today renamed part of the South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea.
- Although Indonesia said it is a non-claimant state in the sea, it added that China’s maritime boundary overlaps its exclusive economic zone around the Natuna islands.
France has celebrated its 228th Bastille Day.
- This is President Emmanuel Macron’s first celebration as the President.
- Note: US President Donald Trump presided over the event as the guest of honour.

New Appointments

An 18-year-old ragpicker Bilal Dar has been appointed as Srinagar’s civic ambassador.
- Dar will get a special uniform and vehicle to go and meet people and sensitise them about environmental issues, cleanliness and garbage disposal.

Science & Technology

Russian space agency Roscosmos today successfully launched ‘Kanopus-V-IK‘ Earth-imaging satellite and 72 microsatellites into orbit on a single rocket.
- The microsatellites include 62 CubeSats developed by US and others made by Japan, Germany, and Canada.
- Note: This comes after ISRO launched a world record 104 satellites at once earlier this year, breaking Russia’s previous record of 37 satellites.
With 24.1 crore active users, India has overtaken the United States to become Facebook’s largest country audience, according to data shared by the platform for July.
Nepal will get Internet services through Chinese optical fibre starting next month, ending its reliance on India for the service.
France and Germany today announced plans to develop a “new generation” European fighter jet, in an effort to strengthen the European Union and increase cooperation between the two countries.
- Note: The two nations aim to come up with a joint roadmap by 2018 to replace the existing fleet of rival warplanes, which includes the Rafale and Eurofighter.

Awards & Honours

Actress Priyanka Chopra has been nominated at the Teen Choice Awards 2017 in the ‘Villain’ category for her Hollywood debut film ‘Baywatch’.
- This is Priyanka’s second nomination after she bagged one for her role in American television series ‘Quantico’ in 2016.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Finance Ministry has received around 90 applications for the post of RBI Deputy Governor as SS Mundra’s three-year term is coming to end this month.
- Several private bankers have also applied for the post as the position was open to private sector.
- Note : This post will have a fixed salary of ₹2.25 lakh per month plus allowances.
The US House of Representatives has passed a $621.5 billion defence policy billwhich includes proposals of boosting defence cooperation with India.
- US officials now have 180 days to develop a strategy on the cooperation between the countries.
- The proposal then needs to be passed by the Senate before US President Donald Trump signs it into a law.
Swami Vivekananda Airport of Raipur was ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)Survey among 49 airports in the country.
- It was followed by Udaipur (2nd), Amritsar (3rd) and Dehradun (4th) airports.
India and European Union (EU) have established Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM)for EU Investments in India.
- The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between EU and India with an aim to promote and facilitate EU investment in India.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian Para-athlete Sundar Singh Gurjar became only the second Indian to win a gold at the World Para Athletics Championships, winning one in javelin at the 2017 edition in London today.
- Note: Rio gold medalist Devendra Jhajharia was the first Indian to win gold in 2013.
35 year-old Roger Federer has become the oldest men’s singles Wimbledon finalist since 1974, after defeating Czech tennis player Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals today.
- Now Federer will face first-time Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic in the final tomorrow.

18 July

International News Affairs

Today (18th July) is ‘Nelson Mandela International Day‘.
- He was born on this day in the year 1918.
- In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Mandela was awarded India’s highest civilian honour,the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his role in the anti-apartheid movement.
  - Apart from Pakistan nationalKhan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, he is the only non-Indian to have received the award.
  - He was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1993.
- Somalia has entered the 4 week of internet blackoutafter a ship cut an undersea cable connecting the country to global data networks.
  - With this, the Somalian economy has been losing $10 million a day in business without internet.
- Thailand has amended a royal property law to formally give King Maha Vajiralongkorn full control of the agency which manages royal assets worth more than $30 billion.
  - The amendment, which is the first legislation concerning crown property in decades, also empowers the King to appoint any individual or agency to manage the assets and properties.
- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte today offered self-rule to the country’s Muslim minority in an attempt to defeat militants loyal to Islamic State who have besieged the city of Marawi for nearly two months.

National News Affairs

The Karnataka government has set up a 9-member committeeto design a state flag (an identity symbol unique to the state).
- Important Note: As of now, Jammu and Kashmir is the only state that has its own flag.
While hearing petitions challenging Aadhaar, the Supreme Court today appointed a9-judge bench to decide whether privacy is a fundamental right or not under the Constitution.
The Delhi government has released ₹100 crorefor the completion of the Signature Bridge, which is twice the height of the Qutub Minar.
- The bridge was supposed to be ready by 2010 Commonwealth Games, but its construction was slowed down due to insufficient funds.

Science & Technology

The United States and Australia have jointly test-fired a hypersonic missile capable of moving at a speed eight times faster than sound as part of a $54-million research project.
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched SOHUM, an indigenously developed low-cost hearing screening device for newborns.
- The portable Sohum hearing screening device measures auditory brain waves via three electrodes placed on the baby’s head.
- When stimulated, they detect electrical responses generated by the brain’s auditory system. If there is no response, the child cannot hear.

New Appointments

The BJP-led NDA today announced Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naiduas its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections.
- He will contest against the Congress-led Opposition’s candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson).
Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani was given the additional charge of theInformation & Broadcasting Ministry after M Venkaiah Naidu resigned.
Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gets additional charge of Urban Development Ministry.
Tesla has added two new independent directors to its board, namely James Murdoch, CEO of 21st Century Fox, and Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman of Johnson Publishing.
Vikram Limaye has taken over as the Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange.
- He will have a term of five years at the exchange and will be paid ₹8 crore a year.
Britain’s 1st woman Sikh MP, Preet Kaur Gill elected to influential cross-party panel in UK Parliament that examines workings of Home Office.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The State Bank of India (SBI) today launched SBI Realty, a dedicated portal that will help home buyers to choose flats from its 3,000 approved projects across the country.
- SBI Realty will be a one stop integrated website for home buyers.
- It will help customers to choose their dream home from 3,000 SBI approved projects, which are spread across 13 states/UTs covering 30 cities.
India has ranked 4th among world’s fastest growing economies. according to recently released World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects.
- Note: India has been placed behind smaller economies of Estonia, Uzbekistan, and Nepal in growth rate.
SBI Life Insurance, a unit of State Bank of India, has filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), that will reportedly raise over $1 billion (over ₹6,400 crore).
- Note: SBI Life will be the second Indian life insurer to go public.

Current Sports Affairs

The BCCI today named former Indian cricketer Bharat Arun as the Indian cricket team’s bowling coach.
- Note: Sanjay Bangar and R Sridhar will remain the batting and fielding coach respectively.
Italian football legend Francesco Totti today anounced his retirement from football after spending his 25-year-long playing career with Seria A club Roma.
Former national-level hockey player Amit Saroha, who met with an accident in 2007, clinched the Silver medal in the club throw event in the F-51 category at the World Para Athletics Championships.

24 July

National News Affairs

The Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi today launched an online portal SHe-box (Sexual Harassment e-box) for the central government’s women employees to file complaints related to workplace sexual harassment.
- She said the portal would soon cater to women of private companies as well.
Uttar Pradesh Power Minister Shrikant Sharma today launched free power connection schemes for BPL families at 624 places across the state.
The Maharashtra government has lifted the ban on the sale of paan masala until a single-member committee decides on the matter.
- Note: Maharashtra had banned paan masala in 2014.
According to a National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ report, Maharashtra and Rajasthan recorded the highest number of cases of child marriage.
TheLucknow Metro will become India’s first to have its own FM radio station, which will provide entertainment and information on metro safety.
Delhigovernment has announced plans to launch a mobile application which will allow people to check the status of government projects on a single platform.
- The move is aimed at bringing all relevant information about the implementation of schemes and policies in the public domain.

MOUs & Agreements

Iranand US-backed Iraq today signed an agreement to boost military cooperation.
- This agreement covers border security, logistics, and training, among other provisions aimed at fighting terrorism and extremism.

New Appointments

ActorAmitabh Bachchan‘s role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador has been extended for two more years.
- He will now be working on spreading awareness regarding vaccination for MR (measles and rubella) infections for children.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

TheReserve Bank of India (RBI) has floated a tender for leasing 12 currency verification systems to help isolate fake currency from deposited demonetised notes.
Maharashtragovernment today approved bank guarantees and loan-related sanctions for four Mumbai Metro projects. T
- hey approved bank guarantee forMetro 4 and issued Debt Sustainability Certificate (DSC) for Metro 2A, Metro 2B and Metro 7
  - This will help formalise the loan agreements with Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which are funding the projects.

Obituary

Former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),Udupi Ramachandra Rao (85) passed away.
- He served as ISRO’s chief from 1984 to 1994 and is widely known as the man behind India’s first satellite Aryabhatta.
- He was awarded India’s second-highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan by the government in 2017.

Science & Technology

Microsoft has announced its long-standing basic graphics editing program ‘MS Paint’ will no longer be availablewith the next Windows 10 update called the Autumn Creators Update.
- The MS Paint program was first released with the very first version of Windows 1.0 in 1985.
‘Yara Birkeland‘, theworld’s first ever self-driving ship worth ₹162 crore will set sail along a 60 km route in southern Norway without any crew member in 2018.

Current Sports Affairs

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy won the US Open Grand Prix Gold tournament after defeating Parupalli Kashyap in an all-India final today.
British cyclist Chris Froome won his third consecutive and fourth overall Tour de France, finishing the race in 86 hours 20 minutes 55 seconds in Paris today.
World youth boxing champion Sachin Siwach clinched a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.
The Indian contingent at the World Para Athletics Championship ended its campaign with five medals (1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze)
England’s women’s cricket team defeated India by 9 runs at Lord’s Cricket Ground to clinch their fourth World Cup title.
- Note: This was India’s second appearance in the Women’s World Cup final, having lost to Australia in the 2005 edition.

CLAT Exam Eligibility 2018

UG Programme

There will be no upper age limit for UG Programme in CLAT 2018.
As regards minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2), the candidates must have secured:
1. Forty five percent (45%) marks in case of candidates belonging to Unreserved/OBC/Specially Abled Persons (SAP) and other categories, and
2. Forty Percent (40%) marks in case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) categories.
Candidates who are appearing in the qualifying examination in March/April, 2018 are also eligible to appear in CLAT-2018 online examination. However, they shall be required to produce an evidence of their passing the qualifying examination at the time of admission, failing which they shall lose their right to be considered for admission.
The result of the qualifying examination (i.e., 10+2) shall be submitted by the candidate at the time of admission failing which the candidate shall be ineligible for admission to the Course.
In case of equal marks, the break of tie shall be by the following procedure and order as under:
1. Higher marks in the component /section on legal aptitude in the CLAT-2018 exam;
2. Higher age;

Computerised draw of lots.

PG Programme:

The candidates must have minimum percentage of marks in the qualifying examination [i.e. LL.B./Five-Year Integrated LL.B. (Hons.)/any other equivalent exam] as under:
1. Fifty five percent (55%) marks in case of candidates belonging to Unreserved/OBC/Specially Abled Persons (SAP) and other categories, and
2. Fifty percent (50%) marks in case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) categories.
The candidate must have passed/appeared in the final semester/final year examination of the qualifying examination on the date of his/her admission.
In case of candidates who have appeared in the qualifying examination, he/she may submit his/her final result of qualifying examination within the time frame prescribed by the respective University/Institute. Till then such candidates may be given provisional admission.
In case of equal marks, the break of tie shall be by procedure and order as under:
1. Higher age;
2. Computerized draw of lots.
No upper age limit is prescribed for appearing in CLAT-2018.

1 July

International News Affairs

Russian President Vladimir Putin today signed a decree extending the embargo imposed on food products from the EU and other Western countries until the end of 2018.
- The move comes days after the European Union formally rolled out fresh economic sanctions against Russia.

National News Affairs

Today (1st July 2017 is National Doctors’ Day.
- This day is observed in India to honour the contributions of Bharat Ratna Bidhan Chandra Roy(1st July 1882 – 1st July 1962), former West Bengal Chief Minister who was also a physician.
- He is remembered till date for actively involving himself in starting many institutions, hospitals and was fully dedicated to the upliftment of Indian society.
- First Doctor’s Day was celebrated in 1991.
India’s tallest Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at the Delhi Airport is going to start operations by December, Airports Authority of India Chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra announced today.
- The new 101.9-metre tower, which will give controllers a 360-degree view of the airport, is the seventh tallest ATC tower in the world.
- It has been built at a cost of ₹350 crore.

Awards & Honours

IPS officer Mahesh Bhagwat has been given the US government’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons Hero award for his 13 year-long fight against human trafficking.
‘A Billion Colour Story‘, co-produced by Bollywood actor Satish Kaushik and directed by Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy won the Audience Award at the 2017 London Indian Film Festival.
Technology major Adobe’s CEO Shantanu Narayen and former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy are the two Indian-Americans among 38 individuals who will be honoured with the Great Immigrants award in the US this year.

Science & Technology

Jio today announced the launch of the 25,000-kilometre Asia-Africa-Europe (AAE-1) submarine cable system.
- Jio claimed it is the longest technology-based 100 Gbps (gigabits per second) submarine cable system in the world, stretching from France to Hong Kong with 21 cable landings across Asia and Europe.

People in News

Shyam Saran Negi, independent India’s first-ever voter, turns 100 years old today.
- Negi, who belongs to Chini village in present day Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, was the first to cast his vote in the country’s first-ever general elections held in 1951.

New Appointments

Senior lawyer KK Venugopal has been appointed as the new Attorney General of India.
- He is going to replace Mukul Rohatgi.
- About Attorney General of India :
  - India’s Attorney General is the first law officer of the government and acts as a top advocate for the Union Government.
  - He needs to give advice to the President and the Centre on legal matters.
  - An Attorney General has the right to speak and attend the proceedings of the Parliament, however, he/she cannot vote in the committee.

Obituary

Actor Minaketan Das(56), known for his roles in Odia films and television series, passed away.
- Known for playing negative roles, ‘Balunga Toka’, ‘Jianta Bhuta’ and ‘Most Wanted’ were among Minaketan’s popular films.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The government today launched the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, effective from July 1, 2017.
- The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was first proposed 17 years ago, when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee formed a GST committee.
- In the making since 2000 and claimed to be the biggest tax reform since Independence, the GST will be a unified indirect tax structure across the country.
- The GST Council has come out with a four-rate structure of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.
- The maximum GST rate slab of 28% is the highest among more than 140 countries across the world that have implemented GST.
  - Argentina has the second-highest GST rate of 27%, whereas the rate stands at 20% in the UK, 20% in France and 7% in Singapore.
- The Financial Stability Report released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today said the ongoing initiatives like GST will push the economic growth to 3% in the current fiscal year in terms of gross value added (GVA).
  - Further, reforms in FDI, real estate, and revival in external demand are likely to contribute to a better growth, the report said.
- Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is set to become the largest shareholder of Bank of Americasurpassing Vanguard Group by exercising its warrants to buy 700 million common shares.

Sports Current News

MS Dhoni has become India’s fourth highest run scorer in ODIs, after reaching the 15-run mark in the second ODI against Windies.
- Top 5 in the list
  - Sachin Tendulkar – 18426 Runs
  - Sourav Ganguly – 11363 Runs
  - Rahul Dravid – 10889 Runs
  - Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 9442 Runs
  - Mohammad Azharuddin – 9378

28 June

International News Affairs

To combat rising pollution and climate change, China has officially started building the world’s first ‘Forest City’.
- The Liuzhou Forest Cityis expected to absorb nearly 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and produce 900 tonnes of oxygen.
- Set to be completed in 2020, the energy self-sufficient city will house 30,000 people, 40,000 trees and nearly 1 million plants.
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the support of the United States for India’s permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council.
- The remarks were made following Modi and Trump’s meeting at the White House.
India is drafting a policy to safeguard its interests in Antarcticaand is going to present it at the winter session of the Parliament.
- Note: Being a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty, it is important for India to have clear directives to guide its activities in the region.

MOUs & Agreements

India and the Netherlands have signed 3 MOUs after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.
- The signed MOUS are :
  - MOU on Amending Social Security Arrangement
  - MOU on Cultural Cooperation
  - MOU on Water Cooperation

National News Affairs

In a bid to cut down air pollution in the area, Amritsar’s Golden Temple will now use solar energy to prepare ‘langar’instead of LPG and wooden sticks. T
- Note: This is the Temple’s second eco-friendly move, after starting organic farming for grains.

Banking, Business & Economic News

E-commerce major Flipkart has debuted on MIT Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies list for 2017.
- Important Note : Flipkart is the only Indian company on the list.
The World Bank has cleared a $250-million (over ₹1,610 crore) loan for making Indians more employable through re-skilling, under the government’s Skill India mission.
- The programme is targetted at people between 15-59 years of age who are underemployed and unemployed.
- It also mandates the provision of entrepreneurship opportunities to women and to increase their exposure to skill training.
Internet search giant Google was hit with a record $2.7 billion fineby European Union regulators for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results.
- This is the biggest fine for a company in an EU antitrust case.

People in News

Brazilian prosecutors today filed corruption charges against President Michel Temer, accusing him of receiving over ₹97 lakh in bribes.
- Note: Termer is the Brazil’s first serving leader to face a criminal trial.

New Appointments

Kaushik Basu has taken over as President of the International Economic Association (IEA).
- He will serve a three-year term as the President.
Bollywood Actress Vidya Balan has been named the Ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
- The festival, which will be held from August 10 to August 22, will showcase over 60 films.
Dr Manoj Soni has taken Oath of Office and Secrecy as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Science & Technology News

A month after WannaCry attacked systems worldwide, a new ransomware called ‘Petya‘ has hit computers in countries like Ukraine, Russia, India, and US.
- Petya differs from typical ransomware as it doesn’t just encrypt files; it also overwrites and encrypts the information in hard disks.
- According to a cyber security expert, the Petya ransomware attack infected as many as 5,000 systems within 10 minutes initially.
- Petya is based on the same Windows exploit as WannaCry, but uses a strengthened method to spread itself.
- Operations at one of the terminals of Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s largest container port, were disrupted by this ransomware, marking the first reported case of the ransomware in India.

Obituary News

Mustafa Dossa, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, died of a heart attack today in Mumbai,.
- This comes a day after the CBI sought capital punishment for Dossa, claiming that his role in the blasts was more severe than that of hanged convict Yakub Memon.

Recent Committees in News

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has constituted a special 7-member committee to analyse the few contentious Lodha panel reformswhich are being opposed by the state units.
- Head of this Committee : Rajeev Shukla
- Members :
  - Sourav Ganguly
  - C. Mathew
  - Naba Bhattacharjee
  - Jay Shah
  - Anirudh Chaudhary
  - Amitabh Choudhary

Current Sports News

Indian origin cricketer (Telangana) Sindhuja Reddy is set to be a part of the USA women’s cricket team in the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in Scotland.
Kerala’s traditional snake boat racing, which is held during Onam, is set to become an IPL-like league-based sport with the inaugural edition of the Kerala Boat Race League scheduled to start in August this year.
- The league, comprising nine races, will feature snake boats, which are usually 100-foot long and require around a hundred rowers to ride.

2 July

International News Affairs

Today (2nd July) isWorld Sports Jounalists Day.
- This day was established by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in 1994 to mark the 70th Anniversary of it’s foundation.
TheUK Parliament has scrapped a requirement for male lawmakers to wear ties and jackets in the House of Commons, breaking a long-standing tradition requiring the MPs to wear ties as a part of rules governing conduct and courtesy.

National News Affairs

The Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launchedNational Biopharma Mission, a first ever Industry-Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical development in India.
- Under this mission, the ministry alsolaunched Innovate in India (i3)program to create an enabling ecosystem to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous manufacturing in the sector.
Uttarakhandtoday banned begging, making it one of the twenty states and two union territories to have banned the practice.
- Following a High Court order, the state issued the notification that gives the police right to arrest people begging on the streets.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inauguratedTextiles India 2017 India’s first ever mega textiles trade fair at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- The 3-day fair will showcase the nation as a global sourcing hub and investment destination for manufacturers world-wide.
The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension has launched a new training programme titled Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT) for State Government officials.
- Objective of COMMIT: To improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on day-to-day basis.
Mizoram recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of the signing of the historicMizo peace accord.
- This Accord was signed by the Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Laldenga, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalkhama, and Union Home Secretary R D Pradhan.
- The accord ushered in an era of peace after 20 years of violence and disturbance that hampered Mizoram.

New Appointments

Senior IPS officerR K Pachnanda took charge as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
- Important Points to Note:
  - With this, he became the 29th Chief of the ITBP.
  - With this appointment Pachnanda became theonly IPS officer who has served in all the major central paramilitary forces and agencies – CRPF, CISF, BSF, NDRF, SPG, CBI and now the
- Hong Kong’s new leader,Carrie Lam, was sworn in today by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a formal ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover of the territory to China by Britain.
  - Note: With this, she became Hong Kong’s first female chief executive.

About Hong Kong

♦ Government: Multiparty system

♦ Chief Executive: Carrie Lam

♦ Chief Secretary: Matthew Cheung

Achal Kumar Jyoti is India’s new Chief Election Commissioner
- Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti will take charge as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India after current CEC Nasim Zaidi retires on July 6, 2017. Nasim Zaidi had taken over as the 20th CEC of India on April 19, 2015.
- He assumed charge as Election Commissioner on May 13, 2015.
- An Election Commissioner or a Chief Election Commissioner has tenure of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Mumbai’s ‘Vikrikar Bhavan‘ was today renamed as ‘GST Bhavan‘ after the Goods and Services Tax regime was rolled out last night.
- ‘Vikrikar Bhavan’ is the headquarters of Maharashtra government’s erstwhile Sales Tax department.
Indian Railwaysis set to introduce ‘Economy AC coaches‘ in trains which will have fares lower than the existing third AC class.
- The trains with the new proposed three-tier class will be fully air-conditioned, and have the existing AC-3, AC-2 and AC-1 classes also.

MOUs & Agreements

Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA)an arm of the Indian Railways for commercial exploitation of rail land has inked MoU with National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) for redevelopment of 10 railway stations across the country on global standards.
- The identified stations to be taken up initially by NBCC, a PSU of Urban Development Ministry for redevelopment areTirupati, Nellore, Puducherry, Sarai Rohilla (Delhi), Madgaon, Lucknow, Gomtinagar, Kota, Thane (New)and Ernakulam.
- The MoU was signed in presence of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain.

6 July

International News Affairs

Today (6th July) is World Zoonosis (also spelled zoönosis and zoonoses) Day.
- Zoonosis is derived from the Greek words zoon (animal) and nosos (ailment).
- Zoonosis is an ailment that is transmitted from animals to human beings.
- Approximately 150 zoonotic diseases are known to exist.
- This day is observed every year to emphasize and bring the problem awareness amongst people, and teach them to take right action.
Vietnamese capital Hanoi today approved a proposal to ban motorbikes, the city’s most popular mode of transport, from its central streets by 2030.

National News Affairs

The Uttar Pradesh government is going to launch a scheme on World Population Day (July 11), under which it will give a kit comprising condoms and oral contraceptive pills as ‘shagun’ to newly-weds.
- The kit, aimed at stabilising population, will also contain a letter from the health department explaining the nuances of family planning and importance of minimum time between two children.
Hyderabad is planning to establish India’s first university only for Dalit students by 2018. The University is going to be a part of the government’s policy to provide free education to students from weaker sections from kindergarten to post-graduation level. TSWREIS, a social welfare society of Telangana, running 268 residential institutions for Dalit students, proposed the plan to the government.
The Supreme Court on Thursday held that a person obtaining jobs and admissions under the reserved category by producing fake caste certificates will lose the job/admission as well as the certificate. The Court dismissed Bombay High Court’s verdict that if a person has been in the job for a long time, and the certificate is found later, he/she can continue.
The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation has received the approval to create a 12-km ‘missing link’ between Khopoli and Kusgaon, which will allow motorists to drive at 100 kmph. The project, which will reportedly begin by November, will allow motorists to avoid the sections which witness landslides during monsoon season.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Jammu and Kashmir became the last state to implement GST, passing the resolution during a special session of the legislative assembly on Wednesday. The assembly passed the tax reform amid protests by opposition members National Conference and Congress, and a statewide anti-GST shutdown by businesses. BJP’s state unit claimed revenues would go up by ₹10,000 crore annually after GST.
China-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Wednesday approved a $329-million (over ₹3,100 crore) loan to build access roads across 4,000 villages in Gujarat. The project entails construction and upgradation of district and farm-to-market roads. AIIB officials said this will contribute to improved agricultural productivity, non-farm employment opportunities and rural income.
Restrictions on cash dealings of ₹2 lakh or more will not apply to credit card bill payments, the Revenue Department has clarified on Monday. Earlier, the government banned cash transaction of ₹2 lakh or above with effect from April 1, 2017. The move was aimed at curbing black money by discouraging cash transactions and promoting digital economy.
The European Union has approved a $6.1-billion (over ₹39,000 crore) state bailout for Italy’s fourth largest lender, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. This came after the bank agreed to a drastic overhaul including a salary cap for senior managers. Monte dei Paschi, the world’s oldest bank, earlier failed to raise $5.68 billion in the market to expand its capital.
The Income Tax Department has released a list of people who are exempted from linking their Aadhaar card with the PAN for now.
- This list includes :
  - Residents of Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir,
  - All Non-Residential Indians (NRIs),
  - Citizens of Foreign Nations,
  - Individuals aged 80 years or more.

MOUs & Agreements

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historical visit, India and Israel signed a total of 7 agreements in various areas like agriculture, space cooperation.
- Note: Three of the seven MoUs were regarding space cooperation.
- The Signed Agreements are :
  - MoU for conservation of water in India
  - MoU for setting up of India-Israel Industrial R&D & Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)
  - MoU on State Water Utility Reform in India
  - MoU on India-Israel Development Cooperation- 3-year work program in Agriculture (2018-2020)
  - MoU on cooperation in electric propulsion for small satellites
  - MoU on cooperation regarding cooperation in atomic clocks
  - MoU on cooperation in GEO-LEO optical link
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)has inked an agreement with 4 Private Sector Banks (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank) and one Public Sector Bank (Bank of Baroda) for the purpose of collection of provident fund dues from the employers and payments to its subscribers.
  - Important Points to Note :
    - This is the first time the EPFO has roped in private banks.
    - Already the EPFO had tied up with five banks, namely, State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, Allahabad Bank, Indian Bank and Union Bank of India.
    - This latest agreement will now authorise 10 banks to collect provident fund contribution and make payment to the employees.

People in News

PM Narendra Modi met Moshe Holtzberg, the now 11-year-old survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in Jerusalem today.
- Note : Moshe, then two, was the youngest survivor of the attack at Nariman House, being rescued by his nanny while his parents were killed.
- Modi told Moshe he could visit India anytime and his family would be provided with a long-term visa.

Current Sports Affairs

Former Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov is set to come out of retirement to play in a US tournament next month.
- Kasparov, who retired from professional chess in 2005, will compete against nine top players at the Sinquefield Cup in Missouri.
The Pankaj Advani-led Indian snooker team defeated Pakistan in the final of the Asian Team Snooker Championship
- Important Points to Note :
  - Advani remained the only player to not lose a single individual match in the team event.
  - This title brings up Advani’s second Asian title this season and the 8th overall, while it was the first title for Advani’s teammate Laxman Rawat.
- Indian National Football has managed to secure 96th spot at the latest FIFA world football rankings.
  - This is the best ranking secured by India in 21 years.
    - Top 10 in the List
    - Germany
    - Brazil
    - Argentina
    - Portugal
    - Switzerland
    - Poland
    - Chile
    - Colombia
    - France
    - Belgium

11 July

International News Affairs

Today (11th July) is World Population Day.
- This day was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
- Objective of World Population Day : To increase the awareness of the people towards the worldwide population issues.
- Theme of World Population Day 2017: “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations”.

National News Affairs

Tamil Nadu has reported its first case of Zika virus, bringing the tally of the mosquito-transmitted infection in India to four.
- Note : The previous three cases were confirmed in May, all coming from Ahmedabad.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has made it mandatory for engineering students to participate in one of five extracurricular activities, otherwise they won’t be awarded a degree.
- The activities include yoga, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and sports.
The Delhi government today launched an online portal for citizens to file Right to Information (RTI) applications related to 172 state departments, including the chief minister’s office.
- Important Points to Note :
  - With this, Delhi has became 2nd state to launch online portal to file RTI.
  - Maharashtra was the first state to accept e-RTI applications.
- The Supreme Court today suspended the government ban on sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter.

Recent Committees in News

Karnataka Government today constituted a 9-member committee to study the possibility of designing a separate state flag and providing it a statutory standing.
- This committee was constituted following representation of social activists from the state urged the government to design a separate flag for Kannada ‘naadu’ and accord statutory standing for it.
- This committee will be headed by Principal Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has said that if property is rented out for shop, office, or other commercial purposes then it will be taxable under GST in case of earnings over ₹20 lakh.
- Taxpayers earning more than the exempted threshold have to register with GST Network and pay taxes.
- However, rental income received from residential house is exempt, Adhia stated.
The government today clarified that all free food supplied at religious institutions is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- However, the government added that some of the inputs and input services-such as sugar, vegetable edible oils, ghee, butter, and the service for transportation of these goods-required for making prasadam are subject to GST.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, for the first time will import crude oil from the United States.
- The purchase comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June 2017 when President Donald Trump had assured that US looks forward to export more energy products to India.
The Union Finance Ministry has launched a new tax payer service module titled Aaykar Setu.
- The new e-initiative literally means taxpayer’s bridge and will be available in android phones.
- It compiles various tax tools, dynamic updates, live chat facility and important links to various processes within the Income Tax Department (ITD) in a single module.

Obituary

India’s noted cartoonist Mangesh Tendulkar (83)passed away.
- Tendulkar, a regular contributor to various magazines and newspapers, was spreading awareness about traffic issues through his cartoons for the last several years and some of his works were also used by the city’s traffic department.

Current Sports Affairs

Former cricketer Ravi Shastri has been named the new coach of Team India on a two-year contract.
- This will be Shastri’s second stint with the team, after being the director from 2014 to 2016.

7 July

International News Affairs

Today (7th July) is Global Forgiveness Day.
- This day was created in 1994 by the Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors.
- Important Note: There is already a Forgiveness Day in August (which is observed on 1st Sunday in August each year), founded by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance, but the Global Forgiveness Day is different. This was founded by CECA (Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors).
Today is World Chocolate Day.
- This day marks 467 years since chocolate was introduced to Europe.
The French government has announced that the country will end sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 as part of an ambitious plan to meet its targets under the Paris climate accord.
India and Israel jointly launched a $40 million (over ₹258 crore) technology fundduring PM Modi’s visit to the country.
- The Israel India Innovation Initiative Fund (I4F), will receive $4 million a year from each government for five years.
- The fund is aimed at encouraging Indians to invest in Israel’s technology ecosystem and to open development centres in Israel.

Places in News

The Unesco World Heritage committee has put the West Bank city of Hebron’s Old Town on its list of world heritage in danger, drawing outrage from Israel.
- The decision was taken in Krakow, Poland, on a proposal from the Palestinian side.

National News Affairs

India recently-enforced Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016.
- This act prescribes death penalty for hijack conspirators in case of a casualty, and life imprisonment otherwise.
The central government has approved the renaming of two villages in Haryana, after complaints from villagers.
- The Ganda village has been renamed to Ajit Nagar and Kinnar has been renamed to Gaibi Nagar.
Karnataka‘s Urban Land Transport Directorate has proposed the introduction of 4,000 GPS-equipped public-sharing bicycles at a cost of about ₹60 crore in Bengaluru.
- It also proposed setting up 350 docking points, including four at metro stations, for the bicycles.
- This comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah proposed the idea of a bicycle sharing system in his budget speech.
The government is going to link promotions of IPS officers to their physical fitness.
- A proposal in this regard has been circulated to all states and Union Territories for their comments.
- Important Points to Note :
  - Currently, IPS officers are promoted based on the completion of required years of service.
  - The proposed system of promotions is already being followed by the central para-military forces.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

Customers of Banks will not suffer any loss if unauthorised electronic banking transactions are reported within three days, the Reserve Bank of India has announced today.
- Further, the amount involved will be credited to the accounts concerned within 10 days.
- These rules will be applicable for third-party breaches, where the deficiency lies neither with the bank nor with the customer but elsewhere in the system.
Netherlands’ third-largest bank ABN AMRO today announced that it will no longer extend credit to clients in the tobacco industry.
- The bank’s decision came as it announced a new partnership with the Heart Foundation in its fight against smoking.
India has slipped by one spot to become the4-largest foreign investor into the UK.
- The US remains on the top, investing in 577 projects in the UK, followed by China (including Hong Kong) in second place with 160 projects.

New Appointments

RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman, Sanjiv Goenkahas been nominated as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur.
- He will serve as the Chairman for the tenure of three years.

Science & Technology

A UN survey has revealed that Singapore is the Most cyber secure country in the world, followed by the US, Malaysia, Oman, and Estonia.
- Important Note: India ranked 25th in the list.
- Top 10 in the List :
  - Singapore
  - United States
  - Malaysia
  - Oman
  - Estoni
  - Mauritius
  - Australia
  - Georgia
  - France
  - Canada
- European and Japanese space agencies are building a joint mission to solar system’s smallest and “least explored” rocky planet Mercury.
  - Two spacecraft, one each for ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA(Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), are scheduled to launch in October 2018 and would reach Mercury’s orbit seven years later, enduring 350ºC temperature.
- Pakistan has successfully test fired short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Nasr‘.
  - ‘Nasr’ is a high-precision weapon system with the ability to be deployed quickly.

Current Sports Affairs

India’s Manpreet Kaur bagged Gold medal in women’s shot-puton the opening day of the Asian Athletics Championships 2017 in Bhubaneswar.
- Meanwhile, Vikas Gowda won the bronze medal in the men’s discus throw finals but failed to qualify for World Championships.

8 July

International News Affairs

G20 Summit, the annual meeting of the G20(an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies), was recently held at Hamburg Messe, in the city of Hamburg, Germany during 7th and 8th July 2017.

Highlights:

On the sidelines of this summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Britain, Italy, South Korea and
Addressing the G20 summit, PM said Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad “are equal to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda… their ideology is the same.”
Modi, the lead speaker at the ‘fighting terrorism’ session, presented an 11-point Action Agenda calling for collective measures against terror.
G20 countries agree for swift action and targeted exchange of information on terrorism and its financing.
The United Nations today adopted a Global Draft Treaty banning nuclear weapons amid opposition from all nuclear-weapon states which boycotted the negotiations.
- Over 140 countries participated in negotiations on the legally-binding treaty that provides for a total ban on developing, stockpiling or threatening to use nuclear weapons.
- Note: The treaty needs to be ratified by 50 nations to take effect.
To facilitate trade and to improve communication between the two countries, India and Bangladesh have decided to construct a bridge over Mizoram’s Khawthlangtuipui river (also known as Karnaphuli river).
India is emerging as a front runner in the global fight against climate change, the World Bank has said, noting that the solar power is gradually displacing coal as an energy source in the Asian country.
- According to the World Bank, with its conscious choice to use significantly more clean energy to fuel its growth, India is contributing to global efforts to save the planet from the effects of climate change.

National News Affairs

The Centre today notified that action would be taken against those who post videos and images of the protected Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ tribal communities on social media.
- The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has said the tribes come under a regulation that protects them from outside interference, violation of which is punishable with imprisonment up to three years.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Finance Ministry along with the Central Board of Excise and Customs today launched GST Rates Finder app for consumers to verify the accurate tax rates on commodity and services under the Goods and Services Tax.
- The app, which is currently available on Android platform, will soon be launched for IOS and can be used in offline mode once downloaded.
Private lender Axis Bank has emerged as the front-runner to buy Snapdeal-owned digital wallet startup FreeCharge.
- The bank is currently conducting due diligence for the acquisition that could be valued at about ₹646 crore.
China’s biggest banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Agricultural Bank of China, lost a combined $15 billion (nearly ₹97,000 crore) in value in a week.
- ICBC declined around 7.4% over the week, touching its lowest level versus the benchmark Hang Seng Index since January 2008.
- Moreover, China Construction Bank fell for a fifth consecutive week.
RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya today said, that the Reserve Bank of India is considering setting up of Public Credit Registry (PCR), an extensive database of bank loans.
- Acharya suggested the registry would be managed by a public authority like the central bank, and reporting loan details should be mandatory.
- Note: Current database hosts credit information of those with loans above ₹5 crore.
Vietnam has granted ONGC Videsh a two-year extension to explore oil block 128 in the South China Sea.
- Note: The permission was first granted in the year 2006 which is due to expire in mid-June.

Awards & Honours

For the third consecutive year,Tata Steel Ltd has bagged Prime Minister’s trophy for ‘Best Performing Integrated Steel Plant’.
Music composer AR Rahman has been nominated at the World Soundtrack Awards for his music in the film ‘Viceroy’s House‘.

Current Sports Affairs

India’s Harinder Pal Sandhu has defeated Rhys Dowling of Australia to lift South Australian Open squash title.

27 June

International News Affairs

PM Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Portugal, launched the India-Portugal International Startup Hub with his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa.
- It will strengthen the connection between the startup ecosystem of the two countries and will be accessible through an app.
- It will also give information on subjects including government initiatives, policy, tax system and visa process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had One-on-One and delegation level talks with US President Donald Trump.
- Bilateral cooperation, counter-terrorism and defence partnership were the focused issues.
- In a joint statement issued after their meeting, both leaders “called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terror attacks on other countries.”
- They also called on Pakistan to “expeditiously” bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 and Pathankot attacks, among other cross-border attacks.
- Trump has accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India.
- Modi separately invited Trump’s daughter Ivanka to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India.
UK PM Theresa May has signed a ‘confidence and supply’ deal with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, allowing her to officially form a minority government.
- The deal, which came after over two weeks of talks, is worth over £1 billion.
- It will reportedly deliver tangible benefits for Northern Ireland in terms of jobs and investment in health and education.
The United States is going to declare China as one among the world’s worst offenders on human trafficking in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report.
- The declaration would place China in the same category as North Korea, Zimbabwe and Syria.

People in News

Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo has been released from prison on compassionate grounds after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.
- He was arrested in 2008 for penning a pro-democracy manifesto calling for an end to one-party rule and improvements in human rights.
Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, the United States designated Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’.
- Threatening to turn the Kashmir Valley “into a graveyard for Indian forces”, Salahuddin had earlier vowed to block any peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict.

Banking, Business & Economic News

India is going to shift to a January to December financial year from 2018, thereby ending the 150-year-old tradition of an April to March fiscal.
- Accordingly, the next Union Budget could be presented by the Narendra Modi-led government in November this year.
The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan to aid the Skill India mission.
- The loan amount would be used for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling.

Recent Committees in News

The HRD ministry has constituted a 9-member panel to frame a new National Education Policy (NEP).
- This committee consists chosen experts and educationists from wide-ranging backgrounds.
- Head of this Committee : K Kasturirangan (space scientist)

New Appointments

Canadian soldier Megan Couto has become the first female officer to captain troops guarding UK’s Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in 180 years.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has appointed outgoing economy minister Mihai Tudoseas Prime Minister.

Current Sports News

Indian Men’s and Women’s throw ball teams won Gold at the World Games in Kathmandu.
- Note: This was the first time that the Indian teams had participated in World Games, which took place from June 15 to 18.
Indian shooters Yashaswini Singh Deswal and Anish Bhanwala has bagged gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol and Men’s 25m Standard Pistol competition respectively in the ISSF Junior World Championship held in Germany.

3 July

International News Affairs

Canada today celebrated the 150th anniversary of the day it officially became a country and the self-governing dominion of Britain.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the celebrations outside the Parliament.
- These celebrations were joined by Prince Charles, whose mother and UK’s Queen, Elizabeth II, is Canada’s head of state.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- The announcement comes 42 days (two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus) after the last confirmed Ebola patient in the affected Bas-Uélé province of DRC tested negative for the disease for the second time.

National News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modiis going to adopt Kakrahia, a village in Varanasi under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
- Important Points to Note :
- Kakrahia is known for its wrestlers and wrestling arenas.
- In the past two years, Modi has adopted Jayapur and Nagepur in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi.
Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s name from the scheme Indira Priyadarshini Puruskar Yojana, given to meritorious girls of Class 10 and 12 from Rajasthan Board, has been removed.
- From now, this scheme will be called ‘Padmakshi Puruskar Yojana‘, based on the name of Goddess ‘Saraswati’.
The Assam government is going to raise a new Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF) for better protection of the one-horned rhinos in Assam.
- The cadre for the force will selected from local youths hailing from the fringe areas of the Kaziranga national park.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) hastoday announced that it will waive off the fees for transgender students, in all the courses that it offers.
The Goa government has today announced that it is discontinuing the Goa Yuva Samwad Yojana, a scheme through which people between 16 and 30 could avail free voice calls and internet data.
- The decision was taken as the scheme would have resulted in an annual loss of ₹24 crore for the state government.
- The scheme was supposed to operate till December 2019.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has appeared for the first time on the country’s currencysince taking office, with his portrait printed on a new 2,000-pound banknote that went into circulation today.
- The note was delayed “due to the circumstances of the war” which caused Syria’s currency to plunge in value from £47/$ in 2010 to over £200/$ at present.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major ITC became the 4th Indian company to cross market capitalisation of ₹4 trillion.
- ITC’s stock gained as much as 9.06% in intraday trade owing to the company’s positive outlook from GST.
- Important Note : Earlier, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank have achieved this milestone with TCS being the most valued company with market capitalisation of ₹4.64 trillion.
Punjab National Bank (PNB)Maestro debit card holders will face card blockage if they fail to replace it with a more secure EMV chip based card by July 31.
- New replacement cards will be provided free of cost to the customers.
- Note : Earlier, RBI had directed all banks are to migrate to EMV chip based cards by December 31, 2018.
National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE), India’s first demutualised online national multi-commodities exchange will merge with Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX).
- The merged entity will create India’s third biggest commodity exchange.
- Important Note: The largest commodity exchange by volume is the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) followed by National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX).

Awards & Honours

The CISF security cover at the Delhi Airport has been rated the best service in the world by quality rating agency World Quality Congress (WQC).
- The WQC will hand over the award to CISF later this week in Mumbai.

Science & Technology

India successfully test-fired it’s indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air short range Missile (QR-SAM).
- This was the second successful developmental trial of the state-of-the-art missile with an aerial target.
- The first test launch of the missile was conducted in June 2017.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developingDouble Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the first-ever mission that will deflect a near-Earth asteroid.
- The mission will help to test the systems that will allow mankind to protect the planet from potential cosmic body impacts in the future.

MOUs & Agreements

French oil and gas companyTotal S.A has signed an agreement of $4.8-billion (over ₹31,000 crore) with Iran to develop one of the world’s largest natural gas fields, Iran’s oil ministry announced today.
- This is Iran’s biggest foreign deal since sanctions were eased last year.
- The deal is to develop a gas field in Persian Gulf alongside China’s CNPC and Iran’s Petropars.

New Appointments

Syndicate Bank has today appointed Melwyn Rego as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD).
- Rego, who assumed charge on July 1, was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of India.
Serbian Parliament today elected Ana Brnabic as the country’s Prime Minister.
- With this, Ana became Serbia’s first female and first openly gay Prime Minister.
Carrie Lam was sworn in as the 1st female Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR),an autonomous territory of China on the Pearl River Delta.
- The CE of Hong Kong is the head and representative of the Hong Kong and also head of the Government of Hong Kong.

Current Sports Affairs

Mumbai-based 18-year-old racing driver Jehan Daruvala has become the 1st Indian to win the FIA Formula 3 European Championship after winning the third race at the Nuremberg circuit today.
Four-time FIFA World Cup winner Germany won it’s maiden FIFA Confederation Cup Football title by defeating Copa America Champion Chile by 1-0 goals in the final match held at St Petersburg, Russia.

4 July

International News Affairs

Today (4th July) is Independence Day of United States.
- This day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4th July 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire.
- President Pranab Mukherjee extended his greetings to Donald Trump’s administration and the people of America on the eve of US Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel today for his three-day historical visit.
- Important Note: He is the first ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Israelin 70 years.
- Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will meet with President Reuven Rivlin.
- Modi’s three-day visit aims at commemorating 25 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and strengthening cooperation in the areas of defence, agriculture and science and technology.

National News Affairs

The annual buffalo racing sport ‘Kambala‘ has been legalised in Karnataka after President Pranab Mukherjee approved the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been extended for six more months in Nagaland with effect from June 30.
- Note: The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades.
Delhi High Court today launched a helpline number-1888 for litigants and lawyers to provide an easy access to justice.

Science & Technology

After successfully test-firing its first intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday, North Koreaclaimed that it now has missiles capable of reaching anywhere in the world.
- The missile had a trajectory of 2,800 km and landed in Japanese waters.
- Note: This is North Korea’s eleventh missile test this year and comes days before world leaders discuss disarming the country at the G20.

Books & Authors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to write a book for the youth of the country wherein he will address issues like overcoming examination stress, keeping one’s composure and what to do after the exams.
- The book, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a serving prime minister, will be out later this year in multiple languages.

Banking, Business & Economic News

In the first merger of commodity exchanges in the country, National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) and Indian Commodity Exchange (ICEX) have announced their merger.
- The deal, which will create the country’s third largest commodities exchange, has been approved by the boards of both exchanges and is expected to be completed by December.
ICICI Prudential has agreed to take over the life insurance business of Sahara Group’s subsidiary Sahara Life, which was shut down by insurance regulator IRDAI in June.
- The administration of Sahara Life was taken over by the regulator and it was asked to stop issuing new policies, marking the first time IRDAI took such a step in its 18-year history.
A consortium including India’s oil and gas company ONGC has announced that it is willing to invest$11 billion in Iran to develop a natural gas field and build the infrastructure to export the fuel.
- This comes after India announced a reduction in oil imports from Iran earlier amid a deadlock over the rights to one of its gas fields.

MOUs & Agreements

The Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $220 million loan agreementfor improving connectivity as well as transport efficiency and safety on State Highways of Rajasthan.

New Appointments

Achal Kumar Joti has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
- He will take charge after Nasim Zaidi retires on July 6.
Tata Global Beverages Limited (TGBL) today appointed Tata Sons headN Chandrasekaran as Chairman with immediate effect.

10 July

International News Affairs

Malabar Naval Exercise 2017, a week long trilateral joint naval exercise involving the United States, Japan and India has started today at Chennai coast.
- Aim of this Exercise: To achieve deeper military ties between the three nations.
- Running from July 7-17, Malabar 2017 is the latest in a series of yearly exercises that have grown in scope and complexity in recent years to confront potential threats in the Indo-Asian maritime theatre.
- This is the 21st edition of the Malabar exercise.
- Malabar 2017 involves both shore exchanges on naval doctrine and interoperability between the three navies, including operating with carrier strike groups and coordinating communications.
- 16 ships, 95 aircraft and two submarines are taking part in the exercise.
The 2017 G20 summit in Germany concluded on Saturday with the world leaders pledging to keep markets open, focus on reciprocity and non-discrimination, and fight protectionism and unfair trade practices.
- All G20 member countries, except the US, also reaffirmed the 2015 Paris climate accord as “irreversible” to fight the climate change.
The UN Human Rights Council has today announced that it will undertake a two-day review of Pakistan’s human rights record in light of the deteriorating human rights situation, particularly in the country’s Sindh province.
- This comes after the World Sindhi Congress protested in front of the UN body’s Geneva office against enforced disappearances, systematic violence, and marginalisation of Sindhi minorities.

National News Affairs

The Karnataka government has announced a 3-day global conference on social justicefrom July 21-23 at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru.
- It is aimed at commemorating the 126th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar.
- As many as 83 international and 149 national speakers are expected to address 2,000 participants in this conference.
- Theme of this conference: ‘Reclaiming Social Justice, Revisiting Ambedkar’.
Mother Teresa‘s Blue-bordered Sari was recognised as an Intellectual Property of the Missionaries of Charity after she was cannonised last year.
- The charity made the trademark public recently after it witnessed “unfair usage of the design across the globe.”
- Note: It is the first time that a uniform has been protected under the Intellectual Property rights.
Expanding its outreach to the Arab world, External Affairs Ministry is going to make its website available in Arabic.
- The portal will include speeches, briefings and other documents of the ministry, and articles written in Arabic on India and its foreign relations.
- Note: After French and Spanish, Arabic will be the third foreign language that will be available on the ministry’s website.

People in News

UK’s first pregnant man, Hayden Cross, has given birth to a girl after putting his sex transition on hold to get pregnant by a sperm donor.
- Cross had been living legally as a man for three years and has undergone hormone treatment to transform from a woman to a man.
- Note: Cross is UK’s first transgender man to give birth.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has appointed her first black equerry, a senior staff member in charge of assisting the royal household.
- The Ghana-born Afghan war veteran, Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, had moved to the UK in 1982.
- Earlier, he was an escort commander for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, in 2011.

Banking, Business & Economic News

President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of Guru Purnima launched4 major digital initiatives in to push e-education.
- They are :
  - Swayam
  - Swayam Prabha
  - National Academic Depository
  - National Digital Library
- The Gujarat High Court has asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)to drop a line from its directive to send 12 large accounts for immediate action under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
  - It had earlier asked RBI to explain the part that read “such cases will be accorded priority by the National Company Law Tribunal”.
  - RBI has now been asked to drop this line.
- The Income Tax Department has started sending text messages to people who have made big investments in the past two years,but have neither paid income tax nor filed I-T returns.
  - Around 10,000 people, including those who have bought properties worth over ₹50 lakh, have been sent the messages, and have been asked to pay the tax and file returns.
- The Railways is going to install automatic flap-gates with barcode scanners at stations in order to check tickets faster and ease the pressure on ticket collectors.
  - The new system will first be made operational at Delhi’s Brar Square station as a pilot project.
- Venezuela’s state-owned oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela has offered a 9% stake in an oil field to ONGC Videsh, the international arm of India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
  - This comes as Venezuela seeks to support its energy industry, which has been hit by falling oil prices and is struggling to maintain its investment in oilfields.
- India will soon join Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC), a newly-constituted forum of central bankers and experts working towards promotion of a robust and transparent foreign exchange (Forex) market.
  - Note”The committee has been set up under guidance of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), an international financial organisation.

Places in News

Okinoshima, sacred Japanese island where women are banned and men must strip naked was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Once the site of prayer rituals, Okinoshima houses a huge collection of artefacts.
- It allows visitors only on a single day every year, May 27, and bars them from taking souvenirs and disclosing details of their visit.

Current Sports Affairs

Mercedes’ Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas has won the Austrian Grand Prix
India bagged a total of 29 medalsincluding 12 golds to top the medals tally at the Asian Athletics Championships for the first time ever.
- China, who have dominated the event from 1983 up until the last edition, finished second with overall 20 medals including 8 golds.
- India’s 29 medals is also their highest-ever medal haul in the event’s history.

25 June

International News Affairs

Today (25th June) is the Day of the Seafarer.
- Seafarer means “person who travels by sea”
- This day is observed as an expression of thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world.
- The observance of the day also acknowledges the risks and personal costs endured by seafarers while being in their jobs.
- Day of the Seafarer (DotS) Theme 2017: “Seafarers Matter”.
PM Narendra Modi presented the Overseas Citizen of India card to Portugal’s Indian-origin PM Antonio Costa during his visit to Lisbon yesterday.
- Important Note: During a visit to India in January, Costa was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President.
Pakistan has issued its 1st third-gender passportto a transgender activist.

MOUs & Agreements

India and Portugal have signed 11 agreementsafter in-depth talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa.
- Note: This is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Portugal.
- Both countries agreed to set up a joint Science and Technology fund of four million euros.
- The agreements signed by them are :
  - MoU on Nano Technology
  - MoU on Biotechnology
  - MoU on Collaborative Research
  - MoU on Public Administration & Governance Reforms
  - MoU on Cultural Cooperation
  - MoU on Youth & Sports
  - MoU between Portugal India Business Hub & Indian Chamber of Commerce
  - MoU on Cooperation in the fields of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  - MoU for the creation of an India Portugal Space Alliance for advancing collaborative research.
  - Protocol amending the Double Taxation Aviodance Agreement
  - MoU between Portugal India Business Hub & AICEP Portugal Global

National Current News

For the first time in the history of Manipur, Chief Minister Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has launched a toll-free 24/7 helpline number ‘181‘ for women.
- This helpline will help fight and reduce crime against women in the state.

Science & Technology

China has developed world’s most powerful magnetic detectorwhich can find hidden metallic objects, including minerals and submarines.
- The device is different from conventional designs because it uses a large number of probes and a superconductive computer chip cooled by liquid nitrogen which increases its signal sensitivity, reports said.

Current Sports Affairs

India’s Kidambi Srikanth has won the Australian Open Superseries title today by beating Rio Olympics champion China’s Chen Long.
- This is the second consecutive Superseries title for world number 11 Srikanth, who won the Indonesia Open last week.
- This is Srikanth’s first win over Long, having lost to the world number six in all of their five earlier meetings.
Haryana’s Anish Bhanwala set a junior world record to win the Gold medal in the 25-metre standard pistol at the ISSF Junior Shooting World Championship in Germany today.
- The 15-year-old registered a score of 579, going past the previous record of 574 set in 2002.
- Note : India also bagged the team silver, moving to second place in the medals tally.
The World Taekwondo Federation has changed its name to World Taekwondo after its acronym ‘WTF’ was found to have “negative connotations”.
India opened their ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 campaign with a 35-run win over hosts England in a match which saw Indian captain Mithali Raj break two world records.
- Raj scored her career’s 47th fifty, overtaking England’s Charlotte Edwards to record most fifties in women’s ODI cricket.
- Raj also became the only woman player to score seven consecutive ODI fifties.

26 June

International News Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to have One-on-One and delegation level talks in Washington tonight.
- Focus to be on bilateral cooperation, counter-terrorism and defence partnership.
- Note: This will be the first meeting between the two leaders.
On the last leg of his three-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit The Netherlands
- During this visit, he will meet Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
- The discussions between both leaders will cover whole gamut of bilateral issues including investments & trade, scientific & technical collaborations, and cultural exchanges.
The Indian government has increased the visa fee for the foreign nationals visiting India by up to 50% across categories.

National News Affairs

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm in various parts of the country.
India is going to build the world’s highest railway line connecting Leh in Jammu & Kashmirto parts of Himachal Pradesh including Manali.
- Important Points to Note :
  - The 498-km-long line, to be built at an altitude of 3,300 metres will overtake the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
  - It will also help boost India’s defence against China at the Sino-Indian border.
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation‘s first automated driverless metro trains are set to start operations from October this year on new Magenta Line from Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden.
- About 88 square km of land, almost the size of New Delhi, will be needed for waste disposal at landfills by 2050, according to a joint report by Assocham and PwC.
  - The study further recommended that the country’s waste management sector be given industry status to ensure that it is regulated and monitored.
- The annual Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath began on Sunday in Odisha’s Puri.
  - The 5000-year-old festival marks the return of Lord Jagannath to Vrindavan with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to the temple of Devi Gundicha, their aunt.

Awards & Honours

Miss Haryana Manushi Chhillar was crowned as the 54th Femina Miss India World 2017
- Miss Jammu & Kashmir Sana Dua was crowned the first runner-up while Miss Bihar Priyanka Kumari was crowned the second runner-up.

Science & Technology

Elon Musk-led startup SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched 10 communication satellites into orbit.
- The satellites belonged to American company Iridium Communications, which is replacing its orbiting fleet with next-generation satellites.
- The rocket’s 14-storey-high core that contains the main engines and most of the fuel landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.

Banking, Business & Economic News

India’s holdings in American government securities increased by $7 billion in April to reach $124.1 billion, the highest level since July 2016.
- Important Points to Note :
- Among the BRICS nations, India had the third largest exposure to the US government securities after China and Brazil.
- Japan had the maximum holding of $1.106 trillion at the end of April.
Italy has decided to wind up two failing regional banks at a cost of up to $19 billion in its biggest rescue plan.
- The “good” assets of the two lenders will be purchased by the country’s largest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo for €1 (₹72).
- Note : Last year, Italy had set-up a $22 billion fund to support its struggling banking sector.
Public sector banks cannot be held responsible in case of theft of valuables from lockers, RBI declared today.
- Banks have contended that the relationship they have with customers with regard to lockers is that of a lessee (landlord) and lessor (tenant), in which lessors are responsible for their valuables kept in lockers owned by banks.

Obituary

Dr Desh Bandhu Gupta(79), Founder and Chairman of pharmaceutical giant Lupin, passed away.
- Gupta founded Lupin in 1968 and had been its Executive Chairman since 2003.
- Note: Lupin has now become the fourth largest generics pharmaceutical firm by market capitalisation in the world.
Malayalam filmmaker KR Mohanan (69) passed away.
Some of his well known films include Ashwathama (1978), Purushartham (1987) and Swaroopam (1992).

Current Sports Affairs

Indian tennis player Leander Paes along with his Canadian partner Adil Shamasdin clinched the Men’s doubles title at the Aegon Ilkley Challenger Trophy in Ilkley, England.
- Note : Earlier in April, Paes and Shamasdin won the Leon Challenger tournament in Mexico.
Swiss tennis player Roger Federer registered his career’s 100th title, winning the Halle Openin Germany today.
- The victory was Federer’s 16th grass court and 92nd singles title, his fourth this year, after wins at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami Open.
- The 18-time Grand Slam champion is the 10th to reach the landmark of 100 career titles.
Indian boxer Ankush Dahiya clinched Gold Medal at the Ulaanbaatar Cup boxing tournamentin Mongolia today.
Srinivas Gokulnath from Maharashtra created history by becoming 1st Indian to complete toughest cycle race in world 4,900-km RAAM in solo category.

30 June

International News Affairs

Germanylegalised same-sex marriage today, with 393 parliamentarians voting to approve “marriage for everybody” and 226 voting against.
- The reform gives gay and lesbian couples full marital rights, including child adoption.

National News Affairs

Railways authorities have officially changed the name ofMumbai’s biggest station from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
- The Centre approved the change last month after the Shiv Sena demanded the addition of ‘Maharaj’ as a sign of respect to the Maratha king.

Places in News

TheUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named UAE’s Sharjah as the World Book Capital for 2019.
- Note: Sharjah, the 19th city to be named World Book Capital, has previously been named Capital of Islamic Culture and Capital of Arab Culture.

Awards & Honours

An anti-hunger activist,Ankit Kawatra, has been awarded the Queen’s Young Leaders Award for 2017 by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in London’s Buckingham Palace.
- The 25-year-old is thefounder of Feeding India, an organisation that aims to eradicate hunger and food wastage in India.
Arnav Sharma, an 11-year-old Indian-origin boy in the UK has secured thetop possible score of 162 on a Mensa IQ test, two points higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.

New Appointments

S. President Donald Trump has appointed an Indian-American namedKrishna R Urs as the new US Ambassador to Peru.
ShuttlerPV Sindhu will be appointed as a revenue divisional officer in Andhra Pradesh, after the AP State Public Service Commission approved her appointment.
- Last month, the state legislature had passed a Bill amending an Act to appoint Sindhu as an officer in the government.
Saurashtra Cricket Association’s former chiefNiranjan Shah has been added as an invitee to BCCI’s Special Committee.
- The committee was instituted to overlook the implementation of the Lodha Panel reforms, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
- The eight-member committee’s first meeting will be held in Delhi on July 1, with Supreme Court’s hearing on the matter scheduled for July 14.

Obituary

SingerSabita Chowdhury (72) passed away.
- She is the wife of late music composer Salil Chowdhury.
- She was known for her Bengali songs like ‘Jaare jaa jaa mono paakhi’, ‘Oi jhilmil jhauer boney’, among others.

Science & Technology

TheJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has revealed plans to send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2030.
- The announcement comes as India and China develop their indigenous space programmes.
Facebook’s drone ‘Aquila‘, asolar-powered drone to bring the internet to rural places, completed its second successful test flight in the Arizona desert.
TheNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket that created colourful artificial clouds visible in the skies of the US.
- The rocket was launched from its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) today announced thatJuly 1st will be known as ‘GST Day’.
- It will be celebrated in all offices of CBEC just like in case ofCentral Excise Day and International Customs Day, the board said.
- This comes ahead of the launch of GST, which is scheduled for July 1.
- The GST launch event will start today at 11 pm at the Parliament House.
- This event will start with the national anthem, followed by remarks by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
- It will be followed by an address by the Prime Minister and the President, after which GST will be launched.
The government hasprohibited dual maximum retail price (MRP) for same products including soft drinks and water bottles at multiplexes, airports, and malls.
- Further, it has also made it mandatory for all packaged commodities to have increased font size for “best before” and “date of manufacturing”, among others.
- These amendments will be effective from January 1, 2018.

The Malaysian Ringgit became the strongest Asian currency this quarter by climbing twice as much as the Chinese Yuan, according to Bloomberg.

29 June

International News Affairs

India has voluntarily contributed $100,000to a UN fund to help developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues.
- Important Note: With this, India has become the first country to voluntarily contribute.
Iraqi government troops today declared an end of Islamic State’s ‘caliphate’ in the country after recapturing the Grand al-Nuri Mosque where the militants proclaimed the creation of their state.
PM Narendra Modi will become the 1st Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel with his three-day visit to the country starting 4th July 2017.
- During this visit, Modi will meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Indian community in Tel Aviv.
- Modi’s visit is aimed at commemorating 25 years of diplomatic ties between India and Israel.
The Philippines‘ parliament today passed a law where singing the national anthem shall be “mandatory and must be done with fervour”.
- Violators of the law could face up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,000.
The United States has dropped Iraq and Myanmar from a list of the world’s worst offenders in the use of child soldiers, despite multiple reports of continuous usage of children in armies and militias in the two countries.
- Under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, US must be sure that no children are in any way compelled to serve as soldiers.
North Korea has issued a standing order for the execution of South Korea’s former President Park Geun-Hyeover reports that Park had planned to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

National News Affairs

Today (29th June) is National Statistics Day.
- This day is organised by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Indian Bengali scientist and applied statistician, Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
- He is best remembered for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure.
- Important Note: This year observes 125th birth anniversary Mahalanobis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmadabad.
The Election Commission announced today that elections for the post of Vice-President will be held on August 5, and the counting will also take place on the same day.
The Indian Army has received itsfirst batch of modern bullet-proof helmets, two decades after initiating the process.
- The ballistic helmets can withstand impact of ammunition fired from short range, meeting the global standard for protection among leading armed forces.
- They provide all-round protection from head injuries, as opposed to the previous ones that protected only the forehead and the back.
The Election Commission of India has joined hands with the social networking giant Facebook to launch nationwide voter registration reminderaimed at reminding eligible Indian voters to register themselves on the electoral rolls.
- As a part of the initiative, Facebook will activate a unique ‘Register Now’ buttonreminding all the eligible Indian users to enrol themselves as voters.
Bollywood Actress Preity Zinta has launched Kavach Safety, an emergency response service for women.
- The “pro victim-anti perpetrator” service assures safety at the press of a button by helping in preventing incidents and assisting victims through medical services and trauma support.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched a web application for free Legal Services to Prisoners at the conference held at Indian Law Institute, New Delhi.
- This system has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
Odisha is set to become the first state in the country to open a blood bank for cattle.

Banking, Business & Economic News

Government issues notification for roll out of Goods and Services Tax, GST from Saturday.
- To launch GST, the government has organised a special programme to be held in Central Hall of Parliament in the midnight of June 30th.
- The event will see the participation of President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and other Ministers and bureaucrats.
TheReserve Bank of India (RBI) has started printing currency notes of ₹200 denomination, the third denomination notes to be printed after demonetisation.
- The new notes with advanced security features are unlikely to be circulated through ATM machines to avoid recalibration of machines.
- Note: The proposal to issue ₹200 banknotes was cleared by the RBI in March.
The government has given in-principle approval for the disinvestment of state-run carrier Air India, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced today.
- He further announced that a body will be set up to finalise modalities and details for disinvestment of Air India.
- Note: Currently, Air India has a debt of over ₹50,000 crore and is surviving on a taxpayer bailout.
The Union Cabinet today approved the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commissionfor higher allowances, including house rent allowance (HRA).
- The move will benefit more than 50 lakh serving and retired central government employees.

Science & Technology

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-17satellite was successfully launched today aboard French rocket Ariane 5, making it the third satellite launch in a month.
- The 3,477-kg satellite is carrying payloads for communication services, apart from equipment for meteorological data relay.
- The other launches this month were with PSLV C-38 and India’s heaviest rocket GSLV Mk III.
Apple launched it’s first-ever iPhone on this day (29th June) in the year 2007, after being introduced by Steve Jobs in January that year.
- The iPhone was among the world’s first consumer devices with a multi-finger touch interface and was claimed to be “five years ahead of any other mobile phone”.
- Note: Fifteen iPhone models have been launched since then, with iPhone 7 being the latest.

Current Sports Affairs

The Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) is set to shift India’s Under-17 World Cup matches from Mumbai to Delhi on request of India’s sports ministry.
- Note: The first-ever FIFA event in India will be held across six cities from October 6.

5 July

International News Affairs

“Maitree 2017” a 14 day joint military training exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army commenced at Bakloh in Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.
- Aim of this exercise:To build and promote closer relations while exchanging skills and experiences between the two armies.
- Note: Maitree 2016 was held at Krabi in Thailand in 2016.
The United States of America (USA) has rolled out Global Entry programme (GEP), a pre-approved expedited entry clearance programme for low-risk Indian travellers.
- This program allows people to land at the country’s airports and enter through automatic kiosks without waiting in queues.
- With this initiative, India became 11th country whose citizens are now eligible to enroll in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative.
- Note: Indian Ambassador to US Navtej Sarna was the first Indian national to enroll in the programme.

National News Affairs

Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today launched a month-long plantation drive to mark Van Mahotsav.
- Van Mahotsav is observed every year in the first week of July and is celebrated on different days in different parts of India.
- Objective of Van-Mahotsav : To keep local people involved in plantation drives and spread environmental awareness.
The Haryana government has decided to run electric buses, each capable of saving nearly 4.25 lakh litres diesel and reducing carbon emissions by 1,150 tonnes in 10 years, in Gurugram.
- Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority, Municipal Corporation, Gurgaon and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation would bear 50%, 40% and 10% of the cost of the project, respectively.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Pratap Rudi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan jointly laid the foundation stone of India’s biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal.
- The park will come up on 37 acre land allotted in Narela Shankari area of Bhopal.
- It will be established with the support of Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education and Education Services (ITEES).

Awards & Honours

A new Israeli Chrysanthemum flower has been named ‘MODI‘ as a gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
- Important Note: This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel.

Banking, Business & Economic News

The Union Ministry of Power has announced that about 97% of the total outstanding debt of all state power distribution companies (discoms) has been covered under the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY).
- As on September 2015, the total debt of all state-owned discoms was Rs. 3.95 lakh crore.
- The 26 states and 1 UT which have joined the UDAY scheme accounted for total outstanding debt of Rs. 3.82 lakh crore.
- Hence, about 97% of the total outstanding debt of all State discoms has been covered under UDAY.

Science & Technology

The first successful rover called Sojourner was deployed on Mars‘ surface via NASA’s Pathfinder mission 20 years ago on this day (July 5) in the year 1997.
India’s The Energy Resources Institute (TERI) has been ranked as the second best climate think tank in the world.
- The rankings were released by the the International Center for Climate Governance, which focuses on the design of climate policy and related governance issues.

New Appointments

Senior IPS officer Sanjay Kumar was appointed as Director General (DG) of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
- He is going to replace R K Pachnanda who has been appointed as the DG of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
- Prior to this appointment, Sanjay was the Director General of Police (DGP) in Himachal Pradesh.

Current Sports Affairs

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has submitted an expression of interest to host the Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2019.
- Preparing to organise October’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup, AIFF president Praful Patel has said that hosting the FIFA Under-20 World Cup would be the next “logical step for the development of football in India”.
The 22nd edition of the Asian Athletics Championship is all set to be kicked off by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar
- Over 1,200 athletes and officials from 44 countries in Asia will witness the largest sporting event Odisha is organising.

MH CET Law Counseling 2018 – Important dates for three year and Five Years law program

MH CET Law Counseling 2018 – Important dates for three year law programme

S.No	Events	Dates
1.	Notification for registration of colleges	June 1, 2018
2.	Colleges filling online registration form	June 4, 2018
3.	Colleges to submit printout of registration form with Demand Draft and other documents	June 4, 2018
4.	Verification of College documents and Approving colleges for Online Admission	June 18 – June 25, 2018
4.	Upload of CAP Brochure	July 12, 2018
5.	Online Centralised form filling by candidates	July 17, 2018
7.	NRI, OCI, PIO candidates registration and fee submission	July 17- July 31, 2018
8.	Document verification for NRI, OCI, PIO candidates	July 17- August 10, 2018
9.	Uploading of verified status of NRI/ OCI/ Foreign candidates	August 13- 14, 2018
10.	Display of provisional alphabetical list	August 8, 2018
11.	Candidature-wise Final Merit List	August 23, 2018
12.	First List of Seat Allotment	August 30, 2018
13.	Candidates report to colleges	August 31, 2018
16.	College to publish online first list of admitted candidates	August 31, 2018
17.	Uploading of merit list of NRI, OCI and PIO candidates	September 1, 2018
18.	Publishing of second list of MH CET Law seat allotment	September 14, 2018
20.	NRI, OCI and PIO candidates report to colleges	September 15-19, 2018
21.	College to publish online second list of admitted candidates	September 19, 2018
22.	Edit options available for candidates	September 22-27,2018
23.	Publishing of third list of MH CET Law seat allotment	October 10, 2018
24.	Students to report to their respective colleges with admission form	October 11, 2018
25.	Colleges to update vacant seats online	October 11-17, 2018
26.	Colleges display vacant seats online and offline	October 19, 2018
27.	Institutional round MH CET Law 2018 Counselling	October 19-26,2018
28.	Display of MH CET Law 2018 merit list	October 29, 2018
29.	Colleges to admit candidates as per merit list and generate provisional admission letter	October 30 – November 2, 2018
30.	Colleges to upload status of admitted students online	October 30 – November 3, 2018
31.	Release of MH CET Law 2018 Cut off	November 5, 2018

To Register for MH CET LAW 3-Year Common Admission Process (CAP) – Click here

To Login for MH CET LAW 3-Year Common Admission Process (CAP) – Click here

MH CET Law Counselling 2018 – Important dates for five-year integrated programme

S.No	Events	Dates
1.	Notification for registration of colleges	June 25, 2018
2.	Colleges filling online registration form	June 25, 2018
3.	Colleges to submit printout of registration form with Demand Draft and other documents	June 25, 2018
4.	Upload of CAP Brochure	June 25, 2018
5.	Online Centralised form filling by candidates	June 25, 2018
6.	Verification of college documents and approval of colleges for online admission	June 25, 2018
7.	NRI, OCI, PIO candidates registration and fee submission	June 25, 2018
8.	Document verification for NRI, OCI, PIO candidates	June 25 – July 24, 2018
9.	Uploading of verified status of NRI/ OCI/ Foreign candidates	August 3, 2018
10.	Display of provisional alphabetical list	July 9, 2018
11.	Candidature-wise Final Merit List	July 24, 2018
12.	Upload of list of approved colleges	July 27, 2018
13.	Publishing of first list of MH CET Law seat allotment	July 24-27,2018
14.	Reporting of candidates to colleges	July 28, 2018
15.	College to publish online first list of admitted candidates	July 28, 2018
16.	Uploading of merit list of NRI, OCI and PIO candidates	August 7, 2018
17.	Publishing of second list of MH CET Law seat allotment	August 10, 2018
18.	Downloading of admission letters of NRI, OCI, and PIO	August 10, 2018
19.	NRI, OCI and PIO candidates report to colleges	August 11-18, 2018
20.	College to publish online second list of admitted candidates	August 11-20, 2018
21.	Edit options available for candidates	August 21-27, 2018
22.	Publishing of third list of MH CET Law seat allotment	September 4, 2018
23.	Students to report to their respective colleges with admission form	September 5-8, 2018
24.	Colleges to update vacant seats online	September 5-10, 2018
25.	Colleges display vacant seats online and offline	September 12, 2018
26.	Institutional round MH CET Law 2018 Counselling	September 12-22, 2018
27.	Display of MH CET Law 2018 merit list	September 25, 2018
28.	Colleges to admit candidates as per merit list and generate provisional admission letter	September 26-29, 2018
29.	Colleges to upload status of admitted students online	September 26-October 4, 2018
30.	Release of MH CET Law 2018 Cut off	October 6, 2018

IBPS Specialist Exam Pattern for 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Exam Pattern for the Post of Law Officer and Rajbhasha Adhikari:

Written examination Objective type and will be conducted online.
Written exam contains 200 questions for 200 marks.
Exam Paper will be bilingual i.e. Hindi and English language.
Exam paper will have 4 sections such as

(1) Reasoning
(2) English Language
(3) General Awareness and
(4) Professional Knowledge

There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
The exam duration will be 2 hours.

Exam Pattern for the Post of I.T Officer, Agriculture Officer, Marketing Officer & HR Officer:

Written exam will be objected type and will be conducted online.
Exam Paper will be bilingual i.e. Hindi and English language.
Written exam contains 200 questions for 200 marks.
Exam paper will have 4 sections such as

(1) Reasoning,

(2) English Language,

(3) Quantitative Aptitude and

(4) Professional Knowledge.

There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
The exam duration will be 2 hours.

Interview:

Applicants will be called for the interview round who qualify in the written exam.
Marks allotted for Interview is 100 marks.

IBPS SO Exam Pattern 2018 Details.

Examination Mode:IBPS SO examination will be conducted online through Computer-based mode schedule in two shifts – morning and in evening.
Exam Duration: The duration of the examination will be 2 hours
The language of Paper: question paper will be based on both the languages i.e. in Hindi & in English but the test of English language will be in English only.
Types of Question (MCQ): MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) will be asked in IBPS SO 2018 Recruitment exam in which candidates have to choose the correct response from the given four options.
Number of Questions: Total no. of questions would be 200 consists of reasoning, quantitative aptitude, professional knowledge and general awareness & English language.
Distribution of Questions: The detail regarding IBPS Specialist Officer (SO) distribution of question is given below

For Law Officer & Rajbhasha Adhikari

Sr. No.	Name of the Tests	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
1	Reasoning	50		30 minutes
2	English Language	50		25 minutes
3	General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry	50		30 minutes
4	Professional Knowledge	50	80	35 minutes
	Total	200	80	120 minutes

For IT, Agricultural, HR/ Personnel &Marketing Officer

Sr. No.	Name of the Tests	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
1	Reasoning	50	50	30 minutes
2	English Language	50	50	25 minutes
3	Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	30 minutes
4	Professional Knowledge	50	50	35 minutes
	Total	200	200	120 minutes

Marking Scheme: 1 mark will be awarded for every right answer and 0.25 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

RRB ALP JE Technical and Non Technical Classes in mumbai

RRB also introduced different exam pattern and a long syllabus for RRB ALP & Technician posts.

stage-II Exams: Detailed Syllabus of RRB ALP Mains & Technician Mains

(Stage 2: Part A)
Except for Basic Science & Engineering, syllabus of Prelims and Mains is same for
RRB Railway ALP & Technician
Basic Science Syllabus
Engineering Drawing – Projections
Eng. Drawing – Views
Eng. Drawing – Instruments
Eng. Drawing – Lines
Eng. Drawing – Geometric Figures
Eng. Drawing – Symbolic Representation
Heat & Temperature
Levers & Simple Machines
Environment Education
Speed & Velocity
Occupational Safety & Health
Mass Weight & Density
IT Literacy
Measurements Units

Syllabus of RRB ALP Mains & Technician Mains (Stage 2: Part B)
Stage 2 – Part B of RRB ALP & Technician exam is qualifying in nature. The
syllabus of Part B of RRB Mains exam includes trade syllabus prescribed
by Director General of Employment & Training (DGET).

2/27/2026

New Changes Introduced this year:

Section-wise time has been allotted this year in the Mains phase of this exam.

The overall time of the Mains exam of RBI Assistant has been increased to 135 minutes from this year onwards.

The exam will be conducted in 3 phases, namely –

1. Preliminary Phase
2. Mains Phase
3. Language Proficiency Test

Before discussing the RBI Assistant Syllabus and Exam Pattern, let’s have a look at the following –

The Online Registration for RBI Assistant started from 18.10.2017 and the applications would be accepted till 10.11.2017.
The Tentative dates for the preliminary phase of this exam is 27, 28 November and the Mains phase will be conducted on 20th December 2017.
Educational Qualification – At least a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (pass class for SC/ST/PWD candidates) in the aggregate and the knowledge of word processing on PC. Candidates applying for post in a particular recruiting office should be proficient in the language (i.e. know to read, write, speak and understand the language) of the state/ any of the states falling under the recruiting office.
Age (as on 01.10.2017) – Between 20 and 28 years.
Application Fees – Rs. 50/- for SC/ST/PWD/EXS
Rs. 450/- for OBC/General candidates
You can check the exam centres and the number of vacancies of different zones in the official notification.

Exam Pattern fof RBI Assistant 2017

RBI Assistant Exam Pattern for Prelims phase –

The Prelims exam of RBI Assistant 2017 will follow the pattern mentioned below:

S. No.	Subject	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Total time
1.	English Language	30	30	Composite time of 1 hour!
2.	Numerical Ability	35	35
3.	Reasoning Ability	35	35
	Total	100	100

RBI Assistant Exam Pattern for Mains phase –

S. No.	Subject	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Total
1.	Reasoning Ability	40	40	30 minutes
2.	English Laguagee	40	40	30 minutes
3.	Numerical Ability	40	40	30 minutes
4.	General Awareness	40	40	25 minutes
7	Computer Knowledge	40	40	20 minutes
	Total	200	200

There will be negative marks for wrong answers in the Objective tests (Preliminary and Main examination).1/4th marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

Expected Syllabus of different sections –

Reasoning Ability Syllabus for RBI Assistant Exam

Syllogism
Seating Arrangement – Circular, Square and Linear
Puzzle
Blood Relation
Inequality
Data Sufficiency
Coding and Decoding
Distance and Direction
Ranking

Numerical Ability syllabus for RBI Assistant Exams

Syllabus for IBPS RRB Exam

Number Series
Data Interpretation
Average
Profit & Loss
Time & Work
Data Sufficiency
Simplification/Approximation
Quadratic Equation
Time & Distance
Partnership
Ratio & Proportion
Problem on Ages
Boats & Streams
Pipe & Cisterns

English Language syllabus for RBI Assistant Exams

Reading Comprehension
Spotting Error
Fill in the blank
Cloze test
Sentence Improvement
Para-Jumbles

General Awareness syllabus for RBI Assistant Exams

News related to Reserve Bank of India
Banking / Financial Awareness / Economics news
Current Affairs – Questions can be asked from various fields such as: National, International, Awards, Sports, Defence, Summits, Appointment, Books & Authors and Obituary etc.

Computer Knowledge syllabus for RBI Assistant Exams

Computer Generation
MS Word
MS Excel
PowerPoint
Internet
Operating System
Computer Hardware
Abbreviations related to Computer Knowledge

SBI clerk exam 2018 syllabus

Topic Wise SBI Clerk syllabus 2018

In both the SBI Clerk online tests, the candidates are tested in the following fields. Candidates must prepare for the exams based on the syllabus given below.

SBI Clerk Numerical ability Syllabus

Profit and loss
Ratio and proportion
Variation
Elementary number theory
F and L.C.M
Euclidean algorithm
Number system
Unitary method compound interest
Algebra
Trigonometry
Areas
Mensuration and statistics
Geometry

SBI Clerk Reasoning Syllabus

Analogies (meaning based and logical)
Data sufficiency
Sequential output tracing
Visual reasoning
Directions and arrangements (circular arrangements)
Codes (sentence coding)
Critical reasoning
Syllogism
SBI Clerk English language Syllabus
Grammar
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Brief writing
Sentence structure
Series completion

SBI Clerk General awareness Syllabus

Knowledge of current affairs
History
Geography
Sports
Culture
Indian constitution
Technology and research
Economics

SBI Clerk Basic computer knowledge Syllabus

DBMS
OS
Computer hardware
Shortcut keys
Software knowledge

original notification :- click here

apply online :- click here

CLAT Participating Institutes

CLAT Participating Institutes
National Law School of India University, Bangalore
National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Hyderabad
National Law Institute University, Bhopal
West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences, Kolkata
National Law University, Jodhpur
Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
Ram Manohar Lohiya National law University, Lucknow
Rajiv Gandhi National Law University, Patiala
Chanakya National Law University, Patna
National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi
National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati
Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Vishakhapatnam
Tamil Nadu National Law School, Trichy
Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad

CLAT Participating Institutes 2018: Private law colleges accepting CLAT scoresThe table below mentions another list of law colleges offering admissions into undergraduate law programmes based on CLAT 2018 scores. The list, however, is tentative and is based on the data of last year. The final list of private law schools participating in CLAT 2018 will be declared after CLAT official brochure is announced by NUALS Kochi.UG All India Category seats for undergraduate programmes
PG All India Category seats for postgraduate programmes.

1.Alliance School of Law, Bangalore
2. Asian Law College, Noida
3. Amity University, Noida
4. Azim Premji University, Bengaluru
5. Delhi Institute of Rural Development (D.I.R.D.), Holambi, Delhi
6. Disha Law College, Raipur
7. Galgotias University, Greater Noida
8. Geeta Institute of Law, Panipat
9. Harlal School of Law, Greater Noida
10. IFIM Law College, Bengaluru
11. Indore Institute of Law, Indore
12. Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmadabad
13. Jagannath University, Jaipur
14. JECRC University, Jaipur
15. JIMS Engineering Management Technical Campus School of Law, Greater Noida
16. Lloyd Law College, Greater Noida
17.Maharaja Surajmal Brij University, Bharatpur
18.Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad
19.Manipal University, Jaipur
20.MATS University, Raipur
21.Mewar University, Chittorgarh
22.Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies [NMIMS] (Deemed to be University), Mumbai
23.NIMT Institute of Method & Law (NIMT Vidhi Evam Kanun Sansthan), Delhi NCR
24.Prestige Institute of Management & Research, Indore
25.RNB Global University, Bikaner
26.Ramaiah Institute of Legal Studies (RILS), Bengaluru
27.Renaissance Law College, Indore
28.School of Law, THE North Cap University, Gurugram, Haryana
29.Shri Vaishnav Institute of Law, Indore
30.Siddhartha Law College, Dehradun
31.SRM University, Haryana
32.Vivekanand Global University, Jaipur

Apart from the above law colleges (NLUs as well as privates), there are some other institutions which accept CLAT 2017 score for recruiting the law students as legal advisors. Such institutions are recognised as Public Sector Undertakings.

RRB ALP Technical Notes for Stage 2 (Part B) Study Material as PDF!

The Railways RRB Computer-based Test for Assistant Loco Pilot & Technicians just took place. Now the next stage, i.e. the RRB ALP Stage 2 (Part B), Technical Paper will soon be conducted. In this article, you will find RRB ALP Technical Notes for Wire man & Electrician. Find study material on Resistance as notes for RRB ALP Technical Exam. Click here

2/27/2026

Are students in final year of graduation also eligible for SSC CGL?

No. One cannot apply for the SSC CGL Exam if he/she hasn’t cleared the final year exam . For all the posts offered through SSC CGL exam, it is mandatory to be a graduate.

SSC CGL CHSL Classes in Andheri west & east Mumbai

2/27/2026

What are the posts available under SSC CGL recruitment for freshers?

Following posts can be applied by freshers who will be appearing for the exam:
Assistant/Assistant Audit Officer
Assistant Accounts Officer
Assistant Section Officer
Superintendent
Inspector Of Income Tax
Inspector (Central Excise)
Inspector (Preventive Officer)
Inspector (Examiner)
Asst. Enforcement Officer
Sub Inspector
Inspector Posts
Divisional Accountant
Inspector
Junior Statistical Officer
Auditor
Accountant/Junior Accountant
Senior Secretariat Assistant/ UDC
Tax Assistant
Upper Division Clerk (UDC)

SSC CGL 2019 Recruitment announced, SSC CHSL Exam date, SSC CGL Tier-III & IV

2/27/2026

How do I download my call letter for Bank Exam

Follow the link from organisation website to download call letter. At login page, enter the Registration No / Roll No and Password / DOB(dd-mm-yy) at the required places to download the Call Letter. download & save as pdf.

Some Important Website for Download Call letter:

IBPS Exams: www.ibps.in

SBI: www.sbi.co.in

RBI: www.rbi.org.in

for more call us: 8080160826

2/27/2026

What is the Minimum &Maximum age criteria to apply for SSC CGL?

Minimum Age to apply for SSC CGL written exam is 18 years and maximum age limit is 32 years.

2/27/2026

My DATE OF BIRTH is rejected on login screen?

Candidate should ensure that the DATE OF BIRTH is same as he had entered at the time of registration. Candidate can refer the APPLICATION PRINT for the DATE OF BIRTH entered by him. The date of Birth should be entered in DD-MM-YY format.

2/27/2026

I am unable to login / screen displays the login failed message?

Please check your entries in login screen. You should use REGISTRATION NO. & PASSWORD as received at the time of registration by displaying on the screen and also mailed to you in auto generated email acknowledgement.Also, make sure that the DATE OF BIRTH you have entered is same as you entered at the time of registration and printed in the application print. regarding your’s exam Like SBI, IBPS, Bank Clerk & PO.

2/27/2026

Good News: RRB ALP Vacancy Increased

Dear Aspirants,

RRB has made a huge announcement today. The RRB ALP has increased its vacancies from 26,502 to 64,371. This is a great opportunity for people aspiring for Railway exams. There are 27795 vacancies for Assistant Loco Pilot posts and 36576 vacancies for Technician posts. Check out the official notification below to know the complete details of increase in RRB ALP Vacancy.

Check RRB ALP 2018 Increased Vacancy – Official Notice

Download the Official Notification for Vacancy increase below: Click here

2/27/2026

List of jobs under SSC

As an aspirant, you probably want to know the job/position that you aim to secure by cracking this competitive exam. Here is a list of the job types:

Accountant/junior accountant
Assistant (in ministries)
Assistant, Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ)
Assistant, Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Assistant, Ministry of Railway
Assistant section officer
Auditor, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)
Compiler (Registrar General)
Divisional Accountant, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Inspector, Narcotics
Inspector, Department of Post
Senior secretariat assistant
Sub-Inspectors, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Sub-Inspectors, Central Bureau of Narcotics
Sub-Inspectors, National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Statistical Investigator
Tax assistant

Best training Institute in Mumbai for SSC CGL | Rakesh Yadav Sir Classes in pune | best training institute SSC CGL Main Exams | mock test training institute in Mumbai |

Find SSC CGL coaching academy by city & locality SSC BY LOCALITY SSC :

CGL Coaching Institutes in Thane West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Andheri West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Borivali West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Dadar East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Kalyan West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Vashi, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Dadar West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Nerul, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Kandivali West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Mira Road, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Virar West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Bhandup West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Andheri East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Borivali East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Mulund West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Kharghar, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Dombivali East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Vasai West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Malad West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Panvel, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Vile Parle East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Chembur, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Parel, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Bandra West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Kandivali East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Thane East, Mumbai, SSC CGL Coaching Institutes in Kalyan East, Mumbai

Is negative marking applicable in SSC CGL?

There will be negative marking of 0.5 for each wrong answer in Tier-II. In Tier-I, there is negative marking system of 0.25 for each wrong answer in paper II – English Language & Comprehension and 0.50 for each wrong answer in Paper-I, Paper III and Paper IV of Tier II.

2/27/2026

Will the SSC CGL exam be conducted online or offline?

Written Exam for SSC CGL and Most of exams will be conducted in online mode. Only Tier-III, descriptive paper will be conducted offline – pen and paper mode and tier-IV on proficiency test on computer.

2/27/2026

SBI Clerk Exam details and Selection Process

SBI Clerks (Junior Associates) are responsible for all the client interactions and related operations. Candidates who are recruited as SBI clerks are designated as cashiers, depositors and other posts that form the face of a particular SBI Bank branch. SBI Clerk recruitment exam consists of 2 stages Preliminary & Mains.

Please Note: There is no interview round for the SBI Clerk posts.

SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam pattern

It is a 100 marks MCQ based paper with a time duration of 1 hour (60 mins). There are 3 sections (subjects) in this exam, those are English Language, Numerical Ability & Reasoning Ability.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Paper pattern

SBI Clerk Mains is also an MCQ based online exam. It has 4 sections which are English Language, Quantitive Aptitude, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude and General Awareness. There are 190 Questions, with a total score of 200 marks, and a time duration of 160 minutes. There is a negative marking with a deduction of 1/4th marks for every mistake.

What do we offer?

We have a wide range of question types to choose from. To name a few, we have included multiple choice text questions, Multiple choice image questions, Fill in the blanks and free text questions.

Regular Lecture
Study material
Topic wise practice sets
Sectional Tests
Exam specific Full-Length Tests
Exam specific booster tests on our app
Effective and hassle-free analysis of your performance

Our Reports & Analysis tool allows learners to monitor their progress and to identify competency gaps with added insights.

Our platform also encourages collaboration by allowing learners to ask questions and get answers from the relevant subject matter experts in the designed forums. call dadar branch: 8080160826

2/27/2026

May I know for which posts interviews are conducted as a part of selection procedure?

There are no interviews for any of the posts under SSC CGL Recruitment of group C-Post. The para 9.2 of the official notification for SSC CGL Recruitment 2019 clearly states that – “9.2 Interview component has been dispensed with. There will, therefore, be no interview.”

2/27/2026

Educational Qualification and different post for railway Vacancy

Under RRB/RRC Level 1 Posts 2019 Recruitment Process, different educational qualifications are prescribed for various posts as given below:

S. No.	Name of the Post	Department	Educational Qualification (As on 12th April 2019)
1	Assistant (Workshop)	Mechanical	10th pass (OR) ITI from institutions recognised by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT)/ State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) (or) equivalent(OR)National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)granted by NCVT
2	Assistant Bridge	Engineering
3	Assistant C&W	Mechanical
4	Assistant Depot (Stores)	Stores
5	Assistant Loco Shed (Diesel)	Mechanical
6	Assistant Loco Shed (Electrical)	Electrical
7	Assistant Operations (Electrical)	Electrical
8	Assistant Pointsman	Traffic
9	Assistant Signal & Telecom	Signal and Telecommunication (S and T)
10	Assistant Track Machine	Engineering
11	Assistant TL & AC	Electrical
12	Assistant TL & AC (Workshop)	Electrical
13	Assistant TRD	Electrical
14	Assistant Works	Engineering
15	Assistant Works (Workshop)	Engineering
16	Hospital Assistant	Medical
17	Track Maintainer Grade IV	Engineering

Note:

Candidates waiting for final results of prescribed educational qualification should not apply.
Diploma/Degree in Engineering will not be accepted in lieu of course completed Act Apprenticeship/ ITI. Also, Graduate Act Apprentice will not be accepted in lieu of Course Completed Act Apprenticeship.
The vacancies to be filled from among the Course Completed Act Apprentices (CCAAs) trained in Railway Establishments and possessing National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT) is separately indicated in the vacancy table.
The last date for registration of online application i.e. on or before 12th April 2019 of this CEN shall be the cutoff date for completion of Apprenticeship. A candidate shall be considered to have completed the Act Apprenticeship training, only if he has appeared in the NCVT examination before the last date for registration of online application, i.e., on or before 12.04.2019 of this CEN and result for which might not have been declared.
The course completed Act Apprentices will be eligible to apply for any RRB/RRC irrespective of the railway establishment in which they have been trained subject to fulfilling other eligibility conditions

IBPS PO Prelims Exam Analysis

13th October is the first day of the first phase of this exam, i.e., prelims. Many students appeared for this exam and the competition will be very tough this time. Therefore, it is necessary that one gets aware about the type of questions being asked in the exam so that you get an idea about how to plan your strategy to attempt the questions in the exam and manage your time accordingly.

IBPS PO Exam Analysis 2018: Section-wise Analysis

Subject	Good Attempt	Time
English Language	16-19	20
Reasoning Ability	19-22	20
Quantitative Aptitude	17-21	20
Total	53-58	60

Quantitative Aptitude (Moderate)

Topic	No. of Questions	Level
Data Interpretation	11	Moderate
Wrong Number Series	6	Moderate
Quadratic Equation	6	Moderate
Arithmetic Word Problems (Profit and Loss, Problem on Ages, SI & CI etc)	12	Moderate
Total	35	Moderate

Reasoning (Moderate)

The level of reasoning was Moderate. There were 3 sets of puzzles and Seating Arrangement, following are the types

Floor Based Puzzle
Square seating arrangement
Miscellaneous Puzzle

Topics	No. of Questions	Level
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement	15	Moderate
Coding Decoding	5	Easy-Moderate
Direction sense	3	Moderate
Inequality	5	Easy-Moderate
Alphabet	1	Easy-Moderate
Comparison Based Questions	2	Moderate
Miscellaneous	4	Moderate
Total	35	Moderate

English Language (Moderate)

English section was of moderate level. There were only 7 question in the set of Reading Comprehension out of which 1 question was of vocabulary. It is important that candidates choose wisely what to attempt and what to skip. Reading Comprehension was based on an article related to printing press and history of newspapers. There were 3 different types/pattern of Error Detection questions.

Topic	No. of Questions	Level
Reading Comprehension	7	Moderate
Error Detection	7	Easy-Moderate
Filler	5	Moderate
Cloze Test	6	Moderate
Sentence Improvement	5	Moderate
Total	30	Moderate

Kindly Send your Valuable Feedback at: ipcitraining@gmail.com

SBI PO Exams Details for Prelims or Mains

State Bank of India conducts SBI PO exam to select eligible candidates to the post of Probationary Officer.The SBI PO recruitment exam is top notch among the public-sector bank exams in India. It is considered a little difficult compared to other bank entrance exams.

An aspiring candidate appearing for the SBI PO exam has to pass 3 complex stages to clear the recruitment process.

SBI PO Preliminary Examination

It is a 100 marks MCQ based paper with a time duration of 1 hour (60 mins). There are 3 sections (subjects) in this exam. Those are English Language, Numerical Ability & Reasoning Ability.

SBI PO Main Examination

Its consists 2 parts Objective Test (200 marks) and a descriptive test (50 marks).

SBI PO Mains – Objective Test Paper pattern

SBI PO Mains Descriptive Test pattern

SBI PO Final

Aspirants have to score an aggregate high in both parts, of Stage 2, to qualify for this round. SBI arranges these aggregate marks of all applicants in the descending order.

What do we offer?

We offer an exhaustive platform which conducts online examinations to measure the knowledge of the participants on the given exam syllabus. With our platform, students can attempt a wide variety of tests online, at the most convenient time, using any visual device, regardless of the location.

We have a wide range of question types to choose from. To name a few, we have included multiple choice text questions, Multiple choice image questions, Fill in the blanks and free text questions.

Topic wise practice sets
Sectional Tests
Exam specific Full-Length Tests
Exam specific booster tests on our app
Effective and hassle-free analysis of your performance

Our Reports & Analysis tool allows learners to monitor their progress and to identify competency gaps with added insights.

Our platform also encourages collaboration by allowing learners to ask questions and get answers from the relevant subject matter experts in the designed forums.

2/27/2026

How many vacancies are released for SSC CGL 2019 & 2020?

The number of vacancies will be determined at the time of Document Verification i.e. about one month before the declaration of the final results. total number of vacancies is approx 1/3 of 2nd final result.

Join for `our new batch for ssc cgl 2019 and 2020,

2/27/2026

What should I do if there is lot of delay in accessing the page?

Internet based Call letter download depends on various factors like Internet Speed, large number of Applicants trying to download the Call Letter at the same time etc. Therefore, if you are not able to download the Call Letter immediately, please retry after a gap of 5 minutes or during off-peak hours during the night.

2/27/2026

MCA Entrance Eligibility Criteria

Sl. No.	Institute	Eligibility Criteria	Probable Month Of Exam
1	JNU	Graduate with 55%	May
2	DU	Graduate with 60% marks and atleast 2 papers of maths or 1 paper os math and another of stats. or computer science	June
3	Pune University(dept.of computer science)	Science graguate with maths at +2 level with 50% marks.	Feb-March
4	M.P. MCA	Maths at 12th or graduation level.	April-May
5	NIMCET (NITs Combined Exam) Note:- any distance learning allowed if approved by UGC & DEC	Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks in aggregate with maths/stats/Business math as one of the subject at +2 and graduation level and 60% marks in +2 level also.	May
6	BIT MESRA	Graduate with maths/stats and math at +2 level or BCA with 60% marks at graduation level , +2 level & metric.	May-June
7	B.H.U.	Graduate with 50% marks with maths at 12th or graduation level.	May-June
8	IIT-Roorkee(Through JAM)	Graduate with maths paper with 55 % marks	March
9	Pondicherry Central Univ.	Bachelor’s Degree with 55% marks in comp. Application/ commerce/eco/Business Adm. with math/Business math/stats/ comp. application as one the subject or Bachelor’s degree in science with math/stats as one of the subjects with min. 55% marks	June
10	TANCET	Maths at +2 level or maths/stats at graduation level.	May
11	Banasthali Vidyapith (only for girls)	Graduate with 60% marks	June
12	Jamia Humdard Note:- 50% resvd. for Muslim	Graduate with 50% marks with math at +2 level.	May
13	Cochin University Note:- any distance learning allowed if approved by UGC & DEC	Any Graduate with maths as one subject or graduation in Electronics/BCA with aggregate 55% marks in all subject other than language.	May
14	CET Maharastra	Graduate with 45 % marks with math/stats in +2 level or Graduate level or BCA	Feb-March
15	Madurai Kamraj	Graduate in any discipline with math at +2 level(compulsory) or any degree with comp. science/ application as major / vocational subject.	March
16	KIIT University	Graduate in any discipline with 50% marks having math at +2 level or Graduate level as one of the subject.	March
17	PGCET	Bahelor’s degree with 50% marks and with math/stats or Business math or Business stats or comp. science or computer application or comp. prog. as one of the subject or math at +2 level with 50% marks in maths	July
18	HCU	Graduate with 60% marks and math at +2 level.	May
19	IPU	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% marks in aggregate and have maths and english at +2 level or BCA	May-June
20	AMU	BTECH/B.Arch./B.E. with 50% marks in aggregate or B.Sc. with 55% marks in aggregate with math and any one from stats,physics,comp.science/application as main or subsidiary subject must have studied physics and math at +2 level.	June
21	Goa University (through C-DAC)	Graduate in any discipline with 50% marks with math at +2 level or graduation level	Jan-Feb

SBI Clerical Mains Exam Marks Released

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the marks of candidates of SBI clerk main examination 2018. SBI had last month declared the result of the SBI clerk main examination 2018.

Here is the direct link to check SBI clerk main exam 2018 marks of candidates. SBI clerk main exam was held on August 5. The two-hour forty minute SBI clerk main exam was for 200 marks and divided into four sections: General and financial awareness (50 marks), General English (40 marks), quantitative aptitude (50 marks) and reasoning ability and computer aptitude (60 marks). Candidates were asked to answer 190 questions. Candidates were given 35 minutes each for general/financial awareness and general English and 45 minutes each for quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability section.

The marks obtained in the prelims (Phase-I) was not considered for the selection and only the aggregate marks obtained in the main exam (Phase-II) was considered in the final merit list.

Click here

2/27/2026

SSC JUNIOR ENGINEERS (CIVIL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, QUANTITY SURVEYING & CONTRACT) EXAMINATION Paper -I Syllabus

The SSC JE standard of the questions in Engineering subjects will be approximately of the level of Diploma in Engineering (Civil/ Electrical/ Mechanical/Electronics) from a recognized Institute, Board or University recognized by All India Board of Technical Education. All the questions will be set in SI units. The details of the syllabus are given below:

Paper-I (i) General Intelligence & Reasoning: The Syllabus for General Intelligence would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. The test may include questions on analogies, similarities, differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series etc. The test will also include questions designed to test the candidate’s abilities to deal with abstract ideas and symbols and their relationships, arithmetical computations and other analytical functions.

(ii) General Awareness: Questions will be aimed at testing the candidate’s general awareness of the environment around him/her and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observations and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of any educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighbouring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity and Scientific Research, etc. These questions will be such that they do not require a special study of any discipline.

(iii) General Engineering (Civil and Structural), (Electrical & Mechanical):

Part –A Civil Engineering Building Materials, Estimating, Costing and Valuation, Surveying, Soil Mechanics, Hydraulics, Irrigation Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering. Structural Engineering: Theory of Structures, Concrete Technology, RCC Design, Steel Design.

Part-B Electrical Engineering Basic concepts, Circuit law, Magnetic Circuit, AC Fundamentals, Measurement and Measuring instruments, Electrical Machines, Fractional Kilowatt Motors and single phase induction Motors, Synchronous Machines, Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Estimation and Costing, Utilization and Electrical Energy, Basic Electronics.

Part-C Mechanical Engineering – Theory of Machines and Machine Design, Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials, Properties of Pure Substances, 1st Law of Thermodynamics, 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, Air standard Cycles for IC Engines, IC Engine Performance, IC Engines Combustion, IC Engine Cooling & Lubrication, Rankine cycle of System, Boilers, Classification, Specification, Fitting & Accessories, Air Compressors & their cycles, Refrigeration cycles, Principle of Refrigeration Plant, Nozzles & Steam Turbines. Properties & Classification of Fluids, Fluid Statics, Measurement of Fluid Pressure, Fluid kinematics, Dynamics of Ideal fluids, Measurement of Flow rate, basic principles, Hydraulic Turbines, Centrifugal Pumps, Classification of steels.

IBPS Clerk Selection Pattern & Exam Process

Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts a common written exam (CWE) once every year to hire candidates for the post of clerical cadre across various banks in the country.

IBPS Clerk is an entry-level job in different public sector banks (PSU). In every clerical recruitment it is very important that the candidates are well aware of the regional or local language of the state for which they are applying as IBPS might conduct a regional language proficiency test after the mains examination.

The IBPS Clerk examination is conducted via two common written exams (CWE):

IBPS Clerk Prelims exam
IBPS Clerk Mains exam.

Candidates qualifying both the phases will be finally selected for recruitment.

IBPS CWE Preliminary Exam Pattern:

There are 3 different sections in this exam – English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability

IBPS CWE Main Exam Pattern:

IBPS Mains exam has separate sectional timing for each section namely Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language.

What do we offer?

We have a wide range of question types to choose from. To name a few, we have included multiple choice text questions, Multiple choice image questions, Fill in the blanks and free text questions.

Regular Lecture
E-Books
Study Material with Hard Copy
Expert Team
Topic wise practice sets
Sectional Tests
Exam specific Full-Length Tests
Exam specific booster tests on our app
Effective and hassle-free analysis of your performance

Our Reports & Analysis tool allows learners to monitor their progress and to identify competency gaps with added insights. Our platform also encourages collaboration by allowing learners to ask questions and get answers from the relevant subject matter experts in the designed forums.

Link For Study Material: www.ipci.co.in/study-material
Link for online test: test.ipci.co.in
Banking Recruitment: click here

IBPS PO Mock Test-34

IBPS PO test series 2019 comes with a free mock test which provides detailed solutions & performance analysis. You can improve your overall score in IBPS PO Prelims & Mains Exam by practicing our offline test series.

IBPS PO 2019: Exam Pattern

Prelim	Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration	Mains	Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
	Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes		Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60 Minutes
	English Language	30	30	20 minutes		General / Economy / Banking Awareness	40	40	35 Minutes
	Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 minutes		Data Interpretation & Analysis	35	60	45 Minutes
	–	–	–	–		English Language	35	40	40 Minutes
	–	–	–	–		Total	200	200	140 Minutes
	Total	100	100	60 minutes		Descriptive Test (English Language)	2	25	30 Minutes

Bank Exam Mock Test-34Download

Bank Exam Mock Test Solution -34Download

2/27/2026

Reasoning Backup Class Link 12-Sep-time 5 to 6:30pm

Date 12-sept-2019 Reasoning lecture by arun sir topic Coding-Decoding click here for View: https://youtu.be/W-351axIK-c

In above link only for IPCI & Prudence Student @dadar mumbai centre and other not required to view.

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Tier 2 Mock Test Series provides by Prudence Coaching Centre Under Guidance Rakesh Yadav Sir.

There are a lot of advantages by attempting the SSC CGL Online Test Series.

Be thorough with the SSC CGL Exam Pattern.
Know the difficulty level of the exam by attempting the SSC CGL Tier 2 Free Mock Test
Develop smart test-taking strategy so that it will help them to finish the whole exam on time with maximum accuracy and minimum negative marking
Get the real SSC CGL Exam environment with these online tests/Offline test Series.
Improve various methods on how to select questions and time management skills

Features of Our SSC CGL Tier 2 Online Test

There are various features present in our mock tests series that are listed below

SSC CGL Tier 2 Practice Papers or Online Mock Tests are updated as per the latest SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam Pattern and Syllabus.
Covers all the topics from each section of SSC CGL Tier 2 Exam
SSC CGL Tier 2 Mock Test Online Free series are designed by guidance of Rakesh yadav sir.
Can take up the SSC CGL Tier 2 free mock test series any time on our website
our online platform View the detailed performance report after completing the test but some sample link of question available kindly download and attend test.
Offline SSC CGL Tier 2 Mock Test Papers with Answers include Step by Step solutions provided for each question
Includes full-length mock test and sectional SSC CGL Tier 2 test series

CGL Mains Maths Paper Test-3Download

CGL Mains english Test Paper-3Download

CGL Mains Maths Paper Solution Test-3 Download

for more notes books lecture join our personal channel:https://t.me/prudencemumbai

2/27/2026

How to upload photo and signature in IBPS Clerk?

The advertisement prescribes detailed guidelines for uploading the photo and signature .The candidates are requested to refer to relevant clause of the advertisement available on the official IBPS website for the same and ensure that the photo and signature files meet the specifications mentioned in the advertisement. All information regarding photo, Sign and deceleration in particular recruitment advt.

2/27/2026

GS Backup Lecture Geography 3 Sept 2019

Youtube GS link For Geography lecture by vivek sir at 7 to 8am

https://youtu.be/lE_4rUgK7D8

2/27/2026

What is the educational/Age Criteria for applying for CWE IBPS selection process?

Our advertisement clearly prescribes the eligibility criteria in detail. The candidates are requested to kindly refer to the relevant clause mentioned in the advertisement.

Bank Clerk: 18 to 28 year

Bank PO/SO: 20 to 30 year

Some case of special office 35 years with Experience.

2/27/2026

What are the dates of registration/payment of fees for online application form of CWE?

The advertisement /notification mentions in detail about the schedule of registration /payment of fees. The candidates are requested to kindly refer to the relevant clause mentioned in the advertisement. Keep in touch with official IBPS website regularly and IBPS Every Year Updates Exam Calendar for online, exam date, Result every year.

2/27/2026

Eligibility CTET December 2019

Primary Stage (Class I to V)

Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2-year Diploma in Elementary Education OR
Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 45% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2- year Diploma in Elementary Education as per NCTE 2002 Norms OR
Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 4- year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) OR
Senior Secondary (or its equivalent) with at least 50% marks and passed or appearing in final year of 2- year Diploma in Education (Special Education) OR
Graduation with 50% Marks and 1 Year B.Ed Examination OR
Graduation and passed or appearing in final year of two year Diploma in Elementary Education

2/27/2026

SSC CPO Exam Pattern & Syllabus details-2019

SSC CPO 2019 Exam will be held on objective mode with MCQs. It will be bilingual i.e. in the languages Hindi and English. It will observe negative marking with as much as 0.25 as penalty for every mistake committed by the candidate. SSC CPO 2019 will comprise of three stages as given below:

Exam Pattern SSC CPO Paper-1

S.No	Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
1	General Intelligence & Reasoning	50	50	2 hours
2	General Knowledge	50	50
3	Quantitative Aptitude	50	50
4	English Comprehension	50	50

PET, PST and Medical Test.

Candidate	Height	Chest
Unexpanded	Expanded
Male (Gen)	170	80	85
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	165	80	85
Scheduled Tribes	162.5	77	82
Female (Gen)	157	–	–
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	155	–	–
Scheduled Tribes	154	–	–

Details for SSC CPO PET Test

For Male Candidates

100 meter race in 16 seconds
6 Km Race in 6.5 minutes
Long Jump: 3.65 meters in 5 chances
High Jump: 1.2 meters in 3 chances
Short put 16 LBS: 4.5 meters in 3 chances

For Female Candidates

100 meter race in 18 second
800 meter race in 4 minutes
Long Jump: 2.7 meters or 9 feet in 3 chances
High Jump: 0.9 meters or 3 feet in 3 chances

SSC CPO Medical Test

Eligibility Criteria for the Medical Test is mentioned below:
Minimum Near Vision: N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye)
Minimum Distant Vision: 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye)
Must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes
Eye standards should be without visual correction of any kind even by glasses.

Exam Pattern for SSC CPO Paper-2

SSC CPO Paper-2 will be held once you qualify PET/PST Test for SSC CPO 2019 is carryied out.

The maximum time duration of the SSC CPO Paper 2 exam is of 120 minutes i.e. 2 hours.
The total number of questions given in the paper is 200 carrying 200 marks.
The test will comprise of English Language and Comprehension to be held online.

The final merit list will be determined on the foundation of the performance of the candidate in all the three stages of SSC CPO Exam.

New & Next batch start for SSC CPO with mock PST PET from 30 sept with best faculties @ mumbai centre & Live classes
The Best SSC CGL & CPO classes & Institute in dadar, mumbai

List of RRBs Functioning in the Country

List of Gramin Bank:

List of RRBs Functioning in the Country

Sr. No.	Name of Regional Rural Bank & Website Link	Sponsor Bank	State
1	Allahabad UP Gramin Bank	Allahabad Bank	Uttar Pradesh
2	Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank	State Bank of India	Andhra Pradesh
3	Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank	Syndicate Bank	Andhra Pradesh
4	Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank	State Bank of India	Arunachal Pradesh
5	Assam Gramin Vikash Bank	United Bank of India	Assam
6	Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank	United Bank of India	West Bengal
7	Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank	Bank of Baroda	Gujarat
8	Baroda Rajasthan Kshetriya Gramin Bank	Bank of Baroda	Rajasthan
9	Baroda UP Gramin Bank	Bank of Baroda	Uttar Pradesh
10	Bihar Gramin Bank	UCO Bank	Bihar
11	Central Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank	Central Bank of India	Madhya Pradesh
12	Chaitanya Godavari Grameena Bank	Andhra Bank	Andhra Pradesh
13	Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Chhattisgarh
14	Dena Gujarat Gramin Bank	Dena Bank	Gujarat
15	Ellaquai Dehati Bank	State Bank of India	Jammu & Kashmir
16	Gramin Bank of Aryavart	Bank of India	Uttar Pradesh
17	Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank	Punjab National Bank	Himachal Pradesh
18	J&K Grameen Bank	J&K Bank Ltd.	Jammu & Kashmir
19	Jharkhand Gramin Bank	Bank of India	Jharkhand
20	Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank	Syndicate Bank	Karnataka
21	Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank	Union Bank of India	Uttar Pradesh
22	Kaveri Grameena Bank	State Bank of India	Karnataka
23	Kerala Gramin Bank	Canara Bank	Kerala
24	Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank	State Bank of India	Assam
25	Madhyanchal Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Madhya Pradesh
26	Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank	Punjab National Bank	Bihar
27	Maharashtra Gramin Bank	Bank of Maharashtra	Maharashtra
28	Malwa Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Punjab
29	Manipur Rural Bank	United Bank of India	Manipur
30	Meghalaya Rural Bank	State Bank of India	Meghalaya
31	Mizoram Rural Bank	State Bank of India	Mizoram
32	Nagaland Rural Bank	State Bank of India	Nagaland
33	Narmada Jhabua Gramin Bank	Bank of India	Madhya Pradesh
34	Odisha Gramya Bank	Indian Overseas Bank	Odisha
35	Pallavan Grama Bank	Indian Bank	Tamil Nadu
36	Pandyan Grama Bank	Indian Overseas Bank	Tamil Nadu
37	Paschim Banga Gramin Bank	UCO Bank	West Bengal
38	Pragathi Krishna Gramin Bank	Canara Bank	Karnataka
39	Prathama Bank	Syndicate Bank	Uttar Pradesh
40	Puduvai Bharthiar Grama Bank	Indian Bank	Puducherry
41	Punjab Gramin Bank	Punjab National Bank	Punjab
42	Purvanchal Bank	State Bank of India	Uttar Pradesh
43	Rajasthan Marudhara Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Rajasthan
44	Saptagiri Grameena Bank	Indian Bank	Andhra Pradesh
45	Sarva Haryana Gramin Bank	Punjab National Bank	Haryana
46	Sarva UP Gramin Bank	Punjab National Bank	Uttar Pradesh
47	Saurashtra Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Gujarat
48	Sutlej Gramin Bank	Punjab and Sind Bank	Punjab
49	Telangana Grameena Bank	State Bank of India	Telangana
50	Tripura Gramin Bank	United Bank of India	Tripura
51	Utkal Grameen Bank	State Bank of India	Odisha
52	Uttar Banga Kshetriya Gramin Bank	Central Bank of India	West Bengal
53	Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank	Central Bank of India	Bihar
54	Uttarakhand Gramin Bank	State Bank of India	Uttarakhand

Advance Maths Backup Lecture 5 Sept 2019 @ 11am

SSC CGL Advance Maths Lecture backup link time 11am to 12:45am :

Website link: https://youtu.be/bo5k6Qr2Gs8

For more call: 8779774040

2/27/2026

SSC JUNIOR ENGINEERS (CIVIL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, QUANTITY SURVEYING & CONTRACT) EXAMINATION Paper -II Syllabus

Part-A : Civil & Structural Engineering:

Civil Engineering Building Materials : Physical and Chemical properties, classification, standard tests, uses and manufacture/quarrying of materials e.g. building stones, silicate based materials, cement (Portland), asbestos products, timber and wood based products, laminates, bituminous materials, paints, varnishes.

Estimating, Costing and Valuation: estimate, glossary of technical terms, analysis of rates, methods and unit of measurement, Items of work – earthwork, Brick work (Modular & Traditional bricks), RCC work, Shuttering, Timber work, Painting, Flooring, Plastering. Boundary wall, Brick building, Water Tank, Septic tank, Bar bending schedule, Centre line method, Mid-section formula, Trapezodial formula, Simpson’s rule. Cost estimate of Septic tank, flexible pavements, Tube well, isolates and combined footings, Steel Truss, Piles and pile-caps. Valuation – Value and cost, scrap value, salvage value, assessed value, sinking fund, depreciation and obsolescence, methods of valuation.

Surveying : Principles of surveying, measurement of distance, chain surveying, working of prismatic compass, compass traversing, bearings, local attraction, plane table surveying, theodolite traversing, adjustment of theodolite, Levelling, Definition of terms used in levelling, contouring, curvature and refraction corrections, temporary and permanent adjustments of dumpy level, methods of contouring, uses of contour map, tachometric survey, curve setting, earth work calculation, advanced surveying equipment.

Soil Mechanics : Origin of soil, phase diagram, Definitions-void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, water content, specific gravity of soil grains, unit weights, density index and interrelationship of different parameters, Grain size distribution curves and their uses. Index properties of soils, Atterberg’s limits, ISI soil classification and plasticity chart. Permeability of soil, coefficient of permeability, determination of coefficient of permeability, Unconfined and confined aquifers, effective stress, quick sand, consolidation of soils, Principles of consolidation, degree of consolidation, pre-consolidation pressure, normally consolidated soil, e-log p curve, computation of ultimate settlement. Shear strength of soils, direct shear test, Vane shear test, Triaxial test. Soil compaction, Laboratory compaction test, Maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, earth pressure theories, active and passive earth pressures, Bearing capacity of soils, plate load test, standard penetration test.

Hydraulics : Fluid properties, hydrostatics, measurements of flow, Bernoulli’s theorem and its application, flow through pipes, flow in open channels, weirs, flumes, spillways, pumps and turbines.

Irrigation Engineering: Definition, necessity, benefits, 2II effects of irrigation, types and methods of irrigation, Hydrology – Measurement of rainfall, run off coefficient, rain gauge, losses from precipitation – evaporation, infiltration, etc. Water requirement of crops, duty, delta and base period, Kharif and Rabi Crops, Command area, Time factor, Crop ratio, Overlap allowance, Irrigation efficiencies. Different type of canals, types of canal irrigation, loss of water in canals. Canal lining – types and advantages. Shallow and deep to wells, yield from a well. Weir and barrage, Failure of weirs and permeable foundation, Slit and Scour, Kennedy’s theory of critical velocity. Lacey’s theory of uniform flow. Definition of flood, causes and effects, methods of flood control, water logging, preventive measure. Land reclamation, Characteristics of affecting fertility of soils, purposes, methods, description of land and reclamation processes. Major irrigation projects in India.

Transportation Engineering: Highway Engineering – cross sectional elements, geometric design, types of pavements, pavement materials – aggregates and bitumen, different tests, Design of flexible and rigid pavements – Water Bound Macadam (WBM) and Wet Mix Macadam (WMM), Gravel Road, Bituminous construction, Rigid pavement joint, pavement maintenance, Highway drainage, Railway Engineering- Components of permanent way – sleepers, ballast, fixtures and fastening, track geometry, points and crossings, track junction, stations and yards. Traffic Engineering – Different traffic survey, speed-flow-density and their interrelationships, intersections and interchanges, traffic signals, traffic operation, traffic signs and markings, road safety.

Environmental Engineering: Quality of water, source of water supply, purification of water, distribution of water, need of sanitation, sewerage systems, circular sewer, oval sewer, sewer appurtenances, sewage treatments. Surface water drainage. Solid waste management – types, effects, engineered management system. Air pollution – pollutants, causes, effects, control. Noise pollution – cause, health effects, control.

Structural Engineering Theory of structures: Elasticity constants, types of beams – determinate and indeterminate, bending moment and shear force diagrams of simply supported, cantilever and over hanging beams. Moment of area and moment of inertia for rectangular & circular sections, bending moment and shear stress for tee, channel and compound sections, chimneys, dams and retaining walls, eccentric loads, slope deflection of simply supported and cantilever beams, critical load and columns, Torsion of circular section.

Concrete Technology: Properties, Advantages and uses of concrete, cement aggregates, importance of water quality, water cement ratio, workability, mix design, storage, batching, mixing, placement, compaction, finishing and curing of concrete, quality control of concrete, hot weather and cold weather concreting, repair and maintenance of concrete structures.

RCC Design: RCC beams-flexural strength, shear strength, bond strength, design of singly reinforced and double reinforced beams, cantilever beams. T-beams, lintels. One way and two way slabs, isolated footings. Reinforced brick works, columns, staircases, retaining wall, water tanks (RCC design questions may be based on both Limit State and Working Stress methods).

Steel Design: Steel design and construction of steel columns, beams roof trusses plate girders.

Part-B (Electrical Engineering):

Basic concepts : Concepts of resistance, inductance, capacitance, and various factors affecting them. Concepts of current, voltage, power, energy and their units.

Circuit law : Kirchhoff’s law, Simple Circuit solution using network theorems.

Magnetic Circuit : Concepts of flux, mmf, reluctance, Different kinds of magnetic materials, Magnetic calculations for conductors of different configuration e.g. straight, circular, solenoidal, etc. Electromagnetic induction, self and mutual induction.

AC Fundamentals: Instantaneous, peak, R.M.S. and average values of alternating waves, Representation of sinusoidal wave form, simple series and parallel AC Circuits consisting of R.L. and C, Resonance, Tank Circuit. Poly Phase system – star and delta connection, 3 phase power, DC and sinusoidal response of R-Land R-C circuit.

Measurement and measuring instruments: Measurement of power (1 phase and 3 phase, both active and re-active) and energy, 2 wattmeter method of 3 phase power measurement. Measurement of frequency and phase angle. Ammeter and voltmeter (both moving oil and moving iron type), extension of range wattmeter, Multimeters, Megger, Energy meter AC Bridges. Use of CRO, Signal Generator, CT, PT and their uses. Earth Fault detection.

Electrical Machines : (a) D.C. Machine – Construction, Basic Principles of D.C. motors and generators, their characteristics, speed control and starting of D.C. Motors. Method of braking motor, Losses and efficiency of D.C. Machines. (b) 1 phase and 3 phase transformers – Construction, Principles of operation, equivalent circuit, voltage regulation, O.C. and S.C. Tests, Losses and efficiency. Effect of voltage, frequency and wave form on losses. Parallel operation of 1 phase /3 phase transformers. Auto transformers. (c) 3 phase induction motors, rotating magnetic field, principle of operation, equivalent circuit, torque-speed characteristics, starting and speed control of 3 phase induction motors. Methods of braking, effect of voltage and frequency variation on torque speed characteristics.

Fractional Kilowatt Motors and Single Phase Induction Motors: Characteristics and applications.

Synchronous Machines – Generation of 3-phase e.m.f. armature reaction, voltage regulation, parallel operation of two alternators, synchronizing, control of active and reactive power. Starting and applications of synchronous motors.

Generation, Transmission and Distribution – Different types of power stations, Load factor, diversity factor, demand factor, cost of generation, inter-connection of power stations. Power factor improvement, various types of tariffs, types of faults, short circuit current for symmetrical faults.

Switchgear – rating of circuit breakers, Principles of arc extinction by oil and air, H.R.C. Fuses, Protection against earth leakage / over current, etc. Buchholtz relay, Merz-Price system of protection of generators & transformers, protection of feeders and bus bars. Lightning arresters, various transmission and distribution system, comparison of conductor materials, efficiency of different system. Cable – Different type of cables, cable rating and derating factor.

Estimation and costing : Estimation of lighting scheme, electric installation of machines and relevant IE rules. Earthing practices and IE Rules. Utilization of Electrical Energy : Illumination, Electric heating, Electric welding, Electroplating, Electric drives and motors.

Basic Electronics : Working of various electronic devices e.g. P N Junction diodes, Transistors (NPN and PNP type), BJT and JFET. Simple circuits using these devices.

Part- C (Mechanical Engineering):

Theory of Machines and Machine Design
Concept of simple machine, Four bar linkage and link motion, Flywheels and fluctuation of energy, Power transmission by belts – V-belts and Flat belts, Clutches – Plate and Conical clutch, Gears – Type of gears, gear profile and gear ratio calculation, Governors – Principles and classification, Riveted joint, Cams, Bearings, Friction in collars and pivots.
Engineering Mechanics and Strength of Materials
Equilibrium of Forces, Law of motion, Friction, Concepts of stress and strain, Elastic limit and elastic constants, Bending moments and shear force diagram, Stress in composite bars, Torsion of circular shafts, Bucking of columns – Euler’s and Rankin’s theories, Thin walled pressure vessels.
Thermal Engineering
Properties of Pure Substances : p-v & P-T diagrams of pure substance like H2O, Introduction of steam table with respect to steam generation process; definition of saturation, wet & superheated status. Definition of dryness fraction of steam, degree of superheat of steam. H-s chart of steam (Mollier’s Chart).
1st Law of Thermodynamics : Definition of stored energy & internal energy, 1st Law of Thermodynamics of cyclic process, Non Flow Energy Equation, Flow Energy & Definition of Enthalpy, Conditions for Steady State Steady Flow; Steady State Steady Flow Energy Equation.
2nd Law of Thermodynamics : Definition of Sink, Source Reservoir of Heat, Heat Engine, Heat Pump & Refrigerator; Thermal Efficiency of Heat Engines & co-efficient of performance of Refrigerators, Kelvin – Planck & Clausius Statements of 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, Absolute or Thermodynamic Scale of temperature, Clausius Integral, Entropy, Entropy change calculation of ideal gas processes. Carnot Cycle & Carnot Efficiency, PMM-2; definition & its impossibility.
Air standard Cycles for IC engines : Otto cycle; plot on P-V, T-S Planes; Thermal Efficiency, Diesel Cycle; Plot on P-V, T-S planes; Thermal efficiency.
IC Engine Performance, IC Engine Combustion, IC Engine Cooling & Lubrication.
Rankine cycle of steam : Simple Rankine cycle plot on P-V, T-S, h-s planes, Rankine cycle efficiency with & without pump work.
Boilers; Classification; Specification; Fittings & Accessories : Fire Tube & Water Tube Boilers.
Air Compressors & their cycles; Refrigeration cycles; Principle of a Refrigeraton Plant; Nozzles & Steam Turbines Fluid Mechanics & Machinery
Properties & Classification of Fluid : ideal & real fluids, Newton’s law of viscosity, Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids, compressible and incompressible fluids.
Fluid Statics : Pressure at a point.
Measurement of Fluid Pressure : Manometers, U-tube, Inclined tube.
Fluid Kinematics : Stream line, laminar & turbulent flow, external & internal flow, continuity equation.
Dynamics of ideal fluids : Bernoulli’s equation, Total head; Velocity head; Pressure head; Application of Bernoulli’s equitation.
Measurement of Flow rate Basic Principles : Venturi meter, Pilot tube, Orifice meter.
Hydraulic Turbines : Classifications, Principles.
Centrifugal Pumps : Classifications, Principles, Performance.
Production Engineering

Classification of Steels : mild steal & alloy steel, Heat treatment of steel, Welding – Arc Welding,
Gas Welding, Resistance Welding, Special Welding Techniques i.e. TIG, MIG, etc. (Brazing & Soldering), Welding Defects & Testing; NDT, Foundry & Casting – methods, defects, different casting processes, Forging, Extrusion, etc, Metal cutting principles, cutting tools, Basic Principles of machining with (i) Lathe (ii) Milling (iii) Drilling (iv) Shaping (v) Grinding, Machines, tools & manufacturing processes.

SSC CGL Bank & Railway Exam Related Book or Price

All books are revised edition in 2019 under Rakesh Yadav Readers Publication with QR Code of Explanation and most of book available in Bilingual, Hindi & English.

	Book Name	Medium	MRP	Student Price	Category
1	Study Material English	English	350	260	ALL Exams
2	Advance Maths	English	400	300	SSC
3	Reasoning Verbal & Non Verbal	Bilingual	250	175	ALL
4	General Knowledge 1100+	English/Hindi	460	345	SSC, RRB
5	English Grammar & Vocab	English	200	150	All Exams
6	Study Material maths	Bilingual	250	175	All Exams
7	Class Notes Maths	English	330	250	All
9	Study Material DI	English	150	110	Bank Exam

2/27/2026

The best way to crack SSC CGL Tier I & II by our Institute

Our new batch start from 14 Oct 2019 welcome to all ssc cgl students for demo lecture @ 7 to 11am…

[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

SSC CGL:- Prudence Coaching Mumbai || Rakesh Yadav Sir || Careerwill App classes in mumbai || Live Lecture App SSC CGL || Top & Best Result Oriented class in mumbai

2/27/2026

FAQ

IPCI are frequently getting various queries from candidates in connection with Common Recruitment Process. We have compiled repeated similar queries received from candidates along with our responses to upload on the official website of IPCI for information and benefit of all concerned. Most of the queries are raised based on the information already incorporated in the advertisement of Recruitment like SSC(Staff Selection Commission), Banking Exam, Railway Exam, IB or CBI, EPFO, ESIC, NDA, CDS etc.

SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
Bank Exams
Railway Exams
CDS
NDA
CTET
other Exams

For More Information fill online form:

[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Mock Test -62

Crack SSC in First Attempt Join Prudence Coaching Centre Mumbai. No.1 Coaching Centre for SSC CGL in Mumbai, Maximum Selection Rate by us and Our Institute. New Batch Start Every month. Prudence Provides 7 free Demo Class for Arithmetic, Advance, General Knowledge, Reasoning & English Language & Grammar. For more details call: 8779774040 | 8080160826.

SSC CGL Off line mock test download the below link:

SSC CGL Mock Test -62Download

SSC CGL Mock Test Explanation -62Download

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Mock Test -61

SSC CGL Mock Test Prelim and Main Examination || SSC CHSL Mock test || Multi tasking staff || SSC CGL Notification 2019 ||

SSC CGL Mock Test -61Download

SSC CGL Mock Test Soluition -61Download

2/27/2026

Regular Lecture Schedule-9-Oct-2019

Lecture Schedule IPCI & Prudence Mumbai

09-Oct-2019(Wednesday)

Batch Time	Class Room-L 09-Sept,	Class Room-M	Class Room-S 1-Aug	Class Room-M Offline Lecture
7-8am	GS-Polity Abhishek Sir
8-9:30am	Maths Rakesh Sir			Maths Amit Sir
9:30-11am	English Jaideep Sir		Maths Rakesh Sir
11-12:45pm		Maths Rakesh Sir	English Jaideep Sir
1-3pm		History Abhishek Sir	History Abhishek Sir	Maths Amit Sir
3 -5pm	Maths Rakesh Sir	English Jaideep Sir
5-6:30pm	English Jaideep Sir
6:30-7pm	Polity Abhishek Sir
7-8:45pm				—

2/27/2026

SSC Exam Calendar 2019-21

Every year, Staff Selection Commission conducts Combined Graduate Level Exam to recruit various posts in Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and in its Subordinate Offices. This is the biggest opportunity for the Graduates who wish to be a part of reputed government organization.

The overall recruitment process consists of 4 tiers, each tier need to be cleared depending upon the requirement of different posts. Let’s have a look at the SSC CGL 2019 Exam Pattern.

most of exam conduct in 2 & 3 tier some post conduct 4 tier.
Tier –1 is an objective exam which will consist of 4 papers, each paper will be of 60 minutes duration in online mode.
Tier-2 will be according to your exam of 60-120 minutes duration in online mode.
Tier-3 descriptive exam will be of 60 minutes duration in pen and paper mode.
Tier 4 – Skill Test to be done wherever applicable.

SSC calender 2019_2021Download

2/27/2026

RRB NTPC Mock Test 14

1. This Booklet contains 100 questions in all comprising the following four parts: Part – I : General Awareness [40 Questions] Part – II : General Intelligence & Reasoning [30 Questions] Part – III : Quantitative Aptitude [30 Questions]

2.All questions are compulsory and carry two mark each.

3. Before you start to answer the questions you must check this Booklet and ensure that it contains all the pages (1-11) and see that no page is missing or repeated. If you find any defect in this Booklet, you must get it replaced immediately.

4. For every wrong answer 1/3 marks will be deducted from total marks you get.

5. You will be provided the Answer-Sheet separately by the Invigilator. You must complete the details of Ticket Number,Roll Number and Test Form Number on Side-I of the Answer-Sheet carefully before you actually start answering the questions. You must also put your signature on the Answer-Sheet at the prescribed place. These instructions must be fully complied with, failing which your AnswerSheet will not be evaluated and you will be awarded ‘Zero’ mark.

6.Questions of English Medium will be considered for evaluation in case if differs in Hindi Medium.

7. Answers must be shown by completely blackening the corresponding rectangles on Side-II of the Answer-Sheet against the relevant question number by black/blue ball pen only. Answers which are not shown by black/blue ball pen will not be awarded any mark.

8. The Answer-Sheet must be handed over to the Invigilator before you leave the Examination Hall.

9. Failure to comply with any of the above instructions will render a candidate liable to such action/Penalty as way be deemed fit.

10. The manner in which the different questions are to be answered has been explained in the OMR sheet from which you should read carefully before answering the questions.

11. Answer the questions as quickly and as carefully as you can. Some questions may be difficult and others easy. Do not spend too much time on any question.

12. No Rough Work is to be done on the Answer-Sheet. Space for rough work has been provided at the back of the booklet.

NTPC Mock Test-14Download

NTPC Mock Test Explanation -14Download

2/27/2026

SSC CGL New batch by Prudence coaching Centre Mumbai and Best Coaching Institute in Dadar & Complete Demo Lecture for Staff Selection Commission

SSC CGL Recruitment 2019-20 Exam Summary

Exam Name	SSC CGL 2019 (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level)
Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission
Official Website	ssc.nic.in
Exam Type	National Level Exam
Mode of Application	Online
Mode of Exam	Online
Medium of Exam	Hindi and English
Exam Dates (2018-19)	CGL 2019-20 Tier I: 02.03.2019 to 19.06.2019 CGL 2019-20 Tier II & III: 22.06.2020 to 25.06.2020 CGL 208-19 Tier III: 29.12.2019
Eligibility	Indian citizenship & bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline
Duration	Tier 1 – 60 minutesTier 2 – 120 minutesTier 3 – 60 minutesTier 4 – 45 minutes
Section	Tier 1 – 4 Sections Tier 2 – 4 Papers

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Tier I & II New Batch Start from 9 December @ Mumbai Centre

SSC CGL Exam Coaching in Mumbai, result oriented Coaching Classes for SSC CGL, Best Faculty, Test series, Study material, SSC CGL exam preparation tier I & II full Notes.
Rakesh Yadav Sir classes in mumbai, Arun Sir classes Reasoning, Career Will app classes.

[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

2/27/2026

Prudence Coaching Mumbai going to start new batch for SSC CGL-2019-2020

SSC CGL Classes for Tier I and II in Andheri || Borivali || Virar || Best Exam Institute in Panvel || Vashi || Mankhurd || Rakesh Yadav Sir Maths Books ||

2/27/2026

Question Paper for Navy Examination

You may undergo various professional courses as per service requirement and certificates of equivalent qualifications from various Universities are being awarded on successful completion of courses. You will get “Graduation Equivalent Certificate” on retirement after completion of 15 years of service.

Qualified in 10+2 examination with Maths & Physics and at least one of these subjects; Chemistry/Biology/Computer science from an educational board recognized by Central/State Government.

The age for SSR candidate should be between 17-20 years on the day of enrolment.

Written Examination Syllabus

Sample Question papers

2/27/2026

How To Download CDS Result 2019

We will provide the direct link to download CDS 2 2019 result PDF. However, test-takers can also follow the steps mentioned below to check their CDS 2 result 2019:

1st Step: Go to the official Website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in.
2nd Step: Go to the “Examination” tab.
3rd Step: Click on “Active Examinations” from the drop-down menu.
4th Step: Click on “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2019”.
5th Step: Click on the link provided to download Combined Defence Services (II) result 2019.
6th Step: A PDF with Roll Number of selected candidates will appear on the screen. Press “Ctrl + F” and search for your Roll Number. If it is there in the list, you have qualified in the Written Exam.
7th Step: If you have cleared the Written Exam, take a print out of the PDF for future reference.

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Mock Test- 60

Hello dear prudence coaching institute will provides SSC CGL Mock Test -60 for prelims examination and test contains four section Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge and English Language. each section having 25 question and carry 2 mark and negative .5 marks. our test also available on mock www.ipci.co.in.

SSC CGL Mock Test-60Download

SSC CGL Mock Test Exaplanation-60Download

Top Most Institute in Mumbai for SSC CGL Railway Banking And State Govt Exam

2/27/2026

CTET Exam Question Paper

CTET is the most respected exams and jobs as a teacher in middle school & High school (Primary and Secondary) teacher. every year exam conducting for CTET & State TET entrance test is mandatory for teaching jobs in Indian government schools from Class I to Class VIII. There are two papers: Paper 1, for teachers of Classes I to V, and Paper 2 for Classes VI to VIII. The TET is conducted by both the central government and the state governments of India. Most states conduct their own TET.

People with professional teaching qualifications, including the B.T.C (D.El.Ed), B.Ed, and B.El.Ed, are eligible to take the test.

Click here for Previous Paper Environment & Heredity

questions hereditary and environmentDownload

2/27/2026

SSC CGL New Batch start from 14 October @mumbai centre

Indian Public Career Institute SSC CGL Calendar 2019 and 2020 out, Best classes for SSC CGL CHSL in mumbai dadar || SSC CGL Complete lecture in Mumbai , SSC CGL Exam Preparation Institute dadar || Rakesh Yadav Sir Math Careerwill App || Prudence Coaching institute in Mumbai || SSC CGL Mains Exam Preparation ||

2/27/2026

Backup Link for GK (Polity)

In the given back link on 19 sep-2019 for General Knowledge by Abhishek Sir at 6:30 pm to 8 pm click here:

https://youtu.be/szEVme54_2M

Above Link only useful for SSC(staff Selection Commission) CGL, CHSL, MTS, RRB NTPS, CDS, AFCAT etc. except banking students.

2/27/2026

Backup link for English 16-Sept-@ 5 to 6:30pm

Click here to watch complete lecture on compatible device: https://youtu.be/0LAyQrvlMK4

English link 16 sept 2019 at 5 to 6:30pm by Jaideep Sir fro SSC CGL/CPO and Banking examination.

New Batch announcement SSC CGL || CPO || CISF || CAPFs || ASI || 30-Sept-2019
Call: 8080160826 || 8779774040SSC CPO Recruitment -2019https://ipci.co.in/ssc-cpo-central-police-organization-recruitment-important-date-2019/

2/27/2026

SSC CGL 2020 Admit Card: Direct links to download tier 1 call letter:

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the admit card for combined graduate level (CGL) tier 1 exam 2019. Candidates who have registered for the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam can download their admit cards online from the regional websites of SSC.

SSC CGL Tier 1 exam 2019 will be held from March 3 to 9, 2020. We have provided the direct links to download admit card for all regions here:

Admit card for Eastern Region

Admit card for Karnataka and Kerala region

Admit Card for Southern Region

Admit Card for North Eastern region

Admit card for Western region (Mumbai)

Admit card for Madhya Pradesh Region

Admit card for Central Region

Admit card for North Western region

main websitte: Click here

2/27/2026

SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2020 download

The State Bank of India (SBI) on Tuesday released the Admit Card for Junior Associate (Clerk) preliminary examination on its official website. The SBI Clerk admit card has been released for the Prelims Exam 2020 to recruit 8000 Customer Support & Sales (clerk) in different offices of SBI across the country.

The SBI had invited applications from eligible Indian Citizens for appointment as Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in clerical cadre in State Bank of India. The candidates should download their call letter and an “acquaint yourself booklet” by entering their registration & Password:

Click here for download:
https://ibpsonline.ibps.in/sbijassdec19/clopea_feb20/login.php?appid=6c0550ad907fc56519e7e63c4fb7e3c3

2/27/2026

How To Download SSC CHSL Admit Card 2020?

The SSC CHSL Teir1, 2, 3 exam call letter is released through online mode. Thus, candidates need to know how to download the admit card. The steps to download the SSC CHSL 2020 Call Letter are as follows:

1st Step: Visit the Official Website – ssc.nic.in

2nd Step: Now click on the tab ‘Admit Card’ present on the top of the page.

3rd Step: A page will open with a list of 9 SSC Regional website. Click on the appropriate regional link from which you have submitted the application form.

4th Step: The respective regional official website will open. Now, click on the SSC CHSL Tier 1 Admit Card link present on the page. (Link to be activated once the admit card is released)

5th Step: Enter your Roll Number/ Registration ID, Name and Date of Birth. Click on the button ‘Submit’.

6th Step: The SSC CHSL Admit Card will be displayed. Check the details and download the admit card for future reference.

More Help Call: 80 80 160 826

2/27/2026

Difficulty Level-Easy to Moderate,

SSC CGL 2020 Tier-1 will be conducted tentatively from 2nd to 11th March 2020. The exam will be conducted online comprising of 4 sections with about 100 questions in total and with maximum marks of 200. The entire exam is needed to be completed in a time span of 60 minutes.

The sections asked in SSC CGL Tier-I Exam are:

General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English Comprehension

Find the detailed exam analysis of the SSC CGL 2019-20 Tier-1 Exam held on 3rd March 2020 (Shift-1). The paper was conducted online in the Objective type MCQ format. So, let’s look at the type of questions asked in this exam, difficulty level and number of good attempts.

SSC CGL Tier-I 2019-20 Online Exam Analysis held on 3rd March 2020 (Shift-1)

Category

(Number of Questions/Marks)

Topics

Difficulty Level

(Good Attempts)

Quantitative Aptitude (25/50)

Number Systems, Decimals and Fractions, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Mensuration, Time and Distance, Ratio and Time, Time and Work, Trigonometry

Moderate

(17 to 20)

English Language and Comprehension

(25/50)

Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/ Antonyms, Mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test

Easy to Moderate

(18 to 20)

General Intelligence & Reasoning

(25/50)

Analogies, Classification, Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Puzzle, Matrix, Word Formation, Venn Diagram, Direction and Distance, Blood Relations, Series, Non-Verbal Reasoning (Paper-folding, Mirror Image)

Easy to Moderate

(20 to 22)

General Awareness

(25/50)

Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic scene, General Polity, Awards, Indian Constitution, and general Science

Easy to Moderate

(18 to 20)

Total 100 Objective MCQs

Easy to Moderate

(70 to 80)

New Batch competitive Exams SSC CGL Exams Bank Exams Railway Exams CDS/AFCAT

Mock Test start Every Saturday and Sunday for Competitive Exams

2/27/2026

NTPC Mock Test Course
20 RRB NTPC Mock test book
100 question each mock test
bilingual question Hindi/English
Subject: Maths, GK/S, Reasoning
Mock test with detail Solution- Answer Key

NTPC Mock test mumbai || Practice Mock test for Railway Exams || Offline Practice for railway exams || NTPC Mock test discussion

for Mock test time, test paper discussion, Mock test Price call: 8080160826(IPCI Mumbai)

2/27/2026

What is Shorthand Writing

Shorthand writing is a art to understand the strokes , circles , hook , symbols .etc . And express it into our own way in the simple form.

The shorthand writing is very easy to write and to understand . In shorthand one must has to practice.

Shorthand is very interested because we learn new form of writing and to feel it and easy to express .

1: A writer of shorthand

2: A person employed chiefly to take and transcribe dictation

3:A person whose job is to write down the words that someone says by using a special type of writing (called shorthand)

2/27/2026

SSC Stenographer Mock Test Start

The best Practice Booklet for SSC Stenographer Computer based examination and test is compiled under guidance by Rakesh Yadav Sir or Prudence Coaching. it is useful for all stenography student appearing for SSC Steno. Computer based Exam 2020. Steno. sample paper click here and solution of sample mock paper in your booklet.

SSC Stenographer Mock test | SSC CGL Mock test | SSC CHSL Mock Test

2/27/2026

START YOUR PREP NOW WITH ONLINE LIVE CLASSES ATTEND FREE DEMO LECTURE

Live Online Classes for Banking SSC CGL RRB NTPC CDS & Degree Entrance Course

you cover the complete syllabus of Courses & Subject wise (Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness and English section) including fundamental concepts, important questions, and latest exam patterns.

For Online Enquiry:

[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

2/27/2026

SSC CHSL 2019-20 Tier – I Exam Pattern

SSC CHSL 2019-20 Tier-I exam will be an Objective Multiple Choice Exam which will be conducted online. The exam comprises of four sections having 100 questions (25 questions in each section) which will account for a total of 200 marks (maximum 50 marks in each section). The time duration of Tier-1 exam will be 60 minutes. The section-wise details of the exam are shown in the table given below:

Dates of SSC CHSL Computer Based Exam (Tier-I)	Parts – Subjects	Number of Questions/ Maximum Marks	Time Duration (For all four Parts)
March 2020	Part I – English Language (Basic Knowledge)	25/50	60 Minutes (80 Minutes for candidates eligible for scribes)
	Part II – General Intelligence	25/50
	Part III – Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill)	25/50
	Part IV – General Awareness	25/50
TOTAL		200

SSC CHSL Syllabus | CHSL Tier III Exams details | CHSL Paper pattern | LDC DEP JSA SA Exam classes

SSC CHSL 2019-20 Tier – II Exam Pattern

SSC CHSL 2019-20 Tier-II will be a Descriptive Paper of 100 Marks in Pen and Paper Mode. The duration of the Descriptive Paper would be for one hour (20 minutes compensatory time will also be provided to the candidates eligible for scribes). The Paper would comprise writing of an Essay of 200-250 words and a Letter/ Application of approximately 150-200 words. The section-wise details of the exam are shown in the table given below:

Dates of SSC CHSL 2019-20 Descriptive Paper (Tier-II)

Max Marks

Exam Duration

28th June 2020

(Pen and Paper Mode)

100

1 Hour (20 minutes compensatory time will also be provided to the candidates eligible for scribes)

SSC CHSL 2019-20 Tier – III (Skill Test/ Typing Test) Exam Pattern

Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators. Skill Test/ Typing Test for the qualified candidates will be conducted on computers provided by the Commission or its authorized agency. Skill Test/ Typing Test will be conducted in the cities where Regional Offices of the Commission are located or as decided by the Commission.

Skill Test

Speed

Time

Data Entry Operator

Data Entry Speed of 8,000 (eight thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer. The ‘Speed of 8000 key depressions per hour on computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage

The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 2000-2200 key-depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer

Data Entry Operator in the Office of the

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG)

The ‘speed of 15000 key depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage

The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 3700-4000 key-depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer

Tentative Calendar of Online CRP for IBPS RRBs & PSBs (2020-2021)

New Batch start for Bank Exam SSC Exam Railway Exam CDS & Other Competitive Exams

The online examinations for the next Common Recruitment Process for RRBs (CRP RRBs IX) and PSBs for recruitment of Group “A”-Officers (Scale-I, II & III), Group “B”-Office Assistant (Multipurpose), PSBs Probationary Officer, Clerk and SO will be conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) tentatively in September to Jan 2021 (Prelim & Main Exam). The interviews for recruitment of Group “A”- Officers (Scale-I, II & III) under the same process will be coordinated by Banks and IBPS in consultation with appropriate authority tentatively in the month of End of march 2021.

IBPS Exam date for Officer & Clerk 2020

2/27/2026

About Pitman shorthand writing skill

Pitman shorthand is a system of shorthand for the English language developed by Englishman Sir Isaac Pitman (1813–1897), who first presented it in 1837. Like most systems of shorthand, it is a phonetic system; the symbols do not represent letters, but rather sounds, and words are, for the most part, written as they are spoken.]As of 1996, Pitman shorthand was the most popular shorthand system used in the United Kingdom and the second most popular in the United States.

One characteristic feature of Pitman shorthand is that unvoiced and voiced pairs of sounds (such as /p/ and /b/ or /t/ and /d/) are represented by strokes which differ only in thickness; the thin stroke representing “light” sounds such as /p/ and /t/; the thick stroke representing “heavy” sounds such as /b/ and /d/. Doing this requires a writing instrument responsive to the user’s drawing pressure: specialist fountain pens (with fine, flexible nibs) were originally used, but pencils are now more commonly used.

Pitman shorthand uses straight strokes and quarter-circle strokes, in various orientations, to represent consonant sounds. The predominant way of indicating vowels is to use light or heavy dots, dashes, or other special marks drawn close to the consonant. Vowels are drawn before the stroke (or over a horizontal stroke) if the vowel is pronounced before the consonant, and after the stroke (or under a horizontal stroke) if pronounced after the consonant.

2/27/2026

Important Notice Regarding SSC CGL Tier-III, 2019

the Commission has released the exam date of Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination (Tier-I), 2019 result. The SSC CGL 2019 Tier 2 will be held between November 2 and 5, 2020. The SSC is likely to release the admit card for the same at least a week before the scheduled time.

The official notice reads, “The above schedule is subject to the prevailing conditions and government guidelines issued from time to time regarding the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Original link:
https://ssc.nic.in/SSCFileServer/PortalManagement/UploadedFiles/CGL_2019_english_26082020.pdf

2/27/2026

SSC CGL Prelim Online Mock test-2 published

H
IPCI will provide all type of online test series for all competitive prelim & mains examination on every Sunday. today’s ssc cgl prelims test series is lived and interested students join ipci online platform www.ipci.co.in/onlinemocktest to attend comprehensive test.

http://IPCI will provide all type of online test series for all competitive prelim & mains examination on every Sunday. today’s ssc cgl prelims test series is lived and interested students join ipci online platform www.ipci.co.in/onlinemocktest to attend comprehensive test.

2/27/2026

IBPS Online Mock test published to all students

hello dear students,
today, ipci is published free ibps online mock test series for all students. this mock test is attempt to check yourself progress with actual questions, latest pattern, explanation etc.

Online test link: https://ipci.co.in/onlinemocktest/mod/quiz/view.php?id=44

IBPS Recruitment 2020:
https://ipci.co.in/ibps-po-recruitment-notification-out-2020-for-1167-post/

2/27/2026

SSC CGL & CHSL New Batch continue from 9-Jan-2020

Fill Inquiry form for online classes
[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

New course for SSC CGL & CHSL, Prudence Coaching Centre Mumbai Rakesh Yadav Sir, Arun Sir Reasoning, Jaideep Sir English grammar, Classes for SSC CGL in Kurla mumbai, SSC CGL inquiry, SSC CGL Class fee, SSC CGL Classes in in dadar west, Institute ssc in bandra,

2/27/2026

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released Tier 3 Admit Card Out

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released Tier 3 Admit Card for the Combined Graduate Level CGL Recruitment 2019. Candidates who have registered for the following vacancy can download Tier 3 Admit Card. SSC CGL Tier 3 Admit Card can download the admit card through the online mode. Candidates can check the SSC Tier 3 admit card only through online mode. @ssc.nic.in

SSC CGL Tier 3 Admit Card from the below Provided Table.

State/UT	Region/ Sub Region	Download Tier 3 Admit Card
Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand	North Region	Available Now
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa	Western Region	Available NOW
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh	MP Sub-Region	Available NOW
West Bengal, Orrisa, Jharkhand, A&N Island, Sikkim	Eastern Region	Available Now
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram	North Eastern Region	Available Now
Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Tamilnadu	Southern Region	Available Now
Karnataka, Kerala	KKR Region	Available Now
Haryana, Punjab, J&K, Himachal Pradesh	North Western Region	Available Now
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar	Central Region	Available Now

SSC CGL and CHSL New Batch Start From 9th Jan 2020 near you.

Dear Students

our upcoming classes is started from 9th January 2020 in new year and batch timing for SSC CGL, CHSL and Railway Examinations at 7 to 12pm to all subjects. time and subjects: 7am to 8am General knowledge, 8 to 9am English, 9 to 10am Reasoning and 10 to 12pm Maths (Arithmetic & Advance) for more details call at dadar centre 8779774040.
[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

2/27/2026

Live Batch Start from 5 August for IBPS Clerk & PO

Bank Exam IBPS Clerk Probationary Officer, Live Classes, Offline Classes, Institute in Mumbai

[ipt_fsqm_form id=”52″]

2/27/2026

Scope of Stenography and the best career option after 12th

In India if one knows Shorthand at 80/100wpm, then one can apply for Stenographer in many Government Departments, viz.,

Staff Selection Commission which conducts all vacancies of Ministries and there subordinate Departments
Parliament of India (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) for Reporter (Class I Officer) and Stenographer
Supreme Court and High Courts/District Courts
Department of Atomic Energy/ NPCIL/BARC
NCDC many other autonomous department
You can also go in private sector and also with you skill can join any Law Firm. Because Shorthand is very much in demand in Law First and good income can be generated from this sector also.

2/27/2026

Career Counselling & Options After 10th

Career Counselling for students?

In current times, career counselling is a need as most students pick commonly known domains as their career option.

Career counselling is an effort for students‘ career guidance right from their school about the available career options as per their interest and stream of academics

To provide them understanding and knowledge on the available streams and choices as per their inclination in the subjects and career focus.

Science –

• Science is the most popular and favourite career option for the majority of the parents and students.

• Science stream offers many lucrative career options such as engineering, medical, IT and you can even opt for research roles.

• The best advantage of taking science stream is, it keeps your options open. You might switch from science to commerce or science to arts. But it is not possible to do the other way around.

• Taking science stream equips you with excellent problem-solving abilities.

• Science and math offer a flexible foundation which enables students to accomplish highly respected and well-paid jobs.

• Science is fun, amazing and fascinating. As Edward Teller rightly said

“The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.”

Who should take science after 10th?

If technology fascinates you and you have a flair for numbers, then taking science after 10th would be a wise option.

– You can opt for Physics, Chemistry, Maths (PCM).

– If you want to make a mark for yourself in the medical field, you can opt for Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology (PCM-B).

– Now there are many students who don’t like Maths. Either they are afraid of Maths or Maths doesn’t interest them. Don’t worry, if you want to become a doctor, then knowing Maths is not necessary. You can easily opt for Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB).

There are multiple career options available for science stream after 10th class. If you have any doubts regarding what after 10th you can contact us and get your doubts cleared.

It will really help you in choosing the right career stream.

We are there to help and guide you.

Commerce –

• Commerce is the second most popular career option after science.

If you love numbers, finances, economics etc., then finance is the best option for you.

• It offers a wider variety of career options such as Chartered Accountants, MBA, investment in banking sectors etc.

• You acquire commercial knowledge which is very important for the business.

• You have to be familiar with the subjects such as Accountancy, Finance, Economics etc.

• You must be good with numbers, data and have a curiosity in Finance, economics.

• Commerce as a subject is gaining popularity in India and many students are studying and making a living out of it.

Who should take commerce after 10th?

If you have an affinity for numbers, business, economics then commerce is the stream for you.

If you want to shape your career in economics and business world, then commerce is the right career for you.

There are a number of options available for commerce stream after 10th class.

If you have any doubts regarding whether to opt for commerce stream you can choose the smartest way by getting your career counselling done from an expert. Proper career guidance after 10th class is extremely necessary for a hassle-free career.

It will really help you in choosing the right career stream.

We are there to help and guide you.

Arts/Humanities

• Nowadays arts/humanities are very high in demand and more and more students are opting for it.

• Arts is now emerging as a sought after career choice. It provides students with an array of career opportunities.

• It offers many lucrative career options such as Journalism, languages, history, psychology etc.

• Design, Language Arts, Performing arts, Humanities are well-paid career options.

• Arts subject encourage creativity and self-expression.

• Students who take up art stream develop critical thinking. It also helps you increase your leadership qualities.

Art teaches you to deal with the world around you.

~ Alan Parker.

Who should take Arts after 10th?

If you are a student who is creative and wants to dive deep into humanity, then arts is the stream for you.

There are multiple options available for Arts stream after 10th class. If you have any confusion you can get your career counselling done. A career counsellor will provide you with proper career guidance and guide you in the right direction.

These are the few good career options which you can choose after 10th class.

Career Opportunities after SSC(10th pass)

Other Career options after 10th Standard

There are many students who are looking for other options as part of career, few are mentioned below:

Diploma in various fields
ITI
Railway exams
Defence – Navy, Army, Air-force, Coast Guard
Bank/Insurance Staff
Govt. Staff
Merchant Navy
Police Staff

Listing some Diploma courses and their details –

Name of the Course	Course Details	Duration of the Course	Career Scope
Art Teacher Diploma	The course is basically designed to train the candidates in the fundamental and basic principles of visual and design experience	2 years	After the successful completion of the course, the Diploma holders in Art Teaching are eligible to become an Arts Teacher
Commercial Art Diploma	The course will help the students to understand the concepts of selling goods and services. The course is completely different from fine art.	2 to 3 years	After the completion of the course, the students will be eligible to secure jobs in Advertising Companies, Art Studios, Publishing Houses and Fashion Houses. Students can also join Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) course through Lateral Entry mode.
Diploma in Stenography	In this course, the students will be equipped in taking short-hand dictations and perform clerical duties.	1 year	These students will have more scope to get a job as Stenographer in the government sector and the private sector.
Diploma in 3D Animation	The course will enable the candidate to obtain all the necessary skills related to 3D Animation.	18 months to 2 years (varies from institute to institute)	These students can get employment as 3D Animator or Animator in Animation Companies. The scope of employment for high-skilled candidates is more.
Diploma in Beauty Care	It is one of the most preferred courses among girls. Through this course, the participants will be trained in beautician skills.	4 months	After the successful completion of course, the students can start their own beauty parlour.
Diploma in Cosmetology	The course will help the participants to have an in-depth understanding of wide range of cosmetics.	5 months	After the successful completion of course, the students can become a beautician or can start their own beauty parlour. They can also secure employment as Salesman in companies that manufacture cosmetics.
Diploma in Cyber Security	One of the contemporary courses that will enable the students to acquire skills related to ethical hacking.	1 year	After the successful completion of course, the students will have chances to secure job as an Ethical Hacker in government agencies or private organizations.
Diploma in Agriculture and Farm Management(Animal Husbandry)	The course enables the students to understand various techniques of farming, types of soils etc.	2 years	Students can join B.Tech in Agriculture Engineering through lateral entry mode after the successful completion of Diploma.
Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology	The course will help the participants to meet the industry needs for competent hospitality trade.	2 years	With this diploma, students are eligible to take up various jobs like Catering Officer, Catering Supervisors & Assistants, Cabin Crew, Hospitality Executive etc.
Diploma in Commercial Practice	The course deals with the promotion, sale or supply of service or product to a consumer. The students will be trained in necessary skills associated to it.	3 years	This diploma will help students to secure a job as Commercial Account Manager, Commercial Executive, Business Junior Head, Branch Commercial Assistant Manager etc.
Diploma in Dental Mechanics	It is a Dentistry course that trains the students in designing dental structures and makes them more knowledgeable about dental health.	2 years	After the course, students will be eligible to become a: Dentist Assistant Dental Surgeon Dental Technician Research Assistant
Diploma in Plastics Technology	The course trains the students in selecting the right type of material to make a plastic product. Students will be also trained in handling machinery for making plastic products.	3 years	Students can either go for further studies in Plastic Technology (B.Tech) or secure employment as: Plastic Part Mould Design EngineerProject EngineerIndustrial EngineerProduct Design Engineer
Diploma in Ceramic Technology	It is one of the emerging disciplines that train the students in properties, manufacture, design and applications of ceramic materials.	3 years	Students can either join B.Tech in Ceramic Technology in the lateral entry or secure employment as a Ceramic Engineer.
Diploma in Engineering	Colleges offer Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic courses) in various branches of engineering.	3 years	B.Tech Lateral Entry mode or jobs in the specified field.
Diploma in Fire Safety Engineering	The course trains the students in precautions that must be taken during a fire accident.	6 months	Fire Safety Officer
Diploma in Fashion Technology	The course offers practical knowledge of fashion technology and design.	3 years	Fashion Designer Costume Designer Textile Designer Bridal wear Designer Stylist

Unit-1. Problem Based On Alphabet

Directions:(Q.1 to 5) study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below:

1) If all the symbols are dropped from the arrangement, then which will be the eleventh element from the right end of the given arrangement?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

1) यदि सभी प्रतीकों को व्यवस्था से हटा दिया गया है, तो दी गई व्यवस्था के दाहिने छोर से ग्यारहवीं तत्व क्या होगा?
a) 9
b) G
c) D
d) 5
e) P

2) How many such symbols are there in the given arrangement each of which is immediately followed by a letter and also immediately preceded by a number ?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

2) दी गई व्यवस्था में ऐसे कितने प्रतीकों हैं जिनमें से प्रत्येक के तुरंत बाद एक वर्णमाला द्वारा पीछा किया जाता है और तुरंत एक संख्या से पहले।
a) More than three
b) Two
c) Three
d) None
e) One

3) Which of the following is sixth to the left of the fourteenth from the left end of the given arrangement ?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

3) निम्न में से कौन सा व्यवस्था चौदहवें के बाईं तरफ से दी गई छोर के छठे स्थान है
a) P
b) *
c) β
d) Z
e) 4

4) What should come in place of the question-mark (?) in the following series based on the above arrangement ?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

Ω X T 3 Z U 4 P Q G 5 J ?

4) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था के आधार पर निम्नलिखित श्रृंखला में प्रश्न-चिह्न (?) के स्थान पर क्या होना चाहिए?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

Ω X T 3 Z U 4 P Q G 5 J ?
a) Ω 2 β
b) 6 % +
c) 6 % K
d) Ω X Z
e) & 8 +

5) Four of the following five are alike in a certain way based on their position in the above arrangement and hence form a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?

Ω 2 X T 3 * Z β U 4 O P 9 $ Q G D 5 # W ε J 6 & % 8 K @ 7 +

5) निम्न पांच में से चार उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में अपनी स्थिति के आधार पर एक निश्चित तरीके से समान हैं और इसलिए एक समूह बनाते हैं। वह कौन है जो उस समूह से संबंधित नहीं है?

a) T Ω 3
b) @ % 7
c) G 9 D
d) β 3 U
e) $ 9 Q

Directions (Q.6-10) : Study the following arrangements carefully and answer the questions given below:

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

6) How many such vowels are there in the above arrangement each of which is immediately preceded by a consonant and also immediately followed by a vowel ?

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

6) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने ऐसे स्वर हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक को व्यंजन द्वारा तुरंत आगे किया जाता है और स्वर के बाद तुरंत।
a) None
b) Three
c) Four
d) One
e) Two

7) How many such pairs of alphabets are there in the series of alphabets given in bold in the above arrangement each of which has as many letters between them (in both forward and backward directions) as they have between them in the English alphabetical series ?

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

7) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में वर्णित वर्णमालाओं की श्रृंखला में कितने ऐसे जोड़ी हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक के बीच उनके दोनों अक्षर (आगे और पीछे की ओर दोनों दिशाओं में) हैं, जैसा कि उनके बीच अंग्रेजी वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में है?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

8) On the basis of above series of alphabets DECK is written as BABE and BARS is written as CHSR, then how will JUMP be written?

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

8) उपरोक्त श्रृंखलाओं के आधार पर DECK को BABE के रूप में लिखा गया है और BARS को CHSR के रूप में लिखा गया है, फिर JUMP कैसे लिखा जाएगा?
a) LIFJ
b) PRTV
c) LRFV
d) PITJ
e) None of these

9) On the basis of above series of alphabets if PJ is related to GI, EA is related to DO, then NF is related to:

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

9) वर्णमालाओं की उपरोक्त श्रृंखला के आधार पर यदि PJ से GI संबंधित है, EA से DO संबंधित है, तो NF संबंधित है
a) JL
b) OL
c) TL
d) TO
e) None of these

10) Which of the following is the fourth to the left of the ninth from the left end of the above arrangement?

Q S R U I V P J L G N F M T O K E A H D B C

10) उपर्युक्त व्यवस्था के बायीं छोर से नौवें के बाईं ओर चौथे स्थान पर निम्न में से कौन सा है?
a) V
b) I
c) U
d) M
e) None of these

Directions (Q.11-15): Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below:

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

11) Which of the following is ninth to the left of twenty-one from the left end of the above arrangement?

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

11) निम्न में से कौन सा उपर्युक्त व्यवस्था के बायीं छोर से इक्कीस बायीं तरफ नौवां है?
a) 7
b) 5
c) 6
d) 8
e) None of these

12) How many such 5’s are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately followed by an odd digit and immediately preceded by an even digit ?

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

12) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने ऐसे 5 हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक के तुरंत बाद विषम संख्या होता है और तुरंत पहले सम संख्या ।
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

13) How many such 1’s are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately followed by a perfect square?

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

13) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने ऐसे 1 हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक के तुरंत बाद एक पूर्ण वर्ग है?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

14) How many such 4’s are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately preceded by a digit which has a numerical value more than four?

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

14) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने ऐसे 4 हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक को तुरंत अंक से पहले किया जाता है जिसमें चार से अधिक संख्यात्मक मान होते हैं?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

15) If all the even digits are deleted from the above arrangement which of the following will be tenth from the right end of the arrangement?

1 5 8 4 2 1 5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 1 4 1 5 6 8 7 4

15) यदि उपरोक्त व्यवस्था से सभी संख्या सम को भी हटा दिया गया है, तो निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा व्यवस्था के दाहिने छोर से दसवां होगा?
a) 5
b) 3
c) 1
d) 7
e) 9

16) Which of the following will come in place of the question mark?

16) प्रश्न चिह्न के स्थान पर निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा होगा
ZX YV WS ? PJ
a) TO
b) TN
c) UO
d) SO
e) TP

17) How many meaningful English words can be formed with the letters ABKC using each letter only once in each word? (All the four letters are to be used in the word)

17) कितने अर्थपूर्ण अंग्रेजी शब्द एबीकेसी पत्रों के साथ प्रत्येक अक्षर में प्रत्येक बार एक बार केवल एक शब्द का उपयोग कर सकते हैं? (सभी चार अक्षर शब्द में उपयोग किए जाने हैं।)
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

18) Which of the following will come in place of question mark (?) in the following series based on the English alphabetical order?

18) निम्न में से कौन सी प्रश्न अंग्रेजी में वर्णानुक्रमिक क्रम के आधार पर निम्नलिखित अंक में प्रश्न चिह्न (?) के स्थान पर आएगा?
ZX US QO ? HF CA
a) LJ
b) MK
c) NL
d) KI
e) KJ

19) How many meaningful English words can be formed with the letters ‘OLBT’ using all the letters but each letter only once in each word?

19) सभी अक्षरों का इस्तेमाल करते हुए ‘OLBT’ पत्रों के साथ कितने अर्थपूर्ण अंग्रेजी शब्द बन सकते हैं, लेकिन प्रत्येक शब्द में प्रत्येक अक्षर में केवल एक बार?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
e) None of these

20) If each vowel in the word BROUGHT is replaced by the next letter in the English alphabetical series and each consonant is replaced by the previous letter in the English alphabetical series, and then the alphabets so formed are arranged in alphabetical order from left to right, which of the following will be the fourth from the left?

20) अगर शब्द BROUGHT में प्रत्येक स्वर अंग्रेजी की वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में अगले अक्षर द्वारा प्रतिस्थापित किया गया है और प्रत्येक व्यंजन को अंग्रेजी वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में पिछले अक्षर से प्रतिस्थापित किया गया है, और उसके बाद वर्णित वर्णमाला वर्णानुक्रम में बाएं से दायां किए गए हैं , निम्न में से कौन बाएं से चौथा होगा?
a) V
b) P
c) G
d) Q
e) S

21) If each alternate letter in the word ‘MENTION’ starting with M is changed to the next letter in the English alphabetical series and each of the remaining letter is changed to the previous letter in the English alphabetical series then how many letters will appear more than once in the new arrangement?

21) यदि ‘MENTION’ शब्द में प्रत्येक वैकल्पिक अक्षर अंग्रेजी वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में अगले अक्षर में बदल दिया गया है और बाकी प्रत्येक अक्षर को अंग्रेजी वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में पिछले अक्षर में बदल दिया गया है तो कितने अक्षर अधिक दिखाई देंगे नई व्यवस्था में एक बार से?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) Four

22) How many such pairs of letters are there in the word ‘LABOUR’, each of which has as many letters between them in the word (in both forward and backward directions) as they have between them in the English alphabetical series?

22) ‘LABOUR’ में कितने जोड़े पत्र हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक के बीच शब्द (उनके आगे और पीछे की ओर दोनों दिशाओं में) के रूप में कई अक्षर हैं, जैसा कि उनके बीच अंग्रेजी वर्णमाला श्रृंखला में है?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

23) How many meaningful English words can be formed with the letters ‘EWF’ using all the letters only once in each word?

23) प्रत्येक शब्द में केवल एक बार पत्रों का प्रयोग करके ‘EWF’ पत्रों की मदद से कितने अर्थपूर्ण अंग्रेजी शब्द बन सकते हैं?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

24) What should come next in the letter series given below?

24) नीचे दिए गए पत्र श्रृंखला में क्या होना चाहिए?
Z Z Y Z Y X Z Y X W Z Y X W V Z Y X W V U Z Y X W V U T Z Y X W V U T
a) U
b) Z
c) R
d) T
e) None of these

25) Which of the following will come in place of question mark?

25) प्रश्न चिह्न के स्थान पर निम्न में से कौन सा होगा?
AC DG HL ? SY
a) QU
b) MR
c) NS
d) NU
e) MS

26) How many meaningful English words can be formed with the letters RCA using each letter only once in each word?

26) कितने अर्थपूर्ण अंग्रेजी शब्द ‘RCA’ से प्रत्येक अक्षर में एक बार शब्द का उपयोग कर सकते हैं?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

Directions (Q.27 to 30) Study the following arrangement carefully and answer the questions given below
4 1 6 5 8 4 7 5 1 3 2 9 2 5 2 9 1 2 5 3 6 8 2 8 7 3 1 6 2 4 5 4 9

27) How many 2s are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately preceded by a digit which has a numerical value of less than two?

27) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने 2 हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक को तुरंत एक अंक से पहले दिया जाता है जिसमें दो से कम का एक संख्यात्मक मान होता है?
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

28) How many such 4’s are there in the above arrangement, each of which is immediately followed by a perfect square? (1 is also a perfect square).

28) उपरोक्त व्यवस्था में कितने ऐसे 4 हैं, जिनमें से प्रत्येक को तुरंत एक पूर्ण वर्ग का पीछा किया जाता है? (1 भी एक वर्ग है)
a) None
b) One
c) Two
d) Three
e) More than three

29) If all the even digits are deleted from the above arrangement, which of the following will be eighth from the right end of the arrangement?

29) यदि उपरोक्त व्यवस्था से सभी अंक नष्ट किए जाते हैं, तो निम्न में से कौन सा व्यवस्था के सही अंत से आठवां होगा?
a) 5
b) 3
c) 1
d) 9
e) 7

30) Which of the following is sixth to the left of the eighteenth digit from the left end of the above arrangement?

30) निम्न में से कौन सा उपर्युक्त व्यवस्था के बायीं छोर से अठारहवीं अंक के बाईं ओर छठे है?
a) 9
b) 8
c) 2
d) 6
e) None of these

Answer with explanation

Q1. (a) According to question, the new sequence would be:
2 X T 3 Z U 4 O P 9 Q G D 5 W J 6 8 K 7.
9 is 11th from the right.

Q2. (c) Such combination are 3*Z; 9$Q and 5#W

Q3. (c) 6th to the left 14th from the left means (14-6=) 8th from the left, ie,

Q4. (b)

Q5. (e)

Q6. (e) Such combinations are RUI : KEA

Q7. (d) Q S R U I V (4)

Q8. (a)

D E C K B A R S
+1 +1 -1 +1 +1 +1 -1 +1
B A B C C H S R
Similarly,
J U M P
+1 +1 -1 +1
L I F J

Q9. (c)

P +3 G
J -3 I
E +3 D
A -3 O
Therefore,
N +3 T
F -3 L

Q10. (b) 4th to the left of ninth from the left means 5th from the left, ie I.

Q11. (c) Ninth to the left of twentyfirst from the left end = (21-9=) 12th from the left end = 6

Q12. (d) 158, 152, 156

Q13.(b) 14

Q14.(c) 84, 74

Q15. (a) New arrangement 1 5 1 5 3 5 7 9 5 1 1 5 7 Hence, 10th from the right end is 5

Q16. The first set of letters follows -1, -2, -3, -4 and the second ones -2, -3, -4, -5

Q.17 (b) BACK

Q.18 (a) The series is going in reverse alphabetical order. In every pair there is a gap of one letter. Their after following rule follows between the consecutive pairs of letters:
Z -5 U -5 Q -5 L -4 H -5 C
X -5 S -4 0 -5 J -5 -4 F -5 A

Q.19 (a) BOLT

Q.20 (b) B R O U G H T
A Q P V F G S
Alphabetically – A F G P Q S V
Fourth from the left is P

Q.21 (c) M E N T I O N
N D O S J N O
N and O appear more than once in the new arrangement

Q.22 (c) L A B O U R
LO and AB are such pairs

Q.23 (b).’FEW’ is the only word possible

Q.24 (e) Z, ZY, ZYX, ZYXW, ZYXWV, ZYXWVU, ZYXWVUT, ZYXWVUTIS

Q.25 (b) First letters follow +3, +4, +5, +6. Second letters follow +4, +5, +6, +7

Q.26 (c) CAR and ARC

Q.27 (b) 4 1 6 5 8 4 7 5 1 3 2 9 2 5 2 9 1 2 5 3 6 8 2 8 7 3 1 6 2 4 5 4 9

Q.28 (c) 4 1 6 5 8 4 7 5 1 3 2 9 2 5 2 9 1 2 5 3 6 8 2 8 7 3 1 6 2 4 5 4 9

Q.29 (c) 1 5 7 5 1 3 9 5 9 1 5 3 7 3 1 5 9

Q.30 (a) 6th to the left of 18th from left = (18-6=) 12th from left = 9