APRIL - TNPSC Current Affairs 2017

TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
ENGLISH
APRIL 2017
by www.tnpsc.academy
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www.tnpsc.academy TNPSC current affairs April 2017
Topic : Political Science General Administration, Govt Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
Project Saksham
The Government has approved the Project Saksham to bolster the information technology network for
the new GST regime.
About this Scheme:
Project Saksham is the name given to CBECs IT Infrastructure Project.
This IT Infrastructure project will enable not just the implementation of Goods and Services tax (GST)
but also support all existing services in Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax.
In addition, it will also enable extension of the Indian Customs Single Window Interface for Facilitating
Trade (SWIFT) and other taxpayer-friendly initiatives under Digital Indian and Ease of Doing Business of
CBEC.
It will enable setting up of an information exchange mechanism with GSTN through the use of pre-agreed
Application Programming Interface (API) or other secure methods of message exchange.
Topic : History Profile of States, National
Hyderabad get 1 GBPS internet speed
Internet Service Provider (ISP) ACT Fibernet has announced the launch of 1Gbps (gigabits per
second) wired broadband internet services in Hyderabad.
Fibernet making this City into Indias first Giga City.
Topic : History Latest Diary of Events
El Salvador - first nation to ban on metal mining
El Salvador has made history after becoming the first country in the world to ban metal mining.
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Key facts:
El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Latin America.
In this country, rainfall is plentiful; holding on to the water is a major issue because of unsustainable
farming practices and inadequate industrial controls that have led to widespread soil erosion and the
almost total destruction of its forests.
More than 90% of El Salvadors surface waters are estimated to be polluted by toxic chemicals, heavy
metals and waste matter.
The water crisis has steadily deepened since the pro-business Arena Party granted an array of permits for
mineral exploration.
Topic : History Awards and Honours
AP Chief Minister selected for India and US Business Council Award
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu selected for India and US Business Council
Award for Transformative Chief Minister.
He will receive the award in California on May 2017.
Topic : History Persons in News, New Appointments, Who is who?
First Transgender Sub inspector of police in India
K Prithika Yashini became the first transgender Sub inspector of police, joined the police service in
Dharmapuri.
About her:
K Prithika Yashini, aged around 25 years, is the first transgender person to become a police official in
India
In terms of judgement of the Madras High Court delivered on 6 November 2015, directions were given to
the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) to appoint K Prithika Yashini as a
sub-inspector of police as she is "entitled to get the job".
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The judgement further directed the TNUSRB to include transgender people as a "third category", apart
from the usual category of "male" and "female".
Topic : Political Science General Administration, Profile of States, National
Tamil Nadu replaces Ration card with Smart card
Ration cards in Tamil Nadu are all replaced with Smart Card to transform fully digital India.
Consumers can continue to buy commodities at PDS outlets by using their existing ration cards till such
time they received the smart cards.
Topic : Political Science General Administration, Govt Welfare Oriented Schemes and Their Utilities
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana was launched by the government.
It was launched in District Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Aim of the Scheme:
The Scheme aims at providing Senior Citizens, belonging to BPL category and suffering from any of
the age related disability/infirmity with such assisted-living devices which can restore near
normalcy in their bodily functions, overcoming the disability/infirmity manifested.
Background:
The proposal for formulation of a Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices for
Senior Citizens belonging to BPL Category was announced in the Budget 2015-16.
Topic : Political Science General Administration, Govt Welfare Oriented Schemes and Their Utilities
PowerTex India
The Government has launched PowerTex India, a comprehensive scheme for power loom sector
development.
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The comprehensive scheme has the following components:
In-situ Upgradation of Plain Powerlooms.
Group Workshed Scheme (GWS).
Yarn Bank Scheme.
Common Facility Centre (CFC).
Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme for Powerloom Weavers.
Solar Energy Scheme for Power looms.
Topic : History Latest Diary of Events, Places in News
Chennai-Nashri tunnel
Chennai-Nashri tunnel, a 10.9 km road tunnel which will shorten the driving time between Jammu and
Srinagar by two hours, was inaugurated.
The two-lane Chennai-Nashri tunnel will be Asias longest, which will cut the distance between Jammu
and Srinagar to around 250km from the current 350km.
(For more read our Earlier Current Affairs from Daily Current Affairs in March).
Topic : Political Science Indias Foreign Policy
India and Malaysia signed 7 agreements
India and Malaysia have signed seven MoU during Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visit to
India.
An agreement was signed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Malaysian Minister of
Transport Sri Liow Tiong Lai to boost air services between the two countries.
Agreements between India and Malaysia:
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Air Service Agreement between India and Malaysia
Proposed development of a urea and ammonia manufacturing plant in Malaysia.
Cooperation in the field of sports through the exchange of sportspersons, etc.
And other related field of Human Resource Fund, Educational, Palm Oil, fourth generation
technology park at AP.
Topic : History Sports and Honours
PV Sindu won India Open Super Series 2017
PV Sindhu won the India Open title after beating Olympic champion Carolina Marin.
The tournament took place in Siri Fort Sports Complex, New Delhi, India.
Topic: History India and its Neighbours
SASECs 7th Member Myanmar
Myanmar has become the seventh member of the South Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) partnership.
About SASEC:
SASEC countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
These countries are coordinate the planning of projects and activities to increase economic growth by
building transport connectivity, facilitating faster and more efficient trade, and promoting cross-border
power trade.
About Myanmar partnership:
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) programme of Asian Development Bank
(ADB) is expanding towards the East with Myanmar formally becoming the seventh member of the
Corporation in 2017.
Road corridors in Myanmar provide the key links between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
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Ports in Myanmar will provide additional gateways to the landlocked North Eastern region of India.
Topic : History New Appointments, Who is Who?, Persons in News
New Chief Justice of Madras High Court
Justice Indira Banerjee, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, has been appointed as the new Chief
Justice of the Madras High Court.
She will sworn in as Chief Justice on April 5.
Indira Banerjee will succeed Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who was elected to the Supreme Court on
February 18.
About her:
She was born on September 24, 1957.
She enrolled as an advocate in 1985 and practiced both in original and appellate sides of Calcutta High
Court.
She is the 2nd woman to hold the post after Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar.
She was appointed as permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court on February 5, 2002 and was
transferred to Delhi High Court on August 8, 2016.
Topic : Science Science and Technology, Space
Cassinis Grand Finale
On April 4, NASA will hold a press conference to unveil the beginning of Cassinis last mission segment,
called the Grand Finale.
About Cassini:
Cassini is an unmanned spacecraft sent to study Saturn by the NASA.
After spending nearly two decades in space, NASAs Cassini is ready for its final mission (Grand
Finale).
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When was Cassini launched?
Cassini was launched on October 15, 1997.
After taking on a voyage passing through the flybys of Earth, Venus and Jupited, Cassini began orbiting
Saturn since June 2004, studying the planet, its rings and its moons.
What does this final mission involve?
Cassini will explore areas of Saturn that have been untouched up until this point.
It will get the closest look ever at Saturns outer rings.
Key facts:
Cassini discovered previously unknown moons in orbit within the planet's rings. These include Methone,
Pallene, Polydeuces, Daphnis, Anthe and Aegaeon.
One of its most important discovery was Enceladus a frozen moon that shoots out icy jets as it gets
warped by Saturns gravity.
Topic : History Indias Cultural Panorama
Padayani Dance
Padayani festival was recently celebrated in Kerala.
About the festival:
Padayani is a traditional folk dance and a ritual art from the central portion of the Indian state of Kerala.
A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples.
The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali.
Padayani is regarded as a remnant of the Dravidian forms of worship that existed before the advent
of Brahmanism.
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Topic : Science - Latest Discoveries in Science and Technology
New tree-living crab species found in Kerala
Scientists have discovered a new species of long legged, tree-dwelling crabs in Western Ghats of
Kerala.
This is the first report of its kind to offer a record of an arboreal crab a species that lives in trees.
About this species:
The new species named Kani maranjandu after the Kani tribe in Kerala, are substantially different from
other congeners.
The characteristic traits of the crab include the structure of its hard upper shell, its male abdominal
structure and reproductive parts and diagnostic elongated walking legs.
Topic : History Latest Diary of Events
Doctors artwork finds place in Guinness Book
A fingerprint painting, created by a group of Indian doctors as a symbolic representation to end frequent
attacks against the fraternity, has found place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the worlds
largest such artwork.
469.75m painting was made up of 15 lakh finger impressions of doctors from different parts of the
country, collected over a period of four months.
This painting is titled Ray of Hope.
The record title is in the name of Dr Naveen Koval, an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Kannur
Medical College, Kerala, who conceptualised the work and Indian medical association.
Topic : History Latest Diary of Events, Appointments
MS Dhoni named CEO of Gulf Oil for one day
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The former Indian cricket team skipper MS Dhoni became an acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Gulf Oil India just for a day.
He took charge of Gulf Oil India at the Mumbai head office.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also named as the brand ambassador for Gulf Oil in the year 2011.
Topic : History Sports and Honours
Brianna Lyston won 200m race in 23.72 seconds Successor of USAIN BOLT
Brianna Lyston (Jamaican female athlete) has won the 200m race in the Caribbean nation.
She completed the race in 23.72 seconds, almost within two seconds of the senior world record set by
Florence Griffith-Joyner at the 1988 Olympics.
Topic : Indias Foreign Policy, India and its Neighbours
MoU between India and Bangladesh
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development of
Ashuganj-Zakiganj stretch of Kushiyara river and Sirajganj-Daikhawa stretch of Jamuna river in
the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route.
Benefits of this MoU:
The MoU will considerably reduce the logistics cost of cargo movement to North Eastern India.
It will also reduce the congestion through the Siliguri Chickens Neck corridor.
Background:
The Kushiyara River is a distributary river in Bangladesh and Assam, India.
It forms on the IndiaBangladesh border as a branch of the Barak River, when the Barak separates into
the Kushiyara and Surma.
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The Jamuna River is the main distributary channel of the Brahmaputra River as it flows from India to
Bangladesh.
Topic : Indias Foreign Policy, India and its Neighbours
MoU between India and Bangladesh
The Union Cabinet has approved MoU on passenger cruise services on the coastal and protocol routes
between India and Bangladesh.
This is benefits for starting regular movement of passengers and tourists in water crafts between the two
countries.
The operationalization of this MoU will promote people to people contact and cooperation between the
two countries in respect of economic, social and cultural advancement.
It will also generate employment opportunities for the people of India and Bangladesh.
Topic : Latest Diary of Events
National Maritime Day Apr 6, 2017
54th National Maritime Day was observed on April 5th.
In India, April 5 is marked as the National Maritime Day commemorating the first voyage of the SS
Loyalty, the first ship of Scindia Steam Navigation Company towards United Kingdom on this day in
1919.
Topic : Sports and Honours
Wisdens King of the Willow Virat Kohli
Indias Virat Kohli was named Wisdens Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016.
Kohli was additionally declared Wisden India Almanacks Cricketer of the Year for the second time in
its 2017 edition.
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International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) Apr 6, 2017
6 April was declared as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) by the
UN General Assembly.
On this occasion, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) launches
the digital campaign #WePlayTogether to encourage organizations and individuals.
World Health Day April 07, 2017
The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the
sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Theme 2017: Depression: lets talk.
Key facts:
Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries.
At worst, depression can lead to self-inflicted injury and suicide.
World Health Day is celebrated to a better understanding of depression which can be prevented and
treated will help reduce the stigma associated with the illness, and lead to more people seeking help.
Topic : General Administration, Public Awareness
Union Cabinet approved four GST Bills
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following four
GST related bills:
The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The CGST Bill)
The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The IGST Bill)
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The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The UTGST Bill)
The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the States) Bill 2017 (The Compensation Bill)
Key features:
The CGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of goods or services
for both by the Central Government.
On the other hand, IGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on inter-state supply of
goods or services or both by the Central Government.
The UTGST Bill makes provisions for levy on collection of tax on intra-UT supply of goods and services
in the Union Territories without legislature.
The Compensation Bill provides for compensation to the states for loss of revenue arising on account of
implementation of the goods and services tax.
BWF Rankings - P V Sindhu reached World No.2
P V Sindhu achieved a career best world number two ranking in the latest Badminton World
Federation (BWF) rankings.
The 21-year-old shuttler from Hyderabad became only the second Indian woman after Saina Nehwal.
Sindhu had recently won the India Open title after defeating Carolina Marin.
Topic : Awards and Honours, Latest Diary of Events
National Film Awards 2016
The 64th National Film Awards 2016 were announced today.
The Most Film Friendly State award which was introduced as a new category was announced by Shri
Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, a popular Director in Telugu film industry.
The National Film Awards would be presented by Honble President of India on May 3rd, 2017.
Award Films from Tamil Nadu:
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Best Tamil Film : Joker
Best Lyrics : Dharma Durai for the Endha Pakkam song
Best Production Design : 24
Best Cinematography : 24
Best Male Playback Singer : Sundharayyar for Jasmine song from Joker film
Topic : National News
North India to get its first DNA bank for wild animals
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is planning to set up a DNA bank for wild animals, the
first of its kind in North India.
Scientists have so far collected samples of 140 species.
A DNA bank exists in Hyderabad at present.
What is use of DNA bank for?
Through the DNA bank, scientists at IVRIs Centre for Wildlife will be able to tell the name and
schedule of the species if they get only a part of the meat, hair, blood, skin or bone of any animal.
The move will help clamp down on wildlife poaching and smuggling, and also aid in research on
wildlife species.
Topic : World Organizations
India jumps 12 spots in WEFs global travel & tourism ranking
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 has been released by the World Economic
Forum.
The report ranks 136 countries across 14 dimensions, revealing how well countries could deliver
sustainable economic and societal benefits through their travel and tourism sector.
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Performance of India:
India is ranked 40 among 136 countries. India is one of the countries that improved the most as it gained
12 places in Asia. India has seen continued growth in international arrivals over the past 15 years,
reaching the 8 million mark in 2015.
About the index:
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index measures the set of factors and policies that enable
the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the
development and competitiveness of a country.
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index enables all stakeholders to work together to improve the
industrys competitiveness in their national economies.
Global scenario:
In the global ranking Spain, France and Germany were ranked at the top three positions, making
them the most tourism friendly economies.
Topic : Profile of States, Latest Diary of Events
Guinness world record by Family court judge
Tej Bahadur Singh, the principal judge of a family court in Muzaffarnagar has set a Guinness World
Record by disposing of as many as 6,065 cases in 327 working days.
The judge said that his move was aimed to reduce the number of pending cases in the court and provide
justice to the litigants.
Boxer Shyam Kumar won Gold medal in Thailand International
Indian boxer K Shyam Kumar won a gold medal in the 49- kilogram category at the Thailand
International Tournament in Bangkok.
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Shyam already won the gold at the 2015 edition of this game.
Key facts:
Hasanboy Dusmatov was injured earlier, who has final match with Shyam kumar in this edition.
He declared as gold medalist after the Olympic Champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan couldnt
make the event due to his injury.
Topic : Books and Authors
Book on Draupadi by M Veerappa Moily
A book written by senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily was released by President Pranab
Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 7.
The book traces the life journey of Draupadi from her birth to her marriage with the Pandavas.
Topic : Awards and Honours
NTR National Awards announced by Andhra Pradesh Government
Andhra Pradesh Government announced the NTR National Award for the years 2012 and 2013 at the
Film Development Corporation office in Hyderabad.
Popular playback singer, actor and music director S.P. Balasubramanyam has selected for the NTR
National Award for 2012.
Hema Malini will receive the same for 2013.
About NTR National Award:
The NTR National Award is an honorary Nandi Award in the honour of an Indian
Film Actor, director, producer, and politician N.T. Rama Rao who also served as the Chief Minister of
Andhra Pradesh.
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The NTR National Award is an annual Government award to recognize people for their lifetime
achievements and contributions to the Cinema of India.
Topic : Indias Foreign Policy
Indo - Mongolian Joint Exercise : Nomadic Elephant
Twelfth joint military Exercise of Indian and Mongolian armies is named as Nomadic Elephant is
being conducted at Vairengte, Mizoram from 05 April 2017 till 18 April 2017.
Nomadic Elephant is aimed at training the troops in Counter Insurgency & Counter Terrorism
Operations under the United Nations mandate.
Topic : Defense, National Security and Terrorism, Profile of States
Tu-142M anti-submarine aircraft
Navys flagship anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142M will be turned into a museum.
The aircraft will be given to the Andhra Pradesh government to be converted into a museum and kept on
the Beach Road close to the Submarine Kursura in Visakhaptnam.
World Homeopathy Day April 10
World Homoeopathy Day is being observed on 10 April 2017.
It commemorates the 262nd birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian
Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Asian Business woman of the year
An Indian-origin educationist in the UK, has been named the Asian Business woman of the Year in an
award ceremony in Birmingham.
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65-year-old Dame Asha Khemka, Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire College, was honoured
for her efforts in the field of education and skills at the Asian Business Awards ceremony
About her:
Born in Bihars Sitamarhi district, Dame Khemka left school after passing her exams at the age of 13.
She taught herself English by watching childrens TV shows and talking to other young mothers.
She went on to acquire a business degree from Cardiff University before becoming a lecturer and
eventually taking over as principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire College, one of the largest in the
UK.
In 2013, she was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, one of Britain`s
highest civilian awards.
Topic : New Appointments, Persons in News
Malala to become youngest United Nations Messenger of Peace
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has selected Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala
Yousafzai to be a UN messenger of peace.
Also, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced that she would focus on promoting girls education
worldwide.
Topic : India and its neighbours, Latest Diary of Events
First Silk Road train started journey from Britain to China
The first rail freight service from Britain to China was recently started journey from Britain.
Thirty containers filled with UK-produced goods have set off on the 7,500-mile journey from Stanford-le-
Hope in Essex which will take 18 days.
The service is part of Chinas One Belt, One Road programme of reviving the Ancient Silk Road
trading routes with the West.
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Topic : Latest Historical Events, National News
Digital Exbition Swachhagraha - 100 years of Champaran Satyagraha
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated an exhibition Swachhagraha Bapu Ko
Karyanjali Ek Abhiyan, Ek Pradarshani in the New Delhi.
This exhibition is organized for mark the 100 years of Mahatma Gandhis first experiment of
Satyagraha in Champaran.
He also launched an Online Interactive Quiz - Karyanjali at the event which is being organized by the
National Archives of India (NAI).
Key facts:
Champaran Satyagraha was a historic mass movement which had a phenomenal impact and appealed to
the countrymen to become 'Swachhagrahis' and create a Swachh Bharat.
About Champaran Satyagraha:
Gandhi had arrived in Champaran, a district in Bihar, in 1917 to take up the cause of the farmers who
were forced to grow indigo, instead of food crops, by the British.
Champaran Satyagraha was the first non-violence action initiated by Gandhi, who during his stay in
Bihar.
The Champaran Satyagraha changed the dynamics of Indian politics, launching Gandhi Ji to the forefront
of Indias freedom struggle.
Topic : New Appointments, Who is Who, Persons in News
Indias Ambassador to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar
Mukta Dutta Tomar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Federal Republic of
Germany.
She is presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
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Topic: Indias Foreign Policy, Pacts
India & Australia Signed 6 Agreements
India and Australia signed 6 agreements to boost the bilateral cooperation between the two nations on
10th April 2017.
The signed agreements include cooperation in combating international terrorism and trans-national
organised crime.
These agreements were signed during Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls four-day visit to
India from 9th April to 12th April 2017.
The six agreements are below
MoU on cooperation in combatting international terrorism and trans-national organised crime.
MoU to promote and develop cooperation in civil aviation security.
MoU on cooperation in the fields of environment, climate and wildlife.
MoU on cooperation in sports.
MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicines.
Topic : Latest Court Verdicts, Persons in News
Former Indian Navy officer - Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by Pakistan
Kulbhushan Yadhav, a former Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a military court of
Pakistan on 10th April 2017.
He was accused of espionage and sabotage activities in Balochistan and Karachi of Pakistan.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan in a release said Jadhav was arrested on 3rd March
2016 in Balochistans Mashkel area for his involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against the
country.
Key facts:
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Yadav joined the Indian National Defence Academy in 1987 and was commissioned in the engineering
branch of Indian Navy in 1991.
Yadhav was arrested by the Pakistani authorities allegedly for being associated with the freedom fighters
in Balochistan.
Allegations were that he was an active Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. However, India denied
such charges against him.
Reports showed that Union Government says that Jadhav was a small businessman and owns a cargo
business in Chabahar, Iran. He has nothing to do with RAW and was abducted from Iran.
Topic : Public Awareness, General Administration
HIV/AIDS Bill passed in Parliament
The Lok Sabha has passed the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2017, which will strengthen the rights of
the people infected with the disease.
Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill.
Key facts:
Role of courts:
Cases relating to HIV positive persons shall be disposed off by the court on a priority basis.
When passing any order with regard to a maintenance application filed by an HIV infected or affected
person, the court shall take into account the medical expenses incurred by the applicant.
Topic : Profile of States, Places in News
Haldia Port cleanest in India
The Haldia port of West Bengal has declared as the cleanest in a country by the Ministry.
It is the first-ever ranking of all major Indian ports on sanitation parameters.

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Vizagapattinam port came second in this ranking.
Key facts:
The ranking of all 13 Indian ports was conducted by the Quality Council of India (QCI).
The ranking was based on the efforts made by these ports to address waste generating sources with
respect to port operation, office area, township area and the response to incoming ships.
Topic : Govt., Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities, Public Awareness
URJA MITRA
URJA MITRA App was launched recently by the Ministry of Power, empowers citizens by real time
information sharing on power supply.
The app provides for State Power Distribution utilities to circularize power usage information to
urban/rural power consumers across India through SMS notifications.
Topic : Govt., Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities, Public Awareness
Web Portal Nakshe SOI
The Survey of India (SOI) has launched new web portal called Nakshe to make open series maps
available to Indians for free.
The portal was launched by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Harsh
Vardhan on the occasion of 250th anniversary of SOI.
Key features:
It will offer free download of 3,000 Topographic maps or Open Series Maps (OSM) in a pdf format on
1:50,000 scale through Aaadhar enabled user authentication process.
Topographic maps or OSM comprise natural and man-made geographical features including terrain or
topography.
About SOI:
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SOI is the principal mapping agency of the country.
It comes under the Department of Science & Technology.
SOI has surveyed and mapped each and every part of the country and these maps have played valuable
role in nation building.
Topic : World Organization, Indias Foreign Policy
G20 Digital Ministerial Meet
The G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting was held in Dusseldorf, Germany.
It concluded with adaptation of declaration on Shaping Digitalisation for an Interconnected World.
About G20:
Its members include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, France, Germany, Indonesia,
Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, UK, US and EU.
The ministerial conference was held according to the G20 Task Force on the digital economy established
in G20 summit held in Hangzhou, China in 2016.
President of India presents National Geoscience Awards 2016
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Geoscience Awards - 2016 on
April 12, 2017 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In this, Dr. Abhishek Saha, NIO from Goa got the Young Scientist award for the year 2016.
About these Awards:
The National Geoscience Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Mines, to honour the contributions and
years of dedicated work of geo-scientists.
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Over the last five decades, these Awards have emerged as the most coveted recognition in the field of
geosciences.
They have encouraged scientists to achieve higher levels of excellence.
Topic : World Organization, Indias Foreign Policy
India-Australia launch Sports Partnership in Mumbai
India and Australia launched Sports partnership in Mumbai aimed at increasing cooperation in sports.
The Partnership, which was launched by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Mr. Vijay Goel
and the visiting Australian Prime Minister Mr. Malcolm Turnbull, in the presence of cricketing legend
Sachin Tendulkar.
Key facts:
It will advance India Australia cooperation in four areas:
Athlete and coach training and development
Sport science
Sport governance and integrity
Grassroots participation.
Topic : New inventions on Science and Technology
BRABO Indias First ever industrial articulated Robot
TAL Manufacturing Solutions of Tata Motors, on 11 April 2017 launched Indias first industrial-
articulated robot and it is named as BRABO.
About BRABO:
BRABO is meant to complement the human workforce and perform repetitive, high volume, dangerous
and time-consuming tasks from raw material handling to packaging of finished products.
This is the first time that an industrial robot has been designed and manufactured in India.
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It is expected to increase productivity by 15-30%, with a payback period of 15 to 18 months.
Topic : New Appointments, Persons in News
IBBI New Member
Mukulita Vijayawargiya appointed as full Time Member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI) in New Delhi on 13th April 2017.
Key facts:
Vijayawargiya has an experience of 35 years in various fields of law.
She has been associated with drafting of more than 100 legislative proposals in the legislative
department.
She was a member of Bankruptcy Law Reforms Committee (BLRC) earlier.
She played an important role in drafting the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 as an additional
Secretary in the Legislative Department of the Union Ministry of Law & Justice.
She has also served as a member of Indian Legal Service.
Topic : Latest Historical Events
Ambedkar Jayanthi April 14 Water Day
The 126th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, also known as Ambedkar
Jayanti, was observed across the India on 14th April 2017.
He was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Modern Buddhist
Movement and also known as the Father and Architect of the Indian Constitution.
Water Day:
India will observe the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar on April 14 as "Water Day" to sensitize
people on managing the precious natural resource.
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Apart from being instrumental in framing the Constitution, Ambedkar was also responsible for an all-
India policy on managing water resources.
Topic : India and its Neighbours
Operation Meghdoot April 13
Operation Meghdoot the code-name for an Indian Armed Forces operation, was launched 33 years
ago on April 13th.
Key facts:
It was launched in 1984, when Pakistan started permitting mountain climbing into Siachen Glacier
because of which India had to keep a close watch on Siachen.
The operation was launched to capture the Siachen Glacier in the Jammu and Kashmir. The military
action resulted in gaining control over the worlds highest battlefield.
About Siachen:
Siachen Glacier is 76.4 km long and covers about 10,000 sq km uninhabited terrain. It lies in the
Karakoram Range in the North West India.
Topic : Profile of States, Govt., Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
Operation Durga launched by the Haryana Government
Haryana government has launched Operation Durga to ensure women safety in the state.
Under this operation, the 'Flying Squad' is patrolling those areas where anti-social elements
are committing crimes against women. The team is formed by Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar
Lal Khattar.
Topic : Awards and Honours, Profile of States
Krishi Karman Award for Himachal Pradesh
The Union Ministry of Agriculture has selected Himachal Pradesh for the Krishi Karman Award
2015-16 for best in increase in food grains.
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Besides, the department has done considerable work in promoting poly-house cultivation, crop
diversification, micro irrigation, organic farming and soil health management.
The state was also conferred the Krishi Karman Award for 2011-12 for increase in wheat production and
in 2014-15 for increasing food grains production.
About the Award:
Krishi Karman awards were instituted in the year 2010-11 to reward the best performing States in
foodgrains and individual crops of Rice, Wheat, Pulses and Coarse Cereals.
Krishi Karman awards are given to Best performer States for raising country's food grain production.
Topic: India and its Neighbour Countries
Nepal, China hold first ever military exercise
Nepal and China are planning to hold the first-ever joint military exercise- Sagarmatha Friendship-
2017, with a special focus on combating terror and disaster management.
The military exercise will also focus on common interests like disaster management.
Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mount Everest, the worlds highest peak, that is bordering between
Nepal and China.
Topic : Profile of States, Govt., Oriented Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
Ammaku Vandanam scheme
Andhra Pradesh government launched a unique programme to pay tribute to mothers in the government-
run schools in from this year.
The scheme is named as Ammaku Vandhanam.
About this Ammaku Vandanam:
Under this scheme, mother worship the school children will take the blessings of their mothers and may
also do paada pooja (washing her feet).
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The government also decided to implement the programme in 5,000 high schools across the state.
Pankaj Advani has now won a record six Asian Billiards Championship titles
Pankaj Advani defeated Sourav Kothari in the Asian Billiards Championship final and won his seventh
Asian title.
The 16-time world champion got the better of Kothari in an entertaining final that ended 6-3 in Advanis
favour.
It was his sixth Asian Billiards Championship titiles.
Topic : General Administration, Public Awareness, Profile of States
Polythene Bags Banned in Madhya Pradesh from May 1
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a total ban on polythene bags in the
state from May 1.
Key facts:
Bengaluru, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himanchal Pradesh, Goa and West Bengal.
These states were plastics banned states in India.
Topic : Indias Cultural Panorama
Rongali Bihu 2017 started in Assam
Bohag Bihu, also known as Rangoli Bihu or Haat Bihu is a seven-day long festival as per the traditional
Assamese New year Calendar and starts from 15th April 2017 and goes on to 21st April 2017.
Each of the seven days of the Bohag Bihu is called as Chot Bihu, Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum
Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu.
Key facts:
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Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops.
Bihu Festival is celebrated in three times in a year with different farming phases.
These are Bohag Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Magh Bihu.
Topic : New Economy policy and Government sector
Indias First Private Railway Station
The first time in Indian Railways' history, Habibganj station in Bhopal has been handed over to a
private firm to be operated by it.
The station building will be developed in line with airport terminals and that trains at the station will still
be run by the Railways.
Private Sector Name:
This private sector is formed by a consortium of Bansal Construction Works and Prakash Asphalting and
Toll Highways has together.
And this special company named Bansal Pathways Habibagnj Private Ltd.
Topic : Public Awareness and General Administration
Third Gender formed by the SC
The Supreme Court created the "Third gender" status for hijras or transgenders.
Earlier, they were forced to write male or female against their gender.
Key facts:
The third gender people will be considered as OBCs.
The SC asked the Centre to treat transgender as socially and economically backward.
The apex court said that transgenders will be allowed admission in educational institutions and given
employment on the basis that they belonged to the third gender category.
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Cartier Womens Initiative Award for Indian Engineer Trupti Jain
An Indian environmental engineer Trupti Jain has won this years Cartier Womens Initiative
Awards for the Asia-Pacific Laureate.
She was awarded for providing women working on farms with water management solutions and
protecting small farmers against droughts and flash floods.
Aerospace Engineer Leadership Award for Arvind Sinha
An Indian-born aeronautics engineer Arvind Sinha from Australia has been honoured with the
Worlds Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Leadership Award by the American Helicopter Society
(AHS) International.
Key facts:
AHS selected Lt Col Dr Arvind Sinha (retd) for his contribution in vertical flight technology.
Sinha, who received the award recently in the US, was also bestowed the title of AHS Honorary Fellow in
May 2016.
He is working on Australian Army and Navy Aviation platform and systems technologies.
He is an expert in Tactical Aerospace systems, covering helicopters and unmanned aircrafts.
Tropical cyclone Maarutha formed in Bay of Bengal
The depression over East-central Bay of Bengal has turned into the tropical cyclone 'Maarutha'.
All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast
and proceed with caution till further notice.
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Topic : Govt Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
SAUNI project Phase I part 2 - launched by PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated phase-I of the Link-II pipeline canal of the
ambitious Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana in Botad district of Gujarat.
This will be the second milestone in the Rs 12,000 crore project to pump Narmada water in 115 dams of
arid Saurashtra region after the PM dedicated to public phase-I of the Link-I canal in August 2016.
What is the SAUNI Yojana?
The project is not a part of the Narmada project but is based on it. 1 MAFT (million acre feet) flood water
has been allotted to Saurashtra by the state government and this water will be pumped to major reservoirs
in the region under the SAUNI Yojna.
Unlike traditional irrigation projects, SAUNI is technically a linking project, where the water will be
filled in irrigation dams that are already equipped with canal network.
This network of canals will then help channel water into farms. Also, SAUNI project involves making
pipe canals instead of the conventional open canals.
The pipelines in the SAUNI project are underground, which means that no land needs to be acquired.
Topic: Indias Foreign Policy
Canberra keen on joining naval exercises
Canberra, Capital city of Australia is keen on joining the Malabar trilateral naval exercises among
India, Japan and the U.S.
This Malabar trilateral naval exercises is scheduled in july for the upcoming edition.
Background:
Australia had been a part of the exercises in 2007. But a sharp response from China, which saw the joint
exercises as a coalition against it, put an end to the quadrilateral format.
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About Malabar exercise:
The annual Malabar series began in 1992 and includes diverse activities, ranging from fighter combat
operations from aircraft carriers through Maritime Interdiction Operations Exercises.
Topic : Govt Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
Countrys first Vistadome coach inaugurated in Visakhapatnam
Union Railway minister Suresh Babhu launched the countrys first ever Vistadome coach services on
Visakhapatnam-Araku route. Features of the coaches include glass roof, LED lights, revolving seats
and GPS-based info system.
Topic : Terms in News, Latest Diary of Events
Terms in News Khurki and Teenkathiya systems
Khurki:
Under Khurki system, the British planters used to pay some money to the farmers (Raiyyat) by
mortgaging their lands and houses and compelling them to sow indigo.
Teenkathiya:
The British administration and Jamindar had established Teen Kahitya system under which teen katha
land out of one bigha was reserved for indigo (Neel) farming.
The farmers had to bear the cost of indigo farming and the British planters used to keep the yields without
compensating the farmers.
Topic : Defense and National Security
Naval ship INS Chennai dedicated to Chennai
Naval ship INS Chennai was formally dedicated to the city today in the presence of Chief Minister K
Palaniswami. It was named after the city, the ship is commanded by captain C R Praveen Nair and has 45
officers.
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Topic : Profile of States, National News, Places in News
Gorakhpur and Agra Airports name changed
The UP government changed the name of Gorakhpur and Agra Airports.
And also the name of the department of welfare of the differently abled was changed.
Changed names:
The Gorakhpur Airforce Station has been renamed as Mahayogi Goraknath Airport after the founder of
the Nath monastic movement.
The Agra Airport will be renamed after Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay airport.
The Department of Disabled Welfare will now be known as 'Divyang Jan Vikas Empowerment'.
Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2016
Sahitya Akademi announced the Translation Prize 2016 to English language to Sri Aniruddan
Vasudevan for his book.
He was selected for his book One part Woman translation of Sri Perumal Murugans Tamil Novel
Maadhorubagan.
Key facts:
The above translation prize winner along with the other winners in 23 languages will be presented at the
special function to be held in june 2017.
Boston Marathon completed by visually impaired Indian runner Sagar Baheti
Sagar Baheti from Bangalore, has become the first visually impaired Indian runner to complete the
historic Boston Marathon.
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Boston Marathon is the world's oldest, most competitive and the hardest marathon to qualify for.
Key facts:
31-year-old Baheti became the first visually impaired Indian to participate in the famous marathon.
Baheti completed the approximately 42.16 km distance in just over four hours.
Topic : General Administration, National News
The Government decides to do away with beacons for all categories of vehicles
With a view to strengthening healthy democratic values in the country, the Central Government has
decided to do away with beacons of all categories of vehicles in the country.
Background:
These amendments in this regard will be made in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989.
Its abolition would mean that neither the Centre nor the States would have any dignitary that
governments can nominate for the usage of red beacons.
Exceptions:
Beacons, however, will be allowed on vehicles concerned with emergency and relief services, ambulance,
fire service etc.
Topic : Science and Technology, Latest Historical Events
Looking back at first Indian space baby Aryabhata Day April 19
Indias first satellite baby Aryabhata was launched successfully by a Russian rocket on 19th April 42
years ago in 1975.
About Aryabhata:
Aryabhata is the first Indian spacecraft that was also built in the country.
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It is named after the 5th century astronomer, the experimental spacecraft did not last its design life of six
months in space.
It was meant to study distant celestial bodies that emit X-rays, Sun and Earths ionosphere.
ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) which has built nearly 90 bigger and far more sophisticated spacecraft
since then proudly observes April 19 every year as Aryabhata Day or Technology Day.
Topic : Sports, World Organization
Video gaming to be included in 2022 Asian Games
Competitive video games will become a medal sport for the first time ever at the 2022 Asian Games.
This game will perform as a demonstration event at the 2018 edition of the next Asian Games, to be held
in Indonesia.
The official inclusion as a medal sport will be in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Topic : Science and Technology, Latest Historical Events
Mongolia launched its first Satellite
Mongol Sat-I was launched by the Mongolia.
Mongolia launched its first satellite, part of its efforts to make use of new technology to diversify its
resource-dependent economy.
The satellite was launched in partnership with Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), a telecoms and broadcast
provider for the region.
Topic : Awards and Honours, Profile of States, National News
Krishi Karman Awards 2015-2016
Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu selected for the Krishi Karman Awards 2015-16 in
April 2017.
In addition to that, Meghalaya was chosen for commendation prize for total food grain production.
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Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu has been chosen for the prestigious award in large category (production more than 10
million tonnes).
The state produced 130 lakh tonnes of food grains in 2015-16,that is the highest in the last five years.
The state had already awarded thrice in 2011-12 for highest food grains production, in 2013-14 for
highest pulses production and in 2014-15 for highest coarse cereals production.
About the Award:
Krishi Karman awards were instituted in the year 2010-11 to reward the best performing States in food
grains and individual crops of Rice, Wheat, Pulses and Coarse Cereals.
Krishi Karman awards are given to Best performer States for raising country's food grain production.
Note: (Already some details were given in current affairs of Apr 14 ----
https://www.tnpsc.academy/tnpsc-current-affairs-apr-14-2017/)
Civil Services Day Apr 21
The Civil Services Day is organized on 21st April every year, when civil servants re-dedicate themselves
to the cause of the citizens and renew their commitment to public service.
This day coincides with the date on which SardarVallabhbhai Patel had addressed the first batch of
probationers at the All India Administrative Service Training School at Metcalfe House, New Delhi in
1947.
Topic : Profile of States, National News, Places in News
GMR Hyderabad Airport got carbon neutrality certificate
The GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited has received the Carbon Neutrality (Level 3+)
Certificate from the Airports Council International (ACI).
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The certification comes under ACIs Airport Car Accreditation Programme.
This is the industry standard for assessment of an airports efforts to manage and reduce carbon
emissions.
About ACI:
Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative of the worlds airport
authorities.
Established in 1991, ACI represents airports interests with governments and international organizations,
develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports.
And it provides information and training opportunities to raise the standards around the world.
UNESCOs Peace Prize for a Italian island Mayor
The mayor of Lampedusa, the Italian island selected for the first time, UNESCOs Peace prize.
Mayor Giusi Nicolini was awarded the prize together with French NGO SOS Mediterrannee, for their
work in saving the lives of refugees and migrants and for welcoming them with dignity.
The peace prize, also known as the Flix Houphout-Boigny Peace Prize, named after the first president
of Ivory Coast.
It has been awarded by UNESCO each year since 1989, to recognize individuals and groups who
safeguard, maintain, and seek peace.
Mahatma Gandhi stamps sale at auction in the United Kingdom
Resembling the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with 4 stamps, an auction had been held in the United
Kingdom.
The sale has collected the amount of 500,000.

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The block of four was sold to a private collector investor in Australia for the highest price ever paid for
Indian stamps.
Key facts:
The Indian stamps were particularly rare due to the fact they were in a set of four.
Presently, only 13 of the 1948 Gandhi 10 rupee purple brown and Lake service stamps are in circulation.
These thirteen stamps include the strip of four and a block of four in the Royal Philatelic collection
owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal Philatelic collection is believed to be the worlds largest and most valuable private stamp
collection.
Topic : National Defense, Navy and Terrorism
Indian Navy test-fires BrahMos missile
Indian Navy successfully test fired BrahMos Land Attack Supersonic Cruise Missile from a ship.
This variant of Long Range BrahMos Missile was fired from Indian Naval Ship Teg, a Guided Missile
Frigate, on a target on land.
Key facts:
BrahMos Missile has been jointly developed by India and Russia, and its Anti Ship variant has already
been inducted into Indian Navy.
These Land Attack variant of BrahMos Missile provides all details to the Indian Naval Ships.
This missile has the capability to precisely destroyed the selected targets deep inland, far away from
coast, from stand-off ranges at sea.
Earth Day April 22
Earth Day 2017 is being celebrated around the world on April 22.
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This years campaign is dedicated to an ambitious goal to achieve global climate and environmental
literacy in the space of three years, by Earth Day 2020.
Key facts:
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970. It was made into an international day in 1990 and now is
celebrated by over 193 countries every year.
The aim of the day is to bring attention to environmental issues to spark changes that will result in a
healthy, sustainable environment. This includes addressing climate change and finding ways to protect the
planet for future generations.
Topic : World Organizations, Indias Foreign Policy
BRICS Film Festival hosted by China in June
The 2017 BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province from June
23 to 27.
There will be 30 films from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)
screened during the festival.
Key facts:
The feature film consisting of five 18-minute shorts on the same theme. The emotions from all five stories
can be shared by anyone in any country.
The film would be a successful demonstration of the deep communication and cooperation in the film
industry among BRICS countries. The first BRICS Film Festival was held in New Delhi, India, last
September.
Quality Mark Award Scheme for Dairy Cooperatives NDDB
As part of the innovative initiatives under the White Revolution umbrella Schemes, the Department
of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has supported the National Dairy Development
Board(NDDB) developed initiative of Quality Mark Award Scheme for dairy Cooperatives.
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Quality Mark Award is initiated to promote and encourage enhancement of safety, quality and hygiene
of milk and milk products manufactured by dairy cooperatives.
Key facts:
The Quality Mark Award Scheme has been initiated to increase confidence in the consumers for the
quality of milk being marketed by them.
And by ensuring availability of safe and good quality milk and milk products.
3D-printing conquers glass
Scientists have developed a new way of 3D-print objects using glass, an advance that could be used to
make very small optical components for complex computers.
The process is known as Stereolithography.
Stereolithography is a form of 3D-printing technology used for creating models, prototypes, patterns and
production parts in a layer by layer fashion using photopolymerisation.
Panchayati Raj Diwas
National Panchayati Raj Day is the national day of India celebrated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on
24 April annually.
This date marks a defining moment in the history of decentralization of political power to the grassroots
level.
The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24th April, 1993
has institutionalized Panchayati Raj through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats.
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Topic : National News, Latest Diary of Events
India becomes no 2 LPG importer
India has replaced Japan as worlds number two importer of liquefied petroleum gas or LPG.
Japan recorded a drop of 3.2% in LPG imports during the period under review to 10.6 million tonnes.
China continues to occupy numero uno position as worlds largest LPG importer.
Aditi Ashok & SSP Chawrasia won Golf Industry Awards
SSP Chawrasia and Aditi Ashok were among the winners at the second Golf Industry Association
(GIA) Awards.
Key facts:
Aditi, who finished second in the Ladies European Tour (LET). Aditi Ashok (born 29 March 1998) is
an Indian professional golfer who took part in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Chawrasia, who successfully defended his Indian Open title earlier this year and had two victories of on
tour last year.
Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia, also known as "Chipputtsia", and "Chow" is an Indian professional
golfer.
And he had won eight titles on the Indian Tour, including two wins at the Indian Open.
Topic : National, Latest Diary of Events
Coffee scented stamps released in Bengaluru
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for
Communications Manoj Sinha released coffee scented postage stamps at the General Post Office,
Bengaluru.
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The stamps, which are being printed at the India Security Press, will be priced at Rs. 100.
Key facts:
In 2006, India introduced its first aromatic stamp, with a Rs. 15 sandalwood-scented stamp where 30
lakh of these sold out within two weeks.
In 2007, rose-scented stamps were released in four varieties of flower- Jawahar, Neelam, Delhi
Princess and Bhim- each priced at Rs. five and a jasmine fragrance in 2008.
The Paths We Walk
A Documentary Photo exhibition called The Paths We Walk was inaugurated in New Delhi.
Key facts:
The exhibition has been organized by the National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment in collaboration with Society for Child Development.
The Documentary photo exhibition is intended to tackle negative myths of disability and employment of
persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability and Multiple Disabilities.
The month of April is celebrated across the World as the World Autism Awareness Month.
The National Trust has been organizing conferences and events during the months to create awareness
and celebrate diversity.
Topic : General Administration, Govt., Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities
Solve a problem, win 1 crore
The Centre is set to launch a scheme for students from higher educational institutions to volunteer to offer
innovative and practical solutions to problems facing the country,
And get them rewarded for their efforts.
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Key facts:
The scheme will be called IDEAS, or Innovations for Development of Efficient and Affordable
Systems.
It is an initiative to challenge young minds with problems of society in general, to come up with
innovative, original, practical and economical solutions.
Topic : Latest Diary of Events, Records and Honours
Astronaut Peggy Whitson Spent Most Days In Space
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson has officially set the U.S. record for most cumulative days in space.
She set the record by surpassing the astronaut Jeff Williams record of 534 days.
Whitson also is the first woman to command the space station; she has commanded it twice.
She also holds the record for most spacewalks by a female astronaut.
PC Chandra Puraskaar 2017 for Nobel laureate
Nobel laureate and social activist Kailash Satyarthi has been presented the P.C. Chandra Purashkar
(award) for his global crusade against child slavery and exploitative child labour.
Veteran actor K. Viswanath wins Dadasaheb Phalke award for 2016
Filmmaker and actor Kasinadhuni Viswanath, has won the Dadasaheb Phalke award for the year
2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.
He was best known for his award-winning movies in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi.
He won the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Andhra Pradesh goverment has honoured him with 20 Nandi
awards.
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Newton film won the best film honor at Hong Kong International Film Festival
Bollywood film, Newton has won the best film honor at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
The leading cast in the film is Mr. Raj Kumar Rao. Amit Masurkar has directed this movie as a
complete political satire.
Australia to import Indian mangoes for first time
Indian mangoes will be imported to Australia for the first time after protocols were revised to allow
the Asian-grown fruit into the local economy.
The fruit would be allowed into Australia as long as they were treated with irradiation before leaving
India.
This meant that Australians would be able to enjoy the fruit long after the local season ended.
India is now 5th largest military spender
The report Trends in world Military expenditure, 2016 released Swedish think-tank Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
This report ranks countries based on their military spending.
About India:
India is now the worlds fifth largest spender on defence for 2016 after having moved up from the 7th
place following its largest annual military spending increase since 2009.
Key facts:
Our neighbor China is the second largest spender.

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The US is the top spender at $611 billion. Russia is third at $69.2 billion and Saudi Arabia fourth at $
63.7 billion.
Topic : New Terminology, Profile of States, National News
Northeast Indias largest IT hub - Tripura
Northeast Indias sixth and largest Information Technology (IT) hub was recently inaugurated in Tripura.
This IT hub would help to create employment opportunities for the IT educated youths and to further
extend the e-governance to the door step of people.
Topic : Defense, National and Terrorism
VARUNA 15 - Indo-French Naval Exercise
The Fourteenth edition of Indo-French naval exercise (VARUNA) started with the arrival of four
French naval ships at Goa.
Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat, destroyer Mumbai, stealth frigate Tarkash, guided missile frigate Gomati,
replenishment tanker Deepak, submarine Shankul and a few Fast Attack Craft are participating from the
Indian side.
This Exercise VARUNA includes the entire maritime operations from Aircraft Carrier Operations, Anti-
Submarines Warfare Exercises and Maritime Interdiction Operations to multi-ship replenishment
exercise.
Topic : Sports and Medals
101-year-old won sprinting gold medal at the World Masters Games in Auckland
During the World Masters Games at Auckland, 101 year old Indian Sprinter Man Kaur won the
Gold medal in One woman 100m race.
Man Kaur crossed the line in 1min 14.58sec. It is almost 1min 4sec short of the women's world record for
the distance.
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Topic : Govt., Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities, General Administration
PM will Flag-off First UDAN Flight under RCS
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off the first UDAN flight under RCS on Shimla-
Delhi sector on 27th April, 2017.
Simultaneously, Prime Minister will also flag off the inaugural UDAN flights on Kadapa Hyderabad
and Nanded-Hyderabad sectors.
Key facts:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to providing air connectivity to currently underserved and
unserved airports.
To make air travel accessible to citizens in regionally important cities, the Ministry launched Ude
Deshka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) Regional Connectivity Scheme in October, 2016.
UDAN Scheme:
In this scheme, the flight will be priced at cost of rupees 2,500 for 1 hour flying in regional areas.
It also provides connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country.
The scheme should be operate for period of 10 years.
It will based on marketing mechanism.
This is a first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based

mechanism.
US Open Karate Championship - 16 medals for India
India won three Gold, two Silver and 11 Bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship held in
Las Vegas.
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Key facts:
Shaifali Agarwal, Abhishek Sengupta won a gold medal, a silver in two different individual events.
India also won a gold medal in the team event.
The other Indian team were Abhishek Sengupta, Rantej Singh, Harcharan Singh Chowhan and Shaifali
Agarwal were trained under Sensei Kalsi.
Topic : Profile of States, National News, Mass media Communication
Haryana's Ballabhgarh renamed as Balramgarh
Haryana Government announced that Ballabhgarh would be renamed as Balramgarh.
And also announced a number of projects for the development of Ballabhgarh and NIT Faridabad
Assembly constituencies.
The government had earlier renamed Gurgaon as Gurugram and Mewat as Nuh.
Indias Srishti Kaur won Miss Teen Universe pageant
Srishti Kaur from India has been selected as Miss Teen Universe 2017, among 25 other contestants
from around the world in the annual beauty pageant.
Samantha Pierre from Canada and Ary Trava from Mexico were the runners-up in this event.
Topic : India and its Neighbour countries
Chinas first home built Aircraft Carrier launched
China launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier into the open water in Dailan, a port city in
Chinas Liaoning Province.
Key facts:
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This new carrier aircraft will have a displacement of 50,000 tonnes, which means that this Type 001-A
will be mid-sized carrieer.
This is significantly smaller than the super-carriers operated by the U.S. which are above 70,000 tonnes.
18th World Road Meeting (WRM 2017) hosted by India
The International Road Federation (IRF) announced that India will host the 18th World Road Meeting
(WRM 2017).
This meeting will be held on November 13, 2017.
The Theme of World Road Meeting (WRM 2017) : Safe Roads and Smart Mobility : The Engines of
Economic Growth.
Key facts:
The WRM will provide an important platform for potential investors to partner and participate in the
immmense opportunities that are made available in India.
In addition, it will also provide a platform for sharing cutting edge research, best practices and
experiences from around the globe.
Indian City got Pierre Lenfant International Planning excellence award-2017
Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to won the Pierre Lenfant International Planning
excellence award given by the American Planning Association (APA).
Smart city Bhubaneswar has been chosen for the award for its good and advanced town planning and
engaging its residents in the planning process.
Key facts:
48 | P a g e
Pierre "Peter" Charles L'Enfant was a French-born American architect and civil engineer.
He was best known for designing the layout of the streets of Washington.
The American Planning Association (APA) has created an award named in L'Enfant's honor which
recognizes excellence in international planning.
Topic : Defense, National Security
Agni III Ballistic Missile test fired
India successfully test fired the 3,000-kilometer range Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam
Island off Odisha coast.
The missile has a strike range of 3000 km to 5000 km and is capable of carrying both conventional and
nuclear warheads upto 1.5 tonnes.
Topic : Profile of States, General Administration, Latest Diary of Events
Fifteen public holidays cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh government cancelled 15 public holidays in educational institutions that
commemorated the birth and death anniversaries of eminent personalities.
The decision was taken by the states cabinet during its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath.
Indian businessman won Queen's Enterprise Award
Indian businessman's food processing plant in Britain has won the Queen's Enterprise Award 2017
for its exceptional contribution to the UK's trade, industry and economy.
Yusuff Ali M.A. is an Indian businessman from Nattika in Thrissur district of Kerala.
He is the Managing Director of Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMKE LuLu Group of companies
49 | P a g e
About this Award:
The Queen's Award for Enterprise is conferred annually by Queen Elizabeth II on her birthday.
This awards given in the recognition of businesses that display great enterprise across the fields of
innovation, international trade, promoting opportunity through social mobility and sustainable
development.
Vani Jairam - Ghantasala national award
Playback singer Vani Jairam was selected for the Ghantasala national award instituted by the
Ghantasala National Art Academy
She is known in the North as Meerabai for her rendition of songs sung by the medieval poet in praise of
Lord Krishna.
About this award:
The award was instituted in the memory of the legendary singer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao who
ruled the cinema for over three decades the Telugu world.
Topic : Indias Foreign Policy
India & Cyprus signed four agreements
India and Cyprus signed four agreements during delegation-level talks headed by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.
Agreements signed between two countries:
Co-operation in the field of Executive programme on Culture, Education and Scientific Research for
the year 2017 2020.
Co-operation in the field of Agriculture for the period 2017-2018.
50 | P a g e
Co-operation in the area of Merchant shipping.
Co-operation in the area of boost air services between the two countries.
Some special events:
Ansastasiades confered Cypruss highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios
III, on President Pranab Mukherjee.
A safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries
Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) developed the nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries.
These batteries are made up of three-dimensional Zn sponge.
These batteries replaces the normally or traditionally used powdered zinc anode or positively charged
electrode in the batteries.
Background:
Previous zinc-based rechargeable batteries suffer from a major drawback.
Repeated cycles of charging and discharging cause zinc atoms to pile up on one of the electrodes.
That causes the growth of dendrites, tiny zinc spears that can pierce other parts of the battery,
causing it to short-circuit and fail.
Benefits of Ni-Zn batteries:
With Zn, the battery provides an energy content and rechargeability.
Zinc-nickel battery provides nearly the same electrical jolt, but not the fire risk of Li-ion cells.
51 | P a g e
Topic : National, Profile of State, Latest Diary of Events
First-ever athletics meet for transgender persons in India
The first ever Athletics meet for Transgender persons organized by the Kerala government at
Trivandrums Central Stadium.
The first-of-its-kind tournament saw them taking part in popular track and field events such as sprint,
relay race, shot put and long jump.
India won 6 medals in 2nd leg of Asian Grand Prix Atheletics Meet
India won six medals in the second leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in Jiaxing, China.
Key facts:
Neena Varakil won the Gold Medal in womens long jump.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the Silver Medal.
Manpreet Kaur won the Silver Medal in womens Shot put.
Dutee Chand won the Silver Medal in Womens 100 metre Race.
Tintu Luka won the Silver Medal in the Womens 800 metre race.
Om Prakash Karhana won the Bronze Medal in Mens Shot put.
India had won seven medals, including a gold and 4 silver in the first leg.
52 | P a g e
TNPSC Free Video Classes:
https://tnpsc.academy/tnpsc-videos/
TNPSC Daily Online Test in Tamil & English:

https://www.tnpsc.academy/tnpsc-online-
test-daily-quiz/
TNPSC Current Affairs in Tamil & English:

https://tnpsc.academy/current-affairs/
TNPSC Current Affair Quick Notes:

https://tnpsc.academy/tnpsc-quick-notes/
Download TNPSC Monthly Current Affair

Compilation in PDF:
https://tnpsc.academy/current-
affairs/download-tnpsc-current-affairs-
compilation-in-pdf/
53 | P a g e
TNPSC Exams Preparation Strategy:
https://tnpsc.academy/preparation-strategy/
54 | P a g e

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TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

About this Scheme:

Project Saksham is the name given to CBECs IT Infrastructure Project.

Topic : History Profile of States, National

Hyderabad get 1 GBPS internet speed

Fibernet making this City into Indias first Giga City.

Topic : History Latest Diary of Events

El Salvador - first nation to ban on metal mining

El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Latin America.

Topic : History Awards and Honours

AP Chief Minister selected for India and US Business Council Award

He will receive the award in California on May 2017.

Topic : History Persons in News, New Appointments, Who is who?

First Transgender Sub inspector of police in India

Topic : Political Science General Administration, Profile of States, National

Tamil Nadu replaces Ration card with Smart card

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana was launched by the government.

It was launched in District Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.

Aim of the Scheme:

In-situ Upgradation of Plain Powerlooms.

Group Workshed Scheme (GWS).

Yarn Bank Scheme.

Common Facility Centre (CFC).

Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme for Powerloom Weavers.

Solar Energy Scheme for Power looms.

Topic : History Latest Diary of Events, Places in News

Topic : Political Science Indias Foreign Policy

India and Malaysia signed 7 agreements

Agreements between India and Malaysia:

Proposed development of a urea and ammonia manufacturing plant in Malaysia.

Cooperation in the field of sports through the exchange of sportspersons, etc.

Topic : History Sports and Honours

PV Sindu won India Open Super Series 2017

Topic: History India and its Neighbours

SASECs 7th Member Myanmar

About Myanmar partnership:

Topic : History New Appointments, Who is Who?, Persons in News

New Chief Justice of Madras High Court

She will sworn in as Chief Justice on April 5.

She was born on September 24, 1957.

Topic : Science Science and Technology, Space

Cassinis Grand Finale

Cassini is an unmanned spacecraft sent to study Saturn by the NASA.

Cassini was launched on October 15, 1997.

What does this final mission involve?

It will get the closest look ever at Saturns outer rings.

Topic : History Indias Cultural Panorama

Padayani festival was recently celebrated in Kerala.

About the festival:

A ceremonial dance involving masks, it is an ancient ritual performed in Bhagavati temples.

The dance is performed in honor of Bhadrakaali.

New tree-living crab species found in Kerala

About this species:

Topic : History Latest Diary of Events

Doctors artwork finds place in Guinness Book

This painting is titled Ray of Hope.

Topic : History Latest Diary of Events, Appointments

MS Dhoni named CEO of Gulf Oil for one day

He took charge of Gulf Oil India at the Mumbai head office.

Topic : History Sports and Honours

Topic : Indias Foreign Policy, India and its Neighbours

MoU between India and Bangladesh

Benefits of this MoU: