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1. A team of scientists from Harvard University (United States) has created a unique bionic leaf that uses sunlight (solar energy) to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen and hydrogen-eating bacteria to produce liquid fuels from CO2. This artificial photosynthesis device has been dubbed bionic leaf 2.0. The new system can convert solar energy to biomass with 10% efficiency. Its efficiency is much higher than the 1% seen in the fastest growing plants. Scientists had used a new cobalt-phosphorous alloy catalyst for this experiment in order to increase efficiency. The catalyst chemical design allows the system to self-heal i.e. doesn’t allow material to leech into solution. Significance: This artificial photosynthesis system can be used to generate usable fuels. This artificial leaf use solar power to split water and make hydrogen fuel.

2. Assam Assembly has passed Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2016 to facilitate ease of doing business in the state. The bill seeks to attract fresh investment in the state through an easy computerised clearance system. Key Facts The bill has the provision for speedy processing of applications and issue of clearances for setting up industries. The basic aim of the bill is to create an investment-friendly environment for economic development of the state. The bill provides for establishing a bureau under the name of Assam Bureau of Investment Promotion for the purpose of overall supervision and administration of the speedy processing of applications and issue of various clearances.

3. American boxing icon Muhammad Ali passed away after 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 74. He was former three times world heavyweight champion (1964, 1974 and 1978) who had record-setting boxing career, which had made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century. He was also known globally for his civil rights activism. About Muhammad Ali Born as Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, US. He had started his boxing career at young age of 12 years. In 1964, at the age of 22 he had won the world heavyweight championship from Sonny Liston. In 1975, he had converted to Sunni Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. 30 years later began adhering to Sufism. In 1967, he was stripped of his boxing title after refusing to be conscripted into US military, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to American involvement in the Vietnam War and was convicted. Later in 1971, US Supreme Court overturned his conviction. His actions as a conscientious objector to the war made him an icon for the larger counterculture generation. In boxing career, he was nicknamed The Greatest, and was involved in several historic boxing matches. Some of his notable matches were the first Liston fight, three with rival Joe Frazier, and one with George Foreman, in which he regained titles that were stripped in 1967. Honours: Sports Illustrated had crowned him as “Sportsman of the Century” and BBC had named him as “Sports Personality of the Century”. Books: He had written several best-selling books about his career including The Greatest: My Own Story and The Soul of a Butterfly.

4. India and Singapore have agreed to enhance the scale of existing bilateral military interaction and decided to expand the interaction between the armed forces. Decision in this regard, was taken at inaugural Singapore-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD). The Dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his Singapore counterpart Dr. Ng Eng Hen. Besides, both ministers issued a joint statement after the meeting to strongly condemned terrorism and renewed their commitment to cooperation in counter terrorism efforts. It also emphasised the importance of safeguarding maritime security in international waterways. Both countries also agreed cooperation between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Singapore research agency on research-oriented projects. They also agreed to collaborate between industries under ‘Make in India’ initiative. India and Singapore had signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2003 which was revised in 2015. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore in November 2015, defence cooperation was identified as a key sector under the India-Singapore Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. In May 2016, both countries also had convened the first meeting of their Defence Industry Working Group. In it both sides agreed to set up industry level working mechanisms to foster cooperation in aerospace, electronics and other areas of mutual interest.

5. In recently released 2015 Good Country Index (GCI), India has been placed at 70th position in the list of 163 countries. The list has been topped by Sweden as the best country in the world when it comes to serving the interests of its people and contributing to the common good of humanity. Key facts Top 10 Countries in 2015 GCI: Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Canada, France, Austria and New Zealand. Libya was ranked as the least good country in the world in 2015 GCI. Indian Scenario: Ranked 70th position in the list. India’s best ranking (27th) was in ‘international peace and security’ parameter of index and was the worst (124th) in ‘prosperity and equality’. India stood at 37th position in health and wellbeing and 62nd in science and technology. It was placed at 119th position in culture, 106th position in climate and 100th position in world order. About Good Country Index (GCI) The biannual index founded by Simon Anholt, a British government adviser with an aim is to find ways of encouraging countries to collaborate and co-operate more, and compete less. The index seeks to measure how countries contribute to the global good. Methodology: The index measure each country’s contribution to the common good of humanity and what it takes away, relative to its size The countries are ranked by taking 35 different UN and World Bank indices into account, including global contributions to science, peace and security, culture, climate change, health and equality.

6. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation has been nominated as a candidate to be a new member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She is the first Indian woman to be nominated to the IOC and is being considered in the category of volunteers who represent the IOC and Olympic Movement in their country. If she gets elected at the IOC Session scheduled from August 2 to 4, 2016 at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro, she will become the first Indian woman to be on the apex sporting body. Sir Dorabji Tata was the first Indian representative in the IOC while Raja Randhir Singh was a member from 2000-2014 and is currently a honorary member of the IOC. Nita Ambani spearheads all sports initiatives of Reliance Industries’, notably cricket, football, kabaddi, basketball, tennis and golf either through company, foundation or its joint ventures. About International Olympic Committee (IOC) The IOC is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement headquartered at Lausanne, Switzerland. It shepherds success through a wide range of programmes and projects. It acts as a catalyst for collaboration between all parties of the Olympic family It ensures the regular celebration of the Olympic Games, supports all affiliated member organisations of the Olympic Movement and strongly encourages, by appropriate means, the promotion of the Olympic values.

7. India and Tunisia have signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for co-operation in Information Technology (IT) and promotion of traditional handicrafts. These MoUs were signed in the presence of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid in Tunis. Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari visited Tunisia on the final leg of his two- nation trip after visiting Morocco. Key facts MoU on traditional handicraft promotion: Under it, both countries will promote each other’s traditional handicraft. MoU in IT sector: Under it, both countries will increase mutual cooperation in the IT and related sectors, including digital economy Besides singing MoUs, both countries also decided to enhance co-operation in counter terrorism. Discussion on bilateral ties focused on economic partnership and adding new areas of collaboration in IT and education were also held. India also appreciated Tunisia’s support to India’s candidature to the expanded United Nations Security Council.

8. Asia’s largest annual security forum Shangri-La Dialogue was inaugurated in Singapore to talk about security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum has been organised by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The three day event will be attended by at least 20 Defence Ministers from Asia-Pacific countries including India represented by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Key facts Territorial disputes in the South China Sea, North Korea’s military provocations and Islamist extremism, migration, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and military competition are expected to dominate discussions this year. The dialogue gathers military representatives from world’s most powerful countries to discuss pressing and significant defence and security issues. It also provides opportunities to defence ministers, military chiefs and high-ranking defence officials to hold bilateral meetings on its sidelines. The dialogue is also attended by legislators, academic experts, journalists and business delegates from around the globe. It generally acts as a vehicle for public policy development and discussions on defence and security in the Asia-Pacific. Background The IISS Asia Security Summit was launched in 2002 by the Singaporean government and British think tank the International Institute for Strategic Studies. This annual dialogue got its name from the location of the meeting, the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore.

9. The New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS countries is set to issue its first yuan-denominated bonds to finance sustainable development projects. The NDB’s first five-year yuan-denominated bonds (or green bonds) will be issued after receiving a rating from international ratings agencies as well as getting authorities’ approval. Further, the NDB plans to release more bonds in local currencies including in Indian Rupee if the bank’s board and local authorities endorse the project plans The Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB) has been founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). It is headed by eminent Indian banker K V Kamath. The bank plans to finance sustainable development projects in the emerging markets and developing countries. It announced its first batch of loans on April 2016, providing US $300 million to Brazil, US $81 million to China, US $250 million to India and US $180 million to South Africa.

10. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched a DND (do not disturb) services mobile application for telecom subscribers to register their complaints against pesky calls and SMSes. The new mobile app will help people in easily filing complaints and help the authority in monitoring such activities. Key Features of DND app The DND services mobile app is an easy alternative for filing pesky calls and SMS complaints. The app is available on Android and will be soon launched for Apple compatible iOS. It will also ease filing of complaints and also help us in monitoring action taken by telecom operators on complaints. Thus, help to tighten the noose on telemarketers. It will show SMS in a list form and mobile numbers from the source. Customers just need to click on the check box to select such SMSes or calls and then report option to file complaint. As per rule, Trai has mandated all telecom operators to disconnect telephone numbers from which a pesky call or SMS has originated on receipt of the first complaint Earlier, subscribers had option of filing complaint by forwarding SMS to 1909 which they received from telemarketers and mention mobile number from which they have received it along with date of receiving.

11.India and United States (US) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join the global terror database maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) of US. Under this MoU, both sides will give each other access to terrorism screening information through designated contact points, subject to domestic laws and regulations. The real time exchange of intelligence on terror would enhance the counter terrorism cooperation between India and the US TSC is a multi-agency organisation administered by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which consolidates several terrorist watch lists maintained by different US government agencies into single terrorist database on terror suspects. It has details of 11,000 terror suspects on its database, including nationality, photos, finger prints (if any), date of birth and passport number. So far US has finalised such agreements with 30 countries. Comment By signing this MoU, India has formally entered into the US Homeland Security Presidential Directive-6 (HSPD-6). It will enable India to access ‘unclassified biographic information of known and suspected terrorists’ maintained by the US on a reciprocal basis. Background The proposal in this regard was initially made by the US in 2012, but had made little progress due to objections raised by Indian security agencies. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) had opposed giving the US unhindered access to the database of terror suspects in India.

12. Senior IPS officer Navin Agarwal was appointed Director General (DG)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEP) of National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). His appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has been appointed to the post for five years. Navin Agarwal is a 1986 batch IPS officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre. Prior to this appointment he was working in his cadre state J&K. About National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) NADA was set up as registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1890 in November 2005 with a mandate for Dope free sports in India. It is national organization responsible for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring doping control program in sports in all its forms. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The primary objectives of NADA are: Implement anti-doping rules as per World Anti-Doping Code, Regulate dope control programme, Promote education and research and Create awareness about doping and its ill effects.

13. Odisha became the first state in the country to give transgender people social welfare benefits – such as a housing, pension and food grains. This move seeks to give the transgender community in the state same benefits as those living below the poverty line (BPL) in order to improve their overall social and economic status. Benefits to transgender community Members of the transgender community will be given BPL cards that will allow them to access benefits under various government welfare programmes. Henceforth they will get benefits such as free housing, pensions loans to start up their own businesses and 100 days of paid work annually. They would also be entitled 5 kg of food grains every month under National Food Security Act.

14. India has joined the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), a global ballistic missile proliferation regime. India has joined the Code highlighting its readiness to further strengthen global non-proliferation objectives. However, India has made it clear that it will not have any impact on the national security as well as country’s missile programmes. What is Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC)? The HCoC is a voluntary, legally non-binding international confidence building and transparency measure that seeks to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It was established on 25 November 2002 as a result of international efforts to regulate access to ballistic missiles which can potentially deliver WMDs The HCOC does not ban ballistic missiles, but it calls for restraining their production, testing, and export. It is the only normative instrument to verify the spread of ballistic missiles. Ballistic Missile: It is a missile with a high, arching trajectory which is initially powered and guided, but falls under gravity on to its target. Most of its trajectory is unpowered and governed by gravity and air resistance if it is in the atmosphere. In contrasts, cruise missiles are aerodynamically guided in powered flight.

15. The world’s longest and deepest railway tunnel Gotthard Base Tunnel was inaugurated in Switzerland. The full service of twin-bore tunnel will begin in December 2016. The Gotthard Base Tunnel is 57-kilometer long and connects northern and southern Europe and also shortens travel time for many rail routes. It has overtaken Japan’s Seikan tunnel, which measures 53.9 kilometers, as the longest rail tunnel in the world. Key Facts The twin-bore Gotthard Base Tunnel is the first flat low-level route through the Alps Mountain and is situated 2.3 km deep under the Alps. It was built in 17 years by 2,400 workers, at a cost of over 12 billion dollars as a part of the AlpTransit project, also known as New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA). The project consists of two single-track tunnels connecting Erstfeld (Uri) with Bodio (Ticino) and passing below Sedrun (Graubünden). The construction of the tunnel began in 1996 after 64% of Swiss voters in a 1992 referendum had accepted the AlpTransit project. The drilling operations in the eastern tunnel were completed in October 2010. Main purpose of the Gotthard Base Tunnel: (i) Increase total transport capacity across the Alps, especially for freight. (ii) Shift freight volumes from road to rail to reduce fatal crashes and environmental damage caused by ever-increasing numbers of heavy lorries. (iii) Provide a faster connection between northern and southern Europe, cutting journey time for passenger trains by about an hour.

16. India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States to enhance cooperation in energy security, clean energy and climate change. The MoU will boost energy ties between the two countries through increased bilateral engagement. Key Facts The objective of the MoU is to boost energy ties between the two countries through increased bilateral engagement and further joint initiatives. It intends to increase incentives for innovation including R&D and voluntary and mutually-agreed technology transfer, as well as the deployment of clean energy technologies. It also seeks to contribute to a global effort to curb the rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change. Under the MoU, the priority initiatives are US-India Energy smart Cities Partnership, greening the grid, promoting Energy Access through Clean Energy (PEACE) expansion. It also includes energy efficiency including space cooling, energy security, renewable energy, clean energy finance and US-India partnership for Climate Resilience etc.

17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) to make India disaster resilient and reduce loss of lives. The first of its kind of national plan is based on the four priority themes of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-30”. They are (i) Understanding disaster risk (ii) Improving disaster risk governance (iii) Investing in disaster risk reduction (through structural and non-structural measures) and (iv) Disaster preparedness, early warning and building back better in the aftermath of a disaster. Salient Features of the Plan The plan covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, response, mitigation and recovery. It provides for vertical and horizontal integration among all the Government agencies and departments. It also spells out the roles and responsibilities of all levels of Government right up to Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat level in a matrix format. The plan has a regional approach, which will be beneficial for disaster management and also for development planning. It has been designed in such a way that it can be implemented in all phases of disaster management in a scalable manner. The plan also identifies major activities such as early warning, medical care, information dissemination, fuel, search and rescue, transportation, evacuation, etc. to serve as a checklist for agencies responding to a disaster. It also provides a generalized framework for recovery and offers flexibility to assess a situation and build back better. It emphasizes on a greater need for Information, Education and Communication activities to prepare communities to cope with disasters. The plan incorporates provisions for strengthening disaster risk governance and lays down six thematic areas. They are integrated and mainstream disaster risk reduction, promoting participatory approach, capacity development, working with elected representatives, grievance redress mechanism and promoting quality standards, certification and awards for disaster risk management. Background The National Disaster Management Plan has been mandated Section 11 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. As per the Act, the national plan must lay down the guidelines for preparation of state-level disaster management plans as well as plans by each Central ministry and department.

18. The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the signing of MOU between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA) and the French Civil Aviation Authority – Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC). The MoU seeks to implement Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) for implementation and promotion of Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The TCP will be beneficial for enhancement of expertise and skills of DGCA’s officers. Implementation of the cooperation between the two parties for imparting training of technicians, engineers, managers etc. The MoU will also include any other subject that is relevant to the common DGAC and France’s DGCA areas of interest. For this purpose, both signatory parties will undertake to cooperate through the following actions: Exchange information concerning the various techniques used to reach the objectives. Send French instructors or experts to India for training missions Receive instructors or experts of India in France for training missions.

19. Dr. R Seetharaman, Group CEO of Doha Bank, has been honoured with the 2016 Green Economy Visionary Award. He has been awarded with this award for his contribution in environment-friendly activities and thereby promoting green economy for nearly two decades. The award was bestowed upon him by Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of Union of Arab Banks at the 2016 Union of Arab Banks (UAB) International Banking Summit held in Rome. About Dr. R Seetharaman In 2015, business magazine Forbes had ranked Seetharaman sixth in the Forbes’ Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World 2015 list. R Seetharaman is a recipient of multiple doctorates, first in Global Governance from the European University (2013) and the second in Green Banking and Sustainability from Sri Sri University (2015). He also has received an honorary degree (Doctorate of Laws) from the Washington College. He was named CEO of Doha Bank in September 2007. Since then, he has overseen the bank’s expansion from its base in Qatar to the UAE, India, Singapore and China and other countries. Doha Bank was incorporated in 1978 and commenced its banking business including its International Banking services in Doha, Qatar in March 1979.

20. Rahul Johri took charge as first ever chief executive officer (CEO) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The appointment and creation of post of BCCI CEO was based on the lines of key recommendations of the three-member Justice RM Lodha Committee. As a CEO, Mr. Johri will directly report to the BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke and shall have freedom to work independently in BCCI’s set-up that was traditionally controlled by honorary office-bearers. He will be responsible for the smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management of BCCI and also build robust strategies for further promoting the sport of cricket. About Rahul Johri Prior to this appointment, he was working as Asia Pacific’s Executive Vice-President for Discovery Networks and General Manager (GM) for South Asia. He has rich experience of 20 plus years in the media industry and is widely respected in the broadcasting industry for converting Discovery to a 11-channel bouquet. He was associated with Discovery Networks for the last 15 years and was leading its South Asia operations for the past 8 years.

21. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United States (US) to enhance cooperation in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking. With this approval, India will benefit from the expertise of the US Institutions in the field of (i) Wildlife conservation (ii) Combating illegal trade of wildlife and their derivatives (iii) Management of wildlife areas. The MoU seeks cooperation in the following areas Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics: it will be useful in the efforts of species conservation and better scientific evidence collection in wild life crimes that will lead to better enforcement. Natural World Heritage Conservation: Facilitate the existing institutional capacity of UNESCO Category-two centre at Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Nature Interpretation and Conservation Awareness: Use of information technology (IT) to strengthen interface of forest managers with the people for sensitising them especially the children and youth in understanding complex issues of conservation of biodiversity. Background India and US are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Both countries also have established a network of Protected Areas in their respective territories. As both countries similarities in the field of wildlife conservation and combating wildlife trafficking there is common scope for them to share professional expertise to address priority in this field and the MoU would provide a convenient platform for collaboration.

22. World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year across the world on 31 May. This day highlights the health risks associated with consumption all forms of tobacco and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. 2016 Theme: “World No Tobacco Day – Get ready for plain packaging”. The theme seeks to highlight this new trend packing trend in global efforts to control tobacco products, which kill almost 6 million people annually. What is Plain Packing? Plain packaging of tobacco products prohibits or restricts the use of logos, brand images, colours and promotional information on packaging other than brand and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style. How plain packaging works? Plain packaging reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products. It restricts tobacco advertising and promotion. It kills the glamour, which is appropriate for a harmful product that kills people. It limits misleading labelling and packaging. It increases the effectiveness of health warnings. Plain packaging has been recommended in WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) guidelines as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco control. Australia was the first country to fully implement plain packaging in 2012. France and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland also have started implementation of plain packaging from May 2016. Background In 1988, World Health Assembly of WHO had passed a resolution calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on May 31. Since then, the WHO has supported World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) every year, linking each year to a different tobacco-related theme. WNTD is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the WHO.

23. Legendary Oscar winning Indian music composer A R Rahman was awarded Japan’s Fukuoka prize for the year 2016. He has been conferred with this award in the Grand Prize category for his outstanding contribution towards creating, preserving and showcasing South Asian traditional fusion music. Besides, Philippines’ historian Ameth R Ocampo and Pakistani singer Yasmeen Lari have also won the 2016 Fukuoka prize in Academic and Arts and Culture categories respectively.

24. Admiral Sunil Lanba (58) took charge as Chief of the Naval Staff. He will be 23rd chief of Indian Navy and 21st as an Indian. He succeeded Admiral Robin K. Dhowan who will superannuate from the post. He shall hall have full three-year-term in office till 31 May 2019. About Sunil Lanba Prior to this appointment, he was Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command. He is a specialist in Navigation and Direction and an alumnus of National Defense Academy (NDA) and Defence Services Staff College He has very rich staff and operational experience over a career spanning more than three decades with the Indian Navy. Important Assignments: He was commissioned into the Executive Branch of Indian Navy in 1978. He has served as Navigating Officer of INS Dunagiri (Frigate) and INS Sindhudurg (Corvette). He also had commanded four frontline warships namely, INS Kakinada (Minesweeper), INS Ranvijay, INS Himgiri (Frigate) and INS Mumbai (Destroyers). He also had held important staff assignments such as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet and Chief of Staff, Southern and Eastern Naval Commands. He also had been the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area, Flag Officer Sea Training, Commandant at National Defence College and Vice Chief of Naval Staff. Awards and Honours: For his distinguished service of an exceptionally high order, was awarded with the Param Vishist Seva Medal and Athi Vishist Seva Medal.

25. Noted Kannada writer and language activist D Javare Gowda passed away due to heart failure in Mysuru, Karnataka. He was 101. He was popularly known as De Ja Gow and was a disciple of famous Kannada poet K V Puttappa.

26. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has 2016 Monaco Grand Prix title of Formula One. It was the sixth round of the 2016 season and was held at the Circuit de Monaco. It is Lewis Hamilton’s first title of the season.

27. Indian Railways has conducted the first ever trial run for high-speed Talgo trains of Spain on the 90-km Bareilly-to-Moradabad stretch in Uttar Pradesh. It was the first phase of the trail run and was conducted as part of the Indian Railways’ strategy to increase the speed of trains. Trail Run The first phase of trial run was conducted t speeds between 80 KMPH and 115 KMPH (km per hour) by a joint team of the Railway Design Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Spanish train manufacturer Talgo. It consisted of nine-coach Talgo train hauled by a 4500 HP diesel engine. The train covered 90-km distance in 1 hour 10 minutes. In the second and third phase, Indian Railway’s is going to conduct trail run on Mathura-Palwal (Rajdhani) route and Mumbai-Delhi route respectively to test the riding, safety and stability of Talgo trains. Key features of Talgo train Talgo trains are lighter and faster with speed up to 115 KMPH. They are designed to run on curves tracks without decelerating the speed. They consume 30 percent less energy. The 9 coach Talgo train consists of 2 Executive Class cars, 4 Chair Cars, 1 cafeteria, 1 power car and tail-end coach for staff and equipment. Talgo: It is a Madrid-based Spanish leading manufacturer of energy-efficient semi-high speed (160-250 kmph) and high-speed (350 kmph) passenger trains.

28. Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar a state-of-the-art submarine assembly workshop at the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The inauguration is considered as a major step towards self-sufficiency in the area of submarine construction for the Indian Navy.

29. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully deployed the first experimental inflatable room attached to the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental inflatable room dubbed as BEAM (Bigelow Expandable Activity Module) was deployed after it was successfully expanded and pressurized. Key facts The inflatable room BEAM has been built by Nevada Company Bigelow Aerospace. It will be attached to the ISS for a two-year test and is the first such habitat to hold humans in orbit. It is made up of aluminium and soft fabric which expands in space. It is light weight and also takes minimal space. It creates place for astronauts to live and work. It is 4 metres long and 3.2 metres in diameter with 16 cubic metres of interior volume when fully expanded. Its 2 year orbital test is intended to pave the way towards the use of such habitable rooms for long space trips, including to Mars and Moon.

30. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has won the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is their maiden IPL title. In the final match played at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore (Karnataka), SRH defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by eight runs. SRH had won the toss in final summit and had chosen to bat first. Batting first, SRH had set the target of 209 runs to their opponent team. However the RCB failed to reach the target score. It should be noted that RCB has lost 3 finals after they were defeated in finals of 2009 and 2011 editions. Brief score: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 208-7 in 20.0 Overs (David Warner 69, Yuvraj Singh 38, Ben Cutting 39*, Sreenath Arvind 2-30, Chris Jordan 3-45) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) 200-7 in 20.0 Overs (Chris Gayle 76, Virat Kohli 54, Ben Cutting 2-35) by 8 runs. Man of the Match: Ben Cutting (SRH).

31. Vice-Admiral A R Karve took charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC). Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the Chief of Personnel at IHQ MoD (Navy), at Delhi. He will succeed Vice Admiral Girish Luthra who has been appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

32. The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was observed on 29 May 2016 to honour the work of UN peacekeepers. Significance of Day 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. 2016 theme: “Honouring Our Heroes”. On this day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presided over a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the nearly 3,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. The UN Postal Administration (UNPA) also issued a set of six new stamps for the occasion. Background United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated May 29 as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers by passing Resolution 57/129 in December 2002. The May 29 marks the anniversary of creation of United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in 1948. It was established to monitor the ceasefire after the Arab-Israeli War 1948, which was the first ever peacekeeping mission under the UN flag. The day was designated on official request of the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and Government of Ukraine to the UNGA. It was first celebrated in 2003.

33. Discus thrower Seema Punia has qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August 2016. She is the 19th Indian track and field athlete to qualify for Rio Olympics. Seema was able to qualify after throwing discus at 62.62 meters at the Pat Young’s Throwers Classic 2016 event held at Salinas (California) in the United States. She crossed the Rio Games qualification standard of 61meters with her season’s best effort of 62.62 meters and winning gold medal in the event. This will be Seema’s third Olympic Games appearance having taken part in 2004 and 2012 where she failed to get past the qualification round on both the occasions.

34. The Union Ministry of Power and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched India’s first integrated web portal designed to promote and mainstream Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) in India. The portal (www.nzeb.in) was launched by Secretary of Union Ministry of Power Pradeep Kumar Pujari and Ambassador Mr Jonathan Addleton, USAID Mission Director to India. Key features of Portal A first of its kind portal provides complete information about NZEB that generate as much energy as they use. It also helps to achieve near-zero energy status through the use of efficient lighting and equipment, best practice design strategies and integration of renewable energy technologies. In addition it also hosts the NZEB Alliance, an industry-wide body setup to drive the Indian markets toward highly energy-efficient buildings. It will also provide information for policymakers, architects, engineers, developers, sustainability consultants and academia.

35. Lakshadweep became first Union Territory (UT) in the counry to sign 24×7 Power for All document. The document was signed by representative of Union Government and administration of Lakshadweep. At present, 10 inhabited islands of Lakshadweep are mostly fed by diesel. The 24×7 Power for All document chalks out A plan to increase solar capacity from 2.15 MW to 8.45 MW of the island region. Envisions reduction of AT & C losses from current level of 21% to 6.7% till 2019 by increasing the collection efficiency up to 99%. As a part of energy efficiency measures, 1 lakh LED bulbs will be distributed by Lakshadweep UT administration through Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). Besides under UJALA programme incandescent lamps/CFL bulbs will be replaced with LED bulbs. Additionally, 3000 conventional street lights will be replaced with LED street lights. About Power for All programme Union Government has undertaken this programme as a joint initiative with respective State Governments for preparation of State specific documents. This document envisions for providing 24×7 power supply to all households /homes, commercial and industrial consumers and to Agricultural consumers as per state policy. So far, 22 States have signed the ’24×7 Power For All’ Documents.

36. Real Madrid FC won the 2016 UEFA Champions League for the record 11th time by defeating Atletico Madrid FC by 5-3 goals in penalty shootout. In the final played, both teams scored 1–1 goals in regulation period leading to draw. For the Real Madrid goal was scored by captain Sergio Ramos (15 minutes) and for Atletico Madrid was scored by Yannick Carrasco (79th minutes). In tie-breaker penalty shootout Real Madrid FC scored 5 goals against Atletico Madrid which scored only 3 goals. Earlier Real Madrid FC had won UEFA Champions League in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2014. About UEFA Champions League UEFA Champions League (simply known as the Champions League) is an annual continental club football competition organised by the UEFA. It is contested by top-division European club and is considered as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. It is also most prestigious club competition in European football, played by the national league champion and for some nations of each UEFA national association.

37. India and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities in biotechnology by launching a joint funding call. The MoU was signed between India’s BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and Horticulture Innovation Australia. Key facts The MoU seeks to stimulate and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry. The focus of the funding call is to undertake horticultural research in order to develop and deploy modern tools of plant biotechnology to improve crop productivity. The funding commitment from BIRAC and Horticulture Innovation is up to 6 million Australian dollars over a period of three years. BIRAC: It a PSU under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology. It seeks to stimulate and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry, particularly start-ups and SMEs, for the creation of affordable products addressing the needs of the largest section of society. Horticulture Innovation Australia (Hort Innovation): It is a not-for-profit, grower-owned R&D and marketing company for Australia’s horticulture industry. It works collaboratively with industry, Australian government and the nation’s leading research institutions to deliver ground-breaking advancements in areas such as agri-technology, pest management, trade and industry promotion.

38. The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos at the Pokaran field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Test: During the flight trial, the missile met its mission goals and destroyed a designated target. Two squadrons of IAF already have been equipped with the land-attack version of the missile version (One squadron has about 70 to 80 missiles). IAF is deploying this version of the missile in the border areas to take out the enemy’s communication towers, runways, and radar in case of a conflict.

39. Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh has won the ‘India Biodiversity Award 2016’. The tiger reserve was selected in the conservation of threatened species category for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme. Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme The Programme is a joint collaboration of Ghora-Aabhe Society, Nature Conservation Foundation and the State Forest Department. Under it, urban citizens contribute money to protect hornbill nests around Pakke Tiger Reserve. The programme has been a major step towards conservation of four hornbill species that are found in the adjoining areas of the reserve. Besides, Hong Niitii, Lower Subansiri has been awarded under category IV Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) award. About India Biodiversity Award The awards recognise the contribution of a range of stakeholders towards the conservation of biodiversity. It is given in four categories viz. Conservation of Threatened Species, Sustainable use of biological resources, Successful models for access and benefit sharing and Biodiversity Management Committees. It is joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development programme (UNDP). The winner in each category will receive a cash prize of 1 lakh rupees while the runners up receive 50,000 rupees.

40. Mamata Banerjee was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for second successive five-year term at oath taking ceremony held on Red Road. State Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi administered her oath of office and secrecy along with the 42 ministers of her government. Mamata Banerjee is eighth chief minister of West Bengal and the first CM of the state. About Mamata Banerjee Born on 5 January 1955 in Kolkata, West Bengal. She had started her political career in the Congress party when she was only 15. She had founded All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC or TMC) party in 1997 after separating from the Indian National Congress. In 2011, she became first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal after TMC Congress alliance had emerged victorious in 2011 general election. In the 2011 election, TMC Congress alliance had defeated 34-year-old Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front government, the longest-serving democratically-elected communist government in the world. She also had served as the Union Minister of Railways twice and was the first woman Railway Minister of India. She also had served as Union Minister of Coal and Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Department of Youth Affairs.

41. The Union Government has given its final approval to setting up of National Investment & Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) in Kalinganagar, Odisha. It will come up on a massive area of 163 square kilometres and on completion will be the third NIMZ of India. For execution NIMZ project, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved fund of Rs. 4241 crore. Of this total amount, estimated Rs. 3816 crore will be invested for the first phase of the project which will be completed by 2020. NIMZ in Kalinganagar will create employment opportunities for around 1.5 lakh people. It will help Odisha grow as a manufacturing hub and also help Paradip port’s growth. About National Investment & Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) Under National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), Union Government in 2014 had announced to set up 16 NIMZs to boost manufacturing sector. Till 2013-14, 16 NIMZs were set up, 8 of them are along the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). NMP aims to enhance the share of manufacturing sector in GDP to 25% and create 100 million employment opportunities over a decade.

42. Barack Obama became the first incumbent US president to visit Hiroshima memorial, site of the world’s first atomic bombing dropped on August 6, 1945. He paid tribute to the 140,000 people killed by the world’s first atomic bomb attack and laid wreath at Hiroshima nuclear memorial. In the guest book of the memorial President Obama wrote “We have known the agony of war. Let us now find the courage, together, to spread peace, and pursue a world without nuclear weapons.” However President Obama did not officially apologize for the attack, which is viewed by many in the US as having hastened the end of World War II and others have called it a war crime that targeted civilians.

43. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the reservation for Jats and five other communities provided by the Haryana government. The reservation for these communities was provided under a newly carved Backward Classes (C) category as per provisions of Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2016. The court gave its ruling on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the above Act which was passed unanimously by the Haryana Assembly in March 2016. The five other communities which were provided reservation under the Act were Jat Sikhs, Bishnois, Muslim Jats, Rors and Tyagis. They were entitled to 10 per cent reservation in government services and also admission to educational institutions. Earlier the Supreme Court also had ruled that Jats could not be treated as backward, the state assembly had no right to pass the law. However, the Supreme Court, in the case of Ram Singh and others versus the Union of India, held that Jats were not backward socially, educationally and politically. Comment The Act provided 10 per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutions, and 6 per cent in Class I and II posts. It was provided in exclusion to the already notified 27 per cent quota for Other Backward Classes (Block ­A and B) and 10 per cent to Economically Backward (EB) Persons. Thus, it had violated the reservation ceiling of 50 per cent imposed by the Supreme Court.