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1. Indian Navy’s indigenously built most Advanced Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer ‘Mormugao’ was launched in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The bedecked ship was launched by Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba’s wife Reena at a function at Mazagaon Docks. Key Facts It has been Christened ‘Mormugao’ after the Mormugao port of Goa, the home State of Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The stealth vessel was built by government-run Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and belongs to Visakhapatnam class of ships being constructed under Project 15B. Mormugao has a displacement of 7,300 tonne with maximum speed of over 30 knots. It is fitted also with the Barak-8 long-range missiles. The vessel has been fitted with multi-mission radar for surveillance along with medium range air and surface surveillance radar and other advanced electronic warfare and decoys. It is equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine rocket launchers. It is also capable of carrying two anti-submarine warfare helicopters. What is Project 15B? Union Government in 2011 had sanctioned four 15B ships at the cost of 29,700 crore rupees to develop a class of stealth guided missile destroyers for the Indian Navy. The Project 15B missile destroyers are modern warships equipped with latest weapons package in continuation of lineage of the highly successful Delhi and Kolkata Class ships. The first ship of the project, guided-missile destroyer ‘Visakhapatnam’ was launched on April 20, 2015. Four more such stealth destroyers would be built and delivered by MDL during 2020-2024.

2. Union Government has chosen 105-year-old Kunwar Bai from Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari district as the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ mascot. PM Modi felicitated the old but spirited lady at a function held in New Delhi to mark ‘Swachhta Diwas’ on September 17, 2016 Key Facts She was recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building toilet by selling off her 8-10 goats to build two toilets at her home. Apart from that, she started showing other villagers the toilets at her home while educating them about its importance. She has also encouraged others from the village to build toilets Her efforts had help to make her village ‘open defecation free as very home in her village has toilets.

3. Indian Railways has launched Swachhta Saptah (Cleanliness Week) to mark the ‘Swachh Paryavaran Diwas’ (Clean Environment Day). The special nine-day (from 17 to 25 September 2016) long public cleanliness outreach programme was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi. Key Facts The objective behind the initiative is to spread wider awareness on sanitation and cleanliness in rail premises and make hygiene a habit amongst the travelling public. It also marks out the Railway’s commitment by recounting the initiatives taken under the ‘Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat Mission’ Each day of the cleanliness drive will be earmarking specific focus area for spruce-up, the cleanliness programme has certain defined thrusts. It will include Swachh Stations (Clean Stations), Swachh Neer (Clean Water), Swachh Rail Gaadi (Clean Train), Swachh Sahyog (Cleanliness Participation), Swachh Parisar (Clean Complex), Swachh Samvad (Cleanliness Dialogue), Swachh Samarpan (Dedication for ensuring Cleanliness), Swachh Aahar (Clean Food).

4. India and Nepal have signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for post-earthquake reconstruction, Road infrastructure in Tarai and Line of Credit. These agreements were inked during the four days (from 15 to 18 September 2016) official state visit of Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to India. MoUs signed are Dollar Credit line agreement: India will provide new LoC agreement for US 750 million dollars for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal. First Amendatory Dollar credit line agreement: It was signed between Government of Nepal and EXIM Bank to US 1 billion dollar Line of Credit (LoC) agreement signed in November 2014 for enabling reapportioning of unutilised funds for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal. MoU for Upgradation and Improvement of Road Infrastructure in Terai Area of Nepal: It was signed between Department of Roads, Postal Highway Project of Nepal and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for Project Management Consultancy Services.

5. Cricketers Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma were conferred with the Arjuna Award for their contributions to sport of cricket. The award was bestowed upon them by Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel in New Delhi. Sharma was bestowed with the award for the year 2015 and Rahane for the year 2016. Earlier, both were not able to receive awards from the President Pranab Mukherjee as they were participating in international tournaments. About Arjuna Award The award was was instituted in 1961. It is given by Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports It is bestowed upon sportsperson in recognition of their outstanding achievement in National sports. The award carries bronze statuette of Arjuna, a scroll and a monetary award of 5 lakh rupees.

6. The Gionee India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana government to set up its phone manufacturing hub in Faridabad. The MoU was signed by Gionee Mobiles Chairman Liu Lirong and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) in presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

7. The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed every year on September 16 for the preservation of the Ozone Layer. Significance of the Day: The day is commemoration of the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol was signed on substances that deplete the ozone layer. 2016 theme: “Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united”. The theme recognizes the collective efforts of the parties to the Montreal Protocol and Vienna Convention towards the restoration of the ozone layer over the past three decades and the global commitment to combat climate change. Background: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on December 19, 1994. What is Ozone Layer? The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may cause skin cancer. It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) in relation to other parts of the atmosphere. Stratospheric Ozone is not harmful, but its presence on land it is harmful. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer It is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out production of numerous Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) that are responsible for ozone depletion. It was agreed on 26 August 1987 in Montreal, Canada and entered into force on 26 August 1989. It was followed by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Due to its universality, this international agreement has helped in recovering the ozone hole in Antarctica. Under it production and consumption of key ODSs like chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), Methyl Chloroform, CTC halons and Methyl Bromide have been phased-out globally. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer It is a Multilateral Environmental Agreement that was agreed upon at the 1985 Vienna Conference and entered into force in 1988. It is one of the most successful treaties of all time in terms of universality. It has been ratified by 197 states (all UN members as well as the Niue, Holy See and the Cook Islands) as well as European Union. It acts as a framework for the international efforts to protect the ozone layer. These are laid out in the accompanying Montreal Protocol. However, it does not include legally binding reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the main chemical agents causing ozone depletion.

8. The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved projects worth 500 crore rupees for integrated development of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir under Swadesh Darshan scheme. The projects were approved by Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee for the scheme as part of Development Package of Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan. Key Facts The new projects are envisaged at tourist infrastructural development in Jammu and Kashmir. They include Baramulla-Kupwara-Leh, Mantalai – Sudhmahadev – Patnitop Circuit, Rajouri – Bafliyaz – Shopian – Pulwama Circuit and Anantnag-Kishtwar- Pahalgam – Daksum – Ranjit Sagar Dam Circuit. The projects also involve developing a Convention Centre in Gulmarg and Patnitop, development of Ethnic Villages, Development of Water Sports Centre at Baghliyar Dam – Pool Doda. Nearly 100 crore rupees have been approved for integrated development of tourist facilities in lieu of damaged assets in the September 2014 floods. Other major interventions proposed in the circuits include last mile connectivity, tourist facilitation and interpretation centre, base camps for trekking. Besides it will also facilitation centre for pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra, Sound and Light Show at Shalimar Bag, illumination of heritage structures, provision of eco friendly vehicles.

9. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft after studying Saturn, its rings and moons for more than 12 years, has entered in the final year of its epic voyage. In its epic voyage, the Cassini spacecraft will make the closest-ever observations of the planet. Beginning November 30, 2016 Cassini will make the closest-ever observations of Saturn. During the final voyage Cassini will be mapping the Saturn’s magnetic and gravity fields with exquisite precision. It will be returning ultra-close views of the Saturn’s atmosphere. Its orbit will be just past the outer edge of the main rings of Saturn. These orbits will be in a series of 20 which are called the F-ring orbits. Cassini will approach to within 7,800 kilometres of the centre of the narrow F ring with its peculiar kinked and braided structure during these weekly orbits. About Cassini–Huygens Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. It is a sophisticated robotic spacecraft orbiting the ringed planet and studying Saturnian system in detail. It is a joint endeavor of NASA, European Space Agency (ESA) and Italian space agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). Cassini is the 4th space probe to visit Saturn and the 1st to enter successfully in its orbit and its mission is ongoing as of 2016. Its design includes a Saturn orbiter (Cassini) and a lander (Huygens) for the moon Titan. They are named after astronomers Giovanni Cassini and Christiaan Huygens. The spacecraft was launched on 15 October 1997 aboard a Titan IVB/Centaur and it had entered orbit around Saturn on 1 July 2004. On 25 December 2004, Huygens lander had separated from orbiter and landed on Saturn’s moon Titan on 14 January 2005. This was the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System.

10. The meeting of BRICS Representatives in charge of security was held in New Delhi, India. It was hosted National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval. The meeting was attended by representatives in charge of security of BRICS nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Key Highlights BRICS nations underscored the demand for an international legal order to deal with the threat of terrorism. They agreed to intensify cooperation against terror groups like the Islamic State in West Asia and North Africa region (WANA). Highlighted the growing demand for “peace building” in the violence-torn region and focused on finding a political solution to the “outstanding issues” in the WANA region. Discuss counter-terrorism, energy security, cyber-security as well as other international and regional issues of common interest. China wants BRICS countries to play a bigger role in international and regional security issues, step up cooperation and coordination on major issues concerning security and contribute to peace, prosperity and stability of the world. About West Asia North Africa (WANA) region The WANA region is characterized by high population growth, low and erratic rainfall, limited arable land, and severely limited water resources. It comprises 27 countries with almost 600 million inhabitants with Morocco in west, Pakistan and Afghanistan in east, Turkey in north, and Ethiopia and Sudan in south. The region has been at conflict since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and notably after the creation of Israel. Besides this region has seen rise of terrorism, Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy conflict, conflict between Arabs and Berbers. It also has achieved its highest peaks at the 21st century in terms of security scenario such as US intervention of Iraq in 2003, rise of IS, Arab Spring that spread civil wars like situations in the whole region such as Syrian Civil War, Libyan Civil War, Iraq War and Yemeni Civil War.

11. India and Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support livelihood of the fishing and farming project to communities in Sri Lanka’s southern Hambantota district Under this project, India will provide fishing and farming communities equipment worth USD two million. Key Facts The project envisages gift of equipment and tools such as grub hoes, bicycles, life jackets and sewing machines to the fishing and farming communities in Hambantota district. It will be implemented on consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and relevant authorities. More than 75,000 people in the district will get direct benefit from the project. Part of the grant will be used for developing fisheries villages under a national programme.

12. The Union Government has banned agencies in possession of Aadhaar number to publish or post the information publicly to ensure that the details are not misused. In this regard, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has issued notification under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, benefits and services) Act, 2016. Key Facts These agencies will have to ensure security and confidentiality of the 12-digit resident identification number under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. The biometric information collected by UIDAI cannot be shared with anyone for any reason whatsoever. These agencies will also have been mandated to inform Aadhaar holders the purpose for which their details will be used. Any violation of the Aadhaar Act will constitute an offence and is punishable under the Act. Under the Act, penalty has been prescribed for offences such as impersonation of the Aadhaar holder at time of enrolment, tampering with data and disclosing identity information.

13. China has successfully launched Tiangong-2 space lab to develop expertise for a future space station and conduct science experiments. The space lab was launched on board of Long March-2F T2 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China’s Gobi desert. Key Facts Tiangong-2 ( in English means Heavenly Palace 2) space lab is part of China’s ambitious Project 921-2 space station program aimed at creating a third generation space station. The 8-tonne module replaces China’s now-defunct Tiangong 1 space lab mission which had ended its operational life in March 2016. Tiangong-2 features improved living quarters and life-support infrastructure for longer stays by visiting crewmembers. It will be used for testing systems and processes for mid-term space stays and refueling. It will be placed at slightly higher orbit around 393 kilometres above the earth. Note: The Tiangong-2 and its predecessor, Tiangong-1 (launched in September 2011), are prototypes for China’s ultimate goal to launch a permanent 20-ton space station after 2020 just as International Space Station (ISS). It will make China potentially the only country with a permanent space presence. In 2003, China had conducted its first crewed space mission becoming only the third country after Russia and the US to do so.

14. India and Afghanistan have signed an Extradition Treaty to facilitate exchange of wanted terrorists and criminals. Moreover, both countries also signed agreements on peaceful uses of outer space technology and also on cooperation on commercial and civil matters. These agreements were signed during Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani’s official state visit to India. He was on a visit to India from 14 to 15 September 2016. Key Facts Besides, during the meeting of President Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi they sought faster implementation of the trilateral agreement among Iran, Afghanistan and India. This trilateral agreement was signed between three countries in May 2016 with an aim to create a network of regional connectivity to landlocked Afghanistan through Chahbahar port. Besides, India also extended a one-billion dollar to Afghanistan for capacity and capability building in areas like education, health, empowerment of women, skill development, energy and others.

15. The United Nations High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines has called for delinking drug prices from research and development (R&D) costs. The report submitted by panel calls for human rights to be placed over intellectual property laws of pharmaceutical companies and incoherence between them should be narrowed. Key Recommendations All countries must freely be able to use flexibilities granted under TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) to access affordable medicines. Countries that retaliate and threaten against generic drugs makers in different countries under the TRIPS Agreement must be forced to face significant sanctions. Public health assessments must be done with every free trade negotiation to assess the possible impact on public health and creation of public health patentability criteria. Governments engaged in bilateral and regional trade and investment treaties should ensure that these agreements do not include provisions that interfere with their obligations to fulfil the right to health. Research institutions and universities that receive public funding must prioritize public health objectives over financial returns in their patenting and licensing practices. Governments should increase their current levels of investments to in heath technology innovation to address unmet needs.

16. The International Democracy Day is being observed every year on 15 September to raise public awareness about the democratic system. The observance of the day provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. It focuses on essential elements of democracy i.e. values of freedom, respect for human rights and principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage. 2016 Theme: “Democracy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development“. To mark this day various government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the world are holding various activities and events to promote democracy. Background United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in November 2007 had decided to observe ‘International Democracy Day’ every year on September 15. It was observed for first time in 2008. In this regard a resolution was passed by UNGA in 2007 to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy.

17. Anil Ambani led Reliance Communications (RCom) has signed a deal with Maxis Communications Berhad (MCB) for merger of wireless businesses of Aircel Limited with itself. The merger is considered as the largest-ever consolidation in the Indian telecom sector. The merged entity will be country’s fourth-largest phone company in terms of customers and revenue. Key Facts The merged company will have second-largest spectrum holding amongst all operators in the country aggregating 448 MHz across the 850, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz bands. It will be one of India’s largest private sector companies, with an asset base of over $9.7 billion (Rs. 65,000 crore) and net worth of $5.2 billion (Rs. 35,000 crore). RCom and MCB will hold a 50% stake each in the merged entity, with equal representation on the Board of Directors and all Committees. The Company will be managed by an independent professional team under the supervision of the Board.

18. Gautam Gambhir-led India Blue has won the inaugural day/night 2016-17 Duleep Trophy Cricket tournament played with a pink ball. The 2016–17 was 55th season of Duleep Trophy. In the final match held in Greater Noida, India Blue defeated India Red, captained by Yuvraj Singh, by a massive 355 runs. Ravinder Jadeja, who bagged 5 wickets in the second innings, finished the game with a 10-wicket haul. Cheteshwar Pujara was named player of the match. About Duleep Trophy The Duleep Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket tournament played between teams representing geographical zones of India. The Tournament was instituted in 1961-62 by BCCI. The tournament is named after Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji of Nawanagar. It was contested by three teams, namely India Red, India Blue and India Green. In June 2016, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had changed the feature of tournament featuring day/night matches and to be played with pink ball.

19. Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy has been honoured with Tamil Ratna award by America Tamil Sangam (ATS) in New York. He was bestowed with this award for fighting corruption and working for more transparency in the functioning of the government.

20. The National Hindi Divas (हिंदी दिवस), an annual literary-day is being observed on 14 September in Hindi speaking regions of India and other countries with Hindi speaking population. Observance of the day seeks to propagate Hindi language and its cultural heritage and values. It also seeks to promote the Matra Bhasha i.e. mother tongue of India and show its importance as a language in the country and the world at large. On this occasion President Pranab Mukherjee will present the Rajbhasha awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Rajbhasha awards were instituted by the Department of Official Language of Union Home Ministry to recognize the excellent contribution of Ministries, Departments and Nationalized Banks in the field of Hindi. The day is also celebrated in the schools, colleges, offices, organizations and other enterprises as a Hindi Diwas with the unique programs and competitions organized related to Hindi poems, story recitations and vocabulary quizzes. About National Hindi Divas Hindi Divas is celebrated on 14th September every year to mark adaptation of Hindi language as the official language of India by the Constituent Assembly of India on 14 September 1949. The decision of using Hindi as the official language was ratified by the Constitution of India which came into effect on 26 January 1950. Under the Article 343 of the Indian Constitution, Hindi written in Devanagri script was adopted as the official language. But presently, there are 2 official languages: Hindi and English.

21. India’s Devendra Jhajharia (36) has won gold medal in the men’s javelin throw, F46 event held at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. With this, he becomes only the second gold medallist at the Paralympics for the country. He won the gold medal with world-record throw of 63.97 metres. Devendra victory took India’s medal tally at this edition of the Paralympics to four medals — two golds, one silver and a bronze. He had also secured the gold medal in the javelin event at the 2004 Athens Paralympics with record throw of 62.15 metres. With this, he also became first Indian Paralympian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.

22. The joint military training exercise between India and United States dubbed as “Yudh Abhyas 2016” has begun in Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. It is the 12th edition of the joint military exercise hosted alternately by the two countries. The two week (from September 14 to 27) exercise will witness participation of about 225 personnel of Congo Brigade of the Indian Army and similar strength of the US Army. Key Facts Yudh Abhyas 2016 is one of the longest running joint military training and a major ongoing bilateral defence cooperation endeavours between India and the US The purpose of the exercise is to stimulate a scenario where both nations were working together to counter insurgency and counter terrorism (CICT) in mountainous terrain under UN charter. The curriculum of exercise has been progressively planned where the participants are initially made to get familiar with each other’s organisational structure, equipment, weapons and tactical drills. Subsequently, the training advances to joint tactical exercises of both the armies will be coherently unleashed especially in the battle drills. The training will culminate with a final validation exercise in which troops of both countries will jointly carry out an operation against terrorists in a fictitious but realistic setting.

23. The third edition of BRICS Urbanisation Forum Meet has started in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The three days conference was be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in the presence of Union Minister of Urban Development, M. Venkaiah Naidu. Key Facts In this edition of conference the delegates from the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are participating. During the three-day deliberations, they will discuss investments, urbanisation, formation of new cities and others. The conference will also discuss how to increase the productivity, how to make a separate urban finance system and creation of employment opportunities. Based on the discussions and deliberations ‘Vizag Declaration’ will be prepared, which will play a vital role in ministers’ conference of BRICS to be held on October 15 and 16, 2016 in Goa.

24. India has complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about support given to the renewable energy industry in United States. The complaint alleges these 8 states in US have prop up their renewable sector with illegal subsidies and domestic content requirements, an obligation to buy local goods rather than imports. These 8 US states are Washington, Montana, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan and Minnesota. By filing the complaint, India has triggered a 60-day window for US to settle the dispute, after which India could ask the WTO to adjudicate. Earlier in 2013, India had filed questions at the WTO about suspected subsidies in solar programmes in four US states—Delaware, Minnesota, Massachusetts and Connecticut. It also had raised questions about local content requirements in Michigan and California’s renewable energy programmes. In May 2016, India lost a case at the WTO after the US complained about India’s national solar programme over illegal subsidies and domestic content requirements. India has appealed that ruling.

25. The Union Government has launched a toll free number ‘1924’ to registered postal complaints. The service has been launched Department of Posts (DoP). It was launched after Government had introduced Twitter Sewa for redressal of telecom and postal grievances.

26. Army Green has won the 2016 Durand Cup Football Title by defeating Neroca FC. It was the 128th edition of the Durand Cup. In the regular period of the final match played at Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, both teams failed to score goal. But in penalty shootout Army Green defeated Neroca FC by 6-5 penalties score. Neroca FC is the first team from Manipur to compete in this prestigious tournament. Captains Army Green: PC Llawmkina. Neroca FC: Lalit Thapa (Goalkeeper). About Durand Cup Football Title The Durand Cup is a prestigious football tournament of India. It the oldest football tournament in Asia and third oldest in the world after Football Association Cup of England and Scotland Football Association Cup.

27. The Union Government has issued model guidelines for states to regulate direct selling and multi-level marketing businesses to protect consumers from Ponzi frauds. These model guidelines titled the Direct Selling Guidelines 2016 framework was released by Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi. Key features of guidelines The direct selling has been clearly defined as marketing, distribution and sale of goods or providing of services as a part of network of direct selling. The legitimate direct selling is differentiated from pyramid and money circulation schemes in order to help investigating agencies identify fraudulent players. Money Circulation Scheme has the same meaning as defined under Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. It bars direct selling companies from charging any entry fee from agents or compelling them to buy back unsold stocks. These entities will have to enter into an agreement with direct sellers or agents, and give full refund or buy-back guarantee for goods and services sold to them. It also mandates direct sellers to constitute a grievance redressal committee to protect consumers’ right. It lays down remuneration system for the person engaged in direct selling firms on sharing of incentives, profit and commission. Adds provision for appointment of monitoring authority at both Union and state level to deal with the issues related to direct selling. Comment Ponzi schemes are banned under the Prize Chit and Money Circulation (Banning) Act, 1978. Though it is a Central Act but the respective State governments are the enforcement agency of this law. SEBI is also not having the regulatory purview of Ponzi schemes. These newly issued guidelines will allow states to make some change in their guidelines as per their localised requirements. These guidelines are necessary for better growth of the direct selling business. It will also help protect consumers as direct sellers can now be identified, and goods exchanged.

28. The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of contract with and International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (PMS). The contract is between Union Ministry of Earth Sciences and ISA. It has been extended for a further period of 5 years (2017-22) as the earlier contract is expiring in March 2017. What are Polymetallic Nodules? Polymetallic nodules (PMN) are also known as manganese nodules. They are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor in the deep sea of the world oceans. Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium. Of these metals nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance. What extension of Contract means? By extending the contract, India’s exclusive rights for exploration of PMN in the allotted Area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin will continue. It would open up new opportunities for resources of strategic and commercial value in area beyond national jurisdiction. Further, it would provide strategic importance for India in terms of enhanced presence in Indian Ocean where other international players are also active in mineral explorations. Background India had signed a 15 year contract for exploration of PMN in Central Indian Ocean Basin with the ISA in March, 2002 with the approval of the Union Cabinet. Under this contract, India is having an area of 75,000 sq km located about 2000 km away from her southern tip for exploration of PMN. The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences is carrying out Survey and Exploration, Technology Development (Mining and Extractive Metallurgy) under PNS program through various national institutes. About International Seabed Authority (ISA) The ISA is an intergovernmental body that organizes, regulates and control all mineral (non-living resources) related activities in the international seabed area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. It functions under the aegis of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Presently, the ISA has 167 members and the European Union. The headquarters of ISA is located at Kingston, Jamaica.

29. The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) to give a major push for creation of high quality infrastructure in premier educational institutions. The HEFA will be jointly promoted by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and identified Promoter. Key Facts HEFA will have an authorised capital of 2,000 crore rupees and the government equity would be 1,000 crore rupees. It will be formed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) within a PSU Bank or the Government-owned-NBFC (Promoter). It would leverage the equity to raise up to Rs. 20,000 crore for funding infrastructure and development projects of world class Labs in IIMs/IITs/NITs and such other institutions. The HEFA will also mobilise CSR funds from Corporates/PSUs which will in turn be released for promoting research and innovation in these institutions on grant basis. The HEFA will finance the civil and lab infrastructure projects in educational institutions through a 10-year loan. The principal portion of the loan will be repaid through the ‘internal accruals’ of the institutions earned through the fee receipts, research earnings etc. The Central Government would service the interest portion of the loan through the regular Plan assistance. All the Centrally Funded Higher Educational Institutions will be eligible to join as members of the HEFA. For joining as members, the educational institution must agree to escrow a specific amount from their internal accruals for a period of 10 years to the HEFA. This escrow will secure the future flows that would be securitised by the HEFA for mobilising the funds from the market. Each member institution would be eligible for a credit limit based on the amount agreed to be escrowed from the internal accruals as decided by HEFA.

30. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of the Bilateral Technical Arrangement (BTA) between India and Switzerland on the identification and return of Indian and Swiss Nationals and its implementation. The conclusion of the BTA has been linked to the Visa Free Agreement for holders of Diplomatic passports as a package deal. Key Facts The BTA aims to formalise existing procedure for cooperation on return of irregular migrants between two countries without introducing any additional obligations or exacting timeframes. It would help to leverage the Readmission Agreement (RA) to liberalise work permit and visa regimes for legitimate Indian travellers. It would also offer an opportunity to use the same as a model template for negotiations on the subject with other EU countries, which have been raising the issue regularly with us. This has been envisaged as a key goal in the recently concluded India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM).

31. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved enhancing the buffer stock for pulses up to 20 lakh tonnes. The proposal in the regard was forwarded by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Key Facts The buffer stock will be built through domestic procurement and imports of 10 lakh tonnes each. Depending upon price and availability position both domestic and global the specific variety of pulses and their respective quantities for the buffer stock will be decided. Releases from the stock and procurement would be based on the prevailing pulse scenario as well as buffer stock position in subsequent year. Requisite funds for this operation will be provided to the ‘Price Stabilisation Fund’ Scheme of the Department of Consumer Affairs. For creating the buffer stock, domestic procurement operations will be undertaken by the Central Agencies viz. FCI, NAFED and SFAC or any other agency as decided by PSFMC. This procurement will done at the prevailing market prices if these prices are above Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and at MSP, if otherwise. In addition, State Governments will be also authorized to undertake the procurement in a manner similar to decentralized procurement of food-grains. Import of pulses would be undertaken through G2G contract or through spot purchase from the global market through designated Public Sector Enterprise.

32. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Kenya on cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management (NHPDM). The MoU was signed between both countries in July 2016 at Nairobi during the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 5 African nations.

33. Deepa Malik has created history by winning silver medal in Women’s shotput at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. With this she becomes first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. It is India’s 3rd medal in the ongoing Paralympics games at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Malik had won the silver medal in the shotput F-53 event with her best throw of 4.61m in her six attempts. In the shotput F-53 event, Bahrain’s Fatema Nedham had won the gold medal with the best throw of 4.76m. Greece’s Dimitra Korokida had won the bronze medal with a throw of 4.28m.

34. The Union Cabinet has approved the process, formation and functioning of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council as per the Article 279A of the Constitution. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Cabinet also approved Creation of the GST Council Secretariat with its office at New Delhi. Appointment of the Secretary (Revenue) as the Ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council. Inclusion of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) Chairperson as a permanent invitee to all proceedings of the GST Council. He will have no voting rights in GST Council. Creation of one post of Additional Secretary and four posts of Commissioner to the GST Council in the GST Council Secretariat. Background The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-second Amendment) Bill, 2016, for introduction of GST in the country was accorded assent by the President after it was ratified by 18 states. After the assent to bill it became law and was notified as the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. The Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016 adds Article 279A in the Constitution. As per Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution, GST Council has to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of Article 279A. Composition of GST Council As per Article 279A of the amended Constitution, GST Council which will be a joint forum of the Centre and the States. It shall consist of the following composition Union Finance Minister (Chairperson). The Union Minister of State (MoS) in-charge of Revenue of finance (Member) The Minister In-charge of taxation or finance or any other Minister nominated by each State Government (Members) Functions of GST Council As per Article 279A (4), the Council will make recommendations to the Union and the States on important issues related to GST, like Goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST. Model GST Laws. Principles that govern Place of Supply, threshold limits, GST rates GST rates will including the floor rates with bands, special rates for raising additional resources during natural disasters/ calamities, special provisions for certain States, etc.

35. Stan Wawrinka (World no 3) from Switzerland has won the 2016 US Open men’s singles title. This is Wawrinka’s maiden US Open title and his third major title. In the final match, he defeated Novak Djokovic (World number One) from Serbia by 6-7, 6-4, 7-5 and 6-3 score. He has won three Grand Slam singles titles viz. 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open.

36. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has launched ’e-nivaran’ (electronic resolution) facility for online redressal of taxpayers’ grievances. Its link of this facility has been activated on the e-filing portal of the department –https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in. Key Facts The facility will be used for online redressal of taxpayers’ grievances related to refunds, filing of e-returns, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), PAN issues, and those pertaining to their Assessing Officer (AO). It was launched as part of CBDT’s initiative to reduce instances of harassment of the public when it comes to complaints related to the I-T department. Using this facility, taxpayers can register their complaints through their personal computer systems. After registration they will receive a special PIN number on their registered mobile and email, as their unique number to keep track of the issue. The ‘e-nivaran’ form will be also provided at the Aaykar Sampark Kendras (ASK) (tax facilitation centre) in a physical form which will later fed into the system by tax officials. Besides, there are provisions for ‘grievance description’ along with furnishing of details like mention of the Assessment Year (in case of individual) or the Financial Year (in case of deductor).

37. The first BRICS Wellness Workshop has begun in Bengaluru, Karnataka from September 10, 2016. Besides, National Fair on comprehensive Indian Medicine system (AROGYA) was also inaugurated. The four day event has been organized by Union Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). Key Facts The Workshop is designed to have sessions related to Traditional Systems of Medicine, Trade and Economy. It includes a session on WHO strategy for Traditional Medicine. It also has Wellness and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Wellness indicators for BRICS and Wellness and Tourism among others. The AROGYA Fair is a comprehensive Health and Wellness Fair that aims to showcase strengths of traditional systems and wellness sector in India and BRICS partner countries. The Arogya fair will provide a good exposure for manufacturers and importers of Traditional Medicines and Raw Materials of the BRICS Countries.

38. The world’s first daily driverless bus service has started in Lyon, France which will run in the city’s Confluence area. The driverless bus service includes two electric shuttles that will transport passengers on a ten-minute route hosting five stops.Key Facts The driverless buses can hold up to 15 passengers and are electric buses. It has features like LIDAR radar technology and motion sensors will help to avoid accidents. The LIDAR radar technology allows these buses to know exactly where they are and to detect everything happening around them. Using this technology these buses manage their movement intelligently to avoid collisions. What is LIDAR? LIDAR is acronym of Light Detection And Ranging. Originally it was created as a portmanteau of “light” and “radar”. It is a surveying technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser light. It is sometimes simply referred to as 3D scanning or laser scanning with terrestrial, airborne and mobile applications. It is popularly used to make high-resolution maps, with applications in geodesy, geomatics, archaeology, geography, geology, geomorphology, forestry, atmospheric physics etc.

39. The Union Government has launched Urja Mitra Helpline through which customers can get information on power outages from distribution companies by dialing 14401. The helpline was launched by the Department of Telecom (DoT) of the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Key Facts Urja Mitra Helpline is for pan-India usage to send information through voice calls and SMSes. The information will apprise customers about power situation in their area so that they can plan accordingly. It is a mandatory service, which will be provided by all the telecom operators. Besides, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on behalf of the Union Power Ministry has developed Urja mobile app. It will enhance consumer connect with power distribution companies. Using it consumers can get information on outages, complaint redressal, timely release of connections, and power reliability, among others.