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TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – MARCH 2018
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY Vellore & Tiruvannamalai ENGLISH MEDIUM
www.chennaiiasacademy.com
chennaiiasacademy Contact : 9043 211 311 / 411
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Current Affairs For TNPSC Examinations MARCH 2018
SI.NO CONTENTS PAGE.NO 1. TAMILNADU 03 – 05 2. NATIONAL 06 – 53 3. INTERNATIONAL 54 – 64 4. SPORTS 64 – 73 5. ACIENCE AND 73 – 76 TECHNOLOGY 6. IMPORTANTDAYS 77 – 78 7. APPOINTMENTS & 79 – 85 RESIGNS 8. AWARDS 85 - 89
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TAMILNADU constituted a six-member Tamil Nadu State Food Commission with IAS officer R.Vasuki as its Chairperson It has been Subsidised 'Amma' Two-Wheeler constituted more than a year after it decided to Scheme implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Prime Minister launched the subsidised scooter scheme for working women on the occasion of the 70th birth anniversary Tamil Nadu Tourism awards celebrations of late Tamil Nadu leader Chennai International Airport has J.Jayalalithaa. received the Tamil Nadu tourism award. As part of the scheme, every beneficiary This is the third time in a row that Chennai will be given 50% of the cost of a two- Airport has won the honour wheeler or a grant of INR 25,000.Each year, The awards honoured the best and one lakh working women would be covered. friendliest services in Tamil Nadu in the tourism sector.
This Amma two-wheeler scheme was a pet project of Jayalalithaa which was proposed by The awards were conferred by her in the election manifesto. Madura Welcome, a tourist guide book company, in association with the Ministry of
Tourism, government of India. State Food Commission – TAMILNADU Six-member expert committee
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has constituted a six-member expert committee to explore and analyse the current educational scenario in the State in terms of examination system and challenges faced by children. The six member committee The State government has comprising Directors of Technical Education, School Education and Higher Education, Vice 3
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Chancellor of Karaikudi Alagappa Along with this, the lubrication used in University, C.Ramasubramanian - the industry has been significantly reduced Psychiatrist, K.Sekar, Registrar of National resulting in reduced carbon emission from the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro- ICF. Sciences. Furthermore, a large number of saplings are planted and maintained to contain ICF – Carbon Dioxide high levels of pollution and heat in the premises. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai has achieved overall reduction of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) located carbon dioxide emission. at Perambur in Chennai has become the first railway organisation to achieve carbon-neutral status. Sagar Kavach
A comprehensive coastal security exercise, „Sagar Kavach‟, to assess the preparedness of the police and other security agencies in the event of a terror attack began. The objective is to provide seamless sea-ward cover along the coast jointly by all
security agencies from the coastal belt area Carbon dioxide causes environmental line to the limit of territorial waters at 12 pollution and is a main source of global nautical miles. warming. The carbon compounds emitted heavily from the factories cause global warming and bring climate change. Chennai ICF, a Public-Sector Undertaking has completely reduced the amount of carbon emissions.
Electricity requirement for ICF is It is a joint exercise conducted in achieved by wind and solar energy. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Steps has been taken to produce 10.5 Union Territory of Puducherry. MW of electricity by windmills and 2.4 MW The exercise is conducted half yearly of electricity by solar energy. with an objective to check coastal security Further, the office and premises in ICF mechanism and validate standard operating are illuminated by LED bulbs. procedures. The two-day exercise was conducted 4
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 by the State police, Indian Coast Guard and Navy.
Insect Museum
Tamilnadu Chief Minister opened an insect museum in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) The flight services would be operated under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik).
Bar Council poll
The election to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTNP) was held after seven years. It is established at the Department of Agricultural Entomology of TNAU. The museum houses 20,000 insects from 50 species
Chennai - Salem Flight service
In a major fillip to providing regional connectivity, direct flight services from Salem to Chennai re-commenced with Tamil Nadu Elections to the BCTNP were held CM Edappadi K Palaniswami flagging off last in March 2011. the first flight at Salem airport after a gap of 7 years. The election was overseen by Bar Council of India (BCI) appointed Returning Officers and former Madras High Court judges, Justices G.M. Akbar Ali and T. Mathivanan.
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NATIONAL inaugurated by Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries. Union Cabinet Approves Anti- This is the 10th Mega Food Park being operationalized in the country and the 8th Trafficking Bill Draft operationalized during the tenure of the present government. Satara Mega Food Park has been set up in 64 acres of land at a cost of Rs. 139.30 crore.
Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani Attends 27th IJIRA in Kolkata
The apex anti-terror body National Investigation Agency (NIA) will be the nodal authority for probing cases of human trafficking after the government approved a proposal in this regard. The Union Cabinet okayed the draft
Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Union Textile Minister Smriti Rehabilitation) Bill, which also proposes a Irani attended the 27th Technological punishment of life imprisonment for repeat Conference of Indian Jute Industries' Research offenders. The draft Bill divides various offences Association (IJIRA) on Shaping the Future of into "trafficking" and "aggravated trafficking". Jute in Kolkata.
The function was focused on the promotion 1st Mega Food Park Inaugurated in of geotextiles in the northeast region. Geotextiles Maharashtra are absorbent fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain.
India to Grow 7.6% in 2018: Moody's
The first Mega Food Park in the state of Maharashtra Satara Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Village Degaon, District Satara was 6
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IndusInd Bank and Ripple Tie-up for Moody's Investors Service estimated Cross-Border Remittances that India will grow 7.6% in the calendar year 2018 and 7.5% in 2019, amid signs of economic recovery from the impact of demonetisation and GST. In its global growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, Moody‘s stated the Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1 (2018-19) includes some measures to stabilise the rural economy that was disproportionately hit by the scrapping of high denomination 500 and 1000 rupee notes. IndusInd Bank announced its partnership
with Ripple (the enterprise blockchain solution for India‟s GDP Growth Rises to 7.2% in Global Payments) to facilitate payments into and December Quarter out of India. With this affiliation, RippleNet can now provide instant access in emerging markets such as India, Brazil and China. In 2017, India saw a total of $65 billion move into the country and IndusInd Bank which has significant interests in cross-border remittances, plans to harness the power of Blockchain technology for facilitating global payments. Centre approves Rs 2900 crore to The Indian economy grew at a five- make cities safer for women quarter high of 7.2% in the October-December period reflecting overall recovery due to good show by agriculture, manufacturing, construction and certain services. The economy is expected to grow at 6.6% in the current fiscal ending March 31, as per the second advanced estimates of the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The earlier estimate was 6.5%. The growth Women and Child Development for the second quarter (July-September) has been Ministry has approved projects worth over Rs 2,900 revised upwards to 6.5%, from 6.3% estimated crore under the Nirbhaya fund for eight major earlier by the CSO. cities to make them safer for women.
These cities are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,
Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad 7
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 and Lucknow. The decision was taken after a India and Jordan has renewed their support meeting of Empowered Committee, which is to the Palestinian cause as the two sides signed 12 headed by Women and Child Development agreements, including one on defence cooperation, Secretary. following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King of Jordan Cabinet clears setting up of NFRA to Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein. oversee auditors These include agreement on Defence Co- operation, Visa waiver of Diplomatic & Official Passport holders, Cultural Exchange Programme, Manpower Co-operation agreement, Co-operation in field of Health and Medicine. Setting up of Next Generation Centre of Excellence. MoU for long term supply of Rock Phosphate and Fertilizer/NPK, Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement.
Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang Arrives in India on 3-day Visit Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA). NFRA will act as an independent regulator for the auditing profession which was one of the key changes brought in by the Companies Act 2013. The Cabinet also gave nod to the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill - 2018 to deal with those escaping overseas to avoid getting caught.
India-Jordan sign 12 agreements The Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has arrived in India on the 3-day visit. He
is scheduled to hold delegation level talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Strengthening cooperation in the key areas of defence and trade will be high on the agenda. The two sides will sign MoUs in the areas of nuclear energy, agriculture and trade and investment. This is Tran's first visit to India as president.
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World‟s Largest Solar Park 'Shakti atomic energy. The countries signed an MoU on Sthala' Launched in Karnataka economic and trade cooperation to establish a framework for enhancing economic and trade promotion. Another MoU signed on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, India (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) to strengthen the technical cooperation in the field of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
India, Vietnam calls upon all nations The Karnataka government inaugurated the first phase of a 2,000 megawatts (MW) solar to adopt comprehensive approach in park in the drought-prone district, Tumkur. The combating terrorism first phase of the Rs16,500 crore park called “Shakti Sthala” will generate 600MW, while the balance 1,400MW is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2018. The solar project is the largest in the world, is spread over 13,000 acres and five villages. It is part of the ―Karnataka Solar Policy 2014-2021‖ which aims to decrease dependence on traditional power sources and move to environmentally friendly ones to meet the growing power needs of India and Vietnam unequivocally the state. The park ties in with the centre‘s scheme condemned terrorism in all its forms and to generate 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. 2020. In a joint statement issued after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, Vietnam Inks Three MoUs Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang in New Delhi, both leaders have called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, includecountering radicalisation, recruitment, training and movement of foreign terrorist fighters and blocking sources of financing terrorism.
Odisha govt launches 'Ama Gaon,
Ama Vikas' programme India and Vietnam inked three agreements in the areas of trade, agriculture and 9
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The Odisha government has launched a programme Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas (Our Village, Shigmotsav has been organized our development) to reach out to the people in enthusiastically in Goa. Shigmotsav or Shigmo is rural areas and involve themselves in the one of the several cultural festivals of the coastal developmental activities. state and is celebrated through colours, costumes, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has flagged music, dance and parades. off mobile video vans for „Ama Gaon Ama Vikas‟ Shigmo parades offer glimpses of Goan life programme that will move across the State to depicted through folk dance and music highlight various welfare schemes at villages in the performances by locals. state. Karnataka Unveils Healthcare Scheme Conrad Sangma to be Next Meghalaya 'Arogya Karnataka' CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a healthcare scheme National People's Party (NPP) President named 'Arogya Karnataka' (Healthy Conrad Sangma will be the new chief minister of Karnataka) aimed at benefitting about 1.43 crore Meghalaya. There would be no deputy chief households in the state. minister for the state. It will provide quality primary, secondary He will replace Mukul Sangma. and tertiary treatment to both below-poverty-line (BPL) and above-poverty-line (APL) families in Shigmotsav 2018 Celebrated in Goa the state.
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Odisha Launches 'KHUSHI' Scheme The magazine „Namaste Shalom‟ is edited by To Provide Free Sanitary Pads Tarun Vijay, former MP.
India, Israel Inked MoU on Water Conservation
The Odisha government launched KHUSHI scheme to provide free sanitary napkins to school The government of India has signed an girls across the state. The scheme will be MoU with Israel to enhance cooperation on implemented by the health and family welfare 'National Campaign for Water Conservation in department of the state at a cost of 70 crore per India'. It was announced by the Minister of State year. for Drinking Water and Sanitation S S Under the scheme, the state will provide free Ahluwalia. sanitary napkins to 17 lakh girls studying in As per this MoU, both sides would work to Classes 6 to 12 in government and government- enhance cooperation at the national, regional and aided schools. The announcement was made by international level to design, implement and the CM of Odisha Naveen Patnaik. monitor a professionally designed National Water Conservation Campaign in India to put water “Namaste Shalom”- Magazine on conservation on to the national agenda. India-Israel Relations Launched Conrad Sangma Takes Oath as New CM of Meghalaya
The Union Minister of State (I/C) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh, launched the social National People‟s Party President Conrad media of “Namaste Shalom”, a magazine Sangma takes oath as the Chief Minister of on India-Israel relations. Meghalaya.
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Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate annual, world-famous International Yoga recently. The Congress, which has been in power in Festival (IYF) in Rishikesh's Parmarth Niketan. the state for the last 10 years, has won 21 seats. The IYF offers daily classes from 4 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with more than 80 revered saints, Smriti Irani Inaugurated FICCI yogacharyas, presenters and experts from nearly 20 Frames 2018 in Mumbai countries around the world.
Biplab Deb to be Tripura's New Chief Minister
The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the FICCI Frames 2018, in Mumbai. She has also released the FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Report 2018 named 'Re- The Bharatiya Janata Party has named the imagining India's M&E Sector'. party' State president Biplab Kumar Deb as the As per the report, the Indian M&E sector hit chief ministerial candidate for Tripura. He will Rs 1.5 trillion ($22.7 billion) in 2017, growth of replace Manik Sarkar. Jishnu Devvarma has been around 13% over 2016. With its current trajectory, named for Deputy Chief Minister. it is expected to cross Rs 2 trillion ($31 billion) by The decision was announced after the 2020, at a CAGR of 11.6%. meeting of BJP Legislature Party in Agartala. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on March International Yoga Festival Held in 8. Rishikesh India's 1st Helicopter Taxi Service Launched in Bengaluru
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the week-long 29th
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India's first helicopter taxi service was launched in Bengaluru to fly passengers from Kempegowda International Airport to Electronic City. The service is expected to reduce the time taken to cover the distance from 2 hours to 15 minutes. The helicopter will seat up to six people apart from the pilot and the service will cost Rs3,500 plus GST. Iraq has become India‟s biggest crude oil supplier by overtaking Saudi Arabia with a wide Rs. 5600 crore Sanctioned Under margin in this current financial year. Swadesh Darshan Scheme and Rs. Iraq supplied 38.9 million tonnes (MT) of oil, which was more than 20% of country‘s oil 687.92 crore Under PRASHAD needs. India is 80% dependent on imports to meet Scheme its oil needs.
Transport Ministry Launches a Scheme and Sukhad Yatra App
A total amount of Rs. 5638.87 crore was sanctioned with the release of Rs. 2148.17 crore since 2014-15 till date under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified for development. Meanwhile, under the PRASHAD scheme, Union Minister for Road Transport & 23 projects have been sanctioned to 15 States for a Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced that soon total amount of Rs.687.92 crore with the release of there will be no human interface in granting driving Rs.241.28 crore since 2015-16 till date. The licences to heavy vehicle drivers in the country. He objective of the „National Mission on Pilgrimage has launched the scheme for District Driving Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Training Centres in New Delhi. Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is of holistic The process of approving such driving development of identified pilgrimage and heritage licenses will be made fully computerised. The destination. Minister also launched Sukhad Yatra Iraq Becomes India‟s Biggest Oil mobile App and Toll-free Emergency number Supplier (1033) for highway users.
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4th India-Europe 29 Business Forum Held in the International Federation of Indo-Russian New Delhi Youth Clubs.
Itanagar Celebrates Silver Jubilee of Losar Festival
The fourth India-Europe 29 Business Forum (IE29BF) took place in New Delhi. The theme of IE29BF 2018 was „Synergising Economic Vision for Expanded Relations‟. For IE29BF 2018, Czech Republic was The Buddhist Community of Itanagar the „Focus Country‟. Eighteen other European celebrated the silver jubilee of the Losar countries participated in the Forum. Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. The three-day festival, organized by the Itanagar Buddhist 'Vision for Future' Event to Marks 70 Cultural Society (IBCS) was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and traditional zeal. Years of Indo-Russia Ties Held in New For the Buddhist community, the festival is Delhi termed as the 'New Year' according to their Buddhist calendar.
Udyam Sakhi Portal Launched for Women Entrepreneurs
An event named 'Vision for Future' was held in New Delhi to commemorate 70 years of the Indo-Russia ties. The event sought to expose the youth to the dynamic opportunities of cooperation between the two countries. On the occasion of International Women‟s The program inaugurated at the Pravasi Day, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Bhartiya Kendra was organised by the Ministry of Enterprises (MSME) launched a portal for External Affairs (Eurasia Division) and women entrepreneurs of India:www.udyamsakhi.org. 14
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The portal was unveiled by the Minister of State (I/C) of MSME, Giriraj Singh, in a program in New Delhi. The portal is a network for nurturing entrepreneurship and creating business models for low-cost products and services in order to empower women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient.
NITI Aayog Launches Women Entrepreneurship Platform On the occasion of International Women‟s Day, PM Narendra Modi launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) and Pan India Expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) covering all 640 districts of the Country at a mega event held at Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. NNM has been set up with a three year budget of Rs.9046.17 crore commencing from 2017-18. The NNM is a comprehensive approach towards raising nutrition level in the country on a NITI Aayog launched the Women war footing. Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), on the occasion of International Women‘s Day. The Animal Welfare Board of India initiative is aimed at building an ecosystem for women across India to realize their entrepreneurial Headquarters Shifted to Haryana aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, launched the WEP platform at NITI Aayog premises in New Delhi. The WEP theme song “Naari Shakti” composed and sung by Shri Kailash Kher was released on this occasion.
PM Launches National Nutrition Mission and Pan India Expansion of The headquarters of the Animal Welfare Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Board of India (AWBI) has been shifted from Chennai to Haryana's Ballabhgarh for "better coordination" between the environment ministry and the board.
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The announcement was made by the Union team of 35 specially trained cops, including two Minister of State for Environment, Forest and inspectors. Climate Change, Mahesh Sharma. V. Umashankar, CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Government Launches Biodegradable inaugurated the station. The police station will have Sanitary Pads 'Suvidha' modern equipment to deal with crimes in the cyber world.
Madhya Pradesh Announces Pension For Single Women
The government launched a biodegradable sanitary pad 'Suvidha' to mark International Women's Day. The oxo-biodegradable sanitary pads priced at Rs. 2.50 per pad will be available Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Singh Chouhan on International Women's day announced 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Kosh' centres. The biodegradable pad will ensure scheme. 'Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha' for the Under this scheme, the women who aren't underprivileged women. married and are above the age of 50 will be given pension.
Haryana‟s 1st Cyber Police Station Knight Frank Wealth Report 2018: Opened in Gurugram Mumbai, 16th Most Expensive City
Haryana‟s first cyber police station, Mumbai ranks 16th among the top 20 equipped with a digital forensic laboratory, was costliest cities in the world, according to inaugurated in Gurugram. It will have a dedicated the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2018. The rise 16
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 in Indian financial capital‘s ranking on this count is supported by the rapid wealth creation in the country. The index is drawn from four major indicators: wealth, investments, lifestyle and future. Top 3 Wealthiest Cities in the Report are- 1. Guangzhou 2. Hong Kong 3. New York. Prime Minister Narendra French President Emmanuel Macron Modi inaugurated National Legislators In India on 4-Day Visit Conference on the theme „We For Development‟ in New Delhi. The motive of the conference is to bring MPs and MLAs on a single platform where ideas and plans for development can be exchanged. The conference will hold discussions on how women help in the development work being done for the country where ideas on projects and plans can be debated. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh
Kant will give a presentation on the first day and French President Emmanuel Macron the plenary will be presided over by Lok Sabha arrived in New Delhi on a four-day visit to India. Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai. The visit aims at strengthening the bilateral economic, political and strategic dimension of engagement between the two countries. Telangana Launches India's 1st State- During the visit, India and France will sign Led Incubator for Women agreements in different fields tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron will co-chair the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance.
PM Inaugurates National Legislators Conference on „We For Development‟
The government of Telangana launched Women Entrepreneurship Hub (WE- Hub), India's first state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs. 17
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The incubator will help women at number one for world‘s best airports, as per entrepreneurs establish their own enterprises by Airports Council International (ACI) ASQ 2017 providing services including seed funding, rankings. mentoring, and business guidance. Deepthi Ravula The Airport Service Quality Awards 2017 is heading the incubator as its Chief Executive was announced by the Airports Council Officer. International (ACI), which conferred the ranking on the basis of a worldwide programme in which 'Wings India 2018' Event Inaugurated passengers were surveyed across airports for their in Hyderabad feedback on 34 key performance indicators.
ISA-ADB, NDB, GCF, AfDB and AIIB Joint Declarations of Financial Partnership
Telangana IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao inaugurated the biennial event on Civil Aviation and Aerospace titled 'Wings India 2018' at the Begumpet Airport. The four-day event was Jointly organised by the Civil Aviation Ministry, Airports Authority of The International Solar Alliance India and the Indian Chambers of Commerce and (ISA) and the African Development Bank (AfDb), Industry. the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), World‟s Best Airport: Delhi and the Green climate fund (GCF), and the New Development Bank (NDB) signed Joint financial Mumbai Airports Tie at No. 1 partnership Declarations in New Delhi. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also signed a Joint partnership Declaration with the ISA. The objective of the agreements is to deepen their cooperation in support of Renewable Energy. ISA is working for deployment of over 1000 GW of solar energy and mobilising more than US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by the year 2030. Delhi‟s Indira Gandhi International Karnataka to Become 2nd State in Airport (IGIA) and Mumbai‟s Chhatrapati Country to Unveil its Own Flag Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have beaten 1,952 other airports from 176 countries to tie 18
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Ministry of Civil Aviation, in addition to his existing portfolio.
India Wins Best Exhibitor Award At ITB- Berlin
The Karnataka government unveiled the State flag (nada dhwaja ) for the state. If approved by the Centre, Karnataka will be the second State to have a flag after Jammu and Kashmir. The yellow-white-red flag has the State emblem at the centre. The proposal will be now sent to the Union Home Ministry for approval since a India has won the "Best Exhibitor Award State has no powers to announce its own flag. " at ITB – Berlin on its last day. ‗ITB- Berlin World Tourist Meet‘ was convened at Berlin, Germany Suresh Prabhu Gets Additional from 7th March to 10th March 2018. India was Charge Of Civil Aviation Ministry represented by the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism Mr. K. J. Alphons along with a couple of Tourism Ministry officials. More than 100 countries participated in the ITB- Berlin meet with their respective Tourism Ministers. India's Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) presented a short film named "Yogi of the Racetrack " in the meet. The said the short film has got 3.2 million hits in 60 hours.
Govt Makes Passport Mandatory For Commerce and Industries minister Suresh Bank Loans Of Rs. 50 Crore & Above Prabhu was given additional charge of the Civil Aviation Ministry, a day after the resignation of TDP's Ashok Gajapathi Raju was accepted by President Ram Nath Kovind.
The President, as advised by the Prime Minister, has directed that Suresh Prabhu, Cabinet Minister, shall be assigned the charge of the 19
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Milk Production Up 20% In 2014-2017
According to Minister of Agriculture and The government has made providing Farmers‘ Welfare Radha Mohan Singh, Milk passport details mandatory for taking loans of 50 production in the country increased by 20 percent crore rupees and above to ensure a SWIFT action in from 137.7 million tonnes to 165.4 million tonnes case of fraud and prevent fraudsters from fleeing the between 2014 and 2017. Also, the per capita country. availability of milk has risen by 15.6 percent from According to Financial Services Secretary, 307 gms a day to 355 gms per day between 2013-14 all existing loans of over 50 crore rupees, banks and 2016-17. have been asked to collect passport details of With a corpus of Rs 2,450 crore, the borrowers within 45 days. government has set up an AHIDF for financing
infrastructure requirement of animal husbandry PM Modi, French President Macron sector. Jointly Inaugurate Solar Power Plant At Mirzapur In UP Rajasthan Passes Bill To Award Death Penalty For Those Who Rape Girls Under 12 Years Of Age
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated 101-megawatt solar power plant at Dadar Kala village in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. The largest solar projects in the country has been set up by French company ENGIE. The company was awarded the project in Rajasthan assembly has passed an 2016 with the cost of Rs. 680 crore. Solar Energy amendment bill awarding death penalty for convicts Corporation of India has signed Power purchase involved in the rape of girls below 12 years of age. agreement for 25 years with the company. State Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria introduced 'The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan
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Amendment) Bill, 2018' in the assembly, which was GST Council Approves Rollout Of E- passed in the House by a voice vote following a Way Bill From April debate. The new amendment added sections 376- AA and 376-DD to the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The amendment says that a person who is convicted of raping/gang-raping a girl up to twelve years of age will be given a death sentence or rigorous imprisonment, which shall not be less than fourteen years and 20 years, respectively.
Floating Lab Set Up To Monitor For intra-State movement, the e-way bill Manipur's Loktak Lake. will be rolled out in a phased manner beginning April 15 and will cover all the States by June 1. Businesses will continue to file summary sales return GSTR-3B until June as the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council has extended the present system of return-filing by three months. Electronic way or e-way bill for movement of goods between States would be implemented from April 1. However, for intra-State movement, the e- way bill would be rolled out in a phased manner beginning April 15 and would cover all the States The Institute of Bioresources and by June 1. Sustainable Laboratory (IBSD), Imphal, set up a floating laboratory in northeast India's largest Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill And freshwater lake, Loktak to constantly monitor its Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill water quality and eventually improve it. The laboratory was inaugurated by Introduced In Lok Sabha Manipur's Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh in Imphal, Manipur.
The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Bill will help in laying down measures to deter economic 21
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 offenders from evading the process of law by remaining outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts. The cases where the total value involved in such offenses is Rs. 100 crore or more, will come under the purview of the Bill. Minister of State for Finance, Shiv Pratap Shukla introduced the Bill. The Minister also introduced the Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill-2018. The amendment is aimed at facilitating the orderly growth of the chit funds sector and remove bottlenecks being faced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched industry and enabling greater financial access of a campaign to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from people to other financial products. India by 2025, five years ahead of the globally-set
deadline. After inaugurating the Delhi End-TB India, France Ink 14 Pacts; Major Summit Modi launched the TB-free India Campaign Boost To Defence, Nuclear Energy to take the activities under the National Strategic Cooperation Plan for TB Elimination forward in a mission mode for ending the epidemic by 2025. A target has been set to end TB globally by 2030. Mr. Modi stated that India has targeted to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025.
PM Modi Launches Number Of Schemes For Poor In Varanasi
In a major expansion of strategic ties, India and France have inked 14 pacts in key areas of defense, security, nuclear energy and protection of classified information besides resolving to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and step up joint efforts to contain terrorism. The agreements were signed after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, including on Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean a number of schemes for the poor in Varanasi and and Pacific. emphasized on harnessing solar energy for cooking. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of various PM Launches Campaign To Eradicate development projects worth over Rs. 800 crores in TB By 2025 Varanasi. 22
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He also flagged off a new train- Kanshi- Patna Jan Shatabdi Express - between Varanasi and Patna. The Prime Minister also announced Ayushman Bharat scheme to ensure better healthcare facilities for the poor.
Centre Forms Tribunal To Solve Mahanadi Water Dispute Between Odisha & Chhattisgarh The government has decided to institute an award for carrying out best investigation of crime for promoting high professional standards among police forces. The award - Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation - will be given to the best investigators of police forces of States, Union Territories and central investigating agencies.
Based on the average crime data for the last The Centre has constituted a three-member three years, a total of 162 medals will be awarded Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to adjudicate the every year. Out of these, 137 will be for the states dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over and Union territories and 25 for the central sharing the river's water. Supreme Court Judge AM investigating agencies - National Investigation Khanwilkar will be the Chairman of the tribunal, Agency, CBI and Narcotics Control Bureau. with Justice Ravi Ranjan of the Patna High Court and Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar of the Delhi Karnataka's Belgaum Is Now Home High Court being the other two members. To India's Tallest Flag The apex court had sought to refer the dispute to a Tribunal for adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Govt To Institute Award For Best Investigators Of Crime
India's tallest national flag was unfurled in Belagavi (also known as Belgaum) in Karnataka. The event was attended by leaders, schoolchildren, and leaders of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh 23
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 institutions at the Kote Kere front. Where size is ICICI Bank has launched instant overdraft concerned, this flag in Belgaum beats the one at the ‗InstaOD‘ facility for MSME (Micro, Small and India-Pakistan border at Attari in Punjab. Medium Enterprises) customers in a completely Belagavi District Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi online and paperless manner. Customers can get unfurled the 9,600 sq ft wide flag on a 110-metre- overdraft facility up to Rs 15 lakh for a year tall flagpole. anytime, anywhere using the bank‘s Internet and mobile banking app. BHEL Secures Order Worth Rs 736 The new facility will enable a few lakh of Crore From NPCIL pre-qualified current account customers of the bank to instantly avail of the facility without visiting a branch and submitting physical documents. ICICI Bank will also offer the facility for instant online sanction of the overdraft facility to MSME customers of other banks shortly.
SBI Reduces Charges On Non- Maintenance Of Minimum Balance The public sector Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured significant orders worth 736 crores Rs., after competitive bidding, for supplying Steam Generators for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The generators will be manufactured at the Tiruchirappalli plant of BHEL and will be installed at the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), Gorakhpur, Haryana.
ICICI Bank Launches Online The country‘s largest lender, SBI has slashed charges for non-maintenance of Average Overdraft Facility For MSME Monthly Balance (AMB) in savings accounts by Customers nearly 75 percent. The revised charges will be effective from April 01, 2018 and will benefit over 25 crore customers. The charges for non-maintenance of AMB for customers in Metro and Urban centers have been reduced from a maximum of Rs 50 per month to Rs 15 per month. Similarly, for Semi-Urban and Rural centers, the charges have been reduced from Rs 40 every month to Rs 12 and Rs 10 GST charges will
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CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 be applicable over and above the rates specified To be set up on 20 acres, the hub will be above. completed in three phases. The first phase will be Home Minister Rajnath Singh taken up with an investment of Rs. 30 crores in a Inaugurates Asia-Pacific Regional year. While the State government will infuse 90 Conference Of IACP percent of the phase-1 funds, Kay Ventures and its associates will take care of the balance amount.
Health Ministry and WHO Signed Agreement For Enhanced Cooperation For Healthcare
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the two-day Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in New Delhi.
The theme of the conference is "Challenges to Policing in 2020 - How is Cyber Space shaping our approach to Cybercrime and Terrorism, how do Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director we perform within it and take advantage of it". General of WHO met J.P. Nadda, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister in New Delhi. They Telangana, Kay Ventures Tie Up For discussed perspectives on national, regional and global public health program. Apparel Hub To strengthen collaborative work between India and WHO in achieving improved health outcomes, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and World Health Organization (WHO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
IATA Partners with Civil Aviation Ministry in India
The Telangana government is setting up an Rs. 100-crore Apparel Super Hub in Sircilla. It signed a memorandum of understanding with Kay Ventures to roll out the project.
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3. Thiruvananthapuram,
CCEA Approves Continuation of Ongoing Urea Subsidy Scheme
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the National
Aviation University to enhance human resource availability in India's aviation industry. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Under the agreement, the signatory Affairs has approved the proposal of Department institutions would also leverage "the existing of Fertilizers to continue Urea Subsidy Scheme infrastructure for training in India to expand the upto 2019-20 at a total estimated cost of Rs. reach of vocational training in aviation disciplines". 1,64,935 crore and for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy. This decision implies that there will be no Pune Tops in Improved Quality increase in price of urea, till 2020. Governance: Survey Urea Subsidy is a part of Central Sector Scheme of Department of Fertilizers with effect from 1st April, 2017 and is wholly financed by the Government of India through Budgetary Support.
India, Madagascar Sign Umbrella Agreement in Defence Sector Pune came on top in the fifth edition of the Annual Survey of India‟s City-Systems (ASICS), edging out Thiruvananthapuram which had topped the previous two editions of the survey. Bengaluru was ranked at the bottom. Thiruvananthapuram dropped two ranks to be placed third out of 23 cities spread across 20 states in the survey done by urban governance India and Madagascar have signed watchdog Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and an umbrella agreement in the field of Democracy. defence. Under the agreement, both the countries The top 3 cities in the list are- will explore various ways of co-operation in the 1. Pune, field of defence. An amended air service 2. Kolkata, agreement was also signed to support efforts
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CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 towards improving connectivity between the two countries. Both the countries will have a co-sharing agreement with Air Seychelles through Air India and Air Madagascar. This was announced by President Ram Nath Kovind after delegation-level talks with his Madagascar counterpart in
Antananarivo. The International Air Transport Health Ministry and WHO Signed Association (IATA) has signed an MoU with the Agreement For Enhanced Cooperation Ministry of Civil Aviation and the National For Healthcare Aviation University to enhance human resource availability in India's aviation industry. Under the agreement, the signatory institutions would also leverage "the existing infrastructure for training in India to expand the reach of vocational training in aviation disciplines".
Pune Tops in Improved Quality Governance: Survey
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO met J.P. Nadda, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister in New Delhi. They discussed perspectives on national, regional and global public health program. To strengthen collaborative work between India and WHO in achieving improved health outcomes, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and World Health Organization (WHO) signed a Pune came on top in the fifth edition of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). the Annual Survey of India‟s City-Systems (ASICS), edging out Thiruvananthapuram which IATA Partners with Civil Aviation had topped the previous two editions of the Ministry in India survey. Bengaluru was ranked at the bottom. Thiruvananthapuram dropped two ranks to be placed third out of 23 cities spread across 20 states in the survey done by urban governance watchdog Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy. 27
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The top 3 cities in the list are- 1. Pune, PM Modi inaugurated the 105th Indian 2. Kolkata, Science Congress in Imphal, Manipur. The theme 3. Thiruvananthapuram, for ISC 2018 is 'reaching the unreached through science and technology'. India, Madagascar Sign Umbrella This event is being held in Manipur for the Agreement in Defence Sector first time and for the second time in the North- East. Earlier it was held at Shillong in 2009.
Annual Krishi Unnati Mela Begins in New Delhi
India and Madagascar have signed an umbrella agreement in the field of defence. Under the agreement, both the countries will explore various ways of co-operation in the The three-day annual Krishi Unnati field of defence. An amended air service Mela has begun in New Delhi with a focus on agreement was also signed to support efforts doubling farmers‘ income. The objective of the towards improving connectivity between the two event is to create awareness among farmers about countries. the latest agriculture-related technological Both the countries will have a co-sharing developments. agreement with Air Seychelles through Air India Lakhs of farmers and agriculture scientists and Air Madagascar. This was announced by will participate in the mela. The main theme President Ram Nath Kovind after delegation-level pavilion will be based on Doubling of farmers talks with his Madagascar counterpart in income by 2022. Antananarivo. Andhra Pradesh Stands at 51st
Position in Global Multidimensional PM Inaugurates 105th Indian Science Poverty Index Congress in Imphal
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These roadmaps, which operate between 2018 to 2020, lay out detailed interventions which will be taken by the three participating States- Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha – aiming to become ‗Role Model States‘ in school education.
Andhra Pradesh stands at equivalent to LaQshya Program Launched to 51st rank globally in Multidimensional Poverty Improve Quality of Maternity Care Index (2017)according to a recent household survey conducted in the state. Andhra Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to conduct an exclusive household survey at state and district level to estimate the multidimensional poverty of the state. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the Andhra Pradesh Multidimensional Poverty (MPI) Index Report 2017. As per the report Andhra Pradesh has an The Ministry of Health and Family index value of 0.0825 whereas India as at 66th Welfare launched 'LaQshya program' aimed at position with an index value of 0.1911. improving quality of maternity care in labour room and maternity Operation Theatre (OT). NITI Aayog Released SATH-E ‗LaQshya‘ will reduce maternal and Roadmaps newborn morbidity and mortality, improve quality of care during delivery. The Program aims at implementing ‗fast-track‘ interventions for achieving tangible results within 18 months.
Lok Sabha Passes Gratuity Amendment Bill
NITI Aayog released comprehensive roadmaps and detailed timelines for its initiative „Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital in Education (SATH- E)‟ project. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog released the forward-looking blueprints. 29
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Lok Sabha has passed gratuity amendment bill. The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 aims at increasing the upper ceiling of the gratuity from the present 10 lakh rupees to 20 lakh rupees for employees in the private sector and in Public Sector Undertakings at par with Central Government employees. The House also passed the Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 which seeks to grant a party the right to seek damages from the other side in case of a breach of a business contract and to Representatives from 50 countries gathered reduce the discretion of courts in such matters. in New Delhi for a two-day informal World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting. President Inaugurates Festival of According to the Ministry of Commerce and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Industry, the informal meeting of ministers will provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions with the hope that it will lead to political guidance on some major issues. 1st India-Japan Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction Inaugurated
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates a 5-day long Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and present Gandhian Young Technological Innovation awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. It is being organised by Rashtrapati Bhavan in association with the Department of Science and The Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, Technology and the National Innovation Dr Rajiv Kumar inaugurated the First India- Foundation-India. Japan Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction in
New Delhi. The two-day workshop is being jointly Informal WTO Ministerial Meeting organised by the Ministry of Home Held in New Delhi Affairs, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Government of Japan. The workshop marks the beginning of the formal implementation of the initiatives agreed under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed 30
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 between the two countries on Disaster Risk President Ram Nath Reduction in September 2017. Kovind released coins in denominations of Rs 10 Lok Sabha Passes Amendment to and Rs 1,000 commemorating Lord Jagannath's Stonewall Scrutiny of Foreign Poll Nabakalebara festival observed in July 2015. He unveiled the coins at the centenary celebration of Funding Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Puri, Odisha. The coins had been slated for release during the mega festival, celebrated once every 12 to 19 years.
Women's Science Congress Inaugurated in Manipur
The Lok Sabha has passed (without a debate) a bill that will exempt political parties from the scrutiny of funds they have received from abroad since 1976. One of them was an amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 that bans overseas corporations from funding political parties. This is only the third time since 2000 that The Women Science Congress, 2018 was Parliament has approved the budget without debate. inaugurated in the backdrop of the ongoing 105th
Indian Science Congress on its 3rd day being held President Released Coins at Manipur University, Imphal. Commemorating Nabakalebara ii. Keshari Nath Tripathi, Governor of West Bengal Festival inaugurated the 7th Edition of Science Congress for women.
PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone Of Navi Mumbai Airport
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India and EU Signed Agreement on Sharing Earth Observation Data
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Navi Mumbai International Airport site in Panvel, nearly 21 years after it was mooted. India and the European Union (EU) have The first phase the Rs 16,700-crore signed an agreement that will enable them to share project is expected to be completed by 2019. This earth observation data from each other‟s is the country‘s largest greenfield airport. Navi satellites. The pact was inked in Bengaluru. Mumbai airport will have capacity of handling 60 The Copernicus programme provides a wide million passengers. range of applications like climate change, land,
ocean and atmosphere monitoring as well as support 1st National Workshop on POSHAN in forecasting, management and mitigation of Abhiyan Held in New Delhi natural disasters. Under this arrangement, Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO will share data from its earth observation satellites.
BHEL Commissions 1st Unit of Kishanganga Hydro Project in Jammu & Kashmir
The first National workshop on POSHAN Abhiyan involving all the states and union territories was held at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, New Delhi. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has organised the day-long workshop with participation from all the states/UTs. The Ministry of WCD had also launched five e-ILA (e-Incremental Learning Approach) courses and two ECCE(Early Childhood Care State-run power equipment maker and Education) software modules. BHEL has commissioned 1st unit of 110 MW of 32
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 the Kishanganga hydroelectric project (HEP) of NHPC in Jammu and Kashmir. Located on the river Kishanganga, a tributary of the Jhelum in Bandipora district, all the three units of the 340 MW project will generate 1,350 million units (MU) of clean electricity annually.
Government Approves Plastic Park to be Set Up in Deoghar, Jharkhand General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff released a book on Paramveer Chakra Awardees - „Paramveer Parwane‟. The book illustrates the bravery of Paramveer Chakra Awardees from 1947 to 1965. The book is written by Dr Prabhakiran Jain and is published by Medha Books.
106th Indian Science Congress to be
Union Minister for Chemicals & Held in Bhopal Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ananthkumar announced that the Government of India has approved the setting up of a Plastic Park in Deoghar District, Jharkhand. The project would be set up at a cost of Rs. 120 crores in an area of 150 acres. Mr. Ananthkumar also announced the setting up of Rs. 3.5 crore Plastic Recycling unit at Deoghar to tackle the menace of plastic waste being generated due to General President-elect of Indian Science the place being a tourist attraction. Congress Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti announced
that the 106th edition of the Indian Science Indian Army Releases Book on Congress will be held in January 2019 Paramveer Chakra Awardees at Barkatullah University Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The theme for 2019 ISC will be “Future India: Science & Technology”.
India Signs Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty With Hong Kong
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on Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) scheme was also launched on the occasion.
Important Cabinet Approvals- 21st March 2018
India and Hong Kong signed a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) that seeks to improve transparency in tax matters and help curb tax evasion and avoidance. The agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China was The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime signed by Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the Bambawale and Hong Kong Finance Secretary following set of approvals. The important Cabinet Paul Chan Mo-po in Hong Kong. Approvals are given as follows-
The Cabinet has approved- 3rd Edition of National Conclave on 1. Opening of Missions in Africa to implement Mines and Minerals commitments of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III). 2. Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission, Benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, More than 10 crore families to be covered.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 5-Day Visit to India
The Ministry of Mines has organized the 3rd National Conclave on Mines & Minerals in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Mines, Narendra Singh Tomar. Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has agreed to partner in the event. A portal
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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will arrive in New Delhi on a five-day visit to India. This will be his first visit to India as the President of Germany. He will visit Varanasi. The German President is also scheduled to attend a business event in New Delhi and visit to Chennai. Germany is India‘s largest trading partner in Europe and the 6th largest trading partner in the world.
Union Cabinet Approves 'Ayushman Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Bharat' Health Scheme Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced billing through Point of Sale (POS) hand-held machines in trains to check overcharging by vendors. The POS billing machines will be introduced in trains in a phased manner. IRCTC has already introduced POS machines in New Delhi - Karnataka Express on a pilot basis.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Kerala Declares Jackfruit as Official launch of 'Ayushman Bharat' -National Health Fruit of State Protection mission. The Scheme has the benefit cover of 5 lakh rupees per family per year. The target beneficiaries under the scheme will be over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. The scheme will subsume the ongoing centrally sponsored schemes- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and senior citizen health insurance scheme (SCHIS).
IRCTC Introduces Billing Through Point of Sale in Trains Jackfruit has attained a respected status with the state government declaring it as the official fruit of Kerala. Kerala has been producing around 30 to 60 crore jackfruits every year.
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As per the officials, the state can generate a key officers of „Aspirational Districts‟ to support revenue of around Rs 30,000 crore through value- their transformation in terms of healthcare, added jackfruit products. education and nutrition. Under the SoI with NITI Aayog, Piramal Nitin Gadkari Inaugurated Inland Foundation will work in close conjunction with Ferry Services in Goa district administration, Central Prabhari Officers, State Prabhari Officers, state government and concerned Central ministries to improve identified indicators by strengthening existing public systems specifically in health and nutrition and education sectors.
Punjab Government to Impose Union Minister of Road Transport and Permanent Ban on Hookah Bars Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Mormugao Port Trust and Drishti Marine‟s ambitious inland ferry services in Goa. The inaugural plaque was unveiled at the newly constructed Airport Ferry Terminal (AFT) at Baina beach in the distinguished presence of state ministers.
NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation Inks The Punjab government decided to impose Agreement a permanent ban on hookah bars in the state instead of issuing temporary orders against them every two months. The state cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, approved an amendment to the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 for the prevention and control of diseases caused by the use of tobacco products.
In A First, Indian Oil Corporation NITI Aayog and Piramal Foundation have inked Statement of Intent Starts Home Delivery Of Diesel (SoI) to work closely with District Collectors and
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organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs. The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will be the Chief Guest at the closing session. More than 50 State and Central law enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking will participate in this Conference.
Chandigarh Becomes North India‟s 1st
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation City to Install Digital Automatic Speed (IOC) has launched home-delivery of diesel on a Gun Cameras pilot basis in Pune and plans to expand doorstep delivery of the fuel to other parts of the country in near future. The country's biggest oil company has mounted a diesel dispenser, similar to the one seen at petrol pumps, on a midsized truck along with a storage tank for delivering the fuel at customers doorsteps in Pune. This is the first company to have started doorstep delivery after receiving clearance from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Chandigarh has become the 1st city in North India to install Automatic Speed Gun 1st National Conference on Drug Law Cameras with digital displays for traffic Enforcement Inaugurated management. The high-tech speed cameras are equipped with night vision technology and will record the speed of oncoming traffic, helping Chandigarh Police to issue challans to anyone driving above the city speed limits. Chandigarh also happens to be among a few cities to accept driving on high-beam inside the city limits as a punishable offence.
World‟s Longest Sandstone Cave Discovered in Meghalaya The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir inaugurated the two- day first National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement in Delhi. The conference is being
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of medical devices, point of care products, algorithms and software in thrust areas.
1st Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 Words Launched i. The North-eastern state Meghalaya of India, is home to the longest sandstone cave in the world at 24,583m, with dinosaur fossils from 66-76 million years ago. ii. The sandstone cave named Krem Puri was first discovered in 2016, but during the recent 25- day expedition by the Meghalaya Adventurers‟ Association (MAA), the actual length of the cave was uncovered. It is 6,000m longer than the current listed sandstone cave in the world, Cueva El Samán, The First Indian Sign Language (18,200m) in Venezuela. Dictionary of 3000 words was launched by Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social BIRAC Celebrated 6th Foundation Justice and Empowerment at a function. ii. The dictionary has been developed by Indian Day Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC) under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). The basic aim of developing the ISL Dictionary is to remove communications barriers between the deaf and hearing communities as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language.
Allahabad Bank Gets Nod for ABFL
Merger The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology celebrated its sixth foundation day in New Delhi with the launching of a partnership with PerkinElmer (the US-based multinational corporation). The new partnership is designed to promote a portfolio of Indian-led revenue-based innovations and startups in multidisciplinary areas comprising
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According to the officials of Allahabad Bank, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has allowed the amalgamation of its wholly own subsidiary - All Bank Finance Ltd (ABFL)-with the lender. The ABFL offers a basket of fee- based financial services such as trusteeship services, investment advisory and portfolio management services, distribution of Mutual Funds schemes and other corporate services including valuation of security and so on. Union Agriculture Minister, Radha
Mohan Singh had addressed the 5th India Maize 7th India-Egypt Joint Commission Summit in New Delhi. Meeting Held in New Delhi The aim of the summit was to harness the potential of maize, technological innovations, promoting producer aggregation and linkages that are required.
Kerala CM Launches M-Kerala App
The 7th India-Egypt Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was held in New Delhi. Both the sides reviewed the progress in the areas of political, trade & investment, S&T, cybersecurity, capacity building, security, space and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launched M- culture. India and Egypt are two of the world's Kerala, a unified app for all government services oldest civilisations that have enjoyed cordial at #FUTURE 2018. It is a first-of-its-kind digital relations based on commonality of views on tech summit in the state. regional and international issues. Kerala also becomes the state with the largest public Wi-Fi deployment in the country. Union Agriculture Minister Addresses The internet penetration in the state is at 52%. #FUTURE is Kerala's first-ever Global Digital 5th India Maize Summit 2018 Summit and was inaugurated by P Vijayan in Kochi.
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INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of Andhra Pradesh Government the Indian Navy, was decommissioned in Launches Multi-Utility Vehicle Mumbai after over three decades of service. 'Naipunya Ratham' Commissioned in December 1985, the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship building capability. The special guest of honour for the ceremony was Vice Admiral (Retd) K K Kohli, the first Commanding Officer of INS Ganga.
World TB Day- Health Ministry Launches New Initiatives
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched the Naipunya Ratham, a multi-utility vehicle. Also known as 'World on Wheels (WoW)', Naipunya Ratham is aimed at taking technology and innovation to the remote corners of the State.
As part of the „Smart Village Smart Ward Programme‟ of the state, the Naipunya Rathams At the function in New Delhi, the Health will facilitate and look to improve digital literacy Secretary Smt. Preeti Sudan, released the TB and digital skills. The State Government has allotted INDIA 2018 Report and National Drug Rs 300 crore for the project. Resistance Survey Report. She also launched the 'NikshayAushadi Navy Warship INS Ganga Portal' and shorter regimen for Drug Resistant TB. Decommissioned in Mumbai She further stated that the global target to end TB is 2030 but India will end it by 2025.
1st International Exhibition of Graphic Prints „Print Biennale India 2018‟ Inaugurated
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technology transfer in the silk sector with a 1,000 crore rupee fund. The scheme will help to increase productive employment from 85 lakhs to 1 crore persons by 2020. The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by 2022. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry through Central Silk Board.
President Kovind Lays Foundation The country‘s National Academy of Art, the Lalit Kala Akademi hosted the first-ever Stone of 5 National Highway Projects International Print Biennale in the country with in Varanasi a record number of 17 countries taking part in it. The first-ever International Exhibition of Graphic Prints „Print Biennale India 2018‟ opened, at the Rabindra Bhavan Galleries of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. The eminent Artist-Printmaker, Shakti Barman was the Chief Guest.
CCEA Approves Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry President Ram Nath Kovind visited Varanasi on a one-day visit to Uttar Pradesh. During his temple city visit, Mr Kovind laid the foundation stone of five projects of the National Highway Authority of India. Mr Kovind was welcomed by State Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Varanasi Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport).
World‟s Oldest City Varanasi Goes
The Cabinet Committee on Economic „Wireless‟ Affairs has approved Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry for the next three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The decisions taken by the cabinet will lead to the formation of a first- ever inter-ministerial panel to boost R&D and
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AAI Signs MoU With Assam Government
Eighty-six years after the city got electricity, overhead power cables in world's oldest city 'Varanasi ' is being dismantled after a project The Airport Authority of India to lay underground lines over 16 sq-km has been (AAI) signed an MoU with Assam finally completed. government under its Corporate Social Laying cables for 50,000 consumers through Responsibilities (CSR) initiative for the the serpentine lanes and congested markets in one sustainable development of human settlements at of the world‘s oldest cities was quite a challenge for villages in Kamrup district. Powergrid, the company conducting the integrated AAI would provide financial assistance power development scheme (IPDS) project. under its CSR initiative of 4.58 crore Rupees for the Kamrup district as per the estimates prepared by Asia‟s Largest Tulip Garden in the UNDP to improve the resilience of communities Srinagar Opens for Visitors around Guwahati Airport.
Government Guarantee for IRFC Bonds
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was opened for visitors in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. It is recognized as Asia's largest tulip garden. This year, 12.5 lakh tulip bulbs of 48 varieties were sown in the garden by the floriculture The Ministry of Finance has approved a department. Apart from the tulips, 40,000 hyacinth proposal to provide government guarantee bulbs have also been planted. of Rs5,000 crore in the current financial year for Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) 42
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 bonds to be subscribed by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has The guarantee fee for the amount has also approved the construction of 3,21,567 more been waived by the Ministry. The decision will ease affordable houses for the benefit of urban poor the flow of borrowed funds for Ministry of under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Railways to undertake projects. (Urban) with an investment of Rs18,203 crore with central assistance of Rs4,752 crore. Surat Becomes 1st District to Have The approval was given in the 32nd 100% Solar Powered Health Centres meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) held in New Delhi. Haryana gets maximum (70,671) Houses while Goa got the least (60). With the participation of Goa in the 32nd CSMC, all 35 States/UTs, having urban statutory towns and cities are now covered under the PMAY(U) Mission.
India's 1st Insect Museum Opened In Tamil Nadu Gujarat's Surat district has become the first district in the country to have 100 percent solar powered Primary Health Centers (PHC). There are a total of 52 PHCs in the district and all of them are now powered by the solar system. This initiative will not only bring down the electricity bill by 40 percent but also help fight global warming. A Rs 5 crore insect museum with the state-
of-the-art amenities was unveiled by Tamil Nadu 3,21,567 Affordable Houses Sanctioned Chief Minister K Palaniswamy at the Tamil Nadu For Urban Poor Under PMAY Agricultural University. The museum, established at a 6,691 sqft area, is fully dedicated to insects and is first of its kind in the country. It would display insects preserved as specimens as also live ones depicting their different developmental stages, images, videos and models of their unique behavior, habits, and habitats.
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Jual Oram Launches Tribes India E- Ministry of Power partnered with the Commerce Portal And M-Commerce Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship App to train the manpower in six states (Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh) for speedy implementation of its SAUBHAGYA scheme. SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna) aims to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country in a time-bound manner. Around 4 crore households are expected to get electricity connections under the scheme. A special project under the PMKVY has also been launched in these Six States. The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram launched ‗e-Tribes: Tribes India‘. It is an Department Of Posts Launches Cool initiative for digital commerce at Tribes India EMS Service Between India And Outlet in New Delhi. It included launch of e- Japan commerce portal of TRIFED, www.tribesindia.com, and M-commerce, the android app ‗Tribes India‘. The Minister also launched the Tribes India banner on Snapdeal, Amazon, Paytm and GeM for marketing of Tribal Products through these e- commerce portals. With this, more than 55 thousand tribal artisans connected to TRIFED will get access to local as well as International markets.
Ministry Of Power Joins Hands With Skill India To Support „Saubhagya‟ Ministry of Communications has launched Scheme the Cool EMS Service between India and Japan. Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations. Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only. Food items will be carried by Japan Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve the quality of the food items. All other features like track and trace, etc of Express Mail Service (EMS) will be available for Cool EMS service as well. 44
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NITI Aayog‘s Atal Innovation Mission SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 Held In announced the signing of a Statement of Intent New Delhi (SOI) with SAP to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of the SOI, SAP in 2018 will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) for five years to nurture the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning among secondary school children across India.
The program aims to enable students to learn advanced technology topics relevant to digital transformation and the Internet of Things, e.g. Design Thinking methodology, introduction to SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 has been programming languages and experiential science organized in New Delhi under Deendayal learning. Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It is one of the flagship India And China Agree To A programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development to alleviate rural poverty. Roadmap For Addressing Trade Imbalance The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 in New Delhi is an endeavour of DAY-NRLM to provide to the rural women producers a national platform and an opportunity to showcase their products and seek buyers, either individuals or bulk buyers for sale nationally/internationally.
NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission Signs SOI With SAP Global
The eleventh session of the China-India joint-group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science & Technology was held in New Delhi. The session was co-chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, Zhong Shan.
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The two Ministers agreed to continue to take forward the initiatives identified in the Five Year Development Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and India signed in September 2014.
GIFT, Deloitte Sign MoU To Promote IFSC Operations
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed $80 million loan agreement to help modernize technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and improve the skills ecosystem in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The project will support the skill initiatives of Government of Himachal Pradesh and help the GIFT City has signed an MoU with Deloitte State step-up the reform and scale-up its skill Touche Tohmatsu India LLP (DTTILLP), which development efforts. renders consultancy services, for mutual cooperation in areas related to international Exim Bank Extends $500 Million Loan financial services. GIFT City is a global business Facility To 15-Nation Group In Africa district offering a platform for business opportunities in international and domestic business operations. The MoU was signed with an aim of assisting domestic and international clients set up operations at the GIFT-located International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
India And ADB Sign $80 Million Loan Agreement The Export-Import Bank, Exim Bank has announced that it will provide a USD 500 million credit facility to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to fund various development projects in western-south Africa. According to the Bank, with the signing of line of credit (LoC) agreement, the Bank till date has extended four LoCs to the Bank for Investment 46
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 and Development (EBID) of West African States , taking the total value of LOCs to USD 1,000 million. The LoC of USD 500 million is an umbrella limit for financing developmental projects in 15-member countries.
India Successfully Launches GSAT-6A Communication Satellite
In Rajasthan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal has inaugurated the first mega food park of the state at Roopangarh village near Ajmer. The Food Park is set up at an investment of Rs 113.57 crore and will benefit around 25 thousand farmers in Ajmer and neighboring districts. Center has given the 50 crore rupees subsidy for this project. ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F08 The mega food park would attract an carrying the GSAT6A communication satellite from additional investment of about Rs. 250 crore in Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, about 30 food processing units in the park and to a Andhra Pradesh. Today's launch adds another turnover of about 500 crore rupees per annum. feather in ISRO's cap as it is mastering the technique of making home-made communication CCEA Approves Continuation Of satellites. The GSAT-6A satellite will be put into Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme For orbit around 17 minutes after the rocket's liftoff. GSLV Mk II (F08) carrying GSAT-6A took Education Loans off from the second launch pad in Sriharikota. Today's launch marked its 12th flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV- F08 and sixth flight with the indigenous Cryogenic upper stage. Harsimrat Kaur Badal Inaugurates Rajasthan's First Mega Food Park In Ajmer
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the continuation of the Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loans Scheme and 47
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 continuation and modification of Central Sector Niti Aayog Launches Baseline Ranking Interest Subsidy Scheme with a financial outlay of Of 115 Aspirational Districts 6,600 crore rupees from 2017-18 to 2019-20. The scheme will cover loans for pursuing professional and technical courses to promote quality education. CEA also approved a proposal to formulate an Integrated Scheme on school education by subsuming Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and Teacher Education from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2020. An estimated allocation of 75,000 crore rupees has been approved for this which is a 20 percent increase over the current allocations. The NITI Aayog has launched the baseline ranking for 115 aspirational districts based on 49 Cabinet Approves Rs 4,500 Crore To indicators across five sectors that include health and Boost Development Projects In North- nutrition, education, agriculture and water East resources, financial inclusion and skill development, and basic infrastructure.
This would be followed by delta ranking of these districts from May 2018 based on their incremental progress.
EPFO Launches Portal For Pensioners
Cabinet has approved Schemes of North Eastern Council (NEC) including the continuation of existing Schemes. It will boost the development projects in North-East. Four thousand five hundred crore rupees have been approved for the scheme for three years up to March 2020. EPFO has launched the pensioner‘s portal The Scheme of NEC- Special Development through which all EPFO pensioners may get the Project will be changed to be a Central Sector details of pension-related information. The Scheme with 100 percent grant. pensioner‘s portal is a recently launched service where details like pension payment order number,
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CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 payment order details, passbook information and other related information are available. The enhanced ―Track eKYC‖ facility for the convenience of members have also been launched to check the status of Aadhaar seeded against their UAN. The facility has been made available at EPFO‘s website www.epfindia.gov.in.
RBI Imposes Rs 58.9 Cr Penalty On ICICI Bank The stock market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed physical settlement of both stock options and stock futures. At present only cash settlement of derivatives is allowed. SEBI stated stock exchanges will also have the flexibility to offer a combination of cash settlement for stock options and physical settlement for stock or physical settlement for stock options and the cash settlement for stock futures.
Govt Allows Export Of 2 Million The RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of Tonnes Of Sugar Rs. 58.9 crore on ICICI Bank Limited for non- compliance with the directions issued by the RBI on direct sale of securities from its Held To Maturity (HTM) portfolio and specified disclosure in this regard. The Central Bank stated this penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers vested with the RBI under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, taking into account failure of the bank to adhere to its directions/guidelines.
The government has allowed export of two SEBI Allows Physical Settlement Of million tonnes of sugar until the end of the 2017-18 Stock Derivatives marketing year, in order to clear surplus stocks and improve cash flow to millers for making payment to sugarcane farmers.
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The government has also allowed export of white sugar till September 2018 under the Duty- Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) scheme, under which exporters are allowed to import sugar at zero duty within three years.
Prakash Javadekar Inaugurates Smart India Hackathon Grand Finale 2018-
Software Edition Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking water in the country followed by Odisha and Jharkhand. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has informed that under the Scheme ‗National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), 10% of the total allocation of funds is earmarked to be used for the supply of drinking water to Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated Human Resource Development Minister habitations. Prakash Javadekar has inaugurated the Smart India Hackathon Grand Finale 2018 -Software edition in First National Conclave On New Delhi. He stated that Hackathon aims to build Psychological Trauma, Child Digital India and to engage the youth directly in Protection, And Mental Illnesses In nation-building. it is intended to promote New Delhi innovation, out-of-the-box thinking in young minds. One lakh students from 1,200 colleges are participating at the world's largest Hackathon.
Madhya Pradesh Has The Highest Number Of Tribal Habitations In The Country
With an aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of research, service provision, and clinical practice in addressing psychological trauma and subsequent mental illnesses in Indian children and adolescents, First, ever National conclave was held 50
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 in New Delhi by the Ministry of Women & Child Development, in collaboration with the Dept. of Psychiatry. The Conclave was inaugurated by Hon‘ble Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar.
Cabinet Approves MoU Between India And United Kingdom And Northern Ireland The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has given its ex-post approval for MoU between India and Canada. The MoU was signed to establish bilateral cooperation activities in the field of Intellectual Property (IP). The MoU is intended to promote innovation, creativity and economic growth in both countries. The MoU establishes a broad and flexible framework through which both countries can
exchange best practices and work together on The Union Cabinet has approved the signing training programs and technical exchanges to raise of MoU between India and the United Kingdom and awareness on IPRs and better protect intellectual Northern Ireland regarding cooperation and property rights (IPRs). Exchange of Information for the Purposes of Combating International Criminality and Tackling SC Appoints Justice Jawad Rahim As Serious Organised Crime. Acting Head For NGT India and U.K. already have an agreement concerning the investigation and prosecution of crime and the tracing, restraint, and confiscation of the proceeds and instruments of crime (including crimes involving currency transfers) and terrorist funds, which was signed in 1995.
Cabinet Approves MoU Between India And Canada On IPRs
The Supreme Court appointed Justice Jawad Rahim—a former judge of the Karnataka High Court—as acting chairman of the National Green 51
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Tribunal (NGT), three months after the previous chairperson retired. The NGT‘s previous chairman, Ju Jawad Rahim— justice Swatanter Kumar—a former Supreme Court judge—retired in December 2017. Currently, a Judicial Member of the NGT, Justice Rahim was chosen over due to his seniority over other judges—including another senior judge, Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore.
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax To India received its first LNG cargo from the Come Into Effect From 01st April US under a long-term supply deal when a ship carrying super-cooled natural gas arrived at Dabhol in Maharashtra. GAIL India has contracted 3.5 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US energy firm Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass liquefaction facility in Louisiana. The first cargo from the project arrived at Dabhol, the cite of India's biggest gas-fired power plant.
Meeting of PIC Between India and Several Budget proposals, including the Pakistan Held in New Delhi reintroduction of the tax on long-term capital gains (LTCG) exceeding Rs 1 lakh from the sale of shares, will kick in from 01st April 2018, the beginning of the 2018-19 financial year. Besides, other tax proposals like the reduced corporate tax of 25 percent on businesses on a turnover of up to Rs 250 crore and a standard deduction of Rs 40,000 in lieu of transport allowance and medical reimbursement, will come into effect from 01st April 2018.
India gets first US LNG shipment at The two-day meeting of Permanent Indus Dabhol, Maharashtra Commission (PIC) between India and Pakistan began in New Delhi. Representatives from both the sides had discussed Water Treaty dispute and resolution of outstanding issues. 52
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The PIC is mandated to establish and Six years after it applied for maintain cooperative arrangements for the the Geographical Indications (GI) tag implementation of the treaty and to promote for Kadaknath, a chicken breed whose black meat cooperation between the two sides in developing the is in demand in some quarters, Madhya Pradesh Indus water systems. has got the coveted label. Chennai-based GI Registry accepted the NHAI Awarded Projects Worth Rs application of Gramin Vikas Trust, Jhabua, 1.22 lakh crore in FY18 which was filed in 2012.
Rivigo ties up with IDFC, YES Bank, for truck loans
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) awarded 150 road projects of 7,400 km worth Rs. 1,22,000 crore in the In Financial Year 2017-18. In last 5 years, the average length of road projects awarded by NHAI was 2,860 km with 4,335 Km awarded in the last financial year. Rivigo, a homegrown logistics start-up that In comparison, the length of projects owns as well as acts as an aggregator of trucks, is awarded in FY 2017-18 is an all-time high and a tying up with YES Bank, IDFC, and 10 other record achievement by NHAI since its inception in financial institutions to make cheaper funds 1995. available to truck owners and operators on its platform. Madhya Pradesh‟s Kadaknath chicken The funds will be available at an interest rate gets Geographical Indication tag of 1-2 percent per month, lower than the usual industry standard of 2-3 percent.
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INTERNATIONAL Armenian lawmakers elected Armen
Sarkisian as the new president of Armenia. He will succeed Serzh Sarkisian. Armen Sarkisian India, Bangladesh, Russia Sign Pact was the ambassador to the United Kingdom. He will assume presidential duties after his for Rooppur Atomic Plant predecessor steps down in April 2018. The political shift comes after President Sarkisian in 2015 initiated controversial constitutional amendments to turn the impoverished Moscow-allied country into a parliamentary republic with a powerful Prime Minister.
Indian Military Ranked 4th Strongest in World, USA Tops
Indian companies can now participate in construction and installation works in the “non- critical” category for the Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, according to the Russian atomic energy agency Rosatom. The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries. This will also be the first time Indian companies will be able to Out of 133 countries, India is ranked participate in a nuclear power project abroad. India, fourth on a global index for its military Bangladesh and Russia signed an agreement in this strength, only the United States, Russia and regard in Moscow, Russia. China are ranked above India on the list, according to the latest report of the Global Armen Sarkisian Elected Next Firepower index 2017. Armenian President Neighbouring Pakistan is ranked 13th. India maintained its position above France in the top five military powers in the world.
Marshall Islands 1st Country to Launch Own Cryptocurrency as Legal Tender
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The new law also requires internet providers to disclose information about their management practices, performance and commercial terms. Violations would be enforceable under the state‘s Consumer Protection Act.
European Development Bank Approves India‟s Membership
The Marshall Islands is creating its own digital currency in a bid to raise money. In doing so it becomes the first country in the world to recognize a cryptocurrency as legal tender. The small Pacific Island nation passed the Sovereign Currency Act to create the ‗sovereign‘, or SOV. The cryptocurrency will have equal status with the US dollar and, unlike many India is all set to become the 69th cryptocurrencies, users will have to reveal their member of the European Bank for identity in order to use SOV. Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) after
shareholders of the international financial institution Washington Becomes 1st State to gave their nod to the country‘s candidature. Approve Net-Neutrality Rules The formal membership process will now get underway, which includes the purchase of shares by India at an estimated cost of around 1 million euros. The EBRD‘s Board of Governors voted in favour of India‘s membership application.
Forbes Billionaires List 2018: Amazon's Bezos Richest, Mukesh Ambani Ranked 19
Washington has become the first state to enact its own net-neutrality requirements after U.S. regulators repealed Obama-era rules designed to keep the internet an even playing field.
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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is participating in World ATM Congress (WATMC) 2018 being held in Spain. Now entering its sixth year, World ATM Congress is the world's largest international air traffic management (ATM) exhibition and conference attracting thousands of delegates each year.
With a fortune worth $110 billion, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the world's richest man and India Announces USD 100 Ml LoC For tops a 2018 Forbes Magazine list of billionaires. Mauritius According to the Forbes, Bezos is the first person to top $100 billion as number one on the Forbes list of the World's Billionaires. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is second ($90 billion), investment guru Warren Buffet third ($84 billion), Bernard Arnault and family fourth ($72 billion), and Facebook founder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg fifth ($71 billion). Indian industry titan Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, is 19th on the list. He's valued at $40.1 billion. India has announced a new Line of Credit World ATM Congress 2018 Held in of USD 100 million for defense procurement by Mauritius as the two sides signed many agreements Spain on the second day of President Ram Nath Kovind's visit. The agreements were signed after President Kovind held delegation-level talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and members of his Cabinet.
Maldives Parliament Approved Anti- Defection Bill
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nuclear power plants. The policy insists on limiting nuclear activities to peaceful purposes and calls for enhanced safety measures as well as the use of best practices for radioactive waste management. Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, is seeking nuclear power to diversify its energy supply mix in order to free up oil to boost exports.
Bidya Devi Bhandari Re-Elected As Nepal President
The Maldives Parliament has approved the anti-defection bill with retrospective effect amidst the boycott by opposition MPs. According to the bill, MPs elected on political party tickets will lose their seat if they leave their party, get expelled, or switch parties. The bill would take effect from 13th July 2017, meaning that the 12 MPs that switched to the Opposition last year would lose their seats. The bill was passed with 35 votes as opposition MPs Nepal‘s first woman President Bidya Devi continued to boycott the settings. Bhandari was re-elected for a second term in office
with an overwhelming majority. Saudi Arabia Cabinet Approves Incumbent President Bhandari, the Left Nuclear Power Program National alliance‘s candidate, was elected with more than a Policy two-thirds majority as she defeated her Nepali Congress (NC) rival Kumari Laxmi Rai in the presidential election.
Gina Haspel Appointed CIA's First Female Director
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the national policy of its atomic energy programme, as the kingdom prepares to award contracts for its first 57
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countries by their happiness levels, and 117 countries by the happiness of their immigrants. Burundi in East Africa is the unhappiest place in the world. The study reveals the US has slipped to 18th place, five places down on 2016. India ranks 133rd in the report after Pakistan (75th), China (86th) and Nepal (101st). Top 3 countries in the list are- 1. Finland, 2. Norway,
3. Denmark, Gina Haspel, the newly nominated first- ever female director of the Central Intelligence President of India Inaugurates World Agency (CIA), is a career intelligence officer with more than 30 years' experience. Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius
Ms. Haspel, 61, has extensive overseas experience and has served as chief of the station on several postings. Her leadership positions in Washington include deputy director of the National Clandestine Service - the CIA agency that co- ordinates clandestine operations - and chief of staff for the director of the National Clandestine Service.
World Happiness Report 2018: India President Ram Nath Ranks 133rd, Finland Tops Kovind inaugurated World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius capital, Port Louis. The Secretariat is fully financed by India and a grant of 33 crore rupees was provided. The land was provided by the Mauritius government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this building in 2015.
Angela Merkel Elected to 4th Term as German Chancellor
The World Happiness Report is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness. The World Happiness Report 2018, ranks 156
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they are able to balance energy security and access to environmental sustainability and affordability. The Top 3 Countries in the List are- 1. Sweden, 2. Norway 3. Switzerland
Xi Jinping Re-Elected China President, Wang Vice President
Germany‟s Parliament elected Angela Merkel for her fourth term as chancellor, putting an end to nearly six months of political drift in Europe‘s biggest economy. Lawmakers voted 364-315 to re-elect Merkel, Germany‘s leader since 2005, who ran unopposed.
Xi Jinping was re-elected as President for a WEF Energy Transition Index 2018: second five-year tenure by China's rubber-stamp India Ranks 78th, Sweden Tops parliament. The Parliament has recently allowed Xi to have a life-long tenure. Xi was also elected as the head of the powerful Central Military Commission, the overall high command of the Chinese military. He became president in 2013. Wang Qishan has been elected as the new Vice President of China.
Worldwide Cost of Living Report 2018- Singapore Most Expensive, Damascus Least India has been ranked at 78th among 114 countries on the World Economic Forum‟s (WEF) energy transition index. The list was topped by Sweden. The report titled 'Fostering Effective Energy Transition' ranks countries on how well
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He is well ahead of his nearest rival Communist Party candidate Pavel Grudinin at 13.2%. About 107 million Russians were eligible to cast ballots and turnout was 60% before polls closed in Moscow.
UN issues $951 million appeal for Rohingya refugees
Singapore remains the most expensive city in the world, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit‟s Worldwide Cost of Living report 2018. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) published the Worldwide Cost of Living index 2018 for 133 cities across the world. The Top 3
Expensive cities on the list are- 1. Singapore. The United Nations has issued an appeal 2. Paris, France. for 951 million Dollars to meet the needs of nearly 3. Zurich, Switzerland. 900,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Damascus, the capital of war-ravaged Over the months since the most Syria, is the cheapest city for living in the world, recent Rohingya influx began, it has become followed by Venezuela‘s capital Caracas. the world's fastest-growing refugee crisis with tens of thousands fleeing by land and sea daily from Vladimir Putin Wins Historic 4th Myanmar's northern Rakhine state at the peak of the Term as Russian President emergency.
Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib- Fakim resigns over a financial scandal
Russian President Vladimir Putin stormed to victory in presidential election, giving him another six years in power. 60
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Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib- World Sparrow Day- 20 March Fakim has resigned after being embroiled in a scandal over the use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items. It has been alleged that Gurib-Fakim made personal purchases, buying jewellery and clothing using a credit card provided by London-based Planet Earth Institute.
International Day of Happiness- 20
March World Sparrow Day is observed on 20 March every year globally to create awareness about the protection of sparrows. The theme for this year's WSD is 'I Love Sparrows'. The first World Sparrow Day was observed in 2010 across the globe. The theme has been inspired by the hope that more and more of us will celebrate the relationship between people and Sparrows.
USA Bans Use of Venezuelan Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness (on Cryptocurrency- Petro 20th March) as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. The theme for IDH 2018 is "Share Happiness" - focusing on the importance of relationships, kindness and helping each other. The World Happiness Report 2018 was also released recently in which Finland was ranked as the happiest country and Burundi in East Africa is the unhappiest place in the world. India ranks 133rd in the report. The Donald Trump administration banned all use by Americans of Venezuelan cryptocurrency (Petro), saying that its introduction is intended to skirt U.S. sanctions. The prohibition applies to all people and companies subject to U.S. jurisdiction. In February 61
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2018, cash-strapped Venezuela became the first Austria's capital city Vienna has been country to launch its own version of rated the world's most liveable city for the ninth bitcoin, the petro. consecutive year by Mercer in its annual Quality of Living survey. 1st G20 Ministerial Meeting Held in It was followed by Switzerland's Zurich, while New Zealand's Auckland and Argentina Germany's Munich tied for third place. Hyderabad and Pune have been rated India's most liveable cities as they have tied for the 142nd place in Mercer's global Quality of Living survey. Iraq's capital city Baghdad has been rated the least liveable city for the tenth consecutive year.
GIC Re to Operate from Lloyd‟s in
London The first G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors began in Buenos Aires, Argentina with the presence of 57 delegations from countries and institutions. The summit, held at the capital's Center of Exhibitions and Conventions (CEC), gathered 22 finance ministers, 17 central bank governors and 10 heads of international organisations, including IMF
Director-General Christine Lagarde. General Insurance Corporation is going World's Most Liveable City Report- to start operations at the Lloyd‟s London office in Vienna Tops, Baghdad Worst April 2018 thereby increasing its share of international business. This will help GIC Re increase its share of international reinsurance business. The company had received approval to set up a syndicate at Lloyd‘s of London in December 2017. GIC Syndicate 1947 will be the first Lloyd‘s syndicate to be backed solely by capital from an Indian reinsurance group.
Singapore Airport Rated World's Best, Mumbai Ranked 63rd 62
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He has replaced Pedro Pablo Kuczynski who has resigned from the post recently.
World‟s Largest Cruise Ship 'Symphony of the Seas' Sets Sail
The Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world's best airport for the sixth consecutive year by consultancy firm Skytrax. The Incheon International Airport in South Korea and Haneda Airport in Japan were placed second and third respectively. While the Mumbai airport (Chhatrapati The world‘s biggest cruise-liner, Symphony Shivaji International Airport Mumbai) has been of the Seas, has left the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire ranked 63rd, the airports in Bangalore in France to embark on its maiden voyage in the (Kempegowda International Airport) and Delhi Mediterranean. French shipbuilder STX handed (Indira Gandhi International Airport) are at 64th over to U.S. giant Royal Caribbean International. and 66th place respectively. The ship, which weighs 228,000 tonnes, is 362 metres long just 20 metres shy of the length of Martin Vizcarra Sworn In As Peru's the Empire State Building. It is marginally bigger New President than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016.
ISA and India Sign Host Country Agreement
Martin Vizcarra has been sworn in as the country's new president of Peru. Before the appointment, he was Peru's first vice president and ambassador to Canada.
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The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), signed the Host Country Agreement. The Agreement will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire and dispose off movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings.
Anushka Sharma & PV Sindhu Debut in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 List Myanmar's Parliament has elected Win Myint as the country's new President. This comes after Myanmar's first democratically elected President Htin Kyaw resigned from the position due to health issues. Myint is considered a close aide of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and has been a speaker in the lower house since 2012.
Bollywood actress-producer Anushka SPORTS Sharma and Badminton Ace P V Sindhu had featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Tokyo Unveils Mascots for 2020 Asia 2018 list. The list includes innovators and Olympics and Paralympics disruptors who are reshaping their industries and changing Asia for the better. Anushka, one of Indian film industry's highest paid actresses, is all of 29. Pakistani singer Momina Mustehsan too found a mention.
Win Myint Elected As New President Of Myanmar
Tokyo unveiled its long-awaited mascot for the 2020 Olympic Games: a futuristic blue-checked, doe-eyed character with pointy ears and “special powers” that was picked by schoolchildren across mascot-mad Japan.
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One has an athletic figure and a strong sense of justice. The other is a cherry blossom- inspired superhero.
avjot Kaur 1st Indian Woman to Win Gold in Asian Wrestling Championship
The 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey tournament begins in the Malaysian city of Ipoh. Six nations – India, hosts Malaysia, defending champions England, Australia, Argentina and Ireland – are taking part in the tournament. India, currently the world number six side,
will take on world number two Argentina in their Navjot Kaur has clinched the 1st gold opening round-robin match. medal for India in the Asian Wrestling championship in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She defeated Imai Miyu of Japan in the final of IOC restores Russia's Olympic women‘s 65 kg freestyle. With 1 gold, 2 silver and membership 1 bronze medal, India was at the second spot in the medals tally. Vinesh Phogat and Pinki of Indian Railways claimed silver medals while Sakshi Malik won a bronze in the 62-kilogram category. China was leading the table with 4 gold and 1 bronze medal while Japan was at the third place with 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals.
27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament Begins in Malaysia International Olympic Committee (IOC) has restored Russia's Olympic membership with immediate effect following its suspension from the Winter Olympics at Pyeongchang in South Korea. Russia was banned from February's Games by the IOC over state-sponsored doping.
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Before closing ceremony of Winter In the finals, Indian duo of Pankaj Advani Olympics, the IOC had stated that the ban would and Manan Chandra staged a remarkable recovery be lifted, as long as there were no more anti-doping after being 0-2 down. violations.
Viswanathan Anand Wins Tal Rashid Khan Becomes Youngest Memorial Rapid Chess Title Captain in International Cricket History
World rapid champion Viswanathan Anand annexed the Tal Memorial rapid chess The leg-spinner from Afghanistan, title in Moscow, Russia after an easy final round Rashid Khan (19-year-old) has become the draw against Boris Gelfand of Israel. youngest captain in international cricket history. His solitary loss came at the hands of He now holds the ICC No. 1 rank for Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan in the third bowlers in both the ODIs and T20Is and also round. became the youngest player ever to hold the top spot for any form of ICC men's ranking. Advani-Led India Wins Snooker Team World Cup 2018 ISSF World Cup 2018- Shahzar Rizvi Sets World Record; Manu Bhaker Wins Gold
India won the inaugural IBSF Snooker Team World Cup in Doha, Qatar. India beat Pakistan in the best-of-five final.
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Tejaswin Shankar Smashes National On the opening day of the ISSF World Cup Record in High Jump at Guadalajara in Mexico, India had won four medals which include two gold and two bronze. Shahzar Rizvi clinched the gold medal with a world record score in his maiden ISSF World Cup appearance. Rizvi shot a world record 242.3 in the 10- metre air pistol event‟s final to beat reigning Olympic champion, Christian Reitz of Germany, to win the top prize. Manu Bhaker won the gold medal in 10 metre Air Pistol Women. Pistol ace Jitu Rai won the bronze in the event, as three Indians made it to the finals of the Delhi youngster Tejaswin season‘s first World Cup. Mehuli Ghosh shot a Shankar smashed his own national record to claim world junior record 228.4 to win bronze in the the high jump gold as three athletes booked their women‘s 10-metre air rifle event. Commonwealth Games berths on the third and penultimate day of the 22nd Federation Cup Senior ISSF World Cup 2018- Anjum National Athletics Championships. Moudgil Wins Silver The 19-year-old Shankar sailed over the bar at 2.28m to marginally improve his own national mark of 2.26m.
Australia Beat England 2-1 To Lift 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil clinched a silver medal in the women‟s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was Anjum‘s first World Cup medal. Former junior world champion China‟s
Ruijiao Pei won the Gold Medal in that event. World champions Australia have lifted the India thus remained on top of the medals coveted Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey title. In the final tally with eight medals, while China is in second at Ipoh, Malaysia, they beat defending champions with two gold, two silver, one bronze. England by a narrow 2-1 margin. Australia has now
won the prestigious tournament for the 10th time.
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Earlier, in the classification match for the Qualifier being held in Zimbabwe, achieving the 3rd place, Argentina finished third after beating distinction for the first time. Malaysia 3-2. The hosts ended at the 4th spot. English Cricketer Kevin Pietersen Deepa Malik Becomes Asian Rank 1 in Announces Retirement Javelin F-53 Category
Kevin Pietersen, 37 years old, has Indian para-athlete Deepa Malik won a officially announced his retirement from the gold medal in the F-53/54 category javelin event at International cricket. the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai. A prolific scorer in all forms of the game, With this, she became the Asian rank Pietersen has 8,181 runs in 104 tests, 4,440 runs in one in the F-53 category. With the win, Deepa has 136 ODIs and 1,176 runs in 37 Twenty20 also qualified for the 2018 Asian Para Games in Internationals. Pietersen is England's fifth highest Indonesia, scheduled to be held in October 2018. test run-scorer.
Nepal Cricket Team Gains ODI Status Indian Wells 2018- Complete List of Winners
After Afghanistan‘s rapid rise to prominence in limited-overs cricket, Nepal took a massive step The Indian Wells Masters, also known as forward after achieving One-day International status, after their victory over Papua New Guinea. BNP Paribas Open and the WTA Indian Wells Nepal defeated the Pacific nation by six Open, is an annual tennis tournament held wickets in a playoff game in the ICC World Cup in California, United States. 68
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Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown. Unseeded Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese player to win the Indian Wells final, routing Russian Daria Kasatkina for her first WTA Tour title.
Purva Barve Wins Women‟s Singles U-19 Title at Israel Junior 2018 Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan shattered the qualification world record in 10-meter women‟s air rifle event of the season‘s first junior ISSF World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Arjun Babuta bagged his second junior world cup medal, claiming a bronze in men‘s 10- meter air rifle event. Hamilton Takes Record 7th Pole at
Australian Grand Prix India‟s Purva Barve has won the Women‟s Singles (Under-19) title at the Israel Junior 2018 Badminton tournament held in Rishon LeZion, Israel. She has defeated the third-seeded and top- ranked Russian Anastasiia Pustinskaia in three sets. The title is her first in 2018 and third overall. Earlier she won the Israel Junior 2017, Italian Junior International 2017 apart from a bronze at the
Russian Junior White Nights 2017. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton set a
blistering time in his final lap of qualifying to take Elavenil Valarivan Wins Gold in pole position at the season-opening Australian Junior ISSF World Cup Shooting Grand Prix for a record seventh time, outpacing his nearest rival Kimi Raikkonen by a sizable 0.664 seconds. It‘s the 73rd pole of Hamilton‘s career.
ISSF Junior World Cup: Manu Bhaker Wins Gold 69
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World No. 3 Sindhu is one of the favourites to win the badminton women's singles title in Gold Coast.
ISSF Junior World Cup- Anish Bhanwala Wins Gold
Shooter Manu Bhaker secured India's second individual gold after prevailing over Thailand's Kanyakorn Hirunphoem in a thrilling final of the women's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney, Australia. The 16-year-old Manu shot 235.9 to finish India's 15-year-old shooter Anish top of the podium. India tasted success in the 10m Bhanwala won a gold medal at the ISSF Junior Air Pistol men's event too with Gaurav Rana World Cup in the 25 meter rapid fire pistol event winning a silver medal while Anmol Jain bagged in Sydney, Australia. It was India's third gold at the bronze. the event. India is now placed second in the overall PV Sindhu to be India's Flag-Bearer at standings with 15 medals, comprising six gold, 2018 CWG three silver and six bronze, behind China and ahead of top shooting nations such as Italy and hosts Australia.
Sebastian Vettel Wins Australian Grand Prix
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chooses PV Sindhu as the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The opening ceremony will be held on April 4. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) won a Having won a silver medal at the Rio dramatic Australian Grand Prix after Olympics two years ago, the Hyderabad-based 70
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 leapfrogging Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) during a safety car period. Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari was in the third position. Sebastian Vettel was the first man to meet the chequered flag in 2018.
Pankaj Advani Wins Asian Billiards Championships Title
The India U-16 team emerged champions in the Jockey Cup International Youth Invitational Football Tournament with a victory over Hong Kong U-17 in the final in Hong Kong. The tournament was an U-17 event where India fielded their U-16 National Team. The team was coached by Bibiano Fernandes.
Pankaj Advani defended his Asian ISSF Junior World Cup- Anish Billiards Championships title by demolishing his Bhanwala Wins Gold practice partner B Bhaskar 6-1 in the summit clash in Yangon, Myanmar. With this win, Advani remains the reigning Indian, Asian and world champion in billiards for 2017-18. This is Advani's 11th gold medal at the Asian level of cue sports. India's Amee Kamani won the Asian Women's Snooker title by defeating her Thai opponent Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.
India's 15-year-old shooter Anish India U-16 Win Hong Kong Football Bhanwala won a gold medal at the ISSF Junior Tournament World Cup in the 25 meter rapid fire pistol event in Sydney, Australia. It was India's third gold at the event. India is now placed second in the overall standings with 15 medals, comprising six gold, three silver and six bronze, behind China and ahead of top shooting nations such as Italy and hosts Australia.
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won the Asian Women's Snooker title by Sebastian Vettel Wins Australian defeating her Thai opponent Siripaporn Grand Prix Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.
India U-16 Win Hong Kong Football Tournament
Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) won a dramatic Australian Grand Prix after leapfrogging Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) during a safety car period. The India U-16 team emerged champions Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari was in the third in the Jockey Cup International Youth position. Sebastian Vettel was the first man to meet Invitational Football Tournament with a victory the chequered flag in 2018. over Hong Kong U-17 in the final in Hong Kong. Pankaj Advani Wins Asian Billiards The tournament was an U-17 event where Championships Title India fielded their U-16 National Team. The team was coached by Bibiano Fernandes.
ISSF Junior World Cup: Muskan Bhanwala Wins Gold
Pankaj Advani defended his Asian Billiards Championships title by demolishing his practice partner B Bhaskar 6-1 in the summit clash in Yangon, Myanmar. With this win, Advani remains the reigning Indian, Asian and Indian shooter Muskan world champion in billiards for 2017-18. Bhanwala clinched the gold medal in women‟s This is Advani's 11th gold medal at the 25m pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Asian level of cue sports. India's Amee Kamani Sydney, Australia. The 16-year-old Muskan 72
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 beaten China‟s Qin Sihang and Thailand‟s Kanyakorn Hirunphoem. India thus upstaged China with 22 medals, including nine gold. India has also five silver and eight bronze medals.
Mithali Raj Adjudged „Sportsperson of the Year‟
NASA is all set to send the first-ever mission dedicated to exploring the deep interior of Mars. Scheduled to launch on 5 May, InSight—a stationary lander—will also be the first Nasa mission since the Apollo moon landings to place a Indian women‟s cricket team captain seismometer, a device that measures quakes, on the Mithali Raj was adjudged „Sportsperson of the soil of another planet. Year‟ while ace shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and P InSight or the Interior Exploration using V Sindhu bagged the best senior male and female Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport athletes at the Telangana Sports Journalists mission, carries a suite of sensitive instruments to Association annual awards for 2017 in gather data. Hyderabad. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman Diu Becomes First UT to be 100% presented „best coach of the year‟ award to Pullela Gopichand, who received this award for Powered by Solar Energy the second time in a row. Triple Olympian and former national Hockey player N Mukesh Kumar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at the event.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NASA To Send First Mission To Study Diu has become the first Union Territory 'Heart' Of Mars in India to run 100 percent on solar power generated energy. Diu has managed to generate surplus solar power for its residents, reducing their electricity costs, in a span of just three years.
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Diu, which is one of the least populated The first-ever multi-nation naval exercise at territories in India, marking an area of 42 square sea, MILES-18, began at the Andaman sea. 11 kilometres, has witnessed the installation of solar naval ships of 8 countries and nine Indian ships are power plants in over more than 50 acres of its land. participating in the three-day exercise. Apart from enhancing inter-operability, the India's Biggest M&E Services Market, exercise aims to hone search and rescue procedures, enTTech 2018 Inaugurated maritime interdiction operations, core operational skills and exercise a variety of maritime security scenarios.
Metros‟ -An Association Of All Indian Metro Rail Companies Launched By Cabinet Secretary
India's biggest Media & Entertainment Services Market - enTTech 2018 was inaugurated in Mumbai. The market, spread over two days saw fast matchmaking between 100 international delegates and their Indian counterparts. The event was organized by Service Export The Union Housing Ministry has launched Promotion Council (SEPC) in association with 'I-Metros', an association of all-India metro rail MEAI (Media & Entertainment Association of companies, which will act as a forum of exchange India) and supported by the Department of of ideas and innovations. Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, The association was launched by Cabinet Government of India. Secretary P.K. Sinha at an event "Indian Metros: Collaborating for Excellence" in the presence of 1st Ever Multi-Nation Naval Exercise Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director At Sea Begins In Andaman Mangu Singh in New Delhi. NCRB Launches „Citizen Services‟ Mobile App
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KUSUM Scheme to Install Grid Connected Solar Plants in Rural India
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) launched a mobile app called „Citizen Services‟ on the occasion of its 33rd Inception Day. The Indian government is in process of The application has been developed in- formulating 'Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan house by the NCRB. It will offer various essential Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme' to harness solar police related services to the citizens. The power for rural India. The scheme will allow to application comprises a bouquet of 9 police related setup grid-connected solar plants in rural areas. services for the citizen. KUSUM will build 10,000 MW solar plant and provide 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar Navy Chief Sunil Lanba to be on a 5- pumps. The program aims to boost farmers‘ income Day Visit to USA as they can sell their additional power to the main grid produced by solar plants located on their lands.
Indian Navy to Host Bilateral Exercise 'Varuna' with French Navy
Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba is on a five-day visit to the USA. The visit aims to consolidate relations between the Armed Forces of both the nations and to explore new avenues of defence co-operation. During the visit, Admiral Lanba will hold The Indian Navy and the French bilateral discussions with US Defence Secretary Navy have conducted bilateral maritime exercises James Mattis, Secretary of the Navy Richard since May 1993. Since 2001, the exercises have Spencer among others. been named VARUNA and there have been fifteen editions of the same till date. The last edition of 75
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VARUNA was conducted off the French Coast in April 2017. This year too VARUNA-18 would be conducted in three sea areas, namely, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean.
NCAA Becomes World‟s 1st Trusted Digital Repository
ISRO has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), to transfer the technology for the manufacture of space grade Li- Ion cells. The TTA was signed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru. This Li-ion cell Technology Transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet the country‘s space programme National Cultural Audiovisual Archives requirements. (NCAA) project of the Ministry of Culture, Google Acquires GIF Search Platform Government of India, implemented by Indira Tenor Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has been certified as the world‟s first Trusted Digital Repository as per ISO standard, granted by Primary Trustworthy Digital Repository Authorisation Body Ltd. (PTAB), United Kingdom. The primary objective of the NCAA is to identify and preserve the cultural heritage of India available in audiovisual form through a process of digitization and making it accessible to the people. Technology giant Google has acquired US- ISRO Ties Up with BHEL based Tenor, a GIF platform for Android, iOS, and desktop. Tenor's GIF-searching functionality will be integrated into Google Images and Gboard, the company's virtual keyboard. However, Tenor will continue to operate as a separate brand and Google will invest in their technology. 76
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IMPORTANT DAYS This year, the UN theme for International Women‘s Day, is ―Time is Rare Disease Day – February 28 Now: Rural and urban activists transforming 28 February 2018 will be the eleventh women‘s lives‖. international Rare Disease Day coordinated by EURORDIS (EURORDIS – European 49th Raising Day of CISF - 10 March Organisation for Rare Disease). On 10 March 2018, 49th Raising Day of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was The Theme for the year 2018 is ―Research‖. observed.
Zero Discrimination Day - March 01 World Consumer Rights Day – 15 The Zero Discrimination Day March (ZDD) is observed every year on March 1 to The World Consumer Rights Day promote equality before the law and in practice (WCRD) is celebrated every year on March throughout all of the member countries of the 15 to promote basic rights of consumers and UN. raising awareness about consumer rights.
The theme of the WCRD for the year World Wildlife Day - 03 March 2018 is ―Making Digital Market Places Fairer‖ World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 03 to raise awareness 33rd Inception Day of NCRB – 11 about our planet‘s flora and fauna. March This year the theme is ―Big cats — The National Crime Records Bureau predators under threat." (NCRB) celebrated its 33rd Inception Day on March 11, 2018. National Safety Day – March 4 On this occasion, ―Citizen Services‖ National Safety Day is celebrated on mobile application developed in-house by the 4th March every year in India by the NCRB was also released. National Safety Council of India to commemorate the establishment of this event World Sleep Day – March 16 and to enhance the safety awareness among World Sleep Day is held on Friday people. (March 16) before Spring Vernal Equinox of each year International Women's Day - 08 It is organized by the World Sleep Day March Committee of World Sleep Society since International Women's Day (IWD) is 2008. celebrated on March 8 every year to celebrate women‘s achievements throughout history and World Sparrow Day - March 20 across nations. The World Sparrow Day (WSD) is observed every year on March 20 to raise 77
CHENNAI IAS ACADEMY-9043 211311/411 awareness among people about house sparrows World Tuberculosis Day – 24 March and other common birds in urban environments World TB Day was observed every and threats to their populations. year on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and World Water Day - 22 March economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) The World Water Day (WWD) is and to step up efforts to end the global TB observed every year on 22 March to spread epidemic. message of preservation and rational The theme for the year 2018 is consumption of water. "Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world" The theme for this year is ‗Nature for Water‘. It explores how nature can be used to Martyrs‟ Day – March 23 overcome the water challenges of the 21st March 23 is marked as Shaheed Diwas century. or Martyrs‘ Day to remember the day when three brave freedom fighters were hanged by International Day of Forests - 21 the British. March The theme for each World Meteorological Day – March 23 International Day of Forests is chosen World Meteorological Day is by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. observed every year on March 23 to The Theme for the year 2018 is ―Forests and commemorate the coming into force of the Sustainable Cities‖. international convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation on March 23, World Poetry Day - 21 March 1950. World Poetry Day is Held every year The theme of this year is 'Weather- on 21 March and it celebrates one of Ready, Climate Smart‘. humanity‘s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.
International Day for Achievers – 24 March
International Day for Achievers is observed every year on march 24. International Day for Achievers is celebrated to pay tribute to achievers‘ in any field for their outstanding achievements.
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combat officer in the Indo-Tibetan Border APPOINTMENTS/OBITUARIES Police. ii. The ITBP is the last of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to induct women officers in combat Vivek R Wadekar Appointed New roles after the government first allowed it to enrol Special Director in ED them in 2016.
Prince Charles Appoints Sanjeev Gupta As UK Skills Ambassador
IRS officer Vivek R Wadekar was appointed as the new Special Director in the Indian-origin steel tycoon Sanjeev Enforcement Directorate (ED) by the government. Gupta has been appointed by Britain's Prince He has been appointed for the tenure of five Charles as an official ambassador for the years. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Industrial Cadets programme designed to nurture (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi manufacturing skills. issued an order appointing the officer of the Income Mr Gupta was appointed to the flagship Tax Department to the new post. programme to give children and young people directstructured experience of the industry Prakriti to be 1st ITBP Woman while still at school or college. Mr Gupta is an Combat Officer Executive Chairman of UK-based GFG Alliance.
Biplab Deb Takes Oath As Tripura Chief Minister
In another first for women, 25-year-old Prakriti has been inducted as the first direct-entry
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Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Biplab Kumar Deb was sworn in as Raju and Minister of State for Science and the Chief Minister of Tripura's first Bharatiya Technology Y S Chowdary have submitted their Janata Party government in Agartala. He has resignations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. replaced Manik Sarkar. The ministers have resigned but will Jishnu Deb Burman took oath as the continue to be a part of NDA. Commerce minister Deputy CM of the State. Suresh Prabhu gets additional charge of aviation ministry. Virat Kohli Named 1st Brand Ambassador for Uber India Sangeeta Bahadur Appointed Next Ambassador of India to Belarus
Indian cricket team captain Virat Sangeeta Bahadur has been appointed as Kohli has been named cab-hailing startup Uber's the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of first Brand Ambassador in India. Belarus. She is an IFS officer of 1987 batch. Kohli will also be involved in a series of She is currently Additional Secretary in marketing and customer experience initiatives. Ministry of External Affairs
Ministers Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Larry Kudlow Becomes Trump's New Y S Chowdary Submit Resignations to Economic Adviser PM
President Donald Trump named Larry Kudlow as the next head of the White House 80
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National Economic Council. He has replaced Gary Atul M. Gotsurve has been appointed as Cohn. the next Ambassador of India to the Democratic Mr Kundlow is the conservative media People‟s Republic of Korea. analyst who served as his informal economic He is currently Director of the Ministry of adviser during the 2016 campaign. External Affairs. He is the IFS officer of 2004 batch. Slovak PM Robert Fico Resigns Yi Gang Named Head of People's Bank of China
US-educated economist Yi Gang has been Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and named the next governor of China's central bank, his government resigned as a way out of the the People's Bank of China (PBOC). Mr Yi has political crisis triggered by the slayings of an been deputy governor of the bank since 2008. investigative journalist and his fiancee. Slovak It was one of a raft of appointments as the President Andrej Kiska accepted the resignation. annual sitting of China's rubber-stamp parliament, The President has asked Peter the National People's Congress, draws to a close. Pellegrini, Fico's deputy prime minister, to form a new government. Bihar Governor Satya Pal Mallik Gets Additional Charge of Odisha Atul M. Gotsurve Appointed Next Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea
Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik will discharge the functions of Odisha Governor in addition to his own duties till regular arrangements are made. Odisha Governor SC Jamir completed
his tenure. 81
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Mr Jamir has earlier served as chief minister Myanmar's President and Aung San Suu of Nagaland for five times, was an union deputy Kyi's right-hand man Htin Kyaw stepped down minister in the cabinet Jawaharlal Nehru and after two years in the position. governors of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. As per the official report, a new leader would be selected ―within seven working days‖. Nanda Bahadur Pun Elected Nepal's Vice President Pulitzer Prize Winner Les Payne Dies
Les Payne, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Nanda Bahadur Pun has been re-elected journalist and columnist for Newsday who fiercely as the Vice-President of Nepal for the second term championed racial equality has passed away. unopposed. He was 76. He won Pulitzer Prize for Pun has filed candidacy for the post of the ―Heroin Trail‖ series in 1974. Vice President and his candidacy remained unopposed as no candidate came forward to contest John Bolton Replaces McMaster as US with him for the post. National Security Adviser Myanmar President, Htin Kyaw Resigns
The 45th President of USA Donald Trump has announced that the former U.N.
Ambassador John Bolton will be the New US National Security Adviser.
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He would replace present National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster. The Government of India has decided to nominate Prof. J S Rajput, former Director Balesh Sharma Named CEO of NCERT, as India‘s representative to the Executive Vodafone-Idea India Merged Entity Board (EXB) of UNESCO. The EXB has a four- year term of office and 58 seats. The executive board is one of the constitutional organs of UNESCO and is elected by the General Conference. The next meeting of Executive Board of UNESCO is to be held in Paris, France in April 2018.
Vijay Raghavan Appointed Principal Scientific Advisor To Government
Vodafone Group Plc‟s Indian unit and Idea Cellular, which are in the process of merging their operations to create the country‘s biggest telecoms carrier, named Vodafone veteran Balesh Sharma as the new chief executive for the combined venture. Sharma is currently the chief operating officer at Vodafone India. Akshaya Moondra, the current chief financial officer at Idea, will become the finance Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan was chief at the combined firm. Kumar Mangalam appointed the principal scientific adviser to the Birla, chairman of Idea‘s parent Aditya Birla government of India. Vijay Raghavan will succeed conglomerate, will be the non-executive chairman physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram who has been in of the merged telecoms company. the position for more than 16 years. Vijay Raghavan, a former director of JS Rajput Nominated India‟s National Centre for Biological Sciences, was Representative to UNESCO's appointed Secretary of Department of Biotechnology in 2013. Executive Board Indu Bhushan Appointed CEO Of Ayushman Bharat Mission
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Currently, a Judicial Member of the NGT, Justice Rahim was chosen over due to his seniority over other judges—including another senior judge, Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore.
Shekhar Kapur to head the jury for 65th National Film Awards
Indu Bhushan was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Union Government‘s ambitious Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission (ABNHPM). Bhushan, the Director General of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines, has been appointed to the post for a period of two years. Veteran director Shekhar Kapur has been SC Appoints Justice Jawad Rahim As appointed the chairman of the central panel of Acting Head For NGT the 65th National Film Awards. The central panel comprises a chairperson and 10 other members, including five regional chairpersons who head the respective regional panels. Film writer Imtiaz Hussain, known for his works in films like Astitva (2000) and Parinda (1989) will be the regional chairperson of South I panel.
Veteran Actor Shammi Passes Away
The Supreme Court appointed Justice Jawad Rahim—a former judge of the Karnataka High Court—as acting chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), three months after the previous chairperson retired. The NGT‘s previous chairman, Ju Jawad Rahim— justice Swatanter Kumar—a former Supreme Court judge—retired in December 2017.
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AWARDS Veteran Bollywood actor, who was fondly called 'Shammi aunty' by many in the film Oscar Awards 2018: Complete List of fraternity passed away at the age of 89. Born as Winners Nargis Rabadi she has appeared in over 100 films. She was well-known for her work in television series like Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, and Shriman Shrimati.
Veteran Sufi Singer Pyarelal Wadali Passes Away
The 90th Annual Academy Awards (also known as Oscar Awards) were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the USA. The Shape Of Water won the top prize of the night - Best Picture. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the ceremony for the second year in a row.
Ustad Pyarelal Wadali, younger brother Shatrughan Sinha Wins Lifetime of Ustad Puran Chand Wadali passed away in Amritsar, Punjab. He was 75. He was one of the Achievement Award in UK singers of popularly known 'Wadali Brothers'. Wadali Brothers are famous for their Punjabi Sufi music.
Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the fields of arts and politics in the United Kingdom.
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The annual Political and Public Life Central Banking‟s fifth annual Awards instituted by Britain‟s Asian Voice awards recognise outstanding achievement within a weekly newspaper was presented at a ceremony in community that has had to balance monetary the UK‘s Parliament complex in London. accommodation and financial stability in an environment of rapid innovation, political change Architect BV Doshi Becomes 1st and global uncertainty. Indian to Win Pritzker Prize The Bank of Canada, this year‟s Central Bank of the Year, emerged as a beacon of best practice for much of the community.
Here is the complete list of Winners-
1. Transparency: Central Bank of Ireland.
2. Reserve manager of the year: Bank of Korea.
3. Banknote and currency manager of the year: Norges Bank.
Architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi has become the first Indian to win the Pritzker ICMR Wins 2017 Kochon Prize for TB Prize, the highest award in architecture. Research Doshi's most noted works include a low-cost housing project in Indore which accommodates 80,000 people. The award was announced by Tom Pritzker of the Chicago-based Hyatt Foundation.
Winners of Central Banking Awards 2018
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was awarded the International Kochon Prize 2017 for encouraging research and development (R&D) efforts towards tuberculosis treatment. ICMR received the $65,000 award from the Kochon Foundation, a non-profit organisation from Korea, for establishing the India TB Research
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Consortium to accelerate R&D efforts in the Indian filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda's country. "Halkaa", which had its world premiere at the 21st Festival International du Film Pour Enfants de Jackie Shroff's 'Shunyata' Wins Montreal Film (FIFEM), has bagged the Grand International Award in US Prix de Montreal at the gala. The film is a take on a slum child's heroism, aspirations, and dreams.
Canadian Mathematician Robert Langlands Wins Abel Prize
Actor Jackie Shroff's short film 'Shunyata' has won an award at Best of India Short Film Festival in Los Angeles, US. The 22- minute fiction film directed by Chintan Sarda was selected to be in top six from amongst thousands of Canadian mathematician Robert entries and was played at a theatre in Los Angeles. Langlands won the prestigious Abel Prize for An industry based jury then adjudged it the developing a programme connecting representation best film. The prize includes a cash prize of $1,000. theory to number theory. The programme has enlisted hundreds of the world‘s best Indian Film 'Halkaa' Bags Award at mathematicians over the last 50 years. Now aged 81, Langlands will be awarded Montreal Fest the 6.0-million-kroner Abel Prize by Norway‘s King Harald in Oslo on May 22.
105th Indian Science Congress- NHAI Receives Best Design Pavilion Award
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DRDO participated in the expo showcasing cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies with over 150 exhibits and models from 18 DRDO laboratories.
G.K. Reddy award for journalist Karan Thapar
The NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) pavilion at 105th Indian Science Congress has been adjudged as Best Design Pavilion. The award was conferred by Dr. Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur. The NHAI had put up an exhibition stall to showcase its Projects and other initiatives like Electronic Toll Collection, Wayside Amenities, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Incident Management, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, presented the G.K. Reddy Memorial National Road Safety etc. Award for journalism to senior journalist and television presenter Karan Thapar. 5th Indian Science Congress- DRDO Gets „Most Informative Pavilion‟ London Based Organisation SACF Award Wins Frederick Pincott Award
Defence Research & Development South Asian Cinema Foundation Organisation (DRDO) has received the „Most (SACF), a London based organisation has Informative Pavilion‟ Award in Pride of India received the Frederick Pincott Award for Expo organized as part of the 105th Indian Science 2017 from the Indian High Commissioner, Y K Congress at Manipur University, Imphal. Sinha for promoting Hindi cinema in Britain for the last 18 years. 88
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The SACF has been doing commendable and regional Indian cinema in the UK. work for nearly two decades to promote Hindi
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