Daily Current Affairs th Capsule 24 March 2019

1. Italy, China signs new 'Silk Road' protocol

Italy has signed a non-binding protocol with China to take part in Beijing's new Silk Road of transport.

 Italy became the first G7 country to sign up for the project.  Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte both attended a ceremony in Rome.

2. World Tuberculosis Day: 24th March

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March every year

 It is observed every year to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic.  The theme this year is, 'It's time'.  It focuses on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders to scale up access to prevention and treatment of the disease.

3. Facebook announces AI for a social good summit

Facebook said it's ‘AI for Summit' will be organised on March 26, 2019, in Bengaluru.

 The summit focused on discussing inclusive growth and solutions to the most enduring social challenges.  The Summit will bring together key representatives from the AI (Artificial Intelligence) community in India such as policymakers start-ups, and the developer community.  The one-day summit would also be attended by Facebook's global AI teams.

4. SAIL launches smart garbage bins

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has launched smart garbage bins made of stainless steel.

 These smart garbage bins will be able to send a signal to the garbage collection vehicle about the ‘fill- up’ position of the bin, aiding better cleaning and lower human intervention.  The environment-friendly garbage bins will be made of SAIL SALEM stainless steel.  These will be installed in underground Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) pits at the Smart Garbage Station.  This will help prevent the spread of stink and diseases.

5. NSEIT acquires cybersecurity company Aujas

NSEIT, the IT-services focused subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange has acquired Aujas Networks Ltd.

 Founded in 2008, Aujas has operations in India, the Middle East and North America.  It employs about 400 cybersecurity professionals and has over 390 customers globally.  NSEIT currently provides technology solutions across industries such as capital markets, financial markets, banking and insurance.

6. Former SC judge PC Ghose takes oath as Lokpal

President administered the oath of office to the former Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Lokpal chairperson.

 The oath was administered at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.  Justice Ghose, the former Supreme Court judge, was on March 19 appointed as the country's first Lokpal, the anti-corruption ombudsman.  President also appointed four Judicial members and four Non-Judicial members in Lokpal.

7. Vice appointed as next Navy Chief

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been appointed as the next Navy Chief.

 He will succeed Admiral Sunil Lanba who retires on 31st of May this year.  Vice Admiral Karambir Singh is currently serving as the Flag Officer Commander -in- Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.  He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva MMedal and the . 8. Tata Coffee appoints Chacko Purackal Thomas as MD and CEO

Tata Coffee announced the appointment of Chacko Purackal Thomas as the managing director and chief executive officer.

 He will replace Sanjiv Sarin, who retires on 31 March.  He will assume the charge from April 1, 2019.  Thomas, currently working as the executive director and deputy CEO of the Tata Group firm, has been associated with the company since 2015