1St February 2016 CBDT Enters Into Two Bilateral Apas with the U.K. The

www.talentsprint.com

1st February 2016

CBDT enters into two bilateral APAs with the U.K.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes announced that it has entered into two Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) with the U.K., marking the third bilateral APA India has signed so far. The two bilateral APAs were signed with two Indian group entities of a U.K. based Multi-National Company (MNC). The APAs have been entered into soon after the competent authorities of India and United Kingdom finalized the terms of the bilateral arrangement under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) process contained in the India-UK DTAA. With these agreements, the CBDT has so far signed 41 APAs, 38 of which are unilateral and three are bilateral.

India, Afghanistan ink pact for visa-free travel by envoys

India and Afghanistan inked a pact for visa-free travel by their diplomats following Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which they discussed key bilateral and regional issues including security cooperation. It is learned that during the meeting Abdullah thanked Modi for consistent assistance from India in various spheres including defence and for meeting his country's developmental needs. India had given three multi-role Mi-35 helicopters to Afghanistan in December for combating terrorism in the war-torn country.

Nod for Defence Park at Ottappalam

In a move that could have usher a new chapter in ensuring world class industrial infrastructure in Palakkad region, Union government‘s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has given its final approval to the proposal of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) to set up India‘s first Defence Industrial Park at Ottappalam. The foundation stone laying ceremony would be held during the first week of February. Tenders would be invited in two weeks for choosing the construction agency. The Rs. 231 crore park will be established with the help of Central and State governments.

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba Takes Over Western Naval Command

Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of Mumbai headquartered Western Naval Command (WNC) at a ceremonial parade held at INS Shikra. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema who retired after completing nearly four decades of service to the nation and the Indian Navy. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Lanba was Commander-in-chief of the Southern Naval Command at Kochi and head of the premier operational Command of the Indian Navy.

British TV and Radio presenter Terry Wogan passes away

Veteran British TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan passed away in London after long battle with cancer. He was 77. In Britain, he was one of the most popular personalities on both radio and television for several decades and often described his profession as jobbing broadcaster. He was born as Michael Terence Wogan on 3 August 1938 in Limerick City, Ireland. He had acquired dual British and Irish citizenship in 2005. He had started his career on the Irish national broadcaster Raidio Teilifis Eireann in the 1960s. Later, he worked for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in the United Kingdom for most of his career. Prior to his retirement in 2009, his BBC Radio 2 weekday breakfast programme Wake Up to Wogan Before had 8 million regular listeners that made him the most listened-to radio broadcaster in Europe.

||<><><>||

2nd February 2016

RBI rates unchanged in 6th bi-monthly monetary policy review

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy review for year 2016 has maintained status quo in key policy interest rate. The key policy interest rates were kept unchanged on the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation in the country. RBI has kept its stance on the credit policy accommodative.

Key policy rates are

Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): unchanged at 6.75 per cent.

Reverse repo rate under the LAF: unchanged at 5.75 per cent.

Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate has unchanged at 7.75 per cent.

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL).

Japan to set up plant for US-2 amphibious aircraft in India

Japan‘s ShinMaywa Industries is planning to set up manufacturing plant of US-2 amphibious aircraft in India under ‗Make in India‘ initiative to cater to international demands. The move comes as Indian Navy plans to procure 6 such aircrafts between 2017 and 2022 by signing a government to government deal i.e. initial purchase being off the shelf. The government to government defence deal for purchasing of US-2 amphibious aircraft will be having a 30 per cent offset clause. Under this clause, ShinMaywa will set up a manufacturing plant in India to cater to the global market since the demand for the aircraft is high.

Archana Ramasundram to become the first woman chief of a paramilitary force

For the first time, the government appointed a woman IPS officer as the chief of a paramilitary force. Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer Archana Ramasundram will take over as Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The 1980-batch officer is the current head of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). She is understood to have sought time to take over her new job, as she is the main organiser of an ongoing biometrics conference in Bhopal. The SSB chief‘s post fell vacant on January 31, after then DG B D Sharma retired. Ramasundram has been appointed to the post till the date of her superannuation on September 30, 2017, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

K Durga Prasad appointed as DG of CRPF

Union Government has appointed senior IPS officer K Durga Prasad has Director General (DG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Decision in this regard was taken by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. He is IPS officer of 1981 batch from Andhra Pradesh cadre. Prior to this appointment he was serving as special director general of the CRPF. Earlier he had served as Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG) which is nodal agency responsible to provide security to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their family members.

Veteran Urdu writer Intizar Husain passes away

Legendary Urdu fiction writer, novelist, columnist and poet Intizar Husain passed away in Lahore, Pakistan. He was 93. He was the first Pakistani and the first Urdu writer ever to be nominated for the prestigious literally award Man Booker International Prize for fiction. Born on December 7, 1923 at Dibai in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh in India. He had migrated to Lahore in 1947. He did his MA (Urdu) in 1946 from the Meerut College. He worked as journalist in various newspapers and had retired from ‗Daily Mashriq‘ in 1988. His famous books are Kankari, Gali Koochay, Shehr-i-afsos, Din Aur Dastan, Kachhuay, Khaimay Say Door, Morenama Khali, Pinjra and Sheharzad Kay Naam.

Saroj Kumar Jha appointed as Senior Director in World Bank

Saroj Kumar Jha has been appointed Senior Director for the Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group in the World Bank. It is a key position in the World Bank to provide strategic leadership to address the challenge of fragility, conflict and violence. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. Prior to this appointment he was working as World Bank‘s Regional Director for Central Asia based in Almaty since February 2012. He also had worked as the World Bank‘s Global Manager for Disaster Risk Management Practice. He joined the World Bank as a Senior Infrastructure Specialist in the Sustainable Development Network in 2005.

||<><><>||

3rd February 2016

Maharashtra announced Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Collective Incentive Scheme

Maharashtra Cabinet announced Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Collective Incentive Scheme for the economically backward Dalit entrepreneurs. The scheme was launched to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar. Under this scheme, special facilities would be given to Dalit entrepreneurs besides the present Collective Incentive Scheme 2013. Businessmen in Commodities and Service sector would be able to avail the benefits of this scheme.

India, Brunei ink 3 agreements

India and Brunei signed three Memoranda of Understanding, including on Health and Defence Cooperation under the MOU on Defence Cooperation The purpose of this MOU itsought to enhance Defence Cooperation between India and Brunei through exchange of visits, conduct of joint military exercises, seminars, discussions and cooperation between the defence industries. Under the MoU in Health Cooperation, both countries will pool technical, scientific, financial and human resources and to upgrade the health care, medical education and research through exchange of doctors and promote business development in regulations of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics.

MGNREGA completes 10 years of implementation

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 completes ten years of implementation. On this occasion, Union Ministry of Rural Development had organised MGNREGA SAMMELAN in New Delhi to highlight achievements MGNREGA. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was Chief Guest in the Sammelan. MGNREGA is a flagship rural job guarantee scheme that was announced by the then UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in February 2006. The scheme aims at providing 100 days wage employment to every household to ensure livelihood security in rural areas. It also aimed at sustainable development to address the cause of drought, deforestation and soil erosion. One third (33 per cent) proposed jobs in the scheme have been reserved for the women.

Former RBI Deputy Governor S S Tarapore passes away

Economist and former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) S.S. Tarapore passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was 80. As an economist, he was well known for his strong views on issues—ranging from inflation to capital account convertibility. He had started his career with RBI as a research officer in 1961 and demitted office as Deputy Governor in September 1996. He had served as deputy governor of RBI from 1992 and 1996 when C. Rangarajan was the governor. During his stint as deputy governor, Indian economy saw the structural change as government had introduced economic reforms in 1991. He had chaired two eponymous Committees on Capital Account Convertibility and had laid down benchmarks of preconditions essential for India to move to fuller capital account convertibility.

Titli wins Best First Foreign Film Award in French Syndicate of Cinema Critics

Indian filmmaker Kanu Behl directorial film ‗Titli‘ has won the Best First Foreign Film Award conferred by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics 2016 (FSCC). The film features actors Ranvir Shorey, Amit Sial, Lalit Behl, Shashank Arora and Shivani Raghuvanshi in the lead roles. It has been co-produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions Pvt Ltd. Earlier Titli has won many awards at various international film festivals at places like Bordeaux (France), Hawaii (US), New York (US), Turkey and Spain.

Major General Jai Shanker Menon appointed as UNDOF head

Major General Jai Shanker Menon of India has been appointed as the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). He was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and succeeds Lt Gen Purna Chandra Thapa of Nepal. In his new role, Maj Gen Menon brings his extensive command experience and knowledge of peacekeeping affairs at the international and national levels. ||<><><>||

4th February 2016

Kerala emerges as winner of 61st National School Athletics championship

Kerala has won the 61st National School Athletics championship which concluded in Kozhikode. With this, Kerala (host) become champions in the event for the 19th consecutive time. The state also has won 10 meet records out of 20 records which were reported in the meet. In this edition of National School Athletics championship, Kerala got 306 points winning 39 gold, 29 silver and 17 bronze medals. Tamil Nadu came second and got 116 points winning 11 gold, 8 silver and 13 bronze medals. Maharashtra gained the third position with 101 points.

World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February

Every year World Cancer Day (WCD) is being observed on 4 February across the world to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme (tagline) for year 2016 WCD is ―We can. I can‖. It reflects on what everyone can do to raise awareness of cancer and asks to take pledge and action in fight against cancer. The World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will seeks to explore how everyone- as individuals or as a collective – can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer globally.

Bharat Biotech develops world’s first Zika vaccine candidates

Hyderabad-based vaccines manufacturer Bharat Biotech has announced a breakthrough in developing the world‘s first Zika vaccine by developing two candidates. In this regard, the pharmaceutical company has submitted two vaccine candidates, one each of inactivated and recombinant type to the Government. These two candidates are in an advanced stage of development and could be ready soon after pre-clinical studies concluded in the next five months. The company already has filed patents for both candidates in July 2015 and is looking to start animal tests soon after getting regulatory approvals for conducting clinical trials.

Pandian appointed AIIB Vice-President

Former IAS officer D J Pandian has been appointed vice- president and chief investment officer (CIO) of Beijing- based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He is retired IAS officer of Gujarat cadre and had served as chief secretary of the state. He also had worked on deputation with the World Bank. He was also the MD of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC). AIIB is a multi-lateral lender set up to boost lending for infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region. It will fund infrastructural projects such as energy, urban construction, transportation and logistics as well as education and healthcare. It has authorised capital of US 100 billion dollars and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion.

Maharashtra rolls out Deradicalisation Programme in wake of IS threat

Maharashtra Government has rolled out Deradicalisation Programme for the minority community to counter both home-grown extremism and the global Islamic State (IS) threat. The plan has been chalked out by the State Home Department that includes a 50-point socio-economic strategy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the proposal in this regard and also has passed a government resolution on it.

||<><><>||

5th February 2016

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) at Lepetkata, Assam and dedicated the facility to the nation. It is the first ever petro- chemical plant located in the entire North- Eastern region of Indian. It has been built at cost of 10000-crore rupees and shall be producing raw material for manufacturing plastic. Prime Minister also dedicated wax producing unit in Numaligarh Refinery Limited to the nation. It is India‘s highest wax producing unit and shall be using indigenous technology.

12th South Asian Games begins in Guwahati

The 12th edition of South Asian Games (SAG) has begun in Guwahati, Assam after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium. The 11- day event is being jointly hosted by Guwahati and Meghalaya capital, Shillong. Over 2,500 athletes from 8 SAARC nations viz. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives are participating in it. Total of 228 events in 23 sports disciplines will be played during the games, which India is hosting for the third time.

Slogan of games: ‗Play for Peace, Progress and Prosperity‘.

Official mascot: Tikhor, a one-horned rhino that represents endangered fauna of Assam found in Kaziranga National Park.

India becomes Associate Member of European Molecular Biology Organisation

In this regard, Union Ministry of Science and Technology has signed an agreement to acquire the status of Associate Member of EMBO. India is second country outside the European region to be an Associate Member State of EMBO. First one being Singapore which had signed such agreement with European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) in 2015. This move will strengthen interaction and collaborative research between India and Europe in the field of molecular biology. Indian Researchers will now be eligible to participate in all EMBO programmes and activities taking place across the world.

India ratifies Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage

India has ratified Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), 1997 which sets parameters on a nuclear operator‘s financial liability. In this regard, India has submitted the Instrument of Ratification of the CSC to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and shall come into force after 90 days i.e May 2016. Facilitate and boost India‘s nuclear commerce with international partners. Contribute to strengthen an international convention and global nuclear liability regime.

WHO accords PQP certification to Indian vaccine maker GreenSignal Bio Pharma

The World Health Organisation (WHO), a UN Health agency has accorded PQP (Pre-qualification of Medicines Programme) certification to Chennai based GreenSignal Bio Pharma. The Indian pharmaceutical company was accorded this certification for manufacturing a BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine. With this, it became second Indian company to get PQP certification from WHO. PQP certification helps pharmaceutical companies to participate in the global immunisation programme which is facilitated through international procurement agencies such as UNICEF and others.

Sarangi maestro Ram Narayan chosen for Bhimsen Joshi Award

Sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan (88) has been chosen for the prestigious Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Classical Music Award for 2015-2016. Pandit Ram Narayan is first internationally successful sarangi player and has popularised bowed musical instrument as a solo concert instrument in Hindustani classical music. Pandit Ram Narayan was born on25 December 1927 in Udaipur, Mewar (now in Rajasthan) in then British India province. He has been playing the sarangi since his childhood and over the years acquired global acclaim for his music. He also had given his performances on All India Radio in Delhi and many other countries. Besides he also has taught hundreds of Indian and foreign students.

||<><><>||

6th February 2016

International Fleet Review 2016 kick starts in Visakhapatnam

The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016, an international military exercise hosted and conducted by Indian Navy was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Theme of this edition on IFR is ―United through Oceans‖ and its objective is to enhance mutual trust and confidence with neighbouring navies by inviting their ships to participate in the event. Total 11,000 guests are expected to attend the mega naval exercise including members of foreign delegations. It is perceived to be the biggest exercise conducted in India so far. Naval ships from 50 countries and various dignitaries will also participate in the event and close to 4000 sailors have participated in the fleet review. The 4 day

review (from 4 to 8 February) aims at assuring the country of the Indian Navy‘s preparedness, high morale and discipline. For the first time Chinese navy called as People‘s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) is also participating in the event.

Project Sunrise launched for prevention of AIDS in NE states

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda have launched Project Sunrise on for prevention of AIDS especially among people injecting drugs in the 8 North-Eastern states. The AIDS prevention special project aims to diagnose 90 per cent of such drug addicts with HIV and put them under treatment by 2020. Project Sunrise aims at bringing the people living with HIV/AIDS into the national mainstream and creates more awareness about the disease in these N-E states. It will be implemented in the North East in addition to the existing projects of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). The project has been sponsored by US based Centre for Disease Control and would be implemented by Family Health International 360.

Union Government to set up National Organic Farming Research Institute in Sikkim

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has decided to set up the National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI) in Sikkim. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Agriculture Minister Radhamohan Singh after he met Sikkim Agriculture Minister Som Nath Paudyal in New Delhi. The NOFRI will be established by upgrading the existing Gangtok based Regional Centre of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Apart from this, Union Government also has assured State Government to

help in sustaining the organic farming and also in marketing of the State‘s organic products.

Noted Political Cartoonist Sudhir Tailang passes away

Famous political cartoonist Sudhir Tailang, passed away in Gurgaon, Haryana after battling with brain cancer for a long time. He was 56. He was known for his political cartoons that chronicled contemporary Indian politics with wit and humour. Tailang was born in Rajasthan‘s Bikaner on February 26, 1960. His first cartoon published in a newspaper at the age of 10 in 1970. He got his first major break in Mumbai based Illustrated Weekly of India in 1982. As a cartoonist, he had worked in a number of Indian newspapers including Hindustan Times, Indian Express and The Times of India. For several years he was with the Hindustan Times and his last assignment was with the Asian Age.

US Astronaut Edgar Mitchell passes away

United States (US) Astronaut Edgar Mitchell passed away Lake Worth, Florida under hospice care. He was 85. He was the sixth man to walk on the Moon. He had spent more than nine hours on the Moon‘s surface in the Fra Mauro Highlands region as part of the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. Born on September 17, 1930 in Hereford, Texas, US. Started his career as American naval officer and aviator. He was selected to be an astronaut in 1966 and was seconded from the US Navy to NASA. He was designated as backup Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 10 and had served as Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 14.

Geographical Indication tag for Basmati rice of 7 states approved

The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) has ordered Chennai based Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) to issue ‗Geographical Indication‘ tag for basmati rice. This GI tag will be issued to basmati rice variety grown in 7 states in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) on the foothills of the Himalayas. These states are Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. This tag will help to preserve the unique identity of India‘s aromatic basmati rice in the international markets.

||<><><>||

7th February 2016

Iran wants India to pay oil dues in euros

Iran has asked Indian refiners such as Essar Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) to clear its past oil dues amounting to over USD 6 billion in euros within six months. With US lifting sanctions, Iran has told Indian authorities that the three-year old mechanism, paying 45 per cent of oil import bill in rupees and keeping the remaining 55 per cent pending for payment channels to clear, has come to an end. The pending payments now total to over USD 6 billion which Iran has agreed to receive in installments over the next six months

Corporation Bank inks pact with Universal Sompo for accident death coverage

Corporation Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universal Sompo General Insurance Co Ltd for providing accident death coverage to its savings bank account holders under Corp Signature, Corp Super and Corp Saral category. A press release by the bank said here on Saturday that the bank provides free personal accident death cover of Rs.10 lakh to its Corp Signature and Rs.5 lakh to its Corp Super account holders. The MoU was signed in the presence of Jai Kumar Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Corporation Bank, and VV Vendhen, Head (Bancassurance), Universal Sompo General Insurance Co Ltd.

Indian-origin Singaporean is diamond trade body’s new president

A 34-year-old Indian-origin man based in Singapore was appointed president of the newly-formed International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA). Vishal Mehta, CEO of a Singapore-based company which makes lab diamond, was named president of the IGDA, a platform of more than 10 leading grown diamond producers, distributors and retailers. Founded in the US, it would seek to serve as the central point of communication, education, development and growth of the industry.

Sushma Swaraj inaugurates Rise of Digital India Exhibition in Colombo

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 6 February 2016 inaugurated the Rise of Digital India Exhibition in Colombo. The exhibition was a part of Sangam -The Festival of India in Sri Lanka 2015-16. Swaraj was on a two day visit to Sri Lanka to co-chair the 9th session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting along with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Mangala Samaraweera. The Rise of Digital India exhibition showcases the initiative of Indian government to take the benefits of Information Technology to the common man. The exhibition is a part of six month long Festival of India celebrations in Sri Lanka.

UN releases stamps on LGBT issue for first time

The United Nations Postal Administration has released six new postage stamps promoting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender or LGBT people. The colorfully designed stamps by artist and UNPA art director Sergio Baradat are also meant to celebrate the diversity of the gay community and marks the first time the global body‘s post office has issued stamps with an LGBT theme. The stamps were unveiled in a ceremony at the U.N. General Assembly building that included a performance by the New York Gay Men‘s Chorus. The stamps support the UN human rights office‘s Free & Equal campaign, which aims to spread global public education on LGBT equality and to raise awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, according to the UNPA‘s website.

||<><><>||

8th February 2016

India, China hold first joint tactical drill on border

The border troops of India and China held their first joint tactical exercise in the Chushul-Moldo area along the northern border. This is part of the ongoing initiatives taken by India and China to ensure greater interaction between troops stationed along the Line of Actual Control, and thereby ensure peace and tranquillity along the border. As previously agreed by both countries, the exercise focussed on actions to be coordinated to tackle jointly aspects of humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Sino-India Cooperation 2016‖, lasted an entire day. The 30-member Indian Army team was led by Colonel Ritesh Chandra Singh, while the Chinese delegation with an equal strength was led by Colonel Qu Yi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates Paradip Oil Refinery to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated Indian Oil Corporation‘s (IOC‘s) new state of the art refinery at Paradip in Odisha to the nation. It is overall IOC‘s 11th refinery to be set up and has installed capacity of 15 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). Built at a cost of 34,555 crore rupees and has been designed to process broad basket of crude including dirty and cheaper high sulphur heavy crudes from Latin America. Capable to produce Bharat Stage IV (BS IV)/BS V quality transportation fuel to comply with Auto Fuel Policy. It has more than 20 process units that can processes the basic feedstock, crude oil to obtain various products including polymers like polypropylene, paraxylene and styrene.

Union Government launches 24×7 multi-lingual helpline

Union Ministry of Tourism has launched 24×7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Info Line for international tourists in 12 international languages. The 12 languages include 10 International languages besides English and Hindi, namely, French, Arabic, Italian, German, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. This project is being implemented by the Union Ministry through TATA Business Support Services (BSS) Limited. The Infoline service will provide information relating to Tourism and travel in India to the international and domestic tourists. Calls made by tourists (both international and domestic) in India will be free of charge. These calls will be directed to the call agents proficient in the respective mentioned languages.

Joshna Chinappa wins gold medal in women’s individual squash at SAG

India‘s ace squash player Joshna Chinappa has won the gold medal in women‘s individual category at the 12th South Asian Games (SAG). In the final match played at R G Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati, she defeated Pakistan‘s Maria Wazir by 10-12, 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 score. With this she became first Indian squash player to win individual gold medal in 2016 SAG. Nasir Iqbal of Pakistan won the on the gold medal in men‘s individual category at the 12th SAG. In the final match, he defeated Farhan Zaman of Pakistan by 14-12, 11-7, 11-9 score.

Singer-songwriter Dan Hicks passes away

Renowned American singer-songwriter Dan Hicks passed away after a two-year long battle with throat and liver cancer. He was 74. He was known for his traditional mix of folk, jazz and country music. He was known as the frontman of the acoustic band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. Born on December 9, 1949 to a military family, He began his musical expression as a drummer and later to sing and play guitar. His musical career was started in San Francisco in the 1960s playing drums for rock band The Charlatans. His last album was Live at Davies which was released in 2013 to cap over forty years of music career.

||<><><>||

9th February 2016

India-Nepal Combined Military Exercise Surya Kiran IX begins at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

The 9th edition of India-Nepal Combined Military Exercise Surya Kiran IX has commenced at Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It will culminate on February 21, 2015. The 14-day- long combined battalion Level exercise is being conducted under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade of Central Command. In this edition, Indian Army is being represented by Infantry Battalion while from Nepalese Army, officers and troops of the elite Shree Rudra Dhoj Battalion are participating. During Surya Kiran IX, both armies will focus on upgradation of practical and tactical skills by sharing each other‘s experiences. They will also focus on enhancing interoperability in Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare operations in mountain terrain.

CPCB releases National Air Quality Indices for 24 cities

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released National Air Quality Indices (AQI) for 24 cities across India in the month of January 2016. In the list Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Muzzafarpur (Bihar) were on the top with an AQI value of 409 points each and were coded as ‗severe‘ in terms of air pollution in January 2016. Faridabad (Haryana), Patna (Bihar) and Agra (Uttar Pradesh) were placed at 3rd, 4th and 5th position with 399, 388 and 372 points respectively. The national capital Delhi was placed at the 6th position with 362 points and was coded as ‗very poor‘ in terms of air pollution. Earlier in December 2015, it was coded as ‗Poor‘ in with 293 points.

TRAI rules against Differential Pricing

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has barred telecom service providers (TSPs) from offering or charging discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content accessed by a consumer. In this regard, TRAI has issued Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016. These Regulations aims at ensuring that consumers get non-discriminatory and an unhindered access to the internet. They also intend to make data tariffs for access to the internet non-discriminatory on the basis of the content. Prohibits TSPs from entering into any arrangement, contract or agreement with any person that may cause discriminatory tariffs based on content-led data services. Reduction of tariffs for or providing or accessing emergency services at times of public emergency has been permitted.

Former Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala passes away

Former Prime Minister of Nepal and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala passed away due to Pneumonia in capital city Kathmandu. He was 79. Mr. Koirala was elected as 37th Prime Minister of Nepal from February 10, 2014 till September 2015. He ceased from office of PM after new republic constitution of Nepal was promulgated under his leadership. He had lost election for PM post as per new Constitution to incumbent PM Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in October 2015.Sushil Koirala was born on 12 August 1939 in Banaras (Uttar Pradesh) in India. He had entered politics in 1954 by joining Nepali Congress after he was inspired by party‘s the social-democratic ideals. Since then he had served in various capacities of the Nepali Congress and was elected as its President in 2010 till his death.

Noted Urdu poet and Bollywood lyricist Nida Fazli passes away

Renowned Urdu Poet and well known Bollywood lyricist Nida Fazli passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra following a heart attack. He was 78 years old. He was best known among singers and fans for his elegant presentation of ghazals, nazm and dohaas. Nida Fazli was born on 12 October, 1938 in Delhi in a Kashmiri family and was the son of famous poet Murtaza Hasan Baidi. At the time of partition, his parents had migrated to Pakistan while he preferred to stay in India. Later he shifted to Mumbai and wrote in Dharmayug and Blitz magazines in early days of his career. His poetry used both urban and village landscapes to explore nature and human relations. He also had written several songs for Indian films.

||<><><>||

10th February 2016

India's first Aviation Park to come up in Gujarat

To strengthen the aviation sector in Gujarat, the state government has planned to set up the country's first-ever Aviation Park here having a slew of facilities including an airstrip, training school, helipad and space for setting up small manufacturing units among others. According to officials of government-owned Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Ltd (GUJSAIL), this integrated park aims to raise the awareness about the potential of the aviation sector among students, professionals, policy makers and business entities.

National Deworming Day is observed on February 10

The National Deworming Day is observed on February 10 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and its main objective is to deworm children between the ages of (1-19) at schools and anganwadi centres. India attempts the world's largest deworming programme, covering 27 crore children from 11 states and 1 union territory. According to WHO, India has the highest burden of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) in the world, with 220 million children aged 1-14 estimated to be at risk of worm infections. Almost 7 in 10 children between 6 month and 5 years are anaemic, with even higher rates of anaemia in rural areas, the 2006 National Family Health Survey reported.

Petroleum Minister releases Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North-East

The Minister of State (IC) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan released the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east India,outlining steps to leverage the hydrocarbon sector for development of the region in Guwahati. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas (MoPNG) has consciously and constantly focused efforts towards making hydrocarbons a tool to enable social and economic development. One such initiative has been the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for North East Region. The Vision Document has been a focused and consultative exercise to develop a common and shared aspiration for benefiting people of the north east region. With involvement and inputs of various stakeholders, industry players and state governments, the Vision document not only includes the ambition for the region but also an actionable roadmap.

US President unveils Cyber Security National action plan

United States President Barack Obama has unveiled a cyber-security national action plan to boost security awareness amid of growing risks from new technologies. Under this action plan, President Obama in his budget request has asked for 19 billion US dollars for cyber-security efforts. This budgetary request is 35 per cent up from current levels which have 3 billion dollars allocation. This plan has been earmarked to help modernise the patchwork of computer systems used in government agencies. The budgetary funds will be used for replacing overhaul of aging government networks and establishing a high-level commission to boost security awareness.

UP Panchayati Raj Minister Kailash Yadav passes away

Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Kailash Yadav passed away in Gurgaon after reportedly suffering a brain stroke. He was 65. He was a senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and a cabinet Minister in the present Akhilesh Yadav government and was considered close to the SP Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. Yadav was born in 1951 in a village in East Uttar Pradesh‘s Ghazipur district. He had started his political career from a rural background i.e. from holding the post of a Gram Pradhan. Later he was elected as a member of the UP Legislative Assembly on three occasions. Currently, he was MLA from the Jangipur constituency in Ghazipur district.

Rajendra K Pachauri appointed as Executive Vice Chairman of TERI

Rajendra Kumar Pachauri has been appointed as Executive Vice Chairman of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The post of Executive Vice Chairman was recently created in TERI and Mr. Pachauri becomes person first person to hold the post. Mr Pachauri has started his career with the Diesel Locomotive Works of Indian Railways in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Later he had shifted to US were he had served as Assistant Professor and Visiting Faculty Member in the Department of Economics and Business at North Carolina State, US. He was also a Visiting Professor of Resource Economics at West Virginia University affiliated College of Mineral and Energy Resources.

||<><><>||

11th February 2016

India ranks 37 on USCC’s Intellectual Property Index

The index, prepared by USCC‘s Global Intellectual Property Chamber, found the US leading the index with 28.61 points. Venezuela ranked below India with 6.42 points on the index. India has ranked 37th out of 38 countries for its intellectual property rights environment in the annual IP index released by the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC). Based on six key parameters like rights and limitations of the patent, copyright and trademark regimes, trade secrets, enforcement and ratification of international treaties, the index painted a grim picture of India, which scored 7.05, lower than last year‘s 7.23.

NATO, EU sign agreement on Cyber Defence Cooperation

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) have signed an agreement to improve Cooperation in Cyber Defence to counter modern forms of hybrid warfare. In this regard a technical agreement was signed at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium between both organisations which have 22 member countries in common. It was signed between NATO Computer Incident Response Capability (NCIRC) and the Computer Emergency Response Team – European Union (CERT- EU). This agreement will help both organizations better address the challenges of cyber security against the growing threat of cyber-attacks.

Government sanctions Rs.580 crore for Agartala-Akhaura rail link Project

Union Government has sanctioned about 580 crore rupees for Agartala-Akhaura railway link Project to connect Kolkata (West Bengal) with Tripura via Bangladesh. The sanctioned fund will be used for the laying of the five km railway track up to Bangladesh border from Agartala. It is 15 km long strategic railway route that would connect the Indian Railways with the Bangladesh Railways. The work on this project is expected to complete by 2017. Of the 15 km strategic railway track, 10 km falls in the Bangladesh side and the rest 5 km falls in India. It was initiated after Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina‘s visit to India in January 2010 when both countries had agreed to lay the railway track.

Veteran director Aurobindo Mukherjee passes away

Veteran film director Aurobindo Mukherjee passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal after ailing from geriatric problems. He was 97. Mukherjee was the maker of cult Bengali classics like ‗Mouchak, ‗Agniswar‖ and ‗Nishipadma‘, all of them starred matinee idol Uttam Kumar in the early 1970s. He was younger brother of famous novelist Balaichand Mukhopadhyay who is popularly known as Bonophool. He had joined Tollywood in 1950s. Shakti Samanta‘s film Amar Prem was inspired by Mukherjee‘s ‗Nishipadma‘ which had starred Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. Mukherjee had given debut role to Jaya Bhaduri (Jaya Bachchan) in the film Dhanyee Meye in 1971.

Chhattisgarh inks MoU with Indian Railways to form Joint Venture Company

Chhattisgarh Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Railway to form a joint venture (JV) company for the expansion of railway tracks in the state. With this Chhattisgarh became 5th state to join hands with the Indian Railways for speedy execution of rail projects through JV route. Under the MoU, state government will have 51% share and Indian Railways will have remaining 49% share in the JV company. The proposed company will identify viable rail projects in the state and implement them. It will help state to meet is needs of connectivity and infrastructure development.

Four Indian-Americans selected to US National Academy of Engineering

Four Indian-Americans have been selected to the prestigious US National Academy of Engineering (NAE). They are part of total 80 selected members list selected for their valuable contributions to the society.

Selected Indian-Americans are

Anil K. Jain: He was elected for his contributions to the practice of biometrics and field of engineering. He is an IIT-Kanpur alumnus and currently working as distinguished professor at the Michigan State University in East Lansing in the department of computer science and engineering.

Arati Prabhakar: He was chosen for national leadership to advance semiconductor and information technologies. He is currently director of the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Virginia.

Ganesh Thakur: He was chosen for his leadership in the implementation of integrated reservoir management techniques. Currently, he is the president of Thakur Services Inc. in Houston, Texas.

K.R. Sridhar: He was selected for his contributions to thermal packaging of electrochemical systems and transport phenomena and also generation of clean, affordable and reliable power. Currently he is chief executive officer and principal co-founder of Bloom Energy Corporation in California. Earlier he had worked with NASA Mars programme.

||<><><>||

12th February 2016

Indian-origin lawyer Davinder Singh named vice-chairman of ICC commission

Indian-origin lawyer Davinder Singh (58) has been named as Vice-Chairman of International Chamber of Commerce Commission (ICC) on Corporate Responsibility and Anti-corruption. Mr. Singh is one of top Indian-origin lawyer in Singapore. Currently he is chief executive of the Singapore based law firm Drew & Napier. He was member of Singapore Parliament from 1988-2006.ICC is Paris (France) based private sector world business organisation with a central role in global trade and commerce. It brings together more than 300 members from 40 countries, representing multi-national companies (MNCs), law firms, trade associations, and small and medium-sized industries.

Railway Ministry launches 3 IT enabled apps

The Union Ministry of Railways has launched 3 IT (Information Technology) enabled apps to bring transparency in Indian Railways on the sidelines of Digital India initiative. These app projects were launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu at through Video-Conferencing from Rail Bhawan at a function held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Hand Held Terminals for TTEs: It is pilot project of Northern Railway that will help in updating status of passenger list of the whole train. Based on the list food- chart/occupancy chart will be manually prepared.

Paperless unreserved ticketing mobile application: It can be used for booking unreserved tickets on many suburban and some long distance routes.

E-booking of disposable linen on trains: Allows passengers to avail bedroll kits through online booking and from IRCTC set up select outlets on the station.

Wipro buys Health Plan Services

India‘s third largest IT exporter Wipro Limited has acquired US based healthcare technology firm Health Plan Services for US 460 million dollars. This acquisition was part of the Wipro‘s traditional ―string of pearls‖ acquisition strategy and it shall help company to strengthen its position in the US health insurance market. It will help Wipro to participate in the shift of the US health insurance industry towards a customer- centric business model as it has currently has a US 800 million dollars healthcare and life sciences business. This is Wipro‘s overall 4th acquisition in the in calendar

year 2015 after it had bought Denmark-based Designit, German IT consulting firm Cellent AG and US-based Viteos Group.

Karnataka Mobile One m-governance model wins gold at World Government Summit

Karnataka‘s flagship mobile-one governance application has won gold medal at the fourth World Government Summit in Dubai, UAE in the m-governance awards category. On behalf of state government, Karnataka‘s e-governance secretary Srivatsa Krishna received the award. This model is country‘s and world‘s largest multimode mobile governance platform launched in December 2014 by President Pranab Mukherjee. It offers 4,500 services including G2C, B2C and G2B services onto single integrated platform that can be accessed on smartphones, a web portal or through SMS and IVRS. It provides services like bill payments, issue redressal, agriculture etc from both the government and private sector to citizens.

Pulitzer winning composer Leslie Bassett passes away

Pulitzer winning composer Leslie Bassett passed away on 4 February 2016 in Oakwood, Georgia. He was 93. As a master composer he was known for his lush sonorities and ecumenical instrumentation and for compositions of coaxing a vast range of tonal colours from the bits of wood and brass. Bassett was born in Hanford, California on January 22, 1923. During his childhood, he played piano and trombone as child. He had served as trombonist, composer and arranger in the US Army and Europe during World War II. In his work, he strongly favoured chromatic language mainly at the intersection of tonality and atonality. His music offered a lucid clarity

of means and expression. His music has been recorded on many labels some of them are Composers Recordings (CRI), New World, Crystal, Albany and MMC.

Harinder Sidhu appointed as new Australian High Commissioner to India

Indian-origin Harinder Sidhu has been appointed as Australian High Commissioner to India. She replaces outgoing High Commissioner Patrick Suckling. She is second envoy from Australia with Indian roots after Peter Varghese who had ancestral roots to southern Indian state of Kerala. Harinder Sidhu‘s was born in Singapore and later migrated to Australia. Her family hailed from Punjab. She holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Sydney.

||<><><>||

13th February 2016

World Radio Day is observed on 13th February

World Radio Day (WRD) is observed globally on 13th February to remember the unique power of radio that touches lives and bring people together across every corner of the globe. It marks global celebration of radio as a forum for information and entertainment that helps to bridge communication gap for remote communities and empowering people.

2016 Theme: ―Radio in Times of Emergency and Disaster‖. It signifies radio as the communication medium that reaches the widest audience worldwide in the quickest in times of emergency and disaster.

Malayalam poet O N V Kurup passes away

Noted Malayalam poet and lyricist O N V Kurup passed away in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was 84. He was popularly known as ―ONV‖, Ottaplakkal Nambiyadikkal Velu Kurup and had made significant contributions to the Malayalam film music. He was also was part of the progressive movement in Kerala. He was Born on 27 May 1931 in Chavara, Kollam. He had started his career as a lecturer in Maharajas College, Ernakulam later he taught at the different colleges. His first poem ―Munnottu‖ (Forward) about his patriotic feelings was published in 1946.

Banaras Hindu University turns 100 years

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) founded by Freedom fighter Pt Madan Mohan Malviya has turned 100 years on 13th February 2016. BHU was founded as important seat of higher education in 1916. During time of its establishment it was first university in India that was the result of a private individual‘s efforts. After its formation, BHU had played an important role in the freedom movement of India. It main purpose was to build a bridge between India‘s past and modernising world system in the areas of social sciences, humanities particularly in evolving non colonial history as a discipline.

Ashok Chawla appointed as new Chairman of TERI

Former IAS officer Ashok Chawla has been appointed as Chairman of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). He was selected by the Governing Council of TERI and shall succeed noted scientist B V Sreekantan. Besides he also has been appointed as Chairman of TERI‘s Governing Council Ashok Chawla is former Union Finance Secretary and former Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). He was IAS officer of 1973 batch of Gujarat cadre.

Tamar Hahn appointed as Director of United Nations Information Centre

Tamar Hahn from Israel has been appointed as the Director of United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She took the charge of the office after she was appointed to this post by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Prior to this appointment, she was the Regional Adviser for Resource Mobilization and Partnerships at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Office for the Caribbean and Latin America in Panama City (Panama). The UNIC is also known as information services or information offices. It serves as regional couriers of information from the UN to the local public. There are at least 60 locations around the world which serve as regional couriers of information from the UN. They are operated by the United Nations Department of Public Information.

Pakistan Cricket umpire Asad Rauf banned for 5 years

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has banned Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf for five years after its disciplinary committee found him guilty of corrupt practices. It was announced by BCCI president Shashank Manohar who had headed the disciplinary committee. The BCCI Committee has found Rauf guilty of misconduct and corruption under multiple statutes of its BCCI Anti-Corruption Code. He was accused of accepting expensive gifts from bookies besides placing bets on IPL matches in the 2013 edition. Earlier Rauf had served as part of the International Cricket Council‘s (ICC‘s) elite panel. He was withdrawn from panel by Pakistan after the allegations against him broke out.

||<><><>||

14th February 2016

Prime Minister promises stable tax regime and more policy reforms to make India an easy place to do business.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised more economic reforms and a stable tax regime to make India an easy place to do business. Tax regime in the country will be made more efficient, transparent, stable and predictable. The government is simplifying processes like licenses, security and environmental clearances. The government will not resort to retrospective taxation. Government wants to present to the world the enormous opportunities that India offers as a base for manufacturing, design, research and development.

Sri Lanka government sets up Joint Working Committee on proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement with India.

The Sri Lankan government has announced the setting up of a Joint Working Committee with representatives from 45 professional bodies to take their views on the proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement with India. According to officials of the Ministry of Development Strategy and International Trade, a group of professional met the Minister, Mr Malik Samarawickreme, who is negotiating the treaty on behalf of Sri Lanka, and expressed concerns over the treaty. Sri Lanka is biggest trade partner in the SAARC region with 3.2 billion dollars as annual bilateral trade.

In South Asian Games, shooter Chain Singh bags his sixth gold of the tournament; India's medals tally rises to 160 gold.

Chain Singh and his Rifle did it again today as the Indian shooters bagged 2 Gold and a Silver in the Men's 50-metre Rifle 3 position event. The team of Chain Singh, Gagan Narang and Surendra Rathod, first, claimed Gold in the team category, and after that, in the Individual section, Chain claimed the top honours, which was his 6th Gold of the Games. Narang settled for a Silver, while Surendra finished seventh. This is what Chain told AIR after the victory. Indian shooters have, now, won 21 Gold medals in the ongoing Games. In the Men's 25- metre Rapid Fire Pistol, Gurpreet Singh, Suhas Akshay and Vijay Kumar finished second, third and fourth respectively in stage one. Pakistan's Mustafa Bashir ended at the top. The second stage will be held tomorrow. Earlier in the day, India got a Gold in Triathlon Mixed Relay event.

Sania-Hingis win St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis triumphed in the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy to extend their winning streak to 40 matches, The top seeded Indo-Swiss pair registered a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 victory over the Russian-Czech team of Vera Dushevina and Barbora Krejcikova in the women's doubles final that lasted for an hour. This is the fourth title that Sania and Hingis have won this year. Their overall trophy count stands at 13. They started the year with wins in Brisbane and Sydney before completing a hat-trick of Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open.

||<><><>||

15th February 2016

Canada, US, Mexico ink MoU to Cooperate on Climate Change

Canada, United States (US) and Mexico have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration to tap into energy cooperation among three countries. The MoU was signed at the North American Energy Ministers Meeting held in Winnipeg, Canada and hosted by Canada‘s Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr. This energy cooperation MoU reflects shared vision of three North American countries for a future where an expanding clean energy sector, a sustainable environment. Under the MoU, the three countries will collaborate and share information in key areas such as clean energy technologies, low-carbon electricity and energy efficiency.

West Indies wins ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2016

West Indies for the first time has won the ICC U- 19 Cricket World Cup by defeating three time champions India by five wickets played at Mirpur (Bangladesh). In the final match West Indies team achieved the target of 146 runs set by India in in 49.3 overs. Earlier in the first inning, Indian team was bowled out for 145 in 45.1 overs.

Man of the match: Keacy Carty (West Indies)

Player of the tournament: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)

Make in India Week: 3 MoUs worth Rs 21000 crore signed

Three Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) envisaging total investment of 21,000 crore rupees were signed on the first day of the Make in India Week in Mumbai, Maharashtra. These MoUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

First MoU: TwinStar Display Technologies subsidiary of Sterlite Group Company has inked MoU with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to set up an LCD manufacturing unit in technical collaboration with Autron of Taiwan. The project entails investment of 20,000 crore rupees.

Second MoU: Raymond Industries and MIDC have inked MoU as part of ‗Farm to Fabric‘ initiative. Raymond intends to invest 1,400 crore rupees for manufacturing of abric, linen yarn and garmenting in the state.

Third MoU: Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, Jain Irrigation Pvt Ltd and Department of Agriculture and Marketing of Maharashtra have inked MoU for setting

up a juice manufacturing facility to support farmers growing oranges in Vidarbha region of state.

Film on conservation efforts by Nagaland villagers wins award

Nagaland is changing, But…‘ film has won the Golden Beaver Best Film Award in the institutional category at the 6th National Science Film Festival held in Mumbai. It also has received the technical excellence award for best sound design at the festival. The film is based on conservation efforts by villagers and has been directed by Gurmeet Sapal. It has been produced by Nagaland State Forest Department and was made with the technical collaboration with TERI, New Delhi. The film is based on community conservation areas of Sendenyu village in Kohima district and Sukhai village in Zunheboto district of Nagaland.

Vidya Balan awarded Pride of Kerala Award

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has been awarded with the ‗Pride of Kerala‘ Award by the World Malayalee Council and Kairali TV. National award- winning actress hails from Kerala and had made her debut in Bollywood in 2005 in Parineeta. he had featured in films like Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, The Dirty Picture and Kahaani. She also featured in the television serial Hum Paanch.

Vilas Tonapi appointed as Director of IIMR

Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi has been appointed as Director of Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR). Prior to this appointment, he was working as the Principal Scientist at Seed Science and Technology of the IIMR.Earlier, Dr. Tonapi had served as Head, Division of Seed Science and Technology at New Delhi based Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). He had obtained his post- Doctoral from University of Queensland, Australia and holds a PhD from Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. His special attainments in the field of agriculture include Planning, development and management of crop improvement programmes and strategies. He has around 50 research papers to his credit in peer reviewed journals. He also had also authored and edited around 30 books.

Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan Biraja Prasad passes away

India‘s Ambassador to Tajikistan Biraja Prasad passed away following a massive cardiac arrest. He was the youngest Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer to be appointed as India‘s Ambassador to any country. Biraja Prasad‘s career as diplomat began after he had joined IFS in 1998. In his career, he had held different diplomatic assignments such as third secretary and then second secretary (Political) in Embassy of India, Moscow (Russia) from 2000 to 2002. He had also served as undersecretary (Russia) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi from 2004 to 2005. He also had worked as undersecretary (Europe West) from 2005 to 2007 in MEA where had handled work related to India‘s bilateral relations with Russia, France, Germany and Spain. ||<><><>||

16th February 2016

Prithvi-II Missile Test Fired at Chandipur

India test-fired its indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile, which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads, as part of a user trial by the army from a test range at Chandipur. The missile test was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex- 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 1000 hrs. With a strike range of 350 km, the surface-to-surface Prithvi-II is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is trusted by liquid propulsion twin engines.

First 'Silk Road' train arrives in Tehran from China

The first long distance cargo train connecting Iran and China has arrived in the Iranian capital city Tehran after starting its journey from China. The train had started its journey from China‘s eastern Zhejiang province and it took 14 days to reach final destination. It had covered around 9,500-kilometre distance and passed through two Central Asian countries Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Henceforth such trains will run between both countries once in every month and the frequency will be increased if necessary. These trains will be run by private companies using existing routes.

India, Seychelles joint military exercise begins

The 7th edition of India, Seychelles joint military exercise LAMITYE 2016 has begun in Victoria, Seychelles. The fourteen day exercise has been conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria till February 28, 2016. SPDF will be represented by 20 personnel from Tazar (Special Forces Unit) and 32 from Seychelles Infantry. The Indian contingent will comprise an infantry platoon and representatives from the Special Forces. India and Seychelles have been conducting joint drill since 2001 and ‗Exercise Lamitye‘, which means friendship in Creole (local dialect), is conducted biennially with the aim of enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries. The concluding phase of the drill, incorporating a tactical exercise, will be witnessed by senior military officers from both the countries who will review the standards of interoperability achieved by both the contingents.

President Pranab Mukherjee conferred Infosys Prize 2015

President Pranab Mukherjee has conferred the Infosys Prizes to six winners for their outstanding contribution in the research fields in New Delhi for the year 2015.

These six winners in six different categories are Jonardon Ganeri: He was awarded in Humanities category for his outstanding work in interpreting and scrutinizing analytical Indian Philosophy. Umesh Waghmare: He was awarded in Engineering and Computer Science category for his innovative use of first-principles theories and modeling of certain materials such as topological insulators, multiferroics, ferroelectrics and graphene. Mahan Maharaj: He was awarded in Mathematical Sciences category for his contributions to low-dimensional topology, geometric group theory and complex geometry. Amit Sharma: He was awarded in Life Sciences category for his contributions in deciphering the molecular structure at the atomic level of key proteins involved in the biology of pathogenesis of the deadly malarial parasite. Ravindra Kumar: He was awarded in Physical Sciences category for his pioneering experimental contributions to the physics of high intensity laser matter interactions. Srinath Raghavan: He was awarded in Social Sciences category for outstanding research that synthesizes military history, strategic analysis and international politics into powerful and imaginative perspectives on India in global context.

India launches 'lightest gun' in the world Two years after India launched Nirbheek, a handgun pitched as the country‘s ―first gun for women‖, a state-run arms factory has launched a similar gun which it claims is India‘s lightest gun. Nidar, meaning fearless, is made with an aluminium alloy which makes it very light, but has ―strength similar to steel‖. Nidar has a 40-mm barrel and is just 140mm in length which makes it ―small enough to fit into a palm‖. The new 0.22-calibre revolver weighs a mere 250 grammes, while Nirbheek, which is named after the nickname of Jyoti Singh who died as a result of a fatal gang rape

on a bus in New Delhi, is 0.32-calibre and weighs 500 grammes. Nidar costs INR 35,000 whereas, the cost of Nirbheek is INR 122,360.

India, Sweden ink MoU on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector

Union Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation of Sweden have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector. The main objective of MoU is to develop cooperation activities in the Railway sector to promote efficiency and sustainability and to achieve concrete results with regard to bilateral trade, research, investment and technology transfer.

BHEL commissions 101 MW power plant in Tripura

State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned a 101 MW (Mega Watt) gas-based Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) at Monarchak (near Agartala) in Tripura. The plant was commissioned on basis of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) based on the order placed by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). In this project, BHEL‘s scope of work included supply of Gas Turbine, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) and Steam Turbine. It also supplied Generators and state-of-the-art Controls & Instrumentation (C&I) including plant civil work. State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will be supplying the

gas for the project. With this, BHEL‘s share in supplied sets in the installed power generating capacity of Tripura has gone up to 88 per cent. ||<><><>||

17th February 2016

58th Annual Grammy Awards

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards were announced by the Recording Academy announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony has recognized the best recordings, compositions and artists in the eligibility year, which was from October 2014, to September 2015.

Winners are

Category Album Artist

Best album of the year 1989 Taylor Swift

Best record of the year Uptown Funk Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Best song of the year Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran & Amy Wadge

Best new artist – Meghan Trainor

Children‘s Album Home Tim Kubart

Best Pop solo performance Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Uptown Funk Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

India participates in Cobra Gold 2016 multilateral exercise

For the first time, India has participated in the Cobra Gold 2016 multilateral amphibious exercise hosted by Thailand after 12 member Indian Army delegations joined it. In this edition of multilateral exercise, India has accorded as an observer plus status keeping in view its increasing regional operability. Decision regarding India‘s participation was earlier conveyed to Thailand during Vice President Hamid Ansari‘s visit to the country.

Sindh becomes first Pakistan province to adopt Hindu Marriage Bill

Sindh became the first Pakistan province to adopt landmark Hindu Marriage Bill, 2015 in order to allow the minority community to register their marriages. This is for the first such a law is being passed since formation of Pakistan in 1947 to safeguard rights of Hindus, a second largest religious minority community in the country. The law fixes the minimum age of marriage at 18. It makes mandatory, that a marriage is solemnised after consent of both female and male in the presence of at least two witnesses and registration of the marriage. Under this law, every marriage will be registered with the ward/ union council within 45 days of the solemnisation. The law will have retrospective effect for the purpose of validation and registration of the marriage prior to its enactment.

NRDC inks MoA with IACS on Technology Transfer

NRDC has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with IACS for commercialisation of technologies and intellectual properties (IP) developed at IACS. Under this MoA, NRDC will provide its services in IP Evaluation and Valuation in terms of their commercial potential to IACS. It is an Enterprise of Department of Scientific & Industrial Research under the aegis of Union Ministry of Science & Technology. For more than 6 decades, it has been working in development, commercialisation and promotion of technologies emanating from R&D academia and organization.

M Devaraja Reddy elected as ICAI President

Devaraja Reddy has been elected as President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He will have tenure of one year of ICAI which is an apex body of Indian Chartered Accountant. Prior to this appointment, he was Vice President of ICAI for the Council Year 2015-16. He is chartered accountant from past 28 years. ICAI is a statutory body for the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India. It has been established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. The Council of ICAI manages its affairs in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988 and Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. The Council is composed of total 40 members of whom 32 are elected by the members and remaining 8 are nominated by the Union Government.

DRDO to conduct captive flight trails of Anti-Radiation Missile

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to conduct captive flight trials of an advanced, state-of- the-art Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) in April- May 2016. During captive flight trials DRDO scientist will evaluate performance of the missile‘s heat seeker, structural capability, navigation and control system and aerodynamic vibrations. Later by end of 2016, actual ground testing will be conducted and later it will be fired from Su-30 during the actual flight trial.

Former UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali passes away

Former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali passed away in Cairo, Egypt. He was 93. Mr. Boutros-Ghali was Egyptian politician and diplomat who had served as sixth UN Secretary-General from 1992 to 1996. He was United Nations‘ first secretary- general from Africa. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was born in Cairo on 14 November 1922. His grandfather Boutros Ghali had served Prime Minister of Egypt from 1908 until his assassination in 1910. During his term as UN Secretary-General, he had overseen several world crises including the break-up of Yugoslavia, genocide and famine in Africa. He had associated himself with the famine in Somalia and had organised the first massive UN relief operation in the horn of African country.

||<><><>||

18th February 2016

SBI opens Japan Desk in New Delhi

India‘s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‗Japan Desk‘, a single window for inbound Japanese investments in India and vice-versa. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to facilitate Japanese corporate looking to invest in India with banking and advisory services. This SBI Japan Desk will also serve as an one-point comprehensive and reliable information support source for India-bound investments of Japanese companies. It will also facilitate establishment of banking relationship with Japanese corporate and Japanese nationals and provide information on industries, sectors etc. In future, SBI is also planning to set up another dedicated Japan Desk at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Union Government cuts interest rate on small post office schemes by 0.25%

Union Government has cut interest rates on short-term small saving schemes below five years of maturity by 0.25 per cent including post office deposits and Kisan Vikas Patras. The decision to this effect was taken to align interest rates on small savings with market rates and help the economy move to a lower overall interest rate regime eventually. Post office savings with term of 1, 2 and 3 year, Kisan Vikas Patra as well as 5-year Recurring Deposits till now earned higher interest than the government securities of similar tenures. However, Government has left social security schemes such as Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, long term Monthly Income Scheme and PPF untouched.

West Bengal government launches Utkarsh Bangla Scheme

West Bengal government has launched the Utkarsh Bangla Scheme with an aim of providing vocational training to school dropouts. The scheme was launched by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. On this occasion, she also released a book on Utkarsh Bangla. Objective of the scheme is to give vocational training to school dropouts by providing training ranging from 400 to 1200 hours free of charge. Under this scheme, beneficiaries will be trained in driving, tailoring, repairing television and other electronic equipment‘s, beautician courses etc.

Union Government launches Website for maiden Maritime India Summit

Union Government has formally launched website for maiden Maritime India Summit 2016 scheduled to be held in April 2016. It was launched by Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on the sidelines of the Make in India Week in Mumbai. The website will facilitate investors and participants to access detailed information about the summit, including registrations. The maiden Maritime India Summit is scheduled to be held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It will be organised by Union Ministry of Shipping. It will be global summit that will comprise of an Investors‘ Summit along with exhibition and demo session. More than 50 other maritime nations have been invited. The main focus of summit is to give impetus to Make In India and blue economy.

Renowned Indologist David Shulman awarded Israel Prize

Renowned Indologist Professor David Shulman has been selected for the prestigious Israel Prize for his breakthrough studies in fields like philosophy and religion. He was chosen for this award for his studies on the religion, literature and culture of southern India and has command over Indian languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam. He is US born professor currently teaching Hebrew language at University of Jerusalem. As a professor, he has made an important contribution to research management and teaching in Israeli universities.

Union Cabinet gives approves Trade Facilitation Agreement

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to notify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as per India‘s consonance of ‗ease of doing business‘ initiative. The proposal regarding ratification and acceptance of the instrument of acceptance of protocol of TFA to WTO Secretariat was also approved by the Union Cabinet.

Union Government launched ENVIS portal

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar has launched Environment Information System (ENVIS) portal and mobile application. It was launched on the sidelines of the national interaction-cum- evaluation workshop for Environment

Information System. ENVIS Portal (http://envis.nic.in) runs parallel with the objectives of Digital India which works on improving the digital literacy in the environment sector and deliver services digitally. It will play important role integrating network of ENVIS centres.

Japan launches ASTRO-H satellite to study black holes

Japan has successfully launched ASTRO-H space observation satellite to probe mysterious black holes. The satellite was launched by H2A rocket after it had successfully lifted off at the Tanegashima Space Centre. ASTRO-H satellite has been developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and others. It will orbit earth at an altitude of about 580 kilometers and observe X-rays emanating mainly from black holes and galaxy clusters.

||<><><>||

19th February 2016

Cabinet gives approves MoUs for cooperation in the field of agriculture & allied sectors

Union Cabinet has given its approval for Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) signed between India and various countries for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. This MoU will help in capacity building measures, knowledge exchange through visits of scientists and technicians, exchange of genetic resources. It will

also aid in development of appropriate technologies and farm practices for enhancing agriculture productivity at farmers‘ field. This cabinet approval is MoUs signed by 13 countries namely, Netherlands, Nepal, Israel, Cyprus, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Surinam, Tanzania, Syria, Zambia, Bhutan, Chile and Mauritius.

Cipla acquires two US generic drug companies

Indian pharmaceutical giant Cipla Ltd. has acquired two US generic drug companies, InvaGen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Exelan Pharmaceuticals Inc. In this regard, Cipla has closed the transaction of the deal through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cipla (EU) Ltd. These deals will allow Cipla to further strengthen its presence in the US pharmaceutical market is world‘s largest pharmaceutical market. It will also help the company to increase its revenue and introduce new products for oncology and diabetes in US. These acquisitions will also provide Cipla a launch pad to launch its pipeline of products in respiratory and injectables in US.

Indian origin scientist Ashutosh Tiwari discovers fast SnO conductor to replace silicon

A team of scientist in US led by an Indian-origin Ashutosh Tiwari has discovered Tin Monoxide (SnO) conductor to replace silicon. SnO is a new kind of 2D semiconducting material for electronics that opens the door for much speedier computers and smartphones that consumes less power. SnO semiconductor is made of the two elements tin and oxygen. It is first stable P-type 2D semiconductor material ever in existence. It is a layer of 2D material with thickness of only one atom and consumes less power.

It has ability to allow electrical charges to move through it much faster (100 times) than conventional 3D materials such as silicon.

Cabinet gives nod to BRICS MoU for cooperation in Science, Technology and innovation

The Union Cabinet has apprised signing of BRICS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the fields of Science, Technology and innovation (STI). The MoU seeks to promote of cooperation in the field of STI among BRICS countries by means of mutually agreed S&T events and activities. Objective of MoU is to establish a strategic framework of cooperation in STI to address the common regional and global socio-economic challenges. For this purpose BRICS nations will be utilizing shared experiences and complementarities in STI in order to co-generate new knowledge and innovative products, services and processes.

Union Cabinet gives nod to Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to amend section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and section 11 of the Delimitation Act, 2002. In this regard, Government is going to introduce Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in Parliament in pursuance of the Constitution (One Hundredth Amendment) Act, 2015. These amendments will give voting rights to people who became Indian citizens following the exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh. Amendment of Delimitation Act, 2002 will enable Election Commission

of India (ECI) to carry out limited delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal.

Google’s Project Loon begins its operations in Sri Lanka

Google‘s Project Loon began its operations in Sri Lanka after first helium-filled balloon landed in Pupuressa area in Gampola town. It was one of three balloons that were put up in Sri Lankan airspace for trials to provide high-speed internet service after it was launched from South America. Project Loon is a pet project of search engine giant Google for providing Internet access to rural and remote areas using high-altitude helium-filled balloons. These balloons will be placed at an altitude of about 18 km in the stratosphere where wind speed is low and turbulence is minimum. Each balloon can provide full wireless broadband internet coverage up to an area of 40 km and are powered mainly by solar panels.

NASA finds first super-Earth exoplanet with an atmosphere

Astrophysicists at NASA have found a super- Earth exoplanet dubbed as 55 Cancri e with an atmosphere for the first time. These NASA astrophysicists were working with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the University College London. 55 Cancri e was discovered using Hubble telescope‘s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). It is located around 40 light years away and eight times bigger than earth. It is located extremely close to its planet star, which heats its surface to a staggering 2,000 degrees Celcius making it only known super-Earth with such a high temperature. 55 Cancri e‘s atmosphere largely consists of

hydrogen (H) and helium (He) similar to gas giant planets with no traces of water and doesn‘t sustain life.

Veteran singer Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan passes away

Veteran singer Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal following old-age related ailments. He was 107. He was a highly acclaimed Hindustani classical singer of Gwalior Gharana who had created around 2,000 compositions and was also a prolific writer and poet under the pseudonym Rasan Piya. He was Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1908 in a family of musicians. He was a descendant (16th generation) of Tansen, a classical music composer in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had received his initial training from his father Chhote Yusuf Khan and uncle Bade Yusuf Khan and also from other elders of their family.

India, Myanmar conduct fourth coordinated patrol

The fourth edition of the India-Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR) was successfully undertaken from February 13 to 16, 2016. It was conducted by navies of the two countries along the strategically significant International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. In this edition IMCOR, Indian Navy Ships Saryu and Bitra along with Myanmar Ships Aung Zeya and FAC 563 participated. Navies of India and Myanmar are conducting bilateral IMCOR along the Maritime boundary since 2013 as part of the ongoing India-Myanmar defence relations.

Prasar Bharati signs historical MoU with EBC

Prasar Bharati has signed a MoU with Empressa de Brazil Communicacao (EBC) in connection with several broadcast related activities including exchange of news, programmes and co- production. This MoU is being described as historical as it is the first agreement that Prasar Bharati has signed with any South American country. It was signed between Prasar Bharati Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jawhar Sircar and EBC Vice President Mr Mario in Brasilia, Brazil. The MoU includes long list of Indian programmes to be broadcast on EBC network including documentaries, science programs, serials and Portuguese programs from Goa.

||<><><>||

20th February 2016

US launches anti-dumping probe on tyres from India, Sri Lanka

United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has decided to initiate anti-dumping investigations into a certain category of tyres imported from India and Sri Lanka. Decision in this regard was taken after USITC commissioners after they found that certain category of tyres imported from both countries is damaging domestic industry. They have alleged that imports of certain new pneumatic off-the-road tyres are sold at less than fair value in US and are subsidised by the governments of India and Sri Lanka. This is for the first time that anti-dumping investigations from US have launched probe

into tyres coming from India, while Chinese tyres already have faced a similar probe in the past.

Kalikho Pul sworn-in as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh

Kalikho Pul has been sworn-in as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh after Governor JP Rajkhowa used his discretionary powers to appoint him. He was administered oath to the office and secrecy by Governor in a simple function at Raj Bhawan in Itanagar. Now Chief Minister Kalikho Pul has to prove majority in the 60 member state legislative assembly. He is being supported by 32 MLAs including the Congress rebels, BJP legislators and 2 independent legislators. Earlier Kalikho Pul was in Congress Party and had served as State Finance Minister from 2003 until 2007 in the Government led by then Chief Minister Gegong Apang.

Christine Lagarde appointed as MD of IMF for a second term

Christine Lagarde (60) from France has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund for a second five- year term. She was sole candidate nominated for the post and was re-nominated by IMF‘s Executive Board decision taken by consensus. Her new term will start on 5th July 2016 till 2021. Ms. Lagarde for first time was appointed MD in 2011 after IMF Board had initiated selection process on merit-based and transparent process. She was first woman to head the top post of IMF since its inception in 1944.

US writer Harper Lee passes away

US writer Harper Lee passed away in Monroeville, Alabama, US at the age of 89. She had authored a novel ‗To Kill a Mockingbird‘ released in 1960 which had become a classic of modern American literature. It has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. The book has a towering presence in American literature and tells the tale of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of rape in the Deep South.

Sameer Anjaan creates world record by composing 3524 songs

Bollywood lyricist Sameer Anjaan has created world record by composing around 3524 different songs in 650 Bollywood movies. Guinness Book of World Records has officially recognised him as the Most prolific Bollywood Lyricist Ever. With this he becomes first Guinness Record holder in this category. Sameer Anjaan (Real name Shitala Pandey) had started his career as lyricist in 1983 after his song had appeared in the movie Bekhabar. Since then, his work has featured in around 650 Bollywood movies. He came into limelight in 1990s for composing hit songs in films such as Dil and Aashiqui. He has won three Filmfare Awards. First one for song Nazar Ke Saamne, second one in 1993 for the song Teri Umeed Tera Intezaar and third one in 1994 second for the song Ghunghat Ki Aad.

Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco passes away

Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco passed away in Milan, Italy at the age of 84 years. He was best known for his historical mystery novel ‗The Name of the Rose‘, which was adapted into a film in 1989 starring Scottish actor Sean Connery. Eco was born in Alessandria, northern Italy in 1932. He novelist, essayist, literary critic, philosopher and semiotician. Eco also wrote academic texts, children‘s books. In the 1980s, he had founded the communications department at the University of San Marino.

Faustin Archange Touadera wins 2016 Presidential election of Central African Republic

Faustin Archange Touadera has won the 2016 Presidential election of Central African Republic (CAR) held on 14 February 2016. He had contested as an independent candidate in this election and secured 62.7 percent or 695,000 valid votes. He defeated Georges Anicet Dologuele of Union for Central African Renewal Party who had obtained just over or 37.3 percent or 413,000 votes. Faustin Archange Touadera is well-respected former mathematics professor. He had served as former Prime Minister of ex-president Francois Bozize from January 2008 to January 2013. Central African Republic is one of the world‘s most chronically unstable countries. In early 2013, it had suffered the worst crisis in its history when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters in a coup had toppled President Francois Bozize. ||<><><>||

21st February 2016

PM Modi to launch National Rurban mission in Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National Rurban Mission at Kurrubhath in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. The National Rurban Mission intends to bridge the rural-urban divide by bringing civic and infrastructural amenities to clusters of villages across states evolving a new mantra for urbanization. The mission would also help reduce migration of people towards the cities.

World Bank to help Rajasthan in energy reforms

The World Bank has decided to lend support to the Rajasthan government on energy reforms and a detailed project has been prepared in this regard. The decision was taken at a meeting between World Bank‘s country director in India, Onno Ruhl and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at her official residence. Ruhl conveyed that World Bank was working with the Rajasthan government on energy reforms and a detailed report has been prepared focusing on conventional and non-conventional sources of energy. He also appreciated the State government‘s constructive efforts on energy development.

PIB clears India Post's Rs 800 crore proposal for payments bank

The Public Investment Board has approved the Rs 800-crore proposal from India Post for setting up a payments bank and it will be placed before the Cabinet within a month for final approval. PIB, under the Finance Ministry, whets the investment proposals by state-run entities. The department is also in the process of finalising selection of a consultant for setting up of the India Post payments bank. It had shortlisted six consultants but only three of them submitted the bids. The India Post payments bank will primarily target unbanked and under-banked customers in rural, semi-rural and remote areas, with a focus on providing simple deposit products and money remittance services.

MP, Rajasthan set up SPVs for implementation of Smart City Plans

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Government have set up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for the implementation of Smart City Plans. SPVs have been set up for five cities – Jabalpur, Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan. These cities are among the first batch of 20 winners of Smart City Challenge Competition held by the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The Ministry will release 200 crore rupees for each of the 20 selected cities only after SPVs are set up.

Swachh Himachal Padhai bhi, Safai bhi campaign launched

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has launched ‗Swachh Himachal – Padhai bhi, Safai bhi‘ campaign in Dharamsala. With this unique campaign, HPCA became the first cricket association in the country to work towards Swatch Bharat Abhiyan initiated by the Union Government. The campaign aims at involving youth to promote good health and sanitation in urban and rural areas in the Himalayan state. Its objective is to showcase Himachal‘s beauty as India‘s cleanest and greenest state. Under it, the sport of cricket will be linked with Swatch Bharat Abhiyan and youth‘s will be termed as Swatch Captain and teachers as Swatch Coach. They will start cleanliness drive with the help of students from universities, educational institutes and then in their local neighbourhood.

||<><><>||

22nd February 2016

International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21

International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) is being observed across the world on 21 February.

Importance of Day: Seeks to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. It also signifies importance of mother language as the greatest weapon to express one‘s feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country.

2016 Theme: ―Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes‖. The year 2016 is the 16th anniversary of International Mother Language Day.

Malayalam film Ottal named best children’s film at Berlin International Film Festival

Malayalam film Ottal (The Trap) has been named as best feature-length and best short films in the children‘s category at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. It has been honoured with the prestigious Crystal Bear award in the ‗Generation K-Plus‘ section. The film has been directed by Jayaraj Rajasekharan Nair. It is based on story about an old fisherman and his grandson. The film is an adaptation of Anton Chekhov‘s short story ‗Vanaka‘. Earlier, Ottal had bagged the National Award for best film on Environment Conservation/Preservation. It had set a record at 20th International Film Festival of Kerala by sweeping all the top awards.

66th Berlin International Film Festival

66th edition of Berlin International Film Festival was held in Berlin, Germany from 11 February to 21 February 2016. American actress Meryl Streep was the President of the Jury. Italian documentary film Fuocoammare (Fire at Sea) directed by Gianfranco Rosi was awarded prestigious Golden Bear, the top prize of the festival.

Other prizes

Honorary Golden Bear: Michael Ballhaus.

Silver Bear for best director: Mia Hansen-Løve (France) for Things to Come.

Silver Bear for Best Actress: Trine Dyrholm (Denmark) for The Commune.

Silver Bear for Best Actor: Majd Mastoura (Tunisia) for Hedi.

Silver Bear for Best Script: Tomasz Wasilewski for United States of Love.

Jury Grand Prix (Silver Bear): Death in Sarajevo by Danis Tanovic.

Alfred Bauer Prize (Silver Bear): A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery by Lav Diaz. Crystal Bear or the best short film: El inicio de Fabrizio for Argentinian film Fabrizio‘s Initiation.

Vinay Kumar Singh appointed as MD of NCRTC

Indian Railway Officer Vinay Kumar Singh has been appointed as Managing Director of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). Prior to this appointment, he was working with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a railway PSU involved in the study of high speed rail corridors. He was appointed by the search and selection committee through an interview process. The committee comprised of Urban Development Secretary, official from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Railway Board Member (Staff) and expert from World Bank.

Noted singer Bhubaneswari Mishra passes away

The famous Odissa singer Bhubaneshwari Mishra passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest in New Delhi. She was 67. She was one of the talented artist from Odisha and was renowned as classical and playback singer. She had started her career as a classical singer in the 1970s with debut song ‗Tiki Mora Naa Ti‘ for the mythological Odia movie Krushna Sudama. For her contribution to music, she has been conferred with many awards including Odisha State Film Award for best female

playback singer for two consecutive terms in 1979 and 1980 for the movies Srikrushna Rasalila and Jay Ma Mangala respectively.

||<><><>||

23rd February 2016

India remains world's largest arms importer, with 14% of total share

India continues to remain the world's largest arms importer, accounting for 14% of the global imports in the 2011-2015 timeframe, in yet another indicator of the country's enduring failure to build a strong domestic defence-industrial base (DIB). The latest data on international arms transfers released by a global think-tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), also shows India's arms imports remain three times greater than those of its rivals China and Pakistan. Its biggest suppliers are Russia, the US, Israel and France.

Indian-origin playwright Ismail Mahomed conferred Knighthood by French Government

Ismail Mahomed, an Indian-origin art lover and playwright in South Africa, was conferred Knighthood by the French government for his lifelong devotion to the promotion of arts. Mahomed was bestowed with The Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Literature) by French Ambassador Elisabet Barbier in Johannesburg. Currently the Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, Mahomed has received numerous other awards in his 30-year career. He has also been honoured with

Merit Honour Award from the US State Department's Africa Bureau for consistent high cultural programming.

Pakistan parliament becomes first in world to run entirely on solar power

Pakistan parliament became the first in the world to completely run on solar power, a venture supported by China with USD 55 million funding. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a simple ceremony switched on solar-powered building of the parliament in capital Islamabad. First announced in 2014, the venture has been funded by the Chinese government as an act of friendship, with the solar power plant costing around USD 55 million. This the first time since independence (1947) that parliament has become self-sufficient in electricity through solar power. Other institutions in private and public sector need to follow it.

CGPDTM issues revised patent guidelines for Computer Related Inventions

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDT) has issued an order excluding software patents in its revised guidelines for Computer Related Inventions (CRIs). The new order clearly mentions that, mere computer programmes those not in conjunction with a novel hardware will not be granted patent in India. Follow CGPDT‘s stay on the revised guidelines issued in August 2015 which have allowed the patenting of software which demonstrated technical advancement and did not clarify it. Have been aligned to the Patents Act, 1970 and brings out clarity in terms of exclusions expected under sub-section 3(k) of the Act.

Indian-origin Sikh appointed Kuala Lumpur Police Commissioner

An Indian-origin Sikh Amar Singh has been appointed the Police Commissioner of Malaysia‘s capital Kuala Lumpur. With this, he becomes first person of Indian origin (PIO) and first Malaysian Sikh to achieve the highest police rank in the Muslim-majority country. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as deputy director of CID. He will succeed Tajuddin Mohamed who has been transferred to federal headquarters as the Deputy Director of commercial CID.

CII inks MoU with Dubai exports to boost trade

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Exports to boost trade and explore business opportunities. CII is a non- government organisation of Indian businesses which works to create an environment conducive to the growth of industry in the country. Dubai Exports works with other Dubai Government Departments to simplify the export process by developing long-term growth strategies to expand businesses and maximise opportunities.

Bihar becomes sixth state to join UDAY Scheme

Bihar became the sixth state to join Union Government‘s UDAY (Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana) Scheme for financial restructuring of debt of power distribution companies. In this regard, tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bihar government, State

Power Distribution companies (DISCOMs) and Union Power ministry. Bihar is the 6th state after Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat to become part of the scheme. It is second Non-NDA state after Uttar Pradesh to join the scheme.

Dnipro FC wins 2016 Nagjee International Club Football Tournament

Ukraine‘s Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Football Club (FC) has won the 2016 Sait Nagjee International Club Football Tournament. With this victory, Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk became first European team to win this prestigious Football tournament held in India. In summit clash played at the EMS Corporation stadium at Kozhikode (Kerala), Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk FC defeated Brazilian FC Atletico Paranaense by 3-0 goals. For the Ukrainian FC, three goals were scored by Ihor Kohut (40th minute), Denys Balanuik (62nd minute) and Yuri Vakulko (85th minute).

Justice Vineet Saran appointed as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court

President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Justice Vineet Saran as the new Chief Justice (CJ) of Orissa High Court as per the provisions of Article 217 of Constitution. His appointment comes after it was lying vacant ever since transfer of Justice D H Waghela as CJ of Bombay High Court. During the vacant period, Justice Pradeep K. Mohanty was officiating as Acting CJ of Orissa High Court. Prior to this appointment, Justice Saran was officiating in Karnataka High Court as a senior judge.

KN Vyas appointed as Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

Distinguished scientist KN Vyas has been appointed as Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for a term of three years His appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. He succeeds Shekar Basu who was appointed as Atomic Energy Secretary and Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in October 2015.

Long jumper Prem Kumar wins silver medal in Asian Indoor Athletics

India‘s Kumaravel Prem Kumar has won a silver medal in long jump event on the final day of Asian Indoor Athletics Championships held in Doha. To win the silver medal, Prem Kumar cleared a creditable 7.92 m in his final attempt. In this event, Zhang Yaoguang of China won the gold with a best effort of 7.99 m. In the shot put event of this championship, India‘s Om Prakash Singh Karhana won the bronze medal by clearing a distance of 18.77 m. In this edition of Asian Indoor Athletics Championships Indian won 1 Gold medal, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals. The 2017 Asian Athletics (Outdoor) Championship will be held Ranchi (Jharkhand), India.

||<><><>||

24th February 2016

Naval Exercise IBSAMAR 2016 between India, South Africa, Brazil kicked off in Goa

The fifth edition of IBSAMAR 2016 trilateral naval exercise between Brazil, India and South Africa kicked off in Goa. IBSAMAR is abbreviated as India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime. This is the for the first time the exercise is held in India as all the previous editions were held in South Africa since it began in 2006. This trilateral naval exercise aims at increasing Interoperability among navies of three countries, Common understanding maritime security between them. This edition of IBSAMAR naval exercise will be conducted two phases namely Harbour phase and Sea Phase. During harbour phase, wide range of professional interactions will be undertaken and during Sea Phase diverse range operational activities will be conducted off Goa coast.

India’s first nuclear submarine INS Arihant passes deep sea tests

India‘s first indigenously built nuclear armed submarine INS Arihant has successfully passed several deep sea diving drills as well as weapons launch tests. These successful tests undertaken off Vishakhapatnam coast where the submarine was build. These tests make it ready for formal induction into the Naval Fleet. INS Arihant‘s design is based on the Russian Akula-1 class submarine. It is a 6,000-tonne nuclear powered submarine and is 112 metre long. Powered by 83 MW pressurised light water reactor built with Russia‘s help. This reactor generates tremendous heat, driving a steam turbine. Capable of launching twelve short range nuclear-capable ballistic missile BO-5 (K

15) which has a range of 700 kms and four K 4 ballistic missile with a range of 3,500 km.

India to host 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation

India is going to host Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation from 12 April 2016 to save tigers. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will the third such conference on tiger conservation to be hosted by India that will see the participation of all 13 tiger range countries (TRCs). They are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Fast-acting anti-rabies drug set for India launch

The first fast-acting anti-rabies drug of the world, which instantly deactivates the rabies virus and provides immediate protection in severe dog bite cases, is set for a launch in India this year. The drug, rabies human monoclonal antibody (RMAb), has been developed by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) and US-based Mass Biologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. It has been found safe and effective during various phases of human clinical trials spanning nine years in India and abroad.

Khajuraho Dance Festival begins in Madhya Pradesh

Country‘s one of the celebrated cultural events, the 42nd annual Khajuraho Dance Festival will commence in Chhattarpur district. The festival will showcase classical dances, including Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kuchipudi, depicting the ancient tales like - ‗Mahishasur Mardini‘ and ‗Krishna Rasa. The festival is being organised by Department of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, will be held against the backdrop of iconic Khajuraho temples, built by Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD, world—wide know for erotic sculptures. The performances will be held in an open-air auditorium by renowned artists in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to ‗Surya‘ (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the western group of temples at Khajuraho.

Tamil film Kanavu Variyam wins 2016 Remi Award

Tamil film Kanavu Variyam has won the prestigious 2016 Remi Award in the United States. The film has been directed and produced by a Chennai-based techie Arun Chidambaram and Karthik Chidambaram. The film deals with the incessant power cuts and shortage of electricity faced by the Indian villages. It stars Jiya as the lead character and the music is by Shyam Benjamin. The award will be presented to A Chidambaram during the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival that will be held from 8 to 17 April, 2016 The movie also has won Special Jury Award at the National Science Festival. The song Kalla Manna in the film which is based on compilation of 51 traditional games of rural India has been accepted for screening at the Bare Bones International and Music Festival in Oklahoma.

Ex-CJI Justice HL Dattu will be next Chairperson of NHRC

Former Chief Justice of India Justice Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu was selected as the next Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission. A committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the name of Dattu for the post which was lying vacant for the last eight months after the retirement of K G Balakrishnan. Besides the Prime Minister, the meeting was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien.

||<><><>||

25th February 2016

Union Cabinet gives nod to India-Maldives double taxation Agreement on airlines

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of an agreement between India and Maldives that will provide relief from double taxation for their airlines operating between the two countries. The agreement provides for relief from double taxation for airline enterprises of India and Maldives by way of exemption of income derived by the enterprise of India from the operation of aircraft in international traffic, from Maldivian tax and vice-versa. Under the pact, profits from the operation of aircraft in international traffic will be taxed in one country alone. Accordingly, the taxing

right is conferred upon the country to which the enterprise belongs. The Agreement will provide tax certainty for airline enterprises of India and Maldives.

Yes Bank wins Green Bond Award in UK

India's leading private lender Yes Bank has received the inaugural Green Bond Pioneer Award at a ceremony here. The Green Bond Pioneer Awards for 'Pioneers in Emerging Markets-India' were organised earlier this month by Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an international investor-focused not-for-profit which focuses on mobilizing the USD 100-trillion bond market for climate change solutions. Yes Bank was recognised for its pioneering efforts in the Green Bonds market; including the highly successful issuance of India's first ever Green Infrastructure Bonds.

RBI extends Currency Swap Arrangement with SAARC nations

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended currency swap arrangement to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations till mid-November 2017. All 7 SAARC member countries including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka can avail the facility. Under the arrangement, RBI will be offering swap arrangement up to an overall amount of US 2 billion dollars both in foreign currency and Indian rupee. This move of RBI aims at enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening financial stability among the SAARC countries.

GVK Bio awarded Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Award

Hyderabad-based GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO) has been awarded prestigious Global CSR Excellence & Leadership Award. The company was bestowed with this award in the category of Best Environment Friendly Project for its ambitious Go Green, Grow Green plantation drive under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Under the mega plantation drive, GVK BIO had planted over 1400 saplings of Pongamiapinnata, Peltophorumferrugunium and Azadirachtaindicain in its Nacharam and Mallapur campus. For watering and soil maintenance of these saplings, company also has tied up with the GHMC.

Yoichiro Ueno appointed as President and CEO of Honda cars India

Yoichiro Ueno has been appointed as new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Honda Cars India by its parent Honda Motor Company. He will succeed Katsushi Inoue who was elevated to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company for Regional Operations (Europe region). Prior to this appointment, Yoichiro Ueno was the CEO and Managing Director (MD) of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. since January 2011. Previously he had served as the Assistant Vice President of Automobile Sales of American Honda Motor Co. Inc.

Michael Pesch appointed as CEO of Infosys Consulting Holding

Michael Pesch has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Infosys Consulting Holding, a subsidiary of India‘s second largest software company Infosys. He will be responsible for Infosys Consulting business in Europe Latin America and Asia Pacific Region and also work as Regional Head DACH Countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). In his new role, he will focus on expanding the reach of Infosys consultants and experts in digital transformation and design-led innovation. Prior to his appointment, Michael had served as a CEO of Germany based Arvato Systems Group. He has rich experience of more than two decades in global consulting and management roles.

Cabinet nod to incentivise cashless transactions

The Union Cabinet approved several steps to promote cashless transactions, which include mandatory card-based or electronic payments beyond a prescribed threshold. Some of the other major steps approved by the Cabinet include the withdrawal of any additional charge currently imposed on card or digital payments by various government entities and the introduction of the required infrastructure for digital payments in all government offices. The Cabinet also approved the rationalisation of the merchant discount rate (MDR) on card transactions and telecom service charges for digital financial transactions to promote mobile banking.

Mukherjee sworn in as 28th Chief Justice

Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee took oath as the 28th Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka. Governor Vajubhai R. Vala administered the oath to Mr. Mukherjee in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan. He was born on October 10, 1955, in Birbhum district of West Bengal, Mr. Mukherjee, a sixth-generation lawyer, joined the legal profession in 1982 after his M.A, LL.B from University of Calcutta. He practiced mainly civil and writ matters for 18 years before being elevated as permanent judge of the High Court of Calcutta on September 15, 2000. On his transfer, he took oath as a judge of the Karnataka High Court on April 15, 2015. He was serving as acting Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court since June 1, 2015.

||<><><>||

26th February 2016

Highlights of the Railway Budget 2016-17

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on 25 February 2016 presented the Railway Budget 2016-17 in the Parliament. This was the the second railway budget for Suresh Prabhu and third rail budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

Below are the highlights of this Budget:

Theme of the Budget:

 ‗Chalo, Milkar Kuch Naya Karen‘ for overcoming challenges – Reorganize, Rejuvenate, Restructure Indian Railways

 Three pillars strategy: Nav Arjan – New revenues, Nav Manak – New norms, Nav Sanrachna – New Structures. Railway Fares

 No new hike in passenger fares and Freight fares. Promised to bring down freight rates and double non-tariff revenue for the ailing national transport. New Initiatives

For the unreserved passenger: (i) Antyodaya Express superfast unreserved service. (ii) Deen Dayalu unreserved coaches with potable water facility and higher number of mobile charging points.

For the reserved passenger: (i) Humsafar: Fully air-conditioned service with an optional service for meals.

(ii) Tejas: It will operate at speeds of 130 kmph and above and shall showcase the future of train travel in India. It will offer onboard services such as local cuisine, entertainment, WiFi, etc.

(iii) UDAY (Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri) Express: Overnight double-decker express on the busiest routes. Potential to increase carrying capacity by almost 40%.

(iv) SMART (Specially Modified Aesthetic Refreshing Travel) Coaches: These coaches are designed to ensure higher carrying capacity and provision of new amenities including automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets, bar-code readers, water- level indicators, accessible dustbins, ergonomic seating, vending machines, improved aesthetics, LED lit boards for advertising, entertainment screens, PA system.

Cleanliness: SMS service ‗Clean my Coach‘, ranking of A1 and A railway stations based on periodic third party audit and passenger feedback, Awareness campaigns. Waste segregation and recycling centres, additional 30,000 bio-toilets etc.

Catering and stalls at stations: IRCTC will manage catering services in a phased manner; explore possibility of making catering services optional, build local

ownership and empowerment. Railway is extending e-catering to all rail stations. IRCTC will make available local cuisine of choice, hygienic food. Travelling mothers, Children‘s menu, baby foods, baby boards will be made available.

Women Quota: 33 per cent sub-quota for women will be provided under all reserved categories. Railways will also increase the quota of lower berths for women and senior citizens

Rail Mitra Sewa: Strengthening the existing services for enabling passengers to book battery operated cars, porter services, etc.

Expanding Sarathi Seva in Konkan Railway to help the disabled and old passengers.

Ticketing: Capacity of e-ticketing system has been enhanced from 2000 tickets per min to 7,200 per min Railway introduces 1,780 ticket-vending machines. e-ticket facility for foreign debit, credit card holders

Mobile Applications: Integrating all facilities into two mobile apps that will deal with ticketing issues and for receipt and it will also redressal of complaints and suggestions.

Pilgrimage centres: The provisions of passenger amenities and beautification on stations at pilgrimage centres including will be undertaken on priority basis. Aastha circuit trains will connect important pilgrim centres.

High Speed Rail: From Mumbai to Ahmedabad will be undertaken with the assistance of the Government of Japan. Prime benefit would be providing technology advancements and new manufacturing capability.

Entertainment: Invite FM Radio stations for providing train borne entertainment. Extension of ‗Rail Bandhu‘ in all regional languages to all reserved classes of travellers.

Rationalising the tariff structure: Tariff policy will be revived to evolve a competitive rate structure, signing long term tariff contracts customers using pre- determined price escalation principles with key freight.

Building terminal capacity: Developing Rail side logistics parks and warehousing in PPP mode, TRANSLOC (Transport Logistics Company of India) will develop 10 goods sheds in 2016-17.

India‘s first rail auto hub will be inaugurated in Chennai. Rail University will come at Vadodara, Gujarat.

Development of cold storage facilities on vacant land near freight terminals in which local farmers and fisherman will be given preferential usage of the facility. Nurturing customers: Appointing key Customer Managers to liaison major freight stakeholders. Each Zonal Railway will develop customer commitment charter indicating service level commitments of Indian Railways.

Travel Insurance to passengers: Optional travel insurance will be offered for rail journeys at the time of booking.

Process Improvements: (i) Finalization of EPC projects standard document to implement at least 20 projects in 2016-17. In future, endeavouring all works valuing above Rs. 300 crore through EPC contracts.

(ii) Contracts based on performance output parameters in order to review service contracts to integrate them outcome focused and simpler.

(iii) Leveraging technology for project management, using latest drone technology and Geo Spatial based satellite technology for remotely reviewing the physical progress across major projects. GPS-based digital display in coaches for showing upcoming stations.

(iv) System-wide Information Technology integration through innovative partnership models.

Rail Development Authority: It will be established as statutory body to enable fair pricing of railway services and promote competition, protect customer interests and determine efficiency standards.

Tourism: (i) Indian Railways will partner with State Governments for operating tourist circuit trains, promotion of tourism through UNESCO world heritage Railways and Railway museums.

(ii) To spread awareness about our National Animal, the Tiger, complete packages including train journey, safaris and accommodation to cover the wildlife circuit comprising Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh will be offered.

ISRO gears up for launch of India’s first solar mission Aditya-L1

The Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, is set to launch the country‘s first solar mission called Aditya-L1. Accordingly, Aditya- L1 satellite will be placed in an orbit about 15 lakh kilometres from the earth. Its primary objective will be to study the solar corona in different wavebands. Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh gave this information in the Lok Sabha. ISRO is going to launch eight Indian and 19 foreign satellites this year. The countries whose satellites it will be launching include Algeria, Canada, Germany, Indonesia and USA.

Union Government appoints 3 Information commissioners of CIC

The Union Government has appointed three Information Commissioners at the Central Information Commission (CIC). They were administered the oath of office by Chief Information Commissioner Radha Krishna Mathur. With their induction, for the first time CIC has full strength i.e. the total number of Information Commissioners including the CIC has gone up to 11. Their appointments have been made for a term of five years or till they turn 65.

Appointees are

Amitava Bhattacharya: He is retired IAS officer who had served Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Bimal Julka: He is retired IAS officer who had served as Information & Broadcasting Secretary.

Divya Prakash Sinha: He is retired IPS officer and counter-terror veteran who had served as Secretary (security) at the Cabinet Secretariat.

Rajendra Singh is Coast Guard DG

The government has appointed Rajendra Singh as the Director General (DG) of Coast Guard, the country‘s coastal protection force. This is the first time an officer from within has been promoted as its Chief which was traditionally headed by a three-star Naval officer. Mr. Singh joined the Coast Guard in 1980 and is currently the Additional Director General. He will replace Vice Admiral HCS Bisht who has been promoted as the Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. He was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal (TM) by the President on August 15, 1990. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded President‘s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) on Aug 15, 2002.

||<><><>||

27th February 2016

India, UK institutions sign agreements for collaboration in crop sciences

The Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology and a consortium of top UK research institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of a joint India-UK collaboration programme in crop science. The aim of the agreement is to enhance collaborative research, promote knowledge exchange, and support capacity building to develop resilience in food security. The agreement was signed by Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Cambridge University Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz and Nafees Meah on behalf of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) of UK.

ISRO to set up satellite centre in Vietnam

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is working to establishment of a Satellite Tracking & Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility for ASEAN Member countries in Vietnam. ISRO will set up this satellite centre at the behest of Union Government as part of Space Cooperation between India and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in a reply to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha.

Gianni Infantino elected FIFA president

Gianni Infantino (45) of Switzerland has been elected as new President of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), a global governing body of football. He was declared winner after winning a second-round vote by securing 115 of the 207 eligible votes in the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland. He defeated Sheikh Salman of Bahrain who got 88 votes followed by Prince Ali of Jordan had four and Jerome Champagne of France got zero votes. With this victory, Infantino becomes just the third President of FIFA after Sepp Blatter who headed it for 40 years from 1974 to 2015 and his predecessor Joao Havelange.

Former DRDO chief Dr Avinash Chander honoured with ASI-ISRO’s Aryabhata Award

Dr Avinash Chander, Former Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and ex-DRDO chief, received the prestigious Astronautical Society of India‘s Aryabhata Award. He received the award from Dr R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, and Dr A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman ISRO, at ASI-ISRO Awards function held at Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad. The Aryabhata Award, named after the fifth century Indian astronomer and mathematician and also in commemoration of the first Indian Satellite, Aryabhata, is presented annually to an individual for outstanding lifetime contribution to the promotion of astronautics in India.

BK Garudachar, India's Oldest Cricketer Passes Away at 99

BK Garudachar, India‘s oldest first class cricketer from the pre-independence era passed away. He was the former captain of Mysore who played as an all- rounder. Garudachar‘s best figures were 11 wickets for 62 runs when Mysore won their first Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad during the 1941/42 season. Despite being a gifted cricketer Garudachar couldn‘t make it for the national team. He was credited for pioneering Karnataka cricket on the correct path. In the batting department, Garudachar‘s made a tally of 1,126 runs with an average of 29.53 holding 1 century and seven fifties. As a bowler he took 100 wickets at 26.20 average. Bindiganavile Krishnaswamy Iyengar Garudachar was born in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka on January 13, 1917.

||<><><>||

28th February 2016

National Science Day is Observed on 28th February

In India February 28 is celebrated as the National Science Day i.e. Rashtriya Vigyan Diwas every year. Significance of Day: It aims to impart scientific temper in the minds of people of all age groups. The theme for year 2016 is ―Scientific Issues for Development of the Nation‖ that aims at raising public appreciation. This day is celebrated as science festival in the entire nation by organising science exhibitions, seminars, workshops, symposiums and many other activities. This day marks the epoch-making discovery of Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman) on February 28,

1928. This discovery was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. In 2013, the American Chemical Society designated the ‗Raman Effect‘ as an International Historic Chemical Landmark.

Vinod Rai appointed Chairman of Banks Board Bureau

Former CAG Vinod Rai was appointed first Chairman of the Banks Board Bureau, which will advise the government on top-level appointments at public sector lenders and ways to address the bad loans problem among other issues. Besides, ICICI Bank‘s former Joint Managing Director H.N. Sinor, Bank of Baroda‘s former CMD Anil K Khandelwal and rating agency CRISIL‘s former chief Rupa Kudwa have been appointed members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Department of Financial Services for the constitution of Banks Board Bureau (BBB) with the named persons as ―part-time Chairman/Members, besides the ex-officio official members, for a period of two years‖. There was no immediate comment from Mr. Rai, who is currently in Singapore. The bureau has been set up at a time when public sector banks are grappling with a huge problem of bad loans with their collective gross NPAs (Non Performing Assets) approaching Rs. 4 lakh crore level.

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates India’s first Gender Park at Kozhikode

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated India‘s first Gender Park at Kozhikode district of Kerala. It is also the first of its kind gender equality convergence centre in Asia. The park is an initiative of the Social Justice Department of the Kerala Government to promote research and other initiatives to enable total gender equality. The Gender Park seeks to encourage women to take part in developmental and decision making process. It has been launched as part of supporting the efforts of the State and Central governments in ensuring an inclusive, discrimination free society. It covers issues pertaining to all three genders and in accordance with the 2015 gender and transgender policies of the state government. The Gender Institute at the park will mainly focus on learning, research and capacity development.

President Pranab Mukherjee declares Kerala as first digital state

President Pranab Mukherjee has formally declared Kerala as the country‘s first digital state. It was announced by President after launching a digital empowerment campaign of state at a function to be held in Kozhikkode. The campaign aims at bridging the digital divide by 2020. This declaration was made considering the rapid digital strides of the state which has achieved 100 percent mobile connectivity, 75 percent e-literacy, maximum digital banking, broadband connectivity upto the Panchayat level, linking bank accounts with Aadhar cards and e-district plan in all districts.

||<><><>||

29th February 2016

Highlights of Union Budget 2016-17

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented Union Budget 2016-17 in the Parliament. It was the second full year Budget of the NDA government under leadership of Prime Minister of Narendra Modi and the third budget of Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister. Union Finance minister has announced 9 pillars of the budget. They are rural sector, social sector including healthcare, education, skills and job creation, Agriculture and farmers‘ welfare, Infrastructure, ease of doing business, financial sector reforms, fiscal discipline, tax reforms to reduce compliance burden.

Key Highlights

 Higher allocation for agriculture, infrastructure and social sectors.  Fiscal deficit pegged at 3.5%, Revenue deficit was at 2.5% during 2015-16.

Taxation

 1 per cent service charge on purchase of luxury cars over Rs. 10 lakh and in- cash purchase of goods and services over Rs. 2 lakh.  Companies with revenue less than 5 crore rupees will be taxed at 29% plus surcharge.  5 per cent Krishi Kalyan Cess to be levied on all services. Infrastructure cess to be levied.  1% excise imposed on articles of jewellery, excluding silver.  1% Pollution cess of on small petrol, CNG and LPG cars; 2.5% on diesel cars of certain specifications and on higher-end models 4% cess.

Personal Finance

 No changes have been made to existing income tax slabs  1,000 crore rupees will be allocated for Employees‘ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme. Government will pay 8.33% EPF contribution for all new employees for first three years  Exemption of 50,000 rupees for housing loans up to 35 lakh rupees, provided cost of house is not above 50 lakh rupees.  15% surcharge on income above Rs. 1 crore.

Social

 Allocation of Rs. 38,500 crore for MGNREGA for 2016-17  Allocation of Rs.9,500 crores for Swacch Bharat Abhiyan.  LPG connections will be provided under the name of women members of family. Rs 2000 crore will be allocated for 5 years for BPL families.  Government to launch new initiative to provide cooking gas to BPL families with state support.  Grants of 2.87 lakh crore rupees to gram panchayats and municipalitie.  Under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission 300 urban clusters to be set up.  Four schemes for animal welfare.

Health

 New health protection scheme will be launched for health cover upto 1 lakh per family.  Additional healthcare cover of Rs 30,000 will be provided to senior citizens under it.  National Dialysis Service Programme will be launched at all district hospitals with funds through PPP mode.  PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana will be strengthened and 300 generic drug store to be opened

Education

 For promoting entrepreneurship among SC/ST, Rs.500 crore will be allocated to Scheme  10 public and 10 private educational institutions will be made world-class.  Digital repository mandatory for all school leaving certificates and diplomas.  For higher education financing, allocation of Rs. 1,000 crore.  Allocation of 1,700 crore rupees for 1500 multi-skill development centres.  62 navodaya vidyalayas to be established to provide quality education.  Digital literacy scheme will be launched to cover 6 crore additional rural households.  Entrepreneurship training will be provided at schools, colleges and massive online courses.  Provide skill training to 1 crore youth under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna in the next 3 years.  1500 Multi-skill training institutes will be set up.

Oscar Awards: 88th Academy Awards

The 88th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Academy Awards (commonly referred as Oscars) were presented in twenty four categories. They are Best Picture: Spotlight. Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant). Best Actress: Brie Larson (Room). Best Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies). Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl). Best Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (The Revenant). Best Original Screenplay: Tom McCarthy (Spotlight).

Best Adapted Screenplay: Adam McKay (The Big Short). Best Original Song: Writing‘s on the Wall (Spectre). Best Original Score: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone). Best Production Design: Colin Gibson and Lisa Thompson (Mad Max: Fury Road). Best Editing: Margaret Sixel (Mad Max: Fury Road). Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant). Best Sound Editing: Mark A. Mangini and David White (Mad Max: Fury Road). Best Sound Mixing: Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo (Mad Max: Fury Road). Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul (Hungary). Best Documentary Feature: Best Documentary Short Subject: A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness. Best Live Action Short Film: Best Visual Effects: Mark Williams Ardington, Sara Bennett, Paul Norris and Andrew Whitehurst (Ex Machina). Best Animated Feature Film: Inside Out. Best Animated Short Film: Bear Story. Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka (Mad Max: Fury Road). Best Costume Design: Jenny Beavan (Mad Max: Fury Road). Most awards: Mad Max: Fury Road (6 Awards) followed by The Revenant (3) and Spotlight (2). Most nominations in 88th Academy Awards: The Revenant (12), Mad Max: Fury Road (10) and The Martian (7).

Stan Wawrinka wins 2016 Dubai ATP Tennis title

Tennis title in the men‘s singles category. In the final match played in the United Arab Emirates, he defeated Marcos Baghdatis (Cyprus) by 6-4, 7-6 (15/13) score. It was his ninth straight final and overall 13th title of his career and second of the 2016 season after winning Chennai Open. Women’s Singles

Sara Errani (Italy) won the 2016 Dubai ATP Tennis title in the women‘s singles category. In the final she defeated Barbora Strýcová of Czech Republic Barbora Strýcova by 6–0 , 6–2 score. Men’s Doubles Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andreas Seppi has won the 2016 Dubai ATP Tennis title in the men‘s doubles category. They defeated Feliciano López and Marc Lopez pair from Spain by 6–2, 3–6, [14–12] score. Women’s Doubles Chuang Chia-jung (Chinese Taipei) and Darija Jurak (Croatia) won the 2016 Dubai ATP Tennis title in the women‘s doubles category. They defeated French pair of Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic by 6–4, 6–4 score.

Dinesh Sharma elected as Chairperson of IFAD

Dinesh Sharma has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Council of International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). He was unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Council of IFAD for a period of two years in its 39th Session held in Rome, Italy. Currently, he is serving as Additional Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance and is also India‘s Governor to the IFAD, Rome.

East coast of India to get sixth Doppler Radar for weather forecasting

The cycloneprone eastern coast of India will get a new doppler radar to boost the weather forecasting system. It will be commissioned by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Gopalpur in Odisha which had faced the severe cyclonic storm Phailin in October 2013. It will be the sixth such radar on the country‘s east coast and the other such 5 radars are located in Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam and Paradip. The move to set up additional radar assumes significance as it will help authorities in taking timely action against cyclones prone to the eastern coast and also help better forecast.

Alok Kumar Verma takes charge as Delhi Police Commissioner

Senior IPS Officer Alok Kumar Verma has taken charge of new Police Commissioner of Delhi on February 29, 2016. He has replaced B. S. Bassi. His appointment was cleared by Union Home Ministry on February 17 and was sent to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for issuing the appointment order. Verma, 58, is a senior IPS officer from 1979-batch Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre. Before taking charge as Delhi Police Commissioner, he was serving as Director General (Prisons). He has been on crucial posts such as DCP (south and north east Delhi), Joint Commissioner of New Delhi Range, Crime Branch as Joint CP, DG Mizoram etc.