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Daily Current Affairs

Capsule 9th March 2019

1. 's envoy to Ajay Bisaria returned to Islamabad

India's High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria reached Islamabad.

 He has completed his consultations in New where he was called following the Pulwama attack.

 Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.  India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26.

2. CCEA approves investment sanction for Kiru hydro project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved the investment sanction for construction of Kiru Hydro Electric Project.

 The project is located on river Chenab in Kishtwar district of Jammu & Kashmir.  It shall provide much-needed power in the northern grid and shall accelerate the process of development of remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.  It is scheduled to be completed in a period of 4.5 years.  The CCEA also approved the investment for 1320 Mega Watt Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant at Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh.

3. Govt reduces the price of 390 anti-cancer drugs up to 87 %

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers put out the list of 390 anti-cancer non-scheduled medicines with Maximum Retail Price reduction up to 87 per cent.

 The revised prices have come into effect from 8 March.

 On 27th February, the Pricing Authority had put 42 anti-cancer drugs under 30 per cent Trade Margin cap.  This move is expected to benefit 22 lakh cancer patients in the country and will result in annual savings of nearly 800 crore rupees to the consumers.

4. Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan resigns

Governor of Mizoram Kummanam Rajasekharan has resigned from his post.

 President has accepted the resignation of Rajasekharan.  Mr Kovind has appointed Jagdish Mukhi as the Governor of Mizoram, in addition to his own duties of Assam Governor, until regular arrangement for the office of the Governor of Mizoram is made.

5. India and ADB sign $26 Million Loan Agreement for Additional Financing to Assam Urban Project

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $26 Million Loan Agreement.

 It will provide additional financing for improving drainage infrastructure in Dibrugarh town of Assam under the ongoing Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program.  The ongoing Loan of $51 Million under the Program is helping to improve water supply infrastructure in Guwahati, and solid waste management and drainage infrastructure in Guwahati and Dibrugarh cities of Assam.  The additional financing will further support in improving the drainage system in Dibrugarh and also support project management activities.  Points to Remember  Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines  President: Takehiko Nakao

6. RBI slaps penalties on 36 major banks

The Reserve Bank has imposed penalties worth Rs 71 crore on 36 public, private and foreign banks for non- compliance with various directions on time-bound implementation and strengthening of SWIFT operations.

 SWIFT is a global messaging software used for transactions by financial entities.  The massive Rs 14,000-crore fraud at the PNB was a case of misuse of this messaging software.  The RBI had carried out an assessment of compliance with its directions on implementation and strengthening of SWIFT-related operational controls of 50 major banks.

7. Padma Lakshmi appointed as UNDP's Goodwill Ambassador

Padma Lakshmi has been appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its newest goodwill ambassador.

 She is an Indian-American television personality, food expert and an award-winning author.  The announcement was made by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, on the eve of International Women's Day.  She will join a roster of UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors, which includes globally celebrated actors, athletes, musicians, and other high-profile influencers.

8. President presents Nari Shakti awards on International Women's day

President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Nari Shakti awards 2018, in New Delhi.

 The highest civilian honours for women in India were presented on the occasion of International Women's Day  Forty-One individuals and three institutions were given the award.  Ministry of Women and Child Development confers Nari Shakti Puraskar to women and institutions in recognition of their relentless service towards the cause of women empowerment and social welfare.