NATIONAL:
President's rule imposed in Uttarakhand:
· President's rule has been imposed in Uttarakhand and state Assembly has been kept in suspended animation.
· Earlier, Harish Rawat led Uttarakhand government has been asked to prove its majority by March 28, after nine rebel MLAs of the Congress sided with the Opposition BJP to destabilise the government.
· Assembly speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal,has also disqualified nine rebel Congress MLA's from the House
Government building 5 lakh 'farming pools': PM
· Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', today said that the government is constructing five lakh 'farming pools' to tackle the problem of water shortage in some parts of India.
· He also asked the farming community to reduce the use of fertilisers and adopt water conservation methods like building small water reservoirs.
Four Day National AROGYA Fair Begins in Goa:
· A National level AROGYA Fair organized by the Ministry of AYUSH in association with Goa State Government and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) began in Goa at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium at Goa University Campus at Bambolim near Panaji.
· The four day fair aims to create awareness among the members of the public about the efficiency of the AYUSH systems, their cost-effectiveness and the availability of herbs and plants used for prevention and treatment of common ailments at their doorstep through various mass media channels to achieve the objective of Health for all.
India to become 100% e-vehicle nation by 2030:
· The increasing emissions across the world have forced all the nations to move towards renewable energies and adopt measures to bring down the pollution. As a part of these measures India has planned to promote the use of electricity operated vehicles.
· India have decided to provide electricity operated cars at zero down payment making it as a 100% e-vehicle nation by 2030.
· Piyush Goyal also told that they don’t need support from neither the government nor the people.
Madhya Pradesh to have its first ITBP centre:
· Madhya Pradesh is going to have its first Indo Tibetan Border Police weapon training centre at Batiagarh, Damoh.
· The newly recruited constables of ITBP will be given training at the centre for operating all kinds of small and big weapons including cannons capable of firing up to 5-km range and sten guns.
· A similar training centre is already operational in Allahabad.
Nadda launches Rotavirus vaccination programme:
· The Centre has launched Rotavirus vaccine as part of Universal Immunization Programme to prevent child mortaility due to Rotavirus diarrhoea.
· Launching the vaccine at a function in Bhubaneswar, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said, the vaccine is initially being introduced in four States which are Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha.
· The introduction of Rotavirus vaccine will enable the government to directly address the problem of diarrheal deaths.
India's Defence Procurement Policy to be launched online:
· India's Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) will be launched online during Defence Expo beginning tomorrow in Goa, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said.
· Mr. Parrikar is going to inaugurate the ninth edition of the Defence Expo tomorrow at Naqueri Quitol in Quepem Taluka of South Goa.
LPG subsidy in bank accounts has saved 15k crore: PM
· Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Centre's policy of directly transferring the subsidy on LPG gas cylinders in consumers' bank accounts has saved the government 15,000 crore last year.
· When the policy was launched, around three to four crore consumers could not be traced and plugging this leakage of connections helped us save the money, he added.
Haryana launches Scheme for differently-abled persons:
· Haryana Government has launched a new scheme ‘Adapting Homes for the Differently-abled’, under which pension of six months would be given in advance to such persons for adapting their homes as per their requirement.
· Minister said that the grant for diet money to hearing impaired has been increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 per month. Similarly, the grant for the visually-impaired children has also been increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1,600 per month.
MSMEs can earn 2L cr trade from Budget: Report
· The budgetary allocation of over 3 lakh crore for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector can lead to a direct benefit of 2 lakh crore to the sector, according to SME Rating Agency of India (SMERA).
· The implementation of public welfare schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and MGNREGA will create demand for the sector's services, it added.
Government plans 17 waterway projects for North-East:
· The Centre has planned 17 waterway projects to improve links between North-East India and the adjoining states, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.
· Further, one or two of the projects would link the Brahmaputra in Assam with the Bay of Bengal, he added.
· This comes after the Parliament passed the National Waterways Bill to convert 106 inland waterways into transport waterways.
Michael Jackson's wax statue unveiled in Kolkata:
· The Mother's Wax Museum in Kolkata has unveiled a wax statue of pop icon Michael Jackson as a part of its expansion plans.
· Mother's wax museum, inaugurated in November 2014, is reportedly India's first wax museum.
· This comes after the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum announced plans to open a museum in Delhi by 2017.
Hrithik donates 5 lakh to NGO for Chennai flood:
· Actor Hrithik Roshan has donated 5 lakh to the NGO 'Habitat India', which is being supported by Jacqueline Fernandez, to help victims of the Chennai flood.
· Hrithik gave a cheque for the amount with the message, "Let's stand for each other! Love# Truth# and Compassion". The northeast monsoon in November and December last year led to massive floods in Chennai.
India may get World's largest telescope:
· Hanle village in Ladakh was short-listed as a prospective site to house the World's largest telescope named 'Thirty Metre Telescope International Observatory', estimated to be worth around 98.26 crore.
· After the permit for the same was cancelled for a site in Hawaii, first choice for the observatory, the board decided on two prospective sites – Hanle and another in Chile.
INTERNATIONAL:
China launches first cyber-security organisation:
· The Country’s first cyber security public organisation has been launched by China which consists of academic institutes, individuals and internet companies including Tencent and popular internet Security Company Qihu 360.
· The Organisation aimed at better safeguarding national cyber security and guiding internet companies in perform their duties.
· China launched its first special fund for cyber security with an initial capital of 300 million Yuan($46 million) to realise the nation’s strategic goal of becoming a strong internet power in February this year.
Malaysia to launch counter-messaging centre to fight IS in Cyberworld:
· Prime Minister NajibRazak announced that Malaysia will set up its first counter-messaging centre in a bid to curb the influence of the Islamic State in the cyber world.
· A counter-messaging centre will be operational by April 1 to tackle terrorism threats.
· Malaysia is taking the fight against the Islamic State online with the launch of the country’s first counter-messaging centre.
Iran to boost its military arsenal after US slaps new bans:
· Iran has said, it will further boost its military arsenal, in response to a US move banning two companies with alleged links to the Iranian ballistic missile programme.
London gets Europe's largest floating solar farm:
· Europe's largest floating solar farm has been built in London on the Thames river, featuring 23,046 solar panels and measuring 57,500 square metres or the size of eight football pitches.
· Built at a cost of over $8 million, it will generate enough power to light 1,800 houses. Around 61,000 floats and 177 anchors are used to keep the panels afloat.
Pakistan, Iran signed 6 MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations:
· Pakistan and India signed 6 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in health, commerce, finance and foreign services.
· The MoUs were signed in Islamabad during Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani’svisit to Pakistan.
· This was the first visit by an Iranian head of state in 14 years to Pakistan and also the first visit after lifting of international sanctions on Iran.
UNSC extended mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia until March 2017:
· The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) extended the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) till 31 March 2017.
· A resolution in this regard was unanimously approved by all the 15 members of the Council in order to support an inclusive, free, fair and transparent electoral process in 2016 and universal elections by 2020.
APPOINTMENTS:
Indian appointed UN human rights advisor:
· The UN Human Rights Council has appointed India-born academician Surya Deva as an advisor to its working group on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
· Deva, now the UN Working Group's Asia-Pacific representative, is an associate professor at Hong Kong's City University School of Law. He also wrote a paper on India's business and human rights framework.
Former Malaysian PM Badawi named new Petronas adviser:
· Former Malaysian PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi named as an adviser for state oil firm Petroliam NasionalBhd (Petronas), His appointment is effective April 1.
· Government owned Petronas headquartered in Kuala Lumpur is Malaysian Oil and Gas Company that was founded on 17 August 1974.
· He will be replacing country’s longest serving prime minister Mahathir Mohamad who has been expelled from the post two weeks ago.
BANKING :
Federal Bank to open startup incubation centres:
· Kerala-based private sector lender Federal Bank is opening incubation centres for startups in Bangalore and Ernakulam. These specialised lounges in the bank’s branches will offer advice on capital, regulatory support and even disburse funds.
· These lounges, named Launchpad – with fast internet connections, support staff from the financial world and advisory mechanisms – would be the perfect breeding ground for future entrepreneurs.
Revised RBI rules for rehab of MSME’s to reduce Bad loans:
· The RBI has been taking various measures to reform the banking sector and bring down the NPA’s. As a part of its efforts, it has revised the Rules for rehabilitation of MSME’s.
· FICCI has commented on RBI’s move calling it to be a rehabilitation measure for MSME’s
· The measures include formation of special mention account and committee at the district level to manage stressed accounts.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:
Adani offers 49% stake in project to GAIL, IOCL:
· Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group has offered 49% stake in its 5,000 crore Dhamra liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Odisha to state-owned gas utility GAIL India and oil refiner IOCL.
· Under the project, five million tonnes a year LNG import terminal is planned at Dhamra by 2018-19. The two firms have agreed to take the stake.
TRAI asks DoT to put comprehensive communications network at Andaman, Lakshadweep:
· Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has asked the Department of Telecommunications to roll out comprehensive communications network at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
· The regulator said it has been almost 20 months since the recommendations were made, now costs and need for replacement of infrastructure may vary with time.
· The regulator has recommended that besides connecting these regions with cables, satellite connectivity should be retained in parts of both of these the Union territories.
FPIs invest 16.5k cr in capital markets in March:
· Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have invested 16,476 crore in the Indian capital markets between March 1-23.
· While 15,660 crore was invested in equity markets, 816 crore were pumped into the debt markets.
· Analysts attributed the inflow to continued hopes of a rate cut by the RBI and the recent interest rate cut on small savings schemes.
India’s forex reserves reach all time high:
· India’s forex reserves jumped by $2.5 billion to reach a record high at $355.9 billion for the week that ended on March 18, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday in its weekly statistical report.
· The previous high stood at $355.4 billion reported on June 27 of last year.
· As per NSDL data till March 18, FIIs have become net buyers after being net sellers for the months of January to March having invested Rs 15,665 crore in Indian equities and Rs 816 crore in the Indian debt market.
ITC Has Acquired TechnicoAgri Sciences Ltd For Rs 121 Crore:
· FMCG Major ITC has acquired Technico Agri Sciences Ltd (TASL), a company owned by its direct subsidiary, Technico Pty Limited (TPL), Australia for Rs 121 crore.
· Prior to such acquisition, Technico Agri Sciences Limited was a wholly owned subsidiary of Technico Pty Limited, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Limited
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
Microsoft enables holographic interaction via AR:
· Microsoft has unveiled a holographic communication method called holoportation using its HoloLens augmented reality headset.
· The system allows people in two difference locations to teleport into the same room and interact in real-time.
· For this, a person’s entire movement and speech is captured in 3D and projected into another room. The holographic interaction can be recorded and even shrunk down.
Instagram rolls out Discover People page on web:
· Photo-sharing app Instagram has launched its Discover People page on the web.
· The tool, denoted by a little compass icon on the homepage, allows users to check out a bunch of people they would be interested in following, along with three of each user’s most recent photos.
· Earlier this week, Instagram rolled out the notifications tab on the web.
China discovers New Lightweight, low cost batteries:
· China which is the manufacturing hub of the world has been consistently experimenting with the Electronic items.
· Adding to its new discoveries, a new light weight, low cost, efficient battery(AGDIB) has been found to replace the Lithium ion batteries.
· The new aluminium-graphite dual-ion battery (AGDIB) has low weight, volume and manufacturing cost and it has higher energy density compared to the Lithium ion batteries used in smart phones.
SPORTS:
India to host 2017 FIFA under-17 World Cup: Modi
· PM Narendra Modi announced that India will host the FIFA under-17 World Cup next year.
· In his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, PM Modi said this is an opportunity "to present the brand India on a global level".
· He also spoke about the Kisan Suvidha app that was launched recently for farmers under the Digital India initiative.
Sreejesh, Deepika win Hockey Player of the Year:
· Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and women's hockey team defender Deepika won the hockey India Player of the Year awards.
· The women's team and the support staff were felicitated for Olympics qualification after a 36-year gap.
· The Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement award was awarded to late Captain Shankar Laxman, who was a three-time Olympic medalist.
OBITUARY:
Actor Peter Brown dies at 80:
· Peter Brown, who had starring roles in two television westerns in the 1950s and ’60s and later acted in soap operas, has died at the age of 80 due to Parkinson’s disease.
· Mr. Brown played Deputy Johnny McKay on “Lawman,” which was seen on ABC from 1958 until 1962.
Former minister Anand Gajapathi Raju passes away:
· Former State Minister and MP Pusapati Anand Gajapathi Raju has passed away at the age of 65 and is survived by wife and a daughter. Union Civil Aviation Minster Ashok Gajapathi Raju is his younger brother.
· He was Minister in N.T. Rama Rao’s cabinets twice and was elected from Bobbili Parliamentary constituency twice, one on Congress ticket and later on Telugu Desam ticket.
· The former Minister was ailing for some time and was having respirator problem.
Former BJP MP Lal Muni Chaubey passed away:
· Veteran BJP leader and Politician Lal Muni Chaubey passed away at the age of 73 owing to prolonged illness.
· He has been selected as the MP from Buxar district during 1996-2009 four times.
· He had also been the MLA from Kaimurconstituency thrice, he belongs to Bihar and he is close to the former BJP PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
India, China led investments in Renewable Energy in 2015: UN report
i. India and China have led the developing countries in investments made in renewable energy in 2015.
ii. It was revealed by the ‘Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment’ Report published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Key facts
- For the first time commitments of emerging economies in solar, wind and other renewables’ capacity have surpassed those by wealthy nations.
- The developing world committed a total of 156 billion dollars in new renewables capacity in 2015 year, these figures up 19% on 2014.
- Within the developing-economy category, the “Big Three” of India, China and Brazil saw investment rise 16% to USD 120.2 billion.
- In contrast, renewable energy investments by developed countries were down by 8 per cent in 2015 to 130 billion dollars.
- A large part of the record-breaking investment in developing countries took place in China, with its investment commitment up by 17% to 102.9 billion dollars.
- India was also among the top 10 investing countries in renewable energy with its commitments rising 22% to USD 10.2 billion.
- It for the second time since 2011, India enjoyed a second successive year of increasing investment, breaching the USD 10 billion.
- United States, Japan, UK Brazil, South Africa, Mexico and Chile also made it to the top 10 investing countries in 2015.
Arvind Kejriwal named among World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine
i. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been named among the world’s 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine. He is sole leader from India in the list and has been placed at 42nd position.
ii. 2016 edition is Fortune magazine’s third annual ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list and it has been topped by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Key facts
- Top 10: Jeff Bezos (1st position), Angela Merkel (2nd), Aung San Suu Kyi (3rd), Pope Francis (4th), Tim Cook (5th), John Legend (6th), Christiana Figueres (7th), Paul Ryan (8th), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (9th) and Sheikh Hasina (10th).
- Indian Americans in the list: Indian-American Nikki Haley and Resham Saujani were placed at 17th and 20th position respectively.
- Nikki Haley is South Carolina’s Governor and Resham Saujani is founder and CEO of tech organization ‘Girls Who Code’.
- Others in the list: US astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko (22th), IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde (36), Melinda Gates and Susan Desmond-Hellmann (41th), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (48) and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay (50).
About World’s 50 Greatest Leaders list
The ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list of Fortune Magazine features men and women from across the globe from the fields of government, business, arts and the philanthropy who are transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same.
Mint plant can help fight cancer: CIMAP Researchers
i. Scientists at Lucknow based CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) have found that mint plant has medicinal values that can cure cancer.
ii. They have identified that a medicinal compound called ‘L-Menthol’ derived from Mentha plant popularly known as mint.
Key findings
- L-Menthol compound can kill the colon cancer cell line without affecting the normal cell line.
- The compound inhibits the division of cancer cell and prevents its growth and spread to other organs of the body.
- Its production is cost-effective, non-destructive and easily available in comparison to anti-cancer compound used at present obtained from the bark of European Yew tree.
- The Mentha is available in abundance across the world compared to the European Yew tree which is found only in Europe and some parts of Africa and Asia.
- Menthol can be derived easily without damaging the plant, whereas the European Yew tree has to be cut down for using bark for deriving anti-cancer compound.
- The discovery can be very useful for farmers in India where Mentha is grown in large quantity.
Union Government releases self-regulation Code of ethical business conduct for industry
i. The Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has released a self-regulation Code of ethical business conduct to be adopted by the Industry on providing best products and services.
ii. In this regard, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was inked between Department of Consumer Affairs and the industry bodies related to self-regulated code of fair business.
iii. The code contains provision of trustworthy products and services for the consumers, comply with the competition and anti-trust laws and respond to consumer complaints promptly.
iv. It covers six broad principles to be adopted by the industry viz (i) safety of products and services, (ii) building sustainable supply chains, (iii) marketing products ethically, (iv) non-indulgence in unfair trade practices, (v) complying with competition and anti-trust laws, (vi) prompt response to consumer complaints.
#SSC #IBPS #SBI #RBI #NABARD #NICL #NIACL #CAT #NMAT #everydayquiz
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