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NATIONAL:
World Health Day observed today:
· The World Health Day, a global health awareness day, is celebrated worldwide under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 7 every year.
· The first ever World Health Day was organised in 1950. This year, the WHO has come up with the theme 'Beat Diabetes' to raise awareness about the disease which has affected 422 million worldwide.
EC lifts ban on free rice supply in Kerala:
· The Election Commission (EC) has lifted the ban on Kerala's free rice supply scheme ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.
· The scheme, announced in the state's 2016-17 budget, will supply 25 kg of rice to below poverty line (BPL) families. However, the EC said Ministers and MLAs cannot get involved in the rice distribution.
National Summit on Family Planning 2016 concluded in New Delhi:
· The National Summit on Family Planning concluded in New Delhi.
· The summit was held for two days with the theme New Choices, New Horizons.
· During the summit, the following initiatives were launched by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda.
· It was also announced that Amitabh Bachchan will be the brand ambassador and anchor for the new IEC campaign.
Low cost and environment-friendly solar lighting device, Solar Jyoti, launched:
· Union Government launched the low cost micro solar device, Surya Jyoti.
· The solar dome would help rural and urban population to have a reliable access to electricity.
· This low cost and environment-friendly solar lighting device was launched by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
· The device would light up homes without electricity and save millions of units of power.
SCs, STs to get full fee waiver in IITs: Reports
· The annual fee in all IITs for SC, ST, disabled students and students belonging to families with annual income below 1 lakh will be waived completely.
· Students belonging to families with annual income between 1-5 lakh will get a two-thirds waiver.
· This comes after HRD Minister Smriti Irani promised fee waivers for the students at all IITs.
IIT annual fees hiked from 90k to 2 lakh:
· According to HRD Ministry officials, the annual fees for undergraduate students at IITs will be increased from the current 90,000 to 2 lakh in the upcoming academic session.
· The fee hike was approved by an IIT panel last month. However, the Standing Committee of IIT Council, a body comprising of IIT directors and senior officials, had proposed a three-fold hike
Government clears ATC-Viom Networks 5.8k cr deal:
· The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Singapore-based American Tower Corporation (ATC) Asia Pacific’s acquisition of a 51% stake in Indian mobile mast operator Viom Networks for 5,856.51 crore.
· The deal had been announced in October 2015. Further, ATC has committed to an additional investment of $2 billion in India, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
TN's 1st transgender candidate to contest polls:
· Thirty three-year-old C Devi is the first transgender person to contest in Tamil Nadu's assembly elections.
· Devi will contest against Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency on the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) party's ticket this May.
· Devi has been involved with NTK for the last three years and currently runs a shelter named Thaimadi for the homeless.
Centre allows states to expand fiscal deficit:
· The Union Cabinet allowed states to relax the existing cap on fiscal deficit of 3% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) by an additional 0.5%.
· However, only those states that have a debt-GSDP ratio of under 25% and interest payments-revenue receipts ratio of under 10% in the previous two years will be eligible to raise their fiscal deficits.
Government clears 3.6k crore National Hydrology Project:
· The Union Cabinet approved the 3,679 crore National Hydrology Project (NHP) which is aimed at facilitating integrated water resource management and ensuring "efficient and equitable" use of water.
· The project will help in the development of real-time flood forecasting and providing real-time information... to farmers about the groundwater position, an official statement said.
India's coal import bill drops 28k crore in FY16:
· India reduced its coal import bill for 2015-16 by 28,070 crore, helped by record production by Coal India Limited (CIL), Coal Secretary Anil Swarup tweeted.
· During the fiscal, CIL’s coal production grew 8.5% year-on-year to 536 million tonnes (MT), against a target of 550 MT, which which led to a reduction in import by 34.26 MT.
Coimbatore duo work for waste-free city:
· C Prashanth and D Saranraj, 24-year-old engineering graduates, have started an NGO named Meiporul, aimed at inspiring proper waste segregation and management to make Coimbatore a waste-free city.
· Currently, Meiporul facilitates the collection of around 2 tonnes of waste from households every day and processes 4 tonnes from the city's dump yard to reduce its environmental burden.
Nadda launches first indigenous female condom:
· Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched the first indigenously developed natural latex-based female condom, 'Velvet'.
· "It is the only woman-initiated method of contraception that serves a dual protection – prevention of pregnancy and of HIV/AIDS," Nadda said.
· Notably, the manufacturer, HLL Lifecare Ltd, is among the four global suppliers of female condoms pre-qualified by the WHO.
Punjab King's statue to be installed in France:
· A statue of Punjab's Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be installed in the French town of Saint-Tropez, the birthplace of the Maharaja's Army General Jean-Francois Allard, this September.
· The town's Deputy Mayor and descendant of the General invited Punjab Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandal to the ceremony. Thandal said this will boost tourism and start a new era of Punjab-France relations.
Maharashtra permits two-wheeler rentals:
· Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed a MoU with Sai Baba Enterprises for ‘safe and easily accessible two-wheeler rentals’ for tourists visiting Maharashtra.
· The service will start in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar followed by other tourist destinations across the state. The tourists will need to provide an identity proof for availing the service.
Odisha Government launched Adarsh Vidyalaya project:
· The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) project at Sasan Ambagaon village in his home constituency Hinjli in Ganjam district.
· The project seeks to provide modern schools on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the underdeveloped rural areas of the State.
BHEL commissioned tiltable canal top solar plant in Andhra Pradesh:
· Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in the first week of April 2016 commissioned a seasonwise tiltable canal top solar PV plant at Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh.
· It is the first canal top project in Andhra Pradesh. Also, it is the first such project executed by BHEL.
· The project is developed by New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of AP Ltd (NREDCAP).
CCEA approved Andrew Yule proposal to convert Bank of Baroda’s loan into equity:
· The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared conversion of Working Capital Term Loan (WCTL) of Bank of Baroda's (BoB) 29.91 crore rupees loan to Andrew Yule & Co. Ltd. (AYCL) into equity shares.
· The price of equity shares will be based on market price determined as per Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Guidelines on the date of acquiring of shares by BoB with face value of 2 rupees per share.
Foundation stone laid for first Horticulture University in Haryana:
· Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Radha Mohan Singh, laid thefoundation stone of Haryana State University of Horticultural Sciences at Karnal, Haryana.
· The establishment of a fully fledged horticultural university will cater the needs to support the gap between teaching, research and extension activities in the state.
Union Cabinet gave ex-facto approval for implementation of One Rank One Pension:
· The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its ex-post facto approval for implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP).
· Implementation of OROP will enhance the pension for the pensioners/family pensioners of Defence Forces.
Schemes to Distribute Energy Efficient Smart Agriculture Pumps & Fans in Andhra Pradesh launched:
· Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidulaunched two schemes in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
· These are National Energy Efficient Agriculture Pumps Programme and National Energy Efficient Fan Programme.
Union Cabinet allowed Oil PSUs to have independent crude import policy:
· In a bid to improve operational efficiency, Union Cabinet allowed public sector oil companies to have their own independent crude import policy based on their commercial requirements.
· The decision will replace the existing policy on crude oil import by Oil PSUs and vest the oil PSUs with the power to evolve their own policies. This will lead to a more efficient, flexible and dynamic policy for crude procurement, eventually benefiting consumers.
Karnataka 1st to curb surge pricing by cab firms:
· Cab users can breathe easy , the new guidelines for taxi-hailing aggregators say under no circumstances can they charge more than the maximum prescribed fare.
· The much-awaited Karnataka On-demand Transportation Technology aggregators Rules, 2016, came into effect on April 2.
NITI Aayog moots tax breaks for electronics manufacturing, plan’s to dent China’s clout:
· In a new policy paper on electronics manufacturing, NITI Aayog has suggested that with a policy shift, India is poised to make a dent in the global market with high input costs in China but warns that this is ‘perhaps India’s last such opportunity’.
ü NITI Aayog : National Institution for Transforming India Aayog
ü NITI Aayog Headquarters : New Delhi
ü NITI Aayog Chairperson : Prime Minister Narendra Modi
ü NITI Aayog CEO : Amitabh Kant
ü NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson : Shri Arvind Panagariya
Government to launch two schemes to provide farm pumps, fans:
· The Centre will launch two schemes including distribution of energy efficient, smart agriculture pumps, aimed at saving subsidy worth Rs 20,000 crore.
· It will also launch a scheme to provide energy efficient fans that aim to save Rs 700 a year on consumer power bills every year.
· A farmer can operate the SIM-enabled agriculture pumps from their homes using mobile phones.
· Power Minister Piyush Goyal will launch the schemes. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be present on the launch of the two schemes at Vijayawada.
Two Schemes are
ü National Energy Efficient Agriculture Pumps Programme and
ü National Energy Efficient Fan Programme
· These schemes will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a PSU under the Power Ministry.
INTERNATIONAL:
Myanmar Parliament approves new post for Suu Kyi:
· The Myanmar Parliament approved the formation of a new post for Aung San Suu Kyi, the head of the newly installed ruling party.
· The post of State Counsellor is similar to that of Prime Minister. The bill still requires the approval of the President. Notably, Suu Kyi could not be made President as her children hold foreign citizenship.
South Africa Prez Zuma survives impeachment vote:
· South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has survived an attempt to impeach him after the African National Congress (ANC) party backed him.
· The impeachment vote came after a court ruled that Zuma had ignored an order to repay state funds spent on upgrading his private home.
Libyan self-declared government steps down:
· Libya's National Salvation government, a self-declared government in the capital Tripoli, has resigned, saying it has "the interests of the nation above anything else".
· This can reportedly help the UN-brokered Unity government assert itself after it moved to Tripoli recently. However, another government that is based in the city of Tobruk, still opposes the UN-backed body.
Tigers declared functionally extinct in Cambodia:
· Conservationists in Cambodia declared that tigers are "functionally extinct" while launching a plan to introduce tigers again in the country's forests.
· “It’s [the tiger] been hunted to extinction because of weak law enforcement and the government is now reacting,” the conservationists said.
· Cambodian officials said the project to get the tigers can cost $20 million to $50 million.
UNESCO adopted two new recommendations on Education and Training:
· UNESCO’s General Conference President Stanley Mutumba Simataa and UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova signed two new recommendations on Education and Training that reflect new global trends and support the Education 2030 Framework for Action at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
· The two recommendations are Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education (ALE) and the Recommendation concerning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
SIPRI released Trends in world military expenditure, 2015 report:
· The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released Trends in world military expenditure, 2015 report.
· As per the report, while the USA remained as world’s biggest spender in 2015, India moved up one spot in the global rankings to reach the sixth position in terms of military expenditure.
International Conference on Zero held in Paris:
· International Conference on Zero was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France from 4 April – 5 April 2016.
· It was hosted by the permanent delegation of India to UNESCO along with Pierre and Marie Curie University.
· The inauguration of the Conference was held at Pierre and Marie Curie University on 4 April 2016 while all other sessions were held at UNESCO headquarters.
· The International Conference will share the rich and remarkable history of mathematics, through the participation of some brilliant minds, resonating with the UNESCO's mandate to advance, transfer and share knowledge for the greater global good.
WHO released Global Report on Diabetes:
· The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its first Global Report on Diabetes. The report was released to mark the World Health Day 2016 that was celebrated on 7 April with the theme - Beat Diabetes.
· The report underscored the enormous scale of the diabetes problem across the world and suggested various measures to reverse current trends.
Union Cabinet approved Funding of exports to Iran through Export Development Fund of Exim Bank:
· The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave approval for increasing the framework agreement between Exim Bank of India and a consortium of Iranian banks lead by Central Bank of Iran.
· It would help in financing the purchase of goods and services from India to 3000 crore rupees from 900 crore rupees.
· This will be done by utilising the Export Development Fund (EDF).
· The proposal provides for domiciling two contracts of export of steel rails by STC and for the Chabahar Port Development project previously approved by the Cabinet under EDF.
· The proposal will promote the country's exports with Iran. It will also deepen India's relationship with Iran as a strategic partner.
APPOINTMENTS:
NASSCOM appointed CP Gurnani as Chairman for 2016-2017:
· The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM)announced the appointment of CP Gurnani as its Chairman for 2016-2017.
· He succeeds BVR Mohan Reddy, who served as Chairman of NASSCOM for 2015-16.
· Gurnani is part of NASSCOM’s Executive Council and is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Mahindra.
· The Executive Council also announced the appointment of Raman Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of Quatrro Global Services, as the Vice Chairman of NASSCOM for 2016-17.
Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson named as Iceland Prime Minister:
· Iceland ruling coalition named Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson as the Prime Minister of the country.
· Earlier, the polls were scheduled to take place in the spring of 2017.
· He will succeed Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson who resigned on 5 April 2016 after his name was the leaked in the Panama Papers.
· Johannsson, 53, is Agriculture and Fisheries Minister and deputy leader of the Progressive Party (PP).
Vietnam gets new PM with tough task and big shoes to fill:
· Vietnam’s new Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has been formally voted in by parliament.
· He had already been picked to succeed outgoing leader Nguyen Tan Dung at the Communist Party’s congress in January.
· Nguyen Xuan Phuc (8th Prime Minister), Mr Phuc, the former deputy prime minister, was the only candidate for the position following his selection in January. He won more than 90% of the vote in parliament.
ü Vietnam Capital : Hanoi
ü Vietnam Currency : Vietnamese dong
ü Vietnam President : Tran Dai Quang
Ashwani Prashara to be HR chief of Reliance Industries’ hydrocarbon business:
· Reliance Industries has elevated Ashwani Prashara as chief human resources officer for its hydrocarbon business.
· Prashara, who joined Reliance in 2004 from Honeywell’s Asia Pacific HR, has worked in the manufacturing division, project management, and technology and the research and development department of the conglomerate.
· It has roped in film star Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador.
32-year-old cricketer from Porbandar Oman’s captain:
· Ajay Lalcheta, the 32-year-old native of Porbandar, has been named the captain of Oman’s national cricket team.
BANKING :
NABARD FY17 borrowing estimated at Rs 50k cr:
· National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has pegged its market borrowings at Rs 50,000 crore in the current financial year (FY17) to finance its refinancing and lending activity.
· In the year gone by FY16, the rural credit institution had raised about Rs 38,000 crore. The market borrowings also include the funds raised through tax-free bonds. In FY16, it has issued tax free bonds for Rs 5,000 crore.
ü NABARD Chairman : Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
ü NABARD Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
AWARDS AND HONOURS:
Nita Ambani most powerful businesswoman in Asia: Forbes
· Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani has been named the most powerful businesswoman in Asia by Forbes, leading a list of 50 women leaders from the region that includes eight from India.
· SBI Chairman and Managing Director Arundhati Bhattacharya has been ranked second on the 2016 ‘Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen’ list that features trailblazing women from China, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and New Zealand.
· Apart from Ambani and Bhattacharya, six women from India have made to the list,
1. Mu Sigma CEO Ambiga Dhiraj (14),
2. Welspun India CEO Dipali Goenka (16),
3. Lupin CEO Vinita Gupta (18),
4. ICICI Bank Managing Director & CEO Chanda Kochhar (22),
5. VLCC Health Care Founder and vice chairman Vandana Luthra (26) and
6. Biocon Founder, Chairman & Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (28).
PM Narendra Modi still topper among the Indian middle class: ET-TNS survey:
· Prime Minister Narendra Modi still holds sway over members of his core constituency — the urban salaried, especially those living in India’s seven biggest cities.
· The government’s overall approval ratings are still running high almost two years after the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power at the head of a robust majority, according to the findings of an ET-TNS survey.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:
India less prone to external shocks: Moody's
· Low commodity prices and better FDI inflows have reduced India's vulnerability to external shocks which is "credit positive" for India, Moody's Investors Service said.
· The development of industrial corridors and 'smart cities' will further bolster investment, while a lower energy import bill and policies to curb gold demand are contributing to check the trade deficit, Moody’s added.
Mercedes-Benz India records highest ever sales:
· German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz announced its highest ever sales in India in a fiscal year.
· The company sold 13,558 units in India in 2015-16, up 21% from 11,213 units in 2014-15.
· Mercedes also recorded its highest ever quarterly and monthly sales in March. Further, the E-Class emerged as the carmaker's highest selling model in the quarter ended March
FreeCharge to enable payments for e-rickshaws:
· FreeCharge has announced a partnership with Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC), an NGO that provides financial aid for e-rickshaws.
· FreeCharge's recently launched Chat-n-Pay service will enable customers to connect and pay via chat with e-rickshaw drivers in less than five seconds. Drivers can register themselves as merchants without any investment on Chat-n-Pay by adding their banking details.
BHEL reports highest-ever project commissioning:
· Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) said that it recorded its highest-ever commissioning of projects (15,059 MW of power generating equipment) and highest order booking (43,727 crore) in five years in 2015-16.
· Announcing its flash results, the company also reported a net loss of ₹877 crore (provisional) in 2015-16 against a net profit of 1,419 crore the previous fiscal.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
Facebook adds dedicated video section to its app:
· Facebook launched a dedicated video section for live broadcasting and watching live and recorded videos in its mobile app.
· It will be rolled out on iOS and Android in the coming weeks. The release would come with several other features such as live reactions, live videos in group and a live map of current broadcasts around the world.
China launched SJ-10 retrievable space science probe:
· China successfully launched a bullet-shaped retrievable scientific research satellite SJ-10 (Shijian-10).
· The satellite was launched aboard Long March 2-D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern China's Gobi desert.
· The satellite was launched with an aim to help scientists in their study of microgravity and space life science.
SPORTS:
India beat Japan 2-1 in Sultan Azlan Shah opener:
· Five-time champions India defeated Japan 2-1 in their opening match of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
Indian men won Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament:
· Indian men won the 2016 Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament with a 3-1 victory over Vietnam in the final round played in Abu Dhabi.
· To clinch the title, India collected 17 points, two more than World and Olympiad champions China. India drew Mongolia and beat the rest of the teams in a 22-team tournament.
· Top seed China who stood at second position in the ranking chart defeated UAE 4-0 in their final round match. Kazakhstan and Iran took the third and fourth places respectively.
· This was the third time that Indian men won the event.
· In the women's section, top seed China won the title with 15 points. Uzbekistan was second with 14 and Kazakhstan third with 13 points. Indian women finished fourth with 12 points
OBITUARY:
Merle Haggard, an American country music legend, dead at 79:
· American country music legend Merle Haggard has died of pneumonia on his 79th birthday.
· Haggard wrote songs, sang and played fiddle and guitar, usually singing about American pride and outlaws.
· He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame with dozens of albums and top hits.
· Rolling Stone magazine has described him as “the backbone of one of the greatest repertoires an all of American music, plain-spoken songs populated by the kinds of working people Haggard grew up with: farmers, hobos, convicts, widows, musicians and drunks”
1. 7th April : World Health Day
i. 7th April is celebrated each year globally as World Health Day under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).
iii. This time the themes of World Health Days for 2016 is Halt the rise: beat diabetes.
iv. In 1948, World Health Assembly was first held in Geneva by the WHO where it was decided to celebrate the World Health Day annually on 7th of April. It was first celebrated worldwide in the year 1950 as the World Health Day.
v. World Health Day is celebrated worldwide by the government, non-government, NGOs including various health organizations at many places by organizing programmes relating to the public health issues and awareness. Varieties of activities are done in the conference of health workers to encourage people to maintain their health.
2. PM chairs meeting of CSIR Society
i. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a meeting of the CSIR society in New Delhi.
ii. The Prime Minister was given an overview of the work done by CSIR in addressing national challenges, and its recognition as a major Indian innovator.
iii. Members mentioned the potential that exists for a large number of start-ups to emerge from the research being done by CSIR labs.
iv. They stressed the importance of converting lab research to commercial applications. Medical device manufacturing, energy, and waste management were some of the areas mentioned where CSIR could play a key role.
v. The Prime Minister called for laying down parameters to assess the performance of CSIR labs; and a mechanism whereby there could be internal competition among various labs. He called upon the scientific community at CSIR to list at least one hundred problems being faced by people in various parts of India, and take up the challenge of solving them technologically within a specified time period.
3. 3rd phase of Mission Indradhanush begins today
i. The third phase of Union Health Ministry’s universal vaccination programme Mission Indradhanush began on 7 April, 2016.
ii. It will cover 216 Districts across several States including Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
iii. Under it, children against seven vaccine preventable diseases will be vaccinated against seven preventable diseases.
iv. The last two phases nearly 39 lakh children have been fully immunised across the country.
v. Mission Indradhanush depicts 7 colours of the rainbow which aims to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against 7 vaccine preventable diseases. The diseases include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B. Under this universal vaccination programme, all vaccines will be made available free of cost.
4. ECoR becomes largest freight loading railway zone
i. East Coast Railway (ECoR) has emerged as the largest freight loading railway zone of Indian Railways in 2015-16. ECoR loaded 173.49 million tonnes of freight compared to 161.91 million tonnes achieved in the corresponding period previous year and registered an increase of 7.1 per cent, its officials said.
ii. On the earnings side, ECoR earned about Rs 15,978.28 crore which is 14.13 per cent more than the corresponding period of previous financial year, they said.
iii. In coal loading, ECoR carried 79.4 rakes per day from its jurisdiction against 72.7 rakes per day in last fiscal.
iv. The coal loading from Talcher was 40.8 rakes per day followed by Visakhapatnam Port 8.7 rakes, Gangavaram Port 7.7 rakes, Paradeep Port 11.7 rakes, Dhamara 9.5 rakes and at other places 1.1 rakes per day during 2015-16.
v. In iron ore loading, it loaded 14 rakes per day in 2015-16 - 5.2 rakes per day from iron ore belts under Khurda Road Division and 8.8 rakes day from KK Line under Waltair Division. Altogether East Coast Railways has carried 131.2 rakes loading per day from its jurisdiction against 122.4 rakes per day in 2014-15 financial year. These include coal, iron ore, cement, food grains, POL and other commodities.
5. Irani unveils bronze bust of Aryabhatta at UNESCO HQ
i. A bronze bust of ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta has been unveiled at the UNESCO Headquarters.
ii. The bust, sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar, was unveiled yesterday by HRD Minister Smriti Irani.
iii. She was in the French capital to attend the high-level segment of the 'International Conference on Zero' held from April 4-5.
iv. Sutar was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his contribution to the world of art.
v. The two-day conference, organised by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, was held to share the rich and remarkable history of mathematics through participation of some of the brilliant minds, resonating with the UNESCO's mandate to advance, transfer and share knowledge for the greater global good.
6. NTPC Suspends Power Generation From Farakka
i. Partial suspension of power generation at the NTPC's Farakka plant in West Bengal's Murshidabad district owing to shortage of water is likely to continue till April 10.
ii. The power producer was forced to temporarily shut five units (1,600 MW) of its 6 units (2,100 MW) at Farakka after water level at Farakka feeder canal receded due to "diversion of water to Bangladesh as per the international treaty and one unit of 500 MW is under operation.
iii. Total allocation to West Bengal from NTPC stations is 786 MW, which can be fully met by the company from its stations, if power is requisitioned by the state.
iv. NTPC Limited (previously known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited is an Indian central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, engaged in the business of generation of electricity and allied activities.
7. Gujrat CM Anandiben Patel launches 'Maa Annapurna Yojna'
i. Gujarat chief Minister Anandiben Patel officially launched the state-wide implementation of National Food Security Act, which has been renamed as Maa Annapurna Yojna (Scheme) by the state government.
ii. Under the Maa Annapurna Yojna, 3.82 crore people of Gujarat will be benefited. Each of them will get rice at Rs 3 per Kg and wheat at Rs 2 per Kg.
iii. Out of 35 kg given at subsidised rates during Congress rule, only 16 kg of food-grain was given at those rates, while for the remaining 19 kg, government used to charge Rs 7.70. Now, PM Modi removed this condition and has announced to give the entire 35 kg of food-grain at subsidised rates.
iv. only 11 states had implemented the National Food Security Act and that too they had not implemented totally.
v. The number of states has increased from 11 to 21, including Gujarat, which will implement it by April 1, 2016," Paswan told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting organised here with Food Corporation of India (FCI) officials of Gujarat.
8. Santosh Gangwar Inaugurates 3 Mega Projects in Nagaland
i. Union Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar inaugurated 3 mega textile projects in Nagaland.
ii. These 3 projects included Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Dimapur, Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong in Mokokchung district and newly approved Integrated Eri Silk Development Project under North East Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS).
iii. The Union Minister of State for Textiles formally launched the three mega projects at District Industries Centre Complex in Dimapur district in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang.
iv. The Apparel and Garment Making Centre for Nagaland was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 1, 2014 during his maiden visit to the state for inauguration of Hornbill Festival.
v. As per Gangwar the project will benefit more than 5,000 cultivators engaged in plantation of these three varieties of silk.
9. Future Group Has Acquired FabFurnish
i. Future Group has acquired online home furnishings and décor business company FabFurnish for an undisclosed amount.
ii. The buyout could range between Rs.15 crore and Rs. 20 crore in cash. But the Future Group will retain the FabFurnish brand and will use the store's online platform to take its Home Town retail stores online.
iii. This is the first consumer startup acquisition made by Future Group led by Kishore Biyani and also marks the first exit for Berlin based investor Rocket Internet which also backs Foodpanda and Jabong.
iv. But this acquisition will make the India's largest home décor e-marketplace.
v. The take over also include the FabFurnish’s management team and about 100 employees who are likely to join the Future Group.
10. Foundation stone for Haryana’s first Horticulture University laid in Karnal
i. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singhlaid the foundation stone of Haryana State University of Horticultural Sciences at Karnal.
ii. It is the first Horticulture University in the state that will cater the needs to support the gap between research, teaching and extension activities in the state.
iii. The Horticulture University will be built on 118 acres to disseminate latest technology and horticulture education to the young generation.
iv. It will help in improving productivity levels by promoting adaptation of appropriate crop diversification to suit the agro climatic conditions of the region.
v. It will also act as a skill development centre in order to cater the larger demand for skilled (trained) manpower in the production, post-harvest and processing industries.
11. ASCI upholds 51 complaints against misleading ads
i. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) upheld complaints against 51 out of 102 advertisements.
ii. The advertising industry watchdog's Consumer Complaint Council (CCC) found the claims in various categories advertisers to be either misleading or false or not adequately / scientifically substantiated and hence violating ASCI’s Code.
iii. Out of 51 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 13 belonged to the Education category, 12 to the Food & Beverages category, followed by 11 in the Healthcare category, 6 in the E-commerce category and 9 advertisements from other categories.
iv. In education category advertisements of Rice Education, Adamas Career, Tathagat, Think & Learn etc. were upheld, while in Healthcare segment advertisement of the brands such as Emami, Dabur India, Patanjali Ayurved, Mosons and Uttam Dawakhana were upheld.
v. Advertisements of following ecommerce brands were also upheld PortMart, Xeroin Retail, Amazon, Ibibo Group and HolidayIQ.Apart from these, advertisements from Balaji Telefilms, Viacom18 and Times on India were also upheld.
12. CP Gurnani appointed as Nasscom chairman
i. CP Gurnani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tech Mahindra, is the new Chairman of the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) for 2016-17 with effect from Wednesday.
ii. He would focus on programmes aimed at making India a digital and innovation hub.
iii. He identified start-ups, cyber security and analytics as emerging areas for the Indian IT industry. “Nasscom of tomorrow is representative of product companies, start-ups, among others and not just service providers.’’
iv. According to Nasscom projections, IT industry, which directly employs 3.9 million professionals, is expected to grow at about 14 per cent during the present financial year with a likely intake of 2.5 lakh new employees. In 2015-16, industry crossed $100 billion mark in exports.
v. Referring to ongoing programmes, Nasscom is working closely with State governments with regard to innovation hubs in various cities including Bengaluru, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata and Pune.
13. S Balaji Arunkumar new KoPT deputy chairman
i. S Balaji Arunkumar, An IRTS officer of 1997 batch, has taken over as deputy chairman of Kolkata Dock System under Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) with effect from April 4.
ii. He was senior general manager of Container Corporation of India, Chennai, before assuming his new charge.
iii. R P S Kahlon lost his job as chairman of KoPT after he was arrested on alleged graft charges on March 9 from a hotel in the city.
iv. He had allegedly received bribe from a private firm that handles containers at Kolkata Dock System (KDS).
v. M T Krishna Babu, the chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust, has taken over as the new chairman of KoPT as an additional charge.
14. Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson named as new PM of Iceland
i. Iceland ruling coalition Government has named Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson (53) as the new Prime Minister after igmundur Gunnlaugsson had stepped down .
ii. Prior to this, he was Agriculture and Fisheries Minister (since 2013) and deputy leader of the Progressive Party of the Ireland.
iii. Earlier from May 2013 to December 2014 he also had served as Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources.
iv. Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson’s appointment comes after Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson had stepped down as PM in the wake of the leaked Panama Papers. The leaks of Panama Papers from Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca, a law firm specialises in setting up offshore companies showed Gunnlaugsson owned an offshore firm with his wife.
v. Gunnlaugsson was the first casualty after the explosive leaks of confidential documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca surfaced. The leak had disclosed up to 11 million documents revealing how the rich and powerful people across the world hide their wealth, potentially to evade taxes.
15. India Men win Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament
i. Indian men have won the 2016 Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament by defeating Vietnam in the final round by 3-1 score played in Abu Dhabi.
ii. In the final round match, Indian Grandmasters S P Sethuraman and K Sasikiran won on the 2nd and 4th boards while, B Adhiban and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi drew their respective matches on top and 3rd boards.
iii. With this win India gained 17 points, two more than World and Olympiad champions China. India drew Mongolia and beat the rest of the teams in a 22-team tournament.
iv. It was overall third time, Indian men won the event earlier they had won at Esfahan, Iran in 2005 and Kolkata 2009.
v. In the women’s section, top seed China won the title with 15 points followed by Uzbekistan (14 points) at second Kazakhstan (13 points) at third position respectively. Indian women finished fourth position with 12 points.
1. Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson named as new PM of Iceland
1. Iceland ruling coalition Government has named Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson (53) as the new Prime Minister after igmundur Gunnlaugsson had stepped down . Prior to this, he was 2. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister (since 2013) and deputy leader of the Progressive Party of the Ireland. Earlier from May 2013 to December 2014 he also had served as Minister for the Environment and Natural Resource.2. 3rd phase of Mission Indradhanush begins
1. The third phase of Union Health Ministry’s universal vaccination programme Mission Indradhanush began on 7 April, 2016. It will cover 216 Districts across several States including Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Under it, children against seven vaccine preventable diseases will be vaccinated against seven preventable diseases. Under the last two phases nearly 39 lakh children have been fully immunised across the country.
2. It depicts 7 colours of the rainbow which aims to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against 7 vaccine preventable diseases. The diseases include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B. Under this universal vaccination programme, all vaccines will be made available free of cost.
3. NASSCOM appointed CP Gurnani as Chairman for 2016-2017
1. The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) on 6 April 2016 announced the appointment of CP Gurnani as its Chairman for 2016-2017. He succeeds BVR Mohan Reddy, who served as Chairman of NASSCOM for 2015-16.
2. Gurnani is part of NASSCOM’s Executive Council and is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Mahindra.
The Executive Council also announced the appointment of Raman Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of Quatrro Global Services, as the Vice Chairman of NASSCOM for 2016-17.
4. Odisha Government launched Adarsh Vidyalaya project
1. The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on 5 April 2016 launched Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) project at Sasan Ambagaon village in his home constituency Hinjli in Ganjam district.
2. The project seeks to provide modern schools on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the underdeveloped rural areas of the State.
Features of Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya project
• These schools will provide free education (classes VI to XII) to students along with free uniforms and other study materials.
• They will have hostel facility in future and will be affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
• One Adarsh Vidyalaya will be set up in each of the 314 revenue blocks of the State. In the first phase, 100 of these schools started functioning on 5 April 2016.
• They would have English as the first language and Odia as the second language as medium of instruction.
• These schools will have teacher-pupil ratio of 1:25 and classroom-student ratio of 1:40.
5. Amazon India introduces Tatkal to help SMBs
1. Amazon.in has introduced Amazon Tatkal, an initiative to help thousands of small and medium businesses (SMBs) to board its online retail platform.
2. A one-stop-shop on the go, Amazon Tatkal enables SMBs to get online and sell on Amazon.in, in less than 60 minutes.
3. Amazon Tatkal is a specially designed studio-on-wheels offering a suite of launch services including registration, imaging and cataloguing services, as well as basic seller training mechanisms. It enables those interested to start selling on Amazon.in in real time and experience the benefits of launching an online business.
4. Amazon Tatkal will be stationed at various locations in Hyderabad from April 8-11. It will traverse the entire country, engaging with thousands of entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers and sellers and help them sell online on the spot.
6. Nita Ambani most powerful businesswoman in Asia: Forbes
1. Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani has been named the most powerful businesswoman in Asia by Forbes, leading a list of 50 women leaders from the region that includes eight from India.
2. SBI Chairman and Managing Director Arundhati Bhattacharya has been ranked second on the 2016 ‘Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen’ list that features trailblazing women from China, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and New Zealand.
3. Apart from Ambani and Bhattacharya, six women from India have made it to the list, including Mu Sigma CEO Ambiga Dhiraj (14), Welspun India CEO Dipali Goenka (16), Lupin CEO Vinita Gupta (18), ICICI Bank Managing Director & CEO Chanda Kochhar (22), VLCC Health Care Founder and Vice-Chairman Vandana Luthra (26) and Biocon Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (28).
