GENERAL AWARENESS ---SBI PO--IBPS PO 2017 -- CURRENT AFFAIRS APRIL 17 TO 23, 2017
17-04-2017
IAF
to resume ‘Bambi Bucket’ operation
The
Indian Air Force’s ‘Bambi Bucket’ operation will resume today, on fourth
consecutive day, to douse the wildfire in Mount Abu. IAF has so far flown a
total of 144 shuttles with Bambi buckets dropping around 4,00,000 litres of
water at various locations to douse the blaze in Mount Abu. The two MI-17 V5
helicopters of the IAF flew a total of 64 shuttles yesterday,
Forbes
super-achievers under 30 list
Many
Indians, including gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Sakshi Malik and Alia Bhatt, are
among Forbes’ list of super achievers from Asia under the age of 30. Karmakar
who became the first Indian female gymnast to ever compete in the Rio Olympics
is top Indian in the list. The list also features Sharath Gayakwad India’s
first Paralympic swimmer, coach and Arjuna award winner who has won 96 medals.
Prakash
Javadekar to launch RUSA Portal
Rashtriya
Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Human
Resource Development, will launch its own portal and mobile app. Human Resource
and Development Minister Prakash Javadekar launched the portal and mobile app
in New Delhi. The portal is a one-stop for States’ Higher Education Plans,
decision of the States’ Higher Education Councils.
E-commerce
definition too wide in GST
ASSOCHAM
has said that the government must clearly outline the scope of ‘e-commerce’
under the goods and services tax (GST). The current definition can include even
commodity derivatives exchanges where there is no actual delivery of goods. The
chamber has sought clarity from government to remove uncertainty among
businesses as the law is set for a rollout either in July or September.
India
takes to social media on Snapchat,
Messaging
app Snapchat and its founder Evan Spiegel were at the receiving end of Indian
social media ire over the weekend. This comes after disparaging comments
allegedly made by him were widely circulated. Many users downgraded the app on
Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store. The fury stemmed from comments
Spiegel is supposed to have made about India.
Advani
wins Asian Billiards Championship
Sixteen-time
world champion Pankaj Advani won his sixth Asian Billiards title and seventh
overall Asian championship. The ace cueist defeated his compatriot Sourav
Kothari 6-3 in an entertaining final of the Asian Billiards Championship in
Chandigarh. Adwani will go off to Doha to compete in the Asian Snooker
Championship which begins on the 22nd of this month.
PM
asks to replicate Jalyukta Shivar
PM
Modi has mentioned the Maharashtra government’s flagship project Jalyukta
Shivar to tackle drought situation in the country. The Jalyukta Shivar project
was launched in Maharashtra on January 26, 2015. The government plans to make
all 25,000 drought-prone villages water reliant by 2019.
China
to launch first Cargo Spacecraft
China’s
first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 is to be launched into space between April 20
and 24 to dock with the orbiting experimental space station. China currently is
in the process of building permanent station by 2022 to rival Russia’s
International Space Station. Tianzhou-1 is the first cargo ship independently
developed by the country.
Update
details to link PAN and Aadhaar
From
July 1, 2017, all tax returns will have to mention the Aadhaar number,
according to the newly-introduced Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. If you
have both PAN and Aadhaar, you need to link the two. If you fail to do so, your
PAN number could become invalid. When you try to link Aadhaar with PAN, three
things need to match: name, year of birth and gender.
SC
may set up Constitution Bench
The
Delhi government requested the Supreme Court on Monday to set up a five-judge
Constitution Bench at the earliest. This was to decide its pleas challenging the
Delhi High Court verdict that the Lieutenant-Governor is the administrative
head of the national capital territory. SC on February 15 referred to a
Constitution Bench, pleas filed by the AAP govt. against the high court
verdict,
China’s
GDP posts 6.9% growth
China’s
economy beat the government target and grew by 6.9 per cent in the first
quarter this year. This was mainly due to a surge in infrastructure
investment and exports. The GDP reached 18.07 trillion yuan ($2.63 trillion) in
the first quarter. The growth was well above the full-year target of 6.5 per
cent.
1st
Nepal-China joint army exercise
The
first Nepal-China joint army exercise has begun at Kathmandu. The ‘Sagarmatha
Friendship-2017’ drill is aimed to exchange experience, skills and professional
knowledge between the armies of Nepal and China. The 10-day exercise is focused
on counter-terrorism and disaster management.
Cyclone
Maarutha trigger rains in Odisha
Cyclonic
Storm, Maarutha, lay centred over Bay of Bengal, about 735 km of Paradip, which
may trigger rains or thundershowers at few places in Odisha. The cyclonic storm
Maarutha over Bay of Bengal further moved northeastwards and crossed Myanmar
coast yesterday night. The storm is likely to continue to move northeastwards
and weaken further into a depression during next 12 hours.
Praneeth
lifts his maiden Super Series
Sai
Praneeth has won the title match of Men’s singles at Singapore Open Badminton
beating his compatriot Kidambi Srikanth. Returning in the match after losing
first game 17-21 Praneeth won last two games 21-17, 21-12 . In the Singapore
Open Badminton tournament, T Y Tai has won the Womens Singles title beating
Carolina Marin in straight sets 21-15, 21-15.
Nepal
President arrives in Delhi
Nepal
President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New Delhi this afternoon on a five-day
visit to India. She will have delegation level talks tomorrow and will also
meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari during her
stay. This is her first state visit after assuming office of the President in
October 2015.
Govt
okays lowering of PF rate to 8.65%
The
Finance Ministry has permitted the Labour Ministry to go ahead with 8.65
percent rate of interest on employees’ provident fund for 2016-17. The Finance
Ministry in its communication to the Labour Ministry has, however, put a rider
that the interest rate should not result in a deficit for the retirement fund.
The Finance Ministry had last year also decided to lower the EPF interest rate.
Modi
on two-day visit to Gujarat
PM Modi
who arrived in Surat on a two-day visit will inaugurate a series of projects in
the states. The Prime Minister in Saurashtra will inaugurate phase-1 of the
ambitious Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation project for Botad. The Prime
Minister will also go to Bajipura village in Tapi district to inaugurate a
cattle feed plant and ice-cream plant of Sumul Dairy.
Erdogan
declares victory in Turkey
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared victory in a historic referendum that
will tighten his grip on power. The ‘Yes’ campaign won 51.3 percent of the vote
against 48.7 percent for ‘No’, the election commission said. The referendum was
held under a state of emergency that has seen 47,000 people arrested.
In
5 years private schools gain students
Between
2010-11 and 2015-16, student enrolment in government schools across 20 Indian
states fell by 13 million. According to the study, private schools
acquired 17.5 million new students. Average enrolment in government schools
declined from 122 to 108 students per school over five years, while it rose
from 202 to 208 in private schools.
First
train with glass roof launched
Railway
Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday inaugurated the new Vistadome coach which has
glass roof. It also has LED lights, GPS-based info system and rotating
seats among other features. The train with Vistadome coaches between
Visakhapatnam and Araku was flagged off through video conferencing from Rail
Sadan.
18-04-2017
SC
seeks reply on Palekar petition
The
Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre on a petition moved
by actor-director Amol Palekar. Palekar has sought to reclaim “contours of
individual freedoms” by taking away the Censor Board’s authority of
pre-censorship of films. CBFC is currently chaired by Pahlaj Nihalani and functions
as per Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Certifications Rules of 1983.
AI
to fine unruly passengers
Air
India has mooted a proposal of levying a fine of up to Rs 15 lakh on unruly
passengers who end up delaying flights. The airline has also proposed that any
damage done to its properties should be assessed and claimed from such
passengers. The suggestions were made citing three recent incidents of unruly
behaviour and assault by Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad.
SC
collegium clears 90 names
The
Supreme Court collegium has cleared “every pending file” on appointments to
higher judiciary. The names cleared by the collegium include lawyers and
judicial officers. Names cleared include those recommended by high court
collegiums as well as names previously cleared by the Supreme Court collegium
but returned by the Centre
China
says CPEC not about Kashmir issue
China
on Monday sought to allay India’s concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor, saying it has “no direct link” with the Kashmir issue. It also said
that New Delhi was welcome to participate in the ‘One Belt One Road’ project.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the statement at press conference on
the One belt One Road (OBOR) summit to be held here from May 14-15.
Canadian
river to disappear in four days
The
Slims river in Canada has disappeared in just four days because of melting
glaciers. The incident took place between May 26 and 29 last year, when the
Kaskawulsh Glacier in Canada’s Yukon region suddenly diverted into another
river. The scientists described it as the first case of “river piracy”. The
incident illustrates how global warming can dramatically change the geography.
World
Heritage Day being obsereved today
World
Heritage Day is being observed with the theme:Sustainable Tourism. The day aims
to spread awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving various
sites around the world that have achieved world heritage status. World Heritage
sites are officially recognised by the UN and the United Nations Educational
Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
285
killed in Thingyan water festival
In
Myanmar, at least 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured during a
four-day annual Thingyan Water Festival. A total of 272 people were killed
during the festival last year. The festival marks the beginning of Burmese New
Year and is observed as public holiday.
TV
to come under Working Journalists Act
Centre
has initiated steps to bring the electronic and digital media journalists too
under the ambit of the Working Journalists Act, 1955. He said, if necessary,
the BJP-led NDA government would amend the Working Journalists Act. Govt. has
taken steps to ensure stringent enforcement of the labour laws and
implementation of Wageboard recommendations.
WB
Projects India’s Growth At 7.2%
Indian
economy will claw back to 7.2 per cent growth this financial year and rise
further to 7.5 per cent in 2018-19, according to a report by World Bank. The
growth slowed down to 6.8 per cent in 2016-17 due to a combination of weak
investments and the impact of demonetisation. The demonetisation caused an
immediate cash crunch, affecting cash reliant sectors was affected,
according to WB
US
NSA holds talks with PM and NSA
US
National Security Adviser HR McMaster and Indian NSA held a two-hour long
meeting in New Delhi. India and US agreed to increase military cooperation and
more active information exchange on counter terror operations. McMaster also to
met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg. He may also meet External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Orbital
ATK Set to Launch Cargo to Space
A
rocket packed with food and supplies for the astronauts living at the
International Space Station is scheduled to blast off from a NASA launch pad. The
cargo ship is operated by Orbital ATK, and is the company’s seventh mission to
space as part of a $1.9 billion contract with NASA. The spacecraft is loaded
with supplies, hardware and experiments on growing food and cancer
therapies.
SBI
becomes most valued PSU stock
SBI has
surpassed oil exploration major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to
become most valued public sector undertaking (PSU) stock in terms of market
capitalization (m-cap). SBI with m-cap of Rs 239,808 crore was ahead of ONGC
having m-cap of Rs 236,003 crore. Previously, the m-cap of ONGC and SBI was Rs
234,977 crore and Rs 234,902 crore, respectively.
Maoist
leader Narayan Sanyal passes away
Narayan
Sanyal alias Bijoy-da, the Naxalite leader who joined Maoist politics in 1967
and played an instrumental role behind the formation of CPI(Maoist) in 2004. Sanyal
was among the last links between the Charu Majumdar-led CPI(ML) – considered
the father of leftwing insurgency in India – and its offshoot CPI(Maoist). Sanyal
was a member of the banned CPI(Maoist)’s politburo.
Getting
H1B visa harder for Indians
US
is about to bring an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend
changes to a temporary visa program. This program was used to bring foreign
workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs. The order is an attempt
by Trump to carry out his “America First” campaign pledges to reform US
immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products.
AUS
abolishes visa programme for Indians
Australia
has abolished a visa programme used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers,
majority of them Indians. The move is seen as a measure to tackle the growing
unemployment in the country. The programme known as 457 visa allows business to
employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where
there is a shortage of Australian workers.
India’s
skewed sex ratio to worsen
As
India’s proportion of youth in the total population falls, the sex ratio will
dip to 898 girls for 1,000 boys in 2031 from 939 in 2011. The projection is
based on very low sex ratio at birth in India. The number of girls born for
1,000 boys – the definition of sex ratio – was 914 in 2011 and is
projected to fall further in coming decades.
Data
on sea level rise projections
A
report includes recent scientific advances on the role of polar ice loss and
new information on the expected sea level changes. The report states that there
is a 67 percent probability that the Bay Area will experience sea level rise
between 1.0 foot and 2.4 feet by 2100. After 2050, sea-level rise projections
increasingly depend on the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions.
BCCI
secretary to represent India at ICC
BCCI’S
acting Secretary Amitabh Choudhary will attend the ICC meeting on April 24,
accompanied by the Indian apex cricketing body’s CEO Rahul Johri. Johri would
attend the meeting of the Chief Executive Officers. SC has made it clear that
there was no chance of BCCI’s former President N. Srinivasan getting to
represent the apex cricketing body at the ICC.
Govt
plans to sell stock in 7 PSUs
The
government plans to sell minority stake in seven PSUs, including bluechips such
as IOC, SAIL and NTPC, which have a potential to raise over Rs 34,000 crore. The
other companies which are on the radar include NHPC, PFC, REC and NLC India
Ltd. There are already 12 PSUs for which the government has secured approval
from the Cabinet to go ahead with disinvestment.
Now,
speeches by President, PM in Hindi
The
President and all central and state ministers who know the language might soon
have to deliver their speeches only in Hindi. This will happen if a
parliamentary panel’s recommendations, which have been accepted by President
Pranab Mukherjee, are implemented. The move is ostensibly meant to promote the
Hindi language. The recommendations were made P Chidambaram in 2011.
19-04-2017
China
Names places in Arunachal Pradesh
China
has announced its own names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh. China claims
the state as ‘South Tibet’, while India says Arunachal Pradesh is an integral
part of India and is inseparable from the country. The names announced by China
are Wo’gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoid ngarbo Ri, Mainquka, B mo La and Namkapub Ri.
Mallya
arrested briefly in UK
Vijay
Mallya was arrested in London briefly on Tuesday and appeared in court for
an extradition hearing. He is being pursued by Indian authorities over unpaid
loans tied to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. India had asked Britain to
extradite Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon fled there
last March. The banks have sued him to recover about $1.4 billion.
Petrol
pumps to be closed on Sundays
Beginning
14 May, petrol pumps in eight states will be closed on Sundays. Nearly 20,000
outlets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana would be shut for 24 hours on Sundays,
starting 14 May. The decision was made in view of the Prime Minister’s call
during his recent “mann ki baat” programme to conserve oil to save the
environment.
UK
parliament votes on snap election
Britain’s
parliament is to vote on holding a snap election in June. Prime Minister
Theresa May is seeking to make strong gains against the opposition ahead
of gruelling Brexit negotiations. An early election would therefore be the
fourth big vote in four years after the general election of 2015.
S
Lanka to offer India port development
Sri
Lanka is now set to allow India to jointly develop the Trincomalee port in
northeastern part of the country. Sri Lanka has readied an MoU for joint
development of the project and that it’s likely to be signed during PM Narendra
Modi’s upcoming visit to Colombo. Sri Lanka, however, has backed China’s ‘One
Belt, One Road’ initiative about which India has serious reservations.
SC
charges Advani, Joshi, Bharti
Senior
BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others will be tried
for conspiring to bring down 16th century Babri mosque in Ayodhya 25 years ago.
Senior party leader Kalyan Singh, who was the UP chief minister then, is
protected since he is a governor. The Mughal-era mosque Ayodhya was
demolished by supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), on December 6,
1992,
WB
Govt brings Social Security Yojana
West
Bengal Government has introduced the Social Security Yojana by converging five
separate beneficiary schemes for workers in the unorganised sectors and for
self-employed people. Around 5 crore people will benefit from the Yojana, with
around 1 crore getting direct benefits. The State Government has started
another scheme – State Nutrition Mission.
UN
to issue stamps for Yoga Day
United
Nations will issue special stamps commemorating the International Yoga Day on
June 21 this year. UN Postal Administration will issue the new special event
sheet to commemorate Yoga Day that has been marked annually since 2015. The
special sheet consists of stamps with images of the sacred Indian sound “Om”
and various yogic postures.
New
Film Institute in Itanagar: Naidu
Information
and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced that a Film Institute will
be set up in Itanagar. Mr Naidu said that the institute will start functioning
from a temporary campus with an introduction of 10 week short term course from
15th of May this year. An investment of 200 crore rupees will be made for
the institute for the students of North East region.
BCCI
rejects S Sreesanth’s plea
Tainted
pacer S Sreesanth’s plea for a review of his life ban has been summarily
rejected by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The letter was
sent by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri after Sreesanth appealed for revocation of his ban
in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. The BCCI was responding to a petition filed by
Sreesanth challenging his life ban.
Modi’s
$250-billion defence plan ready
India
is about to start an $11 billion sale of government assets, including holdings
in the shipyard and factories that supply India’s military. India is the
world’s largest arms importer. PM Modi wants to change that while at the same
time raising money to reduce the fiscal deficit. Among the biggest stakes to be
sold are in Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
Large
asteroid to pass Earth today
An
asteroid more than a quarter mile wide will pass close to Earth today. J025,
discovered in May 2014, will be the largest asteroid to come this near to the
planet since 2004. The approach of J025 will be the asteroid’s closest for next
500 years. It will fly at only about 4.6 times the distance from the Earth to
the Moon, 1.1 million miles
Modi
govt puts an end to red beacon
The
Union Cabinet has decided to do away with red beacons atop officials cars. It
has been announced that announcing that only three categories would be
allowed to use it – the President, Vice President and Chief Justice of India. The
decision comes into effect from May 1, 2017. The ban applies to the PM, all
ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the High Court and Supreme Court.
Data
privacy rules to by Aug-September
Centre
has informed the SC that a comprehensive policy on electronic data transmission
was on the anvil and would be ready by August-September. The policy will take
care of the privacy controversy involving WhatsApp and Net neutrality. Presently,
the Constitution does not spell out right to privacy as a fundamental right nor
any judgment of the Supreme Court.
BSF
sacks constable Tej Bahadur Yadav
The
Border Security Force (BSF) today sacked constable Tej Bahadur Yadav after a
three-month long proceeding at a summary court martial. Bahadur’s dismissal
came after a court of inquiry found that he had damaged the “image of the BSF” He
had uploaded a video clip on the ‘substandard food’; on social media,
triggering an uproar.
Centre
Clears 3,000 Crores For VVPATs
The
government has agreed to release 3,000 crores to buy new electronic voting
machines that print a paper receipt for each vote cast. The decision comes as
opposition parties have attacked the machines currently in use as being
vulnerable to rigging. The next general election in 2019 is to be run, on the
court’s orders, entirely with these upgraded machines.
Goldman
Sachs for Flipkart merger talks
Bengaluru-based
ecommerce marketplace Flipkart has appointed Goldman Sachs as an advisor for
the “proposed acquisition” of rival Snapdeal. Last week, Flipkart had announced
its acquisition of eBay.in as part of a $1.4 billion fundraising round. Snapdeal
has raised about $1.65 billion from about two dozen investors, including
SoftBank and SoftBank-backed Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba.
UP
airport to be named after Gorakhnath
UP
state cabinet has decided to name an upcoming airport terminal at Gorakhpur Air
Force station after Mahayogi Gorakhnath. Mahayogi Gorakhnath is known as the
founder of the Nath monastic movement. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the
head priest of the Gorakhnath Math. He is also a five-time MP from Gorakhpur.
India,
Russia to hold combat exercise
In
the first such tri-Service wargames, India will hold a major combat exercise
with Russia this year. The Indra exercise, to be held in Russia, will include
assets and manpower from the Army, Navy and IAF. This is the first time India
will deploy the three services together for an exercise with a country. Moscow
Conference on International Security will be held on April 25-26.
New
Zealand tightens immigration rules
New
Zealand is about to tighten access to its skilled work visas, just a day after
the United States and neighbouring Australia announced similar restrictions on
immigration. The changes to be introduced later this year include introducing a
minimum income requirement. This will make it more difficult for family members
to join visa holders.
20-04-2017
Parliamentary
panel calls Urjit Patel
RBI
Governor Urjit Patel has been asked by a parliamentary panel to appear before
it again on May 25 over demonetisation issue. Patel was spared a grilling when
he had appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in
January this year. Members of the committee have said that Patel has been asked
to appear again before it to brief the members about demonetisation.
Gandhi
stamps sold for Rs 4.14 crore
A
set of 1948 stamps picturing Mahatma Gandhi has sold for a record 5,00,000
pound. The “unique” strip of four ten-rupee stamps is considered the most
important and desirable item of post-Indian independence. The purple-brown
stamps are emblazoned with the word ‘SERVICE’ and were issued to the then
governor-general’s secretariat for official use.
China
launches unmanned cargo spacecraft
China
on Thursday launched its first unmanned cargo spacecraft on a mission to dock
with the country’s space station, marking further progress in the ambitious
Chinese space program. The Tianzhou 1 blasted off atop a latest-generation Long
March 7. It will conduct scientific experiments after reaching the now-crewless
Tiangong 2, China’s second space station.
Modi
to inaugurate UN Vesak Day
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate UN Vesak Day in Colombo on May 12. Vesak
Day, also known as Buddha Poornima, is a traditional holiday commemorated by
Sri Lanka’s majority Sinhala Buddhists. This year’s celebration, with the theme
‘Buddhist teachings for social justice and sustainable world peace’, will be
marked through a series of programmes from May 12-14.
40-yr-old
definition of blindness gone
India
has changed its definition of blindness, bringing it in line with the WHO
criteria. The step would drastically bring down the number of people considered
“blind” in the country. According to the new definition, a person who is unable
to count fingers from a distance of three metres would be considered “blind” as
against the earlier stipulation of six metres, which was adopted in 1976.
Sachin
Tendulkar: Face for Clean Ganga
Sachin
Tendulkar may be the new face of the National Mission for Clean Ganga. Prime
Minister’s Office is preparing a mega campaign to sensitise people about
the need to reduce pollution in the holy river. Next month onwards, events and
activities around the Ganga Dussehra, Ganga Ekadashi and a Char Dham yatra are
also being planned to generate public interest.
Panama
Leaks: Pak PM not disqualified
The
Supreme Court on Thursday ordered further investigations into corruption
allegations levelled by the opposition against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. SC
said that there was insufficient evidence to order his removal from
office. The Supreme Court ordered the JIT to present its report every two weeks
before a Supreme Court bench.
NGO
barred from receiving foreign funds
The
government has barred an NGO from receiving foreign funding including from Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation for alleged violation of the law. The home
ministry has cancelled the FCRA registration of Delhi-based Public Health
Foundation of India (PHFI). As per the government rules, an organisation that
intends to receive foreign funds has to register under the FCRA.
PM,
Paytm head most influential people
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Time’s magazine’s 100 most
influential people list. Along with the Prime Minister, who is a regular on the
Time list, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma too has made the cut. Paytm
founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, riding high on the digital economy wave in India,
has been featured in the Time list under the Titans category.
100
pc paper trail voting in Guj, HP
ECI
has decided to link all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter-Verified
Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly
elections. VVPAT machines produce a printout of the vote cast using an EVM. The
printout is deposited in a box and can be used to resolve any dispute regarding
the election.
SC
Quashes Criminal Case Against Dhoni
Supreme
Court has quashed a criminal case against Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a case
related to hurting religious sentiments. The case was related to Dhoni being
portrayed as Lord Vishnu on the cover of a magazine. The top court observed
that there was no deliberate or malicious intent on Dhoni’s part and no case
had been made out.
8.65%
interest rate on EPF approved
Finance
Ministery has revised interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to 8.65
per cent for the financial year 2016-17. The change in interest rates will
enable the retirement fund body EPFO to pay this interest rate to accounts
of nearly four crore subscribers. There will be a surplus fund after providing
8.65 per cent interest rate for the last fiscal
Action
plan for antimicrobial resistance
The
Minister of Health and Family Welfare has finalised comprehensive and
multi-sectoral national action plan to combat the menace of antimicrobial
resistance (AMR) in India. The ministers have signed a ‘Delhi Declaration’ for
collectively strategising to contain AMR. Declaration calls on all stakeholders
including UN, WHO, FAO and other UN agencies to help India fight AMR.
India
contributes $250,000 to UN
India
has made a quarter-million-dollar contribution to the UN programme for helping
countries to hold elections and develop their electoral systems. This is the
second Indian contribution of $250,000 to the programmes for electoral
assistance and capacity building. The division principally provides technical
assistance for organising and conducting elections.
Nabard
extends Rs 9,241 cr to banks
NABARD
has extended Rs 9,241 crore as refinance support to cooperative banks and
regional rural banks (RRBs) in Gujarat. The loan has been given for providing
crop loans to farmers during 2016-17. NABARD has provided Rs 2,274 crore to the
state government for irrigation projects under rural infrastructure development
fund (RIDF).
Projects
stalled on Yamuna Expressway
Yamuna
Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has cancelled the building
plans of 17 projects of six builders, including Jaypee group. The move is
likely to affect hundreds of home buyers too, who have made investments in
these projects. 17 projects cancelled are of six builders. These
are Jaypee Infratech, Gaursons, VGA Developers, Ajnara
Group, Orris Group.
Taj
Mansingh hotel to be auctioned
The
Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to
E-auction Taj Mansingh hotel. Taj Mansingh hotel is presently run by Indian
Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). IHCL had approached the apex court against the
Delhi High Court order, which had paved the way for auctioning of the historic
property.
Aust
unveils new citizenship process
Australia
has unveils major changes to citizenship process. Aspiring citizens will have
to undergo tougher tests on their English language skills and ability to
demonstrate Australian values. Migrants must demonstrate support for religious
freedom and gender equality, respect for women and children. Applicants must
also have completed four years as a permanent resident.
UK
votes in favour of early election
The
UK Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of Prime Minister Theresa
May’s call for an early general election. The Parliament yesterday voted 522 to
13 in favour of the election, to take place on June 8th. Ms May’s Conservatives
currently hold 330 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons.
Jackie
Shroff get Raj Kapoor awards
Veteran
actress Saira Banu has been named for the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime
achievement award of the Maharashtra Government. Actor Jackie Shroff is
selected for the Raj Kapoor Special contribution award. Marathi actors Vikram
Gokhale and Arun Nalawade have been selected for the coveted V. Shantaram
Lifetime Achievement and V. Shantaram Special Contribution annual awards.
21-04-2017
Schemes
to facilitate access to justice
Union
Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated 3 welfare
initiatives that would facilitate access to justice for the poor. Prasad
launched the schemes, namely, ‘Pro-bono (in public interest) legal services’,
‘Tele-law service’ and ‘Nyaya Mitra’, which aim to connect those in need of
legal aid with lawyers through use of technology.
Civil
Services Day
The
Civil Services Day is organized on 21st April every year, when civil servants
re-dedicate themselves to the cause of the citizens and renew their commitment
to public service. This day coincides with the date on which Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel had addressed the first batch of probationers at the All India
Administrative Service Training School at Metcalfe House, New Delhi in 1947.
Italian
mayor wins Unesco Peace Prize
The
UNESCO has awarded its Peace Prize to Giuseppina (Giusi) Nicolini, the mayor of
the Italian island of Lampedusa, for her commitment to saving the lives of
migrants and refugees. Lying closer to Tunisia than it does to Sicily,
Lampedusa is the first European landfall for people fleeing war and economic
hardship in Africa and the Middle East.
RBI
opens banking ombudsman in Jammu
The
Reserve Bank has opened a new ombudsman office in Jammu as part of its efforts
to expand banking grievances complaint cells across the country. Earlier all
complaints were under the jurisdiction of New Delhi. There are two banking
ombudsman offices in New Delhi. The office in Jammu will have the jurisdiction
over entire Jammu and Kashmir.
China
to host BRICS Film Festival
The
2017 BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan
Province from June 23 to 27. Chinese director Xie Fei will be the president of
the festival jury. The first BRICS Film Festival was held in New Delhi, India,
last September.
One
Part Woman bags award
The
English translation of writer Perumal Murugan’s novel Mathorubhagan (One Part
Woman) has won the Sahitya Akademi’s award for translation in English. The translation
was done by Aniruddhan Vasudevan and the book was published by Penguin. The
prize in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and a cash
component of ₹50,000 would be presented at a ceremony
in June.
RBI
caps bank exposure at 10%
The
RBI permitted banks to invest up to 10% of the unit capital of an Real Estate
Investment Trust (REITs) or Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs).
It will be within the overall ceiling of 20% of the net worth permitted
for direct investments in shares, convertible bonds/ debentures etc. The move
was aimed to help revive the cash-starved infrastructure sector.
India’s
first industrial robot
TAL
Manufacturing Solutions Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Motors Ltd. has created
India’s first industrial robot called BRABO. BRABO—short for “Bravo Robot”—has
been priced between Rs 5-7 lakh and can even be bought on equated monthly
instalments, or EMIs. It was manufactured at the TAL’s Pune factory.
LIC
appoints new MD and CEO
Life
insurance Corp of India has appointed Vinay Shah as the new managing director
and chief executive director of its mortgage loan arm and listed entity LIC
Housing Finance. He succeeded Sunita Sharma. Shah has been with LIC since
1983. Prior to this assignment, he was executive director marketing.
India
8th on FDI confidence index
India
has climbed one spot to the eighth rank in the 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) Confidence Index. The index shows that investor confidence in
India has been growing steadily over the last two years, making it one of the
top two emerging market performers on the FDI Index, along with China.
Planet
discovered in habitable zone
Astronomers
have discovered yet another planet, called LHS1140b, which is expected to be
present in the Goldilocks Zone. The planet is found to be rocky, like the Earth
but is over 6 times as massive as Earth and about 1.5-times larger and falls
under the category of ‘Super Earth’. Goldilocks Zone refers to a habitable zone
where the temperature is neither too high nor too low.
25%
of ex-husband’s net salary to wife
The
Supreme Court has set a benchmark for maintenance to be paid by a husband to
his estranged wife, stating that 25% of his net salary might constitute a “just
and proper” amount as alimony. The ruling has come on a man’s plea challenging
Calcutta High Court’s order that asked him to pay Rs 23000 every month as
alimony to his former wife.
Former
Iranian President disqualified
Iran’s
former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been disqualified from running in next
month’s presidential election. The decision was taken by the Guardian Council,
a clerical body charged with vetting candidates for the May 19 election. Iran’s
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously urged him not to run.
Mongolia
launches its first satellite
Mongolia
launched its first satellite as part of its efforts to make use of new
technology to diversify its resource-dependent economy. The 1,227-megahertz
satellite, called Mongol Sat-1, will help landlocked Mongolia expand its
television, telecoms and broadband services. The satellite was launched in
partnership with Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS).
Kit
to detect adulterated milk,oil
The
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said that it has developed
a rapid test kit to check quality of milk and edible oils. Union Food and
Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan urged the FSSAI to come up with test
kits for Rs 10-12 for customers to use it to check adulteration. One test kit
cannot be used for all products and it poses a challenge.
Socio
progressive tourism in Guwahati
Swapnanil
Talukdar and his team are all set to give boost to Prime Minister’s Start UP
India initiative in Guwahati. Launching their Venture ‘Finder Bridge’ in
Guwahati the budding entrepreneurs seek to uplift the tourism sector in the
state. It shows and promotes tourism spots and ecotourism.
Country’s
first village of books
India’s
first village of books will open on May 4 in Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar,
Maharashtra. The Maharashtra government has got 75-odd artists to paint the
walls of the 25 premises at Pustakanche Gaon (village of books). The village
includes nearly 25 premises, which include 3 temples, 2 schools, 7 houses and
several lodges and homestays spread on a stretch of 2 km in Bhilar village.
National
nutrition scheme in Assam
Union
Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has assured to bring the
national nutrition scheme on track in Assam in a meeting with Chief Minister
Sarbananda Sonowal. They also discussed the modalities to strengthen the
scheme. The Union Minister also hailed the state government’s role in
conservation of rhino and other endangered species in national parks and
sanctuaries.
Video
gaming at 2022 Asian Games
Video
gaming will be featured as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games, with
competitors in electronic sports set to receive medals for their digital
prowess. The Olympic Council of Asia says it will introduce esports to the
official program of the Asian Games at Hangzhou, China. It will also be a
demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia.
Moushumi
Chatterjee awarded
Veteran
actress Moushumi Chatterjee has received the lifetime achievement award, while
actor Ashish Vidyarthi was honoured for his contribution to Indian Cinema at
the 80th Bengal Film Journalists’ Association awards. The BFJA, the oldest
association of film scribes in the country was founded in 1937.
22-04-2017
Earth
Day 2017
Earth
Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are
held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in
1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally
by the Earth Day Network. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week focussing
on environmental issues.
Jat
quota violence : Jha panel
The
Haryana Government has given second extension of six months to Jha commission
to complete its investigation into the conspiracy angle in the violence that
occurred during the Jat quota stir in February 2016. The panel had received 82
complaints till August 31, 2016 which was the last day to submit complaints in
regard to the violence. The commission is headed by SN Jha and NC Padhi.
Punjab
govt to set up ‘book banks’
The
Punjab government has decided to set up ‘book banks’ in different schools so
that needy students do not have to buy books at the start of every academic
year and also to prevent “wastage of paper”. The students would be asked to
submit their old books which would be provided to needy children free of
charge. It is a voluntary initiative and is not binding on any student.
Fino
Paytech to digitalise rural banks
Fino
Paytech will help NABARD to help the rural bank digitization drive in the
states of Haryana, MP, Bihar, Gujarat and Maharashtra. It will provide over
5000 Aadhaar enabled micro ATMs financial inclusion gateway services to
district central cooperative banks and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
across these states. NABARD deals with services related to agriculture.
Loan
for India’s 1st waterway project
The
World Bank has approved a loan of $375 million for the ambitious inland
waterways project between Haldia in West Bengal and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The
1390 km waterway project of the shipping ministry would enable commercial
navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2000 deadweight tonnage (DWT). It
was declared as a waterway in October 1986.
Anti-dumping
duty on hydrogen peroxide
India
may impose anti-dumping duty of up to $118 per tonne on import of a chemical
used by industries in applications such as corrosion control and paper
bleaching from six countries. The move is aimed at guarding domestic players
from cheap imports of ‘hydrogen peroxide’ from Bangladesh, Taiwan, Korea,
Indonesia, Pakistan and Thailand. Hydrogen peroxide is used as an
oxidizer.
AU
Fin converts to small finance bank
Au
Financiers has converted itself to Small Finance Bank from a Non-Banking
Finance Company changing its name to AU Small Finance Bank. AU started as a
NBFC and was engaged in business of commercial and personal vehicle loans,
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises loans and SME loans. As a NBFC, AU had
network of 300 branches spread across 10 states.
RBI
signs MoU with Bank of Guyana
The
RBI announced signing of an MoU with the Bank of Guyana on “Supervisory
Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information”. The apex bank signed the
MoU, Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and Statement of Co-operation with
supervisors of a few countries to promote greater co-operation and share
supervisory information.
Government
to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds
Government
in consultation with the RBI, has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18
– Series I. The Bonds will be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of
India Ltd, designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges viz., NSE and
BSE. The tenure of the Bond will be for a period of 8 years with exit
option from 5th year to be exercised on the interest payment dates.
Brahmos
supersonic missile test fired
The
Indian Navy successfully tested the supersonic BrahMos land-attack cruise
missile from stealth frigate, Teg in the Bay of Bengal. The missile, which last
month was tested with an extended range of 450-km from the earlier 290-km. The
name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, the
Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
India
wins elections to 2 UN bodies
India
has won elections to two subsidiary bodies of a UN organ focussed on social and
economic issues. India along with 12 other members was elected to the Committee
for Programme and Coordination, a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social
Council. The 13 members are elected for three-year terms, beginning January
2018.
India’s
growth to bounce back in 2018
The
IMF said that post demonetisation, India’s growth is projected to rebound to
7.2% in fiscal year 2018 and further to 7.7% the next year. The recent growth
momentum in the largest economies in the region remains particularly strong,
reflecting sustained policy support in China and Japan. Fiscal policy should
support and complement structural reforms and/or external rebalancing.
ISRO
to launch South Asia Satellite
India
plans to launch on May 5 the ‘South Asia Satellite’ that will benefit all the
countries in the region, except Pakistan which is not a part of the project. It
will be launched from Sriharikota. Sources said the satellite is designed for a
mission life of more than 12 years. Each country would be responsible for
content generation and its use.
Remittances
to India drop
Notwithstanding
a significant 8.9% drop in remittances to India in 2016, the country retained
the top spot among remittances receiving nations, according to a World Bank
report. India led the decline with remittance inflows amounting to $62.7
billion last year, a decrease of 8.9% over $68.9 billion in 2015. Remittances
fell due to drop in oil prices and fiscal tightening in West Asia.
NSCI
Safety Awards – 2016
Minister
of State (IC) for Labour & Employment Bandaru Dattatreya awarded NSCI
Safety Awards 2016 to 70 Organisations at a function held in New Delhi. The
Government framed the National Policy on Occupational Safety, Health and
Environment in 2009. National Safety Council is a self-supporting non- profit
autonomous society coming under the purview of Ministry of Labour and
Employment.
Space-based
plane tracking
Malaysia
Airlines has become the first airline to sign an agreement for space-based
flight tracking of its aircraft. Malaysia Airlines reached a deal with Aireon,
Sitoanair and FlightAware to enable it to monitor the flight paths of its aircraft
anywhere in the world including over the polar regions and the most remote
ocean
Aamir
Khan, Kapil Dev to get Award
Aamir
Khan and Kapil Dev will receive the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Awards, at
a ceremony on April 24. Khan will be honoured with the Vishesh Puraskar for
Best Film ‘Dangal’, while Dev for his outstanding contribution to Indian
Cricket. The event will be organised by Master Dinanath Smruti Pratishthan and
Hridayesh Arts.
First
mock exercise on forest fire held
The
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a first-of-its-kind
State-level mock exercise on forest fire in Uttarakhand. The mock exercise,
aimed at assessing the efficacy of integrating the preparedness and response
mechanisms of the forest department with those of the district administration,
has been conducted in collaboration with the State Government.
Govt
sells 9.2% stake in Nalco
The
government raised over Rs 1200 crore through the sale of 9.2% stake in Nalco as
both retail and institutional investors lapped up the shares offered to them. The
first PSU disinvestment of the current fiscal, Nalco also saw the government
exercising the option to retain excess subscription, called greenshoe option.
1st
India Indonesia Energy Forum held
The
1st India Indonesia Energy Forum was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The
Energy Forum was preceded by 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Oil and Gas, 4th
Joint Working Group on Coal and 1st Joint Working Group on New and Renewable
Energy. India is third largest importer of coal from Indonesia. India’s imports
of coal from Indonesia amounted to $3.5 billion in 2016.
23-04-2017
HC
on Edu. qualification of candidates
A
voter may be “swayed” by the level of education of a candidate and prefer to
cast his vote in favour of someone with a higher qualification, the Delhi HC
has said. However, the court did said that since having a graduation degree is
not a pre-requisite for contesting polls, any incorrect disclosure regarding it
was not of any material consequence. The case was filed by a BJP MLA.
St
Stephen’s to go ahead with autonomy
St
Stephen’s College has circulated a letter to proceed with the application
of autonomy to the college. The governing body of the college had, on March 25,
decided that the college will apply for autonomy. Autonomy means that the
college will no longer be a constituent college of the Delhi University. It
will be free to take its own decisions in framing syllabus, fee structure.
US
Def-Sec Mattis visits Djibouti
US
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis arrived today for a short visit to Djibouti. Djibouti
is a a strategically important country on the Horn of Africa which hosts
the United States’ only permanent military base on the African continent. Mattis
is scheduled to meet with Djibouti’s president, Ismael Omar Guelleh, during his
trip.
India
to grow at 7.5% in 2017-18
Arun
Jaitley has said that Indian economy will grow at a clip of 7.5% this fiscal,
up from 7.1% in the previous year. Jaitely participated in G-20 finance
ministers’ and central bank governors’ meeting in Washington. Jaitley is on an
official tour to the US to attend the spring meetings of the International
Monetary Fund and the World Bank and other associated interactions.
MCI
issues guidelines to doctors
To
make healthcare more affordable to the poor, the MCI has urged the doctors
and all the hospitals and state medical council to prescribe generic medicines
to patients. This move is expected to alleviate the healthcare costs across
nation. MCI reminded doctors that prescriptions too needs to be written in
legible handwriting, preferably in capital letters.
Maldivian
Civil Society Activist Killed
A
well-known Maldivian civil activist for free speech and human rights, Yameen
Rasheed has been stabbed to death. Rasheed was one of the most prolific social
media activists in Maldives. He also ran a blog called, Daily Panic, where he
used to write a satirical weekly round-up of happenings in the Indian ocean
archipelago.
Most
valued companies add Rs 32,394 cr
Four
of 10 most valued listed companies together added Rs 32,394.14 crore in market
valuation. HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries (RIL) gained the most. TCS stood
at number one position in the domestic mcap chart followed by RIL, HDFC Bank,
ITC, HDFC, ONGC, SBI, Infosys, IOC and HUL.
IMF
deletes anti-protectionism pledge
IMF
members have pledged to work to reduce global imbalances but failed to repeat
their past pledge to resist all forms of protectionism. The International
Monetary and Financial Committee, the IMF’s steering body, also repeated its
past commitments on currency exchange rates. IMFC said that it will refrain
from competitive devaluations.
37,500
cr European-style train network
A
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on the lines of suburban train network in
Europe and North America is being planned by the central government. The
RRTS will start with Delhi-Alwar corridor, at an investment of Rs 37,539
crore. The government hopes the proposed RRTS will help reduce pollution and
congestion significantly on the roads of the National Capital Region and Delhi.
Modi’s
birthplace to become a museum
Gujarat
tourism department is in the process to develop Vadnagar-Modhera-Patan as a
heritage tourist circuit that involves a redevelopment of Vadnagar railway
station (where once Modi sold tea as a boy). The Gujarat Tourism Development
Society (GTDS) is planning to convert the erstwhile house of Modi’s family
into a museum. Tourism ministry has sanctioned Rs 99.81 crore for the circuit.
Modi
honours Paika rebellion martyrs
PM Modi
felicitated descendants of 16 families associated with armed rebellion
against British, called the Paika rebellion of 1817. PM said dedications and
sacrifice made by their ancestors would be recognised when the country would
celebrate 75th years of independence in 2022. PM lamented that narratives
of India’s great freedom struggle were limited to few families, dynasties and
events.
Niti
Aayog draws up 15-year roadmap
The
Niti Aayog has set a 15-year plan for government actions for achieving
social goals such as poverty reduction, and improving health and sanitation. Another
seven-year strategy document for 2017-24 will chart out policy action outlined
as the “National Development Agenda”. A three-year “Action Agenda” from 2017-18
to 2019-20 is being worked out to assess funding requirements.
Now
Apply For Passports In Hindi: MEA
The
Ministry of External Affairs has made a provision enabling people to apply
online for passports in Hindi. The move comes after President recently
accepted recommendations made in this regard by the Committee of Parliament on
Official Language. The panel had suggested that bilingual forms should be made
available by all passport offices and forms filled in Hindi should also be
accepted.
US
begins drills with Japan military
American
aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson has started joint drills with two Japanese
destroyers in the western Pacific Ocean. The Ashigara and Samidare destroyers
will take part in “tactical training” drills with the US carrier near the
Philippines. The location of the USS Carl Vinson has dominated headlines after
Trump’s remark on April 12.
Fast
insolvency resolution for startups
The
government plans to put in place a fast-track resolution process for startups
and small companies under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Board of India (IBBI) has come out with draft norms to provide a faster
exit mechanism for certain class of entities. The proposal will
cover startups, small companies and companies or Limited Liability
Partnerships (LLPs).
Sulkhan
Singh appointed as new DGP of UP
Uttar
Pradesh Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed has been transferred. 1980-batch
IPS officer Sulkan Singh will replace Ahmed. 12 other IPS officers have also
been re-shuffled. In a major reshuffle of the Uttar Pradesh government has
transferred several senior bureaucrats in the state.
PM
Modi to visit Israel
A
raft of mega defence deals, including procurement of an air defence system for
the Indian Navy are likely to be sealed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
upcoming visit to Israel. The much-awaited deal is for Barak-8 air defence
missile systems for the navy. Procurement of Spike anti-tank missiles for the
Indian Army are expected to be firmed up during Modi’s visit to Tel Aviv.
Govt
aims 40% sown area under insurance
The
government is aiming to bring 40 per cent of gross sown area of 194.4 million
hectare under crop insurance schemes in 2017-18 season. In 2016-17 crop year,
about 26.28 per cent or 51.1 million hectare of gross area under crops was
insured. At present, crops are being insured under Restructured Pradhan Manthri
Fasal Bima Yojana and Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme.
World
Book & Copyright Day today
World
Book and Copyright Day (WBCD) is being observed today. The day seeks to raise
awareness about importance of reading and promote publishing and the protection
of copyright around the globe. It is a yearly event organized by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Presidential
election underway in France
In
France, voting for presidential election has begun amid high security
following a deadly attack on Paris police three days ago. Eleven candidates are
vying to be the country’s next president, with leading candidates spanning the
political spectrum from far-left to far-right. Candidates who are currently
seen as being within reach of the presidency are François Fillon
and Marine Le Pen.
SOURCE; testbook.com -- thanks
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