Latest Current Affairs For Bank and SSC Exams

PM Narendra Modi unveils Asia’s largest optical telescope ARIES at Nainital

Asia’s largest and first of its kind optical telescope Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) was unveiled at Devasthal in Nainital District, Uttrakahnd. It was remotely activated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel from Belgium. Key facts Aries telescope was joint collaborative technological effort between Indian and Belgian scientists.

India’s first indigenously developed sonar dome flagged off

India’s first indigenous composites sonar dome, a ship’s underwater eyes and ears, was flagged off by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The sonar dome was dedicated to the nation dedicated to the nation and will be delivered to Mazgaon Docks, Mumbai for use in the warships of Indian Navy.

Htin Kyaw sworn in as first elected President of Myanmar

Htin Kyaw (69) sworn in as the first elected civilian (non-military) President of Myanmar after 53 years of military rule. Myanmar’s Army was in power since 1962 coup. He belongs to National League for Democracy (NLD) Party and succeeds Thein Sein, who had stepped down after end of five years of army-backed rule. Apart from him, Military backed Myint Swe and NLD member Henry Van Thio were sworn in as first vice-president and second vice-president of the country along 18 Cabinet ministers.

Russia approves OVL’s deal to acquire 15% stake in Vankor oilfield

The Russian Government has approved a deal of ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) to acquire 15% stake in Vankor oilfield from Rosneft. The deal was signed between the OVL and Rosneft in September 2015 and is worth 1.3 billion US dollars. Vankor is Russia’s second biggest oil field with capacity of total 2.5 billion recoverable reserves barrels (or 500 million tonnes). As per the deal OVL’s stake in Vankor will raise to 26% from 15% and will give it about 3.5 million metric tonnes of oil a year Consequently, Rosneft will retain the remaining 50.1 per cent and also retain full control of infrastructure of the Vankor cluster.

China launches 22nd BeiDou navigation satellite

China has successfully launched 22nd new generation satellite into space as part of its domestic BeiDou Navigation System (BDS). It was launched using Long March-3A carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in the south-western province of Sichuan. It was the 225th launch of the Long March carrier rocket. About BeiDou Navigation System (BNS) BNS is 2nd generation of the Chinese navigational system seen as rival to the US’s Global Positioning System (GPS). BeiDou is Mandarin means magnetic Compass which was one of the Chinese major invention in the history which had revolutionized the sea voyages.

Faustin Archange Touadera sworn in as new President of Central African Republic

Faustin Archange Touadera (58) took the oath of office as the new President of Central African Republic (CAR). With this he becomes first elected leader of CAR since Muslim rebels had overthrown the government in early 2013. His presidency puts an end to a two-year transitional government that came into force in early 2014. Touadera is well respected former mathemathics Professor. He had served as Prime Minister as former Prime Minister of ex-president Francois Bozize from January 2008 to January 2013.

Ebola outbreak in West Africa no longer poses global risk: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Ebola outbreak in West Africa is no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations has officially declared an end to a nearly 20-month Ebola outbreak emergency that has killed about 11,300 people. The declaration was made by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan after accepting the recommendations of a committee of independent experts. The committee also has called for the lifting of any travel and trade restrictions affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Current Affairs for SSC & Bank Exams

Synonyms

1.     Hegemony

(a)   Domination

(b)  Externation

(c)   Protection

(d)  Patrimony

2.     Terrestrial

(a)   Celestial                (b) Moral

(c) Practical                (d) Earthly

3.     Vociferous

(a)   Violent                  (b) Loud

(c) Secret                    (d) True

4.     Fictional

(a)   Genuine                (b) Authentic

(c)Fanciful                  (d) Real

5.     Trivial

(A) Crucial                  (b) Significant

(c) Vital                (d) Ordinary

6.     Impudent

(A) Vigilant                 (b) Astute

(c) Insolent                 (d) Arrogant

7.     Pompous

(a)   Pretentious                        (b) Supportive

(c) Demanding            (d) Flashy

8.     Prerogative

(a)   Privilege                     (b) Protective

(c) Formative                    (d) Prevention

9.     Aggravate

(a)   Angry                          (b) Intensify

(c) Increase                       (d) Big

10.  Sycophants

(b)  Servants sadists          (b) sadists

(c) Advisors                      (d) Flatterers

Ans. 1 (c) 2. (c)  3. (a)  4. (d)  5. (b)  6. (a)  7. (c)  8. (a)  9. (d) 10. (b)

Latest Current Affairs for SSC and Bank Exams

March 22: World Water Day

Every year World Water Day (WWD) is observed globally on 22 March to preserve and ration consumption of water. Significance of the Day: WWD is observed to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water related issues. It marks a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future. 2016 Theme: “Better Water, Better Jobs”. It focuses on the central role that water plays in creating and supporting good quality jobs.

HS Prannoy wins 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title

Ace Indian shuttler HS Prannoy (World no 13) has won the prestigious 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament in the men’s single category. In the final match played at Basel, Switzerland, he defeated Marc Zwiebler (World no 7) of Germany 21-18, 21-15 score. It was his second Grand Prix Gold title after the Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold won in 2014.

21 March: International Day of Forests

Every year 21st March is being observed as International Day of Forests to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests. The observance of the day is also used to communicate the vital role forests play in to sustain and protect us i.e. in environmental sustainability, food security and poverty eradication. Theme for 2016: “Forests and water”. The theme highlights importance of forests as key factor to the planet’s supply of freshwater, which is essential for life. It also marks the joint celebration of the International Day of Forests and World Water Day (22nd March).

Yogeshwar Dutt wins Gold medal in Asian Olympic Qualification tournament

Star Indian grappler Yogeshwar Dutt has won a Gold medal in the Asian Olympic Qualification tournament in the 65 kg freestyle category. In the final match held at Astana in Kazakhstan, he defeated Katai Yeerlanbieke from China in the 65 kg freestyle category. With this victory he secured an Olympic quota place for India. He is second Indian wrestler after Narsingh Yadav to secure berth in the 74 kg freestyle category for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. In the 2012 London Olympics, Yogeshwar had won bronze in men’s 60kg freestyle category. But later he had moved up to 65kg category after the international governing body FILA had re-jigged the weight classes at the end of 2013.

March 20: World Sparrow Day

The world sparrow day is being observed every year on March 20 to raise awareness of the house sparrow and other common birds to urban environments and threats to their populations. The day was celebrated globally by carrying out different activities and events like awareness campaigns, art competitions and the sparrow processions. The rationale for celebrating the Day is to use it as a platform to underscore the need to conserve sparrows as well as the urban biodiversity. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on the occasion of this day inaugurated a sparrow conservation programme at school levels. The sparrow, especially the common house sparrow is one of the oldest companions of human beings. But its population is declining for various reasons such as destruction of its habitat, lack of insect food for the young and the increasing microwave pollution from mobile phone towers.

PM Narendra Modi launches Kisan Suvidha mobile app

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Kisan Suvidha mobile application for farmers to provide agricultural relevant basic information quickly. Kisan Suvidha is an omnibus mobile app that will provide basic information on subjects such as market prices, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, weather and agriculture machinery. Key Features The app has a simple interface and the information will be available in Hindi and English. It will provide information on five critical parameters weather, market price, input dealers, plant protection and expert advisories.

Latest Current Affairs for SSC/BANK Exams

10th Asian Film Awards announced; The Assassin won maximum awards

The 10th Asian film awards were presented on 17 March 2016 in Macau, China. 'The Assassin', a movie about a highly trained female assassin bagged prizes for, best actress and best director.

The movie took home more than half of the prizes, eight out of 15 trophies, at one of Asia's leading film awards.

Hong Kong Action Choreographer-director Yuen Wo-ping and Japanese Actress Kiki Kirin received the Lifetime Achievement Award on the occasion.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan launched FCI’s Depot Online System

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on 17 March 2016 launched the Online Depot System in New Delhi to automate all the operations of Food Corporation of India (FCI) depots.

The key objective of the Depot Online System is to align with Digital India vision for transformation of food distribution supply chain in India.

The system, which efficiently captures data online on a real time basis, will bring total transparency in the working of FCI. Besides, it will also help in better monitoring and supervision to reduce leakages and losses.

Punjab Government notifies swine flu under Epidemic Disease Act

Punjab Government has notified swine flu (H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease Act to prevent the spread of disease in the state. In the regard, Health and Family Welfare Department of state has issued notification based on recommendations of state advisory committee headed by Dr. D Behera.

India inks $35 million loan agreement with WB for MP project

India has signed loan agreement of 35 million dollars with the World Bank for Madhya Pradesh citizen access to responsive services project. The loan has been sanctioned by the World Bank’s concessionary lending arm International Development Association (IDA). Key facts The project size is 50 million dollars, of which 35 million dollar will be financed by the World Bank and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget. The objective of the project is to improve access and quality of public services in the state through implementation of the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act, 2010.

Union Government launches FCI’s Depot Online System

Union Government has launched Depot Online System of state run Food Corporation of India (FCI) to bring transparency and minimise storage losses of foodgrains. It was launched by Union Food and public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi as part of Digital India initiative of Union Government. Key facts Depot Online System will help real time monitoring of FCI operations and enhance transparency and efficiency. The project is being implemented in the FCI owned 553 depots and subsequently FCI hired godowns will be also brought under the ambit of the project later.

Current Affairs for SSC & Bank Exams

India became second biggest investor in London

London & Partners, the official promotional company for London, on 15 March 2016 announced that India has emerged as the second biggest investor in London after the US.

The company revealed that there has been a 117 per cent increase in Indian companies across all business sectors investing in London since 2005. Also, there has been a 133 per cent increase in tech companies investing in the city, which accounts for 46 per cent of all projects.

Software testing service Cigniti Technologies and customer support company Kayako and many others invested majorly in technology sector.

The figures were released at the inaugural India Emerging 20 (IE20) event that brought together leading entrepreneurs from India and Britain.

British mathematician SirAndrew Wiles won 2016 Abel Prize

British mathematician Sir Andrew Wiles on 15 March 2016 was named as the winner of the 2016 Abel Prize by the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters in Oslo.

Wiles won the award for solving a centuries-old hypothesis, Fermat's Last Theorem.

Crown Prince Haakon will present the award to Wiles in May 2016 for an achievement that the academy described as an epochal moment for mathematics.

Rajya Sabha passed SikhGurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Rajya Sabha on 16 March 2016 passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to exclude Sehajdharis from voting in Sikh body polls. The Bill envisages amending certain provisions of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 retrospectively with effect from October 2003.

India ranks 118th on UN’s World Happiness Index 2016

India ranked 118th out of 157 countries on the United Nations’ World Happiness Index (WHI) 2016. It was revealed by the fourth World Happiness Report 2016 published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the UN. Key Highlights of Report Top 10 countries: Denmark (1st), Switzerland (2nd), Iceland (3rd), Norway (4th) and Finland (5th), Canada (6th), Netherlands (7th), New Zealand (8th), Australia (9th) and Sweden (10th).

Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passes away

Eminent Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passed away following prolonged illness in Kolkatta, West Bengal. He was 77. He was one of the best-known players of the instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan. He hailed from a family of renowned Shehnai exponents from Benaras.

US President Barack Obama nominates Merrick Garland for US Supreme Court

President Barack Obama has nominated veteran appeals court judge Merrick Garland (63) to be the next US Supreme Court Justice. His nomination comes to vacancy in the US Supreme Court which was created after the death of SC Justice Antonin Scalia. The Supreme Court vacancy follows the death of Antonin Scalia last month. This appointment now has to be ratified by the Senate. Judge Garland is viewed as a centrist and moderate. He is highly regarded by the legal fraternity and lawmakers. India-born Srikanth Srinivasan was also one of the contenders for the nomination. Currently he is serving as US Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

AAHAR 2016 kicked off at New Delhi

The largest fair on Food and Hospitality Sector in India, AAHAR 2016 has kicked off at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It is the 31st edition in this series of the fair and was inaugurated by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Key facts AAHAR is largest show of its kind in South Asia. It is organized by India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) under aegis of Ministry of Commerce and 

Latest Current Affairs for SSC & BANK EXAMS

Union Government imposes anti-dumping duty on Plastic-Processing imports

Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty of up to 44.7 per cent on import of plastic-processing machines from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam for five years. The anti-dumping duty will be levied on imports of all kinds of plastic-processing or injection-moulding machines, also known as injection presses. The move is aimed at protecting the domestic industry from cheap in-bound shipments from these 4 countries. Background The Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) during its investigation had found that the cheap in-bound shipments of ‘Plastic Processing Machines or Injection Moulding Machines’ from these countries at dumped prices are hampering performance of the domestic industries.

Rajya Sabha passes Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Rajya Sabha has passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 without any discussion. The Bill proposes to amend the some provisions of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 retrospectively with effect from October, 2003. Key facts The amendment bill removes exception given to Sahjdhari Sikhs in 1944 to vote in the elections to members of the Board and the Committees constituted under the parent Act. The proposed amendment was carried out by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) Notification dating October 2003 that had debarred Sahjdhari Sikhs voting rights.

Lok Sabha passes The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Lok Sabha has passed Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to include certain communities in the list of Scheduled Castes (SC) from 4 states. The bill seeks to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 to include certain communities from Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala and West Bengal in the list. It also has provisions for exclusion of certain communities from Odisha and removal of area restriction in respect of certain communities.

Union Government imposes anti-dumping duty on Plastic-Processing imports

Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty of up to 44.7 per cent on import of plastic-processing machines from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam for five years. The anti-dumping duty will be levied on imports of all kinds of plastic-processing or injection-moulding machines, also known as injection presses. The move is aimed at protecting the domestic industry from cheap in-bound shipments from these 4 countries. Background The Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) during its investigation had found that the cheap in-bound shipments of ‘Plastic Processing Machines or Injection Moulding Machines’ from these countries at dumped prices are hampering performance of the domestic industries.

15 March: World Consumer Rights Day

Every year World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is being observed on 15 March for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. Significance of Day: It provides (i) an opportunity to promote the basic rights of all consumers (ii) demand those rights that must be respected and protected and (ii) for those  protesting against the market abuses and social injustices. 2016 Theme: “Antibiotics off the menu”. The theme is a campaign to stop the sale of meat raised with the use of antibiotics important to human medicine.

Union Government fixes Maximum Sale Price of Bt Cotton Seed

The Union Government has notified maximum sale price (MSP) of Bt cotton seed for the year 2016-17. It was announced by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh. In this regard, Union Government has issued notification as per the Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015 under the Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Renowned British author AnitaBrookner passes away

Renowned British author and art historian Anita Brookner passed away. She was 87. Brookner had won the Booker in 1984 for her novel Hotel du Lac and was a bestselling author who had written around 25 books. About Anita Brookner Born on 16 July 1928 in London, United Kingdom. She was the first woman to hold the prestigious Slade Professorship of fine art at Cambridge University. She also taught at the Courtauld Institute of Art.

Palestinian Hanan Al Hroub wins 2016 Global Teacher Prize

Palestinian teacher Hanan Al Hroub from a refugee camp has been awarded prestigious one million dollar 2016 Global Teacher Prize. She was presented with the award at a ceremony held in Dubai for her outstanding contribution to the profession. She beat nine other finalists to bag the award including India’s Robin Chaurasiya, who runs a not-for-profit school in Mumbai for girls from the city’s red light district of Kamatipura

Kakrapar nuclear plant shut down after coolant system develops leak

Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat was shut down for indefinitely period after leakage of heavy water. The reactor was shut down as per design provisions after a small leak in the Primary Heat Transport (PHT) System of the plant was detected. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), operator of KAPS has confirmed that there was no harmful, radioactive leakage and the backup safety mechanisms for emergency situation are working as intended.

Nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-I ballistic missile test fired

Indigenously developed nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-I was successfully test-fired off the Odisha coast. Test: It was conducted as part of training exercise by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of Indian Army. The missile was fired from mobile launcher at launchpad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island) off the Odisha coast.

STUDY MATERIAL FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS

Directions: In these questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

1.  A person who devotes his/her life for the welfare of others

(a)  Altruist                       (b) Hermit

(c) Volunteer                    (d) Martyr

2. A person who shows off his learning

(a) Pedant                         (b) Educationist

(c) Exhibitor                     (d) Researcher

3. Written law of a legislative body

(a) Statute                         (b) Stature

(c)  Static                          (d) Statue

4.  To segregate persons with an infectious disease

(a) Quarantine                  (b) Isolate

(c) Demarcate                   (d) Separate

5. One who loves his fellow men

(a) Misanthropist              (b) Philanthropist

(c) Geologist                     (d) Anthropologist

    6.  That which cannot be conquered

(a) Invulnerable              (b) Invincible

(c) Impregnable              (d) Impenetrable

7. Fond of company

(a) Social                         (b) Socialist

(c) Sociable                     (d) Socialite

8.  The absence of Government in a country

(a) Anarchy                     (b) Dictatorship

(c) Democracy                (d) Theocracy

9.  A round or cylindrical container used for storing things such as food chemicals or rolls of film.

(a) Tankard                     (b) Canister

(b) Vessel                                    (d) Casket

10. A Place of Permanent residence

(a) Abode                                    (b) Dormitory

(c) Domicile                    (d) Apartment

        11.  That cannot be altered or withdrawn

            (a) Irrevocable                        (b) Irretrievable

            (c) Irresistible             (d) Arrears

       12.  Money paid to employees on retirement

            (a) Gratuity                 (b) gift

            (c) pension                  (d) Arrears

     

      13. A place where clothes are kept

            (a) closet                     (b) Drawer

            (c) Wardrobe              (d) cupboard

      14. One who hates women

            (a) Altruist                  (b) Celibate

            (c) Misogynist                        (d) Polyandrist

      15. A feeling of fondness, mixed with some sadness , something in the past

(a)   Oblivon                 (b) Noxiousness

(c) Nostalgia               (d) Nausea

      16. One who looks at the bright side of things in life

            (a) Optimist                (b) Pessimist

            (c) Misanthrope          (d) Altruist

      17. Dying without making a will

            (a) Premature              (b) Intestate

            (c)  Posthumous          (d) Bequeath

     

      18. Having infinite power

            (a) Impotent                (b) Omnipresent

            (c) Omnipotent           (d) Omniscient

      19. One who loves books

            (a) Bibliophile                        (b) Bibliographer

            (c) Bibliophoebe         (d) Bibligrapher

      20. Speaking without preparation

            (a) Delhiberate           (b) Fluent

            (c) Loquacious            (d)  Extempore

Ans.     1. (a) 2 (a)  3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c)

            11. (a) 12 (a)   13, (c) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (d)

Study Material for SSC and Bank Exams

                                                              IDIOMS AND PHRASES

Directions: In these questions, four alternatives are given for  the Idiom/Phrase  bold in the sentence. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

1.To turn a deaf year
(a)To show one’s deaf ear to a doctor
(b)To disregard totally
(c)To turn one’s ear towards somebody
(d)unable to listen

2.Fool’s paradise
(a)Heaven
(b)An entirely false understanding
(c)An urban slum
(d)Hell

3.Laughing stock
(a) A collection of jokes
(b)One who has made money in stock market
(c)One who laughs at other
(d)An object of ridicule

4.Half-hearted
(a)Uneconomical 
(b)Unhelpful
(c)Unenthusiastic
(d)Reckless

5.Add fuel to the flame
(a)Excite
(b)Exhort
(c)Incite
(d)Exert

6.To be all at sea
(a)A  family voyage
(b) Lost and confused
(c)A string of islands
(d)In the middle of the ocean

77.To take to one’s heels
(a) To walk slowly
(b)To run away
(c)To march forward
(d)To hop and jump

8.To bite the dust
(a)Eat voraciously
(b)Have nothing to eat
(c)Eat roots
(d)None of the above
9.A bolt from the blue
(a)A delayed event
(b)An inexplicable event
(c)An unpleasant event

10.Cold comfort
(a)Absurdity
(b)Deception
(c)Slight satisfaction
(d)Foolish proposal

11.To strain every nerve
(a)To make utmost efforts
(b)To feel weak and tired
(c)To be a diligent worker
(d)To be methodical in work


Answers;

1.(b)  2.( b)  3.(d)   4.(c)  5.(c)   6.(b)   7(b)   8(d) 

9.(c)  10(c) 11.(a)

Latest Current Affairs for SSC/BANK Examination.

Lok Sabha passes Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016

Lok Sabha has passed the Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016 by voice vote. It was introduced as Money Bill. The Bill is aimed at giving statutory backing for transferring government subsidies and benefits to targeted people by assigning them Aadhaar numbers i.e. unique identity numbers. With this, government plans to plug leakages in disbursal of subsidies and other services and in ensuring that these reach intended beneficiaries.

Plastic degrading bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6isolated

Japanese researchers have successfully isolated a bacterium species Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 capable of breaking down plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyester. Their results were published in the journal Science. Key facts Ideonella sakaiensis relies on PET film as a primary source of carbon for growth. It is capable of completely degrading a thin film of PET in a short span of six weeks at 30°C. The bacterium species uses two enzymes in sequence to break down the highly biodegradable-resistant polymer PET.

Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Abul Gheit named as Secretary General of Arab League

Veteran Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Abul Gheit (73) has been selected as Secretary General of the Arab League. The 22-member league voted unanimously in favour of Aboul Gheit who was only contender for the post at its ministerial meeting held in Cairo, Egypt. He will succeed Nabil El-Araby, Egyptian diplomat whose term ends in July 2016 after he had rejected second five-year term. Abul Gheit is a former ambassador of Egypt to the United Nations. He had served as Egypt’s foreign minister from 2004 to 2011 during the final seven years of Hosni Mubarak’s rule.

Project Mausam aims to explore Multi-Faceted Indian Ocean World

Project Mausam aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean world for collating archaeological and historical research and not to counter China’s Silk Route strategy. It was announced by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan appointed as Chairman of 21st Law Commission of India

The Union Government has appointed former Supreme Court (SC) judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan (66) as Chairman of the 21st Law Commission of India (LCI). Currently he is Chairman of the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal. He was judge of the SC from May 2009 to July 2014. He also had served as Chief Justice of Orissa high court from July 2008 to May 2009. Apart from him, Union Government has appointed former judge of the Gujarat high court Justice Ravi R Tripathi as member of 21st LCI.

Rajya Sabha passes Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015 to protect the interests of consumers and curb the malpractices in the real estate sector. The bill seeks to create a uniform regulatory mechanism across the country and enhance the growth of construction sector. It also ensures to bring transparency and accountability in the real estate sector to access capital and financial markets essential for its long term growth.

Latest Current affairs for SSC & Bank Exam

Karnataka launches Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana for free treatment to accident victims

Karnataka government has launched Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana to provide free medical treatment to road accident victims for the first 48 hours (2 days) in the nearest government or private hospital. The scheme has been named after Harish Nanjappa who had donated his eyes moments before his death. He had died as no help was provided to him after he was  severely injured in mishap in February 2016 .

Union Government announces to withdraw tax proposal on EPF

The Union Finance Ministry has announced to withdraw its proposal to tax Employee Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals. It was announced by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Lok Sabha clarifying NDA government’s stand on the issue. However, government has not changed its plan to tax National Pension Scheme (NPS) withdrawals.

India, Saudi Arabia hold talks on regional and global issues

India and Saudi Arabia have expressed keenness to elevate ties between the two countries to strategic level by boosting cooperation in key areas of trade, security and counter terrorism. It was decided after Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held extensive talks with her Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir in New Delhi who was on a two day-official visit to India.

Iran conducts several ballistic missiles tests

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully test-fired several ballistic missiles from silos across the country. These tests were conducted by IRGC to demonstrate the country’s deterrent power and its ability to confront any threat against the state and the sovereignty of the country. With this Iran has breached United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that compel it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.

India to host BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave

India is going to host BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in Mumbai (Maharashtra), financial capital of India from April 14 to 16, 2016. It will be attended by the top Urban Policy makers and Planners from BRICS Nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

8 March: International Women’s Day

Every year International Women’s Day is being observed on 8th March across the globe to highlight the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. 2016 theme declared by United Nations: “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. It reflects acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. The theme also equally focuses on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights. Governments, NGOs and other organisations across the globe observe this day by organising numerous events to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women

Indian Railways forms SPV to execute Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project

Indian Railways has formed a new Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to implement the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Bullet Train project. The entity has been named the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) Limited. Key facts The high speed bullet rain project aims to introduce trains running at operating speeds over 320 kilometers per hour and maximum speed of 350kmph. The bullet train project is expected to cover the 5O8 kilometers between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat).