Latest Current Affairs of April 2016

Parliament passes Industries (Development and Regulation)Amendment Bill, 2015
The Parliament has passed the Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015. The Bill amends the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951. It was first was passed in Lok Sabha in December 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in April 2016. Now it will go for Presidential assent as per Article 111 of the Indian Constitution.

EC launches mobile app e-voter for Kerala assembly polls
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched an innovative mobile application titled e-voter with comprehensive details about the forthcoming 2016 Assembly polls in Kerala. The app is envisaged for voters’ facilitation for search in electoral roll, information regarding candidates, location of polling station, affidavit filed by them, filing of complaint and so on.

Indian Naval Ships Veer and Nipat decommissioned
Indian Naval Ships (INS) Veer and Nipat were decommissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The decommissioning ceremony of these ships was held in the presence of Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command.

PM Narendra Modi to address US Congress on June 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to address a joint meeting of the United States (US) Congress on June 8, 2016 during his visit to the US. He was invited by President Barack Obama for a bilateral visit during the fourth nuclear summit. It was announced by the Speaker of the US House of Representative Paul Ryan. PM Narendra Modi will be the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address a joint meeting of Congress, and the first since 2005.

Russia launches first rocket from new Vostochny Cosmodrome
Russia has successfully launched the first rocket from its newly built Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amur Oblast, in Russian Far East region bordering China. The unmanned Soyuz-2.1a rocket is carrying three satellites as payloads namely Mikhailo Lomonosov (scientific satellite), SamSat-218 (an experimental nanosatellite) and Aist-2D (a civilian distance viewing satellite).

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Renowned Kerala cartoonist V T Thomas passes away
Renowned Kerala cartoonist V T Thomas passed away following a brief illness at in Kottayam, Kerala. He was 86. He was popularly known as Toms and had created the legendary cartoon characters Boban and Molly (Bobanum Moliyum).

Deepika Kumari equals world record in recurve event at Archery World Cup
India’s Deepika Kumari has equalled the world record in Women’s Recurve event at the qualifying stage of Archery World Cup held in Shanghai, China. Deepika recorded a score of 686 out of 720 to finish 1st in qualifiers and equal the world. With this she equalled the record set by South Korea’s Ki Boe Bae at the World University Games in Gwangju in 2015. Deepika has already qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled to be held in August 2016 with her performance at the Copenhagen World Championships in 2015. In the previous editions of the World Cup, Deepika had won silver medals consecutively in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in the women’s individual events.

Union Cabinet gives nod to BPCL’s investment enhancement in Oman Refineries
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to enhance investment by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL). With this, the investment amount of BPCL could be enhanced upto a maximum of 3000 crore rupees by way of subscription of convertible warrants or other instruments. The infusion of funds by the BPCLs will Enable expansion of Bina Refinery in Madhya Pradesh and overcome the implications on account of the erosion of the net worth. Enhance the availability of petroleum products in the Northern and Central parts of the country. It will also enhance industrial development of Madhya Pradesh and substantial increase in employment and tax earnings in the State.

Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU between IRDAI and Insurance Authority of UAE
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Insurance Authority of United Arab Emirates. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister  Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The MoU was signed in February, 2016.

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Papua New Guinea in health area and medical science
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Papua New Guinea on cooperation in the field of Healthcare and Medical Science. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The bilateral MoU will encourage cooperation between the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India and Ministry of Health and HIV/AIDS of the Papua New Guinea. Under it, joint initiatives in the health sector will be established which will strengthen bilateral ties between India and Papua New Guinea.

Union Government allows states to put stock holding limits on sugar
The Union Government has decided to allow States to impose and enforce stock limits on sugar in order to check the the price rise of sweetener in the market. The decision to bring sugar under the purview of stock holding limits on dealers of sugar was taken in Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. It will empower State and Central Government agencies to impose stock limits and regulate supply, storage, distribution and trade of sugar in order to bring down sugar prices at reasonable level by curbing unscrupulous trading. Government has brought sugar within the purview of stock limits in order to check the inflationary tendencies in sugar and to reduce hoarding by wholesalers and retailers. In recent times, Union Government had noticed that the wholesale and retail prices of sugar have shown a spurt in spite of sufficient availability of sugar stocks with the Sugar Mills.

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Shyam Benegal Committee Recommendations on the functioning of Censor Board
The Shyam Benegal headed committee constituted by the Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has submitted its report to Union I&B minister Arun Jaitley. The committee was tasked to look holistically into the functioning of the censor board and revamp the film certification nuances by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Union Railway Ministry to set up Rs 1 lakh crore RashtriyaRail Sanraksha Kosh
The Union Railway Ministry has decided to create a 1 lakh crore rupees safety fund named Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh to strengthen safety measures on the rail network to prevent accidents. It was announced by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate on Demands for Grants for Railways for 2016-17. In this regard Union Railway Ministry has forwarded a proposal to the Union Finance Ministry for approval.

Heart of Asia conference begins in New Delhi
The Heart of Asia (HoA) conference began in New Delhi with the objective of bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan. The conference was attended by officials of a number of countries and is likely to deliberate on a host of issues like combating challenge of extremism and terrorism.

IIT scholar K Ashok Kumar wins International Plant NutritionScholar Award
K Ashok Kumar, a research food engineer scholar from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has won the prestigious 2016 International Plant Nutrition Scholar Award (IPNSA). He was bestowed with this award for his research on nutrition management of rice-chickpea production system in laterite soil. He belongs to the food engineering department of the IIT Kharagpur and currently is pursuing his PhD on nutrition management of rice-chickpea production system in laterite His research will help the application of organic fertiliser in right amount and timing to the rice crop which will in turn help to increase the yield by 10 per cent as compared to use of conventional synthetic fertilisers. His research also highlights the organic fertilser application to improve the nutritional and cooking quality of rice grain and chemical and biological properties of the acid lateritic soil.

Riyad Mahrez becomes first African footballer to win PFA Player of the Year
Riyad Mahrez (Algerian origin) became the first African footballer to win the Professional Footballers Association’s (PFA) Player of the Year award. He was presented the award for the 2015–16 season at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards ceremony organised in London. With this, Mahrez also became the second non-European, after Luis Suarez (Uruguayan striker) to win this prestigious award in the sport of Football. Besides Dele Alli FC midfielder Tottenham Hotspur was named as the Young Player of the Year for the 2015–16 season.

26 April: World Intellectual Property Day
Every year World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) is being observed on 26 April to highlight importance of intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) in encouraging innovation and creativity. 2016 Theme: “Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined“. The theme seeks to explore the future of culture in the digital age in order to answer questions how we create it, how we access it, how we finance it related to it. It also highlights the importance of a balanced and flexible intellectual property system in order to ensure that those working in the creative sector and artists are properly paid for their work, so that they can keep creating.

Union Government constitutes Ashok Dalwai committee for doubling farmers’ income by 2022
The Union Government has recently constituted 8-member inter-ministerial committee to prepare a blueprint for doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The committee will be headed by Ashok Dalwai, Additional secretary at the Union Agriculture Ministry and is expected to submit the report in two months. Its members will include officials from Agriculture and Food Ministries, experts from the Delhi-based National Council of Applied Economic Research and National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research.

Mahindra becomes first Indian company to sign EP100 energy productivity campaign
Indian automobile giant Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has become the first Indian company to sign up for “EP100”, a global energy productivity campaign. By joining this campaign, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has committed to double their energy productivity by 2030, which is a core requirement for any business signing on to the campaign. With this Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd will work with the world’s most influential businesses in setting commitments to double their energy productivity and maximize the economic output from each unit of energy used.

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Parliament passes Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Parliament has passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 to remove given to Sahjdhari Sikhs to vote in the elections to members of the Board and the Committees. The amendment bill first was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2016 and later in the Lok Sabha in April 2016. 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. It will disentitle Sahjdhari Sikhs, who trim or shave their beard or hair, from casting their votes in elections to the Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC).`

Lok Sabha passes Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016

The Lok Sabha passed the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016 to provide statutory status to the existing Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad, Haryana. The Bill seeks to provide legislative backing to the Regional Centre and also confers upon it the status of an institution of national importance.

Mairaj Ahmed Khan wins silver medal at ISSF World Cup of shooting

India’s Mairaj Ahmed Khan has won the silver medal in the men’s skeet event at ISSF World Cup held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the final, Mairaj lost gold medal to Sweden’s Marcus Svensson and the bronze medal was won by Tamarro Casandro of Italy. With this victory, he becomes first Indian shooter to win skeet medal for India at a World Cup. Earlier in September 2016 he had qualified for his maiden Olympics after finishing in sixth place at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup. He is the first Indian to qualify in the skeet event at the Olympics. In the 2010, Commonwealth Shooting Championship he had won a team gold medal which was his best international performance earlier.

25 April: World Malaria Day

l malaria burden over the next 15 years and is aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Goals of the strategy are: (i) Reduce rate of new malaria cases by at least 90% (ii) Reduce malaria death rates by at least 90% (iii) Eliminate malaria in at least 35 countries (iv) Prevent a resurgence of malaria in all countries that are malaria-free.

Rafael Nadal wins 2016 Barcelona Open

Ace tennis player Rafael Nadal (World No 5) from Spain has won the 2016 Barcelona Open title of Tennis. It was Nadal’s overall 9th Barcelona Open title and 69th win from 101 finals on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour. He also has now won his first 10 matches of the European clay-court 2016 season. In the final match played at in Barcelona, Spain he defeated Kei Nishikori (World No 6) of Japan in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. With this victory, Nadal has equalled Guillermo Vilas’ decade’s old record of 49 clay-court titles. Guillermo Vilas from Argentina had bagged 49 clay-court titles in 1970s and early 1980s. In tennis Nadal is famously known as the King of Clay. So far, Rafael Nadal has won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, 28 titles in ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events and 16 ATP World Tour 500 tournaments. He also had won 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles.

24 April: National Panchayati Raj Diwas

Every year April 24 is being observed as National Panchayati Raj (PR) Diwas across India. Significance of the day: It marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. Significance of Amendment Act: It had led a defining moment in the history of India which helped in decentralization of political power to the grassroots level. In turn it had led to institutionalization of Panchayati Raj (PR) through the village, Intermediate and District level Panchayats. Every year on this day Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj organises National Conference to commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Diwas. Best performing Gram Panchayats are conferred with Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purskar by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

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President nominates 6 eminent members to Rajya Sabha

President Pranab Mukherjee has nominated of six eminent members to Rajya Sabha as per the provisions of Article 80 of the Constitution. These nominated members are Mary Kom: Legendary boxer and Olympic bronze medallist. She belongs to the Sino-Tibetan speaking Kom tribe of Manipur. She is five-time World Amateur Boxing champion, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. In 2014, she became the first Indian woman boxer to get a gold medal in the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

175 nations sign historic Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day

175 nations including India have signed the historic Paris Climate Agreement at United Nations Headquarters in New York along marking a significant step to combat global warming. On behalf of India, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar signed the agreement at a high-level ceremony hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of Earth Day (22 April). The ceremony was attended by heads of governments, foreign ministers, corporate leaders and artists from across the world. The agreement will come into force 30 days after at least 55 Parties to the UNFCCC, accounting for at least 55 per cent of global emissions ratify the agreement.

Bhupendra Kainthola appointed FTII Director

Indian Information Service (IIS) officer Bhupendra Kainthola has been appointed as Director of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Kainthola will replace Prashant Pathrabe and shall have tenure of three years. He is a 1989 batch IIS officer. Prior to this appointment he was serving as Director (News Room) with DD News since January 2015. He was responsible for ‘management of news operations and output’. Previously, he has worked with PIB, Directorate of Audio Visual Publicity (DAVP), Directorate of Film Festival (as Director, National Film Awards and Indian Panorama) and also with the Lok Sabha Television. Kainthola holds a Masters in International Relations from the University of Mumbai’.

India ratified Trade Facilitation Agreement of WTO

India on 22 April 2016 ratified the new Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of World trade Organisation (WTO). WTO ambassador of India, Anjali Prasad, handed over the country’s instrument of acceptance to WTO’s Director-General Roberto Azevêdo.

The ratification of the TFA will help India further boost economic growth by reducing trade costs and supporting its integration into the global economy.

Hollywood movie director Guy Hamilton died

Veteran Movie director Guy Hamilton, who directed four hugely popular James Bond films, passed away on 20 April 2016 in a hospital on the Spanish island of Mallorca. He was 93.

He was popularly known for raising the profile of the Bond movie brand through his work with actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore.

Time Magazine released list of 100 most influential people in the world

Time Magazine on 21 April 2016 released a list of 100 Most Influential People in the World.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, tennis player Sania Mirza, actress Priyanka Chopra, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and founders of Flipkart, Binny Bansal andSachin Bansal have been named by Time magazine in its list.

The TIME 100 is not a ranking, but a combination of public figures from various different fields. The list includes the public figures who have had some kind of significant impact on the world.

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International MotherEarth Day observed across the world

The International Mother Earth Day was on 22 April 2016 observed across the world with the theme ‘Trees for the Earth’. This year's theme sets the goal of planting 7.8 billion trees over the next five years.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 10th Civil Services Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 April 2016 inaugurated the 10th Civil Services Day in New Delhi.

During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi called for experiments to bring change in society and creating an atmosphere where everyone can contribute.

Europe became world’s first region to end malaria: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 20 April 2016 announced that the European Region became the first in the world to have achieved interruption of indigenous malaria transmission. The number of indigenous malaria cases in the region dropped from 90712 in 1995 to zero cases in 2015.

Union Government merged Rajiv GandhiKhel Abhiyaan with Khelo India

The Union Government in the third week of April 2016 has merged Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), launched by the UPA government, with the Khelo India programme for development of sports.

Two other sport projects, Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS)and National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS), launched by the Congress-led UPA regime have also been absorbed under Khelo India.

Khelo India is based on Gujarat's model of Khel Mahakumbh, in which schools and colleges from different parts of the country participate in about 27 disciplines. Similarly, the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) organises summer camps under this project every year.

RBL Bank became first private sector bank to open dedicated branch for Start-ups in India

The RBL Bank on 19 April 2016 became the first private sector bank in India to open dedicated branch for start-ups. The dedicated branch was inaugurated at Koramangala, Bengaluru by Nandan Nilekani, noted entrepreneur and former chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

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April 7: World Health Day

Every year World Health Day (WHD) is being observed on 7 April to disseminate knowledge and awareness about human health. The day focuses on increasing life expectancy by adding good health to the lives of people and promoting healthier living habits across the globe.

India wins 2016 Asian Nations Cup Chess tournament

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. 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. 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. It was overall third time, Indian men won the event earlier they had won at Esfahan, Iran in 2005 and Kolkata 2009. 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.

PM Narendra Modi launches Stand up India scheme for SC/ST, women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Stand-up India scheme aimed at providing credit to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women borrowers in the non-farm sector. The scheme is intended to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women and further give a push to government’s financial inclusion programme.

MHA constitute Madhukar Gupta committee to suggest ways to tighten security along Indo-Pak border 

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted high-level committee to suggest ways to tighten security along India-Pakistan border. The committee will be headed by former Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta. It will suggest (i) ways to strengthen the security along the India-Pakistan Border and (ii) address the issue of gaps and vulnerability in border fencing.

National Summit on Family Planning 2016 concluded in New Delhi

The summit was held for two days with the theme New Choices, New Horizons.

§  Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson named as Iceland Prime Minister

§  World Health Day 2016 observed globally with the theme Halt the rise: beat diabetes

§  SIPRI released Trends in world military expenditure, 2015 report

§  International Conference on Zero held in Paris

Current Affairs of 6th April 2016 for Competitive Exams

PM Narendra Modi launches Stand up India scheme for SC/ST, women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Stand-up India scheme aimed at providing credit to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women borrowers in the non-farm sector. The scheme is intended to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women and further give a push to government’s financial inclusion programme.

Vishwanathan Anand to be honoured with Hridaynath MangeshkarAward

Five-time world chess champion Vishwanathan Anand (46) will be honoured with the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award. Maharashtra State Governor C Vidyasagar Rao will bestow award upon him at an event to be held in Mumbai on April 12, 2016. About Vishwanathan Anand Born on December 11, 1969. He is an Indian chess grandmaster and a former world champion. He became India’s first grandmaster in 1988. He held the FIDE World Chess Championship from 2000 to 2002 and became the undisputed world champion in 2007.

Architect of Madras Atomic Power Station M H P Rao passes away

Former Project Director of Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) Myneni Hari Prasad Rao passed away due to old age ailments. He was 88. He was considered the Father or Architect of the MAPS and had served its first project director. About Myneni Hari Prasad Rao Born on 21 July 1927 in Edlalanka village near Avanigadda. Rao had served as the Executive Director of the Nuclear Power Board (now NPCIL: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd) of DAE, Mumbai.

Scientists discover new planet with triple-star system named KELT-4Ab

Scientists have discovered a rare triple-star system named KELT-4Ab with a gas giant planet similar in size to Jupiter. It was discovered by the researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in the United States. The research was published in The Astronomical Journal. Key facts Known planets with three stars appearing in their sky are rare and the new discovery is just the fourth and the closest one yet. In KELT-4Ab triple-star system, the main star named KELT-A is brighter than the other stars that serve as suns for their planets.

Bihar Government imposes complete ban on alcohol

Bihar Government has taken a decision to completely ban on all types of liquor (alcohol) throughout the state including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Decision in this regard was taken by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna. Earlier on 1st April 2016, state government had banned country made liquor in the state except IMFL in the first phase. Now in the second phase, foreign liquor (IMFL) will also be banned with immediate effect. The production, sale and business of all types of liquor have been banned in the state. Henceforth person found indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of liquor across the state will be punished under the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016. The Act has various stringent provisions including awarding ‘capital punishment’ for those who manufacture and sell illicit liquor that causes death.

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First semi-high speed train Gatiman Express flagged off from Delhi

India’s First Semi-High Speed Train (SHST) Gatimaan Express was flagged off between New Delhi and Agra. It was flagged off by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu from Nizamuddin Railway station in New Delhi and reached Agra on time in 100 minutes. It is faster than Shatabdi Express which takes 117 minutes between two destinations. Key facts

IISc ranked India’s top university in first NIRF Survey

The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bangaluru was adjudged as the best Indian university in the first National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). NIRF Survey was the first of its kind of indigenous ranking framework for higher education institutions in the country. It was launched by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development in  September 2015. It outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country based on the parameters broadly covering Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional practices, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and inclusivity and Perception. The NIRF ranking covers six categories of institutions including universities, engineering, management, pharmacy, architecture and colleges.

World’s first public dengue vaccination programme launched in Philippines

The world’s first public dengue vaccination programme was launched in the Philippines with a French drug Dengvaxia (world’s 1st dengue fever vaccine) to combat mosquito-borne disease. Several hundred children aged between 9 and 10 were vaccinated with the injections in front of government health workers at a public school in eastern Manila. Mexico was first country in the world to approve first-ever Dengvaxia Dengue fever vaccine for the public use and Philippines was the first county in Asia to allow it. However with the launch of first public dengue vaccination programme, Philippines became first country to introduce, adopt and implement the first-ever dengue vaccine through the public health system and under public school settings. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dengue or haemorrhagic fever is the world’s most common mosquito-borne virus. It infects an estimated 390 million people in more than 120 countries each year, killing more than 25,000. Asia is home to some 70% of cases worldwide and in the Philippines 200,000 cases were reported in 2013.

World’s first White Tiger Safari opens in Madhya Pradesh

World’s first White Tiger Safari was inaugurated at Mukundpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. It was inaugurated and opened to public by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The first of its kind safari is situated adjacent to the Mukundpur Zoological Park. It is spread over an area of 25 hectares and has been built at cost of 50 crore rupees. The safari houses three white tigers, including two females named Vindhya and Radha and one male named Raghu.

Mehbooba Mufti sworn in as first woman Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir

Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed (56) took oath as the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing to an end the three-month Governor’s Rule in the state. She was administered oath to the office by Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in the winter capital city of Jammu. Along with her 22 member council of ministers from BJP-PDP alliance also took oath. BJP leader Nirmal Singh took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Mehbooba Mufti succeeds her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the role who had died in January 2016. She is also second Muslim woman to become the Chief Minister of a state in India after Syeda Anwara Taimur who had served as the first Muslim woman CM of Assam from 1980 to 1981.

West Indies wins 2016 ICC T-20 Cricket World Cup

West Indies has won the ICC Cricket World Men’s T-20 Cup 2016 by defeating England by 4 wickets in the final match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. In the final match, England batting first had scored 155 runs for 9 wickets. West Indies successfully chased the target by scoring 161 runs in 19.4 over at the loss of 4 wickets. With this win, West Indies became the only team to win the ICC World Twenty20 title twice. Earlier it had won its first title in 2012 by defeating Sri Lanka.