Monday, 9 May 2016
Latest Current Affairs for SSC & Bank Exams
Single emergency number ‘112’ to be operational throughout India
from January 1, 2017
Monday, 2 May 2016
Latest Current Affairs for SSC and Bank Exams
World Press Freedom Day observed
across the world
The World Press Freedom Day was on 3 May 2016
observed across the world with the theme Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms - This Is Your
Right!
In 2016, World Press Freedom Day coincides with three important milestones:
• The 250th anniversary of the world’s first freedom of information law, covering both modern-day Sweden and Finland.
• The 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration of press freedom principles.
• The first year of the 15 year life-cycle of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2016, World Press Freedom Day coincides with three important milestones:
• The 250th anniversary of the world’s first freedom of information law, covering both modern-day Sweden and Finland.
• The 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration of press freedom principles.
• The first year of the 15 year life-cycle of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Indian American Harmeet Kaur Dhillon elected to key Republican
position
An Indian American Sikh woman Harmeet Kaur Dhillon
(47) from California was elected to an important position in the Republican
Party at the United States national level. She was elected as the newest
national committee woman, a key position of the Republican National Committee.
Prior to this, she was vice chairman of the California GOP. She was the
first woman elected to this position of vice chair of the California Republican
Party.
Parliament passes Mines and Minerals AmendmentBill, 2016
Parliament has passed Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016. The Bill amends the Mines
and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The amendment Bill was
first passed in the Lok Sabha in March 2016 and later in the Rajya Sabha in May
2016.
Union Government launches Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana
The Union Government launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) for providing free of cost LPG (cooking gas) connections to women
from BPL Households. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from
Maldepur Morh, Ballia in Uttar Pradesh. The tagline for the scheme is Swachh
Indhan, Behtar Jeevan.
India’s first Scorpene class submarine INS Kalvari
undergoes first sea trial
INS Kalvari, Indian Navy’s first indigenous
Scorpene-class stealth submarine, has recently launched for the first sea trial
in the Mumbai naval dockyard. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine which is
built under the strategic Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in
collaboration with French naval defence and energy company DCNS.
Indian shooters win 3 Gold, 1 Bronze medals in
ISSF Junior World Cup
Indian shooters have won three gold medals and one
bronze on the opening day of the ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation)
Junior World Cup held in Suhl, Germany.
Sunday, 1 May 2016
Latest Current Affairs for SSC & Bank Exams
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 comes into
force
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 came into force on 1 May 2016. In this regard, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) had notified 69 of the total 92 sections of the Act to bring it into force from 1 May 2016. Key provisions of Acts Sets up in motion the process of making necessary operational rules and creation of institutional infrastructure for protecting the interests of consumers. Promotes the growth of real estate sector in an environment of trust, confidence, credible transactions and efficient and time bound execution of projects.
Maharashtra Government launches Adi Praman app for caste validity certificate
Maharashtra Government has launched Adi Praman, a web-based application for state’s tribal population to get the caste validity certificates online. It was launched along with portal named etribalvalidity.mahaonline@gov.in by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. The application is first of its kind for any state in India.
Union Government launches UJALA Scheme
The Union Government has launched National LED programme – Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA). It was launched by Union Minister for State (IC) for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The Scheme was launched as part of Union Government’s efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term. It will help in saving of energy around 24 crore units every year.
Madhya Pradesh High Court terms reservation in promotions in the State as unconstitutional
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has termed reservation in promotions in the state as unconstitutional. Ruling in this regard was given by HC division bench chaired by Chief Justice A M Khanwilkar on the petitions filed several employee associations and social organisations. Petitioners had challenged the rules of the state government which provided reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes.
South India’s first underground metro services flagged off in Bengaluru
South India’s first underground metro services flagged of in Bengaluru i.e. at East-West corridor (Purple Line) of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The underground metro corridor has been named as Namma Metro and was flagged off Dr BR Ambedkar station by the Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The newly inaugurated 28-km metro line has 5.12-km underground stretch and connects Cubbon Park to the City Railway station.
China develops world’s first Graphene electronic paper
Chinese researchers have developed world’s first graphene electronic paper that will catapult the material to a new level. It was developed by The Guangzhou OED Technologies in partnership with a company in Chongqing Province of China.
The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 came into force on 1 May 2016. In this regard, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) had notified 69 of the total 92 sections of the Act to bring it into force from 1 May 2016. Key provisions of Acts Sets up in motion the process of making necessary operational rules and creation of institutional infrastructure for protecting the interests of consumers. Promotes the growth of real estate sector in an environment of trust, confidence, credible transactions and efficient and time bound execution of projects.
Maharashtra Government launches Adi Praman app for caste validity certificate
Maharashtra Government has launched Adi Praman, a web-based application for state’s tribal population to get the caste validity certificates online. It was launched along with portal named etribalvalidity.mahaonline@gov.in by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. The application is first of its kind for any state in India.
Union Government launches UJALA Scheme
The Union Government has launched National LED programme – Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA). It was launched by Union Minister for State (IC) for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The Scheme was launched as part of Union Government’s efforts to spread the message of energy efficiency in the country. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term. It will help in saving of energy around 24 crore units every year.
Madhya Pradesh High Court terms reservation in promotions in the State as unconstitutional
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has termed reservation in promotions in the state as unconstitutional. Ruling in this regard was given by HC division bench chaired by Chief Justice A M Khanwilkar on the petitions filed several employee associations and social organisations. Petitioners had challenged the rules of the state government which provided reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes.
South India’s first underground metro services flagged off in Bengaluru
South India’s first underground metro services flagged of in Bengaluru i.e. at East-West corridor (Purple Line) of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The underground metro corridor has been named as Namma Metro and was flagged off Dr BR Ambedkar station by the Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The newly inaugurated 28-km metro line has 5.12-km underground stretch and connects Cubbon Park to the City Railway station.
China develops world’s first Graphene electronic paper
Chinese researchers have developed world’s first graphene electronic paper that will catapult the material to a new level. It was developed by The Guangzhou OED Technologies in partnership with a company in Chongqing Province of China.
Friday, 29 April 2016
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).
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).
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Current Affairs for SSC and Bank Exams
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.
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.
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Latest Current Affairs for SSC and Bank Exams
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 25 April 2016
Latest Current Affairs for SSC & BANK Exams 2016
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 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.
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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