Important Current Affairs 14th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 14th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

   
Krishi Unnati Mela 2017

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) every year has been organising Krishi Vigyan Mela(Agriculture Science Fair) to display and popularise the latest advancement in agricultural research and technology development among farmers and end users since 1972. 
●    It continues to be a highly important annual event for receiving feedback from the farming community, which helps in deciding the Institute’s future research strategy. 
●    Thousands of farmers and visitors from across the country are participating in the mela every year.
●    This year Krishi Unnati Mela 2017 will be organised from 15-17 March at the campus of IARI, New Delhi in jointly by ICAR and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. 
●    The mela will be inaugurated by Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Sh. Radha Mohan Singh on 15th March, 2017. 
●    A large number of farmers and other visitors are expected to participate in the mela.

‘International Vision Zero Conference’ on Occupational, Safety and Health

Three days International Conference on the VISION ZERO and its relevance to Occupational Safety and Health, is being held from 15th to 17th, March 2017 in New Delhi. 
●    It is organized by Directorate General Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment and German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Germany in association with International Social Security Association - Manufacturing, Construction and Mining. 
●    The concept of ‘Vision Zero’ is fast gaining international acceptance and is expected to leverage the efforts of the Government of India to raise the occupational safety and health standards in the country so as to improve the occupational safety and health situation. 
●    The participants attending the conference from various sectors across a wide variety of industries are expected to be benefitted by the common platform provided by the conference through sharing of best practices both nationally and internationally. 
●    On the other hand, the international community will get an appraisal of the occupational safety and health status in India thereby exposing the Indian industrial occupational safety and health scenario to the international community.

Inter-state River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha

Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti introduced Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha today. Introducing the Bill the Minister called it a “Revolutionary step” towards the resolution of Inter- State River Water Disputes. 
●    Giving details of the Bill the Minister said the Bill proposes a Single Standing Tribunal (with multiple benches) instead of existing multiple tribunals, which shall consist of one Chairperson, one Vice-Chairperson and not more than six other Members. 
●    While the term of office of the Chairperson is five year or till he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, the term of office of Vice Chairperson and other member of tribunal shall be coterminous with the adjudication of the water dispute.  
●    Sushri Bharti said the Bill also provides for the appointment of Assessors to provide technical support to the tribunal. 
●    They shall be appointed from amongst experts serving in the Central Water engineering Service not below the rank of Chief Engineer. 
●    The total time period for adjudication of dispute has been fixed at maximum of four and half years. 
●    The decision of the Tribunal shall be final and binding with no requirement of publication in the official Gazette. 
 

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puraskar (2016)

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puraskar for the year 2016 will be awarded in Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi at 11.00 AM on the 15th March 2017 during the inaugural function of Krishi Unnati Mela – 2017. 
●    Year 2016 is the birth centenary year of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Ji, pioneer of Antyodaya. 
●    “Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puraskar” has been launched on this occasion by Government of India. 
●    The total sum of this award is Rs. 50 lakhs in which there is a provision of one award of Rs. 25.00 lakh at national level and 11 awards of Rs. 2.25 lakh at regional level every year will be awarded.  
●    The decision of winners of this award has been taken by the selection committee on the basis of nominations received from all the Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14TH MARCH 2017: ECONOMY

All cash withdrawal limits removed by RBI

 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday let go of the last indicator of the two months of demonetisation. 
●    The central bank has officially removed all the limits on cash withdrawal from customer bank accounts that were first put in place on 8 November, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Rs500 and Rs1,000 would stop being legal tender, in an address to the nation.
●    While the RBI removed the limits on withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) on 1 February, it was still within the overall limit of Rs24,000 a week from savings bank accounts. 
●    In case of current accounts, the weekly withdrawal limit was earlier set at Rs50,000.
●    The 50-day demonetisation period for residents to deposit their old currency notes ended on 30 December. 
●    However, the central bank is yet to declare the total number of notes that were removed from the system and how many new notes were pumped in.
●    According to initial estimates, about 86% of the value of total cash in circulation had to be removed after the demonetisation announcement. 
●    Representatives from the RBI and the government have repeatedly stated that there is no shortage of currency notes in India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14TH MARCH 2017: PERSONS

US Senate confirms Indian-American Seema Verma for top health care post

President Donald Trump’s pick to run Medicare and Medicaid, Indian-American Seema Verma, won confirmation on Monday from a divided Senate as lawmakers braced for another epic battle over the government’s role in health care and society’s responsibility toward the vulnerable.
●    An Indiana health care consultant and a protégé of Vice President Mike Pence, Verma was approved by a 55-43 vote, largely along party lines. 
●    She’ll head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a $1 trillion agency that oversees health insurance programs for more than 130 million people, from elderly nursing home residents to newborns.
●    It’s part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Verma, a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from India, takes over at CMS as a House Republican health care bill backed by Trump would make sweeping changes to the agency.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14TH MARCH 2017: SPORTS

SSP Chawrasia defends Indian Open title, only second Indian to do so

Defending champion SSP Chawrasia claimed his second consecutive Indian Open title after racing to victory at 10 under DLF Golf Course in Gurgaon on Sunday. 
●    Five-time Asian Tour winner Chawrasia became only the second Indian to win the Indian Open in in two successive years after Jyoti Randhawa. 
●    Another Indian, Anirban Lahiri finished tied sixth in the competition.
●    On Saturday, Chawrasia, Eddie Pepperell and Carlos Pigem shared the lead at 6 under and the first two had completed 11 holes when play was suspended due to darkness. 
●    More than four hours of play had been lost due to threat of lightning on the first two days.
●    He become the third player to win back-to-back Indian Open. Jyoti Randhawa did that in 2006 and 2007 while Japan’s Kenji Hosoishi had won it way back in 1967 and 1968.
●    This is also the third year in succession that an Indian had won this title at home after Lahiri clinched victory in 2015. 
●    This year, Lahiri finished tied fifth after he struck five birdies against four bogeys to turn in a one-under card. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14TH MARCH 2017: SPACE SCIENCE

ISRO's 'Lost' Chandrayaan-1 Found Orbiting Moon: NASA

India's first unmanned mission to the moon- Chandrayaan 1- which was believed lost, is still orbiting the moon, say NASA scientists.
●    The Chandrayaan-1, which cost $79 million, was launched in 2008 to map the moon's surface and look for precious resources. 
●    It was assigned a two-year mission. 
●    Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lost contact with Chandrayaan-1.
●    Now, scientists at NASA have successfully located the spacecraft still circling some 200 kilometres above the lunar surface.
●    Finding the spacecraft required some "detective work because the last contact with the spacecraft was on August 29, 2009," said Marina Brozovic, a radar scientist in California.
●    The Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft is very small, a cube about 1.5 meters on each side - about the size of a Maruti 800. 

Important Current Affairs 13th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 13th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 13TH MARCH 2017: PERSONS

Urvashi Rautela entitled as the World’s Most Beautiful Woman by T C Candler

 Uttarakhand’s mesmerizing beauty Urvashi Rautela who earlier was crowned as Miss Universe has now been given the title of ‘World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ by T C Candler. 
●    A group of critics around the world finalizes a list of World’s 100 Most beautiful faces. Headed by T C Candler this is one of the most anticipated lists of winners in the fashion industry. 
●    The most beautiful women from over 40 countries such as Germany, South Korea, South Africa are ranked to prepare the list of 100 most beautiful faces.
●    This was the 27th list of 100 most beautiful faces by T C Candler in which Urvashi Rautela was victorious amongst all the nominees. 
●    This list is not based simply on external appearances and rather encompasses all aspects of the modern definition of beauty. 
●    Urvashi Rautela was the most searched celebrity on Google. 
●    Earlier the timeless beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had earned this title to her name.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 13TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Arun Jaitley given additional charge of Defence

 Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been given the additional charge of the Defence Ministry.
●    This follows the resignation of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to take charge as Goa Chief Minister.
●    Earlier, top sources in the government said that it could be quite possible that there are changes in the Cabinet, and that at least one Chief Minister of a BJP ruled State may be moved to Delhi. 
●    A senior general secretary from the central team of the BJP may be sent as a replacement Chief Minister there, the sources added.
●    Parrikar submitted his resignation after BJP staked claim to form an alliance government in Goa.
●    He will be sworn in as the chief minister of Goa tomorrow heading the BJP-led ministry which has the support of regional outfits and Independents.
●    This is the second time that Jaitley is holding the additional portfolio of Defence Ministry during the present NDA government.
●    He was in charge of the ministry earlier from May 26 to November 9 in 2014.

Manohar Parrikar sworn in as Goa Chief Minister

 Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manohar Parrikar, who on Monday morning resigned as Defence Minister, was sworn in as Chief Minister of Goa at Raj Bhavan .
●    Mr. Parrikar, along with members of his Cabinet, was sworn in by Governor Mridula Sinha.
●    Mr. Parrikar had been asked to prove his majority by convening a session of the Assembly within 15 days of taking oath.
●    BJP sources reiterated here that a majority of the Cabinet berths are expected to be offered to the coalition partners.
●    After winning 13 seats in the February 4 election, in a fast-paced political development on Sunday, the BJP cobbled together a coalition of 21 legislators in the 40-member House. 
●    This includes three MLAs each from regional parties, namely, the MGP and Goa Forward Party and two Independent.
 

3 Haryana districts to have Post Office Passport Sewa Kendra

 Three districts of Haryana will have 'Post Office Passport Sewa Kendra' (POPSK) under the first phase of the new initiative by the External Affairs Ministry.
●    Hisar, Karnal and Faridabad will now be covered under the programme in which head post offices are utilised by the Centre to deliver passport related services.
●    An official spokesman of Haryana Government said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has written to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in this regard.
●    The Minister has also informed that after completion of the first phase, her Ministry intends to initiate the second phase of the scheme and efforts would be made to include more districts of Haryana, if suggested by the state government.
●    He said the Chief Minister has thanked Swaraj for including three districts of Haryana in the first phase of the scheme, adding that the opening of POPSK would immensely benefit the people. 

India announces new licensing policy to boost oil output

 India on Tuesday announced an open acreage licensing policy for oil and gas exploration, allowing bidders to carve out areas where they want to drill as the energy-hungry country looks at greater foreign investment to boost output.
●    The world's third-largest oil consumer will conduct auction of oil and gas blocks under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) twice a year, with the first round being held in July this year, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here at the influential CERAWeek conference.
●    OALP auction will be held under the overhauled exploration licensing policy allows pricing and marketing freedom to operators and shifts to a revenue sharing model. 
●    The July auction will be India's first major exploration licensing round since 2010, although it had recently awarded 31 small discovered fields mainly to state-owned and local firms under the liberalised Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP).
●    Showcasing HELP, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on March 10 last year, to global investors, Pradhan said the new policy is part of the strategy to make India a business and investor friendly destination and cut import dependence by 10 per cent by 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 13TH MARCH 2017: DEFENCE

India successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

 India on Saturday successfully tested an extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile whose reach has been increased from 290 km to 400 km, from a test range along the Odisha coast.
●    The cruise missile was test fired from a mobile launcher from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore at about 11.30 am, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said.
●    The missile is capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kg.
●    Increasing the missile’s range became possible after India’s induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) last June. 
●    The configuration of the existing missile has been tweaked to enhance its range.
●    Another version of the missile with a strike range of 800 km is under development.
●    India is currently carrying out tests of the air-launched BrahMos missile from specially-modified Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The missile’s land and naval variants – 500kg heavier than the air version – are already in service.
●    Two Su-30 jets have been modified by the Nasik division of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to carry the 2.5-tonne missile that flies at nearly three times the speed of sound.
●    working on a hypersonic missile, BrahMos-II (K), capable of taking out hardened targets such as underground bunkers and weapon storage facilities at seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) or 8,575 kmph. 

Important Current Affairs 12th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 12th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12TH MARCH 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Pradeep Nair named Regional Director of Ford Foundation for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Pradeep Nair on 8 March 2017 was named the Ford Foundation Regional Director for its office serving India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
●    Nair previously headed the then US President Bill Clinton's Climate Initiative in India.
●    Pradeep Nair is a seasoned public and private sector leader.
●    He holds a deep regional expertise and more than 20 years of experience building partnerships among government, corporate, philanthropic and civil society partners in the dynamic South Asia region.
●    He joined the Ford Foundation with a record of guiding the growth and development of regional institutions.
●    As India Country Director, he established the organisation's India office and played

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Narendra Modi presents Swachh Shakti Awards 2017 to women sarpanch

PM Narendra Modi on 8 March 2017 presented Swachh Shakti Awards 2017 to women sarpanch in Gandhinagar, Gujarat who have contributed immensely to the movement towards a clean India. 
●    The awards were presented on the occasion of International Women's Day 2017.
●    PM Modi honoured ten women with the Swachh Shakti Samman for their exemplary work in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
●    He urged the gathering to maintain the momentum which has been generated towards cleanliness. 
●    The Prime Minister asserted that Swachhata, or cleanliness, has to be become our habit. 
●    He said the poor gain the most when we achieve cleanliness and eliminate dirt. 
●    The Prime Minister said that the women who were being honoured today have shattered many myths, and have shown how a positive change has begun in rural India.

Minister of Railways inaugurates extension of Ranchi-Barkichanpi Passenger upto Tori
 
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated the extension of passenger train viz. 58653/58654 Ranchi-Barkichanpi Passenger up to Tori to provide train services on new broad gauge Barkichanpi-Tori section (29.5Km) through Video Conferencing from Rail Bhawan . 
●    Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Shri S.K. Singh, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member Traffic Railway Board Shri Mohd. Jamshed, other Railway Board Members and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
●    The abstract schedule including timings, composition, days of run etc. of the train service extended.
●    Indian Railway extended one pair of passenger train viz. 58653/58654 Ranchi-Barkichanpi Passenger up to Tori to provide train services on new broad gauge Barkichanpi-Tori section (29.5Km).

Centre to Launch Pilot Project on Ornamental Fisheries with total outlay of Rs. 61.89 crore

 Recognizing the potential and scope of ornamental fisheries, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has envisaged a program to unlock the country’s ornamental fisheries sector through a special drive by launching a pilot scheme for the development of ornamental fisheries with a total outlay of Rs. 61.89 crore. 
●    Implementation of the pilot-scale Ornamental Fisheries Project focuses mainly on creating an enabling environment for a sustainable and holistic development of Ornamental Fisheries for the socio-economic development of the people involved in this activity as well as for exports. 
●    The thrust areas have been identified for enhancing ornamental fisheries production through cluster-based farming and conservation of natural resources, both inland and marine, through habitat restoration and creating awareness amongst the stakeholders. 
●    The major objectives of the pilot project are:
●    To promote ornamental fish culture with cluster-based approach, 
●    To augment ornamental fisheries trade and export earnings, 
●    To create employment opportunities for the rural & peri urban population and  
●    Use of modern technology and innovation to make ornamental fisheries a thriving activity.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12TH MARCH 2017: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NASA Is About to Create the Coldest Place in the Known Universe

 NASA is about to launch the coldest place on Earth - the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) - into orbit, where astronauts will use it to create never-before-seen conditions with temperatures 100 million times colder than the depths of space.
●    The Cold Atom Lab will hitch a ride on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station, where it's hoped the super-chilled box will reveal strange new physics when atoms are cooled to a mere billionth of a degree above absolute zero.
●    Studying these hyper-cold atoms could reshape our understanding of matter and the fundamental nature of gravity. 
●    In case you've never considered what the coldest place on Earth was until about 30 seconds ago, NASA's Cold Atom Laboratory is an ice chest-sized box equipped with lasers, a vacuum chamber, and an electromagnetic 'knife' to slow particles to an almost motionless state.
●    The instrument is still in its final stages of construction, so this mission, set to launch in August, will be its first big test.
 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12TH MARCH 2017: SPORTS

Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin joint No. 1 in ICC Test rankings

India’s spin twins Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are on top of the world. According to the latest International Cricket Council rankings for Test bowlers, Jadeja has joined Ashwin as the world’s leading bowlers.
●    Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin finished with six-wicket hauls in the second India vs Australia Test in Bangalore. 
●    This was the first time in a Test match when four bowlers -- Australia’s Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood also returned six-wicket hauls -- finished with six-fours.
●    India won a dramatic Test match by 75 runs after Australia were set a winning target of 188 on a wearing Day 4 wicket at Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
●    In a Test match that was marred by DRS controversies and some pantomime, Jadeja and Ashwin stood out with their performances.
●    Ravindra Jadeja’s seven wickets in the match, which included a crucial six for 63 in the first innings, helped him move up one rank to reach the top position for the first time in his career. 
●    The last time two bowlers shared the top spot was in April 2008 when Dale Steyn and Muttiah Muralidaran were at the top.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12TH MARCH 2017: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

President of India inaugurates the 12th CII-Exim bank conclave on India Africa Project Partnership

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership today (March 9, 2017) in New Delhi. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our connection with Africa is not new. 
●    The bonds between our countries have strengthened over the years. 
●    We are committed to building genuine partnerships that create jobs and opportunities for our peoples. 
●    Mindful of our common history and shared future, we have decided to elevate our relationship. 
●    For the first time ever, we welcomed representatives of all 54 countries of Africa at the third India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015. 
●    We have since then broadened our diplomatic footprint. 
●    Our leadership has visited almost every African country in the last eighteen months. He stated that he personally went to Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Namibia last year. 

Important Current Affairs 11th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 11th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 11TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Central Government has established Banana Research Centre in Gorole (Vaishali) 

Union Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Bihar and particularly Vaishali district is very suitable for the cultivation of bananas and large scale production of banana can change the fate of farmers. 
●    The Minister made this statement today on the occasion of the laying the foundation stone of the Banana Research Centre at Gorole, Vaishali, Bihar Centre. 
●    Shri Singh stated that Rajendra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pusa has got the status of Central Agriculture University only in October, 2016. 
●    After that the Government has established this Banana Research Centre to fulfil the aspirations of the banana growers of Vaishali. Banana Research Centre, Vaishali falls under Garole area and because of the ecological conditions of Garole, it has been selected for the establishment of this centre.
●    He further stated that this centre will work in the areas of finding reasons of less production in banana, enhancement in acreage for cultivation, suitable utilization of the various parts of the plants, different products, marketing and value addition. 
●    Shri Singh said that Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University has already started the research work for doubling the income from banana cultivation. 
●    With starting this centre the research work will get more momentum. He was hopeful that with the cooperation of the researchers of this centre and with the participation of farmers, it would help to bring a new era of banana cultivation in Bihar and surrounding states like it happened in Maharashtra.

Lok Sabha Passes the Admiralty Bill,2016

The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday. 
●    The Bill aims to establish a legal framework to consolidate the existing laws relating to admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, arrest of vessels and related issues. 
●    It also aims to replace archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance. The Bill confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located in coastal states of India and this jurisdiction extends upto territorial waters.
●    Introduced during the winter session of Parliament, the Bill came up for discussion in the Lok Sabha yesterday. 
●    The Minister of State ( RT&H, S, C&F), Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, presented an overview of the Bill in the House, highlighting the need for repealing five obsolete British statutes on admiralty jurisdiction in civil matters, which are 126 to 177 years old. 
●    The Bill provides for prioritization of maritime claims and maritime liens while providing protection to owners, charterers, operators, crew members and seafarers at the same time. 
●    During the course of discussion, thirteen members presented their views and raised various questions which were replied to by Shri Mandaviya. The Bill was then passed by the House

Ministry of Railways and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) signed Letters of Intent(LOI) on Environment Initiatives

In the august presence of Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Ministry of Railways signed a LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to formalise the joint cooperation in the area of environmental conservation today i.e. 9th March 2017 at Rail Bhavan. 
●    Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain specially graced the occasion. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital, Member (Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Shri Ravindra Gupta, other Railway Board Members and senior officials were also present on the occasion. 
●    Mr. Erik Solheim, Executive Director UNEP (and Under Secretary General, UN) from Head office, Nairobi, Kenya was also present. 
●    Representatives of Indian Railways and UNEP signed and exchanged Letters of Intent for exploring the opportunity and Developing a Joint cooperation mechanism in the field of Environment & Sustainability
●    Collaborate in Formulating Specific Roadmap for achieving 20% reduction in Water consumption at Railway establishments.
●    Collaborate in the development of a Draft action plan for establishing waste management centres at major stations on Indian Railways.
●    Collaborate in the development of a Draft action plan for Indian Railways on sustainable public procurement for green technology.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that Indian Railways welcomes this partnership. 
●    The priority in Railways is to reduce the carbon footprints which will help public at large. After this partnership, opportunities are large to work for environment conservation in collaboration with UNEP. 
●    Railway is already taking several green initiatives and is going to produce 1000 MW solar energy. This joint cooperation will help Indian Railways in its green objectives.

Vote counting delivers historic win for BJP, Akhilesh resigns

The counting of votes for the 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh (UP) assembly elections 2017 saw a historic landslide verdict in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in 403-member UP Assembly. 
●    Out of the results declared for 351 seats, BJP has so far bagged 268 seats, Apna Dal (Soneylal) won 8 seats, while Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party grabbed 4 seats. BJP is still leading in 43 seats and Apna Dal (S) is ahead in 1 seat.
●    The assembly polls are being seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity and his reforms, particularly demonetisation.
●    Exit poll results on Thursday were indecisive for Uttar Pradesh and predicted a triangular contest between Modi’s BJP, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance and Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was forecast in Uttar Pradesh.
●    Four of the six polls predicted Modi’s will emerge the single largest party but may fall short of gaining the 202 seats need to govern in its own right in the 403-member assembly. 
●    Two other polls, including the one that forecast Modi winning a majority in the 2014 national elections, expect Modi’s party to sweep to power in a decisive victory.

PM releases commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today released a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, the Prime Minister appreciated Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, and said that the path shown by him is not about Mukti, but about ‘Antaryatra.’ 
●    He said that though Swami Paramahansa Yogananda left the shores of India to spread his message, he always remained connected with India. 
●    The Prime Minister said India's spirituality is its strength, and it is unfortunate that some people link even spirituality with religion, whereas the two are very different.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 11TH MARCH 2017:SPORTS

Warm Send off to Special Athletes Participating in World Winter Games 2017

A warm send off function was organized here today for the special athletes, their coaches and officials going to participate in the World Winter Games to be held from 14th - 25th March 2017 in Austria. 
●    Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar were present on the occasion. 
●    In his speech, Shri Vijay Goel said his ministry is providing financial assistance to “Special Olympics Bharat” for organizing national championship, coaching and training. 
●    He said for participation in upcoming World Winter Games, the government has incurred an expenditure of about Rs 1.5 crore to the contingent consisting of 90 athletes, 23 coaches and 3 officials. 
●    Wishing best wishes to the contingent, Shri Goel said that these athletes have proved that by devotion and determination a person can achieve anything during his life. 
●    He expressed the hope that many of these special athletes will become a sporting star and bring glory to the nation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 11TH MARCH 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Bangladesh Army DGMS calls upon Indian Counterparts

India has been on the fore front in training the doctors and paramedical staff of Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Bangladesh through the highly respected Indian Armed Forces Medical Services.
●    Maj Gen SM Motahar Hossain, DGMS (Bangladesh Army) called upon Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Unni, DG AFMS & Lt Gen Velu Nair, DGMS (Army) today and expressed gratitude for the unflinching support and continuous cooperation of Indian Armed Forces including in treating the patients being referred to India.
●    Visiting DGMS sought expert technical advice on medical matters through telemedicine and in other sophisticated fields of surgery & organ transplant to which the hosts expressed willingness.

Important Current Affairs 10th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 10th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IBM creates world's smallest magnet with a single atom

IBM scientists built a single-bit hard drive using just one holmium atom (pictured). Their success could one day lead to hard drives capable of holding hundreds of petabytes of data.
● It would take 223,000 DVDs (4.7Gb each) or 746 million 3.5-inch high-density floppy discs (1.44Mb each) to hold one petabyte.
● This many disks would weigh 13,422 tonnes, about the size of two Type 45 destroyers, like the HMS Duncan.
● There are around 100 trillion cells in the human body, so if one bit is equivalent to a cell, you would get enough cells in a petabyte for 90 people.
● The breakthrough builds on 35 years of nanotechnology history at IBM, including the invention of the Nobel prize-winning scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) which was used to create the atomic hard drive.
● The IBM scientists used the STM, an IBM invention that won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Physics, to view and move holmium atoms.
● The data storage system uses a single atom of holmium, supported by magnesium oxide to help keep the magnetic poles of the atom stable.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017:NATIONAL NEWS

Parliament passes bill to raise maternity leaves to 26 weeks

Women working in the organised sector will now be entitled to paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, up from 12 weeks, as Parliament today passed a bill in this regard that will benefit about 1.8 million women.
● The new law will apply to all establishments employing 10 or more people and the entitlement will be for only up to first two children.
● For third child, the entitlement will be for only 12 weeks.
● The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Lok Sabha today, months after the Rajya Sabha approved the measure that takes India to the third position in terms of the number of weeks for maternity leave after Canada and Norway where it is 50 weeks and 44 weeks, respectively.
● Piloting amendments to the old law, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said while framing the rules, he would try to ensure that maximum benefits reach the pregnant women.

NIO finds new canyon system close to Kovada coast

Scientists of CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Visakhapatnam are an ecstatic lot.
● They have found three new canyons forming a major canyon system in the depths of Bay of Bengal close to Kovvada in Srikakulam district.
● The finding has been evading them since the last 50 years, and for the first time they have clearly mapped the ocean floor between Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam by sending over 32 high density beams to the depths of the sea.
● Canyon systems are generally formed by flow of river water into the sea and they could be as old as the river system, which is close to 23 million years.
● The last canyon systems off the Visakhapatnam coast were discovered in 1963 by American geologist E.C. LaFond of U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory, who was carrying out marine studies at Andhra University.
● The data was collected on board research ship Anton Bruun.

Sports Ministry to set up grievances panel for women athletes.

Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Wednesday announced that a high level committee will be constituted to address the grievances and complaints of women sports persons under the chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Sports).
● Addressing a conference on 'Women and Sports in India', on the occasion of International Women's Day, Goel said the other members of the high level panel will include athletes, advocates and senior officials of the ministry apart from a woman sports journalist.
● "The ministry follows a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment," Goel said adding that his ministry provides equal assistance and incentives to both male and female athletes and there is no gender discrimination for training.
● He further said that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in its Special Area Game Scheme has provided training to 807 women sports persons out of a total 1862 sports persons.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017: SPORTS

Indian Women's Ice Hockey team registers 1st ever international win

The Indian women’s ice hockey team created history on Thursday as they registered their first ever win in international competitions.
● The team showed tremendous resilience to defeat Philippines 4-3 in the Challenge Cup of Asia which is being held in Bangkok.
● India took the lead in the second period and had a 1-0 advantage at the half-time mark.
● The match did not produce much goals in the first three quarters, but it all changed in the last period.
● Both teams produced brilliant attacking play as they scored 3 goals each, but it was India who emerged victorious.
● The Indian women’s ice hockey team went to the tournament at the back of a crowd-funding campaign where they received the help of 3000 donors and that money was used for their training, accommodation, airfares, visa, team jersey, and equipment.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017: OBITUARY

Gravitation waves pioneer Ronald Drever passes away

Scottish physicist Ronald Drever passed away on March 7.
● He was 85.
● He was one of the co-founders of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors that detect the gravitational waves set off by the merger of a binary black hole pair eighteen months ago.
● Ronald Drever’s engagement with the detection of gravitational waves goes back into the 1970s, when he was at Glasgow, working on prototype interferometric gravitational wave detectors.
● At the invitation of Kip Thorne, who had set up a group to study gravitational waves, Mr. Drever joined Caltech, in the U.S., in the late 1970s.
● He and Stan Whitcomb led the experimental group at Caltech and were responsible for designing the first 40-metre prototype detector.
Rainer Weiss led efforts to build a 1.5 metre prototype at MIT; he was called upon to do a feasibility study by the National Science Foundation in 1980.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Narendra Kumar takes over as Chairman Central Water Commission

Shri Narendra Kumar, an officer of Central Water Engineering Service (1979 batch) has assumed the charge of Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC).
● Born on October 11, 1957, Shri Kumar obtained his BE degree in Civil Engineering from IIT Roorkee and M Tech from IIT Delhi in Structural Engineering.
● He has served in various capacities in CWC as Assistant Director in Design Organisation, Deputy Director in Project Appraisal Directorate and Director in Dam Safety Organisation and Project Monitoring Directorate.
● He has also served as Senior Joint Commissioner in Command Area Development wing of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation from 2002 to 2005.
● From 2009 to 2011, he served as Chief Engineer, Brahmaputra and Barak Basin, Shillong. He has also worked as Commissioner of B&B wing of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation during 2011 to 2014.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 10TH MARCH 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India and Belgium sign Protocol amending the India-Belgium Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Protocol

India and Belgium have signed a Protocol amending the existing Agreement and Protocol between the two countries for Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income today in New Delhi.
● The Protocol was signed by Shri Sushil Chandra, Chairman Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on behalf of India and Mr. Jan Luykx, Ambassador of Belgium to India, on behalf of Belgium.
● The Protocol will broaden the scope of the existing framework of exchange of tax related information.
● This in turn will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance between the two countries and will also enable mutual assistance in collection of taxes.
● Fighting the menace of Black Money stashed in offshore accounts has been a key priority area for the Government.
● To further this goal, India has either signed or amended international agreements, declarations or conventions for the Avoidance of Double Taxation & Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and for the Exchange of Information with Switzerland, Mauritius, Cyprus, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Austria during the financial year 2016-17.

Our Important Current Affairs 10th March 2017 with FREE PDF in Hindi and English which will help you in scoring good marks in Banking, Government and various other competitive exams. The FREE PDF will enable you to quickly revise through important GK sections.

Important Current Affairs 9th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 9th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & Recognitions. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: ECONOMY

Aadhaar Pay Service Launched for Payments via Fingerprint

 At a launch event in New Delhi, IDFC Bank launched the IDFC Aadhaar Pay app – what’s being called India's first Aadhaar-linked cashless merchant solution. 
●    The Android app, which enables customers to pay merchants, was in its pilot phase before this, and was trialled by over 1,500 merchants across 16 states.
●    The IDFC Aadhaar Pay app was developed by IDFC Bank "under the guidance" of the Ministry of IT, NITI Aayog, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 
●    It is available only to merchants, who are on-boarded via e-KYC.
●    The bank in an emailed statement detailed the on-boarding process, saying an SMS link enables the merchant to download the IDFC Aadhaar Pay app on any basic smartphone. 
●    This phone will then need to be connected to an STQC certified Aadhaar biometric reader.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: APPOINTMENT

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Elected Mumbai Mayor

 Shiv Sena legislator and three-time corporator from Santacruz, Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, will be the new mayor of Mumbai, after he was sworn in on Wednesday, two weeks after the Sena won elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body.
●    Mahadeshwar filed his nomination papers on Tuesday. A report in city-based tabloid Mid-Day said he is one of the most educated corporators in the civic body. 
●    Hemangi Worlikar of the Shiv Sena filed her nomination for the deputy mayor's post.
●    The mayoral election was expected to be a tight contest between Shiv Sena and BJP, as the two parties finished neck and neck in the recently concluded BMC polls. 
Sena emerged the single largest party, with 84 seats, while BJP followed a close second with 82.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: NATIONAL NEWS

CBSE Releases App for Students to Locate Board Exam Centre

 The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched a mobile app to help all board students to locate their examination centre in a convenient manner.
●    The app will specifically cater to locating exam centers for candidates.
●    The app will inform about the location of the exam center designated to a candidate.
●    It will also provide route map to the center.
●    The app has been named 'Exam Locator’.
●    Further, the app will help students to quickly find the CBSE board exam centre on the basis of their roll number.
●    All the students or parent can register in the app entering their mobile number.
●    Once they enter the mobile number to the app they will receive a one time password to sign into the app.
●    Then the student can access the information by selecting the exam they are appearing for.
 
 

11th North East Business Summit begins in New Delhi

 The 11th North East Business Summit (NEBS) began on 9th March 2017. 
●    The two-day event is an initiative to facilitate investment, highlight strengths of the North-East Region (NER) and business opportunities which North-East has to offer.
●    Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhu, in a video message delivered on the occasion, said an e-commerce portal will soon be launched to sell NER handicrafts and handloom worldwide on the IRCTC website. 
●    He said the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council has assured providing land for expansion of the rail link to Darjeeling, which will be further extended to Sikkim. 
●    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, will address the conclave tomorrow. 
●    Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day conclave, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Naveen Verma, has proposed a Green Corridor based on the Indian Railways Broad Gauge network to give a fillip to industry in the North Eastern Region (NER). 
Inaugurating the 11th North East Business Summit (NEBS) here today, Shri Verma said faster and reliable transit facilities and freight modes are much needed to make the North Eastern Region products competitive. 

Aadhaar Now Must for Poor Women to get Free LPG Connection

 While the government in October last year had made the unique identification number mandatory for everyone to get LPG subsidies, it has now extended the same for free cooking gas connections to women of BPL households. 
●    The government had last year launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to provide five crore poor women with free LPG connections in three years with a view to providing clean cooking fuel.
●    Individual beneficiary desirous of availing the benefits under the scheme (PMUY) is hereby required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication, said a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
●    Those below poverty line (BPL) women looking to avail free LPG connection but do not have the Aadhaar number have been asked to apply for it by May 31
●    Once enrolled for Aadhaar, the beneficiary can apply for free LPG connection by providing the enrollment ID slip or a copy of such a request. 

 Country's Longest Tunnel to be Opened for Traffic in J&K This Month

 Touted as the "Tunnel of Hope" in Kashmir, the structure ensuring all-weather connectivity will reduce the distance between Jammu and Kashmir by 38km.
●    Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has indicated that PM Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the project.
●    Top police officers of Jammu & Kashmir reportedly reviewed security at the venue and took stock of the arrangements on Wednesday .
●    Work for the 9.2km tunnel started in May 2011and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had laid the founda tion stone. 
●    It was originally scheduled for completion by August last year.
●    These two projects will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and reduce the distance by at least 50km, saving at least two and-half-hours journey ,".
●    The 8.45km Qazigund-Banihal tunnel is scheduled for completion by March 2018.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: GLOBAL NEWS

India Offers to Give Up Veto Power Temporarily at UNSC

 To win permanent membership of the UN Security Council, India has offered to forgo veto power initially as a bargaining chip to get the reform process moving. 
●    Speaking on behalf of the G4 nations - Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan - Mr Akbaruddin said while new permanent members would, in principle, have veto powers that the current five members have, "they shall not exercise the veto until a decision on the matter has been taken during a review."
●    The Security Council, formed in 1945, has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the UK and US. 
●    Ten non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms. 
●    India's bid for permanent membership, to reflect its importance as a major South Asian power, has been blocked by China and Pakistan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: BANKING

Karur Vysya Bank Launch FASTags, UPI App, Utility Bill Payment Service

 To keep pace with technology across the globe, Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) today launched three technology services for the benefit of customers.
●    Briefing reporters on the services, KVB Managing Director and CEO K Venkataraman said FASTag was launched in association with Indian Highways Management Company, a subsidiary of National Highway Authority of India, wherein preloaded tags affixed to vehicles help them move on without having to join queues at toll plazas and handing cash for payment.
●    FASTags can be pre-loaded with amounts and the toll amount will automatically be debited by the toll plazas through sensors, he said.
●    The tags can be reloaded as and when required and tags are valid at all toll plazas throughout the country, Venkataraman said.
●    The second service, United Payments Interface (UPI) is a mobile app that helps customers to transfer funds interbank, 24 X 7 through their smartphones, he said.
●    The third one is Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), a facility offered through NPCI where in customers can make utility bill payments like electricity, water, gas, DTH and telecom services through a single utility, instead of accessing multiple sites, Venkataraman said.

Our Important Current Affairs 8th March 2017 with FREE PDF in Hindi and English which will help you in scoring good marks in Banking, Government and various other competitive exams. The FREE PDF will enable you to quickly revise through important GK sections.

Important Current Affairs 8th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 8th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & Recognitions. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

NATIONAL NEWS

India's Longest Cable-Bridge Inaugurated in Gujarat

After the end of the campaigning in Varanasi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to Gujarat for a two-day visit today. 

●    In the first day of the visit, PM Modi inaugurated the 1.4 extra dose cable bridge on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai National Highway. 
●    The 1344 metres long and 22.8 metres wide bridge project was completed in the time span of two years. 
●    The project was supposed to be ready by August 2016 but the project was slightly delayed and it was completed by September 2016.
●    The project was built by Larsen and Turbo and it took Rs 379 crore to complete the project of the National Highway Authority of India.
The bridge has 25 to 40 meter long cables. The bridge consists a total of 216 such cables.

NATIONAL NEWS

Mumbai Has Most Number of Billionaires in India

 India's financial capital Mumbai, home to 45,000 millionaires and 28 billionaires, is the wealthiest city in the country with total wealth of $820 billion, says a report.
●    According to New World Wealth, Mumbai is followed by Delhi and Bengaluru at the second and third place respectively.
●    While Delhi, home to 22,000 millionaires and 18 billionaires has total wealth of $450 billion, Bengaluru boasts of a total wealth of $320 billion. The city is home to 7,500 millionaires and 8 billionaires.
●    Total wealth refers to the private wealth held by all individuals.
●    The report defines 'wealth' as the net assets of a person. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equity, business interests) less any liabilities. The report excludes government funds from its figures.

SPORTS

OPPO to Replace Star India as Team India Sponsor for 5 Years

 Irrespective of the administration tangles that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finds itself as far as the implementation of the Lodha Committee report is concerned, the world’s richest cricket board only got richer on Tuesday.
●    Oppo mobile manufacturer emerged as the highest bidder for the Team India sponsor as the BCCI raked in an all-time figures. The deal was struck as India battled it out against Australia for a series-levelling 75-run win in the second Test in Bangalore.
●    Oppo has paid Rs 1079 crore for a five-year deal, outbidding Vivo mobiles’ Rs 768 crore bid.
●    Oppo will pay Rs 4.61 crore per bilateral match and Rs 1.56 crore for an ICC event match. Sahara was the previous highest bidder for Team India sponsorship with Rs 3.34 crore per match.
●    STAR India paid Rs 1.92 crore per bilateral match and Rs 61 lakh for an ICC match.
●    Oppo’s logo will don the Team India jersey and training gears from April 1. 
The current India team sponsorship deal with Star India will end in March 31.
 
 

DAYS & DATES

March 8 : International Women's Day

 The 2017 International Women's Day ((IWD)) was observed across the world on 8 March 2017. 
●    The year's theme for the Day is Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.
●    The idea of the theme is to consider how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls; and number 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
●    The 2017 International Women's Day was observed in India by conferring the Nari Shakti Awards to 31 individuals and organisations that are working towards empowering women. 
●    The President of India Pranab Mukherjee presented the awards at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

NATIONAL NEWS

Hyderabad Airport Ranks 1st in World in Service Quality

 GMR's Hyderabad International Airport has secured first position in the world in the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI)-Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey in the 5-15 million passengers per annum (MPPA) category for the year 2016. 
●    The survey shows that Hyderabad Airport has steadily improved its score from 4.4 in 2009 to 4.9 in 2016 (measured on scale of 1 to 5), according to a GHIAL statement. 
●    S G K Kishore, CEO, GHIAL, thanked the passengers and its stakeholders including Ministry of Civil Aviation, CISF, airlines, immigration and customs.
●    Hyderabad Airport, running in to its 9th year of operations, is designed to cater to 12 million passengers in a year. 
●    It has witnessed a growth of more than 20 per cent in the last year with a passenger throughput of close to 15MPPA in calendar year 2016.

AWARDS

 Aishwarya Rai Wins Best Actress for Sarbjit at International Film Fest 

 Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s film Sarbjit has given her yet another reason to celebrate. 
●    The actor who played the character of Sarabjit Singh’s sister Dalbir Kaur, has won the Best Actress award at the International Film Festival and Awards of Australia (IFFAA). 
●    Aishwarya was seen in a de-glam look in the film, which left the audience in shock.
Sarbjit The Film, directed by Omung Kumar, was the biopic on Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and spying in Pakistan and was sentenced to death. 
●    He was attacked by inmates at a prison in Lahore in April 2013 and died a few days later. The film showcased his journey inside the jail, and his sister’s unending fight to free him. 
●    The film was critically acclaimed but also received mixed reviews from the audience. However, Aishwarya as Dalbir and Randeep Hooda as Sarabjit won hearts of the audience across the nation.

NATIONAL NEWS

Environment Minister launches Web Portal for obtaining CRZ Clearances

 The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil Madhav Dave, launched the web portal for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone clearances, here today.  
●    The Minister termed the launch of the portal as a good example of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. 
●    The Portal is a web-based system for obtaining clearances required from the Ministry under the “Coastal Regulation Zone” (CRZ) by the Project proponents.  
●    The system will enable the Project proponents and the concerned State/Union Territory bodies like the State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs) and Municipal/Town Planning agencies in tracking the status of their proposals.  
●    The system is based on web architecture, similar to the existing systems in place for according environmental and forest clearances.

NATIONAL NEWS

Prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskars given away to 33 women by the President

  The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented Nari Shakti Puraskars 2016 at a special ceremony/function held in New Delhi on the occasion of International Women’s Day today. 
●    The awards were presented to 33 women in recognition of their efforts in rendering distinguished services for the cause of women, especially vulnerable and marginalized women.
●    Speaking on the occasion the President that Government is equally concerned at the rising rate of violent crimes against women. 
●    It is inexcusable that women in India do not feel as secure and safe as they should. A greater emphasis on early sensitization of children and youth in schools and institutions of higher learning would help inculcate due respect for the female gender.
●    This should be taken up through appropriate measures in our rural and urban populations and through well-conceived and coherent Government programmes. 
●    The President said that on International Women’s Day, it is important to reiterate that every girl child and woman in our country should be assured that Government of India is fully committed to providing her an enabling environment that affords equal opportunity.

Our Important Current Affairs 8th March 2017 with FREE PDF in Hindi and English which will help you in scoring good marks in Banking, Government and various other competitive exams. The FREE PDF will enable you to quickly revise through important GK sections.

Important Current Affairs 7th March 2017 with Free PDF

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We bring you Important Current Affairs 7th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & Recognitions. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

GLOBAL NEWS

 Donald Trump Signs Revised Executive Order on Travel Ban

President Donald Trump signed a revised executive order on Monday banning citizens from six Muslim-majority nations from traveling to the United States but removing Iraq from the list, after his controversial first attempt was blocked in the courts.
●    The new order, which takes effect on March 16, keeps a 90-day ban on travel to the United States by citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. 
●    It applies only to new visa applicants, meaning some 60,000 people whose visas were revoked under the previous order will now be permitted to enter.
●    Immigration advocates said the new ban still discriminated against Muslims and failed to address some of their concerns with the previous order. 
●    Legal experts said it would, however, be harder to challenge because it affects fewer people living in the United States and allows more exemptions to protect them.
●    Trump, who first proposed a temporary travel ban on Muslims during his presidential campaign last year, had said his original Jan. 27 executive order was a national security measure meant to head off attacks by Islamist militants.
●    It sparked chaos and protests at airports, where visa holders were detained and later deported back to their home countries.

NATIONAL NEWS

Over 30% of India's Youth Not in Employment, Education : OECD Report

India’s economy may be growing more than twice as fast as the rest of the world but the story on the jobs creation front is just the opposite. 
●    India’s economy will grow at 7% in the current fiscal year, according to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development.
●    But India’s rate of employment has declined and job creation has not kept up with the growing working-age population.
●    Over 30% of youth aged 15-29 in India are not in employment, education or training (NEETs). This is more than double the OECD average and almost three times that of China.
●    According to the OECD, youth inactivity presents the share of young people (age 15-29) not in employment, education or training (NEET) as a percentage of the total number of young people in the corresponding age group.
●    The current government is making efforts to correct the situation. 
●    It has reduced administrative requirements for complying with existing labour laws and increased transparency in routine interaction between firms and administrations, thereby making the labour regulations friendlier for job creation. 
●    More needs to be done to streamline labour laws and states have a role to play too, said Joumard.

GLOBAL NEWS

China Overtakes Eurozone as World's Largest Banking System

China’s banking system has surpassed that of the eurozone to become the world’s largest by assets, a sign both of the country’s increased influence in world finance and its reliance on debt to drive growth since the global financial crisis. 
●    While China’s gross domestic product surpassed the EU’s economic bloc in 2011 at market exchange rates, its banking system did not take over the top spot until the end of 2016, Financial Times analysis shows.  
●    The lag reflects Beijing’s increased “financial deepening” — the term for the growth of a country’s financial system relative to gross domestic product. 
●    This has been fuelled by an extraordinary increase in bank lending since 2008, when the government unleashed aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus to buffer the impact of the global crisis. 
●    Chinese bank assets hit $33tn at the end of 2016, versus $31tn for the eurozone, $16tn for the US and $7tn for Japan. 
●    The value of China’s banking system is more than 3.1 times the size of the country’s annual economic output, compared with 2.8 times for the Eurozone and its banks.

NATIONAL NEWS

Noida Gets Baxi - First Bike Taxi Service

Following the approval of the regional transport authority, Noida is all set to get its first bike taxi service after the state assembly election results are declared on March 11. 
●    The bike taxi service is being introduced by Baxi, an operator that already runs its service in Gurgaon.
●    Initially, 10 bikes will be stationed at the Noida City Centre Metro station subsequently, the number of bikes across the city will be increased.
●    The operator has already registered one bike with the transport authority. 
●    Officials said that the bike taxi service will boost last-mile connectivity to offices, schools, colleges and residential areas from the city’s metro stations and bus stops.
●    A trip from Noida City Centre, up to 3 kilometres, would cost around Rs25 on these bikes. 
●    The fare meters would work on time and distance.

GLOBAL NEWS

Zimbabwe Bans Corporal Punishment for Children

Children across Zimbabwe won new rights Thursday, March 2nd, when the High Court handed down a ruling outlawing corporal punishment against minors, both at home and in school.
●    If upheld by the country's constitutional court, the ruling will change the way Zimbabwe's parents have dealt with their children for centuries.
●    Some parents have criticized the ruling, arguing it impedes their rights as parents. Many rights groups have celebrated the corporal punishment ban as a victory for Zimbabwe's constitution.
●    The case was originally brought by Ms. Linah Pfungwa, on behalf of her 6-year-old daughter, with support from the Justice for Children's Trust, a non-governmental organization providing free legal services to minors in civil and criminal cases.
●    The case was won on the argument that corporal punishment and violence of any kind subjected to children breaches the child's rights under Zimbabwe's constitution.

RANKINGS & REPORTS

IISc First Indian University to be Ranked Among Top 10 in the World

For the first time, an Indian educational institute has broken into the top 10 of a global university rankings. 
●    On Tuesday, the Times Higher Education revealed that India is home to one of the world's best small universities, as it made public the 2017 edition of the rankings. 
●    Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, has been ranked eighth at the 'THE's Best Small Universities in the World 2017'. 
●    India's overall show in the ranking took a hit this year, as there were two institutions in the top 20 last year, though none were in top 10. 
●    Small universities are those with fewer than 5,000 students.
●    IISc, a public university for scientific research and higher education, was established in 1909 with active support from Jamsetji Tata and Sir Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore. 
●    In 2015-16 it became the first Indian institute to be ranked among the top 100 in THE World University Rankings for engineering and technology at 99th position.

NATIONAL NEWS

Shri Venkaiah Naidu to inaugurate the 3 day International Yoga Fest tomorrow

A three days International Yoga Fest from 8th-10th March 2017 will be held at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. 
●    The International Yoga Fest is being organized as  a Curtain Raiser for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2017.
●    Speaking to media persons at a  press briefing, Director  Morarji Desai  National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi said that  the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and  Urban Development  and Housing, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate the International Yoga Fest (IYF) tomorrow and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, will preside over the function. 
●    Secretary AYUSH  Sh. Ajit M. Sharan, Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev, Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Swami  Chidananda Saraswati, Sh. O.P. Tiwari, Smt. Hamsa Jayadeva,  Swami Bharat Bhushan,  Swami Ritawan Bharati, Sister BK Asha, Sh. S.Sridharan, Swami Darshak, Swami Ullasa will be the Guests of Honor.   
●    Shri  Basavaraddi  further said that the main purpose of the Fest is to sensitize the masses regarding celebration of International Day of Yoga held every year.

NATIONAL NEWS

Sports Minister Vijay Goel to inaugurate “Women and Sports in India” Conference on 8th March 2017 in New Delhi 

On the occasion of the International Women Day, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organizing a conference on 'Women and Sports in India on 8th March 2017. 
●    The daylong conference will deliberate upon various issues for encouraging more and more women to take up sports.
●    The conference will be inaugurated by the Minister of state (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel and several top women sports personalities are expected to participate in the discussions.
●    The objective of this conference is to discuss various issues that women athletes or coaches face in the field of sports and to further improve upon them. 
●    Among other issues,  the discussion will focus on the following :
●    Creation of safe spaces for girls athletes and women coaches
●    Zero tolerance towards sexual harassment in sports complex
●    Inclusion of gender sensitization modules in coach training modules
●    Women representation in sports institutions, federations and other sports bodies
●    Gender parity in terms of support to women athletes

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Important Current Affairs 6th March 2017 with Free PDF

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We bring you Important Current Affairs 6th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & Recognitions. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

SPORTS NEWS

Ashwin Sets Record for Most Balls Bowled in a Test Season

 The Indian bowlers bowled with a lot of intent on day two of the second Test between India and Australia at Bengaluru on Sunday.

• They constantly put pressure on the Australians throughout the day, but the visitors still managed to eke out a 48-run lead at the end of day’s play.
• Matt Renshaw and Shaun Marsh’s gritty fifties helped Australia post 237/6 until the close of play.
• India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has bowled a total of 41 overs in the match so far, surpassed Anil Kumble’s record for the most deliveries bowled in a Test cricket season on Sunday.
• The Quint takes a look at the records that were set on the second day of the second Test between India and Australia.

NATIONAL NEWS

India's Tallest National Flag Hoisted at Indo-Pak Border

Anil Joshi, the Cabinet Minister of Punjab, on 5 March 2017 inaugurated tricolour on the tallest flag post at Indo-Pakistan Attari border.

• The flag was hoisted on the Indian side, which is located just at a stone throw away distance from Pakistan.
• The flag post was built at an approximate cost of Rs 3.50 crore was a project of the Amritsar Improvement Trust Authority of Punjab Government.
• Due to the election Code of Conduct is in place in the state, the minister has availed special permission from the Election Commission for the inauguration.
• The flag post became attraction for thousands of tourists who were present at Wagha border to watch the Beating Retreat Ceremony during the sunset.
• Even visitors from Pakistan’s gallery were also watching the Indian flag with keen interest touching the sky.

SPORTS NEWS

Meg Lanning Breaks Record for Most Hundreds in Women's ODIs

In the 3rd ODI against New Zealand Women at Mount Maunganui, Australia Women's captain Meg Lanning etched her name in the history books by becoming the first women cricketer to register 10 ODI centuries.

• She was able to achieve the landmark from just 57 matches was even more impressive.
• Lanning went past England Women legend Charlotte Edwards who had topped the charts with 9 ODI centuries.
• The 24-year old managed to break new ground in the deciding clash of the 3-match ODI series for the Rose Bowl.
• She led from the front to score an unbeaten 116-ball 104 to help her team chase down a stiff target of 271 and secure the prestigious trophy for the Southern Stars.
• The 37-year old, who announced her retirement from the international stage during May last year, had scored 9 ODI tons from 191 matches.

OBITUARY

Pioneer of Liver Transplant, Starzl Passes Away

Dr Thomas E Starzl, a surgeon who performed the first successful liver transplant on a human patient, passed away on 4 March 2017 in Pittsburgh. He was 90.

• Dr Starzl’s death was announced by the University of Pittsburgh. He had been affiliated with the university since 1981.
• Born on 11 March 1926, Thomas Earl Starzl was an American physician and researcher. He was an expert on organ transplants.
• He is often referred to as "the father of modern transplantation."
• He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
• In 1950, he earned a Master of Science degree in anatomy from the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago.
• In 1952, he obtained a PhD in neurophysiology and an MD with distinction.
• After obtaining his medical degree, he trained in surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

SPORTS NEWS

Sam Querrey Wins the ATP Mexican Open

USA’s Sam Querrey on 4 March 2017 defeated second-seeded Rafael Nadal 6-3, 7-6 to win the ATP Mexico Open Men’s Singles title.

• The match was held in Acapulco, Mexico.
• It is Querrey’s first win over Nadal, improving his FedEx Head2Head record against Nadal to 1-4.
• Querrey is also the first American champion in 24-year history of the ATP Mexico Open.
• Born on 7 October 1987, Sam Querrey is an American professional tennis player.
• In January 2011, he achieved his career-high singles ranking of world no. 17.
• He has won nine Singles titles.
• His best performance in a Grand Slam event was at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships, where he reached the quarterfinal.

In the third round of the tournament, Querrey defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets.

WORLD NEWS

North Korea Fires Four Ballistic Missiles into Sea

North Korea fired four ballistic missiles early Monday morning in what Japan's leader described as "an extremely dangerous action."

• A fifth missile failed to launch, a US official told CNN.
• Military authorities in South Korea, Japan and the United States all confirmed the launch of four projectiles, which traveled almost 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) towards the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.
• One US official said they were intermediate-range missiles.
• The launch underscored the rapid evolution of North Korea's weapons program, which experts say has begun moving at a faster rate to develop and deploy missiles.
• US intelligence is closely monitoring the underground nuclear test site via satellite amid signs the regime could be preparing for another underground test.
• While an underground test is impossible to predict, officials say some signs of activity at the site are similar to those that occurred just before the last test.

NATIONAL NEWS

Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates ‘Destination North East-2017’

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 3-day festival ‘Destination North East-2017’ here today.

• The Member of Parliament, Smt. Kirron Kher said that North East is a very good tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and hospitable nature of its people.
• The President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Gopal Jiwarajka lauded the DoNER Ministry’s effort in promoting North East Region for investment and tourist destination. He expressed hope the people of North East too would participate towards the development of NER.
• The DG, CSIR, Dr. Girish Sahni and senior officers of the Ministry of DoNER and CSIR were also present on the occasion.
• The ‘Destination North East-2017’ is being organized by Ministry of DoNER to showcase North East as a potential destination for investment and highlight the rich traditions and customs of the region.
• The core theme of the festival is to highlight the use of appropriate technologies in all sectors of development for North Eastern Region.

NATIONAL NEWS

13th Executive Committee Meeting of the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) inaugurated

The Ministry of Power, Government of India is hosting the 13th Executive Committee (ExCo) Meeting of the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) at POWERGRID Corporate Center, Gurugram.

• This is the first ever Executive Committee Meeting of ISGAN being held in India and would have multiple sessions on 6th, 7th and 9th March, 2017.
• The ISGAN ExCo was opened by Mr. Michele de Nigris, Chair, ISGAN Presidium, Shri I.S. Jha, CMD, POWERGRID and Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power by lighting the lamp.
• In the inaugural session Shri Verma, shared India’s training modules on Smart Grids and Model Smart Grid Regulations for guidance of the ISGAN Community.
• Smart Grid implementation in India would get a boost from deliverables obtained through decisions and actions taken in 13th ISGAN ExCo Meeting as ISGAN aims to improve the understanding of smart grid technologies, practices and promote adoption of related enabling government policies.
• A total of 36 representatives from 18 countries namely Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, US and UAE are participating in this event.

Our Important Current Affairs 6th March 2017 with FREE PDF in Hindi and English which will help you in scoring good marks in Banking, Government and various other competitive exams. The FREE PDF will enable you to quickly revise through important GK sections.

Daily Current Affairs Updates 05th March 2017 with FREE PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you the Latest  Gk, Daily Current Affairs Updates 04th March 2017 with FREE PDF in both (English & Hindi), which will update with you latest headlines, news from various categories i.e: national news, sports, business, Awards & recognitions. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

NATIONAL NEWS

 National Conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan to be held 

 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has organized a national conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan in New Delhi on March 07,2017.Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti will inaugurate the conference. 
●    Union Ministers of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan and Shri Vijay Goel will also attend the conference. About 700 participants representing various stakeholder groups such as farmers, Panchayat members, officials, NGOs and students will be attending the daylong conference. 
●    Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti launched Jal Kranti Abhiyan on June 05,2015 to consolidate water conservation and management in the country through a holistic and integrated approach involving all stakeholders making it mass movement. 
●    One of the main objectives of the Jal Kranti Abhiyan is “ strengthening grass root involvement of all stakeholders including Panchayati Raj institutions and local bodies for Participatory Irrigation Management.” 
●    There are four important components of Jal Kranti Abhiyan viz. Jal Gram Yojana, Development of Model Command Area, Pollution Abatement and Mass Awareness Programme. Under Jal Gram Yojana two water stressed villages in each district of the country are to be selected and a comprehensive water security plan is formulated to achieve water security for these villages. 
●    So far 726 such villages have been identified against the total target of 828. Integrated Water Security Plan for 180 Villages have been prepared and 61 of them have been approved. 

NATIONAL NEWS

NDMA conducts training conference on capacity building for Disaster Management

 In its efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, mitigation and response measures by building capacity at the local level through engagement with the paramilitary and armed forces, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a training conference here today on capacity building of the various organisations of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other stakeholders. 
●    Lt. Gen. N. C. Marwah (Retd.), Member, NDMA, who chaired the meeting, said it is very important for NDMA and CAPFs to work together for disaster preparedness and mitigation. 
●    A discussion was held on strengthening the Disaster Management wings of CAPFs by retaining their personnel who have had a stint at National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as trainers in their DM training institutes. 
●    The need to train volunteers right up to the village level and equipping them to act as first responders in the event of a disaster was also discussed. NDMA's 'Aapda Mitra' is one such volunteer training programme which aims to train at least 200 volunteers at the district level across the country. 
●    Senior officials from NDMA, MHA, NDRF, NIDM, Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Indian Coast Guard attended the conference.

BUSINESS

 
Cognizant acquires Japan’s Brilliant Service

 IT services firm Cognizant on Thursday said it has acquired Japanese company Brilliant Service Co for an undisclosed amount.
●    As part of the acquisition, a team of 70 professionals with extensive digital solutions experience and insights in the Japanese market will join Cognizant.
●    Headquartered in Osaka, Brilliant is a products and solutions company that specializes in digital strategy, product design and engineering, the Internet of Things (IoT), and enterprise mobility.
●    Founded in 2004, Brilliant provides end-to-end Android/iOS applications, embedded software, user experience design and online-to-offline services to major corporations in Japan across industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and consumer goods.
●    “Products in every industry are becoming smart with sensors, analytics, and new content. Intelligent products and solutions are key to building real-time businesses that can quickly respond to evolving customer and technology demands,” Cognizant Asia-Pacific head Jayajyoti Sengupta said.

OBITUARY

Former IFS and MP Syed Shahabuddin passes away

 Former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and Member of Parliament (MP) Syed Shahabuddin passed away on 4 March 2017 following a prolonged illness at a hospital in Delhi NCR. He was 82.
●    Syed was well known for his concern in the Shah Bano Case and antagonism to the Demolition of Babri Masjid.
●    Shahabuddin was the former President of All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat, an umbrella organization of Indian Muslim outfits.
●    Born in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Shahabuddin began working as a diplomat for the Indian Foreign Services. 
●    He later became a politician and served three terms from 1979-1996 as a Member of Parliament of India.
●    It was him who in the 1980s assembled Muslim MPs from all the parties and met the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to highlight the problems being faced by Muslims in India.
●    He was also very eloquent on Babri Masjid issue. He created awareness about the issue among the public.

DAYS & DATES

World Wildlife Day 2017 observed globally

 The World Wildlife Day was observed across the world on 3 March 2017 with the theme 'Listen to the young voices'. 
●    The day is seen as an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora.
●    The call of the 2017 UN World Wildlife Day is to engage and empower the youth. It tends to give a new opportunity to provide incentives to the youth to tackle conservation issues. It is also an opportunity for them to engage with one another and together forge an inspired path to a better world.
●    The day is celebrated and implemented by the secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in collaboration with other relevant United Nations organizations.
●    With 183 Member States, CITES remains one of the world's most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.
●    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 20 December 2013 proclaimed 3 March as the World Wildlife Day.

NATIONAL NEWS

Health Ministry approves 4,000 PG seats in medical colleges, hospitals

 For the academic session 2017-18, the Central government on Thursday has approved over 4,000 Post Graduate seats in medical colleges and hospitals across the country, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said. 
●    Terming it an “all time record number”, the Health Minister said that these 4000 seats will take the total number of Post Graduate (PG) seats to 35,117.
●    The Health Minister’s remarks came after the Centre had announced the creation of additional 5,000 PG medical seats every year during this year’s budget with an aim to bolster availability of specialist doctors at secondary and tertiary levels.
●    The Minister also said that the total increase, 2,046 seats are in medical colleges. 
●    This includes Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats, equivalent to MD/MS, which have increased by 2,147 in the last one year. 
●    Nadda said there had been a total addition of 4,193 PG seats in the country so far, and a further addition of more than 1000 seats is likely during March 2017. 

NATIONAL NEWS

70,000 crore in black money detected: SC-appointed SIT

 Justice (retd) Arijit Pasayat, deputy chairman of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigating Team (SIT) on black money, on Thursday disclosed that so far around 70,000 crore had been detected in black money, including over 16,000 crore by Indians stashing funds abroad.
●    After a meeting with officers of several government agencies dealing with economic and financial affairs here, Justice Pasayat said the SIT would submit its sixth interim report to the Supreme Court in the first week of April.
●    He said the SIT during the past two years had made several recommendations through its interim reports to the apex court to check the generation and tap the black money at source. 
●    On Odisha-specific economic offences and unearthing of black money, Justice Pasayat said the meeting was specifically convened to ensure a smooth coordination between all investigating agencies for easy detection of ill-gotten money.

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