Important Current Affairs 28th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 28th April 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 28th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

India ranks 136 in press freedom

India slipped three places in the 2017 world press freedom rankings to 136th among 180 countries, the dismal performance blamed on “Modi’s nationalism” and growing “self-censorship” in the mainstream media.
●    In the index released on Wednesday, India was ranked just three places above Pakistan and was one notch below violence-torn Palestine. 
●    India’s neighbours Bhutan and Nepal were placed at 84th and 100th rank, respectively.
●    The report mentioned that journalists were increasingly targets of online smear campaigns and threats.
●    The watchdog was also critical of a social media and internet gag in Kashmir and said that in the absence of any “protective mechanism, coverage of sensitive regions continued to be “very difficult”.
●    Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark took the first four positions in the rankings. The United States was at the 43rd position. 
●    Large swathes of sub-Saharan Africa, including dictator-ruled Zimbabwe, performed better than India.

PayTM launches feature to digitally buy and sell gold

Payments app Paytm on 27 April 2017 launched ‘Digital Gold’ on its platform to allow customers to buy and sell gold through electronic platform.
●    This first wealth management product was launched in partnership with gold refiner MMTC-PAMP. It offers a real-time international pricing mechanism for the customers.
●    Using Paytm mobile wallets, consumers can purchase 24K 999.9 purity gold online and store it in MMTC—PAMP’s secure vaults free of charge. 
●    Customers can buy and sell gold either by money (starting Re 1) or by weight (starting 0.1 gram).
●    Customers can even request for their gold to be delivered at their homes in the form of minted coins. 
●    Moreover, if the consumer wants to sell the gold, MMTC-PAMP will buy the gold back from them and the money will be transferred to the user’s bank account.

4th National Standards Conclave

Department of Commerce, Government of India in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) and other knowledge partners is organizing the 4th National Standards Conclave on 1-2 May 2017 at New Delhi. 
●    The objective of the two day Conclave is to bring awareness and prepare Industries, Central Government Ministries, State Governments, regulatory/standards setting and conformity assessment bodies on the growing importance of “Standards” in the changing scenario of global trade.
●    The Standards Conclave is being held in the backdrop of diminishing importance of tariffs and rising influence of standards and regulation both in goods and services trade.
●    It must be recognized that the days of differential standards – low for domestic market and high for exports - are over and if the Indian industry has to survive and thrive, it has to adopt global standards. 
●    The Ministries/ regulators/ state governments have to also realize that their initiatives and schemes have to be built around global standards if they have to succeed in their objectives.

Signing of Tripartite MOU for broadband services to Post Offices

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed today among BBNL, Department of Posts and BSNL for providing broadband connectivity of BharatNet to Post Offices in rural areas. 
●    The MoU signed under the chairmanship of Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha is the first tri-partite agreement to provide broadband connectivity to about 1.3 lakh, post offices in rural areas and 25,000 sub-post offices for high speed internet connectivity to the rural masses.
●    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sinha said that the first phase of connecting about one lakh Gram Panchayats is nearing its completion and in the remaining one and a half lakh Gram Panchayats 100 mbps broadband connectivity will be completed by December, 2018. 
●    In reply to a question, the Minister said that BharatNet is one of the 9 pillars of realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India.

‘Oorja’ –CAPFs Under -19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament-2017 begins in Goa from Monday

India is hosting FIFA Under – 19 World Cup in October this year. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has called for the support of not only children, but also parents to encourage boys and girls to play football and develop both skill and fitness. 
●    The tournament will be a milestone event in many ways, but perhaps most lasting aspect will be Mission XI Million, which is a grassroot programme designed to encourage children to play this popular game.
●    Keeping in view of the appeal of the Prime Minister, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been tasked to conduct ‘Oorja’, - CAPFs Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament – 2017. 
●    CAPFs will be jointly organizing the tournament under the aegis of All India Police Sports Control Board throughout the country from May 1-15, 2017. 
●    The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is tasked to conduct the tournament for the States of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
●    In Goa, CISF is organizing the Oorja – 2017 for Boys and Girls under the age of 19 from May 1-10, 2017. 
Opening Ceremony is  scheduled on May 1, 2017 at Bambolim Football stadium, Goa in which Governor of Goa, Smt. Mridula Sinha will be the Chief Guest.

Current Affairs 28th April 2017: PERSONS

Nita Ambani made Member of IOC's Olympic Channel Commission

Nita Ambani in April 2017 was made a member of two important commissions of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) governing body.

Ambani was made as a member of the prestigious Olympic Channel and Olympic Education Commission. She replaced International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven to be one of the 16 members of the Olympic Channel Commission headed by United States Olympic Committee Chairman Lawrence Francis Probst.

Ambani already holds the distinction of being India’s first woman IOC member. She was elected as an individual member of International Olympic Committee in the year 2016. She will serve the position till she turns 70.

On the other hand, the International Olympic Committee also announced the composition of 26 commissions for the year 2017. The composition of the IOC commissions for 2017 has seen a 70 per cent increase in female participation since September 2013.

Current Affairs 28th April 2017: OBITUARY

Actor Vinod Khanna passes away

Veteran actor Vinod Khanna passed away on 27 April 2017 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was 70.
●    Khanna was reportedly battling with cancer for years.
●    Born on 6 October 1946 in Peshawar, Vinod Khanna acted in lead roles in many superhit Bollywood movies.
●    He is best remembered for his performance in films like Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Gaddaar, Jail Yatra, Kuchhe Dhaage, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rajput, Qurbani, Dayavan, and others.
●    He was popularly hailed as one of the most handsome lead actors ever in Bollywood, along with Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor.
●    He made his debut in Bollywood in the year 1968. He first acted in small second lead roles or negative roles.
●    At the peak of his film career in 1982, he temporarily quit the film industry to follow his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh.

Oscar winning director Jonathan Demme passes away

Jonathan Demme, the Oscar-winning director of The Silence of the Lambs, passed away on 26 April 2017. He was 73.
●    The cause of Demme's death is said to be esophageal cancer.
●    Born on 22 February 1944, Robert Jonathan Demme was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter.
●    He started his career into feature film working with film producer Roger Corman, co-writing and producing Angels Hard as They Come and The Hot Box.
●    He then moved on to directing three films for Corman's studio New World Pictures.
●    In 1977, he directed the comedy film Handle with Care for Paramount Pictures. The film was well received by critics.
●    He rose to prominence in the 1980s with his comedy films Melvin and Howard, Swing Shift, Something Wild.
●    He is best known for directing the movie The Silence of the Lambs, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director. 
●    It was one of only three films to win all the major categories, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Important Current Affairs 27th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 27th April 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 27th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Uma Bharti to launch Water Conservation Programme for Bundelkhand

Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti will launch extensive water conservation programme for drought prone areas of Bundelkhand, Marathwada, Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput in Odisha. 
●    Sushri Bharti will formally launch the programme on April 28, 2017 at Bandri, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh).
●    Announcing this in New Delhi today the Minister said that her Ministry has prepared a master plan for artificial recharge of groundwater in Bundelkhand region. 
●    In UP region of Bundelkhand, around 1100 percolation tanks, 14000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 7200 Recharge pits/shafts have been identified. 
●    In MP region of Bundelkhand, around 2000 percolation tanks, 55000 small check dams/Nala bunds and 17000 Recharge shafts have been identified. 
●    She said as a part of ground water exploration, 234 wells in UP are proposed to be constructed in five districts of Bundelkhand i.e., Banda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Chitrakoot and Mahoba. 
●    As a part of ground water exploration, 259 wells in MP are proposed to be constructed in six districts of Bundelkhand.

Venkaiah Naidu Launches Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (MSEFC) Portal and MyMSME Mobile App

Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting launched two important initiatives of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Ministry of MSME), viz. Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) portal and MyMSME Mobile App on the occasion of the 15th Meeting of the National Board for MSME here today. 
●    Union Minsiter for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra and Minister of State for MSME Shri Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary were present on this august occasion
●    Shri Kalraj Mishra, speaking on the occasion, said that Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) portal on http://msefc.msme.gov.in, would facilitate implementation of the delayed payment provisions of the MSMED Act 2006 and also assist in monitoring of delayed payment cases. 
●    This online platform is expected to be a significant step in the direction of Digital India from the perspective of the MSME Sector in the country. 
●    With the access to this platform, micro and small enterprises would be able to file their delayed payment related grievances online. 
●    The grievance filed would be communicated through email and SMS to the parties involved. It would also help officers of the Ministry of MSME as well as the State Government concerned in monitoring the progress of cases both at the State and National levels. 
●    He also informed that most of the States have already uploaded the information regarding delayed payment cases on MSEFC portal. 
●    As on 31.03.2017, 3690 cases involving an amount of Rs.1660 crore are being considered by various MSEFCs. 
●    In fact, the online portal would be of great help to start-ups since delayed payment is probably the single biggest problem for start-ups.

Government revamps jobs on compassionate ground for Gramin Dak Sevaks

Department of Posts has revamped the existing compassionate engagement scheme offered to the dependent family members of Gramin Dak Sevak. 
●    A GDS who dies in harness, the dependents of such GDS will benefit from a liberalized and time bound procedure for engagement on compassionate grounds. 
●    Henceforth, any death of a Gramin Dak Sevak while on engagement would be compensated by a compassionate engagement to a dependent family member irrespective of the circumstances or indigence. 
●    Upper age limit of the applicant could also be relaxed wherever found to be necessary. 
●    Thus the new scheme of compassionate engagement will provide greater relief to the members of the family of the deceased GDS who belong to weaker and poorer sections of the society and are thrown into penury and hardship.
●    The ambit of dependent family member has also been expanded to include:
●    Married son living with parents and dependent for livelihood on the GDS on the date of death of the GDS
●    Divorced daughter wholly dependent on the GDS at the time of death of the GDS
●    Daughter in law of the deceased GDS who is wholly dependent on the GDS, if the only son of the GDS is pre deceased.

Joint Review Meeting for revival of Closed Fertilizer Plants held 

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar presided over a Joint review meeting on revival plans for closed fertilizer projects under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers here today. 
●    The review was jointly held with Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Chemical & Fertilizer, Shri Mansukh Lal Mandaviya. 
●    Senior officers from the three Ministries were present during the meeting.
●    Addressing the media after the meeting, Shri Ananthkumar informed that with the revival of the fertilizer projects, Gorakhpur, Barauni, Sindri and Talcher, an additional annual production capacity of 75 LMT would be created making India self-reliant in meeting the annual domestic demand of around 320 LMT, from being a net importer currently. 
●    Financial allocations and the ground level work would start in 2017 and the five plants would become fully functional by 2020-21, he added.

India successfully test-fires Agni-III ballistic missile

India on 27 April 2017 successfully test-fired 3000 kilometre range Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. 
●    The test was aimed at re-establishing the operational effectiveness of the weapon system.
●    The test was carried by the Strategic Forces Command with logistics support from Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
●    Agni-III’s first user successful trial was carried out on 21 September 2012.
●    This Surface-to-Surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile can hit targets in the range of around 3000 km.
●    The two-stage solid-propelled missile has a length of 17 metres, 2 metres diameter and its launch weight is around 50 tonnes.
●    It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield.
 

Current Affairs 27th April 2017: AWARDS

President confers the 52ND Jnanpith Award on Prof. Sankha Ghosh 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 52nd Jnanpith Award on Prof. Sankha Ghosh in New Delhi today (April 27, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that a poet and critique par excellence, a teacher of reputation, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award, way back in 1977, Padma Bhushan Prof. Sankha Ghosh is indeed the most deserving recipient of this award. 
●    A professor of Bengali and an authority in his own right on the works of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Prof. Sankha Ghosh represents the fluid brilliance that characterizes India’s multifarious literary genius. 
●    It is indeed an example of his brilliant fluidity that an author who strove to master Bengali academically, expressed himself in perhaps the most difficult literary genre of poetry. 
●    The President said that in conferring the award on Prof. Sankha Ghosh the selection board noted that his poetic idiom and experiments with various poetic forms mark his greatness as a creative talent. 
●    They also observed that Prof. Ghosh’s poetry, while conveying messages, have remained free from polemics. 
●    One look at his works, be it Adim Lata- Gulmomay, Murkho Baro Samajik Noy or Baborer Prarthana, to name a few, and one would be left in no doubt about every word of the observations mentioned by the selection board to be to the point and correct. 

President of India presents CII president’s Award for Lifetime Achievement and CII Foundation Woman Exemplar Award

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement to Mr. Rahul Bajaj and CII foundation Woman Exemplar Award in New Delhi today (April 27, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated all the awardees – Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto Ltd. for receiving this year’s CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement and those conferred with Woman Exemplar Awards. 
●    He said that the institution of the CII Foundation Woman Exemplar Award in 2005 is a welcome initiative to promote women’s empowerment at the community level by discovering and recognizing those who have, against all odds, excelled and contributed significantly to the development process in India. 
●    This will be a great encouragement for the countless number of women who are contributing in different ways to strengthening our nation and its economy. 
●    The President reminded Industry that just as much as funds, the country also needs their ideas, energy and drive. 
●    He urged them to leverage CSR to re-imagine interventions and transformative solutions to address the higher developmental challenges in India. 
●    He emphasized that they should have a pan-Indian outlook and not limit themselves to a few geographies for CSR development. He stated that given the magnitude of the challenges before our country and the relatively short time available to address them, partnerships will play a very crucial role. 
●    It is important to collaborate for achieving scale, developing solutions to complex social problems and for technology development.
 

Current Affairs 27th April 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India & Cyprus sign Work Plan for 2017–18 in the Agriculture Sector

India and Cyprus here today signed Work Plan for 2017–18 to implement an already signed MOU for cooperation in the agriculture sector. 
●    It covers areas such as joint research projects, training/exchange programme for scientists/experts working in the specific fields in various institutes of the two countries, exchange of germplasms and technology, promotion of private sector participation and joint workshops and conferences etc.
●    Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare welcomed Shri Nicos Kouyialis and said that India’s relations with Cyprus have always been warm and friendly with the two countries supporting each other's’ views on various international matters. 
●    Shri Singh said that India has achieved tremendous progress in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors, which remains a principal source of income in the country. 
●    The government is working not only to accelerate agricultural production to meet the rising demand for food, but also to increase the income of those dependent on agriculture. 
●    Union Agriculture Minister said further said the government has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and briefly highlighted the initiatives taken in this regard.

Important Current Affairs 26th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 26th April 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 26th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

President of India addresses first convocation of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the first convocation of the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad in Hyderabad today (April 26, 2017). 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said on the august occasion of the first convocation of the English and Foreign Languages University, as we celebrate the impressive achievements of this University, he wanted to share with them some enduring reflections that ought to guide us in advancing our vision of education. 
●    He stated that to his mind, knowledge must pave the path of life; and living must essentially encompass pursue the path of learning. From times immemorial the continent of Asia, and South East Asia in particular, opened up novel paths of learning. 
●    Wherever the Buddha traversed - seeds of knowledge sprouted and flourished. Nalanda, after Takshashila, held the beacon of light very high for over a millennium across lands and seas and welcomed drifting seekers of knowledge and provided them a lasting resting place. 
●    The President said that today sustaining and reinvigorating higher education, in India as well as in other parts of the world, has become a major challenge, especially so in public institutions. Challenges exist for such institutions, both from outside and inside. 

NCST SEEKS Information on Fake ST Certificate

National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST) has asked Uttar Pradesh Government to furnish information on fake certificates of Gond tribal community. 
●    The Secretary, NCST in his letter to Chief Secretary, UP has said that it has been brought to the notice of the Commission that many persons from Nayak Brahman and Brahman Ojha community in Gorakhpur, Devaria, Maharajganj, Basti, Aajamgarh, Mau and Balia districts have obtained fake certificates of Gond tribal community to get Govt Jobs. 
●    The Chief Secretary, UP has been asked to furnish the information of total population of ST community and percentage along with population and percentage of Gond community in the State. 
●    He has also been asked to furnish the details of the persons from Nayak Brahman and Brahman Ojha community who have been issued the certificates of Gond tribal community. 
●    The Commission has also asked that whether any civil or criminal action been taken against persons having fake certificates of Gond tribal community. 
●    The Commission has taken the cognizance of the issue on the representation from an NGO. 

Over Rs.one lakh cr investment approved for housing of urban poor

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has sanctioned 1,00,537 more houses for urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) with an investment of Rs.4,200 cr taking the total investment so far approved to Rs.1,00,466 cr. 
●    This is 307% more than the investment approved of Rs.32,713 cr during 2004-14 for affordable housing in urban areas.
●    With the latest sanctions, the Ministry has so far approved construction of 18,75,389 houses for Economically Weaker Sections under PMAY(Urban) in 2,151 cities and towns in 34 States/UTs as against 13.80 lakh houses sanctioned during 2004-15 with an approved investment of Rs.32,009 cr.
●    The total investment approved so far includes central assistance of Rs.29,409 cr, assistance from State Governments and beneficiary contribution.
●    In the latest sanctions, Madhya Pradesh got 57,131 houses, Tamil Nadu-24,576, Manipur-6,231, Chattisgarh-4,898, Gujarat-4,261, Assam-2,389, Kerala-643, Jharkhand-331 and Daman & Diu-77.
●    With total houses sanctioned of 2,66,842, Madhya Pradesh has emerged the leader for the first time  in approvals under PMAY(Urban) with a total investment of Rs.18,283 cr. 
●    Tamil Nadu is second with 2,52,532 houses with a total project cost of Rs.9,112 cr.

Shri Narendra Modi will Flag-off First UDAN Flight under RCS

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will flag off the first UDAN flight under RCS on Shimla-Delhi sector on 27th April, 2017. 
●    Simultaneously, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will also flag off the inaugural UDAN flights on Kadapa – Hyderabad and Nanded-Hyderabad sectors.
●    The Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to providing air connectivity to currently underserved and unserved airports. To make air travel accessible to citizens in regionally important cities, the Ministry launched ‘Ude Deshka Aam Naagrik’ (UDAN) Regional Connectivity Scheme in October, 2016. 
●    The UDAN Scheme was developed through extensive consideration of various issues and consultations with stakeholders. 
●    This is a first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based mechanism.  
●    The UDAN Scheme is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 15th June, 2016. 
●    The AAI followed a transparent bidding process by inviting interested bidders and airline operators to submit their Initial Proposals under the provisions of Regional Connectivity Scheme and subsequently inviting counter proposals against such Initial Proposals.
●    The routes and networks are awarded to bidders who submitted valid proposals and quoted the lowest viability gap funding (VGF) from the government for such routes and networks.
 

Orientation programme for establishment of Spice Farmers Producer Companies in Arunachal Pradesh 

Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the orientation programme for establishment of Spice Farmers Producer Companies (SFPCs) and a buyer-seller meet organized by Spices Board in Itanagar today to highlight the promotion of spices and herbs being grown in the hill State of Arunachal Pradesh and integrate the farmers of the State with markets in India and abroad. 
●    Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Wangki Lowang, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Trade & Commerce and Shri Tamiyo Taga, Minister of Power, Industries, Textiles & Handicraft, Government of Arunachal Pradesh also participated in the programme. 
●    “As part of Government of India Look East to Act East policy, North East region is given priority and actions are being initiated in the region for development. 
●    There is scope for export of spices like large cardamom, ginger, turmeric etc., which area produced naturally organic in Arunachal Pradesh. 
●    In order to aggregate the farmers’ produce, Spice Farmers Producer companies shall be formed” said Smt. Sitharaman. She further added that Spices Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER), North Eastern Council (NEC) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh are to work together for materializing the establishment of SFPCs. 
●    The first SFPC in the country will be established in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.
 

Current Affairs 26th April 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar appointed as DG, CRPF; Shri RK Pachnanda to be next DG, ITBP

The Government has appointed Shri Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar, IPS (UP:1983), Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau to the post of Director General, Central Reserve Police Force, from the date of joining the post and up to December 31, 2019 i.e. the date of his superannuation or till further orders, whichever is earlier. 
●    The Government has also appointed Shri R. K. Pachnanda, IPS (WB:1983), Director General, National Disaster Response Force to the post of Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, vice Shri Krishna Choudhary, IPS (BH:1979), DG, ITBP due to retire on superannuation on June 30, 2017, from the date of joining the post and up to October 31, 2018 or till further orders, whichever is earlier.
 

Current Affairs 26th April 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Union Home Minister calls on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh called on the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe here today. 
●    In his meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and emphasised the close political ties shared between the two countries. 
●    Both the leaders expressed concern over the growing threat from the terrorism and agreed that there should be continuous dialogue between the security organisations of the two countries, to thwart any attempt by the terror outfits to destabilise the stability and peace in the region. 
●    The issues concerning the fishermen who inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line were also discussed and it was felt that the same should be resolved at the earliest with no more loss of lives.
 

Current Affairs 26th April 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

China's first home-built aircraft carrier hit water

China launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier on 26 April 2017, transferring the ship from a dry dock into open water in Dalian, a port city in China’s Liaoning Province.
●    The launch ceremony was held at 9 am in the morning, three days after the 68th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy that was on 23 April 2017.
●    The launch ceremony was chaired by Fan Changlong, the Vice-Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission.
●    The carrier, temporarily named Type 001A, is China’s second aircraft carrier after the Liaoning, former Soviet Union made carrier that was refurbished extensively before being commissioned to the PLA Navy in 2012.
●    It is slightly larger than the Liaoning.
●    While its length is 315 m, its width is 75 m and it has a cruising speed of about 31 knots and a displacement of 70,000 tonnes.
 

Important Current Affairs 25th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 25th April 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 25th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates 47th Foundation Day of HUDCO

The Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the 47th Foundation Day of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) today and said that HUDCO is playing an important role in taking financial inclusion forward in the country, as it is taking care of the housing finance needs of the economically deprived sections.
●    Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that in the last 47 years, HUDCO had constructed 16 million residential units across the country and over 92 per cent of these dwelling units have benefited the economically weaker sections and low income groups. 
●    He further said that HUDCO has assisted in the construction of about 67 lakh, viable & low cost sanitation units.
●    Shri Naidu said that HUDCO executed 51 MoUs with various Primary Lending Institutions for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme- Economically Weaker Section/ Low Income Group (CLSS-EWS/LIG) and 21 MoUs for Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme for Middle Income Groups (CLSS-MIG). 
●    He highlighted that HUDCO has achieved the MoU targets in respect of overall sanctions and disbursements and from the past 5 years, HUDCO is continuously getting excellent rating, with Perfect 1 (One) ‘MoU Rating’ in 2015-16.

Shri Singh inaugurates two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign-2017 

The National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign – 2017 is being organised on 25th and 26th April, 2017 at New Delhi.  The Conference was inaugurated by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and also addressed by Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.   
●    The Conference was attended by Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, besides Agriculture Production Commissioners / Principal Secretaries / Secretaries / Directors of the State Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Agriculture Marketing, Senior Scientists from ICAR and other officials from relevant Ministries and agencies.
●    In his inaugural address, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare applauded efforts of the Central and State Governments in attaining an estimated record production of about 272 million metric tons in foodgrains and 33.6 million tons oilseeds. 
●    Shri Singh particularly referred to the expected quantum jump in pulses production, which is estimated at a record breaking 22.14 million metric tons as per the second Advance Estimates. Shri Radha Mohan Singh pointed out to the encouraging first stage forecast of the South West monsoon during Kharif 2017 and exhorted the States to make all necessary arrangements of agricultural inputs for our farmers.  
●    Shri Singh further stressed on the commitment of the Government to double the income of farmers by the year 2022 and the initiatives taken by the Central Government towards this end.  
●    A roadmap has been prepared to scale up pulses production to 24 MMTs by 2021.

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to the martyred CRPF personnel

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh paid tributes to the martyred CRPF personnel, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh today. The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir also paid tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in a Naxal attack in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh yesterday. 
●    While paying tributes to martyred CRPF personnel, Shri Rajnath Singh said that their sacrifice will not go in vain. 
●    The Home Minister said that the attack in Sukma is a cold blooded murder by LWE groups and it is an act of cowardice. He said that it is an act of desperation and we have accepted it as a challenge. 
●    He said that the Government will review the strategy and if necessary, will revisit it. Shri Rajnath Singh said that the Government is working to root out the problem of Left Wing Extremism and LWE groups are anti-development & they do not want development in the area. 
●    Later, Shri Rajnath Singh visited the injured CRPF personnel at the Ramkrishna Care Hospital, in Raipur and enquired about their health. 
●    The Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh also reviewed the LWE situation in the state at a meeting in Raipur.

Centre Takes Ten New Swachh Iconic Places under Swachh Bharat Mission

The second quarterly review meeting on the Swachh Iconic Places (SIP), an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission, was held today at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. 
●    Ten Swachh Iconic Places are already implementing action plans in phase 1. 
●    The meeting was attended by the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri N.N. Vohra; Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar; Union Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Minister of State, J&K, Shri Ajay Nanda; Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer and senior officials from the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, States, partnering PSUs and other local bodies. 
●    On this occasion, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar announced ten new Iconic places to be taken under the Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places initiative. 
●    These ten new iconic places which are to be brought to a higher standard of swachhta and visitors’ amenities are : 1. Gangotri, 2. Yamunotri. 3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, 4. Char Minar, Hyderabad, 5. Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assissi, Goa, 6. Adi Shankaracharya’s abode Kaladi in Ernakulam, 7. Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, 8. Baijnath Dham, Devghar, 9. Gaya Tirth in Bihar and 10. Somnath temple in Gujarat. 

Prakash Javadekar inaugurates National Consultation on revised Accreditation Framework

Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar today inaugurated the one day National Consultation on Revised Accreditation Framework here in New Delhi. 
●    Highlighting the importance of quality education the Minister said any accreditation process or any certification or assessment process must also take into account the final product of it. 
●    Subject knowledge is one thing, the delivery of subject knowledge, infrastructure and building skill component in a student are another part. 
●    But ultimately the aim of education should be to build a good human being and only that kind of education could be termed creative that is capable of doing so and hence it should also be checked whether the parameters of intention, policy and schemes are getting reflected in the very institution, he said.
●    Shri Javadekar appreciated the observations of MoS Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in this connection and emphasised to think of education in totality and said it must reflect in the ranking of institutions He said quality of education imparted by any institution will be reflected in its adaptability to change.

Tripartite meetings with various communities from Assam held today

Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, held tripartite talks with Govt. of Assam, Six Communities, Adivasi National Convention and all-Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (P) here today. 
●    Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju and Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Commerce & Industry, Transport & Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Assam met the representatives of these delegations. 
●    Senior Govt. of India and Govt. of Assam officials were present during the talks. 
●    The Six Communities namely Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Motok, Tai Ahom, Chutia and Adivasi (Tea Tribes) have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status to these Communities. 
●    Adivasi National Convention has been demanding ST status for Adivasi Communities in Assam and settlement for the militant groups which surrendered in 2012. 
●    All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (P) has been demanding ST status for Koch Rajbongshis and protection of their political, cultural and linguistic rights. 
●    All the three meetings were held in cordial atmosphere.
 

Current Affairs 25th April 2017: AWARDS

Aamir Khan receives Dinanath Mangeshkar Award 2017

Superstar Aamir Khan was on 25 April 2017 honoured with the 75th Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award for his film Dangal, which was one of the biggest hits of 2016. The award was bestowed upon him by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
●    By receiving the award, Aamir Khan broke his own record of not being part of any awards functions. 
●    He last attended an award show 16 years ago when Lagaan film was nominated in the Best Film category at the Academy Awards.
●    Legendary actress Vyjayanthimala Bali was also honoured with Master Dinanath Vishesh Puraskar for her achievements in Hindi cinema. 
●    Mohan Wagh Award for best drama was presented to Sunil Barve for Amar Photo Studio Subak Sanstha. 
●    Uday Nirgudkar received an award for his editorial work while Kaushiki Chakraborty was awarded for her endeavour in the field of music.
 

Current Affairs 25th April 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Cuba and Morocco re-establish diplomatic ties after 37 years

Cuba and Morocco in the third week of April 2017 signed an agreement to re-establish diplomatic ties after a gap of 37 years.
●    The announcement was made by the Cuban Foreign Ministry.
●    The agreement, which states "Guided by the mutual will to develop friendly relations, the two governments agreed to reestablish ties as well as political, economic and cultural cooperation," was signed by the two countries' envoys to the United Nations in New York.
●    Morocco's King Mohamed VI has already ordered the opening of an embassy in Havana. Cuba is one of the few Latin American countries where Rabat was not represented to date.
●    After Cuba’s diplomatic reestablishment with Morocco, South Korea, Somalia and Israel are the only remaining countries that do not have any ties with the Latin American nation.

Important Current Affairs 24th April 2017 with Free PDF

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We bring you Important Current Affairs 24th April 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 24th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Induction Ceremony of SU 30 MKI to the Valiants

In a solemn ceremony on 24 Apr 17, the Su30 MKI aircraft was inducted into 221 Squadron, ‘Valiants’, of the IAF. Air Marshal C Hari Kumar AVSM VM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command IAF was the chief guest for the occasion. 
●    Among the distinguished guests were Mr Daljeet Singh, CEO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and other officials from HAL.
●    The ‘Valiants’ which flew Mig-23 aircraft till 2009, is now equipped with the formidable Su30 MKI aircraft. The Su 30 MKI is a state of the art all weather multi role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air combat and ground attack missions.
●    The ’Valiants’ were formed as an offensive fighter squadron on 14 Feb 1963 at Barrackpore with Sqn Ldr N Chatrath as the first Commanding Officer. 
●    The Squadron was than equipped with three types of aircraft namely the Vampires, Spitfire, Hurricane and Su-7 aircraft. The squadron has changed many bases during its fifty four years long journey and has taken part in 1971 War and Kargil operations. 
●    Su-7 aircraft of the Valiants roared over East Pakistan in support of the Indian Army’s blitzkrieg advance in 1971. 
●    The ‘Valiants’, operating the MiG-23s, were the first ones to fire weapons on the enemy during the Kargil war. Many of the squadron pilots have been decorated with gallantry awards over the years.

Government Printing Press to be upgraded at a cost of Rs.338 cr

Modernisation and redevelopment of Government of India Printing Press at Minto Road in New Delhi will be taken up at a cost of Rs.338.56 cr.
●    Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the recommendation of the Standing Finance Committee in this regard.
●    The present building of the Press will be redeveloped at a cost of Rs.238.56 cr into three blocks of Ground plus six floors suitable to locate the modern technology and equipment to be installed at a cost of Rs.100 cr.
●    At present, the machines and equipment being used are of 1980-2005 vintage and some of them installed as early as in 1968, resulting in high cost of production, demand for printing not being met in time besides non-availability of spare parts requiring their refabrication.
●    With redevelopment and modernisation, the production capacity of the Government of India Printing Press at Minto Road in the national capital will increase from the present 16 lakh pages per day (60 cr pages per year)of A-5 size to 45 lakh pages per day (164.96 cr pages per year) marking an increase of 177% in production capacity. Multi-colour printing, which is not available presently will be made available.

ECI issues letter of intent for purchase of 16,15,000 VVPATs

Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a letter of intent for purchase of 16,15,000 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails( VVPATs) at an estimated cost of Rs 3,173.47 crore during 2017-18 and 2018-19 from PSUs BEL and ECIL. 
●    In its letter sent to CMDs of ECIL and BEL on Friday (21st April) , the Commission has communicated its intent for purchase 8,07,500 VVPATs from each PSUs by September 2018.
●    These VVPATs shall be manufactured by both PSUs only as per the design approved by the Commission based on recommendation of the Technical Experts Committee on EVMs constituted by the Commission & comprising of eminent technical professors from IITs. 
●    The Commission shall closely monitor the production of VVPATs for timely delivery well before General Elections 2019.
●    On 19th April, 2017, in compliance of the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court and as per the recommendation of the Election Commission of India, the Government had approved Rs 3173.47 crore for the procurement of 16,15,000 VVPATs to be used in ensuing elections and General Elections 2019.

Make in India gets metro boost; local procurement made mandatory

With rapid expansion of metro rail projects in the country, Ministry of Urban Development has taken several far reaching decisions to promote Make in India campaign. 
●    These include stipulating certain mandatory conditions to be incorporated in Tender Documents of metro companies for procurement of metro cars and related critical equipment and subsystems, procurement of only Made in India signaling equipment besides standardizing technical parameters for rolling stock (metro coaches) and signaling equipment.
●    The new mandatory Tender Conditions and standardized norms for a wide range of equipment, approved by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu have been circulated to all the metro companies on Friday this week making them effective immediately.
●    These initiatives will incentivize  setting up manufacturing facilities in the country by increasing the volumes of procurement of rolling stock and all kinds of equipment by removing variations in the present technical norms for rolling stock and signaling equipment. 
●    This will in turn result in reduction of cost through economies of scale.

Current Affairs 24th April 2017: AWARDS

Film Director & Actor Shri Kasinadhuni Viswanath to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2016

Renowned Film Director & Actor Shri Kasinadhuni Viswanath is to be conferred the 48th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2016. I&B Minister Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today approved the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award committee.
●    The Award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. The Award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and a shawl. 
●    The Award shall be conferred by the President of India At a function on May 3rd2017 at Vigyan Bhawan.
●    A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, Shri K Viswanath has been a guiding force in the Indian film industry. 
●    As a director he has made fifty films since 1965 known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity. 
●    His films on wide range of social & human issues had great appeal to the masses.
●    Shri K Viswanath was born in February 1930 at Gudivada In Andhra Pradesh. An ardent art lover, he made a series of films based on varied themes of art, music and dance. 
●    His films empathized with courage and frailty, aspirations and convictions, perseverance and distractions, social demands and individual struggle and at the core believed in the goodness of the human spirit.

Current Affairs 24th April 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Indian Warships Visit Toulon, France

In continuation of the Indian Navy’s overseas deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and West Coast of Africa, three Indian warships INS Mumbai, Trishul, and Aditya, arrived at Toulon for a three day visit today. 
●    The ships were warmly received by the Administration in Toulon and the French Navy at Toulon Naval Base in coordination with the Embassy of India. 
●    The visiting ships are a part of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command and the Task Group is headed by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, who is flying his flag on the guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai. 
●    On completion of the visit at Toulon, bilateral exercise Varuna between the Indian Navy and the French Navy is scheduled from 24 to 30 Apr 17. 
●    The VARUNA series of exercises began in 2000 and have grown into an institutionalised form of interaction between the two navies. The last VARUNA exercise was held off the Indian coast. 
●    The current visit seeks to underscore India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and like minded countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen the existing bonds between India and France. 
●    The visit of Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command to France, coinciding with the visit of the IN ships to France and conduct of Exercise VARUNA, amply demonstrate the Indian Navy’s engagement with the French Navy.

1st ‘India Indonesia Energy Forum’ held in Jakarta 

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal and H.E. Mr. Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Republic of Indonesia met on 20th April, 2017 for the 1st ‘India Indonesia Energy Forum’, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
●    The Energy Forum was preceded by 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Oil and Gas, 4th Joint Working Group on Coal and 1st Joint Working Group on New and Renewable Energy. 
●    The reports of three Joint Working Groups were presented to two Ministers during the Energy Forum. 
●    The 2nd JWG on Oil and Gas discussed policy framework of India and Indonesia, oil and gas infrastructure development, cooperation opportunities in capacity building and business opportunities in oil and gas sector in both countries. 
●    Representatives of major Indian companies in oil and gas sector such as ONCG Videsh Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) participated in the JWG. 
●    Indonesian companies such as PT Pertamina, PT Triputra, PT Nusantara Regas, Medco Energy and PT PGN were also represented.

Important Current Affairs 23rd April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 23rd April 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 23rd April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

One of Asia's largest churches inaugurated in Nagaland

Dubbed as Asia’s largest Baptist Church and Asia’s second largest Church, the new Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto  (SBCZ) was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi, general secretary of the CBCNEI Saturday at an impressive function held inside the Church building. 
●    Standing at the height of 1864.9 m above the sea level, this colossal structure has a height of 166’ft, length of 203’ft and breadth of 153’ft with a total plinth area of 23,73,476 sq.ft with seating capacity of 8500 seats and 27 rooms.
●    Delivering the message on the theme “Enter His gate with thanksgiving,” Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi told the fully packed audience that one should always give thanks to God for all the blessings He showers upon His people. 
●    He said that despite facing hardships, adversaries and trails in one’s life, the people of God should not fail in shouting praises to God.
●    Rev.Rongpi asked the gathering that during this time of dedication, believers in Zunheboto to remember God’s love and compassion and to start counting the blessings of God one by one. 
●    He said that the people of Zunheboto has been blessed with a magnificent Church which is the second largest Church in Asia, the largest being Yoido Full Church at Seoul, South Korea, which is a Pentecostal Church.
●    Earlier, giving a brief account on the construction of the Church, Kiyelho H.Yeptho, chairman, NCBC informed that the works on the new Church building began in the year 2007 and was completed in the year 2017. 

First ‘Made in India’ Industrial Robot BRABO

TAL Manufacturing Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors has unveiled India’s first ‘conceptualized, designed and manufactured articulated industrial robot’ called “BRABO”. BRABO stands for “Bravo Robot”.
●    The robot has been developed indigenously for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in India. 
●    The robot is primarily developed to complement the human workforce and repeatedly perform high volume, dangerous and time-consuming tasks ranging from handling of raw materials to packaging of finished products.
●    BRABO was designed and manufactured at the TAL’s Pune factory. 
●    Other than the motors and drives for the Robo-arm, all the other parts of the robot were indigenously manufactured in India. 
●    BRABO has four patents registered in its name and TAL has also applied for an intellectual property (IP) certification for the robot.

First eco friendly refinery to be open in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government is all set to ink a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HPCL on Tuesday to set up India’s first Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Pachpadra area of Barmer district, a senior official said.
●    In 2013, the previous Congress government had signed an MoU with HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) to set up a 9-million-tonne refinery-cum-petrochemical project with an investment of ₹37,000 crore. 
●    The Vasundhara Raje government put the project under review in July 2014, questioning the less share to the state and the interest-free loan package.
●    “The viability gap funding (VGF), which was ₹3736 crore for 15 years to be given by state government, has come down to ₹1123 crore.”
●    The state government’s return on investment has been increased to 12% from 2%. 
●    The government will invest ₹20,865 crore in 15 years as VGF and equity share (26%) in the refinery.
 

Current Affairs 23rd April 2017: AWARDS

Aishwarya Rai wins Best Actress Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award

Veteran actress- politician Hema Malini along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar and Zeenat Aman bagged the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2017 that took place.
●    Mumbai witnessed Bollywood stars and music giants grace the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2017 on Friday night.
●    Chitra Productions in association with Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2017 celebrated the 148th birth anniversary of the father of Indian Cinema, the respected Dadasaheb Phalke.
●    This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won the award for the best actress female for her stellar performance in the film Sarabjit while Hema Malini won the Award in the category of Kalashree.
●    Veteran Zeenat Aman walked the stage to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. 
●    On the other hand, Sircar bagged Creative Director Award for Pink, along with Rohit Roy, who bagged the Best Negative Role in Film for Kaabil.
 

Current Affairs 23rd April 2017: BUSINESS

Vodafone to sale 9.5% additional stake to Aditya Birla Group

Vodafone has agreed to sell 9.5% additional stake to Aditya Birla Group for Rs 130 per share after they merge their telecom operations to create the country’s largest operator worth more than $23 billion.
●    Aditya Birla Group has filed with the BSE the composite scheme of amalgamation between Vodafone and Idea Cellular, which stated that the merged entity shall be under the joint control of the two firms and will be governed by the shareholders’ agreement.
●    In the merged entity, Vodafone will hold 50% stake, while Aditya Birla Group hold 21%. Upon completion of merger, Vodafone will transfer 4.9% shares of merged entity to Aditya Birla Group for Rs 3,874 crore.
●    Post such transfer, Aditya Birla Group shareholding will increase to 26% and Vodafone shareholding will reduce to 45.1%, according to the scheme. The remaining 28.9% will be held by other shareholders.
●    Also, Aditya Birla Group will have the right to acquire more shares from Vodafone at a price of Rs 130 per share, in order to equalise the shareholdings over 4 years. 
●    If equal shareholding is not achieved within four years, Vodafone will sell down its shareholding to equalise its shareholding with Aditya Birla Group over the following 5 years, the scheme said.
 

Current Affairs 23rd April 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Devendra Kumar Sharma appointed as Chairman of BBMB

Devendra Kumar Sharma was on 18 April 2017 appointed as the Chairman of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for a period of three years. His appointment was approved by the Appointment Committee Of Cabinet.
●    BBMB manages the release of water in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as it controls Bhakra, Pong and other dams. 
●    Presently, Sharma is serving as the Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited where he was instrumental in implementing and commissioning Tata Hydro Power Station in Bhutan.
●    He has been associated with the power sector for over 30 years. 
●    He was also associated with the industrial giant Larsen & Toubro for a long time in its infrastructure development projects.

Sulkhan Singh appointed new DGP of Uttar Pradesh, replaces Javeed Ahmad

Sulkhan Singh, the senior most IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) by the Yogi Adityanath-led state government. 
●    Sulkhan Singh would replace Javeed Ahmed, the incumbent DGP of UP. 
●    The newly elected BJP regime has transferred more than 30 IAS and 50 IPS officers after coming to power. 
●    Along with Ahmed, 11 other IPS officers were shuffled on Friday.
●    Sulkhan Singh, the 1980 batch IPS officer, would be heading the police department of Uttar Pradesh. 
●    He was currently posted in the Training Department of UP police.
●    Ahmed has now been appointed as the chief of Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). 
●    Apart from Ahmed, senior police official Bhavesh Singh has been appointed as ADG, Intelligence, whereas, Aditya Mishra was elevated as ADG, Law & Order.
 

Current Affairs 23rd April 2017: OBITUARY

Top Maoist leader Narayan Sanyal passes away

He was the second most important leader after the party’s national secretary, Muppalla Lakshmana Rao.
●    A top ranking leader of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist [CPI-Maoist], Narayan Sanyal passed away late on Monday night in a south Kolkata hospital.
●    He was in his early 80s and was suffering from cancer.
●    Sanyal was the Polit Bureau member of the CPI-Maoist at the time of his arrest in 2005 and perhaps the second most important leader after the party’s national secretary, Muppalla Lakshmana Rao.
●    Born in an affluent family in undivided Bengal’s Bogra district, now in Bangladesh, Sanyal was known for his keen interest in football. 
●    His father was the district chief of Congress and was a generous host to many of the leaders, including second Chief Minister of West Bengal Bidhan Chandra Roy and Congress leader Sarojini Naidu. 
●    Sanyal and his family shifted to West Bengal in the 1940s and he got a job in a bank.
●    “I worked in the United Bank of India in Kolkata, which originated from Comilla Union Bank in Bangladesh,” he once told this correspondent.

Important Current Affairs 22nd April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 22nd April 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 22nd April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

SC questions Govt about making Aadhaar mandatory

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the Centre for making Aadhaar compulsory in filing of Income Tax returns, and asked how it was not a violation of the earlier court order against making Aadhaar mandatory for services.
●    A bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan was hearing two public interest litigations — filed by SG Vombatkere, a retired Indian Army Officer and Bezwada Wilson, founder and convener of Safai Karmachari Andolan; and the other plea by CPI leader Binoy Viswam — challenging the Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act as amended by the Finance Act, 2017, making Aadhaar mandatory for filing I-T returns.
●    The Centre, represented by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, argued that this was being done to remove ‘black money’ from the economy. 

India wins elections to two subsidiary bodies of UN

India has won elections to two subsidiary bodies of a UN organ focussed on social and economic issues.
●    India along with 12 other members was elected to the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), a subsidiary body of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
●    The country garnered the most number of votes in the Asian group, with 49 out of 50 members of ECOSOC voting in its favour.
●    The 13 members elected for three-year terms, beginning January 2018, include Burkina Faso, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, the United Kingdom and United States.
●    The CPC is the main subsidiary organ of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly for planning, programming and coordination.
●    India, along with 19 other nations, was also elected by acclamation to the International Narcotics Control Board for a four-year term beginning January next year.

India successfully test fires land attack version of BrahMos

Adding a news shot in its arm, an Indian Naval ship for the first time fired a land-attack BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
●    "Land attack version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was fired for the first time from an Indian Navy's stealth frigate, off the eastern coast, at a land target," Times of India quoted a source in the Ministry of Defence.
●    "So, far only anti-ship version of BrahMos had been fired by Indian Navy," the source added.
●    This puts India in a select club of nations with such capability.
●    The land-attack version of BrahMos has been operationalised in the Indian Army since 2007.
●    The BrahMos missile, with a range of 290 km and a Mach 2.8 speed, is capable of being launched from land, sea and sub-sea pads against sea and land targets.
 

Current Affairs 22nd April 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1st ‘India Indonesia Energy Forum’ held in Jakarta

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal and H.E. Mr. Ignasius Jonan, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Republic of Indonesia met on 20th April, 2017 for the 1st ‘India Indonesia Energy Forum’, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
●    The Energy Forum was preceded by 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Oil and Gas, 4th Joint Working Group on Coal and 1st Joint Working Group on New and Renewable Energy. 
●    The reports of three Joint Working Groups were presented to two Ministers during the Energy Forum. 
●    The 2nd JWG on Oil and Gas discussed policy framework of India and Indonesia, oil and gas infrastructure development, cooperation opportunities in capacity building and business opportunities in oil and gas sector in both countries. 
●    Representatives of major Indian companies in oil and gas sector such as ONCG Videsh Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) participated in the JWG. 
●    Indonesian companies such as PT Pertamina, PT Triputra, PT Nusantara Regas, Medco Energy and PT PGN were also represented.

Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley participates in G-20 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Washington DC

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the emerging economies have become increasingly important, accounting for more than 75 percent of global growth. 
●    He said that among the emerging economies, India has been a major driver of global economic growth with an expected growth of 7.5 percent for 2017-18 as against 7.1 percent in 2016-17. Shri Jaitley said that India’s growth remains resilient, with low inflation, fiscal prudence and low Current Account Deficit. 
●    He said that India has also undertaken robust structural reform measures. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley was addressing the gathering while participating in the G-20 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Washington D.C. yesterday. 
●    The discussion sessions focused on the Compact with Africa, Financial Sector Development and Regulations, International Financial Architecture and Global Financial Governance. 
●    Speaking further on the occasion, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley further said that India is on course to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from July 2017. 
●    He said that GST will eliminate the multiplicity of taxes and make India a single common market and as per IMF projections, India’s medium term growth is poised to raise above 8%. 
 

Current Affairs 22nd April 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

MasterCard creates credit card with fingerprint scanner

The days of tapping in your PIN at the checkout could be numbered after credit card provider Mastercard unveiled a payment card in South Africa featuring a biometric fingerprint scanner.
●    Mastercard, which processes more than 65,000 transactions every minute worldwide, made the announcement on Thursday following two successful trials in South Africa.
●    The technology works in a similar way to mobile phone payments, in which users must hold their finger over the sensor whilst making a purchase. 
●    Instead of a card user entering in their four-digit personal identification number (PIN), the payment card features a small biometric area designed to verify the user's fingerprint.
●    The payment network said it is currently extending the trial process and hopes to fully implement the technology throughout Europe and Asia later this year.
●    While fingerprint recognition is widely considered as a safer and more efficient way of payment authentication than PINs, analysts at Berlin-based Security Research Labs had previously hacked scanners such as the ones used by Samsung's Galaxy S5.

China launches its first ever unmanned cargo spacecraft

China on Thursday successfully launched its first unmanned cargo spacecraft, taking another crucial step towards realising the Communist giant’s ambition to have a permanently manned space station in the next few years.
●    Powered by a Long March-7 Y2 carrier rocket, Tianzhou-1 roared into the air from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre in the southern Hainan Province, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
●    Hours later, space department officials declared the launch a success, as it entered the designated orbit.
●    In space, the cargo ship will dock with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space station, provide fuel and other supplies, and conduct space experiments before falling back to Earth.
●    China aims to build by 2022 a permanent space station, which is expected to orbit for at least 10 years, and the debut of the cargo ship is important as it acts as a courier to help maintain the space station.
●    Without a cargo transportation system, the station would run out of power and basic necessities, causing it to return to Earth before the designated time.
 

Current Affairs 22nd April 2017: SPORTS

Cricket excluded from 2018 Asian Games

One of the sports to miss out from the programme list of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang is cricket. 
●    Apart from cricket, skateboarding, sambo and surfing are among the other sports which have been removed from the programme in order to reduce the burden on Indonesian organisers.
●    This measure was taken as a part of the series of changes aimed at reducing the total number of events from 493 to 431. 
●    Also omitted from the list are kurash and belt wrestling events. 
●    This news was confirmed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to insidethegames.
●    Meanwhile, there will also be reduced competitions in the sports of ju jitsu, jet ski, sport climbing, paragliding, bridge and wushu.

Important Current Affairs 21st April 2017 with Free PDF

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We bring you Important Current Affairs 21st April 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 21st April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

India changes 4 decade old definition of blindness

India has changed its over four-decade-old definition of blindness, bringing it in line with the WHO criteria, a step that would drastically bring down the number of people considered "blind" in the country.
●    According to the new definition, a person who is unable to count fingers from a distance of three metres would be considered "blind" as against the earlier stipulation of six metres, which was adopted in 1976.
●    The aim of revising the definition is also to be able to generate data which can be compared with global estimates and achieve the WHO goal of reducing the blindness prevalence of India to 0.3 per cent of the total population by 2020. 
●    The notification in this regard has been issued by the Union Health Ministry.
●    Going by the new definition, the population of blind people in India will reduce from 1.20 crore (as per National Blindness survey 2007 data) to 80 lakh.

Indian Railways to Organise Two Day Global Technology Conference On 3rd & 4th May 2017 at New Delhi

In keeping with the unremitting agenda of the Indian Railways to augment the pace of its operational improvements through enhancing its pace of modernized technological adaptations, the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) Lucknow of the Indian Railways has decided to hold a two-day Global Technology Conference on 3rd & 4th May 2017 at New Delhi. 
●    The Technical Engineering Institutes of the Indian Railways viz. Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers (IRSE) and the Institution of Signal and Telecommunications Engineers (IRSTE) are the nodal bodies are collaborating in  organizing this Conference. Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister for Railways will inaugurate the Global Conference on 3rd May 2017.
●    With four lead thrust areas viz. Safety, Reliability, capacity enhancement and customer service, the Global Technological Conference envisages bringing in new perspectives and insights in planning for future rail transportation growth in the country and for assessing contemporary global technologies relevant to adoption on IR. 
●    The Conference shall feature technical sessions, technical presentations, and table-top exhibits, besides wide opportunities for several industries networking too.

One Crore MGNREGA assets geotagged

Mahatma Gandhi NREGS has reached a new milestone today by geotagging one Crore assets and putting them in public domain. 
●    The scale of rural assets created under MGNREGA is very large. Since the inception of the programme in financial year 2006-07, about 2.82 Crore assets have been created under the programme. 
●    On an average, about 30 Lakh Assets are created annually which includes a variety of works such as water harvesting structures, plantations, rural infrastructure, flood control measures, individual assets for sustainable livelihood, community infrastructure and so on. 
●    The process of geotagging is going on and all assets under MGNREGS will be geotagged. 
●    Special focus is being given to geotag Natural Resource Management works especially the water related works. 
●    GeoMGNREGA is a unique endeavor of the Ministry of Rural Development in association with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO and National Informatics Centre. 
●    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ministry of Rural Development with NRSC on 24th June 2016 for geo-tagging the assets created under MGNREGS in each gram panchayat. 
●    Strength of Space technology has been leveraged.

Meeting of the Consultative Committee for Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on “Digital Modes of Payment - Promotion of cashless transactions” held

Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas was held in Srinagar on 21st April, 2017. 
●    Following Hon’ble Members of Parliament participated in the meeting - Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Shri Chandrakant Bhaurao Khaire, Sh. Harinder Singh Khalsa, Shri Janak Ram, Shri Murali Mohan Maganti, Shri Narasimham Thota, Shri Ninong Ering, Shri Satya Pal Singh, Shri Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas, Dr Ravindra Babu Pandula, Col. (Retd.) Sona Ram Choudhary, Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu, Shri Tariq Anwar, Shri Vikaram Usendi, Shri Ranjib Biswal and Shri Ravi Prakash Verma
●    A presentation on the topic “Digital Modes of Payment - Promotion of cashless transactions” was made during the meeting. 
●    The Hon’ble Members gave their valuable inputs and suggestions to further promote the digital modes of payment by way of cashless transactions. 
●    Chairing the meeting, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed all the Members of the Consultative Committee. 
●    Shri Pradhan emphasized on the efforts made by the Ministry and the OMCs to promote digital payments at fuel stations. 
●    He informed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas took the lead role in digital payment promotion drive. 
●    A three pronged strategy was followed ie rapid expansion of digital payment infrastructure at fuel stations, massive awareness campaign and incentivizing consumers. 
●    He informed that 38,128 ROs are with POS and more than 86% of ROs have digital infrastructure today. 

Minister of State (IC) for Labour & Employment Presents NSCI Safety Awards – 2016 to 70 Organisations

The Union Government is committed to the safety, health and welfare of the working class, said the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya. 
●    He was speaking at a function after presenting National Safety Council’s ‘NSCI Safety Awards’ for the year 2016 in New Delhi today. 
●    Altogether 70 organisations have been awarded in four categories – Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar, Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar, Suraksha Puraskar and Prashansa Patra. 
●    Besides, 12 client organizations from Construction Sector have also been awarded. In Manufacturing Sector, IOCL- Digboi Refinery; National Fertilizers Ltd., Panipat and NPCIL, Kaiga Generating Station 3 & 4, Kaiga, Karnataka under Group A, Group B and Group C respectively; in Construction Sector, L&T Ltd., Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh for NPCIL Atomic Power Project, Rajasthan and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. and in MSME Sector, Electricals & Electronics, Thane, Maharashtra have won Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar for the year 2016. 
●    Shri Bandaru Dattatyeya said that as a part of legislative reforms of labour laws, the Centre has started a process of codification and amalgamation of 44 Central Labour Laws into four Codes in order to simplify them. They are: Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social security & Welfare, and Code on Safety & working conditions. 
●    He said that as a founder member of the International Labour Organization India has contributed immensely in formulation and implementation of labour standards. So far India has ratified 45 Conventions and 1 protocol of ILO.

Current Affairs 21st April 2017: PERSONS

Modi, Vijay Shekhar Sharma in Time's 100 Most Influential Persons

Time Magazine on 20 April 2017 released the annual list of 100 most influential people of 2017. 
●    This year's list includes the names of Presidents and Prime Ministers, CEOs and celebrities for the power of their inventions, the scale of their ambitions, the genius of their solutions to problems that could not be solved before.
●    This year, only two Indians to feature on the list- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
●    Oscar winner Viola Davis, Grammy winner John Legend, actor Riz Ahmed, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and philanthropist Melinda Gates graced the five different covers of this year’s list of 100 most influential people.
●    US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Theresa May featured on the new list of 100 most influential people by the magazine.
 

Current Affairs 21st April 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Mongolia launches its first ever satellite

Mongolia launched its first satellite on Wednesday, part of its efforts to make use of new technology to diversify its resource-dependent economy.
●    The 1,227-megahertz satellite, called Mongol Sat-1, will help landlocked Mongolia expand its television, telecoms and broadband services, according to a video posted on the official website of Mongolia's parliament .
●    The satellite was launched in partnership with Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), a telecoms and broadcast provider for the region. 
●    No details about the cost of the satellite and the launch were provided, and government agencies could not be immediately reached for comment.
●    "The project that began over 10 years ago has been finally accomplished," said Parliament Speaker Miyeegombo Enkhbold in a meeting with ABS Chief Executive Officer Thomas Choi at the satellite's launch.
●    Enkhbold said the satellite would also be used to help with space research, map making and with preparing for natural disasters.

World Bank Approves $ 375 Million Loan for Developing National Waterway-1

In a major boost towards realising country’s ambitious inland waterways project, the World Bank has approved a $375 million loan for capacity augmentation of National Waterway-1(River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). 
●    The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390 Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5369 crore. 
●    The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT. 
●    Under the project, there are going to be three multi-modal terminals--one each at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sahibganj (Jharkhand), and Haldia (West Bengal), two inter-modal terminals- at Kalughat and Ghazipur, a new Navigation Lock at Farakka, five Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminals, development of Ferry services at Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, Kolkata and Haldia and Vessel repair and maintenance facilities. 
●    While the contracts for construction of multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and a new Navigation Lock at Farakka have been awarded, and the work at respective sites has commenced, the construction of multi-modal terminal at Haldia will begin soon. 
●    The foundation stone for the multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj was laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 6th April, 2017. 
●    In August 2016, the Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for multi-modal terminal at Varanasi. 

Important Current Affairs 20th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 20th April 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 20th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Agra, Gorakhpur Airports renamed

In the third meeting of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet, the state government renamed the Gorakhpur and Agra Airports as well as the name of the Department of Welfare of the Differently-abled.
●    The Gorakhpur Air Force Station was renamed after the name of Mahayogi Gorakhnath, the founder of Nath monastic movement. 
●    Interestingly, the newly-appointed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the Head Priest of the Gorakhnath Mutt, which is a leading centre of the Nath monastic order.
●    Likewise, the Agra Airport was renamed after RSS ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay airport.
●    On the other hand, the Department of Disabled Welfare will now be known as Divyang Jan Vikas Empowerment. 
●    Divyang is a term used for the differently-abled. 
●    During the meeting, the cabinet also approved the decision to open 20 new agricultural centres.

Cabinet clears EC's proposal to buy paper trail EVMs

In a bid to increase transparency in the electoral process, the Union cabinet on Wednesday cleared a proposal to procure 1,615,000 voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines by September 2018.
●    Estimated to cost Rs 3,173 crore it will also ensure VVPAT units are used in all the polling booths in the next general elections in 2019.
●    Immediately it nixes the growing controversy after allegations of tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) were levelled by several political parties, including the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
●    “A voter has a right to know whether his vote has been correctly registered or not. VVPAT machines in many phases and in small numbers were ordered earlier in 2013, 2015 as well. 
●    The estimate of the Election Commission is that approximately 16 lakh machines are required. 
●    The entire procurement will be supplied by September 2018. 
●    If by September 2018 machines are procured then elections conducted after that time will have a paper trail,” finance minister Arun Jaitley said while addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting.

Minister of State (IC) for Labour & Employment Presents NSCI Safety Awards – 2016 to 70 Organisations

The Union Government is committed to the safety, health and welfare of the working class, said the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya. 
●    He was speaking at a function after presenting National Safety Council’s ‘NSCI Safety Awards’ for the year 2016 in New Delhi today. 
●    Altogether 70 organisations have been awarded in four categories – Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar, Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar, Suraksha Puraskar and Prashansa Patra. 
●    Besides, 12 client organizations from Construction Sector have also been awarded. 
●    In Manufacturing Sector, IOCL- Digboi Refinery; National Fertilizers Ltd., Panipat and NPCIL, Kaiga Generating Station 3 & 4, Kaiga, Karnataka under Group A, Group B and Group C respectively; in Construction Sector, L&T Ltd., Rawatbhata, Chittorgarh for NPCIL Atomic Power Project, Rajasthan and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. and in MSME Sector, Electricals & Electronics, Thane, Maharashtra have won Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar for the year 2016 
●    Shri Bandaru Dattatyeya said that as a part of legislative reforms of labour laws, the Centre has started a process of codification and amalgamation of 44 Central Labour Laws into four Codes in order to simplify them. 
●    They are: Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social security & Welfare, and Code on Safety & working conditions. He said that as a founder member of the International Labour Organization India has contributed immensely in formulation and implementation of labour standards. 
●    So far India has ratified 45 Conventions and 1 protocol of ILO.

Supreme Court approves e-auction of Taj Mansingh Hotel in Delhi

The Supreme Court (SC) on 20 April 2017 approved the e-auction of Taj Mansingh Hotel in Delhi. 
●    A bench of Justices P C Ghose and R F Nariman allowed New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to e-auction the property.
●    The bench rejected the claim of Tata group-owned Indian Hotels Co. Ltd (IHCL) over the property. The auctioning the Taj Mansingh Hotel property was stiffly opposed by Tata group-run Indian Hotels Company Ltd which manages the hotel.
●    In an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court asked NDMC to reconsider its decision for the e-auction as the IHCL had approached SC against a Delhi High Court’s ruling that allowed for the auction of Taj Mansingh Hotel.
●    However, on 27 October 2016 hearing, a division bench denied IHCL’s claim to right of first refusal on the auction and called for the bidding.  It allowed IHCL to participate in the bid and also match the highest offer.
●    NDMC and IHCL had entered into an agreement in 1976 to construct and run a five-star hotel in one of the prime locations of Delhi that is Mansingh Road. 
●    This licence operated for a period of 33 years from late 1976 and concluded in 2011. However, NDMC declined to renew the IHCL licence for 30 years.

Current Affairs 20th April 2017: AWARDS

Saira Banu, Jackie Shroff gets Raj Kapoor awards

Veteran actress Saira Banu and actor Jackie Shroff were named for the prestigious Raj Kapoor awards of the Maharashtra Government. 
●    The names of the duo were announced on 19 April 2017 by the State Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde in Mumbai.
●    Saira Banu (72) will be awarded with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime achievement award, while Jackie Shroff (60) was selected for the Raj Kapoor Special contribution award. 
●    They will be awarded for their cinematic journey and contributions to the Indian cinema respectively.
●    Prominent films of Saira Banu includes "Junglee" (1961), "Purab aur Paschim" (1970), "Victoria No. 203" (1972), "Jwar Bhata", "Padosan" and "Bairag" (1976).
●    Prominent films of Shroff include "Hero" (1983), "Teri Meherbaniyan" (1984), "Sazish". He had won the Filmfare best actor award for his role in the film "Parinda" (1990).

Current Affairs 20th April 2017: SPORTS

Ronaldo first player to score 100 goals in Champions League

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 goals in the Champions League when he netted a hat trick against Bayern Munich on Tuesday -- then used the occasion to ask for more respect from fans.
●    Ronaldo had cut an isolated figure up front for long periods, and was jeered by some home fans for not working hard enough off the ball. 
●    At one point he put his finger to his lips, appearing to attempt to shush the Bernabeu.
●    But they were all cheering his name at the end after he had knocked home the goals that put Madrid through to the semifinals with a 4-2 win on the night, 6-3 on aggregate.
●    "I don't tell them to be quiet, never, I only ask that they do not whistle," Ronaldo told Spanish TV station Antena 3. 
●    "Because I always give my best in every game, although sometimes I do not score goals I try and work hard to help Real Madrid.

Current Affairs 20th April 2017: GLOBAL NEWS

Malaysia Airlines world's first to satellite track it's flights

Malaysia Airlines — which lost a jetliner with 239 people on board in 2014 in one of aviation’s greatest mysteries — has become the first carrier to adopt a satellite flight-tracking system.
●    The airline will use a soon-to-be-launched satellite network to monitor its fleet in areas where there is currently no surveillance, including polar regions and remote areas of the oceans.
●    “Real-time global aircraft tracking has long been a goal of the aviation community. 
●    We are proud to be the first airline to adopt this solution,” Malaysia Airlines Chief Operating Officer Izham Ismail said in a statement to Bloomberg.
●    The airline reached a deal for the service provided by US-based Aireon, FlightAware and SITAONAIR.
●    Planes deviating from a flight path will be able to be identified more quickly with the system.
 

Important Current Affairs 19th April 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 19th April 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 19th April 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Reliance beats TCS to become India's most valuable company

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) surpassed Tata group Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to become India's most valuable company in terms of market capitalisation (m-cap) in intraday trade.
●    RIL, with the m-cap of Rs 457,641 crore was ahead of TCS, which had a m-cap of Rs 457,386 crore at 09.37 am, the BSE data shows. RIL was trading 1.2% higher at Rs 1,407.50, while TCS was flat at Rs 2,321.40.
●    RIL, however, trimmed gains as trade progressed and slipped to the No. 2 spot. At 09:51 am; TCS reclaimed the at number one position with m-cap of Rs 457,099 crore. RIL m-cap stood at Rs 456,682 crore, data show.
●    Thus far in the calendar year 2017, RIL has outperformed the market by surging 30% as compared to 11.4% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. 
●    The technology major TCS, however, has underperformed by falling 1.7% during this period.

SBI surpasses ONGC to become India's most valuable PSU

The State Bank of India (SBI) on 18 April 2017 became India's most valued Public Sector Company in terms of market valuation. The market cap of SBI stood at Rs 235307.51 crore as on 18 April 2017.
●    It surpassed state-run energy major Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) as its market cap was about Rs 2961.79 crore more than that of ONGC's Rs 232345.72 crore. 
●    ONGC once used to be the country's most-valued Public Sector Company in terms of market valuation.
●    Among the top-10 most valued companies list, SBI is at the fifth position while ONGC is seventh on the list.  So far in Financial Year 2017-18, shares of SBI have surged almost 16 per cent while ONGC's shares have fallen by over 4 per cent.
●    On the other hand, in Private Sector, IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became the most-valued Indian company with a market cap of Rs 454902.85 crore, followed by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) with Rs 445578.92 crore market cap.
●    TCS had replaced RIL as the most valued firm more than four years ago itself. However, RIL witnessed  a sharp growth in recent past on success of telecom venture Jio.

Disabled people may not stand during National Anthem : SC

The Supreme Court today extended the exemption granted to certain categories of disabled persons from standing while national anthem is played in cinema halls to those affected with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, Parkinson's disease, stenosis, leprosy and polio cured.
●    The Centre had earlier submitted before the court that the home ministry on the directions of the court has issued guidelines on how people with disabilities can show respect when the national anthem is being played in movie halls or public functions saying they should not move and position themselves “maintaining the maximum possible alertness physically”. 
●    “Having heard learned counsel for the parties, we are inclined to modify the orders and direct that the persons who are wheelchair users, those with autism, persons suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, parkinson's, multiple sclerosis leprosy cured, muscular dystrophy and deaf and blind be treated not to be within the ambit of the orders passed by this Court. 
●    As far as the other categories, which we have not referred to mentioned in the application, are concerned, the same may be considered by the Union of India.
The issue of the disabled had been taken up by senior advocate Raju Ramachandran.

The Government decides to do away with beacons for all categories of vehicles

With a view to strengthening healthy democratic values in the country, the Central Government took another historic step today. 
●    The Union Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today decided to do away with beacons of all kinds atop all categories of vehicles in the country. 
●    The government is of the considered opinion that beacons on vehicles are perceived symbols of VIP Culture, and have no place in a democratic country. 
●    They have no relevance whatsoever. 
●    Beacons, however, will be allowed on vehicles concerned with emergency and relief services, ambulance, fire service etc. 
●    In the light of this decision the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will make necessary provisions in the law. 

The Seventh Pay Review Commission for implementing the recommendations in Education Institutes submits its report to HRD Ministry

Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar has assured the teacher fraternity and staff of Education Institutions, University and Colleges of getting justice in their remuneration related matters. 
●    Addressing media persons here in New Delhi, the Minister said the Seventh Pay Review Commission for implementing the recommendations in educational institute, University and Colleges has submitted its report to the Ministry of Human Resource Development. 
●    Accordingly, a Committee headed by Secretary Higher Education has been constituted. 
●    The Committee will have officials from Finance Ministry and other relevant offices and it will submit its final recommendations which will go to Cabinet.
●    Shri Prakash Javadekar hoped that the Professors, Staff and every individual in education sector will definitely get benefited.
●    He said ‘those who had some doubt whether government is moving or not in this direction, let me dispel their doubts that we have already started action and soon they will get good news’. 
●    He further urged the education fraternity to try more vigorously to improve the quality of education at all levels and concentrate on study, examination and assessment work.

Current Affairs 19th April 2017: ECONOMY

IMF trims India's growth percentage to 7.2%

The IMF on Tuesday trimmed India's annual growth forecast by 0.4 percentage points to 7.2 per cent for 2017, citing the impact of demonetisation.
●    "In India, the growth forecast for 2017 has been trimmed by 0.4 percentage point to 7.2 per cent, primarily because of the temporary negative consumption shock induced by cash shortages and payment disruptions from the recent currency exchange initiative," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest annual World Economic Outlook (WEO).
●    The World Economic Outlook was released here before the start of the annual Spring Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
●    "Medium-term growth prospects are favourable, with growth forecast to rise to about eight per cent over the medium term due to the implementation of key reforms, loosening of supply-side bottlenecks, and appropriate fiscal and monetary policies," the IMF report said.
●    The Indian government in February had pegged GDP growth at a higher-than-expected 7.1 per cent for the current fiscal despite the note ban.
 

Current Affairs 19th April 2017: SPORTS

Chris Gayle first to score 10000 run's in T20 Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB’s) Gayle became the first entrant of the exclusive club as he reached 3 against the Gujarat Lions in their 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Tuesday. 
●    He went on to score a 38-ball 77, with the help of seven sixes and five fours.
●    Before the start of the 2017 IPL, Gayle needed 63 runs to reach the 10,000 milestone. He scored 32, 6, 22 in the three matches he played prior to Tuesday's fixture. He was also dropped from two matches, which delayed the milestone.
●    Gayle might end up being the only one in the 10,000 club in T20s for a long time. No other batsman has crossed 8,000 runs in T20s with the second highest run-scorer after Gayle being Brendon McCullum (7596). Brad Hodge has 7338 runs to his name while David Warner has 7156 runs.
●    Gayle also became the first player to score more than 10,000 runs in three levels -- first-class, list-A and T20s. And with Gayle’s feat, India added to its reputation of providing the perfect stage for entering the 10,000 clubs.