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Important Current Affairs 29th March 2017 with FREE PDF

Important Current Affairs 29th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 29th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 29th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 

Current Affairs 29th March 2017: SPORTS

Ashwin receives Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy


 
Ravichandran Ashwin on 28 March 2017 was awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy in Dharamsala.
●    Ashwin was honoured with the trophy for being named the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016.
●    With 48 wickets and 336 runs against his name in eight Tests, and 27 wickets in 19 Twenty20 Internationals during the voting period, Ashwin was a popular choice for the prestigious title.
●    With this, Ashwin has become the third Indian and the 12th player overall to win the award.
●    The award was judged by a voting academy, which was completely independent of the ICC. 
●    They panel took into consideration performances between 14 September 2015 and 20 September 2016. 
●    During this period, Ashwin produced some extraordinary all-round performances across all three formats of the game.
●    Other recipients of the award include Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Andrew Flintoff, Jacques Kallis Ricky Ponting and others.


 

Current Affairs 29th March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS


NITI Aayog to launch 3 year Action Plan from April 1

Putting a final lid on the Planning era, the Niti Aayog is gearing up to launch the three-year action plan from April 1 after the end of 12th Five Year Plan on March 31.
●    Under the new system, sources said states will be encouraged to meet the targets of various schemes or face the prospects of drying up of the fund flows.
●    The 12th five-year plan is coming to an end on March 31. 
●    The three-year action plan to be unveiled this month will come in force from April 1, which will also end the prevailing system of the centre patiently waiting (for) the state governments to implement the schemes.
●    The official said, "We have patiently waited for the state governments to adopt a number of reform-oriented legislative bills. 
●    But our experiences have largely been negative... therefore, the reform agenda arrived at after consensus will need to be adopted by them, and the states doing so will get incentives".


Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to host Smart India Hackathon 2017 Grand Finale in Nagpur


The Ministry of Road transport and Highways will host the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon 2017 at Nagpur on 1st and 2nd April, 2017. 
●    Nagpur is one among 26 cities where the event will be held simultaneously, with the support and coordination of 29 Government departments. 
●    Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways & Shipping will  inaugurate the event at Sri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering in  Nagpur on 1.04.2017. 
●    Shri Sanjay Jaju, Director National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is the Nodal Officer for MoRTH. 
●    The Smart India Hackathon 2017 was launched on Nov 9, 2016 in New Delhi by the Ministry of Human Resources Development to  harnesses the creativity and  expertise of students, build funnel for ‘Startup India, Standup India’ campaigns, crowd source solutions for improving governance and quality of life and provide opportunity to citizens to contribute innovative solutions for nation building.   
●    For the first time different government departments have directly engaged with students and challenged them to build digital solutions to improve their efficiency, plug revenue leakages and corruption. 
●    MoHRD had received 598 problem statements from 29 different government ministries and departments against which ideas were received from 7531 teams out of which 637 ideas and 84 teams comprising 672 youngsters have been selected for the finale. 


India becomes net exporter of Electricity for the first time 

India has become a net exporter of electricity during the April-February period this fiscal for the first time, power ministry said on Wednesday.
●    As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the designated authority of government of India for cross border trade of electricity, first time India has turned around from a net importer of electricity to net exporter of electricity. 
●    According to the statement, during the current year 2016-17 (April-February), India has exported around 5,798 million units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar which is 213 million units more than the import of around 5,585 million units from Bhutan.
●    Export to Nepal and Bangladesh increased 2.5 and 2.8 times respectively in the last three years. 
●    Ever since the cross border trade of electricity started in mid-80s, India has been importing power from Bhutan and marginally exporting to Nepal in radial mode at 33 kV and 132 kV from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Swachh Bharat Pakhwada for Clean and Green Ports and Harbours


To spread awareness on cleanliness as part of its ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, the Ministry of Shipping is celebrating Swachh Bharat Pakhwada from 16th -31st March, 2017 and has undertaken  various activities under this campaign. 
●    The event was launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Shipping and Road Transport & Highways on 16th March 2017, in the premises of the Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai.  
●    The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd October, 2014 to urge people to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India, by his 150th birth anniversary in 2019.
●    The Swachh Bharat Pakhwada is a culmination of the year long efforts of the Ministry, the ports and other organizations like DG Shipping, SCI, Dredging Corporation Of India, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, to spread cleanliness at their premises.  
●    The activities taken up during this period included  weeding out of old files, a drive for digitization of files, disposal of all obsolete articles, renovation of rooms, toilets and providing pure and clean drinking water to all employees.

Current Affairs 29th March 2017:  INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS


 

Indian Army Chief Visits Nepal and Bangladesh 


General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is visiting Nepal and Bangladesh from 28 March to 02 April 2017 on his first foreign visit after assuming office. 
●    COAS will be visiting important military installations and meeting high ranking dignitaries including the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and the Chief of Army Staff. 
●    The delegation will also visit Nepalese Army Mountain Warfare School at Jomsom and the Pension Paying office at Pokhara where the COAS will address the Indian Army ex-servicemen of Nepalese origin.
●    The visit to Nepal assumes importance as the President of Nepal will confer the title of “Honorary General of the Nepalese Army” to the COAS at a special investiture ceremony on 29 March 2017. 
●    This historic tradition is a reciprocal arrangement that is continuing uninterrupted since its inception in 1969 and has been a hallmark of the special relationship between the Indian and the Nepalese Army. 
●    General Rajendra Chettri, the Chief of Army Staff of Nepalese Army was conferred the title of “Honorary General of the Indian Army” on 03 February 2016, during his first visit to India after assuming office.

Current Affairs 29th March 2017: GLOBAL NEWS


 

Theresa May Signs Brexit Letter to EU


British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday signed a historic letter that will launch Brexit when it is delivered to Brussels on Wednesday, a photo released by her office showed.
●    Sitting in front of a Union Jack national flag and a portrait of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, a serene-looking Ms. May signed the letter to begin the country‘s departure from the European Union.
●    The letter will be taken from 10 Downing Street to Brussels, where it will be delivered by Tim Barrow, Britain’s E.U. ambassador, to EU President Donald Tusk on Wednesday.
●    Formally notifying Mr. Tusk of Britain’s intention to leave the bloc, by triggering Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, sets the clock ticking on a two-year negotiating period to end the U.K.’s 44 years of membership.
●    Ms. May on Tuesday evening made separate phone calls to Mr. Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 

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Important Current Affairs 28th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 28th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 28th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 28th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 


CURRENT AFFAIRS 28TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

 Surat Airport to become International Airport
 
Civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha on Sunday said Surat will soon be connected to several cities via more flights, and assured that the Surat airport will be soon turned into an international one.


● Sinha was in Surat to inaugurate services of SpiceJet Ltd between the city and Delhi. The budget airline will operate two daily Surat-Delhi flights.
● Addressing the gathering, Sinha assured that work on expansion of runway of the Surat airport and terminals will also begin to convert it into an international one. 
● “We will soon expand runway, improve terminals and add many more flights to Surat airport. Airport Authority of India (AAI) will begin expansion of runway...we will soon begin work to make it an international airport,” he said.


Govt. can't make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes : SC

Aadhaar cannot be mandatory for central welfare schemes, the Supreme Court said today, but added that it cannot stop the government from linking the 12-digit identification number to the opening of bank accounts or filing of tax returns.


● The government recently made it mandatory for citizens to produce their Aadhaar number for benefits under nearly three dozen central schemes including free mid-day meals for schoolchildren. 
● Aadhaar was also made compulsory for scholarships and other schemes for backward castes and the disabled. Aadhaar cards are mandatory for subsidized cooking gas and foodgrains.
● The government has said it will enable people to get their biometric identity documents by June 30.
● Aadhaar cards will also be needed for filing tax returns - a move that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says will check tax evasion.


Govt. launches Online Film Certification System

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu on 27 March 2017 launched Online Film Certification System E-Cine Pramaan of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an aim to promote transparency and ensure Clean Cinema Clean India.


● This online system integrated the payments made by the producers towards certification fees with Bharatkosh portal, a system for all non-tax revenue receipts. 
● This online certification system will enable in making the CBFC Office paperless.
● It will enable effective monitoring & real time progress in tracking for both CBFC Officials and the applicant. 
● In the e-cinepramaan, the status of each application will be visible online in the dashboard of the producer or the concerned CBFC official.

India decides not to participate in UN Negotiations For Total Ban on Nuclear Weapons 


The United Nations conference to ‘negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination’ took off at the UN headquarters in New York on 27 March 2017. The meeting was attended by more than 100 countries. 

● The United States, leading a coalition of more than 40 countries including Britain and France boycotted the talks. 
● India too chose to skip the meeting. 
● The decision was taken independently by New Delhi by taking into account the nation’s own interests but it would, however, be closely monitoring the developments at the conference.
● Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, speaking on the sidelines of the opening day of the nuclear ban talks stated that the countries skipping the negotiations are instead committed to the Non-Proliferation Treaty that was brought into force in 1970 and is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.


Commissioning of INLCU L51 by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM Commander-in-Chief Andaman And Nicobar Command

L51 was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 28 Mar 2017 by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command at Port Blair. 


● The commissioning ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Dilip Deshpande, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, Rear Admiral VK Saxena (Retd), CMD, GRSE and other senior officers from Indian Navy.
● LU 51 IS First of the Eight ships of the LCU Mk IV Class. 
● It has been built by M/s Garden Reach Ship Builders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata, it is the first of the eight ships of the LCU MK IV Class. 
● Conceived and designed indigenously, the commissioning of the ship adds a feather to the glorious chapter in the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiatives & indigenisation efforts in the field of warship design and construction. 
● With a displacement of 900 tons the magnificent ship spans 62.8 m in length and 11 m in breadth.
● The ship is propelled by 02 MTU diesel engines of 1840 Kw rating and can sustain speeds up to 15 knots. 
● The ship has been built to assist in amphibious operations by carrying out beaching operations and has an endurance of 1500 nm. 
● The ship will also play a key role in carrying out maritime surveillance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for preventing anti-poaching, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, poaching and other illegal activities. 
● It will also enhance the capabilities of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 28TH MARCH 2017: SPORTS


Bhubaneshwar to host men's Hockey World Cup 2018 

The international hockey federation (FIH) confirmed Bhubaneswar as venue for two of its major events -- the Men’s Hockey World League Final in December this year and the men’s World Cup in 2018.


● The Kalinga Stadium in the Orissa capital was confirmed as host after the state government signed a deal with FIH to sponsor the two events. 
● Hockey India had proposed the Kalinga Stadium, which played host to the men’s Champions Trophy in 2014, as venue for the 2018 World Cup last year and it seems the Hockey World League Final will be a dress rehearsal for the mega event.
● The multi-purpose stadium, built in 2010, has facilities for athletics, football, basketball, tennis, table tennis and swimming, ensuring that it is well equipped to host international sporting events.
● The Men’s Hockey World League Final, involving eight of World’s best teams including hosts India, will be played between December 1-10, 2017 while the World Cup is scheduled between November 28/December 16 in 2018 and will see 15 teams join the hosts at the event.

Kolkata to host India's first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup Final

The City of Joy, also known as the Mecca of Indian football, will host the final as well as nine other matches of the Fifa U-17 World Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium in October.


● After inspecting all six venues of the October 6-28 tournament, Impressed with the refurbished Salt Lake Stadium, an eight-member Fifa delegation - led by its head of events Jaime Yarza -chose the iconic venue for the summit clash on Monday.
● "The Salt Lake Stadium has set a benchmark, fulfilling all the high standards. When the renovation work is complete, it will be as good as the Maracana (in Rio de Janeiro)," Yarza said during an interaction with media persons.
● Apart from the final and third-fourth play-off matches, Kolkata will also host six Group F matches, a Round Of-16 game and a quarterfinal. 
● Fifa also plans to set up the U-17 World Cup headquarters at the stadium.
● The two semifinals will be held in Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium and the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in Guwahati. Other quarterfinals will be held in Goa (Nehru Stadium), Kochi (Nehru Stadium) and Guwahati. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 28TH MARCH 2017: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS


India and Vietnam to strengthen bilateral relations through medium of Cinema


Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting has said that collaboration in the field of Films, Broadcasting and Information Dissemination would strengthen the ties between India and Vietnam. 

● Cooperation in the field of institutional capacity building in social media, student exchange programs between premier institutes of both the countries in the field of journalism and films would bring the two countries close. 
● He mentioned this while meeting the Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Information and Communications, Government of Vietnam Mr. Truong Minh Tuan.
● During the discussions, Shri Naidu said that Ministry of Information & Broadcasting would extend all possible support to promote exchange programs between public broadcasters of the two countries, content creation, screening and distribution of films.
● Shri Naidu apprised the Vietnam delegation about the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) setup in the Ministry of I&B to facilitate single window clearance for film makers. 
● The FFO setup shall act as a facilitation point for film producers and assist them in obtaining requisite permissions, disseminate information on shooting locales as well as the details about the various facilities available within the Indian film industry for production/post production thereof.


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Important Current Affairs 27th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 27th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 27th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 27th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 


CURRENT AFFAIRS 27TH MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

World's Largest capstone found at Burial Site in Telangana

 
 The archaeology department of Telangana has discovered the world's largest capstone after excavating an ancient human burial site in Siddipet district, department officials said.


●    The efforts to lift this massive capstone was coordinated by S S Rangacharyulu, archaeology consultant and K Padmanabha, assistant director (museums), as this mission requires great precision and caution, Department officials said.
●    A large crane lifted the huge capstone at the excavation site in Narmeta village on March 21, department officials said.
●    "The capstone of the menhir burial reportedly weighs about 40 tonnes," they added.
●    The archaeology department is all set to undertake DNA testing of various artefacts that have been discovered at this site which will help in tracing the lineage of pre-historic humans, their food habits, lifestyle, and how their population later became extinct, the officials said.
●    Last year, team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a signet made of clay with ornamental design was among the about 3,000 ancient artefacts at the Keezhadi Pallai Sandhaipudur village in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu during an excavation. 


Sanction of 101 New Integrated Cold Chain Projects

India is one of the largest food producers in the world and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables yet only 2.2% of our fruits and vegetables are processed.

●    India requires affordable cold storages and cold chains at every food producing hub in the country. 
●    While existing cold storages are concentrated in few states and roughly 80 to 90% are used for potatoes, India has a long way to go. 
●    MoFPI is building National Cold Chain Grid in the country so that all food producing hubs are connected to cold storage and processing industries.
●    Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been constantly involved in setting up new cold chain infrastructure which has both cold storage and processing facilities. 
●    The Ministry had announced sanction of 30 Cold Chain Projects in May, 2015. 
●    Today Ministry announces sanction of 101 new integrated Cold Chain Projects spread across the country. 
●    These projects are for fruits and vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, marine, poultry, ready to eat/ready to cook sectors. 

'Railwire Saathi' - wifi kiosks to be set up 


Aiming to provide connectivity in remote areas, Railways will set up Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks at about 500 stations and help people access an array of online services, including various government schemes.

●    Christened as Railwire Saathi, the Wi-Fi kiosks will function like a PCO for Digital India and enable people to use services like e-commerce, online banking, offer them access to open school/university and insurance schemes, e-ticketing for train and bus services among others.
●    Automated form filling, mobile and DTH recharge are other services which the Railwire Saathi is expected to provide in areas with limited connectivity.
●    The Railwire Saathi aims to provide connectivity to the unconnected and at the same time offer jobs opportunities in rural areas, a senior Railway Ministry official said.
●    While Railways is equipping about 400 stations with free Wi-Fi service in association with Google, this scheme has dual aim - providing jobs as well as connectivity.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 27TH MARCH 2017:AWARDS

Anupam Kher receives Kala Ratan Award

Veteran actor Anupam Kher will be honoured with the Kala Ratan Award by Vice President Hamid Ansari. 


●    Anupam Kher was honoured him the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts.
●    The actor who has worked mainly in Hindi films has also appeared in acclaimed international films like Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice, The Mistress Of Spices, Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution, and David O. Russell’s 2013 Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook.
●    Anupam Kher Says Indian Films Does Not Have A Legendary Detective Figure
●    He has also teamed with Harry Potter actor Jason Isaac and Dev Patel for another film Hotel Mumbai. 
●    Coming to his Bollywood projects, he will soon be seen in Taapsee Pannu starrer Naam Shabana where superstar Akshay Kumar will have a cameo. 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 27TH MARCH 2017: SPORTS

India Wins Archery Team Gold at Asia Cup

The Indian men’s compound archery team overcame Iran in a nail-biting encounter to win gold in the 2017 Asia Cup Tournament Stage 1, which concluded at Bangkok today. 

●    The Indian trio of Aman Saini, Shivansh Awasthi and Robert Singh shot 231 against Iran’s 230 to win the title.
●    Both teams started off well, scoring 58 points each in the first round. The Indian trio, though, got the better of the Iranians in the second round and took a two-point lead with a total of 116 against Iran’s 114. 
●    The Iranian trio reduced the deficit to just one point with a total of 171 against India’s 172 in the third. 
●    In the fourth and decisive round, which was also the highest in terms of scoring, it was a treat for the viewers as Iran shot 59 out of 60 to pose a tough challenge to the Indians. 
●    However, the Indian trio managed to hold on to their nerves and finished with an equal score to maintain a one-point lead over their opponents and clinch the title.

Shaun Tait Retires from All Forms of Cricket

Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has called time on his cricketing career early Monday morning after having represented his country in three Tests, 35 One-Day Internationals and 21 Twenty20 Internationals during which he picked up 95 wickets.


●    "The Wild Thing", Tait had over the years been nursing a series of elbow injuries and eventually decided to hang up his boots.
●    Despite not having represented Australia since January last year against India, Tait was a regular in the Big Bash and the Sheffield Shield. 
●    In fact it was his performance in this very tournament that paved the way for his selection in the Australian Test team in 2004. 
●    He eventually made his Test debut against England at Trent Bridge in the 2005 Ashes.
●    On 29 January 2008, Tait announced that he would take an "indefinite break from cricket, citing being physically and emotionally exhausted" and then a year later, retired from first-class cricket. 
●    In the shorter format however, Tait remained a vital cog in Australia's scheme of things. During the 2007 World Cup that Australia, won Tait picked up 23 wickets. 

Sebastian Vettel Wins Australian Grand Prix

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel on 26 March 2017 defeated Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton to clinch the 2017 Australian Grand Prix.

●    It was Vettel's first win since the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2015.
●    Born on 3 July 1987, Sebastian Vettel is a German racing driver.
●    At present, he is driving in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari.
●    He is a four-time Formula One World Champion. He won the championship in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 with Red Bull Racing.
●    He has held numerous "youngest" Formula One records. 
●    A few of them are: the youngest driver to have taken part in an official practice session of a Grand Prix (until Max Verstappen at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix), to score championship points (until Daniil Kvyat at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix), to lead a race (until Max Verstappen at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix), and others. 
●    At present, he is in fourth place among all time race winners.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 27TH MARCH 2017: ECONOMY


RBI proposes exchange of Rs.4500 in old notes for Nepalese 

A team of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) visiting Nepal has hinted that it will allow exchange of up to Rs 4,500 in banned Indian currency notes to Nepali citizens.


●    As India had earlier allowed Nepali citizens to possess up to Rs 25,000 each, the central bank's proposal has sent waves of nervousness among the Nepali public.
●    An RBI team led by Dipali Pant Joshi, executive director, RBI, held talks with a Nepali team, led by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Deputy Governor Chintamani Siwakoti, in Kathmandu and offered to provide exchange facilities up to INR 4,500 in banned Indian currency notes and gave one week's window to complete the exchange formalities.
●    However, the Nepali side has been pushing to arrange facilities up to Indian Rs 25,000. 
●    The NRB team has conveyed to the RBI team that it is also impossible to exchange banned Indian notes within a week as the Nepali side is yet to conduct inventory of banned Indian bills possessed by Nepalis. 
●    However, the RBI team said it was ready to exchange Indian notes held with Nepali banking and financial institutions immediately but currency notes held by individuals should be exchanged through the banking system.

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Important Current Affairs 26th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 26th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 26th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 MARCH 2017: SPORTS


India ends with 73 medals from 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games

India's 'special' athletes have once again done the country proud. They have raked in a rich haul of medals in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Austria including 37 gold. 
●    The team for specially-abled sportspersons of the Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) not only competed with 2,600 athletes from over 105 countries, but also won a total of 73 medals. 
●    The victorious delegation will return to India on March 26. In the event, held in Austria between March 18 and March 24, a total of 37 gold, 10 silver and 26 bronze medals were added to India's kitty. 
●    The games included seven disciplines including Alpine Skiing, Snow Boarding, Snow Shoeing, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Floor Hockey, Floor Ball (and Unified floor Ball), at the mega event.
●    While three team events-Floor Hockey (male), Unified Floorball and Traditional Floorball-logged in 30 gold medals, the highest number in a single day, the 'special' women hockey team also collected 16 bronze medals.


ANKUR MITTAL WINS DOUBLE TRAP GOLD IN SHOTGUN WORLD CUP


Extending his good form, Ankur Mittal clinched the gold medal at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in the double trap event, pipping his Australian rival James Willet in the final in a world record equalling effort in second World Cup appearance of the year.
●    Mittal had to settle for silver at the recent International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in New Delhi, where Willet had won the gold.
●    Mittal ended with 75 points out of possible 80 in the six-man final to win India's first medal in the competition while Willet managed 73.
●    Ankur shot strong throughout the day, ending second in qualification with a score of 138 out of a possible 150. 
●    He also got the better off China's Ying Qi 6-5 in a shoot-off to decide second and third spots after both had finished their qualifying rounds on the same score.
 


Lukas Podolski’s farewell


The harsh reality is that Gareth Southgate’s first match since taking the England job full-time ended in disappointment and Germany have still not conceded a goal since Euro 2016, a sequence incorporating seven games – or, to put it another way, coming up for 11 hours of football.
●    Ultimately, though, England should not be too desolate bearing in mind their impressive contribution for long stages. 
●    A reasonable argument could be made that they were the superior team for the opening hour and, though Southgate will not want to make a habit of losing gallantly, he could be forgiven for thinking his new-look team deserved better than to lose to a spectacular 68th-minute goal from Lukas Podolski, making his final appearance for the German national side.
●    Podolski chose a good moment to score with a firecracker of a shot on a night when England’s new 3-4-3 formation, featuring a full debut for Michael Keane, coped ably and Southgate’s decision to try a new formation was justified by the overall performance.
 

CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 MARCH 2017: NATIONAL NEWS


NTPC commissions 20 MW capacity at Bhadla solar project


State-run power producer NTPC today said it has commissioned 20 mega watt (MW) of Bhadla Solar Power Project in Rajasthan.
●    “We wish to inform that 20 MW of Bhadla Solar Power Project has been commissioned. With this, the commissioned capacity of Bhadla Solar Power Project, NTPC and NTPC group, has become 205 MW, 41,927 MW and 48,893 MW respectively,” NTPC said in a BSE filing.
●    Last month, NTPC had commissioned 115 MW capacity out of 260 MW of Bhadla Solar Power Project.
●    NTPC has planned capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017. Towards this, NTPC has already commissioned 310 MW solar PV projects.
●    The 50 MW Solar PV at Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, 260 MW Solar PV at Bhadla in Rajasthan and 250 MW Solar PV at Mandsar in Madhya Pradesh and 8 MW Small Hydro Projects are under implementation, as per the company’s portal.


Samsung Pay launched in India


Samsung today launched a new digital payments service in the country, called Samsung Pay, that hopes to bring debit cards, credit cards and wallets under one umbrella.
●    Samsung Pay, a service that users of Samsung S7 Edge, S7, S6 Edge Plus, A series 2016 and 2017, and Note 5 users will get via a service update, will be available on Visa, Mastercard and Rupay payment cards. 
●    ICICI, HDFC, Standard Chartered, SBI, Axis bank cards will be supported, along with Paytm and Amex cards. UPI and CitiBank card support is also expected to become available soon.
●    After updating their Samsung phones to the latest software, users can open the Samsung Pay app and link their bank or Paytm or credit/debit card accounts.
●    First, a user must first link their card or wallet to the Samsung Pay account.
●    For phones, the user can then make a transaction by swiping the pay service from the bottom of the screen.
●     The screen will offer options of cards or accounts to pay from. The user selects the card and brings it close to the POS (point of sale) machine. 
●    Once the merchant has entered the amount for the transaction, the machine connects to the payment gateway and asks the user for the bank/ATM pin. Entering the PIN completes the transaction.


CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 MARCH 2017: BANKING


Bank of India, Union Bank of India sell stake in TransUnion CIBIL


Public sector lenders Union Bank of India (UBI) and Bank of India (BoI) said on Thursday that they have sold their entire stakes in TransUnion CIBIL to TransUnion International Inc. for Rs381.24 crore. The banks each held a 5% stake.
●    Banks have been trying to sell assets to shore up their capital after being hit by bad loans.
●    In the September quarter, Bank of India sold its 18% stake in Star Union Daiichi Life Insurance to Life Insurance Corp. of India, earning Rs495 crore in pre-tax profit.
●    Bank of India posted a net profit of Rs101.72 crore for the December quarter. Its capital adequacy ratio was at 12.11%.
●    After the latest stake sales, TransUnion International will hold 92.1% in Cibil.
●    The rest of the shares are owned by Aditya Birla Trustee Co. Pvt. Ltd, India Alternatives Private Equity Fund and India Infoline Finance Ltd.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 MARCH 2017: SPACE SCIENCE

NASA Develops Next-Gen Atomic Clock For Space Exploration

 
In a key advance for safely navigating future human exploration of the solar system, NASA said it is set to send its next-generation atomic clock to space in late 2017.
●    This clock will be smaller, lighter and magnitudes more precise than any atomic clock flown in space before, NASA said.
●    Engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California have completed integration of the instrument, the Deep Space Atomic Clock, with the spacecraft that will take it into orbit later in 2017, the US space agency said in a statement on Tuesday.
●    Timekeeping plays a critical role in spacecraft navigation and will be especially important for future deep space missions.
●    Most spacecraft are tracked using "two-way" methods -- the ground-based antenna 'pings' the spacecraft and waits for the signal to return.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 26 MARCH 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Madhabi Puri Buch appointed as Sebi Whole-Time Member
 
Madhabi Puri Buch was today appointed as a Whole-Time Member of capital markets regulator SEBI.

●    She is founder-director of Agora Advisory Pvt Ltd and currently at the New Development Bank in Shanghai, China.
●    Buch has been appointed to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) post for a period of three years, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.
●    She will get pay as admissible to a additional secretary to Government of India or a consolidated salary of Rs 3.75 lakh per month, it said.

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Important Current Affairs 25th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 25th March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 25th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 25th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 

President of India inaugurates ‘World Conference on Environment’

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the ‘World Conference on Environment’ organized by the National Green Tribunal in New Delhi today (March 25, 2017).

  • Speaking on the occasion, the President welcomed the fact that conservation has now become inclusive and participatory.
  • This shift has strengthened over a period of time due to sensitization of people in general and firm political will on part of governments all across.
  • He quoted Mahatma Gandhi and said “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not every man’s greed”.
  • The President said recent studies and systematic reviews indicate that environmental factors are responsible for an estimated 24% of the global burden of disease in terms of healthy life years lost and 23 % of all deaths.
  • Children are the worst sufferers of the adverse impact of environmental diseases. 24% of all deaths under the age of 15 are due to diarrhoea, malaria and respiratory diseases – all of which are environment related.
  • 19% of the deaths caused by Cancer worldwide are attributed to carcinogens that unmindful industrialization produces.

Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurates ‘National Conference on Down Syndrome’

Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated a “National Conference on Down Syndrome” in the presence of Ministers of State for SJ&E Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Vijay Sampla here today.

  • Shri N.S. Kang, Secretary, DEPwD, M/o SJ&E, Dr. K. K. Pandey, Chairperson, National Trust, Shri Mukesh Jain, JS&CEO, National Trust, Senior Central and State Governments officials, Representatives from Civil societies and parents of Persons with Down Syndrome were present on the occasion.
  • The Conference was organized by The National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities under M/o SJ&E in collaboration with Muskaan, a registered organisation of the National Trust.
  • Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. Delayed development and behavioural problems are often reported in children with Down Syndrome.
  • Persons with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes as compared to 46 in majority of people.
  • This one Extra chromosome causes its own impact and slows down learning process. It impacts neurological functioning causing impairment of intellectual functions e.g. analytical thinking, complex abstractions and judgement etc.
  • Good schooling, loving family, learning and work opportunities make them grow up to be responsible, loving and cheerful persons. Their emotions and needs are like any other person of the same age.
  •  Accepting and respecting family/community is a big support to their growth and development.

Shri Singh launch Coffee Table Book titled “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution”

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the growth in dairy production is the result of dairy cooperative societies’ hard work.

  • Shri Singh said it at the launch of Coffee Table Book titled “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution” commemorating National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) Golden Jubilee year.
  • Shri Radha Mohan Singh also said that since 1998, the poor and marginal milk producers have worked hard to make the country world's top milk producer.
  • The success was not achieved overnight; it’s the result of milk producers’ constant efforts, support of committed professionals, and the vision and expertise of NDDB.
  • Shri Singh also said that NDDB's sustained efforts through Operation Flood and the present National Dairy plan helped the country’s dairy sector in maintaining a steady growth.
  • There has been a marked increase in the contribution of livestock to agricultural GDP and livestock’s in the dairy sector.
  • In terms of value, milk is the largest agricultural commodity in India.

Cabinet approves proposal for Amendments to the NABARD Act, 1981

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals:

  • Amendments to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981 as proposed in the draft Bill with such changes of drafting and of consequential nature, as may be considered necessary by Legislative Department.
  • The Amendments, include provisions that enable Central Government to increase the authorized capital of NABARD from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 30,000 crore and to increase it beyond Rs. 30,000 crore in consultation with RBI, as deemed necessary from time to time.
  • Transfer of 0.4 per cent. equity of RBI in NABARD amounting to Rs. 20 crores to the Government of India.
  • The proposed amendments in NABARD Act, include, certain other amendments including changes in long title and certain Sections to bring Medium Enterprises and Handlooms in NABARD’s mandate.

Cabinet approves amendment to 'The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009'

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the amendment to Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

  • This will ensure that all teachers, in position as on 31st March, 2015, acquire the minimum qualifications prescribed by the academic authority to extend the period for such training for four years up to 31st March, 2019.
  •  This will enable the in-service untrained elementary teachers to complete their training and ensure that all teachers at the elementary level in the country have a certain minimum standard of qualifications.
  • This would also ensure that all Teachers would attain minimum qualifications as considered necessary to maintain the standard of teaching quality.
  • This would ultimately result in improvement in overall quality of teachers, teaching processes and consequently learning outcomes of children.
  • This will reinforce the Government's emphasis on improvement of quality of elementary education.

Cabinet approves hike in MSP for Copra for 2017 season

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of "Milling Copra" to Rs.6500/- per quintal for 2017 season from Rs.5950/-per quintal in 2016.

  • The MSP for FAQ of "Ball Copra" has been increased to Rs.6785/- per quintal for 2017 season from Rs. 6240/- per quintal in 2016.
  • The MSP of Copra is expected to ensure appropriate minimum prices to the farmers and step up investment in Coconut cultivation and thereby production and productivity in the country.
  • The approval is based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
  • CACP, which is an expert body, takes into account the cost of production, trends in the domestic and international prices of edible oils, overall demand and supply of copra and coconut oil, cost of processing of copra into coconut oil and the likely impact of the recommended MSPs on consumers, while recommending the MSPs.

Ministry of Power issued more than 38 lakhs Energy Savings Certificates to Industries

Ministry of Power has issued/entitled to purchase Energy Savings Certificates (ESCerts) to Designated Consumers (DCs) of Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Cycle I on 16th February 2017 on verification of their performance with regard to energy savings, based on the recommendations of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

  • The first cycle of PAT has been completed in March 2015.
  • The DCs have contributed to the success of PAT cycle I and this cycle has witnessed an energy saving of 8.67 million tonne of oil equivalent (Mtoe) against the targeted energy saving of 6.886 Mtoe which is about 30% more than the target.
  • This cycle also contributed in emission reduction of 31 million tonnes of CO2 and avoided generation of about 5,635 MW resulting in monetary savings of Rs. 37,685 crore.It has also contributed in investment of Rs. 24,517 crore for energy efficient technologies by DCs under PAT.
  • PAT is a multi-cycle scheme aimed to cover most of the energy intensive sectors of the economy.
  • In this regard currently in the PAT cycle II, 621 DCs from 11 sectors have been included in the scheme.

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Important Current Affairs 24th March 2017 with Free PDF

important-current-affairs-24th-march-2017-with-free-pdf

Important Current Affairs 24th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We present here Important Current Affairs 24th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Petroleum Minister launches MoPNG e Seva

Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched MoP&NG e-Seva, a dedicated grievances redressal platform on Social Media for all queries and grievances relating to Oil and Gas Sector.

  • The MOPNG e-Seva is an integrated grievances redressal platform across social media for all Oil & Gas related service issues.
  • This portal will be a single point interface for all customers to reach out to the government for addressing their feedback or grievances related to Oil & Gas Sector on social media.
  • MOPNG e-Seva will also deliver 24 x 7 support for consumers.
  • The e-Seva portal will serve as a single point for queries on Twitter and Facebook to begin with; and other social media platforms in due course.
  • A team of Nodal Officers from Oil Companies and Allied Services have been formed to address issues on real-time basis.

Director, FSB, Russia, calls on Union Home Minister

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, received the 9-Member Russian delegation led by the Director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB), Mr. Alexander Bortnikov here today.

  • Shri Rajnath Singh informed the visiting delegation that India and Russia are all weather friends and enjoy family like relations.
  • He said that our bilateral relations had withstood all trying times in the midst of changing nature of international and political relations.
  • Shri Rajnath Singh said that the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, have been meeting on different occasions to share and strengthen the bilateral cooperation at the highest level.
  • He also mentioned that the Russian President is loved and respected by all Indians.
  • During the course of Delegation level meeting lasting for about 45 minutes, the Home Minister highlighted the sponsoring of terrorism by our neighbouring country, which is a threat not only to India and international community but to the humanity as a whole.
  • Shri Singh reiterated that India has a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.

Airtel to buy Tikona Digital Operations

Bharti Airtel Ltd has agreed to buy Tikona Digital Networks Pvt. Ltd’s 4G business, including its broadband wireless access spectrum and 350 cellular sites in five telecom circles, the country’s largest telecom operator said on Thursday.

  • The deal size is “approximately Rs1,600 crore”, Bharti Airtel said in a regulatory filing
  • Mint had on 18 March first reported that the Bharti-Tikona transaction could be in the range of Rs800-1,000 crore.
  • Tikona has some debt on its books, which Bharti Airtel will assume, so the overall deal value is close to Rs1,500-1,700 crore.
  • “Tikona currently has 20 MHz spectrum in the 2300 MHz band in Gujarat, UP (East), UP (West), Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh circles.
  • Airtel plans to roll out high-speed 4G services on the newly acquired spectrum in the five circles immediately after the closure of the transaction.
  • The acquisition of the 4G business in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West) and Himachal Pradesh will be undertaken by Airtel, while in the Rajasthan circle, it will be accomplished through its subsidiary, Bharti Hexacom Ltd, the statement said.

G20 Leaders to meet at Varanasi next Week

India will host the third meeting of the G20 Framework Working Group (FWG) in Varanasi from March 28 to discuss challenges before the global economy and their possible solutions.

  • More than 100 high-level officials from G20 member and invitee countries, as well as international organisations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Labour Organization (ILO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will take part in the meeting.
  • This is the first time that such a meeting is taking place outside the national capital.
  • The FYG is a core working group within the G20.
  • Its main mandate is to deliberate on the challenges facing the global economy and the policy options that countries can use to address these challenges.
  • India, along with Canada, has been co-chairing this group and the chief economic advisor of India holds the role of the Indian co-chair.

33rd India Carpet Expo to be inaugurated by Union Textiles Minister

The Carpet Export Promotion Council is organizing the 33rd India Carpet Expo, a sourcing platform for handmade carpets and other floor coverings, from 27-30 March, 2017 in Hall No. 11, 12 & 12A, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

  • The Expo, one of Asia’s largest handmade carpet fairs, will be inaugurated by the Union Textiles Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, on March 27, 2017.
  • Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta; Textiles Secretary, Smt. Rashmi Varma, other officials and representatives from trade and media would also be present.
  • The Expo is being organized to promote the cultural heritage of Indian handmade carpets and other floor coverings, and the weaving skills of their makers, amongst visiting overseas carpet buyers.
  • The Expo is an ideal platform for international carpet buyers, buying houses, buying agents and architects to meet with and establish long-term business relationships with Indian carpet manufacturers and exporters.
  • It is a unique platform for buyers to source the best handmade carpets, rugs and other floor coverings under one roof.
  • The Expo has established itself as a popular sourcing platform for carpet buyers from all over the globe. India’s unique capability in adapting to any type of design, colour, quality and size, as per the specifications of carpet buyers has made it a household name in the international market.

PAN Card Can be Invalid if not linked to Aadhaar

According to the amendments to the Finance Bill, taxpayers will be required to link their PAN cards with Aadhaar numbers.

  • And for those who have not linked their PAN cards to Aadhaar numbers before the deadline will be deemed invalid.
  • All the taxpayers have been told to have a PAN number to file income tax returns and for those who do not come under the tax slab also use the PAN card as the proof of identity.
  • Over the past few years, the Centre has linked Aadhaar to a growing list of subsidies and schemes.
  • Recently, the ministry of human resource development had announced that the midday meal would no longer be free for those children without an Aadhaar card.
  • However, the government currently has no proposal to link Aadhaar numbers with railway passes.
     

Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: REPORTS AND RANKINGS

Sea Ice Hits Record Winter Low

The sea ice cover in the Arctic and the Antarctic hit new record lows for this time of year, marking the smallest polar ice caps in the 38-year satellite record, U.S. government scientists said on Wednesday.

  • In March, the Arctic ice sheet should be at its biggest, but on March 7 the ice cover reached “a record low wintertime maximum extent,” said a statement by NASA.
  • Data from the NASA-supported National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado, also showed that on March 3, “sea ice around Antarctica hit its lowest extent ever recorded by satellites at the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere”.
  • The disappearing sea ice comes as the planet has marked three years in a row of record-breaking heat, raising new concerns about the accelerating pace of global warming and the need to curb burning of fossil fuels which spew heat-trapping greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: DAYS AND DATES

24 March : World Tuberculosis Day

As today is marked as World Tuberculosis Day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) public health department released a report on the growing health problem in the city that showed a 21% rise in the number of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB cases in 2016 compared to 2015.

  • MDR TB cases are difficult to treat as patients do not respond to two of the most powerful first line anti-TB drugs Isoniazid and Rifampicin.
  • This makes the treatment longer and results in higher mortality.
  • A total of 4,347 cases of MDR TB cases across public and private hospitals were reported by the BMC in 2016, compared to 3,608 cases in 2015.
  • Among fresh cases, there was an 8% increase in drug sensitive cases, which are relatively easier to treat as the first-line drugs work.
  • Out of 42,115 drug sensitive cases, 8.9% were paediatric cases.
  • Civic authorities said the cases have hiked as people have been made more aware about the disease and more private hospitals have reported about the number of cases they saw.
  • There was a 75% increase on TB reporting from private facilities in 2016.

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Important Current Affairs 23rd March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 23rd March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 23rd March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 23rd March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 


Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

Finance Bill Removes Limits on Political Donations by Firms


Just weeks after the government announced measures to clean up political funding in India, the government is removing limits on how much companies can contribute towards political donations as part of several amendments the government has proposed to the Finance Bill.
●    On Tuesday, the government put forth over 40 amendments to the finance bill including many new measures that are significantly different from those announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his budget speech on Feb 1. 
●    Several observers have called these amendments "unprecedented." The proposals were debated in the Parliament on Wednesday.
●    The current laws allow companies to contribute only up to 7.5 per cent of their average net profits in the last three financial years to political parties, and require they disclose the name of the political parties that have received those donations. 
●    In another backflip from the budget, the government has cut the cap on cash transactions from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
●    It has also announced that Aadhaar card will now be mandatory for filing tax returns, as well as obtaining a PAN card.

NCST Approves Proposal for Five Additional Seats for Tribals in Sikkim Assembly

 
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has approved the proposal for five additional seat for tribals in Sikkim assembly. 
●    In its full meeting held in New Delhi today the Commission gave its approval to the proposal of increasing reserve seats for STs from 12 to 17 in Sikkim assembly. 
●    At present there are 32 members in Sikkim assembly and it would be increased to 40. 
●    Out of the proposed additional eight seats, five seats would be reserved for Limbu and Tamang tribes. 
●    The Commission has also decided to send a three member high level investigation committee for on the spot investigation of atrocities on Scheduled Tribes. 
●    The Commission also decided send a letter to States seeking latest update on tribal welfare programmes. 
●    States will also be asked to provide full details about the activities of Tribal Advisory Committees. 
●    The states will also be requested to provide link of NCST website on their official website so that people may know the activities of the commission. 
●    Chairing the first meeting of the Commission after taking over as its Chairman Shri Nand Kumar Sai said that Commission is very serious about the illegal transfer of land holdings of Scheduled Tribes. 
●    He said a detailed study will be carried out of all such incidents. 
●    Later, a national level workshop will be organised in New Delhi sometimes in May this year on this issue where representatives of State governments will also be invited. 

Govt. Proposes Ban on Cash Transactions Above Rs. 2 Lakh


The government on Tuesday proposed to ban all cash transactions above Rs 2 lakh, instead of Rs 3 lakh announced in the budget, and said Aadhaar would be mandatory for filing tax returns and getting a permanent account number (PAN) as it sought fresh checks on black money.
●    The proposals were part of the 44 amendments to the Finance Bill moved by finance minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha. 
●    The large number of changes sought by the government attracted criticism from the opposition benches with some calling it unprecedented.
●    Jaitley has proposed amendments to the Companies Act, mandating disclosure of election-related donations in company books besides making such donations compulsorily by cheque, bank draft or through electronic means. 
●    The step was part of reforms announced in the budget to make election funding more transparent.
●    The move to reduce the ceiling for cash transactions to Rs 2 lakh was announced as the government was of the view that the earlier cap was too high. 
●    With Aadhaar made mandatory, the government is hoping to track returns better and act against those misusing the provisions. 
●    The use of Aadhaar has been mandated from July 1.


3rd International Conference on Alternate Fuels and Raw Materials in Cement Industry 

The “3rd International Conference on Alternate Fuels and Raw Materials in Cement Industry -Towards Realising Swachh Bharat Dream”, was inaugurated today. 
●    Ms. Ravneet Kaur, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion lauded the efforts and initiatives of the Cement Industry in enhancing the AFR usage to increase the  Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) which is very low at 1% as against the average 60% world-over. 
●    She mentioned that with Indian Cement Industry currently producing 7% of the Global Cement requirement has a long way to go to improve the country’s per capita consumption at a dismal low as yet. 
●    She also expressed her appreciation for the recently published BIS Standards on Composite Cement. 
●    Ms Kaur assured the Cement Industry that Govt. will support this cause to frame conducive policies to facilitate such AFR usage in the Cement Industry.

Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: PERSONS


Five Indians in WEF's 100 Young Global Leaders List


Five Indians, including Paytm Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Shruti Shibulal of The Tamara Hospitality, have made it to the World Economic Forum's 100 Young Global Leaders list.
●    The other individuals who represented India in the list include Ambarish Mitra Founder and CEO Blippar, a mobile phone app business valued at USD 1.5 billion; Hindol Sengupta Editor-at large Fortune India and Rwitwika Bhattacharya - Agarwal Founder and CEO Swaniti Initiative.
●    There were nine global leaders from South Asia, out of which five are from India. Besides, there are some persons of Indian origin in the US and Europe were also named in the list.
●    Each year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) selects 100 young leaders, under the age of 40, who are tackling the world's most complex challenges with innovative approaches.
●    In this year's class of 100 Young Global Leaders, half the intake come from emerging economies, reflecting a trend towards greater diversity in global leadership.
●    From the public sector, the list features Aja Brown the youngest mayor to be elected in Compton, California.

Bill Gates Named World's Richest Man for 18th Time : Forbes

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has once again topped Forbes' list of world's richest people of 2017. 
●    It is the fourth consecutive year that the 61-year-old has held the spot. 
●    He is closely followed by Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Amancio Ortega and Mark Zuckerberg.
●    There are 2,043 billionaires in the world, led by the United States with 565, followed by China with 319 billionaires, and Germany with 114.
●    Ten Indians have also made it to the list of Forbes' 500 richest people in the world. 
●    Mukesh Ambani leads the list among the Indians at 33rd spot with a fortune of $23.2 billion, followed by Lakshmi Mittal ($16.4 billion) at No. 56, Azim Premji ($14.9 billion) at 72, and Dilip Shanghvi ($13.7 billion) at 84. 
●    Shiv Nadar (102), Kumar Birla (133), Cyrus Poonawalla (159), Uday Kotak (166), Sunil Mittal (182), and Gautam Adani (250) also made it to the list.
 


Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: REPORTS AND RANKINGS

India Slips to Rank 131 in HDI


India has slipped to rank 131in the 2016 Human Development Report (HDR) that was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 21 March 2017.
●    Among the 188 countries ranked in terms of human development, India stood at 131, a rank below its previous 130. 
●    India’s human development index (HDI) value of 0.624 puts it in the “medium human development” category alongside Pakistan and other countries such as Congo and Namibia.
●    Only two SAARC nations rank above India in the list, Sri Lanka (73) and Maldives (105), both of which figure in the high human development category. 
●    The top three countries in the list include Norway at rank 1 with an HDI of 0.949, followed by Australia (0.939) and Switzerland (0.939). 
●    Norway, which was recently adjudged to be the happiest nation in the world going by the World happiness report, clinched the top spot in this report as well. 
●    The HDI value is a measure for assessing the progress in the three basic dimensions of human development, a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and the access to a decent standard of living. 
●    According to the HDR, 1.5 million people across the world still live in multidimensional poverty and almost 54% among them are concentrated in South Asia. 

Current Affairs 23rd March 2017: DAYS AND DATES


First Nine Gorkhas Celebrates 200 Years


The Ninth Gorkhas celebrated 200-years of its raising in Secunderabad, Telangana on 16 March 2017. The first battalion of the Ninth Gorkhas was raised by the British government in 1817 as the ‘Fatehgarh Levy’.
●    Ninth Gorkha Rifles has a unique honour that all its battalions have been awarded the Chief of Army Staff’s Citation for exceptional performance in the line of duty.
●    Some of the Regiments battle honours are Mesopotamia, France and Flanders, Afghanistan, North Africa, Burma, Chindits, Kumarkhalli, Phillora, Dera Baba Nanak and Jammu & Kashmir.
●    Events held as prelude to the Bicentenary Celebrations includes
●    Scaling of Mount Stok Kangri (6153 meters): A team of the regiment on 30 September 2016 scaled Mount Stok Kangri, which is the highest peak of the Stok Ranges in the Ladakh Region.
●    Motorcycle Rally: A motorcycle rally was flagged off by the Chief of Army Staff, General Rawat. 
●    The rally was conducted on the traditional recruiting areas in Western Nepal. The rally reached Pokhara, Nepal on 4 February 2017.


 

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Important Current Affairs 22nd March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 22nd March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 22nd March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 22nd March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs February 2017 

Current Affairs March 2017


 Current Affairs 22nd March 2017: DAYS AND DATES


March 22 : World Water Day


 The World Water Day (WWD) was observed globally on 22 March 2017 with theme Why Wastewater? 
●    The year’s theme for the world water day focuses on wastewater and ways to reduce and reuse as over 80 per cent of all the wastewater.
●    The theme highlights that wastewater flows from homes, cities, industry and agriculture to nature. 
●    This free or untreated flow helps in polluting the environment leading to loss of valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials.
●    The theme seeks to improve the collection and treatment of wastewater and safe usability of the same. 
●    At the same time, it wants to make us (people) learn the art of reducing the quantity and pollution load of wastewater that we produce. 
●    The effort will help us in protecting the environment and water resources that are available to us.
●    Save water is also a goal enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goal. 
●    The Sustainable Development Goal 6 – ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030 - includes a target to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and increase water recycling and safe reuse.


 Current Affairs 22nd March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS


The 3rd edition of State AYUSH/Health Ministers’ Conference held in New Delhi


 The 3rd Conference of Health/AYUSH Ministers of States/UTs was inaugurated by the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in New Delhi today. 
●    The day long conference was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH to provide an opportunity to States/UT to interact with each other for the development of AYUSH sector. 
●    The conference was attended by AYUSH/Health Ministers/Secretaries and officials from 23 States/UTs; senior officials of AYUSH Ministry and representatives of AYUSH organizations. 
●    In his inaugural address, the AYUSH Minister said that the WHO advocates expanding the rational use of traditional medicine as one of the means to achieve Universal Health Coverage. 
●    The WHO also advocates harnessing the potential of traditional medicine, capacity building in traditional medicine practice and developing awareness among the public about the advantages of traditional medicines. 
●    Shri Naik appealed to all the State Governments to consider the WHO advisory on priority. 
●    Shri Shripad Naik urged all State Governments to consider amending their State Medical Practitioner Act to enable AYUSH system to deal with medical emergencies. 
●    He said that States like Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have already made such amendments in their State Medical Practitioner Acts. 


Rs.3.5 crore contributed by IIFCL for Cancer Treatment


 An appeal was made to PSUs to contribute funds under their CSR Scheme towards Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund-CSR for treatment of poor cancer patients. 
●    India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has taken lead in the matter and contributed an amount of Rs.3.5 crore in 2015-16.  
●    385 cancer patients have been benefitted from the CSR contribution received from IIFCL during 2016-17. 
●    The cheque of Rs.3.50 crore was presented to Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, ShriFaggan Singh Kulaste by Shri S.B.Nayar, CMD, IIFCL yesterday. 
●    Shri Arun Kumar Jha, Economic Adviser, Health Ministry and Shri P.R. Jaishankar, Chief General Manager, IIFCL were also present.


Bihar launches free WiFi for students


 The Bihar government on Wednesday launched an ambitious programme to provide free WiFi facilities in colleges and universities.
●    Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formally launched free WiFi facilities for students on the occasion of Bihar Divas celebrations here.
●    He said free Wi-Fi facility in college and university campuses was part of the seven decisions of the Grand Alliance government in Bihar to promote governance.
●    “The objective is to provide free Wi-Fi facility to help youths to move ahead in life and to become digital smart.”
●    He said Internet had become a part and part of daily life.
●    Earlier, Nitish Kumar said youths, particularly students, should use this facility to download books instead of films.
 

Medha - First fully India-made suburban train makes debut


 Commuters in Mumbai will get to travel on the first train that is wholly made in India, including the electronic control circuitry. 
●    It’s called the Medha system and is more than a crore cheaper than the Bombardier rakes that now run on the Western Railway that serves 35 lakh commuters daily on its suburban services.
●    Indian railways procures control circuit technology from foreign companies such as Siemens and Bombardier and this is the first time it has been is developed in India, which will bring down costs. 
●    A Medha rake costs Rs 43.23 crore now against a Bombardier’s Rs 44.36. The Medha will cost even less if more are ordered, said a Western Railway spokesperson.
●    The WR have received two Medha 12-car rakes of which one will be inducted in service on Saturday. 
●    However, this does not mean additional services to commuters as the train will be operated for existing services only.


Govt Proposes to make Aadhaar mandatory for I-T returns


 The Union Government on 21 March 2017 proposed to make the Aadhaar card mandatory to file Income Tax Return (ITR) and for applying Permanent Account Number (PAN) with effect from 1 July 2017.
●    With this, Aadhaar enrolment number while filing ITR could also be accepted. However, failing to declare Aadhaar may lead to PAN being deemed invalid.
●    PAN cards will also be linked with the 12-digit unique identification number or the Aadhar number before the 1 July 2017 deadline.
●    The amendment also proposes to lower the limit on cash transaction from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. 
●    The limit on cash transactions is in keeping with recommendations of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money.
●    The proposal was made through an amendment to the Finance Bill, 2017. The Union Government introduced as many as 40 amendments to the Finance Bill in an 'unprecedented move'. 
●    Until now, Aadhaar was mostly used for subsidy transfers. 
●    The Union Government also claimed that the subsidy transfers linked to Aadhaar has led the exchequer to save Rs 49000 crore during the last two-and-half years.


 Current Affairs 22nd March 2017: APPOINTMENTS

Ankur Khanna appointed as Chief Financial Officer of ICC


 Ankur Khanna was on 20 March 2017 appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
●    Khanna will join the ICC by the end of March 2017. He will relocate to the ICC headquarters in Dubai. 
●    Presently, he is serving Airasia India as the CFO, the post he has held for the last twelve months.
●    Prior to Airasia India, Khanna worked in senior roles at Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and ITC, an associate company of British American Tobacco.
●    ICC is the global governing body for cricket. 
●    Representing 105 members, the ICC governs and administers the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments including the ICC World Cup and Women’s World Cup.
●    The ICC also appoints the umpires and referees that officiate at all sanctioned Test matches, One Day International and Twenty20 Internationals.
 

 Current Affairs 22nd March 2017: MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Vodafone and Idea to merge

 
On Monday, Idea Cellular Ltd and Vodafone Group Plc. solemnized their three month-old engagement with details of the impending marriage. 
●    Elsewhere in Motown earlier this month, Tata Motors Ltd and Volkswagen AG, neither of which was setting Indian parking lots on fire, announced a memorandum of understanding for a long-term partnership.
●    In strict number terms, the Idea-Vodafone merger catapults the combined entity to pole position in India’s $27 billion telecom market but an inorganic leadership in a turbulent market may be a crown of thorns. 
●    Bragging rights aside, the merger leaves both companies with massive issues of integration and no real guarantee of success beyond the savings from synergy.
●    Statements by Vodafone Group chief executive Vittorio Colao, shortly after the announcement, spotlight why it is difficult to be buoyant about the marriage. 
●    Both brands, he stressed, will continue to be present in the market. 
●    The fate of many a corporate marriage between two strong brands warns us of how that might pan out. 
●    Publicis Groupe SA and Omnicom Group Inc., Compaq Computer Corp. and HP Inc., Daimler AG and Chrysler Corp., Time Warner Inc. and AOL Inc.—the mega failures just reel off the tongue. 

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Important Current Affairs 21st March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 21st March 2017 with Free PDF

Important Current Affairs 21st March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 21st March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS


AYUSH Minister to inaugurate conference of State Health Ministers in New Delhi tomorrow

The third Conference of Health/AYUSH Ministers of States/UTs will be organized by the Ministry of AYUSH in New Delhi tomorrow. 
●    It will be inaugurated by the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. The day long conference will provide an opportunity to interact with all the States/UTs for the development of AYUSH sector. 
●    The conference will be attended by state AYUSH/Health Ministers/Secretaries and officials; senior officials of AYUSH Ministry and representatives of AYUSH organizations.
●    The purpose of this Conference is to discuss the various issues connected with propagation and mainstreaming of AYUSH, and also to take stock of the progress made and developments that took place during the last two years. 
●    The Conference aims also to deliberate upon how to take AYUSH systems forward in the healthcare delivery system of the country, as acceptance of AYUSH systems among the people of not only this country, but the world over is increasing.
●    It is the endeavour of the Ministry to make AYUSH systems of medicine as the preferred, affordable, safe and credible solutions for health problems among the people at large. 
●    The Conference is expected to streamline the coordination with the States/UTs to ensure and effect better and affordable healthcare delivery in the country.
 

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: International Relations

Petroleum Minister meets Mr Showkutally Soodhun, Vice-Prime Minister of Mauritius

Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met H.E. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Lands of Mauritius, Mr Shokutally Soodhun. Mr Soodhun is on a three day visit to India for the meeting of the Joint Committee on Hydrography and to further strengthen India-Mauritius bilateral maritime cooperation. 
●    India and Mauritius enjoy old and time-tested ties which are rooted in culture and kinship which have grown from strength to strength in recent years. 
●    In the hydrocarbon sector, Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), India’s PSU refinery, has been supplying the Island nation’s petroleum product requirements since 2006. 
●    Both countries are presently working towards further deepening the engagement in the oil and gas sector. 
●    During the meeting, Shri Pradhan assured India’s continued support to Mauritius in meeting its energy requirement. 
●    He also expressed India’s commitment in Mauritius becoming a regional petroleum hub, through requisite oil and gas sector infrastructure development, including to ensure energy security of Mauritius. 
●    Both Ministers expressed their keenness to work towards further strengthening the bilateral engagements in the hydrocarbon sector and make it one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation between both the countries.

 20 million dollar deal between India & Mauritius

NBCC, a Navratna construction major under the Ministry of Urban Development will execute a 20 million US dollars (Rs 130 crore) social housing project in Mauritius. 
●    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed here today in the presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and the visiting Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Lands, Showkutally Soodhun.
●    As per the MoU, NBCC will undertake construction of 700 duplex type houses with 50 sq mt net floor area with two bedrooms, living and dining rooms, kitchen, bathrooms and toilets each in 18 months in Dagotiere and Mare Tabac.
●    The visiting dignitary also informed that NBCC will also execute construction of new Supreme Court Building at a cost of 33 million US dollars (Rs 220 crore) in Port Louis in 24 months. 
●    An agreement has been signed earlier this month in this regard.Government of India has sanctioned a grant of 353 million US dollars for execution of five projects in Mauritius including Metro Express Project, new ENT Hospital and supply of digital tablets to primary school children.
●    The visiting Mauritius leader thanked India for assisting his country in several fields.

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: Days and Dates

World Poetry Day celebrated 

The World  Poetry Day was celebrated on 21 March 2017 across the globe. 
●    The objective behind the day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression as well as to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their societies.
●    The day also provides an occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry.
●    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) first adopted 21 March as World Poetry Day during its 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999.
●    Each country is invited to celebrate the day in its own manner with the active participation of National Commissions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public and private institutions concerned.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed

Every person is entitled to human rights without discrimination. 
●    The rights to equality and non-discrimination are cornerstones of human rights law. 
●    Yet in many parts of the world, discriminatory practices are still widespread, including racial, ethnic, religious and nationality based profiling, and incitement to hatred.
●    Refugees and migrants are particular targets of racial profiling and incitement to hatred. 
●    In the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted in September 2016, United Nations Member States strongly condemned acts and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against refugees and migrants, and committed to a range of steps to counter such attitudes and behaviours, particularly regarding hate crimes, hate speech and racial violence.

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: APPOINTMENTS

 Navniti Prasad Singh sworn in as Kerala HC Chief Justice

Justice Navanita Prasad Singh was on 20 March 2017 sworn in as the new Chief Justice of Kerala High Court.
●    The Governor of Kerala Justice (retd) P Sathasivam administered the oath of office to Justice Singh at a function held at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
●    After doing schooling from Scindia School in Gwalior, he did graduation and LL.B. from the Delhi University.
●    He practiced in commercial, taxation and constitutional matters in Patna and Jharkhand High Courts.
●    His private corporate clients include State Bank of India, Lalit Narain Mithila University and other statutory authorities.
●    He was designated as a Senior Advocate on 11 December 2004 by the Patna high court. 
●    He was elevated as a Judge of the Patna High Court on 6 March 2006.
●    Justice Navaniti Prasad Singh was born on 6 November 1955.

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: SPORTS

Tamil Nadu wins Vijay Hazare Trophy

Tamil Nadu has won the domestic 50-over competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, for the fifth time. 
●    In the Final played at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi yesterday, they defeated Bengal by 37 runs.
●    Opting to bat, Tamil Nadu posted 217, riding on a century by Dinesh Karthik. He made 112. 
●    In reply, they bundled out Bengal for 180 in 45.5 overs. 
●    Aswin Crist, Rahil Shah and M. Mohammad bagged 2 wickets each, while for Bengal, Sudip Chatterjee top scored with 58. 
●    Karthik was named man of the match.
●    It was Tamil Nadu’s third victory over Bengal in the final of this competition.

Current Affairs 21st March 2017: ECONOMY

Bharatiya Mahila Bank to merge with SBI

The government on Monday said it has decided to merge the Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to ensure greater banking services outreach to more women.
●    The decision has been taken in view of the advantage of the large network of SBI.
●    The objectives of affordable credit to women as well as propagation of women-centric products need to be quickly achieved through a wider network and lower cost of funds.
●    SBI group already has 126 exclusive all-women branches across the country while BMB has only seven.
●    In the three years since BMB was set up in 2013, it has extended loans of Rs 192 crore to women borrowers. 
●    The SBI group has provided loans of about Rs 46,000 crore to women.
●    SBI has more than 20,000 branches. Out its workforce of around 2 lakh, 22 per cent are women.

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Important Current Affairs 20th March 2017 with free PDF

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Important Current Affairs 20th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

We bring you Important Current Affairs 20th March 2017 with Free PDF in English and Hindi, which will update you with latest headlines, news from various domains i.e: National News, Sports, Business, Awards & recognition. It will help you in preparation of competitive exams like: SSC, SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, Railways & Various other Entrance examinations.


 

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: AWARDS

 President of India presents KCK International Award for excellence in print Journalism

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the KCK International Award for Excellence in Print Journalism organized by Rajasthan Patrika in New Delhi today (March 20, 2017).
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that journalism has had a long history in our country. 
●    It has been closely associated with our struggle for independence and social reforms. Journalists and journalism played an exemplary role in the social renaissance movement as well as the freedom struggle of the country. 
●    The history of Indian journalism has been that of progressive reform, social renaissance and anti-colonialism. 
●    Beginning with the ‘Samvad Kaumudi’ brought out by Raja Rammohun Roy in 1819 to ‘Samachar Chandrika’ and ‘Mirat-Ul-Akhbar’, the ‘Harijan and Young India edited by the Mahatma and later, through various other publications, the contribution of print journalism to an evolving Indian society and nationhood was immense.
●    The President said that print journalism has its own impact because journalists through their columns/ stories/ comments etc. find a permanent place in the minds of readers. 
●    He stated that media has expanded with increasing use of technology and the influence of social media has also increased over the years.
Its investors include Ant Financial (Alipay), Alibaba Group, SAIF Partners and Mediatek


 

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: ECONOMY


 
Cabinet approves four GST Bills

●    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the following four GST related bills.
●    The Central Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The CGST Bill)
●    The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The IGST Bill)
●    The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The UTGST Bill)
●    The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the States) Bill 2017 (The Compensation Bill)
●    The above four Bills have been earlier approved by the GST Council after thorough, clause by clause, discussion over 12 meetings of the Council held in the last six months.
●    The CGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on intra-state supply of goods or services for both by the Central Government. 
●    On the other hand, IGST Bill makes provisions for levy and collection of tax on inter-state supply of goods or services or both by the Central Government.
●    The UTGST Bill makes provisions for levy on collection of tax on intra-UT supply of goods and services in the Union Territories without legislature. 
●    Union Territory GST is akin to States Goods and Services Tax (SGST) which shall be levied and collected by the States/Union Territories on intra-state supply of goods or services or both.
●    The Compensation Bill provides for compensation to the states for loss of revenue arising on account of implementation of the goods and services tax for a period of five years as per section 18 of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016.

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: NATIONAL NEWS


 Government designates Olympians as National Observers

Government has designated the following Olympians as National Observers for the disciplines mentioned against each of them.
●    The National Observers will assist the Government, Sports Authority of India, and National Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned including Indian Olympic Association in the preparation and implementation of the long term development plan with respect to high priority and priority sports covering all aspects including selection policy, quality specifications for National Camps, long term athlete development plan, coaching development, development of technical officials and monitoring & evaluation of athlete performance.  
●    Apart from providing inputs for their respective disciplines, the National Observers would also to be consulted as a group on crosscutting issues impacting sports development in the country.
●    The National Observers would be playing a key role in implementation of action plans for Mission Olympics 2020, 2024 and 2028.


Faggan Singh Kulaste launches National Dental and Oral Health Information IVR Portal, toll free number

 “Oral health is integral to overall health of a person and will contribute to the all-round development of the nation.” 
●    This was stated by Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. 
●    He was speaking at a function to mark the ‘World Oral Health Day’, here today. 
●    Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) and Dr Jagdish Prasad, Director General of Health Services and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present at the event. 
●    Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste also launched the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material along with the National Dental and Oral Health Information IVR portal including a toll free number for addressing oral health queries. 
●    Speaking at the function, Shri Faggan Singh stated that India has taken huge strides in the healthcare sector by initiating new programmes to improve the health outcome of the country and it is now amongst those nations that have dedicated programme on oral health. 
●    Shri Faggan Singh further added that raising awareness about dental health is a need of the hour and these information initiatives will go a long way in encouraging people to adopt positive and healthy habits, Shri Faggan Singh said.

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: DAYS AND DATES

World Sparrow Day 2017 observed

The World Sparrow Day was observed across the world on 20 March 2017. 
●    The day was created with an aim to raise awareness about the house sparrow and then other common birds to urban environments.
●    The World Sparrow Day also speaks of threats to their populations. 
●    The day also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the common biodiversity which is taken so much for granted.
●    World Sparrow Day is an international initiative of the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with several national international organisations including the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France). 
●    The first World Sparrow Day was celebrated in 2010 across the world.
●    The House Sparrow was declared as State Bird of Delhi.
●    The society was created by an Indian conservationist Mohammed Dilawar, who was named as one of the Heroes of the Environment" for 2008 by Time for his efforts. 
●    He started his work by helping the house sparrow in Nashik.


 

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: SPORTS


Roger Federer beats Stanislas Wawrinka for 5th title in the Californian desert

Roger Federer defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 to win a record-tying fifth BNP Paribas Open title in an all-Swiss final Sunday to go with his record 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January after missing most of last year with various injuries. 
●    “For me, the dream run continues,” he said. 
●    Federer kept reminding everyone during the ATP Masters 1000 event that he was “on the comeback” and, wanting to see how he felt, hadn’t planned beyond the first three months of year.
●    He might want to think bigger now. “This was not part of the plan, to win Australia and Indian Wells. 
●    The goal was to be top 8 by after Wimbledon, so I’m there much, much faster,” he said. 
●    “I will make the plan for the remainder of the season, especially for the clay, after Miami, and then see also what the goals are because the goals are clearly changing after this dream start.” 
●    Federer tied the tourney record of Novak Djokovic, who lost in the fourth round, while winning his 90th career title, keeping him third behind Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl on the all-time list in the Open era.

 Current Affairs 20th March 2017: OBITUARY


Dev Raj Sikka, India’s monsoon man, dies

Former Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) director Dev Raj Sikka, known as the ‘monsoon man’ for his role in helping scientists develop better prediction systems for India’s rainy season, died on Saturday after a heart attack. 
●    He was 85.
●    Sikka was honoured with the lifetime achievement award by the Indian Meteorological Society (IMD) in December 2016 in recognition of his contribution to Indian meteorology spanning over six decade.
●    Born in Jhang Maghiana (western Punjab) in Pakistan Sikka joined the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1954 before moving to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, from where he retired as its director.
●    Over an illustrious career as a weather scientist, Sikka became known for his work on the prediction of monsoon—notoriously erratic in the subcontinent—and tropical meteorology, including extreme weather events. 


 

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