Important Current Affairs 9th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: ECONOMY

Aadhaar Pay Service Launched for Payments via Fingerprint

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: APPOINTMENT

Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Elected Mumbai Mayor

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: NATIONAL NEWS

CBSE Releases App for Students to Locate Board Exam Centre

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

11th North East Business Summit begins in New Delhi

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

Aadhaar Now Must for Poor Women to get Free LPG Connection

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

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

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: GLOBAL NEWS

India Offers to Give Up Veto Power Temporarily at UNSC

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS 9TH MARCH: BANKING

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

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

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

Important Current Affairs 8th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

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

NATIONAL NEWS

India's Longest Cable-Bridge Inaugurated in Gujarat

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

Mumbai Has Most Number of Billionaires in India

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

SPORTS

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

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

DAYS & DATES

March 8 : International Women's Day

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

NATIONAL NEWS

Hyderabad Airport Ranks 1st in World in Service Quality

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

AWARDS

 Aishwarya Rai Wins Best Actress for Sarbjit at International Film Fest 

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

NATIONAL NEWS

Environment Minister launches Web Portal for obtaining CRZ Clearances

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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

Important Current Affairs 7th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

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

GLOBAL NEWS

 Donald Trump Signs Revised Executive Order on Travel Ban

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

GLOBAL NEWS

China Overtakes Eurozone as World's Largest Banking System

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

NATIONAL NEWS

Noida Gets Baxi - First Bike Taxi Service

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

GLOBAL NEWS

Zimbabwe Bans Corporal Punishment for Children

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

RANKINGS & REPORTS

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

Our Important Current Affairs 7th March 2017 with FREE PDF in Hindi and English which will help you in scoring good marks in Banking, Government and various other competitive exams. The FREE PDF will enable you to quickly revise through important GK sections.

Important Current Affairs 6th March 2017 with Free PDF

Dear Aspirants,

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

SPORTS NEWS

Ashwin Sets Record for Most Balls Bowled in a Test Season

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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

SPORTS NEWS

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

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

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

OBITUARY

Pioneer of Liver Transplant, Starzl Passes Away

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

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

SPORTS NEWS

Sam Querrey Wins the ATP Mexican Open

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

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

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

WORLD NEWS

North Korea Fires Four Ballistic Missiles into Sea

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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

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Daily Current Affairs Updates 05th March 2017 with FREE PDF

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

NATIONAL NEWS

 National Conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan to be held 

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

NATIONAL NEWS

NDMA conducts training conference on capacity building for Disaster Management

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

BUSINESS

 
Cognizant acquires Japan’s Brilliant Service

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

OBITUARY

Former IFS and MP Syed Shahabuddin passes away

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

DAYS & DATES

World Wildlife Day 2017 observed globally

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

NATIONAL NEWS

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

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

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Daily Current Affairs Updates 04th March 2017 with FREE PDF

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

National News

Railways launch Roll-on Roll-off service for trucks in Delhi

Railways on Thursday launched Roll-on Roll-off (RO-RO) service from Gurugram to carry loaded trucks on wagons to decongest roads in the national capital region. 
●    About 30 loaded trucks were transported on the flat wagons from Garhi Harsuru station in Gurugram for Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh.
●    RO-RO service aims to reduce carbon emission and congestion on the roads of the national capital region (NCR) as about 66,000 diesel-guzzling trucks pass through Delhi and its adjoining areas in a day.
●    According to railways, there are about 20,000 trucks which are not meant for the NCR, but enter the region to travel further. 
●    There are eight entry/exit routes in the NCR which will be utilised for RO-RO service to take trucks off the road.
●    It is a win-win situation for truckers as well as for railways as goods will be transported in safe and faster way, saving cost on diesel and man-days besides reducing the pollution level, he said.

National News

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi Meets PM Modi

PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi on Thursday shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the company’s various initiatives, such as its investments on locally sourced juice innovations and products inspired by India’s traditional recipes.
●    In a statement issued after her meeting with the Prime Minister, Nooyi said: “As I shared with Prime Minister Modi, PepsiCo is well-positioned to help the government deliver on the national development goals he has outlined for farmers and supporting their livelihoods. The Prime Minister and I had an engaging dialogue on how PepsiCo is making investments to grow, process and use more Indian-grown fruit juice in our sparkling beverages.
●    Last year, Modi had asked aerated drink-makers to focus on blending natural fruit juices in fizzy drinks to help augment fruit sales for farmers. 
●    Earlier this week, the company expressed its intent to create an integrated citrus cluster in Maharashtra after it has established a citrus processing facility in Nanded.
●    On Thursday, she also tweeted about her meeting with Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the Indian business environment and future opportunities.
●    On 21 February 2017, the Ministry of Defence gave its in-principle approval to set up 38 radar stations to boost surveillance of the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.

Science & Technology

 'Supersolids' Confirmed as New State of Matter

An international team of scientists has announced the discovery of a new state of matter in a material that appears to be an insulator, superconductor, metal and magnet all rolled into one, saying that it could lead to the development of more effective high-temperature superconductors.
●    If these properties are confirmed, this new state of matter will allow scientists to better understand why some materials have the potential to achieve superconductivity at a relativity high critical temperature(Tc) - "high" as in −135 °C as opposed to −243.2 °C. 
●    Because superconductivity allows a material to conduct electricity without resistance, which means no heat, sound, or any other form of energy release, achieving this would revolutionise how we use and produce energy, but it’s only feasible if we can achieve it at so-called high temperatures.
●    When put through an array of tests, this structure displayed a combination of insulating, superconducting, metallic, and magnetic phases, including a brand new one, which the researchers have named 'Jahn-Teller metals'. 

Business

Snapchat Raises $ 5.3 Billion Each

Snapchat, the disappearing message service with big media ambitions, has finished raising $1.8 billion, according to a Wednesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
●    While most start-ups raise money by putting together a group of investors who buy a specified amount of stock at a particular time, Snapchat collected the capital over more than a year. 
●    Snapchat, based in Los Angeles, said in the filing that it began raising the latest round on Feb. 17, 2015.
●    Over the last year, new investors, including General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and the hedge fund Lone Pine, have bought stakes in Snapchat, according to people who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks were private. 
●    As a private company, Snapchat is not required to disclose the identities of investors or its valuation. 
●    A representative for Snapchat declined to comment on the funding. The start-up’s previous investors include Fidelity Investments and Coatue. 

Persons

Richard Branson Launches New Space Company 'Virgin Orbit'

Virgin Group’s commercial space venture, Galactic Ventures, has spun off one of its projects into a new company called Virgin Orbit and it could end up being its most lucrative.
●    Virgin Orbit will focus on launching small satellites into space using its LauncherOne orbital launch vehicle. 
●    This vehicle is essentially a 747-400 airplane designed to hold a rocket under its wing. 
●    Once the aircraft reaches a certain altitude, the rocket would be fired off into space to deliver small satellites for companies that want to take images of Earth, providing Internet and other communications services.
●    This new company reflects two trends: the development of mini-satellites and the growing demand by companies to gain access to space in a more cost-effective way.
●    Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur who founded Virgin and has been the driving force in launching its space tourism company, said that Launcher One was created with the same philosophy as Space Ship Two.

National News

 Ravi Shankar Prasad Inaugurates ‘Training of Self-Organized Small & Medium Traders on Digital Payment Initiatives’

The Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology and law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad today called for a national movement to make digital transaction a way of life for all sections of the society. 
●    The objective of these training programmes is to understand and adopt simplified digital payment mechanisms like UPI, USSD, BBPS, AEPS etc. in a convenient manner, which would contribute towards establishing digital economy and convey the benefits of digital payments to traders through capacity building programs. 
●    About 13500 small and medium unorganized / self organized businesses/ traders are targeted. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) shall be mobilizing traders and trade union leaders for training on digital payment initiatives. 
●    Under this programme, NIELIT shall be organizing 5 Regional Workshops at Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and 30 State Workshops and 100 Digi Dhan Camps, all over India.

National News

President of India Inaugurates the Centenary Celebrations of Women’s Indian Association

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of Women’s Indian Association today (March 3, 2017) at Adyar, Chennai. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that no society can call itself civilized if it does not accord due value to its women and female children and guarantee their safety and security. 
●    Government schemes and programmes to promote gender justice can never succeed unless a deep commitment to basic human values is built into our very consciousness. Violence against women reflects violence in the hearts and minds of those that perpetrate these acts. 
●    The President remembered Dr. Annie Besant and Smt. Sarojini Naidu who had played a leading role in the foundation of the Indian Women’s Association. 
●    He said that role of Women’s Indian Association in the enactment and implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act - for raising the minimum age for marriage of women and the Sarada Bill - for abolishing the

National News

Devadasi system is well recognised.  

Work on Shahpur Kandi Dam to Resume Soon Punjab and J&K sign agreement to this effect

In a major step today towards utilization of India’s rights on Eastern rivers of Indus basin, the  mediation efforts of Ministry of Water Resources , RD&GR persuaded the States of J&K and Punjab to reach an agreement to resume works on Shahpur Kandi Dam project in Pujab/ J&K. 
●    The agreement to this effect was signed by Shri KS Pannu,Secretary     (Irrigation),Punjab and Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Secretary ( Irrigation),J&K in the presence of Union Water Resources Secretary Dr.Amarjit singh in New Delhi last evening.
●    The project was being built with an estimated cost of Rs. 2285.81 crore (April, 2008 price level) and is included in the Scheme of National Projects by Government of India. 
●    Under the scheme, MoWR,RD&GR provides central assistance @ 90% of the balance cost of works component of irrigation and water supply. 
●    The construction of Shahpur Kandi project was taken up in May 1999 but later halted in 2014 due to dispute between Punjab and J&K. 
●    The Ministry of WR,RD&GR had been making all out efforts to resolve the issues and resume construction which resulted in yesterday’s agreement.

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NATIONAL NEWS

JNU Wins Visitor's Award for Best University of 2017

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has won the annual Visitor's Award for the 'Best University', 2017.  
●    Dr. Deepak Pant from Central University of Himachal Pradesh won the Visitor's Award for 'Innovation' while the Visitor's Award for 'Research' has been jointly won by Dr. Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Prof. Niranjan Karak from Tezpur University. 
●    The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will present the Visitor's Awards for the year 2017 at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 6, 2017, as part of the 'Festival of Innovations'. 
●    The Visitor's Award for 'Innovation' will be given to Dr. Deepak Pant, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh for development of a reactor for direct conversion of waste plastic to LPG in small scale.

DEFENCE

Navy Successfully Test Fires Anti-Ship Missile for 1st Time

The Indian Navy on 2 March 2017 successfully conducted the maiden firing of an anti-ship missile from an INS Kalvari class submarine.
●    The test firing was conducted in the Arabian Sea and the missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing.
●    INS Kalvari is a class of diesel-electric attack submarine. These submarines are based on the Scorpene-class submarine being built for the Indian Navy.
●    While INS Kalvari is designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, they are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
●    All six Kalvari class submarines being built in India will be equipped with anti-ship missiles.
●    These missiles will provide the submarines the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges and boost India’s maritime security.
●    The following are some of the recent measures undertaken by the Indian Navy and the Government to boost coastal security.
●    On 21 February 2017, the Ministry of Defence gave its in-principle approval to set up 38 radar stations to boost surveillance of the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.

GLOBAL NEWS

Scientists Find the Earliest Known Evidence of Life on Earth

A team of researchers in Canada have found what might be the oldest set of fossils in the history of the world. 
●    These fossils have been found inside a rock which has been dated at 3.7-billion years old. 
●    This set of life forms is rather unique in their age relative to that of the Earth’s formation at 4.5-billion years ago.
●    Billions of years ago, microbes lived and died around the Nuvvuagittuq belt – once a hydrothermal vent on the ocean floor. 
●    What scientists have found in the samples picked up at the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (NSB) included evidence the life. 
●    This life, they say, lived billions of years ago, living on iron provided by the vents.
●    Evidence was found of fossils that were likely entombed at a hydrothermal vents at NSB. Studies were done on the inner bits of samples from NSB using a Raman microscope. 
●    Inside samples from the site were found carbonate, apatite, and magnetite. These minerals can be found quite often where organic matter is formed. 
●    Tiny filaments and tubes added to evidence of ancient bacteria.

NATIONAL NEWS

 
Centre Stays Order to Stop Stamping Baggage at 7 Airports

The confusion over stamping of hand baggage at seven airports of the country — including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport — ended on Thursday, with the Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) stating that all cabin bags needed to be stamped.
●    The BCAS had issued a circular on February 24 saying that it has stopped stamping of baggage tags at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Cochin airports.
●    But the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which mans airports across the country, expressed its inability to implement the order. 
●    On Thursday, a joint meeting was held between ministers of state and officials of Union ministry of home affairs and Union ministry of civil aviation at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan to discuss the modalities of implementation of the order.
●    A similar exercise was to be conducted simultaneously at the remaining 52 airports under CISF cover for recommending modifications in the security architecture and CCTV systems so that the scheme could be implemented at these airports as well. 

DEFENCE

President of India presents ‘Standard’ to 125 Helicopter Squadron and ‘Colours’ to mechanical training institute of Indian Air Force 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the ‘Standard’ to 125 Helicopter Squadron and ‘Colours’ to Mechanical Training Institute of Indian Air Force today (March 3, 2017) at Air Force Station, Tambaram, Tamil Nadu. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the President complimented the 125 Helicopter Squadron and Mechanical Training Institute of Indian Air Force and said these units have a glorious past, embedded with rich heritage, stellar efforts and selfless service to the Nation. For their unflinching devotion, professionalism, ethos and courage, the Nation honours them with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. 
●    The President said that India is a responsible and emerging power in a multipolar, multilateral world. The ever changing socio-economic and geo-political scenario in our region of influence demands a strong deterrent against those with nefarious designs to affect the progress, prosperity and security of our Nation. 
●    Apart from providing deterrence against inimical entities, both external and internal, our Armed Forces have been at the forefront of providing succour to our citizens during natural calamities. The relentless and selfless operations showcase the fortitude and determination of its gallant air warriors. 
●    The President said that the Indian Air Force has evolved into a technologically advanced entity whilst safeguarding the sovereignty of our Nation. The resilience and tenacity displayed by the air warriors is worthy of emulation by the youth of our country. 

NATIONAL NEWS

India to Host 10th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance: ICEGOV 2017

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with United Nations University and UNESCO, is organizing a three-day International Conference 10th ICEGOV 2017 in Delhi from 7th March to Thursday, 9th March, 2017. Themed on Building Knowledge Societies: From Digital Government to Digital Empowerment, the ICEGOV 2017 will be inaugurated by Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice in the presence of Ms. Maria Manuel Leitao Marques, Minister of Presidency and  Administrative Modernization, Portugal, Shri P. P. Chaudhary, Hon’ble MoS, Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Mr. P. K. Sinha, Cabinet Secretary,  and Ms Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
●    The key objective of ICEGOV2017 is to explore how Digital Government can lead to Digital Empowerment by local knowledge. It is a recognition of India’s emerging role as a massive cyber power, accelerated by the Digital India push which has acquired international acknowledgment. Digital Governance is  the future of Good  Governance, in sync with the Honourable Prime Minister’s vision to transform India into a transparent and digitally empowered country.
●    ICEGOV 2017 is the 10th edition of ICEGOV, which will focus on the use of technology to transform relationships between government and citizens, businesses, civil society. It will try to inculcate an outlook to create new forms, paradigms, foundations for technology-enabled governance, collaboration, development.  The 10th ICEGOV will bring together academia, governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to share the insights and experiences in theory and practice of Digital Government.
●    In addition to research papers, experience papers, poster papers and doctoral research papers, the programme will also include keynote lecturers like Jane Fountain, Distinguished Professor from United States, Geoff Walsham, Professor from United Kingdom , Frank La Rue, Assistant Director General for Communication and information, UNESCO, plenary discussions and invited sessions by major institutional actors in the area. The programme  also includes Digital Exhibition and special events highlighting the Indian experience and achievements in digital governance.

APPOINTMENTS

Luis Norton de Matos appointed Head Coach of India U-17 football team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on 1 March 2017 appointed Portugal’s Luis Norton de Matos as the Head Coach of the India U-17 team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
●    The World Cup is scheduled to be held in October 2017.
●    De Matos replaces Nicolai Adam, who was resigned under controversial circumstances after a revolt from the players.
●    Born on 14 December 1953, Luis Norton de Matos is a former Portuguese footballer.
●    He played as a forward.
●    He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 210 games and 36 goals over the course of nine seasons.
●    In 1989, he became a manager and worked with several clubs.
●    The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be the 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
●    The FIFA U-17 World Cup is the biennial international men's youth football championship contested by the U17 national teams of the member associations of FIFA.

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NATIONAL NEWS

NMCG Signs MoU with Rotary India for the Success of Namami Gange 

In its effort to make Namami Gange programme a mass movement with the involvement of more and more voluntary organisations, National Mission for Clean Ganga under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi today. 
●    Rotary India will support clean Ganga mission through their ‘WASH in Schools’ program in various schools. The program includes the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services in the targeted government schools and sensitizing all the stakeholders including school children, teachers, school management communities and communities etc. on practicing positive health behaviors for improving awareness on sanitation. 
●    This will be achieved through an integrated learning environment and enabling children to serve as agents of change for their siblings and communities at large. Rotary India has planned to undertake WASH in Schools programme in 20,000 Government Schools. 
●    It may be recalled that Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has been advocating the involvement of voluntary organization and NGOs into the Namami Gange programme to make it a mass movement. 
●    The MoU was signed by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga Shri UP Singh and Vice Chairman of Rotary India Shri PT Prabhakar.

NATIONAL NEWS

CBDT signs 10 unilateral APAs with taxpayers

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 28 February 2017 signed ten Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) with taxpayers. 
●    The APAs were signed in various sectors of the economy like Telecom, Pharmaceutical, Banking & Finance, Steel, Retail and Information Technology, etc.
●    In the current financial year, a total of 76 APAs have already been signed by CBDT. 
●    With this, the total number of APAs entered into by the CBDT reached 140 in number. This includes 10 Bilateral APAs and 130 Unilateral APAs. 
●    The CBDT expects more APAs to be signed before the end of the current fiscal.
●    Two of these ten agreements are Bilateral APAs with the United Kingdom and Japan. While, seven of these agreements have rollback provisions in them. 
●    The APAs entered into over the last week pertain to various sectors of the economy like Telecom, Pharmaceutical, Banking & Finance, Steel, Retail, Information Technology, etc. 

NATIONAL NEWS

Govt. Notifies Law to Criminalise Possession of Banned Notes

The government has notified the law that makes holding of more than 10 scrapped notes punishable with a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.
●    The Specified Bank Notes Act, 2017, was passed by Parliament last month with a view to eliminating the "possibility of running a parallel economy" using the old Rs 500/1,000 notes that have been demonetised.
●    The law, signed by President Pranab Mukherjee on February 27, also provides for a minimum fine Rs 50,000 for false declaration by persons who were abroad during the demonetisation period and given time to deposit such scrapped notes with RBI till March 31.
●    With the law coming into force, possession of more than 10 pieces of the old notes by individuals and more than 25 pieces for study, research or numismatics purpose will be a criminal offence, attracting fine of Rs 10,000 or five times the cash held, whichever is higher.
●    The Act also ends the liability of the Reserve Bank and the government on the demonetised currency notes.

SPORTS

Kohli First to be Named India's Best International Cricketer Thrice

India skipper Virat Kohli, who has been on a roll with the willow, was on Wednesday named for the prestigious Polly Umrigar award while all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will be presented the Dilip Sardesai award at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) annual awards on March 8 here.
●    Kohli, who first received the award in 2011-12 and in 2014-15, will become the first Indian cricketer to be bestowed with the honour on three occasions.
●    Ashwin, who won the Dilip Sardesai award in 2011, will become the first Indian cricketer to receive the honour twice.
●    The Chennai tweaker, who was adjudged the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test cricketer of the year, was instrumental in India’s Test series wins against New Zealand, England and Bangladesh with both the bat and the ball.
●    The BCCI Annual Awards committee consisting of N. Ram, Ramachandra Guha and Diana Edulji had nominated former domestic cricketers Rajinder Goel and Padmakar Shivalkar for the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

ECONOMY

 Govt. Asks Banks to Get all Accounts on Net Banking by March 31

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which recently took over the responsibility of promoting the digital payments ecosystem in the country from Niti Aayog, has asked the banks to enable all bank accounts with net-banking facility before March 31. 
●    Most banks in the country, including both public and private, charge for net banking services such as electronic fund transfer, and some lenders even levy a charge for providing internet banking services to their customers.
●    On February 15, the Government of India (Allocation of Business) rules were amended through a notification entrusting the IT ministry to promote digital payments. 
●    Earlier, the government had set up a panel under the Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to push adoption of online transactions in the backdrop of demonetisation. 

ECONOMY

HDFC, ICICI, Axis to Levy Rs. 150 after Four Transactions a Month

Banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank on Wednesday began charging a minimum amount of Rs 150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals beyond four free transactions in a month.
●    The charges would apply to savings as well as salary accounts effective from Wednesday, leading private sector player HDFC Bank said in a circular.
●    The bank would also cap the third party cash transactions at Rs 25,000 per day, while cash handling charges would be withdrawn effective today, the circular added.
●    In case of ICICI Bank, the charges are same as they were before the demonetisation move announced on November 8, while there is an increase in such fees in case of some others.
●    For non-home branches, ICICI Bank would not charge anything for first cash withdrawal of a calendar month and Rs 5 per thousand rupees thereafter subject to a minimum of Rs 150.

NATIONAL NEWS

LPG Prices Raised by Rs. 86, Steepest Hike in India's History

In the steepest hike in Indian history, the price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by Rs 86 cylinder on Thursday, due to change in international trends.
●    The hike is not applied to all the cylinders, but only on Non-subsidised LPG, bought by those who have either given up their subsidies or exhausted the quota of 12 bottles of 14.2-kg in a year at below market price.
●    The LPG was yesterday priced at Rs 651.50 per 14.2-kg cylinder which raised to cost Rs 737.50 today.
●    The steepest hike comes only a month after the price of a cylinder was hiked by Rs 66.5 on February 1.
●    LPG rates have received several upswings since October 2016. 
●    In September, a non-subsidised LPG cylinder was priced at Rs 466.50 in Delhi and has risen by Rs 271 per bottle or 58 per cent in six instalments.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Pakistan to host ECO Summit

Pakistan will host a multi-nation regional economic summit on March 1 aimed at increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, tourism and economic growth.
●    Pakistan is hosting the 13th Economic Cooperation Organisation Summit in Islamabad on March 1. 
●    The Summit will be preceded by the Senior Official’s Meeting on 26—27 February and Council of Foreign Minister’s Meeting on 28 February,” PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told reporters.
●    Most member states have confirmed their participation in the Summit whose theme is ‘Connectivity for Regional Prosperity’.
●    The leaders would deliberate and decide on ways and means to augment cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade, energy, tourism, investment, industry, economic growth, productivity, social welfare and environment.
●    Initiatives for furtherance of education and scientific linkages, cultural and people-to-people contacts within the ECO would also be deliberated upon during the Summit.

NATIONAL NEWS

Pepsi and Coke banned in Tamil Nadu

Traders in Tamil Nadu have decided that they will not sell soft drinks manufactured by Multinational Companies (MNCs) from 1 March, and promote only Indian brands, The Hindu reported today. 
●    The decision comes in the aftermath of the massive Jallikattu protests which recently rocked the state.
●    Many people who made the Jallikattu protests about preserving the local culture had also lashed out at PETA, headquartered in the United States, and American brands such as Pepsi and Coke.
●    Peramaippu, with 6,000 affiliated member associations and 15.87 lakh members, will spend February educating traders and consumers about the alleged ills of the foreign brands. 
●    It will also ask restaurants and hotels too to not sell these brands.

NATIONAL NEWS

India Healthier in Last 10 years : Survey

India's health indicators show significant improvement over the last decade with a decline in infant mortality complimented by a better sex ratio, more institutional deliveries and wider vaccine coverage.
●    The population rate is also a showing positive change, according to the new set of government data gathered during the fourth phase of National Family Health Survey.
●    Haryana projected a commendable change in its sex ratio at birth. While 762 females were born per 1,000 males in Haryana during NFHS 3 (2005-06), the ratio improved to 836 females per 1,000 males in the survey in 2014-15. 
●    But the sex ratio at birth improved marginally nationally with 919 females born against 1,000 males during the fourth phase of the survey. 
●    During 2005-06, 914 females were born per 1,000 males.
●    India's total fertility rate also declined to 2.2 from 2.7 over last decade, inching closer to the replacement level of 2.1. 
●    Overall, the level declined by 1.2 children per woman from NFHS 1 to NFHS 4. 
●    The data shows Uttar Pradesh showcased maximum decline in TFR, which dropped from 2.7 to 1.1 in last eight years.

OBITUARY

Noted Gujarati Writer Tarak Mehta died

Popular Gujarati writer and noted play writer Tarak Mehta passed away on 1 March 2017 at his Ahmedabad residence. Mehta passed away at 87.
●    Tarak Mehta suffered from age related illness for a long time.
●    Tarak Mehta was an Indian columnist, humorist, writer and playwright.
●    He wrote around 80 books on various pressing issues.
●    Three books are based on the columns he wrote in Gujarati newspaper Divya Bhaskar. The remaining books were compiled from the stories in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
●    The popular comic television serial ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' is a television adaptation of Taarak Mehta's column 'Duniya Ne Undha Chasma'.
●    He had translated and adapted several comedies into Gujarati. Tarak Mehta had also served in Films Division-Mumbai as a script writer.
●    Gujarat Sahitya Akademi awarded him Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar in 2011 and Ramanlal Nilkanth Hasya Paritoshik in 2017.
●    For his contribution to the literature, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2015. Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian honour of the Union Government.

NATIONAL NEWS

IMD Predicts 'Over Normal' Temperature this year due to Global Warming

According to NOAA and NASA scientists, 2016 set a global heat record for the third year in a row, but seems that's not enough as more hot weather is expected in the coming days, especially in India.
●    The IMD said that several states are likely to witness heatwave conditions and that the northwest region of the country would be the worst affected with temperatures of more than one degree Celsius above normal.
●    In the rest of the country, temperatures are likely to be a degree Celsius above normal.
●    This includes Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana.
●    While 2016 has been termed as the hottest year since 1901, Phalodi in Rajasthan recorded 51 degrees Celsius - the highest ever recorded in the country.
●    Last year, more than 1,600 people died due to extreme climate conditions. 
●    Of them, 700 died due to heatwave conditions. This included over 400 deaths in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

NATIONAL NEWS

Air Costa Stops Operation

Air Costa on Tuesday temporarily suspended its operations, becoming the second regional airline in less than eight months to abruptly stop services after Air Pegasus.
●    Air Pegasus is unlikely to resume services from tomorrow as announced in January when new investors were roped in.
●    Facing financial issues with the lessors, Air Costa has decided to ground its two leased aircraft, Embraer E190, which can seat over 100 passengers. 
●    The airline has only these two planes in its fleet.
●    Rival Air Pegasus too had to shut operations for similar reason in July 2016.
●    Air Pegasus, which has been grounded since July last year, is unlikely to restart services again from tomorrow as the new investors are still carrying out their “due diligence“.
●    Last month, Bengaluru-based airline group Flyeasy had announced acquiring up to 74 per cent stake in Air Pegasus in a deal worth Rs 86 crore.

NATIONAL NEWS

Projects worth Rs 1050 Crore Awarded to arrest sewage pollution in Ganga from Patna

In a major step taken to develop adequate sewage treatment infrastructure in Patna to keep Ganga clean, projects worth  Rs 1,050 crore have been awarded under  Namami Gange programme. 
●    The amount will be spent for setting up two two Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs),renovation of one existing STP , construction of two pumping stations and laying of new underground sewage network of about 400 kilometers.
●    Contracts to build STP of 60 MLD capacity and laying of new underground sewage network of  227 kilometers  in Saidpur zone of the city have been awarded to UEM India Pvt. Ltd and Jyoti Build Tech Pvt. Ltd at a total cost of  Rs 600 crore. 
●    Three other firms – Larsen & Turbo Ltd, Voltas Ltd and GAA Germany JV have been awarded separate projects in Beur zone of the city worth over Rs 450 crore to build one STP of 23 MLD, renovate existing STP of 20 MLD and lay down new underground sewage network of about 180 kilometers. 
●    The scope of work also includes creation of main pumping stations of 83 MLD and 50 MLD capacity in Saidpur and Beur zones respectively. The contracts also include the cost of operation and maintenance of STPs and sewage networks for a period of 10 years.

NATIONAL NEWS

Swachh Bharat Milestone- 100 districts in India declared ODF

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation today launched Swachh Shakti Saptah, a week-long programme of activities across the country to highlight the role of women in Swachh Bharat Mission and to recognize their leadership.
●    Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, made the national launch of Swachh Shakti Saptaah in Gurugram, Haryana, at a joint event with the Government of Haryana. 
●    Over 1000 women swachhta champions from grassroots in Haryana attended the event. Deputy Commissioners of 11 ODF districts of Haryana were honoured on the occasion. 
●    The week will culminate with a mega-event in Gujarat named Swachh Shakti 2017 where the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will address 6000 women sarpanches and honour them for their contribution to Swachh Bharat.
●    The Minister also announced that the number of ODF (Open Defecation Free) districts in the country has now crossed 100. 
●    Over 1.7 lakh villages have become ODF. He said that the achievement of this milestone today has made it an occasion of double celebration for the Mission. 
●    He lauded everyone involved in the Swachh Bharat Mission, especially the administrations of these 100 districts, for their exceptional efforts towards making the Prime Minister’s vision of a Swachh and Open Defecation Free India a reality.

Current Affairs March 2017

It gives us immense pleasure to bring you the latest of 'Current Affairs' of March 2017 which will help out the candidates appearing for various competitive examinations.

In this section we try to cover national and international current affairs March 2017 on regular basis. Kindly check the links given below and keep a track of the current affairs March 2017.  We have covered here date-wise Current affairs February 2017, FREE Current Affairs March 2017 PDF in Hindi and English.

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