Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-30-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com- English

AK Mital gets reappointed for 2 years, 2 days ahead of retirement

NEW DELHI: In a first such decision in the Railways, the government today reappointed AK Mital as Chairman of Railway Board (CRB) for two years, two days before his retirement. This is for the first time an incumbent, due to retire, has been reappointed as the highest official of the national transporter. A 1976-batch Indian Railway Stores Service Officer, Mital was to retire on July 31. Today would have been, 

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AK Mital gets reappointed for 2 years, 2 days ahead of retirement

NEW DELHI: In a first such decision in the Railways, the government today reappointed AK Mital as Chairman of Railway Board (CRB) for two years, two days before his retirement. This is for the first time an incumbent, due to retire, has been reappointed as the highest official of the national transporter. A 1976-batch Indian Railway Stores Service Officer, Mital was to retire on July 31. Today would have been,

Tamil-American girl youngest delegate to attend DNC

Sruthi Palaniappan's parents immigrated to the United States in 1992 from Chennai. Sruthi Palaniappan, whose parents migrated to the United States in 1992 from Chennai, was the youngest delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that ended on Thursday night. The 18-year-old high school graduate is set to join the Harvard University to study government. She spoke on behalf of the Iowa state

Himachal Pradesh High Court: Ban cow slaughter, beef sale in 6 months

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday passed fresh orders asking the Centre to ban cow slaughter in the country, besides imposing prohibitions on import and export of cow/calf (for slaughtering) and sale of beef and beef products in the next six months. The court rejected the plea of the Centre that since the subject falls under entry number 15 of the state list, it’s up to the state governments to take a call on the issue. In an

Govt clears names of three judges as CJs of high courts

After months of wait, the NDA government has cleared the appointment of Justice I A Ansari as Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Justice D B Bhosale as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court and Justice S J Vazifdar as Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court. The warrants of appointment are expected to be issued soon. While the Supreme Court collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India T S Thakur, had

Over 4 Lakh Beggars in India, West Bengal Tops the List Among States

New Delhi:  Indian has over 4 lakh beggars with West Bengal's 81,000 being the maximum among the states, the government said. There are 4,13,670 beggars - 2.2 lakh males and 1.91 lakh females - in the country, Minister of State for Social Justice Vijay Sampla said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.  West Bengal with 81,244 beggars topped the list followed by 65,835 in Uttar Pradesh, 30,218 in Andhra

Indian sets up UK's first clinic for rape survivors

Pavan Amara, an Indian-origin rape survivor who gave up her anonymity and set up a charity to help others, on Friday launched Britain’s first maternity clinic for victims of sexual assault and rape. Amara, whose family has roots in Punjab, launched the NGO My Body Back in August 2014. It has been running a cervical screening clinic in St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London since then. The maternity clinic that opened in

Murad Ali Shah takes oath as new Sindh CM

KARACHI (Dunya News) - Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday took oath as Sindh Chief Minister (CM) following his victory in the elections held regarding the post in the Sindh Assembly, reported Dunya News.The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Governor s House. Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan took the oath whereas a number of party leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, former

Pak Senate approves controversial cyber crime bill

 Pakistan Parliament today moved closer to adopting a landmark but controversial legislation to deal with cyber crimes in the country with the Senate giving its assent to the bill after incorporating 50 amendments. Senate, the Upper House, approved 'The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act' after incorporating 50 amendments to the original draft already passed by the National Assembly or the Lower House in April.The

Rio 2016: Russia's weightlifting team banned

Russia's weightlifting team has been banned from competing at the Rio Olympics because of doping offences. 

Two of the eight-strong weightlifting team had already been banned for prior violations, and another four were named in the McLaren report into the issue. Russia's Sports Minister said 272 of the original 387 athletes selected had been cleared to complete in Rio. A final figure is expected on Saturday, with the

Bank strike affects operations in 80,000 branches

Services at around 80,000 bank branches in the country were hit on Friday as employees of public sector banks went on a one-day strike to protest the proposed merger of the State Bank of India (SBI) associates with the parent and other issues. However, private sector banks were working as usual. Most of the public sector banks including SBI had earlier informed their customers of inconvenience if strike materialises.

Exercise Maitree 2016: Joint Indo - Thailand Military Exercise Culminates

The Indo - Thailand Military Exercise MAITREE concluded today at Krabi, Thailand. The exercise had commenced on 15 July 2016 under the aegis of the Royal Thailand Army. 90 soldiers of Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army had participated in the two week long Exercise. The exercise included combined training, familiarization with weapons & equipment used by both the countries, analyzing groupings, drills and

3rd Meeting of the Joint Committee at the Secretary Level under the India-Japan CEPA

The 3rd meeting of the Joint Committee at the Secretary Level under the India-Japan CEPA. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) was held on Thursday in New Delhi. The Indian side was led by Smt. Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary and the Japanese delegation was headed by Mr. Keiichi Katakami, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan. The two

Defence Minister and HRD Minister Releases Three Books on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar released three books on the life of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on July 27, 2016. The books entitled “Dr Kalam, Prerna ki Udaan” in Hindi, “Do You Know Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam” in English and “Prerna Nu Zarnu : Dr Abdul Kalam” in Gujarati language have been written by Dr. Unnat

Strategic Forces Command exempted from ambit of RTI

The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which forms part of the National Command Authority (NCA) has been added to the Second Schedule of the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005. In this regard, Union Government has issued a notification mentioning SFC has been brought under sub-section (2) of Section 24 of the RTI. The Section 24 of the RTI exempts security and intelligence establishments from its purview.

Noted Tabla maestro Lachu Maharaj passes away

Noted Tabla maestro Pandit Lachu Maharaj passed away in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh due to cardiac arrest. He was 73 years old. Lacchu Maharaj was renowned internationally and his table performance had drawn attention of the connoisseur of performing arts from across the country and world. About Lachu Maharaj His real name was Lakshmi Narayan Singh. He belonged to Banaras gharana of classical music. He had started

Cabinet approves Neyveli Lignite Corporation’s proposal for installation of 1980 MW coal based thermal power project at Ghatampur in Uttar Pradesh

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for installation of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project (GTPC) of 1980 MW (3 X 660 MW) capacity through a Joint Venture Company named “Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL)” formed jointly by Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan

AR Rahman’s ‘Jai Ho’ to reverberate at UN on India’s 70th Independence Day

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman is all set to perform at United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of India’s 70th Independence Day. This will be second time in a year when India will showcase its strength at the international platform. Prior to this, renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru had led a yoga session on the occasion of International Yoga Day on June 21, which was attended by top UN officials,

BJP MP Anurag Thakur joins Territorial Army as Lieutenant, enters Parliament in army fatigues

The Bharatiya Janata Party MP and Board Of Control For Cricket In India president Anurag Thakur was today commissioned into the territorial army as a lieutenant by Army Staff General Dalbir Singh Suhag. Like most politicians, he is usually dressed in a kurta pajama in Parliament. However, this morning he caught his colleagues by surprise by turning up in army fatigues. Thakur is attached to the Sikh regiment and will

No legal provision to scrap 15-year-old diesel vehicles: Govt tells NGT

The Centre has told the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) that its order to phase out diesel vehicles more than 15-year-old in Delhi is “contravention” of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act because “currently there was no legal provision” under which such vehicles can be scrapped. “At present no legal provisions exist under which diesel vehicles which are more than 15 years old and are BS I or BS II compliant could be

Untouched by economic growth: One in 4 beggars in India a Muslim, reveals census

The newly released data from the 2011 Census shows that the Muslim community, the largest minority in the country, come out pretty much at the bottom of most socio-economic indices even a decade after a high-level government probe into their historical disadvantages led to policy actions. Almost a quarter of India’s 370,000 beggars are Muslims, newly released data from the 2011 Census show, reinforcing that the

Salman Khan Blackbuck Poaching Case: Rajasthan Govt Constitutes Five member committee To Review SC Appeal Details

A day after, it provided protection to the key witness Harish Dulani in Salman Khan Chinkara poaching case, Rajasthan Govt on Friday constituted five member committee to review Supreme Court appeal details in Salman Khan Chinkara case. The move comes after Dulani who was believed to be missing, resurfaced and told media that he was forced into hiding after receiving threats. Dulani resurfaced two days after the

WADA report scrutinised by Russian Investigative Committee

The report of the independent commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) chaired by Canadian sports law professor Richard McLaren, is being scrutinised by the Russian Investigative Committee (IC), Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday. "Our current task is to calmly work in the legal framework. McLaren's report was sent to IC, they are scrutinising it. The Ministry of Sports has set up a

Dayashankar Singh arrested in Bihar on Friday

Lucknow/Buxar, Jul 29 (IBNS): Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dayashankar Singh has been arrested in Buxar, Bihar, on Friday, according to media reports. He was on the run for nearly a week after his derogatory comment about Bahujan Samaj Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minsiter, Mayawati, who is also seen as a champion of the Dalit community. On Thursday, Dayashankar Singh failed

SC refuses to impose governor rule in J&K

rinagar, July 29 (IBNS): The Supreme Court on Friday refused to impose Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir, but asked the union government for a status report on the ground level situation, reports said. The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by the J&K Panther’s Party chief Bhim Singh. As per reports, the court directed the Solicitor General of India to file before it a status report on the ground situation in the

Court declares Vijay Mallya 'proclaimed offender'

A trial court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday declared beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya a ‘proclaimed offender’, after he failed to appear before the court on Friday. A person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued can be declared a ‘proclaimed offender’ if the court has reasons to believe that he/she is absconding or is in hiding, blocking execution of the warrant. The Enforcement

Government starts process to appoint full-time CMD for MTNL

State-run MTNL will soon get a full-time chairman and managing director (CMD), as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formed a search-cum-selection committee for such an appointment with a tenure of five years. The state-run telecom company, which offers services in Delhi and Mumbai, has been without a full-time CMD since May 30, 2014, when A K Garg retired from the post. P K Purwar, director

SBI, associates merger by March 2017: Chairman

Unaffected by the nationwide strike by employees of public sector banks, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya said on Friday the merger of five associate banks and Bhartiya Mahila Bank with the country’s largest lender should be over by next March. On the sidelines of the launch of SBI’s wealth management offering called “SBI Exclusif,” Bhattacharya also said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

UNICEF with Rotary plans to launch Swachh Vidyalay initiative in 2222 schools in Kerala this year

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is revamping a popular outreach programme, conceived to hook children early on to science and research, and tweaking it to reflect a thrust on technology and exposing children to the “innovation cycle.” The INSPIRE Awards (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research), as they are now called, will be rechristened MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting

UNICEF institutes print media awards

The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) conducted a symposium to announce the upcoming ‘Media Awards 2016’ at Green Park Hotel in Begumpet on Friday. An interesting extension this year is that the ‘Awards’ have been opened for print media. Anita Medasani, Regional Manager, CMS Hyderabad moderated the programme and covered the modalities. She explained that for this year these

Yesteryear actor Harini gets Rajkumar award

 The state government has announced Dr Rajkumar Award, Puttanna Kanagal Award and Dr ishnuvardhan Award for the year 2015. The prestigious Rajkumar Award has been conferred on noted Kannada actress of yesteryear Harini. The Puttanna Kanagal Award has been conferred on noted director Nagatihalli Chandrashekar. Noted music director Rajan (of Rajan-Nagendra fame) has been selected for Dr

Veteran tabla maestro Pandit Lacchu Maharaj dies

Tabla maestro Pandit Lacchu Maharaj passed away on 28 July 2016 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He was 72. Lacchu Maharaj has been described as one of the frontline tabla players in the world. Pandit Lacchu Maharaj belonged to Banaras Gharana. His real name was Lakshmi Narayan Singh. Other than his professional performances all over the world, he played the tabla in many Bollywood films.

T Nanda Kumar resigns as Chairman of National Dairy Development Board

T Nanda Kumar resigned from the post of Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Kumar had submitted his resignation on 29 June 2016. Kumar’s resignation was accepted by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet on 27 July 2016. Kumar, who had a five-year term ending in 2019, will be relieved on 1 August 2016.T Nanda Kumar is a retired 1972-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre.

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust opens for public

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust: 40 years celebration of its opening for public . Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology came in news in fourth week of July 2016. It came in news because it is celebrating its 40 years of opening its gate for the public. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (or Croc Bank)  It is a non government environmental organization and was founded in 1976 by

Great Red Spot storm heating Jupiter's atmosphere: Study

Astronomers in a new study claimed that Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a storm three times bigger than Earth, is hundreds of degrees hotter than anywhere else on the planet. The study was published in Nature on 27 July 2016. GRS, the largest storm in the solar system, was detected using an infrared telescope at Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Observatory. The storm is based in Jupiter’s lower atmosphere and spans 13670 miles by 7456

Joint Indo-Thailand Military Exercise ‘Maitree’ culminates

The Indo-Thailand Military Exercise Maitree concluded on 29 July 2016 at Krabi, Thailand. The exercise had commenced on 15 July 2016 under the aegis of the Royal Thailand Army. The aim of the joint exercise was to train contingents of both the armies on conduct of counter terrorist operations in an urban nvironment.

• 90 soldiers of Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army had participated in the two week long Exercise.

United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2016 observed

The United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2016 was observed across the world on 30 July 2016. On this day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the campaign #igivehope to show victims of human trafficking.the day aims at raising awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promoting and protecting their rights. In 2013, the General Assembly held a high-level

Haryana Government launches Pashudhan Bima Yojana

Haryana Government has launched Pashudhan Bima Yojana, an insurance cover scheme for cattle breeders in the state. It was launched by Haryana Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, O. P. Dhankar in Jhajjar. Key Facts Pashudhan Bima Yojana will provide insurance cover to cattle breeders in the state at different premium rates for different animals. Insurance cover will be provided at a premium of Rs 100 for cows,

Rajjat Barjatya passes away

MD and CEO of Rajshri Media, Rajjat Barjatya passed away on Friday, July 30, 2016, after losing a battle to cancer. The cousin of Sooraj Barjatya, Rajjat had been fighting with cancer since the last three months and as per sources, the family was trying to arrange a bone marrow match for him. The cremation ceremony

Rice procurement estimated 330 lakh tonnes during 2016-17 for Kharif Crop

In a meeting of State Food Secretaries held here today, procurement target for paddy in terms of rice for Kharif Crop  during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2016-17 has been finalised as 330 lakh tonnes against target of 300 lakh tonnes of last year i.e. KMS 2015-16. In KMS 2015-16 actual procurement of rice (Kharif crop) was 309.28 LMT.the meeting chaired by the Union Food Secretary, Ms Vrinda Sarup

Sixth Batch of 25 Declassified Files Relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Released Online on Web Portal

The Sixth batch of 25 declassified files relating to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were released online on web portal www.netajipapers.gov.in by Shri N.K. Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture here today. The present batch of 25 files consists of 25 files from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during 1952-2014. It may be recalled that first lot of 100 files relating to Netaji, after their preliminary conservation treatment and

Parachutes Designed by DRDO

Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra is a premier R&D Laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) engaged in design and development of various types of parachutes for Armed Forces.  Over the years, ADRDE has designed and developed the following categories of parachutes:-Paratrooper parachutes.

MoU Signed for Establishing Hydro Engineering College in Himachal Pradesh

Government of Himachal Pradesh, NTPC Ltd. & NHPC signed an MoU for setting up Hydro Engineering College in the State of Himachal Pradesh to promote technical education in the State here today. The signing of this MoU will herald a new era of cooperation of federal spirit between central Govt. & State Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and hugely benefit the Education & Skill Development needs of people of Himachal

Projects under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana

Total 97 number of Cluster Development Programme related to natural fibre (including Bamboo craft) under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) have been sanctioned to different agencies during last five year from 2011-12 to 2015-16. During last five years, 77148 artisans were mobilized and about 4572 SHGs have been formed. These artisans of SHGs have been benefited through different kind of interventions like

Rs 42 cr provided and 18215 benefited under the Ujjawala scheme during 2013-16

The Ujjawala scheme of Ministry of Women and Child Development has specific components for Prevention of trafficking and for Rescue, Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Repatriation of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. The Ministry has released a total amount of 42 Crore to States/UTs during 2013-16 under the scheme and nearly 18215 have benefited over the same period. During 2016-17 (upto

More than Rs. 800 Cr released and nearly 14.3 lakh benefited under IGMSY during the period 2013-16

the Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing IGMSY, a centrally sponsored Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB) scheme, under which the maternity benefits of Rs.6,000/- per beneficiary is provided in two equal instalments to pregnant and lactating mothers of 19 years and above, for first two live births, subject to fulfilment of certain conditions relating to maternal and child health. IGMSY aims to

Beneficiaries of Supplementary Nutrition Programme under ICDS increase by nearly 8% over the last four years sc

The number of beneficiaries [children (6 months to 6 years) and pregnant & lactating mothers] for supplementary nutrition under ICDS scheme of Ministry of Women and Child Development have increased from 956.12 lakh to 1030.14 lakh and Number of beneficiaries [children (3-6 years) for pre-school education increased from 353.29 lakh to 354.05 lakh during the last four years. Similarly, Anganwadi

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SBI use IOC kisan seva centres to serve farmers

SBI has engaged Indian Oil Corporation’s Kisan Seva Kendras as banking correspondents to extend banking facilities to farmers across the country. The MoU was signed by K M Trivedi, CGM-Rural Business, SBI and Sivasis Dey, GM – Retail Sales, IOC. State Bank of India (SBI) has signed an MoU with IOC as part of its financial inclusion programme that will help the lender further its services to the farming

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SBI use IOC kisan seva centres to serve farmers

SBI has engaged Indian Oil Corporation’s Kisan Seva Kendras as banking correspondents to extend banking facilities to farmers across the country. The MoU was signed by K M Trivedi, CGM-Rural Business, SBI and Sivasis Dey, GM – Retail Sales, IOC. State Bank of India (SBI) has signed an MoU with IOC as part of its financial inclusion programme that will help the lender further its services to the farming

James Alan McPherson, first black writer to win Pulitzer Prize in fiction, dies

American author James Alan McPherson passed away on 27 July 2016 in Iowa City, U.S. He was 72. McPherson was the first black author to receive the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1978. Born on 16 September 1943, James Alan McPherson was an American short story writer and essayist.  In 1978, he won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his short story collection Elbow Room, becoming the first African-American to

Govt to create buffer stock of 20 lakh tonne of Pulses

Government to create buffer stock of 20 lakh tonne of pulses to meet shortfall; Food and Public District Minister Ram Vilas Paswan urged states to play their role in curbing price rise. Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said that prices of all essential commodities other than pulses are under control. eplying to a short duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Paswan said, government has taken

India launched 13 indigenously made satellites during last 2 years: Govt

India has launched 13 indigenously made satellites during the last two years since April 2014 to June 2016. These satellites include six navigational satellites, three communication satellites, one earth observation satellite, one space science satellite and two University/academic institute’s satellites. Replying to question in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Union Minister of State, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Indian Space Research

Flood situation deteriorates in several states

Flood situation deteriorates in several states; Over 17 lakh affected in Assam, Chief Minister Sarbhanand Sonowal directs Ministers to visit affected areas; Forecast of heavy rain in Uttarakhand in the next 48 hours; UP, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir also reeling after the impact of floods. Heavy rains and rising water levels have created flood like situation in many states. Worst hit are JK, Assam, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, while

India, B'desh agree on anti-terror cooperation

India and Bangladesh have agreed to enhance cooperation on anti-terror efforts with Dhaka saying that New Delhi will be "side-by-side" with it in fighting terrorists. Both leaders concurred on the need to immediately operationalise the Agreement on Combating Terrorism and Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking between the two countries. During the Home Minister-level bilateral talks between India and Bangladesh in

Turkey discharges generals, shuts media outlets after coup

Turkey has said it was discharging 149 generals and ordering the closure of dozens of media outlets in the next phase of its controversial crackdown in the wake of the failed coup. Eighty seven land army generals, 30 air force generals, and 32 admirals were being dis-honourably discharged from the military over their complicity in the coup bid. Meanwhile the closure was ordered of three news agencies, 16 television stations,

Antibiotic resistance: 'Snot wars' study yields new class of drugs

A new class of antibiotics has been discovered by analysing the bacterial warfare taking place up people's noses, scientists report. Tests reported in the journal Nature found the resulting drug, lugdunin, could treat superbug infections.The researchers, at the University of Tubingen in Germany, say the human body is an untapped source of new drugs.The last new class of the drugs to reach patients was discovered in the 1980s.

ADB raises Rs 500 cr in rupee-linked bonds

NEW DELHI, July 28:  Multilateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised Rs 5 billion, or around Rs 500 crore, by issuing five-year offshore Indian rupee-linked bonds. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised Rs 5 billion (about USD 74 million) from its issuance of 5-year offshore Indian rupee (INR) linked bonds, ” it said in a release today. This was, ADB said, its third bond issue in the offshore

FDI Inflows Jump 53% In Last Two Years: Arun Jaitley

New Delhi: India saw a record 53 per cent increase in FDI in last two years as the investment climate brightened due to steps taken to foster growth, price stability and fiscal prudence which also improved the overall macroeconomic stability, government said on Friday. Emphasising that investments are not made for "charity", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Lok Sabha that improving the ease of doing business was a

Centre forms ‘Disha’ for timely implementation of Central Schemes

The Centre today announced the formation of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DDCMC) to be named “Disha” for effective development coordination of almost all the programmes of Central Government, whether it is for infrastructure development or Social and human resource development. Making a suo-motu statement in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister of Rural

Shambhu Singh Yadav appointed as Deputy Lokayukta of UP

Shambhu Singh Yadav, a retired IAS officer and secretary to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was today appointed as the Deputy Lokayukta of the state. “The governor today appointed Shambhu Singh Yadav as the new Deputy Lokayukta (Up-Lokayukta) of the state,” a Raj Bhawan release said. On joint recommendation of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Lokayukta Justice Sanjay Misra, a letter was sent to

Veteran Marathi actor Nandu Pol passes away

He was extremely prolific, with a substantial body of work in television and appearing in popular advertisements as well. eteran Marathi theatre actor Nandu Pol, who was a founder-member of the prestigious city-based ‘Theatre Academy’, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital here following a prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 68. Short in stature and endowed with an eternally jovial look,

New study by Centre for Science and Environment shatters myth of star-rated ACs

New Delhi, July 27 (IBNS): The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has released a new study report which shatters the myth of star-rated ACs. “We wanted to find out how AC units perform under different outdoor temperature conditions and how that affects the energy savings from the star labeling programme of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-

Govt to roll out e-passports with biometrics soon, move aimed at curbing fake passport menace

New age e-passports in the offing will come with enhanced security features such as biometrics, a move that will help the government secure data and curb the menace of fake passports, the government has informed Parliament. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the government was in the process of procuring devices for e-passport. An e-Passport contains an electronic

Banks roll out voice recognition to facilitate authentication process for phone banking

A new measure introduced by some private banks makes the process of authentication adopted for phone banking much easier for users. In what will come as a major relief for users who frequently use phone banking, banks have now introduced a voice recognition process which acts as a quicker way of authentication. The development could come in handy for customers in an emergency to report loss or theft

Indonesia rejects plea to halt execution of Indian convict

Even as India is making last ditch effort to save Indian national Gurdip Singh from execution, Indonesia today rejected appeals of international community to halt the execution of 14 drug convicts hailing from different countries including India and Pakistan. The group, including Gurdip Singh, Pakistani national Zulfiqar Ali and citizens of Nigeria and Zimbabwe as well as Indonesia, have been placed in isolation on a prison island

Patna High Court revokes Lok Sabha membership of Sasaram BJP MP Chhedi Paswan

Patna High court today revoked the membership of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Chhedi Paswan for concealing information in his affidavit to the election commission. The honourable court acted upon a petition filed by one Ganga Mishra who had alleged that the Sasaram lawmaker concealed his criminal record in his affidavit to the election commission resulting in his nomination. This was Paswan's third term as MP as he has

India can set its next Milestone by mining in space, suggest scientists

In a step taking forward, India can become a country to mark its biggest achievement by starting mining in the space.“Earth's resources are finite and there is a shortage of minerals. The next best opportunity is to trap resources lying in the objects near the earth," eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar told reporters in Kolkata. He said besides we can take steps to tap some asteroids in the outer space for mining. Even the

Outcome of negotiations on GST Bill ‘positive’, hints Congress

The Congress has paved the way for the government to take up the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha early next week with party president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi indicating to the government that the outcome of negotiations on the legislation has been ‘positive’. This was told by the Congress leadership during an informal interaction with the media in Parliament’s Central Hall yesterday.The change in Congress

Afforestation fund tap opens for states

he Rajya Sabha passed the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015, on Thursday permitting the Centre to return Rs 36,125 crore to states that had lost forest cover to industrialisation and growth since 2006. The passage of the Bill would also ensure an annual fund flow to states, estimated at Rs 2,000-Rs 4,000 crore. Union environment, forests and climate change minister Anil Madhav Dave told the House the rights of tribals

RBI allows retail bond traders access to NDS-OM

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday allowed demat account-holders with depositories to bid for trades in the online anonymous bond trading platform of the central bank.The platform so far was available only for institutional investors, but the central bank had announced in the first bi-monthly monetary policy in April that it would allow individual investors to use the platform too in order to increase retail participation in

T Nanda Kumar resigns as NDDB chairman

T Nanda Kumar has resigned as chairman of Gujarat-based National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) from August 1, about 30 months ahead of the end of his tenure. In his parting letter to colleagues, Nanda Kumar wrote, “I took over as chairman on March 3, 2014, amid apprehensions about the wisdom of posting a retired IAS officer to a job so far held by just two tall leaders of the dairy industry and that too for

Sunil Munjal bows out of Hero MotoCorp

Sunil Kant Munjal has decided to bow out as the joint managing director of Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two wheeler maker, five years after he was appointed to the post. In 2011, after Hero and its Japanese partner, Honda, parted ways, he was elevated to this position. Till then, he was a non-executive director on the board of Hero Honda. Munjal, now 55, will pursue new business interests and lead Hero

Modi asks NITI Aayog to drive transformation

Create a new architecture of policy making that anticipates problems and suggests remedies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the NITI Aayog on Thursday. This was his second visit to the policy-making think tank he established in January 2015, after scrapping the historic Planning Commission. On Thursday, officials said Modi, who is also the chairman, gave last-minute directions to NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind

Uttarakhand To Spend Rs. 25 Crore To Search For Mythical Herb Near China Border

Uttarakhand will soon begin a multi-million dollar search in the Himalayas for the mythical Sanjeevani Booti plant believed to hold life-saving properties, a minister told news agency AFP today. Uttarakhand will spend Rs. 25 crore of tax-payers money to hunt for the herb, referred to in the Ramayana. While many wild plants with medicinal properties grow in the Himalayas, there is scant evidence that the plant ever existed, with

Parl panel didn’t order for conservation of Taj: RTI

Agra: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in a reply to an RTI query filed by TOI has surprisingly said that the parliamentary standing committee "had not asked for any conservation work" at the Taj monument complex. As reported earlier, committee members had visited the monument in April 2015 and criticized the archaeological body for dark spots on the minarets of the white marble mausoleum. Subsequently, ASI had

Adhoc Committee formed

ITANAGAR, Jul 28: State Legislative Assembly speaker T N Thongdok has constituted an Adhoc committee to examine the grievances of Former Legislator’s Welfare Association regarding enhancement of pension amount and medical allowances of Ex-Legislators. Consisting of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul as the chairman and MLAs Tamiyo Taga, Tumke Bagra, Pasang Dorjee Sona and Tapuk Taku as members,

Govt. announces several Secretary-level appointments

Ms. Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. An official press release said Ms. Sundararajan, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1982 batch (Kerala cadre), would succeed Ms. Aruna Sharma, IAS (MP 82), who will take her place in the Ministry of Steel. The release said the Appointments Committee

Hillary accepts Democratic nomination

Philadelphia, July 28 (Reuters): US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Thursday Americans faced challenges at home and abroad that demand steady leadership and a collective spirit, and attacked Republican Donald Trump for sowing fear and divisiveness. In the biggest speech of her more than 25 year old career in the public eye, Hillary accepted the Democratic presidential nomination for the Nov. 8 election

Air Odisha to start inter-state flight service from August 15

The Air Odisha Aviation Pvt. Ltd (AOAPL) has decided to start an inter-State flight service from August 15. The company has obtained permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence flights from Bhubaneswar to three cities, Ranchi, Raipur and Nagpur. As there are no direct flight services from Bhubaneswar to these three cities, the initiative of the Air Odisha would come as a big help for the

Indo-US counter-terrorism joint working group to meet today

Indian and US officials will meet at Washington on Thursday for the 14th US-India counter-terrorism Joint Working Group, an official statement said. “The United States looks forward to continued counter terrorism exchanges with India to broaden and deepen the partnership between the two countries,” the State Department said in a statement on Wednesday. The American delegation would be led by the acting

UK reacts coolly to Michel Barnier’s Brexit appointment

Britain has reacted frostily to the naming of Michel Barnier, the former French foreign minister and scourge of the City of London, as the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator. The surprise nomination places an architect of Europe’s post-crisis financial regulation at the helm of the technical talks for Britain to leave the EU. Jean-Claude Juncker, the commission president, said he wanted an “experienced politician for this

'Court' director Chaitanya Tamhane named member of Venice Film Festival jury

Director Chaitanya Tamhane, whose debut feature film Court premiered at the 71st Venice Film Festival and also won the Venice Lion of the Future two years ago, has been named one of the jury members for the 73rd edition of the international event. He will be a part of the Horizons section, which is dedicated to cutting-edge fare, reported The Variety. This section is headed by French director Robert Guédiguian.

Mahasweta Devi, writer who fought for tribals, dies at 91

Kolkata: Eminent author and social activist Mahasweta Devi, whose writings focused on the marginalised communities in the country and served as the voice of the oppressed, died here on Thursday after a multi-organ failure. She was 91. P Tandon, CEO of Belle Vue nursing home, where she was admitted since 22 May, said she was suffering from multi-organ failure and died at 3.16pm. She suffered a cardiac arrest

Union Cabinet increases limit for foreign investment in Stock Exchanges from 5% to 15%

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for raising foreign shareholding limit from current 5% to 15% in Indian Stock Exchanges. The decision brings the investment limit of foreign entities at par with that of domestic institutions. This enhanced limit is for a stock exchange, depository, banking company, insurance company and commodity derivative exchange. Additionally, the Union Cabinet also gave its approval for

IMD to use supercomputer to forecast monsoon based on dynamical model

The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has announced that India Meteorological Department (IMD) will use supercomputer to forecast India’s annual summer monsoon. The forecast made by a supercomputer will be based on a dynamical monsoon model and will be operational from year 2017. This model will be used along with the present traditional ensemble model. The dynamical monsoon model works by simulating

India signs $1 billion deal with US for procuring four Poseidon-8I aircraft

India on 27 July 2016 signed a one-billion dollar deal with the US defence and aerospace major Boeing for procuring four long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, Poseidon-8I. First of the four new P-8I aircraft will be delivered in 50 months. Incidentally, India is P-8I's first international customer and was also Boeing's first military sale to India.  The contract was inked during the on-going visit of the US

India, US discover major Natural Gas Reserve in Indian Ocean

As per the report published by US Geological Survey on 19 July 2016, Joint expedition titled Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 02 by India and the United States (US) have resulted in the discovery of large, highly enriched accumulations of natural gas hydrate (an icy form of the fuel) in Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean.  The international team of scientists was led by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

International Tiger Day observed

International Tiger Day was observed on 29 July 2016. The day is held annually on 29th July to give worldwide attention to the reservation of tigers. The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.  It was founded in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit, with the aim to double the big cat

Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-28-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com- English

Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research And Technology Development policy

The Government proposes to address the issues of less number of patents and low research share, of the country, in the world by encouraging industries to increase technology depth and value addition so as to manufacture products based on indigenous patents. The Government is already providing excise duty waiver on goods based on patented technology. Government has also promoted the setting up of technology

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Patent Acquisition and Collaborative Research And Technology Development policy

The Government proposes to address the issues of less number of patents and low research share, of the country, in the world by encouraging industries to increase technology depth and value addition so as to manufacture products based on indigenous patents. The Government is already providing excise duty waiver on goods based on patented technology. Government has also promoted the setting up of technology

Agreement between NRDC and CCRAS

The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) with Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) on 03.03.2015 for licensing of the technologies developed at the research council to entrepreneurs /companies for commercial exploitation. The benefits that are likely to accrue from the MoA are the following: The Ayurvedic formulations and products

CAG of India signs 11 UN Audit reports

Shri Shashi Kant Sharma, Comptroller & Auditor General of India, is currently in New York to attend the 70thRegular Session of the United Nations’ Board of Auditors, held at the UN headquarters, New York.  Shri. Shashi Kant Sharma, along with Auditor Generals of Tanzania, Shri. Mussa Juma Assad and of the United Kingdom, Shri. Amyas Morse approved and signed 11 UN Audit reports today, as approved by the

Automotive Mission Plan, 2016-26

The Automotive Mission Plan [AMP 2026] envisages creation of 65 million jobs. The salient features of the Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 [AMP 2026] are:- i) The Indian Automotive industry to be a top job creator – 65 million additional jobs. ii) The Indian Automotive industry to be the prime mover of Manufacturing sector and “Make in India” Programme. iii) The Indian Automotive industry to aim at

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

The National Memorial Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was held at Peikarumbhu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, today. The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister for Urban Development and Information and Broadcasting Shri M Venkaiah Naidu jointly laid the foundation stone and paid rich tributes to the late President on his death anniversary. The Ministers

Allowing 74 Per Cent FDI in Pharma Sector

FDI in Brownfield pharma sector has been permitted upto 74% under automatic route; and FDI beyond 74% and upto 100% is allowed under Government approval route. The move to permit 74% FDI under automatic route in Brownfield pharmaceutical sector is aimed at attracting required capital, international best practices and latest technologies in the sector. Further, 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted for

Cabinet approves Amendment in the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the amendment in relevant clauses of the Central Agricultural University Act (CAU), 1992 to include State of Nagaland under the jurisdiction of CAU, Imphal.  After inclusion of State of Nagaland under jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, the College of Veterinary Sciences in Nagaland will produce the much-

Cabinet approves rescinding the decision of the Government to set up the Concurrent Evaluation Office in Ministry of Rural Development

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to rescind the earlier decision of the Government to set up the Concurrent Evaluation Office (CEO) for managing Concurrent Evaluation Network (CENET) in Ministry of Rural Development. The CEO was envisaged to undertake concurrent evaluation of Rural Development programmes in conjunction with Independent Evaluation Office

West Bengal wins All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project Award 2015

KOLKATA :West Bengal has been selected for the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project Award 2015. This is the first time the state will be receiving this award. It was selected by the 51st committee from the Indira Gandhi Krishi Bikash Kendra. Earlier, West Bengal won the Krishi Kamran Puraskar for three consecutive years. The state has been selected for the award for its achievement in four

Looking to import pulses from Myanmar, Africa to ease shortage: Ram Vilas Paswan

MUMBAI: India is looking to import pulses from Myanmar and African nations to counter a domestic shortfall of 7.6 million tonnes that has driven local prices of key pulses like chickpea to a record high, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said. More purchases by India, the world's top consumer of pulses, could help the country rein in its headline inflation, which hit a near two-year high in June on double-digit annual

India approves $318 million loan for Sri Lanka Railways

COLOMBO: India has approved a $318 million loan for Sri Lanka Railways to upgrade its communications system and rolling stock in the Tamil-dominated north. Sri Lankan government spokesman and minister Gayantha Karunathilake said that the money will be used to improve the signal system from Maho to Anuradhapura in the north central province and from Anuradhapura to Omanthai in the north. It will also be

Harish Rawat expands Cabinet, inducts two ministers from Garhwal

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today expanded his Cabinet, inducting two ministers from Garhwal, seen as an attempt to assuage leaders from the region, who has often complained of neglect, ahead of next year's assembly polls. Vikasnagar MLA Nav Prabhat and Badrinath MLA Rajendra Bhandari were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Krishna Kant Paul at a simple

Intex appoints Madhuri Dixit as brand ambassador for consumer durable products

KOLKATA: Intex Technologies has appointed cinestar Madhuri Dixit as brand ambassador for its consumer durable products, including washing machines and refrigerators. The actor has been signed for a period of two years, a company release said. "We are confident that her tremendous connect with the audience will help us in reaching out to our consumers more effectively," said Keshav Bansal, director, Intex

Cabinet approves amendments in GST Bill

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendment in Goods and Services Tax Bill and dropped one percent additional tax on inter-state sales as proposed in the current Bill. The Bill in its present form provides 100 per cent compensation to states by the Centre for the first three years, 75 per cent for fourth year and 50 per cent for the fifth year. The Bill seeks to replace a string of central and local levies such as excise,

Lok Sabha passes Benami transaction amendment bill

The Lok Sabha has passed the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2015 on Wednesday. The Bill seeks to amend the definition of benami transactions, establishes adjudicating authorities and an Appellate Tribunal to deal with benami transactions. It also specifies prosecution and penalty for entering into benami transactions. Earlier in the day, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley initiated debate on Benami

Govt to create buffer stock of 20 lakh tonne of pulses to meet shortfall

Government to create buffer stock of 20 lakh tonne of pulses to meet shortfall; Food and Public District Minister Ram Vilas Paswan urged states to play their role in curbing price rise.Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has said that prices of all essential commodities other than pulses are under control. Replying to a short duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Paswan said, government has taken

Government Approves Abolition Of Norms For Joint Venture Firms By Defence PSUs

New Delhi: Government on Wednesday approved the abolition of existing guidelines for establishing joint venture companies by Defence PSUs to meet the goal of indigenous manufacturing. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. "The Department of Defence Production came to the conclusion that with the increasing participation of the private industry in

Union Cabinet approves Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Cambodia

The Union Cabinet has approved Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Cambodia to boost trade and business. Decision in this regard was taken during the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key Facts The Treaty seeks to promote and protect investments in either country with the objective of increasing bilateral investment flows. It also seeks to encourage each

Union Cabinet increases limit for foreign investment in Stock Exchanges from 5% to 15%

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for raising foreign shareholding limit from current 5% to 15% in Indian Stock Exchanges. The decision brings the investment limit of foreign entities at par with that of domestic institutions. This enhanced limit is for a stock exchange, depository, banking company, insurance company and commodity derivative exchange. Additionally, the Union Cabinet also gave its approval for

Bank unions call All India strike on July 29

KOLKATA: Bank employees called for a one-day strike on August 29, protesting IDBI Bank privatisation and mergers of State Bank of India and its associate banks. About 10 lakh bank employees and officers of all public sector banks, private banks and foreign banks will observe a full day all India bank strike on Friday, said a press statement issued jointly by bank unions on Wednesday. The United Forum of Bank

Policy for awarding Waterfront and associated lands in major ports approved

The Union Cabinet on 27 July 2016 approved the Policy for awarding waterfront and associated land to port dependent industries in major ports along with its operationalization. The Policy will result in uniformity and transparency in the procedure for awarding captive facilities. It will enable optimal utilization of capacities in major ports and increase revenue to the Major Port Authority. 

SBI launches debit card-less instant money transfer facility

MUMBAI: State Bank today launched a payment system at its ATMs which will allow the account holders transfer money using mobile phone number as identifier. The system works on instant money transfer (IMT) platform. The facility will enable a payment of up to Rs 10,000 from any SBI bank account and the recipient of this payment can withdraw funds instantly from an IMT-enabled ATM without using a debit card, the top

Marni Nixon, voice of classic movie songs, has died at 86

The woman whose ghostly singing was heard in place of the leading actresses in such classic movie musicals as West Side Story, The King and I and My Fair Lady, has died. Hollywood voice double Marni Nixon was 86. Michael Kirsten, senior vice president of Nixon’s talent agency, Harden-Curtis Associates, said she died Sunday in New York. Nixon had a wide-ranging music and theater career. But her biggest audiences of the

World Hepatitis Day: 95% People Don’t Know They Have the Disease

(28 July is observed as the World Hepatitis Day. Globally 1.4 million people die each year from hepatitis and this day serves as a reminder to governments and policy makers to know the disease and take action.)

This shocking and staggeringly high statistic comes from the World Health Organisation. The disease is three times more infectious than HIV and yet awareness about it is so low that by the time hepatitis is detected,

Delhi govt forms committee to review discrepancies in circle

New Delhi, Jul 27 (PTI) An empowered committee has been constituted by the Delhi government to review "discrepancies" in the circle rates in certain areas of the national capital. According to a senior official, the Revenue Department has sought public suggestions on the review of circle rates by August 16. The department has decided to review circle rates - minimum rates below which a property cannot be registered

RK Dhawan replaces Sheila Dikshit as convenor of implementation committee of Indira Gandhi centenary celebrations

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi has appointed senior party leader R K Dhawan as the convenor of the Implementation Committee of Indira Gandhi Centenary Celebrations in place of Ms Sheila Dikshit. Acording to AICC general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi, ‘’Conrgess president Sonia Gandhi has appointed Mr R K Dhawan as the convenor of the implementation committee of the Indira Gandhi

Lodha panel reforms: Premature exit for selector Gagan Khoda

Khoda and Prasad were due to travel to Australia with India A for the quadrangular series. Gagan Khoda, the Indian selector, will be in line for an early exit based on the Supreme Court verdict on the recommendations made by Justice RM Lodha committee. He, along with MSK Prasad from South Zone, were appointed in October 2015 and would have continued until 2019, based on previous rules. In what will

Lok Sabha committee rejects AAP MLA Bhagwant Mann’s appeal

he Lok Sabha committee on the 8th day of the monsoon session of the parliament rejected AAP lawmaker Bhagwant Mann’s appeal to appear before the committeee with his lawyer. He will appear before the committee by 3pm. Bhagwant Mann had tendered an apology letter to the Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Tuesday for making a video of his journey from home to the parliament house. He also captured

WikiLeaks Releases Hacked Democratic National Committee Audio Files

WASHINGTON:  WikiLeaks released files on Wednesday of what it said were audio recordings pulled from the emails of the Democratic National Committee that were obtained by hacking its servers. The latest release, which came in the middle of the Democratic National Convention where Hillary Clinton was officially named the party's presidential nominee, is the second batch in a series that has deeply rattled the party and

Muttiah Muralitharan to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

The legendary offspinner is set to become the first Sri Lankan player to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Muttiah Muralitharan along with Karen Rolton, Arthur Morris and George Lohmann will be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, the cricket governing body announced on Wednesday (July 27). The legendary offspinner is set to become the first Sri Lankan player to be inducted. Rolton, the former Australia women's

Bengalurean doc's gizmo wins sci award from obama

BENGALURU: A Bengaluru-origin associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his medical invention. Dr Rahul Mangharam’s device can monitor the functioning of devices like pacemakers (a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart

RBI slaps Rs 27-cr fine on 13 banks in forex case

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a combined Rs 27-crore penalty on 13 public and private sector banks — including Canara Bank, IndusInd Bank and RBL Bank — for violating Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) norms.  It asked eight others — including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Federal Bank and Kotak Mahindra bank — to

Lok Sabha passes Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The Lok Sabha passed the Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016 without discussion. The bill seeks to amend the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 which provides Lokpal (at Centre) and Lokayukta (at States) statutory backing to inquire into allegations of corruption against certain public functionaries and for related matters. Key Provisions Enable the leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha in

Union Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Bhatinda

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new AIIMS at Bhatind, Punjab under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The medical institution will have a hospital with capacity of 750 beds which will include Emergency Beds, Private Beds, ICU Speciality & Super Speciality beds and AYUSH beds. Key Facts The new AIIMS at Bhatinda will provide super specialty health care to the

India Awards $1 Billion Contract to Boeing for Four P-8I Aircraft

NEW DELHI — Coinciding with a visit by Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall, India today awarded Boeing a $1 billion contract for the purchase of four more P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to be flown by the country's navy pilots. The contract for the planes sets deliveries to be completed within the next three years, according to a senior ministry of defense official who requested not to be named. Boeing executives

Foundation stone laid for MSME technology center in Visakhapatnam

ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, along with Union Ministers Kalraj Mishra and Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises technology centre at Pudi in Visakhapatnam district. The Centre has decided to locate a world-class technology centre with an investment of up to Rs. 140 crore. Mr.Naidu was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for

Antrix-Devas deal: India to appeal against Hague tribunal’s verdict

India will appeal against the verdict of the Hague tribunal in Antrix-Devas deal case, in which the international court had declared the annulling of the contract as “unfair” and “inequitable” and asked it to pay huge amount as compensation. “We will appeal against the verdict at Hague (tribunal),” said A.S. Kirankumar, Secretary, Department of Space. He, however, declined to comment any further on the issue. India lost the arbitration

Myntra’s Ananth Narayanan to take over as Jabong CEO

Flipkart-owned Myntra has acquired one of its biggest rivals Jabong in an all-cash deal for $70 million (Rs. 470 cr approx.) making it the biggest mergers in Indian e-commerce industry. After this deal, Flipkart now commands over 50% of India's fashion retail market. Hours after the acquisition, Flipkart CEO Binny Bansal wrote a letter to his employees announcing Myntra CEO Ananth Narayanan as the new CEO of Jabong,

PCI announces National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2016

The Press Council of India (PCI) has announced National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2016. The awards will honour “journalists in print journalism” across different fields. “To encourage the media to pursue its duties without fear or favour following the dictum of ‘freedom with responsibility,’ the Press Council of India, as the only statutory authority enjoying such mandate, proposes to institute National Awards to honour

Government forms committee to frame guidelines for Rajyotsava awards: HC

BENGALURU: The state government has constituted an expert committee headed by former Karnataka High Court judge Justice H N Nagamohan Das to frame guidelines for nomination of people for Kannada Rajyotsava awards. The government gave this information to the High Court on Wednesday in response to a petition filed by poet and writer B V Satyanarayana Rao. Rao has

India's first Humboldt Penguins reach Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo

Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo, known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, on 26 July 2016 brought in eight Humboldt penguins from Soul, South Korea. The step has, however, not gone down well with wildlife experts who termed it as wasteful and unnecessary. The eight Humboldt penguins, three males and five females, will be open for public view in the next three to four months. The birds have been kept in a specially

European Commission appoints Michel Barnier as Chief Brexit Negotiator

The European Union’s executive on 27 July 2016 appointed Michel Barnier, former French Financial Services Commissioner, as its Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom’s exit from the bloc. Barnier was appointed under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. He will be a prominent figure in the negotiations over Britain’s exit from the union. In June 2016, Didier Seeuws, a Belgian diplomat, was

IOC to launch Olympic Channel on August 21

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 27 July 2016 announced that it will launch the Olympic Channel. The channel will be launched on 21 August 2016, at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games Rio 2016. The channels original programming will include short-form and long-form content, focusing on elite athletes, their quest for success and sport around the world. 

Father of Hybrid Sorghum Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao passes away

Distinguished agricultural scientist Neelamraju Ganga Prasada (NGP) Rao, fondly referred to as the Father of Hybrid Sorghum, passed away on 27 July 2016 in Hyderabad following a brief illness. He was 89. NGP Rao is well-known for basic and applied research in breeding and agronomy of several dryland crops. 

About Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao

Centre approves Rs 1601 crore for Himayat programme in J&K

Centre has approved Rs 1601 crore for Jammu and Kashmir under skill development initiative Himayat to train 1.24 lakh local youths in vocational courses, Rural Development Minister Abdul Haq Khan said. "Under the reanimated Himayat programme, 1.24 lakh youths from both the rural and urban areas of the state would be imparted training in various job-intensive vocational courses over the next three years," he

Venezuela government seeks to ban opposition over recall vote ‘fraud’

The Venezuelan government asked electoral authorities to declare illegal the opposition coalition seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro via a recall vote, accusing them of committing massive fraud. “We have just asked for the cancellation of the registration of the Democratic Unity Roundtable, for being involved in the worst vote fraud in the country’s history,” said Jorge Rodriguez, Maduro’s designated aide to monitor the

Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-27-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com- English

IOM Becomes a Related Organization to the UN

New York - Member States of the United Nations (UN), through the General Assembly, today unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Agreement to make the International Organization for Migration (IOM) a Related Organization of the UN. The Agreement outlines a closer relationship between IOM and the UN to strengthen the cooperation and enhance their ability to fulfil their respective mandates in the interest of

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IOM Becomes a Related Organization to the UN

New York - Member States of the United Nations (UN), through the General Assembly, today unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Agreement to make the International Organization for Migration (IOM) a Related Organization of the UN. The Agreement outlines a closer relationship between IOM and the UN to strengthen the cooperation and enhance their ability to fulfil their respective mandates in the interest of

7th CPC: Govt to set up anomalies committees

NEW DELHI: The Centre will set up anomalies committees to examine individual, post and cadre-specific anomalies arising out of implementation of the recommendations of seventh Central Pay Commission. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has been authorised to take action regarding pay and related issues concerning officers of all India services--Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service

SC representation in state government services inadequate: report

NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh is the only state which is providing adequate reservation to Scheduled Castes in government jobs, statistics compiled by National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) have revealed. The report shows the Scheduled Castes representation in state government services is inadequate and is showing a decreasing trend over the years in almost all other states. Chhattisgarh, which provides 12.82 per

Maharashtra to start water transport in two years: Fadnavis

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is working to start the Navi Mumbai-Gateway of India water transport facility by March 2018, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Assembly today. "We are in process to make all necessary facilities to start this transport, Fadnavis said. "Government is also working for Mumbai-Konkan water transport and the report making is in the final stages," Fadnavis

Centre asks states to speed up implementation of e-NAM

NEW DELHI: The Centre today asked state governments to speed up implementation of electronic-national agriculture market (e-NAM) to achieve the target of integrating 200 mandis by September this year. At present, only 23 mandis in eight states have been integrated with the e-NAM. The government has kept a total target of 585 by March 2018. A meeting was called here today to discuss with state government

Defence PSUs miserably failed in meeting self-reliance: CAG

NEW DELHI: In a scathing assessment, the central auditor said defence public sector units have miserably failed in meeting the objective of self-reliance, with a majority of contracts entrusted to them facing delays, hampering the capability enhancement plans of the Indian Army. The report, which echoes the sentiments of the private sector that has been battling the government for more orders and is upset that a majority of

Modi government to organise 'Bharat Parv' to mark Independence Day

NEW DELHI: The capital will witness a mega event to mark the Independence Day with the Modi government deciding to hold a cultural spectacle spanning six days from August 12, nearly two-and-half-months after it organised an extravaganza to celebrate its second anniversary at India Gate. The event 'Bharat Parv' will be held in the heart of the national capital at Rajpath to celebrate India's Independence and

MANIPUR JOINS “UDAY” SCHEME

MANIPUR JOINS “UDAY” SCHEME ; WOULD DERIVE AN OVERALL NET BENEFIT OF Rs 263 CRORE THROUGH “UDAY”  The Government of India, the State of Manipur and the DISCOM of Manipur signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme UDAY – “Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana” today for operational turnaround of the DISCOM.  Manipur is the fourteenth State to

MoU signed between Ministry of Railways and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Minister of Railways E-Released “Final Report on the Passenger Feedback Survey at major Railway Stations for Cleanliness Ranking.”  In the august presence of Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Railways and Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) to evaluate the Green Initiatives and rate the performance of Industrial Units of Indian

National Agricultural Research System is One of the Largest in the World

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) coordinates and promotes agricultural research & education in the country. DARE provides the necessary government linkages for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the premier research organisation for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research, education and extension in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences

Centre Approves 93 Seed Hubs Under National Food Security Mission

93 seed hubs against a target of 150 at Indian Council of Agriculture Research Institutes (ICAR), State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been approved under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) with an outlay of Rs.13981.08 lakh. 15% of the allocation for pulses component of NFSM is earmarked for production of quality seed of pulses seeds through states. An incentive of Rs.25/-

CSIR laboratories develop an anti-diabetic herbal formulation

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its constituent laboratories jointly developed scientifically validated herbal product NBRMAP-DB as anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic formulation with hepato-protective and anti-oxidant properties. The knowhow for the product was licensed to M/s AIMIL Pharma Ltd., Delhi who are manufacturing and marketing it as BGR-34. It has been reported by M/s AIMIL

India - US to collaborate for first time in R&D in traditional systems of medicine for various diseases

The Ministry of AYUSH is mandated to promote and propagate AYUSH systems of medicine across the globe. To achieve the objective, the Ministry of AYUSH signs Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for ‘Country to Country’ cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicines; sets up AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign Universities/ Educational Institutes; establishes AYUSH Information Cells in the premises of the

Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals started by M/o AYUSH

Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals started by M/o AYUSH to provide good quality Yoga teachers: Shri Shripad Yesso Naik . Yoga and Naturopathy systems are seen to have positive impact on the health and well-being of those who practice them regularly. Many life style and other diseases can be well managed by the regular practice of Yoga. Yoga has been practiced in different parts of the world

Famed Indian actress Sadhana passes away in Mumbai's Hinduja hospital, age 74

Prominent yesteryear actor Sadhna passes away in Mumbai. Sadhana Shivdesani, who was a part of many evergreen films, passed away on Friday morning at Hinduja hospital. The cremation will take place tomorrow from her Santacruz residence. The actress was previously in news for suffering from a tumour last year. She reportedly had a small lesion in her mouth that was cancerous and underwent a successful surgery

NASA to launch spacecraft to near-Earth asteroid

NASA is set to launch a new spacecraft in September that will travel to a near-Earth asteroid known as Bennu and bring back a sample of surface material which may contain building blocks of life. To identify the regions in which the building blocks of life may be found, the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) team equipped the spacecraft with an instrument

Govt providing a subsidy of Rs 15000 per ton on urea : Ananth Kumar

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Fertilizer minister Ananth Kumar on tuesday said that government is providing a subsidy of 15000 rupees per ton on urea.  He also said that under the present govt prices of fertilizer have been reduced.

Signs of prehistoric human activity found in China

Ancient humans lived and hunted in harsh environments at an altitude of 4,000 metres on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China over 10,000 years ago, archaeologists have confirmed.  Researchers with Qinghai Normal University and Qinghai Archeological Research Institute in China discovered a prehistoric ash layer in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai and confirmed that the layer is residue of human activity. Dozens

First placenta-on-a-chip to help study causes of preterm birth

Scientists have developed the first placenta-on-a-chip that can fully model the transport of nutrients across the interface between mother and foetus, an advance that may help identify causes of preterm birth and ways to prevent it. The flash-drive-sized device contains two layers of human cells and microfluidic channels on either side of those layers, that allows researchers to study how molecules are transported through, or are

Govt appreciates Irom Sharmila's decision to end fast

Manipur's "Iron Lady" Irom Sharmila will be ending her 16-year fast on August 9. She also decided to contest next year's state Assembly elections as an Independent candidate.  Sharmila sat on a hunger Strike in year 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The 44-year-old iconic human rights activist, who has been forcibly fed through a nasal tube since 2000, said she would join politics. 

East Bengal to honour Milkha Singh with Bharat Gaurav Award

Kolkata’s football club East Bengal on 26 July 2016 announced that the 2016 Bharat Gaurav Award, also known as Pride of India Award, will be conferred on legendary athlete Milkha Singh. Singh will be honoured with the prestigious award on the East Bengal Foundation Day (1 August 2016). Along with the award, a cheque of 2 lakh rupees will also be presented to him. Besides, special awards along with a cash prize of 1

India's CSIR ranked World's 12th Best Government Institute

The 2016 report of the prestigious Scimago Institutions Rankings in the fourth week of July 2016 ranked the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as the 12th Best Government Institutions in the world. In 2016, the ranking of the premier institute jumped to 12th spot after being at 14th spot for three consecutive years. The overall global ranking of CSIR also improved from 110 to 99th position. CSIR is the

India without aircraft carrier for 8 months

NEW DELHI: India thinks of itself as an emerging superpower but does not have a single operational aircraft carrier as of now. Its solitary aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, will be ready for action only after eight months due its ongoing maintenance refit. More alarmingly, the 44,570-tonne INS Vikramaditya will in all probability have to soldier on alone for the next six-seven years. In its report tabled in Parliament on

States reject GST rate proposed by Arvind Subramanian panel

New Delhi: The goods and services tax (GST), whenever it comes into force, could end up being higher than 18%, with state governments rejecting the rate proposed by a panel led by chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian.  At the same time, the states reiterated their commitment to protecting the interests of the people by reducing the tax burden while safeguarding their own revenues, at a meeting of the empowered

Demand for state finance ministers committee

NEW DELHI: IN order to address issues relating to the debt burden of the states, there was a demand for setting up a committee of state finance ministers made in the Rajya Sabha by Members of Parliament (MP) on Tuesday. The MPs demanded that the committee should be headed by the Union Finance Minister and the government has indicated its agreement to the proposal. Derek O’Brien, Rajya Sabha MP and member  

Central government employees to get salary hikes from August

New Delhi : The central government on Tuesday formally notified its acceptance of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, clearing the way for payment of increased salaries and pensions to around 10 million employees and pensioners with effect from August. Arrears dating back to January 2016 are expected to be paid before 31 March 2017. The government set up a committee under the department of

Sharad Pawar to receive Tilak Sanman Puraskar

Pune : NCP chief will be honoured with this  year’s Tilak Sanman Puraskar for his contribution to Green revolution . The award will be presented on 1 August by Dr. Dipak Tilak at Tilak SMarak Mandir as it the 96th Death Anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak Every year. This is the 34th year of Lokmanya Tilak Sanman Puraskar, before this Manmohan Singh, Indira Gandhi, S.M Joshi, etc were felicitated with this award. And

Govt to reduce the number of Maoist affected districts

The government is planning to reduce the number of districts affected by Maoists by about a fifth. 106 districts have been identified as maoist affected. Out of these, the government may remove almost 20 districts from the list. These 106 districts span over 10 states which are Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. These

Haryana notifies Freight Assistance Scheme for exporting MSMEs

Haryana Government on 25 July 2016 notified the "Freight Assistance Scheme" for the exporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) located anywhere in the State. It has given time till September 9 to submit the claim application on the web portal of the Industries and Commerce department for the financial year 2015-16. The decision was taken in backdrop of the additional cost that is borne by the MSMEs

Railways to add 30,000 bio toilets this year: Minister

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) Indian Railways on Tuesday said it plans to add 30,000 bio toilets on its trains during this year. According to Railways Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Indian Railways have so far provided more than 40,000 bio toilets and plans to add 30,000 during the current year. The minister spoke at an event here in which the Indian Railways entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with

NIIT Limited announces Q1 (April - June 2016) consolidated results FY 2016-17

Records Revenue at Rs. 260.4 Cr, up 12% YoY, delivering double-digit growth after 16 quarters. EBITDA grows 36% YoY to Rs. 22.2 Cr in Q1 FY 16-17, a substantial increase from Rs. 16.4 Cr EBITDA in Q1 FY15-16 . Corporate Learning Group delivers 19% YoY revenue growth, while profitability remains steady at 12%. Skills & Careers Group accelerates revenue to 7% YoY and EBITDA% to 4% with a 487 bps rise

‘Thithi’ director excited, humbled to win honour in Germany

Raam Reddy’s directorial debut won the honour at the 13th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart. Kannada film Thithi has won the German Star of India Award for the Best Feature Film at 13th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart here and its director Raam Reddy feels “really excited and humbled”. “This festival in Stuttgart was the German premiere of Thithi, and I’m really excited and humbled that we won Best Film. This festival is

Twitter awards $10,080 to Indian-origin hacker for discovering security flaw

Microblogging website Twitter awarded Avinash Singh, an Indian-origin White Hat hacker, $10,080 for discovering a security loophole in its Vine video-sharing service. The flaw enabled Singh to access the entire cache of Vine's online code. Avinash Singh reported the security loophole to Twitter in March and was

Kagiso Rabada clean sweeps CSA awards

South African pace sensation Kagiso Rabada won as many as six honours at the annual Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards in Johannesburg. Rabada made his international debut in November 2014 in a Twenty20 International match but came to fame with his exploits in the Test and One-Day International formats over the past year. After his ODI debut in July 2015, Rabada went on to take 37 wickets from 20 games at an

Delhi HC asks Govt to reconsider plea of CRPF Jawan for ‘Gallantry Award’

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to reconsider its decision not to give Gallantry Award to an CRPF Jawan. The Court observed that a brave soldier needs to be recognized for his commitment to serve the nation with dignity and honour. Rajesh Shukla served as Constable with CRPF and in 1992 he was stationed in the State of Punjab where the Terrorism was at its peak at that time. He had

Army honours 2 officers for capturing war on camera

Chandigarh: Two officers from the ministry of defence (MoD) Col Basu Deb Maitra and Lt Col Dipak Dass of photo division, directorate of public relations (DPR), who had filmed the Kargil war on camera, were honoured on Tuesday at Kargil War Memorial during Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration 2016 at Drass. They were honoured by the Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh and Army commander of Northern Command Lt Gen D

Parliament passes Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016

Parliament has passed the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016.  The bill was first passed in Rajya Sabha and later in Lok Sabha during Monsoon session of Parliament. It seeks to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 to widen the scope of the law against child labour and stricter punishments for violations. Key Facts The Bill calls for complete ban employment of children

MHA sets up T V S N Prasad Committee to explore possible alternatives to pellet guns in Kashmir

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has setup a seven-member expert committee for exploring the other possible alternatives to pellet guns as non-lethal weapons. The Committee will be headed by T V S N Prasad, Joint Secretary in the MHA. It will submit its report within two months. Other members of the committee: Atul Karwal (IG, CRPF), Rajeev Krishna, (IG Operations, BSF), Tushar Tripathy (DDG, Small

Permanent Court of Arbitration rules against Antrix Coroporation in Devas case

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands has ruled against Antrix Corporation in the case with Devas Corporation over sharing of spectrum on satellites. A PCA tribunal has found that the Union Government’s actions in annulling a contract between Devas and Antrix Corporation Ltd. It also found that it has denied Devas commercial use of S-band spectrum constituted an expropriation

Bezwada Wilson, TM Krishna win Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016

Bezwada Wilson, TM Krishna win Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016 . Two Indians, social activist Bezwada Wilson and musician TM Krishna, have won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2016. They are among the total six awardees selected for the 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often regarded as Asia’s Nobel Prize.

World Health Organisation declares Brazil free of measles

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 26 July 2016 declared Brazil free of measles. The step was taken after no case of the disease was registered in 2015. From 1985 to 2000, Brazil saw no domestic cases of measles, although it broke out in 2013 in the northeastern states of Pernambuco and Ceara. The WHO it had worked alongside the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to eradicated the disease,

Parveen Rana to replace Narsingh Yadav for Rio Olympics

India on 26 July 2016 named Parveen Rana as a replacement for dope-tainted wrestler Narsingh Yadav for Rio Olympics in the 74kg freestyle category. The Rio Olympics is scheduled to happen from 5 August to 21 August 2016. Freestyle wrestler Rana had earlier won a gold medal in the 74kg category at the Dave Schultz Memorial Wrestling Tournament in USA in 2014. United World Wrestling on its website said that it had

Union Government plans to redraw Red Corridor

Union Government has decided to reduce the number of Maoist-affected districts by about a fifth. As per reports, about 20 out of 106 districts described as being Maoist-affected and part of the Red Corridor may soon no longer be part of the list. Dropping of these districts from the list will result in drying of the financial aid given to the districts. The aid was being provided to the tune of 30 crore rupees annually for various

Union Government approves 1601 crore rupees for Himayat programme in J&K

The Union Government on 26 July 2016 approved nearly 1600 crore rupees for Jammu and Kashmir under skill development initiative 'Himayat'. The allocated fund will be invested in training 1.24 lakh local youths in vocational courses. As per Jammu and Kashmir Rural Development Minister Abdul Haq Khan, under the reanimated Himayat programme, youths from both rural and urban areas of the state would be imparted

Former diplomat Arundhati Ghose passes away

Former Indian diplomat Arundhati Ghose passed away on 26 July 2016 in New Delhi. The eminent diplomat headed the Indian delegation at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.  Born on 25 November 1939, she studied at Cathedral and John Connon School.  She graduated from Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata.  Thereafter, she studied at Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan.

Second phase of the Feed the Future-India Triangular Training Programme launched

Second phase of the Feed the Future-India Triangular Training Programme was launched on 25 July 2016. The programme was launched in New Delhi by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID).  The programme will provide specialized agriculture training to 1500 agricultural professional across Africa and Asia.Objectives of Training: To address human