Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL-ECONOMY-POLITICAL-SPORTS -Dated--30-09-2016--ENGLISH

TODAYS SPECIAL-DAILY-NEWS-30-09-2016

84TH Air Force Day: Air Display

The Indian Air Force proudly celebrates its 84TH anniversary on 08 Oct 2016. A scintillating air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad).  Rehearsals for the air display will commence from 01st October 2016 (Saturday).  The general area over which aircraft will be flying at low levels

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India lifts under-18 hockey title

India lifts Under 18 hockey tournament trophy; beat host Bangladesh 5-4 in the summit clash. On Thursday, India beat Pakistan 3-1 to enter the final. The Indians had dominated their opponents, taking the lead, as early as in the seventh minute, with a goal from Shivam Anand. Goals from

BRICS U-17 Football : PM unveils roll on Trophy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday unveiled the Roll On Trophy for BRICS U-17 Football Tournament, scheduled to be held in Goa from October 5 to October 15. In his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the Nation’s commitment to ‘Sports for All’ and ‘Khelo India’ and taking football to every corner of the country. He emphasised that the youth being the leaders of the future, their

Cauvery row: SC comes down heavily on Karnataka

Supreme Court comes down heavily on Karnataka Government for flouting directions on release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu; says Karnataka bound to comply despite passing resolution in the assembly; SC again orders release of 6000 cusecs water per day from October 1st to 6th to Tamil Nadu. Supreme Court on Friday pulled up Karnataka for its defiant stand in the Cauvery water

Dengue deaths: Supreme Court raps Delhi govt

Supreme Court raps Delhi government for not being able to contain the menace of Dengue and Chikungunya; says we can't leave Delhi's public like this; the Apex Court asks Government to file names of officers who are not following orders. Supreme Court on Friday rapped the Delhi government for not being able to contain the menace of Dengue and Chikungunya. The apex court

Advantage Healthcare India (AHCI 2016)

After the very successful launch of the inaugural edition last year, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India is now organizing the second edition of ‘Advantage Health Care India 2016 (AHCI 2016)’, an International Summit on Medical Value Travel with the aim of ‘Promoting Healthcare Services Exports from India’, scheduled from 3 - 5 October, 2016 at India Expo Centre &

India's relations with Africa not a transactional partnership: Vice President

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that India's relations with Africa was not a transactional partnership. Emphasizing the long history of relations from the time of common struggles against colonialism, he said that India is not merely returning to Africa what was earlier robbed from it. He was addressing the Mali National Assembly in Bamako, Mali, today. The Speaker

Rashtrapati Bhavan museum complex to host art exhibition of Rouble Nagi from October 2, 2016

The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex will host an Art Exhibition of eminent artist and sculptor Ms. Rouble Nagi from October 2 to 10, 2016 in its Art Gallery. The Exhibition titled “Flamenco” will include recently created sculptures and paintings. The Art Gallery will be open from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM from October 3 to 10, 2016. On the opening day, it will be open from 4.00 to 8.30 PM.

PM, CMs, Ministers sign Declaration of Commitment to make Swachh Bharat by 2019

Swachh Bharat movement the largest ever mass mobilization in the country, says Shri Venkaiah Naidu.After a slow start, Swachh Bharat Mission picked up momentum and on course-Minister. 405 cities, 20000 urban wards become Open Defecation Free.11 institutions felicitated with Best Swachh Awards.Top leadership of the country including the Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers

Schemes pertaining to Food processing Industries in Rajasthan

Secretary, FPI Mr Avinash K Srivastava visited Jaipur and Ajmer on 29.9.16. He had meeting with the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Rajasthan wherein Commissioner Industries, Additional Director Industries, SPV/promoters of M/s Greentech Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. , representatives of Programme Management Agency (Grant Thornton India LLP) and PMC (IL&FS) were also present.

84TH Air Force Day: Air Display

The Indian Air Force proudly celebrates its 84TH anniversary on 08 Oct 2016. A scintillating air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad).  Rehearsals for the air display will commence from 01st October 2016 (Saturday).  The general area over which aircraft will be flying at low levels

India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue Toronto, Canada

The third India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue was held on 29-09-2016 between the Commerce and Industry Minister Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman and the Trade Minister of Canada Ms Chrystia Freeland at Toronto. The discussion covered outstanding trade and investment related issues and among other things, focussed on expanding bilateral trade, having more B 2 B interface with

PM delivers inaugural address at INDOSAN – India Sanitation Conference

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today delivered the inaugural address at INDOSAN – the India Sanitation Conference – in New Delhi today.  He said that while no one likes dirt or dirty surroundings, the habit of cleanliness takes some effort to develop. He said children are increasingly conscious about issues regarding cleanliness. This shows that the Swachhta Abhiyan is touching

Infosys launches e-commerce platform Skava Commerce

Infosys on 28 September 2016 launched Skava Commerce, a modern, mobile-first and modular e-commerce platform that delivers engaging omni-channel experiences. Skava is a Silicon Valley based e-commerce startup which was acquired by Infosys.  

R Subramania Kumar appointed Executive Director of Indian Overseas Bank

The Union Government on 29 September 2016 appointed R Subramania Kumar as Executive Director (ED) of state-owned Indian Overseas Bank.Kumar is currently serving as the Executive Director of Indian Bank. About Indian Overseas Bank: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is a major public sector bank based in Chennai.  It has about 3700 domestic branches, including 1150 branches in

Telugu writer Prof Kalakaluri Enoch conferred 29th Moortidevi Award

Noted Telugu writer Prof. Kalakaluri Enoch was on 29 September 2016 conferred with Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith for the year 2015 at function in New Delhi. The award was given for his novel Ananta Jeevanam. The novel was thought-provoking and contemplative as it depicted the struggle of the weak, the downtrodden and the common man of Rayalaseema. This is the first time a

Shakti Sinha appointed as Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

Retired IAS officer Shakti Sinha was on 29 September 2016 appointed as the Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Sinha, who served in the Prime Minister's Office during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, was also Director in India Foundation, a think tank aligned to the RSS. The

Mamata declares Hooghly and North 24 parganas as ODF district

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today declared Hooghly as an open-defecation free (ODF) district. The North 24 parganas was also declared as an ODF district. Nadia was declared as the country's first ODF district on April 30, 2015. The state panchayat and rural development department has taken steps to make all the districts in Bengal open-defecation free by March 2019.

West Bengal government decides to install Monorail

West Bengal government has decided to install monorail from Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas to Ruby Connector in Kolkata. This was informed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 29 September 2016.  The 14-kilometre-long monorail route will connect Budge Budge to Ruby via Taratala, New Alipore and Prince Anwar Shah Road and will come up at a cost of 4216 crore rupees. This new

International Translation Day observed across the world

30 September: International Translation Day. The International Translation Day was on 30 September 2016 observed across the world with the theme Translation and Interpreting: Connecting Worlds. This is the annual event for the translation community and event is marked with a series of dedicated events, seminars and symposiums across the world.

18th World Congress of Criminology

The 18th edition of World Congress of Criminology would be held in India this year in Sonipat of Haryana. O P Jindal Global University (JGU) would be holding the three-day Congress in collaboration with the International Society of Criminology (ISC) from December 15-19 in its campus in Sonipat. The theme of the summit, organised by Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences

India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue

The third India-Canada Annual Ministerial Dialogue was held on 29-09-2016 between the Commerce and Industry Minister Mrs Nirmala Sitharaman and the Trade Minister of Canada Ms Chrystia Freeland at Toronto. The discussion covered outstanding trade and investment related issues and among other things, focussed on expanding bilateral trade, having more B 2 B interface with

New National Record in Javelin Throw

Javelin thrower Annu Rani breaks her own national record and became the first Indian woman to cross the 60m mark in 56th Open National Athletics Championships at Lucknow. Annu threw the javelin to a distance of 60.01m to erase her own earlier national mark of 59.87m which she made in July during the National Inter-State Championships in Hyderabad. 24-year-old Annu was

INS Gets New President and Members

Somesh Sharma of Rashtradoot Saptahik is elected President of The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for 2016-17.Sharma succeeds P.V. Chandran of Grihalakshmi (Mathrubhumi Group). Akila Urankar (Business Standard) is the new Deputy President, K. Balaji (The Hindu Weekly) the Vice President and Sharad Saxena (Hindustan Times) the Honorary Treasurer.  V. Shankaran is the Secretary General

Small savings schemes interest rate cut by 0.1%

 NEW DELHI: Rate of interest on small savings schemes have been cut marginally by 0.1%. The popular National Savings Certificate and Public Provident Fund (PPF) will see their interest rates come down to 8.0% in October-December quarter from 8.1% in April-Jul quarter. Interest rates for small savings schemes are reset every quarter now. The Kisan Vikas Patra will now pay out 7.7%

India may host investors' summit to attract funds for Chabahar

NEW DELHI: A major economic summit will likely be held in India within the next two months to attract investment from across the globe for the strategic Chabahar port in Iran which would give India access to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan, Afghan Ambassador to New Delhi said today.Referring to the meeting between Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin

India's 'biggest' spectrum auction starts on Saturday

NEW DELHI: India's biggest auction of telecom spectrum kicks off on Saturday with seven operators in fray for a total of 2,354.55 MHz across seven bands, towards which a reserve price of Rs 5.66 lakh crore ($85 billion) has been fixed by the government. The companies that have qualified for the auction are Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Reliance Communications, Idea

Now Sri Lanka expresses unwillingness to attend Saarc summit

COLOMBO/NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka on Friday expressed its unwillingness to attend the upcoming Saarc Summit in Islamabad, saying the prevailing environment in the region is not conducive for holding the summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, in a statement, said that the Saarc Charter requires that decisions at all levels are taken on the basis of unanimity, and this applies to the

Supreme Court cancels Mohammad Shahabuddin's bail, will return to jail

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin back to jail as it set aside the Patna High Court order granting him bail in the Rajiv Roshan murder case. A bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Amitava Roy said that Shahabuddin would be taken into custody forthwith. "The State will take all consequential steps to take him into custody

April-August fiscal deficit reaches 76.4% of FY17 target

NEW DELHI: India's fiscal deficit during the five months to August was Rs 4.08 lakh crore ($61.3 billion) or 76.4 per cent of the budgeted target for the fiscal year ending in March 2017, government data showed on Friday.The deficit is usually higher in initial months as major revenues, including income tax and dividends from state companies, are mostly received towards the end of a financial

India may deploy nuclear-capable Rafale jets on China, Pakistan borders: Reports

BEIJING: China apprehends that India will deploy the 36 nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jets to be acquired from France in the border regions of China and Pakistan to enhance its deterrence capability, a media report here said. India will deploy the new French-made fighters in the disputed areas bordering Pakistan and China, state-run Global Times reported quoting Shenzhen Television. A

ISRO's Cartosat 2C Satellite: The Key To India's Surgical Strike

On Thursday, the Indian army carried out what it termed as a "surgical strike" on terror camps located across the Line-of Control in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (POK). According to a report in the Times of India, ground images for this operation were provided by the recently launched Cartosat 2C satellite. Cartosat 2C was made in Ahmedabad and launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at

India has 2nd highest deaths due to air pollution: WHO

India is the second deadliest country for outdoor air pollution in the world, with 6,21,138 deaths happening due to air pollution in the country in 2012, according to the World Health Organisation. Also, India averages at 49 deaths per 1,00,000 capita due to air pollution. Notably, China tops the WHO list with 10,32,833 deaths recorded due to air pollution. it reveals that of the worst three

NTPC’s Green Masala Bonds listed at Singapore Exchange

State-owned NTPC announced the listing of its Rs 2,000 crore Green Masala Bonds on the Singapore Stock Exchange. NTPC has become the flag bearer for Rupee denominated Indian paper bringing in a new set of investors to meet the financing needs of the Indian Infrastructure sector on listing of Rs 2000 Crore Green Masala Bonds at Singapore Stock Exchange.  NTPC Director (Finance) K Biswal

Subroto Cup Boys U-14: Bangladesh win the tournament beating Chandigarh 4-2 on penalties

Bangladesh’s Krida Siksha Protisthan won their first ever Subroto Cup title as they defeated Chandigarh’s Government Model School in the penalty shootout by a margin of 4-2 after the game finished goalless after extra time. This meant that the Bangladesh side lifted the Under-14 Boys title at the 57th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament trophy at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in

Nitish govt's anti-liquor policy is illegal: Patna high court

NEW DELHI: Patna high court on Friday struck down Nitish+ government's Anti-liquor Act,  deeming it 'illegal'. The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill-2016 had strict provisions like arrest of all adult members of a family in the event of liquor bottle being found in a house. State's Governor Ram Nath Kovind had earlier given his assent+ to the Bill after more than a month of its passage from both

PM unveils trophy for BRICS U-17 football meet

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the trophy for BRICS U-17 football tournament, scheduled to be held in Goa from October 5 to 15. In his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the Nation's commitment to 'sports for all' and 'khelo India' and taking football to every corner of the country. Wishing the tournament a grand success, the Prime Minister said that he

India beat Pakistan to enter U-18 Asia Cup hockey final

DHAKA: India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 to storm into the summit clash of the fourth men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament on Thursday. India took the lead in the seventh minute through Shivam Anand's strike. It was the Indians who were more clinical in front of the goal, as three minutes from half time they doubled their lead through a penalty corner conversion by Dilpreet

Lalu Yadav's Partyman Shahabuddin Surrenders After Supreme Court Cancels His Bail

NEW DELHI:  Mohammad Shahabuddin, a controversial politician of Lalu Yadav's party in Bihar, surrendered after three weeks of freedom after the Supreme Court today cancelled his bail. "Take him into custody immediately," the court told the Bihar government. A man whose three sons were allegedly killed on Mr Shahabuddin's orders had petitioned against his release on bail. A former

Defence Acquisition Council clears proposals worth Rs 1,900 crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared proposals worth 1,900 crore rupees (close to $3 billion). All these approved proposals will be executed under ‘Buy India’ by Indian contractors. Decision in this regard was taken by DAC meeting chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi. Proposals cleared by DAC are Weapons repair facility at Port Blair at a cost of

Renowned Bangla writer Syed Shamsul Haq passes away

Syed Shamsul Haq, one of Bangladesh’s best known writers passed away 27 September 2016 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was 81 and was suffering from lung cancer. Mr. Haq’s literary life and career spread across genres and was known for equal mastery over novels, poetry, essays and plays. He was also vocal against religious fundamentalism. About Syed Shamsul Haq He was Born on 27 December

Telugu writer Kalakaluri Enoch conferred with Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith

Noted Dalit voice, poet and Telugu writer Prof.Kalakaluri Enoch was conferred with the prestigious Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith for the year 2015. The prestigious literary award was bestowed upon him for his novel Anantajivanam by Veteren art historian Dr Kapila Vatsyayana function in New Delhi. His novel Ananta Jeevanam depicts the struggle of the downtrodden, weak

After India 3 nations pull out of SAARC meet in pakistan

India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan on the issue of terrorism got a boost on Wednesday with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan also deciding to skip the Saarc Summit in Islamabad in November, setting the stage for the postponement of the meet. In a synchronised effort, India and the three other countries informed the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation’s (SAARC)

Myntra appoints Dipanjan Basu as Chief Financial Officer

Online fashion portal Myntra on 29 September 2016 announced the appointment of Dipanjan Basu as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Basu’s appointment will be effective from 17 October 2016.  Who is Dipanjan Basu?  Previously, Dipanjan Basu served as the Chief Finance & Operating Officer for Wipro’s Digital & Consulting Business where he was responsible in building and setting up new

Union Government decides to raise EPFO Investment in ETF from 5 to 10 per cent

The Union Government on 30 September 2016 decided to raise the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) investment in Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) from existing 5 per cent to 10 per cent. The decision has been taken considering the good returns in ETF investment.  An official release said, in the last one year, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has invested 6577 crore rupees. The

Union Government notifies constitution of Monetary Policy Committee

The Union Government on 29 September 2016 notified the constitution of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) has been amended by the Finance Act, 2016,  to provide for a statutory and institutionalised framework for a Monetary Policy Committee, for maintaining price stability. As per the provisions of the RBI Act, out of the six

Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL-ECONOMY-POLITICAL-SPORTS -Dated--29-09-2016--ENGLISH

TODAYS SPECIAL-DAILY-NEWS-29-09-2016

29 September: World Maritime Day

The World Maritime Day is observed across the world on 29 September to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment. Several events are organised to mark this day by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), member Governments, maritime industry etc. 2016 Theme: “Shipping: indispensable to the world”. The theme focuses on the critical

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India to invest $2 billion in Sri Lanka

India is going to invest 2 billion dollars in Sri Lanka in the next three-four years. It was announced by Union Minister for State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Sri Lanka. She had visited Sri Lanka for talks on the Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) to discuss the terms of the agreement. About Economic and Technological

29 September: World Maritime Day

The World Maritime Day is observed across the world on 29 September to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment. Several events are organised to mark this day by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), member Governments, maritime industry etc. 2016 Theme: “Shipping: indispensable to the world”. The theme focuses on the critical

World's first baby born from new procedure using DNA of three people

The world’s first baby was born from a new procedure that combines the DNA of three people. The baby was born in Mexico. The baby was born on 6 April 2016 after his Jordanian parents travelled to Mexico where they were cared for by US fertility specialists. The baby was born using the new and controversial technology, called mitochondrial donation, which incorporates DNA from three

Abbott India Gets New MD

Pharma company Abbott India appointed Ambati Venu its new managing director for a term of 5 years effective September 29, 2016. In February this year, Abbott India announced resignation of its managing director Rehan A Khan. 

DFCCIL Signs MoU with Railways

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation and the railways have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to fix the target for various projects during 2016-2017. Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), a government enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways, is at present carrying out construction of 3,342km eastern and

Jordan King Forms New Government

Jordan’s King Abdullah has formed a new government headed by Hani Mulki as prime minister for a second term. Mulki was first appointed last May to oversee the parliamentary elections. He was reappointed now and tasked with reviving a sluggish economy and business sentiment hit by regional turmoil by overseeing a new International Monetary Fund-guided programme that started this year. In

IOC Reprimanded Three Boxers

Three boxers have been reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for betting on boxing bouts during the 2016 Rio Olympics.The three boxers involved are Michael John Conlan, Steve Gerard Donnelly, and Antony Fowler. All three athletes have been issued severe reprimands

International Day of Older Persons

International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1st of October every year pursuant to the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly to observe the year 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons with the theme, “a society for all ages”. The 2016 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) will take a stand against ageism by drawing attention to and challenging

Islamabad SAARC Summit Postponed

SAARC Summit which was going to be held in Islamabad in Pakistan, has been postponed as four countries out of eight member grouping deciding to boycott the meet. Apart from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan have pulled out of the Summit scheduled to be held in November, indirectly blaming Pakistan for creating an environment which is not conducive for the successful holding of

PM Ujjwala Yojana Launched in J&K

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in Srinagar for the state of Jammu & Kashmir by Chief Minister of J&K, Ms Mehbooba Mufti along with Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan. This marks another step in the direction of providing LPG connections to 5 crore families who are Below Poverty Line (BPL). 

EESL assures of high quality LED Street Lights conforming to BIS standards

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) strongly refutes all claims of having installed faulty LED street lights in their project in the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) area. Under the Government of India’s Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) over 1.98 lakh conventional street lights have been replaced with LED street lights in Delhi. A social audit of about 4,500 people

NHAI Awards Contract for Two Highway Development Projects in Karnataka

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued Letter of Award (LOA) for development of following National Highway sections in the state of Karnataka on EPC mode under NHDP Phase IVB: NHAI Awards Contract for Two Highway Development Projects in Karnataka. 

Minister of Railways Launched and Dedicated Various Services to the Nation

Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Minister of Railways during a function held at Rail Bhawan today i.e. 29.09.2016, as a part of fulfilment of Budget Announcements 2016-17, launched and dedicated following services to the nation : -

Tirupati Airport Awarded “Best Tourist Friendly Airport” under the category for “State Annual Excellence Awards “

Tirupati Airport Awarded “Best Tourist Friendly Airport” under the category for “State Annual Excellence Awards “ Airports Authority of India’s Tirupati Airport has been awarded as “Best Tourist Friendly Airport” under the category for “State Annual Excellence Awards for the year 2015-16” by Andhra Pradesh Tourism. The award was presented on the eve of World Tourism Day by the Chief

Modi govt to launch Progress Panchayat for minorities today

The Narendra Modi government will on Thursday launch Progress Panchayat, a campaign to reach out to the minorities, particularly Muslims, to create awareness in these communities about the government’s policies and programmes and remove “fears and misconceptions” about the government. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi will launch first of the Progress

Modi govt's first strategic sale gets Cabinet nod

The Union government formally started strategic sales on Wednesday with the Allahabad-based Bharat Pumps and Compressors (BPCL) getting the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)'s in-principle approval for privatisation. The government has budgeted Rs 20,500 crore to come from strategic sales this financial year.  In a separate decision, the Cabinet also cleared closure

Prime Minister Unveils Roll on Trophy for BRICS U-17 Football Tournament

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today unveiled the Roll On Trophy for BRICS U-17 Football Tournament, scheduled to be held in Goa from October 5 to October 15. In his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the Nation’s commitment to ‘Sports for All’ and ‘Khelo India’ and taking football to every corner of the country. He emphasised that the youth being the leaders of the future,

Government approves further import of 80,000 Masur and 90,000 Tur

The Government has approved further import of 80,000 MT Masur and 90,000MT Tur for buffer stock of pulses. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Price Stabilization Fund chaired by Union Consumer Affairs Secretary, Shri Hem Pande here today. The meeting reviewed the procurement and distribution of pulses from buffer stock. So far, the Government agencies have

Complete Army Statement On Surgical Strikes Across Line of Control (LoC)

This is what Lt General Ranbir Singh, the army's Director General of Military Operations, said today:It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This is reflected, amongst others, in the terrorist attacks on 11 and 18 September in Poonch and Uri respectively. Almost 20 infiltration

This 'World Heart Day,' Laugh A Bit Louder To Keep Your Heart Younger

NEW DELHI:  As Confucius said, "Happiness makes up in height, what it lacks in length." Ashishh Gupta, the fitness expert at Gold's Gym, Gurgaon pens his experience, how it took him years to understand the real meaning of the quote. "In a world, which is becoming much programmed, humour and laughter have taken a backseat. We are losing the plot! We have started finding

Congress Thwarts Obama On 9/11 Bill

WASHINGTON:  Congress voted to decisively overturn President Barack Obama's veto of a controversial 9/11 victims bill Wednesday, the first override of his presidency and a sharp setback for longtime U.S. ally Saudi Arabia. The bill clears the way for families of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to file claims against Saudi Arabia for the kingdom's long-rumored but

China To Build World's Deepest, Largest High-Speed Rail Station

SHANGHAI:  China will build the world's deepest and largest high-speed railway station at a popular section of the country's Great Wall, as part of its preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics, state media reported today. The station will be at Badaling, the most visited section of the Great Wall which lies about 80 km northwest of Beijing. The site received 30,000 tourists in just one day during

International Monetary Fund Releases $102.1 Million To Pakistan

WASHINGTON:  The International Monetary Fund or IMF today released $102.1 million to cash-strapped Pakistan as part of its final tranche of distribution of financial assistance to improve and restructure the country's economy. The disbursement was part of $6.15 billion approved by the IMF Board in September 2013. "Significant challenges remain for Pakistan in the post-program period,

World's Oldest Wooden Pagoda In China Enters Guinness Record

BEIJING:  A nearly 1,000-year-old wooden pagoda in China's northern Shanxi province, has been declared the world's tallest wooden pagoda by the Guinness World Records. Wu Xiaohong, a Guinness World Records notary, granted the certificate to Wang Xinjun, director of an agency responsible for the pagoda's protection, state-run People's Daily reported. Wu said it is a classic

Monetary Policy Committee constitution under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 notified.

The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) has been amended by the Finance Act, 2016,  to provide for a statutory and institutionalised framework for a Monetary Policy Committee, for maintaining price stability, while keeping in mind the objective of growth. The Monetary Policy Committee would be entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) required

PSBs can't be run like driverless cars: RBI

Flagging severe talent crunch at the top in public sector banks (PSBs), Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor S S Mundra on Wednesday pressed for the need to focus on human resource management. He said there cannot be a “leaderless bank” even if autonomous vehicles edge closer to reality. This assumes significance in the light of an ailing Chennai-based Indian Overseas Bank functioning

Project Saksham gets govt nod for easy GST roll-out

In a swift progress towards the goods and services (GST) tax roll-out from April 1, 2017, a Cabinet committee cleared the Rs 2,256 crore back-end information technology (IT) project for the indirect tax department on Wednesday. The new indirect tax network (systems integration) called Project Saksham will be developed with the help of Wipro.  "The implementation strategy for the project will

Govt to divest 7% in Hindustan Copper today

The government will sell 7% stake in Hindustan Copper as a part of this year’s disinvestment programme. The share sale will be done through the so-called offer for sale (OFS) route on Thursday at a base price of Rs 62 per share, five per cent discount to current market rate. Shares of Hindustan Copper on Wednesday closed at Rs 65.35 on the BSE. A total of 64.76 million shares have been put

Sebi allows commodity exchanges to introduce options

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has allowed commodity exchanges to introduce trading in options. The regulator on Wednesday said in a circular sent to exchanges that would require its approval, which will be subject to guidelines that would be announced later. Sebi has refrained from introducing index-based futures as of now. Leading commodity exchanges have their

Nobel Laureate Shimon Perez passes away – End of the Nobel Peace Trio

Nobel laureate and former Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Perez succumbed to illness at a hospital in Tel Aviv today.  He was 93 and was being treated after a suffering a stroke two weeks ago. Acclaimed as the founder of modern Israel, Perez is credited with his the Oslo Accords, which created the Palestinian Authority and formed the basis of negotiations  to fulfill the “right to self determination”

Former Aussie pacer Max Walker passes away

MELBOURNE: Former Australia fast bowler Max Walker died on Wednesday following a battle with cancer. The 68-year-old played in 34 Tests and 17 one-day internationals (ODIs) and was also a key figure in the introduction of World Series Cricket in the late 1970s, according to Cricket Australia. Walker claimed 138 Test wickets and 20 ODI scalps between 1973 and 1981, including 12

Maharashtra gets Rs1,269 crore as drought aid

The Union government on Wednesday approved Rs1,269 crore of drought assistance for Maharashtra. A panel headed by home minister Rajnath Singh decided on the aid at a meeting on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Maharashtra chief minister’s office said. The move was approved following the recommendations of a central government committee that inspected drought conditions

India to sign social security pacts with other BRICS nations

India will sign social security agreements with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa after a consensus emerged at a BRICS labour ministers conference on Wednesday that they will promote labour mobility in the grouping. India has been trying to persuade the US to sign a similar bilateral social security agreement, which could help bring back billions of dollars worth of contributions

Bengal lags in urban reforms

New Delhi, Sept. 28: Bengal has shown the least progress in initiating reforms under a scheme launched last year to modernise the working of urban local bodies, according to data available with the urban development ministry. Bengal's performance in the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) could be a cause for concern as states that achieve the scheme's

Centre to aid rain-hit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

Hyderabad: The Centre has promised to assist rain-battered AP and Telangana states. Central teams will visit both the states to assess the damage to life and property after TS and AP submit reports on the rain-havoc, Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said in New Delhi on Wednesday. He briefed his Cabinet colleagues Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Radha Mohan Singh on the damage caused by

Jayalalithaa announces bonus worth Rs476.71 crore for Tamil Nadu PSU employees

Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa announced a bonus of Rs.476.71 crore to employees of state public sector companies on Wednesday. “About 3.67 lakh eligible employees would receive bonus of a minimum Rs.8,400 up to Rs. 16,800 per month for the period 2015-16. In total, the various public sector companies will receive a total of Rs.476.71 crore as bonus,” a

India not to cap aviation emission

NEW DELHI: The Centre has given its approval to ratify the Paris agreement on climate change, a move that will bring the global deal into force early November. But it has toughened its stand on negotiations to cap emissions by the aviation sector, making it clear that India will not commit to reducing emissions in the sector by 2020 as it will be an "injustice" to the country's growing

World's first baby born from new procedure using DNA of three people

The world’s first baby was born from a new procedure that combines the DNA of three people. The baby was born in Mexico. The baby was born on 6 April 2016 after his Jordanian parents travelled to Mexico where they were cared for by US fertility specialists. The baby was born using the new and controversial technology, called mitochondrial donation, which incorporates DNA from three

Americas declared free of measles

The Region of the Americas is the first in the world to have eliminated measles, a viral disease that can cause severe health problems, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and even death. This achievement culminates a 22-year effort involving mass vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella throughout the Americas. The declaration of measles' elimination was made by the

7th Pay Commission: Committee On Allowances To Increase HRA By 120 Per Cent

New Delhi: In what could bring cheer to millions of central government employees and pensioners, the committee on allowances is likely to purpose more than double House Rent Allowance (HRA), with the increases ranging between 106% and 122% for all categories of employees.  The committee on allowances is ready to submit its report even two months in advance, when the Finance minister

SC forces BCCI to go into huddle over Lodha committee recommendations

Rattled by the fury of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the BCCI will meet here on September 29-30 to chalk the course of action. The BCCI will be holding an Emergent Special General Meeting to consider the amendments to BCCI’s rules and regulations as recommended by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice RM Lodha Committee. The Supreme Court though has held that holding the

PM Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security over ceasefire violations at LoC

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation at the Line of Control. The meeting comes in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the LoC. Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Naugam sector of Kashmir by opening

Paytm Founder named ‘Best Businessman’ at GQ Awards

GQ has named Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO of India’s largest payments and commerce company, Paytm in the much prestigious ‘GQ Awards 2016, Men Of The Year’. The annual list recognizes excellence across sectors – from cinema and fashion to business and sports. Vijay is the first Indian startup entrepreneur to be recognised among the GQ Men of the Year. In his

Indian NGO receives first-ever FIFA Diversity Award

Indian NGO Slum Soccer has won the inaugural FIFA Diversity Award . The award was created by FIFA to recognise outstanding organisations, group initiatives and football personalities that are standing up for diversity and inspire unity, solidarity and equality among all people. Slum Soccer uses football to connect individuals, teach life skills and work towards improving the living

Maestro’s tribute to MS

Akruti, a cultural organisation founded by Sudhakar organised a significant event to celebrate M. S. Subbulakshmi’s 100th birth anniversary. On the occasion noted mridangam vidwan Yella Venkateswara Rao was honoured with ‘The Subbulakshmi Award’. The event held at Ravindra Bharati had two signifying segments recalling contribution of MS to the field of music. While the

President to honour senior eminent citizens

New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) President Pranab Mukharjee will present the National Awards for Senior Citizens -- Vayoshreshtha Samman-2016 -- to eminent individuals and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens. The awards will be presented at Vigyan Bhawan here on International Day of Older Persons which is observed on

Twenty African eco-enterprises to receive prestigious SEED Awards

Nairobi, 28 September 2016 - Shoes made from old tires by disabled artisans in Ghana, roads built from recycled plastic in Kenya, natural fertilizers made from water hyacinths in Burkina Faso. Those are just some of the 20 African eco-innovations honoured this year with the prestigious SEED Awards.  Founded in 2002 by UN Environment, UN Development and the International Union for

Amitabh Bachchan and Ranveer Singh bag GQ awards

Amitabh Bachchan and Ranveer Singh bag GQ awardsOozing with style and glamour, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh and Saif Ali Khan walked home with trophies at the GQ Men of the Year Awards 2016.  GQ India celebrated its eighth anniversary with the annual Men of the Year Awards in association with Chivas at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai on Tuesday. The eighth edition of the

Hindustan Power awarded 'Best Solar Developer'

Bhopal, Sep 27 () India's leading integrated power major Hindustan Power was awarded the Best Solar Developer' by the Indian Power Producers Association of India during its 17th Regulator and Policy makers Retreat at Goa. The award was conferred to the company on the basis of its significant contribution to the Indian solar sector which has the distinction of commissioning India's first 5 MW

raina to lead UP ranji team

KANPUR: Suresh Raina will lead the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team in the first two matches in the forthcoming season. Raina has recently led India Green in the Duleep Trophy matches, held at Noida. And agood show by the India limited overs star will go a long way in convincing the selectors that he is good for the longer version of the game too. Announcing the team on Wednesday, the selectors

Aditi wins gold in Senior National Aquatic Championship

Aditi Dhumatkar wins gold medal in the 100m Freestyle Senior Women's category at the 70th Glenmark Senior National Aquatic Championship here today. Aditi clocked 00:29.14 sec to beat Olympian Shivani Kataria of Haryana, who settled for a silver with a time of 00:59.50 sec and Maharashtra swimmer Rayna Saldhan won the bronze medal after clocking 00:59.91 sec.

Javelin thrower Ravinder sets first meet record

Javelin thrower Ravinder Singh broke the first meet record in the 56th Open National Athletics Championships with an effort of 79.04m on the second day of competitions here today. World junior record-holder Neeraj Chopra held the previous meet record of 77.67m from last year. The silver medal went to Shivpal Singh (77.72m) who also bettered the old mark.  Olympian Manpreet Kaur

Vishwakarma beats veteran Kirrtane to win title

Siddarth Vishwakarma of Delhi today won his first career men's singles title by stopping veteran Pune player Nitten Kirrtane 6-1 7-6(2) in the MSLTA-ATT Tennis Tournament (M3) organised by Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association at their courts here.  Vishwakarma employed his variety of play and better ground-strokes to dominate the first set comfortably before his 42-year-old rival

Indian women's kabaddi team defeat Thailand to clinch gold medal at Asian Beach Games

Danang: India bagged their first gold medal at the 5th Asian Beach Games with the women's beach kabaddi team winning the title for the record fifth time in succession in Danang, Vietnam. Indian beat Thailand 41-31 in a hard-fought summit clash at Bien Dong Park. The Indian women's kabaddi team had been winning the gold since the inception of the biennial Games in 2008. Indian women's

Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL-ECONOMY-POLITICAL-SPORTS -Dated-28-09-2016--ENGLISH

TODAYS SPECIAL-DAILY-NEWS-28-09-2016

Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s 109th birth anniversary observed across India

India is observing the 109th birth anniversary of revolutionary socialist Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Born on 28 September 1907, Bhagat Singh was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement.

Some events organised to mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary includes.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bhagat Singh on his 109th birth anniversary.  Delhi Government decided to

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Cabinet clears IOC-OIL-BPCL's Russian stake buy for $3.14 bn

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet today gave its nod to a consortium of IOC, Oil India and BPCL buying stakes in two Russian oilfields for a total of USD 3.14 billion. Indian Oil Corp, Oil India and a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) will buy 29.9 per cent stake in Taas-Yuryakh oilfield in East Siberia for USD 1.12 billion and another 23.9 per cent in Vankor oilfield for USD 2.02 billion. The

IIT-D partners with French firm for fellowship programme

New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) said on Tuesday that it has partnered with multinational electronics company Thale for a Phd fellowship programme to facilitate scientific collaboration between India and France. Thales, an electronics major in the field of defense and aerospace, signed an MoU to conduct research in both countries under the

Telangana inks MoU with ISRO to promote education

Hyderabad, Sep 28 (IANS) The Telangana government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to improve services of its educational channel 'Mana TV'. The MoU was inked by officials of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication of the state government, and ISRO's Development &

India-Nigeria pact to boost Infrastructre, Energy Sectors

ABUJA: India has identified infrastructure development and energy security as the key areas for cooperation with Nigeria and said these sectors would allow both countries to collaborate and benefit from each other's expertise. "Infrastructure stimulation programmes launched by the government of India, like the mission to develop 100 smart cities, upgrade infrastructure development in urban and

ICAR to train 24 lakh agri-workers by 2022

NEW DELHI: Amid shortage of skilled agri- workers, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has decided to train 24 lakh farmers by 2022 in areas like polyhouse construction, biogas and vermi compost. "There are 14 crore farmers in the country, but we hardly have skilled workers who can support them in constructing polyhouses, making beekeeping boxes, establish the structure for

Indian sugar production estimate at 23.5 million metric tonne, down 6.5% year on year: Platts

KOLKATA: With less than a month before the start of the 2016-17 season in India, Platts is keeping the Indian sugar production estimate at 23.5 million metric tonne, down 6.5% year on year throughout the off crop period. The southwest monsoon, which is in the withdrawal phase, is 5% below the Long Period Average (LPA) at 794 millimeters over June 1-September 19 and can be

Cuba, Russia sign Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation

Russia and Cuba have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful atomic energy use. The agreement was signed between Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom and Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment in Vienna. Key Facts The agreement was signed on the sidelines of International 60th Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference held in Vienna,

Shimon Peres, former Israeli President, passes away

Peres’ condition worsened following a major stroke two weeks ago. In an unprecedented seven-decade political career, Peres filled nearly every position in Israeli public life and was credited with leading the country through some of its most defining moments, from creating its nuclear arsenal in the 1950s, to disentangling its troops from Lebanon and rescuing its economy from triple-digit

‘King of Golf’ Arnold Palmer passed away aged 87

American golf legend Arnold Palmer has died in Pittsburgh at the age of 87. Palmer, one of golf’s greatest players whose immense popularity drew a legion of fans known as “Arnie’s Army” and helped propel the game just as television was coming of age, died on Sunday, the US Golf Association and golf media reported. Before accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004,

Pak Approaches International Court Of Justice Over Indus Waters Treaty: Report

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan on Tuesday approached the International Court of Justice over implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, with senior Pakistani officials taking up the matter with the World Bank. A delegation led by the Attorney General for Pakistan, Ashtar Ausaf Ali, met senior officials of the World Bank at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington to discuss matters relating

Somalia releases new dates for elections

Somalia's electoral body has postponed the nation's electoral process by a month. The Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) said the presidential election will now take place on Nov. 30 while parliamentary elections will be held from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10 for both the Lower and Upper houses.  "The election of speakers of both houses of parliament will be held on Nov. 23,"

New lizard species named as Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii discovered in Mumbai

A new species of a ground-dwelling lizard has been discovered in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony and Thane’s Badlapur forested belts in Maharashtra. It has been named as Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii or Giri’s Geckoella after a Bengaluru-based scientist Varad Giri. It was discovered 130 years after the last such gecko was discovered. Key Facts Cyrtodactylus Varadgirii or Giri’s Geckoella belongs to

Cabinet approves India's move to ratify Paris Agreement on climate change

NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the country's move to formally join the Paris Agreement on climate change by giving its green signal for its ratification. As announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Sunday, the country will submit its instrument of ratification to the United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon on October 2 -- the birth anniversary of Mahatma

Over 90% of world breathing bad air: WHO

GENEVA: Nine out of 10 people globally are breathing poor quality air, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, calling for dramatic action against pollution that is blamed for more than six million deaths a year. "It is a public health emergency," said Maria Neira, head of the WHO's department of public health and environment, adding that urgent action to tackle air pollution "can't

In Rwanda, India to seek just deal on phasing out of HFCs

NEW DELHI: With India deciding to ratify the Paris Agreement on October 2, the focus is now shifted to the country's move on curbing the use of climate-damaging refrigerants hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under Montreal Protocol at the time when nearly 200 countries are gearing up to meet in Kigali, Rwanda next month to discuss amendment to this 1987 global deal. The countries are

Hyderabad pup wins PETA's 'Cutest Indian Dog Alive' contest

HYDERABAD: After hundreds of votes and careful deliberation by judges from the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, Rosco, whose guardian is Spandana Raj, beat out nine other finalists to win PETA's 5th annual 'Cutest Indian Dog Alive' contest. The contest was created to show that the kindest thing a prospective guardian can do is to adopt an Indian dog from the streets or

Cabinet approves acquisition

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to an Indian Consortium comprising Oil India Limited (OIL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petro Resources Limited (BPRL) for acquiring 23.9 percent stake in JSC Vankorneft and 29.9 percent stake in LLC Taas-Yuryakh from M/s Rosneft Oil Company

Cabinet approves Administrative and Financial Sanction towards the implementation of the Project SAKSHAM

Cabinet approves Administrative and Financial Sanction towards the implementation of the Project SAKSHAM . The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved ‘Project SAKSHAM’, a New Indirect Tax Network (Systems Integration) of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). The total project cost involved is

Cabinet approves Productivity Linked Bonus to railway employees

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to pay Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages to eligible non-gazetted railway employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel) for the financial year 2015-16. The approval entails a financial implication of approximately Rs.2090.96 crore.  Payment of PLB would result in motivating

Cabinet approves Closure of Hindustan Cables Limited, Kolkata

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for closure of Hindustan Cables Limited (HCL), Kolkata as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956/2013, Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and other relevant Acts. The employees will be offered attractive VRS/ VSS Package at notional 2007 pay scales and other employees’

Cabinet approves an Undertaking between India and Korea on Mutual Recognition of Certificates for Seafarers, 1978

Cabinet approves an Undertaking between India and Korea on Mutual Recognition of Certificates for Seafarers, 1978. The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of an Undertaking between India and Korea on Mutual Recognition of Certificates. It is in pursuance of the Regulation 1/10 of International Convention on Standards of

Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval to Varistha Pension Bima Yojana, 2003 and Varistha Pension Bima Yojana, 2014

Cabinet gives ex-post facto approval to Varistha Pension Bima Yojana, 2003 and Varistha Pension Bima Yojana, 2014 . The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) 2003 launched on 14th July, 2003 and Varistha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) 2014 launched on 14th

Cabinet approves India - Singapore MoU to give a boost to Innovation, Creativity and Technological Advancement

Cabinet approves India - Singapore MoU to give a boost to Innovation, Creativity and Technological Advancement.  The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Industrial Property Cooperation between Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Interactive Voice Response System of NMDFC Launched

Annual Conference of Its State Channelising Agenciesbegins make Impact of Minority Welfare Schemes Visible on Ground: Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi . Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs emphasized to give priority to “development agenda” regarding progress of poor, weaker sections and minorities to

President of India releases book ‘Citizen and Society’ written by Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari

President of India releases book ‘Citizen and Society’ written by Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the book ‘Citizen and Society’ written by Vice President Shri Mohd Hamid Ansari today (September 23, 2016) at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.  Speaking on the occasion, the

India accounts for majority air pollution casualties: WHO

Air pollution is killing nearly eight lakh people annually in the South East Asian Region (SEAR) with India alone accounting for over 75 per cent of the casualties caused by cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer, according to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) report on Tuesday. The report said nine out of 10 people globally are breathing poor quality air while nearly 90 per cent of air

Yoga-promoting institutions out of service tax net

Yoga instructor Ramdev's trusts and similar other institutions engaged in promoting yoga are not required to pay the service tax for a period, starting from June 20, 2012 to October 20, 2015, provided they are registered as charitable entities. For period after October 20, 2015, Yoga-promoting institutions has come under the negative list which are exempt from the service tax. There was

WTO cuts global trade growth to 1.7% in 2016

Global trade is expected to grow at its slowest pace in 2016 since the 2009 financial crisis gripped the world, the World Trade Organization said on Tuesday. The intergovernmental organisation revised its estimates for global trade growth, saying it would expand by just 1.7 per cent.  In September 2015, the WTO estimated that global trade would rise 3.9 per cent in 2016. It had lowered that projection to

ADB maintains India's economic growth at 7.4% for FY17

Asian Development Bank on Tuesday retained its projections for India's economic growth at 7.4 per cent for the current financial year, 0.2 percentage points lower than what was clocked in 2015-16. In its latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2016 update, ADB said India's economy will remain on a strong growth path in FY17, aided by implementation of key structural reforms, robust consumer

Two Metro lines for Greater Mumbai get Cabinet nod

Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved two Metro corridors in Greater Mumbai with a total investment of Rs 25,525 crore. The 23.5 km DN Nagar-Bandra-Mankhurd Metro 2B corridor entails investment of Rs 10,986 crore while the 32 km Wadala Ghatkopar Thane Kasarvadavli Metro 4 corridor will cost Rs 14,549 crore. These two corridors are the government's plan to put in place

Paris Agreement to constrain India's energy policy

Worries of India being left out of the negotiations for the Paris Agreement rulebook starting November have ended with the government moving to ratify the global climate change compact on October 2.  The ratification by adequate number of countries will bring the agreement in to force. It will become operational in 2020. Between now and 2020 countries will set the international

Indonesia's Go-Jek acquires Bengaluru startup Pianta for talent

Indonesian on-demand motorcycle taxi service Go-Jek has acquired Bengaluru-based home health care service Pianta, founded by former Ola executives, for an undisclosed amount as it looks to shore up on talent at its India engineering centre. Go-Jek will integrate the entire team from Pianta, including the founders, into its engineering centre in Bengaluru.  The deal marks the Indonesian

India to boycott Islamabad SAARC Summit

A day after holding a meeting to review the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday upped the ante against Pakistan. The government announced that it will boycott the Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit that Pakistan is slated to host in November. Blaming Pakistan and the Uri terror attack of September 18 in which 18 Indian soldiers

Asia’s oldest MTB race kicks off in Shimla

The 12th edition of Asia’s oldest and world’s 3rd toughest mountain biking (MTB) race kicked off on 24 September 2016 from historic Ridge Maidan of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Nearly 67 participants from 14 countries including 11 men of SSB are taking part in the race which would conclude on 3 October 2016 in Dharmshala, the district headquarter of Kangra. Mohit Sood,

Puducherry Government decides to waive-off all farm loans

Puducherry Government on 26 September 2016 decided to write off all farm loans taken from co-operative Banks in the Union Territory. As per the decision, the principal loan amount, interest and penal interest of all farmers will be waived off. The measure will cost the state Exchequer 20 crore rupees and benefit about 7000 farmers of the Union Territory.  The decision was taken during the

Google launches instant messaging mobile app Allo

Google on 21 September 2016 launched its latest mobile chat application, Allo, along with Google Assistant that can be used in online conversations with friends. The messaging app, which is available for Android and the iPhone, has similar features to most other messaging applications. In Allo, messages are not encrypted end-to-end by default. However, the messages can be switched to

Tripura Assembly Ratifies GST Bill

Tripura Assembly unanimously ratified the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST). State Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha moved a resolution to ratify the Constitution (122 Amendment) Bill, 2014, which was passed without any opposition. President Pranab Mukherjee gave assent to the Constitution Amendment Bill on GST on September 8 after it was passed in the both

86 MoUs Signed in Tourism Summit

The ‘Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit (IITIS)- 2016’ is organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry and the Tourism Finance Corporation of India from 21st to 23rd September, 2016 to promote investments in Tourism sector in India. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand,and Chattisgarh exchanged 86 MoUs during the

IAF Conducts Exercise Talon

IAF command along the western front has gone on a high alert with a major exercise across all its 18 airbases and other installations from Srinagar to Bikaner. The objective of “Exercise Talon” involving the crucial Western Air Command (WAC) is to “improve operational preparedness and air defence” in the entire stretch from J&K to Rajasthan.  IAF is leaving nothing to chance at a time when

Harish Banghel Win Silver Medal

Harish Banghel won a silver in the men’s middleweight Muay Thai event at the 5th Asian Beach Games. Banghel lost to Zhang Yongkang of China in the final of 71-75kg category to settle for a silver. Muay Thai is a combination of boxing and martial arts originated in Thailand. Yesterday, India had opened their medal account with Pinky Balhara bagging a bronze in kurash.  India has a

Pt. Deendayal Krishi Puruskars won by Smt. Krishna Yadav,

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has announced felicitation of farmers at the National and Regional level every year on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay.  Government of India has instituted Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Krishi Puruskar (National & Zonal) from this year 2016. The awards include one award at national level

Tigers Wildlife Tourism Awards

4th TOF Tigers Wildlife Tourism Awards 2016 honoured men and women working to restore the green cover of India and Nepal in multiple ways. The evening, hosted by the British High Commissioner Dominic Asquith KCMG, had in attendance Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, acclaimed naturalist Valmik Thapar and chairman awards panel film maker Mike Pandey amongst

New Species of Pika Found IN higher altitudes of the Himalayas in Sikkim.

A new species of a small mammal in the rabbit family has been discovered in the higher altitudes of the Himalayas in Sikkim.Identified as ‘Ochotona sikimaria’ — the new pika species was discovered by the study based on genetic data and skull measurements. These members of the rabbit family look like tailless rats and have been in the news in North America for their sensitivity to impacts of

H R Khan Committee on development of corporate bond

H R Khan committee on development of corporate bond in August 2016 recommended that foreign portfolio investors be allowed to trade directly in corporate bonds. In accordance with it, the Securities Exchange Board of India now allowed foreign portfolio investors (FPI) to trade directly in corporate bonds without needing any broker.  FPIs will have an option to “directly access corporate

India and Seabed Authority Sign Agreement

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), for exploration of Poly-Metallic Sulphides (PMS) in Indian Ocean. The ISA is an institution set up under the Convention on Law of the Sea to which India is a Party. The ISA earlier approved an application submitted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for

NASA Spots Water Plumes on Europa

Astronomers have spotted evidence of water vapour plumes rising from Jupiter’s moon Europa.The apparent plumes detected by the Hubble Space Telescope shoot about 125 miles (200 km) above Europa’s surface before, presumably, raining material back down onto the moon’s surface. Europa, considered one of the most promising candidates for life in the solar system beyond Earth, boasts a

SEBI Relaxes Norms for Employees

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to relax its regulations to enable employees to apply for shares over the Rs 200,000 limit. The application for shares of the value in excess of Rs 2 lakh shall be considered as application for additional shares and shall be considered only in the event of under-subscription in the employee reservation portion.  Tthe unsubscribed shares

Census 2011 Data on Median Age

According to Census 2011 data, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar’s populations have the lowest median ages or youngest populations in India while Kerala and Tamil Nadu have the highest median age. The median age is the age which divides the population into two equal halves, i.e. there are as many people older than the median age as there are people younger than it. A low median age would

Inter-Ministerial committee reviews procurement of Kharif pulses

An Inter-Ministerial meeting held here today under chairmanship of Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs, Shri Hem Pande reviewed prices and availability of pulses here today. In the meeting, it was informed that Government agencies- NAFED, FCI and SFAC have started aggressive procurement operations to ensure minimum support prices to farmers after the arrival of crop in

Lodha panel moves SC seeking removal of BCCI top brass including Anurag Thakur

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today pulled up the BCCI, asking it to "fall in line" after the Justice R M Lodha panel sought removal of the top brass of BCCI, including its President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke, for non-compliance of the apex court directions. The Lodha panel, in its status report filed before the apex court, had sought the replacement of top brass of the cricket

National Mission on Bio economy was launched in Shillong

In order to boost rural economy by utilising bio-resources, a National Mission on Bioeconomy was launched by the Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The mission is unique to south-east Asia and India has become one of the few countries to have tapped bio-resources, which when optimally utilized can create a large number

Obama opens new African American Museum

President Barack Obama heralded the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, an institution dedicated to the many threads of black suffering and triumph. The first black president of the United States cut the ribbon to inaugurate the striking 37,000-square-meter bronze-clad edifice before thousands of spectators gathered in the nation’s capital to witness the

Japan to host 2026 Asian Games

Japan’s Aichi prefecture and its capital city Nagoya were confirmed as co-hosts of the 2026 Asian Games,  The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) formally endorsed the bid after Aichi Prefecture governor Hideaki Ohumra and Nagoya city mayor Takashi Kawamura presented their joint offering to the OCA General Assembly in Danang, which is currently hosting the fifth Asian Beach

ISRO launched satellites into two orbits for first time

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched eight small satellites into two different orbits in space on board its workhorse launch vehicle, the PSLV. This was the first time ISRO launched satellites into two different orbits on the same flight. “With today’s launch, the PSLV’s capability to launch satellites into two different orbits has been successfully demonstrated,” ISRO

Iran introduces credit cards for the 1st time

The Central Bank of Iran is allowing local financial institutions to issue credit cards for the first time in the Islamic Republic’s history. The full introduction of the cards could take some time as local banks will need to get used to the credit card system, according to the head of Iran’s central bank Valiollah Seif.  The step reportedly aims to encourage public spending. The cards will be offered with

Lopamudra Raut , the second runner-up at Miss United Continents 2016

Lopamudra Raut has bagged the second runner-up spot at Miss United Continents, which was held in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Jeslyn Santos from Philippines won the title of Miss United Continents. Lopamudra Raut is an Indian model and beauty queen from the state of Maharashtra . She was born and brought up in Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra. She completed her schooling in her

Uttam Singh named for Maharashtra's 'Lata Mangeshkar Award'

MUMBAI, Sep 27 : Veteran music director and violinist Uttam Singh has been named for this year's "Lata Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime Achievement" of the Maharashtra government on the eve of the legendary singer's 86th birthday on Wednesday, Education Minister Vinod Tawde announced here on Tuesday. The award carries a citation, a trophy and Rs 500,000 in cash. It will be presented to the

New species of ground-dwelling lizard discovered in Mumbai

A new species of a ground-dwelling lizard has been discovered in Goregaon's Aarey Colony and Thane's Badlapur forested belts. The species has been named after a Bengaluru-based scientist Varad Giri. The species is discovered 130 years after the last such gecko was discovered. The findings on the new species were published in the third week of September 2016 in the international scientific

World Rabies Day observed with theme Rabies: Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate.

World Rabies Day was observed on 28 September 2016. The theme for World Rabies Day is Rabies: Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate. The day is annually celebrated to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating the disease. The theme of the day emphasises on the two crucial actions that communities can do to prevent rabies. It also reflects the global target to

World Bank reappoints Jim Yong Kim for second term as President

Executive Directors of the World Bank on 27 September 2016 agreed unanimously to reappoint Jim Yong Kim to a second five-year term as President of the World Bank Group, beginning 1 July 2017.The Board noted that in the first year of Kim’s leadership, which began in July 2012, shareholders endorsed two ambitious new goals for the institution. They were: Elimination of

Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017 released by World Economic Forum; India moves to 39th spot

World Economic Forum (WEF) on 27 September 2015 released the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2016-2017. The report assesses the competitiveness landscape of 138 economies. The 2016-17 report comes out in the context of persistent slow growth and a near-term outlook that is fraught with renewed uncertainty fueled by continued geopolitical turmoil, financial market fragility, and

Official Emblem launched for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on 27 September 2016 unveiled the Official Emblem for the event. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be India’s first international football event. The FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 will be held in six venues across the country during October 2017. The emblem of the first-ever FIFA tournament in India was

Indira Gandhi International Airport becomes first in Asia-Pacific region to achieve carbon neutral status

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) on 27 September 2016 announced that the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve carbon neutral status. DIAL is a GMR Group-led consortium which manages and operates IGI airport.  The announcement on the carbon neutral status was made by Airports Council International

Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s 109th birth anniversary observed across India

India is observing the 109th birth anniversary of revolutionary socialist Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Born on 28 September 1907, Bhagat Singh was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement.

Some events organised to mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary includes.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bhagat Singh on his 109th birth anniversary.  Delhi Government decided to

US appoints Jeffrey DeLaurentis as first Cuban Ambassador in 55 years

The United States on 27 September 2016 appointed its first Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis to Cuba in 55. The two countries broke off relations in 1961 after the communist revolution. He was appointed to the post by President Barack Obama, who said that it was a step towards a more normal and productive relationship. He said that there was no better qualified public servant. But this

Union Government approves name change of Gurgaon to Gurugram

The Union Government gave its approval to change the name of Gurgaon to Gurugram. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on 27 September 2016 announced that the city as well as the district of Gurgaon will now onwards be known as Gurugram. Also known as the Millennium City, Gurgaon is recognized both nationally and globally as an industrial, information technology, software

Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL-ECONOMY-POLITICAL-SPORTS -Dated-26-09-2016-27-09-2016--ENGLISH

TODAYS SPECIAL-DAILY-NEWS-27-09-2016

27 September: World Tourism Day

The World Tourism Day (WTD) is being observed annually on 27th September to raise awareness about the importance of tourism. Significance of the day: To foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. 2016 Theme: ‘Tourism for all – promoting universal accessibility’. It seeks to spread both the importance

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Sania Mirza maintain dominance in WTA double's ranking

India's Sania Mirza maintained her numero uno position in the latest WTA women's doubles ranking following her recent victory in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, partnering Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic.  Sania with 9730 points continued to be world number one in doubles but only five points separate her from her estranged partner Martina Hingis. Sania and Strycova had earlier ousted Hingis

'India to ratify Paris Climate Change agreement on Oct 2'

The Prime Minister on Sunday announced that India will ratify the Paris Climate Change agreement on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Talking about the need to ratify the agreement , the PM said there is a looming threat due to global warming to many coastal countries and cities. During the Paris climate meet in December last, more than 190 nations had agreed on

World’s largest solar power plant commissioned at Kamudhi, Tamil Nadu

The world’s largest solar power plant with an installed capacity of 648MW was commissioned at Kamudhi in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The plant was set up on an area of around 5,000 acres by Adani Group at a total cost of Rs 4,550 crore. It was connected to the grid through a sub-station. Key Facts The plant was set up the plant in eight months. For this purpose, Adani Group

India and Russia joint military exercise Indra 2016 begins

The eighth edition of joint military exercise ‘Indra-2016’ between India and Russia has begun in Russian city of Vladivostok. The main focus of this edition of bilateral military exercise is on Counter-Terrorism Operations in semi mountainous and jungle terrain under United Nations Mandate. Key Facts The eleven days bilateral military exercise seeks to achieve interoperability in

Union Government to launch Mission Parivar Vikas for improved family planning services

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is going to launch Mission Parivar Vikas for improved family planning services in 145 High Focus districts in seven states. The objective of mission is to accelerate access to high quality family planning choices based on information, reliable services and supplies within a rights-based framework. Key features of Mission Parivar Vikas These

India, France ink deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets

India and France has signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of 7.87 billion Euros. The deal was signed by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian. Eric Trappier in New Delhi. This is the first fighter aircraft deal signed by India with other country since the purchase of Sukhoi aircrafts from Russia in

Sun Pharma signs deal with ICGEB to develop India’s first dengue vaccine

India’s largest pharmaceutical company Sun Pharma has signed deal with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for clinical development Cissampelos pariera (Cipa), India’s first vaccine (drug) for the treatment of dengue. The partnership between Sun Pharma and ICGEB aims to develop` safe, effective and affordable botanical drug Cipa. Key Facts Under the

2nd SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism held in New Delhi

The second meeting of the High Level Group of Eminent Experts to strengthen the SAARC Anti-Terrorism Mechanism was held in New Delhi. Delegations from all eight SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries participated in the conference. SAARC  members are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

GST council sets exemption threshold for tax at Rs.20 lakh

The first meeting of Goods & Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to exempt businesses with annual turnover below Rs.20 lakh out of the GST net. The meeting was presided by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi and was attended by Finance ministers of states. Key Outcome of GST council’s first meeting Exemption Issue: Threshold for exemption for businesses in

First Russia-Pakistan military exercise Druzhba-2016 begins

The first military exercise between Russia and Pakistan named Druzhba-2016 (Friendship-2016) has kicked off in Pakistan. With this, Pakistani Army and Russian Ground Forces (RGF) have come together for the first time in military exercises reflecting growing military ties between two former Cold War rivals. Key Facts The military exercise is taking place at the Army High Altitude School in

Union Government decides to suspend talks on Indus Waters Treaty

The Union Government has decided to suspend all talks on India-Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the Uri attack. Decision in this regard was taken by meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was attended by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, tWater Resources Secretary and senior PMO officials. Key Highlights of Meeting No

Syrian aid group White Helmets wins Right Livelihood Award

Syrian aid group White Helmets has won the prestigious Right Livelihood Award which is also known as ‘alternative Nobel’ prize. The White Helmets also known as the Syria Civil Defence is a Syrian civil organisation of emergency responders in rebel-held areas. It has been honoured for their outstanding bravery, compassion and humanitarian engagement in rescuing civilians from the destruction of the Syrian civil war. The White

2 Indians selected for 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards

Two Indian forest officials have been selected for the 2016 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Awards. They are Assistant Conservator Ritesh Sarothiya of Madhya Pradesh State Forest Service and Range officer Sanjay Dutta of Belakoba Forest Range Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. Both of them have been honoured with this award for their exemplary law enforcement actions to protect wildlife.

Velavan Senthilkumar wins U-19 Asian title of Squash

India’s squash player Velavan Senthilkumar has won the Under-19 Asian Junior Individual squash championship title. In the final match held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia’s capital), he defeated Jordan’s Mohammad Al-Sarraj by 12-14, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 score. With this he becomes, second Indian to win this title after Ravi Dixit in 2010. Among 31 Indian players that had participated in

Pinky Balhara wins bronze medal in 5th Asian Beach Games

India’s Pinky Balhara has won bronze medal in the sporting event of kurash at the 5th Asian Beach Games held at Da Nang, Vietnam. She won the medal in women’s 52kg category after she lost to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy of Vietnam in the semifinals. Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy won the gold medal in this event while another Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Quynh won the silver medal. To

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran wins Belgium Open title of Table Tennis

Indian paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran has won the Belgium Open title of the table tennis in the men’s singles category. This was his first his first pro title. In the final match played at De Haan in Belgium, he defeated defeating local player Nuytinck Cedric 4-0 score in the final with 15-13, 11-6, 11-2, 17-15. With this victory, he becomes only the second Indian table tennis player to win an ITTF

National waterways project threatens Gangetic dolphins

According to the scientists and wildlife conservationists, the National Waterways (NW) project possesses serious environmental threat to Gangetic river dolphins. The development NW1 in the River Ganga is considered as single-largest threat to the survival of the species, whose numbers are declining in most parts of their natural habitat. River dolphins are found in Ganga and Brahmaputra

Researchers produce carbon from sugarcane waste for use in batteries

Researchers from Pune (Maharashtra) have produced high-quality carbon from sugarcane waste within minutes by using a low power microwave system. They had used a simple, cost-effective and quick process to convert sugarcane bagasse into anode-grade porous, conducting, activated carbon material for use in Li-ion batteries. What they achieved it? They had carried out initial carbonisation

World’s largest radio telescope built in China

China has built world’s largest radio telescope nicknamed Tianyan (Heavenly Eye” or “The Eye of Heaven) or the five-hundred-metre aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST). It has started its operation and is part of China’s drive to become a science powerhouse. It is located in the Dawodang depression (vast natural crater), a natural basin in Pingtang County in the Guizhou Province,

CSIR celebrates its platinum jubilee

India’s largest civilian research and development agency Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated its platinum jubilee. The platinum jubilee celebrations were inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is also the President of CSIR. PM Modi also released seven new plant varieties developed at CSIR laboratories. He also witnessed exclusive CSIR

ISRO successfully launches 8 satellites into two different orbits

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for first time has successfully launched eight satellites into two different orbits in a single mission. These satellites were launched onboard of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C35 (PSLV C35) from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta. It was PSLV’s longest and most complex mission. It is also for the first time

Gionee inks MoU with Haryana Government to set up manufacturing hub in Faridabad

The Gionee India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana government to set up its phone manufacturing hub in Faridabad. The MoU was signed by Gionee Mobiles Chairman Liu Lirong and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) in presence of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Key Facts The hub would be set up

India ranks 112th in 2016 World Economic Freedom Index

India has been ranked 112th out of 159 countries in the 2016 World Economic Freedom Index (WEFI). The index was release as part of the 2016 annual report of the Economic Freedom. The report measures the economic freedom by analyzing the policies and institutions of all 159 countries and territories and was based on data from the year 2014. Key Facts The economic freedom index of

UNSC approves resolution for global implementation CTBT to ban nuclear weapons tests

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has approved a resolution urging quick global implementation of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban treaty (CTBT) to ban tests of nuclear weapons. The resolution has welcomed progress made towards universalization of the Treaty with 14 votes in favour of it and one abstention (Egypt). Key Facts The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions for both

World’s largest radio telescope built in China

China has built world’s largest radio telescope nicknamed Tianyan (Heavenly Eye” or “The Eye of Heaven) or the five-hundred-metre aperture spherical radio telescope (FAST). It has started its operation and is part of China’s drive to become a science powerhouse. It is located in the Dawodang depression (vast natural crater), a natural basin in Pingtang County in the Guizhou Province,