The Indian space agency's century emboldens it to embrace the private sector. Almost unsung, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed a century of launching satellites in space! This was in true Test cricket fashion a slow plod taking almost 36 years, since the first satellite to be launched from India was Rohini in 1980. In a bold first move, ISRO is also opening its doors to the
Monday, 4 July 2016
ICC relaxes Decision Review System for LBWs
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 2 July 2016 approved a change to the DRS (Decision Review System) playing condition relating to the LBW “Umpire’s Call”. The decision will allow changes to the decision review system which will make it easier to overturn not-out LBW decisions. The decision was taken at ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh. As per the amendment, the size of
Michael Cimino, director of film The Deer Hunter, died
Michael Cimino, the director of the Vietnam War classic The Deer Hunter, died on 2 July 2016 at his Los Angeles home. He was 77. Cimino was best known for directing, producing and co-writing the 1978 Academy Award-winning film The Deer Hunter. The film won five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture for Cimino. He was also remembered for writing and directing Heaven's
Haryana to develop new Industrial Township at an expense of $5 billion
The Haryana Government on 2 July 2016 announced that it would develop an industrial township in the state at an expense of 5 billion dollar. The new industrial township will spread in over 1500 acres of land in Sohna and Manesar areas of Gurgaon. For this purpose, the Haryana Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
Maharashtra to shelve labour reforms amid protests
MUMBAI: More than a year after Maharashtra decided to amend the Industrial Disputes Act, the state has decided to shelve the move following stringent opposition from groups including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh amid signs that the government is backtracking on a number of proposed crucial reforms. Senior government officials said the state is unlikely to carry out the amendment on the lines
France offers EUR 1 billion to revive India's combat jet engine project
NEW DELHI: France has offered to invest EUR 1 billion to revive India's combat jet engine project, proposing a joint development plan that could see the stalled 'Kaveri' gas turbine powering indigenous Tejas fighters by 2020. The proposal is to use offset credits that would come from the planned Rafale fighter jet deal to revive the indigenous jet engine project, people involved in talks between the Indian
India, Virat Kohli maintain status quo in ICC rankings
DUBAI: India remained third in the latest ICC ODI rankings released today while star batsman Virat Kohli maintained his second spot in the standings. Amongst other teams, World champion Australia has retained its number-one ranking following its 58 runs victory over the West Indies in the final of the tri-series in Barbados on Sunday, but South Africa has dropped behind India in fourth place after it failed
High alert on Indo-Bangla border in 5 states
A high alert has been sounded on the Indo-Bangla border in the five states of West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assama and Mizoram in the wake of the terror attack in Dhaka with the Border Security Force (BSF) stepping up its vigil. India and Bangladesh share a 4,096 km-long international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world, with West Bengal having the highest length with 2,217 km. The
SC rues barriers for disabled in govt. service
A “disheartened” Supreme Court asked the NDA government to investigate the “barriers” preventing disabled persons from entering government service, especially into the higher ranks, despite a 21-year-old law making it the state’s obligation to provide them at least three per cent reservation in public sector jobs. “The intent is to turn persons with disability (PWD) into ‘agents of their own destiny’...
Anita Nair's book 'Chain of Custody' exposes shocking reality of child trafficking in India
Anita Nair has been writing for nearly 20 years. But, the writer, who is best known for The Better Man, Ladies Coupe and Mistress, hadn’t experienced her toughest exercise in penning fiction until two years ago. In 2014, when she started working on her second thriller, Chain of Custody — part of her Inspector Borei Gowda series — a lot of things changed for her. With Chain of Custody set to release
India ranks 35th in 2016 Logistics Performance Index: World Bank Report
In the recently released bi-annual Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2016 of World Bank Group, India ranked 35th among 160 countries. The index was published in the World Bank bi-annual report ‘Connecting to Compete 2016: Trade Logistics in the Global Economy’. For the third time, Germany has topped in LPI. Key facts Top 5 countries in 2016 LPI: Germany (score: 4.23 points), Luxembourg
Sunday, 3 July 2016
Punjab Government launches Rapid Rural Police Response System
Punjab Government has launched Rapid Rural Police Response System (RRPRS) to ensure prompt and effective police response in 12,000 villages across the state. The system was launched Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Sukhbir Singh Badal. Besides, he also flagged off 400 new motorcycles and 220 new Bolero jeeps under the new system. Key Facts The RRPRS has been launched by Punjab police to
India’s first Commercial Court and Commercial Disputes Resolution Centre inaugurated in Chattisgarh
India’s first Commercial Court and Commercial Disputes Resolution Centre was inaugurated at Raipur, capital of Chhattisgarh. It was inaugurated by State Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh along with Supreme Court judge Madan B. Lokur. Key facts The first Commercial Court and Commercial Disputes Resolution Centre complex has ultra-modern facilities like e-Court, e-Library, e-Filing, Video-
1st meeting of BRICS Working Group on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency begins in Visakhapatnam
The first meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency began in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The two day conference will be attended by all 5 member BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. India being BRICS chair for 2016 has organised this event in order to shape and steer the BRICS agenda. The Union Power Ministry is
Brexit: IMF warns of repercussions for global economy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) has created significant uncertainty. The uncertainty is likely to dampen growth in the near term, particularly in the UK, but with repercussions for Europe and the global economy. Key facts IMF predicts that macroeconomic and financial market impacts in the UK and EU due to Brexit
Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 Austrian Grand Prix of F1
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has won the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix title of Formula One. It was his third title of the 2016 season after Monaco Grand Prix (May 2016) and Canadian Grand Prix (June 2016). Austrian Grand Prix was the ninth race of the 2016 season and was held at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria. Rankings after 2016 Austrian Grand Prix 1st position:
Outpouring of grief over Elie Wiesel’s death
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Net-anyahu says the memory of the late Nobel laureate, author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel will be “enshrined in our hearts and in the heart of humanity forever.”He further added that “the state of Israel and the Jewish people express sorrow over the death of Elie Wiesel. Elie, a master of words, gave expression to the victory of the hum-an spirit over cruelty and
India set to host South Asian Basketball Qualifiers
The South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Zone Qualifying Round of the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016 will be held from July 6 to 8 at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. The three-day competition will be played on a round robin league format. Four South Asian teams – defending champions and hosts India, Nepal, Bangladesh and the island nation of Maldives are in the fray. India’s training camp
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel dies at 87
Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor and author who fought for peace, human rights and simple human decency, has died at the age of 87. Wiesel, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, recounted his family being sent to the Nazi concentration camps in his first book, “Night,” which was published in France in 1958. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded Wiesel as a “master of words.”Born
Ex-MP Ranji player Kapil Seth passes away
Former Madhya Pradesh cricketer Kapil Seth has recently passed away. He was 36. According to the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), the all-rounder was suffering from Hepatitis B. Seth, who represented the state in only one first-class and a List A game in the 2000-01 season, made his sole Ranji Trophy appearance against Vidarbha in November 2000,ESPNcricinfo reported. He smashed
India to host world’s first MMA League
India will be hosting the world’s first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) ‘Super Fight League’ from August 26 to October 1. The franchise-based league will feature eight teams – Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Haryana, Bangalore, Punjab, Pune and Goa. The league will be a platform for Indian MMA players like Anup Kumar, CJ Singh, Amit Roy, Dhruv Chaudhary to showcase their skills. Each team will
Cyprus set to sign new tax treaty with India
India and Cyprus have agreed to revise their tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied on sale of shares on investments made after April 1, 2017, thus bringing the island nation at par with Mauritius in terms of tax treatment on investments. The new Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which has been agreed upon by both the countries, would provide for source-
China builds world’s largest radio telescope
China has hoisted the final piece into position on what will be the world’s largest radio telescope, which it will use to explore space and help in the hunt for extraterrestrial life. The Five Hundred Metre Aperture Spherical Telescope, or Fast, is the size of 30 football fields and has been cut out of a mountain in the south-western province of Guizhou. The telescope, which has taken about five years to
RIMPAC 2016: World’s largest international maritime exercise kicks off
The multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific Southern California 2016 has kicked off, occurring in and around Southern California through Aug. 4. RIMPAC SOCAL, helmed for the first time by Naval Surface Mine Warfare Development Center (SMWDC), allows U.S. and partner nation participants to train together with sea and shore based commands. Participants will receive relevant and realistic
Saturday, 2 July 2016
Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-02-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com-english
Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-02-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com-english
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court today sought responses from the
Centre, RBI, market regulator SEBI and CBI on a plea seeking a direction that
the offshore portfolio investors, who invest in the Indian stock market through
participatory-notes, should not be allowed to withdraw the money till further
orders. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan issued the notice on the
interim application, which was
Supreme Court notice to Centre, RBI and CBI on plea on Participatory-notes
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court today sought responses from the Centre, RBI, market regulator SEBI and CBI on a plea seeking a direction that the offshore portfolio investors, who invest in the Indian stock market through participatory-notes, should not be allowed to withdraw the money till further orders. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan issued the notice on the interim application, which was
Mondal and Vedika setting more records
Swadesh Mondal and Vedika Amin continued in their merry ways at the Glenmark 33rd sub-junior National aquatic championships, setting more records on the penultimate day of the meet at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre here. A total of three new records were established on Friday, with Assam’s Uttara Gogoi raising the bar in the Group 3 girls’ 50m butterfly event. After having broken
Indian team wins 'team spirit award' at NASA competition
A group of 13 Indian engineering students, including four girls, has won the team spirit award in NASA's prestigious global competition to build and design remotely operated vehicles from scratch. The team named 'Screwdrivers' from Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management, Mumbai, won "Aloha Team Spirit"award at the Mate International ROV Competition at the NASA Johnson Space
PM to attend 300th Martyrdom Anniversary Commemoration Event of Baba Banda Singh Bahadurji
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will attend a commemorative event to mark the 300th Martyrdom Anniversary of Baba Banda Singh Bahadurji, in New Delhi on Sunday. The Prime Minister will release a book and souvenir on Baba Banda Singh Bahadurji on the occasion. The event will be attended by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri Parkash Singh Badal. A recently released ommemorative
Lt Gen MK Unni Takes over as the new DGAFMS
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Unni assumed the charge of Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) in a function here today. A graduate from the Armed Forces Medical College AFMC, Pune, he was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on February 27, 1977. He trained as a paratrooper and has served with the Special Forces as a Regimental Medical Officer of the elite 9 Para
TERI organises the 4th Environment Educators’ Conference
New Delhi: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a form of learning which strives to re-orient society towards sustainable practices. It aims at promoting development that is environmentally sound, socially equitable, culturally sensitive and economically just. It is a system that prepares learners to handle a crisis, become responsible citizens, adapt to change and address global problems.Education
ATA- American Telugu Association, Silver Jubilee year in Chicago,
Grand celebrations of ATA- American Telugu Association, Silver Jubilee year will be held from July 1st- July 3rd at Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. American Telugu Association, ATA, is known for its services to the Telugu population living in USA. Since its inception 25 years ago, ATA has been rendering commendable services in the form of Literature, culture and social means. "We
Book out on ‘Magical Biodiversity of India’
Mumbai: BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) on Thursday hosted a release function of a book based on biodiversity of the country. A book named’ Magical Biodiversity of India’ was released on Thursday, which was authored by Asad R. Rahmani with photographs by Dhritiman Mukherjee. Shantanu Moitra, Music Director officially released the book. “Through this large pictorial book, we
RBI signs MOU with National Bank of Cambodia
The Reserve Bank of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information” with National Bank of Cambodia.The MoU was signed by H.E Kim Vada, Director General of Banking Supervision, on behalf of National Bank of Cambodia and Smt Meena Hemchandra, Executive Director, on behalf of Reserve Bank of India.
Kenya hikes cash award for Olympic medals, warns dope cheats
ELDORET, Kenya, Jul 2 : Kenya’s deputy president William Ruto announced increased cash incentive for the country’s Olympic medallists while promising tough punishment for dope cheats who tarnish the country’s image at the Rio Games next month.The east African nation known for middle and long distance running excellence has been under global scrutiny after more than 40 Kenyan athletes failed
Indian Railways to take up Rs 20,000-crore port connectivity projects
Ministry of Railways will take up 21 port-rail connectivity projects, at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore, under the government's Sagarmala project to strengthen evacuation network and boost last-mile connectivity to the country's ports. In addition, another six projects are being considered by the Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd (IPRCL). "The Ministry of Railways will be taking up 21 port-rail
Rawat asks Centre to maintain 90:10 funding for U'khand
Dehradun: Claiming that the circumstances in which Uttarakhand was given special category status still persist, Chief Minister Harish Rawat today asked the Centre to maintain the funding pattern for externally aided projects in the state in the ratio of 90:10. Making the request at a meeting with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Rawat said with 65 per cent of its land covered with forests,
After Mauritius, India signs double taxation agreement with Cyprus
India and Cyprus have agreed to revise their tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied on sale of shares on investments made after April 1, 2017, thus bringing the island nation at par with Mauritius in terms of tax treatment on investments. "The provisional agreement would be placed before the Union Cabinet for approval, subsequent to which the new tax treaty can be signed by the two
BMW to develop driverless car technology with Intel, Mobileye
FRANKFURT: BMW is teaming up with Intel and Mobileye to develop new technology for the auto industry that could put self-driving cars on the road by around 2021. Carmakers and technology firms are increasingly working together as they race against Silicon Valley companies such as Google, Tesla and Apple to develop driverless vehicles. "Together with Intel and Mobileye, the BMW Group will
Jewellers get one more month to register with excise department
Jewellers across the country have been given one more month to register themselves with the central excise department, a statement from the government said.Finance minister Arun Jailtey, had announced a levy of 1% excise duty on all non-silver jewellery, which triggered a nation-wide protest against the government. Jewellers shut shop for over 45 days, resulting in losses running into thousands of crores.
PM oks $1bn deal with US for 4 Poseidons
The India-US strategic clinch continues to get tighter. Soon after the two finalised the bilateral military logistics pact, the US has bagged yet another mega arms deal to reassert its status as India’s largest weapons supplier in recent years. Defence ministry sources on Friday said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has cleared the acquisition of four Poseidon-8I
INS Tarasa, Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft, launched by Indian Navy
Indian Navy on 30 June 2016 launched the fourth in the series of Follow-on Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FO-WJFAC) called INS Tarasa. It was launched at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. The name of the ship, like the previously launched FO-WJFACs, is based on the picturesque island in the Andaman and Nicobar islands in the Bay of Bengal.
India’s thriving biodiversity: 445 new species added in 2015
The most discoveries were made in the Eastern Himalaya region, which accounts for 19 per cent of the total discoveries. Four species of reptiles, six species of amphibians, 26 species of fishes, three species of wild ginger and three of figs are among the 445 species new to science identified in India in 2015. The figure includes 262 animal species and 183 plant species. Some of the notable additions to the list
NASA’s Juno spacecraft swims into Jupiter’s magnetosphere
NASA’s Jupiter-bound Juno spacecraft has entered the planet’s magnetosphere, where the movement of particles in space is controlled by what is going on inside Jupiter. “We’ve just crossed the boundary into Jupiter’s home turf,” said Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton of Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio. “We’re closing in fast on the planet itself and already gaining valuable data,” said
Apple patents tech for deactivating cameras at live concerts
Using iPhones to record at live shows might become a thing of the past as Apple won a US patent for a technology that can force your iPhone into disabling video-recording mode at concert venues.The system uses infrared signals to send messages to your phone to tell it to shut down video recording. Apple’s patent illustration showed a phone at a concert with the words “recording disabled” on
RBI permits J.P. Morgan to open 3 more branches
While other lenders are paring down operations, J.P. Morgan seems to be in an expansion mode.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed J.P. Morgan Chase to open three more branches in the country, the lender said on Friday which will enable the U.S-based bank provide better services to its clients in India and overseas, according to a top official. “We are very excited with the overall growth
Equitas gets final nod to start small finance bank
Equitas Holdings on Friday said it has received the final approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start operations as Small Finance Bank (SFB). The new entity will be known as Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited and begin banking operations after receiving few other approvals from various departments of RBI and other agencies, it said. “We hope to start operations in next few months with a
Sri Lanka government consulted us on OMP bill: TNA
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of four Tamil parties, on Friday acknowledged that the Sri Lanka government had consulted the alliance during the preparation of the draft bill on the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), which had been tabled in Parliament. Lauding the government’s “constructive engagement” on the bill, the alliance said in a statement: “We are pleased that several of the extensive
Now isolated, Britain joins France at WWI centenary event
Over 1 million were killed, wounded or went missing in the Battle of the Somme in northern France, pitting British and French troops against German ones from July 1 to November 18, 1916.One week after Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, Prime Minister David Cameron and royal family members will stand side by side with France’s President Francois Hollande to celebrate their historic
Russian Ilyushin IL-76 plane fighting forest fire disappears
Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Situations on Friday said an Ilyushin IL-76 plane disappeared with ten people on board while on a forest fire fighting mission in the far eastern Irkutsk region. “The plane was putting out a fire in the Kachugski district and it is not known where it went missing,” a source from the emergency ministry said. The aircraft last made contact at 2.45 a.m. on Friday and no malfunctions
Politics stretches list of Smart Cities from 100 to 109
Contrary to his long-standing dictum of “jitna aata, utni roti” (only as many chapatis as the quantity of flour or cutting the coat according to the cloth) — Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu is slowly yielding to political compulsions by allowing more cities to participate in the upcoming Smart City Mission competition. As per the Urban Development Policy, only 100 cities are listed to be
After selfie gaffe, Rajasthan women’s panel member quits
Rajasthan Women’s Commission member Somya Gurjar, who posted a selfie with a rape victim, resigned on Thursday following widespread condemnation of her act on social media and in political circles. Women’s Commission chairperson Suman Sharma had also reportedly sought a written explanation from Ms. Gurjar.The selfie, in which Ms. Sharma also appeared, was clicked at the Japiur
Ministry of Home Affairs opposes visa-free entry
Ministry of Home Affairs has informed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that they were against a proposal to allow “visa-free” entry to business visitors and tourists from eighteen key countries, including China.Electronic tourist visa on arrival (eTV), it said, was granted within 48 hours of an application being received in almost 87 per cent of the cases. Normal tourist visas, which were valid
UNICEF report shows results of integrated schools in Rajasthan
The success of the newly-introduced transformative education programme, which has led to the establishment of an integrated school and an elementary one in each village panchayat of Rajasthan, was highlighted in the ‘State of the World’s Children’ report for 2016 released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) here earlier this week. The preliminary results of the schools are
Welfare money for workers unused: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday criticised the government for failing to implement welfare schemes meant for construction workers after squeezing thousands of crores in building cess from hapless property buyers. “Crores meant for the welfare of construction labourers lies unused in banks in various States while their children play in the sand outside building sites with no hope for the future.
President Pranab Mukherjee presents BC Roy National Awards for 2008, 2009 & 2010
President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday presented the Dr BC Roy national awards for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These awards were presented on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day observed on July 1 to pay honour and tribute to India’s most famous physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. The awardees are 2010: Nikhil C. Munshi, O.P. Kalra, Tejinder Singh, Subash Gupta, Amrinder
RIL, SBI ink Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreement for payments bank JV
Telecom-to-energy conglomerate Reliance Industries (RIL) and India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) have signed Subscription and Shareholders’ Agreement to set up payments bank. As per the agreement, RIL will be the promoter with a 70 per cent equity contribution in the payments bank and SBI as joint venture will have 30 per cent equity contribution. Background RIL-SBI combine was
Amul to officially sponsor Indian contingent at Rio Olympics 2016
India’s largest food products marketing organization Amul has become the official sponsor of Indian contingent to the 2016 Rio Olympics. In this regard, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells its product under the brand Amul has inked an agreement with Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Key Facts By sponsoring Indian contingent, Amul seeks to engage with youth and
Union Sports Ministry grants recognition to Paralympic Committee of India
The Union Sports Ministry has granted recognition to Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced temporary lifting of suspension on it. This recognition gives a huge confidence boost to the several para-athletes who have qualified for 2016 Rio Paralympics. The IPC had suspended PCI in April 2015 due to internal conflicts between different
Friday, 1 July 2016
Corporate sector showed positive sales growth: RBI
Pricing power of private corporate sector - measured by operating profit margin - remained flat in the fourth quarter over the third quarter, but sales growth was positive at the aggregate level after contracting for four quarters, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data. Pricing power improved for services sector (other than IT) and declined marginally for the IT sector in the fourth
CAG seeks auditing of regulators like RBI
In a rare public appearance on Friday, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma added a new dimension to the ongoing debate on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the banking system in general. Delivering the keynote address at a conference on Financial and Corporate Frauds organised by industry body Assocham in New Delhi, Sharma said there was a need to consider
BRICS Youth Summit begins in Guwahati
A Youth Summit for the BRICS countries has began in Guwahati with the theme ‘Youth as bridge for Intra-BRICS Exchanges‘. The subjects to be covered are skill development and entrepreneurship, social inclusion, youth volunteerism and youth participation in governance. The programme for the summit also includes thematic debates, cultural events, site-visits and interactive sessions with local youth. The
Iceland named world’s safest vacation spot
Iceland has been named as the world’s safest vacation spot. Based on the recently released Global Peace Index (GPI) ranking, the Institute for Economics and Peace charted the world’s safest destinations. Iceland also called the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic island country situated between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. The country has a population of 332,529 and covers an area of
SBI to offer banking services on Facebook, Twitter
The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), launched three digital initiatives and indicated that it may have to prune its branch network once its associates are merged. SBI made its debut on social media banking by launching its platform called “Mingle” through which its customers can transact using Facebook and Twitter. The customers have to register for this service through a simple
Haryana govt forms committee to review higher, technical edu
The Haryana government has constituted a five-member committee to review the standard of higher and technical education in the state and suggest changes and reforms in acts of various state universities, if required. Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma today said the Review Committee headed by Brij Kishore Kuthyiala, which also includes Om Prakash Arora as Convener and Yogesh Singh,
Exam-Oriented-Current-Affairs-Dated-01-07-2016-www.KICAonline.com-english
New Delhi: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced today the launch of LEED Lab in India, a multidisciplinary immersion course that utilizes the built environment to educate and prepare students to become green building leaders and sustainability-focused citizens. LEED Lab, which is already being offered at international universities in Latin America, the Middle East and Greater Asia,
US Green Building Council Launches LEED Lab in India
New Delhi: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced today the launch of LEED Lab in India, a multidisciplinary immersion course that utilizes the built environment to educate and prepare students to become green building leaders and sustainability-focused citizens. LEED Lab, which is already being offered at international universities in Latin America, the Middle East and Greater Asia,
Eminent Marathi literary scholar R C Dhere passes away
Eminent Marathi writer R C Dhere, known for his exhaustive research in folk literature and bhakti tradition of Maharashtra, passed away here this morning following prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 86. Dhere, a recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award in 1987 for his book ‘Sri Vitthal- A Mahasamanvayak (Lord Vitthal- A great coordinator)’, carved a niche for himself by tracing the roots
Yakshagana artiste Siddakatte Vishwanath Shetty passes away
Eminent Yakshagana artiste both in Tenkuthittu and Badaguthittu, Siddakatte Vishwanath Shetty (71), passed away on Friday after a brief illness. Born in 1945 at Ajjibettu, Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, he was known for his oratory skills and giving life to any role during the performance. He was equally famous in Talamaddale (Yakshagana sans dance) as an eminent
Noted classical singer Veena Sahasrabuddhe passes away
Acclaimed Hindustani classical singer and exponent of the ‘Gwalior gharana’ Veena Sahasrabuddhe passed away here following a prolonged illness, family sources said today. The 67-year-old singer, who passed away at her residence yesterday, is survived by her husband, son and daughter. Born in Kanpur on September 14, 1948, Sahasrabuddhe learnt music from her father Pandit Shankar Shripad Bodas,
Writer and futurist Alvin Toffler dies
Alvin Toffler, the author of Future Shock, passed away on 27 June 2016 in Los Angeles, United States. He was 87. Toffler’s book Future Shock outlines people's anxiety at the pace of social change in the 1960s. A writer and futurist, Alvin Toffler was known for his works discussing modern technologies. His works included the digital revolution and the communication revolution with emphasis on their
Delhi-Centre tussle: AAP govt moves Supreme Court
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear on Monday the plea of AAP government in Delhi seeking a direction that the high court be restrained from delivering its judgement on issues including the scope of powers of the city government to exercise its authority in performing public functions. A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur will hear the appeal of Delhi government in
109 Nobel laureates sign a letter slamming Greenpeace over GM crops
NEW DELHI: As many as 109 Nobel laureates, mostly scientists, have signed a letter urging the Greenpeace to end its opposition to the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and calling upon governments around the world to reject the NGO's campaigns that opposed biotechnological innovations in agriculture. Urging the Greenpeace, known for its anti-GM crops stand that led many
Reliance Defence gets Reserve Bank nod to exit CDR
Reliance Defence and Engineering has received RBI approval to exit the corporate debt restructuring package. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure has acquired nearly 35 per cent in Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Co, which has been renamed as Reliance Defence and Engineering. Sources said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared Reliance Defence exiting the CDR package. The
The Union HRD Minister launches ‘Prashikshak’- a teacher education portal
Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani dedicated ‘Prashikshak’ - a teacher education portal, to the nation at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi today. ‘Prashikshak’ is launched with a vision to strengthen District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and bring quality teachers into the Indian school education system. Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani,
BWF rankings: Saina up at 5th; Jwala, Ashwini slip to 20th
: Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal climbed to fifth spot, according to the latest rankings released today by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). However, due to lacklustre performance of Jwala and Ashwini cost them their rankings came down four places moving at 20th spot in women’s doubles. Saina, after retaining her second Australian Open title recently thrashed her Chinese player Sun Yu,
India to host this year's BRICS summit
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that BRICS nations have achieved a major success in a short journey. India is hosting this year's Brics summit in Goa in the month of October where over 8, 000 delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are expected to take part. India is hosting the summit in its capacity as chair of the influential bloc. The minister called upon
India-born Rajesh Agrawal appointed London's Deputy Mayor
London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has appointed India-born Rajesh Agrawal as the deputy mayor for business. Khan had tasked Agrawal with championing London's interests following the exit of Britain after the EU referendum, and protecting jobs and growth while the negotiation process for exit takes place. Agrawal was Khan's business adviser during his mayoral campaign. Born and brought up in
ICC elects Saudi Arabia as it's 39th Associate Member
Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) has been an Affiliate Member of the ICC since 2003 and, as per the 2014 census, boasts 4,350 cricketers and 80 dedicated cricket facilities. Saudi Arabia was on Thursday unanimously elected as the International Cricket Council’s 39th Associate Member during its Full Council meeting in Edinburgh. Saudi Cricket Centre (SCC) has been an Affiliate Member of the ICC
Bodybuilder Shashi Kumar gets hero's welcome after wining gold at World Championship
The championship was hosted by International Body Building Fitness
Federation (IBFF) in Koper, Slovakia where Shashi Kumar bagged gold. Delhi welcomed bodybuilder Shashi Kumar on Friday who recently won the gold medal at World Championship.The championship was hosted by International Body Building Fitness
Federation (IBFF) in Koper, Slovakia where Shashi Kumar bagged gold.
Surface-to-Air Missile Barak-8 test fired from ITR Chandipur
Barak-8 can hit the target within a range of 70 km, weighs 275 kg and can carry a payload of 60 kg. Medium range Surface-to-Air ballistic missile, Barak-8, was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off Odisha coast this morning. Barak-8, developed in collaboration with Israel, was test fired from launch pad no-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at 8:16 am. The four-meter long
UN rights council creates role of expert to protect LGBT people, India abstains
While the predominantly Muslim countries rejected the resolution, countries like India, South Africa and the Philippines abstained from backing it. The UN Human Rights Council agreed on Thursday to appoint an independent investigator to help protect homosexuals and transgender people worldwide from violence and discrimination. After a heated debate lasting almost four hours, the 47-member state
Novel technology delivers drugs to brain injuries
Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have developed a technology that may aid in driving drugs or nanoparticles to injured areas of the brain, leading to new therapeutics for traumatic brain injuries. "Current interventions for acute brain injury are aimed at stabilising the patient by reducing intracranial pressure and maintaining blood flow, but there are no approved drugs to stop the cascade of events
India's First Integrated Defence Communication Network Launched
NEW DELHI: India's first integrated defence communication network was today launched here enabling the army, air force, navy and the Special Forces Command to share situational awareness for a faster decision-making process. The Defence Communication Network (DCN), a strategic, highly secure and scalable system, has a pan-India reach - from Ladakh to the North East to island territories.
Up to 4.8 million South Sudanese face severe food shortages: UN
According to report published by UN agencies, up to 4.8 million people in South Sudan face severe food shortages in coming months, the highest level since a conflict erupted between government troops and a newly formed rebel group. Nearly 70,000 people have fled to nearby towns while about 10,000 of them have taken shelter at a United Nations base in the area, where streams of displaced continue to
ZSI to record climate change impact on animals in five Himalayan states
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has launched long-term monitoring studies project to document the effect of climate change on animal biodiversity in five Himalayan states. These five Himalayan states are Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Key Facts Under the project, ZSI will monitor indicators in species like butterflies, bees, fish and other insects to find how
Antarctic ozone hole is starting to heal: Scientists
Scientists for the first time have found clear evidence that the thinning in the ozone layer above Antarctica is starting to heal. Ozone layer in the atmosphere’s stratospheric layer comprises of Ozone (O3), an allotrope of oxygen. It plays important role in blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the Sun. The absence or thinning of Ozone layer increases the chances of skin cancer, cataract damage
Supreme Court Cannot Exercise Power Of Pardon Vested With President, Governor
A bench of justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh said that the constitutional power of the executive to grant pardon to convicts cannot be exercised by the apex court unless there is a violation of fundamental rights. There was an argument that when a pardon or remission can be given under Article 72 (by President) or 161 (by Governor) by the constitutional authority, that why similar power
'Flying Daggers' 45-first squadron of home-grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
Indian Air Force will raise the first squadron of home-grown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas with the induction of two aircraft into the force on Friday. State-run HAL will hand over the first two Tejas aircraft to IAF which will make up the 'Flying Daggers' 45, the name of the first squadron of the LCA.
The LCA squadron induction ceremony will be held at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment here
Kerala government has decided to ban 'electronic cigarettes'
Karnataka is the first State to impose such a ban. Kerala government has decided to ban 'electronic cigarette' in view of studies claiming that its use can cause various health issues, including cancer and heart ailments. State Health Minister K K Shylaja on Thursday directed the additional chief secretary (health)to issue an order banning the production, sale and advertisement of 'electronic cigarette' alias 'e-
EESL Signs MoU with TERI, Enters into a Strategic Partnership
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has entered into a strategic partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for two years. As per MoU, both organizations have decided to enter into an agreement as Strategic Partners, to work jointly for the achievement of common goals and objectives related to energy efficiency in India and abroad. With this partnership, the main focus of
India up 19 ranks in World Bank logistics report
India has jumped 19 places in the latest World Bank ranking in the global logistics performance, reflecting the improvement in movement of goods inside the country thus facilitating better trade. The World Bank in its latest once-in-two-year Logistics Performance Index (LPI) said India is now ranked 35th as against the 54th spot it occupied in the previous 2014 report. In the 2014 report, India had a
Tamil Nadu’s fiscal deficit highest in India
Tamil Nadu showed the highest gross fiscal deficit across all states in 2015-16, Maharashtra continued to be the richest state in the country while Punjab witnessed steady fall in the number of factories between 2010-11 and 2013-14, according to Reserve Bank of India’s first edition of the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States. Maharashtra continued to remain the richest state in the country, with a
Amazon named world’s smartest company of 2016
Jeff Bezos-led online retail giant Amazon has topped MIT’s annual list of the world’s smartest companies of 2016 for combining innovative technology with an effective business model. Chinese web services company Baidu and the world’s largest DNA-sequencing company Illumina have been ranked second and third respectively. The list also includes Tesla Motors, Alphabet, Facebook, SpaceX
Researcher develops non-invasive method to kill cancer cells in two hours
Matthew Gdovin, an associate professor in the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Department of Biology, developed a newly patented method to kill cancer cells. Gdovin’s research was published on 27 June 2016 in The Journal of Clinical Oncology. The discovery may help people with inoperable or hard-to-reach tumours.
Argentina Women won 2016 Champions Trophy Hockey title
The Argentina women’s team on 27 June 2016 won the 2016 Champions Trophy Hockey title. To win the title, Argentina defeated the reigning World and Olympic champions the Netherlands 2-1. The final match was held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London, the UK. For Argentina, it was the 3rd consecutive title and the 7th title overall. In the championship, while the Argentina captain Carla
Sameer emerges fastest athlete of 56th National Inter-state Athletics
Sameer Mon, the veteran sprinter of India, on 30 June 2016 won gold in 100 meter dash in 10.60 seconds at the 56th National Inter-state Senior Athletics Championships in Hyderabad. With this, Sameer, representing Manipur, also became the fastest athlete in the country. 32-year-old Sameer was a member of the bronze winning Indian 4x100m relay quartet in Delhi Commonwealth Games. He had
CBDT notifies Rules for calculating Fair market value of Assets
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 30 June 2016 notified rules for calculating Fair Market Value (FMV) of assets located in India with regard to indirect transfer provisions as prescribed in Section 9(1) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Under section 9 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, any income arising from transfer of any share of or interest in a foreign company or entity that derives its value
Suzuki Motors appoints Toshihiro Suzuki as CEO
Suzuki Motor Corp on 29 June 2016 announced the appointment of Toshihiro Suzuki as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment came after Osamu Suzuki announced that he will decline the CEO position to take responsibility for the automaker's use of incorrect testing methods when calculating vehicle mileage. Toshihiro Suzuki is the son of Suzuki Motor Chairman Osamu Suzuki.
India Post opens ‘My Stamp' scheme for individuals and corporate
India Post in June 2016 opened up the ongoing scheme of customized printing of ‘My Stamp’ for individuals and corporate also. Under the scheme an individual or a corporate entity can get their photo or logo printed inside the postage stamp at a price of 12 lakh rupees. As per reports, this time there will be 5000 sheets comprising 60000 postage stamps. These stamps can be used for general postal mail.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)