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Current Affairs
April 2015
Compilation of Current Affairs as Published on GKTODAY
[Useful for SSC, Bank PO, Bank Clerical, IBPS etc. Examinations]
Contents
Month Highlights ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
April 1, 2015 ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Muhammadu Buhari Elected as President of Nigeria ................................................................................. 23
New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills retires from international cricket ......................................................... 23
Pakistan 8th most dangerous country in the world: Country Threat Index ................................................. 24
Punjab Government launches Padho Punjab- Khedo Punjab Mission ........................................................... 24
Misao Okawa, Worlds oldest person dies in Japan at age 117 .................................................................... 25
Gulshan Rai takes charge as Indias first cyber security chief .................................................................. 25
Union Government launches FAME-India scheme to boost electric, hybrid vehicle sales ........................... 26
Odisha Government launches Aahar scheme .............................................................................................. 26
April 2, 2015....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Union Cabinet approves amendments to the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 ................................ 27
Amaravathi named as new capital of Andhra Pradesh ............................................................................... 27
Sunita Tomar, poster girl of Indias Anti-Tobacco campaign dies ............................................................. 28
April 3, 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Mariyam Asif Siddiqui, Muslim girl wins Bhagwad Gita contest ............................................................... 28
Union Government unveils new Foreign Trade Policy ................................................................................ 28
Kailash Vajpeyi, Renowned Hindi poet passes away .................................................................................. 29
Captain Anoop Kumar Sharma takes over as CEO of Essar Shipping ........................................................... 30
India ranks 119 on 2015 FM Global Resilience Index ................................................................................. 30
Minor planet named as 4538 Vishyanand after Indian Chess legend Viswanathan Anand .......................... 31
President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to re-promulgation of Land Ordinance ...................................... 31
April 4, 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Malli Mastan Babu, Indias ace mountaineer passes away ......................................................................... 32
Union Government extends National Food Security Act deadline by 6 months .......................................... 32
88th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan begins in Ghumaan, Punjab ............................................. 33
Union Government launches Give It Up movement in Karnataka .............................................................. 33
Pedro Cateriano Bellido appointed as Prime Minister of Peru ................................................................... 34
K.N. Tripathi sworn in as Governor of Mizoram .......................................................................................... 34
April 6, 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Delhi airport wins Golden Peacock National Quality Award 2015 .............................................................. 35
Winners of 2015 Miami Open Titles........................................................................................................... 35
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches National Air Quality Index to give pollution information ........... 36
MoU inked for construction of BR Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills land ................................................ 36
India to host 5th meeting of SAARC Health Ministers in New Delhi ......................................................... 36
Dronavalli Harika wins bronze in World Womens chess championship....................................................... 37
Arab poet Adonis chosen for 2015 Kumaran Asan World Prize for poetry.................................................... 37
NGT directs Real Estate Sector to check air pollution due to dust emanating from construction sites ..... 55
Indias first IFSC becomes operational at GIFT City in Gujarat ................................................................. 56
Apurvi Chandela wins Bronze in ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup .............................................................. 57
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Songs and Dances of the North East festival ............................ 57
Yuki Bhambri wins $15,000 ITF Futures tournament title .......................................................................... 57
Asteroid 316201 named after Malala Yousafzai .........................................................................................58
April 12, 2015 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
17 Agreements signed between India and France during PM Narendra Modis visit ................................... 59
Jitu Rai wins bronze at ISSF World Cup ..................................................................................................... 59
Lewis Hamilton wins Chinese Grand Prix of Formula One .......................................................................... 60
Sania Mirza becomes first Indian female tennis player ranked World No.1 in Womens Doubles ................ 60
Retired Lieutenant General Hanut Singh, a 1971 Indo-Pak war hero passes away....................................... 61
New Zealand wins Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2015 ................................................................. 61
April 13, 2015 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Gujarat government launches industrial tourism to showcase development .............................................. 62
Haryana Government gives yoga guru Ramdev Cabinet Minister Status..................................................... 62
NCTI inks MoU with Paytm to promote Indian MSMEs ............................................................................... 62
German Nobel laureate novelist Gunter Grass passes away ....................................................................... 63
BHEL commissions 600-MW thermal unit in Chhattisgarh .......................................................................... 63
April 14, 2015 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Arun Jaitley launches FM transmission of Vividh Bharati Service of Delhi ................................................ 64
US President nominates Indian-American businesswoman Shamina Singh to key post .............................. 64
Turkey begins construction of first nuclear power plant ........................................................................... 65
BSF launches nationwide tele-medicine programme for troops ................................................................. 65
Ministry of Home Affairs renames Visa on Arrival scheme to e-Tourist visa ............................................. 66
Zomato acquires Delhi based data firm MaplePOS .................................................................................... 67
Union Government forms task force to expedite work on inter-linking of rivers ....................................... 67
April 15, 2015 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Pankaj More appointed as Technology Head of Walmart India ..................................................................68
Renowned Assamese Film director, actor Bidyut Chakraborty passes away ................................................68
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai sworn in as first lady judge of Sikkim High Court ......................................68
Nokia announces to buy Alcatel- Lucent ................................................................................................... 69
Sachin Tendulkar inducted into Laureus Sports Academy .......................................................................... 69
BHEL, Russian firm INTMA ink MoU to set up power plant in Kazakhstan .................................................. 70
Dr. Mohan Kumar appointed as new Ambassador to France ........................................................................ 70
Canada to Supply Uranium to India for 5 Years......................................................................................... 71
April 16, 2015 ..................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Former Czech Republic Prime Minister Stanislav Gross passes away ......................................................... 71
Susanta Lahiri awarded Hevesy Medal Award 2015 .................................................................................... 71
Indias rescue operation in quake-hit Nepal named as Operation Maitri ................................................. 104
Peter Jan Graaff of Netherlands appointed as head of UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response........... 105
Indian-Origin Scientist Sangeeta Bhatia wins Heinz Award 2015 ............................................................ 105
Norways Magnus Carlsen wins Shamkir chess tournament in Azerbaijan ................................................. 106
Bharatiya Mahila Bank wins Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015 ....................................................... 106
Yashwant Sinha gets highest French honour of Officier de la Lgion dHonneur ...................................... 107
NTPC flags off Mobile Science labs to revolutionize rural education ...................................................... 107
Indian Army conducts AkramanII defense exercise in Rajasthan............................................................ 108
April 28, 2015 .................................................................................................................................................................. 108
Union government cancels licences of 9,000 NGOs ................................................................................. 108
Sudan President Omar al-Bashir re-elected with 94 percent of vote ....................................................... 108
Loretta Lynch sworn-in as first black female Attorney General of US ...................................................... 109
Capgemini acquires IGATE for $4 bn in all-cash deal ............................................................................. 109
Parliament passes Payments and Settlement Bill, 2014 .......................................................................... 109
Parliament passes Regional Rural Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2014............................................................ 110
ISRO successfully tests indigenous cryogenic engine with four-tonne capacity....................................... 111
Novelist Siddhartha Gigoo wins 2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize in Asia region ........................... 112
April 29, 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................................112
Railways win 5th Senior Mens National Hockey championship ............................................................... 112
Raja Rajeswari, first Indian-American woman judge of New York ........................................................... 113
Sri Lankan Parliament amends constitution to reduce Presidents power ................................................ 113
NGT bans burning of waste in Delhi NCR ................................................................................................ 114
Mohammed bin Nayef appointed as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia by King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud114
International Day of Yoga logo launched in New Delhi .......................................................................... 114
April 30, 2015 .................................................................................................................................................................. 115
Three super-Earths orbiting nearby star discovered................................................................................. 115
PropTiger.com acquires its rival Makaan.com .......................................................................................... 116
Flipkart acquires mobile marketing firm Appiterate ............................................................................... 116
Union Government extends e-Tourist Visa scheme to 31 more countries.................................................. 116
India, Japan ink action agenda to boost trade, investment......................................................................117
Veteran Marathi film and stage actress Bimba Modak passes away .........................................................117
India ranks 13th in generating electricity from nuclear source .............................................................. 118
Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr. Ananda Kumar won 2015 Whitley Awards for wildlife conservation ................... 118
Union Cabinet gives nod to amendments in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 ............................... 119
Seychelles becomes 161st member of World Trade Organisation ............................................................. 119
Month Highlights
Persons in news - Appointments / Elections
Genral Muhammadu Buhari
Former military ruler Genral Muhammadu Buhari won the Presidential election in Nigeria. With
this historic win, Buhari became the first opposition candidate in history of Nigeria to win a
presidential election.
Misao Okawa
Misao Okawa, the Worlds oldest person on 1 April 2015 died in Japan at the age of 117 and
27 days. She was awarded the Guinness World Records title of oldest living person as well as
the oldest living woman on 27 February 2013, a few days before her 115th birthday.
GulshanRai
Gulshan Rai took charge as Indias first cyber security chief under the Prime Ministers Office
(PMO) as Special Secretary for cyber security. Prime Minister NarendraModi in March 2015
had created this new post in PMO and had appointed Rai as its head.
Sunita Tomar
Sunita Tomar, poster girl of Indias anti-tobacco campaign passed away at her hometown in
Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. She was 28 and was diagnosed with oral cancer. She had
appeared in governments 30-second video titled Sunita which had highlighted the
devastating effect of smokeless tobacco.
MariyamAsifSiddiqui
Mariyam Asif Siddiqui, a 12-year-old Muslim girl from Mumbai has secured first place
ShrimadBhagwad Gita Champion League.
Pedro CaterianoBellido
Pedro Cateriano Bellido was appointed as Prime Minister of Peru by the President Ollanta
Humala. He succeeded Ana Jara, who had lost a confidence vote and was sacked by Peruvian
Congress amid allegations of corruption.
Keshari Nath Tripathi
West Bengal and Bihar Governor KeshariNathTripathi took additional charge of Mizoram. He
was sworn in as 16th Governor of Mizoram on 4 April 2015. Tripathi was given additional
charge of Mizoram after Union Government had sacked then Governor Aziz Qureshi.
Dr. Mayilsamy Annadurai
Dr. Mayilsamy Annadurai has assumed the office of Director, ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) in
Bengaluru, Karnataka. He replaced Dr. S.K. Shivakumar, who had retired on 31 March 2015.
Sumit Mazumder & Shobana Kamineni
Sumit Mazumder was elected as the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for
the year 2015-16. He is Chairman & Managing Director (MD) of TIL Limited.
ShobanaKamineni was elected as Vice-President of CII for the year 2015-16. Presently, she is
Executive Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited (AHEL).
Dr. Nasim Zaidi
President Pranab Mukherjee appointed the senior most Election Commissioner (EC), Dr. Nasim
Zaidi as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will succeed incumbent CEC HS Brahma,
who retired on 19 April 2015 after attaining age 65. Dr. Zaidi will have tenure of two years i.e.
till he attains the age of 65 in July 2017.
Arun Kumar Jha
Arun Kumar Jha was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khadi and Village
Industries Commission (KVIC), Mumbai.
Yoga Guru Ramdev Baba
Haryana government decided to give status equivalent to state Cabinet Minister to yoga guru
Ramdev. Earlier in January 2015, state government had appointed him as its brand
ambassador to promote yoga and ayurveda.
Shamina Singh
Indian-American business woman Shamina Singh has been nominated as the member of the
Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). She was
nominated to top most post by United States President Barack Obama for term of four year
i.e. till October 2019.
Justice Meenakshi MadanRai
Mrs. Meenakshi MadanRai was sworn in as the first lady judge of the Sikkim High Court.
Dr. Mohan Kumar
Senior diplomat Dr. Mohan Kumar has been appointed the Indias next Ambassador to France.
He succeeded Arun Kumar who was recently appointed Ambassador to the United States.
Vijender Gupta
Vijender Gupta was appointed the leader of opposition (LoP) in the Delhi assembly. Delhi
Assembly Speaker has recognized him as LOP as per Section 2 of the Leader of Opposition in
the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi (Salary and
Allowances) Act, 2001.
Jamal Benomar
United Nation (UN) peace envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar has resigned, after losing support
from Gulf countries for his mission in the conflict-riven nation.His resignation comes after UN
Security Council adopted a resolution calling for the swift resumption of peace talks and an
end to violence in Yemen.
Vankadarath Saritha
Vankadarath Saritha, a 30-year-old driver became first woman bus driver to be inducted in
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
Sitaram Yechury
SitaramYechury was unanimously elected as the general secretary Communist Party of India
(Marxist). He is the fifth general secretary of the 50 year old party which was formed in 1964.
Dr. Vivek Murthy
Indian-American Dr. Vivek Murthy was sworn-in as the US Surgeon General. He is 19th US
Surgeon General and youngest-ever (37-year-old) to become in- charge of the countrys
public health. With this appointment he is also the highest ranking Indian-American in the
Obama Administration.
Peter Jan Graaff
United Nations (UN) has nominated Peter Jan Graaff of the Netherlands as the new chief of
UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER). He will replace Mauritanian diplomat
Ismail OuldCheikh Ahmed who was recently appointed as special UN envoy for Yemen.
Omar al-Bashir
Sudans President Omar al-Bashir has won Presidential re-election by securing 94 per cent of
the vote. With this win he will have additional term of five years in office which will extend his
current 25-year rule. He is in power since 1989.
Loretta Lynch
Loretta Lynch has sworn-in as United States first African-American woman Attorney General.
She is 83rd Attorney General of country.
Raja Rajeswari
Ms. Raja Rajeswari became the first Indian-born woman to be appointed a judge in New York
City.
Places in News
Pakistan
Country Threat Index (CTI) by US-based intelligence think tank- Intel Center has placed
Pakistan eighth in the list of the most dangerous countries in the world as of March 2015.
Amaravathi
Andhra Pradesh government has approved Amaravathi as name of the new capital city of the
state coming up in the Vijayawada-Guntur region. The name Amaravathi was chosen in view
of the historical and spiritual significance as it was ancient seat of Satavahana rulers kingdom.
Ghumaan village of Punjab
88th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan) was held
in Ghumaan village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.
Indu Mills, Mumbai
A three party MoU was signed between Union Ministry of Textiles, Maharashtra government
and National Textile Corporation for transfer of land for construction of the memorial for
DrBabasahebAmbedkar memorial in Mumbai.
Patna High Court
The centenary celebration of Patna High Court was inaugurated by President Pranab
Mukherjee. He also released a commemorative postage stamp on this occasion to mark HCs
glorious judicial history.
Calbuco volcano
Calbuco volcano in southern Chile erupted on 23 April 2015 for the first time after more than
42 years. It had erupted twice in the space of a few hours which led to billowing of huge ash
cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern Chile.
Barpak
A high-intensity earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale had struck central Nepal
between its capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara. Earthquakes epicenter was at Barpak,
Gorkha district. It had a depth of only 11 kilometers (7 miles) i.e. in geological terms it was a
shallow depth
Sports
Kyle Mills
New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills announced retirement from international cricket. He made
this announcement after New Zealand lost to Australia in ICC World Cup 2015 final.
VishwanathanAnand
A Minor planet was named after Indias chess legend and first grandmaster Vishwanathan
Anand by the Minor Planet Center. His name was given to the minor planet which was
previously identified as planet 4538. Now the planet will be called as 4538 Vishyanand and is
located somewhere between the Mars and Jupiter.
Winners of 2015 Miami Open Titles
Mens Singles Title- Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Womens singles Title- Serena Williams (US)
Mens doubles Title- Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan pair (US)
Womens doubles Title- Indias SaniaMirza and Switzerlands Martina Hingis
Dronavalli Harika
Indian chess Grandmaster Dronavalli Harika on 6 April 2015 won the bronze medal in the
World Womens chess championships along with Swedish Grandmaster PiaCramling.
Rajeev Shukla
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has re-appointed Rajeev Shukla as chairman of
the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council. Previously, he was IPL chairman till 2013
but had resigned from the post after the IPL spot-fixing scandal.
Gujarat wins Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 trophy 2014-15
Gujarat won the Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 cricket trophy for the tournament season 2014-15.
Gujarat has won this trophy for second, earlier they won in 2012-13 season.
Richie Benaud
Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud passed away. He
was 84.
Apurvi Chandela
Indian shooter Apurvi Chandela won Bronze medal in the 10-metre air rifle event at the
(International Shooting Sport Federation) ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup in Changwon, South
Korea.
Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri won the 15,000 US Dollar ITF Futures tournament title. In the final he recorded
a straight-set win over DzmitryZhyrmont of Belarus played at Karshi, Uzbekistan.
JituRai
Ace Indian shooter JituRai on 12 April 2015 won a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at
the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Changwon, South Korea.
Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton from Britain won Chinese Grand Prix of Formula
One on the Shanghai International Circuit in China. This was his fourth Chinese Grand Prix
win.
SaniaMirza
Sania Mirza created history by becoming the first Indian female tennis player to achieve the
world number one rank in doubles category. She achieved this feat after winning WTA Family
Circle Cup along with her Swiss partner Martina Hingis.
New Zealand
New Zealand has won the 24th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2015 for
second time. In the final match, New Zealand defeated World Champions Australia by 3-1
goals in the penalty shoot-out.Earlier, New Zealand had won the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey
Tournament in 2012.
Sachin Tendulkar
Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was inducted into the prestigious Laureus Sports
Academy.
CBI SP Vivek Priyadarshi
Supreme Court has appointed Vivek Priyadarshi to head an investigating team to further
probe the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 6 spot-fixing and betting scandals.
Ashish Jakhar
Ashish Jakhar from Haryana set a national youth record in boys hammer throw event and
won gold medal in the 12th National Youth Athletics Championships held in Bambolim,
Goa.Ashish had hurled 5kg ball-and-chain at record distance of 72.04 metres.
Paralympic Committee of India derecognised
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has suspended the Paralympic Committee of
India (PCI) for indefinite period. IPCs this move comes after PCI had provided shoddy
treatment to athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships held in Ghaziabad
from March 20 to 22, 2015.
Y Pranjala
Indias Y Pranjala has won the Asian Junior Tennis championship title.
Lewis Hamilton
Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton from Britain on 19 April 2015 won Bahrain Grand
Prix of Formula One on the Sakhir Grand Prix Circuit. This was his third win of the season and
his second Bahrain Grand Prix win.
Neeraj Kumar
Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar was appointed as chief adviser of the Board
of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) Anti-Corruption & Security Unit (ACSU).
S. Sarjubala and PinkiJangra
Indias ShamjetsabamSarjubala and PinkiJangra have clinched gold medals at the 22nd
Presidents Cup Open International Boxing Tournament held in Indonesia. PinkiJangra won the
gold medal in 51kg category. While, ShamjetsabamSarjubala won the gold medal in 48kg
category.
Magnus Carlsen
World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Shamkir Chess tournament held in
Azerbaijan.Former world champion Viswanathan Anand finished second in this tournament
after he drew against FabianoCaruana of Italy.
Renowned Assamese film director, actor BidyutChakraborty passed away on 15 April 2015 in
Guwahati, Assam. In his film career he had directed several Assamese movies including Goon
GoonGaaneGaane, Dwaar and Raag-Biraag.
Stanislav Gross
Former Czech Republic Prime Minister Stanislav Gross passed away on 16 April 2015.
Stanislav Gross was the youngest PM of Czech Republic and was elected in July 2004 at the
age of 34.
Surya BahadurThapa
Surya Bahadur Thapa, former Prime Minister (PM) of Nepal passed away on 15 April 2015 in
Gurgaon. Thapa had served as Prime Minister of Nepal for five times under three different
kings. His was in office from 1963-64, 196569, 197983, 199798 and 2003-04.
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik
Former Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha and senior Congress leader Janaki Ballabh Patnaik
passed away in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. Patnaik had served as CM of Odisha for
three times and was in office from 1980 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 1999.
Sir Christopher Alan Bayly
Sir Christopher Alan Bayly, a renowned historian passed away on 20 April 2015 in Chicago,
United States. As a historian he was specialised in global, Indian and British Imperial history.
His works were based on the 18th and 19th century India and British imperial.
India is going to chair the ninth International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) council
meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
NGT directs Real Estate Sector to check air pollution
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Real Estate Sector in the Delhi and National
Capital Region (NCR) to check air pollution caused by dust emanating from construction sites.
Asteroid 316201
Asteroid 316201 was named as 316201 Malala i.e. after the youngest Nobel laureate and
girls education campaigner MalalaYousafzai by NASA astronormer Amy Mainzer.
FM transmission of Vividh Bharati Service
FM transmission of Vividh Bharati Service was launched by Union Information and
Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley at New Broadcasting House of All India Radio (AIR) in
Delhi.
Turkey begins construction of first nuclear power plant
Turkey began the construction of its first nuclear power plant located at Akkuyu in Mersin
province on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It will be built by Akkuyu Project Company,
a subsidiary of Russias nuclear agency Rosatom.
Canada to Supply Uranium to India for 5 Years
Canada has agreed to supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to India under a $254 million
five-year deal to power Indian atomic reactors.
Punjab government approves release of Gharials in Sutlej and Beas rivers
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal approved release of Gharials in Sutlej and Beas
rives in the state to promote eco-tourism. Initially, 10 Gharials (last surviving species of the
family Gavialidae) will be released in the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of Gharial
Recovery Action Plan.
India 5th biggest generator of e-waste in 2014
As per recently released Global E-Waste Monitor 2014 report by United Nations, India is the
fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world.The report was compiled by UN think tank
United Nations University (UNU).
New species of Geckos discovered at Hampi
A new species of a gecko was spotted at the ruins of the World Heritage Site of Hampi in
Karnataka. It was named as Cnemaspisadii after a young herpetology researcher
AdityaSrinivasulu from Hyderabad, Telangana.
Japans Maglev train makes new world speed record
Japans state-of-the-art Magnetic levitation technology (Maglev) train has clocked a new world
speed record smashing through the 603 kilometre per hour mark in a test run near Mount
Fuji. The new record has surpassed its previous record of 581 kilometre per hour which was
set in 2003.
NASA develops first 3-D printed rocket engine part
NASA engineers have developed the first full-scale three dimensional (3-D) printed copper
rocket engine part.
Defence Related
Scorpene Submarine Kalvari
First indigenously-built Scorpene Submarine was undocked at the Mazagaon Dockyard Limited
(MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The undocked submarine was named Kalvari and is expected
to be commissioned into Indian Navy by September 2016. The submarine is part of the Indian
Navys ambitious submarine programme- Project 75.
Dhanush missile
India successfully test fired nuclear weapons-capable Dhanush missile from a ship, off the
Odisha coast. Test- The ship-based missile was launched from an Offshore Patrolling Vessel
(OPV), deep inside the Bay of Bengal to test its full range. It successfully hit the target point
with high degree of accuracy.
BSF launches nationwide tele-medicine programme
Border Security Force (BSF) launched nationwide satellite-based tele-medicine programme for
its troops. The programme will address medical and health-related problems of its troops
deployed in far-flung frontier areas and difficult regions in the hinterland in case of an
emergency or illness.
Agni-III ballistic missile
Nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni-III ballistic missile was successfully tested. The test
was conducted from WheelarIsalnd off the Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal by the Strategic
Force Command (SFC) with support of Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO).
INS Visakhapatnam
Indian Navys new stealth destroyer named INS Visakhapatnam was launched at the Mazgaon
Docks Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is the Kolkata-class warship and the first of P15-
B stealth destroyers which is designed indigenously and fitted with advanced features. It is
the largest destroyer commissioned in India.
Naval exercise Varuna
10-day naval exercise Varuna between India and France began off the Goa coast. It is the
fourteenth edition of this naval exercise which will host of naval assets of both countries and
will conclude on 3 May 2015.
AkramanII defence exercise
Indian Army conducted a major exercise Akraman-II in Rajasthan. The exercise was
conducted by the Chetak Corps, a part of South Western Command based in Bhatinda,
Punjab.
In recently released 2015 FM Global Resilience Index, India has been ranked a low 119 out of
130 countries. India despite having scope and global potential was ranked 119 compared to
112th rank in 2014 Global Resilience Index.
Bangladesh approves revised trade deal with India
Bangladesh cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved the
revised India-Bangladesh trade agreement. It will facilitate both countries to use each others
land and water routes for trade with a third country and remove long standing barrier in
regional trade.
Dena Bank inks MoU with LIC
State owned Dena Bank has signed MoU with Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India to
provide insurance cover to its all Aadhaar-linked savings account holders in the age group of
18 to 50 years.
Snapdeal acquires FreeCharge
Online marketplace Snapdeal acquired Indias fastest growing mobile transaction platform
FreeCharge. With this acquisition, Snapdeal has become Indias largest mobile commerce firm
with 40 million users and the largest mobile transactions base for any company.
MUDRA Bank
Prime Minister NarendraModi launched Micro Units Development Re-finance Agency (MUDRA)
Bank in New Delhi. The bank will act as a regulator for Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs)
involved in manufacturing, trading and service activities to promote their growth.
Government allows pharmaceutical companies to hike rates of 509 essential medicines
Union government has allowed pharmaceutical companies to hike rates of 509 essential
medicines by 3.84 per cent. In this regard, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
has issued a notification under Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013 in line with the
wholesale price index of 2014.
India, US sign MoC on Transportation
India and United States (US) have signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) transportation
between both countries.
Indias first IFSC becomes operational
Indias first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) became operational at Gujarat
International Finance Tec (GIFT) City in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat.
NCTI inks MoU with Paytm
Mobile commerce platform Paytm inked memorandum of understanding MoU with National
Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) to promote Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Zomato acquires data firm MaplePOS
Online restaurant guide Zomato acquired MaplePOS, a cloud-based point of sale product for
restaurants developed by Delhi based MapleGraph.
Nokia announces to buy Alcatel- Lucent
Finnish telecom network equipment maker Nokia announced acquisition of French telecom
network firm Alcatel- Lucent. This merger will create the worlds largest supplier of telecom
equipments that powers mobilephone networks by surpassing Ericsson and Huawei.
BHEL, Russian firm INTMA ink MoU
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
with a Russian company INTMA to set up a gas-based power project in Kazakhstan.
Oil India commissions 54 MW capacity wind energy projects
Oil India Limited (OIL) has commissioned 54 MW wind energy projects saddled between
Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The spilt capacity of project between both states is 38 MW plant
located at Chandgarh in Madhya Pradesh and 16 MW plant located at Patan in Gujarat.
RVNL Sings MoU with Dighi Port Limited for Rail Connectivity
A MoU was signed between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and Dighi Port Limited. It will
facilitate construction of 34 km of railway link between Roha and Dighi Port in Raigad district
of Maharashtra.
ICICI Bank launches Tap-n-Pay
ICICI Bank has launched a payment service Tap-n-Pay. It was launched by bank in
collaboration with Tech Mahindra. It is based on the near-field communications (NFC)
technology which will enable its customers make over-the-counter payments without using
cash.
MakeMyTrip acquires Mygola.com
Online travel services provider MakeMyTrip.com has acquired Mygola, a startup travel guide
firm. The acquisition was done through MakeMyTrips Innovation Fund, which invests in early-
stage or start-up companies in the travel technology space.
MoU signed between NRL & BPC
A MoU was signed between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Bangladesh Petroleum
Corporation (BPC) to export petroleum products to Bangladesh.
Railway Ministry launches mobile app for paperless unreserved tickets
The Railway Ministry has launched utsonmobile, a mobile application for paperless
unreserved tickets.
Zomato acquires NexTable
Online restaurant guide Zomato has acquired United States (US) based online table
reservation platform NexTable for undisclosed amount. It is Zomatos ninth acquisitions since
past nine months.
NIELIT inks MoU with Snapdeal
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) signed a MoU with e-
commerce giant Snapdeal to roll out digital marketing courses.
Government allows EPFO to invest 5% corpus in stock markets
Union Government has allowed Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Indias
retirement fund body to invest five per cent of its corpus in exchange traded funds i.e. in
stock markets. In this regard, Union Labour ministry has notified the new investment pattern
for the EPFO.
India fourth largest supplier of generic medicines to US
India has emerged as the fourth largest supplier of generic medicines to the United States. It
was announced in parliament.
Indias Healthcare Tourism Portal
Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated Indias Healthcare Tourism Portal
www.indiahealthcaretourism.com at the SAAARC Trade Mart in the Global Exhibition on
Services (GES).
Bank of Baroda ties up with UAE Exchange for instant money transfer
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has partnered with UAE Exchange to offer Non-resident Indian (NRI)
customers an instant cash transfer facility. In this regard agreement was signed between both
parties. This agreement will facilitate customers can send money within minutes to their
desired bank accounts in BoB in India.
Capgemini acquires IGATE
Capgemini has announced its plan to acquire US based information technology (IT) outsourcer
IGATE for US 4 billion dollars. This acquisition will help Capgemini to strengthen its foothold in
the North American market.
Union Government formally launched the Give It Up movement in Karnataka. The movement
appeals to the rich people to voluntarily give up their subsidy amount given on liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.
National Air Quality Index
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Air Quality Index (AQI) to give pollution
information on real time basis. Initially the new index will cover 10 cities.
Visa on Arrival scheme renamed as e-Tourist visa
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has renamed Tourist Visa on Arrival-Electronic Travel
Authorization scheme (TVoA-ETA) to e-Tourist Visa. With this ambiguities faced by foreign
tourists especially by schemes nomenclature VoA, presuming that they would be granted visa
on arrival upon landing will be removed.
Subodham project of Kerala Government
Kerala government has launched Subodham, a major campaign in a bid to wean people away
from addiction to liquor, drug and other substance abuse.
E-Samiksha project of Indian Railways
Indian Railways launched E-Samiksha, an online monitoring mechanism. It aims at monitoring
implementation of various ongoing projects of Indian Railways on real-time basis including
Rail Budget proposals.
Awards
Golden Peacock National Quality Award 2015- Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL)
DIAL has won the prestigious Golden Peacock National Quality Award for the year 2015. DIAL
was bestowed this award for their efforts in building a culture of Total Quality across Indira
Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
2015 Kumaran Asan World Prize for poetry- Arab poet Adonis
Syrian-Lebanese Arab poet Adonis has been chosen for 2015 KumaranAsan World Prize for
poetry.
Institute of Physics Prize- Pratap Singh
15-year-old Indian-origin student, Pratap Singh from United Kingdom (UK) has won
prestigious award Institute of Physics (IOP) Prize. Singh, who is a student at The Perse
School, Cambridge received the prize for his experiment to verify an effect of Albert Einsteins
special relativity theory.
Sahitya Shiromani Samman of UP- Gopal Das Neeraj
Uttar Pradesh government has conferred Sahitya Shiromani Samman upon noted Hindi poet
Gopal Das Neeraj.
Hevesy Medal Award 2015- SusantaLahiri
Professor SusantaLahiri was awarded Hevesy Medal Award 2015 for his outstanding
contributions in heavy ion induced radioisotope production, converter targets, tracer packet
technique and green chemistry.
Champion of Change award- Satya Nadella
USPresident Barack Obama is going to honour Microsofts Indian-origin CEO SatyaNadella with
the Champions of Change award.He was honoured with this award for bringing change
within his company to support working families.
2015 Pulitzer Prize Winners
"All the Light We Cannot See", a novel based on Second World War by author Anthony Doerr
has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. On the other hand, New York Times has won two
prestigious Pulitzer prizes for coverage of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Nishan-e-Pakistan award-Xi Jinping
Pakistan Government conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan, top civilian award on Chinese President Xi
Jinping.He was bestowed with this award for his outstanding contribution in promotion of
relationship between the two countries by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.
Outstanding Service Award of Singapore government- Gopinath Pillai
Indian-origin diplomat Gopinath Pillai was awarded Outstanding Service Award for his
services by the National University of Singapore (NUS).Current he is serving as Ambassador-
at-Large of Singapore and special envoy to Andhra Pradesh.
Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2015-Anil Kapoor
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor conferred with prestigious Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award
2015. Apart from him, veteran Marathi actor Dilip Prabhavalkar was also bestowed with the
prestigious Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2015.
Heinz Award 2015- Scientist Sangeeta Bhatia
Sangeeta Bhatia, an Indian-Origin scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
has won prestigious Heinz award for year 2015.She had won this award for her work in the
field of tissue engineering and disease detection in the Technology, the Economy, and
Employment category of the award.
Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015-Bharatiya Mahila Bank
BharatiyaMahila Bank (BMB) has won The Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015.The award
was presented to the BMB in the Technology Implementation category of Best Outsourcing
Project (New Bank).
Officier de la LgiondHonneur of France Government- YashwantSinha
French Government has honoured former Union Finance Minister and veteran BJP leader
YashwantSinha with Officier de la LgiondHonneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour).It is the
highest French civilian distinction bestowed upon him in recognition of his international action
taken during his stint as Union Minister of Finance, Minister External Foreign Affairs and for his
invaluable contribution to international issues.
2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize in Asia region- Novelist Siddhartha Gigoo
Novelist Siddhartha Gigoo has won 2500 pounds 2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize in
Asia region for his novel Umbrella Man.
Compendium
April 1, 2015
Muhammadu Buhari Elected as President of Nigeria
April 1, 2015
Former military ruler Genral Muhammadu Buhari won the Presidential
election in Nigeria. He defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan
by more than two million votes.
With this historic win, Buhari became the first opposition candidate in
history of Nigeria to win a presidential election.
In this election Buharis All Progressives Congress (APC) party has
received around 15,424,921 votes and Jonathans Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) has recieved 12,853,162 votes.
About Muhammadu Buhari
He is native of Daura in Katsina State of Nigeria and belongs to Fulani ethnic
background.
Buhari was military ruler of Nigeria from 1984 to 1985 and had taken power by a
military coup.
He had served in Nigerian Army from 1961 to 1985 and had retired as a Major
General.
Comment
Gen Buharis victory in this presidential election is considered as historic moment in
Nigerias turbulent history. For the first time sitting president was defeated in an
election.
Since independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria had faced numerous military coups
and most of the elections were rigged in the past.
2015 Presidential election is considered as important in Nigeria because it was
conducted fairly indicating roots of democracy, deepening in Nigeria.
New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills retires from international cricket
April 1, 2015
New Zealand cricketer Kyle Mills on 1 April 2014 announced retirement from
international cricket.
He made this announcement after New Zealand lost to Australia in ICC World
Cup 2015 final.
Kyle Mills cricket career spanned 14 years. In his entire cricket career he had
played 19 Tests matches, 170 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 42 T20s.
He had made his international debut in a ODI against Pakistan in 2001 and test debut in 2004
against England.
In 170 ODI matches he had taken 240 wickets, second highest wicket taker among New
Zealand bowlers after Daniel Vettori. In 19 tests matches, he had taken 44 wickets and 43
wickets in his 42 Twenty20 internationals.
Pakistan 8th most dangerous country in the world: Country Threat Index
April 1, 2015
Recently released Country Threat Index (CTI) by US-based intelligence think tank- Intel
Center has placed Pakistan eighth in the list of the most dangerous countries in the world as
of March 2015.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries in the world
Rank Country CTI Score
1 Iraq 811
2 Syria 717
3 Nigeria 272
4 Somalia 257
5 Afghanistan 186
6 Libya 157
7 Yemen 132
8 Pakistan 122
9 Ukraine 103
10 Egypt 74
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two South Asian countries in the list. The rankings
were prepared based upon CTI after examining the volume of terrorist and rebel alerts,
messaging traffic, videos, photos, incidents and the number of killed and injured in a country
over the past 30 days.
Intel Center is a Washington-based company established in 1989. It works globally for
intelligence agencies a by providing them counterterrorism intelligence services.
Missions pilot project was launched by State Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema at
a government girls school in Rupnagar district of state.
As part of it five teachers have been trained for purpose Padho Punjab-Khedo Punjab Mission.
They will further give training to other teachers to physically train students in sports.
Misao Okawa, Worlds oldest person dies in Japan at age 117
April 1, 2015
Misao Okawa, the Worlds oldest person on 1 April 2015 died in Japan at the
age of 117 and 27 days.
She was awarded the Guinness World Records title of oldest living person as
well as the oldest living woman on 27 February 2013, a few days before her
115th birthday.
She was born in on 5 March 1898 in Osaka city of Japan. She is survived by three children and
four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.
Okawa was the 30th verified person who had reached the age of 115, the 10th verified person
to reach the age of 116 and the 5th verified person to reach the age of 117.
Now the oldest living person is Sakari Momoi from Japan. He had turned 112 in February
2015.
According to Guinness World Records, the oldest person who has ever lived was Jeanne
Calment of France. She had lived 122 years and 164 days and had died in August 1997.
Union Government launches FAME-India scheme to boost electric, hybrid vehicle sales
April 1, 2015
Union Government on 1 April 2015 launched Faster Adoption and
Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) India Scheme.
The scheme was launched as part of the National Mission for Electric
Mobility to boost eco-friendly vehicles sales in the country.
Facts about FAME India scheme
Objective- to support the hybrid or electric vehicles market development and its
manufacturing eco-system in the country in order to achieve self-sustenance in
stipulated period.
The overall scheme is proposed to be implemented over a period next 6 years i.e. till
2020.
It envisages providing Rs 795 crore support till 2020 for the manufacturing and sale
of electric and hybrid vehicles.
It also seeks to provide demand incentives to electric and hybrid vehicles from two-
wheeler to buses.
Implementation- It will be implemented in phases. The Phase-1 will be
implemented over a two year period in FY15-16 and FY16-17.
Based on the outcome and experience from the Phase-1, it will be reviewed for
implementation after 31 March 2017. Then appropriate fund will be allocated for
future.
Four focus areas of scheme- Technology development, Pilot Projects, Demand
Creation and Charging Infrastructure.
In the first two years Rs 260 crore and Rs 535 crore will be spent on the focus areas.
The Department of Heavy Industries under the aegis of Union Ministry of Heavy Industries will
be will be nodal department for the scheme.
Odisha Government launches Aahar scheme
April 1, 2015
Odisha Government on 1 April 2015 launched Aahar- cheap meal scheme for
providing subsidised food to urban poor.
It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Capital
Hospital in Bhubaneswar on the occasion the foundation day of the state i.e.
Utkala Dibasa.
Facts about Aahar- cheap meal scheme
It aims at providing meal at Rs. five to the urban poor.
In the first phase scheme was launched simultaneously in five cities of state including
Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Cuttack, Berhampur and Sambalpur.
The subsidised meals will be provided at four crowded places each in these five cities
to people visiting urban areas for various work
April 2, 2015
Union Cabinet approves amendments to the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973
April 2, 2015
Union Cabinet gave its approval for the amendment of the Homoeopathy Central Council Act,
1973. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
The approved amendments in parent act aims at improving the quality of homeopathy
education in the country to provide better healthcare through the homeopathy system of
medicine.
The amendments will add provisions related to granting permission by Union Government to
all homoeopathic medical colleges for continuing courses to impart quality education.
Amendments approved
Union Governments permission is being made mandatory for all the homoeopathy
colleges to undertake annual admissions.
Union Government can give permission for 5 years to homoeopathy colleges which
conform to the prescribed standards as specified in the Act.
Background
The existing provisions of parent Act do not empower Union Government to stop admissions
in existing homoeopathy colleges which are not conforming to standards specified in the Act.
Thus, comprising the quality of homoeopathy education.
Amaravathi named as new capital of Andhra Pradesh
April 2, 2015
Andhra Pradesh government has approved Amaravathi as name of the new capital city of the
state coming up in the Vijayawada-Guntur region.
The name Amaravathi was chosen in view of the historical and spiritual significance as it was
ancient seat of Satavahana rulers kingdom.
Decision in this regard was taken by Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief
Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Apart from this, cabinet also approved the first phase of the
master plan prepared by Singapore government.
Facts about ancient Amaravathi city
Amaravathi is located on the banks of river Krishna. It was the capital seat of
Satvahana rulers for 400 years who ruled 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
The city derives its name from Lord Amareswara temple in the village. It is also
known as Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the south).
It also has Buddhist significance. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited the city.
It is also believed that King Ashoka and famed Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsang have
visited the city.
Sunita Tomar, poster girl of Indias Anti-Tobacco campaign dies
April 2, 2015
Sunita Tomar, poster girl of Indias anti-tobacco campaign passed away at her
hometown in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh. She was 28 and was diagnosed
with oral cancer.
She had appeared in governments 30-second video titled Sunita which had
highlighted the devastating effect of smokeless tobacco. The video had shown her personal
testimony before and after an operation to remove the cancerous growth and a part of her
mouth.
For this video Sunita had teamed with Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV) in order to create
awareness about the tobacco-cancer.
It is estimated that tobacco causes 40% of the cancer in India. Around 10 lakh new cancer
cases are reported every year. In fact, India has the highest incidence of oral cancer in the
world, prompting its link to the habit of chewing tobacco among Indians. While, 60% of oral
cancer patients in India die within a year or two of their diagnosis because of their late
treatment.
April 3, 2015
Mariyam Asif Siddiqui, Muslim girl wins Bhagwad Gita contest
April 3, 2015
Mariyam Asif Siddiqui, a 12-year-old Muslim girl from Mumbai has secured first place Shrimad
Bhagwad Gita Champion League.
She won the first prize in an inter-school competition for explaining the teachings of the holy
book- Bhagwad Gita. The Shrimad Bhagwad Gita Champion League was organised by
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in March.
In this contest, around 4,500 students from 195 schools had participated. They were given
the English version of Bhagwad Gita for a month for preparation purpose for explaining the
teachings of the holy book. The competition included recitation of the Gita in English along
with a written test.
Union Government unveils new Foreign Trade Policy
April 3, 2015
Union Government has unveiled new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to make India
an exporting powerhouse in the next five years.
The new trade policy will incorporate government ambitious initiatives such as
Make in India, Digital India mission, Skill India programme, ease of business in
order to boost jobs and take Indias exports to 900 billion dollars by 2020.
The goals of the new policy will be achieved by simplifying complex procedures, addressing
infrastructural bottlenecks and eliminating manufacturing hurdles.
Focus areas of the new FTP are
Labour intensive sectors to generate more employment.
Boosting to environment-friendly products.
High tech value addition.
Involving skill India programme to promote entrepreneurship.
Moving towards branding of products.
Incentives for units located in SEZs.
Making the life of traders easier.
Key facts
FTP also takes into consideration e-commerce. Under the new policy, Indias nascent,
e-commerce sector would also be extended sops.
The new trade policy will be based on two new schemes- Merchandise Exports from
India Scheme (MEIS) and Services Exports from India Scheme (SIES). Under these
two schemes, government has merged all earlier export promotion schemes.
MEIS is for export of specified goods in specified markets with the rate of rewards
range from 2 to 5%. SIES is for increasing exports of notified services and the
selected services will be rewarded at the rates of 3 to 5%.
The new also move towards paperless working. In this regard, a facility has been
created to upload documents in exporter/ importer profile in order to avoid need of
repeatedly submitting documents.
Kailash Vajpeyi, Renowned Hindi poet passes away
April 3, 2015
Kailash Vajpeyi, renowned Hindi poet passed away on 1 April 2015 in New Delhi due to
cardiac arrest.
He was one of the prominent poets in a group known as San saatth ke baad ki kavita (Post-
1960 poetry) that had shaped Hindi literature.
About Kailash Vajpeyi
Kailash Vajpeyi was born at Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh in 1936.
He had completed his PhD in Hindi at the age of 24. He began his career as a
journalist and later taught at Delhi University.
In his entire career, 28 books were published including 14 volumes of poetry.
Some of his notable works includes Sankrant, Dehant Se Hatkar, Teesra Andhera and
Sufinama.
Awards- He was conferred with Sahitya Akademi award (2009) for his work Hawa
mein hastakshar (Signature in the air). Lucknow University had awarded him with
Vachaspati title.
The higher ranking of country in this index indicates that it is best suited for
companies seeking to avoid disruptions in their global supply chain operations.
Minor planet named as 4538 Vishyanand after Indian Chess legend Viswanathan Anand
April 3, 2015
Minor planet was named after Indias chess legend and first grandmaster
Vishwanathan Anand by the Minor Planet Center.
His name was given to the minor planet which was previously identified as
planet 4538. Now the planet will be called as 4538 Vishyanand and is
located somewhere between the Mars and Jupiter.
Minor planet 4538 Vishyanand was discovered on 10 October 1988 by Japanese astronormer
Kenzo Suzuki. Initially, the planet was unnamed for almost 10 years.
With this, Vishwanathan Anand has joined the league of former world chess champions
Alexander Alekhine and Anatoly Karpov who also have minor planets named after them.
What is Minor planet?
A minor planet is a term used to describe an astronomical object that is neither a
dominant planet nor a comet and thus includes the dwarf planets that orbit around
the Sun.
The orbital categories of these planets are the asteroids, Kuiper belt objects, trojans,
centaurs and other trans-Neptunian objects.
The first minor planet discovered was Ceres in 1801.
Naming of Minor Planets
Traditionally, the practice of naming a minor planet is left to its discoverer. If the discovered
minor planet remained unnamed for over 10 years, than International Astronomical Union
(IAU) names the planet.
President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to re-promulgation of Land Ordinance
April 3, 2015
President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 April 2015 gave his assent to re-promulgate the Land
Acquisition Ordinance as per Article 123 of Constitution.
Earlier, in this regard Union Cabinet had made a recommendation to President as present
Land Acquisition Ordinance promulgated in December 2014 is going to lapse on 5 April.
The new ordinance includes 9 amendments that were part of Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015.
Lok Sabha had passed the bill in the budget session in March 2015. However, the bill is
pending before the Rajya Sabha, where government is in minority.
Earlier, President had prorogued the 234th session of the Rajya Sabha in order to pave the
way for re-issuing of the Ordinance as per provisions of Constitution.
Article 123 of Constitution
April 4, 2015
Malli Mastan Babu, Indias ace mountaineer passes away
April 4, 2015
Malli Mastan Babu, one of Indias top mountaineers passed away. His dead body was
recovered in the Andes Mountains between Argentina and Chile after he went missing on
24th March, 2015 during an expedition to Cerro Tres Cruces Sur.
Babu was regarded as the fastest 7 summiteer that is fastest mountaineer to climb
summits in all seven continents from India. In 2006, he had famously scaled 7
summits of the world in record 172 days.
He was the first Indian mountaineer to summit the tallest peak in Antarctica, Mt
Vinson Massif. He was also the first person from Andhra Pradesh to scale the Mt
Everest.
He was also known for fast climbing and in 2005, he had summitted Mt Kilimanjaro in
three and half days. In his 15 years mountaineering career, he had summitted more
than 150 mountains.
Babu hails from Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and was a 2000-2002 IIM Kolkata
pass out. He also had a degree from IIT Kharagpur.
Union Government extends National Food Security Act deadline by 6 months
April 4, 2015
Union Government again has extended rolling out deadline for National Food
Security Act (NFSA), 2013 by six months.
It was announced by Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in order to give
more time to states to roll out NFSA. The extension will help remaining states
adopt and implement the law within next six months.
It is third time, this deadline has been extended and the second deadline was to end on 4
April 2015.
So far only 11 states and Union Territories (UTs) have implemented NSFA which was passed
by Parliament in September 2013. Remaining 25 states/UTs have not implemented it yet.
11 states and UTs that have implemented NSFA fully or partially are- Punjab, Haryana,
Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka,
Delhi and Chandigarh.
Facts about National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
NSFA aims at providing legal entitlement to 5 kg of subsidised foodgrains to the
identified person per month.
Grains like wheat, rice and coarse grain will be distributed at the price of 3 Rs. 3, Rs.
2 and Rs. 1.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children are entitled to get meals under
the prescribed nutrition by MDM and ICDS. The age group would be 6 months to 14
years.
NFSA 2013 will provide high nutrition food to the age group of 6 years.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers will be entitled to get maternity benefit of not
less than Rs. 6,000.
88th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan begins in Ghumaan, Punjab
April 4, 2015
88th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Sahitya
Sammelan) on 3 April 2015 began in Ghumaan village in Gurdaspur district
of Punjab.
It was inaugurated by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari along
with the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
The three-day long sammelan is dedicated to Marathi Saint Bhagat
Namdev (Sant Namdeo). In this conference large contingent of Marathi litterateurs is going to
take part.
The President of 88th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is Dr. Sadanand More. Apart
from inaugurated the sammelan, foundation stone of Bhagat Namdev Degree College was also
laid in the Ghumaan village.
Village Ghumaan is the place where Marathi Saint Bhagat Namdev had spent 18 years of his
life and gave valuable teachings to the society.
It is believed that in Ghuman, Sant Namdeo had composed his shlokas in Awadhi, Marathi and
Punjabi. His 61 shabads were included in holy scripture of the Sikhs i.e. in Guru Granth Sahib.
The money surrendered under this movement will be utlised for poor to get LPG connection in
rural as well as in urban areas who are still using firewood for cooking.
Earlier in this regard, Give it Up campaign was launched Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the
annual energy-focussed summit Urja Sangam 2015. During this summit, Prime Minister had
asked companies and banks to encourage their employees to give up the subsidy on LPG.
PM also had mentioned that Give it Up campaign should be taken up on the lines of Union
Governments initiatives like Swacch Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.
Pedro Cateriano Bellido appointed as Prime Minister of Peru
April 4, 2015
Pedro Cateriano Bellido was appointed as Prime Minister of Peru by the
President Ollanta Humala.
He will replace Ana Jara, who had lost a confidence vote and was sacked by
Peruvian Congress amid allegations of corruption.
About Pedro Cateriano Bellido
Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Perus Defence Minister and was
appointed in July 2012,
Cateriano, by profession is a lawyer and is specialized in constitutional law.
He was member of the Peruvian parliament from 1990 to 1992.
Cateriano also had served as deputy justice minister from 2001 to 2002.
He also teaches law at the University of Lima.
Article 153 of Constitution- It says that there shall be Governor for each state. 7th
Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a
governor for two or more states.
April 6, 2015
Delhi airport wins Golden Peacock National Quality Award 2015
April 6, 2015
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has won the prestigious Golden Peacock National
Quality Award for the year 2015.
DIAL was bestowed this award for their efforts in building a culture of Total Quality across
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister for culture, youth and development Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan will present this award to DIAL at a specially organized presentation
ceremony to be held in Dubai on April 20, 2015.
DIAL is a joint venture (JV) company comprising of Airports Authority of India (AAI), GMR
Group, Fraport and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
About Golden Peacock National Quality Award
GPNA have been instituted in 1991 by Institute of Directors (IOD) a registered non-
profit apex association of company directors.
Since its inception, it is globally regarded as a benchmark of corporate excellence.
The Award is bestowed annually to encourage total improvement in each sector of
the business.
Indias Sania Mirza and Switzerlands Martina Hingis pair has won 2015 Miami Open Womens
doubles Title. In the final match they defeated Russian pair of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena
Vesnina by 75, 61 score.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches National Air Quality Index to give pollution
information
April 6, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Air Quality Index (AQI) to give pollution
information on real time basis.
Initially the new index will cover 10 cities. They are Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur,
Lucknow, Agra, Faridabad, Varanasi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Later it will be extended to
more than 60 cities with a population exceeding one million.
Facts about National Air Quality Index (AQI)
AQI will be used to inform people about daily air quality in turn it will provide
advisories on health consequences.
It will also tell how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects.
The AQI has been developed for six pollutants- nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide,
ozone, Particle Pollution (PM)2.5, PM10 and carbon monoxide.
The new AQI is hosted on the website of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
MoU inked for construction of BR Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills land
April 6, 2015
A three party MoU was signed between Union Ministry of Textiles, Maharashtra government
and National Textile Corporation on 5 April 2015 for transfer of land for construction of the
memorial for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial in Mumbai.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union textile minister Santosh Gangwar in New Delhi.
The agreement will
Pave the way for construction of memorial on the 12 acre land adjacent to the
Chaityabhoomi in the Indu Mills Compound which belongs to the National Textiles
Corporation (NTC).
Facilitate the transfer the land of NTC to the state government as per section 11 of
The Textile Undertakings Nationalisation Act-1995 which mentions that it can be
transferred with prior permission of Union government.
The memorial will be constructed on the site where the last rites of architect of the Indian
Constitution, Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar were performed after he had died on December 6,
1956.
India to host 5th meeting of SAARC Health Ministers in New Delhi
April 6, 2015
India is going to host the 5th meeting of the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Health Ministers in New Delhi.
The 5th meeting will start on 9 April 2015 and is being held in pursuance of decisions taken by
the SAARC Summit of Heads of States held at Kathmandu in November 2014.
Purpose of the meeting- Find out ways and means to synergise collective efforts in order to
provide better health and a better quality of life to the citizens of SAARC countries. It also
seeks to implement identified best practices and share strategies among member countries.
The meeting will
Deliberate on key issues including HIV-AIDS, prevention of non-communicable and
communicable diseases and to strengthen collaborations amongst the member
nations.
Frame a road map for strengthening collaboration among SAARC countries on a
number of issues and challenges faced by them.
Maldives had hosted the 4th meeting of the SAARC Health Ministers in April 2012.
His famous work includes- If Only the Sea Could Sleep, Pages of Day and Night, Songs of
Mihyar the Damascene, Not A Star, A Voice, A King is Miyhar, The Adoring Rock, Take me to
God.
About Kumaran Asan World Prize for poetry
The award is instituted by Chennai based Kumaran Asan Memorial Association.
Named after eminent Malayalam poet Kumaran Asan to honour poets of international stature and
introduce them to Indian readers.
The award carries a cash prize of three lakh rupees, a memento and citation.
April 7, 2015
BCCI re-appoints Rajeev Shukla as IPL Governing Council chairman
April 7, 2015
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has re-appointed Rajeev Shukla as
chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council.
Previously, he was IPL chairman till 2013 but had resigned from the post after
the IPL spot-fixing scandal.
Former Indian Cricket team Captain Sourav Ganguly was also selected in the
IPL Governing Council.
Head of Senior national selection committee, Sandeep Patil was retained for another season in
the IPL Governing Council along with Team India Director Ravi Shastri.
Former captain Anil Kumble also has been retained as chairman of the Technical committee
IPL Governing Council while Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia will head the powerful
finance committee.
Other members of IPL Governing Council are
Jagmohan Dalmiya (BCCI president) Chairman of the Constitution Review
Committee.
Chetan Desai- Head the Marketing Committee.
Gokaraju Gangaraju- In-charge of the Tours and Programmes Committee.
Biswarup Dey- Head of the Media Committee.
Anurag Thakur- Head of Affiliations Committee.
Dr. Mayilsamy Annadura took charge as Director of ISRO satellite centre
April 7, 2015
Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai has assumed the office of Director, ISRO Satellite
Centre (ISAC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He replaced Dr. S.K. Shivakumar, who
had retired on 31 March 2015.
About Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai
Annadurai had joined ISRO in 1982. He had started his career at ISAC
as the team leader to design and develop Software Satellite Simulator.
He was Mission Director of ISROs INSAT Missions from 1992 to 2005. He was also
lead member of ISROs satellite mission team and brought about the efficient ground
automation for satellite operations.
Annadura also had served as Project Director of Indias first Lunar Mission,
Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2.
In 2011, he was Programme Director of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites and Small
Satellite Systems (IRS&SSS).
He also had served as Programme Director of Indias first interplanetary mission-
Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan.
Annadura has authored 3 books and has 75 papers to his credit.
waterways in transshipment of goods to Bhutan and Nepal. While, India will be able to send
goods to Myanmar through Bangladesh.
Under the modified deal both countries will be able to use transport networks for transporting
the goods for a fee. These fees and charges for transporting goods will be the same for both
the countries and will be fixed through bilateral discussions.
The deal will be in force for 5 years instead of the existing tenure of 3 years, and further can
amended through mutual agreement.
At present, India has similar agreement with Nepal and Bhutan but Bangladeshs trade with
Nepal and Bhutan was hindered for want of such a treaty with India.
Previously, trucks from Nepal and Bhutan entering from Bangladesh along the Indian border
were required to park at a specific point near border. But under the revised deal, trucks from
Nepal and Bhutan will enter Bangladesh through the Indian corridors.
Dena Bank inks MoU with Life Insurance Corporation to provide insurance cover
April 7, 2015
State owned Dena Bank has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Life Insurance
Corporation (LIC) of India to provide insurance cover to its all Aadhaar-linked savings account
holders in the age group of 18 to 50 years.
LIC will provide insurance cover under the Union Governments flagship Pradhan Mantri
Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJBY) scheme.
Under the MoU
LIC will give a life cover of Rs 2 lakh in case of death of the insured person.
In this regard, a nominal premium of 330 rupees per annum will be charged from
account holder.
Those who join the scheme before completing 50 years can continue to have the risk
of life cover up to the age of 55 years.
Pratap Singh wins Institute of Physics Prize
April 7, 2015
15-year-old Indian-origin student, Pratap Singh from United Kingdom (UK) has
won prestigious award Institute of Physics (IOP) Prize.
Singh, who is a student at The Perse School, Cambridge received the prize for his
experiment to verify an effect of Albert Einsteins special relativity theory.
The award comprises 500 cash prize and a trip to a national physics-related activity. His
research will be also published in international journal Physics Education.
Pratap Singhs experiment
Singh in his experiment used two Geiger-Muller tubes to detect cosmic-ray muons.
They are the high-energy particles created high above the Earth.
Using these tubes, he created a mathematical model for cosmic-ray muons arrival
rate with and without time dilation.
National Green Tribunal bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi
April 7, 2015
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 7 April 2015 held that all diesel
vehicles heavy or light which are more than 10 years old will not be
permitted to ply in Delhi and NCR.
The judgment was given by bench headed by NGT Chairman Justice
Swatanter Kumar on a petition filed by Vardhaman Kaushik who had
contended that the level of particulates in Delhi is raising manifold.
NGT bench held that
Diesel is prime source of air pollution in Delhi. The current situation is so alarming
that people have been advised to leave Delhi due to adverse effects on health.
Numbers of countries like Brazil, China, and Denmark etc are in the process or have
prohibited diesel vehicles. They have achieved it by imposing stringent taxes on the
vehicles.
Certain stringent measures need to be taken to ensure that residents of Delhi do not
travel closer to ill-health with each breath they take.
In this regard, tribunal bench directed the Transport department of Delhi government and
other concerned authorities to prepare a comprehensive data of registration of all such
vehicles which are 10 or more years old.
Earlier in November 2014, NGT had banned all the petrol vehicles over 15-year old in Delhi
and NCR.
April 8, 2015
TRAI recommends 112 as single emergency number for India
April 8, 2015
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 7 April 2015 has proposed
112 as a single emergency number that can be used all across the country
including for police, fire and ambulance departments.
This emergency number will be similar to the 911 an all-in-one emergency
service in the United States.
At present, for emergency disaster management different numbers for
different emergencies such as 100 for police, 101 for fire and 102 for ambulance are in
existence.
TRAI has suggested that existing emergency numbers can be retained as secondary numbers
and the calls made to them be re-routed to 112. After time being, once a call to the
secondary numbers significantly reduces, they can be withdrawn gradually.
Callers seeking help in emergency can dial 112 from mobile or landline phones even when
outgoing facility has been debarred or the service temporarily suspended. TRAI also has
proposed SMS-based access for the emergency services.
The regulator also has recommended setting up of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) a
call centre through which all calls to 112 will be routed.
Depending upon type of emergency, PSAPs will send police, fire, medical and other
emergency response servieces.
Union Cabinet approves release of additional installment of DA and DR
April 8, 2015
The Union Cabinet on 7 April 2015 gave its nod to release an additional installment of
Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to
pensioners.
The approved additional installment of DA/DR is at the rate of six percent increase over the
existing rate of 107 percent with effect from 1 January 2015. This decision is going to benefit
48 lakh government employees and 55 lakh pensioners.
Decision in this regard was taken in Union meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 6th
Central Pay Commission.
With this Central Government employees as well as pensioners are entitled for DA/DR at the
rate of 113 percent of the basic pay with effect from 1 January 2015.
This decision will have combined impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR will
be of the order of 6762.24 crore rupees per annum and 7889.34 crore rupees in the Financial
Year 2015-16. FY 2015-16 will be for a period of 14 months from January 2015 to February
2016.
Union Cabinet gives nod to Real Estate Regulation Bill to curb malpractices in real
estate sector
April 8, 2015
The Union Cabinet on 7 April 2015 approved amendments to the Real
Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 to protect the interests of
consumers and curb the malpractices in the real estate sector.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The bill seeks to create a uniform regulatory mechanism across the
At present he is also the Executive Chairman of TIPL (Tractors India Pvt. Ltd.),
distributor Company for Caterpillar.
In the past years, Mazumder was an active member of CII and had chaired its
various Committees and Councils.
He also had served as President of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
Director on the Board of West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC).
About Snapdeal
Snapdeal was started in February 2010.
It was founded by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, an alumnus of IIT Delhi.
Since its formation Snapdeal has grown to become the largest online marketplace in
India.
At present it offers an assortment of 4 million+ products across diverse categories
from over 50,000 sellers, shipping to 4,000 towns and cities in India.
PM Narendra Modi launches MUDRA Bank to provide credit to small entrepreneurs
April 8, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 April 2015 launched Micro Units
Development Re-finance Agency (MUDRA) Bank in New Delhi.
MUDRA Bank will act as a regulator for Micro-Finance Institutions
(MFIs) involved in manufacturing, trading and service activities to
promote their growth.
The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana will be the main support system for
the bank and will be the part of Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI).
The MUDRA bank was proposed in Budget 2015-16 by Union Government with an initial
corpus of 20,000 crore rupees. Apart from this, 3,000 crore rupees also has been earmarked
as credit guarantee corpus.
The envisaged roles for MUDRA Bank include
Formulate policy guidelines for micro-enterprise financing business and registration of
MFI entities.
Undertake rating and accreditation of MFI entities.
Develope standardized set of guidelines in order to govern last-mile lending to micro
enterprises.
Promote appropriate technology solutions for the last mile.
Formulate and operate a credit guarantee schemes in order to provide guarantees to
loans and portfolios that are extended to micro enterprises.
Support promotional and development activities in the sector and create a good
architecture for last-mile credit delivery.
MUDRA Bank will provide financing on 3 stages- Shishu, Kishore and Tarun.
Shishu is first stage in which loan cover upto Rs 50,000 will be given to a business
entity at start of business.
Kishore is second stage in which loan cover ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh will
be given.
Tarun is the third stage in which loan cover up to Rs. 10 lakh will be given.
April 9, 2015
India registers record production of nuclear fuel
April 9, 2015
India has registered a major milestone for the nuclear industry by
producing record nuclear fuel i.e. producing over 1,252 Metric
Tonne (MT) of uranium bundles.
Hyderabad-based Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) has contributed to
achieve this milestone by producing over 30 per cent more fuel
compared to its 961.023 MT fuel production in 2013-14.
The recorded production also has exceeded countrys annual fuel
requirement of 650 MT for the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors
(PHWRs). This surplus nuclear fuel production can last for at least a few months.
Nuclear fuel production in India
Since 2008, the nuclear fuel production in the country has seen a steady increase.
This increase in production has been attributed to the Indo-US nuclear deal and the
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which had simplified the process of acquiring
uranium.
In 2008-09, NFC had produced 226.89 MT nuclear fuel, prior to signing Indo-US
nuclear deal in 2008.
But after the Indo-US nuclear deal the production had increased to 600.91 MT in
2009-10.
At present, India produces around 5,780 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power. Of this total
power produced 4,780 MW of electricity is generated by fuel processed at the NFC.
Union Government allows pharmaceutical companies to hike rates of 509 essential
medicines
April 9, 2015
Union government has allowed pharmaceutical companies to hike rates of
509 essential medicines by 3.84 per cent. The new prices will be effective
from 1 April 2015.
In this regard, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has issued
a notification under Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013 in line with the
wholesale price index of 2014.
These essential medicines are used for treating various ailments like hepatitis B and C,
diabetes, and cancer.
Presently, Union government regulates prices of a total of 348 essential medicines based on
the simple average of all medicines in a particular therapeutic segment with sales of more
than 1 per cent.
Union government also regulates prices of all other medicines and pharma companies are
allowed to hike prices of such drugs by only up to 10 per cent in a year.
DPCO, 2013 was notified by the Union government with an effect from May 2014. It has
replaced the 1995 order that regulated prices of only 74 bulk drugs and covers 680
formulations.
Union Government issues revised norms for disaster relief
April 9, 2015
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued orders on revision norms with respect of the
Centrally notified disasters. These disasters include tsunami, earthquake, floods, cyclones,
drought, hailstorm, etc.
Facts about revised norms
Norms related to various aspects of response and preparedness like ex-gratia to the
kins in case of loss of lives, disability and livelihoods have been revised.
Permitted State governments to use upto 10% of allocation of the State Disaster
Relief Fund (SDRF) on equipment. On capacity building, maximum of 5% of SDRF
allocation can be spent.
State Governments also can use upto 10% of their SDRF allocation on local disasters.
In this case the State Executive Committees have to work out the criteria and
modalities.
Procedure for adjustment of available balances under SDRF is simplified while
releasing assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) in case of severe
disasters.
Automatic annual updation of the norms by reference with the movement of
wholesale price index (WPI) is also enabled.
The MoC will enable India to make use of worlds latest technology which is available
with the US for developments of waterways and multi-modal hub projects.
Renowned Tamil singer EM Hanifa passes away
April 9, 2015
Renowned Tamil Muslim devotional singer EM Hanifa passed away on 9
April 2015 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was 90.
He was well-known for his number of devotional songs and was a leading
propagandist of Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) Party for more than
five decades.
About EM Hanifa
EM Hanifa hailed from pilgrim town of Nagore in Nagapattinam
district of Tamil Nadu.
His voice had transcended religious lines and Iraivanidam Kaiyenthungal (look up to
God he never says no) song of him was an evergreen which was liked by all crossing
across religious barriers.
Apart from lending his voice for religious songs he was also well-known singer for
popularizing the Dravidian ideals.
Political career- He was a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council (now
defunct) in the early 1970s.
In 2002, he had contested as a DMK Candidate from Vaniyambadi but was not able
to win.
UP government confers Sahitya Shiromani Samman on Gopal Das Neeraj
April 9, 2015
Uttar Pradesh government has conferred Sahitya Shiromani Samman upon
noted Hindi poet Gopal Das Neeraj.
The award carrying cash prize of 21 lakh Rupees was bestowed upon Neeraj
by UP Chief Akhilesh Yadav. While presenting award, CM Akhilesh Yadav also
announced to give Rashtra Ratn- Sitara-e Hind award to Neeraj for his
lifelong service to Hindi literature.
Along with Gopal Das Neeraj, veteran Hindi litterateur Uday Pratap Singh was also conferred
with Sahitya Shiromani award and cash prize of 21 lakh Rupees.
About Gopal Das Neeraj
Gopal Das Neeraj was born on January 4, 1925 in Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh.
He had written poems under the pen name Neeraj.
He is among the renowned poets and authors in Hindi literature and also is a famous
poet of Hindi Kavi Sammelan.
He also was Professor of Hindi Literature in Dharma Samaj College, Aligarh and also a
chancellor of Mangalayatan University, Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Several of his poems have been used as songs in Hindi movies.
They hold office for the term of 6 years or until they attain age of 65 years,
whichever is earlier.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through
impeachment by Parliament.
India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Dhanush missile from ship
April 9, 2015
India on 9 April 2015 successfully test fired nuclear weapons-capable
Dhanush missile from a ship, off the Odisha coast.
Test- The ship-based missile was launched from an Offshore Patrolling
Vessel (OPV), deep inside the Bay of Bengal to test its full range. It
successfully hit the target point with high degree of accuracy.
Facts about Dhanush Missile
Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The surface-to-surface missile is a naval variant of Prithvi missile.
Capable of carrying of 500 to 1000 kilogram conventional as well as nuclear payload.
It is a single-stage, liquid-propelled missile and has range of 350 km.
Capable to target both land-based and sea-based targets. It gives Indian Navy
capability to strike enemy targets with great precision.
It should be noted that Dhanush is one of the 5 missiles developed by the DRDO under the
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
The previous trial of the missile was successfully conducted in November 2014.
Generally are bio-controlling agents and help to keep the insect population under
control. Thus are important to the ecosystem.
Governments action against the Greenpeace came in the wake of the Intelligence
Bureaus (IBs) report on foreign funding of NGOs.
In the IB report, it had charged the Greenpeace and other lobby groups for
preventing economic growth of country by campaigning against mining, power
projects and genetically modified food.
Security agencies also have alleged that nearly 200 foreign donors were indulged in
money laundering under the garb of donating money to some of these organisations.
Retired Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgaonkar passes away
April 10, 2015
Retired Air Chief Marshal Hrushikesh Moolgaonkar passed away on 9 April
2015 in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 95.
About Hrushikesh Moolgaonkar
Hrushikesh Moolgaonkar had joined Indian Air Force (then Royal
Indian Air Force) in November 1940 as the rank of an acting Pilot
Officer.
He was appointed Chief of Air Staff in February 1976. He had succeeded then Air
Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra.
During this tenure, one of his major achievements was bring flight safety in the
Indian Air Force (IAF). Moolgaonkar had personally implemented the new safety
measures and brought down the accident rates at that time.
He had led the fly-past of IAF on Independence Day in August 15, 1947 and also
on the Republic Day in January 26, 1951 when he was a Squadron Leader.
He had served in 38 years in the IAF and had retired in August 1978.
He was born on 14 August 1920 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Awards- He was recipient of the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva medal and
Mahaveer Chakra.
Veteran Australian Cricket legend and former Captain Richie Benaud passes away
April 10, 2015
Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentatorRichie
Benaud passed away on 10 April 2015. He was 84.
About Richie Benaud
Richie Benaud was an Australian Test cricket all-rounder and a
pioneering leg-spin bowler.
Test career- In his Test cricket career, he had played 63 matches.
His debut match was against West Indies in 1952. He had made 2201 runs and had
taken 248 wickets.
In 1958, he was appointed captain of Australian Test Team. He had led the team in
28 Test matches.
First class cricket career- He had played 259 first-class matches and had taken 945
wickets and made 11,719 first-class runs at an average of 36.50.
He had scored 23 centuries in first class cricket.
Commentary Career- After retiring from cricket he pursued his career in journalism
and broadcasting.
In 1960, he made first radio cricket commentary for BBC in Britain. His last
commentary was in 2005 Ashes series. But till 2013, he continued to work for
Channel Nine in Australia.
Autobiography- Anything But published in 1998.
Awards- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to cricket
(1961), inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1985), Australian Cricket Hall
of Fame(2007) and ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009).
Arun Kumar Jha appointed CEO of Khadi and Village Industries Commission
April 10, 2015
Arun Kumar Jha on 10 April 2015 was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khadi
and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Mumbai.
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has appointed him to the post of CEO (Joint
Secretary level post) in order to balance period of his overall 5 year tenure up to September
2016.
Jha is a 1985-batch officer of Indian Economics Service (IES). Presently, he is working as
Director General of National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
(NIESBUD).
About Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
KVIC is a statutory body formed under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Act, 1956.
It is an apex organization under the aegis of Union Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises.
KVIC seeks to establish and develop khadi and village industries in the rural areas by
assisting, planning and promoting them.
It should be noted that safe motherhood also means to ensure that all women receive the
care they need to be safe and healthy throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Some facts about Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in India
India has registered an overall 70 percent decline in MMR during period from 1990 to
2012 as compared to global decline of 45 percent.
During 2011-13, the MMR has declined 167 per one lakh live births compared to 178
per one-lakh live births in 2010-12.
The rate of decline in MMR is showing an increasing trend from annual rate of 6.2
percent in 2011-13 compared to 4.1 percent in 2001-03.
Apart from MMR, the institutional delivery in India has risen sharply from 47 per cent in 2007-
08 to over 75 per cent in 2013.
India to chair 9th International Renewable Energy Agency council meet
April 11, 2015
India is going to chair the ninth International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA) council meeting to be held in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The 9th IRENA council is scheduled to start from 10 June
2015 and will be a two day event.
In this meeting 21 member nations of IRENA council are going to take part. They will guide
the agencys future programmes and activities.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA is an intergovernmental organization to promote adoption and sustainable use
of renewable energy. It is the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and
information exchange within its member nations.
Founded: in 2009 and its statute entered into force on 8 July 2010.
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi.
Two governing structure: IRENA Assembly which takes decisions at macro level
and gives policy guidance.
IRENA Council is main governing body and is responsible for implementing various
decisions of assembly.
Members: In total it has 140 Members. India is one of the 33 Permanent and
founder members of IRENA.
NGT directs Real Estate Sector to check air pollution due to dust emanating from
construction sites
April 11, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Real Estate Sector in the Delhi and National
Capital Region (NCR) to check air pollution caused by dust emanating from construction sites.
The ruling was given by NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on 10
April 2015.
Apurvi Chandela wins Bronze in ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup
April 11, 2015
Indian shooter Apurvi Chandela on 11 April 2015 won Bronze medal in the 10-
metre air rifle event at the (International Shooting Sport Federation) ISSF Rifle
and Pistol World Cup in Changwon, South Korea.
She won the bronze after she shot score of 185.6 in the qualifying fifth final
round.
In this world cup, Pejcic Snjezana of Croatia with score of 209.1 won gold medal and Ivana
Maksimovic of Serbia with score of 207.7 won the silver medal.
With this win, Apurvi Chandela has qualified for the 2016 Olympics, which will be held in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil. She was placed at third position in the list of eight-strong competitors.
Among these eight competitors six were qualified for the Olympics.
It should be noted that Apurvi Chandela is the second Indian marksman after pistol shooter
Jitu Rai to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
Jitu Rai after winning won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event in 2014 at the World
Championships in Granada, Spain had qualified for the 2016 Olympics.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Songs and Dances of the North East festival
April 11, 2015
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated first Songs and Dances of the North
East, a cultural festival in New Delhi.
The day long festival was organized by Government of Meghalaya and
sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC).
The purpose of festival is to showcase the culture of Indias northeast region
and highlight the immense contribution made by the people of the region in
nation building.
This festival will be held by rotation in different parts of the country as part of the series of
events planned by NEC and Union Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER).
All eight States of the northeast region will collaborate to host the festival in different parts of
the country with an aim to attract investors and visitors to the region.
Yuki Bhambri wins $15,000 ITF Futures tournament title
April 11, 2015
Yuki Bhambri on 11 April 2015 has won the 15,000 US Dollar ITF Futures
tournament title.
In the final he recorded a straight-set win over Dzmitry Zhyrmont of Belarus
played at Karshi, Uzbekistan.
Bhambri defeated his rival with Bhambri with 6-2 6-4 score. This win has
pocketed 27 ranking points on Bhambri which will take him to a rank between 215 and 220. It
was also Yukis 10th ITF Futures singles title.
This win also has ensured Yukis entry into the French Open qualifying event which will be the
Clay Court Grand Slam that will begin on the19 May 2015.
About ITF Futures tournament title
ITF Futures tournament title is a series of professional tennis tournaments held
around the world.
These tournaments are organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
This title represents the lowest rung of the mens professional tennis ladder.
These tournaments are incorporated into the ATP rankings which helps young
professionals to progress on to the ATP Challenger Tour and then in ATP World Tour.
Rai won the bronze medal after he scored 181.1 points in the final and had missed out for the
gold medal shoot-out by 0.4 points.
In 10m air pistol event, Jin Jongoh of South Korea won gold medal with a score of 206.0 in
the gold medal shoot-out. Naung Ye Tun of Myanmar won silver medal with score of 201.0.
Earlier, Apurvi Chandela had won bronze in the 10-metre air rifle event in the same
tournament and became second Indian shooter after Jitu Rai to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympic
Games.
Jitu Rai after winning won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event in 2014 at the World
Championships in Granada, Spain had qualified for the 2016 Olympics.
Sania Mirza becomes first Indian female tennis player ranked World No.1 in Womens
Doubles
April 12, 2015
Sania Mirza on 12 April 2015 created history by becoming the first Indian
female tennis player to achieve the world number one rank in doubles category.
She achieved this feat after winning WTA Family Circle Cup along with her
Swiss partner Martina Hingis.
With this win Sania scored 470 points, making her tally to 7965 and surpassing
Italys Sara Errani (7640) and Roberta Vinci (7640) to the number one rank in the ranking
table.
In WTA Family Circle Cup finals, the top-seeded Indo-Swiss pair had defeated of Casey
Dellacqua and Darija Jurak by 6-0, 6-4 score.
Earlier, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were only Indians who had achieved the top rank
in Mens Doubles after they had dominated mens doubles circuit in the late 1990s.
It should be noted that Sania Mirza is also first Indian female tennis player to win Grand Slam
tournaments.
Retired Lieutenant General Hanut Singh, a 1971 Indo-Pak war hero passes away
April 12, 2015
Lieutenant General Hanut Singh (retd) on 12 April 2015 passed away in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand. He was 82.
He was a 1971 Indo-Pak war hero and one of the most famous officers of the Indian Army.
About Lt Gen Hanut Singh
In 1952, Hanut Singh was commissioned in 17 HORSE (also known as the Poona
Horse) an armoured regiment of Indian Army.
In 1971, as a Lieutenant Colonel he had commanded 17 HORSE regiment in the
famous Battle of Basantar in Indo-Pak war.
During this battle, squadron of his regiment had dashed across the heavily mined
enemy areas and successfully had repulsed repeated counter attacks by Pakistan
forces.
During this war his regiment had destroyed a large number Pakistan tanks and had
earned him the name Hero of Battle of Basantar.
After his retirement in 1991, he had founded Shivbala Yogi Ashram Parisar in
Dehradun.
He was born on 6 July 1933 in Barmer district of Rajasthan and was a cousin of
former Union Minister Jaswant Singh.
Awards- He is recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, Indias second highest gallantry
award for his personal bravery and outstanding leadership.
New Zealand wins Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament 2015
April 12, 2015
New Zealand has won the 24th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah
Hockey Tournament 2015 for second time.
In the final match, New Zealand defeated World Champions
Australia by 3-1 goals in the penalty shoot-out. In regulation 60
minutes time, both teams had tied at 2-2 goals.
Earlier, New Zealand had won the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey
Tournament in 2012. It is third time Australia came as runner-ups position in tournament
(1999, 2006 and 2015).
India won the bronze i.e. finished third by defeating South Korea by 4-1 goals in the penalty
shoot-out after both the teams were tied at 2-2 at regulation time.
The commissioned unit is the second unit of DBPLs 2 600 MW power project. The first 600
MW Unit was commissioned in 2014.
BHEL is partner in the power development programme of the state of Chhattisgarh.
With this commissioning of second unit, BHELs cumulative installed capacity has increased at
11,400MW in Chhattisgarh and accounts for 68 per cent share of the total installed capacity in
the state.
About Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
BHEL is a power plant equipment manufacturer completely owned by Union Government.
It is largest engineering and manufacturing company of its kind in India.
Established:
It was awarded a Maharatna Company status in 2013.
Prior to this, Shamina was global director for government services and solutions at
MasterCard Centre for Inclusive Growth.
Prior to joining MasterCard, she had led government and public affairs for sports
brand Nike and had 5 five years with Citigroups Global Community Development
Group.
She also had held senior positions within the Bill Clinton Administration and the US
House of Representatives.
Singh also was a Deputy Director for America Votes in 2003. She also had served as
a Senior Advisor to US House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
In 2002, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Ron Kirk for US Senate
campaign.
From 1999 to 2001, Singh was Executive Director for the Presidents Advisory
Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the White House Initiative
on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The programme will address medical and health-related problems of its troops deployed in
far-flung frontier areas and difficult regions in the hinterland in case of an emergency or
illness.
Facts about Tele-medicine programme
It will be operated and hosted from the BSFs Kadamtala-based composite hospital in
Siliguri, West Bengal.
The full-time team of doctors at hospital will be connected with BSF posts along the
Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangla frontiers.
The hospital has been equipped with required technology including satellite phones
and the VSAT platform to host the programme.
BSFs anti-Naxal operations units in Chhattisgarh and Odisha will also be linked with
the same facility.
The programme will be made fully operational in 2015 which marks 50th year of BSFs
Raising.
Ministry of Home Affairs renames Visa on Arrival scheme to e-Tourist visa
April 14, 2015
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has renamed Tourist Visa on
Arrival-Electronic Travel Authorization scheme (TVoA-ETA) to e-
Tourist Visa with effect from 15 April 2015.
With this ambiguities faced by foreign tourists especially by schemes
nomenclature VoA, presuming that they would be granted visa on
arrival upon landing will be removed.
Background
MHA move comes after some of Indian embassies had requested to change the
nomenclature of the scheme.
A committee of officers from the External Affairs Ministry, MHA and Bureau of
Immigration also had suggested renaming the scheme.
Foreign tourists were confused with Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme as other countries
allowed tourist to land and then get visa.
About e-Tourist Visa Scheme
e-Tourist Visa Scheme is a pre-authorization of Visa to foreigners that being given
prior to travel.
Under the scheme, a foreign tourist is required to apply for a visa online by uploading
his photograph and passport and also paying his visa fee online.
Then visa authorities will process his application and send him an electronic travel
authorization, or simply e-visa, via e-mail within 72 hours.
TVoA-ETA was launched in November 2014. It had enabled Electronic Travel Authorization to
44 countries at nine airports across India.
It also facilitated short duration international travelers. Since the launch of the scheme,
around 1.10 lakh visas have been granted.
Zomato acquires Delhi based data firm MaplePOS
April 14, 2015
Online restaurant guide Zomato on 14 April 2015 acquired
MaplePOS, a cloud-based point of sale product for restaurants
developed by Delhi based MapleGraph.
After the acquisition, Zomato has renamed MaplePOS product
to Zomato Base which will help the company and its restaurant partners to manage business
into online orders and payments.
MaplePos, a sale product offers various features of restaurants such as inventory and menu
management, and has in-built payment solution to accept debit and credit card payments.
It should be noted that, this is the first product acquisition done by Zomato. Earlier, it had
acquired 7 restaurant search and listing companies in various parts of the world.
MapleGraph was founded in 2011 by Varun Tangri, Arun Tangri and Abhishek Rohilla. The
company offers software solutions to manage menus, inventory, electronic receipts, recipes,
and other features in restaurant management.
Union Government forms task force to expedite work on inter-linking of rivers
April 14, 2015
Union Government on 14 April 2015 constituted a task force on interlinking of rivers in the
country.
The Task Force will be chaired by former Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources B N
Navalawala and comprises experts and senior officials.
Terms of References of Task Force
Take up all issues related to expediting the work on interlinking of rivers in the
country.
Consider alternative plans in case of infeasible links in the present National
Perspective Plan (NPP) apart from examining the existing links which are laid out as
per the NPP under both Himalayan and Peninsular components.
Facilitate interlinking of intra-basin and intra-state Rivers, along with that of inter-
state and inter-basin links.
Recommend time schedules for completing feasibility studies of all the river links
along with implementation schedule.
Suggest different means of funding mechanisms for the interlinking of rivers project.
Provide guidance norms of appraisal for individual projects in respect of economic
viability, environmental impacts, socio-economic and preparation of resettlement
plans.
Device suitable mechanisms in order to bring speedy consensus among the states.
To implement the interlinking of Rivers, propose suitable organizational structure.
After taking oath of office, she took charge as judge. With this Sikkim High Court again got its
full strength of three judges after a gap of about one year.
It should be noted that Mrs. Rai is also the third High Court judge who hails from Sikkim.
About Sikkim High Court
Established:1975.
Sikkim High Court was established under Article 371-F which was added in
Constitution by Constitutional (Thirty-Sixth Amendment) Act, 1975.
Seat of the court: Gangtok.
Sanctioned Judge strength: 3.
Incumbent Chief Justice: Pius C Kuriakose.
In his 24 years cricket career, he had played for India in 200 Tests, 463 One-Day
Internationals (ODIs) and one Twenty20 International.
Test career: In 200 Test matches he had scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. It
comprised of 51 centuries and 68 half centuries. Highest test score was 248 runs (not out).
ODI career: In 463 ODI matches he had scored 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83. It
comprised of 49 centuries and 96 half centuries. Highest ODI score was 200 runs (not out).
BHEL, Russian firm INTMA ink MoU to set up power plant in Kazakhstan
April 15, 2015
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with a Russian company INTMA to set up a
gas-based power project in Kazakhstan.
The MoU aims set combined path to execute projects of mutual
interest in Russia and Kazakhstan. In this regard, BHELs
competence in design and manufacturing of power plants will play
important role and INTMAs strength in handling engineering
procurement and construction contractors (EPC) contracts will implement the projects.
By signing this MoU, BHEL will be able to expand its footprint in the commonwealth of
independent states (CIS) region.
At present, BHEL is has a presence in more than 75 countries and is executing 23 major
projects in 16 countries. The state owned company is primarily engaged in manufacturing of
power plant equipment like steam turbines, gas turbines, hydro turbines and boilers.
While, INTMA is Russia and Kazakhstans one of the leading general EPC. It has wide
experience in industrial construction, automation, renovation of facilities and other energy
related sectors.
Dr. Mohan Kumar appointed as new Ambassador to France
April 15, 2015
Senior diplomat Dr. Mohan Kumar has been appointed the Indias next
Ambassador to France.
He will succeed Arun Kumar who was recently appointed Ambassador to the
United States.
About Mohan Kumar
Mohan Kumar is a 1981-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Ambassador of India to Bahrain.
He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a doctorate (PhD)
from the reputed Sciences Po University in Paris.
In his over 30 years IFS career, he had served at various posts and had handled
variety of interesting and challenging assignments.
Mohan Kumar had served Deputy High Commissioner at the Indian Diplomatic
Mission in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2001.
He also has served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Paris for 3
years.
Canada to Supply Uranium to India for 5 Years
April 15, 2015
Canada has agreed to supply 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to India
under a $254 million five-year deal to power Indian atomic reactors.
The agreement for uranium supply was signed by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi along with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper
after comprehensive talks in Ottawa, Canada.
The agreement comes in line with the Canada- India Nuclear
Cooperation Agreement that took effect in 2013.
As per uranium supply agreement, Canadas Cameco Corporation will supply uranium to India
for next five years starting from this year. These supplies will be under the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
Canada is the second-largest producer of uranium globally and is the third country to supply
uranium to India after Russia and Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that in the 1970s, Canada had banned exports of uranium and nuclear
hardware to India after it was alleged that India had used Canadian technology to develop a
nuclear bomb.
However, Canada- India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2013, Canada moved away
from ban and agreed to supply uranium to India.
At present India has arsenal of Agni-I, II and III and Prithvi missiles with strike reach of over
3000 km, giving an effective deterrence capability.
Former Nepalese PM Surya Bahadur Thapa passes away
April 16, 2015
Surya Bahadur Thapa, former Prime Minister (PM) of Nepal passed away on
15 April 2015 in Gurgaon. He was 87.
Thapa had served as Prime Minister of Nepal for five times under three
different kings. His was in office from 1963-64, 196569, 197983, 199798
and 2003-04.
About Surya Bahadur Thapa
Surya Bahadur Thapa was born on 21 March 1928 in Muga village, Dhankuta district.
He had completed his higher studies from Allahabad University, Uttar Pradesh.
His political career spanned more than 50 years. He had started his political career in
1950 by executing underground student movement.
In 1958, he was elected to the Assembly and became Chairman of the Advisory
Council. He was elected to the Upper House of Nepal in 1959.
In 1960, under the newly introduced Panchayat system of Nepal, he was appointed
Minister of Agriculture, Forest and Industry.
Surya Bahadur Thapas son Sunil Bahadur Thapa at present is serving as the Minister of
Commerce and Supplies in the Sushil Koirala-led coalition government.
Delhi Assembly Speaker has recognized him as LOP as per Section 2 of the Leader of
Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory ( NCT) of Delhi (Salary
and Allowances) Act, 2001.
Gupta is one of three legislators of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has greatest numerical
strength as opposition party in the legislative assembly. Prior to this he was leader of the
house of the party in opposition in the house.
In February 2015 Assembly election, BJP had won three seats which is less than one-tenth of
the total strength of 70 of the Delhi assembly. While, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had won 67
seats.
Gupta is a former BJP state president. In 2015 Assembly election he had won from Rohini
constituency by defeating AAP candidate C.L. Gupta by around 5,000 votes.
UN Peace Envoy Jamal Benomar Resigns
April 17, 2015
United Nation (UN) peace envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar has resigned,
after losing support from Gulf countries for his mission in the conflict-riven
nation.
His resignation comes after UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling
for the swift resumption of peace talks and an end to violence in Yemen on
14 April 2015.
The adopted resolution adopted calls on the Huthis to withdraw from Sanaa and all other
areas they have seized.
About Jamal Benomar
Since 2012, he was serving as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moons special envoy for
Yemen.
He joined UN in 1994 and had served at various key of posts of different UN
agencies.
It included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Department of Political Affairs
(DPA).
Background
The security situation in Yemen deteriorated after the Shia Houthis rebels had seized power
by dissolving Yemens government and parliament in January 2015. Since then they had
taken control of key government buildings in capital Sanaa including Presidential Palace.
Russia, Pakistan to hold first-ever joint military exercises
April 17, 2015
Russia and Pakistan have agreed to hold first-ever joint military exercises as
part of their enhanced defence cooperation.
In this regard, an agreement was reached between both nations during a meeting between
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif in Moscow.
As per the agreement, both nations will strive for
Enhancing cooperation in defence industry and military training.
Promoting joint participation in military exercises.
Increasing military cooperation in training and import of arms and equipment.
Resolving conflicts through diplomatic means rather than using of force.
Apart from above, both nations also have reached a consensus that a multi-polar world would
ensure peace and balance in international relations.
In 2014, both nations had signed a military cooperation agreement to deepen their defence
ties. They also had vowed to translate their relationship in tangible terms.
The military agreement was signed during the first-ever visit of a Russian defence minister in
45 years to Pakistan in November 2014.
Oil India commissions 54 MW capacity wind energy projects in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
April 17, 2015
Indias second largest state-owned oil explorer company, Oil
India Limited (OIL) has commissioned 54 MW wind energy
projects saddled between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The spilt capacity of project between both states is 38 MW
plant located at Chandgarh in Madhya Pradesh and 16 MW
plant located at Patan in Gujarat.
The Project is fully funded by OIL and its total cost is Rs 439 crore that includes Rs 126.5
crore for the Gujarat plant and Rs 312.45 crore for the Madhya Pradesh plant.
The Project is being run by Chennai based Gamesa Wind Turbines who are the project
developers. Delhi based Power and Energy Consultants are the project Management
consultants.
With commissioning of these plants, OILs installed renewable energy capacity i.e. commercial
wind energy and solar energy projects capacity has rose to 126.60 MW.
Punjab government approves release of Gharials in Sutlej and Beas rivers to promote
eco-tourism
April 17, 2015
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on 17 April 2015 approved release of Gharials in
Sutlej and Beas rives in the state to promote eco-tourism.
Initially, 10 Gharials (last surviving species of the family Gavialidae) will be released in the
Harike Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of Gharial Recovery Action Plan.
Decision in this regard was taken after recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife.
Union Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) also had given
permission for release of Gharials under Section 12 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
About Gharial
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is also known as the gavial.
It is a fish-eating crocodile and belongs to one of the three crocodilian species found
in the Indian Sub-Continent.
It is listed in Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is also listed as Critically Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.
In historic times it was present in Indus River system, including Beas and Sutlej
rivers, indicating healthy river system.
US President Barack Obama to honour Satya Nadella with Champion of Change award
April 18, 2015
United States (US) President Barack Obama is going to honour Microsofts
Indian-origin CEO Satya Nadella with the Champions of Change award.
He will be honoured with this award for bringing change within his
company to support working families.
Under Nadellas leadership, Microsoft recently had announced that all the
suppliers doing business with Microsoft in the US will have to provide at
least 15 days of paid leave to their employees who handle Microsoft work each year starting
from 2016 onwards.
Apart from him, 11 other persons were honoured with Champions of Change award for their
exemplary leadership.
About Satya Nadella
Originally from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh and was born in 1967.
Educational Qualification: He holds bachelors degree in electrical engineering from
Mangalore University, Masters degree in computer science from the University of
Wisconsin Milwaukee and a masters degree in business administration (MBA) from
the University of Chicago.
Microsoft career- He had joined Microsoft in 1992. He was appointed CEO of
company in February 2014.
About Champions of Change award
It is given to those who support working families and help make change in their
companies or communities.
In this regard, White House had created the Champions of Change programme in
order to feature these individuals and to empower and inspire members of their
communities.
Ashish Jakhar from Haryana sets National Youth record in hammer throw
April 18, 2015
Ashish Jakhar from Haryana on 17 April 2015 set a national youth record in boys hammer
throw event and won gold medal in the 12th National Youth Athletics Championships held in
Bambolim, Goa.
In this event, Ashish had hurled 5kg ball-and-chain at record distance of 72.04 metres in a
second throw which made a national youth record. In his opening throw he had hurdled at a
distance of 71.92 metres.
With this, he broke the previous national record of 70.35 metres which was set by Haryanas
Sukhdev Singh in 2009.
While, Uttar Pradeshs Miraj Ali took the silver medal with a 68.35 metres throw in the meet.
Hammer throw event in the 12th National Youth Athletics Championships is also the selection
trials for the inaugural Asian Youth Championships which are to be held in Doha in May 2015.
At present and so far this season, only Chinese thrower Xu Wenjie has a better mark than
Ashish in the Asian rankings, with a 72.35 metres throw.
International Paralympic Committee derecognises Paralympic Committee of India
April 18, 2015
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has suspended the
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for indefinite period.
IPCs this move comes after PCI had provided shoddy treatment to athletes
during the National Para-Athletics Championships held in Ghaziabad from
March 20 to 22, 2015.
This is second time PCI has been suspended by IPC. With this suspension, Indian para-
athletes will not be able to participate in any IPC-sanctioned competition, including 2016
Paralympic Games at Rio de Janeiro.
In this regard, Union Sports Ministry also has issued a show cause notice to PCI. This notice
was issued based upon enquiry conducted by Sports Authority of India (SAI).
SAI in its enquiry had reported that the sports venue did not have proper facilities to conduct
National Championship and also lacked allied facilities required for differently abled athletes.
About Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
PCI was founded in 1992 as the Physically Handicapped Sports Federation of India.
It was recognized in November 2011, as National Sports Federation (NSF) for promotion of
sports amongst the physically challenged sportspersons in the country.
It is also responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at the Paralympic Games and
other international athletic meets.
Andhra Pradesh Government inks MoU with IISL Company to replace streetlights in 13
municipalities with LED lights
April 18, 2015
Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
IISL Company to replace the existing streetlights in 13 municipalities with LED lights in the
state.
MoU was signed by Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana
and IISLs representatives in Amaravati, the new capital state.
As per the agreement, IISL will maintain replace and maintain LED streetlights in the 13
municipalities for seven years.
The all existing streetlights in all the municipal corporations and municipalities will be changed
to LED streetlights in a phased manner.
By installing LED streetlights, state government aims to reduce the power consumption by 50
per cent.
RVNL Sings MoU with Private Sector Dighi Port Limited for Rail Connectivity
April 18, 2015
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 18
April 2015 between Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and
Dighi Port Limited.
The MoU will facilitate construction of 34 km of railway link
between Roha and Dighi Port in Raigad district of
Maharashtra. The project cost is estimated around Rs. 723
crore.
It was signed in the presence of Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Maharashtra Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
Dighi Port is the first non- major private sector seaport in Maharashtra located on the banks of
Rajapuri Creek in Raigad district over 150 km from Mumbai.
The port is being developed by Balaji Infra Projects Ltd (BIPL) under a 50 year Build, Own,
Operate, Share, Transfer (BOOST) concession agreement.
The agreement was signed by BIPL with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Government
of Maharashtra in order to develop, operate, finance and maintain the Port.
Vankadarath Saritha, first woman bus driver of Delhi Transport Corporation
April 18, 2015
Vankadarath Saritha, a 30-year-old driver became first woman bus driver
to be inducted in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).
DTC has currently posted her at Sarojini Nagar depot and will work in
day-time duty at a route in the central part of the city, starting from 20
April 2015.
Saritha hails from Nalgonda district in Telengana. She had started her
career as an autorickshaw driver and previously had worked as a bus driver in Hyderabad,
Andhra Pradesh. Prior to joining DTC, she was working as a taxi driver in Delhi.
Delhi governments this step will allay its concern regarding womens security in the capital
and also encourage womens contribution to such sectors where theyre currently not
participating.
Maharashtra government sets up task forces on agriculture development and poverty
alleviation
April 18, 2015
Maharashtra government on 18 April 2015 set up a task force on agriculture development and
poverty alleviation to address the issues.
It will be 12-member panel for agriculture development and will be headed by the states
additional chief secretary (Agriculture).
Members: Secretaries of the departments of finance, planning, water conservation, water
resources, forest, cooperation, dairy development will be its members.
Task force for poverty alleviation
State government also has set up another task force for poverty alleviation. It will be headed
by principal secretary (Social Justice Department).
Members: Secretaries of departments of tribal development, rural development, finance,
housing, urban development, labour and public health will be its members.
Background
During the first meeting of National Institution for Transformation of India (NITI) Aayog held
in February 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested to all state governments to set
up panels for agriculture development and poverty alleviation to address the issues.
Indias Y Pranjala wins Asian Junior Tennis title
April 19, 2015
Indias Y Pranjala has won the Asian Junior Tennis championship title on 18 April 2015.
In the final match played at New Delhi she defeated Chinas Zheng Wushuang with a 5-7, 6-2,
7-5 scoreline.
She also had won the Asian Junior Tennis doubles title along with partner Zheng Wushuang
on 17 April 2015.
Presently, Pranjala is coached by former Davis Cup player Ilyas Ghouse and trains at GVK
Tennis Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana.
He had retired from IAS as Secretary to the Union Government in Ministry of Civil
Aviation in July 2012.
About Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
As per the provisions of Article 324 of Constitution, Chief Election Commissioner and
Election Commissioners are appointed by the President.
They hold office for the term of 6 years or until they attain age of 65 years,
whichever is earlier.
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through
impeachment by Parliament.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates centenary celebration of Patna High Court
April 19, 2015
The centenary celebration of Patna High Court was inaugurated on 18 April 2015 by President
Pranab Mukherjee.
He also released a commemorative postage stamp on this occasion to mark HCs glorious
judicial history.
Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi was in the chair and Chief Justice of India (CJI) H.L.
Dattu was guest of the honour on this occasion.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Law Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Union IT
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also had attended the function.
Facts about Patna High Court
On 1 December 1913, then Viceroy of India, Lord Charles Hardine had laid the
foundation stone of the existing Patna High Court building.
On 3 February 1916, the building was formally opened by Lord Hardine. The court
had started functioning with a chief justice and 6 judges under the provisions of
Government of India Act 1915.
At present it has sanctioned strength of 43 judges.
Rajendra Prasad, Indias first President and Sachchidanand Sinha, first president of
the constituent assembly also had practised at this court.
3 Chief Justices from Patna High Court went on to become the Chief Justice of India
(CJI). They are Justice B.P. Sinha (6th CJI), Justice Lalit Mohan Sharma (24th CJI)
and Justice Rajendra Mal Lodha (41st CJI).
Three Indian race walkers qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics
April 19, 2015
Three Indian race walkers Khushbir Kaur, Manish Rawat and Sandeep Kumar
have qualified for 2016 Rio Olympics.
In the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Race Walking
Challenge held at Rio Maiorin Portugal, National womens 20km walk record
holder Khushbir Kaur clocked 1 hour 33 minute and 58 seconds below the
Rio Oympic qualification time of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
In the mens 20km race walk event Manish Rawat and Sandeep Kumar qualified for Rio
Games.
In this event, Manish Rawat logged his personal best performance with a timing of 1 hour 22
minutes and Sandeep Kumar clocked 1 hour 23 minute and 32 seconds. Both of them
performed above the Rio Oympic qualification time of 1 hour and 24 minutes.
In terms of continent wise, Asia has produced most e-waste per inhabitant in year
2014 by producing 16 Mt i.e. 3.7 kg per inhabitant.
Top three Asian e-waste producing nations are- China (6.0Mt), Japan (2.2Mt)
and India (1.7Mt).
While, Africa has generated lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant by producing 9
Mt i.e. 1.7 kg per inhabitant.
New species of Geckos discovered at Hampi in Karnataka
April 21, 2015
A new species of a gecko was spotted at the ruins of the World Heritage Site of Hampi in
Karnataka. It was named as Cnemaspis adii after a young herpetology researcher Aditya
Srinivasulu from Hyderabad, Telangana.
It was spotted by the researchers from the Osmania University in Hyderabad.
Cnemaspis adii gecko is similar to a type of lizard usually found in warm climates. It belongs
to the family of day geckos which are characterized by round pupils unlike regular geckos
which have vertical pupils.
This discovery of the gecko in Hampi is significant because for the first time species of day
gecko was found in the central regions of the peninsular India.
The other species of day geckos are commonly found in Western Ghats and southern Eastern
Ghats of peninsular India.
Former Odisha CM Janaki Ballabh Patnaik passes away
April 21, 2015
Former Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha and senior Congress leader Janaki
Ballabh Patnaik passed away on 21 April 2015 in Tirupati district of
Andhra Pradesh. He was 89.
Patnaik had served as CM of Odisha for three times and was in office from
1980 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 1999.
About Janaki Ballabh Patnaik
J B Patnaik was born on 3rd January, 1927 in Puri district of Odisha.
He had a bachelor degree in Sanskrit from the Utkal University of Odisha in 1947 and
MA degree in Political Science from the Banaras Hindu University in 1949.
Political Career: He started his political career in 1950 as President of the Odisha
state unit of the youth wing of the Congress.
For the first time he became CM of Odisha in 1980 and was in power till 1989 and
again in 1995. He had held the post of CM of odisha for the longest time on record
before the incumbent CM Naveen Patnaik.
He also had served as Union Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Labour and in
the Union Cabinet of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
He was the Governor of Assam from 2009 to 2014
J B Patnaik also had written a number of books on religion and literature which had
won thousands of hearts.
ICICI Bank launches Tap-n-Pay, a near-field communications-enabled payment service
April 21, 2015
Indias largest private sector lender Industrial Credit and
Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank has launched a
payment service Tap-n-Pay. It was launched by bank in
collaboration with Tech Mahindra.
This payment service is based on the near-field
communications (NFC) technology which will enable its customers make over-the-counter
payments without using cash.
Key features of Tap n Pay
NFC technology will allow users to tap NFC enabled tag or mobile phone at the
merchants point-of-sale device to make payments.
It is a prepaid account which will be available to customers of any bank by simply
registering for it and transferring money online from any bank account.
ICICI Bank customers can also transfer money to the Tap-n-Pay account through an
SMS.
To start with this service bank has offered it at large campuses of corporate offices.
ICICI Bank and Tech Mahindra also are planning to extend this service across the country.
Indian Railways launches E-Samiksha to monitor rail projects online
April 21, 2015
Indian Railways on 21 April 2015 launched E-Samiksha, an online monitoring mechanism.
E-Samiksha aims at monitoring implementation of various ongoing projects of Indian Railways
on real-time basis including Rail Budget proposals.
It was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi.
Facts about E-Samiksha
E-Samiksha is designed by National Informatics Centre (NIC).
It has been developed to make it a highly interactive web-based, user-friendly and
customised system.
E-Samiksha will be used to monitor budget-related projects and also for monitoring
the infrastructure target and board meeting follow-up.
Currently, it is being used by Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Ministers Office and other
Ministries for monitoring progress implementation of various programmes and follow-
up of meetings.
Earth day is being observed on the 22nd April every year. This day seeks to
build support for environmental protection around the world.
This years theme for the day is Its Our Turn to Lead and is 45th anniversary
of Earth Day.
On this day more than one billion people participate in Earth Day campaigns
every year from all around the globe of all nationalities, faiths and
backgrounds.
Background
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then it is being observed in more
than 192 countries.
The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a
UNESCO conference on Environment in 1969 as a global holiday.
Later in 1971, a proclamation was signed to observe international Earth Day annually
on the Vernal Equinox by UN Secretary-General U Thant.
2015 Pulitzer Prize Winners
April 22, 2015
All the Light We Cannot See, a novel based on Second World War by author Anthony Doerr
has won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
While, The New York Times has won two prestigious Pulitzer prizes for coverage of the Ebola
outbreak in West Africa.
List of 2015 Pulitzer Prize Winners
Books, Drama and Music
Fiction- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Drama - Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis
History - Encounters at the Heart of the World: A History of the Mandan People by
Elizabeth A. Fenn.
Biography - The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of
Fascism in Europe by David I. Kertzer.
Poetry - Digest by Gregory Pardlo.
General Nonfiction- The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert.
Music - Anthracite Fields by Julia Wolfe.
Journalism
Public Service- The Post and Courier, Charleston.
Breaking News Reporting- The Seattle Times Staff.
Investigative Reporting- Eric Lipton of New York Times and Wall Street Journal
Staff.
Explanatory Reporting- Zachary R. Mider of Bloomberg News.
Local Reporting- Rob Kuznia, Rebecca Kimitch and Frank Suraci of the Daily Breeze.
National Reporting- Carol D. Leonnig of Washington Post.
Since its formation it had raised capital from Helion Ventures, Blumberg Capital and
500Startups, among other angel investors.
Presently, Mygols app is present in 16 cities across the world and has up to 5,000 installs on
the Google Playstore i.e. on Android Operating System.
It should be noted it is MakeMyTrips seventh overall acquisition and third of an Indian
company. MakeMyTrip.com was founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra.
MoU signed between NRL & BPC to export petroleum products through IBFPL pipeline
April 22, 2015
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Numaligarh Refinery Limited
(NRL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to export petroleum products to
Bangladesh.
It was signed by General Manager (Planning and Development) of BPC, Mustafa Qudrat-I-
Elahi and NRLs General Manager (Marketing and Business Development) Bruno Ekka in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The MoU seeks to provide cooperation in export of petroleum products from NRLs marketing
terminal in Siliguri, West Bengal to BPCs depot at Parbatipur in Bangladesh.
The petroleum products will be exported through the proposed Indo-Bangla Friendship
Pipeline (IBFPL) of 130 km length and capacity of one Million Metric Tonne Per Annum
(MMTPA).
The IBFPL pipeline will be implemented through a joint venture (JV) company formed by NRL
and Bangladesh Petroleum.
This application will allow its passenger to buy a ticket on the move and to board the train
with the ticket secured on his mobile phone in digital format, without any need for printing the
ticket.
Initially, it has been launched as a pilot project and cover 15 stations in Southern Railway.
Later on it will be extended to entire country in phases.
Key facts
The application has been developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems
(CRIS).
It aims to eliminate the need for printing of unreserved tickets.
The application provides necessary on-screen alerts to guide the passenger during
the booking process.
Payment for the ticket will be done through the Railway Wallet, a feature inbuilt in
the App.
Passenger will get ticket confirmation on their mobile screen after booking the ticket
which will contain limited information of the ticket.
This app can be downloaded from Windows Store and Google Play Store.
Background
This paperless ticketing service using mobile applications comes in line with
announcement made by Union Government in the Union Railway Budget of February
2015.
In this budget, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had announced that the Indian
Railways is committed to Operation Five Minutes that is, purchase of an unreserved
ticket within five minutes and launching of paperless unreserved mobile ticket is the
first step in this area.
Union Cabinet approves lowering of age of Juveniles from 18 to 16 years for heinous
crimes
April 23, 2015
Union Cabinet has approved lowering of age of juveniles from eighteen to sixteen years for
heinous crimes. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
The cabinet also approved to introduce Amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Bill, 2014.
This amendment will propose and add special provisions to tackle heinous offences like
murder and rape committed by juveniles in the age group of 16-18 years.
The proposed bill will amend the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000. The parent Act clearly defines and
classifies offences as serious, petty and heinous and defines differentiated processes for each
classified category.
While the amendments in the bill adds provisions that in case a heinous crime committed by a
person between 16 and 18 years, will be examined by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to
assess if the crime was committed as a child or as an adult.
Then the trial of the case will take place as a juvenile or as an adult on basis of JJBs
assessment and decide whether the culprit should be sent to observation home or tried in a
regular court.
Background
The changes in the Parent Act come against the backdrop of outrage over the
conviction of a minor in the Delhi gang-rape case of December 2012.
The minor in this case was tried in a juvenile court and was sentenced to three years
in a reform home.
However, the lighter punishment to this minor had triggered a debate on punishment
for juveniles convicted of heinous crimes.
NASA develops first 3-D printed copper rocket engine part
April 23, 2015
NASA engineers have developed the first full-scale three dimensional
(3-D) printed copper rocket engine part.
The part developed was a combustion chamber liner that operates at
extreme temperatures and pressures using additive manufacturing
technique.
Combustion chamber was manufactured by using selective laser
melting machine in the Laboratory located in Marshall Space Flight Centres Materials and
Processing.
The machine had fused 8,255 layers of copper powder to make the chamber in 10 days and
18 hours.
The raw material used was GRCo-84, a copper alloy created by scientists at NASAs Glenn
Research Centre in Ohio. This alloy has an extensive materials characterization which helped
engineers to validate the 3-D printing processing parameters and ensure build quality.
3-D printing or additive manufacturing technique has the potential to reduce the time and cost
of making rocket parts. It can help to manufacture engine parts 10 times faster and reduce
the cost by more than 50 per cent.
On this day Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj organises National Conference every year to
commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Diwas.
Best performing Gram Panchayats are conferred with Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Purskar
by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj on this day.
French Navys Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle with its fighter aircraft Rafale M, E2C
Hawkeye AWACS and helicopters Dauphin, Strike Aircraft Super Etendard and
Alouette 3 is going to take part.
Apart from it two destroyers Chevalier Paul and Jean de Vienne, replenishment
tanker Meuse and a maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique 2 are also going to take part.
From Indian side fleet of aircraft carrier INS Viraat, destroyer INS Mumbai and stealth
frigate INS Tarkash are going to take part.
Apart from them submarine INS Shankul, guided missile frigate INS Gomati,
replenishment tanker INS Deepak and a few Fast Attack Craft are also participating.
Indian Navys carrier-borne fighter aircrafts like Sea Harriers, maritime
reconnaissance aircraft P-8I and Dorniers along with integral helicopters Chetak and
Seaking 42B are also be participating.
About Varuna naval exercise
Following the establishment of strategic partnership in 1998 between both countries,
every year Indian Navy and French Navy are conducting naval exercises.
In 2001, the naval exercise was named as Varuna. Thirteenth edition of this naval
exercise was conducted in the Mediterranean Sea.
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology inks MoU with Snapdeal
April 24, 2015
National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) on 23 April 2015 signed
a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with e-commerce giant Snapdeal to roll out digital
marketing courses.
The MoU aims at helping small and medium enterprises/businesses and artisans who want to
take the online route to become entrepreneurs.
Snapdeal by being a knowledge partner will provide inputs on the course and will facilitate
industry interactions for the participants.
These digital marketing courses will help
To widen participants business prospects by teaching them the nuances of using
online space to market and sell their products. Thus it will indirectly to eliminate the
need for middlemen/brokers to sell their products.
Trainees understand the fundamentals of digital marketing and effectively utilise the
online sales channel.
To begin with, the course will be launched in six centres across India. They are Srinagar, New
Delhi, Calicut, Chennai Aurangabad and Kolkata.
looking for foreign investment in order to restructure its defaulted debt because of US hedge
funds.
Calbuco volcano erupts in Chile
April 24, 2015
Calbuco volcano in southern Chile erupted on 23 April 2015 for the first time
after more than 42 years.
It had erupted twice in the space of a few hours which led to billowing of
huge ash cloud over a sparsely populated, mountainous area in southern
Chile.
Chilean Government authorities after the eruption have ordered evacuation
of the 1,500 inhabitants of the nearby towns.
Facts about Calbuco Volcano
Calbuco Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes of the Southern Chilean Andes.
It is 2015 metre high and is capped by 400-500 metre wide summit crater.
It also considered as one of the top three most potentially dangerous among Chiles
90 active volcanos.
It had erupted last time in 1972.
It should be noted that Chile has the second largest chain of volcanoes in the world after
Indonesia which has about 500 that are potentially active. Both countries fall on the Ring of
Fire.
According to the recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2000,
Malaria deaths worldwide have declined by 47 percent. In Africa alone, Malaria
deaths during the period declined by 54 percent.
These covered accredited medical facilities on portal are easily locatable. It is also
easy to find by search options by location, medical specialty, key procedures,
language options etc.
Details such as costs related to treatment in hospitals, visa and travel formalities,
tariff options on stay etc are also mentioned on the portal.
In 2014, the award was given to Bollywood legend Rishi Kapoor and eminent musician Zakir
Hussain.
50th Jnanpith Award conferred on Marathi litterateur Bhalchandra Nemade
April 26, 2015
50th Jnanpith Award was conferred on eminent Marathi litterateur
Bhalchandra Nemade on 25 April 2015.
He was presented award comprising of 11 lakh rupees and a citation plaque
and a bronze replica of Saraswati by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a
function in Parliament House Complex in New Delhi.
His novel, Kosala, written in 1963 is considered as a path breaking in Marathi
literature.
About Bhalchandra Nemade
He was born in 1938 in the village of Jalgoan district of Maharashtra.
He completed his bachelors degree from Fergusson College, Pune and received PhD
and D.Lit. degrees from North Maharashtra University.
He had taught English, Marathi, and comparative literature at various universities
including the School of Oriental and African Studies at London and retired from
Mumbai Universitys Gurudeo Tagore Chair for comparative literature studies.
In the 1960s, he had edited Marathi magazine Vacha.
His work
Novel Collection- Kosla, Bidhar, Hool, Jarila, Jhool, Hindu- Jagnyachi Samruddha
Adgal.
Poem Collection- Melody, Dekhani.
Criticism Collection- Teekaswayamvar, Sahityachi Bhasha, Tukaram, The Influence
of English on Marathi: A Sociolinguistic and Stylistic Study, Indo-Anglian Writings:
Two Lectures, Prasaranga Prakashan, Mysore, Nativism (Desivad).
Awards- He has received Sahitya Akademi Award (1990) for his critical work Teeka
Svayanwar. He was also awarded Padma Shri (2011).
It should be noted that Bhalchandra Nemade is the 4th Marathi writer to receive the honour.
Others are
Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar (1974) for his work Yayati.
Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar (1987). He is famously known as Kusumagraj.
Vinda Karandikar (2003).
Bank of Baroda ties up with UAE Exchange for instant money transfer
April 26, 2015
Leading Indian public sector bank Bank of Baroda (BoB) has partnered
with UAE Exchange to offer Non-resident Indian (NRI) customers an
instant cash transfer facility.
In this regard agreement was signed between both parties. This agreement will facilitate
customers can send money within minutes to their desired bank accounts in BoB in India.
This facility is also supported by SMS alert, which will notify the moment the amount is
credited in the bank account of desired customer.
UAE Exchange is a global remittance and foreign exchange (FOREX) company. It serves over
7.9 million customers worldwide and currently has presence in 32 countries with over 750
branches across 32 countries.
Currently, Bank of Baroda (BoB) has a network of more than 5,000 branches across United
States, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Its financial centres are located in cities like New
York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.
It should be noted that India was the first nation to respond to the earthquake crisis in Nepal,
by launching a full-fledged rescue and relief.
Peter Jan Graaff of Netherlands appointed as head of UN Mission for Ebola Emergency
Response
April 27, 2015
United Nations (UN) has nominated Peter Jan Graaff of the Netherlands as the
new chief of UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER).
He will replace Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who was recently
appointed as special UN envoy for Yemen.
With this appointment, Peter Jan Graaff will work closely with Special Envoy on
Ebola David Nabarro, along with governments in the region.
Since October 2014, Graaff had served as Ebola crisis manager for Liberia, one of the African
countries which were affected by the Ebola epidemic along with Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Previously Graaff had worked for the World Health Organisation (WHO) in several African
countries, Afghanistan and Haiti. He also had led the Civil Affairs and Development team for
the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Some facts about Ebola epidemic
As per WHO estimates, more than 26,000 people have been infected with Ebola since
the outbreak which began late in 2013.
In this epidemic more than 10,800 people have died since its outbreak.
More than 99 per cent of the death cases were reported in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra
Leone.
Indian-Origin Scientist Sangeeta Bhatia wins Heinz Award 2015
April 27, 2015
Sangeeta Bhatia, an Indian-Origin scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) has won prestigious Heinz award for year 2015.
She had won this award for her work in tissue engineering and disease
detection in the Technology, the Economy, and Employment category of the
award.
Ms Bhatias team has developed artificial human microlivers for drug testing.
These artificial microlivers are being used to test the toxicity of drug candidates by many
biopharmaceutical companies.
She is also using these microlivers to model malaria infection and test drugs that can
eradicate malaria parasites completely in the laboratory.
This model seeks to eradicate malaria parasites completely as the reservoirs of parasite
remains in the liver even after a patients symptoms subside.
About Heinz Award
Heinz Award is an annual award established in 1993 and given by the Heinz Family
Foundation.
Every year it hounours and recognize outstanding individuals for their innovative
contributions in five areas. They are Environment, Public Policy, Arts and Humanities,
Human Condition and the Economy, Technology and Employment.
The award carries a cash prize of US 2, 50, 000 dollars and a medallion.
Norways Magnus Carlsen wins Shamkir chess tournament in Azerbaijan
April 27, 2015
World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway on 26 April 2015 won the
Shamkir Chess tournament held in Azerbaijan.
In the ninth and final round, he defeated Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan in 35
moves and scored seven points.
Former world champion Viswanathan Anand finished second in this
tournament after he drew against Fabiano Caruana of Italy.
With this win, Magnus Carlsen took his rating to 2875 points and Viswanathan Anand entered
the 2800 rating club to gain number two in world ranking.
About Shamkir Chess tournament
Shamkir Chess tournament is played Shamkir in Azerbaijan and also known as the
Gashimov Memorial.
It was established in 2014 and is played in the honour of Vugar Gashimov (1986-
2014).
The total prize fund for the tournament is 100,000 euros and held in a double round
robin format.
Bharatiya Mahila Bank wins Asian Banker Achievement Award 2015
April 27, 2015
Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) has won The Asian Banker Achievement
Award 2015.
The award was presented to the BMB in the Technology Implementation
category of Best Outsourcing Project (New Bank).
Usha Ananthasubramanian, Chairman and Managing Director of BMB
received the award at a function held in Hongkong as a part of The Asian
Banker Summit 2015.
About Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB)
BMB is Indias first all-women public sector bank and was formally launched on
November 19, 2013.
Its objective is to focus on the banking needs of the women and promote economic
empowerment.
It also seeks to address the gender related issues and will be helpful in financial
inclusion.
In Budget 2013-14, Union Government had approved Rs 1,000-crore seed capital for
the bank.
In this election Omars National Congress Party (NCP) also won 323 of 426 parliamentary
seats.
Omar is facing war crimes charges and is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of
ordering genocide in the Darfur conflict in 2003 in which the UN estimates 300,000 people
had died and more than two million displaced.
Election summary
The voting was for four-day and had started on 13th April 2015. Sudanese opposition had
boycotted this election. Official voter turnout in this election was low at 46%.
Loretta Lynch sworn-in as first black female Attorney General of US
April 28, 2015
Loretta Lynch has sworn-in as United States first African-American woman
Attorney General. She is 83rd Attorney General of country.
Loretta Lynch succeeded Eric Holder who left the position on April 24, 2015
after serving Attorney General for six years. Earlier, her appointment was
confirmed by senate on April 23, 2015.
Prior to this appointment she had served as US Attorney for the eastern district of New York,
which encompasses much part of New York City.
Lynch was born on May 21, 1959 in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is graduate from
Harvard College in 1981 and holds Bachelor of Arts in English and American literature. She
also holds a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (1984).
Capgemini acquires IGATE for $4 bn in all-cash deal
April 28, 2015
French IT services firm Capgemini has announced its plan to acquire US based information
technology (IT) outsourcer IGATE for US 4 billion dollars.
This acquisition will help Capgemini to strengthen its foothold in the North American market.
As per the merger agreement, Capgemini will acquire IGATE for a cash consideration of $ 48
per share and the whole transaction will amount to $4 billion.
This transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015 and will be financed through a
combination of cash and equity.
The combined entity will have revenue of estimated 12.5 billion euros in 2015 and around 1.9
lakh employees.
This merger is also one of the largest in the Indian IT sector. This acquisition will also provide
Capgemini offshore capabilities to compete with IBM, Accenture and large Indian infotech
services players.
Parliament passes Payments and Settlement Bill, 2014
April 28, 2015
Parliament has passed Payments and Settlement Bill, 2014. It was first
passed in Lok Sabha on December 9, 2014 and later in Rajya Sabha on
April 27, 2015.
The bill seeks to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
The bill aims at
Addressing the problem of insolvency in the payment and settlement system by
increasing transparency and stability in it.
Bringing Indias banking payment system in sync with international practices.
Key facts of Bill
Seeks to improve the payment and settlement systems by increasing transparency
and stability of Indian financial market.
Has provision to protect funds collected from the customers by the payment system
providers and to extend the Act to cover trade repository and legal entity identifier
issuer. A Legal Entity Identifier will be a unique ID associated with a single corporate
entity.
Mentions that the decision of the court, tribunal or any authority will not impact the
settlement which had become final prior to the issuance of the order.
Ensure that if a system participant becomes insolvent, the dues of people whose
money is with it would be cleared first.
Norms of banking as well as companies laws would not be applicable till such dues
are cleared.
Parliament passes Regional Rural Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2014
April 28, 2015
Parliament has passed Regional Rural Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2014. It
was first passed in Lok Sabha on December 22, 2014 and later in Rajya
Sabha on April 28, 2015.
This bill amends Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976 and aims to strengthen
the Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and deepen their financial inclusion.
Key facts about Regional Rural Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2014
Authorised capital: This amendment bill increases the authorised capital of each
Regional Rural Bank (RRB) from Rs 5 crore to Rs 2000 crore divided into Rs 200
crore of fully paid share of Rs 10 each.
As per the parent Act the Rs 5 crore share capital of RRBs is split into 5 lakh shares of
Rs 100 each.
Issued capital: It also provides that the authorised capital issued by any RRBs shall
not be reduced below Rs 1 crore and shares in all cases to be fully paid up shares of
Rs 10 each.
Shareholding: The Bill allows RRBs to raise capital from sources other than the
central and state governments, and sponsor banks.
Board of directors: The Bill adds provision that any person who is a director of an
RRB is not eligible to be on the Board of Directors of another RRB.
It also mentions that directors will be elected by shareholders based on the total
amount of equity share capital issued to such shareholders.
Tenure of directors: The bill raises the tenure of directors to 3 years from existing 2
years. The Bill also states that no director can hold office for a total period exceeding
six years.
Closure and balancing of books: The parent Act had provision which mentioned
that the balance books of RRBs should be closed and balanced by 31st December
every year.
However this amendment bill changes this date to 31st March in order to bring RRBs
balancing of books in uniformity with the financial year.
It should be noted that the parent Act of 1976 mainly has provisions for the incorporation,
regulation and winding up of RRBs.
ISRO successfully tests indigenous cryogenic engine with four-tonne capacity
April 28, 2015
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 28 April 2015 successfully tested an
indigenous cryogenic engine.
The powerful version of the cryogenic engine was tested successfully at ISROs propulsion
complex at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. A team headed by Director D
Karthikesan had led the testing.
This engine will allow launch vehicles to carry satellites of up to capacity of four tonnes in
geostationary orbit. It will also give boost to Indias interplanetary probes and manned space
missions.
Facts about cryogenic engine
A cryogenic engine is more efficient as it provides more thrust for every kilogram of
propellant burnt.
Cryogenic fuels are extremely clean as they give out only water while burning. The
engine uses liquid oxygen at -2530C and liquid hydrogen at -1830C
It can develop the thrust needed in the final state of the rocket to put satellites,
weighing two tonnes or more, into a geosynchronous orbit.
It is essential to master this technology for any space power as launching heavier
satellites requires cryogenic engines even in the lower stages of the rocket.
It will also make India self-reliant in sending heavier satellites to the required orbits
and eliminate need of dependence on foreign launch vehicles.
It should be noted that India sixth spacefarer after US, Russia, the European Space Agency,
China and Japan to develop a cryogenic engine.
Earlier in January 2015, India had successfully launched GSLV-D5, the first successful launch
vehicle with an indigenous cryogenic engine. But it had capacity to launch satellites of up to
two tonnes.
Novelist Siddhartha Gigoo wins 2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize in Asia region
April 28, 2015
Novelist Siddhartha Gigoo has won 2500 pounds 2015 Commonwealth Short
Story Prize in Asia region for his novel Umbrella Man.
With this win he will compete with the other four regional winners for the 5000
pounds grand prize which will be announced in London on 8 September 2015.
Other region winners are
African Region: Lesley Nneka Arimah (Nigeria) for Light.
Canada and Europe Region: Jonathan Tel (UK) for The Human Phonograph.
Caribbean Region: Kevin Jared Hosein (Trinidad) for The King of Settlement 4.
Pacific Region: Mary Rokonadravu (Fiji) for Famished Eels.
About Siddhartha Gigoo
Born in 1974 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
He had studied English Literature at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Gigoos first novel was The Garden of Solitude, first published in 2011.
He also has written two poetry books, Fall and Other Poems (1994)
and Reflections(1995).
Gigoo also had produced and directed a short film The Last Day. His recent film is
titled Goodbye, Mayfly.
Incumbent Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena during his presidential election campaign
(which ousted Rajapaksa) had pledged key reforms in the country and to curtail excessive
powers of the presidency.
NGT bans burning of waste in Delhi NCR
April 29, 2015
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a complete ban on burning of any kind of
garbage, leaves, plastic waste and rubber in the open in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
This decision of NGT bench headed by its chairperson Swatanter Kumar comes in line with a
series of orders to control air pollution in the Delhi- NCR and on an application by a person
identified as Vardhaman Kaushik.
In this regard, NGT also has directed authorities to levy a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found
burning such material in the open.
NGT also mentioned that burning of garbage and other material like plastic in open accounts
for nearly 30% of the air pollution in the capital and its suburbs.
Earlier, NGT had banned over 15-year-old petrol vehicles and over 10-year-old diesel vehicles
from plying on Delhi-NCR roads and also had issued detailed guidelines to tackle air pollution
from construction activity in the Delhi-NCR area.
Mohammed bin Nayef appointed as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia by King Salman bin
Abdulaziz al-Saud
April 29, 2015
Mohammed bin Nayef was appointed as Crown Prince and as Deputy Prime
Minister of Saudi Arabia by King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.
This appointment relieved Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz from his duties
and comes during a major Cabinet reshuffle.
Prior to this appointment he was Interior Minister of the kingdom. While
Kings son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was appointed Deputy Crown
Prince.
Saudi Arabias ambassador to United States Adel al-Jubeir was appointed as the Foreign
Minister. He replaced Prince Saud al-Faisal.
While, Khalid al-Falih was appointed as the Health Minister and chairman of Saudi Aramco.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (aged 78) had acceded to the throne in January 2015 after
the death of his half-brother Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who was Saudi Arabias de facto leader
for 10 years.
International Day of Yoga logo launched in New Delhi
April 29, 2015
The logo for International Day of Yoga was launched in New Delhi on 29
April 2015.
It was launched by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and
Union Minister of State (MoS) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik.
The logo was selected by the Committee of Yoga experts, which was constituted by Union
Ministry of AYUSH and has been approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Facts about International Day of Yoga logo
Reflects peace and harmony for the humanity which is the essence of Yoga.
Folding of both hands in the logo reflects the union of individual consciousness with
universal consciousness.
It also reflects a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature and the
holistic approach to health and well-being.
The sun in the logo symbolise the source of energy and inspiration. While the brown
leaves symbolise the earth element.
The green leaves symbolise the nature and blue the fire element.
Background
The idea to observe 21 June as the International Day of Yoga was proposed by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014 during his speech at United Nations
General Assembly (UN-GA).
In December 2014, UN-GA had unanimously had adopted an India-led resolution to
observe 21 June as the International Day of Yoga.
The resolution was passed within a record time of 75 days. It was also first resolution
in which 177 countries had become co-sponsors and was a world record.
Eminent Marathi film and stage actress, Shanta alias Bimba Modak of yesteryear passed away
on 28 April 2015 in Pune. She was 97.
Modak, had entered into the film industry during the time when it was considered as taboo for
women to work in cinema.
Her debut film was Chul aani Mul in 1946, which was directed by noted playwright and writer
Vishram Bedekar.
Around the same time, she had earned a wide acclaim in both the art streams after she also
had acted in her first role on the Marathi stage in Bhavabandhan. Some of her best films
included In Min Sadetin and Un Paus.
She also had learned Natyasangeet from legendary Bal Gandharvas musicals and had acted in
the plays like Swayamwar, Manapaman and Saubhadra which had held sway over Marathi
audience with their content based on mythology and classical music.
Awards: For her versatile acting talent, Maharashtra government had honoured her with
lifetime award in 1980.
India ranks 13th in generating electricity from nuclear source
April 30, 2015
India ranks at 13th position in the world in terms of generation electricity
from nuclear source.
This information was given by Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra Singh in
written reply in the Rajya Sabha to an unstarred question.
As per the written reply
The ranking was based upon the data published by Power Reactor
Information System (PRIS) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2014.
Indias current installed nuclear power capacity is 5780 MW. It is expected to increase
to 10080 MW by 2019 on progressive completion of projects.
Union Government also has accorded sanction for two more projects with a total
capacity of 3400 MW.
In future more nuclear power projects based both on indigenous technologies and
with international cooperation are planned.
The total requirement of nuclear fuel i.e. natural uranium is over 5 five years is
estimated to be around 5,940 tons.
It should be noted that India ranks 13th among the thirty one countries in the world which
are generating electricity from nuclear source.
Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr. Ananda Kumar won 2015 Whitley Awards for wildlife
conservation
April 30, 2015
Two Indians, Dr. Pramod Patil and Dr Ananda Kumar have been awarded with the prestigious
2015 Whitley Awards for their contribution to wildlife conservation in developing countries.
Both of them received a Whitley prize worth 35000 pound along with seven other
environmentalists at a ceremony in Royal Geographical Society, London.
Dr. Pramod Patil was awarded for his work to protect the iconic great Indian bustard (GIB) in
the Thar Desert.
While, Dr Ananda Kumar received this award for developing innovative communication
systems namely Elephant Information Network (EIN) has enabled human-elephant
coexistence in southern India.
About Whitley Award
The Whitley Award was established in 1994 by Edward Whitley and given by the
Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN).
Every year, the award recognises and celebrates effective national and regional
conservation leaders across the globe.
The award is also dubbed as Green Oscar.
Union Cabinet gives nod to amendments in the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
April 30, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its nod to amendments to
the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988 by pursuing the Prevention of Corruption
(Amendment) Bill, 2013.
The proposed amendments in the bill to amend parent Act mainly aim at laying down more
stringent measures to tackle corruption.
It also seeks to fill in the perceived gaps in the domestic anti-corruption law as per the United
Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
Key Amendments
Proposes more stringent punishment for the offences of bribery, both for the bribe
giver and the bribe taker.
Enhances punishment from the minimum 6 months to 3 years and from the
maximum five years to seven years.
Extends the protection of prior sanction for prosecution to public servants who cease
to hold office due to retirement and resignation.
Non-monetary gratification is also be covered within the definition of the word
gratification in the PCA 1988.
Background
The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in
August 2013. But the Bill was not passed in Rajya Sabha.
The amendment Bill incorporates the recommendations given by the 20th Law Commission
headed by Justice (retd) AP Shah in its 254th Report in order to bring anti-corruption law in
line with the UNCAC.
Seychelles becomes 161st member of World Trade Organisation
April 30, 2015
Seychelles, an archipelago of 90000 inhabitants became the 161st member of the World
Trade Organization (WTO). It is one of the smallest nations among the WTO members.
This approval by WTO ended Seychelles 20-year long wait to become a member of WTO since
it had applied for WTO membership in May 1995.
Seychelles also became the 33rd government to accede to the rules-based multilateral trading
system through Article XII negotiations since the WTO was established in 1995.
The President of Seychelles, James Michel had signed the legal instrument for the island
nation to the WTO on March 25, 2015 a day after the accession protocol was ratified by the
Seychelles National Assembly.
As per the WTO rules, the 30-day countdown to its WTO membership was activated on March
27, 2015 and Seychelles officially became a WTO member on April 26, 2015.
It should be noted that the Protocol of Accession was signed by former Seychelles Minister of
Trade, Finance and Investment Pierre Laporte and WTO Director General (DG) Roberto
Azevedo.