Current Affairs Study PDF - March 2016 by AffairsCloud

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Current Affairs March 2016

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Current Affairs PDF: March 2016

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam Contents INDIAN AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

STATE BUDGET 2016-17 .......................................................................................................................................... 35

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS....................................................................................................................................... 36

BANKING & FINANCE ................................................................................................................................................. 53

BUSINESS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 69

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 79

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS .................................................................................................................................... 94

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS .................................................................................................................................. 105

SCHEMES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 107

MoUs ............................................................................................................................................................................ 113

COMMITTEES ............................................................................................................................................................ 121

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...................................................................................................................................... 123

DEFENCE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 134

ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 138

SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 143

OBITUARY .................................................................................................................................................................. 154

BOOKS & AUTHORS ................................................................................................................................................ 162

IMPORTANT DAYS ................................................................................................................................................... 163

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

IWAI instigated two vital projects on NW-2

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has introduced two prime projects

for National Waterway No 2, a section of the Brahmaputra River between the Bangladeshborder and Sadiya (Assam).

• These two facilities will encourage the Inland Water Transport users to interpose

into environment friendly mode of transportation.

The Projects include:

• Development of a ship repair facility (Slipway Project) at Pandu, Guwahati with an outlay

of Rs 50.76 crore.

• Commencement of Ro-Ro ferry service between Dhubri & Hatsingimari of Assam.

Mustafabad village to be renamed as Saraswati nagar

Haryana government has announced to rename Mustafabad village as Saraswati nagar.

Mustafabad is a village located in the Yamuna nagar district in North- eastern part of Haryana .

• Mustafabad village near Yamuna nagar district has a population of around 8500 people

Mumbai Home To Most Number Of Billionaires In India

India’s Financial Capital, Mumbai, with 1094 billionaires (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals) has

become home to the wealthiest people in the country, followed by Delhi at 545, according to the

Knight Frank Wealth Report 2016.

Key Points:

• In the past 10 years, the billionaire counts in India jumped by 333% against the global

rate of 68%.

• 97 cities surveyed globally

• Rankings of Mumbai and Delhi: 21 & 33 respectively.

•

The cities are expected to improve their rankings to 14 and 29 by 2025, globally.

• India accounts for 6% of the billionaire population across the world

Chennai gets first smart self cleaning toilets in India

In a move to ensure public sanitation and to promote the use of public toilets, 183Automatic self

cleaning smart toilets have been installed in Chennai. They are known as e-toilets as they could

be located by people using a smart phone and authorities can control their function using

smartphone.

•

They are designed by Eram scientific solution who have provided 1600 such e-toilets in

16 Indian states to various private organizations

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• Each toilet cleans itself with 5 litres of water after 3 min usage and 4.5 litres if

usage period is longer

• 43 toilets are specially for women with a sanitary napkin generator and an incinerator

• Each toilet costs around 4,50,000

Rajya Sabha passes carriage by Air amendments bill

The parliament passed the Carriage by Air amendment bill to empower Union government to

revise the limits of liability for airlines and compensation as per the Montreal Convention

which India accepted in 2009.

Flash points

• The Bill intends to review the liability limit for damage in case of death or bodily injury

for each person

• With the amendments implemented, Indian airlines would be required to pay

compensation amount that is equivalent to the rates paid by their global counterparts

Telengana to illuminate 25 municipalities with LED Bulbs

The Telengana government as a part of development has decided to replace the existing bulbs

with LED in 25 municipalities within 100 days.

Flash points

• A high level meeting held on Tuesday consisting of IT Minister KT Rama Rao, Energy

Minister G Jagadish Reddy, Housing Minister A Indrakaran Reddy and officials of power

sector held a discussion with ESSL to supply LED at lower prices

• ESSL(Energy Savings Services Limited) is a joint venture of PSU’s of ministry of

power with the objective of implementing energy efficient projects

• 12 lakh households of 25 municipalities are going to be supplied with LED bulbs in

the first phase

• The aim of the government is to supply LED to 90 lakh households

•

Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Ramagundem, Waranagal and Khammam, the municipalities of

Siddipet, Siricilla, Mahbubnagar, Manchiryal, Nalgonda and Tandur, and the Gajwel nagar

panchayat are the areas to be benefitted under this project

Tikhor park to be set up in Guwahati and Shillong

Organizing Committee of the 12th South Asian Games has decided to set up Tikhor Park

(Games Mascot) in Guwahati and Shillong and Rs. 2 Crore has been earmarked on behalf of

the project.

• The Parks are mean to preserve the legacy of the South Asian Games concluded

recently in Guwahati and Shillong.



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• These Parks will would be set up at Guwahati University and Shillong based North

Eastern Hill University.

PM Narendra Modi Launches Setu Bharatam Project

Infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the development of any country and India is no exception.

With a view to get the country on a fast track growth and development, the NDA Govt has come up

with a Highways project that will ensure our highways without railway crossings, the Setu

Bharatam Project.

SETU BHARATAM PROJECT

• Budget : Rs. 50,800 cr

• Target year for completion: 2019

Alappuzha Backwaters To Get India’s First Solar Ferry

Allepey, the Venice of the East, and a favourite tourism spot in Kerala is going to get India’s

first 75-seater Solar Ferry, within three months.

• The boat is being built by NavAlt, a Kochi based joint venture, in collaboration with a

French company. The Project cost is estimated to be 1.7 crore.

• The boat is 20 meter long, 7 m wide with a maximum cruising speed of 7.5 knots

• The boat is being built by NavAlt, a Kochi based joint venture, in collaboration with a

French company. The Project cost is estimated to be 1.7 crore.

Raisina Dialogue begins in New Delhi

Raisina-Dialogue the three day Flagship Programme on Geopolitics and Geo-economics began

in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj set the tone for the conference by

addressing Inauguration session.

• There was a common idea among participants that A Lack of political will, mistrust and

poor regional security are the biggest barriers in the way of fully economically Integrated

South Asian Region.

• Raisina Dialogue a joint initiative of Ministry of External Affairs and Observer

Research Foundation.

• Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, former Afghan President Hamid

Karzai and the Bangladeshi foreign Minister Mahmood Ali those who shared chair with

External Affairs Minister Sushma in the Inauguration Ceremony of the Dialogue.

Aadhaar Bill Introduced In Lok Sabha

Union Finance Minister, Sri Arun Jaitley introduced the Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial

and other Subsidies, Benefits and other Services) Bill, 2016.



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• The bill was presented as a Money Bill, that will not need approval from the Rajya Sabha

to become Legislation, if it is not returned to the lower house within 14 days of its receipt

by the Upper House.

• It will provide statutory support to Aadhaar for its use for transferring government

subsidies and benefits to Indians.

Japan pledges Rs 5,700-crore loan for highways in Northeast

Japan International Cooperation Agency has pledged Official Development Assistance loan of

Rs. 5700 crore in two installments for widening and up gradation of National Highway projects in

North East India.

• The up gradation will be two lane with paved shoulder and geometric improvements

of NH 54 in Mizoramand NH 51in Meghalaya.

• Interest rates on the loan for Construction works and procurement of materials associated

with are 1.4% per annum and for consulting services is 0.01%.

Election Commission announces Assembly Election in 5 States

The Election Commission of India have announced Assembly Elections dates for Kerala, West

Bengal, Tamilnadu, Assam, and Puduchchery.

Election Bound States:

• The polls will be held between April 4 and May 16, the counting of votes in all five

states and one Union Territory will be done on May 19.

• Chief Election commissioner Nazim Zaidi announced the Poll dates in New Delhi. 824

assembly constituencies going to polls in these states and UT.

Union Government To Provide Loan To FACT

Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), a Central Public Sector Undertaking in Kochi

signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Union Government to get a loan of Rs.

`1000 crores.

• FACT has been facing financial issues for over a decade

• The loan of Rs. 1000 crores comes as a relief to the organization when it needs to clear

its debts and augment production.

• It needs to be repaid within five years with a moratorium of one

Traditional Chapchar Kut Festival Celebrated Across Mizoram

The traditional Spring Festival of Mizoram, Chapchar Kut, was celebrated across the state and

Mizo inhabited parts of the neighbouring states on March 5, 2016.



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• The festival is celebrated every year with great pomp and show in March after

theycomplete the Jhum operation, the shifting of agriculture by clearing jungle. It is

believed that the festival started during 1450 AD-1700 AD.

Nagaland Information Commission Rated – “one of the best”

Nagaland Information Commission has been regarded as one of the best of its kind in the

entire country. This was revealed by the Nagaland Information Commissioner during the decade

celebration of RTI Act.

Flash points

• RTI Act was passed in 2005 by the UPA government

• During the decadal celebration, Nagaland CII informed that only 7% of the Right To

Information applications are rejected in Nagaland making it one of the best in the whole

country

• Buckchem Phom revealed that the theme of CII in Nagaland was Trust operating

through Transparency

National conference of Women Legislators inaugurated by the President

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the National conference of Women

legislators at Vigyan Bhawan. Vice president Hamid Ansari and PM Narendra Modi were also

present in the event.

Flash points

• The conference, hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra mahajan, is being attended

by former President Pratibha Patil, Union ministersSushma Swaraj, Najma Heptullah

and Maneka Gandhi, Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel, former Delhi CM Sheila

Dikshit, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, among others

• Bangladesh Jatiyo Samshad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury will chair a session

of the 2 day conference

•

President having inaugurated the National conference expressed his concern over the

33% reservation for women in legislation

• He told that despite proposing 33% reservation for women in parliament the

SRESHTA: Indian Railways To Set Up Special Wing For Research

Technology and Digitizing are the latest buzz ever since the Modi Government came into power.

Indian Railways, after all, the heart of the Indian economy cannot be left behind when it comes to

innovation and research.

• In an effort to make Indian Railways technology driven, the national transporter will set up

its in-house research wing,SRESHTA(Special Railway Establishment for Strategic

Technology and Holistic Advancement) comprising of mostly scientists and railway experts.



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• What will it do? - Responsible for long term research to improve the functioning of

Railways.

Uttar Pradesh passes UP revenue code amendment bill

The Uttar Pradesh government passed the UP revenue code amendment bill that facilitates

Dalits to sell their land to Non-Dalits.

Flash points

• The Pre-British era revenue law was replaced by UP Revenue Code (Amendment)

Bill, 2016

• The amendment allows Dalit people to sell their land to Non-Dalits

• The bill was presented in the legislative assembly by Revenue minister Shivpal Singh

Yadav

• The bill permits Dalits to sell their land even if they are left out with less than 5 acres

GOI to digitise all rural post offices by 2017

Government of India will digitalise all the 1.29 lakh rural post offices by 2017.Department of

Post IT Modernisation project will get Rs. 4909 crore outlay for digitalisation and Networking of

155, 000 post offices including 129, 323 Gramin Dak Sewak Post Offices in the country.

• The Project envisages Computerisation and networking of all postal mail, accounts and

administrative offices through WAN (Wide Area Network) also to set up centralised

data centre and Disaster recovery centre.

• Infosys is the Service provider for rural system integrator and Telecommunication

Consultant India ltd is the lead partner with Ricoh India ltd for Hardware & Maintenance.

Third phase of Gyan sangam to focus on consolidation of banks

The government told that it has started the second edition of Gyan sangam and in the third

phase of Gyan sangam it has planned to focus on Consolidation of banks.

•

Gyan Sangam is a retreat for banks and financial Institutions. It was held for the first

time last year.

• State minister of finance, Jayant sinha told that the transformation has to be carried out

in phases

Oil Ministry laid out the foundation stone of Octomax unit at Mathura

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid out the foundation stone for Octomax unit in the oil

refinery at Mathura.

• Octomax unit is the country’s first high octane gasoline production unit

• It is a part of the oil refinery at Mathura



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• Octomax, a “novel technology” is developed in-house by Research and Development

Centre of Indian Oil

The Sex ratio has come down in Gujarat placing it at 22nd rank in the Nation

The Sex ratio in Gujarat has fallen significantly from 920 in 2001 to 919 in 2011.It is a fall

against the overall 10 points increase in the average of sex ratio of the Nation.

Flash points

• The socio-economic review presented in the state assembly revealed that the sex ratio of

Gujarat was 919 against the National sex ratio which is 943

• With 919 females for every 1000 males, Gujarat ranked 22nd among 28 states as per the

2011 Census

• The sex ratio in rural areas have increased while that in urban areas have remained

low

• In rural areas of the state, it has increased by 4 points from 945 in 2001 to 949 in

2011 while in urban areas it remained at 880 in both the years

• Among the tribal areas, tribal district of Tapi is at the first position with a sex ratio

of 1007 followed by other tribal districts Dang (1006) and Dahod (990)

• The last place is occupied by Surat with just 787 preceded by Ahmedabad with 904

River Information System like ATC to Be Launched for Inland Waterways Traffic

Union Government proposes to launch a River Information System (RIS) the system is similar

to Air Traffic Control.

• River Information system is a combination of tracking meteorological equipment with

specialised software designed to optimise traffic and transport processes in Inland

Navigation.

Mumbai to host BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in April

The financial capital of India to host BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in April involving top

Urban Policy makers and Planners from BRICS Nations.

• The BRICS Friendship Conclave is a joint initiative of Ministry of External Affairs and

Maharashtra Government to be held between April 14 and 16 this year.

Germany to develop Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Coimbatore as Smart Cities

Germany will partner with India’s flagship program Smart City Mission to develop

Bhubaneswar, Kochi, and Coimbatore as smart Cities.

• The three Cities are among the twenty cities which have been announced by the Urban

Development Ministry.



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• Germany helped India in the selection process of the cities consists of three delegations

from Germany , Two of them from Urban Development Ministry and One from Ministry of

Housing and Poverty Alleviation.

Women’s Day News box

March 8th is celebrated as Women’s day across the globe every year since 1975.News from

various fields with special emphasis on Women’s day have been combined to give special

importance for this day.

ICICI’S Women’s day gift

The largest private sector lender ICICI bank has announced a work-from-home programme to

the women workers as a special gift on Women’s day.

• ICICI and IIT Delhi have designed iWork @ home platform which enables the women

workers to work from home

• The platform has a facial recognition technology which enables authenticity of the

worker.

Air India Runs the first Longest all Women Flight

As an initiative to promote women joining in Aviation sector, Air India flew its first world’s

longest all women flight from New Delhi to San Francisco.

• The flight, which travelled a distance of around 14,500 kilometre in close to 17 hours,

was operated as part of International Women’s Day celebrations

• The world’s longest non-stop flight, entire flight operations from cockpit crew to cabin

crew, check-in staff, doctor, customer care staff, ATC (air traffic control) and the

entire ground handling were handled by women

TATA Housing- SBI Launch Special Home Loan for Women

As a part of the global Women’s day celebrations various organizations launch special plans for

women. Tata housing also joined the list by tying up with SBI to provide special home loan.

• Real estate developer Tata Housing has partnered with the country’s largest

lender,State Bank of India

• TATA Housing allows the women to pay just 20% of the loan initially and the

remaining amount can be paid after taking the possession of the property

SBI Life Insurance Launched Smart Women Advantage

To give more emphasis on empowerment of Women, the SBI life insurance launched the Smart

Women Advantage scheme as a part of Women’s day celebrations.

• ‘SBI Life – Smart Women Advantage’ plan provides for life cover, savings and female-

specific critical illness benefits

Women Representation in Indian Parliament Slips



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Though many steps are taken to empower women in various fields, the representation of women in

legislation is considerably very low. On the day of celebration it is unfortunate to know that India’s

rank in women representation has slipped from 117 to 144.

Flash points

•

India though remains to be the largest democracy in the world has been given

only 144thrank in terms of women representation in legislation across the globe

• Last year it was in 117th position among 188 nations and the scenario collapsed

to144 among 191 countries in February 2016

• The total % of women in parliament accounts for a meager 12% in Lok Sabha and 8%

in Rajya Sabha and an average of 22% on the whole

• Rwanda ranks No 1 with 8% women in the lower house of parliament and 38.5% in

the upper house

Mahila e-Haat portal launched by Union Government

With the aim of supporting the as Self help groups of women to sell their products the Union

Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched Mahila e-Haat

portal in New Delhi.

Flash points

• The Mahila e-Haat portal, http://mahilaehaat-rmk.gov.in, is an online marketing

platform to enable women to sell their products across the nation

• The product along with photograph description, cost and mobile no./address of the

participants will be displayed on the e-Haat enabling direct contact between

sellers/service providers and buyers

• Rahstriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) is primarily involved in the creation of the portal and the

entire business of e-Haat can be handled through mobile phone

Haryana Global Investors Summit 2016

The first “Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit-2016” will began in Gurgaon, which

will see participation from 12 countries.

• The two day summit is organized by the state government of Haryana along with CII

• The summit is inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

• It is expected to attract a 25 lakh crore investment

Enemy Property Bill Amendment Introduced In Parliament

A bill to amend the 48-year-old Enemy Property Act to allow the custodians to continue to hold

sway over enemy properties was introduced in Lok Sabha. It proposed to amend the Enemy

Property Act, 1968.

Enemy property - The central government had designated some properties belonging to nationals

of Pakistan and China as “enemy properties” during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 conflicts with

the respective countries



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• The government of India vested these properties in the custodian of Enemy Property for

India, an office instituted under the central government

• The vesting of enemy property with the Custodian will mean that all rights, titles and

interests in the property will vest with the Custodian. No laws and customs governing

succession will be applicable to these properties

Gujarat tops the list of states with most investment potential

Gujarat government has topped the list of states with most investment potential that has

been according to the survey from New Delhi based think tank National Council of Applied Economic

Research (NACER).

• However the ranking released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in

September last year that emphasizes the success rate of states in implementing 98 regulatory

reforms is offset with the NACER data.

• The list of 21 states that kept on survey, Gujarat, New Delhi and Tamilnadu as the top

destinations for making investments.

Top Five Destinations among Investors:Gujaratm,New Delhi,Tamilnadu,Andhra Pradesh and

Maharashtra

• Industries ranked Uttarakhand (32.5%) as the least corrupt state and Tamil Naduas

the most corrupt with 100% of the survey participants voting against it. The bottom

three parameters where industries have least concerns are availability of unskilled labour,

availability of water and labour relations.

• Gujarat is leader in governance and political stability and perception,New Delhi

topped in infrastructure and economic climate, Kerala is ranked first in Labour issues.

Govt mulls policy to promote wind energy projects

In Order to propel the Wind Energy Potential in India, Union government will soon unveil a policy

to give incentives including an interest discount of 0.25 % for increasing capacity of Wind mills of

up to 1MW.

• The objective of the mooted policy is to promote optimum utilisation of wind energy

resources by creating facilitative framework for repowering.

• The policy mooted by Ministry of New and Renewable energy will float a draft for

repowering of Wind power projects in the country.

India to Deploy Women Pilots In Fighter Plane by June

As a part of women empowerment the announcement came from Air force on International

Women’s day celebrations that India’s air force will induct its first female fighter pilots in June.

• Last month President Pranab Mukherjee announced that women will be allowed in all

combat roles in the armed forces



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• Bhawna Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh are likely to create history as

India’s first women fighter pilots

India, Saudi Arabia hold talks on regional and global issues

Country’s largest Crude oil supplier Saudi Arabia and India hold talks on regional and global

issues of mutual interests.

• The Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister was on two day visit to India during the visit Union

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held extensive talks with her Saudi Arabian

counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir in New Delhi.

Parliament passes Bureau of Indian Standards bill

The Bureau of Indian Standards bills was passed in the parliament, following its approval

from Rajya Sabha. The bill was earlier passed in Loksabha during the winter session last year.

Bureau of Indian Standards bill

The bill proposes to make BIS, a national standards body, introduce mandatory hallmarking of

precious metal, prevent misuse of Standard marks and provide for recall of ISI marked products

not conforming to relevant standards.

Flash points

• The bill was passed in Lok Sabha following a voice vote during the winter session in

December, 2015

• The Bill extends the ambit of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to include services,

processes and products while ensuring production of world class goods

57 Countries to participate in first Maritime Summit

The first Maritime summit to be held at India is going to witness the participation of 57

countries from the world.

Flash points

•

The maiden Maritime summit is going to be organized in Mumbai, Maharashtra

• The summit is conducted by Union Ministry of Shipping in April,2016

• During the media launch of Maritime summit, Union minister of Shipping Nitin

Gadkaritold that 57 countries are likely to participate in the summit

• The two day Maritime summit is conducted by India and South Korea

• A wide array of investment opportunities and collaborations are expected both at the

national and the international level at the event

• The main focus of summit is to give impetus to Make In India and blue economy

• The shipping ministry is targeting around 1.2 trillion in investment from the event

Rajya Sabha passes National Waterways Bill



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The Upper House of the Parliament passed The National Waterways Bill, 2015, which was tabled

in Lok Sabha on May 5, 2015 by the Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Mr.

NitinGadkari.

• Having been passed in the Rajya Sabha, It would be kept before The President for his assent

in the bill. The bill comes under Entry 24 of the Union List of the Seventh Schedule of the

Constitution.

Significance of the Bill:

• Additional 101 waterways as national waterways identified under the bill The

Schedule of the Bill also specifies the extent of development to be undertaken on each

waterway.

• India currently has five inland waterways as national waterways. These include

waterways on Ganga from Haldia to Allahabad and on Brahmaputra from Dhubri to

Sadiya and others.

• The Waterways Bill revokes the five Acts that declare the existing national waterways.

These five national waterways are now covered under the Bill.

Cycling event of Indian Army with theme Cycle to Recycle flagged off

To create public awareness about the need of nature and environment conservation, a 10-member

army team boarded upon a 1,000-km bicycle journey from Pangsau Pass in the India-Myanmar

border.

• The journey organised as part of the Assam Rifles 181st raising day celebrations was

flagged off by Brigadier DK Singh, commander of the 25 Sector Assam Rifles

The theme of the Event “Cycle to recycle”

National Anthem compulsory in all schools in WB

West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has notified that in order to pursue Government

direction it directed to sing the National Anthem during Assembly before the commencement of

the School Hour.

• This Decision comes from West Bengal government days after Madras High Court

mandated all the Private Schools to Sing National Anthem during morning Assembly.

Rajya Sabha Passed the Real Estate Bill

The Real Estate Regulation and Development Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha. This bill is

in the favour of protection of Home buyers and to bring in more transparency into the real

estate business and avoid the flow of Black money.

Features of the Bill

Certainty: The Bill provides that 70 per cent of sale proceeds will have to be kept aside by the

developer in an escrow account



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Tribunal for Resolution: The Bill will help establish state-level real estate regulatory

authorities and appellate tribunals to regulate transactions

Deadline: 60 days, thereby setting a timeline for resolution of disputes

Punishment: Imprisonment up to three years for promoters and up to one year for real

estate agents and buyers in case of any violation of orders of the appellate tribunals or monetary

penalties or both

Registration: Promoters will be required to register projects with the regulatory

authorities disclosing project information

Norms: The legislation also brought down norms for registration of projects to a plot area of 500

sq m or 8 apartments as against 4,000 sq m proposed in the draft Bill in 2013 and 1,000

sq m or 12 apartments suggested by the Standing Committee.

Union Cabinet Nods to the new Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Hydrocarbon

Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).

Flash Points

• The HELP will replace the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)

• It will enhance domestic oil and gas production, bring substantial investment in the

sector and generate sizable employment. The policy also targets the enhancement of

transparency and reduction of administrative discretion

• It will provide Uniform license for exploration and production of all forms of hydrocarbon

including CBM, shale gas/oil, tight gas and gas hydrates under a single license

• The concept of Open Acreage Policy will enable Exploration & Production (E&P)

companies choose the blocks from the designated area

Union Cabinet approved Sikh Gurudwara’s Act

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs to amend the Sikh

Gurdwaras Act, 1925 through the Parliament with effect from 8 October 2013

Flash points

• The proposal gave green signal to remove the exception given to Sehajdhari Sikhs in

1944 to vote in the elections for selecting members of the board and the committees

constituted under the Act

• The Sehajdhari Sikhs were continuously exercising their voting rights in the SGPC

elections since 1949

• In 2003, the Union Home Ministry debarred the Sehajdhari Sikhs from voting by

amending the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925



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• It was done through a notification dated 8 October 2003

Union Cabinet Nods for BIMSTEC Convention in Criminal Matters

The Union Cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi gave its approval for the BIMSTEC

Convention on mutual legal assistance in Criminal Matters.

BIMSTEC

• It is the Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation

• It comprises seven countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka

and Thailand

• It mainly covers cooperation in commerce, technology, investment, agriculture,

tourism, human resource development, fisheries, transport and communication,

textiles, leather etc

IMF to set up data sharing centre in India

International Monetary Fund (IMF) will establish a knowledge-sharing centre in India, to

provide technical support and assistance to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan

and Bhutan.

• Data sharing centre will extend expertise in core macroeconomic and financial

management areas. This would be the first such initiative in Asia. An agreement will

be ratified in this regard by IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Prime Minister Narendra

Modi.

Cabinet approves amendment to mining law, move to spur M&As

Cabinet Approved Amendment to mining law The Mines and Minerals (Development and

Regulation) Amendment Bill 2015 to transfer of mining lease for captive mines.

• The proposed amendment will permit transfer of captive mines granted on discretion

to spur merger and acquisitions in the mining sector

•

The amended bill to help in checking the stressed and non-performing assets of Indian

Banking industry also push the stuck M&A deals could be moved in the right direction.

Lok Sabha passes Aadhaar bill 2016

The bill enabling Aadhaar card to be mandatory to avail the subsidies and schemes of the

Government has been passed in the Lok Sabha.

Aadhaar card:It is a valid identity proof issued by the Government of India by recording the

finger print, retina and photograph of a person.

Aadhaar bill:The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits

and Services) Bill, 2016 aims to ensure targeted services to intended beneficiaries

through Aadhaar card

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Kakrapar nuclear plant shut down after coolant system develops leak

A power generation unit at nuclear powered Kakrapar atomic power Plant in Gujarat was

shut down after leakage developed of heavy water.

•

A break in the coolant system of one of the nuclear reactors at Kakrapar Gujarat,Plant

authorities confirmed that there was no harmful, radioactive leakage and the backup

safety mechanisms that were made back up.

• Unit 1 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, which was operating at its rated

power, had to be shut down, consequent to a small leak in the Primary Heat Transport

(PHT) System.

PM inaugurated three Railway projects at Bihar

Bihar gained special importance with the political rivals-PM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish

Kumar being present on the same stage for inauguration of three important Railway

projects at Bihar .

• Estimated cost of 3 projects- 7200 crores

3 Railway projects:

1. Patna Rail-cum-road Bridge

2.

Mokama double line Railway bridge

3.

Munger rail-cum-road Bridge

Govt to computerise all ration shops by 2019

Government aims to computerise the PDS sector to help remove corruption in PDS,by installing

electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices at all the 5.35 lakh fair price shops across the country by

March 2017.

• Government has also started a pilot project linking the PDS with Aadhar card

under Direct Benefit Transfer scheme in Puducherry, Chandigarh and in urban areas of

Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

•

The cost of such e-PoS, is around Rs 20,000 and a total sum of Rs 884 crore has been

earmarked and the Centre will spend a total of Rs 879 crore while states will spend Rs

393 crore under the scheme.

Honey festival Celebrated in Mangaluru

Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has conducted a ‘honey festival’ in Mangaluru a two-day

festival on apiculture and organic farming organised by Horticulture Department.

• The government has been supporting organic farming and it targeting in a bright future.

The demand for crops cultivated using organic manure is increasing. The people should

also accept organic farming,



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Foreign Minister of Mexico on two day visit to India

The Foreign Minister of the Government of Mexico, H.E. Ms Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas,

visited India on two day visit to India (11-12 March) and held bilateral meeting with, External

Affairs Minister of India Smt. SushmaSwaraj.

•

During her visit the Mexican Foreign Minister also interacted with the private sector in a

business event organized with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and delivered a

lecture in the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on the subject ‘Mexico in the

international context and its relations with India’.

• In the course of the official visit the yembark on a complete review of the entire range of

bilateral relations comprising political, commercial & trade, financial, technical and other

areas to further increase and strengthen cooperation.

Allahabad High Court celebrates 150th foundation year

Allahabad High Court established in 1866 celebrates its 150th Foundation Day on 14th March

2016.

Key Points:

• CJI Justice Thakur inaugurated the dedicated digitization centre of the High court.

• Reserve bank of India (RBI) also released a 10 rupees coin.

• Postal department released a postage stamp and a Souvenir of the High court.

“Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future” Conference

A Conference jointly hosted by the Government of India and the IMF on “Advancing Asia:

Investing for the Future” in New Delhi.

• The Conference was attended by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and Prime

Minister Narendra Modi delegations from Indian side.

• Key issues for discussion include slowing potential growth, rising debt, infrastructure

bottlenecks, regional integration, and the role of trade and other structural

reforms in boosting output and macroeconomic resilience.

• International Monetary Fund endorsed monetary policies of central banks in Europe and

Japan, even as policymakers from emerging markets warned that such policies were

increasing risks for the global economy. The Conference held in New Delhi from March

11-13.

UP GOVT Shows Green Signal To Kanpur Metro Project, Senior Citizen Policy

UP Govt approved a policy for senior citizens recently under which it will establish old age homes

for them. The Govt has also declared to raise monthly pension from Rs. 300 to Rs. 400.

• The policy will come into effect from 1 April 2016 and the social welfare department has been

made the nodal agency for this new policy.



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the prohibition of social Boycott bill in its state assembly.

Features of Social Boycott bill

• The social boycott is prohibited and its commission shall be an offence.

• The maximum punishment for social boycotting will be 7 years in prison or fine up

to 5 lakh rupees or both

• The maximum punishment for extending aid in relation to the commission of offence will

be 3 years or 3 lakh rupees or both

• The victim or any member of his family may file a complaint either through the police or

directly to the Magistrate

• To ensure speedy justice, the trial shall be completed within a period of six months

f rom the date of filing of the charge sheet

International Children’s Film Festival for the North East Region began in Gangtok

The International Children’s Film Festival for the North East Region began in Gangtok.The Festival

named, “The Golden Elephant” has been organised by the Children’s Film Society of India,in

association with the Sikkim Government’s Culture and Heritage and Human Resources

Development Departments.

• Over a dozen children films from the country and abroad are to be screened during the

three day long Film Festival. Workshops on film making and also on storytelling and

creative writing will be held as a part of the event.

Order Amendment Bill, 2016 passed in Lok Sabha

The People’s house passed the Amendment of Constitution (Scheduled Caste) order bill, 2016. The

bill seeks to amend the Constitution Scheduled Castes Order 1950.

Need of the amendment

• The bill was passed on proposals of five states, namely Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala,

Odisha and West Bengal, to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in their states

Amendment criteria

•

The proposal relates to the inclusion of certain communities, modification and

removal of area restriction in respect of certain communities and exclusion of certain

communities in the case of State of Odisha

Castes included

• Chhattisgarh included Sais, Sahis, Sarathi, Soot-Sarathi, Thanwar in the SC list

• Haryana included Aheria, Aheri, Hari, Heri, Thori, Turi and Rai Sikh

• Kerala include Peruvannan in the list

AAHAR 2016 Inaugurated In New Delhi

The largest fair on Food & Hospitality Sector in India, AAHAR 2016 was inaugurated by Hon.



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Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Ms. Harsimrat Kaur Badal on March 15, 2016. It is

the 31st edition in this series.

ABOUT THE FAIR

• Largest show of its kind in South Asia

•

Organized by India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO), supported by the respective

ministries

• Aim: A growth propelling event to promote Brand India on a global platform

Foreign Business Delegations from USA, UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nepal etc.Foreign companies

represented – Australia, Afghanistan, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Korea and USA among

others

• High level of satisfaction with 98% of exhibitors desiring repeat participation in AAHAR

2016

Over Rs 1 lakh crore disbursed under MUDRA Yojana

Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Loans worth Rs1.09 lakh crore have been sanctioned to

small entrepreneurs, loans worth over Rs.1.09 lakh crore were given to over 2.96 crore

beneficiaries.

• MUDRA Yojana, which was launched in April last year, loans between Rs.50, 000 and

Rs.10 lakh are provided to small entrepreneurs. The Micro Units Development and

Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA) focuses on the 5.75 crore self-employed who have

deployed funds totalling Rs.11 lakh crore and provide jobs to 12 crore people.

Centre releases Rs 609 crore for upgrading prisons in eight States

The Centre has released 609 crore rupees for upgrading prisons in eight States as

recommended by the Thirteenth Finance Commission.

• In the eight States Kerala has got 154 crore,Chhattisgarh 150 crore rupees and

Odisha 100 crore rupees.Andhra Pradesh has been sanctioned 90 crore

rupees andMaharashtra 60 crore rupees.

• The other States to receive Central funds for modernization of jails are Mizoram, 30

crore rupees, Tripura 15 crore rupees and Arunachal Pradesh 10 crore rupees.

Centre’s nod for Mega Food Park in Khammam

Union Government has given final approval for setting up a Mega Food Park in Khammam

District of Telanganato facilitate creation of modern infrastructure for food processing along the

value chain from the farm to the market.

• This is the first Mega Food Park in Telangana and set up with the project cost of

Rs. 108.95 crore in an area of 78 acres.

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• These Food Processing Industries is centring on increasing the Food Processing Sector so

that agriculture sector grows and becomes the engine of growth to drive the Make in

India initiative.

Punjab passed Punjab Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal land (Transfer of Proprietary Right) Bill,2016

Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Punjab Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal land bill-2016.

The bill was passed in contradiction of the construction of contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link.

• The bill emphasizes to offer transfer of proprietary rights back to the land owners from

whom the land was acquired by the state government for the construction of SYL free

of cost.

Career Guidance Counselling Centres launched in Delhi to improve employment

opportunities for women

Young women seeking Employment in the Delhi NCR region can receive career Guidance from

the newly launched Dedicated Counselling centres.

• This is the first of its kind dedicated to women,established on the findings of a UNDP

commissioned study which revealed that almost 80 percent of young women in Delhi

did not have access to accurate and timely information on educational and job

opportunities.

India aviation show 2016 begins in Hyderabad

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 5th edition of the India Aviation 2016 and the five-

day biennial aviation show jointly organised by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the Federation

of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

• The theme of Indian civil aviation sector: Potential as global manufacturing hub.

• About 25 countries and 200 major participants are expected to take part in the Indian

Aviation show at the Begumpet airport. Hyderabad.

• Leading aircraft and helicopter manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Textron,AA

Embraer, Gulfstream, Dassault, Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopters, and Russian

Helicopters are participating in the show.

Punjab Government notified Swine Flu under Epidemic Disease Act

Health and Family Welfare department of the Punjab government notified Swine Flu

(H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease Act.

• All the Hospitals be it government or private owned will have to inform the Department of

Health about a case of ILI (Influenza like Illness) having chronic diseases.



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• In order to ensure such cases are treated at the earliest and proper guidelines of the

Government is been followed. The treatment of swine flu is provided free of cost to all

the patients as recommended by the Government.

Surat Cleanest Railway Station; Varanasi Among The Dirtiest: Survey

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- ‘Ek Kadam Swachhta Ki Aur’ is the pet project of our Prime

Minister Narendra Modi which was flagged off on October 2, 2014 with a vision to make India free

of open defecation by 2019 and to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a clean India

• As a part of this project, a survey was conducted at 407 railway stations, which included 75

A-1 stations and 332 A-category stations, Surat has emerged to be the cleanest Railway

Stations in India, followed by Rajkot and Bilaspur. Varanasi stood last when evaluated onforty

cleanliness parameters which formed the basis of the survey.

KEY POINTS:

• The survey was conducted by Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)

Cisco to set up Internet of Everything (IoE) innovation centre in Visakhapatnam

Cisco will set up an Internet of Everything (IoE) Innovation centre in Visakhapatnam to drive

regional innovation and will enable partners and start-ups to build solutions around IoE and engage

in rapid prototyping.

• The MoU was signed as a part of the inauguration of India’s first statewide broadband

project-AP Fiber Net in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Andhra Pradesh CM Mr. N

Chandrababu Naidu and Cisco executive chairman Irving Tan among others.

World Sufi Forum Inaugurated In New Delhi

Giving a boost to the rich Sufi culture in India, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the first World

Sufi Forum in New Delhi. It is called the Bain-ul-Aqwami Sufi Conference started with a new

ray of hope in New Delhi.

•

200 Sufi scholars from across 20 countries have converged for the 4 day conference

• Organised by the All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board, the apex body of Sufi Dargahs

in India.

Indian Airforce to conduct day-night exercise ‘Iron-fist’

Indian Air Force displayed its combat and fire power at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing range in a

day & night demonstration. The event comprised six packages depicting six themes in

which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters participated.

Flash points

• A MiG-27 aircraft heralded the commencement of the flypast by towing the Ex “Iron

Fist” banner, which was followed by Supersonic run by the MiG-29 aircraft.



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• The fly past by a mixed formation comprising a MiG-21 Bison, MiG-27 Upgrade, MiG-

29 and the mighty Su-30, showcased the transformation of the IAF over the decades

Feni now classified as “Heritage spirit of Goa.”

Government of Goa has declared Feni, a form of spirit as the heritage spirit of the state. Feni,

was the first liquor product in the country which got Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2000.

• It finds its uses in various cultural traditions, cuisines as well as it is famed for its

medicinal use. So it should not have been categorized as country liquor and it is presently

defined under the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964.

SC allows photos of CMs, Governors, and Ministers in Public ads.

The SC has allowed photographs of CMs, Governors, and Ministers in Public advertisements.

• A bench led by Justice Ranjan Gogoi allowed review petitions filed by various state

governments, which had sought a modification of the previous order.

• Earlier SC had issued Guidelines on Regulating Government Advertisements based on

recommendations of Prof NR Madhava Menon

Union government unveiled Model Building Bye-laws, 2016

The Union Government has unveiled Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 for granting permission for

construction of buildings. It was released by the Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah

Naidu in New Delhi.

• Aim: Online single window framework to provide approval for construction of buildings

Highlights

• Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 intends to improve ease of doing business regarding

issuance of construction permits.

• The time limit for all kinds of single window approvals is 30 days and if it is not done

by the concerned agencies within this time-frame then it will be deemed as approved.

•

Different set of environmental conditions are provided for each category of building

ranging from 5000 square meters to 1.5 lakh square meters.

• The provision of rain water harvesting for various types of buildings has been

mandatory

PM to inaugurate ‘Krishi Unnati Mela’ in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three-day ‘Krishi Unnati Mela’ providing information

on new farm schemes and technologies that will help farmers double their incomes within the

next few years.

Venue: Pusa Campus , New Delhi



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Events

• PM Narendra Modi will give Krishi Karman Awards to states and progressive farmers

who made remarkable contribution to Agriculture

• He will visit the theme pavilion and address the farmers

•

There will be live demonstration of agriculture and horticultural crops, animal

husbandry, innovative technologies and farm mechanisation in big plots

• Public and private companies will display theirfarm inputs and technologies in

over 500 stalls

Shri J P Nadda launches new initiatives to combat TB

With a view to combat tuberculosis in the country, the govt. of India is making every effort.

Recently, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, launched Bedaquiline new anti-TB drug for Drug

Resistant TB as part of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) on the eve of

World TB Day.

• The event was organsied by Health Ministry and WHO ahead of the World Tuberculosis

Day on March 24.

Mumbai’s Wilson College adopts railway station for cleanliness

As part of the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan the Wilson College in Mumbai has adopted the Charni

Road station in Mumbai for cleanliness and up keep.

• Wilson College students led by executive co-ordinator Dr Kamal Jadhav met the

Governor Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan and briefed him about the

decision taken by the students during the past few months to keep the Charni Road

station neat and clean.

India to host 8th BRICS Summit, 2016

The external affairs ministry has notified that India will host the 8th BRICS Summit from 15

October to 16 October 2016 in Goa.

BRICS- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

• Chairmanship –India assumed chairmanship of BRICS from Russia on 15 February 2016

and it will last till 31 December 2016.

Five pronged approach

• Institution building, Implementation, Integrating, Innovation, Continuity

Theme and Logo

• The logo for the Summit is a lotus having colours from all the five member countries and

a traditional Namaste in the centre.

• The theme of India’s BRICS Chairmanship is Building Responsive, Inclusive and

Collective Solutions.

Punjab Assembly passes Agriculture Indebtedness bill



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The Punjab Assembly has a passed a bill that provides relief to the farmers. The Punjab

Settlement of Agricultural Indebtedness Bill, 2016. The bill specifies that the interest

payable on debt shall be calculated at such rate as may be notified by the government.

Features of the bill

•

According to the new bill, the interest rates on debts will be calculated by the state

government

• This would be in accordance with the interest rates charged by banks on yearly

basis.

• The bill, aimed at providing fair and expeditious settlement of agriculturists debt-

related disputes.

Union Ministry of Health & Welfare launches LASI

The Union ministry of Health & Welfare have launched a study on Longitudinal Ageing of Indians

termed as LASI(Longitudinal Ageing Study in India)

Need for LASI

• The 2011 census revealed that around 6% of the total population of India is elderly

people and with increase in life expectancy it will grow further in future

• Currently there are no clear databases on elderly people in India

• It becomes essential to know about the elderly people, their health based study and other

social and economic issues related to them

• This will help to evolve them in the economic planning of the nation whose population will

rise up to 7 billion that includes 340 million of 60+ aged people in 2050

Conducted by: The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai in collaboration

with Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and University of Southern California (USC)

India Post releases customised ‘My Stamp’ on HAL

Post has released a customised commemorative stamp on HAL the first time India Post is coming

out with customised ‘My Stamp’ and HAL is the first organisation to have it.

• The stamp in recognition of the company’s 75 years services to the nation was

released by Usha Chandras hekhar, Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle, and V M

Chamola, Director (HR), HAL.

• The tag line HAL: the force behind the forces for its Platinum Jubilee logo.

Government clears new Defence Procurement Policy

Govt approves key changes to accord priority to locally made equipment and fund private-

sector R&D the objective of the new Defence Procurement Procedure is to ensure expeditious

procurement of the approved requirements.



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• The Policy will come into effect from April 1, 2016.The DPP, which will have provisions

to fast-track acquisition of critically-needed equipment’s, will be unveiled at

the Defence Expo on March 28

• The new DPP that will introduce measures to promote indigenization and self-reliance in

defence will be unveiled at the Defexpo India 2016, a biennial show of military andsecurity

PM Inaugurates Power transmission line between India & Bangladesh

India strengthens its relationship consistently with its Neighboring nations. Further improving the

relation between India and Bangladesh, PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated a power transmission

line between the 2 countries.

Highlights

• PM Narendra Modi, inaugurated a transmission line from Tripura that will supply 100 MW

power to Bangladesh

• Modi inaugurated the new line via video conferencing from Agartala

• The power generated from Palatana generating station will be given to Bangladesh

• In return, Bangladesh expressed their contribution by providing 10GB Internet Bandwidth

to India

Himachal, Mumbai to have electric buses

Himachal Road Transport Corporation and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority to

introduce zero-emission retrofitted electric buses under its flagship scheme Faster Adoption and

Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India).

• HRTC and MMRDA will roll out 25 electric buses each. Under FAME India, the

department will fund up to 75 per cent cost and the department of heavy industry has

granted in-principle approval.

Govt approves National Highway project worth Rs 6,284 cr

Union government has approved 11 highway projects with a total length of about 453 km

and worth of Rs 6,284 crore for various states.

Swachh Bharat rankings: RashtrapatiBhavan among the cleanest buildings

Rashtrapati Bhavan, UPSC Building, Hyderabad House, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan and

Vigyan Bhavan have been ranked among the cleanest government buildings in New Delhi in a

survey carried out under Swachh Bharat Mission.

• Rashtrapati Bhavan and UPSC building have got full marks to be stated as the

cleanest buildings in a survey, however NirvachanSadan, Jaipur House, Jamnagar House,



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• The fair is launched as a cooperative effort by AYUSH ministry and Confederation of

Indian Industry

• The main objective is to popularize the Indian Medicinal system and update the

industry with recent developments in the sector

•

The fair will concentrate to popularize Indian medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani,Homeopathy, Sowa-Rigpa and Yoga

• Free medical checkups, distribution of medicines and technical sessions are to be

held at the four day fair

India to become 100% e-vehicle nation by 2030

The increasing emissions across the world have forced all the nations to move towards renewable

energies and adopt measures to bring down the pollution. As a part of these measures India has

planned to promote the use of electricity operated vehicles.

• India have decided to provide electricity operated cars at zero down payment making it as

a 100% e-vehicle nation by 2030

• Piyush Goyal also told that they don’t need support from neither the government nor

the people

MP to have its first ITBP centre

Madhya Pradesh is going to have its first Indo Tibetan Border Police weapon training centre at

Batiagarh, Damoh.

• It is going to be established at 1800 acres between Batiagarh and Fatehgarh at a

cost of 2100 crores

• The newly recruited constables of ITBP will be given training at the centre for operating all

kinds of small and big weapons including cannons capable of firing up to 5-km range

and sten guns

• A similar training centre is already operational in Allahabad

J P Nadda launches Rota virus vaccine

The Union Ministry of health and welfare has been taking consistent efforts to develop new

medicines and keep the contagious diseases under control. Recently, the minister of Health and

Welfare launched the Rota virus vaccine.

Flash points

• Rotavirus vaccine is an initiative to provide immunity against Diarrhoea and bring

infant mortality rate under control

• The vaccine is a cost effective program and it is to be rolled out in of Himachal Pradesh,

Haryana,Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in the first phase

• The event was organized in Bhubaneshwar

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Maharashtra gets its first set of Women Commanders to protect forest

Women have been finding a place for themselves in all the challenging fields. Recently Indian Navy

announced to recruit 3 female fighter pilots. Similarly, Women have been chosen as forest guards

in Maharashtra.

Flash points

• A batch of 20 women are likely to become the first women commandos of the state

forestry department.

• They were trained from Gadchiroli’s Jungle Tactic and Survival Course (JTSC)

• The one-month training began on February 8 and it include women of the age group 19-

24

• The training focused on weapon handling and firing, setting up ambush, carrying

out raids, nakabandis, patrolling information through the jungle and surviving for

days in the jungle in emergencies

• It is the first time the forest guards are given commando training

Common Yoga protocol revealed for 2nd International day of Yoga

The International Yoga day has been earmarked on 21st June. The second year celebrations are

yet to come and as a part of it the protocol has been released by the AYUSH ministry.

Highlights

• The booklet consisting of the protocol was released in the Arogya fair which commenced

in Goa.It was released by Shripad Yesso Naik on 26th March,2016

• The protocol includes certain yoga practices such as Yogic Sukshma Vyayama ,

Yogasanas, and Pranayama which have been added in the 2nd revised edition

President Rule mulled in Uttarkhand

Fuelling up the political chaos in Uttarkhand, the President rule has been imposed in the state.

The chaos began when the congress ruled government faced the opposition from the 9 rebel MLA’S.

• The 9 rebel MLA’s proposed to support BJP in framing the new government

• The congress government was forced to prove their majority. They had 27 MLA’s and also

supported by 6 more.

Himachal Pradesh government released Sixth Economic Census report

Sixth Economic Census of Himachal Pradesh was released by Pradeep Chauhan, the

Economic Advisor of Himachal Government. The survey was started in 2012 and completed in two

phases with 8303 enumerators, 3844 supervisors and 175 charge officers covering 24,932

enumeration blocks.

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• Himachal was first state in the country to complete the census and release the

report and the parameters and methods adopted by the state are being followed by

other states.

• This is the first census in which nearly 100 per cent establishments, both in urban and

remotest rural areas had been covered.

Haryana approves Jat reservation bill

Haryana Cabinet approved the Jat reservation bill to provide reservation to Jats and four

other castes in government jobs and educational institutions.

• The draft Bill on reservation to Jats and four other castes was cleared at a Cabinet

meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.

• The Bill proposes reservation for Jats and four other castes namely, Sikhs, Rors,

Bishnois and Tyagis

Government Constitutes the Board of Trade

The government has reconstituted the Board of trade headed by the commerce minister.

Flash points

• Board of Trade- It is a advisory body consisting of representatives from Industries headed

by the Commerce Minister

• The first meeting will be held on April,6

Objective- To have continuous discussion and consultation with trade and industry

Madhya Pradesh to join National Agri Market platform

Madhya Pradesh all set to join the recently-announced National Agriculture Market (NAM)

platform, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to launch it from the stat on April 14 to mark B

R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.

• Initially, the state government would include only one commodity chana (gram) for e-

auction through the NAM platform.

• The Union government has decided to release Rs 15 crore for all 50 mandis to equip

them with online support system, software, hardware, and grading of farm yield.

• Mandi traders who contribute in regular auction of commodities carry localised mandi

licence, the trading would take place only in Karond mandi.

Haryana Becomes 1st To Launch Injectable Contraceptive

A unique Project named by Salamati has been launched by the Haryana Govt for the first time

ever in order to maintain a healthy balance between the births of children by using injectable

contraceptive.

• The objective is to check high mother and infant mortality rate



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Highlights:

• The objective is to check high mother and infant mortality rate

• The state has an outlay of Rs 3,916.94 crore has been earmarked for health and family

welfare in the year 2016-17.

Gujarat To Set Up Nation’s First Organic Farming University

Gujarat is going to be the first state to set up a University exclusively focussed Organic Farming.

Objective – To help farmers in switching to unconventional methods of farming.

Key Points

• A fund of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked towards the university in the annual 2016-17

budget.

• The place may be chosen near to agriculture Kamdhenu University in Gandhinagar

district.

• Under its organic farming policy, the Gujarat government plans to increase the organic

farming area by 10 times in five years

Govt notifies Aadhaar Act

Union government has notified the new Aadhaar Act, 2016 which gives the numbers assigned by

it a statutory backing for transfer of subsidies and benefits to people eligible for them.

• Both central and state government can use Aadhaar for disbursal for benefits and

subsidies. However the Aadhaar number cannot be used as a proof of citizenship or

domicile.

Telengana passed bill for hike in salary

The Chandrasekhar Rao headed Telengana government has passed the bill unanimously for hike in

salary of MLA’s and MLC’s.

• The Telangana Payment of Salaries and Pensions and Removal of

Disqualifications(Amendment) Bill-2016 was passed, as per a recommendation of

the Committee on Amenities of the Telangana Legislature which met on March 21.

• This hike will cause an added expenditure of 97 crores for the telengana government

Dr. Najma Heptulla Launches Innovative Entrepreneurship & Skill Development

Programme of MANAS

Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla Launched Innovative Entrepreneurship & Skill

Development Programme of MANAS through Renowned Experts in Different Skill Sets that is the

desire and striving for excellence in any field of activity.

• The Minister also inaugurated online two training centres of Beauty & Wellness Sector,

one in Okhla that will be trained by Jawed Habib in scientific and systematic training to



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the aspirants wishing to pursue a career in cosmetology and another in Daryaganjarea

where Ms.ShahnazHussain will impart training to aspirant sat in the area of natural

care and cure.

• MANAS has identified and launched Skill Development Programme for traditional

Educational Institutions of Minorities in the states of Bihar, Maharashtra, Jammu &Kashmir and Assam.

Arun Jaitley launches ‘Make in India’ conference in Sydney

Finance minister Arun Jaitley who is in Sydney for two days has launched the ‘Make in India’

conference in Sydney.

• Inaugurating the conference, Arun Jaitley called the Australian investors to invest in India

• He informed that with ‘Make in India’campaign the investors can invest in India and

capitalize the biggest market in the world

India will allow private sector hiring through government job exams

Union government will now share the results of government recruitment exams and PSUs will be

shared with private player after taking the consent of candidates so that other employers can

benefit from that.

• The

Documents

Current Affairs Study PDF - March 2016 by AffairsCloud