February 1, 2017 - TalentSprint

Current Affairs: February 2017

February 1, 2017

IT Ministry urges tax incentives for PC manufacturers too

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in its key recommendations for Union Budget 2017-18, has suggested differential excise duty regime and tax exemptions to be expanded to personal computers and servers. Ministry’s suggestions were as per the Phased Manufacturing Roadmap, it had worked out in consultation with the NITI Aayog. Retain differential excise duty regime and tax exemptions granted for the manufacture of mobile handsets and tablets, under the impending GST regime, to boost domestic manufacturing of electronic products.

Vampire star caught in the act by ASTROSAT

India’s first dedicated space observatory, ASTROSAT has captured the rare phenomenon of a small six-billionyear-old vampire star preying on a bigger celestial body. The vampire star phenomenon is observed when smaller star sucks material (mass and energy) out of the bigger companion star, causing its eventual death. It is also called a blue straggler as small star becomes bigger, hotter and bluer, giving it the appearance of being young, while the ageing companion burns out and collapses to a stellar remnant.

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Government Constitutes Task Force to prepare Action Plan for Next three Olympic Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the constitution of eight members Task Force committee for preparing action plan for next three Olympic Games 2020, 2024 and 2028. It has been given three months’ time to submit its report regarding a comprehensive action plan including short, medium and long-term measures for effective participation of Indian sportspersons in the Olympic games.

The members of Task force: Pulella Gopichand, Abhinav

Bindra, Rajesh Kalra, Om Pathak, Viren Rasquinha, S. Baldev Singh, Prof. G.L. Khanna and Sandeep Pradhan.

Highlights of Economic Survey 2016-17

Union finance Minister Arun Jaitley tabled the Economic Survey 2016-17 in Parliament budget session. The survey prepared by chief economic adviser in the finance ministry Arvind Subramanian. The survey projects the economy to grow in the range of 6.75% to 7.25% in fiscal year 2017-18 in the post-demonetisation year. It says that the adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be transitional.


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Bombay Natural History Society launches climate change programme in Central Himalayas

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to conduct study to assess the status, distribution and conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation. The Himalayas hold a rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across the Himalayas.

Finance Ministry to aid Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh for rail safety

The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to contribute partially to a new dedicated railway safety fund named as ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ in the upcoming Union Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety fund will be utilised for track improvement, bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock replacement, human resource development, improved inspection system and safety work at level crossing, among other things. The Finance Ministry is likely to grant a fresh infusion of only Rs. 5,000 crore in the upcoming financial year out of the initial proposed corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore. www.talentsprint.com

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February 2, 2017

Economic Survey backs Universal Basic Income

The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament has advocated for the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. It suggests that a more efficient way to help the poor will be to provide them resources directly, through a UBI. It will be an efficient substitute for a plethora of existing welfare schemes and subsidies. A basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens of a country regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government in addition to any income received from elsewhere. It is based on the principles of universality and un conditionality. However, it forfeits other government aided benefits.

Union Cabinet gives nod to modify Scheduled Castes list in Odisha

The Union Cabinet had approved the amendments in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 to modify the list of SC in Odisha. It also approved amending the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964 to change the name of the Union territory to Puducherry from Pondicherry. In this regard, The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2017, incorporating the above changes, will be introduced in the


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parliament. The amendment of SC list in Odisha makes inclusion of Sualgiri/Swalgiri caste in the list as it is Sabakhia caste which is already in the list of SC in Odisha.

Labour migration rose to 90 lakh over last 5 years: Economic Survey

According to Economic Survey 2016-17, the inter-state migration of workers in India has increased substantially to 90 lakh annually between 2011-16 period compared to the previous years. The estimate of labour migration in India was based analysis of census data of 2011 and railway passenger traffic in the unreserved category and new methodologies including the Cohort-based Migration Metric (CMM). It is first-ever estimate of internal work-related migration using railways. The inter-state labour mobility average was between 50–65 lakh people in the 2001-2011 period.

Researchers Discover Oldest Human Ancestor

Researchers

have

discovered

microscopic

sea

animal

Saccorhytus, the earliest known ancestor of humans along with a vast range of other species. The exquisitely well preserved fossilised traces of this 540-million-year-old creature were discovered. This balloon-like sea is the earliest known step on the evolutionary path that led to fish and eventually to humans. Saccorhytus is the most primitive example of deuterostomes, a category of animals which are common ancestors of a broad range of species, including vertebrates (backboned animals). It was about a millimetre in size and its


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body was symmetrical. This is a characteristic inherited by many of its evolutionary descendants, including humans.

India, Russia holds high-level consultations on counter-terrorism

India and Russia have held high-level consultations on counter-terrorism issues in New Delhi. Both sides shared views and assessment on the threats posed by increasing terrorist activities including India’s concern on state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism. The Indian delegation was led by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while the Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Oleg V. Syromolotov. Both sides shared views and assessment on the threats posed by the scourge of terrorism, including state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism faced by India.

Government clarifies Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has no provision for cash transfer component

The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development has clarified that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (B3P) Scheme has no provision for individual cash transfer component. It has warned

the

unauthorised

websites/organisations, NGOs, individuals that are distributing forms in the name of cash incentives under B3P Scheme. It also has mentioned that it is illegal and serious matter as there is no cash incentive associated in any form. Government’s clarification www.talentsprint.com

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came following reports that certain unauthorised sites, organisations, NGOs and individuals were found distributing forms in the name of cash incentive under the scheme.

Income Tax Department launches Operation Clean Money

The

Income

Tax

Department

(ITD)

launched

Operation Clean Money (Swachh Dhan Abhiyan), an e-platform to analyse large cash deposits made during the demonetisation window (9 November to 30 December 2016). Under it, e-verification of large cash has been done using data analytics for comparing the demonetisation data with information in ITD databases. In the first batch of the operation,around 18 lakh persons have been identified in whose case, cash transactions do not appear to be in line with the tax payer’s profile. It comprises account-holders whose deposits did not match their incomes, as per data with the IT department, will be alerted on their e-filing portals.

February 3, 2017

SAARC programming committee meeting held in Kathmandu

The

two-day

meeting

of

SAARC

Programming

Committee was held in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. All eight members participated in the meeting. This was the first

senior

level

meeting

of

Association

since

postponement of 19th SAARC Summit in November 2016 after four nations Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh www.talentsprint.com

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and India had requested for it following escalation of tension between India and Pakistan over the issue of terrorism. The Programming Committee is the lowest level mechanism in SAARC after the SAARC Standing Committee, which is held at the foreign secretary level, and SAARC Council of Ministers held at foreign minister level.

Scientists confirm existence of lost continent lies under Indian Ocean

Scientists have confirmed the existence of a ‚lost continent‛ under the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. It is left over by the break-up of the super-continent Gondwana, which started about 200 million years ago. The discovery was based on study of Zircon, a mineral found in rocks spewed up by lava during volcanic eruptions which is too old to belong to Mauritius. The lost continent is just a small piece of island that probably broke of when Africa, India, Australia and Antarctica split up and formed the Indian Ocean. The scientists found zircons on the island of Mauritius that are three billion years old. These remnants are too old to belong to Mauritius as it has no rock older than nine million years old.


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Government of create five special tourism zones to boost tourism: Budget 201718

The Union Budget 2017-18 has announced that Government will set up five Special Tourism Zones in partnership with States. These five special zones will be anchored as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) that will be set up in partnership with the States. In this budget, government has allocated Rs. 1,840.77 crore to the Tourism Ministry, Rs. 250 crore more in the 2017-18 fiscal. To boost the image of India in the international travel market Incredible India 2.0 Campaign will be unveiled across the world the financial year 2017-18. 959.91 crore has been allocated for the Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around specific themes under Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Cabinet approves Introduction of The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for introduction of The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament. The amendment Bill has provision for the inclusion of Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool along with the other IITs in the Principal Act. With this, IIITDM Kurnool will become fifth Member as a Centrally Funded IIIT. IITDM Kurnool inclusions will make it an institute of National Importance with www.talentsprint.com

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the power to award degrees to students. Its academic session had commenced in two branches of study in 2015-16.

Toxins in litchi fruit may kill children

Scientists from US and India have found that consumption of litchi fruit on an empty stomach can result in very low blood glucose level and acute encephalopathy leading to seizures and coma, and causes death in Children in many cases. Litchi fruit contains the toxins hypoglycin A and methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG). Its consumption and skipping evening meals causes very low blood glucose level (less than normal 70 mg/dL) and acute encephalopathy in children.

February 4, 2017

NITI Aayog launches India Innovation Index

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) jointly launched India Innovation Index. Besides country’s first innovation index portal was also launched. The index has been jointly developed by NITI Aayog, DIPP and CII in consultation with World Economic Forum (WEF), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, UNIDO, ILO, www.talentsprint.com

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OECD, UNESCO, ITU etc.

Government introduces alternative funding mechanism of electoral bonds: Budget

The Union Government has announced two measures in the Budget 2017-18 to bring in greater transparency in funding of political parties. These include capping cash funding by a single anonymous donor to Rs. 2000 (one tenth of the current limit of Rs 20,000) and introduction of the electoral bonds. It will take effect from 1 April, 2018. The finance bill lays out the way ahead for capping cash funding and sale of electoral bonds by proposing amendments in the section 13A of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 and to Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Mahila Shakti Kendra will be set-up at village level: Budget

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget Speech 2017-18 announced corpus of Rs 500 crore for setting up Mahila Shakti Kendras in the 14 lakh ICDS Anganwadi Centres at village level. These kendras will provide one stop convergent support services for empowering rural women with opportunities for skill development, employment, health, nutrition and digital literacy. The budget allocation for the welfare of Women and Children under various schemes across all the Ministries the has been increased from Rs. 1,56,528 crores in 2016-17 to Rs. 1,84,632 crores in 2017-18.


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Government notifies new rules for medical devices

The Union Health Ministry has notified new rules for medical devices to remove regulatory bottlenecks and ensure availability of medical devices for patients. Under the new rules, manufactures will not be required to renew licenses periodically and submission of applications and grant of licenses will be done online. The new rules have been framed in conformity with Global Harmonisation Task Force (GHTF) framework and conform to best international practices. Under it, medical devices are classified as per GHTF practice, based on associated risks, into Class A (low risk), Class B (low moderate risk), Class C (moderate high risk) and Class D (high risk).

India signs $201.50 million Financing Agreement with World Bank for TEQIP III

The Union Government has singed Financing Agreement for IDA credit of $201.50 million with World Bank for the ‘Third Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme’ (TEQIP III). The agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India. The aim of the TEQIP III programme is to enhance quality and improve efficiency of the Engineering Education System. The objective of agreement is to improve Engineering Education sector in 8 states viz. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.


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World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 The World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. Significance of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. 2017 Theme: ‚Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction‛. It seeks to raise awareness and to highlight the vital role of healthy wetlands in reducing the impacts of extreme events such as floods, cyclones and drought on communities, and in helping to build resilience.

India, Sri Lanka signs MoU to construct new multi-ethnic tri-lingual secondary school

India and Sri Lanka have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct a new multi-ethnic tri-lingual secondary school in Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed by of India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Secretary to the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education Sunil Hettiarachchi. The School will be constructed using Government of India’s grant of 30 crore rupees. It will provide opportunities to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim students to learn in a multi-ethnic, multicultural environment.


13


February 5, 2017

Railway Ministry, Italy’s FS group sign MOU for technical cooperation

The Union Ministry of Railways and Italy’s public sector rail company Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane Group (FS Group) has signed MoU for technical cooperation in rail sector especially in the area of safety and modernisation. The MoU comes in the backdrop of emphasis given Railway Ministry on safety in railway operation. The Railway Board has been directed to collaborate with the international experts to identify the best practices for rail safety. Under the MoU, cooperation areas identified includes safety audit of Indian Railways and measures required for enhancing safety in train operation.

World Cancer Day is observed on February 04

The World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed every year on 4 February across the world to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme (tagline) between 2016 and 2018 WCD is ‚We can. I can‛. It reflects on what everyone can do to raise awareness of cancer and asks to take pledge and action in fight against cancer. Special three-year campaign for the World Cancer Day 2016-2018 seeks to explore how everyone- as individuals or as a collective – can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer globally.


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Indian Navy launches underwater harbour defence and surveillance system

Indian Navy has launched an Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) in Mumbai, Maharashtra to enhance the security of valuable naval assets against asymmetric threats. It was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command. It is second IUHDSS to be installed in India, after first was installed at Kochi, Kerala in August 2015. IUHDSS is designed and developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries ELTA for surface and sub-surface surveillance of the harbour.

NASA’s Juno spacecraft completes fourth flyby of Jupiter

NASA’s solar-powered Juno spacecraft completed closest flyby of Jupiter mysterious cloud tops for the fourth time. All eight of Juno’s science instruments were switched on during the flyby. During its closest approach it was roughly 4,300 km above Jupiter’s cloud tops and travelled at a speed of about 208,000 kmph. Currently, Juno is locked in a 53-day orbit around Jupiter. It is expected to perform three dozen flybys over the next one and a half years. During its flybys, Juno probes beneath the cloud cover of Jupiter and studies Jupiter’s auroras to learn more about its origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.


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Single-dose Zika vaccine works in animals

According to recent study, an innovative vaccine made from genetic material protected lab animals from the Zika virus in experiments. A single, low dose of the vaccine shielded mice exposed to Zika five months after the shot. Even monkeys exposed five weeks after they were innoculated were also not affected by the virus. The new vaccine is based on a modified version of genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA). It is designed to pass under the radar of the immune system and enter directly into human cells.

World’s smallest pacemaker unveiled in US

Scientists for the first time have successfully implanted world’s smallest pacemaker dubbed as Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) in a patient in United States. The pacemaker about size of large vitamin capsule is for patients with bradycardia, a condition characterised by a slow heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. TPS provides the most advanced pacing technology. It was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker and is the only leadless (wireless) pacemaker approved for use in the US. It can be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart.


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February 6, 2017

President opens Rashtrapati Bhavan's annual 'Udyanotsav'

President

Pranab

Mukherjee

opened

the

annual

'Udyanotsav' of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The highlights of this year's 'Udyanotsav' include two new varieties of roses named after the President Pranab Mukherjee and his late wife Suvra Mukherjee; Vertical Gardens and Air Purifying Plants which absorb toxins from polluted air. The two varieties of roses named 'President Pranab' and 'Suvra Mukherjee' were developed by Pranabir Kumar Maity and Ashok Kumar Maity of Pushpanjali Rose Nursery at Jakpur, West Bengal. The Indian Rose Federation issued a certificate after trials in January 2017 and the roses were subsequently planted in the Mughal Gardens.

Govt forms panel to improve India’s Haj policy

The Centre has formed a six-member committee to give a report on ways to improve India’s Haj policy and also look into issue of subsidy to the pilgrimage in light of 2012 Supreme Court order on gradually reducing and abolishing it by 2022. Former Consul General of India (CGI), Jeddah, Afzal Amanullah has been appointed as convener of the highlevel panel, Union minister of state for minority affairs (Independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas


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Naqvi told reporters in the Capital. The panel will examine implications of various directions of the apex court with regard to the existing Haj policy, and suitable amendments in it.

Sanjeev Sanyal appointed principal economic adviser in Finance Ministry

Government appointed noted economist Sanjeev Sanyal as Principal Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sanjeev Sanyal, former Global Strategist and Managing Director, Deutsche Bank, to the post of Principal Economic Adviser in the Department of Economic Affairs," an official statement said. He has been appointed in a pay scale of Rs 67,000-79,000 for a period of three years. In 2007, Sanyal was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship for his work on urban issues and was also honoured by the Singapore government at the World Cities Summit 2014.

Bihar introduces third gender category in school exams

For the first time since the Supreme Court recognised transgender people as a third gender in 2014, as many as 18 students in Bihar have been allowed to appear for the Board

exams

conducted

by

the

Bihar

School

Examination Board (BSEB) under the third-gender category. The exams for Class 12 begin on February 14 and for Class 10 from March 1. According to board officials, 10 third-gender students will be taking the Class 12 exams and eight would be writing the Class 10 exams. So far, the BSEB did


18


not allow students to take Board exams under the ‘third gender’ category because the examination form specified only two categories, male and female.

Anand Kumar Gupta takes over as director commercial at NTPC

Anand Kumar Gupta has taken over the charge as director commercial at NTPC. As director commercial, he will be responsible international

for and

the

activities

domestic

relating

business

consultancy business of NTPC.

to

commercial,

development

and

He also headed business

development department of NTPC and plant operations & maintenance at power stations.

Iran bars US wrestlers from Freestyle World Cup event

Iran banned US wrestlers from participating in the Freestyle World Cup competition this month in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order forbidding visas for Iranians. The decision marks the first action taken by Iran in response to Trump’s executive order banning visas for seven Muslim countries. Earlier this week, Iran said it would take retaliatory action.


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February 7, 2017

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is observed on February 6

The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed every year on February 6 to raise awareness of the practice of FGM and work towards its elimination. It is sponsored by UN, and the theme is ‚Building a solid and interactive bridge between Africa and the world to accelerate ending FGM by 2030‛.

Neurocalyx calycinus plant possesses medicinal values Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) have confirmed the multiple therapeutic properties of Neurocalyx calycinus, a medicinal plant endemic to the southern parts of Western Ghats and Sri Lanka The therapeutic properties of the plant were discovered based on traditional knowledge of Cholanaickan tribe, (one of the particularly vulnerable groups in Kerala) used it to treat inflammations and wounds.


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HRD ministry to set up NTA to conduct exams for higher, secondary education

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRB) will soon set up a department – National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct examinations for higher and secondary education. NTA will be the single authority that will conduct entrance tests for all higher institutions like JEE, NEET, NET and other prestigious exams. Establishment of NTA will free CBSE, AICTE and other agencies from conducting various exams and enable them to focus on their core areas and work on improving the quality of education.

Union Government launches Measles Rubella vaccination campaign

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the country at Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is largest ever in any campaign against these two diseases will start from five States/UTs viz. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa and Lakshadweep covering nearly 3.6 crore target children. The MR campaign is largest ever vaccination campaign aimed to target around 41 crore children across the country against two diseases.


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Assam Government launches Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana

Assam Government has launched Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY)

to bring about

paradigm shift towards holistic development of villages in the state. The scheme is a mega mission aimed at bringing in revolutionary changes by doubling the farm income in the State. As per Situation Assessment Survey (period from 2002-03 to 2012-13), the farm income in Assam was recorded only 0.88% as against national average of 5.2%. The scheme has financial outlay of Rs. 30,000 crore and will be implemented in all the villages in Assam in the next five years culminating in 2021-22.

February 8, 2017

Lok Sabha passes Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Lok Sabha has passed the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to enable employers to pay wages to workers through cheque or directly crediting to their accounts. The bill will replace the Ordinance promulgated by the President in December 2016 to amend the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. Method of payment of wages: Earlier, under the parent Act employer can pay his employee’s wages either by cheque or by crediting it into his bank account after obtaining his written authorisation. Permit the employer to pay an employee’s wages: (i) by cheque; or (ii) by crediting them into


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his bank account or (iii) in coin or currency notes. It removes the requirement of obtaining prior written authorization for payment of wages by cheque or through a bank account.

CBDT signs four unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) under the Department of Revenue, Union Ministry of Finance has entered into four more unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). These four APAs are

related

to

Manufacturing,

Financial

and

Information

Technology sectors. They cover international transactions such as Contract Manufacturing, Software Development Services and IT Enabled Services. With this, the total number of APAs entered into by the CBDT has reached 130. It includes 122 Unilateral APAs and 8 bilateral APAs. In the current financial year (2016-17), total 66 APAs (5 bilateral APAs and 61 unilateral APAs) were signed.

Scientists develop terahertz transmitter capable of sending data 10 times faster than 5G

Scientists from Japan have developed terahertz (THz) transmitter technology, a next generation system which can transmit digital data over 10 times faster than 5G mobile networks. It will pave transmitting digital data at a rate exceeding 100 gigabits per second (gbps) over a single channel using the 300-gigahertz band. The THz band is a new and vast frequency resource expected to be used for future ultrahigh-speed wireless communications. The THz transmitter achieves a communication speed of 105 gigabits per second using the frequency range from 290 GHz to 315 GHz. These range of frequencies are currently unallocated but fall www.talentsprint.com

23


within the frequency range from 275 GHz to 450 GHz. It paves way for faster downloads and improve in-flight network connection speeds.

Nepal to host 4th BIMSTEC Summit 2017

The fourth edition of BIMSTEC Summit-2017 will be held in Nepal. It was announced in the 17th session of BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held in Kathmandu, capital Nepal. In this meeting, delegates of seven member countries reviewed the progress made by BIMSTEC and recommended future course of action to strengthen regional cooperation among the group. The importance of BIMSTEC was highlighted during the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit held at Goa in October 2016. In this summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his desire to promote BIMSTEC and assured full cooperation it needs to move on.

FAO calls for International collaboration on wheat rust

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a United Nations agricultural agency has called for International collaboration on wheat rust to curb threat to global supplies. According to studies produced by scientists in collaboration with FAO, wheat in Africa, Asia and Europe is increasingly threatened by fresh groups of wheat rust. The studies have showed emergence of two new groups or races of both yellow rust and stem rust in various regions of the world. They highlight urgent need for early detection and rapid action to keep the wheat rust under control which spread rapidly over long distances by wind. www.talentsprint.com

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February 9, 2017

Union Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan for rural digital literacy

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved ‘Pradhan Mantri

Gramin

Digital

Saksharta

Abhiyan’

(PMGDISHA) to make 6 crore rural households digitally literate by March 2019. PMGDISHA is expected to be one of the largest digital literacy programmes in the world. This approval comes in line with the announcement made by Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2016-17. Under the scheme, 25 lakh candidates will be trained in the FY 2016-17; 275 lakh in 2017-18; and 300 lakh in 2018-19. The outlay for this project is Rs. 2,351.38 crore to usher in digital literacy in rural India.

RBI keeps key rates unchanged in 6th bi-monthly monetary policy review

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel has kept the key policy rates unchanged. It was central bank’s sixth bimonthly and last policy for the financial year 2016-17 and overall the third by the MPC. All six members of the MPC voted in favour of holding rates. Besides, RBI also changed its stance from accommodative to neutral. It also lowered GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal to 6.9%. However the apex bank expects a rebound in GDP growth to 7.4% in 2017-18. www.talentsprint.com

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Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): Unchanged at 6.25 percent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF: Unchanged at 5.75 per cent. Marginal standing facility (MSF): Unchanged at 6.75 per cent. Bank Rate: Unchanged at 6.75 per cent. Reserve Ratios Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Unchanged 20.75 per cent.

Researchers develop battery powered by stomach acid

Researchers from MIT have developed a small battery that runs on stomach acids and is capable of powering epills to monitor patient health. The small system can generate enough power to run small sensors or drug delivery devices that can reside in the gastrointestinal tract for extended periods of time. For this battery, researchers used idea of very simple type of voltaic cell, lemon battery which produces electric current between the two electrodes stuck in a lemon due to its citric acid. To replicate it, the researchers attached zinc and copper electrodes to the surface of their ingestible sensor. The zinc emits ions into the acid in the stomach to power the voltaic circuit.


26


Arunachal Pradesh becomes first NE State to implement e-Cabinet Solution

Arunachal Pradesh became the first state in the northeast to implement e-Cabinet solution for the state cabinet members. It is a powerful governance tool that will be used to streamline its decision-making process. Using this system, state cabinet members can access the cabinet notes before the meeting. The e-Cabinet system is being implemented by the state department of Information Technology and Communication. Entire business of the Cabinet can be conducted using the eCabinet solution. It will help ministers prepare for cabinet meetings, conduct them and review minutes, entirely without paper.

81st National Badminton Championship Winners

Sourabh Verma has won the men’s singles title in the 81st Senior National Badminton Championships tournament. In the final match, held at Patna (Bihar, he defeated Lakshya Sen by 21-13, 21-12 score. Other Category winners Women’s Singles title: Rituparna Das won the Women’s Singles title by defeating Reshma Karthik by 21-12, 21-14 score. Women’s doubles event: Duo of Aparna Balan and Prajakta Sawant won the title by defeating the pair of Shikha Gautam and Sanyogita Ghorpade by 21-9, 21-11 score. Men’s doubles event: Duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Chirag Shetty won the title by defeating Nand Gopal K and Sanyam Shukla by 21-17, 16-21 and 21-16 score.


27


Mixed doubles event: Duo of Satwik Sai Raj and Maneesha K won the title by defeating the pair of Venkat Gaurav Prasad and Juhi Dewangan by 21-14, 21-18 score.

Scientists successfully test male contraceptive on monkeys

Scientists

from

California

National

Primate

Research Centre, US have successfully tested a new male contraceptive ‘Vasalgel’ that blocks sperm flow on monkeys. Now it is waiting for human trials. During the animal trials, the Vasalgel contraceptive provided effective birth control in rhesus monkey groups for more than one year. It brings the prospect of an alternative form of birth control for humans. The trial use of Vasalgel in groups of rhesus macaques has confirmed the previous preclinical trail findings in rabbits on the efficacy of the new contraceptive.

February 10, 2017

RBI to set up committee on strengthening cyber security

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up an interdisciplinary Standing Committee on cyber security to examine various threats and suggest measures to deal with it. The committee will suggest appropriate policy interventions to strengthen cyber security and resilience in a bid to strengthen cyber security system. Review the threats inherent in the existing or emerging technology on an www.talentsprint.com

28


ongoing basis. Study adoption of various security standards and protocols and also act as interface with stakeholders. Suggest appropriate policy interventions to strengthen cyber security and resilience.

Union Government not in favour of new law for CBI

The Union Government has turned down the recommendation of Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee to come up with a new law for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The parliamentary committee has recommended replacing Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946 which governs CBI. Government stated that it might impinge on the federal structure of the Constitution. Powers given to the CBI under the DSPE Act are not adequate considering the pace of changing times as it has grown into a more dynamic agency specialising in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes.

India to pitch Trade Facilitation in Services at WTO

India will make a presentation on the proposed Trade Facilitation in Services (TFS) Agreement to World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo and India Inc. The global pact proposed by India to boost services trade at the WTO-level aims to ease norms including those relating

to

movement

of

foreign

skilled

workers

and

professionals across borders for short-term work. The proposed services pact is similar to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods adopted by the WTO Members in 2014 at Bali Summit to ease customs norms for boosting global goods trade. www.talentsprint.com

29


RBI to set up separate Enforcement Department

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to set up separate Enforcement Department to effectively monitor banks in case they violate regulations and speed up regulatory compliance. The department will be operational from April 1, 2017 i.e. the next financial year (2017-18). It will mainly deal with the penalties imposed on banks for violation of norms. Currently, the penalties are determined by the banking and non-banking supervision departments against banks violating rules. The Enforcement Department will serve as centralised department to deal with penalties imposed on banks. This will help RBI follow-up and maintain a record on banks performance.

Union Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and France in S&T and Innovation

The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology and innovation. The MoU

was

signed

between

India’s

Technology

Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology

and

France’s

public

Investment

Bank

Bpifrance. The agreement will ensure exchange of best practices and setting up of coordinated measures to foster technological exchanges. The exchanges under it will be through collaboration between companies, organizations and institutions of France and India.


30


Union Cabinet apprised of India-Vietnam space agreement

The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Framework Agreement between India and Vietnam on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The Framework Agreement was signed in September 2016. It will enable pursuing the potential interest areas of cooperation such as space science, technology and applications between both countries. The agreement covers cooperation in remote sensing of the earth, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; space science and planetary exploration.

Surgeon Raghu Ram awarded 2016 B C Roy Award

Dr P Raghu Ram, President of Association of Breast Surgeons of India was awarded prestigious Dr B C Roy national award for outstanding service in the field of socio-medical relief for 2016. The award will be conferred on him by President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of the Doctors day observed every year on 1st July. He is claimed to be the youngest surgeon ever from the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) to receive this award. The award recognises Dr Rams significant contribution towards improving the delivery of breast health care in India.


31


Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Senegal in Health and Medicine

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Senegal in the field of Health and Medicine. Both countries will set up a Working Group to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this MoU. The main areas of cooperation under MoU 

Integrated Disease Surveillance.



Medical Research.



Hospital Management.



Emergency Relief.



Drugs and Pharmaceutical products and hospital equipments.



AIDS Control.



Traditional Medicine.



Any other areas of mutual interest.


32


February 11, 2017

India and UK sign MoU to ease restrictions on number of scheduled flights

India and United Kingdom (UK) have signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to ease restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between the two countries. The MoU was formally signed by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on behalf of India and Lord Tariq Ahmad of UK during his visit to India. Limits on flights from key Indian cities including Chennai and Kolkata have been scrapped, allowing for a greater range of flights for passengers while providing a boost to trade and tourism for the UK and India.

Kerala’s Nilambur teak to get GI tag

Kerala’s Nilambur teak known internationally for its superior timber quality and elegant appearance will be added to the list of Kerala produces with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. In this regard, IPR Cell of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) with the support of the Nilambur Teak Heritage Society, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Department of Forests have applied for GI tag. Britishers were first to identify the superior and unique quality of teak from Kerala’s Nilambur plantations and forests. Later, the region became the major supplier of quality teak in the world.


33


ISRO develops Telemetry and Telecommand Processor

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has indigenously

developed

Telemetry

&

Telecommand

Processor (TTCP) and its productionisation will be initiated with

the

help

of

Indian

industry.

The

processor

development was undertaken up by ISRO as part of ‘Make in India’ campaign to replace the expensive imported equipment necessary for uplinking and downlinking to satellites. TTCP has been developed by Bengaluru based of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC). Besides, Spacecraft Checkout Group of ISAC is responsible for testing it. It will be used by ISRO in Integrated Spacecraft Testing of Low Earth Orbit, Geostationary Orbit and Interplanetary Spacecraft.

HRD ministry constitute sub-committee of CABE on issues of girl’s education

The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has constituted a sub-committee of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) to look into issues of girl’s education. It will be headed by Telangana’s Deputy

Chief

Minister

and

Education

Minister

Kadiyam Srihari. It will submit its report to the Union government within one year. Examine reasons for low participation of girls in education, including the socio-economic factors with resultant gender bias and suggest ways to reduce gender disparity to achieve better gender parity index.


34


Union Commerce Ministry approves Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched pilot Revenue Insurance Scheme for Plantation Crops (RISPC) for protecting the growers from the risks such as pest attacks, yield loss and income decline caused by fall in prices. It was announced by Union Minister of State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. RISPC announced in September 2016 is improved form of the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) Scheme, 2003 which was closed 2013. It was launched for protecting growers of plantation crops from twin risks of yield loss due to pest attacks, adverse weather parameters etc. and income loss caused by fall in domestic and international prices.

World’s first Braille Atlas for visually impaired persons released in New Delhi

The Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan released the Special Edition of ‚Atlas for Visually Impaired (India)‛ in English Braille in New Delhi. This Braille Atlas has been prepared by National

Atlas

and

Thematic

Mapping

Organisation (NATMO) under Department of S&T. It is world’s first braille atlas for the visually impaired. In the Braille Atlas, maps are raised and embossed with simple point and lines symbols to facilitate users to realize the location and area coverage easily in terms of distinguishable shapes and textures. It is made using indigenously developed silk-screen www.talentsprint.com

35


painting technology. The legend and reference is also placed on map in Braille script to navigate map.

Government unveils first phase of Station Redevelopment Programme

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled the first phase of the ambitious Station Redevelopment Programme. It is the world’s largest transit-oriented development programme ever executed. As part this programme, tenders are being floated for 23 of a total of the total 400 A1 and A category stations selected re-developing in the first phase. Stations being modernised in 1st phase: Lokmanya Tilak, Pune, Visakhapatnam, Thane,Howrah, Faridabad, Jammu Tawi, Kamakhya, Secunderabad, Udaipur City, Vijaywada, Chennai Central, Ranchi, Kozhikode, Bangalore Cantt, Yesvantpur, Bhopal, Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Borivali and Indore.

February 12, 2017

India ranks 43rd out of 45 nations in 2017 International Intellectual Property Index

India ranked low 43rd among the surveyed 45 nations in 2017 International Intellectual Property Index (IIPI). In this edition, India is just above Pakistan (44th) and Venezuela (45th). The fifth annual index was released by US Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Centre (GIPC) in its report titled ‘The Roots of Innovation’. This year the index includes 90% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and seven new www.talentsprint.com

36


economies Egypt, Hungary, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Spain were included. India scored a meagre 8.75 out of a total of 35 points, falling significantly behind the median score of 15.39. Besides, the average score of India’s regional neighbours was 17.64.

Government to set up Defence Procurement Organisation

The Union Government is planning to set up a Defence Procurement Organisation (DPO), new procurement body to integrate and streamline the long and arduous process of defence acquisitions. The DPO will be a vertical under the Union Defence Ministry. It will simplify the defence purchase procedure by integrating procurement processes. Government has modified several times the Defence Procurement Process, which applies to all defence capital procurements to bring in transparency and speed up acquisitions.

National Deworming Day is observed on February 10

The National Deworming Day is observed every year on February 10 with main objective to combat parasitic worm infections among preschool and school-age children across India. This year it is third edition of the observance of this day after it was launched in 2015 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The goal of the day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children between the ages of 1-19 years in order to improve their overall health, cognitive development, nutritional status and quality of life. On this day, Albendazole tablets are given to all targeted children. This year for the first time, deworming tablets were given to the private schools children also. www.talentsprint.com

37


Pakistan’s naval exercise Aman 2017 begins in Karachi

The Pakistan Navy has kicked of its biannually-held multinational AMAN 2017 naval exercise in Karachi, Pakistan. 37 countries are participating in the international event. Aman-17 is the fifth edition such exercise which Pakistan has been holding biannually since 2007. Previous exercises were held in 2007, 2009, 20011, and 2013, and 2016 respectively. The theme of AMAN 2017 is ‚together for peace‛. It is intended to devise procedures and techniques against conventional and non-conventional threats. The naval exercise aims at enhancing efforts to combating piracy and protecting international trade routes. It is divided into two phases viz. Harbor phase and Sea phase.

Government constitutes inter-departmental task force to crack down on benami firms

The Union Government has constituted inter-departmental task force comprising members of various regulatory Ministries and enforcement agencies to crack down on benami firms. It is first major postdemonetisation move undertaken by Government for unearthing black money from shell companies used for large-scale money laundering and tax evasion. The task force will be headed by Revenue Secretary and Corporate Affairs Secretary to monitor the actions taken by various agencies. The involved agencies will invoke the stringent Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016


38


against the shell companies and freeze their accounts and strike off the names of dormant companies.

February 13, 2017

Senior IAS officer Ajay Tyagi appointed as SEBI Chairman

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior bureaucrat Ajay Tyagi (58) as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Mr. Tyagi will have tenure of 5 years or till the age of 65 years or until further orders. He will succeed UK Sinha whose term ends on March 1, 2017. His name was recommended by the search-cum-selection panel headed by the cabinet secretary along with some other candidates. Ajay Tyagi is 1984 batch IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre. Prior to this appointment, he was Additional secretary (investment) in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, handling the capital market division.

Union Government plans to invest Rs.2,200 crore in electronic technology startups

The Union Government is targeting an investment of about Rs. 2,200 crore in start-ups working on new technologies in the electronic sector under the Electronics Development Fund (EDF) by 2019. This


39


investment aims at creating an eco-system to make India a global hub for electronics manufacturing. Earlier, Government had approved Rs.681 crore as seed capital for building a total corpus of over Rs 6,800 crore under the EDF meant to support entrepreneurship and innovation in electronics and IT.

National Productivity Day is observed on February 12

The National Productivity Day is observed every year on February 12. Besides, February 12-18 is observed as National Productivity

week

throughout

the

country.

The

main

observance of day is organised by National Productivity Council

(NPC)

for

encouraging

all

stakeholders

in

implementation of productivity tools and techniques with contemporary relevant themes. 2017 Theme of National Productivity Week: ‚From Waste to Profits-through Reduce, Recycle and Reuse‛. To mark this day, various workshops, essay/slogan/painting competitions, training programs, debates are organized during the week to spread the message of productivity.

AAD interceptor missile successfully test-fired

Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile dubbed as Ashwin was successfully test-fired from launching complex-IV of Dhamara Abdul Kalam defence base off Odisha coast. The test assed missile’s killing capability by intercepting a target, mimicking an incoming enemy missile in mid-air. The success of test has boosted India’s position in the exclusive club of AAD countries United States, Russia and Israel. The interceptor missile is a www.talentsprint.com

40


7.5-metre-long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It is equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer, inertial navigation system and an electro-mechanical activator.

February 14, 2017

Government to come out with 2nd PSB recapitalization plan Indradhanush 2.0

The Union Government is planning to come out with ‘Indradhanush 2.0’, a comprehensive plan for recapitalization of public sector lenders. Indradhanush 2.0 will be finalized by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after completion of Asset Quality Review (AQR) which is likely to be completed by end of March 2017. It aims to clean up the balance sheets of PSBs to ensure banks remain solvent and fully comply with global capital adequacy norms, Basel-III. Besides, revised programme of capitalisation will be also issued as part of it.

World Radio Day is observed on February 13

The World Radio Day is observed every year on 13th February to celebrate radio as the medium for entertainment, information and the mode for communication. 2017 Theme: ‚Radio is You‛. It is a call for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting. Significance of Day: It marks global celebration of radio as a forum for information and entertainment that helps to bridge communication gap for remote communities and www.talentsprint.com

41


empowering people. It also provides an opportunity to honour radio’s importance to bring communities together and promote positive dialogue for change. To mark this day, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organizes different activities with broadcasters, organizations and communities around the world.

INS Sarvekshak becomes India’s first ship to go green

Indian Navy’s survey vessel INS Sarvekshak, based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi became the first naval ship to go green by installing a solar power system on board. It has innovatively deployed the zero-maintenance solar power system, capable of generating 5.4KW electricity and replacing the ship’s traditional 4.4KW emergency diesel alternator. The solar power generating system has been installed by customising and installing ‘razor-thin, flexible’ solar panels on the canopy of its telescopic (retractable) helicopter deck. It has light weight, extra-thin and flexible unbreakable solar panels imported from US along with no-fume solid electrolyte batterie.

India to host counter-radicalisation conference with ASEAN

India is planning to host a conference on counterradicalisation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2017. It will provide common platform to countries for sharing experiences

and

ideas

on

prevention

of

radicalisation amid rise of Islamic State and other extremist ideologies. This conference will also help participating countries to learn from each other’s best practices on promoting www.talentsprint.com

42


deradicalisation. It will mainly deal with the growing IS threat and make effort to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and terrorism

February 15, 2017

70th BAFTA Awards 2017

The 70th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards ceremony was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This year the BAFTA awards were conferred for the outstanding performances in films and documentaries screened at British Cinemas in 2016. La La Land won the most awards at the event, winning five and was also most nominated in 11 categories. Winners are Best Film: La La Land Best Director: Damien Chazelle (La La Land) Best Actor: Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) Best Actress: Emma Stone (La La Land) Best Supporting Actor: Dev Patel (Lion) Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (Fences) Best Original Music: La La Land Best Original Screenplay: Manchester by the Sea Best Adapted Screenplay: Lion Best Cinematography: La La Land Best Editing: Hacksaw Ridge Best British Short Film: Home www.talentsprint.com

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Best British Film: I, Daniel Blake Best Film Not in the English Language: Son of Saul Best Documentary: 13th Best Animated Film: Kubo and the Two Strings Best Costume Design: Jackie

59th Grammy awards 2017

The 59th Annual Grammy Awards were announced

by

the

Recording

Academy

announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony recognized the best recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year from October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016. In this edition of awards, British singer Adele won the most awards in 5 different categories. She also created history by becoming first artist to win the top three categories twice (for first time in 2012). Winners are Album of the year: 25 – Adele Record of the year: Hello – Adele Song of the year: Hello – Adele Best rap album: Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book Best urban contemporary album: Beyonce – Lemonade Best country solo performance: My Church – Maren Morris Best rock song: Blackstar – David Bowie


44


Karnataka passes Bill to allow Kambala and bullock-cart racing

Karnataka Assembly has passed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 to allow kambala, the traditional buffalo race and bullock-cart racing. The bill seeks to exempt kambala and bullock-cart racing from the ambit of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Governor Vajubhai R. Vala may refer the Bill to President for his assent as it amends central law. In November 2016, the Karnataka high court had banned the kambala along with bull-cart race in the state while hearing a case filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal cruelty.

Reliance Defence signs warship repair pact with US Navy

Anil

Ambani

group

led

Reliance

Defence

and

Engineering Limited (RDEL) has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the US Navy to provide repair and alteration services for ships of the Seventh Fleet. With this, RDEL became first Indian company (either public or private) to provide logistical support to the US military within Indian territory. Under this agreement, RDEL will maintain the vessels of US Seventh Fleet involving 100 vessels operating in the Indian Ocean. The signing of a MSRA agreement is a follow-up to the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed between India and US in August 2016.


45


India’s first floating elementary school inaugurated on Manipur’s Loktak Lake

India’s first floating elementary school named Loktak

Elementary

Floating

School

was

inaugurated at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok floating village on Loktak Lake in Manipur. The first of its kind school aims to provide education to drop outs students as well as illiterate adults. Currently it will provide education to around 40 children from Class I-III by engaging two local teachers. It was opened under the initiative undertaken by All Loktak Lake Fisherman’s Union with the support of an NGO People Resources Development Association (PRDA). The school was established to arrest the sudden high dropout rate of children living in the Champu Khangpok floating villages who were rendered homeless due to the recent evacuation of phumdis.

DAE plans to develop uranium deposits in Meghalaya: Government

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has planned to develop large deposits of uranium found in Meghalaya to tap its potential to generate substantial nuclear fuel for atomic power plants in the country. It was announced by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), which looks after DAE, in a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha. Uranium mineralization has been found over a large area around Domiasiat, Lostoin, Wahkyn etc in the northeastern state of DAE’s Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) already has made a plan to develop the uranium resources at Domiasiat under the name of Kylleng Phendengsohiong Mawthabah (KPM) Uranium Mining Project. www.talentsprint.com

46


February 16, 2017

ISRO successfully launches record 104 satellites in single mission

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) created history by successfully launching a record 104 satellites in single mission. These satellites were launched on board of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C37, on its 39th mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.’ Of the total 104 satellites, three were Indian and remaining 101 belonged to international customers. India’s three satellites included earth-mapping Cartosat-2 satellite (main payload) and nanosatellites INS-1A and INS-1B.

FSSAI constitutes Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has constituted a Panel on Food Fortification and Nutrition to identify critical nutritional gaps in the Indian diet in general and also in specific target groups. The 11 member panel will frame final regulations on fortification of foods and prepare strategies to address malnutrition problem. The Panel will identify critical nutritional gaps in the Indian diet in general and also in specific target groups based on credible scientific evidence and diet surveys. It will review the standards required for all suitable food fortifying vehicles in addition to healthy dietary intake of sugar, fat and salt.


47


IAF inducts indigenous early warning system NETRA

The Indian Airforce (IAG) has formally inducted the first indigenously built Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) dubbed as NETRA. The AEW&C NETRA has been indigenously developed by the Defence

Research

and

Development

Organisation

(DRDO). It was unveiled at the 2017 Aero India exhibition held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. AEW&C are airborne radar systems mounted on a carrier jet for airborne surveillance system i.e. to detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships and vehicles and provide command and control to direct friendly forces.

India joins UN network to halve maternal, newborn deaths

India has joined Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, a global health network focused on improving the quality of care for new mothers and babies. The network is supported by World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners. India is among nine countries that will be part of the network. Other countries are Bangladesh, A Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. Under this network, countries will work to improve the quality of health care facilities to mothers and babies. They will strengthen national efforts to end preventable deaths of pregnant women and newborns by 2030.


48


Scientists develop Thubber, stretchable rubber material with high thermal conductivity

Scientists have developed novel rubber like material nicknamed ‘thubber’ which has high thermal conductivity and elasticity. It is an electrically insulating composite material that exhibits an unprecedented combination of metal-like thermal conductivity, elasticity similar to soft, biological tissue. Thubber consists of a soft elastomer with non-toxic, liquid metal microdroplets suspended within it. This semi-liquid state allows the metal to deform with the surrounding rubber at room temperature. When it is pre-stretched at room temperature, it stretches up to six times its initial length. During this phase, liquid metal microdroplets form into elongated pathways through which heat can easily travel through. At the same time, the material is electrically insulating.

IMF opens technical assistance and training centre SARTTAC in New Delhi

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has opened a first-of-its-kind South Asia Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTAC) in New Delhi for economic capacity building in South Asia. It will work to support local member countries of South Asia viz. India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka to build human and institutional capacity and implement policies for growth and poverty reduction.


49


Scientists discover 1970s banned chemicals in deep ocean fauna

Scientists for the first time have found high levels of human-made pollutants, including chemicals that were banned in the 1970s, in the tissues of marine creatures dwelling in the deepest oceans of the Earth. These chemicals were discovered after sampling amphipods from the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana and Kermadec trenches, which are over 10 km deep and 7,000 km apart. Researchers found presence of extremely high levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the organism’s fatty tissue. These POPs include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which are commonly used as electrical insulators and flame retardants.

No need to stand if National Anthem is part of film: SC

The Supreme Court has clarified that there is no need to stand inside a cinema hall when the national anthem is featured as a part of a film, documentary or a newsreel. This is second clarification issued by SC on its November 2016 order, directing all persons to stand up when the national anthem is sung or played in a cinema theatre. The apex court’s clarification came after several applications were filed on the question, including from the Kodungallur Film Society and the Conference for Human Rights. Earlier in December 2016, SC had issued first modification to its order to exempt physically challenged or handicapped persons from standing up when national anthem is played before film screenings.


50


February 17, 2017

Union Cabinet approves merger of SBI, 5 associate banks

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the merger of State Bank of India (SBI) with five of its associate/subsidiary banks. These five subsidiary banks are State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore. The Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the State Bank of India (Subsidiary Banks) Act, 1959 and the State Bank of Hyderabad Act, 1956.

Union Cabinet approves bill to amend Collection of Statistics Act, 2008

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved introduction of Bill in Parliament to extend the jurisdiction of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 to Jammu & Kashmir. The Amendment will be pertained to statistics under Union (List-I) and Concurrent lists (List- III) in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution and Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 1954. It will strengthen data collection mechanism in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It will extend the jurisdiction of the parent Act to J&K in respect of matters not reserved for the State as per the 1954 Order.


51


Government launches TAMRA Portal and Mobile App

The Ministry of Mines has launched Transparency, Auction Monitoring and Resource Augmentation (TAMRA) Portal and Mobile Application to ensure transparent award of statutory Clearances for mining operations The TAMRA platform was simultaneously launched across 12 mineral rich states as a part of the Ease of Doing Business in the Mining sector and to double mining contribution to GDP. The TAMRA covers block-wise, state-wise and mineral-wise information of mines to be auctioned. It monitors various statutory clearances and also highlights the additional resources generated through e-auction.

Union Cabinet approves establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform at Amlaha

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved establishment of Food Legumes Research Platform (FLRP) at Amlaha in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh with Satellite Hubs in West Bengal and Rajasthan. Cabinet

approval

confers

FLRP

an

international

status

as

contemplated in Clause 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947. It authorizes the Department of Agricultural Research (DARE) on behalf of Union Government in all matters regarding establishment of the Platform. The FLRP will be established by International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) for meeting the emerging food security challenges.


52


CCEA approves contract awards for 44 small oil and gas fields

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved to award contract in 31 contract areas of small oil and gas fields belonging to ONGC and Oil India Limited (OIL) The contract areas include 44 fields, 28 inland and 16 offshore. The will be awarded under Discovered Small Field Policy bid round – 2016. The award of contract is expected to provide faster development of oil and gas fields and facilitate production of oil and gas thereby increasing energy security of the country. These areas were discovered long back but could not be monetized due to various reasons such as isolated locations, high development costs, small size of reserves, technological constraints, fiscal regime etc.

February 18, 2017

India ranks 143rd in 2017 Economic Freedom Index

India was ranked 143rd out of 186 economies in the annual Index of Economic Freedom 2017 that measures the degree of economic freedom in the countries of the world. The index was released by top US based Think Tank, The Heritage Foundation. In this edition, India’s overall score was 52.6 points, 3.6 points less than scored in 2016 when it was ranked 123rd. The Index of Economic Freedom ranks countries based on score ranging 0 to 100, with 0 being the least free and 100 the most free. The score is based on ten factors of www.talentsprint.com

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economic freedom, separated into four categories, using statistics from international organizations like World Bank, IMF, Economist Intelligence Unit and Transparency International.

RBI allows multilateral FIs to invest in masala bonds

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted multilateral and regional financial institutions (FIs) to invest in ‘masala bonds’, rupee denominated bonds issued by Indian entities. This decision will allow multilateral agencies like Asian Development Bank (ADB) and BRICS led New Development Bank (NDB) to invest in these bonds. It also provides more choices of investors to Indian entities issuing rupee-denominated bonds abroad. The Masala bonds refer to rupee-denominated bonds through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign markets in rupee, and not in foreign currency.

Hindi Scholar and writer Surendra Verma selected for 2016 Vyas Samman award

Renowned Hindi Scholar, litterateur and playwright Surendra Verma (75) was selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman 2016. He was chosen for this award for his novel Kaatna Shami Ka Vriksha : Padma Pankhuri Ki Dhar Se, published in 2010. Born on September 7, 1941 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh He had started his career as a teacher and later writing stories. His first play was Surya ki antim kiran sesurya kipahli kiran tak (From the Sun’s Last Ray to the Sun’s First Ray`). It has been translated in six different languages So far he has published fifteen titles of short stories, novels, satires and play. Some of them Mujhe Chand www.talentsprint.com

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Chahiyae, Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pahli Kiran Tak, Athwan Sarg and Qaid-e-Hayat etc.

SC introduces Middle Income Group Scheme

The Supreme Court has introduced Middle Income Group Scheme, (MIGS) a self-supporting scheme for providing legal services to the middle and relatively lower income groups. Under this scheme, middle class people who cannot afford the expensive litigation in the apex can avail the services of the society for a nominal amount. MIGS is a self-supporting scheme that will provide legal services to the middle income group citizens whose gross income does not exceed Rs.60, 000 per month or Rs. 7, 50, 000 per annum. A case will be registered under the MIG Legal Aid Scheme and forwarded to Advocateon-Record/ Senior Counsel/Arguing Counsel on the panel for their opinion.

Edappadi K Palaniswamy sworn-in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

Edappadi K Palaniswamy was sworn in as the 13th chief minister of Tamil Nadu. He was administered oath of office and secrecy in a simple ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Chennai, state capital. Along with Palaniswamy, 30 other ministers also took oath, with the total strength of the cabinet at 31. Now Palaniswamy will seek vote of confidence on the floor of the state Assembly. He is a senior leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). At present, he


55


incumbent Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Edapadi constituency in the Salem district in Tamil Nadu.

February 19, 2017

ISRO successfully tests largest cryogenic engine for GSLV Mark III rocket

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully

ground

tested

India’s

largest

indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage engine for GSLV Mark III. It was tested for full 10

minutes

at

ISRO’s

Liquid

Propulsion

Complex (ILPC) at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The C25 stage is the most powerful upper stage so far developed by ISRO. It uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination stored at minus 253 degrees centigrade. The development of C25 cryogenic stage will provide ISRO capability to launch 4 ton class satellites in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), an altitude where satellites revolve in sync with Earth’s rotation.

Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH commissioned

Indian

Coast

Guard Ship ICGS AYUSH

was

commissioned at Kochi, Kerala by Vice Admiral AR Karwe, Flag Officer Commanding-in- Chief, Southern Naval Command. ICGS AYUSH is the 20th and the


56


last in the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. ICGS AYUSH is fitted with state-of- the-art navigational and communication equipment including Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Machinery Control System (MCS). The ship is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and medical evacuation.

Indian Navy’s INSV Tarini inducted

Indian Navy’s second ocean-going sailboat INSV Tarini was inducted at the INS Mandovi Boat Pool on Saturday in Goa. INSV Tarini is a sloop built by Divar-based Aquarius Shipyard. It is slated to be the platform for the Indian Navy’s first Indian all-women circumnavigation of the globe expedition. INSV (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel) Tarini has been built to a stock design called called Tonga 56 by Van de Stadt, the Netherlands. It carries a suite of six sails, including a main sail, head sails (Genoa and stay sails), downwind sails and storm sail.

Scientists develop high-quality graphene from soybean

Scientists from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have made world’s strongest material graphene commercially more viable by using soybean. They have developed a novel ‚GraphAir technology‛ which transforms soybean oil, a renewable, natural material into graphene films in a single


57


step. Earlier, graphene was produced in a highly-controlled environment with explosive compressed gases that required long hours of operation at high temperatures and extensive vacuum processing.

Maharashtra Government approves cloud seeding project for 2017 monsoon

Maharashtra Government has approved Rs. 250 crore Cloud Seeding Programme during 2017 monsoon season to produce sufficient rain. Under this programme, weather scientists using aircrafts will spray chemicals (silver iodide) over clouds clouds hovering above Solapur district, a rain shadow region of Western Ghats in the state. This will be the first controlled experiment to quantify the extent to which clouds form water drops large enough to make rain. This programme, coordinated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, will be the first controlled experiment to quantify the extent to which clouds form water drops large enough to make rain.

NRAI gets highest WHO ratings for vaccine regulations

India’s vaccine regulatory body NRAI (National Regulatory Authority of India) was given the maximum ratings by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for vaccine regulations. The ratings were given by WHO after completing the assessment of the status of the NRAI system against WHO NRA Global Benchmarking Tool and measured the maturity of the system in India. India is one of the main players in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide and often is referred as pharmacy of the world. India, as a large vaccine producing www.talentsprint.com

58


country, is currently supplying several vaccines to the United Nations agencies (UNICEF, WHO and PAHO)

February 20, 2017

Govt Cuts Tenure Of SEBI Chairman-Designate Ajay Tyagi By 2 Years

The government said that the tenure of the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Ajay Tyagi, will ‚initially‛ be for three years. The earlier order issued had said Tyagi’s term will be for a period not exceeding five years or till the age of 65. A government official said the latest order was issued to clear up ambiguity on the length of the tenure. The new order said the term will be for an initial three-year perio.

South Asian Speakers’ Summit starts in Indore

Speakers of six countries will deliberate on ways to achieve sustainable development goals during a two-day South Asian Speakers' Summit. The summit, was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday, will be attended by presiding officers and delegates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal. It will conclude with the adoption of an 'Indore Declaration' - laying down the outcome of the discussions and action points agreed upon by the www.talentsprint.com

59


participants - at a closing ceremony. The summit will have a plenary session on 'Identifying Resources for SDGs Implementation in South Asia: Opportunities for Parliamentary Cooperation' on the inaugural day.

India bag silver medal at women’s Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy

India won the silver medal at the women’s Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy having won five matches and lost one. In the seven-nation roundrobin competition, India defeated Laos 22-7, Philippines 12-5, Nepal 43-0 and Malaysia by 2612. On the second day, India defeated Pakistan by 5-0 and in the last match were beaten by South Korea by 0-29. As per Asia Rugby’s tournament statistics, Indian Hupi Majhi was one amongst the top three Try Scorers of the tournament and Meerarani Hembram was the third highest in the conversions. The sterling performance that this power-packed team of women has showcased at an international level has made India proud. Tremendous potential for women’s rugby to grow heaps and bounds in our country and make our mark globally.

SIB wins award for tech security practices

South Indian Bank (SIB) was awarded with ISO 27001: 2013

certification

for

its

Information

Security

Management System (ISMS). The certification process involved an extensive audit, conducted by British Standards Institution (BSI) against the criteria set out by the ISO 27001:2013 standards on various domains of IT functions. The award demonstrates www.talentsprint.com

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SIB’s total commitment to benchmarking technology framework and processes with international standards and commitment to long term vision for security best practices. SIB already has received ISO 9001 Quality Management certification for its Credit Department, Personnel Department and Data Centre. ISMS is set of policies and procedures for systematically managing an organization’s sensitive data. Its goal is to minimize risk and ensure business continuity by pro-actively by limiting the impact of a security breach.

Canara Bank inks MoU with HRD Ministry to start HEFA

Canara

Bank

has

signed

a

memorandum

of

understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to operationalise the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA). It will allow MHRD and Canara Bank to jointly promote HEFA with an authorised capital of Rs. 2,000 crore. HEFA is a special purpose vehicle that aims to give a major push for the creation of high quality infrastructure and capital assets in premier educational institutions. It will leverage equity to raise up to Rs. 20,000 crore for funding infrastructure and development projects for setting up world class Labs in IITs/IIMs/NITs and such other institutions. It will also mobilise CSR funds from corporates/PSUs which will in turn be released for promoting research and innovation in these institutions on a grant basis.


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February 21, 2017

Scientists claim discovery of Zealandia a submerged continent in Pacific Ocean

Geologists have claimed discovery of new geological continent named Zealandia submerged beneath the southwest Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is around 4.5-million square km land mass and is 94% under water. Only its highest points — New Zealand and New Caledonia are visible. Zealandia is two-thirds the size of Australia and spreads out over 4.9-million-square kilometres of continental crust. It was once a part of Australia. It is believed that it had broken off from Antarctica about 100 million years ago, and then from Australia about 80 million years ago as part of the breakup of super-continent Gondwanaland and sank beneath sea.

Barren Island: India’s only live volcano active again

According to scientists from Goa based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), India’s only live volcano at Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar has become active again. After lying dormant for 150 years, Barren Island volcano had erupted in 1991 and since then it is showing sporadic activity. Now it is erupting in small episodes of five to 10 minutes. According to scientists, the active Barren island volcano is spewing smoke, ash and lava once again. It is claimed that volcanoes is erupting the rising magma formed deep in the mantle due to the melting of the subducted Indian Ocean crust.


62


Researchers develop first stretchable integrated circuit using an inkjet printer

Researchers from US based Michigan State University have developed the first stretchable integrated circuit (IC) made entirely using an inkjet printer. This elastic material is made up of several materials fabricated from nanomaterials

and

organic

compounds.

These

compounds are dissolved in solution to produce different electronic inks, which can easily run through printer to make devices. Using the ink, the researchers have successfully created the elastic material, the circuit and the organic lightemitting diode (OLED). The next step is combining the circuit and OLED into a single pixel.

World Day of Social Justice is observed on February 20

The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on February 20 to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. To mark this occasion, UN and International Labour Office had organised several organisations to spread importance of social justice for people. 2017 Theme: ‚Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work‛. According to UN, social justice means removal of barriers that people face in the name of ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability and culture.


63


GST council approves law to compensate states for revenue loss

The GST Council has approved a law to compensate states for any loss of revenue from the implementation of the new nationwide indirect taxation regime. The meeting was held in Udaipur, Rajasthan first time outside national capital. It was headed by Union Finance Minister and attended by representatives from all states. GST is a consumption based indirect tax levied on sale, manufacture and consumption on goods and services at a national level. It will replace a plethora of central and state indirect taxes. The Compensation Law provides compensation to states that will incur losses because of implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) in the first five years.

February 22, 2017

India, Rwanda sign MoUs in innovation, aviation and visa requirements

India and Rwanda have inked three agreements in the fields of innovation, aviation and visa requirements to boost bilateral relations. These agreements were signed in Kigali in the presence of Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi during a business forum meet. Vice President is the first Indian leader to officially visit Rwanda. He launched India-Rwanda innovation


64


growth programme. Bilateral air service agreement between two countries. Agreement for exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passports.

Government launches SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) programme. The kit and app will help Peer Educators (Saathiyas) who are introduced under the RKSK programme. The Saathiyas act as catalyst for generating demand for adolescent health services and also impart age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issues to their peer groups. India is home to 253 million adolescents which is largest in the world in terms of absolute numbers. Their health and wellness is utmost priority as they are the critical mass of asset which in future will be the biggest demographic dividends to the country’s economy.

Government announces expansion of rotavirus vaccine in 5 states

The Union Government has announced the expansion of rotavirus vaccine in five additional states under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). They are Assam, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The announcement comes after 38 lakh children were vaccinated when the vaccine was first introduced in


65


four states – Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age. It is one of the biggest killers in children in India. It is responsible for nearly 78,000 deaths, 32 lakh out-patient visits and nearly 9 lakh hospitalizations every year.

Government releases new format for recording, reporting road accident data

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the new format for recording and reporting road accident data. The uniform accident-recording format has been drawn on the lines of developed countries. It has been forwarded to all state police and transport departments for adaptation and to furnish annual road accident data. Police, transport department and other agencies rather merely putting blame on driver, should consider factor in circumstances such as road conditions, visibility, signage and weather that led to an accident first. The concerned authorities will have to furnish five-point information regarding every accident, which will be monitored centrally.

Gujarat Assembly passes Aadhaar Bill, 2017

The Gujarat Assembly has passed Gujarat Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2017. The bill seeks to empower the state government to use Aadhaar number as the sole identifier for the delivery of various subsidies and benefits in an effective and targeted manner. By linking the Aadhhaar number with various schemes will help the state government create a credible system to authenticate the identity of actual beneficiaries. As of now, Gujarat www.talentsprint.com

66


government provides various subsidies and financial assistance to the citizens under 119 schemes using RTGS or through cheques.

MoU signed for welfare of Handicraft Artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes

The Union Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have signed MoU to step up interventions for the welfare and economic development of scheduled caste artisans. The MoU was signed between Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles and National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), a CPSU under Ministry of Social Justice. Continuous and extensive collaboration between NSFDC and Office of DC (Handicrafts). Assessment and gap identification through popularising various schemes by holding awareness camps.

February 23, 2017

Government launches Bharat QR code

The Union Government has launched Bharat QR code, a quick response (QR) code to enable digital payments without card swiping machines. It is world’s

first

interoperable

payment

acceptance

solution launched by Indian Government to move towards less-cash economy. Bharat QR code has been developed

by

jointly

by

National

Payments

Corporation of India (NPCI), Visa, MasterCard and American Express under instructions from www.talentsprint.com

67


Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It works as common interface for the MasterCard/Visa/RuPay platforms and also facilitate acceptance of Aadhaar-enabled payments and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Government launches Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi

The

Union

Ministry

of

Electronics

and

Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi for Botnet cleaning and Malware analysis. It was launched by Union Minister of Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad as part of Union Government’s ambitious digital India initiative to create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections. Besides, minister also launched some cyber security tools. They are USB Pratirodh: It is a desktop security solution to protect from USB mass storage device threats. AppSamvid: It is a desktop solution to protect systems by allowing installation of genuine applications through white listing. It helps in preventing threats from malicious applications. M-Kavach: It is an indigenously developed mobile application to address the security threats in mobiles.


68


Shurhozelie Liezitsu sworn-in as Chief Minister of Nagaland

Shurhozelie Liezitsu (81) was sworn-in as the 17th Chief Minister of Nagaland. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor PB Acharya at a ceremony in the state capital Kohima. He succeeded TR Zeliang, who had resigned as the Chief Minister following widespread protests over reservation to women in local body elections. Besides CM, 10 other members of the Council also took oath. His political career spans over four decades since he was first elected to the state assembly in 1969 from northern Angami-I constituency under Kohima district. He also has served the office eight times, holding different ministerial portfolios, including education and planning. He was the Minister for Higher education till 2013.

National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala

The National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017 was held in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. The event is hosted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. NBC is one of the significant biodiversity mega events of the country. It aims to identify practical, evidence-based case studies at the regional level to support the plan of action. The focal theme of 2017 NBC was ‚Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development‛. This edition of the event had organised array of programmes including exhibition, conference, capacity building workshops and Children’s Biodiversity Congress. National Biodiversity www.talentsprint.com

69


Conference, governed by a national advisory committee comprising biodiversity conservation experts was also held.

International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21

The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed across the world on 21 February to promote

awareness

of

linguistic,

multilingualism and cultural diversity. This year it is the 17th anniversary of IMLD. The observance of this day signifies importance of mother language as the greatest weapon to express one’s feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country. 2017 Theme: ‚Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education‛. The International Mother Language Day was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 61/266 in 2007. The resolution had called upon member states ‚to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world. Since 2007, it is observed annually by member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Government approves Phase II of coastal surveillance project

The Union Defence Ministry has given its nod to the Phase II of coastal surveillance project to expand the coastal radar surveillance network. It will strengthen surveillance of over 7,500-km coastline of the country. The decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. It also approved proposal of www.talentsprint.com

70


setting up of a shore-based intermediate engine repair facility for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighters at the Naval yard in Goa.

February 24, 2017

India-China first Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing

The first Strategic Dialogue between India and China was held in Beijing, capital of China to shore up bilateral ties. The meeting was cochaired by India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and China’s Executive Vice Foreign minister Zhang Yesui. The Strategic Dialogue mechanism between both countries was agreed to during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in August 2016. In the first meeting, both countries discussed all issues of mutual interest in bilateral, regional and international domain. They also discussed issues of mutual concern and interest including friction points.

Astronomers discover 7 new Earth-sized exoplanets that may sustain life

Astronomers from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for the first time have discovered seven new Earth-sized exoplanets that may be able to sustain life. The planets were detected using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope and several ground-based observatories www.talentsprint.com

71


including Trappist robotic telescope at La Silla, Chile. These exoplanets are orbiting dwarf star named Trappist-1, which at 39 light years away. They could have some liquid water and maybe supporting life. Of the seven planets, three are classified as TRAPPIST-1 e, f and g. These three planets orbit in the habitable (so-called Goldilocks zone) where temperatures are suited to surface oceans of liquid water.

CCEA approves doubling of solar power capacity to 40000 MW

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. The capacity of the solar park scheme was enhanced after considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States. The enhanced capacity will ensure setting up of at least 50 solar parks each with a capacity of 500 MW and above in various parts of the country. All the States/UTs are eligible for benefits under the scheme. Under this scheme, smaller parks will also be considered in Himalayan and other hilly States where contiguous land may be difficult to acquire in view of the difficult terrain.

CCEA approves $854.4 million investment for 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project in Nepal

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved investment for the generation component of 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project for an estimated Rs. 5723.72 crore ($854.4 million). The project is located on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of


72


eastern Nepal. It is expected to be completed within five years from the date of financial closure, which is planned for September 2017. The project is based on Run-of-River scheme that envisages about 70 metre high concrete gravity dam and 74 Km Head Race Tunnel (HRT). It also has underground Power House containing four generating units of 225 MW each on Left Bank.

Union Cabinet apporves agreement between India and Poland for cooperation in agriculture

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The agreement covers various activities in the field of agriculture and allied sector including exchange of information on the current situation in agriculture. It also includes exchange of information on the phytosanitary conditions of crops, threats posed by harmful organisms and animal infectious diseases.

Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Greece

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece. At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations both countries in September 2016 had finalized the text of ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation.


73


Under this agreement, both countries will be entitled to designate one or more airline. The designated airlines of either country will have right to establish offices for the promotion end sale of air services in the territory of the other country.

February 25, 2017

Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY

Sikkim became 22nd state in the country to join Union Government’s

Ujwal

DISCOM

Assurance

Yojana

(UDAY). In this regard, Central Government and the state government have signed MoU for operational improvement Department.

of The

Sikkim’s MoU

Power

paves

way

Distribution to

improve

operational efficiency of the Power Distribution department of the State. It will derive an Overall Net Benefit of approximately Rs. 356 crores to the state. AT&C losses and transmission losses in the state will be brought down through compulsory distribution transformer metering, consumer indexing & GIS mapping of losses, upgrading transformers, meters etc.

CBEC launches mobile application for GST updates

The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has launched a mobile application for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to inform the taxpayers of the latest updates on GST. The app has been launched inline Union Government’s flagship Digital India initiative. It enables www.talentsprint.com

74


taxpayers to be well informed of the latest updates on GST. Draft Law-Model GST Law, IGST Law and GST Compensation Law Migration to GST-Approach and guidelines for migration Draft Rules-Rules related to Registration, Payment, Returns, Refund and Invoice. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on GST Various resources on GST such a articles, videos etc. Helpdesk/Email Contact.

Indian Railways unveils Antyodaya Express

Indian Railways has unveiled Antyodaya Express, a new train for the unreserved passengers. It was unveiled by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi’s Safdarjang station. The first Antyodaya Express is slated to start between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Tatanagar (Jharkhand) and second between Ernakulam and Howrah. The facilities provided in Antyodaya coaches are similar in first class coaches in line with purpose of antyodaya which means upliftment of Aam Aadmi (common man). The coaches of train are fully unreserved LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) second class coaches with additional safety features manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat to be developed under HRIDAY

The

Union

Ministry

of

Urban

Development

approved

development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat under Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Decision in this regard, was taken HRIDAY National Empowered Committee meeting chaired by Urban Development Secretary in New Delhi. The circuit will connect famous Dwarkadish Haveli and www.talentsprint.com

75


Hanuman Dandi (only temple housing Hanumanji and his son Makardhwaj) in Dwarka district of Gujarat at a cost of Rs. 16.27 crore. There are two important water bodies along the circuit viz., Shankhudhar Lake and Ranchod Talav. Under this project development works will be undertaken along the circuit.

WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement comes into effect

The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods of World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into effect with its ratification by two-thirds members of WTO including India. The TFA in Goods was adopted by the WTO Members in 2014. It aims to streamline, simplify, standardise and ease customs procedures and norms. It will help to cut trade costs around the world. The TFA in Goods is the WTO’s first-ever multilateral accord that aims to simplify customs regulations for the cross-border movement of goods.

India, Israel to develop MR-SAM missile system for Army

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a deal to jointly develop a medium range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system for Army with help of Israel. The deal will be executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The approved deal is for five regiments of the MR-SAM system, which consists of 40 units and 200 missiles. It has a range of 50-70 km. The system will be based on the older Barak system of Israel, which is in use in India. It will be manufactured in India and will have an 80% indigenous content. www.talentsprint.com

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February 26, 2017

PM Narendra Modi unveils 112 foot Shiva Statue in Coimbatore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 112-feet-tall Lord Shiva statue on the occasion of Mahashivratri at Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The statue is dedicated to Adiyogi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva who is considered to be the first of yogis. It is made of steel and weighs 500 tonnes. On this occasion, PM Modi also released the book ‘Adiyoga: The source of Yoga’, which deals with yogic sciences. The Union Government has allowed Tamil Nadu Government to increase the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) scheme in Tamil Nadu from existing 100 days to 150 days.

Union Government allows Tamil Nadu to increase number of workdays under MGNREGA

The Union Government has allowed Tamil Nadu Government to increase the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) scheme in Tamil Nadu from existing 100 days to 150 days. The rise in workdays aims at helping rural labourers, who are staring at job loss due to severe drought in the state. Due to enhancement of the work days, 3 crore more man-days are to be


77


generated. Works like maintenance of other rural assets and desilting of waterbodies in rural areas will be undertaken under the scheme. In Tamil Nadu, MGNREGA scheme is being implemented in 12,524 villages.

India’s first hill station bicycle path inaugurated in Darjeeling

India’s first hill station bicycle path was inaugurated in Darjeeling, West Bengal at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. The 20 km long cycle route runs through thick pine forest and Senchal wildlife sanctuary, one of India’s oldest nature reserves. The route starts from near Jorebunglow, south of Darjeeling and ends at a small local First Hill Station Bicycle Patheco-village resort in Chatakpur. Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in India. It is famous for its tea industry, spectacular views of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Former Nagaland CM Zeliang appointed as Finance Advisor to state government

Former Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang was appointed as Finance Advisor to the state government He was appointed by the Governor P B Acharya. This post will be in the rank of a cabinet minister and will receive the pay and allowances admissible to a cabinet minister. Zeliang had resigned from the chief ministership on February 19, 2017 following protest of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and Nagaland Tribal Action Committee (NTAC) due his decision to hold elections to urban bodies with 33% reservation for women and violating customary laws of Nagas. www.talentsprint.com

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Pakistan, Turkey sign 10 agreements to enhance bilateral ties

Pakistan and Turkey have signed 10 agreements and MoUs to enhance their bilateral cooperation in various fields. These agreements were signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Turkey. The agreements were signed in the fields of hydrocarbons, information, environment, forestry, exchange of financial intelligence relating to money laundering and exchange of armed forces personnel. Both countries also hosted the 5th Session of Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides.

February 27, 2017

UBI ties up with IRCTC to launch railway booking facility

Kolkata-based United Bank of India (UBI) has launched a railway ticket booking facility by having a direct tie-up IRCTC. The facility was launched on February 21. Post the introduction of this facility, UBI customers can now book railway tickets seamlessly through IRCTC website using the bank’s debit card.


79


Vivek Chaand Sehgal named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016

Vivek Chaand Sehgal, the 60-year-old chairman of auto parts maker Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd, has been named Indian entrepreneur of the year 2016 by EY, the consulting firm formerly known as Ernst & Young. Infosys Ltd co-founder Nandan Nilekani was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for spearheading India’s Aadhaar project as head of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Sehgal won the entrepreneur of the year award, based on a self-nomination, largely on the track record he built over the last 17 years during which Motherson Sumi’s revenue soared from Rs100 crore in 2000 to around Rs 35,000 crore currently.

Dena Bank rolls out RFID-enabled cards to serve valued clients better

Dena Bank has introduced RFID-enabled banking cards whereby a branch/relationship manager can identify a valued client entering a branch with the card. Once the client enters the branch, complete information about him/her will pop up on the manager’s desktop. This will help the branch staff to take care of the customer’s needs and offer services quickly without any delay.

When the customer holding the Radio Frequency

Identification (RFID) card completes the transaction and leaves the bank branch, the system will capture his/her exit, indicating that transactions have been completed.


80


Online payment of court fees introduced in Goa

The High Court of Bombay at Goa has introduced online payment of court fees through e-payment gateway in coordination with the Goa Government and National Informatics Centre (NIC). The Goa Assembly had last year amended the Court Fees (Goa Amendment) Act, 2016 enabling e-payment of the court fees. The High Court in a notice issued on its official website has said that e-payment of court fees would be available for it (the High Court of Bombay at Goa), District and Sessions Courts as well as all subordinate Courts in the coastal state. Presently, all the court fees are paid by way of impressed and adhesive stamps. The notice mentions that to avail this service and for making electronic payment of court fees, user must have internet banking account, debit/credit card of respective bank specified by payment gateway website.

February 28, 2017

89th Academy Awards (Oscar Awards)

The 89th Academy Awards commonly referred to as Oscars was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The award presented in 24 categories by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honouring best films of 2016. Musical drama La La Land won the most number of awards totaling to six at


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the ceremony after it was nominated into 14 categories. It was followed by Moonlight and Arrival with each being nominated in eight categories. Winners are Best Picture: Moonlight. Best Actress: Emma Stone (La La Land). Best Actor: Casey Affleck (Manchester By The Sea). Best Director: Damien Chazelle (La La Land). Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis (Fences). Best Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali (Moonlight). Best Original Screenplay: Kenneth Lonergan (Manchester By The Sea). Best Adapted Screenplay: Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight).

Pests eat away India’s 35% of total crop yield: ICAR scientist

According to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientist, pests eat away about 30-35% of the annual crop yield in India. Such large-scale crop-loss is having an adverse effect on the agricultural biosafety which is paramount to food security of the country. Among such pests, nematodes (microscopic worms many of which are parasites) have emerged as a major threat to crops in the country. They have caused loss of 60 million tonnes of crops annually. They are causing loss of crops to the tune of almost 60 million tonnes or 10-12 % of crop production every year. Indian farmers are still not fully aware about these potential crop-destroyers.


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India, ADB ink $375 million loan pact for East Coast Economic Corridor

India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $375 million pact for loans and grants to develop 800 km Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It is the first phase of a planned 2,500-km East Coast Economic Corridor. Earlier in September 2016, ADB had approved $631 million in loans and grants for the industrial corridor. The loans comprises $500 million multitranche facility to build key infrastructure in the four main centres along the corridor — Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, and Srikalahasti (Yerpedu) in Andhra Pradesh. The first tranche of $245 million will finance subprojects to develop high-quality internal infrastructure in 2 of the 4 nodes of the corridor — Visakhapatnam and Yerpedu—Srikalahasti.

India, Germany ratify 2011 Pact on Social Security Investment

India and Germany have ratified a comprehensive Social Security Agreement (SSA) to improve investment flows between the two countries. The agreement was signed in October 2011 and its instruments of ratification were exchanged in February 2017. It will come into force from May 1, 2017. The SSA establishes the rights and obligations of nationals of both countries and provides for equal treatment and unrestricted payment of pensions even in case of residence in the other contracting state. It also integrate the provisions of the 2008 social insurance pact and is expected to reduce the operational costs of companies on both countries active in either of the countries.


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Haryana Government set up sex ratio monitoring dashboard in Panipat

The Haryana government has set up an online system called sex ratio monitoring dashboard as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ Scheme to monitor the sex ratio in the Panipat district. The system will have the data of child sex ratio collected from all villages every month in the district by the state Health and Women and Child Welfare Departments. The sex ratio monitoring dashboard as a pilot project has been developed in association with National Informatics Centre. It will have the data on critical villages where more attention was required towards skewed child sex ratio. It will help to take steps needed to tackle the social problem of low child sex ratio.

FDI inflow increases by 18% to $46 billion in 2016: DIPP According to data released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), India attracted $46 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2016. It shows that, India’s FDI grew by 18% in 2016 as compared to $39.32 billion FDI inflows in 2015. The main sectors which attracted the highest FDI inflows included services, telecom, trading, computer hardware and software and automobile. Bulk of the FDI came in from Singapore followed by Mauritius, Netherlands and Japan.


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India, Bangladesh ink MoU to provide financial assistance for development of Sylhet city

India and Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the sustainable development of Sylhet, a metropolitan city in northeastern Bangladesh with financial aid from India. The signing of MoU comes after Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar’s visit to Bangladesh to discuss preparatory aspects of PM Sheikh Hasina’s proposed visit to India in April 2017 and other aspects of bilateral relations.

RAHAT medical project launched in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical project Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT) to provide people timely treatment during heart attacks in remote and rural areas. She also flagged off RAHAT ambulance fitted with equipment and trained paramedical staff required for treatment of heart disease. With this, Rajasthan became the second state in the country after Tamil Nadu to launch health programme against Heart Diseases. RAHAT project was launched by Eternal Heart Care Centre Hospital, a private hospital based in capital city Jaipur.


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