Govt to allow online filing of officers’ performance reports
The Centre has decided to amend rules to allow online filing of performance reports of IAS and IPS officers. The move will help in checking delayed submission of the confidential reports and claims of bias in giving low ratings to an officer that affect his or her career growth. “Performance Appraisal Report shall be generated and written by the officer reported upon electronically as prescribed by the central government.
29th International Yoga Festival begins in Rishikesh
Uttarakhand Governor K K Paul has inaugurated the 29th edition of the InternationaI Yoga Festival at Rishikesh, and said the event was growing in stature and helping the state become a sought-after destination for spiritual tourism. The week-long event, jointly organised by the AYUSH ministry, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Parmarth Niketan and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, was inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan along the banks of the Ganges River.
Govt launches nationwide ‘Swachh Shakti Saptah’ in Sikkim
The Rural Management and Development Department (RM&DD) has started a week-long campaign titled “Swachh Shakti Saptah” to emphasize on active involvement of women in the Swachh Bharat Mission. The campaign was also launched and will conclude on March eight. The Department has lined up various events leading up to March eight which is the International Women’s Day, said the Secretary RM&DD, D R Nepal while addressing a press conference.
BEML launches solar rooftop project in Karnataka
BEML Ltd, a defence public sector company, has set itself a goal utilising 100 percent renewable energy for its consumption. In this endeavour, the company has inaugurated a 200 KW grid connected rooftop solar project at its Mysore complex. The project was inaugurated by Deepak Kumar Hota, Chairman & Managing Director, BEML, in the presence of B R Viswanatha, Director-Mining & Construction, BEML.
Railways to soon start Aadhaar-based online ticketing system
The railways will soon move towards Aadhaar-based online ticketing system to prevent touts from blocking a bulk of tickets, end fraudulent bookings and curb cases of impersonation. Aadhaar number has been made mandatory for senior citizens+ to avail concessions in train tickets from April 1. A three-month trial run for this is going on. An integrated ticketing app will also be launched by May to promote cashless transaction.
Yatra.com signs pact with MP govt to promote homestays
Online travel company Yatra.com has said it has signed an agreement with Madhya Pradesh government to jointly promote homestays in the state. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Yatra will promote all the state tourism approved homestays, where travellers can book a room with a local family or the entire house.
Aashray inks MoU with Jharkhand, to set up incubation centre for start-ups
Gujarat based Incube Ventures Pvt Ltd, under the banner of Aashray Promotion of Social Enterprises Foundation, a techno social business incubator announced the signing of an MoU with the Jharkhand government’s Department of Information Technology and e-Governance (DoIT) to establish an incubation center for start-ups in that state.
DRDO inks deal with Jindal Steel to manufacturing high nitrogen steel
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited (JSHL) have inked a licence deal for manufacturing High Nitrogen Steel for armour applications. The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre and DRDO Chairman S. Christopher.
Dharamshala approved as Himachal Pradesh’s 2nd capital
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh has announced Dharamsala as the second capital of the tiny hill state with a population of about 70 lakh. Dharamsala already figured prominently in national and international map due to its significance owing to many reasons including religious, natural and adventurous tourism and also being abode of Tibetan Spiritual head Dalai Lama.
Delhi govt ties up with private hospitals for free surgeries
The AAP government has tied with 41 private hospitals in Delhi to facilitate 30 surgeries free of charge for patients referred by government hospitals in the Capital. It will reimburse these National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers-accredited hospitals at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for the complete treatment.
India to participate in meets on Indus Water Treaty in Lahore
India has accepted an invitation to attend a meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) to be held in Lahore in March to talk with Pakistan on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The move came after two months of diplomatic negotiations, with World Bank officials playing the mediator in encouraging Pakistan to extend an invitation and for India to accept it.
Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank (then the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). The treaty was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960 by Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and President of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
Name changing of Tirupati Airport as Sri Venkateswara Airport got approval from Andhra Cabinet
The Vijayawada Airport will be renamed Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Amaravati International Airport and the one at Renigunta near Tirupati as Sri Venkateswara International Airport. The Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved a proposal to this effect. The state government will convey to the Centre the decision and request for the change in names.
NMCG Signs MoU with Rotary India for the Success of Namami Gange
In its effort to make Namami Gange programme a mass movement with the involvement of more and more voluntary organisations, National Mission for Clean Ganga under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi . Rotary India will support clean Ganga mission through their WASH in Schools program in various schools.
Govt approves Rs 756 cr scheme to treat cataract patients
With an aim to free India from cataract by 2022, the government has approved a Rs 756 crore scheme to treat over 700 lakh such patients in the next five years. With an aim to free India from cataract by 2022, the government has approved a Rs 756 crore scheme to treat over 700 lakh such patients in the next five years.
Aadhaar number made mandatory for students to receive midday meals
Students will now be required to have an Aadhaar number for getting their midday meals across the country.The HRD ministry issued a notification in this regard. This rule will be applicable across the country, except Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Assam. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at ensuring greater transparency and to increase overall efficiency. Of the total enrolment of 13.16 crore children, 10.03 crore children availed midday meal on an average basis in 11.50 lakh schools during 2015-16.
100 districts in India Declared ODF under Swachh Bharat Mission
The occasion of “Swachh Shakti Saptah” took place in Gurugram, Haryana. The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has informed that the number of ODF (Open Defecation Free) districts in India has crossed 100, making it a milestone achievement under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Besides, an over 1.7 lakh village over the country has also become ODF. Shri O.P Dhankar, Haryana Minister for Development & Panchayats, and Agriculture declared that Haryana will become an ODF State by November 2017.
GST Council clears Central GST and Integrated GST bills
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has cleared the crucial Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) bills, as the country moved a step closer towards implementing its biggest tax reform from July 1. The Centre will also levy and collect the IGST on all inter-State supply of goods and services. The IGST mechanism has been designed to ensure seamless flow of input tax credit from one state to another.
Kerala’s Capital Thiruvananthapuram Ranks Best City in Urban Governance Survey
According to the fourth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2016 by Bengalurubased advocacy group Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has been ranked as the top Indian city to manage urban governance.Thiruvananthapuram which also ranked No. 1 in 2015 was evaluated against 21 major cities across 18 states of India. Thiruvananthapuram followed by Pune and Kolkata which are in second and third position, respectively
Government to launch ‘I am Trolled’ app for women
Women internet users threatened with physical violence or trolled on social media websites will be able to seek help from an ‘I am Trolled’ app to be launched soon by the government, Union minister Maneka Gandhi said. The app will be launched soon to counter physical violence threats and trolls on social media. It is unfortunate to see that women are equally abusive on social media as men.
Vice President Hamid Ansari to attend IORA Summit at Indonesia
Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari is embarking on a two-day visit to Indonesian capital Jakarta to attend the Summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).Connectivity, open maritime trade and rights of navigation are expected to be priority areas to be discussed during his visit.This is the first Summit level conference hosted by Jakarta, at a time when the regional forum is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Destination North East 2017 to be host by Chandigarh
Chandigarh will be hosting a three-day long Destination North East 2017 event aimed at showcasing North East as a potential destination for investment.The event is being organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), government of India and an industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
India’s largest tricolour flag on tallest flag post inaugurated at Attari Border
A 360-foot-high (110 metres) flag post, the country’s tallest, was inaugurated at the Indo-Pak Attari Border, just a stone’s throw from Pakistan. Punjab Minister Anil Joshi inaugurated the country’s largest tricolour on the tallest flag post – measuring 110 metres in length, 24 metres in width and 55 tons in weight. Built at an approximate cost of Rs 3.50 crore, the post was a project of the Amritsar Improvement Trust Authority of the Punjab Government.
First smart tribal village inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Ch ZulfkarAli has inaugurated the first tribal model village in Kotranka in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri District.Developed under the rural development department, it is the first smart tribal village in Jammu and Kashmir.The village has been introduced with smart classes in the schools, better roads, electricity and water facility.
To support women founded startups, Facebook launches ‘SheLeadsTech’
Social networking site Facebook launched a new initiative ‘SheLeadsTech’, to support womenfounded or co-founded startups.Facebook also aimed at expanding its “SheMeansBusiness” program that supports women-led small businesses. SheLeadsTech will give women-founded or co-founded start-ups access to a year-long program that provides tools, mentorship and resources.The announcement which came ahead of Women’s Day aim to bring women on board India’s digital revolution in a bigger way.
India to supply additional 60 MW power to Bangladesh
North Eastern state Tripura has agreed to supply an additional 60 MW to Bangladesh over the 100 MW of power the north-eastern state is supplying to the neighbouring country.This development comes after Bangladesh sought 100 MW electricity from India to solve its power crisis in the eastern part of the nation.The Country has been receiving 100 MW since March 23, 2016, besides it has also been provided 500 MW by the West Bengal government.
Haryana announces Tirtha Darshan scheme
The ‘Tirtha Darshan’ scheme under which senior citizens of the state will be able to go on pilgrimage within the country on government expenses was announced in the Haryana Assembly.Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar informed the house about the scheme prepared state government, during ongoing budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
West Bengal Gives Official Status to Tribal Language ‘Kurukh’
Kurukh, an endangered tribal language of the Dravidian family, is set to get a new lease of life in West Bengal. It is spoken by the Oraon tribal community. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata has given official status for the language. Most of the tribal languages in the State have their origins in the Austro-Asiatic and Tibeto-Barman families, Kurukh is an exception. Jharkhand has recognised Kurukh as a language, and students can write their school final examination in its script.
West Bengal Clinical Establishment Bill passed in state assembly
The West Bengal Clinical Establishments (registration regulations transparency) Bill, 2017 was passed in the state assembly with full support.The bill will have provisions to not only monitor private healthcare institutes but also to impose penalty in case of violations.There are also provisions in the bill which says that private healthcare institutes cannot refuse admission and treatment in emergency cases such as acid attack, rape and accident victims
Assam Cabinet Declares Sanskrit as Compulsory Subject upto Class 8
The Assam government has decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory language for students up to class 8th in the state.The decision to make Sanskrit mandatory was highly appreciated by the Assam Sanskrit Sahitya Sabha and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as it would prevent western impact on state’s culture.Besides, the government decided to promote computer education in the state. The government would appoint teachers for the two subjects.
PM Narendra Modi to dedicate to nation, a Petrochemicals Complex
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation a Petrochemical Complex of ONGC Petro Additions Limited at Dahej, Gujrat.During his two day visit to Gujarat he will also dedicate a four-lane bridge over the Narmada at Bharuch on NH-8.The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Bharuch Bus Port.
Govt nod for strategic sale of 3 SAIL plants
The government has approved outright sale of state-owned SAIL’s three special steel units, including Salem and Alloy Steel plants. SAIL has now sought advisors, including legal and merchant bankers, to carry out the strategic sale along with transfer of management control in the three steel plants — Alloy Steels Plant (ASP), Salem Steel Plant (SSP) and Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant (VISP).
India’s longest cable-bridge inaugurated in Gujarat
The Prime Minister has inaugurated the 1.4 extra dose cable bridges on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai National Highway. The Four-Lane Extradoses Bridge over the Narmada at Bharuch on the National Highway 8, and Petrochemicals Complex of OPAL at Dahej to the nation. The 1.4 km bridge is reported to be the longest in the country.
PM Narendra Modi to release Special Commemorative Postage Stamp
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a special commemorative postage stamp on 100 years of Yogoda Satsang Math. Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) celebrated its 100 years journey. In this regard, the organisation announced its celebratory plans.One major aim of YSS is to reveal the complete harmony, basic oneness, and common foundations of all true religions.
IISc 1st Indian university to be ranked among world’s top 10
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore has become the first Indian educational institution to make it to the top 10 of a global ranking for universities. IISc has been ranked eighth in the Times Higher Education or THE Rankings, 2017 in the “best small universities” category, joining the elite list that includes California Institute of Technology (Caltech) from the US, Ecole Normale Superieure from France and Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea.
Hydrabad airport ranks 1st in world in service quality
GMR’s Hyderabad International Airport has secured first position in the world in the prestigious Airports Council International (ACI)-Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey in the 5-15 million passengers per annum (MPPA) category for the year 2016.The survey shows that Hyderabad Airport has steadily improved its score from 4.4 in 2009 to 4.9 in 2016 (measured on scale of 1 to 5), according to a GHIAL statement.
National Conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan to be held
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has organized a national conference on Jal Kranti Abhiyan in New Delhi on March 07,2017.Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti will inaugurate the conference.Union Ministers of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan and Shri Vijay Goel will also attend the conference.
IDFC Aadhaar Pay launched
The government has prodded all banks to move to the Aadhaar Pay platform at the launch of IDFC Aadhaar Pay—the first Aadhaar linked cashless merchant solution. Aadhaar Pay is a service for merchants which will enable them to receive payments from customers without any physical payment instrument. The Aadhaar Pay app has to be downloaded by merchants on their phones and linked to an Aadhaar biometric reader. Once the merchant has this infrastructure in place, consumers can start transacting.
CBSE introduces Exam Locator app to help students
CBSE has come up with a mobile application to help students locate their examination centre. The app, named ‘Exam Locator’, will help students to quickly know the exam centre on the basis of their roll number. A student can easily find the address, images and geolocation of the designated exam centre on the map and get to know how to reach there.
Tamil Nadu CM launches Rs.1,580 crore housing scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami has launched a housing scheme estimated at Rs 1,580 crore. The scheme was being implemented by the state government with Central assistance for the economically poor, an official release said. In the year 2016-17, concrete houses will be constructed for 50,170 beneficiaries in town panchayat limits, it said. To mark the launch of the scheme Palaniswami gave away work orders to five beneficiaries
Committee to resolve women’s grievances
The Sports Ministry has decided to constitute a high-level committee to resolve the grievances and complaints of women sports persons in India. Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel addressed a congregation of top women athletes of the country on International Women’s Day at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. He assured the equality of right and all support to the sports women. He stated women athletes, if they will have any complaint can approach the committee for their grievance redressal.
India Has Highest Bribery Rate Among 16 Asia-Pacific Nations
Over 900 million people–one in four–across the 16 nations in the Asia Pacific region paid a bribe in the past year when trying to access basic services like education or healthcare. Among them India has the highest bribery rate of 69%, said a survey released by anti-graft Transparency International (TI). China topped this list with 73% saying they perceived an increase in corruption.
Vice President Hamid Ansari Attends IORA Summit in Jakarta
• Vice President Hamid Ansari was on a two-day visit to Indonesia to attend the 21-nation Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia from March 6-7, 2017.
• The theme of Summit is ‘Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indian Ocean’.
• IORA has 21 member states, including Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launches ‘Pratibimba’ to project achievements
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has launched Prati Bimba (meaning reflection)— a website to highlight the achievements and progress of various government projects in the state. The website will serve as a tool to improve efficiency in governance, transparency and accountability and will also allow citizens to track the status on projects.
Kerala govt plans to restrict use of water by PepsiCo
Kerala government has said it plans to further restrict groundwater use by soft drink major PepsiCo at Palakkad in view of severe drought in the state. “The government will take stern measures to restrict usage of groundwater due to prevailing drought and if possible stop Pepsico from drawing it at its plant at Puthussery in Palakkad by using the power vested with it under the State Disaster Management Act.
Govt mandates Aadhaar for poor women to get free LPG connection
• The government has made having an Aadhaar card must for poor women to avail of free cooking gas (LPG) connection under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
• While the government in October last year had made the unique identification number mandatory for everyone to get LPG subsidies, it has now extended the same for free cooking gas connections to women of BPL households.
• The government had last year launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to provide 5 crore poor women with free LPG connections in three years with a view to providing clean cooking fuel.
NTPC commissions 45 MW of Bhadla solar plants
State-run power giant NTPC has announced commissioning of 45 MW solar capacity at Bhadla in Rajasthan taking the total installed capacity of the project to 160 MW. “The 45 MW of Bhadla solar power project of NTPC in Rajasthan has been commissioned. With this, the installed capacity of Bhadla solar power project has become 160 MW and that of NTPC’s solar power projects has become 520 MW
Parliament passes bill to raise maternity leave to 26 weeks
Women employees in the organized sector will now get six months of paid maternity leave, more than double the entitlement so far, after the Lok Sabha amended the law on maternity benefits. Terming the move a “gift on International Women’s Day”, labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya said the legislation will have far reaching consequences both in terms of child care and female work force participation in India.
Odisha govt launches 181 helpline for distressed women
Chief Mnister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated a 24X7 toll free helpline number 181 for distressed women on the occasion on International Women’s Day. The helpline will facilitate quick response of various services including lodging police complaint to provide medical, legal and counselling to women victims.
President of India inaugurates the 12th CII-Exim bank conclave on India Africa Project Partnership
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 12th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India Africa Project Partnership (March 9, 2017) in New Delhi. The President said that India has supported development in Africa through Lines of Credit estimated at over US$7 billion under the IAFS process. Our collaboration extends across a wide spectrum. We have offered fifty thousand scholarships to our African brothers- six thousand Africans have since trained under IAFS-3.
Himachal launches mobile app ‘Mera Hunar HP’ for job-seeker
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has launched a mobile app to help skilled and semi-skilled workers find jobs. The mobile app and website titled ‘Mera Hunar HP’ or ‘My Talent’ will directly connect prospective employers with job aspirants as the latter’s resume will contain addresses and contact numbers.
Maritime Admiralty Bill passed by Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passed the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims), 2016 that seeks to repeal laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861, the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890.The Lok Sabha passes the Maritime Admiralty Bill, which seeks to consolidate the existing laws on civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction of courts, proceedings on maritime claims and arrest of ships.
India’s 1st AC rail ambulance unveiled in Mumbai
Central Railway (CR) has unveiled India’s first air conditioned rail ambulance that is designed to rush for the relief of injured passengers during the vital ‘golden hour’ after a rail disaster. According to a report of Hindustan Times, this rail ambulance is equipped with several medical facilities and the basic treatment can be provided to at least 50 people at a time. The ambulance, which will be stationed at Kalyan, was made by redesigning an AC coach used for passenger service.
BJP first party to win over 50 seats in Uttarakhand Assembly
The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to return to power after 14 years as it has swept the state by winning over 300 seats. This was the highest number of seats the party has ever won in the state so far, considering that this was only the second time it won with a comfortable majority. The last time it crossed the 2/3rd mark was in 1991, at the height of the Ram Janam Bhoomi movement, when it won 221 seats.
National Archives to celebrate 127th Foundation Day
An exhibition on revolutionary patriots will be held by the National Archives of India to celebrate its 127th Foundation Day on March 11. The exhibition titled ‘Revolutionary Patriots (1905-1947)’ will put on display original documents and literature that was then proscribed at the National Archives premises. This exhibition has two-fold objective:
• To sensitise the younger generation to the sacrifices made by the revolutionaries in their fight for Independence from the imperial rule
• To inculcate a sense of archival awareness among the public
India launches second stage of HCFCs phaseout plan
India has launched the second stage of its plan to phase out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), greenhouse gases that damage the earth’s ozone layer. It is estimated that with this plan, there would be a net direct CO2-equivalent emission reductions of about 8.5 million metric tonnes annually from 2023. Environment minister Anil Madhav Dave released stage-II of the HCFC phase-out management plan (HPMP). India has already successfully implemented HPMP stage-I.
Government issues draft rules on e-wallet payments
The Centre has issued draft rules to ensure integrity, security and confidentiality of electronic payments made through prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), popularly called e-wallets. The draft rules, on which the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sought public comments, make it mandatory for e-PPI (electronic pre-payment instrument) issuers to develop an information security policy that ensures that the systems operated by them are secure.
UP sets record of highest number of women MLAs winning in election
A new record has been set of highest women MLAs elected in UP assembly election 2017. There will be a record 38 women MLAs in attendance in the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly, the highest since Independence.
Assam govt hopes on achieving target of Indian Rhino Vision 2020
While Assam’s Kaziranga has continued fight against poaching activities as poachers killed 39 rhinos since the year 2012, the world heritage site get a remarkable achievement as increased the one horned rhinoceros population by 39 in a single year. The recent census report said that, the rhino population in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) is now 2329, an increase of 39 in the past one year from 2290. The last census of rhinos in Kaziranga was concluded on Monda (March 25).
Chennai Port Trust signs MoU with the Government of Puducherry
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Chennai Port Trust and the Government of Puducherry in New Delhi for handling EXIM cargo originating from Puducherry Port hinterland.The MoU envisages that Chennai Port Trust will assist Puducherry Port in handling its export cargo. The cargo originating from Puducherry Port hinterland will be transported through sea mode to Chennai Port for shipping to overseas destinations through mainline and feeder vessels.
Cabinet clears special assistance for EAPs in Andhra Pradesh
The Centre has approved financial assistance for bifurcated Andhra Pradesh by way of special dispensation in funding of externally aided projects (EAPs) and also the irrigation component of Polavaram project. The special assistance approved by the Cabinet will be provided to the state towards repayment of loan and interest for EAPs signed and disbursed during 2015-16 to 2019-20.
Cabinet approves setting up of 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas
Fifty new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) will be established across the country to provide quality education to around 50,000 students with the Cabinet giving a go ahead to the project. The schools, which will be set up under the civil/defence sector for classes 1 to 5, will “provide quality education to approximately 50,000 students in addition to around 12 lakh students already studying in present KV.
Bengaluru City railway station becomes blind-friendly
With a view to facilitating visually impaired train passengers, tactile maps of the railway station and train schedules in Braille were unveiled at the Mysuru Railway station. Mysuru MP Pratap Simha inaugurated the facility; Divisional Railway Manager Rajkumar Lal said Mysuru railway station has become the country’s first visually challenged friendly station in India.
Nirmala Sitharaman launches Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme to address needs of exporters
Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES). Mrs Sitharaman said the scheme is focused on addressing the needs of the exporters. The Minister said the proposals of the implementing agencies for funding will be considered by an inter-ministerial empowered committee specially constituted for this Scheme to be chaired by the Commerce Secretary.
Parliamentary Panel proposes merger between BSNL and MTNL
A Parliamentary panel has suggested the merger of state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL for their long-term survival. The Committee on Petitions chaired by BJP MP Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Committee was formed to look into representation received by BJP MP Arvind Sawant regarding improvement in services provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) CSIR dedicates the first “Pristine air-quality monitoring station at Palampur”
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has established an atmospheric monitoring station in the campus of Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) at Palampur (H.P.) at an altitude of 1391 m for generating the base data for atmospheric trace species & properties to serve as reference for comparison of polluted atmosphere in India.
President of India to Inaugurate an International Conference on “Universities of The Future”
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will visit Haryana (Sonipat) on March 18, 2017 where he will inaugurate a three-day international conference on the theme of Universities of the Future: Knowledge, Innovation and Responsibility” at O. P. Jindal Global University (JGU). The Conference seeks to examine the future of the Indian universities in the twenty first century and will have thirteen thematic panels.
First Airbus Training Centre in Asia to be set up in New Delhi
Civil Aviation Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju has performed the ground-breaking for Asia’s first greenfield training facility being set up by the European aviation major Airbus. The Airbus India Training Centre (AITC) will support India’s growing need for Airbus aircraft pilots and
Inauguration of Three Day International Buddhist Conference at Rajgir
The three days “International Buddhist Conference” organized by Ministry of Culture and Nava NalandaMahaviahra, Deemed University was inaugurated by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture and Tourism at Rajgir International Buddhist Conference, Bihar.
Reliance Communications gets SEBI nod for merger with Aircel
Reliance Communications has said it has received approvals from markets regulator SEBI and the stock exchanges for proposed demerger of its wireless business into Aircel Ltd. Reliance Communications has received approval of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE and NSE for the proposed scheme of arrangement for demerger of the wireless division of the company into Aircel Ltd and Dishnet Wireless Ltd.
Punjab to provide 33 percent reservation for women in govt jobs
The new Congress government in Punjab led by Amarinder Singh has opened a basket full of decisions in the first meeting of the state cabinet. The government has taken several important decisions in the interest of the people of the state. The state government has decided to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in all government jobs. The representation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies would go up from 33 per cent to 50 per cent.
Amitabh Bachchan launches world’s first app for breast health
Amitabh Bachchan launched the World’s first mobile App on ‘ABC of Breast Health’ at an event organized by the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation at Mumbai. The App aims to empower the nation about every aspect of breast cancer and benign non-cancer breast health issues in 12 languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya and Assamese).
Arunachal boy Anang Tadar invents ‘Goggles For Blind’ to locate objects
Moving around for the visually impaired could become a lot easier if an innovative technology developed by Anang Tadar, a class 11 student from Arunchal Pradesh, is mass produced.The technology, which is based on echo location—similar to what bats use for navigation—was adjudged the most innovative at the regional level science festival, which concluded in Guwahati recently.
GST Council Approves SGST & UTGST Draft Bills
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has cleared a proposal to cap the cess on luxury cars and aerated drinks at 15 per cent over the peak rate of 28 per cent. The ceiling for the cess on “sin” goods would be much higher. The cap would be 135 per cent. On tobacco and cigarettes, the cap would be 290 per cent, or Rs 4,170 per 1,000 cigarette sticks. A call is yet to be taken on whether or not a cess would be imposed on bidis. The cess on coal and lignite (environment cess) would have an upper limit at Rs 400 per tonne.
Uttarakhand HC recognises Ganga as India’s 1st living entity
The Uttarakhand High Court has recognised river Ganga as the first living entity of India, a move that grants it the same legal rights as a human being. The new status means that if someone pollutes the Ganga — considered to be the holiest river in the country — the law will see it equal to harming a human being. The court also ruled that the government form a Ganga Administration Board for better maintenance and cleaning of the river.
Five Indians in WEF’s 100 Young Global Leaders list
Five Indians, including Paytm Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Shruti Shibulal of The Tamara Hospitality, have made it to the World Economic Forum’s 100 Young Global Leaders list. The other individuals who represented India in the list include Ambarish Mitra Founder and CEO Blippar, a mobile phone app business valued at USD 1.5 billion; Hindol Sengupta Editor-at large Fortune India and Rwitwika Bhattacharya – Agarwal Founder and CEO Swaniti Initiative.
Harsh Vardhan to inaugurate 5th foundation day function of BIRAC
Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan will inaugurate the 5th foundation day function of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) in New Delhi. Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri Y.S Chowdary, will be the Guest of Honour. The discussion will focus on the impact the Biotech Ecosystem is making on the Indian economy and the opportunities which exist for the Indian Biotech Sector as a global player.
Majuli all set to become India’s 1st carbon neutral district
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched initiatives to develop Majuli, world biggest river island, as India’s first carbon neutral district and as a biodiversity heritage. Launching “Forests are Lives” campaign to celebrate the importance of Assam’s rich forest and biodiversity, the Chief Minister urged people of the state to take a pledge to conserve its biodiversity to make a pollution free state.
Cabinet approves North East Road Network Connectivity Project Phase I
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for development of 403 kms of National Highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram. Out of 403 km, approximately 52 kms will be in Meghalaya and 351 km in Mizoram. The project will be executed in EPC Mode. The estimated cost is Rs 6,721 crore including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and other pre-construction activities.
ICRISAT, ICAR join hands for crop improvement
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) would work together on crop improvement and agronomy programmes for grain legumes and dryland cereals. ICAR and ICRISAT, recently signed an agreement in New Delhi, in which climate-smart crops, smart food and digitalisation of breeding database were identified as some of the core areas of research.
India ranks 122nd in World Happiness Report
India ranked 122nd, behind terror-riven Pakistan and poorest-of-poor Nepal in the global list of the happiest countries, according to a global report. India ranked at 122 out of 155 countries in the World Happiness Report 2017, four notches below its previous rank of 118.Norway moved from No. 4 to the top spot in the report’s rankings.
First fully India-made train flagged off at Dadar station
Medha, the made-in-India rake was flagged off for the maiden run of the 12-coach train from Dadar to Borivali, at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus. Medha has been manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, which has installed LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.The rake has a capacity of 6,050 passengers and the number of seats is 1,168.
Government approves new national constitutional body for OBCs
The Union cabinet approved a National Commission for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (NSEBC) as a constitutional body. The new panel will replace National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) that looks into inclusion or exclusion of other backward castes for quotas, among other issues. The related bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament in this ongoing budget session.
Free Wi-Fi facility for colleges, universities launched in Bihar
The Bihar government has launched an ambitious programme to provide free WiFi facilities in colleges and universities. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formally launched free WiFi facilities for students on the occasion of Bihar Divas celebrations. The objective is to provide free Wi-Fi facility to help youths to move ahead in life and to become digital smart.
IIT-Kharagpur to get supercomputing facility
The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, is the first academic institution to get a supercomputing facility under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). This will provide large computational support to users to carry out both research and teaching activities that involve state-of-the-art High Performance Computing (HPC) and usher in a new age in research and innovation in the country.
India ranks 131 on Human Development Index, Norway No.1
India is ranked at 131 out of 188 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index.The report, released annually by the UN Development Programme, revealed that India’s rank of 131 puts it in the “medium human development” bracket, which also includes nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Kenya, Myanmar and Nepal. The released report also said that regional disparities in education, health and living standards within India or inequality in human development has caused India’s downfall to 27% on HDI score.
PM to inaugurate India’s longest road tunnel in J&K on April 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation, the country’s longest road tunnel built on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which will cut short the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by nearly 30 km. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel on JK highway on April 2.
Nation paying tribute on 86th martyrdom day
Nation is paying tributes to freedom fighters –Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their 86th martyrdom day (23 March). On this day in 1931, British rulers had executed them in Lahore for their revolutionary activities against the British rule. They were hanged a day before the scheduled date of execution.
World Bank signs US$ 100 million credit agreement with Uttarakhand, Centre
The World Bank has signed a 100 million US dollar credit agreement with the Centre and Uttarakhand in New Delhi to improve the quality of health care services in all 13 districts of the state. World Bank stated that most public health facilities in the middle and upper mountainous areas of Uttarakhand are unable to function optimally. The project also aims to reduce the financial risk for its citizens and make affordable, quality health care available to all.
Pawan Hans to start ‘Dilli Darshan’ chopper rides at Rs 2,500
National chopper operator Pawan Hans is set to launch its “Delhi Darshan” rides from next month with a 10-minute sortie costing Rs 2,499 per person. Besides, the state-owned aviation firm will also offer a 20-minute helicopter ride for Rs 4,999. The companys Chairman and Managing Director, B P Sharma, had at the inauguration of its first heliport in north Delhi’s Rohini area announced the roll out of these services from April 1.
Osmania University to host 105th Indian Science Congress
Osmania University will host the 105th edition of the Indian Science Congress during January 3- 7, 2018. Disclosing this to newspersons at a press conference held, Achyuta Samanta, General President of the Indian Science Congress Association, (ISCA) and founder of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, said the conference will be on the theme ‘Science and Technology – Reaching the Unreached’.
Union Government to launch Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
“Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana”, a ‘Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to BPL category’ will be launched in District Nellore, Andhra Pradesh on 1st April, 2017.The devices will help the Senior Citizens to overcome their age related physical impairment and to lead a dignified and productive life with minimal dependence on care givers or other members of the famil .
India becomes third largest aviation market in domestic traffic
India has become the third largest aviation market in terms of domestic passenger traffic, beating Japan. India’s domestic air passenger traffic stood at 100 million in 2016 and was behind only the US (719 million) and China (436 million), Sydney-based aviation think-tank Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) said in its latest report. India acquired the third spot globally by unseating Japan, which flew 97 million domestic passengers in 2016.
Government to make Aadhaar must for driving license
In a move to check multiple driving licenses under one name, the Centre will ask states to make Aadhaar identification necessary for a new licence as well as for those seeking renewal. This is expected to prevent the issuance of multiple licences, means adopted to beat the suspension of licence for traffic, criminal offences or for a fake identity. The Aadhaar number’s biometrics details will help prevent such practices. The new regime is expected to kick off from October this year.
Govt can’t make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes: SC
The Supreme Court has made it clear that Aadhaar cards could not be made mandatory by the government and its agencies for extending benefits of social welfare schemes. A bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul, however, said the government and its agencies could not be stopped from seeking Aadhaar cards for nonwelfare schemes like opening of bank accounts.
IIIT (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Centre has approved for introduction of The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) bill, 2017 in Parliament. The amendment bill provides for inclusion of Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kurnool along with the other IITs in the principal act. Subsequently, IITDM Kurnool will be declared as an institute of National Importance with the power to award degrees to students.
International finance branch to be opened by Axis Bank at GIFT City Gandhinagar
Axis Bank is planning to open an international finance branch at the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City
Minister of Railways inaugurates Conference on Digital Railways for Digital India
A conference under the theme “IR-One ICT (One Information and Communication Technology) Building Digital Railway for Digital India” was organized on 27.03.2017 at National Rail Museum Auditorium, Chanakyapuri, NewDelhi. The conference was inaugurated by Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu.
ESIC launched Mobile Clinic Services in AP and Telangana
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched Mobile Clinic Services for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Union minister of state for labour and employment Bandaru Dattatreya, launched the ESIC Mobile Clinic Services by flagging off ‘Jan Suraksha Vans/Ambulances’ that would serve the areas not covered by ESI dispensaries in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Union Petroleum Ministry launches MoPNG e Seva
Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan launched MoP&NG e-Seva, a dedicated grievances redressal platform on Social Media for all queries and grievances relating to Oil and Gas Sector. The MOPNG e-Seva is an integrated grievances redressal platform across social media for all Oil & Gas related service issues. This portal will be a single point interface for all customers to reach out to the government for addressing their feedback or grievances related to Oil & Gas Sector on social media. MOPNG e-Seva will also deliver 24 × 7 support for consumers.
Swachh Bharat Pakhwada’ for Clean and Green Ports and Harbours
To spread awareness on cleanliness as part of its ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, the Ministry of Shipping is celebrating Swachh Bharat Pakhwada from 16th -31st March, 2017 and has undertaken various activities under this campaign.The event was launched by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Shipping and Road Transport & Highways on 16th March 2017, in the premises of the Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai.
Frist time India becomes Net Exporter of Electricity
India has become a net exporter of electricity for the first time, the power ministry has adding that upcoming cross-border transmission lines with neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar will only increase sales.April-February power exports of around 5,798 million units were 4 percent higher than what India bought from Bhutan, which has been a steady supplier of hydro-electricity to the country since the eighties
AAI, DRDO and Govt. of Jharkhand Signed a Tripartite MoU
Airports Authority of India, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Govt. of Jharkhand signed a tripartite MoU for development of Deoghar Airport in Deoghar district of Jharkhand. The existing Deoghar Airport will be developed for operations of A-320 and C-130 Aircraft. Signing of MoU took place in a ceremony held at the CM Residence.
President inaugurated ‘Namami Brahmaputra’ festival in Assam
The biggest river festival of India, Namami Brahmaputra, begins in 21 districts of Assam. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the festival on the banks of the river, which is considered country’s only male river. Various cultural programmes, traditional sports, Brahmaputra Aarti, exhibition, film shows, seminars and competitions will be the part of the five-day festival. Spiritual leader Dalai Lama and several Union Ministers will also attend the festival.
Mental Healthcare Bill passed in Parliament
Parliament passed the Mental Healthcare Bill, 2016, which provides for healthcare and services to people with mental illness and also decriminalises suicide. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha in August last year. The Mental Healthcare Bill secured approval in Lok Sabha too. The bill was passed by the House through a voice vote and aims to provide for the right to better healthcare for mentally-ill patients.The bill also allows a mentally ill person to have the right to restrict release of information with respect to the illness and make a complaint about deficiencies in provision of services.