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Current Affairs Weekly Capsule I

7th to 13th April 2019 Current Affairs Weekly Capsule I 9thto 15th

September 2018

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testbook.com

Current Affairs Weekly Capsule I

7th to 13th April 2019 Current Affairs Weekly Capsule I 9thto 15th

September 2018

2 | P a g e

Table of Contents

Awards & Honours .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Days & Events ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

International Affairs .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

National Affairs ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Personalities in News .............................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Enviornment ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Government Policies & Schemes ............................................................................................................................................................ 11

Science & Technology ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Committees & Recommendations .......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Business & Economy ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Sports ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Defence ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

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Awards &Honours

NMCG awarded at Global Water Summit

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) or Namami Gange was given the ‘Public Water Agency of the Year’ award by Global Water Intelligence at the Global Water Summit in London.

• It is an integrated mission for Ganga rejuvenation, and was approved by the Union Government in June 2014.

• Global Water Summit is the major business conference for the water industry worldwide.

Source Link: https://www.fresherslive.com/current-affairs/articles/namami-gange-got-public-water-agency-of-the-year-award-at-global-water-summit-19132

PM Modi to receive Order of St Andrew

• Russia will confer the Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• The award is being given for Mr. Modi’s exceptional services in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and India.

• The award is Russia’s highest state decoration. Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Russia-to-confer-its-highest-state-decoration-on-PM-Modi&id=362157

64th Railway Week of Railway Board

• The 64th Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized in New Delhi on 13 April, 2019.

• 45 officials of Railway Board were presented with awards for their outstanding performances in the year 2018-19.

• V K Yadav is the Chairman of Railway Board. Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=64th-Railway-Week-Function-of-Railway-Board-organized-in-New-Delhi&id=362158

Siva Reddy selected for Saraswati Samman 2018

• Telugu poet K Siva Reddy has been selected for the prestigious Saraswati Samman, 2018 for his collection of poetry titled Pakkaki Ottigilite.

• The award carries a cash prize of 15 lakh rupees, a citation, and a plaque.

• The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, is given annually for an outstanding literary work written in any Indian language, published during the last 10 years.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Telugu-poet-K-Siva-Reddy-selected-for-prestigious-Saraswati-Samman-2018&id=362107

GIC India Chief awarded

• The Chairman and Managing Director of the General Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India, Alice G Vaidyan was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

• She was awarded in recognition of her work to promote insurance ties between India and the UK.

• The Freedom of the City of London dates back to the 13th century and is bestowed upon individuals who make an impact in the financial hub of London.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/gic-india-chief-awarded-freedom-of-the-city-of-london-119041101377_1.html

Image of toddler won World Press Photo

• The haunting image of a little girl crying helplessly as she and her mother are taken into custody by US border officials has won the prestigious World Press Photo Award.

• The picture of the wailing toddler was published worldwide and caused a public outcry about Washington's controversial policy to separate thousands of migrants from their children.

• The picture was taken by John Moore. Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/image-of-crying-toddler-on-us-border-wins-world-press-photo-119041200081_1.html

2 Bengal government schemes won UN awards

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• Two schemes of the West Bengal government for skill development and distribution of bicycles to students have won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society awards of the United Nations.

• The 2 schemes are the Utkarsh Bangla and Sabooj Sathi projects for youngsters.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/two-bengal-govt-schemes-win-un-awards/article26813647.ece

Dost Education bagged Tech prize

• India's education tech startup 'Dost Education' bagged a $25,000 tech prize along with 2 other winners from Tanzania and Egypt.

• The Next Billion Edtech Prize 2019 recognises the most innovative technology destined to have a radical impact on education in low income.

• Dost was awarded for its ability to empower parents to take charge of their child's early education.

Source Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/indias-education-technology-startup-dost-education-claims-25000-global-tech-prize/articleshow/68795345.cms?from=mdr

Namami Gange got global recognition

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was awarded the distinction of 'Public Water Agency of the Year'.

• It was awarded by the Global Water Intelligence at the Global Water Summit in London on April 9, 2019.

• The Global Water Awards are presented at the Global Water Summit, the major business conference for the water industry worldwide.

Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/namami-gange-gets-global-recognition-at-world-summit-5669597/

Indian Oil bagged AIMA award

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) bagged the prestigious 'AIMA Managing India Award 2019 for outstanding PSU of the year.'

• The award was presented by former President Pranab Mukherjee to Sanjiv Singh, Chairman, Indian Oil.

• The AIMA awards declared under 11 categories, shortlisted 11 eminent enterprises and personalities of the country for their contribution to nation-building.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/indian-oil-bags-aima-managing-india-award-for-outstanding-psu-119040901364_1.html

Vice President conferred awards

• Vice President Venkaiah Naidu conferred President’s Certificate of Honour and Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman Awards at New Delhi, recently.

• The award of the Certificate of Honour was introduced in the year 1958 to honour the scholars of Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian Languages.

• Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman was introduced in the year 2002.

SourceLink: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=181915

Virat Kohli: Wisden's Leading Cricketer

• Team India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Wisden Almanack’s ‘Leading Cricketer of the Year’ for the third time in a row.

• He smashed 2,735 runs in 47 international innings at an average of 68.37 in 2018, including 11 hundred and 9 fifties.

• Smriti Mandhana has been named the Women’s Leading Cricketer of the Year for 2018.

Source Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/kohli-named-wisdens-leading-cricketer-in-the-world/articleshow/68816765.cms

Days & Events

Baisakhi festival being celebrated today

• The festival of Baisakhi is being celebrated with enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh today.

• It is a spring harvest festival for the Sikhs.

• Baisakhi also commemorates the formation of Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Baisakhi-harvest-festival-being-celebrated-today&id=362192

Jallianwala Bagh massacre centenary

• The nation is paying homage to martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on its hundredth anniversary on 13 April, 2019.

• Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will release a Commemorative Coin and Commemorative Postage Stamp.

• Hundreds of innocent people were killed by Brigadier General Dyer during a peaceful meeting at the Jallianwala park on this day in 1919.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Nation-pays-homage-to-martyrs-of-Jallianwala-Bagh-massacre-on-its-centenary&id=362187

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Rama Navami being celebrated in the country

• Sri Rama Navami is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country on 13 April, 2019.

• The festival marks the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

• President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on the occasion.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Rama-Navami-being-celebrated-with-religious-fervor&id=362191

World Homeopathy Day: 2-day convention

• World Homeopathy Day is observed on 10 April to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Homeopathy, Dr Christian Fredrich Samuel Hahnemann.

• On the occasion, the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, CCRH, organized a two-day convention in New Delhi.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=World-Homoeopathy-Day%3a-2-day-convention-in-New-Delhi-to-formulate-strategies-for-development-of-Homeopathy&id=362030

CRPF celebrated 54th Valour Day

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated its 54th Valour Day on 9 April 2019.

• On this day, in 1965, a small contingent of 2nd Battalion of CRPF successfully fought and repulsed an attack by a Pakistani Brigade on Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

• On the Occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the martyrs of police at National Police Memorial in New Delhi.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=CRPF-celebrating-its-54th-Valour-Day-today&id=362024

World Health Day: 7 April

• World Health Day is observed every year on 7 April under the sponsorship of WHO.

• The theme for World Health Day 2019 is ‘Universal Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere’ to ensure that no human being will ever have to make a choice between the two.

• The day celebrates the establishment of the WHO and this year it marks the end of the World Health Organization’s 70th-anniversary celebrations.

Source Link: https://www.news18.com/news/india/world-health-day-2019-who-celebrates-70th-anniversary-with-universal-health-coverage-theme-2092187.html

National Handloom Week: April 7-14

• The National Handloom Week is being observed from April 7-14, 2019.

• National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to mark a 1905 movement that boycotted British products in favour of the revival of domestic ones.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/fashion/why-have-we-forgotten-national-handloom-week/article26744386.ece

International Affairs

UAE & Saudi Arabia agencies to help Iran

• UAE & Saudi Arabia relief agencies announced a joint initiative to help people in flood hit Iran.

• The Emirates Red Crescent will coordinate with its Saudi counterpart on the best ways of implement the initiative.

• The operation is being undertaken within the framework of Islamic brotherhood and in solidarity with the Iranian people.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=UAE-%26-Saudi-Arabia-relief-agencies-to-alleviate-suffering-of-people-in-flood-hit-Iran&id=362181

SpaceX carries first commercial launch

• SpaceX carried out its first commercial launch with its Falcon Heavy rocket which took a Saudi satellite in orbit.

• The launch took place in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

• The rocket carried a Saudi Arabian satellite operated by Arabsat.

• Elon Musk is the founder of SpaceX. Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=SpaceX-carries-out-first-commercial-launch-with-Falcon-Heavy-rocket&id=362120

UNSC votes to end peacekeeping in Haiti

• The UN Security Council voted unanimously to completely end its peacekeeping operations in Haiti by October 15, 2019.

• It will continue to support government efforts to promote order and development in the country.

• Haiti is Latin America's poorest country and its capital is Port-au-Prince.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=UNSC-votes-to-end-peacekeeping-operations-in-Haiti-on-Oct-15&id=362179

Image of toddler won World Press Photo

• The haunting image of a little girl crying helplessly as she and her mother are taken into custody by US border officials has won the prestigious World Press Photo Award.

• The picture of the wailing toddler was published worldwide and caused a public outcry about Washington's

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controversial policy to separate thousands of migrants from their children.

• The picture was taken by John Moore. Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/image-of-crying-toddler-on-us-border-wins-world-press-photo-119041200081_1.html

EU, UK agreed to delay Brexit

• Britain didn't leave the EU on April 12, 2019, after Britain and the EU agreed to an extension till the end of October 2019.

• The period is longer than the extension till June 30 that Prime Minister Theresa May had sought.

• Leaders made clear that the onus was very much on Britain to find a solution and deliver within this period.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/eu-uk-agree-to-delay-brexit-till-oct-31/article26813260.ece

UK introduced online safety regulations

• The UK government introduced the world’s first framework designed to hold internet companies accountable for the safety of those using their services.

• The Online Harms whitepaper is a joint proposal from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Home Office.

• Various technology companies will be subject to the laws, including social media platforms.

Source Link: https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252461252/UK-introduces-worlds-first-online-safety-regulations

Cyclone Idai's death toll rose to 1000

• The death toll from the cyclone Idai is now above 1,000.

• Mozambique has reported 602 deaths while 59 people have died in Malawi.

• Cyclone Idai smashed into the coast of central Mozambique in March 2019. It unleashed hurricane-force winds and rains that flooded the hinterland and drenched eastern Zimbabwe.

• Around 2 million people have been affected in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Cyclone-Idai%26%2339%3bs-death-toll-now-above-1%2c000-in-southern-Africa&id=362068

Dogs can sniff out cancer with 97% accuracy

• Dogs can pick out blood samples from people with cancer with 97% accuracy, as per a study.

• Dogs have smell receptors 10,000 times more accurate than humans', making them highly sensitive to odours we can not perceive.

• For the study, the team used a form of clicker training to teach four beagles to distinguish between normal blood serum and samples from patients with malignant lung cancer.

Source Link: https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/dogs-can-sniff-out-cancer-in-blood-with-97-accuracy-2095033.html

London implemented pollution charge zone

• London became the first city in the world to implement a special Ultra Low Emission Zone that would charge an entry fee for older vehicles if they do not meet the emission standards.

• In an attempt to reduce air pollution and protect public health, the ULEZ will be operational for 24 hours and 7 days a week.

• A vehicle that does not meet the new emission standard will have to pay daily charge.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/london-becomes-first-city-to-implement-24x7-pollution-charge-zone-119040900089_1.html

Alphabet launched public drone service

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• Wing, the drone delivery company owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, is launching its first public drone delivery service in Canberra, Australia.

• Around 100 homes in the suburbs of Crace, Palmerston, and Franklin will initially have access to the service.

• Drones will not be allowed to fly over main roads, they will only be allowed to fly between 7 am and 8 pm from Monday to Friday.

Source Link: https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/9/18301782/wing-drone-delivery-google-alphabet-canberra-australia-public-launch

Dream 11 entered Unicorn Club

• Dream11, online gaming firm, announced the completion of a secondary investment by Steadview Capital, an Asia-focused alternative asset manager.

• The investment takes Dream11’s valuation at over $1 billion making it first Indian gaming company to enter the Unicorn club.

• In terms of total user base on a fantasy sports platform, Dream11 is the market leader with over 50 million users.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/dream11-enters-unicorn-club-with-investment-from-steadview-capital-1554793159840.html

Etihad Airways to seek loan

• Etihad Airways PJSC is seeking a loan of about $600 million to help make initial payments for planes.

• Etihad Airways has 43 unfilled orders from the Boeing Co.’s 787 family, according to a Boeing January report.

• The airline is also being sued over an August 2017 decision.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/etihad-airways-is-said-to-seek-600-million-loan-for-planes-1554665870653.html

US to designate IRG as terrorist organization

• The US will designate Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRG) as a terrorist organization.

• The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was formed after the 1979 Islamic revolution with a mission to defend the clerical regime.

• IRGC is in charge of Iran's ballistic missiles and nuclear programmes.

• The IRGC has an estimated 125,000-strong military with army, navy and air units.

Source Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/label-iran-revolutionary-guard-corps-terrorist-group-190406061535338.html

Global coalition for clean cooling launched

• The first-ever global coalition on clean and efficient cooling was launched at the First Global Conference on Synergies between the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement, which concluded on April 3, 2019, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• The Global Coalition links action across the Kigali Amendment, Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

• India has developed its National Cooling Action Plan. Source Link: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/energy/first-ever-global-coalition-for-clean-cooling-launched-63850

National Affairs

Jet Airways halts international flights

• Jet Airways cancelled all international flights until 15th April.

• This includes flights from London, Paris and Amsterdam.

• Jet Airways is saddled with more than $1billion of debt.

• Vinay Dube is the CEO of Jet Airways.

Source Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47905089

Retail inflation up to 2.86% in March

• Retail inflation rose to 2.86% in March this year due to increase in prices of food articles and fuel.

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported that the inflation based on Consumer Price Index was 2.57% in February 2019.

• It was 4.28% in March 2018.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Retail-inflation-inches-up-to-2.86%25-in-March&id=362168

64th Railway Week of Railway Board

• The 64th Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized in New Delhi on 13 April, 2019.

• 45 officials of Railway Board were presented with awards for their outstanding performances in the year 2018-19.

• V K Yadav is the Chairman of Railway Board.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=64th-Railway-Week-Function-of-Railway-Board-organized-in-New-Delhi&id=362158

Parties to share info on electoral bonds

• SC has directed all political parties to provide receipts of electoral bonds to the Election Commission.

• The apex court also directed all political parties to share details of the amount and bank accounts of donors by 30th May.

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• The Centre had notified the Electoral Bond Scheme in January 2018.

• Bonds may be purchased by any person, who is a citizen of India or established in India.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=SC-asks-political-parties-to-provide-information-on-electoral-bonds&id=362137

69.43% voter turnout: phase 1 of LS election

• A voter turnout of 69.43 per cent was recorded in phase one of Lok Sabha elections held on 11 April, 2019.

• A total of 91 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 18 states and two Union territories had gone for polls in the first phase.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=69.43%25-voter-turnout-recorded-in-phase-1-of--Lok-Sabha-elections&id=362180

Reinsurance brokers can open FC accounts

• Reinsurance brokers have been permitted by RBI to open non-interest bearing foreign currency accounts with banks for undertaking transactions.

• Foreign currency account refers to a bank account held or maintained in currency other than the currency of India or Nepal or Bhutan.

• Earlier, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India had issued a notification in this regard.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/reinsurance-brokers-permitted-to-open-foreign-currency-accounts-rbi-119041101366_1.html

National Symposium held in Delhi

• A national symposium on evidence synthesis began in Delhi on 11 April 2019.

• Its focus was on making science and synthesised knowledge the bedrock of all societal and policy interventions in the areas of public health, medicine, and social development.

• The symposium is being organised by The George Institute for Global Health and the Campbell Collaboration.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/national-symposium-on-evidence-synthesis-held-in-delhi-119041101439_1.html

WB Govt fined for virtual ban on a film

• The West Bengal government was slapped with a fine of Rs. 20 lakh by the Supreme Court for imposing a 'virtual' ban on the public screening of a Bengali film.

• The court had asked Mamata Banerjee's government in March to ensure that the satirical film is screened without obstruction.

• The film, 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' had disappeared from movie halls a day after its release on February 15, 2019.

Source Link: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-government-fined-rs-20-lakh-by-supreme-court-for-virtual-ban-on-bhobishyoter-bhoot-2021385

CRPF Veer Pariwar app launched

• President Ram Nath Kovind launched ‘CRPF Veer Parivar’ app, a mobile application for families of CRPF personnel killed in the line of duty.

• He also paid homage to the martyrs at National Police Memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of 54th Valour Day of Central Reserve Police Force, CRPF.

• The app will render all assistance to the families of the martyred CRPF personnel.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=362024

River Periyar witnessed decolorisation

• The River Periyar in Kerala is witnessing decolorization.

• The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has attributed the change in colour to the poor quality of water as a result of eutrophication.

Source Link: https://www.gkdigest.com/2019/04/keralas-river-periyar-witnesses.html

1500 Indian railway stations WiFi enabled

• RailTel has provided free high-speed Wi-Fi services to as many as 500 stations in just seven days.

• Sahibabad has become the 1500th station in the country to get free Wi-Fi facility provided by RailTel, as per an ANI report.

• RailTel Corp. of India is a PSU under the Ministry of Railways which focuses on providing broadband and VPN services.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/1-500-railway-stations-in-india-are-now-wi-fi-enabled-1554790778334.html

ICMR's ethical guidelines mandatory

• The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research is now mandatory and needs to be adhered to for all biomedical research in India.

• This was decided as per the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019.

• This will help bring about much-needed transparency and accountability.

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Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/icmrs-ethical-guidelines-for-biomedical-research-now-mandatory/article26776343.ece

Adani Power received LoI

• Adani Power received the Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire the insolvent Korba West Power Company (KWPCL) on 8 April 2019.

• The LoI dated April 6, 2019, was issued by the resolution professional appointed by the Ahmedabad bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

• KWPCL owns and operates a 600 megawatt (MW) thermal power plant in Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/adani-power-receives-letter-of-intent-for-korba-west-power-119040800423_1.html

NGT formed committee

• The National Green Tribunal formed a committee to look into the alleged erosion of Yamuna floodplain in Haryana's Sonipat district.

• The nodal agency for coordination and compliance will be the principal secretary of the Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Department.

• The joint report may be furnished within 1 month by e-mail so that matter can be taken up before monsoon.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ngt-forms-committee-to-look-into-yamuna-floodplain-erosion-in-sonipat-119040800640_1.html

Tata Motors launched initiative for drivers

• Tata Motors Monday launched an initiative to promote driving profession in the trucking space.

• Under the Tata Motors Samarth initiative, the company plans to address four critical areas -- health and wellness, insurance, education and financial planning for the drivers' well-being.

• The auto major aims to reach to five lakh drivers every year under the programme.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/tata-motors-launches-initiative-for-drivers-119040800776_1.html

Delhi scored high in HRD rankings

• Six colleges of the Delhi University have figured in the top 10 rankings by the HRD Ministry.

• Miranda House scored a hattrick in bagging the first rank.

• Hindu College has been ranked second.

• IIT Delhi has been ranked third in the overall ranking of higher education institutions and the second best among the engineering institutions.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/delhi-scores-high-in-hrd-rankings-6-du-colleges-in-top-10-hattrick-by-miranda-house-for-top-rank-119040801147_1.html

India Rankings - 2019 released

• The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, released the India Rankings – 2019 on 8 April 2019.

• He also presented the India Rankings awards to the top eight institutions in different categories at a function held in New Delhi.

• He also released the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA) and presented the ARIIA awards to the top two institutions.

Source Link: http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1570197

BARC resumed viewership data publication

• Television viewership monitoring agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) has resumed the publication of viewership data on its websites.

• On 1 April 2019, TRAI had issued a show-cause notice to BARC for not complying with its direction on the release of TV viewership data.

• It is related to the sector's migration to the new tariff regime.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/barc-resumes-viewership-data-publication-post-trai-stand-off-1554715014821.html

Café Scientifique to be launched in Kerala

• A group of science experts of the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology will launch ‘Café Scientifique’ in Kerala.

• Café Scientifique, the first such initiative in the State, aims to promote science among the public in an interesting way.

• Café Scientifique is a grassroots public science initiative based on the French Café Philosophique model.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/a-cafe-where-science-will-be-demystified-for-the-public/article26705578.ece

India's first A.I enabled motorcycle

• Revolt Intellicorp will manufacture India's first AI-enabled electric motorcycle in June 2019.

• Revolt Intellicorp has been founded by Micromax's co-founder Rahul Sharma.

• The headquarters of the company is at Gurgaon.

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• The manufacturing facility of the company is located in Manesar.

Source Link: https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/motorcycles/micromax-co-founder-rahul-sharma-ventures-into-electric-mobility-space/68722689

Roadis, NIIF to invest $2 billion

• Roadis, a private investor and operator of transport infrastructure worldwide and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) have jointly set up a platform to invest in road projects in India.

• The platform would invest up to $2 billion of equity targeting toll-operate-transfer models, acquisitions of existing road concessions and investment opportunities in the road sector.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/business/roadis-niif-to-invest-2-billion/article26726029.ece

WhatsApp launches tip line feature

• WhatsApp launched an India-focused fact-checking feature called tip line feature on 2 April 2019.

• It was developed to combat fake news and rumors starting with the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

• The tip line feature will help create a database of rumors to study misinformation during elections.

• It has been developed in collaboration with India-based media skilling startup PROTO.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/whatsapp-launches-tip-line-to-curb-fake-news-ahead-of-lok-sabha-elections-1554187101097.html

Personalities in News

Cairn India CEO and CFO resigned

• Vedanta-owned Cairn India’s CEO and CFO, Sudhir Mathur and Pankaj Kalra have resigned in quick succession.

• The frequency of exits in the company since Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta took over it in 2011 has raised many questions.

Source Link: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/vedanta-led-cairn-india-ceo-cfo-quit-firm/article26804841.ece

Varun Dhawan: Navratna brand ambassador

• Emami has roped in Varun Dhawan to endorse Navratna Cool brand.

• Emami will launch Dhawan as its new brand ambassador of Navratna Cool and he would feature in the new commercial.

• Navratna brand, over the years, has been endorsed by leading actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, and Shilpa Shetty.

• Some of its products are Navratna Oil and Navratna Cool. Source Link: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/emami-ropes-in-varun-dhawan-as-navratna-cool-brand-ambassador-3789821.html

Isaak Hayik set new record

• Isaak Hayik became the world's oldest player to take part in a professional game at the age of 73.

• He set the record by playing as a goalkeeper for Israeli team Ironi or Yehuda recently.

• He received the Guinness World Records prize at a ceremony after the match, just days ahead of his 74th birthday.

Source Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47835245

US Homeland Secretary stepped down

• US President Donald Trump announced that US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen is stepping down.

• She would be temporarily replaced by Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan.

• Ms. Nielsen's department was responsible for implementing the proposed border wall and the separation of migrant families.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=US-homeland-secretary-Kirstjen-Nielsen-steps-down&id=361994

Environment

India, ASEAN to boost maritime ties

• India and ASEAN have vowed to strengthen ties by deepening cooperation in the maritime sector and boosting connectivity.

• The two sides met at the 21st ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held in New Delhi on April 11-12.

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• The two sides also decided to hold an ASEAN-India Conference on Renewable Energy in 2019.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-asean-vow-to-step-up-ties-in-maritime-sector-boost-connectivity/article26827693.ece

River Periyar witnessed decolorisation

• The River Periyar in Kerala is witnessing decolorization.

• The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has attributed the change in colour to the poor quality of water as a result of eutrophication.

Source Link: https://www.gkdigest.com/2019/04/keralas-river-periyar-witnesses.html

Yellow weather warning for Himachal Pradesh

• The Meteorological Department issued a yellow weather warning for rain in Himachal Pradesh.

• The weather department forecast thunderstorm with hail in isolated places of mid hills, including Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Solan, and Sirmaur.

• Yellow is the least dangerous of the weather warnings - it indicates the possibility of severe weather over the next few days that could affect people.

Source Link: https://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/pti-stories/met-issues-yellow-weather-warning-for-himachal-119040700642_1.html

Melting of Arctic ice impacts India

• Researchers found that rising temperatures in the region is causing the sea-ice to melt faster than expected.

• The study was conducted by Germany-based Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research.

• The faltering of Transpolar Drift could lead to weather implications across countries, including India.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/melting-of-arctic-ice-impacts-weather-in-india-1554660184435.html

Global coalition for clean cooling launched

• The first-ever global coalition on clean and efficient cooling was launched at the First Global Conference on Synergies between the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement, which concluded on April 3, 2019, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• The Global Coalition links action across the Kigali Amendment, Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

• India has developed its National Cooling Action Plan.

Source Link: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/energy/first-ever-global-coalition-for-clean-cooling-launched-63850

Government Policies & Schemes

2 Bengal government schemes won UN awards

• Two schemes of the West Bengal government for skill development and distribution of bicycles to students have won the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society awards of the United Nations.

• The 2 schemes are the Utkarsh Bangla and Sabooj Sathi projects for youngsters.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/two-bengal-govt-schemes-win-un-awards/article26813647.ece

85% Ujjawala beneficiaries use earthen stoves

• A study from the Research Institute for Compassionate Economics shows that 85% of Ujjwala beneficiaries in rural Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh still use solid fuels for cooking.

• The survey, conducted in late 2018, covered a random sample of 1,550 households in 11 districts of the four States, which collectively have two-fifths of the country’s rural population.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/about-85-of-ujjwala-beneficiaries-in-4-states-still-use-earthen-stoves/article26765576.ece

Science & Technology

SpaceX carries first commercial launch

• SpaceX carried out its first commercial launch with its Falcon Heavy rocket which took a Saudi satellite in orbit.

• The launch took place in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

• The rocket carried a Saudi Arabian satellite operated by Arabsat. Elon Musk is the founder of SpaceX.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=SpaceX-carries-out-first-commercial-launch-with-Falcon-Heavy-rocket&id=362120

First ever image of black hole released

• Scientists have taken the first ever image of a black hole located in the distant galaxy.

• The image has been captured by a network of eight telescopes across the world, known as the Event Horizon Telescope Project.

• The feat was achieved by global collaborators at Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/seeing-darkness/article26823482.ece

SpaceX carried out first commercial launch

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• SpaceX has carried out its first commercial launch with its Falcon Heavy rocket tasked with placing a Saudi satellite in orbit.

• The rocket exerts 5.1 million pounds of thrust -- that of more than a dozen jetliners.

• The rocket carried a Saudi Arabian satellite operated by Arabsat.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/spacex-carries-out-first-commercial-launch-119041200093_1.html

Google launched new cloud platform

• Google launched Anthos, a new open platform from Google Cloud, that lets users run applications from anywhere, on 10 April 2019.

• It allows users to run applications, unmodified, on existing on-premise hardware or on the public cloud and is based on the Cloud Services Platform.

• It is a complete software-based solution. Users can set it up on existing hardware.

Source Link: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/google-launches-new-cloud-platform-anthos/article26797939.ece

Yutu travelled 170 m on Moon

• China's lunar rover Yutu-2 traveled 170.92 meters on the far side of the Moon, as per the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

• It has run a total of 163 meters during the previous three lunar daytime periods.

• During the third one, the rover conducted scientific examination over stones and tracks on the Moon.

Source Link: https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514d7a4d544f33457a6333566d54/index.html

Black Hole photograph released

• The first ever photograph of a black hole was released on 10 April 2019.

• Scientists working in the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration presented their observations at 6:30 PM IST.

• Sagittarius A, a supermassive black hole site is 26,000 light years away, while the second is at the centre of the supergiant elliptical M87 galaxy in the Virgo constellation.

Source Link: https://www.news18.com/news/tech/black-hole-photograph-to-be-released-by-event-horizon-at-630pm-today-2095741.html

DEO Puducherry app launched

• The Elections Department of Puducherry has launched DEO Puducherry, an IT application.

• This will help voters with details of all polling stations in 25 Assembly constituencies in Puducherry district

• The new app was launched by Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Apoorva Gupta.

• The app features messages from the DEO, propaganda, law and order regulations.

Source Link: http://www.uniindia.com/dec-to-launch-mobile-app-in-wake-of-elections/south/news/1555132.html

IIT Madras tied up with GE

• IIT Madras and General Electric (GE) have collaborated for establishing a ‘Cold Spray’ SMART (Surface Modification and Additive Research Technologies) Laboratory.

• This is the first of its kind High-Pressure Cold Spray (HPCS) facility that is being installed in any academic institute in India.

• IIT Madras will be developing advanced coatings meeting specifications of the aerospace standard.

Source Link: https://news.franchiseindia.com/education/iit-madras-ge-tie-up-to-set-up-indias-1st-cold-spray-smart-lab.n18286

Elements can be solid and liquid at same time

• Scientists have discovered a new state of physical matter in which atoms can exist as both solid and liquid simultaneously.

• Until now, the atoms in physical material existed typically in one of three states – solid, liquid or gas.

• A team led by scientists from the University of Edinburgh used powerful computer simulations to study the existence of the state – known as the chain-melted state.

Source Link: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2019/elements-can-be-solid-and-liquid-at-same-time?utm_campaign=fullarticle&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=inshorts

New feature of Whatsapp tested

• In a bid to minimize fake news on its platform, WhatsApp is now testing a new feature within its Groups Settings to help users stop sending 'Frequently Forwarded' messages.

• It is working on 2 features that will help over 1.5 billion users know how many times a message has been forwarded.

• When the feature is enabled, nobody will be able to send a Frequently Forwarded message in the group.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/how-to-stop-frequently-forwarded-messages-soon-on-whatsapp-1554694969685.html

CCMB scientists make major breakthrough

• Researchers at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) proclaimed new discovery on new antimicrobial approaches.

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• They are studying the cell growth in bacteria and have discovered a new enzyme 'Murein EndopeptidiaseK' which would cut the bacteria cell wall.

• The researchers had identified a new enzyme which would act on the protein of cell wall in Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Source Link: https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/ccmb-scientists-make-major-breakthrough-517563

Committees & Recommendations

NGT set central monitoring panel

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) constituted a Central Monitoring Committee to ensure the implementation of action plan meant for reducing pollution stretches across the country.

• It will undertake a national initiative by way of preparation and enforcement of a national plan to make river stretches pollution-free.

• The panel will coordinate with States to oversee the action plans.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ngt-sets-up-central-monitoring-panel/article26801059.ece

NGT formed committee

• The National Green Tribunal formed a committee to look into the alleged erosion of Yamuna floodplain in Haryana's Sonipat district.

• The nodal agency for coordination and compliance will be the principal secretary of the Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Department.

• The joint report may be furnished within 1 month by e-mail so that matter can be taken up before monsoon.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ngt-forms-committee-to-look-into-yamuna-floodplain-erosion-in-sonipat-119040800640_1.html

Business & Economy

Hong Kong is third-largest stock market

• Hong Kong beat Japan to become the world's third-largest stock market.

• It is now only behind the US and mainland China.

• Hong Kong’s market cap was $5.78 trillion compared with $5.76 trillion for Japan.

Source Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/hong-kong-beats-japan-as-worlds-third-largest-stock-market/articleshow/68807265.cms

Jet Airways halts international flights

• Jet Airways cancelled all international flights until 15th April.

• This includes flights from London, Paris and Amsterdam.

• Jet Airways is saddled with more than $1billion of debt.

• Vinay Dube is the CEO of Jet Airways.

Source Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47905089

Retail inflation up to 2.86% in March

• Retail inflation rose to 2.86% in March this year due to increase in prices of food articles and fuel.

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reported that the inflation based on Consumer Price Index was 2.57% in February 2019.

• It was 4.28% in March 2018.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Retail-inflation-inches-up-to-2.86%25-in-March&id=362168

RBI issues norms for currency chests

• Reserve Bank of India has issued guidelines for banks to set up new currency chests.

• These guidelines include a minimum area of 1,500 square feet for strong room and a processing capacity of 6.6 lakh pieces of banknotes per day.

• For banks situated in hilly or inaccessible places, this capacity should be 2.1 lakh pieces of banknotes per day.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=RBI-issues-norms-for-banks-to-set-up-currency-chests&id=362031

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SEBI came up with system audit framework

• Sebi came out with revised guidelines for system audit to be conducted by mutual funds and asset management companies (AMCs).

• Besides, mutual funds (MFs)/ AMCs have been directed to constitute a technology committee entrusted with the task of reviewing the cyber security and cyber resilience framework for MFs and AMCs.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sebi-comes-up-with-system-audit-framework-for-amcs-mfs-asks-to-form-technology-committee-119041101109_1.html

Indian foreign investment rose by 18%

• Foreign investment of Indian companies grew 18% to USD 2.69 billion in March as compared to the year-ago period, according to an RBI data.

• The domestic firms made investment of USD 2.28 billion in their subsidiaries and wholly-owned units abroad during March 2018.

• In February 2019, the investment by Indian firms stood at USD 1.71 billion.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indian-cos-foreign-investment-rises-18-pc-to-usd-2-69-bn-in-mar-119041101164_1.html

Reinsurance brokers can open FC accounts

• Reinsurance brokers have been permitted by RBI to open non-interest bearing foreign currency accounts with banks for undertaking transactions.

• Foreign currency account refers to a bank account held or maintained in currency other than the currency of India or Nepal or Bhutan.

• Earlier, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India had issued a notification in this regard.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/reinsurance-brokers-permitted-to-open-foreign-currency-accounts-rbi-119041101366_1.html

GPF interest retained at 8% for April-June

• The government has retained the interest rate for General Provident Fund (GPF) and other related schemes at 8% for the April-June quarter.

• The interest rate will be applicable on provident funds of central government employees, railways and defence forces.

• The rate is in line with that of the Public Provident Fund.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/gpf-interest-retained-at-8-for-april-june/article26801022.ece

EI launched banking via Whatsapp

• Emirates Islamic announced the launch of Chat Banking services for customers via WhatsApp, marking a global first in the Islamic banking sector.

• The bank’s customers will now be able to conduct daily banking activities via WhatsApp in a seamless and hassle-free manner.

• It is supported by Infobip and allows customers to use features such as checking account balances and more.

Source Link: https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/companies/story/Emirates_Islamic_becomes_worlds_first_Islamic_bank_to_launch_banking_via_WhatsApp-ZAWYA20190407092519/

HDFC AMC ranked 1st

• HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd has claimed the top spot with an average AUM of Rs.3.42 trillion.

• It overtook ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. Ltd with an average AUM of at Rs.3.20 trillion.

• India’s asset management companies (AMCs) own assets under management (AUM) worth Rs24.46 trillion, according to data released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi).

Source Link: https://blog.madguy.co/hdfc-amc-ranked-1st-in-terms-of-assets-amfi-report/

GlowRoad got $10 mn funding

• Social commerce platform GlowRoad has raised $10 million in a Series B funding round led by China’s CDH Investment.

• CDH Investment's other investments in India include Mayfair and Cashify, an online platform for selling used electronic products.

• GlowRoad was founded in 2017 by Sonal Verma, Kunal Sinha, Nitesh Pant, Shekhar Sahu, and Nilesh Padariya.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/glowroad-gets-10-mn-funding-from-china-cdh-investment-others-1554844093066.html

BSNL collected Rs 6500 crore revenue

• BSNL has collected a record revenue of ₹6,500 crore from enterprise segment, making it sufficiently funded, which will help in meeting its various requirement.

• BSNL has been ailing because of a high revenue-to-wage ratio as a large number of government employees were transferred by the telecom department to the telecom PSU.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/bsnl-collects-record-rs-6-500-cr-in-revenue-from-enterprise-division-1554813354411.html

SC to pay $1.1 billion for violations

• Standard Chartered agreed to pay $1.1 billion to US and British authorities for illegal financial transactions.

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• A former banker at the Dubai branch pleaded guilty in New York state court in connection with the conspiracy to violate sanctions.

• SC paid US authorities $667 million in 2012 for illegally moving millions of dollars through the US financial system.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/standard-chartered-to-pay-1-1-billion-for-sanctions-violations-1554825852957.html

SBI cut interest rates on home loans

• The State Bank of India has re-priced home loans up to Rs 30 lakh by 10 basis points.

• Accordingly, the interest rate on housing loans of such size will now be in the range of 8.6 to 8.9%.

• The bank has also lowered its lending rates by a nominal five basis points across all tenors.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=SBI-cuts-interest-rates-on-home-loans&id=362052

IMF forecasts dipped in global growth

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that global growth will be 3.3% in 2019, down from 3.6% in 2018 and 4% in 2017.

• This lower projection is due to lower global expansion in the second half of 2018 caused because of factors like U.S.-China trade tensions.

• India’s growth is projected to pick up (from 7.1% in 2018) to 7.3% in 2019 and 7.5% in 2020

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/imf-forecasts-dip-in-global-growth-in-2019/article26787555.ece

India's gold reserves increased

• India has marginally increased its gold holding in February while maintaining the tenth position among countries in terms of yellow metal reserves, as per the World Gold Council.

• India added 1.7 tonnes in February 2019 while most other countries, barring Russia and China, saw their reserves unchanged in the recent past.

• As per WGC, India had total gold reserves of 608.7 tonnes in February.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/indias-gold-reserves-increase-marginally-in-february-wgc/article26787509.ece

YouTube's largest growing market: India

• India has become YouTube’s largest and fastest growing market with 265 million Indians watching the video-sharing website every month.

• In the last one year, YouTube’s consumption on mobile has increased to 85%, with 60% of the watch time coming from outside the six largest metros in India.

• YouTube has more than 1,200 Indian creators crossing the million subscriber-milestone.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/india-becomes-youtubes-largest-and-fastest-growing-market/article26787513.ece

Avaada Energy raised Rs.1000 crore from ADB

• Avaada Energy Pvt Ltd raised ₹1,000 crore from investors such as the Asian Development Bank on 9 April 2019.

• The equity raised is for financing Avaada Energy’s 2.4 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy portfolio.

• Avaada Group is targeting a 5 GW capacity and has executed 2 GW of renewable energy project in India.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/avaada-energy-raises-rs-1-000-crore-from-adb-germany-s-deg-and-netherlands-fmo-1554787044599.html

PNB Housing Stake sale to boost PNB capital

• The PNB's 13% stake sale in PNB Housing Finance for ₹18.5 billion will strengthen the bank's capital, as per Moody's.

• The report said that it estimates the sale will increase PNB's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by about 40 basis points from the 6.9% reported in December 2018.

• The bank's pro forma CET1 ratio exceeds the Basel III March 2019 regulatory requirement of 7.375%.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/pnb-housing-stake-sale-to-boost-pnb-capital-moody-s-1554732566872.html

Singapore sold 6.8 crore shares of DLF

• Singapore government sold 6.8 crore shares of DLF for ₹1,298 crore through open market transaction, with its stock price tumbling sharply by over 8%.

• Singapore government held around 7.32 crore shares in DLF as on December 31, 2018 quarter, which were worth 4.11% stake in the realty company.

• Shares of the company closed at ₹184.60, 8.43% lower on the NSE.

SourceLink: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/singapore-govt-sells-6-8-crore-shares-of-dlf-for-rs1-298-crore-1554735367881.html

Coffee Day formed joint venture with Impact

• Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd, along with its subsidiary Coffee Day Global Ltd, announced that Japanese company Impact HD will acquire a 49% stake Coffee Day Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd for $15 million.

• Post subscription of equity shares by Impact HD, CDEL and CDGL will hold 51 % of the paid-up equity capital of CDCSPL.

• Coffee Day group will have 51% stake in the joint venture.

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Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/coffee-day-forms-joint-venture-with-japan-s-impact-hd-1554733076819.html

PVs grew 2.7% in FY19

• The passenger vehicle (PV) segment grew 2.7% in 2018-19, the slowest pace in the last five years, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

• According to SIAM data, passenger vehicle sales in the last fiscal stood at 33,77,436 units, compared to 32,88,581 units in 2017-18.

• This is the slowest pace of growth for the industry since 2013-14, when sales declined 6.7%.

Source Link: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-business/pvs-grew-27-in-fy19-the-slowest-in-5-years/article26776295.ece

RBI issued norms for banks

• The Reserve Bank of India came out with guidelines for banks to set up new currency chests, which include a minimum area of 1,500 square feet for a strong room.

• Besides, the new chests should have a processing capacity of 6.6 lakh pieces of banknotes per day.

• For those situated in the hilly/ inaccessible places, a capacity of 2.1 lakh pieces of banknotes per day.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/rbi-issues-norms-for-banks-to-set-up-currency-chests-119040801103_1.html

SEBI gave nod for Airport fund

• SEBI has approved an ‘Airport’ specific fund of capital up to Rs 10,000 crore as a Category II AIF.

• Chennai-based ‘Taking Off To The Future Investment Management LLP’ is the sponsor and the investment manager of the fund.

• The management and operation of ‘Sponsor/Investment Manager’ is led by its designated partner Gigi George.

Source Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/in-a-first-sebi-gives-nod-to-rs-10000-crore-airport-fund/articleshow/68746758.cms

Coal import rose to 8% in Apr-Feb FY 2019

• India's coal import increased by 7.8% to 212.11 million tonnes in the April-February period of FY19 as per a report.

• The country produced 196.59 million tonnes (MT) of coal in the April-February period of fiscal 2017-18, according to the report by mjunction services.

• Coal imports in the month of February was at 18.31 MT (provisional) as compared to 21.15 MT (revised) in January 2019.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/coal-import-rises-8-to-212-mt-in-april-february-fy19-1554614514681.html

BPEA to acquire 30% stake in NIIT Tech

• Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) agreed to buy a 30% stake in NIIT Technologies Ltd for about ₹2,627 crore ($381 million).

• Funds affiliated with BPEA have signed definitive agreements to purchase the stake totalling 18.85 million shares of NIIT Technologies from NIIT Ltd and other promoter entities.

• Baring will acquire the shares at ₹1,394 apiece.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/baring-pe-asia-to-acquire-30-stake-in-niit-tech-for-381-million-1554662230783.html

India's eco growth driven by domestic demand

• According to World Bank India's economic growth has been driven by domestic demand and its exports were about one-third of its potential.

• According to World Bank the next government needs to focus on export-led growth in India.

• In the last five years, India's overall growth was "too much" driven by domestic demand.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-s-economic-growth-driven-by-domestic-demand-need-to-focus-on-exports-wb-1554693576745.html

Fitch affirms India's rating at BBB-

• Fitch Ratings kept India's sovereign rating unchanged at the lowest investment grade of BBB- with a stable outlook.

• Fitch expects growth of 6.8% in the fiscal year ending March 2020 (FY 20) and 7.1% in FY 21.

• Gross FDI inflows into India of 1.4% of GDP in the year through the third quarter of FY 18 were below 1.7% of GDP four years earlier.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/fitch-affirms-india-s-rating-at-bbb-with-stable-outlook-119040400897_1.html

RBI sets WMA Limit for Government

• The Reserve Bank of India has decided that the limits for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for the first half of the financial year 2019-20 will be Rs 75000 crore.

• The interest rate on WMA will be Repo Rate and overdraft will be 2% above the Repo Rate.

• RBI may trigger fresh flotation of market loans when the Government of India utilises 75% of the WMA limit.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/rbi-sets-wma-limit-for-

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Sports

Eni Nuraeni: Best Athletic Coach in Asia

• Indonesian Eni Nuraeni was named by Asian Athletic Association (AAA) as the best athletic coach in Asia for the short-haul run category in 2019.

• It was announced by Indonesian athletic sports association (PB PASI).

• Eni coaches young sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri to win the 100m gold medal in 10.20 seconds in the 2019 Grand Prix Malaysia Open athletics championships.

Source Link: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-04/10/c_137966270.htm

Paralympics medallist won Fellowship

• Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik was named as the recipient of the New Zealand Prime Minister's Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2019 in recognition of her 'inspiring achievements'.

• She will work to promote sporting, cultural as well people-to-people relationship between India and New Zealand.

• She is a recipient of India's civilian honour Padma Shri and the Arjuna Award.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/paralympics-medallist-deepa-wins-new-zealand-pm-s-sir-edmund-hillary-fellowship-119041100647_1.html

Virat Kohli: Wisden's Leading Cricketer

• Team India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Wisden Almanack’s ‘Leading Cricketer of the Year’ for the third time in a row.

• He smashed 2,735 runs in 47 international innings at an average of 68.37 in 2018, including 11 hundred and 9 fifties.

• Smriti Mandhana has been named the Women’s Leading Cricketer of the Year for 2018.

Source Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/kohli-named-wisdens-leading-cricketer-in-the-world/articleshow/68816765.cms

Muguruza claimed Monterrey Open Title

• Garbine Muguruza of Spain successfully claimed back-to-back Monterrey Open title 2019 as Victoria Azarenka succumbed to injury in the final.

• Asia Muhammad & Maria Sanchez claimed women's doubles title in Monterrey Open & the Monterrey Open is a professional women's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts.

Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/tennis/story/monterrey-open-final-garbine-muguruza-wins-victoria-azarenka-retires-1496699-2019-04-08

Kushagra Rawat qualified for 2020 Olympics

• Indian swimmer Kushagra Rawat qualified for 2020 Olympics on 7 April 2019.

• He did so after achieving the B standard of the 800m freestyle event at the Speedo Thailand Age Group Championships in Bangkok.

• Rawat clocked 08.07.99 to cross the Olympic Games B standard qualifying time of 08:08.54 for the men's 800m freestyle event.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/swimmer-rawat-takes-a-step-towards-olympics-qualification-achieves-b-standard-119040700581_1.html

Lin Dan clinched Malaysia Open

• Chinese badminton ace Lin Dan clinched the Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur on 7 April 2019.

• After an electric performance, he beat countryman Chen Long 9-21, 21-7, 21-11.

• The title is Lin's first win this year, and also his first major success since taking the Malaysia Open in 2017.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Lin-Dan-clinches-Malaysia-Open&id=361968

Defence

Virtual Reality Centre launched by Indian Navy

• Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba inaugurated a new state-of-the-art, Virtual Reality Centre (VRC) in New Delhi.

• It will provide a major boost to indigenous warship design capabilities of the Navy.

• The project will facilitate collaborative design reviews to improve design and ergonomics onboard warships.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=VRC-launched-to-boost-indigenous-warship-design-capabilities&id=362184

AFC Conference inaugurated

• The first bi-annual Commanders’ Conference of IAF for the year 2019 began on 11 April 2019 at the Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan).

• Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa welcomed the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman to the conference.

• The theme of the conference is ‘Enhancing our operational capability in the short and long term’.

SourceLink: http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1570455

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Procurement of 464 T-90 tanks cleared

• The government has cleared the procurement of 464 T-90 tanks from Russia in a deal worth over Rs 13,500 crore, despite the tensions with Pakistan.

• Under the new deal, the tanks would be provided to the Armoured Corps of the force which will use them for deployment along the border with Pakistan.

• The new deal would increase the number of T-90s in the Army to close to 2,000.

Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-clears-procurement-of-464-t-90-tanks-amid-growing-tension-with-pakistan-1497936-2019-04-09

INS Shikra hosted Naval Investiture Ceremony

• The Naval Investiture Ceremony was held at the naval helicopter base INS Shikra of Western Naval Command (WNC), Mumbai on 10 April 19.

• Admiral Sunil Lanba conferred Gallantry and non-Gallantry Awards to meritorious personnel, as well as citations to Naval units which have distinguished themselves during the past year.

• A 50-men Guard of Honour was paraded during the ceremonial parade.

Source Link: http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1570368

India-Singapore joint exercise conducted

• Armed forces of India and Singapore kicked off a joint military exercise, ‘Bold Kurukshetra–2019’, in Jhansi’s Babina Cantonment on 8 April 2019.

• The 3-day exercise is aimed at bolstering cooperation against terrorism, developing defence technology and improving maritime security.

• India and Singapore entered into an official agreement in November 2017 to strengthen defence ties.

Source Link: https://swarajyamag.com/insta/bold-kurukshetra2019-india-and-singapore-kick-off-joint-military-exercise-in-jhansi

Indo-Sri Lanka joint exercise concluded

• The 6th edition of the joint military training exercise between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army, Exercise Mitra Shakti concluded in Sri Lanka on 8 April 2019.

• The 2-week long training had commenced on 26th March 2019

• The 2 army contingents also shared the best practices of each other to further enhance their learning experiences.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Indo-Sri-Lanka-joint-exercise-Mitra-Shakti-VI-concludes-in-Sri-Lanka&id=362006

Army gets more fire power with Dhanush

• The Indian Army received the first batch of six 'Dhanush' artillery guns from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

• The guns were handed over by Saurabh Kumar, Director General, Ordnance Factories and the OFB chairman, at a ceremony organised in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

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• The 155mm x 45 calibre modern artillery gun system was developed by the Ordnance Factories jointly with the Army.

Source Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/army-gets-more-fire-power-with-dhanush-artillery-guns-119040801024_1.html

CRPF celebrated 54th Valour Day

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated its 54th Valour Day on 9 April 2019.

• On this day, in 1965, a small contingent of 2nd Battalion of CRPF successfully fought and repulsed an attack by a Pakistani Brigade on Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

• On the Occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the martyrs of police at National Police Memorial in New Delhi.

SourceLink: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=CRPF-celebrating-its-54th-Valour-Day-today&id=362024

Expedition to Karakoram Pass flagged off

• The Himalayan Heights Expedition was flagged off on 7 April 2019 from Karu Military Station.

• 14 days, 11 bikes and 1 dream expedition, the expedition from Leh to KK Pass will cover over 1,000 km and is likely to qualify for inclusion in the record books.

• The expedition is led by Indian Army team comprising riders from Army Service Corps, Royal Enfield, and Himalayan Motorsports.

SourceLink: http://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1570136

NC won air weapon championship for 4th time

• Udhampur-based Northern Command has won the 15th edition of General J J Singh air weapon championship for the fourth consecutive time.

• The championship was conducted at Army Marksmanship Unit, Mhow between March 25 and April 3, 2019.Over 100 male and female young shooters from across the Indian Army competed in the 10-meter air rifle and air pistol categories.

Source Link: https://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/pti-stories/northern-command-wins-air-weapon-championship-for-the-fourth-time-119040600695_1.html

INS Shakti to take part in Chinese celebration

• Two Indian naval ships INS 'Kolkata' and 'Shakti' would take part in the Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary of celebrations later in April 2019.

• The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from 21 to 26 April to participate in an International Fleet Review to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Source Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ins-kolkata-ins-shakti-to-take-part-in-chinese-navy-s-anniversary-celebrations-1554612391855.html

India evacuated CRPF contingent from Libya

• India evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation suddenly worsened in Libya.

• The CRPF contingent was deployed as a peacekeeping force in Tripoli.

• The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike in an area in Tripoli & Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya.

Source Link: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=India-evacuates-peacekeeping-CRPF-contingent-from-Libya-says-EAM-Sushma-Swaraj&id=361984

BAC Conference began

• The biannual Army Commanders’ Conference began in New Delhi on 8 April 2019.

• Important issues were discussed such as the management of the extant security dynamics, mitigation of future security threats and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries.

• Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered her opening address at the conference.

SourceLink: http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Biannual-Army-Commanders%E2%80%99-Conference-to-begin-in-New-Delhi-today&id=361985

Battle of Kangla Tongbi: Platinum Jubilee

• The Battle of Kangla Tongbi, considered one of the fiercest battles of World War II, was fought by Ordnance personnel of 221 Advance Ordnance Depot (AOD) on the night of 6/7 April 1944.

• The Platinum Jubilee of the Battle of Kangla Tongbi War was commemorated on 7 April 2019 by Army Ordnance Corps at Kangla Tongbi War Memorial near Imphal.

Source Link: http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1570137