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Current Affairs Magic

Weekly Current Affairs Update

Current Affairs magic March 18 to 24, 2018 www.globalias.in

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For the Week: March 18 to 24, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Results of Rajya Sabha elections held across 6 states declared

UGC grants full autonomy to 62 higher educational institutes

BrahMos missile tested fired with an indigenous 'seeker'

Scholarships given to students under Deendayal Sparsh Yojana

Govt decides to declare 2018 as National Year of Millets

First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words launched

Term of G Rohini Commission on sub-categorisation of OBCs extended

Govt rescinds education fee cap for martyrs' children

Navy warship INS Ganga decommissioned in Mumbai

CISF launches mobile app for lost items at airports

Mrinal Pande, Zafar Agha to lead AJL editorial team

Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

Indian diplomats attend Pakistan Day parade for first time

India, China presses for peace, tranquillity in border areas

India was world's biggest arms importer in 2013-17: SIPRI

India among 20 countries to take $100 mn pledge to help Palestine refugees

WTO Ministerial Meeting held in New Delhi

39 Indians kidnapped by Islamic State in Mosul are dead

100 women get British Council's 70th anniversary scholarships

Indo-French naval exercise 'Varuna-18' organised off Goa coast

India signs double taxation avoidance pact with Hong Kong

SAARC Business Leaders Conclave organised in Nepal

US slaps anti-dumping duty on Chinese, Indian steel flanges

Air India begins direct flight service between India-Israel

India Innovation Growth Programme earmarks USD 2 mn funding for 2018

Germany‟s President comes on India visit

Section C: WORLD

2017 costliest year ever for weather, climate disasters: World Meteorological Organisation

Earth Hour observed on March 24; WWF-India launches "Give Up to Give Back" initiative

Maldives President Gayoom ends emergency after 45 days

Sri Lanka President Sirisena ends emergency as ethnic tensions subside

Gulf Shield 1 Joint drills begin in Saudi Arabia

World‟s largest cruise ship sets sail from French port

US imposes sanctions on Iranians for worldwide cyber theft

US Federal Reserve hikes interest rate by 0.25%

World Poetry Day celebrated on March 21

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed on March 21

World Meteorological Day celebrated on March 23

International Day of Forests observed on March 21

World Down Syndrome Day observed on March 21

World Sparrow Day observed on March 20

World Water Day observed on March 22

Meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors held in Argentina




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8th World Water Forum organised in Brasilia

Turkey-backed forces take full control of centre of Syrian city of Afrin

Russia expels 23 British diplomats in spy poisoning row

Singapore, Paris are world's costliest cities: EIU

Greece launches its own space agency

44 nations sign pact establishing African Continental Free Trade Area

Raja Ravi Varma's 'Tilottama' fetches over Rs 5 cr at Sotheby's sale

Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang reelected as China‟s President and Premier

Vladimir Putin reelected President of Russia

Mauritius President resigns amid allegations of 'credit card' misuse

Martin Vizcarra sworn in as new President of Peru

John Bolton appointed new US National Security Adviser

Famed Iranian philosopher Shayegan dies at age 83

Thriller writer Philip Kerr dies aged 62

Vietnam's ex-PM Phan Van Khai dies at age 85

World's last male northern white Rhino 'Sudan' dies in Kenya

Myanmar President U. Htin Kyaw resigns

Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DAE unit develops device to measure uranium traces in water

ISRO, BHEL tie up to make Li-Ion cells

Russia's Soyuz MS-08 manned spacecraft docks with International Space Station

TN students develop secure pen drive for ISRO to avoid data theft

Section E: AWARDS

Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Award-2017 given

British teacher wins USD 1 mn global best teacher award in UAE

Biplab Sarkar wins Glenfiddichs Emerging Artist award

Canadian mathematician Langlands wins Abel Prize

NHAI receives Best Design Pavilion Award at 105th Indian Science Congress at Imphal

Ahmedabad airport receives award for 'Most Improved Airport'

G.K. Reddy award presented to journalist Karan Thapar

Section F: BANKING & FINANCE

Govt issues norms for appt of NFRA chairperson, members

SEBI exempts govt from open offers for six PSBs post capital infusion

PNB starts Mission Parivartan to curb repeat of another Nirav Modi scam

Govt introduces bill in Lok Sabha to ban unregulated deposit schemes

HDFC Bank signs MoU with Government e-Marketplace

Section G: ECONOMY

Tax-free gratuity cap doubled to Rs 20 lakh

Govt extends facility of fixed term employment for all sectors

Lok Sabha passes bill to prevent scrutiny of foreign poll funds to parties

Govt launches Sand Mining Framework to check illegal extraction

UIDAI to introduce „Face ID‟ from July 1 for Aadhaar authentication

Textile Ministry to set up ministerial panel on R&D

Gov notifies draft guidelines for public procurement of medical devices

Telecom subscriber base dips 1.3% to 1.17 billion in January: TRAI




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Forex reserves down by USD 152.4 mn to USD 421.334 bn

IRDAI asks insurers not reject claims on grounds of genetic disorder

SC caps fee charged by HCs for information under RTI law at Rs 50

ED creates new post of Principal Special Director

Section H: CORPORATE

Govt issues notice to Cambridge Analytica in Facebook data breach case

NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation ink agreement to transform Aspirational Districts

UltraTech to buy Binani Cement, seeks end to insolvency proceedings

Tata Steel selected as successful applicant to buy debt-ridden Bhushan Steel

Govt invites EoI for strategic stake sale in Scooters India

Mishra Dhatu Nigam IPO subscribed 1.21 times

JioMusic merges with Saavn to create $1 b streaming entity

Snapchat rolls out Map Explore

Mahindra, Ford to jointly develop SUVs, electric vehicle

Future Group to be IPL's official partner for next 3 years

Kumar Mangalam Birla to be Chairman of merged Vodafone-Idea entity

Bayer wins EU approval for $62.5 billion Monsanto buy

IBM launches AI-powered 'Watson Assistant' for businesses

IRCTC introduces billing through Point of Sale in trains

Triumph launches all-new TIGER 800 bikes range

Hindujas named richest British Asians in UK for fifth year

Aamir Khan replaces Ranveer Singh as Vivo India's brand ambassador

Section I: STATES

Delhi HC quashes disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs

After Maharashtra and Haryana, UP allows women on night shift in factories

UP's Robertsganj railway station renamed Sonbhadra

Bihar Diwas celebrated on March 22

Garhwal rifle war memorial hostel inaugurated in Uttarakhand

Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats notified as religious minority in Karnataka

Kerala Govt decides to write off loans of endosulphan victims

App mKeralam launched for access to govt. services

Jackfruit declared as Kerala's official fruit

MEA's 'Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar' launched in Hyderabad

Safe Water Network, Honeywell launch 100th safe water station

Telangana govt increases Kalyana Lakshmi scheme benefit to Rs 1 lakh

RBI Ex-Governor Raghuram Rajan, corporates and academics to set up Krea University in AP

AP Govt. launches Naipunya Ratham or World on Wheels

Centre approves IAF base at Deesa in Gujarat

Gujarat's Madhavpur Mela to showcase cultural integration with Northeast

Gujarat CM lays foundation stone for Rs 35 crore sports university

President dedicates Odisha's Anand Bhawan museum to people

President releases commemorative coins on Nabakalebar festival

Noted Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh dies at 83

Senior journalist Sunil Sharma dies at 49

Former Bengal minister Pratim Chatterjee dies at 79

Satya Pal Malik takes oath as Odisha Governor

Lalu Prasad sentenced to 14 yrs in prison in fourth fodder scam case




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Puducherry Lt Governor launches project to revive Sankarabarni river

Section J: SPORTS

Shi Yuqi, Tai Tzu Ying win Singles titles at All England Open Badminton

India win 5 gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney

Vidarbha wins Irani Trophy cricket

India win Nidahas T20I tri-series in Colombo

Afghanistan qualify for 2019 World Cup

England‟s Stuart Broad reaches 400 test wickets milestone

Australia beat India in women‟s ODI series 3-0

Govt to set up three international-level sports centres for disabled

Chennaiyin FC Chhetri win Indian Super League title

Poland selected host of 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup

FIFA gives VAR green light for World Cup

Argentina‟s footballer Rene Houseman dies at 64

Table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh suspended

Sindhu to be India's flag-bearer in Gold Coast CWG

Pankaj Advani retains Asian Billiards title

Ng On-yee of Hong Kong wins women‟s World snooker championship

Kerala, Railways win Federation Cup volleyball tournament

Sahaj Grover wins Broadwalk Pearson Open chess tournament

Juan Martin del Potro wins Men‟s Singles title at Indian Wells Masters tennis

USA tops medals tally at PyeongChang Winter Paralympics

Abhishek Mishra wins Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally




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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Results of Rajya Sabha elections held across 6 states declared

The results of Rajya Sabha elections held across six states including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Telangana was

declared on March 23, 2018.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory on nine seats while Samajwadi Party managed to bag one seat. BJP candidates, who have

been elected to the Upper House in the State include Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, GVL Narasimha Rao, Harnath Yadav, Ashok Bajpai, Vijay Pal Singh

Tomar, Kanta Kardam, Sakaldeep Rajbhar and Anil Aggarwal. Samajwadi Party candidate Jaya Bachchan managed to bag one seat and elected to the Upper

House from the state.

In West Bengal, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi bagged one seat while Trinamool Congress secured four seats.

In Chattisgarh, BJP general secretary Saroj Pandey was declared elected to the Upper House.

In Kerala, Janata Dal (United) Sharad Yadav faction leader MP Veerendra Kumar was elected to Rajya Sabha.

In Karnataka, Congress candidates Dr L Hanumanthaiah, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain and G C Chandrasekhar and BJP‟s Rajeev Chandrasekhar was declared

elected to the Upper House.

In Telangana, three leaders of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) including B Prakash, J Santosh Kumar and AB Lingaiah Yadav were elected.

In Jharkhand both Congress Party and BJP bagged one seat each. Dheeraj Sahu of Congress Party and Sameer Oraon of BJP won the Rajya Sabha seats.

Voting for 25 of 59 Rajya Sabha seats was conducted on March 23. A total number of 59 vacancies will be created in the Rajya Sabha in April that

necessitated the elections.

Earlier on March 15, 33 candidates from 10 states were unanimously elected. Seven Union Ministers, including Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar,

were among them.

UGC grants full autonomy to 62 higher educational institutes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on March 20, 2018 approved full autonomy for 62 higher educational institutions, including JNU, BHU, AMU, TERI

and University of Hyderabad, which have maintained high standards of excellence.

The decision was taken at a UGC meeting in New Delhi where five central universities, 21 state universities, 26 private universities besides 10 other colleges

were granted autonomy under the Autonomous Colleges Regulation.

Union Human resource Development minister Prakash Javadekar said the UGC move which will enable the selected institutes to decide their admission

procedure, fee structure and curriculum, among others. They will also get freedom to start new courses, new departments, new programmes, off campuses,

skill courses, research parks, appoint foreign faculty, take foreign students , offer variable incentive packages and introduce online distance learning.

The central universities which have been granted autonomy include--Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Banaras Hindu

University (BHU), University of Hyderabad and the English and Foreign Languages University, Telangana.

The state universities which have been granted the autonomous status are Jadavpur University, Andhra University, Algappa University, National University of

Law, Utkal University, Kurukshetra University, Osmania University, Guru Nanak Dev University, University of Jammu, University of Mysore, Anna University,

Panjab University and University of Madras, among others.

OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat and Pandit Deen Dayal Petroleum University, Gujarat are among the private universities selected by the UGC for the

autonomous status.




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The 10 colleges which have been granted autonomy will have full freedom but not degree awarding powers. The colleges will be free to conduct admissions,

decide curriculum, conduct exams on their own and evaluate them and declare the results. However, the degrees which will be awarded will have the

university name along with theirs.

BrahMos missile tested fired with an indigenous 'seeker'

India on March 22, 2018 successfully test fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with an indigenous 'seeker' at Rajasthan's Pokhran test range,

enhancing the country's capability to hit enemy targets at a range of up to 400 km.

It was for the first time that the missile, capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 3.0, or three times the speed of sound, was tested with indigenously

developed 'seeker' technology. The seeker - developed by the DRDO - determines the accuracy of a missile by guiding it to the target.

The test firing comes three months after the BrahMos cruise missile was successfully test fired from the Indian Air Force's front-line Sukhoi-30 MKI combat

jet.

BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. is a joint venture between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyeniya of Russia. India holds a 50.5% share stake in the company and Russia

holds the other 49.5%. The name BrahMos is formed from the names of two rivers: the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia. India‟s Army and the

Navy have already inducted the missile. Sudhir Mishra is CMD of BrahMos

Scholarships given to students under Deendayal Sparsh Yojana

Minister for Communications Manoj Sinha on March 20, 2018 presented scholarships to students under Deendayal Sparsh Yojana in New Delhi.

Sinha also released commemorative postage stamp on the solar system and a special cover on eminent cosmologist Prof Stephen Hawking who passed away

recently.

Deendayal SPARSH Yojana, a Pan India scholarship program for school children was launched in November 2017 to increase the reach of Philately. Around 20

thousand students participated in it and 880 students were awarded.

Under the scheme of SPARSH (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby), annual scholarships are given to children of

Standard VI to IX having the good academic record and also pursuing Philately as a hobby through a competitive selection process in all postal circles.

Every Postal Circle selects a maximum of 40 scholarships representing 10 students each from Standard VI, VII, VIII and IX and the amount of Scholarship is 6

thousand rupees per annum and 500 rupees will be given to students per month.

Govt decides to declare 2018 as National Year of Millets

The government has decided to declare 2018 as 'National Year of Millets to boost the cultivation of millets like ragi and jowar on a mission mode to achieve

nutritional security. This was stated by Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh while addressing MPs in a consultative committee meeting in New Delhi on

March 22, 2018. The Minister said millet cultivation has declined due to change in dietary habits and unavailability of millets. As a result of this, level of

nutrients like proteins, Vitamin-A, iron and iodine fell in women and children. This has led to a special focus on millets, which are being promoted under the

National Food Security Mission (NFSM). Millets are coarse grains and a repository of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. They include jowar (sorghum), ragi

(finger millet), korra (foxtail millet), arke (kodo millet), sama (little millet), bajra (pearl millet), chena/barr (proso millet) and sanwa (barnyard millet).

First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words launched

First Indian Sign Language Dictionary of 3000 words was launched by Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment in New

Delhi on March 23, 2018. The dictionary has been developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC) under Department of

Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), M/o Social Justice & Empowerment. Gehlot said that the basic aim of developing the ISL Dictionary is to

remove communications barriers between the deaf and hearing communities as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language.

Term of G Rohini Commission on sub-categorisation of OBCs extended

The Union cabinet on March 21, 2018 extended the term of a five-member commission, headed by Justice (retd) G Rohini, which is looking into the sub-

categorisation of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), till June 20. The commission was formed with the approval of President Ram Nath Kovind on October 2,

2017. It has interacted with all the states and Union territories that have reservation for OBCs and the state backward class commissions. The commission has

requisitioned data from higher education institutes regarding admission of OBCs in the last three years.




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Govt rescinds education fee cap for martyrs' children

The government on March 22, 2018 removed the cap of Rs 10,000 per month on educational assistance given to children of martyrs or those disabled in

action, eight months after imposing it. A government order in July 2017 said that the assistance under the scheme cannot exceed Rs 10,000 per month.

Under the scheme, which was initially rolled out in 1972, tuition fee of children of martyrs or those disabled in action were completely waived in schools,

colleges and other professional educational institutions.

Navy warship INS Ganga decommissioned in Mumbai

INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned in Mumbai on March 22, 2018, after over three decades of service.

Commissioned on December 30, 1985, the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship building capability.

CISF launches mobile app for lost items at airports

The CISF has launched a mobile application through which travellers can register complaints to recover items they lost or forgot at various airports. The app

called 'Lost and Found' can be downloaded from the website of the Information and Technology Ministry. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guards

59 civil airports across the country.

RECENT BOOKS

Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World by Snigdha Poonam

Tales of Man Singh: King of Indian Dacoits by Kenneth Anderson

Demonetization and the Black Economy by Arun Kumar

Across the Universe: The Beatles in India by Ajoy Bose

Divided: Why we‟re Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall

The ISIS Caliphate: From Syria to the Doorsteps of India by Stanly Johny

A Time For All Things: Collected Essays and Sketches by Ruskin Bond

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu

Domestic Workers of the World Unite: A Global Movement for Dignity and Human Rights by Jennifer N. Fish

Pakistan‟s Nuclear Bomb: A Story of Defiance, Deterrence and Deviance by Hassan Abbas

Auroville: Dream & Reality by Edited and introduced by Akash Kapur

NEWSMAKERS

Mrinal Pande, Zafar Agha to lead AJL editorial team

The Associated Journals Limited, a company founded in 1937 by Jawaharlal Nehru, on March 20, 2018 said it has appointed journalist Mrinal Pande as Group

Senior Editorial Advisor. Pande was chairperson of the Prasar Bharti and is the founder president of the Indian Women's Press Corps. She is also a Padma Shri

awardee. AJL also announced the appointment of Zafar Agha as Group Editor-in-Chief for its newspapers and digital properties. AJL is the publisher of

newspapers National Herald (English), Qaumi Awaz (Urdu) and Navjivan (Hindi).




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Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Indian diplomats attend Pakistan Day parade for first time

For the first time, senior Indian military officials and diplomats posted in Islamabad attended the military parade to mark the Pakistan Day on March 23, 2018.

The Pakistan Army had invited, for the first time, Indian Defence Attaché and senior diplomats of the Indian High Commission to join the March 23

celebrations.

On the same day, Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood returned to New Delhi a week after he was called back for consultations amid the

raging row between India and Pakistan over harassment of diplomats. The event at the Pakistan High Commission was attended by Union Minister of State

for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23 each year. The Lahore Resolution, which is also called Pakistan Resolution, passed on

March 23, 1940, is considered a major milestone in the Muslim struggle for an independent Muslim state which was later called Pakistan.

India, China presses for peace, tranquillity in border areas

India and China underlined that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the respective border areas was an important pre-requisite for the further

development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The 11th

round of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) for India-China Border Affairs was held in New Delhi on March 22,

2018.

Various confidence-building measures were aimed at further enhancing the level of mutual trust and understanding between border personnel were

discussed.

The WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the

India-China border areas, as well as to exchange views on strengthening communication and cooperation, including between their border security personnel.

India was world's biggest arms importer in 2013-17: SIPRI

India is the world's biggest importer of weapons, accounting for 12% of global purchases during the past five years because it is not able to produce enough

arms to meet its requirements, according to the authoritative Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India's imports rose 24% during the

past five calendar years, 2013-17, compared to the previous five-year period, 2008-12, according to a SIPRI study released in March 2018.

The share of India's imports from the US increased from 2.7% of its total during 2008-12 to 15% in the latest five-year period - recording a 557% increase.

Israel has moved up to the third spot accounting for 11% of India's imports during the 2013-17, compared to 3.7% in 2008-12 showing a 285% increase.

Russia had a 62% share of India's arms imports during the past five years, down from 79% in 2008-12, according to SIPRI.

India among 20 countries to take $100 mn pledge to help Palestine refugees

India is among 20 nations that have pledged a total of about $100 million to the UN relief agency charged with the well-being of Palestinian refugees across

the Middle East. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced gratitude for the generous pledges of approximately $100 million made at the Extraordinary

Ministerial Conference in Rome on March 15 titled 'Preserving Dignity and Sharing Responsibility Mobilizing Collective Action for UNRWA'. Giving details of

the pledges made by the nations, Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on March 23, 2018 that the Emir of Qatar pledged $50 million in new

contributions, while Norway pledged $13.6 million, Turkey $10 million and a doubling of their food aid, Canada $7.7 million, India $5 million and Switzerland

$4.2 million.

WTO Ministerial Meeting held in New Delhi

The informal World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting was organised in New Delhi on March 19-20, 2018. The informal meeting of ministers was

meant to provide an opportunity to engage in free and frank discussions with the hope that it will lead to political guidance on some major issues.

39 Indians kidnapped by Islamic State in Mosul are dead




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Thirty-nine Indians kidnapped by the Islamic State in Iraq's Mosul in 2014 are dead, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on March 20, 2018. All of

them were construction workers, mostly from Punjab, and were employed by an Iraqi company in Mosul. They were taken hostage by Islamic State militants

when they took control of the second largest city in Iraq in 2014. Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh visited Iraq, days after Mosul was liberated by

Iraqi forces from the rule of Islamic State. Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha that their bodies were exhumed from mass graves and their identities confirmed by

DNA tests.

100 women get British Council's 70th

anniversary scholarships

Altogether 100 Indian women scholars have been awarded the British Council's 70th Anniversary Scholarships. The Anniversary Scholarships, the first British

Council scholarship programme solely for women, cover tuition fees for a one-year Master's course in science, technology, engineering or mathematics

during the 2018-19 academic year. This was announced by the British Council on March 20, 2018. The 100 scholars will be attending 44 British universities in

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Indo-French naval exercise 'Varuna-18' organised off Goa coast

The first phase of India-France joint naval exercise, "Varuna-18", was organised in the Arabian Sea off the Goa coast from March 19 to 24, 2018. The second

phase will be held off the Chennai coast in April and the third near the La Reunion Island in May. The Indian Navy and the French Navy have been conducting

naval exercises since 1983. These exercises were christened as "Varuna" in 2001.

India signs double taxation avoidance pact with Hong Kong

India and Hong Kong on March 19, 2018 signed a bilateral double taxation avoidance treaty to curb evasion and promote flow of investment. The Agreement

for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Hong

Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It will also prevent double taxation and provide for exchange of information between the two countries. It will

improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.

SAARC Business Leaders Conclave organised in Nepal

Under the theme “Unleashing Shared Prosperity through Economic Integration” 6th

SAARC Business Leaders Conclave was organised from March 16 to 18,

2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Conclave hosted business delegates, governments and ministers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,

Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Conclave was organized jointly by SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of

Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and with support of Nepalese government. The SAARC CCI has

been facilitating and promoting trade, service, industry, Small and Medium Enterprise, agriculture in the SAARC region through creating strong business

linkages among the entrepreneurs of South Asia.

US slaps anti-dumping duty on Chinese, Indian steel flanges

The US on March 20, 2018 announced its decision to slap an anti-dumping duty on the stainless steel flanges imported from China and India after it found in

its preliminary probe that both the countries had provided subsidies to the exporters. The Department of Commerce has found that exporters from China

and India have sold stainless steel flanges in the US at 257.11 per cent and 18.10 to 145.25 per cent less than fair value, respectively. In 2016, imports of

stainless steel flanges from China and India were valued at an estimated USD16.3 million and USD32.1 million, respectively.

Air India begins direct flight service between India-Israel

In what can be seen as a boost to India-Israel ties, the state-run carrier airline, Air India on March 22, 2018 inaugurated its direct flight service between New

Delhi and Tel Aviv. This is also the first flight that will fly over Saudi Arabia covering a shorter route that will save three hours, to complete the journey in mere

seven hours.

India Innovation Growth Programme earmarks USD 2 mn funding for 2018

Tata Trusts, Lockheed Martin and Department of Science and Technology (DST) have earmarked USD 2 million for the 2018 edition of the India Innovation

Growth Programme (IIGP) 2.0 which focuses on providing support to startups in the country. The partners intend to invest the amount for the seed money

and to provide support to entrepreneurs to develop technology-based solutions in various fields like agriculture, healthcare, water, energy and life sciences.

The IIGP 2.0 was launched in 2017. The first edition of the programme that began in 2007 and ran for a decade provided support to a total of around 500

startups.

NEWSMAKERS




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Germany’s President comes on India visit

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Sunder Nursery, a 90-acre heritage park in central Delhi on March 24, 2018.

During the meeting, both the leaders discussed ways to further deepen ties between the two countries in various areas.

Steinmeier arrived on a five day visit to India on March 23. The German President also met his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah

Naidu and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe. In 2016-17, the bilateral trade turnover was USD 18.76 billion. In 2016-17, India exported goods worth

USD 7.18 billion to Germany and imported goods worth USD 11.58 billion.

Germany is the 7th largest foreign direct investor in India and the cumulative German FDI in India from April 2000 to December 2017 is USD 10.71 billion or

2.91 per cent of total FDI, according to official figures.




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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

2017 costliest year ever for weather, climate disasters: World Meteorological Organisation

Weather and climate disasters cost countries about 320 billion dollars last year making 2017 the most expensive year on record.

This was stated in the State of Climate 2017 report of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Major monsoon floods in the Indian subcontinent and

severe droughts across East Africa also contributed to 2017 being the costliest year on record for severe weather and climate events.

The report said, the North Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest ever for the US and eradicated decades of development gains in small islands in the

Caribbean, such as Dominica. The study also elaborated that the monsoon season in South Asia brought the worst flooding in the region in recent times.

Earth Hour observed on March 24; WWF-India launches "Give Up to Give Back" initiative

Earth Hour was observed on March 24 with people in many cities around the world switching off all non-essential lights at office and residence from 8:30 to

9:30 PM. Earth Hour is the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment where citizens around the world unite to take a stand against climate

change by turning off non-essential lights for one hour.

Earth Hour was conceived by WWF and The Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, when residents of Sydney participated by turning off all non-essential lights.

Following Sydney‟s lead, many other cities around the world adopted the event in 2008.

On the occasion of Earth Hour, 2018, WWF-India launched the "Give Up to Give Back" initiative to inspire organisations, institutions and individuals to make

the choice to curb some habits, practices and lifestyles that burden the environment. The campaign includes taking steps like giving up single-use plastics,

giving up fossil fuels, giving up lonely car rides for your employees, give up e-waste among others.

Maldives President Gayoom ends emergency after 45 days

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on March 22, 2018 lifted the Emergency imposed in the country in February 2018. According to a

statement from the Maldives government, the announcement of Emergency was precipitated by a constitutional crisis created by two justices of the Supreme

Court who "conspired with political actors to violate both the Constitution and standard legal norms and practices in order to illegally overthrow a lawful

government." The State of Emergency was annulled after a period of 45 days.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena ends emergency as ethnic tensions subside

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on March 18, 2018 lifted a nationwide state of emergency imposed on March 6 for the first time since the civil war

following days of communal violence between majority Sinhala Buddhists and minority Muslims in the country. President Sirisena removed the state of

emergency as the situation in the country returned to normal. The government imposed a state of emergency on March 6 and blocked Facebook, WhatsApp

and other social media sites following anti-Muslim violence in the island's central hills Kandy and Ampara districts in which three people were killed and

hundreds of Muslim-owned properties, including mosques, were damaged. It was the first time in seven years Sri Lanka had imposed the measure. The

country was under a state of emergency for nearly three decades when the government fought Tamil rebels LTTE in the civil war that ended in 2009.

Gulf Shield 1 Joint drills begin in Saudi Arabia

The Gulf Shield 1 Joint drills, organised by Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry, has kicked off in the eastern region in participation with military forces from 23

countries as well as Saudi forces. The drill that started on March 18, 2018 is scheduled for one month and is considered the largest military drill in the region

in terms of diversity of expertise and quality of weapons. The training aims to raise the military readiness of participating countries, modernise joint

mechanisms and enhance coordination and cooperation.

World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from French port

The world‟s biggest cruise-liner, Symphony of the Seas, left the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire in France to embark on its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean.

French shipbuilder STX handed over to U.S. giant Royal Caribbean International on March 23, 2018. The ship, which weighs 228,000 tonnes, is 362 metres

long. It is marginally bigger than its sister ship, the Harmony of the Seas, which STX France delivered to Royal Caribbean in 2016. Built over two years, the

Symphony can hold up to 8,000 people including 2,200 staff. The Symphony will head to Malaga in Spain and spending its first season in the Mediterranean

before heading to its home port of Miami.




12

US imposes sanctions on Iranians for worldwide cyber theft

The US imposed sanctions on March 23, 2018 on 10 Iranians and an Iranian organization, all related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of that

country, for the massive theft of valuable data from hundreds of universities, private firms and government agencies worldwide. Through the Treasury

Department and the Justice Department, the US government established penalties on the suspected perpetrators of the cyber attack, through which 31.5

terabytes of sensitive data were appropriated from universities, US and United Nations agencies, as well as from private companies.

US Federal Reserve hikes interest rate by 0.25%

US Federal Reserve officials, meeting for the first time under chairman Jerome Powell on March 21, 2018, raised the benchmark lending rate a quarter-point

and forecast a steeper path of rate hikes in 2019 and 2020, citing an improving economic outlook. Policy makers continued to project a total of three interest

rate hikes this year. “The economic outlook has strengthened in recent months,” the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in a

statement in Washington. The FMOC vote to lift the federal funds rate target range to 1.5% to 1.75% was a unanimous 8-0.

World Poetry Day celebrated on March 21

World Poetry Day was celebrated on March 21, 2018. A decision to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted during UNESCO‟s 30th

session held

in Paris in 1999. One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the

opportunity to be heard within their communities.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed on March 21

UNESCO observed International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2018. „Promote tolerance, inclusion, unity and respect for

diversity‟ was this year‟s theme. “Racist ideology can only be combated effectively with the weapons of the mind,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey

Azoulay.

World Meteorological Day celebrated on March 23

World Meteorological Day was celebrated on March 23, 2018. The World Meteorological Organisation was founded on this day in 1950. Headquartered at

Geneva, Switzerland, WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related

geophysical sciences. This year, the theme is "Weather-Ready, Climate-Smart."

International Day of Forests observed on March 21

The International Day of Forests was observed on March 21, 2018. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of

Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are

encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The

theme for 2018 is Forests and Sustainable Cities.

World Down Syndrome Day observed on March 21

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) was observed on March 21, 2018. The UN General Assembly decided, with effect from 2012, to observe World Down

Syndrome Day on 21 March each year.

World Sparrow Day observed on March 20

World Sparrow Day was observed on March 20, 2018. It is a day designated to raise awareness of the house sparrow and then other common birds to urban

environments, and of threats to their populations. It is an international initiative by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with the Eco-Sys

Action Foundation (France) and numerous other national and international organisations across the world.

World Water Day observed on March 22

World Water Day was observed on March 22, 2018. The first World Water Day, designated by the United Nations, was commemorated in 1993. UN-Water

selects a theme for each year. The theme for 2018 is "Nature for Water" to encourage people to "look for the answer in nature". For example, nature-based

solutions could be implemented to reduce floods, droughts and water pollution and to protect ecosystems. The UN World Water Development Report was

released.




13

Meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors held in Argentina

The first G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors was held in Buenos Aires on March 20, 2018, with the presence of 57 delegations from

countries and institutions. The summit was attended by 22 finance ministers, 17 central bank governors and 10 heads of international organisations, including

IMF Director-General Christine Lagarde and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme Achim Steiner.

8th

World Water Forum organised in Brasilia

The 8th

World Water Forum was organised in Brazil‟s capital Brasilia from March 18 to 23, 2018. Under the slogan "sharing water," the forum brought together

15 heads of state and government, 300 mayors and dozens of experts. The World Water Forum is the world‟s biggest water-related event and is organized by

the World Water Council. Its mission is “to promote awareness, build political commitment and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels, to facilitate

the efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management and use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis for

the benefit of all life”. The main focus at the 2018 summit was on the scenario of supplies collapsing in major urban centers, as almost happened in Cape

Town this year.

Turkey-backed forces take full control of centre of Syrian city of Afrin

Turkish-backed forces have taken full control of the centre of the Syrian-Kurdish city of Afrin. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that units

of the Free Syrian Army took control of Afrin on March 18, 2018. Fighters waved flags and tore down the statue of a legendary Kurdish figure after claiming

the city centre. The two-month Turkish-led operation was aimed at ridding the border region of a Kurdish militia that Turkey considers a terrorist group.




14

Russia expels 23 British diplomats in spy poisoning row

Russia said on March 18, 2018 it would expel 23 British diplomats and close a British consulate following London's "provocative" measures over the poisoning

of a double agent that has triggered a fierce diplomatic row. Moscow also said it would halt the activities of the British Council in Russia in a tough series of

retaliatory measures. Prime Minister Theresa May had earlier announced expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats and the suspension of high-level contacts.

Relations between UK and Russia have worsened following the nerve agent attack on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English

city of Salisbury on March 4. London and its allies have blamed Moscow for the attack.

Singapore, Paris are world's costliest cities: EIU

Singapore is the world‟s most expensive city for the fifth straight year in the Economist Intelligence Unit‟s latest Worldwide Cost of Living report, with Paris

and Zurich tied for second place. The survey has ranked 133 cities according to the price of more than 150 items. The cheapest city this year was found to be

Damascus in Syria. The EIU survey is designed to help companies calculate cost-of-living allowances and build compensation packages for expatriates and

business travelers. The world's 10 most expensive cities are Singapore, Paris, Zurich, Hong Kong, Oslo, Geneva, Seoul, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv and Sydney. The

world's 10 cheapest cities are Damascus, Caracas, Almaty, Lagos, Bangalore, India, Karachi, Algiers, Chennai, Bucharest and New Delhi, India.

Greece launches its own space agency

Greece has launched its own space agency. The newly-founded Hellenic Space Organization officially started operation on March 20, 2018. Greece has been a

member of European Space Agency (ESA) since 2005 but was one of the few member states lacking a national institution.

44 nations sign pact establishing African Continental Free Trade Area

African countries have signed an agreement establishing a free trade area seen as vital to the continent's economic development. "The agreement

establishing the CFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) was signed by 44 countries," said Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU commission in

Kigali on March 21, 2018. However, the agreement will still have to be ratified at a national level, and is only due to come into force in 180 days. Nigeria, one

of Africa's largest economies, is a notable absentee after President Muhammadu Buhari pulled out saying he needed more time for consultations at home.

Raja Ravi Varma's 'Tilottama' fetches over Rs 5 cr at Sotheby's sale

Raja Ravi Varma's untitled painting of Tilottama sold for Rs 5.17 crores at Sotheby's New York sale of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art on March

22, 2018.

NEWSMAKERS

Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang reelected as China’s President and Premier

The annual session of the National People's Congress was organised in Beijing from March 5 to 20, 2018. Xi Jinping was re-appointed as the president with

no limits on the number of terms he can serve. Xi was also re-elected as the Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Wang Qishan has been

elected as vice president, who like Xi is set for a lifelong tenure. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was re-elected for second five-year tenure.

Other officials who got elected included Yang Xiaodu as Director of the national supervisory commission, a newly formed anti-corruption body with statuary

powers.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi was elevated to the position of State Councillor. Wang, 65, would also continue to head the Foreign Ministry, becoming the first

Chinese official to hold the dual post in recent years. In Chinese power hierarchy, State Councillor is ranked higher than Foreign Minister and considered as

the top diplomat of the country.

Vladimir Putin reelected President of Russia

The 65-year-old Vladimir Putin was on March 19, 2018 set for another six years in power after his landslide victory in Russia's presidential election. Putin, who

has ruled Russia for almost two decades, recorded his best election performance with 76.67 per cent of the vote. Among other candidates, Putin‟s nearest

competitor Communist Party candidate Pavel Grudinin got 11.79%, Ultra-nationalist firebrand Vladimir Zhirinovsky got 5.66%, former reality TV presenter

Ksenia Sobchak won 1.67% and liberal politician Grigory Yavlinsky received just over 1% of the vote.

Mauritius President resigns amid allegations of 'credit card' misuse




15

Tainted by a personal expenses-related scandal, Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, who was the first and only female head of a state in Africa,

resigned from office in Port Louis on March 17, 2018. According to media reports, the development took effect after the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth

accused the president of not upholding a promise to quit, as she was faced by multiple charges, including credit-card misuse and other misconducts. Vice-

President Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory assumed temporary power on March 23.

Martin Vizcarra sworn in as new President of Peru

Martin Vizcarra was sworn in as Peru's new President in Lima on March 24, 2018 following the resignation of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Vizcarra, who was both

vice president as well as his country's ambassador to Canada, took the oath of office and donned the red-and-white presidential sash before the Peruvian

Congress. The ceremony came shortly after lawmakers voted to accept the resignation of his former boss Kuczynski, rather than push ahead with impeaching

him over corruption allegations. Kuczynski, 79, had a strikingly short tenure as president: the former Wall Street banker was elected by a razor-thin margin in

June 2016.

John Bolton appointed new US National Security Adviser

US President Donald Trump on March 23, 2018 fired National Security Adviser Lt Gen H R McMaster, replacing him with former UN Ambassador John Bolton.

Bolton served as US Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2005-2006 and as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International

Security from 2001-2005. McMaster was Trump's second national security adviser after Michael Flynn was dismissed in 2017. McMaster will retire from the US

Army after 34 years of distinguished service.

Famed Iranian philosopher Shayegan dies at age 83

Famed Iranian philosopher Dariush Shayegan, who challenged Western domination of philosophical thought and wrote the book "Cultural Schizophrenia" on

the Muslim world and modernity, died on March 22, 2018 at the age of 83. His ideas on how civilizations communicate with each other earned Shayegan the

2009 Global Dialogue Prize in Denmark. Despite having fled Iran following its 1979 Islamic Revolution, Shayegan had returned in recent years to live out his

final days at home.

Thriller writer Philip Kerr dies aged 62

Scottish author Philip Kerr, the creator of the Nazi-era thrillers featuring detective Bernie Gunther, died at the age of 62 on March 23, 2018. He had just

published the 13th

novel in the series. He initially worked as an advertising copywriter in London, including for Saatchi & Saatchi, where he wrote his first

Bernie Gunther novel "March Violets", which was published in 1989. Kerr also wrote the best-selling young adults series Children of the Lamp.




16

Vietnam's ex-PM Phan Van Khai dies at age 85

Former Vietnamese premier Phan Van Khai died at the age 85 in Hanoi on March 17, 2018. A Soviet-trained economist from southern Vietnam, Khai held

office for nine years starting in 1997, a period of reform that saw Vietnam transform into one of Southeast Asia's fastest growing economies. Khai also made

history as the country's first post-war leader to visit Washington in 2005, a landmark trip that helped cement ties between the former war time foes.

World's last male northern white Rhino 'Sudan' dies in Kenya

The last surviving northern white male rhinoceros of the world, named Sudan, died on March 20, 2018 at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. He is survived

by his daughter and granddaughter named Fatu and Najin. The population of the northern white Rhino was destroyed by uncontrolled hunting during the

colonel era.

Myanmar President U. Htin Kyaw resigns

Myanmar's President U. Htin Kyaw stepped down on March 21, 2018 after two years in the position.




17

Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

DAE unit develops device to measure uranium traces in water

An instrument to measure traces of uranium in water has been developed by a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The instrument, "Fluorimeter", has been developed by the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), an Indore-based unit of the DAE.

The device, costing Rs 1 lakh, would help in detecting traces of uranium in water. It will be especially helpful in areas like Punjab where uranium traces in

water sources have been found to be at dangerous levels.

Basically, this instrument was developed to find out uranium deposits in the country, but after getting reports that uranium traces were found in water

sources in Punjab, RRCAT developed a more advanced version of it in the interest of people's health.

For mass production of Fluorimeter, the DAE has transferred its technology to its other unit, Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL).

ISRO, BHEL tie up to make Li-Ion cells

ISRO has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to transfer the technology for the manufacture of

space grade Li-Ion cells. The TTA was signed at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru on March 22, 2018 in the presence of K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO, and Atul

Sobti, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL. ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy

density, reliability and long cycle life.

Russia's Soyuz MS-08 manned spacecraft docks with International Space Station

Russia's Soyuz MS-08 manned spacecraft docked on March 23, 2018 with the International Space Station (ISS) bringing three new crew members to the

orbital outpost. The Soyuz MS-08 was launched aboard a Russian Soyuz-FG carrier rocket on March 21 from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. The

new addition to the ISS crew comprises Russian cosmonaut and spacecraft commander Oleg Artemyev as well as NASA astronauts and flight engineers

Andrew Feustel and Richard R. Arnold. Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov, US astronaut Scott Tingle and Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai are currently

on broad the station.

TN students develop secure pen drive for ISRO to avoid data theft

A group of students backed by the HRD Ministry have developed a "secured pen drive" for the ISRO which can only be used on one system and will corrupt

the data if used on a different system. The team from Tamil Nadu, which developed the pen drive to prevent data theft, was among the finalists of Smart

India Hackathon, a non-stop digital product development competition where problems are posed to engineering students for innovative solutions.




18

Section E: AWARDS

Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Award-2017 given

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has been recognised as the best such centre in the country for its initiatives like developing

nutrition gardens and promoting integrated farming techniques. Dr S K Patil, the vice chancellor of Raipur-based Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV),

and Kanker Krishi Vigyan Kendra's coordinator Birbal Sahu received the 'Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Award-2017' at the hands of Prime

Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 17, 2018.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Kanker, affiliated to the IGKV, has been adjudged as the best out of the 650 such agriculture science centres in the country. The

award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh for infrastructure development along with a citation certificate.

The centre has undertaken a series of measures for improving the health conditions of farmers and ensuring nutritional security to them in the Naxal-affected

district through initiatives like nutrition garden, integrated farming system and encouraging the production of 'Kadaknath' chicken (a rare and premium

breed).

British teacher wins USD 1 mn global best teacher award in UAE

A British school teacher has won a USD 1 million-Global Teacher Prize instituted by an Indian-origin entrepreneur's foundation in the UAE to honour an

exceptional teacher who has made a significant contribution to the profession. Andria Zafirakou, 39, who teaches art and textiles in a secondary school, was

selected at the Global Education and Skills Forum, organised by the Varkey Foundation which is run by Kerala-born education philanthropist Sunny Varkey,

60. The prize was handed over in Dubai on March 18, 2018. Varkey's GEMS Education company has more than 250 schools around the world.

Biplab Sarkar wins Glenfiddichs Emerging Artist award

Siliguri-based miniature artist Biplab Sarkar has been chosen as the Glenfiddichs Emerging Artist of the Year 2018. The seventh recipient of the honour, Sarkar

will represent India at the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence (AiR) programme where he will spend three months at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland with

artists from around the world.

Canadian mathematician Langlands wins Abel Prize

Canadian mathematician Robert Langlands on March 20, 2018 won the prestigious Abel Prize for developing a programme connecting representation theory

to number theory. The award is given by Norway's Academy of Sciences and Letters. Aged 81, Langlands will be awarded the 6.0-million-kroner (632,00-euro,

USD 776,000) Abel Prize by Norway's King Harald in Oslo on May 22. Named after the 19th century Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel, the prize

was established by the Norwegian government in 2002 to honour outstanding scientific work in the field of mathematics, a discipline not included among the

Nobel prizes.

NHAI receives Best Design Pavilion Award at 105th

Indian Science Congress at Imphal

The NHAI pavilion at 105th

Indian Science Congress- Pride of India Expo held at Imphal from 16-20 March 2018 has been adjudged as BEST DESIGN

PAVILION. The award was conferred by Dr. Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur. The NHAI had put up an exhibition stall to showcase its Projects and other

initiatives like Electronic Toll Collection, Wayside Amenities, Incident Management, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Road Safety etc. The stall attracted huge number

of visitors which included delegates/ scientists attending the congress from various parts of the country, School and College Students and other local visitors.

Apart from showcasing the Projects, a Selfie Point was created with a good Highway Projects at the background.

Ahmedabad airport receives award for 'Most Improved Airport'

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has received the award for the 'Most Improved Airport' in the Asia Pacific region, in Airport

Service Quality awards 2017 organised by the Airport Council International (ACI). ACI is a global non-profit organisation which carries international

benchmarking of airports through its participative program Airport Service Quality.

G.K. Reddy award presented to journalist Karan Thapar

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on March 22, 2018 presented the G.K. Reddy Memorial National Award for journalism to senior journalist and

television presenter Karan Thapar in New Delhi.




19

Section F: BANKING & FINANCE

Govt issues norms for appt of NFRA chairperson, members

The chairperson and full-time members of NFRA should not be associated with any audit firm during their tenure as well as two years after demitting office,

according to the government.

Less than a month after the Cabinet approved setting up of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), the Corporate Affairs Ministry has come out

with norms for appointment of members to the body.

According to the NFRA (Manner of Appointment and other Terms and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Members) Rules, 2018, the chairperson as

well as full time members would have a three-year term each.

They would be eligible for re-appointment for one more term. Another condition is that the appointment would be for three years or till the person attains 65

years age, whichever is earlier.

In the case of a part-time member, the tenure would be limited to three years and would be eligible for re-appointment.

The chairperson and full-time members, shall not be associated with any audit firm including related consultancy firms during the course of their

appointment and two years after ceasing to hold such appointment.

Besides chairperson, NFRA would have three full-time and nine part-time members. Among others, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of

India (ICAI) would be a part-time member.

On March 1, 2018, the Cabinet approved setting up of the NFRA, which would be an independent regulator for the auditing profession. The jurisdiction of the

NFRA -- which would be an oversight body for auditors -- would extend to all listed companies as well as large unlisted public companies.

SEBI exempts govt from open offers for six PSBs post capital infusion

Markets regulator SEBI on March 20, 2018 exempted the central government from making an open offer for the shareholders of Punjab National Bank,

Canara Bank and four other state-owned lenders following capital infusion. The exemption has been given with regard to Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank, Bank

of Baroda and Union Bank of India also.

Capital infusion in these listed public sector banks will increase government's stake in them. Under SEBI norms, an entity whose shareholding in a listed

company goes beyond a particular threshold, then it has to make an open offer.

According to the regulator, there would be no change in control of the banks pursuant to the proposed acquisition of additional shares by the government.

The infusion of additional capital by the government is stated to enable the six banks to meet regulatory capital norms. The acquisition is on preferential

allotment basis for the financial year 2017-18.

Pursuant to the capital infusion, the government's stake would rise by 5.21 per cent in Punjab National Bank, 6.25 per cent in Canara Bank and 9.73 per cent

in Syndicate Bank. In the case of Vijaya Bank, the shareholding would go up by 5.48 per cent while it would be additional stakes of 5.33 per cent and 11.91

per cent in Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India, respectively.

In January 2018, the government had proposed infusion to the tune of Rs 54.73 billion in Punjab National Bank, Rs 48.65 billion in Canara Bank and Rs 28.39

billion in Syndicate Bank. Besides, capital infusions of Rs 12.77 billion in Vijaya Bank, Rs 53.75 billion in Bank of Baroda and Rs 45.24 billion in Union Bank of

India were proposed.

PNB starts Mission Parivartan to curb repeat of another Nirav Modi scam

Hit hard by the Rs 130 billion scam, PNB has decided to tighten loan disbursement and set up a monitoring mechanism to check loan slippages and fraud.

Ideas being considered include having a separate pre-sanction appraisal and post sanction monitoring teams for credit disbursal to ensure better governance

and transparency.

A new monitoring group will be set up to keep track of whether cash flow from projects is being used to repay bank loans and that there are no slippages,

sources said, adding that a separate vertical to be created for stressed asset recovery.




20

Billionaire jeweller designer Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connivance with certain bank officials allegedly cheated the PNB of Rs 129.68 billion through

fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs).

A Mumbai branch of Punjab National Bank had issued as many as 1,590 letters of undertaking (LoUs) fraudulently for the group of companies belonging to

Nirav Modi since March 2011.

Different investigating agencies, including CBI and Enforcement Directorate, are probing the fraud, dubbed as the biggest banking scam in the country.

Govt introduces bill in Lok Sabha to ban unregulated deposit schemes

A bill seeking to ban unregulated deposit schemes with a view to curb defrauding of gullible investors through chit funds, was introduced in the Lok Sabha

on March 20, 2018. The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018 was introduced by Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla. The bill is

aimed at tackling the menace of illicit deposit-taking activities in the country. Companies and institutions running such schemes exploit the existing

regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe the poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings.

HDFC Bank signs MoU with Government e-Marketplace

Private sector lender HDFC Bank on March 23, 2018 signed an agreement with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under which the bank will facilitate a

host of services to the public procurement portal for Central and state government organisations. GeM provides an end-to-end online marketplace for

central and state government ministries or departments, central or state public sector undertakings, autonomous institutions and local bodies for

procurement of common use goods /services in a transparent and efficient manner. Many states have already signed MoUs with GeM to use the portal for

their procurements.




21

Section G: ECONOMY

Tax-free gratuity cap doubled to Rs 20 lakh

Parliament on March 22, 2018 passed a key bill that will empower the government to fix the amount of tax free gratuity and the period of maternity leave

with an executive order. The Rajya Sabha passed the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill without discussion. The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha

earlier.

The legislation will enable the government to enhance the ceiling of tax free gratuity to Rs 20 lakh from the existing Rs 10 lakh for employees falling under

the Payment of Gratuity Act.

After the implementation of the 7th

Pay Commission, the ceiling of gratuity amount for central government employees was doubled to Rs 20 lakh.

The legislation also allows the government to fix the period of maternity leave for female employees as deemed to be in continuous service in place of the

existing 12 weeks.

The amendment to the payment of gratuity law comes in the backdrop of Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 enhancing the maximum maternity leave

period to 26 weeks.

Govt extends facility of fixed term employment for all sectors

The government has extended the facility of hiring workers on fixed term employment to all sectors for improving the ease of doing business for players

intending to hire people for completing specified projects, tasks or orders.

This facility was available only for the apparel manufacturing sector as per the Industrial Establishment (Standing Order) 1946.

As per a notification issued by the labour ministry to amend the Order, words "fixed term employment in apparel manufacturing sector" will be replaced by

"fixed term employment" meaning that facility would be available for all sectors.

A fixed term worker would not be entitled to any notice or pay in lieu of that, if his services are terminated or in case of non-renewable of contract or expiry

of term of employment.

The fixed term employment was defined as a workman who is employed on a contract basis for a fixed period. Thus the services of workman will be

automatically terminated as a result of non renewal of the contract between the employer and the workman concerned.

This facility will aid industry to employ worker in sector which are of seasonal nature and witness fluctuation of demand and hence requires flexibility in

employing worker.

Under the fixed term employment the working conditions in terms of working hours, wages, allowances and other statutory dues of a fixed term employee

would be at par with permanent workmen.

Lok Sabha passes bill to prevent scrutiny of foreign poll funds to parties

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill that will exempt political parties from scrutiny of funds they have received from abroad since 1976.

On March 14, 2018, the Lok Sabha passed 21 amendments to the Finance Bill 2018. One of them was an amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation)

Act, 2010 that bans overseas corporations from funding political parties.

The Representation of People's Act, which lays down the rules for elections, bars political parties from accepting foreign funds.

The BJP government had through Finance Bill 2016 amended the FCRA to make it easier for parties to accept foreign funds.

Now, it has amended it further to do away with the scope for scrutiny of a political party's funding since 1976.

"In the Finance Act, 2016, in section 236, in the opening paragraph, for the words, figures and letters 'the 26th September, 2010', the words, figures and

letters 'the 5th August, 1976' shall be substituted," the Lok Sabha website said listing amendments to Finance Bill 2018 approved.

Govt launches Sand Mining Framework to check illegal extraction




22

To help states deal with the sand mining issues, including demand supply deficit and illegal extraction, the government on March 20, 2018 launched a

framework prepared after intensive consultations with all stakeholders. The Sand Mining Framework was launched by Union Minister of Mines Narendra

Singh Tomar at the third National Conclave on Mines & Minerals in New Delhi.

Tomar also launched the Portal for Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna (PMKKKY) monitoring along with Registration and Returns module of Phase I

of the Mining Tenement System (MTS).

MTS primarily involves automating the entire mineral concession life-cycle, starting from identification of area and ending with closure of the mine; and

connecting the various stakeholders for real-time transfer of electronic files and exchange of data. It will facilitate end to end national scale accounting of all

the minerals produced in the country from the pithead to its end use, reducing the scope for illegal mining.

The PMKKKY scheme is to be implemented by the funds collected under District Mineral Foundations (DMF) to be utilised for the welfare and development of

the mining affected areas. Over Rs 17,000 crore have been collected under PMKKKY.

UIDAI to introduce ‘Face ID’ from July 1 for Aadhaar authentication

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) informed the Supreme Court on March 22, 2018 that it will introduce „Face ID‟ on July 1 to enable

Aadhaar holders to authenticate their identity to access services, benefits and subsidies.

The Face ID would help people without biometrics or those with poor biometrics to avoid authentication failures and financial exclusion.

The court has repeatedly been referring to how biometric authentication failures had deprived citizens of their rightful entitlements like pension and

provident fund. It has highlighted that people with physical disabilities and the mentally challenged may face the danger of financial exclusion.

In a powerpoint presentation to the Supreme Court, UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey showed photographs of persons with leprosy, senior citizens with poor

biometrics and those with physical disabilities accessing benefits through Aadhaar. He said a complete exemption from biometric authentication was

provided to persons with leprosy and those whose biometrics were non-existent due to disability or other reasons.

Textile Ministry to set up ministerial panel on R&D

The Textile Ministry will set up an inter-ministerial committee and allocate it a sum of Rs.1,000 crore to promote research & development (R&D), technology

transfer and training in the sector, Textile Minister Smriti Irani said at a press conference in New Delhi on March 22, 2018.

The allocation for R&D is part of the Rs.2,161.68-crore „Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry‟ approved by the Cabinet on March 21 for three

years from 2017-18 to 2019-20. R&D is one of the four components of the scheme. Other components of the scheme include setting up seed organisations

and farmers extension centres, coordination and market development for seed, yarn and silk products and having a Quality Certification System in place.

According to the approved plan, R&D projects pertaining to disease resistant silkworm, host plant improvements, productivity enhancing tools and

implements for reeling and waving etc. will be done in cooperation with other Ministries such as Science and Technology, Agriculture and Human Resource

Development (HRD).

The scheme aims to achieve self-sufficiency in silk production by 2022. To achieve this, production of high grade silk in India is expected to reach 20,650

tonne by 2022 from the current level of 11,326 tonne thereby reducing imports to zero.

Gov notifies draft guidelines for public procurement of medical devices

Implants, hospital equipment and medical devices should have a minimum local content ranging from 25-50 per cent to qualify for public procurement, as

per draft guidelines of Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP).

According to the notification, in order to be eligible for public procurement, medical disposables and consumables will require a minimum local content of

50 per cent.

Medical electronics, hospital equipment, surgical instruments would be required to have a minimum of 25 per cent local content.

For implants, the government has set a cut off percentage of 40 per cent while for other medical devices like diagnostic reagents, the minimum threshold

for local content has been set at 25 per cent.




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Telecom subscriber base dips 1.3% to 1.17 billion in January: TRAI

The telecom subscriber base dipped to 1.175 billion at the end of January with smaller operators losing bulk of their customers, as per monthly report

released by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) on March 23, 2018.

The number of telephone subscribers in India declined from 1,190.67 million at the end of December 2017 to 1,175.01 million at the end of January 2018,

thereby showing a monthly decline rate of 1.32 per cent.

The mobile subscriber base declined to 1.15 billion at the end of January 2018 from 1.167 billion at the end of December 2017, down 1.33 per cent.

The wireline telephone customer base declined to 23 million at the end of January 2018 from 23.2 million at the end of December 2017.

Broadband segment, however, witnessed growth in January. The number of broadband subscribers increased to 37.81 crore at the end of January this year,

from 36.28 crore at the end of December 2017 a monthly growth rate of 4.2 per cent.

Mobile broadband segment dominated the growth with 35.98 crore customers in January compared to 34.45 customers in December 2017.

Forex reserves down by USD 152.4 mn to USD 421.334 bn

After rising for two consecutive weeks, the country's foreign exchange reserves decreased marginally by USD 152.4 million to USD 421.334 billion in the week

to March 16, on account of a fall in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank said on March 23, 2018. Foreign currency assets declined by USD 175.2 million to

USD 396.156 billion. Expressed in US dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such

as the euro, the pound and the yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves increased by USD 13.2 million to USD 21.562 billion. The special drawing rights with

the International Monetary Fund rose by USD 4.1 million to USD 1.538 billion. India‟s reserve position with the IMF increased by USD 5.5 million to USD

2.077 billion, RBI said.

IRDAI asks insurers not reject claims on grounds of genetic disorder

In a major relief to policy holders, insurance regulator IRDAI on March 19, 2018 directed insurers not to reject any health insurance claim based on exclusions

related to 'genetic disorder'. The regulator also asked health insurance companies not to include 'genetic disorders' as one of the exclusions in new health

insurance policies. The decision comes in the wake of Delhi High Court ruling that held that exclusionary clause of 'genetic disorders' in insurance policies is

too broad, ambiguous and discriminatory, violative Article 14 of the Constitution dealing with right to equality.

SC caps fee charged by HCs for information under RTI law at Rs 50

The Supreme Court on March 20, 2018 capped the fee charged by high courts for responding to queries filed under the RTI Act at Rs 50 per application,

bringing cheers to activists seeking information under the transparency law. The court also asked High Courts not to force applicants to disclose the reason

for seeking information under the Right to Information law. The bench passed the order on a batch of petitions challenging the RTI rules of various high

courts, and other authorities like the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, which imposed exorbitant fees for application and photocopying.

ED creates new post of Principal Special Director

Indian Revenue Service officer Simanchala Dash, former private secretary to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, was on March 20, 2018 appointed to the newly-

created post of Principal Special Director in the Enforcement Directorate. Dash served as private secretary to the finance minister till July 2017 before he was

shifted to Income Tax department. ED is being headed by Karnal Singh, an IPS officer.




24

Section H: CORPORATE

Govt issues notice to Cambridge Analytica in Facebook data breach case

The government on March 23, 2018 issued notice to Cambridge Analytica -- the firm at the centre of Facebook users' data breach -- seeking its response by

March 31 on whether it was involved in misuse of data to profile Indians and influence their voting behaviour.

The notice also sought the company's response on the entities which engaged Cambridge Analytica, the method used by it for possession of data and

whether consent was taken from users.

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has charged Cambridge Analytica with serious breach of propriety and misuse of data intended to

profile and influence voting behaviour.

Data mining firm Cambridge Analytica has been accused of harvesting personal user data from Facebook illegally to influence polls in several countries.

Facebook, which has over two billion users globally, including over 200 million in India, had faced backlash on the data scandal issue, prompting founder

Mark Zuckerberg to issue an apology for the "major breach of trust", and promising to take steps to protect user data.

Meanwhile, Cambridge Analytica suspended its chief executive, Alexander Nix, on March 20, amid a furore over the access it gained to private information on

more than 50 million Facebook users.

NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation ink agreement to transform Aspirational Districts

The NITI Aayog and Piramal Foundation entered into a Statement of Intent (SoI) to work closely with the District Collectors and Key officers of 'Aspirational

Districts' to support their transformation in terms of healthcare, education and nutrition.

Earlier in 2018, NITI Aayog ranked 115 Aspirational Districts selected by the Government on six socio-economic parameters, pertaining to health and

nutrition, education, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. The government's think tank also

highlighted multiple challenges faced in order to transform these Aspirational Districts across India.

Under the SoI with NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation will work in close conjunction with the district administration, State Prabhari Officers, Central Prabhari

Officers, state government and concerned Central ministries in improving the identified indicators by strengthening the existing public systems specifically in

the health and nutrition and education sectors. Piramal Foundation will also provide support by focusing on leadership development, change management,

technology integration and implementing various innovative practices.

The collaboration is for duration of four years, with the option to continue, based on mutual agreement.

UltraTech to buy Binani Cement, seeks end to insolvency proceedings

UltraTech Cement on March 19, 2018 said it has entered into an agreement with Binani Industries to buy 98 per cent stake in its debt ridden subsidiary Binani

Cement Ltd (BCL) which is going through insolvency proceedings. In a filing to the stock exchange, UltraTech said it will issue a comfort letter to provide Rs

7,266 crore to Binani Industries Ltd for ending insolvency proceedings against Binani Cement.

Binani Industries had approached UltraTech Cement for arranging funds to pay-off the lenders, debt and other liabilities, as admitted in the IBC proceedings

against an offer for sale of its entire shareholding in Binani Cement. It has requested UltraTech Cement to issue a comfort letter, which will be used as a

support in its application seeking termination of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings.

Tata Steel selected as successful applicant to buy debt-ridden Bhushan Steel

Tata Steel Ltd said on March 23, 2018 it had been selected as the successful resolution applicant for buying debt-laden Bhushan Steel Ltd.

The Committee of Creditors of Bhushan Steel had on March 22 declared Tata Steel as the successful resolution applicant, subject to obtaining necessary

regulatory approvals.

Tata Steel has accepted the Letter of Intent for Bhushan Steel, it added. Earlier, the company had been selected as the highest bidder to buy a controlling

stake in Bhushan Steel, as part of bankruptcy proceedings.




25

Tata Steel and India's biggest domestic steelmaker JSW Steel Ltd were the two primary industry bidders for the acquisition of Bhushan Steel.

Govt invites EoI for strategic stake sale in Scooters India

The government has invited expression of interest (EoI) to sell its entire stake with transfer of management control in loss-making listed firm Scooters India

(SIL), which manufactures three-wheelers under the brand-name 'Vikram'. The heavy industry ministry has asked interested parties to submit the EoI on or

before May 7, 2018. SIL is a PSU under the administrative control of the ministry. In 1975, SIL started its commercial production of scooters under the brand

name of Vijay Super for domestic market and Lambretta for overseas market. However, in 1997, SIL strategically discontinued its two-wheeler production and

concentrated only on manufacturing and marketing of three-wheelers.

Mishra Dhatu Nigam IPO subscribed 1.21 times

The Rs 438 crore Initial Public Offer (IPO) of PSU Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) was subscribed 1.21 times on the final day of bidding on March 23, 2018.

MIDHANI is one of the leading manufacturers of special steels, superalloys and only manufacturer of Titanium alloys in India.

JioMusic merges with Saavn to create $1 b streaming entity

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) has entered into an agreement to combine its music service JioMusic with New York-based music over-the-top (OTT) platform

Saavn to create India's largest music platform. The combined entity will be valued at more than $1 billion. In addition, the company led by billionaire Mukesh

Ambani RIL will acquire a partial stake in Saavn for $104 million. The three co-founders of Saavn — Rishi Malhotra, Paramdeep Singh and Vinodh Bhat — will

continue in their leadership roles and will drive growth of the combined entity. The deal comes even as other music streaming services including Amazon

Music, Gaana and Hungama are looking to up the ante.

Snapchat rolls out Map Explore

Photo-sharing app Snapchat has rolled out a new feature called Map Explore that will make it easier for users to find events and see friends‟ updates on Snap

Map. Snap said the travel and location updates will automatically appear on user‟s Snap Map when friends opt to share their location. The feature will also

show Explore updates for Story snaps, including breaking news and other events from around the world.

Mahindra, Ford to jointly develop SUVs, electric vehicle

Mahindra group and Ford Motor Co will jointly develop new SUVs and a small electric vehicle as part of several initiatives announced on March 22, 2018 to

take forward their collaboration pact signed in 2017. Under the initiatives, Mahindra and Ford will leverage their strengths in the utility vehicle space to co-

develop a midsize sports utility vehicle (C-SUV).

Future Group to be IPL's official partner for next 3 years

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 22, 2018 announced that it would continue its association with Future Group as the official partner

for the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next three years. The 11th

edition of the IPL is slated to be held from April 7 and will run till May 27.

Kumar Mangalam Birla to be Chairman of merged Vodafone-Idea entity

Idea Cellular and Vodafone Group on March 22, 2018 announced the new leadership team of the soon-to-be merged entity that will have Kumar Mangalam

Birla as the non-executive Chairman. Balesh Sharma (currently Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone India) will be the CEO. The two companies had, in 2017,

announced they will combine the operations to create the country's largest telecom operator worth over USD 23 billion, with a 35 per cent market share. The

merger of Vodafone-Idea is set to dislodge the numero uno player Bharti Airtel.

Bayer wins EU approval for $62.5 billion Monsanto buy

German conglomerate Bayer won EU antitrust approval on March 21, 2018 for its $62.5 billion buy of U.S. peer Monsanto, the latest in a trio of mega mergers

that will reshape the agrochemicals industry. The tie-up is set to create a company with control of more than a quarter of the world's seed and pesticides

market. Mergers approved earlier include Dow & DuPont and ChemChina and Syngenta.

IBM launches AI-powered 'Watson Assistant' for businesses




26

Tech giant IBM on March 21, 2018 announced the formal launch of Watson Assistant, a smart enterprise assistant powered with artificial intelligence (AI),

cloud and the Internet of Things (IoT) and it can be accessed via voice or text interaction. The announcement was made by Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM, during

her address at the ongoing Think 2018 - the company's flagship conference.

IRCTC introduces billing through Point of Sale in trains

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced billing through Point of Sale (POS) hand-held machines in trains to check

overcharging by vendors. The POS billing machines will be introduced in trains in a phased manner. IRCTC has already introduced POS machines in New

Delhi -Karnataka Express on a pilot basis.

Triumph launches all-new TIGER 800 bikes range

British superbike maker Triumph Motorcycles March 21, 2018 launched the all-new TIGER 800 XCX and XR line-ups in India priced between Rs 11.76 lakh and

Rs 13.76 lakh.

NEWSMAKERS

Hindujas named richest British Asians in UK for fifth year

The Hinduja family was on March 23, 2018 named the UK's richest British Asians for the fifth consecutive year, with an estimated net worth of 22 billion

pounds, according to the annual 'Asian Rich List' published by UK-based Asian Media Group (AMG). The London-headquartered Hinduja Group us headed by

brothers Srichand P Hinduja, Gopichand P Hinduja, Prakash P Hinduja and Ashok P Hinduja. Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal came in second with an

estimated 14 billion pound fortune. Mittal is followed by another India-born entrepreneur Sri Prakash Lohia, the founder and chairman of Indorama

Corporation a diversified petrochemical and textile company, with an estimated net worth of 5.1 billion pounds.

Aamir Khan replaces Ranveer Singh as Vivo India's brand ambassador

Chinese smartphone maker Vivo on March 19, 2018 announced the appointment of Aamir Khan as its brand ambassador for India, replacing actor Ranveer

Singh who had been associated with the company for the past two years.




27

Section I: STATES

Delhi HC quashes disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs, asks EC to decide afresh

The Delhi high court on March 23, 2018 set aside the disqualification of 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs for holding offices of profit as „parliamentary

secretaries‟ in the Delhi government, and sent the case back to the Election Commission (EC) for a fresh hearing.

A January 19, 2018 opinion by EC and the subsequent presidential order disqualifying the MLAs was quashed by a bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna

and Chander Shekhar for failing to comply with the principles of natural justice.

The court quashed the disqualification order on the ground that EC had not given the MLAs an oral hearing and an opportunity to address arguments on

their proposed disqualification.

Eight of the 20 disqualified AAP MLAs had moved the high court on January 23, 2018.

A single-judge bench of the high court had on January 24, 2018 directed the EC to maintain status quo on the disqualifications by withholding

announcement of bypoll dates for the Delhi assembly seats that would fall vacant as a result.

In March 2015, the Delhi government had appointed 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries. Since then, one MLA resigned from the assembly. The

appointments were made to assist cabinet ministers and also include more MLAs in governance work.

After Maharashtra and Haryana, UP allows women on night shift in factories

In a major labour reform decision, the Uttar Pradesh government has allowed women to work night shift in factories. Even as existing laws and rules allow

women employed in the Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) sector work the night shift, the same status had been missing for

workwomen in factories. Several other states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Haryana had already allowed women to work night shifts in factories by

amending relevant Acts. This was announced by UP labour and employment minister Swami Prasad Maurya in Lucknow on March 23, 2018.

UP's Robertsganj railway station renamed Sonbhadra

The Robertsganj railway station in Uttar Pradesh has been renamed Sonbhadra. The Union Home Ministry has given its approval for the renaming of the

British-era railway station in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. This is the second time a railway station in Uttar Pradesh has been rechristened. The

Mughalsarai railway station was renamed after RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya in August 2017. The Robertsganj station, now renamed Sonbhadra, falls

under the North-Central zone of the India Railways' Allahabad division.

Bihar Diwas celebrated on March 22

Bihar Diwas was celebrated on March 22, 2018. After inaugurating three-day Bihar Diwas celebrations in Patna, Vice President M Venkaiah released four

books- 'Ek Tha Mohan', 'Bapu Ki Chiththi', 'Champaran Ki Kahani' and 'Neel Ke Dhabbe'. It was on this day in 1912 that the state was carved out of a United

Bengal. The theme for this year's celebrations is "Centenary of Champaran Satyagraha and Elimination of Dowry and Child Marriage."

Garhwal rifle war memorial hostel inaugurated in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, along with former Chief Minister and presently MP from Pauri Garhwal Major Gen (retd) Bhuvan Chandra

Khanduri and Army chief Bipin Rawat inaugurated the Garhwal rifle war memorial hostel for boys and girls at Daanda Lakhaund, Dehradun on March 18,

2018. The hostel has the facility of food, bus service for the students from hostel, audio-video room, library, medical service, tuition facility, coaching facility

for professional courses. It can accommodate 250 students.

Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats notified as religious minority in Karnataka

The Karnataka Minorities welfare department on March 22, 2018 notified the Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as religious minority. The notification

would come into effect after the central government's approval to the state government's recommendation on the issue.

In its notification, the Department of Minorities, Haj and Wakf, stated that it recognises Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as minorities without affecting

the rights and interests of other religious minorities of Karnataka, including reservations.




28

Earlier on March 19, the Karnataka cabinet decided to recommend to the Centre, grant of religious minority tag to Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat

community, who follow the philosophy of 12th

century social reformer Basaveshwara who had launched a movement against the orthodoxy prevailing in the

society in his era.

Kerala Govt decides to write off loans of endosulphan victims

The Kerala Government on March 20, 2018 decided to write off loans of victims of endosulphan pesticide upto Rs. three lakh. The decision in this regard was

taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram. The loans range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. three lakh. The

government had earlier waived loans upto Rs. 50,000.

It was also decided to give immediate assistance to all victims of Endosulfan as per recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission and

government would make available Rs 30 crore for the same.

Endosulfan, an off-patent organochlorine insecticide and acaricide, was used widely on crops like cashew, cotton, tea, paddy, fruits and others until 2011,

when the Supreme Court banned its production and distribution. The health effects of the chemical include neurotoxicity, late sexual maturity, physical

deformities, poisoning among others.

App mKeralam launched for access to govt. services

Kerala, which in 2017 became the first Indian State to declare Internet a basic human right, has launched mKeralam, an app that will serve as a single window

for accessing thousands of government services. Developed by the Kerala State Information Technology Mission, it will initially offer 100 citizen-oriented

public services of 20 departments and expand to 1,000 services from more than 80 departments. The app was launched on March 22, 2018 by Chief Minister

Pinarayi Vijayan at #Future, a two-day global digital summit being held in Kochi.

Jackfruit declared as Kerala's official fruit

The Kerala Government on March 21, 2018 declared Jackfruit as its official fruit. The aim is to promote the 'Kerala Jackfruit' as a brand in markets across the

country and abroad, showcasing its organic and nutritious qualities. Elephant is the state animal of Kerala, while 'great hornbill' the bird and 'kanikkonna' the

official flower. The state had recently declared pearl spot, popularly known as 'karimeen', as its official fish.

MEA's 'Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar' launched in Hyderabad

The External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the External Affairs ministry on March 22, 2018 launched an initiative, 'Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar',

in Hyderabad.

The initiative is part of the enhanced public diplomacy outreach to take the objectives of the foreign policy to the common people.

"Through direct interaction with the local media, the ministry desires to communicate foreign policy priorities in simple terms, highlight the benefits accruing

to the common people through diplomatic efforts and bring the domain of foreign policy closer to the people," an official release said.

It also intends to create a pool of media professionals interested in foreign policy and guide them on connecting with the MEA.

The initiative was launched by Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson and Joint Secretary (External Publicity) of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Safe Water Network, Honeywell launch 100th

safe water station

Safe Water Network (SWN) and Honeywell India launched their 100th

'iJal safe water station' in Telangana in Hyderabad on March 20, 2018. Over the last two

years, Safe Water Network and Honeywell India have set up safe water stations in Telangana districts affected by severe groundwater contamination,

including from fluorides.

Telangana govt increases Kalyana Lakshmi scheme benefit to Rs 1 lakh

The benefit of 'Kalyana Lakshmi' or 'Shaadi Mubarak' scheme, initiated by the Telangana government in 2014, has been increased from Rs 75,116 to Rs

1,00,116, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao said on Hyderabad on March 19, 2018. The Chief Minister said the scheme initiated on October 2, 2014 has till

now benefited at least 3, 60,000 people. The scheme is for females above 18 years of age and applies to all sections of society.

RBI Ex-Governor Raghuram Rajan, corporates and academics to set up Krea University in AP




29

The past governor of Reserve Bank Raghuram Rajan, captains of corporate India and some eminent academics have teamed up to transform the

undergraduate education by announcing setting up of Krea University at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh. R Seshasayee, chairman of IndusInd Bank and the

chairman of the supervisory board of the university said on March 23, 2018 that the proposed liberal arts university will attract an initial investment of Rs 750

crore in the first phase. The first batch will commence in July 2019, admissions for which will start this November. It will offer a four-year residential

undergraduate programme in liberal arts and sciences leading to BA (Honors) and BSc (Honours) degrees.

AP Govt. launches Naipunya Ratham or World on Wheels

The Andhra Pradesh Government launched Naipunya Ratham or World on Wheels at the Secretariat in Amaravathi on March 23, 2018. It is a multi-utility

vehicle which aims to bring technology to the remote corners. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that the Government will roll out 12 more

Naipunya Rathams by May 2018. As part of the Smart village Smart Ward Programme, the Naipunya Rathaams will facilitate and look to improve digital

literacy, digital skills and create an awareness on various government schemes that are underway in the state.

Centre approves IAF base at Deesa in Gujarat

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on March 23, 2018 announced that the central government has given its nod to set up an Air Force base at Deesa in the

Banaskantha district in the state near the India-Pakistan border. The Deesa airport is currently managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). However, it

has been non-operational and no passenger flight operator has come forward to start operations from Deesa under the Centre's regional air connectivity

scheme. Defence experts believe that the new airbase will prove crucial in responding to any threat along the western border. This new airbase would

become a part of a network of airstrips which can be used during war.

Gujarat's Madhavpur Mela to showcase cultural integration with Northeast

In a first, cultural integration will be witnessed at Gujarat's famous Madhavpur Mela where a group of 150 people from the Northeast will be given a

traditional welcome as part of efforts to symbolise the country's unity in diversity, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said on March 24, 2018. The four-day

Mela is being organised from March 25 to 28 in Madhavpur Ghed of Porbandar district. "The purpose of this integration is to bring various parts of the

country especially the Northeast, close to each other under the banner of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Sharma

said.

Gujarat CM lays foundation stone for Rs 35 crore sports university

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on March 17, 2018 laid the foundation stone of the Swarnim Gujarat Sports University in Desar town, about 17 kilometres

from Vadodara. The complex would come up over the next 18 months on an area of 135 acres and would cost Rs 35 crore to build.

President dedicates Odisha's Anand Bhawan museum to people

President Ram Nath Kovind on March 17, 2018 dedicated the Anand Bhawan Museum and Learning Centre, the ancestral house of late former Chief Minister

Biju Patnaik in Cuttack, to the people of Odisha. Biju Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, at Anand Bhawan, built by his father Laxmi Narayan Patnaik. In

January 2015, Biju Patnaik's sons Naveen Patnaik and Prem Patnaik donated the property to the state government, following which it was developed into a

museum and learning centre.

President releases commemorative coins on Nabakalebar festival

President Ram Nath Kovind on March 18, 2018 released commemorative coins in denominations of Rs 10 and Rs 1000 on Lord Jagannath's Nabakalebar

festival. The President released the coins during the centenary celebration of Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthan in Puri.

NEWSMAKERS

Noted Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh dies at 83

Noted Hindi poet Kedarnath Singh died in New Delhi on March 20, 2018 at 83. He was awarded the Jnanpith Award (2013), Sahitya Akademi Award (1989) in

Hindi for his poetry collection, Akaal Mein Saras (Cranes in Drought). Singh was born on July 7, 1934 in village Chakia of Ballia district. He spent some time in

Gorakhpur as a Hindi teacher and went to Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he served as professor and head of department of Hindi language at Indian

Languages Centre. He retired as a professor from JNU.

Senior journalist Sunil Sharma dies at 49




30

Senior journalist Sunil Sharma died in Shimla on March 20, 2018 at the age of 49. Sharma was working as the bureau chief of Hindi daily 'Divya Himachal'.

Former Bengal minister Pratim Chatterjee dies at 79

Former West Bengal minister Pratim Chatterjee, who held the Fire Services portfolio for 15 years till 2011 during the Left Front regime, passed away in Kolkata

on March 18, 2018 at the age of 79. The former minister represented Tarakeswar Assembly seat for a long time. He was, however, defeated in the 2011

Assembly polls.

Satya Pal Malik takes oath as Odisha Governor

Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik was sworn-in as the Governor of Odisha in Bhubaneswar on March 21, 2018. Malik succeeds S C Jamir, who retired as Odisha

governor on March 20. He has been given additional responsibility of Odisha until regular arrangements are made. Jamir, who was Nagaland chief minister

for five terms, had taken over as Odisha governor in March 2013.

Lalu Prasad sentenced to 14 yrs in prison in fourth fodder scam case

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad was on March 24, 2018 sentenced to 14 years in jail and fined Rs 60 lakh by a special CBI court in Ranchi in the fourth fodder scam

case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the Dumka treasury in the early 1990s. CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh awarded two sentences of

seven years each to the former Bihar chief minister under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Acts. Prasad has been serving prison

term in Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi since December 23, 2017 after being convicted in the second fodder scam case pertaining to illegal withdrawal of money

from the Deogarh treasury.

Puducherry Lt Governor launches project to revive Sankarabarni river

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on March 24, 2018 launched a NABARD funded project to revive the Sankarabarni river at Manalipet village. The

project would be implemented in association with the villagers, delegates of Isha Foundation, and hydrological experts attached to the Public Works

Department and other organisations. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) would provide funds for the project. The decision

to launch the project was taken during 'World Water Day' celebrations at the Raj Nivas on March 22.




31

Section J: SPORTS

Shi Yuqi, Tai Tzu Ying win Singles titles at All England Open Badminton

China‟s Shi Yuqi defeated his compatriot Lin Dan in final 21-19, 16-21, 21-9 to win the Men’s Singles title at All England Open Badminton in Birmingham on

March 18, 2018.

Defending champion Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan defeated Japan‟s Akane Yamaguchi 22-20, 21-13 in the final to win Women’s Singles title.

Mixed Doubles title was won by Japan‟s Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino who defeated China‟s Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong in the final 15-21, 22-

20, 21-16.

Men’s Doubles title was won by Indonesia‟s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo who defeated Denmark‟s Mathias Boe and Carsten

Mogensen in the final 21-18, 21-17.

Women’s Doubles title was won by Denmark‟s Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen who defeated Japan‟s Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota in the

final 21-19, 21-18.

India win 5 gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney

Manu Bhaker continued to lend the golden touch to Indian shooting, winning the individual and team gold medals in Women‟s 10m Air Pistol in the ISSF

Junior World Cup in Sydney on March 24, 2018. The Indian trio of Manu, Devanshi Rana and Mahima Agrawal won the Women‟s Team 10m Air Pistol gold.

In the Mixed Trap event, the Indian team of Ali Aman Elahi and Manisha Keer won silver medal behind Italy.

In the Men‟s 10m Air Pistol event, India‟s Gaurav Rana won silver medal behind China‟s Wang Zhehao while another Indian Anmol Jain won bronze. India‟s

Rana, Arjun Singh Cheema and Jain won team gold in this event.

Elavenil Valarivan won gold in the Women‟s 10 m Air Rifle event on March 22. Elavenil, Shreya Agrawal and Zeena Khitta went on to win team gold in the

same event.

In Men‟s 10 m Air rifle, Arjun Babuta won the bronze.

Vidarbha wins Irani Trophy cricket

Reigning Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha captained by Faiz Fazal won the Irani Cup beating Rest of India led by Karun Nair by virtue of massive first innings

lead in Nagpur on March 18, 2018. Vidarbha made 88-7 declared in their first innings and then bowled out Rest of India for 390 on the final day of the match.

Vidarbha won by virtue of huge 404-run first innings lead. The match was called off at the start of the mandatory overs with Vidarbha scoring 79 for no loss

in their second innings.

India win Nidahas T20I tri-series in Colombo

India won the T20 Nidahas Trophy by beating Bangladesh by 4 wickets in the final at Colombo on March 18, 2018. Bangladesh made 166/8 in 20 overs. In

Reply, India made 168/6 in 20 overs. Dinesh Kartik, who made 29 not out in 8 balls and hit the winning six on last ball of India‟s innings was Man-of-the-

match. India‟s Washington Sundar was Man of the Series.

Afghanistan qualify for 2019 World Cup

Afghanistan qualified for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England with a thrilling five-wicket win against Ireland in the final Super Six encounter of

qualifiers, in Harare on March 23, 2018. Earlier, two-time World champions West Indies have already qualified for the 2019 edition as the top team. 2019 will

be Afghanistan's second successive ODI World Cup after they also featured in the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand.

England’s Stuart Broad reaches 400 test wickets milestone

Stuart Broad became just the second England bowler to reach 400 Test wickets on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on

March 22, 2018. The most successful England Test bowler is James Anderson with 523 from 134 matches.




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Australia beat India in women’s ODI series 3-0

Australia crushed India by 97 runs in the final ODI at the Reliance Cricket Stadium in Vadodara on March 18, 2018. The Aussies won the series 3-0. Australia

posted 332 for seven in 50 overs. In reply India were all out for 235 in 44.4 overs. Alyssa Healy, who made 133, was Player-of-the-Match while Nicole Bolton

was Player-of-the-Series.

Govt to set up three international-level sports centres for disabled

The government proposes to establish three state-of-the-art international-level sports centres across the country for the disabled with the objective of

providing them training facilities, the Lok Sabha was informed on March 20, 2018. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposes to establish

these centres at Zirakpur in Punjab, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, and Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Minister of State for Social Justice and

Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar said in response to a question.

Chennaiyin FC Chhetri win Indian Super League title

Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri was named the 'Hero' of Indian Super League's fourth edition for his leadership and goal-scoring prowess. Chennaiyin

FC triumphed with a 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC in the title clash in Bengaluru on March 18, 2018. Chhetri is the highest Indian scorer with 14 goals and

third in the overall list behind Golden Boot winner Ferran Corominas (18) of FC Goa and his teammate Miku (15). Kerala Blasters FC's 23-year-old Mizo

defender Lalruatthara won ISL Emerging Player of the Season Award. The Golden Glove Award went to debutants Jamshedpur FC's goalkeeper Subrata

Paul.

Poland selected host of 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup

India's bid to host the next U-20 FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment as world football governing body FIFA accorded the status to Poland. The

European nation will host the next edition of the tournament in 2019. This was decided at the FIFA council meeting in Bogota, Colombia. India had submitted

its bid for hosting the mega event after successfully organising the U-17 World Cup in October 2017. The last edition of the tournament was held in South

Korea in 2017.

FIFA gives VAR green light for World Cup

Video assistant referee technology (VAR) will make its debut at the 2018 World Cup in Russia this summer despite lingering opposition from within and

outside football, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on March 16, 2018. The World Cup, which takes place from June 14-July 15, will see VAR used to judge

whether or not a goal has been scored, analyse whether a penalty should be awarded, decide on red cards and rectify if a player has been mistakenly

sanctioned.

Argentina’s footballer Rene Houseman dies at 64

Rene Houseman, a member of Argentina's 1978 FIFA World Cup-winning team, died at 64 in Buenos Aires on March 22, 2018. Known as El Loco, Spanish for

'The Madman', Houseman was revered for his dribbling ability, speed and extroverted personality. Houseman was capped 55 times for Argentina and was a

part of their 1974 and 1978 World Cup squads.

Table tennis player Soumyajit Ghosh suspended

A day after being accused of allegedly raping an 18-year-old in Kolkata, India's youngest national table tennis champion and Olympian Soumyajit Ghosh has

been provisionally suspended by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) on March 23, 2018. The TTFI further confirmed that Ghosh will not be able to

participate in any tournament--national or international--during the suspension. Ghosh had represented India at 2012 and 2016 Olympics. He also became

the youngest national champion at the age of 19, when he defeated Sharath Kamal in the 74th National Table Tennis Championships.

Sindhu to be India's flag-bearer in Gold Coast CWG

2016 Olympic silver medallist badminton player P V Sindhu has been named the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the opening ceremony of the

Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia on April 4. In the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, Sindhu bagged a bronze in women's

singles.

Pankaj Advani retains Asian Billiards title




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Pankaj Advani on March 24, 2018 defended his Asian Billiards Championships title by defeating B. Bhaskar 6-1 in the final played in Yangon (Myanmar). With

this win, Advani remains the reigning Indian, Asian and world champion in billiards for 2017-18. India's Amee Kamani won the Asian Women's Snooker title

by blanking her Thai opponent Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan 3-0.

Ng On-yee of Hong Kong wins women’s World snooker championship

Ng On-yee of Hong Kong won her third women‟s World snooker championship in Malta on March 17, 2018, without dropping a frame. The 27-year-old

World No. 1 swept to a 5-0 win against England‟s Maria Catalano.

Kerala, Railways win Federation Cup volleyball tournament

Kerala won Men‟s title at the Federation Cup volleyball tournament in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh on March 18, 2018. Women‟s title was won by Indian

Railways.

Sahaj Grover wins Broadwalk Pearson Open chess tournament

Indian Grandmaster Sahaj Grover won the 2018 Broadwalk Pearson Open chess tournament in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on March 18, 2018. Grover finished

with 7.5 points in the 10-player round-robin event. Daniel Cawdrey of South Africa finished second with 6.5.

Juan Martin del Potro wins Men’s Singles title at Indian Wells Masters tennis

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro beat Swiss Roger Federer in the final 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-6(2) to clinch the Men‟s Singles title at the Indian Wells Masters in

California on March 19, 2018.

USA tops medals tally at PyeongChang Winter Paralympics

The 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games came to a close on March 18, 2018. The Paralympic flag was handed over to Beijing, the next host of the

Winter Paralympics in 2022. The United States topped the medals tally by winning 13 gold, 15 silver and eight bronze medals. The Neutral Paralympic

Athletes from Russia was second with 8 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals. The Russians were not allowed to compete under their national flag due to a

state-sponsored doping scandal.

Abhishek Mishra wins Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally

Aabhishek Mishra (co-driver Venu Rameshkumar) won the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally in Xtreme category that concluded in Jaisalmer on March 23,

2018. Rajat Singh Rathore (co-driver Sagar Mallappa) finished second. Niju Padia (co-driver Nirav Mehta) finished third. Aaron Mare of Angata Racing won

the overall crown (Group A & B) in the Moto Group category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally. Santolino Lorenzo of TVS Racing finished second.

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