JANUARY 2016:

INTERNATIONAL
Ruling
conservative
Peoples
Party
wins
Spains
general
election
Ruling conservative Peoples Party (PP) of Spain led Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy by has won the 2015
general election of the country. In the general election, PP won the 123 seats by securing in the lower
house of the 350-member Parliament and securing 28.7 percent vote share. Now the Peoples Party has
to form a coalition government with support of other political parties to govern for another four-year term.

Philippines

First
Asian
country
to
approve
sale
of
dengue
vaccine
Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the worlds first ever dengue vaccine
Dengvaxia in the country. The Dengvaxia vaccine has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical
manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four
subtypes of the virus. Earlier it secured its first regulatory approval in Mexico a fortnight ago and is
currently being reviewed by around 20 countries in Asia and Latin America. Clinical tests of the vaccine
carried out on 40,000 people from 15 countries by the company has shown that vaccine can immunise
two-thirds of people aged 9-45.

China
passes
first
law
against
domestic
violence
Chinas parliament adopted the countries first law against domestic violence bringing traditionally silent
abuse victim, including couples who are in live- in relation ship , under legal protection. The new law
passed by the chineese national legislature, prohibits any form of domestic violence, including
Psycological abuse. The legislation was approved at the end of a week-long bi monthly session of the
National peoples congress (NPC) standing committee.

Cabinet approved India joining the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems
On 13 January 2016 the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its
approval for India becoming a member country of the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy
Systems (IEA-OES) by signing the Implementing Agreement (IA). The nodal agency for the membership
would be Earth System Science Organisation National Institute of Ocean Technology (ESSO-NIOT)
under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. By becoming a member of the IEA-OES, India will have access to
advanced R&D teams and technologies across the world. India will partner in developing test protocols
along with other countries. This will help in testing Indian prototypes as per international requirements and
norms.

WHO
Declares
End
to
EbolaOutbreak
in
West
Africa
The World Health Organization on 14 January 2016 declared an end to the Ebola outbreak in Liberiamarking the first time since the outbreak began in 2014 that the three hardest hit countries (including
Sierra Leone and Guinea) have been considered Ebola-free. To be declared Ebola-free, the countries had
to have no cases for 42 days( or two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus).

INDIA & WORLD

Russia
inks
deal
with
HAL
to
manufacture
200
Kamov
helicopters
Russias Rostech State Corporation has signed one billion US dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters. These helicopters will be manufactured
under make in India initiative and shall replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. This is
the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the framework of
the Make in India programme with the help of Russia. Under this manufacturing deal Rostech State
Corporation will organize in India the production of Russian Ka-226T and its modifications in around 200
units. It will also carry out maintenance, operation and repair of helicopters.

Cabinet
approves
MoU
with
Singapore
to
manage
airports
The Union Cabinet on 6 January 2016 approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with
Singapore for operating and maintaining the terminal building of airports at Jaipur and Ahmedabad. This
is the first time the Airports Authority of India will award operation and maintenance contract to any entity
for terminal building. The objective of this MoU is to establish mutual cooperation in the field of civil
aviation. The MoU envisages collaboration with Singapore in areas such as traffic development,
commercial development, master planning and design, training and development, cargo handling and
management among others.

India signed loan agreement with Japan to clean Mula Mutha river in Pune
The Government of India on 13 January 2016 signed a loan agreement with Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for pollution abatement of River Mula-Mutha in Pune under National River
Conservation Plan (NRCP) in the presence of Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change in Pune .The Government of Japan has committed to provide a soft loan of
19.064 billion Yen (about Rs. 1000 crore) to Government of India for the project at an interest rate of
0.30% per annum.

India,
Japan
conducted
joint
exercise
Sahyog-Kaijin
off
Chennai
coast
Ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard came together to train for the
15th edition of Sahyog-Kaijin joint exercise in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast on 15 January
2016. This is the second time in three months a ship from the Japanese military forces is participating in a
military exercise along with India. In October last year, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces ship FS
Fuyuzuk participated in exercise Malabar with ships and aircraft of the Indian and the United States
navies.While India was represented by ICGS Samudra Paheredar, ICGS Sarang, ICGS Vishwast, ICGS
Rajtarang, ICGS Rajkamal and a Dornier Do 226 and chetak helicopters in Sahyog-Kaijin XV, Japan
Coast Guards JCGS Echigo with its integral helicopter took part in the exercise.

MoU
between
India
and
Britain
for
cooperation
in
public
administration
The union cabinet on 20 January 2016 gave its expost facto approval for the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Britain for cooperation in public administration and
governance reforms.The meeting of the union cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The
form of co-operation will be in areas like sharing good governance practices in public administration, user

led service design, reducing bureaucracy in service delivery, government process re-engineering, building
and developing staff capability, public grievance redress mechanism, local government reforms, reforms
towards strengthening of social security, collaboration in strategies for promotion of ethics in government,
collaboration between government and industry on staff management, mechanisms for public
engagement, crisis and disaster management and digital transformation of government.

NATIONAL
India
to
implement
stricter
emission
norms
from
April
1,
2020
In a bid to curb vehicular pollution, the government on 6 January 2016 decided to implement stricter
emission norms of Bharat Stage (BS) VI from 1 April 2020 by skipping BS-V altogether. At present, BS IV
norms are followed in parts of India and by 1 April 2017, the whole of the country is scheduled to be
covered under it. Government has decided to leapfrog from BSIV to BS-VI directly by 1 April 2020.
Government decided to skip BS V emission norms.

Bypolls
to
12
Assembly
seats
in
eight
States
on
February
13
The Election Commission on 12 January 2016 announced bypolls to 12 Assembly constituencies in eight
States, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka and Maharashtra, to be held on 13 February 2016.
Muzzafarnagar, Deoband and Bikapur in U.P., Devadurga, Bidar and Hebbal in Karnataka, Khadoor Sahib
in Punjab, Palghar in Maharashtra, Harlakhee in Bihar, Amarpur in Tripura, Narayankhed in Telangana
and Maihar in Madhya Pradesh are the constituencies going to polls on February 13.The notification will
be issued on January 20, while January 27 will be the last date of filing nominations. While candidates
can withdraw from the electoral race till January 30, the polls will be held on February 13. Counting will be
held on February 16.

NHAI
signs
MoU
with
ISRO
and
NECTAR
On 13 January 2016 NHAI signed Memorandum of Understanding with National Remote Sensing Centre
(NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and North East Centre for Technology
Application and Research (NECTAR) for use of spatial technology for monitoring and managing National
Highways.

Aadhar
Card
UIDAI
Scheme
has
Helped
Reduce
Corruption
:
World
Bank
The World Bank released its report titled World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends on January
14, 2016. As per the report although internet, mobile phones and other digital technologies are spreading
fast especially in the developing countries, the anticipated effect of these services in the fields of
employment generation, higher economic growth and better public services have remained below
expectations. In case of India it especially noted and appreciated the Aadhar card unique identification
scheme launched by the Government of India. The World Bank noted that the Aadhar scheme has helped
in streamlining public services and also helped in reducing corruption in India.

500-strong
women
troops
commissioned
into
ITBP
A trained contingent of 500 women personnel, which will be the first mahila squad to be deployed in
highaltitude posts along the India-China border, was on 15 January 2016 commissioned into the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Panchkula.The women, in the rank of constable, were inducted in the
border-guarding force after 44-weeks of training in battle craft and mountain survival and will now be sent
to frontier areas for final acclimatisation before being deployed at ITBP posts along the Sino-India Line of
Actual Control (LAC). These mahila contingents are expected to be posted by March 2016 at about 20
forward locations of the ITBP.

For
first
time
in
66
years,
no
camel
contingent
at
Republic-Day
parade
For the first time in the history of the Republic Day celebrations, the iconic Border Security Force (BSF)
camel contingent will not be ambling down the Rajpath in Delhi on January 26.While the contingent is in
Delhi since the last few months, it has not been included in the rehearsals.The camel contingent first
became a part of the national festival celebration in 1976 after it replaced a similar squad of the Army,
which had been participating in the Republic Day parade since the first such event in 1950.

STATES
Dress
Code
For
Devotees
Visiting
Tamil
Nadu
Shrines
From
January
Devotees entering temples in Tamil Nadu will have to follow a new dress code from January 1 as several
important shrines have put up notice boards highlighting this.The dress code for entering the temples was
being followed on the orders of the Madras High court on December 1. According to a notice board
outside the Palani temple, male devotees have been advised to wear dhoti, shirt, pyjama or pant and shirt
while women and girls should wear saris or churidhar or pavadai with half-sari. Devotees wearing lungi,
bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.

Jharkhand first state to sign MoU with Centre

for power scheme UDAY
Jharkhand state become first state in country to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Ujwal
Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme with Union Government on 5 January 2016. In this regard a
tripartite MoU was signed between the state government, Union Ministry of Power and state power
distributor Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL). With this, the total number of states that would be
joining UDAY become 15. The other states that are on board UDAY are Andhra Pradesh, Punjab,
Jammu&Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and
Madhya Pradesh. Besides, four major states Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha have
already given their in-principle approval to join UDAY.

Kerala
became
first
State
to
achieve
100%
primary
education
Kerala became the first state in the country to achieve 100 percent primary education.This was declared
by the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari on 12 January 2016 at a special ceremony organised at
Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The success of Kerala in achieving total primary education can be
attributed to various initiatives undertaken by the Kerala Literacy Mission in the last two decades.
Especially, the Athulyam Scheme, which was implemented in two stages, played a key role in addressing
the educational needs of illiterate adults. The second stage of the scheme, namely Mission 676, targeted

those between ages 15 and 50 who, for one reason or the other, dropped out of the formal education
process. Prior to the Athulyam Scheme, the fourth standard equivalency programme was started in 2000
in association with local bodies. As a result, Kannur became the first district in the country to achieve total
primary education in 2001.

Maharashtra Government inks MoU with Tata Trust for skill training of youth
The Maharashtra Government and Tata Trust on 19 January 2016 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for a skill training programme for the youth in the state. The programme has been
undertaken under the Maharashtra Governments Kushal Maharashtra, Rojgaryukt Maharashtra initiative.

Bihar Government announced 35% reservation for women in all govt jobs
Bihar government on 19 January 2016 announced 35% reservation to women in government jobs in the
state at all levels.The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet presided over by chief minister
Nitish Kumar. The state government which had provided 35% reservation to women in police job
extended it in all other jobs.Other important decisions approved by the cabinet included a proposal to
increase entry tax on electronic items, bidi and tobacco items, ready made garments and footwear among
others in the range of 5% to 12%.

CONFERENCES
Prime Minister inaugurated 103rd edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103rd edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) in
Mysore on 3 January 2016. The event is being held at the University of Mysore from January 3 to 7 and
the theme of this edition of the event is Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India. More
than 15000 delegates from across India. Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is a premier
scientific organisation of India and it has been hosting the ISC since 1914. Narendra Modi calling on
Indian scientists to keep the economy, environment, energy, empathy and equity at the heart of their
endeavors in the interest of impactful science.

CII
Partnership
Summit
2016
concluded
in
Visakhapatnam
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Department of Industrial Policy and
Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh presents
the 22nd edition of the Partnership Summit from 10 12 January 2016 at APIIC Ground, Harbour Park,
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Honble Minister for Commerce and Industry,
is the Chair of the Summit and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh is the Partner State for this
edition of the prestigious initiative.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Israeli
journalist,
Palestinian
pastor
won
Swedish
rights
prize
Israeli journalist Gideon Levy and Palestinian pastor Mitri Raheb on 7 January 2016 won the 2015 Olof
Palme human rights prize for their fight against occupation and violence.Levy, a journalist at the left
leaning Israeli daily Haaretz, and Raheb, a preacher and pastor in the Lutheran church in Bethlehem,
were honoured for their courageous and indefatigable fight against occupation and violence, and for a
future Middle East characterised by peaceful coexistence and equality for all. Levy has published articles
opposing the Israeli armys operations in Gaza in December 2008-January 2009 and in July-August 2014.
The Olof Palme Prize is an annual prize worth $75,000 (69,000 euros) awarded by the Swedish labour
movement. It commemorates the memory of the Nordic countrys Social Democratic prime minister Olof
Palme, an outspoken international human rights advocate who was assassinated in the Swedish capital in
1986.Since 1987 the award has honoured human rights defenders around the world including Burmas
Aung San Suu Kyi and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

ISRO
chairman
received
Reva
Lifetime
Achievement
Award
ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar received Reva Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, carrying a
purse of Rs. 1 lakh and a citation, presented to him on Founders Day that will be held on the universitys
premises (Rukmini Knowledge Park, Yelahanka, Bangalore).

EPFO
bags
National
Award
on
e-Governance
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has won the National Award on e-Governance 2015-16 for
launching the Universal Account Number (UAN). The UAN facility enables workers to transfer their
provident fund deposits while switching jobs anywhere in India easily. The EPFO won the gold award in
the innovative use of technology in e-governance category and the retirement body will get a cash prize
of Rs 2 lakh. The award will be presented by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
to the EPFO in the 19th National Conference on e-governance to be held in Nagpur on January 22.

Prime
Minister
conferred
the
Times
Now
Amazing
Indians
Awards
2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 January 2016 conferred the Times Now Amazing Indians Awards
2016 to all the awardees. The awards were given in recognition of great achievements in the face of
adversity.

Oscar
nominations
2016:Revenant
leads
with12
The 88th annual Academy Award nominations were announced on 14 January 2016 in Los Angeles. The
Revenant led all films with 12 nominations, followed closely by Mad Max: Fury Road with 10. The Martian
landed in third with seven nominations. The Academy chose to nominate eight films for Best Picture this
year, as it did last year, and they ranged from small, quiet stories like Brooklyn to the action movie
bombast of Mad Max. Its a much better lineup than 2015s.

SPORTS & GAMES

India
beat
Afghanistan
2-1
to
lift
SAFF
Cup
title
for
7th
time
India defeated Afghanistan 2-1 in final match held in Thiruvananthapuram on 3 January 2016 to won the
SAFF Cup for the seventh time.Previously India won in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011 and now
2015. 2015 SAFF Cup was the 11th edition of the biennial SAFF Championship and was held at
Trivandrum International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala). The 2017 SAFF Cup will be hosted by
Bangladesh.

Pranav
Dhanawade
Scores
1009
runs
in
323
balls
Mumbai teenager Pranav Dhanawade on 5 January 2015 scripted history by becoming the first batsman
ever to notch up a four-figure score by smashing an unbeaten knock of 1,009 in an inter-school
tournament in Mumbai.Pranav Dhanawade, the opening batsman of Smt KC Gandhi School (Kalyan),
scored an unbeaten 1009 off 323 balls, a knock which comprised 129 fours and 59 sixes against Arya
Gurukul School. He batted for 395 minutes and had a strike rate of 312.38. This innings came in the HT
Bhandari Cup inter-school tournament organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

Sania
Mirza
and
Martina
Hingis
won
WTA
Brisbane
trophy
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won their sixth consecutive title by lifting the WTA Brisbane trophy, in
Brisbane on 9 January 2016. They defeated the German players Angelique Kerber and Andrea Petkovic
7-5, 6-1. Sania-Martina has won 26 consecutive matches and this is their sixth consecutive title. They are
on course to beat the record of 28 consecutive wins in doubles set by Gigi Fernandez and Natasha
Zvereva in 1994.

Nick
Kyrgios,
Daria
Gavrilova
lift
Australia
to
Hopman
Cup
title
Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova had singles wins over Ukraine to lead Australia Green to the Hopman
Cup, the countrys first title in the mixed-team event in 17 years. Gavrilovas 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory over Elina
Svitolina gave Australia a 1-0 lead before Kyrgios clinched the title with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Alexandr
Dolgopolov.

Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis created world record by winning 29 matches in a row
Indias Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis broke a 22-year-old world record by winning
their 29th womens doubles match in a row en route to their entry into the womens doubles final of the
WTA Sydney International, in Sydney on 14 January 2016. They defeated the Romanian Raluca Olaru
and Kazakhstans Yaroslava Shvedova 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in the semi-final. The Sania-Hingis duo has now
surpassed the pair of Puerto Rican Gigi Fernandez and Belarus Natasha Zvereva, who won 28 matches
on the trot.

Sania
Mirza,
Martina
Hingis
Won
Sydney
International
Title
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis lifted their second trophy of the season as they won the WTA Sydney
International defeating Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic 1-6, 7-5, 10-5 on 15 January 2016. This
was their 30th win. It was the 11th title together for the Indo-Swiss pair. In 2015, they won nine titles
including the year-end WTA Finals.

ECONOMY
RBI
extends
deadline
to
exchange
pre-2005
notes
to
June
30,
2016
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of
various denominations by another six months to June 30, 2016. From January 1, 2016 such facility for
exchanging pre-2005 currency notes will only be available at identified bank branches and Issue Offices
of the RBI. Earlier in June 2015, RBI had set the last date for public to exchange pre-2005 banknotes
notes as December 31, 2015. It is fourth time RBI has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005
currency notes since March 2014. Till date RBI has shredded over 164 crore pre-2005 currency notes of
various denominations, including of Rs 1,000 with the face value of around Rs 21,750 crore in its regional
offices.

United
Nations
ushers
in
ambitious
2030
Sustainable
Development
Goals
UN on 1 January 2015 ushered in the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals that aim to end
poverty, hunger and assure gender equally while building a life of dignity for all over the next 15 years.
The 15-year cycle of the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) came to an end with 2015
paving the way for the SDGs, an even more ambitious set of goals to banish a host of social ills by 2030.
These goals were adopted unanimously by 193 Heads of State and other top leaders at a summit in
September 2015.

Reliance
to
set
up
Rs.
5,000-crore
naval
shipbuilding
unit
near
Vizag
Reliance Group, led by billionaire Anil Ambani, will set up a naval ship-building facility near
Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs. 5,000 crore. It is the single biggest investment in Andhra Pradesh after its
bifurcation.A memorandum of understanding to build the facility was signed between Reliance ADA Group
Chairman, Anil Ambani and AP Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, at the CII Partnership Summit and
Sunrise AP Investment Meet on 10 January 2016.Reliance will establish the facility at Rambilli, about 70
km from Vizag.

Walmart
to
close
269
stores,
lay
off
16,000
employees
Retail giant Walmart Stores, Inc. on 15 January 2016 announced to close 269 stores and lay off 16,000
employees, including 6,000 of them outside the U.S. It would close its 154 stores in the U.S. and 115
others abroad. The company is shutting down 60 stores in Brazil, a market in which the worlds largest
retailer has made a big push in recent years.The company said it had already been able to relocate
most of the employees affected by the store closings to other points of sale. The other 55 stores to be
closed outside the United States are mostly small, loss-making stores in other Latin American markets,.

World Bank to fund 20 million US dollar for reconstructing Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The World Bank decided to give an assistance of 20 million US dollar to reconstruct the Indira Gandhi
Zoological Park . The park was devastated during cyclone Hudhud in October 2014 in Visakhapatnam. It
is for the first time that World Bank is directly involved in a zoo.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

New
planet
Wolf
1061c
close
to
Earth
found
In a recent discovery, Australian astronomers have found the possibly nearest habitable planet near
Earth. Titled as Wolf 1061c, the red dwarf star is around 14 light years away from earth, in the
constellation Ophiuchus. It has been detected by scientists at the University of New South Wales (UNSW)
in Australia. The new planet is one of the three planets that are likely to be solid and rocky. One of the
three planets, Wolf 1061c, exists with in the Goldilocks zone at a distance from the star that is not too hot
and not too cold for liquid water. This leads to the speculations of possibility of life on the planet.

SpaceX
launches
reusable
rocket
Falcon
9
SpaceX successfully launched reusable spacecraft by making a Falcon 9 booster the first piece of an
orbital rocket to land back on Earth minutes after lofting satellites towards orbit. The SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts
off and then returns to a landing zone at the Cape Canaveral air force station in Florida. The two stage
rocket propelled its payload of 11 Orbcomm Inc. Satellites aloft. It was the companys first flight. SpaceXs
upgraded design for its Falcon 9 rocket worked flawlessly.

Barak
8
Missile
successfully
tested
India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 was successfully
test fired from INS Kolkata. The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy,
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries. This missile
along with the Multi-Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) would provide these ships
the capability to neutralize aerial threats at extended ranges.

.cn
becomes
worlds
largest
code
domain
Chinas country code domain .cn has become the worlds most commonly used in the internet with 16.36
million users, surpassing Germanys .de domain. According to the data released on 8 January 2016 by
the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC), which manages the domain,.cn had 16.36
million users by the end of 2015.The .cn domain is also world leading in domain resolution service,
security and the ratio of benign uses.It is used by all central and provincial governments in China and
most telecom companies besides commercial banks.Multinationals including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon
and Citibank are among those using it. China has around 670 million internet users and over 4.13 million
websites, according to the official data.

ISRO
successfully
launched
the
fifth
navigation
satellite
IRNSS-1E
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 33rd flight (PSLV-C31), launched IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The launch took place on 20 January 2016 from
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.IRNSS-1E is the fifth
navigation satellite of the seven satellites constituting the IRNSS space segment. Its predecessors,
IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D were launched by PSLV-C22, PSLV-C24, PSLV-C26 and PSLV-C27 in July
2013, April 2014, October 2014 and March 2015 respectively. IRNSS-1E has a lift-off mass of 1425 kg.

The configuration of IRNSS-1E is similar to that of IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. IRNSS-1E carries two
types of payloads navigation payload and ranging payload. The navigation payload of IRNSS-1E will
transmit navigation service signals to the users. This payload will be operating in L5-band and S-band. A
highly accurate Rubidium atomic clock is part of the navigation payload of the satellite. The ranging
payload of IRNSS- 1E consists of a C-band transponder which facilitates accurate determination of the
range of the satellite. IRNSS-1E also carries Corner Cube Retro Reflectors for laser ranging.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A). APPOINTMENTS
R
K
Mathur
appointed
as
CIC
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur has been appointed as Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC). He will have tenure of about three years (2017) till he attain the age of 65. He
succeeds Vijai Sharma as he has retired after completion of his tenure. R K Mathur is a retired IAS officer
of Tripura cadre. He had served as Defence Secretary for two years. He also had served as Secretary
Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Defence Production and Supplies.

Air
Marshal
Bhadauria takes
over as
Deputy Chief of Air
Staff of IAF
Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria took over as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on 1 January 2016.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the IAF in June 1980. Prior
to taking over as DCAS, Air Marshal Bhadauria was Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command of
IAF.

Abid
Ali
Z.
Neemuchwala
appointed
as
CEO
of
Wipro
Indias third largest IT exporter Wipro Limited has appointed Abid Ali Z. Neemuchwala as the new Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) and Member of the Board of the company. He succeed incumbent CEO T.K.
Kurien who has been elevated as the Executive Vice Chairman of the company. Prior to this appointment
Neemuchwala was serving as the chief operating officer (COO) of the company since April 2015. Before
joining Wipro, he was working with Indias largest IT exporter Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for 23
years.

Sikri
takes
over
as
new
CCI
chairman
Former Gujarat cadre IAS officer Devender Kumar Sikri has taken oath as the Chairman of Competition
Commission of India on 11 January 2016. Mr. Sikri, a 1975 batch IAS officer, replaces Ashok Chawla who
demitted office on January 7 and will be the third chairman of the CCI. Mr. Chawla had taken over from
Dhanendra Kumar, who demitted office in June 2011. The 62-year-old Mr. Sikri, who superannuated as
secretary, department of justice in July 31, 2013, will have a two and-a-half year tenure (till he attains 65
years of age).

Binny
Bansal
appointed
as
CEO
of
Flipkart
E-commerce firm Flipkart on 11 January 2016 appointed Binny Bansal as the Chief Executive Officer and
Sachin Bansal as the Executive Chairman. Sachin Bansal, CEO and co-founder of Flipkart, will be the
Executive Chairman of the company and Binny Bansal, COO and co-founder of Flipkart, will be the Chief
Executive Officer. In his role as the Executive Chairman, Sachin will provide strategic direction and
mentor the senior leadership as also look for new investment opportunities. While, Binny as the CEO will
now be responsible for operationally driving the company and be accountable for Flipkarts overall
performance.

B). RESIGNS
Blatter
Resigns
from
FIFA
Amid
After proclaiming himself President of every body seep blatter had announced his resignation as
president of FIFA he spent 17 years at the helm of FIFA and 40 years as an employee with in soccers
International governing body.

Bobby
Jindal
resigns
as
Louisiana
Governor
The governor of Louisiana in America, the Indian person Bobby Jindal resigns his post at end of his
second four-year term. Bel Edwards the democratic governor in Deep South is now in that governor
position Jindal is the first Indian to hold such a position.

C). DEATHS
Veteran
Communist
Party
leader
A.B.
Bardhan
dead
Veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and former general secretary of the party Ardhendu
Bhushan Bardhan died in New Delhi on 2 January 2016. Ardhendu Bhushan Bardhan was born in Barisal,
Bengal Presidency in present-day Bangladesh on 25 September 1924. Bardhan held a postgraduate
degree in economics and a degree in law.A.B. Bardhan was elected as a member of the Maharashtra
assembly from Nagpur in 1957.

Music
artist
David
Bowie
passed
away
Music Legend David Bowie died on 11 January 2016 at the age of 69 following a battle with cancer. The
singer released his latest album Blackstar on his birthday on January 8. His last live performance was at a
New York charity concert in 2006. Blackstar, which includes just seven songs, has been well received by
critics.

Lagaan
actor
Rajesh
Vivek
dies
Actor Rajesh Vivek, mainly known for his roles in super hits like Lagaan and Swades, died due to a heart
attack in Hyderabad on 14 January 2016. Vivek was first introduced by Shyam Benegal in his film Junoon
(1978). Basically a theatre actor, he had also acted in popular television series like Mahabharata, Bharat
Ek Khoj and Aghori. He made his mark as a villain in the beginning with films like Veerana and Joshilay,
often playing roles of henchman, but later on he started doing comic and supporting roles. Some of his

latest films include Bunty Aur Babli, Bhoot Uncle, What is Your Rashee, Agneepath, Son of Sardaar &
Dishkiyaoon. He had played the role of a dreaded dacoit in Bandit Queen.

Bollywood
filmmaker
Anil
Ganguly
passes
away
Anil Ganguly died on Jaunary 15, 2016. He was an Indian film director and screenwriter. Anil worked in
Hindi cinema from 1970s to the 1990s. Ganguly was best known for Jaya Bhaduri starrer, Kora Kagaz
(1974) and Tapasya (1975), both of which won the National Film. Award for Best Popular Film Providing
Wholesome Entertainment. Ganguly other noted film was Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh starred Saaheb
(1985). Later in is career, Anil made several actions films, mostly with Mithun Chakraborty. Gangulay
started his career making literary adaptations with strong female roles and themes of marital discord.

Veteran
journalist
Dr.
Aroon
Tikekar
passed
away
Mumbai Veteran journalist and author of 20 books in English and Marathi, Dr.Aroon Tikekar died on 19
January 2016 following respiratory complications. He was 72.Aroon Tikekar worked as a college teacher
for some years.From 1991 to 2002, he worked as an editor of the Marathi newspaper Loksatta.

D). VISITORS
Syrian
Foreign
Minister
visits
India
before
peace
talks
Syrias foreign minister arrived in New Delhi on 11 January 2016 for talks with his Indian counterpart,
trying to build international support for President Bashar al-Assads government before peace talks in
Geneva. Peace talks between Assads government and the Syrian opposition are due to begin on 25
January 2016 as part of an ambitious 18-month plan endorsed by the UN Security Council. Syrian
Foreign Minister Walid Muallem meet Sushma Swaraj and other government functionaries during a
three-day official visit.

Sushma
Swaraj
to
visit
Palestine,
Israel
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit Israel and Palestine on January 17-18 to further build on
the goodwill generated by the trip of President Pranab Mukherjee to the two West Asian nations three
months back.Palestine will be Ms. Swarajs first destination where she will hold talks with leadership of
the country with an aim to boost bilateral engagement and deepen mutual understanding at the political
level.After completing her engagements in Palestine on January 17, Ms. Swaraj will go to Israel the same
day for a two-day visit during which she will hold discussions with the Israeli leadership and review the
entire gamut of India-Israel relations.

Indian
Foriegn
Secretary
Jaishankar
visit
Colombo
Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on 12 January 2016 arrived in Sri Lanka to hold bilateral
discussions with the island nations leadership. Mr. Jaishankar is expected to meet Sri Lankan Prime
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera among other dignitaries,
According to the report, during the course of his visit, Mr. Jaishankar is expected to pave the way for the
India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission (ISLJC) meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo next month. External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is likely to attend the ISJLC meeting.

E). MISCELLANEOUS
Sainthood
to
Mother
Teresa
Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary, will be given Sainthood i.e. will be made
a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016. Pope Francis has recognized a second miracle
attributed to Mother Teresa, intercession with God. Earlier in 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by then
late John Paul. Beatification requires one miracle and is the last step before sainthood. Mother founded
the Missionaries of Charity and spent 45-years serving the poor, sick, orphaned and dying on the streets
of Kolkata. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Padma Shri (1962) and Bharat Ratna (1980).

Miss
Philippines
crowned
Miss
Universe-2015
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Miss Universe 2015 at the final of 64th edition of Miss
Universe held in Las Vegas, the USA. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2014 winner Paulina Vega of
Columbia. Urvashi Rautela who represented India in the contest couldnt make it top 15 semi-finals round.

Obama
as
most
popular
leader
US President Barack Obama has been named as Most Popular Leader in the World. Whereas, Indian
Prime Minister occupied 7th Position in the poll participated by people of 65 countries. Obama received
59 percent votes in his favour as opposed by 29 percent unfavourable. German Chancellor Angela Merkel
and British Prime Minister David Cameron were ranked as Second and Third for a score of +13 percent &
+10 percent respectively. Chinese President Xi Hinping stood at 6th Position. Modi garnered 24 percent
favourable and 20 percent unfavourable votes to settle with a score of +4 percent. While French
President Hollande and Russian PM Vladimir Putin came 4th and 5th in the poll, Brazil President Dilma,
Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud and Iran President Hassan Rouhani were at 8th, 9th and
10th Positions respectively.

Smriti
Irani
inaugurated
43rd
New
Delhi
World
Book
Fair
Human Resource Minister Smriti Irani on 9 January 2016 inaugurated the 43rd edition of the New Delhi
World Book Fair which commenced in New Delhi with China as the guest of honour country and a theme
presentation of the cultural heritage of India. The nineday fair, touted as the largest in Asia, is hosting
about 30 countries in which a series of programmes including panel discussions, dramas, classical and
folk dances, workshops, discussions, authors meets, conferences, seminars and cultural programmes
will be held.

Indian-origin
girl
tops
Mensa
test
in
UK
A 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of
Mensa, becoming one of the youngest brainiest students in the country. Mumbai-born Kashmea Wahi
achieved the top score of 162 out of 162, putting her in the league of scientists Albert Einstein and Steven
Hawking and in the top 1 per cent of the countrys brightest. Both Hawking and Einstein are thought to
have an IQ of 160.

PLACES IN NEWS
Indias
biggest
wildlife
rescue
centre
in
Nagpur
Indias biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra. The centre was inaugurated by Maharashtra
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in presence of State Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwa. Gorewada
Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Center is managed by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra
(FDCM). Nagpur based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre. It
has cages for herbivorous animals and would house Deer, Sambars and Nilgais. It also has two
enclosures to house 10 Tigers at a time and also separate enclosure for Panthers. It also has separated
enclosure for housing Pythons including Cobra, Rat Snakes and vipers. The centre also has enclosures
for housing 10 small mammals like Wolf, wild Dogs, Jackal.

NIMHANS
dedicated
to
the
nation
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee dedicated the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore to the nation as an institute of national importance. He also inaguarated
the Magneto Encephalography Research Centre and NIMHANS Heritage Museum on the occasion.
NIMHANS has taken a number of initiatives such as setting up a Brain Bank, a Free Legal Aid Clinic in its
outpatient bloc, Centre for Well Being, Centre for Public Health and Centre for Addiction Medicine etc.
These innovations as well as the NIMHANS Community Mental Health and Rehabiliation Centre and
Neuro-biology Research Centre (NRC) are successful models that could be replicated in other parts of
the country.

Terror
attack
at
Pathankot
Air
Force
station
Five terrorists and three security men including one Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were killed in an
attack on an air force base in Punjabs Pathankot district on 2 January 2016.

Narendra
Modi
Laid
Foundation
Stone
Of
HALS
Helicopter
Facility
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 January 2016 unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a new
helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkur district in Karnataka.The
government is investing over Rs 5,000 crore on this new unit. This will be the first factory in India to
indigenously assemble helicopters through its own innovations and technology.

International
short
film
festival
begins
in
Warangal
International Short Film Festival is scheduled to begin in Hanmakonda, Warangal on 8 January 2016. This
is the first such film festival after the formation of Telangana state. Short film makers from several
countries besides regional directors will take part in the three-day event. All the short films will be aired at
the Kakatiya University auditorium. Maker of blockbuster movie Rudramadevi director Gunasekhar and
writer Thota Prasad will be felicitated on the occasion.On the second day of the event on Saturday, IT
minister KT Rama Rao will preside over the proceedings. The chairman of the film festival is K
Nageshwara Rao.

ABBREVIATIONS
NIIF :
National
Investment
and
Infrastructure
FDI :
Foreign
Direct
SIDBI :
Small
Industries
Development
Bank
of
MICR :
Magnetic
Ink
Character
PMGSY :
Pradhan
Mantri
Gram
Sadak
FIPB :
Foreign
Investment
Promotion
TADF : Technology Acquisition&Development Fund

Fund
Investment
India
Recognition
Yojana
Board

Books in News
Book
on
Sharad
Yadav
released
The book Sharad Yadav- Sangharsh Ke Senani, Sarvajanik, Rajkiya aur Vyaktigat Jeevan ka Safarnama
written by Manoj Krish-nan was released by the Vice President Hamid Ansari at Mr Yadavs official
residence. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and senior BJP leader L
K Advani, today attended the launch.

New
book
on
Kargil
War
released
Gripping accounts from the battle front during the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan to capture
the magnificent Tiger Hill have been recounted in a new book which was launched at Manekshaw Centre,
New Delhi. Penned by Lieutenant General Mohinder Puri, the book titled Kargil: Turning the Tide is a
first-hand narrative of the operations of 8 Mountain Division, which was tasked to evict the enemy from
the Drass-Mushkoh Sector during Operation Vijay.

Book entitled Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Polity in Perspective released
Book entitled Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Polity in Perspective was released by Hamid Ansari on
12th January 2016 at Keralas Thiruvananthapuram. Focus of the book is on Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias
first PM on shaping on polity of modern India. The book was edited by Prof Alexander and with
contributions from eminent persons like Justice K T Thomas, Dr Rajan Kurukkal, Dr B Vivekanandan, M G
Radhakrishnan and others.

COMMITTEES
Lodha
committee
proposes
sweeping
reforms
for
BCCI
Former Chief Justice of India, R.M. Lodha, submitted his report on the various aspects of reforms in the
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the Supreme Court registry on 4 January 2016. The panel
headed by justice (retd) RM Lodha was appointed by the apex court last year in the wake of a sport-fixing
scandal in Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest crisis to hit the cashrich sports body in the country.
The three-member panel, which submitted a 159-page report on January 4 to the Supreme Court for
ratification.

Arvind Panagariya committee formed on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Corridor

On 11 January 2016, a five-member high level committee headed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind
Panagariya was formed to monitor the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Corridor (bullet train project) by
the Union Government. The responsibility of the committee is to look into the overall operations and
technical issues, Make in India component and financial outlay of the 90000 crore rupees worth project.
Apart from this, the committee will also audit the projects strategic importance for India-Japan bilateral
relation. Apart from the Chairman, the members of the committee are-Amitabh Kant, Secretary,
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Shantikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic
Affairs Secretary S Jaishankar, Foreign SecretaryAK Mittal, Railway Board Chairman.

Kamal
Haasan,
Ghosh
on
Shyam
Benegal
panel
Actor-director Kamal Haasan and film-maker Gautam Ghosh were on 14 January 2016 included in the
Shyam Benegal committee set up by the Union government to look holistically into the functioning of the
controversy-ridden Central Board of Film Certification, making it a six-member panel.The Union
Information and Broadcasting Ministry had set up the panel on January 1 to take a relook at the
functioning of the Board.

French
President
declared
economic
emergency
On 18 January 2016, French President Francois Hollande declared a state of economic and social
emergency to redefine countrys economic and social model. President Francois Hollande has set out a
2bn (1.5bn) job creation plan in an attempt to lift France out of what he called a state of economic
emergency.

IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES

January
9
January
10
January
12
January
15
January
18
January
24
January
25
January
26
January 30 : Martyrs Day

February 2016:

:
:
:
:
:
:
:

Pravasi
World
National
National
National
National
National
:

Bharatiya
Hindi
Youth
Army
Immunization
Girl
Child
Tourism
Republic

Divas
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

INTERNATIONAL
Canada,
US,
Mexico
Memorandum
of
Understanding
on
climate
change
To tap energy cooperation among Canada, the US and Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration at the North American Energy Ministers Meeting in
Winnipeg, Canada. All these countries work jointly and share information in key areas such as low-carbon
electricity, clean energy technologies, energy efficiency, carbon capture, climate change adaptation and
reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector and methane.they work together to increase policy
alignment Among these countries 167 billion Canadian dollars ($120 billion) worth energy products were
traded in 2015 across the continent.
NATO,
EU
sign
agreement
on
cyber
defense
cooperation
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union (EU) have signed an agreement to
improve Cooperation in Cyber Defence to counter modern forms of hybrid warfare.The agreement was
signed between NATO Computer Incident Response Capability (NCIRC) and the Computer Emergency
Response Team-European Union (CERTEU) at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. The agreement
facilitates technical information sharing between NCIRC and CERT-EU so as to improve cyber incident
prevention, detection and response and also allow the objectives of the EU Cyber Defence Policy
Framework.
US
president
launches
cyber-security
action
plan
President Barack Obama on 9th feb launches a new cyber security national action plan because of
aging government networks and a high-level commission to boost security awareness.Under this US
government will spent 19 billion US dollars for cyber-security efforts Increase 35 per cent from current
levels,to modernise the patchwork of computer systems used in government agencies.the 12-member
cyber-security commission is made to change both the public and private sectors. It is done because of
20 million federal employees, contractors data has been leaked at a massive breach at the Office of
Personnel Management.The US intelligence agencies has named China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as
leading threat actors which cause risks for US cyber security.
Transpacific
partnership
agreement
signed
by
12
countries
On 4th Feb the twelve pacific rim countries signed US leading Trans-pacific partner ship (TPP) agreement
in Auckland, New Zealand. It is one of biggest trade deals in history It is leaded by New Zealand prime
minister John Key and US trade Representative Mike Froman this agreement was signed by Australia,
Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United states of
America and Vietnam It will Facilitate investment between 12 countries across pacific rim about 40% of It
aims to promote economic growth, support the creation and retention of jobs to promote economic
growth,support the creation and retention of jobs, enhance productivity and competitiveness, raise living
standards reduce poverty enhance labour and environmental protection.
WHO
declares
Zika
virus
global
health
emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) on 2 February 2016 announced that the explosive spread of the
Zika virus in the Americas is an extraordinary event that merits being declared an international
emergency.The WHO convened an emergency meeting of independent experts to assess the outbreak
after noting a suspicious link between Zikas arrival in Brazil last year and a surge in the number of babies
born with abnormally small heads.The last such public health emergency was declared for the
devastating 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which killed more than 11,000 people.
$250
million
flood
recovery
project
signed
with
world
bank
Jhelum and tawi flood recovery project has been signed between government of India and world bank

with financing agreement of US$250 million. The agreement is signed between Mr.Raj Kumar joint
secretary department of economic affairs from government of India and MR.OnnoRuhal. The primary
benefit to communities in Jammu & Kashmir district that were affected by loss of public service
infrastructure. the loan implementation period is for 5 years with implementing agency as government of
Jammu & Kashmir.

INDIA & WORLD

India,
Seychelles
joint
military
exercise
LAMITYE
2016
On 14th Feb 2016 the 7th edition of joint military exercise LAMITYE 2016 was begun in Victoria,
Seychelles between Indian Army and Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces (SPDF). It is 14 day joint
exercise conclude on February 28, 2016 at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria.The India and
Seychelles joint drill Exercise Lamitye are started from 2001 with the aim of enhancing military
cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.
Abu Dhabi National oil company agreed to store crude oil in India storage
The UAEs national oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil (ADNOC) Company has agreed to store crude oil
in Indias maiden Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) storage used for emergency purpose. UAE has
agreed to give two-third of the oil for free by this agreement, 0.5 million tons of stored crude oil will belong
to India and it can use it at the time of emergencies.India imports up to 8 per cent of crude oil from UAE.
International
Fleet
Review
2016
at
Visakhapatnam
The 2nd International Fleet Review (IFR) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh at the coast of Bay of
Bengal held by Indian Navy held from February 4 to February 8, 2016. This was the 11th Fleet Review
after Independence and the second with participation of foreign navies. Almost 22 navies from across the
world participated in the event, which included Naval ships. The theme for the International Fleet Review
2016 was United through Oceans. with 65 Indian Naval warships and three IN (Indian Navy)
Submarines, the Review also included 24 foreign ships, two ships from the Indian Coast Guard and three
from Mercantile Marine. Several enthralling waterfront activities by sail boats, water skiing, display by
Marine Commandos and helicopter demonstrations were also held in review. the latest acquisitions of the
Indian Navy such as MiG 29K, Long Range MR aircraft P8I and AEW helicopter KM-31 were also
presented.
Union
government
launched
247
tourist
help
line
no
Union ministry of tourism on 8 February 2016 launched the 247 Toll Free Tourist Infoline in 12
International Languages including Hindi and English in New Delhi. It mainly include ten International
languages Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and
Spanish.The 247 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Info project has been implemented by the Union Ministry
through TATA Business Support Services (BSS) Limited. The callers will be advised during times of
distress while travelling in India and also alert the concerned authorities. Calls made by both international
and national will be free of cost.
India,
Afghanistan
ink
pack
for
visa-free
travel
by
diplomats
India and Afghanistan on 1 February 2016 inked a pact for visa-free travel by their diplomats following
Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullahs meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which
they discussed key bilateral and regional issues including security cooperation.

EDF
signs
deal
to
build
six
nuclear
plants
in
India
For construct ion of six EPR nuclear reactors at Jaitapur, India French utility Firm (EDF) has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with nuclear power corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) In 2010 it got
an Initial Environmental clearance and a pre-engineering studies were signed by Areva and NPCIL to
secure certification for EDF reactor in India and Finalize Economic and Financial conditions & technical
specifications of project.

NATIONAL
National
Wild
Life
Action
Plan(2017-2031)
by
Union
Environment
Minister
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate (MoEF) on 3 February 2016 Draft National Wildlife
Action Plan (2017-2031) prepared by the Committee under the chairmanship of JC Kala It is third National
Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP-3) of the country rather NWAP-1 in 1983, NWAP-2 2002. Under this life
support systems that strongly moderated by Eco systems, preservation of living resource and
conservation for genetic diversity, support by people for core buffer multiple use surrounded structure,
preserve Forests by light of Forest Right Act are implemented.
Union
government
released
Hydrocarbon
Vision
2030
for
North-East
The Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east was released by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and
Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on 9 February 2016 to enable social and economic development.The
north east states that comes under this are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The Main objectives of the plan is to Extend features of hydrocarbon
potential, enhance access to clean fuels, improve availability of petroleum products, facilitate economic
development and to link common people to the economic activities in sector.It rests on 5ps People,
Policy, Partnership, Projects and Production. It aims at doubling Oil and Gas production by 2030, making
clean fuels accessible, fast tracking projects, generating employment opportunities and promoting
cooperation with neighboring countries.
Project sun raise launched to prevention of AIDS in 8 north east states
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda had launched Project Sunrise for prevention of
AIDS on 6th February in the eight North-Eastern states with a aim to bring the people living with HIV/AIDS
into the national mainstream and creating awareness about the disease in these N-E states. It is a 5-year
programme implemented in 20 districts of 8 north eastern states at an estimated cost of 70 crore rupees.
Under the project, needles and syringes will be made available through secondary distributors such as
Government health care facilities, preferred health care providers, non-traditional outlets and peer
volunteers.
Government
Launches
sahaj
scheme
for
online
booking
of
LPG
Cylinders
The Union minister for Petroleum and Natural gas DharmendraPradhan as part of governments 2016year has launched sahaj scheme for online booking of LPG Cylinders. The booking can be done through
web portal available in 13 languages. The Union minister said that government is targeting to add 10
crore new LPG Connections by december 2018 to existing 16.5 crore connections This facility will enable
consumers to book the cylinder and make payment online or offline as per their comfort and delivery of
the cylinders at home will be done even if the consumer is absent as he paid in online.
Worlds
tallest,
largest
tricolour
flag
hoisted
at
ranchi
On occasion of 119th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji subhas chandrabose Union defense
minister Manohar Parrikor hoisted Indias tallest and largest tri colour flag at famous Pahari mandir in

Ranchi this flag remain hoisted for 24 hours It as 66 feet height and 99 feet width hoisted on pole of
height 293 feet, flag is 80 kg in weight. In previous years on march 2015 the worlds tallest national flag
raised at Faridabad (Haryana).

STATES
MoEFCC
declares
wild
pig
as
Vermin
in
Uttarakhand
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has declared Wild Pig (sus
scrofa) as vermin in Uttarakhand for a year. In this regard, MoEFCC by section 62 of the Wildlife
Protection Act (WPA), 1972. wild pig changed category to Schedule V from schedule III of the Act due to
their over population in forest, they created harming life and property including agriculture destruction.
This announcement will allow state forest authorities and people with license gun can kill them and
maintain balance population of pigs. MoEFCC has rejected forest departments proposal to declare Neel
Gai (blue bull) as vermin. Currently, some animals like the common crow, fruit bats, mice and rats have
been listed as vermin in Schedule V of WPA.
Maharashtra
tops
in
internet
readiness
index
According to report Index of Internet readiness of Indian states by Internet and mobile Association of
India(IAMAI) the order of states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. The
Internet Index has been arrived on basis of e-infrastructure, e-participation, IT services and egovernance.
This report based on not only services and but also usage of citizens for Example Madhya Pradesh score
very high in terms of citizen participation, but ranks low in other components hence it is 14th position
Among smaller states a Delhi on top in Internet readiness followed by Puducherry and Goa among Union
territories Chandigarh ranks top.

CONFERENCES
4th
World
Government
Summit
in
Dubai
The three day long 4th World Government Summit (WGS) concluded on 10 February 2016 in Dubai,UAE.
The summit was hosted by the UAE Government, the UN, the World Bank, OECD and World Economic
Forum (WEF). 4500 participants from more than 130 countries attended summit and discussed
challenges and opportunities for future governments in world wide and also showcased their innovations,
best practice and smart solutions to inspire future challenge and also discussed humanity challenges like
climate change, financial inclusion, pension sustainability, education for all, etc.And technological
solutions and strategies like sustainable development goals, internet of things, virtual health, etc were
done. During the summit, 2016 Best m-Government Service Award was presented to Karnatakas Mobile
One project in One Stop App category at the international level. Edge of Government report was released
that captures leading edge case studies of government innovation across the world.
Arun
Jaitley
inaugurated
the
India
Investment
Summit
2016
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 4 February 2016 inaugurated the two-day India Investment Summit
2016. The Summit is to showcase and discuss the huge long term infrastructure investment opportunities
in India.This summit seeks to attract long term investors including Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension
Funds across the globe. SBI Caps is partnering with the Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of
Finance) in organizing this summit.

19th
National
Conference
on
e-governance
in
Nagpur
The two day National Conference about e-governance has been organized by Department of
Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances(DARPG) at Nagpur in Maharashtra. The main objective of
this conference is to discus about e-governance to cybersecurity framework. About 600 delegates are
participated in which 150 from Maharashtra and 250 from other states. In this 2015-16 National awards
for e-governance total 18awards (10gold & 8silver) are presented. The exhibitions and brain storming
sessions on e-governance are conducted with also a release of four books on e-governance.
4th
India
and
Africa
Hydrocarbons
conference
in
New
Delhi
The India Africa Hydro Carbons Conference (IAHC) was inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and
Natural gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in new Delhi. In this 22 African nations are participated. The main
objective of IAHC is to provide a global forum and common plat form to African countries for Energy
Cooperations. India imports about 75% of crude oil and gas.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Global
teacher
prize
for
Robin
Chaurasiya
An Indian teacher who runs a not-for-profit school in Mumbai for girls from the citys red light areas was
named in the top 10 shortlist for a global prize for teachers on 19 February 2016. Robin Chaurasiya,
founder of Kranti, will compete with teachers from the U.K., U.S., Nairobi, Palestine, Japan, Finland,
Australia and Pakistan to win the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2016. The top 10 have been narrowed
down from 8,000 nominations and applications from 148 countries from around the world. The prize will
be announced at a ceremony in Dubai on March 13.
58th
Annual
Grammy
Awards
of
2016
The 58th Annual Grammy Awards distributed on 16 February 2016. Taylor Swift first women who won
second Grammy award album of year 1989. The top awards are Edsheeran song of the year for Best Pop
Solo Performance Thinking Out Loud, Mark Ronson Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance for Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk, Mux Best Rock Album for his Drones, Alabama Shakes Best Alternative Music Album for
his Sound & Colour, Angclique Kidjo Best World Music Album Sings, Skrillex and Diplo Best Dance/
Electronic Album for their Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U, The Record of year for Bruno Mars, Best
New Artist Meghan Trainor, Kendrik Lamar Best Pop Album for his to pimpa butterfly.
President
Pranab
confers
honorary
General
rank
on
Nepalese
Army
Chief
President Pranab Mukherjee on 3 February 2016 conferred honorary General of the Indian Army rank to
Nepalese Army Chief General Rajendra Chettri who is on a six-day official visit to India. The honour was
given for his military prowess and immeasurable contribution to fostering Nepals long and friendly
association with India, at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Chettri began his
visit to India on February 1. It is his first visit abroad after assuming the top Army post in September last
year. Since 1965, both the armies have been conferring the honorary rank of General on each others
army chiefs in view of the close military ties shared by the two neighbours.
Padma
Awards
2016
announced
On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced the list of recipients of this years Padma
awards.
Some
Awards
are.
Padma
Vibhushan
1.
Ms.
Yamini
Krishnamurthi
ArtClassical
dance
Delhi
2.
Shri
Rajinikanth
Art-Cinema
Tamil
Nadu

3.
Smt.
Girija
Devi
Art-Classical
Vocal
West
Bengal
4.
Dr.
Viswanathan
Shanta
MedicineOncology
Tamil Nadu
5.
Shri
Shri
Ravi
Shankar
Others-Spiritualism
Karnataka
6.
Shri
Avinash
Dixit
(Foreigner)
Literature
&
Education USA
7.
Late
Shri
Dhiru
Bhai
Ambani
(Posthumous)
Trade &
Industry
Maharashtra
Padma
Bhushan
1.
Shri
Anupam
Kher
Art-Cinema
Maharashtra
2.
Ms.
Saina
Nehwal
Sports-Badminton
Telangana
3.
Ms.
Sania
Mirza
Sports-Tennis
Telangana
4.
Ms.
Indu
Jain
Trade
&
Industry
Delhi
5.
Shri
Robert
Blackwill
(Foreigner)
Public
Affairs
USA
Padma
Shri
1.
Shri
Ajay
Devgn
Art-Cinema
Maharashtra
2.
Ms.
Priyanka
Chopra
Art-Cinema
Maharashtra
3.
Shri
S.S.
Rajamouli
Ar
t-Film
Direct
ion
and Production
Karnataka
4.
Ms.
Malini
Awasthi
Art-Folk
Music
Uttar
Pradesh
5.
Shri
Ujjwal
Nikam
Public
Affairs
Maharashtra
6.
Dr.Mylswamy
Annadurai
Science
&
EngineeringKarnataka
7.
Ms.
Deepika
Kumari
Sports-Archery
Jharkhand
8. Late Shri Saeed Jaffrey (NRI/PIO/Posthumous) Art-Cinema UK
Indian-Origin
Cottalango
Leon
won
Oscar
award
The 44-year-old technician of Indian origin Cottalango Leon has been chosen for this years Oscar for
scientific and technical achievement. The Indian-American has won the award under the Scientific and
Technical Achievements category for the design, engineering and continuous development of Sony
Pictures Image works. The academy award recognises the collaborative tool he and his two team
members developed for Sony. Dubbed as itview the software makes review of movie segments by
artists at various levels a lot easier during film making. Born in Tamil Nadus Tuticorin district, Mr
Cottalango grew up in Coimbatore. He moved to the US to pursue his Masters in 1994. The Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present 10 scientific and technical achievements during its annual
Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 13. The main Oscar Award ceremony will take
place on February 28, 2016.

SPORTS & GAMES

Domminic
Thiem
won
ATP
Argentina
open
title
On 14 Feb 2016 world No19 Dominic Thiem won the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Buenos
Aires tournament by defeating Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (2), 3-6, 7-6 (4). ATP is an world Tour 250
series event. In 1970 to 1989, it is a part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit and a Grand Prix Super Series
event (197071).
Sania
Mirza,
Martina
Hingis
won
2016
St.
Petersburg
Ladies
Trophy
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis on 14 February 2016 won the 2016 St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy in St.
Petersburg, Russia.By defeating the Russian-Czech team of Vera Dushevina and Barbora Krejcikova by
6-3 6-1 in doubles final. This is 13th title and 4th in 2016. earlier 2016, the pair won Australian Open, Apia
International Sydney title and Brisbane Tennis trophy.

West
Indies
won
ICC
U19
Cricket
World
Cup
The West Indies on 14 February 2016 won Under-19 Cricket World Cup title by defeating three time
champions India by five wickets. played at Mirpur, It was the first major title for the West Indies from 2012.
West Indies Keacy Carty was Man of the Match and Mehidy Hasan Miraz from Bangladesh was declared
as the Player of the Tournament. The 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup was an international cricket
tournament held in Bangladesh from 22 January to 14 February 2016.
Shane
Watson
became
the
most
expensive
player
in
the
2016
IPL
Shane Watson became the most expensive player in the 2016 Indian Premier League(IPL) auction when
Royal Challengers Bangalore snapped him up for Rs 9.5 Crore. Pawan Negi continued to have a golden
period as he became the most expensive Indian player at Rs 8.5 Crore. Yuvraj Singh, with Rs 7 Crore,
Mohit Sharma with Rs 6.5 Crore and Ashish Nehra with 5.5 Crore.
Kerala
won
the
61st
National
School
Athletics
Championship
Kerala has won the 61st National School Athletics championship which concluded in Kozhikode on 2
February 2016. This is for the 19th consecutive time Kerala becomes the champions in the event. Tamil
Nadu came second. Kerala, the host of the championship got 306 points winning 39 gold, 29 silver and 17
bronze medals. Tamil Nadu, who came second, got 116 points winning 11 gold, 8 silver and 13 bronze
medals. Maharashtra with 101 points gained the third position. Kerala won 10 meet records out of 20
records which were reported in the meet.

ECONOMY
Central Government announced 0.25% cut in Interest Rate for short term deposits
The Central Government on 16 February 2016 announced 0.25% cut in interest rates for short term post
office deposits and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) & it is not applicable for long term deposits like Monthly
Income Scheme, PPF, Senior Citizen and Child Schemes. These new interest rates for small saving
schemes will be applicable from April 1, 2016. The compound-ing of interest rates in case of 10 years
National Saving certificate are discontinued since December 2015, five year National Saving Certificate
and Kisan Vikas Patra will be done on annual basics from April they will no longer earn 0.25 percent
higher interest than Government securities of similar tenures.
Coca
Cola
stops
manufacturing
in
three
Indian
plants
The Coca Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd, has suspended manufacturing at three Locations in India at Kaladera
(Rajasthan), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Brynihat (Meghalaya) due to long term economic
viability and market demands of products. The company faces significant opposition in Various parts of
Indian mainly from water stressed ares and challenges to Coca Cola botting operations are expected to
grow as water conditions reaches worse across they country the main reason to shut down.
India Beats USA and Became 2nd Largest Smart phone Market in the World
By crossing 220 million in active unique smartphone users in 2015 India has crossed the US and became
the worlds second largest smartphone market, for the first time in Smartphone market India grew 15%
annually. India crossed the 100 Million smartphones-sold-in-year milestone at the end of 2015.The top
three smartphone sellers are Samsung with 25.7% in smartphone market. Micromax in the second
position in both mobile phone market with 13.7% and smartphone segment with 14.3%, Apple stands in
third with 11 per cents in smartphone market.

Infosys,
TCS,
Wipro
join
Obamas
Computer
science
for
allscheme
Three major IT companies of India Infosys, Tata consultancy services and wipro have joined US president
Barak Obamas ambitious computer science for all initiative as a part of public private collaboration
pleding over USD 3million grants. The Infosys had given a $1million in donation, Tata consultancy
services is providing grants to teachers in 27 US cities, wipro announced a $2.8 million grant for multiyear
project in partnership with Michigan University to have hundred of school teachers.
India
to
be
fastest
growing
economy
at
7.3%
in
2016
As per recently released United Nations world economy report India will be the worlds fastest growing
large economy at 7.3 per cent in 2016, improving further to 7.5 per cent in the following year.this results in
the sharp decline in the prices of oil, metals and food. Spending on infrastructure, health and education is
very low compared to other nations. Consumer and investor confidence has raised. The report is
produced annually by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA), the UN Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the five UN regional commissions and the World Tourism
Organisation.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Japan
Launches
Astro-H
Satellite
The ASTRO-H space observation satellite launched by H2A rocket to study mysterious Blaci Holes at
Tanegashima space centre Japan. The ASTRO-H satellite has been developed by the Japan Aero space
exploration Agency (JAXA) in Co operation with National Aeronautics and space Administration (NASA). It
is present at 580 kilometers from earth and observe X-rays monating from black holes and galaxy
clusters. It is the heawest scientific satellite of Japan with 14 meters long and 2.7 tonnes weight. The
satellite contain four X-ray telescopes and two gamma-ray detectors.
NASA
Finds
First
Super-Earth
Exo
planet
Astrophysicists at NASA has found a Super-Earth Exoplanet duo of 55 cancrie with an atmosphere for
first time when working with European space Agency (ESA) and University College London. 55 cancrie
was discovered using Nubble telescopes wide field cameraz (WFG3) located around 40 light years away
and eight times bigger then earth. With 2000 degree celsius temperature close to its star and largely
contain Hydrogen (H) and Helium (He) gases.
India
Successfully
test
fired
Prithvi-II
India Successfully test fired Prithvi-II missile from Chandipur of Odisha on 16 February 2016. It is a
medium range missile capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads and liquid propulsion twin
engines. In the trail it strike at range of 350 km. It is the first missile to be developed by DRDO under
Indias Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). It was introduced into Indian armed
forces in 2003 before Prithvi-II was successfully test fired on 26 November 2015.
Scientists
sported
Elusive
Space
Time
Ripples(Gravitational
waves)
Physicists have announced the Discovery of gravitational waves, ripples found at space time that was first
predicted by 12th century scientist Albert Einstein a century ago. after 50 years of trail and error ,25 years
perfect setting to identify sensitive distortion in space time about thousandth diameter. The waves are
detected by signals of gravitational waves travelling at speed of light from collision of two massive black
holes each ten times heavier than sun at 1.5 billion light years away in deep space officially it is Known as
GW150974 by this rather than gravitational force other two mile stones of physics has been detected. The
first observation of a binary black hole and natures black holes are the objects. The waves are confirmed

by US Laser Interferometer Gravitational waves Observatory (Ligo) scientists in washing ton. By this
detection of gravitational waves astronomers able to see Universe in a different light almost to the
beginning of time itself.
North
Korea
launched
the
Kwangmyongsong-4
satellite
The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 7 February 2016 successfully launched a
Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite. The earth observation satellite launched from the Sohae Space Center in
Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province. DPRKs top leader Kim Jong Un signed the order to launch
the satellite on 6 February 2016.The satellite is going round the polar orbit at 494.6 km perigee altitude
and 500 km apogee altitude at a 97.4-degree angle of inclination, with a cycle of 94 minutes and 24
seconds.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A). APPOINTMENTS
Indian
origin
Harinder
Sindu
is
Australias
high
commissioner
to
India
Indian-origin Harinder Sindu has appointed as Australian high commissioner designate to India
announced by Foreign Minister Julice Bishop commissioner designate to India.After Peter Varghese who
had served southern Indian state of Kerala. she is second enovy from Australia to be Indian she replaces
the partrick suckling.he studied Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics degrees from the
University of Sydney.United States Ambassador to India Richard Verma, Canadian High Commissioner to
India Nadir Patel were also Indians.
US
General
John
Nicholson
appointed
NATO
Commander
in
Afghanistan
Army Lieutenant General John Nicholson has been appointed as the commander of the NATO forces in
Afghanistan on 5 February 2016. He succeeded US General John Campbell who has been leading the
Afghan operations for nearly 18 months. At present, Nicholas was US Army commander of NATO land
forces. Earlier, he had served in multiple capacities like chief of staff of operations for the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and US Forces Afghanistan, director of Pakistan/ Afghanistan
Coordination Cell for the Joint Staff, and deputy commander Stability of ISAF Regional Command
South.North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North
Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.NATOs headquarters are located in Haren, Brussels,
Belgium, where the Supreme Allied Commander also resides.
Justice
R.
Subhash
Reddy
appointed
CJ
of
Gujarat
High
Court
Justice R. Subhash Reddy, the senior-most judge of the Hyderabad High Court, has been appointed
Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court on 3 February 2016. Justice Subhash Reddy was born in 1957 in
Kamaram village of Chinna Shankarampet mandal in Medak district. He obtained his Law degree from
University College of Law and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of AP on 30 October 1980
and joined the chambers of Justice B. Subhashan Reddy. After elevation of Justice B. Subhashan Reddy
as Judge of the High Court of AP. He was elevated as Additional Judge of High Court of AP on December
2, 2002 and sworn in as permanent judge of the High Court on 24 June 2004. Justice Subhash Reddy will
take charge as Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court after 13 February 2016.
Saroj
Kumar
Jha
appointed
as
Director
in
World
Bank
An Indian Origin Saroj Kumar Jha was appointed as the Senior Director for the Fragility, Conflict and
Violence Group at the World Bank on 1 February 2016. Earlier to this, he was the World Bank Regional

Director for Central Asia based in Almaty, Kazakhstan since February 2012. He also worked as the World
Banks Global Manager for Disaster Risk Management Practice. Jha is an alumnus of Indian Institute of
Technology Kanpur.
Archana
Ramasundaram
is
SSB
chief
Senior IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram on 1 February 2016 was appointed Director General of
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the first woman to head a paramilitary force. Ms. Ramasundaram, a 1980
batch officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, is currently Special Director, National Crime Records Bureau. She
has been appointed to the post till the date of her superannuation September 30, 2017. 58-year-old
Ms. Ramasundaram is the first woman police officer to be appointed chief of a paramilitary force. The
SSB is entrusted with guarding the countrys frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan. The other four paramilitary
forces are the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial
Security Force and Indo Tibetan Border Police.

B). RESIGNS
Arunachal
Pradesh
Governor
Advisor
The Y S Dadwal, former Commissioner of Delhi Police, who was recently appointed as advisor to the
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on 26 January, after Presidents rule was imposed in the state resigned
from the post on 3rd February due to his personal reasons. B D Sharma, a 1980 batch IPS officer of West
Bengal Carder who had retired as Director General of paramilitary SSB on January 31, has been
appointed in place of Dadwal. G S Patnaik, an IAS officer of 1980 batch, who was appointed along with
Dadwal, will continue his duties as advisor to the Governor.
Face
Book
MD
Kirthiga
Reddy
steps
down
Face book Managing Director Karthiga Reddy on 12th February said that she was steeping down as MD
in India and returns to United states at the companys head quarters in Menlo park California in 6-12
months to explode new opportunities. She took this decision after TRAI shut down free Basics in India.
she is first employee in India to join in Face book on 2010. Kirthiga Reddy studied at MGM college of
Engineering in Nanded and passed out in 1992 with second rank.

C). DEATHS
Jnanpith
Award
Winning
Poet
O
N
V
Kurup
Died
Jnanpith award winner and Malayalams most celebrated contemporary poet Ottaplakkal Neelakandan
Velu Kurup was died on 13 February 2016 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was 84. He began his
career as a progressive writer and matured in to a humanist.He received the fourth and second highest
civilian honours Padma Shri in 1998 and Padma Vibhushan in 2011, from the Government of India.In
2007 received awarded on Honorary Doctorate by University of Kerala and Indias highest literary honour
fifth Jnanpith Award. he is second Malayalam poet to win the prestigious award. He published a book
named Dahikunna Panapatram (The Thirsty Chalice), His first poetry collection is Porutunna
Soundaryam.
Renowned
Urdu
poet
Nida
Fazli
dead
Renowned Urdu poet and Bollywood lyricist Muqtida Hasan Nida Fazli, died in Mumbai on 8 February
2016 due heart attack.He was 78 .Fazli was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998 and
conferred with the Padma Shri in 2013.Born in a Kashmiri family in Delhi in October 1938, his parents

migrated to Pakistan after Partition, but he chose to stay back in India.He came to Mumbai in 1964 hoping
to make a career in Bollywood and also wrote for certain top Hindi magazines of that era and later started
penning lyrics for Hindi film songs.His soulful ghazals include the evergreen Kabhi kisi ko mukammal
jahan nahin milta (Ahista, Ahista), Tu is tarha se meri zindagime shamil hai (Aat To Aise Na The),
Hoshwalon ko khabar kya (Sarfarosh), Aa bhi jaa, (Sur). He also penned for films like Razia
Sultan, Nakhuda, Harjaee, Yatra, Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin, Tamanna and many others.Fazli
published collections of poetry which include Lafzon Ke Phool, Mor Naach, Aankh Aur Khwab Ke
Darmiyan, Safar Mein Dhoop To Hogi, Khoya Hua Sa Kuchh and Duniya Ek Khilona Hai.
Cartoonist
Sudhir
Tailang
passed
away
Cartoonist Sudhir Tailang who was suffering from a brain tumour passed away on 6 February 2016 at
Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. He was 55 .Born in Bikaner, Tailang came out with his first cartoon in 1970.
He started his career with the Illustrated Weekly of India in Mumbai in 1982. He was awarded the Padma
Shri in 2004 for his contribution to the art of cartooning.
Mudra
Founder
AG
Krishnamurthy
Passed
Away
AG Krishnamurthy, the founder of Mudra Communications passed away on 5 February 2016.He was
founder Chairman and Managing Director of Mudra Communications.Born on the 28th of April, 1942 in
Vinukonda, in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Krishnamurthy graduated in History at the Andhra
University. In 1968 he joined the Calico Mills, a big textile name in the 60s and 70s, to assist Giraben
Sarabhai. In 1972, he moved to their Advertising Agency, Shilpi Advertising as an Account Executive and
then joined Reliance Industries in 1976 as their Advertising Manager. Four years later, on the 25th of
March, 1980, he founded Mudra Communications. In March 1991, he set up Mudra Institute of
Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), the only advertising institute of its kind in Asia. MICA was set up to
feed the growing Indian advertising industry with trained talent. He retired from Mudra on 31st March,
2003, and was The Chairman of AGK Brand Consulting.
Tabla
maestro
Shankar
Ghosh
passed
away
Legendary tabla player Shankar Ghosh(80), died on January 22 due to pneumonia, cardiac problems. He
is the creator of the much acclaimed all-drum orchestra Music of the Drums later called the Calcutta
Drum Orchestra.the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1999-2000. He also received the ITC
Sangeet Research Academy award and the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan award.

D). VISITORS
Nepal
PM
Sharma
Oli
will
visit
India
India and Nepal hope to begin repairing ties as Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli makes his first
official visit to India on 19 February 2016. But as Mr. Oli lands in Delhi on the six-day visit, the two sides
are unlikely to dwell too much on the past few months of strain, choosing instead to focus on the
earthquake reconstruction effort, Indian power projects in the pipeline and future cooperation. Oli is also
likely to travel to Mumbai to have a meeting with the top business leaders.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India
The deputy supreme commander of UAE armed forces and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 12 February 2016 made a three day visit to India from 10th February and 12th
February on invitation of Prime minister Narendra Modi of India During his visit both countries signed nine
agreements mainly on cyber security, infrastructure, renewable energy and finance. He visited Mumbai
and met Indian business leaders at the Mumbai Stock Exchange. He also held talks with President

Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and made
a complete range on bilateral relations.
Indian
Vice
president
Dr.Hamid
Ansari
visited
Thai
land
Vice president Dr.Hamid Ansari visited Thai land on official invitation of prime minister GenPrayutchancha
of Thai land on 4th &5th Feb after his threeday visit in Brunei. In Thai land he made a talks with prime
minister,delivered a speech at prestigious chalalong University on topic India&Thai land and confirmed
Indias participation in cobra gold 2016 Amphibious Military Exercise.He also visited wat phrakew
(Emerald Buddha) and Reclining Buddha in capital Bangkok.
French
President
Hollande
arrived
India
for
3-day
Visit
French President Francois Hollande reached Chandigarh,India on 24 January 2016 for his three-day visit
to India.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande attended the Indo-French
CEOs forum and a business summit. Hollande is the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations.
Hollande had expressed his desire to visit Chandigarh, one of the few planned cities in the country,
designed by famous French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s and 1960s.President Hollande is likely to
visit Chandigarhs Capitol Complex, Sector 17 Plaza (the citys commercial and business centre), Tagore
Theatre and the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19.

E). MISCELLANEOUS
Indias
Lightest
Revolver
weighing
250grams
Nidar
The Rifle Factory Ishapore, has developed countrys lightest revolver Nidar weighs 250 grams of cost
35,000 rupees. Nidar is made with an aluminium alloy called DTD5124 which makes it light and strong. It
has a 40-mm barrel and just 140mm length it is enough to fit into small purse, handbag, pockets of
trousers and jackets.The revolver is capable of firing eight rounds loaded in a revolving chamber. Two
years ago India had also launched Nirbheek,made of costly titanium alloy the countrys first gun for
women weighing 500 grams of cost 1,22,000.Both guns Nirbheek and Nidar have been named after
Nirbhaya mean fearless in Hindi the December 2012 gang rape.
YouTube
launches
its
first
original
movies
and
series
YouTube has launched its first original movies and series exclusively for YouTube Red subscribers to
compete with the likes of Amazon and Netflix. they decided to launch live videos and some of the
companys best stars Lilly Singh, Rooster Teeth, PewDiePie and Awesomeness TV first. At the end of
October YouTube has first launched its Red service at the The $10 per month was charged to watch
completely ad-free videos. YouTube Red is only available in the United States but some YouTube Red
originals will be available for purchase through YouTube and Google Play.
Narendra
Modi
inaugurated
Paradip
Oil
Refinery
in
Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Paradip Oil Refinery in Odisha on 7 February 2016. It is
11th refinery of Indian Oil Corporation Limited. This was dedicated to the nation by PM Modi. The
foundation stone for the Paradip Oil Refinery was laid by ex-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 24
May 2000. The refinery was expected to start production in the third quarter of 2013. Due to delays the
cost of refinery project has increased by 2.5 per cent. The cost of the refinery is 34555 crores.
Sushma
Swaraj
inaugurated
Rise
of
Digital
India
Exhibition
in
Colombo
The External Affairs Minister Ms Sushma Swaraj inaugurated the Rise of Digital India Exhibition in
Colombo, Sri Lanka on 6 February 2016. The Rise of Digital India exhibition showcases the initiative of
Indian government to take the benefits of Information Technology to the common man. India is ready to

set up an IT Park in Sri Lanka to attract investment in this sector. The exhibition is a part of six month long
Festival of India celebrations in Sri Lanka. Swaraj was on a two day visit to Sri Lanka to co-chair the 9th
session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting along with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Mangala
Samaraweera.
2015
is
Earths
warmest
year
since
1880
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) made an Independent analysis and said that globally averaged temperature on
land and ocean surfaces was highest in 2015 among all years since 1880. In 2015 ten months had record
as high temperature this made highest temperature in 2015 since 136 years.

PLACES IN NEWS
Titanic
2
is
set
to
sail
in
2018
More than a century after the original Titanic ship that sank on Maiden voyague in North Atlantic ocean, a
fully Functioning replica will set sail in 2018. It is built at a cost of 300 million (Rs 2960 crore) by an
ambitious brainchild Australian billionaire Uive palmer and his company Blue star line. The Titanic II is 270
meters long, 53 metres high and 40000 tonnes weight. Unlike the original titanic the TitanicII four meters
wider and have enough life boats along with marine evacuation systems. It starts its journey from
Jiangsce in eastern china to Dubai. It has modern systems satellite controls, digital navigation and rader
systems. It has nine Floors to accommodate 2,400 passengers and 900 crew members besides
swimming pool, Turkish baths and gyms.
Worlds
largest
concentrated
solar
plant
opened
in
Morocco
The worlds largest solar power plant, Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex opened in Souss-Massa-Dra
area in Morocco, 10 km from Ouarzazate town on 4th February 2016.The plant capacity is to produce
power for one million homes by 2018 and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 760000 tons per
year. The pant is constructed in Three phases, Phase one named Noor I (160MW concentrated solar
power (CSP)) , Phase two Noor II (200MW CSP) plant and the Noor III (150MWCSP) plant, and in Phase
three Noor IV CSP plant is constructed. The 240000 and 533000 tones of carbon dioxide is eliminated in
NoorI and NoorII. The World Bank financed about 97 million US dollar loan in Clean Technology Fund.
Indias
first
fully
solar-powered
educational
institute
in
Puducherry
Sri Aurobindo International Centre for Education, Puducherry has become Indias first fully solar-powered
educational institute. The institute generates thrice the electricity it consumes through solar power plants
installed on the roofs of the dining room, primary school, library and high school in the campus. The
institute has been self-reliant in energy since September 2014.
Worlds
best
hotel
of
2016
is
Jodhpurs
Umaid
Bhawan
in
India
In 14th edition of travel sites the travellers choice awards is for Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, Rajasthan was
named as best hotel of 2016, with 5/5 bubble rating among 840 guests the rest of top 10 list is made up of
European, south east Asian & tropical regions. This is the first time that an Indian hotel in such top
position.
Worlds
largest
canyon
spotted
by
Chinese
Scientists
The worlds largest Canyon is hidden under Princess Elizabeth Land in East Antarctica has been spotted
by Chinese scientists who are in countries largest 32nd Antarctic Expedition to south pole. The canyon, is

more than 1000 kilometers long, 1500 meters deep and 25.6 kilometers wide at top,is larger than Grand
canyon present in United states.

ABBREVIATIONS
DARPG
Department
of
administrative
Reforms
and
Public
IAHC
India
Africa
Hydro
Carbon
ISA
International
Solar
NHFDC
National
Handicapped
Finance
and
Development
ADB
Asian
Development
CBDT
Central
Board
of
Direct
HFEA
Human
Fertilization
and
Embryology
SEBI
Securities
and
Exchange
Board
of
NATO
North
Atlantic
Treaty
MOER
Ministry
of
Environment
Forest
and
IFR International Fleet Review

Grievances
Conference
Alliance
Corporation
Bank
Taxes
Authority
India
organization
Climate

Books in News
Former
President
Kalams
Book
launched
in
South
Africa
Transendence book written by Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalams was launched in South
Africa with religious leaders, politicians, diplomats and businessmen from all communities sharing the
lessons by leader of the global Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS),
Pramukh Swami Maharaj regarding spiritual experiences.
Book
Titled
MidnightsFuries
won
2016
william
Ecolby
Award
Prestigious book on Indias partition, Nisid Hajaris book Midnights Furies:the Deadly leagancy of Indias
partition won 2016 william Ecolby Award which contain USD5,000prize in US.The book covers violence
when partition of India in 1947 the prize is awarded annually by Norwich University to a author in
recognition of work of friction (or) non-friction that makes to under stand military history, intelligence
operations (or) International affairs.
10
Books
by
Mamata
Banerjee
released
at
Kolkata
Book
Fair
West Bengal chief Minister Mamata Banerjee broke her own record at the 40th Kolkatta International
Book Fair (KIB) by composing and releasing 10 books on a wide ranging subjects like delivery of good
governance to return of peace in Darjeeling hills or partially Moist controlled junglemahal area ,on
intolerance and rest of books for children. Ms.Banerjee has written more than 60 books over few
decades.

COMMITTEES

Supreme
Court
appoints
panel
to
sell
PACLs
assets
Supreme Court has appointed a committee under former chief justice RM Lodha to sell assets of Pearls
Agrotech Corporation Ltd (PACL) and refund 49 thousand crore rupees to the investors. A bench headed
by justice Anil Dave also said that the title deeds of various lands belonging to PACL should be handed
over by the CBI to the SEBI. SEBI will accordingly take appropriate steps to ensure their sale. It also
directed the PACL not to accept any deposit from the public and restrained any court from interfering with
sale proceedings. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 2, 2016.
Companies
Law
Committee
submitted
recommendations
on
Companies
act
On Feb 1st the companies law committee submitted its recommendations on companies act 2013 to
Union government this committee was formed in June 2015 for Examining and making recommendations
on issues arising out of implementation of companies act,2013. It is chaired by Japan Ray Secretary,
ministry of corporate affairs with 8 members and one member convener. The committee has proposed
changes in 78 sections in companies act, 2013 which results 100 amendments in act. The
Recommendations mainly cover significant areas of act, including definitions, raising of capital, accounts
and audit, corporation governance, managerial remuneration, companies in corporated outside India and
offences/ penalties.
Expert
panel
to
review
Specific
Relief
Act,
1963
On 28 January 2016,The Legislative Department in the Ministry of Law & Justice constituted an expert
committee to review the Specific Relief Act, 1963. The committee will have five members besides the
Chairman. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months. The Specific Relief
Act, 1963 provides for the law relating to certain kind of specific relief and has not been amended since its
inception.

IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES

Feb
2
:
Feb
4
:
Feb
5
:
Kashmir
Feb
14
:
Feb
24
:
Feb 28 : National Science Day

World
Wetlands
National
Day
of
Day
(Organised
by
St.
Valentines
Central
Exise

Day
Srilanka
Pakistan)
Day
Day

MARCH 2016:

INTERNATIONAL
Htin
Kyaw
is
Myanmars
First
Elected
Civilian
President
Myanmars Parliament on 15 March elected Htin Kyaw as the first civilian president to lead the country
after 53 years of military rule. Army took power in a 1962 coup.He is a close aide and adviser of Aung San
Suu Kyi, the leader of National League for Democracy (NLD) party. He was elected with 360 of the total
652 votes casted while, military-nominated Myint Swe received 213 votes and stood second followed by
the other NLD candidate, Henry Van Thio, who got 79 votes.Kyaw will replace Thein Sein who will step
down at the end of March 2016 after five years of army-backed rule.

China
To
Set
Up
International
Maritime
Judicial
Centre
Chinas Supreme Court has decided to set up its own International Maritime Judicial Centre (IMJC) to
handle territorial disputes and protect its sea rights. It was announced by Chinas Supreme Court Chief
Justice Zhou Qiang at the annual meeting of the national legislature National Peoples Congress (NPC).
This move will help China to bolster its claims in the disputed South and East China seas and also help it
become a maritime power.
China
To
Build
Second
Railway
Line
Into
Tibet
China will build a second railway line to Tibet, linking capital Lhasa with the south-western city of
Chengdu. The new railway was announced in a draft of Chinas new five-year development plan. In 2006,
China opened a railway line to Lhasa as part of government development efforts. It passes through the
spectacular Tibetan highlands, at altitudes as high as 5,000 metres (16,400ft) above sea level.
US
FAA
certifies
Chinas
Y-12F
Regional
Liner
The Chinese aircraft Y-12F, a new third regional Y-12 series, manufactured by the Aviation Industry
Corporation of China (AVIC) has received certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The means aircraft has met high industry standard and global sales.The Y-12F aircraft has take-off weight
of 8.4 tonnes, cruising speed of 400 km per hour and a longest cruising range of 2,255 km. Over 30
countries 200 units of the Y-12 series are delivered.
Hashim
Thaci
Elected
as
President
of
Kosovo
Hashim Thaci has been elected as the President of Kosovo by the Parliament of the country in the third
round. He will succeed Atifete Jahjaga. With this, Hashim Thaci becomes fourth President of Kosovo after
the country had unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

INDIA & WORLD

India

Australia
Signed
Social
Security
Agreement
India has signed a pact with Australia under which the employees deputed to Australia from India and
viceversa need not make double social security contribution. This agreement provides the exception to
the employees who have been deputed on a short term basis say less than 60 months from paying social
security contribution to both the countries. With this, Australia has become the 14th country with which
India has a social security agreement in force.
India

Bangladesh
signed
$2
billion
Line
of
Credit
India has signed the second line of credit (LOC) agreement extending 2 billion dollars in development
financing to Bangladesh for underta king various development projects. This credit line will be provided
through Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), Indias external lending arm. It is Exim Banks biggest
ever LOC facility given to another country. The development financing will be used in the infrastructural
projects like power sector, road transportation, railways, shipping, information and communication
technology (ICT) and social sector projects like health and technical education.
India
At
90th
Rank
In
Terms
Of
Energy
Security,
Access
World Economic Forum (WEF) on 2 March released the fourth edition of the Global Energy Architecture
Performance Index Report 2016 (EAPI) compiling 126 countries. India has been ranked at the 90th place
in a list of 126 countries on the basis of their ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy.
Top 10 countries in GEAPI Report: Switzerland (1st), Norway (2nd), Sweden (3rd), France (4th), Denmark
(5th), Austria (6th), Spain (7th), Colombia (8th), New Zealand (9th) and Uruguay (10th).

India-World
Bank
Signed
Credit
Agreement
for
MPHEQIP
Union Government, Madhya Pradesh government and the World Bank have signed $300 million credit
agreement on 1 March for Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Quality Improvement Project (MPHEQIP).
The credit will be provided by the International Development Association (IDA), World Banks
concessionary lending arm with a maturity of 25 years, including a five-year grace period.
India
To
Host
BRICS
Friendship
Cities
Conclave
India is going to host BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave in Mumbai (Maharashtra), financial capital of
India from April 14 to 16, 2016. It will be attended by the top Urban Policy makers and Planners from
BRICS Nations viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The conclave will be joint initiative of
Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Government of Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
will inaugurate the conference which will be attended by representatives of at least two cities from each of
the BRICS nations.
India
Ranks
118th
On
UNs
World
Happiness
Index
2016
India ranked 118th out of 157 countries on the United Nations World Happiness Index (WHI) 2016. It was
revealed by the fourth World Happiness Report 2016 published by the Sustainabl e Development
Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the UN. Key Highlights of Report Top 10 countries
Denmark (1st), Switzerland (2nd), Iceland (3rd), Norway (4th) and Finland (5th), Canada (6th),
Netherlands (7th), New Zealand (8th), Australia (9th) and Sweden (10th).

NATIONAL
SC
allows
photos
of
CMs,
Governors
in
Govt
Ads
The Supreme Court has allowed publication of photographs of Governors, Chief Ministers and the
Ministers of the department concerned in government advertisements. Ruling in this regard was on 18
March given by a SC bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi on pleas by Union Government and states
which had sought review of the Supreme Court judgement. This ruling of Supreme Court has modified its
earlier 2015 order which only had permitted photographs of President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of
India (CJI) in the government advertisements.
National
Waterways
Bill
Passed
By
Parliament
Parliament on 9 March passed the National Waterways Bill, which provides for declaring certain inland
waterways as national waterways with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod to the legislation. The bill, passed
by Lok Sabha in December 2015, also repeals the five acts on the existing national waterways, which will
not be covered under this bill. Under it, 106 additional inland waterways will be added to the list of
national waterways, taking the number to 111.
Union
Govt
Announces
To
withdraw
Tax
Proposal
on
EPF
The Union Finance Ministry has announced to withdraw its proposal to tax Employee Provident Fund
(EPF) withdrawals. It was announced by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 8 March in the Lok
Sabha clarifying NDA governments stand on the issue. However, government has not changed its plan to
tax National Pension Scheme (NPS) withdrawals. Earlier in the Union Budget 2016-17, Union Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to tax EPF and NPS withdrawals with an effect from 1 April 2016. It
was announced that 60 percent of the amount deposited in EPF account of the employee would be taxed
at the time of withdrawal and remaining 40 percent would be tax free.

PM
Narendra
Modi
Launches
Setu
Bharatam
Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 March launched Rs 50,000-crore Setu Bharatam Project to make all
national highways free of railway cross-ings by 2019. This project will be implemented by the Union
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 208 places have been identified for construction of rail overbridges (ROB) or underpasses under the project. Around 1,500 bridges that are over 50 to 60 years old or
of the British era will be overhauled and will be rebuilt. More than 50 thousand crore rupees will be spent
on the project.
Swachh
Paryatan
app
Launched
The Swachh Paryatan mobile app on 22 March launched by Union Tourism Ministery Mahesh Sharma to
Facilitate public, to complaint about Unclean area and Garbage piles in and around tourist places. Initially
25 Adarsh Monuments identified by Archaeological Survey are included in app. The app enables to take
Photograph of garbage and Upload with a remark to ASI of concern Nodal officer.This app is available for
only Android Phones.

STATES
Exercise
Iron
Fist
2016
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted its flagship day-night exercise Iron-fist 2016 on 18 March at
Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The day-night exercise demonstrating IAFs combat and fire power
was conducted in the presence of Honble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra
Modi. The event comprised 6 packages depicting 6 different themes in which more than 180 aircraft,
including fighters, transport and helicopters of IAF participated. The event mainly showcased more than
22 types of platforms and Weapons Systems of IAF.
India
Signed
$35
million
Loan
Agreement
with
WB
for
MP
project
India on 19 March signed loan agreement of 35 Million dollars with the world bank for Madhya Pradesh
citizen access to responsive services project. The objective of the project is to improve access and quality
of public services in the state. The loan has been sanctioned by the World Banks concessionary lending
arm International Development Association (IDA). The project size is 50 million dollars, of which 35 million
dollar will be financed by the World Bank and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget.
UP
Cabinet
Approved
Senior
Citizen
Policy
Uttar Pradesh Government on 14 March approved a policy for senior citizens. Under the policy the state
government will set up old age homes and also announced increase in monthly pension by 100 rupees,
that is, monthly pension will increase from existing 300 rupees to 400 rupees.
Maharashtra
Cabinet
Approved
Prohibition
of
Social
Boycott
Bill
Maharashtra Cabinet on 1 March approved the Maharashtra Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill, 2016. The
bill provides for the prohibition of social boycott of a person or group of persons including their family
members by an individual or a group like Caste Panchayat. Once the bill is approved by the State
legislature, Maharashtra will become the first State in the country to enact a law against social boycott.
Tamil
Nadu
CM
Launches
Amma
Health

Scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on 1 March launched a host of healthcare initiatives, including
master health checkup scheme under the brand Amma and unveiled some new government hospital
buildings. She launched Amma Master Health Checkup and Amma Women Special Master Health

Checkup Schemes worth Rs.10 crore and inaugurated the Amma master health checkup centre at the
Government General Hospital in Chennai through video-conferencing from the Secretariat.

CONFERENCES
First
World
Sufi
Forum
First World Sufi Forum was held from 17-20 March in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurated World Sufi Forum in New Delhi. The meeting was organized by All India Ulama and
Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), the apex body of Sufi Dargahs in India.
SAARC
Foreign
Ministerial
Meeting
The 37th foreign ministerial meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
countries concluded in Nepals Pokhara on March 17 with the declaration to convene the 19th Summit in
Pakistan on 9-10 November 2016.
Advancing
Asia
Conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Advan-cing Asia Conference in Delhi organized by the
Govern-ment of India and the International Monetary Fund(IMF). The conference was held from 11-13
March 2016.During the conference, India and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have decided to set up
South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTC) in New Delhi. In this regard,
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary
Fund (IMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
National
Conference
of
Women
Legislators
President Pranab Mukherjee on 5 March inaugurated a National conference on Women Legislators:
Building Resurgent India in New Delhi. The conference was held on 5- 6 March 2016. The National
Conference of Women Legislators adopted a resolution to work for transparent, accountable and inclusive
governance and to contribute the task of building a Resurgent India.The resolution was adopted by
conference participants in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra
Mahajan and former president Pratibha Patil.
India
To
Host
International
Geological
Congress
India will host the 36th International Geological Congress in March 2020 for which the Union Cabinet on 2
March approved setting up of a society which will also strive to promote geoscience in the Indian
subcontinent. The society, 36th International Geological Congress will be established under the Indian
Society Registration Act, 1860, for organising the event in 2020 and promoting geoscience in Indian
subcontinent. The event will be held in NCR, Delhi, in March 2-6, 2020.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Geetakshi
Arora
Won
Noor
Inayat
Khan
Prize
An Indian student Geetakshi Arora has been awarded the inaugural Noor Inayat Khan Prize for her
excellent dissertation on Goddess Myths in Graphic Novels: Reimagining Indian Feminity. Currently,
Geetakshi is a post-graduate student of the South Asia Institute at the School of Oriental and African
Studies (SOAS), University of London. The award has been instituted in the memory of Noor Inayat Khan,

famous World War II heroine. The award was established by Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust that
promote the message of peace, non-violence and religious and racial harmony The award consists of
1,000 pounds and certificate. Noor Inayat Khan (also known as Nora Baker and Madeleine) was of
Indian Sufi origin and believed in non-violence and religious harmony.
Hanan
Al
Hroub
won
2016
Global
Teacher
Prize
A Palestinian primary school teacher from a refugee camp, Hanan Al Hroub, on 13 March won one million
dollar Global Teacher Prize. She was awarded for her outstanding contribution to the profession. Hroub,
who runs the Samiha Khalil High School in Al-Bireh, Palestine, defeated nine other finalists from around
the world, including Indias Robin Chaurasiya to win the award. The 2016 Winner of the Global Teacher
Prize was announced by Pope Francis in a ceremony held at the Atlantis Palm Hotel in Dubai.
Presidents
Standard
Awarded
To
119
Helicopter
Unit
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Presidents Standard to 119 Helicopter Unit and colours to 28
ED of Indian Air Force on 4 March. President Mukherjee visited Jamnagar district of Gujarat on March 3
and 4 and gave the Presidents Standard to Indian Airforce at the Airforce base.
Mehta
Conferred
with
Cross
of
Order
of
Merit
Award
The Indian chemical scientist, researcher and Padma Sri award winner Mehta was conferred with
Germany Prestigious Cross of Order of Merit (Bundesverdien stikrevz) award presented by Achim
Fabig, German council gerneral, in chennai,Tamil Nadu.He served as director of IISC,Bengaluru,
president of Indian national science Academy (INSA) and Present he is working in National Research
Professor and Lilly-Jublant. He has authored more than 400 research papers.
Mahindra
Received
Frances
Highest
Civilian
Award
Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman and Managing Director (MD) Anand Mahindra was conferred with
Chevalier de la Legion dHonneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by French Government. He was
presented with this award by Francois Richier, Ambassador of France to India in recognition of his
outstanding national and international achievements.

SPORTS & GAMES

Lin
Dan
won
All
England
Badminton
Title
Lin Dan from China has won the prestigious 2016 All England Badminton title in the mens singles
category. In the final match played on 13 March at Birmingham, England he defeated Chinese teammate
Tian Houwei. It was his overall sixth All England badminton title and earlier he had won it in 2004, 2006,
2007, 2009, 2012. Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) won the womens singles title by defeating Wang Shixian
(China).
Services
Won
Santosh
Trophy
Services has won the 70th edition of Santosh Trophy Football Championships title 2016 by defeating
hosts Maharashtra. In the final match played on 13 March at SEC Railway Stadium, Nagpur
(Maharashtra), the Services defeated host team Maharashtra by 2-1 goal score. With this win, Services
has retained that title and has won it for fifth time in year 1961, 2012, 2013 & 2015.
Rest
of
India
Won
Irani
Cup
Rest of India on 10 March won the Irani Cup Cricket title 2015-16. In the match played in Mumbai, Rest of
India defeated 41-time Ranji Champions Mumbai by four wickets.

Sachdev
Won
Invitational
Snooker
Championship
Rahul Sachdev has won the first All India Open Invitational Snooker Championship 2016 held at
Aurangabad in Maharashtra. In the final match, Rahul defeated Pushpender Singh of Indian Railways by
5-3 score. It was his maiden title and is considered as major breakthrough in his career after winning this
title.
India
Won
2016
Asia
Cup
T20
Trophy
India has won the 2016 Asia Cup T20 trophy for a record sixth time after beating Bangladesh by 8 wickets
in the final.In the final match played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium,Mirpur Indian team
overhauled the chasing target of 121 runs set by Bangladesh by seven balls to spare.2016 Asia Cup was
played from 24 February to 6 March.Man of the Match-Shikhar Dhawan. Man of the series-Sabbir
Rahman (Bangladesh).

ECONOMY
4
Oil
Psus
Signed
Pacts
To
Raise
Stake
In
Russian
Oil
Field
The national Oil Giants namely ONGC Videsh Ltd, Oil India Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation Ltdand Bharat
Petro Resources and Russias Rosneft have signed two separate memorandums of understanding,
one Heads of Agreement, and one sale purchase agreement worth $2 billion to increase Indias
participation in the Siberian oil and gas fields. The first MoU was signed between ONGC Videsh Ltd
(OVL), the overseas investment arm of ONGC, and Rosneft that would enable the Indian company to
raise its stake in Vankorneft, the operator of the Vankor oil and gas field in Siberia, to 26 per cent from the
existing 15 per cent.
India

IMF
Signed
Agreement
To
Set
Up
SARTTC
India and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have decided to set up South Asia Regional Training and
Technical Assistance Centre (SARTTC) in New Delhi.A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up
the centre was on 12 March signed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley & IMF Managing Director Christine
Lagarde in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
India
Ranks
Third
In
World
In
Issuing
Passports
India now ranks third in the world after China and the US in issuing passports with the number having
doubled since 2010. The number of passports issued went up from around 60 lakh five years ago to 1.2
crore in 2015.
India
Ranks
54th
In
International
Policy
Support
According to US based Information Technology and Information Foundation (ITIF) India ranks 54th
position out of 56 countries in supporting to global innovation It is made based on percapita on Economic
and trade policies.Indonesia and Argentina are with 55th and 56th Rank. The First and second ranked
European countries Finland and Sweden are named as Schumpeterian and Advanced Asian Tiger For
Singapore that present in 4th position.
TCS
recognized
as
Top
Global
Employer
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading IT services, consulting and business solutions organization
has been recognized as a Top Global Employer by the Top Employers Institute. This makes it one in only
eight organizations worldwide to have achieved this status. In the Top Employers Institutes assessment
of 1,072 companies worldwide.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Astronomers
Discovered
Largest
Sample
of
9
monster
Stars
British astronomers have discovered largest sample cluster of nine monster stars named as R136 using
NASA/ ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The cluster is the largest group of very massive stars ever
identified. The R136 cluster of monster stars have masses over 100 times and are 30 million times
brighter than of our Sun in the star cluster located about 170,000 light-years away. It is located in the
Tarantula Nebula within the Large Magellanic Cloud a satellite galaxy of our own Milky Way. The young
cluster hosts many extremely massive, hot and luminous stars whose energy is mostly radiated in the
ultraviolet (UV).
Four
Giant
Exoplanets
Discovered
A group of Scientists led by Matias Jones of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile have discovered
four enormous planets with masses from 2.4 to 5.5 times that of Jupiter, orbiting stars much bigger than
our Sun. The newly detected worlds have very long orbital periods ranging from nearly two to slightly
more than four Earth years. They used the 5 m telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
and the 2.2 m telescope at La Silla observatory in Chile, and the 3.9 m Anglo- Australian telescope in
Australia.
ISRO
Successfully
Launched
IRNSS-1F
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on 10 March launched the countrys sixth Indian
Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS)-1F, on board the trusted launch vehicle PSLV C-32. The
lift off took place from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) SHAR,
Sriharikotta, Indias spaceport. Satellite XL version of PSLV was used in PSLV-C32 and it was the twelfth
time that the XL configuration was flown.
Indian
scientists
Develop
Herbal
Medicine
For
Dengue
Indian scientists for first time have claimed to have developed herbal medicine against mosquito borne
dengue fever using traditional Indian medicine system Ayurveda. The herbal dengue medicine was
developed using alcoholic extract of Cissampelos pariera Linn (Cipa extract) derived from velvetleaf, a
species of flowering plant. The drug has proved to be potent inhibitor to all four types (strains) of dengue
virus. The project jointly undertaken by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Union Ministry of
Science and Technology. International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Ballistic
Missile
Agni-I
Successfully
Test-Fired
Indigenously developed nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-I was successfully testfired off the Odisha coast on 14 March. It was conducted as part of training exercise by the Strategic
Forces Command (SFC) of Indian Army. It weighs around 12 tonnes and is 15-metre-long. It can travel at
a speed of 2.5 km/s and can destroy targets ranging between 700 and 1250 kms away.

PERSONS IN NEWS
A). APPOINTMENTS

Michelle
Yeoh
Appointed
UNDP
Goodwill
Ambassador
American actress Ashley Judd has been appointed as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Goodwill ambassador on 17 March. The New ambassador will focus on raising awareness and mobilising
support for the recently propelled Sustainable Development Goals. Yeoh will pursue her longstanding
passion for global development issues,including gender equality and the eradication of poverty.
Fazle
Kabir
Appointed
Governor
of
Bangladesh
Bank
Fazle Kabir on 15 March was appointed the 11th Governor of the Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of
Bangladesh. Kabir replaced Atiur Rahman, who had resigned after taking moral responsibility over
electronic theft of 101 million US dollars from the central banks account with the New York Federal
Reserve Bank.
AirAsia
India
Appoints
Amar
Abrol
as
new
CEO
AirAsia India on 17 March announced the appointment of Amar Abrol as its chief executive officer with
effect from 1 April 2016. Abrol will succeed Mittu Chandilya, who led AirAsia India from 1 June 2013 and
ends his contract on 31 March 2016.
BS
Chauhan
named
Law
Commission
Chairman
Union Government on 10 March appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan as
the chairperson of the 21st Law Commission. The post was vacant since September 2015 when the
commission was constituted. At present, Justice Chauhan is heading the Cauvery River Water Disputes
Tribunal. He was a judge of the Supreme Court from May 2009 to July 2014. Earlier from July 2008 to
May 2009, he served as the Chief Justice of Orissa High Court.
Gianni
Infantino
Elected
as
President
of
FIFA
A global governing body of football elected Switzerland Gianni Infantino as new President of Federation
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). He won 115 of the 207 eligible votes in the 2016 FIFA
Extraordinary Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland. Infantino has became the third President of FIFA after
Sepp Blatter who headed for 40 years from.he is also working as General Secretary of UEFA (Union of
European Football Associations) since 2009. FIFA in English International Federation of Association
Football governing football, futsal and beach football.

B). RESIGNS
Vijay
Mallya
Resigned
as
Director
of
RCSPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on 17 March intimated
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that Vijay Mallya had resigned from his post as the Director of
Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).
Bangladesh
Central
Bank
Governor
Resigned
Bangladeshs central bank Governor Atiur Rahman resigned on 15 March after hackers stole over USD
100 million from the nations foreign reserves in what is believed to be the worlds biggest ever bank theft
that embarrassed the government. Atiur Rahman resigned over after a meeting with Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina.

C). DEATHS

Nobel
Prize
Winner
Economist
Stowell
Died
Lloyd Stowell Shapley, an American mathematician and Nobel Prize-winning economist, died on 12
March 2016. He was 92. He was awarded 2012 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences along with
Alvin E. Roth for the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design.
E-mail
Inventor
Ray
Tomlinson
Died
Raymond Samuel Tomlinson, the inventor of E-mail and the man who picked @symbol for addresses,
passed away in Washington on 6 March. He was 74. He was an American computer scientist who
became a cult figure for his invention in 1971 of a program for APRANET, the internet predecessor that
allowed people to send person to person messages to other computer users on other servers. He was
working at Bolt Beranek and Newman now Raytheon BBN Technologies when he made his email
breakthrough. In 2000, he received the George R. Stibitz Computer Pioneer Award from the American
Computer Museum. In 2012, Tomlinson was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame by the Internet
Society. He was born on 23 April 1941 in Amsterdam in New York, Unites States (US).
Former
Lok
Sabha
Speaker
PA
Sangma
Died
Purno Agitok(PA)Sangma, who was Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1996 to 1998, passed away in Delhi
on 4 March.He was 68 years old. He was the sitting Lok Sabha member for Meghalayas Tura
constituency. Sangma Born as Purno Agitok Sangma on September 1, 1947 in Chapahati village in the
West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. For first time he was elected to Lok Sabha in 1977 from Tura (Lok
Sabha constituency) and remained a member of the Lok Sabha until 14th Lok Sabha except for the 9th
Lok Sabha. Sangma was a 9 time member of Lok Sabha and the Speaker in the 11th Lok Sabha from
1996 to 1998. He had served in the Union government as Cabinet Minister for Information and
Broadcasting. He also served as Minister of State of Home Affairs, Labour, Commerce and Coal. He
served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990. He was one of the founding members of
the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).In January 2013, he had formed the National Peoples Party. He
had unsuccessfully had contested 13th Presidential election in 2012 against incumbent President of India
Pranab Mukherjee.
Former
NZ
cricket
Captain
Martin
Crowe
Died
Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe passed away on 3 March in Auckland, New Zealand.
He was 53. Crowe was widely regarded as one of New Zealands best ever batsman and had
represented the country from the early 1980s until his retirement in 1996. In his cricket career, he had
played 77 Test matches, 143 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 247 First-class matches. He was righthanded batsman. He had played 77 test matches and had scored 5444 runs at an average of 5.36. It
comprised of 17 centuries and 18 fifties and his highest score was of 299 runs.He had played 143 ODI
matches and scored 4704 runs at an average of 38.55. It comprised of 4 centuries & 34 fifties and highest
score was 107 runs. He was captain of New Zealand team from 1990 to 1994 including 16 Test matches.
He was inducted into theICC Cricket Hall of Famein March, 2015.

D). VISITORS
Nepal
PM
Sharma
Oli
Visited
India
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited India. During the visit, India and Nepal signed nine
agreements following dele-gation level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese
counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli. These include agreements on utilisation of Indian grant of $250 million for
post-earthquake reconstruction, improving of road infrastructure in Nepals Terai area, cultural
cooperation, transit between Nepal and Bagladesh through Kakarbitta-Banglabandh corridor,
operationalisation of Vishakapatnam port& rail transport to and from Vishakapatnam.

E). MISCELLANEOUS
Narendra
Modi
To
Join
World
Leaders
In
Wax
At
Madame
Tussauds
The Indian Prime Minister Naren dra Modi is set to join the league of the most prominent world leaders at
the World famous Wax Museum Madame Tussauds in London. Recently, Modi figured in the Time
Magazines Person of the Years list which gives him enough support to figure in the museum. He is
currently the second most followed politician on twitter after President Obama also confirms the intense
interest the public have in him.
Narendra
Modi
on
TIMEs
Most
Influential
People
On
Internet
TIME magazine on 16 March unveiled its second annual 30 Most Influential People on the Internet list.
The list has been topped by the artist and entrepreneur Kanye West. Indias Prime Minister Narendra
Modi boasting more than 18 million Twitter followers and over 32 million Facebook likes stood at 15th in
the list.
UN
suspends
Maria
Sharapova
as
Goodwill
Ambassador
The United Nations (UN) has suspended Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova as Goodwill
Ambassador of the organisation after she was tested positive on doping allegations. She was suspended
by New York based UN Development Programme (UNDP) until the outcome of the investigation into her
case is known. However, UNDP has mentioned that they are grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support
to their work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery.
Pope
Announced
Mother
Teresa
To
Be
Granted
Sainthood
Pope Francis on 15 March announced that Mother Teresa will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic
Church at a ceremony on 4 September 2016. The pope cleared the way for sainthood to Mother Teresa,
who was famed for her lifetime of service to the poor, establishing shelters for homeless, orphanages,
soup kitchens and clinics around the world.

PLACES IN NEWS
Mumbai,
Bangalore
Among
Cheapest
Cities
In
World
Mumbai and Bangalore are among the cheapest cities in the world, according to a top London-based
forecast group that named Singapore as the most expensive city. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
ranked Singapore as the priciest ahead of Zurich, Hong Kong, Geneva& Paris.
Worlds
Costliest
Train
Station
Opens
In
New
York
United States on 3 March opened a train station at New York at the site of the World Trade center which
was destroyed 14 years ago in the 9/11 attacks.Named as Oculus, is the world most expensive train
station which took 12 years in the completion. Initially budgeted at $2 billion, it has spiraled to $3.85 billion
which makes it worlds most expensive train station. The space measures 350 feet (107 meters) long by
115 feet (35 meters) at its widest point.
Vienna
Named
Worlds
Top
City
For
Quality
of
Life
According to 18th Mercer International survey on quality of life Austria capital Vienna is selected as best
place in world to live from 230 cities. The was made by considering political stability, health care,
education, crime, recreation and transport, social & economic condition etc. From India Hyderabad

topped with 139 rank followed by Pune(144), Bangalore(145), Chennai (150), Mumbai (152), Kolkata
(160) and Delhi (161).The top five positions are occupied by Vienna (Austria), Zurich (Switzerland),
Auckland (New Zealand), Munich (Germany) and Vancouver (Canada).The Banghdad Iraq capital at
bottom of live ability.

ABBREVIATIONS
AAFI
Amateur
Athletics
ASWAC
Airborne
Surveillance
BARC
Bhabha
Atomic
MISA
Maintenance
of
PSLV
Polar.
Satellite
SIDBI Small Industries Development Bank of India

Federation
of
Warning
and
Research
Internal
Security
Launch

India
Control
Centre
Act
Vehicle

Books in News
Prashant
Kishors
The
Election
Game
Prashant Kishor, a key strategist in the landslide victories of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, in his debut
book, The Election Game, analyses Indian voters, their aspirations, what influences them and their
demands. This book basically talks about how to win and lose elections. The Election Game to be
published by Juggernaut Books will be co-authored by journalist Sankarshan Thakur. It will hit the stands
by the end of this year.
Arun
Jaitly
Released
Year
Books
India-2016
Arun Jaitly Union Minister for Information and Broad casting Released the print and digital versions of
Annual Reference Books India 2016and Bharat2016 that contain information for all stake holders which
provides Information on various schemes and projects of government and various department, with
competitive Exams, Functioning of government and economy. The Electronic Version is cheaper and
easier to store and priced at 75% of book print cost was launched for First time.

COMMITTEES
Committee
Formed
For
Evolution
of
New
Education
Policy
The Government of India has Framed Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy to evolve
New Education policy by considering Various suggestions received from online portal, various educational
pioneers and Experts. The Committee chaired by T.S.R. Subramanian, Former Cabinet Secretary and
Includes four members from NCT of Delhi former Chief Secretary, Smt. Shailaja Chandra and former
Home Secretary, Shri Sevaram Sharma,former Chief Secretary, Gujarat Shri Sudhir Mankad,and former
Director, NCERT as members, Prof. J.S. Rajput,.
Committee
on
Jat
quota
The Jat people,traditionally agricultural community makes a disturbances in Haryana by demanding to

declare as OBC which will help them in Jobs and Educa-tion. To prevent peace in Haryana the Home
minister Rajnathsing made committee headed by M.Venkatesh Naidu with Union minister Mahesh
Sharma,Sanjeev Baliyan & Party leaders satpal Malik and Avinash RaiKhanna in Haryana The committee
will prepare a comprehensive report on Jat reservation Report will be submitted to the Haryana govt.

IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES

March
3
:
World
Wild
Life
Day
March
3
:
National
Defence
Day
March
8
:
International
Womens
Day
March
15
:
World
Consumer
Rights
Day
March
15
:
World
Disable
Day
March
16
:
National
Vaccination
Day
March
21
:
International
Day
for
Elimination
of
Racial
Discrimination.
March
21
:
International
Day
of
Forests
March
22
:
World
Water
Day
March 24 : World Tuberculosis Day