march 2016 ga refresher - bsc4success · march 2016 ga refresher rbi 1. rbi unlocks rs.40,000 crore...

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MARCH 2016 GA REFRESHER

RBI 1. RBI unlocks Rs.40,000 crore additional capital for banks

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised norms on capital recognition, making available an additional Rs.40,000 crore to Indian banks.

The move comes at a time when public sector banks are facing pressure on their profitability due to a sharp rise in non-performing assets, which is eroding their capital base.

The announcement is a big relief for, mainly, public sector banks, after finance minister Arun Jaitley announced in his budget speech a capital infusion of Rs. 25,000 crore for the fiscal year starting in April.

2. RBI releases draft framework for account aggregator companies The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 03 Mar 2016 released a draft regulatory framework to allow the entry of a new kind of

non-banking finance company (NBFC) that can act as an account aggregator. Account aggregators help in collecting and providing the information of customers’ financial assets in a consolidated,

organised and retrievable manner to the customer or any other person as per the instructions of the customer. The investors will be able to avail the service of an account aggregator purely at their option.

3. RBI to share FDI-related info with IB, RAW

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will share FDI-related information with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — to check black money from entering the country.

The decision was taken during a meeting of a government group, headed by Revenue Secretary, to check economic crimes. It was decided that the RBI should share with the IB and Cabinet Secretariat, information on FDI, which actually enters the

country. 4. RBI inks information exchange MoU with Bank of Israel

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bank of Israel (BOI) for exchange of information pertaining to banking supervision.

It was signed by Parvathy V Sundaram, Chief General Manager-in-Charge, Department of Banking Supervision on behalf of RBI and Hedva Ber, Supervisor of banks on behalf of BOI.

With this RBI has signed 32 such MoUs, 1 Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and 1 Statement of Co-operation (SoC). 5. RBI issued revised Framework for Revival and Rehabilitation of MSMEs

The Reserve Bank of India issued revised Framework for Revival and Rehabilitation of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs).

This revised Framework will supersede RBI’s earlier Guidelines on Rehabilitation of Sick Micro and Small Enterprises issued on 1 November 2012.

The Framework has to be put in place by the banks not later than 30 June 2016. It shall be applicable to MSMEs having loan limits up to 25 crore rupees including accounts under consortium or multiple

banking arrangement (MBA). 6. N Chandrasekaran appointed to board of Reserve Bank

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO and managing director Natarajan Chandrasekaran and two others were appointed as non-official directors to the board of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved appointment of former Chief Secretary of Gujarat Sudhir Mankad as part-time non-official director on the central board of the RBI for a period of four years.

Bharat Narotam Doshi, non-executive chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, is the third part-time non-official director on the central board of the bank.


Both Mr Chandrasekaran and Mr Doshi will have a tenure of four years. 7. Capital Area Bank first to get small finance bank licence from RBI

Jalandhar based Capital Local Area Bank (CLAB) Limited became the first financial entity in India to get Small Financial Bank Licence by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

CLAB ltd claims to be largest local bank in the country with total 44 branches in five districts of Punjab. It will begin its operations as a small finance bank from April 13, 2016 and it will focus on the northern region for first five years of operations.

8. Pay interest on savings accounts every quarter: RBI to banks

The Reserve Bank has asked banks to pay interest on savings banks account on quarterly basis or shorter duration, a move which will benefit crore of savings account holders.

At present, the interest is credited in savings bank account on half-yearly basis. Interest rate on savings bank account is calculated on daily basis since April 1, 2010.

While public sector banks offer 4 per cent interest on savings deposit, private players offer as much as 6 per cent.

ECONOMY 1. India signs $300 mn loan agreement from World Bank

India on 02 Mar 2016 signed a loan agreement with multilateral lending agency World Bank for $300 million for Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Quality Improvement Project.

The objective of the project is to improve student outcomes especially of disadvantaged groups in selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and to increase the effectiveness of the Higher Education System in Madhya Pradesh.

The agreement was signed between Department of Economic Affairs Joint Secretary Raj Kumar on behalf of India and World Bank’s Country Director Onno Ruhl on behalf of World Bank.

2. Yes Bank buys over 5% stake in advisory firm IiAS

Private sector lender Yes Bank on 03 Mar 2016 said it has bought over 5 per cent stake in an investor advisory firm, IiAS, from BSE.

Yes Bank said in a regulatory filing that it has acquired 5,00,750 equity shares of Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) from BSE Limited which is equivalent to 5.006 per cent of the paid-up capital of the company.

3. Flipkart launches its own digital wallet Flipkart Money

Flipkart on 3 March 2016 launched its own digital wallet Flipkart Money that can be used for Flipkart only transactions. It aims to have a more organized method of payment and cutting significant costs related to handling cash on product returns. Flipkart Money was launched on the company's Android app, where users can hold a balance of 10000 rupees at a time. Cash can be withdrawn from the wallet to the cards or the bank account.

4. Gyan Sangam summit concludes in Gurgaon

The two-day Gyan Sangam summit, a forum where the highest officials from public sector banks, the government and the Reserve Bank of India, meet to discuss issues facing the sector, concluded without any policy announcement but with the government reiterating its commitment to taking more steps to boost the sector.

The government has said that it has started the third phase of reforms in state-run banks, which will look into all aspects, including consolidation, through the second edition of Gyan Sangam.

Gyan Sangam — a retreat for banks and financial Institutions — was held for the first time in January,2015 in Pune. 5. SBI granted operating licence by Myanmar

Myanmar has granted operating licences to four Asian banks, bringing the number of foreign banks allowed to conduct business in the previously isolated country to 13.

Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, State Bank of India, Taiwan's Sun Commercial Bank and South Korea's Shinhan Bank were granted preliminary licenses, Myanmar's Foreign Bank Licensing Committee said in a statement.

India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has been granted preliminary approval to operate Myanmar.


The approval gives the banks 12 months to demonstrate they can fulfill business plans laid out in their application to Myanmar's government before they will be granted permanent licenses.

6. CBDT forms directorates to monitor taxpayer service To reduce grievances of tax payers, the revenue department on 07 Mar 2016 has set up a dedicated structure for delivery and

monitoring of taxpayer services. CBDT Member (Revenue and Tax Payer Services) will oversee the related services in Central Board of Direct Taxes. Two separate Directorates — Directorate of Tax Payer Services I and Directorate of Tax Payer Services II — have been set

up. Together, these Directorates will be responsible for delivery and monitoring of taxpayer services in the field offices and e-

services deliverable through various electronic platforms of the Department.

7. Six or more anchor banks likely to lead consolidation The government will identify six to ten public sector banks which will drive the consolidation process among the state-owned

banks, according to bankers. Called the anchor banks, they will be identified by October 31, 2016. Large lenders like State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank could

become the anchor banks. The government will set up an expert panel for the consolidation process. The Bank Board Bureau headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai, which was recently formed

to select chief executives and board members of public sector banks, will also help in the consolidation process. 8. Tata Housing partners with SBI for Women's Day offer

Real estate developer Tata Housing has partnered with the country's largest lender, State Bank of India, on the occasion of the International Women's Day.

Tata Housing will allow its women customers to pay only 20 per cent of the agreement value while the balance can be paid on taking possession of the property.

SBI will offer home loans to its women customers at a special interest rate of 9.5 per cent per annum under the SBI Her Ghar scheme as part of the International Women's Day, which will be celebrated between March 8 and March 13.

9. SBI inks pact with Uber for instant vehicle finance

State Bank of India has entered into a partnership with Uber to provide vehicle finance for driver-partners on the latter’s platform.

Loans will be sanctioned instantly using a digital offering, which will enable thousands of skilled drivers to overcome liquidity crunch and excess documentation requirements, to become an entrepreneur.

All these loans will be collateral free and carry a very competitive interest rate. All loans will also get covered under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Scheme of Government of India.

10. SBI disburses Rs 1,465 crore OROP arrears

State Bank of India on 14 Mar 2016 released arrears worth Rs 1,465 crore to 7.75 lakh defence pensioners under One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.

As per government guidelines, first instalment (1/4th of the total arrear amount up to February, 2016) to service pensioners and full amount of arrears to ‘family pensioners’ and ‘gallantry award’ pensioners will be paid on 14th March, 2016.

11. Yes Bank launches all women branch in Bengaluru

Private lender Yes Bank on 08 Mar 2016 launched an all-women operated bank branch ‘Yes Grace’ on Cunningham Road here aimed at offering customised banking solutions to women.

There is no restriction in the customer base as we serve male customers as well. The Yes Grace branch is part of a two pronged approach by Yes Bank; to promote women leadership in financial services

sector and enable the evolving financial objectives of women. 12. Banks disburse over Rs 1.15 lakh cr under PM Mudra Yojana

Banks have so far disbursed over Rs 1.15 lakh crore under Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY).


Under PMMY, loans between Rs 50,000 and Rs 10 lakh are provided to small entrepreneurs. The scheme- Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra

Modi in April last year. Three products available under the PMMY are Shishu, Kishor and Tarun, to signify the stage of growth and funding needs of

the beneficiary micro unit or entrepreneur. Shishu covers loans of up to Rs 50,000 while Kishor covers those above Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 5 lakh. Tarun category provides loans of above Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 10 lakh.

13. India & IMF host "Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future" Conference

"Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future" conference has been inaugurated in New Delhi on 11 Mar 2016. It has been co-hosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Indian government from March 11-13. Advancing Asia brings together officials, corporate executives, academics, and civil society representatives from more than

30 countries spanning Asia and the Pacific. It provides a forum for Asia-Pacific leaders to discuss a region renowned for its economic success over the past decades.

14. BEML bags Rs. 900 cr order from Kolkata Metro Rail

BEML Limited has bagged a Rs. 900 crore order for the supply of Metro coaches to Kolkata East-West Metro Line. In this regard, Narender Kumar Garg - Managing Director, Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation ( KMRCL) and Aniruddh

Kumar, Director( Rail & Metro), BEML, signed the Contract Agreement for the supply of Metro Coaches on Monday at KMRCL office, Kolkata.

15. MCX appoints Mrugank Paranjape as MD & CEO

MCX, the country's largest commodity exchange, has appointed Mrugank Paranjape as the new MD & CEO, nearly two years after Manoj Vaish the then incumbent MD & CEO put in his papers.

The exchange has also re-designated Parveen Kumar Singhal, the present Joint Managing Director as President & Whole Time Director with effect from April 1.

The appointment of Paranjape is valid for three years and is subjected to approval of SEBI. 16. Sunil Sabharwal took charge as Alternate Executive Director at IMF

Sunil Sabharwal, an independent Indian-American investor took charge as Alternate Executive Director at International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He took the charge after his appointed was confirmed by the US Senate. Earlier he was re-nominated to this key post at IMF by US President Barack Obama. With this he becomes first Indian-American to occupy a key administration post at the IMF. The post of Alternate Executive Director is one of the most powerful position in the IMF considering the 16.81 per cent

voting share (highest) of US in the total IMF voting share. 17. Govt to infuse Rs. 5,050 crore in PSU banks soon

The government is likely to infuse additional capital of about Rs. 5,050 crore in some public sector banks this week. Parliament has already approved Rs. 5,050 crore for meeting additional expenditure on recapitalisation of public sector banks

earlier this month. Likely contenders for the fresh round of infusion include Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Oriental Bank of

Commerce, Vijaya Bank and United Bank of India. It will be part of the Rs. 25,000 crore capital infusion plan earmarked for the current fiscal. In the first tranche, as many as 13

public sectors banks were given fund support of Rs. 19,950 crore. Of this, SBI got the highest amount of Rs. 5,393 crore followed by Bank of India Rs. 2,455 crore.

18. SEBI board gives 'in-principle' approval for BSE listing

Capital markets regulator SEBI on 12 Mar 2016 gave its "in-principle" approval for Bombay Stock Exchange to get itself listed in bourses.

SEBI Chairman U.K. Sinha also announced new proposals imposing restrictions on access to capital markets for those declared as 'wilful defaulters'.


SEBI has now said that companies would be barred from making a public issue of equity shares/debt securities/non-convertible redeemable preference shares if the issuer company or its promoter or its director is in the list of the wilful defaulters.

19. ICICI bank ties up with Ferrari for co-branded credit card

Country’s largest private sector lender ICICI Bank on 14 Mar 2016 said it has tied up with marquee sports car maker Ferrari to launch co-branded credit card.

The ‘Ferrari Credit Card’ comes in two variants on the Visa platform and offers customers a host of offers including an all-expenses-paid trip for top spenders to Italy and also includes a Scuderia Ferrari watch as a joining gift.

20. IOB becomes first bank to sell Indian gold coins

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has become the first bank to commence the sale of Indian Gold Coin (IGC) in the domestic market.

It has tied up with MMTC for the sale of IGC of 24 carat purity. The IGC has the national emblem, the Ashok Chakra, engraved on one side and the face of Mahatma Gandhi on the other. The coin carries advanced anti-counterfeit features and comes in tamper-proof packaging.The current denominations

available are 5, 10 and 20 gm. IGC is the first ever national gold offering by the Centre and was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November

5. 21. Yes Bank inc pact with Indo-Brazil chamber

India's fifth largest private sector Bank, YES Bank signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Brazil Chamber of Commerce (IBCC) to enable significant cooperation in terms of knowledge partnerships, project consultancy, B2B opportunities, skill and technology initiatives.

As per the announcement of YES Bank, the MoU signing comes in the run up to the 8th Annual BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi in 2016.

22. ICICI Bank launches NFC-based contactless mobile payment solution Touch & Pay

India’s largest private sector lender ICICI Bank has launched new contactless mobile payment solution Touch & Pay based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

The payment solution will enable the bank’s credit and debit customers to make in-store contactless payments by waving their smartphones near an NFC-enabled merchant terminal.

With this, ICICI Bank becomes first financial institution in the country to leverage the Host Card. 23. IRDA Okay With LIC Investment In Public Sector Banks

Insurance regulator IRDA is satisfied with the investments of LIC in public sector banks. After a scrutiny of its investments in PSU banks, the regulator has given a clean chit to the largest domestic institution with

assets of close to Rs 18 lakh crore. The regulator did not find anything wrong with its investment pattern in PSU banks. Earlier, the RBI had expressed concern over LIC making huge investments in PSU banks, saying it can “affect the financial

stability”. 24. South Indian Bank gets ISO 9001:2008 certification

South Indian Bank has announced that its personnel department has achieved the ISO 9001:2008 certification. V G Mathew is the MD & CEO of South Indian Bank.

The bank has its headquarters at Thrissur. The ISO 9001:2008 certification acknowledges that the policies, practices and methods adopted by the department are system

oriented and in tandem with international standards. 25. CBDT signs 11 unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed 11 unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). With this CBDT has so far entered into 59 bilateral or unilateral APAs.


50 of these agreements have been signed in the current financial year i.e. 2016-17. The Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) programme was introduced in India by the Finance Act, 2012. It seeks provide a predictable and non-adversarial tax regime and to reduce litigation in the Indian transfer pricing regime.

26. Pincon Spirit acquires Singapore-based Orbitol Solutions

Pincon Spirit Ltd on 03 Mar 2016 said it has acquired Singapore-based Orbitol Solutions, engaged in merchant trading and agriculture business.

The company’s business is dispersed through South-East Asia. Pincon Spirit did not disclose financial details of the transaction, but plans to make Orbitol Solutions its subsidiary.

NEWS (NATIONAL) 1. PM Modi launches ‘Setu Bharatam’ project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 04 Mar 2016 said the government is putting in all efforts to build infrastructure, especially rural roads, in a comprehensive manner.

Launching an ambitious Rs 50,800 crore Setu Bharatam project to ensure highways without railway crossings by 2019 and overhaul of 1,500 British-era bridges, he said his government is committed to speeding up all projects related to infrastructure.

The ‘Setu Bharatam’ project aims to make all national highways free from railway level crossing by 2019 to ensure road safety.

2. UltraTech acquires Jaiprakash Associates' cement plants for Rs 16,500 crore

India's largest cement maker UltraTech Cement acquired Jaiprakash Associates' cement factories in six states for an enterprise value of Rs 16,500 crore, among the biggest distress sales of assets as India's banks get proactive on bad loans.

The cement plants of Jaiprakash Associates to be acquired have a cement capacity of 22.4 mtpa situated in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Anadhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

3. IFC launches Uridashi Masala Bonds

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank has launched its first Uridashi Masala Bonds (Japanese bonds).

These masala bonds were launched to mobilise 30 crore rupees from Japanese retail investors and will be sold to Japanese household investors.

The proceeds from these bonds will be used for promoting private sector development in India. JP Morgan is the sole arranger of the bonds and Daisen Hinomaru Securities is its distributor.

4. Parliament passes Carriage by Air amendment Bill, 2015

Parliament has passed the Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to empower Union government to revise the limits of liability for airlines and compensation as per the Montreal Convention which India accepted in 2009.

The bill was first passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2015 and later it was passed by the Rajya Sabha in March 2016. Now it will go for the Presidential assent as per Article 111 of Constitution.

5. Govt signs Agreement to provide a loan of 1000 crore rupees to FACT

Union Government on 3 March 2016 signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to provide a loan of 1000 crore rupees to the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) Limited, a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU).

As per this MoA, FACT will be getting a loan of 1000 crore rupees, to be repaid with interest within a period of five years, with a moratorium of one year.

This will help FACT to maintain production at optimum level on a sustainable basis in the coming years. 6. Centre’s nod for Mega Food Park in Khammam

Government of India has accorded final approval for setting up a Mega Food Park in Khammam District of Telangana on 14 Mar 2016.

An amount of Rs.967 crore has been proposed under the Plan for promotion of industries” in the coming fiscal.


The three aerospace parks will also be set up in the State. 7. India Inc becomes first to formally adopt UN's sustainable goals

India Inc. on 12 March 2016 formally adopted the United Nations' (UN) agenda for the world's sustainable development and the 17 goals identified for its implementation in Mumbai.

The 11th National Convention on Sustainable Development Goals organized by the Global Compact Network in Mumbai, which was inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the continuum of the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were under implementation from January 2000 to December 2015.

8. India Post selects Deloitte as consultant for payments bank India Post has selected Deloitte to advise it on setting up a payments bank and an agreement between the two will be signed

on March 14. The Public Investment Board has already approved the Rs 800-crore proposal of India Post and in 15 days, it will go to the

Cabinet for final approval.\ It will primarily target unbanked and under-banked customers in rural, semi-rural and remote areas, with a focus on providing

simple deposit products and money remittance services. 9. Govt issues defence procurement orders worth Rs 1.78 lakh cr in 2015-16

In 2015-16, the Government had issued defence procurement orders worth Rs.1.78 lakh crore. Lt General Rajeev Tewari, GOC Bengal area, stated this here at an event organised by CII. He said that domestic private sector players in collaboration with foreign partners would serve a significant portion of the

order. He also mentioned that not only big players such as Tatas, Mahindras, L&T, Anil Ambani Group and Pipavav Defence got

involved in defence production drive, but a large number of small and medium units have also joined in. 10. Raisina Dialogue 2016 kicks off at New Delhi

The first Raisina-Dialogue 2016, a flagship conference on Geopolitics and Geo-economics began in New Delhi. The three day conference is joint initiative of Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation

(ORF), an independent think tank based in India.

11. President inaugurates National Conference on Women Legislation President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a National conference on ‘Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India’ in New

Delhi. The conference intends to hone the skills of legislators to perform their legislative and non-legislative roles with greater

effectiveness. It will bring together women union ministers, chief ministers, MPs and eminent women from the judiciary and the

bureaucracy. It will equip women legislators with latest knowledge in relevant areas and motivate, guide them in their twin roles as agents

of socio-economic progress and as legislators. 12. AIIMS-like hospital for AYUSH will be operational in 3-4 months

The first AIIMS-like hospital of AYUSH is being set up in Delhi and it is likely to become fully operational in 3-4 months. The Centre approved a total amount of Rs 7,275.26 lakh during 2014-15 for upgradation and renovation of AYUSH

hospitals, dispensaries and educational institutions. The Centre provides funds to states for setting up a 150-bed AYUSH Hospital in each district and funds are also given for

running and maintenance of such hospitals. 13. Union Cabinet nod for amendment to Sikh Gurdwaras Act

The 91-year-old Sikh Gurdwaras Act will soon be amended to exclude Sehajdhari Sikhs from voting in the elections to Sikh religious bodies.


Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 10 Mar 2016 considered the proposal of the Home Ministry for an amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, to remove the exception given to Sehajdhari Sikhs in 1944 to vote in the elections to select the members of the Board and the Committees constituted under the Act.

14. Vice President stresses ‘Grow in India’ for agriculture

The Vice President, M Hamid Ansari wants a “Grow in India” programme to transform the socio-economic fabric of the agricultural sector.

The Vice President said that the enhanced public expenditure in agriculture - in the form of increased investments, rather than un-targeted subsidies - is required to bring about technical change in agriculture, and higher agricultural growth.

15. Union Government launches online marketing platform Mahila E-HAAT

The Union Government has launched an online marketing platform Mahila E-HAAT to facilitate women entrepreneurs to sell their products to buyers.

It was launched by Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi in New Delhi. The Mahila e-Haat portal can be accessed at http://mahilaehaat-rmk.gov.in

It is an initiative mainly for women across the country and is part of Union Government’s flagship ‘Digital India’ and ‘Stand Up India’ initiatives.

It's objective is to strengthen the financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs by providing continued support to their creativity.

16. FM withdraws provident fund tax proposal Following a backlash, both in and outside Parliament, for dipping into retirement savings of the working class, Union

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 08 Mar 2016 announced the withdrawal of the budget proposal of taxation of EPF. The proposal of 40 per cent exemption given to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) subscribers at the time of withdrawal

remains, the Finance Minister clarified in his statement. The objective of the reform proposed in the budget that was withdrawn was "not to get more revenue but to encourage the

people to join the Pension Scheme". It also said that if the employee re-invested 60 percent of the EPF in an annuity or pension fund then it will not be taxed.

17. MoEFCC releases four Colour Classification Scheme

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released a new Four-colour Classification Scheme for industries based on their pollution potential.

The four-colour classification scheme of industrial sectors based on the Pollution Index (PI) which is a function of the (i) Emissions (air pollutants) (ii) Effluents (water pollutants) (iii) hazardous wastes generated and (iv) Consumption of resources.

18. Pallavi Fauzdar becomes 1st solo woman to ride across Mana Pass

Pallavi Fauzdar from Agra became the first woman solo biker in the Limca Book of Records to reach the tip of Mana pass in Uttarakhand, arguably the world’s highest motorable mountain pass.

Mana rises to a staggering altitude of 5,638 m (18,497 ft) above sea level, on the border between India and Tibet, and is reckoned as one of the most difficult biking trails.

19. Playback Singer P. Susheela enters Guinness World Records

Renowned playback singer P. Susheela Mohan created a new world record for singing highest number of songs. She has now been recognised by both the Guinness Book of World Records for singing most number of songs in Indian

languages. Guinness Book of World Records officially credited her for singing record 17,695 songs (solo, duet and chorus backed

songs) in twelve Indian languages. Asia Book of Records also has recognised her for singing close to 17, 330 songs.

20. EC unveils 'TNelections' app


Attempting to capitalise on the increasing usage of smart phones among college-goers and working professionals, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled an application for Android phones – ‘TNelections’ – through which it will offer a range of services to the general public.

The application would help the voter to avail the services of the Commission. The Commission also unveiled a mobile number – 9444123456 – that the public could use to lodge complaints. Complaints, including images, can be sent to this number.

21. Parliament passes Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

Parliament has passed Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 to establish Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Bill replaces the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.

It was first passed in Lok Sabha during winter session in December 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in February 2016. Now the bill will go Presidential assent as per provisions of Article 111 of the Constitution.

22. Kangana Ranaut named Reebok brand ambassador

The ‘Queen’ of Bollywood Kangana Ranaut was announced as the brand ambassador of Reebok India in Mumbai. The actress also launched the new campaign of the brand titled “Be More Human”. It aims to inspire women to become better versions of themselves, not just physically but also mentally and socially. It is a tribute to the modern day Indian woman, telling her that she is fit to rise above stereotypes and carve out her own

destiny. 23. BSNL ties up with Tata Sky to offer video-on-demand

State-run telecom services provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 09 Mar 2016 has signed an agreement with DTH operator Tata Sky to offer video-on-demand.

As an initial incentive to customers, BSNL is offering free first month broadband rental. Similarly, Tata Sky will also be offering video-on-demand services free for the first month to download content worth up to

₹500. According to the memorandum of understanding (MoU), BSNL and Tata Sky will enter a strategic alliance and seek

broadband customers for BSNL who will be utilising video-on-demand services offered by Tata Sky. 24. Tikka Shatrujit Singh knighted with top French award

Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the royal scion of Kapurthala’s Ahluwalia dynasty, has been conferred with the prestigious Knight of the Legion of Honour for his “extraordinary work in the exchanging the French lifestyle and Indian culture with each other.”

French ambassador to India Francois Richier bestowed the honour on the 54-year-old Singh in a ceremony on 17 Mar 2016. 25. Railways appoints EY to mop up Rs. 5,000 crore ad revenue

Indian Railways has appointed global consultancy firm Ernst &Young (EY) to help the utility mop up advertising revenues worth over Rs.5,000 crore in the next few years.

The move aims at enhancing revenue through non-fare box route. In his Budget speech, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had said that the utility will look to increase revenues from non-tariff

sources and do away with conventional approach of increasing passenger and freight fares.

26. PM selects another village- Nagepur in Varanasi under SAGY Prime Minister Narendra modi has selected another village for adoption in his Varanasi Constituency of U.P. for

development under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). Nagepur, a village dominated by backward castes has been selected under the second phase of the Yojana. Earlier, Prime Minister had adopted Jayapur village in the same Varanasi constituency in the first phase in 2014.

27. 108-feet Jain Teerthankar idol enters "Guinness book of records"

A 108—feet tall idol of Lord Rishabhdeva, the first Teerthankar of Jains, carved out of a single rock, has entered the “Guinness World Records” as the world’s tallest Jain statue.

The impressive statue is located atop Mangi Tungi mountain near Teharabad village of Baglan tehsil in the North Maharashtra district.


28. 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.

29. Air India operates world’s longest all-women flight National carrier Air India successfully flew the World’s longest all-woman operated and supported flight from the national

capital New Delhi to San Francisco (United States). The flight was operated as part of International Women’s Day celebrations and travelled a distance of around 14,500

kilometres in close to 17 hours. The non-stop flight to San Francisco took off on 6th March 2016 from New Delhi.

30. Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana with an outlay of Rs 8,000 crore for three years for Providing free LPG connections to Women from BPL Households.

The Scheme provides a financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL households. This is the first time in the history of the country that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas would implement a welfare

scheme benefitting crores of women belonging to the poorest households. 31. India inks pact for saving birds of prey

India has signed ‘Raptor MoU’, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on conservation of birds of prey in Africa and Eurasia.

With this India becomes 56th county to sign the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).

The MoU was singed between Ambassador of India to the UAE T.P Seetharam & the Convention on Migratory Species Office in Abu Dhabi.

32. India, Bangladesh sign 2 billion US dollar Line of Credit

India and Bangladesh on 9 March 2016 signed a 2 billion US dollar Line of Credit (LOC) to implement socio-economic development projects in Bangladesh and strengthen bilateral relations.

The LOC was extended by Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on behalf of the Government of India. 33. Mother Teresa to be made a saint on Sept 4

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a nun who dedicated her life to helping the poor, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church at a ceremony on Sept. 4, Pope Francis announced on 15 Mar 2016.

Last December, he cleared the way for sainthood for the Nobel peace laureate, who died in 1997 at the age of 87 and was known as "saint of the gutters".

Teresa, who was born Agnese Gonxha Bojaxhiu of Albanian parents in 1910 in what was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now Macedonia, became an international figure but was also accused of trying to convert people to Christianity.

She founded the Missionaries of Charity with about a dozen nuns in the 1950s to help the poor on the streets of Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.

The religious order spread throughout the world. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

34. Cabinet approves MoU between India & IMF

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for entering into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and International Monetary Fund (IMF) for setting up of South Asia Regional Training and Technical Assistance Center (SARTTAC) in India by the IMF.

The SARTTAC will be a collaborative venture between the IMF, the member countries that is Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka and development partners for supporting the capacity development needs of the members.


The MoU will be sign at a Regional Conference on ‘Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future’ in New Delhi, which is organised by IMF.

35. Sun Pharma appoints MS Dhoni as brand ambassador for Revital H

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has appointed Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni as the brand ambassador for its bestselling health supplement brand, Revital H.

The appointment is in line with the company's plans to reposition the brand 25 years after its launch on the planks of fostering fitness and active lifestyle.

36. Govt clears proposal to amend MMDR Act

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 on 10 Mar 2016.

The mines ministry has prepared the draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2016, to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

37. 57 countries to take part in first-ever Maritime India Summit 2016 57 countries are going to take part in the first Maritime India Summit 2016 scheduled to be held from 14th to 16th April 2016

in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was announced by the Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari on the sidelines of media launch of the Maritime India

Summit 2016. 'Maritime India Summit 2016' is a maiden flagship initiative of the Ministry of Shipping that will provide a unique platform

for participants to explore potential business opportunities in Indian Maritime Sector.

38. NTPC signs MoU for research with IIT Delhi NTPC and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, have signed a memorandum of understanding for research and

development in areas of mutual interest such as simulation and modelling, heat transfer and thermal process, artificial intelligence, solar and renewable integration, and other such areas.

Under the terms of the agreement signed, joint research projects will be taken up for development of new technologies and performance improvement.

39. Parliament passes long-awaited Bill to protect homebuyers

The Rajya Sabha passed a landmark Real Estate Bill on 10 Mar 2016 with a promise to secure the interests of homebuyers and developers in equal measure and remove corruption and inefficiency from the sector.

Real estate contributes nine per cent to the national GDP and the Bill’s passage was seen as crucial to ensuring better regulatory oversight and orderly growth in the industry.

40. Google's next operating system is 'Android N'

Google is previewing the next version of its Android operating system two months ahead of schedule in an effort to get the upgraded software on more mobile devices.

The upgraded software, known as “Android N” for now, offers a split-screen feature so users can toggle between apps more easily.

Android N also enables users to reply directly to notifications, something already available on the software that Google makes for smartwatches running on Android Wear.

41. NITI Aayog launches ‘Women Transforming India’ campaign

NITI Aayog - Government of India’s premier think-tank - has launched the ‘Women Transforming India’ initiative on, March 8, International Women’s Day, in partnership with the UN in India and MyGov.

As per the campaign the policy think tank would engage directly with women leaders from across urban and rural areas of the country, making every effort to gather successful stories of change heralded by women at the grassroots level.

42. Cabinet gives nod to BIMSTEC Convention


The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing and ratification of the Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been designated as the Central Authority under Article 15 of the Convention.

43. Cabinet gives nod to MoU between India and UAE The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the MoU between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Technical

Cooperation in Cyber Space and Combating Cyber-Crime. It was singed between both countries in February 2016 to cooperate in combating cybercrime in the wake of the serious

security threat posed by it to safety of people.

44. Project 'Mausam' aims to explore Multi-Faceted Indian Ocean World Project ‘Mausam’ is the initiative of Ministry of Culture which is to be implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India

(ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies.

It aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world’ – collating archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean – extending from East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Subcontinent and Sri Lanka to the Southeast Asian archipelago.

45. Railway launches online ‘clean my coach’ service Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday launched an online “clean my coach” service that allows travellers to get their

compartments cleaned by sending an SMS or by using an app or a designated website. As per the scheme, for any cleaning requirement in the coach, passengers have to send an SMS on a mobile number 58888. This service empowers the citizen to get an important service on board and is in line with the objectives of the ‘Digital India’

programme. 46. National Led Bulbs Scheme Gets a New Face in 'UJALA'

Union Power Ministry has announced name UJALA for the LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). UJALA is acronym for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All.

The National LED based DELP programme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 2015 for energy conservation by reducing energy consumption.

The target of programme is to replace 77 crore incandescent lamps with LED bulbs.

47. Union Textiles Minister inaugurates India Carpet Expo The India Carpet Expo, an exclusive trade fair for handmade carpets and other floor-coverings was inaugurated by Union

Textiles Minister, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar on 11 Mar 2016. The four-day fair was organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council, in the NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial

Estate, New Delhi.

48. India, US Launch Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship India and United States have launched the Fulbright – Kalam Climate Fellowship enabling Indian research scholars to work

with American institutions in the field of climate change. It will sponsor up to 6 Indian PhD students and post-doctoral researchers to work with US institutions for a period up to one

year. The fellowship has been named after late Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

49. Anand Mahindra conferred with France’s Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur

Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman and Managing Director (MD) Anand Mahindra was conferred with Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (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.


50. PM Modi inaugurates three major railway projects in Bihar Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three major railway projects in Bihar at an estimated cost of 7000 crore rupees on

12 Mar 2016. PM dedicated a rail-cum-road bridge at Patna, inaugurated another at Munger and laid the foundation of additional bridge at

Mokama over the River Ganga. Rail-cum-road bridge at Patna over the River Ganga is 4.56 km long.

51. Govt mobilises Rs 370 crore under Swachh Bharat Kosh

The Union Government mobilised the total fund of Rs 369.74 crore under Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK) as on January 31, 2016. Since inception in Octover 2014, donations received from corporates are Rs 365 crore and from individual are Rs 5.95 lakh.

The release of funds is governed by 'Swachh Bharat Kosh Operational Guidelines'. As per the criteria for release of funds under these regulations, the funds are used for achieving the objective of improving

cleanliness levels in rural and urban areas including in schools. 52. BSNL launches free WiFi service at Kashmir Airport

The 4G-based WiFi HotSpot services of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) at the Srinagar International Airport was inaugurated by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Asgar H Samoon.

Tourists visiting the Kashmir valley can now access hi-speed Internet services at the Srinagar international airport free of charge for the first 15 minutes.

A BSNL-WiFi prompt will pop-up on their device and the passengers will have to register and then they will be provided with a one-time password.

After verification, they will be able to browse. 53. Union Govt fixes Maximum Sale Price of Bt Cotton Seed

The Union Government has notified maximum sale price (MSP) of Bt cotton seed for the year 2016-17. It was announced by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh. In this regard, Union Government has issued notification as per the Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015 under the

Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. As per the notification, the price of BG-I version of Bt cotton hybrid has been fixed at 635 rupees & the price of BG-II

version of Bt cotton hybrid was fixed at 800 rupees. 54. Michelin ties up with Snapdeal to sell tyres online

French tyre major Michelin on 14 Mar 2016 tied up with online marketplace Snapdeal to sell its products through the e-commerce platform.

Under the partnership, consumers can place an order online via Snapdeal to purchase Michelin tyres from an authorised dealer and request for fitment at a time and place of their choice.

55. Wikipedia developing speech engine for visually impaired users

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has teamed up with KTH Royal Institute of Technology to develop the world's first crowd sourced speech engine.

The platform is aimed at providing access to Wikipedia and other wikis to users having reading difficulties or visually impaired.

56. Bharti Airtel buys Videocon Telecom for Rs 4,428 cr

India’s largest telecom operator by subscriber base, Bharti Airtel, said on 17 Mar 2016 that it has acquired Videocon Telecom for Rs 4,428 crore.

With this, Bharti Airtel will get the rights to use 2X5 MHz of spectrum in the 1800 band allocated to Videocon by the government on April 5, 2013.

On March 16, Idea Cellular had terminated its spectrum deal with Videocon under which it was supposed to buy two circles - Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh (West) - for Rs 3,310 crore.


57. India Has Emerged As The Second Biggest Investor In London India has emerged as the second biggest investor in London after the US with country’s tech firms investing in the British

capital at an unprecedented rate, according to latest official figures. Since 2005 there has been a 117 per cent increase in Indian companies across all business sectors investing in London, with a

133 per cent increase in tech companies investing in the city, which accounts for 46 per cent of all projects, according to the latest data released by London & Partners, the official promotional company for London.

58. Union Govt imposes anti-dumping duty on Plastic-Processing imports

Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty of up to 44.7 per cent on import of plastic-processing machines from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam for five years.

The anti-dumping duty will be levied on imports of all kinds of plastic-processing or injection-moulding machines, also known as injection presses.

The move is aimed at protecting the domestic industry from cheap in-bound shipments from these 4 countries. 59. Parliament passes Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Rajya Sabha has passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 without any discussion. The Bill proposes to amend the some provisions of the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 retrospectively with effect from October,

2003. The amendment bill removes exception given to Sahjdhari Sikhs in 1944 to vote in the elections to members of the Board and

the Committees constituted under the parent Act. 60. AAHAR 2016 kicked off at New Delhi

The largest fair on Food and Hospitality Sector in India, AAHAR 2016 has kicked off at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It is the 31st edition in this series of the fair and was inaugurated by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat

Kaur Badal. The main aim of the fair is act as a growth propelling event to promote Brand India on a global platform.

61. India aviation show 2016 begins in Hyderabad

The India Aviation 2016, an international exhibition and conference on civil aviation kicked off in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is the fifth edition in the biennial series of this international exhibition and was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee

at the Begumpet Airport (also known as Hyderabad Old Airport). 62. India inks $35 million loan agreement with WB for MP project

India has signed loan agreement of 35 million dollars with the World Bank for Madhya Pradesh citizen access to responsive services project.

The loan has been sanctioned by the World Bank’s 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. The objective of the project is to improve access and quality of public services in the state through implementation of the

Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act, 2010. 63. SC allows pictures of CMs, Governors, Ministers in Govt Advertisements

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 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.

64. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates World Sufi Forum in New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated World Sufi Forum in New Delhi. The four-day event is being organized by All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), the apex body of Sufi Dargahs in

India.


65. Union Govt launches FCI’s Depot Online System

Union Government has launched Depot Online System of state run Food Corporation of India (FCI) to bring transparency and minimise storage losses of foodgrains.

It was launched by Union Food and public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in New Delhi as part of Digital India initiative of Union Government.

66. IMD deploys Drishti for providing real time visibility information to pilots

The India Meteorology Department (IMD) has deployed indigenously developed Drishti, an instrument that will provide real time visibility information to pilots.

The instrument will help pilots in quick decision-making during critical landings and take-offs of aircraft particularly during foggy or rainy days.

Drishti has been developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore. Drishti is a transmissometer that takes in account the real time weather parameters like humidity, wind speed, temperature

conditions, etc., along the runway in order to calculate the visibility distance offered at that particular runway. 67. Union Govt unveils Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016

The Union Government has unveiled a Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 for granting permission for construction of buildings.

It was released by the Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi. It seeks to provide an online single window framework for approval process. Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 intends to improve ease of doing business regarding issuance of construction permits.

68. Ministry of Railways and ISRO sign MoU

The Ministry of Railways and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 17 March 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding Effective Use of Space Technology in Remote Sensing and Graphic Information System (GIS) based Governance Applicationfor Indian Railways.

The MoU was signed by Shobhan Chaudhuri, Railway Board Executive Director (Telecom Development), on behalf of Railways and Dr. P.G. Diwakar, Deputy Director, on behalf of ISRO.

69. Earth Hour 2016 observed across the World on 19 March 2016 The tenth edition of World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF’s) Earth Hour was observed across the World on 19 March 2016

from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. Earth Hour 2016 encouraged people to explore and adopt a cleaner and more sustainable lifestyle by embracing renewable

energy solutions. 70. PM Modi confers Himachal Pradesh with ‘Krishi Karman Award’

In a major boost to Himachal Pradesh’s Congress government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 Mar 2016 conferred ‘Krishi Karman Award” for its landmark achievement in showing highest production of food grains in year 2014-15, despite adverse weather conditions and rain-fed farming in the state.

The award was received by Agriculture Minister Sujan Singh Pathania – who led a team of senior officers including Additional Chief Secretary (Agri) Upma Chawdhry at a ceremony held at New Delhi.

71. Surat cleanest A-1 Railway Station in India

As per recently published survey of Indian Railways Surat (Gujarat) was declared the cleanest railway station in the country. The survey was conducted by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) at 407 railway stations, which

included 75 A-1 stations and 332 A-category railway stations across the country based on feedback from around 1.34 lakh passengers.

72. India assumes BRICS Chairmanship from Russia for 2016

India has assumed BRICS Chairmanship from the Russian Federation for the year 2016. BRICS is an association of five countries viz. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.


On this occasion, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj formally unveiled the BRICS Logo for the duration of India’s BRICS Chairmanship and also launched website.

India has assumed BRICS Chairmanship for second time and had hosted the BRICS Summit in 2012 for first time in New Dehli. The 7th BRICS Summit was held in the Russian city of Ufa in July 2015.

73. Health Ministry launches new anti TB drug Bedaquilin

The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has launched new anti-TB (Tuberculosis) drug Bedaquiline. It was launched by the Union Health Minister J P Nadda as part of the TB national programme. Initially the drug will be made available in six public hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati and Ahmedabad. Bedaquiline is a new anti-TB drug for treatment of Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.

74. MoEFCC notifies new environment standards for Gensets

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the first time notified new environment standards for Gensets running on various kinds of fuels including LPG, petrol and diesel in various cities.

The primary aim of the new standards for Gensets is to control air and noise pollution emanating from the operation of Gensets.

These standards were recommended by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after consultations with industries and other stakeholders.

75. India’s Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves

India’s Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It was included along with other 19 sites at the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (ICCMAB) programme of UNESCO that concluded recently in Lima, Peru.

With the addition of the ABR, total 10 of the 18 biosphere reserves in the country have made it to the list of World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

76. IGI Airport bags three international awards

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has won three international awards for 2015 year given by the Airports Council International (ACI).

In the ACI’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, IGAI has scored 4.96 on a scale of 1 to 5. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), managed by Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL), a GMR led

Consortium, has retained the world’s number 1 position for the second consecutive year in 25-40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category.

The airport has also been conferred with two more prestigious awards, The Best Airport by Size & Region - Asia Pacific (25 - 40 MPPA) and the 2nd Best Airport by Region- Asia Pacific.

77. DIPP notifies 49% FDI under automatic route in Insurance and Pension sector

The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry has notified foreign direct investment (FDI) upto 49% in insurance and pension sector will be under automatic route.

In this regard, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has issued official notification to liberalise its FDI policy in insurance and pension sector.

However, FDI above 49% will be subject to approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). Prior to this, only up to 26% FDI was permitted through the automatic approval route in insurance and pension sector.

78. Union Cabinet gives nod to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the implementation of the rural housing scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin.

Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided for construction of pucca houses to all houseless and households living in dilapidated houses.

Under the scheme, it is proposed to provide assistance to one crore households for construction of pucca house. It will be implemented in rural areas throughout the country except in Delhi and Chandigarh.


79. India Post releases commemorative stamp on HAL’s 75-Year of Service

India Post has released a customised commemorative stamp on Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) in recognition of the company’s 75 years of service to the nation.

The stamp was released by Usha Chandrasekhar, Chief Postmaster General of Karnataka circle and VM Chamola, Director (HR).

It is for the first time India Post has issued a customised ‘My Stamp’ and HAL is the first organisation to feature on it.

80. India, France sign MoU for construction of six nuclear reactors India and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur

nuclear park in Maharashtra. It was inked by Electricite de France (EDF), a French public utility and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). The MoU was signed after the two countries had decided to conclude the techno-commercial negotiations for the Jaitapur

project by the end of 2016. 81. Mint plant can help fight cancer: CIMAP Researchers

Scientists at Lucknow based CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) have found that mint plant has medicinal values that can cure cancer.

They have identified that a medicinal compound called ‘L-Menthol’ derived from Mentha plant popularly known as mint.

82. Union Government releases self-regulation Code of ethical business conduct The Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has released a self-regulation Code of ethical business conduct to be adopted by the

Industry on providing best products and services. In this regard, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was inked between Department of Consumer Affairs and the industry

bodies related to self-regulated code of fair business. The code contains provision of trustworthy products and services for the consumers, comply with the competition and anti-

trust laws and respond to consumer complaints promptly. 83. Union Government launches Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) to assess the needs of its elderly people and frame policies accordingly.

The survey will take into account study on 60,000 elderly people over 25 years plan and will be the largest survey of its kind. 84. President’s Rule imposed in Uttarakhand

President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Present’s Rule (State Emergency) in the state of Uttarakhand in the wake of constitutional breakdown under Article 356 of Constitution.

In this regard, President has signed the proclamation state Emergency based on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet. With this proclamation, Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Harish Rawat ceased to function and the state

Assembly has been suspended. 85. Ritu Beri Becomes Advisor for Khadi Promotion

Ace fashion designer Ritu Beri has been appointed as the advisor for Khadi promotion. The Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing several schemes for the holistic development and

promotion of khadi. These include strengthening of infrastructure of existing weak Khadi Institutions and assistance for marketing infrastructure

provides for renovation of khadi sales outlets.

86. Union Health Ministry launches India’s first indigenous rotavirus vaccine Rotavac The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched India’s first indigenous rotavirus vaccine named Rotavac to

combat infant mortality due to diarrhoea. It was launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda as part of country’s ambitious Universal Immunisation Programme

(UIP).


The vaccine is being introduced initially in four States Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh (first to launch it) and Odisha.

The vaccine is administered orally to infants in three dose course at ages of six, ten and fourteen weeks. 87. India’s biggest Defence Expo 2016 begins in Goa

India’s biggest ever land, naval and homeland security exhibition Defence Expo 2016 began in Goa. The four-day biennial event was inaugurated by the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. This for the first time, the Expo is being held outside the national capital New Delhi. Defence Expo 2016 is the 9th edition of the series of biennial land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibitions. The 2016 theme is “Rise of Futurism” and its vision is to make India prosperous by establishing world class science and

technology base in defence sector. 88. Maxus India wins media duties for OLX

Media and communications agency Maxus India on 29 Mar 2016 said it has bagged the media duties for online classifieds platform OLX following a multi-agency pitch.

The agency will manage all traditional media outlets as well as content marketing for the brand and the account will be managed by the New Delhi team.

89. Union Govt unveils Defence Procurement Procedure 2016

The Union Government has unveiled Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 (DPP 2016). It was unveiled by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the sidelines of the Defence Expo-2016 held in Goa. The DPP 2016 will replace the Defence Procurement Procedure 2013 (DPP 2013) and shall come into force on 1 April 2016. It aims to ensure timely procurement of defence (military) equipment, systems, and platforms required by the armed forces

through optimum utilization of allocated budgetary resources.

90. Govt permits 100% FDI in e-commerce market places The government on 29 Mar 2016 clarified that 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed in online

marketplaces, a move that will ostensibly come as a relief to ecommerce companies such as Flipkart, Amazon India and Snapdeal but the conditions imposed have been hailed as a victory by their brick-and-mortar rivals.

Critically, a clause bars marketplaces from offering discounts on their own — these have to come from the vendors on the platforms — and the policy also seeks to end "predatory pricing" by online companies.

91. National anthem made mandatory in UP primary schools

Students in the primary schools of Uttar Pradesh will now have to sing the national anthem everyday. According to a state government directive, singing of the national anthem, written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore,

has been made mandatory in basic education schools. Also, in the new academic calendar for the new session, issued by secretary (Basic Education), it has also been said that on

every Wednesday, schools will have to observe ‘swachhata diwas’ (Cleanliness Day). 92. 13th India-EU Summit

The 13th edition of India-European Union Summit was held on in Brussels, capital of Belgium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented Indian side in the summit. While the European Union (EU) was represented by President of the European Council, Donald Tusk and President of the

European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. The 13th summit laid out concrete priority actions for the strategic bilateral partnership in areas like trade and investment,

climate, energy, water and migration in the next five years. EU-India Agenda for Action 2020: Both sides endorsed the agenda to concrete the road-map for the EU-India Strategic

Partnership for the next five years. 93. SC approves Union Government’s guidelines to protect Good Samaritans

Supreme Court has approved Union Government’s guidelines to protect Good Samaritans, who help road accident victims, from being unnecessarily harassed by police or any other authority.


These guidelines based on the recommendations K S Radhakrishnan committee were approved by the SC bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra.

These guidelines will be binding on all states and Union Territories until the Union government enacts a law to this effect.

94. PM Modi unveils Asia’s largest optical telescope ARIES at Nainital Asia’s largest and first of its kind optical telescope Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) was

unveiled at Devasthal in Nainital District, Uttrakahnd. It was remotely activated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel from Belgium.

95. CCS gives nod to acquire 2 AWACS from Israel

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a proposal to purchase two Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), surveillance aircrafts from Israel.

Decision to this effect was taken by CCS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This defence deal will cost India 7,500 crore rupees as per a tripartite agreement signed with Israel and Russia.

96. Ajanta Pharma gets USFDA nod for migraine pain relief drug

Ajanta Pharma has received final approval for its generic version of acute migraine pain relief drug almotriptan malate tablets from the US health regulator.

The approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) is for multiple strengths of 6.25mg and 12.5mg of the generic version of Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ Axert tablets.

Ajanta Pharma USA Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, is scheduled to launch the almotriptan malate tablets in the US shortly.

97. Sonakshi Sinha enters Guinness World Record

Actress Sonakshi Sinha has become a Guinness World Records title-holder as she along with several other women participated in an initiative to set a record for ‘most people painting their fingernails simultaneously’.

The 28-year-old actress participated in the event on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 08 Mar 2016. She collaborated with Inglot, manufacturers in colour cosmetics, and its Indian franchise partner Major Brands.

98. Google's next operating system is 'Android N'

Google is previewing the next version of its Android operating system two months ahead of schedule in an effort to get the upgraded software on more mobile devices.

The upgraded software, known as “Android N” for now, offers a split-screen feature so users can toggle between apps more easily.

Android N also enables users to reply directly to notifications, something already available on the software that Google makes for smartwatches running on Android Wear.

99. Glenmark gets final FDA nod for migraine relief drug

Glenmark Pharma has received final nod from the USFDA to manufacture and market therapeutical equivalent of Endo Pharmaceutical’s Frova tablets, used to treat migraine headaches, in the American market.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc has been granted final approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for Frovatriptan Succinate Tablets, 2.5 mg.

NEWS (STATES) 1. Delhi launches country's first HPV vaccination programme

Delhi on 29 February 2016 became the first state in the country to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a public health programme for school children.

The HPV vaccine protects people against the group of 150-odd HPVs, some of which can cause cervical cancer. 2. Hyderabad to host Amazon’s largest facility outside of US


Amazon, a leading e-commerce and cloud services firm, is setting up a facility in India, its largest facility outside of the US. The firm will be setting up a 29 lakh square feet facility in Gachibowli, the IT hub in Hyderabad on 10 acres. The firm, which has been negotiating with the State government in the last few years for clearances, has received all the

permissions to set up the facility. Top officials of the company will be in Hyderabad some time in a week or two for the ground-breaking function.

3. Traditional Chapchar Kut festival celebrated across Mizoram The traditional festival of Chapchar Kut of the Mizos was celebrated across the north-eastern state of Mizoram and also in the

Mizo-inhabited areas in the neighbouring states. It is a spring festival celebrated every year in month of March with great fervour and gaiety by Mizos after completion of

their Jhum operation (shifting agriculture by clearing jungle by burning and cultivating in remnants of burning). 4. First high-octane fuel unit to come up at Mathura

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for India’s first “Octomax” unit at the Mathura refinery for the production of high-octane gasoline on 07 Mar 2016.

The unit at Mathura refinery will be the first-of-its-kind in India addressing the emerging scenario in petroleum refining. Octomax is a novel technology developed in-house by the research and development centre of Indian Oil for production of

high-octane gasoline blending stock from the C4 stream to give very high-octane number of the product. 5. Bombay House is the first heritage building to get top green rating

Bombay House, the Tata group’s headquarters, on 08 Mar 2016 became the first heritage building in India to be awarded a platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

The building won under the EB (Existing Building) rating system for implementing measurable strategies and solutions in five categories: site & facility management, water efficiency, energy efficiency, health & comfort and innovation.

6. Karnataka launches Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana

Karnataka government has launched Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana to provide free medical treatment to road accident victims for the first 48 hours (2 days) in the nearest government or private hospital.

The scheme has been named after Harish Nanjappa who had donated his eyes moments before his death. He had died as no help was provided to him after he was severely injured in mishap in February 2016. It facilitates immediate medical relief to the victim during the Golden Hour with financial aid up to Rs 25,000 during the first

48 hours of treatment.

7. Telangana, Maharashtra ink MoU Telangana and Maharashtra Governments have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to set up an inter-state water

board construct 5 barrages across Godavari and Pen Ganga rivers. The MoU was signed at a high level meeting held in Mumbai in which Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao and

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took part.

8. Haryana signs 11 MoUs on opening day of Global Investors’ Summit Haryana Government has signed 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving a total investment of Rs 18,159 crores

with different companies. These MoUs were signed in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal on the first day of the two-day ‘Happening

Haryana Global Investors’ Summit-2016’ held in Gurgaon. 9. Tezpur University, JNU win annual visitor's awards

Tezpur University has won the annual Visitor's Award for the 'Best University' and Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar as well as the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU have won the Visitor's Awards for 'Research' and

'Innovation' respectively. President Pranab Mukherjee will present Visitor's Awards for the year 2016 at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on

March 14, as part of the 'Festival of Innovations'. 10. Hero MotoCorp opens R&D centre in Rajasthan


Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two-wheeler maker, on 10 Mar 2016 formally inaugurated its Rs.850-crore research and development facility in Rajasthan.

This will help the company make new products independently while cutting down on development costs. 11. Uber launches first engineering centre for Asia in Bengaluru

Uber has opened its first Asian engineering center in Bengaluru highlighting the focus on India to solve the localised challenges of Uber users in the country.

Uber engineering center currently has 8 engineers and plans to increase the head count to over 100 employees this year. 12. Kerala Tourism campaign wins Golden City Gate Award

Kerala Tourism’s campaign titled ‘New Worlds’ has won the prestigious ‘Golden City Gate Award’ at the at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB-Berlin) 2016.

The multimedia campaign contains three short films directed by reputed Malayalam filmmaker Anwar Rasheed. It has won the silver prize in 2016 Das Golden Stadttor or Golden City Gate, which is dubbed as the Oscar of tourism

communication. 13. Allahabad High Court celebrates 150th foundation year

The Allahabad High Court celebrated its 150th foundation day on 14th March 2016. President Pranab Mukherjee was the Chief Guest of the celebrations.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) TS Thakur and Union Law Minister DV Sadananda Gowda were some of the dignitaries who attended the function.

On this occasion, CJI Justice Thakur dedicated digitization centre of Allahabad High court. Reserve bank of India (RBI) also released a 10 rupees coin.

Postal department released a postage stamp and a Souvenir of the High court. 14. Haryana New Secretariat Building gets first Earthquake Warning System

Haryana’s New Secretariat Building in Chandigarh has become first building in the country to have an early Earthquake Warning and Security system (onsite).

The system was installed by New Delhi based Terra Techcom Private Limited and Secretary Electronics GmbH, Germany. 15. Punjab Govt notifies swine flu under Epidemic Disease Act

Punjab Government has notified swine flu (H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease Act to prevent the spread of disease in the state.

In the regard, Health and Family Welfare Department of state has issued notification based on recommendations of state advisory committee headed by Dr. D Behera.

16. Goa Govt accords heritage spirit status to country liquor Feni

Goa government has classified Feni, country liquor as the heritage spirit of the state. In this regard, state government has opined not categorise it as country liquor as it is presently defined under the Goa Excise

Duty Act, 1964. State government also has proposed to bring an amendment to the Act to change the status.

17. AP Govt inaugurates country’s first lift irrigation project

Andhra Pradesh government inaugurated India’s first river linking project viz. Pattiseema lift irrigation project connecting Godavari River with Krishna River from the ongoing Polavaram Multi-purpose Irrigation Project.

The project has been completed in a record time of one year by the Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).

18. Fourth unit of NTPC-Bihar govt owned 195-Mw plant synchronised

The fourth unit of 195-Mw Muzaffarpur Thermal Power Station (MTPS) has been successfully synchronised with the national grid on 25 Mar 2016.


The plant is owned by Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Ltd, a joint venture between NTPC and Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd, in which the two companies have 64.57% and 35.43% shares, respectively.

The third unit of 195 Mw was synchronised on March 31, 2015. 19. Mizoram Govt, JICA ink MoU for promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Mizoram government and Japanese International Cooperative Agency (JICA) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ‘Capacity Enhancement for Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation Development’.

It was signed by the State government officials of Agriculture, Minor Irrigation, Horticulture and Soil and Water Conservation departments.

The MoU will pave way for experts of the Japanese company to undertake technical cooperation project on the companies expense in four rural development blocks in Aizawl, Serchhip, Kolasib and Champhai districts.

20. Haryana Assembly passes Jat quota Bill

The Haryana Assembly on 29 Mar 2016 passed the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Bill, 2016 to provide reservation for Jats and four other communities in government jobs and education.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar moved the Bill in the House to give statutory status to Backward classes Block ‘A’, Backward classes Block ‘B’ and Backward classes Block ‘C’ — by enacting the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2016 and requested the Central government to include this Act in 9th Schedule read with Article 31B of the Constitution of India.

21. HP govt released Sixth Economic Census report Sixth Economic Census of Himachal Pradesh was released on 27 March 2016 by Pradeep Chauhan, the Economic Advisor of

Himachal Government. Despite the difficult geographical conditions, Himachal Pradesh became the first state in the country to complete this process

of economic census. The census was conducted in all the 12 districts of the state. More than 12 thousand trained employees completed this economic census operation.

22. BHEL commissions 40 MW hydropower plant in West Bengal

Public Sector Power equipment manufacturer Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned the second 40 MW hydropower generating unit at the Teesta low dam hydroelectric project (HEP) stage IV in West Bengal.

The hydropower generating unit was successfully installed at the Teesta low dam HEP, a run-of-the-river greenfield project, located in Darjeeling district of the West Bengal.

23. Haryana becomes first to launch injectable contraceptive

Haryana became the first state in the country to implement the use of injectable contraceptives as a family planning measure. In this regard, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched ‘Project Salamati’ in assistance of Pathfinder International. The sole aim of the project is to maintain healthy gap between the births of children by using injectable contraceptive.

24. Bihar Govt partially bans sale of country-made and spiced liquor

Bihar Government has banned the sale of country-made liquor and spiced liquor throughout the state in the first phase. Person found indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of country-made and spiced liquor

across the state will be punished under the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016. 25. Telangana Govt launches M-Wallet Mobile App

Telangana Government has launched M-Wallet, new mobile app to facilitate citizens to get digital copies of documents like driving licence and registration certificate.

It was launched by Telangana IT minister KT Rama Rao and Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy in Hyderabad. It is first of its kind application to be launched in any state of India.


NEWS (WORLD) 1. Peru declares emergency after oil spill

Government of Peru has declared emergency for three weeks after a major oil pipeline burst in the country’s northeast region affecting two rivers Chiriaco and Morona.

The pipeline burst has spilled over 3,000 barrels of crude oil into the rivers which are the main source of water and food for several indigenous communities in this region.

2. Three British scientists win 2016 Brain Prize

Three British scientists have won a prestigious 2016 Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize (also known as Brain Prize) for giving vital insight how the human brain remembers, learns and navigates.

These scientists are Timothy Bliss, Graham Collingridge and Richard Morris.

3. Jerry Pinto wins Windham-Campbell prize Columnist and author Jerry Pinto on 1 March 2016 was chosen for the 2016 Windham-Campbell Prize. Pinto, an Indian, won the award for his novel Em and The Big Hoom (published in 2012) in the fiction category. Em and the Big Hoom was Pinto’s first work of fiction that tells the story of an unnamed narrator’s slow, painful attempt to

come to terms with his mother’s bipolar disorder and suicidal tendencies. Apart from Pinto, eight other writers were chosen for the award in three categories, namely fiction, non-fiction and drama.

The winners will each receive 150000 dollar to support their work. 4. UN approves toughest sanctions on North Korea in 20 years

The U.N. Security Council on 02 Mar 2016 unanimously approved the toughest sanctions on North Korea in two decades, reflecting growing anger at Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test and rocket launch in defiance of a ban on all nuclear-related activity.

The United States and China, North Korea’s traditional ally, spent seven weeks negotiating the new sanctions, which include mandatory inspections of cargo leaving and entering North Korea by land, sea or air; a ban on all sales or transfers of small arms and light weapons to Pyongyang; and expulsion of diplomats from the North who engage in “illicit activities.”

5. South Korea passes first Anti-terror Bill

South Korea’s Parliament has passed the country’s first anti-terror bill that was first proposed 15 years ago in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in US.

Among total 300 parliamentary seats of the National Assembly, only 156 lawmakers voted in favour of country’s first anti-terrorism legislation.

6. World's costliest train station opens in New York at 9/11 site World's most expensive train station, the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub, opened on 3 March 2016 in New York, the

United States of America. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, which is expected eventually to serve more than 200,000 commuters daily, is

built next to the site of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. The building, designed by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava and called Oculus, is a giant oval made up of steel ribs

and glass laid out in elliptical shape, reaching for the sky like wings of a bird. 7. International Women's Day observed

International Women's Day was observed across the world on 8 March 2016. This year's theme for the Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The campaign theme for the day is#PledgeForParity. United Nations observance and the idea of this theme reflect on how to

accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals.

2016 International Women's Day (IWD) was observed in India by conferring the Nari Shakti Awards by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan.


8. Germany to develop Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Coimbatore as Smart Cities Germany has decided to partner with India’s smart city programme and will help developing Kochi (Kerala), Bhubaneswar

(Odisha) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) as smart cities. It was announced by State Secretary in Germany’s Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear

Safety, Gunther Adler in New Delhi at the second meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Urban Development. It should be noted that Germany is India’s second largest bilateral donor after Japan with a record commitment of 1.5 billion

Euros agreed in the year 2015.

9. Huawei names Lionel Messi as its global brand ambassador Huawei announced appointment of soccer superstar Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador for its consumer business

group that deals in mobile devices. Lionel Messi will help our brand encourage people to focus, persevere... to connect with greatness, especially in Europe,

Asia, and Latin America, where Huawei puts great devotion. Messi is also global brand ambassador for Indian auto major Tata Motors.

10. Iran conducts several ballistic missiles tests

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully test-fired several ballistic missiles from silos across the country.

These tests were conducted by IRGC to demonstrate the country’s deterrent power and its ability to confront any threat against the state and the sovereignty of the country.

With this Iran has breached United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that compel it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.

11. 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves

4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was inaugurated on 14 March 2016 at Lima in Peru. The event will be held from 14 March to 17 March 2016 to address different issues related to the Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) and the Post 2015 Development Agenda. It is a world meeting of the Committees of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) and experts directly involved

in the practical implementation of biosphere reserves. 12. China to set up International Maritime Judicial Centre

China’s 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 China’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Zhou Qiang at the annual meeting of the national legislature National People’s 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.

13. US President nominates Merrick Garland for US Supreme Court

President Barack Obama has nominated veteran appeals court judge Merrick Garland (63) to be the next US Supreme Court

Justice. His nomination comes to vacancy in the US Supreme Court which was created after the death of SC Justice Antonin Scalia. The Supreme Court vacancy follows the death of Antonin Scalia last month. This appointment now has to be ratified by the Senate.

14. 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.


15. Fazle Kabir appointed as Governor of Bangladesh’s Central Bank Bangladesh Government has appointed Former Secretary of Finance Division Fazle Kabir as the new Governor of

Bangladesh Bank, country’s central bank. He will succeeds Atiur Rahman who had resigned after taking moral responsibility over the cyber theft from the central

bank’s official account with New York Federal Reserve Bank. 16. EU, Turkey Agreement to tackle migrant crisis comes into effect

The agreement between the European Union (EU) and Turkey to tackle the migrant crisis has formally come into effect. Under this agreement, migrants arriving in Greece will be sent back to Turkey if their asylum claim is rejected. All irregular migrants into Greece crossing from Turkey from 20 March 2016 will be sent back. Henceforth migrants’ arrival will be individually assessed by the Greek authorities.

17. US lawmakers introduce legislation in Congress to help India join APEC

A group of influential US lawmakers have introduced a Bull in the Congress asking the US President Barack Obama administration to help India join the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The legislation has been introduced by Matt Salmon, Chairman of the House Sub-committee on Asia and the Pacific. 18. Nepal joins SCO grouping as dialogue partner

Nepal was officially made a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Beijing-based regional security grouping.

In this regard, Nepal signed memorandum during Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli official visit to China. As a dialogue partner, Nepal will be able to participate in the multi-field cooperation of the SCO. SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and military organisation comprised of 8 Members; China, Russia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. It has headquarter at Beijing, China. 19. China launches first cyber security organization

China has launched its first cybersecurity public organisation aimed at better safeguarding national cybersecurity and guiding internet companies in perform their duties, the media reported on 26 Mar 2016.

The CyberSecurity Association of China, launched in Beijing, consists of academic institutes, individuals and internet companies including Tencent and popular internet security company Qihu 360.

The organization will focus on promoting self-discipline in the industry, accelerating the establishment of industry standards and cybersecurity studies and participating in international cooperation.

20. UNICEF launches “Unfairy Tales” of refugee and migrant children

UNICEF on 29 Mar 2016 has launched a series of animated films to help frame positive perceptions towards the tens of millions of children and young people on the move globally.

Called Unfairy Tales, the three animations – true stories of the flight of children from conflict – explain the horror behind why they fled.

They have been animated in the style of a fairy tale and will be supported by an interactive e-book experience also called Unfairy Tales.

The Unfairy Tales are part of an initiative, #actofhumanity, emphasising that children are children, no matter where they come from, and that every child has rights and deserves a fair chance.

21. Russia approves OVL’s deal to acquire 15% stake in Vankor oilfield The Russian Government has approved a deal of ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) to acquire 15% stake in Vankor oilfield from

Rosneft. The deal was signed between the OVL and Rosneft in September 2015 and is worth 1.3 billion US dollars. Vankor is Russia’s second biggest oil field with capacity of total 2.5 billion recoverable reserves barrels (or 500 million

tonnes).


Science, Defence and Technology 1. India’s biggest Defence Expo 2016 begins in Goa

India’s biggest ever land, naval and homeland security exhibition Defence Expo 2016 began in Goa. The four-day biennial event was inaugurated by the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. This for the first time, the Expo is being held outside the national capital New Delhi. Defence Expo 2016 is the 9th edition of the series of biennial land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibitions. The 2016 theme is “Rise of Futurism” and its vision is to make India prosperous by establishing world class science and

technology base in defence sector. 2. 7th India-Seychelles Joint Training ‘Ex Lamitye’ concludes

The 7th edition of India, Seychelles joint military exercise LAMITYE 2016 concluded in Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles. The fourteen day exercise was conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria from February 15 to 28, 2016.

3. Military Exercise Force 18 begins in Pune

The multinational Military Exercise Force Eighteen conducted by Indian Army has started in at Pune, Maharashtra. In this seven-day military exercise (till March 8, 2016) over 300 participants from 18 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Plus countries are participating.

ASEAN countries along with ASEAN Plus nations viz. India, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China, South Korea, Russia and US .

10 ASEAN countries from South East Asia are Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Exercise Force Eighteen is the largest multinational ground forces exercise to be conducted on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) and Peace Keeping Operations (PKO).

4. New snake species discovered

Researchers have discovered new species of burrowing snake named Melanophidium Khairei or Khaire’s Black Shieldtail in Northwestern Ghats.

This new snake species was correctly identified after a gap of 144 years as it was earlier wrongly identified as identified as Melanophidium Punctatum or Pied-bellied Shieldtail.

On the other hand, two researchers from Mumbai and three others from Gujarat have confirmed the discovery of a new snake species named Wallaceophis in Gujarat.

The find is one of the rarest of moments in the recent reptile history of India. The new snake genus, Wallaceophis is named after Alfred Russel Wallace for his pioneering work on biogeography, and for

co-discovering the theory of natural selection. The species has been named gujaratensis.

5. 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. 6. IAF to get first batch of women fighter pilots in June

On June 18, India will in all likelihood get its first women fighter pilots. Bhawna Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh are likely to create history as India’s first women fighter pilots if they

put on the wings and are inducted into the IAF fighter stream. Who among the three, or all of them, make the final cut depends on them clearing the advanced stage training. This was announced by the Chief of the Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Arup Raha on 08 Mar 2016 while

speaking on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. 7. India's sixth navigation satellite, IRNSS-1F, put into orbit


India's workhorse satellite launch vehicle PSLV-C32, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on 10 Mar 2016, succesfully put India's sixth navigation satellite, IRNSS-1F , into orbit.

The IRNSS-1F was launched into a sub-Geosynchronous transfer orbit with a 284-km perigee (nearest point to Earth) and 20,657-km apogee (farthest point to Earth).

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched India’s sixth navigation Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) 1F satellite.

It was PLSV’s 34th mission. The satellite will carry two types of payloads — navigation payload and ranging payload.

8. Indo-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda Shakti IV begins

The fourth edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda Shakti has begun at Magelang in Indonesia. The 13 days (till 23 March) bilateral exercise aims at (i) Building and promoting positive relations between the Armies of

India and Indonesia. (ii) Enhancing their abilities to undertake joint tactical level operations in a counter insurgency environment under United Nations Charter.

9. First ever NCC girls Everest expedition flagged off

The first ever all girls National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mount Everest expedition was flagged off by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Rao Inderjeet Singh in New Delhi.

The aim of mountaineering expeditions in NCC is to strengthen the character and instill qualities of courage, discipline, comradeship and leadership in the cadets.

10. India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-I ballistic missile

India successfully test-fired its indigenously built nuclear-capable intermediate range surface-to-surface Agni-I ballistic missile, capable of hitting a target 700 kms away, from a test range off Odisha coast as part of a user trial by the Army on 14 Mar 2016.

The surface-to-surface, single-stage missile, powered by solid propellants, was test-fired from a mobile launcher at 9.15 AM from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island).

11. ExoMars 2016 spacecraft successfully launched by Europe and Russia

An unmanned spacecraft named ExoMars 2016 was successfully launched jointly Europe and Russia to search for biosignatures on Mars (or Martian life) in past or present.

The spacecraft was launched on a Proton-M rocket operated by Russia’s Roscosmos from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. ExoMars 2016 is the first of a two-phase of ExoMars (Exobiology on Mars) program. ExoMars program is an astrobiology

mission of European Space Agency (ESA) and Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). It goals is to address the question of whether life has ever existed on Mars. The program comprises two missions ExoMars 2016 and ExoMars 2018.

12. IAF conducts day-night exercise ‘Iron-fist 2016’ at Pokhran firing range

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted its flagship day-night exercise ‘Iron-fist 2016’ at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan.

The day-night exercise demonstrating IAF’s combat and fire power was conducted in the presence of Hon’ble 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.

13. Indian Navy deploys P8I maritime surveillance aircraft to Seychelles

The Indian Navy for the first has deployed a P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Seychelles for surveillance in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Seychelles.

The deployment has been done in accordance with the MoU signed between India and Seychelles. The deployment will provide Professional assistance to the Seychelles People’s Defence Force (SPDF) in curbing illegal

activities and piracy as well as contribute towards security and stability in the IOR.


14. Indian Coast Guard ship Arnvesh commissioned at Visakhapatnam The fast patrol vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard ICGS Arnvesh was commissioned at Visakhapatnam, Andhra

Pradesh. The ship is primarily intended to undertake coastal patrol, surveillance at sea, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy operations and

search and rescue operations. The ship is 50-metre long, 300-tonne vessel. The vessel is propelled by triple Rolls Royce Kamewa water jets. It can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots.

15. ISRO establishes GIRI Radar System at Tirupati

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 21 March 2016 established the Gadanki Ionospheric Radar Interferometer (GIRI) near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

It was set up at the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) which is an autonomous research institute of the Department of Space.

It is a 30 MHz radar system that will be engaged in meteor and space weather research in a comprehensive way. Its primary objective is to carry out unattended observations towards studying the forcing from the sun like variation in solar

flux, solar flare and magnetic storm on the ionospheric irregularities. 16. ISRO set to launch record 22 satellites in single mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to script history by launching a record number of 22 satellites in a single mission in May 2016.

These satellites (micro and nano) will be launched using ISRO’s workhorse Polar rocket PSLV C34. It will be carrying India’s Cartosat 2C along with 21 other satellites from other countries, including US, Canada, Indonesia

and Germany as co-passengers. This launch would be made from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The US space agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) holds current world record for sending

highest number of satellites in single launch. It had sent 29 satellites to the orbit in a single launch in 2013.

17. India’s first indigenously developed sonar dome flagged off

India’s first indigenous composites sonar dome, a ship’s underwater eyes and ears, was flagged off by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

The sonar dome was dedicated to the nation dedicated to the nation and will be delivered to Mazgaon Docks, Mumbai for use in the warships of Indian Navy.

18. China launches 22nd BeiDou navigation satellite

China has successfully launched 22nd new generation satellite into space as part of its domestic BeiDou Navigation System (BDS).

It was launched using Long March-3A carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in the south-western province of Sichuan. It was the 225th launch of the Long March carrier rocket.

Ranking, Reports & Committee 1. India ranks third globally in financial Trojan infections

India ranks third among countries with high number of financial Trojan infections, where cyber criminals defraud customers of online banking services.

India has moved up from 5th position in 2014 to rank 3 in 2015, although global detections have dropped. Although global detections dropped, financial Trojans are becoming far more capable and criminals are increasingly targeting

institutions directly... India was preceded by the US and Germany. 2. Kejriwal Named Among World's 50 Greatest Leaders By Fortune

Arvind Kejriwal has been named among the world’s 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine with the Delhi Chief Minister being the sole Indian leader on the list topped by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.


Fortune’s third annual ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders’ list features men and women from across the globe from the fields of business, government, philanthropy and the arts who are “transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same.”

47-year-old Aam Aadmi Party chief is ranked 42nd on the list and is the sole leader from India. However, South Carolina’s Indian-American Governor Nikki Haley is also on the list at 17th while another Indian-American Resham Saujani is at the 20th spot.

Fortune credits Kejriwal for his efforts to curb pollution in New Delhi through the scheme of allowing vehicles of odd and even numbers on alternate days on the city’s roads.

3. India ranks 118th on UN’s 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 Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the UN.

Denmark topped the index followed by Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Finland. The report aims at influencing government policy and is prepared based upon study undertaken by Gallup World Poll. The World Happiness Index ranks nations based upon score of different variables on a scale running from 0 to 10. These variables include real GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, corruption levels and social freedoms.

4. Crisil predicates India's GDP growth at 7.9% in 2016-17

India's leading rating agency, Crisil has predicated the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.9% in 2016-17, if the monsoon is normal and government implements the reform measures announced so far.

The growth forecast, highest by any house and even above the government's own estimate of 7-7.75%, has been arrived assuming a faster growth in agriculture.

Implementation of reforms should help the economy achieve higher growth and termed 2016-17 as the "year of reckoning" which has the potential to illustrate the path which the economy can take.

5. India at 90th rank in terms of energy security, access

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.

It was revealed by Global Energy Architecture Performance Index (GEAPI) Report compiled by World Economic Forum (WEF).

The list was topped by Switzerland followed by Norway and Sweden in the second and third place, respectively. 6. Singapore world's most expensive city

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in its 2016 worldwide cost of living survey released on 10 March ranked Singapore as the world’s most expensive city in the world for the third year in a row.

Singapore is followed by Zurich, Hong Kong, Geneva and Paris. Singapore has a score of 116, just ahead of Zurich and Hong Kong’s 114 in the Survey. The survey is designed to help human resource and finance managers calculate cost-of-living allowances and come up with

compensation packages for expatriates and business travellers. The cheapest cities to live in were Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, followed by Bangalore and Mumbai in India.

7. Fitch lowers India growth forecast to 7.7 per cent

Fitch Ratings on 07 Mar 2016 lowered India’s economic growth forecast for next fiscal to 7.7 per cent, but maintained the GDP projection for current fiscal at 7.5 per cent.

Fitch, in December, forecast an 8 per cent GDP growth in 2016-17 supported by the government’s beefed-up capex spending and gradual implementation of a broad-based structural reform agenda.

8. Singla committee to consider ST status to 6 communities of Assam

The Union Government has constituted a committee to consider Scheduled Tribe status to six Communities of Assam. These six Communities are Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia and Adivasi (Tea Tribes). It will be headed by Mahesh Kumar Singla, Special Secretary (Internal Security) Ministry of Home Affairs.


Books & Authors The Forgotten Room – Lincoln Child Cometh The Hour – Jeffery Archer Framed as a Terrorist – Mohammad Aamir Khan Standing Guard: A Year in Opposition – P Chidambaram China: Behind the Miracle – Sumita Dawra Swimmers among the Stars – Kanishk Tharoor The Golden Son – Shilpi Somaya Gowda Alphabet Soup for Lovers – Anita Nair Incarnations: India in 50 Lives – Sunil Khilnani Life Mantras – Subrata Roy And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie In Other Words – Jhumpa Lahiri India-Myanmar Relations: Changing Contours – Rajiv Bhatia Erotext – Sudeep Sen The Story of the Lost Child – Elena Ferrante The Invisible Man from Salemby – Christoffer Carlsson Baat Niklegi Toh Phir: The Life and Music of Jagjit Singh – Sathya Saran Woodsmoke and Leaf Cups – Madhu Ramnath

Appointments

Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) HL

Dattu Chief of Staff of the Visakhapatnam headquartered Eastern Naval Command

Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain

MD & CEO of MCX Mrugank Paranjape Non-official directors to the board of RBI Natarajan Chandrasekaran Alternate Executive Director at IMF Sunil Sabharwal CEO of CA Media Digital (India) Pvt Ltd Vivek Jain President of the Aluminium Association of India (AAI) Tapan Kumar Chand Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Justice Ajit Singh Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court Justice Satish Kumar Mittal Chairman of the 21st Law Commission of India (LCI) Ex-SC judge Balbir Singh Chauhan Secretary General of the Arab League Veteran Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Abul

Gheit Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen N P S Hira First civilian President of Myanmar Htin Kyaw Independent non-executive director of Altico Capital Naina Lal Kidwai VC of Canberra University Indian scholar H Deep Saini UNDP goodwill ambassador Michelle Yeoh Chairman of Honeywell Automation India Ltd (HAIL) Suresh Senapaty U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd CEO of AirAsia India Amar Abrol Head of the US military’s Northern Command US Air Force General Lori Robinson MD of Pfizer India S Sridhar Member of the International Coordinating Committee Bureau (ICCB) of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI-ICC)

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) HL Dattu

Advisor to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

Ritu Beri


Awards

2015 Bihari Puraskar Eminent poet Dr Bhagwati Lal Vyas

for his anthology of Rajasthani poems ‘Katha Sun Aawe Hai Sabad’ published in 2010

11th META Lifetime Achievement Award

Ratan Thiyam Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META)

Dadasaheb Phalke award Manoj Kumar for his contribution to the film industry

2015 Krutitava Smagra Samman Renowned Dogri poetess and writer Padma Sachdev

Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Shiromani Samman (Lifetime Achievement Award

Amrita Patel

2016 Abel Prize

British mathematician Andrew Wiles

for solving a centuries old hypothesis (equation), Fermat’s Last Theorem

Skoch Lifetime Achievement Award M Venkaiah Naidu Noor Inayat Khan Prize Geetakshi Arora for her excellent dissertation on “Goddess

Myths in Graphic Novels: Reimagining Indian Feminity”

President Pranab Mukherjee presented 2015 Nari Shakti awards

President Pranab Mukherjee presented Nari Shakti Puruskars for the year 2015 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today on the occasion of International Women’s Day to eminent women and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment.

Haryana was awarded as a state for demonstrating improvement with work in improving Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) during 2015.

Anganwadipuram Gram Panchayat, Mallapuram of Kerala was awarded for their work towards women empowerment. Palestinian Hanan Al Hroub won 2016 Global Teacher Prize

A Palestinian primary school teacher from a refugee camp, Hanan Al Hroub, on 13 March 2016 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 India’s 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.

Hroub uses a specialist approach in her school, which she developed, detailed in her book 'We Play and Learn' to overcome tense environments of the region under the shadow of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

10th Asian Film Awards

The 10th edition of Asian film Awards, one of the Asia’s leading film awards was held in the Venetian Casino and Hotel in Macau, China.

The Assassin has bagged 8 awards in different categories in the 2016 Asian film Awards. It is a 2015 martial arts film based on story of highly trained female assassin and is directed by Taiwanese director Hou

Hsiao-Hsien. Best Film: The Assassin. Best Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien (The Assassin) from Taiwan.

Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Justice Permod Kohli President and CEO of Bank of the West Indian-American Nandita Bakshi UN Adviser on Human Rights and Businesses India-born Surya Deva President of Central African Republic Faustin Archange Touadera


Best Actor: Lee Byung-hun (The Inside Men). Best Actress: Shu Qi (The Assassin). Lifetime Achievement Award: Yuen Wo-ping and Kirin Kik

63rd National Film Awards: Top acting honours for Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut

Baahubali has won the Best Film award at 63rd National Film Award. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan won the Best Actor award for his role in 'Piku' while Kangana Ranaut won Best

Actress for her role in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'. SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali was declared the Best Film at 63rd National Film Awards announced on March 28. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has won Best Director for his magrnum opus ‘Bajirao Mastani.’ Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was named Best Popular Film at the 63rd National Film Awards. Best Film: Baahubali - The Beginning Best Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali for 'Bajirao Mastani Best Actor: Amitabh Bachchan for 'Piku' Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film Of A Director: Neeraj Ghaywan, Masaan Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Bajrangi Bhaijaan Best Choreography: Remo D’Souza, Deewani Mastani song in Bajirao Mastani Best Malayalam Film: Pathemari, Artistically narrated saga of 2 generations of Malayali workers who migrated to gulf for

livelihood Best Tamil Film: Visaaranai Best Sanskrit Film: Priyamanasam

Sports 1. Armaan bags top FMSCI award

India’s Armaan Ebrahim was awarded the Motorsports Man-of-the-Year Trophy at a gala award ceremony, organised by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), on 29 Feb 2016.

B.I. Chandhok received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contribution to motorsports in the country.

2. Rahul Sachdev wins India Open snooker title Former National 6Reds runner-up Rahul Sachdev clinched his maiden title by winning the 1st All India Open Invitational

Snooker Championship in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. 3. Mumbai clinches CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16

The Mumbai under-23 cricket team has won the Col CK Nayudu Trophy for the season 2015-16. With this victory, they will be awarded with a cash prize of 20 lakh rupees.

In the final match played at Holkar Stadium, Indore they defeated Madhya Pradesh under-23 cricket team. This was Mumbai's second big title of the season after they had won the Ranji Trophy for the 41st time earlier. Col CK Nayudu Trophy is named after country’s first Test captain Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu.

4. Jitu Rai wins Gold medal in 50m pistol event at ISSF World Cup

Ace Indian shooter Jitu Rai has won Gold medal in the 50m Pistol Men final event at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Bangkok, Thialand.

He won the medal by scoring 191.3 points in the final round and beating two of the strongest members of the Chinese Olympic team, Pang Wei and Wang Zhiwei.

5. FIH promotes Napoleon Singh as international Umpire The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has promoted Hockey India national-level umpire Nepoleon Singh (30) as the

International Outdoor Umpire. Decision to this effect was taken by FIH after seeing his performance in the recently-concluded 12th South Asian Games

2016 held at Guwahati, Assam.


6. India clinches 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. The continental title was held in Bangladesh from 24 February to 6 March 2016. It was the 13th edition of the Asia Cup. Man of the Match has been awarded to Shikhar Dhawan while Man of the

tournament has been awarded to Sabbir Rahman (Bangladesh).

7. Patna Pirates wins 3rd season of Pro Kabaddi League Patna Pirates has won the third season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) by defeating U Mumba. In the final match played at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, Patna Pirates defeated U Mumba by 31-28 score in

the thrilling 40 minute play. 8. India wins two golds in World Table Tennis team championship

Indian men's and women's team scripted history by clinching the gold medals at the World Table Tennis Team Championship held in Kuala Lumpur with superb victories over Luxemburg and Brazil respectively.

Indian women beat Luxemburg 3-1 in the event final of the Second Division, while their male counterparts overcame a stiff Brazil 3-2.

9. Rest of India wins 2015-16 Irani Cup Cricket Title

Rest of India has won the Irani Cup Cricket Title 2015-16 by defeating Mumabi in the final match of the cup by four wickets. In the final match played at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Rest of India overhauled the record victory target of 480 by

making 482 for 6 on the fifth and final day. This successful chase was also the best-ever run-chase in the Irani Cup history.

10. Lin Dan wins 2016 All England Badminton title

Lin Dan from China has won the prestigious 2016 All England Badminton title in the men’s singles category. In the final match played at Birmingham, England he defeated Chinese teammate Tian Houwei by 21-9, 21-10 score. It was his overall sixth All England badminton title and earlier he had won it in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012.

11. Services wins 70th Santosh Trophy football title 2016

Services has won the 70th edition of Santosh Trophy Football Championships title 2016 by defeating hosts Maharashtra. In the final match played 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 and 2015.

12. HS Prannoy wins 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title

Ace Indian shuttler HS Prannoy has won the prestigious 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament in the men’s single category.

In the final match played at Basel, Switzerland, he defeated Marc Zwiebler (World no 7) of Germany 21-18, 21-15 score. Women’s Single: He Bingjiao from China won the title by defeating Wang Yihan from China by 21-16, 21-10 score. Men’s Doubles: Denmark pair of Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen won the title by defeating Chinese Taipei pair

of Lee Sheng-mu and Tsai Chia-hsin by 21-15 and 21-8 score. Women’s Doubles: Japanese pair of Shizuka Matsuo and Mami Naito won the title by defeating Japanese pair of Naoko

Fukuman and Kurumi Yonao by 21-16, 12-21 and 21-12 score. Mixed Doubles: Chinese pair of Wang Yilu and Chen Qingchen won the title by defeating Thailand pair of Bodin Issara and

Savitree Amitrapai by 21-19, 16-21 and 15-21 score. 13. Yogeshwar Dutt wins Gold medal in Asian Olympic Qualification tournament

Star Indian grappler Yogeshwar Dutt has won a Gold medal in the Asian Olympic Qualification tournament in the 65 kg freestyle category.

In the final match held at Astana in Kazakhstan, he defeated Katai Yeerlanbieke from China in the 65 kg freestyle category.


14. ICC suspends Bangladesh bowlers for illegal bowling action

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Bangladesh bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny for bowling with an illegal action with an immediate effect.

They were suspended after independent assessments have found that their bowling actions of is illegal. Their international suspensions will also be recognized and enforced by all the members for domestic cricket events played in

their own jurisdiction. 15. Hardeep Singh wins silver in Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament

Indian wrestler Hardeep Singh has won silver medal in the Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament in the 98 kg category. In the final bout played held in Astana, Kazakhstan, Hardeep lost to his opponent Di Xiao of China. By reaching the final in the 98 kg category, he qualified for participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics in Greco-Roman

category. 16. Australian all-rounder Shane Watson retires from International Cricket

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has declared his retirement from all forms of International Cricket after the end of his team’s campaign in the ongoing ICC World Twenty20.

He made this announcement at I S Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Punjab. Earlier in 2015, he had announced his retirement from Test cricket at the end of 2015 Ashes tour of England.

17. Sergey Karjakin wins 2016 FIDE World Chess Candidates Tournament

Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin has won the prestigious FIDE World Chess Candidates Tournament held in Moscow. In the final Round 14, he defeated American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana scoring 8.5 points. With this victory, he will now play with the incumbent world champion, Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, in a

match for the world chess crown in November 2016. 18. Hockey India Annual Awards: Sreejish And Deepika Won Hockey Player Of The Year

Late Capt. Shankar Laxman was posthumously chosen for the 2016 Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award. The award carrying purse of Rs. 30 lakh was accepted by his son Manohar Singh Shekhawat during the 2016 Hockey India

Annual Awards held in Bengaluru. Other winners Dhruv Batra Player of the Year Award: P.R Sreejesh (male), Deepika (female). Baljit Singh Goalkeeper of the Year Award: Savita. Pargat Singh Defender of the Year Award: Kothajit Singh. Ajit Pal Singh Midfielder of the Year Award: Ritu Rani. Dhanraj Pillay Forward of the Year Award: Rani. Asunta Lakra Upcoming Player of the Year Award: Harjeet Singh (male), Preeti Dubey (female). Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution: Baldev Singh. President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement: Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy.

Important Days 03 Mar: National Defence Day; World Wildlife Day 04 Mar: National Security Day 08 Mar: International Women’s Day 09 Mar: CISF Raising Day 10 Mar: Word Kidney Day (second Thursday of Mar) 12 Mar: Mauritius Day 15 Mar: World Consumer Rights Day 20 Mar: International Day of Happiness; World Sparrow Day 21 Mar: World Forestry Day; World Poetry Day; International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination;

International Day of Nowruz; World Down Syndrome Day; International Day of Forests 22 Mar: World Water Day


23 Mar: World Meteorological Day; Martyrdom Day 24 Mar: World Tuberculosis Day; International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations

and for the Dignity of Victims 25 Mar: International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade; International Day

of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 26 Mar: Bangladesh Liberation Day

Obituary

United States actor George Kennedy Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe Legendary film archivist & founder director of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI),

P.K. Nair

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma Renowned Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Mani Internet pioneer and e-mail inventor Raymond Tomlinson Noted agriculture scientist and one of the key persons in India’s ‘Green Revolution’

M V Rao

Brazil musician Naná Vasconcelos Beatles producer Sir George Martin Jazz Singer and Grammy Nominee Ernestine Anderson Renowned British author and art historian Anita Brookner Renowned American mathematician & Nobel Prize-winning economist

Lloyd Stowell Shapley

Eminent Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan Television magician Paul Daniels Former Director of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad Meir Dagan Former Intel CEO Andrew Grove Former Danish PM Anker Jogensen Legendary US writer, actor, and comedian Garry Shandling Kerala’s popular Kadhaprasangam (story telling) artiste and Malayalam film actor

V D Rajappan

Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff American poet and novelist Jim Harrison Oscar winning actor Patty Duke

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