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(1)Current Affairs April 2016. PDF Capsule.

(2) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016. Current Affairs for Competitive Exam Contents INDIAN AFFAIRS..................................................................................................................................... 3 PLACES IN NEWS.................................................................................................................................. 25 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................... 30 FOREIGN VISITS ................................................................................................................................... 36 SUMMITS & CONFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 41 RANKINGS & REPORTS ...................................................................................................................... 46 BANKING & FINANCE ......................................................................................................................... 54 BUSINESS ................................................................................................................................................ 66 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ............................................................................................................. 76 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS ............................................................................................................ 86 ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS ............................................................................................................ 98 SCHEMES .............................................................................................................................................. 100 MoUs ....................................................................................................................................................... 105 COMMITTEES...................................................................................................................................... 112 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 114 DEFENCE .............................................................................................................................................. 126 ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................... 129 SPORTS .................................................................................................................................................. 132 OBITUARY ............................................................................................................................................ 147 BOOKS & AUTHORS .......................................................................................................................... 154 IMPORTANT DAYS ............................................................................................................................. 155 Kindly Check Other Capsules    . AffairsCloud Exam PDF Current Affairs Study Capsule Current Affairs Pocket Capsule Current Affairs Questions & Answers PDF. Help: If You Satisfied with our Capsule, kindly donate some amount to SavetheChildren.in – Education is a Gift for Life or Kindly Suggest this site to your family members & friends. 2|Page.

(3) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016. INDIAN AFFAIRS “Index” to compute Organisation’s Attitude towards Disabled Persons In order to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities, “Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan”aka “Inclusiveness and Accessibility Index” has been instigated by the Government of India in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). How Accessibility Index Toolkit will work? It aims at evaluating the present stage of inclusiveness and accessibility of persons with disabilities by an organisation. •. Acts as guide – It will also act as a guide for taking progressive steps to increase support and accessibility towards employees with disabilities.. •. Size of organisation – It can be applied and used by any organisations irrespective of their size and scale.. •. Basis – The toolkit is based on research.. Haryana Assembly passed Haryana Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Haryana Assembly passed two Bills, namely Haryana Municipal (Amendment) Bill, and Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2016 to provide civic amenities in unauthorized residential colonies in the Budget Session. Key Provisions: •. In case of men candidates or those belonging to the Scheduled Caste category, the minimum qualification would be Class VIII, while for women of the Scheduled Caste category, it would be Class V.. •. The candidate should not have been convicted or have charges framed against him/her by a court in a criminal case for an offence punishable with imprisonment for not less than 10 years.. India’s first semi-high speed train ‘Gatimaan Express’ flagged off Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the Gatimaan Express from Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin station, Gatimaan Express, India’s first high speed train, crossed its maiden trip of 188 Kms in 101 minutes. •. The train runs at a speed of 160 km per hour, covering the 184 kilometre distance between Delhi and Agra in 105-110 minutes. Gatimaan Express which is India’s first semi-high speed train.. 3|Page.

(4) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 A Historic moment! ! UIDAI produced 100 crore Aadhaars The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) touched the historic point in a range of five and a half years by producing the 100thcrore Aadhaar. •. The first Aadhaar was issued in 2010.. •. Persons with Aadhar – More than 100 crore individuals, 96 Crores (93%) of Indian adults, 25 Crore (67%) Children of age 5-18 Years, 30 Crore (20%) and Children of Age <5 years. Every day more than 5-7 lakhs people get enrolled for Aadhaar.. Panama Papers: Investigation of 500 Indians as per new anti-black money law Union Government declared that action will be taken against unlawful accounts held abroad by Indians and constituted a multi-agency group to continuously monitor information after the Report from Panama Papers which says 500 Indians being named off illegal fund holdings in abroad. Special Investigation Team: •. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mulling to set up a group which has been comprising agencies like CBDT, RBI and FIU. Finance Minister ArunJaitlysaid that detailed assessment orders have led to the discovery of illegal assets worth around Rs 6,500 crore.. •. The Special Investigation Team will investigate thoroughly the reported secret list exposed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).. •. They will continuously monitor accounts and whichever accounts are found to be unlawful, strict action as per existing laws will be taken.. Telangana unveils new ICT Policy 2016 The government of Telangana has unveiled a new ICT policy along with four other policies to support innovation, gaming and animation, rural tech centres and growth of electronics aimed at attracting investments while facilitating job creation. •. The Policy is proposed to transform Telangana into the most preferred destination for any IT company which is planning a new facility and enable it to make it a global hub for technology entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.. 3 mega projects started off in Nagaland Union Minister of State for Ministry of Textiles and also minister of state for Parliamentary affairs, water resources, River Development and Ganga rejuvenation, Shri Santosh Gangwar initiated three mega textile projects in Nagaland as a part of North East Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS). The projects include: •. Eri Silk Development Project. 4|Page.

(5) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Dimapur. •. Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong in Mokokchung district. It is the first such centre in the entire North East region. Also, the recently affirmed Eri Silk Development Project under NERTPS will aid in women empowerment and sustainable livelihood for Kohima district. •. The sericulture projects in Nagaland covering eri, muga and mulberry seri projects will be supported by centre. (Sericulture – It is the rearing of silkworms for the production of silk.). Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) project instigated by Odisha In a bid to provide modern schools in the underdeveloped rural areas and to fill up vacant teacher posts, Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) project has been initiated covering 14 districts of the state. •. In this regard, 100 Adarsha Vidyalayas has been launched by Odisha Chief MinisterNaveen Patnaik during an event held in the Ambagaon village of Ganjam district, Odisha.. •. These schools will be administered by the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan of the state.. Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy Launches Transnational Skill Standards in India Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry led by Rajiv Pratap Rudy launched Transnational Skill Standards in India. •. These initiatives will make boost for the Government Make in India and Skill India will be benchAprked to United Kingdom across 82 identified job roles and to align to skill standards.. Cabinet approves new oil import policy Union Cabinet has given its approval to replace the existing policy on crude oil import by Oil PSUs. These companies are authorised to go forward to their own policies for import of crude oil, consistent with the Central Vigilance Commission guidelines and get them approved by the respective boards. •. This decision will provide a more efficient, flexible and dynamic policy for crude procurement, eventually benefiting the consumers.. •. Oil Aprketing PSUs have been allowed to buy crude on a day-to-day basis against the prevailing cumbersome practice of calling tenders two-months before purchase.. Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister dedicates 36 new CNG stations in Delhi & NCR The Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan dedicated 36 new. 5|Page.

(6) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 CNG stations located in Delhi and NCR to the public. 30 out of these stations have been installed by Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). •. Three stations were by Haryana City Gas in Gurgaon, one by GAIL Gas in Sonepat and two stations by Adani Gas in Faridabad and Khurja have been set up.. Promulgation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Anatomy Regulation, 2016 Union Cabinet has given its approval for promulgation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Anatomy Regulation, 2016 •. This Promulgation with a view to lay down procedures for providing supply or availability of unclaimed of dead bodies to the Medical College for the purpose of studying the human anatomy in all systems of medicine.. 3rd phase of Mission Indradhanush begins on 7th April 216 Districts across several States including Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh will be covered in this phase. •. Under the last two phases nearly 39 lakh children have been fully immunised. The Mission Indradhanush, depicting seven colours of the rainbow, aims to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable diseases.. NRDC signs License Agreement with M/S Nagarjuna Agro Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. for Soil Moisture Indicator of ICAR Hyderabad-based National Research Development Corporation(NRDC) has been appointed as the nodal agency for commercialising licensing the technical know-how for manufacture of Soil Moisture Indicator in the country. •. The formal Licence Agreement was signed by Dr. H. Purushotham, CMD of NRDC and Neeta Zanvar, Director of Nagarjuna Agro Chemicals Ltd.. Govt. inaugurates ‘Namma Toilet’ in Delhi under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Namma Toilet in New Delhi. Under this initiative across the capital at 19 places- Namma toilets were inaugurated by the local municipal councillors. •. This is to give fillip to Centre’s flagship programme Swach Bharat Mission,on behalf the mission targets to establish 5 lakh Public Toilets by October 2 2017.. Features of Namma Toilets: •. Namma model was evolved on the idea of APJ Abdul Kalam, Who had suggested this based on composite materials in 1998.. 6|Page.

(7) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Government signs up Sachin Tendulkar to endorse Skill India campaign Government appointed The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar to endorse the I Support Skill India campaign, in an attempt to reach out to the youth and build awareness on the importance of skill development. •. Sachin is one of the greatest Indian stories of our times and someone who resonates the best with skills.. •. He is a true global icon and brand that disrupted the game of cricket through his skill sets and inspired generations.. Target : To skill 2 crore youth by 2022.. Centre to Issue Universal ID-Cards for Differently-Abled People Union government is set to issue universal identity cards to the physically challenged with the objective of providing them easy access to various benefits being extended by the government •. The government was progressing towards distribution of modern motorized wheelchairs with British financial assistance and was also taking up the manufacturing of tricycles with German technological backup.. •. Besides, steps were taken to provide barrier–free access to all government buildings in 50 cities and towns in a phased manner.. Union Minister PiyushGoyal Lays Foundation Stone for IPDS Work Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal laid the foundation stone for underground cabling work under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in Varanasi. The Ministry has sanctioned Rs. 432 crores for the project. Kashi-IPDS Mobile App: •. The minister also launched Kashi-IPDS Mobile App for project monitoring of IPDS activities in Old-Kashi in a transparent manner.. •. The App will provide details of plan, progress of various activities, the proposed timelines, area-wise work plan etc. for better information dissemination.. All UP homes will get power by 2019: PiyushGoyal The government will provide electricity to all villages in Uttar Pradesh located in remote locations and aims to provide electricity 24/7 to every household in India by 2019. •. Power Ministry aimed to provide electricity to each and every household in the State before 2019.. •. About 1,364 had been electrified under the rural electrification Programme since the NDA government came to power at the Centre.. 7|Page.

(8) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Jharkhand Government announced to reserve 2 percent employment for meritorious sports persons Jharkhand Chief Minister Ragbubar Das announced that the government would reserve two per cent employment in various departments for meritorious sports persons of the state. •. Currently two per cent job quota for medal-winning sports persons is there only in state police department.Now it will be applicable in all departments.. First transgender person in Tamil Nadu to contest in the assembly elections. Salam hailed Devi is the first transgender person in Tamil Nadu to contest the assembly elections. She will be contesting on behalf of the Tamil party, NaamTamilarKatchi. •. She transgender person all set to face AIADMK chief Jayalalitha in the RK Nagar constituency in Chennai.. Shan-E-Punjab Express Becomes the First Train Fitted with CCTV Surveillance Cameras Union Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu inaugurates fitment of CCTV in Shan-E-Punjab Express (Amritstar-New Delhi) through Video-Conferencing. CCTV Surveillance Cameras installation is a one more step towards improving security in Indian Trains. •. The installation of surveillance systems was done through Ms/ A-Paul Instrument Company at an approximate cost of 36.71 lakh.. Maharashtra Legislative Council clears Dance bar bill The Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra passed the dance bar regulation bill with regulations against the violators. •. Bar owners or operators face up to five years in jail and fines of up to Rs 25,000 for violations.. •. The dance bars should be at least a km away from any education or religious institution, and they should operate between 6 pm and 11.30 pm.. •. It also bans running bars in the residential buildings and permits them in semiresidential ones only if the three-fourths residents approval.. 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar The 125th birth anniversary Dr. Ambedkar was commemorated on 13 th April 2016 at the UN headquarters in New York. This is the first time, United Nations observed the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. •. A Panel Discussion was held on the theme ‘Combating inequalities for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals’ with the objective of raising awareness on the importance of addressing all forms of inequality.. 8|Page.

(9) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. The event was organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in association with the Kalpana Saroj Foundation and Foundation for Human Horizon.. Documentary: A Man of the Century •. The documentary titled Babasaheb AmbedkarA Man of the Century was screened at the UN Conference in New York.. •. Aprathi filmmaker SandeepManohar Navre has made the documentary is 28-minute long, just a 10-minute footage was screened at the event in New York.. Gram Uday to Bharat UdayAbhiyan: Government to launch Gram Uday to Bharat UdayAbhiyan from 14th to 24th April, 2016 •. Starting with Dr.Ambedkar’s 125th Birth Anniversary on 14th April 2016 and culminating in Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2016.. Village Self Governance Campaign: •. In the period between 14th April and 24th April 2016, the Government, in collaboration with States and Panchayats, will organize a Gram Uday Se Bharat UdayAbhiyan.. •. The campaign aims to generate nation-wide efforts to increase social harmony across villages, strengthen Panchayati Raj, promote rural development, and foster farmers’ progress. Hon’ble Prime Minister will inaugurate the Campaign of 14th April 2016 at MHOW in Madhya Pradesh.. 125-foot tall Ambedkar statue to come up in Hyderabad Hyderabad will feature a 125-foot tall Statue of B R Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution, just beside the city’s famous landAprks such as Hussian Sagar Lake and the state secretariat, in a year from now. National Agriculture Aprket portal: PM Narendra Modi launched National Agriculture Aprket portal that will have 21 mandis from 8 States to connect e-mandis in several states at a function in the national capital on the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar. •. The Scheme launched on a pilot basis of states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.. •. The government is aiming to integrate 200 mandis by September this year and entire 585 mandis by Aprch 2018.. •. About 200 crore rupees has been sanctioned for this purpose.The Agriculture Ministry further said the government has received proposals from 12 states for integration of 365 wholesale mandis.. Maharashtra Gov become first to bring law against Social boycott & launched Mission Drinking Water The Maharashtra Assembly lead by Devendra Fadnavis passed the Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill 2016 to becoming the first State to enact such a law.He also launched. 9|Page.

(10) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 the ‘Mission Drinking Water’ to conquer water crisis. Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill: Aim: To crack down on extra-judicial bodies such as caste and community panchayats. Key Features of Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill : •. The Bill provides for prohibition of social boycott of a person or group of persons by an individual or a group like caste panchayat.. The provisions of the law define social boycott as a cognisable, but bailable offence, and provide for an imprisonment of up to three years or Rs. 1 lakh fine or both.The maximum punishment for which will be seven years in prison or fine up to Rs. 5 lakh or both. ‘Mission Drinking Water’: Maharashtra government constituted the Maharashtra Drought Relief Committee headed by Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse and Opposition leader Radhakrishna Patil. •. The government has adopted a two-pronged strategy to scale up drought mitigation through Mission Drinking Water.. Government reconstitutes IGNCA board; Ram Bahadur Rai appointed as Chairman Government has reconstituted Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) board. Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma appoints a new 20-member team including classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, artist Vasudeo Kamath and Union Culture Ministry Secretary. •. Ram Bahadur Rai, Senior Journalist has been appointed as Chairman of the Board.. Delhi Government bans all forms of Chewable Tobacco Delhi government has banned the production, storage, distribution and sale of pan masala, gutkha, and all forms of chewable tobacco in the national capital, for one year.. Google extends free internet service through WiFi to 10 railway stations Search Engine Google’s free WiFi service now extended to 10 railway stations as a part of its tie up with Railtel. The formal launch will be started in Bhubaneswar. 10 Railway Stations: •. Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Vijayawada, Kacheguda (Hyderabad), Ernakulum Jn (Kochi) and Vishakhapatnam.. Government renames Panagarh airbase after former IAF Chief Arjan Singh Union government has renamed the Panagarh airbase Base as Air Force Station Arjan Singh in honour of the Aprshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. This the first time that government decided to rename an airbase after an individual.. 10 | P a g e.

(11) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. This Honour came from the government on the 97th birthday of Arjan Singh, Aprshal of the Indian Air Force.. Netaji’s driver becomes oldest human alive at 116 years Netaji’s Driver Colonel Nizamuddin becomes oldest human alive at 116 years by opening a bank account at the ripe old age of 116-years. •. Colonel Nizamuddin alias Saifuddin’s voter identity card and passport, which he produced as proof of identity before the State bank of India for opening the account, he was born in 1900.. SC/ST victims to get minimum compensation of Rs 8.5 lakh from state government Union government to compensate of Rs 8.5 lakh for SC/ST victim of gang rape, murder or an acid attack including 47 offencesto get the compensation from a state government, The new rules have come into force immediately. Amended SC/ ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1995: •. The amended the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995, in which states will pay compensation ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 8.25 lakh to SC/ST victims.. •. The amounts now must be paid by the state within 7 days of the incident being reported, either in full or at various stages of the investigation and trial, as per a schedule.. •. The new rule says state Police have to file a charge sheet in cases of SC/ST victims within 60 days and any delay has to be explained in writing by the officers.. Government says Kohinoor diamond belongs to Britain In Supreme Court, petitioned by All India Human Rights and Social Justice to claim the Kohinoor Diamond and Ring and Sword of Tipu Sultan from the Britain which were brought. Features of Kohinoor: •. Literally Known as Mountain of Lights. •. Carat: 105. •. Present value: 200 million $. Overview: •. The case was headed by the Chief Justice of India Mr Thakur and Mr Ranjith KuApr, Solicitor General stands on Government side.. •. Government explained to the Supreme Court that the Kohinoor Diamond was gifted to the Britain by Maharaja Ranjith Singh.. 11 | P a g e.

(12) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Dr. Mahesh Sharma releases Commemorative Coin and Circulation Coin on Tatya Tope on his Aprtyr Day Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma released a Commemorative Coin of Rs. 200/– and a Circulation Coin of Rs. 10/- on Tatya Tope on the occasion of his Aprtyr Day. The Government of India is also considering creation of infrastructure in the memory of Tatya Tope by constructing in association with the respective State Governments. 1. Memorial at Yeola at Nasik, Maharashtra. 2. War Museum at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.. New Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies launched in New Delhi Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (CGRBMS) formally launched in New Delhi . •. It was launched by Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation with Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK). PM Modi inaugurates Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana super-specialty hospital in Katra Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 230 bedded Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super specialty Hospital in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. •. The Hospital named as Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialty Hospital it has been constructed at the cost of Rs 300 crore on a sprawling 80 hectares.. Visit of Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas to Bangladesh Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited during his visit he discussed all bilateral issues relating to hydrocarbon sector between the two countries. •. New Delhi based Indian Oil Corporation has inked an MoU with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to scrutinize the possibility of jointly working on setting up a LPG (Liquefied petroleum gas) import terminal at Chittagong port and other downstream infrastructure in that country.. •. Bangladesh is likewise signing up Indian engineering consultancy firm Engineers India Ltd as consultants for extension of the Eastern Refinery.. Maharashtra government bans digging of bore wells beyond 200 ft The temperatures across Maharashtra has surfaced deep water crisis in many parts of the state with this the pace at which ground water level is declining, the state government has stepped up to contain the loss and decided to ban digging of bore wells beyond 200 feet.. 12 | P a g e.

(13) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. The move was necessitated for severe drought and decreasing ground water level across various regions in the state. These efforts are being made to conserve ground water till monsoon.. Dr. Mahesh Sharma Unveils Gold Finial at Humayun’s Tomb Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma unveiled the restored 18 feet tall Finial at Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi as part of the ongoing conservation effort. •. The Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site one of three in the capital has reinstated with a gold crown.. India to Purchase 145 M777 Howitzers for US$ 750 Million India is expected to buy 145 M777 Howitzers for $750 million to prepare its Mountain Strike Corps. The decision to buy ultra-light Howitzers produced by UK based BAE Systems under the Make In India •. The Decision was taken at a meeting between Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US counterpart Ashton Carter. The price notified by the US in 2012 was $694 million. But the Gun maker seeking price revision of 10% hike from the earlier price.. Cabinet nod for amendments in Compensatory Afforestation Bill The Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave nod to amend the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill-2015, that will enable the distribution of around 42,000crore among all states to encourage them to plant forests. Compensatory Afforestation Fund: •. The bill envisages the formation of a national Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) and state CAFs to credit amounts collected by state governments and Union territory administrations to compensate for the loss of forest land to non-forest projects.. Government gives nod to run IISER at Tripati Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) to function from a temporary campus in Tiruapati until its permanent campus is ready. •. The operationalization of the Insituteat Tirupati from the Academic Year of 2015-16 froma temporary campus at an estimated cost of Rs. 137.30 crore for the initial three years.. •. Union Government had decided to establish the IISER in the residual state of Andhra Pradesh after the telengana is carved out from the state.. 7 women officers of SSC granted permanent commission by Navy To provide equal opportunities to women officers Indian Navy decided to grant permanent. 13 | P a g e.

(14) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 commission to seven women officers belonging to the Short Service Commission (SSC) batch of 2008-09. •. Though women officers are selected only as support staff at present they will soon be sailing on select warships. Thus, a total of eight branches/cadres will be opened for women officers in the Navy includes education, law, air traffic control.. Department of Disinvestment is now ‘DIPAM’ The Department of Disinvestment which runs under Finance Ministry has been renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management or ‘Dipam’, •. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced renaming of the body in his budget speech for 2016-17.. Uttarakhand HC quashes President’s Rule The Uttarakhand High Court quashed the order of the Union government that had put the State under President’s Rule on Aprch 27,the Bench took the decisions on quashing Presidential Proclamation on April 21, 2016 itself. •. With HC verdict the Congress shall return to power, the Court also ordered that a floor test must be held in the Uttarakhand Assembly on April 29 where former CM Harish Rawat’s claim of having majority support shall be put to test.. •. Earlier a bench of Chief Justice K M Joseph and Justice V K Bistsaid that People can go wrong, be it the President or the judges as they ordered judicial review on imposition of President Rule.. Himachal High Court issued notice to Union and State on declaring Monkeys as Vermin High Court of Himachal Pradesh issued notices on the matter of declaring monkey as vermin for the following 6 months to the Union and state government. •. The Court directed to file a reply within six weeks to all the concerned departments including Union of India, government of Himachal Pradesh and Member Secretary of National Board of Wildlife.. New Rules notified by Government to revamp Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act Union government has notified the new rules on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 1989 was amended by Parliament in Dec 2015. •. The notified rules will ensure speedy justice to their members, it also mandates police to file charge sheet within 60 days after a complaint is lodged.. Important Provisions: •. The law emphasizes relief for offences of rape and gang rape, this is the first time such provisions being implemented.. 14 | P a g e.

(15) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. The rule notifies medical examination for getting reprieve amount for non-invasive kind of offences against women like sexual harassment, gestures, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe, voyeurism, stalking.. •. It includes relief amount to SC/ST women for offences of grievous nature, on conclusion of trial, even though not ending in conviction.. •. Monetary increase in the standing quantum of relief amount from between Rs. 75,000/-to Rs. 7, 50,000/-to between Rs. 85,000/- to Rs. 8, 25,000/- upon the nature of the offence, while linking it with the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers for the month of January, 2016.. Dr Jitendra Singh launches Cancer Care campaign in Northeast A week long Cancer Care campaign launchedin Northeast by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in Shillong under the auspices of North Eastern Council (NEC) Pink Chain Cancer Conclave •. The campaign has Programmes which include public education camps, academic discussions by medical experts and visits to educational institutions.. •. This initiative has been undertaken considering the fact that North Eastern States are recording a much higher prevalence of Cancer compared to most other States of the country.. PM addresses Panchayati Raj Sammelan in Jharkhand Prime Minister made a vigorous speech for bridging gap between urban and rural India •. National Panchayati Raj Day is being celebrated on 24th April of every year.. •. First celeberated in the year 2010 when the 73rd constitutional amendment came into force. • •. In 2016, Panchayati Raj Divas is celebrated at Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. Prime Minister released the ‘Devolution Index Report’. Main Function is held at JRD Tata Sports Complex. J P Nadda inaugurates first of its kind Central Government CGMP compliant facility in Himachal Pradesh Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda inaugurated the first of its kind Current Good Manufacturing Practise (CGMP) compliant facility for manufacture of DPT and TT vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh. •. He also launched the website of CRI. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates Andhra Pradesh Secretariat complex in AApravati Andhra Pradesh CM, N Chandrababu Naidu formally inaugurated the state’s interim Secretariat. 15 | P a g e.

(16) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 at Velagapudi village in capital region AApravati. •. In the First phase,5000 houses will be built for the employees within a year in the new capital region.. •. On this occasion, he also announced that an additional 50 square yards of land would be given to farmers of the region who parted with their lands under the Land Pooling Scheme for the development of the capital.. Government hikes minimum wage for contract workers to Rs 10,000 The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya informed that the minimum wage for contract workers has been increased to Rs 10,000 per month at the national level taking into consideration the Consumer Price Index and Dearness Allowance •. It was based on a Supreme Court Verdict. •. A decision to make changes to rule 25 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Central Rules. Indian Council of Medical Research joint venture with Sun Pharma for research in preventive health Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Mumbai based Sun Pharma have joined into an agreement for research and innovation in preventive health Announced by Union Health Minister JP Nadda Venue: New Delhi at a function on the occasion of World Malaria Day •. India’s first PPP (Public Private Partnership) research. •. Jointly conduct research and Development of Medical products such as Drugs, biosimilars and Vaccines. •. Disease Control and Elimination Progress and collaborate in disease surveillance. •. Development of improved medicines for infectious and chronic diseases.. Union Government passes Gurdwara amendment bill 2016 & Biotech centre bill Introduction: The Union government gave approval for Gurdwaras Amendment Bill 2016 to provide the rights to Sahjhardi Sikhs to vote in the elections to Member of the Board and the committees. Sikh Gurdwars (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Under Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, every Sikh who is above 21 years of age can cast their vote in the Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SPGC) Election. This Act had created an exception for Sehjdhari Sikhs who trim or shave their beard or hair to vote in the elections. The Lok Sabha passed the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016 Focus: To establish a Regional Centre for Biotechnology, an study centre of Education, Training and. 16 | P a g e.

(17) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Research under the sponsorship of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). •. To be set up in New Delhi. •. Ministry: Science & Technology and Earth Sciences. •. Minister: Dr. Harsh Vardhan. DoT notified Panic Button and Global Positioning System in Mobile phone handsets Rules Women and Child Development Minister welcomed the Prime Minister initiatives on the Women Safety Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Initiatives: Department of Telecommunications has issued the notification regarding “Panic Button and Global Positioning System in Mobile Phone Handsets Rules 2016” •. Department of Telecommunications and stakeholders agreed to have this facility installed in the mobile phones.. Notification issued by the DoT •. Under Section 10 of the Indian Wireless Act, 1933. •. With effect from 01.01.2017 – All feature phones will have configuration of Panic buttons using 5 or 9 Buttons. •. All SAprt phones will be configured to three times short pressing of the on-off button. •. With Effect from 01.01.2018 – All mobile phones will be provided to have the facility of recognizing the location through Satellite based Global Positioning system.. Operation Sulaimani to eradicate Poverty in Kozhikode District ‘Operation Sulaimani’ is an initiative of Kozhikode district administration to eradicate poverty and to avoid food wastage in the district. It will be implemented within a weak. About ‘Operation Sulaimani’: •. Operation Sulaimani will provide food to around 1,000 people per day. The price of the food will be covered through sponsorship.. •. People in need can collect a free meal coupon from any of the distribution centres and walk into any restaurant in the city.. Haryana govt to give free laptops to first 500 meritorious students Haryana Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that free laptops to 500 meritorious students who secure a minimum of 95 per cent Aprks in Class X Board examination this year. •. The laptops will be provided under State Merit Scholarship scheme.. 17 | P a g e.

(18) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Uttarkhand Government to be first stable to buy short-term power through e-auction The Government will start to buy short term power procurement through e-auction with nine biddings •. The State has decided to buy 100-200 Megawatt short term power for the months July, August and September. •. The term of the power procurement is ranging from a day to a year. •. Bidders including power generators, traders and distribution companies had registered their wishes to take part in the bidding after the launch of the e-auction portal. Union Railway Ministry to set up Rs 1 lakh crore Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh Ministry of Railways has pledged to set up a 1 lakh crore rupees safety fund called Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh which aimed to strengthen safety measures on the rail network to prevent accidents. •. The announced fund will help to accomplish railway’s zero-accident mission by strengthening the safety measures on the rail network in a comprehensive way.. •. The fund will be a non-lapsable in nature which will be make use of safety measures.. Haryana notifies scheme to encourage water harvesting in MSMEs Government of Haryana has notified Water Audit Scheme for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to fillip water harvesting and conservation in industrial units. •. Under the fund 75 per cent reimbursement of cost of water audit limited to a maximum of Rs 1 lakh and subsidy up to 50 per cent or maximum of Rs 20 lakh on the cost of capital equipment required for water conservation or harvesting systems.. Bihar Government imposes complete ban on alcohol With the ban on country liquor Bihar would become the fourth state in India to impose a total prohibition of alcohol. •. After the ban on country liquor, the state government said it would continue selling IMFL at 655 liquor shops in towns and cities.. Prez Pranab Mukherjee inked Ordinance on Uttarakhand expenditure President Pranab Mukherjee has implemented the Uttarakhand Appropriation (Vote on Account) Ordinance, 2016 which sanctions expenditure that has come under direct federal rule because of a political crisis. •. The decision in this regard has been taken at the Union cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Union home minister Rajnath Singh.. •. Uttarakhand is under President’s Rule and no budget could be passed earlier, therefore Cabinet had recommended an Appropriation Ordinance for Uttarakhand, in order to make a. 18 | P a g e.

(19) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 valid withdrawal of the government revenue.. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched Phase I of Green Delhi initiative Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the Green Delhi programme by planting trees at the Triangular Park at New Delhi. Action Plan by the Delhi Government: •. The government will start vaccum cleaning all Public Works Department (PWD) roads at regular intervals from April 1, 2016.. •. Central verges, including kutcha portion under flyovers, will be bedded with grass and plants to avoid dust rising from footpaths along the roads. The total length of roads maintained by the PWD is 1,260 kilometres.. Gujarat Assembly cleared amendments in Land Acquisition Act The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement-Gujarat Amendment Bill- 2016 was passed in the Gujarat Assembly on 31 Aprch. Key provisions: •. The provisions doing away with Social Impact Assessment for projects related to defence and social sectors, such as building air base, defence manufacturing units, schools, roads, canals, and houses.. •. It empowers the authorities to exempt projects vital to defence of national security, infrastructure and electrification project or affordable housing or industrial corridors set up by the State and infrastructure projects under PPP model.. Union Government allows states to put stock holding limits on sugar Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister decided to allow States to impose and enforce stock limits on sugar to verify its Aprket price rise. •. The decision directed that in the face ofadequate availability of sugar stocks with the Sugar Mills, the wholesale and retail prices have shown a spurt.. Odisha CM inaugurate 100 rural drinking water projects Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugrated 100 piped water supply projects on Utkala Gaurav Madhusudan Das birthday for rural areas and pledged to make piped water provision in all gram panchayats by 2017. •. The project is made at an estimated cost of Rs 72 crore, will help as many as 1, 72,000 people residing in rural areas.. •. Earlier the government had inaugurated 100 urban drinking water supply projects for 41 urban local bodies of 20 districts in Odisha.. 19 | P a g e.

(20) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh Govt implement NFSA across state Northeastern states Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to implement the National Food Security Act, this scheme empowers 87 per cent of the priority households in the state population. •. National Food Security Act has been passed in Parliament in 2013.. Maha govt raises jail term up to 5 yrs for chain snatchers Maharashtra government has pledged to increase the punishment for chain snatching up to 5 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25,000. •. The state Cabinet has passed amendments to Indian Penal Code sections 379, 397-A (1)(2) and section 379-B along with the CrPC Act-1973.. •. The provisions puts increasing the punishment up to five years rigorous imprisonment and Rs 25,000 fine, in case of grievous injury to the victim.. Dr. Harsh Vardhan visit to Nagaland Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science Harsh Vardhan in his a two-day maiden visit to Nagaland. Biotech Infrastructure Facility at ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun Minister Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the Department of Biotechnology funded Biotech Infrastructure Facility (BIF) at ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICARNRCM),Jharnapani in Nagaland. Mithun: •. Mithun is a unique large semi-domesticated animal of the bovine family, endemic to the North-eastern States of India.. •. It is the symbol of the state people but also demonstrate India’s unity in diversity by strengthening the bondage between different communities.. Harsh Vardhan launches Twinning Network Program in Kohima Minister for Science and Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan launched government funded Twinning Network Program on Chemical Ecology of North East Region. Organic Farming: •. Twinning Network Program on Chemical Ecology is a new collaborative and interdisciplinary programme in Chemical Ecology between institutions in the North East and associates in Bangalore.. Inauguration of Paragonimiasis Research Laboratory The Science & Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the DBT Healthcare Laboratory & Research Center at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).. 20 | P a g e.

(21) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Ceasefire in Nagaland extended by one year Union Government and National Socialist Council of Nagaland, under the leadership of N. Kitovi Zhimomi and M.B NeokpaoKonyak have mutually agreed to extend the Cease Fire Agreement by another year with effect from April 28. •. Both the sides agreed that the ceasefire will follow to Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR) as mutually ratified. The CFGR will subject to mutual review and amendment with the involvement of both the parties.. Rajasthan becomes the first state in India to clear land title Bill The Vasundhara Raje-led government has managed to pass the Rajasthan Urban Land(Certification of Titles) Bills 2016 in the state assembly. Provisions in the Bill: •. The state Descendants in urban areas, which are governed by the municipalities or state development authorities, can seek a certificate of ownership of their lands by paying a nominal fee to the state government.. •. The Provisions in the bill fillip towards good governance and Ease of Doing Business also the bill will boost land acquisition in the state and also benefit authorities as no capital expenditure will be required from their end.. Constitution (Schedule Caste) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed in Parliament The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was presented in LokSabha on Aprch 1, 2016 Introduced by: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawar Chand Gehlot The Amendment was conceded by Lok Sabha on Aprch 15, 2016 The Bill amends the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 The Indian Constitution authorizes the President to state the Scheduled Castes in various states and union territories. Added, it permits this list of notified Scheduled Castes (SC) to be amended by Parliament. •. States proposed certain modifications to this list and gave the statement of Objects. and reasons. The bill has been announced to give effect to the changes proposed. List of SCs i) Aheria, ii) Aheri, iii) Hari, iv) Heri, v) Thori, vi) Turi and vii) Rai Sikh i) Malayan (in Kannur, Kasaragode, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts), ii) Mannan, iii) Pathiyan, iv) Perumannan, v) Peruvannan, vi) Vannan, and vii) Velan Chhattisgarh i) Sais, ii) Sahis, iii) Sarathi, iv) Soot-Sarathi, and v) Thanwar have been added to the entry of i) Ghasi and ii) Ghasia West Bengal Chain only in certain districts namely Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia and DakshinDinajpur Odisha i) Bariki and (ii) KumApri communities have been removed States Haryana Kerala. 21 | P a g e.

(22) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 The bill makes changes to proposals of Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal to modify the list of Scheduled Castes.. Parliament passes Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 Ministry: Commerce and Industry Minister of State for Commerce and Industry: Ms. NirmalaSitharaman The Bill was introduced in LokSabha on December 7, 2015 and amends the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951. The Act provides: •. Development and regulation of certain industries including metallurgical, telecommunications, transportation, fermentation (which includes production of alcohol) among others.. •. All the industries are regulated under the Act are comes under 1St Schedule of the Act. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia “Lundeg Puresvsuren” Visit to India India hosts the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia “Lundeg Purevsuren” on a three day visit. Events: 1. Arrived in New Delhi on 27th April 2. To visit the Monument ‘TajMahal’. 3. Meeting with Gen V. K Singh (Retd), Minister of State for External Affairs at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan India extended 1 billion dollar line of Credit to Mongolia Delegates: State for External Affairs V.K. Singh and Mongolian Foreign Minister LundegPurevsuren •. India extended a line of credit (LoC) of USD 1 billion to Mongolia and agreed to exchange of sentenced prisoner on three day visit of Mongolia Foreign Minister. •. The decision was made on visit of First Prime Ministerial of India to Mongolia and announced the LoC for Economic expansion and infrastructure development and signed 14 agreements.. •. PM Expressed that Mongolia was an integral part of India’s Act East policy.. Agreements signed: •. Bilateral exchanges and upgradation of bilateral relations. •. Strategic partnership and agreements in defence and security fields. •. India and Mongolia are Aprking 60 years of diplomatic relations this year with a series of events.. 22 | P a g e.

(23) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Mongolia confers highest honour to two Indians Award:Highest civilian award, the North Star Awardees: Lokesh Chandra aqnd Mansura Haider Conferred by:Mongolian Foreign Minister LundegPurevsuren Venue: Mongolian embassy. Govt plans to keep 1% of highways project cost for road safety Union government is mulling to make it mandatory to allot 1 per cent of total cost of any highway project for road safety. •. India witnesses as high as 5 lakh road accidents per annum in which 5 lakh people die and another 3 lakh are crippled across the country.. •. Transport Ministry is likely to frame a policy for setting aside one per cent of the total project cost of any highway project for road safety issues.. •. The government is committed to reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities by half in following two to three years.. J&K Cabinet approved 5% interest subsidy for flood-hit traders State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sanctioned a grant of 5% interest subvention with the effect from 1st April, 2016 with a limit of Rs 5 Lac per unit for a period of four years. •. The move is to give relief to September -2014 flood affected traders and business units, This will pave the way for subsidizing interest on loan to flood hit traders/ business to an extent of 5% starting from 1st April-2016 to 31st December-2020.. •. To monitor proper implementation of the scheme the sate cabinet ordered constitution of a High Level Coordination Committee headed by Chief Secretary and comprising representatives of any other appropriate agency.. DoNER to invest Rs. 33,000 crores in NE states for skill development The Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry will earAprk Rs 33,000 crores for development of the north-eastern states during the present fiscal. •. The ministry has given special emphasis on skill development also pledged to invest Rs 170 crores will be underIt has also increased its budget by fivefold from Rs 11 crores to Rs 55 crores in the present fiscal in skill development sector.. •. To overcome the hurdle of loan problem for first generation entrepreneurs DoNER is opening a new scheme under the brand name of Venture Fund and Start Up Centre under North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited for those youth who have innovative business ideas.. 23 | P a g e.

(24) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Union Urban Development Minister Venkaih Naidu, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flag off South India’s First Underground Metro in Karnataka Chief Guests: Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah •. South India First Underground metro – East-West corridor of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). •. On occasion of unveiling the project, Chief Minister of Karnataka expressed that Governments attempted to provide better infrastructure in Bengaluru and required further assistance from the Union Government. Phase II of Namma Metro Cost incurred: Rs.26,405 crore and with the State Government contribution of Rs.9,000 Crore •. Target year: 2020. •. Phase III is in progress. Gujarat Announces 10% Quota For Economically Backward Anandiben Patel led Gujarat government declared 10% reservation for the economically backward among upper castes the move likely to benefit all upper caste families with annual income less than Rs six lakh. •. The state government will promulgate ordinance that earmarking 10% reservation in jobs and education on May 1st. The step will help to ineligible for quota under the existing system. •. The Gujarat government on has followed Haryana and Rajasthan governments which recently announced special quotas for Jats and Gujjars. •. A state cannot offer reservation beyond 50% of its population under the guidelines set by the Apex Court.. NITI Aayog to launch Urban Management Program for Capacity Building in States and Urban Local Bodies NITI Aayog, Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Temasek Foundation jointly to launch Urban Management Programme for Capacity Building of officials of State Governments and ULBs in implementing the Urban Rejuvenation Mission. •. 7 States namely Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh & Assam) would be taking part in this Programme.. •. It would cover areas of Urban Planning and Governance, Water, Waste Water & Solid Waste Management and Public Financing (PPP) of Urban Infrastructure.. Railway Ministry to set up two new Directorates & Dial 139 for Cancelling Train Ticket Union Railway Ministry is mulling to set up two new Directorates tasked with increasing the speed of trains and boosting non-fare revenues. Taking advantage of vacant railway lands. 24 | P a g e.

(25) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 and renovation of stations will be its major responsibility. •. Advertising will also be its major job. The first Directorate will identify and prioritise train corridors for raising the speed of trains.. Dial 139 For Cancelling Train Ticket: •. Train passengers can cancel their confirmed train tickets by just dialing 139.. •. The passenger has to dial 139 giving details of the confirmed ticket for cancelling it and the sender will get a one-time password.. •. Passenger. has. to. disclose. the OTP to. claim. refund. in Passenger. Reservation. System (PRS).. Dr. Harsh Vardhan celebrates Earth Day by inaugurating India’s first Cellulosic Alcohol Technology Demonstration Plant at Kashipur, Uttarakhand Signed by: Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan Inaugurated: India’s 1st Second-Generation (2G) Ethanol plant – Indigenously developed Technology. Venue: Kashipur in Uttarakhand Features: •. Well suit to both Indian & Global needs. •. Capacity of converting all types of agricultural residues like Bagasse, Rice Straw, Wheat Straw, Bamboo, Cotton Stalk, Corn Stover, Wood chips etc. to ethanol in less than 24 hours, with optimum product yields. PLACES IN NEWS Tirmbakeshwar Temple Trust bars entry for all men and women Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust passed a resolution that barred all persons except the traditional and hereditary priests from entering the sanctum till the next decision. •. Trimbakeshwar temple located in Nashik district of Maharashtra. City Limited, India’s first SPV on sAprt city, started operations Bhubaneswar which came at the top of the first batch of 20 sAprt cities selected by the Ministry of Urban Development also became the first to get its Special Purpose Vehicle. •. The SPV was set up as per the SAprt City Mission Guidelines to enable faster execution of projects by delegating to them powers of various concerned departments and agencies.. 25 | P a g e.

(26) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Permanent memorial to Kalam at DilliHaat in INA AAP government has decided to build a permanent memorial to APJ Abdul Kalam at a famous Aprket here where belongings of the former President including his books and musical instruments would be on display. •. Kalams possessions from his residence will be brought at 10, Rajaji Aprg in the national Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu by the Centre, after his demise.. Mumbai gets its first-ever AC local train The first ever air-conditioned local train for Mumbai flagged off into the city, the blue-grey train rake with a stainless steel body has 12 coaches with a capacity to seat 5,964 passengers. Establishment of First Horticulture University in Haryana at Karnal Union Agriculture and farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh laid the Foundation stone of Haryana State University of Horticultural Sciences at Karnal, Haryana. •. The establishment of first Horticulture University in Haryana will fulfill the long pending need of the people of the State.. ‘Gudi Padwa’ festival celebrated in Maharashtra Gudi Padwa – the Hindu New Year which is commonly celebrated by the Maharashtrians on the first day of the Chaita month of the lunar calendar. •. It is known as Ugadi in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Yugadi in Karnataka and Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba in Manipur.. Shani Shingnapur temple allows women inside inner sanctum After the Bombay High Court had ruled that women cannot be barred from entering the temple Shani Shingnapur temple allows to go into the inner Sanctum. •. The 400-year-old tradition at the temple in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district has traditionally banned women from entering the shrine’s sacred platform.. Gurgaon to get India’s first Metrino Pod Taxi project The Central Government gave its stamp of approval to the nation’s first Metrino Pod project – A Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) network in Gurgaon, Haryana. The announcement in this regard has been made by Haryana Public Works (Building and. •. Roads) Minister Rao Narbir Singh. •. Project Outlay – Rs 850 crore. •. Speed of Pods – 60 km/hr. •. Financing of Project – It will be fully private project, so the financing will be made by the private company. Haryana Govt is not paying anything for this project.. 26 | P a g e.

(27) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Stretch of project – It will cover a distance of 13 Kilometres from the Gurgaon-Delhi. •. borderto Badshapur Mod on Sohna Road with a total of 16 stations. Fare and accommodation – Each unit of Metrino taxi can put up five travelers and the. •. fare is expected to be similar to Delhi Metro. SajibuCheiraoba festival celebrated in Manipur Cheiraoba also called Sajibu Cheiraoba is an annual and religious festival which is held in April. •. Manipur people believe this festival is auspicious because this is held at the joining of two years. So, it is their duty to pay respect to the deity for good fortune.. ‘Green UP – Clean UP’ Programme: Five crore trees to be planted in UP AkileshYadav led Uttar Pradesh government has directed all the district magistrates for plantation of 5 crore trees at 6,500 sites in 24 hours on a date fixed in month of July under the ‘Green UP – Clean UP initiative . •. All online data of plantation sites should be prepared with the cooperation of NIC to ensure effective district-wise monitoring.. Prime Minister visits Puttingal Devi Temple following fire mishap Prime Minister visited the Puttingal Devi temple at Kollam, following fire mishap. The mishap happened due to the display of fireworks occurred on the last day of the seven-day ‘Meena Bharani’ festivities. Kerala celebrates Harvest Festival Vishu Kerala celebrating the Harvest Festival, Vishu. Believers across the state are visiting temples, performing special pujas and exchanging gifts to Aprk the occasion. Trimbakeshwar allows entry of women with rider, activists The Trimbakeshwar Devasthan Trust in Maharashtra to allow women into the sanctum sanctorum of Shiva temple for an hour every day. •. The Temple Trust allowed with a rider that they must wear wet cotton or silk clothes while offering prayers in the core area.. World’s largest ‘charkha’ to be on display at IGI airport Wooden Charkha -spinning wheel which is largest in the world is planned to be installed at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here is ready for dispatch from a unit of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in Ahmedabad. •. It was the initiative of KVIC Chairman V K Saxena who decided to install the world’s largest charkha at the international airport in Delhi.. 27 | P a g e.

(28) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 This is to showcase India’s symbol of non-violence to the world through the airport where. •. around 2, 50,000 people/tourists visit every day Wooden Charkha -spinning wheel: •. The Wheel weighs four-tonne, it is made from high-quality teak wood, which is estimated to last for over 50 years, was built by around 26 workers and carpenters who completed it in 40 days.. The three day Curtain Raiser International Yoga Fest inaugurated by Shri Shripad Yesso Naik Introduction: Punjab & Haryana capital Chandigarh decided to host National Level celebration of International Yoga Day Inaugurated by: Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik Organised by: Ministry of AYUSH Secretary of AYUSH, Shri Ajit Sharan highlighted that Yoga Olympiad being organised by NCERT in view of the need to popularize Yoga among the youth The AYUSH Minster released the Common Yoga Protocol DVD at the Festival. •. Govt decides Chandigarh to host International Yoga day Prime Minister led First International Yoga day was observed on 21st June and observed world over by millions on the same day. •. Now it is decided that Chandigarh the dual capital of Punjab and Haryana on June 21st of 2016 to host International Yoga day.. Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to travel under the sea near Thane creek The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor will have a 21 km long tunnel out of the total stretch of 508 km that will go under the sea. •. Passengers will experience the thrill of riding under the sea while travelling in the first bullet train of the country, the trains to run at a top speed of 350 kmph.. Simhastha Kumbh mela 2016 begins in Ujjain The Simhastha Kumbh Mela, largest congregation of Hindus began in Ujjain early with the arrival of JunaAkhara for the royal bath on the banks of Kshipra River to take a holy dip. •. A large number of people across the country have converged in the holy city for the month long festival held every 12 years at Ujjain, which is also the abode of Lord Mahakaleshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlings in the country.. PM lays foundation stone for India’s biggest power plant in Jharkhand PM lays foundation stone for India’s biggest power plant in Jharkhand and addresses Panchayati Raj Sammelan that is being celebrated on 24th April of every year.. 28 | P a g e.

(29) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Power plant: Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited Joint Venture of National Thermal Power Corporation and Jharkhand Government Total Capacity: 8000MW and Prime Minister lays the foundation for first phase of 4000MW capacity. Kerala, Thazhathangady Juma Mosque opens doors to women for the first time Kerala’s Thazhathangady Juma mosque, almost thousand years old but one that was visited only by men. •. For the First time in its History, Juma mosque has opened its doors to all women on April 24 and May 8.. Naval detachment set up at Lakshadweep Indian Navy set up a new naval detachment at Androth islands of Lakshadweep as part of measures to enhance surveillance of crucial shipping lanes. •. Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands occupy a strategic location in the Arabian Sea, These Naval Detachment at Androth Island will improve the Navy’s reach and surveillance, and contribute significantly to strengthen Apritime security and stability.. Uma Bharti inaugurates Water Films Festival Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Uma Bharti inaugurated Water Film Festival at Water Expo-2016 in New Delhi. •. It was organized by Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) Limited, as part of the ongoing India Water Week 2016. •. The Water Resources are the prime input to the growth and prosperity of a nation and Films can prove to be an effective tool of communication to spread the message of water conservation the minister said in the function.. Odisha’s Nabarangpur, Poorest district gets first government degree college India’s poorest district Nabarangpur in Odisha will get its first Government model degree college. •. The College, being built at a cost of Rs 8.87 crore, will offer arts, commerce and science streams .. •. The project is being funded by the Centre and the state government in the ratio 65:35.. Rs 1K Crore Agri-Plastic Park in Vijayawada Soon Andhra Pradesh government to have another Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology to train 5,000 plastic engineers and technicians every year and it will be set up in Anantapur.. 29 | P a g e.

(30) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 •. Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ananth KuApr made the announcement while laying a stone for the CIPET at Surampalli this will be first of its kind in the state.. •. The Minister pronounced an Agri-Plastic Park for Vijayawada region with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore and plastic waste management centre in the same city. Andhra Pradesh announced 200 to 250 acres of land for the park.. Haryana Government renames Gurgaon as Gurugram Manokarlal Khattar led Haryana government decided to rename Gurgaon district as Gurugran.The state government also decided to change the name of Mewat district to Nuh. •. The decision comes from government in the aftermath of the demands by people of the area.. Kohima declared Smoke-free City Capital of Nagaland Kohima city was declared a smoke-free area by Deputy Commissioner Rovilatuo Mor with this capital city will be greener, healthier future. •. School children from 22 educational institutes organised a campaign to promote awareness about the ill effects of smoking. The campaigners got help from the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) and Department of Health and Family Welfare.. Rahuri in Ahmednagar becomes first to have digi-locker Tele Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked all the municipal bodies to adopt Digi Locker facility where citizens will have access to all these documents at any time that help in digitalizing governance and make administration paperless. •. The move comes give fillip to Digital India Programme Rahuri Municipal Council of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra became the first municipality to attain the status of integrated with digital locker for the issuance of all essential Documents.. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Stamps issued to Aprk Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary Britain’s Royal Mail has issued a set of special postage stamps to Aprk the 400th death anniversary of playwright William Shakespeare. •. Ten First Class stamps pay tribute to the genius of Shakespeare through his immortal words and poetry. They will be sold at 8,000 post offices across Britain.. Bronze bust of Aryabhatta unveiled at UNESCO Headquarters A bronze bust of ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta has been unveiled at the UNESCO by the HRD Minister Smriti Irani in an international conference on the zero in. 30 | P a g e.

(31) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Paris, France. •. The bust has been sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar who was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian awards for his contribution to the world of art.. •. Ram Sutar was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his contribution to the world of art.. International Conference on the Zero: •. UNESCO with the Pierre and Aprie Curie University, Paris, will host anInternational Conference on the Zero on 4-5 April, 2016 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.. •. The highlight will be Zero: Infinity and Set Theory conducted by Mr.Romain Attal from the Palais de La Decouverte in Paris.. Shakespeare’s First Folio discovered on Scottish island A copy of William Shakespeare’s original First Folio, a most sought-after books containing 36 of the Bards plays, has been discovered at a stately home on a remote Scottish island. •. The Shakespeare’s plays, published in 1623, was found at Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute.. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Statue to be ensconced in France. The statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will be installed in France’s Saint-Tropez town, the birth place of Army General Jean-Francois Allard. •. Henri Prevosat-Allard, Deputy Mayor and in-charge of tourism of Saint-Tropez met Punjab Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandal to invite him for the ceremony which will be held in the month of September.. Saudi Arabia, Egypt agree to build bridge over Red Sea Saudi Arabia’s has announced a pact with Egypt to build a bridge over the Red Sea linking the two countries. The deals agreed with would amount to about $1.7bn. •. This historic step to connect the two continents,Africaand Asia, is a qualitative transformation that will increase trade between the two continents to unprecedented levels.. China, Sri Lanka to redefine Colombo Port City project China and Sri Lanka have decided to redefine the Colombo Port City project by making it an international financial outpost in the Indian Ocean, as part of the 20-year framework •. Once the Port comes to operation it will be the bigger city in the Indian Ocean where there will be more opportunity of infrastructure development by Chinese and other companies.. •. The budget is estimated to be US$1.5 billion.. 31 | P a g e.

(32) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 Dubai to build tower taller than BurjKhalifa Dubai plans to build a tower that will stand higher than its BurjKhalifa, currently the world’s tallest skyscraper, will be built by property developer Emaar. The total cost will be USD 1 billion.. Nauru becomes 189th member of IMF, World Bank South Pacific island nation Nauru has become the 189th member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. •. Nauru applied for membership in the Washington-based IMF and World Bank in April 2014, after joining the United Nations in 1996 as the world’s smallest independent republic.. •. South Sudan had become the institution’s188th member and last country to join the IMF and World Bank in April 2012.. South Korea’s opposition party wins general election South Korea’s main opposition party won a surprise victory in general election, ending the 16year parliamentary majority. •. The main opposition Minjoo Party won 123 in the 300-member National Assembly and Park’s Saenuri Party yesterday won 122 seats in the 300-member National Assembly.. •. The splinter opposition People’s Party bagged 38 spots, and another six seats went to the Justice Party.. New York Mayor declares April 14 as Bindeshwar Pathak Day New York City declared this year’s April 14 as ‘Bindeshwar Pathak Day’ in recognition” of the contributions made by the Indian social activist and ‘Sulabh International’ founder for improving the lives of people engaged in the “most dehumanising situation”. •. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio honoured Pathak for his outstanding work to improve health and hygiene and “moving the world forward“.. US jury slaps $940 million fine two companies of India’s Tata group A US grand jury has slapped $ 940 million fine on two companies of India’s Tata group namely Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tata America International Corp •. TCS and Tata America International must pay USD 240 million to Epic Systems for stealing its software. •. Tata firms have also been asked to pay another USD 700 million as penalty.. WADA revokes Russian lab accreditation World Anti-Doping Agency revoked the accreditation of the Moscow Antidoping Center of Russia due to non-compliance with the International Standard for Laboratories and the. 32 | P a g e.

(33) Current Affairs PDF: April 2016 related Technical Documents •. The laboratory had been suspended on November 10, 2015 as recommended in the WADA independent commission report that laid bare evidence of state-sponsored doping and corruption in sport in the country.. EU approves anti-terror plan to collect air passenger information European Union lawmakers approved a scheme, to share airline passenger information. •. The scheme is used to track foreign fighters travelling to and from conflict areas like Syria.. •. Passenger Name Record law was approved at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, by 461 votes to 179, with nine abstentions.. Global Leaders Launch First ever Investment Framework for Nutrition and Call for Immediate Action Introduction: Due to decline in the progress of Nutrition, World level leading researchers and Economists in Nutrition fields have initiated thorough researches on Nutrition and reiterate the Governments and Businesspersons to invest in Nutrition to accelerate progress for Nutrition. Hosted By: The Investing in Nutrition: The Foundation for Development event by World Bank Malnutrition: Malnutrition is basic cause for fatal and nearly half of deaths of children under 5 years of age in every year due to unbalanced diet. Global Nutrition Report: •. Every $1 of investment in nutrition would produce $16 in benefits. •. In order to save an estimated 2.2 million lives, we have to invest an additional $2.2 billion per year in nutrition for next 10 years.. Conclusion: Every Global Leaders, Governments, Donors and Business to make financial policies and commitments in 2016 including African Development Banks meeting in Lusaka in May 2016. Cabinet clears expansion of India-Chile trade agreement Introduction: Union Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has successfully accorded its approval for expansion of the India – Chile Preferential Trade Agreement •. Expressing the happiness for the approval, Ambassador on Special mission to the Asia-Pacific, Eduardo Frei told that the issues were resolved and we hoped to sign the Agreement when he lead a high Level business and Official delegation during visit to India.. 33 | P a g e.

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