Current Affairs Monthly March. 2016

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Google doodle pays tribute to Rukmini Devi Arundale

Search engine giant Google on Monday celebrated the 112 ndbirth anniversary of Rukmini Devi
Arundale, a pioneering dancer of the 1930s, and a visionary institution-builder who built a public
cultural and educational centre known as Kalakshetra.
Rukmini-Devi-Arundale established the International Academy for the Arts in 1936, renamed as
Kalakshetra in 1938 (kala refers to the arts, and kshetra to a field or sanctuary.
KIA first in the country to get GreenCo Platinum rating
Kempegowda International Airport has become the first and only airport in the country to obtain
a GreenCo Platinum rating from the Green Building Council (GBC).In a statement on Sunday,
Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) said the rating, given by the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), reflects the environmental strategies adopted at the airport, which include water
conservation, adoption of biofuel for ground operations, and use of solar energy, among others.
The airport had received the GreenCo Silver rating in 2012, becoming the first in the country to
receive the rating after its launch by the Union Minister for Energy in 2011.
Vinod Rai appointed as first Chairman of Banks Board Bureau
Former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai has been appointed as the first
Chairman of Banks Board Bureau (BBB). His appointment comes after Prime Minister has
approved the proposal of the Department of Financial Services for the constitution of the BBB.
Appointed Members of Banks Board Bureau are Vinod Rai (Chairman):
He is former CAG from January 2008 and May 2013. N. Sinor (Member): He is former Joint
Managing Director of ICICI Bank. Anil K Khandelwal (Member): He is former CMD of Bank of
Barodas Rupa Kudwa (Members): She is former chief of CRISIL. The tenure of Mr Rai and other
members of the board will be of two years.
28 February: National Science Day
In India February 28 is celebrated as the National Science Day i.e. Rashtriya Vigyan Diwas every
year. Significance of Day: It aims to impart scientific temper in the minds of people of all age
groups. The theme for year 2016 is Scientific Issues for Development of the Nation that aims at
raising public appreciation.
Background In 1986, National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had
demanded Union Government to assign February 28 as the National Science Day for India. The
first National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 2000.
Indias Oldest Cricketer BK Garudachar passes away
Legendary pre-independence cricketer and skipper Bindiganavile Krishnaswamy Garudachar
passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was 99. At the time of his death, he was the oldest
living Indian first-class cricketer who had represented Mysore, United province and Bombay first
class cricket matches.
President Pranab Mukherjee declares Kerala as first digital state
President Pranab Mukherjee has formally declared Kerala as the countrys first digital state. It
was announced by President after launching a digital empowerment campaign of state at a
function to be held in Kozhikkode. The campaign aims at bridging the digital divide by 2020.
President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Indias first Gender Park at Kozhikode
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President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated Indias first Gender Park at Kozhikode district of Kerala.
It is also the first of its kind gender equality convergence centre in Asia. The park is an initiative
of the Social Justice Department of the Kerala Government to promote research and other
initiatives to enable total gender equality.
Ex-DRDO DG Dr Avinash Chander awarded Aryabhata Award
Former DRDO Director-General (DG) Dr Avinash Chander has been awarded prestigious
Aryabhata Award of Astronautical Society of India. He was bestowed with this award in
recognition for his contribution to missile technology. He was presented with this award from Dr R
Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to Union Government, and Dr A S Kiran Kumar,
Chairman ISRO. Avinash Chander Avinash Chander was the chief architect of Indias strategic
Agni series of ballistic missile systems and famously is known as Agni man of India.
Mumbai wins Ranji Trophy 2016
Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy for a season 2015-16 by defeating Saurashtra. With this
victory, Mumbai clinched Ranji title for record 41st time (10 of them being won with innings wins)
after playing in record 45 finals. In the final match played a Gahunje Stadium of Maharashtra
Cricket Association in Pune, Mumbai defeated Saurashtra by 21 runs.
Gianni Infantino elected as President of FIFA
Gianni Infantino (45) of Switzerland has been elected as new President of Fdration
International de Football Association (FIFA), a global governing body of football. He was declared
winner after winning a second-round vote by securing 115 of the 207 eligible votes in the 2016
FIFA Extraordinary Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland.
About Fdration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) FIFA in English International
Federation of Association Football is the governing body of association football, futsal and beach
football. Established: Headquarters: Zrich, Switzerland
Hyundai launches Indias first digital car outlet
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has inaugurated Indias first Digital Automotive Experience
Outlet called Unity Hyundai in the national capital
Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal penalised for selling medicines
The Maharashtra government has taken action against e-commerce giants Snapdeal, Amazon
and Flipkart which were selling medicines online without valid licences. Food and Drug
Administration, Maharashtra has taken regulatory action against these three companies, which
were found to be selling or distributing medicines to consumers through internet without valid
sales bill and requisite licenses. In accordance with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,
1940 and Rules.
Vedanta wins Indias first ever gold mine auction
Vedanta Limited has won Indias first-ever gold mining lease auctioned by the Chhattisgarh
government. The gold mine at Baghmara in Baloda Bazar district, about 140 km north-east of
Raipur, is one of the oldest explored deposit of the precious metal in Central India.
Samsung wins $119.6 mn patent case against Apple
A US appeals court has handed Samsung a win over Apple in a long-running patent fight,
overriding a jury verdict ordering it to pay $119.6 million to the iPhone maker. The court ruled
that two Apple patents at issue were not valid, according to a copy of the decision posted online.
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ISRO to set up Satellite Centre in Vietnam

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is working towards the establishment of a Satellite
Tracking & Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility in Vietnam for ASEAN Member
countries.
Rahul Sachdev won 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. In the final, Rahul defeated current
national 6Reds no.4 Pushpender Singh of Railways 5-3. Since last five years, Rahul had achieved
the highest by reaching the National 6Reds final in the year 2013.
Alok Verma as Delhis New Police Commissioner
Senior IPS officer Alok Kumar Verma took charge as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police on 29
February 2016. Mr Verma succeeds BS Bassi. Mr Verma, a 1979 batch IPS officer of the AGMUT
(Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre, was serving as the Director General
of Tihar jail
Indira Gandhi International Airport wins three international awards
Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has won three international awards for 2015
year given by the Airports Council International (ACI). In the ACIs Airport Service Quality (ASQ)
survey, IGAI has scored 4.96 on a scale of 1 to 5. IGIA has won Retained Worlds number one
airport for consecutive second year in 25 to 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category.
Best airport by size & region Asia Pacific (25-40 MPPA). Second best airport by region (Asia
Pacific).
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.
Rozle Prezelj elected as new Chairman of IAAF Athletes Commission
Slovenian high-jumper Rozle Prezelj (36) has been elected the new chairman of the International
Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Athletes Commission. He will replace Namibian Frank
Fredericks with immediate effect who reached the end of his term. Britains marathon world
record-holder Paula Radcliffe was nominated vice-chairwoman of the commission.
About -International Association of Athletics Federations the IAAF is the international governing
body for the sport of athletics. Founded in 1912 as the International Amateur Athletics Federation
at the organizations first congress in Stockholm, Sweden. Headquarters: Monaco.
Members: 214 federations from across the globe.
President: Sebastian Coe (United Kingdom).
MS Swaminathan Research Chair for Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences
The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation has signed a MOU with Bhubaneswar-based Kalinga
Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) to establish a Research Chair. The Chair will be named after MS
Swaminathan, father of Indian Green Revolution for promoting knowledge and skill for
empowerment for less privileged children in India. This is the first-ever initiative of the MS
Swaminathan Research Foundation to establish a Research Chair in any private institute in the
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country.
Sachin joined UNICEFs Team Swachh initiative
Rajya Sabha MP and Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined ICC and UNICEFs effort to build
a social movement for sanitation and toilet use, thereby leading to an open defecation-free
India. The UNICEF and International Cricket Council (ICC) have come together by launching
Cricket for Good with the aim of leveraging the vast reach and power of the sport. ICC and Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)s Team Swachh, a nationwide initiative in support of the
Government of Indias Swachh Bharat Mission,
Military Exercise Force Eighteen 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.
Participating countries 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.
Father Agnel School in Greater Noida school is Indias greenest
Father Agnel School in Greater Noidas Sector Beta 2 pipped 500 schools from across the country
to emerge as the greenest school. The award given away by the Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE) on February 23 came as part of a green school programme promoted by the
CSE. Father Agnel had been systematically turning green over the last two years after signing up
with the CSEs programme. The second prize went to Queens Valley School, Dwarka (Delhi), and
the third to the Government Senior Secondary School, Devnagar (Shimla).
Hashim Thaci elected as President of Kosovo
Hashim Thaci has been elected as the President of Kosovo by the Parliament of the country in
the third round. He will succeed Atifete Jahjaga. In the third round, 81 Members of Parliament
(MPs) off total 120 took part and Hashim Thaci secured 71 votes of them, proving required simple
majority.
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain appointed as Chief of Staff of Eastern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain took over as the Chief of Staff of the Visakhapatnam headquartered
Eastern Naval Command. He succeeds Vice Admiral Bimal Verma who has been transferred as
Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command at Port Blair.
Rahul Sachdev wins 1st All India Open Invitational Snooker Championship
Rahul Sachdev has won the first All India Open Invitational Snooker Championship 2016 held
at Aurangabad in Maharashtra. In the final match, Rahul defeated Pushpender Singh of Indian
Railways by 5-3 score. It was his maiden title and is considered as major breakthrough in his
career after winning this title.
India ranks 90th in terms of energy security, access: WEF Report
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).
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Top 10 countries in GEAPI Report: Switzerland (1st), Norway (2nd), Sweden (3rd), France (4th),
Denmark (5th), Austria (6th), Spain (7th), Colombia (8th), New Zealand (9th) and Uruguay (10th).
Among the BRIC nations: Brazil (25th), Russia (52nd), India (90th) and China (94th).
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
Former NZ cricket captain Martin Crowe passes away
Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe passed away in Auckland, New Zealand after a
long battle with cancer. He was 53 and was suffering from lymphoma, a cancer of the immune
system. Crowe was widely regarded as one of New Zealands best ever batsman and had
represented the country from the early 1980s until his retirement in 1996.
South African spinner Aaron Phangiso suspended over illegal bowling action
International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended South Africa left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso
from bowling in Domestic cricket for suspect bowling action. He was suspended after ICCs Panel
of Human Movement Specialists found that his bowling deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level
of tolerance permitted under ICC regulations. The tests were conducted after he was reported for
suspect action in February 2015 by an ICC accredited laboratory at the University of Pretorias
High-Performance Centre. So far, Phangiso has played 16 one-day internationals (ODIs) and 9
T20s for South Africa.
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: He is a visiting worker at the Crick Institute in London.
Graham Collingridge: He is professor of neuroscience in anatomy at the University of Bristol. He
is also head of the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto.
Richard Morris: He is a professor of neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh
Armaan Ebrahim won FMSCI Motorsports Man of the Year Trophy
Indias Armaan Ebrahim was awarded the Motorsports Man-of-the-Year Trophy at a gala award
ceremony. The ceremony was organised by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI)
in New Delhi. BI Chandhok, who is a founder of the FMSCI, was awarded the Lifetime
Achievement award for his contribution towards the motorsport in India
CBI plans to set up Cyber Crime investigation Branch in Mumbai
The Central Bureau of Investigation is exploring the possibility of setting up a cyber crime
investigation branch in Mumbai. With the increasing number of cyber crime, CBI is planning to
set up a special branch in Mumbai.
Chennai gets Indias first self-cleaning smart toilets
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A total of 180 self-cleaning public eToilets have been installed in Chennai. These Toilets are free
for public use. Each toilet automatically cleans itself before entry and after use and sensors
enable consumption of less water and power with each use. Around 40 toilets come equipped
with a sanitary napkin generator
Zero Discrimination Day March 1
Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1 every year to promote diversity and recognizes
that everyone counts. Organizations like the United Nations (UN) actively promote the day with
various activities to celebrate everyones right to live a full life with dignity regardless of age,
gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin color, height, weight, profession, education, and
beliefs.
Bill Gates is richest person in the World, Mukesh Ambani at 36th Forbes
According to Forbes annual ranking of billionaires, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates continued his
reign as the richest person in the world. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani has
retained his position as Indias richest person, leading a pack of 84 Indian billionaires in 2016.
Top 5 billionaires: Bill Gates ($75 billion), Mr. Amancio Ortega ($67 billion), Mr. Warren Buffett
($60.8 billion), Mr. Carlos Slim Helu ($50 billion) and Jeff Bezos ($45.2 billion).
Among Indians: Indias richest person Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries was
placed at 38th position with net fortune of $20.6 billion. He was followed by Dilip Shanghvi (44th)
and Azim Premji (55th).
3rd March: World Wildlife Day
Every year 3rd March is being observed as World Wildlife Day (WWD) to celebrate and raise
awareness of the worlds wild fauna and flora. Significance of Day: It calls for taking up urgent
steps to fight wildlife crime which has wide-ranging environmental, economic and social impacts.
2016 theme: The future of wildlife is in our hands. While the main focus of this years global
campaigns are African and Asian elephants.
Former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma died
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma died in New Delhi on 4 March 2016. He was 68.
Sangma was a nine-time member of the Lok Sabha and the Speaker in the 11th Lok Sabha. He
was also the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990 and Leader of the Opposition in the
Assembly from 1990 to 1991. Born on September 1, 1947 in village Chapahati in the picturesque
West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. A Congressman, who was one of the founding members of
the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was expelled from it in July 2012 when he refused to accept
his partys decision to quit the race for Indias President. In January 2013, he formed the National
Peoples Party.
Manoj Kumar honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award
Veteran Bollywood Actor and Director Manoj Kumar is to be conferred the 47th Dadasaheb Phalke
Award for the year 2015 on 4 March 2016. Award is conferred by the Government of India for
outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. Manoj Kumar is a
recipient of National Film Award for the film Upkar. In the year 1992, he was honoured with the
Padma Shri by the Government of India. Manoj Kumar was born in July 1937, in Abbottabad, then
part of Pre-Independent India.
Sunil Sabharwal took charge as Alternate Executive Director at IMF
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Sunil Sabharwal, an independent Indian-American investor took charge as Alternate Executive

Director at International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 4 March 2016. He took the charge after his
appointed was confirmed by the US Senate. He becomes first Indian-American to occupy a key
administration post at the IMF.
Prime Minister Launches Setu Bharatam Programme
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Rs 50,000 crore Setu Bharatam programme for
building bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways, in New Delhi on 4 March
2016. The Setu Bharatam programme aims to make all National Highways free of railway level
crossings by 2019. The Minister informed that 208 Railway Over Bridges (ROB)/Railway Under
Bridges (RUB) will be built at the level crossings at a cost of Rs. 20,800 crore as part of the
programme.
Mumbai U-23 team clinched CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16
Mumbai U 23 team won CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16 title, by beating Madhya Pradesh at the
MPCA Stadium in Indore on 4 March 2016. IDBI Federal Life Insurance awards the Mumbai Team
with a cash prize of Rs. 20 Lakh.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly passes UP Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill, 2016
On 4 March 2016, Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the UP Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill 2016
replacing an ordinance issued by the Governor Ram Naik. The Bill allows Dalits of the state to sell
their land to non-Dalits in the state without approval of the administration even if their remaining
holding is less than 3.5 acres.
The first Raisina Dialogue kicks off in New Delhi
The Ministry of External Affairs has co-hosted the first Raisina Dialogue with the Observer
Research Foundation on 1-3 March 2016, in New Delhi. The Raisina Dialogue saw the
participation of more than 450 participants from around 40 countries. The theme of the dialogue
was Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity. The inaugural address was given by Indias External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The conference has been organized on the lines of the ShangriLa Dialogue held in Singapore.
First India-US Workshop on Traditional Medicine
The two (3-4 March 2016) days India-US Workshop on Traditional Medicine concluded
successfully in New Delhi. The Workshop was organized under the auspices of the first U.S.-India
Health Dialogue held in September, 2015 in Washington, D.C.Nearly 175 participants including
experts related to traditional systems and modern medicine, biologists, and researchers from
India and the U.S. took part in the first of its kind Workshop.
India files trade complaint against U.S. over temporary work visas
India has filed a complaint against the United States decision to impose high fees L-1 and H-1B
categories of temporary working visas in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). US had imposed
fees on certain applicants for L-1 and H-1B categories of non-immigrant temporary working visas
into the country.
India won Asia Cup title for sixth time
India defeated Bangladesh in the final of 2016 Asia Cup by 8 wickets played at Sher-e-Bangla
National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh on 6 March 2016. India won the toss and elected
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to field first. Bangladesh posted 121 runs target which India chased down for the loss of just 2
wickets. Indian cricket team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the Asia Cup for the record sixth
time. The countries that played in 2016 Asia Cup were India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pranab Mukherjee Inagurated National Conference on Women Legislation
A two-day National Conference of Women Legislators held in New Delhi from 5 March to 6 March
2016 with theme Women Legislators-Building Resurgent India. The conference organised by the
Parliament. It was inaugurated by the President Pranab Mukherjee. Speaker of Bangladesh Shirin
Chaudhary attended the conference and was the Chairperson of the Plenary Session.
Kalabhavan Mani, famous Malayalam actor and singer dead
Popular Malayalam actor and folk singer Kalabhavan Mani passed away on 6 March 2016 in
Kochi. He was 45. Mani got national special jury award in 2000 for his performance in Malayalam
film Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum. Mani was born at Chalakkudy in Thrissur district.
Adopts Nagepur village under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has selected Nagepur village in his Varanasi Constituency of Lok
Sabha in Uttar Pradesh under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). Earlier in the first phase
of SAGY, PM had adopted Jayapur village in Sevapuri Assembly segment of Varanasi in 2014. The
main objective of the Jojana is The development of model villages, called Adarsh Grams, through
the implementation of existing schemes, and certain new initiatives to be designed for the local
context, which may vary from village to village. Under this scheme, MPs will be responsible for
developing the socio-economic and physical infrastructure of three villages each by 2019, and a
total of eight villages each by 2024.
E-mail inventor Ray Tomlinson passed away
Internet pioneer and e-mail inventor Raymond Tomlinson passed away in Washington, United
States. He was 74 years old. Tomlinson invented direct electronic messages between users on
different machines on a certain network in 1971. He implemented the First email system on the
ARPANET system which is considered as the precursor to the Internet.
8 March: International Womens Day
Every year International Womens Day is being observed on 8th March across the globe to
highlight the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. 2016 theme declared by
United Nations: Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality.
Air India operates worlds longest all-women flight
National carrier Air India successfully flew the Worlds longest all-woman operated and supported
flight from the national capital New Delhi to San Francisco (United States).
Germany to develop Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Coimbatore as Smart Cities
Germany has decided to partner with Indias smart city programme and will help developing
Kochi (Kerala), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) as smart cities.
Maria Sharapova provisionally suspended after failing drugs test at Australian Open
Former world number one female tennis player Maria Sharapova (28) from Russia has revealed
that she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open. Due to this failure the International Tennis
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Federation (ITF) has provisionally suspended her till further action from Tennis for violating AntiDoping Rule.
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.
Former NDDB chief Amrita Patel gets Mahindra lifetime achievement award
Dr Amrita Patel was conferred prestigious 2016 Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Lifetime
Achievement Award also known as the Krishi Shiromani Samman. The award was bestowed upon
her by Union Minister of Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh for her contribution in the field of
agriculture and to increase productivity and rural prosperity.
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
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.
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. Background Earlier in September 2015, RBI has granted in principle
approval to 10 entities including CLAB ltd to set up small finance banks to provide basic banking
services to small farmers and micro industries.
Dogri poetess Padma Sachdev awarded 2015 Krutitava Smagra Samman
Renowned Dogri poetess and writer Padma Sachdev has been awarded prestigious Krutitava
Smagra Samman for the year 2015. She was bestowed with this award for her outstanding
contribution in literature and great service to Dogri Language. It was presented to her by West
Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.
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. Captain of Patna Pirates:
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Manpreet Singh. Captain of U Mumba: Anup Kumar.

SBI granted operating licence by Myanmar
Indias largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) has been granted preliminary approval to operate
Myanmar. SBI was granted operating licence by Myanmar Government along with three other
Asian banks. They are Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, Sun Commercial Bank
of Taiwan and Shinhan Bank of South Korea.
PM adopted Nagepur village in his Varanasi Constituency under SAGY
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has selected Nagepur village in his Varanasi Constituency of Lok
Sabha in Uttar Pradesh under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). Earlier in the first phase
of SAGY, PM had adopted Jayapur village in Sevapuri Assembly segment of Varanasi in 2014.
Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) SAGY encourages Members of Parliament (MPs) from both
Houses to identify and develop one village from their constituency as a model village. Under this
scheme, MPs will be responsible for developing the socio-economic and physical infrastructure of
three villages each by 2019, and a total of eight villages each by 2024.
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. The
theme of Raisina-Dialogue 2016 is Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity.
Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan appointed as Chairman of 21st Law Commission of India
The Union Government has appointed former Supreme Court (SC) judge Justice Balbir Singh
Chauhan (66) as Chairman of the 21st Law Commission of India (LCI). Currently he is Chairman of
the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal. He was judge of the SC from May 2009 to July 2014.
He also had served as Chief Justice of Orissa high court from July 2008 to May 2009. Apart from
him, Union Government has appointed former judge of the Gujarat high court Justice Ravi R
Tripathi as member of 21st LCI.
About Law Commission of India (LCI) The LCI is a non-statutory and non-constitutional body
constituted by the Union Government from time to time. The first commission was constituted in
1955 and since then various commissions were re-constituted every three years.
India, Bangladesh sign $2 billion Line of Credit
India has signed the second line of credit (LOC) agreement extending 2 billion dollars in
development financing to Bangladesh for undertaking various development projects. This credit
line will be provided through Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank), Indias external lending
arm. It is Exim Banks biggest ever LOC facility given to another country.
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. It has bettered
Rest of Indias previous 424, chasing target set by Delhi at the Ferozshah Kotla in 1982-83.
ISRO successfully launches IRNSS-1F satellite
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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Indias sixth navigation
Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) 1F satellite. It was launched by ISROs
workhorse satellite launch vehicle, PSLV-C32 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR),
Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. It was PLSVs 34th mission.
CCEA approves Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
CCEA approves Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
(CCEA) has approved Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for providing free of cost LPG
(cooking gas) connections to women from BPL Households. This scheme will be implemented by
Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It will be for the first time ministry will be
implementing a welfare scheme.
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.
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).
Brazil musician Nana Vasconcelos passes away
Acclaimed Brazil musician Nan Vasconcelos passed away due to lung cancer in the northeastern
Brazilian city of Recife. He was 71.
Beatles Producer George Henry Martin passes away
The legendary music producer George Henry Martin passed away in Wiltshire, England. He was
90. He was popularly known as the fifth Beatle as he had signed the rock band Beatles and
became their indispensable mentor and collaborator.
Jain Teerthankar idol enters Guinness book of records
A 108feet tall idol of Lord Rishabhdeva, the first Teerthankar of Jains, carved out of a single
rock, has entered the Guinness World Records as the worlds tallest Jain statue. The impressive
statue is located atop Mangi Tungi mountain near Teharabad village of Baglan tehsil in this North
Maharashtra district.
First ever NCC girls Everest expedition flagged
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 cad
MS Dhoni signed as Revital H brand ambassador
Sun Pharmaceuticals has named Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni as brand ambassador of
its health supplement brand Revital H. Earlier, actor Salman Khan was its brand ambassador for
Revital H.
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Fitch maintains Indias growth forecast at 7.5%

Global rating agency Fitch has maintained its growth forecast for India at 7.5 per cent this fiscal
and sees higher growth over the next two financial years. However, 8 per cent growth will remain
elusive in the short term. The forecast is largely in line with the Finance Ministrys growth
estimates.
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
in 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. About Maritime
India Summit 2016 the maiden Maritime India Summit is scheduled to be held in Mumbai,
Maharashtra. It will be organised by Union Ministry of Shipping. It will be first such global summit
of its kind that will also comprise of an Investors Summit along with exhibition and demo
session.
Karnataka launches Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana for free treatment to
accident victims
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.
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.
Anand Mahindra conferred Frances Knight of the Legion of Honour
Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra Group Anand G Mahindra was on 5
March 2016 conferred with the Chevalier de la Legion dHonneur (Knight of the Legion of
Honour). The honour was conferred upon by Franois Richier, Ambassador of France to India
IMF to set up data sharing centre in India
In a first for Asia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will set up a knowledge sharing centre in
India, to provide technical support and assistance here and to five other South Asian nations.
Their team will extend expertise in core macro-economic and financial management areas.
New radio channel for traffic updates on National Highways
The Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry is working on an ambitious plan to broadcast
traffic updates through a dedicated radio frequency across various national highways.
Germany to develop three smart cities in India
Germany is going to participate in the smart city programme of the Union government. The
European country will help to develop Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore as smart cities.
Announcement: Government likely to merge 27 PSU banks into 6 banks
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With public sector banks reeling under tremendous pressure to tackle their dismal bad loan
situation, consolidation is the way forward, and this could bring down the number of lenders to
about 6 from the present 27, participants in the recently-held Gyan Sangam, a retreat for chiefs
of public sector banks and financial institutions according to a report published in Hindustan
Times. However, consolidations among banks will take some time so as to safeguard against
disruptions in the functioning of the state-run lenders. As banks are already short-staffed,
downsizing would not be required.
Lok Sabha passes Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits
and Services) Bill, 2016
Lok Sabha has passed the Aadhaar (Target Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits
and Services) Bill, 2016 by voice vote. It was introduced as Money Bill. The Bill is aimed at giving
statutory backing for transferring government subsidies and benefits to targeted people by
assigning them Aadhaar numbers i.e. unique identity numbers. With this, government plans to
plug leakages in disbursal of subsidies and other services and in ensuring that these reach
intended beneficiaries.
Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Abul Gheit named as Secretary General of Arab League
Veteran Egyptian diplomat Ahmed Abul Gheit (73) has been selected as Secretary General of the
Arab League. The 22-member league voted unanimously in favour of Aboul Gheit who was only
contender for the post at its ministerial meeting held in Cairo, Egypt. He will succeed Nabil ElAraby, Egyptian diplomat whose term ends in July 2016 after he had rejected second five-year
term.
Lin Dan wins 2016 All England Badminton title
Lin Dan from China has won the prestigious 2016 All England Badminton title in the mens
singles category. In the final match played 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.
Other category winners
Singles category: Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) won the title by defeating Wang Shixian (China)
Mens Doubles category: Russian pair Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov won the title by
defeating Japanese pair Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa
Womens Doubles category: Japanese pair Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi won the title
by defeating Chinese pair Tang Yuanting and Yu Yang
Mixed Doubles category: Indonesian pair Praveen Jordan and Debby Susanto won the title by
defeating Denmark pair Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen
Services wins 70th Santosh Trophy football title
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.
Railway Ministry launches Clean My Coach service
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has launched an online Clean My Coach service in line with
Indian Railways cleanliness drive Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat and Union Governments flagship
Digital India Programme. The online service allows travellers to get their compartments cleaned
by sending an SMS or by a designated website or by using an application. The service was
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announced by the Railway Minister in his 2016-17 Rail Budget speech.

NITI Aayog launches Women Transforming India initiative
Union Governments premier think-tank NITI Aayog has launched the Women Transforming India
initiative. The initiative was launched on the eve of International Womens Day (8th March) in
partnership with the United Nations and MyGov.
Kerala Tourism campaign wins Golden City Gate Award
Kerala Tourisms campaign titled New Worlds has won the prestigious Golden City Gate Award
at the at the Internationale Tourismus-Brse 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.
Justice Ajit Singh sworn-in as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court
Justice Ajit Singh was sworn in as Chief Justice (CJ) of the Gauhati High Court. He was
administered the oath of office by Assam Governor P B Acharya as per the provisions of the
Article 129 of Constitution.
Anand Mahindra conferred with Frances Chevalier de la Legion dHonneur
Mahindra & Mahindra Chairman and Managing Director (MD) Anand Mahindra was conferred with
Chevalier de la Legion dHonneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by French Government.
NPS Hira appointed as Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Chief of the Armys Northen Command, Lt Gen NPS Hira has been appointed as Deputy Chief of
Army Staff and would assume office on March 14. Lt Gen NPS Hira is from the Sikh Light Infantry.
He has commanded the Jallandhar-based 11 Corps Defenders of Punjab.
National Led Bulbs Scheme Gets a New Face in UJALA
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy has
announced the name UJALA for the LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP),
which is currently running successfully in over 120 cities across India. UJALA, an acronym for
Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All, is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services
Limited (EESL).
10 most expensive and cheapest cities in the world
EIUs Worldwide Cost of Living survey compares over 400 individual prices across 160 products
and services including food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items, rent,
transportation, utility bills, private schools, domestic help and recreational costs.
Top 10 most expensive cities in the world
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Singapore, Singapore
Zurich, Switzerland
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Geneva, Switzerland
Paris, France
London, UK
New York, US
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Los Angeles, US
Top 10 cheapest cities in the world
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lusaka, Zambia
Bangalore, India
Mumbai, India
Almaty, Kazakhstan

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5. Algiers, Algeria
6. Chennai, India
7. Karachi, Pakistan
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8. New Delhi, India
9. Damascus, Syria
10. Caracas, Venezuela

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Israel Kristal as worlds oldest living man

Guinness World Records on 11 March 2016 confirmed that Mr Israel Kristal of Haifa, Israel, is the
worlds Oldest living man. he was born in Poland, near the town of Zarnow on 15 September
1903
Cuba and EU agree to normalise diplomatic ties
The European Union and Cuba have signed an agreement to normalise diplomatic relations after
two years of talks on 11 March 2016. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and EU foreign
policy chief Federica Mogherini witnessed the signing of the pact, which will replace a policy
imposed by Europe 20 years ago that pushed for changes to Cubas one-party political system.
Arab League declares Hezbollah group a terrorist organization
Arab League foreign ministers on 11 March 2016 declared Lebanons Shia movement Hezbollah a
terrorist group, after Sunni-dominated Gulf monarchies adopted the same stance.
Union Government 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 plasticprocessing 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 injectionmoulding machines, also known as injection presses.
Mother Teresa to be canonised as Saint
Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary will be elevated to Sainthood i.e.
will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church on September 4, 2016. In this regard, Pope
Francis has approved a decree recognising a second miracle attributed to Mother Teresas
intercession with God.
Mother Teresa Mother Teresa was born as Anjez Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910 in Skopje
(Now in Macedonia) then part of the Kosovo Vilayet in the Ottoman Empire. She was the founder
of Kolkata based Missionaries of Charity that helps poor on the streets of Kolkata. Through the
charity organisation, she had spent around 45-years serving the poor, sick, orphaned and dying
on the streets of Kolkata. She had died at the age of 87 in 1997 in Kolkata. Awards and Honours:
Ramon Magsaysay Award (1962), Padma Shri (1962), Nobel Peace Prize (1979), Bharat Ratna
(1980) etc.
Htin Kyaw elected as first civilian President of Myanmar
Myanmars Parliament elected Htin Kyaw (69) as the first civilian (non-military) President of the
country after 53 years of military rule. He was candidate of National League for Democracy (NLD)
party and was elected after securing 360 of the total 652 casted votes.
Indian Scholar Appointed VC of Canberra University
Saini, 60, currently the Vice-President of the University of Toronto and Principal of the University
of Toronto Mississauga campus in Canada, will succeed Vice Chancellor Stephen Parker
in September who steps down from the post in Julyafter over nine years in the service.
15 March: World Consumer Rights Day
Every year World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is being observed on 15 March for celebration
and solidarity within the international consumer movement.
2016 Theme: Antibiotics off the menu. The theme is a campaign to stop the sale of meat raised
with the use of antibiotics important to human medicine.
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 Russias Roscosmos from Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
ExoMars 2016 is the first of a two-phase of ExoMars (Exobiology on Mars) program.
Renowned British author Anita Brookner passes away
Renowned British author and art historian Anita Brookner passed away. She was 87. Brookner
had won the Booker in 1984 for her novel Hotel du Lac and was a bestselling author who had
written around 25 books.
Nobel Prize winner economist Lloyd Stowell Shapley passes away
Renowned American mathematician and Nobel Prize-winning economist Lloyd Stowell Shapley
passed away on 12 March 2016. He was 92. He had contributed to the fields of mathematical
economics and especially game theory. He was considered one of the fathers of game theory.
Kakrapar nuclear plant shut down after coolant system develops leak
Recently, power generation unit 1 at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat was shut
down for indefinitely period after leakage of heavy water.
Palestinian Hanan Al Hroub wins 2016 Global Teacher Prize
Palestinian teacher Hanan Al Hroub from a refugee camp has been awarded prestigious one
million dollar 2016 Global Teacher Prize. She was presented with the award at a ceremony held in
Dubai for her outstanding contribution to the profession. She beat nine other finalists to bag the
award including Indias Robin Chaurasiya, who runs a not-for-profit school in Mumbai for girls
from the citys red light district of Kamatipura.
13th meeting of Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development held in Dubai
Sustainable Development was held on 14 March 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(UAE).meeting was held to promote the power of broadband networks and servicesfor
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
March 14 is celebrated annually as Pi Day
Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day date format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first
three significant digits of .
In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day.
Union Government fixed uniform price for sale of Bt cotton seeds in the country
The Union Government has for the first time fixed a uniform price for Bt cottonseed. In a
notification the Union Agriculture Ministry has fixed the maximum sale price of each Bt cotton
seed packet at Rs. 800 for bollgard (BG)-II version of hybrid seed.
Goa Government 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. Key facts
Former Mossad Director Meir Dagan passes away
Former Director of Israels intelligence agency Mossad Meir Dagan passed away due to liver
cancer. He was 71. Dagan had served as Director General of the Mossad from 2002 until his
retirement in 2011. He was widely credited for covertly disrupting Irans nuclear program.
SC allows pictures of CMs, Governors, Ministers in Government 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.
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 Banks
concessionary lending arm International Development Association (IDA). Key facts
Punjab Government 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.
Swine flu (swine influenza): It is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that
infect the respiratory tract of pigs. H1N1 (Hemagglutinin Type 1 and Neuraminidase Type 1) is the
subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza (flu). Its
common symptoms are nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite and listless
behaviour.
British mathematician Andrew Wiles wins 2016 Abel Prize
British mathematician Andrew Wiles (62) was named as the winner of the prestigious 2016 Abel
Prize. He was selected by the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters for solving a centuries
old hypothesis (equation), Fermats Last Theorem. Academy has described his achievement as
an epochal moment for mathematics and will be bestowed with this award in May 2016 by the
Crown Prince Haakon.
Abel Prize Abel Prize is a Norwegian prize awarded annually to one or more outstanding
mathematicians. It is described as the mathematicians Nobel Prize. The award was established
by the Government of Norway in 2001. It has been named after Norwegian mathematician Niels
Henrik Abel.
India ranks 118th on UNs World Happiness Index 2016
India ranked 118th out of 157 countries on the United Nations World Happiness Index (WHI)
2016. It was revealed by the fourth World Happiness Report 2016 published by the Sustainable
Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative for the UN.
Highlights of Report Top 10 countries: Denmark (1st), Switzerland (2nd), Iceland (3rd), Norway
(4th) and Finland (5th), Canada (6th), Netherlands (7th), New Zealand (8th), Australia (9th) and
Sweden (10th).
5 Least happiest countries: Rwanda (152nd), Benin (153rd), Afghanistan (154th), Togo (155th),
Syria (156th) and Burundi (157th).
Among BRICS: Brazil (17th), Russia (56th), China (83rd), South Africa (116th) and India (118th).
Indias Neighbours: Nepal (78th), China (83rd), Bhutan (84th), Pakistan (104th), Bangladesh
(110th), Sri Lanka (117th) and Afghanistan (154th).
Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passes away
Eminent Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passed away following prolonged
illness in Kolkatta, West Bengal. He was 77. He was one of the best-known players of the
instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan. He hailed from a family of renowned Shehnai
exponents from Benaras.
US President Barack Obama 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.
Fazle Kabir appointed as Governor of Bangladeshs Central Bank
Bangladesh Government has appointed Former Secretary of Finance Division Fazle Kabir as the
new Governor of Bangladesh Bank, countrys central bank. He will succeeds Atiur Rahman who
had resigned after taking moral responsibility over the cyber theft from the central banks official
account with New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Times Internet appoints Gautam Sinha as CEO
Times of India Groups digital wing, Times Internet, has appointed former COOGautam
Sinha as the CEO. Also, former CEO Satyan Gajwani is promoted as theManaging Director.
The new appointments will come into effect in April.
5600 wilful defaulters owe banks Rs 60K Crore
According to the data from credit information bureau CIBIL, more than 5,600 borrowers, who
owe banks close to Rs 60,000 crore, have been declared wilful defaulters by lenders as on
December 31.
Revises rules for resolution of stressed MSME loans
The rules have been revised for revival and rehabilitation of MSMEs having loan limits up to Rs
25 crore.
Hitachi to setup ATM making firm in India
The new company has been set up with a capital of Rs 100 crore and is set a target to
produce 1,500 units of ATMs per month at the end of calendar year 2016.The new entity is
expected to commence production in June 2016.Hitachi has deployed over 5,000 units of ATM in
India by 2015 and at present, there are about two lakh ATMs and CDs (Cash Dispensing ATMs)
operating in the country.
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.
Modi will inaugurate Krishi Unnati Mela
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will tomorrow (19 March) inaugurate three-day Krishi Unnati
Mela providing information on new farm schemes and technologies that will help farmers double
their incomes within the next few years.The mela, or fair, is being held at the Pusa campus in the
national capital.Modi will give away Krishi Karman Awards to states and progressive farmers
who have made outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture. He will also visit the theme
pavilion and address farmers.
21 March: International Day of Forests
Every year 21st March is being observed as International Day of Forests to raise awareness of the
importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests. Theme for 2016: Forests and
water. The day was established by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on
November 28, 2012.
HS Prannoy wins 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title
Ace Indian shuttler HS Prannoy (World no 13) has won the prestigious 2016 Swiss Open Grand
Prix Gold badminton tournament in the mens single category. In the final match played at Basel,
Switzerland, he defeated Marc Zwiebler (World no 7) of Germany 21-18, 21-15 score. It was his
second Grand Prix Gold title after the Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold won in 2014.
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. India wrestling star Yogeshwar Dutt has qualified
for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 65 kg weight category in freestyle category.
March 20: World Sparrow Day
The world sparrow day is being observed every year on March 20 to raise awareness of the
house sparrow and other common birds to urban environments and threats to their populations.
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.
ICC suspends Bangladesh bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny 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.
Geetakshi Arora wins inaugural Noor Inayat Khan Prize
An Indian student Geetakshi Arora has been awarded the inaugural Noor Inayat Khan Prize for
her excellent dissertation on Goddess Myths in Graphic Novels: Reimagining Indian Feminity.
Currently, Geetakshi is a post-graduate student of the South Asia Institute at the School of
Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
Surat Cleanest Railway Station
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- Ek Kadam Swachhta Ki Aur is the pet project of our Prime Minister
Narendra Modi which was flagged off on October 2, 2014 with a vision to make India free of open
defecation by 2019 and to fulfil Mahatma Gandhis dream of a clean India. As a part of this
project, a survey was conducted at 407 railway stations, which included 75 A-1 stations and 332
A-category stations, Surat has emerged to be the cleanest Railway Stations in India, followed by
Rajkot and Bilaspur. Varanasi stood last when evaluated on forty cleanliness parameters which
formed the basis of the survey.
SAARC Foreign Ministerial Meeting
The 37th foreign ministerial meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) countries concluded in Nepals Pokhara on March 17 with the declaration to convene the
19th Summit in Pakistan on 9-10 November 2016.
First World Sufi Forum
First World Sufi Forum was held from 17-20 March in NewDelhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurated World Sufi Forum in New Delhi. The meeting was organized by All India Ulama and
Mashaikh Board (AIUMB), the apex body of Sufi Dargahs in India.
Narendra Modi on TIMEs Most Influential People On Internet
TIME magazine on 16 March unveiled its second annual 30 Most Influential People on the Internet
list. The list has been topped by the artist and entrepreneur Kanye West. Indias Prime Minister
Narendra Modi boasting more than 18 million Twitter followers and over 32 million Facebook likes
stood at 15th in the list.
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 IAFs combat and fire power was
conducted in the presence of Honble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
General Lori Robinson nominated as first US female combatant Chief
United States (US) Air Force General Lori Robinson has been selected as the next head of the US
militarys Northern Command. With this she becomes the first woman to head a US combatant
command as the position is one of the most senior in the US military.
Venkaiah Naidu conferred with Skoch Lifetime Achievement Award
Union urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs
Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has been conferred with the Skoch Lifetime Achievement Award. He
was bestowed with this award at 43rd SKOCH summit held in New Delhi for his contributions to
inclusive growth and towards poverty alleviation in India.
Ashley Judd appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of UN Population Fund appointed
Acclaimed humanitarian, actor, writer and political activist Ashley Judd from US has been
appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
DataWind receives award for maximum consumer pull
DataWind Inc., the leader in delivering Internet access to emerging markets, has been
recognized for the tablet brand with maximum consumer pull. The award was presented to
DataWind during the Tele Analysis Device World 2016, Confluence of Indian Device Ecosystem, in
New Delhi.
Cairn India bags five awards at FICCI Excellence Awards
Cairn India has remained in the top deciles of safety performance amongst peer group
companies for the FICCI Safety Systems Excellence Award in Manufacturing.
DLF Mall of India wins `Best Retail Project of the Year` award
DLF Mall of India (Noida) has won the award for Best Retail Project of the Year 2015 at CNBC
Awaaz Real Estate Awards held in Mumbai.Mall of India launched the first phase of the mall in
Mid- December 2015 with over 180 brands opening their doors to the customers.DLF Limited also
received the most prestigious awards for Developer of the Decade for DLF Ltd. and Project of the
decade for DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon.
Messi appointed as Huawei global ambassador
FC Barcelonas player Lionel Messi has been named Huawei global ambassador. The
partnership with Lionel Messi showcases the brands alignment with people and brands that
demonstrate, and strive towards its shared value of connecting greatness.
Huawei shipped 108 million smartphones in 2015 and became the third-largest player
after Apple and Samsung.
GOI allows 49% automatic route FDI in Insurance
Seeking to attract more foreign investment, the government has relaxed FDI norms for insurance
sector by permitting overseas companies to buy 49 per cent stake in domestic insurers without
prior approval. Currently, FDI up to 26 per cent is permitted through automatic approval route.
For FDI up to 49 per cent, the approval of Foreign Investment Promotion Board is required.
First Gay marriage bureau set up in India
Benhur Samson, an NRI, has set up Indias first Gay marriage bureau for homosexuals to
help gay people find the right match for them. The bureau charges $5,000 so that only serious
candidates came forward to look for their match. If in case the person does not find the match
the money charged is refundable.
Sudhir Raheja given extra charge as AAI chairman
Member (Planning) Sudhir Raheja has been given the additional charge of the Airports
Authority of India (AAI) Chairman after R K Srivastavas tenure was curtailed suddenly by the
government.
PM Modi confers Himachal Pradesh with Krishi Karman Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred Krishi Karman Award to the government of Himachal
Pradesh for its landmark achievement in showing highest production of food grains in year 201415, despite adverse weather conditions and rain-fed farming in the state.
Indias current account deficit narrows to 1.3% of GDP
Indias current account deficit narrowed to 1.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the
fiscal third quarter, from 1.5% in the year earlier as trade deficit contracted. Data released by the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) showed trade deficit during the October-December quarter narrowed
to $34 billion from $38.6 billion during the same period in 2014-15.
Ties up with PVR to sell online movie tickets
Cinema exhibition chain PVR cinemas and mobile payments and commerce platform Paytm have
announced a strategic relationship that will bring PVRs movie tickets to Paytms e-commerce
platform as a part of its nationwide foray in the online movie ticket segment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Kisan Suvidha mobile app
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Kisan Suvidha mobile application for farmers. It will
provide information on subjects such as weather, market prices, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and
agriculture machinery. Kisaan Suvidha is an omnibus mobile app developed to help farmers by
providing relevant information to them quickly.
World Puppetry Day March 21
World Puppetry Day, is observed on March 21 every year. The idea came from the puppet
theater Artist Javad Zolfaghari from Iran. In 2000 at the XVIII Congress of the Union Internationale
de la Marionnette, (UNIMA) in Magdeburg, he made the proposal for discussion. Two years later,
at a meeting of the International Council of UNIMA in June 2002 in Atlanta, the date of the
celebration was identified. The first celebration was in 2003.
IKEA donates Rs 92 crore for safe water projects in India, Indonesia
Swedish furniture retailing giant IKEA will contribute 12.4 million euro (Rs 92.84 crore)to provide
safe water and sanitation to one million people in India and Indonesia through Water.Org.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016 observed

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016 was observed on 21
March 2016 with the theme Challenges and Achievements of the Durban Declaration and
Programme of Action.
M Sukumaran chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize
Renowned Malayalam writer M Sukumaran in the third week of March 2016 was chosen for the
CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize. The prize consists of 10001 rupees in cash, a citation, and a
statuette designed by artist BD Dathan.
C.V. Kunhuraman
C.V. Kunhuraman (1871 1949) was a man of letters, social reformer, founder of Kerala
Kaumudi, journalist and leader. He was a follower of Sree Narayana Guru.
Kunhiraman was also the editor of Malayalarajyam, Navajeevan, Kathamalika, Yukthivadi,
Navasakthi and Vivekodayam.
He had the rare distinction in Malayalam journalism being the founder of Kerala Kaumudi
and founder editor of Malayalarajyam.
Punjab Govt approves life term for sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib
Punjab assembly has passed a bill which states that whoever causes injury, damage or sacrilege
to Guru Granth Sahib with an intention to hurt the religious feelings of the people will be
punished with imprisonment for life.The Bill seeks life imprisonment for sacrilege of the Guru
Granth Sahib, by adding section 295 AA in IPC and enhancement of punishment under section
295 of IPC, injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class from
two to 10 years.
launches mobile app Pusa Krishi
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh launched a new mobile app Pusa Krishi for
farmers in order to take the technology to farm fields. The mobile app was launched at the
valedictory session of the three-day Krishi Unnati Mela.
Ali Mohamed Shein is a new President of Zanzibar
The electoral authority of Tanzanias semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, the ZEC,
announced incumbent President Ali Mohamed Shein had won his re-election bid, after polls
boycotted by the main opposition party.
General Lori Robinson will become the US militarys first female combat commander
A woman has been chosen to lead a key combat unit for the first time in American history. Lori
Robinson, 56, a four-star Air Force general, has been nominated to take charge of the first line
of defence of any invasion of the US mainland the United States Northern Command
Twitter is 10 years old now
Twitter is 10 years old now. Dorsey, then an undergrad at New York University, later the
companys first CEO, is now CEO again. Twitter describes March 21 as its birthday, but the event
commemorated more closely resembles its conception.
India to host 8th BRICS Summit in Goa
India will host the eighth annual Summit of BRICS from October 15-16 in Goa in its capacity as
chair of the influential bloc comprising five countries with 42 per cent of the world population and
combined GDP of over $16 trillion.
India assumed chairmanship of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India- China-South Africa) from Russia on
February 15 and it will last till December 31.The logo for the Summit is a lotus having colours
from all the five member countries and a traditional namaste in the centre.
Legendary former Intel CEO Andy Grove is dead at 79

Andy Grove, who fled from Nazi and Soviet oppression to become one of the most powerful
business leaders in the global tech industry as the chairman and CEO of Intel, died on Monday.
He was 79.Grove was the first hire at Intel, which was founded in 1968 by former employees of
Fairchild Semiconductor.
HL Dattu appointed to International Human Rights body
Justice HL Dattu, chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, India emerged as the
unanimous choice to be appointed as a member of the International Coordinating Committee of
NHRIs (ICC) Bureau in Geneva.
The ICC Bureau-The ICC Bureau is an important human rights body, which serves as the
Management Committee of the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights
Institutions (ICC).
Mukund Padmanabhan appointed as new editor of The Hindu
Mukund Padmanabhan will be the new Editor for the The Hindu, one of the largest English dailies
in the country. He will be the second non family member who hold this position in the 125-year
old Newspaper.
Cabinet approves National Capital Goods Policy
The Union Cabinet has approved the national capital goods policy. The government believes
implementation of the capital goods policy is critical and needed to give a boost to the sector
and the Make in India initiative. The government had unveiled the National Capital Goods Policy
in February. This is the first time such a policy has been framed for the sector.
Government hikes dearness allowance by 6%
In the eve of Holi festival, the government hiked dearness allowance (DA) by 6 per cent,
benefiting over 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
VAT relief for yarn in Punjab, Haryana
The Punjab Government in its pre-poll budget (Assembly elections in Punjab expected in early
2017) has provided a partial rollback of VAT (value added tax) on cotton spinning. The new rate
of VAT on cotton spinning will be 3.63% compared to the earlier 6.05%. Punjab has 165 spinning
mills with 4.25 million active spindles and consume 6.5 lakh to 7 lakh cotton bales annually.
Cabinet approves Udaan scheme till 2019-20
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given
its approval for extension of time period of the Special Industry Initiative for J&K (SII J&K) Udaan
scheme till 2019-20. Initially, the time period of Udaan was up to 2015-16.Udaan provides
exposure to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to the best of corporate India and corporate India
to the rich talent pool available in the State.
Celebrating World Meteorological Day 2016
The World Meteorological Day (WMD) 2016 was observed across the world on 23 March
2016. The theme for the WMD 2016 was Hotter, Drier, Wetter. Face the Future.
India among five nations creating Zika vaccine : WHO
India is among five countries where projects are underway to develop vaccines to fight the
deadly Zika virus affecting newborns in 38 countries.At present, WHO says more than 30
companies are working on, or have developed, potential new diagnostic tests.For vaccines, 23
projects are being worked on by 14 vaccine developers in the US, France, Brazil, India and
Austria, WHO said.
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson retires from International Cricket
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson (34) has declared his retirement from all forms of
International Cricket after the end of his teams 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.
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 Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. As per legislation
About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) -APEC is regional economic forum comprising
of 21 member countries accounting nearly half of the worlds trade and about 57 per cent of
global gross domestic product (GDP). It was established in 1989 in order to leverage the growing
interdependence of Asia-Pacific regions economies and promote free trade in the region.
Headquarters: Singapore.
21 Members are: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Mexico,
Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russian and Vietnam. Indias Position: India is having observer
of APEC since 2011 and has applied for membership. However some countries have objected to
granting membership to India as it does not border the Pacific Ocean, which all current members
do
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.
March 24: World Tuberculosis Day
Every year March 24 is being observed as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to o build public
awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease. 2016 Theme:
Unite to End TB. This day is observed to commemorate discovery of bacillus causing
tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis on 24th March, 1882.
Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by various strains of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It is the second biggest killer disease worldwide next only to HIV/AIDS. It commonly
affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body
India, France sign MoU for construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur
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).
Justice Permod Kohli appointed as Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal
Retired Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court Justice Permod Kohli has been appointed as the
Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). His appointment was approved by the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New.
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. It will also create new opportunities
for the SCOs mutually beneficial cooperation and benefit people living in the extensive region
that the SCO covers.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)- SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and military
organisation. 8 Members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and
Pakistan. Observers: Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus. Headquarters: Beijing, China.
Ritu Beri appointed as advisor of KVIC
Noted fashion designer Ritu Beri has been appointed advisor to the Khadi and Village Industries
Commission (KVIC) for promotion of khadi in India and across the world.
Nico Rosberg wins 2016 Australian Grand Prix of Formula One
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg from Germany has won the 2016 Formula One Rolex Australian
Grand Prix held at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. Australian Grand Prix title race was the first
race of the 2016 season of Formula One in which total 11 teams had participated. It was
Rosbergs overall fifteenth championship title of F1 in his career and the first win in the 2016.
Wrestler Hardeep Singh wins silver medal 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. With this win, Hardeep became
the first Indian to get an Olympic berth in the Greco-Roman category in last 12 years. The
previous participation in this category was of Mausam Khatri in 2004 Athens Game
HS Prannoy wins 2016 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton title
Ace Indian shuttler HS Prannoy (World no 13) has won the prestigious 2016 Swiss Open Grand
Prix Gold badminton tournament in the mens single category. In the final match played at Basel,
Switzerland, he defeated Marc Zwiebler (World no 7) of Germany 21-18, 21-15 score. It was his
second Grand Prix Gold title after the Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold won in 2014.
France country is hosting 9th International Abilympics
9th International Abilympics started in France. Abilympics is a global work skills competition
which is held every four years with an aim to promote social awareness in the field of skills
development and employment.Abilympics comes from the idea of organizing a competition to
promote the skills of persons with disabilities.
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the
Transatlantic Slave Trade
Every year 25th March is being observed as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of
Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
It honours and remembers those who suffered and died as a consequence of the transatlantic
slave trade. It also aims at raising awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice. The
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had declared 25 March as the International Day of
Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade by adopting a
resolution in 2007. It was first observed in 2008 with the theme Breaking the Silence, Lest We
Forget. Since then it is observed every year
US comedian Garry Shandling passes away
Legendary US writer, actor, and comedian Garry Shandling passed away in Los Angeles due to
heart attack. He was 66. He has influenced a generation of comedians with his Emmy Award
winning TV series, Its Garry Shandlings Show.
Union Cabinet approved rupees 9000 crore for SBM

The Union Cabinet approved a $1.5 billion (about Rs 9,000 crore) offer of World Bank support for
the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in rural areas.
Presidents Rule imposed in Uttarakhand
President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Presents 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.
Presidents Rule- Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation of Presents Rule
(State Emergency), if he is satisfied that situation has arisen in which government of a state
cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Notably, he can act
accordance with the report of the Governor or without it.
Union Health Ministry launches Indias first indigenous rotavirus vaccine Rotavac
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Indias 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 countrys 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. It would be expanded to the entire country in a phased
manner.
2016 Hockey India Annual Awards
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. Late Capt.
Shankar Laxman was one of legendary hockey player in India. He was a goalkeeper and was part
of the Olympic medal-winning teams of 1956 (Melbourne, Gold), 1960 (Rome, Silver), and 1964
(Tokyo, Gold).
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.
Presidents Award for Outstanding Achievement: Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy
Indian-American appointed as President, CEO of Bank of the West
Indian-American Nandita Bakshi (57) has been appointed the President and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Bank of the West, a subsidiary unit of French banking giant BNP Paribas. She will
succeed Michael Shepherd who has been appointed as chairman of the BNP Paribas USA, a new
holding company for all BNP Paribas subsidiaries in the United States
India-born Surya Deva appointed UN Adviser on Human Rights and Businesses
An India-born academician Surya Deva has been appointed as the United Nations (UN) Adviser on
Human Rights and Businesses. He was appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council
(UNHRC) as the Asia-Pacific representative of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights
and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.

Syrian Army recaptures historic city of Palmyra from IS
Syrian Army and popular defence forces have regained control of the ancient city of Palmyra
from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group. The liberation of the historic city of
Palmyra from the ISIS terror group was undertaken by joint efforts of Syrian Army with support of
national aviation and Russian Aerospace Forces. The ancient city of Palmyra is a UNESCO
designated World Heritage site and home to some of the worlds most magnificent ancient ruins.
Arvind Kejriwal named among Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been named among the worlds 50 greatest leaders by
Fortune magazine. He is sole leader from India in the list and has been placed at 42nd position.
2016 edition is Fortune magazines third annual Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders list and it has been
topped by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Top 10:
Jeff Bezos (1st position), Angela Merkel (2nd), Aung San Suu Kyi (3rd), Pope Francis (4th), Tim
Cook (5th), John Legend (6th), Christiana Figueres (7th), Paul Ryan (8th), Ruth Bader Ginsburg
(9th) and Sheikh Hasina (10th).
About Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders list The Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders list of Fortune Magazine
features men and women from across the globe from the fields of government, business, arts
and the philanthropy who are transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same.
Paytm hires Alibabas former executive as President
Paytm, Indias mobile payment and commerce platform has appointed ex-head of Alibaba Group
Holdings wholesale business, Bhushan Patil as the companys new President.
RuPay to launch credit cards in September
After increasing its market share to 38 per cent in the debit card segment, RuPay, domestic card
payment service provider, will be venturing into the credit card space this September. RuPay is
an Indian domestic card scheme conceived and launched by the National Payments Corporation
of India (NPCI).
It plans to issue 100,000 such cards in the first year of its launch.
It will initially focus on two variants of a credit card Regular and Platinum and
gradually extend its portfolio to offer co-branded cards.
RuPay is a brand owned and developed by NPCI (from 2012) to compete against global
payment schemes of the likes of Visa and MasterCard.
NPCI was promoted by 10 Indian banks.
From 2017, the target is to issue 500,000 to a million such credit cards every year.
The market size of credit cards is presently 22.75 million users and the average value of
spending a year is about Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
The brand, according to a joint study by JM Financial Securities and RuPay, has
gained more than a third of market share in total cards and 18 per cent in volume of
debit card transactions.
NPCI is also optimistic about the 11 payments banks and eight small finance banks
commencing operations over the next two years, helping it further its market share.
ISRO established 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.
Indias biggest Defence Expo 2016 begins in Goa

Indias 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. 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.
63rd National Film Awards 2015
The 63rd National Film Awards for year 2015 were announced on 28 March 2016. Baahubali: The
Beginning (Tamil, Telugu) directed by S. S. Rajamouli was selected as the Best feature film.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) directed by Kabir Khan was selected as the Best Popular film providing
wholesome entertainment.
The 63rd National Film Awards in the various categories are as follows
Best Actor: Amitabh Bachchan (Piku).
Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut (Tanu Weds Manu Returns).
Best Direction: Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Bajirao Mastani).
Best Film on Social Issues: Niranayakam (Malayalam) directed by V. K. Prakash.
Best Supporting Actor: Samuthirakani for the film Visaranai (Tamil).
Best Supporting Actress: Tanvi Azmi for the film Bajirao Mastani (Hindi).
Best Childrens Film: Duronto (Hindi) directed by Soumnedra Padhi.
Best Child Artist: Gaurav Menon for the film Ben (Malayalam).
Special Jury Award: Margarita with a Straw (Hindi) directed by Kalki Koechlin.
Best Cinematography: Remo DSouza for the film Bajirao Mastani (Hindi).
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: Neeraj Ghaywan for the film Masaan
(Hindi).
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: Nanak Shah Fakir (Punjabi)
directed by Sartaj Singh Pannu. About National Film Awards- The National Film Awards are most
prominent most prominent film award ceremonies in India. Established: 1954. Since then
awarded annually. Winners in different categories of these awards are selected by the national
panel of Juries appointed by Union Government. These awards are presented by the President of
India in the official ceremony
IOB starts distribution of Indian Gold Coins
State-owned Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has become the first lender to start distribution of
recently launched Indian Gold Coins (IGC).Available in denominations, 5, 10 and 20 grams, the
coins are distributed through limited branches, IOB said in a statement.It is the first bank to enter
into agreement with MMTC for sale of IGC, the bank claimed.
BHEL commissioned 600 MW Jaipur Thermal Power Plant in Telangana
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a Maharatna central public sector enterprise, has
successfully commissioned a 600 Mw coal-based thermal power plantinTelangana. The company
has built 600 Mw rating sets which comprise of a four cylinder turbine, designed in-house.
GOI starts survey to find enemy properties
With the aim of finding new enemy properties, the government has launched a survey in five
States, for identification of movable and immovable assets once held by people who migrated to
Pakistan. The five states are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and
Delhi. These enemy properties were vested by the Central government in theCustodian of
Enemy Property for India. The survey was ordered before the Enemy Property (Amendment
and Validation) Bill, 2016, which sought to amend the Enemy Property Act, 1968, was
referred to a Rajya Sabha House Committee for detailed scrutiny last fortnight.
PM Narendra Modi unveils Asias largest optical telescope ARIES at Nainital

Asias 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.
Faustin Archange Touadera sworn in as new President of Central African Republic

Faustin Archange Touadera (58) took the oath of office as the new President of Central African
Republic (CAR). With this he becomes first elected leader of CAR since Muslim rebels had
overthrown the government in early 2013. His presidency puts an end to a two-year transitional
government that came into force in early 2014. Touadera is well respected former mathemathics
Professor. He had served as Prime Minister as former Prime Minister of ex-president Francois
Bozize from January 2008 to January 2013.
Oscar winning actor Patty Duke passes away
Acclaimed Actor and singer Patty Duke passed away due to Sepsis from a ruptured intestine. She
was 69. She had won Academy award (Oscar) in 1963 at the age of 16 for her portrayal of deaf
blind political activist Helen Keller in The Miracle worker.
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.
Htin Kyaw sworn in as first elected President of Myanmar
Htin Kyaw (69) sworn in as the first elected civilian (non-military) President of Myanmar after 53
years of military rule. Myanmars Army was in power since 1962 coup. He belongs to National
League for Democracy (NLD) Party and succeeds Thein Sein, who had stepped down after end of
five years of army-backed rule. Apart from him, Military backed Myint Swe and NLD member
Henry Van Thio were sworn in as first vice-president and second vice-president of the country
along 18 Cabinet ministers.
Russia approves OVLs 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 Russias second biggest oil field with capacity
of total 2.5 billion recoverable reserves barrels (or 500 million tonnes). As per the deal OVLs
stake in Vankor will raise to 26% from 15% and will give it about 3.5 million metric tonnes of oil a
year Consequently, Rosneft will retain the remaining 50.1 per cent and also retain full control of
infrastructure of the Vankor cluster.
Ebola outbreak in West Africa no longer poses global risk: WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Ebola outbreak in West Africa is no
longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO, a specialized
agency of the United Nations has officially declared an end to a nearly 20-month Ebola outbreak
emergency that has killed about 11,300 people. The declaration was made by WHO DirectorGeneral Dr Margaret Chan after accepting the recommendations of a committee of independent
experts. The committee also has called for the lifting of any travel and trade restrictions affecting
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Ebola outbreak- Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially
centred on countrys remote south-eastern region of Nzerekore in 2013. Later it had spread to its
neighbouring countries Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other countries. So far has killed
more than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African nations.
California Chrome lands worlds richest horse race
California Chrome justified his status as joint favorite by landing the Dubai World Cupwith a
perfectly timed run under jockey Victor Espinosa. Chrome won the $10-million Dubai World Cup
at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates.Chrome finished second in the race last year,
part of a disappointing campaign for the 4-year-old.
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. Key facts Pathfinder International: It
is a global non-profit organization that focuses on reproductive health, family planning, HIV/AIDS
prevention and care, and maternal health.
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
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 ISROs workhorse Polar rocket PSLV C34. It will be carrying Indias 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. Earlier in 2008, ISRO had sent ten satellites into orbit in a single mission.
World Bank approved $100 million loan to Jordan
Jordan will get a cheap $100 million loan from World Bank to help create 100,000 jobs for Syrian
refugees and its own citizen. The World Banks Board extended the highly unusual financing offer
because of the extraordinarily difficult situation facing both the refugees and their Jordanian
hosts.
Haryana Assembly unanimously passes Reservation Bill
The Haryana Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Haryana Backward Classes
(Reservation in services and admission in educational institutions) Bill, 2016. Key Provisions The
bill seeks to provide reservation in services and admission in educational institutions to persons
belonging to backward classes including Jats and five other castes.
.The backward classes have been divided into three blocks as Block A, Block B and Block C.
.Jats, Jat Sikhs, Ror, Bishnoi, Tyagi and Mulla/Muslim Jat have been included in the Block C.
. It provides to give 10 percent reservation to these castes for class III and class IV posts and 6%
in class 1 and class 2 posts. .These castes will be given 10 percent reservation for admission in
educational institutions.
. State Legislative Assembly also passed Haryana Backward Classes Commission Bill, 2016 for
institution of a permanent Backward Classes Commission.
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.
Telecom Commission approves 112 as the single emergency number
The Telecom Commission has approved the number 112 as the single emergency number for
India, similar to 911 of United States (US) and 999 of United Kingdom (UK). Henceforth Indian
citizens in distress will be able to get all emergency services such as police, fire department and
ambulance by just dialling this single-number. It will direct the call to concerned departments
immediately for help.
Agra biker becomes first solo woman to ride across Mana Pass
Pallavi Fauzdar, 35, 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 worlds 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.
Nandita Bakshi named President, CEO of Bank of the West
Indian-American Nandita Bakshi has been appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer
of Bank of the West, a unit of French banking giant BNP Paribas.Bakshi, 57, will replace Michael
Shepherd as Bank of the Wests next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is expected
to join the bank as a CEO-in-training on April 1 and will take the helm officially on June 1.
LIC increases stake in IDBI Bank to 14.37%
State-owned lender IDBI Bank has informed stock exchanges that Life Insurance Corp. (LIC) of
India now owns 14.37% stake in the bank. The life insurance behemoth previously owned 7.21%
in the bank, which transferred 7.16% equity stake or 15.87 crore shares to LIC.
100% FDI allowed in e-commerce marketplace model
The government has given the green light to 100% FDI in the marketplace format of e-commerce
retailing with a view to attract more foreign investments. As per the guidelines issued by
the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) on FDI in e-commerce, foreign direct
investment (FDI) has not been allowed in inventory-based model of e-commerce.
At present, global e-tail giants like Amazon and eBay are operating online marketplaces in India,
while homegrown players like Flipkart and Snapdeal have foreign investments even as there
were no clear FDI guidelines on various online retail models.
Gujarat and Maharashtra contribute 46% to Indias exports
According to an ASSOCHAM study on Export Performance of States, the analyzed data between
2007-08 and 2014-15 reports that Gujarat and Maharashtra account for more than 46 percent of
the merchandise consignments from the country. The top five states claim over 69 per cent of
Indias entire export earnings.
World theatre day celebrated
The International Theatre Institute (ITI) Centres and the international theatre community across
the world celebrated the World Theatre Day (WTD) on 27 March 2016. The first World Theatre
Day International Message was written by Jean Cocteau (France) in 1962.
RBI cancelled Certificate of Registration of 22 NBFCs
Reserve Bank said it has canceled registration of 22 non-banking financial companies
(NBFCs) including that of Amazan Capital and Mascot Commerce.The RBI said it canceled the
certificate of registration of the NBFCs in exercise of the powers conferred on it under Section 45IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Following the cancellation of registration certificate, these companies cannot transact the
business of a non-banking financial institution.NBFCs whose registration have been canceled
include Kundan Leasing and Finvest, Raseera Investments, Limtex Impex, Dignity Motors Finance,
Akansha Consultancy Services, Bini Commercial Enterprises, Nirankar Investments, and Surin
Investments.
Modi reaches Brussels for India-EU Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brussels on the first leg of his three-nation tour
to Belgium, the US and Saudi Arabia. During the course of the visit Modi will attend the India-EU
summit and the global nuclear security summit in the US.
On his daylong visit to Brussels, Modi will hold a bilateral summit with Belgian Prime Minister
Charles Michel and then attend the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit.
Jaitley launches Make in India conference in Sydney
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched Make in India conference in Sydney and asked
Australian businesses to be the part of Indias growth story.
SHORT REVIEW
Who has became the first Asian to win Golden Reel Award - Resul Pookutty
Who has took charge as Delhi Police Commissioner - Alok Kumar Verma
Who has acquired cement units of Jaiprakash Associates - UltraTech
Who has won 1st All India Open Invitational Snooker Championship 2016 - Rahul Sachdev
Which airport has bagged three international awards - IGI airport
Which campaign has been launched by Twitter for women empowerment #PositionOfStrength campaign
Who has won FMSCI Motorsports Man of the Year Trophy - Armaan Ebrahim
Which state has been declared as the first digital state of India - Kerala
Who has took charge as Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command - Vice Admiral
HCS Bisht
Who has won first ever auction of an Indian gold mine - Vedanta Limited
Who has took charge as Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission - Justice HL
Dattu
Name the committee constituted to consider ST status to six communities of Assam - Mahesh
Kumar Singla committee
Who has won gold in 50km race walk at National Championships - Basanta Bahadur Rana
Who has been named for 11th META theatre award - Ratan Thiyam
Who has won Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize - Three British scientists
Which cricketer has been suspended for illegal bowling action - Aaron Phangiso
Which day is observed on 1st March - Zero Discrimination Day
India signed MoU with World Bank for - Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Quality
Improvement Project
Who has been nominated for UN Secretary-General by Portugal - Ex-refugee chief Antonio
Guterres
Who has won ACM 2015 A M Turing Award - Martin Hellman and Whitfield Diffie
Which team has clinched CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16 - Mumbai U-23
CCS cleared proposal to acquire two more - AWACS
Which project has been launched to make National Highways free of Railway crossings - Setu
Bharatam project
Where did the World's costliest train station opened - New York
Which day is observed on 4th March - National Safety Day and National Safety Week
Name the digital wallet launched byFLIPKART
Fixed! Cash and Corruption in Cricket authored by - Journalist Shantanu Guha Ray
Name the CEO of Micromax Informatics Limited who has resigned - Vineet Taneja
Who is to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015 - Manoj Kumar
Who has launched 300 million rupee Uridashi Masala Bonds in Japan - IFC
Who has been promoted as international Umpire by FIH - Napoleon Singh
Who has won gold in 50m pistol event at ISSF World Cup - Jitu Rai
Name the Film Archivist who has passed away - PK Nair
EC announced schedule for Assembly polls for which four states and one Union territory -
- Flipkart Money
West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
Standard to 119 HU & Colours to 28 ED of IAF was presented to IAF by - President

Mukherjee
Two-day National Conference of Women Legislators was held in - New Delhi
Name of author of Prince of Tides who passed away - Pat Conroy
Innovation Award 2016 for developing laterite based arsenic water filter was presented to Sirshendu De
Who has been awarded with Krutitava Smagra Samman - Padma Sachdev
Name the inventor of E-mail who has passed away - Ray Tomlinson
Which team has won Asia Cricket Cup - India
Who has won 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship - Golfer Adam Scott
Which tennis player has been provisionally suspended after failing drug test at Australian Open Maria Sharapova
Who has been awarded with Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Shiromani Samman - Amrita Patel
The largest ever military exercises began between - South Korea and US
Name the online marketing platform launched by Union Government - Mahila e-Haat
Which day is observed on 8th March - International Women's Day
Which renowned Malayalam actor has passed away - Kalabhavan Mani
Name the panel constituted by Sri Lanka Cricket Board - Arvinda de Silva-led National
Cricket Selection Panel
Which team has won the 2016 Pro Kabaddi League title - Patna Pirates
Re-classification of industries on four-colour scheme based on pollution potential
Where did the new species of burrowing snake discovered - Western Ghats
Which two states have singed 5 MoUs to facilitate construction of irrigation barrages
across Godavari - Maharashtra & Telangana
Who has won Gold at World Team Table Tennis Championship - Indian men and women
Name the scheme launched by Karnataka for accident victims free treatment Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Yojana
Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 passed by - Rajya Sabha
Who has been appointed by Indian Railways as consultant to discover advertising potential
of trains & stations - Ernst & Young (EY)
What was the theme of the Cycling event of Indian Army - Cycle to Recycle
Who has been appointed as CEO of digital business by CA Media - Vivek Jain
Widow Marriage included under - Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana
Which bank has became first to get Small Finance Bank license from RBI - Capital Local
Area Bank
Who has been conferred Frances Knight of the Legion of Honour - Mahindra Group CMD
Anand Mahindra
Name the program launched by the ICICI Bank for its women employees - iWork@Home
programme
Which bill has been passed by Rajya Sabha - National Waterways Bill, 2015
Who has been appointed as head of UN Political Mission in Columbia - Jean Arnault
First-ever NCC Girls Everest Expedition flagged off
Which bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha - Enemy Property Amendment Bill 2016
Who has been elected President of Aluminium Association of India - Tapan Kumar Chand
Which satellite has been launched by ISRO - Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System1F
Who has won Irani Cup Cricket Title - Rest of India
Who has been appointed 21st Law Commission Chairperson - Former SC Judge BS
Chauhan
Who has been named Secretary General of the Arab League - Egyptian diplomat Ahmed
Abul Gheit
Who has won the annual Visitors Awards for Central Universities - Tezpur University and
JNU
India will be supplying 18 Meter Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotives to which country Myanmar
Fulbright - Kalam Climate Fellowship was launched by which two countries - India and US
Clean My Coach service was launched by - Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu
Who is new oldest man of World - Yisrael Kristal (Age 112)
Which programme has been launched by the Union Power Minister announced for LED
based Domestic Efficient Lighting - UJALA
Who has won Golden City Gate Award - Kerala Tourism campaign
Who has sworn-in as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court - Justice Ajit Singh
Name the Indian and Indonesia joint training exercise began at Magelang - Garuda Shakti
IV
Who has won Santosh Trophy of Football - Services
Who has won All England Badminton title - Lin Dan
Who has won 2016 Global Teacher Prize - Palestinian Hanan Al Hroub
Where did the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves inaugurated - Lima
Maritime India Summit 2016 will be held in - Mumbai
Which unmanned spacecraft to Mars, launched jointly by Russia and Europe - ExoMars
2016
Who has been chosen for IAA Editor of the Year - Sanjay Gupta
Which ballistic missile has been successfully test-fired by India - Agni-I
Name of Indian scholar who was appointed as Vice Chancellor of Canberra University - H
Deep Saini
World Consumer Rights Day - 15th March
YES Bank inked MoU with - India Brazil Chamber
Who was elected as first civilian President of Myanmar - Htin Kyaw
Which programme will enable Students to act as Tourist Facilitators - Parytak Mitra
Which firm was selected by India Post as consultant for payments bank - Deloitte
Pope Francis announced whose name to be granted Sainthood - Mother Teresa
Who has been suspended by UN as goodwill ambassador after doping allegations - Maria
Sharapova
Who has won First Prize in UN #LinksSDGs Data Visualization Challenge - India-based software engineer
Abdulqadir Rashik
Which day is observed on 10th March - World Kidney Day
Which day is observed on 16th March - World Consumer Rights Day
Who is the author of Gandhi: An Illustrated Biography - Pramod Kapoor
Who has won Chameli Devi Jain Award - Priyanka Kakodkar and Raksha Kumar
Who has been nominated for Chief Justice of US Supreme Court by Obama - Merrick
Garland
Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed by - Rajya Sabha
Who has won 2016 Abel Prize - British mathematician Sir Andrew Wiles
Which country has became second biggest investor in London - India
Who has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador by UNDP - Michelle Yeoh
Who has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador by UN Population Fund - Ashley Judd
Who has been appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank - Fazle Kabir
Which famous magician has passed away - Paul Daniels
Who has been appointed as CEO of AirAsia India - Amar Abrol
Who has resigned as Director of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited - Vijay Mallya
Who has launched FCIs Depot Online System - Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan
Who has been conferred with Skoch Lifetime Achievement Award - Venkaiah Naidu
Ministry of Railways and ISRO signed MoU for - Remote Sensing and GIS Technologies
TCS named official technology partner for - Virgin Money London Marathon
International Day of Happiness was observed on - 20th March 2016
Who was confered with France's Knight of the Legion of Honour - Tikka Shatrujit Singh
Indian inked pact with which country to avoid double social security contribution Australia
Which bank became first to the sell off Indian Gold Coin (IGC) in the domestic market Indian Overseas Bank
Best Film award in Asian film awards went to - The Assassin
Which day is observed on 20th March - World Sparrow Day
Which day is observed on 21st March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
Who has became the first Indian to win Gold Medal in Asian 20 Kilometer Race Walk Gurmeet Singh
Who has been appointed as advisor to Khadi and Village Industries Commission - Ritu Beri
Who has won Hero Indian Open title of Golf - SSP Chawrasia
Who has won 2016 Swiss Open men's singles title - HS Prannoy
Who has won gold medal in Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament - Yogeshwar Dutt
Who has been suspended from bowling in international cricket by ICC - Bangladeshs Arafat Sunny
and Taskin
Which day is observed on 21st March - International Day of Forests
Name the exercise Indian Air Force conducted in Pokhran - Exercise Iron Fist
Name the mobile app launched to help farmers to take the technology to farm fields - Pusa
Krishi
Who has been chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize - M Sukumaran
Who has won BNP Paribas Open titles - Novak Djokovic & Victoria Azarenka
Who has been declared winner of Presidential Elections of semi-autonomous region Zanzibar - Ali
Mohamed Shein
Name the Former Intel Chairman and CEO who has passed away - Andrew Grove
Who has won silver medal in Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament - Wrestler Hardeep
Singh
Who has been nominated as first US female Combatant Chief - Lori Robinson
Who has topped Britains Asian Rich List 2016 - Hinduja Brothers
UNESCO added 20 World Heritage Sites, which Indian site was included - Agasthyamala
Biosphere Reserve
When was World Poetry Day 2016 observed - 21 March
Where will be 8th BRICS Summit held - Goa
Justice H L Dattu was appointed as member of - International Coordinating Committee

Bureau
Which scheme was launched by Union Government for farmers - Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bhima Yojana
Who won 2016 Australian Grand Prix - Nico Rosberg of Germany
Name of the fast patrol vessel which was commissioned in Indian Coast Guard - ICGS
Arnvesh
Longitudinal Ageing Study in India was launched by - Union Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare
Broadband connectivity to NE States was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi via which

country - Bangladesh
Which country is hosting 9th International Abilympics - France
When was World Tuberculosis Day 2016 observed - 24th March
To mobilise long term investment into NIIF Union Cabinet approved MoU between - India
and UAE
BHEL commissioned Power Plant in Telangana - 600 MW Jaipur Thermal Power Plant
When was International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations observed 24th March
UNSC extended mandate of UN Assistance Mission until March 2017 to which country Somalia
2016 World's Greatest Leaders list released by - Fortune
Who has won 2016 World Chess Candidates Tournament - Sergey Karjakin
Who has been appointed Captain of Delhi Daredevils for 2016 IPL season - Zaheer Khan
Which project has been dedicated to people of Andhra Pradesh - Pattiseema Lift Irrigation
Project
Name the first direct container flagged off from Krishnapatnam between India and Bangladesh - MV
Harbour-1 Vessel
Which number has been approved as Single Emergency Number for India - 112
Union Government announced unified building bye-laws for which state Delhi
Which country announced to end Operation Sangaris across Central African Republic in
2016 France
Which new mobile app has been launched by Telangana IT Minister & Transport Minister
M-Wallet
13th India-EU Summit held in Brussels, Belgium
Which group agreed to buy sharp corporation for $3.5 billion Foxconn
Name of Asia's largest optical telescope unveiled by PM Narendra Modi in Nainital - ARIES

Current Affairs Monthly March. 2016

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THINKERz

Google doodle pays tribute to Rukmini Devi Arundale

ISRO to set up Satellite Centre in Vietnam

Sunil Sabharwal, an independent Indian-American investor took charge as Alternate Executive

Manpreet Singh. Captain of U Mumba: Anup Kumar.

Fitch maintains Indias growth forecast at 7.5%

announced by the Railway Minister in his 2016-17 Rail Budget speech.

THINKERz SCO: 40-41, 1st FLOOR, LEELA BHAWAN, PATIALA.

THINKERz SCO: 40-41, 1st FLOOR, LEELA BHAWAN, PATIALA.

Israel Kristal as worlds oldest living man

SC allows pictures of CMs, Governors, Ministers in Government Advertisements

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016 observed

Legendary former Intel CEO Andy Grove is dead at 79

Union Cabinet approved rupees 9000 crore for SBM

and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.

Indias biggest Defence Expo 2016 begins in Goa

PM Narendra Modi unveils Asias largest optical telescope ARIES at Nainital

Faustin Archange Touadera sworn in as new President of Central African Republic

Which day is observed on 1st March - Zero Discrimination Day

Which team has clinched CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16 - Mumbai U-23

CCS cleared proposal to acquire two more - AWACS

Name the digital wallet launched byFLIPKART

Who has been promoted as international Umpire by FIH - Napoleon Singh

Name the Film Archivist who has passed away - PK Nair

West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Standard to 119 HU & Colours to 28 ED of IAF was presented to IAF by - President

Two-day National Conference of Women Legislators was held in - New Delhi

Name of author of Prince of Tides who passed away - Pat Conroy

Which team has won Asia Cricket Cup - India

Who has won 2016 WGC-Cadillac Championship - Golfer Adam Scott

Which day is observed on 8th March - International Women's Day

Which renowned Malayalam actor has passed away - Kalabhavan Mani

Re-classification of industries on four-colour scheme based on pollution potential

Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 passed by - Rajya Sabha

Widow Marriage included under - Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana

First-ever NCC Girls Everest Expedition flagged off

Who has won Irani Cup Cricket Title - Rest of India

Clean My Coach service was launched by - Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu

Who is new oldest man of World - Yisrael Kristal (Age 112)

Who has won Santosh Trophy of Football - Services

Who has won All England Badminton title - Lin Dan

Maritime India Summit 2016 will be held in - Mumbai

Which ballistic missile has been successfully test-fired by India - Agni-I

World Consumer Rights Day - 15th March

YES Bank inked MoU with - India Brazil Chamber

Who was elected as first civilian President of Myanmar - Htin Kyaw

Pope Francis announced whose name to be granted Sainthood - Mother Teresa

Which day is observed on 10th March - World Kidney Day

Which day is observed on 16th March - World Consumer Rights Day

Who is the author of Gandhi: An Illustrated Biography - Pramod Kapoor

Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2016 passed by - Rajya Sabha

Which country has became second biggest investor in London - India

Who has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador by UNDP - Michelle Yeoh

Who has been appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank - Fazle Kabir

Which famous magician has passed away - Paul Daniels

Who has been appointed as CEO of AirAsia India - Amar Abrol

International Day of Happiness was observed on - 20th March 2016

Best Film award in Asian film awards went to - The Assassin

Which day is observed on 20th March - World Sparrow Day

Which day is observed on 21st March - International Day of Forests

Who has been chosen for CV Kunhiraman Literary Prize - M Sukumaran

When was World Poetry Day 2016 observed - 21 March

Where will be 8th BRICS Summit held - Goa

Justice H L Dattu was appointed as member of - International Coordinating Committee

Who won 2016 Australian Grand Prix - Nico Rosberg of Germany

Broadband connectivity to NE States was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi via which

Which country is hosting 9th International Abilympics - France