Indian Navy

Missouri state court of United States ordered Johnson & Johnson Company to pay 72 million dollars to the family of Jacqueline Fox, who died of ovarian cancer caused due to the use of the company's talc-based Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for several decades.

The Parliament of Pakistan became the world’s first to run fully on solar power. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the solar power system, which provides 62 MW to the parliament and a surplus 18 MW to the national grid.

Nepal Government decided to constitute an 11-member-political committee to study the demarcation of federal states on the constitution. It will also review the disputed provisions within the country’s new constitution that was adopted on 20 September 2015.

Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy signed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for India- Myanmar Coordinated Patrol (IMCOR) at the Tri-Service Headquarters in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The first train connecting Iran and China packed with Chinese goods arrived in Tehran on 15 February 2016. The arrival revived the ancient Silk Road trade route and also highlighted the economic possibilities for Iran since the lifting of international sanctions.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) launched a 2.8 billion US dollar appeal to reach 43 million children in humanitarian emergencies worldwide on 26 January 2016.

31 countries signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) to boost transparency in the functioning of multinational enterprises (MNEs) by allowing automatic exchange of Country-by-Country reports by tax administrators.

Iran and Airbus signed two agreements covering new aircraft orders and a comprehensive civil aviation co-operation package. The agreement includes purchase of 118 new Airbus aircrafts.

Union Ministry of Science and Technology and a consortium of top UK research institutions signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishment of a joint India-UK collaboration programme in crop science.

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal for loan of 150 million US Dollars to Iran for the development of Chabahar Port.

India-France inked 16 pacts

India-France inked 16 pacts including chopper venture.

Japan lifted sanctions on Iran, falling in line with major world powers. The announcement was made by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.

The Index assessed global nuclear security conditions in 176 countries in two areas - the potential theft of weapons-usable nuclear materials and the potential sabotage of nuclear facilities.

India and France on inked 16 agreements at the India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) covered a wide range of sectors like urban development, urban transport, water and waste treatment and solar

energy.

Eritrea’s Department of Religious Affairs in the fourth week of January 2016 issued a law that makes it mandatory for men of the nation to marry at least two wives. Failing to adhere by the orders will lead to life imprisonment with hard labour.

Banking Awareness

• US President Barack Obama took executive action to unveil steps to reduce gun violence.
• Sri Lanka and Pakistan signed 8 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the cooperation between the two countries in several fields in Colombo.
• India-Nepal Bus Service resumed after a gap of 27 years.
• The Union Cabinet on 30 December 2015 gave ex-post facto approval for signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among BRICS countries on BRICS Network University.
• Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir announced that his country has broken off diplomatic ties with Iran.
• Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa won the Presidential election of Portugal. Sousa, a centreright Social Democrats candidate and a former journalist, won the election by securing 52 percent of votes.

Current Affairs - International News

Nepal on 9 January 2016 was elected to the UNICEF executive board, representing the group of Asia-Pacific countries for the term 2016-2018

In order to protect children, Kenya published new broadcast regulations that place strict limits on sexual content

South Korea's Parliament adopted a resolution denouncing DPRK's fourth nuclear test 16.

To combat recruitment of Americans to extremist groups like the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), US introduced new initiatives. 

These initiatives aim at halting the extremist groups from radicalising and encourage violence online. 

California declared state of emergency in Los Angeles after methane gas leak

International News

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) notified revised petition fees for H-1B and L-1 visas

Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and Maldives for co-operation in health sector

United States and Jordan signed a Joint Action Plan (JAP) to improve efforts against nuclear and radiological smuggling. The partnership will help in enhancing the efforts to combat nuclear terrorism. The JAP was signed by Secretary of State John Kerry and Jordan’s Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh in Washington

Sri Lanka began the process to formulate new constitution. In this regard, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe presented a resolution in the Parliament to set up a Constitutional Assembly.] 

The 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) was held in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and attended by Priti Patel, MoS for Employment, United Kingdom 

GK Insurance

Chinese scientists have developed a new bio-artificial liver from liver failure long enough for an organ transplant.that can help patients to survive

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released the World Tourism Barometer, which reviewed trends in tourism at the regional and global level for 2015 and enumerated prospects for 2016.

Taiwan elected Tsai Ing-wen as first female President

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared West Africa free from Ebola outbreak. The decision was taken by the WHO as all known chains of transmission have been stopped in Liberia, which was worst affected among all the nations in the region.

Nepal formed 4-member EPG to review agreements with India

International News - GK and Banking Awareness

US ratings agency Moody's Analytics in the first week of March 2016 cut its outlook for China from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’.

Peru declared an emergency after a major oil pipeline burst affecting two rivers, namely Chiriaco and Morona, in the country's northwest. This emergency will continue to be in force for three weeks.

2016 Iran Parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections results were declared. The elections were held for 290 parliamentary seats in which 146 seats are needed for a majority.

French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of economic emergency to redefine France’s economic and social model

United States (US) has removed a wide range of nuclear sanctions against Iran after it has meet its commitments to roll back its nuclear programme. These sanctions were lifted after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has met its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) or Vienna agreement with P5+1 countries signed in July 2015. So called P5+1 countries include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) viz. USA, Russia, China, UK, France and non- permanent member Germany.

GK and Banking Awareness

The Board of Governors of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a 2.3 million euro initiative to help Latin American and the Caribbean countries fight against Zika virus

US and South Korean troops began their largest ever military exercises off the coast of the Korean peninsula. The bilateral exercises come just days after the UN passed new sanctions against Pyongyang, North Korea following its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

UNHCR, UNICEF launched a Twenty Child and Family Support Hubs, known as Blue Dots. These support centers will acts as a special support centers for children and families along the most frequently used migration routes in Europe. 64.

World's most expensive train station, the World Trade  Centre Transportation Hub, opened in New York, the United States of America

South Korea's parliament passed the country's first anti-terror bill.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

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

Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain on cooperation for prevention of human trafficking, especially trafficking in women and children, rescue, recovery, repatriation and re-integration of victims of trafficking.

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for signing and ratification of the Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical andEconomic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal

Matters.

India and Bangladesh signed a 2 billion US dollar Line of Credit (LOC) to implement socioeconomic development projects in Bangladesh and strengthen bilateral relations. The LOC was extended by Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on behalf of the Government of India.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) jointly launched the Global Programme to Accelerate Action to End Child Marriage.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Union government on 8 February 2016 launched the 24x7 Toll Free Tourist Infoline in 12 International Languages including Hindi and English in New Delhi.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on 6 February 2016 launched the Project Sunrise in Imphal, Manipur.

 Union Labour Ministry on 5 February 2016 signed agreements with leading organizations engaged in employment and career related activities. The agreements were signed to exploit the potential of the National Career Service (NCS) project.

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 5 February 2016 decided to set up the National Organic Farming Research Institute in Sikkim.

 The Tea Board of India (TBI) in January 2016 issued Version 5.0 of the Plant Protection Code (PPC) by expanding the list of pesticides and chemicals to 37 from previous 35 that is permitted for use by Indian tea industry.

 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) under chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 February 2016 approved Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited (REIL) of Jaipur to delink from its parent company Instrumentation Limited (IL) and turn into an independent Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under Department of Heavy Industry.

National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME)

The Supreme Court on 11 February 2016 ruled that States can clampdown mobile internet access under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) if there is apprehension that a public agitation can turn aggressive and disturb public tranquillity.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on 11 February 2016 released the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016-2030 at New Delhi. The framework outlines India’s strategy for elimination of the disease by 2030.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on 9 February 2016 released the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for north-east India.

India’s the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and United States Technical Development Agency (USTDA) were on 9 February 2016 signed the grant agreement for India Aviation Safety Technical Assistance Phase II in New Delhi.

TRAI issued Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016 

Union Government’s Command Exit Model (CEM)

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation on 18 February 2016 sanctioned construction of around eighty two thousand houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in urban areas of 163 cities.

-The cities are in West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar, Mizoram, Rajashtan, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. State wise number of houses sanctioned

The Union Cabinet on 17 February 2016 approved signing of a collaborative agreement between the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18 February 2016 launched the guidelines for operationalization of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The guidelines were issued at a farmers’ convention in Sherpur village of Madhya Pradesh.

The Union Cabinet on 17 February 2016 gave its approval to amend Section 11 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and Section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Union Urban Development Miniser M Venkaiah Naidu on 15 February 2016 announced the results of Swachh Survekshan 2016 survey.

-Out of the 73 cities, while Mysuru in Karnataka was adjudged as the cleanest city, Dhanbad in Jharkand was adjudged as the least clean city.

Supreme Court on 15 February 2016 upheld the Union Government’s Command Exit Model (CEM) of preferential promotion. The 2009 CEM aimed at lowering the age of battalion and brigade commanders as well as improvement in career aspirations of military officers.

Features of Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Objective: The Bill aims to empower the Election Commission to carry out delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal that were affected by the enactment of the Constitution (100th Amendment) Act, 2015.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on 25 February 2016 decided to allow birth companions during delivery in public health facilities. The decision is aimed at reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio and Infant Mortality Rate in India.

 Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2016 gave its nod for a proposal to establish Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Self Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU) in NITI Aayog with appropriate manpower.

 Supreme Court of India on 23 February 2016 ruled that the top officials and employees of private banks will be considered as   public servants for the purposes of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 February 2016 launched Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National Rurban Mission. The mission was launched from Kurubhat village in Dongargarh block of Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh.

International Solar Alliance

International Solar Alliance headquartered in India with United Nations as Strategic Partner

About International Solar Alliance:

- It was jointly launched in Paris by India and France on 30 November 2015 during the United Nations climate change conference (COP21).

- It develops innovative financial mechanisms to reduce cost of capital and builds a common knowledge e-Portal.

Indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile was successfully test fired from complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipuri in Odisha. 

Test: It was as part of a user trial mission in which 3 rounds of test were carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) aiming at parabarrel targets.

The Lok Sabha on 25 February 2016 passed Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016. The bill seeks to amend the Delimitation Act, 2002 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

-Features of Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Objective: The Bill aims to empower the Election Commission to carry out delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal that were affected by the enactment of the Constitution (100th Amendment) Act, 2015.

The Union Cabinet on 17 February 2016 approved signing of a collaborative agreement between the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

The Legislative Department in the Ministry of Law & Justice constituted an expert committee to review the Specific Relief Act, 1963. The committee will have five members besides the Chairman.

The Union Cabinet approved increase in the Authorized Share Capital of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). About National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) It provides loans through its Channelizing Agencies at concessional interest rates for self employment & economic development activities to its target group.

Union government approved fitting of roof top solar energy panels over 10000 houses belonging to Economically Weaker Sections in Tamil Nadu at a cost of 253 crore rupees.

About Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (PMAY)(Urban):

Housing Scheme for All 2022 was renamed to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

-This scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi

-People who will be benefited through this scheme will be homeless ones, poor urban people and belonging to EWS and LIG categories.

The main beneficiaries of this latest housing for all scheme 2022 will be

a) Women

b) People belonging to Scheduled Casts(SC)

c) People belonging to Scheduled tribes (ST)

d) Economically weaker section (EWS)

Union Government - Schemes

The Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti launched Ganga Gram Yojana at Village Puth in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).Under the scheme, 1600 villages of UP situated along the banks of river Ganga will be developed.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the 33 percent posts at constable level to be filled up by women. The step was taken with a view to enhance representation of women in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Gujarat government to make functional the Gujarat State Cooperative Tribunal by filling up the vacant posts including that of judicial members, which is the bone of contention.

The Union Government signed a Financing Agreement of 50 million US dollars with the World Bank for Nai Manzil Scheme- Education and Skills Training for Minorities.

The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Union Government to set up a committee to investigate the living conditions and salary structure of over 3 lakh nurses employed in private hospitals and nursing homes across the country.

Union Government -Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) approved the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for Punjab and Uttarakhand for the year 2015-16.

Union Government launched the Phase-I of the River Information System (RIS) of India in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways. The Phase-I of the RIS, which is first of its kind in India, was launched on the Sagar- Farakka stretch of National Waterway-1 on River Ganges to facilitate safe and accurate navigation.

The Union Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its ex-post-facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh.

Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airports Authority of India and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise in Civil Aviation.The MoU aims at establishing mutual cooperation in the field of civil aviation, which will cover the airports of Jaipur and Ahmedabad. This cooperation will be extended to other airports with mutual consent.

The Union Cabinet approved the Stand Up India Scheme to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes and Women entrepreneurs.

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG)

• Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari unveiled measures to improve road safety across the country.
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) launched an Online Initiative to engage the LPG Consumers and Citizens in providing efficient and citizen friendly services in LPG distribution.
• President Pranab Mukherjee promulgated the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance, 2016 to make amendments to the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
•  These amendments will help is dealing with the loopholes of the Enemy Property Act, 1968
• The French soldiers will march down the Rajpath on Republic Day along with Indian troops in the presence of President Francois Hollande.
• Hollande is the Chief Guest for 26 January 2016 celebrations. 
• Union Government merged the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in keeping with its broad principle

Mobile Application of TMS

The 20th National Youth Festival was inaugurated by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at Rajyostav Sthal in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh to mark the National Youth Day.

The Union Government signed a Financing Agreement of 50 million US dollars with the World Bank for Nai Manzil Scheme- Education and Skills Training for Minorities.

The Union Government decided to rollout a LPG-like direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for kerosene. The scheme will be started from 1 April 2016.

In the initial phase, the scheme will be implemented in selected 26 districts of eight states: 

Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated implementation of Eenabled Track Management System (TMS) and Mobile Application of TMS on Indian Railway at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi.

Organic Farming Practices

Sikkim has formally become India’s first fully organic state after it successfully implemented organic farming practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land. On this occasion, PM also launched three new orchid species developed in Sikkim which is also known as the Land of Flowers viz. Cymbidium Sardar (named after Sardar Patel), Cymbidium Deen Dayal (named after Deen Dayal Upaddhyay) and Cymbidium Namo (named after Narendra Modi).

Union Government launched 4 Mobile Health Services to strengthen public health infrastructure

Union Government released Draft for the Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2015

Union Cabinet approved Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to boost the farming sector

Kerala became the first state in the country to achieve 100 percent primary education. To this effect, a declaration was made by the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari on at a special ceremony organised at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Non-Banking Financial Company - Account Aggregator Directions, 2016

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced to withdraw proposal to tax Employee Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals. He announced to withdraw the proposal while clarifying NDA government’s stand on the issue in the Lok Sabha.

International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group launched its first Uridashi Masala Bond. The bonds are worth 300 million rupees and will be utilised to promote private sector development in India.

The Reserve Bank of India released Non-Banking Financial Company - Account Aggregator Directions, 2016.

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

Indian Railways launched bar coding system for unreserved tickets to bring transparency and prevent revenue leakage in the ticketing system in New Delhi.