- J-K Governor N N Vohra appointed as president of IIC
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has been appointed the president of the India International Centre (IIC) – one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. The Jammu and Kashmir governor was appointed as the president at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held on June 23.
The appointment was made after eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee quit the presidential post.
- Kasturirangan to head panel on National Education Policy
Eminent scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee K. Kasturirangan has been appointed the Chairman of the committee to prepare the final draft of the National Education Policy. Former IAS officer K.J. Alphonse, mathematician Manjul Bhargava, and Ram Shanker Kureel are part of the nine-member panel.
The council will start its work from immediate effect. In an exhaustive democratic exercise carried for the last 30 months the HRD ministry has received thousands of suggestions from educationists, teachers, experts, students and other stakeholders from across the country.
- Vidya named ambassador of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Vidya Balan is returning as ambassador of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), which will be held this year August 10-22, showcasing over 60 films. This year, IFFM has diversity as its central theme. It will showcase over 60 films — indie and short included — in 20 different languages. The films from India will include 30 Australian premieres.
- Srinivas Gokulnath becomes 1st Indian to finish solo Race Across America
Nashik’s army doctor Srinivas Gokulnath and Nagpur’s doctor Amit Samarth made history, as they became first solo finishers from the country in the Race Across America (RAAM), one of the most esteemed ultra-endurance cycling events in the world.
In the solo 18-59 age category, the 36-year-old Gokulnath finished the distance of 3070 miles (4941kms) in 11 days and 18 hours. Samarth was slightly behind him and took 11 days and 21 hours to finish the race. The riders were expected to finish the distance in 288 hours. Gokulnath finished overall 7th while Samarth was placed 8th. Another Indian rider Samim Rizvi withdrew from the race after 500 miles.
- Apollo Hospitals launches air ambulance service network
Apollo Hospitals has launched a round-the-clock dedicated Air Ambulance Service Network to bring in patients in emergency from various parts of the country, especially from the smaller cities and towns to the major cities. The company has entered into partnership with Bengaluru-based Air Aviators Rescue, which currently offers air ambulance service on subcription basis.
- Govt clears proposal for setting up new airport in Greater Noida
The government has cleared a proposal for setting up a greenfield airport in Jewar in Greater Noida, which is likely to be operational in the next 5-6 years. Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said at a press briefing in New Delhi that “in-principle clearance has been granted” for the airport.
- FSSAI issues draft regulations for organic food products
Food regulator FSSAI has come out with a draft regulation for organic food products, seeking to ensure that these food items are actually organic. Organic foods will have to comply with the provisions under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) administered by the government or the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India) run by the Agriculture Ministry or any other standards notified by the food authority.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought public comments of the draft regulations, which has been prepared in view of rising demand for organic food products, being considered as healthy, in the country.
- MSME Ministry inks pact with SAP India, Intel, HMT
The Ministry of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) has signed memoranda of understanding with SAP India, Intel and HMT with the aim to digitally empower small businesses. Launching the “Digital MSME Scheme’, MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra said the scheme revolved around cloud computing, which was emerging as a cost-effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house IT infrastructure installed by MSMEs.
- 6th Joint Trade Committee Meeting between India and Myanmar
The 6th India – Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting co-chaired by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce & Industry from India and Dr. Than Myint, Union Commerce Minister from Myanmar was held on 27th June 2017 at New Delhi. The Joint Trade Committee plays a key role in facilitating issues related to enhancement of the bilateral economic partnership between the two countries.
- India Signs Loan Agreement with the World Bank for USD 35 Million for “Assam State Public Financial Institutional Reforms Project”
An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 35 Million from World Bank for “Assam State Public Financial Institutional Reforms Project” was signed at New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. John Blomquist, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Department of Finance, on behalf of Government of Assam, and the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank.
- World Bank clears $250-million loan to train India’s job seekers
The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling, in a move that is seen to aid the Skill India mission. The multi-lateral lender is keen to support the Indian government in its efforts to better equip the young workforce with employable skills. It said the support will help the youth contribute to India’s economic growth and prosperity.
The USD 250-million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO), approved by the World Bank board of executive directors, will increase the market relevance of short-term skill development programmes (3-12 months or up to 600 hours) at the national and state level .
- Former Paris stock exchange to be turned into museum
French billionaire businessman François Pinault has unveiled his day plans to transform the 19th century Bourse de commerce, namely the former Paris stock exchange, into a new modern art museum housing his €1.25 billion art collection. Pinault, whose luxury group has acquired fashion brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, will restore the building in exchange for a 50-year tenancy.
- Indian men, women throwball teams win gold at World Games
The Indian mens & womens throwball teams scripted history by bagging a gold medal each in the World Games, held at Kathmandu, Nepal. The womens team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 15-13, 15 -12 in a nail-biting final to clinch the title, while the men posted a 15-13, 15-12 win over Bangladesh in their final match to finish at the top of the podium. This was the first time that the Indian teams had participated in these Games, which took place from June 15 to 18.
*****************************
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Read Current Affairs Daily Digest For May 2017″ style=”squared” url=”https://www.daytodaygk.com/current-affairs-may-2017/” target=”_self” bg_color=”#dd0f0f” txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=”” nofollow=”0″]
