ICICI launched Mera iMobile application for rural customers ICICI Bank Ltd.

ICICI launched Mera iMobile application for rural customers ICICI Bank Ltd., India’s largest private sector bank by consolidated assets, on 20 March 2017 announced the launch of Mera iMobile application. Mera iMobile, which is currently available only for retail customers, offers more than 130 services across categories. Following are the various services offered by the ICICI Mera iMobile application
• Retail Banking Services: Mera iMobile offers more than 100 regular financial and non-financial banking services like fund transfer, recharges, bill payment and general insurance.
• Agri Banking: These are specialised services available under Cards and Loans section where rural banking services like Gold Loan, Tractor Loan, Kisan Credit Card and SHG-Retail are offered.
• Agri Advisory Services: The prominent non-banking services section of Mera iMobile offers rural advisory services of current mandi prices and real-time weather information.
• SMS Banking (Non-Data): This segment offers almost 17 short message service (SMS) based banking and non-banking services like balance enquiry, last 3 transactions, credit card balance, send money, recharges and cheque book services.
• The services under this segment can be availed without internet and logging to the app also is not required. Following are the unique features of Mera iMobile.
• Mera iMobile can be used with or without internet.
• It’s an independent app and a customer can have both iMobile and Mera iMobile installed on his handset.
• It is available in 11 languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. CCEA approved North East Road Network Connectivity Project Phase I
• SMS based services available for rural customers such as balance enquiry, last 3 transactions, send money, credit card payment related services and recharges on Activate Now and Services screen.
• Various farmer and agri loan services like Kisan Credit Card, Gold Loan, Tractor Loans, and Self Help Group loan are offered through this app.
• In addition to the existing iMobile calculators, specialty calculators are available for Gold Loan and Kisan Credit Card in the application.

World Bank signs USD 100 million Health Care Deal for Uttarakhand

World Bank signs USD 100 million Health Care Deal for Uttarakhand The World Bank on 23 March 2017 signed a USD 100 million credit agreement with the Union Government and Uttarakhand to improve quality of healthcare services in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The agreement for the project was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Finance; Neeraj Kharwal, Project Director for the Uttarakhand Health Systems and World Bank India Operations Manager and Acting Country Director Hisham Abdo Kahin. The project aims to reduce the financial risk for its citizens and make affordable and quality health care available to all. It will also strengthen the government’s ability to effectively engage with the private sector to pursue the innovations planned under this project. The loan will be from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank with a maturity of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period. Background Most public health facilities in the middle and upper mountainous areas of Uttarakhand are unable to function optimally because of large-scale vacancies of health staff. In 2013, 48 per cent of the posts of general duty medical officers and 75 per cent of the specialists posts were vacant in the state despite a liberal government policy to hire contractual doctors.

ISRO sends four teams to 36th Expedition to Antarctica

ISRO sends four teams to 36th Expedition to Antarctica The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in March 2017 announced that it has sent four teams to install stakes on ice for Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) to validate the glacier surface velocity. The teams will mount the stakes around Indian station known as Bharati and Maitri. Key highlights
• One team is from Space Application Center and the second team is from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). The third and fourth team belongs to IRS Dehradun and Space Physics Laboratory.
• The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences organizes the Indian Scientific Mission to Antarctica (ISEA) every year.
• Climate change is the thrust area of the 36th ISEA.
• The mission aims to install stakes on the ice for DGPS measurements. These teams will study and collect the data from the satellite.
• Based on the data collected, the teams will validate the glacier surface velocity in order to measure the thickness of snow over the land and sea using GPR’s.
• Further, the teams will also verify the situations of snow over the sea and land ice.
• In addition, these four teams will study snow melt and freeze dynamics on Antarctica. They will use space-based and ground-based facts and data to research on this. About Indian Antarctic Program
• The Indian Antarctic Program is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional program.
• It was initiated in 1981 with the first Indian expedition to Antarctica.
• It gained global acceptance with India's signing of the Antarctic Treaty and subsequent construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research base in 1983. The base was superseded by the Maitri base from 1990.
• The newest Indian base at the continent, Bharati, was commissioned in 2015. It is constructed out of 134 shipping containers.

BJP legislator Michael Lobo elected as deputy speaker of Goa assembly

BJP legislator Michael Lobo elected as deputy speaker of Goa assembly Michael Lobo, a BJP legislator was elected as the Deputy speaker of the Goa Assembly on 24 March 2017. Lobo, who is a two-time MLA from Goa’s Calangute constituency, defeated the Congress nominee Izidore Fernandes by 21-15 during the final day of the state’s Budget session. Key Highlights
• While one Congress MLA Churchill Alemao refrained from voting, another Fransisco Silveira reached late to the House.
• Speaker Pramod Sawant also did not vote.
• The state has a 40 member house and one of the MLA’s resigned just days after the assembly poll results were announced.
• Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar after congratulating Lobo on his win escorted him to his chair.
• Chandrakant Kavlekar, the leader of opposition (INC) and a three-time assembly member also congratulated Lobo on his win. In his victory speech, Lobo showed staunch support for the Chief Minister and stated that he will always be with him due to Parrikar’s vision for Goa. ISRO sends four teams to 36th Expedition to Antarctica NCST approves proposal for 5 additional seats for tribals in Sikkim Assembly About Michael Lobo
• Born on 18 June 1976 in Mapusa, Goa, Lobo is an Indian businessperson and politician.
• He defeated incumbent Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calangute constituency, Agnelo Nicholas Fernandes in 2012 state assembly elections.
• He became a member of the Sixth Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 7 March 2012.
• Besides this, he is Chairman of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority and a member of different committees in the Government of Goa.

Current Affairs Quiz: 24 March 2017

These quizzes will help you in answering questions which can/may be asked in the next exam that will be faced by you. The day’s updated quizzes cover the topics like 2017 Abel Prize, 2017 World Tuberculosis Day and National Commission for Schedule Tribes among others.

1. Who won the 2017 Abel Prize? a) Yves Meyer
b) Andrew J. Wiles
c) Louis Nirenberg
d) John F. Nash

2. What is the theme of 2017 World Tuberculosis Day (WTD)?
a) End Tuberculosis
b) Unite to End TB
c) Gear up to end TB
d) Stop TB in my lifetime

3. The central sector scheme Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) will be launched from which state? a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Tamil Nadu

4. The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was observed recently. The day commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of which of the following UN staff members?
a) Alex Matthews
b) Charles Chad
c) Alec Collett
d) None of the above

5. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched a Coffee Table Book titled “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution.”  Who of the following is handling ministry?
a) Najma A. Heptulla
b) Birender Singh
c) Radha Mohan Singh
d) Narendra Singh Tomar

6. Identify the naturalist on whose name a tiny shrimp-like fossil, which is thought to be around 430 million-years-old, is named.
a) E.O. Wilson
b) David Attenborough
c) Diane Ackerman
d) Jannise Ray

7. Identify the veteran photographer who was recently conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th National Photography Awards.
a) Raghu Rai
b) Pablo Bartholomew
c) Dilip Mehta
d) Altaf Qadri

8. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the creation of National Commission for Socially and Educationally backward classes. Consider the following statements regarding the proposed commission.
I. It will replace the National Commission for Backward Classes, which is a constitutional body.
II. The Article 338B will be inserted in the Constitution in this regard. Which of these statements is/are true?
a) Only I
b) Only II
c) Both I and II
d) None of them

9. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for amendments to/repealment of which of the following Acts to facilitate implementation of GST regime.
I. The Customs Act, 1962
II. The Customs Tariff Act, 1975
III. The Central Excise Act, 1944 IV. The Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985 a) I, II and III
b) II, III and IV
c) I, III and IV
d) All of them

10. Consider the following statements related to Phase I of the North East Road Network Connectivity Project.
I.  Under the project, 403 kilometers of National Highways (NHs) will be developed in Meghalaya and Assam.
II. The project will be executed with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Which of these statements is/are true?
a) Only I
b) Only II
c) Both I and II
d) None of them

11. Which State Government launched the Sustainable Action for Climate Resilient Development (SaCReD) for protection of the environment in Majuli.
a) Assam
b) Telangana
c) Karnataka
d) Bihar

12. Pawan Hans is going to start chopper rides for visitors in which Indian city?
a) Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Lucknow
d) Agra

13. The National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST) has approved the proposal for five additional seats for tribals in which state’s assembly?
a) Manipur
b) Nagaland
c) Tripura
d) Sikkim

14. Which Indian state is soon going to have a football stadium with world-class facility as per FIFA norms?
a) Punjab
b) Jammu & Kashmir
c) Kerala
d) West Bengal

15. The United Nations Human Rights Council has granted which country a two-year extension to probe into the alleged war crimes committed during civil war?
a) Syria
b) Iraq
c) Sri Lanka
d) Sudan
ANSWERS
1. (a) Yves Meyer
2. (b) Unite to End TB
3. (c) Andhra Pradesh
4. (c) Alec Collett
5. (c) Radha Mohan Singh
6. (b) David Attenborough
7.(a) Raghu Rai
8. (b) Only II
9. (d) All of them
10. (b) Only II
11. (a) Assam
12. (a) Delhi
13. (d) Sikkim
14. (b) Jammu & Kashmir
15. (c) Sri Lanka

Current Affairs One liner of the day: 24 March 2017

The one liner of 24th March covers important current happenings that are relevant to competitive exams. The day’s one liner’s cover important the happenings like 2017 Abel Prize, 2017 World Tuberculosis Day and National Commission for Schedule Tribes among others.
• 2017 Abel Prize was awarded to  - Yves Meyer
• Theme of 2017 World Tuberculosis Day - Unite to End TB • Central sector scheme Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) will be launched from - Andhra Pradesh
• The Union Cabinet gave its approval to amend these acts to facilitate the implementation of the GST regime - The Customs Act, 1962, The Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and TheCentral Excise Act, 1944
• The CCEA gave its approval to the execution of the Phase I of the North East Road Network Connectivity Project at an estimated cost of – Rs 6,721 crore • This State Government launched the Sustainable Action for Climate Resilient Development (SaCReD) for protection of the environment in Majuli – Assam
• The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the creation of National Commission for Socially and Educationally backward classes by inserting this new Article in the Constitution – 338B
• The National Helicopter operator Pawan Hans is going to launch this new service from 1 April 2017 - Delhi Darshan rides
• The National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST) has approved the proposal for five additional seats for tribals in – Sikkim Assembly
• The Bakshi stadium in this state is all set to be developed into a world-class facility as per the FIFA norms – Jammu & Kashmir
• The United Nations Human Rights Council has granted this country a two-year extension to probe into the alleged war crimes committed during civil war – Sri Lanka
• The veteran photographer who was recently conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th National Photography Awards is - Raghu Rai
• The naturalist on whose name a tiny shrimp-like fossil, which is thought to be around 430 million-years-old, is named - David Attenborough
• The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched a Coffee Table Book titled “50 Years – The Great Indian Milk Revolution.”  The ministry is handled by - Radha Mohan Singh
• The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed each year in March. The day commemorates the anniversary of the abduction of - Alec Collett

International day of Remembrance of the victims of Transatlantic Slave Trade observed globally

International day of Remembrance of the victims of Transatlantic Slave Trade observed globally 25 March: The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was observed globally on 25 March 2017 with the theme "Remember Slavery: Recognising the Legacy and Contributions of People of African Descent". The theme aims to draw attention to the consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, especially the ways in which the enslaved Africans and their descendants influenced and continue to shape societies across the world, including in the areas of technology and culture. The theme also highlights the persistent spirit and innovation of the enslaved people. Key Highlights
• The International Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice in today’s world.
• To honour of the Remember Slavery Programme’s 10-year anniversary, the Department of Public Information released a new logo and entered into new partnerships to help it meet its goals easily.
• In another token of remembrance, the video series ‘UN stories’ has produced a 90-second video, which is titled ‘the African Roots of Cuba's Music, on the transatlantic slave trade’s impact on the culture and music of Cuba.
• An exhibition titled ‘A Legacy of Black Achievement’ will also be opened for all in the visitor’s lobby at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York on 29 March 2017.
• The exhibition, produced by the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, will feature 21 notable personalities, belonging to different backgrounds who have paved the way for civil rights and the recognition and justice for Africans living in Africa, Europe, America and across the globe.
• It will be presented in partnership with the United Nations Department of Public Information’s Remember Slavery Programme. World Tuberculosis Day 2017 observed globally  Background
• The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in history.
• The greatest movement of the African captives was to America.
• Almost 96 per cent of the enslaved Africans arrived in cramped ships at ports in South America and the Caribbean Islands. • From 1501 to 1830, almost four African crossed the Atlantic for every one European.
• The result of this migration is visible even today with a large population of Africans still living in America.
• The transatlantic slave trade was one of the darkest chapters in history and more than 15 million men, women and children became victim to it.

Union Cabinet approved amendments

Union Cabinet approved amendments to existing Acts to facilitate implementation of GST The Union Cabinet gave its approval to amend three existing Acts to facilitate the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The approval was given at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 March 2017 in New Delhi. Following are the three existing Acts which will be amended by the Parliament. i. The Customs Act, 1962 ii. The Customs Tariff Act, 1975 iii. The Central Excise Act, 1944 Besides, the Cabinet gave its approval to repeal the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The above proposals will result in the following benefits.
• Insertion of Sections 108A and 108B in the Customs Act, 1962 seeks to provide for furnishing of information relating to import or export of goods by specified persons.
• This amendment will enable analysis and detection of cases of under or over-valuation in imports and exports, misuse of export promotion schemes including the Drawback Scheme. Understanding GST & Its Implications
• It will also lead to detection of violations of the provisions of the Customs Act and various other laws under which customs officials have been authorized to effectively implement these laws
• Amendments or repeal of various provisions of other Acts will result in cleansing of the irrelevant portions from the statute book and reduce multiplicity of taxes.
About Goods and Services Tax
• Goods and Services Tax is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one unified common market.
• It is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer.
• The benefits of GST are multifold. The new tax regime leads to uniformity of tax rates and structures, improved competitiveness in the industry and relief in overall tax burden to the consumer.
• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is expected to be rolled out on 1 July 2017 after the passage of the necessary laws by the Parliament

International Day for Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations

International Day for Right to Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations 2017 observed 24 March: International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims The International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims was observed globally on 24 March 2017.  In particular, the day recognizes the important work and values of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El Salvador, who was assasinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives. The Day aims to honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promotes the importance of the right to truth and justice. The day also pays tribute to those who have devoted their lives to, and lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all. Background On 21 December 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 March as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members observed 25 March: International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members The 2017 International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members was observed on 25 March 2017. The day is observed each year on the anniversary of the abduction of Alec Collett. The day aims to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen United Nations’ resolve to protect the UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as their colleagues in the non-governmental community and the press. As of 15 March 2015, 33 UN and associated personnel were detained by State authorities in 15 countries.  One staff member is missing and two contractors remain in the custody of abductors. Who was Alec Collett?
• Alec Collett was a former journalist.
• He was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) when he was abducted by armed gunman in 1985.  
• His body was found in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley in the year 2009.